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Community Coming Together for Christmas
As the crisp November air settles over Fingal, locals in the towns and villages begin to glow with anticipation for the festive season. From the bustling streets of Swords and Balbriggan to picturesque Malahide, Donabate, Rush&Lusk, local businesses and community groups are already gearing up to make this Christmas one to remember.
In towns across Fingal, shopfronts are dressing up with twinkling lights, while markets and craft fairs offer the perfect opportunity to find locally made gifts. Supporting these local traders not only keeps the area’s economy thriving but also strengthens the sense of community that makes Fingal so special.
November is also a time for connection and giving back. Fingal County Council and local community centres host a variety of volunteer and charity initiatives — from food bank collections to Christmas tree planting and tidy-town efforts. Residents are encouraged to get involved, whether by joining a local clean-up, helping decorate village greens, or donating to local causes.
Cultural events add extra sparkle, with choir performances, winter markets, and family-friendly gatherings filling calendars throughout the month. Libraries and arts centres across Fingal also offer festive workshops, story times, and craft sessions, bringing people together in creativity and celebration.
As Fingal prepares for Christmas, the focus remains on community spirit — on neighbours supporting one another, businesses helping local causes, and everyone doing their part to make the season bright. November in Fingal is more than just a prelude to Christmas; it’s a reminder that the heart of the holidays lies in coming together.
The Locals Team
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All eyes on Through the Lens Photographic Club Calendar 2026
It’s that time of the year again when the Through the Lens calendar will be going on sale. We will be starting sales at our annual photo exhibition in the Parish Hall on the 15th & 16th November. This year we are delighted to be supporting a very worthy cause, the Donabate Special Olympics group who are working hard towards competing in the Irish
Special Olympics in Dublin and Meath next year (18th to 21st June). So far 16 athletes have been selected to take part with hopes for a few more. They train in the disciplines of basketball, equestrian, gymnastics, athletics and young athletes, all of which are ongoing not just for the Olympics. It costs over €500 to send
each athlete, with their chaperones to the Irish Games so you can understand that some serious fund-raising needs to be done. Through the Lens are really happy to be able to help in some way with our calendar sales which we will share with the Donabate Special Olympics. So please remember folks the more we sell the more we can help.
Getting ready for winter!
November is a great time for a clear out and Oxigen has a wide range of skips for getting rid of old Halloween decorations, junk from around the house, and debris from the garden. Ideal for getting your home Christmas decorating ready.
Small accessories like lamps, decorative cushions and rugs can transform a room and we’re very impressed with the colourfully decorative rugs from RugShop.ie An Irish company, they have a huge range of rugs and underlays. We got new rugs for our daughters’ bedrooms and the quality is exceptional. The underlays are brilliant too. The old rugs got bunched up and stuck in the vacuum and under beds but these new ones are gorgeous, and they stay put, ensuring no slipping and sliding! Check them out at www.rugshop.ie
Did you know The Gem Treatery in Balbriggan is not just an ice cream shop? They have delicious coffee, pancakes, crepes, sandwiches. Download their QR code to get every 10th coffee free. Enjoy their weekly parent & baby mornings. Their gift vouchers make excellent gifts for Christmas, perfect for treating teachers!
Adventure Light at Skypark is now open for 2025! Discover the maze, see the dazzling light displays, toast smores and enjoy a fabulous family
night out. Book at www.skypark.ie
Wicklow on Ice, the spectacular ice rink at Avondale House opens 14th November and bookings are now open. You can also enjoy twinkly tree top walks at Avondale, a beautiful location for making family memories
Looking for ideas for Christmas party night ideas? Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan is now taking bookings for their wonderful party packages and fab festive menu.
Thinking of a winter mini break? Farnham Estate in Cavan is glorious at this time of year – the warm outdoor pool in wintertime is truly special. Their gift vouchers are wonderful for Christmas.
Kids illnesses are rampant at this time of year, and we recommend Tonstix; lollipops kids suck to soothe their sore throats. So clever, so easy and they’re an Irish brand too! See www.tonstix,com
For adults, Sentro Labs customers can save 20% on every order of gut and immune support supplements and get free delivery. Use code MAMS15 for an additional 15% off the first subscription. See https://www.sentrolabs.com/ collections/bundle-save
Stay well this winter!
