Balbriggan Local Volume 1 Issue 1

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Volume 1 Issue 1 - November 2015

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THIS MONTH Our Team

Content & Publishing Editor Sabrina Morris Art Editor & Designer Tim Evans Advertising Margaret Morris Accounts David Morris Advertising Team balbrigganlocaladvert@gmail.com News Team balbrigganlocal@gmail.com Balgriggan Local Magazine Co Dublin Tel. 087 2020234 Designated Pick up Points: Tesco - Millfield S.C, Balbriggan Supervalu - Main Street, Balbriggan Dunnes Stores - Castle Mill S.C, Balbriggan

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With Thanks to Balbriggan Local Contributors Tony Healy Photography. Cover Photo.

Fingal County Council. Fingal News.

Sabrina Morris, Homecook Recipes.

Peadar O’Scanaill, Lusk Vets. Animal Matters.

Remember Me. Social Group for young children/ adults with special needs And to All Our Advertisers, thanks for your support.

From the Editor

Welcome to the first edition of Balbriggan Local. We hope you will grow to love this FREE magazine as much as we do. Every month we will be aiming to highlight what’s happening in one of Dublin’s fastest growing communities. Every community deserves to have a voice and through Balbriggan Local you will now have the platform to tell your story, and highlight all the good work that is taking place in the town, which can often go unrecognised. In the coming weeks and months, tell us what you would like to see appearing in your new local magazine and it will be considered for publication. Enjoy the read!

Sabrina Morris, Editor, Balbriggan Local Magazine Email Balbrigganlocal@gmail.com

Contents 4-8 Local News 9 Home Cook Recipes 10-11 Local News 12-13 Christmas

14 Animal Matters 15-16 Local News 17 Local Services 18-19 Sport

Copy Deadline is Strictly the 15th of each month for the following month’s issue. All required changes to advertisements currently running must also be made before this date. Note: If the 15th of the month falls over a weekend the Friday prior to it will be the Deadline on that particular month.

Balbriggan Local Disclaimer Every effort is made by Balbriggan Local Magazine to ensure that the information is correct and will not be held responsible for any advertisement errors. Balbriggan Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Balbriggan Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise.

Balbriggan Magazine, T. 087 2020234, E. Balbrigganlocal@gmail.com

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Local News

Men’s Shed a major boost for Balbriggan

Top: WELL EARNED: The group’s members take a break for a cuppa.

Bottom left: MEN BEHIND THE WIRE: Members of the newly formed Balbriggan Men’s Shed get to work on their new premises.

Bottom right: GRAFT: Two of the members get stuck into the work.

The opening of a Men’s Shed in Balbriggan has been warmly welcomed in the local community.

In a building located on grounds to the rear of St Peter and Paul’s Church in the town, there has been a hive of activity in recent weeks with local men busy transforming the old Coach House into a fully functioning workshop.

Father Eugene Taaffe, Parish Priest at St Peter and Paul’s Church, kindly provided the Coach House to the men while Fingal County Council is also supporting this community initiative.

The men meet up every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10am until 3pm.

Since they were given the green light for their premises they have been working hard on clearing the old coach house which was in need of repair, and inaccessible due to the presence of weeds and briars.

In the space of a few weeks the local men have created a workable space where they now engaging in a variety of commonly agreed projects.

Over time these projects will include woodwork, metalwork mechanical repair, computers and crafts such as painting.

For this community initiative, there are no skills required and the Men’s

Shed is always open to new members.

The craftwork produced will be sold and the proceeds will be used on materials, learning workshops and social outings among other things that will benefit members.

Balbriggan Men’s Shed is mainly for people who are retired, semi-retired, not working or just have a bit of time on their hands and wish to meet other men to socialise and share hobbies.

It is a non-commercial organisation operating under the umbrella of the Irish Men’s Shed Association.

The Men’s Shed movement originated in Australia in the 1990s and currently there are approximately 280 of them in Ireland.

Speaking about Balbriggan’s Men’s Shed, local councillor Tony Murphy (Ind) said: “This is a fantastic initiative for the town, where men can get together to share and learn new skills, have conversations and spend time in a relaxed environment.”

If you are interested in joining Balbriggan Men’s Shed, please contact Seán Corrigan on 086-0626819 or email balbrigganmensshed@gmail.com for more details.

