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Summertime in Fingal: Celebrating Community Through Festivals
Summertime brings with it more than longer days and warmer evenings in Fingal, it marks the beginning of festival season, a time when communities come together to celebrate local culture, strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories for families of all ages.
From the bustling town centres to our wonderful coastal villages, festivals have become an important part of life in Fingal. They offer opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy music, arts, food, sport and heritage in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. These events showcase the very best of our towns and villages while providing a valuable boost to local businesses and community organisations.
For families, summer festivals provide a chance to spend quality time together. Children can enjoy entertainment, workshops and activities designed especially for them, while parents and grandparents reconnect with neighbours and friends. In an increasingly busy world, these experiences help build stronger family bonds and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond individual households.
Balbriggan Local Disclaimer
At the heart of every successful festival are the volunteers who generously give their time and energy. Their contribution often goes unseen, but critical to the success of these events. From stewarding crowds to setting up venues and supporting performers, volunteers help transform ideas into reality. Their commitment reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Fingal.
Summer festivals remind us that thriving communities are built on participation, cooperation and shared experiences. They provide opportunities to celebrate our diversity while reinforcing the values that unite us. As residents gather at events across Fingal in the weeks ahead, it is worth recognising not only the entertainment on offer but also the dedication and goodwill that make these occasions possible.
This summer, let us support our local festivals, thank our volunteers and take time to enjoy the unique sense of community that makes Fingal such a special place to live, work and visit.
The Locals Team
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Balbriggan Guide Dogs celebrated Guide Dog Day
On Friday 22nd May our branch celebrated another Guide Dog Day, and this year was extra special as it was The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind 50th birthday! We kicked off celebrations with a merchandise sale on Friday in Millfield Shopping Centre in Balbriggan, where a fantastic sum of €915.56 was raised and another merchandise sale in SuperValu, Balbriggan on Saturday and raised another fantastic sum of €698.69. On both days we sold raffle tickets for €5 giving a chance to win a €5,000 holiday voucher along with guide dog cuddly toys and pens, to name but a few. Also, on Friday at Millfield Shopping Centre there was a gathering of guide dogs with Guide Dog Qeb, Assistance Dog Gigi, Ambassador Dogs Cassie and Adel in attendance much to the joy of passer-by’s who stopped to say hello to our fury friends.
As part of the Guide Dog Day celebrations Tom O’Neill and guide dog Qeb joined Buoin Peadar agus Pol Brigins and Guides for a sponsored walk
where great fun was had by all. A fantastic few days of celebrations was had, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported our branch over that weekend and who continue to support us every day.
As a lot of you would know, our next fundraiser after Guide Dog Day would normally be the Balbriggan Summer Festival over the June bank holiday weekend, however the festival didn’t happen this year. If anybody knows of a festival or any event anywhere in the North County that our branch could have a merchandise stand at anytime in the summer months so we could make up for lost funds due to the festival not taking place, please get in contact on the details below.
You can contact Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/ text 0876489479, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.
CAR REVIEW
Electric Mercedes-Benz CLA Lights The Way
By Declan Glynn
Recently voted European Car of the Year 2026, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA now comes in all-electric versions as well as high-tech mild hybrid drivetrain models, plus the availability of 4MATIC all-wheel drive within the range. It is the all-electric CLA that is the subject of this review.
The new CLA’s exterior features a sporty ‘shark-nose’ front and a streamlined silhouette, helped by frameless doors with flush-fitting handles. The now-familiar chromed ‘star-studded’ grille and ‘star-shaped’ headlights and taillights add emphasis to its parentage. The front end is dominated by a large three-pointed star, and the 142 smaller stars that surround it light up on allelectric models, as does the light bar that stretches across the entire front of the car. This results in a striking effect after dark that provides the car with a truly distinctive look. Optimised aerodynamic wheel designs channel airflow efficiently around the car’s wheel arches, and airflow is carefully managed ahead of the axles using sculpted spoilers and rear diffusers to great effect. The most eye-catching highlight in the new
CLA’s cabin is the new MBUX Superscreen, which extends across the entire width of the dashboard, while the two-tiered centre console sits high for a sporty feel, and features a wireless charging pad. The expansive fixed panoramic roof maximises headroom and fills the cabin with natural light, offering a spacious, airy feel.
