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Community Spirit Knows no Bounds in Fingal
The last few weeks hasn’t brought with it much to cheer about weather-wise, but the amazing number of volunteers coming together to help with the clean-up after storm Eowyn is something we can all be very grateful for.
While the country battened down the hatches for what has been coined the worst windstorm for over a century, it wasn’t long after the worst of the high winds abated that locals in Fingal were out in their respective areas giving up their personal time to help with the many clean ups that were necessary following Eowyn’s destruction.
There has never been a better time for locals to get involved in their areas as Spring is just around the corner and the amount of community groups, tidy towns groups, resident’s committees etc would be very grateful of the extra help as they approach this very important start of the growing season.
It’s been a relatively quiet start to the year, bar the obvious weather situation – and thankfully we seem to have seen the worst of the inclement conditions, but it hasn’t been completely silent with lots going on in the various areas in Fingal as can be seen in this month’s issue. From TradFest to local sporting successes and much more, there has been a considerable amount of events and achievements made since the beginning of the New Year.
We are so lucky to have so much to do on our doorstep, and we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to spending our free time in FIngal. We don’t have very far to travel to find something to make great memories from. Don’t put away the winter coat just yet and get out into the fresh air and make the most of our beautiful beaches; public parks, castle grounds and gardens that are accessible all year; and don’t forget about the many community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants, bars to visit. There is so much to do in such a short distance!
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Fingal awarded €20m funding from NTA
Fingal County Council have been allocated €20m funding from The National Transport Authority for the ongoing delivery of active travel schemes in 2025.
With a total of €294m being awarded to local authorities, this funding will support a range of walking and cycling schemes including improved pedestrian environments, new segregated cycling lanes, pedestrian and cycling bridges and pedestrian crossings.
Welcoming this announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: ’’ We are very happy to have received this funding from the NTA. It is a significant support and endorsement for our commitment to Active Travel in Fingal. Active Travel has many benefits for the entire community, it is an essential tool to fight global heating and will deliver a healthier environment for everyone. We want to push harder and do more so we will happily take all the funding we can get.’’
This funding has been awarded to 48 different projects in the Fingal area and includes a variety of Active Travel investments such as Fingal Coastal Way, Donabate Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Harry Reynolds Road Cycleway in Balbriggan, Feltrim Road Cycling Infrastructure and Skerries Active Travel Plan.
16 Schools will receive funding under the Safe Routes to School Programme which aims to improve ongoing issues of safety and congestion at the school gate. It also focuses on improving routes to school by improving walking and cycling infrastructure.
To learn more about active travel and strategic infrastructure projects in Fingal visit www.fingal.ie/ activetravel
Get in the Groove with Music Makers!
Open Mic Extravaganza – In Collaboration with the Parish Hall Donabate & Portrane, this one’s for you!
Hey, music fans aged 15 and over ready to rock your socks off? Whether you’re a budding musician or the next showersinging sensation, Music Makers is the ultimate place to let your talent shine.
When? Sunday, 9th February 2025; Time? 2 PM – 5 PM; Where? Parish Hall, Donabate No skill? No sweat. Don’t worry if you can’t tell a bass line from
a clothesline—this event is for everyone! Pick up your ukulele, guitar, drumsticks, or just your enthusiasm and join the fun. Why come? Unleash your inner rockstar. Hang out with cool, music-loving people
Share some laughs (and maybe a few missed notes). Email musicmakersph@gmail.com for more details.
Grab your gear, bring your friends, and let’s make some noise! If under 18 please bring an adult with you
Why Do We Not Prioritise It?
By Dave Kavanagh
When planning our family’s finances, one of the most important aspects is protecting against unexpected financial loss, yet many people often keep putting off making time to arrange it, (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality or a serious illness, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is, if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed, it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying
way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. I often get the response, “I don’t have time” and then in the same conversation find out which Netflix series they have just binged. Make the time. Review your cover requirements.
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.
