The name of Taylor (Fr:Taileur=’Cutter’) began with the Norman invasion of 1170.Colonel James Fitzeustace Taylor (1834-1915), the last resident of Swords House had a distinguished British Army military career. In the Egypt campaign of 1882, Colonel Taylor was severely wounded in the thigh, for which bravery he won the Egypt medal.
Retiring to Swords house in Sept 1889, he became a Justice of the Peace (JP) as well as serving on many local committees. James Taylor never married, effectively extinguishing the Taylor family line in Swords House. The Taylors were a Catholic family, an unusual occurrence for landed folk of north Co Dublin.
The site of the earlier Swords House is now occupied by Fingal Co Co. Offices. For centuries this earlier site had beautiful gardens and a lodge-house, the Taylor Swords demesne extending right up to the Malahide Road and eastwards, 700 acres in all.
Having three stories over a basement, this house was the social centre of Swords for the ‘gintry’ of county Dublin. The fine Irish oak trees we see there today are the direct descendants of the original Swords House tree gardens.
James Taylor also provided the land to Fr Vincent Carey, a Dominican, to build St Columchille’s church in 1827. Fr Carey also had a special path through Sword’s house to attend his priestly duties. Being so prominent in the area, the Taylor family had their own personal entrance to the church, as well as their own family seating.
The carefully posed 1900 picture conveys the ordered, gentrified image of the great house typical of that day, maid, chauffeur, gardener and boy all posing in front of ‘their’ house.
Forsaking their city centre offices in 2000, Fingal Co Co established County Hall here, effectively making Swords the administrative capital of Fingal. Swords House was demolished in the 1980s, effectively ending the Swords connection of centuries with the influential Taylor dynasty.
For more information please contact Mike at: Mp9211198@gmail.com
An interview with a Mountain Rescue Volunteer and his search and rescue dog, Boomer.
By Erica Elliott
Thirty years ago, Swords man Joe Egan began volunteering with the Dublin Mountain Rescue Team, training with a dog unit, and working independently on site.
One day they were in Wales, and while they were recertifying the dogs for live victims, nearby cadaver training was going on. Joe recounts this moment speaking of Boomer, his search and rescue dog, “finding the bait before the dogs that were supposed to find it”. This was not something that had crossed his mind, he tells me. In fact he says it “was just by chance we found he was good at the dual work”.
Boomer is the only dog in the country that’s certified to search and rescue live and dead victims, and the training process is extensive as it’s difficult to train them once they go over a year. “The first thing he has to do is speak. You get him to speak on command, then you have to train him with livestock, and he has to be able to both sit and stand, so if I find someone that’s injured I’ll be able to treat them without him”.
He tells me training a dog for dual work can be “confusing for the dog”.
“It’s not something I would set out to do”, he says.
“I have to be careful that if the person that’s missing is still walking around, that he can pick up on the fact that I have to find every person. But to see him when he works, he’s so laid back and chilled. Other dogs run frantically around looking for the scent and that’s the way they’re trained to work. He just walks along really slowly, methodically”, he comments.
“I can read him like a book. So if you’re walking with me, I’m not looking at you. I have to watch him, every move he makes, and when he makes that turn, that’s it, he’s gone”.
When Boomer makes a strike, “he bolts”, he says. He goes to the person or the body, identifies it, and comes all the way back to him. This could be hundreds of metres away depending on the conditions of the weather and terrain.
“He comes back and barks at me. That’s how he speaks”, he adds.
“He lets out a loud speak and that indicates to me that he has found somebody, and I say show me, and he goes back to them and I follow him and he shows me exactly where they are”.
“That’s what you get after two years of training. It’s a continuous tough two years for the handler, meanwhile the whole time the dog thinks it’s just a game”.
As for the training process for him. To train with the Dublin Mountain Rescue Team, “originally you have to be a team member to train with the dogs team”, he says. As well as having navigational skills, first aid skills, and rope and rescue training.
