Tús maith, leath na hoibre a deirtear agus tá páistí Gaelscoil na Mara, le cabhair ó Bailte Slachtmhara ag cuir cruth deas ar Gáirdín na Scoile. Over the last number of months Gaelscoil na Mara has worked in partnership with Tidy Towns establishing an allotment on the school grounds. Six 10×5 ft raised beds were built and the pupils immediately set about planting potatoes and onions and shoots are already starting to appear. The pupils were also busy in the classroom sowing lolla rossa, strikeforce, crisphead, Swiss chard, beetroot and spinach and brassicas of cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Kale and Broccoli which will be ready for planting outdoors over the next number of weeks. A large fruit garden was also planted with nearly thirty fruit bushes including raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, rhubarb, cranberries, blueberries and strawberries which should start bearing fruit over the next year.The pupils in the school have full responsibility for the sowing, planting, watering, feeding and in time, harvesting of the produce with a ‘farm to fork’ approach. Making food from the produce will also be an important aspect of the allotment, e.g. making jams from the fruit or Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner. The school community is very aware of the benefits of food production and outdoor education on the physical and mental health of the pupils.

Tá na páistí ag foghlaim sa rang faoi na glasraí, torthaí, plandaí agus cad as a dtagann ár soláthar bídh. Bhí sceitimíní ar cách nuair a bhí seans ag na páistí prataí agus oinniúin a chur le cabhair agus súl saineolaí Tidy Towns. Ár mbuíochas le gach éinne a chabhraigh chun ár ngáirdín a chruthú. Táimid an brodúil as an comhoibriú pobail a bhí i gceist chun an tionscadal seo a chuir le chéile. Ba mhaith linn buíochas a ghabhail go mór mhór le Cairde na Scoile agus Tidy Towns Donabate as an pleanáil, soláthar trealaimh agus tacaíocht airgeadais chun an tionscadal seo a thabhairt chun críche . Táimid ag súil go mór torthaí ár saothair a bhlaiseadh.

The Leinster Pipe Band Championships were held in Newbridge House, Donabate on Saturday, 6th May. Bands from the four corners of Ireland travelled to Donabate - from Cork (Youghal Pipe Band), to Wexford (New Ross & District Pipe Band), Donegal (Letterkenny & District Pipe Band) and Down (Down Academy Pipes & Drums, Moneygore Pipe Band and Closkelt Pipe Band). In total, twelve bands competed for the title of Leinster Pipe Band Champions. The other bands were Arklow Pipe Band (Co. Wicklow), Killeshin Pipe Band (Co. Carlow), St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band (Maynooth), St. Joseph’s Pipe Band (Clondalkin), Black Raven Pipe Band (Lusk) and Irvine Memorial Pipe Band (Clabby, Co. Fermanagh). When all the bands had competed, they paraded into the central area in front of the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony. A lament was played by Paul Russell from Black Raven Pipe Band for members who had passed since our last meeting, with particular tribute to members of the Closkelt Pipe Band, who had recently suffered a bereavement and still made the journey to compete. The much anticipated results were announced with the Leinster title going to Moneygore Pipe Band (Grade 4B), New Ross & District Pipe Band (Grade 4A), St. Joseph’s Pipe Band (Grade 2) and St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band (Grade 1).

Our thanks to Fingal County Council, for both the venue and financial support without which we could not have the Championships. The attendance on the day was approximately 1,500 which we were all absolutely delighted with. We cannot thank the staff of Newbridge House enough as they did soLeinster Pipe Band Championships – A great success! much for us and we would like to be able to hold the Championships in the grounds again next year. We would also like to thank the staff from Brambles restaurant for the delicious food and the Red Cross, while in attendance, were not needed professionally on the day. And thankfully, the weather was great, as we only got a few tiny drops at the end of the day, which makes all the difference to these outdoor competitions. To the Mayor, the staff of both Newbridge House and Fingal County Council, volunteers, helpers in any way, the bands, their families, supporters and the general public – ‘Go raibh mìle maith agaibh’.

