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In spring, Fingal not only wakes to longer days, but also to the steady rhythm of neighbours at work. The light stretches well into the evening now, and with it comes a shared sense of purpose: summer is on the horizon, and there is much to prepare.
In Balbriggan, volunteers gather along the harbour walls armed with paintbrushes and litter pickers. The sea is calmer, the wind kinder, and laughter carries across the water as benches are sanded and flower boxes fixed into place. Someone brings tea in a flask; someone else arrives with trays of seedlings ready for planting. What looks like simple tidying is something deeper — a quiet declaration that the village matters.
Further inland in Lusk, community groups clear winter debris from green spaces and set about planting beds of colour that will bloom by June. Children trail behind, learning the names of flowers and the value of showing up. Older residents share stories of springs past, reminding everyone that these efforts stitch generations together.
Around the castle grounds of Malahide Castle, volunteers coordinate clean-ups and plan summer festivals. Posters are designed, pathways repaired, hedges trimmed back to reveal historic stonework. The longer daylight hours make it possible; after work, people still have time to give an hour or two before dusk settles.
The importance of this work is not measured only in hanging baskets or swept streets. It is measured in belonging. Visitors will come when the weather brightens, drawn by tidy harbours, vibrant gardens, and welcoming smiles. Local businesses will benefit. Children will grow up knowing that community is something you build with your hands.
By the time summer arrives, Fingal will look effortless in its beauty. But beneath the blossoms and bunting lies spring’s true achievement: neighbours working side by side, shaping places they are proud to call home.
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The Locals Team
Get ready for a St Patrick’s Day like no other in Donabte!
Donabate Village is getting ready for the very first St Patrick’s Festival and Parade which will be held on Saturday 14 March.
Residents of all ages are warmly invited to come out, line the streets and take part in what promises to be a lively and colourful afternoon for the whole community. The parade will begin at 1.30 pm and will feature local schools, sports clubs, community groups and musicians, all coming together to celebrate our national day and the spirit of Donabate Portrane.
Following the parade, the festivities will continue in the village with music, entertainment and a welcoming festival atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy. This year will also see an Artisan Food Village on the green
at St Patrick’s Church, showcasing local food producers, sweet treats and quality coffee, the perfect place to gather and soak up the celebrations.
The St Patrick’s Festival is a special occasion and a wonderful opportunity for neighbours, new residents and long-time locals alike to connect and celebrate together. Organisers are encouraging everyone to walk into the village where possible, wear a splash of green and join in the fun.
Come along, support your local community and help make this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Donabate a memorable day for all.
Donabate St Patrick’s Festival Committee
Council secures funding for emergency works at Portrane
Funding has been secured for the installation of a Rock Armour Revetment at Burrow Beach, Portrane, to prevent further erosion of this section of coastline which is threatening homes in the area.
The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, and the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Kevin Boxer Moran TD, announced today that €622,703 in funding will be provided by the Office of Public Works towards the €700,000 cost of the emergency works.
Meanwhile, a long-term solution for the protection of the coast at The Burrow will move a step closer on Wednesday when Fingal County
Council submits the Burrow Coastal Flooding and Erosion Risk Management Plan (CFERM) to An Coimisiún Pleanála for approval. The CFERM plan has already been the subject of a significant level of analysis and local consultation, and the Council has already received approval for the plan from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).
The two ministers were joined by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, local councillors, the Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, and officials from both the Council and the OPW when they visited Portrane this afternoon to view last week’s damage to the coastline from Storm Chandra and announce the emergency works funding.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said:
“I am delighted that the Ministers have agreed to provide funding through the OPW towards the €700,000 cost of emergency works at the Burrow. This will hopefully provide further protection for the homes that are under threat until the permanent solution can be constructed.”
The decision to proceed with the emergency works follows consultation between Fingal County Council, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with specialist advice from the Council’s consultants Tetra Tech RPS.
Approximately 300 metres of coastline at the southern end of The Burrow Beach has been identified as the most vulnerable section of the coastline on the peninsula and the rock armour will be installed here.
Slí na Sláinte Walking Routes on the Way!
Peninsula
Saturdays:
Feb 28th-NO walk took place due to weather conditions.
Mar 21st-Planned the Royal Canal
April 25th-Planned the Leitrim Blue Way
May 16th-Planned Dunlaoghaire to Dalkey (OR the Newry Greenway if possible to do a successful reckie before the date!)
