Rush Local V1I1-APR 2024

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Designated Pick up Points

Tesco, Rush SuoerValu, Rush Rush Communty Centre

Recent TV and Radio programmes have increasingly focussed on what the future may bring for our children and grandchildren. There is an increasing emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and how it can improve lives, but can it or will it ever manage to replace our community spirit? We think not, because any artificial intelligent being or machine has originally to be programmed by a human. and as we all put different, the emphases on what matters most in life will differ greatly. Now before you say we are dinosaurs who want to live in the past, just think for a moment of the effect on your community. Think of all those people in the community and voluntary sector in your area who use technology to help their group, then think of all the local charitable groups. Think of all the sporting organisations and the local retailers who support the community. Can those good people who give up their time and money to help blend us into a grouping that cares for each other in our different spheres ever be replaced? Can the love and caring attitude of those people in our areas ever be replaced by a very highly intelligent, unemotional, rational thinking machine that doesn’t understand feelings of sympathy, pity, love and empathy for a fellow man/ woman and the need to improve the lot of those less fortunate than ourselves. We think that can never be replaced. This month we are looking forward to a bright spring and an even brighter summer. We in “Local” magazines are also looking to the future with the arrival this month of our new “RUSH LOCAL” magazine which joins our other titles - Balbriggan, Donabate/Portrane, Lusk, Malahide and Swords Local, which are specifically designed to promote the activities of groups. societies, clubs, and charities across all these areas. We believe that community spirit is vital for the enhancement and growth of any area, and we will always support the people who work for these groups. We are proud to be part of this wonderful caring Fingal community and with the addition of RUSH LOCAL we will continue to promote our community spirit!

‘Let’s Hear it for Rush’ on St Patrick’s Day

Classic Rock, giant rabbits, pirates, mobile GAA pitches, glamourous make-overs and of course, Big Bird doing wheelies on the main street, this year’s Rush St. Patrick’s Day Parade had it all. Rush Community Council and community groups from across the town worked together to put on a packed weekend of events for all. Kicking off with the Music Jamboree at St Catherine’s School on the Friday afternoon, Saturday then saw a community clean up led by Rush Tidy Towns, followed by free self-defence lessons for courtesy of Rush Boxing Club and then Rush Community First Responders held a demonstration and information centre on CPR and life saving techniques at the Community

Centre. Saturday was topped off with a Let’s Play Rush pop up event where kids and adults could engage in some free play, battle with giant Jenga’s or try their luck at the card table. St. Patrick’s Day started early with the Leprechaun Park Run event with congratulations to Bobby Sheridan who came in first. Then leaning into this year’s theme of Let’s Hear it for Rush local band The Upstrokes played some rock hits to entertain the crowds gathering for the parade. They were followed by the truly excellent Home Harmonies group from Rush Musical Society who played some choice tunes from their extensive repertoire. In a special treat, the two groups then came together to really blow people away, finishing

their set with a fist pumping rendition of Rainbow’s ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’. As the parade participants were readying their drums, whistles and flags Rush Senior Citizens Group were hosting tea and sandwiches at the centre for all local seniors. The parade itself was a riot of colour and a symphony of raucous noise and fun. Top prizes in the annual parade competition went to St. Maur’s GAA who literally brought their best game with them … on the back of a flatbed truck. Following the parade I12 Nails treated all to a free St. Patrick’s Manicure and then the Rush Sensational Swimmers hosted a swim at the North Beach.

The Easter Bunny said hello at Rush St Patrick’s Dat Parade

Dignitaries viewing the Parade

Rush Tidy Towns drummer

Pirates at the St Patrick’s Day Parade

Big Bird at the St Patrick’s Day Parade

How Long Is Your Income Paid for?

By Dave Kavanagh

A question I usually include when helping clients with their finances, is, how long (if at all) their employer will pay them if they are out of work long term due to illness or injury. In some cases, it is standard and can be something like 3 months at full pay, then 3 months at half pay and then a pensionable rate of pay. For many, they are not sure and when they look through their employment contract, it states “at employer’s discretion”. Many people realised how vulnerable they were when the pandemic arrived, dropping some incomes from €600 or €800 per week down to €350 of PUP. Many don’t give much consideration to how they would cope if they suffered a loss of income for an extended period because they think “it’ll never happen to me”. Sadly, many find out the hard way following an injury or illness that keeps them out of work for months or even years. This is where having Income Protection in place, can be the difference between maintaining a level of income that keeps your lifestyle virtually unchanged, or dropping to a level that could force you to use up any savings and also get into financial difficulty.

