On Saturday April 11th the first ever Rush Cultural Extravaganza took place. Organised by Rush Tidy Towns the event showcased the wide range of musical, sporting, social and leisure groups in the town.
Rush Multi-Purpose Youth Facility hosted an Expo of seventeen local sporting and social groups including St. Maur’s GAA club, Rush Athletic football club, budding astronomers were thrilled with the huge telescope set up by Rush Astronomy club and the Scouts organised a magnificent display of their camping skills in the outdoor area. Face painters and live music added to the festival atmosphere as families explored the many groups and societies that run in the town.
Over in the Millbank theatre a selection of three performance musical events allowed the impressive talents of Rush residents to be displayed. The ‘Open Mic’ section was an opportunity for newer artists to perform where acts included singing and poetry readings. The ‘Meet me at the Millbank’ section saw eight well established musical groups and individuals perform to a delighted audience. The highlight of the night was the Gala Concert, which saw glorious performances from the Rush Folk Group and Rush Traditional Irish Music Group and the award-winning vocal group, Rush Musical Society Singers.
Special guests in attendance were Fingal Mayor Tom O’Leary, Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee, TD Rob O Donohue, Cllr Eoghan Dockrell, Cllr Mark Boland, LEA Brian Dennehy, Aoife Sheridan from Fingal County Council and Sean Sheehan, CEO of Scouting Ireland. The day’s events which were sponsored by Creative Ireland were a resounding success. Chairperson of Rush Tidy Towns Brendan O’Reilly said, “The feedback we have received from the exhibitors, performers and visitors has been phenomenal. We were delighted to be able to bring all these local groups, clubs and performers together in one day across two venues to show just what Rush has to offer. And a big thank you to all the volunteers from Rush Tidy Towns, Rush Community Council and Rush Scouts for making the day happen
The Rush Daff Day committee are honestly overwhelmed by the incredible support this year. The whole community showed up and turned Rush into a sea of yellow
We kicked off at a very questionable 6am on Friday and somehow kept going until 3pm Sunday… powered mostly by tea, community spirit, with our motto keeping us going “we wont give up till cancer does”
It all started back in December with the legendary Christmas Swim, festive busking from the Macks (who sacrificed Christmas Eve for the cause), a swimming twalker, sea swimmers braving icy waters, and a whole lot of generosity. Thanks to Rush Sailing Club for hosting this event and supporting Irish Cancer Society again in 2025/26
Our newly re-energised committee met five times (yes, actual meetings), plotted, planned, and delivered a jam-packed weekend. A huge thanks to Debbie and team at Rush Community Council who support us year on year with the use of their premises and a willing staff who help to set the day up and continue to work with us before and after the event. This year we had a Sunday Twalk with Declan, Aaron and Antoinette and again a huge thanks to Laura Emma and Joe in the Strand for hosting the event on the Sunday – what a perfect way to finish off the weekend.
Thanks to all the business who made donations, both cash and flowers – your support year on year is amazing.
Now… onto the stats you didn’t know you needed; 114 volunteers (basically superheroes in disguise); 810 fifty-cent pieces (we checked… twice ); 1,600 daffodils (no bees were harmed); 65 DAFFS in the Garden of Hope ; 79 Dolmio jars reborn as fancy vases; 100s of cups of tea & coffee (keeping Ireland going strong); 76 twalkers; 58 runners; 48 swimmers (built different );1 traditional band – the Macks; 1 hidden kitchen legend – Maeve.
From Friday to Monday, we laughed, cried, and turned the town gloriously yellow Friendships were rekindled, support was shared, and we stood together for those fighting cancer and those we’ve lost.
And together… we raised over €30,000.00 this is online donations and cash at Christmas and on Daff Day events (drumroll pending)
Finally, a very special moment…
This year’s Irish Cancer Society Community Champions are:
Maise O’Dowd & Declan Costelloe
Two absolute legends – one a fresh force of inspiration, the other a long-time hero (years undisclosed for safety reasons). From the bottom of our hearts – thank you, Rush. You smashed it
Fingal County Council has commenced work on the redevelopment of the GAA and soccer pitches at Skerries Town Park, with a €1.3 million investment designed to enhance sports and recreational facilities for local clubs and the wider community.
The start of the project was officially marked with a sod turning ceremony, attended by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, Local Community Groups, Skerries Town FC, Skerries Harps GAA Club and Senior Parks and Landscape Officer at Fingal County Council, Kevin Halpenny.