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Local News

‘I’m running’

Dublin Fingal.”

Cllr Murphy said that being a councillor on Fingal County Council has given him a great insight into the workings of local politics.

“Now I want to take that on to a national level,” he stated.

“I wouldn’t stand for the general election if I didn’t think I had a chance of taking a seat. I genuinely feel I can take one.

“As the constituency is going from four to five seats, I feel there is a very good opportunity here.”

TDs Shane Ross and Michael Fitzmaurice are heading the Independent Alliance and insist that the political movement is not a party.

As a result of boundary changes, Dublin Fingal is a new constituency Cllr Tony comprising the old Dublin North Murphy will constituency with a few new be bidding additions. for a seat in Dublin Fingal will incorporate all Dublin Fingal. of Dublin North, Swords-Forrest and Kilsallaghan from Dublin West, and Balgriffin and Turnapin from TDs in the Dáil from 166 to 158.

Dublin North East.

The four sitting TDs in Dublin North are Clare The Constituency Commission recommended the Daly, Alan Farrell, Dr James Reilly and Brendan new constituency in its report in 2012.

Ryan.

The report proposed changes to the constituencies At least one new face will be representing the of Ireland in order to reduce the total number of Balbriggan area in the 32nd Dáil.

Making the difference in the North county

Murphy to contest general election under Independent Alliance banner

Balbriggan-based councillor Tony Murphy (Ind) believes he has a chance of taking a seat in the upcoming general election.

Cllr Murphy, who represents the Balbriggan Local Electoral Area (LEA) on Fingal County Council, recently announced that he will contest the five-seat Dublin Fingal constituency under the Independent Alliance banner.

Cllr Murphy contested the 2014 Local Elections for the first time, and finished second in a field comprising 23 candidates after amassing over 1,400 votes.

He duly took one of the eight seats on offer in the Balbriggan LEA. When asked why he decided to run under the Independent Alliance banner, Cllr Murphy said it was the “only mechanism for me to remain relevant to the electorate”.

“There is no whip system and I can project for the people who elected me,” he said.

“Also, being part of an Independent group gives you speaking time in the Dail.

“An Independent on their own always struggles to have their voice heard.

“When elected, I intend to be very vocal on all the issues affecting the new constituency of

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER 5

Local News

Locals urged to get involved in second Memorabilia Day

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Oconnor; chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid; and members of the Old IRA Commemorative Society and Irish Military Living History pictured at the first Memorabilia Day. DO you have any memorabilia or stories relating to the 1916-1923 period?

If the answer is yes, Fingal County Council is looking for them for its second Memorabilia Day which will be held on Saturday, November 7, from 12noon to 4pm at the Atrium in its offices in Blanchardstown.

The council will welcome those, not only with memorabilia but also people who have stories relating to the 1916–1923 period.

A docudrama entitled ‘A Terrible Beauty’ will be screened at 12.30pm and 2pm on the day.

The Grand Hotel in Malahide played host to the council’s recent Memorabilia Day. To help set the scene there were Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) officers and Irish volunteers, in full uniform, brandishing bayonets and guns – all re-enactors, bringing to life the 1916 Rising, and in particular the role the men and women of Fingal played in this tumultuous event in Irish history.

The Memorabilia Day, part of the 2016 Centenary Programme by Fingal County Council, provided an opportunity for members of the public to bring along items such as letters, medals and photos that tell the story of their family connections to the 1916 Rising and beyond to 1923.

Experts were on hand to digitally photograph the items, as were historians, genealogists, and professional valuers.

The experts helped the owners to fill in gaps in information as to the value and provenance of the items.

6 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

Most of the items were not valuable in monetary terms but of enormous sentimental value to the owners.

With the owners’ permission, the council plans to create a digital online repository using the material scanned on the day.

This will help to build a visual history and greater understanding of the role the ordinary men and women of Fingal played in the struggle for Irish freedom.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, offically opened the event. ‘‘The part that Fingal played in this struggle is a unique story involving ordinary men and women, with surnames that are still well known in the county such as Ashe, Mulcahy, Coleman, Kettle, Wilson, Weston, Kelly, McAllister, Adrien, Fleming and Lawless,” said Mayor O’Connor.

