








Local Solicitor has moved but we are still in your corner. Our bright spacious modern office is located on the Top Floor of the Town Centre in Lusk. The office is wheelchair accessible via the lift from the lobby. There is also plenty of free parking nearby. You can find us when you scan the QR code. As a general practice law firm, Local Solicitor provides legal service in relation to a wide range of legal matters including: - buying and selling property, Landlord and Tenant
matters, Personal Injuries, Wills and Probate, Contract Law, Debt Collection, Family Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law and general legal advice. With more people on board, we can provide a broader range of services in a more efficient manner. Talk to us about your legal matter. You can contact us when you scan the QR Code.We look forward to hearing from you soon. Best wishes to you all.
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Designated Pick up Points: Supervalu Lusk
Costcutters (The Village Store) Tesco, Rush
Lidl Lusk
With the embers of Hallowe’en dying out we now look to one of the best times of the year for most people with Christmas just around the corner.
Most people will be busy clearing up the pumpkins and spooky decorations, while some will already be flat out getting their houses Christmas ready and some will be well ahead of the pack with a fair number of lights already set up from the previous years!
Christmas is a time of celebration, and reflection, and for most it is the one time of the year where all the family will get together for a few days and reminisce over their childhood memories of the festive season.
We always return to our childhood memories of Christmas with some remembering their favourite presents they received from the big man in red, and above all we will remember the best times from our childhood Christmases. After all isn’t Christmas all about the kids?
Who can’t say they get great enjoyment from watching the wonderment in children’s eyes when they arrive into the living room on Christmas morning to see what has been left under the Christmas tree for them? The sheer excitement is enough to make us adults feel that magic once again.
There is also great fun to be had all around Fingal with so many events taking place over the next 6-8 weeks on the run up to the festive week. Christmas markets, Light shows, musical events and so much more will be sure to kickstart the festivities for the majority of people.
Christmas time is also a time for remembrance of loved ones who are not with us anymore but their memories live on in the hearts and minds of their loved ones who will always uphold the festive traditions of yesteryear.
So, be sure to get out and about and enjoy the run-in to the biggest holiday of the year btu remember not to get caught up in the panic buying but rather try to take in all what your local area has to offer on your doorstep!
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Michelle Lacey of Fingal Physiotherapy was delighted when she was told the clinic had been nominated for an Irish Enterprise Award.
Michelle tells us that following this she had to provide some lengthy paper work. Following assessment from a panel of judges it was announced that Fingal Physiotherapy won Physiotherapy Clinic of the year 2024 – County Dublin.
The Irish Enterprise Awards reported there were several factors that led to this achievement, including exceptional commitment to the highest standards in patient care by providing a huge selection of treatment and assessment services and fast onward referral and links with local GPs or consultants when needed.
Michelle Lacey, the clinic’s founder has extensive experience and is highly-qualified, having studied a postgraduate professional diploma in Clinical Leadership, a MSc in Sports Medicine, BSc in Physiotherapy, BSc in Sports Science and she is
awaiting her certification as a National Strength and Conditioning Coach. Her publications and presentation at the Faculty of Sports Medicine Conference demonstrates the clinic’s dedication to evidenced based practice. Of particular note, Fingal Physiotherapy has shown community commitment by supporting and sponsoring local sports teams and clubs and providing support at local charity events.
Fingal Physiotherapy was first established with Michelle Lacey offering services in the Fingal area in peoples’ homes while she continued to work in the Beacon Hospital Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine department in Sandyford. In September 2022 this grew to having a stable base inside Fingal Medical Centre, two days a week. Fingal Physiotherapy now operates full time and continues to grow.
“It’s so great to be here as part of Lusk s growing facilities base. We can’t wait for the next few years and what lies ahead,” Michelle said.
Two new housing developments have been officially opened in Fingal, as Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Brian McDonagh welcomed Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien TD to Lusk to celebrate the delivery of new homes in the area.
Kilhedge Gardens is an age-friendly scheme providing 31 new single-story homes. The development – delivered through direct build by Tuath on land owned by Fingal County Council – consists of 18 two-bedroom and 13 one-bedroom homes, with an additional communal facility area for residents. The new homes were funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage via the Capital Assistance Scheme, a funding mechanism for the delivery of homes for priority groups such as older persons. The architects for the project were Walsh Associates and the main contractor was M.L Quinn Construction.