Full House for ‘Céilí House’ in Parish Hall
As part of Tradfest in January ‘Céilí House‘ the Rte programme presented by the renowned Kieran Hanrahan took place in the Parish Hall. It was recorded as part of the lead up to Tradfest. It was a feast of Traditional Irish Music that afternoon with a full House with Kieran’s brother Mike playing and our own Gerry O’Connor. Two of the young teachers from Leithinis CCÉ took to the stage too.
Martin Harte CEO of Tradfest was interviewed by Kieran. The Mayor Brian McDonagh presented Kieran with a painting as a gift for his contribution to Traditional Music & Tradfest.
The Parish Hall was chosen as the perfect place to do this very special edition of ‘Céilí House’, it is old world and an ambience can be easily created. The acoustic panels give perfect sound & the newly refurbished floor again done by Kidds the best in refurbishing old floors was looking fantastic.
The Parish Hall thanks Martin Harte for bringing Tradfest to our community and especially for putting on such an appropriate and historic event in our Parish Hall.
We will also have a music event on for young people organised by Music Makers on Sunday 9th February - see more details in other article. If you want further information about using the Parish Hall please contact the Parish Office on 01 8434574.
A Busy Start to 2025 for Men’s Shed
Donabate Portrane men’s Shed started the New Year with a flurry of activity. In addition to our usual weekly activities of exercise classes, croquet in Newbridge, music jam and practice sessions and Thursday morning get-togethers, we have managed to squeeze into our busy weekly schedule a six-week Healthy Food Made Easy course, a community cooking programme developed under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme. Members of the Men’s Shed have participated in these courses previously and found them extremely interesting and information. See the photographs for proof of the newly learned cooking skills.
Gerry and the Plonkers have also been busy. As reported last month, they performed a Christmas concert for St Michael’s House to a very appreciative audience (see the photograph here) and, last month, they played a concert in Donabate Parish Hall. Two more concerts are planned for the Parish Hall on 12th February and 12th March, both Wednesdays at 12 noon to 2pm. All adults are welcome to come along to listen or dance! Light refreshments will be served.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining us, please don’t hesitate to contact our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.
Get out into the Outdoors with The Pacers
Happy & Healthy Walking for 2025
The Peninsula Pacers have organising three walks for winter/spring all are short to medium length and easy in terms of difficulty but a fairly good level of fitness is still required!
Saturday: January 18th - NEW Greenway Docks Walk
6/8km – Train It was a nice easy walk through the docks with a great lunch in The Yacht Bar afterwards!
February 1st - City Walk - La Féile Brįd - 6/8km – Train.
March 8th - Walk Short part of the Pilgrim Way in Armagh & Visit Navan Fort.
6/8km – Car.
If you are interested in walking please contact Carolyn 087 9284307
Busy start to 2025 for Active Age for All
January has been very busy for the Active Age for All committee with membership for 2025 and registration for classes for the spring term. We were heartened that over 100 people logged on to our website to book their classes and activities. This facility for early booking is available to existing members with a valid membership number. We always hold back places in classes for the ‘walk-in’ registration. In spite of the wintery
Some committee members having an impromptu Tai Chi session!
conditions 85 people braved the ice to come to the ‘walk-in’ to sign up, and have a chat and a cuppa. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet you can text to 086-8806808 with ‘I want to renew my membership’, you will get a call back to do just that.
There are still a few places available in some classes, you can check this out on the website. You can also check where you can get a discount
with your membership card, just scroll down to the bottom of the page.
At the end of 2024 we had 286 members which is an amazing number representing our cohort on the peninsula. We look forward to another year of exercising both bodies and minds, catching up with people and meeting new ones, staying active in every way!
CommunityLocals.ie
No significant additional train seating for commuters at peak periods - Cllr
Labour Councillor Corina Johnston has expressed her concern that commuters on the Northern Rail Line will not see a significant increase in seating on new Dart+ trains that are to come online in 2026.
