Donabate Local V8I10-NOV 2024 by Irish Media Group

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Getting Ready for the Festive Season

With the embers of Hallowe’en dying out we now look to one of the best times of the year for most people with Christmas just around the corner.

Most people will be busy clearing up the pumpkins and spooky decorations, while some will already be flat out getting their houses Christmas ready and some will be well ahead of the pack with a fair number of lights already set up from the previous years!

Christmas is a time of celebration, and reflection, and for most it is the one time of the year where all the family will get together for a few days and reminisce over their childhood memories of the festive season.

We always return to our childhood memories of Christmas with some remembering their favourite presents they received from the big man in red, and above all we will remember the best times from our childhood Christmases. After all isn’t Christmas all about the kids?

Who can’t say they get great enjoyment from watching the wonderment in children’s eyes when they arrive into the living room on Christmas morning to see what has been left under the Christmas tree for them? The sheer excitement is enough to make us adults feel that magic once again.

There is also great fun to be had all around Fingal with so many events taking place over the next 6-8 weeks on the run up to the festive week. Christmas markets, Light shows, musical events and so much more will be sure to kickstart the festivities for the majority of people.

Christmas time is also a time for remembrance of loved ones who are not with us anymore but their memories live on in the hearts and minds of their loved ones who will always uphold the festive traditions of yesteryear.

So, be sure to get out and about and enjoy the run-in to the biggest holiday of the year btu remember not to get caught up in the panic buying but rather try to take in all what your local area has to offer on your doorstep!

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Croquet Day and Growing Numbers at Active Age for All Commnuity News

Active Age for All croquet players were delighted to accept the kind invitation from Anne Collins, chairperson of Newbridge House Croquet Club, to a fun croquet day in Newbridge Park.

We met on a beautifully sunny Wednesday on the well maintained, historical, croquet lawns of Newbridge House which AAfA are privileged to share with NHCC. The day was meticulously organised by Bernie Andrews ( I think she must have had a say in the weather as well !) with members of both clubs mixed to play together, and a few skills games which were great fun.

We had a wonderful afternoon with lots of laughter, great games and lovely goodies. It was great to make the connection with NHCC and we look forward to many combined events in the future.

Active Age for All is celebrating and welcoming over 35 new members and at the beginning of October had a membership of 270! Most classes are full but you can see where there are spaces on the website www. activeageforall – and if there is a space you are interested in, you can text us

on 086 8806808 (TEXT ONLY) and we will contact you and give you a pro-rata price until the end of term.

We have been busy organizing classes and arranging tutors, registration days and supporting many other initiatives that all keep us active, physically and mentally for nearly 10 years now – and all done with volunteersEverything. If you think you have some administration / organisational / web / computer skills / can-do attitude, we would love to hear from you as there are some spaces available on the committee. We have about nine meetings each year and the summer is free.

Some of our early volunteers moved on to sharing their skills to other groups who all work with the intention of improving what is available to us on the peninsula. Breda Dockrell represented us all on the recreational side on the Donabate Liaison Group and Eilish McDermott represented the cultural side and the Bleeding Pig. After their 5 years on the Liaison Group, they are stepping down and we thank them for looking after our interests… but beware – heavens knows what they will be doing next!

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Donabate Winter Fete Returns this November

Ukrainian Community Says Thanks to Donabate with Free Concert

Members of the Ukrainian community in Donabate have organised to host a special free concert on 17th November in St Patrick’s Church to thank the local people for everything they have done for Ukraine.

The Kobzar Armada was formed the morning of February 24th, when Russia began its large-scale invasion and bombing of Ukraine. The group is composed of the traditional Ukrainan bards, or kobzars, who were executed in 1933 during the Ukrainian genocide by starvation. The program is in English and Ukrainian, and geared toward sharing Ukrainian culture and cause to local

English speakers. This is the Kobzar Armada’s mission.

“So far we have conducted around 500 concerts on the Eastern front, playing for military camps, schools, hospitals, and refugee camps, but also worldwide, using cultural diplomacy, specifically to the countries who are helping Ukraine the most. Help us spread the truth about Ukraine! Help us end the slaughter of innocent Ukrainian lives! Glory to Ukraine and the truly Free World! Thank You!”

