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Local News
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Communities spring into action to prepare for better and brighter days!
In spring, Fingal not only wakes to longer days, but also to the steady rhythm of neighbours at work. The light stretches well into the evening now, and with it comes a shared sense of purpose: summer is on the horizon, and there is much to prepare.
In Balbriggan, volunteers gather along the harbour walls armed with paintbrushes and litter pickers. The sea is calmer, the wind kinder, and laughter carries across the water as benches are sanded and flower boxes fixed into place. Someone brings tea in a flask; someone else arrives with trays of seedlings ready for planting. What looks like simple tidying is something deeper — a quiet declaration that the village matters.
Further inland in Lusk, community groups clear winter debris from green spaces and set about planting beds of colour that will bloom by June. Children trail behind, learning the names of flowers and the value of showing up. Older residents share stories of springs past, reminding everyone that these efforts stitch generations together.
Around the castle grounds of Malahide Castle, volunteers coordinate clean-ups and plan summer festivals. Posters are designed, pathways repaired, hedges trimmed back to reveal historic stonework. The longer daylight hours make it possible; after work, people still have time to give an hour or two before dusk settles.
The importance of this work is not measured only in hanging baskets or swept streets. It is measured in belonging. Visitors will come when the weather brightens, drawn by tidy harbours, vibrant gardens, and welcoming smiles. Local businesses will benefit. Children will grow up knowing that community is something you build with your hands.
By the time summer arrives, Fingal will look effortless in its beauty. But beneath the blossoms and bunting lies spring’s true achievement: neighbours working side by side, shaping places they are proud to call home.
The Locals Team
Balbriggan Local Disclaimer
STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION:
publishing | design | print | web Published by www.irishmediagroup.ie
Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition




Stained glass highlights in Balbriggan and other locations in north County Dublin’ from David Caron, Wednesday March 25th 8pm Bracken Court Hotel
Welcome to a new year with Balbriggan & District Historical Society and we are busy finalising an exciting programme for 2026 for you. Our regular talks will commence on March 25th with a presentation ‘Stained glass highlights in Balbriggan and other locations in north County Dublin’ from David Caron author of Dubin Stained Glass which I am sure will be of huge interest given the excellent examples in our own Balbriggan churches. You may have seen and admired these beautiful windows in St Peter and Paul’s and St George’s Church and wanted to learn more about them. This presentation will give a wonderful insight to them and other examples in the area. Adm €5 Members free David Caron was born in Dublin and studied Visual Communication at the National College of Art and Design, to which department he returned
in due course as lecturer and was subsequently appointed Head of Department. His PhD research at Trinity College Dublin focused on Michael Healy and the stained glass artists of An Túr Gloine, the Tower of Glass. He was one of the three original compilers of the Gazetteer of Irish stained glass in 1988, and was editor and principal author of the revised and expanded edition in 2021. His book, Michael Healy, 1873-1941: An Túr Gloine’s stained glass pioneer, was published by Four Courts Press in 2023. His most recent book, just published, also by Four Courts Press, is Dublin’s Stained Glass – a guide to the finest twentieth-century windows. David regularly contributes articles on stained glass to the Irish Arts Review. He is currently researching a book on the best of Ulster’s twentieth-century stained glass. We will let you know more information on this and full details of our other talks and events later, if you have any queries email balbrigganhistsoc@ gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.


BELIEVE Balbriggan - Belonging, Empowerment, Living, Involvement, Enterprise, Volunteering & Engagement has launched an exciting new community initiative, the BELIEVE Balbriggan Digital Detox, launched on Safer Internet Day February 10th, at Balbriggan Library.
The initiative invites the entire community to take small, intentional steps toward healthier digital routines and stronger offline connection.
The event was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Gráinne Maguire, who highlighted the importance of balanced digital engagement, stating:
“Social media is here to stay and it is important that we have the conversation regarding its safe use, and acknowledge its important role in keeping the community connected.”
As part of the launch, attendees participated