Parish Hall Pop up Events
Recently, the new Donabate Town Team launched the Donabate Town Centre First Health Check Plan in Donabate Parish Hall. The Town Team, along with FCC, aims to make Donabate’s town centre a more viable, vibrant, and attractive place to live, work, socialise, and do business.
In September 2024, local residents, community groups, business owners and other stakeholders in Donabate worked with Fingal County Council’s Town Regeneration Office to create a 15-point Action Plan to help guide the future development of the town centre. The actions covered public realm improvements, tourism, better use of existing infrastructure, future strategic planning, placemaking, and arts, heritage and culture.
Earlier in March 2024, the Donabate Portrane Liaison Group produced the Donabate Framework Plan in consultation with the local Community which had ideas for the centre of the village. The new Town Team, building upon these ideas, has taken on the challenge of working with
the community to deliver a rejuvenated town centre. We wish them the very best.
The launch event was organised by the Town Team committee, led by their Chairperson, Dr. Louis Gunnigan. Members of the original group and current group members attended. The Active Age for All Photography Group and friends put on a great display of photographs of Donabate Village - Town Centre then and now.
Present on the day also was the Lord Mayor, Tom O’Leary, and FCC officials John Quinlivan and Declan Ryan along with our Community Officer Rafe Costigan. Local Councillors Corina Johnson and Eoghan Dockrell and Fr. Pat Reilly PP were also present at the event.
A very different event took place recently in the Parish Hall. Indie-folk band ‘Djouce’ has been hard at work on a new project called “Change & Continuity”, supported by Fingal Arts Office. Over the past few months, the band has been writing and recording right
here in Donabate and Portrane, creating four new songs on the topics of folklore, change, community and the future of the peninsula.
They recently gave the community a sneak peek with a performance in The Brook Pub, and followed it up with a recording session in The Parish Hall. Each of the songs will be released over the coming months, and the full film of the project is planned for Spring 2026.
Again, we wish our local musician Denis Cahill and his group the very best. djouceband@gmail.com
Our community is expanding and the Parish Hall is working hard to meet some of their needs as best as possible, with additional Daily Activities and Block Events. In the first few weekends in November, Through the Lens Photography Group will have a photography exhibition and Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society will perform a play, neither to be missed.
If you have any queries please contact the Parish Office on 01 8434574
Lord Mayor Tom O’Leary & Fr Pat Reilly
Attendees at Launch of Town Team Plan
Donabate Parish Hall Town Team Launch
Declan Ryan FCC, Lord Mayor Tom O’Leary & Dr Louis Gunnigan Chairperson of the Town Team Group
Attendees at the Town Team Launch including FCC Councillors & Officials, current & past members of the Town Team Group
Djouce pictured during their recording session
Small Benefit Exemption For Your Staff
By Dave Kavanagh
From 1st January 2025, employers can provide up to five, small, non-cash benefits per employee per year, with a combined value of up to €1,500, free of PAYE, PRSI and USC. To qualify, benefits must not be in cash, must not be redeemable (in part or full) for cash, and must be something used to buy goods or services.
So, what type of options/cards qualify to be used for this? Store-specific or multi-store gift vouchers/cards that are used to buy goods/ services and cannot be exchanged for cash. E.g. a gift card for a department store, or supermarket, or a retailer. Closed-loop gift cards (cards valid in certain stores or groups of stores) used only to purchase goods/services. Tangible non-cash gifts (e.g. objects, hampers, items) which are similar in value to vouchers, again provided they are used to buy goods/services or are themselves goods. Non-cash benefit cards such as gift cards that are structured so that they are not redeemable for cash or usable like a debit card with direct cash extraction capability.
Options that do not qualify include cards that are redeemable for cash (or partially usable as cash). For example, any gift or “card” that allows the holder to withdraw cash, or exchange for cash. Prepaid debit cards or “spend anywhere” cards if their terms allow the card to be used like
cash / cash-equivalent (e.g. ATM withdrawals etc.). If the card is effectively redeemable for or convertible into cash, the revenue rules treat it as a cash benefit and it loses the exemption. Any bonus or benefit provided via payroll or via salary sacrifice. These must be provided outside payroll and not deducted from salary.
With the recent budget not being exceptionally generous to workers, this is a great way to both reward employees without having to tax them further and also benefit employers as gifts are tax deductible.