Donations are graciously accepted through Paypal, to jurij_fedynskyj@ hotmail.com.

We’re excited to announce that the Winter Fete is back at Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School! Join us on Sunday, November 24th, from 12 PM to 4 PM for a fun-filled day that the whole family will enjoy!

For just €2 per adult, you can experience a vibrant atmosphere featuring delicious food, local crafts, and a wide range of activities. Children and senior citizens can enter for free!

This beloved annual event is our largest fundraising initiative, and we’ll have a fantastic selection of preloved games, toys, books, and clothes available for purchase.

Don’t miss the chance to engage in friendly competition in our game room, pamper yourself in our beauty room with face painting and hair braids, or enjoy live music performances throughout the day!

There’ll also be an exciting raffle with incredible prizes, including vouchers, hampers, and gift baskets. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event and at SuperValu on November 9th and 10th, with the draw taking place on the day of the event.

We look forward to welcoming everyone for a day of fun and community spirit.

Parish Hall - Tea & Coffee on Tap

A picture paints a thousand words they say. See the newly refurbished kitchenette in the Parish Hall in the photographs. Thanks to the Parish Hall Committee with some support from FCC, this has been possible. It has a fridge and dishwasher but most importantly a new Burco boiler with instant hot water for tea and coffee.

It is hoped after Christmas, in the first week or two of January, to repair and revarnish the Main Hall floor to keep it in tip-top condition.

The Parish Hall serves a number of daily activities but take note of some of the special events programmed into their calendar.

Soon the Through the Lens Photography Group will hold their annual Exhibition; then the Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society will have their play on - both not to be missed!

Gerry and the Plonkers will perform in the Parish Hall from 12-2pm on Wednesday 13th November for the adults on the Peninsula, especially older adults. This is a FREE gig and all adults are welcome. Refreshments are

provided for all!

Part of the activities the Parish Hall offers is now a Music Makers Club for Donabate and Portrane; this is led by Noel Dowling ably assisted by Sean Collins, with a small support team.

Music Makers is a local music club for anyone aged 18 and over, living locally. In collaboration with the Parish Hall. Music Makers is a blend between an open mic and a music club.

The Music Makers Club will meet once a month, starting Friday, 18th October 2024 at 7.45pm. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a singer / songwriter or just love music, everyone is welcome! If you’re interested, please email musicmakersph@gmail.com -

Music Makers Club Donabate & Portrane

For any further information re the Parish Hall - please ring the Parish Office on 01 8434574

Joker: Folie à Deux(2024) Film Review

By Jack Shanley

Joker: Folie à Deux hit cinemas last month and was met with mixed reviews upon its release. While some praised its visual style and the performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, others criticized its pacing, narrative, and overall tone. I happened to see it on the day of its release and had my own thoughts on one of the much-anticipated films of the year. One of the primary criticisms levelled against the film was its lack of a clear narrative direction. While the first Joker film was a character study with a focused plot, Folie à Deux felt more like a series of disconnected vignettes. The film’s pacing was also a point of contention, with some viewers finding it slow and uneven.

Another common complaint was the film’s excessive use of musical numbers. While these sequences were visually striking, some felt that they detracted from the film’s overall tone and disrupted the narrative flow. Additionally, the film’s portrayal

of mental illness was a source of debate, with some arguing that it was insensitive and exploitative.

Despite these criticisms, Joker: Folie à Deux was undoubtedly a visually impressive film. The cinematography was stunning, and the production design was top-notch. Phoenix and Gaga also delivered strong performances, although some felt that their characters were underdeveloped, at times I felt it was just Gaga on screen and not Harley Quinn.

