Balbriggan Local V8I7-MAY 2023

Appreciating the beauty of nature and life in general!

Once again May has brought forth its flowers in all their glory and once again we can but wonder at the beauty of our area. Whether you are rambling with the Penninsula Pacers from Donabate on one of their many short or long range hikes or taking to the briny with the wonderful Sea Scouts of Malahide. Maybe you are appreciating the beauty of the countryside as you keep pace along with the award winning Lusk Athletic Club or maybe enjoying the craic in the sunshine with other members of the Aer Lingus outdoor bowls club. On the other hand you may be enjoying other physical activities such as participating in or coaching at Fingallians GFC in Swords or Balbriggan Rugby Club. Whatever gets you out and about across Fingal, I know you will agree this area rivals and sometimes surpasses many other districts in our beautiful country. The flowers and plants add a lush carpet of colour at this time of the year that brightens the mornings and add spectacular odours as we walk near flower beds, gardens and fields. After the darkness and gloom of winter we are treated to the warm sunshine and brightness which announces to us all that summer is on the way. The longer evenings mean more time to appreciate nature as the young farm animals frolic in the meadows and the ponds are filled with life. All in all May is a time to generally appreciate being alive and all that entails. It is a month which technically is stuck between the end of spring and the beginning of Summer but in reality it is the month before the midsummer solstice when the longest day and the shortest night of the year signify summer has arrived. So this month let us appreciate every facet of nature and life in general. Let us appreciate our family, our friends and all those people who work hard to help our community. Finally let us appreciate the beauty of life itself and all the good things which at times we take for granted. Enjoy the month of May, its beauty and life in general!

STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:

Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition

The Locals Team.

Events in May at Balbriggan Library - Fingal celebrates Bealtaine 2023

Hanging Basket Workshop with Aoife Munn - Tuesday 9thMay - 12-1pm Learn how to create different types of hanging baskets, including herb baskets that will last all year Booking is essential for this workshop, so please do contact the Library to book 01-8704401 or you can contact us by our email at our email address which isbalbrigganlibrary@fingal.ie

The Birds of Fingal with Dr Frank Prendergast of Birdwatch Fingal Tuesday 16th May 11am. Fingal has a diverse set of habitats from farmland to coastal islands, parklands to urban sprawl. These therefore also provide a diverse range of birds from the garden Robin to rare Roseate Terns. The talk will explore Fingal’s habitats, wild bird sightings and sounds and what we can do to protect these for the future generations. Booking is essential for The Birds of Fingal so please do contact the Library to book 01-8704401 or why not email us at balbrigganlibrary@fingal.ie

Caint Phoiblí - Researching your Family Tree - With Genealogist Claire Bradley - Saturday 20th May 11.30-12.30pm.This genealogy workshop will guide you through how to research your family history using any stories

or records that you have . already, exploring the online resources available such as census, civil, church and burial records.The workshop will also include a demonstration of genealogy sites such as Findmypast, Familysearch and Irish News Archives Booking is most essential so please contact the Library to book 01-8704401 or book the workshop by emailing Balbriggan Library at balbrigganlibrary@fingal.ie

Regular Events weekly and monthly at Balbriggan Library - Grúpa Cniotála Knitting and Crochet club Every Monday 6.30pm All welcome but please note (Children must be accompanied by an adult) Scrabble - Every

Monday 11-12.30 Grúpa Scríbhneoirí Turret

Writers Group - Every Saturday 11.30-1pm

Ukrainian Family GroupWe have moved our Ukrainian social group to Every Saturday

Morning11-1pm - Club Leabhar Bookclub

Wednesday 31st May 6-7pm New members are always really welcome Baby BookclubWednesday 3rdMay 10.30am Storytime for preschoolers HSE Breastfeeding Support GroupWith Jennifer from HSE - Every Thursday 11am - Warehouse Writer’s group - Every 2nd Friday

- 5th and 19th May Contact the Library for more details - Always welcoming new members.

