The HSE Foróige Youth Health Initiative, which is situated in the two centres of Castlemills Education Centre, Flemington and the old Balbriggan Health Centre, has just appointed four new youth workers Cillian, Mégan, Conall and Lorraine. The project is open to all young people aged 10 – 24 who are living in the Balbriggan area. It will work in partnership with HSE services, schools and the local community to ensure collaborative work takes place and will allow all young people access to good quality youth work. All youth work programs and activities for young people in Balbriggan will be based on Foróige’s proven programs which will lead to a more positive and healthy lifestyle. Another exciting element of the work will include the opening of a new technology hub that can be accessed by young people and can explore the likes of coding, graphic design, music and much more. “Foróige is very excited to be working with the HSE in delivery of this brand new project. All young people who want to be involved in youth work should be able to participate. The purpose of our work is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development of society.This project is a first for the country and we are delighted to have it here in Balbriggan”, said Miriam Ryan, Area Manager, Foróige. The project is currently launching their summer programs which will run over July and August. Each week will be jam-packed with an exciting array of activities and experiences for young people to choose from, including sports weeks, arts and crafts, day trips, forest based sessions, and access to the new cutting-edge technology hub. These summer programs are an excellent opportunity for young people to come and learn more about the new project and get a feel for the type of programs that will be available throughout the year. To book onto one of the summer programmes, simply scan the QR code found on the image. Foróige is an independent, non-profit national voluntary youth organisation that greatly values volunteerism. One of the goals for the new project is to run weekly clubs throughout the school year and is actively seeking volunteers. Foróige welcomes anyone who would like to get involved and provide opportunities with young people in their community. For more information about volunteering with the new HSE Youth Health Initiative contact Lorraine Farrell on 086 0123078 or email lorraine.farrell@foroige.ie

Some of our younger members put on a sparkling display in the glorious sunshine in Balscadden recently at the tractor run , which was wonderful as it was back to the roots where St. Marys Baton Twirlers began some 43 years ago.The present boys and girls are looking forward to competing in the 2022 ABTI National Championships at the end of June. For further information on classes contact us on Facebook messenger @StMarys Baton Twirlers or 086 3270636.

We have some exciting new additions to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch! On Monday the 9th of May, Adele Halpin of Stamullen welcomed black Labrador, Voldee into her home as a puppy in training, where he will stay with Adele and her family for the next 12-14 months before he heads off to Cork HQ. Andy Green of Balbriggan also welcomed a new addition. Andy returned to Balbriggan with his new guide dog, golden Labrador, Ollie on Friday the 13th of May, after the retirement of his trusty Guide Dog Nico last year. Andy, along with Ollie and his wonderful choir Cór Fingal performed in Millfield Shopping Centre, outside Specsavers on the 28th May last. The recital was in part to celebrate the fact that Andy got a new Guide Dog and also because Specsavers has been in Balbriggan now for ten years. Did you know that thanks to Brian Brodigan and Paul Quinn of our local Specsavers, a tap to donate machine for the Irish Guide dogs has now gone into over 50 Specsavers across Ireland? If you want to support us, you can find one of our tap to donate machines, where you can donate a minimum of €3 to us in Specsavers, Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan. We are so grateful for all the support. We want to thank Brian, Paul and Specsavers. We would also like to wish Adele and Voldee and Andy and Ollie all the best in the future.

You might remember Adel, puppy raised by Anne Mulligan, went to Cork HQ back on May 17th and we are pleased to say Adel has settled in very well in the centre and we’re looking forward to all the promising updates to come. Would you like to be a puppy raiser and help change lives? You can find information on the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind website guidedogs.ie or email support@guidedogs.ie, you can also contact your local branch on Facebook, by email at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or by mobile on 085 766 3107 to find out ways to support your local branch.

Bremore Castle Food & Craft Village returned as a monthly fixture, from Sunday May 1st when the gates opened from 11am until 4pm. Based on the grounds of the magnificent Bremore Castle at the heart of the Balbriggan community in North County Dublin. The market brings together local businesses & artists to showcase a variety of local produce, artisan food and handmade crafts in an open-air family and pet friendly environment. The market will be running on the first weekend of every month (subject to planning and permission), and dates will be posted well in advance on all social media channels. With work nearing completion on Bremore Castle restoration, it is also an opportunity for the public to get a closer view of the incredible work that has been done on this amazing structure. Bremore Castle is a large tower house located in Balbriggan, County Dublin. Estimated to have been built in the 14th century, the Norman Barnewalls family held it from the time of construction till 1727, the year in which it was sold. However, the first mention of this castle or its location was in reference to William Rosel De Brimor, who held land in England and Ireland at the end of the 13th century. Its deterioration began much before the sale, and by 1783, it was termed as “not many years ago inhabited” by Austin Cooper, a prominent antiquarian of that time. For any enquiries regarding the market, please contact our email bremorecastlefcv@gmail.com or visit us on Instagram by contacting us at instagram.com/bremorecastlefoodcraftvillage) or you could Facebook us at facebook.com/BremoreCastleFoodCraftVillage.

