Donabate Local V9I7-AUG 2025 by Irish Media Group

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The month of August will see lots of events taking place in Fingal and so far, the weather has been playing ball for the most part! Nevertheless, make sure to pack a bag with all the essential gear to and get out to enjoy your local area. Whether its attending events or visiting the many wonderful sights in Fingal, there is plenty to do before the end of summer.

The Fabulous Rush Festival & Air Show is is back once again and it’s sure not to disappoint with something for all the family being provided. From Friday 1st to Monday 4th August the whole village and wider area will be buzzing with activity, and not to mention, in the sky also! We are so lucky in Fingal to have so much to do on our doorstep; throughout the towns and villages in the county local people are spoiled for choice when it comes to spending their free time in their respective areas. We don’t have very far to travel to find something to make great memories from. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country; the sheer number of public parks, castle grounds and gardens accessible all year round is unrivalled; the community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants, bars, the list goes on and on. There is so much to do in such a short distance.

So, no matter what you are planning for the last few weeks of the summer, be sure to reserve some time to take in all the wonderful amenities on your doorstep, we don’t have to hop on a plane every time we want experience something new.

The Locals Team

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Active Age for All at Aras an Uachtarain Commnuity News

The Active Age for All committee were very excited and honoured to be invited to a Community Garden Party at Aras an Uachtarain on June 18th last.

On the day five happy ladies in their best bib & tucker set off for the party, they were Carolyn Smith, Jennifer Maxwell, Mary Agnew, Rosaleen O’Reilly and Mary Farrell. We were bussed in from Ratra House, after all you couldn’t really turn Aras an Uachtarain into a car park ! On arrival we were ushered in through the state rooms, which are beautiful, and through to the

lawn where we were met and greeted by our First Lady Sabrina Higgins.

The weather was fabulous and the lawn was set out with tables, chairs and parasols to cater for the 300 or so guests. We were encouraged to go and explore the grounds and the garden which we did. Everywhere we went there was music of some type, eg: violinists in the garden, a choral group out in the grounds and a Havana quartet on the lawn, all of which added to the magical atmosphere.

At 3.30pm we were summoned to a large

marquee where tables were laid up for afternoon tea. We enjoyed a wonderful selection of savoury and sweet goodies all helped along with some very nice wine. President Higgins and Sabrina joined the party in the marquee to a rapturous welcome. He gave a speech that was topical and thought provoking which went down very well with the guests.

At the end of the day five very happy ladies headed for home with a trunkload of memories of a truly wonderful experience.

Howth RNLI Water Safety Visit Flavours of Fingal 2025

Members of the RNLI’s Water Safety Team attended Flavours of Fingal 2025 at Newbridge House in Donabate on 5th and 6th July 2025. Volunteers from the charity that saves lives at sea were there to promote water safety and give advice to families and water sports enthusiasts about how best to stay safe while enjoying spending time on the coast. People of all ages visited the RNLI stand to ask for advice and find out how best to respond in the event of an emergency.

The charity celebrated 200 years of its lifesaving work last year, and it is still dedicated to its founding principle of saving lives at sea with its volunteer lifeboat crews based at 46 lifeboat stations around the island of Ireland. Three of those stations are in Dublin at Howth, Dun Laoghaire and Skerries. The RNLI also promotes water safety through its sea safety teams, and education programmes in schools help to raise awareness to children and young adults about how to stay safe when they are at the beach or

participating in water sports activities.

John McKenna, Water Safety Officer with Howth RNLI commented, “It was great to see so many people showing an interest in water safety, there is a greater awareness by the public about the need to be prepared and take precautions when they are heading out to do water sports or spend time at the beach.

It was reassuring that many of the children were aware that if they accidentally fell into water that they should “make like a starfish” – spreading out their arms and legs to float until help could get to them. They were very enthusiastic showing us what they had learned. Hopefully they will pass on the message to their friends and family members too.

Each time we do an event we have people approaching us and telling us of how the RNLI has had a direct impact on them or their families. Sometimes it’s because they’ve been rescued by one of our lifeboat crews, or because some of the water safety advice they received from some

Howth RNLI Water Safety Team were at Flavours of Fingal 2025 advising the public about water safety

of our team has helped them avoid an accident. After about 50 years at sea myself I’m only too aware of the hazards at sea and the importance of the work of lifesaving organisations like the RNLI.