Balbriggan Tidy Towns inaugural bodiversity festival!

Save the dates for our inaugural biodiversity festival (19th and 20th of May) called - Balbriggan: Our Nature. Bat walks, Nature walks, Dusk chorus, Art & Nature Photography exhibitions, Family Scavenger Hunt. Why not come along and Learn about the wildlife in our own locality? All events will take place in Millpond Park. (See poster for details) Also 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. We recently received a 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.

How To Calculate Potential Financial Loss

By Dave Kavanagh

Of course, nobody wants to consider that something bad and impactful will happen to them, but most people realise that every week in Ireland there are unexpected fatalities, serious illnesses diagnosed or injuries/illnesses that prevent someone from working. One of the main impacts of any of these occurrences, is the financial loss that can be suffered either by the individual concerned or by any family members dependent on them. The amount of financial loss can vary greatly, and will depend on the event and also the person’s circumstances. The easiest one to consider is the impact of a fatality. Is there an immediate loss of income? Will there be an entitlement to pension benefits? Is there a dependent partner and/or children? If there are children what age are they and how long will they need to be provided for? What protection benefits are already in place? Is there a mortgage that is protected? Are there any death in service benefits with an employer? Giving consideration to these questions can identify what the potential loss would be and help calculate the appropriate levels and types of cover required. Where an accident or illness prevents someone from working, what is the impact? Does an employer pay them for a period of time? If so, for how long? Would some people be forced to use up their savings in order

to make sure that bills are paid and supplies bought? The diagnosis of a serious illness can have a negative impact on finances. In some cases it may just result in a relatively short period off work, a stay in hospital and perhaps a supply of medications. But in others, it could result in never returning to work, needing a downstairs bedroom, a wheelchair accessible shower and a modified car. Having a tax-free lump sum paid out at these times can make a huge difference in someone’s finances. The important thing is for people to consider their own, specific circumstances and the financial impact it would have on them and their family. This will allow them to plan more accurately, but in order to consider these details, you have to make the time to analyse them.

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.

Baton Twirlers chosen as part of ‘Fingal She Leads Women’ Exhibition

Two of the members of St Mary’s Baton Twirlers Dinah Black and Susan Mullen who were chosen by Fingal County Council to be part of the “Fingal She Leads Women’s Exhibition” as part of Fingal County Council celebrations 2023 International Women’s Day. Congratulations to Dinah Black and Susan Mullen who were both nominated to be part” Fingal She Leads Exhibition” which is an initiative of Fingal County Council celebrating Women in Community Action as part of International Women’s Day. A great celebration of the 45 women who were nominated with Mayor Howard O’Mahony in the Carnegie Court Hotel Swords at the launch of the Project. The exhibition can currently be viewed at County Hall Swords and will go on tour to libraries around Fingal.#internationalwomensday #44years #SMBT.

John Wick: Chapter 4 – Hugely Entertaining

IMPROVEMENT LOANS TO PLAY WITH

By Jack Shanley

Exhilarating, jaw-dropping and hugely entertaining, ‘John Wick 4’ is simply a spectacle from start to finish. Above all, it’s a love letter to action film making and every action cinema lover’s greatest dream. I feel that it could potentially go down as one of the finest action films of our time. From the cinematography that is Oscar worthy, the neonoir genre that has never looked so amazing on screen, the colour coordination framing blocking, you name it: it was all spectacular. How exactly does three hours of whambam noise and fast paced action, unmitigated by any meaningful plot, work as well as it does? Well, the action choreography had to be top class in which it utilitises 100 per cent of each set design used to incorporate drama, thrill and comedy. This movie pulls you in as you get lost in the coolness of Keanu Reeves and has everything you could ever ask for, from guns, knives, nun chucks, katanas, martial arts, cars, flamethrowers, bare hands etc.The stunt work is jaw-dropping and adrenaline inducing. I saw the film on opening night and with my excitement hitting a high I wasn’t let down. In the opening scene we are hit with a wonderful match cut

