Donabate Local V8I4-MAY 2024

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Volume 8 Issue 4 May 2024 DONABATE LOCAL & Portrane Your Community News €50 crossword competition inside FREE Mayor of Fingal ADRIAN HENCHY “PUTTING THE COMMUNITY FIRST” Tel: 087 681 4485 Email:Adrian.Henchy@cllrs.fingal.ie @adrianhenchy
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The heralding of springtime with birds singing and the changing of the clocks and longer evenings annually means the emergence of dozens of community organisations engaging in their activities. Whether it is charities running fundraising events or Scouts/Guides or youth/ elderly clubs emerging from their halls, they all enjoy the sunlight. Even on the days when the sun doesn’t shine it still brightens our days early and elongates our evening pursuits. Spring flowers now adorn our gardens, window boxes and hanging baskets and brighten our areas. The springtime period therefore is the time when fun and good health is promoted, and the gloom of Autumn and Winter is dispelled as we look forward to long lazy Summer days. At this time too, groups across Fingal are readying themselves for their outdoor activities. Scouts and Guides practising tent building, sporting teams now able to train outdoors and community groups erecting gazebos and using new innovative ideas to raise money for their worthy causes. Those volunteers in such groups are now invigorated by the brighter days and longer evenings and the smiles on their faces are there for all to see. As people who worked in the community/voluntary sector for many years, we are very aware of the importance of Spring and its benefits. There is not a volunteer who does not greatly value the sense of fulfilment they feel when they achieved their goals and there is no better feeling in this world. This year with the rise in the Cost of Living it is more imperative than ever for volunteers to come forward to help in any way they can. Therefore, we ask you to enjoy the brighter days and longer evenings, but please spare a moment to think how you could help in our community. Everyone has a talent for something and every little helps to create a better place for all of us to live in. So, let us enjoy what spring has brought us and volunteer and brighten someone else’s day. You’ll love it!

The Locals Team

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A letter for you from Corina Johnston

Dear Resident,

At very short notice I contested the local elections in 2019 and narrowly missed out for the final seat. Although unelected I decided to continue to work and represent the people of the peninsula. During the past five years I’ve been to the forefront in raising and campaigning on issues such as sustainable development, public transport, creche facilities, schools, safer communities, youth facilities, infrastructure in tandem with development and coastal erosion. I am pleased that on foot of our campaigns we have delivered a number of projects in 2023 which we proposed and pursued to the end including:-Ballymastone car park permanent resurfacing and public lighting.

-New entrance into Newbridge Park, Hearse Road. -First bus shelter in Donabate Village.-Resurfacing of Donabate Graveyard Car Park and painting of walls. -Connectivity between some bus and rail morning and evening services.-proposed that the Turvey Avenue Enhancement project be carried out as a single project rather than the original intention of a parallel project with Portrane Road scheme (long delay).

D/P Drama to perform “Dancing at Lughnasa”

Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society is delighted to announce the upcoming performance of “Dancing at Lughnasa” from the 16th to the 19th May 2024 in Donabate Parish Hall. “Dancing at Lughnasa” is Brian Friel’s award-winning semi-autobiographical two-act play set in the fictional Irish village of Ballybeg, Donegal, in 1936. The story is told from the perspective of Michael who recalls one summer of his childhood he spent with the five unmarried women who raised him: his mother and his aunts. Kate is a schoolteacher; Agnes and Rose knit gloves and help run the house along with Maggie and Christine who have no income. Their spare existence is interrupted by brief, colourful bursts of music from their first wireless Marconi radio. This is also the summer the women’s brother, Jack, returns from Uganda, where he worked as a missionary in a leper colony for 25 years. He suffers from malaria and has trouble remembering things. Meanwhile, Gerry, Michael’s father, a charming but unreliable Welsh wanderer, appears for the first time in his son’s life. The play portrays the strength

and bravery of the sisters who wildly dance, fight, and battle to survive as they foresee the sadness and economic privations under which they will suffer as all hope’s fade. On stage you will see some familiar faces but also first-time actors with the society, while behind the scenes a production team will ensure that every other aspect is looked after when bringing the play to life on stage. “It’s fantastic to be working with this brilliant and enthusiastic cast and crew. We are doing our best to meet the challenge of building a set in a few hours, to put on what, we hope, will be our own special presentation of this great and much-loved play” said Paul Keogh from the construction and directing team. Tickets cost €12 and can be purchased on TicketSource or at the door. DPDS also extends an invitation to all people in the community to become a patron of the society and support the local arts. The annual fee is €60 per person and it includes two tickets for their biannual productions along with light refreshments. For info contact: donabateportrane.drama@ gmail.com

