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Fingal is Looking Fine in Spring

While the first buds of spring have started to appear, and warm(ish) conditions have returned, Fingal as burst into a sea of wonderful green. The extra hours of daylight don’t hurt either, giving locals more time to resume a lot of their outdoor activities.

The efforts of so many people to make Fingal look so beautiful, not only for spring but all year round, can fly under our radar somewhat but we should take the time to appreciate these things that we take for granted.

There’s never a better time of year to get back into the swing of things and there are so many local sporting clubs and social groups right on our doorstep. We once again have to thank the vast number of local people who volunteer to ensure that these services are available to us.

We are constantly amazed by the sheer volume of volunteers in the many areas of Fingal that give their time and energy so selflessly to make their area’s look as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Tidy Towns groups, Men Sheds, scouting troops and so many other groups made up of local people should all be given huge praise for their work and the best praise they can be given is by their fellow residents with a simple thank you.

We simply wouldn’t have such beauty in our areas if it wasn’t for volunteers so if you have some hours to spare get in touch a local volunteer group and ask if they need help. And if you can’t give your time at least give your thanks to them when you see them on the street and show them their work is appreciated.

As a community-based magazine group we really do deeply appreciate all of our contributors and advertisers without whom the magazines would not be possible. But we also appreciate all the great work that is being done in Fingal by the community/voluntary and charitable sector.

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Memories Coming to Life for All

The Memory Cafe in Donabate is run by the Donabate/Portrane Community Centre in co-operation with Active Age for All. The cafe is held on the last Wednesday of every month from 11am to 1pm in the community centre and is always free of charge.

Memory cafes offer people with dementia and their care partners the opportunity to enjoy regular enjoyable social interaction with others in similar circumstances in a safe welcoming environment.

There are regular talks and presentations from healthcare professionals and support groups; for instance the March Memory cafe had presentations from Maria Heffernan from Healthy Eating made Easy and Mary Woods Murphy from St Francis Hospice in Raheny. Also popular is playing cards and games that promote physical co-ordination and mental acuity.

Refreshments of tea, coffee and home bakes are served and the cafe always winds up with music from local groups or musicians to enjoy and sing along with.

Consider More Than Just Life Cover

By Dave Kavanagh

At times when the topic of insurance cover comes up, it’s usually Life Cover that springs to mind. Something that pays out a sum of money in the event of death is not everyone’s favourite topic over a coffee. But other types of cover, sometimes referred to as Living Benefits, should certainly be considered by anyone that would suffer a financial loss in certain eventualities. Firstly, Income Protection. If someone cannot work due to any illness or injury and suffers a loss of income, they can be paid up to 75% of their usual salary, either until they can return to work or up to a chosen retirement age if they can never return to work. Consider what the impact would be if your current salary dropped to the current state illness benefit for a couple of years. Next, Serious Illness Cover. This pays out a tax free lump sum on diagnosis of any of the illnesses that are covered. While companies in Ireland cover approximately 50-60 different illnesses (as well as many more minor events that pay partial payments) the vast majority of claims in Ireland, are for “The Big 5”, Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Loss of Independence. The key is to get cover in place while you are relatively young and in good health, not just because there is a much higher chance of being accepted for cover but because the premiums are so much cheaper.

At present, a 29-year-old putting a convertible term plan with €250,000 life cover and €100,000 serious illness cover for a 30-year term, would cost €48.78 per month. A 49-year-old doing the same levels of cover but for only a 10-year term (both finishing at age 59) would cost €128.74 per month. Lastly, introduced in recent times is Multi Claim Protection Cover. Similar in many ways to Serious Illness Cover, this option allows people to claim for more events on a needs basis. For example, if someone has a heart attack, a percentage is paid out. If they were required to stay in hospital for a certain period, a further percentage is paid out, and again if follow up treatment is required, another payment. While everyone’s needs are different, it’s worth taking time to see what is right for you.

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.

Music Makers ‘Rock’ The Parish Hall

Recently, an Open Mic Extravaganza was held in the Parish Hall one Sunday afternoon. It was a special event organised by the Music Makers in collaboration with the Parish Hall; so, with adults present to keep an eye as minors played & sang, the 15-year-olds & upwards got a chance to perform their music, some of them for the first time!

It was all about participation - giving it a go - not about perfection; so, you could start & restart, no problem at all! They even got to have a coffee and a chat with pals and meet a few new like-minded music lovers. It was a success for all those that came and they all want more!

Fridays are music nights in the Parish Hall. Two Fridays a month Leithinis CCÉ run their Slow Sessions. They are an established group with a committee and run under Comhaltas as the umbrella organisation. The other two Fridays, Music Makers invite musicians who are over 18 come & do their thing! Under age cannot be catered for on a regular basis - only for occasional events unfortunately. A committee of adults needs to be established, or a group needs to be found as an umbrella,

so that the younger teenagers can be included in regular sessions.

At present the Parish Hall and some responsible adults keep the show on the road. So simply commitment is needed to further the Music Makers! The enjoyment and real buzz the young ones got from the afternoon was just brilliant & infectious.

