Balbriggan Meals on Wheels will be holding a Table Quiz on Thursday 9th May upstairs in the Milestone Inn. Get your teams together and save the date! More details will be posted on our Facebook page nearer the date or contact us by calling 01 8416743 or emailing mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail.com Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has been providing meals to the most vulnerable members of our community since 1975 and was awarded the Community Heros of the Year at the 2023 Balbriggan Town Awards.

Warm and heartfelt tributes have been paid to the work of Professor Brian MacCraith following his stepping down as Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group. Professor MacCraith has overseen the work of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme since its inception in 2018. As Chairperson of the Balbriggan Leadership Group, Professor MacCraith oversaw the inception and development of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme. Having worked tirelessly on the project for more than five years, Professor MacCraith announced his departure from the role to coincide with the current mid-project review stage. His replacement will be announced shortly, along with details around renewal of the project. The ambitious vision contained in the programme was the result of an historic community engagement which saw more than 25% of residents outline their preferences for the future of the town. The project is transforming Ireland’s youngest town and Professor MacCraith steered substantial progress across a range of objectives. “The €50million Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme has made and will continue to make huge progress on key infrastructure and social projects central to this massive initiative,” said Professor MacCraith. The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, thanked Professor McCraith for the leadership he has brought to the Balbriggan project. “He was the right man in the right place at the right time and has brought all his experience to bear in leading the Balbriggan Rejuvenation Project to the mid-project review point.” The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, paid tribute, saying it had been a pleasure to work alongside Professor MacCraith. “Brian’s work has had, and will continue to have, a very positive impact on Balbriggan. I warmly thank him for his endeavours,” she said. “There has been huge progress to date, and I look forward to further outcomes which will have an incredibly positive impact. “The Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme will benefit the people of the town, ensuring a great place to live, work visit and do business. ”The Our Balbriggan renewal, which is currently being finalised, will include the restructuring the various local pillar groups which input to and support the overall project

Cllr Tom OLeary said recently, “ I welcome the confirmation that Fingal Council has lodged a planning application to An Bord Pleanála to remediate and upgrade the pier at Skerries Harbour. Fishers and sailors use both Balbriggan and Skerries harbours.” (Fishers is the new term for Fishermen and Fisherwomen) It is hoped that a positive decision will emerge in 6 Months. Then, Foreshore licences/leases are also required from the Dept of Agriculture Food & Marine and these typically can take up to 2 years from the date of application. Construction work should commence in 2026 after a tender process is completed. Local Skerries Cllr Tom O’Leary said, ” It’s very important for the Fishers at Skerries Harbour that facilities are improved for them to enable them to operate efficiently in a very tough business. So, Fishers require a crane to haul the fish boxes from the boats, to be installed at the harbour, dedicated parking for Fishers, water and electricity services and new storage containers or sheds. We also need to cater for the very popular busy pleasure sailing groups and in particular look at installing a suitable pontoon for safe access to and from boats of all sizes,” said Cllr Tom O’Leary. The Plans are availabe to view at Skerries Library from 5th March to 16th April 2024 .Online at www.fingal.ie/news

The Senior Men’s team named ‘Dragunz’ have just completed their 1st year in the Dublin Men’s Basketball League in the 6th Division. Currently sitting at 3rd on the table with a possible drop out of the top 4 positions, which depends on remaining games from other teams. The season started at the end of September 2023 and ends at the start of May2024, Through this time the team succeeded to win half (9/9) of their scheduled games inthe league. Scheduled games are usually on Friday nights in Bremore ETNS, Balbriggan.The senior team is multi-national, with a core membership from within the Balbriggan community. Our club members who come from other areas include, Skerries, Rush, Lusk, Drogheda and Dunleer. Congratulations to the Senior Men’s Team of the Balbriggan Basketball ‘Dragunz’ for completing their 1st year as a topflight Basketball team. A huge round of applause and appreciation to the coaching staff, volunteers, parents and members who assisted, supported and participated in the sporting activities through the season. Balbriggan Basketball operates a Youth Academy that trains young people to participate in the sport of Basketball. The goals are; knowing how to play the sport, team building exercises, active participation in sports, and a fun place to make new friends. The inclusive club caters to anybody (Boys & Girls) interested in taking part in the sport and ages start from 6 to 15 years old for our junior members, and trainings are either on a Wednesday evening or Sunday morning. Proposed League Teams for 2024/2025 season -Senior Men (16years and above) Dragunz - Senior Women (16years and above) Phoenix Flames - U16 Boys team (from 12-15years) Falcons. We require more members, coaches, referees, volunteers, and community support to fulfil the aspirations of this admirable club. Testimonial Brandon Lengenhager - “I feel like we played well this year, there is room for improvement, just like everything in life. I cannot wait to get in the gym, and I know we will be better next year to get the top spot for sure.”

