Flemington Community Centre was alive with energy on 11 April 2026, as dozens of sports clubs, cultural groups, community organisations, local enterprises, education providers, emergency services, and agency partners came together for BELIEVE Balbriggan, a major community expo celebrating the very best of the town’s talent, services, opportunities, and innovation - while strengthening connections, civic pride, and participation across the community.
Exhibitors presented inspiring examples of innovation, best practices, and community involvement, offering visitors a first hand look at the strengths and creativity within Balbriggan. A wide range of
interactive workshops added to the atmosphere, giving attendees the chance to engage, learn and experience all that is positive and dynamic about the town.
The event also promoted the ongoing Digital Detox initiative, encouraging attendees to intentionally reduce or switch off their electronic devices for one hour. By stepping away from phones, tablets, computers, and social media, participants were able to focus on well-being, reduce stress, and create more meaningful, real-world connections – benefits that can be measured and felt within the
community.
Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Gráinne Maguire, praised the event, saying: “There’s so many wonderful people and groups at work in Balbriggan and an expo like this is an excellent way for all to get out there and see them. We have some major talent in our local communities and I’m proud to point their way as they exhibit here today. Our many enterprises and community organisations are what bring real life to this town and I’m happy to see so much innovation and talent here in the one place.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, also reflected on the significance of the expo: “I’d like to congratulate community organisers for giving something for everyone here in Balbriggan. I’m pleased to see so many of different ages participating today. The Digital Detox is another fantastic initiative providing hands-on help for our very many community organisations. Encouraging people to step away from their devices and create meaningful, real-world connections is something I’m always happy to encourage.”
BELIEVE Balbriggan continues to grow as a long-term community movement, designed to strengthen neighbourhoods, support local partnerships, and ensure every resident has the chance to help shape Balbriggan’s future. Events like this year’s expo are an important step in building a more connected, engaged, and proud community.
For more information on the expo and to learn more about the Digital Detox initiative, visit: https://believebalbriggan.ie/
The north County Dublin town of Balbriggan is to take part in one of the world’s most prestigious sports events – the NFL Draft, this Saturday.
The Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) in the town will play host to a player draft for Wisconsin team the Green Bay Packers, ensuring Balbriggan is seen around the world.
The NFL Draft is a three-day event held every April where all 32 US National Football League teams select new players from the college football ranks.
The Packers want to bring a distinctly Irish theme to one of American football’s biggest stages, highlighting the passion of their fans in Ireland and celebrating the country’s rich musical heritage.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Gavin James will take part in the festivities, alongside young musicians from the Institute, playing the harp.
The Irish Institute of Music and Song is a non-profit organisation and premier music campus, featuring the 400-seat Lark Concert Hall and a dynamic academy dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Irish performers.
James, a patron of the Institute, is one of Ireland’s most recognised musical talents, with more than two billion Spotify streams. He has toured globally with artists including Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.
The Dublin-based Draft moment is part of the Packers’ broader commitment to growing the game internationally through the NFL’s Global Markets Programme.
The Packers’ Irish connections will also be represented on-site at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where its nominee for International Fan of the Year, Stephen O’Brien, will announce an additional day three pick.
A native of Arklow, County Wicklow, O’Brien founded the UK and Ireland Packers fan club and has become a leading voice in the team’s international fan community.
In recognition of his impact, the Packers commissioned a large-scale mural in O’Brien’s home town.
The Packers are the league’s most successful franchise, with 13 championships, including four Super Bowls.
The NFL Draft is televised live across ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network in the US and Sky Sports and DAZN internationally.
The 2025 event was the second most-watched draft in history, averaging 7.5 million viewers across the three-day event.
Balbriggan is currently the site of a €60million economic, infrastructural and social plan, ‘Our Balbriggan’ led by Fingal County Council, launched - following a community engagement in which 25% of the town’s population took part - seven years ago.
According to Michael T Dawson, CEO of the Irish Institute of Music Song educational campus, hosting the event is an ‘incredible’ boost for Balbriggan.
“This is a wonderful honour for the Irish Institute of Music Song, The Lark Concert Hall and the town of Balbriggan,” he said.
“The IIMS Harp Ensemble, a group for young harpers aged 9-18, directed by Dr Helen Lawlor and Aoibheann Galvin, which often collaborates with international artists, proved the key factor in capturing the NFL Draft. Its appeal was instrumental in attracting the NFL Draft to Balbriggan,” he added.
The Balrothery Active Travel Plan was officially launched today by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, and David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport at Fingal County Council.
