St Colmcille’s GFC welcomed players, families, friends and the wider community for its annual charity blitz in aid of St Francis Hospice held on Saturday, 19th September.
The club has been holding the popular fundraising event almost every year since 2016 in honour of two of the players’ mothers who passed away and spent some time in St. Francis Hospice.
Following the action on the pitch, players and supporters came together in the club hall for refreshments, a raffle, and the real fun which continued into the evening.
Marian O Neill, Club Secretary, St. Colmcille’s, said: “Over the years, this blitz has become a really special event for our club. It brings people together for a great afternoon of football and plenty of fun, but most importantly it gives us an opportunity to support the incredible work of St Francis Hospice.”
“We have raised thousands of euros for the hospice since we first started holding the blitz, and that is entirely down to the generosity of our players, families, friends and the wider community.”
About St. Colmcille’s GAA Club
This small but busy and ambitious club has been part of the Swords Community since 1935. They are looking to grow their teams and offer the following opportunities to join in the fun.
Nursery training Saturdays 10.30 am Sponsored by Glenveagh homes.
U6’s training Saturdays 10.30 am
U8’s team Wednesday 6.30-7.15 and Saturday 10.30- 11.30
U10’s team train every Wednesday 7.15-8.15 & Saturday 10.30-12
U13 girls training every Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday at 10.30.
Adult men’s team are training every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30 Sponsored by Members First Credit Union.
Our Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others team are training every Monday at 7 p.m.
Media enquiries:
Pamela Kavanagh – 085 8022707 or Pamkavanagh@gmail.com
Swords Tidy Towns has been winning awards for many years as they work during all weathers to keep our community clean. They also put fantastic efforts into decorating Main Street and other areas with summer flower arrangements. Not so well known is an STT member who works on removing the graffiti that pops up with annoying regularity. Delivering a cleaner town on this front is Eric Duffy, a resident of Carlton Court. Given how this work has required constant attention he has a new process for anti-graffiti efforts that he thinks will work out well.
“I first got involved with Swords Tidy Towns when my neighbor, Matt Cullen, chatted to me while he was tidying a flower bed in Carlton Court, he explains. I soon decided to get involved, and after a bit with the litter picking, quickly became passionate about cleaning as much Graffiti as I could.” He is quick to point out that Tidy Towns always earn a lot of respect for wall murals and flower baskets, the work on removing graffiti can go un-noticed.
“Usually when the school holidays begin there is an uptick. I’d say there are only a few kids leaving graffiti but they make the town’s environment look awful.”
Eric has found that a wall might be repainted as soon as he cleans it. “I discovered they throw in the towel once we get to the third round”. In the same breath he worries that what he firmly considers to be vandalism, will surge back into popularity. “I believe we need to encourage the youth to develop their Art through art competitions, a more positive opportunity to show an artistic talent”
As part of a new Council funded project to combat litter and graffiti (ALAG), a mapping and tracking system is being developed for Swords. This offers a new way of identifying areas where graffiti causes a persistent nuisance. This new “public realm awareness” tool is nearly complete. Swords Tidy Towns is one of several Swords based organisations contributing to the design and improvement of this system. Browse www.swordlive.ie to see what is on offer.
The remarkable variety of beautification provided by Tidy Towns over the years is truly inspiring. https://swordstidytowns.com/completed-projects/
“New volunteers are certainly welcome to become part of our team” Ken Duffy, STT Chairperson.
Who are North Dublin Toastmasters?
North Dublin Toastmasters is a club that helps members become more confident by developing a range of social, communication and leadership skills. We provide our members with a relaxed, friendly, fun and professional environment to help them achieve these goals. You can volunteer for a variety of roles at our meetings and each role helps you to develop a varied range of skills. Members get an opportunity to grow at their own pace with no pressure to take on any specific role until they are ready. We also give regular, supportive feedback to help each person achieve their full potential.
Why the name change?
Our club has been established for over 30 years. Until recently, we were known as East Coast Toastmasters. Although we are all proud members of “East Coast” we feel that this name was a little too broad and vague for members looking for clubs in their own location. Whilst we welcome members from all areas and all counties, we believe that “North Dublin Toastmasters” will help potential members find us and give them a better understanding of our location.
Are guests welcome to attend?
We are delighted to welcome any guests who would like to attend our meetings and there is no charge. Most members who join the club first attend as a guest to see how a typical meeting runs. They often join us when they see how our club can help them achieve their own personal goals.
Where and when do we meet?
North Dublin Toastmasters meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month. We alternate between in-person meetings in St Cronan’s Parish Hall, Swords (first Tuesdays) and online meetings (third Tuesdays). Online meetings are another increasingly relevant way to develop and broaden your communication skills.
