Swords Local V8I6-AUG 2023

SWORDS LOCAL

€50 crossword competition inside

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.

There are many families in Fingal who have grown up kids who cannot move out and cannot move on with their lives and they are the generation who have been locked out. We need to build communities that have the necessary infrastructures in place and homes for residents that are affordable to rent or buy. People should decide what type of housing suits their needs, public, private or owner occupied but it needs to be affordable. We’ve seen too many government housing policies that aren’t delivering homes for our residents.

Working in the Community Myself and Deputy Louise O’Reilly TD work closely together and with resident’s groups and individuals in our community to deal with local and personal issues. We listen to people’s concerns and do everything in our power to ensure that their interests are met, locally through Fingal County Council and through the Dáil, and through our constituency offices in Swords and Balbriggan.

I also work closely with Dessie Ellis TD on issues affecting the Santry area that falls within the Swords boundary and with community groups and indi-

viduals in this area. We support our communities on many campaigns and issues that affect their daily lives.

Sustainable Transport

With delays to Metro North I have called for and had a motion passed which calls for a Town Bus for Swords to facilitate those areas that have no direct access. Sinn Féin has supported residents who will be affected by the works in relation to the Metro.

Dublin Airport – Noise

The current situation with Dublin Airport ignoring noise regulations and agreed flight paths is a significant concern. Sinn Féin have met with groups campaigning against these breaches and I was happy to stand with residents in a recent protest. I’ve raised the matter with FCC and continue to do so. Along with Deputy O’Reilly we have met with the DAA and the IAA, and continue to meet with residents groups in affected aeas. The DAA ignoring noise regulations and agreed flight paths is unacceptable we will continue to raise this with FCC, ANCA (noise regulator) and in the Dáil.

Health

The current crisis in the health servic-

es is not new, despite promises by government the additional beds have not all been delivered and the numbers on trollies and the delay times for treatments and surgeries is not acceptable. Swords needs a primary care centre, I was delighted to get a motion passed to facilitate this as part of the Fingal Development Plan and we will be working closely with the HSE and the Department of Health to ensure this is delivered. There must be greater collaboration between community healthcare and acute hospitals to ensure that recovery and transitional care beds are available in the community for speedy discharges and the provision of care outside of hospitals where appropriate.

Crime

We need to tackle the growing crime and anti-social behaviour. This is a real problem– and there has been a lack of focus on making communities safe for everyone. As a member of the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) in Fingal, I have called for additional resources, community policing to be prioritised and for a local task force to deal with crime. The additional number of com-

munity Gardaí have had a positive impact in areas in Swords, but realistically the Garda station is not sufficient to meet the needs of a growing community 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

rising cost of living including members from other political parties. Alleviating hardship is what the council should be striving to do, and not adding to it. The 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.

Co-operation creates a sense of Community

People have asked how does a successful community operate and the answer really is quite simple. it is one which is built through co-operation. To put it simply it is a case of people co-operating in order to make an area work in every sense. An area where people co-operate with local statutory bodies to create employment, housing,energy, health, commercial, sporting and other facilities in order to improve their lives. A successful caring community which creates voluntary, charitable and sporting organisations to fill the void left by the lack of funding from such governmental agencies who in any society cannot possibly meet all the demands on their finances. However in order for groups to succeed in meeting those demands the vital element is co-operation. Co-operation between individuals, groups and other organisations for the common good of the general population becomes the norm and that leads to a sense of community. Groups and organisations and the individuals who run them become interdependent on each other. For instance local groups have to apply to the voluntary committee who run a community hall to hold their meetings and functions and are granted it. Sporting and other groups also share facilities and the resultant expenses are halved and this co-operation leaves more monies available to run them. Voluntary and charitable groups also benefit from joint fundraising and in this way groups which provide services to the most vulnerable in society have more money to use, to reach more of those in need. This results in the services they provide improving and a sense of pride in their community which encompasses their area in general. Support for all these different sectors including the commercial life of the area becomes the norm and the local economy benefits. Fingal is a prime example of such groups co-operating and creating a great community spirit. So therefore as I said at the start where there is co-operation a community is built. Local retailers and the voluntary/charitable/ sporting and employment and housing sectors work together and all benefit. So there you have the answer- co-operate and create a great community, we have in Fingal!. Have a lovely August.