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.
Mens’ Shed Prepares for an Active Winter
The arrival of winter hasn’t slowed the activities of Donabate Portrane Shed. After a bumper crop this autumn, the plots at Turvey Allotments are being prepared for the winter with a major clean-up. But time is also being found to plant winter crops of onions, sprouts and even winter lettuce.
The Men’s Shed music group, Gerry and the Plonkers, has also been busy, with several gigs in October. They started the month with a concert for the lovely people - carers and service
users - at the BASE Community Centre in Mulhuddart and a couple of days later for Lusk Seniors’ coffee morning in the Community Cottage. They finished the month by playing at the Active Age for All 10th anniversary celebrations in the Shoreline Hotel. In midNovember, the Plonkers will be providing the entertainment at a Men’s Day organised by the Irish Men’s Shed Association in Donabate Portrane Community Centre and at the St Michael’s House Christmas fundraiser in
mid-December.
As the winter approaches, the Men’s’ shed is organising some outings for the group, starting with a visit to Dublin Castle towards the end of November. We will also be continuing our regular weekly activities, exercises classes, croquet at Newbridge House and Thursday morning get-together for tea/ coffee and a chat. So, if you, or a loved one, would like to join us, please call Jim on 0863694326.
CommunityLocals.ie
Plonkers at Malahide Castle
Hard work at Turvey Allotments
Plonkers and DAA volunteer construction crew at Donabate Portrane Community Centre
Plonkers take a break at Lusk Memory Café
DONABATE PORTRANE DRAMATIC SOCIETY PRESENTS “WIFE AFTER DEATH” BY ERIC CHAPPELL
Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society is delighted to announce the upcoming performances of the comedy “Wife after Death” by Eric Chappell, from the 6th to the 8th of November 2025 at 8PM in Donabate Parish Hall. Hopefully you won’t laugh yourself to death at this reprehensibly irreverent story of finding out, and falling out, but we give no guarantees!
DIRECTED BY PAUL KEOGH, The story begins with the funeral of comedian, TV personality and National Treasure, Dave Thursby. Dave’s glamorous widow has arranged a ceremonial to remember, complete with horsedrawn hearse and an attendant dog. A mystery female guest arrives, dressed in a flamboyant
outfit, and upsets the proceedings with a devastating announcement.
As the days progress other revelations come out of the woodwork and friends and colleagues begin to realise that they really didn’t know Dave at all!
The cast are: Karen Parker as Laura, Claire Humphreys as Kay, Jill Murray as Jane, Marissa Magner as Vi, Dave Costello as Kevin, and Paul Keogh as Harvey.
Performances will be in Donabate Parish Hall on Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th at 8PM
Tickets are €12 per person and can be
purchased online on TicketSource.eu or at the door.
Donabate Dramatic Society is also extending an invitation to all people in the community to become patrons of the society and support the local arts. The annual fee for patronage is €60 per person, and it includes two tickets for to their biannual productions along with light refreshments.
If you want to become a member or a patron of DPDS do not hesitate to contact donabateportrane.drama@gmail.com. And don’t forget to follow Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society on Facebook and Instagram!
Johnston welcomes additional 33D Bus Service
Cllr Corina Johnston and Duncan Smith TD have welcomed the announcement by Dublin Bus that it intends to commence an additional 33D direct return express bus service from Portrane to Dublin City Centre on 28th September next. Johnston said; ”over the last 2 years Duncan Smith TD and I have been campaigning for an additional 33D Bus Service following representations received from commuters. Many commuters who frequent this service on a regular basis highlighted the need for an additional bus service as the current bus is full to capacity on a regular basis with many commuters standing. Despite our many representations the NTA and Dublin Bus refused to provide an additional service on this route. Last year we provided statistics of daily capacity on the current service with the assistance of commuters which we then provided to the NTA and Dublin Bus. We were delighted to be informed in November last year
Donate to Save a Life with Donabate/ Portrane Community First Responders
The Donabate/Portrane Community First Responder team has been active for over two and a half years, responding to lifethreatening emergencies within both communities.
All members are volunteers and rely entirely on donations to purchase additional defibrillators— both for responders and for public access points across Donabate and
Portrane.
