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Supervalu Balbriggan, Lidl Balbriggan Tesco, Millfield S.C, Balbriggan The Lark Theatre Balibriggan

The Summer just keeps on getting better in Fingal!

The month of August will see lots of events taking place in Fingal and so far, the weather has been playing ball for the most part! Nevertheless, make sure to pack a bag with all the essential gear to and get out to enjoy your local area. Whether its attending events or visiting the many wonderful sights in Fingal, there is plenty to do before the end of summer.

The Fabulous Rush Festival & Air Show is is back once again and it’s sure not to disappoint with something for all the family being provided. From Friday 1st to Monday 4th August the whole village and wider area will be buzzing with activity, and not to mention, in the sky also!

We are so lucky in Fingal to have so much to do on our doorstep; throughout the towns and villages in the county local people are spoiled for choice when it comes to spending their free time in their respective areas. We don’t have very far to travel to find something to make great memories from. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country; the sheer number of public parks, castle grounds and gardens accessible all year round is unrivalled; the community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants, bars, the list goes on and on. There is so much to do in such a short distance.

So, no matter what you are planning for the last few weeks of the summer, be sure to reserve some time to take in all the wonderful amenities on your doorstep, we don’t have to hop on a plane every time we want experience something new.

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www.affordableroofers.ie

Affordable Roofers Dublin is a team of highly qualified tradesmen with years of experience serving Dublin customers. They are on 24hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to any type of roof repair work anywhere across Co. Dublin.

We also cover surrounding areas.

Whether it’s a leaking roof that needs to be fixed straight away, guttering that needs to be cleared, repair work to a chimney, or replacing broken tiles, we are here to help.

Our highly skilled tradesmen are available to investigate and pinpoint the cause of any water leak or roof defect and carry out the necessary repair works.

We provide affordable roofing services throughout the whole of Co. Dublin and further if needed.

The Locals Team

Balbriggan Guide Dogs branch are excited to visit Cork H.Q

It’s almost time for the annual open day at The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind headquarters in Ballincollig, Cork. This year, Tom O’Neill and his guide dog Qeb will be travelling to Cork via Irish Rail with some of our many wonderful volunteers to spend the day at the H.Q where they will get to see the centre and also the work involved for the students in training their new dogs. Last year when Tom and volunteers of the Branch visited, they were greeted by Chris Bennet of the fundraising department, C.E.O Tim O’Mahony and Mary Terry, office staff who showed them around and then brought them for a lovely lunch which was put together by the fantastic staff in the kitchen. In 2024, Tom, his son Eoin, some of his friends and our volunteers had a wonderful

day in Cork and Tom, along with our volunteers are looking forward to another informative, fun filled day on Saturday the 30th August. Keep your eye out for our next article to hear more about it and our social media pages for some pictures from the visit.

You will find our Branch at Skerries Mills at the farmers market on Saturday 16th August where we will be selling raffle tickets. However, if you want to support us in the meantime, you can find our large collection dog with a Q.R. code in Supervalu in Lusk so if you don’t have change to put into the large dog, you can scan the code using your phone and donate to our Branch, as much or little as you like. We also have Q.R. codes on our large dogs in Balbriggan in

Supervalu, Millfield Shopping Centre, Cuddles Pet Store located beside Millfield Shopping Centre. We also have them located in Skerries in Supervalu, The Framing Shop, McMeel’s Pharmacy and the Shore Line Hotel located in Donabate where you can simply tap your phone to donate to our Branch. Make sure to follow our social media pages to be up to date on all our upcoming events and if you would like to get in touch with us on anything including coming to guide dogs cork let us know , you can contact the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Tom O’Neill and Guide Dog Qeb with volunteers at Cork H.Q open day in 2024

Howth RNLI Water Safety Visit Flavours of Fingal 2025

Members of the RNLI’s Water Safety Team attended Flavours of Fingal 2025 at Newbridge House in Donabate on 5th and 6th July 2025. Volunteers from the charity that saves lives at sea were there to promote water safety and give advice to families and water sports enthusiasts about how best to stay safe while enjoying spending time on the coast. People of all ages visited the RNLI stand to ask for advice and find out how best to respond in the event of an emergency.

