Sporting clubs across County Fingal are to benefit from €143,500 that has been released as part of the Dormant Account Funds which is being overseen by the Minister of State for Rural and Community Development Joe O’Brien, under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012.
The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.
Speaking about the funding, Minister O’Brien said: “The Dormant Accounts Fund allocation announced today is a crucial investment in our communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.”
“In Fingal we are supporting the ‘Her Moves’ initiative which aims to keep girls in sport during adolescent years and the wider ‘Activie Citiies’ initiative which people may have seen at events over the summer but also at the boxes of free to rent sports equipment around Fingal.”
Looking to take advantage of its strategic position on the Dublin-Belfast corridor, its strong transport connections and as home to a broad mix of key sectors, Fingal has unveiled its plan to ensure the long-term economic resilience and sustainability of the county and highlight itself a key driver of growth in Ireland.
The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, joined the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, to launch “Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy” at an event in Blanchardstown which was attended by business representatives, councillors and Oireachtas members.
The new strategy emphasizes a balanced approach to economic development, leveraging Fingal’s strategic advantages and focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a place where innovation and opportunity meet. Through our Economic Development Strategy, we are committed to ensuring that Fingal continues to be an exceptional place to work and do business. This Strategy is not just a plan; it is our ambitious vision for the future of Fingal. Our aim is to lead by example by being both practical and forward-thinking.”
Prepared by Fingal County Council’s Economic Unit and Grant Thornton, the strategy, aims to support business in Fingal to grow and thrive in a sustainable way, with a strong emphasis on working with business to implement sustainable business practices, aligning with best European and global practices and working in parallel with the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan.
It builds on the socio-economic profile which was prepared as part of the process for Fingal County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2028 and outlines the actions that need to be taken to support the local economy over the next 15 years.
The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, said: “Fingal is one of Ireland’s most rapidly expanding areas in the country, with key infrastructural assets, and industries of considerable scope and scale. To help ensure its continued growth, it’s clear Fingal will need even greater collaboration across various stakeholders, including central government, the private sector, state bodies, representative groups, and educational institutions. The national economy is performing well currently but there are various economic and social challenges in the years and decades ahead. This report is an important piece of work which ensures the Fingal region is taking the necessary action to prepare its people, its business and it communities for this period of change, transformation and opportunity ahead.”
Covering almost half of County Dublin and with a population of 330,000 that is the youngest and best educated cohort in the country, Fingal is a major driver of Ireland’s economy.
The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The goal of this Strategy is to attract inward investment, stimulate job creation, and allow us to develop and retain our highly skilled local talent. The Strategy has analysed global megatrends and the approaches of other areas, in Ireland and across Europe, to economic development and identified examples of best practice. This has informed the six opportunities, 19 objectives and the comprehensive action plan that will now drive us towards our goal of creating an economy that is dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive, enabled by strong infrastructure, collaboration, and skills.”
Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy can be read here: https://www.fingal.ie/media/17902
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Volunteer Ireland Awards. The public is being invited to nominate volunteers in their community across 11 categories, with one volunteer being named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year at the ceremony in December. The Volunteer Ireland Awards take place annually and celebrate the immense contribution volunteers make to communities across Ireland. Nominations can be made at www.volunteer.ie/nominate.
Fingal VC Manager said: “Volunteers make an enormous contribution to our communities and in many cases, deliver critical services that may not otherwise be delivered. Their impact cannot be overstated and that’s why it’s so important to recognise their efforts at a national level. It’s not just to show that we value what volunteers do but also to showcase the incredible work that goes on across the country and inspire others to get involved.”
Aside from the 12 awards handed out on the night, every single volunteer that is nominated will receive a special thank you card from Volunteer Ireland. The awards are made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and award partners Healthy Ireland.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke, said: “I am proud that the Department of Health, through Healthy Ireland, is once again supporting the Volunteer Ireland Awards. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge the work of our volunteers who give their time willingly for the common good, helping to foster a sense of connection for people in their communities. I’d like to encourage you all to take the time to nominate a volunteer in your local area as a way of thanking them for all that they do.”
