Donabate Local Volume 2 Issue 3

DONABATE Your Community News

Dacia Sandero Stepway

Alternative The Only Way Is Stepway with: 0% APR for a limited time only

LINDERS TURVEY AVENUE Turvey Business Centre Donabate, Co. Dublin Tel: 01 890 1801 www.linders.ie Robertson ad.qxp_Layout 1 27/01/2017

Volume 2 Issue 3 - April 2018

FREE

LOCAL

& Portrane

€50

Crossword competition inside

100,000 attend St Patrick’s Day across Fingal (See page 14)

12:55 Page 1

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ LINDERS TURVEY AVENUE, TURVEY BUSINESS CENTRE, DONABATE, CO. DUBLIN Market Improvement

Greater Confidence

Properties Selling

Sold

by Robertsons

TEL 01 8901801 WWW.LINDERS.IE

Model Shown: Dacia Sandero Stepway Alternative 1.5 dCi 90, RRP €14,990 (with optional metallic paint €520). Finance example: Sandero Stepway Alternative 1.5 dCi 90. RRP €14,990. Deposit €4,946. Term 36 monthly payments of €279. APR 0%. Total cost of credit €0 inc doc & completion fee €0 each. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement.

Subject to lending criteria. 0% APR offer is only available on Sandero Stepway Alternative diesel 1.5 dCi 90. Terms and conditions apply. See Dacia.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Dacia Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. Offer available at participating Dacia dealers.

FRIDAY 27TH & SATURDAY 28TH APRIL Tickets 49.00 Euros pp Includes a 3 Course Meal or BB & Show for two sharing 199.00 Euros Booking Essential phone 01 6906666 or Email events@citynorthhotel.com

Our Team Local News

Editor E. communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Inside This Months Issue Active Age learn PIckleball

Portrane erosion cause of concern

Advertising

Sean Maguire T. 087 915 9052 E. seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie

5

Production

Tim Evans T. 086 856 8181 E. communitylocalsdesigner@gmail.com

Students remember Fiona

6 â‚Ź50 crossword competition

Contact us:

Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine Email: communitylocals@gmail.com www.facebook.com/ DonabatePortraneLocal

13

Designated Pick up Points: Donabate Community Centre SuperValu Donabate Published by

IRISHMEDIAGROUP publishing | design | print | web

Donabate & Portrane Local Disclaimer

Every effort is made by Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine to ensure that the information is correct and will not be held responsible for any advertisement or editorial errors. Donabate & Portrane Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Donabate & Portrane Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise.

22 STRICT DEADLINE FOR MAY EDITION: 15th April for inclusion in our May edition.

www.irishmediagroup.ie

t a s n o i t a r b e l e Parties and C l e t o H e s u o H e the Watersid Here at the Waterside House Hotel, we want your event to be perfect for you, your family and friends.

We can als o arrange entertainm ent for the chil dren, a DJ and dis co for your party, themed entertainm ent.

Whether you would like a formal affair or a relaxed gathering, we have the right menu option to suit your needs. That’s why we have a selection of menu options including, afternoon teas, finger buffets, and private dinner for you to choose from.

We are social

Spaces available for Communions & Confirmations 2018 To arrange a viewing or for more information, please call us 018436153 or send us an email info@watersidehousehotel.ie *Subject to availability

The Waterside House Hotel, Donabate-On-The-Beach www.watersidehousehotel.ie Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

3

Local News

Ceol craic agus cibo at fundraiser

A very successful fundraiser for The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival was held in Pasta Castellos, Donabate on March 15th. It was a night of Cibo …Italian for food…and what delicious food… music, song and mighty craic. A great celebration for St. Patrick’s Day. Ali O’Leary was Bean a’Ti and kept the entertainment going like an Irish jig ..fast and furious! Many talented performers from the Donabate/ Portrane peninsula entertained the clientele. The organisers wish to say thank you to all who attended the function, to those who entertained us , to our many sponsors and to Breda Dockrell and Catherine Harnett who organised it all.

Looking forward to next year!

4

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local News

Active Age -Pickleball comes to Donabate

Active Age for All organised and ran a demonstration of one of America’s most popular games – Pickleball.The demonstration took place in Donabate/Portrane Community Centre. Pickleball combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis and is played on a badminton court over a low net.

Sean Buckley, originally from Portrane but now living in Canada, took time out from his holidays to give the introductory demonstration.

Debbie Brown, an American, living in Portmarnock assisted in the demonstration.

Participants were very enthusiastic about the game and its potential as an activity for people of all ages. Pickleball has become one of America’s most popular growing sports.Active Age for All now hopes to investigate the possibility of offering Pickleball as an activity for its members in the future.

Renault KADJAR

The Renault Kadjar offer with:

3% APR 3 Years’ Servicing €1,000 Cashback Model shown: KADJAR SIGNATURE NAV ENERGY dCi 110. starting RRP €31,290 (excl. Renault i.d. metallic paint RRP €675). Finance example: KADJAR Exp + TCe 130, RRP €25,490. Deposit €8,779. Term 36 monthly payments of €199. APR 3%. Total cost of credit €1,096 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Includes €1,000 Cashback offer. Optional final payment €10,502. Includes 3-year service plan. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

LINDERS TURVEY AVENUE Turvey Business Centre, Donabate, Co. Dublin Tel 01 8901801 www.linders.ie

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Book a test drive DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

5

Local News

House in Portrane on the edge of the cliff

By Louise Hughes With temperatures dropping well below freezing and heavy snowfall, our recent visit from the ‘Beast from the East’ really hit everyone hard. The Beast was given its name as a result of ferocious winds travelling across Europe from Siberia in Russia.

