Swords Local V8I8-OCT 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.

Its Halloween – and the Clocks change this month too!

Halloween will be here at the end of this month and as many of us know it is based on the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This is about halfway between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice when the Celts believed the boundary between this world and the next could be more easily crossed. All very scary, but those definitions have long been confined to history and today it is a time for the smiles on our children’s faces to replace the apprehension or fear of olden times. Also, remember our clocks go back on October 29, just two days before Halloween so the evenings will be darker. Today our local shops benefit from the sale of Halloween costumes, all kinds of nuts and sweets and fruit and make up materials as the young people go ‘trick or treating’. Today the Christian churches celebrate those days (31 October – 1 November) as the feast days of All Souls and All Saints Days which are religious festivals. These days, Community organisations such as charities, sports clubs and voluntary organisations use this holiday period to raise vital funds with Halloween parties, or a properly supervised and licenced fireworks display, or functions and other fundraising events. However also at this time of let us remember it is an offence to possess unlicensed fireworks (other than low hazard fireworks, such as party poppers, sparklers and so on), with intent to sell or supply. Fines of up to €10,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment can apply. All too often we hear of people, young people in particular, being injured by unlicensed fireworks so let us be careful and use only the legal fireworks in a proper manner. This year we would urge you to support your local retailers who sell licensed sparklers and party poppers and costumes, support your local community organisations and charities and remember to stay safe. In this country we love to celebrate, we invented the craic and nobody parties like we do, so let us enjoy the old Celtic festival. Oh, and remember to support your local shops and don’t forget to change your clocks!

STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:

Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition

The Locals Team.

Swords Tidy Towns Estates Competition and News Update

By Ken Duffy

The Swords Tidy Towns Tidiest Estate Competition took place is September. This year the estates were judged on 1. Entrance to Estate 2. Gardens 3. Litter Control 4. New to the competition this year was a special prize for the most Biodiversity/Wildlife Friendly Estate. We were lucky to get the services of three experienced independent judges this year. Martin Nulty (Landscape Gardener) Ann O’Meary (Fingal Horticultural Society) and Micheal Connolly (Fingal Horticultural Society). The sponsors of the competition this year were Redmond’s Estate Agents who donated €500 to cover 1st Prize and 3rd Prize and Hennessy & Perrozzi Solicitors who donated €250 for the 2nd Prize. Swords Tidy Towns are very grateful to them, without their generosity the competition would not have gone ahead. Our Swop Shop has

become a regular event due to its popularity. It is held at the Rivervalley Community Centre on certain Saturday mornings, dates are posted on our Facebook page in advance, so keep an eye out for our next one. Emma and Ramune are the organ-isers, you will find them there setting up, meeting and greeting with their usual big smiles. There is no charge, just bring along four pieces of clothing which you wish to exchange at the Swap Shop. We had a very successful link up with ASL Airways Swords who wished to get involved in some voluntary work within the community. There was a good turnout, twelve ASL volunteers turned up, we split them into four groups. Each group was supervised by an experienced member of Swords Tidy towns, team leads were Rose, Teresa, Kim and Mal, they litter picked and weeded down the Main St and North St. The ASL volunteers very much enjoyed the experience

and are looking forward to joining us again in the near future. Swords Tidy Towns have stopped meeting on Wednesday nights until the evenings get brighter again. We will still be meeting each Saturday at 9.45am in the car park of Colourtrend opposite the Garda Station. Anyone interested is very welcome to join us on the day, just turn up and introduce yourself or contact us via our organisa-tion’s email at swordstidytowns@gmail. com. During the preparation work for the new Cultural Quarter an ancient Well was discovered an estimated date is 8th century. Swords Tidy Towns sin-cerely hope that FCC intend putting a protection order on it and incorporate into a viewing floor for all to admire in the new Cultural Quarter building. There is a history of Historical Structure Genocide in this country, let us hope Fingal County Council do not decide to go down that shame-ful road.