The all-electric (BEV) Mercedes-Benz CLA is available in four versions (badged CLA 200, CLA 250, CLA 250+, and CLA 350), with the choice of ‘Progressive Line’ or ‘AMG Line’ trim grades across all versions, along with many additional optional packages . The innovative 800-volt electric architecture used by Mercedes-Benz significantly reduces charging times, allowing the CLA 250+, for example, to achieve a 325km charge in less than 10 minutes. Usable battery capacities extend from 58kWh to 85kWh (model dependent), with potentially achievable WLTP range figures of between 529km and 790km possible – depending on the battery capacity chosen.
My Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Electric ‘AMG Line’ looked magnificent in its Alpine Grey
solid paintwork (a cost-option), and sporty 18inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, along with exclusive AMG Line exterior and interior enhancements. The rear-mounted electric motor is powered by a 58kWh battery, which provides a WLTP range of up to 529kms when fully charged. Producing 224hp and 335Nm of instant torque, a 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 7.5-seconds. The CLA Electric’s overall drivability is genuinely impressive. The steering weight and response feel properly calibrated, and the regenerative braking is smooth and predictable in its operation. The ride quality strikes a perfect balance that all occupants will enjoy, and refinement at motorway speed is exceptional. Sharp corners and twisty bends on back roads enable the driver to make the most of the car’s rear-drive layout, while the combination of a powerful rear motor and rear-biased weight balance make the CLA feel stable and wellplanted on the road. Pricing starts from €53,425 (inclusive of VRT Relief and a €3,500 SEAI Grant for private buyers).
By Dr. Carla Lluch, Veterinary Practitioner
Ticks: Small Parasites, Big Problems
Summer is finally here, and with the longer days come more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with our pets. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a hike through the countryside, or simply exploring the local park, our dogs are spending more time in nature. Unfortunately, they’re not the only ones enjoying the warm weather, ticks are too.
Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood and can be found in long grass, woodland areas, parks, andeven some gardens. Over the past few years, we have seen increasing numbers of ticks in Ireland, and they don’t just affect dogs and cats. They can also bite people.
Most tick bites are harmless, but ticks can transmit diseases to both animals and humans. The good news is that prevention is simple and highly effective.
Modern parasite prevention products can protect against ticks, fleas, mites, and some internal parasites. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle, our veterinary team can help you choose the most appropriate option.
It’s also a good idea to check your pet after walks, particularly around the ears, neck, mouth, armpits, and between the toes. If you find a tick attached, avoid squeezing or twisting it. Instead, use a proper tick-removal tool and contact your
veterinary clinic if you’re unsure how to remove it safely. We can help you with it.
Remember that parasite prevention isn’t just about protecting your pet. It also helps protect your family, especially children, older relatives, and those with weakened immune systems.
This summer, enjoy the sunshine, the walks, and the adventures, but don’t forget about the tiny hitchhikers waiting in the grass. A little prevention now can save a lot of problems later.
From all of us at Village Vets Lusk, we wish you and your pets a happy, healthy, and tick-free summer.
Disclosure Day: A Sci-Fi Adventure with Heart
By Jack Shanley
Steven Spielberg returns to familiar territory with Disclosure Day, a science-fiction thriller that asks one big question: what would happen if the world finally learned the truth about alien life? The result is a film that feels both classic Spielberg and surprisingly modern.
