On Saturday 14th September the Annual Peninsula Walk from the Parish Hall to the Brook Pub by the Cliff Walk stopping at Wayne’s Cafe at Tower Bay will take place (the long route walkers can add The Burrow loop).

The walk will depart at 13:00hrs -people can use public transport for to arrive at the start of walk and to return back later. This annual walk coincides with the Bleeding Pig Trad & Pizza at the Brook Pub in the late afternoon. Carolyn will lead this walk.

Then the Greystones to Bray walk is on Saturday October 19th this is a challenging new route of 10km. Breda & Carolyn will both lead this walk.

Lastly, a Greenway or Canal flat easy Walk will hopefully take place on Saturday 9th November - all subject to the weather. Breda will lead this walk.

Further info Carolyn on 087-9284307 or Breda on 086-8693243.

The countdown is on to the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival 2024 and in just a couple of short weeks, the peninsula will be a hive of cultural activity for audiences of all cultural tastes and all ages.

From Thursday 12th until Sunday 22nd September, there will be a full timetable of cultural events in lots of venues around Donabate and Portrane.

On Thursday 12th the festivities kick-off with a launch in the Brook Pub in Portrane, featuring renowned Uileann Piper Eamonn Galldubh agus a chairde, with a little help from members of Ceomhaltas Leithinis. The launch promises an evening full of Craic agus Ceol. We are very grateful to Mick & Bríd Moynihan at the Brook for generously hosting the event.

Then from Friday 13th, each day will see a selection of activities, with something of interest to everyone.
There will be Craft Workshops for adults and children, Art Exhibitions, Concerts for performers of all age groups, Guided Talks and Walks, Sing-Songs, Gala Concerts, open-air Céilí dancing, Short Films, Historic Tours, Planetary Exploration Dome, Tango & Fiesta extravaganza, Scavenger Hunt, and lots more besides.
All the usual festival favourites feature this year, along with some new and exciting events.

Most of the events of the Bleeding Pig festival are free of charge. However, some events do require booking in advance to secure a place. Full details are available on the Bleeding Pig website, in the festival brochure and on Facebook and Instagram.

Registration for our classes – all 21 of them! – is happening on Wednesday and Thursday 4th and 5th September between 11.00 – 14.00. If you are interested in joining Active Age for All as a new member, come along on one of these days, we would love to see you. You must be over 55. Many of our existing members will be signing up for the Autumn classes on those days too. AAfA is a great opportunity to meet new people or just even get to know your neighbours! We look forward to seeing you all then.
The “Raising the Voice of Fingal Women Pioneers Exhibition,” happened on Thursday 11th July at Kettle’s Country House Hotel.

Active Age members, Carolyn, Margaret, Valerie, Mary and Jennifer took part in an initiative to introduce the local talent and skills available to make positive changes in the community. Some attended the Fingal Pioneer Community Conversation workshops and others the finished exhibition. The exhibition was part of a creative community leadership programme led by Fingal County Council’s Community Development Office. The programme highlighted the contributions of women to their communities through local groups, clubs, and services, while also supporting and enhancing their leadership skills.

The programme brought together 13 diverse and dynamic women, providing them with a platform to improve their skills, understand local government, and strengthen community connections. Through leadership training and creative engagement methodologies, these women explored how to influence local government and hosted a series of community conversations across the county.

The information, stories, and concerns gathered during these conversations were presented at the exhibition through an immersive art installation. This event offered an opportunity for these women to meet and inform newly elected public representatives about important issues affecting women in Fingal and to present their collective vision for positive change in their communities.

Thanks to all for representing AAfA Donabate/Portrane at this.

Just a reminder that the launch of the 2nd Boules Court will take place at 1pm on Monday 9th September in the mainly ADULT RECREATION HUB in Newbridge Park - full details in the last edition. There will be give it a go & coaching on both courts of basic rules, skills and best practice! Wear runners please on the day. Give a call if you want further information or are interested in coming along - all welcome!

By Nick Codd

Nestled in the heart of our beloved coastal town lies a little gem —the hidden path to a secluded beach where my family and I have spent countless serene afternoons. This path, a treasure trove of natural beauty and tranquillity, has become our cherished retreat, offering a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As we step onto the path, my two sons, eager with anticipation, dart ahead, their laughter mingling with the sounds of nature. The trail winds through a vast field of long grass, swaying gently in the breeze. The golden strands of grass, tall and wild, create a sense of adventure and freedom, evoking images of simpler times.

The field, with its rich tapestry of greens and golds, offers a perfect playground for my boys, aged two and six. They delight in exploring every nook and cranny, collecting wildflowers and spotting insect trails. Each step forward is a new discovery, a chance to learn and connect with the natural world around them. For my wife and me, this journey is a welcome respite, a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

After a leisurely walk, the grass begins to thin, and the distant sound of waves grows louder. The path slopes gently downward, revealing glimpses of the azure sea through the tall grass. As we approach the final bend, the trail opens up to a breathtaking view—the hidden beach, stretching out before us in all its untouched glory.

