Swords Local V9I8-OCT 2024 by Irish Media Group

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Taking

Stock of the year as Time Falls Back

While we have all enjoyed a fantastic start of Autumn with some superb warm weather, we now look to the tentative start of the darker evenings giving us plenty of time to take stock of all that has taken place over the past 9 months.

We won’t have to wait much longer for the evenings to truly darken with the bi-annual event of daylight saving to take place this year on Sunday 27th October. While we will have around 50 percent less sunshine than that of Spring and Summer, it gives us more time to enjoy our home comforts as the cold nights set in.

Summer was a truly eventful time of year with so many events taking place around the whole county of Fingal. There was hardly a weekend that past without some amazing festival or event taking place throughout the county.

While we await the arrival of Winter, things certainly aren’t slowing down for the many community groups, sporting clubs, resident’s associations etc. Winter can be one of the busiest times of the year with many plans being put together for the following year as well as the weekly activities taking place.

Halloween is a time when children, and the big children, can enjoy themselves in equal measure with kids donning fantastic, and spooky costumes, while some adults will also go all out with decorating their houses to rival that of anywhere in the world. Afterall, Halloween, or Samhain, is a truly Irish event.

Fingal will have many events taking place over the coming weeks that will culminate with the amazing Fingal Festival of Fire that sees amazing firework displays being hosted throughout the county. Be sure to wear your best costume and enjoy the fantastic, and safe, pyrotechnic event!

So as we approach the winter months, be sure to take some time to take advantage of the decent October weather, but also, don’t forget to curl up beside the fire at home and take stock of all that has happened over the past year and make some plans to have an even more eventful 2025!

STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: Submissions by the 14th for inclusion in next months edition

Sports clubs to benefit from €143,500 Dormant Accounts Fund

Sporting clubs across County Fingal are to benefit from €143,500 that has been released as part of the Dormant Account Funds which is being overseen by the Minister of State for Rural and Community Development Joe O’Brien, under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012.

The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

Speaking about the funding, Minister O’Brien said: “The Dormant Accounts Fund allocation announced today is a crucial investment in our communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.”

“In Fingal we are supporting the ‘Her Moves’ initiative which aims to keep girls in sport during adolescent years and the wider ‘Activie Citiies’ initiative which people may have seen at events over the summer but also at the boxes of free to rent sports equipment around Fingal.”

Oasis: Supersonic (2016) Film Review

By Jack Shanley

With the long-awaited reunion of Rock’n’roll stars Oasis, I felt it would be a great time to shine a light on one of the best music documentaries I’ve ever seen. Oasis: Supersonic is a nostalgic, exhilarating, and chaotic journey through the early years of one of the most iconic bands of the Britpop era. The storytelling is fast paced, much like the whirlwind journey Oasis experienced. With a great use of a mix of home videos, concert footage, and press clippings to illustrate the band’s trajectory.

The most compelling theme of Oasis: Supersonic is the tension between Noel and Liam Gallagher. Their contrasting personalities fuelled both the band’s creative output and their infamous feuds. Their dynamic is central to the narrative, as we witness their passionate collaborations and explosive arguments.

“Supersonic” showcases the band’s iconic performances, from intimate gigs to massive stadium shows, highlighting their undeniable stage presence and infectious energy. It

also provides a glimpse into the band’s personal lives, exploring their friendships, rivalries, and the challenges they faced as they navigated the pressures of fame. It’s the idea of essentially a group of local lads brought up on a council estate with a battered acoustic guitar that took over the world of music, it’s just quiet amazing.

While the documentary primarily focuses on Oasis’s early success, it also hints at the band’s eventual decline. “Supersonic” is a must-watch for fans of Oasis and anyone interested in the history of British rock music. With a look into Noel’s genius songwriting, Liams Rock’n’roll charisma and the infamous Knebworth gigs, its truly a fascinating watch.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out Oasis: Supersonic and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Five stars. You can rent it on Amazon Prime Video for €3.49. Director: Mat Whitecross– Rating: R – Genre: Documentary/Drama – Run Time: 2h 2m Language: English. For more film content please follow @ movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Life Cover - Why do we not prioritise it?

