Malahide Lions Club was delighted to support the Malahide GAA St. Sylvester’s U-8 girls’ teams recently by sponsoring the purchase of medals which were presented to each of the girls. Over 70 under 8s had been playing in the Gormanstown Indoor Camogie Tournament since the beginning of January with the Finals on Sunday 8th February.

The tournament is run every January to enable the girls to continue playing camogie at a time of the year when the weather is too cold or the outdoor pitches are not in good condition to facilitate games. The medals which each girl received were presented by Malahide Lions President Rose Minton in St. Sylvester’s GAA clubhouse in Malahide.

The U-8 girls and their families had a special treat in store when two All Ireland senior champions paid a visit to the clubhouse to congratulate the girls. Both Kate Sullivan and Clodagh Fox, who are members of St. Sylvester’s GAA Club, were on the Dublin team that won last year’s All Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship. They brought along the Brendan Martin Cup which was presented to the Dublin team as All Ireland Champions.

This winter has been one of the most active and rewarding periods in the history of Takemusu Aikido Society. From international training exchanges to national recognition and local volunteer awards, the Balbriggan-based club has shown that high-level martial arts and strong community roots can grow side by side.

In early January, three representatives of the club travelled to Sweden as part of the Erasmus+ Sports Staff Mobility programme for the professional development of Irish takemusu aikido coaches. Takemusu Aikido Society head instructor Raman Bekarevich, assistant instructor Jan Toth and volunteer Áine Winterbottom visited the Gothenburg Aikido Club, led by Ulf Evenås, 8th Dan Aikikai, widely respected as one of the most technically accomplished Aikido teachers in the world. During the visit, they observed how the complete aikido curriculum is structured and delivered, from beginners’ classes to advanced practice. This included weapons training with sword and staff, children’s sessions, grading preparation and the dojo culture that supports steady, long-term development.

What stood out most was the clarity of teaching progression. Advanced techniques were not treated as something separate or reserved for a select few. Instead, they were built carefully from foundations already in place. Each new movement emerged as a small, logical extension of what students had just practised. By introducing only one new element at a time, instructors preserved precision and understanding while enabling the entire group to advance together. This thoughtful and inclusive method of teaching has already begun influencing how classes are structured back in Balbriggan.

The impact became visible later that same month at the Irish Martial Arts Commission Aikido Friendship Seminar on 24–25 January in Dublin city centre. Six instructors from six dojo each taught one class in a collaborative national format. Raman led the opening session for around 20 participants, applying the same progressive structure observed in Sweden. Techniques unfolded in clear stages, with complexity developing naturally from strong fundamentals. Practitioners of different levels were able to train together confidently, and the positive response demonstrated how international learning can immediately strengthen practice at home.

That weekend also brought a major milestone. On 24 January, at the first-ever IMAC Award Night held at the Lucan Spa Hotel, Raman Bekarevich received the Outstanding Contribution to Martial Arts 2025 award. The honour recognised both technical achievement and meaningful social impact. The award acknowledged significant milestones, including promotion to 4th Dan and mentoring his first student to black belt. At the same time, it highlighted inclusive initiatives such as free classes during Women in Sport Week and the Autumn Free Aikido Programme for Young Adults, helping to remove financial and social barriers to participation. Through public demonstrations, local engagement and ongoing outreach, aikido continues to reach audiences far beyond the dojo. Above all, the recognition reflected sustained mentorship and the supportive training environment that has allowed the club and its members to grow steadily.

Further recognition followed when Fingal County Council presented Raman with a Fingal Sports Volunteer Award. Presented by the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, the award specifically recognised volunteer work in Balbriggan. Despite living in South Dublin, Raman makes a long weekly round trip at his own expense to keep the Balbriggan dojo running. He lays out the mats before class, teaches without payment and stays afterwards to support students who have no alternative place to train. This dedication ensures that Balbriggan continues to have a stable, welcoming and genuinely community-centred space for martial arts practice.

The series of winter events concluded with an international seminar hosted by Takemusu Aikido Society. Led by the instructor of Gothenburg Aikido Club, Jöran Fagerlund, the event welcomed visitors from Italy, the UK and Limerick for a weekend of training. Over the weekend, training explored the connection between different aspects of practice, including the use of traditional wooden weapons and unarmed techniques and how they complement one another. Despite heavy rain and local flooding, the weekend came together smoothly and the atmosphere on the mat was excellent. The determination of those who travelled under challenging conditions spoke volumes about the strong sense of community at the heart of aikido.

