St. Catherine’s National School is clearly strong with the Force this Star Wars Day as they are preparing for a gathering of both Jedi and Sith for a fun filled day of Star Wars themed activities. Following the extensive use of locations throughout Ireland in the latest Star Wars trilogy, which culminated in 2019’s Rise of Skywalker, and the success of the critically acclaimed series Andor, interest in the Star Wars franchise in Ireland has never been greater. May the Fourth is internationally recognised as Star Wars Day with events taking place in Dublin, throughout Ireland and across the world. St Catherine’s National School think that their event might just possibly be the first Star Wars Day event in the galaxy to be hosted in the Fingal area. St. Catherine’s Parent’s Association Chairperson Matthew Semple said, “St. Catherine’s are inviting children up to 6th class, so primary or national school age, to our Star Wars themed party at 5pm on May Fourth. They can expect party games, a Jedi Master Class and an intergalactic disco featuring a Jedi versus Sith Dance-Off. It’s time to bring a galaxy far far away to Rush so Star Wars outfits are strongly encouraged.” Tickets are now on sale for the event which is just €4 per child. Details of how to buy tickets will be shared on the Parent’s Association Facebook Group and other local Facebook Groups. See you there, we will.
Lusk: Foroige’s young people have recently shown their community spirit, kindness and generosity by completely making over the garden section of the community centre in Lusk. Foroige currently uses the ground in Lusk for our group and cafe sessions for the young people in the local area. The group felt it was important to give back to their community and show their appreciation to the community centre for their continued support in relation to allowing us continued use of the space. We also felt it was important for the community to recognise that the young people are getting involved in pro-social activities that teach them a new skill and allow for them to express themselves in a positive light.
Rush:As well as current groups we have in Rush, Foroige are happy to invite young people to our Rush cafe every Wednesday 7-9pm in Rush community centre for young people aged 14+ .
Due to popular demand, St Catherine’s National School Parents’Association is hosting a multi-cultural day at the school on Friday 23rd May 2024. The last Multi-Cultural day which took place in 2018 was a massive success, was extremely well attended and received attention in the national press. The event celebrates the celebrates the diverse and varied community here in Rush with an opportunity to sample the music, cuisine and national dress of countries from all over the world. This year’s event is supported by Fingal County Council who have kindly agreed to sponsor the Multicultural Day. St. Catherine’s National School Parent’s Association Chairperson Matthew Semple said, “We are delighted to be revivingone of the most successful events that we have ever hosted at St. Catherine’s National School with our upcoming Multi- Cultural Day. Diversity is truly one of the great strengths of our community in Rush and St Catherine’s is proud to be a school with pupils from across the globe. With such diversity in our school we think it is only right that we both embrace it and celebrate it. St Catherine’s would like to extend an invitation to the whole community of Rush to come to our school on Friday 23rd May 2024 where you will find Céad Míle Fáilte!.” More details will be shared on the Parent’s Association Facebook Group and other local Facebook Groups closer to the event. If would like to have your own stall at the event, please feel free to contact St. Catherine’s National School Parent’s Association for more information – email chairpersonPA@stcatherinesns.ie
In a heartwarming gesture, Tesco Rush recently visited, bringing not just a generous cheque of €634 from the Blue Token Scheme but also a delightful array of books for the members to enjoy. Gratitude overflowed as the community came together, each token representing a contribution of support. The cheerful generosity extended further as friends from Alone, represented by Gillian and the team, left behind Easter Eggs for the members—a gesture that added a touch of sweetness to the season and warmed many hearts. Amidst the festive spirit, the community Centre hosted a thriving St. Patrick’s Day celebration, replete with tea, sandwiches, and cakes. The event made possible by the dedicated efforts of Brian, Debbie, and their team, showcased not just merriment but also unexpected surprises, such as Brian’s hidden talent as a guitar virtuoso. Laughter and joy filled the air, creating cherished moments of connection and camaraderie. Looking ahead, the community eagerly anticipates upcoming excursions that promise adventure and exploration. Destinations like Dail Eireann, The Botanic Gardens, ALSAA, Newbridge House, and Ardgillan Castle have already been included in the itinerary, with funding assistance from Fingal ensuring the realization of these enriching experiences. The anticipation is palpable as more destinations might be added based on popular demand. The recent addition of valuable information sessions, featuring Citizens Advice, and upcoming sessions with the Garda and Coastguard, continue to enrich the members experiences, providing them with essential knowledge and resources. Encapsulating the spirit of togetherness and support, Monday meetings remain a highlight, offering not just laughter and friendship but also a warm cup of tea to all who attend. For those interested in joining or learning more about the activities, the Community Centre warmly welcomes visitors every Monday between 12 and 3 (excluding Bank Holidays). Contact details are available for further inquiries, ensuring that anyone interested can easily connect and become a part of this vibrant and caring community. Phone/WhatsApp: 0892711406 Email: rushseniorcitizens@gmail.com
The Balbriggan\North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind guidedogs.ie was founded 35 years ago in 1989 approximately 2 years after Tom O’Neill from Balbriggan got his first guide dog Frank. People saw the huge difference the guide dog made in Tom’s personal life and his mobility and began the fundraising and awareness branch of the organization.
