Donabate Local V8I3-APR 2024

Local News

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Designated Pick up Points: Donabate Community Centre SuperValu Donabate

Recent TV and Radio programmes have increasingly focussed on what the future may bring for our children and grandchildren. There is an increasing emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and how it can improve lives, but can it or will it ever manage to replace our community spirit? We think not, because any artificial intelligent being or machine has originally to be programmed by a human. and as we all put different, the emphases on what matters most in life will differ greatly. Now before you say we are dinosaurs who want to live in the past, just think for a moment of the effect on your community. Think of all those people in the community and voluntary sector in your area who use technology to help their group, then think of all the local charitable groups. Think of all the sporting organisations and the local retailers who support the community. Can those good people who give up their time and money to help blend us into a grouping that cares for each other in our different spheres ever be replaced? Can the love and caring attitude of those people in our areas ever be replaced by a very highly intelligent, unemotional, rational thinking machine that doesn’t understand feelings of sympathy, pity, love and empathy for a fellow man/ woman and the need to improve the lot of those less fortunate than ourselves. We think that can never be replaced. This month we are looking forward to a bright spring and an even brighter summer. We in “Local” magazines are also looking to the future with the arrival this month of our new “RUSH LOCAL” magazine which joins our other titles - Balbriggan, Donabate/Portrane, Lusk, Malahide and Swords Local, which are specifically designed to promote the activities of groups. societies, clubs, and charities across all these areas. We believe that community spirit is vital for the enhancement and growth of any area, and we will always support the people who work for these groups. We are proud to be part of this wonderful caring Fingal community and with the addition of RUSH LOCAL we will continue to promote our community spirit!

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Cllr Mullville wants the Minister to provide

Paul Mulville, Fingal Social Democrats Councillor, has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to sanction the extension of the public sewage mains to Corballis / Balcarrick, and along Turvey Avenue, on the Donabate Portrane peninsula. Cllr. Mulville stated, “Recently Uisce Éireann came before Council members to provide an update on their investment plans for the Dublin Region, and to take questions from Councillors. I again raised the need for the public sewage mains to be extended to Corballis / Balcarrick, and along Turvey Avenue (towards old Turvey Cottages / Tesco Distribution Centre end). However, for this to happen, Irish Water has confirmed that the Minister needs to approve the inclusion of such a local scheme as part of the multi-annual water programme, and to allocate funding for it. Local residents in Balcarrick / Corballis and along towards the end of Turvey Avenue area have, for many years, expressed a strong desire to be allowed connect onto the public sewage network, a basic standard which many of us take for granted. Ireland has obligations under EU directives to ensure that the disposal of human waste does not have a harmful impact on the environment. As such, it is important

that people living in close proximity to public sewage infrastructure should be allowed move away from septic tanks and connect to the mains if they wish to. “This is of particular importance for the Corballis / Balcarrick area, which contains many golf clubs and caravan parks, as well as many residential homes, and in which Donabate beach is located, one of the most popular beaches in Dublin, and also a designated Natura 2000 international site. There are also many homes along Turvey Avenue, as well industrial and business facilities, including the Tesco Distribution Centre, in close proximity to the Rogerstown Estuary and streams which flow into it, and all these residences and facilities need to be allowed onto the public sewage mains to protect Donabate’s natural environment For example, the Tesco Distribution Centre, the largest building in the country by volume, the 11th largest by volume in the world, is not serviced by public sewer. Instead, wastewater generated on site is addressed via an onsite wastewater treatment system, regulated by a trade effluent discharge licence. The Minister needs to step up here for the sake of the natural environment and for the people of Corballis/ Balcarrick and Turvey.”

How Long Is Your Income Paid for?

By Dave Kavanagh

A question I usually include when helping clients with their finances, is, how long (if at all) their employer will pay them if they are out of work long term due to illness or injury. In some cases, it is standard and can be something like 3 months at full pay, then 3 months at half pay and then a pensionable rate of pay. For many, they are not sure and when they look through their employment contract, it states “at employer’s discretion”. Many people realised how vulnerable they were when the pandemic arrived, dropping some incomes from €600 or €800 per week down to €350 of PUP. Many don’t give much consideration to how they would cope if they suffered a loss of income for an extended period because they think “it’ll never happen to me”. Sadly, many find out the hard way following an injury or illness that keeps them out of work for months or even years. This is where having Income Protection in place, can be the difference between maintaining a level of income that keeps your lifestyle virtually unchanged, or dropping to a level that could force you to use up any savings and also get into financial difficulty.