This summer we want beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts to be able to enjoy themselves by the water. We’d encourage people to wear a lifejacket or a buoyancy aid and carry a mobile phone in a water proof case so they can call 112 for help if they have any difficulties. They should also tell family or friends where they are going and when they are expecting to return home. And we do not recommend using inflatables in the sea, they are not designed to be used on open water.”

Anyone who unexpectedly finds themselves in water is urged to follow the RNLI’s Float to Live advice – firstly float on your back, then call for help and communicate your location. Try to stay calm and keep your moral up until the emergency services reach you. More water safety advice is available on www.rnli.org/safety .

Busy Summer for Donabate Portrane Comhaltas

Leithinis Donabate Portrane Comhaltas have had a busy summer so far and plenty more events planned for the coming months.

Leithinis members played traditional music to a very enthusiastic crowd outside Donabate Parish Hall as part of the Fingal MusicFest on Saturday 28th June. Again, the Leithinis group played at the Flavours of Fingal event in Newbridge Demense on Sunday 6th July.

Leithinis Comhaltas have been working with neighbouring branches in Kinsealy, Malahide and Portmarnock to get together to play traditional music. This provides the opportunity to play with other musicians, learn new tunes and hear a wonderful array of instruments and techniques all in sociable and relaxed settings.

It is wonderful to see such interest and enthusiasm in traditional Irish music and song. The group was formed in 2019 and is going from strength to strength with new members of all ages and stages welcomed.

Classes will result on Monday evenings in Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School in September.

Find Leithinis on Instagram & Facebook or through our website for further details.

Men’s Shed Back to Full Weekly Programme

Despite pausing our regular Thursday morning get-togethers and our weekly exercise classes for July, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed had a busy month.

Needless to say, tending to our plots at Turvey Allotments didn’t stop for July. We also took advantage of the fine weather to continue our usual Tuesday morning croquet sessions at Newbridge House in preparation

Cultural Quarter to Showcase the very best of Fingal

Ten months after construction commenced, the €40m centre-piece of the Swords Cultural Quarter is taking shape and is on schedule to open its doors in 2027.

Culture House Fingal is an innovative initiative by Fingal County Council which will see a library, theatre, gallery, maker space, arts spaces and a café all housed in an iconic building designed by award-winning architects O’Donnell and Twomey.

Located beside Swords Castle in the centre of the North Dublin town, the large 5,683m2 four storey high building is currently being constructed by Duggan Brothers who are also building 36 new homes on Seatown Road across the road from the new Culture House.

Fingal councillors were given a presentation at the June monthly meeting of the Council by County Architect Fionnuala May and Ciarán Ó

for our annual croquet outing with Active Age for All. Our music group, Gerry and the Plonkers continued their weekly practice sessions for their performance at Swords Memory Café in Fingallians’ GAAA Club. Our full weekly activities, including Thursday morning get-togethers and weekly exercise classes, are resuming this month. So, if you, or someone you know, would like to join us, please call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3693416.

Gaora of Zero-G who explained the reasoning behind the decision to create a Culture House for Fingal.

“We want this to be a confident expression of the future, and we are seeing that come to pass,” Ó Gaora told councillors. “This building reflects the history and it reflects the future.”

He said that Fingal was following a European tradition where many cities have a Culture House and added: “They understand that many different activities can exist under the one roof.”

By calling the building Culture House or Áras Cultúir, the Council was indicating that it would be a welcoming and accessible place using a name that could be understood by everybody, he stated.

“Ultimately this is about a meeting house for everyone, that’s how we want to talk about it. It’s an everyday open house, it is not some ivory tower,” said Ó Gaora.

“In Fingal, culture is all around us, every day, everywhere. It’s what’s brings us together. It’s what makes us stand out. Because in Fingal we have a culture of learning and playing. A culture of imagination and wonder. A culture of making and doing, of being and belonging.”

The official launch of Culture House Fingal will take place on Culture Night, Friday, September 19, and will include the latest updates on plans for the new building from the Arts Office and Library Service.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “Culture House will be a beacon for everybody in the county. It will provide the community with a state-of-the-art county library and archive, a theatre and a gallery space all under the one roof in the centre in Swords, the county’s capital town.”

Focusing on the positives!

