As part of launch events for Tradfest 2025 members of Leithinis CCÉ were invited to attended a recording of RTÉ Radio 1’s Céilí House in Donabate Parish Hall on January 9th.

The event was hosted by esteemed presenter Kieran Hanrahan, with guests Gerry O’Connor, Mike Hanrahan, Bernadette NicGabhann and Karan Casey supported by Dáire Ó Maoldeirg and Muireann Ní Mhaoldeirg and Leithinis Teachers Sadhb NicArtáin (Fiddle) and Iarlaith MacArtáin (Banjo & Mandolin). The show was broadcast on Jan. 11th, you can listen back to the show on the RTE Radio Website at https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/11686968/
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Kieran Hanrahan of Céilí House was presented with a painting from Fingal to honour his long involvement with Tradfest & Irish traditional music.

It was a great day for Donabate in having this event come to us in the Parish Hall. Thank you Martin Harte of Tradfest & all the team from Rte & the Parish Hall Committee.

As a reminder, the new term for traditional Irish music lessons with Leithinis starts back on Monday, January 20th. More details at https://leithinis.com/ We welcome all ages and stages. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn or relearn an instrument in a very relaxed setting.

Labour Councillor Corina Johnston has expressed her concern that commuters on the Northern Rail Line will not see a significant increase in seating on new Dart+ trains that are to come online in 2026.

“Along with Duncan Smith TD we have been raising this important issue on a regular basis at National level. From Ministerial Statements and Press releases especially before the recent GE, expectation was given to the public that the delivery of Dart + Trains on the Northern Line would provide an improvement for commuters in respect of frequency and capacity of service which would be forthcoming from the beginning of 2026 (especially from Donabate which is last Station before the Dart at Malahide). From the replies received to my specific questions submitted to Irish Rail it is apparent that there will be no significant increase in capacity on the Northern Line at peak hours for a number of years.”

Replying to Cllr Johnston’s query on current capacity, and the expected increase with the new hybrid Dart trains, Irish Rail stated, ‘The current 4 car commuter train has a seated capacity of 185, 2 wheelchairs and a standing capacity of 444 so a total of 629 passengers. The new hybrid DART 5 car train has a seated capacity of 208 and 2 wheelchairs and a standing capacity of 428 and 2 bicycle storage areas so a total of 636 passengers.’

Cllr Johnston stated that alternatives will need to be found to accommodate the increasing population in the area serviced by the Norther Commuter Rail Line. “It is obvious that further extensions of the direct bus services will be required to meet the demand for access to the city centre for workers along this line. Duncan and I intend to pursue this matter with the relevant authorities at national level as we cannot wait for an incident to occur due to overcrowding before action is taken,” she added.

January has been very busy for the Active Age for All committee with membership for 2025 and registration for classes for the spring term. We were heartened that over 100 people logged on to our website to book their classes and activities. This facility for early booking is available to existing members with a valid membership number. We always hold back places in classes for the ‘walk-in’ registration. In spite of the wintery conditions 85 people braved the ice to come to the ‘walk-in’ to sign up, and have a chat and a cuppa. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet you can text to 086-8806808 with ‘I want to renew my membership’, you will get a call back to do just that.

There are still a few places available in some classes, you can check this out on the website. You can also check where you can get a discount with your membership card, just scroll down to the bottom of the page.

At the end of 2024 we had 286 members which is an amazing number representing our cohort on the peninsula. We look forward to another year of exercising both bodies and minds, catching up with people and meeting new ones, staying active in every way!

Happy & Healthy Walking for 2025

The Peninsula Pacers have organising three walks for winter/spring all are short to medium length and easy in terms of difficulty but a fairly good level of fitness is still required!

Saturday: January 18th - NEW Greenway Docks Walk 6/8km – Train It was a nice easy walk through the docks with a great lunch in The Yacht Bar afterwards!

February 1st - City Walk - La Féile Brįd - 6/8km – Train.

March 8th - Walk Short part of the Pilgrim Way in Armagh & Visit Navan Fort. 6/8km – Car.

