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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 Local Magazine communitylocals@gmail.com

Please send all your local news stories to us whether it be a special birthday, anniversary or occasion to awards, events, memories of times gone by, memorials etc.. We want to hear it all! Please email your news & photos to: communitylocals@gmail.com Before the 15th of the month prior to publication. Thanks to our readers and to the businesses for your continued support. The Balbriggan Local Team.

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Local News

New road a boost for Balbriggan

Balbriggan locals received a major boost recently when a new road opened in the area heralding more progress for one of the fastest growing towns in the country. Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler officially opened Castle Mill Road which leads to the Castle Mill Shopping Centre and housing developments in the North West of the town. The road, which cost €1.4 million to build, was funded from Fingal County Council’s development levies and the project was delivered on time and on budget.

Although it is only 530m long, the opening of Castle Mill Road represents an important milestone in the ongoing development of Balbriggan by Fingal County Council. It will be a key link between large areas of residential developments, with a local commercial centre, and the road network surrounding Balbriggan. The road consists of a single lane in each direction together with a footpath and cycleways on each side. A pedestrian crossing has also been installed adjacent to St George’s School and

Talk highlights Harry Clarke’s work On October 21, Balbriggan Tourism held a talk on the art of Harry Clarke, an internationally acclaimed Irish stained-glass artist whose work adorns the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Balbriggan. The talk, presented by Jessica O’Donnell from the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, gave an insight into Clarke’s short, but productive life and the importance of his legacy today. The two Balbriggan’s stained-glass windows, ‘The Visitation’ and ‘The Widow’s Son’, were commissioned in 1923 by Canon Byrne at the cost of £116, the equivalent of approximately £6,000 today. Two wonderful postcards showing details of the two stainedglass windows were produced and are available from Balbriggan Tourist Office/Chamber of Commerce office on George’s Square in Balbriggan. 4

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

similar signals were constructed at the Moylaragh junction. Among the benefits Castle Mill Road will bring to Balbriggan is the removal of Heavy Goods Vehicles from the main residential and recreational areas of north-west Balbriggan as well as enhanced access from north-west Balbriggan to the Naul Road. It will also provide improved and safer access to and from the schools in the area, through the provision of new cycle and footpath facilities. There will also be enhanced access to the main shopping areas on the Naul Road and to Balbriggan town centre, as well as, an alternative access route to the main residential areas of north- west Balbriggan for public service vehicles. Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “We view this as a significant asset for the area, which we hope will be the springboard for further enhancements. “A significant challenge is in the provision of suitable infrastructures to enable local communities to have a high quality of life, good access to services and an attractive environment within which to live. “The Castle Mill Road is one piece of the infrastructure jigsaw. It’s a small but significant piece in ensuring that the people of Balbriggan have a better quality of life, enhanced accessibility and safer communities.” Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler said: “Hopefully as the economy recovers, and we have the means to invest in the county and further develop its essential infrastructures, we will have many such occasions in the coming years. “This is a good day for local residents, who have experienced high levels of traffic in this area and the associated inconvenience, but also for the businesses, schools and other facilities in the local community. It is also a good day for Balbriggan.” Mayor Butler added: “Fingal County Council continues to work with the local communities, the Chamber of Commerce and others to ensure that Balbriggan is a good place to live, a good place to visit and a good place within which to do business.”

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The countdown to Christmas begins 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.

By Patrick Martin

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Christmas

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 2017? 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 and this Christmas could be the best in a very long time. At this time of year, it’s also a good thing if you can shop local where possible, and support the businesses that have been there for us through thick and thin. It would also help to foster some good old community spirit. The countdown is on, now let the fun begin!

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Local News

Plaques unveiled in Railway Street Local people at the event in Railway Street, Balbriggan.

The plaques provide a visual link to Railway Street’s past.

