Donabate Local V8I8-SEP 2024

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Getting Back into the Swing of Things

Summer has sadly come to an end and it’s time for the regular daily routine to return! However, it’s not all doom and gloom - even though the weather may not have been wonderful, Fingal still shone in the Summer and there’s plenty on offer this Autumn!

We have been very lucky over the past three months to have had so many wonderful events and festivals to attend throughout the county. There was something to do for all ages and all of it taking place on our doorsteps.

We now are looking to Autumn, and it is the season that aways has something in store, and more times than not we are treated to some decent weather! It’s the season where everything jumps back into life after a well-earned break and let’s face it, it’s good to get into the swing of things again.

School is back, and so are the early mornings of school runs and the daily commute, and while it can take some time getting used to the routine, we in Fingal are at a significantly higher advantage of having fantastic transport services and routes on our doorsteps that can relieve a lot of that stress.

There’s never a better time of year to get try something new with so many local sporting clubs and social groups reopening after the Summer and once again, we are spoilt for choice in what is on offer right on our doorstep. We once again have the vast number of local people who volunteer to ensure that these services are available to us.

So even though Summer may not have been everything that we wanted it to be when it comes to the weather, it sure did deliver in many other ways and as we move into the Autumn here’s looking forward to many more entertaining experiences all ready to be sampled in wonderful Fingal!

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The Hidden Path to Serenity: A Family Adventure to Our Secret Beach

Nestled in the heart of our beloved coastal town lies a little gem —the hidden path to a secluded beach where my family and I have spent countless serene afternoons. This path, a treasure trove of natural beauty and tranquillity, has become our cherished retreat, offering a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As we step onto the path, my two sons, eager with anticipation, dart ahead, their laughter mingling with the sounds of nature. The trail winds through a vast field of long grass, swaying gently in the breeze. The golden strands of grass, tall and wild, create a sense of adventure and freedom, evoking images of simpler times.

The field, with its rich tapestry of greens and golds, offers a perfect playground for my boys, aged two and six. They delight in exploring every nook and cranny, collecting wildflowers and spotting insect trails. Each step forward is a new

discovery, a chance to learn and connect with the natural world around them. For my wife and me, this journey is a welcome respite, a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

After a leisurely walk, the grass begins to thin, and the distant sound of waves grows louder. The path slopes gently downward, revealing glimpses of the azure sea through the tall grass. As we approach the final bend, the trail opens up to a breathtaking view—the hidden beach, stretching out before us in all its untouched glory.

This secluded stretch of coastline, known well by locals, is a slice of paradise. The soft, golden sand is pristine, free from the footprints of crowds. The gentle waves lap at the shore, inviting us to dip our toes into the cool, refreshing water. The beach is framed by rugged rocks, their weathered faces standing as silent guardians over this tranquil haven.

We quickly set up our little camp, unfurling a blanket and unpacking a picnic basket brimming

Boules Launch Recreation Hub Newbridge Park

Just a reminder that the launch of the 2nd Boules Court will take place at 1pm on Monday 9th September in the mainly ADULT RECREATION HUB in Newbridge Park - full details in the last edition. There will be give it a go &

coaching on both courts of basic rules, skills and best practice! Wear runners please on the day. Give a call if you want further information or are interested in coming along - all welcome!

with treats. My sons waste no time in racing to the water’s edge, their joyous shouts echoing across the beach. They build sandcastles, splash in the shallow waves, and chase after tiny crabs that scuttle across the sand. Rock pools nearby provide endless fascination, teeming with small sea creatures and hidden treasures. My wife and I, sitting back and watching them, feel an overwhelming sense of contentment.

The secret path to this small, peaceful beach has become more than just a route to a beautiful destination. It is a journey that brings our family closer, a shared adventure that we cherish deeply. Each visit leaves us with memories that we hold dear, moments of joy and connection that we carry with us long after we leave.

As we pack up and prepare to head back, the path home feels like a gentle transition from our private paradise back to the real world. The trail, now bathed in the soft light of dusk, seems to whisper its secrets, promising to be here whenever we need a break from the ordinary.