Ultimately, whether or not Joker: Folie à Deux is a successful film is a matter of personal opinion. While it offers a visually striking and thoughtprovoking experience, its narrative shortcomings and controversial themes may alienate some viewers.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Joker: Folie à Deux and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 2 stars. You can watch it today at your local cinema. Director: Todd Phillips – Rating: 15A – Genre: Musical/Thriller – Run Time: 2h 18m

Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

If you rent you should know this

By Dave Kavanagh

Those that rent their accommodation privately, compared to home owners, can be a lot more vulnerable. Apart from the obvious points, like rents being increased or having to move out if a property is being sold, there are other potential events that could prove problematic for renters. As we saw in the early part of the pandemic, where many people’s incomes were drastically reduced, those with mortgages were permitted to avail of “payment breaks” with minimal effort. Unfortunately, those renting do not usually have the flexibility of this option. When someone cannot work due to illness or injury, they may suffer a loss of income, either immediately or after a short period, resulting in the inability to pay rent. This could lead to eviction and all of the problems associated with it. While those renting may not have been exposed to the kind of financial advice as someone going through the mortgage process, there are still safeguards that can be put in place. One option is Income Protection, paying them a portion of their income if they were unable to work due to illness

or injury. This could be the difference between affording rent or being evicted. Something not often considered by renters is Life Cover. If one of a couple renting passed away, this could allow the surviving partner (or family) to purchase their own home immediately without the need for a mortgage. Similarly, Serious Illness Cover could pay out a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of one of the illnesses covered, giving another layer of financial security. Better to consider these options earlier rather than later.

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 Dave at info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on 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 well being, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

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Loving Life in Donabate

Hello! My name is Anna, and I recently moved to Donabate. I care about activities that bring the community together and ensure inclusivity for everyone. As a wheelchair user, I am particularly conscious of the need for accessible infrastructure and activities that allow all community members to participate fully.

I am enrolled in a PLC course in social care and got a distinction in 5 modules last year and I’d love to find any other work experience or voluntary opportunities within the community. Although I don’t currently play any sports, I used to, and have had the opportunity to try

sports like wheelchair basketball. I’d love to get involved in disability-inclusive sports such as Boccia. I am involved in voluntary work down in Malahide Castle at the junior parkrun, a sports event involving kids of all ages and I love going down on a Sunday to help out. Thanks for reading

Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society Presents “Sylvia”, a comedy by A.R. Gurney

Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society is delighted to announce the upcoming performances of the comedy “Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney from the 28th to the 30th of November 2024 (with two performances on the Saturday) in Donabate Parish Hall.

“Sylvia” by A.R. Gurney, directed by Lisa Buckley, is the story of Greg who brings home a sassy female dog he found in the park— or that has found him—bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag.

While on the one side Sylvia offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age, on the other hand she becomes a major bone of contention between him and his wife Kate who is completely immune to Sylvia’s charms.

“Sylvia” is a smart, frisky, and occasionally salty comedy about relationships, growing older and life changes.

On stage we have a combination of familiar faces and new talent, while behind the scenes the

production team are working hard to bring the play to the stage. Performances will be on in Donabate Parish Hall on the following dates and times: Thursday 28th November at 19:30, Friday 29th November at 19:30, Saturday 30th November matinée at 14:30 and Saturday 30th November at 19:30.

Tickets cost €12 per person and can be purchased online on ticketsource.eu or at the door.

Donabate Dramatic Society is also extending an invitation to all people in the community become a patron of the society and support the local arts. The annual fee for patronage is €60 per person and it includes two tickets for to their biannual productions along with light refreshments.

If you want to become a member or a patron of DPDS do not hesitate to contact donabateportrane.drama@gmail. com. And don’t forget to follow Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society on Facebook and Instagram!

Busy Winter Ahead for Men’s Shed

As we enter the winter months, most of the work on Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed’s plots at Turvey Allotments is winding down, apart from planting a crop of winter onions. Despite this, we have a busy schedule ahead.

Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed will be hosting an event for Fingal Inclusion Week, involving all of the Men’s Sheds in Fingal, at 11am on Wednesday 13th November in Donabate Portrane Community Centre. This fun day is sponsored by Fingal County Council. There will be gentle exercise, suitable for the age of the expected participants, an inspiration speaker, light refreshments and entertainment provided by Gerry and the Plonkers, the Men’s Shed music group. Men who are not members of a Men’s Shed are welcome to join us. See the poster.

That day will be a busy one for Gerry and the Plonkers, with the group continuing their series of free

concerts in Donabate Parish Hall at 12 noon. All adults are welcome and light refreshments will be served. The other dates for these concerts are 4th December, 27th January, 10th February and 10th March, all on Wednesdays at 12 noon until 2pm.