“Along with Duncan Smith TD we have been raising this important issue on a regular basis at National level. From Ministerial Statements and Press releases especially before the recent GE, expectation was given to the public that the delivery of Dart + Trains on the Northern Line would provide an improvement for commuters in respect of frequency and capacity of service which would be forthcoming from the beginning
of 2026 (especially from Donabate which is last Station before the Dart at Malahide). From the replies received to my specific questions submitted to Irish Rail it is apparent that there will be no significant increase in capacity on the Northern Line at peak hours for a number of years.”
Replying to Cllr Johnston’s query on current capacity, and the expected increase with the new hybrid Dart trains, Irish Rail stated, ‘The current 4 car commuter train has a seated capacity of 185, 2 wheelchairs and a standing capacity of 444 so a total of 629 passengers. The new hybrid DART 5 car train has a seated capacity of 208 and 2
wheelchairs and a standing capacity of 428 and 2 bicycle storage areas so a total of 636 passengers.’
Cllr Johnston stated that alternatives will need to be found to accommodate the increasing population in the area serviced by the Norther Commuter Rail Line. “It is obvious that further extensions of the direct bus services will be required to meet the demand for access to the city centre for workers along this line. Duncan and I intend to pursue this matter with the relevant authorities at national level as we cannot wait for an incident to occur due to overcrowding before action is taken,” she added.
Leithinis Star at RTÉ Céilí House
As part of launch events for Tradfest 2025 members of Leithinis CCÉ were invited to attended a recording of RTÉ Radio 1’s Céilí House in Donabate Parish Hall on January 9th.
The event was hosted by esteemed presenter Kieran Hanrahan, with guests Gerry O’Connor, Mike Hanrahan, Bernadette NicGabhann and Karan Casey supported by Dáire Ó Maoldeirg and Muireann Ní Mhaoldeirg and Leithinis Teachers Sadhb NicArtáin (Fiddle) and Iarlaith MacArtáin (Banjo & Mandolin). The show was broadcast on Jan. 11th, you can listen back to the show on the RTE Radio Website at https://www.rte.ie/radio/ radio1/clips/11686968/ day.
Kieran Hanrahan of Céilí House was presented with a painting from Fingal to honour his long involvement with Tradfest & Irish traditional music.
It was a great day for Donabate in having this event come to us in the Parish Hall. Thank you Martin Harte of Tradfest & all the team from Rte & the Parish Hall Committee.
As a reminder, the new term for traditional Irish music lessons with Leithinis starts back on Monday, January 20th. More details at https://leithinis.com/ We welcome all ages and stages. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn or relearn an instrument in a very relaxed setting.
Record Year for Lambay Sports & Athletics
LSA saw 2024 close with record membership of over 500 adult and juvenile athletes. We aim to be a club for all the community, from age 8 and upwards, in a variety of athletics disciplines. So whether you’re starting out in your athletics journey, or you are a seasoned competitor, we would love to have you join us. We have adult groups for a range of abilities and interests.
Our full Juvenile athletics training program resumed last month as athletes returned to regular sessions preparing for the upcoming indoor season. Membership fees are now due for all of our returning athletes and we look forward to working with your child in 2025.
Our weekly Juvenile training sessions are as
follows: - Monday:- S&C DPCC - athletes born 2014 (Under 12 & up)Thursday: - Thursday training at DPCC Astro Pitch 6-7 pm: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 7-8 pm: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 & Fit for Youth.
Friday - National Indoor Arena 6-7:15pm Development group training at NIA - Under 12 and up
Saturday - XC group training Meeting @ 2:30 pm at Newbridge Demesne - Under 12 and up Indoor competition kicks off with the Dublin Championships and Spraoi Games which will be held throughout January and February at the National Indoor Arena (NIA), Abbottstown. Details of all upcoming competitions were
circulated by our competition secretary through our Club social media parent groups. If your child wishes to join our club please contact our Juvenile Registrar, Jennifer Tanner @ lsajuvenilereg@ gmail.com. (please note there may be waiting lists in place for some groups.
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our Program Managers, coaches and volunteers who continue to work with our Juvenile section and make it the great success it is.
