The Top Shop Golf Society had our Captains Day at Royal Tara. Our Captain, Padraig Lehany organised a fantastic day out, on a fabulous course. Sponsored by Conrad Murray of The Top Shop, and Peak Windows and Doors, thanks to them.
The winner of the Captains Cup was Darren Campbell, Category 1, Ray Kelly, Category 2, Stephen Grogan, Ladies winner, Denise McDermott, front 9, David Grimes, back 9, Robbie Moore. Nearest to the pin, Graham Sandford, we had visitors and members of the GAA golf society joined us for the day, winner of the visitors prize, Gerry O Connor.
The rich, fertile soils around Lusk have supported farming since prehistoric times, earning the area the title of the market gardening capital of Ireland. We have a rich growing heritage of which we should be proud, so we are delighted to have finally launched our pilot Farmer’s Market!
Over the past couple of weeks, the new Farmer’s Market began its three-week trial in Lusk. This has been wonderful for our town, and we hope to be able to bring the market to our community on a regular basis.
Since December last year, the community has taken charge of Lusk Town Team. The role of the town team is to bring to life Lusk’s Town Centre First plan, “Lusk for Life”. There are 28 projects in the plan, one of which is the development of this new Lusk Farmer’s Market. This is an exciting way to showcase our rich food heritage, while also giving local food producers, crafters and artists room to grow.
The Farmer’s Market pilot is run by a volunteer sub-group of Lusk Town Team, with the support of Fingal County Council, Lusk Action Group and Murray’s Pub. It has one more day left in the trial, Saturday September 5th in Murray’s Pub Carpark from 9.30am-1pm. Parking is made available in the Cottage Community Centre by Lusk Community Council.
So, if you haven’t managed to go along yet, this is your opportunity to get your fresh produce, local honey, cakes and crafts, grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
If you are a local food grower, baker or indeed have local arts & crafts please get in touch by email luskfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Jamie Bermingham, a plumber from Co. Dublin has earned a place in the semi-finals of this year’s Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition, beating more than 900 entries across the UK and Ireland.
Jamie is putting Lusk on the map as one of only 26 tradespeople still in the running for the national title. His application stood out for numerous reasons, not least his tireless work as an industry advocate in Ireland as well as his impressive volunteer work.
Based in Lusk, Jamie, who owns EcoHeat Home Energy Solutions, has worked as a plumber and heating engineer for several years. It was his combination of skill, resilience, and determination that helped Jamie stand out among hundreds of entries.
Jamie got his start as a plumbing and heating apprentice, picking up several accolades along the way, including Rising Star of the Year award at the Plumbing & Heating Awards in 2023. He later continued his education, achieving a Level 7 BSc in Energy Management (Buildings) and developing skills in gas, heating and renewable technologies. More recently, he established his own business, EcoHeat Home Systems, which he has said he wants to be at the forefront of the transition to energy-efficient heating systems and renewable technologies.
Elsewhere, Jamie is a strong advocate for apprentices and has addressed an Oireachtas committee about the future of STEM education and apprenticeships in Ireland. He has also put his skills to good use as a volunteer with IWSH, a global nonprofit that works to provide clean drinking water for under-resourced communities. He travelled to Germany to take part in a charity plumbing initiative, working alongside other tradespeople from other countries and using their skills to make a positive difference to a community.
He is also the founder of TradeKonnect, a community built to connect tradespeople, encourage knowledge sharing, provide support and create a space where apprentices and experienced professionals can learn from one another.
The semi-final stage will see Jamie compete against 25 other tradespeople for a place in the final 10 ahead of the national final at Screwfix LIVE in September.
Jamie says: “Making the semi-finals means a huge amount to me. I’m incredibly proud to represent Lusk and show the quality of tradespeople we have here. I’ve worked hard to build my career, so being recognised at this level is really special. I’m looking forward to sharing my story and hopefully doing Dublin proud in the final.”
There is something very special about reaching a milestone that spans 60 years — and in 2026, the ladies of Lusk ICA (Irish Countrywomen’s Association) are delighted to celebrate an incredible 60 years at the heart of the Lusk community!
