Wow, what a summer it’s been for the LSA sports group! The athletes have been super busy, and their hard work really paid off in August. It was a month full of amazing achievements, with everyone giving their best.

One of the biggest highlights was our very own Sinead Farrell. Sinead represented Ireland at the World Youth Skyrunning Championships in Italy! Sinead had to run in the mountains against some of the best young runners from all over the world. It was a huge honour for her and for our whole club to see her compete at such a high level. Sinead has been selected to represent Ireland in the World Junior Championships in Canfranc, France in September.

But Sinead wasn’t the only one having a great month. Anna Gavigan won Silver in the National Discus U23, and also qualified to compete for Ireland in thU23 and an U23’s in Discus too.

The rest of the LSA team was also busy training and racing. Lots of our members were out at local races, like the weekly Parkruns in Newbridge Park, where they pushed themselves to get new personal bests. Whether they were running a short race or getting ready for the Dublin Marathon in the Autumn, everyone was cheering each other on.

The best part about LSA is that it’s a place for everyone. From experienced runners to people just starting out, the team is always there to support each other. With all this energy and success in August, we’re off to a fantastic start for the new season!

Adult membership queries; lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com
Little Athletics & Juvenile Athletics (7-18); lsajuvenilereg@gmail.com
Find us on Instagram lsadonabateportrane

Last month, there was a happy marriage of two of Donabate Portrane Men’s’ Shed’s interests – music and allotments. Gerry and the Plonkers provided the entertainment at Turvey Allotments Association’s AGM and family bar-b-que on a sunny August Sunday afternoon. This marked the second anniversary of the Plonkers’ debut, which coincidentally was at this same function in 2023.

Despite the frenetic schedule of watering, weeding, feeding and other jobs at the allotments, work there was abandoned for the day by all, not just by Men’s’ Shed’s members, The sun shone, and once the business of the AGM was completed, the bar-b-que was fired up, the music was enjoyed, and everyone had a great day out. We also have a photo from the Plonkers’ gig at Fingallians’ Memory Café, which took place at the end of July, too late to include a photo in last month’s article.

Our members have made the most of the recent summer weather with an impromptu gathering on Portrane Green for fish ‘n’ chips and Pipers’ and a pitch and putt outing to Deer Park in Howth…and we still found time for our regular Tuesday croquet sessions in Newbridge Park and our weekly Thursday get-togethers in the Sea Scouts’ Den on the Portrane Road.

If you, or someone you know, would like to join us, please contact our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.

In August, Farmers Markets ran for some Saturdays these will now continue into September - check poster for the dates. It is a perfect central outdoor location for this type of market with a variety of products on sale. … Stands have a combination of artisan food producers from Fingal Food Circle, organic & local fresh producers … There will also be some eg hand crafts and trucks for refreshments on site. An initiative by Fingal County Council brought the Farmers Market to the grounds of the Parish Church in Donabate. Please support this your Local Farmers Market.

The Parish Hall will be in full swing again - with a variety of classes, activities & events taking place - Irish Dancing & Music, Bridge, Senior Citizens, Drama, Creche, Youth Groups and Political Clinics! There are still some limited slots available to rent a space - so if you or your organisation need a place to be - please give the Parish Office a call on 01 8434574as soon as possible.

On the 16th July Active Age for All ran their annual fun croquet day in Newbridge Park and were joined by members of Newbridge House Croquet Club and Mens Shed.

We are very fortunate to play in beautiful surroundings on the ground of Cyril Corbally the reknowned prewar international croquet champion, one of the ‘Irish Terrors’. The Irish Terrors were a group of skilled players from Ireland who dominated the sport in the early 20th century. They were known for their innovative playing styles and flamboyant personalities which brought a new level of excitement to the game. Cyril established the lawn in Newbridge House in the early 1920s and the estate became a hub for competitive play.

However the theme for our day was FUN which was had by all with some competitive play plus games such as the wobbly ball and shoot the hoop. To finish we had a thrilling play-off between three teams of two that had fought off all previous challengers. Congratulations to Paula and Rosaleen the winners and well done to runners up Mary and Noel in second place and Ger and Oliver in third.

