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Dining & Entertainment

Garth Brooks Dinner Experience Saturday Saturday 23 23

January January Tickets package for for €179 €179 two Tickets €49 €49 per per person person including including a a three three course course meal. meal. Or Or package two tickets tickets + + B&B. B&B. rd rd

13th FEBRUARY

This This is is a a new new high high energy energy tribute tribute show show to to one one of of the the world’s world’s greatest greatest performers, performers, Garth Garth Brooks! Brooks! This This event event includes includes a a three three course course meal meal served served at at 7.30pm 7.30pm and and the the show show will will begin begin at at 9pm. 9pm.

Dinner & Entertainment

€49

Valentine Serenading Singers Saturday Saturday 13 13

February February Tickets music from from our our singing Tickets €49 €49 per per person person including including a a five five course course meal meal & & live live music singing waiters waiters performing performing a a selection selection of of romantic romantic hits. hits. Booking Booking Essential. Essential. th th

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th & & Sunday Sunday 13 13th March March Tickets €49 per person including a three course meal. Or package for €199 two tickets Tickets €49 per person including a three course meal. Or package for €199 two tickets + + B&B. B&B. th th

This This is is a a big big fun fun night night out out in in a a friendly friendly party party atmosphere atmosphere with with some some of of the the finest finest comedy comedy actors actors in in the the land, land, professionally professionally produced produced to to the the highest highest standards standards with with your your enjoyment enjoyment at at the the top top of of the the menu. menu. Show Show starts starts at at 7.30pm. 7.30pm.

Celtic Traditional Night Thursday Thursday 17 17

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March March Join us on St. Patricks Day and enjoy a three course Join us on St. Patricks Day and enjoy a three course meal meal including including a a glass glass of of green green Guinness Guinness served served at at 7.30pm 7.30pm followed followed at at 9pm 9pm by by an an evening evening of of World World Class Class musicians musicians and and dancers dancers from from the the cast cast of of Riverdance Riverdance for for €49 €49 per per person. person. Or Or stay stay over over for for €179 €179 including including 2 2 tickets tickets + + bed bed & & breakfast. breakfast. th th

Easter Centenary Celebration Sunday Sunday 27 27

17th MARCH

March March Celebrate the Easter Centenary and enjoy a three course meal Celebrate the Easter Centenary and enjoy a three course meal at at 7.30pm 7.30pm followed followed at at 9pm 9pm by by an an evening of World Class musicians and dancers from the cast of Riverdance all for €49 per person. evening of World Class musicians and dancers from the cast of Riverdance all for €49 per person. Or Or stay stay over over for for €179 €179 including including 2 2 tickets tickets + + bed bed & & breakfast. breakfast. th th

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& & C CO ON NF FE ER RE EN NC CE E C CE EN NT TR RE E

e t o N s â€™ r o t Edi

This Month

February heralds the arrival of spring and another winter is almost behind us with the evenings getting that bit brighter, thankfully. This is an exciting time of the year with a general election on the way, and of course, the celebrations for the 1916 centenary have already started. Numerous events are scheduled to take place locally in the coming weeks. In the latest issue of Balbriggan Local, we will be helping you to keep up with what is going on in your area with articles on local community, and sporting groups as well as success stories . Be sure to pick up the latest issue of Balbriggan Local and support your local businesses. Margaret Morris Editor, Balbriggan Local Magazine Email Irishmediagroup.ie@gmail.com

CONTENTS 4-14 Local News 15 Animal Matters 16 HOMECOOK 17 Local Services 18-21 Local Sports 22 Crossword & Sudoku

Happy Valentines Sunday 14th February 2016 Our Team Content & Publishing Editor Margaret Morris Art Editor & Designer Tim Evans Advertising Sabrina Morris Accounts David Morris

Contact us: Balbriggan Local Magazine T. 087 2020234 / 085 2881804 E. Irishmediagroup.ie@gmail.com FB. Facebook.com/Balbrigganlocalmagazine Published by: Irish Media Group Designated Pick up Points: Supervalu Balbriggan Lidl Balbriggan Tesco, Millfield S.C, Balbriggan Dunnes Stores, Castlemill S.C, Balbriggan Balbriggan Local Disclaimer

Every effort is made by Balbriggan Local Magazine to ensure that the information is correct and will not be held responsible for any advertisement errors. Balbriggan Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Balbriggan Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise. Balbriggan Local Magazine T. 087 2020234 / 085 2881804 E. Irishmediagroup.ie@gmail.com

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY 3

Local News

Young Scientists are the pride of Balbriggan

Diana Bura and Maria Louise Fufezan pictured at the ceremony in Swords with Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly and Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor. PHOTO: KEVIN McFEELY Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan had cause for major celebration recently ater two of its students won the top prize in the 52nd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Transition Year students Maria Louise Fufezan (aged 16) and Diana Bura (aged 15) won the prestigious competition with their project entitled, ‘An Investigation into the Effects of Enzymes used in Animal Feed Additives on the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis Elegans’. There were further successes for Loreto too, with Renuka Chintapalli (aged 16) winning the award for individual runner-up for her project entitled ‘Developing a predictive tool for identifying FLNc-associated biomarkers of oesophageal cancer metastasis’.