Councillor Brendan Ryan has been selected to contest the Local elections in June for the Labour Party in the Balbriggan Local Electoral Area. Members of the Balbriggan and Skerries branches, as well as family members and other supporters, gathered in Balbriggan, on the 22 nd February, to finalize the selection process. The meeting was chaired by the National Organiser, Aideen Blackwood, and Duncan Smith TD and Councillor Rob O’Donoghue were also in attendance. In his speech on the night Ryan stated that once he accepted the nomination for co-option to replace Cllr. Seana O’Rodaigh in May last year, it was always his intention to contest the Local Elections in 2024. He also stated that he has no regrets about his decision to get back into a more formal role on the political scene again. “I have really enjoyed being a Councillor since June of last year” he said. “Many people are surprised when I tell them that I had never previously been a Councillor, and that I had taken a different route into politics, starting in the Seanad and then being elected to the Dail on two occasions” he added. “My clinics in Balbriggan and Skerries, which I love doing so much, are up and running and going well every Saturday morning. The people in Balbriggan seem to like the idea of having somewhere to drop in without having to make an appointment, and I will continue to provide that service” he said. Ryan thanked the members and friends for turning out in such numbers and looked forward to the work ahead.

The Balbriggan/North County Dublin Perpetual Trophy was given out this year to a very special recipient! To give a little bit of background if you are not aware, the award began due to one couple Ned and Máire Maguire from Dolahesy just outside of Balbriggan. The couple were great for our branch on the Facebook of the 80’s/90’s as they informed people as to what a guide dog is and what a guide dog does, they took part in sponsored walks and went door to door fundraising for our branch, to name a few of their amazing contributions. When Ned passed away, our branch sourced a trophy to represent a litter of puppies with their mother and each year, the trophy is given to a person or business that has done something that stands out to our Branch during the year. The latest recipient of the Perpetual Trophy was Patrick Baxter (Hucky) of Baxter’s Butchers, Clonard Street, Balbriggan who has volunteered at church gate collections, pub rambles and sells an amazing amount of our Christmas Cards and Calendars every year in his butcher shop on Clonard Street. A huge congratulations to Patrick and thank you for all that you do. Everyone will know that the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs has a Facebook page. However, you may be unaware and interested to know that we also have an Instagram and Twitter (recently rebranded as X) page. Instagram is a free photo and video sharing app where the branch regularly posts photos and videos of events and upcoming fundraisers. If you would like to follow us or have a look at our Instagram page, you can find us with the handle @balbrigganbranchguide. Twitter/X is a free social networking site where users can broadcast short posts known as tweets and repost to share other people’s tweets. These tweets contain text, photos, videos, or links which we also frequently update with the latest Branch information. If you would like to follow our page on Twitter/X you can find us with the handle @BranchGuide. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please feel free to contact us: Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, by phone/text: 085 7663107, email: guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com or you can find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

To highlight the three Fingal Hubs Connected locations in Mulhuddart, Drinan in Swords and Balbriggan, the Hubs’ creative studio at Drinan recently had the ‘craic’ playing host to Doireann, Louise and Siomha of How to Gael, Ireland’s new and extremely popular bilingual podcast. Fingal Hubs Connected are based in Fingal County Council’s three Enterprise Centres, BASE in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, Drinan Enterprise Centre in Swords and BeAt Balbriggan. Studio Drinan allows for podcasts or webcasts, ideal for anyone looking to market goods or services. How to Gael are the new generation of Irish speakers who are living, working, socialising, and reviving an Ghaeilge in a way that is suimiuil, spraoiúil agus just good craic with weekly catch ups where current affairs, popular culture and just general gossip will also bí á bplé. Louise Cantillon is the new presenter of the lunchtime slot on Today FM while Doireann Ni Ghlacain and Siomha ni Ruairc are presenter and producer respectively on TG4. Their two lively podcasts recorded at the Swords hub covering everything from how to have self-discipline, how to Hygge and, to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilege, five things you should never say to Gaeilgeoirí, will be released on 12th and 19th March 24. They can be heard on Spotify, Podtail, Apple, Google and Acast. Fingal Hubs Connected list their available desks and meeting rooms on connectedhubs.ie The website is run by the National Hub Network, an Irish government initiative that allows individual hubs to come together under a shared identity to maximise the economic opportunity of remote working. Users can also rent desks, meeting rooms and host events at other hubs across the country. The Hubs are central to Fingal County Council’s aim to promote a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive economy that is enabled by strong infrastructure, collaboration and skills under its recently adopted economic development strategy. For more information and to book your space, visit connectedhubs.ie How to Gael is holding its first-ever show at Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin on Monday 8th April 2024. For tickets, visit mcd.ie/artists/how-to-gael or ticketmaster.

