Tús maith, leath na hoibre a deirtear agus tá páistí Gaelscoil na Mara, le cabhair ó Bailte Slachtmhara ag cuir cruth deas ar Gáirdín na Scoile. Over the last number of months Gaelscoil na Mara has worked in partnership with Tidy Towns establishing an allotment on the school grounds. Six 10×5 ft raised beds were built and the pupils immediately set about planting potatoes and onions and shoots are already starting to appear. The pupils were also busy in the classroom sowing lolla rossa, strikeforce, crisphead, Swiss chard, beetroot and spinach and brassicas of cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Kale and Broccoli which will be ready for planting outdoors over the next number of weeks. A large fruit garden was also planted with nearly thirty fruit bushes including raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, rhubarb, cranberries, blueberries and strawberries which should start bearing fruit over the next year.The pupils in the school have full responsibility for the sowing, planting, watering, feeding and in time, harvesting of the produce with a ‘farm to fork’ approach. Making food from the produce will also be an important aspect of the allotment, e.g. making jams from the fruit or Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner. The school community is very aware of the benefits of food production and outdoor education on the physical and mental health of the pupils.
Tá na páistí ag foghlaim sa rang faoi na glasraí, torthaí, plandaí agus cad as a dtagann ár soláthar bídh. Bhí sceitimíní ar cách nuair a bhí seans ag na páistí prataí agus oinniúin a chur le cabhair agus súl saineolaí Tidy Towns. Ár mbuíochas le gach éinne a chabhraigh chun ár ngáirdín a chruthú. Táimid an brodúil as an comhoibriú pobail a bhí i gceist chun an tionscadal seo a chuir le chéile. Ba mhaith linn buíochas a ghabhail go mór mhór le Cairde na Scoile agus Tidy Towns Donabate as an pleanáil, soláthar trealaimh agus tacaíocht airgeadais chun an tionscadal seo a thabhairt chun críche . Táimid ag súil go mór torthaí ár saothair a bhlaiseadh.
The Leinster Pipe Band Championships were held in Newbridge House, Donabate on Saturday, 6th May. Bands from the four corners of Ireland travelled to Donabate - from Cork (Youghal Pipe Band), to Wexford (New Ross & District Pipe Band), Donegal (Letterkenny & District Pipe Band) and Down (Down Academy Pipes & Drums, Moneygore Pipe Band and Closkelt Pipe Band). In total, twelve bands competed for the title of Leinster Pipe Band Champions. The other bands were Arklow Pipe Band (Co. Wicklow), Killeshin Pipe Band (Co. Carlow), St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band (Maynooth), St. Joseph’s Pipe Band (Clondalkin), Black Raven Pipe Band (Lusk) and Irvine Memorial Pipe Band (Clabby, Co. Fermanagh). When all the bands had competed, they paraded into the central area in front of the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony. A lament was played by Paul Russell from Black Raven Pipe Band for members who had passed since our last meeting, with particular tribute to members of the Closkelt Pipe Band, who had recently suffered a bereavement and still made the journey to compete. The much anticipated results were announced with the Leinster title going to Moneygore Pipe Band (Grade 4B), New Ross & District Pipe Band (Grade 4A), St. Joseph’s Pipe Band (Grade 2) and St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band (Grade 1).
Our thanks to Fingal County Council, for both the venue and financial support without which we could not have the Championships. The attendance on the day was approximately 1,500 which we were all absolutely delighted with. We cannot thank the staff of Newbridge House enough as they did soLeinster Pipe Band Championships – A great success! much for us and we would like to be able to hold the Championships in the grounds again next year. We would also like to thank the staff from Brambles restaurant for the delicious food and the Red Cross, while in attendance, were not needed professionally on the day. And thankfully, the weather was great, as we only got a few tiny drops at the end of the day, which makes all the difference to these outdoor competitions. To the Mayor, the staff of both Newbridge House and Fingal County Council, volunteers, helpers in any way, the bands, their families, supporters and the general public – ‘Go raibh mìle maith agaibh’.
The most recent highlight for Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed was our visit to Áras an
Uachtaráin, where 16 members enjoyed the hospitality and the tour for three hours. Unfortunately, President Higgins was not there during our visit but that was more than made up for by Corporal Tommy Martin, Aide de Camp, who guided us on an entertaining and informative tour of the house and grounds. He regaled us with stories about the history of the building, often embellished with personal anecdotes, and answered our many questions with patience. When he asked if any of us played piano, Peter Cooney stepped forward and gave us a wonderful rendition of Elton John’s “Song for Guy” on the grand piano. It will be hard to match this special occasion, but further trips are being planning. In addition to these occasional outings, the Men’s Shed members enjoy are regular weekly activities – exercise classes (Mondays), croquet at Newbridge House (Tuesdays), music jam sessions (Wednesdays) and get-together for tea and chat (Thursday). If you would like to join us, please call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316. You will be given a warm welcome.
Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society is delighted with the success of their latest production, the hilarious comedy ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ by Neil Simon, held in Donabate Parish Hall at the beginning of May. This production was particularly special for DPDS as it paid tribute to a valued late member and good friend of the Society, Gerry McGuire. A mentor and supporter who, for over twenty years, helped to develop and grow the society. The production brought together a mix of long-time and new members who kept the audience hooked from beginning to end. The brilliant performances were filled with laughter, good humour, and entertainment. From the performers to the crew and the volunteers, everyone worked tirelessly to bring the play to life. Paul Keogh, director of the production, is very proud of the result: “The “HECTIC” is all finished now, thank God, but I’m already missing it really! What a brilliant cast I got to work with, it was a joy. Two first timers on our Donabate stage – Emily McClenahan and Miriam Dowdall; Peter Finnegan carrying off the biggest part he’s done with aplomb, and finally Lisa Buckley with a long-awaited return to acting with DPDS having directed in our first two post Covid productions. These four and their hard work are what earned all the wows we got from our audience; loads of locals but also fabulous to see a big bunch of our friends from Skerries and Rolestown as well as many from “further out the road”. I can’t thank everyone involved in this production enough. They worked together seamlessly to bring the production to life. I’m honoured to have been involved with DPDS!” The Society is now looking forward to building upon this success and creating more exciting performances in the future and is now going to resume their weekly workshops in preparation for upcoming projects. “We are delighted with the success of our recent production of Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers in the Donabate Parish Hall. The support received from the local community, our Patrons, and Sponsors is gratefully appreciated. We look forward to preparing for our summer project as part of The Bleeding Pig Festival and a production in the Autumn! As always, new members are welcome both on stage and off!” said Áine Dilleen, newly elected Chairperson of the Society. If you want to become a member or a patron of DPDS do not hesitate to contact donabateportrane.drama@gmail.com. And don’t forget to follow Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society on Facebook and Instagram!
Blasters Cricket for the youngsters has started recently and all are welcome to join in.
Boys and Girls aged 4-10 are welcome to come down and get plenty of fun , Fresh air, Friendship and a little bit of Cricket. A new child’s first week is free !!!! The Cost is €5 per week or €7 for 2 siblings. Special offer of €60 for the whole summer or €90 for 2 Siblings - Book online at balbriggancricketclub.com/pro…/summer-training/..All coaches are qualified and vetted and all equipment is provided.For more details Text 0872507736 or you can Email us at Balbriggancricketclub@gmail.com.
The end of season awards night for our senior teams took place at the club last night. Well done to all players involved in both the men’s and women’s teams on a good season. And congratulations to all award winners.
Women’s Awards:
Player Of The Year
Lorna McKenna
Players Player Of The Year
Laura Brown
Most Improved Player
Caoimhe Colman
Young Player Of The Year Clíodhna Ni Chonchobhair
Men’s Awards ;
Player Of The Year
Fiachra Tuckey
Players Player Of The Year
Cal O’Connor
2nd XV Player Of The Year
Floyd Runsewe
Young Player Of The Year
Conor Colman
By the end of the season 12 youth players had made their debut playing senior men’s rugby. They are - Floyd Runsewe, Conor Colman, Ciaran Rutherford, Eoin Hannigan, Jimmy McFadden, Oisin McNamara, Jack Mongey, Josh Buraimoh, Reuben Rabiu, Peter Jennings, Damien Whelan and Cillian Reynolds. Well done to them on their senior debut this season.