The charity celebrated 200 years of its lifesaving work last year, and it is still dedicated to its founding principle of saving lives at sea with its volunteer lifeboat crews based at 46 lifeboat stations around the island of Ireland. Three of those stations are in Dublin at Howth, Dun Laoghaire and Skerries. The RNLI also promotes water safety through its sea safety teams, and education programmes in schools help to raise awareness to children and young adults about how to stay safe when they are at the beach or

participating in water sports activities.

John McKenna, Water Safety Officer with Howth RNLI commented, “It was great to see so many people showing an interest in water safety, there is a greater awareness by the public about the need to be prepared and take precautions when they are heading out to do water sports or spend time at the beach.

It was reassuring that many of the children were aware that if they accidentally fell into water that they should “make like a starfish” – spreading out their arms and legs to float until help could get to them. They were very enthusiastic showing us what they had learned. Hopefully they will pass on the message to their friends and family members too.

Each time we do an event we have people approaching us and telling us of how the RNLI has had a direct impact on them or their families. Sometimes it’s because they’ve been rescued by one of our lifeboat crews, or because some of the water safety advice they received from some

Howth RNLI Water Safety Team were at Flavours of Fingal 2025 advising the public about water safety

of our team has helped them avoid an accident. After about 50 years at sea myself I’m only too aware of the hazards at sea and the importance of the work of lifesaving organisations like the RNLI.

This summer we want beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts to be able to enjoy themselves by the water. We’d encourage people to wear a lifejacket or a buoyancy aid and carry a mobile phone in a water proof case so they can call 112 for help if they have any difficulties. They should also tell family or friends where they are going and when they are expecting to return home. And we do not recommend using inflatables in the sea, they are not designed to be used on open water.”

Anyone who unexpectedly finds themselves in water is urged to follow the RNLI’s Float to Live advice – firstly float on your back, then call for help and communicate your location. Try to stay calm and keep your moral up until the emergency services reach you. More water safety advice is available on www.rnli.org/safety .

Cultural Quarter to Showcase the very best of Fingal

Ten months after construction commenced, the €40m centre-piece of the Swords Cultural Quarter is taking shape and is on schedule to open its doors in 2027.

Culture House Fingal is an innovative initiative by Fingal County Council which will see a library, theatre, gallery, maker space, arts spaces and a café all housed in an iconic building designed by award-winning architects O’Donnell and Twomey.

Located beside Swords Castle in the centre of the North Dublin town, the large 5,683m2 four storey high building is currently being constructed by Duggan Brothers who are also building 36 new homes on Seatown Road across the road from the new Culture House.

Fingal councillors were given a presentation at the June monthly meeting of the Council by County Architect Fionnuala May and Ciarán Ó

Gaora of Zero-G who explained the reasoning behind the decision to create a Culture House for Fingal.

“We want this to be a confident expression of the future, and we are seeing that come to pass,” Ó Gaora told councillors. “This building reflects the history and it reflects the future.”

He said that Fingal was following a European tradition where many cities have a Culture House and added: “They understand that many different activities can exist under the one roof.”

By calling the building Culture House or Áras Cultúir, the Council was indicating that it would be a welcoming and accessible place using a name that could be understood by everybody, he stated.

“Ultimately this is about a meeting house for everyone, that’s how we want to talk about it. It’s an everyday open house, it is not some ivory tower,” said Ó Gaora.

“In Fingal, culture is all around us, every day, everywhere. It’s what’s brings us together. It’s what makes us stand out. Because in Fingal we have a culture of learning and playing. A culture of imagination and wonder. A culture of making and doing, of being and belonging.”

The official launch of Culture House Fingal will take place on Culture Night, Friday, September 19, and will include the latest updates on plans for the new building from the Arts Office and Library Service.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “Culture House will be a beacon for everybody in the county. It will provide the community with a state-of-the-art county library and archive, a theatre and a gallery space all under the one roof in the centre in Swords, the county’s capital town.”

