Many of you will know me, or my family. A proud Rush man since birth, you’ll see me around the town now either running the streets with Lusk AC, or running after my young son Colton. You might have even heard me recently on RTE’s Liveline sharing our journey and telling listeners why I’ll be running this year’s Dublin City Marathon, in complete silence.

Why I’m Running in Silence
Two years ago, I ran the Dublin City Marathon when my son was only 6 days old. Weeks later, we learned he was profoundly deaf. We had no family history of hearing loss, and we knew nothing about what this journey would look like. We had so much to learn, but from day 1 we were guided - on his hearing technology, on medical checks, on resources, and on early language techniques and strategies - to build a strong foundation which would shape his whole life. We were shown a path, to give our son the very best start and to help him reach his own potential. Where he would be able to hear, learn and thrive among his peers. Long before we arrived into the deaf world, people had fought tirelessly - for technology, education, access and recognition. So that children like our son would face an entirely different future.
So this year, I’m back. But this time - in silence. To raise awareness of the deaf experience and funds for the services that support this lifelong journey.

Our son received his first hearing aids aged 2 months and had cochlear implant surgery in March 2025. Today, he is thriving - laughing, learning, and growing into his fullest potential, one determined little step at a time.

Wearing strong noise-cancelling headphones, I’ll run DCM 2025 without sound in symbolic recognition of the deaf experience, and to champion my son - and every deaf child, parent and person navigating a world not always built with them in mind.

Why This Campaign Matters
Early hearing screening and support are more than medical checks – they are gateways to opportunity. The resources and support provided through the early intervention programme and other deaf services including by Chime (Ireland’s national Deaf charity) are invaluable. The advocacy, early tools, and expert guidance gave our family not just resources - but a path forward. Without these services, Colton’s journey would have started much later - and looked very different.

Funds raised through this campaign will go directly to Chime, to continue their advocacy and services for deaf children and families, and to other key deaf supports including Our New Ears, that help children develop language, identity, and confidence from the start.

Laying the Foundations: The Vital Role of Early Screening and Support
We also recently wrote a thank-you poem to the maternity hospital where Colton was born, expressing our deep gratitude for the newborn screening service. Without that screen, and with no family history or visible signs of hearing loss, we would have had no reason to look for further assessments until much later. The simple test changed the course of his early life - and ours. We were incredibly moved when the hospital shared our message more widely - and even more touched by the responses from early screeners and staff who said how rarely they hear about the long-term outcomes of their work. We even connected with the screener who had run Colton’s first checks! She shared her reaction with us: “You have no idea the power of your words, they have lifted our spirits. We don’t ever look for praise, but your recognition has been a tonic for us all and lifted us knowing what we do is vital in changing lives. Thank you for sharing your son with us, we will speak to many new parents about him, when they need it most.”
The poem is now framed in their offices, where it can remind the team daily of how important their work is.

Breaking the Silence Around Deafness
Beyond fundraising, we hope to shine a light on what it means to be deaf or hard of hearing, or to have a deaf family member, friend, classmate, colleague or acquaintance. To take the mystery out of it, and spark a conversation from curiosity, acceptance, and openness.

Our son is perfect, exactly as he is. Born wholly complete and fully himself. And we would not change a single thing about him.

And we want him to grow up in a world that understands this part of him.

Ask questions, stay curious, and help build a more inclusive world for deaf children like my son.

Help me run this marathon in silence - so more deaf children can be heard, supported, and celebrated.

very step counts. Every share helps. Every discussion matters.

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/MunroRuigrok

Rush Men’s Shed - A big thank you to Tony Hickey and Tony Brennan from Rush Men’s Shed who revarnished the 3 benches at the South Beach Car Park over the last week.

Estate Clean Up - Well done to the residents of Brookford Estate who planted some lovely flowers and plants today. They look fantastic. Special mention to Stephen from Rushbrook Plants, who helped them out with plant selection and placement.

The Rush Community Council Events Committee is proud to celebrate the success of the Rush Harbour Festival and Fingal Rush Air Display 2025, which took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. This year was a special milestone as it was the first time the Community Council Events Committee had the honour of organising the festival – and it proved to be a weekend to remember.

Rush Harbour was alive with colour, music, and activity from morning to night. Families enjoyed children’s amusements, funfair rides, and workshops, while the harbour front bustled with food stalls and a harvest & craft market. Each evening ended on a high with fantastic live performances, bringing people together to celebrate Rush’s vibrant culture.

The Fingal Rush Air Display was once again the standout attraction, drawing huge crowds to the shoreline. Against the stunning backdrop of Rush North Beach and Lambay Island, visitors were thrilled by daring stunts, precision flying, and breathtaking aerobatic displays from some of the world’s finest pilots.
The Events Committee extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the festival possible: our generous sponsors, the many local businesses and community groups who contributed their time and expertise, and the incredible volunteers whose hard work ensured everything ran smoothly.

Speaking after the festival, Erin Cartlidge, Chairperson of the Rush Community Council Events Committee, said: “We are so proud of what was achieved this year. Taking on the organisation for the first time was a big challenge, but the support from the whole community was amazing. We want to thank our sponsors, contributors, and especially our volunteers, who gave so much of their time and energy. Without them, this festival simply would not have been possible.”

The 2025 Rush Festival & Fingal Rush Airshow was more than an event – it was a true celebration of land, sea, sky, and the community spirit that makes Rush so special, we are looking forward to building on the success of this year and working with everyone again to make the festival even more fantastic next year and for the future.