Age Action launch Autumn program of events

Registration for our classes – all 21 of them! – is happening on Wednesday and Thursday 4th and 5th September between 11.00 – 14.00. If you are interested in joining Active Age for All as a new member, come along on one of these days, we would love to see you. You must be over 55. Many of our existing members will be signing up for the Autumn classes on those days too. AAfA is a great opportunity to meet new people or just even get to know your neighbours! We look forward to seeing you all then.

The “Raising the Voice of Fingal Women Pioneers Exhibition,” happened on Thursday 11th July at Kettle’s Country House Hotel.

Active Age members, Carolyn, Margaret, Valerie, Mary and Jennifer took part in an

initiative to introduce the local talent and skills available to make positive changes in the community. Some attended the Fingal Pioneer Community Conversation workshops and others the finished exhibition. The exhibition was part of a creative community leadership programme led by Fingal County Council’s Community Development Office. The programme highlighted the contributions of women to their communities through local groups, clubs, and services, while also supporting and enhancing their leadership skills.

The programme brought together 13 diverse and dynamic women, providing them with a platform to improve their skills, understand local government, and strengthen community

connections. Through leadership training and creative engagement methodologies, these women explored how to influence local government and hosted a series of community conversations across the county.

The information, stories, and concerns gathered during these conversations were presented at the exhibition through an immersive art installation. This event offered an opportunity for these women to meet and inform newly elected public representatives about important issues affecting women in Fingal and to present their collective vision for positive change in their communities.

Thanks to all for representing AAfA Donabate/ Portrane at this.

CommunityLocals.ie

Margaret and Carolyn
Workshop Stand
Mary and Jennifer

Countdown is on to Bleeding Pig Festival

The countdown is on to the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival 2024 and in just a couple of short weeks, the peninsula will be a hive of cultural activity for audiences of all cultural tastes and all ages.

From Thursday 12th until Sunday 22nd September, there will be a full timetable of cultural events in lots of venues around Donabate and Portrane.

On Thursday 12th the festivities kick-off with a launch in the Brook Pub in Portrane, featuring renowned Uileann Piper Eamonn Galldubh

agus a chairde, with a little help from members of Ceomhaltas Leithinis. The launch promises an evening full of Craic agus Ceol. We are very grateful to Mick & Bríd Moynihan at the Brook for generously hosting the event.

Then from Friday 13th, each day will see a selection of activities, with something of interest to everyone.

There will be Craft Workshops for adults and children, Art Exhibitions, Concerts for performers of all age groups, Guided Talks and Walks, Sing-Songs, Gala Concerts, open-air Céilí

dancing, Short Films, Historic Tours, Planetary Exploration Dome, Tango & Fiesta extravaganza, Scavenger Hunt, and lots more besides.

All the usual festival favourites feature this year, along with some new and exciting events.

Most of the events of the Bleeding Pig festival are free of charge. However, some events do require booking in advance to secure a place. Full details are available on the Bleeding Pig website, in the festival brochure and on Facebook and Instagram.

What Retirement Planning Have You Done?

Among the things that people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s are not over-enthusiastic about considering, is retirement planning. It’s too far away and they don’t want to visualise being in retirement. However, it is a simple fact, that the earlier someone starts planning for retirement, the better financially prepared they will be when it comes. The tax benefits alone should encourage people to get started. For example, someone on the 40% tax band that pays €200 per month into a pension, only actually pays €120 per month as they have full tax relief. The reverse way to consider that, is your €120 each month, instantly grows by over 66%!! (And that’s before any investment growth on your fund). If your future self in their 60’s could give you wise advice, it would be to get into the habit of having a regular deduction to plan for the future, in the same way you get used to having PAYE, PRSI or USC deducted.

With “Auto Enrolment” expected to come into force in early 2025, an estimated 800,000 workers in Ireland who do not currently have a pension arrangement, may find they will be compelled to participate in a scheme. While all details of the scheme are not yet finalised, it is likely that employees and employers will both contribute with possibly an additional contribution from

Government. It is likely that any employees that pay for any form of pension through their payroll (whether the employer adds a contribution or not) will be exempt from having to join the new scheme. For most companies, it is relatively straight forward to offer a payroll deduction facility to their staff, which means the employee gets used to the deduction before their net pay and doesn’t think of it as an extra expense that they must pay for when they receive their salary. Whatever stage you are at, it is well worth making the time to consider your own retirement planning.