Speaking about the council’s 2016 Centenary Programme, chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid said: “It is a diverse and rich programme, underpinned by collaboration with councillors, relatives of those involved in 1916, members of the Old IRA Commemorative Society, historical societies, community groups and artists.”

For further information and to book in for Memorabilia Day on November 7, visit http://www.fingal.ie/events/ or email 1916centenary@fingal.ie or phone 01-8905080.

Paul Lennox (G-Man), Daniel Maverley (officer), Gary Stevens and Gerry Lynch (RIC), all re-enactors from Irish Military Living History, pictured at the event.

Liam Cassin, George Fonsie Mealy and Fonsie Mealy pictured during the Memorabilia Day.

The Memorabilia Day proved to be a big success.

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER 7

Local News

Council scoops occupational safety award

Fingal County Council claimed two awards at the event in Galway.

At the 24th Annual Occupational Safety Awards, which were held in Galway, Fingal County Council’s Human Resources (HR) team achieved the ‘Local Authority/Council Award’ in the Business Category Awards.

In addition, Fingal County Council also achieved a ‘Consistent High Achiever Award’ for obtaining a distinction or higher in each of the last five years of entering the competition.

The All-Ireland Occupational Safety Awards were established nationally in 1992 with 20 entries and have grown to become Ireland’s premier safety awards.

The awards truly became an all-Ireland affair when the Northern Ireland Safety Group joined forces with the National Irish Safety Organisation in 1995. To date, over 1,900 entries have been received.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, was very pleased with the announcement and sent his congratulations to the council’s staff “whose contribution to worker safety culminated in the success of achieving two awards.”

“Well done to all,” he added.

Chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, said worker safety and health is of paramount importance to the council.

“Combating the causes of workplace accidents, ensuring compliance with safety law and fostering the commitment to continual improvement of our safety management systems ensure not only worker safety and health but allow us to deliver a more effective service to our customers and citizens of Fingal,” said Mr Reid.

Local students attend mental health event

Fingal County Council’s Comhairle na nÓg held its AGM and Let’s Go Mental event in the grounds of Swords Castle on October 22.

Chief executive of the council Paul Reid welcomed 100 plus students from over 20 schools around Fingal including Garreth O’Connor, Fingal’s representative on the National Executive, to the event which was introduced by chairperson Daria Jonkisz The AGM heard from members of the Comhairle on their two projects – developing wristbands promoting LGBT rights and carrying out a feasibility study to introduce First Aid in secondary schools.

Suzanne Byrne from Youth Work Ireland spoke to the AGM about this year’s Dáil na nÓg.

This event, which is only open to members of Comhairle na nÓg, will take place in Croke Park this month with a special emphasis on education.

The AGM was also asked to complete a questionnaire about the most important human rights to children and young people in Ireland.

This feedback will be part of a report by the Department of Justice and Equality on how human rights are respected in Ireland.

After lunch in Masterson’s Restaurant, the Let’s Go Mental event was launched by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor who thanked the members for their hard work in organising the “best Let’s Go Mental” event in the country.

Let’s Go Mental is based on Headstrong’s concept of the Five-a-Day for Your Mental Health – Connect, Be Aware, Get Moving, Give and Get Involved.

Students hugely enjoyed participating in the activities around these concepts at the event, including giant Jenga and Connect Four, Zumba classes, untangling themselves out of a human

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knot and enjoyed peaceful mindfulness sessions in the newly renovated chapel at Swords Castle.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly dropped in on the day to wish everyone well.

He closed the day by reminding everyone present that these five concepts are not just for today but should be remembered at all times to promote positive mental health by all young people.

Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the country’s 34 local authorities which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies.

Visit: www.comhairlenanog.ie/lets-go-mental for more information.

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Home Cook Recipes 500g cream cheese, 4 heaped Tbsp Lemon Curd, 1/2 - 3/4 tin of condensed milk, 1 Tsp icing sugar, 1 Tsp vanilla extract

Method: For the base 1. Blitz biscuits in a food processor or put them in a zip lock bag and bash or roll with a rolling pin till they resemble sand.

2. In a large bowl, melt the butter till nearly liquid and add in the biscuits and combine.

3. Using a mediuhome cookm to small removable bottom cake tin, tip in the biscuit mix and flatten down tight with the back of a spoon. Place in fridge to set for 20-30 minutes.

