Swords Local V9I1-MAR 2024

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Volume 9 Issue 1 March 2024

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 liv ing 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 Euro pean 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 house holds – the current government has failed in areas like housing and health care, costs have risen and services are more difficult to access.

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 resi-

Housing

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.

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

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.

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

Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that we deliver affordable homes to rent or buy for people on ordinary incomes.

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-

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-

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-

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.

Advertising

Louise Hogan – 0862249299 louise@irishmediagroup.ie

Sean Maguire (Publisher) - 087 915 9052 seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie

Production

Tim Evans communitylocalsdesigner@gmail.com

This March is a particularly peculiar month. Mother’s Day is on the 10th and Christians will celebrate both St Patrick’s Day and Easter, before the end of it. Obviously, Our Mums should always come first so do not forget them. Then, all over the world, those born in Ireland and those of Irish descent will as usual be celebrating St Patrick’s Day on March 17th. However, two weeks later on March 29th it will be Good Friday with Easter Sunday on March 31st. This of course will be a busy and expensive time especially for families. A month when children want to buy Mum a present and youngsters and adults may be joining in on floats depicting factual or imaginary groups, events, or characters. Costumes and the decorating of floats does not come cheap and during these austere times groups and organisations are doing all they can to keep the costs down.. The question is how can we all help? Well, if you think about it there are many ways. Do you have a skill or craft that may help to make costumes, design floats, or make caricatures or floats? Are you experienced in organising events or interested in learning a new skill? All over Fingal help will be needed by all these groups whether it is to celebrate St Patrick’s Day or the Easter Festivities or helping charities for those less fortunate this Easter. Every one of us can do something. Every one of us can help our local economy by shopping locally. Every one of us can give whatever we can to make our less fortunate neighbours happy in March. The rewards are immense no matter how you measure them whether it is the smiles on the kids whose costumes you made, or the satisfaction of viewing the lovely float you designed or painted or indeed the grateful looks given by the Meals on Wheels recipients you helped sponsor. So, in keeping with our theme of caring in the community let us all remember our Mums, enjoy Paddy’s Day and Easter but do so whilst thinking of others so we can all enjoy March together!

Carnegie Free Library re-opens after refurbishment!

After a year of extensive works, the Carnegie Free Library in Swords has been officially reopened, marking a key advancement in the extensive Swords Cultural Quarter project currently underway by Fingal County Council. The building, originally established in 1908 and recognised as a Protected Structure, will now function as a dynamic centre for community and arts-related activities. It features a new twostory extension which will enhance accessibility and services. It comes as part of the broader development of the Swords Cultural Quarter. The significant renovation of the site, located on North Street, was made possible thanks to a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Southern Regional Assembly helped secure €1.5m under the Southern and Eastern Regional Operational Programme for the Swords Castle Cultural and Civic Quarter Project. This grant, together with match funding from Fingal County Council has facilitated much of the conservation and improvement works carried out at Swords Castle and North Street over the past seven years. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, expressed great enthusiasm for the project, saying: “The Carnegie Free Library is a cherished landmark that has stood as a beacon of knowledge and culture in Swords since its inception in 1908. Now as a beautifully refurbished space, we are not just reopening a

building but we are investing in the intellectual and artistic future of our community.” Helping to open the Carnegie, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said: “The Carnegie refurbishment work is a great example of how local authorities can leverage

ERDF grants to support the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and breathe new life into buildings and town centres.” The project received planning approval from the Council in September 2021, with works carried out by the primary contractor for the project, Kelbuild Ltd.

Do you know what insurance cover you actually have?

By Dave Kavanagh

In the last few claims, I have processed (death claims, serious illness claims and income protection claims) there was something that they all had in common. None of them knew what cover they actually had in place. Some were unsure whether there was sufficient cover in place to clear their mortgage (which is often the case. Consider all of the people that took 6 months’ payment breaks during Covid. Their mortgage protection cover continued to reduce while their mortgage balances slightly increased.) Some thought they had serious illness cover because we had discussed it a couple of years back, but they never actually got around to commencing it. It was yet another reminder that most people do not know the important details of plans that they pay regularly for. As people’s circumstances change, it’s important to be up to date with knowing what you are actually paying for. Here is the very least that you should know about any protection plans that you have in place:

Life Cover: How much cover is there? When does it expire? Is it dual or joint? Does it have a conversion option? Is it level, increasing or decreasing? How much does it cost?