I was 13 when my first period arrived and I panicked as I ran straight to my Mam to tell her something was wrong. She got me the things I needed and settled me on the couch with TLC. The next day, she brought me into town and when we got off the bus at Clerys, I was surpised to see my Nanny and 2 of my aunts there. They enveloped me in hugs and congratulated me on becoming a woman and ‘joining the club’. They said they were there to celebrate me getting my first period, with little gifts and a grown up girls lunch. I had no idea this happened when girls got their first periods and honestly, their positivity and attitide made the whole experience far less daunting than it might have been. It was a wonderful day and I’ve never forgotten it.

It was my Mams clever way to help me feel less nervous and afraid and to turn this milestone into a celebration instead. Since then, she has done the same for my sisters and we have continued the tradition with my own daughters too.

I hope sharing our tradition might inspire some Mammies to create special memories with their own daughters, when the time comes for them.

When it comes to gifts for girls starting ther periods, The First Period Box from Dublin based Glimmer Boxes, is fabulous. It has hot chocolate, face/hair masks, Lil-Lets teen starter pack (best pads and tampons for teens IMO), Glmmer diary, chocolate bars, fluffy socks, sweets and treats. It’s a collection of lovely things – like a hug in a box! We’re giving away a First Period Box on our FB page https://www.facebook.com/mams. ireland

We have lots more competitions and tips on mams.ie at to help with Back to school costs. From My Nametags labels giveaways, to our Ilac SC blog which will help you get most of what you need for Back to school in one place! From colourful Smiggle goodies to The Works stationery to Dunnes Stores and Deaz for uniforms to Regatta for coats. Follow us on mams.ie to keep up to date on all things BTS!

Film Review: Superman Flies High

By Jack Shanley

With James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman hitting cinemas last month, I couldn’t help but do a review. It isn’t just another superhero movie; it’s a vibrant, heartfelt reintroduction to an icon that feels both fresh and deeply reverent. After years of dark, brooding takes on the Man of Steel, Gunn delivers a much-needed dose of hope for Superman, proving that optimism can be just as compelling as grit.

The film wisely sidesteps a lengthy origin story, instead dropping us into a Metropolis. David Corenswet embodies Clark Kent and Superman with remarkable nuance. His Clark is genuinely endearing, a man grappling with his extraordinary abilities while striving for normality, and his Superman radiates a quiet strength and compassionate heroism that feels authentic and inspiring. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a revelation – sharp, witty, and independent, she’s a formidable journalist who holds her own against the larger-than-life figures around her. Their chemistry is palpable, forming the emotional core of the film.

Gunn’s signature blend of humour and heart is evident throughout. The dialogue shines with wit, and there are moments of genuine levity that never undermine the stakes. Yet, when the action kicks in, it’s spectacular. The visual effects are seamless, making Superman’s feats feel weighty and impactful without ever feeling cartoonish. The film’s primary antagonist Lex Luther, played by the brilliant Nicholas Hoult is fantastic. He’s an evil tyrant maniac.

What truly sets Superman apart is its unwavering belief in the character’s ideals. This isn’t a cynical deconstruction; it’s a celebration of what Superman represents: truth, justice, and the American way, reimagined for a modern audience without sacrificing its core principles. Gunn understands that Superman isn’t interesting because of his powers, but because of his humanity. The film explores themes of responsibility, identity, and the power of hope in a way that resonates deeply.

While some might argue the film leans a little too heavily into its earnestness at times, it’s a refreshing change of pace. Superman is a triumphant return for the character, a film that reminds us why he matters, and leaves you with a genuine sense of uplift. It’s a powerful, entertaining, and ultimately hopeful start to a new era for D.C.

I’d recommend checking out ‘Superman’ 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: James Gunn– Rating: 12A – Genre: Action/Sci-fi – Run Time: 2h 9m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Remove Stress From Your Financial Planning

By Dave Kavanagh

Everything you eat, wear, live in, travel to or travel in, are all connected to your finances, yet most people don’t take the time to plan them effectively. A couple of reasons for this: If you have a problem that needs a plumber, an electrician or a roofer, you will know about it. If you haven’t reviewed your finances for a while, you may not even be aware that you have a problem. The other reason is that some of the main aspects of financial planning are viewed as “negative”. I mean who wants to spend time considering potential occurrences like the impact of a fatality, or give thought to having sufficient income in your retirement when you haven’t reached 30 yet? This perception of “negative” is often why people subconsciously avoid the topic, often citing “not having enough time” as a reason. The same reason explains why people spend regularly on things like the lotto, believing they can win the jackpot, at odds of 10.7million to 1. The same people’s odds of being diagnosed with one of the specified illnesses covered, is 1 in 4 (before age 65!) yet they say “that’ll never happen to me”. This is a natural desire for something very positive to happen and for something negative not to happen. However, these everyday occurrences will happen whether or not someone has the right planning in place. One hour is 4% of your day. Spending