-outdoor shower Donabate Beach

The provision of Teen Hangout spaces is now Council policy following my proposal to the Council’s ‘Space for Play’ policy consultation which includes hangout/meeting places for teenagers with such facilities as swings, climbing and zip lines as well as spaces with free Wi-Fi and shelter. We initiated the campaign for a multifunctional Arts, Youth and Cultural Centre which is provided for in the LAP and which is being resisted by FCC. However the objective of 4000 houses is being delivered upon. The campaign by the Crossroads group is gaining momentum and we will pursue this to a successful conclusion. I am keenly aware that while the area will grow in population to over 20,000 in the coming years the necessary infrastructure, road upgrades, school and childcare places and services are not coming quick enough to meet the needs of the people. I can be even more effective on behalf of our growing community if elected as a Councillor in the upcoming elections and would appreciate your number 1 vote.

Corina Johnston - Labour Party Local Area Representative Donabate and Portrane

BOLAND

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Cllr. Cathal
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Wide Variety of Activities at Men’s Shed

At Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed, we pride ourselves on our wide range of activities. Most weeks we have an exercise class, croquet at Newbridge, a music jam session and a tea and chat get-together. Our plots at Turvey Allotments provide an outlet for those interested in outdoor work. At this time of year, it is a hive of activity, but there is always time to enjoy a tea-beak and sociable chat. Our music group, Gerry and the Plonkers, has played a number of community concerts including the recent launch of the Memory Café at the Community Centre, a wonderful initiative providing a safe supported space for people with memory illness. Watch out for a full report on this next month. Recently, members completed a six-week

healthy eating course, sponsored by the HSE and ably led by Susanne, in which we learned to prepare and cook healthy and tasty meals. We even got to enjoy the products of our efforts at the end of each class. It is hoped that we can run another course later in the year. In addition to all of this, we have occasional outings to places of interest. Over the past year, we have visited Áras an Uachtaráin, Leinster House, the GPO Museum, the Irish Military Museum, Christchurch Cathedral and Newbridge House. So, if you or someone you know would like to join us in some of our current activities or even introduce a new one, please contact our PRO, Jim, on 086- 3694316. We are always open and welcoming to new members.

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Boules Court 2 for Newbridge House - Thank You FCC

The 2nd Boules Court for Newbridge should be underway, if the rain ever stops! at the Recreation Hub for Older People next to the main house. This area at present has two Croquet Lawns & one Boules Court the addition of the 2nd Boules Court at this location will enable the game to develop, grow and flourish, in time. The launch of the 1st Court was just two years ago in March 2022 & soon after FCC set about planning for a 2nd Court to keep developing the game.They also announced at the same time recently, that they hope to provide more Courts near the car park; some courts of an International Standard for regular Boules & some courts for Bocce (a form of Boules - it is Boccia if it is played Indoors). Boccia is a sport at the Para-Olympics for 40years this year. We commend FCC on the vision to install - these types of activities, which cross all age & gender boundaries & abilities. They are also great for people you are not

very physically sporty or at least not now! While being very strategic & skillful to play, they can be recreational or competitive games. The impetus came from Paul Smyth, Senior Parks Superintendent & his great team of Aileen O ‘Connor, Lourda Darcy & Shane Sutton for the installing of the Boules Courts in various locations in Fingal over the last number of years. May we take this opportunity to wish Paul Smyth all the best in his new phase (retirement!) and thank him for these important initiatives.Thank you to all our local councillors & officials and the Donabate Portrane Liaison Group who have greatly supported this initiative to bring more recreational sports & activities to the community. We would also like to thank Tom Donnellan for his help and support over the years advice and training who is a former Roscommon Gaelic Football star! Take heed all you top athletes there is always a sport for you at each stage in life!