A fond memory of the old Tech in Swords

By Jon Kavanagh

On an early September morning in 1972 I climb aboard the iconic yellow and white school bus in the village of Oldtown. The driver Mrs Scully does battle with the unyielding beast (no power steering or automatic gears) as we wind our way around the narrow roads of North County Dublin. Eventually, we enter Swords from the north end, alight from the forty-five-seater outside Mary’s O’Grady’s shop and begin the physically short but emotionally long journey down Seatown Road to Swords Technical School, known locally as The Tech. Coming from a two-room country national school, I initially fit in about as well as Crocodile Dundee on the streets of New York. My contemporaries have long hair, denim jackets with a STP sticker on the back and a rabbit’s foot luck charm hanging around their necks. I have short hair and a Val Donagan style jumper. Having to move to a different classroom every forty-five minutes proves

problematic as I constantly get lost in the seemingly unending maze of corridors and prefab buildings. Subjects include science, woodwork, technical drawing, art and civics. We see an overhead projector as state-ofthe-art technology. Our teachers are an eclectic bunch, ranging from a Sherlock Homes lookalike, complete with deer stalker hat, cape and bent smoking pipe, to a man permanently engaged in a failed attempt to keep his combover in place. Unable to pronounce my R’s, my worst nightmare comes true when my English teacher Miss English (believe it or not!) asks me to recite Robert Burns ‘A Wed Wed Wose.’

Although half a century has ticked by, I never pass my old Alma Mater, which I grew to love, without remembering the heady days spent in the great local institution (now Fingal Community College) that was The Tech. I guess it helped make those of us of a certain vintage who we are today.

Cllr Newman at Ward River Regional Park

Swords Cllr. Joe Newman (Ind.) said today that he was most pleased the local authority has taken heed of a motion that he submitted to the 2017 – 2023 development plan and have included it in the Ward River Regional Park Development Project. Newman’s motion was to ensure that any bridge over the valley between. Highfield and Brookdale should be for sustainable mode of transport. The Councillor says the local authority has now proposed a natural looking wooden/steel bridge “through the trees” that will facilitate cycling and walking across the valley at this location and no doubt have benefits for accessibility to schools and provide active travel which will remove a lot of cars from the roads. Also, work is to start immediately on stabilising the beautiful Arch bridge which will be followed on by works to preserve the water Cascades in the Brackenstown side of the valley. Newman says, the combination of the recreational hubs will be a tremendous asset for all the communities of Swords. Cllr. Newman, a resident of River Valley

has been fastidious in his efforts to maintain and protect the great recreational asset of the Ward River valley for the people of Swords and surrounding areas. He has pledged to fight off any efforts to rezone land that will be counter

-productive to developing this regional park for recreational purposes. Newman has praised Mr. Halpenny and his team at the parks department for their vision for the sustainable development the greenbelt and parks.

Cllr Newman at the bridge at Brackenstown Woods

The Exorcist shocks our screens once again

By Jack Shanley

A raw terrifying film, said to be the scariest film ever made, but does it live up to those 50 years on from its original release? The answer well for me at least is yes. It is such a well-directed film...so patient in its pacing flawlessly acted, with brilliant editing and cinematography that really add to the eerie atmosphere of the film. Every shot, every cut is deliberate. The composition of each shot is perfect. Every element of each scene is utilized to its full capacity in each shot, and nothing in a shot lingers for too long, or too short of a time. It gives you just enough to make you feel uneasy.

The Exorcist isn’t just a typical ‘girl is possessed’ film. It is much more involved and deeper than that. For much of this film you question if Regan is just crazy or if she is actually possessed. Even during the exorcism scene, the priests are fully convinced she is even possessed. Which gets to the heart and core of the film: it is a film about faith. Despite the religious nature of the film, there is quite a bit of science

and psychology involved to make even the most religious people question how realistic their beliefs really are. And despite all this doubt and questioning of faith during the film, the exorcist puts all their conceived notions, beliefs, and logic aside, taking a leap of faith to try to save Regan in one of the greatest climaxes in all of cinema. It didn’t feel like an exorcism just for the sake of an exorcism, it felt earned. With a new Exorcist film on the horizon ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ and the sad recent passing Exorcist director and cinema great William Friedkin, now is a great time if any to watch the horror masterpiece. The Exorcist is being screened for its 50th Anniversary in the Light House Cinema in late September into early October. In all truth I’d recommend checking out The Exorcist and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of five stars. Director: William Friedkin – Rating: 18 – Genre: Horror/Thriller – Run Time: 2h 12m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Swords Women’s Shed at Broadmeadow Community Garden

