Swords Local V8I7-SEP 2023

SWORDS LOCAL

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.

Autumn a time for planning and renewal

September is the first month of the three which make up the season called Autumn. Its a period when Community/Voluntary/Sporting organisations gain new members. A period when the clocks go back and the daylight shortens. A period when our children go to and from school in the dark and when clubs and organisations go through a period of renewal and begin to plan for the coming months and year ahead. Some people do not like Autumn but if we consider all the good things that can and do happen in September, October and November then those three months are actually better than a lot of people think. As I already stated during Autumn new Committees are elected by groups and clubs, and plans are made on such things as fundraising, competitions, training schedules and new services. Over the years many of us have taken these organisations for granted but if you ever do get involved in them you will be amazed at the workload carried out to help us and our families and neighbours. Endless hours spent going through agendas, standing at training sessions and competitions, collecting money and organising fundraising events in the cold are the reasons so many of our community groups are so successful. Every month in this magazine we highlight the great work undertaken by these individuals who have planned meticulously their charitable and sporting events. So this year as we begin our journey into Autumn let us appreciate the groups. Clubs and organisations, and those individuals who give their time to ensure efforts are successful.

Let us also appreciate those in our community who provide services to our elderly and infirm and our local retailers and service providers who ensure we have local jobs and provisions. So you see these things do not happen without planning and effort and this September let us appreciate all those who work to make our community the caring and wonderful place it is. So, Autumn is not all about cold and dark evenings, its about planning, renewal and success. Happy September!

The Locals Team.

STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:

Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition

A monthly update from The Mayor of Fingal

As I enter my third month as Mayor of Fingal, I am immensely proud of all we have done, as a community, to create a month filled with cultural significance and sporting success. There are so many people to congratulate, from both the Dublin ladies’ and men’s GAA teams who were successful in their respective All-Ireland Football Finals, the Irish Women’s football team, the Irish ladies’ and men’s Hockey Teams.

I had the pleasure of attending so many sporting events this month, including the TY Girl’s Mini World Cup, the Balbriggan Beach Volleyball, The Croquet Cup, St.Ita’s Mini Euros, the Morton Games, the Donabate and Swords Parkrun, the Women’s World Cup Watch Party, the Euro Hockey Championships and the Under 23 Swimming European Championships.

That’s why I was honoured to open the Rathmore Park in Lusk. This 20 Acre Town Park is within easy walking and cycling reach of the centre of Lusk and close to residential areas and local schools making it very accessible to the local community. Another highlight of the past month was the Swords Castle

concerts,with Nathan Carter and Martin Kemp each putting on a fantastic show in this amazing venue in the heart of our County Town. Part of our vision in Fingal is to make this a great place to do business in and it was great to attend the opening of Keeling’s new flower processing facility in St Margaret’s, Keelings are one of the top businesses in Fingal and it is great to see them continuing to expand. News that construction of fast-charging facilities at Drogheda Station for new DART+ trains will commence this year is a major step to improving the rail service to Donabate, Rush-Lusk, Skerries and Balbriggan. The Dart+ Service is due to commence in 2025 and Irish Rail have 95 electric carriages on order. This is going to lead to passenger capacity and improved services for residents and is extremely welcome. Finally, I would like to remind everyone to ensure they are registered to vote! Whether you are a recent resident to Fingal, or have been living here your whole life, it is imperative to check the register and update your details when needed.

Mayor Adrian Henchy

Did you know?

If you are 18 years old or older and ordinarily resident in the state you are eligible to vote

16- and 17-year-olds may pre-register to be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.

We will ask you your nationality in your application as this may affect which elections you can vote in

An Irish citizen You are eligible to vote in all elections and referendums

An EU citizen You are eligible to vote in European and local elections

A British citizen You are eligible to vote in Dáil and local elections

All other You are eligible to vote in local elections

How do I register to vote or update my details?

Whether you use www.voter.ie (Dublin only) or www.checktheregister.ie (nationwide), you will need to provide the following:

• PPSN*

• Date of birth

• Eircode

You can also download a form or contact your Local Authority for a form to register or update details.

Forms are also available for the following:

• Updating your citizenship

• Applying for a postal or a special vote

• Making a third-party request for a change to the register

Remember! Even if you are already registered, please log on to update your details.