In 2010, Tuath delivered its first homes in partnership with Fingal County Council at Garristown, Northwest Fingal and has since delivered over 1000 homes in the County.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: “It gives me great pleasure to see this top-notch development from Tuath being opened to help deliver much needed age-appropriate homes for older people in our community.
This is a superb new build in the heart of Lusk and I wish the residents all the very best in their new homes.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O’Brien, who turned the sod on the development in February 2023 commented: ‘’Today’s launch of 31 safe and secure homes for older persons is most welcome here in Fingal. Kilhedge Gardens includes both a communal facility for residents and close proximity to Lusk town centre – this scheme lives up to the ambition of Housing for All by successfully delivering high-quality, welllocated homes that prioritise not only the safety and comfort of older persons but also economic, social, and environmental sustainability.’’
Alongside the Kilhedge Gardens opening, the ribbon was also cut on a new social housing development in Monastery Court. This comprises five high-quality apartments with a communal landscaped courtyard and close to all local amenities. As part of its commitment to encourage sustainable construction and minimise environmental impact, this is Fingal’s first Passive House development. Passive House standards ensure these homes are low-energy, leading to reduced energy bills for residents whilst providing significant environmental advantages.
By Dave Kavanagh
Those that rent their accommodation privately, compared to home owners, can be a lot more vulnerable. Apart from the obvious points, like rents being increased or having to move out if a property is being sold, there are other potential events that could prove problematic for renters. As we saw in the early part of the pandemic, where many people’s incomes were drastically reduced, those with mortgages were permitted to avail of “payment breaks” with minimal effort. Unfortunately, those renting do not usually have the flexibility of this option. When someone cannot work due to illness or injury, they may suffer a loss of income, either immediately or after a short period, resulting in the inability to pay rent. This could lead to eviction and all of the problems associated with it. While those renting may not have been exposed to the kind of financial advice as someone going through the mortgage process, there are still safeguards that can be put in place. One option is Income Protection, paying them a portion of their income if they were unable to work due to illness
or injury. This could be the difference between affording rent or being evicted. Something not often considered by renters is Life Cover. If one of a couple renting passed away, this could allow the surviving partner (or family) to purchase their own home immediately without the need for a mortgage. Similarly, Serious Illness Cover could pay out a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of one of the illnesses covered, giving another layer of financial security. Better to consider these options earlier rather than later.
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 Dave at info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on 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 well being, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.
Foróige are looking for volunteers to help run our volunteer led Foróige clubs in Rush, Lusk and Skerries. We engage young people from the ages of 10 to 18, enabling them to make friends, have fun, become independent and positively involved in their communities. Our youth clubs meet on a weekday evening for 1-2 hours. If interested, please contact our club development worker: Cillian Pursercillian.purser@foroige.ie or 086-0123078.
Lusk ICA ran their annual fundraising coffee morning and Raffel organized by Antoinette Doran in aid of the hospice. Our thanks to all the people who baked their wonderful cakes, also our thanks to Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee and Joe O’Brien TD for their support. The final total was €2,355, which is very good as it was such a bad morning.
The ICA all Ireland P&P competition took place in Seapoint, Co. Louth the weather was dry but
with a very strong wind. The result was 1st Roscommon 2nd Meath 3rd Clare. Dublin was not successful, but Mary Shorthall & Teresa Kilmurray enjoyed the day and were looked after very well.
A Big Thanks also to all who baked and volunteered at the recent fundraiser in Lusk United Soccer FC it was a great success.
Fantastic “Rambling House” night of nostalgic singing and stories in Murray’s Pub organized by Anne
Smithers Lusk ICA with musicians on guitars by Don Duggan, Paul Redmond and Mick Mullin and Catherine Hagan. Don’t miss the next Rambling House session to be held again on Tuesday, 12th November.
The ladies travelled with the Lusk senior citizens for a great day out to Birr Castle and Clonmacnoise with dinner in the lovely Grenville Arms Hotel Mullingar.
