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The last few weeks hasn’t brought with it much to cheer about weather-wise, but the amazing number of volunteers coming together to help with the clean-up after storm Eowyn is something we can all be very grateful for.
While the country battened down the hatches for what has been coined the worst windstorm for over a century, it wasn’t long after the worst of the high winds abated that locals in Fingal were out in their respective areas giving up their personal time to help with the many clean ups that were necessary following Eowyn’s destruction.
There has never been a better time for locals to get involved in their areas as Spring is just around the corner and the amount of community groups, tidy towns groups, resident’s committees etc would be very grateful of the extra help as they approach this very important start of the growing season.
It’s been a relatively quiet start to the year, bar the obvious weather situation – and thankfully we seem to have seen the worst of the inclement conditions, but it hasn’t been completely silent with lots going on in the various areas in Fingal as can be seen in this month’s issue. From TradFest to local sporting successes and much more, there has been a considerable amount of events and achievements made since the beginning of the New Year.
We are so lucky to have so much to do on our doorstep, and we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to spending our free time in FIngal. We don’t have very far to travel to find something to make great memories from. Don’t put away the winter coat just yet and get out into the fresh air and make the most of our beautiful beaches; public parks, castle grounds and gardens that are accessible all year; and don’t forget about the many community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants, bars to visit. There is so much to do in such a short distance!
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Planning permission has been approved for the proposed Recreational Sports Hub at Rathmore Park, Lusk by An Bord Pleanála.
The Lusk sports group (Lusk Sports CLG) look forward to working closely with the Fingal County Council project team on the next phase of the project, Tender Stage, with the aim of the
project going to construction in Spring/Summer 2025.
A big thanks to everyone that has made this significant project milestone possible, particularly all our community volunteers that keep persevering with the project over the last 10+ years, our public representatives and the Fingal
County Council project team.
Feel free to share this good news story with family & friends, a key day for the project & we look forward to delivering this community amenity for the benefit of Lusk & its hinterland. Lusk Community Sports Group / Lusk Sports (CLG)
Following our hectic couple of weeks in December and a lovely Christmas and New Year, things were much calmer this month of January
At our last guild meeting instead of a Kris Kindle We had a Donation Box and which raised €265, this was passed on by our President Rosanna Darby to Focus Ireland for the Homeless which they gratefully acknowledged.
On the 6th we celebrated the Nollaig Na mBan. Maria O’Sullivan organized a delicious evening meal in the lovely Village Hotel in Bettystown, we were driven home safely in the hands of Damien McKenna.
The best of luck to the Lusk Drama members who are taking part in the ICA Wicklow Federation Drama Festival on 18th January.
Bravo to our sea swimmers Monica Kilby and Pauline Flynn who continue to take a refreshing winter sea dip in Rush and Skerries.
However, many of us prefer the
enjoyment of Aqua Aerobics with trainer Margaret Farrell in warmer waters of (smaller) ALSAA sports pool, returning again weekly on Thursday 18th January at 11.45am and is an open session.
A food drive took place on Sunday 12th in the Lusk Soccer Club All donations of unopened sweets, biscuits etc were welcomed and passed to Vincent De Paul.
Many members again enjoyed the monthly Ramblers night which is held on the 2nd Tuesday in the month in Murrays Lounge Bar.
Deirdre Wilson has started up a walking group again which commenced on 7th January. Meeting at Murrays at 10am. This to continue daily at the same time, everybody is welcome to join.
4 lovely Dundee cakes were entered for the annual ICA Federation Gempack Competition On 15th February, they were judged by Alma Farrell and Pauline Flynn - Frances Devane’s cake was chosen to go through to Federation level.
• 120g Oats
• 130g Milled flaxseed/linseed (See mixes with seeds/fruit in most supermarkets)
• 120g Mixed nuts
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Bananas
• 150g Plain yogurt
• 30g Honey
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 100g Raisins
• 50g Dates, finely chopped
• 100g pecans, chopped
“Many of you will have heard the phrase or indeed have used it yourself ‘New year new you’. This often comes down to our health and in order to make these ‘new’ changes last we need to make them habit. One healthy habit is having breakfast and kick starting your metabolism and energy levels for the day. 1 in 3 of us in Ireland skip breakfast and on average it takes just 9 minutes to make a healthy breakfast. A quick solution could be to pre-make a batch of these super easy muffins below so that you can bring them with you on the journey and have them on the go
Pre-heat oven to 180’c.
Method:
1. Mash the bananas and mix with the 2 cracked eggs in a bowl.
2. Blitz the oats in a blender and add to the egg and banana.
3. Blitz the mixed nuts in a blender and add to the mixture.
4. Add the cinnamon, flaxseed, honey and yogurt to the mixture and mix well together.
5. Finally add the raisins, chopped dates and pecans.
6. Scoop the mixture into muffin cases on a tray and pop into the oven at 160’c for 30minutes.
7.Store in an airtight container for up to 6 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Change it up for variety and substitute 100g of other nuts/seeds or dried fruits to suit your tastes and preferences!!!