Schools and offices closed for a couple of days during the blizzard, certain food was in short supply with a high demand to stock up. While families were making snowmen and Igloos, Storm Emma left damage and destruction in its wake.

Portrane Beach was ruined from Coastal Erosion and the house belonging to Grainne Hannigan was literally left teetering on the edge of the cliff.

Coastal erosion occurs when land and beach is worn away from tidal currents and high winds like storm Emma. As the waves crashed into the shore, the 6

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

sand dunes started to collapse bringing with it trees and debris from owners back gardens. Sand bags that had been planted there are now disappearing beneath the sand. As the tides are right along the shoreline, it is very difficult to walk the beach. Grainne and her family are doing everything in their power to protect her property but due to high tides, it is getting more and more difficult. A meeting was held recently on Portrane Beach with the community to try and save further damage to our beautiful coast.

In the last couple of days Fingal County Council have been trawling Portrane beach in JCB’s cleaning up some of the debris and removing the trees. However that is just the tip of the ice-berg, with snow expected for Easter and more high tides, the beach and Grainne’s home will need to be protected from this disastrous coastal erosion.

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local News

Donabate Library Events for April 2018 Contact us at 01-8905609 Email: donabate.library@fingal.ie

Earraigh i Scéalta / Spring into Storytime A story time session for toddlers and children up to 5 years, taking place at 11.30am on Tuesday April 10. Places are limited – please book by calling 01 8905609 or by emailing Donabate.library@fingal.ie.

Ionad Oibrithe Deonacha Fhine Gall / Fingal Volunteer Centre will have an information stand in the library on

Monday 23 rd April from 6.00 – 7.30pm.Thinking of volunteering? Fingal Volunteer Centre is your starting point!

Grúpa Tuismitheoir agus Páistí/ The Parent and Toddler Group meets every Tuesday morning at 10.30am. Drop in and meet with other parents and toddlers.

Na Ceardaíochta Ciorcal / The Crafting Circle meets every Thursday in the library at 11.00am - everyone is welcome to join - just bring along whatever craft you are working on!

Grúpa Scríbhneoireacht Chruthaitheach /The Adult Creative Writing Group meets every second Saturday in the Library at 11.00am.

Tráth Scéalta Leanbh / Toddler Storytime takes place on Tuesday 24th April at 11.30am. All are welcome to attend with babies and toddlers for stories and music.

Bright Sparks Montessori shortlisted for award Bright Sparks Montessori , Donabate Portrane Community Centre is celebrating being shortlisted for the AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY INNOVATION AWARD (Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion) The awards ceremony is a great way to celebrate innovative and creative initiatives, implemented across the country in 2018, which have made a real difference to the lives of older people in Ireland.

What happens when a group of preschoolers invite a group of Seniors into their school? Amazing things happen.‘The Kaleidoscope Project’ seen Fingal County Council Community Development Office in conjunction with Bright Sparks Montessori and Donabate Portrane Seniors develop an innovative intergenerational project. Sharing arts, crafts, stories, news, songs and lunch the two groups learned so much from each other and had the best fun culminating in a Christmas Concert in Donabate Library.

The awards will take place this month, sponsored and presented

by Age Friendly, including the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the NDA, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, An Garda Siochana, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government,Department of Rural and Community Development, Chambers Ireland, An Post, Health and Well Being Division HSE.

**COMPETITION***COMPETITION***COMPETITION***COMPETITION***COMPETITION**

Comedy Dining are pleased to bring you the sequel to Only Fools and 3 Courses a completely different dining experience.

DCI Roy Slater will be putting in an appearance, and we all know what Del thinks of him!

Cassandra and Rodney take a trip down memory Lane (Rodney as a Gladiator?) All your favourite characters will be on hand to make sure you have an evening you will never forget, Del, Rodney, Boycie, Trigger, Uncle Albert, Raquel and Cassandra, this will exercise chuckle muscles you did not know you had.

TICKETS 49.00 PER PERSON INCLUDING A 3 COURSE MEAL

Answers to niamh@citynorthhotel.com or by post to Events Team, CityNorth Hotel, Gormanston, Co. Meath

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

7

Feature

Don’t procrastinate with your finances “Let’s go for a drink?”, “How about a nice meal out?”, “Shall we book a nice holiday?”, “How about an afternoon shopping?”, all questions that are (usually!) met with a positive response. “Shall we have a look through our finances and plans that we have in place?”, not usually met with the same enthusiasm or joy! For many reasons, people put off or avoid having to go through an exercise such as this, despite the fact that it can lead to them spending less and having more money left over each month! So, what excuses do they present to avoid this not-sodesirable activity and what are they really saying? Let’s have a look: “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. This is sometimes replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a host of others.

This is a bit like the “I’ll start the diet next Monday”. What you are actually saying is “I’ll name some time in the future, so I don’t have to face up to it or think about it now”. Let’s face it, you can make time to spend 30-60 minutes even once per year to look at something

this important. Every year will have Christmas, summer time, back to school time, etc. Once you do, you’ll be glad that you did!

“We have everything in order already”. Great. That is, if you’ve done this in the last few months but many people we’ve heard this from, on closer examination, haven’t looked at this area in years and are not really sure what they have.

