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A New Year Dawns in Fingal

Local News

As the clock strikes midnight and the echoes of fireworks can be heard along the coast, Fingal steps once again into a New Year — a population rooted in history, shaped by community, celebrate optimistically about what lies ahead. Fingal is a place of contrasts. Ancient castles sit beside new housing estates; farmland meets data centres and runways; fishing boats share the horizon with early-morning commuters and the New Year invites us to reflect on how these contrasts can become strengths rather than tensions. The past year has not been without challenge. Housing pressures, cost-of-living concerns, traffic congestion and climate change are not abstract issues here — they are felt in school queues, bus stops and family kitchens across the county. Yet Fingal has also shown resilience. Community groups have stepped up, volunteers have looked out for neighbours, and local businesses have adapted with determination and creativity. A New Year is more than a calendar change; it is a moment of collective pause. It asks what kind of county we want Fingal to be. Can we grow without losing our character? Can development serve communities rather than overwhelm them? Can we protect our coastline, parks and farmland while providing opportunity for the next generation? There is reason for hope. Investment in active travel, green spaces and town renewal signals a shift toward more sustainable living. Cultural events, sports clubs and libraries continue to bind communities together. Fingal’s young people — diverse, ambitious and outspoken — are demanding a future that is fairer and greener, and they deserve to be heard. As 1st January breaks, perhaps on a bracing walk along Portmarnock beach or a quiet moment in the Dublin Mountains foothills, Fingal residents can take pride in where they live. The New Year will bring its uncertainties, but it also brings possibility. If Fingal can meet the coming year with the same sense of community that has carried it through the last, then 2025 can be not just a new chapter, but a better one — written together, from coast to countryside.

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Local News

Fr Pat & The Parish Hall a Tribute Father Pat Reilly our Parish Priest passed away suddenly in November. The Parish was shocked and saddened by the loss of a very good man who served us all so well. He was kind and caring as many in need can testify too. In relation to the Parish Hall, we owe him a debt of gratitude for his vision, support and encouragement in the restoration of the Parish Hall. Without his approval it could not have happened. There are many Parish Halls that were not restored & refurbished and in fact some were closed.

Our Parish Hall is now a very suitable, warm inviting place for the many varied community, cultural & wellbeing activities & events that take place in it throughout the year. Every use of the Parish Hall will be one of the many remembrances of Fr Pat’s contribution to this community. It is a wonderful thing to leave a good legacy. The Parish Office wishes a very happy & healthy New Year to all who live in our community. If you need to contact the Parish Office for any information, please call 01 8434574 any weekday morning.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Christmas Dinner On the 9th December last, undeterred by Storm Bram, a group of volunteers from Donabate and Portrane Meals on Wheels met in the Shoreline Hotel for a Christmas dinner. We were delighted that Mandy and Donna, our chef angels from St Ita’s catering could join us and have dinner served up to them for a change! We had a lovely evening, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and had time to renew old acquaintances and meet new members. A big THANK YOU to our generous sponsors SuperValu and Glenveagh Properties, and to the Shoreline for looking after us so well. As our community is growing rapidly it is going to be necessary to have two delivery groups for the Donabate area. Would you like to give something back and volunteer as a Meals on Wheels driver ? We are seeking friendly and

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Local News

Men’s Shed Wishes All A Happy New Year

Men’s Shed visit to Dublin Castle

Men’s Shed meeting with Irene Igiebor (Empower Fingal)

