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Summer Season is Finally Here!

Summer has finally arrived, and we have been treated to some very nice weather over the past

month or so. Here in Fingal, we have also been spoiled with amazing events and weekly activities organised by many of the wonderful groups and local organisations that continue to promote our county in such a great light.

The work undertaken by Fingal County Council cannot go unmentioned with so many

festivals, concerts, family fun days and so much more being organised by the local authority. And they just keep coming – this month we can savour the wonderful fruits of labour of the many

traders who will descend on Newbridge House on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th for the annual

Flavours of Fingal. The county festival always puts the best of Fingal to the forefront and there’s something to do for all the family!

Fingal shines in the sun and we are very lucky to have some of the most beautiful beaches

in the country that we can really enjoy in hot weather. The sheer number of public parks, castle grounds and gardens accessible all year round is also unrivalled and always offers a wonderful weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle. WE should also give a mention to the many

excellent community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants and bars that are there for all of us to enjoy.

So don’t forget about the many different events taking place in Fingal this summertime, be sure

to enjoy what’s on offer and take the chance to sample as much as you can!

The Locals Team

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Local News

Garda Launch Community Engagement Initiative for Donabate Cllr Corina Johnston has welcomed the commencement of a Garda Community Engagement Initiative in Donabate town centre. Johnston said;” I am very pleased that a Community Engagement Initiative as part of Operation Irene commenced in Donabate on Friday 13th June in response to ongoing representations by Duncan Smith TD Smith TD. This is a positive step for our growing community. “ ”As part of this initiative the Garda community engagement vehicle will be parked in the car park in the Parish Hall from 6pm -9pm every second Friday until the end of August to meet local residents and discuss any issues or concerns that they may have. This initiative will also include a Garda presence around the town centre. I wish to thank Superintendent Barry and Inspector Clune for their support for this initiative and Fr Pat and Bernie for facilitating the use of the Parish Hall car park. It is of vital importance to the people of Donabate and Portrane that a permanent Garda presence be provided in Donabate and Portrane and that a Garda station be provided in the long term especially given our growing population.

Duncan Smith TD and I intend to pursue this vigorously,” she added.

Plenty of walks planned by the Peninsula Pacers

We will have photos & article on our Bloomsday Trip to Dublin in the next edition.

In the meantime, we are planning for our next few walks in the Autumn/Winter.

We hope to have walks in September, October, & November & maybe December to include 4

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Rogerstown Park & Estuary - Rush, The Ward River Heritage Park - Swords, The Dodder Park Walk Dublin (Southside.)

These will be walks of about 2hrs each and fairly easy 7/8km - we stop for food before heading home!

Enjoy walking & keeping fit over the summer!

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Commnuity News Active Age for All trip to Dublin Castle

A group from Active Age for All and others from Failte Isteach ( kindly supported by Fingal Co Co) enjoyed a trip to Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library at the end of May. We departed Donabate/ Portrane Community Centre on a dull drizzly morning but happily the day improved by the time we got to the castle and spirits were in no way dampned.

At the Castle we met our lovely guide Ellie who led us on a very interesting and informative tour. She explained that the site is at ( now over) the dark tidal pool where the Poddle river joins the Liffey, this was called Dubh Linn ( black pool) and is the origin of Dublin city’s name.

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Originally a Gaelic settlement then taken over by the Vikings, who called it Dyflin, then from 1204 to 1922 it was the seat of English rule in Ireland.

It was developed into a medieval fortress by King John which remained largely intact until a major fire in 1684. In the 1980s during remedial works to some of the buildings part of the original wall and Viking structures were discovered and can be explored by visitors today. On the 16th January 1922 the last Viceroy of Ireland handed Dublin Castle over to Michael Collins and the government of the new Irish state. Since that historic moment a tradition of state ceremony has continued at the Castle and from 1938 each

one of Ireland’s presidents has been inaugurated in St Patricks Hall, the grandest of the State apartments.

On our tour we visited the cellars contained the remains of the Powder Tower and the original castle wall; the Chapel Royal and the State apartments which are very impressive.

We lunched in the Chester Beatty library at the Silk Road cafe before exploring the treasures of the library. Then a quick cup of coffee before we had to head back to our bus and home. All in all a very enjoyable day, plans for the next outing are in being worked on already !

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Local News

Summer in the Shed

Last month, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed was proud to play our part in participating in a special event for Men’s Health Week in Newbridge Park, attending by over 80 members from 10 of the sheds across Fingal. Gerry & the Plonkers, our music group, provided the entertainment on the day.