in a panel discussion titled “People, Place and Purpose: A Community Conversation on Digital Wellbeing.” The discussion explored practical approaches to managing screen time, online resilience, community connection, and the impact of digital habits on everyday life. Speakers emphasised the importance of supporting families, young people, and individuals in navigating digital spaces safely and mindfully.
The BELEIVE Balbriggan Digital Detox now invites residents, families, schools, local groups, and workplaces across the town to join the movement by logging an hour activity to do a physical activity, read a book, learn something new or reconnecting with their surroundings, and strengthening community ties, even volunteering.
This leading edge initiative is guided by the BELIEVE Balbriggan Steering Committee:
• Aisha Alameen Betro, Project
Lead, Aisha AED Initiative (Subcommittee of Balbriggan Community Council)
• Mary Osakwe, Representative, Balbriggan Residents Association Network
• Janette Scott, Community Officer, Fingal County Council
• Anne Marie Brady, Balbriggan Community Council
The Digital Detox also builds anticipation for the upcoming BELEIVE Balbriggan Expo, taking place on 11 April 2026 at the Flemington Community Centre. The Expo will bring together local services, community organisations, stake holders, businesses, and residents to celebrate participation, connection, creativity, and the future of Balbriggan, something for everyone. Further updates on the BELEIVE Balbriggan Digital Detox and the April Expo are available at www.believebalbriggan.ie.

The Balbriggan annual Feis took place on Saturday the 7th and Sunday 8th February in the Naul GAA club. We want to say a big thank you to Damien O’Shaughnessy and Ann McFadden for organizing it plus the great team of helpers they have with them.
Tom O’Neill with guide dog Qeb and Ann Mulligan with puppy in training Lulu of our Balbriggan Branch also made an appearance at the Feis to say the most important words of thanks to all who helped and participated.
Some bright sunny news also, Martin McNamara very kindly donated €1,000 from the sales of his calendars to Balbriggan / North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. On Friday 16th January, Tom O’Neill with his Guide Dog Qeb and Anne Mulligan with Puppy in Training Lulu met with Martin in Molly’s Cafe on Quay St Balbriggan for the presentation. Thank you for your support Martin.
We also want to give huge
congratulations to Paudie Dwan from County Tipperary, the lucky winner of our Car Raffle! The car was a brand-new 2026 Ford Puma - What an incredible prize! The winning ticket was drawn by Cork Camogie’s Amy O’Connor, along with Maurice O’Carroll from Ford Ireland. Our branch will soon have our holiday raffle tickets and towards the end of the year we will have another car raffle. Finally, it might not be January anymore but if you still have resolutions to volunteer or help out locally, why not contact your local branch of Balbriggan Guide Dogs to volunteer and or become part of our counter box team which is very rewarding as you are always bringing in money to the branch. If you want more information, please contact us on the information below. You can contact Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0857663107, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
By Dave Kavanagh
In a week where I have arranged pay out of another Serious Illness Cover claim, many people are in the “it’ll never happen to me” group, when it comes to planning for events that could potentially impact finances. Let’s face it, nobody wants to think that anything “bad” will happen to them but the reality is, bad things happen whether we like it or not. The three areas most relevant are, Life Cover, Serious Illness Cover and Income Protection. Of course, we would hope that we are not going to die prematurely, we are not going to get seriously ill and accident or illness will not prevent us from being able to work. Sadly, in this small country of ours, about 6,000 people die each year NOT of natural causes (under age 65), over 43,000 new cancer cases every year (the cause of more than 50% of Serious Illness claims) and the average time off work for an income protection claim is close to 5 years! When I do group talks, I often ask the question whether anyone’s close family or friends have been affected by cancer? I have only ever had one person say “no”. When I ask whether the same close family or friends have ever won the lotto jackpot, not surprisingly, it’s (almost) always “no”. Yet with odds of 10.7 million to 1 to win the lotto jackpot, people spend a relatively large amount of money each week on lotto (and
Euromillions and scratch cards etc.) believing and hoping that it will happen to them. The same people have a 1 in 4 chance of being diagnosed with one of the Serious Illnesses covered BEFORE they are 65.
I often see that people have their cars insured, house insured, pets, mobile phones, lap tops and jewellery insured but not themselves! It’s not until one of these events happens that people appreciate the financial loss that is suffered. An important detail is that even if people have cover in place from a few years back, they could well be paying over the odds premium wise or it may no longer be most appropriate. Take the time to check what is most appropriate for your specific circumstances.
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.