influenced by the great Lawrence of Arabia of 1962 as Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) blows out a cigarette cutting to the sun rising over the Arabian desert. When watching all the John Wick films, I can’t help but see the influence of some of cinema’s greatest films and genres.Never has it been more evident than in the fourth instalment of the series. I couldn’t help but see through the film straight into its core as influences of the spaghetti western sprung bright alongside Japanese Kung Fu films of the ‘70s, the likes of which the great Bruce Lee would be proud of. With the price on Mr Wick’s head ever increasing, the legendary hitman takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin.I really enjoyed this film and would recommend people give it a watch. I give it a score of FOUR stars. •You can watch ‘John Wick 4; at your local cinema today.

Director: Chad Stahelski – Rating: 16 –Genre:Action/Neo-noir– Run

Time: 2h 49m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Balbriggan enhanced by Virgin Media series ‘The Catch’

Balbriggan’s innate charm and the stunning beauty of the surrounding area is proving a hit with film and television producers. Already this year, another feature film, ‘Kathleen’ has been recording scenes in the area. The Catch, available on Virgin Media’s Player, is a tense, four-part psychological thriller starring Jason Watkins, Poppy Gilbert and Aneurin Barnard. Already aired on Channel 5 in the UK, The Catch was filmed in and around Balbriggan in the summer of 2022, despite being set in the south west of England. And it is just one of over 20 film, television and music video productions made in Balbriggan since 2019. Scenes from

‘The Green Knight’ an 2021, an acclaimed epic medieval fantasy film, starring Dev Patel, which grossed over $19 million, were filmed in the area in 2020. Other highlights have included ‘Operation Transformation’ which recorded at Bremore Castle in 2019. It was the first time the show recorded a regional template which proved so successful that the programme has moved around the country since. A two-time Emmy Award winner, who is spearheading an initiative to turn the north County Dublin town into one of the country’s leading centres for the arts, says Balbriggan has unlimited potential as a location for film and television. Former TV

producer, US native Eamonn Donlyn, now settled with his family in Balbriggan, is working with local stakeholders to help grow the arts in the town. The one-time ESPN/Disney and CBS executive is developing a creative arts strategy for Balbriggan in collaboration with the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation programme led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Cultural and Tourism Department. “Balbriggan offers everything a film or television producer could want, from an urban streetscape to the majestic beauty of its coastline, countryside and ancient monuments, as well as all the ancillary services required,” he said.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Looking for Volunteer Drivers

Would you have an hour to spare on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning? If you would like to help out Balbriggan Meals on Wheels as a Volunteer Driver, please get in touch by calling 01 8416743 or emailing mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail. com. Further details about Balbriggan Meals on Wheels can be found on our

promotional video which can be viewed on our Facebook page facebook.com/ balbriggan.mealsonwheels/ . We would like to acknowledge the support of Fingal County Council in providing funding for this video. Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has been providing meals to the most vulnerable members of our community since 1975.

Balbriggan and the surrounding areas stunning beauty is proving a hit with film and Tv producers. Pic: Tony Healy.

Remember Guide Dog Day - the 26th May!

Make sure to mark your calendar for Guide Dog Day on the 26th May! Our Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs will be celebrating with our merchandise stand set up in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan and you will be able to see some of our wonderful Guide Dogs in action, along with our merchandise for 2023.

If you miss us on Friday, our merchandise stand will also be set up in SuperValu, Balbriggan on Saturday the 27th May. Make sure to keep an eye on our Facebook account for more details and if you would like to volunteer either of these days, you can contact our lovely Maebh Mitchell on 087 721 9766 to book your choice of slot! If you are not around either of those days and want to support our very own Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch, why not ‘Walk 100k for Guide Dog Day’ where you can sign up via.GuideDogs.ie to walk, cycle, swim, or run your way through the month of May and raise funds for Guide Dog Day through a raisley account that will be set up when you sign up.