The group is currently exploring new ways to raise funds for this vital equipment. One of the latest initiatives is a poster campaign featuring a QR code that makes it quick and easy for people to donate. These posters will be displayed in local shop windows, in the hopes to encourage more residents to contribute.
that Dublin Bus intended to provide an additional bus service this year. At a recent meeting with the CEO of Dublin Bus, on this and other issues, Duncan was informed that an additional 33D express Bus Service would commence on 28th September next”
Johnston concluded; “while welcoming this additional return direct bus service from Portrane to the City Centre, I believe that additional express bus services will be required to meet the additional demand as the population continues to grow. Notwithstanding the recent publicity in respect of proposals to introduce new hybrid trains on the Northern Commuter Line in 2026, and proposals to extend the DART to Drogheda, I understand there will be limited capacity increases for commuters at peak times. We intend to vigorously pursue this issue and will keep you informed of developments.
New Town Team announced for Donabate
To help drive improvements in Donabate, Fingal County Council has announced the establishment of a new Town Team and launched the Donabate Town Centre First Health Check Plan. Together, they aim to make Donabate’s town centre a more viable, vibrant, and attractive place to live, work, socialise, and do business.
The Town Centre First policy is a major crossgovernment policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. It advocates for a holistic, placebased approach to sustainable urban and rural development.
In September 2024, local residents, community groups, business owners, and other stakeholders in Donabate worked with Fingal County Council’s Town Regeneration Office to create a 15-point Action Plan to help guide the future of the town centre. The actions cover public realm improvements, tourism, better use of
existing infrastructure, future strategic planning, placemaking, and arts, heritage and culture.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O Leary, said: “This Health Check has been made possible only by the time and energy given by the Town Team and others. Many local community groups, stakeholders, businesses and residents have shown their commitment to improve the town centre of Donabate by participating in through this process that benefits their town and all its residents.”
A Town Team has been established in Donabate chaired by Dr. Louis Gunnigan PhD, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building. Speaking at the launch Dr. Gunnigan thanked those who have given of their time to date to set up a Town Team and prepare a plan for the town: “The new Town Team is up and running and is making progress already with applications for funding for some of the actions identified.”
John Quinlivan, Director of Services for Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development in Fingal County Council added: “I welcome the establishment of a new Town Team and commit Fingal County Council’s ongoing support to the delivery of the Health Check Plan.”
Declan Ryan, Town Regeneration Officer for Fingal County Council commented: “I wish to thank the new Town Team and all those who participated in the capacity building workshops. The Town Regeneration Team in Fingal County Council will support, where possible, the work and ambition of the new Town Team.”
The Town Team are now actively seeking local volunteers who may wish to assist with the delivery of the Town Health Check plan. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact the Town Regeneration Office: townregenerationoffice@ fingal.ie
An Exciting Night Out for Parents
Get ready for a fantastic evening of music, fun, and community spirit!
Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School is delighted to host a Parents’ Night Out on Saturday, 22nd November 2025 at the beautiful Shoreline Hotel, Donabate.
The night will feature live performances from the amazing Killer Ceol and Kim Gallen, guaranteed to bring energy and entertainment throughout the evening.
Tickets are only €25 and include: Live show entertainment; Finger food buffet; Tea and coffee. Drinks will be available to purchase at the hotel bar, and don’t miss the raffle on the night with great prizes up for grabs!
This will be a wonderful way
to enjoy a night of great music and laughter while supporting our local school. Tickets are limited, so book early and join us for a truly memorable evening!
Tickets are available online— secure yours now at: https://donabate-portraneeducate-together-national-schoolpta.sumupstore.com/product/killerceol-and-kim-gallen-concert
A complimentary shuttle bus will collect guests at 8:00 PM from Donabate Church and drop everyone back at Donabate Village at 11:00 PM, courtesy of the Shoreline Hotel. This convenient service ensures a safe and easy journey to and from the event.
Thanks for helping us spread the word!
The Lark at The Irish Institute of Music & Song: Enriching the Community Through Music
In just a few short years, the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS) has transformed Balbriggan into one of Ireland’s most exciting cultural hubs. As a not-for-profit organisation, the IIMS is dedicated to making high-quality music education and experiences accessible to everyone of all ages and from beginner to professional. The mission of the IIMS is simple - to enrich lives through music while celebrating creativity, inclusion and community.
