Corina Johnston Labour Party Local Area Representative for Donabate and Portrane recently said, “I am pleased that a number of my proposals on public transport are coming to fruition. New bus stop and shelter - Donabate village - The works have finally commenced on the new bus stop and much needed bus shelter in Donabate village which I first proposed at a meeting in Leinster House with Duncan Smith TD and the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2019. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss public transport improvements for the peninsula. Ever since then we have vigorously pursued this proposal with the NTA, Go Ahead Ireland and Fingal County Council’s Heritage and Roads Department. Planning permission was granted for the provision of this new bus stop within Donabate village in 2021. This will replace two existing bus stops and will incorporate a badly needed bus shelter and real time passenger information unit, the first on our peninsula. I believe this will improve the travelling experience for commuters and facilitate a free flow of vehicular traffic through the village. - 33B Bus Service Improvements - I am delighted that the revised 33B bus timetable has included the following amendments following my representations:-The 00:10 33B service from Swords to Portrane will connect with the last train from the city centre which arrives into Donabate Station at 00:12. - the 11:10pm 33B service from Swords to Portrane on a Saturday night will connect with the last train from Malahide which arrives into Donabate Station at 11:13pm - the 2:50pm 33B Swords to Portrane bus service has been amended to depart at 3:02pm to facilitate children travelling home from school. Bus Connects: The Bus Connects project which includes direct bus services from Portrane to Dublin airport and UCD via Vincent’s hospital is due to be implemented in late 2024. While these improvements are to be welcomed we believe that additional bus services will be required to cater for our growing population. Regarding
Rail services: Duncan and I have stressed to the Minister and the NTA the inadequacy of the rail service on the northern commuter line and the need for increased capacity as soon as possible. We have been informed that additional rail carriages due to come into service during the year will see a 10% increase in capacity at peak periods on the northern commuter line. In our opinion this increase will still be insufficient to cater for the population increase along the northern line. Irish Rail will also be taking delivery of 95 DART and carriages in 2024. We have recommended to Irish Rail and the NTA that some of these carriages be used to maximise capacity on the Northern Commuter Line. The public can be assured that both Duncan and I will vigorously continue to pursue this important issue at National and Local level.

Last month, members of Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed were saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and fellow shedder, Jimmy Carter. Although a quiet and private man, Jimmy enjoyed the company of his fellow members and joined in our outings before Covid restrictions. He liked nothing more than a good singsong, “Deportees” and “The Streets of Baltimore” being his party pieces. But his fellow shedders will remember him best as Celtic Jimmy for his love of Celtic art. Jimmy’s funeral, as he wished, was simple, without church, priest or celebrant attended by his friends. A group of Men’s Shed members formed a guard of honour for his final journey to Donabate Cemetery. May he rest in peace. Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed offers weekly get-togethers on Thursday mornings, in addition to exercise classes, music gatherings, croquet and work on our allotments on other days. We have just started a healthy cooking course delivered by the HSE. If you are interested in joining us, please call Jim on 086-3694316.

The Fingal old IRA Commemorative society is getting ready for the Easter Sunday celebrations which takes place this year in Oldtown on Sunday 9 th of April . The Chairman of the society Paul O Brien said that it is the society’s 6th time to hold the Easter Sunday event in Oldtown , formerly in 1959 , 1969 ,1977 ,1992 ,2002 and lastly 2012 . The event will start with Mass taking place in St Mary’s church at 9.00am in Oldtown, followed by a parade lead by the Colour Party and the Black Raven Pipe Band and Volunteers to the Molly Adrian Plaque on the Bridge, at the Bridge the proclamation will be read and various speakers will talk on the day, also the last post and Reveille and National Anthem will be played. Afterwards back to the Oldtown House Pub for tea or coffee and sandwiches , followed by the showing of the society’s award winning film ‘Who Shot Sergeant Kirwan’ directed by Society member Cathal Boland. Everyone is welcome to attend and if you need anymore information you can contact The Society Chairman Paul O Brien on 086 3518927. A Company of Volunteers was established in Oldtown back in 1918 it was formed by Thomas Peppard on the instructions of Michael Collins. Jack Smith was one of nine men who joined and it was Jack’s daughter in law Margaret Smith who wrote from Soloheadbeag to Sovereignty: The Oldtown Connection and it’s a fantastic read and very well written, Margaret is married to Jacks son Pat who has kept his Father’s memory alive throughout the years along with his sister Eileen. Society Member Robin Bollards Grandmother was Catherine Smith the sister of Jack together they managed Sheridans farm and assisted in the setting up of Mooretown camp. The Society would also like to take this opportunity to Express our deep felt appreciation to Peter Rooney and the people of Oldtown for the work they have done to keep alive the memory of the Men and Woman from the area who took part in the fight for Independence 1916 – 1921.