You can also visit Specsavers in Millfield or similarly, if you are in Oakes Pharmacy in Skerries, Shenick Vets in Stamullen or Stitches and Alterations in Rush, you can tap to donate which allows for a minimum donation of €2 by the tap of your phone. Another way to support us is by donating used postage stamps or old coins that are no longer in circulation. When donated, these can be turned into Euros by lodging them to our Guide Dogs account. If you have any used stamps or coins you would like to donate, please contact us on 085 7663107 or drop them into Skerries Library located near SuperValu.Your continued support is greatly appreciated and we hope to see you on Guide Dog Day! If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact our very own Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, or please do contact us by email GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Guide Dogs.

Remember to support “Darkness into Light” this month!

By Siobhan O’Neill White

The past few years have been tough on everyone but especially, children and teens. They have missed out on so much, from school trips, to discos, to spending time with their friends. Everything was topsy turvy and we are only now scratching the surface on how much their mental health has been affected. On 6th May the annual Darkness into Light walk will be taking place at locations across the country. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to work to prevent suicide. This is a great opportunity to get involved in an event that champions talking about mental health and suicide prevention. Too many of us know people who have taken their own lives and the more we talk about mental health and use the mental health supports available, the better.

Discussing depression and dark thoughts can feel uncomfortable but the more we talk about it, the less taboo these topics become. We are doing the Darkness into Light walk with our children, to encourage them to ask questions and normalise talking about mental health. We try to instil the belief in our children that their mental health is just as important as their physical health. The example we use is that, if one of our children broke their leg, we would take them to the hospital to get it seen to. And if they are struggling emotionally, we will get them the support and help they need because looking after their mental health is just as important as treating physical injuries, like a broken leg. Most schools now have counsellors to support the children so if your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to let their

school know so they can support them while in school. Getting counselling outside of school can take a while but your GP will be able to point you in the right direction. In the meantime, if you need help in how to support your child, you can call SOSAD, Aware or Jigsaw for help and advice. If you are unable to take part in Darkness into Light, you can donate. The Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford are selling rubber ducks for €3.50 at reception with all proceeds go to SOSAD. If you are worried about your child, you can log onto mams.ie. This is a free online chat forum for Mams, to support each other.

Tom O’Neill with Guide Dog Qeb and Anne Mulligan with new assistance dog, Adel outside Skerries Community College waiting for students to start sponsored dog walk for Guide Dog Day last year.

Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society’s next Event

The Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society is on the road again and heading to its next event which takes place on Sunday 7th of May 2023 at 12.00 midday. The Chairman of the society Paul O’ Brien explained it’s a two part event and the first part takes place in the Mendicity Institution Usher Island Dublin centre. This event is held every year by the Mendicity Garrison Relatives Association and since 2016 the Fingal old IRA Commemorative society have taken part. The event is to remember the men who were sent in to help from the Fingal 5th Battalion and the men who fought there in Easter week 1916 under the leadership of Commandant Sean Heuston who was executed on the 8th May 1916 . The second part of the event takes place at 1.00pm in Dr Steven’s Hospital Steven’s Lane, Saint James Dublin 8. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Caroline Conroy and the Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr Cathal Boland will also be attending. If anyone is interested in attending they can contact the Chairman of the Mendicity Institution Relatives Association Robin Bollard on his mobile 089 2107803 or Lar Daly vice Chairman of the Fingal old IRA Commemorative Society 086 17735. The Men who fought at Mendicity were Patrick J Kelly Lusk Company who died 28/3/1945 aged 48 ,Richard Kelly also Lusk Company who died 1/12/1973 aged 78 ,George Levin B Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 19/12/1957 aged 85 , James Marks Fingal 5thBattalion who died 16/12/1939 aged 45 ,Sean Mcloughlin D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 13/2/1960 aged 65, William Meehan Lusk Company who died 22/7/1975 aged 89 , William Murnane G Company 1 st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 27/8/1956 aged 71 , Joseph Norton

