Balbriggan Local V9I11-SEP 2024 by Irish Media Group

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Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Summer has sadly come to an end and it’s time for the regular daily routine to return! However, it’s not all doom and gloom - even though the weather may not have been wonderful, Fingal still shone in the Summer and there’s plenty on offer this Autumn!

We have been very lucky over the past three months to have had so many wonderful events and festivals to attend throughout the county. There was something to do for all ages and all of it taking place on our doorsteps.

We now are looking to Autumn, and it is the season that aways has something in store, and more times than not we are treated to some decent weather! It’s the season where everything jumps back into life after a well-earned break and let’s face it, it’s good to get into the swing of things again.

School is back, and so are the early mornings of school runs and the daily commute, and while it can take some time getting used to the routine, we in Fingal are at a significantly higher advantage of having fantastic transport services and routes on our doorsteps that can relieve a lot of that stress.

There’s never a better time of year to get try something new with so many local sporting clubs and social groups reopening after the Summer and once again, we are spoilt for choice in what is on offer right on our doorstep. We once again have the vast number of local people who volunteer to ensure that these services are available to us.

So even though Summer may not have been everything that we wanted it to be when it comes to the weather, it sure did deliver in many other ways and as we move into the Autumn here’s looking forward to many more entertaining experiences all ready to be sampled in wonderful Fingal!

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Celtic World Forum brings world class performances to the Lark

Grammy-nominated Irish singer Éabha McMahon returns from 5th to 7th September with the Celtic World Forum including three themed evening concerts, featuring the very best of Celtic talent, in the brand-new Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan.

The annual event is dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions of Celtic music. Taking place at the Irish Institute of Music & Song in Balbriggan, the highly anticipated event promises an engaging mix of insightful sessions, inspirational performances, and interactive workshops for Celtic music enthusiasts and artists alike.

The three-day festival, spearheaded by Éabha and her creative management team, will feature a diverse program that includes talks, panels, workshops, song circles, and concerts. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Irish Traditional, Folk, and Celtic music, guided by some of the most esteemed artists and experts in the field. Additionally, the Celtic World Forum will serve as a platform to introduce new undiscovered talent to a worldwide audience.

Éabha began her training as a Sean Nós singer at a young age and has since recorded several albums and television specials. She has also toured extensively as

a principal vocalist with Anúna and Celtic Woman, performing all over the world. In 2021, she released her debut album, ‘Wildflower’, to critical acclaim.

Speaking about th event, Éabha McMahon said, “Bringing the Celtic World Forum to life has been a dream come true. It’s incredible to witness the passion and talent that Celtic music inspires. This forum is not just about preserving our rich Irish heritage but also about fostering new talent and connecting artists and enthusiasts from around the globe. We look forward to the many performances this September.”

The three differently themed, evening concerts will feature performances by acclaimed artists including Éabha McMahon, Tara Howley, Mairead Nesbitt, Fergus Cahillane, Caitriona Sherlock, Megan Walsh, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Eimear Quinn, James Greenan, Madelyn Monaghan, Donal Kearney, Susan McFadden, Glenn Murphy, with other very special guest appearances to be announced. An interesting array of talks will be held during the day from speakers including Sean McElwain, Moya Brennan, Barry Devlin & Jim Lockhart from Horslips and many more.

For more information and tickets, visit www.celticworldforum.com.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Annual General Meeting

You are invited to the AGM of Balbriggan Meals on Wheels which will be held on Thursday 19th September at 7.30pm in 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan K32 P793. The meeting is open to all members of the local community. Please come along and learn more about this important community service.

Eabha McMahon

Photo by Anna Hornby

Balbriggan Guide Dogs branch has Zero Limits at Mondello Park

Guide Dog owner and volunteer Jade McCormack attended the unique Zero Limits event in Co Kildare which took place on the 23rd and 24th July. It gave people who are blind/vision impaired the chance to drive.

Jade recounts her experience saying, “This is the fourth year and second year I have taken part. Zero Limits is an experience like no other for those who are blind/vision impaired, it gives them the opportunity to drive and get a front seat experience being driven around the track in a rally car by some of the country’s top drivers. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that this year I hold close to my heart. Last year I lost my father suddenly and unexpectedly and it is from him that I know I get my love of fast cars and adventure from. Taking part in this year’s event was such a lovely way for me to remember dad and to do something I know he would have loved to be part of.”