At the heart of the IIMS campus is the multi award-winning Lark Concert Hall, which was voted Ireland’s Favourite New Building of 2024.
Since opening in November 2023, The Lark has become a beacon for the arts in Fingal. Through concerts, workshops, and events, it connects local audiences with world-class performers while supporting educational programmes for local and international students.
Each year, the IIMS delivers over 100,000 hours of music tuition and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors through performances, school programmes, and community initiatives. From early-years classes and intergenerational events to the innovative Traditional Music Access
Illegal waste collectors and illegal dumping awareness campaign Launched
Fingal County Council Waste Enforcement Section has initiated a campaign to help raise awareness about illegal waste collectors and illegal dumping.
Illegal waste collectors use social media and advertising sites to offer cheap waste removal services with the waste ending up being dumped in remote areas causing environmental pollution. Every year Local Authorities spend thousands of euro on clean up costs to remove illegally dumped waste, money which could be better spent on improving public services within local communities. Before handing over your
waste, always ask for ID and to see a copy of their waste collection permit which can be checked on the National Waste Collection Permit Office website at www.nwcpo.ie. No permit, then they’re not authorised to collect waste. Don’t risk getting a €150 fine or a criminal conviction if found guilty in Court.
As part of this awareness campaign a short advert has been developed which is being shown across 5 different cinemas over these months (Swords, Balbriggan, Charlestown, Blanchardstown and Santry) to highlight the issues around illegal waste collectors and the damage that’s
caused by illegal dumping.
We all have a responsibility to manage our waste and to protect the environment for future generations. Our key aim is to encourage and educate individuals to make the right choices regarding their waste and to participate in authorised waste collection services.
If householders know of anyone offering these ‘Man in a Van’ services, please contact environment@fingal.ie or Tel: 01 8906799.
Programme, the IIMS strives for music education accessibility.
The Lark’s events play a vital role in sustaining the not-for-profit model of the IIMS, enabling income to fund community outreach, scholarships, and artist residencies. The IIMS has a vibrant vision for arts within the region, a place where music education, performance, and inclusion come together to create lasting cultural and social harmony.
www.irishinstituteofmusic.com www.thelark.ie
The videos are available on Youtube - https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=H_Hi1hhzPFE and will form part of a Social Media Campaign.
Illegal dumping is costly. It threatens our environment. Let’s all take responsibility. #StopIllegalDumping
Report Illegal Dumping Call: 01 890 5000 Email: environment@fingal.ie YOUR COUNTY. YOUR
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Across
1. Talk foolishly like water over stones. (6)
5. Container for pig feed. (6)
10. Clueless of danger. (7)
11. Accept as true. (7)
12. Title for a central Asian leader. (4)
13. Brought to a halt. finished. (5)
15. The tube of a tobacco pipe. (4)
17. Not solid nor liquid. (3)
19. Make the fugitive illegal. (6)
21. Bent so that one part covers the other. (6)
22. Exhaled abruptly from a cold. (7)
23. Picked out, selected. (6)
25. Ice cream holders. (6)
28. Provide weapons to a group. (3)
30. Not on time. (4)
31. Means of public transport. (5)
32. Relinquish possession, give over. (4)
35. Dry red Italian table wine from Tuscany. (7)
36. Abandon hope, lose heart. (7)
37. Buy back from the pawnbroker. (6)
38. A ghost, shade or spectre. (6)
Down
2. Completely unyielding in attitude. (7)
3. Boast about the card game. (4)
4. Looking at with an optic organ. (6)
5. Set of data arranged in rows and columns. (6)
6. Nocturnal birds of prey. (4)
7. Welcomed. (7)
8. Crazy European bird. (6)
9. Appeared to be. (6)
14. Gardens may cause injuries. (7)
16. Similar people in running competitions. (5)
18. Famous camera company. (5)
20. Now you came first. (3)
21. A small elite group. (3)
23. A type of coarse cloth. (6)
24. Police line around a corpse. (7)
26. Refined and tasteful, stylish. (7)
27. Cowboy cattle. (6)
28. Communication disorder. (6)
29. A field where grass is grown for making into hay. (6)
33. Hinge joint in the leg. (4)
34. Continent with 60 per cent of the world’s population. (4)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