The story follows a group of people caught in the middle of a global revelation involving hidden government secrets and evidence that humanity is not alone. While the plot occasionally becomes complicated, Spielberg keeps focus on the human side of the story. This isn’t just a movie about aliens; it’s about fear, trust, and how people react when everything they believe is suddenly challenged.
Emily Blunt delivers one of the strongest performances in the film. She brings intelligence and emotional weight to a character, trying to make sense of extraordinary events. Josh O’Connor is equally impressive, giving the movie much of its heart. Together, they make the high-concept story feel grounded and believable.
Visually, Disclosure Day is exactly what audiences expect from Spielberg. The film is packed with stunning imagery, suspenseful sequences, and moments of genuine wonder. Several scenes capture the sense of awe that made films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. so memorable. Spielberg still knows how to create movie magic on a massive scale and proves so especially towards the final act of the film.
The film’s biggest strength is its optimism. At a time when many sciencefiction movies focus on destruction and chaos, Disclosure Day is more interested in communication, understanding, and hope. That hopeful tone gives the film a refreshing identity, even if some viewers may find its message a little too idealistic.
Not everything works perfectly. The running time feels long, and a few supporting characters are underdeveloped. There are also moments when the story tries to juggle too many ideas at once. Some viewers may wish the film spent more time exploring the worldwide impact of its central revelation.
Even with certain flaws, Disclosure Day succeeds because of Spielberg’s confident direction and its belief in humanity’s ability to rise above fear. It may not rank among the director’s absolute masterpieces, but it is an entertaining, thoughtful, and emotionally satisfying return to the kind of science fiction he does better than almost anyone else.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Disclosure Day’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Three ½ stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Steven Spielberg – Rating: 12A –Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy – Run Time: 2h 25m Language: English. For more film content please follow @screen_.addicts on Instagram.
Homeopathy – Your Best Bet for Hay Fever With Susan
Introduction
Homeopathy is a complementary system of medicine that uses natural substances to stimulate the body’s own healing response. It was developed over 200 years ago by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann and it takes a holistic approach, treating the individual rather than simply addressing symptoms. Medicines are tailored to each person, with the aim of supporting overall health and addressing the underlying cause of illness. Homeopathy is used for a wide range of conditions, including colds and flu, digestive disorders, minor injuries, skin complaints, asthma, pain, joint problems, migraines, urinary tract infections, insomnia, sinusitis, infertility, cancer care support, mental well-being, developmental disorders and allergies.
Hay Fever
Homeopathy is a natural
treatment option for hay fever and can be used safely by both adults and children. It works by stimulating the body’s own healing processes and can bring rapid relief from symptoms. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is often a chronic condition, and professional homeopathic care may relieve acute symptoms while reducing the likelihood and severity of future episodes. Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen or dust. Common symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and red, itchy, watery eyes. Conventional treatment typically involves antihistamines or steroid-based medications, which often cause difficult side effects. Homeopathic remedies have an edge because they are prepared from natural substances and do not cause these side effects. Unlike conventional treatments, Homeopathic treatment works from the inside – so rather than suppressing the symptoms, the aim
is to reduce recurrence and boost overall health. The most suitable remedy is the one that best matches your individual symptoms.
Some useful Remedies
Homeopathic for Hay Fever
Arsenicum Album - Often used for thin, watery, burning nasal discharge accompanied by sneezing, watery eyes, restlessness, and fatigue. Allium Cepa - A leading remedy for seasonal allergies affecting both the nose and eyes. Symptoms may include an acrid irritating nasal discharge, bland tears, sneezing fits, an itchy throat and mild headaches. Symptoms often improve in cool, fresh air. Sabadilla - Commonly used for intense, spasmodic sneezing with a runny nose, along with dry itching and tickling in the nose that causes frequent rubbing or picking.