As well as that, Gerry and the Plonkers had a busy June, playing at Vintage Picnic at Swords Castle and Memory Café in Donabate Portrane Community Centre and they have more concerts for local community groups lined up over the coming month.

But Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed is more than just music, with several members active in our two plots in Turvey Allotments. This year has already produced a bumper crop of garlic. The tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage and cucumbers are also coming along well. We also have our weekly exercise classes, croquet at Newbridge and our Thursday morning get-togethers for a cuppa and a chat.

We are always open to new members and new ideas for activities. So, don’t be shy.; come along and join us. Call our PRO, Jim, on 086-36944316.

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Film Review

Ballerina (2025): A Dance of Violence and Grace

By Jack Shanley “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” carves out a compelling, if at times familiar, corner within the revered John Wick universe.

Starring Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a vengeance-driven assassin, the film embraces the franchise’s signature blend of hyper-stylized action and intricate underworld lore, while attempting to forge its own identity.

The narrative centres on Eve, a ballerina trained in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma, as she hunts down those responsible for her father’s murder. The film opens with a brutal flashback, immediately establishing Eve’s profound grief and the genesis of her relentless pursuit of retribution. This personal stake lends emotional weight to the otherwise gloriously chaotic action sequences. De Armas delivers a committed performance, channelling a simmering rage that fuels her character’s every move. The film smartly intercuts gruelling ballet practice with combat drills, visually linking the artistry of dance to the brutal precision of assassination.

Fans of the John Wick saga will find much to appreciate. The familiar neon-drenched aesthetics, the subtle hints at the vast network of assassins, and the strict adherence to the High Table’s rules are all present, enriching the world without overshadowing Eve’s journey.

Keanu Reeves also makes a welcome, albeit brief, cameo, effectively passing the torch while maintaining the narrative’s focus on Eve. Where “Ballerina” truly shines is in its inventive action choreography. From flamethrower duels to ice-skate bayonets, the film consistently delivers fresh and dynamic fight sequences. There’s a particular standout moment where Eve navigates a nightclub, leaving a trail of destruction that forces the audience to “reverse engineer” the unseen carnage. This clever subversion of expectations, coupled with her resourceful use of everyday objects as lethal weapons, keeps the adrenaline flowing.

However, the film isn’t without its minor missteps. The plot, while offering some unexpected turns in its latter half, occasionally veers into the familiar “revenge story” tropes.

Some supporting characters, particularly the main antagonist Gabriel Byrne’s Chancellor, feel somewhat underutilized given the talent involved. Despite these small criticisms, I’d recommend checking out “Ballerina” 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: Len Wiseman – Rating: 15A – Genre: Action/Thriller – Run Time: 2h 5m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

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Feature

Summer has begun - let’s play!’

The kids starting their summer holidays are celebrating..... while parents are wondering how they’re going to entertain them for 8 weeks!! So let us help you with some top tips for places to go!

Dublin city has lots to offer.

National Concert Hall has great events & concerts. While The National Wax Museum has interactive exhibits the kids will love. Check Mams.ie for Wax Museum Competitions!

For family dining, Shake Dog Diner offers fantastic value for burgers, shakes, hotdogs etc. For delicious Mexican food, Acapulco on Georges St is excellent and very child friendly.

Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan has easy access to Dublin via regular trains and buses and they do packages that include Emerald Park, Flynn Park, Funtasia and other fun activities. Plus they’re right beside the beach.

Skypark in Carlingford is brilliant for all the family. I’ve zip lined there, much to my childrens amusement, its so fun! Go to Mams.ireland Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

FB for our Skypark competition.

The lovely Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is nearby and ideal for making a staycation out of your trip!

For a memorable family break, Farnham Estate is wonderful. The spa, golf, indoor/outdoor pool are fabulous and the food is top notch!

We love staycations there. The woodland walks are great for kids - look out for squirrels and lots of birds!

Malahide Castle and Gardens is beautiful for picnics and exploring the stunning grounds. They often host events too. And Avoca cafe is a perfect pitstop for yummy cakes & coffees!

Newbridge House & Farm is brilliant for kids who like animals and exploring. Watch out for the peacocks, their colourful feathers are spectacular.

We will have competitions running throughout the summer, for Flormar makeup, Artessa Coffee Beans, Arc Cinema tickets & lots more, so stay tuned to Mams.ireland on FB, Mams.ie on Insta and www. mams.ie DONABATE LOCAL-JUNE 2025

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Local News

New Mayor wants to ensure Fingal continues to thrive

Fingal Mayor Tom O_Leary with Deputy Mayor Grainne Maguire

Cllr Tom O_Leary has been elected as Mayor of Fingal

Councillor Tom O’Leary (Fine Gael, Balbriggan) has been elected as Mayor of Fingal at the Council’s Annual General Meeting held in County Hall in Swords recently. His election means he becomes the 20th Mayor of Fingal. The AGM also saw the election of Cllr Gráinne Maguire (Independent, Balbriggan) as Deputy Mayor.

