Swords Local V8I10-DEC 2023 by Irish Media Group

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Volume 8 Issue 11 January 2024

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WORKING FOR YOU We are now in the second month of a new year and are all facing into tough times with challenges in a lot of areas. There has been a continued fall in living standards for households, figures released by the CSO at the end of 2022 showed an increased decline reflecting a continued fall in Irish living standards compared to other European countries over the past ten years. This reflects the impact the cost-ofliving crisis has had and continues to have on households. Workers and families were facing high costs long before the energy crisis and many are really struggling. Irish living standards have fallen further behind other European countries over the past decade and are now 10% below the European average and in the bottom half of the EU. This is a reflection of successive bad governments who have failed in improving prospects for Irish households – the current government has failed in areas like housing and healthcare, costs have risen and services are more difficult to access. Housing Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that we deliver affordable homes to rent or buy for people on ordinary incomes.

in areas in Swords, but realistical- from other political parties. Alleviating OPFIpactlyN GstationAis notLsufficient to hardship is what the council should be H the Garda S meet the needs of a growing communi- striving to do, and not adding to it. The #

There are many families in Fingal who viduals in this area. es is not new, despite promises by govhave grown up kids who cannot move We support our communities on many ernment the additional beds have not out and cannot move on with their campaigns and issues that affect their all been delivered and the numbers on lives and they are the generation who daily lives. trollies and the delay times for treathave been locked out. We need to build Sustainable Transport ments and surgeries is not acceptable. communities that have the necessary With delays to Metro North I have Swords needs a primary care centre, I infrastructures in place and homes for called for and had a motion passed was delighted to get a motion passed YOUR residents that are affordable to rentSUPPORT or which calls for a Town Bus for Swords to facilitate this as part of the Fingal buy. People should decide what type to facilitate those areas that have no Development Plan and we will be of housing suits their needs, public, direct LOCAL access. Sinn Féin has supported working closely with the HSE and the private or owner occupied but it needs residents who will be affected by the Department of Health to ensure this is to be affordable. We’ve seen too many BUSINESSES works in relation to the Metro. delivered. government housing policies that Dublin Airport – Noise There must be greater collaboration aren’t delivering homes for our resi- The current situation with Dublin Air- between community healthcare and dents. port ignoring noise regulations and acute hospitals to ensure that recovWorking in the Community agreed flight paths is a significant con- ery and transitional care beds are Myself and Deputy Louise O’Reilly cern. Sinn Féin have met with groups available in the community for speedy TD work closely together and with campaigning against these breaches discharges and the provision of care resident’s groups and individuals in and I was happy to stand with resi- outside of hospitals where appropriate. our community to deal with local and dents in a recent protest. I’ve raised personal issues. We listen to people’s the matter with FCC and continue to Crime concerns and do everything in our do so. Along with Deputy O’Reilly we We need to tackle the growing crime power to ensure that their interests have met with the DAA and the IAA, and anti-social behaviour. This is a real are met, locally through Fingal Coun- and continue to meet with residents problem– and there has been a lack of ty Council and through the Dáil, and groups in affected aeas. The DAA ig- focus on making communities safe for through our constituency offices in noring noise regulations and agreed everyone. As a member of the Joint Swords and Balbriggan. flight paths is unacceptable we will Policing Committee (JPC) in Fingal, I I also work closely with Dessie Ellis continue to raise this with FCC, ANCA have called for additional resources, TD on issues affecting the Santry area (noise regulator) and in the Dáil. community policing to be prioritised that falls within the Swords boundary Health and for a local task force to deal with and with community groups and indi- The current crisis in the health servic- crime. The additional number of com-

munity Gardaí have had a positive im- rising cost of living including members

ty and the resources needed to police the growth in population. This needs to be addressed as a priority to ensure the safety of our residents. Environment I’m a member of the Swords Woodland Association formed with the aim of maintenance of the green belt within the wider Swords area and promoting ways to ensure a greater appreciation of green spaces and promoting the planting of trees – one tree can absorb as much carbon in a year as a car produces driving 20K miles. I also worked closely with the Save Swords Greenbelt group on their campaign to ensure that our environment is protected not just for current but for future generations to come. Representing our Community The Local Property Tax for Fingal was set at a 7.5% deduction, although Sinn Féin asked Councillors to support my motion seeking the full 15% reduction. In 2022 thousands of people took to the streets of Dublin protesting the