Special Day Walking Tour of Dublin City: Tuesday June 16th 2026
(for James Joyce Bloomsday Events)
This year we have some new leaders who have done the GetIrelandWalking 1 Hour Course for to Lead Group Walks!
New! Margaret O’Brien, Rosaleen O’Reilly
Join! Des Carthy, Carolyn Smith, Breda Dockrell, Jim O’Donohoe
Walking is the cheapest and best form of exercise!
A meeting was held recently to finalise routes & details of the Slí na Sláinte project hoping to come to Donabate in the near future.
This initiative started in 2019, then covid hit & we were also waiting on three situations to be resolved - the lights to cross at the entrance to the Links, the lights & new footpath on Turvey Ave & the new footpath at the corner of The Hand Ballisk & Beaverstown.
This small focused group came together for this project to be achieved - so hopefully we are nearly there! Thanks to the hard work in particular of Jennifer Tanner & Dara Carr from Lambay Sports & Athletics Club who have
been involved since the start and a number of other people who have put the effort in since the beginning Eilish McDermot, Gerry Kirwan, Peader Bates, and some who have come on board recently to help get the Slí na Sláinte across the line - namely the three local Cllrs Corina Johnson, Eoghan Dockrell & Paul Mulville. Key to bringing this project forward are the Irish Heart Foundation formerly Tara Curran & now Dáire Conway Health Promotion Officer. FCC formally Lourda Darcy and now Aileen O’Connor Parks Superintendent are also instrumental in the success of the project. We will keep you updated!
Pacers - Walk to Wellness!
Are You Gambling Your Financial Security?
By Dave Kavanagh
In a week where I have arranged pay out of another Serious Illness Cover claim, many people are in the “it’ll never happen to me” group, when it comes to planning for events that could potentially impact finances. Let’s face it, nobody wants to think that anything “bad” will happen to them but the reality is, bad things happen whether we like it or not. The three areas most relevant are, Life Cover, Serious Illness Cover and Income Protection. Of course, we would hope that we are not going to die prematurely, we are not going to get seriously ill and accident or illness will not prevent us from being able to work. Sadly, in this small country of ours, about 6,000 people die each year NOT of natural causes (under age 65), over 43,000 new cancer cases every year (the cause of more than 50% of Serious Illness claims) and the average time off work for an income protection claim is close to 5 years! When I do group talks, I often ask the question whether anyone’s close family or friends have been affected by cancer? I have only ever had one person say “no”. When I ask whether the same close family or friends have ever won the lotto jackpot, not surprisingly, it’s (almost) always “no”. Yet with odds of 10.7 million to 1 to win the lotto jackpot, people spend a relatively large amount of money each week on lotto (and
Euromillions and scratch cards etc.) believing and hoping that it will happen to them. The same people have a 1 in 4 chance of being diagnosed with one of the Serious Illnesses covered BEFORE they are 65.
I often see that people have their cars insured, house insured, pets, mobile phones, lap tops and jewellery insured but not themselves! It’s not until one of these events happens that people appreciate the financial loss that is suffered. An important detail is that even if people have cover in place from a few years back, they could well be paying over the odds premium wise or it may no longer be most appropriate. Take the time to check what is most appropriate for your specific circumstances.
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.
Men’s Shed Remembers Willie Walsh RIP
Members of Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Willie Walsh. We remember Willie as a quiet, but wise man, always cheerful and a true gentleman. He was a regular at our Thursday morning gettogethers until he moved to Beechtree Nursing Home a couple of years ago. We were proud to be asked by his family to form a guard of honour at the entrance to Donabate Cemetery as the funeral cortege arrived. Willie will be sadly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
On a lighter note, Gerry and the Plonkers, the Men’s Shed music groups, have two gigs coming up in March after a quite time since Christmas. The first is a celebration of International Women’s Day in Parlickstown Community Centre. The second, closer to home, is part of the St. Patick’s celebrations in Donabate on Saturday 14th March, which is being organised by Donabate St. Patrick’s Festival Committee. This promises to be a great event for all; so get out and get involved.
Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed had our AGM at the end of last month, too late to include a full
report in this article. We’ll have more information for next month’s issue.
The Men’s Shed is in the process of acquiring additional new equipment for use in our weekly exercise classes, led by our own Fintan Delaney. We also continue our weekly croquet outings in Newbridge Park, weather permitting, our regular music practice sessions and our Thursday morning get-togethers in the Scouts’ Den on the Portrane Road. So, if you or someone close to you would like to join us, please call Jim on 0863694316.