Our annual Christmas dinner is planned for Keeling’s on Friday 6th December. We expect to have the usual singsong led by Gerry and the Plonkers.

As reported last month, a group of members visited the National Ploughing Championships and we have at least one photo to prove it; the rest aren’t for publication, we told!

All of this and our usual weekly activities - exercise classes, croquet, band practice and our Thursday morning get-together for tea or coffee and a chat. If you, or someone you know would like to join us, please call or text Jim, our PRO, on 086-3694316.

DP Crossroads Submit Community Petition to Fingal County Council

DP Crossroads submitted the petition on a multifunctional centre to FCC on 14th October 2024. Accepting the petition on behalf of the council was Mayor Brian McDonagh. DP collected over 2,000 signatures in support of their campaign for FCC to meet LAP objective 6.12 and provide a dedicated multifunctional center for the rapidly expanding population of Donabate Portrane.

Speaking at the event, Ann Hogan Chairperson of DP Crossroads said, “This center would be a base for the existing arts and cultural groups who have no performance, rehearsal or meeting space and for our youth population who have no dedicated youth space.”

The response to DP Crossroads to date by the Council has been disappointing as Ann continued, “The proposed relocation of the library and small extension is short term thinking – it is not good value for money and cannot provide the facilities required by existing residents never mind our future large population. A strategic and long-term solution is for the council to provide a site and funding for a dedicated cultural and youth groups in Donabate Portrane as part of their capital expenditure program and in liaison with housing developers on the peninsula”.

The group receives cross-party support from many Councillors and is looking forward to working with the council to achieve their objective.

Mayor Brian McDonagh accepts the petition on behalf of FCC

Cllr DarrenJack Kelly, Mayor Brian McDonagh, Ann Hogan (DP Crossroads), Cllr Paul Mulville, Cllr Corina Johnson, Cllr Joan Hopkins, Cllr Eoghan Dockrell

Take A little Me Time Mammies

Between shopping, decorating and planning, Christmas is a busy time of year for Mammies so we’ve got some tips to help!

Meeting friends or family? Bracken Court Hotel’s ‘Winter Rose Afternoon Tea’ is a lovely way to enjoy a catch up. They also have fab shared Christmas party nights for dancing the night away.

Christmas day can be stressful, and it is wonderful to let someone else do all the hard work. Farnham Estate in Cavan has a fantastic Christmas package where you can enjoy festive Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining without having to step into the kitchen! Ideal for family get togethers.

Love 90’s music? Pillo Hotel Ashbourne throwback Christmas party nights are jam packed with classic hits. Dance your cares away and check out their B&B offers. Much nicer to ‘Get the lift

home’ upstairs than worrying about taxis!

For those who are tricky to buy for, we love Hampers & Co. Their hampers start at €14 and there’s a huge range like wellness, wine, picnic, baby & more Literally something for everyone!

Looking for a winter getaway? The Four Seasons in Carlingford is within walking distance to gorgeous Carlingford Village and close to Dundalk. Lovely food, beautiful scenery, great shopping. They have wonderful winter packages available, and their gift vouchers make wonderful gifts.

For skincare lovers www.ziajashop.ie has gorgeous products. Available online and in Dunnes, Tesco & Chemist Warehouse. I love the Baltic Spa range for pampering. They have wonderful baby & kid’s products too, like bath jelly and cookies & cream toothpaste. Fun and

When driving was an adventure

By Jon Kavanagh

Back in the early 80s we watched in wonderment when KITT the talking car appeared in the TV series Knight Rider. Today, KITT’s descendants all talk, as a disembodied voice guides us to our destination in air-conditioned luxury. But have we lost the driving experience? In years gone by motoring was hands on and problematic. Scarcely a day would pass without hearing the call for help “Will you give us a push?” The powerless steering on an uncooperative car carrying its own body weight in rust would have challenged the muscles of The Incredible Hulk himself.

Before embarking on a journey preparation was essential, with extra time added for the almost inevitable breakdown. Essential equipment included a large container of water for the radiator, that overheated more often than John McEnroe on the tennis court; a length of rope to secure any parts that came loose and a pair of ladies’ nylon stockings that were regularly called upon to serve their country as an emergency fan belt. If

affordable.