The Locals Team.

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STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:

Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition

Swords Community College

Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) invite applications for the following Full-Time Caretaker position in Swords Community College, Broad Meadow, Rathbeale Road, Swords, Co Dublin, K67A3E8

A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 6 months

The Caretaker shall provide an efficient and effective range of caretaking, cleaning/maintenance and security service. He/she will be flexible with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.

Application form and job description is available from the Recruitment Section, Human Resources Department by emailing apply@ddletb.ie

The latest date for receipt of applications is 12:00 noon, Tuesday 15th August 2023. Shortlisting may take place

Late applications will not be considered.

Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB, 1 Tuansgate, Belgard East, Tallaght, Dublin 24. D24 X62W

Swords Women’s Shed community – lets get fit and have fun!

Swords Women’s Shed have said recently we should all get ready for an amazing opportunity to boost our fitness levels and have a blast outdoors. Lots of local groups will take part in the Fingal ParkFit 2023, the 10-week outdoor exercise programme designed to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

What to Expect: Fun-filled outdoor workouts

- Engaging group exercises - Certified trainers and fitness experts - Varied supervised training sessions and a supportive community atmosphere. So go on why not Register by clicking: Swords, Holywell Park bit.ly/ParkFit2023Holywell. Also just to ensure as many people as possible get the

message why not spread the word? Do you know someone who would love to join Fingal ParkFit 2023? Let them know about this truly fantastic opportunity to get fit, have fun, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors together! For any inquiries, contact Noel.McManus@Fingal.ie.Let’s kickstart our fitness journey together and make 2023 our healthiest year yet! See you at Fingal ParkFit 2023!

Fingal ParkFit programme for Summer 2023. Free Exercise Classes started in Holywell Park on Wednesday 14th June 7pm and are continuing –check out the Fingal County Council website or contact Noel.

A New Way To Future-Proof Cover

By Dave Kavanagh

One of the issues with 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 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.

A brilliant summer for the local Gude Dogs Association

What a successful May and June for the Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs. We are delighted to say that between our merchandise stand on Guide Dog Day the 26th May in the magnificent Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan and also on SuperValu, Balbriggan on 27th May, our branch raised a truly wonderful fundraising total of €1,433.78. Skerries Community College also organised a sponsored dog walk for Guide Dog day on the 26th May where the teachers and students walked and raised a wonderful €330 in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. We also attended Summerfest festival on the 4th June, there was sunshine and smiles all around and we are delighted to say, we actually raised €337.70. On our Guide Dog funding page we also raised €355 throughout the month of May, a massive thank you to Ms Reilly and also Ms O’Neill’s class at Scoil Chormaic CNS who raised €320 of that for our Branch. We also want to say a massively big thank you to those who supported us and continue to do so. We appreciate it.

There will be more events coming up over the following months, so make sure to keep an eye on our social media pages and feel free to contact us if you would like to volunteer or help out. We have a request for an old usable iPhone if anyone has one they would kindly like to donate to the Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch. We currently have an iPhone 5 but are looking for an upgrade, preferably sim free. This is used for events which is in conjunction with the Sum Up machine, which makes it possible to tap your card at our own merchandise stands. If you have an old iPhone you would like to donate to us, you can contact us through our own Facebook page at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs or indeed call us or text us on 085 7663107. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact our Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/ text 085 7663107, email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Tom O’Neill with Guide Dog Qeb, volunteer Maura and Puppy Raising Supervisor Lucie, at BalbrigganNorth County Dublin merchandise stand in Tesco, Millfield, Balbriggan on Guide Dog Day.

CE job opportunity with St Colmcilles GAA Club Swords

St Colmcilles GFC are seeking participants who are eligible under the current Community Scheme Employment. All training will be given. 19.5 hours per week. Weekends or Weekday work optional. Call Marian 0876819540. ALSO PLEASE DO NOT FORGET!!!!!

