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It’s not time to hibernate just yet!
It’s hard to believe that we are at the end of another summer season, and thankfully we have had plenty to be happy about when it comes to the weather this year! We have been very lucky over the past three months to have had so many wonderful events and festivals to attend throughout the county. There was something to do for all ages and all of it taking place on our doorsteps.
We now are looking to Autumn, and it is the season that aways has something in store, and more times than not we are treated to some decent weather! It’s the season where everything jumps back into life after a well-earned break and let’s face it, it’s good to get into the swing of things again.
School is back, and so are the early mornings of school runs and the daily commute, and while it can take some time getting used to the routine, we in Fingal are at a significantly higher advantage of having fantastic transport services and routes on our doorsteps that can relieve a lot of that stress.
There’s never a better time of year to get try something new with so many local sporting clubs and social groups reopening after the Summer and once again, we are spoilt for choice in what is on offer right on our doorstep. We once again have the vast number of local people who volunteer to ensure that these services are available to us.
We love seeing more for us to do in our communities and are always looking for something new and exciting; just remember there would hardly be anything to do without these voluntary organisations and their volunteers. There is always room for more people to get involved with their local voluntary organisations and the help is always appreciated.
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STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition
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Writer with his roots in Swords remembers Rising Relative
Dublin writer George Fitzgerald is no stranger to putting pen to paper and with firm roots in Swords, George fondly remembers his relative Ned Stafford who was an integral part of the Nationalist movement and an active participant in the 1916 Rising.
Ned Stafford from Swords, County Dublin. His mother, Brigid Stafford, described as “a lady,” was supportive of his nationalist beliefs. The Stafford parents and their nine children are buried in Swords Cemetery. Ned became involved in nationalism after hearing Thomas MacDonagh speak at a gathering in Swords. Once he had made his decision, his mother supported him, and the family was aware of the key figures involved. Ned Stafford was present at Boland’s Mills during the 1916 Rising.
Boland’s served as a crucial strategic location for the Irish Volunteers. The mill, along with other buildings in the area, became the headquarters for the 3rd Battalion, which was
tasked with controlling key approaches to Dublin from Dún Laoghaire, then Kingstown, a port where British reinforcements were expected. The Volunteers engaged in fierce fighting, particularly at Mount Street Bridge, and successfully held their ground against British forces until the order to surrender was given.
Ned subsequently enlisted in the Free State Army. However Private Edward Stafford died due to tuberculosis acquired during active duty in 1926. In a letter from his mother, she expressed her pride in stating that her son fought during Easter Week under Risteard Mulcahy’s command.
Ned Stafford’s dad, Patrick, was employed as a gardener. Three of his sons enlisted in the Irish Army. George Stafford was a member of the Irish Army from 1927 until 1960. The Black and Tans, or perhaps British troops, during the War of Independence, while they were looking for Ned Stafford, who was fleeing. He was informed
that the plans for Ashbourne were concealed within the house, intended to prevent the train from transporting soldiers into the city. One of his brothers was Tom Stafford, who in the 1930s lived in a tenement in Gardiner Street, Dublin, in the 1930s. He and his family later moved to Ballyfermot. His daughter, Maria, married a local man, George Fitzgerald. In 1966, the young couple got a new flat on the tenth floor of the newly developed Ballymun flats.
George Fitzgerald is the author not only of the Ashley Brown series but the 9-book audiobook series about growing up in Ballymun in the 60s and later his life in Finglas South. There were four brothers in the family: George, his twin Joseph, Pat, and Wesley. The twins were champion boxers in the 70s. And band members in the 80s and 90s with the famed D11 Runners. The audiobooks can be listened to on YouTube or Facebook.
Ned Stafford during active duty
George Fitzgerald_s grandfather Tom
AN tSLÍ IS ÉASCA LE CEAD CAINTE A BHEITH AGAT
An bhfuil fonn ort vótáil? Ní mór duit clárú chun é sin a dhéanamh.
Seoladh athraithe? Ní mór duit do chlárú a nuashonrú.
Cláraithe cheana féin? Ní mór duit faisnéis bhreise a thabhairt.
Cláraigh leis an gclár nó nuashonraigh do shonraí ar www.checktheregister.ie nó ar
Voter.ie
Swords- History and Heritage in the Modern Age, 1916–2023
The following is an extract from Mike Power’s forthcoming book - Swords: History and Mysteries… A Community Guide
Despite being situated solidly within the ‘Pale’(‘Pallium’ latin=A Fence) the spirit of Irish nationalism was never quite extinguished in Swords and Fingal…Swords folk contributed to every insurrection in Ireland, most notably in 1916, when the Fingal brigade of the Irish Volunteers led by Captain Richard Coleman of Main St. fought bravely in the engagement in the Mendacity Instit, Dublin.Swords folk can be very proud of it’s long and honourable tradition of nationalism, often carried out in the face of great opposition from the authorities. Fingal Abu ! ‘Fingal has done more than its share in Ireland’s republican cause…’
Eamonn de Valera 1940
Easter Monday 1916 in the village of Swords dawned fine and dry. The Taylor brothers Tom, Joe and Christopher left their home in Taylors’ pub, Main Street, and headed out toKnocksedan bridge, half-an-hour’s walking at their brisk military pace. While confused by Eoin Mc Neill’s letter in the Sunday Independent to stand down, they still held to Captain Richard ‘Dick’ Coleman’s order:
‘We meet at Knocksedan Bridge on Monday, Ok?’