Branch volunteer Jade McCormack was matched with Guide Dog ‘Winter’, late last year and in this article Jade describes her life since welcoming Winter. “In October 2022 after almost four years without a dog, I was finally matched with a beautiful black Lab retriever cross named Winter. Winter from the minute she waltzed through the door, took centre stage in the house. She has lots of little quirks that make her who she is, one of them being that she is a creature of comfort and can often be found snuggled in her bed with a stolen blanket or lying on the mat curled up by my daughter as she plays. After using only my cane for almost four years, I had forgotten the freedom having a guide dog can give you. With a lot of guidance and advice from my excellent trainer, after two weeks Winter and I were flying solo and it has been a phenomenal experience ever since. Winter has given me back the confidence to go out and about and not worry that I’m going to walk into things like cars parked on footpaths and obstacles that can often impact the way for those of us who are vision impaired. I can safely take my daughter to and from places like school or the shops and be safe in the knowledge that Winter is beside me helping and guiding me safely every step of the way. Winter has enhanced my independence in the best possible way by allowing me to grow in confidence and providing unconditional love even if I do forget the treats sometimes. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for my fluffer and I over the next while.” We wish Jade and Winter the very best of luck in the future and will provide any updates we receive. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text: 085 7663107, Email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Our ladies team is continuing to grow and develop this season. 13 new players of all different levels have joined the squad so far and we have also seen the return of some experienced players. The ladies are a huge addition to the squad and we are delighted Caroline has managed to get a few pictures of them in action. We are always recruiting and ready to welcome new players to our team. Training continues every Monday and Thursday at 7:30pm! DM our facebook page for more information or pop down to the club and give it a try!

Our Kids academy is currently underway and open to boys & girls age 4-7 from 9:45 to 11:00 am New players are always welcome.(see our poster for details). Our U17A -On behalf of all our players, coaches and parents we are extremely grateful to Mr Kevin O Neill ( Balrothery Pharmacy) for his generous sponsorship of a First Aid Sports Kit. Thanks again Kevin. The Club would also like to thank Keiths minibus hire Balbriggan for sponsoring our Under 15 team with a new training set. Thanks Keith. And indeed thanks to all our wonderful sponsors of all our teams in any way.

Finally please do not forget - SATURDAY, 11 MARCH 2023 AT 19:30 - Padraig Connor, Memorial Race Night - Hamlet Bar, Castlemill, Balbriggan. A night of fun and remembrance to kick off what was Padraig’s favourite time of the year Cheltenham Week! Horses and Jockeys will go on sale very soon. Horses €10, Jockeys €5 all proceeds will go to Nicole and Kids. Anyone interested in Sponsoring a Race €50 or would like to Donate a prize for a raffle please contact the club.

Blasters Cricket starts up again on the 5th of Feb in Castlelands Community Centre !!!! Open to boys and girls aged 5-11. The sessions will run for 8 weeks and it’s just €50 for 1 or €75 for 2 kids for the 8 weeks. To Book go to balbriggancricketclub.com

It is truly great to see the new artworks at The Banks by our wonderfully skilful local artist Dave West. The works were officially launched recently by the Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Howard Mahony and are womderful to behold.The 5 panels, Take a Dip, See the Coast, Wish You Were Here, Regatta & Baile Brigín all point to local and historical reference points. Have you seen them yet of not why not take a wee trip down and view them for yourselves. They are well worth the visit!

Next talk - ‘The Story of Cricket in Fingal’

Balbriggan and District Historical Society are delighted to welcome you to another year of activities from the Society. Our first talk will take place on Wednesday March 29th at 8pm the Bracken Court Hotel. We are delighted to welcome Jim Bennett for a talk titled ‘The Story of Cricket in Fingal’, the subject of his recent book. Cricket is hugely popular in the North County and this tradition goes back to the 1820’s when it was played for entertainment at great houses, such as Ardgillan. Clubs including Balbriggan began to be founded later in the 19th century and Jim’s talk will tell this fascinating story with particular emphasis on Balbriggan. Jack Bennett is a native of Portlaoise and was educated at St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise and then attended St. Patrick’s Training College Drumcondra. His first teaching post was in Balbriggan but he spent the rest of his teaching career at St Colmcilles BNS Swords. He became Principal of the school in 1980 and retired in 2015. For many hears he has been involved in cricket administration in The Hills CC. Cricket Leinster, Cricket Ireland and in 2022 he was elected President of Cricket Leinster. We think this talk will be hugely popular.We will be collecting membership for 2023 on the night too. Membership is €15 individual, €20 family or €10 senior. That covers our 6 talks - March, April, May, August, September, October. But anyone can attend an individual talk for €5. For all information see balbrigganhistory.com or follow us on Social Media.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is delighted that our Pop-up-Shop is returning every Friday morning from Friday 24th March from 10am to 1pm.The Pop up Shop will be open at Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan with plenty of bargains available.We will also be serving Teas and Coffees, so you can enjoy a cuppa after you browse for some bargains. At just €2 for a cuppa it’s the best bargain tea and coffee in town! We look forward to seeing you there. All money raised at the Pop up Shop goes towards Balbriggan Meals on Wheels work in our community.