But once they find the people, they have to treat them.
“If they’re injured, we assess them, we get the appropriate first aid up to them , up to and including helicopter evacuation, depending on injuries. Some people are just lost, some people are just lost and injured. With modern technology, the search engine sometimes can be quicker, they can send sire locking. We sent you a notification on your phone, and you respond to it and it pinpoints it. So that’s just a modern take. It saves the dogs, it saves the drones”, he tells me.
“If the batteries are dead or there’s no coverage, it’s not going to work. So if someone is lost on a particular mountain, the quickest way to find them with no technology is the dog”.
After thirty years, he says technology has advanced helping Dublin Mountain Rescue, and that they are soon to acquire a base.
“It’s evolved completely. Yeah, completely evolved with technology. We were flying in the helicopter there two weeks ago”, he responds.
“If there’s someone lost on top of the mountain, rather than me walking up the mountain, they can fly us up to the top, deploy us from the top. and that could include coming out on the rope. If they can’t land a helicopter they have to put us out on the rope and hang us down. So we haven’t done that yet but we’re hoping to train him”.
Boomer is trained to walk off lead, not only while he’s working, but on a day-to-day basis. However there are times where this is not the case.
“He’s on a lead right near the start or the end of a search. Because when you go to a search base, maybe the car park, the entrance into a forest or wherever it is. There could be press around, there’s always someone with a camera. If another dog was aggressive towards him and I’m dressed in rescue gear and he has his search jacket, it looks bad if I haven’t got control of him. And if someone walks away with a German Shepherd, I just lose control of him. He loves German Shepherds. So I keep him on the lead for that reason, and the family might be distressed waiting on their loved ones” he says.
“Because we set up our own dog unit, we had to find an assessor and the assessors we get are in Wales. So we travel to Wales for training and assessments and they come over here as well”.
Joe tells me they’ll soon be returning to Wales at the end of November for cadaver training, at the place where they first made their discovery.
Erica Elliott, from Swords, Co. Dublin is a final year Journalism student studying in DCU
January is the perfect month for fresh starts, and at Village Vets Lusk we believe your pets should be part of your New Year’s resolutions. Beginning the year with their annual health check is a great way to set shared goals and monitor their wellbeing from January right through to December.
During this yearly visit, we assess their overall health: eyes, ears, skin, heart, joints and, very importantly, their teeth.
Dental disease is one of the most common and painful conditions we see in pets. Tartar buildup, gum inflammation and hidden infections can lead to chronic pain, loss of appetite and even organ problems if untreated. A simple dental check each January allows us to spot issues early, keep their smile healthy, and prevent discomfort later in the year.
Another key area for New Year resolutions is weight and fitness. Pets don’t have their own gyms (not yet!), but maintaining a healthy weight is essential for their joints, mobility and overall quality of life. Extra kilos can worsen arthritis, reduce their energy levels and increase long-term health risks. Your veterinarian nurse can help design a personalised plan with the right diet and practical exercise routines you can do from home or during daily walks. Small changes now can mean a happier, more active pet throughout the year.
Of course, we shouldn’t forget the basics. Vaccinations (usually once a year) offer essential protection against serious diseases in both dogs and cats. And parasite prevention is still important, though simple: a monthly tablet or spot-on treatment keeps fleas, ticks and worms at bay and protects the whole family.
Starting the year with these simple goals helps ensure your pet stays healthy, comfortable and protected.
By Jack Shanley
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 masterpiece, The Shining, has long been a benchmark for psychological horror, with its suffocating visuals evoking a sense of unrelenting dread. Now, over four decades after its initial release, the film makes its debut on IMAX screens, resulting in a spectacle that is both deeply unsettling and gloriously intense.
The IMAX format is not just a matter of bigger screens; it’s an amplification of the film’s already potent atmosphere. From the iconic opening shot, where a yellow Volkswagen winds its way up a deserted mountain road, the scope is immediately immersive, drawing the viewer in. The vast expanse of the Colorado landscape, typically a symbol of freedom, instead conveys a sense of absolute isolation, inescapable and overwhelming.
