Balbriggan Local V9I8-JUN 2024

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How many times have you walked down your local street or local estate and wondered ‘Why isn’t there more going on here?’ or ‘Why isn’t there enough for the kids to do?’ These are questions we all ask ourselves on occasions and more often than not, there could be a lot more going on if we had more people willing to volunteer with local groups.

There are so many wonderful voluntary organisations out there in Fingal and the work that they do is invaluable to their respective communities. From sporting groups, walking groups, youth groups, Men’s Sheds, ICA groups, Comhaltas groups and the many, many more clubs, societies and organisations – local people rely heavily on them to make a difference to their daily lives.

But these organisations can only survive with the selfless work their volunteers provide who give up their own time after work and on weekends to make our lives more fulfilled. We love seeing more for us to do in our communities and are always looking for something new and exciting; just remember there would hardly be anything to do without these voluntary organisations and their volunteers.

As a community-based magazine group we really do deeply appreciate all out contributors and advertisers without whom the magazines would not be possible. But we also appreciate all the great work that is being done in Fingal by the community/voluntary and charitable sector. We also appreciate the work of carers who sometime are unpaid and to be honest cannot be paid enough for the love and care they give.

So all we can say is get involved in your community. Whether that is in sport, which helps our mental and physical health. Or maybe in one of the many wonderful voluntary, or charitable groups we have in Fingal and do your bit to show you appreciate all that life has given you. The rewards you will get cannot be measured in coins and notes but will be measured in the good mental and physical health you personally will gain from such work. Have a wonderful June!

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Time to treat the Dads this Father’s Day!

This month it’s all about the Daddies on Father’s Day! We like to buy Irish as much as possible so here are some of our favourite companies for gift ideas. For hampers, whether sweets, craft beers, wine or a picnic hamper of yummy treats, Hampers & Co. has a huge range to choose from, starting at €12.50 for their retro sweet hamper!

Despite the warmer weather, mornings and evenings are chilly and Irish company 4THArq has a wonderful range of Unisex joggers and sweatshirts; perfect for gifting Dads. We particularly love the stone collection. See www.4tharq.com.

Airmid shaving sets, made with essential oils, help keep Dads skin soft and smooth.

Tipperary Crystal has cool Dad gifts like sunglasses, socks, wallets, hats & more. Malena Shirts are brilliant – with a hidden zip behind the buttons, they give a streamlined look. Check our FB page where we’re giving away Malena shirts, Airmid set and Tipperary Crystal goodies https://www.facebook.com/ mams.ireland

Fancy taking Dad to dinner? Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Dublin city centre is scrumptious. They make their own nachos in house and their sizzling fajitas are delicious. Our kids love it too. It’s

so good!

Looking to book a summer family break? Bracken Court has family friendly packages which include a host of activities. It’s a 5 min walk to beach and train station and easily accessible to Dublin city. Rooms are spacious; we love staying with our 4 children.

Another wonderful hotel is Four Seasons Carlingford. Recently refurbished, with spacious rooms, lovely restaurant, relaxing spa and pool. They have excellent family packages and there’s lots to do nearby including Skypark and Carlingford water activities.

For an oasis of woodland calm in Cavan countryside, Farnham Estate is great for family breaks. Delicious dining, woodland walks, golf course, spa and their famous indoor/ outdoor pool. We had a family wedding here and it was completely fabulous!

Pillo Hotel in Ashbourne is a great spot for family breaks, with packages that include passes to Emerald Park where you can try the new rollercoaster! Easy access to Dublin city and Ashbourne village is lovely for a stroll through.

For more ideas on Father’s day gifts and summer break suggestions, go to www.mams.ie

So you think you have mortgage protection?

By Dave Kavanagh

There are two important aspects of both having and needing mortgage protection life cover. Firstly, there are those who have had mortgages for a number of years with mortgage protection life cover done in conjunction with it. For these people, it is well worth checking the current level of cover and remaining term on their mortgage protection and the same on their mortgage balance and term, to make sure there is sufficient cover. For example, in 2020 during the severe Covid lockdowns, many mortgage holders availed of a 6 month payment break. During this period, their mortgage protection cover will have continued to reduce, while their mortgage balances may have stayed level, or even increased if interest was capitalised. This could mean a shortfall in the event of a claim, meaning that the mortgage does not get fully cleared and there is a balance owing.