If you are interested in walking please contact Carolyn 087 9284307

Donabate Portrane men’s Shed started the New Year with a flurry of activity. In addition to our usual weekly activities of exercise classes, croquet in Newbridge, music jam and practice sessions and Thursday morning get-togethers, we have managed to squeeze into our busy weekly schedule a six-week Healthy Food Made Easy course, a community cooking programme developed under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme. Members of the Men’s Shed have participated in these courses previously and found them extremely interesting and information. See the photographs for proof of the newly learned cooking skills.

Gerry and the Plonkers have also been busy. As reported last month, they performed a Christmas concert for St Michael’s House to a very appreciative audience (see the photograph here) and, last month, they played a concert in Donabate Parish Hall. Two more concerts are planned for the Parish Hall on 12th February and 12th March, both Wednesdays at 12 noon to 2pm. All adults are welcome to come along to listen or dance! Light refreshments will be served.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining us, please don’t hesitate to contact our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.

As part of Tradfest in January ‘Céilí House‘ the Rte programme presented by the renowned Kieran Hanrahan took place in the Parish Hall. It was recorded as part of the lead up to Tradfest. It was a feast of Traditional Irish Music that afternoon with a full House with Kieran’s brother Mike playing and our own Gerry O’Connor. Two of the young teachers from Leithinis CCÉ took to the stage too.

Martin Harte CEO of Tradfest was interviewed by Kieran. The Mayor Brian McDonagh presented Kieran with a painting as a gift for his contribution to Traditional Music & Tradfest.

The Parish Hall was chosen as the perfect place to do this very special edition of ‘Céilí House’, it is old world and an ambience can be easily created. The acoustic panels give perfect sound & the newly refurbished floor again done by Kidds the best in refurbishing old floors was looking fantastic.

The Parish Hall thanks Martin Harte for bringing Tradfest to our community and especially for putting on such an appropriate and historic event in our Parish Hall.

We will also have a music event on for young people organised by Music Makers on Sunday 9th February - see more details in other article.

If you want further information about using the Parish Hall please contact the Parish Office on 01 8434574.

Open Mic Extravaganza – In Collaboration with the Parish Hall Donabate & Portrane, this one’s for you!
Hey, music fans aged 15 and over ready to rock your socks off? Whether you’re a budding musician or the next shower-singing sensation, Music Makers is the ultimate place to let your talent shine.

When? Sunday, 9th February 2025; Time? 2 PM – 5 PM; Where? Parish Hall, Donabate

No skill? No sweat. Don’t worry if you can’t tell a bass line from a clothesline—this event is for everyone!

Pick up your ukulele, guitar, drumsticks, or just your enthusiasm and join the fun.

Why come? Unleash your inner rockstar. Hang out with cool, music-loving people

Share some laughs (and maybe a few missed notes). Email musicmakersph@gmail.com for more details.
Grab your gear, bring your friends, and let’s make some noise! If under 18 please bring an adult with you

The start of the New Year brought exciting achievements for Takemusu Aikido Society, as two major milestones were reached during an international seminar held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 2nd to 5th January. This gathering of Aikido practitioners from across Europe included over 50 participants from Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, France, Germany, Ireland, and beyond.

The seminar was led by Ulf Evenås Sensei, a revered figure in the Aikido world and he was awarded the rank of 8th dan, the highest possible grade, reflecting his extraordinary contributions to Aikido’s development as a martial art and way of life.

The seminar unfolded against a backdrop of wintry beauty. Sweden welcomed the Irish visitors, Raman Bekarevich and Jan Toth, with cold winds and bare landscapes. However, overnight snow transformed Gothenburg into a winter wonderland, adding a magical touch to the experience.

The culmination of the seminar was the dan grading examinations, a rigorous test of skill and dedication. Candidates were evaluated not only on their technical proficiency but also on their understanding of Aikido’s principles. These gradings represent years of consistent practice and embody the art’s values of discipline, harmony, and resilience.

For Takemusu Aikido Society, the seminar brought two proud moments. Raman Bekarevich, the head instructor, was awarded the rank of 4th dan. This rank signifies the pinnacle of technical mastery in Aikido, requiring the ability to perform all techniques with exceptional precision and fluidity. Beyond this rank, Aikido practitioners are no longer tested on technical skills; instead, they are recognised for their contributions to the art and their role in guiding others.