AN tSLÍ IS ÉASCA LE CEAD CAINTE A BHEITH AGAT

An bhfuil fonn ort vótáil? Ní mór duit clárú chun é sin a dhéanamh.

Seoladh athraithe? Ní mór duit do chlárú a nuashonrú.

Cláraithe cheana féin? Ní mór duit faisnéis bhreise a thabhairt.

Cláraigh leis an gclár nó nuashonraigh do shonraí ar www.checktheregister.ie nó ar

Swords Women’s Shed reconnecting with the Community!

Swords Women’s Shed has been set up for women of all ages to re-connect with the community. It is a safe place where women can interact with each other and participate in various learning projects. We will offer arts and crafts, flower arranging, crochet and needle skills, and most importantly companionship. This is a new project which gives women a sense of empowerment personal growth, also improving mental health and well being through social interaction. A place to share knowledge and of course a cup of tea. Meetings are held in Colmcilles GAA club on Thursday evenings, and attendance is strictly by registration due to limited space. Registration is posted each Monday evening 7pm sharp, for the following week.

Fond memories of a childhood visit to Swords

by Jon Kavanagh

On a sunny Saturday in the late 1960’s, my father returns home from work at lunchtime. As a farm labourer he works a five-and-ahalf-day week and today is the day I have been looking forward to all week. Rejecting any attempt to display table manners. he hurriedly downs his spuds, bacon and cabbage before announcing “We’re going to the Big Smoke!”. I am precariously perched on the cross bar of his three speed Hercules bicycle as we wobble out of Oldtown. The bike remains stubbornly stuck in one gear. causing my father to pepper our journey with a generous helping of expletives, as we embark on stage one of our expedition. We take a less travelled route down the Wrens’s Nest Lane to Rolerstown. Here, we place said bike in dry dock at a friend’s house and climb aboard the open back 41B double decker. I’m enjoying stage two of our journey as the navy and cream Leyland splutters and belches its way along the Ashbourne Road, contributing generously to the destruction of the ozone whilst producing more decibels than a Rolling Stones concert. Deafened by the roar of the engine and perfumed by diesel fumes we reach our destination, the town of Swords or as my father calls it “Swurds”. The Main Street (one of the widest in Ireland) forms part of the Dublin Belfast Road. Traffic is bumper to bumper. Parking is a free for all, as Morris Minors,

Minis,Volkswagen Beetles, Ford Anglias and the odd Mercedes double and even sometimes triple park. Swords Castle lies unloved as pigs rummage on its grounds. Local shops include Taylor’s Hardware and Drapery where the owners and staff are on first name terms with the customers, a cake shop run by Maggie Kenny where we buy iced buns for our tea and Mrs Heavey’s newsagents. She is ahead of her time and has a sit-down area where I enjoy a packet of Tayto and a bottle of red lemonade as my father chats and buys an Irish Sweepstake ticket. Paddy Weston,

a former ship’s radio operator, has a television repair and rental shop where we pay the monthly charge for a black and white set with rabbit’s ears. No trip to Swords is complete without a visit to Clarke’s Stores – an Aladdin’s Cave of toys, comics, ice cream and sweets. The day passes all too quickly and soon, clutching the Beano, a toy machine gun, and a bag of liquorice allsorts I once again climb aboard the 41B and embrace the journey home for tea and Maggie Kenny’s buns. A perfect day still remembered all these years later.

Can We Release Equity From Our Home?

By Dave Kavanagh

There are many situations where homeowners have limited or no savings but may have requirements that need funding, even though their income does not permit them to commit to unaffordable, regular repayments. Imagine you’ve worked diligently to pay off a substantial portion or all of your mortgage, and you find yourself in need of additional funds due to unforeseen circumstances. A lifetime mortgage allows you to tap into this equity without selling your home. The borrowed amount, along with accrued interest, is typically repaid when the property is sold or when the last borrower passes away or moves into long-term care, so there are no regular repayments to make. There are, of course, reasons why they may not be appropriate for everyone’s circumstances. Some of the benefits include access to funds, whether it is to cover medical expenses, modifications to your home, to assist children in purchasing their own home, or any other urgent needs, no monthly repayments and ownership of your property is retained. Some of the factors to consider, include interest accrual, as interest is added to the borrowed amount over time, this may reduce the equity remaining in your property. It can reduce the value of your estate, potentially affecting any inheritance you leave behind. Financial

implications: it’s crucial to understand the impact of a lifetime mortgage on your overall financial situation, including potential entitlements to state benefits. The amount that can be advanced will depend on the ages of the homeowners and the value of the property (minimum age is 60). Choosing a lifetime mortgage is a decision that should be made carefully, taking into account your unique circumstances, goals, and needs, including situations where there may be still some of your children living at home and you may have planned to leave them the home to live in after your passing. For further information on lifetime mortgages, you can email info@financialcompanion.ie and put “lifetime mortgages” in the subject line.

