Issuu

DONABATE Your Community News

01 840 4075 SWORDS

FREE

LOCAL

& Portrane

Volume 4 Issue 11 - December 2020

€50 crosswo rd competi tion inside

€50 crossw o compe rd tition inside

01 840 4075 SWORDS

time Diplomas 01 840 4075 SWORDS

etary 01 840 4075 oll Full-time & Part-time Diplomas SWORDS e Full-time & Part-time Diplomas

& Medical Secretary Legal• &Legal Medical Secretary Book-keeping & Payroll • Book-keeping & Payroll Microsoft Office Suite • Microsoft Office Suite IT Technical Courses Web •Design & Photoshop IT Technical Courses Full-time & Part-time Diplomas Digital Marketing

shop

• Web Design & Photoshop •• Digital LegalMarketing & Medical Secretary

Pitman Training Swords Chamber Buildings North St., Swords, Co. Dublin ww.pitmantrainingswords.ie

ds gs n e

• Book-keeping & Payroll Pitman Training SwordsSuite • Microsoft Office Chamber Buildings • IT Technical North St., Swords, Co.Courses Dublin • Web Design & Photoshop www.pitmantrainingswords.ie • Digital Marketing Pitman Training Swords Chamber Buildings North St., Swords, Co. Dublin www.pitmantrainingswords.ie

Fingal_Christmas_BusShelter_Ver2.indd 1

10/11/2020 11:58

Our Team

Christmastime is for family so lets stay safe!

Editor E. communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Christmastime is traditionally a time to enjoy with family and those we love so lets make this one extra special. Lets all pull together like we did at Christmas last year and lets all obey the Government rules and continue to flatten the Covid 19 curve again. We should also all shop locally and ensure the local jobs of our neighbours and friends. We all know the dangers of not wearing face coverings, not regularly washing our hands thoroughly and not keeping our distance when meeting others. Community transfer of the virus seems to be the problem so lets not go back to meeting numbers of people and avoid Christmas parties for one year. Simply put, we all want this to decrease again as soon as possible. We all want to reduce the number of people in hospital and worse, so lets all pull together now as we did before and turn this around quickly, get back to as near normal a society as soon as possible and stay safe and enjoy the Christmas season. We need to protect ourselves, our mothers, fathers, children, spouses, partners and the family we love and give each other the best Christmas present ever by flattening the curve again. That way we can have as near a normal Christmas once again. If we do, the smiles on all our faces as we sit down to our Christmas dinners will be something special. So please, obey the rules, stay safe, lets pull together and keep supporting our HSE workers, our local shopping outlets and most of all our families and those we love and lets make it a happy Christmas for everyone. Please stay safe and we wish a happy Christmas to you our wonderful readers, contributors, and advertisers and your families from all of us in the Locals team.

Local News

Advertising

Sean Maguire T. 087 915 9052 E. seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie

Production

Tim Evans E. communitylocalsdesigner@gmail.com

Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine Email: communitylocalseditor @gmail.com www.facebook.com/ DonabatePortraneLocal

Designated Pick up Points:

Donabate Community Centre SuperValu Donabate Brennanâ€™s Life Pharmacy, Donabate Published by

IRISHMEDIAGROUP publishing | design | print | web

The Locals team. Donabate & Portrane Local Disclaimer

Every effort is made by Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine to ensure that the information is correct and will not be held responsible for any advertisement or editorial errors. Donabate & Portrane Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Donabate & Portrane Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise.

STRICT DEADLINE FOR JANUARY EDITION: 15th December for inclusion in our January edition.

www.irishmediagroup.ie

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Local News

What a busy year at Active Age for All!

‘Sit and Get Fit’ Zoom Class

What a year! It has been a year when we have had to show resilience. Normally we are stretched by our classes - this year we have been particularly stretched by the digital era! During 2021, it would be great if we could offer Zoom lessons, computer classes and generally help each other with the new technologies that will help us stay in touch with our family and friends. Our year started very well with Class registrations. Our Annual General Meeting was well attended, and the Committee were planning for another busy year – a different busy as it turned out! March brought Lockdown. April and May brought gardening leave for us all. June/July, we worked closely with DPCC in preparing our Covid Response Document to prepare for re-opening. We received funding which has covered a room and equipment sanitising sprayer, voice amplifier for tutors, and Zoom and computer for online classes if necessary. August brought a 4 week run of our physical classes in the Sports Hall. In September, we were ready to start in our new venue of the portacabin provided by DPCC and… the October/November lockdown arrived! We had also agreed to take the lead in Inclusion week with our knitted Christmas tree and at the time of writing we are not sure of the final display. In November the Committee made a presentation to Jim Glennon,Chairman of Age Friendly Ireland (Fingal). Thanks to Louise Edmonds of Age Friendly Ireland Fingal who arranged for us to do this. We presented the feelings of older people. It covered a wide variety of topics from the ‘language’ used about our age group by officialdom during Covid to confronting ‘end-of-life’ choices. We also pushed to be allowed to socialise in groups in a safe way AND thus attend our classes.Finally, to keep going and be prepared for return to activity – check out the website to see our Sit & Get Fit classes that you can follow. www.activeageforall.com in case we end up indoors with SNOW! The Committee would like to wish all our members a very Happy Christmas.

