The first band in Malahide was established over 100 years ago. Now in Autumn 2024, the Malahide Pipe Band is offering beginners of all ages the opportunity to learn and play the pipes or drums.

For parents, playing the pipes or drums offers young people a hobby to learn and play a musical instrument, be part of a music group, and grow in confidence by performing at local events.

For adults, it is never too late to learn a musical instrument. If you have ever heard or seen the pipes or drums and you would like to try, now is your chance!

Just email for more information. Information evenings planned. Classes in Malahide.

Everyone is welcome.

The change in planned works at Malahide Railway Station has been warmly welcomed with concerns that the original plans would have a substantial impact in the area.

The works to modify the tracks on the Dublin to Belfast line are planned due to the increase in rail services on the line including the extension of the DART to Drogheda.

There were concerns raised by locals about the location of a ‘turnback’ contained within the planned works immediately north of Malahide Station between the Strand Road Underbridge and Malahide Viaduct.

The public consultation on the plans reads, “The turnback will be situated between the two existing running lines which will necessitate the existing running lines to be slewed to the east between the two aforementioned bridges. This slewing will introduce the need to widen the existing embankment to the east, which will be accomplished by building a retaining structure alongside the realigned track”
“The works at Malahide comprise track modification which are essential to facilitate the increase in train services, by allowing trains to be turned back clear of continuing services on separate tracks.”
The members of the Malahide Community Forum stated that they are very happy that Irish Rail took on board their representations and re-located the turnback.

“The Forum is delighted that Irish Rail engaged and listened to our feedback and have moved the Turnback from the Eastern Embankment to the Western Embankment North of Malahide Railway Station.”
“The original proposal would have led to an unnecessary and significant, permanent impact to local residents in the Marina and the movement of heavy machinery through the village during construction. Win, Win, Win.”

by Josephine Brady

Malahide resident Josephine Brady never expected to be dealing with cancer shortly after turning 50. But that’s the challenge that faced the respected Cavan County Librarian in 2014 when she was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL).

Life changed utterly for the Cavan native. Shortly after diagnosis, Josephine moved to Malahide and underwent chemoimmunotherapy. Since then, she has lived with CLL but not allowed it to dictate her life, seeking solace in literature.

“Readers grappling with cancer – patients, survivors, loved ones and caregivers - reach for language and story that will enable them to endure suffering, find meaning and recover hope,” says Josephine. “The challenge is finding the finest writing quickly and easily. No treasury of essential reading nor introductory guide exists. That is, until now.”

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, it prompted me to research and write the book I longed to read but could not find.”

“The Breath of Consolation is an anthology, a compendium, a treasure chest and a reader’s companion. It honours fifty literary treasures from three centuries, six continents and thirteen countries. Memoirs, novels, poetry, short stories, and creative non-fiction feature.”

It has generated hugely positive responses from writers and medical professionals alike.

Niall MacMonagle, educator, anthologist and cultural commentator sees her book as “offering important and valuable signposts, leading us towards the finest writing about cancer. Her in-depth analyses are not only knowledgeable and clear-sighted but enriching, re-affirming and hopeful.”

Martina Devlin, author and journalist writes: “Grace, wisdom and solace can be found between these pages. Josephine has taken something devastating and transformed it into beauty with these lovingly plaited extracts and her observations on them.”

John Quinn, Author and Broadcaster loves her work, stating that it is “Full of wit, wisdom, honesty, courage and heart.”

Dr Amanda Kracen, Psychologist and President of IPSON, urges patients, survivors and caregivers to dive into Josephine’s book to “significantly enhance their well-being and resilience”.

ISBN 978-1-3999-85185 Euro 24.99
Available: Manor Books Malahide
To benefit Cuan Cancer Support Centre and Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre

Irish Adventure Athlete Daragh Morgan recently completed a challenging run from Ireland’s most southerly point Mizen Head in West Cork up to its most Northern Point - Malin Head in Co Donegal.
He encountered all types of weather, typical of our Irish Summer - winds, rain, sunshine - as he set out early each morning running through Counties Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Leitrim, Cavan, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Donegal. He ran a marathon equivalent 42km or more each day carrying his own one man tent & all supplies for the challenge in a jogging pram.

Along the route he met many friendly & helpful locals in towns, villages & rural communities with many offering encouragement, advice & refreshments.

He stopped off at celtic sites, holy wells, Glentstall Abbey on the route making it a spiritual journey as well as a running challenge.

He arrived in great spirits & good sunshine on Sunday August 11th at Malin Head after starting out from Mizen Head on August 1st, running over 600km, 15 marathons equivalents.

Malahide Library is delighted to be starting a new book club in September. The club is called “Bibliofiles” and will be an informal, lively one-hour meeting once per month to discuss a chosen title in the popular/literary fiction genre, starting with Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life.