Method:

Easy Peasy Lemon Cheesecake This no cook, slightly soft set cheesecake is super quick and easy. And tastes just as good using supermarket own brands too.

Tip: You could also add in 50ml of double cream to lighten it up if you wish.

For the base 14 digestive biscuits, 85g butter For the topping

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Tip: Store own brands work just as well for this recipe.

Ingredients:

125g Tin of Mackerel in Tomato Sauce 125g Cream Cheese Salt & Pepper to taste Parsley Fresh or Dried for Garnish

Method:

1. If you have time, leave the cheese out to come to room temperature. In a mixing bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth.

2. Add in your icing sugar, vanilla, lemon curd and condensed milk (1/2 or 3/4 tin depending on how sweet you like it) and keep mixing till all well combined.

3. Tip the topping mix onto the chilled biscuit base and smooth out the top. Then place it in the fridge for 4-6 hours (or overnight if you have time) to set.

Ingredients:

No Cook Tomato Mackerel Pate

This recipe is super quick and easy to rustle up as a last minute starter for unexpected dinner guests or even as a tasty dip or spread.

For the topping

1. In a bowl whisk cheese with a folk till smooth.

2. With your folk remove mackerel from the tin while trying not to get too much of the sauce.

3. Mix and mash the mackerel into the cream cheese until totally combined. Mix less if you like a more textured consistency.

5. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Transfer to your serving dish, sprinkle with parsley, cover in cling and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER 9

Local News

Exciting times ahead for Remember Us SUCCESS STORY: Pictured are members of the ‘Remember Us’ social group.

About Remember Us THERE are times when you can become a victim of your own success.

That’s certainly the case for Remember Us, a Balbriggan-based social group for young people and adults with special needs, their families and friends.

Remember Us began in 1998 with 15 families but now has over 235 families registered and continues to grow in popularity.

The group caters for children as young as fouryears-of-age through to adulthood, from North Fingal and surrounding areas.

Remember Us’s predicament is that it is currently Providing an excellent service all from a small office in Balbriggan and a variety of halls which it rents out for its activities.

However, the group now feels that as it has grown so too has the need for a permanent home for members.

A massive fundraising drive is ongoing in Balbriggan and surrounding areas to help this popular group achieve its dream.

Nora Roban, founder of Remember Us, says: “In order to facilitate us expanding and developing a wider range of activities we have identified a property that will give us a permanent presence in the community of Balbriggan.

“The property is in Balbriggan Retail Park opposite Platinum Gym and PJ’s Playcentre. It is almost 7,000 sq.ft. and is shell and core.

“We have been successful in fundraising the purchase price of this unit and we have now launched ‘Phase 2’ of our fundraising efforts to raise the €200k needed to fit it out to our needs.

“While we will always need to fundraise for the running costs of the group we, through our ‘second prong’ fundraising drive, aim to raise the funds needed for the ‘fit out’ of the property.”

To this end, Remember Us have linked in with local groups like the Lions Clubs in Malahide, Balbriggan and Swords, the Rotary 10 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

Club of Dublin Fingal, a number of local Irish Countrywomen Association branches (ICA) and others who have agreed to host fundraising events for the group.

“We have also linked in with a number of ‘fundraising partners’ such as the Wright Venue, Moriarty’s Supervalu, Balbriggan, Irish Centre for Cycling and Malahide Castle to name but a few,” says Ms Roban.

“We have always been so well supported by the local community and we are extremely grateful for all the fantastic support we get.

“As the big push is now on to raise the extra funds needed to fit-out our new home we are again seeking the support of the community to help us move in and become a permanent ‘fixture’ in Balbriggan.”

Ms Roban adds: “As we have only one paid position, which is job-shared, as well as our two CE and two TUS workers we rely heavily on our fantastic volunteers.

“They are amazing and we can’t thank them enough as without them there would be no ‘Club’.

Remember Us have a number of local fundraisers coming up in November and are asking the Balbriggan community to continue to support them. These include: • November 13/14: Bucket Collection in Millfield Shopping Centre • November 21: Sale of Work in Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre, Dublin Street from 2pm–5pm • November 24: Christmas Food and Wine Fare in Bracken Court Hotel, from 7pm-9pm which will be hosted by Moriarty’s Supervalu, Balbriggan. Tickets cost €10 and are available by contacting Nora or Anne on 086-0457003. (Your €10 ticket will also guarantee you €10 off a €40 shop at Supervalu Balbriggan).

