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Designated Pick up Points
Supervalu, Pavilions
JC’s, Swords Lidl, Rathbeale Road Applgreen, Malahide Rd., Swords
While we await the arrival of Winter, things certainly aren’t slowing down for the many community groups, sporting clubs, resident’s associations etc. Winter can be one of the busiest times of the year with many plans being put together for the following year as well as the weekly activities taking place.
The clocks may be going back this month but that doesn’t mean there’s less to do, how can we forget the truly-Irish festival time of Halloween!
Halloween is a time when children, and the big children, can enjoy themselves in equal measure with kids donning fantastic, and spooky costumes, while some adults will also go all out with decorating their houses to rival that of anywhere in the world. Afterall, Halloween, or Samhain, is a truly Irish event.
Fingal will have many events taking place over the coming weeks that will culminate with the amazing Fingal Festival of Fire that sees amazing firework displays being hosted throughout the county. Be sure to wear your best costume and enjoy the fantastic, and safe, pyrotechnic event!
So as we approach the winter months, be sure to take some time to take advantage of the decent October weather, but also, don’t forget to curl up beside the fire at home and take stock of all that has happened over the past year and make some plans to have an even more eventful 2025!
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Film Review: ‘The Long Walk’ (2025)
Swords Resident
By Jack Shanley
The Long Walk (2025) is a masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel, and director Francis Lawrence has delivered a film that is as relentless and hypnotic as its source material. This isn’t a blockbuster filled with explosive action; instead, it’s a profound, character-driven psychological thriller that explores themes of endurance and conformity.
Set in a dystopian America, the film follows Ray Garaty, a 16-yearold boy who has entered the “Long Walk,” an annual televised event where 100 teenage boys walk non-stop until only one remains. If they drop below a certain pace, they receive a warning; three warnings and they’re “ticketed,” a euphemistic term for being shot dead by the military escort. The film captures the gruelling, almost meditative monotony of the walk, focusing on the subtle shifts in the boys’ mental and physical states. It’s a testament to the powerful performances from its young cast, who perfectly embody the mix of youthful naivete, and hardened resolve required to survive.
Lawrence’s direction is a triumph of atmosphere and restraint. He understands that the horror isn’t in the blood and guts, but in the slow, inevitable psychological toll. The camera often lingers on the boys’ faces, capturing the exhaustion, fear, and
even moments of strange camaraderie. The sound design is a key player, with the constant, rhythmic thud of feet on asphalt serving as a metronome of impending doom. As a big fan of film scores, the lack of a traditional score in many scenes enhances the stark reality of their situation, making the silence and the sound of breathing even more potent.
The film’s most powerful moments are not in the deaths but in the quiet, poignant interactions between the walkers. The fleeting friendships, the shared jokes, and the desperate attempts to maintain a semblance of humanity in an inhuman contest are what truly resonate. The Long Walk is a thought-provoking, and at times, gut-wrenching experience. It serves as a stark metaphor for the relentless pressures of modern life, and the lengths people will go to for a fleeting chance at glory. It’s a powerful cinematic achievement that will linger in your mind long after the credits have rolled.
I’d recommend checking out ‘The Long Walk’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of Three stars, after my first watch. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: Francis Lawrence – Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Sci-fi – Run Time: 1h 48m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Delighted with Ridgewood Green Benches
Swords resident Zdzislaw Pretki was thrilled when Fingal County Council installed some benches in Ridgewood Green recently. The greatly aid the 79-year-old who goes for regular walks there.
He said, “I would like to thank you very much Fingal County Council for their kind consideration of my request to install benches on Ridgewood Green. I am a Polish resident, I am almost 80 years old, and I often walk around Ridgewood. I often see local people who, like me, would like to sit on a bench and rest for a while.
The appearance of the benches is a nice addition to the green square.
For the prompt and favourable consideration of my request on behalf of myself in the local community. Thank you, very much for all those who made the decision and performed the abovementioned installation.”
History Before Your ears!