Willie Walsh RIP
IWD in Parlickstown House
Lambay Cinema Club to mark International Women’s Day
Every year, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women. To mark this year’s event, Lambay Cinema Club will be showing Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story on Thursday March 5th at 8:00pm. This 2024 documentary features iconic, taboo-breaking Irish Novelist, Edna O’Brien, who definitely made a big cultural and social impact. In archive footage from throughout her career, including her final interview at the age of 93, she reflects on her life and what many would call, extraordinary career, alongside contributions from Jessie Buckley, Gabriel Byrne and Anne Enright.
Defying Ireland’s patriarchal, religious constraints with her 1960 debut novel, The Country Girls, she became a literary sensation. Vilified in Ireland and escaping an abusive husband, O’Brien was a prolific, controversial, taboo-breaking powerhouse who made a fortune and lost one. This film tells the whole story of this remarkable woman.
Tickets cost €10 (€8 for OAPs / Students). For more information and to get your tickets please go to www. lambaycinemaclub.com.
The Lambay Cinema Club holds monthly screenings at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Church at The Square, Donabate, K36 Y521.
Camera Club support the Donabate/Portrane Special Olympics
Through the Lens camera club are pleased to report very successful sales of our 2026 calendar, and we are delighted to have been able to donate €600 to the Donabate/Portrane Special Olympics group to help them on their way to competing in the 2026 Irish Special Olympics in June ( 18th to 21st ).
The Special Olympics group provides year round sports training, athletic competitions and developmental programmes for their members
giving them the opportunity to participate in the sharing of skills and friendships with their families and other Special Olympic groups.
Through the Lens members look forward to cheering them on in the Irish Special Olympics, and getting some good photos, when they compete in June.
Through the Lens provides an informal, friendly and supportive environment to anybody
interested in photography, whether it’s learning how to use your camera or how to get better pictures with your smart phone, all levels of photographic skills are catered for. The club is open to all over 18yrs, we meet every second Tuesday in Donabate Golf Club at 7.30pm and anyone interested is welcome to come along and give us a try. Look up our website www. thoughthelens.ie for further information.
March is for all the Mammies out there!
“The daffodils are up, the days are getting longer and spring is finally in the air. March is a time for getting out and about again and, very importantly, celebrating the Mammies, Grannies, Mothers-in-law, Step-mums, Aunties and all the wonderful Mother figures in our lives. If you would like to treat a special Mam, here are some of our favourite gift ideas...... You can personalise a gift for her from Wanapix.ie and use code MAMSWANAPIX26 for 10% discount. You can personalise gorgeous tote bags, blankets, makeup bags, calendars, frosted glasses, t-shirts, aprons, goodies & lots more. Delivery is fast and the quality is superb. Mammies (me included) love their products! Bracken Court Hotel does a gorgeously decadent Afternoon Tea. We treated our Mam to
this recently, with Prosecco, and it was so lovely. Their Sunday roasts are also delicious if you want to treat her to dinner on March 15th.
National Concert Hall has great shows and concerts coming up, their gift vouchers are a great gift idea.
Droichead Arts Centre has some wonderful events coming up, perfect for treating Mam to a night out.
If she likes coffee, Irish brand Artessa Coffee has fab coffee fusions and keep cups. Their bamboo keep cup is brilliant.
Cocoa Brown products make fab gifts - its a glow up in a bottle!
Another Irish brand we love is SoSu, their makeup sets and snazzy nail polishes are stunning.
For beautiful Mothers Day gifts with free gift wrapping, Design Gallery Drogheda is well worth a visit.
A spa trip to Farnham is a gift any Mammy would love; their heated outdoor pool is stunning.
Flormar makeup is affordable and really nice, great for anyone on a budget.
Willow & Wisp Flowers make beautiful wreaths and hand tied bouquets, plus a wide collection of locally made gifts.
Freddy jeans are a firm favourite with mams. ie members and followers. Super comfy and so flattering. See our Freddy.ie competition on mams.ie
And keep an eye on mams.ie & our socials @ mams.ireland on FB and @mams.ie on Instagram for more Mother’s Day ideas and competitions!”
Female Fertility and the Chinese Medicine Method With Susan
Female fertility in Chinese Medicine is seen as part of the whole person – body, mind and spirit working together to create the right conditions for conception. Instead of focusing only on ovaries, hormones and test results, it looks at overall balance and the smooth flow of energy in the body. Key Chinese Medicine ideas - Qi (vital energy) and Blood need to flow smoothly to the uterus and ovaries for regular cycles and healthy ovulation. If they are weak or blocked, periods, ovulation and fertility can be affected. - Yin and Yang describe cooling/nourishing and warming/active forces; both must be in balance for ovulation, implantation and a healthy womb lining.
