There aren’t many places in the world that will rival Ireland in the sunshine, and there aren’t many counties that shine as much as Fingal when it comes to festival season! The past few months has seen the many voluntary groups around the county preparing their areas to shine during the summer.
We in Fingal are so lucky to have so much to do on our doorstep; throughout the towns and villages in the county local people are spoiled for choice when it comes to spending their free time in their respective areas. We don’t have very far to travel to find something to make great memories from. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country; the sheer number of public parks, castle grounds and gardens accessible all year round is unrivalled; the community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants, bars, the list goes on and on. There is so much to do in such a short distance.
Just this month, locals will be treated to fantastic events such as, Balbriggan Summerfest, the Fingal Proms, Lambay Regatta, while in the coming three months we will have the Lusk Summer Festival, Flavours of Fingal, the Swords Summer Concerts, Rush Harbour Festival, Donabate/Portrane Summer Festival and many more events for all the family.
So this summer season be sure to reserve some time to take in all the wonderful amenities on your doorstep, we don’t have to hop on a plane every time we want experience something new!
The Locals Team
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Spring has Sprung - Let’s get Walking and Exploring Swords!
By Mike Power
With longer days and (hopefully) sunnier skies, this time of the year is ideal for giving you and your family the ‘walking habit’. Beginning walkers prefer to have definite starting and ending points, while making the walk a ‘heritage hunt’ gives the kids something to collect and examine later. They can collect ‘magic’ stones to examine at home. Walking and exploring is healthy, interesting and ‘bonds’ a family together. The whole Swords area is rich in interesting heritage walks. I’ve chosen these particular strolls both for their enjoyment, and to safely avoid the ever-present danger of the traffic that swirls everywhere around our village nowadays.
Walk 1. The Ward Heritage Park Walk
Most Swords folk are familiar with the ‘Jacko’ but have you ever continued your walk past the children’s playground and into the park ahead? If you do, you will be rewarded by the discovery of an area full of interest for all family members to explore, especially your dog !
This fabulous but little-known park lies to the west of Swords. If driving there, Park at the Brackenstown roundabout down from the Manor. The entrance to this park lies on your right, past some iron railings and down the hill to begin your walk. Continue to explore the area, walking around a pond which locals call ‘Ushers’ but which was actually dug out by a local nobleman Viscount Robert Molesworth in the 1710s.
You can do short, (3/4 hr) medium, (1 hr), and long ( 2hr) walks in this park. Further information at:
Walk 2: The Brackenstown Road/Swords Village Heritage Walk
Again, drive to the Brackenstown roundabout, park and walk straight ahead. This small track was the original road into Swords! Emerge onto the Brackenstown road proper and walk ahead until you see on your right a set of wooden stairs leading back down to the park. The kids will love this! Descend into the ‘Jacko’ and walk back along the path to your right. Let the kids play in the playground, before ascending the path opposite. When up this path, walk ahead to your left to rejoin your car at the Brackenstown roundabout.
Happy Walking!
Look out for Mike’s book on Swords: Swords History and Mysteries. A Community Guide, to be published in August.
Are You One Of The 800,000?
By Dave Kavanagh
After many years and a number of delays, “Auto Enrolment” is due to commence in September of this year and is estimated to affect about 800,000 employees in Ireland. In a drive to make sure that people are planning for their income in retirement, auto enrolment is a process that will commence to deduct a payment from salary from the employee, which will be matched by the employer and have an additional contribution from Government. Initially, this will be 1.5% from the employee, 1.5% from the employer and 0.5% from Government. In years 4-6 this will increase to 3% from employees, 3% from the employer and 1% from Government, rising in years 7-9 to 4.5% from employees, 4.5% from employers and 1.5% from Government, and from year 10 and onwards, 6% employees, 6% employers and 2% from Government.
So who will be included in auto enrolment? Presently, the criteria for inclusion is employees aged 23-60 who earn at least €20,000 per annum and who are not included in an existing pension scheme that is deducted through payroll. So if someone is already included in a company pension scheme, a company PRSA scheme (personal retirement savings account) or even a personal PRSA plan that is deducted through payroll, they will not be included. Self employed
people will also be exempt. If someone pays for their own personal pension or PRSA by direct debit from their own bank account, they can continue to do this but will also be included in auto enrolment. Of the 800,000 employees likely to be affected, it is estimated that 200,000 of these are on the higher tax rate of 40% and it is these higher rate tax payers that should consider an alternative option as the benefits to them will not be as good as the 40% tax relief on their contributions to a scheme done through their payroll.
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.
Bringing nature back to local neighbourhoods in Fingal
In what is believed to be a first in Ireland, Fingal County Council has launched an ambitious new project that aims to reimagine housing estates as thriving spaces for both people and wildlife.
