Lusk Local V9I3-OCT 2023

Its Halloween – and the Clocks change this

Halloween will be here at the end of this month and as many of us know it is based on the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This is about halfway between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice when the Celts believed the boundary between this world and the next could be more easily crossed. All very scary, but those definitions have long been confined to history and today it is a time for the smiles on our children’s faces to replace the apprehension or fear of olden times. Also, remember our clocks go back on October 29, just two days before Halloween so the evenings will be darker. Today our local shops benefit from the sale of Halloween costumes, all kinds of nuts and sweets and fruit and make up materials as the young people go ‘trick or treating’. Today the Christian churches celebrate those days (31 October – 1 November) as the feast days of All Souls and All Saints Days which are religious festivals. These days, Community organisations such as charities, sports clubs and voluntary organisations use this holiday period to raise vital funds with Halloween parties, or a properly supervised and licenced fireworks display, or functions and other fundraising events. However also at this time of let us remember it is an offence to possess unlicensed fireworks (other than low hazard fireworks, such as party poppers, sparklers and so on), with intent to sell or supply. Fines of up to €10,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment can apply. All too often we hear of people, young people in particular, being injured by unlicensed fireworks so let us be careful and use only the legal fireworks in a proper manner. This year we would urge you to support your local retailers who sell licensed sparklers and party poppers and costumes, support your local community organisations and charities and remember to stay safe. In this country we love to celebrate, we invented the craic and nobody parties like we do, so let us enjoy the old Celtic festival. Oh, and remember to support your local shops and don’t forget to change your clocks!

The

STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:

by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition

Locals Team.

Cllr O’Donoghue welcomes progress on amenities at the Lusk Sports Hub

Cllr Rob O’Donoghue has welcomed progress regarding the timeline for the provision of amenities at the Lusk Sports Hub. Responding to his motion seeking the next steps in the provision of amenities at the Hub Fingal County Council informed the chamber that a planning application for development of Rathmore Park is in development by the Council. The proposed layout of sporting facilities in the Hub which has been developed with the stakeholders of the Lusk 2020 group which includes, Round Towers GAA, Lusk Athletics, Lusk Utd, The Lusk Community College, Rush and Lusk Educate Together and the Lusk Community Council is ongoing and will strongly feed into the final design that will seek planning permission. The next step in the process is one in which work is ongoing on the environmental assessment of the proposals for facilities at the Hub and the results of these assessments will then inform the timeline for the submission

BRIAN

of the planning permission at the site. Speaking to his motion concerning a timeline for provision of facilities at the Hub, Cllr O’Donoghue stated, ‘with the transfer of the lands and playground in the north of the Hub during the summer, I can finally see the start of the endgame with bringing the Hub project to fruition. This will provide facilities including pitches and a running track that are desperately needed by the clubs in the town to develop their ever-growing memberships. It has been a long road to get to this point and the organisations in the Lusk 2020 group deserve credit for sticking to the process and engaging with each other and FCC to get the project to where we will be able to apply for planning permission for these much-needed amenities.’ In other Hub news, the Council are to carry out ground improvements in the open area at the North of the Hub and are in the process of procuring new goal posts which are projected to be erected by November.

Lusk Action Group Concerns Over Comm Masts and Bus Services

The community of Lusk awoke to a surprising development recently, as two communications masts sprung up seemingly overnight at the Dublin Road and Skerries Road roundabouts. These unannounced installations raised eyebrows and concerns among the community who value our heritage town. Lusk Action Group have submitted appeals to An Bord Pleanála in challenge of both licence approvals. We believe that these masts have been inappropriately positioned in the context of our heritage town and have concerns regarding the potential health and environmental impacts that these structures may have. Masts such as these have sprung up in other areas of the country, using a piece of legislations which does not requires public consultation. Simultaneously, the town has been

