We would like to wish all club members a very happy and successful New Year. 2024 was another fabulous one for the club with record membership levels and fantastic performances in all races and competitions. Well done to all our athletes and a huge thank you to our hard-working coaches and committee members.
Membership for 2025 is now open and we ask all existing members to please renew as soon as possible. New members are very welcome. The increasingly popular Lusk 4 mile road race is only two months away so register before it sells out. Some of our athletes travelled overseas 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.
The Leithinis CCE played traditional Irish music at the tree lighting ceremony in Portrane on Sunday 8th December. We were delighted to have so many members and friends playing trad together. Though the conditions were challenging with biting winds and freezing temperatures, the hot chocolates and mulled wine provided by the Brook Pub warmed us all up nicely. The music and songs continued afterwards in the Brook where we thawed out and had a chance to warm up.
Leithinis CCE run traditional music lessons in DPETNS on Monday nights with a new term commencing mid-January. Keep an eye on our website for enrolment dates and further details. www.leithinis.com. We cater for juniors, and seniors of all levels. I would advise anyone who is interested to get in contact with us through the website and we’d be delighted to assist.
We run a trad session for our members on Monday evenings at DPETNS as well as Friday slow sessions in the parish hall 2 Fridays each month. There’s always plenty going on and playing together is a great way to learn new tunes, improve technique and enjoy music in a very relaxed and sociable setting.
The final slow session of this year, Friday 13th December was held in Keeling’s Pub. It was a festive and sociable gathering and a culmination of all the practice and learning throughout the year.
The news that additional services on the 33D line from Portrane to Dublin City Centre are to be provided by Dublin Bus has been warmly welcomed by Cllr Corina Johnston. Johnston said; “Duncan Smith TD and I have been campaigning for the last few years for additional 33D direct bus services from Portrane to the City Centre. Duncan raised this with the CEO of Dublin Bus at numerous Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee meetings and We have been also raising this matter on an ongoing basis with the NTA (National Transport Authority).”
“Over the last number of months in conjunction with regular bus users of this service I carried out a passenger capacity survey which highlighted 20-25 passengers standing on this bus service on a regular basis. This information was collated and provided to the NTA and Dublin Bus. As a result, Dublin Bus carried out a feasibility study which fully justified our case for additional services.” We were subsequently informed by Dublin Bus that they intend to provide additional services in early 2025. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks.”
On Wednesday 20th November 9 members of the AAfA camera club decided to take advantage of their free travel passes, and the extra Enterprise express train times, to go to the Belfast Christmas Market. On arrival in Belfast, after a very comfortable journey, most opted for the open-top bus tour of the city which was interesting, informative and very COLD!
After having lunch, and thawing out, in a nice warm cafe we ventured across the road to the market which had a distinctly continental air with a great variety of stalls, plenty of shopping and photo opportunities. We finished the day with a visit to one of Belfast’s oldest and best-preserved Victorian pubs, the Crown, a lovely spot. After another comfortable journey we arrived back in Donabate at 6.15pm with all happy and planning a lot more rail excursions.
Tuesday 10th December was the date for Active Age for Alls’ annual Christmas Carol fund raiser for St Francis Hospice to help to support the wonderful work that they do. It was very well attended and all enjoyed refreshments of home bakes, tea, coffee and non-alcoholic mulled wine. We were serenaded by the AAfA singing group led by Ed Mallarky, enjoyed a number from Willie Cahill and some rousing renditions from the marvellous Bright Sparks crèche children.
Many thanks to all the local businesses and individuals who donated items for the raffle, there were over 50 so the draw took quite a while; we managed to raise over €1,000 so well done to all !
Dates for the Diary (2025): January 6th & 7th: online registration for AAfA members; 8th & 9th Jan – walk in membership and registration in DPCC; Friday Jan 17th: AGM; Monday Jan 20th: Classes commence for the Spring term.
In October, we did a great walk from Greystones to Bray on a beautiful day when we went up to The Cross at Bray Head. We finished up in the Heritage Hotel for some great food!
