Donabate Local V7I4-MAY 2023

Appreciating the beauty of nature and life in general!

Once again May has brought forth its flowers in all their glory and once again we can but wonder at the beauty of our area. Whether you are rambling with the Penninsula Pacers from Donabate on one of their many short or long range hikes or taking to the briny with the wonderful Sea Scouts of Malahide. Maybe you are appreciating the beauty of the countryside as you keep pace along with the award winning Lusk Athletic Club or maybe enjoying the craic in the sunshine with other members of the Aer Lingus outdoor bowls club. On the other hand you may be enjoying other physical activities such as participating in or coaching at Fingallians GFC in Swords or Balbriggan Rugby Club. Whatever gets you out and about across Fingal, I know you will agree this area rivals and sometimes surpasses many other districts in our beautiful country. The flowers and plants add a lush carpet of colour at this time of the year that brightens the mornings and add spectacular odours as we walk near flower beds, gardens and fields. After the darkness and gloom of winter we are treated to the warm sunshine and brightness which announces to us all that summer is on the way. The longer evenings mean more time to appreciate nature as the young farm animals frolic in the meadows and the ponds are filled with life. All in all May is a time to generally appreciate being alive and all that entails. It is a month which technically is stuck between the end of spring and the beginning of Summer but in reality it is the month before the midsummer solstice when the longest day and the shortest night of the year signify summer has arrived. So this month let us appreciate every facet of nature and life in general. Let us appreciate our family, our friends and all those people who work hard to help our community. Finally let us appreciate the beauty of life itself and all the good things which at times we take for granted. Enjoy the month of May, its beauty and life in general!

The Locals Team.

D/P Dramatic Society - ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ 4th-6th May

Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society will bring Neil Simon’s play ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ to Donabate Parish Hall, from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th May at 8pm, and on Sunday 7th May at 3pm. ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’, originally set in Manhattan in the late 60s, tells the story of Barney Cashman, a middle aged, married and successful business man in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Barney, who is a creature of habit, has come to the realization that he has a ‘nice’ life, but he is tired of this ‘nice’ and needs more thrill. He wants to bring an end to his decades of monogamy and experience his secret fantasies and dreams at least once in his life. He arranges three encounters with three very different women in his mother’s studio apartment. The seductress Elaine Navazio, his first attempted mistress, is a married woman who enjoys cigarettes, whiskey and, most of all, other women’s husbands. The second one, is a completely different

type: Bobbi Michele, a pretty 20-ish aspiring actress and singer, part of the “new generation”; and finally, Jeanette Fisher, a gloomy, depressed housewife married to Barney’s best friend. “Barney runs the Queen of the Sea restaurant in New York but after years of working with the fruit of the sea he gets tempted by the fruit of another and wants his slice of the “action” he’s been missing out on. So, he embarks on a series of assignations in a small Manhattan apartment that go ... well you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men! This play gives us loads of laughs and quite a lot of emotion while asking what we want from our love affairs and what really makes us happy. We’ve got another great formula this time out, you’ll love it!” – said Paul, veteran member of the Society and Director of this new production. Tickets will be available at the door but can also be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.ie or over the phone by calling 086 0712530.

How To Calculate Potential Financial Loss

By Dave Kavanagh

Of course, nobody wants to consider that something bad and impactful will happen to them, but most people realise that every week in Ireland there are unexpected fatalities, serious illnesses diagnosed or injuries/illnesses that prevent someone from working. One of the main impacts of any of these occurrences, is the financial loss that can be suffered either by the individual concerned or by any family members dependent on them. The amount of financial loss can vary greatly, and will depend on the event and also the person’s circumstances. The easiest one to consider is the impact of a fatality. Is there an immediate loss of income? Will there be an entitlement to pension benefits? Is there a dependent partner and/or children? If there are children what age are they and how long will they need to be provided for? What protection benefits are already in place? Is there a mortgage that is protected? Are there any death in service benefits with an employer? Giving consideration to these questions can identify what the potential loss would be and help calculate the appropriate levels and types of cover required. Where an accident or illness prevents someone from working, what is the impact? Does an employer pay them for a period of time? If so, for how long? Would some people be forced to use up their savings in order

to make sure that bills are paid and supplies bought? The diagnosis of a serious illness can have a negative impact on finances. In some cases it may just result in a relatively short period off work, a stay in hospital and perhaps a supply of medications. But in others, it could result in never returning to work, needing a downstairs bedroom, a wheelchair accessible shower and a modified car. Having a tax-free lump sum paid out at these times can make a huge difference in someone’s finances. The important thing is for people to consider their own, specific circumstances and the financial impact it would have on them and their family. This will allow them to plan more accurately, but in order to consider these details, you have to make the time to analyse them.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or for information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing Dave directly on info@financialcompanion.ie or you can 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.