Remember Us’s mission is to provide an integrated social environment for our young people/adults to learn, form friendships and above all have fun.

The ‘Club’ also gives the members an opportunity to develop their social and life skills, improve their self-esteem and have a good quality of life.

It aims to combat the feeling of isolation often felt by young people/adults with special needs and their families by helping them to integrate into the community.

Through involvement in ‘The Club’ members have the opportunity to experience and participate in a variety of activities in the community.

Please check on Facebook and at www. rememberus.ie for a list of current activities.

The services provides are: Clubs for the following groups: • Cool Kids 4–8-year-olds (Wednesday and Saturday) • Cool Dudes 9–12-year-olds (Wednesday and Saturday) • Cool Gang 13–17-year-olds (Monday, Thursday and Saturday) • Cool Rockers 18+ age group (Wednesday, Saturday and two Fridays a month) • Easter Camp – For five days during the Easter Holidays • Six-week summer programme - four days and one night each week • Four family respite breaks away per year – one break for seven nights away and three breaks for four nights • A parent/carer respite break away for two nights per year • Parent/carer information evenings on relevant topics • Support for families when needed

Local News

Camino group walk the walk for Remember Us A GROUP from Balbriggan stepped up to the plate for a major fundraising drive when they travelled to Spain recently to take part in the Camino de Santiago pilgrim walk.

The ten locals raised €1,000 each for Remember Us, a social group for people with special needs and their families, based in Balbriggan.

The energetic group of ten walked a total of 140km in six days from Pamplona to Santa Domingo on the 1,000-year-old Pilgrim route Camino de Santiago.

The walk was so successful that it is intended it will take place annually and continue raising funds for Remember Us. Mary Simons, managing director of PJ’s Playcentre in Balbriggan, was among those who took part in the walk.

“It was a hugely positive experience and the fact that we were doing it for a local charity, Remember Us, made it all the more worthwhile,” said Ms Simons.

“I would strongly recommend other people to join the Remember Us Camino in 2016.”

A cheque for €10,000 was presented to Remember Us at a function in Balbriggan on October 22.

Remember Us and its supporters are currently involved in a major fundraising drive with the ultimate aim of purchasing a new premises in the town.

Remember Us would like to thank Cllr Tony Murphy and Seán Corrigan who led the team which comprised Susan Hannah, Catherine Lawlor, Mary Simons, James Cassin, Jean Wray, Eugene Murphy, Paula McGrath and Neil Anderson for taking part in the event.

All funds raised will go towards the fit-out of Remember Us’s new home.

Meanwhile, it is hoped that the number of Balbriggan participants taking

Pictured are members of the Camino Walk team at the presentation of the cheque to remember us. PHOTO: DAVID BRANGAN

BEST FOOT FORWARD: The Balbriggan Camino team took the walk in their stride. part in the famous walk in 2016 will increase.

If anyone is interested in taking part next year, please contact Cllr Tony Murphy (Ind) on 086-8140994 or Remember Us on 086-0457003.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER 11

Christmas Feature Yes, it’s that time of year again!

The countdown to Christmas begins

By Patrick Martin

--------------------------------

By the time you read this article, you will probably have heard at least one Christmas carol in a shop, seen a festive window display or heard a few work colleagues bringing up the subject of what they’ll be wearing at the staff party.

No sooner has the last Halloween bonfire been extinguished and the last nut cracked, than our thoughts automatically turn towards Christmas.

Every year we say we won’t get caught up too early in the madness, but we always fail. It’s human nature and we just can’t help ourselves once we hear that first bar of ‘All I Want For Christmas’.

For children this is obviously a time of year that can’t come quick enough.

Indeed, if you asked them would they cancel Halloween and have Christmas come earlier, they’d probably bite your hand off !

However, while eye-catching window displays entice children into the shops with their reluctant parents, it’s the latter that have to pick up the tab.

Sadly, there is a downside to Christmas for hard-pressed parents – debt.

It’s not unusual for parents to overspend at this time of year. It might be okay to go just that little bit overboard during your seasonal spree but spending significantly more than you can afford isn’t.

Somewhere along the line there has to be a payback and usually it comes along with the January blues and the dreaded sight of your local postman walking up the garden path with a sack full of bills.