Right now, the branch is seeking additional volunteers especially in Rush and Lusk to expand their work there. Guide Dog Day is Friday 24th of May and that day the branch needs every volunteer they can find so please contact the branch by Facebook, telephone, or email with an offer of help or to chat about what way you might be able to get involved in. If you are considering the ladies mini-marathon, Sunday 2nd of June, think of us and give us a shout. A guide dog gives a blind person independence and freedom, and an assistant dog gives a child with Autism confidence and independence in their daily lives.
To contact the Balbriggan\North Co Dublin branch of guide dogs please phone/text 085 7663107, or Email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com
Follow us on social media: On Facebook: facebook.com/Balbriggan.Branch.of.Guide.Dogs
On Instagram @Balbrigganbranchguide
On X @BranchGuide or indeed
To watch Tom and his guide dog Gatsby working: youtube.com/watch?v=t9uhWNBiC08
Malahide and Portmarnock Community First Responders are Volunteers providing emergency cardiac care in Malahide & Portmarnock via National Ambulance Service.
Well done to Malahide Lions Club, who hosted a CPR/AED training session recently in Grand Hotel Malahide. 47 people attended the session, and learnt a very valuable skill. The Malahide and Portmarnock Community First Responders were delighted to be a part of it!
Automated external defibrillators or ‘AED’s’ analyse the abnormal heart rhythm of patients in cardiac arrest and deliver a precisely calculated shock in order to attempt a restart of normal heart rhythm. Getting these machines, as well as high-quality CPR to patients in cardiac arrest are vital links in the chain of survival and core part of what cardiac first responders do. So, If you are a business person in the area who would like to sponsor one of these lifesaving machines then contact Malahide and Portmarnock Community First Responders, they could use it to save your life or the life of those you love!
By Brian Madden
In 1979 Junior Chamber (Esmond Reilly, Finbar Holland and others), the Chamber of Commerce (Rory McDevitt) and Malahide Community Council (Nora Owen and John Cleary) saw the need for a local newspaper to cover all aspects of life in Malahide. It would create community awareness and report on the activities of the many clubs, associations and societies in the area. In jointly launching Malahide News they could hardly have realised that it would last for twelve years, produce 88 issues, and become an important record of the social and historical story of Malahide. In 1981 the Community Council assumed overall responsibility for the publication and set up a sub-committee of highly committed and talented volunteers, including John and Phil Barry, Jim Duignan, Michael Howard, Tom Potts, Senan Keating, Tim Hickey and others. Advertising by local firms was critically important to the paper, as it was free to the public. Deliveries to about 3,000 households were made each month in addition to supplies to local shops. Working to a tight schedule, all the latest news, sporting events, school activities, tidy towns, planning issues, festivals and more were given coverage. Professional photographs by John Barry enlivened most of the stories. Christmas 1990 saw the final issue of Malahide News. Source: Malahide Lions Club
The Parents Association of Malahide Community School are holding their annual Plant Sale on the first weekend in May. The times of the floral event are as follows : Friday 10th - 3pm to 6pm - Saturday 11th - 10am to 5.30pm & Sunday 12th - 11am to 3pm.
It will take place in the school canteen and there will be lots of colourful flowers, window boxes, hanging baskets and more for sale. Everyone is welcome so please come along and support this fundraising event. All profits will be spent by the PA to improve the school facilities and support the students in various ways. We hope to see you there.
Ireland’s national weekend of street parties and community celebrations takes place 25th and 26th May 2024 especially in Malahide. Annually there are more Street Feast participants than Electric Picnic attendees! From city slickers to countryside dwellers, everyone’s invited to the feast. Whether you’ve got a front yard, a street corner, or just a spot to gather, Street Feast knows no bounds. President Michael D. Higgins said: “We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness - all values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection and solidarity. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity.” Street Feast will be held over two days instead of one for the first time meaning a full weekend of celebrations. Over 1,250 communities across Ireland will share food and enjoy some conversation and camaraderie this summer – any excuse to connect with people in your neighbourhood. So let’s get planning. Organisers say that no matter what kind of place you live in, everyone is invited to participate and host gatherings. It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or house, all you need is a space to bring people together. Street Feast has had parties organised in front gardens, on streets and greens, in car parks, laneways, local parks and community centres.
Founder of Street Feast and Neighbourhood Network CEO, Sam Bishop, said: “For 14 years, Street Feast has been all about bringing folks together over food, fun, and fellowship. And the stats speak for themselves: 97% feel the neighbourly love post-feast, and a whopping 98% say their sense of belonging gets a boost. That’s the magic of community “ Sam added: “97% feel their neighbourhood is friendlier since hosting Street Feast and 98% say their sense of belonging has increased since Street Feast. That’s what it’s all about. Running it over two days instead of one will give people more opportunity to celebrate together.”
Register at StreetFeast.ie today and don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to bring your community together and celebrate. Once registered you’ll receive a FREE Street Feast party pack, complete with bunting, posters, invites and a brilliant DIY guide.
Malahide Musical & Dramatic Society proudly presents Neil Simon’s Award Winning Comedy ‘California Suite’. Written in 1976, the play is a four-part humorous confection showcasing four couples, from New York, Philadelphia, London and Chicago, who travel to Los Angeles at different times during the same year and share the Beverly Hills’ hotel suite, with separate but hilarious antics occurring for each of them. All of our couples bring their own baggage, a mix of problems, anxieties and comical marital dilemmas. Directed by Lynda O’Neill following the success of her production of ‘Little Women’ last September, ‘California Suite’ takes place in Malahide Community School from May 8th-11th - tickets available now!
