Our Team
Local News
Editor
communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Advertising
Louise Hogan – 0862249299 louise@irishmediagroup.ie
Sean Maguire (Publisher) - 087 915 9052 seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie
Production Tim Evans communitylocalsdesigner@gmail.com
Contact us
Malahide Local Magazine www.Facebook.com/MalahideLocal Communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Designated Pick up Points
SuperValu, Malahide Londis, Yellow Walls Road, Malahide Briscoe’s Expert Malahide Tesco Extra Malahide
Communities across Fingal are quietly demonstrating what can be achieved when people choose cooperation over isolation. From Balbriggan to Swords, Donabate to Malahide, collaboration has become more than a buzzword—it is a practical response to shared challenges.
At the heart of this collective effort is a recognition that no single group can address complex local issues alone. Whether it is tackling housing pressures, supporting small businesses, or creating inclusive public spaces, progress increasingly depends on partnerships between residents, community groups, local authorities, and volunteers. These partnerships are not always seamless, but they are proving effective.
Take, for example, the rise of community-led initiatives that bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Men’s sheds, tidy towns groups, and youth clubs are doing more than fulfilling their immediate purposes; they are strengthening social ties. In an era where loneliness and fragmentation are growing concerns, these grassroots efforts are rebuilding a sense of belonging that is difficult to replicate through policy alone.
Equally important is the role of local leadership in fostering collaboration. When councils actively engage with residents, they create the conditions for genuine participation. Fingal has seen encouraging signs of this in recent years, with increased consultation and support for community-driven projects. However, maintaining this momentum requires consistency and trust. Challenges remain. Population growth continues to place strain on infrastructure and services, and not all voices are heard equally. True collaboration must include those who are often overlooked, ensuring that development benefits everyone rather than a select few. Inclusivity is not just an ideal; it is essential for long-term success.
What is emerging in Fingal is a model of shared responsibility. Communities are not waiting for solutions—they are helping to shape them. This spirit of cooperation does not eliminate difficulties, but it makes them more manageable.
If sustained, this approach could define Fingal’s future: a place where progress is not imposed from above but built collectively from the ground up.
IRISHMEDIAGROUP
publishing | design | print | web
by www.irishmediagroup.ie
STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition
Affordable Roofers Dublin is a team of highly qualified tradesmen with years of experience serving Dublin customers. They are on 24hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to any type of roof repair work anywhere across Co. Dublin.
We also cover surrounding areas.
Whether it’s a leaking roof that needs to be fixed straight away, guttering that needs to be cleared, repair work to a chimney, or replacing broken tiles, we are here to help.
Our highly skilled tradesmen are available to investigate and pinpoint the cause of any water leak or roof defect and carry out the necessary repair works. We provide affordable roofing services throughout the whole of Co.
and
if
The Locals Team
Golden Dance Awards Ireland 2026
Dancers from all over Dublin helped launched The Golden Dance Awards Ireland at The Grand Hotel, Malahide, spotlighting the next generation of Ireland’s most talented dancers. The launch featured 20 exceptional performers, selected from hundreds of entries, representing a wide range of schools and dance styles, celebrating not just excellence, but dedication, commitment, and the artistry that drives the dance community.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy attended the press launch and shared his excitement at being part of the Awards, praising the platform for recognising the hard work and talent of dancers across Ireland and the UK.
The main awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, at The Grand Hotel, Malahide, hosted by Ireland’s dynamic media personality James Patrice. The judging panel will include Dancing with the Stars judge and radio presenter Brian Redmond, professional dancer
from Dancing with the Stars
Kylee Vincent, acclaimed Irish choreographer Sean Taaffe of Taaffe Training, and Inna Mazurenko of Team Ireland Dance World Cup. They will evaluate entries in June and crown winners across a range of categories, including Dancer of the Year, Dance Teacher, Choreographer, and Dance School of the Year.
Founded by co-founders
Catherine and Danielle, the Awards are dedicated to uplifting the dance community, offering scholarships, bespoke trophies, and prizes, while celebrating all dance styles.
