Happy New Year from The Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs, if some of your new year’s resolution include a clear out and you 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 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.

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 dog’s account.’ We receive coins from all over the world and old postage stamps. In our guide dog boxes and enormous 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, keep them coming they make good money for us. Remember also we always need new volunteers so give us a shout if you want to chat to us about it. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

We also had a busy December in the lead up to Christmas, Jim and Brendan in Cuddles Pet Store, Millfield held a hamper raffle on 17th December where Volunteer and Puppy Raiser Anne Mulligan attended with Guide Dog Pup in training Lulu, Assistance dog Gigi and ambassador dog Adel who got the royal ‘treat’-ment from Brendan and Jim. Tom and his Guide Dog Qeb, along with Anne and Lulu attended an after-school club in the Cottage Community Centre in Lusk to talk about puppies in training and guide dogs to the children who were big fans of Qeb and Lulu. A Christmas art exhibition also took place in Millfield Shopping Centre from 21 December to 23 December where plenty of great works and a bunch of new art was on show. The exhibition supports Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind annually with a donation for which we are very grateful. We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout 2025, and we look forward to seeing you all in 2026.

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.

Work will continue at pace on delivering the major economic, infrastructural and social elements of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme in 2026, it has been confirmed, according to Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, 2025 was one of momentous progress for the €54-57million plan.

The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, is one of the biggest ongoing urban renewal projects in the country. It is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development Department.

According to Dr Begg, the plan’s locally-based leadership group will oversee see major change in the town across the next four years.

“The leadership group has adopted plans for its various pillar groups under the headings: Economic Development; Community Development; Education, Skills and Training, and Sustainability, Climate Action and Biodiversity,” he said.

“A key objective includes leveraging investment in the regeneration of Balbriggan by attracting new business, jobs and visitors. Strong collaborative networks have been established between the community and public and private sectors. The continued operation and strengthening of these networks will enable an integrated and flexible approach to the resourcing and delivery of plans.

“These include a range of objectives and actions which will make a demonstrable, positive impact across a range of economic, social and environmental platforms,” he explained.

The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is set to transform the town through public investment and has seen work commence and continue on a number of other key projects.

“Six years on from the launch of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, the transformation of Ireland’s youngest large town really is now taking shape,” said Dr Begg.

In 2025, plans for a €3.3m creative hub moved to tender stage. The development will deliver a dedicated space for arts, culture and innovation.

Fingal County Council has approved plans for the works at 2-4 Dublin Street, which are expected to be complete, pending the award of a tender, by the end of 2027.

Ensuring Balbriggan becomes a nationally renowned destination for arts and culture is a key part of the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.

Fingal County Council has proposed a mixed-use commercial, community and residential development, with the River Bracken at its heart.

The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street to facilitate a pedestrian and cyclist route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area.

It is estimated work will begin at the site in 2027.

The buildings are within an architectural conservation area. The front façade will be preserved.

The restoration and adaptation of the Historic Bath House and Boat House by the Martello Tower will continue to progress in 2026.

It is intended to proceed to a Part 8 planning public consultation process in the second half of 2026, with completion in 2027.

Long-term, plans for a reinvigorated Railway Street will result in better connectivity between the beach and Quay Street.

Census figures report the population of Balbriggan increased by 215% between 1991 and 2002 to 27,300. Along with being the youngest large town in Ireland, 30% of its population were born outside the country.

“Building on its rich history, and its diverse and growing talent base, Balbriggan is an ambitious community which aims to be inclusive,” Dr Begg said.

“Community prosperity will come from harnessing social, economic and physical advantages.”

Lands at Stephenstown have been earmarked for industry, and further developments are planned for Bremore Castle and Regional Park which will enhance the proposed Fingal Coastal Way.

As Balbriggan steps confidently into a new year, one local organisation is celebrating fresh beginnings, new skills, and international collaboration. Really Cool Afterschool & Montessori School, which operates three childcare facilities in Balbriggan, employs 40 staff members and provides care for 200 children from 27 nationalities every year, continues to shine on the European stage thanks to its recently awarded Erasmus+ grant enabling staff training abroad.

The project, funded under the Erasmus+ Programme and supported by Ireland’s National Agency, Léargas, is titled “One Planet, Many Cultures: Eco-Learning in a Diverse Crèche”. Its focus is on strengthening staff expertise in eco-education, inclusion, and innovative early-years approaches—core values in the organisation’s work with Balbriggan’s multicultural community.

Although the project officially runs from July 2025 to June 2026, the team has already made impressive progress. Six teachers have completed mobility trainings in Portugal and Romania, returning home energised with new teaching strategies and perspectives on early-years education. Their learning is already being embedded into daily practice across all three centres, enhancing experiences for children aged 1 to 12.