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 info@ financialcompanion.ie or 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.

Pacers Planned Autumn Walks

On Saturday 14th September the Annual Peninsula Walk from the Parish Hall to the Brook Pub by the Cliff Walk stopping at Wayne’s Cafe at Tower Bay will take place (the long route walkers can add The Burrow loop).

The walk will depart at 13:00hrs -people can use public transport for to arrive at the start of

walk and to return back later. This annual walk coincides with the Bleeding Pig Trad & Pizza at the Brook Pub in the late afternoon. Carolyn will lead this walk.

Then the Greystones to Bray walk is on Saturday October 19th this is a challenging new route of 10km. Breda & Carolyn will both lead

this walk.

Lastly, a Greenway or Canal flat easy Walk will hopefully take place on Saturday 9th November - all subject to the weather. Breda will lead this walk.

Further info Carolyn on 087-9284307 or Breda on 086-8693243.

Donabate couple launch appeal for baby girl battling aggressive cancer

David and Emma Mills, originally from Swords but now living in Donabate have issued an urgent appeal for support for their baby girl Zoe who is being treated for stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, an extremely aggressive childhood cancer. All funds raised will support Zoe’s participation in a US-based clinical trial.

A happy baby who was meeting all her milestones, little Zoe suddenly became unwell in August 2023. Scans showed that a tumour attached to her kidney, and taking up 50% of her abdomen, had spread throughout her tiny body and fully into her bone marrow. The severity of her prognosis meant that Zoe had to start an intense 18-month treatment plan immediately.

Since then, Zoe has bravely battled through chemotherapy and intricate abdominal surgery to remove as much of the main tumour as possible. She has also undergone additional high dose chemo and a stem cell transplant requiring 6 weeks of isolation in a dedicated transplant unit; 14 sessions of radiotherapy, each one carried out under general anaesthetic; and countless blood transfusions, injections and medical procedures.

Zoe is currently undergoing the immunotherapy phase of her treatment, 5 cycles over 6 months, with the first 2 cycles requiring a morphine pump to manage her pain. Immunotherapy will hopefully be the final stage of Zoe’s frontline treatment, and it’s hoped that her post treatment PET scan will show “No evidence of disease”.

David and Emma are committed to doing all they can to give Zoe the best chance of a long and healthy life. They are aware that the outlook for neuroblastoma can be bleak, with a very high relapse rate, and limited treatment options if relapse occurs. This makes the longer-term survival statistics unthinkable.

On the anniversary of Zoe’s devastating diagnosis, David and Emma, together with family and friends, have launched a fundraising campaign called “Hope for Zoe” to try and raise as much money as possible to access a clinical trial in the USA.

Today, Zoe is doing her best to stand up and take a few steps, say a few words, and even ‘sing’ along to her favourite movie, Frozen! She is getting

used to her hearing aids, which were necessary after the hearing loss caused by chemo and communicating better every day. Her feeding tube is still required for her nutrition and daily medication. She is full of personality and fun, and extremely determined! It is the hope of all who love her that she can gain access to a clinical trial and thrive, just like every other child.

For further information please contact Philip Farrell (087-7562450) or (hopeforzoe2024@gmail.com)

Nine Magical Months

Pregnancy is a wonderful but it sure ain’t easy, so it’s important to treat mums-to-be. Making sure she has a comfortable chair, bringing her a cuppa; little things make a difference!

Better Health Therapies, Hampton St. Balbriggan offer gorgeous treatments for pregnancy, including massage and reflexology. See www.instagram.com/better.health.therapies, The second trimester is wonderful for a ‘babymoom’. Nausea from first trimester is gone and tiredness of third trimester hasn’t kicked in! Farnham Estate Co Cavan is a beautiful spot, with a stunning indoor/outdoor pool, fabulous spa, woodland walks and scrumptious restaurants. We went for a ‘Babymoon’ and loved it! Book at www.farnhamestate.ie/Mothers-Day.html.