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.

Swords Tidy Towns certainly know how to party!

By Ken Duffy

In the month of July Swords Tidy Towns took advantage of the many events organised in the Castle by the fabulous Events Team of Fingal County Council headed up by Paul Barnes. All the hard work and preparation put in by our volunteers for this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition was deserving of celebration, and boy did we celebrate.

We didn’t allow the bad weather to put a stop to our planned July 15th Bar B Q at our poly tunnel 5pm to late. We held a Pizza Party inside the tunnel instead, 70’s 80’s and 90’s music was blaring and sing along galore, bring your own fancied tipple. It was a great night, when the darkness crept in, it was time to leave as we didn’t have lighting in the tunnel.Our next trip out was July 27th to the Vintage Picnic Festival in the Castle 2pm until 6pm. What a fantastic event that was, three bands in all, food vouchers and a goodie bag. We were first treated to a very talented Ukulele band whose enthusiasm got the

crowd going. Then we were entertained by Niamh Kavanagh our Eurovision winner and local lass, she came on with her wonderful classical accompanists, boy can that girl work a crowd. Finally, to finish off a wonderful day, the Swing Cats came on, now this band really got our feet moving, jiving, tango and the rest. We stopped off at the 44 for a couple on the way home just to finish off a perfect day.

The final get together was on July 28th 7pm to10.30pm to see Nathan Carter in the Castle, what a night. There was about twenty Tidy Towners there, we managed to get a couple of tables with a high view next to the beer tent, it was done with military strategic planning, the early bird and all that. It was a brilliant night, everyone was in great spirits dancing away, Nathan, he did not disappoint, nor did his support act. If you are interested in joining Swords Tidy Towns we can be contacted at swordstidytowns@gmail.com or call Ken on 0866008313

Film Review – ‘Oppenheimer’ - a breathtaking masterpiece and biopic

By Jack Shanley

‘Oppenheimer’ is a breathtaking masterpiece and perhaps one of the finest biopics ever made. Christopher Nolan manages to yet again skilfully combine the elements of action, audio, acting, direction, and scene design into an unforgettable cinematic experience, proving once again why he is one of the greatest directors of our time. Christopher Nolan’s visionary film making is mesmerising, with the movie taking audiences on an electrifying journey weaving together heart- pounding action sequences, exceptional performances, stunning visuals, and the very meticulous direction. Incredible performances from all including quite extraordinary performances from both Robert Downey Jr. and Emily Blunt. It’s one of our own in Cillian Murphy who truly steals the show with a mesmerising performance that is Oscar worthy. It is those big blue eyes, the stern look, you can really feel the stress that J. Robert Oppenheimer was put under. What makes the film so captivating is this story of a man with weight of the world on his shoulders and the idea that you either view J. Robert Oppenheimer as a hero or villain, it’s just fascinating. From the very very beginning, the film grips

you with its captivating storytelling and seamless blend of the historical accuracy and cinematic artistry. The narrative unfolds chronologically, taking the audience on an enthralling journey through Oppenheimer’s early life, his academic pursuits, and eventually, his pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The experience I had in the cinema was riveting, pure cinematic magic as It’s a film you must see in IMAX. I felt locked into the movie as if I was taken back in time to the 1940’s. The film score complements the truly emotional depth of the story, heightening every scene’s impact and leaving a lasting impression on the viewers minds. With ‘Oppenheimer’ being quite dense. I’d suggest perhaps maybe you watching a documentary before going to see it. Lastly, I’ll finish by saying ‘Oppenheimer’ isn’t merely a biopic about a renowned physicist; it transcends into a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. In all truth I’d recommend checking out Oppenheimer and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of five stars. Director: Christopher Nolan – Rating: R – Genre: Drama/ Thriller-Run Time: 3h – Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Tips for purchasing quality but cheap back to school items

by Síobhán O’Neill White

It’s September and we’ve got some tips to make the back to school transition smooth.