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highest number of people who replied to public consultation on LPT requested a figure of 11-15%, and that’s what the people in Fingal wanted, however Sinn Féin were the only party who voted against the lower deduction. Sinn Féin Councillors have worked hard on the Development Plan, representing interests of our communities in areas that will most benefit them. As we come to the final stage we will continue to make our decisions based on what is best for the people we represent. I have worked hard to represent residents since my election in 2019 and before that as a community activist and will continue to do so. I have always worked in the heart of our communities and am available to meet with groups and/or individuals to provide any support or assistance that I can. Since Covid rather than formal clinic times, I have found that pre-arranged meetings work best for people. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.

www.fingal.ie/christmas

Tel: 087 2724359 • Ann.Graves@cllrs.fingal.ie

Our Team

Let us all have a caring and sharing Christmas!

Local News

People all over the world will celebrate the birth of Christ in many different ways this Christmas. In this country and a few others, we will buy presents for our families and friends and sit down to a turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day. Every year at this time we look forward to the smiling faces of our children, nieces, nephews and Grandchildren as their little faces light up with smiles that warm our hearts on Christmas morning. This could be because they have received that long awaited and much sought after special present. In this Advent time, young workers plan Christmas parties with their fellow employees or their friends, and share Secret Santa parcels. Couples meet up for their annual get- togethers and exchange stories of the past year and Christmas gifts. Every year the Christian churches, and their charitable groups dream up an ever-increasing number of ways to help those in need and remind us, ‘The poor are always with us.” In our community it is our families that are foremost in our minds but let us not forget our elderly neighbours, or the sick and invalided and those who will not have the Christmas dinner we have all become so used to. So, this year remember support your local retailers, look in on your elderly neighbours, bring them a bite to eat and show your caring side to the charitable groups. Let us support those volunteers from numerous groups who are very active at this time. Let us endeavour to keep our demeanour happy and offer a helping hand to those who need it. After all it is Christmas, when peace and goodwill are the passwords across the globe and the smiles of all of us here show the world what a caring, and sharing community we have in Fingal. We in Local magazine wish you and yours a very happy Christmas and we hope Santa makes all your dreams come true this year.

Editor E. communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Advertising Sean Maguire T. 087 915 9052 E. seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie Production Tim Evans E. communitylocalsdesigner@gmail. com Contact us Swords Local Magazine Email: communitylocalseditor @gmail.com www.facebook.com/SwordsLocal Designated Pick up Points Supervalu, Pavilions JC’s, Swords Lidl, Rathbeale Road Applgreen, Malahide Rd., Swords Published by

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Happy Christmas to you all from The Local Team.

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Local News

Swords Women’s Shed Pitch and Putt victory!

Wow! Very well done to our amazing shedders who won the Pearl Grogan Scramble Cup in Ballyboughal Pitch and Putt club ,representing Swords Women’s Shed thank you Susan Casey for looking after everything Pitch and Putt, and Ann Johnson who organised this evening celebration with Ballyboughal Pitch and Putt, so very well done. A very Happy Christmas to all our Shedders and their families and supporters.

Reading information supplied by grant providers for everyone By Lusk Community Network On our Facebook and Instagram pages ILoveLusk, we put up quick posts in relation to available grants and then point you back to our main website – lovelusk.ie. Even within the ‘Community Grants’ page, we provide a summary of the grants and a link to the full information. While our web page lovelusk.ie/home/community-grants/ may only give a brief description of the grant, don’t be put off by the wording. Click on the link supplied by us, bringing you to the relevant section of the grant providers’ website. If you need examples of how this grant was used by other groups, most websites provide a list of recipients in prior years and give brief descriptions about their projects. These descriptions are brilliant as you now have examples of accepted projects. You can decide if any of these projects would or could apply to your organisation. If you feel you

