It seems there’s something in the Dublin mix this year as three local bakers have risen to the challenge and secured their places in the semi-finals of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition.
Helen Walker from Swords will be among the eight talented contestants competing at the National Ploughing Championships semi-finals in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, on September 16th and 17th. The top four will go forward to the final on September 18th.
Speaking on the achievement, Helen said, “It’s my first time entering the National Brown Bread Baking competition and I’m delighted to be representing the Dublin ICA. I’m also absolutely petrified but bring it on!”.
The champion will take home €5,000 in cash and a NEFF Slide & Hide oven. Three finalists on the 18th will win €500 Euronics gift cards, while all other finalists will receive a €250 Euronics gift card and a Neff hamper.
Supported by Euronics in association with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Country Women’s Association, the competition is set to be a feast for the senses with the Dublin bakers hoping to be crowned with the finest loaf.
The following is an extract from Mike Power’s forthcoming book - Swords: History and Mysteries… A Community Guide
Despite being situated solidly within the ‘Pale’(‘Pallium’ latin=A Fence) the spirit of Irish nationalism was never quite extinguished in Swords and Fingal…Swords folk contributed to every insurrection in Ireland, most notably in 1916, when the Fingal brigade of the Irish Volunteers led by Captain Richard Coleman of Main St. fought bravely in the engagement in the Mendacity Instit, Dublin.Swords folk can be very proud of it’s long and honourable tradition of nationalism, often carried out in the face of great opposition from the authorities. Fingal Abu !
‘Fingal has done more than its share in Ireland’s republican cause…’
Eamonn de Valera 1940
Easter Monday 1916 in the village of Swords dawned fine and dry. The Taylor brothers Tom, Joe and Christopher left their home in Taylors’ pub, Main Street, and headed out toKnocksedan bridge, half-an-hour’s walking at their brisk military pace. While confused by Eoin Mc Neill’s letter in the Sunday Independent to stand down, they still held to Captain Richard ‘Dick’ Coleman’s order:
‘We meet at Knocksedan Bridge on Monday, Ok?’
Their new boots chafing their feet as they strolled, going up the Brackenstown Road, they met Christopher ‘Kit’ Moran.
‘Is it still on?’ he asked, the others, saying nothing, walking stolidly ahead.
Kit Moran’s Mauser rifle slapped rhythmically on his hip, ‘damn blunderbuss,’ he spoke as he walked, knowing well the horrid mess its 57 mm. rounds could make of something as fragile as the human body. Seventy men were already waiting on the bridge, most smoking and cooling their heels, their mood black, disappointed with the poor turnout.
Some peered over the parapet at the black pools of water 60 feet below, pondering what lay ahead.
Finally, Captain Richard Coleman arrived, his Sam Browne belt and brass buttons shining in the shafts of sunlight scattering on the bridge. Pointedly, taking each man in with his eyes he said: ‘Right then, a Oglaigh, this is what we did all that hard training for – this is the day!’
Dublin writer George Fitzgerald is no stranger to putting pen to paper and with firm roots in Swords, George fondly remembers his relative Ned Stafford who was an integral part of the Nationalist movement and an active participant in the 1916 Rising.
Ned Stafford from Swords, County Dublin. His mother, Brigid Stafford, described as “a lady,” was supportive of his nationalist beliefs. The Stafford parents and their nine children are buried in Swords Cemetery. Ned became involved in nationalism after hearing Thomas MacDonagh speak at a gathering in Swords. Once he had made his decision, his mother supported him, and the family was aware of the key figures involved. Ned Stafford was present at Boland’s Mills during the 1916 Rising.
Boland’s served as a crucial strategic location for the Irish Volunteers. The mill, along with other buildings in the area, became the headquarters for the 3rd Battalion, which was tasked with controlling key approaches to Dublin from Dún Laoghaire, then Kingstown, a port where British reinforcements were expected. The Volunteers engaged in fierce fighting, particularly at Mount Street Bridge, and successfully held their ground against British forces until the order to surrender was given.
Ned subsequently enlisted in the Free State Army. However Private Edward Stafford died due to tuberculosis acquired during active duty in 1926. In a letter from his mother, she expressed her pride in stating that her son fought during Easter Week under Risteard Mulcahy’s command.
Ned Stafford’s dad, Patrick, was employed as a gardener. Three of his sons enlisted in the Irish Army. George Stafford was a member of the Irish Army from 1927 until 1960. The Black and Tans, or perhaps British troops, during the War of Independence, while they were looking for Ned Stafford, who was fleeing. He was informed that the plans for Ashbourne were concealed within the house, intended to prevent the train from transporting soldiers into the city. One of his brothers was Tom Stafford, who in the 1930s lived in a tenement in Gardiner Street, Dublin, in the 1930s. He and his family later moved to Ballyfermot. His daughter, Maria, married a local man, George Fitzgerald. In 1966, the young couple got a new flat on the tenth floor of the newly developed Ballymun flats.
