By Julian Nolan

Anne Nolan, one of the famed Nolan Sisters, recently spent a weekend at the Shoreline Hotel in Donabate, Ireland, working on a secret project. The Nolans are an Irish institution who have been entertaining audiences for decades with their lively music and upbeat performances. Anne’s visit to Donabate gave her the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and experience the local culture. Anne, who currently resides in Blackpool, England, made the journey to Donabate in April to work on her new project. Although the details of her project have yet to be revealed, it’s clear that Anne is as busy as ever and still passionate about her music career. During her stay at the Shoreline Hotel, Anne was able to enjoy the beautiful Donabate beach, which is one of the most picturesque spots in Ireland. The beach is known for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect place for Anne to relax and unwind after a long day of work. Aside from enjoying the beach, Anne also took the opportunity to explore Donabate and experience the local culture. The town of Donabate is a small but vibrant community with a rich history and a lively arts scene. Anne was able to meet some of the locals and get a taste of the town’s unique character. The Nolan Sisters, which include Anne and her siblings Bernie, Linda, Maureen, and Coleen, first rose to fame in the 1970s with their catchy pop hits and infectious dance routines. Their music has since become synonymous with a particular era in Irish pop culture and continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.Despite the many challenges the music industry has faced over the years, the Nolan Sisters have remained a beloved and iconic group in Irish music history. Their ability to connect with audiences through their music and performances has earned them a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. Anne’s visit to Donabate is just the latest example of her commitment to her music career and her love of exploring new places and experiences. Her weekend at the Shoreline Hotel allowed her to work on her secret project while also taking in the beauty and charm of this unique Irish town. As for the rest of us, we can only wait with excitement to see what Anne has in store for her fans with her upcoming project. Whatever it may be, we can be sure that it will be infused with the same energy, passion, and joy that has made the Nolan Sisters an Irish institution for generations.

At 12 noon on Saturday, 6th May 2023, the Leinster Pipe Band Championships will commence in the grounds of Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, Co. Dublin. This competition is the first competition of the season and was previously held in Swords Castle, in 2018 and 2019. As we all know, the pandemic stopped everything for a few years and so this year is a special year for us, as it is the first Leinster Championships since 2019. Due to ongoing works at the Castle, it has been relocated to Newbridge House for this year. This competition attracts bands from the entire island of Ireland. Previous entrants were from Killeshan, Newcastle West, Carlow, New Ross, Youghal, Arklow, Cullen, Waterford, Lusk and Clondalkin from Dublin, Newry, County Down and also from Loughgall, in County Armagh. Bands are graded by the National Executive Committee of the Irish Pipe Band Association, with 6 grades in total - 5 or 4B, 4A, 3B, 3A, 2 and 1 - grade 1 being the highest grade. The winner is announced based on the band having the lowest overall score from all the adjudicators. When all the bands have competed, they parade into the arena and assemble as a massed band. As each band enters, they may play a tune of their own choice. When assembled, all pipers play an agreed tune. The bands will salute the Chieftain of the day, Cllr Howard Mahony, Mayor of Fingal. The event is concluded with a prize giving ceremony, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. This event would not have been possible without the great support of Fingal County Council, to whom we are incredibly grateful for the allocation of the area in the grounds and the staff of Newbridge House and Farm for their help. We are looking forward to this competition and hope to see old friends, band members with their supporters and members of the public, who may be interested in learning either piping or drumming as a result. Mark the date – Saturday 6th May 2023 at Newbridge House and fingers crossed for a nice dry day!