Fingal 5th Battalion who died on the 21/11/1917 aged 42 ,William O Dee D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 10/3/1955 aged 67 , Thomas O Kelly D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 28/4/1937 aged 56 , Thomas Peppard Fingal 5th Battalion who died 16/12/1984 aged 90, Edward Roach D Company 1st Battalion

Dublin Brigade who died 21/2/1963 aged 64, Liam Stanies D Company

1 st Battalion Dublin Brigade 2/11/1918 aged 20 , Patrick Stephenson

D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 6/4/1960 , James Wilson Fingal 5 th Battalion who died 23/10/1967 aged 70 ,Peter Wilson

Fingal 5 th Battalion who died 18/2/1973 , Richard Balfe D Company

1 st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 20/10 /1967 aged 74, James Brennan D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 6/4/1976 aged 85, Frederick Brooks C Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died on the 21/12/1954 aged 79 , John Byrne D Company 1 st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 2/7/1954 aged 59, John Clarke Lusk Company unfortunately no records on his death ,Captain Richard Coleman Fingal 5th Battalion who died 9/12/1918 aged 28 , James Crenigan Fingal 5th Battalion who died 13/8/1974 aged 74, John Cullen D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 29/5/1918 aged 22, John Derrington D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died on the 15/11/1962 aged 90, Liam Derrington D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died on the 18/2/1943 aged 44 and lastly Peter (Cooty ) Wilson Fingal 5th Battalion who was shot holding a white flag to surrender on 26/4/1916 aged 41, he is buried in Dr Steven’s Hospital.

photos by Tommy Kavanagh photographer

Ukrainians - complete business start-up programme here!

Over a year after the conflict in their country began, some 80 displaced Ukrainians determined to get back on their feet in Ireland have completed a Start Your Own Business programme thanks to a collaborative effort between the Fingal Ukrainian Response Forum and the Irish Red Cross. The initiative encompasses a programme tailored to the requirements of Ukrainian nationals living across the country and is delivered as a hybrid course, both online and in-person. It covers a variety of modules including finance, business management, networking and legal requirements. Recognising an opportunity to do more at a local level, the Irish Red Cross approached Fingal County Council to do develop a course for Ukrainians who were interested in start their own business in Ireland. That led to the Fingal Local Enterprise Office (LEO) rolling out a customised Start Your Own Business programme that could be delivered bilingually. With strong links to the Ukrainian community through their hubs across Ireland, the Irish Red Cross were well positioned to identify interested candidates and set about the registration process that saw them recruit some 80 participants with varying backgrounds and business ideas. Congratulating the first tranche of those taking part in the programme, Fingal Ukrainian Response Forum Chairman and Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said: “This is a fantastic initiative that gives budding entrepreneurs from Ukraine the right tools and business insights to enable them to be positive contributors to the economic growth of the country. “Those taking part see an opportunity to not only generate employment for themselves, but support the creation of small businesses. They are bringing their own ideas, expertise and varied

backgrounds to really make a go of being here after fleeing the horrors back in their own country. I am delighted that Fingal continues to be a warm and welcoming hub for those coming to Ireland and hope that this type of business incubator concept can be replicated with success elsewhere.” Many of those taking part have signed up for the programme having had businesses in Ukraine and are looking to start their business in Ireland.

CommunityLocals.ie

Ardgillan College continues to establish itself as a rugby school

Ardgillan College’s senior girls rugby team reached the final of the Leinster Senior Cup in March 2023 but sadly were narrowly defeated by Newbridge College. Not only did they play brilliantly however, they have also managed to qualify for the All Ireland rugby 7’s Championship which is something to look forward to. The Junior and Senior boys rugby teams won their respective Fingal Cups in

two thrilling games vs Malahide CS just before Easter Break. They delighted in bringing the two trophies back to the college to show Principal Ní Mhurchu who congratulated both teams. Everyone at the college is immensely proud of the students. A huge thanks to their school rugby coaches Mr. Goodman and Mr. Conoulty and their local rugby club in Balbriggan for all their support.