Looking for somewhere different for shop & stay break? The Silken Thomas, in the grounds of Kildare Castle is unique. Close to Kildare Village, it has beautiful accommodation, plus award winning bar & dining.

Mrs Claus Gingerbread Christmas experience at Casino Model Railway Museum Malahide is back this year and is open for bookings.

Santas Magical Cabin at Ilac SC & Kilnamanagh is also back. Book at Santaexperience.ie

Elf Town Dublin at RDS is now taking bookings too. After the huge success last year, The Lark Panto is back. This year it’s Cinderella and runs from 5th December. Tickets are on sale now! Follow us on mams.ie for more tips & giveaways!

cars were performing below par, so too were many of their drivers. Prior to the introduction of the driving test in 1964, people simply went to the post office and brought a licence that entitled them to drive anything from a mini to a bus – a situation that led to some interesting characters finding themselves behind the wheel.

A couple of ‘eccentric’ drivers that come to mind include a district health nurse who would exit her black Morris Minor, walk a distance to a crossroads, look both ways, leisurely return to the car and drive through, with a misplaced confidence that made Russian roulette look like a game of snakes and ladders, and a North County Dublin farmer who took up driving somewhat late in life. Following a spate of near misses, a well-meaning friend advised him to use his indicators, so people would know where he was going. In response he sharply retorted “It’s none of their (“!”) business where I’m going!” Today we are disconnected from our cars. We no longer “go for a spin” with no particular purpose in mind. A professional with a laptop is required to make even minor adjustments. The days of clutching an oily rag and a heavy hammer, known affectionally as “the persuader” are well and truly in the rear-view mirror.

The Fingal Walking Club celebrate 25th anniversary

By Jon Kavanagh

Like many great ideas it all started more or less by accident. Back in 1999 a few friends were socialising in the village of Ballyboughal when someone said, “Wouldn’t it be nice to go for a walk?” They began a fortnightly walk around the surrounding area. Word spread quickly and the idea literally gained legs, as more and more people joined the now weekly event. The meeting points expanded to cover the entire Fingal area

and beyond. The members see hidden gems and pick up a bit of local history as they cast their shadow on just about every nook and cranny, from Newbridge House to Oldbridge House, from Balbriggan to Blessington and everywhere in between.

The celebration weekend included a dinner dance and a special walk, led by David O’Connor, former Mayor of Fingal, and sadly the sole survivor of the founder members. Dave retraced the steps of the first walk from Naul village to the

Four Knocks Passage Tomb, which incidentally has a larger interior than New Grange. Lockdown was difficult but thankfully the gregarious lot managed to keep in touch on social media. As soon as restrictions were lifted the club sprang back bigger than ever. On an average Sunday morning around forty turn out to walk and talk whilst getting a bit of fresh air and exercise. The club has a strong social aspect and many longlasting friendships have been formed over the years.

New art exhibition in Fingal celebrates cultural diversity

A new exhibit that showcases experiences faced by people from marginalised communities across Ireland has been opened in Swords, as Fingal County Council looks to continue its efforts to combat racist attitudes and behaviours.

The “Building Bridges: Forging Pathways Beyond Prejudice” exhibition is the fourth and final phase of the SALAAM project which was developed in partnership with Fingal County Council and the University of Limerick, Doras, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Irish Network Against Racism.

Opening the exhibition, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a county that not only celebrates its rich diversity but actively fosters inclusion and social cohesion. We take pride in our role as leaders in delivering on our Public Sector Duty obligations. This commitment isn’t just outlined in our strategic plans and policies—it is embedded in the very heart of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that all who live, work, and visit Fingal feel welcomed and safe”.

Fingal is amongst the most diverse and dynamically growing populations in Ireland and Fingal County Council is committed to social integration and enhancing the quality of life for

all the residents as it continues to grow.

Minister Joe O’Brien emphasised: “Fingal continues to ensure that it meets the needs of one of the country’s most diverse populations. In doing so it looks to recognise the vital contributions that non-Irish communities make to our lives every day and reminds us all of the importance of providing welcome & supports to all Fingal residents so that we can continue to build successful & thriving communities that benefit all of us living and working in the Fingal area.”

