Rush Local V1I3-JUN 2024

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Volume 1 Issue 3 June 2024

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CLLR. ROB O’DONOGHUE

YOUR VOICE IN FINGAL

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Email: Robert.ODonoghue@ cllrs.finegal.ie Call: 083 054 0554

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Local News

How many times have you walked down your local street or local estate and wondered ‘Why isn’t there more going on here?’ or ‘Why isn’t there enough for the kids to do?’ These are questions we all ask ourselves on occasions and more often than not, there could be a lot more going on if we had more people willing to volunteer with local groups.

There are so many wonderful voluntary organisations out there in Fingal and the work that they do is invaluable to their respective communities. From sporting groups, walking groups, youth groups, Men’s Sheds, ICA groups, Comhaltas groups and the many, many more clubs, societies and organisations – local people rely heavily on them to make a difference to their daily lives.

But these organisations can only survive with the selfless work their volunteers provide who give up their own time after work and on weekends to make our lives more fulfilled. We love seeing more for us to do in our communities and are always looking for something new and exciting; just remember there would hardly be anything to do without these voluntary organisations and their volunteers.

As a community-based magazine group we really do deeply appreciate all out contributors and advertisers without whom the magazines would not be possible. But we also appreciate all the great work that is being done in Fingal by the community/voluntary and charitable sector.

We also appreciate the work of carers who sometime are unpaid and to be honest cannot be paid enough for the love and care they give.

So all we can say is get involved in your community. Whether that is in sport, which helps our mental and physical health. Or maybe in one of the many wonderful voluntary, or charitable groups we have in Fingal and do your bit to show you appreciate all that life has given you. The rewards you will get cannot be measured in coins and notes but will be measured in the good mental and physical health you personally will gain from such work. Have a wonderful June!

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Local News

Rush Tidy Towns honoured to keep things looking great!

Rush Tidy Towns were delighted to attend the 2024 Mayor’s Awards in May where all Tidy Towns groups in Fingal County Council were honoured.

Congratulations to all the groups in attendance and thank you to Mayor Councillor Adrian Henchy for hosting such a great night. As part of the awards Fingal visited each town and made a video. To view the Rush Tidy Town video please go to the group’s Facebook page to view it.

St. Catherine - Congratulations to everybody involved in getting the St. Catherine’s Estate Community Garden up and running. This project 4

RUSH LOCAL-JUNE 2024

epitomises perseverance and community spirit in working through a long process with Fingal County Council and with the support of our local Councillors to get it launched yesterday. We look forward to seeing the fruits of your labour in the coming months. Well done all!

Fairy Trail Upgrade - Thanks to our local magical fairy house builder Frank for the latest instalment of houses for our Fairy Trail in St. Catherines Woods. Your skills never fail to astound us. These will now be painted by the kids in our National schools.

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Finance

So you think you have mortgage protection?

By Dave Kavanagh There are two important aspects of both having and needing mortgage protection life cover. Firstly, there are those who have had mortgages for a number of years with mortgage protection life cover done in conjunction with it. For these people, it is well worth checking the current level of cover and remaining term on their mortgage protection and the same on their mortgage balance and term, to make sure there is sufficient cover. For example, in 2020 during the severe Covid lockdowns, many mortgage holders availed of a 6 month payment break. During this period, their mortgage protection cover will have continued to reduce, while their mortgage balances may have stayed level, or even increased if interest was capitalised. This could mean a shortfall in the event of a claim, meaning that the mortgage does not get fully cleared and there is a balance owing.

The second aspect to consider, is people who are planning to get a mortgage soon, or in the near future. They have saved regularly to build a deposit, maintained stable employment, avoided taking out new loans (and made sure any existing or previous loan obligations were paid in full and on time), conducted their current accounts efficiently, etc. but sadly, they don’t get to proceed with their house/apartment purchase (certainly

not in the time frame they wanted to) because they cannot get their mortgage protection life cover accepted. This could be due to their current or past medical history, or something simple like they have been referred for a test that has not yet been done. It’s why many are arranging their mortgage protection cover well in advance of drawing down their mortgage. Once in place, any new medical issues are not relevant. It can even save them money, as 36 years paying a cheaper premium (before another birthday has passed) is cheaper than 35 years at the higher premium.

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.