So how does it work? Depending on your circumstances, you choose an appropriate level of cover. This is based on not exceeding 75% of your salary, less any state income entitlement. You also

choose a “deferred period” which refers to how long you are off work before payments commence. The premiums are based on factors like your age and occupation, as some occupations would leave you more at risk of not being able to work. There is also tax relief on premiums paid for income protection, which could mean up to 40% of your premium is refunded by way of adjusting your tax credits. If dropping from your current income to the current state benefit is something that would impact badly on you, perhaps it is time to consider.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can of course also be contacted by you by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or you can also 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.

Rush Daff Committee – Raised over €1m in its 36 years!

Daffodil Day on March 22nd saw the village of Rush turn yellow when Rush Daff Committee and volunteers took to the streets to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. For over 36 years this community voluntary group has worked for a common cause, heightened in most cases by their own experiences of cancer with family or friends. We are conscious that it is the supporters and not the organisers who really deserve the praise, the people of Rush are generous beyond belief. Their amazing hard work and the generosity of the community over the years means that over ONE MILLION EURO has been raised by the group to date. Rush Daff Day group started in

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1988 with members of Rush Badminton club who held a raffle raising a sum of £189. In 1990 the group took to the streets, selling silks, pins and merchandise and this tradition together with the annual coffee morning has continued to date. In 1998 the Paddy Cole Dance Night was started to raise funds, and this became a huge success and ran for six years. In 1999 the Golf Classic started, bringing in large sums of money for the cause. The annual Christmas Swim which is now in its 15th year and the Ladies Lunch which started in 2006 are two more fundraising events. Tickets for the ladies’ lunch are usually the most soughtafter item during the months of April/May,

this event is hugely popular and raises not only awareness but much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. The Garden of Hope in Rush Library, Michelle’s Fun Run as well as our Dash and Splash event are some of the other events run over the weekend. Local schools support the fundraising event and St Joseph’s Secondary school transition year students support us year on year. We hope that this will encourage the younger members of our community to continue the fight against cancer and join the Daff Day Committee. We will continue to fundraise, and our moto is ‘we won’t give up til cancer does.’

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Rush Senior Citizens - Nifty Over Fifty is here for you!

Rush Senior Citizens, a longstanding pillar of the Rush community, faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, dedicated individuals refused to let it falter. A call for help resulted in a new committee, volunteers, and fresh ideas. While the name remained unchanged, the tagline Nifty Over Fifty was added, symbolizing the organisation’s energy, and celebrating the wisdom that comes with age. Weekly meetings at the community centre became a lively hub of activity, with planned outings and events. Despite the early stage of the year, several exciting excursions have already been organized, with more in the pipeline. These outings aim to create lasting memories, foster friendships, and allow members to explore their surroundings. Inside the community centre, a cozy corner transforms into a mini movie theatre on designated days. Members enjoy carefully selected films, sparking conversations and a shared sense of joy. Additionally, Rush Senior Citizens invite speakers to educate and inspire. Topics included Fire Safety, personal security from the Gardai, and guidance from Citizens Advice. Councillors and TDs deliver insights on local governance

and community initiatives. The organization’s meetings go beyond informative sessions, providing a warm and welcoming space for members to gather for tea and sandwiches. Conversations flow effortlessly as attendees share stories, cherished memories, and support one another. The meetings often culminate in a lively game of bingo, fostering a sense of friendship, and belonging. Rush Senior Citizens strive to create a community where members can connect, grow, and thrive. For those interested in joining upcoming events or seeking further information, contact Rush Senior Citizens via phone or email or you can call 0892711406 or contact them on the email rushseniorcitizens@gmail. com. The team remain committed to welcoming anyone yearning for meaningful connections. As Rush Senior Citizens embraces the spirit of Nifty Over Fifty, the organization has set the stage for a new chapter filled with joy and endless possibilities. With the support of dedicated volunteers and community members, it continues to enhance the lives of older individuals, proving that age does not limit one’s potential for a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Some of our volunteers with the Mayor of Fingal

A Garda having a chat with our members One of our outings

Celebrating International Women’s Day at the Community Centre

Rush Community Council and Rush Parent and Toddler Group were delighted to jointly host an event celebrating International Women’s Day .The event, which was made possible through funding from Fingal County Council, saw women from around the community gather for a tea/ coffee morning followed by a Pilates session led by Louisa from the Pilates Lounge. The group were also treated to a display by Avon followed by a raffle for a wonderful Avon Hamper and some Irish Cream Liqueur Chocolates with all proceeds going to Women’s Aid. Rush Community Council Vice Chairperson Erin Cartlidge said of the event, “With all of us being so busy running

around all the time, International. Women’s Day gives us all a real opportunity to take a bit of time out of our day to pause and reflect on all the wonderful achievements of all of the women in our community. We were especially delighted to be joined by some of our Polish friends and hear from them about the vibrant Polish community in Rush.” Rush Community Centre Manager Debbie Donnelly said, “It was a great event and we were delighted to be able to host it with Rush Parent and Toddler Group and it was great of Fingal County Council to provide the funding. We were also grateful to the TY students from St Joseph’s who came along to help out.”