By Dave Kavanagh

I sometimes get told by people that they don’t have the time, or they are too busy, when it comes to arranging or updating their life cover, serious illness cover or income protection. (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, a serious illness or being off work for a length of time, 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 some time 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 and 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 bingewatched 8 episodes of Game of Thrones. (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 info@ financialcompanion.ie or 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.

IDEAL CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Swap Shop event held to mark Climate Action Week

To celebrate Climate Action Week, Seatown Road Green Team held a Swap Shop Day at Seatown Road Day Service.

This was a partnership project between Seatown Road Green Team and Circular Fashion Ireland and funded by Fingal County Council. Prosper Meath Day Service, Ashbourne, were so kind and gave a lending hand in Seatown Road Swap Shop.

Carrie Ann Moran from Circular Fashion

Ireland held a workshop and spoke about the importance of initiatives like swap shops and circular fashion.

Seatown Road Green Team would like to thank and acknowledge Swords Tidy Towns, Swords Woman Shed, Fingal County Council, Best Wear Drogheda, Ashbourne Green Team, Fingal Community College, Circular Fashion Ireland and Carrie Ann Moran for their support and donations

We’ve had family weddings and parties in Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan so we knew they would look after us for our sister’s Baby Shower there! We decorated a room with balloons and all things pink, set up a gift table and laid out the yummy sandwiches, sausages & goujons the hotel made us, alongside pink lemonade & pink sweets! Kate (plus bump) was thrilled with the beautiful room full of friends and family; including our sister from Jersey, who flew home as an extra surprise!

We played baby shower games where we predicted the name, weight & arrival date of baby. Blindfolded, we tried to pin the soother on the baby and guessed the bump size! Winners got fab prizes from Tipperary Crystal. We listed baby gift ideas in the Baby shower WhatsApp group, so guests could get practical items for the soon-tobe parents, including Bumbo Floor Seat from Hippychick ; LCD Screen Baby Monitor from PitterPatter. ie Irish nursery store, cute Disney baby clothing from Penneys, personalised pink ‘Baby Moore’ labels from MyNametags.ie so baby’s clothes and toys don’t get lost! We also had personalised babygro and blanket from CosyCrewClub, use code MAMS20 for 20% off, a personalised pram blanket from fab

Irish company stitchaname.com and gorgeous gender-neutral baby hamper from Hampers & Co.

As it’s a baby girl, lots of us wore pink dresses for the Baby Shower and www.mykindofdress.com gave us code ‘MAMS30’ for 30% off for their website. This can be used now, perfect timing for picking up some bargain party season wear!

CommunityLocals.ie Halloween breaks and Baby Shower Fun!

Halloween is coming and if you fancy a family break this midterm, Pillo Hotel Ashbourne have packages which include Emerald Park’s Tricky Trail adventure. Book your stay here: www. pillohotelashbourne.com/bookings Adventure Lights retruns to Skypark Carlingford from 26th October right through to February and early bookings are now open at: www.skypark.checkfront.com Want to turn it into a mini break? Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is super family friendly. Book family stays here: www.4seasonshotelcarlingford. ie/family-breaks

Christmas is a bit away, but Santa visits book up fast! To get the date and time you want for the 75-minute Elf Town experience Dublin RDS, book now at www. elftowndublin.ie

Keep an eye on mams.ie for competitions and offers for Halloween and Christmas!

Fingal Plans for the Future with launch of new Economic Strategy

Looking to take advantage of its strategic position on the Dublin-Belfast corridor, its strong transport connections and as home to a broad mix of key sectors, Fingal has unveiled its plan to ensure the long-term economic resilience and sustainability of the county and highlight itself a key driver of growth in Ireland.

