Training at St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers returned in mid September and ran for approximately 10 weeks and we welcomed back many of our athletes and some new ones too.The focus for this period was primarily on improving personal fitness and worked on solo dance and freestyle routines.It was great to see everyone and get back to some normality.However, it was with heavy hearts that the coaches made a decision to have our last session for 2021 on Wed 24th Nov. We wanted our athletes to have a joyful end to their year, and so everyone wore their Christmas jumpers or pjs and we had our annual Christmas raffle. Many thanks to all the parents for their support.Each athlete got a selection box before they went home.We wish all our members and their families a very Happy and Safe Christmas and New Year. All going well we will return to training in January 2022. For more information about St. Marys Baton Twirlers please message our Facebook page or text 086 3270636.

Episode 5 Louise Mulcahy

Fingal County Council’s Arts Office presents ‘Once Upon A Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ Episode 5 featuring Louise Mulcahy.‘Once Upon A Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ sees acclaimed broadcaster Donal Dineen take us on a deep exploration of music in the company of some of the finest music makers in the land. Together they will tell the story of their sound, the songs, the instruments and their connection to them. In each series they will perform at THE HIDE SCULPTURE, a sculpture by artist Garrett Phelan that invites contemplation and deep listening. It is located along the Rogerstown Estuary, North County Dublin and home to a diverse population of resident and migrating birds that have chosen this place as their home. Once Upon a Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE is delighted to present Episode 5 – Louise Mulcahy. Donal Dineen describes the series and introduces Louise saying “The whole intention behind the Once Upon A Sound series is to get a look inside that special space which exists between a musician and their instrument. This is where the magic happens and each instalment thus far has brought us closer to the alchemy.In Episode Five we finally get to examine in detail the singular magic of the Uilleann Pipes with master piper Louise Mulcahy who was born into a musical family in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick.A veteran of several highly acclaimed albums and a multi award-winner, Louise’s repertoire is as broad and discerning as her instrumental virtuosity.The Council are delighted to present these episodes of ‘Once Upon A Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ with Donal Dineen who represents integrity and seriousness to his core audience, many of whom have developed their musical knowledge with him over many years. Donal is a consistent in his commitment to connect, understand and introduce to new perspectives on music to audiences for over two decades. ‘Once Upon a Sound at THE HIDE SCULPTURE’ featuring Louise Mulcahy can be viewed at vimeo.com/652500500 and will be available to view on Fingal Arts Vimeo and thehideproject.com where you can also catch up on the series so far with stunning performances by Liam Ó Maonlaí Anna Mieke, Niwel Tsumbu & Cormac Begley.

Significant investment has been secured for Fingal projects at the most recent Dublin Rural LEADER Approvals Meeting. The Dublin Rural LEADER Local Action Group, which oversees the Programme in Dublin, approved €230,748.76 in funding for 5 new projects in Rural Dublin at its November Online Meeting. This brings the total number of projects approved during the LEADER Transition Programme to 15 since it began on April 1st, 2021, with a total value of €543,984.52. The approved projects are in the areas of Economic Development, Rural Environment and Social Inclusion. Fingal LEADER Partnership CEO, Eilish Harrington, welcomed the approval of the 5 projects. “All were excellent projects enhancing services in the rural towns and villages of Fingal. It’s great to see communities benefiting from LEADER funding to help develop and grow their amenities, especially during the difficult times we are all currently in. I would encourage more rural communities and businesses to contact LEADER to avail of the remaining funds during the next 14 months.” Amongst the projects approved for funding are: Balbriggan Meals on Wheels which is approved for €24,063.75 for an outdoor dining area which will be of enormous help to facilitate the provision of meals to their clients in a safe outdoor setting. Donabate Portrane Community Centre CLG which is approved for €24,354.00 for a feasibility study to capture the needs of existing groups that use the facilities to assist and guide them in expanding in line with community needs.Also St Maur’s GAA Club Rush which is approved for €89,154.58 to install rainwater harvesting and irrigation in St Maur’s GAA Club premises and for use on the pitches. The Project will reduce the demand on the public water supply and reduce the volume of water going into the public drainage system. Welcoming the latest funding announcement, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Seána Ó Rodaigh said “I would like to thank the Local Action Group for its support of these Fingal Projects which will enable the continued development of sustainable communities in our rural areas’’.

Ten local social enterprises in Fingal including two from Balbriggan have been awarded over €37,000 in funding by the Department of Rural and Community Development to help them with their capital costs.The small grants were announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD as part of a €1 million fund to support 247 Social Enterprises across Ireland. The Fingal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) will be distributing the funding to the ten Fingal social enterprises on behalf of the Department.Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people. Their core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Like other businesses, social enterprises pursue their objectives by trading in goods and services on an ongoing basis. Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Social Enterprises have a positive effect on society and play an important role within the local community. They are helping to develop solutions to some of Fingal’s most pressing social issues by creating jobs, tackling disadvantage and supporting community development “ The grants under this scheme will particularly benefit smaller or start-up social enterprises who do not have ready access to essential funding that can help them to upgrade or purchase additional equipment in order for them to help deliver services to those most in need.” Minister Humphreys said: “This funding will assist almost 250 Social Enterprises with specific costs in relation to their facilities. In some cases, it will cover the cost of fixing a leaky roof or putting in a new kitchen. The grants may be small in nature, but I know they will greatly assist Social Enterprises the length and breadth of the country who have continued to serve their communities through the Pandemic.”Balbriggan Community Childcare received €825 and Balbriggan Men’s Shed received €2,746.