Adult memberships queries: lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com. Little Athletics and Juvenile athletes (7-18) :lsajuvenilereg@gmail.com
Little Athletics Christmas Party
T and F Live Jan 25 Compilation
Juvenile Compilation Dec 24
Little Athletics Christmas Party
Remember to take a little time out for self-care this February
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, take a little time out for some self-care this February, especially the hardworking Mammies. Being a Mam can be frazzling – especially this time of year with so many bugs and viruses knocking about and it’s not unusual for us to get run down because we’re so busy looking after everyone else. If you need an energy boost, plan some child-free ‘Me time’. Go see the new Bridget Jones movie with your girlfriends. Glam up for a date night (if you need a new dress, get 30% off with Code MAMS30 at www.mykindofdress. com). Or treat yourself to a pamper night at home…. light a scented candle, soak in relaxing Green Angel bath salts, moisturise with gorgeous mango Ziaja body mousse, then wrap up in snuggly pj’s to watch a movie with a tub of icecream! A little self-indulgence goes a long way!
Looking for clever Valentine’s gift idea for busy Mammies? How about some delicious coffee?! Life is too short to drink bad coffee which is why we love award winning Irish brand Artessa Coffee. They roast the most delicious beans – I personally love their Smooth and
Lounge blends, while my hubby favours their Nina & Temptation blends. See https://artessa.ie/ Love cosy, comfy casual wear? Irish brand Human Collective have perfect transitional pieces for springtime. From slouchy jumpers to leggings to fleece lined hoodies. Perfect for women & men who like to be warm and comfy on the go. With a store in Stephens Green SC and online store https:// wearehumancollective.com/ they have a brill range and great sale on atm!
As the daffodils start peeking through and days get longer, it’s a great time for a mini break. For kids midterm, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is brilliant. Delicious food, spacious rooms, swimming pool and lots of activities, including walking trails, bike rentals and Skypark nearby. For couples, there are special Valentine’s packages available to romance things up! Carlingford is such a gorgeous spot to explore with quaint cafes, cute shops, the old castle ruins and you can hop on the Carlingford ferry too. See Four Seasons Carlingford special offers here https:// www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/ word.
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Across
1. A reminder of a spider. (6)
5. Day of rest and worship. (6)
10. Practice sessions. (3,4)
11. Persons authorised to practise the legal profession. (7)
12. Drinks daintily. (4)
13. Command for a dog to go and get it. (5)
15. Car for hire. (4)
17. The shorter of the two signals used in Morse code. (3)
19. Australian marsupial, you can play it. (6)
21. Towels at the bottom. (6)
22. A military withdrawal to a place of peace and quiet. (7)
23. The season preceding Christmas. (6)
25. A golf hole with a sharp angle in the fairway. (3-3)
28. The residue left when something is burned. (3)
30. Change your location from one place to another. (4)
31. Legally, put counterfeit money into circulation. (5)
32. The bad guys in “Lord of the Rings.” (4)
35. Ease pain, save from ruin or destruction. (7)
36. A conveyance that transports people or object. (7)
37. Morally bad or wrong. (6)
38. Goad by constant criticism. (6)
Down
2. Mount of the Greek gods. (7)
3. Thrash or defeat, (Amer. Slang) (4)
4. Play music in a public place and solicit money for it. (6)
5. Pick out or choose from a number of alternatives. (6)
6. Information about events. (4)
7. Around the middle quality or ability. (7)
8. All things considered it makes sense. (4,2)
9. Give help, be of service. (6)
14. Some who travels for pleasure. (7)
16. Favours for people, short theatrical performances. (5)
18. Machine which converts energy into mechanical energy. (5)
20. Came together. (3)
21. A familiar term of address to a boy. (3)
23. Look up to. (6)
24. Italian baroque composer and violinist. (7)
26. Suitable for singing. (7)
27. Breathed noisily, as if exhausted. (6)
28. Be present at a meeting. (6)
29. The abode of God. (6)
33. Piece of office furniture. (4)
34. A case from which playing cards are dealt one at a time. (4)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