The true power of the IMAX presentation lies within the Overlook Hotel. Kubrick and cinematographer John Alcott’s pioneering use of the Steadicam created those signature, smooth tracking shots that now, on the massive IMAX scale, feel almost like a physical presence, haunting the viewer as they glide through the endless, geometric corridors. The checkerboard carpet, where Danny rides his tricycle, transforms into a dizzying, three-dimensional maze.
Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance’s descent into madness is magnified to devastating effect. His frantic, desperate face, often centered in the frame due to Kubrick’s meticulous symmetry, takes on a monstrous, intimate quality. Every twitch of his eyebrow and every terrifying grin fills the viewer’s peripheral vision, making his breakdown feel far more visceral and unnerving. Meanwhile, Shelley Duvall’s performance as the increasingly hysterical Wendy, though initially controversial, is now heartbreakingly realized as a portrait of sheer terror.
The IMAX sound system pairs perfectly with the film’s discordant score and oppressive sound design, transforming the Overlook into a sensory prison. The eerie silence, the ominous low-end rumble, and the legendary elevator blood-flood scene, which rushes toward the audience, all combine to create a moment of overwhelming cinematic shock.
Although The Shining was not originally shot with IMAX in mind, the newly remastered digital presentation remains true to Kubrick’s meticulous craft. The fact that scaling up the film only serves to amplify its terror is a testament to its timeless, layered artistry, making this an essential experience for both cinephiles and horror fans. As the Overlook Hotel comes alive on the IMAX screen, viewers won’t just watch the film – they will feel trapped inside.
I’d recommend checking out ‘The Shining’ in IMAX and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of Five Stars. You can go check it out at Cineworld. Director Stanley Kubrick – Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Mystery – Run Time: 2h 23m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Stress and insomnia often go hand in hand, forming a cycle that can be difficult to break. When the mind is overactive and the body tense, restful sleep becomes elusive. Over time, poor sleep further heightens stress, leading to fatigue, irritability, and lowered resilience.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture offer a holistic path toward restoring peace, balance, and rest naturally. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress and insomnia are interpreted as signs that the body’s energy, or Qi, is out of harmony. The Heart, which houses the Shen or spirit, plays a central role in sleep and emotional health. When the Heart is disturbed by excessive worry or emotional agitation, the Shen cannot settle, causing the mind to remain restless at night.
The Liver, too, is vital because it regulates the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Stress or frustration may cause Liver Qi to stagnate, showing up as tension, irritability, or disrupted sleep. Acupuncture helps restore balance by gently guiding the body back to its natural rhythms. Very fine needles are inserted at specific points to release blocked energy and calm the nervous system. Common points such as Shen-men, Yin Tang, and Anmian are often chosen to ease anxiety and encourage restful sleep. The experience of acupuncture itself can be soothing, as it lowers stress hormones, slows the heart rate, and promotes a deep state of relaxation. With consistent treatment, many people find that their mood steadies and their sleep gradually becomes deeper and more refreshing. Herbal medicine often complements acupuncture. Chinese herbal formulas are carefully tailored to each person’s unique pattern of imbalance.
For those whose stress causes restlessness and irritability, herbs that nourish Yin and calm the Heart, such as Suan Zao Ren, may be included under a qualified practitioners guidance . When overthinking and fatigue are the main issues, herbs that strengthen the Spleen and replenish Qi help restore emotional and physical stability. Over time, herbal therapy supports the body’s ability to maintain balance naturally, reducing both tension and sleeplessness. Lifestyle adjustments also play a vital role. Chinese medicine encourages gentle daily routines that promote calmness and even energy flow. Practices such as qi gong, tai chi, or mindful breathing can help release stress and centre the mind.