CommunityLocals.ie

Ancient Alternatives for Arthritis Sufferers

There is not one person who doesn’t know someone who has suffered from this condition. Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to dispel the pathogenic factors that are the cause of arthritis, we would be helping revitalise your body’s natural qi and blood circulation which will strengthen the body’s internal resistance. This is achieved through a combination of acupuncture (to unblock meridians and promote circulation), herbal medicine (to address both external pathogens and internal imbalances), and most importantly dietary therapy, this will help prevent inflammation within the joints. Foods that can worsen arthritis symptoms, particularly those that promote inflammation, include eating a lot of red meat, processed meats, fried foods, and foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can

CommunityLocals.ie With Susan

exacerbate arthritis pain.

Depending on your your medical history and medication you may find making Golden Milk can help, anything the has an ‘ITIS’ ie arthritis, sinusitis and gastroenteritis making and taking this daily may help your condition.

Golden Milk

If possible, please make this on either almond, rice, goats or oat milk.

2 cups of the milk being used.

Gently heat your choice of milk over medium heat. As the milk warms, mix in 1 teaspoon of pure turmeric powder and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, a small shake of ground black pepper and to improve the taster you can add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Allow the mixture to simmer gently without reaching boiling point for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and enjoy. This has also been seen to help

insomnia.

This specific approach is always individualised based on the patient’s unique pattern of imbalance and the predominant pathogenic factors.

Please always be advised by your doctor and a fully qualified practitioner when making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Next article will be on Facial Rejuvenation the understanding through beauty therapy and Chinese medicine we will include cupping, facial massage techniques, some basic essential oils, plus a herb tea blend that can also help reduce and invigorate the skin.

If you have any specific concerns or conditions please feel free to email; communitylocalseditor@ gmail.com and I will do my best to answer them.

Film Review: Superman Flies High

By Jack Shanley

With James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman hitting cinemas last month, I couldn’t help but do a review. It isn’t just another superhero movie; it’s a vibrant, heartfelt reintroduction to an icon that feels both fresh and deeply reverent. After years of dark, brooding takes on the Man of Steel, Gunn delivers a much-needed dose of hope for Superman, proving that optimism can be just as compelling as grit.

The film wisely sidesteps a lengthy origin story, instead dropping us into a Metropolis. David Corenswet embodies Clark Kent and Superman with remarkable nuance. His Clark is genuinely endearing, a man grappling with his extraordinary abilities while striving for normality, and his Superman radiates a quiet strength and compassionate heroism that feels authentic and inspiring. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a revelation – sharp, witty, and independent, she’s a formidable journalist who holds her own against the larger-than-life figures around her. Their chemistry is palpable, forming the emotional core of the film.

Gunn’s signature blend of humour and heart is evident throughout. The dialogue shines with wit, and there are moments of genuine levity that never undermine the stakes. Yet, when the action kicks in, it’s spectacular. The visual effects are seamless, making Superman’s feats feel weighty and impactful without ever feeling cartoonish. The film’s primary antagonist Lex Luther, played by the brilliant Nicholas Hoult is fantastic. He’s an evil tyrant maniac.

What truly sets Superman apart is its unwavering belief in the character’s ideals. This isn’t a cynical deconstruction; it’s a celebration of what Superman represents: truth, justice, and the American way, reimagined for a modern audience without sacrificing its core principles. Gunn understands that Superman isn’t interesting because of his powers, but because of his humanity. The film explores themes of responsibility, identity, and the power of hope in a way that resonates deeply.

While some might argue the film leans a little too heavily into its earnestness at times, it’s a refreshing change of pace. Superman is a triumphant return for the character, a film that reminds us why he matters, and leaves you with a genuine sense of uplift. It’s a powerful, entertaining, and ultimately hopeful start to a new era for D.C.

