Balbriggan Local V8I6-APR 2023

Spring is officially here and brighter days are ahead

Spring this year officially came into existence on March 20th and as ever it brought all sorts of good things. Yes, his month we will celebrate Easter with its Christian connotations for many here and lots of chocolate eggs for the kids and adults alike. However Spring also brings forth rebirth in all things. Lambs in the fields, other animals giving birth to their young and the flowers blossoming, It is a wonderful and wondrous time for farmers and gardeners alike. So too, it is a time to shed the gloom of winter as house wives and house husbands begin the spring clean and thoughts roam to spring breaks and planning the summer holidays. Retailers and wholesalers alike are bringing forth new and exciting products for us to buy at keenest rates. For the community/voluntary/sporting and charitable sector it means AGM’s, and pre planning for events and competitions. So you see its not only about rebirth in the sense of actual birth, it is about rejuvenation, rebuilding and reinvigorating ourselves and all of those groups and organisations in whatever sector they are. The old saying ‘Fail to plan and you plan to fail’ is I am sure particularly prevalent in the thoughts of many committees at this time. So you see Springtime gives us the opportunity to improve things both as individuals, families or as groups or organisations. It is a time to review and reshape our lives and those of our groups for the better. A time to put the past behind us and realise that change can be exciting, necessary and create better days for both the individual and the group whether that is in your home life or in the voluntary sector. At this time let us all note the mistakes of the past but plan for better things to come and look forward to the warm sun on our backs and brighter days ahead, In the meantime remember to shop local for those Easter eggs, cakes, and other items for your Easter celebrations. Happy Springtime and Easter to you all!.

The Locals Team.

STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:

Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition

Do you know an unsung hero in your area?

Why not nominate them as a Community Champion in the 2023

An bhfuil aithne agat ar laoch neamhaitheanta i do cheantar?

Mayor’s Awards

Mayor’s Awards

We want to recognise, celebrate and honour the efforts of people across Fingal who are making a real difference for others.

Scan our QR code to access the nomination form

Cad faoi iad a ainmniú mar Laoch an Phobail i nGradaim

www.fingal.ie/mayors-awards-2023

*Deadline for nominations: 5pm 20 April 2023

nGradaim an Mhéara

an Mhéara

Is mian linn iarrachtaí na ndaoine ar fud Fhine Gall atá ag déanamh fíordhifríochta do dhaoine eile a aithint, a cheiliúradh agus onóir a bhronnadh orthu.

Scanáil ár gcód QR chun teacht ar an bhfoirm ainmniúcháin

www.fingal.ie/ga/gradaim-mheara-2023

*An

Packed schedule for Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival

A packed schedule has been put together for the third annual Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival, 2023 which takes place from Monday March 27 to Saturday, April 1. The festival provides an opportunity for a range of groups and services to platform learning opportunities available to local people in Balbriggan and surrounding areas.The Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival 2023 celebrates lifelong learning and promotes it through a wide variety of informative, creative and enjoyable activities. These include educational opportunities and workshops in the fields of arts, music and the community. All are welcome.The festival is one of the actions identified in the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme and was first organised in response to local demand for stronger adult learning opportunities and more information about education and training services available to local people.The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Cultural and Tourism Department and the festival offers both inperson and online events. A Loves Learning Festival section on Balbriggan.ie will operate as a central hub for information on all events as

well as for pre-recorded videos with practical learning advice. For a full list of events why not check out balbriggan.ie/loves-learning-festival/ Resource providers for the festival include Fingal County Council, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education Training Board, Balbriggan Adult

Spring is here for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs

Education, Intreo and Empower.Organisers are conscious that learning comes in all shapes and sizes, whether for creatives, aspiring entrepreneurs or those who just want to come along to learn and enjoy.The Our Balbriggan Loves Learning Festival has something for everybody.

