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Fingal Communities truly shine and come together in the Summer Sunshine
Summer in Fingal has a rhythm all of its own. As the evenings stretch longer and the coastline glows under late sunsets, towns and villages across the county come alive with festivals, markets, concerts and sporting events that showcase the very best of community spirit. From Skerries to Balbriggan, Malahide to Swords, summertime in Fingal is not simply about tourism or entertainment — it is about people.
Every year, local volunteers, community groups and small businesses work tirelessly behind the scenes to create events that bring neighbours together and welcome visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Whether it is organising family fun days, supporting local arts festivals, running charity races or coordinating seaside celebrations, these efforts are driven by pride in place and a genuine commitment to community life.
Events such as the Skerries Traditional Music Weekend, the Flavours of Fingal festival in Newbridge House and Farm, and local summer fairs throughout the county highlight
the creativity and energy that exist in Fingal year-round. They also provide a vital boost for local traders, cafés, musicians, craftspeople and food producers who depend on the busy summer season.
What makes these festivals special is their authenticity. They are not manufactured attractions but community-led celebrations rooted in local identity. The people serving tea at parish halls, stewarding events, decorating streets or coaching children in summer sports camps are the heartbeat of Fingal. Their dedication creates spaces where families gather, friendships grow and traditions are passed from one generation to the next.
Summertime also reminds us of the importance of preserving the unique character of Fingal’s towns, villages and coastal communities. As the county continues to grow and develop, supporting local events and organisations remains essential in maintaining that strong sense of belonging that residents value so deeply.
The Locals Team
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Fingal Food Circle at markets this summer
At the heart of Fingal’s thriving food scene is the Fingal Food Circle, a dynamic network of local food and drink producers. Meet them manning their stalls at Flavours of Fingal (Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July) and at Explore Fingal Food Markets throughout the summer.
Taking place on the first weekend of July at Newbridge House and Farm, Flavours of Fingal is the county’s flagship event—and a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Blending the charm of a traditional county show with the energy of a family festival, this twoday celebration brings together everything that makes Fingal special, with food taking centre stage.
Flavours of Fingal features a dedicated food marquee, where Fingal Food Circle members and Fingal Farmers showcase their produce across dozens of vibrant stalls. Highlights include live chef demonstrations by TV chef Erica Drum, alongside talented local chefs, all spotlighting the very best of local ingredients.
Food Circle members love the opportunity to connect directly with fellow food lovers and you can mee them at markets throughout the summer. For details on all Fingal Markets visit www.explorefingal.ie/ markets.
Explore Fingal Market Dates –June/July 2026
June
Every Saturday Malahide: Casino Model Railway Museum (10am-4pm)
Saturday 13th Blanchardstown: Millennium Park (12noon-6pm)
Saturday 20th Swords: Swords Castle (10am-3pm)
July
Every Saturday Malahide: Casino Model Railway Museum (10am-4pm)
Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th Flavours of Fingal, Newbridge House and Farm (11am-6pm)
Saturday 4th Blanchardstown: Millennium Park (12noon-6pm)
Saturday 18th Swords: Swords Castle (10am-3pm)
Making Time For Budgeting Is Important
By Dave Kavanagh
Everything you eat, drink, wear, own, where you live, travel to and how you get there, are all connected to your finances. Yet most people don’t give budgeting the time and importance it deserves, especially as it could leave you with more money left over each month. A few practical tips:
Carefully study 3 months’ bank statements. Make sure that you can account for every single transaction. On a regular basis, I encounter people who have been paying for things that they should not be, direct debits they forgot to cancel. Make a detailed list for grocery shopping (and don’t shop while hungry). This leads to only buying what you actually need, a lower bill at the till and less throwing out of food gone off.
Compare before you shop for larger items. Just because one store has a fridge you want reduced from €950 to €850 in their “Sale”, does not mean another store nearby that does not currently have a sale on, is not selling the same one for €799. Compare utility providers. Whether it’s electricity, gas, broadband, mobile phone service or similar, there can be substantial savings to be had by switching to better deals.
Check when car/house insurance renewals arrive. Don’t automatically accept a renewal premium without checking around. A few phone
calls could save you hundreds of euro. Review premiums on life cover/mortgage protection/serious illness cover. Especially if you arranged it directly with a bank or insurance company that could not compare. Do an exercise where you track spending for one month. In over 30 years of helping people with their finances, I have never seen anyone NOT make savings by doing the above. If anyone would like the free budget spreadsheet in excel format that will calculate totals as you input them, just email info@financialcompanion.ie with Budget in the subject line. Happy saving!
