Active Age activities and classes are back in full swing following the half term and we are now preparing for Christmas activities.
As part of Inclusion Week we held a coffee and sing along morning in the Donabate/Portrane Community Centre. It was very well attended and we were royally entertained by our own AAfA singing group led by Ed Mallarky and the Willie Cahill Quartet, a talented foursome otherwise known as Willie Cahill, Brian Andrews, Maurice Buckley and Fran Ryan. Many thanks also due to the many bakers who provided the goodies, and of course all the centre staff who rowed in with the practicalities on the day.
On Tuesday 10th December we are holding our annual Christmas Carol coffee morning fund raiser for St Francis Hospice. This is in memory of our previous, and much missed, chairperson Philippa Coady, and to support the wonderful work that they do. There will be plenty of delicious goodies including mince pies and non-alcoholic mulled wine; a sing along with our own singing group plus the Willie Cahill quartet and a raffle with lots of wonderful prizes. As special guests we are delighted to include the children from the creche who will sing 1 or 2 Christmas Carols for us. Do come along and join in the fun !
Some dates for the diaries:
Classes finish for Christmas on Friday 13th December.
Mon/Tues 6th & 7th Jan ’25: Online registration for AAfA members,
Wed/Thurs 8th & 9th Jan: In person membership and registration.
Friday 17th Jan ’25: AGM
Monday 20th Jan: Spring ’25 programme of classes commences.
Wishing all the Active Age for All members and their families, and the Donabate & Portrane community a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
This year Santa is using Active Travel to get to Donabate - he will arrive to Dublin by Sleigh then cross over O’Connell St and take a train to Donabate & back to deliver some presents to all the children on our Peninsula. Remember you must have your letter written & wishes in by now and also that Santa has a lot of children to bring gifts to, so you cannot ask for lots, it is a wish list!
Santa will be with you soon so mind yourselves & each other ….xxxx
On Saturday 16th of November, at the National Garda Youth Awards held at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Balbriggan woman Aisha Alameen Betro was celebrated for her outstanding commitment to community safety.
Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris presented the prestigious National Garda Youth Award in the Community Safety category to Aisha for her incredible work in improving access to life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
A member of an Garda Síochána explained: “Aisha took it on herself to research the availability of defibrillators across Balbriggan where she lives. She quickly found that there were incredibly few defibrillators that were accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. To highlight the urgency of this issue, Aisha examined the prevalence of cardiac issues across Ireland, gathering data as she went. When she had all the information she needed, Aisha recruited four young women and established the Aisha AED Initiative. The AED Initiative issued informational leaflets on defibrillators, cardiac events and emergency procedure across North Dublin; helping to educate the public on where their nearest defibrillator is in the event of a crisis. Launching the AED Initiative’s first 24/7 365 defibrillator in Balbriggan Garda Station in June, with plans to place more accessible defibrillators in her town.”
Speaking of the award Aisha said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award from the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris. This award recognises the work I have been doing in Balbriggan and encourages me to keep going to reach a future where no one passes away due to not being able to access an AED. Our vision is that Aisha AED Initiative will become a cornerstone for community safety, with AED/CPR education and training, and further AED installations in the future.”
Balbriggan Community Council stated: “Aisha Alameen Betro and the four young people Ciara Leonard, Alicia Rice, Mizna Shadid and Zainab Shahid have been an inspiration and have created a collaborative movement within Balbriggan aimed at providing lifesaving AEDs for the entire town and have advocated with community groups, individuals, stakeholders, political representatives, both locally and at Dail Éireann. We’re incredibly proud of Aisha and the other four young women and look forward to continuing to work with these truly exceptional young women” For further information, please contact Aisha AED Initiative on aishaaedinitiative@gmail.com or Balbriggan Community Council on balbriggancoco@gmail.com
Thrive Balbriggan hosted an Open Table discussion on Our Mental Health and the City on Monday October 14th, 2024, at the Open House Info Hub on Charlemont Walk in Dublin.
Open Table is a series of expert-led lunchtime conversations to encourage people to discuss different issues facing Dublin. These meetings are part of Open House Dublin, Ireland’s largest festival of architecture organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) since 2005.