For six wonderful decades, Lusk ICA has brought women together in friendship, learning, laughter and community spirit.
Generations of members have shared skills, supported local causes, enjoyed countless social occasions and, most importantly, created friendships and memories that have lasted a lifetime.
Now it is time to celebrate — and we Ladies plan to do it in true Lusk ICA style!
Our very special 60th Anniversary Celebration Party will take place on: Saturday, 10th October 2026 venue: Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan.
It promises to be a fantastic occasion filled with friendship, fun, memories, laughter and plenty of opportunities to celebrate everything that makes the women in Lusk ICA so special.
It will be a chance to look back at the wonderful journey of Lusk ICA, remember the many members who have helped make the group what it is today, and look forward to the years ahead.
Sixty years deserves a celebration — and we intend to make it one to remember!
But before we can put on our dancing shoes we need your help.
Save the Date - Bingo Night –-To help raise funds we are holding a fun-filled Bingo Night on Thursday, 10th September 2026 in Lusk Soccer Club at 8pm.
Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your lucky dabber — and get ready for a brilliant night of BINGO, prizes, laughter and craic!
Whether you are a seasoned bingo player or someone who simply loves a great night out with friends, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
So gather your friends, mark Thursday, 10th September in your diary and come along to support Lusk ICA. You never know — your lucky numbers might just make you a winner!
Six Decades of Memories – One Amazing Community
The story of Lusk ICA is really about the women who joined all those years ago, the women who kept the association going through changing times, and the members who continue to bring enthusiasm, friends about cups of tea, conversations, shared skills, outings, celebrations, fundraising, friendship and plenty of laughter along the way!
Over 60 years, times may have changed, but the importance of friendship, community and coming together remains just as strong.
And that is something worth celebrating.
So, join us for our Bingo Night on Thursday, 10th September at Lusk Soccer Club and help us raise funds for the big celebration
60 Years Young and Still Going Strong
Come along. Bring your friends. Bring your laughter. Bring your lucky numbers and let us celebrate!
In Memory of Antoinette Doran
It is with great sadness that we remember Antoinette Doran, a much-loved and highly respected member of Lusk ICA.
Antoinette was a true ICA lady — warm, friendly and always smiling. She was a wonderful fundraiser for Cancer Research and, along with many other dedicated members, was very much the backbone of our guild.
Her kindness, friendship and contribution to Lusk ICA will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Our sincere sympathy to Jim her family and friends.
The Lambay Cinema Club was formed to give local residents a chance to see a wide range of movies from around the world that otherwise would be difficult to track down.
To kick off our Autumn/Winter season we once again return to our home at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Church in The Square, Donabate, with a film that really demonstrates our commitment to showing films that entertain while giving us a glimpse into other worlds.
Our season opener is DJ Ahmet, a Sundance festival award winner that introduces us to Ahmet, a fifteen-year-old teenager from a remote Yuruk North Macedonian farming village who becomes “the first celebrity from the village” after a video of him chasing his escaped sheep through an illegal rave goes viral on TikTok.
Life is difficult on the farm with Ahmet’s family struggling after the death of his mother. His younger brother, Naim, hasn’t spoken since her death and his grieving, strict father regularly takes him to local healers to try and get him to speak.
Meanwhile, Ahmet copes by daydreaming during class until his father removes him from school so he can work on the farm full time. He also worships his teenage neighbour, Aya. She is considered to be worldly wise as she lived in Germany for a while before having to return for her arranged marriage to an older man she hates the sight of.
Ahmet uses music as a form of escape and shows his affection for Aya by rigging up his tractor to play music so she and her friends can practice their dancing.
Critics have described the film as “totally charming”, “delightfully humorous”, “hugely lively”, “charming and optimistic” and “laugh-out-loud.”
DJ Ahmet will be shown at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland church in The Square, Donabate (K36 Y521) on Thursday Sept 17th at 8pm.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday Sept 10th at 9am and cost €10 (€8 for students/OAPs)
For more information and to buy tickets, please visit lambaycinemaclub.com
Bring your own cup for free tea and coffee – we even supply the biscuits!
