A draft “Framework Plan” was recently shared by Fingal County Council where it stated that “the development strategy for Donabate, as set out in the Development Plan, is to promote the provision of all necessary community, commercial, cultural and social facilities in tandem with new residential development”. It further states that “there was a high level of agreement about the needs of the Donabate community: such as…the need for a civic / cultural / arts centre - a performance space etc. was also highlighted.” While it is great that the need for an indoor cultural centre (that would benefit the entire community) is acknowledged and referenced in this draft framework, we need to see real progress on accomplishing this objective. Presently, there is significant residential development in Donabate without the provision of adequate facilities. Now is the time to locate a suitable site for a cultural centre. If the Council is serious about providing adequate space for social and cultural facilities, then they should commit to this objective. The Tilbury site is a perfect example of a location that would be ideal for a standalone, multi-purpose cultural centre. It is in an excellent location, between the planned developments at Ballymastone and Corballis East. Given there will be thousands of houses built in Donabate in the coming years and we’ll likely have a population of over 20,000 by 2030, we cannot miss this opportunity to build a standalone, multi-purpose cultural centre. The Local Area Development Plan for Donabate clearly commits to providing support for the provision of a “Community / Cultural / Exhibition Arts Centre.” Development Plans cannot merely be aspirational documents. We have a reasonable expectation as a community to receive adequate indoor cultural and social facilities to match the significant residential development in our area. An action plan should be put in place with the Council and community groups to ensure that this objective is realised. If you agree with what I’ve stated here and would like to support this campaign for a cultural centre, please email me at: EoghanDockrellFG@gmail.com

Labour party area representative Corina Johnston recently asked, “Why should the public have confidence and participate in the planning process when objectives in statutory plans are ignored contrary to council policy and the wishes of the general public and elected Councillors?” Corina Johnston said, “The Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 Core Strategy envisages the population of the Donabate peninsula growing to 12720 by 2029. The population was 11783 in the 2022 census. I believe we have already surpassed the council’s estimate. Construction work has commenced on phase one of 1200 units on council land in Ballymastone. An application for 1020 housing units at Corballis East is with Fingal CC and a decision is imminent. In accordance with the Local Area Plan (LAP) almost 3000 houses remain to be built in Donabate which will bring the population to over 20,000.” Johnston added; “The LAP also has an objective for the provision of a purpose built Multi-Functional Community Facility. To date FCC are refusing to identify and provide a site for this much needed facility in Ballymastone. Duncan Smith TD and I recently held a well-attended public meeting to raise this issue. The meeting was unanimous in their view that the community facility must be delivered in tandem with the housing. A committee was formed (Crossroads) to campaign for this facility.” Johnston continued; ”At a time when the people of Donabate are without adequate public transport, when some parents have to leave their homes at 6:30am to bring their children to childcare outside our parish, when new parents into the parish are unable to secure school and childcare places for their children in Donabate, is it any wonder people are becoming frustrated and angry with the lack of infrastructure in the area? Childcare facilities are now conditioned in planning permissions and are not being delivered on time and in accordance with the scheduling conditioned in the permission. This is totally unacceptable. “Johnston concluded; “for the future of our Community FCC must identify a site now, before every remaining land is either built upon or planning permission granted. The provision of schools, other necessary infrastructure and amenities should be provided in tandem with development.”

LSA February 2024 LSA Masters athletes have been out in force over the last month. Three teams participated in the Dublin Masters Cross Country Championships with Anthony Sharkey finishing 10th overall out of 465 finishers. Overall our Women’s Over 35 team placed 5th in their category; our men’s over 50 team placed 8th and our Men’s Over 35 team placed 11th in a very competitive category. Superb performances all round meant that LSA was the 8th placed club in the Pat Hooper Memorial Cup, which is a relatively new award in these Championships. Meanwhile our track and field athletes got their Indoor season underway at the National Indoor Championships in Athlone and at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown. Our Junior athletes have also been out on the track and later this month our Juvenile athletes will take on their Dublin Championships. For anyone who is inspired to get running, we plan to run another Couch to 5k next month. We always welcome new members and volunteers. If you would like to get involved, please contact us - details below: Adult memberships queries please contact lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com Little Athletics and Juvenile athletes (from age 7-18) please contact lsajuvenilereg@gmail.com Keep up to date on all the events by following LSA on our social media pages! Contact us on Facebook .facebook.com/lambaysportsacademy instagram.com/lsadonabateportrane/ Twitter https://twitter.com/LSARunning Please also visit our website lambaysportsathletics.ie/

In 2021, a new tradition began in Corballis, Donabate. Bryan Kelly Junior and Joey Collins organised a road bowls event on St Stephen’s Day. This is now an annual event that marks and acknowledges long-stating families of (the area or Corballis, Donabate). This competitive game stacks families up against each other with two members representing each family challenging the title. Road bowling (Irish: Ból an bhóthair; also called long bullets) is an Irish sport in which competitors attempt to take the fewest throws to propel a metal ball along a predetermined course/track of country roads. The sport originated in Ireland and is mainly played in Armagh and Cork. The “bullet” or “bowl” (Irish: ból) is a solid iron cannonball of c.18 centimetres circumference and 28 ounces. There are two or more players or teams in a match or “score”. The one with the fewest shots to the finish line wins. For the last couple of years, a “score” has been played on St Stephen’s Day between local Corballis families (Collins, Kellys, Smiths and Davis).

