Balbriggan Local V9I12-OCT 2024 by Irish Media Group

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Taking Stock of the year as Time Falls Back

While we have all enjoyed a fantastic start of Autumn with some superb warm weather, we now look to the tentative start of the darker evenings giving us plenty of time to take stock of all that has taken place over the past 9 months.

We won’t have to wait much longer for the evenings to truly darken with the bi-annual event of daylight saving to take place this year on Sunday 27th October. While we will have around 50 percent less sunshine than that of Spring and Summer, it gives us more time to enjoy our home comforts as the cold nights set in.

Summer was a truly eventful time of year with so many events taking place around the whole county of Fingal. There was hardly a weekend that past without some amazing festival or event taking place throughout the county.

While we await the arrival of Winter, things certainly aren’t slowing down for the many community groups, sporting clubs, resident’s associations etc. Winter can be one of the busiest times of the year with many plans being put together for the following year as well as the weekly activities taking place.

Halloween is a time when children, and the big children, can enjoy themselves in equal measure with kids donning fantastic, and spooky costumes, while some adults will also go all out with decorating their houses to rival that of anywhere in the world. Afterall, Halloween, or Samhain, is a truly Irish event.

Fingal will have many events taking place over the coming weeks that will culminate with the amazing Fingal Festival of Fire that sees amazing firework displays being hosted throughout the county. Be sure to wear your best costume and enjoy the fantastic, and safe, pyrotechnic event!

So as we approach the winter months, be sure to take some time to take advantage of the decent October weather, but also, don’t forget to curl up beside the fire at home and take stock of all that has happened over the past year and make some plans to have an even more eventful 2025!

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Date for your Diaries! Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Christmas Fair

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is holding it’s ever popular Christmas Fair on Saturday 30th November. This will be a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping started whilst supporting a good cause!

In advance of the Christmas Fair, Balbriggan Meals on Wheels will be accepting donations of new, unused items that we can sell. So now might be the time to go through your cupboards and clear out any new unwanted gifts that you might have. Donations can be left to 14 Hampton Street, Monday to Saturday between 9am and 1pm.

All proceeds raised go towards the work of Balbriggan Meals on Wheels in our local community.

How a local volunteer’s love of the Balbriggan Guide Dogs has bloomed

Local Volunteer with Balbriggan/ North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs, Dana Kelly discusses her experience of being a volunteer for the organisation, she says, ‘I’ve been volunteering with the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs since June 2018, after my dog Gizmo passed away I wanted to do something in his name, I was putting it off out of nervousness and I came across the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s booth at Bloom, it felt like a sign. I signed up and shortly after I heard from the lovely Tom O’Neill who I met for the first time in October 2018. Himself and his guide dog Gatsby walked up to Dunnes Stores with me, where I was going to backpack for the day for the organisation. We were chatting away and I got to see the brilliant Gatsby at work. At Dunnes Stores I packed bags with other volunteers and although I’m terrible at bag packing, it was such a nice feeling greeting the general public and seeing the support for the charity. It was so rewarding finding out how

much we raised a few days later. I knew it was something I wanted to continue to do and to this day, I love nothing more than getting out to a shop with the branch’s merchandise stand, meeting and greeting the public, hearing their stories about how the charity has helped them or even just hearing about their lives and pets, chatting to other volunteers and hearing how they met Tom, joined the organisation and haven’t looked back. It really is never a dull moment. I’ve met so many interesting and lovely people through the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs and it truly is a joy to be a part of something that helps so many people. If like me, all those years ago, you are looking for a sign to volunteer, this is it.’

You can contact Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/ text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Volunteer Dana Kelly with Guide Dog Qeb at merchandise stand outside Tesco in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan.

Three National Awards for Balbriggan Tidy Towns

Congratulations to Balbriggan Tidy Towns who were awarded three times at this year’s National Tidy Town awards that were recently held in Abbeyleix, Co Laois.

“Thrilled to receive our 3 awards, won at Tidy Towns 2023, from Minister Sean Fleming at a wonderful event in Abbeyleix tonight. This is lovely recognition of the great work our volunteers do particularly with our young people in Youthreach Balbriggan, Loreto Balbriggan and Gaisce - The President’s Award participants. Our Balbriggan - Get Involved,” reads a statement from the group.

Wonderful work by

Plans for Balbriggan Hub Takes one Step Closer

Balbriggan Locals will be delighted to hear that the newly planned creative hub took a significant step closer to reality with plans ready to go to tender.