Sunday the 7th of November was a fantastic example of how far our club has come and what we as a club are all about. We ran no less than 5 Winter Training sessions with well over a 125 players of all ages taking part , 5 and a half hours of training , Coaching and fun in 2 different venues and supervised by our experienced team of Qualified coaches. The day began in Castlelands Community centre at 10am with our 2 Ultimate Softball Sessions , the boys at 10am and the Girls at 11am under the supervision of Tess , Lara , Connor and Druhan. Then at 5pm in North County our Minor , Junior and Colt Hardball squads had their weekly session run by coaches , Adrian , Gary , Dylan and Lara. At 6:30pm we had our first ever Women’s Social Cricket session and there was a brilliant turnout and plenty of fun and craic was had , and now a Xmas Party is already planned ! At 7:30pm it was the turn of our new Women’s Team who dusted off the kit bags and got stuck into it , an excellent turn out and lots of positives from what was an excellent session. We provide cricket for Boys , Girls , Women and Men of all ages , ability and experience , Top class coaching and a club that makes everyone welcome. If you or your child would like to join our club, Get in touch via WhatsApp or balbriggancricketclub.com/contact/

As we approach year end, Balbriggan Meals on Wheels would like to thank, most sincerely, all those who supported the service throughout 2021. Huge thanks to all the volunteers and staff who enabled Meals on Wheels to continue providing meals despite the continuing challenges of Covid 19.In the run up to Christmas Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is seeking donations to help with the continuation of their service. You can help by making a monetary donation through the Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Facebook page or you can send your donation to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan.

You can also assist in the annual Food Drive in order to prepare hampers of food and essential items for distribution within the wider Balbriggan community. Donations of non-perishable foods and essential hygiene items can be brought to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm.Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is looking forward to continuing to provide meals for those in need in our community throughout 2022. They would like to wish all their service users and supporters all the very best wishes for Christmas and hope 2022 will be an easier year for everyone. Stay safe everyone over the festive period!

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels,
14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan.
Tel : 01 8416743
Email: mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail.com

Balbriggan Woman Kathleen Byrne has written a wonderful book about her life growing up in Balbriggan , her experiences of entering a religious order and how it’s impacted her life since. A brilliant read and an insight into the life growing up in Balbriggan in the 40’s and 50’s. Born into an Irish Catholic family, Kathleen entered a religious order in France when she was 17 years old. Working and living in the prison of La Roquette, she was thrown into the Parisian underworld of crime, drugs and prostitution. Without any training and very little knowledge of the language, she struggled with homesickness, despair and loneliness. She found consolation in her faith and in knowing that she was doing God’s will. But was this enough to sustain her mental and physical strength? How did this experience affect her future? Years of living with low self-esteem, fear of God and authority, together with doubts in faith and religion took its toll. However, hoping and praying for better things to come, love found a way” The Book is available to buy online from Amazon and the Book depository.

Our Christmas cards, 8 in a pack of 4 different designs, (suggested donation) €6, 2 packs €10, calendar (suggested donation) €10, can be found in Balbriggan; Baxters Butchers, and Donal Hayes Chiropodist, Clonard St; Suds Laundrette, Drogheda St; Cuddles Pet Shop, Millfield Shopping Centre; Java the Hut, Balbriggan Business Campus, Harry Reynolds Road and Balbriggan Train Station; Jill’s Garden Centre, Barnageera. Skerries; McMeels Pharmacy and Oakes Pharmacy, Strand St; Skerries Hardware, Thomas Hand St; Stacks Pharmacy, Holmpatrick. Swords; Lissenhall Vets; Petstop, Airside Retail Park. Corduff; Irish Rosettes Pet Shop. ‘Yarrow’, puppy raised by local volunteer Anne Mulligan, is featured for May in our calendar with his temporary boarder Padraig Sheehan. Padraig tells us ‘My Grandfather lost his sight at 76. I witnessed first-hand the challenges facing visually impaired people. I’ve volunteered since 2015 and a dog stays with me during their training. On my way to work I leave the dog into the Training Centre and pick them up on my way home. Each dog has an unique personality. My last lodger was Yarrow, a gentle giant who is working wonders in his new home as an assistance dog. He is perfect for this role, so well behaved, placid and calm. He gives and loves cuddles. My latest lodger Nell, is half his size but twice the energy. A real pocket rocket who follows me everywhere around the house. Yarrow was happy to watch me pottering about until he thought food was involved! Though different they share many of the same traits, well behaved, obedient, attentive and calm on the lead. Nell is going to be an assistance dog too. During training each dog’s character is assessed and matched with a child and family which compliments both the dog and family, creating a perfect partnership. I love seeing their development throughout their training. Though sad and a little teary eyed, seeing them leave, I’m always so proud of them when they go on to change someone’s life. Both Yarrow and Nell benefitted from the love and attention their puppy raisers gave them.’Phone/text: 085 7663107. Email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com Facebook Balbriggan.Branch.of.Guide.Dogs

Everyone at Balbriggan Cricket Club was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Karl Birch after a long illness which he quietly fought with incredible strength and dignity. Karl was a regular at our ground watching games and supporting his son Eoin who plays with our 1st team and has played for several Leinster and Ireland underage teams. Karl was a genuinely funny and generous man who always had a smile and a joke. He was someone you loved to meet at the ground and a brilliant bloke to chat and spend time with. The club would like to send our sincere condolences to Karl’s beloved wife Antoinette and their twins Eoin and Emma who Karl was so incredibly proud of in every way. May Karl rest in peace

We at Balbriggan Rugby hosted our first home Youth Leinster League match of the season lin mid October, when our U16’s played Lansdowne OB/DLPSP. It was a tough match, against very good opposition, with Balbriggan holding out for a win. Well done to all the team coaches and mentors.