The gods were smiling on Donabate on Saturday 14th March with blue skies and warm sun in time for the St Patricks Festival Parade, the first one in living memory I’m told. Active Age for All were delighted to take part and came equipped with a banner, placards and much enthusiasm. There was a great buzz in the village and the mood of both walkers and watchers was happy and excited to be part of a community coming together to have fun and celebrate our fabled saint.
The Active Age committee have been busy of late with some more activities to add to our programme in response to suggestions from the membership. These are:
*Give the Gym a Go: an 8 week course being held in the DPCC gym on Friday mornings from 11 to 12 with Gym instructor Ross. It is geared towards instructing participants on how to use the gym equipment safely and effectively.
*Intergenerational project, a 4 week pilot scheme with AAfA and the Transition Year students from Donabate Community School. A full report on this will be in the next issue.
*Cards, games, crafts & chat is an informal, relaxed session every Thursday from 2 to 4pm in the Portacabin in the community centre where members can play a variety of games, such as, cards, scrabble or chess while the crafters sew, knit and crochet, all whilst enjoying a tea/ coffee, biscuits and a chat.
*Computer course: a laptop housekeeping course which will be coming on stream in the near future, more news on this at a later date.
On Saturday 14th March, Donabate St. Patrick’s Festival Committee organised Donabate’s first St. Patrick’s parade and festival. A wonderful community day was had by all and the sun shone! Gerry & the Plonkers, the Men’s Shed music group, were honoured to be the closing act in a day full of fun and entertainment, and a few shedders volunteered to help out with stewarding the parade. Earlier last month, the Plonkers played at a celebration of International Women’s Day in Parlickstown House.
January and February’s exceptionally wet weather played havoc with preparations for this year’s growing season at our plots in Turvey Allotments and members were playing catch-up last month. So, hopefully they have managed to make up for lost time.
Recently a few members had a guided tour of Leinster House with local T.D., Duncan Smith, arranged by local councillor Corina Johnston. We’d like to thank Duncan’s secretary, Nora, for her help in making it a wonderful day out. Now with summer approaching, and better weather we hope, the Men’s Shed will be looking at arranging more outings. A visit to the Shackleton Museum in Athy is on the cards.
Replay Instruments Project is an innovative initiative of Fingal County Council, Music Generation and Crosscare to rejuvenate older musical instruments and accessories for donation to schools and other community groups. Through the Irish Men’s Sheds Association’s Liaison, Pat Duff, the Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed is participating in this project. We have already taken in a guitar for restoration and hopefully it will be ready soon for donation to a local school.
As ever, our usual weekly exercise classes, croquet at Newbridge House, music practices and our Thursday get-togethers continue. So if you or someone you know would like to join us, please call Jim on 086-3694316.
Corina Johnston, Labour Party Local Area Representative Donabate and Portrane has revealed that the opening of the anticipated Broadmeadow Way Greenway project has been delayed until 2028.
Councillor Johnston said, “Over the last few months I have received a number of queries in respect of the opening of the Broadmeadow Way Greenway. I have been raising this matter with FCC since elected and received the below reply at last week’s council meeting to my question raised on this project.”
The query from Councillor Johnston reads, “To ask the Chief Executive to provide a progress report on the Broadmeadow Way Greenway project to confirm the cost to date and if this project will be delivered on time and within budget?”
The reply from Fingal County council reads, “Progress on the detailed design phases of the other elements of this project is continuing. Engagement with Irish Rail and with the National Transport Authority is ongoing for the causeway works.
Construction of this environmentally and technically challenging project has been divided into different works packages which will be delivered in stages:
Construction of the Broadmeadow Estuary Bridge took place in 2024. Works are complete.
The tender for the construction of the greenway along the causeway has been issued. It is expected that construction of the Northern Causeway will not be completed until 2027.
Construction of the greenway along the Southern Causeways will commence during the summer months of 2026.
Construction of the Donabate landward works and the Malahide landward works will take place during 2026 and 2027. A stage 1 Tender assessment has been completed in advance of a 2-stage tender process to establish a framework for works contractors for the various landward works contracts. The landward elements of the Broadmeadow Way in Donabate i.e. from Newbridge Demesne, through Kilcrea lands to the east side of Corballis railway underpass will be delivered through this framework.
Due to the seasonal constraints of working within the estuary, along with the technical challenges of building on the Northern Causeway, it is expected that the opening of the Broadmeadow Way will be in early 2028.
A lot of the scheme is yet to be constructed with some tenders underway and more to follow. The tender costs for the project are not yet available. FCC will require gateway approval from the National Transport Authority prior to construction contracts being put in place.
Johnston concluded;”While recognising the many technical challenges and multiple stakeholders involved in this projected I am very disappointed that this project has been delayed further until 2028. I will continue to pursue this matter and will keep you informed of developments.”
