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The longer days are finally here, and there has also been a welcomed dash of glorious sunshine here and there over the past month! Easter always brings with it a sense of anticipation for what is to come in the warmer months, and in Fingal, local community groups and volunteers are hard at work getting their towns and villages read for summer!
Whether it’s organising Easter egg hunts in local parks, coordinating charity events, or preparing community halls for seasonal gatherings, their work often goes unseen, yet never unfelt. These are the people who ensure that no family feels left out, that children have moments of joy, and that neighbours remain connected in an increasingly busy world.
In Fingal, community is not an abstract idea—it is lived daily. Tidy Towns committees refresh public spaces after a long winter, sports clubs reopen their pitches with renewed energy, and local charities redouble efforts to support those who may be struggling. Easter becomes a focal point for these efforts, a time when the ethos of giving and renewal finds practical expression.
Equally important is family. Easter weekend offers a pause—a chance for relatives to gather around tables, to share meals, stories, and laughter. In a world often defined by digital connection, these moments of togetherness carry a deeper significance. They anchor us, reminding us of continuity, of shared history, and of the simple comfort of being present with one another.
For many in Fingal, these gatherings are intertwined with local traditions: a walk along the coast, a visit to a nearby market, or simply time spent outdoors as spring begins to take hold. The landscape itself seems to join in, with longer days and fresh blooms reinforcing the sense of new beginnings.
Easter, then, is more than a holiday. In Fingal, it is a testament—to the strength of community, the dedication of volunteers, and the enduring importance of family.
The Locals Team
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Malahide Lions give generous donation to Skerries Youth Service
Members from the Fingal Volunteer Centre were honoured to attend the cheque presentation from the wonderful volunteers at Malahide Lions Club to the Skerries Youth Support Services team. Through their incredible fundraising efforts, Malahide Lions Club generously donated €1,500 to support this important work. Skerries Youth Support Service is a volunteer-
led organisation providing free counselling for young people aged 12–24, offering vital support to those who need it most.
“Our Volunteer Centre is all about connecting the community, and moments like this remind us why it matters. When we first met with the Lions Club, we shared the fantastic work that Michael and Dave are doing in the community.
Tina Mation ready to host Big Box Summer Camps once again
That conversation led to an introduction to SYSS — and ultimately to this generous support. This is community connection in action: volunteers supporting volunteers to make a real difference for young people in our area. Thank you to Malahide Lions Club for your generosity and commitment to helping local youth thrive,” the group stated.
For over 30 years, artist and broadcaster Tina Mation has been inspiring children to discover the joy of drawing and creativity. Many families across North Dublin and Meath know Tina not only from her long-running television art programmes, but also from the art classes and summer camps she has been running for generations of young artists.
Tina held her very first children’s art classes in Swords more than three decades ago. What began as a small local class quickly grew as children discovered how easy and fun it was to draw using Tina’s unique step-by-step teaching method. Tina believes that every child can draw and create, in most cases, they just need to be shown not only how to draw, but more importantly, that they can draw. Over the years, she has taught thousands of children in person and as the presenter of the longest-running television art series in the world by the same presenter, she has shown millions of children and adults just how easy it is to bring drawings to life.
Working directly with children in local communities remains one of the most rewarding parts of her career, alongside her work on RTÉ television and the publication of over 60 drawing and animation books.
Each summer Tina runs her much-loved Big Box Summer Art Camps, packed with drawing, painting, constructing miniature theatres, making games, designing T-shirts and many other creative projects. This July, the camps will take place in Lusk, Swords and Ashbourne, welcoming young artists for fivedays of hands-on creativity. Each child receives their own Big Box, which transforms during the camp into a collection of complete artworks and activities they can proudly bring home.
After more than 30 years teaching her unique method, Tina continues to inspire a new generation of children to pick up a pencil, use their imagination and discover that, with a little guidance, they can create their own magic. As Tina says “Learn to draw… Create for life!”
For more information visit: tinamation.net
Do These Financial Excuses Sound Familiar?