Local Solicitor has moved but still a great service!

Tel. No.: 01 8438138, Fax. No.: 01 8071957, Web.: www.localsolicitor.ie, Email.: liam@localsolicitor.ie

Top Floor, Town Centre, Lusk, County Dublin. Tel. No.: 01 8438138

Local News

Rush Town Centre Earmarked for New Funding Scheme

Local groups have been calling for work on derelict buildings in Rush Town Centre for a number of years now.

Residents in Rush will be happy to learn that the town has been chosen as the next participant in the Town Centre First scheme that will see the approval of funding to develop its Town Centre First plan.

Rush has been included in the project as one of 68 other towns across the country that will receive the Government funding of €10,000, which is primarily aimed at Addressing issues like vacancy and dereliction.

The funding may be used to support the establishment and/or development of town teams where they are not already well established, and to better understand the unique features of towns. The projects will be managed by the DRCD-funded Town Regeneration Officers across the country.

Speaking at the launch announcement of the new plan, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphries said, “I’m delighted today to announce the first ever dedicated

investment in our Town Teams.

This is all about tackling vacancy, combatting dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.

Through this initiative, we are recognising the importance of having vibrant towns, which are places to live in, work in, visit, and raise a family in.”

Town Teams consist of local residents, businesspeople, community representatives and other stakeholders who come together to make their area a better place to live, work, visit and invest.

They represent diverse sectors and backgrounds.

Local Cllr Rob O’Donoghue warmly welcomed the announcement and commented that, “the town centre first plan offers a unique and timely opportunity to take stock of the current condition and future potential of Rush and to plan in a holistic manner for the future based on the needs of the community.”

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Cllr Rob O’Donoghue

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Fingal Local Elections 2024

Your councillor is your voice Make sure to vote on 7 June For more information, scan our QR code: or visit: fingal.ie/LocalElections2024

For queries, email: RegisterOfElectors@fingal.ie

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Is é do chomhairleoir do ghuth Caith do vóta ar 7 Meitheamh Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil, scan ár gcód QR: nó tabhair cuairt ar: fingal.ie/LocalElections2024

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Local News

Star Wars Day was Out of This World!

If you felt a disturbance in the force on Saturday May the Fourth 2024, this may have been caused by the large number of Jedis and Siths who gathered at St Catherine’s National School in Rush to celebrate Star Wars Day in what is thought to be the first such event in Fingal County Council.

Over seventy attendees, both young and old, were treated to a Jedi Master Class, lightsabre training and the opportunity to destroy the Death Star and attack an AT-AT Walker. During the party, children and adults alike were treated to a surprise, if maybe unwelcome, appearance by Darth Vader. After a tense stand-off, several of the brave Jedi apprentices engaged in a lightsabre fight with Lord Vader who then retreated to search for the plans to rebuild the Death Star. Master Yoda was also on hand to provide wise words to the 8

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young apprentices and Jedi moves were demonstrated by Rey Skywalker, who Star Wars fans will know from the 2015 movie The Force Awakens and 2017’s The Last Jedi.

After the Jedi master class and lightsabre training, the apprentices travelled in the Millennium Falcon to an intergalactic disco featuring a Jedi versus Sith dance-off and partied with members of the Rebel Alliance and The Empire’s Sith Lords.

The force was strong at St Catherine’s on May 4th and after the party, one parent said: “My daughter loved it. Especially loved the lightsabres. Having never watched Star Wars, she’s now a fan!”

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CLLR. BRIAN DENNEHY BRIAN DENNEHY Working our community community Working hard hard for for our

Brian.Dennehy@cllrs.fingal.ie Channel Road, Rush, Co. Dublin 0852298201 www.briandennehy.ie

Local News

Fallen Kingdom Rises: A Review of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”

Rush Senior Citizens are heading North this Summer Rush Senior Citizens have ‘A Grand Day Out’ planned for midJuly (awaiting confirmation from Tour company).

The itinerary includes leaving Rush at approximately 9.30am, traveling to Bettystown for scones and tea, then heading North to Carlingford Lough for a gentle cruise. Following this, the journey moves further north to the stunning Mourne Mountains, driving through some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery. The day continues

By Jack Shanley “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” picks up decades after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes” with Caesar, the wise chimpanzee leader, a revered memory. Humanity has been ravaged by a virus, leaving a power vacuum filled by various ape communities. Enter Noa, a young gorilla raised on Caesar’s ideals of peace between species. His world is shattered by a brutal attack, setting him on a path of vengeance that unveils a brewing conflict within the ape society.