Following the outcome of the Local Development Strategy (LDS) selection process, Heather Humphrey’s TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection signed the LEADER Funding Agreement for the implementation of the 2023-2027 programme in the Dublin sub-regional area on 26th January 2024. Dublin Rural LEADER’s implementing partner Fingal Leader Partnership CLG and Fingal County Council as the Lead Financial Partner, is approved to deliver the 2023 – 2027 LEADER programme in the sub-regional area of Dublin Rural which includes rural areas in Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin. Dublin Rural LEADER was allocated €4.7 Million to invest in the development of the area through economic, social, and environmental initiatives. The LEADER programme uses a community led approach, empowering local rural communities to be involved in finding innovative solutions to address local needs. The selection process was conducted over two stages; the first stage was an ‘Expression of Interest’ by eligible groups followed by a more detailed stage which saw them develop their LEADER strategy. Welcoming the signing, Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Adrian Henchy said, “The LEADER (Rural Development) Programme in the Dublin sub-regional area has worked alongside communities and individuals with funding, supports and resources to assist in the development of stronger, better connected and resilient communities and I welcome the appointment of Fingal Leader Partnership CLG to deliver this major programme over the next five years. AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said “I’m delighted that Fingal Leader Partnership CLG will be implementing the new LEADER Rural Development Programme 2023 – 2027 for Fingal County Council, a hugely capable organisation with tremendous local knowledge and committed staff. Their capacity to deliver this ambitious programme is evident in their previous record of local service delivery.”

Fingal County Council has recently unveiled a new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP ), presenting an energetic and forward-looking framework for one of Ireland’s most rapidly expanding areas. This plan is the result of collaborative efforts involving local communities, individuals, businesses, organisations, and other significant contributors throughout the county, all aiming to steer Fingal towards a flourishing future. Building on the positive developments of the initial LECP launched in 2016, this latest iteration looks to maintain momentum but also introduces significant enhancements. It also serves as an important checkpoint to review targets from that initial plan and the measures that were in place to reach them. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy said: “This LECP provides a strong, evidence-based strategic framework for Fingal. It is essential that as we begin to take this forward, that we work together to help deliver future certainty for all the communities who make up one of Ireland’s fastest growing regions. In doing so, we can ensure that Fingal will be a vibrant, sustainable, progressive and climate resilient county, underpinned by inclusive, healthy, empowered communities and a dynamic economy. Reflecting priorities to help build the economy and community elements within Fingal, the LECP is built around six core themes: Sustainability & Climate Action; Prosperous Economy; Skills for Life & Work; Healthy Inclusive Connected Communities; Rich Arts Culture & Heritage; Safe Accessible Vibrant Places. Helping to launch the plan, Minister for Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD said: “Fingal is in a strong position to ensure positive development economically, culturally and environmentally. Along with providing a supportive business environment that encourages innovation, the Council has a vision for the future growth and prosperity of the county that will engage rural communities, help with the transition to more sustainable business practices and ultimately create a better natural environment in which people can live and work.” A copy of the LECP is available on the website now at fingal.ie/council/service/local-ecnomic-and-community-plan-lecp

We in Swords Karate Club were pleased to welcome JKS Honbu Instructor Shohei Toyama Sensei recently. Ireland was his first stop on his whistle stop tour of Ireland, England and Scotland and it was his first visit to Ireland. Over the two-hour seminar we got to experience his high level of technical prowess as he brought the class through a range of kihon, kata and kumite. In kihon he emphasised correct hip and foot movements during kihon drills for gyakuzuki. He also emphasised the recovery of higiashi for mawashigeri in basics and kumite. This was rounded off with a study of Jion kata. The main emphasis of the evening across kihon, kumite and kata were the correct use of the hips. It was all very enjoyable. The course was attended by over ninety participants from Swords Karate Club and other JKS Clubs from around Ireland. It was a great turn out. We are looking forward to May, when we will have a visit by World Chief Instructor Kagawa Shihan 9 th Dan JKS.

The 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