The major upgrade will significantly enhance the quality and usability of the pitches through the installation of enhanced drainage systems, enabling increased year round play.
Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, said: “It is fantastic to see this important investment in Skerries Town Park finally getting underway. These pitches are at the heart of the community, used by local clubs such as Skerries Harps, Skerries Town FC, and Skerries Athletics Club , as well as by families and young people from right across the area. This much needed upgrade will make a real difference, providing high quality facilities that the people of Skerries can enjoy all year round.”
Beyond the pitch upgrades, the project will also enhance the overall park environment. New landscaping works will be undertaken, while improved pathways will support better accessibility and connectivity for walkers, families and spectators using the space. Skerries Athletics Club are very much looking forward to utilising the new 3m Pathways for training. These enhancements ensure the redevelopment delivers wider community benefits, making the park more welcoming for all users, not just sporting clubs.
The project represents a significant investment in local sports infrastructure, supporting grassroots sport and encouraging greater participation in outdoor activity across all age groups. Importantly, the improved drainage will help reduce overuse damage, extending the lifespan of the pitches and reducing maintenance disruption, particularly during wetter months.
Kevin Halpenny, the Senior Parks and Landscape Officer at Fingal County Council, added: “This €1.3 million investment responds directly to the growing demand on sports and recreational facilities in Skerries. These works will significantly enhance the quality, reliability and longevity of the pitches, ensuring Skerries Town Park continues to meet the needs of the community for many years to come.”
Construction of the new pitches will take approximately five months and will be followed by a 12-month maintenance period during which the new pitches will be developed to achieve GAA and FAI standard playing surfaces.
Access to Skerries Mills, the Community Centre, all-weather hockey pitch and tennis courts will be maintained throughout the project, while the new paths through the park will be open for use during the 12-month maintenance period.
In response to the needs of the local community in Loughshinny, Fingal County Council has launched a public consultation on proposals for a new public play space, designed to create an inviting place for play and outdoor activity for the town.
The proposal seeks to provide high-quality, inclusive, and locally accessible play opportunities for children and families, the design comprises a circular layout inspired by the nearby Martello Tower, giving the play space a strong sense of place and local identity.
Given the elevated and exposed nature of the site, the play space has been carefully designed with levels defined and enclosed by landscaped hedging. This serves a dual purpose: providing shelter from the prevailing winds while also contributing positively to the overall landscape character and visual integration of the location.
The play facilities are organised into a number of distinct yet interconnected zones, each catering for different age groups and abilities. This zoning strategy supports inclusive, interactive, and imaginative play, encouraging children of varying ages to engage with the space in a safe and stimulating environment.
Sand and water play elements are incorporated throughout the design, reflecting the coastal location while delivering important sensory experiences and varied play opportunities. These elements are intended to support physical, cognitive and social development in line with best practice in contemporary play design.
The proposal aims to enhance the public realm, promote outdoor activity, and support the health and wellbeing of children, families, and visitors in Loughshinny and the wider area.
The consultation is being carried out under the Part XI process, which gives the public an opportunity to view the proposals and share their views before the Council makes a final decision.
Further details about the consultation and how to make submissions can be found: https://fingal.live/mt7ca83t.
The inaugural Rush Festival of Writing was a huge success with the event selling out within weeks of being announced. Some of the one-day festival’s highlights included John Banville, who will be appearing in conversation with Kevin Curran (author of YOUTH, Beatsploitation) at the Millbank Theatre. With his 2006 novel Christine Falls chosen for this year’s One Dublin One Book initiative, the Irish literary icon discussed both that book and his extensive career.
Mr. Banville said in a recent Irish Independent interview to promote Rush Festival of Writing: “I love small festivals. Wonderful thing about those festivals; local people come. It’s not just people swanning around in Panama hats and flowered frocks and drinking champagne, it’s local people who come in because they’re interested.”
The response to the Plot Twists panel with Catherine Ryan Howard and Andrea Mara at the Millbank Theatre was equally enthusiastic, as crime fiction continues to prove immensely popular with audiences.
Other events included Sinéad Gleeson (Constellations, Hagstone) sharing a panel with author Anna Carey (Our Song, Love Scene) in Pen to Paper: A Conversation on Writing. Sinéad is an internationally celebrated essayist and novelist, while Anna has written for both children and adults. The esteemed Belinda McKeon (Tender, Solace) also hosted a Creative Writing workshop at Rush Library for adults, that focused on the basis of storytelling for fiction writers, as well as how to create vivid characters.