At a recent group talk to about 40 parents, who were all paying for some form of life cover, when asked if anyone knew the answers to: How much the premium was, how much and what type of cover they had and which company it was with?

Not one person of the 40 knew all of those details and yet they were paying hefty premiums every month for years! Circumstances change and it’s important that whatever you have in place is the most relevant for your own personal situation.

“Our bank has sorted all that out for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things for you but in most cases, banks are tied to one company’s products which means a fair comparison cannot be done and you

Are you paying too much???

Look what you could be paying for the same cover: Premiums for €250,000 mortgage protection life cover for 20 years at the ages listed: Couple aged 30 - €14.03 per month total.

Couple aged 40 - €26.05 per month total.

Couple aged 45 - €39.19 per month total.

For personal, family cover of €100,000 life & serious illness cover, on a dual-life, convertible term plan for 10 years: Couple aged 30 - €32.79 per month total.

Couple aged 40 - €75.44 per month total.

Couple aged 45 - €111.41 per month total.

All premiums are based on non-smokers and include the government 1% levy and the current discounts on offer, that stay in place for the full term.

There is No Cost and No Obligation to find out in minutes if you’re paying too much for these type of plans.

See www.financialcompanion.ie for contact details. It could be the best few minutes you spend this year.

For further information or to make an appointment, you can either email info@ financialcompanion.ie phone/text Dave on 087-6414570 or fill out the enquiry form on our website at www.financialcompanion.ie

8

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

may be paying way over the odds for whatever the bank put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you are getting the best value for money.

“I’m busy at the moment, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. Let’s face it, going through your finances is rarely on anyone’s favourite activity list. But the fact remains, if there is an activity you like, you can make time for it. The end result could leave you with more money left over each month and a much clearer idea of your current and future situation. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems!

“I’ve no spare money at present”.

This usually comes from thinking that a review is going to either cost them money or they will have to take out something new that will cost them more money.

The reality is, the strict Central Bank guidelines contained in the Consumer Protection Code, mean that a recommendation can only be made where a genuine need is identified in a client’s best interest.

The reasons why must be explained in writing. In most cases, the reason

is simple: the same plan can be done cheaper. The advisor is paid by the product provider for introducing the business and so there is no cost to the client and the client ends up saving money!

Considering practically everything you do, buy, choose, wear, eat or travel to are all in some way connected to your finances, it’s important to make the time to get it right. One hour is only 4% of your day. Spending this just once per year can be hugely beneficial, not only to your finances but also for your financial wellbeing.

Dave Kavanagh is a QFA (Qualified Financial Advisor) with over 20 years experience in the financial services industry (and a Gym Instructor/Nutrition Advisor prior to that). He has done numerous advice slots on RTE 2FM, has spoken at many seminars and also on TV3’s Midweek show.

He advises in the “Ask the Expert” section of Mumstown.ie, the parenting website and has been quoted in articles in The Sunday Business Post as well as other local and national newspapers. He has also spoken on Financial Wellness at all of Alison Canavan’s The Full 360 events around the country.

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Malachy Griffen Master Butcher Country Crest Farm Shop

From our Farm to Your Table The team on our farm and at our farm shop work hard to bring you the best of ingredients.

We’re particularly proud of our beef, all from cattle reared on our farm. It’s well loved for its fabulous flavour due to the home grown diet and expert animal welfare.

The next best thing to eating food, is talking about it, so do drop in and have a chat on the best cuts of beef for everyday family meals, a Sunday roast, or a special occasion.

Open 7 days a week. LOCaTed aT enTranCe TO JOnes Garden CenTre. JusT Off eXIT 4. M1.

COunTryCresTfarMshOp.Ie T. 01 8107493. free parkInG.

Local News

Guide dogs visit schools in the North Dublin region

Guide Dogs visit St Sabinas

The Balbriggan\North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind on an ongoing basis are fundraising to collect up the money to train more guide dogs for blind people and more assistance dogs for families who have a child with Autism.

The branch also is a great believer in doing talks in schools all over the region and will give a talk to any group who would request one. The talks often begin with the person who has the guide dog talking a little about themselves and why they have a guide dog. Then it tends to go into talking about the National organization of which they are a fundraising and awareness branch. Then it’s open to the floor and the younger the audience is often where the good questions come from. Such as why do you wear glasses if you can’t see? Or how can you open a bag of dog food if you can’t see and do all blind people live in bungalows?

10

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

Depending on who is available there might be somebody giving the talk who has an assistance dog or a person who is puppy raising for the organization. All involved are all volunteers and give freely of their time and no money is ever looked for to do such a talk.Towards the end of the chat depending on the age of the audience there will be a discussion on how important it is to fundraise and why the national charity only gets 15% of its overall funding requirements for running the organization from Government The pictures attached come from Skerries Community School where after the talk the children ran a successful cake sale and raised some money for the local branch. Little Wonders play school invited Tom O’Neill and his guide dog in on Community Week and Tom’s grand daughters who are in that playschool took over and told everybody about his guide dog Gatsby.