The Kidney system is seen as the root of fertility, linked to hormones, egg quality and the “Jing” or essence you are born with. As you age or become very stressed or depleted, this essence can weaken, so treatment aims to protect and strengthen it. Holistic treatment methods - Acupuncture uses very fine needles at specific points to improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulate cycles and calm the nervous system, which may support implantation and reduce stress. - Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed according to your individual pattern (for example, Blood deficiency, Kidney weakness or Qi stagnation) and may help regulate ovulation, improve cervical mucus and support a healthy uterine lining. - Food is treated as medicine: warm, cooked meals, good-quality protein and avoiding excess cold and raw foods are often advised to “nourish Blood” and support the digestive system that produces Qi. Lifestyle
and emotional balance.
Restful sleep, gentle regular exercise and regular meals are encouraged to build energy and support hormonal balance. - Managing emotions is seen as vital, because worry, grief and frustration can disrupt the Liver system, which in turn can disturb periods and ovulation. - Many practitioners suggest preparing the body for at least three months before trying to conceive, allowing time to regulate cycles and strengthen overall health. Working alongside Western care - Chinese Medicine can be used on its own or alongside fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI to improve comfort, reduce stress and support cycle regulation. - From a holistic perspective, the goal is not just pregnancy, but helping you feel more balanced, energised and emotionally supported throughout your fertility journey.
TCM dietary guidelines for fertility support Core principles - Favour warm, cooked foods (soups, stews, porridges, stir-fries) to support digestion and “Spleen Qi,” which is seen as key for making Blood and energy for the reproductive system. - Eat regularly and avoid skipping meals so your body has steady fuel to nourish hormones and cycles. - Aim for mostly whole, unprocessed foods – fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, good-quality proteins and healthy fats.
Foods to emphasise - Blood- and Qi-nourishing foods: lean red meat, eggs, dark leafy greens, beetroot, beans, lentils and whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa) to help build Blood and energy for the uterus and ovaries. - Kidney- and Jing-supporting foods: black beans, walnuts, sesame seeds, bone broth, small oily fish, shellfish
and seaweed to support the Kidney system linked to fertility and egg quality. - Warm, grounding foods: root vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, squash) lightly spiced with ginger, cinnamon or garlic are thought to warm the womb and improve circulation. - Plenty of fibre from vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains to help clear excess hormones and support a healthy weight.
Foods and habits to limit - Excess cold and raw foods (large salads, iced drinks, cold smoothies), which are believed to introduce “cold” to the uterus and weaken digestion. - Very greasy, fried, heavily processed foods and high sugar intake, which can create “dampness” and may affect hormones and weight. - Large predatory fish high in mercury (such as frequent tuna or swordfish), due to possible negative effects on reproductive health. - Too much caffeine and alcohol, which may deplete Yin and Blood and increase internal heat or stress for some people. Lastly practical tips - Build meals around a warm base: soup, congee, stew or a stir-fry with vegetables and protein. - Include healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds) at most meals to support hormones. - Eat mindfully: chew well, sit down to eat and avoid multitasking, as relaxed digestion is believed to help your body absorb more nourishment for fertility.
Next Issue: How Chinese Medicine can help Male Fertility issues
In Wellness Susan
susangrahamcoaching@gmail.com
A Festival for Everyone: Balbriggan Prepares for the
2026 International
Festival of Voices
Fingal Gospel Choir
Holy Cross Singers
Project M Full group IABS 2025
SETU Youth Choir
The Kill Singers Kill County Kildare
There is a unique rhythm returning to the streets of Balbriggan this March. The Fingal International Festival of Voices (FIFOV) is back from March 5th to 8th, and while the world-class choirs are traveling from as far as the US and Europe, the heart of the festival remains firmly rooted in our local community.
Whether you are a lifelong choral fan or just looking for a great family day out, this year’s line-up offers more ways than ever to get involved—without breaking the bank18.