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.
Rush Multipurpose & Youth Facility receive new Sensory Kits
The Rush Multipurpose & Youth Facility have received new sensory kits from Fingal which is available to use in our facility! The following is available:
• A backpack containing a variety of sensory toys and lights.
• A pop-up tent that can be placed in a quiet area, to be used as needed by a
child seeking a calm and comforting space.
A sign-in sheet will be provided for individuals to complete when borrowing the kit, to help us track usage and ensure it remains accessible to all. The sensory kit will remain in the facility at all times and returned to reception after use.
Inaugural Rush Festival of Writing deemed a ‘huge success’
Monday April 27th: The sun shone for the first RUSH FESTIVAL OF WRITING, which took place on Saturday, April 25th and saw some of the country’s best writers descend on the seaside town for a day of conversations and workshops.
The day began with two workshops for children at the beautiful Rush Library, which was formerly the town’s 18th century church, where former Children’s Laureate na nÓg Niamh Sharkey held a workshop based around her latest picture book Penguin TV before encouraging attendees to take to the floor and share their own drawings by joining her infamous giant ‘doodle’.
Alan Nolan brought his unique energy to his Draw Your Own Superhero workshop with a hilarious presentation on his own work, as well as talking readers and writers aged 8-12 on how to design their own comic book creations.
The day continued at the nearby festival hub at Rush Community Centre, where festival co-founder Lauren Murphy quizzed celebrated authors Sinéad Gleeson and Anna Carey on their creative practices in an illuminating conversation about how and why they write - as well as practical advice on how to get your work published. On a similar theme, acclaimed author Belinda McKeon led a two-hour afternoon workshop for adults on Creative Writing, with one attendee saying it was “particularly beneficial” for developing character and story.
At The Strand Bar & Restaurant, Irish cultural icon and raconteur Eamon Carr regaled a captive audience in an enthralling conversation led by journalist Pat Carty, which took in his work as a poet, songwriter and journalist. The Horslips man also shared some amusing stories about his first time in Rush many years ago!
The evening events took place in front of capacity crowds at the Millbank Theatre, where at 5pm crime fiction writers Catherine Ryan Howard and Andrea Mara proved as entertaining in conversation as they are in the written form. The world-beating duo discussed the pros and cons of the bigbudget TV adaptations of their work, how they stumbled upon the genre of
crime fiction, their sources of inspiration and more in a lively discussion led by Sinéad Cuddihy of Tired Mammy Book Club.
Finally, following a short speech by Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Tom O’Leary, who spoke of the importance of the creative arts and the particular abundance of talent in North County Dublin, the festival’s headline event began at 8pm with one of Ireland’s greatest writers, John Banville in conversation with author Kevin Curran.
Their hugely entertaining discussion was both profound, enlightening and humorous as Mr. Banville noted the importance of imagination in writing, his experience of winning the Man Booker Prize - noting how “all prizes are just like the big red toy fire engine you get at Christmas” - and how all of his books are “reserved sins”, while playfully threatening to direct the hordes of tourists that have descended upon his locality in Howth towards Rush.
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A24’s ‘The Drama’ is a Beautiful Trainwreck
By Jack Shanley
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama (2026) is a brilliantly uncomfortable, darkly funny anti-romance that turns the classic wedding movie upside down. Known for his talent for capturing social anxiety, Borgli delivers an unforgettable ride about what happens when you discover a dark secret about the person you love.
The story follows Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson), a charming, deeply-in-love couple on the fast track to marriage. However, just days before their wedding, a drunken party game with friends changes everything. Emma makes a jaw-dropping confession about her teenager years—revealing that she once planned a school shooting. This bombshell derails the group’s dynamic, and Charlie begins to spiral into an obsessive paranoia, wondering if he ever really knew his fiancée at all.
What makes The Drama so compelling is the incredible chemistry between its two leads. Zendaya gives a powerhouse, nuanced performance as Emma. She brilliantly captures the vulnerability of someone carrying immense guilt, showing a deep emotional weight through her facial expressions alone. Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson excels at playing Charlie with a mix of awkward, everyday charm and creeping desperation. His internal panic is often brought to life through surreal, dreamlike sequences where he literally imagines a younger version of Emma holding a weapon.