Spring has finally sprung and that means longer brighter days are just around the corner. It also means Guide Dog Day is approaching, on Friday May 26th ,to be exact, make sure to mark your calendar and updates will follow on all the ways you can support us and our branch for this years Guide Dog day. With summer ever approaching, it also means we have the return of the wonderful Balbriggan Summerfest, which will be running from the 28th May to the 4th June. Once again we at Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs will be attending and we will confirm the date as soon as it is known. We hope

to see you there and hopefully the sun will be shining. We are delighted to say the February Féile Baile Brigín which took place on the 10 th and 11th February, with all proceeds in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind was a great success. We would also like to say a really massive thank you to both Damien O’Shaughnessy and of course to Ann McFadden O’Shaughnessy for organising the event and for their continued support. A fantastic €2,500 was raised and a great day was had by all. We are happy to provide an update on puppy in training Cosmo, who is being puppy raised by branch volunteer, Anne

Mulligan. Cosmo is 7 months old now and she continues to do very well with her training. In fact, just recently, she took some time out with her family to visit Assistance Dog ‘Yarrow’, who Anne puppy raised between 2020 and 2021 and is now assisting a little boy in Cork. We will continue to update you on Cosmo’s training. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact us by any of these: Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Assistance dog ‘Yarrow’ on the left of the picture out for a walk with puppy in training. Cosmo on the right.

Ann McFadden O’Shaughnessy, Anne Mulligan with puppy in training ‘Cosmo’, Tom O’Neill and Guide Dog Qeb and Breda Gibbons enjoying the Feis in the Naul.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels collection dates - please donate!

Carlingford Hotel announces new charity partnership with SoSad Ireland

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has been providing meals to the most vulnerable members of our community since its establishment in 1975.Throughout the years the organisation relies heavily on fundraising and the generosity of the local Balbriggan community in the provision of its service. Balbriggan Meals on Wheels will be holding a bucket collection on the weekend of Friday 14 th to Sunday 16 th April. Please give generously when you meet their collectors. Please note all official collectors will hold the relevant permit. All money donated goes towards the vital ongoing Balbriggan Meals on Wheels work in our community.

Today the Four Seasons Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club Carlingford has announced their new Irish charity partner as SoSad Ireland. Since 2007, SOSAD has worked to raise awareness and help prevent suicide in Ireland. The new partnership, which will be in place for 2023 and at this moment in time the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford are selling yellow branded rubber ducks named ‘Bernie’ aptly named after their Housekeeping Manager Bernie who has played a fundamental role within the hotel for over 12 years and who will be retiring this year. The ducks will be on sale from the hotel’s reception and are priced at €3.50 each, with all monies raised being donated to SoSad Ireland. So Sad Ireland have worked tirelessly in our communities

to help those in need feel supported and know they are not alone on their journey. SOSAD offer support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if you simply need to talk. With seven offices based in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Laois from which they provide their services. Natalie Haake, Sales & Marketing Manager Four Seasons Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club said, ‘We are thrilled to announce our new partnership and we are hoping to run a coffee morning and small events throughout the year. As a business, we are committed to raising and contributing much needed funds to such a deserving charity.’

Balbriggan and District Historical Society News!

For our next talk on April 26th in the Bracken Court Hotel at 8pm we are delighted to have a very special visiting speaker of note, Rory Golden, Diver, Speaker, Explorer with a talk titled ‘TITANICSearch, Discovery and Diving to the world’s most famous shipwreck.’ Member International of the Explorers Club of New York, Vice Chair of the Great Britain and Ireland Chapter of the Explorers Club, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. Rory Golden became the first Irish diver to visit the site of RMS TITANIC, in August 2000. This expedition recovered 800 artifacts from nearly 4,000 metres deep. His dive was in a Russian submersible, and he

left a memorial plaque on the wreck on behalf of the people of Ireland from Cobh. He also spotted the main ship’s wheel which was recovered on the dive. He returned in August 2005, leaving two more memorial plaques from Belfast on the ship. This expedition was broadcast as a wonderful detailed documentary, “A Journey to Remember”, on BBC with veteran journalist Mike McKimm .youtube. com/watchv=EGoJMc7hXDA.

In July 2021 he was contracted by OceanGate Expeditions to be on the 2021 Titanic SurveyExpedition as the on board content expert. Other duties included assisting in the surface support dive ops and preparation of the revolutionary

5 person carbon fibre TITAN submersible. In June and July 2022 he was again a team member for the second OceanGate expedition to the wreck site as a content expert and surface dive support co-ordinator. He made his third dive to the ship during this trip in the 5 person submersible TITAN oceangateexpeditions.com/titanic He has spoken at multiple venues and events, including: a 15 date UK tour, Titanic Belfast,The National Museum of Ireland, Belfast City Council, Belfast Titanic Society, The Explorers Club, Dive shows, schools and colleges, after Dinner functions, and during the Covid era, on

ZOOM presentations for outreach programmes. For more information see rorygolden.com.As always members are free and anyone can attend for €5, see balbrigganhistory. com.

