Balbriggan Local V8I5-MAR 2023

Lets really enjoy St Patrick’s Day this year !

Plans are going ahead for a really big St Patrick’s Day across Fingal. Children and community/ voluntary groups are spending their time organising bands and majorettes and designing and decorating floats. Bands from all over the country are heading for our towns and villages in Fingal and the big one in Dublin city. We look forward to the sea of green, the music, and the joy on our children’s faces as they watch the spectacular parades celebrating our patron Saint’s day that are the envy of the world. No other nation in the world has a public display in so many other nations worldwide to celebrate their patron Saint. No other nation in the world has a tradition to wear their nations colour on that day (green) like we do and no other nation knows how to party like we do. In celebrating St Patrick’s Day let us do so responsibly but don’t let us restrict ourselves from having the craic which we are world famous for. Let us go out and attend our local parades (and show them off to our visitors) featuring our local community based voluntary and sporting organisations. We at Local magazines really value the essence of community, after all we are a community based magazine and cannot survive without the support of you the people of this community. Therefore we value the loyalty of you, our readership, and our wonderful contributors and advertisers. This St Patrick’s Day let us all set out to make it the best in years. Let us bring back the joy of being Irish which is the envy of the civilised world. After all there is no place on earth where you can celebrate our patron Saint’s day as good as here in Ireland. So lets enjoy the run up to it, every moment of the festivities and make it a safe and memorable celebration for our families while enjoying ourselves and the spectacle of St Patrick’s Day in the greatest little country in the world!

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Guide Dogs Volunteer, Jade McCormack and her Guide Dog Winter

Branch volunteer Jade McCormack was matched with Guide Dog ‘Winter’, late last year and in this article Jade describes her life since welcoming Winter. “In October 2022 after almost four years without a dog, I was finally matched with a beautiful black Lab retriever cross named Winter. Winter from the minute she waltzed through the door, took centre stage in the house. She has lots of little quirks that make her who she is, one of them being that she is a creature of comfort and can often be found snuggled in her bed with a stolen blanket or lying on the mat curled up by my daughter as she plays. After using only my cane for almost four years, I had forgotten the freedom having a guide dog can give you. With a lot of guidance and advice from my excellent trainer, after two weeks Winter and I were flying solo and it has been a phenomenal experience ever since. Winter has given me back the confidence to go out and about and not worry that I’m going to walk into things like cars parked on footpaths and obstacles that can often impact the way for those of us who are vision impaired.I can safely take my daughter to and from places like school or the shops and be safe in the knowledge that Winter is beside me helping and guiding me safely every step of the way.Winter has enhanced my independence in the best possible way by allowing me to grow in confidence and providing unconditional love even if I do forget the treats sometimes. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for my fluffer and I over the next while.” We wish Jade and Winter the very best of luck in the future and will provide any updates we receive. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text: 085 7663107, Email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Balbriggan Tidy Towns working for the local Community!

If you want to help us make a difference join us any Saturday @ 10.30am at Moylaragh playground or 11am on the main beach or join our garden group for mid week activities. Also we received this notification from Fingal County Council which may be of interest: Batteries contain precious mined metals such as Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Mercury, Lithium and Cadmium, and it’s really important to recycle them as part of a sustainable circular economy. You can

recycle household batteries at all Fingal Libraries and Community Centres and at the two main offices County Hall Swords and Civic offices Blanchardstown. The recycling centres at Estuary Swords and Coolmine accept small household and larger batteries. ERP run this battery collection initiative with Barretstown, which is a not-for-profit camp for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. So why not recycle your batteries at the local Library (see the poster)

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Pop Up Shop Returns!

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is delighted that our Pop-up-Shop is returning every Friday morning from Friday 24th March from 10am to 1pm.The Pop up Shop will be open at Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan with plenty of bargains available.We will also be serving Teas and Coffees, so you can enjoy a cuppa after you browse for some bargains. At just €2 for a cuppa it’s the best bargain tea and coffee in town! We look forward to seeing you there. All money raised at the Pop up Shop goes towards Balbriggan Meals on Wheels work in our community.

