Swords Local V10I10 DEC 2025 by Irish Media Group

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Christmas, not just another date on the Calendar

In Fingal, Christmas has never been just a date on the calendar. From Balbriggan to Rus and Lusk to Swords, what makes Christmas truly special here is not the glitter of shopfronts or the bustle of seasonal markets, but the unmistakable sense of community—an unspoken understanding that this is a time to slow down, look around, and appreciate the people who share our little corner of the world.

Throughout Fingal, children rehearse school nativity plays, grandparents share recipes handed down through generations, and neighbours exchange greetings that seem more heartfelt in December’s crisp air. Whether it’s decorating a tree in Donabate, enjoying a winter walk along the Malahide estuary, or sharing a festive meal in Rush, the rhythm of the season reminds us that connection is our greatest gift.

Community groups across Fingal play a vital role in nurturing that spirit. Local sports clubs organise toy drives, parish halls host Christmas fairs, and volunteers ensure that those who might otherwise feel forgotten are welcomed into the fold. These efforts, often quiet and unseen, are the true heartbeat of the season. They shine a light on the generosity that defines Fingal—people showing up for one another not because it is expected, but because it is who we are.

In a world that often feels hurried and divided, Fingal’s Christmas traditions remind us that belonging is built through small acts of kindness and shared moments—carols sung in the town, a thoughtful knock on a neighbour’s door, a warm drink after a cold evening supporting a local event.

As we gather with loved ones and celebrate the season, let us hold onto what Christmas teaches us every year: that our community is strongest when we celebrate together, support one another, and make space at the table for all.

May this Christmas bring peace to your home, joy to your family, and renewed pride in the community we are fortunate to call our own.

The Locals Team

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Swords man Ken Duffy releases second book of poetry

Swords local Ken Duffy had such a great response his debut into poetry that he has decided to publish a second collection of poems.

“Welcome to my second book of poetry. I write my poems in the main for those of a certain generation, basically, my generation. I have so many wonderful memories of my formative years I felt the urge to share them with those I knew would relate

and appreciate them. Since my last publication I have received numerous requests for another collection of my poetry. So here it is, I hope you get as much enjoyment reading my poems as I did writing them,” Ken said. Ken’s two books, ‘Growing up way back when’, and Finglas way back when Are both available to purchase on amazon.ie.

The Running Man (2025) – A HighOctane, Messy Thriller

By Jack Shanley

Edgar Wright’s take on The Running Man is less of a remake of the campy Arnold Schwarzenegger film and more of a gritty, modern adaptation of the original Stephen King novel. Starring Glen Powell as Ben Richards, the blue-collar man desperate enough to volunteer for a lethal, televised hunt, the film is a non-stop, kinetic thriller that often feels uncomfortably timely.

From the first frame, Wright brings his signature visual energy. The pace is absolutely frantic, rarely giving you a moment to catch your breath as Richards is chased across a dystopian, corporately-controlled America. This isn’t just a staged arena game; it’s a cross-country chase broadcast as primetime entertainment, complete with high-tech surveillance and a bloodthirsty viewing public. The action sequences are inventive and sharp, and the movie is powered entirely by Glen Powell’s performance.

Powell plays Richards not as a wisecracking action star, but as a man consumed by justifiable, seething anger. He’s running to get medicine for his sick daughter and railing against a system of extreme wealth inequality and broken healthcare. This is where the film feels strongest: its dystopian 2025 is less sci-fi fantasy and more “uncomfortably familiar” social commentary. It’s a world where propaganda and “FreeVee” reality shows are used to placate a miserable working class, and the film does a solid job of highlighting this critique.

However, the sheer speed of the film is also its biggest flaw. The constant movement leaves many of the supporting characters Richards encounters feeling underdeveloped or quickly forgotten. They’re colorful plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out people, which dilutes some of the emotional weight.

The biggest stumbling block is the final act. After establishing such a tight, brutal, and cynical world, the ending feels strangely Hollywood-ized. It’s too neat and lacks the dark, uncompromising bite that Stephen King’s novel delivered. It struggles to commit fully to either being a purely biting satire or an all-out action flick, landing somewhere in the middle.

I’d recommend checking out ‘The Running Man’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of 3 and ½ stars, after my first watch. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: Edgar Wright– Rating: 15A –Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure – Run Time: 2h 13m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

A bygone Christmas

By Jon Kavanagh

A childhood memory finds me awakening on a dark winter’s morning. Using my powers of deduction I concluded aloud ‘It won’t be long now till Santy comes’. Not a proclamation my mother wanted to hear as she struggled to boil the black kettle on the open fire, the only means of cooking in the time warp gate lodge where we lived. It may have been the Swinging Sixties but the decade of change had yet to pitch its tent in rural Fingal. A fellow Baby Boomer recently reminded me of how we looked forward to simple treats like a bottle of brown sauce at Christmas. Things

a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2026 will be another year of growth for St Colmcille’s. Full schedule of return dates for 2026 will be posted on our social media.

