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In Fingal, Christmas has never been just a date on the calendar. From Balbriggan to Rus and Lusk to Swords, what makes Christmas truly special here is not the glitter of shopfronts or the bustle of seasonal markets, but the unmistakable sense of community—an unspoken understanding that this is a time to slow down, look around, and appreciate the people who share our little corner of the world.
Throughout Fingal, children rehearse school nativity plays, grandparents share recipes handed down through generations, and neighbours exchange greetings that seem more heartfelt in December’s crisp air. Whether it’s decorating a tree in Donabate, enjoying a winter walk along the Malahide estuary, or sharing a festive meal in Rush, the rhythm of the season reminds us that connection is our greatest gift.
Community groups across Fingal play a vital role in nurturing that spirit. Local sports clubs organise toy drives, parish halls host Christmas fairs, and volunteers ensure that those who might otherwise feel forgotten are welcomed into the fold. These efforts, often quiet and unseen, are the true heartbeat of the season. They shine a light on the generosity that defines Fingal—people showing up for one another not because it is expected, but because it is who we are.
In a world that often feels hurried and divided, Fingal’s Christmas traditions remind us that belonging is built through small acts of kindness and shared moments—carols sung in the town, a thoughtful knock on a neighbour’s door, a warm drink after a cold evening supporting a local event.
As we gather with loved ones and celebrate the season, let us hold onto what Christmas teaches us every year: that our community is strongest when we celebrate together, support one another, and make space at the table for all.
May this Christmas bring peace to your home, joy to your family, and renewed pride in the community we are fortunate to call our own.
The Locals Team
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by www.irishmediagroup.ie
STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition
By Jon Kavanagh
A childhood memory finds me awakening on a dark winter’s morning. Using my powers of deduction I concluded aloud ‘It won’t be long now till Santy comes’. Not a proclamation my mother wanted to hear as she struggled to boil the black kettle on the open fire, the only means of cooking in the time warp gate lodge where we lived. It may have been the Swinging Sixties but the decade of change had yet to pitch its tent in rural Fingal. A fellow Baby Boomer recently reminded me of how we looked forward to simple treats like a bottle of brown sauce at Christmas. Things we take for granted today were luxuries back then. The centerpiece of the season was my mother’s plum pudding, which she bought in instalments starting around midSeptember; week one a packet of raisins, week two a tub of mixed peal, week three a bag of brown sugar etc. The highlight of my year was scraping and consuming what remained in the mixing bowl after she placed the great load into a calico cloth. As the ingredients included a bottle of stout and a generous
helping of whiskey, I’m lucky not to have been charged drunk driving on my tricycle. Tension and steam filled the kitchen as the pudding was carefully place in an iron pot for eight hours of intensive care. It was crucial not to let the water go off the boil as the pudding would ‘take the water’ – a widely feared disaster. We would buy a Christmas cake in the local shop. Beautifully presented in a decorated cardboard box, it had thick layers of almond and white icing topped off with a toy Santa. Long before loyalty cards were invented, the shop keeper would give his customers a Christmas present; usually an Oxford Lunch Cake or a nice canister of tea.
My father decorated the tiny lodge with a string of brightly coloured balloons and sprigs of ivy as my mother proudly placed a new length of oil cloth on the rustic kitchen table. On Christmas Day we sat down to hearty meal of meat, two veg and packet oxtail soup, rounded off with the plum pudding, which thankfully didn’t ‘take the water’. Simple times we appreciated. Happy Christmas.
Soccer Stars – Free Trial alert at Corduff Attention Soccer Stars Lusk!
Football lessons for toddlers aged 1.5 to 5-years-old at Corduff National School – Lusk takes place every Saturday from 10am – 12pm. Come and join us for a morning of fun, engaging, and pressure-free games!
It’s not just about football – it’s about the friendships we build along the way. Why choose Soccer Stars? The only toddler football school that truly understands parents’ needs, flexible make-up classes if you miss a session, safe, fun, and supportive environment for your little star. DM us or email info@soccerstars.ie for a Free Trial this weekend! Don’t miss out – spots fill fast! For more information go to www.soccerstars.ie.
By Jack Shanley
Edgar Wright’s take on The Running Man is less of a remake of the campy Arnold Schwarzenegger film and more of a gritty, modern adaptation of the original Stephen King novel. Starring Glen Powell as Ben Richards, the blue-collar man desperate enough to volunteer for a lethal, televised hunt, the film is a non-stop, kinetic thriller that often feels uncomfortably timely.
From the first frame, Wright brings his signature visual energy. The pace is absolutely frantic, rarely giving you a moment to catch your breath as Richards is chased across a dystopian, corporately-controlled America. This isn’t just a staged arena game; it’s a cross-country chase broadcast as primetime entertainment, complete with high-tech surveillance and a bloodthirsty viewing public. The action sequences are inventive and sharp, and the movie is powered entirely by Glen Powell’s performance.