Swords resident Zdzislaw Pretki was thrilled when Fingal County Council installed some benches in Ridgewood Green recently. The greatly aid the 79-year-old who goes for regular walks there. He said, “I would like to thank you very much Fingal County Council for their kind consideration of my request to install benches on Ridgewood Green. I am a Polish resident, I am almost 80 years old, and I often walk around Ridgewood.
I often see local people who, like me, would like to sit on a bench and rest for a while.
The appearance of the benches is a nice addition to the green square. For the prompt and favourable consideration of my request on behalf of myself in the local community. Thank you, very much for all those who made the decision and performed the abovementioned installation.”
Happy halloween!
Get ready for a Dazzling Halloween Extravaganza in Fingal!
Get ready for a scorching Halloween night like never before! Events in Fingal proudly presents the “Festival of Fire.” Taking place on Friday 31st October, this thrilling event will ignite your Halloween spirit at four incredible locations across Fingal: Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Town Park, Malahide Castle, and Millennium Park in Blanchardstown.
Experience the Magic of Music:
The Festival of Fire kicks off with an electrifying musical prelude that will set the mood for an unforgettable night. From spine-tingling tunes to haunting melodies, our musical lineup will captivate your senses and keep you grooving.
Spectacular Fireworks Displays:
As the clock strikes 7:30 PM, brace yourself for an awe-inspiring spectacle! Our breathtaking fireworks displays will light up the night sky, casting vibrant colors and patterns that will leave you mesmerized. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.
Event Locations: Bremore Castle, Balbriggan: Step into the enchanting world of Bremore Castle, where history meets the mystical allure of Halloween. 7pm Enjoy a Scary disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Please note No Parking is Available. Please walk or cycle.
Swords Town Park (Behind the Castle): Join us in the heart of Swords for a Halloween celebration like no other. The park will come alive with the spirit of the season. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Malahide Castle: Explore the grounds of the magnificent Malahide Castle, surrounded by the magic of Halloween. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Millennium Park, Blanchardstown: Get ready for an explosion of Halloween fun in Blanchardstown’s Millennium Park. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and fireworks. Bring your family, friends, and a sense of wonder as we light up the Halloween night in Fingal. It’s a celebration you won’t want to skip!
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 31st, and join us at one of our four fantastic locations. Festival of Fire promises to be the highlight of your Halloween season.
There are even more Halloween-themed events planned for the month of October and to see what’s on in your areas please go to fingalcoco.ie.
Halloween in Malahide
Halloween at Bremore Castle
Halloween at Newbridge House
Halloween at Newbridge House
Samhain at Ardgillan
Pumpkin Carving in Ardgillan
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.
“I would recommend Toastmasters to everyone, you meet like-minded people from all walks of life who are interested in personal development, communication and leadership skills.”
says Seamus Hynes, member of Swords Toastmasters.
A typical meeting consists of prepared speeches, Table Topics™ (impromptu speeches) and evaluations.
The club is now inviting new members to join
their group. Get in touch today for an obligation free visit and take the first step towards finding your voice and changing your life!
Swords Toastmasters; Date: Every 2nd Monday Location: Old Borough School, Church Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 Y179. Time: 8p.m. –10p.m.
For more information, email swordstm@gmail. com or contact the membership officer on 086 8538048.
About District 71
District 71 comprises more than 200 corporate and community clubs in Ireland, Scotland, Northern Wales, Northern England, Midlands, and East of England. To learn more about District 71 please visit: Toastmasters UK North & Ireland
– District 71
About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with over 265,000 members in more than 13,800 clubs in nearly 150 countries. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit toastmasters.org.