Afternoon Tea at Bracken Court is a lovely treat for mums-to-be. Packed with sandwiches, brioche, cakes and served on decadent china! Book at www.brackencourt.ie.

Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is also fab for

‘Babymoons’. A two min stroll to the village, the hotel has a pool, spacious rooms and relaxed vibe. www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/

Irish skincare brand, Nyrah Beauty is perfect for sensitive skin, making it ideal for mums-to-be. www.nyrahbeauty.com.

Irish brand, Freddy has maternity jeans that stretch throughout pregnancy and also are good post birth, when Mammies need some extra stretch. www.freddy.ie.

Irish brand, Powercut Clothing pregnancy leggings stretch as bumps grow, are super soft and look great on www.powercutclothing.com. Irish company Stitch-a-name make personalised baby gifts like blankets, pram snugglies, baby comforters etc. www.stitchaname. com/

Swollen feet are a common problem in pregnancy, which is why we love Thomp2Socks. Their wide fit socks won’t leave marks on swollen pregnant ankles and a portion of sales goes

towards Down Syndrome charity. www.thomp2. com/.

Cosmic Baby Ireland make colourful, personalised baby soother holders, which double as trolley tokens! So cute and clever www. instagram.com/cosmic.baby.ireland

Irish company Hampers and Co. have launched a range of adorable baby hampers, in pink, blue and neutral colours. A fab gift for someone going on maternity leave or a new Mammy www. hampersandco.com

For nursery furniture, buggies and baby essentials, we love Pitter Patter in Nenagh, and they also ship nationwide. We cannot praise Michael enough for their wonderful customer service. www.pitterpatter.ie

We know Christmas is still a bit away but Elf Town RDS bookings are now open, including personalised gift options! Book here: www. elftowndublin.ie

Parish Hall Receives Welcomed Upgrades and Improvements

Recently the Parish Hall has had some work done to upgrade the facility. The old Kitchenette has been mostly removed to upgrade it to a more modern and safer standard and new fire emergency doors have also been installed. This building work has been supported by FCC and been ably done by Michael Wogan of M W Elite Construction Ltd of Ballyboughal, North County Dublin.

Routine maintenance has been done on the electrics by Garvan Harte of CP Electrical & Security. This work was done in between some very successful Summer

Camps in Lego, Art and Steam having been run.

The Parish Hall will be fully open and up and running again towards the end of August. In order to keep the hall in good repair and to do renovation work it is necessary to limit use on occasions for this to take place. The Parish Hall Committee apologise for any inconvenience but trust its users will be more than happy with the improvements.

There is still some limited use available in the Parish Hall; for any queries in this regard please contact the Parish Office on 01-8434574.

Rush Tourism are delighted to partner with Rush Local and take this opportunity to say a sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who helped to make our Rush Harbour Festival & Air Show 2024 event such a huge success.

We are so grateful to each of our amazing Sponsors & Volunteers for their support without which our Festival and Air Show would not be possible: Fingal County Council /Dublin Airport D.A. / Dermot Mc Namara Solicitors / Progressive Credit Union / SuperValue / Rush Community Council / Adrian DunnePharmacy/ St.John’s Ambulance/ Rush Sailing Club / Rush Community First Responders / Ros-Eo Preschool / Rush Tidy Towns / Rush MusicalSociety / Specific Gym / St. Maur’s Pipe Band / Ros-Eo Art Group / Yoga in Rush / Rush Local Newspaper / Eamon Price / Des De Burca / Brian Delaney /Brenda King & our own families & friends who gave their time and assistance on so many occasions. We also thank our many loyal traders, crafters, entertainers & participants. We also wish to express our thanks to you, our reader & to all your friends & families who came out in your thousands to partake in our event. We were overwhelmed with the support from everyone, making this year’s festival a huge triumph for all involved.

This year’s airshow was the biggest and best aeronautical display to date brought to us by our aforementioned sponsors & Millennium Promotions.Our festival provided the perfect location to embrace Fingal’s motto of Fluirse Talaimh is Mara (rich in land and sea). This year’s Harbour Festival facilitated our

local growers, artisan food producers, local eateries and a myriad of additional local businesses to showcase their produce to a new audience. Our celebrity chefs were suitably impressed with the variety and quality of food produced by our local growers.