If you want to get in touch, email us at info@lambaycinemaclub.com.
Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you on the 17th.
The first six months of this year have been exceptionally busy, with 620 representations submitted to Fingal County Council on behalf of constituents across the electoral area. This volume reflects both the scale of growth in our communities and the increasing pressure on essential public services.
A substantial proportion of these representations relate to core local infrastructure issues — deteriorating road and footpath surfaces, missing or faded road markings, pothole repairs, road safety concerns, requests for traffic calming measures, pedestrian crossing provision, coastal erosion risks, planning enforcement matters, and the need for wider upgrades across our public realm.
These issues are not isolated; they are symptomatic of infrastructure struggling to keep pace with population growth.
In addition to Council matters, I have made numerous representations to national and regional bodies including the NTA, Irish Rail, Go Ahead, Dublin Bus, HSE, Gardaí, Uisce Éireann, EIR, Government Departments and other State agencies. The largest number of representations received relate to:
As a Peace Commissioner, I continue to support residents with witnessing signatures, verifying statutory declarations and assisting with official documentation. This is a free service available to all constituents.
Donabate is experiencing significant and sustained population growth. However, the delivery of essential infrastructure ( transport, education, water services, community facilities and Garda resources)
is not keeping pace with this rapid expansion. This mismatch is placing increasing pressure on families and communities who rightly expect timely, reliable and well planned public services.
I will continue to pursue these critical issues relentlessly on your behalf and advocate for the infrastructure and services our growing communities urgently need.
You can read my latest newsletter here:
https://mailchi.mp/bb6f2ddf53e5/community-update-july-2026
If you would like to receive regular updates on local issues and community events, you can join my mailing list by scanning the QR code in the newsletter or registering at the link below:
https://mailchi.mp/dc356852b3e1/corina-johnston-mailing-list
As a community we are absolutely delighted to welcome Fr John Bracken as our new Parish Priest! Fr John, who comes from Beaumont, was ordained in 1996 and has recently been Parish Priest in Churchtown. He was both surprised and honoured to be appointed by Archbishop Dermot Farrell to serve in the growing parish of Donabate, Portrane and Balheary.
Fr John recently shared his thoughts on his predecessor, the late Fr Pat Reilly, and spoke about the heartfelt words shared on rip.ie and on social media following the sudden passing of such a beloved pastor. He mentioned how, in Fr Pat’s humble way and under his gentle guidance, the parish was growing into a welcoming and faith-filled community, all the while practising servant leadership, active in social justice.
Fr John looks forward to working with our Parish Pastoral Council and within our local Early Saints of Ireland Partnership of Parishes of Swords, River Valley, Brackenstown and Donabate, in developing further our mission of Building Hope. He also looks forward to working with the Parish Finance Committee, who advise and assist the parish priest in matters of finance, compliance, fundraising and maintaining our church buildings and parish hall, and working too in the Parish Office - the welcoming face of the parish - where Bernie also supports our many volunteers in their varied ministries.
Fr John said, “I am so thankful for the warm welcome I have received as I start to make this lovely parish my home. I hope everyone who comes to worship in our faith communities of Donabate, Portrane and Balheary feels the same welcome. I want to extend that welcome to everyone, especially those who are new to the parish as I am.”
Weekend Mass times: Donabate Saturday 6.30pm (Vigil) & Sunday 11am, Portrane Sunday 9.30am, Balheary Sunday 11.30am
August was a busy month for Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed, as our regular weekly activities resumed after the July break, with croquet in Newbridge Park on Tuesdays and our Thursday morning exercise classes and get-togethers over a cuppa. Our plots at Turvey Allotments were a hive of activity where the daily watering and weeding is being rewarded with a bumper harvest.