Cllr O’Leary is a long-term resident of Skerries and has served as a Councillor in Fingal for over 15 years. He is a proactive advocate on key local issues and has held significant roles on transport, strategic infrastructure, planning, coastal management and housing during his time on the council. Married and with three adult children, he has worked as a parliamentary assistant to a number of Fine Gael spokespeople/Ministers in both the Dáil and Seanad.

Addressing councillors for the first time as Mayor, Cllr O’Leary said: “It is a great honour to be elected as the 20th Mayor of Fingal. I sincerely thank my colleagues for placing their trust in me to serve in this role to help ensure Fingal continues to be a great place to live for all.

“Throughout my time as a councillor, my focus has consistently been on delivering homes, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing community facilities across Fingal. From affordable housing and measures to tackle anti-

The Age of Coffee

By Jon Kavanagh In the early noughties I arrived in a trendy Dublin city hotel for a social/business meeting with friends and colleges from the media.

When asked to name my beverage, I said “a coffee please”, prompting the bar tender to break into a language I didn’t understand; containing words like latte, ‘Capuchino, and expresso’, that meant nothing to me.

Unknowing to me a coffee craze had pitched its tent in Ireland. I realised I was swimming way out of my dept. As a red face descended, I sheepishly said “just an ordinary coffee please”.

By now the gathering had no doubt reached the conclusion they were in the company of a blundering bumkin who made Mr Bean look

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social behaviour, to improving youth amenities, schools, and sports facilities I am proud of what we’ve achieved and am eager to build on that and ensure that Fingal continues to thrive.

“I am particularly looking forward to seeing progress made on the delivery of a new Sports Hub in Skerries, accelerating the delivery of more homes alongside key community infrastructure, advancing the development of the Bremore Deepwater Port, the opening of the new Skerries Carnegie Library, expanding our Active Travel initiatives and identifying a large annual event for the people of Dublin 15.”

Councillors also selected the Chairs for each of Fingal’s three Area Committees at this evening’s AGM. These committees focus on the local delivery of services within their respective regions, addressing issues such as roads, litter, playgrounds, water services, housing, and libraries. The newly elected Chairs for this year are: • Balbriggan/Rush-Lusk/Swords: Cllr Luke Corkery • Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart/Castleknock/Ongar: Cllr Eimear Carbone-Mangan • Howth-Malahide: Cllr Cathal Haughey

like a sophisticated man about town.

Today I consider myself a connoisseur of the aromatic bean. A surprising development, given my first childhood introduction to the then unfamiliar liquid. On an otherwise normal Saturday, my mother and father took me in hand and set off on a welcome and all too rare break from the gate lodge where we lived. On reaching our destination my mother disappeared into a hair saloon leaving me in the sole custody of my father. “Come on, we’ll go down the road to the eating house”, a term then used for cafes and restaurants, he said.

A good man, he worked tirelessly to provide for us. But like many men of his generation, hands on parenting, did not rate high on his skill set. With all the grace of a farmer lifting a sack of spuds, he plonked me on a chair and wedged me under the table. What happened

next remains a mystery to this day. I know my father would not have ordered coffee in a million years. Yet, that is what a lady in an apron gave us. Were they out of tea? Or did she just assume we wanted coffee, and he was too embarrassed to say anything? We will never know. I thought things couldn’t get any worst till I finally managed to extricate myself from under the table and tasted the bitter tar like substance masquerading as coffee. Although certainly not my favourite, the accompanying biscuits somewhat softened the blow.

Coffee culture is just one of the many changes since that far off day in the mid-sixties.

Around our Fingal towns and villages, we are never far from top quality outlets; ranging from comfortable indoor areas to the now familiar ‘horse box’ types which are a positive spin off from the covid era. Enjoy your coffee!

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Finance

What If Your Income Vanished Next Month?

By Dave Kavanagh When assisting clients plan their finances, a question I have to ask, is, how long (if at all) their employer will pay them if they are out of work long term due to illness or injury. In some cases, it is standard and can be something like 3 months at full pay, then 3 months at half pay and then a pensionable rate of pay. For many, they are not sure and when they look through their employment contract, it states “at employer’s discretion”. Many people realised how vulnerable they were when the pandemic arrived, dropping some incomes from €600, €800 or €1,000+ per week down to €350 of PUP. Many don’t give much consideration to how they would cope if they suffered a loss of income for an extended period because they think “it’ll never happen to me”. Sadly, many find out the hard way following an injury or illness that keeps them out of work for months or even years. This is where having Income Protection in place, can be the difference between maintaining a level of income that keeps your lifestyle virtually unchanged, or dropping to a level that could force you to use up any savings and also get into financial difficulty.