As part of Culture Night 2016 eight large-scale photographic plaques were unveiled in Railway Street, Balbriggan. The wall plaques contain historical black and white images depicting a time when the street was at the heart of a booming textile industry in Balbriggan. This project formed a part of the study, ‘Railway Street: A New Beginning’, by the Paul Hogarth Company. Balbriggan Town Council and Fingal County Council appointed the Paul Hogarth Company to facilitate a consultation-led design process for one of the town’s main thoroughfares. The ambitious plan for the rejuvenation of this historic street was the product of numerous workshops held with residents and business owners on Railway Street, along with local school pupils, councillors and their officials. A highlight of the process was an outdoor street event in 2012. This long-awaited project was launched by Balbriggan Tourism Committee. Chairperson of the committee, Cllr Tony Murphy (Ind), thanked all the people who made the project possible. Local historian Dr David Sorenson entertained the gathering on the night with a very informative talk on the history of Railway Street and Smyth & Co.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

Cllr Tony Murphy (Ind) speaking at the event.

Smyth & Co. the original Balbriggan Hosiers.

The impressive plaques adorn Railway Street.

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Local News

Boost for Balbriggan Guide Dogs’ branch Marie Deegan, secretary of the branch, her husband Eamonn, Andrew Green with his guide dog Nico and Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler at the event in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan.

he Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Irish Guide Dogs has been in existence for over 30 years. Throughout the last three decades, the strength of the branch has been its volunteers and, of course, the generosity of the public when the branch is fundraising. The branch was recently given the opportunity to promote themselves at a volunteer recruitment drive held in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan. It was a busy event. As well as selling some of its merchandise, the branch received interest from people present to become volunteers and have started training these people now. The branch also held a fundraising bag-pack at Dunnes Stores, Castle Mill Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, over the weekend of October 7 and 8. Tom O’Neill, Guide Dog owner and co-chair of the branch, told Balbriggan Local: “We in the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs would like to sincerely thank the management, staff and customers for their total cooperation and support to us. “For us in the branch it has been a real pleasure to deal with all of the staff in Dunnes Stores and I am just going to name three members of staff: Anthony the manager, Samantha and Cathy.

10 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

“All monies collected go towards the training of more guide dogs for blind people and more assistance dogs for children with autism.” Mr O’Neill said the branch is now entering its busiest time of the year for fundraising. “Already our 2017 calendar is available as is our 2016 packs of Christmas cards,” he said. “These are now available from the branch and will be out in shops throughout the North County in early November. There will be more events coming up including: •Friday, November 25: Black Friday at Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan where there will a merchandise stand; and •Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3: There will be a merchandise stand inside Supervalu, Balbriggan. Mr O’Neill pointed out that without volunteers the branch or indeed any branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind would not be able to continue. “So we want to thank the great volunteers we have in our branch for their ongoing support and help,” he added. “We would encourage people to become involved with us as we have many volunteering opportunities. “All of us involved in the branch are total volunteers. We can also give talks to local groups

or schools.” If you would like to contact the Balbriggan/ North County Dublin branch of Irish Guide Dogs, send an email to guidedogsbalbriggan@ gmail.com or call Tom O’Neill, Guide Dog owner and co-chair of the branch, on 085-7663107. Pictured at the event in Castle Mill Shopping Centre were Zenon Debny, puppy walker, with puppy Lion; Anthony Ryan, manager of Dunnes Stores, Castle Mill SC; and Tom O’Neill and his dog Gatsby.

Local News

Chamber welcomes €2m castle investment Restoration work is well underway at Bremore Castle which will be a huge asset to Balbriggan when completed. Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the latest news that Fingal County Council is to allocate €2 million of new funding for the development of the castle and its surrounding grounds. This project which was initiated as part of a training scheme some 20 years ago will provide a platform for the development of an exciting tourism proposition for Balbriggan. Investment on this scale by Fingal County Council is warmly welcomed by the chamber. Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce chief executive Seán Corrigan said the impact of this new investment to the town cannot be underestimated “The Bremore Castle development, sitting in a planned 100-acre regional park is extremely impressive and in time the castle will provide a tourism product equal to some of the other great tourist castles of Ireland,” he said. “It is a welcome boost to Balbriggan and a magnificent addition to the existing tourism offering in the north county Dublin area.” Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce congratulates Fingal County Council on this exciting initiative to put Balbriggan firmly on the tourist trail.

Work is continuing on Bremore Castle.

Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce chief executive Seán Corrigan.

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Local News

Driving home for Christmas…to Maydenhayes

No place like home, a Maydenhayes home.