Income Protection: What is the deferred period? (The length of time you have to be off work due to illness or injury before payments commence). What level of cover do I have? Up to

what age will payments continue if I could never return to work again? How much does it cost? Have I claimed my tax relief? (I.P. premiums are tax deductible).

Serious Illness Cover: A.K.A. Critical Illness Cover or Specified Illness Cover. What level of cover do I have? Is it stand alone or accelerated cover? Is it dual or joint? When does it expire? Do I have the option to extend cover without further medical evidence? If you don’t know those details, it’s time to get out the paperwork and find out. You’ll be glad you did.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can of course also be contacted by you by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or you can also use the contact form on www. financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram.

Combined with his previous role of gym/ nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM, LMFM and TV3.

All of us Strangers (2023) - A Cinematic Exploration of Isolation and Grief

By Jack Shanley

“All of us Strangers,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh, is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama that delves into the intricate web of human connections. Released in 2023, the film skilfully weaves together the lives of seemingly unrelated characters, exploring themes of loneliness, alienation, and the quest for meaningful connection. All of us strangers is a film that captures the beautiful essence of encountering a lost loved one in a dream. Many films have come along about grief but none like this. It’s a sensual, romantic and yet heartbreaking look at life through the eyes of an everyday man whose life has never really turned out the way he wanted. With extraordinary performances from both Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal the film really shapes out to put you on an emotional Journey. All of us Strangers unravels as a simple yet strange narrative exploring themes of isolation, identity, grief, and the lingering ghosts of one’s past. I found this film to be profoundly captivating,

with its dreamlike atmosphere, heartbreaking moments, and a touch of melancholy adding to its beauty. With 2023 having some impressive films ‘All of us Strangers’ is way up the list amongst the best of 2023. Its with films like this that shall stay with you forever, only be different as you get older with every viewing of it, it shall remain the same film but is only different as you’ve changed, this for me is the pure definition of cinema. In conclusion, “All of us Strangers” is a compelling exploration of the human experience. Andrew Haigh’s directorial prowess, coupled with a stellar cast and a fantastic script, makes this film a poignant and relevant piece of cinema that will leave audiences contemplating the intricate dance of human connection long after the credits roll. In all truth I’d recommend checking out “All of us Strangers” at your local cinema and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four stars. Director Andrew Haigh – Rating: 16 –Genre: Romance/Fantasy – Run Time: 1h 45m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Credit Unions to take on Banks and lend more -Cllr Tom OLeary

Credit Unions are set to be a key provider of Community Banking in Fingal under new legislation. The Credit Union (Amendment) Bill 2022 will allow credit unions expand their membership and services in Fingal, a Fine Gael Councillor said. “Fine Gael is committed to ensuring more people own their own homes. It is expected that through this legislation, credit unions will be able to compete more effectively in the mortgage and SME (Small Medium Enterprises) lending market. The Legislation will enhance the ability of Credit Unions to collaborate, share resources and generate economies of scale. This will be significant for local credit unions in Fingal that service the needs of thousands of members and their families in Skerries Balbriggan Rush Lusk Swords and at Dublin Airport.” said Cllr Tom O’Leary. Credit unions like Progressive Credit Union with Branches in Balbriggan, Rush, Swords, Members First Credit Union based in Swords and Aviate Credit Union at Dublin Airport will benefit

from these legislative changes. Mortgages at Credit Unions are competitive, for example €381,000 over 35 years. Repayments €1,380 per month at Progressive Credit Union. Cllr Tom O’ Leary was speaking to the people of Fingal following the official commencement of the Credit Union Amendment Act 2023.

