Donabate Local V10I4-MAY 2026

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Volume 10 Issue 4 May 2026

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9th – 17th May 2026

Ph: 8484843

info@fingalmemorials.ie www.fingalmemorials.ie

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Fingal, scan the QR code or visit CouncillorinCorina Johnston

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• Working with Duncan Smith TD and Rob O’Donoghue TD corina.Johnston@ cllrs.fingal.ie

25/04/2026

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Collaboration is key within Fingal’s local Communities Communities across Fingal are quietly demonstrating what can be achieved when people choose cooperation over isolation. From Balbriggan to Swords, Donabate to Malahide, collaboration has become more than a buzzword—it is a practical response to shared challenges.

At the heart of this collective effort is a recognition that no single group can address complex local issues alone. Whether it is tackling housing pressures, supporting small businesses, or creating inclusive public spaces, progress increasingly depends on partnerships between residents, community groups, local authorities, and volunteers. These partnerships are not always seamless, but they are proving effective.

Take, for example, the rise of community-led initiatives that bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Men’s sheds, tidy towns groups, and youth clubs are doing more than fulfilling their immediate purposes; they are strengthening social ties. In an era where loneliness and fragmentation are growing concerns, these grassroots efforts are rebuilding a sense of belonging that is difficult to replicate through policy alone.

Equally important is the role of local leadership in fostering collaboration. When councils actively engage with residents, they create the conditions for genuine participation. Fingal has seen encouraging signs of this in recent years, with increased consultation and support for community-driven projects. However, maintaining this momentum requires consistency and trust.

Challenges remain. Population growth continues to place strain on infrastructure and services, and not all voices are heard equally. True collaboration must include those who are often overlooked, ensuring that development benefits everyone rather than a select few. Inclusivity is not just an ideal; it is essential for long-term success.

What is emerging in Fingal is a model of shared responsibility. Communities are not waiting for solutions—they are helping to shape them. This spirit of cooperation does not eliminate difficulties, but it makes them more manageable.

If sustained, this approach could define Fingal’s future: a place where progress is not imposed from above but built collectively from the ground up.

The Locals Team

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Local News

Johnston calls for urgent action to restore community policing in Donabate

Labour Councillor Corina Johnston has called for urgent action to restore visible community policing and rebuild trust in An Garda Síochána, warning that communities are being left behind as Garda numbers fall and resources fail to keep pace with demand.

Cllr. Johnston said, “People in Donabate can see the reality on the ground. Garda visibility has dropped and response times are under pressure. This is not acceptable. The government have failed to properly resource An Garda Siochána and the impact is being felt in Donabate and neighbourhoods across Fingal.

“We now have fewer Gardaí per person than we did just a few years ago. At the same time, our population has grown. In 2009 DMR North (which includes Swords, Balbriggan, Malahide, Garristown Rush, Lusk) had 832 Gardai, in December 2025 DMR North had 761 Gardai. That means fewer Gardaí covering more people, more communities and more complex policing demands. In Donabate this translates into less visible policing, less community engagement and more pressure on an already stretched force.

Community Gardaí play a vital role in building relationships, preventing crime and supporting vulnerable people. Yet their numbers are falling. That weakens the connection between Gardaí and the people they serve. In Donabate, people want to see Gardaí on the streets, in schools

and in their communities, not tied up in administrative backlogs or pulled away due to shortages.

Councillor Johnson is now calling on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to deliver a funded plan to recruit and retain Gardaí, restore community policing in Donabate to ensure the community has the, “visible, effective policing it deserves.”

“Morale within the force is also a serious concern. Gardaí who serve our communities deserve proper support, fair conditions and respect.

Instead, many feel undervalued and overworked. That has real consequences for recruitment and retention. If we cannot attract and keep Gardaí, communities like Donabate will continue to lose out. The government promised thousands of new recruits but have failed to deliver. Training numbers remain too low, and there is no clear plan to reach the levels needed.

Meanwhile, equipment and fleet issues continue, with outdated vehicles and inadequate resources affecting frontline policing in places like Fingal.