George Fitzgerald is the author not only of the Ashley Brown series but the 9-book audiobook series about growing up in Ballymun in the 60s and later his life in Finglas South. There were four brothers in the family: George, his twin Joseph, Pat, and Wesley. The twins were champion boxers in the 70s. And band members in the 80s and 90s with the famed D11 Runners. The audiobooks can be listened to on YouTube or Facebook.
Mike Power B.A M.A. MSc. has been living in Swords since 1990. A trained psychologist, Mike has lectured and written extensively in the fields of youth mental health and history. Mike’s trips to Gormanston College in the mid-1960s introduced the village of Swords to him. Mike writes regular history columns for various publications. Married with six grandchildren, his strange idea of ‘fun’ is wandering around his beloved Ward Valley Park, Swords, uncovering the wonderful story of those who once lived and worked there.
Swords – History and Mysteries - A Community Guide tells you about how a ‘newbie’ like me got bitten by the heritage bug. It also tells about how I go about doing my heritage work. Swords and Fingal are both historic areas full of interesting heritage and history areas for you and your family to explore and enjoy.
Part 1. Swords. – Strands from an Ancient Tapestry: This part sketches in the heritage background of Swords, an area so rich in history. Here, you will discover the places and people who made Swords into the village we see today.
Part 2. The Mysterious Heritage Hubs of Swords: This part examines six particular newly discovered Heritage Hubs in Swords. These hubs are examples of recently discovered local historical sites, that contain concentrated heritage from Swords’s past.
Part 3. Swords’s Story Reimagined in Twelve Historical Stories: This section recounts the story of Swords in 12 historical stories. In each one, we see these specific eras of the past through the eyes of an actual person who lived back at thisat time in history.
Part 4. Reprise and Renaissance: This part summarises the history of Swords and points a way forward for the future of Swords and its people.
For more information and where to purchase the book, Mike can be contacted at: mp9211198@gmail.com.
Article by Ken Duffy
Swords Tidy Towns had a great day out at the Vintage Picnic Concert in Swords Castle. We got stuck into a delicious picnic of our own which was generously sponsored by Supervalu in the Pavillions SC. We bumped into Swords Womenshed as we have done in previous years, them ladies sure know how to dress up and party. The Swords Tidy Towners group are no shy violets either, we were up showing off our moves to all and sundry. The bad weather forecast never turned up which was a blessing for this outdoor event. Well done to Fingal County Council for putting on such a wonderful age friendly event each year, as always, you played a stormer, can’t wait for next year.
Remember Swordonians, we are always looking for new volunteers, trust me, it’s all fun. We are also looking for volunteers to help out at our Clothes Swops, Seed and Plants Swops which are held at the Rivervalley Community Centre. Contact Ken on 086-6008313
We’re excited to announce the launch of this year’s Best Presented Estates Competition.
With fantastic prizes worth €1,000 sponsored by Member First Credit Union, there’s never been a better time to get involved! We’re looking to highlight and celebrate the most outstanding estates in Swords for their hard work, care and commitment to the community. We want to hear from you. If your estate has made changes or improvements since last year - big or small - we’d love to know!
Please share with us:
Your efforts make a real difference in the community, and we can’t wait to see the progress made.
Deadline for submissions is 6th July 2025. Please send your updates to: swordstidytowns@gmail.com
Areas to be evaluated by the judges: General Tidiness and Cleanliness: litter free, clean paths and communal areas, well maintained signage, overall first impression.
Landscaping and Green Spaces: Quality of planting and maintenance, creativity in green spaces.
Biodiversity Enhancements: Presence of features – bug hotels, wildflower areas & re-wilding efforts, pollinator planting, trees.
Winners announced at the Fingal Horticultural Annual Show at St Colmcille’s GFC on 4 August 2025
There were two events over the last month to celebrate Swords Tidy Towns Gold Medal win and to recognise the enormity of us achieving it.
The first celebration event was hosted by the Old Schoolhouse in the Whiskey Room where food was provided free of charge for which we are very grateful. A thank you must go to Willie and his hard-working team for looking after us on the night. It was a very special evening spent with fellow volunteers who share the same community passion and love of Swords.
The second celebratory event was a Civic Reception with our local Councillors, the Mayor and the CEO of Fingal County Council. We were first seated in the main council chambers where the business of Fingal takes place. The Mayor gave a very complimentary speech as did our local councillors and our Chairperson. Afterwards we adjourned to the Atrium where we were treated to a sandwiches, wraps, cakes, coffee and tea provided by The Gourmet Food Parlour where we mingled.
A big thank you to Ann Marie Farrelly CEO who chatted with our members listening intently to their wants and needs for retaining the Gold Medal in 2025. Those in attendance were in complete agreement of the prestige that Swords has now being a national Gold Medal winner.