So how does it work? Depending on your circumstances, you choose an appropriate level of cover. This is based on not exceeding 75% of your salary, less any state income entitlement. You also

choose a “deferred period” which refers to how long you are off work before payments commence. The premiums are based on factors like your age and occupation, as some occupations would leave you more at risk of not being able to work. There is also tax relief on premiums paid for income protection, which could mean up to 40% of your premium is refunded by way of adjusting your tax credits. If dropping from your current income to the current state benefit is something that would impact badly on you, perhaps it is time to consider.

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

Leithinis – Keeping our musical culture alive on the Peninsula

To kick-off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, CCÉ Leithinis members performed in SuperValu in Donabate on Sunday 10th March and we also had our St. Patrick’s themed Irish music slow session for Leithinis members, led by Erin, in Donabate Parish Hall on Friday 8th March. Due to tremendous interest, both from musicians and listeners, the regular Trad Session for experienced musicians will now take place twice per month, on

the first and third Tuesdays in the Brook Pub in Portrane. The most recent session on the 5th March was a great success with more than 15 musicians participating. Our Spring term of classes in Traditional Irish Music continues for adults and children (7+) in Banjo, Bodhrán, Button Accordion, Concertina, Fiddle, Mandolin, Flute and Tin Whistle in Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School.

“The provision of childcare facilities must be prioritised” - Dockrell

Many parents cannot access childcare facilities in Donabate. In many cases, families are on waiting lists of up to 12 months or longer. More capacity is needed. Parents should not have to travel significant distances to find a creche or afterschool facility for their child. Childcare costs are a significant financial commitment for families. I’ve met parents in Donabate and Portrane that are paying significantly more in childcare costs than in other parts of the country. While recent investment in Core Funding (paid directly to childcare providers) and the increase in the National Childcare Scheme subsidy rate is welcome, fees remain far too high. From speaking with childcare providers in Fingal, it is clear that there is a recruitment and retention crisis in this sector. Many owners say the struggle to find staff has impacted on the quality of service they can provide. Recent surveys published show that childcare staff are actively looking to change careers, citing low pay (and having to work unpaid overtime). What I’ve done so far to help parents in Donabate:

I have written to Fingal County Council requesting that they provide a full list of vacant sites that are earmarked as locations for childcare facilities. Many developments in Fingal were approved on the basis that creches would be built (and in operation) as part of these developments.

I have advocated on behalf of residents, and made representations to Oireachtas members, proposing that changes are made to planning rules to address these shortages of childcare facilities. I also support direct government intervention, whereby the State steps in to build and operate creches.I am holding a public meeting in Lusk community cottage on Wednesday the 10th of April at 7pm to discuss the lack of childcare options for parents in north county Dublin.

I want to demonstrate to policy makers that there is a crisis in the provision of childcare facilities in Fingal. If you live in Donabate and are affected by this issue, please contact me (eoghandockrellfg@gmail.com) about your experience.

New Leader Rural Development Programme 2023 -2027

Following the outcome of the Local Development Strategy (LDS) selection process, Heather Humphrey’s TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection signed the LEADER Funding Agreement for the implementation of the 2023-2027 programme in the Dublin sub-regional area on 26th January 2024. Dublin Rural LEADER’s implementing partner Fingal Leader Partnership CLG and Fingal County Council as the Lead Financial Partner, is approved to deliver the 2023 – 2027 LEADER programme in the sub-regional area of Dublin Rural which includes rural areas in Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin. Dublin

Rural LEADER was allocated €4.7 Million to invest in the development of the area through economic, social, and environmental initiatives. The LEADER programme uses a community led approach, empowering local rural communities to be involved in finding innovative solutions to address local needs. The selection process was conducted over two stages; the first stage was an ‘Expression of Interest’ by eligible groups followed by a more detailed stage which saw them develop their LEADER strategy. Welcoming the signing, Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Adrian Henchy said, “The LEADER (Rural Development) Programme in the Dublin sub-regional area has worked alongside communities and individuals

with funding, supports and resources to assist in the development of stronger, better connected and resilient communities and I welcome the appointment of Fingal Leader Partnership CLG to deliver this major programme over the next five years. AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said “I’m delighted that Fingal Leader Partnership CLG will be implementing the new LEADER Rural Development Programme 2023 – 2027 for Fingal County Council, a hugely capable organisation with tremendous local knowledge and committed staff. Their capacity to deliver this ambitious programme is evident in their previous record of local service delivery.”