The journey continues in 2026 with even more energy. At least six additional educators are preparing to travel to different corners of Europe in the coming months. The next destination is Spain, where a group of teachers will participate in Erasmus training on using Art to promote inclusion —an inspiring way to begin the year.

Co-Owner Marzena Stronska expressed pride in their team’s commitment:
“Our staff are passionate about giving every child the best start in life. Through Erasmus+, we learn from excellent educators across Europe and bring that knowledge straight back to Balbriggan. Our families benefit, our staff grow, and our community becomes stronger.”

As the new year unfolds, the organisation is focused on innovation, professional growth, and continuing to build bridges across Europe. January, for Really Cool Afterschool team, is time for fresh goals, new partnerships, and renewed dedication to high-quality, inclusive childcare.

Wishing all families, staff, and partners a bright and inspiring year ahead.

Balbriggan Rugby Club held their Centenary Gala Ball in the Bracken Court Hotel on Saturday 29th November. On 10th November 1925 the Club along with Navan RFC, was officially affiliated to the Leinster Branch of the IRFU.

The event was attended by 160 Club Members and guests. President Kevin Colman welcomed special guests, Dr John O’Driscoll, President of the IRFU and Moira Flahive, President of the Leinster Branch. In his speech John had to admit to being a Skerries man before moving as a child to the UK. Also in attendance was former Irish International, Leinster Manager and Skerries man, Jim Glennon, and current international Linda Djougang. Club Treasurer, Robert Cashell did a Q&A with Jim and Jim regaled those present with stories of his father and uncles who had played for Balbriggan many years ago. Past President Ivan McFadden got to question Linda on her fascinating story as to how a girl from Lusk got into the world of Women’s Rugby and now is one of the first names on the Irish team sheet.

Other notable attendees included former coach and proprietor of John D’s – Tom Young, and Dale McAuley who had travelled all the way from Australia to join in the celebrations. Dale’s work twenty years ago laid the foundations of the youth systems in the Club which still stand to this day.

As the Club starts into its second century there is plenty of activity going on in the Club. Presently the Club fields four adult teams, two men and two ladies as well as youth and mini teams for both boys and girls from 5 to 18. The Club also had a disability Tag team, The Stingers who train every second Sunday morning.

The teams train at the Club grounds in Balrothery and there is something on every night of the week. The mini section 5-12 year olds train on a Thursday evening 6-7pm. New members are always welcome.
If you would like any further information on the Club give Director of Rugby, Jeff Neville a call on 085 724 5733

What a busy 2025 it was for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! As we step into 2026, we look forward to more fundraising, merchandise stands and meeting new people. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the year and continue to do so and a massive thank you to our volunteers for dedicating your time to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! If it is a new year’s resolution of yours to volunteer, why not join our Branch and make a change? You can contact us on the details below and we would be delighted to have you!

While things might be quiet at the moment, we were certainly busy over November with our merchandise stands in SuperValu, Balbriggan on both the 14th and 15th November where we raised a fantastic total of €1,171.43 over the weekend and in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan on both the 28th and 29th November where raffle tickets and Christmas cards were a big hit and we raised a brilliant total of €1,851.08 over the weekend. We hope you had a chance to get your hands on the special edition 2026 Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind calendar celebrating 50 years of Guide Dogs! It’s not too late to get one, you can find them in Balbriggan in Baxter’s Butchers, Donal Hayes Chiropodist, Java The Hut, Imeldas Hairdressers on Bridge Street and Cuddles Pet Store, in Skerries you can find them in Skerries Hardware, McMeels Pharmacy, Stacks Pharmacy, Oakes Pharmacy and Shenick Vets and in Corduff, Swords and Rush, they are located in the Irish Rosettes Corduff, Village Vets Lissenhall Swords and Stitches and Alterations in Rush.

Now is also a good time for us to collect your old stamps or coins from anywhere in the world and turn them into cash for our branch. You can contact us if you have any old/used postage stamps and old notes or coins.

Finally, we would like to say massive thank you to everyone who supported our Branch this year and we wish you the happiest Christmas and new year! We hope to see some familiar faces when we get back out there in the coming weeks!

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.

2025 Stephen Scarff Perpetual Award Winner: Noel Heeney

We gather to honour a truly remarkable individual whose vision, compassion, and dedication have had a lasting impact on families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia in our community.

