The 40 newly elected members of Fingal County Council have met for the first time today as the council’s Annual Meeting was held at the County Hall in Swords.

There were 12 new faces in the council chamber, with the Annual Meeting coming exactly two weeks after the local elections took place. They will join the 28 returning Councillors as the public representatives of the people of Fingal over the next five years.

The AGM saw the election of Cllr Brian McDonagh (Labour, Howth-Malahide) as the new Mayor of Fingal, with Cllr JK Onwumereh (Fianna Fáil, Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart) being elected as Deputy Mayor.
A happy resident of Portmarnock, Cllr McDonagh was first elected to the council in 2014. With a professional background in IT & politics, he is fluent in Irish. The new Mayor of Fingal said his priorities would include the issues of housing, community services, active travel and the delivery of community infrastructure.

Mayor McDonagh said it was an honour to be elected as the first Mayor of this Council’s five-year term.
“I am extremely proud to represent a County as culturally diverse as the one we have, particularly as it continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the country in terms of population and the economy. As a group of Councillors, we all bring different life experiences and a healthy mix of professional backgrounds and skills to the table. I am looking forward to now getting to work to help ensure we are delivering the services that the people of Fingal deserve.

“I’d like to also say how delighted I am to have Cllr JK Onwumereh as Deputy Mayor as he represents the best of a new Ireland.”

At the meeting, the incoming Councillors thanked previous Councillors for their commitment to the community over the past five years.

Fine Gael and Labour with seven councillors each are the largest parties in the new Council and there are also seven councillors with no party affiliations. Fianna Fáil have six councillors, Sinn Féin have four and both Aontú and the Social Democrats have two each. Three parties, Independents4Change, the Green Party and the National Party have one councillor each.

Firstly I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came out and voted for me in the local elections, while my overall vote was down on 2014 and 2019, I am still truly humbled that over 900 people gave me your Number One vote. Serving my local community as an elected member on Fingal County Council for the past ten years has been the honour of my life.

As always I really appreciate all the messages of support over the last few weeks, and, even more, so the many, many kind messages since the result and losing of my seat on Fingal County Council. I know from the messages, so many of you appreciate the work that I have carried out in our area both before my time as a County Councillor and since my first election in 2014. Although I have not secured a seat this term, I know I have given my all, gained a huge amount of experience and I have really enjoyed the honour and privilege of being your Councillor for the last ten years. While making progress on so many matters can be frustratingly slow, I am proud of advancing so many projects and indeed look forward to seeing many of the projects I have been working on in more recent months and years as they continue to filter through. This year 2024 saw the 3 year Fingal County Council Capital programme of works adopted and contained within that plan are a number of multi-million Euro projects specifically for Donabate Portrane that I worked on very hard over the last 10 years to get into the plan.

When first elected in 2014 the local and central government investment into the Donabate Portrane peninsula was paltry, however I take real pride in more recent years that this investment has risen well into the millions and I earnestly hope this level of deserved investment into our local community will continue into the future.

For me, some of my own personal highlights over the 10 years include seeing the return of the Blue Flag and Green Coast award to Balcarrick beach, Donabate, the opening of the Donabate Distributor Road, the establishment of the Fingal Coastal Liaison Committee,the first of its kind in the country to address coastal erosion and the success of both the Flavours of Fingal and our own local Donabate Portrane Summer Festival are real highlights, that I fought and worked hard on and was glad to see make real and substantial progress over my 10 years.

Going forward, I also am well aware from the years of preparatory work of so many new and upcoming projects including the Broadmeadow Greenway connecting Donabate to Malahide,the upgrade of the Hearse Road, Donabate from the Lissenhall Interchange, ongoing major investment and improvements at Newbridge House and Park and the delivery of the world class Sporting and Recreational Campus at Ballymastone which I have worked so closely on with our 3 local anchor clubs, St. Pats GAA, St. Ita’s AFC and LSA Athletics club since 2014. A segregated Greenway connecting Portrane Village to Donabate village should also be delivered by the Council’s Active Travel team. A new Library including a major expansion at Ballisk House Donabate is also imminent which will also allow for significant additional space at our fantastic local Donabate Portrane Community Centre. While I absolutely would have preferred quicker progress on these projects, it is still reassuring to know these projects have certainty of delivery and will be delivered for Donabate in the upcoming years.