Are you on the move? Want to be in your new home by Christmas? You will need to be quick as there are only two houses remaining at Maydenhayes that buyers could move into in time for Christmas. Maydenhayes is proving extremely popular. Purchasers have ranged from newly-weds, young professionals working within commuting distance, to families upgrading or downsizing. This lovely new community, encircling the

old 1860 Donacarney House and Demesne near Mornington village, familiar to many, is a great place to call home. There will be more stunning homes ready in Spring 2017 and further homes also coming on stream in August next year for those who might need to save up their deposit. There will also be a limited number of detached houses available with South and West Facing

Gardens ready from June 17 onwards. The initial impact on arrival at Maydenhayes is idyllic. The surrounding trees are stunning this autumn. In each home the list of high quality fittings that come as standard have to be seen to be believed and everything is cleverly positioned. Maydenhayes homes have a large fitted kitchen area that can comfortably accommodate a dining table as well as a reading/office/television or family relaxation area. There is also a separate downstairs living area. The piece de resistance upstairs off the master bedroom has to be the wonderfully spacious fully fitted walk-in wardrobe and dressing room, adjacent to the Master en-suite. All other bedrooms come with built in wardrobes as standard. A visit is highly recommended to truly experience these stylish Maydenhayes homes first-hand. Prices range from €239,500 for a three bed semi, from €279,500 for a four bed semi, and from €324,000 for a detached house. The houses are open for viewing every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 4pm and on Wednesdays from 12noon to 4pm. Alternatively, you can view outside these hours by arrangement at http://maydenhayes.ie/ contact/ A virtual tour is also available on www. maydenhayes.ie

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Local News

Remember Us seeks support for new premises

Remember Us members pictured during one of their many outings.

A social group for young people and adults with special needs desperately needs funds to fit out its new premises. Remember Us recently launched a campaign to get their new space at Balbriggan Retail Park fitted out. Nora Roban, founder of Remember Us,

said: “We are approximately halfway there and continue to look to the community of North Fingal for support. “Funds are desperately needed to make this dream real for our special members. We are especially looking for companies to come on board and support us. “Employees could also fundraise for us. In

return they would get publicity on our website, Facebook, local media etc. It would also be a feel good factor to have been part of this very unique project. “We would be delighted to hear from you or we can come to your company and tell you the story of Remember Us.” Ms Roban added: “On behalf of all our members, I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have supported us to date.” If you would like to support this very worthwhile campaign in the community, please contact Nora on 086-0457003 or email hello@rememberus.ie. 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. The group continues to run club nights and have organised days out to the Causey Christmas Experience outside Kells; a day out at the Panto in The Helix; the Cool Rockers Christmas Party at the Wright Venue in Swords; Members’ Christmas Party with disco and party and lots more. Visit www.rememberus.ie for a full list of activities.

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THE GRAND OPENING Of Linders Swords Turvey 5th November

To celebrate the opening of Linders Renault’s new dealership, we would like to invite you and your family to come on down and visit us on the 5th November. It’s going to be an exciting day of facepainting & family fun, The Happy Pear will join us on the day to help serve up some delicious treats.

Saturday 5th November, Turvey Business Centre Donabate Fun kicks off at 12 noon The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Mégane Signature Nav dCi 110 are:Urban 67.3 (4.2); Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6); Combined 74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 99g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.

LINDERS SWORDS TURVEY Turvey Business Centre, Donabate, Co. Dublin Tel 01 8901801 www.linders.ie turveysales@lindersrenault.ie

Local News

Major success for local Baton Twirlers

The athletes and coaches of St Mary’s Baton Twirlers.

St Mary’s Baton Twirlers enjoyed major success recently when 10 of their athletes travelled to Slovenia where they participated in the European Club Twirling Championships 2016 and came fourth overall out of 14 clubs. It was a fantastic achievement for this local club with the athletes, club directors, judges and coaches doing both St Mary’s and Ireland proud. The club would like to thank all the Mammies who travelled to support the girls and helped out. The athletes who competed were Louise Fagan, Rachael Foley, Rachel Richardson, Leigha Collins, Keeva Howard, Cara Pendred, Amy Prosser, Kelly Gilmartin, Erin Delaney and Katie Monks; and the club directors are Dinah Black, Michael Connolly, Susan Mullen and Tara Connolly. See below the amazing results which helped the club achieve the excellent fourth place overall finish: •2nd Juvenile Team •6th Junior Team •2nd Juvenile Group 18 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