Festival co-founders Lauren Murphy and Sean Smith said: “It’s been so gratifying to see how enthusiastically people have responded to the first Rush Festival of Writing. We always thought that there was an appetite for a literary festival in Rush, and the speed at which tickets were sold or booked out - within a month of being announced - proves that our hunch was correct!
The one-day event will see interviews, workshops and family-friendly events across the town of Rush with Catherine Ryan Howard, Andrea Mara, Sinéad Gleeson, Anna Carey, Eamon Carr and more
Irish literary titan John Banville will be appearing in conversation with Kevin Curran (author of YOUTH, Beatsploitation) at the brand new literary festival, which takes place in the North County Dublin seaside town of Rush on April 25th 2026. As author of modern classics including The Sea, The Book of Evidence, his series of hugely successful crime novels under his Benjamin Black pen name, as well as Christine Falls - which is this year’s One Dublin One Book choice - it promises to be a varied interview examining one of the most fascinating writers of our time. Tickets are €15 and are on sale now via rushfestivalofwriting.com.
Fans of crime fiction will be delighted to see a double bill of bestselling novelists Catherine Ryan Howard (56 Days, Burn After Reading) and Andrea Mara (All Her Fault, It Should Have Been You) on the programme. They will be discussing their work, including the recent TV adaptations of 56 Days and All Her Fault, in conversation with Sinéad Cuddihy of Tired Mammy Book Club.
Alongside these two evening events taking place in the 140-capacity Millbank Theatre, the Rush Festival of Writing programme will see several free-to-attend events.
Irish cultural luminary Eamon Carr will be sharing stories from his life in writing - from his Tara Telephone performance poetry days, to his decades in iconic band Horslips and his career as a sports and showbiz journalist - in conversation with music writer Pat Carty, including some of the incredible tales from his journalism days recounted in his recently-published book Pure Gold: Memorable Conversations with Remarkable People Sinéad Gleeson (Hagstone, Constellations) and Anna Carey (Our Song, Love Scene) will also be dispensing their own pearls of wisdom in what promises to be an illuminating conversation for aspiring authors.
The youngest members of the family won’t be left out of this year’s programme. For the 5+ age group, former Laureate na nÓg Niamh Sharkey (The Ravenous Beast, I’m a Happy Hugglewug) will be hosting a workshop at Rush Library based on her latest picture book, Penguin TV. Inspired by Dublin Zoo’s penguin cam, Niamh will host a reading and an interactive giant doodle based on the book, as well as a post-workshop signing - so be sure to bring all your books along!
Also taking place at Rush Library, children’s author, illustrator and comic creator Alan Nolan (The Grand Central Cinema Club, the Sam Hannigan series) will run a ‘Design Your Own Superhero’ workshop for ages 8-12, where he’ll talk about his favourite comics and superheroes from his childhood (as well as modern-day comic superstars like Dog Man, Bunny Vs Monkey and The Investigators). He’ll also show attendees how to draw one of his own creations and lots more. These events are free but space is limited, so booking is essential.
You can stay updated on programme and ticketing details, as well as the running order, on Instagram and via www.rushfestivalofwriting.com
Furniture Upcycling Workshop
Rush Community Centre was buzzing with creativity recently as participants gathered for a hands on workshop led by Marie Anne, better known as The Revamp Tramp. Her session on furniture upcycling proved both practical and inspiring, giving attendees the confidence to see old or worn pieces in a whole new light. Marie Anne shared expert tips, demonstrated techniques, and encouraged everyone to embrace upcycling as a sustainable, budget friendly way to refresh their homes. A huge thank you to her for delivering such an informative and enjoyable workshop, definitely one that left people eager to start their next project.
Little Free Library Restocked
Good news for book lovers! The Rush Tidy Towns Little Free Library on Convent Lane has been freshly restocked and is ready for readers of all ages. Everyone is invited to stop by, browse the selection, take a book, and if you can leave one in return. These small exchanges help keep stories circulating and strengthen our shared love of reading within the community.
Let’s keep the books moving and the joy of reading growing across Rush!
Spring Seed & Plant Sharing Event
A highlight of the spring calendar returns once again, our free Community Seed and Plant Sharing Event, now in its sixth year. What began as a modest gathering has grown into one of the most well attended events hosted by Rush Tidy Towns, bringing together gardeners, growers, and curious beginners alike.
This year introduces an exciting new addition: Christine from Bird of Paradise will be giving a live demonstration on flower arranging. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn creative techniques, pick up new plants, exchange seeds, and strengthen connections within our gardening community.
