Swords Local V9I2-APR 2024

Page 1

Your Community News

FREE

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

SERVICES INCLUDE

families were facing high costs long 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.

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-

Working in the Community

Myself and Deputy Louise O’Reilly

Please note we have moved

Housing

No.: 01 8438138,

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

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.

SWORDS LOCAL
Volume 9 Issue 2 April 2024
€50 crossword competition inside
Tel: 087 2724359 • Ann.Graves@cllrs.fingal.ie
Conveyancing
Bankruptcies • Probate and Wills • Personal Injuries
Employment Law
Family Law • Litigation
OUR
Town
County
Tel.
NEW ADDRESS is: Top Floor,
Centre, Lusk,
Dublin, K45 DC85
Fax. No.: 01 8071957, Web.: www.localsolicitor.ie, Email.: liam@localsolicitor.ie

Advertising

Louise Hogan – 0862249299

louise@irishmediagroup.ie

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

Production

Tim Evans communitylocalsdesigner@gmail.com

Swords Local Magazine

www.Facebook.com/SwordsLocal Communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Designated Pick up Points Supervalu, Pavilions JC’s, Swords Lidl, Rathbeale Road

Swords

Recent TV and Radio programmes have increasingly focussed on what the future may bring for our children and grandchildren. There is an increasing emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and how it can improve lives, but can it or will it ever manage to replace our community spirit? We think not, because any artificial intelligent being or machine has originally to be programmed by a human. and as we all put different, the emphases on what matters most in life will differ greatly. Now before you say we are dinosaurs who want to live in the past, just think for a moment of the effect on your community. Think of all those people in the community and voluntary sector in your area who use technology to help their group, then think of all the local charitable groups. Think of all the sporting organisations and the local retailers who support the community. Can those good people who give up their time and money to help blend us into a grouping that cares for each other in our different spheres ever be replaced? Can the love and caring attitude of those people in our areas ever be replaced by a very highly intelligent, unemotional, rational thinking machine that doesn’t understand feelings of sympathy, pity, love and empathy for a fellow man/ woman and the need to improve the lot of those less fortunate than ourselves. We think that can never be replaced. This month we are looking forward to a bright spring and an even brighter summer. We in “Local” magazines are also looking to the future with the arrival this month of our new “RUSH LOCAL” magazine which joins our other titles - Balbriggan, Donabate/Portrane, Lusk, Malahide and Swords Local, which are specifically designed to promote the activities of groups. societies, clubs, and charities across all these areas. We believe that community spirit is vital for the enhancement and growth of any area, and we will always support the people who work for these groups. We are proud to be part of this wonderful caring Fingal community and with the addition of RUSH LOCAL we will continue to promote our community spirit!

3 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Local News
Our Team
Editor communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Contact us
Published by
Swords Local Disclaimer Every effort is made by Swords Local Magazine to ensure that the information is correct and will not be held responsible for any advertisement or editorial errors. Swords Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Swords Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise. STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: Submissions by the 14th for inclusion in next months edition Your trusted local window and door installer 083 1162350 sales.kpwl@gmail.com KP Windows KP Windows Ltd Nothing
Applgreen, Malahide Rd.,
IRISHMEDIAGROUP publishing | design | print | web
www.irishmediagroup.ie
can ever replace our community spirit – Welcome aboard Rush!

Fingal Hubs Connected has the ‘craic’ with How to Gael Podcasters

To highlight the three Fingal Hubs Connected locations in Mulhuddart, Drinan in Swords and Balbriggan, the Hubs’ creative studio at Drinan recently had the ‘craic’ playing host to Doireann, Louise and Siomha of How to Gael, Ireland’s new and extremely popular bilingual podcast. Fingal Hubs Connected are based in Fingal County Council’s three Enterprise Centres, BASE in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, Drinan Enterprise Centre in Swords and BeAt Balbriggan. Studio Drinan allows for podcasts or webcasts, ideal for anyone looking to market goods or services. How to Gael are the new generation of Irish speakers who are living, working, socialising, and reviving an Ghaeilge in a way that is suimiuil, spraoiúil agus just good craic with weekly catch ups where current affairs, popular culture and just general gossip will also bí á bplé. Louise Cantillon is the new presenter of the lunchtime slot on Today FM while Doireann Ni Ghlacain and Siomha ni Ruairc are presenter and producer respectively on TG4. Their two lively podcasts recorded at the Swords hub covering everything from how to have self-discipline, how to Hygge and, to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilege, five things you should never say to Gaeilgeoirí, will be released on 12th and 19th March 24. They can be heard on Spotify, Podtail, Apple, Google and Acast. Fingal Hubs Connected list their available desks and meeting rooms on connectedhubs.ie The website is run by the National Hub Network, an Irish government initiative that allows individual