This person saw a need — families struggling, carers overwhelmed, and individuals living with memory loss who deserved connection, dignity, and a safe place to be understood. Rather than wait for someone else to act, he stepped forward, demonstrating remarkable initiative and leadership.

hrough his efforts, he has helped establish a day-care centre at the local rugby club, transforming a community space into a welcoming, supportive environment. Recognising that no one can do it alone, he has built a strong team of dedicated volunteers to support these initiatives and ensure their success. Together, they work tirelessly to bring respite and engagement to those who need it most.

He has also been a driving force behind fundraising and awareness campaigns, from organising community events to leading initiatives such as the Memory Walk — raising vital funds while bringing the community together in solidarity and hope.

Looking forward, he is determined to achieve a dedicated facility similar to the one in Drogheda, where he was instrumental in helping bring such a service to life. His vision is not just local, but national in scope: he serves on the national executive of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, helping to shape strategy, fundraising, and advocacy at the highest level.

His tireless work, combined with his ability to inspire others, has created a legacy of compassion, support, and hope.

And so, it is with great pride and admiration that we present this award to…Noel Heeney

Thank you for your vision, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to our community.
One of the main awards on the night was to remember joe Kelly of Balbriggan.info who sadly passed away earlier this year and whose generosity, dedication & community spirit made a lasting difference to Balbriggan. Joe Kelly had a familiar presence at local events or online. Balbriggan.info the social media page he created & maintained, he became an essential connector in our town — sharing events, local achievements, supporting good causes & keeping the community informed.

Joe gave his time freely. His efforts were driven by pride in Balbriggan & a genuine desire to help the town& the people he cared about. His contribution went far beyond the ordinary. He volunteered countless hours, supported community initiatives, & helped build a stronger sense of togetherness in the town. His legacy of selfless service is one we honour with deep respect.

To recognise individuals who embody this same commitment to community, we are proud to introduce the Joe Kelly Community Contribution Award. This award celebrates those who, like Joe, make Balbriggan a better, more connected & more vibrant place.

The inaugural recipient is someone whose impact on Balbriggan has been exceptional. Since establishing the Moriarty Group in 1987, he has created thriving local businesses that offer employment, services & opportunities to many families in the community. His commitment extends far beyond business leadership; throughout the years, he has consistently reinvested in the town, supporting sports clubs, schools, charities, youth programmes, local events & community development projects. His generosity, leadership & long-standing dedication have strengthened the social & cultural fabric of Balbriggan.
His contributions have been acknowledged through several notable honours, including the JC Savage Fingal Business Person of the Year and Kerry Person of the Year awards. These recognitions speak not only to his business achievements but also to the exceptional role he plays in supporting & uplifting our community.

In every respect, he reflects the values that this award represents — commitment to community, generosity of spirit & a vision for a better Balbriggan.

It is with great pride that the award for the inaugural Joe Kelly Community Contribution goes to Luke Moriarty.

Takemusu Aikido Society has been named a finalist in the Sports Awards category of the Balbriggan Town Awards 2025, organised by the Balbriggan Tourism Committee. For a dojo that emerged during the unsettled times of the COVID pandemic, this recognition is a major milestone, marking how far the club has come and how firmly it has found its place in local community life.

The club’s story in Balbriggan began in 2021, when head instructor Raman Bekarevich moved to Ireland after ten years of intensive training in Japan under direct students of the Aikido founder. Bringing this depth of experience with him, Raman began the first sessions at a time when indoor activities were still restricted. Training took place outdoors with wooden weapons, on the sandy shores of Balbriggan beach and on the football pitches beside the Martello Tower. The early-days group was small but full of determination, and those sessions laid the foundations for what would become a dedicated and steadily developing dojo.

As restrictions eased and classes moved indoors, more people discovered Aikido, drawn to its non-competitive nature and its focus on balance, timing and blending with an incoming attack rather than meeting force with force. From the beginning, the club aimed to offer more than martial arts training alone, and this resonated with people looking for connection as much as exercise.

Balbriggan is a town that has changed rapidly in recent years, with new communities arriving and local residents seeking activities that bring people together. Takemusu Aikido Society positioned itself as a place where adults of all backgrounds could meet, learn and take part in something meaningful. Aikido’s cooperative practice naturally breaks down barriers between ages, cultures and fitness levels, creating a sense of belonging that many participants highlight as one of its most valuable qualities.

This commitment to opening the doors as widely as possible is central to the club’s ethos and forms part of why it was nominated for the Town Awards. Over the past few years, Takemusu Aikido Society has partnered with Fingal County Council on a range of social inclusion programmes, including Women in Sports Week, Men’s Health Week and Her Outdoors Week. These initiatives introduced many newcomers to the art and supported adults who might otherwise feel hesitant to join a physical activity later in life.
This year, the club launched a new initiative aimed at those who have recently moved to Dublin, offering two months of free practice to help people settle, make connections and become part of a positive, supportive community. For many, the weekly training has become a welcome anchor in their new surroundings.