Khadija Gull and Emily Tierney won first prize in the Biological and Ecological Sciences, Senior (Group) section, for their project ‘Identification of alterations in members of the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (PTP’s) gene family as novel therapeutic options for the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer’; and Maria Wyzykowska won third prize in the Social and Behavioural Sciences, Senior (Individual) section, for her project ‘The effects of high intensity interval training on cognition and academic performance in female Leaving Certificate students’. Fingal County Council held a civic reception in County Hall Swords, to honour the award winning Loreto students. Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor and

Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid presented the award winners Marie Louisa, Diana, Renuka, Khadija, Emily and Maria with a gift to congratulate them on their success. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly, also attended the ceremony which saw the overall winners along with their classmates, teachers and their families celebrating the students’ numerous wins. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, praised the students. “The achievements of these young people is an inspiration for all students and I am delighted to be able to welcome them and their families here,” he said.

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Local News

The winning Loreto students pictured with their teachers and Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly and Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor. PHOTO: KEVIN McFEELY

Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid also congratulated the students. “I am delighted for the students and also for the teachers of Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan who are, no doubt, extremely proud of Marie Louisa, Diana, Renuka, Khadija, Emily and Maria,” said Mr Reid. After winning the main prize from over 2,000 projects from students in schools all over Ireland, Maria and Diana were presented with a cheque for €5,000, the opportunity to represent Ireland

at the 28th European Union Young Scientist competition in Brussels later this year and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy. In addition, as the Group Technical Partner of Williams Racing, BT will bring the winners on an all-expenses paid trip to the home of Williams Racing in Oxfordshire, England. Here the winners will get a behind the scenes look at how Williams are using technology to ensure they remain one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams.

Shay Walsh, managing director of BT Ireland, said: “We are proud that the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition continues to act as a springboard for future entrepreneurs, academics, scientists and technologists and we have countless past winners who are proof of that. “I would like to sincerely congratulate every single student who took part this week and to the thousands of other students who submitted a project but unfortunately didn’t qualify. “ Of course, particular congratulations must go to Maria and Diana, who will now join a prestigious list of esteemed winners and go on to represent Ireland at the EU Young Scientist later this year.” Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan said: “I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work that students, teachers and entire school communities have put into their projects. The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is one of the highlights of the education year and the continued support by BT is critical to this fantastic event going from strength-to-strength.” Speaking about the winning entry, category judge Prof. Grace McCormack commented: “These students have asked a novel question – could there be any effects of enzymes added to animal feed on worms of importance for soil fertility? The girls provide new evidence that there may be an unexpected detrimental change in behaviour and lifespan of these essential worms. The work is important for the environment and the food industry and will undoubtedly lead to further research in this important area.”

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1. Mountain View 06.40 07.20 07.50 08.30 2. Mountain StamullenView Church 06.41 07.21 07.51 08.31 1. 06.40 07.20 07.50 08.30 3. Stamullen Goff’s Corner 06.42 07.22 07.52 08.33 2. Church 06.41 07.21 07.51 08.31 4. Grange Estate 06.43 07.23 07.53 08.34 3. Goff’s Corner 06.42 07.22 07.52 08.33 5. Gormonston College 06.44 07.24 07.54 08.35 4. Grange Estate 06.43 07.23 07.53 08.34 6. Gormonston Bremore Balbriggan 06.46 07.26 07.56 08.37 5. College 06.44 07.24 07.54 08.35 7. Molagas School 06.47 07.27 07.57 08.38 6. Bremore Balbriggan 06.46 07.26 07.56 08.37 8. Loreto Convent 06.49 07.29 07.59 08.41 7. Molagas School 06.47 07.27 07.57 08.38 Post Office 06.50 07.30 08.00 08.43 9. Loreto 8. Convent 06.49 07.29 07.59 08.41 10. Bank Of Ireland 06.52 07.32 08.02 08.45 06.50 07.30 08.00 08.43 9. Post Office 11. Bank Balbriggan Church 06.53 07.33 08.03 08.47 10. Of Ireland 06.52 07.32 08.02 08.45 12. Balbriggan Ring Road Church 06.55 07.35 08.05 08.49 11. 06.53 07.33 08.03 08.47 13. Millfield Shopping Centre 07.00 07.45 08.15 09.00 12. Ring Road 06.55 07.35 08.05 08.49 14. Wavin 07.02 07.47 08.17 09.02 13. Millfield Shopping Centre 07.00 07.45 08.15 09.00 15. Wavin Balbriggan Golf Club 07.03 07.48 08.18 09.03 14. 07.02 07.47 08.17 09.02 16. Balrothy School 07.05 07.50 08.19 09.04 15. Balbriggan Golf Club 07.03 07.48 08.18 09.03 17. Balrothy Inn 07.06 07.56 08.20 09.05 16. Balrothy School 07.05 07.50 08.19 09.04 18. Balrothy Courtlough 07.07 07.57 08.21 09.06 17. Inn 07.06 07.56 08.20 09.05 09.07 19. M1 Business park/Via Port tunnel 07.08 07.58 08.22 18. Courtlough 07.07 07.57 08.21 09.06 20. East wall Road 07.35 08.20 08.44 09.32 09.07 19. M1 Business park/Via Port tunnel 07.08 07.58 08.22 21. East Northwall wallRoad Quay 07.40 08.22 08.46 09.36 20. 07.35 08.20 08.44 09.32 22. North Georges 07.42 08.24 08.50 09.39 21. wallQuay Quay 07.40 08.22 08.46 09.36 23. Burgh Quay 07.43 08.25 08.55 09.42 22. Georges Quay 07.42 08.24 08.50 09.39 24. Burgh Eden Quay 07.45 08.30 09.00 09.45 23. Quay 07.43 08.25 08.55 09.42 All Buses go onto Motorway and through the Port Tunnel takes approx 40-45 mins from Millfield 24. Eden Quay 07.45 08.30 09.00 09.45 All Buses go onto Motorway and through the Port Tunnel takes approx 40-45 mins from Millfield