You might not think it’s a big deal to consider deferring repayments until the New Year but is that really the way you want to welcome in 2016?

By delaying repayments, you will only ending up paying extra in interest charges, and there could also be a negative effect on your credit rating too.

So before you give into the child who wants EVERYTHING for Christmas and the most expensive toy from Santa, think of the possible repercussions.

Of course, if there is one thing this recession has taught us is: how to get a grip on reality.

The older generation will remember a time when they were lucky to get one gift at Christmas. God knows what they think of all the madness going on around them in the modern day.

Christmas is not just for children though as we adults like to let our hair down too.

Already Christmas Party nights have been booked and in the coming weeks hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues will be receiving calls (if they haven’t already) to cater for another party.

There was a time not long ago when the sacred Christmas Party was under threat due to the recession, with many workplaces deciding against the annual splurge but thankfully that’s all behind us now.

The Government’s giveaway budget has left most people with a smile on their face, and this Christmas could be the best in a very long time.

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Christmas Feature The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre continues to hit the high notes When it comes to entertainment in north county Dublin, you don’t have to look further than The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre (TSEAC).

The popular centre has been hitting the high notes in the arts industry since it first opened its doors in the Naul on October 23, 2001.

The centre aims to provide an environment that showcases performances from local, regional, national and international artists across a range of genres, and it has been doing just that for the last decade and a half.

TSEAC runs year round activities including concerts, theatre, traditional Irish music sessions, cinema, comedy nights (LOL in Naul), talks, music tuition, craft workshops and art exhibitions.

The idea for a cultural centre in memory of Séamus Ennis has its origins in Scoil Shéamuis Ennis, a festival which takes place every October in the village of Naul and surrounding districts.

TSEAC is a ‘non-profit’ organisation set up to commemorate the work and life of the late Séamus Ennis.

Over the years, the centre has undergone extensive refurbishment to also become a unique venue for an array of special events.

The Cottage Café at the centre provides fresh

The bronze statue of Séamus Ennis was unveiled at TSEAC on October 24, 2001. homemade food every day from 10am, so pop in the next time you’re visiting the beautiful village of Naul.

For more information on TSEAC and to check what events they will be holding in the run up to and including Christmas, visit www.tseac.ie

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Animal Matters

The importance of microchipping your pet What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice which is implanted into the neck of our pets through a needle.

Once this is administered to our dog or cat, we then have a unique code. This code is then placed onto an international database and when that number is typed into the database, your dog or cat’s details then come up.

A microchip is not a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker which some owners have been led to believe in the past.

Why do I need one?

The main reason to have your pet microchipped is in the unfortunate event that he/she goes missing and cannot find their way home.

Once your pet is scanned for a chip and the unique 15-digit number is placed onto the database, you are then contacted immediately. This of course, means that the microchip must be registered with a reliable phone number.

The second reason at the moment for a microchip is the new law that will be in place from March 2016. All dogs must have a registered microchip by then, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Where can I get my pet microchipped?

Any veterinary centre can implant a microchip. So if you contact the vet that you attend with your pet, they will give you more information on when they are available and at what cost.

Some veterinary clinics or hospitals may also be doing deals on microchips over the next few months with the change in law. Call your local veterinary practice for more information.

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Making the difference in the North county

Local News Getting down to business

some profit along the way.

The County Final takes place next March when all school finalist projects will have a chance to compete for a share of the €15,000 prize fund.

The overall Fingal winners will then go on to represent the county at the National Student Enterprise Awards final in Croke Park in May 2016.

Balbriggan students to show entrepreneurial spirit The recent student enterprise event will inspire some of Hundreds of enterprising students from primary and this year’s participants with the stories, experience and secondary schools across Fingal, including a large wisdom of other successful young entrepreneurs. number from Balbriggan, are getting down to business in Past award winning young entrepreneurs shared their preparation for a major competition. stories and the lessons they have learned along the way.

During Fingal Enterprise Week, which took place last Hosted by 2FM’s Rick O’Shea, speakers included month, the 2015 Fingal Student Enterprise Programme Hannah O’Reilly of Improper Butter, Fashion Designer, was launched Niamh O’Neill and last year’s Senior Category winner Some 250 students from 24 schools throughout the Aviva Brianna Kearney of Holly’s Pet Patisserie. county attended the high-energy event at the Riasc Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Fingal County Centre, Swords, hosted by 2FM’s Rick O’Shea.