Johnston calls for homes in Portrane to be protected

Corina Johnston Local Labour Party Area Representative is calling for the homes under severe threat from Coastal erosion at Beach Lane, Portrane to be protected. Johnston said;”Over the last few years Duncan Smith TD and I have been persistent in pursuing the need for the Beach Lane access road fronting 12 homes to be protected from Coastal Erosion. Johnston continued; “Since before Christmas the rate of the impact of Coastal erosion has accelerated with the road impassable in recent days.” Johnston added; “We were extremely disappointed to receive the following response at a recent council meeting to our requests for help on behalf of residents which was raised by Councillor Rob O’Donoghue who asked the Chief Executive to extend the Seabees on the northern end of the Brook beach, Portrane fronting Beach Lane and the public right of way as a matter of urgency given the very serious impact of coastal erosion on twelve residential properties at this location and to provide details of the consultant engineers report on this section of the beach?” The Council replied, “ Following an extensive analysis of the issues by the Council in consultation with the

Fingal Coastal Liaison Group it has been determined that the extension of the SeaBees array as requested is not the optimum way of addressing these issues and that an alternative access to the properties is a more appropriate approach. Discussions are ongoing with local landowners with a view to providing the access required.” Johnston said; “It is unacceptable that such a critical decision was taken by the Fingal’s Coastal Liaison group without a meeting or consultation with the residents beforehand. It has always been our position that the existing Seabees along the beach needed to be extended fronting the houses. As the situation is critical and access to the properties under threat we have submitted the following motion to the next council meeting: “That this committee recommends to the CEO that Sea Bees be acquired and installed fronting the properties at Beach Lane the Burrow Portrane as a matter of urgency.” Johnston concluded” Given the seriousness of the situation we are calling on all public representatives to support this motion in an effort to save this road access and ultimately the 12 homes.”

Remember to support “Darkness into Light” this month!

By Siobhan O’Neill White

The past few years have been tough on everyone but especially, children and teens. They have missed out on so much, from school trips, to discos, to spending time with their friends. Everything was topsy turvy and we are only now scratching the surface on how much their mental health has been affected. On 6th May the annual Darkness into Light walk will be taking place at locations across the country. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to work to prevent suicide. This is a great opportunity to get involved in an event that champions talking about mental health and suicide prevention. Too many of us know people who have taken their own lives and the more we talk about mental health and use the mental health supports available, the better.

Discussing depression and dark thoughts can feel uncomfortable but the more we talk about it, the less taboo these topics become. We are doing the Darkness into Light walk with our children, to encourage them to ask questions and normalise talking about mental health. We try to instil the belief in our children that their mental health is just as important as their physical health. The example we use is that, if one of our children broke their leg, we would take them to the hospital to get it seen to. And if they are struggling emotionally, we will get them the support and help they need because looking after their mental health is just as important as treating physical injuries, like a broken leg. Most schools now have counsellors to support the children so if your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to let their school know so they can support them while in school. Getting counselling outside of school can

take a while but your GP will be able to point you in the right direction. In the meantime, if you need help in how to support your child, you can call SOSAD, Aware or Jigsaw for help and advice. If you are unable to take part in Darkness into Light, you can donate. The Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford are selling rubber ducks for €3.50 at reception with all proceeds go to SOSAD. If you are worried about your child, you can log onto mams.ie. This is a free online chat forum for Mams, to support each other.

Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society’s next Event

The Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society is on the road again and heading to its next event which takes place on Sunday 7th of May 2023 at 12.00 midday. The Chairman of the society Paul O’ Brien explained it’s a two part event and the first part takes place in the Mendicity Institution Usher Island Dublin centre. This event is held every year by the Mendicity Garrison Relatives Association and since 2016 the Fingal old IRA Commemorative society have taken part. The event is to remember the men who were sent in to help from the Fingal 5th Battalion and the men who fought there in Easter week 1916 under the leadership of Commandant Sean Heuston who was executed on the 8th May 1916 . The second part of the event takes place at 1.00pm in Dr Steven’s Hospital Steven’s Lane, Saint James Dublin 8. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Caroline Conroy and the Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr Cathal Boland will also be attending. If anyone is interested in attending they can contact the Chairman of the Mendicity Institution Relatives Association Robin Bollard on his mobile 089 2107803 or Lar Daly vice Chairman of the Fingal old IRA Commemorative Society 086 17735. The Men who fought at Mendicity were Patrick J Kelly Lusk Company who died 28/3/1945 aged 48 ,Richard Kelly also Lusk Company who died 1/12/1973 aged 78 ,George Levin B Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 19/12/1957 aged 85 , James Marks Fingal 5thBattalion who died 16/12/1939 aged 45 ,Sean Mcloughlin D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 13/2/1960 aged 65, William Meehan Lusk Company who died 22/7/1975 aged 89 , William Murnane G Company 1 st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 27/8/1956 aged 71 , Joseph Norton

Fingal 5th Battalion who died on the 21/11/1917 aged 42 ,William O Dee D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 10/3/1955 aged 67 , Thomas O Kelly D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 28/4/1937 aged 56 , Thomas Peppard Fingal 5th Battalion who died 16/12/1984 aged 90, Edward Roach D Company 1st Battalion

Dublin Brigade who died 21/2/1963 aged 64, Liam Stanies D Company

1 st Battalion Dublin Brigade 2/11/1918 aged 20 , Patrick Stephenson

D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 6/4/1960 , James Wilson Fingal 5 th Battalion who died 23/10/1967 aged 70 ,Peter Wilson

Fingal 5 th Battalion who died 18/2/1973 , Richard Balfe D Company

1 st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 20/10 /1967 aged 74, James Brennan D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 6/4/1976 aged 85, Frederick Brooks C Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died on the 21/12/1954 aged 79 , John Byrne D Company 1 st Battalion

Dublin Brigade who died 2/7/1954 aged 59, John Clarke Lusk Company unfortunately no records on his death ,Captain Richard Coleman Fingal 5th Battalion who died 9/12/1918 aged 28 , James Crenigan Fingal 5th Battalion who died 13/8/1974 aged 74, John Cullen D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died 29/5/1918 aged 22, John Derrington

D Company 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade who died on the 15/11/1962 aged 90, Liam Derrington D Company 1st Battalion

Dublin Brigade who died on the 18/2/1943 aged 44 and lastly Peter (Cooty ) Wilson Fingal 5th Battalion who was shot holding a white flag to surrender on 26/4/1916 aged 41, he is buried in Dr Steven’s Hospital.

photos by Tommy Kavanagh photographer

John Wick: Chapter 4 – Hugely Entertaining

IMPROVEMENT LOANS TO PLAY WITH

By Jack Shanley

Exhilarating, jaw-dropping and hugely entertaining, ‘John Wick 4’ is simply a spectacle from start to finish. Above all, it’s a love letter to action film making and every action cinema lover’s greatest dream. I feel that it could potentially go down as one of the finest action films of our time. From the cinematography that is Oscar worthy, the neonoir genre that has never looked so amazing on screen, the colour coordination framing blocking, you name it: it was all spectacular. How exactly does three hours of whambam noise and fast paced action, unmitigated by any meaningful plot, work as well as it does? Well, the action choreography had to be top class in which it utilitises 100 per cent of each set design used to incorporate drama, thrill and comedy. This movie pulls you in as you get lost in the coolness of Keanu Reeves and has everything you could ever ask for, from guns, knives, nun chucks, katanas, martial arts, cars, flamethrowers, bare hands etc.The stunt work is jaw-dropping and adrenaline inducing. I saw the film on opening night and with my excitement hitting a high I wasn’t let down. In the opening scene we are hit with a wonderful match cut

influenced by the great Lawrence of Arabia of 1962 as Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) blows out a cigarette cutting to the sun rising over the Arabian desert. When watching all the John Wick films, I can’t help but see the influence of some of cinema’s greatest films and genres.Never has it been more evident than in the fourth instalment of the series. I couldn’t help but see through the film straight into its core as influences of the spaghetti western sprung bright alongside Japanese Kung Fu films of the ‘70s, the likes of which the great Bruce Lee would be proud of. With the price on Mr Wick’s head ever increasing, the legendary hitman takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin.I really enjoyed this film and would recommend people give it a watch. I give it a score of FOUR stars. •You can watch ‘John Wick 4; at your local cinema today.