“Credit Unions are central to life in Fingal and in Ireland, with approximately 3.6 million members throughout the country,” Cllr Tom O’Leary said. “The commencement of the Act will be phased with Phase 1 having come into effect on Thursday 22nd February 2024, while the commencement of Phase 2 will come into, effect on Monday 8th April 2024.“This Act represents a very significant piece of legislation that will have farreaching positive implications for Fingal and Ireland overall in the years to come.” Cllr Tom OLeary concluded. The Credit Union (Amendment) Bill 2022 is the first substantive credit union legislation since 2012, which followed the Commission on Credit Unions.

Ye olde diet in bygone St Patrick’s Days

By Jonathan Kavanagh

Take a stroll around Swords or any local town and one is immediately impressed by the number of restaurants offering fine cuisine from around the globe. We are truly spoiled for choice. In days of yore, dining out has not yet entered our psyche. Our tastebuds go unchallenged. The free-standing kitchen cabinet, complete with drop down work board, contains the basics to quell our hunger and keep us upright. Meat and home-grown vegetables most days of the week. On Fridays, the scent of “fresh” herrings perfumes the air as the fishman roams the district in his Volkswagen pickup truck. On Sundays and special occasions desert: jelly and custard, rice with added raisins boiled to near annihilation, tapioca or semolina are added to the menu. We eat in season; with mushrooms straight from the fields simmered in milk with a generous helping of pepper, blanched new season nettles believed to have health benefits, and blackberries straight from the bush among our favourite treats. A bottle of chicory which tastes like a hybrid of brown sauce and sandpaper is as close as we come to Noel Purcell’s ‘heaven with coffee at eleven’. St Patrick’s Day finds my mother (best described as a chef de rough ‘n’ ready), sporting her green apron, as she unwraps an aesthetically displeasing lump of bacon, she bought in a corner shop. Incidentally, not a health regulation in sight

as the shopkeeper cuts cooked and uncooked meat on the same slicer. Bedecked with a sprig of shamrock in the band of his hat, my father brings in the last of head of winter cabbage from the garden. My mother turns up her ‘How many pair of hands do you think I have?’ expression, as she despatches any squatting insects lurking in the cabbage leaves to a watery grave in the

sink. His contribution made; my father sits down to read the newspaper. Like many men of his generation, he sees domesticity as a dark art best not tampered with. With well loaded plates, new oil cloth on the table and not a mobile phone in sight, we sit down to celebrate our national holiday in an age of simplicity.

Show Mum how much you love her on March 10th!

By Siobhan O’Neill White

This month it’s all about the Mammies! On 10th March, ‘Mother’s Day’, us hard working Mammies are ‘supposed’ to get the day off and have someone else do the cooking, cleaning and the million other things we do daily. Of course, its lovely to give a gift to your Mam or get a gift from your children but for me, the best gifts are usually the ones that don’t cost a thing. One of my best memories is my children bringing me Mother’s Day breakfast in bed.. Because they were too young to boil the kettle, they made the tea with lukewarm water from the tap. This was proudly presented beside a salad sandwich (at 8am!)! There was broken cheese, lettuce and

chunks of tomato. They weren’t able to spread the butter as it was cold from the fridge, so the butter was also in chunks! But you know what – it’s one of my favourite Mother’s Day memories. Their efforts made me feel so loved. Was I able to eat it? Not quite but the gesture was enough to put me in a great mood. And what made me even happier was when my husband offered to take a few bites when the kids left the room so they wouldn’t be disappointed that I didn’t eat it! Another favourite gift was given to me last year. My youngest, who is so good at arts and crafts made me a ticket machine and every time I pulled out a ticket there was a little message on it, like ‘Here’s a hug’ or ‘I Luv U’. I’ve saved some of them in the back of my phone so whenever I turn it over, I am reminded

that my youngest loves me. She will be a teenager before I know so I am relishing these little gestures of love while I can still get them! If your Mam is no longer with you, its ok to feel sad. You may want to be alone or with loved ones – you should do what feels right for you and please be extra kind to yourself if you’re having a hard day. Wishing you all the best for March 10th. Siobhán @mams.ie x

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

Swords Tidy Towns – Successful Fundraising Quiz Night!

