Whilst walking around Swords recently a passerby asked, “Do you have the time?”. Once a common question but something seldom heard since we evolved to grow that appendage known as the smart phone. The random encounter with the time seeker got me thinking about how much daily life has changed since we Baby Boomers (1946 – 1964) cast a youthful shadow upon the earth. Not everyone had a watch and those who did had to wind them on a regular basis. The local phone box was our digital hub. To use the facility, the speed of an Olympian runner and the cunning of a wise old fox were mandatory in order to reach its door before a certain neighbour. Should she cross the finish line before you, a battle of the irresistible force and immovable object ensued, as she attempted to break the world record for the longest phone call in history. We didn’t get a landline till the early nineties. Years earlier when my father was in hospital, I rang to enquire how he was doing. Instead of the stock reply “As well as can be expected”, a helpful nurse put him on to me. As he had never heard my voice on the phone before, it took all my diplomatic skills to convince him I wasn’t an imposter.
Today shopping is a leisure activity. Back then it was a necessary chore to replenish the basics. Before self-service, we queued at a high counter and timidly asked the shopkeeper (some could be grumpy and hadn’t the customer is always right) for what we wanted. Food hygiene was not in their vocabulary, as cooked and uncooked meats were cut on the same slicer. School lunches are in the news at the moment. Our mothers sent us forth with jam or soggy tomato sandwiches accompanied by a Tupperware beaker of milk to wash them down. We didn’t carry designer water bottles (that other modern day appendage) and survived drinking water of dubious quality water from the roadside pump. We learned to write with a nib pen and ink, and became highly skilled in the art of ducking - a crucial skill to avoid the incoming blackboard duster on a collision course for our heads.
Perhaps the real answer to the passerby is -A very different time!
With it’s different names over time, the present-day Arch pub has always played a pivotal role in the social life of Swords. Burnt by the Black and Tans in 1920, it’s granite facade still features some bullet-holes dating from that troubled era of Swords history.
The earlier photo shows that another business, a harness-makers shop, was originally attached to the main building, as well as a ‘jostle-stone’ to stop cartwheels striking and damaging its wall. These vertical stones can be found in many of the back lanes of Swords. These particular structures were removed when Chapel Lane was widened for modern traffic.
The eponymous star above gave it’s name to this business in the modern age.In the 80s and 90s, many older Swords folk looked forward to their Sunday roast carried home to them from the Star!
The ad in the left window is for DWD, the Dublin Whiskey Distillery, a famous distiller founded by master distiller John Brannick in 1872.His distillery was located on Jone’s Road and ushered in a golden age of Irish whiskey making. Amazingly, this venerable business was revived in 2017, some 71 years later, continuing a long and honerable tradition of distilling in Dublin.
The modern business here continues Sword’s long and proud tradition of hospitality and friendliness to all customers. Cheers!!
The 18th Annual Valley Walk in aid of Irish Cancer Society took place on Saturday and within just a few days over €8,000 was already raised!
People come from far and wide every year meeting at Peacocks pub car park in River Valley for registration and refreshments, and the scene quickly became a sea of yellow with the walkers’ Irish Cancer Society t-shirts as they started the 5km walk around the lovely park and woods.
The total raised so far since 2008 is 130 thousand. Further details are available from Margaret Harris on 087 221 3605.
By Ken Duffy
Swords Tidy Towns have been up and running for over twenty years now, in that time the face of Swords has changed dramatically. This change is due in no small part to the hard work put in by our volunteers over that twenty-year period who contributed their time and energy to that change. Many volunteers have passed through our doors in that time and many the long-time friendships blossomed.
A town is much more than bricks and mortar, it’s the community that thrives within, they are its heart and soul, they breathe life into it, they give it it’s character. It is their willingness to volunteer and contribute to the betterment of their community that pushes our town forward.
Swords has come a long way since it was designated a litter black spot in 2003, today it is a 2024 national Gold Medal winner. This speaks volumes about the commitment of our Swords Tidy Towns volunteers, and the many other community volunteer organisations who strive to do their best for Swords.
Swords Tidy Towns waits with bated breath for this year’s National Tidy Towns medal results, did we or did we not once again achieve Gold Medal status. All we can do, is keep our fingers crossed.
Swords Tidy Towns offers a friendly welcome to new volunteers, a nice cuppa with biscuits and a chat after each Saturday morning work. We are very well taken care of by Willie and his wonderful team at the Old Schoolhouse.
We meet each Saturday at 10am in the car park of Cove & Co previously known as Colourtrend which is opposite the Swords Garda Station, we would love to see you there, just turn up. If you require any further info contact me Ken Duffy Chairperson on 086-6008313
By Ken Duffy
Swords Tidy Towns have been consulting over the last few months with various companies that manage commercial properties in the town.
The Castle Shopping Centre has undergone a long overdue facelift and is looking so much better for it. Swords based Paul Reddy Property Team worked closely with Swords Tidy Towns during the whole facelift process, this is community teamwork at its best.
Joe Callan Town Mall also worked closely with us. He replaced all the damaged barrel planters and provided the new plants for all the planters. Again excellent community teamwork.
We have been working closely with Cllr Darren Kelly who has communicated on our behalf with the new management company who are to take over shortly at Forest Mews on the Forest Road. This area has been a constant eyesore for a long period and a bone of contention for us, as it was always the Swords Tidy Towns volunteers who cleaned up the mess. The whole area is in need of a major facelift. Soundings from the new management company appear to be in favour of this happening. Yet another great example of community teamwork.