To help deliver a vision for greener and more vibrant communities, the council is now inviting local resident associations to nominate their area for a biodiversity makeover. The aim is to help transform underused or uncared for areas within a housing area into biodiversity-friendly space, creating areas that are more welcoming for nature, more engaging for locals, and more attractive for residents and visitors alike.
Urban areas offer great opportunities for wildlife. However, it is not always clear how to create the ideal urban habitat for a wide range of species. To help breathe new life into our urban spaces, making them greener, more beautiful, and more connected to nature, Fingal wishes to undertake a biodiversity makeover of three housing estates across the county to identify the most cost-effective way to make a housing estate more biodiversity friendly.
The makeover will cover the open spaces and front gardens of those residents interested in making their own gardens more biodiversity friendly. The species groups being targeted are breeding birds, bats, amphibians and insects. Biodiversity improvement measures include meadows, tree and scrub planting, ponds and
wetlands, log piles, bird and bat boxes, no pesticide use and pollinator friendly garden planting.
Once the three housing estates are selected, a landscape architect will work with the local residents to re-design their open space and an ecologist will carry out a baseline survey to see what wildlife is there at the moment. The design is to be done over the summer months and we hope to carry out the improvement works in early autumn.
The ecologist will be monitoring the wildlife
in the housing estate over the five years of the project to see which measures have the most beneficial impact on wildlife. The Council wants to involve the residents in the monitoring so that they too can get a good understanding what wildlife lives on their doorstep.
Resident Associations can learn more about the concept and find application details via: https://fingal.live/2p9czpmx. The deadline for submitting applications is 2nd May 2025. Any queries regarding this initiative can also be sent to biodiversity@fingal.ie.
CommunityLocals.ie
THINKING OF SOME HOME IMPROVEMENTS?
Novocaine (2025) Review
Novocaine (2025) delivers a potent mix of dark comedy and hyperviolent action, a film that embraces its outrageous premise with enthusiasm. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, and starring Jack Quaid, the movie centers on a man who can’t feel pain.
Quaid plays Nathan Caine, a bank employee with Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA). His condition, usually a serious detriment, becomes the film’s core when his love interest, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped during a bank heist. Nathan, driven by his pain-free state, embarks on a rescue mission, evolving from a cautious individual into a surprisingly resilient, if somewhat inept, action hero.
The film’s strength lies in its commitment to this outlandish premise.
The directors don’t shy away from the graphic implications of Nathan’s condition. He withstands a series of increasingly gruesome injuries –impaling’s, shootings, and bone-crunching impacts – reacting with a mixture of bewilderment and mild annoyance. This comparison of extreme violence and Nathan’s nonchalant reactions creates a unique and darkly, humorous tone.
Quaid delivers a performance that balances Nathan’s initial timidity with his later, pain-fueled tenacity. He’s both relatable and ridiculous, making the audience root for this unlikely hero. Midthunder, while somewhat seen as a damsel-in-distress role, brings a quiet strength to Sherry.
Novocaine (2025) has flaws. The plot, while functional, is straightforward, and the film sometimes favors extreme set pieces over narrative coherence. Some humor may miss the mark, and the intense violence might be offputting to some. However, for those who enjoy the absurd and can stomach gore, Novocaine 2025 offers a wild and entertaining ride. It’s a film that embraces silliness, delivering a blend of action and comedy that is both shocking and surprisingly fun. I’d recommend checking out ‘Novacaine’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of three stars. You can watch it at your local Cinema today. Director: Dan Berk; Robert Olsen – Rating: 16– Genre: Action/Thriller – Run Time: 1h 50m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Champagne style on a lemonade budget!
When my Mam wanted to update her kitchen, she opted for the chalk paint trend. Herself, my sister and me used sugar soap to scrub the cupboards, then painted them with French paint. The result was ok (ish). We did our best, but honestly, it didn’t look fantastic and she ended up getting a whole new kitchen soon after.
When my Aunt said she was repainting her kitchen we thought, Uh-Oh, this won’t end well! But she opted for a kitchen respray, done by professionals (unlike the DIY job we did) The result was stunning! Her kitchen went from plain pine, to a glossy, sleek and trendy charcoal. When she told us the cost we were astonished, it was 1/5th the cost of a new kitchen but looked brand new!
We were so interested in this method of
respraying cupboards to transform them, that we decided to do it in our own kitchen. We spoke with TJ & Simon from UPVC Respray Ireland about it and they explained how it works. First you choose your colour (there’s a massive range of colours like duck egg blue, charcoal, classic navy, deep red and lots more), then the guys come to do the job. They put protective covers on the surroundings areas before the respray and it can be done in one day. They use a superior type of paint which creates less fumes, dries quickly, leave a gorgeous finish and is washable; so easy to maintain afterwards.