St Catherines NS host a brilliant Interschools Debating Competition!

On the 6th of March, St. Catherine’s N.S. hosted the annual Interschools Primary Debating Competition between some of the schools in the locality. Rush N.S., St. Brendan’s Loughshinny and Lusk S.N.S along with the hosts St. Catherine’s N.S. all entered two teams into the competition. The day was a huge success!

The teams debated the motions “Fairytales are not good for children” and “Teachers should be replaced by technology”. It was an excellent morning of debating, rebuttals and questions and the audience were kept very entertained. Fortunately, all schools came away with one win each, so it was smiles all round!

Well done to all the children involved in the debates. It takes such courage and bravery to stand up in front of a crowd and present their arguments. We are looking forward to next year already!

St. Catherine’s take a trip to Space – to infinity and beyond!

Also recently, the boys and girls in St. Catherine’s N.S have been learning about Space as part of the Geography and Science Curriculums. The senior classes have also been doing extensive work on the Moon Landing as part of Disciplinary Literacy. To further their learning, the school arranged

to have

all the children to experience. The Planetarium Dome was supplied by Exploration Dome. The mobile planetarium is designed to explore science, astronomy, geology, and geography in a fun and interactive way. It uses state-of-the-art Full Dome 360° 3D digital projection technology, stunning graphics, and advanced computer simulations. The children in St. Catherine’s got to lie back and travel to space from the comfort of the Sports Hall. It was an unforgettable experience for all the children in St. Catherine’s N.S.

the Planetarium visit for

Rush Community First Responders- Building Connections, Saving Lives

Rush Community First Responders have been putting the UNITY into CommUNITY in recent months. In late February they held a joint training session on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with our neighbours in Lusk for the fledgling Community Responders Group. The training was delivered by Aidan Langley an Instructor for Rush Responders and Donal Behan an Instructor for Swords Responders. Rush Community First Responders is a group made up entirely of volunteers who work hard to not only respond to Cardiac Emergencies ahead of the ambulance

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arriving but also to provide free training to community groups on life saving techniques including how to use a defibrillator.

Community First Responder initiatives are set up under the HSE First Responder Scheme. They have recently provided training to Rush 38th Scouts Group, the staff of St Catherine’s National School as well as hosting a St Patrick’s Weekend public training event.

Jock Jordan-coordinator said “Due to the ability of our trained Rush Community First Responders to respond to Cardiac emergencies quickly, we

can provide vital assistance and assurance to patients before an ambulance even arrives. It is no exaggeration to say that our Volunteers can make the difference between life and death. We are always looking for new volunteers and are constantly fundraising”.

In 2023 Rush Community First Responders responded to as many as 50 Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack, Chest Pain and Stroke incidents, that’s almost one a week.

Volunteers dedicated over 2225 volunteer minutes to those lifesaving calls alone.

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If anyone wants to join, we’re always interested in new members. Training is free, and it’s a skill worth knowing.

Let’s Play Rush Launches Events for 2024

The Let’s Play Rush group have announced their programme of events for 2024. Following on from the incredible series of events over 2023, Let’s Play Rush will kick- off their 2024 programme with an Easter themed event in Kenure Woods on Sunday 24th of March. Other events across the year include the very popular family sports day at Tayleur’s Point in August, the Halloween Spooktacular and the Christmas family event. This is the fourth year of Let’s Play Rush events which is a European Union initiative under the Urbact banner. As Councillor Brian Dennehy, chair of the Let’s Play Rush liaison group explained, “A few years ago Fingal County Council, who help fund and organise the programme, invited representatives of the Urbact initiative to deliver a presentation in Rush on what is called the playful paradigm. The idea behind it is essentially to help the community by providing opportunities for all to come together and play. Once we saw what was happening in other places like Cork, we just grabbed it and ran with it and it has been

a huge success.” Rush Tidy Towns Chairperson Brendan O’Reilly said, “We have been building on each successful event year on year. We now have a large stock of toys and fun activities for all ages and each event gives us an opportunity to showcase the community spirit in Rush. There really is something for everyone.” Chair of Rush Scouts Davey Clarke said, “To organise a Let’s, Play Rush requires planning, energy and the ability to adapt and think on your feet. It also requires behind the scenes work done by dozens of volunteers. That’s why we think it’s tailor made for the Rush 38 th Scout troop and it’s been great for us to be involved.”

