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Community Coming Together for Christmas As the crisp November air settles over Fingal, locals in the towns and villages begin to glow with anticipation for the festive season. From the bustling streets of Swords and Balbriggan to picturesque Malahide, Donabate, Rush&Lusk, local businesses and community groups are already gearing up to make this Christmas one to remember.

In towns across Fingal, shopfronts are dressing up with twinkling lights, while markets and craft fairs offer the perfect opportunity to find locally made gifts. Supporting these local traders not only keeps the area’s economy thriving but also strengthens the sense of community that makes Fingal so special.

November is also a time for connection and giving back. Fingal County Council and local community centres host a variety of volunteer and charity initiatives — from food bank collections to Christmas tree planting and tidy-town efforts. Residents are encouraged to get involved, whether by joining a local clean-up, helping decorate village greens, or donating to local causes.

Cultural events add extra sparkle, with choir performances, winter markets, and family-friendly gatherings filling calendars throughout the month. Libraries and arts centres across Fingal also offer festive workshops, story times, and craft sessions, bringing people together in creativity and celebration.

As Fingal prepares for Christmas, the focus remains on community spirit — on neighbours supporting one another, businesses helping local causes, and everyone doing their part to make the season bright. November in Fingal is more than just a prelude to Christmas; it’s a reminder that the heart of the holidays lies in coming together.

The Locals Team

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Fingal News

Rush local wins prize at 2025 Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature

Charlotte with Eoin Colfer

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RUSH LOCAL-NOVEMBER 2025

Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature has been running for a number of years and is organised by Fingal Libraries. The festival is a fantastic celebration of children’s literature and a great chance to meet local authors such as Shane Hegarty, writer of the Darkmouth series, who is from Skerries and in 2024, Rush resident Derek Landy (of Skulduggery Pleasant fame) spoke about his writing and signed copies of the latest book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series.

This year, the festival included a new short story writing competition, ‘Every Story is Magic’. Entries, which had to be under 400 words long, were shortlisted by staff at Fingal Libraries and three winners were selected from the shortlisted entries by Eoin Colfer, legendary author of the Artemis Fowl series. Amongst the winners was Rush resident Charlotte Semple who won third place in the competition. Charlotte has recently started secondary school at St Joseph’s Secondary School, having previously attended St Catherine’s National School.

Charlotte’s story was 397 words long and described a magical evening where four friends flew over the moonlit Fingal countryside.

The prizes were announced and presented by Eoin Colfer at Swords Castle on 27th September at the Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature.

Eoin was also on hand to sign copies of the first book in the Artemis Fowl series.

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YOUR COUNTY. YOUR WASTE? Illegal dumping is costly. It threatens our environment. Let’s all take responsibility. #StopIllegalDumping Report Illegal Dumping Call: 01 890 5000 Email: environment@fingal.ie

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Local News

Twalking! Declan Costello’s 30-Day walking challenge for Irish Cancer Society

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RUSH LOCAL-NOVEMBER 2025

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Local News

What started out as an idea

by Declan (Cj) to raise €500 for the Irish Cancer Society has grown into an uplifting and inspiring month of camaraderie and fun, as we Twalked with CJ for 30 days in September.

Every day, CJ was joined by groups of people for early morning, lunchtime, and evening walks. We laughed, chatted, reconnected with old friends, and shared many happy childhood memories along the way. People who have recently moved to Rush — and who might not have been aware of its rich history and heritage — joined the walks and will now see the village in a completely new light!

We talked about pirates, the Tideway Cinema, the day Johnny Cash rolled into town, and countless other fascinating stories from Rush’s past.

CJ’s “Twalk” has truly united our community in a fun and meaningful way. The

connection and friendship felt as everyone walked together each day were beyond anything he could have imagined. People battling cancer, along with friends and families who have lost loved ones, came together — walking side by side — to support Declan and to stand for a common cause.

In total, over €6000 was raised for the Irish Cancer Society — a true testament to the power of community spirit and togetherness.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined the walks, donated, and supported Declan throughout the month.

Your kindness, laughter, and generosity have made this journey truly special. What began as a small idea has become a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together.

Here’s to keeping that spirit alive — one step at a time

Kenure Woods Christmas Market Brings Festive Magic to Rush!

Thanks to Fingal County Council Events Team, Rush Tourism is delighted to bring a Christmas Market to Kenure Woods on Saturday November 29th and Sunday November 30th, creating a magical weekend filled with festive fun, family entertainment, and community spirit.

This year’s market promises something for everyone — young and old alike — with an exciting lineup of local crafters, food stalls, live music, and free children’s entertainment sponsored by Progressive Credit Union Rudolph and his friend will make an appearance, ready for festive photos and fun.

