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Summertime in Fingal: Celebrating Community Through Festivals
Summertime brings with it more than longer days and warmer evenings in Fingal, it marks the beginning of festival season, a time when communities come together to celebrate local culture, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories for families of all ages.
From the bustling town centres to our wonderful coastal villages, festivals have become an important part of life in Fingal. They offer opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy music, arts, food, sport and heritage in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. These events showcase the very best of our towns and villages while providing a valuable boost to local businesses and community organisations.
For families, summer festivals provide a chance to spend quality time together. Children can enjoy entertainment, workshops and activities designed especially for them, while parents and grandparents reconnect with neighbours and friends. In an increasingly busy world, these experiences help build stronger family bonds and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond individual households.
Rush Local Disclaimer
At the heart of every successful festival are the volunteers who generously give their time and energy. Their contribution often goes unseen, but critical to the success of these events. From stewarding crowds to setting up venues and supporting performers, volunteers help transform ideas into reality. Their commitment reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Fingal.
Summer festivals remind us that thriving communities are built on participation, cooperation and shared experiences. They provide opportunities to celebrate our diversity while reinforcing the values that unite us. As residents gather at events across Fingal in the weeks ahead, it is worth recognising not only the entertainment on offer but also the dedication and goodwill that make these occasions possible.
This summer, let us support our local festivals, thank our volunteers and take time to enjoy the unique sense of community that makes Fingal such a special place to live, work and visit.
The Locals Team
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STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition
Rush Tidy Towns: Community Spirit in Action
There’s a great sense of pride around Rush this month as volunteers with Rush Tidy Towns gear up for the annual judging visit. Across the town, dedicated teams have been busy with litter picking, planting, painting, and general upkeep, ensuring Rush is presented at its very best.
The strong community spirit has been evident everywhere, with residents and local volunteers working together to enhance the town’s appearance. These efforts highlight not just the beauty of Rush, but the shared commitment
to maintaining it.
A standout initiative this month is the introduction of a toy library on Rush South Beach. Aimed at families, it provides shared beach toys while encouraging a “leave no trace” approach and promoting sustainability among younger visitors.
As judging approaches, Rush Tidy Towns extends sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed. The ongoing support and enthusiasm continue to make a real difference in keeping Rush a place we can all be proud of.
CommunityLocals.ie
Rush and Lusk Educate Together National School officially opened
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton today (Friday) officially opened the new school building at Rush and Lusk Educate Together National School, marking a significant milestone for pupils, staff and families in one of Dublin’s fastest-growing communities.
The state-of-the-art facility provides modern classrooms and specialist educational supports, creating a high-quality learning environment designed to meet the needs of current and future generations of pupils.
The opening marks the culmination of years of commitment, planning and collaboration between school leadership, the Board of Management, parents, Educate Together and the wider school community, whose shared vision has helped bring the project to fruition.
Speaking ahead of the official opening, Minister Naughton said: “It is a great pleasure to join the school community today to celebrate the opening of this wonderful new building for Rush and Lusk Educate Together National School. This is a landmark day for the school and for the wider community it serves.
“This modern facility will provide pupils with an excellent environment in which to learn, grow and thrive. It will support high quality teaching
and learning while also creating a space where friendships are formed, confidence is built and young people are supported to achieve their full potential.”
The Minister acknowledged the work of all those involved in delivering the project and paid tribute to the school’s strong inclusive ethos.
“I want to thank everyone who played a role in making this day possible, from school leaders and staff to parents, Educate Together as patron and the wider school community. Their commitment and determination have helped deliver a fantastic
facility for local children and families.
“Educate Together schools are built on principles of equality, inclusion and respect and those values are clearly evident in Rush and Lusk Educate Together. Every child is welcomed and supported to be themselves.”
Minister Naughton wished the entire school community continued success in their new surroundings and thanked pupils, staff and families for the warm welcome extended during the visit.