Director: Chad Stahelski – Rating: 16 –Genre:Action/Neo-noir– Run

Time: 2h 49m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Leinster Pipe Band Championships 2023

At 12 noon on Saturday, 6th May 2023, the Leinster Pipe Band Championships will commence in the grounds of Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, Co. Dublin. This competition is the first competition of the season and was previously held in Swords Castle, in 2018 and 2019. As we all know, the pandemic stopped everything for a few years and so this year is a special year for us, as it is the first Leinster Championships since 2019. Due to ongoing works at the Castle, it has been relocated to Newbridge House for this year. This competition attracts bands from the entire island of Ireland. Previous entrants were from Killeshan, Newcastle West, Carlow, New Ross, Youghal, Arklow, Cullen, Waterford, Lusk and Clondalkin from Dublin, Newry, County Down and also from Loughgall, in County Armagh. Bands are graded by the National Executive Committee of the Irish Pipe Band Association, with 6 grades in total - 5 or 4B, 4A, 3B, 3A, 2 and 1 - grade 1 being the highest grade. The winner is

announced based on the band having the lowest overall score from all the adjudicators. When all the bands have competed, they parade into the arena and assemble as a massed band. As each band enters, they may play a tune of their own choice. When assembled, all pipers play an agreed tune. The bands will salute the Chieftain of the day, Cllr Howard Mahony, Mayor of Fingal. The event is concluded with a prize giving ceremony, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. This event would not have been possible without the great support of Fingal County Council, to whom we are incredibly grateful for the allocation of the area in the grounds and the staff of Newbridge House and Farm for their help. We are looking forward to this competition and hope to see old friends, band members with their supporters and members of the public, who may be interested in learning either piping or drumming as a result. Mark the date – Saturday 6th May 2023 at Newbridge House and fingers crossed for a nice dry day!

Nolan sister visits Donabate Hotel and the local area!

By Julian Nolan

Anne Nolan, one of the famed Nolan Sisters, recently spent a weekend at the Shoreline Hotel in Donabate, Ireland, working on a secret project. The Nolans are an Irish institution who have been entertaining audiences for decades with their lively music and upbeat performances. Anne’s visit to Donabate gave her the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and experience the local culture. Anne, who currently resides in Blackpool, England, made the journey to Donabate in April to work on her new project. Although the details of her project have yet to be revealed, it’s clear that Anne is as busy as ever and still passionate about her music career. During her stay at the Shoreline Hotel, Anne was able to enjoy the beautiful Donabate beach, which is one of the most picturesque spots in Ireland. The beach is known for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect place for Anne to relax and unwind after a long day of work. Aside from enjoying the beach, Anne also took the opportunity to explore Donabate and experience the local culture. The town of Donabate is a small but vibrant community with a rich history and a lively arts scene. Anne was able to meet some

of the locals and get a taste of the town’s unique character. The Nolan Sisters, which include Anne and her siblings Bernie, Linda, Maureen, and Coleen, first rose to fame in the 1970s with their catchy pop hits and infectious dance routines. Their music has since become synonymous with a particular era in Irish pop culture and continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.Despite the many challenges the music industry has faced over the years, the Nolan Sisters have remained a beloved and iconic group in Irish music history. Their ability to connect with audiences through their music and performances has earned them a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. Anne’s visit to Donabate is just the latest example of her commitment to her music career and her love of exploring new places and experiences. Her weekend at the Shoreline Hotel allowed her to work on her secret project while also taking in the beauty and charm of this unique Irish town. As for the rest of us, we can only wait with excitement to see what Anne has in store for her fans with her upcoming project. Whatever it may be, we can be sure that it will be infused with the same energy, passion, and joy that has made the Nolan Sisters an Irish institution for generations.

Anne Nolan

Filming at Donabate

The Nolan sisters

Ukrainians - complete business start-up programme here!