The Big Busk at Dusk – A wonderful success!

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Some people at training course a few years ago & Tom Donnellan in full instruction mode demonstrating the throw in Boules. Enjoying their training are Gerry Kirwan and Jim O’Donohoe Men’s Shed, Carolyn Smith Active Age for All & Breda Dockrell Donabate & Portrane Liaison Group. The Big Busk at Dusk saw Peninsula Voices, take to the streets of Donabate in aid of Focus Ireland. The community singers busked in the town centre, entertaining shoppers on a Friday evening, playing a roof lifting medley of songs that everyone could sing along with raising vital funds for Focus Ireland and help to really fight homelessness in Ireland. The singers meet every Wednesday night in Donabate Community Centre, and everyone is welcome to join.

Peninsula Pacers – a

Over the last few years, we have done a variety of walks about 6 a year. Ranging from Coastal Walks on our own Cliff Walk Donabate - Corballis the Burrow and back via Portrane Hospital to Forest Walks - in Virginia Co. Cavan to Canal Walks - along the Boyne to Beach Walks - Balbriggan to Laytown. In January we did a Greenway Walk Carlingford to Omeath In February we had to cancel the Lighthouse Walk to Poolbeg due to bad weather and in March a few of us braved an early start and mixed weather to explore Glendalough Holy & Historic Walks. We will do one of those shorter walks in Glendalough in the Autumn & make a day of it eating in the hotel. Last month in April we took the train to and from Leitrim and did part of the Blue Way the tale is in the next episode! It is hoped in May to do the Poolbeg Walk again as it’s a great walk, but the weather has not always been perfect, so third time here’s hoping in the blistering sunshine! Contact Carolyn:087 9284307 or Des:087 7846813 if interested.

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of
variety
walks available!
0863787395 Paul.Mulville@cllrs.fingal.ie The Burrow, Portrane, Donabate, Co. Dublin Cllr. Paul Mulville www.facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal facebook.com/DonabatePortraneLocal WE WANT YOUR LOCAL NEWS!! • Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team? • Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary? • Are you running or hosting a Local event or Fundraiser? • Do you have a story to tell? • A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion.. Send us your pics.. We Want it ALL.. Contact us today: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Be Part of Your Community News

Dockrell asks your support to bring new energy to Fingal County Council

I’m running in the local elections because I believe we are at a crucial juncture for the peninsula. Right now, there is a dwindling number of strategic sites for much needed amenities (e.g. for another school, childcare facilities and a youth and cultural centre). Instead, we are focusing on building thousands of houses without including the necessary supporting infrastructure. I grew up in Portrane and live in Donabate. I want our peninsula to be a place where friends can move back and live (but presently, that decision is difficult because of a lack of childcare options or inadequate garda presence). Therefore, if I’m fortunate enough to receive your support I will focus on progressing

these areas:

Better Local Amenities One of my core ambitions is to have better amenities that cater for people of all ages (including our youth clubs, drama society and Men’s shed). Better local amenities would benefit all residents and would only involve a relatively modest capital investment from our well-resourced local authority.

Better Development Donabate needs more balanced development, and if elected I will fight hard as a councillor for better ways to build our community. In most European countries, community infrastructure is built before or in tandem with the building of residential units. The building of amenities should be included in the

initial phase of development. Large scale housing developments must include retail, dining, and childcare facilities.

Better Connectivity My priority is to do more to improve our roads, footpaths, and green spaces to ensure they are protected and maintained to a highest standard. The capability within Fingal County Council is there and I will push hard to put in place an ambitious programme of work to upgrade some of our roads and footpaths (Turvey road, the Portrane cliff walk and the road network around Corballis are just some examples). If I have your support, I will work hard for you and bring new energy to Fingal County Council.

Summer Camp for Kids in Balbriggan & Malahide

Throughout July and August, the Irish Institute of Music & Song in Balbriggan hosts their Sounds Good Music Camps for kids 4-7 and 7-12. The camp runs in Balbriggan (IIMS) and Malahide (St. Sylvester’s) and is a fun, open environment for children to explore music. The camp runs for a week and siblings receive 10% off.

