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Please Stay Safe In Our New Dawn With lots of the restrictions regarding Covid 19 now reviewed and relaxed, we at Locals Magazine are like you, hoping we are begining to see a new dawn for us all. Like our front page we hope that this new dawn will bring sunshine into all our lives and the past few months while never forgotten will serve to remind us all to stay safe and be careful in the future. We at the magazines really value the loyalty of you, our readership, our contributors and our advertisers without whom it would not have been possible to publish the magazine online. Thankfully at this time we are back publishing the print version and we hope if we are all careful and the outlets stay open we will continue to do so. The days and months ahead will be crucial to the survival of each and every one of us. Crucial to all of us workers and business owners and the survival of those of us who have health problems and those children who have their whole lives ahead of them. In other words all of you our readership. During the worst of this pandemic we were constantly reminded of the indomitable spirit of our people and with some experts predicting a second phase we must all continue to grasp this new era and continue to pull together. This means supporting our local businesses, supporting our carers and HSE frontline staff and supporting each other and all in our locality who need our help. Let us all stay safe, obey the regulations and enjoy the sunshine and remember shop local! The Locals Team. Balbriggan Local Disclaimer
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Local News
Foróige Balbriggan -here for all the Youth Foróige is the leading youth organisation in Ireland and has been working with young people since 1952. Our purpose is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their development and in the development of society. Foróige Balbriggan Youth service encourages young people to take responsibility for themselves and to be part of shaping the world around them while developing their talents, skills and abilities. We also work with vulnerable young people who require additional support through a full range of targeted services.Foróige Balbriggan is following all government advice in relation to corona virus Covid19 and have continued to work with young people remotely over the last number of months, providing a number of youth groups over Zoom these groups included: Leadership, photography, health and wellbeing, citizenship and some social quizzes. Foróige Youth Service also provides one to one support over telephone to help young people maintain routine and healthy practices. Foróige are delivering food and care packs to families who needed this type of support. Foróige will continue to provide care packs over the summer months to support families who we engage with. Foróige work with young people between 10 and 24 and will provide a number of summer programmes over the next 3 months. Programmes include health and fitness, Junior activity week, senior activity week, Graffiti, computer science, photography, football. Employability programmes will run for young people 16-24. A transition programme will run the end of August for young people entering first year in September and we will also be offering support and programmes to assist young people reengage in education after the long break from school. A new young mothers group is currently being formed
and we are looking for young mothers who wish to get involved. Foróige continue to take referrals and if any young people would like to take part in summer programmes or need any support over the summer months please contact Áine on 086-7710790 or email aine.howard@foroige.ie. Keep up to date with what’s happening on our social media pages facebook and Instagram ForoigeBalbriggan.
Thank you from Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Balbriggan Meals on Wheels would like to thank everyone from the local community who has helped them out over the past few difficult months. They would like to acknowledge all who have volunteered their time or given monetary donations or supplies to assist the charity through these challenging times. Balbriggan Meals on Wheels are delighted to be in a position to continue serving the Balbriggan community by providing meals to those who require them within our local area. Anyone who may need to avail of their service can contact Balbriggan Meals on Wheels by telephone on 01 8416743 or by email mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail. com. As all fundraising activities have had to be cancelled, you too can show your support for Balbriggan Meals on Wheels by logging on to Facebook and making a donation directly on their page. The support of the local community is very much appreciated.
Tidy Towns congratulate the residents of Tara Cove
Our Tidy Towns volunteers had been busy as usual in these times and their enthusiasm seems to have rubbed off on the residents of Tara Cove who have worked hard to create a new fairy garden whch is sure to be enjoyed by young and old in the future. Well done to all concerned. The Tidy Towns Committee recently posted this message to those residents. “To the “big folk” in Tara Cove from all the “wee folk”; thank you for our new fairy garden.What a lovely creation well done everyone. It’s really colourful and fun. “ 4
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Local History
The Sack of Balbriggan by the Black and Tans Brian Howley Chairperson of Balbriggan Historical Society at the Lawless and Gibbons commemorative plaque.
