Balbriggan Local V11I2-DEC 2025 by Irish Media Group

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Christmas, not just another date on the Calendar

In Fingal, Christmas has never been just a date on the calendar. From Balbriggan to Rus and Lusk to Swords, what makes Christmas truly special here is not the glitter of shopfronts or the bustle of seasonal markets, but the unmistakable sense of community—an unspoken understanding that this is a time to slow down, look around, and appreciate the people who share our little corner of the world.

Throughout Fingal, children rehearse school nativity plays, grandparents share recipes handed down through generations, and neighbours exchange greetings that seem more heartfelt in December’s crisp air. Whether it’s decorating a tree in Donabate, enjoying a winter walk along the Malahide estuary, or sharing a festive meal in Rush, the rhythm of the season reminds us that connection is our greatest gift.

Community groups across Fingal play a vital role in nurturing that spirit. Local sports clubs organise toy drives, parish halls host Christmas fairs, and volunteers ensure that those who might otherwise feel forgotten are welcomed into the fold. These efforts, often quiet and unseen, are the true heartbeat of the season. They shine a light on the generosity that defines Fingal—people showing up for one another not because it is expected, but because it is who we are.

In a world that often feels hurried and divided, Fingal’s Christmas traditions remind us that belonging is built through small acts of kindness and shared moments—carols sung in the town, a thoughtful knock on a neighbour’s door, a warm drink after a cold evening supporting a local event.

As we gather with loved ones and celebrate the season, let us hold onto what Christmas teaches us every year: that our community is strongest when we celebrate together, support one another, and make space at the table for all.

May this Christmas bring peace to your home, joy to your family, and renewed pride in the community we are fortunate to call our own.

The Locals Team

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The Balbriggan Guide Dogs Branch wishes you a Merry Christmas!

The Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs has been busy over the last few months in the lead up to Christmas. Our branch attended the Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch over the bank holiday in October and raised a fantastic €484.79 over the weekend. Our Branch also had a fantastic coffee morning at Skinny Batch Bakery in Lusk on the 4th November where coffees were flowing a plenty and a great time was had by all with some delicious cakes which made it all the better. We are delighted to have raised €284.70 on the day. A big thank you to everyone who visited us at both the pumpkin patch and Skinny Batch Bakery and of course, Skinny Batch Bakery owner Sharyn Hayden and her team for supporting us.

In November our Branch and volunteers attended SuperValu Balbriggan on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan on the 28th and 29th November with our merchandise

stand selling 2026 calendars, car raffle tickets and Christmas cards to name a few items! If you would like to get your hands on any of these items, please make sure to follow us on social media to find out where we’re going to be next.

Our last fundraiser of the year is on December 5th Friday in the strand bar rush 11 am to 5 pm Xmas Cards, 2026 calendars, Merchandise and car raffle tickets costing €5 each will be available

Finally, we want to say a big thank you to all our volunteers and supporters throughout 2025. We appreciate every single one of you and thank you for all your support. Wishing you and all yours a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

You can contact Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/ text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Tom O’Neill presenting a photo to Sharyn Hayden, owner of Skinny Batch Cafe in Lusk, in recognition of all the fundraising support she provides

Happy Christmas from Balbriggan Meals on Wheels

2025 was a very special year for Balbriggan Meals on Wheels as we marked the 50th anniversary of our foundation and 1st January 2026 will mark 50 years since the very first meals were delivered.

As we approach the end of this special year, Balbriggan Meals on Wheels would like to thank most sincerely, all those who supported the service throughout 2025. Huge thanks to all our volunteers and staff who enabled us to continue providing meals throughout the year. Thank you also to all those in the Balbriggan community

who supported us in any way.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is looking forward to continuing to provide meals for those in need in our community throughout 2026. We would like to wish all our service users and supporters all the very best wishes for Christmas and hope 2026 will be a great year for everyone.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan.