ST COLMCILLES GFCFAMILY FUN DAY - AUGUST

19th - Join us for a Fun Filled Day for all the Family. Come along and take part in what is bound to be a great day! We have Paul’s Pet Farm, Children’s Entertainment, DJ, Kiddies Play Area, Slime station, Bubble Station, Face Painting, Mary’s Bottle stall and Games Galore.There will be a BBQ and Ice Cream Van on site also. Admission is free for children and €5 per adult.

Council appeals for extreme caution on beaches this summer!

Despite running a rigorous recruitment campaign over the last few months, the Council will be unable to put lifeguards at all its designated bathing areas. This shortage of available lifeguards will leave some beaches exposed during the summer, with patrols not possible on all popular beaches. Beachgoers are reminded that if there’s a red over yellow flag flying from the lifeguard station, a lifeguard is present and it is safe to swim. A red flag means there is a lifeguard on duty, but it is not safe to swim. No flag means there is no lifeguard on duty. A lifeguard is only on duty in the summer months from 11am to 7pm as follows: Every day during July & August (N.B. locations will be dependent on staffing availability), - The first two weekends in September (Blue Flag Beaches only. To maximize beach safety and minimize potential hazards, Fingal wants beach goers to keep the following tips in mind: (1) Swim in designated areas: (2) Keep a close eye on children: (3) Follow lifeguard instructions: (4) Please do not bring inflatable toys to the beach:(5) Avoid alcohol and drugs: Drinking alcohol is forbidden under Fingal County Council beach bye- laws. Remember that alcohol and drugs also impair judgement and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents in the water. Stay sober and alert while enjoying the beach. (6) Be aware of weather conditions: (7) Learn basic water safety: If you’re not a confident swimmer,please consider taking swimming lessons or familiarise yourself with basic water

safety techniques. (8) Stay hydrated and use sun protection: Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illnesses.(9) Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by cleaning up after yourself and disposing of trash in designated bins.Take your rubbish home with you, if our bins are full.

Also, please do not bring BBQs to our beaches, as they can lead to serious burns if left behind. (10) Be alert: Where an area is not being lifeguarded and you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. By adhering to these guidelines and being responsible beach goers, we can all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable summer experience.

Fingal County Council lifeguard on duty

Swords is in bloom thanks to Tidy Towns

By Ken Duffy

The Main Street and surrounds of Swords are looking vibrant and alive with a multitude of flowering colours, which is a joy to behold. The array of flowering plants was provided by Swords Tidy Towns and planted by our hard-working volunteers. Our partners Fingal County Council have played their part also with their wonderful colourful displays, a big thank you to the hardworking crews within the Operations and Parks Departments.Our preparation works for this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition was well underway as our preparation work started months in advance of the competition, this work will carry

on throughout the summer. Our Swords Tidy Towns volunteers work throughout the year only taking a break over the busy Christmas period. These hard working individuals are deserving of everyone’s applause, their trojan work has resulted in Swords winning five National Silver medals in a row.

Preparation works have already started on the new Swords Cultural Quarter, which is great to see. This long-awaited development along with the continuing restoration works at the Castle will only further enhance the beauty of our wonderful town and its surrounds. As stated in previous articles, Swords Tidy Towns are always in need of your help and support in keeping our highways and byways clean and litter free. We know by

your many complimentary comments posted over the years on our multimedia pages that we have that support, so please let vigilance be your buzz word.If you have some spare time and would like to get involved in community work, we would be delighted to hear from you. You can contact our Chairperson Ken Duffy at 0866008313 or email us at swordstidytowns@gmail.com Besides the usual skill sets we are always looking for people with other skills that would benefit the group, IT, Gardening, Carpentry, Fund Raising, Art, Machinery Repair, Painting etc. If you feel you have a skill that would benefit the group we would love to hear from you and of course anyone else who would interested in joining us.