Let’s Play Rush is not confined to the show- stopping events, they host throughout the year, as Brendan O’Reilly explained, “We have a stock of toys and games that other community groups, schools or estates can borrow. If anyone is hosting a community event Let’s Play Rush are happy to help”

Rush Tidy Towns and friends working hard for us all!

Our first feature this month is about Marram Grass planting on our Sand Dunes. On Sunday the 3rd of March 30 volunteers from Rush Clean Coasts group and from further afield planted Marram grass on part of the Sand Dunes on South Beach in Rush. Coastal Erosion is a constant issue, with the sand dunes disappearing bit by bit. The Marram grass however helps tie the sand together and provides at least some form of barrier to erosion. Aine Lawless from Clean Coast Ireland oversaw the planting process with the volunteers transplanting the grass from densely populated areas to the bare section of dunes. Rush Clean Coasts plan to have a further event later in Spring.

Next is a timely reminder regarding our very popular seed swap event. That is: we will be holding the first of our community seed and plant swap events for 2024 in early April. See our Seed Event flyer for details. Also we remind you of our Sunday Morning Litter Picking - Thank you to Rush Sailing Club for doing a super clean up around their area, and to our usual Sunday morning litter picking volunteers who cover the town. We also had some of the Tiny Towns gang out and about litter picking in the sunshine. If you would like to get involved in any of the above activities or have any questions in general, please drop us a line on tidytownsrush@gmail.com.

Foroige Coastal North Dublin is here for all our Youth!

Our first feature this month is about Marram Grass planting on our Sand Dunes. On Sunday the 3rd of March 30 volunteers from Rush Clean Coasts group and from further afield planted Marram grass on part of the Sand Dunes on South Beach in Rush. Coastal Erosion is a constant issue, with the sand dunes disappearing bit by bit. The Marram grass however helps tie the sand together and provides at least some form of barrier to erosion. Aine Lawless from Clean Coast Ireland oversaw the planting process with the volunteers transplanting the grass from densely populated areas to the bare section of dunes. Rush Clean Coasts plan to have a further event later in Spring.

Next is a timely reminder regarding our very popular seed swap event. That is: we will be holding the first of our community seed and plant swap events for 2024 in early April. See our Seed Event flyer for details. Also we remind you of our Sunday Morning Litter Picking - Thank you to Rush Sailing Club for doing a super clean up around their area, and to our usual Sunday morning litter picking volunteers who cover the town. We also had some of the Tiny Towns gang out and about litter picking in the sunshine. If you would like to get involved in any of the above activities or have any questions in general, please drop us a line on tidytownsrush@gmail.com.

Ball Busters Women’s Soccer Club is here for you!

Ball Busters women’s football club was formed by Amanda Bracken and Tanya Christie, two friends from Lusk with a passion to play competitive football without the restrictions of playing on an actual team. Two mammies that still wanted the buzz of winning a game but having the craic at the same time. One afternoon after chatting through one of their many notions they decided to start up Ball Busters, a social indoor soccer group, and so it began, February 2023, the beginning of something special. On night one, we thought we would have loads of girls but 6 turned up, we thought all we had to do was organise it and people would show but that was not the case. Through hours of hard work and dedication, we have built a WhatsApp group of over 80 ladies, we rent 3 out of the 5 astros in the Soccer Dome in Santry, with upwards of 40 ladies coming each week. We organise outings, have nights away, we have been to Wexford to play Courtown Hibs and have just come back from Bangor where we played 2 teams and won both matches, we have also done a bungee fitness class, we are very much a social group. We have built something that the ladies look forward to each week and keep coming back. For women in sports week, we will have 60+ ladies in the Dome, who all came together for the same reason, play ball, and have fun. We have built a very supportive environment for everyone, all levels are welcome, if you miss a goal no one is going to shout at you. We are so lucky with the mixture of girls we have, they are such a lovely bunch, there is never a cross word between any of us. It has given us all an outlet, something we can do for ourselves. So why not come and join us.