A group of Really Cool Adventurers from Balbriggan have recently returned home after taking part in an exciting Erasmus+ youth mobility in Germany as part of the international project Play Compete Connect, co-funded by the European Union.
The exchange took place in December, in Germany, in the town of Esslingen, hosted by Käthe Kollwitz Schule secondary school, and brought together youth groups from several European countries. The project used sport, games and teamwork as a powerful way to promote inclusion, healthy lifestyles and intercultural understanding.
Throughout the week, the Balbriggan participants took part in a packed programme of workshops, outdoor activities and team challenges. The focus was on learning through play — exploring how sport can help young people build confidence, develop communication skills and form friendships across borders.
A special highlight was the opportunity to learn traditional games and sports from partner countries. The German team introduced participants to Kegeln (a traditional form of bowling) as well as fun ice curling-style team challenges. The Serbian group presented rukomet (handball), giving everyone the chance to try a fast-paced and energetic sport. Meanwhile, the Turkish participants shared cultural sports traditions including Müsabakalı güreşi and aba güreşi, showcasing the importance of heritage and
respect in Turkish wrestling.
In return, the Irish group proudly represented Balbriggan and Ireland by presenting Gaelic football and hurling, giving new friends from across Europe a taste of our national sports and culture.
Leader Killian Burke praised the experience, saying:
“It was an incredible project. The young people gained so much through sport, teamwork and meeting others from different cultures.”
Participants also spoke warmly about the impact of the mobility.
Orla O’Halloran said:
“The project met my expectations a thousand times over. I learned so much and made amazing friends.”
Another participant, Julia Iwanicka, highlighted the power of connection through play:
“We don’t need to use the same language to understand each other and play the game together.”
Beyond the workshops, the group also enjoyed discovering German culture, visiting the famous Esslingen Christmas Market, and exploring the impressive Mercedes-Benz Museum, making the experience both educational and memorable.
Organisers from Really Cool Adventure, based in Balbriggan, say they are now looking forward to continuing dissemination activities locally.
If your school or youth group would like our volunteers to deliver our free Erasmus+ presentation or sports games workshop, please get in touch with us at @ReallyCoolAdventure.


By Jack Shanley
If you walked into the theatre expecting a polite, tea-sipping period drama, you clearly haven’t seen an Emerald Fennell movie before. The director behind Saltburn has taken Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic and turned it into a neon-soaked, gothic fever dream that is as much a fashion shoot as it is a tragedy.
The 2026 adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ ditches the dusty reputation of the novel for something far more visceral. Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, playing her not as a delicate heroine, but as a bored, selfish, and deeply magnetic force of nature. Opposite her is Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. While his casting caused a stir online regarding the character’s heritage, Elordi leans into a “brooding rockstar” energy that makes his destructive obsession with Cathy feel dangerously modern.
The plot sticks to the first half of the book, focusing entirely on the toxic pull between the two leads. We see them grow from feral children into adults who are clearly wrong for each other but unable to stay away. When Cathy marries the wealthy, stable Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), the film shifts from a romance into a full-blown revenge thriller.
What really grabbed my attention was how beautifully crafted and visually stunning the film was. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, transforming the rugged Yorkshire moors into a living, breathing character. Every frame feels like a carefully composed painting, utilizing natural light to capture the haunting contrast between the cozy, flickering warmth of the Grange and the raw, wind-swept desolation of the Heights. The cinematography by Linus Sandgren doesn’t just show the landscape; it makes you feel the grit of the earth and the chill of the mist, perfectly mirroring the turbulent emotions of the story. From the intricate, periodaccurate textures of the costumes to the sweeping aerial shots of the highlands, the film is a breathtaking visual experience that stays with you long after the screen the film ends.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Wuthering Heights’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Three Stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today but would recommend seeing it in IMAX. Director: Emerald Fennell – Rating: 15A – Genre: Romance – Run Time: 2h 16m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

“The daffodils are up, the days are getting longer and spring is finally in the air. March is a time for getting out and about again and, very importantly, celebrating the Mammies, Grannies, Mothers-in-law, Step-mums, Aunties and all the wonderful Mother figures in our lives. If you would like to treat a special Mam, here are some of our favourite gift ideas......
You can personalise a gift for her from Wanapix.ie and use code MAMSWANAPIX26 for 10% discount. You can personalise gorgeous tote bags, blankets, makeup bags, calendars, frosted glasses, t-shirts, aprons, goodies & lots more. Delivery is fast and the quality is superb. Mammies (me included) love their products!
Bracken Court Hotel does a gorgeously decadent Afternoon Tea. We treated our Mam to this recently, with Prosecco, and it was so lovely. Their Sunday roasts are also delicious if you want to treat her to dinner on March 15th.
National Concert Hall has great shows and concerts coming up, their gift vouchers are a great gift idea.
Droichead Arts Centre has some wonderful events coming up, perfect for
treating Mam to a night out.
If she likes coffee, Irish brand Artessa Coffee has fab coffee fusions and keep cups. Their bamboo keep cup is brilliant.
Cocoa Brown products make fab gifts - its a glow up in a bottle!
Another Irish brand we love is SoSu, their makeup sets and snazzy nail polishes are stunning.
For beautiful Mothers Day gifts with free gift wrapping, Design Gallery Drogheda is well worth a visit.
A spa trip to Farnham is a gift any Mammy would love; their heated outdoor pool is stunning.
Flormar makeup is affordable and really nice, great for anyone on a budget.
Willow & Wisp Flowers make beautiful wreaths and hand tied bouquets, plus a wide collection of locally made gifts.
Freddy jeans are a firm favourite with mams.ie members and followers. Super comfy and so flattering. See our Freddy. ie competition on mams.ie
And keep an eye on mams.ie & our socials @mams.ireland on FB and @mams.ie on Instagram for more Mother’s Day ideas and competitions!”





