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Community Spirit Knows no Bounds in Fingal
The last few weeks hasn’t brought with it much to cheer about weather-wise, but the amazing number of volunteers coming together to help with the clean-up after storm Eowyn is something we can all be very grateful for.
While the country battened down the hatches for what has been coined the worst windstorm for over a century, it wasn’t long after the worst of the high winds abated that locals in Fingal were out in their respective areas giving up their personal time to help with the many clean ups that were necessary following Eowyn’s destruction.
There has never been a better time for locals to get involved in their areas as Spring is just around the corner and the amount of community groups, tidy towns groups, resident’s committees etc would be very grateful of the extra help as they approach this very important start of the growing season.
It’s been a relatively quiet start to the year, bar the obvious weather situation – and thankfully we seem to have seen the worst of the inclement conditions, but it hasn’t been completely silent with lots going on in the various areas in Fingal as can be seen in this month’s issue. From TradFest to local sporting successes and much more, there has been a considerable amount of events and achievements made since the beginning of the New Year.
We are so lucky to have so much to do on our doorstep, and we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to spending our free time in FIngal. We don’t have very far to travel to find something to make great memories from. Don’t put away the winter coat just yet and get out into the fresh air and make the most of our beautiful beaches; public parks, castle grounds and gardens that are accessible all year; and don’t forget about the many community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants, bars to visit. There is so much to do in such a short distance!
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Recycling Centre Prices on the Increase in Fingal
The Estuary recycling centre in Swords
Fingal County Council has announced updated charges for its non-recyclable and green household waste at its Recycling Centres located at Estuary in Swords and Coolmine in Dublin 15.
Charges for disposing of household recyclable waste at the centres is free and remains unchanged.
The Council stated that, “The changes reflect a balanced approach to maintaining and improving this vital local service while addressing the expanded expenditure costs. A review of the service by the council found that there had been a significant rise in the use of the recycling centres resulting in a deficit of costs for managing and maintaining the facilities. This has risen from €0.8m in 2015 to more than €2m for the current year.”
Locals will now have to pay €12 for a car boot containing General Waste (e.g. bulky waste such as carpet, mattresses, wood, metal, etc., with full cars, jeeps and SUVs charged €30; Small vans or cars with a trailer will now be charged at €50 while
Come visit the Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Dinner Club!
Balbriggan Meals on Wheels was established to provide meals for people who are ill, recovering from a serious illness, or for some reason are unable to provide meals for themselves.
It’s not all about delivering meals, however!
As well as cooking and distributing meals, we host a Dinner Club three mornings per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday in our premises at 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan. At the Dinner Club, you can enjoy a hot meal and relax in the company of the other members. This provides an enjoyable social outlet to people who primarily live alone. We also run activities and occasional trips for Dinner Club clients.
If you, or anyone you know would be interested in coming along to the Dinner Club, please contact us on 01 8416743 (9am – 1pm, Mon – Sat) for further details.
Vans (Transit size) will now see a cost of €128.
Car boots of Green Waste (e.g. grass clippings, leaves, tree branches and trimmings, etc.) are now charged at €6 with a full carload, Jeep or SUV priced at €10 while Small vans and cars with trailers charged at €35 and vans (Transit size) at €80.
The council also stated, “While the access costs will rise for the domestic non-recyclable and green waste service at the Fingal facilities, it is important to note that there remains no charge for disposing of recyclable items at the Swords and Coolmine centres. This would include items such as paper, bottles, clothes, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), tins and discarded cooking oil.”
A detailed list of items that are accepted at the two facilities can be found on the Council’s website: https://www.fingal.ie/recyclingcentres
Balbriggan Feis back again in support of Balbriggan Guide Dogs
Did you attend our last fundraiser of 2024 in Hers Upstairs above Mrs O’s in the Central Pub Drogheda St Balbriggan? We sold Christmas cards, car raffle tickets and calendars and raised €329.75 for our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs. Thank you to Andy, Simon of Mrs O’s and everyone who attended and supported us on the day. We hope to see more of you in 2025.
If you want to continue to support our Branch and also have a fun and entertaining February weekend, the Annual Balbriggan Feis is back and being held on Saturday the 8th and Sunday 9th February at Clann Mhuire GAA Hall, Naul, Co. Dublin, K32HK76 with all proceeds in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Musician Kevin Warren will be in attendance and there will be plenty of fantastic dancing for you to enjoy! Entrance tickets are available on the day at €5.00, why not go along for a great day out and to support our Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs. Last year the wonderful sum of €9,500 was raised for our Branch. We want to say
a big thank you to the organisers Damien O’Shaughnessy and Anne McFadden, the participants, attendees and volunteers who put the Feis together for their amazing continued support.