Special Guest Appearance at Men’s Shed Music Group Concert

Last month, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed music group, Gerry and the Plonkers, had a special guest appearance at the last of its current series of free concerts in Donabate Parish Hall. Local resident, Edel Dempsey on concert flute and tin whistles, joined the group. As well as accompanying the group playing its usual repertoire of 50s and 60s hits and a selection of Irish songs for Paddy’s Day,

she treated the audience to a wonderful rendition of The Lonesome Boatman, ably accompanied by our own Peter Cooney on guitar. The Plonkers will resume their free concerts in the autumn. Although the Plonkers concerts have stopped for the time being, the Men’s Shed has been, and will continue to be, busy on many other fronts. Work on our allotment plots has ramped up, with tomatoes,

onions, broccoli, cauliflowers and potatoes being planted. Our weekly exercise classes, croquet sessions in Newbridge and Thursday morning gettogethers will also continue through the summer months.We are always open to new members. So, if you or someone you know is interested in joining us, please call Jim on 086-3694316.

Public concern over lack of site for Community Facility- Johnston

Why should the public have confidence and participate in the planning process when objectives in statutory plans are ignored contrary to council policy and the wishes of the public and elected Councillors? Local Area Representative Corina Johnston said, “The Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 Core Strategy envisages the population of the Donabate peninsula growing to 12720 by 2029. The population was 11783 in the 2022 census. I believe we have already surpassed the council’s estimate. Construction work has commenced on phase one of 1200 units on council land in Ballymastone. An application for 1020 housing units at Corballis East is with Fingal CC and a decision is imminent. In accordance with the Local Area Plan (LAP) almost 3000 houses remain to be built in Donabate which will bring the population to over 20,000.” Johnston added; “The LAP also has an objective for the provision of a purpose-built FCC Multi-Functional Community Facility. But are refusing to date to identify and provide a site for this much needed facility in Ballymastone. Duncan Smith TD and I recently held a well-attended public meeting to

raise this issue. The meeting was unanimous in their view that the community facility must be delivered in tandem with the housing. A committee was formed (Crossroads) to campaign for this facility.” Johnston continued; ”At a time when the people of Donabate are without adequate public transport, when some parents have to leave their homes at 6:30am to bring their children to childcare outside our parish, when new parents into the parish are unable to secure school and childcare places for their children in Donabate, is it any wonder people are becoming frustrated and angry with the lack of infrastructure in the area? Childcare facilities are now conditioned in planning permissions and are not being delivered on time and in accordance with the scheduling conditioned in the permission. This is totally unacceptable.” Johnston concluded; “For the future of our Community FCC must identify a site now, before every remaining land is either built upon or planning permission granted. The provision of schools, other necessary infrastructure and amenities should be provided in tandem with development.”

Edel Dempsey entertains

The audience

Séan at the allotments

The Band

Deep End (1970) An Exploration into the Sexual Awakening

By Jack Shanley

Deep End is about British culture in London when the optimism of the “Swinging Sixties” started to fade. It’s a fantastic film that delves into the perspective of a young boy named Mike (John MoulderBrown) and his obsession with not just women but essentially one woman in a coworker named Susan (Jane Asher). There is this infatuation that grows to pure obsession that I can’t help but get lost in. For me most of the truly great and rather interesting films all delve into the topic of obsession. It’s this mentality that someone is so focused on something or someone for instance that it becomes compulsive as they lose control of their emotions and never is it more evident than in Skolimowski’s Deep End. Most movies from the 70s showed the 60s as a bubble of shining positive thinking and star-studded youth developments. Skolimowski reveals the dark side of young peoples lives, how their lives are not important, and a sexual desire. Mike throughout the movie thinks about investigating

the broken life and relationship of Susan, but it leads to his pure frustration getting him nowhere. When watching the film, you spend a lot of time taking in all the gorgeousness Skolimowski has on offer. His use of texture is fantastic. There is an amazing scene, towards the end of the movie, where Mike and Susan are lying on a bed of towels and sheets that are placed in such a way to foreshadow an underwater swirling effect seen later in the film The director’s diligence is amazing. The costumes in this film are also excellent. Deep End is a remarkably interesting movie. It is surprising that Skolimowski’s movie was not a big success at the time, although the studio didn’t promote it well enough. It’s a film that holds up to this day as an underrated classic. In all truth I’d recommend checking out Deep End and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five Stars. You can buy Deep End for €10 on eBay. Director Jerzy Skolimowski – Rating: R –Genre: Romance/Comedy – Run Time: 1h 30m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

It’s Communion season and we’ve got some top tips to help your budget!