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY 5

Local News

Housing issue is the biggest challenge facing Fingal says Balbriggan councillor

Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF) Housing issue is the biggest challenge facing Fingal says Balbriggan councillor The biggest challenge in Fingal is tackling the housing crisis. That’s according to Malachy Quinn, a Sinn Fein councillor based in Balbriggan. Cllr Quinn, who was elected to Fingal County Council for the first time in the 2014 Local Elections, says the Sinn Fein team has “worked hard” to deliver on their local election promises for a change in how politics is practised in the county. Cllr Quinn says the maximum reduction of 15 per cent in the Local Property Tax (LPT), and an increase

in the Housing Budget in this year’s Council Budget (2016) are just two of the team’s achievements. “The biggest challenge in Fingal is tackling the housing crisis, with families from Fingal being accommodated in hotels & B&Bs in the city, whilst the children still attending schools locally in the county,” he says. “The 260 houses to be built by the council with permissions granted will only be a drop in the ocean with over 9,000 people on the housing list in Fingal. Late last year Fingal County Council proposed the construction of modular homes on two sites in the county – one of which is at Pinewood, Balbriggan. However, Cllr Quinn firmly believes that modular homes is not the solution to the housing crisis. “Only brick-built homes can alleviate the high numbers on the housing list,” he states.

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“The building of communities with proper services and infrastructure in place is the solution.” With a background in tourism and facilities management, Cllr Quinn is passionate about the development of tourism in the North Fingal area and, along with his local council colleagues, has been instrumental in the formation of a Tourism Committee in Balbriggan. “The development of a tourism strategy locally is paramount to organic growth in North Fingal in conjunction with exploiting our location as a hub between the two largest cities on the island namely Dublin and Belfast,” he says. “Balbriggan and North Fingal is ideally situated for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) “The issues at the heart of North Fingal like water charges, Garda resources, youth facilities, graffiti and illegal dumping have been continually raised on the council, the

need for investment in local services are essential to the development of the area. “Through working with his party colleagues on the council, Sinn Fein will continue to address these issues. “The forthcoming general election will give the people of Fingal an opportunity to elect a strong team based on the Right2Change principles in Sinn Fein’s Louise O’Reilly and the two other candidates Clare Daly and Barry Martin.” Cllr Quinn, who is a member of a number of committees on Fingal County Council, including the Joint Policing Committee and Housing Committee, believes the “monster that is Irish Water” is the single biggest challenge to stability for the people of Fingal. “The abolishment of this entity is paramount to an economic improvement for the working people of this area,” he added.

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Local News

US author has Ardgillan Castle in her sights

US author Jacquelyn Mitchard didn’t manage to experience the delights of Ardgillan Castle. International best-selling US author Jacquelyn Mitchard visited Dublin with her family just before Christmas. Included in her itinerary was a booking for afternoon tea at Ardgillan Castle. This was to be the last stop on their Irish holiday before heading directly to the airport for their flight home to the US within a number of hours. All was going well as the Mitchard family climbed into the taxi in Dublin City and headed, as they thought, to Ardgillan Castle, between Balbriggan and Skerries. However, the Mitchards found themselves some 35kms away from where they planned to be, stranded in the city well away from their destination in north county Dublin. Ms Mitchard said that they had been “hugely looking forward” to the event on the final day of their trip to Dublin, but were left “very let down”

when they got out of the taxi at Dublin Castle and realised they had been taken to the wrong place. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and in this case it proved to be Fingal County Council. After learning of this family’s misfortune, the council’s chief executive Paul Reid contacted Ms Mitchard to express his concern and regret for what had happened. Mr Reid told Balbriggan Local:”Fingal County Council extends a warm welcome to all international visitors to its area and its many heritage properties and other amenities. “I’m delighted that Jacquelyn Mitchard and her family had intended to visit Ardgillan Castle and avail of its very popular afternoon tea, and I was so sorry to learn that she did not reach her planned destination.” Mr Reid offered the Mitchard family a tour of

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a number of Fingal County Council’s heritage properties including Ardgillan Castle, Malahide Castle, Newbridge House, Skerries Mills and Swords Castle. “I was very pleased to see Ardgillan manager Tom Reilly’s generous offer to the Mitchards of a complimentary tour including afternoon tea, said Mr Reid. “I decided to extend an open invitation to the Mitchard family to experience all that Fingal County Council’s Heritage Properties have to offer on their next Dublin trip to in some way address a mix-up which saw them missing out on a wonderful afternoon in Ardgillan Castle.” Mr Reid added: “I’m delighted to say that Ms Mitchard replied immediately assuring me that our offer will be taken up later this year.” * Based on Avg 15yd2