The film relies heavily on “second-hand embarrassment” and high-wire tension. Watching Emma and Charlie put on happy faces for their wedding photographer and dance instructor while their relationship is crumbling at home is both hilarious and excruciating. Borgli masterfully balances pitch-black humour with genuine emotional chaos, leading to a wedding reception climax that is spectacularly messy and impossible to look away from. Alana Haim also stands out as the fiercely judgmental maid of honour, delivering a passive-aggressive toast that will go down in cinema history. Visually, the film looks elegant, using a bright, sunny wedding colour palette that contrasts sharply with the psychological horror brewing underneath. It explores heavy themes of radical acceptance, social pressure, and the boundaries of empathy without offering easy answers or a neat moral conclusion.
If you are looking for a standard, feel-good romantic comedy, The Drama is definitely not it. But if you appreciate bold, unconventional storytelling that will leave you squirming in your seat and talking long after the credits roll, it is a must-watch. I’d recommend checking out ‘The Drama’ 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: Kristoffer Borgli – Rating: 15A –Genre: Romance/Drama– Run Time: 1h 46m Language: English. For more film content please follow @screen_.addicts on Instagram.
My Little Library 2026 Initiative launches for children in Fingal
All children in Fingal who are starting primary school in September are being invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, T.D., together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, T.D., today announced the launch of this year’s My Little Library free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school.
The My Little Library initiative 2026 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joining their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000
4–5-year-olds have joined their local libraries annually.
The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, support children and their parents in the transition to primary school.
From 11th of May 2026, all children completing the universal Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) pre-school programme and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families will be invited to join the library if they are not already members.
Minister Foley said she was pleased to
announce the 2026 My Little Library initiative.
“I’m really pleased to announce the launch of the free My Little Library book bags for all children in Fingal who will be starting primary school later this year. I really do encourage all their families to pick up their child’s free book bag in their local library.
The books are available as Gaeilge and as Bearla. Tá rud ann do gach duine. The books are available in both English and Irish so there really is something for everyone. This is also a great opportunity for young people to join their local library and indeed enjoy the wonder and the gift of reading.”
Rush Community Council announces Student Bursary for Local Media, Photography and Journalism Students
Rush Community Council has announced a new student bursary to support eligible students from the Rush electoral district who are pursuing third-level studies in journalism, photography and mediarelated fields.
The bursary is funded through remaining funds associated with Rush Community News, which is no longer in publication. Rush Community Council has approved the use of these funds to continue supporting education and the development of community-focused media skills.
The bursary is open to students residing in the Rush electoral district
who are entering their second year or above of an eligible course.
Commenting on the launch, Erin Cartlidge, Chairperson of Rush Community Council, said:“This bursary has been established to ensure that the remaining funds from Rush Community News are used in a way that supports education and recognises the importance of media and communication skills within our community.”
Full details of the application process will be announced shortly.
For further information, please contact Rush Community Council at manager@rushcoco.ie
CAR REVIEW
New Fiat 600e will Electrify Your Emotions
By Declan Glynn
The stunning new Fiat 600 takes the best of the B and B-SUV worlds to offer a beautiful, joyful and pampered driving experience, marking the Italian brand’s return to the highly-competitive B-segments. Available in both hybrid and fullyelectric, the new Fiat 600 is an ideal car for Irish roads, and the perfect embodiment of the brand’s values of celebrated Italian style and sustainability. It is the fully-electric Fiat 600 (badged 600e) that is the subject of this review.
Latest Electrified Platform
The fully-electric 600e uses the latest Stellantis e-CMP2 platform, with its integrated battery design boosting rigidity in the process. Its 156hp electric motor sits transversely within the platform and it sends its power to the cars’ front wheels in a composed and responsive fashion. The new 600 features a sharper and more assertive face than its Fiat 500 sibling, and it comes with a distinctive LED lighting identity. The elegant, yet dynamic, exterior look is enhanced by stylish wheels, matt black wheel arches, and black trim elements around its lower edges to emphasise its
robust nature. The characterful exterior styling is replicated in the cabin where its smart interior design is both visually impressive and pleasingly practical for up to 5 occupants. With all rear seats in their upright position, the boot has a capacity of 360-litres, but this can be expanded to 1,256-litres when the rear seats are folded down.