Santa Sabina Dominican College Sutton is another school that the branch visits each year and Tom O’Neill Balbriggan with his guide dog Gatsby, Anna Giblin a puppy walker from Baldoyle and Andrew Green Balbriggan with his guide dog Nico visited earlier this year For 27 years now Tom O’Neill and one or other of his guide dogs have visited St Malaga’s N.S.Balbriggan and will again after Easter this year. Tom and Andrew have already this year been with the 3rd classes of St Teresa’s N.S. Balbriggan Should you, when reading this,want further information on the work of the branch or like to become involved as a volunteer or want that talk from a branch member for your group or school.

Please send an email to guidedogsbalbriggan@ gmail.com or ring 085 7663107.

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local News

Good company, coffee and Gaelige mar shampla, “An bhfaca tú mo Sheamúisín?” agus “Óró sé do bheatha abhaile.” Míle buíochas le Willie Cahill agus Edel Dempsey, sár-cheoilteoirí a chas na poirt dúinn, agus le cabhair ó Jim O’Donohoe ar an ucailéile. Bhain seopaideoirí an bhaile lán-taithneamh as an gceol freisin, agus stop duine nó beirt linn chun páirt a ghlacadh. …………………………

CONVERSATION IN IRISH – EVERY SATURDAY 2PM, CATES CAFÉ, DONABATE

MAIDEAN CAIFE – GACH SATHAIRN AG 2 A CHLOIG, CATES CAFÉ, DOMHNACH BHEATHACH Tá fáilte roimh gach duine teacht le cupán

tae is píosa cainnt ag an ciorcal comhrá i gCafé Cates,Domhnach Bheathach, chuile Sathairn ag 2. An Sathairn seo chaite bhí píosa ceoil ar siúl againnchun Seachtain na Gaeilge a chomóradh, is chann muid na hamhráin a fhoghlaimid ar scoil,

All are welcome to come to our Irish conversation circle for a cuppa and a chat, in Cates Café,Donabate, every Saturday at 2pm.

Last Saturday we had a bit of a session at the coffee morning as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge, and we sung some of the songs we learned at school, such as “An bhfaca tú mo Sheamúisín?” and “Óró sé do bheatha abhaile.” Grateful thanks toWille Cahill and Edel Dempsey who, top class musicians both, played the tunes and led us in the singing, ably assisted by Jim O’Donohoe on the ukelele. Local shoppers passing by took great enjoyment from the music, and one or two even stopped to join in.

BITS BOBS AND ODD JOBS

Home Repairs

& Property Maintenance

TM

Home Repairs • Renovations Home Improvements Carpentry • Electrical • Tiling Plumbing • Roofing • Painting

01 890 3918 • 086 069 0462 bitsbobsandoddjobs.ie

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

11

Local News

Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrated in style

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Chief Executive Paul Reid, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley, Cormac Begley

A great evening was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience at the annual Seachtain na Gaeilge Oíche Cheoil agus Amhránaíochta (Evening of music and song) in the Atrium County Hall Swords recently.

Acclaimed musicians Cormac Begley and Eoghan O Ceannabháin provided the entertainment, and as well as the beautiful music the audience were given a fascinating insight into the history of the songs and tunes as well as the instruments themselves.

Eoghan ÓCeannabháin , as well as playing flute, fiddle and concertina treated the audience to some wonderful songs from the ancient Sean Nós singing tradition in Conamara. Speaking about his recent album which has been described as “nothing short of spectacular” Cormac Begley explained that he wanted to use “ the full range of concertinas from bass, baritone, treble to piccolo, and to highlight some of the instrument’s possibilities spanning across seven octaves”. This was certainly in evidence in the wonderful music on the evening and the audience was left wishing that 12

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

the evening wouldn’t end.

Seachtain na Gaeilge Irish Language Festival took place from 1 – 17 March and during this time as well as this concert there were events in local Libraries, in the Seamus Ennis Centre and many events organised by groups across the county. The Film Song of Granite came to the Seamus Ennis Centre in the Naul on Thursday March 15th. The film, in Irish with English subtitles, tells the story of internationally famous Sean Nós singer Joe Heaney from Carna in Conamara. Among the events in Libraries were Harp Recitals from the O’Donnell sisters Marie Louise and Theresa and bilingual talks from poet and screenwriter Celia de Fréine.

Children from local schools were also treated to Irish storytelling from Seosamh O’Maolalaí.

Fíbín Theatre group presents a new bilingual version of Diarmuid agus Gráinne called Tóraíocht in Draíocht, Blanchardstown April 17th and 18th, for information on this and other events see www.draiocht.ie.

Seachtain na Gaelige musicians Eoghan Ó Ceannabháinand Cormac Begley

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local News

Remembering Fiona on Global Health Day

By Sarah Oliver and Aisling Read, (DCC Transition Year Journalism) Every year on Global Health Day in our school we have our annual debate. This year was a very special year for the debate as it was held in memory and in honour of Fiona Larkin. Fiona did outstanding work for Global Health especially in our community. Her generosity and dedication

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

meant she took a day off her work every year to come and teach Donabate Community College students great things about Global Health.

She cajoled and encouraged her masters ‘students and colleagues to attend this day and support the workshops. She invited a group of our students every year to visit the Global Health department in Trinity and to engage in a discussion with the masters students. She did all of this for no material benefit, she did it to share her passion for justice, equality and for education with young people in the community where she lived. Her passion coordinating this annual event ensured its success every year and this is still the case as we saw with the brilliant debate that was had.

We had four speakers per team. The motion ‘It is not possible for a person living in the developing world to achieve a decent standard of health’ allowed students to give their opinions on all they had learned throughout the day.

