Malahide Local V7I9-OCT 2023

Its Halloween – and the Clocks change this month too!

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 Locals Team.

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Why not join us for a Parkrun this weekend?

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the many ParkRun Ireland locations in Fingal County Council! Lace up your running shoes or take a leisurely stroll with our amazing Walk at Parkrun participants. No matter your pace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Register now at //parkrun.ie and be part of the action-packed fitness event supported by Sport Ireland. Join our vibrant community and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for an active lifestyle. Get inspired, make new friends, and conquer personal milestones together. Don’t miss out on the excitement!

ALL CONTRIBUTORS PLEASE NOTE**

Due to increasing demand for space in our magazine could all contributors please note OUR STRICT DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES AND PICS IS THE 16TH OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION ** Thank you.

Malahide Lions Club presentation of Cheque to CASA

What a wonderful organisation Malahide Lions Club truly is with their presentations and fundraising of monies to help other local charities, sporting groups and community organisations. Our pic show the recent presentation of a cheque to CASA from Malahide Lions, which was the proceeds from their recent Quiz. A great night was had by all. Let’s do it all again next year! Well done to all involved.

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.

Congratulations to the Leaving Cert Students of St Marys 2023

We, staff and students at St Marys Baldoyle were absolutely delighted with our Leaving Cert results this year. Although the results were available online at 10 am on the day, most students and some parents chose to drop down to the school to collect their results. All were met by Dr. Edel Greene, Principal and Mr. John Moore, Deputy Principal. They were all given an envelope with their results to open in school or elsewhere. Envelopes were opened with great anxiety and trepidation. However, once opened, there was great excitement. All were delighted with their results and shouts and tears of joy were common. The customary photograph was then

taken. We have dedicated webpages for photos of each Leaving Certificate year. Many had to go around the school to meet their teachers, discuss their results and talk about the next stage of the career – college, plc, work, apprenticeships and travel. The teachers were all as equally happy as there is nothing better than when a student calls to your classroom and displays great delight with their results. It is also a great incentive for those in the classroom as they experience and can actually see the joys of doing well and the rewards that it can bring. It is a great time to re-iterate to your class the need to work hard, study and revise, particularly if you have Fifth or Sixth Years, so

that they can end up getting results that they will be proud of. The point calculators later came out as they worked out their CAO point totals and looked at last year’s point requirements for the various courses. Some met or made appointments with the Guidance Counsellor to examine options now on offer and now that CAO preferences were being realised and anew focus was emerging. The newly crowned Sixth Years were given plenty of food for thought as they begin their journey towards the Leaving Cert of 2024. The Class of 2023 had certainly left their mark and as all former students they will always be welcome back to St. Mary’s.

Malahide Lawn Tennis youngster raising funds to help Orbis Ireland

Malahide Lawn Tennis junior member, Killian Burke, is gearing up for an incredible adventure later this year. He will be participating in the great Ethiopian run! But that’s not all - Alongside the run, he will be raising funds for Orbis Ireland, a remarkable foundation that provides sight-saving surgery for individuals in the underprivileged southern community of Ethiopia. This is truly

admirable for Killian to be doing this during his Transition year in school. Let’s rally together and show our support for Killian by helping him raise the necessary funds. Every contribution, big or small, will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Let’s join forces and make a positive impact together! Please use this to contribute orbisirl.enthuse.com/pf/killian-burke

Are you interested in playing the pipes or drums?

The local Malahide Pipe Band is planning to start an Autumn schedule of music lessons, for anyone interested in learning to play the Bagpipes or Drums. The aim is to encourage young people to learn either instrument, who can then play and support local events. Beginners welcome. The music lessons will have a relaxed, inclusive and enjoyable format. To

Caring and Sharing Association needs your help

CASA is planning its upcoming Pilgrimage to Lourdes for approximately 50 of our members. It has become apparent that we will require a piece of equipment called a Sara Steady Standing Aid. The cost is approximately €1,800 and we would be very grateful if we could receive sponsorship to purchase this item. If you feel you could help or know of a company that might support us, please contact Zoë on 087 126 0975. Thank you very much.