Treat your wonderful Mummy this Mothers Day!

By Siobhan O’Neill White

Mother’s Day is an important day if you’re a Mammy or have a Mammy and/or Nanny. But let’s not forget those who have lost their Mams. The day is difficult and tinged with sadness. If you have lost your Mam, perhaps do something nice for yourself that day. Run a bubble bath, or curl up with a book. Dubray’s in Ilac SC has a fab selection, we love the latest Beth O’Leary, feel good funny!

Nyrah beauty is an Irish brand my Mam and I adore. Their peacock-coloured skincare hatbox is a stunning gift. If your Mam is a #Glammy, Irish brand Tan Organic has beautiful gift sets. Their gorgeous tan goes on easily and is kind to sensitive skin. Their wonder balm is amazing for mums-to-be!

Listoke Gin, from Co Louth has gift sets with flavoured gins and cool extras like juniper berries to jazz up your gin cocktails. The grounds of Irish National Stud Kildare are beautifully scenic with horses and fairy trails to explore. There’s also a lovely cafe to treat your Mammy. Made in Co Clare, Burren Perfumery sets are gorgeous. Inspired by the landscape and scents of the breath-taking Burren. Brooke and Shoals candles, handcreams

and shower gels smell divine and are lovely for gifting Mammies!

To enter to mams.ie Nyrah Beauty, Burren Perfumery, Brooke and Shoals, Tan Organic and Listoke Gin Mother’s Day competitions, go to our FB page. We’re now coming into Communion and Wedding season. There’s a growing trend called Twinning, where Mammies and Daughters match their outfits. But boys and Dads have been left out - until now!Bestwear, Shop St. Drogheda, always have great value on boys Communion and men’s suits. This year, they have a new range of matching suits for boys and men which are smart, stylish, well cut, with gorgeous lining and waistcoats. The man 3-piece suit is €250 and the boy’s €120. Show the pic with the mams.ie voucher code to get 10% off (just take a snap on your phone and show in store easy!) So instead of paying €370, get both suits for €333. Ideal for Communions, Weddings and special occasions. We compared prices with some other stores and these really are superb value. For queries, call 0419836036 or contact best.wear@ hotmail.com. For more Mother’s day inspiration, see mams.ie. With love, Siobhán, Mumfluencer since 2009….before #Blogging was a thing!

The package to make your debts manageable.

‘Babylon’ pays tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Age

By Jack Shanley

By Jack Shanley

Outrageous, fascinating, dazzling and wild are just a few words to describe Damien Chazelle’s new film ‘Babylon’. The big extravaganza follows the rise and fall ofmultiple characters in the early days of Hollywood. I managed to catch a late screening on the night of its release and had mixed emotions at first. For the most part I was in awe but had a slight feeling of disappointment. A messy, chaotic blast from start to finish, it has everything from romance to comedy to even a dark horror sequence. ‘Babylon’ takes you on a journey, a cinematic experience that pays quite a wild tribute to the Hollywood Golden Age and the birth of the ‘talkie’. I felt it lacked direction, though. At times it just felt like a bunch of scenes thrown together, some necessary and others unnecessary. The scale is enormous, reflected in the size of the cast, thousands of extras and more than 100 speaking parts. The three-hour epic boasts an impressive cast and a wonderful soundtrack

by Justin Hurwitz, not to mention the amazing costume design taking us rightback to the glamour of the late 1920s. But over everything I liked and disliked about ‘Babylon’, there was something at the forefront of the material, a deep passion for cinema which rises above all the criticism. Chazelle brings us into his heart and leaves everything on the screen. His passion, not only for the craft of moviemaking but cinema in general, carries a breath of fresh air into the cinema, shining a light on the impact of movies on his life. As soon as the lights go down and the opening shot fills our screens, we are bewildered as to what’s about to occur, perhaps a wild journey through cinema. Who knows? It’s that unknowing that creates a story slowly unfolding into joy as our eyes are transfixed for such a magnificent ending. I really enjoyed ‘Babylon’, would recommend people go see it, and give it a score of FOUR stars. You can watch ‘Babylon’ at your local cinema today. Director: Damien Chazelle – Rating: R – Genre: Drama/Comedy– Run Time: 3h 9m – Language: English, Spanish. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Balbriggan and District Historical Society