For Communion children there is no need to spend a fortune on a dress or suit. They will only wear this for a few hours so don’t feel pressure to spend hundreds of euros. We had a ramble around Ilac SC and found that TK Maxx have very affordable dresses, Dunnes Stores, has a wonderful Communion collection for boys and girls and Dealz are great for decorations, plates, paper cups, balloons etc. Charity shops are a treasure trove for dresses and suits; with amazing outfits from as little as €15! For Mammies who want to dress without spending a fortune, Mykindofdress. com has a huge range of dresses at their flagship store Unit 1, Fashion City Ballymount. Open

11-4, Mon-Sat and no appointment needed. I picked up a beautiful dress on their website for my daughters Confirmation and used discount code MAMS30 for 30% off. The dresses are reasonably priced already but the discount code, makes them even more affordable! For Dads and siblings, Penney’s is great. From cute dresses for girls to snazzy chinos, shirts and waistcoats for boys and Dads. As always, plenty to choose from and budget friendly. On the day itself, if hosting family and friends at home, don’t be afraid to ask family members to bring a dish or dessert along. We always do this in our family. My sister-in-law brings her yummy homemade profiteroles, and

my aunt brings her famous lasagna. It eases the burden on parents a little. If you would rather go out; look for well-priced Communion packages. Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan have a few different Communion menu options to choose from, depending on your budget and you can rest assured the food, service and atmosphere will be great. We have had many family events there throughout the years and always find them accommodating. Most of all, enjoy the day and try not to stress. The most important thing is that the child enjoys their special day! For more helpful tips, go to mams.ie

EggHeadz Youth Mental Health and Well-being

International Women’s Day 2024 – EggHeadz celebrated Women’s Mental Health, Well-being, Sport and Nutrition at Newbridge House on March 08th. The FREE event was a wonderful morning with an expert panel of speakers and was attended by women from all the local sporting and community clubs.

Suicide or Survive (SOS) Wellness Workshop – EggHeadz hosted a FREE adult workshop which took place on 29th February at Newbridge House. The day focused on helping people understand and take charge of their own mental health.

Art Mosaic Mural - EggHeadz has been selected as a participant for Global Roots international art mosaic mural. Our youth committee will involve every club, young an old as part of this wonderful uplifting positive community project. Mural unveiling is April 22nd.

Parents Support – EggHeadz launched a Connect Café which is a Mental Health Ireland initiative. The group meet weekly on Wednesday’s at 10am at the community centre. Parents are supported FREE by psychotherapist Kim Cromwell. Professional help, advice and

neighbourly support is on hand.

Young Adolescents - EggHeadz FREE weekly 5km #mentalmiles social session takes place on Sunday mornings 10am at Newbridge House, led by Jason Dignam, everyone is welcome.

Teen & Tween Workshops - Teen spring retreat focused on Art Therapy will take place over spring break. A FREE two-day workshop with teen trauma expert Ivy Baretto. Book online.

Youth Activities – EggHeadz has been selected by Arch Club Federation to provide weekly classes in Fingal. Tailored for children with Dyspraxia, classes include Fitness, Strength and Conditioning, Mindfulness and Creative Crafts.

FREE Youth Counselling - EggHeadz FREE of charge and confidential counselling service for young people aged 12+ takes place weekly in the Community Centre on Mondays, email eggheadzcounselling@gmail.com to book an appointment.

Darkness Into Light – for Pieta House. The committee are seeking volunteers, so please get in touch to help. This a truly uplifting event which takes place in communities nationwide on 11th May 2024.

Global Roots

Global Roots Art Mosaic Mural

Suicide or Survive Wellness Workshop

IWD 2024

Connect Cafe

Mental Miles 5km Run

Jack Chambers, Minister for Sport, and Cllr. JK Onwumereh at the launch of Thrive Arch Club D15.