I’d recommend checking out ‘Superman’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of FOUR stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: James Gunn– Rating: 12A – Genre: Action/Sci-fi – Run Time: 2h 9m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Remove Stress From Your Financial Planning

By Dave Kavanagh

Everything you eat, wear, live in, travel to or travel in, are all connected to your finances, yet most people don’t take the time to plan them effectively. A couple of reasons for this: If you have a problem that needs a plumber, an electrician or a roofer, you will know about it. If you haven’t reviewed your finances for a while, you may not even be aware that you have a problem. The other reason is that some of the main aspects of financial planning are viewed as “negative”. I mean who wants to spend time considering potential occurrences like the impact of a fatality, or give thought to having sufficient income in your retirement when you haven’t reached 30 yet? This perception of “negative” is often why people subconsciously avoid the topic, often citing “not having enough time” as a reason. The same reason explains why people spend regularly on things like the lotto, believing they can win the jackpot, at odds of 10.7million to 1. The same people’s odds of being diagnosed with one of the specified illnesses covered, is 1 in 4 (before age 65!) yet they say “that’ll never happen to me”. This is a natural desire for something very positive to happen and for something negative not to happen. However, these everyday occurrences will happen whether or not someone has the right planning in place. One hour is 4% of your day. Spending

that much time even once per year can be hugely beneficial. You get the peace of mind that you are up to date with your planning. You get the reassurance that anything you have in place is the most appropriate for your current circumstances. You also get the satisfaction that you are not overpaying for something and are getting the best value. Suddenly, the mystery and uncertainty are removed, along with the stress and anxiety often associated with them. In all my years of doing reviews, I’ve never heard anyone regret taking time to go through their finances, but I’ve heard plenty regret not going through them when something unexpected crops up. Remove “money worries”. Make the time.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_ advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

free to have some fun… Feel

DRAGON The Experience

Children’s Yoga with Áine Yoga le GaelÁine - for ages 5-12!

Circuit Training with Gráinne Grá4fitness - all ages welcome!

Sandcastle Competition Registration required on the day.

AdditionalFingalNeeds Sensory Room

Beach

Junior Park Run Free Event - registration required

Historical Walk with Ross No booking required, groups of 20

Kenure Woods

Meet at the Millbank

Sand Art Competition hosted by Harbour Beach

Pilates with Louisa from The Pilates Lounge - all ages welcome!

Self Defence with Paul From Rush Boxing Club - all ages welcome!

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FINGAL RUSH AIR SHOW

Protecting Pets, Protecting Us

Vaccines are essential in our pets’ lives. They save lives and prevent serious diseases like parvovirus, canine distemper, feline panleukopenia, or rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Thanks to proper vaccination protocols, these illnesses have significantly declined. But does that mean a vaccinated pet is completely immune? Not quite. Viruses are sneaky and can mutate, but vaccinated pets have a much better chance of fighting off disease than those without protection. And what about the rabies vaccine? Isn’t Ireland rabies-free? Yes, it is! That’s why the rabies vaccine isn’t mandatory unless you’re planning a trip with your furry friend. Luckily, being an island gives us a natural barrier and our ferries do a great job

making sure no sneaky stowaways (like rats, foxes, or bats) make it onboard. These strict controls help keep rabies out, but if we’re taking our pets abroad, it’s our job to make sure they’re protected too, so we can all help Ireland stay rabies-free!

And now, the infamous kennel cough! You know, that raspy, smoker’s cough sound your dog makes like he’s had a rough night out? Most pet hotels require this vaccine. But wait… is kennel cough a virus? Nope! It’s actually caused by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The vaccine won’t guarantee your dog won’t catch it, but it does help a lot. A vaccinated dog might still cough, but far less no sleepless nights

for them… or you.

For cats, catteries will always ask for vaccination against feline leukaemia virus, which weakens their immune system and leaves them vulnerable to other illnesses.

And yes, there is a disease pets can pass to us: leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria. It’s rare in Ireland, but the bug lives in soil and stagnant water and let’s face it, Ireland is full of both. We may not drink from puddles, but our dogs do! And how many of us let them lick our hands or faces.

Vaccines protect them and us. If in doubt, speak to your vet. We’re here to help!

Sunday 3rd August

Welcome to the exhilarating annual air display at the Fingal Rush Air display, a truly unique event that brings together aviation enthusiasts from all over. We are thrilled to have some familiar faces returning to the skies over North County Dublin and Fingal. The Rush location, with its breathtaking views, adds to the thrill for both the pilots and the public.