grappling with inconsistencies in bus services of the buses 33X, 33, and 33A. These services have been at the centre of complaints, with delays and instances of passengers, particularly young people, being left stranded by drivers. This has left many members, and particularly parents, frustrated and calling for improvements in the services. Public transportation is an essential lifeline for many Lusk residents, enabling them to access employment, education, and essential services in the neighbouring areas. Therefore, when the bus services experience disruptions, it directly impacts the daily lives of the people in this community. When it comes to changes that affect the town, there is rightly an expected level of consultation and transparency from the authorities. Lusk Action Group has lodged a

submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA), based on feedback from the community, to seek effective and long-lasting solutions to these issues as our population increases. We are in consultation with our local elected representatives to advance these concerns with the NTA, Dublin Bus and Go Ahead. Lusk heritage is what makes it a truly unique and cherished place to call home. The sudden appearance of communication masts without consultation and the ongoing bus service issues have understandably rattled many community members. Lusk Action Group is working by advocating for the community interests and seeking answers to these pressing issues.

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Why Do We Put Off Planning Cover?

By Dave Kavanagh

When it comes to the important task of making sure that you have the most appropriate life and serious illness cover in place, 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 sometime 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. Someone once told me that they had no time and in the same conversation told me they had queued for over an hour in a drive-through for doughnuts. (They were also up to date on all the soap storylines!) If it’s important, 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 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.

Cllr. Paul Mulville

Lusk Tidy Town Association – working for the community

Our work Programme for 2023 consisted of a new shrubbery bed at the Square area, and a cobble and locking surround at the Heritage Stone on the Rathmore Road - this has now been completed and our appreciation goes to Fingal County Council. With all the new development in Lusk it is difficult to keep Lusk spic and span. Over the years Lusk has won many awards and it has been to the great credit to the community involved. Keep Lusk Tidy and litter free,Pat Kelly. Also, we have news of the Lusk Tidy Towns book. The Past and Present - Picture Book for the Lusk Tidy Towns Association which has now been completed, and a second edition will be put together over the next few months.

Picture Design by Yoana Topalska

CLG Chloigthithe Lusca – Round Towers Lusk GAA Club

Best of luck to all our teams in their Championship matches in the 2023 season. All support is welcome at our fixtures. Details on dates, venues and times of home fixtures can be viewed on our website at roundtowerslusk. ie Nursery, - LGFA, AMFC, GAA Boys and Girls – Club would like to invite new members to play GAA – Please Get in Touch! Great Fun to be had! Check our website for non-player/player membership of the Round Towers roundtowerslusk.ie Parents and Mentors – We need your help and support! Round Towers are progressing through our Club Development Programme with many different initiatives and wider projects to upgrade our facilities for all ages to enjoy the GAA game. We welcome you comments, ideas and or support that you can offer. Please get in touch through our online networks, club website and or Facebook. - Traditional Music Night

- The Traditional Music on the last Tuesday of the months has been a huge success and would like to continue these nights for our retired members of the community to come along and catch up and enjoy a musical evening with friends and new members of the Round Towers Club. A Special thank you to all that organise events in our Adult Men’s Committee! Lotto – Our Weekly Lotto is in excess of €12,000. This is a crucial fundraiser for the club and you can play here: klubfunder.com/Clubs/Round_Towers_Lusk/lotto

Draw in Club Thursday @9pm. //linktr.ee/roundtowerlusk . Seachtain na

Gaeilge – Please do visit our GAA Round Towers Lusk club website on the below web address to explore many social events and the O’Neills shop.Entertainment – The TAP Bar in GAA club in Lusk has got some fantastic events coming over the month and would be delighted to see you there and enjoy some Live music. Relax in comfort and enjoy sporting events on the big screen in the TAP on the Big Screen. TRAD Night – Last Tuesday every month great music night session in the TAP Bar - Stay posted on Facebook on upcoming events. Enjoy GAA matches and other sports event with light refreshment on large screen in TAP BAR. Outdoor seating area available. Please visit our website on linktr.ee/roundtowerlusk or call in and check our club bar for a refreshment also open for bookings including family events and parties!

