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.
Fingal County Council is delighted to announce the Fingal Sports Club of the Year Awards 2025, an initiative designed to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of sports clubs throughout the county.
These awards shine a spotlight on the vital role sports clubs play in fostering community spirit, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging sustainable practices. With over 100 awards available this year, the competition offers clubs a unique opportunity to be recognised for their dedication and hard work.
This is a wonderful opportunity to honour the diverse array of sports that are making a meaningful impact on local communities across Fingal. The county boasts a proud tradition of sporting excellence, with athletes and teams achieving success on local, national, and international stages.
A number of categories are open for nominations. This includes:
Green Club of the Year
This award celebrates clubs that have demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The winning club will have taken significant steps such as reducing their carbon footprint, promoting recycling, and encouraging sustainable transport. They may also lead environmental education and awareness initiatives that benefit their community.
Club of the Year
Honouring a club that has excelled in community engagement and governance, this award recognises efforts to foster social inclusion, support volunteerism, and promote physical activity. The winning club will have demonstrated best practices in governance and collaborated with local organisations to make a positive impact.
Sports Inclusion Club of the Year
Recognising clubs that break down barriers to participation, this award celebrates those who create accessible and inclusive opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This may include programs for people with disabilities, outreach to underrepresented groups, and ensuring affordability for members.
Along with an award, winning clubs will also receive a €500 sports equipment voucher to further support their growth and success.
Fingal Sports Office are hosting the exclusive awards ceremony on Monday 27th January 2025 at the Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown to honour and recognise outstanding clubs in Fingal. The event will also see the announcement of the Fingal Sports Volunteers of the Year.
Clubs are encouraged to submit their nominations by 5pm on Monday, 6th January 2025.
Nominations can be made via: https://bit.ly/sportscluboftheyear2025
St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers were delighted to attend the recent 2024 Balbriggan Town Awards and take home not 1 but 2 Awards.
2024 Junior International Athlete of the Year was Rebecca Doran from St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers for her fantastic performances at EFBT European Championships in Czech Republic. Winning 6 medals in finals including 2 gold medals.
Susan Mullen, St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers was awarded a Special Recognition Award for 45 years at the Club. Susan a member of St. Mary’s Baton Twirlers since its formation in 1979. During her 45-year journey with the club she transitioned from an athlete to Coach and PRO. Her extensive efforts in training the athletes, assisting with organising both National and International competitions, to ordering costumes and sourcing club gear for the club, and ensuring every detail is attended to for international competitions trips, her contributions have been invaluable.
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity will host a fundraiser themed ‘’Winter BBQ with live music at the castle ‘’ at Bremore Castle, Balbriggan on 25th January that will see a wide range of entertainment provided on the day that is held in conjunction with several other events around the country.
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC) gather funds for medical equipment and has done so for the past 30 years, and each year a different hospital department benefits from the fundraising efforts. During the 33rd Grand Finale in January 2025 they are gathering funds for children haematology and oncology equipment in Poland.
The event on 25th January will host a food market, a GOCC merchandise shop, the Seventh 24-hour Relay for GOCC with Polish Runners Club Ireland, as well as great concerts.
The organiser of the event Sylwia Polasińska explained, “The whole event is volunteer based, everyone involved does it out of the joy of doing something good for the locals, out of the desire to support GOCC - a non-profit organization that truly unites Poles around the globe, and allows us to directly support our families in Poland, and additionally allows us to promote local entrepreneurs who put their whole hearts into the success of our summer-hot blaze in the middle of the Irish winter!”
“This time, a cheerful reggae/ska band from Poland, Cała Góra Barwinków will fly in, a local band Rock’n’Grants will perform in Balbriggan for the second time, students from the B-Music School of Music from Swords will again sing on our stage, and we are still adding more musicians to join us on 25th January 2025,” she added.
CGB is famous for its well-received, energetic concerts. They have performed at almost all major festivals, as well as Pol’and’Rock Festival twice – in 2003 and 2013, and the Heineken Open’er Festival 2007 in Gdynia, Poland. They have currently performed almost 1,000 times in Poland and abroad.
Please visit the GOCC Facebook Page and Follow us for more insight on a regular basis: WOSP Balbriggan.
The accompanying pictures are from the 2024 event.
What a busy 2024 it was for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! As we step into 2025, we look forward to more fundraising, merchandise stands and meeting new people. We would also like to welcome our newest volunteers to our Branch, Michael & Shivaun Bowden, David & Vanessa Parry, and Yuzhe Orben! Thank you for dedicating your time to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! If it is a new year’s resolution of yours to volunteer, why not join our Branch and make a change? You can contact us on the details below and we would be delighted to have you!
While things might be quiet at the moment, coming up in February there is the annual Balbriggan Feis in Naul GAA Club to look forward to. Thanks to Damien O’Shaughnessy and Ann McFadden the organizers. We will have more details on that in the next month so make sure to keep an eye on our social media. There are still ways to support our branch, you can donate any old coins or stamps to us by contacting us on the details below or you can drop them into the Library in Skerries. We can turn any foreign coins, sterling coins, old Irish coins or old postage stamps into cash for our branch! You can also tap to donate in one of our many locations which are Specsavers located in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, Skinny Batch Bakery and Café in Lusk, Specsavers located in Ashbourne and also Specsavers located in GPO Arcade, Dublin.
Finally, we would like to say massive thank you to everyone who supported our Branch this year and we wish you the happiest Christmas and new year! We hope to see some familiar faces when we get back out there in the coming weeks!
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.