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.
Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed recently had a very informative and useful meeting with Irene Igiebor from Empower Fingal, the outcome of which was an application for a grant to purchase exercise equipment for our weekly classes. A big thanks to Irene and to Rafe Costigan, our FCC Community Officer, who put her in touch with us.
As reported last month, Men’s Shed members had a fascinating tour of Dublin Castle in November and we now have the photos to prove it. We also had our annual Christmas dinner and sing-song in Keeling’s in early December, an enjoyable night out for all with great food and even better music, appreciated even by Keeling’s other patrons.
Last month was a busy time for Gerry and the Plonkers, the Men’s Shed music group, with concerts in Donabate Parish Hall and in St. Michael’s in Ballymun for their Christmas party and fund-raiser. This was the Plonkers’ third Christmas gig for St Michael’s. As before, it was a wonderful event with a very appreciative audience, enjoyed by all, especially the band.
The Men’s Shed is preparing for the year ahead. Along with our regular weekly activities, plans are advancing for outings to Dublin Docklands and to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. So, if you, or someone near to you, would like to join us, please call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.
Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed wishes a peaceful and healthy New Year to all in our community and a big thank you for all your support over the past year.
Donabate / Portrane Labour Party Local Area Representative Corina Johnston said; ”over the last few years Duncan Smith TD and I as well as other public representatives have been campaigning for a much needed Primary Care Centre in Donabate.
In April this year the HSE confirmed to us that following a tender process a preferred operator and site had been selected and approval to proceed was being sought. In July this year the HSE confirmed that approval to proceed would be sought from the outstanding stakeholders once all recommendations to proceed were received.
Duncan and I are appalled to have received an update from the HSE to our recent representations confirming that a U TURN has taken place and this much needed facility will NOT be going ahead “as value for money for public funds has not been demonstrated.”
”We believe the purpose of Primary Care Centres is to provide accessible, integrated Health and Social Care Services in the community with a focus on early intervention and community based treatment, to support vulnerable groups and reduce hospital pressure.
It is totally unacceptable that Donabate with the population to grow to 20,000 in the next few years will now not have a Primary Care Centre to provide much needed care services. The people of Donabate have been let down again and again with broken promises by this government on the provision of much needed facilities and basic infrastructure. While welcoming the provision of a Primary Care Centre in Swords this will not cater for the needs of the growing Donabate community. “
Johnston concluded; ”Duncan and I intend to raise this matter with the Minister for Health and arising from which we will be arranging an early public meeting in the New Year to discuss this and other infrastructural issues. It is important the people of Donabate make a stand on these issues.”
As Balbriggan steps confidently into a new year, one local organisation is celebrating fresh beginnings, new skills, and international collaboration. Really Cool Afterschool & Montessori School, which operates three childcare facilities in Balbriggan, employs 40 staff members and provides care for 200 children from 27 nationalities every year, continues to shine on the European stage thanks to its recently awarded Erasmus+ grant enabling staff training abroad.
The project, funded under the Erasmus+ Programme and supported by Ireland’s National Agency, Léargas, is titled “One Planet, Many Cultures: Eco-Learning in a Diverse Crèche”. Its focus is on strengthening staff expertise in eco-education, inclusion, and innovative early-years approaches—core values in the organisation’s work with Balbriggan’s multicultural community.
Although the project officially runs from July 2025 to June 2026, the team has already made impressive progress. Six teachers have completed mobility trainings in Portugal and Romania, returning home energised with new teaching strategies and perspectives on early-years education. Their learning is already being embedded into daily practice across all three centres, enhancing experiences for children aged 1 to 12.
The journey continues in 2026 with even more energy. At least six additional educators are preparing to travel to different corners of Europe in the coming months. The next destination is Spain, where a group of teachers will participate in Erasmus training on using Art to promote inclusion —an inspiring way to begin the year.
Co-Owner Marzena Stronska expressed pride in their team’s commitment:
“Our staff are passionate about giving every child the best start in life. Through Erasmus+, we learn from excellent educators across Europe and bring that knowledge straight back to Balbriggan. Our families benefit, our staff grow, and our community becomes stronger.”
As the new year unfolds, the organisation is focused on innovation, professional growth, and continuing to build bridges across Europe. January, for Really Cool Afterschool team, is time for fresh goals, new partnerships, and renewed dedication to high-quality, inclusive childcare.
Wishing all families, staff, and partners a bright and inspiring year ahead.
Balbriggan Rugby Club held their Centenary Gala Ball in the Bracken Court Hotel on Saturday 29th November. On 10th November 1925 the Club along with Navan RFC, was officially affiliated to the Leinster Branch of the IRFU.
The event was attended by 160 Club Members and guests. President Kevin Colman welcomed special guests, Dr John O’Driscoll, President of the IRFU and Moira Flahive, President of the Leinster Branch. In his speech John had to admit to being a Skerries man before moving as a child to the UK. Also in attendance was former Irish International, Leinster Manager and Skerries man, Jim Glennon, and current international Linda Djougang. Club Treasurer, Robert Cashell did a Q&A with Jim and Jim regaled those present with stories of his father and uncles who had played for Balbriggan many years ago. Past President Ivan McFadden got to question Linda on her fascinating story as to how a girl from Lusk got into the world of Women’s Rugby and now is one of the first names on the Irish team sheet.