The film excels in its worldbuilding. Gone are the lush, green landscapes; a sense of decay hangs over the overgrown ruins of human civilization. The ape settlements, particularly the technologically advanced underwater city, showcase the evolution of ape society.

The visuals are stunning, with sweeping vistas and detailed set design making the post-apocalyptic world both believable and captivating.

While the story lacks the emotional depth of the previous trilogy, it compensates with thrilling action sequences. Noa’s journey is punctuated by intense chases and battles, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The film also delves into themes of legacy and 10

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the struggle to maintain peace in a world yearning for conflict.

However, “Kingdom” stumbles slightly with its pacing. The middle act drags a bit, with some repetitive plot points. The film also throws in a few convenient plot devices to propel the story forward.

Despite these minor stumbles, the film shines in its central performance by Owen Teague as Noa. He portrays the character’s rage and grief with raw intensity, making Noa a compelling protagonist.

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” might not reach the heights of its predecessors, but it’s a worthy successor that expands the franchise’s universe. With its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a compelling addition to the “Planet of the Apes” saga, leaving viewers eager for the next chapter in this ever-evolving ape kingdom.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four Stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today.

Director: Wes Ball– Rating: 12A – Genre: Action/Sci-fi– Run Time: 2h 25m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

with a stop in Newry for some free time. The return trip circles back to Bettystown for a 4-course evening meal before returning to Rush.

This event has now been opened up as a community event, welcoming all interested individuals.

The cost is expected to be around €75, potentially decreasing based on the number of attendees. For those interested, please contact or message 089-2711406 promptly to provide numbers to the travel company.

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Local News

Multi-Cultural Day celebrated at at St Catherine’s National School

By Matthew Semple Growing up in a small village in rural north Somerset in the 1980s was definitely not a multicultural experience. There was a boy at school in the year below me whose father was from Pakistan and he was probably the only non-white child at the school. But when I was 11 years old my parents bought me a cassette of Paul Simon’s Graceland album for Christmas and that soon became my favourite tape. If you haven’t heard of it, look it up because it is worth a listen. There aren’t many albums that combine the unusual and exotic rhythms of South Africa with a middle-aged man singing cheerfully about going to parties in Manhattan, filing for divorce and negotiating a relationship with his young son.

No-one was expecting much of this album, especially as the singer’s previous two albums had flopped and he hadn’t had a hit for over ten years.

But to everyone’s surprise it was a massive hit and sold 16 million copies – proving that success comes from unexpected places and that you can learn a lot from collaborating with people from other cultures.

And so it was that I was asked to compere the Multi-Culture Day at St Catherine’s National School on 24th May 2024 – or rather my wife said to me, “somebody ought to introduce the performers”. It is difficult to describe the 12

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atmosphere in the room when hundreds of people are sampling the images, artefacts and, importantly, the food from over a dozen countries representing their countries and cultures – but believe me, it was something very special and rare.

There were varied displays from, in no particular order, Poland, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, India, Croatia, Latvia, Nigeria, Great Britain, Congo-Kinshasa, the Central African Repulic, Brazil and Ireland.

The school hall at St Catherine’s was almost definitely the only place in Fingal that day where you could sample spring rolls and plum sauce from Thailand, Brazilian brigadeiros, Indian bites and Australian fairy bread. The queue at the Nigeria buffet was particularly large as was the range of dishes they had on offer.

For further international flavour, attendees could purchase a cupcake with a flag and simultaneously enter a raffle. The winner was the holder of the flag pulled out of the hat towards the end of the event. The lucky flag was Canada and the winner, Leslie-Ann, went home with the Hamper of International Treats.

The sampling of international cuisine was punctuated by music and dance from children at St Catherine’s School followed by performances from the wider community, including some former pupils. We started with a gentle dip of the toe in not-so-exotic waters with traditional songs

from England, Scarborough Fair and further back in time, Greensleeves.