Next talk - ‘The Story of Cricket in Fingal’

Balbriggan and District Historical Society are delighted to welcome you to another year of activities from the Society. Our first talk will take place on Wednesday March 29th at 8pm the Bracken Court Hotel. We are delighted to welcome Jim Bennett for a talk titled ‘The Story of Cricket in Fingal’, the subject of his recent book. Cricket is hugely popular in the North County and this tradition goes back to the 1820’s when it was played for entertainment at great houses, such as Ardgillan. Clubs including Balbriggan began to be founded later in the 19th century and Jim’s talk will tell this fascinating story with particular emphasis on Balbriggan. Jack Bennett is a native of Portlaoise and was educated at St Mary’s CBS

Portlaoise and then attended St. Patrick’s Training College Drumcondra. His first teaching post was in Balbriggan but he spent the rest of his teaching career at St Colmcilles BNS Swords. He became Principal of the school in 1980 and retired in 2015. For many hears he has been involved in cricket administration in The Hills CC. Cricket Leinster, Cricket Ireland and in 2022 he was elected President of Cricket Leinster. We think this talk will be hugely popular.We will be collecting membership for 2023 on the night too. Membership is €15 individual, €20 family or €10 senior. That covers our 6 talks - March, April, May, August, September, October. But anyone can attend an individual talk for €5. For all information see balbrigganhistory. com or follow us on Social Media.

CommunityLocals.ie

Admire the rich heritage around you such as the Martello Tower in its majestic scenic setting.

New artworks launched at The Banks!

It is truly great to see the new artworks at The Banks by our wonderfully skilful local artist Dave West. The works were officially launched recently by the Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Howard Mahony and are womderful to behold.The 5 panels, Take a Dip, See the Coast,

Wish You Were Here, Regatta & Baile Brigín all point to local and historical reference points. Have you seen them yet of not why not take a wee trip down and view them for yourselves. They are well worth the visit!

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So What Exactly Are Living Benefits?

By Dave Kavanagh

When people think about insurance cover for themselves, it’s usually Life Cover that springs to mind. Something that pays out a sum of money in the event of death is not everyone’s favourite topic over a coffee. But other types of cover, sometimes referred to as Living Benefits, should certainly be considered by anyone that would suffer a financial loss in certain eventualities. Firstly, Income Protection. If someone cannot work due to any illness or injury and suffers a loss of income, they can be paid up to 75% of their usual salary, either until they can return to work or up to a chosen retirement age if they can never return to work. Consider what the impact would be if your current salary dropped to the current state illness benefit for a couple of years. Next, Serious Illness Cover. This pays out a tax free lump sum on diagnosis of any of the illnesses that are covered. While companies in Ireland cover approximately 50-60 different illnesses (as well as many more minor events that pay partial payments) the vast majority of claims here, are for Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Loss of Independence. The key is to get cover in place while you are relatively young, not just because there is a much higher chance of being accepted for cover but because the premiums are so much cheaper. At present, a 29 year old putting

a convertible term plan with €250,000 life cover and €100,000 serious illness cover for a 30 year term, would cost €48.05 per month. A 49 year old doing the same levels of cover but for only a 10 year term (both finishing at age 59) would cost €127.00 per month. Lastly, introduced in recent times is Multi Claim Protection Cover. Similar in many ways to Serious Illness Cover, this option allows people to claim for more events on a needs basis. For example, if someone was diagnosed with cancer, a percentage is paid out. If they were required to stay in hospital for a certain period, a further percentage is paid out, and again if follow up treatment is required, another payment. While everyone’s needs are different, it’s worth taking time to see what is right for you.