CAR REVIEW
Electric Mercedes-Benz CLA Lights The Way
By Declan Glynn
Recently voted European Car of the Year 2026, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA now comes in all-electric versions as well as high-tech mild hybrid drivetrain models, plus the availability of 4MATIC all-wheel drive within the range. It is the all-electric CLA that is the subject of this review.
The new CLA’s exterior features a sporty ‘shark-nose’ front and a streamlined silhouette, helped by frameless doors with flush-fitting handles. The now-familiar chromed ‘star-studded’ grille and ‘star-shaped’ headlights and taillights add emphasis to its parentage. The front end is dominated by a large three-pointed star, and the 142 smaller stars that surround it light up on allelectric models, as does the light bar that stretches across the entire front of the car. This results in a striking effect after dark that provides the car with a truly distinctive look. Optimised aerodynamic wheel designs channel airflow efficiently around the car’s wheel arches, and airflow is carefully managed ahead of the axles using sculpted spoilers and rear diffusers to great effect.
The most eye-catching highlight in the new
CLA’s cabin is the new MBUX Superscreen, which extends across the entire width of the dashboard, while the two-tiered centre console sits high for a sporty feel, and features a wireless charging pad. The expansive fixed panoramic roof maximises headroom and fills the cabin with natural light, offering a spacious, airy feel.
The all-electric (BEV) Mercedes-Benz CLA is available in four versions (badged CLA 200, CLA 250, CLA 250+, and CLA 350), with the choice of ‘Progressive Line’ or ‘AMG Line’ trim grades across all versions, along with many additional optional packages . The innovative 800-volt electric architecture used by Mercedes-Benz significantly reduces charging times, allowing the CLA 250+, for example, to achieve a 325km charge in less than 10 minutes. Usable battery capacities extend from 58kWh to 85kWh (model dependent), with potentially achievable WLTP range figures of between 529km and 790km possible – depending on the battery capacity chosen.
My Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Electric ‘AMG Line’ looked magnificent in its Alpine Grey
solid paintwork (a cost-option), and sporty 18inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, along with exclusive AMG Line exterior and interior enhancements. The rear-mounted electric motor is powered by a 58kWh battery, which provides a WLTP range of up to 529kms when fully charged. Producing 224hp and 335Nm of instant torque, a 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 7.5-seconds. The CLA Electric’s overall drivability is genuinely impressive. The steering weight and response feel properly calibrated, and the regenerative braking is smooth and predictable in its operation. The ride quality strikes a perfect balance that all occupants will enjoy, and refinement at motorway speed is exceptional. Sharp corners and twisty bends on back roads enable the driver to make the most of the car’s rear-drive layout, while the combination of a powerful rear motor and rear-biased weight balance make the CLA feel stable and wellplanted on the road. Pricing starts from €53,425 (inclusive of VRT Relief and a €3,500 SEAI Grant for private buyers).
Homeopathy – Your Best Bet for Hay Fever With Susan
Introduction
Homeopathy is a complementary system of medicine that uses natural substances to stimulate the body’s own healing response. It was developed over 200 years ago by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann and it takes a holistic approach, treating the individual rather than simply addressing symptoms. Medicines are tailored to each person, with the aim of supporting overall health and addressing the underlying cause of illness. Homeopathy is used for a wide range of conditions, including colds and flu, digestive disorders, minor injuries, skin complaints, asthma, pain, joint problems, migraines, urinary tract infections, insomnia, sinusitis, infertility, cancer care support, mental well-being, developmental disorders and allergies.
Hay Fever
Homeopathy is a natural
treatment option for hay fever and can be used safely by both adults and children. It works by stimulating the body’s own healing processes and can bring rapid relief from symptoms. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is often a chronic condition, and professional homeopathic care may relieve acute symptoms while reducing the likelihood and severity of future episodes. Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen or dust. Common symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and red, itchy, watery eyes. Conventional treatment typically involves antihistamines or steroid-based medications, which often cause difficult side effects. Homeopathic remedies have an edge because they are prepared from natural substances and do not cause these side effects. Unlike conventional treatments, Homeopathic treatment works from the inside – so rather than suppressing the symptoms, the aim
is to reduce recurrence and boost overall health. The most suitable remedy is the one that best matches your individual symptoms.