Home Cook Recipes Healthy

Niamh’s Grilled Chicken and Grape Salad

May is officially the first month of the Summer season and hopefully we will have lots of nice sunny weather which ‘May’ entice us to eat more salads! This recipe is quick to throw together but has lots of variety with crunchy and juicy textures and flavours!! Really handy and can help avoid food waste too, especially if you have left over cooked chicken or salad ingredients that need to be used!!!

Ingredients: (Serves 1 person)

• 1 chicken fillet

• 1 handful (approx. x10) grapes (green or red)

• 50g pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds

• 6 cherry tomatoes

• 200g spinach and other leaves (Fresh Basil leaves add a beautiful flavour of Summer!)

• 60g Feta cheese

Feel free to add any other ingredients of your liking such as red onion, scallion, peppers, diced beetroot, shredded carrot, cucumber, slices of apple, Goat’s cheese, couscous, walnuts or pecans.

Tip: For more flavour, toast the seeds by heating them on a dry pan over a medium heat for 1-2minutes until they turn golden brown and produce a rich, toasty fragrance. DON’T take your eye off them though as they burn quite easily and toss them around on the pan to ensure even toasting!

Optional Balsamic Honey Dressing (alternatively use a dressing of your liking) (Makes 4 servings. Store any leftover dressing in an air-tight container in the fridge and use within 3 weeks)

• 3 tablespoonsBalsamic vinega

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 5 tablespoons olive oil

• Pinch of black pepper.

To make the dressing, place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth (approx. 30 seconds). Alternatively whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined. (Although using a blender will result in a smoother consistency). Stir well before serving to ensure the ingredients are combined.

Method:

(1.)Grill the chicken fillet with spices or flavouring of your liking. I like Cajun spices or paprika.(2.) While keeping an eye on the grill, prepare the salad ingredients by washing and chopping/slicing. (3.) Place all of the salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl (spinach, sliced grapes, tomatoes, feta cheese and seeds). When cooked thoroughly, slice the grilled chicken and add into this mixing bowl. Then add a dressing of your choice and toss all the ingredients around in the mixing bowl. Ensure the dressing coats all of the ingredients evenly. (4.) Assemble the salad on your serving dish. 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: arthursniamh@gmail.com

Niamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher

The new Basketball Academy is for everyone in Balbriggan

Welcome to the new Basketball Academy in Balbriggan which was set up to be inclusive whilst supporting youth development and empowerment in life skills and Basketball ability. Our academy opened doors to its membership in January 2023 but began in November 2022. Presently we are looking for individuals of any age and level, who would be interested in playing Basketball for weekly pickup games or to join teams who will be entering next season’s league schedule. We are also seeking Local Basketball Referees immediately, can you help?

WHAT WE DO! - Our academy

runs through the school year and it is a place where young people can widen their knowledge of the sport as well as gain official certification as well as leadership and management skills.

WHERE ARE WE! - Our home court is located at Bremore ETNS in Balbriggan where we utilise the gym facilities on Wednesday and Friday evenings. WHO TO CONTACT!So please feel free to use this contact email for all queries/ information and we will contact you asap balbrigganbasketballclub@gmail.com. Or contact the Academy on facebook at Balbriggan Basketball Academy;

