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.

By Julian Nolan

Anne Nolan, one of the famed Nolan Sisters, recently spent a weekend at the Shoreline Hotel in Donabate, Ireland, working on a secret project. The Nolans are an Irish institution who have been entertaining audiences for decades with their lively music and upbeat performances. Anne’s visit to Donabate gave her the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and experience the local culture. Anne, who currently resides in Blackpool, England, made the journey to Donabate in April to work on her new project. Although the details of her project have yet to be revealed, it’s clear that Anne is as busy as ever and still passionate about her music career. During her stay at the Shoreline Hotel, Anne was able to enjoy the beautiful Donabate beach, which is one of the most picturesque spots in Ireland. The beach is known for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect place for Anne to relax and unwind after a long day of work. Aside from enjoying the beach, Anne also took the opportunity to explore Donabate and experience the local culture. The town of Donabate is a small but vibrant community with a rich history and a lively arts scene. Anne was able to meet some of the locals and get a taste of the town’s unique character. The Nolan Sisters, which include Anne and her siblings Bernie, Linda, Maureen, and Coleen, first rose to fame in the 1970s with their catchy pop hits and infectious dance routines. Their music has since become synonymous with a particular era in Irish pop culture and continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.Despite the many challenges the music industry has faced over the years, the Nolan Sisters have remained a beloved and iconic group in Irish music history. Their ability to connect with audiences through their music and performances has earned them a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. Anne’s visit to Donabate is just the latest example of her commitment to her music career and her love of exploring new places and experiences. Her weekend at the Shoreline Hotel allowed her to work on her secret project while also taking in the beauty and charm of this unique Irish town. As for the rest of us, we can only wait with excitement to see what Anne has in store for her fans with her upcoming project. Whatever it may be, we can be sure that it will be infused with the same energy, passion, and joy that has made the Nolan Sisters an Irish institution for generations.

At 12 noon on Saturday, 6th May 2023, the Leinster Pipe Band Championships will commence in the grounds of Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, Co. Dublin. This competition is the first competition of the season and was previously held in Swords Castle, in 2018 and 2019. As we all know, the pandemic stopped everything for a few years and so this year is a special year for us, as it is the first Leinster Championships since 2019. Due to ongoing works at the Castle, it has been relocated to Newbridge House for this year. This competition attracts bands from the entire island of Ireland. Previous entrants were from Killeshan, Newcastle West, Carlow, New Ross, Youghal, Arklow, Cullen, Waterford, Lusk and Clondalkin from Dublin, Newry, County Down and also from Loughgall, in County Armagh. Bands are graded by the National Executive Committee of the Irish Pipe Band Association, with 6 grades in total - 5 or 4B, 4A, 3B, 3A, 2 and 1 - grade 1 being the highest grade. The winner is announced based on the band having the lowest overall score from all the adjudicators. When all the bands have competed, they parade into the arena and assemble as a massed band. As each band enters, they may play a tune of their own choice. When assembled, all pipers play an agreed tune. The bands will salute the Chieftain of the day, Cllr Howard Mahony, Mayor of Fingal. The event is concluded with a prize giving ceremony, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. This event would not have been possible without the great support of Fingal County Council, to whom we are incredibly grateful for the allocation of the area in the grounds and the staff of Newbridge House and Farm for their help. We are looking forward to this competition and hope to see old friends, band members with their supporters and members of the public, who may be interested in learning either piping or drumming as a result. Mark the date – Saturday 6th May 2023 at Newbridge House and fingers crossed for a nice dry day!