We will be sending lots of beautiful photographs to the editor of Rush Local over the coming months in addition to sharing some fabulous recipes created by our celebrity chefs; Ian Rankin Harford, Catherine Fulvio, Whitestown House & The Salty Buoy, so watch this space!!

The voluntary committee of Rush Tourism operates as a sub-committee of Rush Community Council Ltd.

Yours sincerely Rush Tourism

A Busy Summer for Men’s Shed and a Busier Autumn

Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed has had a busy Summer. Their “inaugural golf classic” was held at Bellewstown Golf Club in early August. Work at their plots at Turvey Allotments has kept several members very busy, with new screen doors being fitted to the polytunnel in addition to the usual seasonal activity. Their music group, Gerry & the Plonkers played at Fingal County Council Vintage Picnic at the end of July and at the Turvey Allotment’s family day in late August.

Autumn promises to be just as busy. Gerry and the Plonkers will play free concerts at Donabate

Parish Hall from 12:30 to 14:00 on Wednesdays 16th October, 13th November and 4th December, with light refreshments provided. An outings to the Croke Park Museum and Skyline Walk is being arranged for September. The Men’s Shed will also be partaking in the Boules Launch on Monday 9th September at Newbridge House.

All of this is in addition to our weekly exercise classes, our croquet on Tuesday at Newbridge, our music jam sessions on Wednesday and our tea-and-chat get-together on Thursdays.

So if you’d like to join us, please call Jim on 086-3694316.

CommunityLocals.ie

Something for everyone at the Fingal Poetry Festival

The annual Fingal Poetry Festival returns to Skerries on 13-15th September with the local festival connecting people with poetry, music and each other — creating shared moments that inspire people to find their voice.

In celebration of the event’s fifth anniversary, this year’s programme is full of exciting events for all ages.

On Friday 13th September, join land artist Mayumi Nakabayshi in making a giant mandala with natural materials on Red Island. Later that evening, come along to the Little Theatre for the Grand Slam Final to crown the Skerries Slam Champion — who will perform in the Word Tent at Electric Picnic 2025! Featuring host Sheila Ryder, the finalists of our four regional Poetry Slams in Fingal Libraries, and multi-championship winning guest poet Samuel Yakura. Music by Amano.

Saturday 14 September - The Big Poetry Day Out kicks off bright and early with a morning Poetry Walk at the Harbour. Led by poet Enda Coyle-Greene with readings by poets Lani O’Hanlon and Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin, Sean Nós dancer Nada Ní Chuirrín, and music by Brenda Castles. From 2-4pm, Floraville Park will transform for the Family Poetry Fest! Fun for all the family with children’s author Lucinda Jacob, young local poets and musicians. There will be creative art, games, and an open mic for children and young adults.

At 15:30, join Prosper Fingal for poetry, song and a cuppa, as we celebrate with the winners of the Fingal Poetry Prize and An Fiach Dubh — our international poetry competitions.

Hailed by the BBC as Ireland’s King of the Blues; Nigel Mooney’s much acclaimed organ trio features Scott Flanigan (organ) and Dominic Mullan (drums). For this concert they will be joined by their old friend, Ireland’s greatest jazz chanteuse Honor Heffernan.

To round out the festival, poet Damien B. Donnelly will guide us through an Ardgillan Poetry Walk in the high woods on Sunday 15th September. Finishing in Ardgillan Castle Library with a reading by poet Brian Kirk.

Families are enjoying the last of the summer season at CityNorth Hotel where it has been a record year, with visitor numbers exceeding expectations. Domestic tourists seeking a family “staycation” have broken all records at the hotel during the months of July and August, visiting attractions in the area including Emerald Park, Flynn Park and Funtasia Waterpark.

Director of Sales and Marketing, Suzanne Mulvey says that destination marketing of the East Coast of Ireland by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and locally Discover Boyne Valley and Fingal Tourism, has helped to create awareness of the abundance of things to do in the area.

Ms Mulvey commented, “We are lucky with our location on the border of Fingal and the Boyne Valley. Our guests have access to activities, garden and food trails, heritage sites, golf courses and vast stretches of stunning coastline. Families staying at CityNorth Hotel can head off for the day with a picnic, and even on a low budget can enjoy nearby amenities like Ardgillan Castle, Newbridge Demesne or a day at the beach”.