The track starts at the Collin’s Lane and ends just before Corballis farm (Smiths). Expertly stewarded by Bim Collins and Bryan Kelly Snr. This year’s event had a crisp morning, the tide was in on the estuary and the track was in prime condition. The Nevilles were 1st to arrive and the Kellys were last having to travel from the Balcarrick. The 2023 teams and winners were:1st place representing the Davis’s (Richie and Stephen Neville), 2nd place Garth Smith and Joey Collins, 3rd place Cormac, Eddie and Bryan Kelly.
Other teams included Finn and Keith Collins, Daniel Collins and David May and newly invited from Newbridge Avenue Jimmy and James Carolan (who had a tough day 1st time out). The singles event was won by Bryan Kelly Junior.

In January for our first walk of the year we walked 8km of the coastal Green Way - Omeath to Carlingford. We did a car split between the two villages so we could all do the walk - so we started in Omeath with a visit to Cafe Rosa the best cafe ever with coffee & homemade cakes made by Ivan. We then walked along the coast with clear & beautiful views over Carlingford Lough and the Cooley Mountains. After the walk we went to Fitzpatrick’s Bar and Restaurant on the way home, where the food was delicious a great finish to a great day. If you are interested in joining the walking group please contact: Carolyn Smith: on her mobile 087 9284307 or Des Carty: 087 7846813

Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed has had a busy New Year. We started a new HSE- sponsored “Healthy Food Made Easy” course on Wednesday mornings for six weeks. Gerry and the Plonkers, our music group, played a free concert in Donabate Parish Hall at the end of January and will perform another free concert there on Wednesday 21st February as part of a two-day event, “Tayleur Tragedy Talks and Tales”, which will commemorate the sinking of the RMS Tayleur at Lambay Island 170 years ago with the loss of nearly 400 lives. We are also planning a visit to the Men’s Shed in Mountjoy Prison. Although work on our allotments continued through the winter, the real work starts soon. If you wish to join us, please call Jim, our PRO, on 086-3694316. We are always open and welcoming to new members.

The Poc Fada Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the St Pats GAA annual Poc Fada marking the first event of St Pats GAA Centenary year. The weather stayed dry to add to the occasion. Special thanks to Edel Byrne of Fingal County Council and Newbridge house for the use of the grounds and facilities. St Pats GAA Execute for promotion and Insurance. We are very grateful for the attendance and participation of Club Chairman Rory O’Neill. Thanks to everyone who helped on the day, from the Men’s Sheds: Sean Buckley, Des Carthy and Oliver Mc Donald and Photography and online promotion Larry Carolan. St. Pats: Mick Mc Gleenan, Bryan Kelly, Niall O Connor, Daniel Murphy, Cathal Carty, Conor Davey, Paul Kennedy, Alan Quinn, Cormac Kelly and Tim Kelly.

The event saw enthusiastic involvement with 19 Family Teams and 9 Adult Teams competing in the Poc Fada courses. The adult/juvenile longest Poc competition was a particular highlight, filled with spirited fun.

2024 Honor list

Adult Team winners: Richie Seaver/Ruairi Convrey,
Family Team winners: Donagh & Sean Wilkinson
Adult long Poc winner: Niall O’Connor
Juvenile age 9-12 winner: Eoin Quinn
Juvenile age 13-15 winner: Senan Ryan

Thanks to Fiachra O’ Mathuna and his 2012 players who competed among themselves. The placings were: 1. Eoghan Tully and Killian Folco - 2. Donnchadh Elmiger and Josh Ryan 3. Harry Reilly and Hugh O’Mahony