Some useful Remedies
Homeopathic for Hay Fever
Arsenicum Album - Often used for thin, watery, burning nasal discharge accompanied by sneezing, watery eyes, restlessness, and fatigue. Allium Cepa - A leading remedy for seasonal allergies affecting both the nose and eyes. Symptoms may include an acrid irritating nasal discharge, bland tears, sneezing fits, an itchy throat and mild headaches. Symptoms often improve in cool, fresh air. Sabadilla - Commonly used for intense, spasmodic sneezing with a runny nose, along with dry itching and tickling in the nose that causes frequent rubbing or picking.
Kali Bichromicum - Helpful where nasal obstruction is prominent, especially with a sensation of fullness or pressure at the root of the nose. Euphrasia - An important remedy when eye symptoms
predominate. Red, watery, irritated eyes are common, and symptoms generally improve in the open air but worsen in wind. Pulsatilla - Very useful in hay fever which produces a great deal of catarrh, with thick yellow or green discharge from eyes and nose. Gelsemium - Often used for flu-like symptoms and hay fever marked by frequent earlymorning sneezing and a feeling of fullness at the bridge of the nose. Symptoms can include a dull headache, watery light-sensitive eyes, heavy eyelids and fatigue with drowsiness.
If you or a family member experience recurring hay fever or allergies, consider consulting a qualified homeopath for personalised support. Michael Farrelly, the author, is a homeopath with over twenty years of experience treating a wide range of ailments. He is based in Donabate, County Dublin, and can be contacted at (086) 159 6119 or via email at farrellym@hotmail.com
GRANDE PANDA LIFE IS PANDASTIC
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*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.
St Catherine’s NS hosts Multicultural Day 2026
To mark UNESCO’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the third Multicultural Day was celebrated at St Catherine’s National School on Friday 22nd May. This event has been run previously in 2018 and 2024 and this year’s event brought new countries and cultures to the exhibition.
The following countries were represented with a stand in the hall: Australia, Brazil, Central African Republic, Congo, France, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Mauritius, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Many of the stands displayed traditional artefacts and offered food from the country on display but the interpretation by some country’s representatives was quite broad. The Great Britain table featured a spotlight on Bristol and featured a model of Concorde and a large Darth Vader figure (played by Bristolian actor David Prowse in the original trilogy). The Australia table featured a Bluey playset which was complemented by the more traditional boomerang. Other sights included a mini Eiffel tower and a Christ The Redeemer statue displayed on France and Brazil’s stands
respectively. One feature from the 2024 event that returned for 2026 was the long queue for food at the stand for Nigeria!
In addition to the exhibition stands, visitors to the event took part in an interactive Multicultural quiz to test their knowledge of flags, capital cities, patron saints and the world’s biggest rivers!
The atmosphere in the hall was wonderful, helped in no small part by musical accompaniment from CeltAfrik, a musical quartet that performs a fusion of African and Irish music, led by Dr. John Nutekpor. Dr. Nutekpor is a performing arts teacher who regularly visits the school to give music lessons to groups of pupils.
Hundreds of people came into the school hall to sample the sights, sounds and tastes of the various countries and cultures. It was fantastic to see many people from around the town, including past pupils and their parents, coming together to celebrate our diversity as well as the things that we all love and have in common.
How Long Will You Be Paid For?
By Dave Kavanagh
Nobody goes to work thinking that something may occur leaving them with no income for a period of time. Many people realised how vulnerable they were when the pandemic arrived, dropping some incomes from €600, €800 or €1,000+ per week down to €350 of PUP. Many don’t give much consideration to how they would cope if they suffered a loss of income for an extended period because they think “it’ll never happen to me”. Sadly, many find out the hard way following an injury or illness that keeps them out of work for months or even years. This is where having Income Protection in place, can be the difference between maintaining a level of income that keeps your lifestyle virtually unchanged, or dropping to a level that could force you to use up any savings and also get into financial difficulty. Missing or being late with a few mortgage payments will have an impact on your credit rating making it difficult or impossible to secure credit for a number of years.