Contributed by Balbriggan Historical Society The Balbriggan & District Historical Society in conjunction with other local groups and Fingal County Council had comprehensive plans in place to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Sack of Balbriggan in September.Due to COVID 19 government restrictions at the time of writing it is still not clear what level of commemoration can take place but it is clearly our intention to ensure that this does receive a fitting, appropriate and meaningful commemoration even if that means that it like so many other things has to be delayed. Here is an account of the Sack of Balbriggan for those who don’t know about this event. The Sack of Balbriggan 20th September 1920 – The tragic events of the Sack of Balbriggan by Black And Tans have left an unforgettable memory on the town. Peter Burke the Head Constable of the R.I.C was accompanied by his brother William a Sgt and they entered Smyth’s pub (now the Millrace Pub) for a drink. There are confusing accounts of what transpired there but shortly afterwards Peter Burke was shot dead and his brother was seriously wounded. When word reached Gormanston Camp where the Black and Tans were stationed, a large body of them arrived in 2/3 lorries later firing indiscriminately in the streets. They stationed their vehicles outside the barracks on Bridge St (now the home of Ashling dry cleaners). They also burnt several houses and many families spent several nights sleeping outdoors in fear for their lives. They looted the business of John Derham (a local Town Commissioner) now the Medical Centre on corner of Bridge St and Clonard St. and they burned several local businesses and several houses including eight cottages on Clonard St (Known locally as Sinn Fein Alley).Several licensed premises were also destroyed including Landy’s and the Gladstone Inn (now Harvest Pub and Milestone Inn). The Black and Tans were set on destroying the premises of Smyth and Co on Railway St however they burned down another factory, Balbriggan Sea Mills, built by the English Company, Deeds Templar. Only the factory chimney remains. Several locals were dragged into the barracks for questioning and two were murdered, Seamus Lawless a local Barber, and Sean Gibbons a dairy farmer. The plaque on Bridge St commemorates them. Both were buried in Balscadden cemetery. Peter Burke was buried in Glennamaddy,Co Galway.Fulham Terrace has been named in honour of the bravery of Dr Fulham on the night along with the names given to Lawless and Gibbons Terrace in the town. 6
BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
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Balbriggan will be transformed under Rejuvenation Plan
A year on from the launch of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan, the transformation of Balbriggan is taking shape!Plans are at an advanced stage to develop the heart of the town’s urban core, opening up a green corridor along the River Bracken, creating a new street edge and park entrance on Bridge Street, sweeping down to a transformed Quay Street and flowing into the Viaduct area to a re-imagined Harbour.The plan’s ambitious vision came from the Our Balbriggan survey which saw over 25% of residents get involved and overwhelmingly choose to transform the Main Street and connect it to a reimagined Harbour area.The initial programme of 20 things in 12 months has been largely achieved, even with the current restrictions, and Fingal County Council has restated its commitment to the delivery of the objectives of the €30 million plan.Significant investment has been made to date, with two new playgrounds, a skate park and an extensive refurbishment of Balbriggan Library, and the repurposing of a vacant shopfront as an Our Balbriggan Hub, signalling the initial physical improvements.The Council has purchased a building at 2-4 Dublin Street to develop into a creative arts and digital space, and is close to completing the acquisition of two key buildings on Main Street and the harbour which are integral to this plan. Within the next year it is anticipated the existing
nightclub building will be demolished at Balbriggan Harbour and plans progressed to transform the harbour area into a vibrant recreational amenity. Plans are at an advanced stage to develop the heart of the town’s urban core, opening up a green corridor along the River Bracken, creating a new street edge and park entrance on Bridge Street, sweeping down to a transformed Quay Street and flowing into the Viaduct area to a re-imagined Harbour. We will see a coastal pedestrian/cycleway connecting the north of the town and Bremore Regional Amenity Park and Castle and on to Ardgillan Castle and Skerries as part of Fingal Coastal Way.The Railway Street improvement scheme will provide better flow and connectivity to the town’s most valued asset, its beach. The Our Balbriggan Hub, which opens this month in George’s Square, will be the engine room of the rejuvenation scheme and a constant link between the plan and the people of Balbriggan.Designed as a multi-disciplinary space, the hub will accommodate small gatherings and develop new networks in areas identified in the plan.There you can meet the dedicated Our Balbriggan team, who, along with your sports and community officers, have been working with stakeholders to improve the level of services, events and investments as part of the plan.