By Dave Kavanagh
“Let’s go for a drink?”, “How about a nice meal out?”, “Shall we book a nice holiday?”, “How about an afternoon shopping?”, all questions that are (usually!) met with a positive response. “Shall we have a look through our finances and plans that we have in place?”, not usually met with the same enthusiasm or joy! For many reasons, people put off or avoid having to go through an exercise such as this, despite the fact that it can lead to them spending less and having more money left over each month! So, what excuses do they present to avoid this not-sodesirable activity and what are they really saying? Let’s have a look:
“I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. This is sometimes replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a host of others. This is a bit like the “I’ll start the diet next Monday”. What you are actually saying is “I’ll name some time in the future, so I don’t have to face up to it or think about it now”. Let’s face it, you can make time to spend 30-60 minutes even once per year to look at something this important. Every year will have Christmas, summer time, back to school time, etc. Once you do, you’ll be glad that you did. “Our bank has sorted all that out for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things for you but in most
cases, banks are tied to one company’s products which means a fair comparison cannot be done and you may be overpaying. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you are getting the best value for money. “I’m busy at the moment, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. Let’s face it, going through your finances is rarely on anyone’s favourite activity list. But the fact remains, if there is an activity you like, you can make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems!
If you have time to binge a box set, you have plenty of time for your finances.
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.
Explore Fingal Roadshow on whistle stop tour
Last month Fingal County Council launched a new destination tourism brand: Explore Fingal. As part of the rollout of Explore Fingal a Roadshow visited seven venues around the county, meeting with community tourism groups to discuss the new brand. Between Monday 2nd and Thursday 5th March the Roadshow visited: Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk, Howth, Malahide, Rush and Blanchardstown. Explore Fingal has its own websites and social media platforms. It is a key milestone in the implementation of the Fingal Tourism Strategy 2024-2029 and includes a full programme of marketing and development initiatives that will support Fingal’s tourism growth.
All tourism businesses and organisations in Fingal are encouraged to go onto the website (www.explorefingal.ie) and connect through the Trade link at the bottom.
SHINY CAR LOANS
‘I Swear’ is an essential watch
By Jack Shanley
It is rare for a film to make you laugh out loud and break your heart in the same scene, but I Swear manages both with remarkable grace. Directed by Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee), this biopic tells the true story of John Davidson, a Scotsman who became a famous advocate for Tourette Syndrome.
The film follows John’s journey from a confused teenager in the 1980s— played with painful vulnerability by newcomer Scott Ellis Watson—to an adult (Robert Aramayo) navigating a world that often mistakes his neurological condition for bad behaviour. Robert Aramayo, best known for The Rings of Power, delivers a career-defining performance. Playing a character with Tourette’s is a high-wire act; it can easily slip into caricature. However, Aramayo portrays the physical tics with a restless, exhausting accuracy while never losing sight of the gentle, funny man underneath. He is supported by a stellar British cast. Maxine Peake is wonderful as Dottie, the nurse who finally gives John the acceptance he craves, while Peter Mullan provides a gruff but deeply moving performance as a community centre caretaker who treats John like a human being rather than a problem to be solved. The movie doesn’t shy away from the “pottymouthed” reality of the condition, leading to some genuinely hilarious moments of social awkwardness.
However, I Swear balances the comedy with the darker side of John’s life: the schoolyard bullying, the family tension, and the physical danger of being misunderstood by strangers. It effectively highlights that the biggest challenge isn’t the Tourette’s itself, but the public’s lack of understanding. While it follows the traditional “underdog” biopic formula, I Swear feels fresh because of its raw honesty and immense heart. It is a “feel-good” movie that earns its emotion.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘I Swear’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four ½ stars. You can watch it on Netflix today. Director: Kirk Jones – Rating: 15A – Genre: Narrative – Run Time: 2h 1m Language: English. For more film content please follow @screen_. addicts on Instagram.
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Making the most of the Easter holidays!
With the kids off school, here are some ideas for fun days out. Malahide Castle & Gardens is hosting some fab events this Easter. They got a Wicked Easter and KPop Demon Hunters events. Plenty there to keep the kids happy and while they’re singing and dancing, it gives you a little time for a walk around the gorgeous grounds and a coffee in the fab café.