To get more information about our club you can email NorthDublinToastmasters@gmail.com or phone our President Mick Rock at 0877686069
By Mike Power
This famous Swords building opened its controversial doors on the 18th February 1809, a couple called Joseph and Anne Carmichael being the first principals. The name chosen ‘Old Borough’ recalls the ancient autonomous status of Swords as a ‘free, self-governing’ town (Borough).) Francis Johnson (1760-1829) was the architect.
The money to build this school came from the financial bonanza accruing to Swords at the Act of Union (1801) in compensation for the loss of its two MP’s (£1,500). The school was specifically set up both to educate the poor of the village, and to prepare them to become productive members of the ascendancy-controlled Swords of that day. As well as the 3 Rs, students were also (frugally) fed, learned practical skills - needlework (girls) and apprenticeships (boys). The school also provided coal and free medical care to regular attendees, a great incentive to attend for the’ poorer classes. There was also intense competition within the school for both academic and good conduct prizes, usually being money.
The ethos of this school was overwhelmingly Protestant, Irish never having being taught and the strict Protestant bible used for religious instruction. As time went on, however, more and more Catholic families began withdrawing their children (1830s -1853) from the school in protest at the school’s Protestant character. This situation was only finally resolved in 1855 when a new Catholic school (Seatown Rd.) was opened. It took until 1887 for the allotted funds to be equitably shared between both religious communities in Swords. An emblematic tale of Sword’s past...?
Email Mike l:mp9211198@gmail.com.
We’re excited to announce that ‘Cilles Cubs’ along with all GAA teams, autumn schedule returns at St Colmcille’s, Balheary, Swords (K67H996)
Nursery is open to boys and girls aged 4 -6 of all skill levels – whether you’re brand new to Gaelic games or already a budding star, there’s fun, fitness, and skill-building for everyone.
Let’s get the kids active, having fun, and enjoying our great games. Spread the word and we’ll see you on the pitch!
Contact Cora, for more information 0833741305.
Along with our Nursery, we also offer GAA too all age groups- if you are looking to get involved, joining up is easily done! Just contact the relevant person.
Adult Men’s Football: Call Patsy 0857362992
Gaelic for Mothers and Others : Call Deirdre 0879309962
Juvenile Football: (All Ages): Call Marian 0876819540
or email secretary.stcolmcilles.dublin@gaa.ie
Gaelic Football is a great way for you to get involved with the community, team building, learning new skills, all the while keeping fit and healthy. Come along, get involved and get behind your local club
Local girl Manassanan Chanhiran known to her many friends as Manny has entered the Mrs. Ireland 2026 pageant as Mrs Swords. The competition’s chosen charity this year is Temple Street Children’s Hospital. All donations are very welcome and much needed and can be made using Revolut. When doing so please mention the name of our Swords contestant Manassanan (Mrs Swords).
Writing to her supporters on her gofundme page Manny wrote, “I’m a proud mother of two. This year I’m so honoured to be participating in Ireland Pageants as Mrs. Ireland 2026 finalist official Mrs. Swords proudly representing Swords Dublin Ireland.
he competition will be held on Saturday 3rd of October 2026 at Canal court hotel Newry and it’s not so long to go. It would mean so much to me to have your support and guidance as I continue my pageant journey. Your help with the preparation costs would be incredibly valuable to me, and I would be truly grateful for your kindness and support. Lastly, I look forward to embracing this Pageants journey with confidence, kindness, creativity and purpose to proudly representing as Mrs. Swords!”
To donate to Manny’s bid to become Mrs. Ireland she has set up a gofundme page to help with the costs, locals can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-preparation-for-ireland-pageants-competition-2026?attribution_id=sl%3A1fc99fc2-a23c-457f-9136-f948d37d8a2c&ts=1787302086347&utm_campaign=natman_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
To keep up to date with Manny view her Instagram account by visiting https://www.instagram.com/manassananchanhiran_official?igsh=aHpucHhhMDhiNWc0
When Catherine Bacik made a chance encounter with Swords Castle several years ago little did she know it would lead to something completely unexpected, it became her first published children’s book.
The Castle by the Stop Light: The Shepherd Boy and His Flute focuses on Michael who steps inside an ancient castle and discovers a remarkable tale that brings together two lives separated by time. Through Sean, a young shepherd boy from long ago, and the castle itself, the storyteller that binds their worlds, Michael learns that the most ordinary places can become extraordinary when viewed through the eyes of imagination.
“I first saw the castle while standing at a bus stop on a cold, rainy night in Swords,” said Catherine who is a children’s author and photographer from Virginia in the United States. “Across the road was an illuminated stone wall sitting right beside an ordinary modern stop light. As an American who certainly wasn’t accustomed to finding castles beside traffic lights, I was completely captivated. I returned to Ireland the following year and made Swords Castle one of my first stops. I spent time photographing and exploring it, wondering about all the stories those old stone walls might hold”, she explained further.