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 him at 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.

FOIRA getting ready for the Easter Commemoration in Oldtown

The Fingal old IRA Commemorative society is getting ready for the Easter Sunday celebrations which takes place this year in Oldtown on Sunday 9 th of April . The Chairman of the society Paul O Brien said that it is the society’s 6th time to hold the Easter Sunday event in Oldtown , formerly in 1959 , 1969 ,1977 ,1992 ,2002 and lastly 2012 . The event will start with Mass taking place in St Mary’s church at 9.00am in Oldtown, followed by a parade lead by the Colour Party and the Black Raven Pipe Band and Volunteers to the Molly Adrian Plaque on the Bridge, at the Bridge the proclamation will be read and various speakers will talk on the day, also the last post and Reveille and National Anthem will be

played. Afterwards back to the Oldtown House Pub for tea or coffee and sandwiches , followed by the showing of the society’s award winning film ‘Who Shot Sergeant Kirwan’ directed by Society member Cathal Boland. Everyone is welcome to attend and if you need anymore information you can contact The Society Chairman Paul O Brien on 086 3518927. A Company of Volunteers was established in Oldtown back in 1918 it was formed by Thomas Peppard on the instructions of Michael Collins. Jack Smith was one of nine men who joined and it was Jack’s daughter in law Margaret Smith who wrote from Soloheadbeag to Sovereignty: The Oldtown Connection and it’s

a fantastic read and very well written, Margaret is married to Jacks son Pat who has kept his Father’s memory alive throughout the years along with his sister Eileen. Society Member Robin Bollards Grandmother was Catherine Smith the sister of Jack together they managed Sheridans farm and assisted in the setting up of Mooretown camp. The Society would also like to take this opportunity to Express our deep felt appreciation to Peter Rooney and the people of Oldtown for the work they have done to keep alive the memory of the Men and Woman from the area who took part in the fight for Independence 1916 – 1921.

Re-enactors at a past Easter Commemoration

The Proclamation will be read at the Molly Adrian Plaque on the Bridge

Glebe North FC news and views this month

Our Kids academy is currently underway and open to boys & girls age 4-7 from 9:45 to 11:00 am New players are always welcome.(see our poster for details). Our U17A -On behalf of all our players, coaches and parents we are extremely grateful to Mr Kevin O Neill ( Balrothery Pharmacy) for his generous sponsorship of a First Aid Sports Kit. Thanks again Kevin. The Club would also like to thank Keiths minibus hire Balbriggan for sponsoring our Under 15 team with a new training set. Thanks Keith. And indeed thanks to all our wonderful sponsors of all our teams in any way.

Finally please do not forget - SATURDAY, 11 MARCH 2023 AT 19:30 - Padraig Connor, Memorial Race Night - Hamlet Bar, Castlemill, Balbriggan. A night of fun and remembrance to kick off what was Padraig’s favourite time of the year Cheltenham Week! Horses and Jockeys will go on sale very soon. Horses €10, Jockeys €5 all proceeds will go to Nicole and Kids. Anyone interested in Sponsoring a Race €50 or would like to Donate a prize for a raffle please contact the club.

Home Cook Recipes Healthy

Easy Peasy Dark Chocolatey Bark

Some of you may have given up sweet foods for lent. Some of you may be trying to cut back on sweet foods as part of healthy eating plans or goals or new year’s resolutions.Or some of you may just like trying out new food ideas and recipes!!! This recipe is super quick, easy and you can tailor it to your taste preferences or to whatever is in your kitchen cupboards!! I love the crunch that the dried edamame beans or nuts provide in this recipe and the richness of the dark chocolate. It is also very satisfying and filling. Edamame Beans are green soya beans which have become very popular due to their nutritious properties including high levels of protein and fibre which can help to keep us fuller for longer.

Edamame Beans also contain vitamins A, K and folate, and are good sources of calcium, manganese and iron. If you don’t have or like edamame beans, you could use nuts or seeds or dried fruit instead in this recipe!