Cilles cubs: As we come to the end of busy year in nursery, we welcome new children age four years upwards to either start or continue their Gaelic footballing journey with us. We will return Saturday 10th January 2026 at 10.30am with new and exciting games and skill learning.

The academy is completely free of charge for first 2 weeks which allows families to come down and

we take for granted today were luxuries back then. The centerpiece of the season was my mother’s plum pudding, which she bought in instalments starting around mid-September; week one a packet of raisins, week two a tub of mixed peal, week three a bag of brown sugar etc. The highlight of my year was scraping and consuming what remained in the mixing bowl after she placed the great load into a calico cloth. As the ingredients included a bottle of stout and a generous helping of whiskey, I’m lucky not to have been charged drunk driving on my tricycle. Tension and steam filled the kitchen as the pudding was carefully place in an iron pot for eight hours of intensive care. It was crucial not to let the water go off the boil as the pudding would ‘take the water’ – a widely

have a go, see if it’s for you!. All our coaches are fully qualified and vetted. We are a growing club and always welcome new children, players, and mentors .

We also are in the planning stages of the “Gaa all-stars Inclusive Club Initiative- “All-Stars Club Program” which we hope to have running in January. Proudly sponsored by Glenveagh Homes

For more information contact Cora 083-3741305. Along with Nursey the under 8’s group will return January 10th.

feared disaster. We would buy a Christmas cake in the local shop. Beautifully presented in a decorated cardboard box, it had thick layers of almond and white icing topped off with a toy Santa. Long before loyalty cards were invented, the shop keeper would give his customers a Christmas present; usually an Oxford Lunch Cake or a nice canister of tea.

My father decorated the tiny lodge with a string of brightly coloured balloons and sprigs of ivy as my mother proudly placed a new length of oil cloth on the rustic kitchen table. On Christmas Day we sat down to hearty meal of meat, two veg and packet oxtail soup, rounded off with the plum pudding, which thankfully didn’t ‘take the water’. Simple times we appreciated. Happy Christmas.

How To Reduce Your December Spending?

By Dave Kavanagh

Traditionally, December is when we tend to spend the most. Is there a way to soften the impact? Of course there is. Firstly, manage expectations: Most people can’t remember what they got 2 years ago, so don’t put yourself under too much pressure for “big” presents. Next, leave the credit card at home: At about 20% interest, adding debt for things you don’t need to overspend on, only starts the new year off in a negative. Be realistic with food shopping: The shops are only closed for 1-2 days, do you really need to stock up so much? In the days/weeks after Christmas, make a list of all the things you bought but didn’t really need or through out, and keep it for next year, so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. Kris Kindle: Talk to family and close friends to agree to pick one person and buy them a present for a set limit, to ease the burden. There are things you can also do all year round that can save you enough to cover the cost of Christmas: Switch utility providers, the savings can be quite substantial. Compare before you shop for larger items: Just because one store has a sign saying the fridge you want is reduced from €799 to €699, doesn’t mean that another store that does not have a sale on, isn’t selling the same fridge for €649. Take the time to shop around when your car or house insurance

renewals come in, it can be well worth the effort. Review premiums that you pay regularly, such as mortgage protection or life cover, especially if they were taken out directly with a bank who could not compare. Finally, go through a few months’ bank statements: we regularly find people paying for things like subscriptions or gym memberships, that should have been cancelled years before or that they simply no longer require.

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.

Fingal communities honoured at all island IPB Pride of Place awards

Coolmine Lodge and Rivervalley Community Centre were the big winners for Fingal at the 2025 IPB Pride of Place awards. Supporting the Fingal nominees on the evening were Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary, Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and members of the Community Development team.

Swords’s Rivervalley Community Centre was runner up in the Urban Neighbourhood and Housing Estates category as they showcased the thriving centre and its importance in the local community. Thrive Balbriggan also represented Fingal in the Health and Wellbeing category,

centred around the Great Places and Spaces Mapping Project.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary commented: “It is inspirational to be here at the Pride of Place awards with the fantastic Fingal groups whose dedication and pride in their local areas is being celebrated for making a really positive change in their communities. I want to congratulate everyone involved.”

Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Huge congratulations to the Coolmine Lodge and Rivervalley Community Centre on their

Find your voice. change your life!

Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Our members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to

success at this year’s Pride of Place Awards and also to Thrive Balbriggan who represented Fingal. These awards are particularly special as they celebrate the invaluable role of the voluntary and community sector and the fruits of their efforts, with the support of our Community Development team, is very evident to me in the vibrant communities in Fingal.”

The awards, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dermot Whelan, took place in Limerick’s Strand Hotel on November 7th, with 400 community volunteers in attendance.

increase their confidence, progress their careers, or even for that all important wedding speech. You can find us at Forrest Little Golf Club, Forrest Road, Swords, Co Dublin K67 K825 every second Monday from 8pm – 10pm. Get in touch today, to arrange an obligation free visit, by emailing swordstm@gmail.com or calling our membership officer on 086 8538048.

