How to be Social Media Savvy” is a upcoming talk for adults in Malahide Library on Tuesday 4th November at 6pm and aims to help attendees gain an understanding of how social media platforms work and to stay safe from scams, disinformation and various “baiting” techniques.

The topics covered will be: What are the main social media platforms and who owns them? – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X. How do they make money? How social media companies use your data? How do social media platforms decide what you see on your feed (algorithms). How to see more of the content you wish to see and block unwanted content. What are disinformation, misinformation and malinformation? How to recognise disinformation/fake news. How to recognise our own biases. How to recognise various baiting techniques (e.g. click-bait/rage-bait). What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how is it used on social media? What are the different types of online scams? How to recognise scams online.

This talk will be of interest to anybody who uses social media themselves or parents of teens who use social media. If you are interested in attending please email malahidelibrary@fingal.ie or call 01 8704430 to book your place.

Congratulations to all club members who completed one of the autumn marathons including the Dublin City Marathon. Also well done to all who have represented the club in one of the recent cross-country events. We were thrilled to present some of our athletes with hard fought medals won at Dublin Road Races. Niamh Coughlan won F35 Gold at both the Dublin 10 mile and the F35 Half Marathon while Dara Harford won F40 Silver at the Dublin 5k. There were also team medals for Sarah Farrell, Julie Griffith and Sarah Moore (F50 Bronze at the Dublin Half) and Emma Przymusinska, Dara Harford, Geraldine McHale and Louisa Fahy (F35 Silver at the Dublin 5k). A reminder to members to purchase tickets for our Christmas party on December 12th before they sell out. Finally, we were delighted to help Donabate parkrun celebrate its 10th anniversary last month. The club always has a good presence at parkrun with a large contingent of runners as well as regular volunteers. Here’s to the next 10!

Theresa Murphy – Chairperson On behalf of Lusk Senior Citizens Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone who came out on a very wet Saturday to support our vegetable sale. A very big thank you to all the local farmers who very generously donated all the vegetables, fruit and plants. It was a very successful day.”

What a busy month of hard work and fun the Ladies in Lusk ICA had for September and October.
The sports group enjoyed a great bowling night out recently in ALSAA organized by Teresa Killoran. Maria Baird was Presented by Teresa Killoran for a first place; Pauline Flynn came second, and Angela O’Brien came third.

A big thanks to all the ladies who served Tea and Biscuits in the School on Sunday 12th October after the 11.30am Commemoration Mass celebrating the Centenary of St MacCullins Church

Congratulations to Mary Shortall and her ICA colleagues from Dublin Federation who came 3rd at National Pitch and Putt competition in Seapoint.

Beautiful afternoon tea was enjoyed in the Grand Hotel in Malahide organized by Mary Hickey.
Once again thanks to Mary Hickey for organizing a magical experience to Neven Maguire’s wonderful restaurant in Black Lion.

Our thanks to Antoinette Doran and Rosanna Darby and all the team who worked so hard in raising funds for our annual coffee morning in aid of the hospice. Thanks again to everyone who helped and supported us, to Conrad Murray Top Shop, and we are not forgetting all the very kind and generous donations for our Raffle from all the local businesses in Lusk - the final total raised was €3,320.00.

Finally, our Drama group travelled to Ballyheigue County Kerry where we all had a fun weekend of art, dancing, and food. Thanks to Anne Smithers for her hard work arranging it.

A few wonderful photos from Pat Kelly’s archive showing the installation and unveiling of the Black Raven statue on the Dublin Road roundabout in 2005.

This striking piece was commissioned by Lusk Tidy Towns and created by artist Bríd Ní Rinn – one of many projects that have helped shape the look and spirit of our town.

The Black Raven has long been a symbol of Lusk and Fingal. It was said to have been captured from the Norse at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, brought back to Lusk, and has been part of our story ever since.
In Irish Mythology The Morrigan, a Celtic goddess of war, fate, and sovereignty, is strongly associated with the Raven because of her ability to shapeshift into a Raven to observe and influence battles.