A job extremely well done, our first big project , with Broadmeadow Community Garden

It would not have been possible without all the women of Swords Women’s Shed shedders , from painting stones , to dedicating our time over the past few weeks up at the garden , we are extremely proud and grateful for Aiveen and

Ros to welcome us every week ,to their amazing community garden It also would not have been possible without the help of Creative Ireland , Monto Paint Decorating Centre , Fingal County Council Fingal Community Development Office thank you so much for supporting our shedders

Multi Agency approach to combat illegal waste activity

Fingal County Council’s Waste Enforcement Section has taken part in a multi-agency checkpoint operation recently to tackle illegal waste activities and to ensure compliance with waste regulations in terms of movement of waste materials.

Dublin City Council in its role as lead authority for the Eastern Midlands WERLA (Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority), coordinated yesterday’s operation on behalf of An Garda Síochána’s Dublin Metropolitan Region’s Multi-Agency Forum. This intelligence led vehicle check point was conducted in Fingal, in an area known for significant waste activity. The check points were located both northbound and southbound on a main artery within close proximity to the M1 to capture waste movements within the area and en route to other counties outside of Fingal. Representative agencies for this joint operation included An Garda Síochána, Fingal County

Council’s Waste Enforcement Section, Dublin City Council’s Waste Enforcement Section, the Road Safety Authority and the National Trans Frontier Shipment Office (NTFSO).

The Dublin Metropolitan Region is one out of four of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s multi-agency regional networks, which, enable a multi-faceted enforcement approach by bringing together key stakeholders. The participation of different agencies proved to be very beneficial. Multiagency operations such as this have a positive deterrent effect on criminality, help to raise awareness and lead to positive outcomes relating not only to waste but other offences also. Fingal County Council supports this collaborative approach and will provide any and all further assistance through multi-agency operations to help combat illegal dumping and tackle unauthorised waste collectors.

Breege’s Bus – A Tribute to a Wonderful Woman

August has been another busy month for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs. Tom O’Neill Guide Dog Owner and his family and friends in Farrell’s Bar in Ballinalee Co. Longford which is owned and ran by Breeges sister Mary and husband Martin held a Trad Session on Sunday 20th August where Mick Flavin Country and Western star plus, champion flute player Noel Sweeney and many others played to honour Breege O’Neill’s (nee Reilly) wonderful legacy. Farrell’s Bar said the following on their Facebook page, “While Breege was training with her last guide dog, Qeb, with The Irish Guide Dogs for The Blind in Cork, she noticed how the bus which was used to transport students was not in great shape. On that trip Breege decided she was going to fundraise to buy a new student’s bus for the centre and set about doing so when she got home from Cork in November 2019. In true O’Neill fashion, Breeges wish was carried out after she passed away in June 2021 to get a new

eight-seater minibus to be donated to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in Breege’s memory. Tom O’Neill gave a fantastic speech as he launched Breege’s bus and of course Qeb had to make himself known and was in fine voice on the video emphasising everything Tom said in all the appropriate places. Qeb added to Tom’s fine speech and a wonderful evening. If you would like to listen to Tom’s speech in full, you can visit our Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs or our Instagram page @balbrigganbranchguide. A big well done and thank you to all involved. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman, and we have no doubt Breege would be so proud. The bus was officially handed over to Guide Dogs Cork on Saturday 26th August at the National open day for volunteers at the centre. If you are interested in volunteering with our Balbriggan branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, please feel free to contact us by call or text: 085 7663107, or of course you can always email GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com.

The back of the bus shows a picture of Breege with her Guide Dog Qeb in harness. Also in the picture on the back of the bus is Qeb on his own and Breege’s previous Guide Dogs Gypsy, Eunice and Abbey. There’s also a picture of a puppy in training looking out the window.

