As part of Tradfest in January ‘Céilí House‘ the Rte programme presented by the renowned Kieran Hanrahan took place in the Parish Hall. It was recorded as part of the lead up to Tradfest. It was a feast of Traditional Irish Music that afternoon with a full House with Kieran’s brother Mike playing and our own Gerry O’Connor. Two of the young teachers from Leithinis CCÉ took to the stage too.

Martin Harte CEO of Tradfest was interviewed by Kieran. The Mayor Brian McDonagh presented Kieran with a painting as a gift for his contribution to Traditional Music & Tradfest.

The Parish Hall was chosen as the perfect place to do this very special edition of ‘Céilí House’, it is old world and an ambience can be easily created. The acoustic panels give perfect sound & the newly refurbished floor again done by Kidds the best in refurbishing old floors was looking fantastic.

The Parish Hall thanks Martin Harte for bringing Tradfest to our community and especially for putting on such an appropriate and historic event in our Parish Hall.

We will also have a music event on for young people organised by Music Makers on Sunday 9th February - see more details in other article.

If you want further information about using the Parish Hall please contact the Parish Office on 01 8434574.

Open Mic Extravaganza – In Collaboration with the Parish Hall Donabate & Portrane, this one’s for you!
Hey, music fans aged 15 and over ready to rock your socks off? Whether you’re a budding musician or the next shower-singing sensation, Music Makers is the ultimate place to let your talent shine.

When? Sunday, 9th February 2025; Time? 2 PM – 5 PM; Where? Parish Hall, Donabate

No skill? No sweat. Don’t worry if you can’t tell a bass line from a clothesline—this event is for everyone!

Pick up your ukulele, guitar, drumsticks, or just your enthusiasm and join the fun.

Why come? Unleash your inner rockstar. Hang out with cool, music-loving people

Share some laughs (and maybe a few missed notes). Email musicmakersph@gmail.com for more details.
Grab your gear, bring your friends, and let’s make some noise! If under 18 please bring an adult with you

The Leithinis CCE played traditional Irish music at the tree lighting ceremony in Portrane on Sunday 8th December. We were delighted to have so many members and friends playing trad together. Though the conditions were challenging with biting winds and freezing temperatures, the hot chocolates and mulled wine provided by the Brook Pub warmed us all up nicely. The music and songs continued afterwards in the Brook where we thawed out and had a chance to warm up.

Leithinis CCE run traditional music lessons in DPETNS on Monday nights with a new term commencing mid-January. Keep an eye on our website for enrolment dates and further details. www.leithinis.com. We cater for juniors, and seniors of all levels. I would advise anyone who is interested to get in contact with us through the website and we’d be delighted to assist.

We run a trad session for our members on Monday evenings at DPETNS as well as Friday slow sessions in the parish hall 2 Fridays each month. There’s always plenty going on and playing together is a great way to learn new tunes, improve technique and enjoy music in a very relaxed and sociable setting.

The final slow session of this year, Friday 13th December was held in Keeling’s Pub. It was a festive and sociable gathering and a culmination of all the practice and learning throughout the year.

The news that additional services on the 33D line from Portrane to Dublin City Centre are to be provided by Dublin Bus has been warmly welcomed by Cllr Corina Johnston. Johnston said; “Duncan Smith TD and I have been campaigning for the last few years for additional 33D direct bus services from Portrane to the City Centre. Duncan raised this with the CEO of Dublin Bus at numerous Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee meetings and We have been also raising this matter on an ongoing basis with the NTA (National Transport Authority).”

“Over the last number of months in conjunction with regular bus users of this service I carried out a passenger capacity survey which highlighted 20-25 passengers standing on this bus service on a regular basis. This information was collated and provided to the NTA and Dublin Bus. As a result, Dublin Bus carried out a feasibility study which fully justified our case for additional services.” We were subsequently informed by Dublin Bus that they intend to provide additional services in early 2025. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks.”

On Wednesday 20th November 9 members of the AAfA camera club decided to take advantage of their free travel passes, and the extra Enterprise express train times, to go to the Belfast Christmas Market. On arrival in Belfast, after a very comfortable journey, most opted for the open-top bus tour of the city which was interesting, informative and very COLD!

After having lunch, and thawing out, in a nice warm cafe we ventured across the road to the market which had a distinctly continental air with a great variety of stalls, plenty of shopping and photo opportunities. We finished the day with a visit to one of Belfast’s oldest and best-preserved Victorian pubs, the Crown, a lovely spot. After another comfortable journey we arrived back in Donabate at 6.15pm with all happy and planning a lot more rail excursions.

Tuesday 10th December was the date for Active Age for Alls’ annual Christmas Carol fund raiser for St Francis Hospice to help to support the wonderful work that they do. It was very well attended and all enjoyed refreshments of home bakes, tea, coffee and non-alcoholic mulled wine. We were serenaded by the AAfA singing group led by Ed Mallarky, enjoyed a number from Willie Cahill and some rousing renditions from the marvellous Bright Sparks crèche children.

Many thanks to all the local businesses and individuals who donated items for the raffle, there were over 50 so the draw took quite a while; we managed to raise over €1,000 so well done to all !

Dates for the Diary (2025): January 6th & 7th: online registration for AAfA members; 8th & 9th Jan – walk in membership and registration in DPCC; Friday Jan 17th: AGM; Monday Jan 20th: Classes commence for the Spring term.

In October, we did a great walk from Greystones to Bray on a beautiful day when we went up to The Cross at Bray Head. We finished up in the Heritage Hotel for some great food!