Slí na Sláinte Routes for Donabate A group of people from the DonabatePortrane Peninsula came together from different organisations, including Active Age for All (acting as the lead group), Lambay Sports & Athletics, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed and Donabate Portrane Community Centre, with the aim of promoting and developing safe routes in our area suitable for walkers and runners of every ability, the numbers of whom has grown dramatically in the past few years. These routes would also facilitate wheelchair users and other vulnerable people. In addition, we have the support of a group supporting people with visual impairment/disability in the area. The group has been campaigning for just over a year to establish routes in Donabate under Slí na Sláinte – the Way of Health – an initiative of the Irish Heart Foundation which aims to increase the number of people walking or running for their health. It encourages the provision of routes that are accessible to all, able bodied & less able bodied, and provides funds towards signage and maps for approved routes. We have met or been in contact with Fingal County Council officials, councillors and Tara Curran from the Irish Heart Foundation. Along with the County Council and others, we will continue to resolve the few remaining obstacles to achieving full approval of the identified routes, which we hope will be addressed in the not-too-distant future. 4

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

We understand and are delighted that one of these, the Turvey Avenue footpath, is planned to be completed in mid-2021. Three routes in the village and two in Newbridge Park have been identified and drawn up. Fingal County Council has now put two routes in place in Newbridge Park, which is most welcome. It is imperative that the village and park routes link through the new entrance at the pedestrian lights on Turvey Avenue, as this is the most accessible entrance to the park for people with a disability or reduced mobility, parents pushing buggies, wheelchair users and older people. Signage, some of which could also be in Braille, should be provided at this entrance to Newbridge Park, at Donabate Train Station and at the Community Centre. Also, the provision of seating is important for resting and socialising on route. We are very pleased to learn that Fingal County Council has set up a new Department of Environment, Climate Action and Active Travel under the directorship of David Storey. It is a very progressive initiative and augers well for all groups and individuals interested in walking, running and cycling as modes of transport. We look forward to the new projects that will take place with this new direction. If you are interested in Slí na Sláinte routes on the Peninsula, please contact any of the groups involved. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Finance

Making time for the important financial stuff By Dave Kavanagh Why is it that when the topic of planning your finances comes up, many people cite not having enough time? There are reasons for this - Firstly, it’s not considered a “fun” activity. Compared to going for a meal, walking on the beach, watching a movie etc., it doesn’t have the same enjoyment factor. Secondly, there is a subconscious negativity regarding financial planning, for reasons including, having to face possibly not being as efficient as you could have been, having to consider poten-tial financial loss in the event of a fatality, or not being able to work due to illness or injury, and hav-ing to plan your income for what will probably be the last third of your adult life. (Fun, right?) So people make all kinds of excuses to avoid dealing with it.The question therefore is burying your head in the sand wise? Many life events can happen, whether you have planned for them or not. One hour is 4% of your day, spending this once or twice per year can be hugely beneficial. The dif-ference in dealing with, lets face it, one of the most important aspects of your life, is that it will put you in control of your finances rather than your finances being in control of you, reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with “money worries”. I often see those that keep control of their budgeting having more disposable income than people earning 50% more than them who do not make

the time to plan. As a starting point, take out 3 month’s bank statements and make sure you can account for every transaction. Next, Make a list of what you think you spend every month, then keep a detailed diary of one month’s spending and compare. Then, arrange a phone or video review with your financial advisor from the comfort of your home. It’s never been easier. Make the time. Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or infor-mation (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, 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 depart-ments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM and TV3.

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Local News

Citizens’ Passport Award for Donabate Community College!