Tel : 01 8416743

Email: mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@ gmail.com

The Running Man (2025) – A HighOctane, Messy Thriller

By Jack Shanley

Edgar Wright’s take on The Running Man is less of a remake of the campy Arnold Schwarzenegger film and more of a gritty, modern adaptation of the original Stephen King novel. Starring Glen Powell as Ben Richards, the blue-collar man desperate enough to volunteer for a lethal, televised hunt, the film is a non-stop, kinetic thriller that often feels uncomfortably timely.

From the first frame, Wright brings his signature visual energy. The pace is absolutely frantic, rarely giving you a moment to catch your breath as Richards is chased across a dystopian, corporately-controlled America. This isn’t just a staged arena game; it’s a cross-country chase broadcast as primetime entertainment, complete with high-tech surveillance and a bloodthirsty viewing public. The action sequences are inventive and sharp, and the movie is powered entirely by Glen Powell’s performance.

Powell plays Richards not as a wisecracking action star, but as a man consumed by justifiable, seething anger. He’s running to get medicine for his sick daughter and railing against a system of extreme wealth inequality and broken healthcare. This is where the film feels strongest: its dystopian 2025 is less sci-fi fantasy and more “uncomfortably familiar” social commentary. It’s a world where propaganda and “FreeVee” reality shows are used to placate a miserable working class, and the film does a solid job of highlighting this critique.

However, the sheer speed of the film is also its biggest flaw. The constant movement leaves many of the supporting characters Richards encounters feeling underdeveloped or quickly forgotten. They’re colorful plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out people, which dilutes some of the emotional weight.

The biggest stumbling block is the final act. After establishing such a tight, brutal, and cynical world, the ending feels strangely Hollywood-ized. It’s too neat and lacks the dark, uncompromising bite that Stephen King’s novel delivered. It struggles to commit fully to either being a purely biting satire or an all-out action flick, landing somewhere in the middle.

I’d recommend checking out ‘The Running Man’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of 3 and ½ stars, after my first watch. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: Edgar Wright– Rating: 15A –Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure – Run Time: 2h 13m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Young Balbriggan and Skerries delegates shine at Junior Model United Nations in Türkiye

At the end of October young people from Really Cool Adventure, a Balbriggan-based youth organisation, travelled to the coastal town of Ünye, on Türkiye’s Black Sea, to take part in an inspiring Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) project — co-funded by the European Union through Erasmus+.

The project was hosted by Prof. Dr. Necmettin Polvan İlköğretim Okulu school, together with partners from Ireland, Türkiye, Greece, and Romania. Throughout the week, young delegates stepped into the shoes of world leaders to debate the urgent global issue of climate change. They represented different countries, searched for practical solutions, and learned how diplomacy and teamwork can shape a better future. The group also met the Mayor of Ünye, Hüseyin

Tavlı, to discuss how young people can take an active role in politics and climate action.

The event went far beyond formal debate — it was a vivid intercultural experience. Participants joined creative workshops, shared national traditions, and spent a day at a local Turkish school to see how education works in another country. They also explored the beauty of northern Türkiye, from Ordu’s panoramic views of the Black Sea to Amasya’s ancient tombs, apples, and the romantic legend of Ferhat and Şirin.

For many, the experience was truly transformative:

Nikola Brykala shared: “I made great friends and discovered confidence I didn’t know I had. Erasmus is way better than a normal holiday!”

Julia Gruba added: “The memories I made here are unforgettable — this trip has genuinely been one of the best.”

Project coordinator Marzena Stronska said: “Watching our young people speak with such confidence and curiosity makes us incredibly proud. This project shows them that their voices matter, and that they can lead positive change.”

The JMUN project in Ünye once again proved that Really Cool Adventure is more than a youth group — it’s a gateway for young people from Balbriggan and surrounding areas to learn, travel, and grow as global citizens.

To join our next Really Cool Adventure follow @ReallyCoolAdventure on Facebook and Instagram.

CommunityLocals.ie

How To Reduce Your December Spending?

