It is that time of year again when Guide Dog Day is fast approaching. If you would like to support us, our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs will be fundraising on Guide Dog Day, Friday the 23rd of May in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan where we will be selling merchandise along with holiday raffle tickets at €5 to potentially win a luxury holiday worth €5,000! We will also be fundraising on Saturday the 24th of May in Supervalu, Balbriggan where if you missed us on Friday, you could get your hands on our merchandise and those exciting raffle tickets at €5 each.
If you do not make it down to see us on either day, don’t worry there are more ways you can support our Branch. Did you know for example, that we placed a Q.R. code in Supervalu in Lusk of a large collection dog, so if you don’t have change to put into the large dog, you can scan the code using your phone and donate to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs as much or little as you like. We also have Q.R. codes on our large dogs in Balbriggan in Supervalu, Millfield Shopping Centre, Cuddles Pet Store located beside Millfield Shopping Centre. We also have them located in Skerries in Supervalu, The Framing Shop, McMeel’s Pharmacy and the Shore Line Hotel located in Donabate where you can simply tap your phone to donate to our Branch. We appreciate all your continued support and hope to see you on Guide Dog Day. Keep an eye on our social media pages for more information and events to come.
If volunteering is something you would like to do, you can contact the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
February marked an exciting new chapter for Takemusu Aikido Society as the club moved to a more spacious and accessible location in Balbriggan. Now based in the Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre on Dublin Street, the new facility provides a larger training area with high ceilings — an essential feature for practising Aikido with traditional wooden weapons like the aiki-ken (wooden sword) and aiki-jo (wooden staff). This move allows the club to offer a more complete Aikido experience, blending empty-handed techniques (taijutsu) with weapon training, a hallmark of the Iwama-style Aikido the club follows.
The new venue not only addresses the technical needs of Aikido practice but also paves the way for future growth. Previously, the club shared space with a local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu group, but the low ceilings restricted the range of techniques that could be safely practised. “We hope to expand our presence in Balbriggan by introducing classes for children and teenagers,” says Raman Bekarevich, the club’s head instructor who runs all club initiatives. However, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Since the community centre lacks mats suitable for Aikido practice, the club is actively fundraising to purchase their own mats, ensuring a safe and authentic training environment.
Behind the scenes, Raman has been supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who have played a vital role in the club’s success. Among them is Jan, the club’s newly promoted black belt and recently named Sport Volunteer of the Year for 2025. Jan’s tireless efforts, both on and off the mat, have inspired others to contribute. Other club volunteers have been very helpful in preparation for recent events and ensuring the club’s smooth operation during this period of transition. Their collective commitment reflects the spirit of community that lies at the heart of Takemusu Aikido Society.
This spirit of inclusivity and community was further demonstrated in early March when the club participated in Sport Ireland’s Women in Sports Week, a national campaign aimed at increasing the visibility of women in sport and encouraging greater participation. Recognising that women are often underrepresented in martial arts, the club offered for them three free Aikido classes during the week: two in Dublin city centre and one in Balbriggan. While many expressed interest, only a few could attend, reflecting the challenges some women face in balancing new activities with their existing commitments. Those who participated, however, had an enriching experience and were presented with small gifts sponsored by Fingal County Council as a token of appreciation. Building on this momentum, the club also took part in Balbriggan’s St. Patrick’s Parade, showcasing the art of Aikido to the local community and further strengthening their ties within the town.
Aikido, unlike many other martial arts, does not rely on physical strength. Instead, it emphasises balance, structural stability, and coordinated movement — making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. “We want women to feel equally welcome and capable,” says Raman. “Aikido is something you can pursue throughout life, whether you’re a child, an adult, or a senior.” This philosophy of inclusivity is at the core of Takemusu Aikido Society’s ethos, and the club remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. Plans are already underway to continue offering free classes to underrepresented groups, including women and older adults, ensuring that the art of Aikido is accessible to all.
The recent move to the Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre and the success of community initiatives like Women in Sports Week reflect Takemusu Aikido Society’s broader mission: to create an inclusive, supportive environment where people from all walks of life can explore the art of Aikido. As the club settles into its new home, the instructors and volunteers remain dedicated to expanding their reach and ensuring everyone feels welcome on the mats. With a renewed focus on community engagement and accessibility, Takemusu Aikido Society is not just teaching martial arts—it’s building a space where individuals can grow, connect, and thrive.
Whether you’re curious about Aikido, looking for a new way to stay active, or simply want to be part of a welcoming community, Takemusu Aikido Society invites you to step onto the mat. Classes in Balbriggan now take place every Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre—an open invitation to discover the art of Aikido for yourself.