•15th Cara Pendred Juvenile Freestyle •17th Amy Prosser Juvenile Freestyle •19th Rachel Richardson Junior Freestyle •20th Keeva Howard Junior Freestyle •Joint 21st Louise Fagan Junior Freestyle •9th Amy and Cara Juvenile Pair •8th Rachael Foley & Keeva Senior Pair •9th Rachel Richardson & Louise Fagan Junior Pair. St Mary’s Baton Twirlers train in St Pat’s GAA Hall, Stamullen, and have athletes from Balscadden, Balbriggan, Skerries, Drogheda, Stamullen, Bellewstown and Mornington. In August the club celebrated 37 years in existence and are delighted to report that they are going from strength to strength with athletes ranging from the age of four years to 20 years plus. New members are always welcome to join the club. Why not give it a Twirl! Contact Susan, Tara or Dinah on 0863270636. or message them on Facebook: St Mary’s Baton Twirlers.

The athletes who did so well in Slovenia.

Bowls Club a great asset to Balbriggan

Members Breda, Maire and Lorraine with some of the trophies won by Balbriggan Bowls Club.

Balbriggan Bowls Club has come a long way since it was established in 1999 and is continuing to provide a healthy social outlet to the community. It operates as a non-profit organisation and whatever funds are generated are rechannelled into social outings and assets to benefit members. Balbriggan Bowls Club is located in the Community Centre of the Combined Clubs on Dublin Street, Balbriggan. On past occasions much excitement was generated when the club teamed up against a variety of other clubs including Julianstown, Skerries, Phibsborough, Coolock and in Westport, where the spirit of team activity was very much enjoyed by all. The members are purely social bowlers who get together for a couple of hours every Wednesday from 2.15pm to 4.30pm. They come from all walks of life and are mainly retired, semi-retired, not working or just have a little time on their hands and simply wish to meet other people and do a mild activity – carpet bowls, if they so wish. The club’s aim is to divert their minds and escape the confines of home and recharge one’s mental batteries by mixing with other people just by sharing local and general news and views. The club is always open to new members who want to get out and enjoy and mingle with like-minded company, with some light leisure interest. No skills are required, and the club offers an excellent opportunity for people who want to spend a little time in a relaxed environment. If you are interested in joining Balbriggan Bowls Club, or just wish to enquire, please contact Liam Daly on 085-7289270. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Members of Balbriggan Bowls Club.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

Local News

Fairy Tree Trail launched at Ardgillan The Fairy Tree Trail is a great addition to Ardgillan Castle.

Students from Balrothery National School with Aileen O’Connor, Fingal County Council; Dominica McKevitt, Head Gardener at Ardgillan Castle & Demesne; and Danielle Wilson Higgins, Culture & Heritage Office at Ardgillan Castle.

Ardgillan Castle celebrated National Tree Day by launching the newest addition to its already spectacular parkland with the creation of a Fairy Tree Trail. This project was created in collaboration with Fingal County Council and is free of charge. The trail is dotted around the woodland area of the walled garden and offers visitors a chance to learn about the different varieties of trees growing at Ardgillan. Throughout the trail there are informative

panels with interesting information on the many species of tree growing in the park. A map and quiz has been created to coincide with the trail and is available both at Ardgillan Castle and on their website. The added bonus on this trail is that you might spot a fairy hiding or living in one of the beautiful trees! This initiative was launched by Aileen O’Connor, Fingal County Council, for National Tree Day on October 6.

Students from Balrothery National School, accompanied by their Principal Mairéad Murphy, celebrated National Tree Day at Ardgillan Demesne by being the first school to try out the trail. The team is aiming to grow the Fairy Tree Trail by creating a magical woodland area which will encourage lots of new fairies to come and live at Ardgillan. The trail is open all year round in the park.

Balrothery National School pupils.

20 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

Feature

Five ways to have more of your income left

Do a bit of homework to see how much more of your income you can keep.