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY 7

Local News

Modular homes in Fingal By Paul Reid We at Fingal County Council have brought forward two initial proposals for the proposed construction of modular homes at two locations in the county. A formal planning consultation process is now underway for schemes on lands adjoining Avondale Estate in Dublin 15 and in Pinewood, Balbriggan. Both sites are on lands identified for future housing needs. Playing our part in meeting the requirements set out by the Social Housing Strategy 2020, and the Modular Housing Programme is a top priority for the Executive, the Mayor and the Elected Members. I have urged the Elected Members to support the proposals being brought forward for consideration, as modular homes are just one part of our overall strategy for housing in Fingal, and leadership and support for the plan is needed to drawdown on the allocation provided by Government. Fingal will provide over 1,600 homes for allocation between 2015-2017, of which, 100 will be modular units. Our proactive stance on unit acquisition, timely turnover of void units, leasing and voluntary housing schemes means that overall, 100 units are a small percentage of the total however they are a part of the overall housing solution. Discussions are ongoing with the Office of Public Procurement and Local Authorities to develop a framework for the procurement of the 500 modular units required in the Dublin region, and we at Fingal are committed to the

Tánaiste visits Balbriggan to officially open new Intreo Centre Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton visited Balbriggan recently to offically open a new Intreo Centre in the town. Residents living in Balbriggan, Rush, Lusk, Skerries in North County Dublin and Gormanston and Stamullen in County Meath will be serviced from the Intreo Centre located at Gallen’s Mill. The Intreo service in Balbriggan has a number of local employers availing of employment support schemes such as JobsPlus and JobBridge. A number of testimonials which highlighted the success of the employment supports were heard at the official opening.

timely delivery of these homes, which will allow us to provide a real housing solution for families currently living in emergency accommodation. We in Fingal continue to lead the way across the board on various elements of our housing programme which are available for public funding. We continue to work together to deliver new homes to meet the housing needs of the citizens of Fingal. *Paul Reid is chief executive of Fingal County Council.

The Intreo Centre in Balbriggan will offer a ‘One Stop Shop’ service to Department of Social Protection customers. On the same day, Minister Burton also offically opened a new Intreo Centre in Swords. The Live Register for these two offices (Balbriggan and Swords) stands at just over 6,600, with a claim load in excess of 10,000. Speaking at the opening of the latest Intreo Centres, the Tánaiste said that her focus was on transforming the Local Offices of the Department of Social Protection into Intreo Centres or dedicated public employment services. “The Department of Social Protection was traditionally seen as the place where a person got their unemployment or dole if they were out of work, and nothing more,” she said. “I was determined to change that. Through the Pathways to Work strategy, my focus has been on transforming the local offices of the Department into centres which offer dedicated employment services and concentrate on

helping jobseekers to upskill and gain training and ultimately a job. “Equally, Intreo has introduced a new link between the Department of Social Protection and employers. “Officials in the job activation area of the Department work closely with local employers in sourcing staff for vacancies in their businesses. Minister Burton acknowledged the cooperation of the local employers in providing placements for jobseekers and giving them an opportunity to gain work experience, which is the starting point for many young people in their career path. “The central premise of the Pathways to Work strategy is simple - ensure that as many newly created jobs in the economy as possible go to the people on the Live Register,” she added. “The central premise of the Intreo service is to ensure that jobseekers are equipped with the skills necessary to take on these jobs.”

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY 9

nister JaMes Pyrite-affected homeowners finally get a break reilly tD Local News

Remember Us seeks ladies for mini marathon

“However, it soon became apparent that these homeowners were still expected to pay for expensive core sample testing in order to qualify for the exemption. “I raised this issue with the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan and he accepted that legislative change may be needed to deal with the anomaly. I am delighted now that this matter is being addressed. The Local Property Tax legislation currently going through the Dáil will deal Balbriggan-based Remember Us comprehensively with the situation.’’ is looking for ladies to run, jog or The legislation will extend the LPT exemption to walk in this year’s Women’s Mini properties whose owners don’t have the required Marathon which takes place in certification but have properties that have been Dublin on the June Bank Holiday proven to have been damaged by pyrite to a Monday. significant extent. This year the charity is trying to get as The exemption is being extended to properties that many ladies as possible to participate have been included in the official pyrite remediation M1 Motors 10cmx4 05/10/2015 2:40Page pm Page 1 0cmx4 05/10/2015 2:40 pmscheme the event to raise vital funds for the without the1need for testing, properties that fit-out of its new premises. are remediated as a result of a successful insurance Remember Us is a social group for claim and properties that are remediated by the While pyrite remediation work is underway on children and young adults with special builder or property developer who constructed the homes in the Balbriggan area that are affected by the needs, their families and friends. property. problem, homeowners will no longer have to pay for It has identified a new property for Minister Reilly, one of Fine Gael’s candidates in testing to avail of property tax exemption. its growing numbers (currently 230 Dublin Fingal for the general election, said it simply Legislation was brought to the Dáil recently to deal families) in Balbriggan Retail Park. wasn’t right that homeowners who were already with this issue. Remember Us is also holding a burdened with pyrite had to pay out for expensive Minister of Children and Youth Affairs Dr James charity cycle on Saturday, May 28 and testing in order to avail of the exemption from Reilly explained the need for the new legislation. is looking for cyclists to participate. the LPT that they are entitled to. “It was counter “In Budget 2016, the Government exempted CALL INForFOR more information please contact intuitive and unfair,” he added. “This legislation puts homeowners affected by pyrite from Local Property Nora or Anne on 086-0457003. this right and ensures that these homeownersYOUR will FREE Tax (LPT),” he said. me at: ContaCt not be unfairly punished.”