**Rush Boxing Club: A Hub of Champions**

In the heart of Fingal, Rush Boxing Club stands as a testament to the dedication, skill, and triumphs within the world of combat sports. Offering a diverse range of disciplines including Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), this club has become a breeding ground for champions. Among the notable recent success stories are Ellie and Chloe Lawrence, who etched their names in history as Rush Boxing Club’s first female league champions. Their journey symbolizes the club’s commitment to fostering male and female talent. Carson McCarthy’s recent victory in the Dublin championship not only adds another feather to the club’s cap but also propels him into the prestigious All Ireland competition. His success underscores the highcalibre training and coaching provided at Rush Boxing Club, positioning it as a force to be reckoned with in the national boxing scene. The club’s structured class schedule caters to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Junior boxing classes are held on Monday,

Wednesday, and Friday from 5:15 to 6:15 pm, ensuring a nurturing environment for young enthusiasts to learn the fundamentals of the sport. For Seniors, the training intensifies from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on the same days, providing a platform for aspiring fighters to hone their skills and compete at higher levels.Rush Boxing Club not only focuses on physical conditioning and technique but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and discipline among its members. The atmosphere is one of mutual support and encouragement, creating a community that goes beyond the confines of the training mats.As Rush Boxing Club continues to produce champions it solidifies its standing where passion, dedication, and skill converge to create a legacy of excellence. Whether you are a beginner looking to embark on a boxing journey or an experienced fighter aiming for championship glory, Rush Boxing Club welcomes all with open arms.New members welcome to join, contact Paul at 086 379 9603.

Rush Cricket Club looking forward to this season!

Rush Cricket Club would like to wish Rush

Local the best of luck.The cricket season kicks off in April and Rush Cricket Club are always open to new and old players taking part in the sport in our lovely town of Rush. Formed in 1931 and currently based on the Skerries Road we are an inclusive and welcoming club in the town of Rush offering top class cricket facilities along with a fully stocked bar for our supporters and visiting teams. We offer cricket to all from the ages of four up to as long as you can hold a cricket bat. With a range of Juvenile teams (U7 to U17) and six adult

teams made up of 4 Men’s teams and 2 Women’s teams playing in the Leinster leagues. Training for ages 4-11 begins in May which take place every Friday evening from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and weather permitting allows for the parents to stay, spectate, and enjoy a BBQ. We are always looking for parents to get involved also to help man the BBQ, assist mentoring a team or play social cricket with other parents. Rush Cricket Club has steep history in Irish cricket and has helped to produce senior Irish Internationals including Eoin Morgan, Fintan McAllister, Neil Rock and

Stephen Doheny and no doubt the next one is not far away. Please contact rushcricket@gmail.com or Patrick Monks (Hon Sec) 083 0752197 for further information on getting involved.

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. Laugh like a witch. (6)

5. The capital city of Colombia. (6)

10. Question a soldier or spy about a completed mission (7)

11. Moved something downward. (7)

12. A place where a wild animal lives. (4)

13. False bird used by hunters. (5)

15. A flightless New Zealand bird. (4)

17. Governmental rules to regulate behaviour. (3)

19. A gesture used to convey information or instructions. (6)

21. Moves forward slowly, like a part of a foot! (6)

22. Divests of a weapon or weapons. (7)

23. Avoided something by a sudden quick movement. (6)

25. Tighten the lips before a kiss. (6)

28. Ask for as a charity. (3)

30. Traditional hand-sized Mexican filled tortilla. (4)

31. A brief records of points or ideas written as a memory aid. (5)

32. Actually existing, genuine. (4)

35. Become less intense, violent or severe. (7)

36. Enters a country to subjugate and occupy it. (7)

37. The most northern State in the USA. (6)

38. Cold dishes consisting mainly of raw or cooked vegetables. (6)

Down

2. Walking at a slow, relaxed pace. (7)

3. Make clothing by connecting yarn into rows. (4)

4. Famous Paris tower. (6)

5. Roar like a bull. (6)

6. A long dress, especially one for a formal occasion. (4)

7. Make metal become less bright. (7)

8. People or animals that have grown to full size and strength. (6)

9. Agrees that something is true, especially unwillingly. (6)

14. Entertainment held in a nightclub or restaurant while the audience eat and drink. (7)

16. A student who is training to be a military officer. (5)

18. To happen after something else, especially as a result of it. (5)

20. A cover for the top of a container. (3)

21. A small, mischievous devil or sprite. (3)

23. Dislike intensely. (6)

24. A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. (7)

26. Worked moistened flour. (7)

27. A piquant sauce eaten with plain food to add flavour. (6)

28. A wine shop in a Spanishspeaking country. (6)

29. A person who has very great and rare natural ability, particularly in science or art. (6)

33. Little lies. (4)

34. Shaped like an egg. (4)

Dublin’s Fairy Godmother of Pantomimes