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
Annabel Russell, the creator behind the popular family resource website TotsSpots.com, was the celebrated winner of the Tech and Digital Award at the prestigious Women in Business Excellence Awards on Tuesday, November 25th. The ceremony, a beacon of female achievement, was held in the stunning setting of the Hotel Kilkenny.
Ms. Russell’s win in the Tech and Digital category, which was proudly sponsored by Arc Engineering, recognises her outstanding contribution to the digital landscape through TotsSpots.com. The platform serves as an essential online guide for parents, providing a central location for activities for children across Ireland.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this award,” said Annabel Russell. “This recognises the hard work that goes into not just building a technical platform, but one that genuinely helps Irish families navigate their day to day lives. Technology has the power to connect communities, and I’m delighted Tots Spots is playing its part. This award really means a great deal to me as I have been a champion of women in tech for my entire career.”
Annabel left a decade long corporate career a year ago to start TotsSpots.com, Ireland’s only dedicated platform for baby, toddler and kids groups. The site has helped over 25,000 parents locate local classes and all groups can sign up for free. The idea came about during maternity leave where Annabel found it difficult to find activities for her baby. Previously, Annabel had been working in tech for Penney’s, Aer Lingus and Kerry Group, where she has been a business analyst, change champion and strategist. She has also been an advocate for championing young women into tech by attending career fairs for secondary and college students, while mentoring them through their careers.
The Night of Celebration was hosted by the Irish Women in Business Network and the awards ceremony was impeccably MC’d by renowned style expert and broadcaster, Marietta Doran. Ms. Doran guided the evening’s proceedings, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women across various Irish industries
The event at the Hotel Kilkenny brought together successful female entrepreneurs across industries from every corner of the country for a night of networking and recognition. The inaugural Irish Women in Network Awards Business Excellence Awards champion the role of female entrepreneurs in the national economy and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Arc Engineering’s sponsorship of the Tech and Digital award underscores their commitment to supporting innovation and growth within the digital sector and recognising the crucial role of women in driving technological advancement in Ireland.
Fingal County Council has been re-certified as an Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer for the maximum duration of three years. The award recognises Fingal’s ongoing commitment to continuous professional development systems and practices for its staff.
The Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer Standard is a strategic framework which enables engineers and engineering employers raise competency levels and deliver tangible business benefits by investing in engineers through continuing professional development.
Welcoming the re-certification Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “We are very proud to have been recognised as a CPD Accredited Employer for a further three years, the maximum duration that can be awarded. Fingal County Council is a vibrant and dynamic place to work, and we are committed to ensuring our employees have the tools they need to succeed. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all involved”.
Fingal County Council has over 70 engineers who work in a wide variety of services across the county. This includes staff operating in the areas of housing, transport, active travel, public infrastructure, water, and environment. Examples of major projects being carried out include Culture House, Swords, and the new Ongar to Barnhill Road.
Senior Engineer and chair of the CPD Committee at Fingal County Council, Colin Gallagher said: “The Fingal County Council CPD Committee provides clear and strong leadership promoting an inclusive CPD culture for the benefit and development of all our Engineers. The Committee has worked tirelessly to assist with the continuous skills development of Fingal’s Engineers, providing an excellent active and dynamic resource for innovatively improving the Engineering roles and areas of expertise that are managed and performed so well here in Fingal. The emphasis on Continuing Professional Development of Engineers ensures that the Council is future-proofed to cope with any challenging obstacles that may arise in the future”.
Councillors have approved Fingal County Council’s budget of €433 million for 2026 which will sustain and enhance the quality of services being delivered as well as increasing funding for infrastructure projects across the county.
The 2026 budget is an 11.4% increase on last year and means the Council’s budget has more than doubled over the past 10 years from €214m in 2016. The Council is now spending €1,311 per person living in the county.
The new budget will see increases in some income streams that have not experienced rises for some years despite the Council’s expenditure more than doubling.
Commercial Rates, which amount to 40% of the overall income for 2026, will see an increase of 4% in the Annual Rateable Valuation to 0.1868. The Housing budget has increased by €24m to €159.8m and while funding for housing grants has increased by €2.5m to €9.4m while the Council’s contribution to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive has increased by €1.25m to €5.3m.
There is an increase of €3.5m in the Operations budget which will include extra spending on road maintenance, public lighting, parks, playgrounds, recycling centres, harbours, public conveniences and burial grounds. The budget also provides for an additional €500,000 allocation to the annual programme of works with the full €3.08m works programme being brought to each Area Committee in January for approval by councillors.
An additional €600,000 has been provided towards the funding requirement for the delivery of a swimming pool in Balbriggan. The sports budget also includes sports capital grants of €975,000.
An extra €430,000 has been allocated for the development of arts in the County while there is an increase of €588,000 for events, tourism promotion and heritage properties. The Community budget includes an additional €590,000. This will provide additional funding for community grants as well as funding for the operation of the new community centre in Baldoyle.