Other notable attendees included former coach and proprietor of John D’s – Tom Young, and Dale McAuley who had travelled all the way from Australia to join in the celebrations. Dale’s work twenty years ago laid the foundations of the youth systems in the Club which still stand to this day.
As the Club starts into its second century there is plenty of activity going on in the Club. Presently the Club fields four adult teams, two men and two ladies as well as youth and mini teams for both boys and girls from 5 to 18. The Club also had a disability Tag team, The Stingers who train every second Sunday morning.
The teams train at the Club grounds in Balrothery and there is something on every night of the week. The mini section 5-12 year olds train on a Thursday evening 6-7pm. New members are always welcome.
If you would like any further information on the Club give Director of Rugby, Jeff Neville a call on 085 724 5733
What a busy 2025 it was for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! As we step into 2026, we look forward to more fundraising, merchandise stands and meeting new people. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the year and continue to do so and a massive thank you to our volunteers for dedicating your time to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! If it is a new year’s resolution of yours to volunteer, why not join our Branch and make a change? You can contact us on the details below and we would be delighted to have you!
While things might be quiet at the moment, we were certainly busy over November with our merchandise stands in SuperValu, Balbriggan on both the 14th and 15th November where we raised a fantastic total of €1,171.43 over the weekend and in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan on both the 28th and 29th November where raffle tickets and Christmas cards were a big hit and we raised a brilliant total of €1,851.08 over the weekend. We hope you had a chance to get your hands on the special edition 2026 Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind calendar celebrating 50 years of Guide Dogs! It’s not too late to get one, you can find them in Balbriggan in Baxter’s Butchers, Donal Hayes Chiropodist, Java The Hut, Imeldas Hairdressers on Bridge Street and Cuddles Pet Store, in Skerries you can find them in Skerries Hardware, McMeels Pharmacy, Stacks Pharmacy, Oakes Pharmacy and Shenick Vets and in Corduff, Swords and Rush, they are located in the Irish Rosettes Corduff, Village Vets Lissenhall Swords and Stitches and Alterations in Rush.
Now is also a good time for us to collect your old stamps or coins from anywhere in the world and turn them into cash for our branch. You can contact us if you have any old/used postage stamps and old notes or coins.
Finally, we would like to say massive thank you to everyone who supported our Branch this year and we wish you the happiest Christmas and new year! We hope to see some familiar faces when we get back out there in the coming weeks!
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.
2025 Stephen Scarff Perpetual Award Winner: Noel Heeney
We gather to honour a truly remarkable individual whose vision, compassion, and dedication have had a lasting impact on families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia in our community.
This person saw a need — families struggling, carers overwhelmed, and individuals living with memory loss who deserved connection, dignity, and a safe place to be understood. Rather than wait for someone else to act, he stepped forward, demonstrating remarkable initiative and leadership.
hrough his efforts, he has helped establish a day-care centre at the local rugby club, transforming a community space into a welcoming, supportive environment. Recognising that no one can do it alone, he has built a strong team of dedicated volunteers to support these initiatives and ensure their success. Together, they work tirelessly to bring respite and engagement to those who need it most.
He has also been a driving force behind fundraising and awareness campaigns, from organising community events to leading initiatives such as the Memory Walk — raising vital funds while bringing the community together in solidarity and hope.
Looking forward, he is determined to achieve a dedicated facility similar to the one in Drogheda, where he was instrumental in helping bring such a service to life. His vision is not just local, but national in scope: he serves on the national executive of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, helping to shape strategy, fundraising, and advocacy at the highest level.
His tireless work, combined with his ability to inspire others, has created a legacy of compassion, support, and hope.
And so, it is with great pride and admiration that we present this award to…Noel Heeney
Thank you for your vision, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to our community.
One of the main awards on the night was to remember joe Kelly of Balbriggan.info who sadly passed away earlier this year and whose generosity, dedication & community spirit made a lasting difference to Balbriggan. Joe Kelly had a familiar presence at local events or online. Balbriggan.info the social media page he created & maintained, he became an essential connector in our town — sharing events, local achievements, supporting good causes & keeping the community informed.
Joe gave his time freely. His efforts were driven by pride in Balbriggan & a genuine desire to help the town& the people he cared about. His contribution went far beyond the ordinary. He volunteered countless hours, supported community initiatives, & helped build a stronger sense of togetherness in the town. His legacy of selfless service is one we honour with deep respect.
To recognise individuals who embody this same commitment to community, we are proud to introduce the Joe Kelly Community Contribution Award. This award celebrates those who, like Joe, make Balbriggan a better, more connected & more vibrant place.
The inaugural recipient is someone whose impact on Balbriggan has been exceptional. Since establishing the Moriarty Group in 1987, he has created thriving local businesses that offer employment, services & opportunities to many families in the community. His commitment extends far beyond business leadership; throughout the years, he has consistently reinvested in the town, supporting sports clubs, schools, charities, youth programmes, local events & community development projects. His generosity, leadership & long-standing dedication have strengthened the social & cultural fabric of Balbriggan.
His contributions have been acknowledged through several notable honours, including the JC Savage Fingal Business Person of the Year and Kerry Person of the Year awards. These recognitions speak not only to his business achievements but also to the exceptional role he plays in supporting & uplifting our community.
In every respect, he reflects the values that this award represents — commitment to community, generosity of spirit & a vision for a better Balbriggan.
It is with great pride that the award for the inaugural Joe Kelly Community Contribution goes to Luke Moriarty.