Congratulations to Thrive Balbriggan which has won the 2025 the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards in the Best Mental Health Initiative at the awards ceremony which took place on Saturday 22nd February in Cork.
The Balbriggan Great Places & Spaces Wellbeing Map is an intergenerational project that highlights locations in Balbriggan that promote mental health and well-being. The map was created from survey responses gathered from local Transition Year students and the Balbriggan community, identifying places where they feel relaxed, happy, energised, or calm.
Coordinated by Thrive Balbriggan, the map was created by local artist Lauren Fernandes and designed by Áine O’Beirne, a local graphic designer and Vice Chairperson of Thrive Balbriggan. The project was inspired by the Wexford Great Places and Spaces Wellbeing Map, which was administered and coordinated by the Wexford Mental Health Association.
Commenting on the win, the Great Places and Spaces Project Lead, Thrive representative Séamus Quigley said: “This award is not only a recognition of Thrive Balbriggan’s presence, but also a tribute to the dedication of its members and volunteers who have worked hard to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of the Balbriggan community. The Great Places & Spaces initiative was a unique concept for the area, and as demonstrated by its success at the All Ireland Community and Council Awards, it was a project that made a real difference—one we are eager to build on. I want to commend the team for their tireless efforts, creativity, and initiative in transforming this map from an idea into an attractive, functional resource that will benefit the community. This project was created for the community, by the community, with invaluable contributions from local residents and produced with the support of Mental Health Ireland, Our Balbriggan, Empower and 123 Print Balbriggan. We are thankful for their willingness to share their insights about the different places and spaces in Balbriggan, and we also appreciate the support from everyone involved”.
Thrive is a community-led movement aimed at creating happier and healthier communities by conducting activities promoting mental health and well-being. Thrive was introduced to Ireland in 2021 by Mental Health Ireland and currently operates in two locations in County Fingal in Balbriggan and Swords.
Thrive Balbriggan is an initiative of Mental Health Ireland and is supported by Fingal County Council. For further information please contact thrivebalbriggan@mentalhealthireland.ie or visit Thrive Ireland – Mental Health Ireland
In February 2025, volunteers Tom O’Neill, his guide dog Qeb, puppy walker Anne Mulligan along with Pat Harney of the Portmarnock/Malahide Branch of Guide Dogs, his Ambassador dog Belle and Jennifer Hurley who is the Regional Development Officer for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind all attended Skerries Library to promote awareness of guide dog puppy training and are looking for volunteers for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs.
Tom has had guide dogs for 40 years and got his first one when he was 28 years old. Qeb is his seventh guide dog. Anne has been puppy walking for over 13 years and just got her 14th puppy, Lulu, a few weeks ago. When Tom was giving his talk at the library, Qeb was focussed on Anne and Tom explained that as well as her puppy walking, Anne also takes Qeb for runs in Argillan and he adores her. Qeb was obviously hoping Anne would bring him for a run!
Tom explained how Qeb was a very special dog because of the dual ownership and that his late wife Breege had him first and Tom had him after she passed away. Qeb is unique and of all the guide dogs in 40 years, Tom said this kind of dual ownership had never been done before.
Tom and Anne explained how all guide dogs begin their training with puppy walkers for the first year and the importance to have a deep love for dogs and a lot of patience. It is clear from Qeb’s reaction to Anne, how good she is with dogs. Tom is looking for volunteers for the Branch. The next fundraiser the branch is doing is Sunday 13th of April a craft fare in Mrs O’s upstairs in the Central Pub Balbriggan from 12 o’clock to 4 pm where our branch will be selling tickets for a holiday raffle at €5 each. If volunteering is something you would like to do, you can contact the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
In June 2025, Balbriggan native Bill Staunton and his friend Barry Lee who are currently living in Sydney, will return home to Ireland to run the length of the country – 600km from Mizen Head to Malin Head – in just 10 days, all in aid of Pieta House.
This incredible journey is not only a personal challenge but a powerful statement in support of men’s mental health.
Speaking aahed of the challenge Bill explained, “Every year, over 600,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide, with 70% of them being men. These statistics are a stark reminder of the mental health crisis we face, and it’s time to make a change. There’s great work being done in Ireland for men’s mental health however there’s work to done. We’re doing this run for those who can’t, to raise awareness, spark conversation, and show that it’s okay to talk, to seek help, and to be heard. We invite you to join us on this journey—whether it’s supporting us along the way, raising awareness in your community, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can make a difference. Mizen to Malin – 600 in 10 Days. Do it for those who can’t.”