The day had started fine and warm but the breeze grew a lot cooler as the day progressed which had everyone going for coats and sweaters begged or borrowed. This did not manage to spoil the fun or cool the enthusiasm and everyone enjoyed the day. Many thanks to all who helped out, especially Bernie, and all who brought donations of all sorts to the day. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the FCC grounds staff who keep the lawns in such magnificent condition.

Labour Party’s Duncan Smith TD and Cllr Corina Johnston are calling for the provision of additional schools to be prioritised in Donabate.

In a recent response to a Parliamentary Question raised by Deputy Smith, the Minister for Education confirmed that 132 Primary School Children from the Donabate peninsula travelled to primary school outside the area in the 2023/2024 academic year with 339 Secondary School children travelling to schools outside the area during the same period.

Deputy Smith said; “over the last 18 months my office has received an increased number of calls from parents of school going children who were unsuccessful in securing a primary school place in Donabate. While some parents choose to send their children to the schools of their choice outside of their area it is obvious from the many parents that have contacted myself and Cllr Corina Johnston that many primary school children from Donabate have to travel to Swords, Lusk and elsewhere to go to school. This is completely unacceptable especially given the level of planned development in the area.”

Johnston said: “I have been contacted by many parents of school going children who have recently moved to Donabate who were unsuccessful in securing a school place for their children locally. In some cases families with a number of children were able to secure places for some of their children locally with others having to travel outside of the area. This is a logistical nightmare for parents and causing huge stress for many families.”

Johnston added: “The Donabate Local Area Plan provides for almost 4000 additional housing units with planning permission for 90% already granted with many homes under construction. The Plan also includes the provision of 4 designated school sites in Donabate, 3 primary and 1 secondary, however it seems the provision of the much needed schools is years away. The Area Plan was adopted by FCC and then elected representatives in 2016 with no progress on the provision of permanent schools since then.”

In early July, the talented athletes from St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers made a remarkable impression at the 2025 EFBT European Championships held at the ALSSA Sports Centre in Dublin. The team showcased their skills and dedication, returning home with an impressive haul of medals: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze and 6 prizes -4th to 6th place across various individual, pair, and team events.

The highlight of the competition was the presentation of the “Outstanding Performance Awards,” which recognized exceptional talent and hard work. This prestigious accolade was awarded to Eva Bergin (St. Mary’s) Ireland, alongside Izan Barroso Catalonia and Aneta Havlenová Czech Republic.

Ireland’s strong performance earned them a commendable 2nd place overall, a testament to the athletes’ commitment and teamwork. The excitement reached a peak when Hannah Reilly from Ireland ceremoniously passed the baton to Izan Barroso, marking the transition to Catalonia, the host of the 2026 Championships.

A special thank you goes to Deputy Mayor Cllr Grainne Maguire, who attended the event and presented the awards, as well as to Chloe Farrell, Acting Principal Sports Officer of Fingal County Council, for her presence at the finals. We also extend our gratitude to Fingal County Council for their support.

The achievements of St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers not only highlight their talent but also the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines the world of baton twirling. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these dedicated athletes!

Pictures courtesy of Caroline McFadden

The Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting our member businesses, and we recently had the pleasure of exploring the fantastic activities available at Flynn Park. Joined by Shaun Flynn, Managing Director of the Park and representatives from the Fingal County Council Economic, Enterprise, Tourism, and Cultural Development Department, as well as our Chamber members and Brouder Marketing, we were all truly impressed by the diverse range of options on offer!

Flynn Park is a treasure trove of activities, catering to all interests. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing sauna, seeking thrills on water inflatables, enjoying cozy teepee tents, or indulging in delicious food from local food trucks, Flynn Park has something for everyone.

Looking to organize a team-building exercise or a pre-season bonding experience? Flynn Park is ready to tailor a package that meets your specific needs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories with your family or group!