Local councillor Brian Doherty and his daughter, Tess, stepped up with songs by Irish bands including U2 and took us on a trip across to Galway with the Saw Doctor’s N17. And after the musical ice was broken, members of the community volunteered impromptu performances taking on us on a whirlwind world tour of songs from Brazil, Slovakia and renditions of ‘How Great Thou Art’ in both French and Sango, an indigenous language of the Central African Republic. Keeping up the pace between the impromptu performances, various current and former pupils of the school treated the quite considerable audience to a dollop of Americana with songs from The White Stripes, Nirvana, and Metallica.

Whilst we are unfortunately used to hearing from detractors of multi-culturalism, often on social media, Friday’s event proved there is much joy in meeting and sampling other cultures, particularly when the food and music is so good.

The Multi-Cultural Day, here in Rush, was proof indeed that we are stronger together and just like that Paul Simon album that has a depiction of St George on the cover – the patron saint of both England and Ethiopia - we have much more in common than we, at first, would realise until we get to know each other.

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Local News

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Feature

Time to treat the Dads this Father’s Day!

RUSH AND LUSK EDUCATE TOGETHER CELEBRATES ITS 21ST BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR And what a year it has been!

We moved into our brand new building in february and it has been a wonderful first few months We have come a long way since the school started back in 2003, using local scout dens and golf clubs to have our classes.

We moved to Raheny Lane in 2007 and had many great times in this building. We look forward to the future of RaLET now in our state of the art new school. We have two autism classes, a hall for P.E. and events, more yard space, a brand

We are currently enrolling for September. ourEDUCATE website for more information RUSHCheck AND out LUSK TOGETHER www.ralet.ie or call the office 01-8430525.

CELEBRATES ITS 21ST BIRTHDAYonTHIS YEAR LOCAL-JUNE 2024 A14NDRUSH WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN!

This month it’s all about the Daddies on Father’s Day! We like to buy Irish as much as possible so here are some of our favourite companies for gift ideas. For hampers, whether sweets, craft beers, wine or a picnic hamper of yummy treats, Hampers & Co. has a huge range to choose from, starting at €12.50 for their retro sweet hamper!

Despite the warmer weather, mornings and evenings are chilly and Irish company 4THArq has a wonderful range of Unisex joggers and sweatshirts; perfect for gifting Dads. We particularly love the stone collection. See www.4tharq.com.

Airmid shaving sets, made with essential oils, help keep Dads skin soft and smooth.

Tipperary Crystal has cool Dad gifts like sunglasses, socks, wallets, hats & more. Malena Shirts are brilliant – with a hidden zip behind the buttons, they give a streamlined look.

Check our FB page where we’re giving away Malena shirts, Airmid set and Tipperary Crystal goodies https://www. facebook.com/mams.ireland Fancy taking Dad to dinner?

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Dublin city centre is scrumptious. They make their own nachos in house and their

sizzling fajitas are delicious. Our kids love it too. It’s so good!

Looking to book a summer family break? Bracken Court has family friendly packages which include a host of activities. It’s a 5 min walk to beach and train station and easily accessible to Dublin city. Rooms are spacious; we love staying with our 4 children.

Another wonderful hotel is Four Seasons Carlingford.

Recently refurbished, with spacious rooms, lovely restaurant, relaxing spa and pool. They have excellent family packages and there’s lots to do nearby including Skypark and Carlingford water activities.

For an oasis of woodland calm in Cavan countryside, Farnham Estate is great for family breaks.

Delicious dining, woodland walks, golf course, spa and their famous indoor/outdoor pool. We had a family wedding here and it was completely fabulous!

Pillo Hotel in Ashbourne is a great spot for family breaks, with packages that include passes to Emerald Park where you can try the new rollercoaster! Easy access to Dublin city and Ashbourne village is lovely for a stroll through.

For more ideas on Father’s day gifts and summer break suggestions, go to www.mams.ie

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Fingal News

Fingal Community Groups Receive Funding Boost

Over €220,000 in funding has been allocated to 130 community groups and organisations across Fingal at an event held ringside at Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club.

The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area. The funding provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.

This year also saw additional funding allocated towards many Women’s Groups in Fingal, helping to support the growing number of Women’s Sheds located in the county, as well as providing a welcome boost to local groups which provide much needed social networks for women.