EggHeadz CLG is delivering programmes and support services across Fingal and Dublin. Here is some of what we’re doing: Community Engagement: EggHeadz supporters, volunteers and community members took part in the Christmas Day Dip and Sip event. This event was hosted by Wayne and Eithne Hand of ‘The Carriage’ Coffee Van at Tower Bay, Portrane on Christmas morning. The community raised over €3,000 towards directly supporting our youth counselling service. Thank you to all who supported the event and contributed. Pictured (L-R) is Mairead (Counsellor), Diarmuid Tonra (Fitness Instructor, Fresh Fitness, Donabate Portrane Community Centre) and Sophie Matabaro (EggHeadz). Activities & Events: EggHeadz is proud to announce that we are an official host for Pieta House annual ‘Darkness into Light’ event. Donabate Portrane is now an official participant of Darkness into Light for Pieta House. This a truly uplifting event which takes place in communities nationwide. All members of the community are encouraged to join us on 11 th May 2024 to walk together, enjoy the sunrise together, have a cuppa and highlight mental health in the community while raising much needed funds for Pieta House. Thank You to Sinéad Ronan Wells (Campaigns Events Officer, Pieta House) pictured with Sophie Matabaro (EggHeadz) Youth Camps: Our Spring Camp returns for a third year where we will bring more fun, fitness, outdoor activity, relaxation, sport and therapeutic supports. This inclusive camp takes place over 3 days from 26 – 28 March, book online. Tween & Teen Workshops: A variety of workshops for Tweens and Teens focused on relaxation, health and wellness will take place over spring break. Workshops include jewellery making, kayaking, yoga, wellness workouts, crystal energy, pottery painting, nutrition, meditation and exam anxiety. FREE Youth Counselling - Our Youth Counselling Service is a FREE of charge and confidential service for young people (aged 12-25). Appointments take place weekly in Donabate Portrane Community Centre on Mondays between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Contact Mairead on 086-329 6812 or by email eggheadzcounselling@gmail.com to book an appointment.

NEW Website: EggHeadz is delighted to start 2024 with a NEW Website. Our services have been running for over three years now in the Fingal and Dublin area. Log on to www.eggheadz.ie to read about our impactful programmes and upcoming community events, activities, and educational workshops for the year. For more follow us on social media visit our website or scan the QR code.

This two-day event, with exhibition, talks, music and film, will commemorate the 170th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the RMS Tayleur ship off the coast of Lambay Island in 1854 with the loss of nearly 400 lives. The Tayleur has been referred to as the “First Titanic Shipwreck”. The event will be held on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd this month (February 2024). Donabate Parish Hall and Donabate Portrane Historical Society have come together to put on this special event. We will be charging €5 for each evening event and will sell tickets in advance to all interested groups. A limited number of tickets will be available to individuals and will be available for buy from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday, 6th February in Committee Room in Donabate Parish Hall. We are delighted and very grateful that we have sponsorship to cover the main costs of the event from Martin Harte CEO of Temple Bar Company, who runs the hugely popular TradFest, which came to Donabate for the first time last month and was a great success. Any surplus from ticket sales will be donated to the RNLI Lifeboat. The Programme of the Event in Summary is as follows: Wed 21st February - 11 30am - 12 00noon: Eithne O Connell who lived on Lambay & Laddie De Jong a diver will open the exhibition of artifacts from the Tayleur Ship & chat with adults present. Light Refreshments. 12 00noon - 2 00pm: Playing & Singing by Men’s Shed “Gerry & the Plonkers” to include Sea Songs. 7 00pm - 8 00pm: Reception & Viewing artifacts, with historians and divers present, opened by the Mayor of Fingal, Adrian Henchy. (Ticket Only) 8 00pm - 10 00pm: Talks on Lambay Island Eithne O’Connell raised on the Island and Edward Bourke author & diver on the Tayleur. Cormac Lowth and Laddie De Jong will also be there on the night. Local historian, Peadar Bates, will close proceedings on the night. (Ticket Only) Thurs 22nd February 11 00am - 2 00pm: Local Primary School visits (By Invitation Only) – 7 00pm - 8 00pm: Viewing of artifacts, with historians and divers present (Ticket Only) – 8 00pm - 10 00pm: Screening of “A Night to Remember” (1958 Film), reputed to give the best account of the Titanic Tragedy. The Tayleur has been called “White Star Line’s First Titanic”. For general information about Donabate Parish Hall, please contact the Parish Office at 01- 8434574.

January was a very busy month with Registration for classes and classes starting. Registration was very successful with some classes full in the first 30 minutes. We had online Registration for the first time and many managed this very well. But still it was nice to see everyone at our in-person Registration days. We still have some places left in Yoga, Art, Singing & Music Functional Yoga (Chair Yoga) and our language classes Intermediate French and Beginners and Intermediate Spanish so please contact us if you are interested, see our website for details activeageforall.com We held our AGM on the 19th of January and we had a very good attendance! A new Committee was elected and Mary Farrell wished them well for the future as she finished her term as Chairperson Breda Dockrell, a founding member of Active Age gave a very interesting presentation at the meeting, titled The Beginnings of Active Age - A Record for Posterity, as we are now just 10 years since the first seeds of Active Age took root. This presentation was very well received by her audience. It is amazing how we have grown from such small beginnings, mainly through the foresight of those early founders and carried on by other dedicated members of the Community. We have gone from strength to strength with 250 members at the last count. If you would like to help or serve on the Committee, we are always looking for willing volunteers, please contact us. As always for any information about AAfA please email activeagefor@gmail.com. TEXT only 0868806808 or view our website activeageforall.com.