“The day is divided into two parts,” Jade continued. “The first being the morning where those who are blind/vision impaired take the wheel and drive around the track with the help of an experienced driver. I had such a positive experience with the lovely navigator, Joe. I’m sure for Joe it was equally an experience as he was having to instruct someone who can’t see and hoping they will listen to what he is asking. For me this was such a thrill being able to get behind the wheel and do something most people take for granted. If I had to describe the feeling of driving a car while not being fully able to see it would be that of surreal. The freedom and joy I felt while driving was like nothing I have ever experienced before. After driving I had some lunch and was able to chat lots of people and soak up the atmosphere which was amazing. The event this year was launched by Dancing With the Stars Winner Jason Smith and his dance partner Karen Byrne who were extremely generous with their time and spoke to as many people as they could.”

Jade continued, “After lunch and chats the afternoon really revved up as around a dozen rally cars took to the track to bring some poor unexpecting passengers for a quick spin. When it was my turn to go down to the pit, the excitement I felt was palpable and my heart started to race as adrenaline

Families are enjoying the last of the summer season at CityNorth Hotel where it has been a record year, with visitor numbers exceeding expectations. Domestic tourists seeking a family “staycation” have broken all records at the hotel during the months of July and August, visiting attractions in the area including Emerald Park, Flynn Park and Funtasia Waterpark.

Director of Sales and Marketing, Suzanne Mulvey says that destination marketing of the East Coast of Ireland by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and locally Discover Boyne Valley and Fingal Tourism, has helped to create awareness of the abundance of things to do in the area.

Ms Mulvey commented, “We are lucky with our location on the border of Fingal and the Boyne Valley. Our guests have access to activities, garden and food trails, heritage sites, golf courses and vast stretches of stunning coastline. Families staying at CityNorth Hotel can head off for the day with a picnic, and even on a low budget can enjoy nearby amenities like Ardgillan Castle, Newbridge Demesne or a day at the beach”.

“There are more reasons now for tourists to stay longer in the area, and as a result we are seeing an increased average length of stay. The addition of the award-winning Lark Theatre is very exciting, as are the plans for a €25.4million rejuvenation of Balbriggan Town. The food culture here is booming and CityNorth Hotel guests can visit distilleries in Slane and Listoke, pop up to Carlingford to visit the oyster farm and enjoy unique experiences like beekeeping with Beewize in Drogheda.”

As a member of Boyne Valley Flavours, a network of local food growers and producers in the region, CityNorth Hotel features ingredients from members including farmers and food producers on their seasonal menus. Food tourism is booming, and CityNorth hotel is introducing Sea and Land cookery classes in the Autumn, for guests and locals to experience the food provenance of the area.

Keep an eye on their website, www.citynorthhotel.com for seasonal events and offers.

started to flow as fast as the cars driving around the track. I donned the helmet and climbed into the car with the butterflies increasing in the pit of my stomach. I had a brief chat with the fantastic driver Cathal and assured him that I was neither nervous nor novice and had been in plenty of fast cars before. Off we took and I sat back and enjoyed the thrill of the engine revving and the turns being taken. As soon as it started, we were back at the pits and after a brief chat with some more people it was back on the bus and back home.”

You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Jade McCormack outside rally car at Zero Limits in Mondello park.

What Retirement Planning Have You Done?

By Dave Kavanagh

Among the things that people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s are not over-enthusiastic about considering, is retirement planning. It’s too far away and they don’t want to visualise being in retirement. However, it is a simple fact, that the earlier someone starts planning for retirement, the better financially prepared they will be when it comes. The tax benefits alone should encourage people to get started. For example, someone on the 40% tax band that pays €200 per month into a pension, only actually pays €120 per month as they have full tax relief. The reverse way to consider that, is your €120 each month, instantly grows by over 66%!! (And that’s before any investment growth on your fund). If your future self in their 60’s could give you wise advice, it would be to get into the habit of having a regular deduction to plan for the future, in the same way you get used to having PAYE, PRSI or USC deducted.