need extra clarity, most groups have either a website or a Facebook page and so if you need to, you can contact them and from our experience, they are more than happy to talk. On our Facebook and Instagram page, we posted about the Community Water Development Fund, which is currently open. Examples of previous local recipients were provided – Balbriggan Tidy Towns, OWLS (Children’s Nature Charity) and Swords Tidy Towns, as well as the possibility of applying for this grant for a feasibility study into rain water harvesting systems, showing how St. Maur’s GAA received funding from LEADER to help with harvesting rain water from the roof of their clubhouse. In other words, this grant could be a stepping stone for further available grants. It would be very easy to miss this wide ranging grant. So, get into a habit of looking at the grants page on our website, clinking into the links provided and reading the extra information contained there. Don’t be put off by the wording and, with the examples provided of prior approved projects, think within and outside the box. Then don’t forget to apply! Check out our website lovelusk.ie, our Facebook & Instagram pages iLoveLusk

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SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Finance

If you rent you should know this By Dave Kavanagh Those that rent their accommodation privately, compared to home owners, can be a lot more vulnerable. Apart from the obvious points, like rents being increased or having to move out if a property is being sold, there are other potential events that could prove problematic for renters. As we saw in the early part of the pandemic, where many people’s incomes were drastically reduced, those with mortgages were permitted to avail of “payment breaks” with minimal effort. Unfortunately, those renting do not usually have the flexibility of this option. When someone cannot work due to illness or injury, they may suffer a loss of income, either immediately or after a short period, resulting in the inability to pay rent. This could lead to eviction and all of the problems associated with it. While those renting may not have been exposed to the kind of financial advice as someone going through the mortgage process, there are still safeguards that can be put in place. One option is Income Protection, paying them a portion of their income if they were unable to work due to illness

or injury. This could be the difference between affording rent or being evicted. Something not often considered by renters is Life Cover. If one of a couple renting passed away, this could allow the surviving partner (or family) to purchase their own home immediately without the need for a mortgage. Similarly, Serious Illness Cover could pay out a tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of one of the illnesses covered, giving another layer of financial security. Better to consider these options earlier rather than later.

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 Dave at info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on 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 well being, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

THE PEOPLE’S COUNCILLOR

JOE NEWMAN DELIVERING FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Find me on @joenew21

Wish yo Happy C u a very hr Prosper istmas and ous New Year

087 245 7729 Joe.Newman@cllrs.fingal.ie Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Film Reviews

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – A Christmas Classic Film

By Jack Shanley With Christmas just around the corner its only right to light up your Christmas with this timeless classic by the great Frank Capra. James Stewart astounds us as George Bailey with the beautiful Donna Reed oozing that festive feeling. Regarded as one of finest films ever made, it sure is a good family film and for me it is the pure definition of Christmas. With ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Frank Capra essentially paints the most beautiful picture of life that no matter how many times you look at it its still so powerful bringing you closer to life. Its with this classic that proves how beautifully powerful cinema truly is that no words can speak loud enough to make you feel the way the film does. It’s the journey Capra takes us on from George Bailey ( James Stewart) as a boy to a grown man, with these great plans to conquer the world and essentially live the life of dreams, that just never happens for him and for us all. With this ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is still so relevant today after all 6

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

these years. I’m not shy to say it’s a film that may lead to you shedding a few tears, throughout the film but especially in its final act. With an Angel in Clarence sent to George Bailey ( James Stewart) to make him see his life essentially if he hadn’t been born makes you see your life the same way, with that it makes you happy to exist. The film has its humour romance and its everenduring scenes, from the classic dance scene which starts with the startling look both Donna Reed and James Stewart give each other to the frustration in the bank on their Wedding Day and on to the final act which speaks for itself. This highspirited Christmas classic ranks among fans and critics alike as one of the most loved and celebrated films ever made In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five stars. Director: Frank Capra – Rating: G – Genre: Drama/Comedy – Run Time: 2h 10m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram

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Local News

Happy Christmas to everyone from Swords Tidy Towns

By Ken Duffy Halloween recently paid us a visit and Swords Tidy Towns was not shy or found lacking in taking part in the celebrations. Normally we would hold our annual fund-raising Halloween Bucket Collection, but this year we decided to join in on the festivities. We met up at the main entrance to the park for 7.15pm, dressing up for the evening was optional. As per usual the fireworks were a massive success, it was the best

year so far we thought. A massive big thank you to the Events Team of Fingal County Council headed up by the irrepressible Mr Paul Barnes, they all put in a trojan shift to pull it off. We then adjourned to the 44 Hotel afterwards for a couple of hours, the craic was mighty as you would imagine on the night that was in it. Great craic was had with the alcoholic skeleton who was sitting at the bar. We even managed to fit in a mini quiz, and each person got to ask a question which we all endeavoured to answer,

it was a taster for our Quiz Night fundraiser in the New Year. Swords Tidy Towns are always looking for new members especially people with admin and IT experience. You can contact us at swordstidytowns@gmail.com or contact our Chairperson Ken Duffy on 0866008313. We would like to take this opportunity now the season of good cheer is on the horizon to wish the people of Swords, our 4000 Facebook followers, our local business supporters, family and friends, a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Community organisations -We are here for you and it’s free! Calling all community and voluntary groups in this area! We are here to facilitate you and help publicise your organisations. We are a community based magazine therefore there will be no charge for publicising your group, whether its a chess club or small pastime group, a support group or a big community or sporting organisation. So if you want to publicise your organisation every month just send us an email to communitylocalseditor@gmail.com..We look forward to hearing from you.

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

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Local News

County Council budget increased by €28 million Euros An increased Annual Budget has been approved for Fingal County Council, with Councillors agreeing to a €361.9 million budget that will be invested in delivering over 900 different services in one of Ireland’s fastest growing counties. Adoption of the 2024 Budget sees an additional €28.1 million available from that received in the budget for 2023. The single biggest expenditure in this year’s budget remains for housing and building (€117.2m), representing a rise of some 16 per cent from that seen in 2023. Other functional areas that account for significant expenditure includes roads & safety (€43.1m), environmental services (€54.1m) and recreation & amenities (€70.2m). Overall, the 2024 budget means that spend per head of population in Fingal equates to €1,099. Commenting on the 2024 Budget, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy said: “This marks a significant milestone for the people of Fingal as we welcome the passing of the Council’s new budget for 2024. This includes a substantial increase in funding, allowing us to deliver even more essential services to our community and will help foster greater social, cultural and economic growth across the region. As we continue to significantly invest in a range of initiatives and services, adoption of this budget underscores our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Fingal and helps ensure that our residents have access to the resources and support they deserve. ” Some of the 2024 Budget highlights include: (1) A €16m increase for the housing department to help with the likes of provision of social housing, preventative maintenance works, homeless services and housing adaptation grants. (2) An increase of €5.5m towards roads maintenance, parks, pitches, opens spaces and burial grounds (3) Around €3m to help develop and maintain libraries, tourism, arts, events and town centres. (4) An additional €1.9m allocated to help invest in new and current community infrastructure and facilities. Also, 1.7m towards planning and strategic infrastructure, including increased funding for biodiversity projects and initiatives.

Hygiene Hub – Spreading kindness this Christmas Season Hygiene Hub, the charity giving hygiene and personal care products to those who need them, and is calling on the public to Spread Kindness this Christmas as part of their Christmas Campaign by donating toiletry gift sets as well as essential hygiene products this festive season. The #SpreadKindness Campaign aims to provide at least 5,000 toiletry gift sets as well as donations of essential hygiene items to individuals and families in need this Christmas. To take part in the #SpreadKindness campaign, supporters can either donate the cost of a gift set through the #SpreadKindness fundraiser or host a hygiene drive with colleagues, friends or family and donate new, or unopened essential and luxury toiletries. Hygiene Hub will collect, pack and distribute the donations to local charities in time for Christmas. The purpose of Hygiene Hub is to alleviate