Featuring eight comics, the collection of heartfelt stories aims to share the often-harsh experiences faced by non-Irish nationals and open up a dialogue that champions diversity, equality and inclusion.

The project lead, Dr. James Carr from University of Limerick, says: “The ‘Building Bridges: Forging Pathways Beyond Prejudice’ exhibition is a poignant testament to the power of visual art as a tool for creating an understanding of our changing environment. It serves as a platform for the unheard by amplifying the narratives and lived experiences of our diverse communities through visual storytelling”.

National Women’s Enterprise Day launches in Fingal

National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) will take place on Thursday, 17th October, and the venue for the biggest event celebrating NWED this year is the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.

The annual Dublin NWED event, organised by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal on behalf of the LEOs in the Dublin region, is a highlight in the business calendar for enterprising women across the region and offers a unique opportunity to celebrate female entrepreneurship.

The theme of this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day is ‘Making It Happen’ and the programme includes a variety of guest speakers, female entrepreneurs, lively panel discussion, small-business case studies, an exhibition of enterprise support agencies as well as plenty of opportunities to network with other female entrepreneurs and business owners.

Celebrated TV broadcaster Mary Kennedy was announced as this year’s NWED Master of Ceremonies, while a number of inspiring speakers from several business sectors were also unveiled, including Lorraine Heskin (CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour), Oonagh O’Hagan (MD of Meaghers Pharmacy), Fiona Buckley (CEO of She Speaks Agency), and Breda McCague (CEO of Aiming4Awesome).

The ambassadors announced for their respective regions are Michelle O’Keefe, Co-founder of Platform 55 (LEO Fingal); Aisling Tuck, founder of Naked Bakes (South Dublin LEO); Alicia Garrigan, Founder of GirlGottaChange (LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown) and Niamh Tallon, Founder of Hersport.ie (LEO Dublin City).

The event will also provide access to valuable information and resources from representatives of key organisations such as the Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, Revenue, Intreo, Department of Social Protection, InterTradeIreland, AwakenHub, TU Dublin, TrailblazHER, and Microfinance Ireland.

Registration is at 8.45 am with the opportunity to network over breakfast. The event kicks off at 9.30 am and will conclude with a networking lunch, which finishes at 2 pm.

Speaking at the launch of the NWED Dublin event, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, and I’m delighted to celebrate the incredible women who are driving our region forward. National Women’s Enterprise Day is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vibrant business community we have here, and to inspire even more women to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavours.”

The event is subsidised by the LEOs in the Dublin Region and a limited number of fully inclusive early bird tickets are available at only €25. Places are limited, so early booking is strongly advised. For further information and online bookings visit www.localenterprise.ie/fingal.

LSA

Our adult sections of the club have been very busy in recent times. Firstly, we are well into marathon training season and members from across all our adult groups have been busy with their long runs in preparation for the Dublin City Marathon on Sunday the 27th October. Having trained now up to and over 30km our marathoners are ready to taper off and enjoy the run up to the big day. Well done to each and every one of you!

We also have a new Couch to 5k group running on Tuesdays and Thursdays - these runners are already doing a fantastic job getting their kilometres up and it is clear they will cruise through to 5k in no time!

Our Advanced, Intermediate and Fit 4 life group have all been busy clocking up the kilometres around Donabate and Portranesome of our members have also completed races recently such as the Frank Duffy 10 Mile and the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon. Amazing efforts as always to all!

Our peninsula might not be associated with Mountain Running, but some LSA athletes are really putting us on the map in that regard. Back in September Iveta Mc Donell and Eimear Caulfield represented Ireland in the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Spain. Closer to home, teenager Sinead Farrell won a Bronze medal as part of an Irish Under 20

team in the British and Irish Mountain Running Championships in Laragh, Co Wicklow. Also in September LSA was very proud to have almost 30 athletes take part.

in a Dublin Athletics Cross Country League race held in Newbridge Park. Almost 1000 young athletes from all over Dublin participated in that event!

We are delighted to have new parent helpers and athletes at our busy Thursday night Juvenile sessions at the Portrane Hockey Club Astro pitch. We always welcome new members and volunteers. Please follow us on our social media channels for more information.

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