❚❘ MON ● Parent & Toddler Group ● Irish Grinds for 3rd & 6th Years

● Duncan Smith Advice Clinic

❚❘ TUES ● Prosper Fingal ● Yoganamara: Yoga for All & Chair Yoga

● Power Drama: Creative Drama & Speech+Drama

● Autism Skill-building Playgroup

❚❘ WED ● Yoganamara: Post-Natal Baby Friendly Yoga & Yoga For All

● Lusk Sister Shed ● Lusk Bridge Club

❚❘ THURS ● Lynne Barker Health Yoga ● Lusk Bridge Classes

❚❘ FRI ● Joe O’Brien Advice Clinic ● Baby Massage & Reflexology

● Lusk Senior Citizens ● Scoil Rince Fingal Irish Dancing

● Lusk Youth Club

❚❘ MON ● Sylvia’n’Yoga

❚❘ TUES ● Tina Mation Art Academy

● Foróige Coastal North Dublin

❚❘ WED ● Lusk Community Choir

❚❘ THURS ● Foróige Coastal North Dublin

❚❘ FRI ● Foróige Coastal North Dublin

❚❘ SUN ● RCCG Assembly of Praise Sundays Worship Service

Watch out for special events this HALLOWEEN

Keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter, the Cottage Window and local shops for details of upcoming events throughout Autumn continuing our theme of BIODIVERSITY & SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR COMMUNITY

For contact details of all classes scan the code or give the office a call.

Lusk ICA wonderful summer outings to New Grange and Belfast

Our Lusk ICA summer outing was organized by Marie A O Sullivan to the new Grange Heritage centre on 19 August followed by a lovely meal in the Bracken Court, Hotel. And a number of our members joined up with the senior citizens group for a day trip to Belfast. We visited the Ulster folk museum, Stormont, and a guided tour around the city. Followed by a lovely mean in the Carrickdale Hotel.

Our guild meetings are held in the Scouts Den at 3:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month All are welcome. We have Chair Exercise on a Tuesday in the Community Centre at 11am and Light Exercise in the Hub at 11.30 also on a Tuesday.

Lusk National School celebrates 200 years of education

Primary Education has been provided for the children of Lusk since 1823, predating the establishment of formal national education of 1831. From a two-room bungalow, housing 120 children, to the vast campus we have today, accommodating nearly 1000 children, it is difficult to comprehend the changes that have occurred during this time. The original schoolhouse, and the 1874 building that stands on the same site and is now the parish centre, soon became too small for the population and so in 1955 a new school was opened on Chapel Road. This building grew with the village and was extended several times, ending its life as a 32-classroom vertical school. In 2018, Lusk National school formally split into a Junior and Senior school, each one consisting

of 16 classrooms. The history of this school has been intertwined with our own national history. It has witnessed the Great Famine, two World Wars, the struggle for Irish Independence and the foundation of the Irish State. It saw electrification, sanitation, decimalisation and technological advances that those first students couldn’t have dreamt of. In recent times, our town and school have seen an explosion of population and have welcomed many families from all corners of the world to our village. We have also had to adapt quickly, embracing remote learning during the pandemic, which took the classroom out of the school buildings and into the houses of the village. This long and proud tradition of education has been a testament to the people of

Lusk, the resilience and togetherness of the community and a determination to provide a wide-reaching service to our students. So why not join us on Saturday 7 October as we turn the pages of history and celebrate 200 years of Lusk National School at 2:00pm-5:00pm. We hope the day will be one filled with nostalgia, laughter and learning as we celebrate two centuries of education. We look forward to opening our school doors to the community, to share old stories and your experiences, and to present you with our modern classrooms and equipment. Please send any photos you have of our school to 200years@ lusksns.ie We hope to see you there to honour our 200 years of education and the countless memories that have shaped our community.

Story Telling night by Lusk Heritage Group

The art of storytelling is still alive and well in Lusk. On Friday 8th September Lusk Heritage Group proved that in Murray’s Pub with their lineup of storytellers, poets and raconteurs. Jim Hawkins from Swords was MC for the night and kept everyone entertained along the way Topics varied from the seaweed wars in Skerries and surrounding areas in the first half of the 1900s, and poems by Jim Finnegan stretching back over the last 50 years of his life. Eilen Sweetman brought back memories of the Square in Lusk, of her family and friends. Vera Stone from Rush enthralled her audience with three old recitations that had everyone falling out of their seats with laughter. Jim Monks gave us all a humorous warning about how the internet,

I-phones and laptops are in danger of replacing local north county accents with much poorer versions of language and shorthand truncated writing that he was not at all impressed with. But local poet Damien Donnelly showed us that not all is lost yet. He regaled us with three of his poems about travelling, coming home and making sense of this modern world of ours.