Credits to Photographers: Leo Bissett & Ray Watts, Valeta McCormick (Corvenieos Entertainment) & Darragh Butler (@feetwetaviation)

Rush-based director Dave Byrne is anticipating the release of his latest film ‘Sunphlowers’ on 26th September and it will be on general release in cinemas around the country.

Sunphlowers follows Catherine, a middle-aged mother of three embarks on a journey of self-discovery, against the backdrop of secrecy and devastation her late husband left behind, changing the course of her grief forever.

Set against an agricultural backdrop, Catherine, [played by Anne McCrudden] finds her husband dead in one of their glasshouses. In putting his affairs in order, the extent of secrecy and destruction her late husband Michael has left in his wake, forces Catherine to take a long hard look at the direction of the remainder of her life. In the days that follow, Catherine must deal with very real-life issues such as rural isolation, organised criminals targeting vulnerable people and financial ruin. Catherine initially struggles to deal with the overwhelming responsibilities that lay ahead, whilst also providing emotional support to her three adult children. Pride and determination bring out a strength of character beyond Catherine’s own expectations, as she deals with each problem head on, resulting in a newfound sense of freedom and the power to forgive and move on with her life

There was a fantastic turnout at the very first walking tour of Malahide village held a few weeks ago.
There was a full house of 30 participants including people from Germany, South Africa and even Drogheda! Not to mention locals some of whom said they have lived in Malahide most of their lives but never knew the story of the place until today and now have a greater appreciation of our gorgeous village.

Feedback has been extremely positive, and the weather could not have been kinder to us. We cannot guarantee sunshine for every walk but we can guarantee an entertaining Tours are free, but booking is advised and each tour is limited to 30 people. Go to the website for booking and further information - www.malahidehistoricaltours.ie

Courtesy: Malahide Historical Tours

Syls Cycling Club Malahide are delighted to offer the 2025 version of the updated Route 66k program with a hugely beneficial combination of cycling theory / practical demos and out on the road group spins.
Great for your physical health, mental wellbeing and very sociable.

This year the theory part of the program will start in Malahide Community School starting on Monday September 15th (evenings). It will cover Bike Technology & Road Safety, Cross Training & Nutrition, & Group Cycling techniques. The first road spin will be on Saturday September 20th, leaving Malahide Green at 9am. The program is designed to gradually re-build your fitness, skills and confidence on the bike. The remaining places will be allocated on ‘first contact to club’, first served basis. Previous participants ranked this program very highly and we look forward to your participation.

Register now by emailing contact@sylscc.ie or visit www.sylscc.ie for more info

This Autumn the Malahide Pipe Band is offering beginners the opportunity to learn and play the bagpipes.

For parents, playing the pipes offers young people a unique hobby to learn and play a musical instrument, be part of a music group, and grow in confidence by performing at local events.
For older beginners, it is never too late to learn a musical instrument. If you have ever heard or seen the pipes and you would like to try, now is your chance!

Just email for an information pack. Enquiries welcome. Classes in Malahide.

“Toots was delighted to chat with Manager Joy Murray of Irish Rails building & properties regarding their plans for long awaited public toilet facilities in Malahide Train Station. Exiting and anxious visitors from platform 1 with their back teeth floating will be eased when the facilities are in place is welcome news indeed.

Also, please check our Dart Station board and communicate with the mobile number highlighted.
We’ve got old web pages giving outdated info so while we’re trying to remove the old web pages timings and the 2013 prices other than that we’re 10.30am start from castle but can drop down a little earlier for dart station visitors when contacted in advance. Go Toots!”

The summer months have been full of road races and track & field with plenty of opportunities for our club members to reap the benefits of their training sessions. Marathon plans are now up and running with many now looking forward to the Dublin City Marathon in October. The club’s 50th anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday 6th September. There will be road races around the village green and a party in the parish hall. All welcome to join us.

Welcome back to training for our juvenile members after the summer break and a big welcome to our new members.

for December marathons in Valencia and Turin. There was also a Lusk AC parkrun takeover where our latest Fit4Life group completed their graduation 5k runs. The races will be coming thick and fast from January onwards so talk to your coach for a training plan to suit your needs.

Black Raven Pipe Band were crowned World Champions in Glasgow on 16th August to complete two in a row in World titles

2025 has been a remarkable season for the Ravens following a two in row in All Ireland Titles held in Derry on July 5th and then travelled to Edinburgh on 12th July for the UK Championships and again completed two in row. Results also include 1st in the Leinster Championships, 1st in the East of Ireland Championships, 3rd in the Mid Ulster Championships and 1st in the Heart of the Down Championships in Newcastle Co. Down.

World Championship Day started at 7am in the Morning to prepare for the qualifying round at 9.15am. The qualifier was held in the prestigious Grade One Arena, likened to your local GAA team playing in Croke Park. Having played in the qualifier and happy with their performance they waited until 12.30pm for qualifier results, they were over the moon to learn that they qualified for the final.

The final took place and they played at 3.40pm and played for best for the whole season and then the long agonising wait for the results.

The results were announced at 6.30pm and they were crowned World Champions and took the World Drumming Prize and then celebrations began late into the night

Its wort pointing out all four adjudicators placed the band in first place

The band had a home coming parade through the streets of Lusk and greeted by hundreds of people which gave them a tremendous reception The band treated to crown to selections of their music much to the delight of the crowd

And so, we look forward to 2026 pipe band season

Black Raven welcome new members and in particular young people who wish to learn the art of piping and drumming and we can be contacted at blackravenpipeband@gmail.com