Balbriggan Local V11I3-JAN 2026 by Irish Media Group

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Volume 11 Issue 3 January 2026

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Ar ais arís ! Dublin’s Biggest Festival of Trad & Folk is Back

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Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

27/11/2025

Balbriggan Millfield Shopping Centre Tel: 01 883 4150

Christmas Toys & Treats Now IN-STOCK!! ruff, but still... Christmas prep can get a bit

HAPPY HOWLIDAYS!

A New Year D

As the clock strikes midnight and the echoes of steps once again into a New Year — a population celebrate optimistically about what lies ahead. Fingal is a place of contrasts. Ancient castles si data centres and runways; fishing boats share the New Year invites us to reflect on how these contr The past year has not been without challenge. H traffic congestion and climate change are not abst queues, bus stops and family kitchens across the Community groups have stepped up, volunteers h businesses have adapted with determination and c A New Year is more than a calendar change; it what kind of county we want Fingal to be. Can w development serve communities rather than overw parks and farmland while providing opportunity f There is reason for hope. Investment in active t a shift toward more sustainable living. Cultural ev bind communities together. Fingal’s young peopl demanding a future that is fairer and greener, and As 1st January breaks, perhaps on a bracing wa in the Dublin Mountains foothills, Fingal residen Year will bring its uncertainties, but it also brings If Fingal can meet the coming year with the sam through the last, then 2025 can be not just a new from coast to countryside.

Wishing Everyone A

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A New Year Dawns in Fingal

Local News

As the clock strikes midnight and the echoes of fireworks can be heard along the coast, Fingal steps once again into a New Year — a population rooted in history, shaped by community, celebrate optimistically about what lies ahead. Fingal is a place of contrasts. Ancient castles sit beside new housing estates; farmland meets data centres and runways; fishing boats share the horizon with early-morning commuters and the New Year invites us to reflect on how these contrasts can become strengths rather than tensions. The past year has not been without challenge. Housing pressures, cost-of-living concerns, traffic congestion and climate change are not abstract issues here — they are felt in school queues, bus stops and family kitchens across the county. Yet Fingal has also shown resilience. Community groups have stepped up, volunteers have looked out for neighbours, and local businesses have adapted with determination and creativity. A New Year is more than a calendar change; it is a moment of collective pause. It asks what kind of county we want Fingal to be. Can we grow without losing our character? Can development serve communities rather than overwhelm them? Can we protect our coastline, parks and farmland while providing opportunity for the next generation? There is reason for hope. Investment in active travel, green spaces and town renewal signals a shift toward more sustainable living. Cultural events, sports clubs and libraries continue to bind communities together. Fingal’s young people — diverse, ambitious and outspoken — are demanding a future that is fairer and greener, and they deserve to be heard. As 1st January breaks, perhaps on a bracing walk along Portmarnock beach or a quiet moment in the Dublin Mountains foothills, Fingal residents can take pride in where they live. The New Year will bring its uncertainties, but it also brings possibility. If Fingal can meet the coming year with the same sense of community that has carried it through the last, then 2025 can be not just a new chapter, but a better one — written together, from coast to countryside.

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f fireworks can be heard along the coast, Fingal n rooted in history, shaped by community,

it beside new housing estates; farmland meets Balbriggan Local Magazine horizon with early-morning commuters and the www.Facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal rasts can become strengths rather than tensions. Communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Housing pressures, cost-of-living concerns, tract issues here — they are felt in school Pickresilience. up Points county. YetDesignated Fingal has also shown have looked out for neighbours, andLidl local Supervalu Balbriggan, Balbriggan creativity. Tesco, Millfield S.C, Balbriggan is a moment of collective pause. It asks The Lark Theatre Balibriggan we grow without losing our character? Can whelm them? Can we protect our coastline, for the next generation? Published by travel, green spaces and town renewal signals vents, sports clubs and libraries continue to le — diverse, ambitious outspoken are publishingand | design | print— | web d they deserve to be heard. www.irishmediagroup.ie alk along Portmarnock beach or a quiet moment nts can take pride in where they live. The New s possibility. me sense of community that has carried it chapter, but a better one — written together,