The team behind #OurBalbriggan announced the news on the eve of this year’s Culture Night stating, “Here in #OurBalbriggan we celebrate another key milestone in the ‘Our Balbriggan’ rejuvenation programme, when planning permission was granted in October

2023 for a creative hub. We expect to go to tender shortly on the approved plans for works at 2-4 Dublin Street, and to commence work in 2025.

“The further development of Balbriggan as a nationally renowned destination for arts and culture is a key part of the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme, and the creative hub will be central to this,” the team added.

Sports clubs to benefit from

€143,500 Dormant Accounts Fund

Sporting clubs across County Fingal are to benefit from €143,500 that has been released as part of the Dormant Account Funds which is being overseen by the Minister of State for Rural and Community Development Joe O’Brien, under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012.

The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

Speaking about the funding, Minister O’Brien said: “The Dormant Accounts Fund allocation announced today is a crucial investment in our communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.”

“In Fingal we are supporting the ‘Her Moves’ initiative which aims to keep girls in sport during adolescent years and the wider ‘Activie Citiies’ initiative which people may have seen at events over the summer but also at the boxes of free to rent sports equipment around Fingal.”

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Oasis: Supersonic (2016) Film Review

By Jack Shanley

With the long-awaited reunion of Rock’n’roll stars Oasis, I felt it would be a great time to shine a light on one of the best music documentaries I’ve ever seen. Oasis: Supersonic is a nostalgic, exhilarating, and chaotic journey through the early years of one of the most iconic bands of the Britpop era. The storytelling is fast paced, much like the whirlwind journey Oasis experienced. With a great use of a mix of home videos, concert footage, and press clippings to illustrate the band’s trajectory.

The most compelling theme of Oasis: Supersonic is the tension between Noel and Liam Gallagher. Their contrasting personalities fuelled both the band’s creative output and their infamous feuds. Their dynamic is central to the narrative, as we witness their passionate collaborations and explosive arguments.

“Supersonic” showcases the band’s iconic performances, from intimate gigs to massive stadium shows, highlighting their undeniable stage presence and infectious energy. It

also provides a glimpse into the band’s personal lives, exploring their friendships, rivalries, and the challenges they faced as they navigated the pressures of fame. It’s the idea of essentially a group of local lads brought up on a council estate with a battered acoustic guitar that took over the world of music, it’s just quiet amazing.

While the documentary primarily focuses on Oasis’s early success, it also hints at the band’s eventual decline. “Supersonic” is a must-watch for fans of Oasis and anyone interested in the history of British rock music. With a look into Noel’s genius songwriting, Liams Rock’n’roll charisma and the infamous Knebworth gigs, its truly a fascinating watch.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Oasis: Supersonic and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five stars. You can rent it on Amazon Prime Video for €3.49. Director: Mat Whitecross– Rating: R – Genre: Documentary/Drama – Run Time: 2h 2m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Balbriggan Courthouse History in the Dock!

Don’t worry there were no judges and hand-cuffs, just a lovely group of people, who were present at The History of Balbriggan Courthouse talk delivered by Dr David Sorensen in the recently refurbished Courthouse in Balbriggan! The talk was also repeated for the public in Balbriggan Library on Culture Night, Friday 20th September.

Pop up Museum returns for Fingal Festival of History

Balbriggan & District Historical Society are delighted that our Pop-Up Museum will return on October 12th and 13th as part of the Fingal Festival of History. Thanks to everyone who called in to visit and discussed the exhibits, shared your stories, and those who donated artefacts for the display over the two weekends earlier this summer. We look forward to again displaying a small sample of the significant number of our historical Artefacts and photographs and videos

which are of huge local and national interest. The exhibition will feature The People and Places of Balbriggan and topics featured will include the Linen & textile industry including Smyco, Harry Reynolds, Tommy Caffrey, Sinéad DeValera, Bremore Castle, and some of our extensive 1893 local Balbriggan photo collection.

The exhibition will take place in the Pop Up Museum space on the corner of Clonard St and

Bridge St, beside Central Pub from 12 to 5pm each day. All are welcome and admission is free. For information on the Fingal Festival of History see https://www.fingal.ie/news/launchfingal-festival-history-2024-and-publicationfingal-studies-5

Hope to see you at the pop up museum, for further information see www.balbrigganhistory. com or email balbrigganhistsoc@gmail.com

CommunityLocals.ie

Life Cover - Why do we not prioritise it?