There is a unique rhythm returning to the streets of Balbriggan this March. The Fingal International Festival of Voices (FIFOV) is back from March 5th to 8th, and while the world-class choirs are traveling from as far as the US and Europe, the heart of the festival remains firmly rooted in our local community.
Whether you are a lifelong choral fan or just looking for a great family day out, this year’s line-up offers more ways than ever to get involved—without breaking the bank18.
In a time when event tickets can be a major expense, the festival is offering free entry to all competitions. All daytime choral competitions are free for the public to attend. This means you can walk into the award-winning Lark Concert Hall or the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS), St. Peter and Paul’s Church (home to Harry Clarke windows) or in pop businesses around the town and hear elite international choirs, barbershop quartets, and sacred music ensembles at no cost. It is a rare opportunity to experience a “Feis” atmosphere with a global twist right on your doorstep.
Meet the Global Choirs Balbriggan will play host to a diverse array of voices from across the Atlantic and Europe. Locals will have the chance to hear:
The Holy Cross Choir (Massachusetts, USA): Bringing the prestigious Ivy League-style choral tradition to North County Dublin.
Chester River Chorale (Maryland, USA): A massive 60 voice ensemble showcasing a rich tapestry of American folk and gospel.
Gospodnetič Singers (Croatia): Bringing the hauntingly beautiful and rhythmic traditions of the Adriatic coast.
European School Brussels 1 (Belgium): A vibrant youth choir representing the multicultural heart of Europe.
These groups will join top-tier

choirs from all over Ireland, creating a global soundscape right here in Fingal.
Learn from a Disney Legend and others.
Perhaps the most exciting news for local families and aspiring singers is the arrival of Tove RamloYstad. Hailing from Norway, Tove is the world-renowned conductor of the choir “Cantus,” famous for providing the iconic, ethereal vocals in the opening of Disney’s FROZEN.
Tove is part of an elite panel of adjudicators from Norway, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Across the weekend, these experts won’t just be judging competitions; they will be leading free workshops open to anyone with an interest in singing. Whether you’re a shower-singer or a seasoned pro, you can learn directly from the woman who helped shape the sound of one of the biggest movies of all time.
Learn from the Best: Free Workshops
The festival is offering workshops and classes led by international guests. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned singers. Topics often include:
Music of Sami People & Norway (Tove Ramlo-Ystad)
Learn to sing to barbershop style Local health and “healthy singing” techniques.
Irish Traditional music workshops
Check out our full schedule on www.fingalfestivalofvoices. com or on our instagram @ fingalfestivalofvoices
If you are interested in volunteering we’d love to have you - email: manager@ fingalfestivalofvoices.com with the subject title Volunteer!
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors - Irish Media Group, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, The Irish Institute of Music and Song, Lark Concert Hall, St. Peter and Paul’s Church








This winter has been one of the most active and rewarding periods in the history of Takemusu Aikido Society. From international training exchanges to national recognition and local volunteer awards, the Balbriggan-based club has shown that high-level martial arts and strong community roots can grow side by side.
In early January, three representatives of the club travelled to Sweden as part of the Erasmus+ Sports Staff Mobility programme for the professional development of Irish takemusu aikido coaches. Takemusu Aikido Society head instructor Raman Bekarevich, assistant instructor Jan Toth and volunteer Áine Winterbottom visited the Gothenburg Aikido Club, led by Ulf Evenås, 8th Dan Aikikai, widely respected as one of the most technically accomplished Aikido teachers in the world. During the visit, they observed how the complete aikido curriculum is structured and delivered, from beginners’ classes to advanced practice. This included weapons training with sword and staff, children’s sessions, grading preparation and the dojo culture that supports steady, long-term development.
What stood out most was the clarity of teaching progression. Advanced techniques were not treated as something separate or reserved for a select few. Instead, they were built carefully from foundations already in place. Each new movement emerged as a small, logical extension of what students had just practised. By introducing only one new element at a time, instructors preserved precision and understanding while enabling the entire group to advance together. This thoughtful and inclusive method of teaching has already begun influencing how