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Local News

Happy New Year from the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Guide Dogs What a busy 2025 it was for the Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! As we step into 2026, we look forward to more fundraising, merchandise stands and meeting new people. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the year and continue to do so and a massive thank you to our volunteers for dedicating your time to the Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs! If it is a new year’s resolution of yours to volunteer, why not join our Branch and make a change? You can contact us on the details below and we would be delighted to have you! While things might be quiet at the moment, we were certainly busy over November with our merchandise stands in SuperValu, Balbriggan on both the 14th and 15th November where we raised a fantastic total of €1,171.43 over the weekend and in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan on both the 28th and 29th November where raffle tickets and Christmas cards were a big hit and we raised a brilliant total of €1,851.08 over the weekend. We hope you had a chance to get your hands on the special edition 2026 Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind calendar celebrating 50 years of Guide Dogs! It’s not too late to get

Volunteers Jan and Shivaun with Ambassador Dog Cassie fundraising in Millfield Shopping centre in November

one, you can find them in Balbriggan in Baxter’s

can contact us if you have any old/used postage

Butchers, Donal Hayes Chiropodist, Java The

stamps and old notes or coins.

Hut, Imeldas Hairdressers on Bridge Street and

Finally, we would like to say massive thank

Cuddles Pet Store, in Skerries you can find them

you to everyone who supported our Branch this

in Skerries Hardware, McMeels Pharmacy, Stacks

year and we wish you the happiest Christmas and

Pharmacy, Oakes Pharmacy and Shenick Vets and

new year! We hope to see some familiar faces

in Corduff, Swords and Rush, they are located in

when we get back out there in the coming weeks!

the Irish Rosettes Corduff, Village Vets Lissenhall Swords and Stitches and Alterations in Rush.

You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/

Now is also a good time for us to collect your

text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@

old stamps or coins from anywhere in the world

gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan

and turn them into cash for our branch. You

Branch of Guide Dogs.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BEST WISHES FOR 2026

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Dedicated & reliable service, inspired & passionate staff.

WE SPECIALISE IN ■ Pre & Post Operation Rehab ■ Sports Medicine &

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Stockton’s Wing & Ralph McTell The Dublin Legends & Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones Peggy Seeger Freddie White Altan Seán Ó Sé at 90 Féile Barney

Celebrating Dubliner’s Legend Barney McKenna

Phelim Drew & The Songs of the Dubliners Gerry O’Connor Trio Madra Salach Burnchuch Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh Niamh Bury Inni-k Eamonn Galldubh Diane Cannon Emma Langford Padraig Jack Áine Tyrrell Fingal Gospel Choir Donal Clancy Black Ravens Pipe Band Gleas-IIMS Youth Trad Ensemble IIMS Harp Ensemble TRÚ

tickets: tradfest.com @tradfestdublin

@tradfest_dublin

@trad_fest

@tradfest BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Local News

Balbriggan Town Awards 2025

Cllr Tony Murphy (Balbriggan Tourism Committee) Luke Moriarty and Deputy Mayor Cllr Gráinne Maguire (chair Balbriggan Tourism Committee)

Noel Heeney

2025 Stephen Scarff Perpetual Award Winner: Noel Heeney We gather to honour a truly remarkable individual whose vision, compassion, and dedication have had a lasting impact on families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia in our community. This person saw a need — families struggling, carers overwhelmed, and individuals living with memory loss who deserved connection, dignity, and a safe place to be understood. Rather than wait for someone else to act, he stepped forward, demonstrating remarkable initiative and leadership. Through his efforts, he has helped establish a day-care centre at the local rugby club, transforming a community space into a welcoming, supportive environment. Recognising that no one can do it alone, he has built a strong team of dedicated volunteers to support these initiatives and ensure their success. Together, they work tirelessly to bring respite and engagement to those who need it most. He has also been a driving force behind fundraising and awareness campaigns, from organising community events to leading initiatives such as the Memory Walk — raising vital funds while bringing the community together in solidarity and hope. Looking forward, he is determined to achieve a dedicated facility similar to the one in Drogheda, where he was instrumental in helping bring such a service to life. His vision is not just local, 6