“People in Donabate deserve a modern, properly resourced police service that is rooted in the community and capable of keeping people safe. That means investing in recruitment, improving conditions, restoring community policing and ensuring Gardaí have the tools they need to do their job effectively,” Cllr Johnson added.

New fun family-friendly tour at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan, Fingal has launched a new immersive tour designed especially for families. Lasting 30-40 minutes it’s an engaging and entertaining way to explore the elegant world of the Taylor family who lived in Argillan for generations.

The self-guided audio tour is delivered through the voice of the 19th century matriarch Lady Marianne St. Leger Taylor. A significant community figure and socialite, Marianne kept daily diaries revealing daily life behind the Castle doors, which form the basis of the tour. Lady Marianne’s first-hand accounts of family life include household routines, social gatherings, and the joys and challenges of raising her seven children.

These authentic diary reflections bring the house to life, allowing visitors to experience her thoughts, observations, and memories as they walk through the rooms where she once lived.

Well designed, informative panels in each room supplement the audio information with fascinating insights. The tour begins in the entrance hallway and includes dining and drawing rooms, the billiards room, the butler’s pantry and the basement kitchens. Secret hidden doors add to the interest and intrigue.

Throughout the immersive tour the past comes to life through sensory connections including evocative “smellometers” dotted through the rooms.

Automatically triggered “soundscapes” introduce an acoustic element defining each location like the murmur of diners and clinking of glasses in the dining room while in the kitchen the busy clatter of pots and pans dominates.

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In the Discovery Nook children dive into character, dressing up in historic costumes while solving puzzles and playing games. The tour includes a fun activity trail booklet including a quest to find hidden chicks in the castle – a nod to the Taylor families pet name for their offspring.

The audio tour is available in five languages - English, Irish, German, Spanish, French and Polish. These are accessed via a QR code. Headphones are not provided but visitors are welcome to bring their own. The QR code also leads to a helpful transcript as an option.

Open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm. Ample free parking is available.

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Cost €10 per adult, €7 per child (u18), €30 for 2 adults and 2 children, €8 seniors (65+) Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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Local News

Parish Hall Programme Could all current & prospective Parish Hall users, please read this important message.

At the beginning of May, invitations will be sent out by email from the Parish Office to CURRENT GROUPS and individuals, to put in their request/ wish lists by email for using the Parish Hall from June 2026 to June 2027. Please submit by the end of May to be sure of your continued use.

If there are any NEW GROUPS or individuals in the community that need space for their activities, we invite you to also email the Parish Office on or before the end of May. Please specify whether you wish/ request Weekly Activities - like Dancing, cards, art, yoga etc OR Special Events - like Music, History, Drama Meetings etc.

The email address for contacting the office is stpatricksrcdonabate@ gmail.con Then in early June, when all the request/wish lists are in, they will all be looked at & groups &individuals will be accommodated as best as possible.

The Parish Office will then be back to each group and individual before the end of June with a programme that works, as well as

can be, for all users for the next year.

This approach works well, irons out the gaps and overlaps and everyone is on board and can plan their activities & lives. It reduces the workload for all! So, during the year there should be no chopping & changing of the programme, unless for a very special event or reason.

The Parish Hall is still busy with the Drama Society, as part of their 90th Celebrations, putting on a production of a classic play ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’.

Watch for the posters; it will on around the middle of May and is not to be missed!

After the 11am Mass in Donabate on two Sundays in the month, the Parish Hospitality Committee have a lovely cuppa & cakes over in the Parish Hall for a sociable chat.

Many of the weekly activities will come to a wind down soon. But The Senior Citizens will continue during the summer months & a few others also.

If you have any queries, please contact the Parish Office in the mornings on 01-8434574 Have a lovely summer all & we hope the sun shines.

The latest from Lambay Cinema Club The aim of the Lambay Cinema Club is to show interesting and entertaining films from around the world, and our latest cinematic travels take us from Argentina (the setting for last month’s film) to Paris for the tale of Souleyman’s Story.