I am also proud to have worked on increasing permeability and accessibility throughout Donabate, with two new pedestrian entrances to Newbridge House and Farm, the improved footpath works at Turvey Avenue, the recently introduced increasing hours of opening at Ballisk Gate and the vastly new upgraded footpaths at Corballis with further improvements to come. Without doubt the project I worked hardest on in collaboration with both Scoil Phadraic Cailini, St. Patrick’s Boys National School, local residents and businesses is the long overdue proposed new footpaths and safety improvements on the approaches to both schools along the Portrane Road. Progress has been painfully slow but I have carefully monitored this and the coming months should finally see these works get underway. My thanks to both Schools especially Ms. Greene and Mr. Horan for their perseverance and patience in awaiting these much needed infrastructural improvements. My gratitude to local residents also for your cooperation and understanding.

As a public representative, I worked extremely hard to build relationships and alliances across the County, to represent and fight hard on so many issues on behalf of my local community and to build proper plan-led frameworks such as the Fingal County Development Plan, the Donabate Local Area Plan and the recently adopted following many years of work and consultation, Donabate Urban Framework Plan which are now in place to ensure the ongoing phased and sustainable development of Donabate. For me, it is essential that these Plans acknowledge the unique contribution the Peninsula makes to the wider Fingal area and that all future development on Donabate Portrane greatly adds to our beautiful peninsula while taking nothing away. I am very proud to now have these plans and frameworks in place to underpin future development across Donabate and Portrane.

I also want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my family, friends and team, my supporters, and the Fianna Fáil Party members who spared no effort, and left no stone unturned in my re-election bid, and ran a really positive campaign. While losing my seat is very disappointing on a personal level, I fully respect it as a strong supporter of democracy and local government. Donabate Portrane is an incredible place, full of incredible people and has an incredibly bright future.

Fingal County Council faces a challenging five years balancing the need for growth alongside the social, environmental and climate issues that exist. I wish our incoming elected members, Cllr. Boland, Cllr. Dockrell, Cllr. Johnston, Cllr. Mulville and Cllr. O Donoghue every success and goodwill during their term. I hope that they can work constructively together to ensure that Donabate Portrane remains an incredible place to live and secure the delivery of the new levels of physical and social infrastructure that will be needed in tandem with the new housing and developments that are on the way.

By Jon Kavanagh

These days it’s all too easy for our homes to become a twentieth century fortress; surrounded by a digital moat, rendering it necessary to make an appointment – preferably by text, when we wish to visit family or friends. The times when people walked in, using the password “Anyone at home?”, belong in the annuals of social history.

Yesteryear, the door was on the latch and the kettle on the hob. Scarcely a day would pass without someone dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat. Now, we drive SUV vehicles along the motorways at speeds that would scare Jeremy Clarkson, as we rush from one crisis to the next. Then, we leisurely travelled along the byroads of Fingal on high nelly bicycles, stopping off to socialise along the way. On seeing a familiar, if unexpected figure approaching, my mother would issue her call to arms, “Run to the shop and get a pound of cooked ham, a loaf and a fruit cake”.

Those delivering goods played an important role in more ways than one. The coalman, milkman, and postman/woman doubled jobbed as town criers; bringing news of births, deaths and marriages. And yes, the odd bit of gossip and scandal (guess who had one too many and lost his dentures on the way home from the pub on Sunday night) were exchanged. The coalman once took on the additional role of peace envoy, carrying messages of reconciliation between my mother and my aunt who were on non-speaking terms. Wielding the iconic case the local GP made house calls.

Lest I paint a picture of Utopia, visitors were not always awarded the fatted calf. I recall my father speaking a language I can’t repeat in a family magazine, on hearing the incoming footsteps of a local resident, who held a master’s degree in the art of making a nuisance of themselves. But by in large, those crossing our threshold were a welcome distraction to our day. Life has changed, we can’t, nor would necessarily we want to go back. But at a time when people can pass away, and not be discovered for months or even years, perhaps we all should be just a little more vigilant in our neighbourhoods.