Ian Hunter manager of the Pavilions Shopping Centre has had a close relationship with Swords Tidy Towns for a number of years. As a passerby or shopper, you will be aware of the major improvement works being carried out around the front area of the shopping centre, this will also include creative works on the Pavillion roundabout. Swords Tidy Towns prior to the start of works had been liaising with Ian Hunter who kept us up to date on the type of works and a proposed start date. Swords Tidy Towns are excited about this project and can’t wait to see the finished works, we believe it will enhance the area enormously. Once again it is worth reiterating how important community spirit and teamwork is between business and local voluntary organisations, when we work together, we can move mountains.
Swords Tidy Towns are always looking for new members, just show up on a Saturday morning, we meet in the car park of Cove & Co previously Colourtrend opposite the Garda Station at 10am. Hope to see you there, check out our Facebook page.
The Ward River has powered many water-mills in its time, the volume and flow of the river having been historically much stronger than we see in it today. Before the age of steam, wind and waterpower were the only sources of energy available. In 1847 there were 3 mills working from the Ward. This particular one operated well into the 1940s, many of our older residents remembering it’s nostalgic resonant grumbling and grinding sounds!
The bridge itself dates from 1875 and is made of cut limestone with very distinctive ‘saddleback’ coping. Next time you are down this way, look down into the river to see a string marking the historic levels of water here. Down on the left at riverside you will also see the typical entry-piers I’ve cleaned, placed here to allow access to the river for washing clothes or drawing water. These piers appear all along the Ward to allow safe access to a once powerful and dangerous stream.
Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to progress their careers, to perform better at interviews, to practice for workplace presentations, or even for that all important wedding speech.
“I would recommend Toastmasters to everyone, you meet like-minded people from all walks of life who are interested in personal development, communication and leadership skills.”
says Seamus Hynes, member of Swords Toastmasters.
A typical meeting consists of prepared speeches, Table Topics™ (impromptu speeches) and evaluations.
The club is now inviting new members to join their group. Get in touch today for an obligation free visit and take the first step towards finding your voice and changing your life!
Swords Toastmasters; Date: Every 2nd Monday Location: Old Borough School, Church Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 Y179. Time: 8p.m. – 10p.m.
For more information, email swordstm@gmail.com or contact the membership officer on 086 8538048.
About District 71
District 71 comprises more than 200 corporate and community clubs in Ireland, Scotland, Northern Wales, Northern England, Midlands, and East of England. To learn more about District 71 please visit: Toastmasters UK North & Ireland – District 71
About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with over 265,000 members in more than 13,800 clubs in nearly 150 countries. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit toastmasters.org.
Swords resident Zdzislaw Pretki was thrilled when Fingal County Council installed some benches in Ridgewood Green recently. The greatly aid the 79-year-old who goes for regular walks there.
He said, “I would like to thank you very much Fingal County Council for their kind consideration of my request to install benches on Ridgewood Green. I am a Polish resident, I am almost 80 years old, and I often walk around Ridgewood.
I often see local people who, like me, would like to sit on a bench and rest for a while.
The appearance of the benches is a nice addition to the green square.
For the prompt and favourable consideration of my request on behalf of myself in the local community. Thank you, very much for all those who made the decision and performed the above - mentioned installation.”
Swords resident Zdzislaw Pretki was thrilled when Fingal County Council installed some benches in Ridgewood Green recently. The greatly aid the 79-year-old who goes for regular walks there.
He said, “I would like to thank you very much Fingal County Council for their kind consideration of my request to install benches on Ridgewood Green. I am a Polish resident, I am almost 80 years old, and I often walk around Ridgewood.
I often see local people who, like me, would like to sit on a bench and rest for a while.
The appearance of the benches is a nice addition to the green square.
For the prompt and favourable consideration of my request on behalf of myself in the local community. Thank you, very much for all those who made the decision and performed the above - mentioned installation.”
By Ken Duffy
July was a very busy month for our Swords Tidy Towns team of volunteers. We held the awards presentation for our Best Presented Estates competition and our Best Business Fronts competition.
Swords Tidy Towns Best Presented Estates awards 2025: 1st prize Rivervalley 500 euro; 2nd prize Seatown Terrace 300 euro; 3rd prize Carlton Court 200 euro. Most Improved Estate award: Lissenhall 50 euro; Best upcycled feature awarded to The Nurseries 50 euro
Wonderful community efforts evident all around Swords. Well done one and all. A special thank you must go to the Best Presented Estate committee and judges George Mongey, Mary Maxwell, Matt Cullen, Micheal Connolly and Martin Nulty of Nulty Landscapping chaired by Grace Dunne, fantastic work you guys. The generous prizes awarded would not be possible without the continued sponsorship of Members First Credit Union for which we are very grateful. Finally, not forgetting the tremendous support we receive from John Halford and his Fingal Horticultural Society team who put on a fantastic show each year, can’t wait for next year’s competition. We look forward to visiting your Estate in 2026.
This year’s winners of the Swords Tidy Towns Best Business fronts were as follows.
The Old Schoolhouse – Gold; McNamaras Chemist Dublin rd. – Silver. The Pound Bar - bronze.
Vincents Charity Shop. Castle shopping Centre. - most improved.
Well done to all our winners and to our Swords Tidy Towns volunteers Georgy Hughes and Matt Cullen for putting in the footwork.
After all that hard work it was time to let our hair down and there is no better bunch of people to do that than the Swords Tidy Towns team. A fabulous night was had by one and all at the Nathan Carter gig in Swords Castle. A massive thank you to Paul Barnes and his wonderful team at Fingal County Council for putting it all together, you did Swords proud. We dropped off at the 44 for a tipple after the concert and bumped into the Boomtown Rats who happened to be staying there, all in all, a very enjoyable night.