Sports, Workplace or School Nutrition talks/workshops, please email: niamh@biabites.net
See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for fun food ideas. Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist”
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By Jack Shanley
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a visually stunning and terrifying reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film. Eggers meticulously recreates the gothic atmosphere of the original film, immersing viewers in a world of shadows, decay, and dread.
The film follows Thomas Hutter (Nicolas Hoult), a young estate agent tasked with selling a remote Transylvanian castle to the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). Hutter’s journey into the heart of darkness unleashes a wave of terror upon his unsuspecting village, as Orlok’s insatiable hunger for blood spreads like a plague.
Bill Skarsgård delivers a truly great performance as Count Orlok. Showing a more romanticized portrayal of vampires, Skarsgård embodies Orlok as a creature of pure pestilence, his gaunt frame and piercing gaze radiating an aura of ancient evil. He is less a seductive predator and more a force of nature, an embodiment of death itself.
Eggers’ signature style is on full display, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and a meticulous attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. The
film’s sets, costumes, and even the way light falls across the screen are all beautifully crafted to evoke a sense of authenticity.
While the film’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow creep of the darkness to come, it can feel a little sluggish. I enjoyed it as much as the other adaptations, but do understand it not being for everyone, it’s essentially a film for a particular audience. The tension builds relentlessly, punctuated by moments of shocking violence and unsettling imagery.
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a masterful reimagining of a classic horror film. It is a visually stunning and terrifying experience that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a testament to Eggers’ singular vision as a filmmaker, and a chilling reminder of the enduring power of classic horror.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Nosferatu’ (2024) and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 stars. You can watch it today at your local cinema. Director: Robert Eggers– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Mystery– Run Time: 2h 12m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, take a little time out for some self-care this February, especially the hardworking Mammies. Being a Mam can be frazzling – especially this time of year with so many bugs and viruses knocking about and it’s not unusual for us to get run down because we’re so busy looking after everyone else. If you need an energy boost, plan some child-free ‘Me time’. Go see the new Bridget Jones movie with your girlfriends. Glam up for a date night (if you need a new dress, get 30% off with Code MAMS30 at www.mykindofdress. com). Or treat yourself to a pamper night at home…. light a scented candle, soak in relaxing Green Angel bath salts, moisturise with gorgeous mango Ziaja body mousse, then wrap up in snuggly pj’s to watch a movie with a tub of icecream! A little self-indulgence goes a long way!
Looking for clever Valentine’s gift idea for busy Mammies? How about some delicious coffee?! Life is too short to drink bad coffee which is why we love award winning Irish brand Artessa Coffee. They roast the most delicious beans – I personally love their Smooth and
Lounge blends, while my hubby favours their Nina & Temptation blends. See https://artessa.ie/ Love cosy, comfy casual wear? Irish brand Human Collective have perfect transitional pieces for springtime. From slouchy jumpers to leggings to fleece lined hoodies. Perfect for women & men who like to be warm and comfy on the go. With a store in Stephens Green SC and online store https:// wearehumancollective.com/ they have a brill range and great sale on atm!
As the daffodils start peeking through and days get longer, it’s a great time for a mini break. For kids midterm, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is brilliant. Delicious food, spacious rooms, swimming pool and lots of activities, including walking trails, bike rentals and Skypark nearby. For couples, there are special Valentine’s packages available to romance things up! Carlingford is such a gorgeous spot to explore with quaint cafes, cute shops, the old castle ruins and you can hop on the Carlingford ferry too. See Four Seasons Carlingford special offers here https:// www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/ word.
By Dave Kavanagh
When planning our family’s finances, one of the most important aspects is protecting against unexpected financial loss, yet many people often keep putting off making time to arrange it, (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality or a serious illness, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is, if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed, it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying
way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. I often get the response, “I don’t have time” and then in the same conversation find out which Netflix series they have just binged. Make the time. Review your cover requirements.
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.
Fingal County Council has announced updated charges for its non-recyclable and green household waste at its Recycling Centres located at Estuary in Swords and Coolmine in Dublin 15.
Charges for disposing of household recyclable waste at the centres is free and remains unchanged.
The Council stated that, “The changes reflect a balanced approach to maintaining and improving this vital local service while addressing the expanded expenditure costs. A review of the service by the council found that there had been a significant rise in the use of the recycling centres resulting in a deficit of costs for managing and maintaining the facilities. This has risen from €0.8m in 2015 to more than €2m for the current year.”