Powell plays Richards not as a wisecracking action star, but as a man consumed by justifiable, seething anger. He’s running to get medicine for his sick daughter and railing against a system of extreme wealth inequality and broken healthcare. This is where the film feels strongest: its dystopian 2025 is less sci-fi fantasy and more “uncomfortably familiar” social commentary. It’s a world where propaganda and “FreeVee” reality shows are used to placate a miserable working class, and the film does a solid job of highlighting this critique.
However, the sheer speed of the film is also its biggest flaw. The constant movement leaves many of the supporting characters Richards encounters feeling underdeveloped or quickly forgotten. They’re colorful plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out people, which dilutes some of the emotional weight.
The biggest stumbling block is the final act. After establishing such a tight, brutal, and cynical world, the ending feels strangely Hollywood-ized. It’s too neat and lacks the dark, uncompromising bite that Stephen King’s novel delivered. It struggles to commit fully to either being a purely biting satire or an all-out action flick, landing somewhere in the middle.
I’d recommend checking out ‘The Running Man’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of 3 and ½ stars, after my first watch. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: Edgar Wright– Rating: 15A –Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure – Run Time: 2h 13m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
By Dave Kavanagh
Traditionally, December is when we tend to spend the most. Is there a way to soften the impact? Of course there is. Firstly, manage expectations: Most people can’t remember what they got 2 years ago, so don’t put yourself under too much pressure for “big” presents. Next, leave the credit card at home: At about 20% interest, adding debt for things you don’t need to overspend on, only starts the new year off in a negative. Be realistic with food shopping: The shops are only closed for 1-2 days, do you really need to stock up so much? In the days/weeks after Christmas, make a list of all the things you bought but didn’t really need or through out, and keep it for next year, so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. Kris Kindle: Talk to family and close friends to agree to pick one person and buy them a present for a set limit, to ease the burden. There are things you can also do all year round that can save you enough to cover the cost of Christmas: Switch utility providers, the savings can be quite substantial. Compare before you shop for larger items: Just because one store has a sign saying the fridge you want is reduced from €799 to €699, doesn’t mean that another store that does not have a sale on, isn’t selling the same fridge for €649. Take the time to shop around when your car or house insurance
renewals come in, it can be well worth the effort. Review premiums that you pay regularly, such as mortgage protection or life cover, especially if they were taken out directly with a bank who could not compare. Finally, go through a few months’ bank statements: we regularly find people paying for things like subscriptions or gym memberships, that should have been cancelled years before or that they simply no longer require.
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.
Lusk ICA hosted a fun Halloween fancy dress group meeting and invited the Rush, Balbriggan and Donabate guilds with music from Gerry and the Plonkers.
Rosanna Darby presented our National presented Mary D’Arcy with a fresh fruit and vegetable hamper.
All the ICA ladies dressed up for Halloween group meeting, followed with
a beautiful supper organized by Alma Farrell, Mary Hagan and team.
We enjoyed a fantastic night out in the Millbank Theatre at the play “Lend me A Tenor” by Ken Ludwig a fast-paced door slamming farce, set in a luxurious Hotel suite - in aid of the Lusk twinning.
Our thanks again to the Lusk choir and father Kevin who celebrated a lovely mass in memory of the deceased members of Lusk ICA.
The Balbriggan\North County Dublin branch of Irish guide dogs for the Blind on December 5th Friday in the Strand Bar rush will be selling Xmas Cards, 2026 calendars, Merchandise and car raffle tickets costing €5 each, from 11am to 5pm.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is dedicated to enriching the lives of blind and visually impaired people, and children with autism, by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity, and new horizons of opportunity.
When Christmas shopping this year, please Buy Irish. Remember that Amazon or Shein won’t sponsor your kids jerseys, it’s local businesses who support local communities! Here are some of our fave products….
Love candles? Rathbornes1488 in Dublin are the oldest candle makers in the world! They make beautiful candles in incredible scents, fab for creating ambience and gifting.
MyKindOfDress.com has fabulous party dresses. If you’re a jeans and nice top kinda gal, use code “mumstown20” for 20% off Freddy Jeans!
Looking for a Christmas party venue? Bracken Court has fab party night & festive afternoon tea options.
The Gem Treatery vouchers are ideal for gifting teachers who love a coffee run; or anyone who loves ice-cream, sambos and crepes!
Farnham Estate festive packages are wonderful for Christmas mini breaks and they have Santa and Afternoon tea and lots on.
www.wanapix.ie has personalised calendars, mugs, glasses, mouse mats, tote bags, makeup bags and loads more. Use code MAMSWANAPIX for 15% off!
For winter days out, Avondale Tree Top walk, Smurfs Village and Skypark Adventure Lights are stunning. While National Concert Hall and Casino Model Railway Museum Polar Express are great indoor events.
Ilac SC has great shopping with LFC store, Stitch-a-Name, Lovisa, Smiggle, Normal, Hoco, Dunnes and Santa’s Magical Cabin! Interactive and fun, see www.santaexperience.ie and also check them out at Kilnamangh, Dublin 24
For coffee lovers, Irish brand Artessa fusion blends, in ground coffee or beans, are delicious gifts.