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Local News

New measures to support post offices

Agreements reached as part of the Post Office Network Business Development Group Report, including the introduction of eAccounts, will support rural post offices in Fingal in the future. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly, welcomed the new measures which were announced recently. Minister Reilly outlined what the Government will be doing to help Post Offices, including Balbriggan, meet the challenges they face. “While post offices are central to Irish communities, there is a challenge to ensure that they remain competitive,” Minister Reilly told Balbriggan Local.

“The Business Development Group was asked to identify new business opportunities for the post office network and has reported back with a number of recommendations. “A renewal process is to take place over the next six months and this review will address branch modernisation; the streamlining of products; postmaster payments and training for post office staff. “Post offices need to offer more to customers, including online banking, direct debits and ATM cards. “The Government needs to facilitate this so that post offices can get more customers through the door.

“I therefore very much welcome the news that eAccounts are to be rolled out in 2016. An investigation will also take place into the feasibility of offering motor tax services in post offices.” Minister Reilly said the post office is a defining facility in rural villages in Fingal and across the country. “Implementing the recommendations of this report, though challenging, is very important,” he stated. “It is essential that we continue to create jobs in all parts of the country to provide business for post offices and to invest in vital services.” Minister Reilly said Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going. “Our plan will deliver more new jobs, spread right across the country, jobs that pay more than welfare, where hard work is rewarded,” he added. “The plan will also deliver affordable, sustainable investments in services using the resources from growing employment.”

New airport jobs welcomed THERE has been very positive news on the jobs front with a number of key announcements in recent weeks. These included the news that 350 jobs are to be created at Dublin Airport after it had its busiest year ever with a record 25 million passengers in 2015. Daa chief executive Kevin Toland said: “Dublin Airport had a fantastic year of passenger growth in 2015, which is good news for the Irish economy, for tourism, and for job creation, both at the airport and in the wider economy. “Daa is hiring 350 additional staff as a direct result of this growth in passengers at Dublin Airport. “We recruited about 170 new people last year and a further new 180 staff will be hired during 2016. “These additional staff are mainly in customer-facing areas, as we work to ensure that Dublin Airport continues to offer an excellent and efficient product to our passengers and airline customers as traffic increases.”

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Local News

Opportunity for local artists The Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) School in partnership with Fingal Arts is offering an opportunity of a funded studio space for a professional artist for the period of one year. The residency will commence in September. The award offers an artist the opportunity to develop their practice within the institutional framework of the RHA and covers the cost of studio rental and administration. The award is open to practising artists at all stages in their professional careers working in visual art. To be eligible to apply, applicants must have been born, have studied, or currently reside in the Fingal administrative area. The selection panel is Colin Martin, RHA School Principal, Val Connor, Lecturer and Curator and Sarah O’Neill, Deputy Arts Officer, Fingal Arts. Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid said: he is delighted to announce this exciting new opportunity for artists to develop their careers in visual art. “This venture is part of Fingal County Council’s continued support of the arts in Fingal,” he said. “Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor added: “As a long time supporter of the arts, I welcome this important residency opportunity for Fingal Artists.” Artists wishing to be considered should apply by completing the application form on the RHA’s website. The application deadline is February 29. The application is only available online. http://www.rhagallery.ie/school/fingal-county-council-studio-award/ For further information e-mail: fernando@rhagallery.ie or phone 016612558.

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14 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY

Animal Matters

Vaccinations When should I get my dog or cat vaccinated? Puppies should be vaccinated at eight-weeks-old and then at 10-weeks-old. Kittens should be vaccinated at eight-weeks-old and then at 11-weeks-old. Both cats and dogs are then vaccinated every year at the same time of the year as their last vaccination. This is then done every year for the rest of their life. If they go over the year then the course of vaccines need to be restarted, so like when they were a puppy or kitten two vaccinations two weeks apart. What will they be covered for? Both dogs and cats can only be 100 per cent covered against the following diseases if they have the puppy and kitten vaccinations and are up to date on all boosters and have never previously had any of the diseases. Dogs are covered against distemper, adenovirus 1 and 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Cats are covered against feline calicivirus, feline herpes virus and feline panluecopenia virus. Another vaccine for dogs that is separate from their annual booster vaccination is the kennel cough vaccination. When administered, your dog is covered against kennel cough for one year and like the annual booster will have to get another each year.

Not all dogs have to be vaccinated against kennel cough only if they are in contact with other dogs regularly or go into kennels. In that case if they are boarding all kennels look for documentation to say they have their regular vaccinations and their kennel cough

vaccination. If your cat or dog needs their vaccinations call your local veterinary hospital to schedule an appointment with the vet, it is an easy and quick procedure and also gives each pet owner a chance to get a vet to check their cat or dog for any other problems they think is wrong, or just a general check over. For any more information on this diseases or vaccines call your local veterinary hospital and speak to a vet or nurse.