By Dave Kavanagh You’ve listened to the budget commentary and worked out roughly how much better off you will be in 2017 (or not if you smoke!). But are there other ways to increase the amount of your hard, earned cash that you have left over each month? Actually, there are but we do tend to put off doing things that can make a difference only to pay for it in the long run. Here’s a few practical changes you can make to leave you with more of your money.

1. Keep a detailed spending budget for a month – Most people think they know

what they’re spending on each month but doing an exercise like this and documenting every single cent that is spent each day can be very eyeopening. Studies have shown, you are twice as likely to have more money each month if you do this. Each day, keep note of any spending, whether it’s 50c in a parking meter or €2 for a newspaper or €1,200 rent. Log the spending each evening strictly and after a month, you will be quite surprised! 2. Shop clever – Make a list before you do the weekly shop. Plan what you actually need, write it down and stick to the list. Avoid the “Oh that looks nice” grabbing which often turns to “that’s gone off, throw it out” a few days later. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

If you’re not good at remembering prices, keep your receipt and bring it with you the following week. This way you can see if a store has sneaked up a few prices and choose accordingly. When buying more expensive items, make sure you do a bit of research. Just because something is marked as ‘20% off ’ does not mean it’s not cheaper in another local shop that has no reductions.

3. Look at switching utility providers

- Despite some great savings to be made, less

than 20 per cent of households switch providers of things like electricity, gas, telephone/broadband etc. Yes, it can take a bit of time but it could amount to saving the equivalent of a week’s wages by spending an hour on the phone/computer.

4. Review premiums that you are paying – For the ones that come in every year,

such as car or home insurance, taking the time to ring around and compare like with like can yield great savings. At the very least, ring your existing provider and ask “can you do any better?” For the longer term ones such as life cover, mortgage protection, serious illness cover etc, it only takes minutes to see if you can get the same cover (or better) for lower premiums. This is particularly relevant if you commenced them with a bank or insurance company that could only quote their own products. You could be paying the most expensive in the market.

Just make sure you talk to someone who is not tied to just one company and can compare and find you the best option available. If you have given up smoking since you commenced one of these plans and have been off them for at least 12 months, the savings are colossal.

5. Examine your bank statements – Take out a few months’ bank statements and

make sure you can account for every deduction that is made. Regularly, we see people paying for things that should have been cancelled months or even years ago. There may also be debits for items that are no longer relevant or used, such as club memberships or subscriptions. It is also a good exercise in the prevention of fraud, which occurs far more frequently than you may think. Of course, this can all take a bit of time and effort but unless you’re suffering from the complaint of having too much money left over each month, what have you got to lose? •Dave Kavanagh QFA has been a Financial Advisor for over 20 years. He has done advice slots on RTE 2FM and on TV3 and does the ‘Ask the Expert’ Financial Advice section on Mumstown.ie

For more information on this topic, you can use the contact page on www.financialcompanion.ie BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

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Lashes by Laura, Lusk

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EASY

Home Cook Recipes

What’s All the Method Fudge About Christmas.. Ingredients Makes 12x15g cubes • • • • •

-4 tablespoons melted coconut oil -240g Nut butter (eg. almond/cashew/peanut/ hazelnut) -2 tablespoons 100% cocoa powder -3 tablespoons Maple/ Agave/Date syrup or honey (natural liquid sweetener) -1 teaspoon vanilla extract

“Left overs from Halloween and Christmas just around the corner means there are a lot of treats to indulge in around this time of year. But what if we could have a treat and also be healthy? My fudge recipe below is actually quite nutritious but also delicious. There is no added sugars, only a natural liquid sweetener. It contains the all and mighty cacao (cocoa) which is rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin C, some caffeine for an energy lift and theobromine which helps to release serotonin. Serotonin is our happy hormone which may be one of the reasons why eating chocolate which contains cocoa makes us feel so happy!! It literally takes minutes to make and very little effort! AND it can make a creative, tasty Christmas gift and cost a lot less than buying boxes of chocolate!!! So get practising and try out my various fudge flavours on my website: www.biabites.net Or follow me on Twitter: @BiaBites Recipe also available as gaeilge ar: www.biabites.net 1.Line small tin (4” x 8”) with parchment paper/cling film for easy removal. 2.Mix all ingredients together until smooth. 3. Pour into prepared tin. 4. Freeze for 20 minutes or until solid. 5. Slice into cubes and ENJOY!! Refrigerate/freeze leftovers as it can melt at room temperature.