One of the most important things to do is LABEL EVERYTHING!! Uniforms, bags, coats, shoes – we label with iron and stick on personalised labels from MyNametags.ie Pick the colour and style your child likes and add your contact number. Then, if an item gets lost, you’re more likely to get it back! For young children, Smiggle is fun for back to school essentials, as well as colouring goodies and games. We love the vibrant colours, ideal for all kinds of little personalities. Their Ilac SC store is fab for kids to explore. My children love the scented markers, crafty packs, fun pencil cases and quirky water bottles. For school tech, ipad and phone covers are very important to keep devices intact! HOCO have a wide range of styles in store at Ilac and online at hoco.ie reasonably priced and

the staff are super helpful too. Headphones and earbuds are great for teens and tweens on grumpy mornings when they don’t want to chat in the car or bus on way to school! Gadget Geek has a colourful, well priced range. Regatta wind and rainproof coats have reflectors for additional safety on dark wintery mornings and evenings to make sure kids are always visible. We love the Dare2B collabs with Laura Whitmore, Fleur East and Jermaine Jenas. I especially love their warm fleeces to throw on for chilly school morning runs. And check out the Peppa Pig clothing for little ones, very cute.

If you’re thinking ahead to a mini break during the October mid-term? Pillo Hotel Ashbourne has a pool, spa and offer excellent family packages, with trips to Emerald Park, Dublin Zoo and more. See pillohotelashbourne.com Ashbourne is such a quaint village, with cute shops and cafes. We especially love Chez Emily for hot chocolates

and their delicious handmade chocolates are really irresistible! For couples’ romantic breaks, Bellinter House, nestled in the truly gorgeous Meath countryside is ideal for some child free time! My husband and I had a lovely time there with spa treatments, delicious dinner and a comfy stay in their converted stables. Romantic and Cosy!As we get into Autumn, we’ll have lots going on at mams.ie - logon for competitions, chat and more! It’s a fantastic support network for parents in Ireland, is free and full of great product reviews, blogs, offers and giveaways.

Shortlisted for Golden Spider Award & Infant & Maternity Award

As seen on RTE and Virgin Media Ireland & Weekend AM and as heard on Today FM’s Ian Dempsey & Dermot & Dave; RTE’s Ray D’Arcy Show, 98FM, LMFM Late Lunch, WLRFM & Shannonside FM

A fine day for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs

Another busy month for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs. Tom O’Neill and his Guide Dog Qeb and volunteer Maebh Mitchell had an exciting visit to Google Headquarters who invited them along to attend a cake sale in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Google Headquarters kindly said they would match the funds raised. Both Tom and Maebh answered a lot of questions from the international staff, one person even told Tom that Qeb was the first dog they had ever touched! It’s safe to say, a fun and most tasty afternoon was had by all and we would like to thank the Google staff and management for their support.

The Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs has been graciously given a beautiful canvas photograph of the sunset over Balbriggan harbour by local photographer Martin McNamara and it has been suggested that we could use it to fundraise. The value has been set at €250 and the measurements are width of 90cms and depth of 60cms. If anyone is interested in buying it or has any

suggestions as to how we could use it to fundraise please get in touch with us via the below contact details.

If you would like to support us, Skinny Batch Coffee Shop in Lusk Co. Dublin has recently added a new Tap to Donate machine, this means you can find our Tap to Donate machines in Oakes Pharmacy in Skerries and also Specsavers in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan. You can also come along to the open day in Balbriggan Garda Station on Saturday 9th September from 12pm – 3pm.The first hour (12pm-1pm) will be a sensory hour. We will not be fundraising but there might be some fluffy four legged friends with us that want to say hello. Make sure to keep up to date with our Facebook page as more details are to follow. 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, you can email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Fingal Poetry Festival 15-16th September 2023