Ten of our ladies attended a
sewing session with the Project Fashions in Swords using our lovely new sewing machines which were kindly sponsored by Fingal Co Co. They are busy making crafts in preparation for Lusk ICA Christmas Market on Sunday, 1st December in the Scout Den. The Lusk guild meeting is on the first Thursday every month in the Scouts Den (after the beavers) at 8:15 PM and we would be delighted for new members to come along.
October 16th was International Restart a Heart Day, Lusk Community First Responders got out and about raising awareness on what to do if you witness a person collapsing with a sudden cardiac arrest. The Lusk CFR team met the community at their stand at Skinny Batch Bakery and Supervalu, to talk about how anyone can save a life and explain the key steps to save a life: Check, Call, Compress and Shock.
In other news, Round Towers GAA installed a brand-new AED outside their clubhouse. They also registered it with the National Ambulance Service so that it an be used by the community in the event of an emergency. Call 999/112 and give the Eircode that is visible on the AED cabinet and the call
taken will given you the access code. Thank you, Round Towers Lusk. That brings Lusk to 4 public access AEDs available 24/7.
We look forward to working with the community to increase the number of public access AEDs in Lusk and the surrounding areas. If you are a member of a club or organisation that already has an AED, please get in touch with us to find out how to register it with the National Ambulance Service. The best AED is the nearest AED, every second counts.
If you would like to learn more about Lusk CFR, please check out our website www.LuskCFR.ie or find us on Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to welcoming new volunteers.
Between shopping, decorating and planning, Christmas is a busy time of year for Mammies so we’ve got some tips to help!
Meeting friends or family? Bracken Court Hotel’s ‘Winter Rose Afternoon Tea’ is a lovely way to enjoy a catch up. They also have fab shared Christmas party nights for dancing the night away.
Christmas day can be stressful, and it is wonderful to let someone else do all the hard work. Farnham Estate in Cavan has a fantastic Christmas package where you can enjoy festive Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining without having to step into the kitchen! Ideal for family get togethers.
Love 90’s music? Pillo Hotel Ashbourne throwback Christmas party nights are jam packed with classic hits. Dance your cares away and check out their B&B offers. Much nicer to ‘Get the lift
home’ upstairs than worrying about taxis!
For those who are tricky to buy for, we love Hampers & Co. Their hampers start at €14 and there’s a huge range like wellness, wine, picnic, baby & more Literally something for everyone!
Looking for a winter getaway? The Four Seasons in Carlingford is within walking distance to gorgeous Carlingford Village and close to Dundalk. Lovely food, beautiful scenery, great shopping. They have wonderful winter packages available, and their gift vouchers make wonderful gifts.
For skincare lovers www.ziajashop.ie has gorgeous products. Available online and in Dunnes, Tesco & Chemist Warehouse. I love the Baltic Spa range for pampering. They have wonderful baby & kid’s products too, like bath jelly and cookies & cream toothpaste. Fun and
By Jon Kavanagh
Back in the early 80s we watched in wonderment when KITT the talking car appeared in the TV series Knight Rider. Today, KITT’s descendants all talk, as a disembodied voice guides us to our destination in air-conditioned luxury. But have we lost the driving experience? In years gone by motoring was hands on and problematic. Scarcely a day would pass without hearing the call for help “Will you give us a push?” The powerless steering on an uncooperative car carrying its own body weight in rust would have challenged the muscles of The Incredible Hulk himself.
Before embarking on a journey preparation was essential, with extra time added for the almost inevitable breakdown. Essential equipment included a large container of water for the radiator, that overheated more often than John McEnroe on the tennis court; a length of rope to secure any parts that came loose and a pair of ladies’ nylon stockings that were regularly called upon to serve their country as an emergency fan belt. If
affordable.
Looking for somewhere different for shop & stay break? The Silken Thomas, in the grounds of Kildare Castle is unique. Close to Kildare Village, it has beautiful accommodation, plus award winning bar & dining.
Mrs Claus Gingerbread Christmas experience at Casino Model Railway Museum Malahide is back this year and is open for bookings.