the pressure of hygiene poverty felt by many individuals and families across the country, when financial struggles mean that food, rent and bills are prioritised over hygiene products. There are three ways that supporters can help Hygiene Hub this Christmas including • donations to one of the drop-off points listed on the website, • monetary donations via the iDonate page, • or by agreeing to host a hygiene drive at school, college, or work. Hygiene Hub Ireland will be collecting donations for their #SpreadKindness from 1st November 2023 until 4th December 2023. Donations will then be sorted and distributed to charity partners in time for Christmas. The first Hygiene Hub in Ireland was set up in Dublin in 2019. It has now grown into a national

charity with 7 hubs so far, having donated over 50,000kg of essential hygiene products to over 45 Community Partners. Its volunteers and supporters are passionate about tackling hygiene poverty. Since 2019, over 28,100kg has been donated by the Dublin Hub. 26 Drop Off Points, Supporting 26 Community Partners Locally you can donate at McCabes Pharmacy G24, Pavillions Shopping Centre, Malahide Rd, Swords Demesne, Swords, Co. Dublin. +353 1 840 6555

Swords Local Magazine NEEDS YOU!

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PHOTOGRAPHERS , LOCAL WRITERS, LOCAL REPORTERS NEEDED!! If you’re a Local and have some free time please email us on: communitylocals@gmail.com

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Local News

EggHeadz Youth Mental Health and Well-being

EggHeadz CLG is delivering programmes and support services across Fingal and Dublin. Here is some of what we’re doing… School Engagement: The recommencement of EggHeadz in-school, after-school programmes, drop-in evening and weekend classes is in full swing since September in Primary and Secondary schools throughout Fingal and Dublin City. Youth Recovery Programmes: EggHeadz launched a Recovery through Activity Programme. A six-week program for teenagers living in Fingal who are having difficulties with their mental health which started in October and is currently underway. The programme is supported by the Health Service Executive and CAMHS. Community Engagement: EggHeadz

supporters and volunteers took part in the King of the Castle, Cycle Against Suicide event in August. October was World Mental Health month and we marked in distributing Green Ribbon’s throughout the community. EggHeadz Youth Camps: Our Halloween Mid-term Sport4All camp was a great success and we’re really looking forward to our future camps where we will bring more fun, fitness, outdoor activity, relaxation, sport and therapeutic supports. EggHeadz Activities and Events: Water Sports: Weekly kayaking, and Paddleboarding was enjoyed by teenagers during the summer. HER Outdoors was celebrated with Yoga, Dip, Paddleboarding in Donabate, Portrane and Malahide Estuary.

EggHeadz Inclusion Programmes: EggHeadz support services take place in five different centres for Direct Provision in the Fingal area. Our engagement with the migrant community has been vital for integration and inclusion of young people in local sports clubs. FREE Youth Counselling in Donabate: This is available free of charge to young people (aged 12-25) by appointment. It is available on Mondays in Donabate Portrane Community Centre and appointments are available between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Contact Mairead on 086329 6812 or by email eggheadzcounselling@ gmail.com to book an appointment. For more follow us on social media visit our website or scan the QR code.

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Feature

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Guide Dogs It’s the most wonderful time of the year and one of the busiest times for our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs. Our merchandise stand was in SuperValu, Balbriggan on both Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th November and also up in Millfield Shopping Centre on Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th November for the arrival of Santa, where we had car raffle tickets, Christmas cards and calendars, all of which are still available and if you missed us at any of the events in November and would like to get the above merchandise, our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch will be at the Bremore Castle Crafts Fair on the 10th December so you can come along, get your goodies and say hello. If you are not in North County Dublin however and find yourself in Co Cavan at the Ballinagh Tractor Run on the same date, you just might run into Tom O’Neill and his guide dog Qeb who will be attending. Another way to support us this Christmas season is to donate any old Irish coins, old sterling and any other coins and notes from around the world, along with old postage stamps that you might have lying around, as our branch receives the money from everything that comes in.Finally, our counter boxes and large dogs are a very steady fundraiser throughout the year and we want to thank all the premises holders that allow these containers to be placed on their premises. We would love more help to empty these boxes