The second aspect to consider, is people who are planning to get a mortgage soon, or in the near future. They have saved regularly to build a deposit, maintained stable employment, avoided taking out new loans (and made sure any existing or previous loan obligations were paid in full and on time), conducted their current accounts efficiently, etc. but sadly, they don’t get to proceed with their house/apartment purchase (certainly

not in the time frame they wanted to) because they cannot get their mortgage protection life cover accepted. This could be due to their current or past medical history, or something simple like they have been referred for a test that has not yet been done. It’s why many are arranging their mortgage protection cover well in advance of drawing down their mortgage. Once in place, any new medical issues are not relevant. It can even save them money, as 36 years paying a cheaper premium (before another birthday has passed) is cheaper than 35 years at the higher premium.

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.

Busy month for Balbriggan/North County Dublin Guide Dogs

Every year the month of May brings fun and exciting fundraisers for the arrival of Guide Dog Day. In the lead up to this year’s Guide Dog Day, which fell on 24th May, Balbriggan/North County Dublin Guide Dogs branch member Tom O’Neill and Guide Dog Qeb attended the final of the blind soccer tournament organised in Swords Community College to fundraise after Tom and Qeb gave a talk to the transition year students.

The teams were made up of boys and girls, along with teachers who were all blindfolded when the games went on and used a ball that had a bell in it.

“We want to thank Vision Sports Ireland for supplying the footballs. A great afternoon was had and awareness for blindness and guide dogs was raised. We also want to give a special thanks to teachers Katie and Sarah who coordinated the talk and fundraiser,” a spokesperson for the branch said.

The branch were busy fundraising outside Tesco in Millfield Shopping Centre Balbriggan for Guide Dog Day on Friday 24th May and they will be there once again on Saturday 25th

“A big thank you to everyone who came and said hello and supported us. If you missed us, not to worry, as our Branch will be attending Balbriggan Summerfest this year, held in Bremore Castle and grounds over the June Bank holiday weekend. If you would like to support us or potentially meet some of our wonderful Guide Dogs come along and say hello! Hopefully the sun will be shining. Keep an eye on our social media pages for more information on dates and times,” the spokesperson added.

If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact us at Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Phone/text: 0857663107; Email: guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs

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.

We also cover surrounding areas.

Whether it’s a leaking roof that needs to be fixed straight away, guttering that needs to be cleared, repair work to a chimney, or replacing broken tiles, we are here to help.

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.

Jennifer (Jen) Hurley RDO IGDB holding the cup with Tom O’Neill with his Guide Dog Qeb and Miriam O’Reilly, volunteer.

For more information, scan our QR code: or visit: fingal.ie/LocalElections2024 For queries, email: RegisterOfElectors@fingal.ie Your councillor is your voice Your councillor is your voice

Make sure to vote on 7 June

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Fingal Community Groups Receive Funding Boost

Over €220,000 in funding has been allocated to 130 community groups and organisations across Fingal at an event held ringside at Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club.

The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area. The funding provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.

This year also saw additional funding allocated towards many Women’s Groups in Fingal, helping to support the growing number of Women’s Sheds located in the county, as well as providing a welcome boost to local groups which provide much needed social networks for women.

Speaking at the announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: “This funding is particularly important as it brings significant

investment to the many groups and organisations working in communities across Fingal, especially those in disadvantaged areas. Not only is this level of support from the LEP crucial for carrying out necessary repairs and enhancements to facilities, but it will go some way to helping assist groups in providing invaluable community initiatives locally.”

Announcing the successful projects for Fingal, Minister Joe O’Brien TD said: “The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports smallscale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs. These investments allow community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country. The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable.”

John Quinlivan, Director of Economic

Development at Fingal County Council, said: “The LEP represents a substantial funding source that complements other support from Fingal County Council. We deeply value the essential work of volunteers and community groups who are out there actively making Fingal a better place to live, so it is thanks to Government funding like the LEP that groups can continue to play an important role within our communities.”