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Juggling Jack Frost will amaze the crowds with his spectacular skills, while two of Santa’s playful elves hop through the woods spreading cheer and posing for pictures.

Mrs. Claus, sponsored by Carroll Estates and Bellyngham Projects, will be there each day sharing enchanting stories about how the elves are busily preparing for Santa’s big night Don’t forget to drop your letters into Santa’s Postbox for express delivery straight to the North Pole!

On Sunday, families can hop aboard the Elf

Express Train for a free, magical ride through the woods — an experience not to be missed. Get your photo taken with our hopping happy Elves as the train rambles along.

The Kenure Woods Christmas Market is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and Christmas joy.

So come along and enjoy a fun-filled shopping experience surrounded by festive cheer.

And remember the local motto: “Keep your business in Rush to keep Rush in business!

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Local News

Keep Rush Lit This Christmas!

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RUSH LOCAL-NOVEMBER 2025

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The magic of Christmas is returning to Rush! Join us on Saturday, 29th November 2025, from 4–6pm in Echlin Court for the Rush Christmas Lights Switch-On — a festive celebration that marks the true beginning of the holiday season in our town.

This much-loved annual event brings our whole community together for an evening of sparkle, song, and smiles. Expect joyful music, plenty of festive treats, and a special visit from Santa himself as we light up Rush

for Christmas 2025! Families, friends, and neighbours are all invited to gather in Echlin Court and share in the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Rush so special at this time of year.

But we need your help to Keep Rush Lit. Each year, it becomes more challenging to raise the funds needed to power, maintain and safely install our beautiful Christmas lights.

These lights don’t just brighten up the streets — they brighten up hearts, bringing festive cheer to residents, visitors, and local

businesses alike.

The truth is, without enough donations, we won’t be able to put up the lights this year. We know times are tough, but every contribution - big or small truly makes a difference. Your generosity keeps the spirit of Christmas shining bright across our town.

So, mark your calendars, wrap up warm, and bring your Christmas spirit to Echlin Court on November 29th. Let’s make this year’s light switch-on the brightest one yet — and help us Keep Rush Lit!

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Local News

Rush Tidy Towns Host Lavish Annual Volunteer Awards

L to R - Mayor Tom O Leary, Chris Rooney, Carl Jones, Brendan O_Reilly

L to R - Siobhan O_Reilly, TD Rob O Donahue, David Clarke, Bernie Reedy, Brian Dennehy, Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee

On Friday the 10th of October Rush Tidy Towns held their 2025 Volunteer of the year awards at a lavish ceremony at Rush Golf Club.

Fingal Mayor Tom O Leary was the guest of honour and he presented all the awards to the deserving recipients culminating with the announcement of Neil McKeown as Volunteer of the Year. Other award winners included project of the year which went to Carl Jones and Chris Rooney for their Vintage Pump refurbishment project, and the Clean Coasts award which went to Paul Moore and Richard Spenser for their river 10

RUSH LOCAL-NOVEMBER 2025

L to R - Mayor Tom O Leary, Neil McKeown, Brendan O_Reilly

cleaning pursuits. In all 9 awards were presented to 16 different volunteers. The awards meal was kindly sponsored by Rush Community Council.

Commenting on the occasion, Brendan O’Reilly, Chairperson of Rush Tidy Towns said, “it is very important we recognise the dedication and commitment displayed by so many loyal volunteers, as they are the lifeblood of our group, and without them the committee would not get though a fraction of the work done for the betterment of the town which we are all so proud of”

If you would like to become a volunteer and be involved in the community, please contact tidytownsrush@gmail.com for more information.

Xmas Jumper Swap Rush Tidy Towns are delighted to announce the annual Christmas Jumper Swap held in Rush Community Centre. This is your opportunity to bring your preloved jumpers and swap them for a different one for the festive seasons. See flyer for further detail.

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Local News

Guide Dogs Fundraiser to be held in Lusk On Tuesday morning 4th of November in skinny batch Coffee Shop Lusk a fundraising coffee morning will be held to raise money for the Balbriggan\North County Dublin Branch of Irish guide Dogs for the blind.

Running from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, there will be guide dogs Xmas cards, 2026 calendars for sale and a car raffle ticket costing euro5 each to win a Ford Puma later in the year All money raised goes for the training of guide dogs for blind people and assistance dogs for children with Autism. All involved in this fundraiser are total volunteers and we wish to thank Sharyn Hayden of

Skinny Batch Food Ltd Lusk and her team for organizing this lovely event.

Should any reader of this article wish to volunteer with the branch or indeed become a puppy raiser from the readership of this article please contact us on below details. We can never have enough volunteers and without puppy raisers no guide or assistance dog can be trained. We need you.

More details on www.guidedogs.ie To contact our branch of guide dogs’ email guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail. com or call 085-7663107.