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

but national in scope: he serves on the national executive of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, helping to shape strategy, fundraising, and advocacy at the highest level. His tireless work, combined with his ability to inspire others, has created a legacy of compassion, support, and hope. And so, it is with great pride and admiration that we present this award to… Noel Heeney Thank you for your vision, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to our community. One of the main awards on the night was to remember joe Kelly of Balbriggan.info who sadly passed away earlier this year and whose generosity, dedication & community spirit made a lasting difference to Balbriggan. Joe Kelly had a familiar presence at local events or online. Balbriggan.info the social media page he created & maintained, he became an essential connector in our town — sharing events, local achievements, supporting good causes & keeping the community informed. Joe gave his time freely. His efforts were driven by pride in Balbriggan & a genuine desire to help the town& the people he cared about. His contribution went far beyond the ordinary. He volunteered countless hours, supported community initiatives, & helped build a stronger sense of togetherness in the town. His legacy of selfless service is one we honour with deep respect. To recognise individuals who embody this

same commitment to community, we are proud to introduce the Joe Kelly Community Contribution Award. This award celebrates those who, like Joe, make Balbriggan a better, more connected & more vibrant place. The inaugural recipient is someone whose impact on Balbriggan has been exceptional. Since establishing the Moriarty Group in 1987, he has created thriving local businesses that offer employment, services & opportunities to many families in the community. His commitment extends far beyond business leadership; throughout the years, he has consistently reinvested in the town, supporting sports clubs, schools, charities, youth programmes, local events & community development projects. His generosity, leadership & long-standing dedication have strengthened the social & cultural fabric of Balbriggan. His contributions have been acknowledged through several notable honours, including the JC Savage Fingal Business Person of the Year and Kerry Person of the Year awards. These recognitions speak not only to his business achievements but also to the exceptional role he plays in supporting & uplifting our community. In every respect, he reflects the values that this award represents — commitment to community, generosity of spirit & a vision for a better Balbriggan. It is with great pride that the award for the inaugural Joe Kelly Community Contribution goes to Luke Moriarty. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Finance

Positive Changes That Actually Benefit You By Dave Kavanagh Here we are again at that time of year when, after possible excesses over the festive period, many people embark on making some positive changes or improvements in their lives. The most recognisable of these is the “losing weight/ getting healthier” one. To give people more of an incentive to maintain what they start, it’s worth noting that if done properly, losing weight can have the added bonus of leaving you with more money at the end of each month. So how does that work?? Well, by “doing it properly” I refer to NOT going on a diet, or buying products with magic properties that will make the weight just fall off. Instead, making small, sustainable lifestyle changes. It can be adding some exercise in week 1, drinking more water (and less alcohol/ sugar laden drinks) in week 2, reducing portion sizes in week 3, substituting things like chips for wholegrain rice or pasta in week 4, breaking the association of biscuits/cakes whenever you have a coffee or tea in week 5, etc., etc. Doing it this way, makes it sustainable and when weight is dropped slower over a longer period of time, it is far more likely to be kept off. So how does that help your finances? When I analyse people’s spending budgets, it’s clear that takeaways, alcohol, sweets, cakes biscuits etc. pop up quite frequently. If you keep

track of the savings when you cut down on many of these things, it’s easy to see how much you can save. One person I was helping used to enjoy her “treat” of a chocolate eclair most days. When she accepted that she felt bad after eating it and conceded that it was not helping her goal to lose weight, I suggested it was more of a punishment than a treat. I proposed that she put the money into a jar each day and when there was enough, to treat herself to a back massage, which can positively reinforce the good changes someone has made. Make the right choices, one day at a time. In addition, keeping these positive changes going, can actually let you save enough to pay for the following Christmas. Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_ advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM, LMFM and TV3.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Local News