Speaking at the announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: “This funding is particularly important as it brings significant Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

investment to the many groups and organisations working in communities across Fingal, especially those in disadvantaged areas. Not only is this level of support from the LEP crucial for carrying out necessary repairs and enhancements to facilities, but it will go some way to helping assist groups in providing invaluable community initiatives locally.”

Announcing the successful projects for Fingal, Minister Joe O’Brien TD said: “The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports smallscale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs. These investments allow community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country. The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable.”

John Quinlivan, Director of Economic

Development at Fingal County Council, said: “The LEP represents a substantial funding source that complements other support from Fingal County Council. We deeply value the essential work of volunteers and community groups who are out there actively making Fingal a better place to live, so it is thanks to Government funding like the LEP that groups can continue to play an important role within our communities.”

LEP funding was made available to support small capital works/improvements, the purchase of equipment for community use, including tables and chairs, tools, signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.

A full list of groups is available here: LEP Recipients 2024 The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched in December 2023 with funding of €6 million available nationally, which included €1 million in funding ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Groups.

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Fingal News

Fingal residents invited to have their say in Bathing Waters annual review

With an 88km coastline stretching from Howth to north of Balbriggan, three large protected estuaries and a large number of major beaches, our natural heritage has a strong conservation and amenity value.

Each year, local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use. To help with this process, Fingal County Council would like to hear from people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming but are not identified at the moment.

Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters annually so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards. In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the

summer season.

These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs.

Fingal has no shortage of stunning swimming spots to enjoy, with current identified bathing areas as follows: Claremont Beach, Howth; Burrow Beach, Sutton; Portmarnock Beach; Balcarrick Beach, Donabate; Brook Beach, Portrane; South Beach, Rush; North Beach, Rush; Loughshinny Beach; South Strand, Skerries; Balbriggan Beach.

Please note that Malahide Beach, while not identified as a bathing area, is lifeguarded as required by a Water Safety Ireland Risk Assessment (Constant Red Flag).

If you are a regular swimmer and want to help

A reflection for Father’s Day

By Jon Kavanagh I recently caught sight of myself in a shop mirror. Oh, the shaved head, beard and glasses were a decent attempt at a disguise. But it was him – my late father. It’s not just the physical resemblance; I have inherited a few of his traits including: the coordination of Mr Bean, the patience of Gordon Ramsey and a morbid fear of change. Hugh Leonard summed up many fathers when he said, “Da spent his life sitting on a bed of briars, afraid to move in case someone took his seat.” He was old in mind and body at my current age. Decades of braving the elements as a farm labourer; sweltering whilst picking tomatoes in glass houses close to Swords or freezing as he sat on a potato harvester near Donabate village where he purchased offal in a butcher’s shop.

Back then everyone had a defined role. His was to bring home the wage packet on Friday evening. Born, as World War One raged in 1917, he got a basic primary school education before embarking on a lifetime in the

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decide which bathing areas should be identified for the 2025 season, it may be helpful to consider the following: How your swimming area has been used up to now? How many people use the site? What facilities (e.g. signage, parking, toilets, picnic area etc) exist at the site and how accessible it is? Any safety issues?

If you wish to propose your favourite beach/ river etc as a new bathing water site, or would like to comment on an existing site, please make your submission through our consultation portal or post your written submission to: Operations Department (Bathing Waters), Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

The bathing water quality results and annual classification of bathing waters can be viewed at www.beaches.ie. The latest available EPA report Bathing Water in Ireland Report can be viewed here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/ Closing date for submissions is Thursday, 26th September 2024.

fields of Fingal. He had a simple life with few luxuries; living in primitive rented accommodation and traveling on a bone shaker bicycle. He owned two suits, a good one for Sundays, and another one for workdays. When the good one became a bit shabby it was demoted to weekdays and a new one was bought for Sundays. He never took a holiday, but opted instead to take two weeks extra pay each year. We always looked forward to the “holiday money”. He didn’t take a day off for my confirmation but choose to show his love by buying me my first wristwatch.

His downtime was spent tending a large vegetable and fruit garden where Adam and Eve wouldn’t have looked out of place, cycling long distances to visit extended family and friends and watching western movies on TV. On Sunday afternoons he would visit the local for a couple of pints. If he could board the Tardis and return to earth in 2024, he would assume he was on another planet. Although over a quarter of a century has come and gone since he passed, he still plays a part in my life. He was a good man, who did the best he could with limited resources. One wonders what he might have achieved if opportunity had knocked on his door.