Takemusu Aikido Society continues its regular classes in Balbriggan and welcomes adults and teenagers who would like to experience a structured, supportive and internationally connected martial art close to home.

A group of Really Cool Adventurers from Balbriggan have recently returned home after taking part in an exciting Erasmus+ youth mobility in Germany as part of the international project Play Compete Connect, co-funded by the European Union.

The exchange took place in December, in Germany, in the town of Esslingen, hosted by Käthe Kollwitz Schule secondary school, and brought together youth groups from several European countries. The project used sport, games and teamwork as a powerful way to promote inclusion, healthy lifestyles and intercultural understanding.

Throughout the week, the Balbriggan participants took part in a packed programme of workshops, outdoor activities and team challenges. The focus was on learning through play — exploring how sport can help young people build confidence, develop communication skills and form friendships across borders.

A special highlight was the opportunity to learn traditional games and sports from partner countries. The German team introduced participants to Kegeln (a traditional form of bowling) as well as fun ice curling-style team challenges. The Serbian group presented rukomet (handball), giving everyone the chance to try a fast-paced and energetic sport. Meanwhile, the Turkish participants shared cultural sports traditions including Müsabakalı güreşi and aba güreşi, showcasing the importance of heritage and respect in Turkish wrestling.

In return, the Irish group proudly represented Balbriggan and Ireland by presenting Gaelic football and hurling, giving new friends from across Europe a taste of our national sports and culture.

Leader Killian Burke praised the experience, saying:
“It was an incredible project. The young people gained so much through sport, teamwork and meeting others from different cultures.”
Participants also spoke warmly about the impact of the mobility.

Orla O’Halloran said:
“The project met my expectations a thousand times over. I learned so much and made amazing friends.”
Another participant, Julia Iwanicka, highlighted the power of connection through play:
“We don’t need to use the same language to understand each other and play the game together.”
Beyond the workshops, the group also enjoyed discovering German culture, visiting the famous Esslingen Christmas Market, and exploring the impressive Mercedes-Benz Museum, making the experience both educational and memorable.

Organisers from Really Cool Adventure, based in Balbriggan, say they are now looking forward to continuing dissemination activities locally.

If your school or youth group would like our volunteers to deliver our free Erasmus+ presentation or sports games workshop, please get in touch with us at @ReallyCoolAdventure.

The Balbriggan annual Feis took place on Saturday the 7th and Sunday 8th February in the Naul GAA club. We want to say a big thank you to Damien O’Shaughnessy and Ann McFadden for organizing it plus the great team of helpers they have with them.

Tom O’Neill with guide dog Qeb and Ann Mulligan with puppy in training Lulu of our Balbriggan Branch also made an appearance at the Feis to say the most important words of thanks to all who helped and participated.

Some bright sunny news also, Martin McNamara very kindly donated €1,000 from the sales of his calendars to Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. On Friday 16th January, Tom O’Neill with his Guide Dog Qeb and Anne Mulligan with Puppy in Training Lulu met with Martin in Molly’s Cafe on Quay St Balbriggan for the presentation. Thank you for your support Martin.
We also want to give huge congratulations to Paudie Dwan from County Tipperary, the lucky winner of our Car Raffle! The car was a brand-new 2026

Ford Puma - What an incredible prize! The winning ticket was drawn by Cork Camogie’s Amy O’Connor, along with Maurice O’Carroll from Ford Ireland.

Our branch will soon have our holiday raffle tickets and towards the end of the year we will have another car raffle.

Finally, it might not be January anymore but if you still have resolutions to volunteer or help out locally, why not contact your local branch of Balbriggan Guide Dogs to volunteer and or become part of our counter box team which is very rewarding as you are always bringing in money to the branch. If you want more information, please contact us on the information below. You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

BELIEVE Balbriggan - Belonging, Empowerment, Living, Involvement, Enterprise, Volunteering & Engagement has launched an exciting new community initiative, the BELIEVE Balbriggan Digital Detox, launched on Safer Internet Day February 10th, at Balbriggan Library.

The initiative invites the entire community to take small, intentional steps toward healthier digital routines and stronger offline connection.

