Rush Local V1I8-NOV 2024 by Irish Media Group

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Getting Ready for the Festive Season

With the embers of Hallowe’en dying out we now look to one of the best times of the year for most people with Christmas just around the corner.

Most people will be busy clearing up the pumpkins and spooky decorations, while some will already be flat out getting their houses Christmas ready and some will be well ahead of the pack with a fair number of lights already set up from the previous years!

Christmas is a time of celebration, and reflection, and for most it is the one time of the year where all the family will get together for a few days and reminisce over their childhood memories of the festive season.

We always return to our childhood memories of Christmas with some remembering their favourite presents they received from the big man in red, and above all we will remember the best times from our childhood Christmases. After all isn’t Christmas all about the kids?

Who can’t say they get great enjoyment from watching the wonderment in children’s eyes when they arrive into the living room on Christmas morning to see what has been left under the Christmas tree for them? The sheer excitement is enough to make us adults feel that magic once again.

There is also great fun to be had all around Fingal with so many events taking place over the next 6-8 weeks on the run up to the festive week. Christmas markets, Light shows, musical events and so much more will be sure to kickstart the festivities for the majority of people.

Christmas time is also a time for remembrance of loved ones who are not with us anymore but their memories live on in the hearts and minds of their loved ones who will always uphold the festive traditions of yesteryear.

So, be sure to get out and about and enjoy the run-in to the biggest holiday of the year btu remember not to get caught up in the panic buying but rather try to take in all what your local area has to offer on your doorstep!

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Rush Remembers Leonard Cohen with Special Music Event

Leonard Cohen would have celebrated his 90th birthday in September this year. The event was marked by a “Leonard Cohen Birthday Bash” as part of the “Meet Me At The Altar” 2024 music season at Rush Library. Curated by Pat Burke, these performances have been running since July 2022 and have become a fixture in the local calendar with shows on Saturday afternoons from July to December.

Pat conceived this latest idea having seen various Cohen tributes in Dublin and felt that there was ample local talent to stage a similar performance

Leonard’s birthday was actually September 21st, but this coincided with the launch of local man Eoghan Fyne’s art exhibition at the library altar space. So, the event was a belated birthday celebration. Eoghan was there himself (a long-standing Cohen fan) and kindly offered to mount a Leonard Cohen framed poster on his (much spattered!) easel as a backdrop to the performance.

Pat kicked off the event himself, performing “Dance me to the end of love”, the opening song for many Leonard Cohen concerts in the later years. This was followed by Ed Byrne who travelled from Kildare just to perform, and he delivered “Hey, that’s no way to say goodbye” and “Who by fire” on

his trademark jazz guitar. Louise Emerson gave us an unaccompanied sung version of a Cohen poem titled “Song to make me still”. Then it was back to the songs and Ciarán Saunders sang a lovely stripped-back version of the classic “Hallelujah”.

The O’Donovan clan were there in force; Ritch performed “First we take Manhattan” and brothers Robbie and James gave us “Take this waltz”. In between, we had a tender version of “If it be your will” by Seán De Burca and Laura Bissett. On then to Adrian Leonard, who gave us a brace of songs; “Famous blue raincoat” and “Bird on a wire”. Finally, Tess Doherty ably backed by dad Brian on 12-string guitar, sang a Boygenius cover called “Leonard Cohen”, a quirky and delightful song that only goes to prove Leonard’s enduring popularity and influence on contemporary music. The show came to a rousing end with “So long Marianne” with everyone back on stage and the audience joining in for the chorus.

Meet Me At The Altar is delighted to announce that Chien Buggle will be performing solo in the library on Saturday 30th November, at 3pm. Chien is a member of the Dublin Guitar Quartet, a group formed in 2001 and which specialises in the performance of contemporary classical music, particularly music associated with minimalist composers.