No previous music experience is necessary as camps focus on enjoying music through songs and games. Kids also get to try out new instruments, experiment with rhythm, and percussion, partake in music workshops and make lots of new friends. Each camp ends with a showcase performance in The Lark Concert Hall where the kids get to show their family and friends what they have learned during the week.

During the week, the children get involved in a mixture of musical activities, songs and instruments. These are taught through group activities and musical games. Everything has an educational goal which is fulfilled through fun activities. The team at the Irish Institute of Music and Song are very passionate about providing children with fun-filled musical experiences and each camp is staffed by specialists in various aspects of music. If you are looking to keep the kids entertained during the summer then this is the perfect place for them. Sounds Good Camps also run during Easter and Halloween.

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The Taoiseach (at the time) Leo Varadkar TD recently visiting The Farm Shop in Donabate with Eoghan Dockrell
Local News
The Taoiseach (at the time) Leo Varadkar recently visiting Donabate Tennis Club with Council candidate Eoghan Dockrell

How To Remove Stress From Your Finances

Most aspects of your life are connected to your finances, yet most people don’t take the time to plan them effectively. A couple of reasons for this: If you have a problem that needs a plumber, an electrician or a roofer, you will know about it. If you haven’t reviewed your finances for a while, you may not even be aware that you have a problem. The other reason is that some of the main aspects of financial planning are viewed as “negative”. I mean who wants to spend time considering potential occurrences like the impact of a fatality, or give thought to having sufficient income in your retirement when you haven’t reached 30 yet? This perception of “negative” is often why people subconsciously avoid the topic, often citing “not having enough time” as a reason. The same reason explains why people spend regularly on things like the lotto, believing they can win the jackpot, at odds of 10.7million to 1. The same people’s odds of being diagnosed with one of the specified illnesses covered, is 1 in 4 (before age 65!) yet they say “that’ll never happen to me”. This is a natural desire for something very positive to happen and for something negative not to happen. However, these everyday occurrences will happen whether or not someone has the right planning in place. One hour is 4% of your day. Spending that much time even once per year can be hugely

beneficial. You get the peace of mind that you are up to date with your planning. You get the reassurance that anything you have in place is the most appropriate for your current circumstances. You also get the satisfaction that you are not overpaying for something and are getting the best value. Suddenly, the mystery and uncertainty are removed, along with the stress and anxiety often associated with them. In all my years of doing reviews, I’ve never heard anyone regret taking time to go through their finances, but I’ve heard plenty regret not going through them when something unexpected crops up. Remove “money worries”. Make the time.

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.

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Finance

The Inaugural Darkness Into Light – Portrane - 11th May 2024

Work is ramping up in Donabate Portrane ahead of the inaugural Darkness Into Light walk on 11 May 2024. The walk will begin at 04h15 at the National Schools on the Portrane Road and will head down towards Portrane to greet the sunrise. The committee is made up of volunteers across all age groups and has proved a very successful mix of personnel tackling the myriad of tasks involved in organising an event like this. Lexi and Jack are from Donabate Community College’s WellBeing Committee and bring the views of the secondary school students. The Darkness Into Light Ambassadors for Donabate Portrane - Aisling Read, Ellen Matthews and Seán Collins - ensure the involvement of the young adults of the community.

PURPOSE OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT - Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to bring hope to

people who have been impacted by suicide.Here in Donabate and Portrane, the local volunteers hope that everyone will join together on the day to help raise awareness and hope in the fight against suicide and self-harm. HISTORY OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT - In 2009, 400 people in The Phoenix Park has the first Darkness Into Light 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta. From small beginnings, the movement has continued to grow, and now there are over 150,000 participants in Darkness Into Light each year. Together, Pieta, their partner charities, supporters and volunteers have grown Darkness Into Light into a global act of solidarity for people affected by suicide and self-harm.HOW CAN I JOIN IN? -You can register and sign up at darknessintolight.ie - If you’d like to help the committee, you can contact them on donabateportrane@ darknessintolight.ie or on any of their social media accounts.