Their new boots chafing their feet as they strolled, going up the Brackenstown Road, they met Christopher ‘Kit’ Moran.
‘Is it still on?’ he asked, the others, saying nothing, walking stolidly ahead.
Kit Moran’s Mauser rifle slapped rhythmically on his hip, ‘damn blunderbuss,’ he spoke as he walked, knowing well the horrid mess its 57 mm. rounds could make of something as fragile as the human body. Seventy men were already waiting on the bridge, most smoking and cooling their heels, their mood black, disappointed with the poor turnout.
Some peered over the parapet at the black pools of water 60 feet below, pondering what lay ahead. Finally, Captain Richard Coleman arrived, his Sam Browne belt and brass buttons shining in the shafts of sunlight scattering on the bridge. Pointedly, taking each man in with his eyes he said: ‘Right then, a Oglaigh, this is what we did all that hard training for – this is the day!’
Helen reaches National Brown Bread Baking Finals
It seems there’s something in the Dublin mix this year as three local bakers have risen to the challenge and secured their places in the semi-finals of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition.
Helen Walker from Swords will be among the eight talented contestants competing at the National Ploughing Championships semi-finals in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, on September 16th and 17th. The top four will go forward to the final on September 18th.
Speaking on the achievement, Helen said, “It’s my first time entering the National Brown Bread Baking competition and I’m delighted to be representing the Dublin ICA. I’m also absolutely petrified but bring it on!”.
The champion will take home €5,000 in cash and a NEFF Slide & Hide oven. Three finalists on the 18th will win €500 Euronics gift cards, while all other finalists will receive a €250 Euronics gift card and a Neff hamper.
Supported by Euronics in association with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Country Women’s Association, the competition is set to be a feast for the senses with the Dublin bakers hoping to be crowned with the finest loaf.
Helen Walker
Knocksedan Bridge today in a tattered state
1915 Tricolour
Facial Rejuvenation Alternatives for Glowing Skin
Facial rejuvenation in acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the face and body. This process aims to improve blood flow, stimulate collagen production, and enhance skin elasticity. The treatment may help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and improve overall skin tone and texture. Sessions often include body acupuncture to address underlying health issues that may affect skin appearance, promoting a holistic balance. Results typically require multiple sessions for noticeable effects.
Facial Massage Cupping is a gentle therapy that uses small suction cups on the face to stimulate the skin and muscles. Facial cupping uses soft silicone or glass cups designed for delicate facial tissue. The gentle suction promotes Qi and increases blood circulation, boosts collagen production, reduces puffiness, and may help improve skin tone and elasticity. This natural technique is often used to achieve a brighter, firmer, and more youthful appearance. Follow the directions on the diagram for facial cupping 3 repetitions of 10 strokes on each area of the diagram. Ensure you do not use too much suction or there is a possibility of bruising.
Finish with using a Jade roller to cool the skin.
Essential oils can be a great addition to your skincare routine—but only when used properly and diluted with a carrier oil, ( typically 1–2% dilution: about 2 drops to 10 ml of carrier oil for facial use ).
Do a patch test before using any essential oil, especially on sensitive skin.
Here’s a brief guide to essential oils best suited for each skin type:
*Avoid citrus oils before sun exposure. Consult a specialist if pregnant, nursing, or have any medical conditions.*
Important Notes:
Using Essential facial oils 2–3 times per week is recommended for most people to achieve the benefits and avoid overstimulating the skin. Essential oils, when properly diluted with a carrier oil, can be used daily for facial massage if your skin can tolerate it, but many experts suggest starting with 2–3 times weekly and adjusting as needed.
If you choose to massage daily, keep sessions brief (5–10 minutes) and always monitor for irritation.
Skin Type Best Oils Best Carrier Oils
Oily/Acne-Prone: Tea tree, lavender, clary sage, lemongrass, geranium
Jojoba, grape-seed.
Dry: Sandalwood, chamomile, lavender, myrrh, rose, Sweet almond, avocado.
Sensitive: German/Roman chamomile, lavender, rose, helichrysum Calendula, rosehip,
With Susan
jojoba.