hubs to come together under a shared identity to maximise the economic opportunity of remote working. Users can also rent desks, meeting rooms and host events at other hubs across the country. The Hubs are central to Fingal County Council’s aim to promote a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive economy that is enabled by strong

infrastructure, collaboration and skills under its recently adopted economic development strategy. For more information and to book your space, visit connectedhubs.ie How to Gael is holding its first-ever show at Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin on Monday 8th April 2024. For tickets, visit mcd.ie/artists/how-to-gael or ticketmaster.

4 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com WhatsApp or Call John on 0872854670 for your NEW GAS BOILER INSTALL Fully insured and RGI Gas registered WE SPECIALISE IN ■ Pre & Post Operation Rehab ■ Sports Medicine & Musculoskeletal Physio ■ Neck, Back, Shoulder & Knee Pain ■ Acupuncture ■ Pilates CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPY Dedicated & reliable service, inspired & passionate staff. www.fingalphysiotherapy.ie We work with all Irish Health insurance providers Michelle Lacey CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST PDip (Clin L), MSc (Sports Med) BSc (Physio), BSc (Sports Science) T: 087 6026521 E: fingalphysiotherapy@outlook.com Lusk Town Centre, Market Sq, Lusk, K45 DC85
Fingal News

How Long Is Your Income Paid for?

A question I usually include when helping clients with their finances, is, how long (if at all) their employer will pay them if they are out of work long term due to illness or injury. In some cases, it is standard and can be something like 3 months at full pay, then 3 months at half pay and then a pensionable rate of pay. For many, they are not sure and when they look through their employment contract, it states “at employer’s discretion”. Many people realised how vulnerable they were when the pandemic arrived, dropping some incomes from €600 or €800 per week down to €350 of PUP. Many don’t give much consideration to how they would cope if they suffered a loss of income for an extended period because they think “it’ll never happen to me”. Sadly, many find out the hard way following an injury or illness that keeps them out of work for months or even years. This is where having Income Protection in place, can be the difference between maintaining a level of income that keeps your lifestyle virtually unchanged, or dropping to a level that could force you to use up any savings and also get into financial difficulty.

So how does it work? Depending on your circumstances, you choose an appropriate level of cover. This is based on not exceeding 75% of your salary, less any state income entitlement. You also

choose a “deferred period” which refers to how long you are off work before payments commence. The premiums are based on factors like your age and occupation, as some occupations would leave you more at risk of not being able to work. There is also tax relief on premiums paid for income protection, which could mean up to 40% of your premium is refunded by way of adjusting your tax credits. If dropping from your current income to the current state benefit is something that would impact badly on you, perhaps it is time to consider.

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.

5 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Finance 01-8438521 info@whitesagri.ie www.whitesagri.ie
Use this coupon in store, use code ‘Tools10’ online or call in and mention Swords Local for your 10% Discount Valid until 15th May 2024

Deep End (1970) An Exploration into the Sexual Awakening

Deep End is about British culture in London when the optimism of the “Swinging Sixties” started to fade. It’s a fantastic film that delves into the perspective of a young boy named Mike (John MoulderBrown) and his obsession with not just women but essentially one woman in a coworker named Susan (Jane Asher). There is this infatuation that grows to pure obsession that I can’t help but get lost in. For me most of the truly great and rather interesting films all delve into the topic of obsession. It’s this mentality that someone is so focused on something or someone for instance that it becomes compulsive as they lose control of their emotions and never is it more evident than in Skolimowski’s Deep End. Most movies from the 70s showed the 60s as a bubble of shining positive thinking and star-studded youth developments. Skolimowski reveals the dark side of young peoples lives, how their lives are not important, and a sexual desire. Mike throughout the movie thinks about investigating

