A few wonderful photos from Pat Kelly’s archive showing the installation and unveiling of the Black Raven statue on the Dublin Road roundabout in 2005.

This striking piece was commissioned by Lusk Tidy Towns and created by artist Bríd Ní Rinn – one of many projects that have helped shape the look and spirit of our town.

The Black Raven has long been a symbol of Lusk and Fingal. It was said to have been captured from the Norse at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, brought back to Lusk, and has been part of our story ever since.
In Irish Mythology The Morrigan, a Celtic goddess of war, fate, and sovereignty, is strongly associated with the Raven because of her ability to shapeshift into a Raven to observe and influence battles.

The statue is just one example of what Lusk Tidy Towns do for our community.

For over 40 years they have been involved in: Commissioning public art; installing benches and street furniture; keeping our town clean and beautiful; leading biodiversity and sustainability projects with local, national and even international partners.

They have also been at the centre of much of our community’s social life throughout these years.
Everything they do is volunteer led, by people who give anything from a couple of hours a month upwards. Whether it’s project management, planting, litter picking, installing Barn Owl boxes, or simply helping with events, every little effort adds up.

All the beautiful things we see around Lusk happen because local people care enough to make them happen.

If you recognise anybody in the photos let us know. Email: tidytownslusk@gmail.com

Courtesy Lusk Tidy Towns.

The pupils and staff of Hedgestown National School were delighted to welcome Minister for Education Helen McEntee and her team to their school on Thursday, 9th October.

The Minister was accompanied by Fine Gael Fingal T.D. Grace Boland, Fine Gael Councillor Eoghan Dockrell, and Councillor Tom O’Leary, Lord Mayor of Fingal. Also in attendance were Lusk Parish Priest Father Kevin Moore and Chairperson of the Board of Management Liam Fitzgerald.

The purpose of the visit was to tour the school’s new two-storey building, officially opened in 2024, and to mark the recent establishment of two new autism classes — Solas Glas and Solas Buí.

Principal Damien O’Donoghue led the Minister and guests on a tour of the school, showcasing its modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and impressive facilities, including the school hall and on-site crèche and childcare services provided by ToddleIn Crèche and Montessori. Minister McEntee cut a ribbon to commemorate the occasion and visited the new sensory room, where she met several students from the Solas classes.

During her visit, the Minister also spent time in the mainstream classrooms. Pupils in Mr. Bund’s 5th and 6th class impressed her with their knowledge of the election process — knowledge gained from the recent Student Council elections, in which students from 2nd to 6th class participated by voting on ballot papers following nominee speeches. The Minister also enjoyed a musical performance from the class, which included a group tin whistle recital and individual performances on the harp and guitar.

The next stop was Mr. Hagan’s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class, where pupils confidently recited a poem and asked the Minister thoughtful questions about political life — including one particularly popular query: “Who has the authority to decide there is no more homework !?”

Finally, the Minister visited Ms. Bentley’s classroom, where Junior Infants to 1st Class showcased their Irish language skills. When asked what advice they would give the Minister’s own child, who will start primary school next year, the pupils eagerly offered helpful and heartfelt suggestions.

Speaking after the visit, Principal Damien O’Donoghue expressed his gratitude:
“We were honoured to welcome Minister McEntee and her colleagues to Hedgestown National School. It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to learn more about government and civic responsibility, while also sharing the fantastic progress and spirit of our rural school community.”

Hedgestown National School would like to extend its sincere thanks to Minister McEntee and all visiting representatives for taking the time to engage with the pupils and staff. The visit provided an inspiring insight into public service and leadership for the entire school community.

Wishing club members well in the Dublin City Marathon which takes place on Sunday 26th October. You’ve put in the miles over recent months so it’s time to enjoy the day and the whole marathon experience. As usual we will be organising a Marathon bus to and from the event. Please contact the club to book your seat.

Well done to our juveniles on the Cross-Country season to date and to our club members who volunteered at any of the events. Well done also to club athletes who were in race action during recent weeks.

We enjoyed our fantastic annual garden party hosted by Maria Baird and her team, with entertainment by Gerry and the Plonkers.

The Lusk ICA ladies also enjoyed a relaxing Spa Day in the Beautiful Johnstone House Hotel recently.

Our thanks to Mary Hassett and Mary Hagan for hosting the recent coffee morning in aid of Gaza, where she raised over €3,000 and still counting.

We also joined the Lusk Senior Citizens for a great day out to Kilkenny Castle recently, and the Woodstock Gardens followed by a lovely meal Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow. Thanks to Kitty McCormack and her team for organizing.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 2nd October at 8.15 in the Lusk Scouts new members are very welcome to come along.

Lusk Village Quarter - Planning Application:
Earlier in the year, Fingal Co Council sought more information on the planning application submitted for the final phase of the Lusk Village Quarter. Among some of the information requested included the crèche location and accessibility and pub/restaurant location.