So how does it work? Depending on your circumstances, you choose an appropriate level of cover. This is based on not exceeding 75% of your salary, less any state income entitlement. You also choose a “deferred period” which refers to how long you are off work before payments commence. If you are hospitalised during this period, some
plans pay a daily benefit even during the deferred period.The premiums are based on factors like your age and occupation, as some occupations would leave you more at risk of not being able to work. There is also tax relief on premiums paid for income protection, which could mean up to 40% of your premium is refunded by way of adjusting your tax credits. Considering that almost every aspect of your day to day living is directly dependent on you having an income, it is so important to research this for yourself. If dropping from your current income to the current state benefit is something that would impact badly on you, perhaps it is time to consider.
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.
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 August 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck!
Down
1. The speed of something in a given direction. (8)
6. Remarkable, unexplainable, and bringing welcome consequences. (10)
13. Uncertain, indefinite, unclear. (5)
14. Sometimes a name for the Devil. (9)
15. The dishonest jack in a pack of cards. (5)
16. Relating to the heart. (7)
18. The darker stage of twilight. (4)
19. The lower house of the Oireachtas. (4) 20. A signed document acknowledging a debt. (3)
22. The long fish. (3)
23. Long-handled spoon used for serving soup. (5)
25. A circular movement of water causing a small whirlpool. (4)
27. The highest adult male singing voice. (4)
30. Money received for work or through investments. (6)
31. A gloss or sheen on a surface resulting from age or polishing. (6)
33. A new member of the armed forces. (7)
34. Synthetic material used in parachutes. (5)
35. Acting without consideration of the possible consequences. (4)
36. Soothe, make someone tranquil and quiet. (4)
37. Volatile liquid once popular as an anaesthetic. (5)
40. Bolster the crustacean. (7)
41. A lumberjack. (6)
42. Belgrade is the capital of this country. (6)
44. Garment traditionally worn by women from South Asia. (4)
45. This is one! (4)
46. Attempt a short piece of writing on a particular subject. (5)
48. A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. (3)
50. Abbreviated Canadian dog. (3)
52. Maritime call to hail another ship. (4)
54. Able island for Napoleon. (4)
56. Common culinary herb. (7)
59. Moves from site to site on the Internet. (5)
60. Widespread outbreaks of disease. (9)
61. The largest city and capital of Belarus. (5)
62. Female leaders of families or tribes. (10)
63. Trek less for the small falcons. (8)
2. Strongly wanting to do something. (5)
3. A rock that contains minerals like gold, iron or lead. (3)
4. A complete idiot. (8)
5. Produced a natural or agricultural product. (7)
6. Places to get lost in. (5)
7. Precious stone which comes in various shades of red. (4)
8. Hooded snake. (5)
9. Probable. (6)
10. The fifth category of taste - sweet, sour, salt, bitter ... (5)
11. The process of moving people from a place of danger to safety. (10)
12. A scale for measuring wind speed. (8)
17. Pour light on something. (10)
21. Lewd area for an American state. (8)
22. The sword returned to the Lady of the Lake. (9)
24. Prepare material for publication. (4)
26. Hard wheat used in making pasta. (5)
28. A legal hub is so ludicrous as to be amusing. (9)
29. Move faster. (10)
32. Bad voles had their sins forgiven. (8)
35. Relating to the countryside. (5)
38. Bald crooks place barricades. (10)
39. Mythological man-eating giant. (4)
40. Lacking energy or enthusiasm. (8)
43. A brief summary. (8)
47. Suffering from mal de mer. (7)
49. A thick cable for mooring or towing a ship. (6)
51. The country now called Myanmar. (5) 53. It’s not over til the fat lady sings! (5) 55. Welsh vegetables! (5)
57. Declare invalid, a marriage perhaps. (5)
58. Chemical element vital for brass. (4) 61. Impair the quality or appearance of; spoil. (3)