Santas Magical Cabin at Ilac SC & Kilnamanagh is also back. Book at Santaexperience.ie
Elf Town Dublin at RDS is now taking bookings too. After the huge success last year, The Lark Panto is back. This year it’s Cinderella and runs from 5th December. Tickets are on sale now! Follow us on mams.ie for more tips & giveaways!
cars were performing below par, so too were many of their drivers. Prior to the introduction of the driving test in 1964, people simply went to the post office and brought a licence that entitled them to drive anything from a mini to a bus – a situation that led to some interesting characters finding themselves behind the wheel.
A couple of ‘eccentric’ drivers that come to mind include a district health nurse who would exit her black Morris Minor, walk a distance to a crossroads, look both ways, leisurely return to the car and drive through, with a misplaced confidence that made Russian roulette look like a game of snakes and ladders, and a North County Dublin farmer who took up driving somewhat late in life. Following a spate of near misses, a well-meaning friend advised him to use his indicators, so people would know where he was going. In response he sharply retorted “It’s none of their (“!”) business where I’m going!” Today we are disconnected from our cars. We no longer “go for a spin” with no particular purpose in mind. A professional with a laptop is required to make even minor adjustments. The days of clutching an oily rag and a heavy hammer, known affectionally as “the persuader” are well and truly in the rear-view mirror.
Congratulations to all who completed one of the Autumn marathons in the last few weeks. The club were well represented in Berlin, Chicago and Dublin. The recent Rathfarnham 5k was the culmination of a very focused block of training and produced some fantastic results on the day. Well done to our athletics and club coaches. Fit & Fab is our new sociable, no pressure running group for teenagers. Bring a friend and try it out. Our Christmas party is on Friday 13th December. Have you purchased your ticket yet? All club members and family are welcome.
Junsa Taekwondo recently took part in the prestigious Korean Ambassadors Cup held in Baldoyle Dublin. This tournament is run by our national governing body, Taekwondo Ireland in conjunction with the Korean embassy here in Ireland. It was a fantastic event which catered for both disciplines of Taekwondo and included countries such as the UK, Denmark, Albania and all of Ireland.
Junsa’s players, Darragh (Gold), Ethan (Bronze) and Conor took part and showed excellent results. Conor’s matches along with other fighters had to be postponed to another weekend due to technical difficulties, so hopefully one more medal to come.
Blakes Cross, North, Co Dublin Contact: 0892138043 info@dollace.com www.dollace.com
Aidan Caroll BSc (Hons) Conselling & Psychotherapy
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
1. Felt a powerful desire for something. (6)
5. The world’s second largest country by area. (6)
10. Capable of resuming original shape after stretching. (7)
11. Pedal driven vehicle. (7)
12. Thin and fit. (4)
13. Sweet food from nectar. (5)
15. Send via the postal service. (4)
17. Scrape as if to relieve itching. (3)
19. A word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations. (6)
21. Not often. (6)
22. Previously, before now. (7)
23. Country which achieved independence from Sweden in 1905. (6)
25. Ancient Greek oracle. (6)
28. A short day! (3)
30. Youthful males. (4)
31. Take a husband or a wife. (5)
32. An inclined surface connecting two levels. (4)
35. Bring something to a destination. (7)
36. Relating to an area beside the sea. (7)
37. Produced by crossbreeding. (6)
38. Delievered a sharp blow. (6)
2. The state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be. (7)
3. Express one’s preference for a candidate in an election. (4)
4. A licensed medical practitioner. (6)
5. Evidence of a spider. (6)
6. Long part of a guitar or banjo. (4)
7. State emphatically and authoritatively. (7)
8. Beds on a ship or train; usually in tiers. (6)
9. Expression of doubtful interest or surprise. (6)
14. Questionable energy source. (7)
16. A person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive. (5)
18. Challenged to do something. (5)
20. Bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer. (3)
21. The colour of the Left. (3)
23. A person of little influence. (6)
24. Payment to a copyright holder for use of their work. (7)
26. Generic name for a credit card. (7)
27. African antelope with ridged curved horns. (6)
28. The opposite of profane and ungodly. (6)
29. Rough paths and roads. (6)
33. Finished in cricket. (4)
34. A poker hand with two cards of the same value. (4)