Council, said he was delighted to announce that this The 250 students hailed from schools across the region year they have a record-breaking number of students including Balbriggan Community School, Loreto participating.

College Balbriggan and Colaiste Ghlor Na Mara in “A whopping 2,500 students will take part, 2,100 from Balbriggan.

24 Secondary schools and 400 from eight primary Balbriggan Educate Together and St Teresa’s Primary schools,” said Mr Geoghegan. “This makes the Fingal School, Balbriggan are among eight schools taking part programme easily the biggest in Ireland.” in the primary schools’ section of the competition.

Chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid The Fingal Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is running said: “The Student Enterprise Awards is all about what has become Ireland’s most successful annual creating the next generation of entrepreneurs in this Student Enterprise Awards programme. country.

Throughout the school year, the students’ enterprise “It is imperative that we have a healthy entrepreneurial initiative enables young people from secondary and environment in which creative and bright young people primary schools to learn valuable business skills. can create new enterprises”.

The students are required to produce a business plan Mr Reid added: “I am delighted that in Fingal there and then they actually set up their own real life business, is such a high level of interest in enterprise among our Balbriggan Childcare 10cmx2 04/04/201 provide a product or service, sell it and hopefully make youngest citizens.”

Balbriggan students to take part in enterprise competition

Chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid said the awards are all about creating the next generation of entrepreneurs.

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Local News

Council launches Letters from the Trenches

TOP: Jacinta Judge, Fingal Local History & Archive, Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor, Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG), Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind) Cllr Joe Newman (Ind) and Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) pictured at the launch. PHOTO: KEVIN McFEELY MIDDLE: Clare Bates, Peadar Bates, Paddy Ryan, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, Gillian Weston and Charlie Weston pictured at the launch of ‘Fingal Studies: Letters from the Trenches’. PHOTO: KEVIN McFEELY BOTTOM LEFT: Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, pictured at the launch of the history journal which will be of great interest to locals.

PHOTO: KEVIN McFEELY BOTTOM RIGHT: Pictured at the launch of ‘Fingal Studies: Letters from the Trenches’, by Fingal County Council’s Local History Department was Dr Joseph Byrne, editor, and Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor. PHOTO: KEVIN McFEELY Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor recently launched the fourth edition of Fingal Studies, the local history journal of Fingal County Libraries.

The title of the journal ‘Fingal Studies: Letters from the Trenches’ refers to an article written by local historian and author Peadar Bates.

It is based upon a series of letters written during the First World War by Richard Hely-Hutchinson of Seafield, Donabate, whose family donated the Hely-Hutchinson Collection to Fingal Local Studies and Archives.

This edition of the journal explores the history of the county with subjects ranging from the Vikings in Fingal and the Williamite Wars to the construction of Harbour Terrace in Balbriggan by the Percivals, a prominent local family.

Expertly edited by historian Doctor Joseph Byrne, ‘Fingal Studies: Letters from the Trenches’ will appeal to anyone who is interested in the history of Fingal County.

Priced at €5, the journal is available to buy from Fingal Local Studies and Archives, Clonmel House, Forster Way in Swords.

It is also available at all Fingal branch libraries. Anyone interested in contributing articles to the next edition should contact the editor at Fingalstudies@gmail.com 16 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

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Local Sport

Laura thrilled after winning online competition

Laura got ‘Little Silver’ for her sixth birthday.

A Balbriggan girl’s dreams of becoming a professional horse-rider received a major boost recently when she won an online competition.

Laura Dunne (11), from Castlelands, won first prize in the competition, held by Likit, the top equine toy and treat brand on the market which sells its products all over the world.

Laura, a pupil at Balbriggan Educate Together, had to make a three-minute video and submit it to the

Laura won the online Likit competition.

18 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

company saying why she should be one of their ambassadors.

Likit then selected the top 10 from all over the world, including Laura, and it went to a public vote to see who won prize.

Laura will now receive sponsorship and backing form the company which will go towards her training and competitions.

She will have a blog on the Likit website, and will promote the company through merchandise such as branded rugs and jackets, and she will also receive a year’s supply of Likit products.

Laura found out she won the competition on her birthday, and according to her mum, Sarah, she “cried all over the place”.