We’d been thinking about replacing our kitchen at a cost of around 10k but our cupboards are in perfect condition and we like our kitchen
layout, so the respray was ideal! It’s affordable, eco-friendly, takes less time and creates less mess than a new kitchen. See more at https://www. upvcrespray.ie/
We finished off our new look kitchen with a handmade wreath from gorgeous flower shop & café Willow & Wisp. We gave Madeline a pic of our kitchen and she designed the wreath to match. She also matches them for front doors – just send her a pic and she’ll make something gorgeous that will compliment your door/kitchen colour. Check them out here -https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.wisp. flowers?igsh=ZjV2ZGRnMnh5bmhu
Visit us on www.mams.ie for more home décor Inspo!
Location - Bremore Castle
TUESDAY, 27 MAY - 8PM TH
All Welcome!
Senior Citizens Bingo
Senior Citizens Hall, High St.
WEDNESDAY, 28 MAY - 7.30PM TH Charity Football Match
Glebe North FC, Market Green
THURSDAY, 29 MAY - 8PM TH
FRIDAY, 30 MAY - FROM 7.30PM TH
Carnival and Family Entertainment
Food & Craft Stalls
Live Music - Mursheen DurkinMarvin and the Grooves
SATURDAY, 31 MAY ST
Sandcastle Competition, Front Beach - 10am Beach and Sports activities - 11am - 5pm -
Balbriggan Roadrunners Summerfest 5k
To Register go to myrunresults.com Meet at St. Molagas National School
Fireworks - Front Beach 10.30pm Sponsored by Progressive Credit Union
Bremore Castle from 11am Beach and All Weather
Carnival, Food, Craft Stalls & Face Painters
Carnival Sensory Hour - 11am -12pm
Castle Tours - 2pm - 5pm
Historical Society Walk and Talk - 2pm Pauls Pets - 2pm - 4pm Kids Magician - 3pm
Blessing of the Boats - 6.30pm
(Harbour)
Junior Park Run - All Weather Pitch - 9.30am
Carnival, Food & Craft Stalls, Face Painters
Carnival Sensory Hour - 10am - 11am
Castle Tours - 2pm - 5pm
Pauls Pets - 2pm - 4pm
Kids Magician - 3pm
(Bookings made on the day)
Art Exhibition Running all week - Millfield Shopping Centre On the Altar of the Arts 2025 by Martin Hughes (All events and times subject to change)
Live Music and Entertainment on the Stage from 1pm
Balbriggan Locals Vs Gardaí (Meet at Bremore Castle)
Balbriggan Brass & Reed Band Stamullen Community Choir Scoil Rince Cualann
Other acts to be confirmed - check our Social Media for updates
SUNDAY, 1 JUNE - Bremore Castle from 11am ST Bhailiú Homebrew The Swings The Hippaclaptics
Live Music and Entertainment on the Stage from 1pm
Further details on all events can be found on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/balbriggan.summerfest
Pharmacies need to come on board en masse to deliver the free HRT that women need, a Fine Gael TD has said. Grace Boland, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal West, said that while details of the free HRT scheme will come as a relief to women around the country, pharmacists may be reluctant to engage.
Deputy Boland said: “I am grateful to Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for engaging with all stakeholders including the Irish Pharmacy Union to ensure this scheme was rolled out. Implementing the free HRT scheme announced by her predecessor was always a priority for the Minister since she took office.
“Minister Carroll MacNeill is committed to supporting each participating community pharmacy by paying them a €5 dispensing fee per HRT product dispensed to all eligible patients, including those existing patients under the GMS/DPS Schemes and for all other patients prescribed HRT (“private patients”) and a €1,000 once-off grant to every participating community
pharmacy.
“The implementation of the scheme should focus on the women in need of this medication. The symptoms women encounter during perimenopause and menopause are varied and women’s lives are hugely impacted by these symptoms. We need to focus on why HRT is such an important medicinal regime for women and how it can positively impact their lives and make daily living more bearable.
Crucial that pharmacies play their part in delivering free HRT – Boland Volunteer Expo Coming to Malahide
Monday 19th May, between 3-6pm, you are invited to the Volunteer Expo at the Grand Hotel Malahide, which promises to be an informative, exciting and inspiring event.
