Balbriggan-based M & I Lead Contractors Ltd has been honoured with a prestigious award for its craftsmanship on the recently completed restoration of Drogheda town’s historic Tholsel Building. The project, which included intricate work on the building’s dome roof and clock tower, has revitalised one of the town’s most important heritage landmarks and reaffirmed its role as a central feature of the community
Presented annually by the Lead Contractors Association, the Murdoch Award honours the finest leadworking projects across the UK and Ireland. The recently completed restoration of Drogheda’s Tholsel Building earned M & I Lead Contractors Ltd this prestigious award. The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to preserving historic architecture and showcases the expertise of its Balbriggan-based team in delivering high-quality, intricate leadwork on heritage buildings.
Commenting on the award, Ian Whelan of M & I Lead Contractors Ltd said:
“As a Balbriggan-based company, we are very proud to bring this award home to our town. The Tholsel is a landmark deeply tied to Drogheda’s history, and we are honoured that our craftsmanship has been recognised at such a prestigious level.”
About M & I Lead: Founded in 1999, M & I Lead is a Balbriggan, North Dublin–based company specialising in the craft of leadwork. The company is renowned for delivering exceptionally high standards of craftsmanship across Europe and has previously won the Murdoch Award for McKee Barracks, Dublin, as well as the Murdoch Sponsors Award for the Lake House, Oakfield Estate, Raphoe, Co. Donegal.
For more information: www.leadroofing.ie, phone 089 983 1940
Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has lots going on at the moment and is looking forward to the support of our local community with a number of events they are hosting.
Annual General Meeting
All members of the local community are invited to the AGM of Balbriggan Meals on Wheels which will be held on Wednesday 12th November at 7.30pm in 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan K32 P793. Please come along and learn more about this important community service and see how you can get involved.
Food Drives
Friday 7th November: Food Drive in Millfield Shopping Centre
Friday 7th & Saturday 8th November: Food Drive in Supervalu
Christmas Fair
Saturday 29th November: Christmas Fair at Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, 14 Hampton Street
Please support the work of Balbriggan Meals on Wheels in our local community.
Donate
If you wish to make an online donation to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, you can do so by visiting: https://www.idonate.ie/cause/BalbrigganMealsonWheels
A group of young people from Really Cool Adventure, a local youth organisation based in Balbriggan, recently travelled to Antalya, Turkey, to take part in week long a European Erasmus+ project called Games United.
The project was hosted by the Turkish partner school Antalya Kapez Mahmut Celalettin Okten Anadolu Imam Hatip Lisesi, together with organisations from Ireland, France, and Poland. The aim was to learn and teach traditional games from each country and use them to promote teamwork, inclusion, and friendship among young people from different cultures.
During the week, the Irish participants shared favourite games from home Gaelic Football, Rounders, Bulldog, Duck Duck Goose and learned many new ones from their international friends. Together, all teams created a booklet of traditional games to be used later in schools and youth groups. The week also included workshops on communication, cooperation, and respect, as well as cultural exchange full of music, dance and traditional food. We also explored the stunning Turkish coast, visiting the ancient city of Side, travelled to Kemer and of course enjoyed the beauty of Antalya beach and Old town.
Really Cool Adventure opened shortly after COVID-19 to create more opportunities for young people in Balbriggan to learn through non-formal education, build confidence, improve social skills, and take part in local and international projects.
So far, the organisation has visited over 15 countries and participated in more than 50 Erasmus+ projects covering a wide range of topics — from climate change and digital skills to art, sport, and healthy living.
Project coordinator Marzena Stronska said:
“Erasmus+ projects give young people the chance to grow, travel, and make real friendships while learning important life skills. It’s inspiring to see their confidence bloom day by day.”
The Games United project was co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme.
For more information or to join future youth exchanges, follow @ReallyCoolAdventure on Facebook and Instagram.
Our Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch held a coffee morning on 23rd of September in the Senior Citizen Hall in Balbriggan. Our raffle last year was a huge success at the event, and this year was no different! We gave away some fantastic spot prizes. Rosie Russell was our first prize raffle winner, Geraldine Keenan was our second prize winner, Ann Walsh was our third prize winner, Catherine Martin was our 4th prize winner and our fifth and final winner was Damien Doyle, a great morning was had by all and we can’t wait for our next coffee morning at Skinny Batch Bakery on Tuesday the 4th November. We hope to see you there.
We want to say a big thank you to Anthony Reilly of the Harvest Inn, Balbriggan who hosted a Quiz Night Fundraiser in support of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The first prize winner won a €150 voucher, and a number of spot prizes were given out on the night. Check out our social media pages for more information on this event and make sure to follow us to be up to date with all upcoming events. We also had a great day at the Pumpkin Patch over the bank holiday weekend on the 25th and 26th October in Bremore Educate Together. Thanks to all who came along and said hello.