Tom O’Neill, guide dog owner and co-chair of the branch

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Fingal News

The Lark at The Irish Institute of Music & Song: Enriching the Community Through Music

In just a few short years, the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS) has transformed Balbriggan into one of Ireland’s most exciting cultural hubs. As a not-for-profit organisation, the IIMS is dedicated to making high-quality music education and experiences accessible to everyone of all ages and from beginner to professional.

The mission of the IIMS is simple - to enrich lives through music while celebrating creativity, inclusion and community.

At the heart of the IIMS campus is the multi award-winning Lark Concert Hall, which was voted Ireland’s Favourite New Building of 2024.

Since opening in November 2023, The Lark has become a beacon for the arts in Fingal. Through concerts, workshops, and events, it connects local audiences with world-class performers while supporting educational programmes for local and international students.

Each year, the IIMS delivers over 100,000 hours of music tuition and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors through performances, school programmes, and community initiatives.

From early-years classes and intergenerational events to the innovative Traditional Music Access

Illegal waste collectors and illegal dumping awareness campaign Launched Fingal County Council Waste Enforcement Section has initiated a campaign to help raise awareness about illegal waste collectors and illegal dumping.

Illegal waste collectors use social media and advertising sites to offer cheap waste removal services with the waste ending up being dumped in remote areas causing environmental pollution.

Every year Local Authorities spend thousands of euro on clean up costs to remove illegally dumped waste, money which could be better spent on improving public services within local communities.

Before handing over your

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RUSH LOCAL-NOVEMBER 2025

waste, always ask for ID and to see a copy of their waste collection permit which can be checked on the National Waste Collection Permit Office website at www.nwcpo.ie.

No permit, then they’re not authorised to collect waste.

Don’t risk getting a €150 fine or a criminal conviction if found guilty in Court.

As part of this awareness campaign a short advert has been developed which is being shown across 5 different cinemas over these months (Swords, Balbriggan, Charlestown, Blanchardstown and Santry) to highlight the issues around illegal waste collectors and the damage that’s

caused by illegal dumping.

We all have a responsibility to manage our waste and to protect the environment for future generations. Our key aim is to encourage and educate individuals to make the right choices regarding their waste and to participate in authorised waste collection services.

If householders know of anyone offering these ‘Man in a Van’ services, please contact environment@fingal.ie or Tel: 01 8906799.

The videos are available on Youtube - https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=H_Hi1hhzPFE and will form part of a Social Media Campaign.

Programme, the IIMS strives for music education accessibility.

The Lark’s events play a vital role in sustaining the not-for-profit model of the IIMS, enabling income to fund community outreach, scholarships, and artist residencies. The IIMS has a vibrant vision for arts within the region, a place where music education, performance, and inclusion come together to create lasting cultural and social harmony. www.irishinstituteofmusic.com www.thelark.ie

YOUR COUNTY. YOUR WASTE? Illegal dumping is costly. It threatens our environment. Let’s all take responsibility. #StopIllegalDumping Report Illegal Dumping Call: 01 890 5000 Email: environment@fingal.ie

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25/10/2025 08:35:19

Finance

Small Benefit Exemption For Your Staff

By Dave Kavanagh From 1st January 2025, employers can provide up to five, small, non-cash benefits per employee per year, with a combined value of up to €1,500, free of PAYE, PRSI and USC. To qualify, benefits must not be in cash, must not be redeemable (in part or full) for cash, and must be something used to buy goods or services.

So, what type of options/cards qualify to be used for this? Store-specific or multi-store gift vouchers/cards that are used to buy goods/ services and cannot be exchanged for cash. E.g. a gift card for a department store, or supermarket, or a retailer. Closed-loop gift cards (cards valid in certain stores or groups of stores) used only to purchase goods/services. Tangible non-cash gifts (e.g. objects, hampers, items) which are similar in value to vouchers, again provided they are used to buy goods/services or are themselves goods.

Non-cash benefit cards such as gift cards that are structured so that they are not redeemable for cash or usable like a debit card with direct cash extraction capability.

Options that do not qualify include cards that are redeemable for cash (or partially usable as cash). For example, any gift or “card” that allows the holder to withdraw cash, or exchange for cash. Prepaid debit cards or “spend anywhere” cards if their terms allow the card to be used like

cash / cash-equivalent (e.g. ATM withdrawals etc.). If the card is effectively redeemable for or convertible into cash, the revenue rules treat it as a cash benefit and it loses the exemption. Any bonus or benefit provided via payroll or via salary sacrifice. These must be provided outside payroll and not deducted from salary.

With the recent budget not being exceptionally generous to workers, this is a great way to both reward employees without having to tax them further and also benefit employers as gifts are tax deductible.

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.

Rob O’Donoghue TD

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