Fingal’s contribution to the running of the Dublin Fire Service will be €27.3m, an increase of €1.5m on 2025, with the remainder of the €139m it will cost to fund the service in 2026 being covered by contributions from the other three Dublin local authorities.
At the Council meeting in July councillors voted to reduce the rate of Local Property Tax by 5% for 2026 while in October they approved a three-year Capital programme containing over three hundred projects worth €1.43billion.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: “This record budget of €433m is the equivalent of the Council spending €1,311 for every person living in the county. Along with our €1.43billion Capital Programme, the budget is reflective of the huge amount of investment required to keep pace with Fingal’s growing population. We have to keep supplying services, building houses, and delivering infrastructure because we want to build a county that is meeting the needs of its residents.”
Fingal County Council Waste Enforcement Section has initiated a campaign to help raise awareness about illegal waste collectors and illegal dumping.
Illegal waste collectors use social media and advertising sites to offer cheap waste removal services with the waste ending up being dumped in remote areas causing environmental pollution. Every year Local Authorities spend thousands of euro on clean up costs to remove illegally dumped waste, money which could be better spent on improving public services within local communities.
Before handing over your waste, always ask for ID and to see a copy of their waste collection permit which can be checked on the National Waste Collection Permit Office website at www.nwcpo.ie. No permit, then they’re not authorised to collect waste. Don’t risk getting a €150 fine or a criminal conviction if found guilty in Court.
As part of this awareness campaign a short advert has been developed which is being shown across 5 different cinemas over these months (Swords, Balbriggan, Charlestown, Blanchardstown and Santry) to highlight the issues around illegal waste collectors and the damage that’s caused by illegal dumping.
We all have a responsibility to manage our waste and to protect the environment for future generations. Our key aim is to encourage and educate individuals to make the right choices regarding their waste and to participate in authorised waste collection services.
If householders know of anyone offering these ‘Man in a Van’ services, please contact environment@fingal.ie or Tel: 01 8906799.
The videos are available on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Hi1hhzPFE and will form part of a Social Media Campaign.
In just a few short years, the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS) has transformed Balbriggan into one of Ireland’s most exciting cultural hubs. As a not-for-profit organisation, the IIMS is dedicated to making high-quality music education and experiences accessible to everyone of all ages and from beginner to professional. The mission of the IIMS is simple - to enrich lives through music while celebrating creativity, inclusion and community.
At the heart of the IIMS campus is the multi award-winning Lark Concert Hall, which was voted Ireland’s Favourite New Building of 2024. Since opening in November 2023, The Lark has become a beacon for the arts in Fingal. Through concerts, workshops, and events, it connects local audiences with world-class performers while supporting educational programmes for local and international students.
Each year, the IIMS delivers over 100,000 hours of music tuition and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors through performances, school programmes, and community initiatives. From early-years classes and intergenerational events to the innovative Traditional Music Access Programme, the IIMS strives for music education accessibility.
The Lark’s events play a vital role in sustaining the not-for-profit model of the IIMS, enabling income to fund community outreach, scholarships, and artist residencies. The IIMS has a vibrant vision for arts within the region, a place where music education, performance, and inclusion come together to create lasting cultural and social harmony.
www.irishinstituteofmusic.com
www.thelark.ie
Get ready for a scorching Halloween night like never before! Events in Fingal proudly presents the “Festival of Fire.” Taking place on Friday 31st October, this thrilling event will ignite your Halloween spirit at four incredible locations across Fingal: Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Town Park, Malahide Castle, and Millennium Park in Blanchardstown.
Experience the Magic of Music:
The Festival of Fire kicks off with an electrifying musical prelude that will set the mood for an unforgettable night. From spine-tingling tunes to haunting melodies, our musical lineup will captivate your senses and keep you grooving.
Spectacular Fireworks Displays:
As the clock strikes 7:30 PM, brace yourself for an awe-inspiring spectacle! Our breathtaking fireworks displays will light up the night sky, casting vibrant colors and patterns that will leave you mesmerized. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.
Event Locations: Bremore Castle, Balbriggan: Step into the enchanting world of Bremore Castle, where history meets the mystical allure of Halloween. 7pm Enjoy a Scary disco. 7.30pm Fireworks. Please note No Parking is Available. Please walk or cycle.
Swords Town Park (Behind the Castle): Join us in the heart of Swords for a Halloween celebration like no other. The park will come alive with the spirit of the season. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Malahide Castle: Explore the grounds of the magnificent Malahide Castle, surrounded by the magic of Halloween. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Millennium Park, Blanchardstown: Get ready for an explosion of Halloween fun in Blanchardstown’s Millennium Park. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and fireworks. Bring your family, friends, and a sense of wonder as we light up the Halloween night in Fingal. It’s a celebration you won’t want to skip!
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 31st, and join us at one of our four fantastic locations. Festival of Fire promises to be the highlight of your Halloween season.