Why Your Application Could Be Declined

By Dave Kavanagh

When applying for mortgage approval, there are several factors that the lenders take into account when considering your application. The three main ones are, Multiples of Salary, Net Disposable Income and Proven Ability to Repay. Until recently, the standard guideline for the maximum borrowing permitted, was 3.5 x gross annual income. Since the start of this year, this was increased to 4 x income for first time buyers. However, with interest rates on the increase, at least one lender has already adjusted other criteria for applicants seeking to apply for the increased multiple. One of the factors adjusted, is the second one, Net Disposable Income. This refers to how much applicants will have left over after paying their mortgage each month, to cover all of the other essentials. This differs from lender to lender, but also depends on the family dynamic. For example, a couple or individual with no children will not be expected to need as much as those with perhaps, 3 children, due to the increased cost of living for those children. The last of the main criteria examined is Proven Ability to Repay. For example, if the proposed mortgage repayment is €1,500 per month, the lender will usually “stress test” this repayment by calculating what the figure would be if rates increased by 2% (often not done if people opt for

a fixed rate). So they may be looking for evidence that a figure of €1750 is affordable. This could be illustrated by regular savings, rent, or loan repayments on a loan about to be cleared, or a combination of all. Advance planning can give you a much higher probability of getting approval by considering these factors. Obviously, there are many other factors to consider, such as how you conduct your current accounts and how much you have saved. For first time buyers, at least 10% of the purchase price is required, while for non first time buyers, at least 20% deposit is required. One often overlooked consideration, is to make sure that you qualify for mortgage protection, so this is something to look at in the early stage to make sure it would not be an obstacle to finalising an application.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or for information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing Dave directly on info@financialcompanion.ie or you can 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

Fingal wants to hear about the unsung heroes making a difference

Be it washing a neighbour’s windows, mowing someone’s grass, picking up medicines each week or caring for the environment, Fingal County Council wants to hear about what extraordinary lengths people have gone to in their local area as they look to help others.

We know there is a remarkable amount of thoughtful consideration going on, and now we want to recognise those individuals with a heart of gold as part of our Mayor’s Community Champions Awards 2023. That is why we are calling on everyone to share with us the stories of what is being done and for nominations to be put forward for consideration by an independent panel of experts.

Announcing the focus of this year’s awards, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said: “I am constantly amazed by the incredible amount

of volunteer work undertaken by so many people across Fingal. From cleaning a neighbour’s house, to looking after someone’s garden, running errands or planting trees, the County is exceptionally fortunate to have people going to such extraordinary lengths to truly make a difference to the lives of others.

“Now, we want to find, acknowledge and honour the achievements of these unsung heroes who work so selflessly by asking the people of Fingal to join us as we say Hands Up for Community Champions.”

This year we are keen to recognise those working tirelessly in so many locations and in varied roles. These are people making a positive contribution to their local community and are inspiring others to do the same. They could be an older person proving that age is not a barrier

to giving back to others, somebody who is helping make a positive impact on sports or the environment in their local area, or someone whose dedication to Irish is raising the profile of the language throughout Fingal.

Whatever it is, these inspirational individuals are enhancing the lives of others across the County and we want to hear their story. Nominations are now open and can be made at any time up until 5pm on Thursday 20th April. Details on the Mayor’s Awards and how to nominate someone can be found via the Council’s website: https://www.fingal.ie/mayorsawards-2023. Community Champions will be announced at a special gala dinner on 1 June.