This award-winning film (including wins at Cannes) focuses on Souleyman, a Guinean food delivery courier in Paris, in the 48 hours before a crucial asylum interview that could help him secure his future.

At the heart of the film is a riveting performance by Abou Sangré, a nonprofessional actor, whose performance brings to life the reality of seemingly invisible migrant workers trying to navigate society.

Shot on the streets of Paris with hidden cameras, the film follows Souleyman around the city revealing a unique new view of 6

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Paris from the perspective of some of its most under-appreciated inhabitants. During this journey we get to experience what The Guardian called “some of the hairiest cycling scenes since Buster Keaton.”

Join us to experience this pulse-pounding and heartrending view of modern Paris.

Nine Queens will be shown at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland church in The Square, Donabate (K36 Y521) on Thursday May 7th at 8pm.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 30th April at 9am and cost €10 (€8 for students/OAPs) For more information and to buy tickets, please visit lambaycinemaclub.com Bring your own cup for free tea and coffee – we even supply the biscuits!

If you want to get in touch, email us at info@lambaycinemaclub.com Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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Local News

Men’s Shed Open for New Members

Gerry & the PLonkers at Ashgrove House

Work at Men_s Shed Plots at Turvey Alotments

The Men’s Shed movement is based on the moto: “Men talk shoulder to shoulder”. This describes our core ethos, that men build social connections and improve well-being by working together on practical projects rather than through direct face-to-face conversation.

Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed meets on Thursday mornings from 11am to noon in the Scouts’ Den on Portrane Road for a cuppa and a chat and to organise our many other activities. There is an exercise class before that at 10am, which many

members attend.

So, any man who is free at that time would be more than welcome to join us and learn more about our many other activities and events (e.g. exercise classes, croquet in Newbridge Park, music sessions, outings to places of interest). Or you could contact our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316. Please pass on this information to a friend, neighbour or loved one who might like to join us. We are always open for new members.

ALL CONTRIBUTORS PLEASE NOTE** Due to increasing demand for space in our magazine could all contributors please note OUR STRICT DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES AND PICS IS THE 14TH OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION ** Thank you.

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Finance

A Little Planning Can Save Big

By Dave Kavanagh Capital Acquisition Tax is the umbrella term for both inheritance and gift tax in Ireland. In 2024 in Ireland, there was over €850 million collected in Capital Acquisition Tax. It also includes estates that may have been taxed in previous generations. For example, if someone left an estate worth €1,000,000 to an only daughter, she would (in the current tax year) have a tax bill of just under €200,000. After she pays the bill and puts what’s left in the bank, any interest is taxed (DIRT). Guess what happens when she passes and leaves her estate behind? It’s taxed again! So what are the tax-free thresholds? Spouses can leave any amount to each other tax free. After that, the three thresholds are, a) Children €400,000, b) Other close relatives - €40,000 and c) All others (including cohabiting partners) €20,000. Everything received above these is taxed at 33%.

So, is there any way to prevent it? There are two main actions that can either reduce or eradicate such a tax bill. The first is to take the time to plan when making a will. Let’s say a value of €900,000 was being left to 2 adult children.

(Not a big estate if you combine a house, savings and a life policy). This would create a tax bill of €33,000. Instead, if €800,000 of it was left to the 2 children and the balance between a few

grandchildren (at least 5), there is no tax bill. The second thing that can be done is for the person leaving the estate to take out a Section 72 plan.

This is a type of life policy that is allowed to pay any tax liability without adding to the value of the estate. It becomes particularly important for anybody that does not have children to avail of the €400k threshold, as even other relatives can only receive €40,000 before any balance is taxed.

These thresholds are particularly important for anybody in the process of planning or making their will.

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.

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VOLUNTEERS WANTED PHOTOGRAPHERS LOCAL WRITERS LOCAL REPORTERS NEEDED!!

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Local News

Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Table Quiz Fundraiser

Table quiz fundraiser in aid of 16 local Special Olympic athletes who will represent our community at the Special Olympics Ireland Games in June!