If you’re a Local and have some free time please email

Swords Castle

The east side of Swords castle was the earliest part built; the original castle having had a much smaller footprint than the area enclosed by the extensive pentagon curtain wall we see there today. The venerable east tower shown here would have tottered to ground long ago, but for the modern steel supports buttressing it. These six young boys are long passed away now, being 104 years in modern year! In time no doubt, they became the beloved fathers and grandfathers of many Swords families. We

recall them fondly as they lived stringent lives then in a much poorer Swords. Wearing their trademark short pants, jumpers and sporting impish expressions, they posed for the camera outside cluttered gerry-built structures, a ‘privvie’ (outside toilet) leaning against the castle to their left.

The modern picture shows the same site cleared of it’s buildings, the tower whitewashed (as it would have been) and defining the original c.1200

line of the castle. The holes we see in it are putlogs, holes for supporting scaffolding. Sitting well back from north street, the area between would have been a murder zone, specifically cleared to provide scant cover for attacking enemies.

For more information, or to speak to Mike about local Swords heritage he can be contacted via email: mp9211198@gmail.com

Guide Dogs Calendars on Sale to raise vital funds

The Balbriggan\North County Dublin branch of Irish guide dogs for the Blind on December 5th Friday in the Strand Bar rush will be selling Xmas Cards, 2026 calendars, Merchandise and car raffle tickets costing €5 each, from 11am to 5pm.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is dedicated to enriching the lives of blind and visually impaired people, and children with autism, by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity, and new horizons of opportunity.

Maura Ellis, Noeleen Turner, Tom O’Neill with guide dog Qeb and Rob O’Donoghue Labour party TD

Tom O’Neill with guide dog Qeb and Rob O’Donoghue Labour party TD

Swords Toastmasters’ Eileen Hopkins gets a standing ovation at TEDx

Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to progress their careers, to perform better at interviews, to practice for workplace presentations, or even for that all important wedding speech.

Eileen joined 8 years ago because of a profound and crippling fear of standing up in front of a group to speak.

Thanks to the guidance and support of her local Toastmasters Club, Eileen fulfilled a lifelong dream last month by delivering a speech titled ‘Living beyond your labels’ at TEDx Tralee.

Eileen was selected from thousands of applicants to become one of TEDx Tralee speakers, with her moving speech titled ‘Living beyond your labels’.

Eileen said “Standing on the red dot on the big stage at TEDx was a dream come true for me, something that would never have been possible without the support and encouragement I received from Swords Toastmasters.”

If you would like to see Eileen and her fellow Toastmasters in action, get in touch today, for an obligation-free visit. Perhaps you will be inspired to take the first step towards finding your own voice and changing your life!

Swords Toastmasters - Date: Every 2nd Monday. Location: Forrest Little Golf Club, Forrest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 K825. Time: 8pm – 10pm

For more information, email swordstm@gmail. com or contact the membership officer on 086 8538048.

Councillors approve budget of €433m for 2026

Councillors have approved Fingal County Council’s budget of €433 million for 2026 which will sustain and enhance the quality of services being delivered as well as increasing funding for infrastructure projects across the county.

The 2026 budget is an 11.4% increase on last year and means the Council’s budget has more than doubled over the past 10 years from €214m in 2016. The Council is now spending €1,311 per person living in the county.

The new budget will see increases in some income streams that have not experienced rises for some years despite the Council’s expenditure more than doubling.

Commercial Rates, which amount to 40% of the overall income for 2026, will see an increase of 4% in the Annual Rateable Valuation to 0.1868. The Housing budget has increased by €24m to €159.8m and while funding for housing grants has increased by €2.5m to €9.4m while the Council’s contribution to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive has increased by €1.25m to €5.3m.

There is an increase of €3.5m in the Operations budget which will include extra spending on road maintenance, public lighting, parks, playgrounds, recycling centres, harbours, public conveniences and burial grounds. The budget also provides for an additional €500,000 allocation to the annual programme of works with the full €3.08m works programme being brought to each Area Committee in January for approval by councillors.

An additional €600,000 has been provided towards the funding requirement for the delivery of a swimming pool in Balbriggan. The sports budget also includes sports capital grants of €975,000.

An extra €430,000 has been allocated for the development of arts in the County while there is an increase of €588,000 for events, tourism promotion and heritage properties. The Community budget includes an additional €590,000. This will provide additional funding for community grants as well as funding for the operation of the new community centre in

Baldoyle.

Fingal’s contribution to the running of the Dublin Fire Service will be €27.3m, an increase of €1.5m on 2025, with the remainder of the €139m it will cost to fund the service in 2026 being covered by contributions from the other three Dublin local authorities.

At the Council meeting in July councillors voted to reduce the rate of Local Property Tax by 5% for 2026 while in October they approved a three-year Capital programme containing over three hundred projects worth €1.43billion.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “This record budget of €433m is the equivalent of the Council spending €1,311 for every person living in the county. Along with our €1.43billion Capital Programme, the budget is reflective of the huge amount of investment required to keep pace with Fingal’s growing population. We have to keep supplying services, building houses, and delivering infrastructure because we want to build a county that is meeting the needs of its residents.”

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