Shaped through local engagement with community businesses, visitors and elected members, the Plan addresses long standing concerns within the village, particularly around road safety, connectivity and accessibility. Issues highlighted include constrained and interrupted footpaths, accessibility at St. Oliver Plunkett’s National School, limited crossing facilities, visibility challenges at key junctions and restricted access to local businesses and Glebe Park from the R132. The Plan sets out a co-ordinated approach to resolving these challenges and strengthening how people move around Balrothery.
To respond to these challenges, the Plan proposes a series of targeted interventions that prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling, including the reallocation of road space to better support active travel, upgraded public spaces, improved bicycle parking and enhanced links to public transport.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said: By focusing on safer streets, better connections and improved public spaces, this plan will make walking and cycling a more practical option for the Balrothery community. These changes will help people choose healthy, pleasant and sustainable travel options and move around the village more easily and with greater confidence.’’
David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport at Fingal County Council, said: “This Plan reflects Fingal County Council’s commitment to delivering inclusive, well designed active travel infrastructure that is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The proposals for Balrothery aim to reduce traffic dominance, improve safety and support more sustainable travel choices.”
The project team is now designing a trial of the first project to come from the Plan. The trial will be implemented in Balrothery later this year, and the public will again be invited to make submissions and suggestions on the trial via the Fingal Consultation Portal. Once implemented, these improvements will make everyday journeys in Balrothery safer and more convenient for everyone.
For more information and to read the final Plan, visit:
https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/balrothery
Following on from the sold out screening of Blue Road to celebrate International Women’s Day in March, we hope to see many of you at our April screening.
Our aim is to show interesting and entertaining films from around the world, and for April we will be screening Nine Queens, a classic Argentinian file from 2000 that was remastered and rereleased in 2025.
In this “deliciously cynical tale of swindling and double-cross”, we see the main character Marcos, an experienced con artist, witnessing Juan, a wannabe con artist failing to pull off a minor scam. Marcos rescues Juan by pretending to be a policeman and offers to make him a partner in a few other deals - including one involving the sale of a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps.
From this simple set up, the deal involving the stamps becomes more complex and as extra people become involved, true motivations and plans within plans are slowly revealed.
Nine Queens will be shown at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland church in The Square, Donabate (K36 Y521) on Thursday April 16th at 8pm.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday 9th April at 9am and cost €10 (€8 for students/OAPs)
For more information and to buy tickets, please visit lambaycinemaclub.com
Bring your own cup for free tea and coffee – we even supply the biscuits!
If you want to get in touch, email us at info@lambaycinemaclub.com
Recently, the Parish Hall & its equipment were used for part of the wonderful St Patrick’s Festival in Donabate. Congratulations to the hardworking committee on a great event. The photos tell the story from the Parish Hall.
Earlier in February the Crossroads Group held their AGM; their aim being to further more cultural, arts & youth activities and extend the amount of facilities in the community.
Training took place by over 20 people for the set up & take down of the Parish Hall’s New Riser Stage, thanks to all those volunteers. There were at least 2 people from many groups who came to train so that their group could sign out the stage for events.
Our community is growing and we are here if you need us in the Parish Office from 9:30am - 12:30 Monday - Friday. Please phone 01 8434574.
The commencement of works to construct the €10 million Ballymastone Recreational Hub, Donabate has been officially marked with a contract signing. Designed to meet the needs of the growing and diverse population, the project will provide high-quality recreational amenities, promote sports and physical activity, and serve as a lasting community asset for generations to come.
Phase two of the works at Ballymastone will consist of the construction of state-of-the-art sports pitches, dedicated athletics infrastructure and play/skatepark facilities. The Recreational Hub will form a major part of the community and follows on from the continued delivery of 1,200 homes at Balmoston on a 32-hectare site by Fingal County Council with Glenveagh as developers.
Present at the contract signing were Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, as well as representatives from the appointed contractors, Kilwex Civil, St Patrick’s GAA Club, St.Ita’s AFC, Lambay Sports & Athletics, local councillors, and members of Fingal County Council’s Parks and Landscapes Department.
Speaking following the contract signing, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary said: “I’m delighted to see works progressing on this €10 million recreational hub for Donabate. The Hub will provide families, young people, and residents of all ages with a space to gather, play, and thrive. I want to acknowledge the hard work and collaboration that has brought us to this point, and I look forward to seeing this new community asset take shape and serve our residents for many years to come.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “At Fingal County Council we recognise the importance of not just delivering housing but creating communities. The Ballymastone Recreational Hub will be a fantastic and essential community facility for the Donabate area and will greatly contribute to the lives of the new residents in the area. I want to thank our Parks and Landscapes Team, local councillors, and members of the local clubs and wider Donabate community for their contribution to the delivery of this project”.
Also included in the plans for the hub is a new entrance from the Donabate Distributor Road, a car park, bleacher stands, as well as electric vehicle charging spaces and bicycle parking.
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