Learn more about the Mayor’s Awards here: https://youtu.be/LkrL8sPCGjE

CommunityLocals.ie

HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS TO PLAY WITH

The film ‘Glass Onion’ peels back the years

By Jack Shanley

Benoit Blanc, the celebrity detective with the Poirot-esque French name and the inexplicable Southern accent, is becoming truly lovable as one begins to accept him as he is.Yes, the second instalment of the thrilling Knives Out series hit Netflix over the last few months and it was quite a fun watch. ‘Glass Onion’ director Rian Johnson proves yet again to be an important film maker in modern cinema as he peels back the years to audiences with this thrilling mind-boggling puzzle that shifts and shapes up to be more ambitious and arguably more entertaining than the previous Knives Out film. You’re not really sure where this murder mystery is taking you, and just when you start to have an idea of where it’s going, it throws you off track, sending you in a completely different direction. This is a unique and effective way of storytelling that we don’t see enough of these days, especially in this genre.With the Knives Out films being extremely well written, there is a bit of everything in them for everyone, to a thrilling detective

story that unfolds gradually over time, to the fantastic characters and even on to the comedy between the lines. You’re sure to be entertained.

‘Glass Onion’ is fast-paced with a brilliant soundtrack, several storylines and a lot of wonderfully interesting characters. It’s amazing to see all of them intertwine for one amazing finale. The Knives Out films have this classic film noir essence about them that I can’t help but love. As they are part of modern cinema, they don’t hide away from the classic detective films of the ‘40s and ‘50s. They seem to have this longevity to them. I feel they’re entertaining films now and will only get better in time. They’ll be among the films that will be watched again in years to come, as there is so much depth to the material.I really enjoyed ‘Glass Onion’ and would recommend people give it a watch. I give it a score of 3 and a ½ stars. •You can watch ‘Glass Onion’ on Netflix.

Director: Rian Johnson –

Rating: 12A – Genre: Mystery/ Crime – Run Time: 2h 19m –

Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics.

St Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band celebrating 140 years this year!

This St Patrick’s Day in Balbriggan was a very special one for the town’s 35-strong brass and reed band, which bears the name of Ireland’s male patron saint. For St Patrick’s Brass and Reed Balbriggan Town Band, it marks the start of celebrations of its 140th anniversary, culminating in a gala concert in November. Founded in 1883, the band has taken part in every St Patrick’s Day Parade in the town since then. It was an emotional day for long-serving members, including band master Larry Dunne, Oboe and Clarinet player Damien Byrne and saxophonist Gary Tolan. Larry has been integral to the band since reviving its fortunes in the mid-1970s, while chairperson Damien, a native of Artane, where he was a member of the famous boys’ band, found a ready-made community

when he moved to Balbriggan in 2003.But, in the late 1960s, numbers had dwindled and its instruments were put in the care of the town commissioners until Larry revived the band. Now, its make-up is representative of Balbriggan’s youth and cultural diversity, with a burgeoning beginners’ group and members and past members from across the globe. “When my wife Amelia, who plays trumpet, and I moved to Balbriggan we knew nobody until we joined the band after seeing it at the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Now, our daughters, Emily (12, clarinet) and Norah (9, trumpet), are in the beginner group, so we are basically replacing ourselves for down the line,” said Damien. According to Gary, the only language that should matter to any band is music.

“We have had members from African countries,

Italy, the Philippines, Spain and Ukraine. We are multi-cultural and integrational,” said Gary. Joining as a beginner will get you an instrument (if they have one spare) sheet-music and reeds all covered by €10 a-year membership and a €5 weekly subscription. Advancing years are no barrier to joining, members have been known to take up learning an instrument and playing with the band after retirement. The band meets each Wednesday night at the Cairde premises at the old St George’s School at Hampton Street, beginners from 7.00pm to 7.45, with band practice from 8.00pm to 9.30. There are thoughts of using another weekday or Saturday mornings to start another beginner group. It is on the lookout for a larger, more user-friendly base so if your interested we hope to see you soon!

St Patricks Brass and Reed Band Balbriggan

Image below: Band master Larry Dunne (centre), with saxophonist Gary Tolan (l) and clarinet player Damien Byrne, has been integral to St Patrick’s Brass and Reed Balbriggan Town Band since reviving its fortunes in the mid-1970s. Pic: Fintan Clarke.

Band1 St Patrick’s Day will mark the start of 140th anniversary celebrations for St Patrick’s Brass and Reed Balbriggan Town Band, which will culminate with a gala concert in November. Pic: Fintan Clarke.