Balbriggan Childcare Organisation Welcomes 2026 with Erasmus+ Success

As Balbriggan steps confidently into a new year, one local organisation is celebrating fresh beginnings, new skills, and international collaboration. Really Cool Afterschool & Montessori School, which operates three childcare facilities in Balbriggan, employs 40 staff members and provides care for 200 children from 27 nationalities every year, continues to shine on the European stage thanks to its recently awarded Erasmus+ grant enabling staff training abroad. The project, funded under the Erasmus+ Programme and supported by Ireland’s National Agency, Léargas, is titled “One Planet, Many Cultures: Eco-Learning in a Diverse Crèche”. Its focus is on strengthening staff expertise in ecoeducation, inclusion, and innovative early-years approaches—core values in the organisation’s

work with Balbriggan’s multicultural community. Although the project officially runs from July 2025 to June 2026, the team has already made impressive progress. Six teachers have completed mobility trainings in Portugal and Romania, returning home energised with new teaching strategies and perspectives on earlyyears education. Their learning is already being embedded into daily practice across all three centres, enhancing experiences for children aged 1 to 12. The journey continues in 2026 with even more energy. At least six additional educators are preparing to travel to different corners of Europe in the coming months. The next destination is Spain, where a group of teachers will participate in Erasmus training on using Art to promote

inclusion —an inspiring way to begin the year. Co-Owner Marzena Stronska expressed pride in their team’s commitment: “Our staff are passionate about giving every child the best start in life. Through Erasmus+, we learn from excellent educators across Europe and bring that knowledge straight back to Balbriggan. Our families benefit, our staff grow, and our community becomes stronger.” As the new year unfolds, the organisation is focused on innovation, professional growth, and continuing to build bridges across Europe. January, for Really Cool Afterschool team, is time for fresh goals, new partnerships, and renewed dedication to high-quality, inclusive childcare. Wishing all families, staff, and partners a bright and inspiring year ahead.

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Film Review

The package to make your debts manageable.

‘The Shining’ in IMAX is a Colossal Nightmare

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Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 masterpiece, The Shining, has long been a benchmark for psychological horror, with its suffocating visuals evoking a sense of unrelenting dread. Now, over four decades after its initial release, the film makes its debut on IMAX screens, resulting in a spectacle that is both deeply unsettling and gloriously intense. The IMAX format is not just a matter of bigger screens; it’s an amplification of the film’s already potent atmosphere. From the iconic opening shot, where a yellow Volkswagen winds its way up a deserted mountain road, the scope is immediately immersive, drawing the viewer in. The vast expanse of the Colorado landscape, typically a symbol of freedom, instead conveys a sense of absolute isolation, inescapable and overwhelming. The true power of the IMAX presentation lies within the Overlook Hotel. Kubrick and cinematographer John Alcott’s pioneering use of the Steadicam created those signature, smooth tracking shots that now, on the massive IMAX scale, feel almost like a physical presence, haunting the viewer as they glide through the endless, geometric corridors. The checkerboard carpet, where Danny rides his tricycle, transforms into a dizzying, threedimensional maze. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance’s descent into madness is magnified to devastating effect. His frantic, desperate face, often centered in the frame due to Kubrick’s meticulous symmetry, takes on a monstrous, intimate quality. Every twitch of his eyebrow and every terrifying grin fills the viewer’s peripheral vision, making his breakdown feel far more visceral and unnerving. Meanwhile, Shelley Duvall’s performance as the increasingly hysterical Wendy, though initially controversial, is now heartbreakingly realized as a portrait of sheer terror. The IMAX sound system pairs perfectly with the film’s discordant score and oppressive sound design, transforming the Overlook into a sensory prison. The eerie silence, the ominous low-end rumble, and the legendary elevator blood-flood scene, which rushes toward the audience, all combine to create a moment of overwhelming cinematic shock. Although The Shining was not originally shot with IMAX in mind, the newly remastered digital presentation remains true to Kubrick’s meticulous craft. The fact that scaling up the film only serves to amplify its terror is a testament to its timeless, layered artistry, making this an essential experience for both cinephiles and horror fans. As the Overlook Hotel comes alive on the IMAX screen, viewers won’t just watch the film – they will feel trapped inside. I’d recommend checking out ‘The Shining’ in IMAX and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of Five Stars. You can go check it out at Cineworld. Director Stanley Kubrick – Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Mystery – Run Time: 2h 23m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram. BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Fingal News