This year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards will take place in Dublin on 8th December.
Anyone can nominate a volunteer, and the 11 categories are: Arts, Culture & Festivals ; Campaigning & Activism; Children & Youth; Environmental & Animal Care; Health & Wellbeing ; Safety & Emergency Services; Social Inclusion & Community Support; Sports & Recreation; Small group (3-19 volunteers); Large group (20+ volunteers) and Volunteer Manager.
All individual awardees (except Volunteer Manager) are eligible for the overall Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations close at midnight on 11 October and can be made online at www.volunteer.ie/nominate.
On Sunday 21st July, 6 members of JKS Swords along with their Sensei, Dermot OKeeffe 7th Dan JKS, departed Dublin to participate as part of the JKS Ireland Squad in the 6th JKS Karate-do International Cup 2024 & The 6th JKS Karate-do International Para Cup 2024 in Yoyogi 2nd Gymnasium (Tokyo, Japan). 40 countries were in attendance with over 1000 competitors taking part.
Following a grueling 18 hours of travel (and fighting the jet lag), JKS Swords members took to the tatami on Tuesday 23rd to take part in the 2 hour International Seminar under Kagawa Shihan, Kanayama Sensei and Yamaguchi Sensei. Wednesday 24th saw the Squad members and supporters familiarize themselves with the competition venue as the Irish Coaches, Judges and Referees took part in important information meetings. Thursday 25th & Friday 26th saw the International Cup in full swing with Individual events on the Thursday and Team and Family events on the Friday.
While there were no medals for the younger members of the Squad on this occasion, they all performed with distinction, giving their all in Kata and Kumite and showing high levels of sportsmanship and respect towards their fellow competitors. The young Squad members were exemplary representing their Club, Organization and Country during these Championships and everyone is very proud of them. The future is bright for this young Squad. JKS Swords would like to thank everyone who supported them in this journey.
Our Club is always looking for new members (Children, Young People & Adults). Contact Dermot on 087-8073885 for details on how to join our club. You can also contact us on Facebook: JKS Swords Karate Club or on Instagram: @jks_swords_karate_club
Approximately 700 people attended Vintage Picnic hosted by Age Friendly Fingal on Thursday 25th July 2024 in Swords Castle. This lively festival offered an afternoon of creativity, music, dance, and exercise for over 55s and was testament to the enthusiastic and motivated older people of Fingal.
Those in attendance participated in a wide range of workshops, including graffiti art, mandala creation, vintage clothing demonstrations, and tie-dyeing. For those inclined towards physical activities, professional instructors led sessions in Yoga, Zumba, and Tai Chi, allowing participants to try out new activities, or simply relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Light garden games were provided by the Fingal Sports Department, and for those needing a bit of relaxation, chair massages were available. For aspiring musicians, workshops in African Drumming, Ukelele and Bodhrán were provided by tutors from the IIMS, Balbriggan.
The crowd were entertained with live musical performances from local groups; Gerry and the Plonkers from Donabate and the Blanchardstown Ukulele Group (BUGS), showcasing the talents of Fingal’s older residents. The headline acts, the Blue Bells, and the Ronan Collins Showband, created a festive atmosphere that reverberated throughout the grounds and brought the crowd to their feet.
Vintage Picnic 2024, which was attended by Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly, the Mayor of Fingal Cllr Brian McDonagh and Minister Darragh O’Brien as well as our local Councillors, brought together older people from across Fingal in an environment that fostered connections and new learning experiences. Most importantly Vintage Picnic highlighted the need to provide new opportunities for older people, to continue to learn, develop and grow, and to have fun!
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Brian Mc Donagh said, “I was delighted to attend this great event in Swords Castle which is being enjoyed by our Fingal residents of the over 55’s generation. Their enthusiasm and willingness to have a go at all the many activities is fantastic to see. As well as their ongoing invaluable contributions to society they are an inspiration to us all showing that life is meant to be celebrated, whatever our age.”