LEP funding was made available to support small capital works/improvements, the purchase of equipment for community use, including tables and chairs, tools, signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment. A full list of groups is available here: LEP Recipients 2024

The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched in December 2023 with funding of €6 million available nationally, which included €1 million in funding ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Groups.

CAR LOANS

IN LOTS OF COLOURS

Fallen Kingdom Rises: A Review of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”

By Jack Shanley

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” picks up decades after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes” with Caesar, the wise chimpanzee leader, a revered memory. Humanity has been ravaged by a virus, leaving a power vacuum filled by various ape communities. Enter Noa, a young gorilla raised on Caesar’s ideals of peace between species. His world is shattered by a brutal attack, setting him on a path of vengeance that unveils a brewing conflict within the ape society.

The film excels in its worldbuilding. Gone are the lush, green landscapes; a sense of decay hangs over the overgrown ruins of human civilization. The ape settlements, particularly the technologically advanced underwater city, showcase the evolution of ape society.

The visuals are stunning, with sweeping vistas and detailed set design making the post-apocalyptic world both believable and captivating.

While the story lacks the emotional depth of the previous trilogy, it compensates with thrilling action sequences. Noa’s journey is punctuated by intense chases and battles, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The film also delves into themes of legacy and

the struggle to maintain peace in a world yearning for conflict. However, “Kingdom” stumbles slightly with its pacing. The middle act drags a bit, with some repetitive plot points. The film also throws in a few convenient plot devices to propel the story forward.

Despite these minor stumbles, the film shines in its central performance by Owen Teague as Noa. He portrays the character’s rage and grief with raw intensity, making Noa a compelling protagonist.

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” might not reach the heights of its predecessors, but it’s a worthy successor that expands the franchise’s universe. With its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a compelling addition to the “Planet of the Apes” saga, leaving viewers eager for the next chapter in this ever-evolving ape kingdom. In all truth I’d recommend checking out “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” 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: Wes Ball– Rating: 12A – Genre: Action/Sci-fi– Run Time: 2h 25m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

DeBruns site to be redeveloped in Balbriggan

An exciting milestone in the €50million Balbriggan Regeneration project has been reached, with the appointment of a design team to redevelop the De Bruns site.

Fingal County Council has appointed Dublinbased architects McCullough Mulvin to lead the multi-disciplinary Integrated Design Team (IDT) for the transformation of 6a-14 Bridge Street. The Integrated Design Team model, which employs local stakeholder engagement to progress plans, has already been successfully deployed on other ‘Our Balbriggan’ projects, including the Quay Street and Harbour development and creative hub at 2-4 Dublin Street.

Fingal County Council has proposed that the 10,000 square metre site be used as a mix

of commercial, community and residential development, with the River Bracken at its heart.

The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street to facilitate a pedestrian and cyclist route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area.

Building facades on Bridge Street are to be maintained to preserve the existing street line as De Bruns is located in an Architectural Conservation Area while the biodiversity, environmental, archaeological and ecological impact of the development will also be keenly assessed. Demolition work has already taken place adjacent to and at the rear of the De Bruns site.

According to Dr David Begg, Chairperson

of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, the process will be marked by intensive engagement. “There will be significant and intensive consultation and engagement through workshops and meetings with a wide range of local stakeholders,” he said.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said when complete, the development will provide a new main street experience for Balbriggan. “It will prove a focal point for economic, social and leisure opportunities in the town,” he said. It is envisaged planning permission for the redevelopment of the De Bruns site will be sought in 2025, with the project completed in 2028.

An Aerial View of the DeBruns site on Bridge Street. Pic: Aaron Paul Photography.

Fingal residents invited to have their say in Bathing Waters annual review

With an 88km coastline stretching from Howth to north of Balbriggan, three large protected estuaries and a large number of major beaches, our natural heritage has a strong conservation and amenity value.

Each year, local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use. To help with this process, Fingal County Council would like to hear from people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming but are not identified at the moment.

Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters annually so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards. In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the

These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs.

Fingal has no shortage of stunning swimming spots to enjoy, with current identified bathing areas as follows: Claremont Beach, Howth; Burrow Beach, Sutton; Portmarnock Beach; Balcarrick Beach, Donabate; Brook Beach, Portrane; South Beach, Rush; North Beach, Rush; Loughshinny Beach; South Strand, Skerries; Balbriggan Beach.