The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, joined the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, to launch “Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy” at an event in Blanchardstown which was attended by business representatives, councillors and Oireachtas members.

The new strategy emphasizes a balanced approach to economic development, leveraging Fingal’s strategic advantages and focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a place where innovation and opportunity meet. Through our Economic Development Strategy, we are committed to ensuring that Fingal continues to be an exceptional place to work and do business. This Strategy is not just a plan; it is our ambitious vision for the future of Fingal. Our aim is to lead by example by being both practical and forward-thinking.”

Prepared by Fingal County Council’s Economic Unit and Grant Thornton, the strategy, aims to support business in Fingal to grow and thrive in a sustainable way, with a strong emphasis on working with business to implement sustainable business practices, aligning with best European and global practices and working in parallel with the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

It builds on the socio-economic profile which was prepared as part of the process for Fingal County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2028 and outlines the actions that need to be taken to support the local economy over the next 15 years.

The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, said: “Fingal is one of Ireland’s most rapidly expanding areas in the country, with key infrastructural assets, and industries of considerable scope and scale. To help ensure its

continued growth, it’s clear Fingal will need even greater collaboration across various stakeholders, including central government, the private sector, state bodies, representative groups, and educational institutions. The national economy is performing well currently but there are various economic and social challenges in the years and decades ahead. This report is an important piece of work which ensures the Fingal region is taking the necessary action to prepare its people, its business and it communities for this period of change, transformation and opportunity ahead.”

Covering almost half of County Dublin and with a population of 330,000 that is the youngest and best educated cohort in the country, Fingal is a major driver of Ireland’s economy.

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The goal of this Strategy is to attract inward investment, stimulate job creation, and allow us to develop and retain our highly skilled local talent. The Strategy has analysed global megatrends and the approaches of other areas, in Ireland and across Europe, to economic development and identified examples of best practice. This has informed the six opportunities, 19 objectives and the comprehensive action plan that will now drive us towards our goal of creating an economy that is dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive, enabled by strong infrastructure, collaboration, and skills.”

Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy can be read here: https://www.fingal.ie/media/17902

Minister of Finance Jack Chambers TD launched the Fingal economic strategy

Fingal economic strategy launched

Public invited to nominate volunteers for national award

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Volunteer Ireland Awards. The public is being invited to nominate volunteers in their community across 11 categories, with one volunteer being named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year at the ceremony in December. The Volunteer Ireland Awards take place annually and celebrate the immense contribution volunteers make to communities across Ireland. Nominations can be made at www. volunteer.ie/nominate.

Fingal VC Manager said: “Volunteers make an enormous contribution to our communities and in many cases, deliver critical services that may not otherwise be delivered. Their impact cannot be overstated and that’s why it’s so important to recognise their efforts at a national level. It’s not just to show that we value what volunteers do but also to showcase the incredible work that goes on across the country and inspire others to get involved.”

Aside from the 12 awards handed out on the night, every single volunteer that is nominated will receive a special thank you card from Volunteer Ireland. The awards are made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and award partners Healthy Ireland.

Minister for Public Health,

Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke, said: “I am proud that the Department of Health, through Healthy Ireland, is once again supporting the Volunteer Ireland Awards. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge the work of our volunteers who give their time willingly for the common good, helping to foster a sense of connection for people in their communities. I’d like to encourage you all to take the time to nominate a volunteer in your local area as a way of thanking them for all that they do.”

This year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards will take place in Dublin on 8th December.

Anyone can nominate a volunteer, and the 11 categories are: Arts, Culture & Festivals ; Campaigning & Activism; Children & Youth; Environmental & Animal Care; Health & Wellbeing ; Safety & Emergency Services; Social Inclusion & Community Support; Sports & Recreation; Small group (3-19 volunteers); Large group (20+ volunteers) and Volunteer Manager. All individual awardees (except Volunteer Manager) are eligible for the overall Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations close at midnight on 11 October and can be made online at www.volunteer.ie/nominate.