Things to do and enjoy in Ireland this Summer

by Siobhán O’Neill White

Need inspiration for ideas to keep the kids busy this summer? Go to www.mams.ie, follow our socials FB @mams.ireland, Instagram @mams. ie and Twitter, @mams_ie for ideas, discounts and competitions galore.Emerald Park is open for visitors! Whether you’re brave enough to face Cu Chúllain or more comfortable visiting the zoo, it’s a fab day out. We’ve tickets to give away here: instagram.com/mams.ie/ Eddie Rockets want to help parents this summer, so every Tuesday, kids eat free! For every adult meal purchased for €12 or more, get one free child meal. To enter our Eddie’s voucher giveaway, go here: mams. ie/2023/05/16/kids-eat-free-at-eddie-rocketson-tuesday-all-summer-long/ Need staycation inspiration? Farnham Estate is wonderful for family breaks. Nestled in the lush Cavan’s countryside, it’s a haven. We love to walk the grounds and visit the stunning indoor/outdoor pool! My sister got married here and it remains a firm favourite for our family. We heard such rave reviews about Carlingford Adventure Camp from parents last year that we’ve booked our 11yr old in with her best friend for their 3 day/2 night camp. Jam packed with activities and set in beautiful Carlingford, the camps are very well priced and have residential and non- residential options available, see https://carlingfordadventure.com/

For days you want to chill out, ArcCinema. ie kids’ clubs are great value. We also love their family deal which includes cinema passes, popcorn and drinks for a family of 4 (2 adults

and 2 kids or 1 adult and 3 kids) for only €39.95. With so many wonderful movies out this summer, there’s plenty to choose from! We recommend investing in some garden toys for the many summer days the kids will be playing at home or have friends over. Irish company JKC Toymaster are experts in outdoor toys. Our daughters have been on our Berg trampoline non-stop since we got it. See their fab range here: jkctoymaster.ie/. If you fancy a different kind of holiday - how about Glamping?! We’re

Vertigo (1958) A study of obsession

by Jack Shanley

Daunting disturbing and chilling Vertigo remains a masterpiece. 55 years after its original release and with it being shown later this month in the lighthouse Cinema Alfred Hitchcock’s mesmerising fascinating masterpiece still moves audiences today. Arguably Hitchcock’s best film it’s still fascinates me every time I see it. It’s the study of obsession that keeps the material so fresh and new. Its Johns (James Stewart) obsession that drives the story on and keeps us hooked from the second we see the dizzying spirals of the opening credits sequence. Although story was arguably the most important part of a Hitchcock film, with Vertigo its quite different. It’s the emotions, characters, themes that pull a story together. I’ve seen this work with many films and find it quite interesting, as a film it could have a basic story but it lives off its character development etc. This is the film that introduced the World to the famous sequence known as the Vertigo Effect which has gone on to be used in various other films. It;s basically a forward zoom with a reverse dolly meant to achieve a disorienting effect of shifting perspectives. Vertigo also happens to be Hitchcock’s most personal picture, burrowing deep into the directors own darkest wormholes: obsessions with women, the desire to control them, and to mould them into a personal ideal. The psychologically complex material is played off incredibly well by James Stewart who we sympathize with and a chilling Kim Novak performance. With the colours dazzling, and Bernard Herrmann’s extraordinary score as crisp and haunting as ever, its surely a must watch. In all truth I’d recommend checking out Vertigo as its screens in the Lighthouse Cinema on August 20th and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of five stars. Director: Alfred Hitchcock– Rating: PG – Genre: Mystery/Thriller – Run Time: 2h 8m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

heading to Ardmore Glamping Pods in beautiful Waterford. We’ve booked a large pod, which fits 7 people. Right next to the beach and Ardmore Open Farm, it’s a fabulous location. They even rent BBQ’s out so you can cook up a storm while enjoying the beautiful beach views! Inquire at ardmoreglampingpods.ie/. Please make sure to be sun safe this summer. We recommend Irish brand Elave SPF50 suncream. Its brilliant for all ages. Watch our socials for giveaways on this.

The kids love their chocolate!