The young at heart volunteers of Swords Tidy Towns once again didn’t hold back this summer. It was concert after concert. I have to say Swords Women’s Shed gave us a good run for our money in the energy department. The wonderful Events team led by Paul Barnes at Fingal County Council spoiled us all for choice. They are to be applauded for their professionalism and for the wealth of talent they brought to Swords this Summer, Nathan Carter, Sister Sledge, Essentially Cher, The Blue Bells and others, not forgetting Vintage Picnic.
It was a very busy year for our hard-working Tidy Towns team and these concert opportunities to let our hair down were not going to be passed up, it was full on party time. For now, cowgirl and cowboy hats and boots have been stored away in anticipation of next year’s star attractions.
Words Meals on Wheels had a significant shortfall of meals the first week of August due to one of the group’s suppliers being on holiday for the week, and they were trying to source alternatives to cover one of our runs. The local branch contacted The Carnegie Court Hotel with a view to buying a number of meals daily to cover our shortfall. The management group very quickly made a decision to supply all of the requirements completely free of cost!
“Thank you all in the hotel and particularly Tracey Dunne for doing this for us, it is really appreciated. Great to see local business’s supporting local causes. Swords Meals on Wheels supplies just under 100 meals daily free of charge in the greater Swords area,” reads a statement from the local branch.
Tayleurs Point Landscape
Our latest project for the community is now complete. We have created a new flower bed in front of Tayleurs Point Estate. This involved Rushbrook Plants who advised us on the plant selection and placement, Orby Landscaping who did the stone and ground works for a very community friendly fee and the hours and hours of planning and planting work that our committed volunteers and committee did. Thanks to everyone who was involved, this is a great addition to the town.
If anybody would like to help water part of the new landscaped area please get in touch at tidytownsrush@gmail.com. Any help is appreciated.
Rush Bygone Days Book
The Rush Bygone Days Book is now available to access for free from anywhere across the globe as an e-book. See flyer for details. Thanks to Fingal Libraries for facilitating this. The two links you will need are below.
Hello everyone! What a whirlwind of a month we have had! Our long-awaited community trip to Carlingford and Newry finally took place, and despite the weather’s best attempts to dampen our spirits, the atmosphere was brighter than ever. Laughter echoed through the streets, friendships were strengthened, and unforgettable memories were made. It was such a success that we are seriously considering another community adventure soon—so keep an eye out for updates!
Just a week later, we embarked on another incredible experience—this time, a visit to Dáil Éireann. We were honored to be invited by Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee, who not only joined us on the tour but also shared her personal insights and stories about the Dáil and Senate chambers. The tour was a perfect blend of history, politics, and fun, leaving us all a little more knowledgeable and a lot more inspired.
After the tour, we headed to the visitors’ bar for some well-deserved tea and coffee. Lorraine, being the gracious host that she is, stayed on to chat with everyone, pose for photos, and make sure we all felt truly welcome. But the surprises did not end there! Each of us received a copy of the Proclamation, a meaningful memento that I am sure is now proudly displayed in homes all around Rush and the surrounding areas.
A huge thank you to Lorraine for her warm invitation and for making our day at the Dáil one we will never forget.
You might be forgiven for thinking that Christmas has come early in Rush over the coming months but don’t be alarmed, we haven’t all skipped a few months on the calendar - it is instead an early kick off for the annual Christmas Lights funding appeal!
Every year the Christmas Lights Committee, which is a sub-committee of Rush Community Council, fundraise across the town to pay for putting up and taking down the Christmas lights on the main street and also organise the switching on of the lights event which takes place in Echlin Court.
This year the Committee are kicking things off early. A spokesperson for the Christmas Light Committee explained, “As we all know, things have been getting more expensive year on year and the Christmas Lights Committee have been under pressure to fundraise enough to cover all the costs associated with the lights. The people of Rush and our local businesses always dig deep but this year we’re starting our fundraising early to give us the best chance possible to raise as much as we need. People can expect to see our volunteers waving collection buckets on the main street, we’ll kick off our annual GoFundMe page and there will be raffles across the next couple of months including a raffle to win the chance to switch on the Christmas lights with the big man himself. It would be great if everyone could support the efforts to light up Rush at Christmas.”