ALL CONTRIBUTORS PLEASE NOTE**
Eilleen Hopkins, Member Swords Toastmasters
New Options To Future-Proof Cover
By Dave Kavanagh
A difficulty that occurs when planning ahead to protect you and your family’s financial future, is the fact that we don’t know exactly what the future holds. Will jobs and income change? How long will I maintain good health? Will I win the lottery jackpot in the next 3 years? The uncertainty of the future means that we often plan for a variety of occurrences. One important aspect of this planning is deciding on a term for things like Life Cover. A life cover plan can either be done for a specific term or it can be done as a “whole of life” plan. One of the problems with the old way of doing these was that the premiums were reviewed after a few years and could result in constant, substantial increases, often forcing people to either cancel them or accept a much lower level of cover. With “guaranteed whole of life” plans, you at least know exactly what the premium will always be and the level of cover but planning that far ahead can be costly. A relatively new method of dealing with this issue was introduced from one of the life companies, and it is an addition called “Life Changes Option”. This option gives the policy owners a number of choices once they have paid premiums for at least 15 years. They can then choose to either; a) Stop paying premiums and reduce the level of cover which stays in place until the cover is paid out,
or b) Cancel the cover (if it is no longer required) and take a refund of up to 70% of all premiums previously paid, or c) Continue the plan as it is with the same level of cover and premiums. This option has become quite popular when people are looking to future-proof cover as it offers choices that can suit people’s changing circumstances. If they have cleared loans and have sufficient savings, a reduced level of cover might be ideal. If they have strong pensions and savings, they may no longer have a need for cover and can take back a lump sum. For more information on how this type of cover may suit you, ask your advisor or contact me for a free quotation.
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.
Midterm and Halloween Family Friendly Things To Do!
It’s October….time for hot chocolates and snuggly pj’s. It’s chilly but not too cold; perfect for strolling in the fields with Andean Alpacas. These beautiful animals are calming and therapeutic. Andean Alpacas, in Westmeath, have packages where you can simply go walking with the Alpacas or you can choose their Halloween package, to spend time with the Alpacas and enjoy pumpkin carving and other Halloween activities. See https://andeanalpacas.ie/
My husband and I spent a few days in Farnham Estate Cavan recently, enjoying woodland strolls and the warm outdoor pool, which is surrounded by green fields. Farnham have great offers on breaks and spa days/treatments. We highly recommend Cedars Steakhouse Tomahawk steak for 2, it’s a memorable dining experience. See https://www.farnhamestate.ie/?src=mams
This month The National Concert Hall has
wonderful family friendly concerts and events, see www.nch.ie Wax Museum Plus has interactive events and kids can make a wax model of their hand to bring home! See https://waxmuseumplus. ie/
Adventure Light returns to Skypark this October. Wander the Magical Trail, Conquer the Maze, Bounce on Skynet, Hunt for clues and Make a Wish and Enjoy delicious street food. Bring the whole family to this interactive experience. See https://skypark.ie/adventurelights/
For a little treat, The Gem Treatery in Balbriggan is a must visit. Fluffy pancakes, yummy crepes, tasty sambos, delicious coffee, acai bowls and so many flavours of ice cream to choose from. Spacious and child/baby friendly, it’s perfect for catching up with family and friends. They also do kids birthday parties! See
https://www.gemtreatery.com/?src=mams
Fancy a scare? The new Conjuring movie is brilliant. Expect screams and popcorn flying everywhere! We saw it with our teens at Arc Cinema and really enjoyed it. There are lots of good kids movies on and kids clubs are excellent value during midterm. See offers at https:// arccinema.ie/
Now is the time when many of us succumb to colds and flus and it’s good to boost your immune system. For adults, Sentro Labs has excellent supplements for gut health and support women in perimenopause. I find them very good to help with sleep. For kiddies, Tonstix are absolutely brilliant. It’s a lollipop they suck that helps enormously with sore throats. Such a clever product range, see https://tonstix.com/
Stay safe and Happy Halloween from mams.ie!
The Ward River has powered many watermills in its time, the volume and flow of the river having been historically much stronger than we see in it today. Before the age of steam, wind and waterpower were the only sources of energy available. In 1847 there were 3 mills working from the Ward. This particular one operated
The Old Mill Bridge Swords CommunityLocals.ie
well into the 1940s, many of our older residents remembering it’s nostalgic resonant grumbling and grinding sounds!
The bridge itself dates from 1875 and is made of cut limestone with very distinctive ‘saddleback’ coping. Next time you are down this way, look down into the river to see a string
marking the historic levels of water here. Down on the left at riverside you will also see the typical entry-piers I’ve cleaned, placed here to allow access to the river for washing clothes or drawing water. These piers appear all along the Ward to allow safe access to a once powerful and dangerous stream.