With “Auto Enrolment” expected to come into force in early 2025, an estimated 800,000 workers in Ireland who do not currently have a pension arrangement, may find they will be compelled to participate in a scheme. While all details of the scheme are not yet finalised, it is likely that employees and employers will both contribute with possibly an additional contribution from

Government. It is likely that any employees that pay for any form of pension through their payroll (whether the employer adds a contribution or not) will be exempt from having to join the new scheme. For most companies, it is relatively straight forward to offer a payroll deduction facility to their staff, which means the employee gets used to the deduction before their net pay and doesn’t think of it as an extra expense that they must pay for when they receive their salary. Whatever stage you are at, it is well worth making the time to consider your own retirement planning.

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 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.

Nine Magical Months

Pregnancy is a wonderful but it sure ain’t easy, so it’s important to treat mums-to-be. Making sure she has a comfortable chair, bringing her a cuppa; little things make a difference!

Better Health Therapies, Hampton St. Balbriggan offer gorgeous treatments for pregnancy, including massage and reflexology. See www.instagram.com/better.health.therapies, The second trimester is wonderful for a ‘babymoom’. Nausea from first trimester is gone and tiredness of third trimester hasn’t kicked in! Farnham Estate Co Cavan is a beautiful spot, with a stunning indoor/outdoor pool, fabulous spa, woodland walks and scrumptious restaurants. We went for a ‘Babymoon’ and loved it! Book at www.farnhamestate.ie/Mothers-Day.html.

Afternoon Tea at Bracken Court is a lovely treat for mums-to-be. Packed with sandwiches, brioche, cakes and served on decadent china! Book at www.brackencourt.ie.

Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is also fab for

‘Babymoons’. A two min stroll to the village, the hotel has a pool, spacious rooms and relaxed vibe. www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/

Irish skincare brand, Nyrah Beauty is perfect for sensitive skin, making it ideal for mums-to-be. www.nyrahbeauty.com.

Irish brand, Freddy has maternity jeans that stretch throughout pregnancy and also are good post birth, when Mammies need some extra stretch. www.freddy.ie.

Irish brand, Powercut Clothing pregnancy leggings stretch as bumps grow, are super soft and look great on www.powercutclothing.com. Irish company Stitch-a-name make personalised baby gifts like blankets, pram snugglies, baby comforters etc. www.stitchaname. com/

Swollen feet are a common problem in pregnancy, which is why we love Thomp2Socks. Their wide fit socks won’t leave marks on swollen pregnant ankles and a portion of sales goes

towards Down Syndrome charity. www.thomp2. com/.

Cosmic Baby Ireland make colourful, personalised baby soother holders, which double as trolley tokens! So cute and clever www. instagram.com/cosmic.baby.ireland

Irish company Hampers and Co. have launched a range of adorable baby hampers, in pink, blue and neutral colours. A fab gift for someone going on maternity leave or a new Mammy www. hampersandco.com

For nursery furniture, buggies and baby essentials, we love Pitter Patter in Nenagh, and they also ship nationwide. We cannot praise Michael enough for their wonderful customer service. www.pitterpatter.ie

We know Christmas is still a bit away but Elf Town RDS bookings are now open, including personalised gift options! Book here: www. elftowndublin.ie

Rush Tourism are delighted to partner with Rush Local and take this opportunity to say a sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who helped to make our Rush Harbour Festival & Air Show 2024 event such a huge success.

We are so grateful to each of our amazing Sponsors & Volunteers for their support without which our Festival and Air Show would not be possible: Fingal County Council /Dublin Airport D.A. / Dermot Mc Namara Solicitors / Progressive Credit Union / SuperValue / Rush Community Council / Adrian DunnePharmacy/ St.John’s Ambulance/ Rush Sailing Club / Rush Community First Responders / Ros-Eo Preschool / Rush Tidy Towns / Rush MusicalSociety / Specific Gym / St. Maur’s Pipe Band / Ros-Eo Art Group / Yoga in Rush / Rush Local Newspaper / Eamon Price / Des De Burca / Brian Delaney /Brenda King & our own families & friends who gave their time and assistance on so many occasions. We also thank our many loyal traders, crafters, entertainers & participants. We also wish to express our thanks to you, our reader & to all your friends & families who came out in your thousands to partake in our event. We were overwhelmed with the support from everyone, making this year’s festival a huge triumph for all involved.