Thrive Balbriggan was invited to host one of the talks and was represented by Joe McKenna, Thrive Balbriggan Chairperson and Team Leader at Empower and Lisa Kelly, Thrive Balbriggan member and the HSE Health Promotion and Improvement Officer.
Alongside Thrive Balbriggan members, two students Paula and Amy from Balbriggan Community College contributed to the discussion on creating a mental health friendly community for all. Both students attended a focus group for young people organised by Thrive Balbriggan the previous week and expressed their interest in participating in today’s event.
The Open Table discussion was led by Caroline Brogan, Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland and Lead for Thrive Ireland who said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the ongoing conversation about mental health and the role our built environment plays, particularly in supporting the wellbeing of young people. It’s encouraging to see growing interest in recognising how the design of our towns can better address mental health needs. When we prioritise mental health in design, we help foster stronger, mentally healthier communities”.
During the conversation, participants explored the character and identity of Balbriggan and shared their insights on the urban planning and its impact on the mental health of the local community. The group also discussed ideas on how to create mental health friendly workplaces as well as habitual places.
Thrive is a community-led movement to create happier and healthier communities by conducting projects and events aiming at improving mental health and wellbeing. Thrive was introduced to Ireland in 2021 by Mental Health Ireland and currently operates in two locations in County Fingal in Balbriggan and Swords as well as in Connemara.
Thrive Balbriggan is an initiative of Mental Health Ireland and is supported by Fingal County Council. For further information please visit Thrive Ireland – Mental Health Ireland.
It’s been a busy month for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs.
On Tuesday, November 5th our branch held a coffee morning in Skinny Batch Bakery in Lusk, Co. Dublin. There was tea, coffee, sweet treats and even doggy gift bags! A great morning was had by all and a big thank you to anyone who came along and supported us, €535 raised. On Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd November our merchandise stand was set up in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan where plenty of Christmas cards, car raffle tickets and calendars were sold. Again on Friday the 29th and Saturday the 30th November our merchandise stand was back, but this time in Supervalu, Balbriggan with more festive merchandise to get us into the Christmas spirit!
We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported us, donated and purchased any merchandise from us. Your support is greatly appreciated! In the lead up to Christmas, you can expect to see our branch out and about, so make sure to keep an eye on our social media accounts for more information. There will be Christmas cards and calendars in local shops in Balbriggan and Skerries. You can also reach out to us on our social media below if you would like to purchase these, along with car raffle tickets.
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.
This October, members of Takemusu Aikido Society returned from an inspiring two-week journey to Japan, where they trained intensively at the historic Iwama Dojo. This dojo, established by Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei, holds a unique place in the world of Aikido, preserving traditional techniques and philosophies. For members of Takemusu Aikido Society, this pilgrimage has become an annual tradition — a chance to deepen their understanding of traditional Aikido under Japan’s most respected instructors and bring that experience back to Ireland.
Raman, the head instructor of the club, spent many years training in Japan before moving to Ireland. Now, he and his dedicated students travel to Iwama Dojo every year, spending a few weeks on each trip to fully immerse themselves in the rigorous and authentic training atmosphere. In Iwama, a serene village in the Japanese countryside, practitioners live the life of uchideshi (live-in students), which includes three daily Aikido sessions, caring for the Aiki Shrine, and helping with farm work around the dojo grounds. This intense routine enhanced by fierce training on the rock-hard mats deeply engages students in the traditional training methods offering a unique opportunity for authentic practice in the Aikido Founder’s Dojo.
Aikido in Iwama is led by Inagaki Sensei, one of O-Sensei’s disciples, who has passed down teachings directly from the founder’s time, maintaining an unbroken lineage. Inagaki Sensei began practising under O-Sensei at the age of 12 and has been practising Aikido for an astounding 66 years. His dedication and profound knowledge form the heart of Iwama Dojo, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for those who journey from around the world to study under his guidance. This year, Raman and the group met and trained with uchideshi from Spain, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Germany, Israel, and the United States. In Iwama, there is rarely a day when there isn’t a foreign uchideshi present, creating a rich environment for the exchange of skills and experiences.