It is hoped to run another special event coming into summer for all the local budding talent over 15yrs. In the meantime, if you as an adult have something to bring to the party in terms of energy, expertise, effort & enthusiasm, please do not hesitate to contact Noel (Dowling) & Seán (Collins) at this email: Musicmakersph@gmail.com

NEXT MUSIC MAKERS SESSIONSFriday 4th April, Friday 2nd May & Friday 6th June.

Leithinis Musicians Busy in their Locality

Leithinis Comhaltas played a session in SuperValu Mall on Sunday March 8th. We were delighted to have a large group of musicians, both young and old play with us on the day.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music in Ireland. Leithinis, meaning peninsula, is the name given to our local Donabate Portrane Comhaltas Branch. We run lessons for adults and children on Monday evenings in the Donabate Portrane Educate Together School on Beaverstown Road. We also host a Stay and Play Slow Session

from 7.30-8.30 on Mondays at the school. Twice a month we host a slow session in the Parish Hall, Donabate. It’s a very supportive and sociable way for adults or children to learn a new instrument, meet new people and learn a new skill.

A wonderful group of Leithinis musicians visited St. Patrick’s Boys School and Scoil Phádraig Cailiní on March 10th as part of the schools’ Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations. The children showed great musical abilities in singing and playing themselves and learned about Irish traditional instruments such as banjo,

fiddle, bodhrán, tin whistle, and button accordion. A big thank you to the teaching staff of both schools for facilitating our visit and to our members for promoting annd representing our branch so well. It’s wonderful to have a collaborative musical relationship within the community. We’ve been in contact with all the schools in Donabate and we look forward to future collaborations.

Balbriggan to Bettystown by Coast!

Last month the Peninsula Pacers did the Balbriggan to Laytown trail walking by the coast - a long walk but enjoyable with scrumptious food in the - Cottage Inn - Italian Restaurant. One can take a circular bus from Laytown to Bettystown every 15 minutes - a great service if one is on a day out!

Our next walk will be our annual city tour - this year for James Joyce & Bloomsday - details in the May edition of the magazine. Contact Carolyn or Des for further details.

Why not join us at Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed?

If you are a man who enjoys the company of other men, why not join us at Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed?

We have a variety of weekly activities, including exercise classes, croquet in Newbridge, music jam sessions and Thursday morning get-togethers from 10am to noon for tea/coffee and a chat at the Sea Scouts’ Den on Portrane Road.

We also have two plots at Turvey Allotments, which need continuous attention at this time of year. We have onions, tomatoes, garlic, cauliflower and broccoli planted, but opted out of potatoes this year, after last year’s disaster with potato blight. Perhaps with the improving weather, we can plan for coffee/tea get-togethers on the decking at one of our plots for members who don’t regularly visit the allotments.

Gerry & The Plonkers, our music group, who as their name suggests don’t take themselves too seriously, have gone from strength to strength, with frequent concerts for community groups. Recently they played at the

International Women’s Day Singalong in Parslickstown House and in Donabate Parish Hall. On both occasions, they were joined by a special guest, Edel Dempsey, on flute and whistles and received enthusiastic responses from the audiences.

In addition to these regular activities, the Men’s Shed also from time to time organise outings to places of interest. As reported last month, a group of members enjoyed a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol Museum, which is steeped in the history of Ireland from the late 18th century to the early 20th. They saw the cells where Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell and Countess Markievicz were imprisoned and the Stonebreakers’ Yard where 14 of the 1916 Rising leaders were executed. The Men’s Shed’s next planned outing is to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

We are always open to new members. So, if you or someone you know is interested in joining us, call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.

Men’s Shed at Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Gerry & The Plonkers at Parslickstown House

Plonkers Play for Paddy’s Day in Parish Hall

Last month there was a great do in the Parish Hall there was singing & dancing thanks to Gerry & the Plonkers Band, and eating delicious sambos made by Cates Cafe & drinking tea & coffee served by the Tea Team! All thanks to the Parish Hall Committee.

It is just great craic to have 6 times a year in the dark months of October, November, December, January, February & March an event like this for adults only on the Peninsula. Witness people meeting for the first time in one photo and all the folk just getting up dancing in another pure craic! We were delighted to see Louis from Active Age for All committee & Rafe from FCC our hard working Community Officer there, see the two lads chatting at the door!

Sandra, Manager from the Community Centre also came to support - her ‘Memory Cafe‘ which is just fantastic continues on the third Wednesday of

the month in one of the Studios from 11-1pm there is anything from poetry so witty … to flower arranging so creative … to singing so uplifting! & delicious refreshments generally homemade don’t miss it!

Other news Music Makers (see other article) Drama Society Play in midMay always a must & Camps in the Summer starting with Drama in early July for youth.

If you want to request a booking in the hall for daily activities & or events please call the Parish Office on 01 8434574 - the Parish Office takes all requests, wishes & wants in in mid May and in early June works on the Programme of Activities - daily or events - to produce by the end of June a Programme for the year to try to meet the needs of our ever growing community.

A very Happy Easter to all in our community.

Cllr Boland takes up seat in Rush-Lusk LEA

Labour Councillor Mark Boland is one of two new councillors who have been co-opted to Fingal County Council to help fill vacancies created in the Rush-Lusk and Castleknock Local Electoral Areas.