Another significant milestone was achieved by Jan, an assistant instructor at the club, who earned his Shodan (1st-degree black belt). This achievement was particularly meaningful as it marked the first black belt awarded to a student of Raman Bekarevich and a historic moment for the Takemusu Aikido Society. Jan’s success symbolises the dedication and strength of the club’s teaching and its commitment to fostering the growth of its members.

You too can become part of this story. Takemusu Aikido Society offers regular classes open to everyone, including complete beginners who are curious to try something new. Classes are held every Sunday in Balbriggan and on Mondays and Wednesdays in Dublin. To start your journey, visit www.aiki.ie or email at info@aiki.ie.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra turns the spotlight on the saxophone in the first concerts of its Spring Summer Season 2025 with its debut performance in the Lark Theatre Balbriggan on 7th February being joined by the extraordinary saxophonist Jess Gillam.

Jess has forged an amazing career since shooting to fame as the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician. In her twenties, she has already achieved an MBE for services to music, a Classical BRIT award, her own show on BBC Radio 3 (This Classical Life), and appearances at the BBC Proms both as their youngest-ever soloist and latterly, as a presenter.

From BACH TO BOWIE is an electrifying, eclectic showcase that demonstrates Gillam’s versatility on saxophone as she, along with Irish Chamber Orchestra, sweep audiences away on a voyage of discovery.
Celebrate the youthful wonder in Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 2 as ICO revel in the composer’s sense of fun and sheer joy in making music. Feel the pull of this energetic tug-of-war between orchestra and saxophone in Bach’s Concerto in A Minor as Gillam soars high leading the orchestra in its flight of fancy. Hear the rhythm and purity of expression bursting to life in David Heath’s The Celtic as he delights in the saxophone’s singing quality.

Audiences can catch a breath with ICO as Elaine Agnew’s atmospheric Twilight evokes a peaceful time of meditation after sunset before sunrise.

Meanwhile, Jess’s rendition of Boulanger’s Cantique is tender with an exquisite melody that captures the most enchanting image of stars sparkling in the night sky. Bowie’s iconic Life on Mars will mesmerize as the saxophone stretches into the stratosphere of the unknown - a real treat!

John Harle’s nostalgic and wild “Rant” is a traditional British folk dance, dedicated to Gillam and her saxophone. Explore and enjoy “her energy, her sound and her presence, painted in music from her own part of England” says Harle.

Work will continue at pace on delivering the major infrastructural elements of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme in 2025, after a series of significant developments last year.

According to Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, 2024 was one of momentous progress for the €54-57million plan.

Following the appointment of a contractor, John Craddock Ltd, work began on the plan’s flagship €15million project, the re-development of the Quay Street and Harbour area - including the RNLI Boathouse.

Separately, enabling works have commenced at the boat and bathhouse at the Martello Tower to bring these back into use. The Quay Street and Harbour redevelopment is due to be completed in late 2025.

The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is set to transform the town through public investment, and has seen work commence and continue on a number of key infrastructure projects.

“Five years on from the launch of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030, the bricks and mortar transformation of Ireland’s youngest town is now beginning to take real shape,” said Dr Begg.
“There has been huge progress on the ambitious vision contained in the Rejuvenation Programme, the result of an historic community engagement which saw more than 25 per cent of Balbriggan’s residents outline their preferences for the future of the town.”

Work at the Quay Street and Harbour area has already seen the Mill Street Town car park redeveloped, with new trees and public lighting in place. And an exciting milestone was reached with the appointment of a design team to redevelop the De Bruns site.

Fingal County Council appointed an architect-led multi-disciplinary Integrated Design Team (IDT) for the transformation of 6a-14 Bridge Street.

The Integrated Design Team model, which employs local stakeholder engagement to progress plans, has already been successfully deployed on other Our Balbriggan projects, including the Quay Street and Harbour project and the development of a creative hub at 2-4 Dublin Street, on which work is ongoing.
Leading award winning Dublin City-based architects, McCullough Mulvin is leading the IDT for De Bruns and is co-ordinating ongoing local stakeholder engagement for the 10,000 square metre site.

Fingal County Council has proposed a mixed-use commercial, community and residential development, with the River Bracken at its heart.

The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street to facilitate a pedestrian and cyclist route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area.

It is estimated work will begin at the site in 2026.

The buildings are within an architectural conservation area.

A review of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group and its Pillar Groups was completed in 2024 to future proof governance.

The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme is led by Fingal County Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development Department