A series of intimate outdoor concerts have just been announced for North County Dublin.
One of County Dublin’s “best-kept secrets”, The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, has just announced the line-up for this year’s “Garden Party”. A series of outdoor Summer concerts to be held under the shelter of the venue’s purposely designed stretch tent and stage located at the heart of the picturesque North County Dublin village. The Garden Party will provide a unique opportunity to experience intimate concerts with some of Ireland’s best-loved music acts as well as a host of comedy and film events throughout the long summer nights. Amongst the acts announced today, Speaking about the line-up announcement Deirdre Roche, Director of The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, commented: “As our communities emerge from the isolation of the past two years there has never been such a hunger for the return of live music events. This year’s line-up is a gathering of some of Ireland’s much loved musical legends, in a totally unique and intimate setting. The venue will provide a complete night out for ticket holders, with live music, food offerings and a full bar on site. We look forward to welcoming audiences.” The Séamus Ennis Centre in Naul village is located 11 minutes from Balbriggan and is accessible from there by bus and taxi. From Dublin City centre take the Drogheda or Dundalk train service to Balbriggan. Bus services from and to the venue include; Bus Line 1467 from and to Swords, Bus Line 195 runs to and from Balbriggan to Ashbourne.Tickets for The Garden Party are on sale now visit: tseac.ie. The Full Schedule of Events: May 27th - The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow - June 10th - Neil Delamere & Guests (Comedy) - June 11th - The Stunning - June 25th - Bell X1 - June 29th - Irlando-Québécois (Irish & French-Canadian Live Music, Dancing) - July 09th - The Rob Strong Band (Live Music, Dancing) - July 22nd - David O’Doherty & Guests (Comedy) - July 23rd - The Lost Brothers - August 12th - Paul Brady - August 13th - Classic Cinema (Cinema, Live Music, Dancing) – August 14th - (afternoon Classic Family Cinema) - August 20th - Atlantic Arc.

Everyone at the club is delighted to see our Club Professional for 2022 Ryan Hadley has been awarded a full contract for the New South Wales Blues Squad for 2022/23
Well Done Hadders , keep it up.

The U16’s who attend Ardgillan Community College were photographed this morning with their Leinster Premier League, North East League and JCT Pat Rossiter trophies. They were then joined by the junior players from Ardgillan, and all the senior players from the school who won the Fingal Senior Cup. Well done lads on a great season!

We are delighted to see the return of our Dinner Club three days per week at our centre in Hampton Street, where our clients can enjoy a meal and socialise with their friends; something which they really missed out on during the Covid pandemic. Our Pop-up-Shop is open again every Friday from 10am to 1pm. This year we are also serving Teas & Coffees, so you can enjoy a cuppa after you browse for some bargains. We would like to thank Christopher White of Three Gates Garden Centre and Nursery, Naul for donating some fabulous flowers, bedding plants and compost to us for our Outdoor Area. We took part in a Food Drive in Tesco in April, with another planned for 17th & 18thJune. All food donated will be used within our service or donated to our clients and those in need in the local area.

Bremore Castle Food & Craft Village returned as a monthly fixture, starting on Sunday May 1st when the gates opened from 11am until 4pm. Based on the grounds of the magnificent Bremore Castle at the heart of the Balbriggan community in North County Dublin. The market brings together local businesses & artists to showcase a variety of local produce, artisan food and handmade crafts in an open-air family and pet friendly environment. The market will be running on the first weekend of every month (subject to planning and permission), and dates will be posted well in advance on all social media channels. With work nearing completion on Bremore Castle restoration, it is also an opportunity for the public to get a closer view of the incredible work that has been done on this amazing structure. Bremore Castle is a large tower house located in Balbriggan, County Dublin. Estimated to have been built in the 14th century, the Norman Barnewalls family held it from the time of construction till 1727, the year in which it was sold. However, the first mention of this castle or its location was in reference to William Rosel De Brimor, who held land in England and Ireland at the end of the 13th century. Its deterioration began much before the sale, and by 1783, it was termed as “not many years ago inhabited” by Austin Cooper, a prominent antiquarian of that time. For any enquiries regarding the market, please contact our email bremorecastlefcv@gmail.com or visit us on Instagram by contacting us at instagram.com/bremorecastlefoodcraftvillage) or you could Facebook us at facebook.com/BremoreCastleFoodCraftVillage.

It was with great sadness that we at Balbriggan RFC have learned of the passing of our former member and Trustee, Gerald Gallen. Gerald had a life long love for rugby from his playing days at school in Belvedere College to his many years involvement in Delvin RFC where he was the Club International Ticket Secretary. Gerald was a regular at Old Belvedere AIL matches and for many years at Balbriggan games too. Gerald will be very sadly missed by his many friends in our wide rugby family. Our condolences to his wife Ann, son Gerald, daughters Ruth and Rachel, daughter-in-law Carol, grandchildren and many friends.