If you rent you should know this

By Dave Kavanagh

Those that rent their accommodation privately, compared to home owners, can be a lot more vulnerable. Apart from the obvious points, like rents being increased or having to move out if a property is being sold, there are other potential events that could prove problematic for renters. As we saw in the early part of the pandemic, where many people’s incomes were drastically reduced, those with mortgages were permitted to avail of “payment breaks” with minimal effort. Unfortunately, those renting do not usually have the flexibility of this option. When someone cannot work due to illness or injury, they may suffer a loss of income, either immediately or after a short period, resulting in the inability to pay rent. This could lead to eviction and all of the problems associated with it. While those renting may not have been exposed to the kind of financial advice as someone going through the mortgage process, there are still safeguards that can be put in place. One option is Income Protection, paying them a portion of their income if they were unable to work due to illness

or injury. This could be the difference between affording rent or being evicted. Something not often considered by renters is Life Cover. If one of a couple renting passed away, this could allow the surviving partner (or family) to purchase their own home immediately without the need for a mortgage. Similarly, Serious Illness Cover could pay out a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of one of the illnesses covered, giving another layer of financial security. Better to consider these options earlier rather than later.

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.

Frozen Solid Panto takes to the stage at the Millbank Theatre this Christmas

The Millbank Theatre and Rush Pantomime Group are busy preparing the theatre once again this Christmas for another fun filled Panto for all the family!

Barry Kavanagh directs the production again this year with a dream team in place of Eimear Sheridan as Choreographer and Colin Sloan as Musical Director. Script by Ritchie Smith.

Rehearsals kicked off nice and early in September, (oh yes they did!!!!) with a very talented youth troop from the area who are now ready to wow audiences with a nice variety of singing, acting and dancing to entertain

Hilariously Funny, Colourful and Filled with Christmas Cheer, Rush audiences will be brought on a journey from The Millbank Theatre to the Kingdom Of Scandinavia.

Frozen Solid runs from December 5th -29th at the Millbank Theatre. Book online at www.millbanktheatre.ie

With Last year’s Jack and The Beanstalk proving a sell out success it is advisable to get booking as soon as possible!

throughout the festive season. Please note, The oldies on stage are very talented too!!

Great Response to Rush Multipurpose Youth Facility Open Day

The Rush Multipurpose Youth Facility (RMYF) held a very successful open day on the 3 of Oct at the newly refurbished Facility (Martins Shop) Millbank Rush.

The Open day was put together by the board of the RMYF and was held to promote the activities of the facility to the local community. The refurbishment of RMYF has transformed the building into vibrant welcoming space that will benefit of the youth in the surrounding area. Many of multipurpose rooms suitable for, music, drama, dancing, after school services, youth support, yoga, Mindfulness and many other activities.

We are keen to here from people and groups that would like to utilise that space, we meet everyone with an open mind and are there to help our users grow and develop their programmes. We had a very successful open event there was huge interest in the new facility, and we had many enquires.

More importantly it was great fun on the night, with refreshments, music and networking with people from the area. The Facility in already very busy with new users and enquiries. RMYF (Martins Shop) will be a great asset for the youth in our community. Its refurbishment represents a

significant investment in local development and will offer high-quality spaces for various activities. The facility will offer enhanced resources and opportunities for youth and community groups alike. RMYF is proud of this vital initiative and looks forward to seeing the facility flourish as a cornerstone of community life in Rush.

We are looking for people to help with the running of the building and would love to here from anybody who would like to give of there time to support this community project. Please contact RMYF at: info@rmyf.ie or go to our website at www.rmyf.ie

The Cross Country season is well under way

Rush Needs You!

Rush Community Council will hold it’s 2024 AGM in the Community Centre at 8pm on Wednesday the 20th of November. All are welcome to attend. The AGM will hear presentations from the Community Council and it’s sub-committees Rush Tidy Towns, Rush Heritage and Tourism, the Community Development Group and the Christmas Lights Committee on the great work that they have done throughout the year.

Rush Community Council Chairperson, Brian Doherty said that the Community Council are particularly keen for people to attend who wish to volunteer to assist with the Community Council and its subgroups.

“The lifeblood of any community is its volunteers and in Rush we are truly blessed with a strong culture

and history of local people donating significant time and energy to give back to the town. Whether it be the Rush Tidy Towns army, the Let’s Play Rush events, the great work that Rush 38th Scouts do, or the annual harbour festival a lot what you see around Rush in any given year is fuelled almost entirely by volunteer energy. But we need more of it, we need new volunteers for all of our local groups and for the Community Council itself in order to achieve even more in the coming years. We are particularly interested in meeting those people who are new to Rush and may wish to get involved,” he said.