The statue is just one example of what Lusk Tidy Towns do for our community.

For over 40 years they have been involved in: Commissioning public art; installing benches and street furniture; keeping our town clean and beautiful; leading biodiversity and sustainability projects with local, national and even international partners.

They have also been at the centre of much of our community’s social life throughout these years.
Everything they do is volunteer led, by people who give anything from a couple of hours a month upwards. Whether it’s project management, planting, litter picking, installing Barn Owl boxes, or simply helping with events, every little effort adds up.

All the beautiful things we see around Lusk happen because local people care enough to make them happen.

If you recognise anybody in the photos let us know. Email: tidytownslusk@gmail.com

Courtesy Lusk Tidy Towns.

The pupils and staff of Hedgestown National School were delighted to welcome Minister for Education Helen McEntee and her team to their school on Thursday, 9th October.

The Minister was accompanied by Fine Gael Fingal T.D. Grace Boland, Fine Gael Councillor Eoghan Dockrell, and Councillor Tom O’Leary, Lord Mayor of Fingal. Also in attendance were Lusk Parish Priest Father Kevin Moore and Chairperson of the Board of Management Liam Fitzgerald.

The purpose of the visit was to tour the school’s new two-storey building, officially opened in 2024, and to mark the recent establishment of two new autism classes — Solas Glas and Solas Buí.

Principal Damien O’Donoghue led the Minister and guests on a tour of the school, showcasing its modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and impressive facilities, including the school hall and on-site crèche and childcare services provided by ToddleIn Crèche and Montessori. Minister McEntee cut a ribbon to commemorate the occasion and visited the new sensory room, where she met several students from the Solas classes.

During her visit, the Minister also spent time in the mainstream classrooms. Pupils in Mr. Bund’s 5th and 6th class impressed her with their knowledge of the election process — knowledge gained from the recent Student Council elections, in which students from 2nd to 6th class participated by voting on ballot papers following nominee speeches. The Minister also enjoyed a musical performance from the class, which included a group tin whistle recital and individual performances on the harp and guitar.

The next stop was Mr. Hagan’s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class, where pupils confidently recited a poem and asked the Minister thoughtful questions about political life — including one particularly popular query: “Who has the authority to decide there is no more homework !?”

Finally, the Minister visited Ms. Bentley’s classroom, where Junior Infants to 1st Class showcased their Irish language skills. When asked what advice they would give the Minister’s own child, who will start primary school next year, the pupils eagerly offered helpful and heartfelt suggestions.

Speaking after the visit, Principal Damien O’Donoghue expressed his gratitude:
“We were honoured to welcome Minister McEntee and her colleagues to Hedgestown National School. It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to learn more about government and civic responsibility, while also sharing the fantastic progress and spirit of our rural school community.”

Hedgestown National School would like to extend its sincere thanks to Minister McEntee and all visiting representatives for taking the time to engage with the pupils and staff. The visit provided an inspiring insight into public service and leadership for the entire school community.

Get ready for a fantastic evening of music, fun, and community spirit!

Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School is delighted to host a Parents’ Night Out on Saturday, 22nd November 2025 at the beautiful Shoreline Hotel, Donabate.

The night will feature live performances from the amazing Killer Ceol and Kim Gallen, guaranteed to bring energy and entertainment throughout the evening.

Tickets are only €25 and include: Live show entertainment; Finger food buffet; Tea and coffee. Drinks will be available to purchase at the hotel bar, and don’t miss the raffle on the night with great prizes up for grabs!

This will be a wonderful way to enjoy a night of great music and laughter while supporting our local school. Tickets are limited, so book early and join us for a truly memorable evening!