ALL CONTRIBUTORS PLEASE NOTE**

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

Donabate Parish Hall is all set for Summer

The Parish Hall has had a busy year with lots of classes, activities and events taking place.

From Thursday 16th MaySunday 19th May, the Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society will be putting on the world famous play “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel. This will be a fantastic show as always! Performances start at 8pm sharp on Thursday, Friday, Saturday with a Matinee on at 3pm on the Sunday. Watch out for their banners around the parish with all the details. The Parish Hall will be closed for general use, i.e. classes and activities, for a few days before the play begins for the final rehearsals and set up necessary to put on such a production. We thank you in advance for your understanding and hope that many parishioners will support our local Drama Society. After the play, all daily classes and activities will resume as normal. Then in August, to cater for the children of the Parish, there will be some Summer Camps e.g. Lego & STEM Camps (FULL details in

last months edition of this Local Magazine). There is still some availability to run a suitable camp in the afternoons; so if you have one in mind please, contact the Parish Office immediately.In mid-June, the Parish Office begins to plan the details of the Programme of classes, activities and events from September 2024 - August 2025. They will contact all current daily users of the Parish Hall in midJune in this regard. Any other possible users for daily activities, e.g. classes, meetings, clinics etc., please contact the Parish Office from now on with your request. There are some slots available for a few days at a few times during the year for Cultural Activities, Camps, Exhibition and Events. The Parish Office will be seeking expressions of interest in this regard; so if you have a request or if you are seeking further information, please contact the Parish Office.The Parish Office times are from 9:30am - 12:30pm on 01-8434574.

Dp crossroads committee refute council claims

The DP Crossroads Committee has strongly refuted recent Fingal County Council claims that their investments in community infrastructure is sufficient. FCC have stated in Council meetings that the move of the library to the former credit union will open up additional community space for use of all groups. While acknowledging that the Council are investing in the library move, the group questions why that move was necessary in the first place. “The Council’s purchase of Ballisk house for community infrastructure is

commendable but we question why this is being designated for the library.” Said Ann Hogan, Chair of local campaign group DP Crossroads. “The library is functioning well where it is –there are no demands for additional space for it. However, many local cultural groups are unable to find suitable space to conduct their activities. Plus we have a desperate need for non-sporting youth facilities. This will not change with the library move”. Hogan went on to highlight that with high local population

increases the per capita indoor space allocation per person has dropped significantly. “Because we’ve so many residents the amount of available community space has fallen. We have forecast 85% population increase by 2029 and no extra indoor facilities – its really unacceptable”. “We are calling on FCC to live up to their own strategic objective to build the centre and more importantly build community infrastructure IN TANDEM with large scale housing development.”

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Active Age for All end of spring term Commnuity News

Well, here we are nearly at the end of the AAfA spring term, where has the time flown to? All our classes and activities have been well attended and the latest offering ‘Ageing DisGracefully’ was very popular. We will be running this again in the autumn term, places are limited to 10 so if you would like to attend, please get your name in at registration in September. In fact if anyone, be they AAfA members or not,

have ideas for subjects that they would like included in our programme please let us know, email: activeageforall@gmail.com Valerie and her team for trips and tours have been busy and two proposed trips before the summer break are Farmleigh on 22nd May and The National Stud and Japenese Gardens on 26th June. If any AAfA members are interested in either, or both, trips please email a/a for further information.

We have seen a few changes on the AAfA committee recently, our Chairperson Mary Farrell and Secretary Carmel Carey have retired. On behalf of the committee I would like to take this opportunity to thank both of them for their years of hard work and dedication to the association... ladies you were SUPER !! And a big welcome to our new committee members Eilish Timony and Mary Agnew, great to have you both on board.

Latvian State Choir Visits Balbriggan

The State Choir LATVIJA is one of Europe’s most prolific choirs and has collaborated with world-renowned symphony orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and The Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The State Choir LATVIJA is internationally acclaimed and has participated in recordings produced by Warner Brothers as well as numerous recording projects by both Latvian and foreign music publishers. If you like classical, choral or orchestral music the State Choir LATVIJA will be performing on the 4th of May at the Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Dublin.