The most recent highlight for Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed was our visit to Áras an
Uachtaráin, where 16 members enjoyed the hospitality and the tour for three hours. Unfortunately, President Higgins was not there during our visit but that was more than made up for by Corporal Tommy Martin, Aide de Camp, who guided us on an entertaining and informative tour of the house and grounds. He regaled us with stories about the history of the building, often embellished with personal anecdotes, and answered our many questions with patience. When he asked if any of us played piano, Peter Cooney stepped forward and gave us a wonderful rendition of Elton John’s “Song for Guy” on the grand piano. It will be hard to match this special occasion, but further trips are being planning. In addition to these occasional outings, the Men’s Shed members enjoy are regular weekly activities – exercise classes (Mondays), croquet at Newbridge House (Tuesdays), music jam sessions (Wednesdays) and get-together for tea and chat (Thursday). If you would like to join us, please call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316. You will be given a warm welcome.

Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society is delighted with the success of their latest production, the hilarious comedy ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ by Neil Simon, held in Donabate Parish Hall at the beginning of May. This production was particularly special for DPDS as it paid tribute to a valued late member and good friend of the Society, Gerry McGuire. A mentor and supporter who, for over twenty years, helped to develop and grow the society. The production brought together a mix of long-time and new members who kept the audience hooked from beginning to end. The brilliant performances were filled with laughter, good humour, and entertainment. From the performers to the crew and the volunteers, everyone worked tirelessly to bring the play to life. Paul Keogh, director of the production, is very proud of the result: “The “HECTIC” is all finished now, thank God, but I’m already missing it really! What a brilliant cast I got to work with, it was a joy. Two first timers on our Donabate stage – Emily McClenahan and Miriam Dowdall; Peter Finnegan carrying off the biggest part he’s done with aplomb, and finally Lisa Buckley with a long-awaited return to acting with DPDS having directed in our first two post Covid productions. These four and their hard work are what earned all the wows we got from our audience; loads of locals but also fabulous to see a big bunch of our friends from Skerries and Rolestown as well as many from “further out the road”. I can’t thank everyone involved in this production enough. They worked together seamlessly to bring the production to life. I’m honoured to have been involved with DPDS!” The Society is now looking forward to building upon this success and creating more exciting performances in the future and is now going to resume their weekly workshops in preparation for upcoming projects. “We are delighted with the success of our recent production of Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers in the Donabate Parish Hall. The support received from the local community, our Patrons, and Sponsors is gratefully appreciated. We look forward to preparing for our summer project as part of The Bleeding Pig Festival and a production in the Autumn! As always, new members are welcome both on stage and off!” said Áine Dilleen, newly elected Chairperson of the Society. If you want to become a member or a patron of DPDS do not hesitate to contact donabateportrane.drama@gmail.com. And don’t forget to follow Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society on Facebook and Instagram!

Plans are well advanced for the St Pats Golf Classic which will be held at Beaverstown Golf Club later this month. The Classic will take place from 8am - 4pm on May 26th! The fees are as follows: From 8am -12pm: Team of 4 = €160 - The second grouping is From 12pm -4pm: Team of 4 = €200

To register call Beaverstown Golf Club on 01 8436439 - press 2 for proshop and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Our 6-week Healthy Eating course finished in late March. This was sponsored by the HSE and delivered by Susanne, who was well able for the Men’s Shed banter! The course was enjoyable, entertaining and informative; participants learned not just about nutrition (calories, saturated and unsaturated fats, salt and sugar content), but also how to prepare healthy and tasty meals. As it was a hands-on course, we got to sample the end products of our own cooking. We hope to arrange a follow-on course later in the year. After that, our minds and efforts turned to our plots at Turvey Allotments and the preparation and planting for the new season. As in previous years, we’ve planted potatoes, onions, scallions, cabbage and tomatoes but this year spinach has been added. We also hope to cultivate a herb bed this year. In addition to these activities our regular exercise classes (Mondays), croquet at Newbridge House (Tuesdays), music jam session (Wednesdays) and coffee/tea and chat get-togethers (Thursdays) are back in full swing after the Easter break. We are also looking forward to an information session to be delivered by Diane O’Carroll of Swords Citizens’ Information Centre focusing on finances, age-related entitlements and other matters likely to be of interest to Men’s Shed members and to a presentation, organised by Active Age for All, on the use of smart phones. If you wish to join us, please call our PRO Jim on 086-3694316.