By Peadar O’Scanaill, Lusk Vets (phone: 01-8949739)

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Home Cook Recipes

EASYChocolate Fudge Brownies Method

Ingredients 90g Dark chocolate (at least 70% solids) 200g Milk chocolate 50-75g White chocolate chips (optional) 170g butter 3 eggs 1tsp coffee granules (or decaf ) 1tbsp vanilla extract (or essence) 1/4tsp salt 1tsp baking powder ¾ cup plain flour ½-¾ cup caster sugar 1tbsp icing sugar for dusting. 16 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY

Butter and flour a large baking dish. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Break up chocolate and dice butter into a microwaveable bowl and microwave at 30sec bursts. Stirring until combined and melted together. Set aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl mix together your eggs, vanilla, coffee, sugar until just combined. While mixing add in the chocolate mixture. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the wet ingredients and fold in until just combined. Do not over mix. Pour into your prepared baking tray and place in the middle of your oven and bake for 25-35min. After about 18min take the tray out and tap it on the edge of your counter once or twice to let air out then return to the oven for the last 7-12min. Keep an eye, and your brownies are done when you can stick a knife in the centre and it comes out clean. Leave to cool slightly then cut in squares, dust with icing sugar and transfer to serving plate. After they’ve cooled your brownies will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Enjoy! Contact us: 085 2881804 or irishmediagroup.ie@gmail.com

Dermot MClaims* cNamara & Company • Accident Brendan Walsh • Accident Conveyancing • Accident Claims*• Claims* Solicitors Local Services Negligence • Accident Claims* • MedicalMedical Negligence Frances Cunneen • Accident Claims* • Medical Negligence Probate & Wills • House Sale & Purchase • Medical Negligence• House Sale & Purchase Dermot McNamara • Medical Negligence • House Sale Litigation & Conveyancing & Purchase Commercial Property & Purchase • House Sale & Purchase Brendan Walsh • •Accident Claims* • Commercial Property Sale & Sale Purchase • House Sale & Purchase Conveyancing • Commercial Property Sale & Purchase • Medical Negligence • Family Law (Divorce/Separation) • Commercial Property Sale &Law Purchase Frances Cunneen • Family (Divorce/Separation) • Commercial Property• Sale & Purchase • House Sale Purchase Probate & Wills Family Law D(Divorce/Separation) ermot McN&&amara C& ompany • Wills Probate • Family Law (Divorce/Separation) • Commercial Property Sale Purchase Wills & Probate • Family Law (Divorce/Separation) • Accident Claims* • Wills & •Probate • Family Law (Divorce/Separation) Solicitors • Re-Mortgaging • Wills & Probate Negligence •• Medical Re-Mortgaging • Wills & Probate • Wills & Probate • Re-Mortgaging • House Sale•& Commercial Purchase Litigation • Re-Mortgaging • Re-Mortgaging • •Commercial Commercial Property Litigation Sale & PurchaseDermot McNamara • Re-Mortgaging • Commercial Litigation • Commercial Litigation Litigation & Conveyancing • Family Law (Divorce/Separation) • Clubs & Associations • Commercial Litigation Clubs Associations • Commercial Litigation• Clubs &• •Associations •& Clubs & Associations Brendan Walsh Wills & Probate • Notary Services Conveyancing • Clubs & Associations • Notary Services Dermot McNamara & Company •• Re-Mortgaging Notary Services • Clubs & Associations• Notary Services Domestic & • Commercial Litigation Frances Cunneen Solicitors • Notary Services Probate & Wills • Clubs & Associations * In contentious business Solicitors may not charge fees based on a percentage of the settlement Commercial • Notary Services * In contentious business Solicitors may not charge fees based on a percentage of the settlement • Notary Services FIRST CONSULTATION FREE ! * In contentious business Solicitors may not charge fees based on a percentage of the settlement Cleaning Service * In contentious business For a free valuation please contact Appointments Available Outside Office Hours FREE ! Solicitors may not charge fees based• on a percentage of the settlement Accident Claims* FIRST CONSULTATION Litigation & Conveyancing

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY 17

Local Sports

Making waves by the sea!

There has been a huge growth in the participation in sport in the Balbriggan area in recent years as a result of the population boom. As a result, the importance of local clubs catering for a variety of sports cannot be overstated. One club that has been serving the communiy with great distinction in recent years is Balbriggan Football Club. The club was formed in 1998 when two local clubs, Clonard Celtic and Balscadden Blues, amalgamated. The aim of the new club was to form a playing

pathway for players from Nursery to a good level of senior football. Balbriggan FC has stayed true to that aim over the last 18 years by providing an important outlet for children and young adults. The club plays its home games on pitches provided by Fingal County Council on an annual lease basis. In 2007, they opened a state-of-the-art clubhouse adjacent to those pitches. Balbriggan FC is very much a community based club and tries to find a team for all players, whatever their level of expertise. For the 2015/16 season the club is fielding an incredible 36 underage teams (boys and girls) and three senior teams (men and women). It also runs a very successful Nursery for 4-7-year-olds. In 2015, Balbriggan FC, in conjunction with Fingal County Council and O’Dwyers GAA Club, opened a state-of the-art 3G all-weather pitch 50 metres from its clubhouse. This development has been one of the big sporting success stories in the community in recent years. In late 2015 Balbriggan FC was granted planning permission for a new indoor Futsal Court/Indoor Training Centre adjacent to its clubhouse, and it is hoped to start building the centre this year.