By Dave Kavanagh

Traditionally, December is when we tend to spend the most. Is there a way to soften the impact? Of course there is. Firstly, manage expectations: Most people can’t remember what they got 2 years ago, so don’t put yourself under too much pressure for “big” presents. Next, leave the credit card at home: At about 20% interest, adding debt for things you don’t need to overspend on, only starts the new year off in a negative. Be realistic with food shopping: The shops are only closed for 1-2 days, do you really need to stock up so much? In the days/weeks after Christmas, make a list of all the things you bought but didn’t really need or through out, and keep it for next year, so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. Kris Kindle: Talk to family and close friends to agree to pick one person and buy them a present for a set limit, to ease the burden. There are things you can also do all year round that can save you enough to cover the cost of Christmas: Switch utility providers, the savings can be quite substantial. Compare before you shop for larger items: Just because one store has a sign saying the fridge you want is reduced from €799 to €699, doesn’t mean that another store that does not have a sale on, isn’t selling the same fridge for €649. Take the time to shop around when your car or house insurance

renewals come in, it can be well worth the effort. Review premiums that you pay regularly, such as mortgage protection or life cover, especially if they were taken out directly with a bank who could not compare. Finally, go through a few months’ bank statements: we regularly find people paying for things like subscriptions or gym memberships, that should have been cancelled years before or that they simply no longer require.

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.

Make this Christmas even more special with by buying Irish

When Christmas shopping this year, please Buy Irish. Remember that Amazon or Shein won’t sponsor your kids jerseys, it’s local businesses who support local communities! Here are some of our fave products….

Love candles? Rathbornes1488 in Dublin are the oldest candle makers in the world! They make beautiful candles in incredible scents, fab for creating ambience and gifting.

MyKindOfDress.com has fabulous party dresses. If you’re a jeans and nice top kinda gal, use code “mumstown20” for 20% off Freddy Jeans!

Looking for a Christmas party venue? Bracken Court has fab party night & festive afternoon tea options.

The Gem Treatery vouchers are ideal for gifting teachers who love a coffee run; or anyone who loves ice-cream, sambos and crepes!

Farnham Estate festive packages are wonderful for Christmas mini breaks and they have Santa and Afternoon tea and lots on.

www.wanapix.ie has personalised calendars, mugs, glasses, mouse mats, tote bags, makeup bags and loads more. Use code MAMSWANAPIX for 15% off!

For winter days out, Avondale Tree Top walk, Smurfs Village and Skypark Adventure Lights are stunning. While National Concert Hall and Casino Model Railway Museum Polar Express are great indoor events.

Ilac SC has great shopping with LFC store, Stitch-a-Name, Lovisa, Smiggle, Normal, Hoco, Dunnes and Santa’s Magical Cabin! Interactive and fun, see www.santaexperience.ie and also check them out at Kilnamangh, Dublin 24

For coffee lovers, Irish brand Artessa fusion blends, in ground coffee or beans, are delicious gifts.

Nutrgove SC has free parking and lots of stores including Penneys and Regatta and a fab Santa Claus too!

Hampers & Co. huge range of hampers come in

gorgeous boxes, so no need to wrap. Irish, clever and easy – love them!

Elave Skincare is a fantastic Irish brand for all skin types with gift sets for baby, junior and adults - all made in Dundalk.

Glimmerboxes are a Glimmer of happiness in a box. We love the Gamer, Brighter Days Ahead & Christmas boxes.

Chocolate Garden has lovely Hot Chocolate tins, perfect for treating hot chocolate fans and their chocolate is Gluten free too.. Mienas Nougat is a wonderful handmade brand and a great stocking filler.

Tipperary Crystal have fab bags, jewellery and lots of offers on their Christmas range. Design Gallery in Drogheda is a treasure trove of gifts with free gift-wrapping service. Willow & Wisp Mornington has gorgeous locally made gifts, like Shelley’s Driftwood.

Maximise your health by eating with the Chinese Body Clock

Eating in accordance with the Chinese Body Clock is believed to optimise digestion, energy, and overall health by aligning meal times with the body’s organ systems’ peak activity periods. The key idea is that each organ has a two-hour window of maximum function, and eating appropriately during these times supports harmony within the body.