Why Do We Put Off Planning Cover?

By Dave Kavanagh

When it comes to the important task of making sure that you have the most appropriate life and serious illness cover in place, many people often keep putting off making time to arrange it, (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality or a serious illness, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name sometime in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed, it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying

way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. Someone once told me that they had no time and in the same conversation told me they had queued for over an hour in a drive-through for doughnuts. (They were also up to date on all the soap storylines!) If it’s important, make the time.

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.

Have a spooktacular Halloween staycation this year!

By Siobhan O’Neill White

The pumpkins are out, it’s getting chilly, and Halloween is fast approaching. If you’re looking to spook up your home, we love the cheap and cheerful Halloween decorations at Penney’s. Perfect for creating spooky vibes. The squishy, velvety pumpkins and butternut squashes are especially cute! After the awful summer of torrential rain, you may be craving a fun-filled family break. We’ve picked some of our favourite spots to give your staycation inspiration this Autumn!

The Farnham Estate is a beautiful sprawling country estate in Cavan. Fab food, spacious rooms and beautiful grounds. We recommend a stroll through the woods to look for squirrels and collect conkers and helicopters! Our children love it there. Another wonderful family friendly place is the Pillo Hotel Ashbourne. Close to Emerald

Park and Dublin, its ideally located. They have kids chill out rooms, family friendly pool and a spa for parents who need a break. This Halloween, Emerald Park has lots planned, including the return of the Tricky Trail for daytime fun and spooky After Dark for night-time thrills! Why not plan a trip to Emerald Park and then head over to Pillo hotel for a swim, yummy dinner and comfy stay! Carlingford is fantastic for family breaks with outdoor activities and water sports. We recommend staying at the Four Seasons Carlingford, it’s always decorated beautifully for Halloween. The hotel is across from the beach and a secret garden that kids will love to explore and is only 2 mins walk to the village. Our kids love it!

This Autumn and Winter, the National Concert Hall has lots going on. Check out their website for family friendly events and follow mams.ireland on FB for NCH giveaways!

The Wax Museum is another wonderful spot;

always something cool to see, especially around Halloween! The Irish National Stud is wonderful, with loads of space for children to run around and a cosy café for yummy bites. The horses are beautiful too. October weather is great for outdoors. Not too cold but still, nice. Make sure to pop on sunscreen though. Even if its cloudy, we still need SPF. Elave is our favourite Irish brand, excellent coverage for all ages and skin types. To help parents a little this midterm, we’re giving away Shake Dog vouchers. To enter to win dinner on us, go to: www.mams.ie or indeed contact us at facebook.com/mams.ireland.

Shortlisted for Golden Spider Award & Infant & Maternity Award

As seen on RTE and Virgin Media Ireland & Weekend AM

As heard on Today FM’s Ian Dempsey & Dermot & Dave; RTE’s Ray D’Arcy Show, 98FM, LMFM Late Lunch, WLRFM & Shannonside FM

CommunityLocals.ie

Fingallians are seeking your help to celebrate their Anniversary

Fingallians are looking for your help to help them plan their 140th year celebrations next year. The club wish to put a committee together soon. As one of the original GAA Clubs founded in 1884 with the birth of the GAA, Fingallians have a long history and a story to tell. If you are interested in helping Fingallians please contact the club as they need your help to plan their celebrations in their milestone 140th Year They can be contacted at their email address fingallians@ gmail.com or pro.fingallians.dublin@gaa.ie as soon as possible.

We also cover surrounding areas.

Whether it’s a leaking roof that needs to be fixed straight away, guttering that needs to be cleared, repair work to a chimney, or replacing broken tiles, we are here to help.

Our highly skilled tradesmen are available to investigate and pinpoint the cause of any water leak or roof defect and carry out the necessary repair works.

We provide affordable roofing services throughout the whole of Co. Dublin and further if needed.

TRICK OR TREAT

‘Fangtastic’ recipes for Halloween

It’s that time of year again. But we don’t have to wait until October 31 to sink our teeth into some ‘Fangtastic’ foods.

Try out these WICKED ideas to ‘creep’ the fun into every bloody meal!