16 athletes and 6 volunteer coach chaperones from Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club will proudly represent communities across Fingal at the Special Olympics Ireland Games, taking place in sports venues around Dublin from 18th–21st June. This is a fantastic achievement for the Special Olympics club and one they are incredibly proud of.

The youngest athlete selected, Simon Smyth (aged 12), is very excited to represent his club and community.

His mother Rebecca said ‘Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club has been a lifeline to Simon. It has brought an immeasurable amount of fun, joy sport and friendships to his life!’.

Club coach Deborah McArdle said ‘Sending athletes and chaperones to the Ireland Games will cost our club over €10,000, so we are fundraising to ensure that all our selected athletes get to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

As part of these efforts, we are hosting a table quiz in Donabate Golf Club on 10

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Wednesday the 29th of April at 8pm and would love the support of as many people as possible by booking a team’.

The cost of entering a team of 4 is €50, and 100% of proceeds will benefit the club. There will also be a prize for the winning team, spot prizes and a fantastic raffle on the night. Why not support this fantastic local cause and secure your team today, by texting Louise on 087 7180324.

Special Olympics Ireland, provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, and developmental programmes for almost 7000 athletes annually. Giving our athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

From 18th-21st June 2026, over 1,200 athletes and thousands of volunteers and supporters will come together for the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games - a thrilling competition and a celebration of the skill, determination, and abilities of athletes. See Ireland Summer Games 2026 | The Special Olympics for more information.

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Commnuity News

Active Age for All and the TY 2026 generational adventure

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Active Age for All are very pleased to have been given the chance to collaborate with a class of transition year students from the community college on a 4 week project of intergenerational activities proposed by one of their teachers.

The first week was an hour of meet and greet, getting to know one and other, with the 3 elders outlining their life experiences and the students then telling us of their aims and ambitions. Then a bit of team work with a music quiz, quiz master Gemma was kind enough to put in some antique stuff for the ancients ! Also we were able to discuss with the students about what they would be interested in doing as part of the project; not really a surprise but sporting activities came out very strongly. The plan that evolved was the sports of pickleball, bowls and table tennis with a balance of jewellery making and photography.

On our second day there was a choice of pickleball or jewellery making with the majority opting for the jewellery making, our tutor Helen had her hands full with 17 girls and boys all eager to be creative. Meanwhile Active Age members Joe and Noel were running the rest around the courts at pickleball.

The next session was on photography with members of the AAfA camera club giving a talk and practical session on the basics, with an emphasis on getting the best out of the mobile phone camera. We then gave them a variety of objects eg: shells, pottery figures, fabric and asked them to use different lights and angles to create pleasing photographs. The Bleeding Pig Festival have invited the students to put on an exhibition of their photos as part of the festival in May and I really hope that they do as a lot of talent emerged in this session.

The last session of carpet bowls and table tennis in the Sports Hall was good fun; the table tennis was very energetic but the carpet bowls, I think, was the biggest surprise for the students.

Initially they viewed this as too easy, too quiet and gentle but they quickly discovered that it wasn’t as easy as it looked and presents quite a challenge, and some skill, to get that bowl going where you want it to !

These four weeks have been an absolute pleasure for the three of us and the willing helpers brought it for specific activities, we were all very impressed with the students, a lovely bunch. Many thanks to the teachers from the Community College and the Active Age members who took part, we do hope that this could become an annual (or bi-annual) event, there is a lot more scope there.

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Feature

Time to get set for Communion season!

It’s Communion season and if you need some help preparing for the big day, we’ve got some great tips!

If you’re on a budget, charity shops, Mr Price and Vinted are brilliant for picking up Communion dresses and suits. Penneys and Dunnes Stores do chinos, shirts, braces and bowties for boys who don’t want to wear suits.

Dunnes also has fabulous Communion dresses, shoes and accessories. And Penneys do wonderful, summery clothing for siblings.