Fingal County Council awarded CPD accreditation for another three years Fingal County Council has been re-certified as an Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer for the maximum duration of three years. The award recognises Fingal’s ongoing commitment to continuous professional development systems and practices for its staff. The Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer Standard is a strategic framework which enables engineers and engineering employers raise competency levels and deliver tangible business benefits by investing in engineers through continuing professional development. Welcoming the re-certification Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “We are very proud to have been recognised as a CPD Accredited Employer for a further three years, the maximum duration that can be awarded. Fingal County Council is a vibrant and dynamic place to work, and we are committed to ensuring our employees have the tools they need to succeed. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all involved”. Fingal County Council has

over 70 engineers who work in a wide variety of services across the county. This includes staff operating in the areas of housing, transport, active travel, public infrastructure, water, and environment. Examples of major projects being carried out include Culture House, Swords, and the new Ongar to Barnhill Road. Senior Engineer and chair of the CPD Committee at Fingal County Council, Colin Gallagher said: “The Fingal County Council CPD Committee provides clear and strong leadership promoting an inclusive CPD culture for the benefit and development of all our Engineers. The Committee has worked tirelessly to assist with the continuous skills development of Fingal’s Engineers, providing an excellent active and dynamic resource for innovatively improving the Engineering roles and areas of expertise that are managed and performed so well here in Fingal. The emphasis on Continuing Professional Development of Engineers ensures that the Council is future-proofed to cope with any challenging obstacles that may arise in the future”.

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Wishing you happy new ye a ar!

Rob O’Donoghue TD

Email: robert.odonoghue@oireachtas.ie | Call: 083 054 5554 10 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Local News

Centenary Celebrations for Balbriggan Rugby Club

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Balbriggan Rugby Club held their Centenary Gala Ball in the Bracken Court Hotel on Saturday 29th November. On 10th November 1925 the Club along with Navan RFC, was officially affiliated to the Leinster Branch of the IRFU. The event was attended by 160 Club Members and guests. President Kevin Colman welcomed special guests, Dr John O’Driscoll, President of the IRFU and Moira Flahive, President of the Leinster Branch. In his speech John had to admit to being a Skerries man before moving as a child to the UK. Also in attendance was former Irish International, Leinster Manager and Skerries man, Jim Glennon, and current international Linda Djougang. Club Treasurer, Robert Cashell did a Q&A with Jim and Jim regaled those present with stories of his father and uncles who had played for Balbriggan many years ago. Past President Ivan McFadden got to question Linda on her fascinating story as to how a girl from Lusk got into the world of Women’s Rugby and now is one of the first names on the Irish team

sheet. Other notable attendees included former coach and proprietor of John D’s – Tom Young, and Dale McAuley who had travelled all the way from Australia to join in the celebrations. Dale’s work twenty years ago laid the foundations of the youth systems in the Club which still stand to this day. As the Club starts into its second century there is plenty of activity going on in the Club. Presently the Club fields four adult teams, two men and two ladies as well as youth and mini teams for both boys and girls from 5 to 18. The Club also had a disability Tag team, The Stingers who train every second Sunday morning. The teams train at the Club grounds in Balrothery and there is something on every night of the week. The mini section 5-12 year olds train on a Thursday evening 6-7pm. New members are always welcome. If you would like any further information on the Club give Director of Rugby, Jeff Neville a call on 085 724 5733 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Local Sports