Finally, we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs in 2024, we are delighted to say a fantastic total of over €50,000 for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind was raised throughout the year, which would not be possible without your support! Please keep an eye on future articles and we will confirm the exact amount.
In 2024, 27 people visited the HQ in Cork from our Branch, if you would be interested in visiting the HQ in 2025 please reach out to us on the information below;
Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs you can do so phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
2025 To be a Big Year for Balbriggan
Work will continue at pace on delivering the major infrastructural elements of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme in 2025, after a series of significant developments last year.
According to Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, 2024 was one of momentous progress for the €54-57million plan.
Following the appointment of a contractor, John Craddock Ltd, work began on the plan’s flagship €15million project, the redevelopment of the Quay Street and Harbour area - including the RNLI Boathouse.
Separately, enabling works have commenced at the boat and bathhouse at the Martello Tower to bring these back into use. The Quay Street and Harbour redevelopment is due to be completed in late 2025.
The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is set to transform the town through public investment, and has seen work commence and continue on a number of key infrastructure projects.
“Five years on from the launch of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 20192030, the bricks and mortar transformation of Ireland’s youngest town is now beginning to take real shape,” said Dr Begg.
“There has been huge progress on the ambitious vision contained in the Rejuvenation Programme, the result of an historic community engagement which saw more than 25 per cent of Balbriggan’s residents outline their preferences for the future of the town.”
Work at the Quay Street and Harbour area has already seen the Mill Street Town car park redeveloped, with new trees and public lighting in place. And an
exciting milestone was reached with the appointment of a design team to redevelop the De Bruns site.
Fingal County Council appointed an architect-led multi-disciplinary Integrated Design Team (IDT) for the transformation of 6a-14 Bridge Street.
The Integrated Design Team model, which employs local stakeholder engagement to progress plans, has already been successfully deployed on other Our Balbriggan projects, including the Quay Street and Harbour project and the development of a creative hub at 2-4 Dublin Street, on which work is ongoing.
Leading award winning Dublin City-based architects, McCullough Mulvin is leading the IDT for De Bruns and is co-ordinating ongoing local stakeholder engagement for the 10,000 square metre site.
Fingal County Council has proposed a mixed-use commercial, community and residential development, with the River Bracken at its heart.
The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street to facilitate a pedestrian and cyclist route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area.
It is estimated work will begin at the site in 2026.
The buildings are within an architectural conservation area.
A review of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group and its Pillar Groups was completed in 2024 to future proof governance.
The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development Department
Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, on the site of the flagship €15million re-development of the Quay Street and Harbour area. Pic Fintan Clarke.
Fingal awarded €20m funding from NTA
Fingal County Council have been allocated €20m funding from The National Transport Authority for the ongoing delivery of active travel schemes in 2025.
With a total of €294m being awarded to local authorities, this funding will support a range of walking and cycling schemes including improved pedestrian environments, new segregated cycling lanes, pedestrian and cycling bridges and pedestrian crossings.
Welcoming this announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: ’’ We are very happy to have received this funding from the NTA. It is a significant support and endorsement for our commitment to Active Travel in Fingal. Active Travel has many benefits for the entire community, it is an essential tool to fight global heating and will deliver a healthier environment for everyone. We want to push harder and do more so we will happily take all the funding we can get.’’
This funding has been awarded to 48 different projects in the Fingal area and includes a variety of Active Travel investments such as Fingal Coastal Way, Donabate Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Harry Reynolds Road Cycleway in Balbriggan, Feltrim Road Cycling Infrastructure and Skerries Active Travel Plan.
16 Schools will receive funding under the Safe Routes to School Programme which aims to improve ongoing issues of safety and congestion at the school gate. It also focuses on improving routes to school by improving walking and cycling infrastructure.
To learn more about active travel and strategic infrastructure projects in Fingal visit www.fingal.ie/ activetravel
Remember to take a little time out for self-care this February
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, take a little time out for some self-care this February, especially the hardworking Mammies. Being a Mam can be frazzling – especially this time of year with so many bugs and viruses knocking about and it’s not unusual for us to get run down because we’re so busy looking after everyone else. If you need an energy boost, plan some child-free ‘Me time’. Go see the new Bridget Jones movie with your girlfriends. Glam up for a date night (if you need a new dress, get 30% off with Code MAMS30 at www.mykindofdress. com). Or treat yourself to a pamper night at home…. light a scented candle, soak in relaxing Green Angel bath salts, moisturise with gorgeous mango Ziaja body mousse, then wrap up in snuggly pj’s to watch a movie with a tub of icecream! A little self-indulgence goes a long way!