“There are more reasons now for tourists to stay longer in the area, and as a result we are seeing an increased average length of stay. The addition of the award-winning Lark Theatre is very exciting, as are the plans for a €25.4million rejuvenation of Balbriggan Town. The food culture here is booming and CityNorth Hotel guests can visit distilleries in Slane and Listoke, pop up to Carlingford to visit the oyster farm and enjoy unique experiences like beekeeping with Beewize in Drogheda.”

As a member of Boyne Valley Flavours, a network of local food growers and producers in the region, CityNorth Hotel features ingredients from members including farmers and food producers on their seasonal menus. Food tourism is booming, and CityNorth hotel is introducing Sea and Land cookery classes in the Autumn, for guests and locals to experience the food provenance of the area.

Keep an eye on their website, www.citynorthhotel.com for seasonal events and offers.

or

for sharing.

Funding for the 2024 festival comes from Fingal County Council, the Arts Council, Fingal Local Community Development Committee, Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, DHL Global Forwarding, and Roadstone is gratefully acknowledged. With support from Fingal Libraries and Poetry Ireland.

Visit the festival website for full details: www.fingalpoetryfestival.com

Music by Mick Morris. All participants are invited to bring a poem written by themselves
a poem they like,

Far from the catwalk

I smiled wryly when a friend asked if the ring I was wearing belonged to my late father. Given a choice between donning anything vaguely resembling jewellery, or having a wisdom tooth extracted by Mr Bean wielding a rusty pliers, he would have opted for the latter.

The Kinks would not have found their Dedicated Follower Of Fashion amongst the adults I grew up around. In matters sartorial they were dyed in the wool (pun intended) conservatives. Clothes were purely functional; to keep out the elements, and very importantly, preserve modesty. Even on the hottest day of the year layers were shred with great reluctance. As he reached the point of near expiration, my father would finally remove his jacket, as he toiled in a sweltering glass house. But the Donald Duck style waist coat, containing his pocket watch, remained steadfast in place.

The first time I saw an open neck shirt was when a man appeared on television, uttering the immortal words: “Hello I’m Johnny Cash”. Impressed with the new role model. I grabbed my little guitar, undid my top shirt button and hopped up on the kitchen table. My grandiose ideas of fame in Nashville were soon dashed as my mother cried out: “Button your shirt or you’ll catch your death of cold!”,

quickly returning me to the reality of life in rural Fingal in the late 1960s.

Before large chain stores made shopping a leisure activity, local drapery shops like Taylors (long gone) on the main street in Swords, provided good quality clothing at reasonable prices. The management and staff were on first name terms with their customers, knowing their style and size as they came through the door. Head cover was mandatory. By in large working men wore flat caps, while the bosses preferred felt hats with brims. Protocol dictated where and when head gear should be worn. For example: failure to remove one’s cap at the dining table could result in being awarded the title of a “bowsie”.

The ladies had a range of head scarves and hats that hadn’t changed much in centuries. In a moment of grave misjudgement my mother purchased a navy-blue pill box hat for my confirmation. Said hat caused great embarrassment to her, and unbridled hilarity for the rest of us; when dislodged by a rouge gust of wind, it hit the ground rolling and broke the land speed record for a piece of millinery, as I gave chase to the cheers of onlookers. Who could have predicted the era of the designer label and selfie? But then, I guess the pendulum of life seldom settles in the middle.

Longlegs (2024) Film Review

Longlegs is a horror thriller that taps into the dread of being watched, following the classic yet effective trope of a mysterious killer with an unsettling aura. Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his atmospheric and slow-burn approach to horror, Longlegs explores the intersection of the supernatural and the psychological with a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Nicolas Cage, who portrays the titular character, is mesmerizing as the enigmatic and unnerving Longlegs. His performance is a masterclass in controlled terror, with his eerie calmness and occasional bursts of unhinged behaviour. Cage’s ability to shift between charm and menace adds a layer of unpredictability that elevates the film’s tension. The supporting cast, including Maika Monroe and Alicia Witt, deliver solid performances, grounding the film in a grim reality that contrasts sharply with the more surreal elements of the plot.