Takemusu Aikido Thrilled with reaching Balbriggan Town Awards finals Takemusu Aikido Society at the Balbriggan Town Awards

Finalists of Balbriggan Town Awards Raman demonstrates aiki-ken movements. Balbriggan Beach, 2021

Early days outdoor practice in Balbriggan looked like this

Takemusu Aikido Society practice at Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre. November 2025

Takemusu Aikido Society has been named a finalist in the Sports Awards category of the Balbriggan Town Awards 2025, organised by the Balbriggan Tourism Committee. For a dojo that emerged during the unsettled times of the COVID pandemic, this recognition is a major milestone, marking how far the club has come and how firmly it has found its place in local community life. The club’s story in Balbriggan began in 2021, when head instructor Raman Bekarevich moved to Ireland after ten years of intensive training in Japan under direct students of the Aikido founder. Bringing this depth of experience with him, Raman began the first sessions at a time when indoor activities were still restricted. Training took place outdoors with wooden weapons, on the sandy shores of Balbriggan beach and on the football pitches beside the Martello Tower. The early-days group was small but full of determination, and those sessions laid the foundations for what would become a dedicated and steadily developing dojo. As restrictions eased and classes moved indoors, more people discovered Aikido, drawn to its non-competitive nature and its focus on balance, timing and blending with an incoming attack rather than meeting force with force. From the beginning, the club aimed to offer more than martial arts training alone, and this resonated with people looking for connection as much as exercise. Balbriggan is a town that has changed rapidly in recent years, with new communities arriving and local residents seeking activities that bring people together. Takemusu Aikido Society positioned itself as a place where adults of all backgrounds could meet, learn and take part in something meaningful. Aikido’s cooperative practice naturally breaks down barriers between ages, cultures and fitness levels, creating a sense of belonging that many participants highlight as one of its most valuable qualities. This commitment to opening the doors as widely as possible is central

12 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2026

Jan trains in Japan. November 2025

to the club’s ethos and forms part of why it was nominated for the Town Awards. Over the past few years, Takemusu Aikido Society has partnered with Fingal County Council on a range of social inclusion programmes, including Women in Sports Week, Men’s Health Week and Her Outdoors Week. These initiatives introduced many newcomers to the art and supported adults who might otherwise feel hesitant to join a physical activity later in life. This year, the club launched a new initiative aimed at those who have recently moved to Dublin, offering two months of free practice to help people settle, make connections and become part of a positive, supportive community. For many, the weekly training has become a welcome anchor in their new surroundings. The technical level of the dojo continues to develop alongside its community work. Raman, now a 4th Dan instructor, maintains strong links with teachers in Japan and Europe. Assistant instructor Jan Tóth has just returned from a month of intensive training in Iwama, the birthplace of Aikido, building on a previous training period there two years ago. Experiences like these ensure that the teaching in Balbriggan remains firmly rooted in the traditions of the art while staying accessible to beginners. Saturday practice has become a fixture in the local sporting calendar, known for an approach that balances structure with friendliness and welcomes people of any experience level. The club also runs classes in Dublin city centre, but its heart is firmly in Balbriggan, where it continues to support wellbeing, connection and community spirit. Those who would like to try Aikido are welcome to join a free trial class at Balbriggan Clubs Community Centre every Saturday from 3 pm to 4.30 pm. New members who sign up this winter can also avail of a 50% discount for their first month of practice. Further information is available at www.aiki.ie or by contacting info@aiki.ie. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

With Susan

Managing Stress & Insomnia with Traditional Chinese Medicine Stress and insomnia often go hand in hand, forming a cycle that can be difficult to break. When the mind is overactive and the body tense, restful sleep becomes elusive. Over time, poor sleep further heightens stress, leading to fatigue, irritability, and lowered resilience. Chinese medicine and acupuncture offer a holistic path toward restoring peace, balance, and rest naturally. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress and insomnia are interpreted as signs that the body’s energy, or Qi, is out of harmony. The Heart, which houses the Shen or spirit, plays a central role in sleep and emotional health. When the Heart is disturbed by excessive worry or emotional agitation, the Shen cannot settle, causing the mind to remain restless at night.