Ingredients:

• 200g Dried Edamame Beans OR nuts OR seeds OR a combination with some dried fruit!!!

• 200g GOOD Quality dark chocolate

(Please Note: When I state good quality dark chocolate, it does not need

to be expensive. Most supermarkets have good quality dark chocolate at reasonable prices. The difference is how the chocolate melts and reforms. Good quality dark chocolate will melt smoothly and reform into a smooth bark. The not so good quality chocolate may turn lumpy and crumbled!)

Tip: I love the bright green colour of the dried edamame beans which makes them stand out against the dark chocolate but for a variety of colours, use a mixture of different coloured dried fruits, nuts, seeds etc.

You could even do an Irish flag theme for St Patrick’s Day with green pistachios or pumpkin seeds, orange apricots and white coconut chips or flakes!

Method:

1. Spread out a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray or lunchbox.

2. Melt the dark chocolate either: in a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water and stir intermittently until just about all the chocolate is melted, OR in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each one.

Please stand by the chocolate whichever way you melt it, have patience, don’t forget to stir and be careful not to overdo it!

3. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the pre-lined tray/lunchbox and spread it into a rectangle. Do not let any condensation or water droplets fall onto the melted dark chocolate as they do not mix well!

4. Scatter over the dried edamame beans OR nuts OR seeds or fruit. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature for a few hours. 5. When hardened, break up the bark into pieces or use a sharp knife to cut it neatly into squares, triangles or however you like!!

Store within an airtight container and use within 2 weeks. Bain sult as (=Enjoy)!!!!

Please follow ‘Biabites’ on Facebook for other food ideas especially in the ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums. Please follow @BiaBites on twitter. For nutrition talks/workshops at events or in schools/workplaces/community groups= please email: niamh@biabites.net Niamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher.

Our ladies team is continuing to grow and develop this season. 13 new players of all different levels have joined the squad so far and we have also seen the return of some experienced players. The ladies are a huge addition to the squad and we are delighted Caroline has managed to get a few pictures of them in action. We are always recruiting and ready to welcome new players to our team. Training continues every Monday and Thursday at 7:30pm!

DM our facebook page for more information or pop down to the club and give it a try!

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name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@ gmail.com before 5pm on the 16th of this mnoth. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck

Across

1. Of an infected wound. (6)

5. The experience of thinking something has happened before. (4,2)

10. The largest city in Scotland. (7)

11. French ‘City of Popes.’ (7)

12. Expression used to admit mild dismay or surprise. (4)

13. With sincerity, without pretence. (5)

15. Forearm bone. (4)

17. Remove the moisture from. (3)

19. Cutting implement larger than a scissors. (6)

21. Troubled or uncomfortable. (6)

22. Not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal. (7)

23. Travelled by shank’s mare. (6)

25. Fourscore. (6)

28. An awkward and inexperienced youth. (3)

30. A strand or cluster of hair. (4)

31. Carrying weapons. (5)

32. Basic brick structure. (4)

35. The exterior appearance of something. (7)

36. Cold-blooded animal. (7)

37. Top clothing with a message. (1-5)

38. Military watcher in waiting. (6)

Down

2. Something that is representative of a group. (7)

3. Ancient Roman one-piece outer garment. (4)

4. One who shows fear in a crowd?

(6)

5. Lethal, fatal. (6)

6. Place for prisoners. (4)

7. Conventional, maybe boring, food flavouring. (7)

8. Homes for Inuits. (6)

9. A state of extreme dishonour. (6)

14. Radioactive metallic element. (7)

16. Reset the wood-providers. (5)

18. Up to a time that. (5)

20. Showing sorrow or unhappiness. (3)

21. Put into service, employ. (3)

23. Wood for a cricket bat. (6)

24. Find by searching a closet. (7)

26. Of greater weight. (7)

27. Uttered a sudden loud cry. (6)

28. Approval where approval is due. (6)

29. They make for hirsute faces. (6)

33. Form of public transport. (4)

34. Where the air is unconfined. (4)

This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your