Cllr Henchy promises to be a Mayor for All

In his inaugural address after his recent election as Mayor Of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy promised to be a “Mayor for All”. This is an excerpt from that speech: “Is mór an onóir dom bheith tofa mar Mhéara Fhine Gall inniú ag sibhse mo chuid comhghleacaithe anseo inniú inár Seomra Comhairle.Buíochas ó chroí le gach duine a thug tacaíocht dom, agus buíochas freisin le gach comhairleoir is gach ball foirne den ár gComhairle a oibreann go dian gach lá ar son na saoránaigh áitiúla.Geallaimse do mhuintir Fhine Gall go ndéanfaidh mé mo dhícheall gach lá ar bhur son, agus mar Mhéara, ní hamháín ar son muitir mo thoghcheantair féin, Port Reachrainn, Domhnach Bat, Rois Eó, Lusca, Baile Bachaille, Baile Gháire, An Seanbhaile, An Aill agus Baile Scadán, ach as son gach duine a chónaíonn, a oibríonn agus a thugann cuairt i gContae Fhine Gall.

It was both humbling and a great honour for me to be elected as the 18th Mayor of Fingal and

to also receive such a strong mandate from my fellow Councillors who entrusted me with their support for this highly respected and prestigious role.

At this time I of course want to especially thank my family for their encouragement and unwavering support at all times.I also want to very much remember the last person who served as Mayor of Fingal from Donabate and that was Gerry McGuire in 2011. Sadly Gerry passed earlier this year and is greatly missed by his family, relatives, friends and wider community. It would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to the first ever Mayor of Fingal, a Portrane man Sean Ryan who went onto be an outstanding public representative and TD for Fingal. I want to welcome Seáns brother Brendan whose first meeting was the election of Mayor in his new role of Councillor within the Skerries/Balbriggan ward having replaced Seána O Rodaigh. It has been one of the privileges of my life to serve the

good people of Portrane, Donabate over the last 9 years within Fingal County Council and I now look forward to serving all of the people of Fingal over the next 12 months.

I fully believe in truly been a Mayor for All where every citizen has a right to not only have their voice heard but to also achieve their dreams & aspirations. I am passionate about making our communities not only better places to live, but to be safe and wonderful to visit. Fingal is an incredible place, full of incredible people which means we can continue to build an incredible future. We have so much to be proud off and yet so many opportunities to build an even brighter future. I promise to give it my very best every day, and as Mayor, not just for the people of my own electoral area, Portrane, Donabate, Rush, Lusk, Ballyboughal, Garristown, Oldtown, the Naul, & Balscadden, but for everyone who lives, works and visits Fingal. Go Raibh Mile Maith Agaibh.

Newly elected Mayor of Fingal Cllr Adrian Henchy chairing his first Council meeting

ALSAA Tennis Club Seeking New Members

The Aer Lingus Social and Athletic Association was originally founded in 1966 by employees in Dublin Airport and is still going strong today, ALSAA Tennis Club is now open to everybody. Membership in the first year was £1.00, which was more expensive than it sounds as the club had no courts. Although no longer at £1.00 the membership is still great value particularly if you are interested in any of the many other sports ALSAA has to offer. In ALSAA Tennis Club, we pride ourselves in having a welcoming and intimate club where everybody is on first name terms. We cater to all levels, from the player who just wants some fun, social tennis to those who want to pit themselves against the very best in other clubs around Leinster. We are an extremely active club, hosting a range of club tournaments and events throughout the year. We’re always open to new membership so come check us out. Our club is located on the grounds of the ALSAA Sports Complex (.alsaa.ie), Swords Road, Swords, Co. Dublin – Eircode: K67 YV06.

So why don’t you join a vibrant Tennis Club? We take pride in having an active social tennis club for all our members, whatever your level. Enjoy club tournaments, social tennis, and our annual club championship. Something for everyone. You can check us out on our website (), on Facebook (https:// facebook.com/alsaatennisclub) and our email address is alsaatennisclub@ gmail.com.

We would love to have you as a member and all levels are welcome. ALSAA membership is €200 (which you spread out over 12 months), with membership to our tennis club being an additional €110. Please ring John on 087-6526378 if you have any questions or would like to join.

Community organisations -We are here for you and it’s free!