If you are interested in volunteering, please come to the Community Council AGM and find out more about how to get involved.

Successful Spooky Swap Shop at St Catherine’s

Award Winning Folk Duo ‘The Breath’ include The Millbank Theatre Rush on their Irish Tour

The Millbank Theatre are delighted to announce another talented music act coming to our stage. The award winning “The Breath” come to the Millbank Theatre Sunday November 10th.

The Breath is Manchester-based guitarist Stuart McCallum and singer/flautist Ríoghnach Connolly. They met on the city’s gig circuit in the late noughties. An unlikely pairing though it was, he an acclaimed guitar whiz, ex long-time member of The Cinematic Orchestra and a softly spoken Manchester urbanite, she a folk singer with a larger-than-life personality and a powerful

voice to match.

The Breath have released three albums on Peter Gabriel’s Real World label.

‘Only Stories (Let the Cards Fall Revisited)’ reimagining previous work (alongside two new songs) took the music back to its acoustic roots. This new direction would see Ríoghnach Connolly receive an RTÉ Folk Award nomination for Best Folk Singer and win Folk Singer Of The Year at the 2019 BBC R2 Folk Awards for which the duo were also nominated as Best Duo/Group.

In readiness for the spooky season, St Catherine’s National School Parents’ Association held a Halloween Costume Swap on Saturday 5th October in conjunction with Rush Tidy Towns. It was a very busy morning as many visitors to the St Catherine’s school hall brought and swapped their costumes and were entertained by games provided by Let’s Play Rush. It was great to see the circular economy in action as over 80 costumes were swapped on the day. The next similar initiative will be the Christmas Jumper Swap in Rush Community Centre on Saturday 23rd November.

The Baubles are Back in Town

Every year the Christmas Lights Committee, which is a subcommittee of Rush Community Council, work extremely hard to raise the funds necessary to pay for putting up and taking down the wonderful display of Christmas lights on main street and also organise the switching on of the Christmas lights event which this year will take place in Echlin Court on 30th November.

The Christmas Lights Committee have launched a GoFundMe page which can be accessed using the QR Code. Chairperson of the Christmas Light Committee Pat Sweetman explained, “We’ve already had some very generous donations from the community but we really need the people and businesses of Rush to

dig deep and to help us to meet the target to fund the Christmas lights for this year. We know that things are more expensive all around, but it would be great if everyone could support the efforts to light up Rush at Christmas.”

It takes seconds to donate to the GoFundMe page using the QR code and there will be a street collection and raffles before the big day itself.

Rush Christmas Lights Committee are organising a spectacular event on 30th November for the switching on of the lights as their Chairperson explained, “We have groups of local musicians performing, there will be mince pies and Christmas treats and who knows maybe even a visit from the big man himself.”

Update on Knockdrommin House Acquisition

The future of Knockdrommin House remains uncertain after it was revealed at the Rush&Lusk October Area Committee meeting that the property has now been withdrawn from the market.

During the meeting, the Council stated that they had submitted an offer to the Vendors in January this year but it was not accepted, and it had been understood that the sale had been agreed with another bidder, however the Council was then informed the sale is now not proceeding and that the property has been withdrawn from the market.

Cllr Rob O’Donoghue tabled a question in regard to the potential acquisition by the Council of the circa 30 acres of land at the Knockdromin House site on the Rush to Lusk Road at the October Area Committee Meeting in FCC.

“I am well aware that there has

been attempts to change the zoning on the Knockdrommin site in the last two development plans, twice it has been rejected by planners and councillors, given its relative isolation it was not considered to be sound or sustainable planning. If I need to, come the next plan, I intend to lead the charge, again, on maintaining the current zoning on the site.

“Only the Council have the necessary resources and expertise to really develop the site in the communities interest. I would implore the management to have another look at the site should it come to market again, particularly as the alternative bidder decided not to go through with the purchase. Acquiring the lands would go some way to softening the loss of Kenure House to the town of Rush nearly 50 years ago,” he added.