Corina Johnston Local Labour Party Area Representative is calling for the homes under severe threat from Coastal erosion at Beach Lane, Portrane to be protected. Johnston said;”Over the last few years Duncan Smith TD and I have been persistent in pursuing the need for the Beach Lane access road fronting 12 homes to be protected from Coastal Erosion. Johnston continued; “Since before Christmas the rate of the impact of Coastal erosion has accelerated with the road impassable in recent days.” Johnston added; “We were extremely disappointed to receive the following response at a recent council meeting to our requests for help on behalf of residents which was raised by Councillor Rob O’Donoghue who asked the Chief Executive to extend the Seabees on the northern end of the Brook beach, Portrane fronting Beach Lane and the public right of way as a matter of urgency given the very serious impact of coastal erosion on twelve residential properties at this location and to provide details of the consultant engineers report on this section of the beach?” The Council replied, “ Following an extensive analysis of the issues by the Council in consultation with the Fingal Coastal Liaison Group it has been determined that the extension of the SeaBees array as requested is not the optimum way of addressing these issues and that an alternative access to the properties is a more appropriate approach. Discussions are ongoing with local landowners with a view to providing the access required.” Johnston said; “It is unacceptable that such a critical decision was taken by the Fingal’s Coastal Liaison group without a meeting or consultation with the residents beforehand. It has always been our position that the existing Seabees along the beach needed to be extended fronting the houses. As the situation is critical and access to the properties under threat we have submitted the following motion to the next council meeting: “That this committee recommends to the CEO that Sea Bees be acquired and installed fronting the properties at Beach Lane the Burrow Portrane as a matter of urgency.” Johnston concluded” Given the seriousness of the situation we are calling on all public representatives to support this motion in an effort to save this road access and ultimately the 12 homes.”

Donabate Portrane Dramatic Society will bring Neil Simon’s play ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ to Donabate Parish Hall, from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th May at 8pm, and on Sunday 7th May at 3pm. ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’, originally set in Manhattan in the late 60s, tells the story of Barney Cashman, a middle aged, married and successful business man in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Barney, who is a creature of habit, has come to the realization that he has a ‘nice’ life, but he is tired of this ‘nice’ and needs more thrill. He wants to bring an end to his decades of monogamy and experience his secret fantasies and dreams at least once in his life. He arranges three encounters with three very different women in his mother’s studio apartment. The seductress Elaine Navazio, his first attempted mistress, is a married woman who enjoys cigarettes, whiskey and, most of all, other women’s husbands. The second one, is a completely different type: Bobbi Michele, a pretty 20-ish aspiring actress and singer, part of the “new generation”; and finally, Jeanette Fisher, a gloomy, depressed housewife married to Barney’s best friend. “Barney runs the Queen of the Sea restaurant in New York but after years of working with the fruit of the sea he gets tempted by the fruit of another and wants his slice of the “action” he’s been missing out on. So, he embarks on a series of assignations in a small Manhattan apartment that go … well you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men! This play gives us loads of laughs and quite a lot of emotion while asking what we want from our love affairs and what really makes us happy. We’ve got another great formula this time out, you’ll love it!” – said Paul, veteran member of the Society and Director of this new production. Tickets will be available at the door but can also be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.ie or over the phone by calling 086 0712530.

IFE Sportland recently hosted the new edition of Gardaland Cup,the youth football tournament that takes place at Easter in the fields near the beautiful Garda Lake in Italy. The tournament will involved a fantastic international atmosphere and the beautiful Gardaland park, which has always characterized it. Many teams from all over Italy and from northern Europe, awaited with trepidation the kick-off of the Gardaland Cup! It was played on fields in Castelnuovo, Peschiera, Bussolengo, Sommacampagna, Pastrengo and Villafranca. The tournament is authorized by F.I.G.C and is promoted by IFE Sportland. The Glebe North Under 14 team closed the Gardaland Cup with 2 wins in two games today. The team and parents enjoyed a very good pizza in a local restaurant after the medals presentation. Well done to all!

A recent article by Cricket Europe has recognised the wonderful achievements and players of Balbriggan Cricket Club. The article stated: The defending champions aren’t content with one Premier League crown. They have tasted success and want more silverware as they look to build strong structures throughout the club. 2022 was undoubtedly the best year in the clubs history with the first team winning the premier league at the first time of asking, as well as promotion for the seconds and thirds, plus the launching of Women’s cricket in the club. Promising South African bowling all-rounder Matt Pollard is their overseas player, while the additions of Cameron Rowe, Sam Willmse, Waqa Azmat, Emad Uddin, and Bilal Iqbal will strengthen the playing base as unfortunately, the wonderful Nathan Rooney is the only first team departure from last season. The club told Cricket Europe, “The focus is now firmly on the 2023 season and the players are chomping at the bit to get going,” said a club spokesperson.At the start of last season, first team captain Greg Ford said that any team in the league could win it or anyone could be relegated and this season will be no different with eight very strong teams and games will be as exciting as always in the Leinster Premier division. The buzz about the club is amazing and with the 3 lane indoor centre hopefully complete before the end of the year , we’re hoping that 2023 is another memorable year for the club. The players have wintered well, we have lot of young players such as Cian Rooney, Druhan and Kaelin Knight, Aadi Wankhade, Brian Dunphy, Ryan Keenan, Fionn Bannister and Jose O’Carroll , who we hope to see moving up the grades within the club. In terms of the 1s and 2s Squad , we have had a few guys training with Leinster Lightning all winter and young gun Eoin Birch is just back from South Africa with the Irish U19s, so we have guys who are ready to hit the ground running. We welcome some strong players into the club who are all looking forward to pulling on the navy and blue and working with Andre Botha.”