The Liver, too, is vital because it regulates the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Stress or frustration may cause Liver Qi to stagnate, showing up as tension, irritability, or disrupted sleep. Acupuncture helps restore balance by gently guiding the body back to its natural rhythms. Very fine needles are inserted at specific points to release blocked energy and calm the nervous system. Common points such as Shen-men, Yin Tang, and Anmian are often chosen to ease anxiety and encourage restful sleep. The experience of acupuncture itself can be soothing, as it lowers stress hormones, slows the heart rate, and promotes a deep state of relaxation. With consistent treatment, many people find that their mood steadies and their sleep gradually becomes deeper and more refreshing. Herbal medicine often complements acupuncture. Chinese herbal formulas are carefully tailored to each person’s unique pattern of imbalance. For those whose stress causes restlessness and irritability, herbs that nourish Yin and calm the Heart, such as Suan Zao Ren, may be included

under a qualified practitioners guidance . When overthinking and fatigue are the main issues, herbs that strengthen the Spleen and replenish Qi help restore emotional and physical stability. Over time, herbal therapy supports the body’s ability to maintain balance naturally, reducing both tension and sleeplessness. Lifestyle adjustments also play a vital role. Chinese medicine encourages gentle daily routines that promote calmness and even energy flow. Practices such as qi gong, tai chi, or mindful breathing can help release stress and centre the mind. Eating warm, nourishing foods, avoiding caffeine late in the evening, alcohol, heavy or spicy meals late at night, and creating a peaceful bedtime environment all support healthy sleep patterns. The true goal of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is harmony—where body, mind, and spirit move together in balance. When stress is eased and Qi flows freely, sleep returns not as a struggle but as a natural rhythm of rest and renewal.

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WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@ gmail.com before 5pm on the 16th of this month. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck Down Across 2. Hangs around aimlessly. (7) 3. Metal fastener. (4) outpatients. (6) 4. Hot drink made from roasted 5. The capital of Lebanon. (6) beans. (6) 10. Court official. (7) 5. Famous Hungarian composer. (6) 11. Tool for tennis. (7) 6. Imperial measurement. (4) 12. Irish dance. (4) 7. Rare and strange. (7) 13. The man for a fable. (5) 8. The King of the Fairies. (6) 15. Caribbean Socialist republic. (4) 9. A narrow channel linking two 17. Large deer. (3) larder bodies of water. (6) 19. Settle snugly and comfortably. (6) 14. Gracefully thin. (7) 21. The paper used to vote. (6) 16. Where Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie died. (5) 22. Withdraw assistance when it is 18. Devoid of freshness or originality. needed. (7) 23. Self-confident assurance, poise. (5) 20. The movement of the tide out to (6) sea. (3) 25. Cowboy of the pampas. (6) 21. Turf provider. (3) 28. Church bench. (3) 23. Ireland’s largest island. (6) 30. Break into someone’s computer. 24. The sugar in milk. (7) (4) 26. It’s used as a moth repellent. (7) 31. Lowest rank in British nobility. 27. A strong protest or objection. (6) (5) 28. Walk with bare feet in shallow 32. Leave out. (4) water. (6) 35. Mr. Bloom’s first name. (7) 29. Sway unsteadily. (6) 36. To talk nonsense. (7) 33. Percussion instrument and medal. (4) 37. Small and sturdy hunting dog. 34. A young sheep. (4) (6) 1. Hospital department for

38. The remains of a fire. (6)

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