Ardgillan College cuts ‘Footloose’ on the stage!

The students of Ardgillan College Balbriggan took to the stage on Tuesday the 14th and Wednesday the 15th of March to perform Footloose the Musical to a full house. The sold-out performances from talented and dedicated students wowed audiences made up of their friends, family, teachers and members of the local community. Students demonstrated

their talents from singing, acting and dancing to set management, construction, painting and makeup that represented a real team effort on behalf of the school community. The cast was led by Jamie McGuffin Gresham, Tara-Rose O’Brien in 5th year and Alex Jackson from TY. A huge thank you to all of the staff who helped to put the show together.

The time is coming for Easter then Communion and Confirmation

By Siobhan O’Neill White

Early April can be cold so we’re planning an indoor Easter egg hunt! Here are some ideas for places to hides eggs for your little ones. Are you ready, get set, so lets go....1. When you sit there its comfy but with an egg behind, its bumpy! (Cushions on sofa) 2. Close them to keep out the light….peek behind for chocolate delight (behind curtains) 3. Look in-between the books….for treats in crannies & nooks (bookshelf) 4. Use these to dry dishes… inside are chocolate wishes (tea towel drawer) 5. What we use to cook a stew….look inside for chocolate too (pot for cooking stew) 6. This box is usually full of fun….but today inside, things are yum (toy box) 7. Under your pillow where you sleep….. look for an extra special treat! (bed) 8. Flowers are colourful, pretty, and sweet - inside the vase is something to eat (in dry flower arrangement). I hope this helps make your egg hunts super-

fun. ALDI and LIDL have reasonably priced egg-hunt kits, so Easter doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With Communion season upon us, here are some ideas to make your child’s day special, without spending a fortune. Dunnes Stores, Ilac Centre has a fabulous range of Communion dresses and accessories for girls and smart suits and clothing for boys. For Confirmation girls, Quiz have gorgeous clothing, starting at UK size 4; so ideal for tweens and teens. Another great store for tweens/teens is Catch and they have lovely clothing for younger siblings too. For Mammies, Quiz has beautiful dresses. For curvy ladies, Yours Clothing is wonderful. We love to support local, Irish companies. For the guys, Bestwear Shop St. Drogheda has matching suits for Dads & Sons. Give them promo code Mams. ieBest23 to get 10% off! Suits. For Communion and Confirmation girls, Azure jewellery has delicate pieces in pearl and silver. For the Mammies, Belleek has a beautiful range of

colourful handbags, perfect to accessorise outfits. A personalised Pinata from Pinatas Pinatas is a nice addition for Communions and the kids love bashing it to get the sweets out. Worried about the cost? We have a family tradition where Grannies and Aunties each buy an item for the Communion/Confirmation child. It’s extra special for the child and, takes pressure off the parents to buy everything. Check out mame.ie for more of our wonderful exciting Communion and Confirmation recommendations and competitions. So why not contact us soon in any of these ways : email:siobhan@mumstown. ie ,web:www.mams.ie - Shortlisted for Golden Spider Award & Infant & Maternity Award

As seen on RTE and Virgin Media Ireland & Weekend AM As heard on Today FM’s Ian Dempsey & Dermot & Dave; RTE’s Ray D’Arcy Show, 98FM, LMFM Late Lunch, WLRFM & Shannonside FM

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 9th 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.

Last year’s event in the Mendicity Institution (photos taken by Tommy Kavanagh)

Re-enactors and FOIRA members at a past Easter Commemoration

Cricket Club - children’s indoor cricket and our Coach’s Award!

Blasters Cricket has started up again in Castlelands Community Centre !!!! Open to boys and girls aged 5-11. To Book your childs place please go to balbriggancricketclub.com/.../

indoor.../…

Also our heartiest congratulations to our superb coach for his recent award from The Cricket Writers of Ireland who inducted our Senior Head

Coach Andre Botha into the Cricket Ireland Hall of Fame, an amazing and well deserved honour for a true legend of Irish Cricket. Congrats Bothsy from all at The Brig

Home Cook Recipes Healthy

Niamh’s Nutty Caramel and Chocolate Crunch Cake

Going completely indulgent for this one but enjoying food is one of the many great pleasures in life and one of the few things we still have to enjoy during the current pandemic lockdown.Also this might be a scrumptious recipe to try over the Easter and especially f there is lots of chocolate around!! No baking required and although there may seem like quite a few steps, it’s just because there are a few different layers. This means all the more mixing bowls and spoons to lick clean after!!! Have fun, happy making and sharing!! Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh.