CommunityLocals.ie

find out more, just email the Band at malahidepipeband@ gmail.com for more information. The Band will be happy to answer any questions you may have. The Band was established in the 1950’s. The objective is to maintain the musical tradition in Malahide into the future. If you would like to take part, just email for more details.

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

The Exorcist shocks our screens once again

By Jack Shanley

A raw terrifying film, said to be the scariest film ever made, but does it live up to those 50 years on from its original release? The answer well for me at least is yes. It is such a well-directed film...so patient in its pacing flawlessly acted, with brilliant editing and cinematography that really add to the eerie atmosphere of the film. Every shot, every cut is deliberate. The composition of each shot is perfect. Every element of each scene is utilized to its full capacity in each shot, and nothing in a shot lingers for too long, or too short of a time. It gives you just enough to make you feel uneasy.

The Exorcist isn’t just a typical ‘girl is possessed’ film. It is much more involved and deeper than that. For much of this film you question if Regan is just crazy or if she is actually possessed. Even during the exorcism scene, the priests are fully convinced she is even possessed. Which gets to the heart and core of the film: it is a film about faith. Despite the religious nature of the film, there is quite a bit of science

and psychology involved to make even the most religious people question how realistic their beliefs really are. And despite all this doubt and questioning of faith during the film, the exorcist puts all their conceived notions, beliefs, and logic aside, taking a leap of faith to try to save Regan in one of the greatest climaxes in all of cinema. It didn’t feel like an exorcism just for the sake of an exorcism, it felt earned. With a new Exorcist film on the horizon

‘The Exorcist: Believer’ and the sad recent passing Exorcist director and cinema great William Friedkin, now is a great time if any to watch the horror masterpiece. The Exorcist is being screened for its 50th Anniversary in the Light House Cinema in late September into early October. In all truth I’d recommend checking out The Exorcist and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of five stars. Director: William Friedkin – Rating: 18 – Genre: Horror/Thriller – Run Time: 2h 12m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Multi Agency approach to combat illegal waste activity

Fingal County Council’s Waste Enforcement Section has taken part in a multi-agency checkpoint operation recently to tackle illegal waste activities and to ensure compliance with waste regulations in terms of movement of waste materials.

Dublin City Council in its role as lead authority for the Eastern Midlands WERLA (Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority), coordinated yesterday’s operation on behalf of An Garda Síochána’s Dublin Metropolitan Region’s Multi-Agency Forum. This intelligence led vehicle check point was conducted in Fingal, in an area known for significant waste activity. The check points were located both northbound and southbound on a main artery within close proximity to the M1 to capture waste movements within the area and en route to other counties outside of Fingal. Representative agencies for this joint operation included An Garda Síochána, Fingal County

Council’s Waste Enforcement Section, Dublin City Council’s Waste Enforcement Section, the Road Safety Authority and the National Trans Frontier Shipment Office (NTFSO).

The Dublin Metropolitan Region is one out of four of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s multi-agency regional networks, which, enable a multi-faceted enforcement approach by bringing together key stakeholders. The participation of different agencies proved to be very beneficial. Multiagency operations such as this have a positive deterrent effect on criminality, help to raise awareness and lead to positive outcomes relating not only to waste but other offences also. Fingal County Council supports this collaborative approach and will provide any and all further assistance through multi-agency operations to help combat illegal dumping and tackle unauthorised waste collectors.

Breege’s Bus – A Tribute to a Wonderful Woman

August has been another busy month for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs. Tom O’Neill Guide Dog Owner and his family and friends in Farrell’s Bar in Ballinalee Co. Longford which is owned and ran by Breeges sister Mary and husband Martin held a Trad Session on Sunday 20th August where Mick Flavin Country and Western star plus, champion flute player Noel Sweeney and many others played to honour Breege O’Neill’s (nee Reilly) wonderful legacy. Farrell’s Bar said the following on their Facebook page, “While Breege was training with her last guide dog, Qeb, with The Irish Guide Dogs for The Blind in Cork, she noticed how the bus which was used to transport students was not in great shape. On that trip Breege decided she was going to fundraise to buy a new student’s bus for the centre and set about doing so when she got home from Cork in November 2019. In true O’Neill fashion, Breeges wish was carried out after she passed away in June 2021 to get a new