Nutrgove SC has free parking and lots of stores including Penneys and Regatta and a fab Santa Claus too!
Hampers & Co. huge range of hampers come in gorgeous boxes, so no need to wrap. Irish, clever and easy – love them!
Elave Skincare is a fantastic Irish brand for all skin types with gift sets for baby, junior and adults - all made in Dundalk.
Glimmerboxes are a Glimmer of happiness in a box. We love the Gamer, Brighter Days Ahead & Christmas boxes.
Chocolate Garden has lovely Hot Chocolate tins, perfect for treating hot chocolate fans and their chocolate is Gluten free too.. Mienas Nougat is a wonderful handmade brand and a great stocking filler.
Tipperary Crystal have fab bags, jewellery and lots of offers on their Christmas range. Design Gallery in Drogheda is a treasure trove of gifts with free gift-wrapping service. Willow & Wisp Mornington has gorgeous locally made gifts, like Shelley’s Driftwood.
Follow us on @mams.ie & @mams.ireland on FB for our festive competitions!
December is the month of celebrations, family gatherings, and big meals… but for those of us who share our homes with pets, it also means keeping a very close eye on the table to make sure nothing “mysteriously disappears.” It’s the perfect time to remember that some things that are delicious and harmless for us can be dangerous for them.
Let’s start with decorations.
The poinsettia is a beautiful and festive plant, but it’s extremely toxic for cats. If you have a feline friend at home, it’s safer to choose other options. Here are a few non-Christmas plants
that still look great and even help purify the air: the spider plant, the Boston fern, and the ribbon plant (also called the love plant).
Next, a food that is wonderfully tasty for us (especially with a cheese board) but highly toxic for pets: grapes, and even worse, raisins. If your dog or cat eats even one raisin, go to your vet immediately. We can help remove it before their body starts to metabolise it and cause serious damage.
Now on to dessert. For us, chocolate is only a problem in excess, but for pets it can trigger severe gastrointestinal issues. No one wants to
spend Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day cleaning up vomiting or diarrhoea. If you want to share a treat with your pet, peanut butter is a much safer option.
And finally, be careful with coffee and spirits. They’re common during the festivities but absolutely not suitable for animals. If you’d like to include them in the celebration, you can “cheers” with a little unsalted chicken broth or vegetable broth instead!
With these tips, Village Vets Lusk wishes you a happy and safe holiday season. If you have any doubts or emergencies, don’t hesitate to call us!
Congratulations to all at the club on our 50th anniversary. The club continues to grow and we look forward to the future with great excitement. The autumn months were full of fantastic achievements with over 60 club members completing a marathon. The Dublin City Marathon was particularly memorable and our runners were grateful for the amazing support. A big thank you to all who volunteered at the event. The cross country season is now in full swing and we encourage athletes to give it a try. We would also like to thank all who have donated prizes for our Christmas raffle. This is an important fundraiser for the club so please buy a ticket if you can.
• Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team?
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Send us your pics.. We Want it ALL.. Contact us today: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Be Part of Your Community News
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 drawnwill win €50..Good luck
1. A place of refuge from danger or hardship. (6)
5. A poor densely populated city district. (6)
10. Landlocked Central European country. (7)
11. Even more absurd. (7)
12. A metal piece of money. (4)
13. North and South country. (5)
15. Oven for a potter. (4)
17. A short day to be married. (3)
19. Substance which separates milk into solids and liquids. (6)
21. Great birds of prey. (6)
22. Quickly, speedily. (7)
23. Woven container with handles. (6)
25. Lacking physical strength or vitality. (6)
28. A state of matter. (3)
30. Dry like a desert. (4)
31. Slippers with no fitting around the heel. (5)
32. Popular Indonesian island. (4)
35. Just the place for sport and concerts. (7)
36. Trace the shape, as of bodies at crime scenes. (7)
37. No longer frozen solid. (6)
38. Change for the worse. (6)
2. A meeting of musicians. (7)
3. Boisterous songbird. (4)
4. A field where grass is grown to be made into hay. (6)
5. Breathed noisily, as if exhausted. (6)
6. Long fish. (4)
7. A pursuit of little importance. (7)
8. Craned at the performer. (6)
9. Swimwear for men. (6)
14. A performance of music especially by a soloist. (7)
16. A cap for the French. (5)
18. A hen kept for her eggs. (5)
20. A cheap and vulgar item. (3)
21. A mischievous fairy. (3)
23. Slowly cook food with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan. (6)
24. Vegetable mistakenly known for iron content. (7)
26. The sort of exercise that sets you up for the day. (7)
27. Expelled from your own country. (6)
28. Treated with adhesive, like an envelope. (6)
29. A good with faults, usually sold at a reduced price. (6)
33. A personal belief not based on proof. (4)
34. Flower supporter. (4)