Eating warm, nourishing foods, avoiding caffeine late in the evening, alcohol, heavy or spicy meals late at night, and creating a peaceful bedtime environment all support healthy sleep patterns. The true goal of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is harmony—where body, mind, and spirit move together in balance. When stress is eased and Qi flows freely, sleep returns not as a struggle but as a natural rhythm of rest and renewal.
Hello 2026!! Yes, it’s January and its cold and dreary but hey, why not try and plan something nice for yourself to look forward to. Our daughter is heading off skiing so we have been trawling the post-Christmas sales nabbing ski bargains for her. Regatta has a great selection online and in stores and Dare2B.ie is brilliant for ski gear and essentials. They currently have a huge sale on which is helpful for the parents who are paying for these ski trips!!! An important thing you might not think about when skiing is sunscreen – it is so important to wear it on the slopes, the reflection of the snow against the sun can cause major sunburn and it’s best to have a really strong sunscreen. We love Elave SPF50, made in Ireland it is very effective and kind to sensitive skin.
If you are not jetting off to hit the slopes, or lucky enough to going on a winter holiday, then try to do something nice for yourself. It can be a small thing, like booking in for a haircut or a massage or even sneaking off for a walk, coffee and glossy magazine by yourself. I like to relax in a bubble bath with a magazine and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine. If it means I can go 30 minutes without someone calling ‘Mam’ then that’s good enough for me!
If you do feel like a mini break to break the January blues, Farnham Estate in Cavan has great winter breaks offers. Their outdoor pool is open all year round and is amazing! If you like to spend some time in Dublin, it can be tricky finding a nice hotel at a good price, so we usually check into Bracken Court and then hop on the train or bus into Dublin. It’s only 30 mins on the train. There are lots of cool events on in January including family friendly show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The National Concert Hall. Book at www.nch.ie
For some lovely new year competitions, go to www.mams.ie and follow our socials where we’ll be doing giveaways and offers to help chase away the January blues!
By Dave Kavanagh
Here we are again at that time of year when, after possible excesses over the festive period, many people embark on making some positive changes or improvements in their lives. The most recognisable of these is the “losing weight/getting healthier” one. To give people more of an incentive to maintain what they start, it’s worth noting that if done properly, losing weight can have the added bonus of leaving you with more money at the end of each month. So how does that work?? Well, by “doing it properly” I refer to NOT going on a diet, or buying products with magic properties that will make the weight just fall off. Instead, making small, sustainable lifestyle changes. It can be adding some exercise in week 1, drinking more water (and less alcohol/sugar laden drinks) in week 2, reducing portion sizes in week 3, substituting things like chips for wholegrain rice or pasta in week 4, breaking the association of biscuits/cakes whenever you have a coffee or tea in week 5, etc., etc. Doing it this way, makes it sustainable and when weight is dropped slower over a longer period of time, it is far more likely to be kept off. So how does that help your finances?
When I analyse people’s spending budgets, it’s clear that takeaways, alcohol, sweets, cakes biscuits etc. pop up quite frequently. If you keep track of the savings when you cut down on many of these things, it’s easy to see how much you can save. One person I was helping used to enjoy her “treat” of a chocolate eclair most days. When she accepted that she felt bad after eating it and conceded that it was not helping her goal to lose weight, I suggested it was more of a punishment than a treat. I proposed that she put the money into a jar each day and when there was enough, to treat herself to a back massage, which can positively reinforce the good changes someone has made. Make the right choices, one day at a time. In addition, keeping these positive changes going, can actually let you save enough to pay for the following Christmas.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM, LMFM and TV3.
The east side of Swords castle was the earliest part built; the original castle having had a much smaller footprint than the area enclosed by the extensive pentagon curtain wall we see there today. The venerable east tower shown here would have tottered to ground long ago, but for the modern steel supports buttressing it.