Health Promoting Schools Flag

Passport Award

Donabate Community College were recently delighted to accept the Citizens Passport Award for our engagement with Global Citizenship Education. The Global Passport Award is an acknowledgement and recognition of our school’s contribution, dedication and diligence in implementing Global Citizenship Education into all aspects of teaching and learning.Our school has played, and continues to play, a key role in promoting quality values and principles that reflect a very positive GCE practice and you should be extremely proud of this achievement which acts to honour your contributions and commitment to exploring GCE.Unfortunately,

owing to our current circumstances an Award Ceremony was not able to take place. However, our Green Schools Committee, along with Ms Kelly, Ms Davis and Mr Doyle were delighted to accept the Award on behalf of the school. We thank them for their continued hard work in school.Also the school are proud to annouce they received Health Promoting Schools Flag Awarded to DCC awarded by the HSE. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, there was no official ceremony and in lieu of this, Mr Doyle presented the flag and banner to a cohort of the Donabate Community College’s students.

This award is a formal recognition of all the good work that students, staff and the wider community have been doing in the area of Wellbeing.The areas that the school was examined in were as follows, Environment, Curriculum and Learning, Policy and Planning and Partnerships. The HSE were extremely impressed with all the work we have done in these areas and the work we are continuing to do. In many ways, we are leading the way in the area of Wellbeing, and we would like to congratulate all in our school community for their continued engagement and support of our initiatives.

facebook.com/DonabatePortraneLocal www.facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal 6

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

The National Framework for Living with COVID-19

Taking Care of our Wellbeing & Resilience in Dublin COVID-19 has turned 2020 into a year like no other. The National Plan for Living with COVID-19 is fundamentally about our personal and collective resilience and wellbeing. So, let’s start with ourselves — keeping well individually will help us support one another and our communities.

We all need a little help at times – Healthy Ireland is building a programme of activities around ﬁve simple actions that we can all take to keep well.

Keeping active

Keeping in contact

Getting creative

Eating well

Minding your mood

Outdoor activity is important for physical and mental health. Sport Ireland will support people to stay active through the winter. Look out for online activities you can join.

Person-to-person connection is vital to our wellbeing. Don’t let isolation become a problem — ask for help if you need it, oﬀer help if you can. The Dublin City and County Councils will provide a helpline and support services as part of The Community Call.

Learn something new, get back to nature, ﬁnd ways to relax, rediscover your own locality. Engage creatively with local historical spaces and places. The Dublin City and County Councils and the Creative Ireland Programme will provide initiatives in the arts, crafting, culture and heritage. Make the connection between the food you eat and how you feel, mentally and physically. Bord Bia will support healthy eating this winter. Libraries will promote a grow your own food initiative for spring. Safefood’s START campaign will help parents to introduce healthier habits with their kids. Anxiety is a real problem – do not ignore it. Find out where to go if you or someone you know needs support. The HSE’s yourmentalhealth.ie website has useful information and look out for the upcoming HSE online Minding Your Wellbeing programme.

Make a daily plan to do at least one thing every day that will keep you well. There is an abundance of things to do and to discover in Dublin. Find what’s available at gov.ie/HealthyIreland or at the Dublin City and County Councils’ websites and Community Call website.

The National Framework for Living with COVID-19 will help us to manage the risk associated with the virus. However, we also need to focus on wellbeing — the wellbeing of our country and the personal wellbeing of every one of us. That requires three things: healthy people, strong businesses and resilient communities.

Local News

Cycle network announcement for peninsula

Donabate cycle path

Corina Johnston, the Labour Party’s local area representative for Donabate and Portrane has welcomed the announcement by the National Transport Authority (NTA) of their plan to improve the cycle network on the peninsula. Johnston said; “Duncan Smith TD, Cllr Robert O’Donoghue and I have been campaigning at local and national level for cycle and walking network to be prioritised and delivered on the peninsula. The evidence base for walking and cycling and the positive impacts on our health is increasingly clear and convincing, hence the need for these facilities which will also allow

workers to cycle to and from work. Arising from our representations to the Minister for Transport and the NTA we received the following response. The NTA recognises the need to improve cycle infrastructure between Donabate and Swords. Hearse Road has been identified as the key link to introduce segregated cycle infrastructure under the recently announced Five Year Programme for Government fund. This link will continue onto the Portrane Road, through Donabate town.”Johnston added; “ We are pleased that the Hearse Road is now on the radar of the NTA. We have been in constant contact with Fingal

Fingal_Christmas_BusShelter_Ver2.indd 1

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

County Council regarding the need to widen the road and provide pedestrian and cycle paths in acccordance with the objectives of the councils development and local area plan.This is urgent in view of the increased volume of traffic on the road, the projected increase in population, the safety concerns for pedestrians/cyclists, the residents in Ballymadrough and the Hearse Road and their children who use this dangerous road on a daily basis.“ Johnston concluded; “ The positive response received from the NTA must be delivered upon and we intend to pursue this vigorously”.