The technical level of the dojo continues to develop alongside its community work. Raman, now a 4th Dan instructor, maintains strong links with teachers in Japan and Europe. Assistant instructor Jan Tóth has just returned from a month of intensive training in Iwama, the birthplace of Aikido, building on a previous training period there two years ago. Experiences like these ensure that the teaching in Balbriggan remains firmly rooted in the traditions of the art while staying accessible to beginners.

Saturday practice has become a fixture in the local sporting calendar, known for an approach that balances structure with friendliness and welcomes people of any experience level. The club also runs classes in Dublin city centre, but its heart is firmly in Balbriggan, where it continues to support wellbeing, connection and community spirit.

Those who would like to try Aikido are welcome to join a free trial class at Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre every Saturday from 3 pm to 4.30 pm. New members who sign up this winter can also avail of a 50% discount for their first month of practice. Further information is available at www.aiki.ie or by contacting info@aiki.ie.

At the end of October young people from Really Cool Adventure, a Balbriggan-based youth organisation, travelled to the coastal town of Ünye, on Türkiye’s Black Sea, to take part in an inspiring Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) project — co-funded by the European Union through Erasmus+.

The project was hosted by Prof. Dr. Necmettin Polvan İlköğretim Okulu school, together with partners from Ireland, Türkiye, Greece, and Romania. Throughout the week, young delegates stepped into the shoes of world leaders to debate the urgent global issue of climate change. They represented different countries, searched for practical solutions, and learned how diplomacy and teamwork can shape a better future. The group also met the Mayor of Ünye, Hüseyin Tavlı, to discuss how young people can take an active role in politics and climate action.

The event went far beyond formal debate — it was a vivid intercultural experience. Participants joined creative workshops, shared national traditions, and spent a day at a local Turkish school to see how education works in another country. They also explored the beauty of northern Türkiye, from Ordu’s panoramic views of the Black Sea to Amasya’s ancient tombs, apples, and the romantic legend of Ferhat and Şirin.

For many, the experience was truly transformative:
Nikola Brykala shared: “I made great friends and discovered confidence I didn’t know I had. Erasmus is way better than a normal holiday!”

Julia Gruba added: “The memories I made here are unforgettable — this trip has genuinely been one of the best.”

Project coordinator Marzena Stronska said: “Watching our young people speak with such confidence and curiosity makes us incredibly proud. This project shows them that their voices matter, and that they can lead positive change.”

The JMUN project in Ünye once again proved that Really Cool Adventure is more than a youth group — it’s a gateway for young people from Balbriggan and surrounding areas to learn, travel, and grow as global citizens.

To join our next Really Cool Adventure follow @ReallyCoolAdventure on Facebook and Instagram.

2025 was a very special year for Balbriggan Meals on Wheels as we marked the 50th anniversary of our foundation and 1st January 2026 will mark 50 years since the very first meals were delivered.

As we approach the end of this special year, Balbriggan Meals on Wheels would like to thank most sincerely, all those who supported the service throughout 2025. Huge thanks to all our volunteers and staff who enabled us to continue providing meals throughout the year. Thank you also to all those in the Balbriggan community who supported us in any way.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is looking forward to continuing to provide meals for those in need in our community throughout 2026. We would like to wish all our service users and supporters all the very best wishes for Christmas and hope 2026 will be a great year for everyone.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan.

Tel : 01 8416743
Email: mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail.com

The Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs has been busy over the last few months in the lead up to Christmas. Our branch attended the Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch over the bank holiday in October and raised a fantastic €484.79 over the weekend. Our Branch also had a fantastic coffee morning at Skinny Batch Bakery in Lusk on the 4th November where coffees were flowing a plenty and a great time was had by all with some delicious cakes which made it all the better. We are delighted to have raised €284.70 on the day. A big thank you to everyone who visited us at both the pumpkin patch and Skinny Batch Bakery and of course, Skinny Batch Bakery owner Sharyn Hayden and her team for supporting us.
In November our Branch and volunteers attended SuperValu Balbriggan on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan on the 28th and 29th November with our merchandise stand selling 2026 calendars, car raffle tickets and Christmas cards to name a few items! If you would like to get your hands on any of these items, please make sure to follow us on social media to find out where we’re going to be next.

Our last fundraiser of the year is on December 5th Friday in the strand bar rush 11 am to 5 pm
Xmas Cards, 2026 calendars, Merchandise and car raffle tickets costing €5 each will be available
Finally, we want to say a big thank you to all our volunteers and supporters throughout 2025. We appreciate every single one of you and thank you for all your support. Wishing you and all yours a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

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.