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Local News
Tributes paid to former Mayor Mags Murray It is with deep regret that we learned of the recent death of the former Mayor of Fingal, Margaret (Mags) Murray (née O’Keeffe) (Clonsilla, Dublin 15 and formerly of Cregane, Charlevile, Co. Cork .Mags passed away peacefully on June 13th 2020 in the loving care of the staff at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. She was the beloved wife of Gary and dear mother of Niall, Aoife and Amy and is sadly missed by her loving husband, son, daughters, grandson Alex, father Connie, brother Neilus, sisters Ita and Noreen, Niall’s partner Natalie, Amy’s partner Bruno, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends. Due to Government advice regarding public gatherings, a private family funeral took place in St Mochtas Church Porterstown Road Clonsilla , Dublint on Tuesday 16th. June with many sympathisers watching the service on webcam. In keeping with her caring nature Mags family requested that there should be family flowers only, with donations, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. The current Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien led the tributes to his former colleague Mags, saying “I am greatly saddened to hear of the untimely passing of my former colleague and party member Mags Murray. She was an outstanding public representative who worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents. Mags was a wonderful Ambassador for the County during her term as Mayor. She made an enormous contribution during her time as an elected representative and she will be greatly missed. Mags had a deep love of her community and a great deal of respect for local government. She was a proud Corkonian and an accomplished sportsperson, holding All Ireland medals for Camogie and Gaelic football. On behalf of myself, my fellow Councillors, party members and Fingal County Council, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Mags’ family, relatives and friends at this difficult time.” Fingal Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Mags was a deeply committed public representative who served her constituents in the Castleknock area with dedication and commitment during her time on Fingal County Council. She was unwavering in her dedication to serve the people she represented, and she made a significant and telling contribution to the lives of many.” Mags was first elected as a Fingal County Councillor in the Castleknock Local Electoral Area at the 2004 elections as a member of the Progressive Democrats. She was subsequently an unsuccessful candidate for the party in the 2007 General election in the Dublin West constituency. As the Progressive Democrats became defunct she joined Fianna Fáil in February 2008. In June 2014 Mags was elected Mayor of Fingal County Council due to the support of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and a number of Independents.. She served until 2015 and in 2015 she hosted the Annual Mayor’s Conference. She was also the Chairperson of LAMA, the Local Authority Members Association.during her term on the Council. She lost her seat in the 2019 local elections.A digital book of condolences was opened following the death of the long-standing former Mayor and Councillor who gave so much to this community and who will be sorely missed but long remembered by those who knew her.
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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
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Finance
Increased awareness of mortality and morbidity due to COVID-19 By Dave Kavanagh Understandably, during these restrictive times when new deaths are a daily feature on the news, as well as much talk about access to regular hospital services, people have given more consideration to the impact that serious illness or a fatality would have on their financial security. The sudden impact that many experienced just by suddenly being off work and having their income impacted, certainly gave food for thought. The most common plans that people can commence to protect against some of these events, are life cover, serious illness cover and income protection. Life cover can pay out a lump sum (or the option of regular payments) to cover the financial loss suffered from a fatality, This may include protecting a mortgage and also having personal cover. Serious illness cover (aka critical illness cover or specified illness cover) also pays out a tax free lump sum on diagnosis of any of the specified illnesses. While there are a multitude of illnesses covered, 5 account for about 95% of claims - Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Loss of Independence. In Ireland there are approximately 40,000 new cancer cases
every year. Income protection will pay a portion of someone’s income if they cannot work due to illness or injury after a short deferred period. We often see that people may have their home and contents insured, their pets insured, their mobile phones insured, their travel plans insured and their laptops insured, without giving proper consideration to how appropriately they insure themselves. As with any important decisions (that may not be considered “fun” activities!) it is crucial that you make the time to consider the properly. 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 phone 087-6414570. 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 and TV3.
Guide Dogs planning for the future after Covid The Balbriggan\North County Dublin branch of Irish guide dogs for the blind hope to be back fundraising and doing our normal awareness talks when it is safe to do so and cleared by government for us to do.In the meantime small things you can do for us is hold onto your used postage stamps, old Irish-sterling or foreign coins and notes. All of these we can turn into real money in time.Drop us an email or a text to say you have some and we will arrange to get them from you when it suits everybody.Over the past couple of months as well guide and assistance dogs would not be working in the normal daily way they used to be so down time was had by some guide dogs at least. I am attaching a picture of my guide dog Gatsby who had more than one day off this past couple of months and you can see the joy in his face.During lock down a number of ladies offered to walk our two guide dogs and without hesitation we took up the offer. So thanks to the two Gillian’s, Peggy and to Maebh and her daughter Ruby. Ladies wooffee wooffee on behalf of Gatsby and Qeb.Thank you from Tom and Breege Guide dog owners. Details below on how to contact us and we will be back as we need the money to train more guide dogs for blind people and more assistance dogs for family’s who have a child with Autism. To contact the Balbriggan\ncd branch of guide dogs Tel 085 7663107, email:guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com
12 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
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Local News
Council elects new Mayor and Deputy Mayor
L-R: New Deputy Mayor Cllr Robert O’Donoghue. and new Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy .
Councillor David Healy of the Green Party was elected as Mayor of Fingal at the annual meeting of Fingal County Council which was held today at the National Show Centre in Cloghran. Cllr Robert O’Donoghue of the Labour Party was elected as Deputy Mayor. Cllr Healy defeated Cllr Joan Hopkins (Social Democrats) and Cllr Punam Rane (Fine Gael) in the election for Mayor while Cllr O’Donoghue defeated Cllr Natalie Treacy (Sinn Fein) and Cllr Rane in the election for Deputy Mayor. Cllr Healy, who represents the Howth-Malahide Electoral Area, was first elected as a councillor in 1991. Based in Howth, he works as a climate change policy researcher.Cllr O’Donoghue, who
represents the Rush-Lusk Electoral Area, has been an elected member since 2018 when he was co-opted to replace retiring councillor, Ken Farrell.Tributes were paid to the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien by councillors and Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly who also presented Cllr O’Brien with a Commemorative Medal and a Photograph Album recording his year in office. Cllr O’Brien thanked Cllr Tom Kitt for his support as Deputy Mayor during the year and paid tribute to everybody who had contributed to making his year in office a success.A minute’s silence was observed before the Annual General Meeting for former Mayor
and councillor Mags Murray who passed away last Saturday. Cllr O’Donoghue was also elected as Chairman of the Balbriggan / Rush-Lusk / Swords Area Committee defeating Cllr Dean Mulligan (Independents4Change).Cllr Brian McDonagh (Labour) was elected as Chairman of the Howth Malahide Area Committee defeating Cllr Joan Hopkins (Social Democrats).Cllr John Walsh (Labour) was elected as Chairman of the Blanchardstown / Mulhuddart / Castleknock / Ongar Area Committee after defeating Cllr Tania Doyle (Independent).Cllrs O’Donoghue, McDonagh and Walsh will take up their positions in September.
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Healt
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Home Cook Recipes
Niamh’s Luscious Nutella Cheesecake Although most of my recipes take more of a healthy approach, it is important to understand thattreats can be part of a healthy diet, just once they don’t become too often! I had a lot of chocolatey fun making this recipe with my niece and nephews as a treat! Quite simple but involves biscuit bashing, melting, stirring, mixing, spooning, patience and sticky chocolatey fingers and faces! I hope you enjoy as much as we did making it!
Ingredients: • • • •
300g dark chocolate digestive biscuits 120g butter 250g mascarpone 400g nutella
You can use a greased/non-stick springform based tin or simply a plate.
Method: 1.Place the biscuits in a strong bag that can be tied and can withstand the force of a rolling pin!(I use an empty breakfast cereal bag). Bash the biscuits using a rolling pin or other utensils until they form fine crumbs.Alternatively you could blitz the biscuits in a food processor/ blender. 2.Melt the butter in a saucepan. Take off the heat and stir in the biscuit crumbs until well mixed. 3.Tip the biscuit mixture into the tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon to make a smooth and even surface.
Place in the fridge to chill while making the filling. 4.Place the nutella and mascarpone in a mixing bowl and combine well together. It helps if the nutella has been heated gently beforehand. 5. Spoon the nutella/mascarpone mixture on top of the biscuit base and place back in the fridge to chill for a 2-3hours or overnight. 6. Eat as it is or decorate as you like! In the past while I have been keeping busy doing online nutrition and healthy eating webinars. If interested please email: niamh@biabites.