In keeping with the motto of the Donabate Portrane Summer Festival - “a festival for the community by the community” - the Men’s Shed music group, Gerry and the Plonkers, provided entertainment on Portrane Green on the Saturday afternoon of the festival. By all reports, the Plonkers played their part in making it a great weekend enjoyed by all. The Plonkers celebrated their third anniversary by playing at the annual Turvey Allotments barbecue. The Plonkers also played a slot at Vintage Picnic, a free, age-friendly music festival for adults over 55, which this year was held in Millennium Park in Blanchardstown.
On a more serious note, last month we had a very informative presentation by a community nurse, arranged through the Marie Keating Foundation, about men’s health issues, including awareness of prostate, testicular, lung, bowel and skin cancer.
Over the next months, we hope to have a few outings to places of special interest in addition to our regular weekly activities. So if you, or someone near to you, would like to join us, don’t wait; contact our PRO, Jim, now on 086-3694316.
For many people, the word recovery is still associated with something private – something that happens behind closed doors, or only after a person has reached a point of crisis. We are trying to change that conversation.
The message from RIFE Fingal is that recovery should be visible, celebrated and supported by the whole community. Whether someone is recovering from addiction, trauma, mental health difficulties or simply rebuilding their life after a difficult period, they should be able to feel that they belong within their community rather than outside of it. With a sense of true belonging, there can be lasting wellness for individuals, families and communities.
This September, RIFE Fingal is promoting that message into the heart of Fingal through two community events:
Rivervalley Recovery parkrun – Saturday, 5 September 2026
A morning centred on movement, connection, wellness and recovery, bringing people together to walk/run at Rivervalley in a positive and welcoming community setting.
RIFE Fingal Holistic Family Festival – Sunday, 27 September 2026
A larger celebration of recovery, wellbeing, family and community, with the aim of creating a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together and experience what a recovery-supportive community can look and feel like.
These are not simply events that we want people to attend. They are part of something bigger that we are trying to build.
We want Fingal to become a place where recovery is spoken about openly, where people seeking a better life are encouraged rather than judged, and where families and communities can participate in recovery alongside individuals. Together we can make recovery possible for everyone.
That is why local media is important to us.
A photograph, a short article, an interview, an events listing or a journalist simply coming along and experiencing the atmosphere can help carry this message far beyond the people we are already reaching.
We would therefore be delighted if you would consider covering either – or hopefully both – of our September events.
I would also be very happy to speak with you personally about RIFE Fingal, why this work matters to us, what we have experienced within the community so far, and where we hope this movement can go in the future.
We are learning, building relationships and bringing people together. But there is real energy behind what is happening, and I believe there is a genuinely positive local story developing here.
Our message for the people of Fingal is:
Recovery is for everyone – and community can be part of the recovery journey.
Creative Places Balbriggan has successfully awarded 11 artists to work with local Balbriggan community groups through a brand-new funding scheme.
Making Waves will contribute over €45,000 to 11 artistic programmes to be carried out involving artists collaborating with local community groups in Balbriggan between September 2026 and February 2027.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Tony Murphy said: “I greatly welcome the Making Waves funding for the community of Balbriggan. Being a local councillor here, I am fully aware of the vibrant arts community in Balbriggan, and this is a great opportunity to share creative skills with the wider community. This seed funding will help stimulate more involvement in the arts and more accessibility to creative activities locally with the support of the Fingal Arts Office and the Creative Places Balbriggan Coordinator. My congratulations to the 11 artists who made the successful application and the community groups involved and I look forward to seeing what their collaborations will inspire and produce in the coming months.”
Creative Places Balbriggan is an Arts Council funded project coordinated by Fingal Arts Office. Its main aim is to connect with people, artists and places to allow ideas to develop into creative actions that are community-led and socially engaged. Under The Creative Places Balbriggan Strategy 2026-2027, the project has three main priority work pillars – Creative Youth, Creative Industry and Climate Action. The project is based for 3 years in Balbriggan, from 2025- 2027, with scope to develop in further 2-year cycles.
The Making Waves programmes will be officially launched at a public event as part of Culture Night on September 18 at Ardgillan Castle.
For further information, please see: Creative Places Balbriggan | Fingal County Council