By Ken Duffy

There was a fantastic turn out for our annual Table Quiz Night upstairs in Peacocks Bar on Thursday Feb 8th. We wish to thank everyone who turned up on the night to support us, hope you all had as good a time as we did.The Executive Committee of Swords Tidy Towns are very grateful for the support and donations to us by local businesses for our annual Quiz Night in Peacocks Restaurant and Bar. Without the good will and community spirit of local business this much needed fund raiser would not be possible, for your support we thank you. Also, a big thank you must go to Fiona and her Peacocks Bar team for taking such good care of us all on the night.

The following is a list of those who donated :SuperValu Boroimhe, SuperValu The Pavilions, The Betsy, Indie Spice, The Arch Bar, Cupcakes and Counting, The Old Schoolhouse, Lynotts Jewellers, Pavilions Management Company, Peacocks Lounge and Bar, Wrights Bar, The Cock Tavern, The 44, Swords Shoe Repair, Platinum Barbers, Howard Studios, Paradise Nails, Coffee Works, The Breakroom, The Hair Lounge, Hairs Another Salon, The Cottage, Saks Hair Salon, Beauty Lounge, Boyles Sports, Loaf’t, Integrity Fitness, Glam Salon, Paddy Powers, Gadget Plus, Hanleys, Swords Barbers, Pure Chemist, Peter Mark Hairdressers, Gilsenans Allcare Pharmacy, Swords Eye Centre, The Pound Bar, K 67, McNamara’s Pharmacy Main St

Guide Dogs needs postage stamps and Golf Clubs!

Our Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs is looking for your old postage stamps and coins which can be turned into money! Recently, Tom O’Neill received €530 of old postage stamps and foreign coins and another supporter of the branch changed sterling coins into sterling notes which resulted in euro value of €160. As Tom has said, what some people might consider rubbish has now resulted in €690 for Guide Dogs. So please contact us if you have any old stamps or coins you would like to donate. A wonderful sum of €1,092.50 has also been raised by Specsavers in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, who sponsored Santa’s Grotto in the lead up to Christmas, in aid of our Balbriggan/ North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian Brodigan and everyone in Specsavers for their continued support. Did you have a chance to attend the Annual Feis in Naul GAA club which took place on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th February? All proceeds went to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The Feis is a fantastic event which has brought in over €25,000 for our branch over the years. For that we say a massive thank you. We spoke about the fantastic puppy raiser, Anne Mulligan in our last article and we are pleased to let you know that Cosmo, puppy raised by Anne Mulligan began her advanced training as an Assistance Dog in early January. Best of luck to Cosmo and we will keep you

updated with her progression. Are you looking for a new hobby this year? Well, this year Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is hoping to launch a ‘Summer of Golf’ across the country. There have been great successes with the great Woodbrook Golf Club, and the great Portmarnock/Malahide Team who also have a brilliant annual Golf Event in their calendar. We are looking to make contact with all the local golf club/s to introduce yourself and to (hopefully) look at working with them to support

the Guide Dogsin some way over the course of the year. If you would like to get involved for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch, please contact us. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact us the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind by phone/text: 085 7663107, by email: guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs

Tourism roadmap launched by Mayor Adrian Henchy!

Fingal County Council recently launched an ambitious strategy which it believes will be the blueprint for transforming the county into a beacon of tourism excellence that will make it a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors. Unveiling the tourism

roadmap, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: “Fingal is blessed with an array of natural wonders, rich heritage, and vibrant communities. From our stunning coastline to our charming villages, we offer a unique Irish experience that we are eager to share with the world. This