April is a funny month weather-wise, fluctuating between warm and chilly making it the perfect time for transitional clothing that works in changeable weather. We came across Irish brand, Circle Edge Athleisure Wear and it is perfect for this time of year. As well as cool hoodies and leggings - ideal for busy Mammies on the go - they also have stylish half-zip tops with matching wide leg trousers. And for underneath, a cool vest which can be worn two ways. Great design, comfortable fabrics and they do offers too, so you can nab the half-zip top, vest top and wide leg pants altogether in a set. They look super stylish, breathable and comfortable.
And to make sure you are as comfy as can be while running around after the kiddies, we are championing cool underwear brand Lemonade Dolls. A
range of underwear for woman of all shapes and sizes, in soft yet supportive fabrics, in a beautiful selection of colours. Best of all, they’re underwire free. Finding a supportive bra that looks good, feels good, offers proper support and does not have underwire is not easy! An absolute hero product range in our opinion. See https://lemonadedolls.com/
As the weather changes, bugs and viruses thrive and it’s good to take nutrient packed supplements. We’re big fans of Irish brand Sentro Labs. As well as supplements for gut health, they have products to help with hormone balance and a Sleep support set, which we have been testing out and find great. See their range and value bundles here https://www.sentrolabs.com/
Skypark Carlingford is back open and is a brilliant day out for all the family. Zip wires, physical challenges and cool team building games, make it really fun to visit as a family or group of friends. I still brag about doing the biggest zip wire there – yes, I screamed the whole way through but I still did it! Enter our Skypark giveaway on mams.ie and our socials FB/Insta.
If you’re a Local and have some free time please email us on: communitylocals@gmail.com
Calling all community and voluntary groups in this area! We are here to facilitate you and help publicise your organisations. We are a community based magazine therefore there will be no charge for publicising your group, whether its a chess club or small pastime group, a support group or a big community or sporting organisation. So if you want to publicise your organisation every month just send us an email to communitylocalseditor@gmail.com..We look forward to hearing from you.
Creativity, Enterprise and Big Wins at the Fingal Student Enterprise Awards
Local Enterprise Office Fingal has announced that this year’s Junior, Intermediate and Senior Category Winners will represent the county at the National Student Enterprise Finals in Mullingar this May. The announcement follows a vibrant and competitive County Final held on 19th March at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, where over 1,300 students from 21 schools showcased exceptional entrepreneurial talent through innovative products, strong branding and confident pitches, reflecting months of teamwork, creativity and resilience.
In the Junior Category, the students representing Fingal at the National Final are Sam Patton and Andrew Low from Sutton Park School, with their project Powerblocker.
In the Intermediate Category, Juliane Amelia O’Neill from Loreto Balbriggan, will showcase her enterprise, Tiny Terrariums, which focuses on Horticulture.
In the Senior Category, Daniel Strautnice, Jack Atkinson, and Jedd Umeh from Coolmine Community School secured their place with Micro Forge 3D, an innovative business centred on 3D Printing.
The winning teams will now compete against student businesses from across Ireland, presenting their ventures to a panel of judges and vying for
national recognition.
A range of special awards were also presented, recognising excellence across key enterprise areas. These included the Best Display Award, Sustainability Award, Social Media Award and Innovation Award, each honouring students who excelled in creativity, communication, design and forward-thinking business development.
The Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year Award was presented to Teacher Liz Byrne, Hartstown Community School, acknowledging outstanding commitment to enterprise education. The Enterprising School Spirit Award was awarded to Luttrellstown Community College, recognising the strong culture of creativity, teamwork and ambition fostered within the school community.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, praised the contribution and professionalism of all participating students: “The creativity and drive on display here today are outstanding. You have taken ideas from concept to reality, worked collaboratively, overcome challenges and stood confidently behind your businesses. The skills you have developed will serve you well long into the future.”