net See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on
‘Biabites’Facebook for other food ideas.Niamh Arthurs BSc, Msc, Registered Dietitian
Local News
Managing school fees without bankruptcy or stress
by Siobhán O’Neill White On top of the stress of Covid-19, parents now have the pressure of hefty back to school costs to deal with. For years, politicians have promised parents that crested uniforms would be done away with but, as the new term approaches - and despite the financial strain on many families right now - parents are still being forced to fork out big money for bad quality, crested polyester uniforms. As well as expensive uniforms, parents have to buy books, PE kits, school recommended shoes and school fees. For secondary school, many children now use ipads, which can cost between €400-€900. As if parents have not been wrung out to dry enough by this stage, many schools ask for a voluntary contribution, which averages around €250 per family.So, as a parent, how can you manage all this without going bankrupt and causing yourself untold stress? First off, you do not have to go to the ‘recommended’ school supplier. We have shopped around and found a 100% polyester crested jumper from a school ‘recommended 16 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
supplier’ at €40, whereas Schoolbox.ie has the same jumper (in better quality with a wool/ poly mix) for €29. For crested tracksuits you can save more than €10 by shopping around. Bestwear shop in Drogheda are very competitively priced and have become so popular with parents that they now supply uniforms for schools in Dublin, Louth & Meath. To make the whole experience of school shopping easier and more cost effective, Schoolbox.ie have a box of school supplies, including crested uniform, schoolbag, shoes, stationery etc in one box for a competitive price. It cuts down on expense and is less stressful than shopping in lots of different places for school essentials. With social distancing rules, this is a safe way to shop now. We got one of these boxes for our daughter for secondary school last year and it was excellent – even her locker lock was included! If you are worried about school costs, you can apply for the Back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) from Welfare. ie and there are money saving tips on www. mams.ie too. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Local News
Granny (77) raises thousands for healthcare workers Joan O’Callaghan is 77 years old, lives in Donabate and is a cancer survivor. However this story is not about cancer but about her determined effort to raise money for frontline healthcare workers during this Covid crisis. The mother of three and grandmother of two had been trying to keep fit since three operations on her back and shoulder last year. Joan said “In an effort to keep fit I had been going up and down 24 stairs in my apartment block daily. Having read what Captain Tom did in the U.K. I realised I could probably raise some funds for our frontline healthcare workers here. I liked what Tom Keogh from Keogh Crisps and www.irelandthanksyou.ie was doing to say thank you to our wonderful frontline health careworkers so I contacted him.To date with my “one woman challenge” I have gone up and down 29,464 stairs and have raised € 4300.” Joan says she now has a link on that site and can gauge who has donated because all such people have to do is put the word steps after there name ie: joebloggssteps, then she can see how much has been donated because of her efforts. Meantime the former principal of St Andrews School in Malahide will continue to walk up and down the steps in her apartment block to raise money for those who are putting themselves at risk every day to ensure the health and well being of us all. Well done Jane, keep up the good work and remember go to www. irelandthanksyou.ie and give what you can in support of Jane’s efforts for those who are caring for us all.
Honours for Fingal’s Covid 19 responders! The outgoing Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, has honoured individuals and groups who assisted Fingal County Council through the COVID-19 Community Call Response Forum by presenting them with Certificates of Appreciation. Cllr O’Brien, whose year-long term as Mayor ended last Friday, said that he wanted to finish his year in office by recognising the service that is being provided to the County and citizens of Fingal during the COVID-19 pandemic.“This year we faced a health emergency which was unprecedented in living memory,” said Cllr O’Brien. However, in this historic emergency, a tremendous effort was made to face the many challenges that the emergency created. I was incredibly impressed by how everyone came together immediately and how so many organisations and groups volunteered to help.”He added: “Their sense of community was overwhelming. From the outset of the Community Call Forum at the end March, 105 community partners registered to volunteer to deliver supports in their communities, alongside 55 groups registered with Fingal Public Partnership Network (PPN). During April and May, the Community Call helpline received 436 calls. The majority were for delivery and collection requests while Social Isolation supports, Meals on Wheels requests, Garda queries and other health issues made up the rest of the calls that 18 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, signing the Certificates of Appreciation
came into the Community Call helpline in that period.It was humbling to watch the mobilisation of hundreds of people across the county to assist those more vulnerable than themselves,” said Cllr O’Brien. He said, “ I was never as proud to be from Fingal, and it will be one of the abiding memories of my 12-month term as Mayor. You
were called upon and you delivered. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions it will not be possible for Fingal County Council to hold a formal ceremony to present the framed certificates so they will be distributed to the recipients in the coming weeks.”