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AAfA Ardgillan Walk Camera Club photoshoot Newbridge

EggHeadz Youth Mental Health and Well-being

EggHeadz will host several ‘Hello How Are You’ community events in the buildup to A Mental Health Ireland’s, National Mental Health Promotion Day on 15th May. All events are Free to attend. See www.eggheadz.ie or www.hellohowareyou.ie for event information.

Parents Support – EggHeadz successful Connect Café continues each week. A Mental Health Ireland initiative, the group meet weekly on Wednesday’s at 10am at the community centre. Parents are supported by psychotherapist Kim Cromwell. FREE Professional help, advice and neighbourly support is on hand.

Young Adolescents - EggHeadz FREE weekly 5km #mentalmiles social session is growing every week. Participants range from 16 – 26 years, a social run is followed by hot beverage and an opportunity to talk with peers. Led by Jason Dignam, it takes place on Sunday mornings 10am at Newbridge House, everyone is welcome.

Teen and Tween Workshops – Teen Art Therapy spring retreat took place over the Easter holidays. It was attended by 15 teenagers whom enjoyed a FREE two-day workshop with teen trauma expert Ivy Baretto. Thank you to Tesco Community Fund for sponsoring the fantastic workshop. Tween Jewellery making workshop took place over Easter holidays with a theme of Spring and Renewal. Led by Roisin the 10 attendees explored self-care, self- esteem, mindfulness, well-being habits and created beautiful gemstone jewellery and unique craft. - After School Activities – Term 3 ‘Spring Summer’ classes are taking place in schools each week. Junior and Senior Infants 1.30pm – 2.30pm and 1st – 6 th Class 2.30-3.30pm. Each School has a different day, our activities include ‘Fitness & Games’, ‘Yoga, Mindfulness and Creative Crafts’, ‘Nutrition and Cooking - 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 us anytime on our email address at eggheadzcounselling@gmail.com to book an appointment. Darkness Into Light – for Pieta House. The countdown is on with weeks to go, sign up and join us on the inaugural Donabate Portrane Darkness Into Light walk Please remember the Date: Saturday 11th May Time: 4.15am Start: St. Pat’s Boy’s National School, Donabate.

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Donabate boys and girls Basketball club wants you!

Donabate Basketball celebrated our league win with the U14’s boys team.

We swapped the basketball for a spot of bowling. A truly Great evening was had by one and all. We continue with our training for next season over the coming weeks with some friendly games set on the calendar. We are delighted to have U14 Div 2 team and U15 Div 1 team for next season. The boys and girls academy is also in operation. Training takes place in DP Community Centre evenings and weekends. So, if you are interested in joining us please make contact: Our Key Contacts: Paul Mitchell – Club Secretary, U17 Girls - Con O’Leary & Alan Proctor – Coaches of Under 14 & 15 Boys Marie O’Leary – Child Protection Officer - Frank Koenicke & Serge Nyange – Boys Academy Coaches - Sophie Mitchell & Katelyn Byrne–Girls Academy Coaches. We 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.

FCC plan to grow athletics talent in Fingal

An exciting new partnership has been announced between the Fingal Athletics League and Morton Games that will help the growth of athletics in Fingal and help create unparalleled opportunities for young athletes. The collaboration between the Fingal Athletics League - known for its commitment to grassroots development - and Morton Games - a World Athletics Continental Tour International track and field event - brings together two pillars of athletics in one of the countries youngest regions. Morton Games, which takes place in the Morton Stadium, Dublin has since 2011 consistently

attracted top-tier athletes from around the globe to its prestigious events. By partnering with Fingal Athletics League, Morton Games aims to strengthen its commitment to nurturing talent at all levels of the sport. Located in Fingal, Morton Stadium has undergone a significant €3m refurbishment project led by Dublin City University and which sees a new Mondo track installed. The stadium is also home to the iconic Morton Mile event which attracts domestic and international stars. This collaboration signifies a new chapter in athletics, one that is characterised

by unity, collaboration, and a shared passion for the sport. Fingal Athletics League and Morton Games look forward to a bright future of growth, innovation, and success. The Fingal Athletics League Finals Day will take place on 24th April at ALSAA Sports Complex, with 2,700 students from 61 primary schools across Fingal coming together to showcase their talent. Morton Games takes place on Friday July 12th in the Morton Stadium Dublin from 5.30pm with the international programme starting at 7.00pm. For further details visit mortongames.ie/