Headline sponsors include Dance World as official retail partner and Class for Kids.
Entries for 2026 open Friday, April 3rd, giving dancers, teachers, choreographers, and dance schools and businesses nationwide the chance to be recognised at this prestigious event.
For more information and to enter, visit www.goldendanceawards. ie.
Tá
2026 Bealtaine 17ú – 9ú Tá s é
éasc a, spraíúil
Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi imeachtaí atá ar siúl i bhFine Gall,déan scanadh ar an gcód QR nó tabhair cuairt ar
Malahide Lions Club Cheque Presentation to SYSS
Malahide Lions Club were delighted to present a cheque for €1500 to Skerries Youth Support Services (SYSS). The project was set up 10 years ago in response to a tragic suicide in the area. SYSS provide free counselling to young people between the ages of 12 to 25 as part of an early intervention initiative to young people who may be experiencing challenges to their positive mental health. Although the group is based in Skerries their services are open to all at-risk young people in the general Fingal area including
Malahide.
SYSS provide 1-6 free counselling sessions to at-risk young people and will refer them to other services if the counselling offered has not sufficiently addressed their issues. About 185-190 young people are helped every year. Currently there is a waiting period of approximately 7 weeks to access counselling so the demand for the service is huge.
The group also produce a booklet called Myself, My Life which includes information
about mental health and issues such as bullying, gambling and drugs and alcohol abuse. The booklet includes useful advice and useful contact information, and it is also distributed to local schools.
SYSS is run by volunteers and does not receive any state funding; it raises the funds it needs for its service and booklet publication. Malahide Lions Club were very happy to be able to provide funding to assist in paying for counselling hours.
New fun family-friendly tour at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan
Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan, Fingal has launched a new immersive tour designed especially for families. Lasting 30-40 minutes it’s an engaging and entertaining way to explore the elegant world of the Taylor family who lived in Argillan for generations.
The self-guided audio tour is delivered through the voice of the 19th century matriarch Lady Marianne St. Leger Taylor. A significant community figure and socialite, Marianne kept daily diaries revealing daily life behind the Castle doors, which form the basis of the tour. Lady Marianne’s first-hand accounts of family life include household routines, social gatherings, and the joys and challenges of raising her seven children. These authentic diary reflections bring the house to life, allowing visitors to experience her thoughts, observations, and memories as they walk through the rooms where she once lived. Well designed, informative panels in each room supplement the audio information with fascinating insights. The tour begins in the entrance hallway and includes dining and drawing rooms, the billiards room, the butler’s pantry and the basement kitchens. Secret hidden doors add to the interest and intrigue.
Throughout the immersive tour the past comes to life through sensory connections including evocative “smellometers” dotted through the rooms. Automatically triggered “soundscapes” introduce an acoustic element defining each
location like the murmur of diners and clinking of glasses in the dining room while in the kitchen the busy clatter of pots and pans dominates.
In the Discovery Nook children dive into character, dressing up in historic costumes while solving puzzles and playing games. The tour includes a fun activity trail booklet including a quest to find hidden chicks in the castle – a nod to the Taylor families pet name for their offspring.
The audio tour is available in five languages
- English, Irish, German, Spanish, French and Polish. These are accessed via a QR code. Headphones are not provided but visitors are welcome to bring their own. The QR code also leads to a helpful transcript as an option.
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm. Ample free parking is available. Café and craft shop open daily.