Anne with puppy in training ‘Cosmo’, Georgina with Assistance Dog ‘Milo’, Sarah with Assistance Dog ‘Kirby’, Tom with his Guide Dog ‘Qeb’ standing with Santa and his elves in the Grotto 2022.

and large dogs especially in the Rush, Lusk and Skerries areas of North County Dublin. If you would like to help, please contact us on the details below. We would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has volunteered, donated and supported our Branch throughout the year. We wish you a happy Christmas and a fantastic

new year! If you are interested in volunteering with us, please feel free to contact us: Balbriggan/ North County Dublin branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, you can phone or text us on 085 7663107, email us whenever you can at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

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Feature

Siobhan’s Christmas gift selection especially for you! By Siobhan Ó Neill White Yay, its December and we’ve curated a fantastic selection of gifts for you! Love a golden glow? TanOrganic has gorgeous gift sets. Use promo code MAMS15 for 15% off at //ie.tanorganic. com/. MyKindOfDress.com has beautiful dresses for partywear, use promo code MAMS30 for 30% off. For curvy girls, yoursclothing.ie has gorgeous clothing, underwear, loungewear and accessories in their Ilac SC store / online. Looking for a special outfit for an event or night out? Quiz Clothing have fabulously festive party wear. Available Ilac SC / online. sculptedbyaimee.com has beautiful gift sets for Christmas, the packaging is gorgeous, so no need to wrap! tipperarycrystal.ie/ has a huge selection of products for gifting, including homewares, handbags, wallets, purses and jewellery. Our favourite is their new Butterly & Bee ranges. Use promo code MAMS20 for 20% off. BaByliss has a fantastic range of hair styling and grooming products for women and men. Available in Boots and stores nationwide. We especially love the cordless products, for easy hair styling. R+Co and Alfaparf have fab hair treatment gift sets, perfect for pampering at home. Available in salons nationwide. For personalised gifts, Stitch A Name are a wonderful Irish company, making gorgeous gifts for babies, children and adults. We love the dressing gowns &amp; teddy bears, so cute!

Available Ilac SC and online. Love skiing? The new Pixie Lott ski collection with Dare2B has landed online and in Regatta stores. Colourful, warm and stylish for hitting the slopes. Malena shirts are a clever gift for guys. With a hidden zip behind the buttons, it’s like a comfy corset for men! See malenashirt. com. Burrenperfumery.com/ hand make beautiful gift sets that smell incredible! A little bit of the Burren in a box! Elave has wonderful skincare gift

sets, perfect for anyone with sensitive skin and they’re made in Ireland! If you want to make gift wrapping extra special? At mynametags.ie/ you can create personalised stickers to put on gifts. They’re wonderful for putting on toys, books etc so they don’t get mixed up or lost! For more gift ideas go to mams.ie and our socials instagram.com/mams. ie/? hl=en, facebook.com/mams.ireland and // twitter.com/mams.ie.

Memories of yesteryear - Christmas in a new house By Jonathan Kavanagh Swords is still a small rural town as the not so swinging sixties draw to a close. But change is on the way as even the world’s greatest futurologist cannot not predict the expansion to come. As Neil Armstrong leaves his footprints in the lunar dust, we too take a giant leap for mankind. We vacate the antiquated gate lodge and move into a newly built council house a few miles from Swords town. As Christmas approaches, I have a serious concern. Our new dwelling does not have an open chimney breast. How will Santa get in? “I’ll leave a key out for him”, my mother reassures me. Meanwhile, the culinary event of the year, operation Christmas pudding begins. My mother builds up the ingredients on a weekly basis; currants, raisins, mixed peel etc. The receipt also contains a bottle of stout and a generous helping of whiskey. We have a new neighbour; a disciple of modern gadgets who takes on the unenviably task of dragging us into the twentieth century. She tells my mother that cooking the pudding in a piece of calico cloth belongs to the era of the penny farthing bicycle and loans her 14