In November, we did a flat easy route through St Anne’s Park down to the coastal walk and along the NEW Green Way along the Docks at the East Point Business Park. We finished up in The Yacht in Clontarf which is self-service but still great food!
Both walks were all by train & bus - active travel at its best!
In 2025 there are three walks organised which are all short to medium length and easy in terms of difficulty a fairly good level of fitness is still required!
January 18th - Clontarf - NEW Greenway Docks Walk - 6/8km - Train
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
As part of the lead up to Tradfest 2025, the Parish Hall will host Céilí House for RTE 1. In early January, an hour-long programme of Céilí House - the best of Traditional Irish Music & Song - will take place in the Parish Hall. It will, as always, be presented by the renowned presenter and musical talent Kieran Hanrahan. This is an honour not just for the Parish Hall but our village that Céilí House will take place in our local community.
During ‘Tradfest’ which takes place from Wednesday 22nd - Sunday 26th January 2025. in Fingal (Dublin City & South County Dublin)
There will be a number of events & gigs in Fingal - Donabate Community Centre will have the famous ‘Stocktons Wing’ on Friday 24th January - which should be a great gig. Kieran Hanrahan equally famous brother Michael is a member of the band and will be playing that night!
We are honoured & delighted that the two brothers will be in our parish promoting Traditional Irish Music and thank Martin Harte CEO of Tradfest and FCC Events team for bringing them here!
Thanks to FCC yet again and our Community Officer - Rafe Costigan - for supporting and assisting with the refurbishment of the Parish Hall, especially the acoustic panels which allow for eg music events and dramas to take place.
Look up the Tradfest website now to see what is on - especially in the Fingal area.
With regard to music! Gerry & the Plonkers will be performing again in the Parish Hall from 12-2pm on three Wednesdays in 2025: Wed 22nd Jan; Wed 12th Feb and Wed 12th March.
There will be Dancin & Singin - and lots of great music All adults in the parish are invited for two hours of fun! Refreshments served at 12noon then it’s up and dancin!
Music Makers
Will be back in January with Noel Dowling & Sean Collins leading the way. Keep an eye on Facebook & email Noel musicmakersph@gmail.com for further info. Thank you to all who have donated instruments so far! Adults over 18’s this is your chance to play your instrument with like minded people mad about music
The Parish Hall thank you for your patience with the maintenance work & refurbishment that is taking place at the beginning of January - this is necessary to keep the Parish Hall in good order for your use.
The daily programme is continuing to fill & fill and there are very few slots left for further information please contact the Parish Office on 01-8434574.
Finally, we wish all who live in our community a very, very Happy & Healthy New Year.
Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed finished 2024 with a flurry. In addition to our regular weekly exercise classes, croquet (when the weather permitted), music jam session and our Thursday morning get-togethers for a cuppa and a chat, we had several special events.
On 6th December, we had our annual Christmas dinner in Keeling’s followed by a sing-song, proving that there’s more musical talent in the Men’s Shed than just Gerry and the Plonkers.
Speaking of which, the Plonkers had a couple of outings in December, a concert in Donabate Parish Hall and one in St. Michael’s House. While both audiences enjoyed a selection of songs including several Christmas standards, the latter concert was very special with very enthusiastic and appreciative attendees.
As reported last month, a large group of members visited the museum in Mountjoy Prison. Sean Reynolds, a retired maintenance carpenter/joiner, was our very knowledgeable guide. He enthusiastically explained many aspects of the prison’s history, through the artefacts on display, many of which he had personally sourced, and answered all our questions. We saw historical warden uniforms, Albert Pierrepoint’s (the hangman’s) records and the Reception Register for the Women’s Prison with the entry for Countess Markievicz.
2025 promises to be just as active. So, if you or someone you know would like to join us, please call our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.
Celebrating 20 years this month, experience TradFest everywhere you go, from the Mountains of South Dublin across Dublin City and to the castles and coastline of historic Fingal.
Now in its third year in Fingal the festival will return to the many unique and historic venues across the region: Malahide Castle, Swords Castle Chapel, The Millbank Theatre, Skerries Mill, Draíocht Theatre and the iconic Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, while increasing its musical footprint in additional new venues: The Lark, Ardgillan Castle, The Abbey Tavern and Donabate Community Centre.