Over a year after the conflict in their country began, some 80 displaced Ukrainians determined to get back on their feet in Ireland have completed a Start Your Own Business programme thanks to a collaborative effort between the Fingal Ukrainian Response Forum and the Irish Red Cross. The initiative encompasses a programme tailored to the requirements of Ukrainian nationals living across the country and is delivered as a hybrid course, both online and in-person. It covers a variety of modules including finance, business management, networking and legal requirements. Recognising an opportunity to do more at a local level, the Irish Red Cross approached Fingal County Council to do develop a course for Ukrainians who were interested in start their own business in Ireland. That led to the Fingal Local Enterprise Office (LEO) rolling out a customised Start Your Own Business programme that could be delivered bilingually. With strong links to the Ukrainian community through their hubs across Ireland, the Irish Red Cross were well positioned to identify interested candidates and set about the registration process that saw them recruit some 80 participants with varying backgrounds and business ideas. Congratulating the first tranche of those taking part in the programme, Fingal Ukrainian Response Forum Chairman and Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said: “This is a fantastic initiative that gives budding entrepreneurs from Ukraine the right tools and business insights to enable them to be positive contributors to the economic growth of the country. “Those taking part see an opportunity to not only generate employment for themselves, but support the creation of small businesses. They are bringing their own ideas, expertise and varied

backgrounds to really make a go of being here after fleeing the horrors back in their own country. I am delighted that Fingal continues to be a warm and welcoming hub for those coming to Ireland and hope that this type of business incubator concept can be replicated with success elsewhere.” Many of those taking part have signed up for the programme having had businesses in Ukraine and are looking to start their business in Ireland.

CommunityLocals.ie

Active Age for All – Our News in May

Sadly it is coming to the end of our Spring term and classes will finish around the beginning of May (except for catch up classes). But Croquet and Boules will continue throughout the summer. It has been a great term, without Covid breaks, and I could see the enjoyment on people’s faces in classes, and groups chatting together in Pea & Pod after class. Where they are enjoying their coffee with a generous 10% discount for Active Age members, for which we are very grateful.

Before our term finishes we will have an event for the Bealtaine Festival which celebrates creativity in the older person. It is on the 9th of May in Donabate/Portrane Community Centre at 11.00 a.m. Where our singing group the Caintóirí will sing some medleys, they will be joined by the Rosemount Singers from Julianstown. We will also have contributions from our creative writers from Chinkwell group and Peig McManus will read from her new memoir “I Will Be Good “

to be published shortly. To finish we will have some lively music from the Ukulele group. We have such talent on the Peninsula! I hope you can join us to celebrate creativity in the older person! Refreshments will be

served! As always if you need information or you do wish to join AAfA please see our website at activeageforall.com or you can contact us at our email: activeageforall@gmail.com or TEXT only 086 8806808.

CommunityLocals.ie

Enjoying a game of Boules

Easy does it on the Croquet lawn

Some ladies enjoying a coffee after class

Ladies showing the men the art of Croquet

Peninsula Pacers Rush Loughshinny Coastal Walk

Recently the Peninsula Pacers did the beautiful scenic walk from Rush to Loughshinny & return; it was about 10km and moderate. The views back of Rush and forward of Loughshinny are lovely and to see out to sea Lambay and the Rockabill Lighthouse are just beautiful! The walk must be

done at low tide and one must come away from the coast which is a pity - bridge needed like in Laytown! Also, just to be warned parts of the walk can be very mucky and unfortunately there is barbed wire fencing along some of the coastal

route. We walked back by road which was very suitable and gave us a circular route then ended up in the Harbour Bar for some good grub! Another walk or two planned so join us if you can!

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 16TH OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION ** Thank you.

Eve Duffy wins Best Performance at Film Festival Awards

It’s been an exciting week for Donabate‘s, Eve Duffy, who won the Best Performance Award at The Fresh International Film Festival Awards 2023 on April 12 th. She was awarded for her performance in “Shell”, a short film about the struggles of a family relationship changing through time which Eve also wrote and directed. The Fresh Film Awards recognises and celebrates

Ireland’s young filmmakers and was established in 1997. 34 films of all genres, from across the country were shortlisted. Eve enjoyed the celebrations with her fellow winners, held in The Odeon Cinema in Limerick. Eve also receives six months 1:1 acting coach sessions with Take2Talent agency, free professional headshots, one year free subscription to Fishpond Casting’s website. What a fantastic achievement for the

5th year Loreto Balbriggan student.Eve’s success is a testament to her skill, determination, and hard work. There is no doubt that we will see her name in lights with a very bright future ahead.

“Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” Eve is currently working behind the scenes with Lambay Cinema Club and The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival. Congratulations Eve and best wishes for the future!

Leithinis gearing up for a brilliant summer!

Our Spring term of traditional Irish music classes continues through to the 15th May in Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School. Leithinis CCÉ provides weekly lessons in Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Flute, Bodhán, Accordion, Banjo, Mandolin and Concertina.

We are delighted to see so many of our new students participating at the fortnightly Friday Night Music Gathering which takes place in Donabate Parish Hall. We had an extended Easter Music Gathering led by Erin on the 24th March with a large number of younger members participating. The monthly Traditional Music Session led by Denis, takes place in The Brooke Pub, Portrane on the first Tuesday of every month and we now have experienced musicians arriving from all over the North County to participate. All are welcome to come along and listen.

Eve Duffy on the red carpet at the Fresh International Film Festival Awards 2023

The New Season is Here for Men’s Shed

Our 6-week Healthy Eating course finished in late March. This was sponsored by the HSE and delivered by Susanne, who was well able for the Men’s Shed banter! The course was enjoyable, entertaining and informative; participants learned not just about nutrition (calories, saturated and unsaturated fats, salt and sugar content), but also how to prepare healthy and tasty meals. As it was a hands-on course, we got to sample the end products of our own cooking. We hope to arrange a follow-on course later in the year. After that, our

minds and efforts turned to our plots at Turvey Allotments and the preparation and planting for the new season. As in previous years, we’ve planted potatoes, onions, scallions, cabbage and tomatoes but this year spinach has been added. We also hope to cultivate a herb bed this year. In addition to these activities our regular exercise classes (Mondays), croquet at Newbridge House (Tuesdays), music jam session (Wednesdays) and coffee/tea and chat get-togethers (Thursdays)

are back in full swing after the Easter break. We are also looking forward to an information session to be delivered by Diane O’Carroll of Swords Citizens’ Information Centre focusing on finances, age-related entitlements and other matters likely to be of interest to Men’s Shed members and to a presentation, organised by Active Age for All, on the use of smart phones. If you wish to join us, please call our PRO Jim on 086-3694316.

Remember Guide Dog Day - the 26th May!

Make sure to mark your calendar for Guide Dog Day on the 26th May! Our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs will be celebrating with our merchandise stand set up in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan and you will be able to see some of our wonderful Guide Dogs in action, along with our merchandise for 2023. If you miss us on Friday, our merchandise stand will also be set up in SuperValu, Balbriggan on Saturday the 27th May. Make sure to keep an eye on our Facebook account for more details and if you would like to volunteer either of these days, you can contact our lovely Maebh Mitchell on 087 721 9766 to book your choice of slot! If you are not around either of those days and want to support our very own Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch, why not ‘Walk 100k for Guide Dog Day’ where you can sign up via. GuideDogs.ie to walk, cycle, swim, or run your way through the month of May and raise funds for Guide Dog Day through a raisley account that will be set up when you sign up. You can also visit Specsavers in

Millfield or similarly, if you are in Oakes Pharmacy in Skerries, Shenick Vets in Stamullen or Stitches and Alterations in Rush, you can tap to donate which allows for a minimum donation of €2 by the tap of your phone. Another way to support us is by donating used postage stamps or old coins that are no longer in circulation. When donated, these can be turned into Euros by lodging them to our Guide Dogs account. If you have any used stamps or coins you would like to donate, please contact us on 085 7663107 or drop them into Skerries Library located near SuperValu. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and we hope to see you on Guide Dog Day! If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact our very own Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, or please do contact us by email GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Guide Dogs.

Tom O’Neill with Guide Dog Qeb and Anne Mulligan with new assistance dog, Adel outside Skerries Community College waiting for students to start sponsored dog walk for Guide Dog Day last year.

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Home Cook Recipes Healthy

Niamh’s Grilled Chicken and Grape Salad

May is officially the first month of the Summer season and hopefully we will have lots of nice sunny weather which ‘May’ entice us to eat more salads! This recipe is quick to throw together but has lots of variety with crunchy and juicy textures and flavours!! Really handy and can help avoid food waste too, especially if you have left over cooked chicken or salad ingredients that need to be used!!!