In November, we did a flat easy route through St Anne’s Park down to the coastal walk and along the NEW Green Way along the Docks at the East Point Business Park. We finished up in The Yacht in Clontarf which is self-service but still great food!

Both walks were all by train & bus - active travel at its best!

In 2025 there are three walks organised which are all short to medium length and easy in terms of difficulty a fairly good level of fitness is still required!

January 18th - Clontarf - NEW Greenway Docks Walk - 6/8km - Train
February 1st - City Walk - La Féile Brįd - 6/8km - Train
March 8th - Walk Short part of the Pilgrim Way in Armagh & Visit Navan Fort - 6/8km - Car
If you are interested in walking please contact Carolyn 087 9284307

As part of the lead up to Tradfest 2025, the Parish Hall will host Céilí House for RTE 1. In early January, an hour-long programme of Céilí House - the best of Traditional Irish Music & Song - will take place in the Parish Hall. It will, as always, be presented by the renowned presenter and musical talent Kieran Hanrahan. This is an honour not just for the Parish Hall but our village that Céilí House will take place in our local community.

During ‘Tradfest’ which takes place from Wednesday 22nd - Sunday 26th January 2025. in Fingal (Dublin City & South County Dublin)

There will be a number of events & gigs in Fingal - Donabate Community Centre will have the famous ‘Stocktons Wing’ on Friday 24th January - which should be a great gig. Kieran Hanrahan equally famous brother Michael is a member of the band and will be playing that night!

We are honoured & delighted that the two brothers will be in our parish promoting Traditional Irish Music and thank Martin Harte CEO of Tradfest and FCC Events team for bringing them here!

Thanks to FCC yet again and our Community Officer - Rafe Costigan - for supporting and assisting with the refurbishment of the Parish Hall, especially the acoustic panels which allow for eg music events and dramas to take place.

Look up the Tradfest website now to see what is on - especially in the Fingal area.

With regard to music! Gerry & the Plonkers will be performing again in the Parish Hall from 12-2pm on three Wednesdays in 2025: Wed 22nd Jan; Wed 12th Feb and Wed 12th March.

There will be Dancin & Singin - and lots of great music All adults in the parish are invited for two hours of fun! Refreshments served at 12noon then it’s up and dancin!

Music Makers
Will be back in January with Noel Dowling & Sean Collins leading the way. Keep an eye on Facebook & email Noel musicmakersph@gmail.com for further info. Thank you to all who have donated instruments so far! Adults over 18’s this is your chance to play your instrument with like minded people mad about music

The Parish Hall thank you for your patience with the maintenance work & refurbishment that is taking place at the beginning of January - this is necessary to keep the Parish Hall in good order for your use.

The daily programme is continuing to fill & fill and there are very few slots left for further information please contact the Parish Office on 01-8434574.

Finally, we wish all who live in our community a very, very Happy & Healthy New Year.

Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed finished 2024 with a flurry. In addition to our regular weekly exercise classes, croquet (when the weather permitted), music jam session and our Thursday morning get-togethers for a cuppa and a chat, we had several special events.

On 6th December, we had our annual Christmas dinner in Keeling’s followed by a sing-song, proving that there’s more musical talent in the Men’s Shed than just Gerry and the Plonkers.

Speaking of which, the Plonkers had a couple of outings in December, a concert in Donabate Parish Hall and one in St. Michael’s House. While both audiences enjoyed a selection of songs including several Christmas standards, the latter concert was very special with very enthusiastic and appreciative attendees.
As reported last month, a large group of members visited the museum in Mountjoy Prison. Sean Reynolds, a retired maintenance carpenter/joiner, was our very knowledgeable guide. He enthusiastically explained many aspects of the prison’s history, through the artefacts on display, many of which he had personally sourced, and answered all our questions. We saw historical warden uniforms, Albert Pierrepoint’s (the hangman’s) records and the Reception Register for the Women’s Prison with the entry for Countess Markievicz.

2025 promises to be just as active. So, if you or someone you know would like to join us, please call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.

The Christmas tree is up and the countdown is on to the most exciting day of the year in Donabate! The Donabate Christmas Lights Festival is on Saturday December 7th.

Many thanks to Fingal County Council for installing the beautiful tree and lights.

All day on Saturday 7th, Karl Harte and his team from CP Electrical will be busy installing all the other festive lights around the village. We are hugely indebted to Karl who has been voluntarily doing this job for 30 years or more now. Huge thanks to Karl’s team who will give up their day on Saturday to help make the village look sparkly and festive.

The Christmas Craft Fair will be on in the Parish Hall, from 12-6pm, with lots of artisans showcasing their crafts. Drop in and browse and maybe pick up a gift or two!

Santa Claus will arrive in the Parish Hall at 11am and will be there all day in his grotto visiting with the good boys and girls.

Free hot drinks will be on offer outside the Parish Hall from Shirley Higgins and her coffee van, courtesy of Progressive Credit Union.

At 4.30pm the switching-on event will start at the tree in the carpark of St. Patrick’s RC Church. There will be festive entertainment from the Peninsula Voices, under the baton of Áine Daly.

There will be seasonal refreshments, with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies for the adults and juices and treats for the kids.

We are very grateful to Tesco, SuperValu and the Progressive Credit Union for their ongoing support for this event. Without their generosity, the event would not happen.

Four children have been chosen, one from each of the Primary schools on the peninsula, to lead the countdown and flick the switch to turn on the lights.

After the lights are on, there will be a Christmas Market in the Town Mall, with local businesses showcasing their goods.

So, put on your Santa hat, join us for some of the festivities and help kick-start the Donabate festive season in style!