CREEPY CARROT FINGERS

Peel raw carrots. Cut a flat, shallow notch in the tip of the carrots.

Dab some hummus/dip into the tip and stick on an almond as the finger nail!

GHOSTBUSTERS PEASY POTATO

Cook and mash potatoes with a drop of milk.

Cook peas. Keep a few for eyes aside and blitz the rest in a blender. Add a few drops of water to make a thick green paste.

Melt in some cheddar cheese to make tasty cheezy peas.

Spoon a puddle of the blended peas onto a plate.

Assemble a tablespoon of potato into a mountain shape and place on top of the green pea slop!

Add two peas as eyes onto the potato stacks.

SPOOKY ‘SANDWITCH’ SNAKE:

Chop a cheese string into even sized round chunks.

Place cherry tomatoes in between cheese chunks.

Chop top and tail off cucumber and use as the head and tail of snake.

Place a pea on top of a piece of sweetcorn and use cream cheese/hummus to make them stick to each other and to the cucumber head as eyes.

Chop a carrot into the shape of a tongue and place sticking out of the cucumber head.

For more ‘Spooktacular’ ideas, visit www.biabites.net or Follow:

@Biabites on Twitter

Niamh Arthurs

Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist

Swords Karate Club News

Swords Karate Club parents visit and competitions

September was a busy month for the Club. Along with our regular 7 hours of training each week we had two special events. Early in the month our Tigers (4 -7yr olds) and our Juniors (7-12yrs old) were challenged to bring a Parent/ Adult with them to training. Parents came out in force to support their kids and took part alongside them in training. They had great fun learning punching, kicking, kata and kumite and left with a newfound respect for what their kids do at training each and every week.

We also hosted a JKS Ireland Interclub Competition mid-month and had competitors attend Applewood Community Centre from Limerick, Monaghan and Drogheda as well as closer to home from Tallaght, Blanchardstown and Coolock. The first half of the morning was devoted to Kata competitions where the competitors gave of their best showing off how well they do Kata. After the break saw the competitors don their mitts for Kumite (Fighting). There were some great displays of karate technique on the day and the results for Swords Karate Club were excellent with members winning 7 Gold, 4 Silver and 12 Bronze medals. We take new members (Children, Young People and Adults) all through the year. 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

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. Go up. (6)

5. A business that serves other businesses. (6)

10. Formally put an end to something. (7)

11. Ill at the seaside. (7)

12. Drive someone out from a position or place. (4)

13. A separate part of a whole. (5)

15. Norse god of evil and strife. (4)

17. Industrious insect. (3)

19. Having average intelligence or development. (6)

21. Handkerchief of lies. (6)

22. Type of palm which provides edible flesh and milk. (7)

23. Wood for a cricket bat. (6)

25. Won something through one’s efforts. (6)

28. To stake on the outcome of an issue. (3)

30. Desire strongly or persistently. (4)

31. Walked through something heavier than air. (5)

32. Metal used in galvanising iron. (4)

35. Time for vespers. (7)

36. Compose the letter again. (7)

37. A constituent unit of a nation having a federal government. (6)

38. Marker of personal opinion. (6)

luck

Down

2. Provide funds for a project of activity. (7)

3. Prepare for publication. (4)

4. Flower of the daisy family. (6)

5. Someone who is physically dependent on a substance. (6)

6. Not difficult, requiring little effort. (4)

7. A soft suede leather ideal for carwashing. (7)

8. Stretch of salt water separated from the sea by a coral reef. (6)

9. A red the colour of ripe cherries. (6)

14. Derived pleasure from. (7)

16. Smoked or salt pig meat. (5)

18. Urgently needed, absolutely necessary. (5)

20. Down, as in spirits. (3)

21. The powerful boat to pull you abruptly. (3)

23. Advanced by steps. (6)

24. Having the greater length of two. (7)

26. Ironies just get louder. (7)

27. Knocked down like a pack of cards. (6)

28. Emblems of allegiance to a club or group. (6)

29. A very troublesome child, sometimes holy as well! (6)

33. A thin fog with condensation near the ground. (4)

34. Travelled through water. (4)