the broken life and relationship of Susan, but it leads to his pure frustration getting him nowhere. When watching the film, you spend a lot of time taking in all the gorgeousness Skolimowski has on offer. His use of texture is fantastic. There is an amazing scene, towards the end of the movie, where Mike and Susan are lying on a bed of towels and sheets that are placed in such a way to foreshadow an underwater swirling effect seen later in the film The director’s diligence is amazing. The costumes in this film are also excellent. Deep End is a remarkably interesting movie. It is surprising that Skolimowski’s movie was not a big success at the time, although the studio didn’t promote it well enough. It’s a film that holds up to this day as an underrated classic. In all truth I’d recommend checking out Deep End and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five Stars. You can buy Deep End for €10 on eBay. Director Jerzy Skolimowski – Rating: R –Genre: Romance/Comedy – Run Time: 1h 30m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

6 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com THINKING OF SOME HOME IMPROVEMENTS? WE ARE HERE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR YOU! Tel (01) 844 5187 • aviatecu.ie SPECIAL MEMBERS LOAN RATE 7.12% APR 6.9% WARNING: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Aviate Credit Union Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Terms and conditions apply. Must be an Aviate Credit Union member. Film Review
Solar PV works off daylight not direct sunlight so is perfect for the Irish climate. Call (042) 97 49322 for a NO OBLIGATION consultation TODAY ! Why not download our FREE guide NRG Panel | Doohamlet, Co. Monaghan | www.nrgpanel.ie | info@nrgpanel.ie SEAI grants available of up to €3,000 Save up to 50% on your electricity bills Solar Power Your Home And Start Saving Today! SEAI grants available of up to €2100 Call Sean on 042 9424446 for a NO OBLIGATION consultation TODAY!

Why not join us for a Parkrun this weekend?

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the many ParkRun Ireland locations in Fingal County Council! Lace up your running shoes or take a leisurely stroll with our amazing Walk at Parkrun participants. No matter your pace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Register now at //parkrun.ie and be part of the action-packed fitness event supported by Sport Ireland. Join our vibrant community and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for an active lifestyle. Get inspired, make new friends, and conquer personal milestones together. Don’t miss out on the excitement!

New Leader Rural Development Programme 2023 -2027

Following the outcome of the Local Development Strategy (LDS) selection process, Heather Humphrey’s TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection signed the LEADER Funding Agreement for the implementation of the 2023-2027 programme in the Dublin sub-regional area on 26th January 2024. Dublin Rural LEADER’s implementing partner Fingal Leader Partnership CLG and Fingal County Council as the Lead Financial Partner, is approved to deliver the 2023 – 2027 LEADER programme in the subregional area of Dublin Rural which includes rural areas in Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin. Dublin Rural LEADER was allocated €4.7 Million to invest in the development of the area through economic, social, and environmental initiatives. The LEADER programme uses a community led approach, empowering local rural communities to be involved in finding innovative solutions to address local needs. The selection process was conducted over two stages; the first stage

was an ‘Expression of Interest’ by eligible groups followed by a more detailed stage which saw them develop their LEADER strategy. Welcoming the signing, Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Adrian Henchy said, “The LEADER (Rural Development) Programme in the Dublin sub-regional area has worked alongside communities and individuals with funding, supports and resources to assist in the development of stronger, better connected and resilient communities and I welcome the appointment of Fingal Leader Partnership CLG to deliver this major programme over the next five years. AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said “I’m delighted that Fingal Leader Partnership CLG will be implementing the new LEADER Rural Development Programme 2023 – 2027 for Fingal County Council, a hugely capable organisation with tremendous local knowledge and committed staff. Their capacity to deliver this ambitious programme is evident in their previous record of local service delivery.”