Written for children ages 4–10 and the families who read with them, it invites readers to look beyond the ordinary and discover the stories waiting all around them.
“Since publishing the book, one of my goals has been to bring the story back to the community where it began. I thought the journey from a rainy Swords bus stop to a published children’s book might be a story of interest to your readers. In November 2025, I also had the wonderful opportunity to share my story with Kieran Carrick in a featured segment on Mornings with Kieran on Spirit Radio Ireland,” Catherine added. Whether writing stories, capturing photographs, or speaking about the creative process, Catherine hopes to remind others that there are remarkable stories waiting to be found all around us—if we simply take the time to look.
The Castle by the Stop Light: The Shepherd Boy and His Flute, is currently available on Amazon.com.
The final construction of Swords Castle was the work of many hands and many centuries too.
Having a siting near a powerful, navigable river recommended Swords immediately to the conquering Norman’s in 1170 ad. Rivers provide vital water, allow for rapid travel over the waterways of that day and provided these new continental invaders with immediate access to the open sea at the Malahide estuary. Sea travel, in a territory still covered by thick forest, was the most efficient means of travel the Swords Castle was built not so much for defence or sieges either, but for control of the local area and native population.
Nevertheless, as this 1790 print confirms with fishermen depicted near the Constable’s Tower(1400s). The castle once boasted a surrounding moat, fed directly from the river Ward. Tight lines to all our fishermen!
We are delighted to announce that Craobh Cholm Cille, Conradh na Gaeilge has been re-established in Swords, North County Dublin.
The same branch was in the town as far back as 1902 (check out the article from Drogheda Independent, 19 April 1902).
There is a language revival underway at the moment and we want to cater for that interest and represent those that are interested in promoting our national language. The success of the gaelscoileanna movement in recent years means there are many Irish speakers looking to preserve their language skills and help pass the gift to the next generations.
We intend to provide speaking opportunities, organise Irish lessons, run Irish language juvenile sports camps, inspire social occasions trí ghaeilge and to make An Ghaeilge available to the people of Swords.
Ta lúcháir orainn a fhógairt go bhfuil Craobh Cholm Cille, Conradh na Gaeilge athbhunaithe againn i Sord Cholm Cille, Tuaisceart Chontae Átha Cliath.
Bhí an Chraobh chéanna sa bhaile chomh fada siar le 1902, ar a laghad (féach ar an sliocht ón Drogheda Independent, 19 Aibreán 1902).
Tá athbheochan teanga ar siúl faoi láthair agus ba mhaith linn freastal ar an spéis sin agus ionadaíocht a dhéanamh orthu siúd a bhfuil suim acu ár dteanga náisiúnta a chur chun cinn. Mar gheall ar an rath a bhí ar ghluaiseacht na ngaelscoileanna le blianta beaga anuas, tá go leor Gaeilgeoirí ag iarraidh a gcuid scileanna teanga a chaomhnú agus an bronntanas a thabhairt do na glúnta atá le teacht.
Tá sé mar chuspóir againn tuilleadh deiseanna cainte a chur ar fáil, ranganna Gaeilge a eagrú, campaí spóirt trí ghaeilge a reáchtáil, imeachtaí sóisialta a spreagadh agus an ghaeilge a chur i lár an aonaigh do phobal an bhaile.
If you would like more information please contact:
craobhcholmcille@cnag.ie / Liam @ 086 3814422
Would you like to build your confidence in public speaking? Have you grown tired of letting fear hold you back? This September, take the first step towards overcoming this fear by visiting Swords Toastmasters for an obligation-free meeting. Discover a supportive and encouraging environment where you can develop your communication and leadership skills while gaining the confidence to speak with ease.”
That’s exactly what member Amanda O’Hara did last year when she wanted to meet the challenge head on.
Amanda said “Joining Toastmasters has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in a long time. When I first attended, I was fearful and I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick with it. The fact that it was a massive fear was the clear sign I needed that I had to face it. I’m only there a year but I have taken on many roles, completed a couple of speeches and I feel it has helped my confidence greatly. Toastmasters gives you the freedom to be who you are, and express yourself freely as your authentic self. You will receive nothing but encouragement and support from everyone in the club. I’m really enjoying being a part of it.”
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 tat all important wedding speech.
If you would like to see Amanda and her fellow Toastmasters in action, get in touch today, for an obligation-free visit. Perhaps you will be inspired to take the first step towards finding your own voice and changing your life!
Swords Toastmasters
Date: Every 2nd Monday, September - June
Location: Forrest Little Golf Club, Forrest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 K825
Time: 8p.m. – 10p.m.
For more information, email swordstm@gmail.com or contact the membership officer on 086 8538048.