These six young boys are long passed away now, being 104 years in modern year! In time no doubt, they became the beloved fathers and grandfathers of many Swords families. We recall them fondly as they lived stringent lives then in a much poorer Swords. Wearing their trademark short pants, jumpers and sporting impish expressions, they posed for the camera outside cluttered gerry-built structures, a ‘privvie’ (outside toilet) leaning against the castle to their left.
The modern picture shows the same site cleared of it’s buildings, the tower whitewashed (as it would have been) and defining the original c.1200 line of the castle. The holes we see in it are putlogs, holes for supporting scaffolding. Sitting well back from north street, the area between would have been a murder zone, specifically cleared to provide scant cover for attacking enemies.
For more information, or to speak to Mike about local Swords heritage he can be contacted via email: mp9211198@gmail.com
December is the month of celebrations, family gatherings, and big meals… but for those of us who share our homes with pets, it also means keeping a very close eye on the table to make sure nothing “mysteriously disappears.” It’s the perfect time to remember that some things that are delicious and harmless for us can be dangerous for them.
Let’s start with decorations.
The poinsettia is a beautiful and festive plant, but it’s extremely toxic for cats. If you have a feline friend at home, it’s safer to choose other options. Here are a few non-Christmas plants that still look great and even help purify the air: the spider plant, the Boston fern, and the ribbon plant (also called the love plant).
Next, a food that is wonderfully tasty for us (especially with a cheese board) but highly toxic for pets: grapes, and even worse, raisins. If your dog or cat eats even one raisin, go to your vet immediately. We can help remove it before their body starts to metabolise it and cause serious damage.
Now on to dessert. For us, chocolate is only a problem in excess, but for pets it can trigger severe gastrointestinal issues. No one wants to spend Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day cleaning up vomiting or diarrhoea. If you want to share a treat with your pet, peanut butter is a much safer option.
And finally, be careful with coffee and spirits. They’re common during the festivities but absolutely not suitable for animals. If you’d like to include them in the celebration, you can “cheers” with a little unsalted chicken broth or vegetable broth instead!
With these tips, Village Vets Lusk wishes you a happy and safe holiday season. If you have any doubts or emergencies, don’t hesitate to call us!
Eating in accordance with the Chinese Body Clock is believed to optimise digestion, energy, and overall health by aligning meal times with the body’s organ systems’ peak activity periods. The key idea is that each organ has a two-hour window of maximum function, and eating appropriately during these times supports harmony within the body.
Early Morning (7am–9am): This period corresponds to spring in the 24-hour cycle, when the stomach’s energy peaks. It’s the optimal time for a nourishing breakfast that is warm and moist, avoiding overly rich, salty, or sweet foods. Porridge made with oats, rice, or barley helps to strengthen the body and stimulate yang energy—a concept akin to a seedling emerging or a newborn crawling out of bed.
Mid Morning 9am–11am: During this window, the spleen is at its peak, digesting breakfast and fuelling the body’s morning activities. It’s a good time for mentally challenging tasks and exercise.
Late Morning (11am–1pm): This period marks summer, with the heart organ dominating. It’s ideal for consuming hotter, pungent foods, along with whole grains. Many Western-style lunches, such as salads or sandwiches, may be too yin (cooling and dampening) and better replaced with steamed vegetables, cooked grains, or soups if bloating or fatigue occur.
Afternoon 1pm–3pm: The small intestine peaks during this time, making it suitable for nutrient absorption. It’s also a good window for physical activity if digestion is robust, or for resting if recovering or depleted.
Late Afternoon 3pm–5pm: This time is linked to the bladder and kidneys, focusing on waste elimination. It’s a good period for studying or problem-solving, and a light snack helps if experiencing an energy slump.
Evening (5pm–7pm): Corresponding to autumn and approaching winter, this is when kidney energy peaks. Dinner should be light and nourishing to support this detoxification phase, ideally eaten early. Foods such as baked meats, fish, vegetables, grains, or legumes are preferred. This period aligns with winding down, supporting vitality and longevity.