eight-seater minibus to be donated to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in Breege’s memory. Tom O’Neill gave a fantastic speech as he launched Breege’s bus and of course Qeb had to make himself known and was in fine voice on the video emphasising everything Tom said in all the appropriate places. Qeb added to Tom’s fine speech and a wonderful evening. If you would like to listen to Tom’s speech in full, you can visit our Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs or our Instagram page @balbrigganbranchguide. A big well done and thank you to all involved. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman, and we have no doubt Breege would be so proud. The bus was officially handed over to Guide Dogs Cork on Saturday 26th August at the National open day for volunteers at the centre. If you are interested in volunteering with our Balbriggan branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, please feel free to contact us by call or text: 085 7663107, or of course you can always email GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com.

The back of the bus shows a picture of Breege with her Guide Dog Qeb in harness. Also in the picture on the back of the bus is Qeb on his own and Breege’s previous Guide Dogs Gypsy, Eunice and Abbey. There’s also a picture of a puppy in training looking out the window.

TRICK OR TREAT

‘Fangtastic’ recipes for Halloween

It’s that time of year again. But we don’t have to wait until October 31 to sink our teeth into some ‘Fangtastic’ foods.

Try out these WICKED ideas to ‘creep’ the fun into every bloody meal!

CREEPY CARROT FINGERS

Peel raw carrots. Cut a flat, shallow notch in the tip of the carrots.

Dab some hummus/dip into the tip and stick on an almond as the finger nail!

GHOSTBUSTERS PEASY POTATO

Cook and mash potatoes with a drop of milk.

Cook peas. Keep a few for eyes aside and blitz the rest in a blender. Add a few drops of water to make a thick green paste.

Melt in some cheddar cheese to make tasty cheezy peas.

Spoon a puddle of the blended peas onto a plate.

Assemble a tablespoon of potato into a mountain shape and place on top of the green pea slop!

Add two peas as eyes onto the potato stacks.

SPOOKY ‘SANDWITCH’ SNAKE:

Chop a cheese string into even sized round chunks.

Place cherry tomatoes in between cheese chunks.

Chop top and tail off cucumber and use as the head and tail of snake.

Place a pea on top of a piece of sweetcorn and use cream cheese/hummus to make them stick to each other and to the cucumber head as eyes.

Chop a carrot into the shape of a tongue and place sticking out of the cucumber head.

For more ‘Spooktacular’ ideas, visit www.biabites.net or Follow:

@Biabites on Twitter

Niamh Arthurs

Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist

Fond memories and a love of Syls GFC

BY Eddie Ó Mórdha

I started with St Sylvesters GAA in 1977 and have had great times playing, coaching, socialising around the town, and in our Club Premises on Church Road since we opened in 1984. Prior to that we spent time in Gibney’s & The Diamond Bar where we served on Committees. The Diamond now Fowlers was owned by Eddie Nolan. The late Jack Gibney a supporter of Syls also served on the Committee with us together with the late Eddie Nolan. I am still around and saw Syls first teams in Men’s football and Hurling get

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to Championship Finals in the past while. Our Intermediate Woman’s Gaelic Football team also won the Intermediate All Ireland. It is amazing the hard work that has gone on over the years to produce the amazing Michael Gaffney Park in Broomfield. We certainly have come a long way since togging out under a tree for a few months in 1977, until we got portacabin dressing rooms. St Sylvesters have a great history dating back to 1903. I now have a little grandson, Henry. I am looking forward to teaching him the games and bringing him down to Broomfield. Syls Abú.

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WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! 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 the 16th of this mnoth. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good luck

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)

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)

Councillor Jimmy Guerin

Address: 27 Thormanby Lawns, Howth, Co. Dublin

Email: Jimmy.Guerin@cllrs.fingal.ie

Phone: 0860143346