Home Cook Recipes Healthy

Niamh’s Mouthwatering Beef and Black Bean Sauce

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 50g sliced onions

• 200g sliced beef

• 120 chopped mixed peppers

• 1 cup of whole grain rice

• 40g sliced mushrooms

• 40g black bean sauce

To make homemade black bean sauce:

• 200g black beans

• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

• 2 shallots

• 2 cloves garlic

• 5cm fresh root ginger

• 1 tablespoon chilli pepper flakes

• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cornflour dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

Method to make sauce:

1.Mix the beans, shallots, chilli pepper flakes and rice wine vinegar together. Mash the beans well. Set aside.

2. Sauté the garlic and ginger in a small amount of oil on a pan until soft and flavours infuse. Add the mixture from the previous step.

3.Bring the mixture to the boil then simmer for 10-15minutes. To thicken the sauce, stir in the cornflour mixture. Simmer until thickened.

To cook the rice:

Bring 1.5 cups of water to boil before adding a cup of rice and let it simmer before all the water has dissolved. Then it is ready to serve.

To cook the rest of the ingredients:

1.Add 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil into a nonstick pan (preferably). Gently cook stripped beef just to brown it then remove from pan.

2.Add vegetables to pan and lightly cook before adding black bean sauce and beef then cook till sauce begins to bubble and meat is cooked thoroughly.

3.Serve with cooked rice.

For nutrition and healthy eating talks or workshops in preschools, primary or secondary schools, workplaces or community groups please email:niamh@biabites.

netSee my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’Facebook for other food ideas.

Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist www.biabites.net

Swords Karate Club News

Swords Karate Club News -Club Hoodies on Holidays

We had our summer grading examinations at the end of June. Over 50 students presented for the belt grading examinations in front of a grading panel of JKS Ireland Senior Sensei’s. They all performed their kihon, kumite and kata very well and everyone passed with flying colours to their next coloured belt. Dermot Sensei was very proud of everyone’s achievement. JKS Swords on Tour: We set all students the challenge of wearing their club hoodie on holidays this year to see how far the club hoodies travelled. We had club hoodies pictured in Slieve Gullion in Northern Ireland, in Dingle in Kerry, in Paris France at the Eiffel Tower and in Disneyland Paris. We also had the club hoodie pictured at the Brandenburg Gate and at Universal Studios in Orlando, USA!

The club continues to train over the summer months with a small break at the beginning of August. The focus is on developing the new techniques, kata and kumite for the next belt grading examination. We take new members (Children, Young People & Adults) all through the year. Contact Dermot on 0878073885 for details on how to join. Contact us on Facebook: JKS Swords Karate Club or on Instagram: @jks_swords_karate_club

www.facebook.com/SwordsLocal

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

Across

1. Free from roughness. (6)

5. Accept to be true without proof. (6)

10. Capable of reasoning in an orderly fashion. (7)

11. Large champion of the Philistines in the Bible. (7)

12. Wind into rings or spirals. (4)

13. Houses for families. (5)

15. Securely fixed in place. (4)

17. Entered into marriage. (3)

19. A maxim, proverb. (6)

21. Flat-bottomed boats for carrying heavy loads. (6)

22. Rolled and turned smoothly in gymnastics. (7)

23. Come to pass, occur. (6)

25. Large Asian endangered felines. (6)

28. The part of a sofa that supports the elbow. (3)

30. Noisy, clamorous. (4)

31. The food of love. (5)

32. A travelling show. (4)

35. Our second official language. (7)

36. Nationality of a native of Naples. (7)

37. The person in charge of a publication. (6)

38. Breathed noisily, as when one is exhausted. (6)

luck

Down

2. Enlarge in size or significance. (7)

3. Bad guys in Lord of the Rings. (4)

4. Empty inside. (6)

5. Verbally disagreed. (6)

6. The lone fish. (4)

7. The message that is intended. (7)

8. Particular regions. (6)

9. Short poems for children. (6)

14. Projecting body parts. (7)

16. Go into, make a record of. (5)

18. Wireless transmission and reception (5)

20. Portable weapon. (3)

21. Place a stake on an outcome. (3)

23. Aided, assisted. (6)

24. Fell abruptly. (7)

26. Consider in detail, question closely. (7)

27. Reduced in size. (6)

28. Professional writer of books. (6)

29. Blending into one mass. (6)

33. An indirect suggestion. (4)

34. Star rodents. (4)