Kali Bichromicum - Helpful where nasal obstruction is prominent, especially with a sensation of fullness or pressure at the root of the nose. Euphrasia - An important remedy when eye symptoms
predominate. Red, watery, irritated eyes are common, and symptoms generally improve in the open air but worsen in wind. Pulsatilla - Very useful in hay fever which produces a great deal of catarrh, with thick yellow or green discharge from eyes and nose. Gelsemium - Often used for flu-like symptoms and hay fever marked by frequent earlymorning sneezing and a feeling of fullness at the bridge of the nose. Symptoms can include a dull headache, watery light-sensitive eyes, heavy eyelids and fatigue with drowsiness.
If you or a family member experience recurring hay fever or allergies, consider consulting a qualified homeopath for personalised support. Michael Farrelly, the author, is a homeopath with over twenty years of experience treating a wide range of ailments. He is based in Donabate, County Dublin, and can be contacted at (086) 159 6119 or via email at farrellym@hotmail.com
How Long Will You Be Paid For?
By Dave Kavanagh
Nobody goes to work thinking that something may occur leaving them with no income for a period of time. Many people realised how vulnerable they were when the pandemic arrived, dropping some incomes from €600, €800 or €1,000+ per week down to €350 of PUP. Many don’t give much consideration to how they would cope if they suffered a loss of income for an extended period because they think “it’ll never happen to me”. Sadly, many find out the hard way following an injury or illness that keeps them out of work for months or even years. This is where having Income Protection in place, can be the difference between maintaining a level of income that keeps your lifestyle virtually unchanged, or dropping to a level that could force you to use up any savings and also get into financial difficulty. Missing or being late with a few mortgage payments will have an impact on your credit rating making it difficult or impossible to secure credit for a number of years.
So how does it work? Depending on your circumstances, you choose an appropriate level of cover. This is based on not exceeding 75% of your salary, less any state income entitlement. You also choose a “deferred period” which refers to how long you are off work before payments commence. If you are hospitalised during this period, some
plans pay a daily benefit even during the deferred period.The premiums are based on factors like your age and occupation, as some occupations would leave you more at risk of not being able to work. There is also tax relief on premiums paid for income protection, which could mean up to 40% of your premium is refunded by way of adjusting your tax credits. Considering that almost every aspect of your day to day living is directly dependent on you having an income, it is so important to research this for yourself. If dropping from your current income to the current state benefit is something that would impact badly on you, perhaps it is time to consider.
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.
Give Aikido a try this Summer!
Many people reach a point in life when they realise they should be more active. The challenge is not recognising the need for exercise, but finding an activity that remains engaging year after year.
Most physical activities focus primarily on fitness. Others challenge the mind but involve little movement. Few activities develop the body, stimulate the brain and create meaningful social connections at the same time. Aikido is one of those rare exceptions.
This Japanese martial art develops balance, coordination, mobility and body awareness while simultaneously challenging practitioners to learn new movement patterns. Training takes place with partners rather than opponents, creating a supportive social environment where people help one another progress.
This combination becomes particularly valuable as we age. Maintaining physical mobility is important, but so too are mental engagement, confidence and a sense of community. Aikido brings all of these elements together in a single activity.
In many ways, learning Aikido is similar to learning a new language, except that the body
becomes the instrument of communication. At first, unfamiliar movements can feel awkward and challenging. Over time, however, the body begins to organise itself more efficiently. Movements become smoother, more economical and better coordinated. Practitioners also develop greater spatial awareness, learning to understand their position in relation to other people and to move confidently and efficiently through space.
The combination of physical activity and continuous learning is particularly valuable as we age. Training challenges both body and mind, helping practitioners maintain mobility while keeping the brain actively engaged. Many students find that concentrating on movement and working with a partner provides a welcome break from everyday worries. They leave class feeling calmer, more focused and more energised than when they arrived.
The social aspect is equally important. Aikido is practised with partners, creating opportunities to meet people and build friendships. At Takemusu Aikido Society, training is followed by conversation, laughter and a strong sense of community that keeps people coming back year
after year.