Balbriggan Cricket Club receives plaudits from Cricket Europe

A recent article by Cricket Europe has recognised the wonderful achievements and players of Balbriggan Cricket Club. The article stated: The defending champions aren’t content with one Premier League crown. They have tasted success and want more silverware as they look to build strong structures throughout the club. 2022 was undoubtedly the best year in the clubs history with the first team winning the premier league at the first time of asking, as well as promotion for the seconds and thirds, plus the launching of Women’s cricket in the club. Promising South African bowling all-rounder Matt Pollard is their overseas player, while the additions of Cameron Rowe, Sam Willmse, Waqa Azmat, Emad Uddin,

and Bilal Iqbal will strengthen the playing base as unfortunately, the wonderful Nathan Rooney is the only first team departure from last season. The club told Cricket Europe, “The focus is now firmly on the 2023 season and the players are chomping at the bit to get going,” said a club spokesperson.At the start of last season, first team captain Greg Ford said that any team in the league could win it or anyone could be relegated and this season will be no different with eight very strong teams and games will be as exciting as always in the Leinster Premier division. The buzz about the club is amazing and with the 3 lane indoor centre hopefully complete before the end of the year , we’re hoping that 2023 is another

memorable year for the club. The players have wintered well, we have lot of young players such as Cian Rooney, Druhan and Kaelin Knight, Aadi Wankhade, Brian Dunphy, Ryan Keenan, Fionn Bannister and Jose O’Carroll , who we hope to see moving up the grades within the club. In terms of the 1s and 2s Squad , we have had a few guys training with Leinster Lightning all winter and young gun Eoin Birch is just back from South Africa with the Irish U19s, so we have guys who are ready to hit the ground running. We welcome some strong players into the club who are all looking forward to pulling on the navy and blue and working with Andre Botha.”

Glebe North compete at International Youth Football Tournament

IFE Sportland recently hosted the new edition of Gardaland Cup,the youth football tournament that takes place at Easter in the fields near the beautiful Garda Lake in Italy. The tournament will involved a fantastic international atmosphere and the beautiful Gardaland park, which has always characterized it. Many teams from all over Italy and from northern Europe, awaited with trepidation the kick-off of the Gardaland Cup! It was

played on fields in Castelnuovo, Peschiera, Bussolengo, Sommacampagna, Pastrengo and Villafranca. The tournament is authorized by F.I.G.C and is promoted by IFE Sportland. The Glebe North Under 14 team closed the Gardaland Cup with 2 wins in two games today. The team and parents enjoyed a very good pizza in a local restaurant after the medals presentation. Well done to all!

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

Across

1. The second largest country in the world. (6)

5. Very young children. (6)

10. European country ruled by a bishop and a president. (7)

11. Sections of longer items. (7)

12. Cloths worn by babies while eating. (4)

13. What holds us upright. (5)

15. Give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another. (4)

17. A small metal block with internal screw thread. (3)

19. Protective leather or steel covering on a boot or shoe. (6)

21. Most recent or most up-to-date. (6)

22. Fell down, as if collapsing. (7)

23. The capital of Croatia. (6)

25. The sex of a person or organism. (6)

28. A great period of time. (3)

30. Silently ill-humoured, gloomy. (4)

31. Out of fashion in French. (5)

32. Having or exerting a malignant influence. (4)

35. A person who disbelieves in a supreme being. (7)

36. Draws breath. (7)

37. One who lends money at an exorbitant rate. (6)

38. Soldiers collectively. (6)

Down

2. Loud enough to be heard. (7)

3. Affected manners intended to impress others. (4)

4. The great river of South America. (6)

5. Upmarket dance performance. (6)

6. Curved section of a road or river. (4)

7. Beyond a norm in views or actions. (7)

8. A deliberate loss of a chess piece at the start of a game. (6)

9. State categorically. (6)

14. 1, 4, 7, 12. (7)

16. H2O. (5)

18. Disappeared gradually. (5)

20. Inn. (3)

21. A human limb. (3)

23. It has twelve signs. (6)

24. Cowboys of the South American pampas. (7)

26. Grow emotionally or mature. (7)

27. Spicy or savoury condiment. (6)

28. A time for eggs. (6)

29. Give a hand. (6)

33. One who can’t tell the truth. (4)

34. A United State. (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,