This year, Raman was honoured to participate in the 39th Demonstrations of the Ibaraki Aikido Federation with the group representing the Founder’s Dojo. “These annual demonstrations showcase the skill, dedication, and spirit of Aikido practitioners from across the prefecture. It was a privilege for me to perform alongside Japan’s most skilled Aikido masters”, said Raman.
Inspired by their experience in Iwama, members of Takemusu Aikido Society bring this dedication and authenticity back to Dublin. The club holds classes every Sunday in Balbriggan and every Monday and Wednesday at Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre in Dublin city centre. Open to all, Takemusu Aikido Society invites newcomers of all ages to discover the benefits of Aikido, including fitness, flexibility, self-discipline, and mindfulness.
If you’re curious about Aikido, visit Takemusu Aikido Society and experience the principles and techniques of Japan’s Iwama Dojo right here in Balbriggan. For more details, visit their website at www.aiki.ie.
After releasing his debut single “The Gift of Freedom” in May of earlier this year, Balbriggan local, Rían has established himself as a singer/ songwriter and recording artist. He featured in one of Ireland’s leading music magazines, Hot Press and was likened to Tracey Chapmans style with his debut track.
From a young age he has often taken the mic in local pubs to sing in front of an audience and has entered local talent shows and show cases. Having a massive vinyl collection, Rian has an interest in every genre from Country to Funk. He has also performed in Balbriggan’s first ever Pride Festival. After gaining attraction from radio nation-wide he was invited on to Dublin South FM, Lucan Fm and LMFM to promote his music.
Taking inspiration from giants like Anastacia, Aslan and Dolly Parton he pens songs from the heart of real situations that he has seen or lived through. This year his second single, a Christmas Charity single, “O’ Holy Night” was released on November 8th through online platforms. Already being booked on local radio stations he will begin to promote his holiday single early December. 2025 promises new material. Physical copies of the CD “O’ Holy Night” have been produced with a portion of the proceeds going to St. Francis Hospice Dublin. Pick up your copy in Golden Discs Drogheda or Golden Discs Swords now!
Entries are being sought for the inaugural “Fingal Sports Club Volunteer Awards” which aim to recognise and honour the huge community of volunteers who give their time to provide sport and physical activity opportunities across the County.
The Fingal Sports Office is hosting the gala event on Monday 27th January 2025, at the Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15. It is estimated that some 450,000 people across Ireland volunteer in sports clubs every week, tirelessly giving their support to clubs and communities from dawn until dusk, and never seeking glory or reward for doing so.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “I welcome the launch of these inaugural awards and look forward to seeing the nominations that pay tribute to those unsung heroes who are out there making a difference across the county. We have an amazing range of sporting clubs that are bringing communities together and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in activities such as athletics, tennis, rugby, GAA, soccer and so many more. A key part of making this a success comes from all those inspirational volunteers who should be deservedly recognised for their dedication and hard work.”
Each sports club in Fingal can nominate a volunteer from within their ranks who they feel goes above and beyond in helping to make a real difference to others, and who demonstrates the very best of what being an invaluable team member means. After nominations are received, an independent jury panel will select those they feel are worthy of the accolade of sports volunteer of the year.
Volunteers are the very heart of our sports community in Fingal; their selfless contributions of time, energy, and passion play a vital role in sustaining a wide range of sports activities and help everyone from grassroots to elite professionals. Recognising and celebrating these volunteers is crucial to acknowledging their impact and inspiring continued support.
The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Tuesday 17th December 2024. Nominations can be made via: https://bit.ly/fingalsportsvolunteerofyear25.
This month, Fingal Volunteer Centre hosted a Dublin 15 Volunteer Expo during which people interested in volunteering chatted with their local charities. This public gathering in Blanchardstown Library, provided 12 not-for-profits organisations the chance to chat with the public about their missions and what volunteering with them looks like.
Set up in 2007, Fingal Volunteer Centre is an independent charity that promotes the value of volunteering. Events like the Expo offer an opportunity for individuals thinking of volunteering to meet directly with local organisations and have a quick chat about their roles, facilitating the first steps into their volunteer journey.