Cost €10 per adult, €7 per child (u18), €30 for 2 adults and 2 children, €8 seniors (65+)
Ruth Bannon, Lions Sheila Whelan, Anne Watchorn, Ger Foran, Maura Garvan, Chris Fleming, Rose Minton (Malahide Lions President) & Dave Beattie & Michael
Ruth Bannon (Programme Development Manager, Fingal Volunteer Centre), Dave Beattie (SYSS) & Rose Minton (President, Malahide Lions Club)
A Little Planning Can Save Big
By Dave Kavanagh
Capital Acquisition Tax is the umbrella term for both inheritance and gift tax in Ireland. In 2024 in Ireland, there was over €850 million collected in Capital Acquisition Tax. It also includes estates that may have been taxed in previous generations. For example, if someone left an estate worth €1,000,000 to an only daughter, she would (in the current tax year) have a tax bill of just under €200,000. After she pays the bill and puts what’s left in the bank, any interest is taxed (DIRT). Guess what happens when she passes and leaves her estate behind? It’s taxed again! So what are the tax-free thresholds? Spouses can leave any amount to each other tax free. After that, the three thresholds are, a) Children€400,000, b) Other close relatives - €40,000 and c) All others (including cohabiting partners)€20,000. Everything received above these is taxed at 33%.
So, is there any way to prevent it? There are two main actions that can either reduce or eradicate such a tax bill. The first is to take the time to plan when making a will. Let’s say a value of €900,000 was being left to 2 adult children. (Not a big estate if you combine a house, savings and a life policy). This would create a tax bill of €33,000. Instead, if €800,000 of it was left to the 2 children and the balance between a few
grandchildren (at least 5), there is no tax bill. The second thing that can be done is for the person leaving the estate to take out a Section 72 plan. This is a type of life policy that is allowed to pay any tax liability without adding to the value of the estate. It becomes particularly important for anybody that does not have children to avail of the €400k threshold, as even other relatives can only receive €40,000 before any balance is taxed. These thresholds are particularly important for anybody in the process of planning or making their will.
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.
Homeopathy For Exam Stress With Michael
Introduction
Homeopathy is a complementary system of medicine that uses natural substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing. It was developed over 200 years ago by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises homeopathy as one of the most widely used therapeutic systems worldwide, with significant use across the USA, South America, Asia, and Europe. The WHO includes homeopathy within its broader approach to traditional medicine and notes its role in expanding healthcare options for diverse populations. It also emphasises that homeopathy can be used safely at all ages when prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
Homeopathic remedies are tailored to each individual. Practitioners take a holistic approach, treating the person rather than just the symptoms, with the aim of addressing the root cause of illness. Homeopathy is used for a wide range of conditions, including fevers, colds and flu, digestive issues, allergies, minor injuries, skin conditions, asthma, pain, joint disorders, migraines, urinary tract infections, insomnia, sinusitis, infertility, cancer care, mental well-being, and developmental disorders.
In this article, I’ll focus on a timely topic: exam and study support. Pre-exam nerves can be overwhelming, while long study hours often lead to headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. Feeling nervous before exams is normal, but for some, anxiety can take over. Homeopathy offers a natural way to manage exam stress without causing drowsiness or side effects.
Below are six remedies for symptoms linked to exam stress and overwork. The most suitable option is always the one that best matches the student’s individual symptoms.
Aconite
Aconite is used for sudden, intense fear, such as anxiety attacks before an exam. Students are restless and panicky and may pace up and down, expecting the worst outcome. Aconite will help settle their nerves and allow them to sleep better.
Argentum Nitricum
Argentum Nitricum is suited for overthinking and performance anxiety. The person is typically nervous and hurried and may experience diarrhoea or digestive issues from stress. They often crave sweet things, which can further upset their stomach.
Gelsemium
This is a well-known remedy for exam nerves. It helps when the person feels overwhelmed and “paralysed” by anxiety, viewing every exam as a huge ordeal. They may feel weak, dizzy and shaky and have difficulty concentrating and may experience bouts of diarrhoea before exams.
Kali Phos
Kali Phos, is a highly regarded homeopathic remedy for exam preparation and stress relief. It is particularly beneficial for students facing highpressure situations, as it helps to restore energy, improve concentration, and balance emotions. It is a wonderful remedy for nervous exhaustion,
when there is mental or physical weakness from overstudying.
Aethusa
The person may feel incapable, as if they cannot succeed. They can get to the point where they feel they simply cannot learn any more, making it hard to think clearly or concentrate.
Anacardium
For students who feel mentally blocked or overwhelmed, with low confidence in their abilities.