This year’s airshow was the biggest and best aeronautical display to date brought to us by our aforementioned sponsors & Millennium Promotions.Our festival provided the perfect location to embrace Fingal’s motto of Fluirse Talaimh is Mara (rich in land and sea). This year’s Harbour Festival facilitated our local growers, artisan food producers, local eateries and a myriad of additional local businesses to showcase their produce to a new audience. Our celebrity chefs were suitably impressed with the variety and quality of food produced by our local growers.

We will be sending lots of beautiful photographs to the editor of Rush Local over the coming months in addition to sharing some fabulous recipes created by our celebrity chefs; Ian Rankin Harford, Catherine Fulvio, Whitestown House & The Salty Buoy, so watch this space!!

The voluntary committee of Rush Tourism operates as a sub-committee of Rush Community Council Ltd.

Yours sincerely

Rush Tourism

Far from the catwalk

I smiled wryly when a friend asked if the ring I was wearing belonged to my late father. Given a choice between donning anything vaguely resembling jewellery, or having a wisdom tooth extracted by Mr Bean wielding a rusty pliers, he would have opted for the latter.

The Kinks would not have found their Dedicated Follower Of Fashion amongst the adults I grew up around. In matters sartorial they were dyed in the wool (pun intended) conservatives. Clothes were purely functional; to keep out the elements, and very importantly, preserve modesty. Even on the hottest day of the year layers were shred with great reluctance. As he reached the point of near expiration, my father would finally remove his jacket, as he toiled in a sweltering glass house. But the Donald Duck style waist coat, containing his pocket watch, remained steadfast in place.

The first time I saw an open neck shirt was when a man appeared on television, uttering the immortal words: “Hello I’m Johnny Cash”. Impressed with the new role model. I grabbed my little guitar, undid my top shirt button and hopped up on the kitchen table. My grandiose ideas of fame in Nashville were soon dashed as my mother cried out: “Button your shirt or you’ll catch your death of cold!”, quickly returning me to the reality

of life in rural Fingal in the late 1960s. Before large chain stores made shopping a leisure activity, local drapery shops like Taylors (long gone) on the main street in Swords, provided good quality clothing at reasonable prices. The management and staff were on first name terms with their customers, knowing their style and size as they came through the door. Head cover was mandatory. By in large working men wore flat caps, while the bosses preferred felt hats with brims. Protocol dictated where and when head gear should be worn. For example: failure to remove one’s cap at the dining table could result in being awarded the title of a “bowsie”.

The ladies had a range of head scarves and hats that hadn’t changed much in centuries. In a moment of grave misjudgement my mother purchased a navy-blue pill box hat for my confirmation. Said hat caused great embarrassment to her, and unbridled hilarity for the rest of us; when dislodged by a rouge gust of wind, it hit the ground rolling and broke the land speed record for a piece of millinery, as I gave chase to the cheers of onlookers. Who could have predicted the era of the designer label and selfie? But then, I guess the pendulum of life seldom settles in the middle.

Something for everyone at the Fingal Poetry Festival

The annual Fingal Poetry Festival returns to Skerries on 13-15th September with the local festival connecting people with poetry, music and each other — creating shared moments that inspire people to find their voice.

In celebration of the event’s fifth anniversary, this year’s programme is full of exciting events for all ages.

On Friday 13th September, join land artist Mayumi Nakabayshi in making a giant mandala with natural materials on Red Island. Later that evening, come along to the Little Theatre for the Grand Slam Final to crown the Skerries Slam Champion — who will perform in the Word Tent at Electric Picnic 2025! Featuring host Sheila Ryder, the finalists of our four regional Poetry Slams in Fingal Libraries, and multi-championship winning guest poet Samuel Yakura. Music by Amano.

Saturday 14 September - The Big Poetry Day Out kicks off bright and early with a morning Poetry Walk at the Harbour. Led by poet Enda Coyle-Greene with readings by poets Lani O’Hanlon and Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin, Sean Nós dancer Nada Ní Chuirrín, and music by Brenda Castles. From 2-4pm, Floraville Park will transform for the Family Poetry Fest! Fun for all the family with children’s author Lucinda Jacob, young local poets and musicians. There will be creative art, games, and an open mic for children and young adults.

At 15:30, join Prosper Fingal for poetry, song and a cuppa, as we celebrate with the winners of the Fingal Poetry Prize and An Fiach Dubh — our international poetry competitions.