IWD 2024

Connect Cafe

The changing face of our lovely Donabate

Over a single generation, Donabate has grown from a village of 1,100 in 1991 to a town of 9,600 in the 2022 census. Our social infrastructure is hardly coping with our current population. Schools and crèches are full, with recently arrived residents seeking places in Swords. It is increasingly difficult to find venues for new weekly activities and for one-off meetings and events. The proposed extension to the Community Centre will barely satisfy the demand of the existing population. The Tilberry site, 5 hectares owned by FCC on the northern side of New Road about 600 metres from the Town Centre, is the ideal location for an Arts Youth and Community Cultural Centre, school, crèche and affordable and “right-sized” housing, meeting future needs on several fronts. The lack of employment locally results in overcrowded public transportation and commuters turning to cars. With several large planning permissions in the pipeline, the past pace of expansion is set to continue and, unless serious action is taking to address the deficit, the situation is likely to worsen.

Recently, Fingal County Council (FCC) granted permission for 1,020 dwellings at Corballis East. While we appreciate the need for housing, not just for Donabate, but

for the greater Dublin area, this decision, unfortunately, is a backward step regarding good planning. It breaches FCC’s own Development Plan and the Donabate Local Area Plan (LAP), which would have allowed for 900 houses on this site. It also fails to address the current and future need for social infrastructure and local employment. The reserved school site in Corballis East is only large enough for a 16-classroom school, but the projected population of this single permission will fill this, with no spare capacity for other planned developments in Corballis. Crèche provision is 35 places below the minimum standard. The developer’s response to the Development Plan objective that “large scale residential developments include a community facility” is a so-called “multipurpose community use unit” with a measly odd-shaped floor area of 91m 2 , less than the area of a 3-bedrom house. Areas of public open space and back gardens fall short of the Development Plan standards. The developer has counted all 51 single-bedroomed sheltered housing units as both age-friendly and social housing to satisfy two separate requirements of the Development Plan.

The permission granted by FCC also doesn’t follow the LAP’s aspirations regarding number

of dwellings, density, dwelling types and building heights. About 900 dwellings should be permitted on this site at the LAP’s target density of 35 units per hectare, not 1,020 at 40 per hectare. The LAP says that most of the dwellings here will be “two storeys in height” and that “family homes will be the primary housing form…(rather than)…apartments and other multi-occupancy units” but less than half are houses and 4 of every 7 dwellings are in buildings of three to five storeys. While FCC’s work in our area is appreciated, e.g. Newbridge Park is second to none and the new Donabate Framework Plan brings new exciting opportunities, it is regrettable that in this instance, FCC has not followed its own policy documents. The Development Plan and the LAP included hard-fought safeguards after extensive community consultation, which have now not been followed. Will our community be willing to engage in future Development Plans and LAPs?

Breda Dockrell (M.Sc. in Recreation Mgt.) and Jim O’Donohoe (B. Arch) former Planning Officers on Donabate Portrane Community Council

The ‘Tayleur Tragedy’ – Events to Educate

In late February the Parish Hall Committee and Donabate Portrane Historical Society came together to put on a two-day event commemorating the Tayleur Tragedy. In the afternoon of Day 1, we had Music with Sea Songs by Gerry & the Plonkers with Tea and sambos organised by the Parish Hall Committee. In the evening, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Adrian Henchy, opened the event with the lighting of a candle, in remembrance of those lost on the Tayleur. Then Stephen Rae very kindly narrated an eye-witness account from a book written shortly after the tragedy. After this Edward Burke, author of “Bound for Australia”, gave an informative talk on The Tayleur and Laddie De Jong told tales about diving on the

shipwreck with Myles Dockrell. Breda Dockrell opened the night and Peader Bates closed it after Willie Cahill sang a few songs of the sea.On Day 2, the Senior Classes in the local primary schools came to a short play co-written and performed by Shona O’Donohoe and Áine Dileen, ‘The Tragedy of the Tayleur 1854’. Áine’s daughter, Ana, played Peggy a young girl emigrating, while Shona’s son Fiach was the ‘Ocean Child’ who was rescued from the ship by a Frenchman played by Jim O Donohoe and given to Jane Dockrell played by Breda Dockrell. Fiach is a direct descendant of Jane’s mother Elizabeth, an amazing connection. Joe Pryme told some diving stories and demonstrated the use of diving

equipment. While Edmund showed how the compass baring could be altered by an iron object and Laddie told some tales of diving on the Tayleur. In the evening, Cormac Lowth gave a great talk on the Ships half-model which he had with him from the National Museum. The film ‘A Night to Remember’, based on the Titanic Shipwreck, was shown. There was an exhibition of artefacts on display for the two days; including a bottle of wine! brought up from the wreck by the diver Paul Fogarty. All in all, it was a great two days of history brought to life, involving young and old in the community. Thanks again to all the people who made it such a remembrance of such a sad time.

Commnuity News

ACTIVE AGE FOR ALL NEWS -Do not forget Bealtaine!

In February AAfA ran a very enjoyable trip to the Gaiety Theatre to see the J B Keane play ‘SIVE’ which 21 attended. We would like to sincerely thank Fingal Co Co for the Activity grant for educational and social trips which enabled us to hire a bus for this, and the next two outings. These we hope to run before the

summer break so keep an eye on the website for information. We will be celebrating Bealtaine on Tuesday 30 th April from 11am to 12.30pm with Muireann and the Singing and Music class. There will be music, singing, readings and refreshments. Free to all, do come and join us.We will be supporting the EggHeadz group with their ‘Hello

How Are You’ event on Wed 15th May. ‘Ageing Dis-Gracefully’ is a four-part workshop run by Peig McManus and Mary Jones which has been hugely successful. In fact, they are running a second series in April, and I have a feeling that this will be repeated. Well done, ladies!

Parish Hall Programme – Creative Camps & Monthly Music

Donabate Parish Hall has a range of weekly classes and activities for adults and children including Cards, Irish Dancing, Leithinis CCÉ Traditional Music, Drama, Senior Citizens etc. It also has a programme to cater for special events and exhibitions for adults and children, for example Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society Productions and Through the Lens Photography Exhibitions. . Also, the successful Tradfest and Tayleur events took place January & February.

This year they have added the Men’s Shed monthly music events in January, February and March with Gerry & the Plonkers. In the Autumn they will play on Wednesdays from 12 - 2pm on 16thOctober, 13th November and 4th December for older adults in the community.

Tea & sambos are provided by the Parish Hall Committee

During the summer to cater for young people, they have added some selected camps of a creative and cultural natureeducational and entertaining for children from 4½ to 12 years.

Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Summer

Camp: Tuesday 6th - Friday 9th August Mornings

4 days to explore the world of STEM through building with LEGO Bricks. Specially designed models and activities introduce children to concepts of engineering, architecture, science, and so much more! Bricks 4 Kidz Fingal are delivering summer camps for boys and girls. Book on website bricks4kidz.ie or Call or Text Alison on 086 1709394.

Designer Minds STEAM

Camp: Monday 19th - Friday 23rd August Mornings

5 days jammed with science experiments, robots, LEGO, coding, art and more! Designer Minds for little engineers who like to tinker and build and for tech kids who love gaming, computers and robots. Check out the website designerminds.ie and fill out a form or contact their office directly, 10:00am - 4pm, Tuesday to Friday. Call or Text Donal or Aoife on 087 631 0411.

The two camps above are running in the mornings. So, if you have a suitable camp in mind that could be run during the afternoon on one or other or both of these weeks, contact the Parish Office immediately. There is still some availability for weekly classes and activities in the Parish Hall; so again, contact the Parish Office on 01 8434574. We wish to thank all our users for their support during the year.

LSA at the Spraoi Dublin Indoor Games

The LSA Little Athletics group, with their parents and coaches, had a great time competing at the all-Dublin Spraoi Games at the National Indoor Arena (NIA) in Abbosttown at the end of February. Sproai Games is a new concept in Dublin Athletics competition for children aged 7 to 10. It gives age appropriate competition experience for younger athletes in a move away from individual competition. It is a team-based competition where each athlete participates in a run, jump, and throw event, just like the events they have been practicing in training. LSA was one of seventeen Dublin Athletics clubs participating in the world class venue that is the NIA. We had four LSA teams competing in an event run entirely by volunteers from all the clubs. Team scores were displayed on the Big Screen - we could see how every athlete’s contribution helped the team. Our athletes were very excited to see Irish Olympian and former European Champion David Gillick volunteering as an official at the Throws event. David holds the Irish 400m records, both indoors and outdoors - his National Record

outdoors is 44.77 seconds! Our athletes had lots of fun and really enjoyed the excitement of competing on a real indoor track in this amazing venue. We were very proud of our athletes and how well they behaved during the competition. We are very grateful to the parents and coaches for their efforts on the day. We always welcome new members and volunteers. If you would like to get involved please contact us - details below: Adult memberships queries please contact lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com -Little Athletics and Juvenile athletes (from age 7-18) please contact lsajuvenilereg@gmail. com Keep up to date on all the events by following LSA on our social media pages!

