Rush Local V1I7-OCT 2024 by Irish Media Group

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Taking Stock of the year as Time Falls Back

While we have all enjoyed a fantastic start of Autumn with some superb warm weather, we now look to the tentative start of the darker evenings giving us plenty of time to take stock of all that has taken place over the past 9 months.

We won’t have to wait much longer for the evenings to truly darken with the bi-annual event of daylight saving to take place this year on Sunday 27th October. While we will have around 50 percent less sunshine than that of Spring and Summer, it gives us more time to enjoy our home comforts as the cold nights set in.

Summer was a truly eventful time of year with so many events taking place around the whole county of Fingal. There was hardly a weekend that past without some amazing festival or event taking place throughout the county.

While we await the arrival of Winter, things certainly aren’t slowing down for the many community groups, sporting clubs, resident’s associations etc. Winter can be one of the busiest times of the year with many plans being put together for the following year as well as the weekly activities taking place.

Halloween is a time when children, and the big children, can enjoy themselves in equal measure with kids donning fantastic, and spooky costumes, while some adults will also go all out with decorating their houses to rival that of anywhere in the world. Afterall, Halloween, or Samhain, is a truly Irish event.

Fingal will have many events taking place over the coming weeks that will culminate with the amazing Fingal Festival of Fire that sees amazing firework displays being hosted throughout the county. Be sure to wear your best costume and enjoy the fantastic, and safe, pyrotechnic event!

So as we approach the winter months, be sure to take some time to take advantage of the decent October weather, but also, don’t forget to curl up beside the fire at home and take stock of all that has happened over the past year and make some plans to have an even more eventful 2025!

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Rush Singers Thrill at International Music Festival

Rush Musical Society Singers made their International Debut last month at the Praha International Music Festival in Prague. The Rush group were among 11 groups from 7 countries to take part in the festival.

Countries represented were; Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Korea, Hungary and Ireland. Many of the groups and orchestras are well established in their own countries and internationally performing music from jazz, sacred music, Mozart, Rossini to modern classics.

RMS Singers first performance at the festival was to a packed house in the main auditorium of the Municipal Library in the International Concert of Friendship on August 30th. RMS Singers sang acapella under Director Colin Sloan and were met with a fantastic reception. Following this RMS Singers were chosen to close the festival with a concert performance on August 31st.

The atmosphere was electric in the packed church of St Salvator just off the main square in Prague as RMS Singers took to the stage. RMS Singers thrilled with vocal arrangements written for the group by Director Colin Sloan.

The programme included the music of Freddie Mercury, Beach Boys, Glen Hansard, Rainbow, Bonnie Tyler to the African ‘Calling of the Dawn’Baba Yetu by Christopher Tin sung in Swahili. The standing ovations from the audience raised the roof on St Salvator with RMS Singers being praised as the highlight performance of the festival.

From start to finish the trip was a joy for the 35 members who travelled to Prague. There was craic a plenty, the beauty and splendour of Prague, lots of song, on and off stage, beautiful food with a wonderful group of people to share it all with. This was the first but hopefully not the last International Performance by RMS Singers. RMS Singers next concert will be in St Catherine’s School, Rush on 8th November.

RMS Singers new season starts on Monday 16th September. If you want to experience the joy of singing come along to the Strand Bar, Rush Mondays at 8.30pm or Thursdays at 8pm. New Members Welcome.

Contact Details: secretary@ rushmusicalsociety.com or call 0868740713 after business hours for further information

VOLUNTEER Digital Literacy MEN WITH

Would you like to give back time and skills by helping older men to get online and stay connected?

Venue: Rush Library, Tuesdays 12pm - 2pm

Life Cover - Why do we not prioritise it?

By Dave Kavanagh

I sometimes get told by people that they don’t have the time, or they are too busy, when it comes to arranging or updating their life cover, serious illness cover or income protection. (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, a serious illness or being off work for a length of time, 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 some time 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 and 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 bingewatched 8 episodes of Game of Thrones. (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 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.

Sports clubs to benefit from €143,500 Dormant Accounts Fund

Sporting clubs across County Fingal are to benefit from €143,500 that has been released as part of the Dormant Account Funds which is being overseen by the Minister of State for Rural and Community Development Joe O’Brien, under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012.