Combination: Geranium, ylang-ylang, frankincense, lavender
Jojoba, grape-seed.
Mature/Aging Frankincense, rose, sandalwood, carrot seed, neroli
Rosehip, evening primrose
Inexpensive Beauty Tea (Morning Glow Recipe)
Morning Tea for Glowing Skin: Turmeric & Ginger Infusion
Starting your day with the right tea can do wonders for your skin. Morning tea for glowing skin is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce blemishes and brighten your complexion naturally.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup hot water
• ½ tsp turmeric powder (or fresh turmeric
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• ½ tsp honey (optional)
• Few drops of lemon juice
Method:
Boil water, add turmeric and ginger, simmer 5–7 minutes, strain, then add honey and lemon juice. Drink each morning for clearer, brighter skin.
Next month’s issue will look at the condition ‘Sinusitis’
In Wellness
Susan
Cupping
Essenital Oils
Carrier Oils
Know Exactly What You Pay For
By Dave Kavanagh
During recent claims I have processed for clients (death claims, serious illness claims and income protection claims) there was something that they all had in common. None of them knew what cover they actually had in place. Some were unsure whether there was sufficient cover in place to clear their mortgage (which is often the case. Consider all of the people that took 6 months’ payment breaks during Covid. Their mortgage protection cover continued to reduce while their mortgage balances slightly increased.) Some thought they had serious illness cover because we had discussed it a couple of years back, but they never actually got around to commencing it. It was yet another reminder that most people do not know the important details of plans that they pay regularly for. As people’s circumstances change, it’s important to be up to date with knowing what you are actually paying for. Here is the very least that you should know about any protection plans that you have in place:
Life Cover: How much cover is there? When does it expire? Is it dual or joint? Does it have a conversion option? Is it level, increasing or decreasing? How much does it cost?
Income Protection: What is the deferred period? (The length of time you have to be off work due to illness or injury before payments
commence). What level of cover do I have? Up to what age will payments continue if I could never return to work again? How much does it cost? Have I claimed my tax relief? (I.P. premiums are tax deductible).
Serious Illness Cover: A.K.A. Critical Illness Cover or Specified Illness Cover. What level of cover do I have? Is it stand alone or accelerated cover? Is it dual or joint? When does it expire? Do I have the option to extend cover without further medical evidence? If you don’t know those details, it’s time to get out the paperwork and find out. You’ll be glad you did.
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. wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.
Swords Tidy Towns Members Enjoy a Busy Summer
By Ken Duffy
July was a very busy month for our Swords Tidy Towns team of volunteers. We held the awards presentation for our Best Presented Estates competition and our Best Business Fronts competition. Swords Tidy Towns Best Presented Estates awards 2025: 1st prize Rivervalley 500 euro; 2nd prize Seatown Terrace 300 euro; 3rd prize Carlton Court 200 euro. Most Improved Estate award: Lissenhall 50 euro; Best upcycled feature awarded to The Nurseries 50 euro
Wonderful community efforts evident all around Swords. Well done one and all. A special thank you must go to the Best Presented Estate committee and judges George Mongey, Mary Maxwell, Matt Cullen, Micheal Connolly and Martin Nulty of Nulty Landscapping chaired by Grace Dunne, fantastic work you guys. The generous prizes awarded would not be possible without the continued sponsorship of Members First Credit Union for which we are very grateful. Finally, not forgetting the tremendous support we receive from John Halford and his Fingal Horticultural Society team who put on a fantastic show each year, can’t wait for next year’s competition. We look forward to visiting your Estate in 2026.
This year’s winners of the Swords Tidy Towns Best Business fronts were as follows.
The Old Schoolhouse – Gold; McNamaras Chemist Dublin rd. – Silver. The Pound Bar - bronze. Vincents Charity Shop. Castle shopping Centre. - most improved.
Well done to all our winners and to our Swords Tidy Towns volunteers Georgy Hughes and Matt Cullen for putting in the footwork.
After all that hard work it was time to let our hair down and there is no better bunch of people to do that than the Swords Tidy Towns team. A fabulous night was had by one and all at the Nathan Carter gig in Swords Castle. A massive thank you to Paul Barnes and his wonderful team at Fingal County Council for putting it all together, you did Swords proud. We dropped off at the 44 for a tipple after the concert and bumped into the Boomtown Rats who happened to be staying there, all in all, a very enjoyable night.
By Dr. Carla Lluch, Veterinary Practitioner
Being a Vet: More Than Just a Dream Job
Becoming a vet is a childhood dream for many, but what really happens inside a veterinary clinic?
On Saturday, 6th September, you can find out during our Opening Day!
Our clinic is a team effort, with many people working together to keep your pets healthy. Here in our Lusk clinic, the first person you’ll meet is Ewa, our wonderful receptionist. She books appointments, answers your questions, and can even advise you on your pet’s diet. She also supports the team behind the scenes, while making sure your wait is as pleasant as possible, especially during difficult moments.