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lambaysportsacademy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lsadonabateportrane/ Twitter https://twitter.com/LSARunning Please also visit our website https://lambaysportsathletics.ie/

Enjoying themselves with LSA

Spraoi U11girls

Supervising the competitors.

David Gillick at The Throws

David Gillick with some of our competitors

The Spraoi team

Spraoi u 10 boys

Donabate Basketball Club – New members always welcome!

Donabate Basketball Club has been in existence for over 12 years and has been competing in the Dublin Leagues for both Boys & Girls since 2015. While there is a long history of basketball being played in the Donabate and Portrane area the Club has really grown its playing population in recent years from those living in Donabate and the wider North Dublin community. As the local population continues to increase, we are committed to provide a platform to introduce young children to the exciting game of basketball. The Club is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and currently has 3 teams completing in Dublin Leagues, Boys U14 and U15 and Girls U17. It also has a vibrant Academy Section for Girls and Boys.

All activities take place in Donabate & Portrane Community Centre who provide great support for the Club. We rely on our very generous local sponsors to help with the running of the club and sponsoring club gear.

The Club has enjoyed great success in winning a couple of leagues including Boys U17 League in 2022 (100% winning record) and this year winning the U14 Div 2 League with a fantastic record of 13 Wins & 1 defeat. Key Contacts:Paul Mitchell – Club Secretary, Coach U15 Boys and U17 Girls -Con O’Leary & Alan Proctor – Coaches of Under 14 Boys -Marie O’Leary – Child Protection Officer - Frank Koenicke & Serge Nyange – Boys Academy Coaches - Sophie Mitchell & Katelyn Byrne– Girls Academy

Coaches.

We have seen several previous and current players achieve great success in the game, including some current players who have been selected on Basketball Ireland East Region Academy. A number of ex-players are enjoying great success with other clubs, but we take pride in having developed them through the academy and teams. The Club has also helped the local secondary school Donabate Community College achieve notable success. We would urge any people living locally to contact us if they have interest in getting their children involved or volunteering to help with coaching. Contact can be made in DPCC where there are information boards that have relevant contact information.

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 luck

Across

1. Laugh like a witch. (6)

5. The capital city of Colombia. (6)

10. Question a soldier or spy about a completed mission (7)

11. Moved something downward. (7)

12. A place where a wild animal lives. (4)

13. False bird used by hunters. (5)

15. A flightless New Zealand bird. (4)

17. Governmental rules to regulate behaviour. (3)

19. A gesture used to convey information or instructions. (6)

21. Moves forward slowly, like a part of a foot! (6)

22. Divests of a weapon or weapons. (7)

23. Avoided something by a sudden quick movement. (6)

25. Tighten the lips before a kiss. (6)

28. Ask for as a charity. (3)

30. Traditional hand-sized Mexican filled tortilla. (4)

31. A brief records of points or ideas written as a memory aid. (5)

32. Actually existing, genuine. (4)

35. Become less intense, violent or severe. (7)

36. Enters a country to subjugate and occupy it. (7)

37. The most northern State in the USA. (6)

38. Cold dishes consisting mainly of raw or cooked vegetables. (6)

Down

2. Walking at a slow, relaxed pace. (7)

3. Make clothing by connecting yarn into rows. (4)

4. Famous Paris tower. (6)

5. Roar like a bull. (6)

6. A long dress, especially one for a formal occasion. (4)

7. Make metal become less bright. (7)

8. People or animals that have grown to full size and strength. (6)

9. Agrees that something is true, especially unwillingly. (6)

14. Entertainment held in a nightclub or restaurant while the audience eat and drink. (7)

16. A student who is training to be a military officer. (5)

18. To happen after something else, especially as a result of it. (5)

20. A cover for the top of a container. (3)

21. A small, mischievous devil or sprite. (3)

23. Dislike intensely. (6)

24. A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. (7)

26. Worked moistened flour. (7)

27. A piquant sauce eaten with plain food to add flavour. (6)

28. A wine shop in a Spanishspeaking country. (6)

29. A person who has very great and rare natural ability, particularly in science or art. (6)

33. Little lies. (4)

34. Shaped like an egg. (4)

“PUTTING

Tel: 087 681 4485

Email:Adrian.Henchy@cllrs.fingal.ie

@adrianhenchy

Dublin’s Fairy Godmother of Pantomimes