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

a state-of-the-art bowl. With all the suspicion of the Road Runner viewing an invitation to Wile E Coyote’s barbeque, the new cooking method is reluctantly embarked upon. As always, boiling the pudding is a nine-hour marathon, producing enough steam to power the Titanic. Alas, like the great ship, the pudding is also on course for disaster. The next stage of the process involves removing the annual treat from the cloth and rapping it up to mature. Horror reveals itself; the much-acclaimed bowl has a design flaw. A hidden inner rim, rendering it impossible to remove its contents in one piece. My mother, a god-fearing woman who never uses bad language, expels expletives that would make Mrs Brown blush as she scoops out her pride and joy with a wooden spoon. A valiant attempt to reassemble it has all the success of Mr Magoo trying to thread a needle. Like Humpty Dumpty, all the king’s horses and all the kings’ men can’t put it back together again. On a happier note, Santa finds the key and leaves me my dream present – a pocket transistor radio complete with one ear piece.

Local Sports

iSecure Swords Thunder, the local ladies’ basketball team news!

National League iSecure Swords Thunder, the formidable local ladies’ basketball team, has roared back to life this season, demonstrating an astonishing turnaround from their previous year’s performance in the Basketball Ireland MissQuote.ie National League. Last year, they achieved a modest record of 4 wins and 14 losses, but this season, they are emerging as a force to be reckoned with. The turning point for Swords Thunder has been the strategic acquisition of pro-player, Jensen Caretti, hailing from Ohio State. Caretti has proved herself as a scoring machine, consistently delivering a stellar performance with an impressive average of 20 points

per game. Her exceptional skills and experience have breathed new life into the team and positioned them as competitors this year. Adding to the excitement, Jasmine Walker, originally from New Jersey, but who has dedicated her last five years to Irish basketball, has been an invaluable addition for the team. Her strong presence on the court and her unwavering dedication have further fuelled the team’s resurgence. iSecure Swords Thunder’s remarkable journey back to the top has been highlighted by their exceptional start to the season. They kicked things off with a thrilling victory over Phoenix Rockets, the reigning League Cup Champions

setting the tone for the season. Their remarkable momentum continued with a resounding win over the National Cup Winners, Dublin Lions. Excited fans and supporters can stay up-to-date with the latest scores, highlights, and game information by following the Swords Basketball Club on their social media channels. Swords Thunder is

eager to continue their incredible journey through the National League, and their recent successes suggest that they are well on their way to becoming a formidable force within women’s National League basketball. As the season unfolds, expect more thrilling games and a continued display of excellence from iSecure Swords Thunder.

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Healt

Home Cook Recipes

Colourful Chicken Curry Forget the chill with warming Curry. As the weather starts to turn chillier, eating foods with spices can help to warm us up from the inside out! Curries are a great dish for cooking in a batch and leaving it to simmer to develop the flavours of the spices. Curry also freezes quite well, providing a flavoursome, nourishing and warming meal for those busy days that you may not have much time to spend in the kitchen. There are so many variations on curry. My recipe is really colourful, tasty, healthy and lean with all the different vegetables.

Colourful chicken curry Makes 4 portions Ingredients • 16

3-4 (550g) Chicken fillets, chopped into pieces SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

• • • • • • • • • •

1 large spanish onion, cut into chunks 3 Garlic cloves, crushed/chopped finely 1 Red pepper, cut into chunks 1 Yellow pepper, cut into chunks 2 whole Fresh red chillis, diced 100g Spinach leaves 200g Natural flavour greek yogurt 1 tin chopped tomatoes 4 tablespoons curry powder 400mls water