Fingal Poetry Festival returns to Skerries on the 15-16th September 2023. This year we are thrilled to launch The Big Poetry Day Out — a trail of events that showcase emerging and established poets from across the island. Our mission is to connect people with the written and spoken word in an inclusive and celebratory way. With readings, music, seaside walks, and children’s open mics, there is something for everyone. It is set to be a memorable weekend, with poetry performances from Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin,Stephen James Smith, Jessica Traynor, Paddy Bushe, Sheila Ryder, Harry Clifton, Caitríona Ní Chléirchín, Lucinda Jacob, Maeve O’Sullivan, Victoria Melkovska, Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin, Anne Tannam, Marcus Mac Conghaíl, Enda CoyleGreene, and the winners of our regional community slams. Over the festival weekend we will also be joined by local musicians RVE, Naoise Mac Conghail, Lucy Killian, Lola Coady, Sarah May Rogers, and Oscar Churcher and

Diarmuid Slattery. At the Fingal Poetry Family Festival, Jane Landy will read from ‘Claus Clamhsánaí’, the new translation into Irish of her successful children’s book ‘Gringer the Winger’.

Tickets now available to book: fingalpoetryfestival.com. Join Enda Coyle-Greene for a seaside walk punctuated by poetry from featured poets Maeve O’Sullivan, Victoria Melkovska and Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin. From 2-4pm, Floraville Park will transform into a hub of family-friendly fun. There will be something for all ages with featured poet Lucinda Jacob, art activities, games, and even an open mic for children and young adults. Local author Jane Landy will read from ‘Claus Clamhsánaí’, the new translation into Irish (by Gabriel Rosenstock) of her successful children’s book ‘Gringer the Whinger’. As the evening approaches, the Bridge Club will see readings by Jessica Traynor and Paddy Bushe, judges of the 2023 Fingal Poetry Prize

and An Fiach Dubh, and the unveiling of the winning poems. If you would rather spend an hour or two chatting away, come along to The Gladstone Inn for Craic agus Comhrá, a casual Irish language conversation group that takes the old saying “is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste” to heart. Finally, we will bring our festival home to Skerries Mills — the place where it all began four short years ago. This is set to be one of our most special Poetry at the Mills events to date, with wonderful featured poets Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Harry Clifton, and Caitríona Ní Chléirchín.We are guided by a strong-held belief in inclusivity. Everyone is welcome at Fingal Poetry Festival. A limited number of assisted listening audio sets will be available for our Poetry Walk by the Sea. Some events include ISL interpretation. Fingal Poetry Festival is supported by Fingal County Council, Fingal Libraries, Poetry Ireland and DHL Global Forwarding.

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.

Fingallians GAA Campa Samhraidh 2023

St Colmcilles GAA club Swords is here for you!

A fantastic time was had by the Fingallians children while they practiced their sports trí Ghaeilge at the 2023 Fingallians GAA Campa Samhraidh.88 primary school children registered for the camp that ran from 31st July to 4th August. Weather overall was good despite a few passing showers.The highlight of the week was the visit of two special guests, Fingallians and Dublin Stars Emer Ní Éafa and Niamh Crowley. Both Emer and Niamh were busy preparing for the All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football final to be held in Croke Park on Sunday 13thAugust when Dublin faced on Kerry. The excitement

Are you looking to get involved in a local GAA club ? St Colmcilles GFC Swords, located on Glen Ellan Road has the answer. Weekly training for boys and girls from age 4 years upward. All coaches are fully trained and Garda vetted. This is a fun way for children to get active, make friends and have fun. Contact Cora for more information 083 374 1305. #getbehindyourlocalclub

amongst the children was palpable when the girls arrived. They received a rapturous applause as they settled in for a Q&A session that proved to be insightful and informing. Both Emer and Niamh started in the Fingallians Saturday morning Academy as young children and are now playing at the highest level. Some great questions came from the younger children such as “Do you play Mario Brothers?” and “Are you friends with Ronaldo?”. All questions were skilfully dealt with by the girls who then went on to sign autographs and played a while with each team in the camps mini-league. Fingallians GAA are

grateful to Emer and Niamh for taking time out from their busy schedule to visit the Campa Samhraidh. We are very fortunate to have such role-models for our younger members. The club would like to thank Naoise, Anne, Donagh and Liam for organising the Campa Samhraidh, all of the coaches and coaching assistants who put in such a tough week’s work, Jamie Ó Tuama ó Pháirc an Chrócaigh a thug cuairt orainn agus ár nUrraitheoirí Foras na Gaeilge. Níos tábhachtaí fós, special thanks to all the boys and girls who participated in the camp and who ensured that a great time was had by all. Maith sibh!