“It was a massive thing for her and she was in shock,” Sarah told Balbriggan Local.

“She said it was the present she got for any of her birthdays other than her horse (Little Silver).”

Sarah said her daughter has been on the back of a horse since before she could walk.

“I myself have been horse-riding from a young age,” she said.

“Laura worked very hard and saved every penny from the time she was two, putting all her money in a credit union account to save for a pony.

“She got ‘Little Silver’ for her sixth birthday. He is a cheeky chap who has made her work very hard over the years. He has put her on the ground more times then we can count.

“She did however, stick with him and through perseverance, hard work and dedication has turned him into a champion pony who competed and placed in the Dublin Horse show the past two

Laura’s dream is to become a professional horse-rider years.”

Sarah said the success was all down to Laura who put in hours of training with him.

“They are now best friends and he happily follows her around,” she added.

“Her goal in life is to be a professional horse-rider.

In order to do this, however, she will need to gain sponsorship from companies to help fund this dream.”

Laura Dunne pictured with ‘Little Silver’.

Local Sport

Local schools given a taste of cricket Fingal County Council’s sports office and Cricket Leinster have been working with over 40 Fingal primary schools, assisting teachers to develop their skills by delivering an ‘Introduction to Cricket’ teacher education programme.

The aim is to increase playing numbers around the county.

The workshops (usually on staff in-service/training days or directly after school), are practical and interactive, including the many basics of cricket,

Balbriggan children given marathon opportunity Over 600 sixth class pupils from 22 Fingal schools, including a large number from Balbriggan, were given the opportunity of a lifetime when they took part in the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon.

A new Fingal County Council initiative aimed at tackling childhood obesity and encouraging fitness levels had a thrilling finish at the 26.2mile marathon on the bank holiday weekend.

Pupils from Balbriggan Educate Together National School, Bracken Educate Together National School, Gaelscoil Baile Brigin, St Mologa’s National School, St Teresa’s National School and Balrothery National School took part in an eight-week programme, which saw them train four times a week at their school.

The pupils completed 25.2 miles before setting up the grand finale and running one more mile on October 26.

Fingal County Council, in conjunction with Dublin Marathon, developed a workbook for each pupil taking part which highlights the benefits of sport and is used as both a training guide and learning tool for use in the classroom.

The response from the local schools in Fingal was astounding, especially as this was the pilot KiDSMARATHON programme in Ireland.

New Zealand Olympian Rod Dixon developed the KiDSMARATHON athletic programme to encourage children to embrace healthy and active lifestyles.

A chance meeting between Mr Dixon and Neil Kennedy (Dublin Marathon) paved the way for the programme to come to Ireland.

skill activities and game-based activities for teachers’ PE class plans.

Eight schools, and a total of 150 teachers have participated in the workshops so far this year, with more dates scheduled in the coming months.

Cricket Leinster activities are ongoing across Fingal – Leprechaun Cup, Super league, Leprechaun Cup ‘Cailini’, Fingal Girls’ Super League and fourth and fifth class Kwik cricket blitz.

Clubs get funding from Sport Capital Programme TWO local cricket clubs are to benefit from the allocation of funds from the Sports Capital Programme 2015 which was announced recently.

Minister for Sport, Michael Ring announced that €41 million in funding is to be provided under this year’s programme to clubs nationwide.

Balbriggan Cricket Club and North County Cricket Club, based in Balrothery, are to receive €8,930 and €33,370 respectively.

The nearby Ring Commons Sport Centre is to receive €9,828 while Fingal Hockey Club will get €1,805.

Speaking at the announcement of the grants, Minister for Sport Michael Ring said the Sports Capital Programme ensures that as many clubs and organisations as possible have the facilities and equipment they need to allow the maximum number of people to get involved in a wide variety of sports.

“By investing in community facilities, these grants take the pressure off clubs and groups to fundraise themselves to provide for the upgrading and building of premises and allows coaches and other volunteers to concentrate on growing the sports they know and love,” said Minister Ring.

“The Sports Capital Programme is the most important way in which the Government assists in the development and refurbishment of sporting facilities and in the purchase of non-personal sports equipment.”

This was the third round of the Sports Capital funding allocated under Minister Ring, following suspension of the programme, under the previous administration, from 2008-2011.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER 19

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