Method 1. Prepare and wash the vegetables. Place aside. 2. Prepare and chop the chicken. 3. Heat a non stick pan on a medium heat. If not using a non-stick pan then heat 4 teaspoons of oil in a high sided pan. 4. Add the onion, garlic and fresh chilies and cook on a medium-high

heat. 5. Add the chicken and curry powder. Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavours from the curry powder. 6.Add the peppers, tin of chopped tomatoes and 400mls hot water. Stir to mix. 7. Simmer for 1 hour until the liquid reduces. In the mean time the condiment such as rice could be cooked as per instructions on the product label. 9.Finally, stir in the spinach leaves and yogurt. Serve and enjoy. For 1:1 clinical consultations, public health talks or workshops in preschools, primary or secondary schools and workplaces, please email: niamh@biabites.net See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for other food ideas. Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist” Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Swords Karate Club News Swords Karate Club News in October and November October and November were busy months for the club. Along with our regular training sessions every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday we also hosted and participated in several other events. In October we hosted Brown & Black Belt Training for JKS Ireland members from across the country. We also hosted Open Squad training for JKS Ireland members which is in preparation for the JKS World Karate Championships in Japan in 2024. We sent a small squad of 15 club members to the JKS Ireland Interclub Competition held in Tallaght at the end of October. The squad did fantastic, showing off their karate skills and topping the medal table on the day with 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze medals coming home to Swords. In November we hosted JKS Ireland Brown & Black Belt Training as well as Open Squad training for JKS Ireland members. These are important events, not just for training but also for maintaining the friendships which have developed amongst students from around Ireland. Sophia Guildea and Amelia Miller were presented with their JKS Shodan Diploma from Japan by Dermot O Keeffe Sensei 7th Dan JKS at the November Brown & Black training session. These Diplomas are the results of the Dan Examination taken by the two girls in May 2023 under the watchful eye of Kagawa Shihan 9th Dan JKS, World Technical Director. At this exam, both girls had to demonstrate their skills and abilities in an examination of Kihon, Kata and Kumite which lasted approximately 45 minutes. The Club is very proud of its new Black Belt holders. The Club is looking for new members (Children, Young People & Adults). Contact Dermot on 087-8073885 for details on how to join. You can also contact us on Facebook: JKS Swords Karate Club or on Instagram: @jks_ swords_karate_club. We wish all our members, supporters and their families a very Happy Christmas. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Sophia Guildea and Amelia Miller were presented with their JKS Shodan Diploma from Japan by Dermot O’Keeffe Sensei 7th Dan JKS

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! 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 the 16th of this mnoth. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good luck

SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Down

1 Holds someone responsible for wrongdoing. (6) 5 Ornamental band worn round the arm. (6) 10 Type of cherry. (7) 11 Reports that are circulating but of doubtful truth. (7) 12 A prolonged dull pain. (4) 13 More than enough, plentiful. (5) 15 Spend time doing nothing. (4) 17 Nervous or timid in the company of other people. (3) 19 A place where dead bodies are kept before burial. (6) 21 A type of light, feathery cloud, (6) 22 A pert toe hides the highest point of a tall woody plant. (7) 23 A tilt built into a road at a bend or curve. (6) 25 A less direct route to somewhere. (6) 28 Concealed something. (3) 30 Decorative container without handles used for displaying cut flowers. (4) 31 Annoyed or frustrated. (5) 32 Edible European mushrooms. (4) 35 The Yellowhammer State. (USA) (7) 36 “Call me ...” (Moby Dick) (7) 37 Cut down a tree. (6) 38 Nests for eagles. (6)

2 Sounds like a dog with a stagger. (7) 3 The offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. (4) 4 Agnes, Ciaran, Debi. (6) 5 Only just; almost not. (6) 6 Deprived of feeling through cold or shock. (4) 7 Wash money illegally. (7) 8 Preserve a corpse from decay. (6) 9 Poplar trees known for trembling. (6) 14 Mythical bird that rose from the ashes. (7) 16 Toned down. (5) 18 An animal with two feet. (5) 20 “To ... is human, to forgive divine” (Alexander Pope) (3) 21 Hoax the fish. (3) 23 The roe of the sturgeon. (6) 24 Blunder, error, slip. (7) 26 Control the functioning of a machine. (7) 27 A consequence or outcome. (6) 28 This newspaper could be a sign that something is about to happen. (6) 29 A piece of electronic or mechanical equipment. (6) 33 Make a long, high cry because of pain or sadness. (4) 34 Hammer-wielding Norse god. (4)

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SWORDS LOCAL-JANUARY 2024