The event was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Gráinne Maguire, who highlighted the importance of balanced digital engagement, stating:

“Social media is here to stay and it is important that we have the conversation regarding its safe use, and acknowledge its important role in keeping the community connected.”

As part of the launch, attendees participated in a panel discussion titled “People, Place and Purpose: A Community Conversation on Digital Wellbeing.” The discussion explored practical approaches to managing screen time, online resilience, community connection, and the impact of digital habits on everyday life. Speakers emphasised the importance of supporting families, young people, and individuals in navigating digital spaces safely and mindfully.

The BELEIVE Balbriggan Digital Detox now invites residents, families, schools, local groups, and workplaces across the town to join the movement by logging an hour activity to do a physical activity, read a book, learn something new or reconnecting with their surroundings, and strengthening community ties, even volunteering.

This leading edge initiative is guided by the BELIEVE Balbriggan Steering Committee:
• Aisha Alameen Betro, Project Lead, Aisha AED Initiative (Subcommittee of Balbriggan Community Council)
• Mary Osakwe, Representative, Balbriggan Residents Association Network
• Janette Scott, Community Officer, Fingal County Council
• Anne Marie Brady, Balbriggan Community Council

The Digital Detox also builds anticipation for the upcoming BELEIVE Balbriggan Expo, taking place on 11 April 2026 at the Flemington Community Centre. The Expo will bring together local services, community organisations, stake holders, businesses, and residents to celebrate participation, connection, creativity, and the future of Balbriggan, something for everyone.

Further updates on the BELEIVE Balbriggan Digital Detox and the April Expo are available at www.believebalbriggan.ie.

Stained glass highlights in Balbriggan and other locations in north County Dublin’ from David Caron, Wednesday March 25th 8pm Bracken Court Hotel

Welcome to a new year with Balbriggan & District Historical Society and we are busy finalising an exciting programme for 2026 for you. Our regular talks will commence on March 25th with a presentation ‘Stained glass highlights in Balbriggan and other locations in north County Dublin’ from David Caron author of Dubin Stained Glass which I am sure will be of huge interest given the excellent examples in our own Balbriggan churches. You may have seen and admired these beautiful windows in St Peter and Paul’s and St George’s Church and wanted to learn more about them. This presentation will give a wonderful insight to them and other examples in the area. Adm €5 Members free

David Caron was born in Dublin and studied Visual Communication at the National College of Art and Design, to which department he returned in due course as lecturer and was subsequently appointed Head of Department. His PhD research at Trinity College Dublin focused on Michael Healy and the stained glass artists of An Túr Gloine, the Tower of Glass. He was one of the three original compilers of the Gazetteer of Irish stained glass in 1988, and was editor and principal author of the revised and expanded edition in 2021. His book, Michael Healy, 1873-1941: An Túr Gloine’s stained glass pioneer, was published by Four Courts Press in 2023. His most recent book, just published, also by Four Courts Press, is Dublin’s Stained Glass – a guide to the finest twentieth-century windows. David regularly contributes articles on stained glass to the Irish Arts Review. He is currently researching a book on the best of Ulster’s twentieth-century stained glass.

We will let you know more information on this and full details of our other talks and events later, if you have any queries email balbrigganhistsoc@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

We know that in the past, Swords definitely had stone walls surrounding it.Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1575 called Swerdes (Swords) ‘…our good and walled town of Swerdes.’

But just where are these walls? Lacking physical evidence, the patterns of footfall around the village give us a good indication of how things looked back in medieval days. The passage shown in both pictures is called locally the ‘gut’, presumably because of it’s constricted width.

In fact,this old alleyway was the site of the postern(secondary) gate for Sword’s walls.The main gate of the medieval town had to be located where the main roads meet, ie just down from Witherspoons on main street.This particular gate was rarely opened, being heavy and cumbersome, with folk generally entering the town via this smaller ,postern one.

The earlier picture reveals that the outside wall of the present-day pizza shop, was in fact part of the original town walls of Sword. The complex of buildings jutting out from main street here were part of the defensive medieval main gate complex of Swords.

This upper, southern section of Swords was for centuries the heart of the English garrison here, with St Columbas ,the Vicarage (Glebe) , RIC barracks (Church street) and toll booth, all nearby .Older inhabitants of Swords have told me they felt that this area was the more ‘protestant’ part of the village, the later developing main street being mainly Irish and nationalistic in their outlook.