The construction of Lakeside Memorial Park, a new 24-acre cemetery in Portmarnock is moving at a steady pace and is expected to open in mid to late 2025.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, visited the construction site recevntly, marking a significant milestone in the development of this innovative project which will redefine the traditional cemetery experience in Ireland.

”Lakeside Memorial Park is a forward-thinking initiative that honours our heritage while addressing the evolving needs of our community. This project not only provides a peaceful resting place but will also integrate beautifully with the natural backdrop of St. Marnock’s Church. This project reflects the founders, Niall, and Henry’s dedication to delivering respectful and dignified burial options while enhancing our local heritage and providing an open amenity for all to avail of,” Minister O’Brien said.

The unique project, developed by founders, Niall O’Connor, and Henry Wildgust, will provide an array of distinguished burial choices - traditional and large family plots, niches in stately columbarium walls, and large in-ground ash plots, all within a beautifully landscaped 25-acre park (which is slightly larger than St. Stephen’s Green). The park is “designed to celebrate life” and will include the planting of approximately 1,200 trees, the creation of a large lake, café, children’s play area, and many beautiful walks and peaceful places for quiet reflection and remembrance. Once complete, Lakeside Memorial Park will be a fantastic addition and wonderful amenity for the local area.

For more information on Lakeside Memorial Park, please visit www.lakesidememorialpark.ie

Malahide & Swords residents are facing an unprecedented level of traffic chaos in the coming two years, according to David Greene, Chair of the Malahide Community Forum. The Forum is the umbrella group for over 20 residents’ associations in Malahide and they have been monitoring plans for bringing huge electrical cables from an offshore wind farm near Balbriggan through Swords and Malahide to join up with the national grid at Balgriffin.

“The recently lodged planning application by the wind farm operators seeks full road closures for months at a time along Estuary Road, the Swords Road and the Malahide Road into Balgriffin”, says Greene.
“The wind farm operator held public consultation meetings but never mentioned the extent of these full road closures. Diversions are planned but that only makes the situation worse as it forces all traffic (buses, lorries, cars, bikes and pedestrians) onto smaller roads and residential estates” according to the Malahide Community Forum who have analysed plans lodged with the planning application.

With residents of both towns already complaining about the extent of traffic gridlock throughout the day, these plans will have a huge detrimental impact on all residents. “Imagine trying to get kids from Seabury to Malahide Community School -it could take up to an extra hour to complete that journey. Thinking of going from Malahide to the airport? You’ll probably need to allow an extra 45 minutes to complete that journey at the latest, and possibly more at peak times” notes Greene.

The Forum say they have identified an alternative route that avoids road closures by going cross-country, which is considered standard operating procedure in the UK. It would be a shorter route, cost less and lead to lower carbon emissions because of less traffic jams. Whilst the wind farm operator did meet the Forum to discuss their proposed route, Greene feels that the operator was too far advanced in their plans to fully consider the alternative route.

The Forum say they are appealing to An Bord Pleanala to force the operator to give proper and full consideration to their proposal. They are also engaging with local councillors, seeking to get Fingal County Council to also compel the operator to take into account the alternative route proposal.

Calling all history buffs! Join us at Malahide Castle for an Oral History Open Day in celebration of Heritage Week 2024 on Saturday 24th August. This is a fantastic opportunity to share and listen to stories about the Talbot family and Malahide Castle from yesteryear in an open mic-style setting.

Here’s what you can expect: Share your personal stories: We want to hear your unique perspectives on Malahide Castle’s rich history. Uncover hidden gems: You might be surprised by the fascinating stories waiting to be unearthed! Connect with the community: Bond with fellow history enthusiasts and create a tapestry of Malahide Castle’s past. Contribute to history: Your story becomes part of the ongoing narrative of Malahide Castle.

Got some pictures and memories? - We want you to share them with us!

Help us build our understanding of the castle’s history by adding to the narrative. Whether you have a story to tell or just want to listen, everyone is welcome.

The event is free but spaces need to be booked by visiting: www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/heritage-week-oral-history-open-day

There was great excitement at the annual Malahide Family Fun Day that took place on ‘The Green’ on Saturday 13th July in beautiful sunshine

Beginning with an interactive Ceili dance the fun continued throughout the day with activities such as a Kids V Parents TikTok Dance, Face Painting, Carnival Games, Balloon Modelling, and much more.

Huge Congratulations to our 1st Year boys and girls Basketball teams who gave up their weekend away in Carlingford with the rest of their year to compete in the All-Ireland Basketball finals in Limerick at the beginning of May. They were a credit to their school, their parents and their club.

The Girls won silver medals, finishing 2nd after 6 really tough games. The Boys were beaten in the plate quarter final having picked up a few injuries late last week. Well done to all the players, parents and coaches!