Welcome to the new Basketball Academy in Balbriggan which was set up to be inclusive whilst supporting youth development and empowerment in life skills and Basketball ability. Our academy opened doors to its membership in January 2023 but began in November 2022. Presently we are looking for individuals of any age and level, who would be interested in playing Basketball for weekly pickup games or to join teams who will be entering next season’s league schedule. We are also seeking Local Basketball Referees immediately, can you help? WHAT WE DO! - Our academy runs through the school year and it is a place where young people can widen their knowledge of the sport as well as gain official certification as well as leadership and management skills. WHERE ARE WE! - Our home court is located at Bremore ETNS in Balbriggan where we utilise the gym facilities on Wednesday and Friday evenings. WHO TO CONTACT! - So please feel free to use this contact email for all queries/ information and we will contact you asap balbrigganbasketballclub@gmail.com. Or contact the Academy on facebook at Balbriggan Basketball Academy;

Ardgillan College’s senior girls rugby team reached the final of the Leinster Senior Cup in March 2023 but sadly were narrowly defeated by Newbridge College. Not only did they play brilliantly however, they have also managed to qualify for the All Ireland rugby 7’s Championship which is something to look forward to. The Junior and Senior boys rugby teams won their respective Fingal Cups in two thrilling games vs Malahide CS just before Easter Break. They delighted in bringing the two trophies back to the college to show Principal Ní Mhurchu who congratulated both teams. Everyone at the college is immensely proud of the students. A huge thanks to their school rugby coaches Mr. Goodman and Mr. Conoulty and their local rugby club in Balbriggan for all their support.

Would you have an hour to spare on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning? If you would like to help out Balbriggan Meals on Wheels as a Volunteer Driver, please get in touch by calling 01 8416743 or emailing mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail.com. Further details about Balbriggan Meals on Wheels can be found on our promotional video which can be viewed on our Facebook page facebook.com/balbriggan.mealsonwheels/. We would like to acknowledge the support of Fingal County Council in providing funding for this video. Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has been providing meals to the most vulnerable members of our community since 1975.

Balbriggan’s innate charm and the stunning beauty of the surrounding area is proving a hit with film and television producers. Already this year, another feature film, ‘Kathleen’ has been recording scenes in the area. The Catch, available on Virgin Media’s Player, is a tense, four-part psychological thriller starring Jason Watkins, Poppy Gilbert and Aneurin Barnard. Already aired on Channel 5 in the UK, The Catch was filmed in and around Balbriggan in the summer of 2022, despite being set in the south west of England. And it is just one of over 20 film, television and music video productions made in Balbriggan since 2019. Scenes from ‘The Green Knight’ an 2021, an acclaimed epic medieval fantasy film, starring Dev Patel, which grossed over $19 million, were filmed in the area in 2020. Other highlights have included ‘Operation Transformation’ which recorded at Bremore Castle in 2019. It was the first time the show recorded a regional template which proved so successful that the programme has moved around the country since. A two-time Emmy Award winner, who is spearheading an initiative to turn the north County Dublin town into one of the country’s leading centres for the arts, says Balbriggan has unlimited potential as a location for film and television. Former TV producer, US native Eamonn Donlyn, now settled with his family in Balbriggan, is working with local stakeholders to help grow the arts in the town. The one-time ESPN/Disney and CBS executive is developing a creative arts strategy for Balbriggan in collaboration with the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation programme led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Cultural and Tourism Department. “Balbriggan offers everything a film or television producer could want, from an urban streetscape to the majestic beauty of its coastline, countryside and ancient monuments, as well as all the ancillary services required,” he said.