It was a very proud day for Balbriggan, North Co. Dublin and the Arts in general as The Lark Concert Hall at The Irish Institute of Music & Song was voted as Ireland’s Favourite New Building in the RIAI People’s Choice Award.

“We could not have won this award without the support of everyone who voted for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” reads a statement from The Lark.

Regular training took place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays this month. All students are training really well with an eye on grading at either the JKS National Grading in Drumcondra or at the Club grading next month. The grading’s for new belts are important milestones for each student as they become more proficient at their Karate practice.

We linked in with our JKS Tallaght friends for a fundraising Bag pack for the JKS Ireland Squad members (some who are from JKS Swords), going to Japan in July for the World Karate Championships. We did really well and the funds will go directly to the Squad members to help them with the expenses of this trip.

This month (May), we are delighted to host Masao Kagawa Shihan, 9th Dan JKS, for a three-day seminar. Kagawa Shihan is the World Chief Instructor of JKS Karate and we are very fortunate that he visits Ireland once a year. Over the three days, Kagawa Shihan will instruct members of JKS Swords and other JKS clubs in many technical aspects of karate. He will also conduct Dan grading’s (Black Belt examinations) and Qualifications in areas such as Judging and Refereeing. A full report of the Seminar will follow in next month’s edition of our Club news.

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

St Colmcille’s GFC are delighted to welcome the mobile unit from Marie Keating Foundation to our club house on Wednesday 5th June.

This initiative is part of our Healthy Club and is open to all in the community .

The mobile unit will be at the clubhouse 10am-11.45am. Then, from 12pm-1pm there will be a Health held in the building with the nurse. There will be information and advice available on the topics Breast, Prostate and skin cancers.

The members of Swords Meals on Wheels were delighted when they learned that local singer and artist Roly Daniels has donated one of his painting to support a fundraising raffle for the local group.

Organised with the help of the Swords Bridge Club, the Meals on Wheels members were approached by Roly who offered to donate his signed painting ‘The Old Mill in Swords’ that will be raffled to raise much needed funds for the group.

“We received a wonderful donation of a framed painting of ‘The Old Mill in Swords’ painted by none other than Roly Daniels the famous Irish singer, not only a terrific signer but also an accomplished artist that has had an exhibition recently in Donegal,” explained Niall MacNeill of Swords Meals on Wheels.
“Roly lives locally and wanted to do something to support Swords Meals on Wheels. This unique artwork will be raffled in aid of Swords Meals on Wheel. There will be 100 tickets, each ticket will cost €10. Swords Bridge Club were instrumental in organising this and we are extremely grateful to Roly for his time and skill. And to all in Swords Bridge Club for their support,” Mr MacNeill added.

Written by Nicole Bermingham

Every Tuesday night, as the streets of Dublin quiet down, a lively scene unfolds within the walls of the Santry Soccer Dome. It’s a gathering like no other, where the love for soccer intertwines with the spirit of camaraderie. Since joining in October 2023, my time at Ball Busters Social Soccer has been nothing short of magical, a weekly highlight that I eagerly anticipate.

Nestled within the heart of our community, the astro pitch transforms into a sanctuary where women of all backgrounds and skill levels come together to celebrate their love for the beautiful game. From the moment I stepped onto the pitch for the first time, I was greeted with smiles and encouragement, instantly feeling a sense of belonging among my fellow players.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ball Busters Women’s Soccer is the camaraderie that permeates every match. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about supporting and uplifting one another, both on and off the field. Whether we’re sharing tips on technique or cheering each other on during a particularly challenging game, there’s a palpable sense of sisterhood that unites us all.

What truly sets Ball Busters apart is its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Regardless of our skill level or experience, each of us is valued and respected for the unique strengths we bring to the game. There’s no judgment or competition—just a shared passion for soccer and a determination to have fun while playing.

As the clock strikes 8 p.m. every Tuesday night, I feel a surge of excitement knowing that I’m about to embark on another unforgettable soccer journey. From the exhilarating rush of scoring a goal to the laughter that fills the air during post-match banter, each game is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the women who grace the field.

Beyond the physical benefits of playing soccer, Ball Busters Women’s Social Soccer provides a platform for personal growth and empowerment.

It’s a space where we can challenge ourselves, push our boundaries, and emerge stronger and more confident than ever before. Through the highs and lows of the game, we learn invaluable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and resilience—lessons that extend far beyond the soccer field and into our everyday lives.