Both sides of the motion gave excellent arguments to why their side of the motion stood firm. The team opposing the motion used great statistics and examples of poor health standards in many third world countries when presenting their arguments. The team proposing the motion also backed up their points on new medicines, foreign aid and charity work with impressive examples. The judges had a hard time deciding on a winner.

We were delighted and honoured to welcome Fiona’s son Cian, husband Brad and good friend Marian into our school this year to judge the debate and present the trophy in honour of Fiona. In the end the judges were won over by the team proposing the motion and presented the perpetual trophy to the team captain. This fantastic trophy now stands proudly in our school’s trophy case and every year it will be an honorary reminder of Fiona and her work. We want to thank Fiona’s family for coming and we were deeply grateful they were with us for this day. The work Fiona has done for our school will live on and TY students will no doubt continue to be inspired by this small part of her legacy in their future careers to carry this work forward.

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

13

Local News

100,000 attend St Patrick’s Day across Fingal St Patrick’s Day was celebrated in style across Fingal with large numbers braving the cold weather to attend the parades. Fingal County Council organised parades in Swords, Blanchardstown and Balbriggan while local groups arranged parades in Skerries, Lusk and Rush.

Approximately 12,000 people attended the Balbriggan Parade, 20,000 attended the Swords Parade and 12,000 attended the Blanchardstown Parade. A further 15,000 attended the parades in Skerries, Lusk and Rush.

There were a wide variety of community and volunteer groups taking part in the parades across the county. Over 2,000 people participated in the Swords and Blanchardstown Parades while 1,200 took part in the Balbriggan Parade.

Including the six parades and events taking place in the Seamus Ennis Centre, Malahide Castle, Ardgillan Castle and the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival in Howth, more than 100,000 people attended St Patrick’s Day celebrations across Fingal..

Onlookers were entertained by the variety of floats at each parade today with 300 local community groups and 100 local businesses taking part. 150 members of St Finian’s GAA club dressed up as yellow minions from the film Despicable Me during the Swords Parade while 150 members from the North Dakota State University Marching Band took part in the Swords and Blanchardstown parades. 500 members of the Fingallians GAA club also took part in the Swords parade.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley said: “I am extremely grateful to the Events Team as well as the community and volunteer groups and who have contributed hugely to the St Patrick’s Day festivities. Fingal has one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the country so it was a great opportunity for people of all backgrounds to connect with their communities and celebrate Fingal’s rich culture and heritage.”

Fingal Libraries Bi-lingual Poetry Competition To celebrate the theme, Fingal Libraries have put together a selection of poems by Irish poets (in English and Irish) and invite you to respond to one of them with your own creative work in any digital medium: image, video clip, GIF, song, sound sequence new poem or prose piece (Word, PDF). We invite you to look not just at the themes of the poems, but also at their shapes, types of movement, images, sounds, phrases, single words, parts of speech, etc.

Feel free to respond to any aspect of the poem that appeals to you.

Your contributions will go live on our Tumblr page on 26th April.

They will be displayed on a screen in the Atrium, Fingal County Hall, Swords, for the duration of the day. Contributors and members of the public are invited to attend a reception in the Atrium, Fingal County Hall, Swords, at 7 p.m. on Poetry Day, for the presentation of prizes to winners in the three age categories and a performance on the theme of poetry appreciation by poet, Máighréad Medbh, who conceived this project.Full details and how to enter are at this web page: The theme for this year’s Poetry Day Ireland is Poetry Surprises! Contact us at http://www.fingalcoco.ie/community-and-leisure/libraries/what’s-on/ poetryday/

14

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

National champs and Pee-Wee Twirler of the Year To tremendous applause Phoenix Baton Twirler’s very own Aleica Flanagan aged 4 took a step forward to accept her award for Pee Wee Twirler of Phoenix Twirler Aleica Flanagan the competition for achieving the highest scores within her category at the recently held National competitions.

The Baton Twirling Association of Ireland National competitions 2018 took place over Saturday February 11th and Sunday February 12th in the National basketball arena in Tallaght.

This year Phoenix Baton Twirlers took to the floor with each athlete taking on new challenges and many progressing to more advanced levels within the sport. Some newer athletes taken on the world of competition for the first time and for all, new events within the competition were entered .To say that they did themselves and the coaching team and there club proud is an understatement.

This year Ireland host the European competition which will see competitors from all over European descend on Ireland to compete for the coveted title of European Champions This year Phoenix Baton twirler have two athletes that are going forward for Trials on April 1st hoping for the opportunity to represent Ireland this coming July in the European competition to be held in Dublin. All the athletes preparation for the Wicklow competitions will be held in Early April. We are also currently welcoming new members.

Our training venues are : O’Raghallaigh’s GAA Club Dublin Rd Drogheda on Mondays from 5pm - 7pm and Thursdays 6pm- 8 pm Gormanston college Aras sports complex -Tuesdays 5.30pm - 7pm Flemington Community Center Balbriggan -Monday 7pm - 8pm Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local News

Fingal Heritage Plan 2018-2023 Fingal County Council has prepared a Draft Heritage Plan for Fingal covering the period 20182023 which deals with all aspects of our natural and cultural heritage.

The Draft Heritage Plan builds on the two previous heritage plans for Fingal and the results of an initial consultation process in 2017. It proposes 41 actions under the following four themes: Communicating our Heritage to a Wide Audience; Caring for our Heritage; Increasing the Level of Community Activity for Heritage and Supporting the Local Economy.