In our family we have a tradition where we go Communion shopping with the Aunties and Nannies and they each buy something for the child. As well as making memories, having the others chip in is helpful financially for the parents!

At mams.ie we are huge advocates of buying Irish. One of our favourites for special occasion wear is MyKindOfDress.com They have a great website to buy online and a store at Unit 1 Fashion City in Ballymount, where you can try on dresses and no appointment needed! Another fab Irish retailer for special occasion wear is www.

Dresses.ie I got this beautiful blush pink dress (pictured above) for a family occasion, for only €36.99! I got so many compliments on it and it’s wonderful to know you can buy such beautiful, reasonably priced dresses in Ireland - so no need to buy from some awful, cheap website on the other side of the world.

Mammies, if you can afford to treat yourself, it’s nice to get your hair and make-up done. We love Advanced Hair Design on Hampton St. They’re

reasonably priced and super friendly. Tricia did my hair in the above pic for a family event and I loved it. Afterwards, I headed to Lynda at Neon Trees (also, very reasonably priced) for makeup and by the time they had both worked their magic, I felt relaxed and Glam! There are lots of photos taken on Communion day and having hair and make-up done professionally is a confidence boost.

For Communion celebrations, we love Bracken Court Hotel. They are genuinely family friendly and the food and service is great. Farnham Estate is stunning – the grounds are a great place to take Communion photos with family. It’s a nice place to escape for a May Bank Holiday break.

For more about Communions and all things parenting, go to www.mams.ie

ALL CONTRIBUTORS PLEASE NOTE** Due to increasing demand for space in our magazine could all contributors please note OUR STRICT DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES AND PICS IS THE 14TH OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION ** Thank you.

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CAR REVIEW XPENG G6 is Now Even Better

By Declan Glynn

A new and improved version of the highly-commendable XPENG G6 has arrived, and it retains its signature fastback-coupé silhouette, while refining the front and rear styling. Key updates include an uninterrupted, full-width LED front light bar, a repositioned front logo, and a subtle “ducktail” spoiler added to the rear of the car.

With an overall length of 4.75m, width of 1.92m and height of 1.65m, the XPENG G6 strikes a perfect balance between road presence and outright practicality. The upgraded 15.6-inch central touchscreen controls vehicle functions, and it is complimented by a 10.25-inch digital driver information display behind the stylish multi-function steering wheel. Natural language processing enables seamless voice commands, and the system is compatible with over-the-air (OTA) updates for hassle-free tech upgrades. XPENG’s dedicated XPILOT ASSIST system is broken down into three areas of advanced driving assistance; XPILOT DRIVING, XPILOT PARKING, and XPILOT SAFETY, and includes intelligent features for everyday use.

The XPENG G6 comes with a choice of Standard Range or Long Range versions, both of which send power to the rear wheels, along with a Long Range Performance model with permanent all-wheel drive - a direct competitor to the new Tesla Model Y Performance. The LFP battery in the Standard Range model now has a capacity of 68.5 kWh (up from 66 kWh), which provides a WLTP range of up to 470 km, while the Long Range model now features an 80.8 kWh LFP battery that increases the WLTP Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

range to 525 km. Thanks to 800V EV fast-charging architecture, and a charging capacity of up to 451 kW (Long Range model), you can charge the battery from 10-80% in just 12 minutes - perfect for fast-paced days and long road trips.

My review car was an XPENG G6 Standard Range model, which looked particularly striking in its Silver Frost metallic paintwork, with contrasting rear privacy glass, and stylish 20” alloy wheels with Michelin tyres. The electric motor produces 255bhp (251PS) and a hefty 440Nm of instant torque, providing the car with the ability to reach 100km/h from a standing start in just 6.9 seconds. The G6 delivers a smooth, refined ride quality on every journey, and drivers can choose between Eco, Standard and Sport drive modes, each of which offer distinct driving characteristics to suit individual driving style. A solid brake pedal feel ensures the car stops with a similar sense of urgency to which it accelerates, and the adjustable regenerative braking function sends energy back to the battery during deceleration to enhance driving range. The luxuriously-appointed and spacious cabin features ingenious door-release buttons that can be operated by a person’s thumb as they grip the door handle with their fingers, and all occupants enjoy impressive levels of head, leg and elbow room. In short, the refreshed XPENG G6 is now even better than its predecessor in every respect.