CommunityLocals.ie

The members of Swords Tidy Towns had a fantastic day at the National Tidy Towns Winners Awards in Abbeyleix recently. We picked up two awards the All Ireland Circular Economy Award and our 6th Silver Medal in a row. We must congratulate Abbeyleix Tidy Towns for organising what was a very enjoyable day out for everyone. A big hello to our shared table guests from Arklow Tidy Towns and Maynooth Tidy Towns.

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Happy halloween! Spooktacular bites for Halloween!

This time of year brings lots of colourful vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potato, kale, beetroot, carrots, parsnipsand of course the Halloween tradition.....pumpkins!!!!Autumn also brings a chillier change in the weather so it is brilliant that we have all these bright veggies to stock up our wholesome soups, casseroles, stews and make us feel warm from the inside out! Especially if we are out venturing, trick or treating or celebrating our Celtic festival ‘Oíche Shamhna’.Here’s a few fun ‘fang-tastic’ ideas to make sure we are getting our fill of nutrition and not just filling with treats!

Spooktacular Sweet Potato Shapes

• 2 large sweet potatoes makes about 30 shapes of varying sizes!

• Preheat oven to 200’c.

• 1.First wash and peel the sweet potatoes.

• 2.Slice into circles.

• 3.To speed up cooking time, boil the sweet potato slices for 8 minutes. (The water from boiling could be used as stock for asoup/ casserole as it will contain some nutrients that leached out of the sweet potatoes!)

• 4.Drain and place the shapes on a baking tray. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil and add herbs/spices of

• your liking! (I like mine with Balsamic vinegar and black pepper!)

• 5.Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes at 200’c to get them nice and crispy!

Cheeky Cheesestring Broomsticks!

1.Cut a cheese string in half and peel back the cheese three quarters of the way into strips at one end.

2. Push a bread stick or pretzel into the opposite end.

Petrifying Pepper Monsters

• 1.Wash and dry the peppers. Then slice around the top of the pepper and lift this new ‘lid’ off.

• 2.Scoop out the inside of the pepper.

• 3.Using a sharp knife carve the face or whichever design you like into one side of the pepper.

• 4.Fill the pepper with an already cooked wholesome meal, hummus or filling of your desire!

• 5.You could also roast the peppers to make them softer to eat by placing them on a baking tray

• with oil/baking sheet and place in the oven at 200’c. for 30-35 minutes.

For nutrition and healthy eating talks or workshops in preschools, primary or secondary schools, workplaces or community groups please email: niamh@biabites.net See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for other food ideas. Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist www.biabites.net

Swords Karate Club News

Swords Karate Club to host prestigious Instructors

Autumn brings with it the return to school and routine after-school activities and Swords Karate Club has been busy as students returned to training after the summer holidays. All classes are working hard and refreshing their karate skills with the ai of improving enough in time for Grading examinations in December.

October promises to be a busy month with visits from two Japanese Instructors. At the beginning of the month, we will host Yamaguchi Sensei 8th Dan JKS for a two-day seminar, while later in the month we will have a visit from Watanabe Sensei for an evening seminar. Both Instructors come with a high pedigree of JKS karate, and both are Instructors in the JKS Honbu Dojo in Japan. We are looking forward to their sessions immensely and will have a short report of both in our next news.

We hosted JKS National Brown & Black Belt training recently and Dermot Sensei covered kihon, kumite and kata in the technical session. Focusing on creating dynamic power with the whole body, the visitors from other JKS Clubs from around Ireland as well as Swords members worked on techniques from the grading syllabus for brown and black belts. Everyone had a great morning training and catching up with each other since Japan.

Our 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

Yamaguchi Sensei JKS

JKS Ireland Squad Training

Watanabe Sensei

WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!

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 month. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good luck