The catalyst for Balbriggan FC’s progress since its formation has been its loyal band of volunteers. Week in and week out, these are the people on the sidelines giving freely of their time, offering encouragement and advice to the kids as well as teaching them the skills of the beautiful game. There is nothing better than watching the young footballers of Balbriggan FC on a Saturday or a Sunday morning honing their skills. And having the Irish Sea as the backdrop, especially on a sunny morning, for the spectators as well as the players, makes it all the better. Everyone’s a winner! Some of the underage players at Balbriggan FC.

Do you need help with getting back to work? Ever considered starting your own business? Would you like training to improve your skills and confidence? Do you need help with English language skills?

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative

18 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY

Local Sports

Bracken boxers Hungary for more success

Cameron Bennett pictured after winning the Youth 2 70kg Michael Andrews Leinster with his loyal supporters. Aaron Walsh is first from the right.

Bracken Boxing Club boxers and coaches pictured during their recent trip to Paris where they fought against a French selection. Some of Balbriggan’s top boxers will face international competition from a Hungarian team this month. Bracken Boxing Club v Hungary will be staged at the Bracken Court Hotel on Saturday, February 13. The first bout will commence at 7.30pm. The local club’s top stars Christy O’Reilly, Chloe Gray and Niamh Fay are top of the bill. Meanwhile, Bracken BC enjoyed a very good start to the new year when Cameron Bennett won the Michael Andrews Leinster Youth 2, 70kg competition at the National Stadium in Dublin. Bennett produced a fine display of power punching in the semis forcing a tko of Michael Stokes, Spartan Boxing Club, forcing three standing counts along the way. He then beat Shane McCullough, Dublin Docklands in a tense affair but a storming last round seen him home to lift the title.

Aaron Walsh beat Jake Donnelly Ryston, Newbridge, in the semi and was unlucky to lose a split decision to Anthony O’Callaghan Clann Naofa, Dundalk in the final of the Boy 4 57kg final. Christy O’Reilly beat Warren Murray, St Bronagh’s Offaly on a ko 2nd round forcing Murray to the canvas in the 1st with a right hand. He then dropped him twice in the 2nd with body punches. O’Reilly made such an impression that opponents for the semi and final gave walkovers rather than face the man that’s claimed six Irish titles for the club.

Bracken Boxing Club coach Kieran O’Neill takes a lift up the Champs-Élysées with his son and Bracken supporter Calum (9) during the recent trip to Paris.

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY 19

Local Sports

Parkrun phenomenon continues locally

Pictured with some of the Junior Parkrun Participants were (from l-r): Niall Power, Margaret Geraghty, Fingal County Council, Matt Sheils, Parkrun Ireland and Cllr Brian Dennehy. THE Parkrun phenomenon continues to gather pace in north county Dublin. Before Christmas, the inugural Junior Parkrun took place at Kenure Woods in Rush and attracted a very big crowd of youngsters for a run through the park. Parkrun is an organisation that with the help of local volunteers, and in partnership with Local Authorities, organises over 40 weekend events throughout the country on a regular basis. Stewarding of the events is done on a completely voluntary basis, largely by local athletics groups. In 2014 Fingal County Council met with Parkrun to discuss a suitable venue for future events. The concept of a new walking/running trail was born, with Fingal County Council, who were already in discussions with Rush Tidy Towns on increasing footfall in Kenure Woods Park, choosing the park as a suitable location for the events. Works on the trail were completed in June 2015. Local councillor Brian Dennehy, who launched the event, said: “I am very aware how popular this new addition to the park has become and I know it is used regularly by all members of our community, from grandparents bringing toddlers for an afternoon stroll to local athletes training for marathons all over the world.” Senior Sports Development Officer at Fingal County Council Niall McGuirk said: “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2015 report Ireland is set to become the most obese country in Europe by 2030 with 89 per cent of all adults defined as obese or overweight. “This initiative will tackle childhood obesity, encourage fitness and promote an increase in activity levels among young people.” Fingal County Council said it is delighted to have been involved in making this event a reality, through co-operation with Matt Shields of Parkun Ireland, Niall Power and the ‘Rush Junior Park Run’ local volunteers the park will be a valuable resource for citizens for years to come. Meanwhile, the Ardgillan Parkrun continues to attract large numbers every Saturday morning with people from Balbriggan and surrounding areas taking part. At Ardgillan, the 5k course is run on a mixture of trail paths and grass. It is a fun, free event organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. The beauty of this initiative is that it is accessible to all levels of runners, joggers and walkers, and children are allowed to take part (those under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All are welcome to take part. 20BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY

Margaret Geraghty, Fingal County Council (left) and Cllr Brian Dennehy pictured with Junior Parkrun particpants.