that much time even once per year can be hugely beneficial. You get the peace of mind that you are up to date with your planning. You get the reassurance that anything you have in place is the most appropriate for your current circumstances. You also get the satisfaction that you are not overpaying for something and are getting the best value. Suddenly, the mystery and uncertainty are removed, along with the stress and anxiety often associated with them. In all my years of doing reviews, I’ve never heard anyone regret taking time to go through their finances, but I’ve heard plenty regret not going through them when something unexpected crops up. Remove “money worries”. Make the time.

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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Bloomsday James Joyce City Tour with Pacers

On Bloomsday on the 16th June on a beautiful sunny day - Peninsula Pacers led by James (aka Jim O’Donohoe!) on an informal tour of Dublin to discover some of important places related to the other James (that is James Joyce!).

They visited the famous Joyce statue at the top of Talbot St, then onto the Joyce Centre on North Great George’s St, a gem of a little museum. Passing by Belvedere College Joyce’s old school on the way to St Peter’s Rd in Phibsboro where his Mother was born & grew up. After taking a LUAS they finally arrived to Duke St - to James Joyce favourite pub for his lunch!

The Pacers had a delicious meal in Cafe di Napoli, a good Italian Restaurant to honour where Joyce spent most of his life!

Ancient Alternatives for Arthritis Sufferers

There is not one person who doesn’t know someone who has suffered from this condition.

Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to dispel the pathogenic factors that are the cause of arthritis, we would be helping revitalise your body’s natural qi and blood circulation which will strengthen the body’s internal resistance. This is achieved through a combination of acupuncture (to unblock meridians and promote circulation), herbal medicine (to address both external pathogens and internal imbalances), and most importantly dietary therapy, this will help prevent inflammation within the joints. Foods that can worsen arthritis symptoms, particularly those that promote inflammation, include eating a lot of red meat, processed meats, fried foods, and foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can

CommunityLocals.ie With Susan

exacerbate arthritis pain.

Depending on your your medical history and medication you may find making Golden Milk can help, anything the has an ‘ITIS’ ie arthritis, sinusitis and gastroenteritis making and taking this daily may help your condition.

Golden Milk

If possible, please make this on either almond, rice, goats or oat milk.

2 cups of the milk being used.

Gently heat your choice of milk over medium heat. As the milk warms, mix in 1 teaspoon of pure turmeric powder and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, a small shake of ground black pepper and to improve the taster you can add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Allow the mixture to simmer gently without reaching boiling point for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and enjoy. This has also been seen to help

insomnia.

This specific approach is always individualised based on the patient’s unique pattern of imbalance and the predominant pathogenic factors.

Please always be advised by your doctor and a fully qualified practitioner when making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Next article will be on Facial Rejuvenation the understanding through beauty therapy and Chinese medicine we will include cupping, facial massage techniques, some basic essential oils, plus a herb tea blend that can also help reduce and invigorate the skin.

If you have any specific concerns or conditions please feel free to email; communitylocalseditor@ gmail.com and I will do my best to answer them.

MusicFest Makes its Mark

Donabate Parish Hall held ‘MusicFest’ at the end of June it went very well - despite some rain & the Dubs playing - which took a lot of people out of the parish.

The template is there for others, under another established organisation to use next year, to run another MusicFest. This year the Parish Hall filled the gap by taking under its umbrella ‘Festival in a Van’, which was then grown into MusicFest, with a number of acts. Breda Dockrell & Jim O’Donohoe oversaw the day & a half event.

A huge thanks to the Parish Hall Committee for supporting in every way possible & believing in ‘MusicFest‘ to make it a success. These events are welcome & good for our growing community.

On the Friday evening ‘The Peninsula Voices’ led by Áine Daly & Tony Cox had a Charity event for UNICEF. It was a sell-out they raised over €2,000, which was great! The concert was superb with the choir, soloists & duets performing.

On Saturday, there was music of all genres from local stars to an international star! Something for everyone and celebrating that a small Parish Hall can sometimes cater for some special events, as part of their yearly programme.

‘Music Makers’ with Noel Dowling bringing the acts together on the day & organising the sound, had about 12 acts (over two slots) with a variety of music of local young & older performers! The talent was just fantastic!