Labour nominated Cllr Boland to fill the new vacancy created by the departure of Kevin Humphries. He will represent the Rush-Lusk area. Endorsed by Cllr Brendan Ryan, Cllr Boland said it was a huge honour and privilege to accept a role as local councillor.

Saying that he was immensely proud to call Fingal home, Cllr Boland said that having worked within the Irish media industry for a number of decades that he has been taught the value of collaboration, creativity, perseverance, and dedication. Alongside his professional career, he said that he has been deeply involved in the community, whether that is playing, coaching, or leading local football and soccer clubs or serving on the various community committees. Becoming a Councillor in the region, he said, would allow him to help amplify the voices of the local people and help build a thriving and inclusive community.

Meanwhile, Solidarity nominated Cllr Helen Redwood following last year’s General Election that saw Deputy Ruth Coppinger move to Dáil Éireann in the Castleknock constituency. Cllr John Burtchaell supported her nomination.

Egg Hunts and Family Breaks for Easter!

If you are planning an Easter hunt, here are some clues for hiding spots you can use to make it a fun treasure hunt style game for the kids!

1. When you sit against it, its comfy but with an egg behind it, its bumpy! (Cushions on sofa)

2. We close them to keep out the light….but today behind them is an egg in sight ( behind curtains)

3. Behind the seat….is a chocolatey treat (behind the chair in living room)

4. Look behind the books….in the crannies and nooks (in a bookshelf)

5. We use them to dry the plates… today the treats inside are great (hidden in the tea-towel drawer)

6. It’s what we use for stew.…but today, it’s for chocolate too (the big stew pot)

7. This box is full of fun….but today inside are things yum (inside their toy box)

8. When the sun is in the sky, we use these to shield our eyes…..but today there’s some eggs inside (the drawer where we keep sunglasses)

9. Flowers are pretty and sweet – look in the vase for something to eat (in our dry flower arrangement)

If you’ve got teens and want to treat them to something other than chocolate this Easter, the new make-up collection from Sabrina Carpenter, ‘Sweet Tooth’ has beauty products shaped like chocolate bars. Fab treat for teens along with some yummy Easter eggs.

For Mammies, Irish brand Mervue Organic has a beautiful range of skincare including body oils, serums, as well as soy candles and diffusers which all smell amazing!

If you are planning a family break this Easter, Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan is an ideal spot. Close to buses and trains for easy access to Dublin, right beside the beach and just up the road from Flynn Park which is now open for 2025. Flynn Park is a wonderful spot for families with loads of activities both on and off the water, including paintball and the Aqua Lough!

Another fab spot for a family break is Silken Thomas in Kildare town. We’re heading down over Easter with our kids. It’s close to Irish National Stud and near Kildare Village, so all our kids will be happy! The food, music and atmosphere in Silken Thomas is fantastic – if you haven’t been, we highlight recommend!

Lambay Athletes take to the Road, Fields and Tracks

LSA members have taken to the roads in the last month with lots of our members taking part in the Lusk 4 mile Road Race and the Bohermeen Half Marathon at the start of March.

In Lusk, James Keegan was the first LSA member home in 23:42 for the 4 miles. Grace Brady was the first female in 31:30.

In County Meath the following weekend, Shane O’Farrell led the twenty seven LSA athletes home, covering the thirteen miles in 1 hour 20:18. Sinéad Kiernan was the first LSA female finisher in 1 hour 39:16.

Meanwhile, the Indoor Track and Field season continues. Our Little Athletics group had a busy day of competition at the Dublin Spraoi Games in Abbotstown. A small group of LSA Under 20 and Masters athletes competed in the Leinster Championships in Abbotstown, The following

week our Masters were back in action at the National Masters Championships in Athlone.

Masters athletes Dara Carr (W55) and Enda Gavigan (M60) took double Championships titles in the 60m and 200m at both Leinster and National Championships. Xavier Hubert (M45) claimed the Leinster High Jump title, and a second place finish in that event in Athlone

Our female relay teams claimed Gold and Bronze in the Leinster Championships and went on to mark International Women’s Day with a Bronze. We also had a Mixed Masters Relay Team who claimed Bronze in Athlone.

The Cross Country season concluded with Sinéad Farrell and Reuben Capocci qualifying for the All-Ireland Championships. Huge congratulations to Sinéad who helped her team to

victory in the Senior Girls event.

We are very grateful to all the coaches and parents who volunteer their time to help all the members of our club. We always welcome new members.

Keep up to date on all the events by following LSA on our website and social media pages! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ lambaysportsacademy

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ lsadonabateportrane/ Twitter https://twitter.com/LSARunning https://lambaysportsathletics.ie/ Adult memberships queries: lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com

Little Athletics and Juvenile athletes (7-18): lsajuvenilereg@gmail.com

Sproai games athletes

Leinster Relay teams

National Masters Relay

National Masters Enda, Dara, Xavi

Bohermeen 2025 Group

Bohermeen 2025

Coaches Spraoi 1

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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 drawn will win €50..Good luck