With pricing from just €42,000 (inclusive of VRT Relief & SEAI Grant), the new XPENG G6 represents outstanding value for money.

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WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! 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 June 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck

Across

Down

1 Seaside settlement near Donabate. (8) 2. A fertile spot in a desert. (5) 6 Mascot of the Fighting Irish sports 3. Lower digit. (3) team at the University of Notre Dame.

(10) 4. Those in front of the stage. (8) 13. A passage between seats in a church, 5. Cry out suddenly in surprise, strong theatre, aircraft, etc. (5) emotion, or pain. (7) 14. Dads hunch leads to a sausage dog.

(9) 6. Device that generates an intense beam 15. Salt-cured pork. (5) of light. (5) 16. A division of a road marked off with 7. Show displeasure by thrusting out the painted lines which excludes certain lips. (4) vehicles. (3,4) 18. Imperial and U.S. measure of land.

8. Helped, assisted or supported. (5) (4) 9. Old ... die hard (6) 19. Prepare material for publication. (4) 10. Male relative. (5) 20. A female sheep. (3) 22. A short-lived but widely shared 11. Brecan’s Town today. (10) enthusiasm for something. (3) 12. The lean dude chooses fuel without 23. Swords Castle was build as a residence for this Archbishop of Dublin. pb. (8) 17. Auntie Dido went for an interview as (5) 25. Avoiding work, lazy. (4) a cast member. (10) 27. Plant used by the Celts to make a 21. Wagner’s Ring. (8) blue cye. (4) 22. Making a quick nervous movement 30. The state of being light-hearted or cheerful in a Dublin theatre. (6) as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain or 31. Family which produced ‘Jane Eyre’ surprise. (9) and ‘Wuthering Heights.” (6) 24. Female religious. (4) 33. Became aware of and paid attention 26. Meal in the middle of the day. (5) to something. (7) 34. A tortilla chip topped with melted 28. Persons who reside in a house or cheese and other savoury toppings. (5) vehicle at a particular time. (9) 35. Official records of incidents during 29. Made something free from bacteria or the voyages of ships and aircraft. (4) 36. Move with urgent haste to this town. other micro-organisms. (10) (4) 32. Extremely thorough and careful. (8) 37. Strong cords for securing or fastening. 35. Doesn’t win. (5) (5) 38. The temporary transfer of a worker to 40. Hangs around with no apparent purpose. (7) another position. (10) 41. A grave to cause severe and extensive 39. Shaped like an egg. (4) damage. (6) 40. You can put ... on a pig - it’s still a 42. A facility for medical diagnosis and pig! (8) treatment. (6) 44. Dwarf dogs and MMORPG scratch 43. Famous Paris university. (8) groups. (4) 45. The hairy man of the Old Testament. 47. Interferes with something to cause damage. (7) (4) 46. State franchised game of chance. (5) 49. Acid which can build up in the body 48. International code signal of extreme during exercise. (6) distress. (3) 51. Small hammer for an auctioneer, judge 50. Pull the towing boat hard. (3) 52. A curved structure. (4) or chairman. (5) 54. Made cheese. (4) 53. It rises to the top when fresh milk is 56. Boredom in a room set aside for sleep. left to stand. (5) (7) 55. A fixed, often religious, belief or set of 59. Want to have something very much , especially something that belongs to beliefs. (5) someone else. (5) 60. A plant that retains leaves throughout 57. Protective layer of gas above the earth.

(5) the year. (9) 61. Facial expression of disapproval, 58. Fruit with a double meaning? (4) displeasure or concentration. (5) 61. Irish male tree. (3) 62. Slang for a Garda vehicle used to transport prisoners. (5,5) 63. This town reeks, Sir! (8)

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