There are even more Halloween-themed events planned for the month of October and to see what’s on in your areas please go to fingalcoco.ie.
The Marathonkids Ireland 2025 programme was launched today at Morton Stadium in Santry, with more than 8,000 primary school students from 150 schools across Fingal, Dublin City, Louth, and the Gaeltacht regions set to take part in this year’s initiative.
In Fingal, over 3,500 pupils from more than 30 schools in Fingal will join the 8-week programme, which encourages 5th and 6th class students to build healthy lifestyle habits through running, physical activity, and wellbeing education.
Marathonkids isn’t about racing, as students gradually build up to completing the full marathon distance of 42.2km through weekly runs, while also learning about topics such as healthy eating, hydration, rest, and positive mindset.
Mayor of Fingal, Tom O’Leary, said: “Marathonkids has been a fantastic participation programme for over 10 years. It gives children the opportunity to take part in the lifelong physical activity of running with the bonus of getting to run on the track here at DCU Morton Stadium.”
The initiative is very much about every child achieving the marathon distance together, learning as they go, and finishing with a celebratory final mile at Morton Stadium in early November.
Marathonkids looks to make running fun and achievable for all, not just sporty kids. It was introduced in Ireland in 2015 with a pilot supported by Fingal County Council and the Dublin Marathon. Over a decade on it is now recognised as one of Ireland’s largest participation programmes for children and embedding itself as an annual fixture in the school calendar.
Seán Ó Riain, CEO of Dublin Marathon, added: “We’re proud to partner with Marathonkids again this year. The programme introduces thousands of children to running while also promoting health and wellbeing in a fun, achievable way. It’s a vital part of our community work and an investment in the future of sport in Ireland.”
Dublin-based visual artist, Maria Atanacković, has been named as the recipient of the Ardgillan Castle Studio Award 2025-26. This prestigious award provides a fully funded studio space for a professional artist for a one-year period, commencing on 1st October 2025.
The Studio Award covers all studio rental, utilities, and administration costs, offering the recipient a unique opportunity to develop their practice in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Fingal County Council and Ardgillan Castle Ltd. currently support 15 studio spaces for artists and designers working across a diverse range of practices. This initiative, which began in 2020, continues to foster creativity and professional development within the local arts community.
Fingal County Council Arts Officer, Sarah O’Neil, commented: ‘We are pleased to announce Maria Atanacković as our Ardgillan studio award recipient. This funded year long residency provides an opportunity for professional artists to explore and refine their work in the historical grounds and castle of Ardgillan.’
Welcoming the studio award, Maria Atanacković said: ‘I’m delighted with this opportunity to scale up and develop my practice. I intend to use the dedicated time and space to translate the geometric visual language that I’ve developed through printmaking into more ambitious sculptural forms.’
Maria is a Dublin-based artist working across printmaking, assemblage and textiles. Through abstraction and experimentation, she constructs pieces that explore space, composition and form.
Councillor Tom O’Leary (Fine Gael, Balbriggan) has been elected as Mayor of Fingal at the Council’s Annual General Meeting held in County Hall in Swords recently. His election means he becomes the 20th Mayor of Fingal. The AGM also saw the election of Cllr Gráinne Maguire (Independent, Balbriggan) as Deputy Mayor.
Cllr O’Leary is a long-term resident of Skerries and has served as a Councillor in Fingal for over 15 years. He is a proactive advocate on key local issues and has held significant roles on transport, strategic infrastructure, planning, coastal management and housing during his time on the council. Married and with three adult children, he has worked as a parliamentary assistant to a number of Fine Gael spokespeople/Ministers in both the Dáil and Seanad.
Addressing councillors for the first time as Mayor, Cllr O’Leary said: “It is a great honour to be elected as the 20th Mayor of Fingal. I sincerely thank my colleagues for placing their trust in me to serve in this role to help ensure Fingal continues to be a great place to live for all.
“Throughout my time as a councillor, my focus has consistently been on delivering homes, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing community facilities across Fingal. From affordable housing and measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, to improving youth amenities, schools, and sports facilities - I am proud of what we’ve achieved and am eager to build on that and ensure that Fingal continues to thrive.
“I am particularly looking forward to seeing progress made on the delivery of a new Sports Hub in Skerries, accelerating the delivery of more homes alongside key community infrastructure, advancing the development of the Bremore Deepwater Port, the opening of the new Skerries Carnegie Library,
Expanding our Active Travel initiatives and identifying a large annual event for the people of Dublin 15.”
Councillors also selected the Chairs for each of Fingal’s three Area Committees at this evening’s AGM.
These committees focus on the local delivery of services within their respective regions, addressing issues such as roads, litter, playgrounds, water services, housing, and libraries. The newly elected Chairs for this year are:
• Balbriggan/Rush-Lusk/Swords: Cllr Luke Corkery
• Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart/Castleknock/Ongar: Cllr Eimear Carbone-Mangan
• Howth-Malahide: Cllr Cathal Haughey