Super work from Swords Tidy Towns members!
By Ken Duffy
Swords Tidy Towns have been consulting over the last few months with various companies that manage commercial properties in the town.
The Castle Shopping Centre has undergone a long overdue facelift and is looking so much better for it. Swords based Paul Reddy Property Team worked closely with Swords Tidy Towns during the whole facelift process, this is community teamwork at its best.
Joe Callan Town Mall also worked closely with us. He replaced all the damaged barrel planters and provided the new plants for all the planters. Again excellent community teamwork.
We have been working closely with Cllr Darren Kelly who has communicated on our behalf with the new management company who are to take over shortly at Forest Mews on the Forest Road. This area has been a constant eyesore for a long period and a bone of contention for us, as it was always the Swords Tidy Towns volunteers who cleaned up the mess. The whole area is in need of a major facelift. Soundings from the new management company appear to be in favour of this happening. Yet another
great example of community teamwork.
Ian Hunter manager of the Pavilions Shopping Centre has had a close relationship with Swords Tidy Towns for a number of years. As a passerby or shopper, you will be aware of the major improvement works being carried out around the front area of the shopping centre, this will also include creative works on the Pavillion roundabout. Swords Tidy Towns prior to the start of works had been liaising with Ian Hunter who kept us up to date on the type of works and a proposed start date. Swords Tidy Towns are excited about this project and can’t wait to see the finished works, we believe it will enhance the area enormously. Once again it is worth reiterating how important community spirit and teamwork is between business and local voluntary organisations, when we work together, we can move mountains.
Swords Tidy Towns are always looking for new members, just show up on a Saturday morning, we meet in the car park of Cove & Co previously Colourtrend opposite the Garda Station at 10am. Hope to see you there, check out our Facebook page.
Annual Valley Walk takes place this month
The 18th Annual Valley Walk in aid of Irish Cancer Society takes place on Saturday 11th October this year. Details as follows: Meet at Peacocks car park in Rivervalley at 1pm for
registration and goodies. Walk commences at 2pm, approx. 5 km around our lovely park Refreshments and raffle upstairs in Peacocks after walk. We had 180 walkers last year and
our total raised so far since 2008 is 130 thousand. Further details from Margaret Harris on 087 221 3605.
WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!
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Across
1. Felt a powerful desire for something. (6)
5. The world’s second largest country by area. (6)
10. Capable of resuming original shape after stretching. (7)
11. Pedal driven vehicle. (7)
12. Thin and fit. (4)
13. Sweet food from nectar. (5)
15. Send via the postal service. (4)
17. Scrape as if to relieve itching. (3)
19. A word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations. (6)
21. Not often. (6)
22. Previously, before now. (7)
23. Country which achieved independence from Sweden in 1905. (6)
25. Ancient Greek oracle. (6)
28. A short day! (3)
30. Youthful males. (4)
31. Take a husband or a wife. (5)
32. An inclined surface connecting two levels. (4)
35. Bring something to a destination. (7)
36. Relating to an area beside the sea. (7)
37. Produced by crossbreeding. (6)
38. Delivered a sharp blow. (6)
Down
2. The state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be. (7)
3. Express one’s preference for a candidate in an election. (4)
4. A licensed medical practitioner. (6)
5. Evidence of a spider. (6)
6. Long part of a guitar or banjo. (4)
7. State emphatically and authoritatively. (7)
8. Beds on a ship or train; usually in tiers. (6)
9. Expression of doubtful interest or surprise. (6)
14. Questionable energy source. (7)
16. A person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive. (5)
18. Challenged to do something. (5)
20. Bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer. (3)
21. The colour of the Left. (3)
23. A person of little influence. (6)
24. Payment to a copyright holder for use of their work. (7)
26. Generic name for a credit card. (7)
27. African antelope with ridged curved horns. (6)
28. The opposite of profane and ungodly. (6)
29. Rough paths and roads. (6)
33. Finished in cricket. (4)
34. A poker hand with two cards of the same value. (4)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