Noticeboard & Parish News

Noticeboard & Parish News VOLUNTEER GUIDES:

Ardgillan Castle is currently recruiting for volunteer tour guides. If you would like to learn about history and guide, at a historic property, then this role is for you. If interested, contact Danielle Wilson Higgins, culture and heritage officer at Ardgillan Castle, on 01-8492212 or email Danielle.wilsonhiggins@ fingal.ie

CRAFT AND FOOD MARKET:

The Coterie Craft and Food Market is looking forward to seeing the local community out to support this little band of crafters and food producers. They really need your support to make it a successful market which will be held on the first Friday of every month in the Combined Clubs, Balbriggan from 10am till 2pm. There will be everything from eggs, cakes, to candle holders, to knitwear. All are welcome.

CARE AND REPAIR: Do you

have a small repair job that you would like to have done? North County Dublin Care and Repair Service carry out minor repairs and odd jobs for older people who find it difficult to do these jobs themselves. Some of the jobs include Changing light bulbs, minor decorating and gardening, hanging curtains, installing smoke alarms and minor DIY. There is no charge for this service. You only pay for the materials used. No job is too small. Phone 0818 919 411. Calls are charged at the national rate. Email: CareandRepair@ fingalleaderpartnership.ie

24 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

ART EXHIBITION: Dorota Kowalczyk is an interior designer, originally from Poland, and now living in Balbriggan. She is holding an Art Exhibition at Ardgillan Castle from November 2. GUIDE DOGS: The Balbriggan/

North County Dublin branch of Irish Guide Dogs will have a merchandise stand at Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, on Friday, November 25; and also on Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, inside Supervalu, Balbriggan. For more information phone Tom Oâ€™Neill on 085-7663107.

WALKING & SPORTS CLUB: Fingal Walking & Sports

Club have a limited number of Memberships available for the 2016/17 walking season. Walks take place every Sunday morning between September and June. Walks are generally in the Fingal/ Dublin area, commencing at 10.30am and last for two to 2.5 hours. Annual membership is â‚Ź10 per person. If you are interested please contact the club secretary at fwcfingalwalkingclub@gmail.com

live-in carer for your relative, please call Mary or Tom on 087-9916791 or visit www.alhomecare.ie

PIPERS & DRUMMERS:

The Black Raven Pipe Band is recruiting pipers and drummers. Take the first step. Contact Seamus on 087-2621312 or email blackravenpipeband@gmail.com

UNWANTED GIFTS The St

Vincent De Paul Shop in Swords would appreciate and ask people to consider giving any unwanted gifts to its shop at 1 Castle Shopping Centre, Swords, phone 01-8400752. All donations greatly received and turned into much needed funds. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm. Free parking is available.

BEREAVEMENT: Swords

Bethany Bereavement Support Group trained members provide support to those grieving after the loss of a loved one. The group meet on the second and last Monday of every month from 7.30pm at the Parish Office, Parochial House, Seatown Road, Swords. This is a free, confidential service that is open to all Fingal residents. Contact Terri on 8403243, Brid on 086-6006397 or Mary on 8402652 for more information.

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PARKRUN: The Parkrun takes

place every Saturday at 9.30am in the grounds of Ardgillan Castle. This is free of charge and all are welcome. Keep fit while having fun.

LIVE-IN HOMECARE:

Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live-in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a

Volunteer tour guides are being recruited for Ardgillan Castle

Local Services

LOCAL SERVICES HANDYMAN SERVICE

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PAINTING & DECORATING

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check my Facebook page Oâ€™Connor House and Home for more info. Call Greg on 0871386010

MAN WITH A VAN Moving home? Collections or Deliveries Call Dave: 087 2272841. Keen Rates

GUTTER CLEANING Gutters & Windows cleaned and repaired. Call today! Tel: 01 8460828

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP COURSE FETAC LEVEL 5 The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative

SICAP with BAPTEC have developed a healthier communities programme QQI level 5 Community Development Course. The purpose of this programme is to equip local people in new and existing communities with the knowledge and skills to contribute and collaborate in community development in their local areas; to identify local community needs and issues through community profiling and to develop skills to identify and liaise with other community people/groups.