This secluded stretch of coastline, known well by locals, is a slice of paradise. The soft, golden sand is pristine, free from the footprints of crowds. The gentle waves lap at the shore, inviting us to dip our toes into the cool, refreshing water. The beach is framed by rugged rocks, their weathered faces standing as silent guardians over this tranquil haven.

We quickly set up our little camp, unfurling a blanket and unpacking a picnic basket brimming with treats. My sons waste no time in racing to the water’s edge, their joyous shouts echoing across the beach. They build sandcastles, splash in the shallow waves, and chase after tiny crabs that scuttle across the sand. Rock pools nearby provide endless fascination, teeming with small sea creatures and hidden treasures. My wife and I, sitting back and watching them, feel an overwhelming sense of contentment.

The secret path to this small, peaceful beach has become more than just a route to a beautiful destination. It is a journey that brings our family closer, a shared adventure that we cherish deeply. Each visit leaves us with memories that we hold dear, moments of joy and connection that we carry with us long after we leave.

As we pack up and prepare to head back, the path home feels like a gentle transition from our private paradise back to the real world. The trail, now bathed in the soft light of dusk, seems to whisper its secrets, promising to be here whenever we need a break from the ordinary.

You are invited to the AGM of Balbriggan Meals on Wheels which will be held on Thursday 19th September at 7.30pm in 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan K32 P793. The meeting is open to all members of the local community. Please come along and learn more about this important community service.

The Balbriggan Beach Festival organised by the Fingal County Council Sports Office took place on Sunday, 18 August and brought the community together for a vibrant day of beach sports, live performances, and family-friendly entertainment. Numerous local clubs showcased their activities and provided free taster sessions for festivalgoers. Among the stand-out presentations was a demonstration by the Takemusu Aikido Society, which captivated the public and photographers with an impressive and loud aikido performance.

Led by its head instructor Raman Bekarevich, the Takemusu Aikido Society delivered a series of dynamic martial arts demonstrations, featuring weapons practice and self-defense techniques. During breaks, the audience had the opportunity to interact with the instructors, ask questions, and even try out some basic aikido moves.

The festival attracted around 4,500 attendees, many of whom stopped to watch the Aikido demonstration. Local councillors also made their way to the club’s information booth, where junior members were actively distributing flyers and special discount offers to encourage new participants to join the club.

“Aikido is more than just self-defence – it’s a way to develop a strong body and big heart. It’s a lifelong journey towards building character and harmonizing the mind and body,” said Raman. “Our club warmly welcomes anyone interested in learning traditional Japanese martial arts, and we’re open to beginners.”
Takemusu Aikido Society, which has a long-standing presence in Balbriggan, offers regular classes for practitioners of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, the club provides a supportive environment to explore the depth and discipline of Aikido. For more information, visit their website www.aiki.ie or contact them by email at info@aiki.ie.

Guide Dog owner and volunteer Jade McCormack attended the unique Zero Limits event in Co Kildare which took place on the 23rd and 24th July. It gave people who are blind/vision impaired the chance to drive.

Jade recounts her experience saying, “This is the fourth year and second year I have taken part. Zero Limits is an experience like no other for those who are blind/vision impaired, it gives them the opportunity to drive and get a front seat experience being driven around the track in a rally car by some of the country’s top drivers. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that this year I hold close to my heart. Last year I lost my father suddenly and unexpectedly and it is from him that I know I get my love of fast cars and adventure from. Taking part in this year’s event was such a lovely way for me to remember dad and to do something I know he would have loved to be part of.”

“The day is divided into two parts,” Jade continued. “The first being the morning where those who are blind/vision impaired take the wheel and drive around the track with the help of an experienced driver. I had such a positive experience with the lovely navigator, Joe. I’m sure for Joe it was equally an experience as he was having to instruct someone who can’t see and hoping they will listen to what he is asking. For me this was such a thrill being able to get behind the wheel and do something most people take for granted. If I had to describe the feeling of driving a car while not being fully able to see it would be that of surreal. The freedom and joy I felt while driving was like nothing I have ever experienced before. After driving I had some lunch and was able to chat lots of people and soak up the atmosphere which was amazing. The event this year was launched by Dancing With the Stars Winner Jason Smith and his dance partner Karen Byrne who were extremely generous with their time and spoke to as many people as they could.”