classes are structured back in Balbriggan.
The impact became visible later that same month at the Irish Martial Arts Commission Aikido Friendship Seminar on 24–25 January in Dublin city centre. Six instructors from six dojo each taught one class in a collaborative national format. Raman led the opening session for around 20 participants, applying the same progressive structure observed in Sweden. Techniques unfolded in clear stages, with complexity developing naturally from strong fundamentals. Practitioners of different levels were able to train together confidently, and the positive response demonstrated how international learning can immediately strengthen practice at home.
That weekend also brought a major milestone.
On 24 January, at the first-ever IMAC Award Night held at the Lucan Spa Hotel, Raman Bekarevich received the Outstanding Contribution to Martial Arts 2025 award. The honour recognised both technical achievement and meaningful social impact. The award acknowledged significant milestones, including promotion to 4th Dan and mentoring his first student to black belt. At the same time, it highlighted inclusive initiatives such as free classes during Women in Sport Week and the Autumn Free Aikido Programme for Young Adults, helping to remove financial and social barriers to participation. Through public demonstrations, local engagement and ongoing outreach, aikido continues to reach audiences far beyond the dojo. Above all, the recognition reflected sustained mentorship and the supportive training environment that has allowed the club and its members to grow steadily.
Further recognition followed when Fingal County Council presented Raman with a Fingal Sports Volunteer Award. Presented by the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, the award specifically recognised volunteer work in Balbriggan. Despite living in South Dublin, Raman makes a long weekly round trip at his own expense to keep the Balbriggan dojo running. He lays out the mats before class, teaches without payment and stays afterwards to support students who have no alternative place to train. This dedication ensures that Balbriggan continues to have a stable, welcoming and genuinely community-centred space for martial arts practice.
The series of winter events concluded with an international seminar hosted by Takemusu Aikido Society. Led by the instructor of Gothenburg Aikido Club, Jöran Fagerlund, the event welcomed visitors from Italy, the UK and Limerick for a weekend of training. Over the weekend, training explored the connection between different aspects of practice, including the use of traditional wooden weapons and unarmed techniques and how they complement one another. Despite heavy rain and local flooding, the weekend came together smoothly and the atmosphere on the mat was excellent. The determination of those who travelled under challenging conditions spoke volumes about the strong sense of community at the heart of aikido. Takemusu Aikido Society continues its regular classes in Balbriggan and welcomes adults and teenagers who would like to experience a structured, supportive and internationally connected martial art close to home.


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 March 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck
1. An acknowledgement of appreciation. (6)
5. Not feeling secure, anxious. (6)
10. The metered Greek goddess of fertility. (7)
11. Leaning like a damaged ship. (7)
12. A person known for taking advantage of others. (4)
13. Device for finding aircraft. (5)
15. The lowest female singing voice. (4)
17. Skedaddle hides a parent! (3)
19. Takes samples of several dishes. (6)
21. A down-market violin. (6)
22. Seaside places. (7)
23. Rectangle with four equal sides. (6)
25. A period of ten years. (6)
28. Essential for writing. (3)
30. Smell like Magillicuddy.. (4)
31. One of God’s attendants. (5)
32. A mark made by dirt. (4)
35. Sharply exact and accurate. (7)
36. Part of a cake. (7)
37. The upward route on a mountain. (6)
38. Stand up against someone or something. (6)
2. Small villages straight out of Shakespeare. (7)
3. Military alliance of some European states. (4)
4. Drapes hide a sandwich filler. (6)
5. Put your material on the Internet. (6)
6. Primary compass direction. (4)
7. There’s no point in crying over this milk. (7)
8. Alter equipment for accuracy and effectiveness. (6)
9. Refuse to notice. (6)
14. Getting involved with the music. (7)
16. It’s a black and white animal. (5)
18. Gets annoyed like Tim Finnegan. (5)
20. Perceive the bishop’s seat. (3)
21. Provided food. (3)
23. Leather bands for binding things together. (6)
24. Of no help whatsoever. (7)
26. Puts into service. (7)
27. Stretch out and forward, like a limb. (6)
28. Very small creature. (6)
29. Someone in charge of a building, grounds or animals. (6)
33. Alcoholic beverage. (4)
34. Popular subject at UCD. (4)
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