Our Spring term of traditional Irish music classes continues through to the 15th May in Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School. Leithinis CCÉ provides weekly lessons in Tin Whistle, Fiddle, Flute, Bodhán, Accordion, Banjo, Mandolin and Concertina. We are delighted to see so many of our new students participating at the fortnightly Friday Night Music Gathering which takes place in Donabate Parish Hall. We had an extended Easter Music Gathering led by Erin on the 24th March with a large number of younger members participating. The monthly Traditional Music Session led by Denis, takes place in The Brooke Pub, Portrane on the first Tuesday of every month and we now have experienced musicians arriving from all over the North County to participate. All are welcome to come along and listen.

It’s been an exciting week for Donabate‘s, Eve Duffy, who won the Best Performance Award at The
Fresh International Film Festival Awards 2023 on April 12th. She was awarded for her performance in “Shell”, a short film about the struggles of a family relationship changing through time which Eve also wrote and directed. The Fresh Film Awards recognises and celebrates Ireland’s young filmmakers and was established in 1997. 34 films of all genres, from across the country were shortlisted. Eve enjoyed the celebrations with her fellow winners, held in The Odeon Cinema in Limerick. Eve also receives six months 1:1 acting coach sessions with Take2Talent agency, free professional headshots, one year free subscription to Fishpond Casting’s website. What a fantastic achievement for the 5th year Loreto Balbriggan student. Eve’s success is a testament to her skill, determination, and hard work. There is no doubt that we will see her name in lights with a very bright future ahead. “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” Eve is currently working behind the scenes with Lambay Cinema Club and The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival. Congratulations Eve and best wishes for the future!

Recently the Peninsula Pacers did the beautiful scenic walk from Rush to Loughshinny & return; it was about 10km and moderate. The views back of Rush and forward of Loughshinny are lovely and to see out to sea Lambay and the Rockabill Lighthouse are just beautiful! The walk must be done at low tide and one must come away from the coast which is a pity - bridge needed like in Laytown! Also, just to be warned parts of the walk can be very mucky and unfortunately there is barbed wire fencing along some of the coastal route. We walked back by road which was very suitable and gave us a circular route then ended up in the Harbour Bar for some good grub! Another walk or two planned so join us if you can!

Sadly it is coming to the end of our Spring term and classes will finish around the beginning of May (except for catch up classes). But Croquet and Boules will continue throughout the summer. It has been a great term, without Covid breaks, and I could see the enjoyment on people’s faces in classes, and groups chatting together in Pea & Pod after class. Where they are enjoying their coffee with a generous 10% discount for Active Age members, for which we are very grateful. Before our term finishes we will have an event for the Bealtaine Festival which celebrates creativity in the older person. It is on the 9th of May in Donabate/Portrane Community Centre at 11.00 a.m. Where our singing group the Caintóirí will sing some medleys, they will be joined by the Rosemount Singers from Julianstown. We will also have contributions from our creative writers from Chinkwell group and Peig McManus will read from her new memoir “I Will Be Good “ to be published shortly. To finish we will have some lively music from the Ukulele group. We have such talent on the Peninsula! I hope you can join us to celebrate creativity in the older person! Refreshments will be served! As always if you need information or you do wish to join AAfA please see our website at activeageforall.com or you can contact us at our email: activeageforall@gmail.com or TEXT only 086 8806808.