Please note that Malahide Beach, while not identified as a bathing area, is lifeguarded as required by a Water Safety Ireland Risk Assessment (Constant Red Flag).

If you are a regular swimmer and want to help

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Fundraising Weekend

decide which bathing areas should be identified for the 2025 season, it may be helpful to consider the following: How your swimming area has been used up to now? How many people use the site? What facilities (e.g. signage, parking, toilets, picnic area etc) exist at the site and how accessible it is? Any safety issues?

If you wish to propose your favourite beach/ river etc as a new bathing water site, or would like to comment on an existing site, please make your submission through our consultation portal or post your written submission to: Operations Department (Bathing Waters), Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

The bathing water quality results and annual classification of bathing waters can be viewed at www.beaches.ie. The latest available EPA report Bathing Water in Ireland Report can be viewed here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/ Closing date for submissions is Thursday, 26th September 2024.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels will be holding a bucket collection at various locations in Balbriggan on the weekend of Friday 14th to Sunday 16th June. Please give generously when you meet their collectors. Please note all official collectors will hold the relevant permit. All money donated goes towards Balbriggan Meals on Wheels work in our community. If you wish to make an online

Sinéad Lucey

Your Local Representative

donation to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, you can do so by copying the following link into your browser https://www.idonate.ie/cause/ BalbrigganMealsonWheels or by scanning the QR code.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has been providing meals to the most vulnerable members of our community since 1975 and was awarded the Community Heros of the Year Award at the 2023 Balbriggan Town Awards.

Dublin Fingal West clubs benefit from €288,000 Sports Lotto Equipment Grants

€288,000

Skerries €109,709

The announcement that 11 sporting clubs in Dublin Fingal West will receive €288,000 in Lotto Equipment Sporting Grants has been warmly welcomed by all clubs involved.

The funding is part of a package of over €26m has been approved in equipment grants to 900 sporting organisations nationwide, the largest-ever funding for sports equipment under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.

The financial assistance will be of practical benefit to the 11 clubs, their members and athletes in the Dublin Fingal West Constituency said Cllr Tom O’Leary.

“I have lobbied the Department of Finance to substantially revise upwards the allocations under the National Development Plan for sports grants. We need to address the growing need for sports facilities as we are set to build

50,000 new Homes per annum Ireland and Fingal. In my opinion the fund needs to double or grow 100% to meet demand for new and upgraded sports facilities for our young vibrant population,” he said.

The 2023 Programme has generated 3,210 applications and total funding applied for is €359 million representing an 80% increase over the amount applied for in the 2020.

“The voluntary work done by club members needs to be supported by an increase in funding to this sector particularly in a year when we will celebrate Irish Athletes competing in the Olympics in France,” Cllr O’Leary added.

Work will now commence on assessing the “Capital” (all weather pitches, clubhouses etc…) and applications with the allocations to be announced later this year.

Sports Lotto Equipment Grants

Currachaí na Sceirí Boat Trailer, Racks, Safety Equipment and Currach Rowing €24,124 Skerries Sea Scouts New canoes, boats & equipment. Canoeing / Kayaking €41,985 Mourne Celtic Football Club Sports Battery Power all weather lighting kit Soccer €7,600 Man O’War GFC New Mower Gaelic Games €36,000

Balbriggan €133,832

Balbriggan Table Tennis Club Replacement Table Tennis Tables Table Tennis €3,000

Fingal Rowing Club Coastal Rowing Equipment

Rowing €29,450

Balbriggan & Skerries Angling Club Improve facility/grow membership. €8,225

Balrothery Football Club Sports Equipment Soccer €23,583

A reflection for Father’s Day

By Jon Kavanagh

I recently caught sight of myself in a shop mirror. Oh, the shaved head, beard and glasses were a decent attempt at a disguise. But it was him – my late father. It’s not just the physical resemblance; I have inherited a few of his traits including: the coordination of Mr Bean, the patience of Gordon Ramsey and a morbid fear of change. Hugh Leonard summed up many fathers when he said, “Da spent his life sitting on a bed of briars, afraid to move in case someone took his seat.” He was old in mind and body at my current age. Decades of braving the elements as a farm labourer; sweltering whilst picking tomatoes in glass houses close to Swords or freezing as he sat on a potato harvester near Donabate village where he purchased offal in a butcher’s shop. Back then everyone had a defined role. His was to bring home the wage packet on Friday evening. Born, as World War One raged in 1917, he got a basic primary school education before embarking on a lifetime in the