The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

Speaking about the funding, Minister O’Brien said: “The Dormant Accounts Fund allocation announced today is a crucial investment in our communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.”

“In Fingal we are supporting the ‘Her Moves’ initiative which aims to keep girls in sport during adolescent years and the wider ‘Activie Citiies’ initiative which people may have seen at events over the summer but also at the boxes of free to rent sports equipment around Fingal.”

Fingal Plans for the Future with launch of new Economic Strategy

Looking to take advantage of its strategic position on the Dublin-Belfast corridor, its strong transport connections and as home to a broad mix of key sectors, Fingal has unveiled its plan to ensure the long-term economic resilience and sustainability of the county and highlight itself a key driver of growth in Ireland.

The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, joined the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, to launch “Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy” at an event in Blanchardstown which was attended by business representatives, councillors and Oireachtas members.

The new strategy emphasizes a balanced approach to economic development, leveraging Fingal’s strategic advantages and focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a place where innovation and opportunity meet. Through our Economic Development Strategy, we are committed to ensuring that Fingal continues to be an exceptional place to work and do business. This Strategy is not just a plan; it is our ambitious vision for the future of Fingal. Our aim is to lead by example by being both practical and forward-thinking.”

Prepared by Fingal County Council’s Economic Unit and Grant Thornton, the strategy, aims to support business in Fingal to grow and thrive in a sustainable way, with a strong emphasis on working with business to implement sustainable business practices, aligning with best European and global practices and working in parallel with the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

It builds on the socio-economic profile which was prepared as part of the process for Fingal County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2028 and outlines the actions that need to be taken to support the

local economy over the next 15 years.

The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, said: “Fingal is one of Ireland’s most rapidly expanding areas in the country, with key infrastructural assets, and industries of considerable scope and scale. To help ensure its continued growth, it’s clear Fingal will need even greater collaboration across various stakeholders, including central government, the private sector, state bodies, representative groups, and educational institutions. The national economy is performing well currently but there are various economic and social challenges in the years and decades ahead. This report is an important piece of work which ensures the Fingal region is taking the necessary action to prepare its people, its business and it communities for this period of change, transformation and opportunity ahead.”

Covering almost half of County Dublin and with a population of 330,000 that is the youngest and best educated cohort in the country, Fingal is a major driver of Ireland’s economy.

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The goal of this Strategy is to attract inward investment, stimulate job creation, and allow us to develop and retain our highly skilled local talent. The Strategy has analysed global megatrends and the approaches of other areas, in Ireland and across Europe, to economic development and identified examples of best practice. This has informed the six opportunities, 19 objectives and the comprehensive action plan that will now drive us towards our goal of creating an economy that is dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive, enabled by strong infrastructure, collaboration, and skills.”

Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy can be read here: https://www.fingal.ie/media/17902

Busy times ahead as new Council term begins in Rush

As the school year and the start of meetings in the new Council term are now well underway. Over the summer the Council have tendered for a consultancy team to produce the upcoming Rush Town Centre First Plan, it is hoped that the consultants can be put in place before the end of September and meetings with interested groups in the community can start soon after that.

At the Area Committee, Councillor Rob O’Donoghue spoke in regard to upcoming initiatives he hopes to work on in the coming term in Rush.

The first meeting of the Rush Sports Committee of this Council term to discuss the

future sporting facilities north of St Catherines is to take place in September to get a progress report on development of the space for the clubs and community.

O’Donoghue commented, ‘the Town Centre First Plan will involve extensive public consultation asking the people of Rush, how they would like to see the town centre develop, it will be the guidelines for future development of the town, and I hope that as many people as possible will get involved once the process kicks off. I am also excited by the prospect of the provision of grass pitch facilities for the clubs in Rush as part of phase 1 of the Rush Recreational Hub.’

Fingal economic strategy launched

in Bed Bundles

Don’t forget to use your blue tokens for

St Catherine’s NS

Children at St Catherine’s National School met with staff at Tesco in Rush to launch their collection for the Tesco Community Fund. You can help to raise funds for the school’s new PE equipment by putting your blue tokens in the middle box for St Catherine’s School. The appeal runs for twelve weeks. Thank you to Tesco for their generous support of the school”.