16 DONABATE LOCAL-MAY 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Local Sports

LSA - A club for all the Community

Lambay Sports and Athletics is an Athletics club for all the Community, taking our name from the wonderful views of Lambay Island. On 26th May we will host the third edition of our 4 Mile Road race. LSA members volunteer with race organisation and we hope to welcome participants from all over Dublin and beyond to the roads of our beautiful environment. In the last month LSA members have been participating in events around the country and internationally. The LSA Community showed the power of support in an epic ultra marathon fundraiser in Newbridge Park. Our ever-popular club member Paudie Byrne ran 65km by completing 22 laps of Newbridge Park, with the support of a huge team from the LSA Events committee and our various training groups. The sun shone as Paudie completed his final laps, over €7100 (at the time of going to press) for the Cystic Fibrosis Ireland 65 Roses campaign. Dara Carr and Michal Kowalski represented Ireland in the European Masters Athletics Championships Indoors in Torún, Poland. Dara is a sprinter, and the powerhouse behind much of our club, especially our Little Athletics programme and Summer

Camp. Dara was part of two Bronze medal winning relay teams in her age category: Women’s 4 x 200m and Mixed 4 x 200m. Meanwhile on the roads, our members had a great outing at the Bohermeen Half Marathon. This was followed by Leinster Senior medals and Dublin Masters Gold at the 10 mile Championships event at the Battle of Clontarf for our women’s team (Eimear Caulfield, Sinead Kiernan and Mary McNamara) on Easter Monday. The following week our Masters Men’s team (Shane O’Farrell, Keith Byrne, Fintan Counihan, Ken Spratt) won Gold in the Dublin 10km Championships at the Garristown Windmill run. Next it is our turn to host a road race - please join us at the scenic LSA 4 mile race on Sunday 26th May 2024. 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!

CommunityLocals.ie

17 DONABATE LOCAL-MAY 2024 Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Local Sports

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

Cllr. ADRIAN HENCHY

“PUTTING THE COMMUNITY FIRST”

Tel: 087 681 4485

Email:Adrian.Henchy@cllrs.fingal.ie

@adrianhenchy

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. The capital of Turkey. (6)

5. Very close. (6)

10. Books or magazines published once a year under the same title but with different contents. (7)

11. Mythical horse with a single horn. (7)

12. A solemn promise. (4)

13. The world’s longest mountain range. (5)

15. A plucked stringed instrument. (4)

17. This popular beverage comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. (3)

19. South American mammal similar to the Llama. (6)

21. Type of hunting hound. (6)

22. Increased in number or amount over a period of time. (7)

23. An attempt to get rid of a government by using violence. (6)

25. Protect someone or something from attack. (6)

28. Something that has no value or that does not work. (3)

30. Old pubs. (4)

31. Layers of metal in its natural form as ore in the ground. (5)

32. American ten cent coin. (4)

35. Sell sin for a malady. (7)

36. Not having a weapon. (7)

37. Complained all the time like a fish. (6)

38. The first born. (6)

Down

2. Continuous. (7)

3. Not home. (4)

4. Not in the place where you are expected to be. (6)

5. A feeling of loathing or disgust. (6)

6. The world’s largest continent. (4)

7. Strong leather shoes and Irish accents/ (7)

8. Fried South Asian pastry with a savoury filling. (6)

9. Create or design something that has not existed before. (6)

14. Take something illegally from a person or company by deceit. (7)

16. Injure with very hot liquid or steam. (5)

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

20. Part of a play. (3)

21. Piece of furniture for sleep. (3)

23. A dried grape. (6)

24. Popular flavour of ice cream. (7)

26. Puzzles, mysteries. (7)

27. Fears greatly. (6)

28. Search for water or minerals using a divining rod. (6)

29. Make someone believe something that is not true. (6)

33. WWII 4x4 vehicle still popular today. (4)

34. A stick for a magician. (4)

SUDOKU ANSWERS

18 DONABATE LOCAL-MAY 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
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