The Council also wants want to hear your views on the Draft Heritage Plan. The public are advised that they should be aware that the Draft Plan is available to view or download at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/ browse. A copy of the Draft Heritage Plan is also available for consultation at Council offices and local libraries. Submissions or observations on the Draft Heritage Plan can be made online. Alternatively, written submissions or observations marked Draft Heritage Plan 2018 – 2023 can be sent to the Heritage Officer, Planning & Strategic Infrastructure Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Swords, Co. Dublin K67 X8Y2. Submissions or observations may be made by email to heritage@fingal. ie.

Observations and submissions received before 5.00pm on Tuesday 3rd April 2018 will be taken into consideration by the Council in the final preparation of the Fingal Heritage Plan 2018-2023.

Early Map of Fingal

Malahide • Portmarnock • Donabate

(01) 846 32008434069 (01) 843 4069 Donabate (01) Malahide (01) 8061633 Your One Stop Shop for All Cleaning & Clothing Requirements Portmarnock (01) 8463200 (01) 806 1633

Your One Stop Shop for All Cleaning & Clothing Requirements

Malahide • Portmarnock • Donabate (01) 806 1633

(01) 846 3200

(01) 843 4069

whiteslaundry.ie

Your One Stop Shop for All Cleaning & Clothing Requirements

Mobility Essentials, Unit A3 Airside Enterprise Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

15

Easter Recipes

pril A of se ca e th in d an ics cn pi , gs tin ou y da , “Spring time may bring Easter holidays n! ai ag t ou ck ba p ho to g tin ai w le hi w s or indo n fu ng hi et m so do to ed ne e th s ap rh pe s, shower oon. rn te af y il m fa a r fo od fo y th al he d an n me fu so e id ov pr l il w at th s ea id w fe a e ar e er H

Bunny Bread

Fun-Flower

1. Get an adul t to cut out a la rge circle usin sharp knife on ga 2 slices of brea d, basically cu ting off the co trners. Use a ro und cereal bow cut around on l to the bread if ne eded.

Slice 1 of thes e circles in half to make 2 sem circles and slic ie off the tips of these to make the bunny’s ea rs. The other ci rcle of bread w make the bunn ill y’s face.

2. Spread crea m cheese or co ttage cheese on the face and ea rs and assembl e on the plate with the ears to uching the face at the cut ends as shown in th e picture.

3. Place 2 smal l slices of cucu mber on the fa for the eyes an ce d tiny pieces of beetroot onto the center of th e cucumber fo r the pupils in the eyes. Cut a cherry tomato in half for the nose and use ei ther strips of be etroot, carrot or grated cheese as the whisker s coming out of the nose.

4. Slice strips of ham or smok ed salmon into an arch shape and place on to p of the semicircle slices of bread to compl ete the bunny’s ears.

top and midce blueberries between the 1. For the flower petals, pla dle of a plate. s in bethe blueberries and almond 2. Put slices of banana around tween the banana slices. rower end at stick of celery with the nar 3. For the stem place a small als. the bottom of the flower pet segments , place 2 mandarin orange stem the on es leav the 4. For petals and er flow the s upwards toward in half moon shapes facing ry stick. about half way along the cele

Cute Chicks

te. /seeded crackers onto a pla 1. Place 2 round multigrain r cheese dda che of es slic o kie cutter ont 2. Place a round scone/coo ckers. cra the of top on ce pla to cheese and cut out circle shapes of plate. the on rs es underneath the cracke 3. Place some spinach leav at ce pla and les circ rot; cut 2 small 4. Using a raw or cooked car pe of sha e ngl tria all sm a cut t, for the fee of the bottom of the cracker ps stri e, nos n on the cracker for the carrot and place upside dow s. eye the for t pieces of beetroo carrot for the hair and 2 tiny

For more fun foodspiratio n and events ‘Biabites’ on please follow Facebook an d Twitter.

For nutrition talks/worksh ops in presch primar y and ools, post-primar y sc hools, workp sports clubs and commun laces, ity group ple niamh@biab a se ites.net contact: Have an ‘egg -travagant’ E aster!!!

Niamh Arth urs Public Healt h and Clinic al Nutrition ist

Local News

Roganstown Golf & Country Club – Busy year ahead!

Roganstown Golf Club is set to have a very busy year ahead with The PGA Pro Am on the 14th of May with a list of celebrities from the world of Football and TV as guests on the day and of course the top PGA professionals.Here is the timetable: AM SHOTGUN START 08.30AM - €390.00 Breakfast before golf.Goody bags sponsored by Brightwater recruitment.

Buffet lunch after golf.

PM SHOTGUN START 14.00PM €420.00.

Buffet Lunch before golf,Goody bags sponsored by Brightwater Recruitment,4 course meal after golf then Presentation of Prizes.

CHARITY EVENTS THIS YEAR INCLUDE: May 25th Beaumont Hospital Renal Department { sold out}.Ronnie Whelan Charity day June 8th Details can be got from ciaranf@ roganstown.com There is a new event in July with American Golf which is new to Ireland and is going to be a big hit and also hosting The Irish Girls Stroke play {under 18] which attracts the best of Europe’s future golf stars . April 13th – April 15th. The club are doing the 2 course special for societies, which has proven very popular and a great success.