So how does it work? Depending on your circumstances, you choose an appropriate level of cover. This is based on not exceeding 75% of your salary, less any state income entitlement. You also

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choose a “deferred period” which refers to how long you are off work before payments commence.

The premiums are based on factors like your age and occupation, as some occupations would leave you more at risk of not being able to work. There is also tax relief on premiums paid for income protection, which could mean up to 40% of your premium is refunded by way of adjusting your tax credits. If dropping from your current income to the current state benefit is something that would impact badly on you, perhaps it is time to consider.

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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Local Sports

Lambay Athletes enjoy a successful summer so far!

Dublin Championships

Hike4Life

What a summer so far! In May and June we had Dublin Track and Field Championships for our Juveniles, Leinster Track and Field Championships for Senior and Masters, road races for adults, and training all around our beautiful peninsula from Newbridge House, to Donabate Beach and Ballymastone.

LSA members took part in the Bob and Mary 5k in Enfield, the VHI Dublin Women’s Marathon, the Irish Runner 5k in the Phoenix Park to name a few.

Back in April Ciara Cullen and Ali Conway represented LSA as part of Sonia’s Squad in the Sonia O’Sullivan Cobh 10k. In Athy, our own Michal Kowalski was the overall winner of the “Try a Tri” triathlon category, with members of our Fit4Life group also competing!

Little Athletics finished up their season with 12

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Irish Runner and Bob & Mary 5K

TriAthy

a great evening on the Mondo track in Morton Stadium. There was great camaraderie and team spirit, and the icing on the cake was when it was announced that Ollie Sheridan had won the Silver medal in the Under 10 500m in the Dublin Championships. Eliza Hussain also won Silver in Under 16 Discus, with Léa Hubert’s Under 16 Gold in Javelin completing the trio of LSA medals.

Our younger juvenile groups have now finished regular training until September, and our older Juveniles continue training towards competing in Dublin Graded Meets and National Championships.

Our volunteer coaches enjoyed a well-deserved night out in Keelings to mark the end of Thursday evening training for this season.

Dara Carr was our sole Masters athlete in the Leinster Championships in SETU Carlow where she

won her 100m sprint category. At the same event Anna Gavigan set a new Championship record in Senior Discus with a best throw of 52.3m.

Our adult groups continue training and competition throughout the summer. To get involved send us an email - we always welcome new members.

Adult memberships queries: lambaysportsathletics@ gmail.com. Little Athletics and Juvenile athletes (718) : lsajuvenilereg@gmail.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ lambaysportsacademy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ lsadonabateportrane/ https://lambaysportsathletics.ie/ Save the date for our Peninsula Road Race Sunday 16th November 2025.

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Local Sports

Tuesday Intervals

Sonia Squad

Fit4Life

Jenny & Fionnula

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VHI women’s mini Marathon G

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SKERRIES NEWS MAY 2, 2025

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 Across

Down

1. People who act for others. (6) 2. Hard rock. (7) 5. A person’s partner in marriage. (6) 3. Either of the two tides at the first 10. American state, capital is or last quarter of the moon. (4) Montgomery. (7) 4. It’s always with you and shortest at 11. Prescribed identical clothing for noon. (6) a group. (7) 5. Work room for an artist. (6) 12. Hard or exhausting work. (4) 6. Leave out. (4) 13. The subject or theme of a speech. 7. Device for breathing while face (5) down in the water. (7) 15. Human outer covering. (4) 8. Portable computer. (6) 17. Doctor? (3) 9. Improves, corrects. (6) 19. A building whose components 14. The science of matter and energy are made off-site. (6) and their interactions. (7) 21. Passages between rows of seats or 16. The lowest point of anything. (5) shelves. (6) 18. Hollow type of Middle Eastern 22. Cut up for examination. (7) bread. (5) 23. Keep possession of. (6) 20. Receptacle for rubbish. (3) 25. Relating to race or culture. (6) 21. Playing card with one spot. (3) 28. Something done, a deed. (3) 23. Strong in constitution, hardy. (6) 30. Polish and in the nude. (4) 24. A crisp smooth lustrous fabric. (7) 31. Excessively sentimental. (5) 26. A style of rock music popular in 32. Propel oneself in water naturally. the 1970s. (3,4) (4) 27. Make someone do something. (6) 35. Bomber obsessed with secrecy.

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(4)

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