8 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Local News
BOOK NOW https://www.citynorthhotel.com/en/music-events/ TEL: +353 1 6906666 E: events@citynorthhotel.com Sundays 12pm - 6pm Live piano Spacious Surroundings Kids Playground Full Bar with live sports fixtures shown MAY 3rd DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH ABBA IRELANDS NO. 1 TRIBUTE SHOW Dinner & Show Tickets €55 Includes: 3 Course Meal Live Tribute Show & DJ Sunday Carvery Join us for a delicious carvery dinner Book on eventbrite.ie Call to book: +353 1 690 6666 S C A N Q R C O D E F O R M E N U S (+ booking fee) “The home of great family celebrations” WWW.CITYNORTHHOTEL.COM

My Swords Photo Exhibition for secondary students

CommunityLocals.ie

My Swords was an exciting photography competition designed by Pavilions Food Fair, exclusively for Secondary School students in the Swords area showcasing their creativity and storytelling abilities through photography. Forty-eight students from Colaiste Choilm and St Finian’s Community college embraced the competition led by their teachers Irene Doherty and David Bowe respectively. The Pavilions Food fair with its O’Brien’s Sandwich Café, Bagel Bar and Abrakebabra has been a popular eatery in the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords for over 15 years. It is a preferred choice for breakfast and lunch and according to the students of Colaist Choilm and St Finan’s it has the best loaded fries in town! The business is owed by husband-and-wife team Turlough Flynn & Brid Ryan, and they ran this competition as a thank you to the local community for the support they have received over the past few difficult trading years. The 48 submissions were featured in the restaurant over a weekend and customers were invited to give their public vote on their preferred choice. It generated

lots of conversations and interest. The competition culminated in a wonderful exhibition evening where students, teachers’ family and friends gathered at the Pavilions Food Fair to view the submissions and enjoy the awards ceremony. The winning school received a DSLR camera to the value of €500, the overall winner received an Instax Film Printer to the value of €300, the runner up received an Instax Film Camera to the value of €200, The customer choice won restaurant vouchers. The winning submissions are currently hanging in the Pavilions Food Fair in the Pavilions Shopping centre and gaining lots of positive attention. Turlough & Brid hope to run this as an annual event and look forward to encouraging more schools to get involved. The winning school was Colaist Choilm, the overall student winner was Brian McGlade with runners up, Oisin Parks Colaiste Choilm, Grace Cooney St Finian’s Community College, Lillie Bowbrick Hand St Finian’s Community College, Josh McKinney Colaiste Choilm, Lucy McGarvey St Finian’s Community College.

10 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Local News
Irene Doherty (Teacher) and Brian McGlade Overall winner Colaiste Choilm Brian McGlade and Oisin Parks Colaiste Choilm St Finian’s Winning Submissions David Bowe

New funding for enhancing Fingal towns announced

An initiative designed to enhance town centres throughout Fingal had been announced, with businesses and groups across the county being encouraged to apply for funding.

The Streetscape Enhancement funding reflects Fingal County Council’s vision as a great place to live, work, visit and do business in. It will help support façade upgrades at commercial premises and community buildings, including shopfront improvements, painting, signage replacement or removal, lighting, and green planting.Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Adrian Henchy, welcomed the new funding programme and added: “It presents a unique opportunity for businesses and community facilities situated along the streets of our towns and villages. I would encourage businesses and

community groups to avail of this excellent opportunity to enhance their town centres.” Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “This new funding represents a collaborative effort between the local authority and eligible town centre businesses and community facilities within Fingal. This strategic partnership aims to significantly bolster the appearance and prosperity of our town centres, underscoring the Council’s commitment to our communities. “The Streetscape Enhancement Scheme 2024 is now open and is seeking expressions of interest from qualifying commercial and community premises located within areas designated as “Major Town Centre”, “Town and District Centre”, “Local Centre” or “Rural

Village” within the Fingal County Development Plan 2023-2029.Under the scheme, up to 50% of the cost of improvements, up to a maximum grant amount of €1,500 per eligible property, is available, subject to terms and conditions. Expressions of interest must be received by Fingal County Council by 12 noon on April 8, 2024. Programme terms and conditions and expression of interest form can be found at fingal. ie Completed expression of interest forms and the required supporting documents should be emailed to townregenerationoffice@fingal.ie or sent by post to Town Regeneration Office, Economic Enterprise Tourism and Cultural Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Fingal, Co Dublin, K67X8Y2.