Tickets are available online—secure yours now at:
https://donabate-portrane-educate-together-national-school-pta.sumupstore.com/product/killer-ceol-and-kim-gallen-concert

A complimentary shuttle bus will collect guests at 8:00 PM from Donabate Church and drop everyone back at Donabate Village at 11:00 PM, courtesy of the Shoreline Hotel. This convenient service ensures a safe and easy journey to and from the event.

Thanks for helping us spread the word!

To help drive improvements in Donabate, Fingal County Council has announced the establishment of a new Town Team and launched the Donabate Town Centre First Health Check Plan. Together, they aim to make Donabate’s town centre a more viable, vibrant, and attractive place to live, work, socialise, and do business.

The Town Centre First policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. It advocates for a holistic, place-based approach to sustainable urban and rural development.

In September 2024, local residents, community groups, business owners, and other stakeholders in Donabate worked with Fingal County Council’s Town Regeneration Office to create a 15-point Action Plan to help guide the future of the town centre. The actions cover public realm improvements, tourism, better use of existing infrastructure, future strategic planning, placemaking, and arts, heritage and culture.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O Leary, said: “This Health Check has been made possible only by the time and energy given by the Town Team and others. Many local community groups, stakeholders, businesses and residents have shown their commitment to improve the town centre of Donabate by participating in through this process that benefits their town and all its residents.”

A Town Team has been established in Donabate chaired by Dr. Louis Gunnigan PhD, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building. Speaking at the launch Dr. Gunnigan thanked those who have given of their time to date to set up a Town Team and prepare a plan for the town: “The new Town Team is up and running and is making progress already with applications for funding for some of the actions identified.”
John Quinlivan, Director of Services for Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development in Fingal County Council added: “I welcome the establishment of a new Town Team and commit Fingal County Council’s ongoing support to the delivery of the Health Check Plan.”

Declan Ryan, Town Regeneration Officer for Fingal County Council commented: “I wish to thank the new Town Team and all those who participated in the capacity building workshops. The Town Regeneration Team in Fingal County Council will support, where possible, the work and ambition of the new Town Team.”

The Town Team are now actively seeking local volunteers who may wish to assist with the delivery of the Town Health Check plan. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact the Town Regeneration Office: townregenerationoffice@fingal.ie

The Donabate/Portrane Community First Responder team has been active for over two and a half years, responding to life-threatening emergencies within both communities.

All members are volunteers and rely entirely on donations to purchase additional defibrillators—both for responders and for public access points across Donabate and Portrane.

The group is currently exploring new ways to raise funds for this vital equipment. One of the latest initiatives is a poster campaign featuring a QR code that makes it quick and easy for people to donate. These posters will be displayed in local shop windows, in the hopes to encourage more residents to contribute.

Cllr Corina Johnston and Duncan Smith TD have welcomed the announcement by Dublin Bus that it intends to commence an additional 33D direct return express bus service from Portrane to Dublin City Centre on 28th September next.

Johnston said; ”over the last 2 years Duncan Smith TD and I have been campaigning for an additional 33D Bus Service following representations received from commuters. Many commuters who frequent this service on a regular basis highlighted the need for an additional bus service as the current bus is full to capacity on a regular basis with many commuters standing. Despite our many representations the NTA and Dublin Bus refused to provide an additional service on this route. Last year we provided statistics of daily capacity on the current service with the assistance of commuters which we then provided to the NTA and Dublin Bus. We were delighted to be informed in November last year that Dublin Bus intended to provide an additional bus service this year. At a recent meeting with the CEO of Dublin Bus, on this and other issues, Duncan was informed that an additional 33D express Bus Service would commence on 28th September next”

Johnston concluded; “while welcoming this additional return direct bus service from Portrane to the City Centre, I believe that additional express bus services will be required to meet the additional demand as the population continues to grow. Notwithstanding the recent publicity in respect of proposals to introduce new hybrid trains on the Northern Commuter Line in 2026, and proposals to extend the DART to Drogheda, I understand there will be limited capacity increases for commuters at peak times. We intend to vigorously pursue this issue and will keep you informed of developments.