Men’s Shed Christmas dinner & sing-song in Keeling’s

Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed recently had a very informative and useful meeting with Irene Igiebor from Empower Fingal, the outcome of which was an application for a grant to purchase exercise equipment for our weekly classes. A big thanks to Irene and to Rafe Costigan, our FCC Community Officer, who put her in touch with us. As reported last month, Men’s Shed members had a fascinating tour of Dublin Castle in November and we now have the photos to prove it. We also had our annual Christmas dinner and sing-song in Keeling’s in early December, an enjoyable night out for all with great food and even better music, appreciated even by Keeling’s other patrons. Last month was a busy time for Gerry and the Plonkers, the Men’s Shed

music group, with concerts in Donabate Parish Hall and in St. Michael’s in Ballymun for their Christmas party and fund-raiser. This was the Plonkers’ third Christmas gig for St Michael’s. As before, it was a wonderful event with a very appreciative audience, enjoyed by all, especially the band. The Men’s Shed is preparing for the year ahead. Along with our regular weekly activities, plans are advancing for outings to Dublin Docklands and to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. So, if you, or someone near to you, would like to join us, please call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316. Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed wishes a peaceful and healthy New Year to all in our community and a big thank you for all your support over the past year.

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Finance

Positive Changes That Actually Benefit You By Dave Kavanagh Here we are again at that time of year when, after possible excesses over the festive period, many people embark on making some positive changes or improvements in their lives. The most recognisable of these is the “losing weight/ getting healthier” one. To give people more of an incentive to maintain what they start, it’s worth noting that if done properly, losing weight can have the added bonus of leaving you with more money at the end of each month. So how does that work?? Well, by “doing it properly” I refer to NOT going on a diet, or buying products with magic properties that will make the weight just fall off. Instead, making small, sustainable lifestyle changes. It can be adding some exercise in week 1, drinking more water (and less alcohol/ sugar laden drinks) in week 2, reducing portion sizes in week 3, substituting things like chips for wholegrain rice or pasta in week 4, breaking the association of biscuits/cakes whenever you have a coffee or tea in week 5, etc., etc. Doing it this way, makes it sustainable and when weight is dropped slower over a longer period of time, it is far more likely to be kept off. So how does that help your finances? When I analyse people’s spending budgets, it’s clear that takeaways, alcohol, sweets, cakes biscuits etc. pop up quite frequently. If you keep

track of the savings when you cut down on many of these things, it’s easy to see how much you can save. One person I was helping used to enjoy her “treat” of a chocolate eclair most days. When she accepted that she felt bad after eating it and conceded that it was not helping her goal to lose weight, I suggested it was more of a punishment than a treat. I proposed that she put the money into a jar each day and when there was enough, to treat herself to a back massage, which can positively reinforce the good changes someone has made. Make the right choices, one day at a time. In addition, keeping these positive changes going, can actually let you save enough to pay for the following Christmas. 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.

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Feature

Getting into the New Year spirit!

Hello 2026!! Yes, it’s January and its cold and dreary but hey, why not try and plan something nice for yourself to look forward to. Our daughter is heading off skiing so we have been trawling the postChristmas sales nabbing ski bargains for her. Regatta has a great selection online and in stores and Dare2B.ie is brilliant for ski gear and essentials. They currently have a huge sale on which is helpful for the parents who are paying for these ski trips!!! An important thing you might not think about when skiing is sunscreen – it is so important to wear it on the slopes, the reflection of the snow against the sun can cause major sunburn and it’s best to have a really strong sunscreen. We love Elave SPF50, made in Ireland it is very effective and kind to sensitive skin. If you are not jetting off to hit the slopes, or lucky enough to going on a winter holiday, then try to do something nice for yourself. It can be a small thing, like booking in for a haircut or a massage or even sneaking off for a walk, coffee and

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glossy magazine by yourself. I like to relax in a bubble bath with a magazine and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine. If it means I can go 30 minutes without someone calling ‘Mam’ then that’s good enough for me! If you do feel like a mini break to break the January blues, Farnham Estate in Cavan has great winter breaks offers. Their outdoor pool is open all year round and is amazing! If you like to spend some time in Dublin, it can be tricky finding a nice hotel at a good price, so we usually check into Bracken Court and then hop on the train or bus into Dublin. It’s only 30 mins on the train. There are lots of cool events on in January including family friendly show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The National Concert Hall. Book at www.nch.ie For some lovely new year competitions, go to www.mams.ie and follow our socials where we’ll be doing giveaways and offers to help chase away the January blues!