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.netNiamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher.

Ingredients:

• 600g dark chocolate digestive biscuits

• 300g butter

• 75g peanuts

• 100g dark chocolate

For the caramel:

• 75g caster sugar

• 120g butter

• 400g (approx-397g is fine!!) tin sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tablespoon golden syrup

{Alternatively for convenience, use a 400g tin (OR 397g as available in shops) of caramel.}

Method:

Grease or pre-line a non-stick springform based tin.To make the biscuit base: place the biscuits in a strong bag that can be tied and can withstand the force of a rolling pin!

(I use an empty breakfast cereal bag). Bash the biscuits using a rolling pin or other utensils until they form fine crumbs.Alternatively you could blitz the biscuits in a food processor/ blender.Melt the butter in a saucepan. Take off the heat and stir in the biscuit crumbs until well mixed.Tip the biscuit mixture into the tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon to make a smooth and even surface.Place in the fridge to chill while making the caramel. To make the caramel: gently melt the sugar, butter, condensed milk and golden syrup in a

saucepan.Then increase the heat until just below the boil and stir vigorously using a whisk for approximately15 minutes as the sauce changes colour from a lighter to a darker brown and thickens. If clumping starts to occur, remove from the heat and whisk vigorously to combine again. Allow the caramel to cool slightly as it will thicken further as it cools. Then pour the caramel over the biscuit base. Place in the refrigerator to cool fully.(If using a tin of caramel instead, then skip step 5 and 6 and just pour the already made caramel over the biscuit base and place in the refrigerator to harden. Finely chop the peanuts. Sprinkle on top of the caramel. Melt the chocolate and pour on top of the peanuts (ensure the caramell has cooled fully), making a creative design! I did a zig-zag drizzle as in the image! White chocolate could also be melted and used to decorate it! Store in an airtight container.

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.

U18 AB Girls won the Leinster League

Congratulations to our U18 AB Girl’s team who won their Leinster League Final recently. What an incredible match between AB and Athy, two equally matched teams. This is the first League title for our girl’s section, and is the culmination of years of hard work and team building. Well done and Congratulations to all the team and coaches.

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. Alter equipment for accuracy and effectiveness. (6)

5. Leather bands for binding things together. (6)

10. Small villages straight out of Shakespeare. (7)

11. Of no help whatsoever. (7)

12. Military alliance of some European states. (4)

13. It’s a black and white animal. (5)

15. Alcoholic beverage. (4)

17. Perceive the bishop’s seat. (3)

19. Drapes hide a sandwich filler. (6)

21. Very small creature. (6)

22. Getting involved with the music. (7)

23. Put your material on the Internet. (6)

25. Someone in charge of a building, grounds or animals. (6)

28. Provided food. (3)

30. Primary compass direction. (4)

31. Gets annoyed like Tim Finnegan. (5)

32. Popular subject at UCD. (4)

35. There’s no use crying over this milk. (7)

36. Puts into service. (7)

37. Refuse to notice. (6)

38. Make a house larger or longer. (6)

Down

2. The metered Greek goddess of fertility. (7)

3. A person known for taking advantage of others. (4)

4. Takes samples of several dishes. (6)

5. Rectangle with four equal sides. (6)

6. Smell like Magillicuddy.. (4)

7. Sharply exact and accurate. (7)

8. An acknowledgement of appreciation. (6)

9. The upward route on a mountain. (6)

14. Seaside places. (7)

16. Device for finding aircraft. (5)

18. One of God’s attendants. (5)

20. Skedaddle hides a parent! (3)

21. Essential for writing. (3)

23. Not feeling secure, anxious. (6)

24. Leaning like a damaged ship. (7)

26. Part of a cake. (7)

27. Stand up against someone or something. (6)

28. A down-market violin. (6)

29. A period of ten years. (6)

33. The lowest female singing voice. (4)

34. A mark made by dirt. (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 name,