Fingal County Council and Broomfield Construction have officially started work on transforming a rundown 19th century townhouse in Swords. The project will refurbish, convert and extend the old building to create 13 new homes on North Street, right in the centre of the town.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, and the Council’s Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, visited the site in December to mark the beginning of construction. The Council’s architects outlined how the project supports Fingal’s “Town Centre First” goal — which focuses on bringing unused or derelict homes back into use.

Once finished, the development, called North Court, will offer a mix of one bed and two bed homes. This includes three age friendly units and two built to universal design standards. All homes will be allocated to people on the Council’s social housing list.

Urban regeneration is a key part of the Council’s housing strategy, which has received a record €884 million under the 2025–2028 Capital Programme.

North Court is next to another major project — the €40 million Swords Cultural Quarter. This will include a library, theatre, gallery, maker space, arts spaces and a café, all within an iconic new building due to open in 2027. The project also includes improving the area around Swords Castle to create a better public space for events.

By making use of existing services and being close to jobs and public transport, North Court will offer sustainable living for the 38 people who will eventually move in. Turning a semi derelict site into new homes will also help improve the look and feel of the street.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary commented on the occasion: “I am delighted to turn the sod on North Court Swords which will provide much needed housing, including age friendly homes, in the heart of the town close to all amenities. Developments such as this, which sees the conversion of semi derelict houses into three new homes and additional ten apartments to the rear, contribute to combatting dereliction and breathing life into our town centres”.

Swords Autism Friendly Town Group is a new community-led initiative established in summer 2025 by community leaders, Autistic adults, and parents of Autistic children living in the Swords area.

They are currently planning a large multi-agency autism symposium in April, bringing together services, families, and Autistic voices to strengthen understanding and inclusion across the Swords area.

This community event will focus on the major stages across the lifespan, including moving from preschool to primary school, primary to secondary school, and secondary to tertiary education or adult day services.
“In a very short space of time, the response from the local community has been truly overwhelming. We now have an active WhatsApp community of over 250 members across multiple channels, where families and Autistic adults share trusted information, local supports, and peer connection. For many families who previously felt isolated, this has already become a vital source of support,” explained Events Coordinator Caroline St Leger.

Alongside online connection, Swords Autism Friendly Town Group have facilitated several in-person initiatives, including: A Friday night teen social club; An Adult Support Group and an Adult Social Hangout.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure Autistic people and their families feel visible, supported, and connected within their own community,” Caroline added.

For more information, please contact swordsautismfriendlytown@gmail.com.

Rush Tidy Towns: Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

Rush Tidy Towns continues to make a real impact on our community and coastline, with recent milestones highlighting the dedication of volunteers and the strength of local support.

National Recognition for Coastal Care
Rush Tidy Towns was honoured with the Clean Coasts Community Action Award for its outstanding efforts to protect and enhance our beaches. From planting Marram Grass to organising clean-ups and promoting sustainable beach use, these initiatives have helped preserve the natural beauty of our coastline. This award is a testament to the hard work of volunteers and the community spirit that drives these projects.

Tiny Towns – Our Future in Action
Behind every vibrant flowerbed and litter-free street is a team of young volunteers from the Tiny Towns group. These kids have been busy throughout the year. From watering plants, cleaning beaches and woods, helping at local events, and even contributing to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Their energy and creativity remind us that the future of Rush is in good hands. A special thanks goes to local businesses, including The Salty Blonde and The Little Chip, for supporting the group with gifts and vouchers, and to the 38th Rush Scout Group for their continued involvement.

A Calendar That Captures Rush
The annual Rush Tidy Towns calendar has become a much-anticipated tradition. Launched at a festive event in the Strand Bar, the calendar showcases stunning scenes of Rush, selected from a photography competition open to all residents. The calendar is an important fundraiser that helps sustain Tidy Towns projects. Available in local shops, the calendar is a perfect way to share a piece of Rush with friends and family near and far. A big thank you to our sponsors for making this possible.

Why It Matters
These achievements aren’t just about awards or events, they’re about creating a cleaner, greener, and more connected community. Every beach clean, every flower planted, and every calendar sold contributes to making Rush a better place to live. If you’d like to get involved, whether through volunteering or supporting our initiatives, reach out to Rush Tidy Towns tidytownsrush@gmail.com. Together, we can keep the momentum going in 2026!