We also have two fantastic nurses: Skye and Rebecca. They prepare patients for surgery, monitor recovery, and are always ready to cuddle a new puppy. They’ll give you great advice to help your pet grow healthy and confident, and they can help with diets or dental care. Vets rely on them for everything, from lab work to anaesthesia.
And then there are the vets: Peter and myself, Carla. You’ll find us in consultations, surgeries, or hospital care (and sometimes joking about hiding in the X-ray room!). We both have years of experience, just look at our grey hairs!
Peter is an outstanding surgeon, operating from nose to tail. Though new to Dublin, clients follow him from Dundalk to Lusk.
I love consultations, talking with owners, involving them in treatment plans, and understanding their personal situations to offer the best options for their pets.
Together, we make a great team, and we’d love to show you what goes on behind the scenes.
If you’d like to learn more about our work or the veterinary profession, come visit us on Opening Day!
Time for some self-care Mammies
And breathe…the kids are back in school and parents can enjoy a little space as we settle back into a regular routine. If you’ve been a busy Mammy, rushed off your feet getting ready for school, try to carve out a little ‘me time’ now. Fabulous West Cork company Be Cosy has gorgeous goodies to indulge in a little self-care this Autumn. Hot chocolate, snuggly slippers, thick wool socks and calming incense sticks are our favourites. Glimmerboxes has added to their range with some beautiful new boxes, including the Hot Mess and Gamer boxes, perfect for a little self-indulgence. For busy mornings, Irish brand GuGo has comfy, easy to wear clothing, perfect for the school run. I love the Peach and Green sweatshirts, perfect for dopamine dressing. Pair with their comfy leggings (I love the Navy ones) and finish with a baseball cap to cover the hair you haven’t had time to style and you’re ready to go! Check them out at https://gugo.ie/ and sign up to their newsletter for 10% off your first order.
The build up to September can be full on and as the weather turns cooler,
colds and bugs start swirling around. It’s a good idea to invest in some decent vitamins and mineral supplements to give your health a boost. Sentro Labs is an Irish company with a range of immune supports for good health and gut performance, as well as supplements to aid sleep and help with perimenopause and men’s health. See https://www.sentrolabs.com/
Even though the weather is getting colder, it is still very important to put SPF on your face. I wear Elave SPF all year round, it moisturises beautifully, is ideal for sensitive skin and goes great under make-up. We are big fans of the Elave ranges, from baby and junior skincare to adult skincare and shaving sets. And they’re an Irish company, which we love.
Even though school is back, there are still lots of fun events at weekends. The National Concert Hall is hosting family concert, Rithmí agus Scéalta –Rhythms and Stories, on Saturday 13th September as well as a host of Mini Music sessions for kids throughout September. Check them out at https:// www.nch.ie/ and keep an eye on mams.ie for NCH competitions!
CommunityLocals.ie
WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!
WE WANT YOUR LOCAL NEWS!!
• Do
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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 September 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck
Across
1. Accurate, correct, right. (6)
5. Bring back to mind. (6)
10. Springy and flexible. (7)
11. Reveals more than one but not many. (7)
12. Work laboriously or incessantly. (4)
13. Make a mess of, destroy, ruin. (5)
15. A German Mr. (4)
17. A major division of geological time. (3)
19. Give it where it is due. (6)
21. Traded quickly from place to place. (6)
22. The elected local administration. (7)
23. Happening without warning. (6)
25. Able to cause serious fatal injury or serious damage. (6)
28. Was in command of. (3)
30. The invention of Mr. Otis. (4)
31. Household containers for flowers. (5)
32. Wear away by biting. (4)
35. Make a reference to. (7)
36. Gain with effort. (7)
37. A section of something that is long and narrow. (6)
38. Disclose to view as by removing a cover. (6)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
Down
2. Understand clearly. (7)
3. Spot the kitchenware. (4)
4. Directions for making a meal. (6)
5. Country of the Tsars. (6)
6. A large hollow in the side of a cliff or hill. (4)
7. Greatest in size. (7)
8. Busy and confused. (6)
9. Looked at with a fierce, fixed gaze. (6)
14. The fruits with rhymes. (7)
16. More pleasing or agreeable. (5)
18. Meals cannot have babies. (5)
20. 2,240 pounds. (3)
21. Performed an action. (3)
23. Lemons are dignified and sober in manner. (6)
24. Military action to prevent invasion. (7)
26. Stubborn beasts of burden. (7)
27. Gaped wide open as if tired. (6)
28. A motorboat with an open deck or a half deck. (6)
29. A period of ten years. (6)
33. A circular metallic band for the finger. (4)
34. A jockey’s aid. (4)