Hard to believe it is June almost halfway through the year and we have some exciting events taking place this month. We are delighted to announce the return of the Society Day Trip after a three year absence due to Covid. This will take place on Saturday June 17th. We are just confirming the last details but it is proposed to visit Dublin City and the Tenement museum and EPIC and we will round off the day with a relaxing meal. This is always a great day out so save the date in your diary and check out Social media and website for updates. We will also be leading our usual Historical Walk as part of Summerfest on Saturday June 3rd. On June 24th at 2pm we have an interesting talk by Jonathan Beaumont titled ‘The Dublin to Drogheda Railway’.in an exciting new venue for us, the beautiful setting of Ardgillan Castle. You could combine the talk with a visit to the superb gardens of Ardgillan Demesne or a stroll in the grounds. We have had a great start to 2023 with our March talk featuring the Story of Cricket in Fingal by James Bennett. Jim’s talk was highly entertaining with an emphasis on Balbriggan and many past and present Cricket players and their families were in attendance. He brought to life not just the games themselves but the rivalries and the entertainment and food and drink after the games, which were almost more important! For April we were delighted to welcome Rory Golden, Diver, Speaker, Explorer with a talk titled ‘TITANIC - Search, Discovery and Diving to the world’s most famous shipwreck.’ Rory spoke first of the story of the building of the Titanic and its ill fated maiden voyage and the story of some of the many who lost their lives on it. He then introduced us to fantastic images of his dives to the wreck. For our May talk we returned to a local topic as we welcomed our own Jim Walsh for a very interesting talk titled ‘Balscadden Past and Present’ As always for information on our society email balbrigganhistsoc@gmail.com or see balbrigganhistory.com or follow us on Social Media.
It has been a very busy term in the college with our wonderful students making us very proud of their achievements: Our U19 Girls GAA team won the North Dublin Gaelic Blitz in a tense final against Loreto College. Our Junior and Senior hurlers won their respective Dublin finals. Our Junior GAA boys reached the Dublin final. Our 1st Year boys’ soccer won the Division 1 NE Final. Our Rugby 7s girls’ team won the All Ireland 7’s Championship. Our debaters took runner up spots in the EU50 and DDLETB debate competitions. Sami Khan won the Chemistry Award at Scifest in DKIT.
Our school participated in the first Balbriggan Darkness in to Light to raise funds for Pieta. Our Parents Council held a very successful Quiz night in the school which raised funds for our Suaimhneas Department. Our students held an Intercultural Day in the school and put on a spectacular fashion show to display traditional outfits from various cultures. Finally, we were one of three post primary schools in the country to be awarded with the Active School Flag. The initiative, founded by the University of Limerick strives to promote movement and learning through movement in schools. A huge thank you to everyone who worked hard over the past four years to achieve this honour, especially Ms.Nealon and Ms. Murray. We are looking forward to the end of the year celebrations and wish our Leaving Certificate Class of 2023 the very best of luck in their exams and future endeavours.
On Sunday 11th June Balbriggan locals, Paddy O’Callaghan and his daughter Niamh Kelivanova will be doing a Sponsored Parachute Jump in aid of Balbriggan Meals on Wheels at The Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue, Co Offaly. All money raised will go directly to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels for their ongoing work in providing meals in the local area. Please show your support for Paddy and Niamh by sponsoring them via the Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Facebook Page or by dropping your sponsorship in to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels at 14 Hampton Street. Balbriggan Meals on Wheels would like to thank Paddy and Niamh for bravely doing this fundraiser for them.
Balbriggan Secondary School students and teachers were given an opportunity to input into the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Project at the Bracken Court Hotel during the local Loves Learning Festival recently. The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation programme is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Cultural and Tourism Department and maps a vision for the town, shaped by its people. The Loves Learning Festival provided an opportunity for a range of groups and services to platform learning opportunities available to people in Balbriggan and surrounding areas. The update with fifth and transition year students and teachers sought the further involvement of young people in the project, and celebrated Balbriggan’s role as the town with the biggest youth population in the country. The event also provided an opportunity to recognise and promote lifelong learning and showcased Balbriggan’s tremendous young talent and youth diversity.
Among the schools from which students and staff attended were Ardgillan College, Bremore Educate Together, Ghlor Na Mara, Balbriggan Community College and Loreto Secondary School. Our picture includes the following: (l-r) Sgt Darren Farrelly, Balbriggan Community Policing Unit; Fiona Kavanagh, Chair of Our Balbriggan Education Skills and Training Pillar; Eamonn Donlyn, Smart Balbriggan Co-ordinator; Katherine Kearns, TY Co-ordinator Loreto Secondary School; Emma Grufferty, is the Principal, Bremore Educate Together National Schools; Geraldine Barnett, Deputy Principal Loreto Secondary School; Ciara Menton, Ardgillan Community College; Kathy Jones, Principal, Bremore Educate Together; Jennifer Walsh, Bremore Educate Together; Breffni O’Rourke, Programme Manager, Our Balbriggan. Also in attendance but absent from the photograph was Supt Paul Franey, Balbriggan Gardai/Chair of Safe Balbriggan Pillar.