We love celebrations and treats in DPSO Club. Under “normal” circumstances we would have hosted a Christmas party for our athletes Santa was so disappointed at not being able to visit this year that he made contact with us and drafted our volunteers to help in delivering (in a socially distanced way of course) a small gift and treat to every athlete. It was great to see the joy on the faces of the athletes and a real boost for our volunteers.Valentines Day gave us another opportunity to send some love to our athletes; and we even got help from An Garda Siochána in delivering our treats. We even made it into the news! Our latest deliveries were on behalf of the Easter Bunny with every athlete receiving a gift and Easter Egg. We are so grateful to the generous donations from our supporters which make all this possible.Our #saturdaysmiles zoom sessions are still going strong, and the success has come to the attention of Special Olympics nationally and worldwide. We recently welcomed Mary Davis, the CEO of Special Olympics International to one of our sessions.On top of all this, twelve of our amazing athletes took part in Special Olympics Ireland virtual challenges. This Dynamic Dozen represented our club in three of the competitions offered; Athletics, Football and Motor Activities.Our athletes are delighted with their medals. Robbie Keane and Jacqui Hurley spoke at the virtual Award ceremony about how wonderful all of the participating athletes are; of course we already know that!

Corina Johnston, Labour Party local area representative is deeply concerned at the implications of the recent decision of the Progessive Credit Union to close their office in Donabate and is calling for a continued Credit Union presence on the peninsula.Johnston said: “The announcement that the Donabate office of the Progressive Credit Union is to close on 1st July 2021 has come as a major shock to its members and the wider community, especially as it seems that they were unaware that such an option was under consideration. This decision will have a serious impact especially on senior members who do not transact their business online and will now have to travel to their nearest office in Rivervalley, Swords, which has no direct bus service from the peninsula.” Johnston continued: “Donabate Credit Union was founded in 1968 and operated from various offices until their iconic Ballisk House was built and officially opened by President Mary Robinson in January 1996. The Credit Union has played an important role in the lives of its members and their families over the years.As a result of this decision, there will be no Credit Union presence in Donabate for the first time in 53 years. This is surprising given that Fingal County Council has designated Donabate as a growth area, with its population due to increase to over 20,000 over the next 10 years. Apart from the Post Office, the Credit Union remains the only financial institution within the parish.” Johnston concluded: “ While it seems from the replies received by Duncan Smith TD and I that the board intend to implement their decision, which will result in the closure of the office and the sale of Ballisk House, which was built as a result of the loans and shares of the members of the Donabate Credit Union over the years, I believe that it is in the interest of the members and the future growth of the Credit Union movement that a physical presence be maintained in Donabate especially with so many families moving into the area who would normally avail of the services of the Credit Union. In our correspondence with the Board of Directors we have urged them to take on board the views of the members and wider community by maintaining a physical presence on the peninsula”

On Wednesday 14th April many AAfA members were greatly worried to hear of the possibility of the spacing between 1st and 2nd vaccinations being changed. Many members who were over 70 had not received their first vaccination and were concerned that we would have a situation where we had over 70s who were ‘the vaccinated’ and those who would be ‘still waiting’. We contacted all members who were on email and explained the situation and suggested the value of a speedy ‘campaign’ to our TDs. It was with great relief that we received a response on 16th from the HSE that stated ‘It is anticipated that all over 70s first dose will be substantially complete by the end of April and that all of this age cohort will have been vaccinated (both doses) by the end of May in line with vaccine supply.’ Thanks to all who supported this call to action – the impact will be really important to us all to enable us to meet again physically. We hope that by the time you are reading this that you will be well on the way to having your 2 doses. So let’s stay active in making representations – The Fingal Development Plan – It is time to make your individual submissions now. AAfA is delighted with the opening of the toilets on the peninsula. We urge FCC to have them available permanently. We also welcome the increase in benches in the area for sitting and socialising and seek more benches located in desirable places.Paths for walking and cycling - we request that they be segregated rather than shared for safety reasons - like the proposed new pathway from the Shoreline to the Tower. Newbridge Park is beautiful and well maintained, but with regard to pathways, there is an urgent need to put additional measures in place; to protect all users but particularly older and vulnerable people. If bikes used Bell or Yell, it would also make it safer for all users.Housing options – we each could write about this regarding good long-term planning for this community… please make your ideas known submit them. See the photograph for How to Make your Submission and start exercising your fingers ASAP. We can each make a difference.

Fingal County Council Sports Office will be adding to the Fingal HomeFit live series by facilitating a free yoga programme. Erica from Yoga Sanctuary will be teaching a 4-week online yoga course aimed at beginners, but all are welcome. She will guide you through a 1-hour class each week aimed at introducing you to the benefits of yoga through breathwork, yoga postures and relaxation. If you are interested in starting something new for yourself or would like to join in to stretch out and feel good in your body, then join Erica from Wednesday, March 3rd at 6 pm.The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy said: “Another excellent online programme from Fingal County Council Sports Office. The Fingal HomeFit programme has been an important exercise option for many people during the current government restrictions. The inclusion of a 4-week Yoga programme is fantastic news and will give people an extra activity to participate in the evenings.” Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing and Community Development for Fingal County Council said: “The Fingal Sports Office HomeFit live sessions have been a great success. Adding a new class to the already popular programme will give participants the chance to try a new physical activity from the comfort of their home.” For more information contact Noel McManus, Fingal County Council Community Sports Development Officer