Fingal Co Co hosted virtual celebration of International Women’s Day

Fingal County Council hosted a virtual celebration of International Women’s Day which took place on Monday, March 8, 2021. As physical events are not possible under current government restrictions, virtual celebrations featuring contributions from Community, Sports, Local Enterprise Office and Communications will be held this year. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.To mark the occasion, the Fingal County Council Communications Unit posted short videos throughout the day on their social media channels with contributions from female Fingal County Councillors, Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and female members of the Fingal County Council Executive Management Team.The participants were asked to give an insight into why they decided to pursue their chosen career, what achievements they are most proud of and what women inspire them. It is part of a Fingal County Council initiative to build awareness of Local Government among women.Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage women to embrace their part in leadership and change. It is important to celebrate the occasion even though we cannot do so in a physical capacity under current restrictions. I am delighted to be part of this virtual event which will give people an insight into the invaluable role of women in politics, sport, the public and voluntary sector and all aspects of life.” The Council’s Sports Office devised a series of events to mark International Women’s Day, including holding female-only FAI Player Development Plan and Safeguarding workshops, and focussing on various projects and initiatives taking place under the pillars of the Women in Sport Policy.Well-known TV personality and business woman Gráinne Seoige was the keynote speaker at the Fingal Enterprising Women Network event which took place online on March 5. This online event, hosted by LEO Fingal, was opened by Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and was an excellent opportunity for women in business to share insights and lessons learned in their chosen fields. Fingal County Council’s Community Development Office celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of online conversations with women active in leadership in Fingal.

Our ‘Tap to Donate €3’ machine has arrived in Specsavers, Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan.A small countertop device which allows a contactless donation of €3. Displayed on the welcome desk it is simple to use, just ‘Tap to Donate’.Thank you Brian and Paul.2020 was a very difficult year for fundraising but with your help we raised €22,787.56 for Guide Dogs. Restrictions are still in place but when allowed we will be out in the community again.In January we received a cheque for €333.33 from Tesco’s community fund initiative. Thank you Tesco and especially Lisa from the local Millfield store.The annual Balbriggan Feis couldn’t be held in February but Damien, Ann and committee raised €966 for us through their Facebook fundraiser, thank you all.Thomas O’Grady, from Skerries, gave off-road dirt track motorbike lessons to some youngsters and raised €300, thank you Thomas. Anne and Yarrow raised €200 with their photo taken beside the large collecting dog in Millfield.Please view our videos on Facebook made by volunteers, Zoe, Anne, Andy, Tom, and Adele, with Guide dogs Nico and Qeb and puppies Yarrow and Lola.Please donate if you can at our facebook page Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs page.Do you have an idea for a fundraising event? We’d love to hear from you.Contact us by phone or text 085 7663107 or email guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com.A number of Transition Year students from Loreto Balbriggan participated in a virtual programme with IGDB in March.The 5 day programme is aimed to inspire students by raising awareness of the difference a Guide or Assistance Dog can make to others and how they can change lives. Guide Dog Day will be on Friday 7th May and we hope to be out with our new contactless machine which accepts donations in line with payment limits.Up to €50 by tap, over €50 you insert your card and enter your Pin.Yarrow remains with Anne but when he goes to Cork for training we will keep you informed on his progress as he hopefully becomes a Guide or Assistance Dog.