Aidan Arnold gave a fascinating talk about his upcoming book Barnewall de Berneval, 800 years an Irish Norman Family. The book, which he hopes to have available for sale by midOctober, had its origins in a 22-year friendship between local Lusk woman Pat Kelly, Secretary of the Lusk Heritage Group and Sir Reginald Barnewall, the head of the Barnewall family

worldwide until his death in 2018. On the night, Pat Kelly remembered friends she met over the years with connections to the rich heritage of Fingal, while Sean O’Gorman gave a not so complimentary account of Lord Holmpatrick of Skerries. His court battles with the farmers of Rush were reenacted by Sean and Jim Monks. At the time John Thorne finished up repeatedly in court, pitted against Ian Hamilton (he of the Hamilton Monument in Skerries,) who demanded to be paid for every cart load of seaweed that the local farmers laboriously drew with horse and cart from Shennick Island for use as fertiliser to grow their crops. Just a sample of all the strange and wonderful stories told and yet to be told about our local history.

From left : Brian Dennehy Fingal County Council, Pat Kelly, Secretary of the Lusk Heritage Group. Jim Monks, Mayor of Fingal Adrian Henchy, Aidan Arnold, Jim Hawkins, Robert O’Donoghue F.C.C.

Have a spooktacular Halloween staycation this year!

By Siobhan O’Neill White

The pumpkins are out, it’s getting chilly, and Halloween is fast approaching. If you’re looking to spook up your home, we love the cheap and cheerful Halloween decorations at Penney’s. Perfect for creating spooky vibes. The squishy, velvety pumpkins and butternut squashes are especially cute! After the awful summer of torrential rain, you may be craving a fun-filled family break. We’ve picked some of our favourite spots to give your staycation inspiration this Autumn!

The Farnham Estate is a beautiful sprawling country estate in Cavan. Fab food, spacious rooms and beautiful grounds. We recommend a stroll through the woods to look for squirrels and collect conkers and helicopters! Our children love it there. Another wonderful family friendly place is the Pillo Hotel Ashbourne. Close to Emerald

Park and Dublin, its ideally located. They have kids chill out rooms, family friendly pool and a spa for parents who need a break. This Halloween, Emerald Park has lots planned, including the return of the Tricky Trail for daytime fun and spooky After Dark for night-time thrills! Why not plan a trip to Emerald Park and then head over to Pillo hotel for a swim, yummy dinner and comfy stay! Carlingford is fantastic for family breaks with outdoor activities and water sports. We recommend staying at the Four Seasons Carlingford, it’s always decorated beautifully for Halloween. The hotel is across from the beach and a secret garden that kids will love to explore and is only 2 mins walk to the village. Our kids love it!

This Autumn and Winter, the National Concert Hall has lots going on. Check out their website for family friendly events and follow mams.ireland on FB for NCH giveaways!

The Wax Museum is another wonderful spot;

always something cool to see, especially around Halloween! The Irish National Stud is wonderful, with loads of space for children to run around and a cosy café for yummy bites. The horses are beautiful too. October weather is great for outdoors. Not too cold but still, nice. Make sure to pop on sunscreen though. Even if its cloudy, we still need SPF. Elave is our favourite Irish brand, excellent coverage for all ages and skin types. To help parents a little this midterm, we’re giving away Shake Dog vouchers. To enter to win dinner on us, go to: www.mams.ie or indeed contact us at facebook.com/mams.ireland.