Looking for clever Valentine’s gift idea for busy Mammies? How about some delicious coffee?! Life is too short to drink bad coffee which is why we love award winning Irish brand Artessa Coffee. They roast the most delicious beans – I personally love their Smooth and
Lounge blends, while my hubby favours their Nina & Temptation blends. See https://artessa.ie/ Love cosy, comfy casual wear? Irish brand Human Collective have perfect transitional pieces for springtime. From slouchy jumpers to leggings to fleece lined hoodies. Perfect for women & men who like to be warm and comfy on the go. With a store in Stephens Green SC and online store https:// wearehumancollective.com/ they have a brill range and great sale on atm!
As the daffodils start peeking through and days get longer, it’s a great time for a mini break. For kids midterm, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is brilliant. Delicious food, spacious rooms, swimming pool and lots of activities, including walking trails, bike rentals and Skypark nearby. For couples, there are special Valentine’s packages available to romance things up! Carlingford is such a gorgeous spot to explore with quaint cafes, cute shops, the old castle ruins and you can hop on the Carlingford ferry too. See Four Seasons Carlingford special offers here https:// www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/ word.
Nosferatu (2024)
By Jack Shanley
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a visually stunning and terrifying reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film. Eggers meticulously recreates the gothic atmosphere of the original film, immersing viewers in a world of shadows, decay, and dread.
The film follows Thomas Hutter (Nicolas Hoult), a young estate agent tasked with selling a remote Transylvanian castle to the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). Hutter’s journey into the heart of darkness unleashes a wave of terror upon his unsuspecting village, as Orlok’s insatiable hunger for blood spreads like a plague.
Bill Skarsgård delivers a truly great performance as Count Orlok. Showing a more romanticized portrayal of vampires, Skarsgård embodies Orlok as a creature of pure pestilence, his gaunt frame and piercing gaze radiating an aura of ancient evil. He is less a seductive predator and more a force of nature, an embodiment of death itself.
Eggers’ signature style is on full display, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and a meticulous attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. The
film’s sets, costumes, and even the way light falls across the screen are all beautifully crafted to evoke a sense of authenticity.
While the film’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow creep of the darkness to come, it can feel a little sluggish. I enjoyed it as much as the other adaptations, but do understand it not being for everyone, it’s essentially a film for a particular audience. The tension builds relentlessly, punctuated by moments of shocking violence and unsettling imagery.
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a masterful reimagining of a classic horror film. It is a visually stunning and terrifying experience that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a testament to Eggers’ singular vision as a filmmaker, and a chilling reminder of the enduring power of classic horror.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Nosferatu’ (2024) and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 stars. You can watch it today at your local cinema. Director: Robert Eggers– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Mystery– Run Time: 2h 12m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Irish Chamber Orchestra to Perform at the Lark for the first time
The Irish Chamber Orchestra turns the spotlight on the saxophone in the first concerts of its Spring Summer Season 2025 with its debut performance in the Lark Theatre Balbriggan on 7th February being joined by the extraordinary saxophonist Jess Gillam.
Jess has forged an amazing career since shooting to fame as the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician. In her twenties, she has already achieved an MBE for services to music, a Classical BRIT award, her own show on BBC Radio 3 (This Classical Life), and appearances at the BBC Proms both as their youngest-ever soloist and latterly, as a presenter.
From BACH TO BOWIE is an electrifying, eclectic showcase that demonstrates Gillam’s versatility on saxophone as she, along with Irish Chamber Orchestra, sweep audiences away on a voyage of discovery. Celebrate the youthful wonder in Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 2 as ICO revel in the composer’s sense of fun and sheer joy in making music. Feel the pull of this energetic tug-of-war between orchestra and saxophone in Bach’s Concerto in A Minor as Gillam soars high leading the orchestra in its flight of fancy. Hear the rhythm and purity of expression bursting to life in David Heath’s The Celtic as he delights in the saxophone’s singing quality.
Audiences can catch a breath with ICO as Elaine Agnew’s atmospheric Twilight evokes a peaceful time of meditation after sunset before sunrise.
Meanwhile, Jess’s rendition of Boulanger’s Cantique is tender with an exquisite melody that captures the most enchanting image of stars sparkling in the night sky. Bowie’s iconic Life on Mars will mesmerize as the saxophone stretches into the stratosphere of the unknown - a real treat!
John Harle’s nostalgic and wild “Rant” is a traditional British folk dance, dedicated to Gillam and her saxophone. Explore and enjoy “her energy, her sound and her presence, painted in music from her own part of England” says Harle.