Jade continued, “After lunch and chats the afternoon really revved up as around a dozen rally cars took to the track to bring some poor unexpecting passengers for a quick spin. When it was my turn to go down to the pit, the excitement I felt was palpable and my heart started to race as adrenaline started to flow as fast as the cars driving around the track. I donned the helmet and climbed into the car with the butterflies increasing in the pit of my stomach. I had a brief chat with the fantastic driver Cathal and assured him that I was neither nervous nor novice and had been in plenty of fast cars before. Off we took and I sat back and enjoyed the thrill of the engine revving and the turns being taken. As soon as it started, we were back at the pits and after a brief chat with some more people it was back on the bus and back home.”
You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Grammy-nominated Irish singer Éabha McMahon returns from 5th to 7th September with the Celtic World Forum including three themed evening concerts, featuring the very best of Celtic talent, in the brand-new Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan.

The annual event is dedicated to celebrating the rich traditions of Celtic music. Taking place at the Irish Institute of Music & Song in Balbriggan, the highly anticipated event promises an engaging mix of insightful sessions, inspirational performances, and interactive workshops for Celtic music enthusiasts and artists alike.

The three-day festival, spearheaded by Éabha and her creative management team, will feature a diverse program that includes talks, panels, workshops, song circles, and concerts. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Irish Traditional, Folk, and Celtic music, guided by some of the most esteemed artists and experts in the field. Additionally, the Celtic World Forum will serve as a platform to introduce new undiscovered talent to a worldwide audience.

Éabha began her training as a Sean Nós singer at a young age and has since recorded several albums and television specials. She has also toured extensively as a principal vocalist with Anúna and Celtic Woman, performing all over the world. In 2021, she released her debut album, ‘Wildflower’, to critical acclaim.
Speaking about th event, Éabha McMahon said, “Bringing the Celtic World Forum to life has been a dream come true. It’s incredible to witness the passion and talent that Celtic music inspires. This forum is not just about preserving our rich Irish heritage but also about fostering new talent and connecting artists and enthusiasts from around the globe. We look forward to the many performances this September.”
The three differently themed, evening concerts will feature performances by acclaimed artists including Éabha McMahon, Tara Howley, Mairead Nesbitt, Fergus Cahillane, Caitriona Sherlock, Megan Walsh, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Eimear Quinn, James Greenan, Madelyn Monaghan, Donal Kearney, Susan McFadden, Glenn Murphy, with other very special guest appearances to be announced. An interesting array of talks will be held during the day from speakers including Sean McElwain, Moya Brennan, Barry Devlin & Jim Lockhart from Horslips and many more.

For more information and tickets, visit www.celticworldforum.com.

The annual Fingal Poetry Festival returns to Skerries on 13-15th September with the local festival connecting people with poetry, music and each other — creating shared moments that inspire people to find their voice.

In celebration of the event’s fifth anniversary, this year’s programme is full of exciting events for all ages.
On Friday 13th September, join land artist Mayumi Nakabayshi in making a giant mandala with natural materials on Red Island. Later that evening, come along to the Little Theatre for the Grand Slam Final to crown the Skerries Slam Champion — who will perform in the Word Tent at Electric Picnic 2025! Featuring host Sheila Ryder, the finalists of our four regional Poetry Slams in Fingal Libraries, and multi-championship winning guest poet Samuel Yakura. Music by Amano.

Saturday 14 September - The Big Poetry Day Out kicks off bright and early with a morning Poetry Walk at the Harbour. Led by poet Enda Coyle-Greene with readings by poets Lani O’Hanlon and Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin, Sean Nós dancer Nada Ní Chuirrín, and music by Brenda Castles. From 2-4pm, Floraville Park will transform for the Family Poetry Fest! Fun for all the family with children’s author Lucinda Jacob, young local poets and musicians. There will be creative art, games, and an open mic for children and young adults.

At 15:30, join Prosper Fingal for poetry, song and a cuppa, as we celebrate with the winners of the Fingal Poetry Prize and An Fiach Dubh — our international poetry competitions.

Hailed by the BBC as Ireland’s King of the Blues; Nigel Mooney’s much acclaimed organ trio features Scott Flanigan (organ) and Dominic Mullan (drums). For this concert they will be joined by their old friend, Ireland’s greatest jazz chanteuse Honor Heffernan.

To round out the festival, poet Damien B. Donnelly will guide us through an Ardgillan Poetry Walk in the high woods on Sunday 15th September. Finishing in Ardgillan Castle Library with a reading by poet Brian Kirk. Music by Mick Morris. All participants are invited to bring a poem written by themselves or a poem they like, for sharing.

Funding for the 2024 festival comes from Fingal County Council, the Arts Council, Fingal Local Community Development Committee, Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, DHL Global Forwarding, and Roadstone is gratefully acknowledged. With support from Fingal Libraries and Poetry Ireland.
Visit the festival website for full details: www.fingalpoetryfestival.com