Leithinis Comhaltas played a session in SuperValu Mall on Sunday March 8th. We were delighted to have a large group of musicians, both young and old play with us on the day.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music in Ireland. Leithinis, meaning peninsula, is the name given to our local Donabate Portrane Comhaltas Branch. We run lessons for adults and children on Monday evenings in the Donabate Portrane Educate Together School on Beaverstown Road. We also host a Stay and Play Slow Session from 7.30-8.30 on Mondays at the school. Twice a month we host a slow session in the Parish Hall, Donabate. It’s a very supportive and sociable way for adults or children to learn a new instrument, meet new people and learn a new skill.
A wonderful group of Leithinis musicians visited St. Patrick’s Boys School and Scoil Phádraig Cailiní on March 10th as part of the schools’ Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations. The children showed great musical abilities in singing and playing themselves and learned about Irish traditional instruments such as banjo, fiddle, bodhrán, tin whistle, and button accordion. A big thank you to the teaching staff of both schools for facilitating our visit and to our members for promoting annd representing our branch so well. It’s wonderful to have a collaborative musical relationship within the community. We’ve been in contact with all the schools in Donabate and we look forward to future collaborations.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Comhaltas Leithinis Donabate Portrane or through our website on www.Leithinis.com
Recently, an Open Mic Extravaganza was held in the Parish Hall one Sunday afternoon. It was a special event organised by the Music Makers in collaboration with the Parish Hall; so, with adults present to keep an eye as minors played & sang, the 15-year-olds & upwards got a chance to perform their music, some of them for the first time!
It was all about participation - giving it a go - not about perfection; so, you could start & restart, no problem at all! They even got to have a coffee and a chat with pals and meet a few new like-minded music lovers. It was a success for all those that came and they all want more!
Fridays are music nights in the Parish Hall. Two Fridays a month Leithinis CCÉ run their Slow Sessions. They are an established group with a committee and run under Comhaltas as the umbrella organisation. The other two Fridays, Music Makers invite musicians who are over 18 come & do their thing! Under age cannot be catered for on a regular basis - only for occasional events unfortunately. A committee of adults needs to be established, or a group needs to be found as an umbrella, so that the younger teenagers can be included in regular sessions.
At present the Parish Hall and some responsible adults keep the show on the road. So simply commitment is needed to further the Music Makers! The enjoyment and real buzz the young ones got from the afternoon was just brilliant & infectious.
It is hoped to run another special event coming into summer for all the local budding talent over 15yrs. In the meantime, if you as an adult have something to bring to the party in terms of energy, expertise, effort & enthusiasm, please do not hesitate to contact Noel (Dowling) & Seán (Collins) at this email:
Musicmakersph@gmail.com
NEXT MUSIC MAKERS SESSIONS - Friday 4th April, Friday 2nd May & Friday 6th June.
The Memory Cafe in Donabate is run by the Donabate/Portrane Community Centre in co-operation with Active Age for All. The cafe is held on the last Wednesday of every month from 11am to 1pm in the community centre and is always free of charge.
Memory cafes offer people with dementia and their care partners the opportunity to enjoy regular enjoyable social interaction with others in similar circumstances in a safe welcoming environment.
There are regular talks and presentations from healthcare professionals and support groups; for instance the March Memory cafe had presentations from Maria Heffernan from Healthy Eating made Easy and Mary Woods Murphy from St Francis Hospice in Raheny. Also popular is playing cards and games that promote physical co-ordination and mental acuity.
Refreshments of tea, coffee and home bakes are served and the cafe always winds up with music from local groups or musicians to enjoy and sing along with.
February marked an exciting new chapter for Takemusu Aikido Society as the club moved to a more spacious and accessible location in Balbriggan. Now based in the Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre on Dublin Street, the new facility provides a larger training area with high ceilings — an essential feature for practising Aikido with traditional wooden weapons like the aiki-ken (wooden sword) and aiki-jo (wooden staff). This move allows the club to offer a more complete Aikido experience, blending empty-handed techniques (taijutsu) with weapon training, a hallmark of the Iwama-style Aikido the club follows.
