Do you have a big day coming up, that you need to prepare for? Does the thought of addressing a crowd put the fear of God in you? Why not conquer your fear and head along to Swords Toastmasters public speaking club for an obligation free visit.

That’s exactly what member Ciaran Pender did when he wanted to prepare for his wedding speech.
Ciaran said ‘After I got engaged last year, I quickly felt the dread of having to do a speech in front of a large audience. I began researching ways to help improve my public speaking skills and found Swords Toastmasters. From the very first meeting the group have been extremely welcoming and encouraging. They provide a friendly, non-judgemental environment so you can get comfortable with addressing a crowd. Everyone is willing you to succeed, while also providing friendly feedback on how you can improve. I’m pleased to say that the speech went really well and I don’t think that would have been possible without the Swords Toastmasters group.’

Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to progress their careers, to perform better at interviews, to practice for workplace presentations, or even for that all important wedding speech.

If you would like to see Ciaran and his fellow Toastmasters in action, get in touch today, for an obligation-free visit. Perhaps you will be inspired to take the first step towards finding your own voice and changing your life!

Swords Toastmasters
Date: Every 2nd Monday
Location: Forrest Little Golf Club, Forrest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 K825
Time: 8p.m. – 10p.m.

Meabh Thomas of St Colmcille’s GAA Club, Swords, Dublin, has been chosen as the 2025 winner in the Leinster GAA Beko Club Champion awards. Meabh is pictured receiving her award from Beko Ireland marketing manager Shane O’Connor during the Leinster GAA Club finals at Croke Park in Dublin. The St Colmcille’s GAA Club clubwoman was nominated for the award which celebrates local GAA club heroes who go above and beyond to help their local community. St Colmcille’s GAA Club will also receive €1,000 worth of GAA equipment courtesy of Beko. The Beko Club Champion accolade rewards and celebrates the incredible, often unheralded volunteer work carried out by clubs and club members. For more information visit Leinstergaa.ie/beko-club-champion/

Our Swords Tidy Towns Xmas Party this year was a great success. We had so many talented singers on the night one might be forgiven for thinking we were at the Eurovision.

We were delighted to welcome Ann Graves TD, Cllr Joe Newman, Cllr Darren Jack Kelly, Cllr Darragh Butler and Cllr John Smyth who came along to relax and join in the fun. Also there were friends from fellow Swords voluntary groups who joined in our celebrations, Swords Womenshed, Swords Woodland Ass, The Valley Project, The Bold Woman.

A reflection of the high regard we all hold for all the wonderful hard working Swords volunteers, especially the Swords Tidy Towns double Gold Medal winning team, all doing their bit for the Swords Community. Last but by no means least we wish to thank Fiona for her generosity and her wonderful hard working team at Peacocks Bar Rivervalley for hosting and looking after us all so well on the night.

The boxing season kicked off in September and our young fighters hit the ground running. We entered several boxers into the Dublin Leagues and came away with great success, strong performances, and invaluable experience for the year ahead.

It was a brilliant year across all disciplines. Louis O’Riordan brought home two gold medals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showcasing top-level skill on the mats. In MMA, Dylan Barr and Alex Coveney both claimed gold medals, proving the strength of our rising talent.

To round off the calendar year, we entered the Louth Open Championships and finished in style. Senan Fox, Carson McCarthy, and Ryan Cowzer all won gold in their categories, and Ruby Skelly getting a Silver medal, a fantastic achievement for the club.

Roll on 2026, with even more competitions in Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA. The future looks bright for Rush Boxing and Martial Arts club.

New members are always welcome, contact Paul Cowzer 0863799603
Search Rush Boxing club on Maps for location

On Friday 5th December the North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind were given permission by the proprietor of the Strand Bar Rush Joe Sherman to sell car raffle tickets, Xmas cards and 2026 calendars inside his premises for a couple of hours. €150 was raised on the day and while the figure of money was small it was money that Irish Guide Dogs did not have that morning when we set out.
All of us involved are total volunteers and we are always looking for more helpers at events like this or elsewhere in the North County so contact us on below details if you want to volunteer.

Local Labour party TD Rob O’Donoghue called to our table on the day. In the picture is Tom O’Neill guide dog owner with his guide dog qeb, Rob O’Donoghue TD and Noeleen Turner from Skerries who was volunteering alongside Tom at that time.

To Contact North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the blind by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs

Congratulations to Graham Sandford Pictured Left on winning 2025 Player of the year with the top shop golf society. Graham was presented with the trophy by out going Captain Dara Fitzpatrick. Tanya Mulligan won Wpmens Player of the year. Well done.

Another hectic and action packed year has come to a close and we’re raring to go again for 2026. The club celebrated 50 years at the recent Christmas party in Rush GC and we look forward to the busy January race schedule ahead. The Cross Country season is in full swing and the usual favourites such as the Raheny 5 mile and Trim 10 mile take place in the coming weeks. A date for the diary is the Lusk 4 mile which will be held on Sunday 1st March. A reminder to all club members to renew your memberships and we welcome new members.

On the 9th December last, undeterred by Storm Bram, a group of volunteers from Donabate and Portrane Meals on Wheels met in the Shoreline Hotel for a Christmas dinner. We were delighted that Mandy and Donna, our chef angels from St Ita’s catering could join us and have dinner served up to them for a change! We had a lovely evening, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and had time to renew old acquaintances and meet new members. A big THANK YOU to our generous sponsors SuperValu and Glenveagh Properties, and to the Shoreline for looking after us so well.

As our community is growing rapidly it is going to be necessary to have two delivery groups for the Donabate area. Would you like to give something back and volunteer as a Meals on Wheels driver ? We are seeking friendly and reliable people to join our team, to go to our elderly and vulnerable neighbours, making a real difference in their lives. You would need to commit to 2 hours, twice a month, on set days. You use your own car and would need a reasonable knowledge of the Donabate area, though it doesn’t take long to find your way around. No experience is necessary, we provide training and support, an experienced driver will travel with you for as long as you need. If you are looking for a rewarding way to give back please call 086 8276555

These photos are from the Donabate Portrane Leithinis most recent play along session which is held every second Friday in the parish hall in Donabate. Everyone is welcome to come and play.

Father Pat Reilly our Parish Priest passed away suddenly in November. The Parish was shocked and saddened by the loss of a very good man who served us all so well. He was kind and caring as many in need can testify too.

In relation to the Parish Hall, we owe him a debt of gratitude for his vision, support and encouragement in the restoration of the Parish Hall. Without his approval it could not have happened. There are many Parish Halls that were not restored & refurbished and in fact some were closed. Our Parish Hall is now a very suitable, warm inviting place for the many varied community, cultural & wellbeing activities & events that take place in it throughout the year. Every use of the Parish Hall will be one of the many remembrances of Fr Pat’s contribution to this community. It is a wonderful thing to leave a good legacy.

The Parish Office wishes a very happy & healthy New Year to all who live in our community. If you need to contact the Parish Office for any information, please call 01 8434574 any weekday morning.