Hailed by the BBC as Ireland’s King of the Blues; Nigel Mooney’s much acclaimed organ trio features Scott Flanigan (organ) and Dominic Mullan (drums). For this concert they will be joined by their old friend, Ireland’s greatest jazz chanteuse Honor Heffernan.

To round out the festival, poet Damien B. Donnelly will guide us through an Ardgillan Poetry Walk in the high woods on Sunday 15th September. Finishing in Ardgillan Castle Library with a reading by poet Brian Kirk.

Funding for the 2024 festival comes from Fingal County Council, the Arts Council, Fingal Local Community Development Committee, Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, DHL Global Forwarding, and Roadstone is gratefully acknowledged. With support from Fingal Libraries and Poetry Ireland.

Visit the festival website for full details: www.fingalpoetryfestival.com

IDEAL CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Music by Mick Morris. All participants are invited to bring a poem written by themselves or a poem they like, for sharing.

Affordable Roofers Dublin is a team of highly qualified tradesmen with years of experience serving Dublin customers. They are on 24hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to any type of roof repair work anywhere across Co. Dublin.

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Our highly skilled tradesmen are available to investigate and pinpoint the cause of any water leak or roof defect and carry out the necessary repair works.

We provide affordable roofing services throughout the whole of Co. Dublin and further if needed.

Longlegs (2024) Film Review

By Jack Shanley

Longlegs is a horror thriller that taps into the dread of being watched, following the classic yet effective trope of a mysterious killer with an unsettling aura. Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his atmospheric and slow-burn approach to horror, Longlegs explores the intersection of the supernatural and the psychological with a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Nicolas Cage, who portrays the titular character, is mesmerizing as the enigmatic and unnerving Longlegs. His performance is a masterclass in controlled terror, with his eerie calmness and occasional bursts of unhinged behaviour. Cage’s ability to shift between charm and menace adds a layer of unpredictability that elevates the film’s tension. The supporting cast, including Maika Monroe and Alicia Witt, deliver solid performances, grounding the film in a grim reality that contrasts sharply with the more surreal elements of the plot.

The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the tension to build gradually. This choice may not resonate with viewers expecting a

more fast-paced horror experience, but for those who appreciate a slowburn, the payoff is well worth the wait. The cinematography enhances the unsettling atmosphere, with dim lighting and claustrophobic framing that leaves you feeling as though something sinister is always lurking just out of sight

Longlegs thrives on its atmosphere, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a film that isn’t afraid to leave questions unanswered, trusting the audience to piece together its fragmented and often disturbing narrative. While it may not be a crowd-pleaser for everyone, Longlegs is a haunting and memorable addition to the horror genre, particularly for those who relish ambiguity and psychological depth in their scares.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Longlegs and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Osgood Perkins – Rating: R –Genre: Horror/Crime – Run Time: 1h 41m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Aikido takes centre stage at Balbriggan Festival

The Balbriggan Beach Festival organised by the Fingal County Council Sports Office took place on Sunday, 18 August and brought the community together for a vibrant day of beach sports, live performances, and family-friendly entertainment. Numerous local clubs showcased their activities and provided free taster sessions for festivalgoers. Among the stand-out presentations was a demonstration by the Takemusu Aikido Society, which captivated the public and photographers with an impressive and loud aikido performance.

Led by its head instructor Raman Bekarevich, the Takemusu Aikido Society delivered a series of dynamic martial arts demonstrations, featuring weapons practice and selfdefense techniques. During breaks, the audience had the opportunity to interact with the instructors, ask questions, and even try out some basic aikido moves.

The festival attracted around 4,500 attendees, many of whom stopped to watch the Aikido

demonstration. Local councillors also made their way to the club’s information booth, where junior members were actively distributing flyers and special discount offers to encourage new participants to join the club.

“Aikido is more than just selfdefence – it’s a way to develop a strong body and big heart. It’s a lifelong journey towards building character and harmonizing the mind and body,” said Raman. “Our club warmly welcomes anyone interested in learning traditional Japanese martial arts, and we’re open to beginners.”

Takemusu Aikido Society, which has a long-standing presence in Balbriggan, offers regular classes for practitioners of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, the club provides a supportive environment to explore the depth and discipline of Aikido. For more information, visit their website www.aiki.ie or contact them by email at info@aiki. ie.

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