New plan to ensure Fingal is progressive and Climate resilient

Fingal County Council has recently unveiled a new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP ), presenting an energetic and forwardlooking framework for one of Ireland’s most rapidly expanding areas. This plan is the result of collaborative efforts involving local communities, individuals, businesses, organisations, and other significant contributors throughout the county, all aiming to steer Fingal towards a flourishing future. Building on the positive developments of the initial LECP launched in 2016, this latest iteration looks to maintain momentum but also introduces significant enhancements. It also serves as an important checkpoint to review targets from that initial plan and the measures that were in place to reach them. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy said: “This LECP provides a strong, evidence-based strategic framework for Fingal. It is essential that as we begin to take this forward, that we work together to help deliver future certainty for all the communities who make up one of Ireland’s fastest growing regions. In doing so, we can ensure that Fingal will be a vibrant, sustainable, progressive and climate resilient county, underpinned by inclusive, healthy, empowered communities and a dynamic

economy. Reflecting priorities to help build the economy and community elements within Fingal, the LECP is built around six core themes: Sustainability & Climate Action; Prosperous Economy; Skills for Life & Work; Healthy Inclusive Connected Communities; Rich Arts Culture & Heritage; Safe Accessible Vibrant Places. Helping to launch the plan, Minister for Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD said: “Fingal is in a strong position to ensure positive development economically, culturally

and environmentally. Along with providing a supportive business environment that encourages innovation, the Council has a vision for the future growth and prosperity of the county that will engage rural communities, help with the transition to more sustainable business practices and ultimately create a better natural environment in which people can live and work.” A copy of the LECP is available on the website now at fingal.ie/council/service/local-ecnomic-andcommunity-plan-lecp

12 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Local News
13 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Local News A wonderful St Patrick’s Day at Swords Women’s Shed On the week leading up to St Patricks Day at the Shed, we crafted lucky discs, great laughs and chats. What disc did you get? Did you watch out for Swords Women’s Shed at the Swords St Patrick’s Day Parade? We hope you did and were lucky enough to get a keyring, magnet or even a car charm. We also hoped you supported Swords Women’s Shed on that day. The ladies from the Shed did us proud! LOOKING FOR STAFF? ADVERTISE IT HERE! Call: 087 2020234 Email: lusklocal@gmail.com
14 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Our Super St Patricks Day parade in Swords 2024! Local News

It’s Communion season and we’ve got some top tips to help your budget!

For Communion children there is no need to spend a fortune on a dress or suit. They will only wear this for a few hours so don’t feel pressure to spend hundreds of euros. We had a ramble around Ilac SC and found that TK Maxx have very affordable dresses, Dunnes Stores, has a wonderful Communion collection for boys and girls and Dealz are great for decorations, plates, paper cups, balloons etc. Charity shops are a treasure trove for dresses and suits; with amazing outfits from as little as €15! For Mammies who want to dress without spending a fortune, Mykindofdress. com has a huge range of dresses at their flagship store Unit 1, Fashion City Ballymount. Open

11-4, Mon-Sat and no appointment needed. I picked up a beautiful dress on their website for my daughters Confirmation and used discount code MAMS30 for 30% off. The dresses are reasonably priced already but the discount code, makes them even more affordable! For Dads and siblings, Penney’s is great. From cute dresses for girls to snazzy chinos, shirts and waistcoats for boys and Dads. As always, plenty to choose from and budget friendly. On the day itself, if hosting family and friends at home, don’t be afraid to ask family members to bring a dish or dessert along. We always do this in our family. My sister-in-law brings her yummy homemade profiteroles, and

my aunt brings her famous lasagna. It eases the burden on parents a little. If you would rather go out; look for well-priced Communion packages. Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan have a few different Communion menu options to choose from, depending on your budget and you can rest assured the food, service and atmosphere will be great. We have had many family events there throughout the years and always find them accommodating. Most of all, enjoy the day and try not to stress. The most important thing is that the child enjoys their special day! For more helpful tips, go to mams.ie

15 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Feature

What is Lawn Bowls? – It really is great fun!