Shortlisted for Golden Spider Award & Infant & Maternity Award

As seen on RTE and Virgin Media Ireland & Weekend AM

As heard on Today FM’s Ian Dempsey & Dermot & Dave; RTE’s Ray D’Arcy Show, 98FM, LMFM Late Lunch, WLRFM & Shannonside FM

CommunityLocals.ie

& Events

Lusk AC back training for the new season ahead!

Our juveniles returned to training in September and the club hosted the first juvenile cross -country league of the season at the hub. Meanwhile our adult section continues to thrive with members taking part in races across all distances. Best of luck to our marathon runners who are almost ready to start their taper before the Dublin City Marathon at the end of October. It’s been a hard slog with all the long training runs but it will all be worth it. A big welcome to our latest Fit4Life group.

A busy return to training for our Juveniles

Peter Doyle completed the Longford Marathon

Lusk were well represented at the Frank Duffy 10 mile in Phoenix Park

Donna, Dara & David all ran well at the National Half Marathon in Tullamore

Garret Nolan completed the Great North Run where the route travels from Newcastle to South Shields

Some of the Lusk contingent before the Ratoath Half Marathon at Fairyhouse Racecourse

It was ice creams all round at the Portmarnock Beach 5k

Junsa Taekwondo Club News

Junsa - back to focussing on the new Taekwondo season

While our short break is finished, in the background Junsa has been planning our upcoming training sessions and competition calendar for the new season. We are also in preparation for taking on new students of all ages. At Junsa we have specific classes for different age groups of all abilities, from the 5 - to 50 year olds who want something new for fitness, discipline ,to become a black belt or to compete at local or international level Junsa Taekwondo can cater for everyone . If you are interested in an Olympic sport or marital art please contact Stuart on 087 7775202 or on Facebook Junsa Taekwondo.

Our advanced group are a diverse group of young teenagers and older black belts who all work together to improve themselves.

Fantastic to see so many girls involved in our sport

Our advanced group cooling down after training

Ciarán pad kicking

This group includes some very experienced black belts and fighters but also beginners from age 13 upwards

Intermediate kickers, this is a fantastic group from ages 8 up to 12. We also have a great mix of boys and girls.

Evie training with Erica

Leon sparing training, advanced group

Deanna helps Sadie with the back kick

BRIAN DENNEHY

Working hard for our community

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 mnoth. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good

Across

1. Go up. (6)

5. A business that serves other businesses. (6)

10. Formally put an end to something. (7)

11. Ill at the seaside. (7)

12. Drive someone out from a position or place. (4)

13. A separate part of a whole. (5)

15. Norse god of evil and strife. (4)

17. Industrious insect. (3)

19. Having average intelligence or development. (6)

21. Handkerchief of lies. (6)

22. Type of palm which provides edible flesh and milk. (7)

23. Wood for a cricket bat. (6)

25. Won something through one’s efforts. (6)

28. To stake on the outcome of an issue. (3)

30. Desire strongly or persistently. (4)

31. Walked through something heavier than air. (5)

32. Metal used in galvanising iron. (4)

35. Time for vespers. (7)

36. Compose the letter again. (7)

37. A constituent unit of a nation having a federal government. (6)

38. Marker of personal opinion. (6)

luck

Down

2. Provide funds for a project of activity. (7)

3. Prepare for publication. (4)

4. Flower of the daisy family. (6)

5. Someone who is physically dependent on a substance. (6)

6. Not difficult, requiring little effort. (4)

7. A soft suede leather ideal for carwashing. (7)

8. Stretch of salt water separated from the sea by a coral reef. (6)

9. A red the colour of ripe cherries. (6)

14. Derived pleasure from. (7)

16. Smoked or salt pig meat. (5)

18. Urgently needed, absolutely necessary. (5)

20. Down, as in spirits. (3)

21. The powerful boat to pull you abruptly. (3)

23. Advanced by steps. (6)

24. Having the greater length of two. (7)

26. Ironies just get louder. (7)

27. Knocked down like a pack of cards. (6)

28. Emblems of allegiance to a club or group. (6)

29. A very troublesome child, sometimes holy as well! (6)

33. A thin fog with condensation near the ground. (4)

34. Travelled through water. (4)

SUDOKU ANSWERS