See flyer for details, and be sure to join us as we celebrate spring, sustainability, and shared green fingered enthusiasm.
Rush Community Council is delighted to announce that our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17 March at 1pm.
The theme this year is Pirates, Myths and Legends of Rush!!
Mark your calendars and come out to celebrate our fantastic community with a day full of colour, music, and local pride!
If you are interested in being part of the parade, please either pop into Rush Community Centre or email info@rushcoco.ie for more information and the application form, the closing date for applications is Monday 9 March.
Call for Parade Marshals
We’re currently looking for volunteer marshals to help make the day run smoothly and safely. If you can spare a couple of hours to support this wonderful community event, we’d love to hear from you.
Marshals play a key role in:
Rush is getting ready to sparkle in shades of sunshine as the Rush Daff Day Committee rolls out another unforgettable weekend of community spirit, celebration, and heartfelt support for the Irish Cancer Society.
For an incredible 38 years, this dedicated local committee has been spreading hope — raising a phenomenal €1 million since 1988! That milestone is a glowing tribute to the generosity, kindness, and unstoppable energy of the people of Rush. And if this year is anything to go by, they’re only just getting started.
A Weekend Packed with Heart and Happiness
Festivities burst into life at 6am on Friday, 20th March, when enthusiastic volunteers take to the streets to kick off a jam-packed programme of feel-good events:
Coffee Morning – Rush Community Centre
Pop in for a warm cuppa, indulge in a delicious selection of homemade cakes, and browse Irish Cancer Society merchandise — because cake tastes even better when it’s for a great cause!
Maisie’s Raffle
Get your tickets ready — there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs!
Garden of Hope – Rush Library (from March 16th)
Plant a daffodil in memory of a loved one or leave a message of encouragement for someone bravely facing cancer. A beautiful space filled with remembrance, love, and support.
Michelle’s Fun Run – Friday Evening, Harbour Park
Michelle’s running friends lace up once again to mark her 10th anniversary — a touching tribute filled with strength, solidarity, and smiles.
Dash and Splash Swim – Saturday, Rush South Beach
Feeling brave? Join the sea swimmers for a refreshing (and possibly chilly!) dip in support of Daff Day.
Village Twalk – Sunday Morning - Led by the ever-energetic Declan (CJ), this uplifting community walk promises plenty of chat, cheer, and bright yellow spirit.
Declan has been a driving force behind this year’s mission to truly “turn Rush yellow,” shining a spotlight on the very real and lasting difference fundraising makes for cancer patients and their families.
Most importantly, every single cent raised — 100% — goes directly to the Irish Cancer Society, funding lifesaving research and providing essential support services for those who need it most.
The committee’s powerful message says it all: “We won’t give up till cancer does.”
So dust off your brightest yellow, gather your friends and family, and join in. Let’s make this year’s Daff Day weekend the biggest, brightest, and most joyful celebration of hope yet.
Rush, it’s time to turn yellow!
AGM
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend the Rush Tidy Towns AGM in January. The meeting wasn’t just a review of the past year—it sparked a lively discussion on how Rush can continue to evolve as a cleaner, greener, and more resilient coastal town.
We were delighted to reappoint all existing committee members and to welcome new member Louise, This year’s priorities reflect both community feedback and the practical needs of a growing town: tackling litter blackspots, progressing biodiversity corridors, improving pedestrian-friendly spaces, and deepening collaboration with local schools and businesses.
As always, Rush Tidy Towns is strongest when more voices are involved. If you’re interested in helping shape these projects. Whether as a committee member or a volunteer for occasional event, we’d love to hear from you at tidytownsrush@gmail.com. Even a single hour a month can make a real difference.
School Beach Clean
A huge thank you to the Community Care class from St. Joseph’s Secondary School, who recently took on one of the less glamorous but most important tasks on South Beach: clearing heavy tidal debris washed in by recent storms. Under the guidance of teacher Kevin, the students rolled up their sleeves and removed large items that pose risks to wildlife, walkers, and the overall health of the coastline.
What made this cleanup stand out wasn’t just the amount collected, it was the attitude of the students. They asked sharp questions about marine pollution, how debris travels along the coast, and why certain items keep appearing. Their curiosity and teamwork showed exactly why involving young people in environmental care has such long term value.
Their efforts have already made the beach safer for everyone who uses it, from families and swimmers to the wildlife whose habitat it is. Well done to all involved—your work has a visible impact on the community.