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Local News
Book highlighting Fingal Community Archaelogy launched nationally
Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Eoghan O’Brien, Fingal Heritage Officer Christine Baker, Fingal Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly at Ardgillan Castle
Fingal County Council is delighted to announce the publication of Partnership & Participation: Community Archaeology in Ireland edited by Fingal Heritage Officer Christine Baker. The beautifully illustrated publication showcases 20 projects giving an insight into the breath of activity taking place across the country under the banner of community archaeology. Fingal projects featured include Christine’s own Fingal community archaeology programme, a Fingal Arts Office public art intervention at Swords Castle and Resurrecting Monuments—St Doulagh’s and Tower Hill.Over the past number of years there has been an increasing demand among communities to engage directly with archaeology, heritage and traditions of their local area. Fingal County Council has been at the forefront of promoting community archaeology since 2015 with community excavations at Swords Castle, Bremore Castle, Naul and the Iron Age promontory fort of Drumanagh. ‘The impetus for this publication was to highlight the quality of work being
undertaken not just in Fingal but across the country’ said editor Christine Baker ‘Projects carried out under the banner of community archaeology can include everything from graveyard surveys to art projects; geophysical surveys and 3D surveys to conservation projects as well as archaeological digs, but the common thread has been reconnecting people to their own past’.Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Eoghan O’Brien who launched Partnership & Participation: Community Archaeology in Ireland said ‘I’m delighted to see Fingal so well represented in this all-island publication. The Baldoyle-based Resurrecting Monuments group have contributed the results of their community digs at St Doulough’s and at Tower Hill in Howth; our own Fingal community archaeology model is detailed, and a collaborative art project commissioned by Fingal Arts Office features alongside projects from Tyrone to Trim’. Partnership & Participation: Community Archaeology in Ireland is available to click and collect in Fingal Libraries or purchased from Wordwell Books Ltd.
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Partnership & Participation: Community Archaeology in Ireland Cover featuring Bremore Castle Balbriggan Community Archaeology Dig
BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
19
Local Sports
Balbriggan Rugby Club – Covid Committee
Balbriggan RFC is pleased to announce that the Club has established a Covid Safety Committee. The members of the Committee are: Lisa Kelly, Sinead McFarlane, Kevin Sweeney, Therese Tormey and Clive Woods and they will be assisted by Noel Hickey, Caroline McFadden and David McFadden from the Club Executive Committee. The Club are very grateful to these volunteers for coming forward to help get the Club ready for the return to rugby. The Covid Committee has been working away over the past week or more and will have a Covid Health & Safety Plan ready shortly. A Covid Risk
Assessment of the Club’s facilities is also being undertaken. When these two steps are complete, a Return to Rugby Plan will be put into action. In order for the Return to Rugby Plan to work, we will need more volunteers to come forward as each team in the club will have to have a Covid Compliance Officer. We will keep you informed of developments. In the meantime, thanks again for your patience and to the volunteers who are helping to get us back on the road to playing rugby.
O’Dwyers Summer Cul Camps reluctantly cancelled 20 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
After much deliberation and review of Covid 19 return to play guidelines, the club has very reluctantly taken the decision NOT to hold our annual Cúl Camp this year.The camps would have to cater for a much reduced number and we are simply not willing to leave anyone out.We look forward to bigger and better camps in 2021. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
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WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@gmail.com before 5pm on July 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck
22 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JULY 2020
Down
1. People who act for others. (6) 5. A person’s partner in marriage. (6) 10. American state, capital is Montgomery. (7) 11. Prescribed identical clothing for a group. (7) 12. Hard or exhausting work. (4) 13. The subject or theme of a speech. (5) 15. Human outer covering. (4) 17. Doctor? (3) 19. A building whose components are made off-site. (6) 21. Passages between rows of seats or shelves. (6) 22. Cut up for examination. (7) 23. Keep possession of. (6) 25. Relating to race or culture. (6) 28. Something done, a deed. (3) 30. Polish and in the nude. (4) 31. Excessively sentimental. (5) 32. Propel oneself in water naturally. (4) 35. Bomber obsessed with secrecy. (7) 36. Set apart from others. (7) 37. Barged into the beast. (6) 38. What you aim at. (6)
2. Hard rock. (7) 3. Either of the two tides at the first or last quarter of the moon. (4) 4. It’s always with you and shortest at noon. (6) 5. Work room for an artist. (6) 6. Leave out. (4) 7. Device for breathing while face down in the water. (7) 8. Portable computer. (6) 9. Improves, corrects. (6) 14. The science of matter and energy and their interactions. (7) 16. The lowest point of anything. (5) 18. Hollow type of Middle Eastern bread. (5) 20. Receptacle for rubbish. (3) 21. Playing card with one spot. (3) 23. Strong in constitution, hardy. (6) 24. A crisp smooth lustrous fabric. (7) 26. A style of rock music popular in the 1970s. (3,4) 27. Make someone do something. (6) 28. A writer of books. (6) 29. The practice of being careful with money. (6) 33. Online journal. (4) 34. Severe, stern, or sullenly obstinate. (4)
SUDOKU ANSWERS
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