10/11/2020 11:58

OPENING TIMES: MON to FRI: 9.30am - 6pm SATURDAY: 10am - 5pm SUNDAY: Closed

Local News

Conservation Works to Stella’s Tower and St Catherine’s Church Ruins

St Catherines Church ruins

Cllr Aidrian Henchy has said he is pleased with the announcement by Fingal County Council who have appointed James Oliver Hearty & Sons to carry out conservation works at Stella’s Tower and St Catherine’s Church Ruins, Portrane. He said, “These essential repair works are being fully funded by the Council under an annual programme of work related to the restoration of historical buildings. The works are intended to stabilise, repair, and protect the structures and will mainly involve masonry repair and consolidation. These conservations works were a key objective in the Fingal County Development plan for Portrane. I have been consistently raising that these works are completed, and I am very pleased to see that they are finally getting underway.”

Stella Tower (Bob’s Castle)

The Councillor said, “The conservation works on Stella’s Tower (Bob’s Castle) and St Catherine’s Church Ruins is very good news for Portrane. It is critically important that Fingal County Council continues to work on maintaining the heritage and history of all our local towns and villages and these much needed works in Portrane will help to achieve that objective.The preservation of the history and archaeological of both Stella Tower(Bob’s Castle) St Catherine’s Church Ruins sites in Portrane is an important objective within the Fingal Development plan. The necessary works on these medieval sites will stabilise them and protect them for future generations to enjoy and learn from.It is important that our historic monuments

that are ruins in the landscape are consolidated and conserved. The works to be undertaken in Portrane will achieve this and are greatly welcomed. Works are programmed to commence in early November and will continue until February 2021. The works will proceed during normal working hours to minimise disruption to the public. Members of the public should refrain from visiting the sites during the works.” Stella’s Tower is the locally known name for the tower as Jonathan Swift’s ill-fated ‘Stella’ lived there for a short time. Both structures are recorded archaeological monuments and protected structures in the ownership of the Council.

CommunityLocals.ie/Sports CommunityLocals.ie 10

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Local News

Lambay Sports and Athletics Club membership open

LSA is the local athletics club in Donabate & Portrane. Despite the impact of Covid-19 in 2020, the club participated in many restriction compliant events at both an adult and juvenile level. Our registration for 2021 opens on January 1st. We have competitive track and field and cross country groups for all ages and a Fit for Youth group for teenagers. For

our adults we have a range of groups to cater to all, from Couch to 5k to Marathon prep, strength & conditioning and interval sessions. If you’re

interested in joining our Adult or Juvenile programmes, check availability by emailing lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com

Leithinis Donabate Portrane CCE Lessons Gift Vouchers Santa now has Leithinis Donabate Portrane CCE gift vouchers available that will make great Christmas presents for both Children and Adults. Cost is €100 for 12 lessons and vouchers are valid between January and May 2021. For further information please email .leithinis@comhaltas.net We would like to sincerely thank Fingal County Council for their support this year in providing funding for our instrument bank ,sanitising supplies and other equipment necessary to run the branch. We have a number of instruments available to rent for students including banjos and button accordions so if you are interested in learning a traditional Irish instrument don’t let not having an instrument hold you back.Our new committee members are: Chairperson Cathal O’Donnell,Vice Chairperson Brendan Farley, Secretary Jim O’Donohoe, Assistant Secretary Paul Kelly,Treasurer AnneMarie Gavin, PRO Lillian Farley , Child Protection Officer Maeliosa Burke,Assistant Child Protection Officer Catherine Harnett,Youth Officer Fintan O’Reilly, Treoiri na Gaeilge Erin Mc Gahan, Class co-ordinator Breda Dockrell, Assistant Class co-ordinator Catherine Harnett, Delegates to County Board Cathal O’Donnell and Breda Dockrell and Auditor Denis Stack We would like to wish our members and the Donabate Portrane community a safe and happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all for registration for our second term in January 2021 Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Local News

Sanitised Santa Delivers Great News to Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed has received funding to upgrade our facility at the Donabate Sea Scouts’ den. We wish to acknowledge the Department of Rural and Community Development, Fingal County Council and the Local Community Development Committee for this recent generous and very welcome grant under the Community Enhancement Programme 2020. Once Covid-19 restrictions are eased, this work will allow us to expand our offering to include outdoor activities, suited to these pandemic times. We will also then be able to use the sanitising equipment purchased with another grant from Fingal County Council. This year our allotment has been such a success with our members that the Men’s Shed is applying to Fingal County Council for a second allotment for next year.We wish all our members and the wider Donabate Portrane community a very happy, safe and peaceful Christmas. Any men in the area who wish to enquire about joining us, please text Jim on 086-3694316. P.S. There is NO truth in the rumour that Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed is providing refuge for Dustin the Turkey up at our allotment!