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Local Sports

My Journey with Ball Busters Women’s Social Soccer

Written by Nicole Bermingham

WE WANT YOUR LOCAL NEWS!!

• Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team?

• Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary?

• Are you running or hosting a Local event or Fundraiser? • Do you have a story to tell?

• A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion..

Send us your pics.. We Want it ALL..

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Every Tuesday night, as the streets of Dublin quiet down, a lively scene unfolds within the walls of the Santry Soccer Dome. It’s a gathering like no other, where the love for soccer intertwines with the spirit of camaraderie. Since joining in October 2023, my time at Ball Busters Social Soccer has been nothing short of magical, a weekly highlight that I eagerly anticipate.

Nestled within the heart of our community, the astro pitch transforms into a sanctuary where women of all backgrounds and skill levels come together to celebrate their love for the beautiful game.

From the moment I stepped onto the pitch for the first time, I was greeted with smiles and encouragement, instantly feeling a sense of belonging among my fellow players.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ball Busters Women’s Soccer is the camaraderie that permeates every match. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about supporting and uplifting one another, both on and off the field.

Whether we’re sharing tips on technique or cheering each other on during a particularly challenging game, there’s a palpable sense of sisterhood that unites us all.

What truly sets Ball Busters apart is its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Regardless of our skill level or experience, each

of us is valued and respected for the unique strengths we bring to the game. There’s no judgment or competition—just a shared passion for soccer and a determination to have fun while playing.

As the clock strikes 8 p.m. every Tuesday night, I feel a surge of excitement knowing that I’m about to embark on another unforgettable soccer journey. From the exhilarating rush of scoring a goal to the laughter that fills the air during post-match banter, each game is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the women who grace the field.

Beyond the physical benefits of playing soccer, Ball Busters Women’s Social Soccer provides a platform for personal growth and empowerment.

It’s a space where we can challenge ourselves, push our boundaries, and emerge stronger and more confident than ever before.

Through the highs and lows of the game, we learn invaluable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and resilience—lessons that extend far beyond the soccer field and into our everyday lives.

In a world where women’s voices are often silenced or overlooked, Ball Busters Women’s Social Soccer stands as a beacon of empowerment and solidarity. It’s a reminder that when women come together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

And for that, I am eternally grateful to be a part of this incredible community.

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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

Down

2. Hangs around aimlessly. (7) 3. Metal fastener. (4) outpatients. (6) 4. Hot drink made from roasted 5. The capital of Lebanon. (6) beans. (6) 10. Court official. (7) 5. Famous Hungarian composer. (6) 11. Tool for tennis. (7) 6. Imperial measurement. (4) 12. Irish dance. (4) 7. Rare and strange. (7) 13. The man for a fable. (5) 8. The King of the Fairies. (6) 15. Caribbean Socialist republic. (4) 9. A narrow channel linking two 17. Large deer. (3) larder bodies of water. (6) 19. Settle snugly and comfortably. (6) 14. Gracefully thin. (7) 21. The paper used to vote. (6) 16. Where Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie died. (5) 22. Withdraw assistance when it is 18. Devoid of freshness or originality. needed. (7) 23. Self-confident assurance, poise. (5) 20. The movement of the tide out to (6) sea. (3) 25. Cowboy of the pampas. (6) 21. Turf provider. (3) 28. Church bench. (3) 23. Ireland’s largest island. (6) 30. Break into someone’s computer.

24. The sugar in milk. (7) (4) 26. It’s used as a moth repellent. (7) 31. Lowest rank in British nobility.

27. A strong protest or objection. (6) (5) 28. Walk with bare feet in shallow 32. Leave out. (4) water. (6) 35. Mr. Bloom’s first name. (7) 29. Sway unsteadily. (6) 36. To talk nonsense. (7) 33. Percussion instrument and medal.

(4) 37. Small and sturdy hunting dog.

34. A young sheep. (4) (6) 1. Hospital department for

38. The remains of a fire. (6)

• Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team?

• Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary?

• Are you running or hosting a Local event or Fundraiser? • Do you have a story to tell?

• A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion..

Send us your pics.. We Want it ALL..

SUDOKU ANSWERS

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