During the summer, the developers, McGarrell Reilly requested a three-month extension in which to submit the required information. This means that the developer has until 17th December in which to submit the information after which FCC will review and made a decision. Unfortunately, this means that the building on the much-needed amenities will be delayed until the planning application is approved, likely to now be in Quarter 1 2026.

Town Centre First - Regeneration:
During the summer, Fingal County Council hosted three workshop meetings with the community in preparation for the setting up of a new Town Team structure.

The Team, once in place will work with FCC in allocating various projects contained within the Lusk for Life Plan to community groups to implement. It is hoped that the Town Team structure will be finalised in October.

Summer Festival
On 3rd September, it was agreed to establish a new standalone committee, the Summer Festival Planning team to start planning for the festival for 2026.

Santa Truck – Save the Date!
Lusk has been offered an exciting opportunity to host the Santa Truck in 2025. The truck which travels around Ireland to bring Christmas cheer in aid of the Laura Lynn charity is due to visit Lusk on Friday, 12th December. LAG will be providing support to organise the event. More information will be available next month but for now, save that date!

The summer months have been full of road races and track & field with plenty of opportunities for our club members to reap the benefits of their training sessions. Marathon plans are now up and running with many now looking forward to the Dublin City Marathon in October. The club’s 50th anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday 6th September. There will be road races around the village green and a party in the parish hall. All welcome to join us.

Welcome back to training for our juvenile members after the summer break and a big welcome to our new members.

for December marathons in Valencia and Turin. There was also a Lusk AC parkrun takeover where our latest Fit4Life group completed their graduation 5k runs. The races will be coming thick and fast from January onwards so talk to your coach for a training plan to suit your needs.

Black Raven Pipe Band were crowned World Champions in Glasgow on 16th August to complete two in a row in World titles

2025 has been a remarkable season for the Ravens following a two in row in All Ireland Titles held in Derry on July 5th and then travelled to Edinburgh on 12th July for the UK Championships and again completed two in row. Results also include 1st in the Leinster Championships, 1st in the East of Ireland Championships, 3rd in the Mid Ulster Championships and 1st in the Heart of the Down Championships in Newcastle Co. Down.

World Championship Day started at 7am in the Morning to prepare for the qualifying round at 9.15am. The qualifier was held in the prestigious Grade One Arena, likened to your local GAA team playing in Croke Park. Having played in the qualifier and happy with their performance they waited until 12.30pm for qualifier results, they were over the moon to learn that they qualified for the final.

The final took place and they played at 3.40pm and played for best for the whole season and then the long agonising wait for the results.

The results were announced at 6.30pm and they were crowned World Champions and took the World Drumming Prize and then celebrations began late into the night

Its wort pointing out all four adjudicators placed the band in first place

The band had a home coming parade through the streets of Lusk and greeted by hundreds of people which gave them a tremendous reception The band treated to crown to selections of their music much to the delight of the crowd

And so, we look forward to 2026 pipe band season

Black Raven welcome new members and in particular young people who wish to learn the art of piping and drumming and we can be contacted at blackravenpipeband@gmail.com

With summer holidays now life was quiet for the month of August for the ICA ladies.

Two of our member Mary Hagan and Mary Hassett helped with the fundraising for Palestine, which was organized by Skerries Ukulele Strummers.

Currently the total stands at €12,822 raised for medical aid for Palestine… going to hospital staff and to supply equipment and food in hospitals who are working among the horrors and dangers in Gaza. Please keep supporting these fundraisers.

While there was no meeting in August, we continue to meet on Monday mornings in the Belfry Restaurant and the swimmers meet in Rush South Beach at 11:30 on Saturday morning.

We will resume again on Thursday 4th September in the Lusk Scouts Den. And look forward to another Active year. new members are very welcome to come along.

Pictured are members of Lusk Men’s Shed after the complete revamping & painting of the Church Gates & Railings for the Centenary Celebrations.

Pictured with Father Kevin Moore are Bob Tyrell, Paul Neville, Tom Cox & Brendan Kavanagh.

Join us from 11-13th September in the Bus Bar, Skerries for a festival of music, art, and unity as we come together to raise urgent funds for Gaza. In a time of crisis, creativity becomes a lifeline — a way to connect, resist, and rebuild. This festival brings together artists, musicians, and communities in a shared act of solidarity, with 100% of proceeds supporting humanitarian relief efforts on the ground.

Donations will go to:
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (permanent office in Deir al-Balah (in Gaza) that distribute medicine, prosthetics and infant supplies daily)

Palestine Red Crescent (medical aid, ambulance services and emergency care)

World Central Kitchen (kitchens in Deir al-Balah (in Gaza) which has restored capacity for up to 150,000 meals a day)

Experience live performances, visual art, and stories that amplify the voices of the Palestinian people and inspire hope through collective action. Whether you come to dance, sing, or simply stand in support — your presence matters.

Let art be a bridge. Let music be a force for change. Stand for peace. Stand with Gaza.