Hosted by Fingal Volunteer Centre, the Volunteer Expo is a unique opportunity to explore volunteer roles with 30+ local / national charities and not-for-profit organisations throughout Fingal and North Dublin, which all rely on volunteers to help them make a difference in our communities. Whether you’re new to volunteering or would like to try something different, this Expo is the perfect place to start. You will have the opportunity to speak directly with
“I would urge all pharmacies including those the Irish Pharmacy Union represent to engage with the scheme proposed today by the Minister. It is essential that women have the support of their local trusted pharmacist when embarking on any medication; in particular, if any changes are needed during their treatment. Women will no doubt contact their own pharmacies to encourage them to engage with the scheme so they can be provided with the free medication they are now entitled to.”
representatives from organisations about their various volunteer roles.
As an active volunteer himself, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh will be visiting to show his support to volunteering.
There will be a wide variety of organisations ready to answer your questions. Among them, the Irish Cancer Society, Dog Trust, Mental Health Ireland, ALONE, Pieta, the Irish Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, RNLI, Age Action, Irish Girls Guides, Foróige, Howth & Sutton Autism Friendly, Portmarnock Integrated Arch Club, Skerries Community Association, and many more.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn and practice CPR with Malahide & Portmarnock Community First Responders.
The Malahide Lions Club will be raising public awareness on their ‘Message in a Bottle’ project aimed to encourage people to keep their medical information easily accessible.
Phoenix FM Community Radio will be doing an Outside Broadcast, speaking to
volunteers and organisations about their experiences.
For the visitors interested in volunteering their skills with organisations that have board vacancies, Boardmatch will be giving information on this particular type of volunteering that is critical to the running of organisations.
The landscape of volunteering has evolved significantly in recent years. You can find onetime opportunities like stewarding at Flavours of Fingal, monthly commitments like driving patients for the Irish Cancer Society, joining a charity’s board member, or more regular roles like befriending for an hour every week. There is something for everyone!
The Volunteer Expo will mark the beginning of National Volunteering Week which runs from the Monday 19th to Sunday 25th of May.
For more information visit the Fingal Volunteer Centre www.volunteerfingal.ie, email: info@ volunteerfingal.ie or call 01 8991921.
Weaving the Threads of Fingal’s Heritage
The rich heritage of Fingal’s textile industry is currently being celebrated with a new exhibition at Ardgillan Gallery inspired by unique embroidery and lace patterns that originated from the area nearly 250 years ago.
This project aims to preserve and celebrate Fingal’s rich textile manufacturing legacy through a collaborative arts and local heritage initiative. Our project involves a group of artists who are in the process of creating original artworks inspired by the area’s history, particularly a number of unique artefacts originating from the Smyth & Co. hosiery factory formerly based in Balbriggan.
These artefacts, a set of three unique embroidery and lace pattern sample
catalogues, serve as direct witnesses to Balbriggan’s vibrant social history spanning two centuries. Between the 1780s and the 1980s the work and social life that revolved around the town’s textile factories dictated the pace of life. This still resonates in Balbriggan’s identity today, evoking memories and inspiring new artworks and enterprises.
The exhibition opened on Saturday 12th April with an engaging speech by the artist David Newton and it was very well attended. The exhibition will continue until Sunday 11th of May and there are a number of accompanying events taking place.
from left - Violet Shirran, Antonio D_Souza, Petra Skyvova, Dorothy Fletcher Bentley, David Newton, Elizabeth Comerford, Leia Mocan, Rony Sidon and Murielle Celis
Curator Petra Skyvova and Emer Sharkey (FCC)
Anne and Damien White with grandson
Artist David Newton and Dr. Cora McDonagh
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Across
1. Planet much loved by juvenile comedians. (6)
5. Large numbers gathered for events. (6)
10. Aspired to commended. (7)
11. Lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness. (7)
12. Mend like a bone. (4)
13. A living thing that doesn’t move about. (5)
15. Sound used to attract someone’s attention without alerting anyone else. (4)
17. It may have come first. (3)
19. Fingers and toes. (6)
21. Pre judge. (6)
22. Just as far as the eye can see. (7)
23. A covering that serves to conceal or shelter something. (6)
25. A formal proposal to buy at a specified price. (6)
28. Employ a tool. (3)
30. Number for a basketball team. (4)
31. Up to the time that. (5)
32. Invitation to reply to. (4)
35. Destructive wind funnel. (7)
36. Contributors to the effort. (7)
37. A craft designed for use on water. (6)
38. A refund of some fraction of the amount paid. (6)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
Down
2. Making a prolonged loud noiselike wind or water. (7)
3. American extra-terrestrial group. (4)
4. A seat for the rider of a horse. (6)
5. Uttering a cry, characteristic of crows and ravens (6)
6. Any thick, viscous matter. (4)
7. A sequence of powerful leaders in the same family. (7)