www.facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal

When you think of Lawn Bowls what images are conjured up in your mind? Retired /elderly men and women wearing white clothing. A slow paced non- competitive sport. A sport that is only played in Summer. The facts might surprise you! Let me dispel some of these myths. Lawn Bowls is played by all ages, genders, and abilities. It is inclusive, fun, competitive and involves some strategic. Ireland has over twenty-seven clubs who are affiliated to the governing body Irish Lawn Bowls. Lawn Bowls is played on synthetic and grass rinks. There is a growing academy for children/ teenagers and young adults called The Leinster Lions. It is a fun way to stay active and get fit. It is played outdoors all year round. There is a social element to the game. It can help with teambuilding as it requires co-operation from team members to win a game. It improves mental health by social interaction.

Lawn Bowls is a precision sport. It requires accuracy and strategy. It is like Pétanque but uses different sized and weighted bowls. In the Southern Hemisphere the game is well represented by young adults. Most importantly Lawn Bowls is fun! At Aer Lingus Lawn Bowls club you will receive a warm welcome. We benefit from having a synthetic surface which enables us to play all year round. We play socially and competitively we take part in the ILB Summer and Winter leagues. We are undertaking a Corporate Bowls initiative for the Spring/ early summer. We will hold an Open Weekend on 11th and 12th of May. This is a great opportunity to try the sport. We are also available every Wednesday and Sunday at 11am for our social bowls sessions. Contact us on 0863114540 for more information. We hope you will accept our invitation to take part.

Facebook.com/SwordsLocal

16 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Local News

Swords Karate Club News

Swords Karate Club –

New members always welcome!

We had our fundraising Race night recently to support our club members who will be competing in the World Karate Championships in Japan this July. A great night was had by all and we raised a good amount for the club members travelling for this big event.

We also had Squad training this month. A good mix of kihon, kata and kumite which pushed all attendees to their limits over the two hour session.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.

17 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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. Laugh like a witch. (6)

5. The capital city of Colombia. (6)

10. Question a soldier or spy about a completed mission (7)

11. Moved something downward. (7)

12. A place where a wild animal lives. (4)

13. False bird used by hunters. (5)

15. A flightless New Zealand bird. (4)

17. Governmental rules to regulate behaviour. (3)

19. A gesture used to convey information or instructions. (6)

21. Moves forward slowly, like a part of a foot! (6)

22. Divests of a weapon or weapons. (7)

23. Avoided something by a sudden quick movement. (6)

25. Tighten the lips before a kiss. (6)

28. Ask for as a charity. (3)

30. Traditional hand-sized Mexican filled tortilla. (4)

31. A brief records of points or ideas written as a memory aid. (5)

32. Actually existing, genuine. (4)

35. Become less intense, violent or severe. (7)

36. Enters a country to subjugate and occupy it. (7)

37. The most northern State in the USA. (6)

38. Cold dishes consisting mainly of raw or cooked vegetables. (6)

Down

2. Walking at a slow, relaxed pace. (7)

3. Make clothing by connecting yarn into rows. (4)

4. Famous Paris tower. (6)

5. Roar like a bull. (6)

6. A long dress, especially one for a formal occasion. (4)

7. Make metal become less bright. (7)

8. People or animals that have grown to full size and strength. (6)

9. Agrees that something is true, especially unwillingly. (6)

14. Entertainment held in a nightclub or restaurant while the audience eat and drink. (7)

16. A student who is training to be a military officer. (5)

18. To happen after something else, especially as a result of it. (5)

20. A cover for the top of a container. (3)

21. A small, mischievous devil or sprite. (3)

23. Dislike intensely. (6)

24. A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. (7)

26. Worked moistened flour. (7)

27. A piquant sauce eaten with plain food to add flavour. (6)

28. A wine shop in a Spanishspeaking country. (6)

29. A person who has very great and rare natural ability, particularly in science or art. (6)

33. Little lies. (4)

34. Shaped like an egg. (4)

18 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
SUDOKU ANSWERS WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!
Box Office: (01) 960 5400 | thelark.ie | Balbriggan, Dublin
20 SWORDS LOCAL-APRIL 2024 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Dublin’s Fairy Godmother of Pantomimes
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.