Bill and Barry are hoping that the people of Balbriggan can get behind them for the challenge and for those who would like to support them they can go to the dedicated fundraising page at https://gofund.me/40ba587d.
The Balbriggan Chain of Survival is a programme managing multiple projects for emergency volunteer responders within the community of Balbriggan. The purpose of each project is to reduce avoidable fatalities.
CRITICAL Balbriggan Community Responders is a project that is now separately run and managed by the esteemed charity CRITICAL https://criticalcharity.ie/. Volunteers from Balbriggan have undergone online training, Garda vetting and are now in the process of their practical training with a vision of launching mid-2025. As a CRITICAL Balbriggan Community Responder, we will be an extension to the National Ambulance Service, and will be actively responding to emergency dispatch calls for heath attack, cardiac arrest, stroke and choking incidents.
According to the Irish Heart Foundation, over 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at the home. The COMMUNITY HEARTS project is in partnership with Smart Medical and Re-turn as a national pilot for residential defibrillators being installed, enabling residents to be within 3-5 minutes, or, 400-500 metres of their closest accessible defibrillator. The overall ambition of the project is to have 24/7 AED coverage for 95% of Balbriggan’s population.
Orange Bins are placed all across Balbriggan to collect returnable bottles and cans to raise the required funds for the COMMUNITY HEARTS project. In addition to residential defibrillator instalations, an installation has been carried out at Bracken Cabs, open 24/7 to the public, and an ideal location with both residential and commercial activity being 24/7 in that area. Westbrook Grove, Clonard Street, Tara Court residential installations are complete, with Clonard Court, Tara Cove, and many more estates in the planning. Planning is in place to install a 24/7 defibrillator at the Balbriggan Court House, and to support Balbriggan 34th/161st Scouts with their installation at Market Green.
Orange Bins are placed all across Balbriggan, from the Rugby Club, through the town at The Lark Concert Hall, Glebe North Football Club, the Senior Citizens Hall, St. Peter’s and Paul’s Primary School, to the other side of the community at Balbriggan Football Club.
There are hundreds of residents collecting and donating their bottles and cans for the cause. To support national pilot for residential defibrillators a Go Fund Me Campaign has been setup to run 5km daily to bring awareness to the Balbriggan Chain of Survival programme.
To date, there’s been 432 daily 5km runs in a row, over 60 contributors and €1,816 raised which as supported the purchase of the first four defibrillator and cabinets. For details of the Go Fund Me click here https://gofund.me/917253f0
There are several ongoing projects within the programme, to find out more, please check out our social pages BalbrigganCOS or contact BalbrigganCOS@gmail.com”
To celebrate Brigid’s bank holiday the wonderful community of Balbriggan gathered for a spectacular, illuminated procession through the streets of the town.
To celebrate the St Brigid’s bank holiday in February 2025, Balbriggan held a spectacular, illuminated procession through the streets of the town and onto the beach. Balbriggan is one of Europe’s most diverse towns and is expanding into a vibrant hub of creative expression and life.
Performers from Luxe Landscape Theatre Company were joined by community groups at the Lark Concert Hall.
Accompanied by an ethereal soundtrack, they carried lanterns together from the Lark, gathering the community at George’s Square and in a powerful and emotive performance, spread Brigid’s light on a processional journey down Mill Street to a celebration on the beach. This family-friendly event celebrates the return of Spring with a celebration of light, hope, and the coming together of this wonderful and beautifully diverse community.
This breathtaking procession was developed through a collaboration between Creative Fingal, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, Community Wellness, Luxe Landscape Theatre, and the entire Balbriggan community. It demonstrates how the Creative Ireland Programme delivers through collaboration and partnership to promote understanding and appreciation of the value of creativity in all its forms. It remains a wonderful and unique opportunity to celebrate community and creativity and to mark the celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde, St Brigid’s Day.
Did you know that Irish equality legislation gives Guide Dog and Assistance Dog owners the right to access businesses and services without discrimination which includes access to all forms of public transport, including bus, train, tram, taxi, plane or ferry. Also, all forms of hospitality accommodation including hotels, Airbnbs, hostels or holiday rental properties establishments that provide food, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, delis and supermarkets.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of which Ireland is a signatory, articles 19,20,29 and 30 on accessibility and participation place an obligation on public and private service providers to be inclusive and the lack of access experienced by Guide Dog and Assistance Dog owners is a clear breach of their human rights under the Convention. You can show your support for access rights by displaying the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Access window sticker in recognition of Guide and Assistance Dog owners.