By Dave Kavanagh

I sometimes get told by people that they don’t have the time, or they are too busy, when it comes to arranging or updating their life cover, serious illness cover or income protection. (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality, a serious illness or being off work for a length of time, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed and it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot

be made, meaning you could be paying way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. Someone once told me that they had no time and in the same conversation told me they had bingewatched 8 episodes of Game of Thrones. (They were also up to date on all the soap storylines!) If it’s important, make the time.

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.

Happy halloween!

Spooktacular bites for Halloween!

This time of year brings lots of colourful vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potato, kale, beetroot, carrots, parsnipsand of course the Halloween tradition.....pumpkins!!!!Autumn also brings a chillier change in the weather so it is brilliant that we have all these bright veggies to stock up our wholesome soups, casseroles, stews and make us feel warm from the inside out! Especially if we are out venturing, trick or treating or celebrating our Celtic festival ‘Oíche Shamhna’.Here’s a few fun ‘fang-tastic’ ideas to make sure we are getting our fill of nutrition and not just filling with treats!

Spooktacular Sweet Potato Shapes

• 2 large sweet potatoes makes about 30 shapes of varying sizes!

• Preheat oven to 200’c.

• 1.First wash and peel the sweet potatoes.

• 2.Slice into circles.

• 3.To speed up cooking time, boil the sweet potato slices for 8 minutes. (The water from boiling could be used as stock for asoup/ casserole as it will contain some nutrients that leached out of the sweet potatoes!)

• 4.Drain and place the shapes on a baking tray. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil and add herbs/spices of

• your liking! (I like mine with Balsamic vinegar and black pepper!)

• 5.Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes at 200’c to get them nice and crispy!

Cheeky Cheesestring Broomsticks!

1.Cut a cheese string in half and peel back the cheese three quarters of the way into strips at one end.

2. Push a bread stick or pretzel into the opposite end.

Petrifying Pepper Monsters

• 1.Wash and dry the peppers. Then slice around the top of the pepper and lift this new ‘lid’ off.

• 2.Scoop out the inside of the pepper.

• 3.Using a sharp knife carve the face or whichever design you like into one side of the pepper.

• 4.Fill the pepper with an already cooked wholesome meal, hummus or filling of your desire!

• 5.You could also roast the peppers to make them softer to eat by placing them on a baking tray

• with oil/baking sheet and place in the oven at 200’c. for 30-35 minutes.

For nutrition and healthy eating talks or workshops in preschools, primary or secondary schools, workplaces or community groups please email: niamh@biabites.net See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for other food ideas. Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist www.biabites.net

Halloween breaks and Baby Shower Fun!

We’ve had family weddings and parties in Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan so we knew they would look after us for our sister’s Baby Shower there! We decorated a room with balloons and all things pink, set up a gift table and laid out the yummy sandwiches, sausages & goujons the hotel made us, alongside pink lemonade & pink sweets! Kate (plus bump) was thrilled with the beautiful room full of friends and family; including our sister from Jersey, who flew home as an extra surprise!

We played baby shower games where we predicted the name, weight & arrival date of baby. Blindfolded, we tried to pin the soother on the baby and guessed the bump size! Winners got fab prizes from Tipperary Crystal. We listed baby gift ideas in the Baby shower WhatsApp group, so guests could get practical items for the soon-tobe parents, including Bumbo Floor Seat from Hippychick ; LCD Screen Baby Monitor from PitterPatter. ie Irish nursery store, cute Disney baby clothing from Penneys, personalised pink ‘Baby Moore’ labels from MyNametags.ie so baby’s clothes and toys don’t get lost! We also had personalised babygro and blanket from CosyCrewClub, use code MAMS20 for 20% off, a personalised pram blanket from fab

Irish company stitchaname.com and gorgeous gender-neutral baby hamper from Hampers & Co.

As it’s a baby girl, lots of us wore pink dresses for the Baby Shower and www.mykindofdress.com gave us code ‘MAMS30’ for 30% off for their website. This can be used now, perfect timing for picking up some bargain party season wear!

Halloween is coming and if you fancy a family break this midterm, Pillo Hotel Ashbourne have packages which include Emerald Park’s Tricky Trail adventure. Book your stay here: www. pillohotelashbourne.com/bookings Adventure Lights retruns to Skypark Carlingford from 26th October right through to February and early bookings are now open at: www.skypark.checkfront.com Want to turn it into a mini break? Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is super family friendly. Book family stays here: www.4seasonshotelcarlingford. ie/family-breaks

Christmas is a bit away, but Santa visits book up fast! To get the date and time you want for the 75-minute Elf Town experience Dublin RDS, book now at www. elftowndublin.ie

Keep an eye on mams.ie for competitions and offers for Halloween and Christmas!

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