If you or a family member experiences examrelated stress or study-related symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with a homeopath for personalised support.
Michael Farrelly, the author, is a homeopath with over twenty years of experience treating a wide range of ailments. He is based in Donabate, County Dublin, and can be contacted at (086) 159 6119 or via email at farrellym@hotmail.com.
CommunityLocals.ie
Soul at the IFI: The Commitments 35 Years On
By Jack Shanley
There is a specific kind of magic in seeing a film that belongs to the very streets you walked to get to the cinema. Returning to the Irish Film Institute (IFI) later in the year on October 19th for a special 35th-anniversary screening of Alan Parker’s The Commitments, it’s clear that this gritty, high-octane tribute to Northside soul hasn’t lost a beat of its pulse.
Watching it today, the film remains a masterclass in ensemble chemistry. Based on Roddy Doyle’s beloved novel, it follows Jimmy Rabbitte’s ambitious, if slightly delusional, quest to bring “the savior of soul” to Dublin. What makes The Commitments endure isn’t just the talent at display or the razorsharp banter; it’s the authenticity. The Dublin captured here—grey, crumbling, and perpetually damp— is a far cry from the modern Dublin of today. Yet, the humor and the desperation feel timeless.
The film’s philosophy, famously summed up by Jimmy’s “black and proud” speech, remains one of the most quotable moments in Irish cinema. It captures that specific brand of working-class defiance that simply doesn’t age, even if the
fashion and the payphones do.
The highlight of the evening will be the post-screening Q&A with Robert Arkins. While he played the ambitious manager Jimmy Rabbitte, Arkins is famously a gifted musician in his own right (he actually sang the demos for the film’s soundtrack). We’ll be able to hear Arkins speak about perhaps a fascinating “behind-the-curtain” look at the production, the intensive rehearsals, working under the late, great Alan Parker or even how the film has gone on to become a global Irish cinematic phenomenon that defined a generation.
In a digital age, The Commitments feels refreshingly analog. It’s a film about people actually making things—noise, mistakes, and history. Seeing it projected on the big screen again reminds you that the soundtrack isn’t just a collection of covers; it’s the heartbeat of the movie.
If you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to this Irish classic, this October screening is a rare chance to celebrate the “Hardest Working Band in Dublin” in the heart of the city that birthed them. It’s soulful, it’s loud, and 35 years later, it’s still absolute magic.
Popular Fingal food markets return for Summer 2026
After a successful pilot season last year Fingal County Council have announced the return of the popular Fingal food markets. Branded Explore Fingal Markets, they take place in three venues over the summer: Swords Castle, the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide and new for 2026, two dates at Millennium Park, Blanchardstown.
Explore Fingal Markets begin in May and continue throughout the summer with free entry to all markets. All take place on Saturdays, and the wide range of stallholders has a focus on local produce with strong representation from both Fingal Food Circle and Fingal Farmers. Stallholders interested in trading at any of the markets are invited to email foodmarkets@explorefingal.ie.
More details will be available on the Explore Fingal website and
socials.
Fingal County Council is also supporting independent markets around Fingal. Developing food markets is part of implementing the Food and Drink Policy and Tourism Strategy.
Explore Fingal Market Dates –Summer 2026
Malahide: Casino Model Railway Museum
Every Saturday from 2nd May to 29th August (10am-4pm)
Swords: Swords Castle
May-September, third Saturday of the month (10am-3pm) 16th May, 20th June, 18th July, 15th August, 19th September
Blanchardstown: Millennium Park
Saturday 13th June, Saturday 4th July (12noon-6pm)
PLUS a market at Blanch Fest - Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August)
Time to get set for Communion season!
It’s Communion season and if you need some help preparing for the big day, we’ve got some great tips!
If you’re on a budget, charity shops, Mr Price and Vinted are brilliant for picking up Communion dresses and suits. Penneys and Dunnes Stores do chinos, shirts, braces and bowties for boys who don’t want to wear suits. Dunnes also has fabulous Communion dresses, shoes and accessories. And Penneys do wonderful, summery clothing for siblings.