Swords Golf Club are doing great membership deals for 2018, and if you are interested contact Ciaran or Orla on 01 8433118 or The Junior club is flying and we have 3 coaches looking after all lessons which is sponsored by the junior club committee. Or email ciaranf@gmail. comk or mcguinnessorla1@gmail.com If any of our readers want to come up and have a look they can contact the club anytime on 087 6886092.

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

17

Fashion

Safety the key to enjoying equestrian sports

By Fashion Editor - Carina Cunningham

Hi readers this month’s article is all about the Equestrian World in North County Dublin.

We really are very lucky to have so many horse riding facilities to choose from right on our doorstep, For instance in Swords we have Monksfield Equestrian Centre, Killronan Equestrian Centre, Thornton Park Equestrian Centre, Drynam Riding Stables, Balcultry Stables, Forrest Equestrian Centre and Dympna’s Equestrian centre. In Malahide we have Kinsealy Riding centre. In Donabate we have Kilcrea Equestrian centre and Corballis farm. That’s ten fantastic riding schools to choose from. It doesn’t get much better than that. If your looking for riding lessons they all provide a fantastic service and what an exciting sport to get your children involved in!.

This month I am promoting BÊTA Safety Week in the equestrian world from 28th of April to the 6th of May. The importance of safe riding attire and equipment being fitted and fastened correctly and up,to standard is essential. Owner Declan Gaffney of Horse Mad Store has provided these fabulous outfits for this months fashion article. He and his dedicated staff will be providing fittings in his shop in Swords for both children and adults who need to wear back protectors and hats for comfort and safety.

18

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

All beginners really should be wearing both plus good quality riding boots. Most yards will have a few spare hats for you to use for your first time experience and then if your hooked you should get the proper fittings and your own personal gear. Safety first is the motto of anyone working with ponies or horses and it should be yours too.

Our lovely mum this month is Olivia SampsonGiles pictured here with her two beautiful daughters Amelie Giles age 10 and Freya Giles age 5. Joining them in his debut Shoot is Tayto my 6 yr old miniature horse who lives with us. That is to say, sometimes in the kitchen but most of the time in his deluxe stable in my back garden. We have made a video of TAYTO and his lovely ladies in our shoot. It’s very funny so if you have the time look up my page it’s open to the public Carina Cunningham owner Cherie Styling Studio where we did the shoot. Hope you enjoyed the article as much as we did bringing it to you. Oh and keep a look out, we could be in your area next time.

Credits Horse Mad Store unit A1 Metro Business Park Kettles Lane Swords ph 01-8084609.

Photography Taz Smith. Make up by Momy Kay ph 0831738930, Hair by Virginia-stylist 085773629..

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Fashion

Style Warriors -Ardgillan Castle fundraiser shoot in May

By Fashion Editor - Carina Cunningham After meeting with Ardgillan Castle Manager Tom Reilly last month we are very excited to announce that we are running a photography fundraiser Photoshoot. This is to help with stage and production costs for our coming show in October. Style Warriors Fashion and Entertainment Show will be held in Wrights Venue on sat 6 th Oct 2018. This year it’s in aid of NECRET North East Cancer Research & Education Trust. This very cutting edge Charity is headed by the very we’ll respected professor Bryan Hennessy. He and his dedicated teams are working in Beaumont Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. I feel so passionate about this charity as they are really making changes and trying new drugs and treatments. So to help make some hard cash to Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

help them I’m running a fundraiser photo shoot in Ardgillan Castle. I’ve received fantastic feed back and bookings so far for this date in May. The theme is a Masquerade Ball and the outfits will be a mix of designers and shops. AB formal Wear from Swords will be styling some of the male models with their morning suits and Sensational Clothing will be portraying some gothic style menswear. The ladies will be wearing some period style gowns by Kat Condon, Oxana Hefferon will also have a few dresses and my designs will be there also. We have some amazing hairstylists creating period up styles Veronika Hair ,Byrne Kiaran, Kirill Oleogovich plus a few others are styling Victorian wigs for this fabulous shoot. We will also have around ten make up artists including

Gillian Stapleton, Mua with Momy Kay and her team. I’m honoured to have TV and Burlesque Sugar Club star Grim Squeaker modelling as a creepy Ghost. He’s currently looking for votes on the Ireland’s got Talent semi finals. We will also have Stacie Ellen Murphy model/ fire dancer for special effects and atmosphere on the day.. Super Togs assisting on the day are David Stanway and Ben Sollis. There are still a few places for photographers if anyone is interested. Please contact me on Facebook or email carinacunningham@ gmail.com I have 25 female models and 17 male models, so it’s going to be hectic and a lot of fun. That’s it for now folks, tune in next month for more exciting info.

Bye for now,

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

19

Local News

1,000 take part in Enterprise week

This year’s Fingal LEO Enterprise Week was the biggest ever, with over ten thousand business owner/managers and aspiring entrepreneurs attending more than 300 business events throughout the country. The Fingal Enterprise Awards took place at the end of the week which saw Castleknock based WeBringg Ltd securing the overall winner award, which comes with €5,000 prize out of the total prize fund of €15,000.

There were over 1,000 people participating in the Fingal business events during which they could network and learn from business experts.

In Fingal, a series of more than twenty events took place. These included seminars, clinics and

workshops in business as well as networking and pitching events.The runner-up prize was split between two companies: Dropchef Ltd. of Sutton; and ScoobyBox/BusterBox Ltd. of Baldoyle.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid expressed his delight at the range of activities: “Well over 1,000 people have booked places at our events this week and this is indicative of the appetite among Fingal based entrepreneurs to improve their own management ability to explore their opportunity for growth, their management ability as well as their networks. It also demonstrates that our Local Enterprise Office here in Fingal has its finger on the pulse of the real needs of our small business

community.”