new strategic framework will help increase opportunities, enhance the overall visitor experience and help to strengthen our position as a must-see destination.” Key to the strategy are three primary asset themes: - Natural Amenities and Heritage - Arts and Culture and Recreation and Leisure. These will be further augmented by the supporting asset themes of Hospitality, Food and Drink, and the festivals and events for which Fingal is already so wellknown, including Flavours of Fingal, Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival, Malahide Castle Concerts, and more recently, TradFest. The strategy also recognises the crucial role of sustainable tourism in preserving the essence of Fingal for future generations. The approach emphasises responsible practices, prioritising the conservation of our environment, and the celebration of Fingal’s identity. 2024 is the first year of the strategy and will see a focus on delivering the collaborative structures required within the county as well as nationally and internationally to drive success. To that end, the Council will lead the development of a comprehensive marketing and promotional plan which showcases what distinguishes Fingal as a unique tourism destination. The Fingal Tourism Strategy 2024-2029 is now available.

‘Brian and Linda from Specsavers holding the presentation cheque with Tom O’Neill and his Guide Dog Qeb.’

New LGF course and Colmcilles are building their teams

St Colmcilles GAA club are privileged to have been chosen by the Dublin LGFA to run this fantastic 10-week programme, aimed at girls who currently do not play Gaelic Football, aged between 8-12. This is a great opportunity for young girls to get involved in a sport. It’s all about having fun, meeting new people, and learning the sills of Gaelic Football. Please contact Aaron 0863888944 for more information.

We’re also Building our Teams at present for the new season. As the Go

Game season is starting soon and teams are back in full swing training each week.

We are looking to build our teams; previous Gaelic football experience is not necessary. Training takes place on various evening throughout the week at 6.30pm and Saturday Mornings at 10.30 am. We are welcoming boys and girls born 2013-2016

Euro Elite Basketball Easter Camp – book now!

Elite Basketball are delighted to host their Easter basketball camp for all levels, in Gormanston Park Co Meath. It will take place on April 2nd & 3rd for players aged 6-17yrs old. Each player will receive the best class coaching from European professionals as well as US pros. Bring your own ball if possible! We are also delighted to announce that this summer the NBA comes to Ireland and will hosta residential Basketball camp in Dublin and Meath. We will have two of the top current NBA skills trainer in the

business who work daily with the top NBA players in the business as well as coaches from the NBA and NCAA flying in to work our camps. Without doubt it promises to be the best camp in the country and already we have bookings from France, Spain, Italy Holland and a group from California already committed. Book your you place ASAP as spaces are limited! Reserve from as little as €100 with payment plan options. euroelitebasketball. com

Home Cook Recipes Healthy

Easy Peasy Dark Chocolatey Bark

Some of you may have given up sweet foods for lent. Some of you may be trying to cut back on sweet foods as part of healthy eating plans or goals or new year’s resolutions.Or some of you may just like trying out new food ideas and recipes!!! This recipe is super quick, easy and you can tailor it to your taste preferences or to whatever is in your kitchen cupboards!! I love the crunch that the dried edamame beans or nuts provide in this recipe and the richness of the dark chocolate. It is also very satisfying and filling. Edamame Beans are green soya beans which have become very popular due to their nutritious properties including high levels of protein and fibre which can help to keep us fuller for longer.

Edamame Beans also contain vitamins A, K and folate, and are good sources of calcium, manganese and iron. If you don’t have or like edamame beans, you could use nuts or seeds or dried fruit instead in this recipe!

Ingredients:

• 200g Dried Edamame Beans OR nuts OR seeds OR a combination with some dried fruit!!!

• 200g GOOD Quality dark chocolate

(Please Note: When I state good quality dark chocolate, it does not need

to be expensive. Most supermarkets have good quality dark chocolate at reasonable prices. The difference is how the chocolate melts and reforms. Good quality dark chocolate will melt smoothly and reform into a smooth bark. The not so good quality chocolate may turn lumpy and crumbled!)

Tip: I love the bright green colour of the dried edamame beans which makes them stand out against the dark chocolate but for a variety of colours, use a mixture of different coloured dried fruits, nuts, seeds etc.

You could even do an Irish flag theme for St Patrick’s Day with green pistachios or pumpkin seeds, orange apricots and white coconut chips or flakes!