‘Leithinis CCÉ’ the local Traditional Irish Music branch of Comhaltas did a great performance, led by Deirdre Fennell for an hour with adults &

juniors from the branch playing tunes - there was even some Céilí Dancing & singing as Gaeilge!

‘Festival in a Van’ had 4 acts which includes two local emerging talents Sophie Victoria Byrne & Mick Mackey. It was run by Elizabeth Mohen and was just wonderful.

‘Breanndán Begley’ of the famous Kerry musical family rounded off the night with the Fingal launch of his book & world class accordion playing & story telling.

‘The Coffee Bean’ owned & run by Shirley Higgins did a great job on Saturday, with hot & cold drinks, snacks & yum treats. All of the team that helped to run the events were more than looked after.

MusicFest was Part Sponsored by

Fingal County Council & Creative Ireland, Tradfest Martin Harte came up trumps with sourcing the riser stage for the whole weekend at the right price! This was much appreciated by all involved in events on the Friday night & all day Saturday. Cates Cafe part sponsored the sandwiches & The Music Outlet some equipment. The construction company building ALDI, at very short notice, provided barriers, cones & tape. Thanks a million to the foreman Ciaran. A special mention to our Community Garda Elaine who pulled out all the stops to be present for the Saturday afternoon riding from Malahide & back to be with us at some of the events.

Last, but not least, sincere thanks to the team of volunteers who donned their MusicFest high vises and manned gates & doors, served endless tea & sambos and looked after the heath & safety of all with a smile!

By Dr. Carla Lluch, Veterinary Practitioner Protecting Pets, Protecting Us

Vaccines are essential in our pets’ lives. They save lives and prevent serious diseases like parvovirus, canine distemper, feline panleukopenia, or rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Thanks to proper vaccination protocols, these illnesses have significantly declined. But does that mean a vaccinated pet is completely immune? Not quite. Viruses are sneaky and can mutate, but vaccinated pets have a much better chance of fighting off disease than those without protection. And what about the rabies vaccine? Isn’t Ireland rabies-free? Yes, it is! That’s why the rabies vaccine isn’t mandatory unless you’re planning a trip with your furry friend. Luckily, being an island gives us a natural barrier and our ferries do a great job

making sure no sneaky stowaways (like rats, foxes, or bats) make it onboard. These strict controls help keep rabies out, but if we’re taking our pets abroad, it’s our job to make sure they’re protected too, so we can all help Ireland stay rabies-free!

And now, the infamous kennel cough! You know, that raspy, smoker’s cough sound your dog makes like he’s had a rough night out? Most pet hotels require this vaccine. But wait… is kennel cough a virus? Nope! It’s actually caused by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The vaccine won’t guarantee your dog won’t catch it, but it does help a lot. A vaccinated dog might still cough, but far less no sleepless nights

for them… or you.

For cats, catteries will always ask for vaccination against feline leukaemia virus, which weakens their immune system and leaves them vulnerable to other illnesses.

And yes, there is a disease pets can pass to us: leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria. It’s rare in Ireland, but the bug lives in soil and stagnant water and let’s face it, Ireland is full of both. We may not drink from puddles, but our dogs do! And how many of us let them lick our hands or faces.

Vaccines protect them and us. If in doubt, speak to your vet. We’re here to help!

Lambay Athletes shine in the scorching sun

The temperatures were rising, and LSA members were in action on the road and the stadia. On 17th July, what must have been the hottest day of the year, we had a great contingent of our adult members running and supporting our members in the Fingal 10k in Swords.

Our teenage athletes completed their outdoor Track and Field season in the National Juvenile Championships over two weekends in Tullamore: Léa Hubert Javelin and High Jump, Eliza Hussain Discus, James Keegan 800m and Reuben Capocci 1500m.

Tullamore was also the setting for Anna Gavigan to set a new Under 23 Championship Record when she took the title in Women’s Discus with a best throw of 54.2m. Anna also competed as an invited guest at the legendary Morton Games in Santry, with a group of LSA members in support. The following week Anna flew to Bergen, Norway as part of the Irish team competing in the European Under 23 Championships. Congratulations Anna, and coach Gerry Ronan on a

great achievement.

Our adult groups continue to meet throughout the summernew members are always welcome. Our Juvenile groups will return to training in September and we welcome volunteers to help out with our younger groups.

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

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