The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the tension to build gradually. This choice may not resonate with viewers expecting a

more fast-paced horror experience, but for those who appreciate a slowburn, the payoff is well worth the wait. The cinematography enhances the unsettling atmosphere, with dim lighting and claustrophobic framing that leaves you feeling as though something sinister is always lurking just out of sight Longlegs thrives on its atmosphere, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a film that isn’t afraid to leave questions unanswered, trusting the audience to piece together its fragmented and often disturbing narrative. While it may not be a crowd-pleaser for everyone, Longlegs is a haunting and memorable addition to the horror genre, particularly for those who relish ambiguity and psychological depth in their scares.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Longlegs and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Osgood Perkins – Rating: R –Genre: Horror/Crime – Run Time: 1h 41m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Lambay Sports and Athletics: your local athletics club in Donabate and Portrane

There is something for everyone in LSA and we always welcome new members. We have a wide variety of adult groups ranging from social runners, to 5k, marathon, Masters track and Field and beyond. We now have over 420 members, more than half of whom are adults.

We had a fabulous summer camp in July, thanks to our volunteers. Our adult groups and older juveniles continued training and competing throughout the summer; our younger juveniles and Little Athletics will return to training in September.

A record number of LSA athletes qualified for the National Juvenile Championships in Tullamore in July. They gained valuable experience

and won two medals, with Under 19 athletes Suzie Linkiewicz and Michelle Branigan winning bronze in the100m sprint and Javelin, respectively.

Our women’s Track and Field team had a great National League: first of all they qualified for the Division One final at the start of July, and then went on to place fourth in the final in late July.

There was more track and field action in August with Sinead Farrell winning bronze in the 5000m and Anna Gavigan winning gold in Discus at the National U20 and U23 Championships. James Keegan had some great track races in the Dublin Graded race series whilst Reuben Capocci notched up his first mountain race win. Credit is due to the athletes,

their parents and all the volunteers who work hard to support them, with special thanks to Gerry Ronan for his expert coaching.

Our Masters women had wonderful performances in the National Masters Championships in August with a Gold in the 4 x 100m relay and Silver in the 4 x 400m relay, both the over 40s age category.

After the excitement of watching Team Ireland in Paris we hope to welcome new members (and their parents) to our Little Athletics and Juvenile sections. Our club is run entirely by volunteers, and we aim to be a club for all the community. To find out more please visit our social pages.

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Across

1. Rushed about on public transport. (6)

5. Ancient vessel propelled by oars. (6)

10. Exploit the power of with stable gear. (7)

11. Punishment intended as a warning to others. (7)

12. Signal with the help of a sea ridge. (4)

13. The stuff of commerce. (5)

15. A German Mrs. (4)

17. A secret watcher. (3)

19. It’s ruled by Putin. (6)

21. Once every 12 months. (6)

22. It keeps you warm at night. (7)

23. Bring back to mind. (6)

25. Burn superficially. (6)

28. Social insect. (3)

30. A brief note for internal communication. (4)

31. Encouraged forcefully. (5)

32. An independent ruler in Arabia. (4)

35. Let go, liberate. (7)

36. Taxpayer’s documents. (7)

37. Look forward to a probable occurrence. (6)

38. Straight sword with a narrow blade. (6)

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Down

2. Reaches the destination. (7)

3. Neckwear mainly for men. (4)

4. Places of musical entertainment. (6)

5. Insatiable for wealth or food. (6)

6. Take a jump into the unknown. (4)

7. A ruler on a large scale. (7)

8. A brief rainfall. (6)

9. A sheriff’s aide. (6)

14. A ceremony at the start of something. (7)

16. The good book. (5)

18. Canine command. (5)

20. The whole lot. (3)

21. A simple affirmative. (3)

23. A brief statement or observation. (6)

24. Hard to analyse or solve. (7)

26. About a famous Oxford detective. (7)

27. A belief that rejects a central plank of a religion. (6)

28. Take into custody. (6)

29. An overwhelming feeling of fear. (6)

33. Long-eared mammal with long hind legs. (4)

34. End here. (4)

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