In our family we have a tradition where we go Communion shopping with the Aunties and Nannies and they each buy something for the child. As well as making memories, having the others chip in is helpful financially for the parents!
At mams.ie we are huge advocates of buying Irish. One of our favourites for special occasion wear is MyKindOfDress.com They have a great website to buy online and a store at Unit 1 Fashion City in Ballymount, where you can try on dresses and no appointment needed! Another fab Irish retailer for special occasion wear is www. Dresses.ie I got this beautiful blush pink dress (pictured above) for a family occasion, for only €36.99! I got so many compliments on it and it’s wonderful to know you can buy such beautiful, reasonably priced dresses in Ireland - so no need to buy from some awful, cheap website on the other side of the world.
Mammies, if you can afford to treat yourself, it’s nice to get your hair and make-up done. We love Advanced Hair Design on Hampton St. They’re
reasonably priced and super friendly. Tricia did my hair in the above pic for a family event and I loved it. Afterwards, I headed to Lynda at Neon Trees (also, very reasonably priced) for makeup and by the time they had both worked their magic, I felt relaxed and Glam! There are lots of photos taken on Communion day and having hair and make-up done professionally is a confidence boost.
For Communion celebrations, we love Bracken Court Hotel. They are genuinely family friendly and the food and service is great. Farnham Estate is stunning – the grounds are a great place to take Communion photos with family. It’s a nice place to escape for a May Bank Holiday break.
For more about Communions and all things parenting, go to www.mams.ie
CommunityLocals.ie
CAR REVIEW
XPENG G6 is Now Even Better
By Declan Glynn
A new and improved version of the highly-commendable XPENG G6 has arrived, and it retains its signature fastback-coupé silhouette, while refining the front and rear styling. Key updates include an uninterrupted, full-width LED front light bar, a repositioned front logo, and a subtle “ducktail” spoiler added to the rear of the car.
With an overall length of 4.75m, width of 1.92m and height of 1.65m, the XPENG G6 strikes a perfect balance between road presence and outright practicality. The upgraded 15.6-inch central touchscreen controls vehicle functions, and it is complimented by a 10.25-inch digital driver information display behind the stylish multi-function steering wheel. Natural language processing enables seamless voice commands, and the system is compatible with over-the-air (OTA) updates for hassle-free tech upgrades. XPENG’s dedicated XPILOT ASSIST system is broken down into three areas of advanced driving assistance; XPILOT DRIVING, XPILOT PARKING, and XPILOT SAFETY, and includes intelligent features for everyday use.
The XPENG G6 comes with a choice of Standard Range or Long Range versions, both of which send power to the rear wheels, along with a Long Range Performance model with permanent all-wheel drive - a direct competitor to the new Tesla Model Y Performance. The LFP battery in the Standard Range model now has a capacity of 68.5 kWh (up from 66 kWh), which provides a WLTP range of up to 470 km, while the Long Range model now features an 80.8 kWh LFP battery that increases the WLTP
range to 525 km. Thanks to 800V EV fast-charging architecture, and a charging capacity of up to 451 kW (Long Range model), you can charge the battery from 10-80% in just 12 minutes - perfect for fast-paced days and long road trips.
My review car was an XPENG G6 Standard Range model, which looked particularly striking in its Silver Frost metallic paintwork, with contrasting rear privacy glass, and stylish 20” alloy wheels with Michelin tyres. The electric motor produces 255bhp (251PS) and a hefty 440Nm of instant torque, providing the car with the ability to reach 100km/h from a standing start in just 6.9 seconds. The G6 delivers a smooth, refined ride quality on every journey, and drivers can choose between Eco, Standard and Sport drive modes, each of which offer distinct driving characteristics to suit individual driving style. A solid brake pedal feel ensures the car stops with a similar sense of urgency to which it accelerates, and the adjustable regenerative braking function sends energy back to the battery during deceleration to enhance driving range. The luxuriously-appointed and spacious cabin features ingenious door-release buttons that can be operated by a person’s thumb as they grip the door handle with their fingers, and all occupants enjoy impressive levels of head, leg and elbow room. In short, the refreshed XPENG G6 is now even better than its predecessor in every respect. With pricing from just €42,000 (inclusive of VRT Relief & SEAI Grant), the new XPENG G6 represents outstanding value for money.
WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!
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 June 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck
Down
1 Seaside settlement near Donabate. (8)
6 Mascot of the Fighting Irish sports team at the University of Notre Dame. (10)
13. A passage between seats in a church, theatre, aircraft, etc. (5)
14. Dads hunch leads to a sausage dog. (9)
15. Salt-cured pork. (5)
16. A division of a road marked off with painted lines which excludes certain vehicles. (3,4)
18. Imperial and U.S. measure of land. (4)
19. Prepare material for publication. (4)
20. A female sheep. (3)
22. A short-lived but widely shared enthusiasm for something. (3)
23. Swords Castle was build as a residence for this Archbishop of Dublin. (5)
25. Avoiding work, lazy. (4)
27. Plant used by the Celts to make a blue cye. (4)
30. The state of being light-hearted or cheerful in a Dublin theatre. (6)
31. Family which produced ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Wuthering Heights.” (6)
33. Became aware of and paid attention to something. (7)
34. A tortilla chip topped with melted cheese and other savoury toppings. (5)
35. Official records of incidents during the voyages of ships and aircraft. (4)
36. Move with urgent haste to this town. (4)
37. Strong cords for securing or fastening. (5)
40. Hangs around with no apparent purpose. (7)
41. A grave to cause severe and extensive damage. (6)
42. A facility for medical diagnosis and treatment. (6)
44. Dwarf dogs and MMORPG scratch groups. (4)
45. The hairy man of the Old Testament. (4)
46. State franchised game of chance. (5)
48. International code signal of extreme distress. (3)
50. Pull the towing boat hard. (3)
52. A curved structure. (4)
54. Made cheese. (4)
56. Boredom in a room set aside for sleep. (7)
59. Want to have something very much , especially something that belongs to someone else. (5)
60. A plant that retains leaves throughout the year. (9)
61. Facial expression of disapproval, displeasure or concentration. (5)
62. Slang for a Garda vehicle used to transport prisoners. (5,5)
63. This town reeks, Sir! (8)
2. A fertile spot in a desert. (5)
3. Lower digit. (3)
4. Those in front of the stage. (8)
5. Cry out suddenly in surprise, strong emotion, or pain. (7)
6. Device that generates an intense beam of light. (5)
7. Show displeasure by thrusting out the lips. (4)
8. Helped, assisted or supported. (5)
9. Old ... die hard (6)
10. Male relative. (5)
11. Brecan’s Town today. (10)
12. The lean dude chooses fuel without pb. (8)
17. Auntie Dido went for an interview as a cast member. (10)
21. Wagner’s Ring. (8)
22. Making a quick nervous movement as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain or surprise. (9)
24. Female religious. (4)
26. Meal in the middle of the day. (5)
28. Persons who reside in a house or vehicle at a particular time. (9)
29. Made something free from bacteria or other micro-organisms. (10)
32. Extremely thorough and careful. (8)
35. Doesn’t win. (5)
38. The temporary transfer of a worker to another position. (10)
39. Shaped like an egg. (4)
40. You can put ... on a pig - it’s still a pig! (8)
43. Famous Paris university. (8)
47. Interferes with something to cause damage. (7)
49. Acid which can build up in the body during exercise. (6)
51. Small hammer for an auctioneer, judge or chairman. (5)
53. It rises to the top when fresh milk is left to stand. (5)
55. A fixed, often religious, belief or set of beliefs. (5)
57. Protective layer of gas above the earth. (5)
58. Fruit with a double meaning? (4) 61. Irish male tree. (3)
9th – 17th May 2026
T c o find out more about events in Fingal, scan the QR ode or visit