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Fingal News

Fingal County Council awarded CPD accreditation for another three years Fingal County Council has been re-certified as an Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer for the maximum duration of three years. The award recognises Fingal’s ongoing commitment to continuous professional development systems and practices for its staff. The Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer Standard is a strategic framework which enables engineers and engineering employers raise competency levels and deliver tangible business benefits by investing in engineers through continuing professional development. Welcoming the re-certification Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “We are very proud to have been recognised as a CPD Accredited Employer for a further three years, the maximum duration that can be awarded. Fingal County Council is a vibrant and dynamic place to work, and we are committed to ensuring our employees have the tools they need to succeed. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all involved”. Fingal County Council has over 70 engineers who work in a wide variety of services across the county. This includes staff operating in the areas of housing, transport, active travel, public infrastructure, water, and environment. Examples of major projects being carried out include Culture House, Swords, and the new Ongar to Barnhill Road. Senior Engineer and chair of the CPD

Committee at Fingal County Council, Colin Gallagher said: “The Fingal County Council CPD Committee provides clear and strong leadership promoting an inclusive CPD culture for the benefit and development of all our Engineers. The Committee has worked tirelessly to assist with the continuous skills development of Fingal’s Engineers, providing an excellent

active and dynamic resource for innovatively improving the Engineering roles and areas of expertise that are managed and performed so well here in Fingal. The emphasis on Continuing Professional Development of Engineers ensures that the Council is future-proofed to cope with any challenging obstacles that may arise in the future”.

Donabate community let down again – No Primary Care Centre Donabate / Portrane Labour Party Local Area Representative Corina Johnston said; ”over the last few years Duncan Smith TD and I as well as other public representatives have been campaigning for a much needed Primary Care Centre in Donabate. In April this year the HSE confirmed to us that following a tender process a preferred operator and site had been selected and approval to proceed was being sought. In July this year the HSE confirmed that approval to proceed would be sought from the outstanding stakeholders once all recommendations to proceed were received. Duncan and I are appalled to have received an update from the HSE to our recent representations confirming that a U TURN has taken place and this much needed facility will NOT be going ahead “as value for money for public funds has not been demonstrated.” ”We believe the purpose of Primary Care Centres is to provide accessible, integrated 10

DONABATE LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Health and Social Care Services in the community with a focus on early intervention and community based treatment, to support vulnerable groups and reduce hospital pressure. It is totally unacceptable that Donabate with the population to grow to 20,000 in the next few years will now not have a Primary Care Centre to provide much needed care services. The people of Donabate have been let down again and again with broken promises by this government on the provision of much needed facilities and basic infrastructure. While welcoming the provision of a Primary Care Centre in Swords this will not cater for the needs of the growing Donabate community. “ Johnston concluded; ”Duncan and I intend to raise this matter with the Minister for Health and arising from which we will be arranging an early public meeting in the New Year to discuss this and other infrastructural issues. It is important the people of Donabate make a stand on these issues.”

Feature

Meet Boomer, Ireland’s only dual-certified search and rescue dog An interview with a Mountain Rescue Volunteer and his search and rescue dog, Boomer.