The new venue not only addresses the technical needs of Aikido practice but also paves the way for future growth. Previously, the club shared space with a local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu group, but the low ceilings restricted the range of techniques that could be safely practised. “We hope to expand our presence in Balbriggan by introducing classes for children and teenagers,” says Raman Bekarevich, the club’s head instructor who runs all club initiatives. However, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Since the community centre lacks mats suitable for Aikido practice, the club is actively fundraising to purchase their own mats, ensuring a safe and authentic training environment.
Behind the scenes, Raman has been supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who have played a vital role in the club’s success. Among them is Jan, the club’s newly promoted black belt and recently named Sport Volunteer of the Year for 2025. Jan’s tireless efforts, both on and off the mat, have inspired others to contribute. Other club volunteers have been very helpful in preparation for recent events and ensuring the club’s smooth operation during this period of transition. Their collective commitment reflects the spirit of community that lies at the heart of Takemusu Aikido Society.
This spirit of inclusivity and community was further demonstrated in early March when the club participated in Sport Ireland’s Women in Sports Week, a national campaign aimed at increasing the visibility of women in sport and encouraging greater participation. Recognising that women are often underrepresented in martial arts, the club offered for them three free Aikido classes during the week: two in Dublin city centre and one in Balbriggan. While many expressed interest, only a few could attend, reflecting the challenges some women face in balancing new activities with their existing commitments. Those who participated, however, had an enriching experience and were presented with small gifts sponsored by Fingal County Council as a token of appreciation. Building on this momentum, the club also took part in Balbriggan’s St. Patrick’s Parade, showcasing the art of Aikido to the local community and further strengthening their ties within the town.
Aikido, unlike many other martial arts, does not rely on physical strength. Instead, it emphasises balance, structural stability, and coordinated movement — making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. “We want women to feel equally welcome and capable,” says Raman. “Aikido is something you can pursue throughout life, whether you’re a child, an adult, or a senior.” This philosophy of inclusivity is at the core of Takemusu Aikido Society’s ethos, and the club remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. Plans are already underway to continue offering free classes to underrepresented groups, including women and older adults, ensuring that the art of Aikido is accessible to all.
The recent move to the Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre and the success of community initiatives like Women in Sports Week reflect Takemusu Aikido Society’s broader mission: to create an inclusive, supportive environment where people from all walks of life can explore the art of Aikido. As the club settles into its new home, the instructors and volunteers remain dedicated to expanding their reach and ensuring everyone feels welcome on the mats. With a renewed focus on community engagement and accessibility, Takemusu Aikido Society is not just teaching martial arts—it’s building a space where individuals can grow, connect, and thrive.
Whether you’re curious about Aikido, looking for a new way to stay active, or simply want to be part of a welcoming community, Takemusu Aikido Society invites you to step onto the mat. Classes in Balbriggan now take place every Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre—an open invitation to discover the art of Aikido for yourself.
Congratulations to Thrive Balbriggan which has won the 2025 the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards in the Best Mental Health Initiative at the awards ceremony which took place on Saturday 22nd February in Cork.
The Balbriggan Great Places & Spaces Wellbeing Map is an intergenerational project that highlights locations in Balbriggan that promote mental health and well-being. The map was created from survey responses gathered from local Transition Year students and the Balbriggan community, identifying places where they feel relaxed, happy, energised, or calm.
Coordinated by Thrive Balbriggan, the map was created by local artist Lauren Fernandes and designed by Áine O’Beirne, a local graphic designer and Vice Chairperson of Thrive Balbriggan. The project was inspired by the Wexford Great Places and Spaces Wellbeing Map, which was administered and coordinated by the Wexford Mental Health Association.