Niamh Crowley with fans

Group photo

Emer Ní Éafa signing autographs

Home Cook Recipes Healthy

Super Cereal Bars

“Back to work, school or college after the Summer break may mean back to routine but it doesn’t have to mean back to bad habits! Autumn is the season for change and what better way to start the new school year than on a healthy note. A lot of cereal bars in shops are loaded with sugar which give an instant energy high but this is rapidly followed by an energy crash and cravings for more sweet foods. These cereal bars below are tasty but very satisfying and filling. Not to mention they are so simple to make and contain only 5 ingredients which are very commonplace in many homes.

Ingredients

Makes 15 bars

• 500g muesli (No added sugar)

• 200mls milk

• 100g nut butter (Peanut/almond/ cashew etc.)

• 4 tablespoons honey

• 150g dark chocolate to coat on top

Method

1. Make a well in the centre of the muesli in a mixing bowl. Add the milk and using a knife make an ‘X’ in the mixture, mixing the milk into the muesli.

2. Add the honey and nut butter and combine together.

3. Spread onto a baking tray with grease proof paper and freeze for 4

hours or overnight.

4. Just before removing from the freezer, melt the dark chocolate and then spread it on top of the mixture.

5. Place the mixture back in the freezer for another hour. Make sure it is quite solid. Then cut it up and gobble up! Try store some in a lunchbox in the freezer so that they last the week!!

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”

Swords Karate Club News

Swords Karate Club now open for new members!

With the summer drawing to a close and the children returning to school, many parents are busy organising the important after school

activities for their children. September is a time of year when Swords Karate Club recruit new students. The club has a range of classes for children starting from 4 years up and also for adults. Our Tigers classes are suited for 4 to 7 years old where the big emphasis is on having fun with karate and developing fundamental movements. Our classes for our Tigers are on a Thursday or Saturday. Our Junior Classes are for those aged over 7 up to 12/13 years old. In the junior class students are introduced to the basics of karate and also Kata and Kumite. The focus in these classes is to develop good technique that will stand to the student as they progress up the belt grades. Fun is also an important part of

these classes as the students develop new karate techniques. These classes are on held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Our Senior classes are best suited for those over 13 years up to adult. The focus is on developing good karate technique and fitness through a range of punching and kicking techniques. Kata and Kumite are also important parts of these classes. These classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We take new members (Children, Young People and Adults) all through the year. Contact Dermot on 087-8073885 for details on how to join. Contact us on Facebook: JKS Swords Karate Club or on Instagram: @jks_swords_karate_club

CommunityLocals.ie

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. The second largest country in the world. (6)

5. Very young children. (6)

10. European country ruled by a bishop and a president. (7)

11. Sections of longer items. (7)

12. Cloths worn by babies while eating. (4)

13. What holds us upright. (5)

15. Give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another. (4)

17. A small metal block with internal screw thread. (3)

19. Protective leather or steel covering on a boot or shoe. (6)

21. Most recent or most up-to-date. (6)

22. Fell down, as if collapsing. (7)

23. The capital of Croatia. (6)

25. The sex of a person or organism. (6)

28. A great period of time. (3)

30. Silently ill-humoured, gloomy. (4)

31. Out of fashion in French. (5)

32. Having or exerting a malignant influence. (4)

35. A person who disbelieves in a supreme being. (7)

36. Draws breath. (7)

37. One who lends money at an exorbitant rate. (6)

38. Soldiers collectively. (6)

Down

luck

2. Loud enough to be heard. (7)

3. Affected manners intended to impress others. (4)

4. The great river of South America. (6)

5. Upmarket dance performance. (6)

6. Curved section of a road or river. (4)

7. Beyond a norm in views or actions. (7)

8. A deliberate loss of a chess piece at the start of a game. (6)

9. State categorically. (6)

14. 1, 4, 7, 12. (7)

16. H2O. (5)

18. Disappeared gradually. (5)

20. Inn. (3)

21. A human limb. (3)

23. It has twelve signs. (6)

24. Cowboys of the South American pampas. (7)

26. Grow emotionally or mature. (7)

27. Spicy or savoury condiment. (6)

28. A time for eggs. (6)

29. Give a hand. (6)

33. One who can’t tell the truth. (4)

34. A United State. (4)