The Fingal Walking Club celebrate 25th anniversary

By Jon Kavanagh

Like many great ideas it all started more or less by accident. Back in 1999 a few friends were socialising in the village of Ballyboughal when someone said, “Wouldn’t it be nice to go for a walk?” They began a fortnightly walk around the surrounding area. Word spread quickly and the idea literally gained legs, as more and more people joined the now weekly event. The meeting points expanded to cover the entire Fingal area and beyond. The members see hidden gems and pick up a bit of local history as they cast their shadow on just about every nook and cranny, from Newbridge House to Oldbridge House, from Balbriggan to Blessington and everywhere in

between.

The celebration weekend included a dinner dance and a special walk, led by David O’Connor, former Mayor of Fingal, and sadly the sole survivor of the founder members. Dave retraced the steps of the first walk from Naul village to the Four Knocks Passage Tomb, which incidentally has a larger interior than New Grange. Lockdown was difficult but thankfully the gregarious lot managed to keep in touch on social media. As soon as restrictions were lifted the club sprang back bigger than ever. On an average Sunday morning around forty turn out to walk and talk whilst getting a bit of fresh air and exercise. The club has a strong social aspect and many longlasting friendships have been formed over the years.

Take A little Me Time Mammies

Between shopping, decorating and planning, Christmas is a busy time of year for Mammies so we’ve got some tips to help!

Meeting friends or family? Bracken Court Hotel’s ‘Winter Rose Afternoon Tea’ is a lovely way to enjoy a catch up. They also have fab shared Christmas party nights for dancing the night away.

Christmas day can be stressful, and it is wonderful to let someone else do all the hard work. Farnham Estate in Cavan has a fantastic Christmas package where you can enjoy festive Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining without having to step into the kitchen! Ideal for family get togethers.

Love 90’s music? Pillo Hotel Ashbourne throwback Christmas party nights are jam packed with classic hits. Dance your cares away and check out their B&B offers. Much nicer to ‘Get the lift

home’ upstairs than worrying about taxis!

For those who are tricky to buy for, we love Hampers & Co. Their hampers start at €14 and there’s a huge range like wellness, wine, picnic, baby & more Literally something for everyone!

Looking for a winter getaway? The Four Seasons in Carlingford is within walking distance to gorgeous Carlingford Village and close to Dundalk. Lovely food, beautiful scenery, great shopping. They have wonderful winter packages available, and their gift vouchers make wonderful gifts.

For skincare lovers www.ziajashop.ie has gorgeous products. Available online and in Dunnes, Tesco & Chemist Warehouse. I love the Baltic Spa range for pampering. They have wonderful baby & kid’s products too, like bath jelly and cookies & cream toothpaste. Fun and

When driving was an adventure

By Jon Kavanagh

Back in the early 80s we watched in wonderment when KITT the talking car appeared in the TV series Knight Rider. Today, KITT’s descendants all talk, as a disembodied voice guides us to our destination in air-conditioned luxury. But have we lost the driving experience? In years gone by motoring was hands on and problematic. Scarcely a day would pass without hearing the call for help “Will you give us a push?” The powerless steering on an uncooperative car carrying its own body weight in rust would have challenged the muscles of The Incredible Hulk himself.

Before embarking on a journey preparation was essential, with extra time added for the almost inevitable breakdown. Essential equipment included a large container of water for the radiator, that overheated more often than John McEnroe on the tennis court; a length of rope to secure any parts that came loose and a pair of ladies’ nylon stockings that were regularly called upon to serve their country as an emergency fan belt. If

affordable.

Looking for somewhere different for shop & stay break? The Silken Thomas, in the grounds of Kildare Castle is unique. Close to Kildare Village, it has beautiful accommodation, plus award winning bar & dining.

Mrs Claus Gingerbread Christmas experience at Casino Model Railway Museum Malahide is back this year and is open for bookings.

Santas Magical Cabin at Ilac SC & Kilnamanagh is also back. Book at Santaexperience.ie

Elf Town Dublin at RDS is now taking bookings too. After the huge success last year, The Lark Panto is back. This year it’s Cinderella and runs from 5th December. Tickets are on sale now! Follow us on mams.ie for more tips & giveaways!

cars were performing below par, so too were many of their drivers. Prior to the introduction of the driving test in 1964, people simply went to the post office and brought a licence that entitled them to drive anything from a mini to a bus – a situation that led to some interesting characters finding themselves behind the wheel.