You can order your FREE sticker from access@guidedogs.ie. At present in North County Dublin there are several Businesses showing support by displaying the access sticker, including Millfield Shopping Centre, Cuddles Pet Store Millfield, Dempseys Bar-Lounge Balbriggan and McMeel’s Pharmacy, Skerries. Let us know if you want an access sticker and we will get it to you for display.
Are you looking for ways to support your local Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs? Well recently we placed a large collection dog in the Shoreline Hotel, Donabate. This large collection dog has a QR code on it, so if you don’t have change you can now use your phone to scan the Q.R. code and donate to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs. A big thank you to Andy O’Neill of the Central Lounge in Balbriggan for making the connection for our Branch and to the hotel manager, Brendan for his support.
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.
The start of the New Year brought exciting achievements for Takemusu Aikido Society, as two major milestones were reached during an international seminar held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 2nd to 5th January. This gathering of Aikido practitioners from across Europe included over 50 participants from Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, France, Germany, Ireland, and beyond.
The seminar was led by Ulf Evenås Sensei, a revered figure in the Aikido world and he was awarded the rank of 8th dan, the highest possible grade, reflecting his extraordinary contributions to Aikido’s development as a martial art and way of life.
The seminar unfolded against a backdrop of wintry beauty. Sweden welcomed the Irish visitors, Raman Bekarevich and Jan Toth, with cold winds and bare landscapes. However, overnight snow transformed Gothenburg into a winter wonderland, adding a magical touch to the experience.
The culmination of the seminar was the dan grading examinations, a rigorous test of skill and dedication. Candidates were evaluated not only on their technical proficiency but also on their understanding of Aikido’s principles. These gradings represent years of consistent practice and embody the art’s values of discipline, harmony, and resilience.
For Takemusu Aikido Society, the seminar brought two proud moments. Raman Bekarevich, the head instructor, was awarded the rank of 4th dan. This rank signifies the pinnacle of technical mastery in Aikido, requiring the ability to perform all techniques with exceptional precision and fluidity. Beyond this rank, Aikido practitioners are no longer tested on technical skills; instead, they are recognised for their contributions to the art and their role in guiding others.
Another significant milestone was achieved by Jan, an assistant instructor at the club, who earned his Shodan (1st-degree black belt). This achievement was particularly meaningful as it marked the first black belt awarded to a student of Raman Bekarevich and a historic moment for the Takemusu Aikido Society. Jan’s success symbolises the dedication and strength of the club’s teaching and its commitment to fostering the growth of its members.
You too can become part of this story. Takemusu Aikido Society offers regular classes open to everyone, including complete beginners who are curious to try something new. Classes are held every Sunday in Balbriggan and on Mondays and Wednesdays in Dublin. To start your journey, visit www.aiki.ie or email at info@aiki.ie.
The Irish Chamber Orchestra turns the spotlight on the saxophone in the first concerts of its Spring Summer Season 2025 with its debut performance in the Lark Theatre Balbriggan on 7th February being joined by the extraordinary saxophonist Jess Gillam.
Jess has forged an amazing career since shooting to fame as the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician. In her twenties, she has already achieved an MBE for services to music, a Classical BRIT award, her own show on BBC Radio 3 (This Classical Life), and appearances at the BBC Proms both as their youngest-ever soloist and latterly, as a presenter.
From BACH TO BOWIE is an electrifying, eclectic showcase that demonstrates Gillam’s versatility on saxophone as she, along with Irish Chamber Orchestra, sweep audiences away on a voyage of discovery.
Celebrate the youthful wonder in Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 2 as ICO revel in the composer’s sense of fun and sheer joy in making music. Feel the pull of this energetic tug-of-war between orchestra and saxophone in Bach’s Concerto in A Minor as Gillam soars high leading the orchestra in its flight of fancy. Hear the rhythm and purity of expression bursting to life in David Heath’s The Celtic as he delights in the saxophone’s singing quality.
Audiences can catch a breath with ICO as Elaine Agnew’s atmospheric Twilight evokes a peaceful time of meditation after sunset before sunrise.
Meanwhile, Jess’s rendition of Boulanger’s Cantique is tender with an exquisite melody that captures the most enchanting image of stars sparkling in the night sky. Bowie’s iconic Life on Mars will mesmerize as the saxophone stretches into the stratosphere of the unknown - a real treat!
John Harle’s nostalgic and wild “Rant” is a traditional British folk dance, dedicated to Gillam and her saxophone. Explore and enjoy “her energy, her sound and her presence, painted in music from her own part of England” says Harle.