By Erica Elliott Thirty years ago, Swords man Joe Egan began volunteering with the Dublin Mountain Rescue Team, training with a dog unit, and working independently on site. One day they were in Wales, and while they were recertifying the dogs for live victims, nearby cadaver training was going on. Joe recounts this moment speaking of Boomer, his search and rescue dog, “finding the bait before the dogs that were supposed to find it”. This was not something that had crossed his mind, he tells me. In fact he says it “was just by chance we found he was good at the dual work”. Boomer is the only dog in the country that’s certified to search and rescue live and dead victims, and the training process is extensive as it’s difficult to train them once they go over a year. “The first thing he has to do is speak. You get him to speak on command, then you have to train him with livestock, and he has to be able to both sit and stand, so if I find someone that’s injured I’ll be able to treat them without him”. He tells me training a dog for dual work can be “confusing for the dog”. “It’s not something I would set out to do”, he says. “I have to be careful that if the person that’s missing is still walking around, that he can pick up on the fact that I have to find every person. But to see him when he works, he’s so laid back and chilled. Other dogs run frantically around looking for the scent and that’s the way they’re trained to work. He just walks along really slowly, methodically”, he comments. “I can read him like a book. So if you’re walking with me, I’m not looking at you. I have to watch him, every move he makes, and when he makes that turn, that’s it, he’s gone”. When Boomer makes a strike, “he bolts”, he says. He goes to the person or the body, identifies it, and comes all the way back to him. This could be hundreds of metres away depending on the conditions of the weather and terrain. “He comes back and barks at me. That’s how he speaks”, he adds. “He lets out a loud speak and that indicates to me that he has found somebody, and I say show me, and he goes back to them and I follow him and he shows me exactly where they are”. “That’s what you get after two years of training. It’s a continuous tough two years for the handler, meanwhile the whole time the dog thinks it’s just a game”. As for the training process for him. To train with the Dublin Mountain Rescue Team,

Handler Joe Egan picrued with Boomer the Search & Rescue dog

“originally you have to be a team member to train with the dogs team”, he says. As well as having navigational skills, first aid skills, and rope and rescue training. But once they find the people, they have to treat them. “If they’re injured, we assess them, we get the appropriate first aid up to them , up to and including helicopter evacuation, depending on injuries. Some people are just lost, some people are just lost and injured. With modern technology, the search engine sometimes can be quicker, they can send sire locking. We sent you a notification on your phone, and you respond to it and it pinpoints it. So that’s just a modern take. It saves the dogs, it saves the drones”, he tells me. “If the batteries are dead or there’s no coverage, it’s not going to work. So if someone is lost on a particular mountain, the quickest way to find them with no technology is the dog”. After thirty years, he says technology has advanced helping Dublin Mountain Rescue, and that they are soon to acquire a base. “It’s evolved completely. Yeah, completely evolved with technology. We were flying in the helicopter there two weeks ago”, he responds. “If there’s someone lost on top of the mountain, rather than me walking up the mountain, they can fly us up to the top, deploy us from the top. and that could include coming out on the rope. If they

can’t land a helicopter they have to put us out on the rope and hang us down. So we haven’t done that yet but we’re hoping to train him”. Boomer is trained to walk off lead, not only while he’s working, but on a day-to-day basis. However there are times where this is not the case. “He’s on a lead right near the start or the end of a search. Because when you go to a search base, maybe the car park, the entrance into a forest or wherever it is. There could be press around, there’s always someone with a camera. If another dog was aggressive towards him and I’m dressed in rescue gear and he has his search jacket, it looks bad if I haven’t got control of him. And if someone walks away with a German Shepherd, I just lose control of him. He loves German Shepherds. So I keep him on the lead for that reason, and the family might be distressed waiting on their loved ones” he says. “Because we set up our own dog unit, we had to find an assessor and the assessors we get are in Wales. So we travel to Wales for training and assessments and they come over here as well”. Joe tells me they’ll soon be returning to Wales at the end of November for cadaver training, at the place where they first made their discovery. Erica Elliott, from Swords, Co. Dublin is a final year Journalism student studying in DCU

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With Susan

Managing Stress & Insomnia with Traditional Chinese Medicine Stress and insomnia often go hand in hand, forming a cycle that can be difficult to break. When the mind is overactive and the body tense, restful sleep becomes elusive. Over time, poor sleep further heightens stress, leading to fatigue, irritability, and lowered resilience. Chinese medicine and acupuncture offer a holistic path toward restoring peace, balance, and rest naturally. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress and insomnia are interpreted as signs that the body’s energy, or Qi, is out of harmony. The Heart, which houses the Shen or spirit, plays a central role in sleep and emotional health. When the Heart is disturbed by excessive worry or emotional agitation, the Shen cannot settle, causing the mind to remain restless at night.