fields of Fingal. He had a simple life with few luxuries; living in primitive rented accommodation and traveling on a bone shaker bicycle. He owned two suits, a good one for Sundays, and another one for workdays. When the good one became a bit shabby it was demoted to weekdays and a new one was bought for Sundays. He never took a holiday, but opted instead to take two weeks extra pay each year. We always looked forward to the “holiday money”. He didn’t take a day off for my confirmation but choose to show his love by buying me my first wristwatch. His downtime was spent tending a large vegetable and fruit garden where Adam and Eve wouldn’t have looked out of place, cycling long distances to visit extended family and friends and watching western movies on TV. On Sunday afternoons he would visit the local for a couple of pints. If he could board the Tardis and return to earth in 2024, he would assume he was on another planet. Although over a quarter of a century has come and gone since he passed, he still plays a part in my life. He was a good man, who did the best he could with limited resources. One wonders what he might have achieved if opportunity had knocked on his door.

Cllr Tom O’Leary

Balbriggan hosts How Are You mental health awareness event

The Hello, How Are You, mental health awareness event took place in Balbriggan on 7th April. Hello, How Are You is a new mental health promotion campaign by Mental Health Ireland. The campaign asks individuals, communities, workplaces, friends & family to say ‘Hello’ and ask the question ‘How Are You?’ in a meaningful way! The campaign is about tackling the lack of connection or belonging that people experience.

It aims to inspire people to ask how others are feeling, opening up a conversation to allow people to listen and encourage action by directing people to any local supports and services in their area.

Balbriggan is unique in being the only town in Ireland with its own Thrive organisation and our very own ‘Thrive Balbriggan’.

During the event, representatives from the Thrive Balbriggan committee were at numerous

different locations throughout Balbriggan meeting with the public at places.

During the day there was singing in the square at Ardgillan Community College and the Mayor was also present to mark the day and say a few words.

Check out the Hello How Are You website for more information and further resources. https:// hellohowareyou.info

New Cycle Tracks to Benefit all Cyclists in Fingal

Two new learn 2 cycle tracks are being installed by Fingal County Council, at Millennium Park, Blanchardstown and in the park adjacent to Brackenstown Road, Swords.

These new cycle tracks will be used for cycling practice by local schools, for group cycling classes arranged by Fingal County Council and will also be open to the public for their use. These tracks will provide a safe learning environment for cycling students of all ages, from small children learning to cycle for the first time to those returning to cycling in their older years, and everyone in between. By learning on a flat surface with correct road markings people will learn to cycle safely obeying the rules of the road. This will later help them to feel confident and safe when using the road in reality. Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Adrian Henchy, says ‘The learn 2 cycle track in Millennium Park was fully completed last week. It was created on top of the concrete area that is used for the skating rink in the festive period each year. By choosing this location this space has now become a useful feature all year-round, providing cycling opportunities when the ice rink is not in situ.’

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly says ‘Following the successful installation of

the new learn 2 cycle track at Millennium Park, the active travel unit will shortly begin installing the second track in the park adjacent to Brackenstown Road, Swords. . This track will be located just off the Brackenstown Road, next to the playground and very close the local senior and junior national schools at St. Cronan’s. It’s an ideal location where people of all ages, including local pupils, will get great use out of it.’

David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport says ‘These new learn 2 cycle tracks will provide perfect locations for our cycling education programmes. Our cycling and walking officers will offer courses for adults, children and schools programmes in both spaces and we look forward to seeing lots of people using the tracks to practice their own safe cycling skills and teach their children those same skills. Off-road cycling on a course like these ones can really build your confidence and help you understand the safe behaviours needed when cycling on the road while also providing a fun experience in the parks.’

The learn 2 cycle track at Millennium Park is open to the public and the Swords track is expected to be complete and open to the public before the end of May.