Jess Gillam will take to the stage alongside the Irish Chamber Orchestra at the Lark Balbriggan
Why Do We Not Prioritise It?
By Dave Kavanagh
When planning our family’s finances, one of the most important aspects is protecting against unexpected financial loss, yet many people often keep putting off making time to arrange it, (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality or a serious illness, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is, if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed, it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying
way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. I often get the response, “I don’t have time” and then in the same conversation find out which Netflix series they have just binged. Make the time. Review your cover requirements.
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.
Big Achievements for Takemusu Aikido members
The start of the New Year brought exciting achievements for Takemusu Aikido Society, as two major milestones were reached during an international seminar held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 2nd to 5th January. This gathering of Aikido practitioners from across Europe included over 50 participants from Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, France, Germany, Ireland, and beyond.
The seminar was led by Ulf Evenås Sensei, a revered figure in the Aikido world and he was awarded the rank of 8th dan, the highest possible grade, reflecting his extraordinary contributions to Aikido’s development as a martial art and way of life.
The seminar unfolded against a backdrop of wintry beauty. Sweden welcomed the Irish visitors, Raman Bekarevich and Jan Toth, with cold winds and bare landscapes. However, overnight snow transformed Gothenburg into a
winter wonderland, adding a magical touch to the experience.
The culmination of the seminar was the dan grading examinations, a rigorous test of skill and dedication. Candidates were evaluated not only on their technical proficiency but also on their understanding of Aikido’s principles. These gradings represent years of consistent practice and embody the art’s values of discipline, harmony, and resilience.
For Takemusu Aikido Society, the seminar brought two proud moments. Raman Bekarevich, the head instructor, was awarded the rank of 4th dan. This rank signifies the pinnacle of technical mastery in Aikido, requiring the ability to perform all techniques with exceptional precision and fluidity. Beyond this rank, Aikido practitioners are no longer tested on technical skills; instead, they are recognised for their
contributions to the art and their role in guiding others.
Another significant milestone was achieved by Jan, an assistant instructor at the club, who earned his Shodan (1st-degree black belt). This achievement was particularly meaningful as it marked the first black belt awarded to a student of Raman Bekarevich and a historic moment for the Takemusu Aikido Society. Jan’s success symbolises the dedication and strength of the club’s teaching and its commitment to fostering the growth of its members.
You too can become part of this story. Takemusu Aikido Society offers regular classes open to everyone, including complete beginners who are curious to try something new. Classes are held every Sunday in Balbriggan and on Mondays and Wednesdays in Dublin. To start your journey, visit www.aiki.ie or email at info@aiki.ie.
Jo
Jan, Ulf and Raman
Raman flying
Sankyo
Ken
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Across
1. A reminder of a spider. (6)
5. Day of rest and worship. (6)
10. Practice sessions. (3,4)
11. Persons authorised to practise the legal profession. (7)
12. Drinks daintily. (4)
13. Command for a dog to go and get it. (5)
15. Car for hire. (4)
17. The shorter of the two signals used in Morse code. (3)
19. Australian marsupial, you can play it. (6)
21. Towels at the bottom. (6)
22. A military withdrawal to a place of peace and quiet. (7)
23. The season preceding Christmas. (6)
25. A golf hole with a sharp angle in the fairway. (3-3)
28. The residue left when something is burned. (3)
30. Change your location from one place to another. (4)
31. Legally, put counterfeit money into circulation. (5)
32. The bad guys in “Lord of the Rings.” (4)
35. Ease pain, save from ruin or destruction. (7)
36. A conveyance that transports people or object. (7)
37. Morally bad or wrong. (6)
38. Goad by constant criticism. (6)
Down
2. Mount of the Greek gods. (7)
3. Thrash or defeat, (Amer. Slang) (4)
4. Play music in a public place and solicit money for it. (6)
5. Pick out or choose from a number of alternatives. (6)
6. Information about events. (4)
7. Around the middle quality or ability. (7)
8. All things considered it makes sense. (4,2)
9. Give help, be of service. (6)
14. Some who travels for pleasure. (7)
16. Favours for people, short theatrical performances. (5)
18. Machine which converts energy into mechanical energy. (5)
20. Came together. (3)
21. A familiar term of address to a boy. (3)
23. Look up to. (6)
24. Italian baroque composer and violinist. (7)
26. Suitable for singing. (7)
27. Breathed noisily, as if exhausted. (6)
28. Be present at a meeting. (6)
29. The abode of God. (6)
33. Piece of office furniture. (4)
34. A case from which playing cards are dealt one at a time. (4)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