Three Trim Grades
The lithium-ion batteries in the 600e come with a 54kWh capacity that provides a range of up to 408km on a WLTP combined driving cycle, and more than 600km on a city-only driving cycle. The 600e is equipped with a 100kW fastcharger system and it comes with a 11kW onboard charger and a Mode 3 cable for charging at home, or in public. The electric powertrain produces 156hp and 260Nm of instant torque, providing acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 9-seconds. With the 600e, buyers can choose between Pop, Icon, and La Prima trim grades, with prices starting from just €28,495 (inclusive of SEAI Grant & VRT Rebate).
Car on Review
My review car was a Fiat 600e, which was finished in black metallic paintwork. On the road is where the new 600e really comes into its own. The electric motor is impressively quiet, and the cabin is well insulated from road, wind and tyre noise. The centre console-mounted gear selector is of the push-button variety and is super-intuitive in its operation. The 600e is an easy and undemanding car to drive, and its manoeuvrability along congested city streets is so easy to get used to. With the Sport drive mode selected, the accelerator pedal response is sharpened, and all of the motor’s power is made available for an enhanced driving experience. There is a nicely-weighted feel to the steering and the car maintains good grip through sharp bends and tight corners. The suspension in the 600e is comfort-oriented, so that all occupants can benefit from a cossetting ride quality on every journey. It is a highly commendable car in every respect.
GRANDE PANDA LIFE IS PANDASTIC
STARTING FROM €22,995* AVAILABLE IN HYBRID OR ELECTRIC
*RRSP excludes dealer delivery and related charges. *Combined energy consumption of the Grande Panda Range (kWh/100km)16.8 Fuel consumption WLTP Combined l/100km: 5.0/5.1. :0-117; CO2 emissions (g/km. Electric range (km): 320 according to EU directive 1999/94. Values determinedbased on ongoing official tests prescribed by the approval procedure and measured according to the WLTP cycle. Preliminary values subject to confirmation during the approval process. The values indicated are for comparison purposes only. Energy consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on actual usage conditions and various factors, such as options, temperature, driving style, speed, vehicle weight, specific equipment (air conditioning, heating system radio, navigation, lights, etc.), tyres, road conditions, weather, etc. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Some features may be optional with an additional cost or temporarily unavailable.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Nature’s Health Powerhouse With Susan
This month we will discuss the benefits and uses of medicinal mushrooms. I was fortunate to train under Martin Powell, author of Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide, and here is a brief overview of why medicinal mushrooms can be beneficial when prescribed correctly.
Medicinal mushrooms are certain fungi used as food supplements because they may support health in various ways. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are now growing in popularity with the general public. These mushrooms are not the same as common button mushrooms used in cooking, although some edible mushrooms also provide beneficial nutrients.
Medicinal mushrooms are typically taken as teas, powders, capsules, or extracts. One of the main reasons people use medicinal mushrooms is their possible effect on the immune system. They contain compounds such as Beta glucans, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, which may help the body defend itself and reduce cell damage. Some species are also studied for their antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects. Medicinal mushrooms can also support general wellness. They may be included in daily routines to help with energy, digestion, or stress support, depending on the type.
Reishi, Turkey tail, Chaga, and Shiitake are among the most well known varieties. Turkey tail is often
linked with immune support, while Chaga is commonly discussed for its antioxidant content. These products are usually sold as supplements rather than as medicines, which means they may support health but are not a cure for serious illness. It is important to choose products from trusted brands and to avoid taking medicinal mushrooms without guidance from a qualified health professional.
Talk to a doctor before using them, especially if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a long term health condition, since they can cause unwanted side effects or allergies. Professional advice helps ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual health needs. In simple terms, medicinal mushrooms are a natural option some people use to support immunity, nutrition, and overall wellbeing when used carefully and as part of a healthy lifestyle. The following are generally discussed as functional mushrooms—meaning they are used for wellness support rather than as everyday food.
1. Reishi: Often described as calming and adaptogenic; commonly associated with stress support, sleep, and immune modulation.
2. Lion’s Mane: Best known for cognitive support; often linked to focus, memory, and nerve health.
3. Cordyceps: Commonly used for energy and stamina; associated with
exercise performance and endurance.
4. Chaga: Valued for its antioxidant content; often linked to immune support and anti inflammatory effects.
5. Turkey Tail: Known for immune and gut support; contains compounds often studied for microbiome and immune function.
6. Shiitake: Used for general immune support and heart health related benefits, especially cholesterol management.
7. Maitake: Often associated with
immune support and metabolic health, including blood sugar regulation.