Rush Bridge Club

Game starts at 7.00 pm and usually finishes before 10pm every Thursday in the Community Centre, Main St Rush. For info contact 086-3339152.

We’ve had family weddings and parties in Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan so we knew they would look after us for our sister’s Baby Shower there! We decorated a room with balloons and all things pink, set up a gift table and laid out the yummy sandwiches, sausages & goujons the hotel made us, alongside pink lemonade & pink sweets! Kate (plus bump) was thrilled with the beautiful room full of friends and family; including our sister from Jersey, who flew home as an extra surprise!

We played baby shower games where we predicted the name, weight & arrival date of baby. Blindfolded, we tried to pin the soother on the baby and guessed the bump size! Winners got fab prizes from Tipperary Crystal. We listed baby gift ideas in the Baby shower WhatsApp group, so guests could get practical items for the soon-tobe parents, including Bumbo Floor Seat from Hippychick ; LCD Screen Baby Monitor from PitterPatter. ie Irish nursery store, cute Disney baby clothing from Penneys, personalised pink ‘Baby Moore’ labels from MyNametags.ie so baby’s clothes and toys don’t get lost! We also had personalised babygro and blanket from CosyCrewClub, use code MAMS20 for 20% off, a personalised pram blanket from fab

Irish company stitchaname.com and gorgeous gender-neutral baby hamper from Hampers & Co.

As it’s a baby girl, lots of us wore pink dresses for the Baby Shower and www.mykindofdress.com gave us code ‘MAMS30’ for 30% off for their website. This can be used now, perfect timing for picking up some bargain party season wear!

CommunityLocals.ie Halloween breaks and Baby Shower Fun!

Halloween is coming and if you fancy a family break this midterm, Pillo Hotel Ashbourne have packages which include Emerald Park’s Tricky Trail adventure. Book your stay here: www. pillohotelashbourne.com/bookings Adventure Lights retruns to Skypark Carlingford from 26th October right through to February and early bookings are now open at: www.skypark.checkfront.com Want to turn it into a mini break? Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is super family friendly. Book family stays here: www.4seasonshotelcarlingford. ie/family-breaks

Christmas is a bit away, but Santa visits book up fast! To get the date and time you want for the 75-minute Elf Town experience Dublin RDS, book now at www. elftowndublin.ie

Keep an eye on mams.ie for competitions and offers for Halloween and Christmas!

Rush Tidy Towns – News from around the village

Rush Eco Group

We were delighted to be invited by Fingal County Council as part of Rush Eco Group, to speak at a Dublin-wide Climate Action conference in the Mansion House in September. We got to share the background to setting up the group, discuss the projects which we received €59.5k funding for across the town, and learn from other like-minded people on their drive to sustainability.

Let’s Play Rush

What a fantastic day we had at the Let’s Play Rush free family fun and sports event at Tayluers Point in Rush on August 17th. Well done to all the medal winners. Thank you to Minister Joe O’Brien TD for Dublin Fingal and Cllr Robert O’Donoghue the acting mayor for presenting most of the medals and thank you to the volunteers from Rush Tidy Towns, the 38th Rush Scout Group and Rush Community Council for making the day happen. Finally thank you to Fingal County Council for providing grant funding for this event.

Calendar photos

Calling all budding photographers. You have just a few more weeks to submit your photos for our 2025 Rush Tidy Towns Calendar. We are trying to cover all aspects of Rush from the gorgeous views we have to the sports we play and everything else in between, and in all seasons. To enter your photo(s), please send all shots by e-mail only to dianaodonohue14@gmail. com. Each photographer featured in a month will be invited to a launch event and receive a free calendar. Please bear in mind that that submitted images must be of adequate resolution to print out on A4 size. Good luck and get snapping.

Happy halloween!

Spooktacular bites for Halloween!