A special mention must go to our invited sponsors for their unwavering support over many years, we would not be gold medal winners today if wasn’t for their generosity.
By Mike Power
With longer days and (hopefully) sunnier skies, this time of the year is ideal for giving you and your family the ‘walking habit’. Beginning walkers prefer to have definite starting and ending points, while making the walk a ‘heritage hunt’ gives the kids something to collect and examine later. They can collect ‘magic’ stones to examine at home. Walking and exploring is healthy, interesting and ‘bonds’ a family together.
he whole Swords area is rich in interesting heritage walks. I’ve chosen these particular strolls both for their enjoyment, and to safely avoid the ever-present danger of the traffic that swirls everywhere around our village nowadays.
Walk 1. The Ward Heritage Park Walk
Most Swords folk are familiar with the ‘Jacko’ but have you ever continued your walk past the children’s playground and into the park ahead? If you do, you will be rewarded by the discovery of an area full of interest for all family members to explore, especially your dog !
This fabulous but little-known park lies to the west of Swords. If driving there, Park at the Brackenstown roundabout down from the Manor. The entrance to this park lies on your right, past some iron railings and down the hill to begin your walk. Continue to explore the area, walking around a pond which locals call ‘Ushers’ but which was actually dug out by a local nobleman Viscount Robert Molesworth in the 1710s.
You can do short, (3/4 hr) medium, (1 hr), and long ( 2hr) walks in this park.
Walk 2: The Brackenstown Road/Swords Village Heritage Walk
Again, drive to the Brackenstown roundabout, park and walk straight ahead. This small track was the original road into Swords! Emerge onto the Brackenstown road proper and walk ahead until you see on your right a set of wooden stairs leading back down to the park. The kids will love this! Descend into the ‘Jacko’ and walk back along the path to your right. Let the kids play in the playground, before ascending the path opposite. When up this path, walk ahead to your left to rejoin your car at the Brackenstown roundabout.
Happy Walking!
Look out for Mike’s book on Swords: Swords History and Mysteries. A Community Guide, to be published in August.
St Colmcille’s will host their annual GAA Summer camp the week of 22-25th July.
Fun and laughter will be at the heart of this year’s Summer Camp. We have a schedule that will keep your kids entertained to the max! Join us for Gaelic Football Summer Camp – the ultimate experience for young athletes eager to learn, grow, and play the fast-paced game of Gaelic football! Whether you’re a beginner or have played before, our camp is designed to improve skills, foster teamwork, and most importantly, have a blast!
Children will experience
Expert Coaching by certified coaches with years of experience in Gaelic Football
Skill Development sessions: Master the fundamentals or elevate your game to the next level!
Team Building Activities: Meet new friends and create lasting memories while working as a team
Fun & Fitness: Improve fitness levels through drills, friendly competition, and games
Spaces are limited! Register online at https://colmcillesgfc.clubforce.com/pages/summer-camp-2025 or text 0876819540 for more information.
By Mike Power
With longer days and (hopefully) sunnier skies, this time of the year is ideal for giving you and your family the ‘walking habit’. Beginning walkers prefer to have definite starting and ending points, while making the walk a ‘heritage hunt’ gives the kids something to collect and examine later. They can collect ‘magic’ stones to examine at home. Walking and exploring is healthy, interesting and ‘bonds’ a family together. The whole Swords area is rich in interesting heritage walks. I’ve chosen these particular strolls both for their enjoyment, and to safely avoid the ever-present danger of the traffic that swirls everywhere around our village nowadays.
Walk 1. The Ward Heritage Park Walk
Most Swords folk are familiar with the ‘Jacko’ but have you ever continued your walk past the children’s playground and into the park ahead? If you do, you will be rewarded by the discovery of an area full of interest for all family members to explore, especially your dog !
This fabulous but little-known park lies to the west of Swords. If driving there, Park at the Brackenstown roundabout down from the Manor. The entrance to this park lies on your right, past some iron railings and down the hill to begin your walk. Continue to explore the area, walking around a pond which locals call ‘Ushers’ but which was actually dug out by a local nobleman Viscount Robert Molesworth in the 1710s.
You can do short, (3/4 hr) medium, (1 hr), and long ( 2hr) walks in this park. Further information at:
Walk 2: The Brackenstown Road/Swords Village Heritage Walk
Again, drive to the Brackenstown roundabout, park and walk straight ahead. This small track was the original road into Swords! Emerge onto the Brackenstown road proper and walk ahead until you see on your right a set of wooden stairs leading back down to the park. The kids will love this! Descend into the ‘Jacko’ and walk back along the path to your right. Let the kids play in the playground, before ascending the path opposite. When up this path, walk ahead to your left to rejoin your car at the Brackenstown roundabout.
Happy Walking!
Look out for Mike’s book on Swords: Swords History and Mysteries. A Community Guide, to be published in August.