Congratulating the winner of the Fingal Enterprise Award this year, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley said: “I am so impressed with the extraordinary entrepreneurial talent in this competition. Speaking at the end of a long but exciting week, Head of Fingal Local Enterprise Office, Oisin Geoghegan said: “Enterprise Week is now over for this year, but our work goes on throughout the year and our doors are always open to entrepreneurs who have a good idea for a business, and to our established businesses that are seeking support services”.

Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine NEEDS YOU!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

PHOTOGRAPHERS , LOCAL WRITERS, LOCAL REPORTERS NEEDED!!

If you’re a Local and have some free time please email us on: communitylocals@gmail.com 20 DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local Sports

Donabate Portrane Tennis Club News

DP Tennis club welcome U15 GAA Boys Football Team

Donabate Portrane Tennis Club is delighted to announce we now have passed the 400 members mark! A fantastic feat for such a new club which officially opened just last April! Located on the stunning grounds of the Donabate Golf Club, we have four flood-lit all weather pitches and have funding in place for a further two courts.

DPTC has a vibrant and active membership and offers a wide range of activities: Social Tennis, Coaching for Adults and Juniors, Camps, Club Competitions, League tennis and much more! Beginners are most welcome.

We were recently were delighted to welcome members of St. Pat’s U15 GAA boy’s footballers to the Club. We were very impressed by their enthusiasm, excellent hand eye coordination, fitness and concentration. We look forward to welcoming other sports teams down to give tennis a try.

Our fantastic Junior Committee are busy organising great events for our Juniors. Teen Tennis (13-18 yrs) recently started in the club and is open to members and non-members. Informal tennis followed by pizza in the cabin afterwards!

Thanks to our wonderful members for their recent initiatives: Adult and Child Tournament raised €870 for the Peter McVerry Trust and “Going Orange” to support World Mental Health Day which €200 for Pieta House.

For enquiries contact membership@donabatetennis.com Stay in touch with us on Facebook or visit www. donabatetennis.com Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

DP Tennis Club goes Orange for World Mental Health Day

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

21

Crossword & Sudoku

WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!

To celebrate Easter 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 April 15.

The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good luck Across

Down

2. Hangs around aimlessly. (7) 3. Metal fastener. (4) 4. Hot drink made from roasted 5. The capital of Lebanon. (6) beans. (6) 10. Court official. (7) 5. Famous Hungarian composer. (6) 11. Tool for tennis. (7) 6. Imperial measurement. (4) 12. Irish dance. (4) 7. Rare and strange. (7) 13. The man for a fable. (5) 8. The King of the Fairies. (6) 15. Castro’s island. (4) 9. A narrow channel linking two 17. Large deer. (3) larder bodies of water. (6) 19. Settle snugly and comfortably. (6) 14. Gracefully thin. (7) 21. The paper used to vote. (6) 16. Where Davy Crockett and Jim 22. Withdraw assistance when it is Bowie died. (5) 18. Devoid of freshness or originality. needed. (7) 23. Self-confident assurance, poise. (5) 20. The movement of the tide out to (6) sea. (3) 25. Cowboy of the pampas. (6) 21. Turf provider. (3) 28. Church bench. (3) 23. Ireland’s largest island. (6) 30. Break into someone’s computer.

24. The sugar in milk. (7) (4) 26. It’s used as a moth repellent. (7) 31. Lowest rank in British nobility.

27. A strong protest or objection. (6) (5) 28. Walk with bare feet in shallow 32. Leave out. (4) water. (6) 35. Mr. Bloom’s first name. (7) 29. Sway unsteadily. (6) 36. To talk nonsense. (7) 33. Percussion instrument and medal.

37. Small and sturdy hunting dog.

(4) 34. A young sheep. (4) (6) 1. Hospital department for outpatients. (6)

BILL FREE TV FROM WWW.CUSTOMTV.IE

Android TV supplied and fitted

WHY PAY SKY/UPC? GO BILL FREE Saorview / Freesat / Combi Box Installs / Satelite Dish & Aerial Install / Allignment / Multiroom TV / Extra TV Points / Digieye

“UNBEATABLE RATES”

Tel: Keith 087 - 2944986 22 DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2018

SUDOKU ANSWERS

38. The remains of a fire. (6)

Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Dublin’s must see Bathroom & Tile Superstore Newly Refurbished Showroom with 27 brand new bathroom settings

Unit A3 Metropoint Business Park Kettles Lane, Swords, Co. Dublin Tel: 01 807 4074 | Mobile: 083 102 9258 Email: info@bathstoreandmore.ie www.bathstoreandmore.ie

Wall & Floor TILES 20% OFF

We’re selling houses Are you selling yours?

20 ye ars helpin Donab g ate to buy a nd se ll

S R A E 20 Y THE G N I V R SE TY I N U M M O C

Here’s to ano ther 20!!!

Sales & Lettings Service NOLAN & FAHY

.ie

Member firm of The Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers Licence No. 001576

Call us today for a FREE private consultation

Tel: 01 843 5678

Email: nolanfahy@propertyteam.ie Unit 1B, Donabate Town Centre, Co. Dublin