Aer Lingus Lawn Bowls Club is a vibrant, friendly club located in the ALSAA sports complex K67YV06.
We have recently acquired a new synthetic Greengauge mat. This has enhanced our club immensely and we now possess one of the best bowling greens in the country.
In 2025 we were winners of an ILB Vets team. We also had finalists in the ILB doubles and triples championship competitions. We cater for men and women and we play in a mixed league.
If you are interested in joining our club, we offer coaching sessions, social and league games. We participate in ILB winter and summer leagues as well as internal club competitions.
We will have an open day on May 3rd 11am until 3pm.
If you would like to have a trial session, please contact us on aerlinguslawnbowlsclub@hotmail.com or call Sandra McCarthy on 086-3114540
By Jon Kavanagh
The appearance of the new Cultural Quarter on the Swords Skyline reminds us how much the town has evolved over the years. Before the bypass was constructed in the eighties, the main street formed part of the Dublin/Belfast Road. The street was much wider then, as heavy-duty trucks and buses crawled through with all the pace of a tortoise on Valium. Small locally owned businesses including: a couple of butchers, a hardware and drapery, a television repair and rental and several corner shops lined the town.
here was an old-style garage (not a cappuccino or croissant to be seen) in the heart of the town; with just a couple of fuel pumps mounted on the footpath and a rustic workshop to mend punctures and do repairs. Long queues formed there during the oil crisis (sounds eerily familiar) in the seventies. The proprietor operator a strict ‘regular customers only’ policy as he dispatched unfamiliar faces without ceremony.
Parking was a free for all; drivers played dodgem, as they battled their way into any available space. In pre NCT days cars often carried their own body weight in rust; exhaust pipes held up with wire, boots kept in place by a length of rope, and tires as bald as Kojak were not an uncommon sight. The castle lay derelict and unappreciated, as pigs foraged in its grounds. Whilst the bypass brought traffic relief, it was not without its teething problems. Articulated trucks jacked knifed and turned over all too often on the Pinnock Hill Roundabout. A tipper truck struck and brought down a pedestrian fly over bridge. Thankfully, there was no one on the bridge at the time. A hapless man from a rural hinterland in Fingal, encountered a roundabout for the first time whilst astride his Honda 50. Like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights, he panicked and propelled his machine anticlockwise against the traffic. In a daring deed worthy of a Hollywood stuntman, he managed to crash land onto the centre, with seconds to spare before disaster struck.
Time has moved on but despite the multiplicity of changes, Swords maintains its congenial atmosphere. A place where friends, neighbours and acquaintances still find time to stop for a chat during their busy day.
The one-day event will see interviews, workshops and family-friendly events across the town of Rush with Catherine Ryan Howard, Andrea Mara, Sinéad Gleeson, Anna Carey, Eamon Carr and more
Irish literary titan John Banville will be appearing in conversation with Kevin Curran (author of YOUTH, Beatsploitation) at the brand new literary festival, which takes place in the North County Dublin seaside town of Rush on April 25th 2026. As author of modern classics including The Sea, The Book of Evidence, his series of hugely successful crime novels under his Benjamin Black pen name, as well as Christine Falls - which is this year’s One Dublin One Book choice - it promises to be a varied interview examining one of the most fascinating writers of our time. Tickets are €15 and are on sale now via rushfestivalofwriting.com.
Fans of crime fiction will be delighted to see a double bill of bestselling novelists Catherine Ryan Howard (56 Days, Burn After Reading) and Andrea Mara (All Her Fault, It Should Have Been You) on the programme. They will be discussing their work, including the recent TV adaptations of 56 Days and All Her Fault, in conversation with Sinéad Cuddihy of Tired Mammy Book Club.
Alongside these two evening events taking place in the 140-capacity Millbank Theatre, the Rush Festival of Writing programme will see several free-to-attend events.
Irish cultural luminary Eamon Carr will be sharing stories from his life in writing - from his Tara Telephone performance poetry days, to his decades in iconic band Horslips and his career as a sports and showbiz journalist - in conversation with music writer Pat Carty, including some of the incredible tales from his journalism days recounted in his recently-published book Pure Gold: Memorable Conversations with Remarkable People Sinéad Gleeson (Hagstone, Constellations) and Anna Carey (Our Song, Love Scene) will also be dispensing their own pearls of wisdom in what promises to be an illuminating conversation for aspiring authors.
The youngest members of the family won’t be left out of this year’s programme. For the 5+ age group, former Laureate na nÓg Niamh Sharkey (The Ravenous Beast, I’m a Happy Hugglewug) will be hosting a workshop at Rush Library based on her latest picture book, Penguin TV. Inspired by Dublin Zoo’s penguin cam, Niamh will host a reading and an interactive giant doodle based on the book, as well as a post-workshop signing - so be sure to bring all your books along!