Early Morning (7am–9am): This period corresponds to spring in the 24-hour cycle, when the stomach’s energy peaks. It’s the optimal time for a nourishing breakfast that is warm and moist, avoiding overly rich, salty, or sweet foods. Porridge made with oats, rice, or barley helps to strengthen the body and stimulate yang

With Susan

energy—a concept akin to a seedling emerging or a newborn crawling out of bed.

Mid Morning 9am–11am: During this window, the spleen is at its peak, digesting breakfast and fuelling the body’s morning activities. It’s a good time for mentally challenging tasks and exercise.

Late Morning (11am–1pm): This period marks summer, with the heart organ dominating. It’s ideal for consuming hotter, pungent foods, along with whole grains. Many Western-style lunches, such as salads or sandwiches, may be too yin (cooling and dampening) and better replaced with steamed vegetables, cooked grains, or soups if bloating or fatigue occur.

Afternoon 1pm–3pm: The small intestine peaks during this time, making it suitable for nutrient absorption. It’s also a good window for physical activity if digestion is robust, or for resting if recovering or depleted.

Late Afternoon 3pm–5pm: This time is linked to the bladder and kidneys, focusing on waste

elimination. It’s a good period for studying or problem-solving, and a light snack helps if experiencing an energy slump.

Evening (5pm–7pm): Corresponding to autumn and approaching winter, this is when kidney energy peaks. Dinner should be light and nourishing to support this detoxification phase, ideally eaten early. Foods such as baked meats, fish, vegetables, grains, or legumes are preferred. This period aligns with winding down, supporting vitality and longevity.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasises eating the biggest meal between 7 and 9 am (stomach), a moderate lunch at midday (heart), and a light dinner early in the evening (kidneys).

• Eating late disrupts these natural rhythms and may impair digestion and energy balance.

• This approach is supported by modern research indicating that meal timing influences metabolism and weight management.

Activated Oat Muesli

Chinese Chicken Soup

Con-Gee Rice Pudding

Councillors approve budget of €433m for 2026

Councillors have approved Fingal County Council’s budget of €433 million for 2026 which will sustain and enhance the quality of services being delivered as well as increasing funding for infrastructure projects across the county.

The 2026 budget is an 11.4% increase on last year and means the Council’s budget has more than doubled over the past 10 years from €214m in 2016. The Council is now spending €1,311 per person living in the county.

The new budget will see increases in some income streams that have not experienced rises for some years despite the Council’s expenditure more than doubling.

Commercial Rates, which amount to 40% of the overall income for 2026, will see an increase of 4% in the Annual Rateable Valuation to 0.1868. The Housing budget has increased by €24m to €159.8m and while funding for housing grants has increased by €2.5m to €9.4m while the Council’s contribution to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive has increased by €1.25m to €5.3m.

There is an increase of €3.5m in the Operations budget which will include extra spending on road maintenance, public lighting, parks, playgrounds, recycling centres, harbours, public conveniences and burial grounds. The budget also provides for an additional €500,000 allocation to the annual programme of works with the full €3.08m works programme being brought to each Area Committee in January for approval by councillors.

An additional €600,000 has been provided towards the funding requirement for the delivery of a swimming pool in Balbriggan. The sports budget also includes sports capital grants of €975,000.

An extra €430,000 has been allocated for the development of arts in the County while there is an increase of €588,000 for events, tourism promotion and heritage properties. The Community budget includes an additional €590,000. This will provide additional funding for community grants as well as funding for the operation of the new community centre in

Baldoyle.

Fingal’s contribution to the running of the Dublin Fire Service will be €27.3m, an increase of €1.5m on 2025, with the remainder of the €139m it will cost to fund the service in 2026 being covered by contributions from the other three Dublin local authorities.

At the Council meeting in July councillors voted to reduce the rate of Local Property Tax by 5% for 2026 while in October they approved a three-year Capital programme containing over three hundred projects worth €1.43billion.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “This record budget of €433m is the equivalent of the Council spending €1,311 for every person living in the county. Along with our €1.43billion Capital Programme, the budget is reflective of the huge amount of investment required to keep pace with Fingal’s growing population. We have to keep supplying services, building houses, and delivering infrastructure because we want to build a county that is meeting the needs of its residents.”

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