Congratulations to Balbriggan Tidy Towns who were awarded three times at this year’s National Tidy Town awards that were recently held in Abbeyleix, Co Laois.

“Thrilled to receive our 3 awards, won at Tidy Towns 2023, from Minister Sean Fleming at a wonderful event in Abbeyleix tonight. This is lovely recognition of the great work our volunteers do particularly with our young people in Youthreach Balbriggan, Loreto Balbriggan and Gaisce - The President’s Award participants. Our Balbriggan - Get Involved,” reads a statement from the group.

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is holding it’s ever popular Christmas Fair on Saturday 30th November. This will be a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping started whilst supporting a good cause!
In advance of the Christmas Fair, Balbriggan Meals on Wheels will be accepting donations of new, unused items that we can sell. So now might be the time to go through your cupboards and clear out any new unwanted gifts that you might have. Donations can be left to 14 Hampton Street, Monday to Saturday between 9am and 1pm.

All proceeds raised go towards the work of Balbriggan Meals on Wheels in our local community.

Local Volunteer with Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs, Dana Kelly discusses her experience of being a volunteer for the organisation, she says, ‘I’ve been volunteering with the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs since June 2018, after my dog Gizmo passed away I wanted to do something in his name, I was putting it off out of nervousness and I came across the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s booth at Bloom, it felt like a sign. I signed up and shortly after I heard from the lovely Tom O’Neill who I met for the first time in October 2018. Himself and his guide dog Gatsby walked up to Dunnes Stores with me, where I was going to backpack for the day for the organisation. We were chatting away and I got to see the brilliant Gatsby at work. At Dunnes Stores I packed bags with other volunteers and although I’m terrible at bag packing, it was such a nice feeling greeting the general public and seeing the support for the charity. It was so rewarding finding out how much we raised a few days later. I knew it was something I wanted to continue to do and to this day, I love nothing more than getting out to a shop with the branch’s merchandise stand, meeting and greeting the public, hearing their stories about how the charity has helped them or even just hearing about their lives and pets, chatting to other volunteers and hearing how they met Tom, joined the organisation and haven’t looked back. It really is never a dull moment. I’ve met so many interesting and lovely people through the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs and it truly is a joy to be a part of something that helps so many people. If like me, all those years ago, you are looking for a sign to volunteer, this is it.’
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.

Get ready for a scorching Halloween night like never before on Thursday, October 31st, as Events in Fingal proudly presents the “Festival of Fire.” This thrilling event will ignite your Halloween spirit at four incredible locations across Fingal: Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Town Park, Malahide Castle, and Millennium Park in Blanchardstown.

Experience the Magic of Music: The Festival of Fire kicks off with an electrifying musical prelude that will set the mood for an unforgettable night. From spine-tingling tunes to haunting melodies, our musical lineup will captivate your senses and keep you grooving.

Spectacular Fireworks Displays: As the clock strikes 7:30 PM, brace yourself for an awe-inspiring spectacle! Our breathtaking fireworks displays will light up the night sky, casting vibrant colors and patterns that will leave you mesmerized. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.

Event Locations: Bremore Castle, Balbriggan: Step into the enchanting world of Bremore Castle, where history meets the mystical allure of Halloween. 6.30pm Enjoy a Scary DJ, 7.30pm Fireworks. Please note No Parking is Available. Please walk or cycle.

Swords Town Park (Behind the Castle): Join us in the heart of Swords for a Halloween celebration like no other. The park will come alive with the spirit of the season. 6.30pm Enjoy a Scary DJ. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Malahide Castle: Explore the grounds of the magnificent Malahide Castle, surrounded by the magic of Halloween. 7pm Enjoy a Scary DJ. 7.30pm Fireworks.

Millennium Park, Blanchardstown: Get ready for an explosion of Halloween fun in Blanchardstown’s Millennium Park. 7pm Enjoy a Scary DJ. 7.30pm Fireworks.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and fireworks. Bring your family, friends, and a sense of wonder as we light up the Halloween night in Fingal. It’s a celebration you won’t want to skip!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31st, and join us at one of our four fantastic locations. Festival of Fire promises to be the highlight of your Halloween season.

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.