Ingredients: (Serves 1 person)

• 1 chicken fillet

• 1 handful (approx. x10) grapes (green or red)

• 50g pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds

• 6 cherry tomatoes

• 200g spinach and other leaves (Fresh Basil leaves add a beautiful flavour of Summer!)

• 60g Feta cheese

Feel free to add any other ingredients of your liking such as red onion, scallion, peppers, diced beetroot, shredded carrot, cucumber, slices of apple, Goat’s cheese, couscous, walnuts or pecans.

Tip: For more flavour, toast the seeds by heating them on a dry pan over a medium heat for 1-2minutes until they turn golden brown and produce a rich, toasty fragrance. DON’T take your eye off them though as they burn quite easily and toss them around on the pan to ensure even toasting!

Optional Balsamic Honey Dressing (alternatively use a dressing of your liking) (Makes 4 servings. Store any leftover dressing in an air-tight container in the fridge and use within 3 weeks)

• 3 tablespoonsBalsamic vinega

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 5 tablespoons olive oil

• Pinch of black pepper.

To make the dressing, place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth (approx. 30 seconds). Alternatively whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined. (Although using a blender will result in a smoother consistency). Stir well before serving to ensure the ingredients are combined.

Method:

(1.)Grill the chicken fillet with spices or flavouring of your liking. I like Cajun spices or paprika.(2.) While keeping an eye on the grill, prepare the salad ingredients by washing and chopping/slicing. (3.) Place all of the salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl (spinach, sliced grapes, tomatoes, feta cheese and seeds). When cooked thoroughly, slice the grilled chicken and add into this mixing bowl. Then add a dressing of your choice and toss all the ingredients around in the mixing bowl. Ensure the dressing coats all of the ingredients evenly. (4.) Assemble the salad on your serving dish. Bain sult as (enjoy)!!

Please follow ‘Biabites’ on Facebook for other food ideas especially in the ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums.Please follow @BiaBites on twitter.For nutrition talks/workshops at events or in schools/workplaces/community groups = please email: arthursniamh@gmail.com

Niamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher

2023 St Pats Golf Classic at Beaverstown Golf Club

Plans are well advanced for the St Pats Golf Classic which will be held at Beaverstown Golf Club later this month. The Classic will take place from 8am - 4pm on May 26th! The fees are as follows: From 8am -12pm: Team of 4 = €160 - The second grouping is From 12pm -4pm: Team of 4 = €200

To register call Beaverstown Golf Club on 01 8436439 - press 2 for proshop and all support will be greatly appreciated.

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 the 16th of this mnoth. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good

Across

1. The second largest country in the world. (6)

5. Very young children. (6)

10. European country ruled by a bishop and a president. (7)

11. Sections of longer items. (7)

12. Cloths worn by babies while eating. (4)

13. What holds us upright. (5)

15. Give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another. (4)

17. A small metal block with internal screw thread. (3)

19. Protective leather or steel covering on a boot or shoe. (6)

21. Most recent or most up-to-date. (6)

22. Fell down, as if collapsing. (7)

23. The capital of Croatia. (6)

25. The sex of a person or organism. (6)

28. A great period of time. (3)

30. Silently ill-humoured, gloomy. (4)

31. Out of fashion in French. (5)

32. Having or exerting a malignant influence. (4)

35. A person who disbelieves in a supreme being. (7)

36. Draws breath. (7)

37. One who lends money at an exorbitant rate. (6)

38. Soldiers collectively. (6)

Down

2. Loud enough to be heard. (7)

luck

3. Affected manners intended to impress others. (4)

4. The great river of South America. (6)

5. Upmarket dance performance. (6)

6. Curved section of a road or river. (4)

7. Beyond a norm in views or actions. (7)

8. A deliberate loss of a chess piece at the start of a game. (6)

9. State categorically. (6)

14. 1, 4, 7, 12. (7)

16. H2O. (5)

18. Disappeared gradually. (5)

20. Inn. (3)

21. A human limb. (3)

23. It has twelve signs. (6)

24. Cowboys of the South American pampas. (7)

26. Grow emotionally or mature. (7)

27. Spicy or savoury condiment. (6)

28. A time for eggs. (6)

29. Give a hand. (6)

33. One who can’t tell the truth. (4)

34. A United State. (4)