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www.balbriggangolfclub.com Contact us: 085 2881804 or irishmediagroup.ie@gmail.com

Local Sports

Operation Transformation Walk gets off on the right footing

Pictured are just some of the many children who took part in Fingal County Council’s hugely successful Operation Transformation Walk. The new year got off to a great keepfit start when in excess of 3,000 people took part in two separate

3km walks organised by Fingal County Council’s sports office. Families, sports groups and fitness

enthusiasts attended the Fingal events which were held in Ward River Valley Park, Swords, and

Porterstown Park, Dublin 15. Record numbers of children and adults braved the winter weather to kick start their fitness regime for 2016 and took part by walking or running the 3k route. This was the seventh annual walk to be held in Fingal and is part of an initiative by Sport Ireland in association with the RTE hit show ‘Operation Transformation’. According to data gathered by Sport Ireland, Fingal had the highest turnout nationally by far for National Walk Day. Fingal’s Principal Sports Officer Marion Brown said: “This was a perfect opportunity for people to kick start their ‘get fit’ New Year resolutions with a short fun walk or run and to hopefully use it to start exercising on a regular basis.” Fingal parks have seen a number of upgrades in the last few years, including the addition of fitness equipment and outdoor gyms. For more information on getting fit and active see the Operation Transformation Facebook page or www.operationtransformation.ie

Bulging or ProlaPsed discs do not always need surgery.

irene is a 53 year old lady who presented to my clinic complaining of severe pain in low back,hips, left ankle and foot. She had been diagnosed with bulging discs at L4/5 and L5/S1, and had been sent to A+E by her GP due to the severity of her condition. She was prescribed Lyrica for nerve pain, antiinflammatories and pain patches. irene was told she had no choice but to have surgery. Irenes hobby of woodturning involved a lot of heavy lifting, and this along with some earlier falls and accidents were big factors in her present condition.The joints of your body act as shockabsorbers, this is no more so than in the spinal column. When there is inadequate shock absorbancy at one or more joint, some other part takes on that force. So when sections of the spine or pelvis have restrictions in them the intervertebral discs take on the extra force, causing them to bulge and eventually prolapse. classical osteopathic treatment, aims at improving the quality of these injured parts, in conjunction with the whole body. This makes for a more balanced skeletal system which absorbs shock better. Disc problems always occur over time, so it takes time to change the pattern which caused them. Some lifestyle changes may be necessary to help with the management.After six months of weekly treatments, Irene went back to her Orthopaedic Surgeon with a new MRI scan.He told her he was discharging her as the bulge had decreased by 85%. She has no pain in her back or legs but management treatment is still required.

OsteOpath tony O’Brien D.O., M.O.C.I., M.I.C.O

Based in Swords - Tel:087 2992899

Email:osteo@eircom.net or Visit Website: tonyobrienosteopath.com Contact us: 085 2881804 or irishmediagroup.ie@gmail.com

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY 21

Crossword & Sudoku

Across 1. Likenesses of people, animals and things. (6) 5. Repeat aloud a poem from memory. (6) 10. Landlocked country, capital is Vienna. (7) 11. Move forward purposefully. (7) 12. Deliberately annoy or taunt someone. (4) 13. Pointed a weapon at a target. (5) 15. Pleasant French city resort. (4) 17. A road vehicle. (3) 19. One-sixteenth of a pound. (6) 21. Gained in return for labour of services. (6) 22. A quiet or suppressed laugh. (7) 23. A thing made for a particular purpose. (6) 25. Tending to hang loosely. (6) 28. A domestic animal. (3) 30. Hollow, cup-shaped instrument. (4) 31. An authoritative command. (5) 32. Be aware of through observation or information. (4) 35. Sea duty for a day. (7) 36. A painting or drawing. (7) 37. Land surrounded by water. (6) 38. The final or concluding part. (6)

Down 2. Special assignment given to a person o group. (7) 3. Micro-organism. (4) 4. Crackling on a telephone, radio or TV. (6) 5. A person or machine that harvests a crop. (6) 6. A natural underground chamber. (4) 7. Mental or physical strain. (7) 8. Foodstuff beloved of panda. (6) 9. Non-historical traditional story. (6) 14. Walked in a military manner. (7) 16. The centre of the Islamic world. (5) 18. Indigenous people of Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. (5) 20. Used to refer to a previously mentioned female. (3) 21. Small creature of folk tales. (3) 23. A formal discussion. (6) 24. Low areas between hills or mountains. (7) 26. Aquatic, flightless bird. (7) 27. Indicated boredom. (6) 28. Spoke to God to ask for something. (6) 29. Ten of the American Indians. (6) 33. A thought, plan or suggestion about what to do. (4) 34. Substance which turns litmus red. (4)

ANSWERS Across: 1. Images, 5. Recite, 10. Austria, 11. Advance, 12. Bait, 13. Aimed, 15. Nice, 17. Car, 19. Ounces, 21. Earned, 22. Chuckle, 23. Device, 25. Floppy, 28. Pet, 30. Bell, 31. Order, 32. Know, 35. Tuesday, 36. Picture, 37. Island, 38. Ending. Down: 2. Mission, 3. Germ, 4. Static, 5. Reaper, 6. Cave, 7. Tension, 8. Bamboo, 9. Legend, 14. Marched, 16. Mecca, 18. Gaels, 20. She, 21. Elf, 23. Debate, 24. Valleys, 26. Penguin, 2.7 Yawned, 28. Prayed, 29. Teepee, 33. Idea, 34. Acid. 22BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY

1 e t o V

Joe Oâ€™Brien Printed by The Printed Image, Font House, Fonthill Industrial Estate, Dublin 22 on behalf of the Green Party, Suffolk St., Dublin 2. Tel: Contact us: 085 2881804 or irishmediagroup.ie@gmail.com

01-679 0012

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-FEBRUARY23

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