A simple way to think about them: Reishi is the “calming” mushroom, Lion’s mane the “brain” mushroom, Cordyceps the “energy” mushroom, Chaga the “antioxidant” mushroom, and Turkey tail the “immune/gut” mushroom.
In Wellness Susan susangrahamcoaching@gmail.com
Rush Boxers take home top awards
Ryan Cowzer took gold at 54kg in the Neilstown Box Cup, putting in three strong performances and finishing the final with a first-round stoppage.
Mark Quinn claimed gold at 55kg after an exciting, hard-fought final.
Senan Fox earned silver, battling his way to the final and losing a very close decision to a quality opponent.
Christopher Lawrence secured silver after a strong semi-final win, but was unable to contest the final due to family circumstances.
Ruby Skelly showed real dedication to make 48kg, and with no opponent in her division, was awarded gold.
A strong weekend overall, finishing with 3 golds and 2 silvers.
CommunityLocals.ie
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 July 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck!
Across
1. Declines to vote either for or against a proposal. (8)
6. Earn duvets during exciting experiences. (10)
13. Very light wood used for making models. (5)
14. Find a cheap rasp in the junk pile. (9)
15. Walk at a slow, relaxed pace. (5)
16. People whose behaviour sets them apart from others. (7)
18. The Welsh national emblem. (4)
19. Ran away from danger. (4)
20. Gigantic mythological bird of the Arabian Nights. (3)
22. Golden-brown shade of normally pale skin after exposure to the sun. (3)
23. Wooden frame for an artist. (5)
25. “A .... by any other name would smell as sweet.” (4)
27. The second son of Adam and Eve. (4)
30. A state of confusion or disorder. (6)
31. Cat-sized American mammals with a noxious reputation. (6)
33. Spice made from dried and ground mild red peppers. (7)
34. Imaginary event during sleep. (5)
35. A continuous or prolonged dull pain. (4)
36. The Earth’s largest and most populous continent. (4)
37. Official tests. (5)
40. Home of the Papacy from 1309 to 1376. (7)
41. Put more bullets in a gun. (6)
42. Two-piece bathing suit and an atoll. (6)
44. Very big, enormous. (4)
45. Soft loose flesh on a person’s body, fat. (4)
46. The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. (5)
48. To ... is human; to forgive, divine. (3)
50. Cut off a limb from the main body of a tree. (3)
52. The fleshy underparts of human fingers. (4)
54. The last bit of a pencil. (4)
56. Layered Italian dish. (7)
59. Strongly wanting to do or have something. (5)
60. Restaurant in which customers serve themselves. (9)
61. Type of bullet used in training or as a signal. (5)
62. Meddled in a situation without invitation or necessity. (10)
63. Famous buccaneer from Rush. (4,4)
Down
2. South American weapon consisting of balls and strong cord. (5)
3. It can be Oolong, Black or Pu-erh. (3)
4. Demanded something forcefully. (8)
5. Walks in a leisurely way. (7)
6. Enough or more than enough, plentiful. (5)
7. Look at or inspect. (4)
8. Asian country with eight of the ten tallest mountains. (5)
9. African country, capital is Kampala. (6)
10. A small piece or glowing fuel in a dying fire. (5)
11. Detested, loathed. (10)
12. A Latin acknowledgement of one’s fault or error. (3,5)
17. Creator of James Bond. (3,7)
21. It separates us from Great Britain. (5,3)
22. Meddling with something in order to cause damage or make unauthorised alterations. (9)
24. Type of wild cat. (4)
26. Reddish-brown colour of early photographs. (5)
28. The air bridge hides a military commander. (9)
29. Food served before meals. (10)
32. Type of cabbage, (8)
35. Declare a marriage to have had no legal existence. (5)
38. Ruined or destroyed vessels. (10)
39. Walk doggedly and slowly with heavy steps like a British police officer. (4)
40. Hero of the Trojan Wars with a dodgy heel. (8)
43. A long queue of slowly-moving or stationary traffic caused by an obstruction on the road. (8)
47. Open to new ideas, favouring individual liberty and social reform. (7)
49. Scanty, in short supply. (6)
51. A person holding beliefs other than those of the main world religions. (5)
53. A short coffee without caffeine. (5)
55. Carried by hand. (5)
57. This country was once known as the Gold Coast. (5)
58. At a great distance. (4)
61. Block the way to an inn. (3)