Helping Communities Grow Would you like to be more involved in your community? Are there changes you would like to see in your community? Would you like to be more involved in decisions that affect you and your community? Would you like to develop the skills to assess community needs and resources? To plan, act, and evaluate how your community needs and resources may be managed?

12-week course starting in Balbriggan and Skerries areas in November. If interested Contact: Nuala Kane Office: 01295048 Mobile: 0860473991 Email nkane@bap.ie

Have you Telesales Experience? Have you a few hours spare per week? Would you like to work from home? If the answer is YES to all of the above we want to hear from you. We are looking for 2 local telesales reps to work from home part-time. If English is your first language and you have telesales experience and experience in outbound sales please email us on: communitylocals@gmail.com

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-NOVEMBER

Crossword & Sudoku

Across

Down

1. Strike repeatedly with the fists. (6) 5. Flowers from Amsterdam. (6) 10. Filled with apprehension and dread. (7) 11. Sends into custody or releases on bail pending trial. (7) 12. Uneven manner of walking caused by an injured leg. (4) 13. An award for sporting achievement, bravery, etc. (5) 15. Seat of the Irish kings until the 6th century. (4) 17. Common long-tailed rodent. (3) 19. Makes a road broader. (6) 21. Long-lived aquatic and land reptile. (6) 22. Feeling of hidden hostility. (7) 23. Activity intended to do or accomplish something. (6) 25. Put up with something or someone unpleasant. (6) 28. Edible round green bean. (3) 30. Historic South American Empire. (4) 31. No longer fashionable, out of date. (5) 32. Soft and creamy white cheese. (4) 35. Statement of advice by an expert on a professional matter. (7) 36. Research unknown territory. (7) 37. St. Patrick banished them. (6) 38. Beat the seeds out of a grain; in agriculture. (6)

2. Without weapons. (7) 3. Brief message in the office. (4) 4. Way up. (6) 5. A warning that something unpleasant is imminent. (6) 6. An artificial source of light. (4) 7. An ornament suspended from a single chain. (7) 8. County of the four lakes. (6) 9. Everything you leave behind. (6) 14. Very common flowers. (7) 16. A written record of a commercial transaction. (5) 18. Name for a cute rabbit. (5) 20. The scenery and props for a dramatic production. (3) 21. Foot digit. (3) 23. Inventor of the electric light. (6) 24. A literary work based on the imagination. (7) 26. Moves people from their home to a new and foreign environment. (7) 27. Small hole in a shoe for the lace. (6) 28. An artist would be lost without them. (6) 29. Agree with a proposal to do something. (6) 33. Kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixture. (4) 34. A railway line connected to a trunk line. (4)

ANSWERS

Across: 1. Pummel, 5. Tulips, 10. Alarmed, 11. Remands, 12. Limp, 13. Medal, 15. Tara, 17. Rat, 19. Widens, 21. Turtle, 22. Tension, 23. Effort, 25. Endure, 28. Pea, 30. Inca, 31. PassĂŠ, 32. Brie, 35. Opinion, 36. Explore, 37. Snakes, 38. Thresh. Down: 2. Unarmed, 3. Memo, 4. Ladder, 5. Threat, 6. Lamp, 7. Pendant, 8. Carlow, 9. Estate, 14. Daisies, 16. Entry, 18. Bunny, 20. Set, 21. Toe, 23. Edison, 24. Fiction, 26. Uproots, 27. Eyelet, 28. Paints, 29. Assent, 33. Sink, 34. Spur.

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EVERYDAY BETT

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Large choice of Dog and Cat Beds , treats and toys Rabbits and Gui for Dogs, Cats, H nea Pigs, Aquar amsters, iums and all Rept ile Accessories

Stay tuned for our Black Friday sale starting 25th November!

Pedigree 15kg Adult 2 for €40

s Whiska ans Fisherm ack 12 P Choice r €15 fo Cans 2

s 40 Whiska es uch Pack Po ction Sele Poultry €10.00

e Pedigre s 12 Pouche es box Pack 3 for €12

Finding Dory Aquarium Set Only €35 .00

Balbriggan’s Largest Choice of Christmas Presents for all your pets with prices starting from just 99 cents

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