For more information and to book your visit, contact Flynn Park today at events@flynnpark.ie
Flynn Park, Courtlough, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, K32 N884.

flynnpark.ie

Photo credit: Andrew Collins Photography

Tom O’Neill of our Branch recently met the CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, Tom Parsons. The two Toms are Mayo men and get on very well. The G.P.A this year have put €10,000 into the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as sponsorship with more to come! The Two Toms were in the G.P.A corporate box in Croke Park in July for the football quarter finals. Feericks Hotel of Rathowen are the sponsors of the Mayo shirt Tom O’Neill is wearing and that hotel is a great supporter of the Guide Dogs through having a large collection dog on the premises. Our Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs would like to thank John Feerick, owner of the Feerick Hotel and another Mayo man for his support as well as the Gaelic Players Association to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs attended Skerries Mills market on the 16th of August, with more details to follow in our next article. Our Branch will also be having it’s coffee morning in the Senior Citizens Hall in Balbriggan on 23rd September where cakes and coffees will be had and a raffle to win a hamper, come along and see our volunteers! If you are doing a tidy up and find something you no longer want, that could make a spot prize or help to fill a hamper, why not pass it on to our Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs who can use it to go towards raising funds for our branch. You can get in touch on the details below. Another way you can help us is if you have any old coins or stamps that are no longer in circulation. Annually our branch puts out this request, ‘If you have any used postage stamps or coins which are no longer in circulation, please give them to us. We will turn them into Euros and lodge them to the guide dogs account.’ We receive coins from all over the world and old postage stamps. In our guide dog boxes and large collection dogs we find coins from all over the world and from Europe that are no longer legal currency since the Euro came into place. We get paper notes of all sorts of denominations, coins and used stamps from our branch volunteers and friends.

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.

This World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on Sunday 21st September and thousands of feet will hit the ground for one powerful reason — to walk for memories, for awareness, and for a future without dementia.

Join the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva on Sunday, September 21st, as we come together in locations across the country to remember and honour those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia — and the families who stand beside them every step of the way.

Why Walk? Because every step tells a story. A story of love, courage, and hope. With over 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland, and numbers expected to double by 2045, your support has never been more vital.

Let’s make 2025 the biggest and most meaningful walk ever! The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is calling on walkers to step up and help raise critical funds for our services like: Daycare and at Home Support; Family Carer Training; Alzheimer Cafés & Social Clubs and the National Helpline open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm

Expect a fun, family-friendly day out led by our incredible Local Champions, who are bringing energy, heart, and community spirit to every walk!

For more information on the Memory Walk please visit
www.alzheimer.ie.

Mike Power B.A M.A. MSc. has been living in Swords since 1990. A trained psychologist, Mike has lectured and written extensively in the fields of youth mental health and history. Mike’s trips to Gormanston College in the mid-1960s introduced the village of Swords to him. Mike writes regular history columns for various publications. Married with six grandchildren, his strange idea of ‘fun’ is wandering around his beloved Ward Valley Park, Swords, uncovering the wonderful story of those who once lived and worked there.

Swords – History and Mysteries - A Community Guide tells you about how a ‘newbie’ like me got bitten by the heritage bug. It also tells about how I go about doing my heritage work. Swords and Fingal are both historic areas full of interesting heritage and history areas for you and your family to explore and enjoy.

Part 1. Swords. – Strands from an Ancient Tapestry: This part sketches in the heritage background of Swords, an area so rich in history. Here, you will discover the places and people who made Swords into the village we see today.

Part 2. The Mysterious Heritage Hubs of Swords: This part examines six particular newly discovered Heritage Hubs in Swords. These hubs are examples of recently discovered local historical sites, that contain concentrated heritage from Swords’s past.

Part 3. Swords’s Story Reimagined in Twelve Historical Stories: This section recounts the story of Swords in 12 historical stories. In each one, we see these specific eras of the past through the eyes of an actual person who lived back at thisat time in history.

Part 4. Reprise and Renaissance: This part summarises the history of Swords and points a way forward for the future of Swords and its people.

For more information and where to purchase the book, Mike can be contacted at: mp9211198@gmail.com.