Commenting on the win, the Great Places and Spaces Project Lead, Thrive representative Séamus Quigley said: “This award is not only a recognition of Thrive Balbriggan’s presence, but also a tribute to the dedication of its members and volunteers who have worked hard to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of the Balbriggan community. The Great Places & Spaces initiative was a unique concept for the area, and as demonstrated by its success at the All Ireland Community and Council Awards, it was a project that made a real difference—one we are eager to build on. I want to commend the team for their tireless efforts, creativity, and initiative in transforming this map from an idea into an attractive, functional resource that will benefit the community. This project was created for the community, by the community, with invaluable contributions from local residents and produced with the support of Mental Health Ireland, Our Balbriggan, Empower and 123 Print Balbriggan. We are thankful for their willingness to share their insights about the different places and spaces in Balbriggan, and we also appreciate the support from everyone involved”.
Thrive is a community-led movement aimed at creating happier and healthier communities by conducting activities promoting mental health and well-being. Thrive was introduced to Ireland in 2021 by Mental Health Ireland and currently operates in two locations in County Fingal in Balbriggan and Swords.
Thrive Balbriggan is an initiative of Mental Health Ireland and is supported by Fingal County Council. For further information please contact thrivebalbriggan@mentalhealthireland.ie or visit Thrive Ireland – Mental Health Ireland
In February 2025, volunteers Tom O’Neill, his guide dog Qeb, puppy walker Anne Mulligan along with Pat Harney of the Portmarnock/Malahide Branch of Guide Dogs, his Ambassador dog Belle and Jennifer Hurley who is the Regional Development Officer for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind all attended Skerries Library to promote awareness of guide dog puppy training and are looking for volunteers for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs.
Tom has had guide dogs for 40 years and got his first one when he was 28 years old. Qeb is his seventh guide dog. Anne has been puppy walking for over 13 years and just got her 14th puppy, Lulu, a few weeks ago. When Tom was giving his talk at the library, Qeb was focussed on Anne and Tom explained that as well as her puppy walking, Anne also takes Qeb for runs in Argillan and he adores her. Qeb was obviously hoping Anne would bring him for a run!
Tom explained how Qeb was a very special dog because of the dual ownership and that his late wife Breege had him first and Tom had him after she passed away. Qeb is unique and of all the guide dogs in 40 years, Tom said this kind of dual ownership had never been done before.
Tom and Anne explained how all guide dogs begin their training with puppy walkers for the first year and the importance to have a deep love for dogs and a lot of patience. It is clear from Qeb’s reaction to Anne, how good she is with dogs. Tom is looking for volunteers for the Branch. The next fundraiser the branch is doing is Sunday 13th of April a craft fare in Mrs O’s upstairs in the Central Pub Balbriggan from 12 o’clock to 4 pm where our branch will be selling tickets for a holiday raffle at €5 each. If volunteering is something you would like to do, you can contact the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
In June 2025, Balbriggan native Bill Staunton and his friend Barry Lee who are currently living in Sydney, will return home to Ireland to run the length of the country – 600km from Mizen Head to Malin Head – in just 10 days, all in aid of Pieta House.
This incredible journey is not only a personal challenge but a powerful statement in support of men’s mental health.
Speaking aahed of the challenge Bill explained, “Every year, over 600,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide, with 70% of them being men. These statistics are a stark reminder of the mental health crisis we face, and it’s time to make a change. There’s great work being done in Ireland for men’s mental health however there’s work to done. We’re doing this run for those who can’t, to raise awareness, spark conversation, and show that it’s okay to talk, to seek help, and to be heard. We invite you to join us on this journey—whether it’s supporting us along the way, raising awareness in your community, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can make a difference. Mizen to Malin – 600 in 10 Days. Do it for those who can’t.”
Bill and Barry are hoping that the people of Balbriggan can get behind them for the challenge and for those who would like to support them they can go to the dedicated fundraising page at https://gofund.me/40ba587d.
Labour Councillor Mark Boland is one of two new councillors who have been co-opted to Fingal County Council to help fill vacancies created in the Rush-Lusk and Castleknock Local Electoral Areas.
Labour nominated Cllr Boland to fill the new vacancy created by the departure of Kevin Humphries. He will represent the Rush-Lusk area. Endorsed by Cllr Brendan Ryan, Cllr Boland said it was a huge honour and privilege to accept a role as local councillor.
Saying that he was immensely proud to call Fingal home, Cllr Boland said that having worked within the Irish media industry for a number of decades that he has been taught the value of collaboration, creativity, perseverance, and dedication. Alongside his professional career, he said that he has been deeply involved in the community, whether that is playing, coaching, or leading local football and soccer clubs or serving on the various community committees. Becoming a Councillor in the region, he said, would allow him to help amplify the voices of the local people and help build a thriving and inclusive community.
Meanwhile, Solidarity nominated Cllr Helen Redwood following last year’s General Election that saw Deputy Ruth Coppinger move to Dáil Éireann in the Castleknock constituency. Cllr John Burtchaell supported her nomination.
The Fingal County Council Arts Office has announced that there are now a number of awards and residencies available for 2025, providing welcome support for professional artists across a range of career stages and disciplines.
To help artists prepare their submissions in advance, a new calendar has been produced which showcases the various organisations that Fingal has partnered with and provides a time stamp for the opening and closing dates for each award.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: “Art cultivates a community’s sense of belonging and pride, which is why we want to support artists as much as possible so they can share their passion and creativity with the public. For over 20 years Fingal has been celebrating the amazing contribution of artists across the county, and we know that these awards and bursaries have really helped develop the careers of local talent in different disciplines.”
The awards and residencies include: The Performing Arts Forum; The Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts; The Ardgillan Castle Studio Award; Tyrone Guthrie Centre and Age & Opportunity; The Graphic Studio Dublin Fine Art Print Residency; The Draíocht Studio Award and The MART Gallery and Studios Graduate Award.
Fingal County Council Arts Officer, Sarah O’Neil remarks: “This showcase detailing our upcoming awards and residencies is essential for professional artists, as it offers both space and time in order to expand and strengthen their practice. These awards also offer a nurturing environment allowing artists to connect with their peers, which is one of our strategic goals of the Fingal County Council Arts plan 2019-2025, ‘Connecting People and Ideas.”
To view the awards calendar go to: https://ow.ly/EW6B50VftuW. More information on each of these awards and residencies will become available on our website and online closer to the time of applications opening. To find out more about current and previous awards, please see: www.fingalarts.ie and www.fingal.ie/arts
Introduction: Are you looking to try something new, exciting, and full of energy? Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to sports altogether, Gaelic football offers a fun and inclusive way to stay active, make friends, and become part of a vibrant community. We’re welcoming new players, and we’d love for you to join us!
Why You Should Join
Inclusive for All Skill Levels: Whether you’ve never played before or you’re already a seasoned player, Gaelic football is all about learning and growing together.
Get Fit and Have Fun: The sport offers an excellent full-body workout while keeping things fun and engaging.
Meet New People: Join a welcoming and supportive group where making new friends is as easy as kicking a ball.
A Unique Sporting Experience: Experience the rich history and culture of Gaelic football, a game that’s been played for generations.
What You’ll Experience
Training & Coaching: Our dedicated coaches will help you develop your skills in a positive, supportive environment.
Game Day: There’s nothing quite like the thrill of playing a match, whether you’re on the field or cheering from the sidelines.
Team Spirit: From training sessions to social events, you’ll become part of a team that values friendship and mutual respect.
Getting involved is simple! Just Call Marian 0876819540 for more information. No previous experience required—just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll help you from there!
So, are you ready to get started? We’re excited to welcome you to our Gaelic football family. No matter your experience level, there’s a place for you here. Come see what the buzz is all about, and let’s kick off this exciting adventure together!
Also, this year marks our 90th year as a club. There are lot of special events and commemorative activities planned. Please keep an eye on our social media platforms to follow all updates.