In a time when event tickets can be a major expense, the festival is offering free entry to all competitions. All daytime choral competitions are free for the public to attend. This means you can walk into the award-winning Lark Concert Hall or the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS), St. Peter and Paul’s Church (home to Harry Clarke windows) or in pop businesses around the town and hear elite international choirs, barbershop quartets, and sacred music ensembles at no cost. It is a rare opportunity to experience a “Feis” atmosphere with a global twist right on your doorstep. Meet the Global Choirs
Balbriggan will play host to a diverse array of voices from across the Atlantic and Europe. Locals will have the chance to hear:
The Holy Cross Choir (Massachusetts, USA): Bringing the prestigious Ivy League-style choral tradition to North County Dublin.
Chester River Chorale (Maryland, USA): A massive 60 voice ensemble showcasing a rich tapestry of American folk and gospel.
Gospodnetič Singers (Croatia): Bringing the hauntingly beautiful and rhythmic traditions of the Adriatic coast.
European School Brussels 1 (Belgium): A vibrant youth choir representing the multicultural heart of Europe.
These groups will join top-tier choirs from all over Ireland, creating a
global soundscape right here in Fingal.
Learn from a Disney Legend and others.
Perhaps the most exciting news for local families and aspiring singers is the arrival of Tove Ramlo-Ystad. Hailing from Norway, Tove is the worldrenowned conductor of the choir “Cantus,” famous for providing the iconic, ethereal vocals in the opening of Disney’s FROZEN.
Tove is part of an elite panel of adjudicators from Norway, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Across the weekend, these experts won’t just be judging competitions; they will be leading free workshops open to anyone with an interest in singing. Whether you’re a shower-singer or a seasoned pro, you can learn directly from the woman who helped shape the sound of one of the biggest movies of all time.
Learn from the Best: Free Workshops
The festival is offering workshops and classes led by international guests. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned singers. Topics often include:
Music of Sami People & Norway (Tove Ramlo-Ystad)
Learn to sing to barbershop style
Local health and “healthy singing” techniques.
Irish Traditional music workshops
Check out our full schedule on www.fingalfestivalofvoices.com or on our instagram @fingalfestivalofvoices
If you are interested in volunteering we’d love to have you - email: manager@fingalfestivalofvoices.com with the subject title Volunteer!
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors - Irish Media Group, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, The Irish Institute of Music and Song, Lark Concert Hall, St. Peter and Paul’s Church
Airnean
BeatingtimeSingers
Blingmasters
Chester Chamber Singers - Alexis Ward
Chester River Chorale Side Shot - Alexis Ward
Chester River Chorale
Coláiste Pobail Setanta choir
European School Brussels 1 Secondary Choir, conductor Joanna Musko, piano Agnieszka Zywert
Choir at AIMS
GS 30 ys celebration concert Zagreb 28.11.2025
SETU Staff Choir
GS Berlin 2022. competition
WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!
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 March 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck
Across
1. An acknowledgement of appreciation. (6)
5. Not feeling secure, anxious. (6)
10. The metered Greek goddess of fertility. (7)
11. Leaning like a damaged ship. (7)
12. A person known for taking advantage of others. (4)
13. Device for finding aircraft. (5)
15. The lowest female singing voice. (4)
17. Skedaddle hides a parent! (3)
19. Takes samples of several dishes. (6)
21. A down-market violin. (6)
22. Seaside places. (7)
23. Rectangle with four equal sides. (6)
25. A period of ten years. (6)
28. Essential for writing. (3)
30. Smell like Magillicuddy.. (4)
31. One of God’s attendants. (5)
32. A mark made by dirt. (4)
35. Sharply exact and accurate. (7)
36. Part of a cake. (7)
37. The upward route on a mountain. (6)
38. Stand up against someone or something. (6)
Down
2. Small villages straight out of Shakespeare. (7)
3. Military alliance of some European states. (4)
4. Drapes hide a sandwich filler. (6)
5. Put your material on the Internet. (6)
6. Primary compass direction. (4)
7. There’s no point in crying over this milk. (7)
8. Alter equipment for accuracy and effectiveness. (6)
9. Refuse to notice. (6)
14. Getting involved with the music. (7)
16. It’s a black and white animal. (5)
18. Gets annoyed like Tim Finnegan. (5)
20. Perceive the bishop’s seat. (3)
21. Provided food. (3)
23. Leather bands for binding things together. (6)
24. Of no help whatsoever. (7)
26. Puts into service. (7)
27. Stretch out and forward, like a limb. (6)
28. Very small creature. (6)
29. Someone in charge of a building, grounds or animals. (6)
33. Alcoholic beverage. (4)
34. Popular subject at UCD. (4)
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