In a world where women’s voices are often silenced or overlooked, Ball Busters Women’s Social Soccer stands as a beacon of empowerment and solidarity. It’s a reminder that when women come together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. And for that, I am eternally grateful to be a part of this incredible community.

By Matthew Semple

Growing up in a small village in rural north Somerset in the 1980s was definitely not a multi-cultural experience. There was a boy at school in the year below me whose father was from Pakistan and he was probably the only non-white child at the school. But when I was 11 years old my parents bought me a cassette of Paul Simon’s Graceland album for Christmas and that soon became my favourite tape. If you haven’t heard of it, look it up because it is worth a listen. There aren’t many albums that combine the unusual and exotic rhythms of South Africa with a middle-aged man singing cheerfully about going to parties in Manhattan, filing for divorce and negotiating a relationship with his young son.

No-one was expecting much of this album, especially as the singer’s previous two albums had flopped and he hadn’t had a hit for over ten years. But to everyone’s surprise it was a massive hit and sold 16 million copies – proving that success comes from unexpected places and that you can learn a lot from collaborating with people from other cultures.

And so it was that I was asked to compere the Multi-Culture Day at St Catherine’s National School on 24th May 2024 – or rather my wife said to me, “somebody ought to introduce the performers”. It is difficult to describe the atmosphere in the room when hundreds of people are sampling the images, artefacts and, importantly, the food from over a dozen countris representing their countries and cultures – but believe me, it was something very special and rare.

There were varied displays from, in no particular order, Poland, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, India, Croatia, Latvia, Nigeria, Great Britain, Congo-Kinshasa, the Central African Repulic, Brazil and Ireland.
The school hall at St Catherine’s was almost definitely the only place in Fingal that day where you could sample spring rolls and plum sauce from Thailand, Brazilian brigadeiros, Indian bites and Australian fairy bread. The queue at the Nigeria buffet was particularly large as was the range of dishes they had on offer.
For further international flavour, attendees could purchase a cupcake with a flag and simultaneously enter a raffle. The winner was the holder of the flag pulled out of the hat towards the end of the event. The lucky flag was Canada and the winner, Leslie-Ann, went home with the Hamper of International Treats.
The sampling of international cuisine was punctuated by music and dance from children at St Catherine’s School followed by performances from the wider community, including some former pupils. We started with a gentle dip of the toe in not-so-exotic waters with traditional songs from England, Scarborough Fair and further back in time, Greensleeves.

Local councillor Brian Doherty and his daughter, Tess, stepped up with songs by Irish bands including U2 and took us on a trip across to Galway with the Saw Doctor’s N17. And after the musical ice was broken, members of the community volunteered impromptu performances taking on us on a whirlwind world tour of songs from Brazil, Slovakia and renditions of ‘How Great Thou Art’ in both French and Sango, an indigenous language of the Central African Republic. Keeping up the pace between the impromptu performances, various current and former pupils of the school treated the quite considerable audience to a dollop of Americana with songs from The White Stripes, Nirvana, and Metallica.

Whilst we are unfortunately used to hearing from detractors of multi-culturalism, often on social media, Friday’s event proved there is much joy in meeting and sampling other cultures, particularly when the food and music is so good. The Multi-Cultural Day, here in Rush, was proof indeed that we are stronger together and just like that Paul Simon album that has a depiction of St George on the cover – the patron saint of both England and Ethiopia - we have much more in common than we, at first, would realise until we get to know each other.

Rush Senior Citizens have ‘A Grand Day Out’ planned for mid-July (awaiting confirmation from Tour company).

The itinerary includes leaving Rush at approximately 9.30am, traveling to Bettystown for scones and tea, then heading North to Carlingford Lough for a gentle cruise. Following this, the journey moves further north to the stunning Mourne Mountains, driving through some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery. The day continues with a stop in Newry for some free time. The return trip circles back to Bettystown for a 4-course evening meal before returning to Rush.

This event has now been opened up as a community event, welcoming all interested individuals. The cost is expected to be around €75, potentially decreasing based on the number of attendees. For those interested, please contact or message 089-2711406 promptly to provide numbers to the travel company