Locals will now have to pay €12 for a car boot containing General Waste (e.g. bulky waste such as carpet, mattresses, wood, metal, etc., with full cars, jeeps and SUVs charged €30; Small vans or cars with a trailer will now be charged at €50 while
Vans (Transit size) will now see a cost of €128.
Car boots of Green Waste (e.g. grass clippings, leaves, tree branches and trimmings, etc.) are now charged at €6 with a full carload, Jeep or SUV priced at €10 while Small vans and cars with trailers charged at €35 and vans (Transit size) at €80.
The council also stated, “While the access costs will rise for the domestic non-recyclable and green waste service at the Fingal facilities, it is important to note that there remains no charge for disposing of recyclable items at the Swords and Coolmine centres. This would include items such as paper, bottles, clothes, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), tins and discarded cooking oil.”
A detailed list of items that are accepted at the two facilities can be found on the Council’s website: https://www.fingal.ie/recyclingcentres
Fingal County Council have been allocated €20m funding from The National Transport Authority for the ongoing delivery of active travel schemes in 2025.
With a total of €294m being awarded to local authorities, this funding will support a range of walking and cycling schemes including improved pedestrian environments, new segregated cycling lanes, pedestrian and cycling bridges and pedestrian crossings.
Welcoming this announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: ’’ We are very happy to have received this funding from the NTA. It is a significant support and endorsement for our commitment to Active Travel in Fingal. Active Travel has many benefits for the entire community, it is an essential tool to fight global heating and will deliver a healthier environment for everyone. We want to push harder and do more so we will happily take all the funding we can get.’’
This funding has been awarded to 48 different projects in the Fingal area and includes a variety of Active Travel investments such as Fingal Coastal Way, Donabate Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Harry Reynolds Road Cycleway in Balbriggan, Feltrim Road Cycling Infrastructure and Skerries Active Travel Plan.
16 Schools will receive funding under the Safe Routes to School Programme which aims to improve ongoing issues of safety and congestion at the school gate. It also focuses on improving routes to school by improving walking and cycling infrastructure.
To learn more about active travel and strategic infrastructure projects in Fingal visit www.fingal.ie/ activetravel
A warm welcome to the new members that have joined the club in recent weeks. Some have already been in race action wearing the club colours. It was great to see a good turnout at a wet and muddy St Anne’s park for the Dublin Master’s Cross Country.
The Lusk 4 mile is only a few weeks away so if you’re not helping out on the day make sure that you’ve purchased your race entry as the event sold out last year. It’s on Sunday 2nd March at 3pm. There’s great news on our athletics facilities. We are delighted to announce that Lusk AC has received notification from Bord Pleanala on the decision to grant planning permission for the Sports Hub development; including an 8 lane athletics track. All going to plan this should be constructed and open in 2026.
• Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team?
• Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary?
• Are you running or hosting a Local event or Fundraiser? • Do you have a story to tell?
• A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion.. Send us your pics.. We Want it
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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
1. A reminder of a spider. (6)
5. Day of rest and worship. (6)
10. Practice sessions. (3,4)
11. Persons authorised to practise the legal profession. (7)
12. Drinks daintily. (4)
13. Command for a dog to go and get it. (5)
15. Car for hire. (4)
17. The shorter of the two signals used in Morse code. (3)
19. Australian marsupial, you can play it. (6)
21. Towels at the bottom. (6)
22. A military withdrawal to a place of peace and quiet. (7)
23. The season preceding Christmas. (6)
25. A golf hole with a sharp angle in the fairway. (3-3)
28. The residue left when something is burned. (3)
30. Change your location from one place to another. (4)
31. Legally, put counterfeit money into circulation. (5)
32. The bad guys in “Lord of the Rings.” (4)
35. Ease pain, save from ruin or destruction. (7)
36. A conveyance that transports people or object. (7)
37. Morally bad or wrong. (6)
38. Goad by constant criticism. (6)
2. Mount of the Greek gods. (7)
3. Thrash or defeat, (Amer. Slang) (4)
4. Play music in a public place and solicit money for it. (6)
5. Pick out or choose from a number of alternatives. (6)
6. Information about events. (4)
7. Around the middle quality or ability. (7)
8. All things considered it makes sense. (4,2)
9. Give help, be of service. (6)
14. Some who travels for pleasure. (7)
16. Favours for people, short theatrical performances. (5)
18. Machine which converts energy into mechanical energy. (5)
20. Came together. (3)
21. A familiar term of address to a boy. (3)
23. Look up to. (6)
24. Italian baroque composer and violinist. (7)
26. Suitable for singing. (7)
27. Breathed noisily, as if exhausted. (6)
28. Be present at a meeting. (6)
29. The abode of God. (6)
33. Piece of office furniture. (4)
34. A case from which playing cards are dealt one at a time. (4)