The Liver, too, is vital because it regulates the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Stress or frustration may cause Liver Qi to stagnate, showing up as tension, irritability, or disrupted sleep. Acupuncture helps restore balance by gently guiding the body back to its natural rhythms. Very fine needles are inserted at specific points to release blocked energy and calm the nervous system. Common points such as Shen-men, Yin Tang, and Anmian are often chosen to ease anxiety and encourage restful sleep. The experience of acupuncture itself can be soothing, as it lowers stress hormones, slows the heart rate, and promotes a deep state of relaxation. With consistent treatment, many people find that their mood steadies and their sleep gradually becomes deeper and more refreshing. Herbal medicine often complements acupuncture. Chinese herbal formulas are carefully tailored to each person’s unique pattern of imbalance. For those whose stress causes restlessness and irritability, herbs that nourish Yin and calm the Heart, such as Suan Zao Ren, may be included

under a qualified practitioners guidance . When overthinking and fatigue are the main issues, herbs that strengthen the Spleen and replenish Qi help restore emotional and physical stability. Over time, herbal therapy supports the body’s ability to maintain balance naturally, reducing both tension and sleeplessness. Lifestyle adjustments also play a vital role. Chinese medicine encourages gentle daily routines that promote calmness and even energy flow. Practices such as qi gong, tai chi, or mindful breathing can help release stress and centre the mind. Eating warm, nourishing foods, avoiding caffeine late in the evening, alcohol, heavy or spicy meals late at night, and creating a peaceful bedtime environment all support healthy sleep patterns. The true goal of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is harmony—where body, mind, and spirit move together in balance. When stress is eased and Qi flows freely, sleep returns not as a struggle but as a natural rhythm of rest and renewal.

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Local News

Come Play along with Donabate Portrane Leithinis

These photos are from the Donabate Portrane Leithinis most recent play along session which is held every second Friday in the parish hall in Donabate. Everyone is welcome to come and play.

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WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! 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 month. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck Down Across 2. Hangs around aimlessly. (7) 3. Metal fastener. (4) outpatients. (6) 4. Hot drink made from roasted 5. The capital of Lebanon. (6) beans. (6) 10. Court official. (7) 5. Famous Hungarian composer. (6) 11. Tool for tennis. (7) 6. Imperial measurement. (4) 12. Irish dance. (4) 7. Rare and strange. (7) 13. The man for a fable. (5) 8. The King of the Fairies. (6) 15. Caribbean Socialist republic. (4) 9. A narrow channel linking two 17. Large deer. (3) larder bodies of water. (6) 19. Settle snugly and comfortably. (6) 14. Gracefully thin. (7) 21. The paper used to vote. (6) 16. Where Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie died. (5) 22. Withdraw assistance when it is 18. Devoid of freshness or originality. needed. (7) 23. Self-confident assurance, poise. (5) 20. The movement of the tide out to (6) sea. (3) 25. Cowboy of the pampas. (6) 21. Turf provider. (3) 28. Church bench. (3) 23. Ireland’s largest island. (6) 30. Break into someone’s computer. 24. The sugar in milk. (7) (4) 26. It’s used as a moth repellent. (7) 31. Lowest rank in British nobility. 27. A strong protest or objection. (6) (5) 28. Walk with bare feet in shallow 32. Leave out. (4) water. (6) 35. Mr. Bloom’s first name. (7) 29. Sway unsteadily. (6) 36. To talk nonsense. (7) 33. Percussion instrument and medal. (4) 37. Small and sturdy hunting dog. 34. A young sheep. (4) (6) 1. Hospital department for

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