One of the club’s members, Eugene, joined in his fifties with no previous martial arts experience. He soon discovered a passion for training and continues to work on improving his mobility, particularly in his hips. Like many adult beginners, he found much more than exercise. He found an enjoyable challenge, a lifelong learning experience and a welcoming community.
Takemusu Aikido Society has received funding through the Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme 2026. Thanks to this support, newcomers aged 50 and over can attend one free Aikido class per week throughout Jne, July and August.
No previous martial arts experience is required, and there is no need to register in advance. If becoming more active has been on the to-do list for some time, this summer may be the perfect opportunity to start. It is never too late to learn something new, improve wellbeing and discover what the body is still capable of achieving.
More information is available from Takemusu Aikido Society at www.aiki.ie or by emailing info@aiki.ie.
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 August 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck!
Across
1. The speed of something in a given direction. (8)
6. Remarkable, unexplainable, and bringing welcome consequences. (10)
13. Uncertain, indefinite, unclear. (5)
14. Sometimes a name for the Devil. (9)
15. The dishonest jack in a pack of cards. (5)
16. Relating to the heart. (7)
18. The darker stage of twilight. (4)
19. The lower house of the Oireachtas. (4)
20. A signed document acknowledging a debt. (3)
22. The long fish. (3)
23. Long-handled spoon used for serving soup. (5)
25. A circular movement of water causing a small whirlpool. (4)
27. The highest adult male singing voice. (4)
30. Money received for work or through investments. (6)
31. A gloss or sheen on a surface resulting from age or polishing. (6)
33. A new member of the armed forces. (7)
34. Synthetic material used in parachutes. (5)
35. Acting without consideration of the possible consequences. (4)
36. Soothe, make someone tranquil and quiet. (4)
37. Volatile liquid once popular as an anaesthetic. (5)
40. Bolster the crustacean. (7)
41. A lumberjack. (6)
42. Belgrade is the capital of this country. (6)
44. Garment traditionally worn by women from South Asia. (4)
45. This is one! (4)
46. Attempt a short piece of writing on a particular subject. (5)
48. A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. (3)
50. Abbreviated Canadian dog. (3)
52. Maritime call to hail another ship. (4)
54. Able island for Napoleon. (4)
56. Common culinary herb. (7)
59. Moves from site to site on the Internet. (5)
60. Widespread outbreaks of disease. (9)
61. The largest city and capital of Belarus. (5)
62. Female leaders of families or tribes. (10)
63. Trek less for the small falcons. (8)
Down
2. Strongly wanting to do something. (5)
3. A rock that contains minerals like gold, iron or lead. (3)
4. A complete idiot. (8)
5. Produced a natural or agricultural product. (7)
6. Places to get lost in. (5)
7. Precious stone which comes in various shades of red. (4)
8. Hooded snake. (5)
9. Probable. (6)
10. The fifth category of taste - sweet, sour, salt, bitter ... (5)
11. The process of moving people from a place of danger to safety. (10)
12. A scale for measuring wind speed. (8)
17. Pour light on something. (10)
21. Lewd area for an American state. (8)
22. The sword returned to the Lady of the Lake. (9)
24. Prepare material for publication. (4)
26. Hard wheat used in making pasta. (5)
28. A legal hub is so ludicrous as to be amusing. (9)
29. Move faster. (10)
32. Bad voles had their sins forgiven. (8)
35. Relating to the countryside. (5)
38. Bald crooks place barricades. (10)
39. Mythological man-eating giant. (4)
40. Lacking energy or enthusiasm. (8)
43. A brief summary. (8)
47. Suffering from mal de mer. (7)
49. A thick cable for mooring or towing a ship. (6)
51. The country now called Myanmar. (5)
53. It’s not over til the fat lady sings! (5)
55. Welsh vegetables! (5)
57. Declare invalid, a marriage perhaps. (5)
58. Chemical element vital for brass. (4)
61. Impair the quality or appearance of; spoil. (3)