As Christmas time approaches, you might want to keep a lookout for our merchandise stand over the next couple of weeks as we will be out and about. Our Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch will be at SuperValu on both Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th November. If you miss us there, you can catch us in Millfield Shopping Centre on Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th November where we will have car raffle tickets available for €5, with the chance to win a 2026 Ford Puma, 2026 calendars, Christmas cards and a host of other merchandise for purchase. We can’t wait to see you.
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
Fingal County Council has welcomed the commencement of two new affordable and social housing developments which, when completed, will deliver in excess of 1,100 homes to the Fingal area. The official sod-turning ceremonies, attended by representatives of Fingal County Council, the Land Development Agency (LDA), Lydon, Ballymore, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, marked a major milestone in the delivery of affordable homes in Fingal.
Hampton Demesne, formerly known as Castlelands, will comprise a total of 817 homes, including 377 houses and 440 apartments in Balbriggan, and will be constructed in partnership with Ballymore. The development will include a childcare facility, playground, café and recreational amenities for children of all age groups.
Priory Fields, formerly Hacketstown, will deliver 345 homes, including 39 houses and 306 apartments and duplexes in Skerries. These 345 will be broken down into 101 social houses, 117 cost rental homes, and 127 affordable purchase homes. The proposed low-rise development will include a crèche, community space and pedestrian and cycle routes.
Speaking at the sod turning, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “I’m really pleased to see these two major projects for 1,162 new homes underway. The homes will provide a great opportunity for families to make their home within the wonderful communities of Balbriggan and Skerries. Community infrastructure is a key part of these developments and the €10m Balbriggan Swimming Pool Project in Balbriggan will complement these new homes.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “It’s hugely exciting to see work underway on two excellent affordable housing projects in Fingal. This quality and mixed tenure of these developments is exactly what is needed in both communities. I would like to thank and congratulate all partners on their dedication which has brought the projects to this important stage, and I look forward to seeing them completed”.
A north county Dublin woman, who did not complete the Leaving Certificate, is studying to become a fully qualified accountant. Former stay-at-home mum Angela Comerford Lynch (45), from Balbriggan, says a funded accounting technician apprenticeship programme made it possible.
She said the two-year Accounting Technician Apprenticeship, offered by Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), gave her the foundations to build a career. Angela was apprenticed to locally based business advisory service, UHY Farrelly, Dawe, White (FDW), one of the largest audit, tax and advisory firms in the northeast. She praised the flexibility offered by the work, earn and learn programme which sees locally placed apprentices earn at least the national living wage.
“I left school at 17 but did not complete the Leaving Certificate. I worked in various roles, from bartender to quality controller in a printing company. I was a stay-at-home mum for 13 years. But I always wanted to return to education. So, in 2022, I finally decided to see what was available. I was not sure anything was possible, but the Balbriggan Adult Guidance and Information Service was a tremendous help. It recommended ATI’s Accounting Technician Apprenticeship,” she said.
Following completion of her apprenticeship, Angela earned a trainee accountant role with UHY FDW. She is now studying to become a Chartered Certified Accountant.
“The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship saw me attend Coláiste Íde, Finglas one day a week, and work for the other four. From day one, I loved the team at UHF FDW and ATI gave me the core foundations to build a career and was always supportive. The biggest benefits were being able to earn and learn while gaining two years’ valuable experience. I would recommend the ATI Apprenticeship to anyone looking to get into accountancy. Trying to get back into the workforce can be overwhelming for a mature student who must juggle work and family. But I have been able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The programme has given me the confidence and work experience I needed to pursue a career in a field I came late to but adore.”