FEATURING

IRISH PARACHUTE CLUB • TEAM RAVEN

RICH GOODWIN • STRIKEMASTER DISPLAY UK

AEROSUPERBATICS WINGWALKERS • IRISH AIR CORPS

GERRY HUMPHREYS • EDDIE GOGGINS

IRISH HISTORIC FLIGHT • IRISH COAST GUARD

All aircraft participation at the Fingal Rush Air Show is subject to technical issues, weather conditions, operational commitments, crew availability, and other factors outside the control of the organisers.

New Journeys for Takemusu Aikido Society

This summer marked a new chapter for the Takemusu Aikido Society, as the club was awarded an Erasmus+ Sport Staff Mobility grant for a project titled “Professional Development Programme for Takemusu Aikido Coaches in Ireland.” Signed in June, the program will run until the end of next year, opening new opportunities for instructors committed to deepening their expertise and enriching the training they provide.

As part of the Erasmus+ programme, Takemusu Aikido Society has partnered with the Gothenburg Aikido Club in Sweden. The collaboration is centred on job-shadowing Ulf Evenås Sensei, an 8th Dan Aikido master and one of the most respected Aikido instructors in the world. Evenås Sensei is known internationally for his exceptional clarity, depth of understanding, and lifelong dedication to Aikido. For Irish coaches, observing his teaching first-hand is an invaluable experience that few around the globe are fortunate to receive.

The first round of the mobility programme took place in early July, when Takemusu Aikido Society instructors travelled to Sweden for three days of intensive observation and experience exchange. The visit offered deep insight into class

structure, technical detail, teaching methods, and the behind-the-scenes organisation that supports a thriving Aikido community.

Another major development of this summer was the journey of the club’s head instructor, Raman Bekarevich, to Japan for an intensive two-week training period as an uchideshi (live-in student) at the Iwama Dojo, the birthplace of modern Aikido. This was Raman’s fourth time living and training at the dojo, offering him a deep return to the roots of the art through a demanding schedule of three daily practice sessions, work on the dojo grounds, personal study and hands-on instruction.

During his stay, Raman trained intensively under senior Japanese instructors, including Inagaki Sensei, one of the last living students of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. A highlight of the trip was Raman’s participation in the Japan–Myanmar Aikikai 60th Charity Seminar at the Founder’s Dojo, where Inagaki Sensei selected him to serve as uke (demonstration partner). Over two days of rigorous three-hour sessions, Raman engaged in flowing variations and advanced forms, demanding total concentration and technical precision. In the days that followed, Inagaki Sensei continued to choose Raman as his uke,

granting him rare, hands-on instruction in subtle techniques and teaching methods. These sessions provided an invaluable opportunity to experience the art at its source through focused repetition and personal transmission.

Opportunities like these—whether through EU-backed exchanges or personal pilgrimages— feed directly into the quality of training delivered back home. While few can travel to Japan or Sweden, the knowledge and energy brought back by instructors flows directly into the local mats, enriching the experience of every student.

To share the insights gained abroad, Raman led a follow-up workshop in Balbriggan at the end of July. Held outdoors, the session brought together local Aikido practitioners for a day of focused training, providing a chance to engage with fresh techniques and perspectives acquired through these international exchanges.

For those curious to learn more, Takemusu Aikido Society runs regular classes every Saturday at the Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre. Whether you’re interested in traditional martial arts, mindful movement, or a welcoming community activity, all are invited to join and experience the benefits of Aikido.

More information can be found at www.aiki.ie

Inagaki sensei demonstrates an Aikido technique on Raman

Outdoors session of Takemusu Aikido Society

Jan and Raman got their certificates of attendance at Gothenburg Aikido club

Ulf Evenas sensei explains the technical details to Raman

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WE WANT YOUR LOCAL NEWS!!

• Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team?

• Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary?

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• A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion..

Send us your pics.. We Want it ALL.. Contact us today: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Be Part of Your Community News

This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@ gmail.com before 5pm on the 16th of this month. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good luck