A couple of ‘eccentric’ drivers that come to mind include a district health nurse who would exit her black Morris Minor, walk a distance to a crossroads, look both ways, leisurely return to the car and drive through, with a misplaced confidence that made Russian roulette look like a game of snakes and ladders, and a North County Dublin farmer who took up driving somewhat late in life. Following a spate of near misses, a well-meaning friend advised him to use his indicators, so people would know where he was going. In response he sharply retorted “It’s none of their (“!”) business where I’m going!” Today we are disconnected from our cars. We no longer “go for a spin” with no particular purpose in mind. A professional with a laptop is required to make even minor adjustments. The days of clutching an oily rag and a heavy hammer, known affectionally as “the persuader” are well and truly in the rear-view mirror.

Rush Tidy Towns Enjoy a Busy Few Months

Christmas Jumper Swap

Following on from the huge success of last year’s Christmas Jumper Swap it will return this year on Saturday 23rd November in Rush Community Centre. The premise is the same as last year, bring a preloved jumper to the event to drop off for someone else to enjoy, and pick a new one to wear for this year’s Christmas season. Details are on the flyer.

Circular Economy in Action

Thank you to everybody who came along to our three big events mid-October in Rush Community Centre. We had a seed and plant swap, a clothes repair cafe and a small household item recycling event where we filled three large wheelie bins. Thanks to Anna McGuire for excellent guidance in the clothes repair cafe and Mary Ryan for her tips at the Seed and Plant swap. Anna is planning another repair café on Saturday 23rd November, details on the flyer.

Bird Watching Rogerstown

Thank you to everybody who turned up to our Bird Watching event at Rogerstown in October. The conditions were perfect, and we certainly saw a huge variety of birds on the mud of the Estuary under the excellent guidance of Linda Mellon from the Fingal branch of BirdWatch Ireland. Keep an eye on the Rush

Fingal TradFest Continues to Grow Year on Year

Celebrating 20 years next January, experience TradFest everywhere you go, from the Mountains of South Dublin across Dublin City and to the castles and coastline of historic Fingal.

Now in its third year in Fingal the festival will return to the many unique and historic venues across the region: Malahide Castle, Swords Castle Chapel, The Millbank Theatre, Skerries Mill, Draíocht Theatre and the iconic Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, while increasing its musical footprint in additional new venues: The Lark, Ardgillan Castle, The Abbey Tavern and Donabate Community Centre.

Fingal Acts for 2025 include: Karen CaseyThe Women we will rise, Jacqui Martin & Derek Hickey, Tara Breen, Eoghan ó’Ceannabhaín, Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley, Luka Bloom, Ines Khai, Molly O’Mahony, Paudie O’Connor &

Aoife Ni Chaoimh, Emma Langford, Stockton’s Wing -Voices from Fingal Mick Hanly with Anto Drennan and Eoin O’Neill, The Henry Girls, Bernadette Nic Gabhann, Frank, O’Rourke & John Feely, Molly Donnery, Brídín, Sorcha Costello, Evelyn Kallansee & Declan Sinnott

There will also be a special celebration of the actor, local resident and TradFest patron Stephen Rea. The Oscar-nominated and multi awardwinning actor has for long had a global reputation for his exceptional skills on both stage and screen. Over four nights in The Lark Theatre, Balbriggan, TradFest will honour Stephen through words and music. Joining Stephen over the 4 nights will be poet Paul Muldoon and musicians Neil Martin, Louise Mulcahy, Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomnaill, Paddy Glackin and Derek Hickey.

TradFest in Fingal will also celebrate the life of Barney McKenna, original member of the Irish band The Dubliners and Fingal resident across two days and nights in The Abbey Tavern, Howth in January 2025.

Mike Hanrahan and Stockton’s Wing will give a special concert in Donabate Community Centre where they will be joined on stage by the voices of Fingal Choir

In line with its audience development objectives, TradFest also will deliver an expanded community programme later this year which will outline a series of new exciting, free communityled events in Fingal.

Whether you’re a fan of live music, or just looking for a night of Irish culture and craic, TradFest is where you want to be in January 2025.

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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)