Everyone can be a volunteer. Most of the roles do not require any specific skills and when necessary, training is provided. Some roles do require specific knowledge and people who have experience in any area are valuable. Roles include befriending, administration, arts & crafts, event stewarding, fundraising, IT, mentoring and tutoring, board positions, coaching and many more.
Dublin 15 hosts over 100 not-for-profits organisations which focus on promoting positive mental health, supporting youth / the elderly / people with disabilities, taking environment & climate actions, encouraging sports, radio broadcasting and much more. Groups at the Expo represented this diversity of causes and roles: Avista, B.C.I.L., Blanchardstown Village Tidy Towns, Castleknock Tidy Town, Children for World Children, Cycling Ireland, Empower Local Development Company, Foroige, Home-Start Blanchardstown, Millennium Community Garden, and 92.5 Phoenix FM Radio.
On the night, we spoke with one of the local organisations that partners with Fingal Volunteer Centre to find volunteers. Empower Local Development Company is an organisation that offer free services in areas such as English lessons for beginners, quit smoking support, ‘Healthy Food Made Easy’, LGBTQ+ in-person support groups, and social prescribing plus much more. They serve people in Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart and Balbriggan. Empower rely on volunteers to be able to deliver conversational English classes and have opportunities on offer on ivol.ie regularly.
Louise from Empower told us the Expo helps them in several ways: it introduces potential volunteers to the organisation and its aims; it makes local people aware of Empower’s services. The Expo also provides helpful networking opportunities with other Dublin 15 groups. It really is a win-win for not-for-profits and volunteers alike.
Did you miss the event? That’s ok. Fingal Volunteer Centre is part of a nationwide network of 29 Volunteer Centres who share a website www.i-vol.ie. Here, you can search directly for hundreds of volunteer opportunities that may interest you.
If you would rather have a chat, you can ring or email the volunteer centre about the type of roles that would interest you. Or you can drop in at one of the “Fingal Volunteer Centre Library Pop-Ups” events happening in libraries across Fingal to meet with the team. Dates and times are listed on their website.
So, whether you are interested in once-off or regular volunteering, or part of an organisation that needs volunteers, Fingal Volunteer Centre is the place for you. www.volunteerfingal.ie 01 899 1921 or email info@volunteerfingal.ie for more
Fingal Volunteer Centre is delighted to announce that 3 nominees from Fingal County have been shortlisted for the 17th annual Volunteer Ireland Awards. Those shortlisted will be honoured at the national awards ceremony in Dublin in December, which celebrates the commitment and dedication of volunteers across Ireland.
With 33 nominees across 11 categories, the shortlist includes volunteers aged 20 right up to 75 and showcases the remarkable impact of volunteering across all sections of society.
Garry Wiley from Donabate Sea Scouts has been shortlisted in the Children and Youth category. Kids of all ages look to Garry to provide a safe and exciting environment to learn about outdoor skills and have a bit of fun! Garry is known to go out of his way to make parents and scouts, of any ability, feel confident and comfortable in scouting. There is hardly a weekend that he is not on camp, running or attending events or at training to keep improving on the high level of scouting he already delivers.
Deborah McArdle from Donabate/Portrane Special Olympics Club has been shortlisted in the Sports and Recreation category. Deborah has been with the club since its inception over 8 years ago. She recruited the volunteers needed to form the club and now is the Young Athlete Lead and Head Coach.
Donabate/Portrane club has opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in Basketball, Gymnastics and Athletics. Volunteering has brought Deborah all over the world from America to Abu Dhabi and most recently Berlin, and she is always encouraging athletes and volunteers to expand their horizons.
Children 4 World Children has been shortlisted in the Small Group category. Children 4 World Children is a group dedicated to the integration and experience of people from different cultures. The group hosts various events for culture sharing, including their Sports Across the World event that exposes young people to fun new ways to exercise and build community. They celebrate the music and dancing of cultures across the globe and this year’s Waka Waka Africa event highlighted the food and games important to different cultures in Africa, complete with hair braiding and beautiful traditional dress.