For more information on the ATI Accounting Technician Apprenticeship see accountingtechniciansireland.ie
On Saturday the 30th August, with many thanks to Irish Rail under their Corporate Responsibility, forty people, mostly volunteers with the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs travelled to the open day at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind headquarters in Cork. Forty seats were booked on the train, which also included six guide dogs
When the Branch arrived in Cork H.Q, a tour was the centre was organised and ran by local volunteer, Dermott and two volunteers from the branch received ‘A Long Service Award’ for their volunteering, both Anna Keane and Maebh Mitchell. Volunteer Anne Mulligan also had her name engraved in a plaque in the gardens of the centre for training her 10th puppy. We want to congratulate, Anna, Maebh and Anne, who is now on her 12th pup in training Lulu, and thank them for their many years of contribution to The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
After 2pm on Saturday, the holiday raffle took place with nearly four hundred people present with a Sligo person winning the raffle. An online quiz was held on Guide Dogs while travelling to the centre to get everybody thinking about the work of the organisation. One of the volunteers who came along on the day, was a staff member of The Harvest Inn in Balbriggan and on her return, asked Anthony Reilly, owner of The Harvest Inn to do fundraiser which will be held on 10th October with more information to follow. As always, a fantastic day was had and a big thank you to Tom O’Neill for organising it, to H.Q. for having us and the wonderful staff at Irish Rail for all their help and assistance. Our Branch will also be back at the Skerries Mills Market on 18th October. We have some upcoming events in November, the 14th and 15th November we will be in SuperValu for our annual Christmas merchandise and again on the 28th and 29th November in Millfield Shopping Centre. Make sure you are following our social media pages for more information.
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
In early July, the talented athletes from St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers made a remarkable impression at the 2025 EFBT European Championships held at the ALSSA Sports Centre in Dublin. The team showcased their skills and dedication, returning home with an impressive haul of medals: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze and 6 prizes -4th to 6th place across various individual, pair, and team events.
The highlight of the competition was the presentation of the “Outstanding Performance Awards,” which recognized exceptional talent and hard work. This prestigious accolade was awarded to Eva Bergin (St. Mary’s) Ireland, alongside Izan Barroso Catalonia and Aneta Havlenová Czech Republic.
Ireland’s strong performance earned them a commendable 2nd place overall, a testament to the athletes’ commitment and teamwork. The excitement reached a peak when Hannah Reilly from Ireland ceremoniously passed the baton to Izan Barroso, marking the transition to Catalonia, the host of the 2026 Championships.
A special thank you goes to Deputy Mayor Cllr Grainne Maguire, who attended the event and presented the awards, as well as to Chloe Farrell, Acting Principal Sports Officer of Fingal County Council, for her presence at the finals. We also extend our gratitude to Fingal County Council for their support.
The achievements of St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers not only highlight their talent but also the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines the world of baton twirling. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these dedicated athletes!
Pictures courtesy of Caroline McFadden
The Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting our member businesses, and we recently had the pleasure of exploring the fantastic activities available at Flynn Park. Joined by Shaun Flynn, Managing Director of the Park and representatives from the Fingal County Council Economic, Enterprise, Tourism, and Cultural Development Department, as well as our Chamber members and Brouder Marketing, we were all truly impressed by the diverse range of options on offer!
Flynn Park is a treasure trove of activities, catering to all interests. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing sauna, seeking thrills on water inflatables, enjoying cozy teepee tents, or indulging in delicious food from local food trucks, Flynn Park has something for everyone.
Looking to organize a team-building exercise or a pre-season bonding experience? Flynn Park is ready to tailor a package that meets your specific needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories with your family or group!
For more information and to book your visit, contact Flynn Park today at events@flynnpark.ie
Flynn Park, Courtlough, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, K32 N884.
flynnpark.ie
Photo credit: Andrew Collins Photography
Tom O’Neill of our Branch recently met the CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, Tom Parsons. The two Toms are Mayo men and get on very well. The G.P.A this year have put €10,000 into the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as sponsorship with more to come! The Two Toms were in the G.P.A corporate box in Croke Park in July for the football quarter finals. Feericks Hotel of Rathowen are the sponsors of the Mayo shirt Tom O’Neill is wearing and that hotel is a great supporter of the Guide Dogs through having a large collection dog on the premises. Our Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs would like to thank John Feerick, owner of the Feerick Hotel and another Mayo man for his support as well as the Gaelic Players Association to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs attended Skerries Mills market on the 16th of August, with more details to follow in our next article. Our Branch will also be having it’s coffee morning in the Senior Citizens Hall in Balbriggan on 23rd September where cakes and coffees will be had and a raffle to win a hamper, come along and see our volunteers! If you are doing a tidy up and find something you no longer want, that could make a spot prize or help to fill a hamper, why not pass it on to our Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs who can use it to go towards raising funds for our branch. You can get in touch on the details below. Another way you can help us is if you have any old coins or stamps that are no longer in circulation. Annually our branch puts out this request, ‘If you have any used postage stamps or coins which are no longer in circulation, please give them to us. We will turn them into Euros and lodge them to the guide dogs account.’ We receive coins from all over the world and old postage stamps. In our guide dog boxes and large collection dogs we find coins from all over the world and from Europe that are no longer legal currency since the Euro came into place. We get paper notes of all sorts of denominations, coins and used stamps from our branch volunteers and friends.
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.