Also taking place at Rush Library, children’s author, illustrator and comic creator Alan Nolan (The Grand Central Cinema Club, the Sam Hannigan series) will run a ‘Design Your Own Superhero’ workshop for ages 8-12, where he’ll talk about his favourite comics and superheroes from his childhood (as well as modern-day comic superstars like Dog Man, Bunny Vs Monkey and The Investigators). He’ll also show attendees how to draw one of his own creations and lots more. These events are free but space is limited, so booking is essential.
You can stay updated on programme and ticketing details, as well as the running order, on Instagram and via www.rushfestivalofwriting.com
Furniture Upcycling Workshop
Rush Community Centre was buzzing with creativity recently as participants gathered for a hands on workshop led by Marie Anne, better known as The Revamp Tramp. Her session on furniture upcycling proved both practical and inspiring, giving attendees the confidence to see old or worn pieces in a whole new light. Marie Anne shared expert tips, demonstrated techniques, and encouraged everyone to embrace upcycling as a sustainable, budget friendly way to refresh their homes. A huge thank you to her for delivering such an informative and enjoyable workshop, definitely one that left people eager to start their next project.
Little Free Library Restocked
Good news for book lovers! The Rush Tidy Towns Little Free Library on Convent Lane has been freshly restocked and is ready for readers of all ages. Everyone is invited to stop by, browse the selection, take a book, and if you can leave one in return. These small exchanges help keep stories circulating and strengthen our shared love of reading within the community.
Let’s keep the books moving and the joy of reading growing across Rush!
Spring Seed & Plant Sharing Event
A highlight of the spring calendar returns once again, our free Community Seed and Plant Sharing Event, now in its sixth year. What began as a modest gathering has grown into one of the most well attended events hosted by Rush Tidy Towns, bringing together gardeners, growers, and curious beginners alike.
This year introduces an exciting new addition: Christine from Bird of Paradise will be giving a live demonstration on flower arranging. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn creative techniques, pick up new plants, exchange seeds, and strengthen connections within our gardening community.
See flyer for details, and be sure to join us as we celebrate spring, sustainability, and shared green fingered enthusiasm.
A big thank you to the community and participants who helped us to run another fantastic Lusk 4 mile. Well done to everyone who is taking part in this year’s 40 day 6am challenge. Our athletes have put in some amazing performances in the early months of the year. There have been some fabulous results at home and abroad. If you’re training for a race we have training plans to suit all.
Lusk ICA which was founded in 1966, are delighted to be marking their 60th Jubilee anniversary this year. The group carried a special commemorative banner at this year’s St Patrick’s day Parade celebrating this momentous anniversary.
A Huge thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate International Women’s Day at Lusk Community Cultural Centre. A very special thanks to our wonderful guest speakers Sharyn Hayden, Amy Cooney, and Rosanna Darby (Lusk ICA) for sharing their experiences and insights with us.
The ladies enjoyed a fantastic night in the TLT Drogheda at the Carpenter’s tribute show starring Sally Creedon as Karen Carpenter The British Carpenters from London’s West End. Singing along to classics like Close to You Top of the World, Rainy Days and Mondays
On a sad note, Lusk Guild wish to send their condolences to the family of Sylvia Fox who recently passed away and was a former and active member of Lusk ICA.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is celebrating fifty years of changing lives this year, you might have even seen Leinster House turning green to mark our anniversary and kick off the milestone year! To celebrate the milestone birthday, there will be a number of events held throughout the next few months, including ‘The 50 Plus Show’ which was held at the RDS on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th March from 10am – 4pm.
There is also the Cork City Marathon, if you have taken up running this year, why not sign up as there is currently 50 places across three races at the Cork City Marathon available, you can join and raise money to support our work and make a difference! You can find out more information on guidedogs.ie.
To celebrate 50 years of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Tom O’Neill of our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs on ‘The Blind Guys podcast’ where he joined to talk about the impact of our work and his life. It is a fantastic listen.
Our Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of guide dogs will be marking 50 years of guide dogs at a function in O’Dwyers G.A.A. new club house Balbriggan on Saturday 8th of August. More details to follow, so make sure you are following our social media pages to be up to date with all upcoming events. We will also be looking forward to Guide Dog Day on Friday 22nd May and there will be a number of events on the lead up to that!
As always in the meantime if you would like to help our Branch, if you have any used postage stamps or coins which are no longer in circulation, please give them to us. We will turn them into Euros and lodge to the guide dogs account. We receive coins from all over the world and old postage stamps. In our guide dog boxes and large collection dogs we find coins from all over the world and that are no longer legal currency since the Euro came into place.
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs