By Ken Duffy

Swords Tidy Towns members Georgy Hughes, Rose Brennan and Matt Cullen recently accepted their National Gold Medal and our Highly Commended EPA Circular Economy Award at the Awards Ceremony in Athlone.

This Gold Medal is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work put in by so many volunteers over the past 20 years. Each volunteer has played their part in achieving this gold medal, they have all done the town of Swords proud.

Fingal County Council our local Representatives and business played their part also on this journey and for that we are very grateful, long may this partnership continue.

Swords Mens Shed Media Hub is providing a platform for local hidden talent.

Performers - the Swords Mens Shed are looking for readers of their short stories and actors for their upcoming Radio Dramas for debut Podcast and YouTube platforms.

Writers - It you have a short story, a drama script or poem that you would like performed why not make contact with me. Email: jimhawkins@eircom.net Phone : 086-0262780

Celebrating Tradition, Friendship and Generous Support. Centrally located on the Swords Road, within sight of Dublin Airport, Sportslink Bowls Club stands as a beacon of camaraderie and friendly competitiveness. With 25 years of history behind us, our club has grown to become a cherished gathering place for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The club is thrilled to announce that they have recently received generous funding from Fingal County Council, a gesture that has invigorated our club. This support has enabled us to purchase new equipment, including special equipment for our older and less vigorous members, who are a hugely important part of our club. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fingal County Council for their invaluable contribution which ensures that our club will thrive for many years to come.

The club story begins 25 years ago, when a group of bowlers just gathered on the Sportslink bowls green, united by their shared love of bowls. Over the years, we have expanded our membership, with limited facilities, to become the thriving friendly club that we are today.

The Bowls Club is more than just a sports facility.It is a vibrant social centre, where lifelong friendships are forged. We take part in league, cup, championship and practice sessions, with social events that bring together families and friends. Our club prides itself on its inclusive atmosphere, encouraging everyone to take part, regardless of age, ability or disability.

Whether you are a seasoned bowler, or a curious newcomer, we invite you to join our Bowls Club. Come and experience the joy of the game, the warmth of our community, and the beauty of our surroundings. Together we can continue to build on our proud history, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

JKS Swords Karate Club is the lead JKS Dojo in Ireland, promoting, teaching and supporting the development of JKS Karate in Ireland. In February, we ran the JKS Ireland Open Championships which was attended by over 20 Karate Clubs nationally and boasting over 200 competitors and 400 category entries. A great day was had by all.

Our membership is growing but we are still looking for new members to join us (Children, Young People & Adults). Contact Dermot on 087-8073885 for details on how to join. You can also contact us on Facebook: JKS Swords Karate Club or on Instagram: @jks_swords_karate_club

By Ken Duffy

Would you like to join a National Gold Medal winning team, then why not volunteer with Swords Tidy Towns, we are always on the lookout for new members.

You may have a skill that would be beneficial to our group, Bricklaying, Painting, Carpentry, Mural Artwork, Craft Skills, etc that could contribute to our bid for a second National Gold Medal in 2025.
We always need enthusiastic volunteers to help with Litter Picking, Weeding and Planting, Graffiti Removal, Water Testing etc and help at our Swop Shops. It’s a great way of meeting new people who share a common interest, which is the ongoing improvement of Swords town.

Follow and Friend us on our Facebook, Instagram and X, keep up to date by visiting our Web page. We can be contacted on swordstidytowns@gmail.com or by contacting Ken on 086-6008313.

Daffodil Day on March 28th will see the village or Rush turn yellow when Rush Daff Day Committee and volunteers take to the streets to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Since 1988 this community voluntary group has worked for a common cause, heightened in most cases by their own experiences of cancer with family or friends. We are conscious that it’s the supporters and not the organisers who deserve the praise, the people of Rush are generous beyond belief.

Their amazing hard work and the generosity of the community over the years means that research into Cancer, trying to find a cure, supporting families thru their cancer journey, offering lifts to treatments and many other supports are able to continue. Rush has donated over 1-million-euro Irish Cancer Society and will continue to donate for 2025.

Rush Daff Day group started in 1988 with members of Rush Badminton club holding a raffle raising a sum of £189. In 1990 the group took to the streets, selling silks, pins and merchandise and this tradition together with the annual coffee morning has continued to date. In 1998 the Paddy Cole Dance Night was started to raise funds; this became a huge success and ran for six years. In 1999 the Golf Classic started, bringing in large sums of money for the cause. The annual Christmas Swim which is now in its 15th year and the Ladies Lunch which started in 2006 are two more fundraising events. Tickets for the ladies’ lunch are usually the most sought-after item during the month of April/May, this event is hugely popular and raises not only awareness but much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. The Garden of Hope in Rush Library, Michelle’s Fun Run as well as our Dash & Splash event are some of the other events run over the weekend.

Local schools support the fundraising event and St Joseph’s Secondary school transition year students support us year on year. We hope that this will encourage the younger members of our community to continue the fight against cancer and join the Daff Day Committee.

We will continue to fundraise, and our moto is ‘we wont give up till cancer does’ will be what carries us on to collect for this cause that effects almost every home in the village

In 2025, we’re celebrating The Year of the Snake with a vibrant themed parade: Snakes!
This ties together the legendary story of St. Patrick chasing the snakes out of Ireland and the Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Snake.

We’re calling on all local community groups to help make this event as colourful, musical, and lively as possible! Whether your part of a school, club, or organization, we’d love your creativity in crafting floats, costumes, and decorations that bring this theme to life.

We’ll be collaborating with local junior and senior schools to create snake-themed floats, artwork, and parade pieces—ensuring a day filled with colour, music, and excitement!

Save the Date: St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2025. Location: Rush National School to the Anchor on the Square

Let’s join together to celebrate our national day in spectacular style. Slither on down and be part of this unforgettable parade!

For more information or to get involved, please contact us at manager@rushcoco.ie

Big bird on a quad has been the highlight of the Rush parade for years but the big question for 2025 is has he retired! Here’s hoping he makes an appearance one more time.

As St Patricks Day approaches people’s minds turn to the annual parades. Pipe bands are synonymous with these parades, where the sound of the pipes and drums add to the spectacle and atmosphere. But many may be surprised at the origins of the bagpipes and how easy it is to join and play in a pipe band.
Today bagpipes are usually associated with Scotland. In fact the instrument traveled from Ireland to Scotland. Studies suggest it was introduced to Scotland around 470 by the invasion of Scotland by Fergus Mor the Great. The first bagpipes are mentioned in Chaldean scriptures 4000BC. The Egyptians, Persians and Romans all had bagpipes. Many European countries have their version of bagpipes too.

While the sound of the bagpipes is impressive, to start learning is more modest and inexpensive. Beginners start with a practice chanter (tin whistle size) where they learn to hold the chanter, play notes and simple tunes. The chanter is not loud, so families and neighbours are not disturbed by practice! As the beginners advance, the big pipes are later introduced at band practice. A wide variety of tunes can be played on the pipes from traditional to more modern compositions.

Joining a pipe band is much like joining a football team and training for matches. The band members practice together each week culminating in a parade, event or competition. It combines learning an instrument, music theory, being part of a team and making friends too. Learning to play builds confidence, especially for young people, and offers the opportunity to travel and compete against your peers.

If you or a son or daughter or grandchild would like to find out more, just email for information. It could be the start of a rewarding hobby. No previous musical experience necessary. Learn to play tunes like Raglan Road, Amazing Grace, Waltzing Matilda or Scotland the Brave. Once competent on the bagpipes, players can also try the small pipes, best suited for indoor music sessions.

The first marching band in Malahide was started over 100 years ago. To help maintain and be part of this musical tradition, just reach out to the Malahide Pipe Band today. Beginners welcome.

Spring is in the air and so are our students with their high-flying kicks. The students at Junsa have been practicing hard for upcoming tournaments all the while having fun. Please take look at what we are doing.