How Chinese Medicine Can Support Male Fertility With Susan
For couples trying to conceive, male fertility plays an equally important role as female fertility, yet it is often overlooked. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has addressed male reproductive health for thousands of years, and modern research is beginning to support what practitioners have long observed: Chinese medicine may offer meaningful support for men experiencing fertility challenges. TCM views male fertility as a reflection of overall health and energy balance. It emphasises “Kidney essence” – your body’s core life force that supports sperm production, stamina, and reproduction. When this essence, or energies such as Qi (vital energy) and Yin–Yang (cooling–warming balance), become imbalanced, it may contribute to low sperm count, reduced movement, or abnormal sperm shapes.
Acupuncture benefits
Very fine needles are placed at specific points, often around the lower back or abdomen, to help improve blood flow, reduce stress, and support hormone balance. Gentle warming with moxa (a burning herbal preparation held near the skin) can be used when additional warmth is needed. A short course of around 6–10 sessions is often used to support sperm quality, particularly where stress is thought to be a contributing factor. Vitamin support for wellbeing General
wellbeing supplements can complement TCM by nourishing the body. Vitamin C (from citrus fruits or supplements) acts as an antioxidant and helps protect sperm from damage. Vitamin E (found in nuts or supplements) supports sperm membrane health. Zinc (in foods such as oysters and seeds) is important for testosterone and semen production, while folate (in leafy greens) supports healthy DNA. A daily multivitamin that includes these nutrients may help support energy and protect against oxidative stress. Always discuss supplements with your doctor, especially if you are on medication.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help reduce stress and address subconscious blocks that may affect fertility. Sessions often include deep breathing and positive suggestions to support blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce performance anxiety, and build confidence around conception. Listening to a 15–20 minute audio recording regularly can support a calmer mind and more positive outlook. Some men also report better emotional balance and improved communication with their partner when combining hypnosis with TCM.
Daily tips
Choose warm, cooked foods such as ginger, walnuts, and lamb. Limit very cold drinks and frequent raw salads, which in TCM are thought to weaken digestive energy. Reduce alcohol and avoid smoking. Practise gentle movement such as Qi Gong or walking to relieve stress. Prioritise regular, good-quality sleep to support recovery and hormone balance. TCM aims to address underlying imbalances rather than just symptoms, which is why many people use it as part of a longer-term approach to reproductive health and general wellness.
Male Fertility A complementary approach
Chinese medicine can work alongside conventional fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI, and many people use it as a complementary therapy. While it is not a guaranteed solution, it may offer a natural, generally low risk way to support male reproductive health and improve the overall chances of conception. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner and also speak with your doctor or fertility specialist before starting any new treatment.
In Wellness Susan
susangrahamcoaching@gmail.com
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Across
1. Capable of learning easily. (6)
5. Pushed roughly. (6)
10. Occurs, comes to pass. (7)
11. John Lennon album was a Gemini. (7)
12. Soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired. (4)
13. Create by combining materials and parts. (5)
15. A pause for relaxation. (4)
17. Finish, conclude. (3)
19. Found in conjunction with fly, lightning and balance. (6)
21. Christian celebration of the Resurrection. (6)
22. Male accounts of the past. (7)
23. Bow and arrow user. (6)
25. In a foreign country. (6)
28. A joke to cause to retch. (3)
30. A beloved person comes with a high price. (4)
31. Food for tossing. (5)
32. Slender structure which supports a plant. (4)
35. Tensing, living like a bird. (7)
36. Searching visually. (7)
37. Slang for prison guards. (6)
38. Hospital carers. (6)
Down
2. Put something back where it belongs. (7)
3. Became larger, expanded. (4)
4. Paper used to construct lies. (6)
5. Protect, conceal from danger. (6)
6. Round like an egg. (4)
7. Clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or senses. (7)
8. Unpleasant or disappointing surprises. (6)
9. A dog trained to point out game. (6)
14. The first letter of a word. (7)
16. There goes the anaesthetic. (5)
18. Perhaps, possibly. (5)
20. Term of address for a man. (3)
21. A major division of geological time. (3)
23. Counting the cost. (6)
24. A book still read and studied after many years. (7)
26. Invitation to engage in fisticuffs in the open air. (7)
27. Harm, impair. (6)
28. Sacred river of India. (6)
29. Four quarts. (6)
33. One of two or more contesting groups. (4)
34. Division of the day. (4)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