This time of year brings lots of colourful vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potato, kale, beetroot, carrots, parsnipsand of course the Halloween tradition.....pumpkins!!!!Autumn also brings a chillier change in the weather so it is brilliant that we have all these bright veggies to stock up our wholesome soups, casseroles, stews and make us feel warm from the inside out! Especially if we are out venturing, trick or treating or celebrating our Celtic festival ‘Oíche Shamhna’.Here’s a few fun ‘fang-tastic’ ideas to make sure we are getting our fill of nutrition and not just filling with treats!

Spooktacular Sweet Potato Shapes

• 2 large sweet potatoes makes about 30 shapes of varying sizes!

• Preheat oven to 200’c.

• 1.First wash and peel the sweet potatoes.

• 2.Slice into circles.

• 3.To speed up cooking time, boil the sweet potato slices for 8 minutes. (The water from boiling could be used as stock for asoup/ casserole as it will contain some nutrients that leached out of the sweet potatoes!)

• 4.Drain and place the shapes on a baking tray. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil and add herbs/spices of

• your liking! (I like mine with Balsamic vinegar and black pepper!)

• 5.Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes at 200’c to get them nice and crispy!

Cheeky Cheesestring Broomsticks!

1.Cut a cheese string in half and peel back the cheese three quarters of the way into strips at one end.

2. Push a bread stick or pretzel into the opposite end.

Petrifying Pepper Monsters

• 1.Wash and dry the peppers. Then slice around the top of the pepper and lift this new ‘lid’ off.

• 2.Scoop out the inside of the pepper.

• 3.Using a sharp knife carve the face or whichever design you like into one side of the pepper.

• 4.Fill the pepper with an already cooked wholesome meal, hummus or filling of your desire!

• 5.You could also roast the peppers to make them softer to eat by placing them on a baking tray

• with oil/baking sheet and place in the oven at 200’c. for 30-35 minutes.

For nutrition and healthy eating talks or workshops in preschools, primary or secondary schools, workplaces or community groups please email: niamh@biabites.net See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for other food ideas. Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist www.biabites.net

Public invited to nominate volunteers for national award

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Volunteer Ireland Awards. The public is being invited to nominate volunteers in their community across 11 categories, with one volunteer being named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year at the ceremony in December. The Volunteer Ireland Awards take place annually and celebrate the immense contribution volunteers make to communities across Ireland. Nominations can be made at www. volunteer.ie/nominate.

Fingal VC Manager said: “Volunteers make an enormous contribution to our communities and in many cases, deliver critical services that may not otherwise be delivered. Their impact cannot be overstated and that’s why it’s so important to recognise their efforts at a national level. It’s not just to show that we value what volunteers do but also to showcase the incredible work that goes on across the country and inspire others to get involved.”

Aside from the 12 awards handed out on the night, every single volunteer that is nominated will receive a special thank you card from Volunteer Ireland. The awards are made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and award partners Healthy Ireland.

Minister for Public Health,

Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke, said: “I am proud that the Department of Health, through Healthy Ireland, is once again supporting the Volunteer Ireland Awards. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge the work of our volunteers who give their time willingly for the common good, helping to foster a sense of connection for people in their communities. I’d like to encourage you all to take the time to nominate a volunteer in your local area as a way of thanking them for all that they do.”

This year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards will take place in Dublin on 8th December.

Anyone can nominate a volunteer, and the 11 categories are: Arts, Culture & Festivals ; Campaigning & Activism; Children & Youth; Environmental & Animal Care; Health & Wellbeing ; Safety & Emergency Services; Social Inclusion & Community Support; Sports & Recreation; Small group (3-19 volunteers); Large group (20+ volunteers) and Volunteer Manager. All individual awardees (except Volunteer Manager) are eligible for the overall Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations close at midnight on 11 October and can be made online at www.volunteer.ie/nominate.

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Across

1. Felt a powerful desire for something. (6)

5. The world’s second largest country by area. (6)

10. Capable of resuming original shape after stretching. (7)

11. Pedal driven vehicle. (7)

12. Thin and fit. (4)

13. Sweet food from nectar. (5)

15. Send via the postal service. (4)

17. Scrape as if to relieve itching. (3)

19. A word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations. (6)

21. Not often. (6)

22. Previously, before now. (7)