Fingal Acts for 2025 include: Karen Casey - The Women we will rise, Jacqui Martin & Derek Hickey, Tara Breen, Eoghan ó’Ceannabhaín, Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley, Luka Bloom, Ines Khai, Molly O’Mahony, Paudie O’Connor & Aoife Ni Chaoimh, Emma Langford, Stockton’s Wing -Voices from Fingal Mick Hanly with Anto Drennan and Eoin O’Neill, The Henry Girls, Bernadette Nic Gabhann, Frank, O’Rourke & John Feely, Molly Donnery, Brídín, Sorcha Costello, Evelyn Kallansee & Declan Sinnott
There will also be a special celebration of the actor, local resident and TradFest patron Stephen Rea. The Oscar-nominated and multi award-winning actor has for long had a global reputation for his exceptional skills on both stage and screen.
Over four nights in The Lark Theatre, Balbriggan, TradFest will honour Stephen through words and music. Joining Stephen over the 4 nights will be poet Paul Muldoon and musicians Neil Martin, Louise Mulcahy, Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomnaill, Paddy Glackin and Derek Hickey.
TradFest in Fingal will also celebrate the life of Barney McKenna, original member of the Irish band The Dubliners and Fingal resident across two days and nights in The Abbey Tavern, Howth in January 2025.
Mike Hanrahan and Stockton’s Wing will give a special concert in Donabate Community Centre where they will be joined on stage by the voices of Fingal Choir In line with its audience development objectives, TradFest also will deliver an expanded community programme later this year which will outline a series of new exciting, free community-led events in Fingal.
Whether you’re a fan of live music, or just looking for a night of Irish culture and craic, TradFest is where you want to be in January 2025.
Fingal County Council’s annual budget for 2025 has risen to €389m after Councillors voted for the 7.5% increase shortly before Christmas.
The increased budget will allow Fingal County Council to continue providing a high level of service to its 330,506 residents and represents an expenditure of €1,181 per head of population.
The overall objective of the 2025 Budget is to sustain and enhance quality services and to increase the funding to deliver the required infrastructure projects in the county.
The Housing budget has increased by €18.5m to €135.7m and this includes €16m of additional expenditure on housing delivery through Approved Housing Bodies and long-term leasing. The funding for housing adaptation grants has increased by €1m and the Council’s contribution to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive has also increased by €1.5m.
The Operations budget has risen by €1.4m to cover increased expenditure on road maintenance, public lighting, recycling centres, parks, pitches, open spaces, public conveniences and burial grounds.
Capital projects in community centres, libraries, heritage properties and corporate buildings will see an increase of €1.25m in funding.
An additional €500,000 has been allocated towards the detailed design and planning of a swimming pool in Balbriggan. Increased funding will be required in future budgets to fund the construction and operation of a pool.
The library book fund has been increased by €325,000 which will bring the spend per head of population to €4 in line with the national target.
There is also an additional €150,000 allocated to funding of events run by community groups while an additional €240,000 will be spent on the development of the arts within Fingal.
At the Council meeting in October councillors voted to retain the rate of Local Property Tax at minus 7.5% for 2025 which provided €3.5m for housing, operations, community, and libraries.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “This is the first budget passed by the new Council and it is extremely positive that we have been able to increase it by 7.5% at a time when there are a lot of challenges. It will ensure that the Council continues to deliver a high-quality service to the residents and businesses of Fingal.”
The budget includes allocations to the following key areas:
€136m - Housing & Building (35%); €44m - Road Transport & Safety (11%); €19m - Water Services (5%); €36m - Development Management (9%); €55m - Environmental Services (14%); €74m - Recreation & Amenity (19%); €2m - Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare (1%); €23m - Miscellaneous Services (6%)
Councillors also agreed to leave the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) unchanged for 2025. The Budget comes on the back of Fingal’s three-year, €1.57billion Capital Programme which was approved by councillors in October and consists of 331 projects.