Method:

1. Spread out a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray or lunchbox.

2. Melt the dark chocolate either: in a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water and stir intermittently until just about all the chocolate is melted, OR in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each one.

Please stand by the chocolate whichever way you melt it, have patience, don’t forget to stir and be careful not to overdo it!

3. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the pre-lined tray/lunchbox and spread it into a rectangle. Do not let any condensation or water droplets fall onto the melted dark chocolate as they do not mix well!

4. Scatter over the dried edamame beans OR nuts OR seeds or fruit. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature for a few hours. 5. When hardened, break up the bark into pieces or use a sharp knife to cut it neatly into squares, triangles or however you like!!

Store within an airtight container and use within 2 weeks. Bain sult as (=Enjoy)!!!!

Please follow ‘Biabites’ on Facebook for other food ideas especially in the ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums. Please follow @BiaBites on twitter. For nutrition talks/workshops at events or in schools/workplaces/community groups= please email: niamh@biabites.net Niamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher.

Swords Karate Club News

Swords Karate Club

News-New member’s welcome!

We in Swords Karate Club were pleased to welcome JKS Honbu Instructor Shohei Toyama Sensei recently. Ireland was his first stop on his whistle stop tour of Ireland, England and Scotland and it was his first visit to Ireland. Over the two-hour seminar we got to experience his high level of technical prowess as he brought the class through a range of kihon, kata and kumite. In kihon he emphasised correct hip and foot movements during kihon drills for gyakuzuki. He also emphasised the recovery of higiashi for mawashigeri in basics and kumite. This was rounded off with a study of Jion kata. The main emphasis of the evening across kihon, kumite and kata were the correct use of the hips. It was all very enjoyable. The course was attended by over ninety participants from Swords Karate Club and other JKS Clubs from around Ireland. It was a great turn out. We are looking forward to May, when we will have a visit by World Chief Instructor Kagawa Shihan 9 th Dan JKS. The Club is always looking for new members (Children, Young People & Adults). Contact Dermot on 087-8073885 for details on how to join our club. 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 luck

Across

1. A piece of confectionery; a sweet (6)

5. A poem or song telling a story in short stanzas. (6)

10. Scuttle the thin cut of meat. (7)

11. Print a book again. (7)

12. The eldest son of Adam and Eve. (4)

13. The de facto capital of Switzerland. (5)

15. Break something thin suddenly and quickly. (4)

17. Break up soil with a shovel or machine. (3)

19. The capital of Greece. (6)

21. Butter that has gone bad. (6)

22. Type of food enjoyed by impoverished students. (7)

23. An old counting machine. (6)

25. Where Kubla Khan build his pleasure dome (Samuel Taylor Coleridge) (6)

28. A shortened short month. (3)

30. Not occurring very often. (4)

31. The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. (5)

32. Gratuities that can be brought to the bookies. (4)

35. Excursions or outings for outdoor meals. (7)

36. Enya’s South American river. (7)

37. Egyptian god of the Underworld. (6)

38. Narrow paths between buildings. (6)

Down

2. Rich sot hides the fast-running bird. (7)

3. A complaint about the meat. (4)

4. Similar objects of different sizes placed one inside the other. (6)

5. Not interesting, tedious. (6)

6. The den of a wild animal. (4)

7. Deadly poison. (7)

8. Tree with wood similar to teak. (6)

9. Assisted. (6)

14. Puzzling questions posed as a problem to be solved, or guessed. (7)

16.bDeclare something legally invalid, a marriage perhaps. (5)

18. To do with the nose. (5)

20. Old distress signal. (3)

21. A Latin king. (3)

23. Brief to the point of rudeness. (6)

24. Extinct large wild cattle species. (7)

26. The cost of divorce. (7)

27. Push to the outcomes. (6)

28. Quick police searches of people for weapons or drugs. (6)

29. The capital city of Colombia. (6)

33. Fibber, prevaricator. (4)

34. Raised area lower than a mountain. (4)