FCC plan to grow athletics talent in Fingal

An exciting new partnership has been announced between the Fingal Athletics League and Morton Games that will help the growth of athletics in Fingal and help create unparalleled opportunities for young athletes. The collaboration between the Fingal Athletics League - known for its commitment to grassroots development - and Morton Games - a World Athletics Continental Tour International track and field event - brings together two pillars of athletics in one of the countries youngest regions. Morton Games, which takes place in the Morton Stadium, Dublin has since 2011 consistently

attracted top-tier athletes from around the globe to its prestigious events. By partnering with Fingal Athletics League, Morton Games aims to strengthen its commitment to nurturing talent at all levels of the sport. Located in Fingal, Morton Stadium has undergone a significant €3m refurbishment project led by Dublin City University and which sees a new Mondo track installed. The stadium is also home to the iconic Morton Mile event which attracts domestic and international stars. This collaboration signifies a new chapter in athletics, one that is characterised

by unity, collaboration, and a shared passion for the sport. Fingal Athletics League and Morton Games look forward to a bright future of growth, innovation, and success. The Fingal Athletics League Finals Day will take place on 24th April at ALSAA Sports Complex, with 2,700 students from 61 primary schools across Fingal coming together to showcase their talent. Morton Games takes place on Friday July 12th in the Morton Stadium Dublin from 5.30pm with the international programme starting at 7.00pm. For further details visit mortongames.ie/

St Mary’s Baton Twirlers chosen for European Championships

St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers have had a productive and impactful first quarter of the year with 12 athletes qualifying at the ABTI National Trials to be part of a 46-strong Irish Squad that will compete in the EFBT European Championships in Czech Republic in July.

The club also hosted a Thrive Connect Cafe facilitated by Aoife from Thrive Balbriggan in the Bracken Court Hotel. “It was lovely for different

generations from the club to get together and discuss the importance of girls and women to be involved and stay in sports. There were also discussions on issues around the fast pace of changes in technology for the older generation. Thanks to Fingal Community Development Office for supporting this event for International Women’s Day,” a spokesperson for the club said. Additionally, coaches from the club were

present at the launch of Fingal County Council’s guide to becoming an anti-racism organisation and they took some time to chat with Deputy Mayor of Fingal Councillor Grainne Maguire.

The club stated its commitment to not only excel in their sport but also engage in meaningful discussions and community initiatives reflects the values of teamwork, leadership, and social awareness within the organisation.

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• Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary?

• Are you running or hosting a Local event or Fundraiser? • Do you have a story to tell?

• A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion.. Send us your pics.. We Want it ALL.. Contact us today: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Be Part of Your Community News

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, 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. Hospital department for outpatients. (6)

5. The capital of Lebanon. (6)

10. Court official. (7)

11. Tool for tennis. (7)

12. Irish dance. (4)

13. The man for a fable. (5)

15. Caribbean Socialist republic. (4)

17. Large deer. (3)

19. Settle snugly and comfortably. (6)

21. The paper used to vote. (6)

22. Withdraw assistance when it is needed. (7)

23. Self-confident assurance, poise. (6)

25. Cowboy of the pampas. (6)

28. Church bench. (3)

30. Break into someone’s computer. (4)

31. Lowest rank in British nobility. (5)

32. Leave out. (4)

35. Mr. Bloom’s first name. (7)

36. To talk nonsense. (7)

37. Small and sturdy hunting dog. (6)

38. The remains of a fire. (6)

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Down

2. Hangs around aimlessly. (7)

3. Metal fastener. (4)

4. Hot drink made from roasted beans. (6)

5. Famous Hungarian composer. (6)

6. Imperial measurement. (4)

7. Rare and strange. (7)

8. The King of the Fairies. (6)

9. A narrow channel linking two larder bodies of water. (6)

14. Gracefully thin. (7)

16. Where Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie died. (5)

18. Devoid of freshness or originality. (5)

20. The movement of the tide out to sea. (3)

21. Turf provider. (3)

23. Ireland’s largest island. (6)

24. The sugar in milk. (7)

26. It’s used as a moth repellent. (7)

27. A strong protest or objection. (6)

28. Walk with bare feet in shallow water. (6)

29. Sway unsteadily. (6)

33. Percussion instrument and medal. (4)

34. A young sheep. (4)