“Peninsula Pacers” – New Walking Group in Donabate / Portrane

“Peninsula Pacers”, the new adult walking group in the area, has come from an initiative of AAfA in bringing people together to look at safe Slí na Sláinte routes around the peninsula. This in turn has given rise to the formation of a dedicated walking group, set up under Get Ireland Walking, a section of Sport Ireland. Over 400 groups have availed of this service in Ireland 12

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

already!“Peninsula Pacers” will be inclusive and cater for all levels of ability, with graded walks from easy, to moderate to more challenging, to suit every pace. Walks can be in the Park, exploring our Peninsula, to a walk along the canal at Phibsboro, to further afield. A number of men and women have already signed up and are rearing to ramble! Obviously, we are looking for

light at the end of the tunnel and a vaccine for Covid and restrictions being lifted. The world is full of walkers now; outside is the safest place to be! Get a pair of good walking shoes from Santa! We want to be ready to roll as soon as possible and we encourage anyone who likes to walk to text us – Carolyn Smith 087-9284307 or Breda Dockrell 086-8693243. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Local News

Buy Local and buy Irish online this Christmas by Siobhan O’Neill White There’s no doubt that Christmas 2020 will be very different but there are ways we can still try to make it special. Baking Christmas cookies, making decorations and solving Christmas jigsaws with the little ones can help set the mood. Wondering how your child can visit Santa? There’s www.driveinsanta. ie at the RDS, a safe and fun drive through with gifts and Santa! And www.santassnowglobe.com is a Santa visit at home. The child receives a parcel of gifts including a snowglobe and time capsule bauble before their Zoom call with Santa! We’ve done this in PJ’s, by the fire, sipping hot chocolate, whilst chatting to Santa. Shops may be closed but many are online so please, buy Irish instead of Amazon. There’s a jam-packed Christmas gift guide on mams.ie to help with ideas. For my sporty sister who lives in Jersey; a snuggly fleece and sporty leggings from Regatta.ie, shipped straight to her door. For my Dad, a delicious coffee hamper from Artisan roasters, JavaTheHut.ie in Balbriggan. Books from Easons for our children and for anyone who has trouble reading, see scanningpens.co.uk for their clever reader pens.Patricia O’Toole has gorgeous clothing and accessories for glam ladies. Ekotreeknitwear.store hand-

make cashmere wraps and mini travel-size hot water bottles; perfect for frosty mornings! For skincare & make-up giftsets, we love award winning BiofreshSkincare.ie and HolosSkincareTipperaryCrystal.ie has loads of gorgeous gifts online, their Birdy collection is beautiful.Teenagers are never without earbuds or headphones and cool Irish company OneSonic.com is superb for these. More affordable than bigger brands and excellent quality. TheGiftShop.ie has funky gifts, our favourites are the Bog Buddies. Glamdoll.ie have clever make-up organisers and Hollywood mirrors. Perfect for make-up lovers.Gosk8.ie has roller skates, skateboards, scooters. Shipped nationwide from the Dublin store.For mams-to-be, BabyZone.ie have cute hampers. Knight & Day in Mayo and OneDameLane.ie in Dublin have bang on trend jewellery. DSSports.ie is a new sports retailer, with affordable GAA and Hurling gear. Balbriggan based Celtictweed. ie have snazzy tweed clothing and gifts. Áine Chocolate hampers are scrumptious for chocolate lovers, see chocolates.ie There are so many wonderful Irish businesses who need your support now more than ever, so please shop local. Above all, stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas. Follow us at www. mams.ie for more gifting ideas!

The Intimate Express in such a beautiful place

Some of the Chinkwell Writers - back row, left to right; Leo Breslin, Emma Hughes. front row, left to right; Marion Lynders, Miriam Scully, Nancy Dempsey, Eilish McDermott, Peig McManus, Carol Hayden Valerie Henderson.

By Cliona O’Reilly (A Chinkwell Writer) It’s a four minute walk from my house to the train station, so I figured I’d be fine for the 8.14. The sky brightened over the Newbridge treetops in shades of pink and purple, promising a beautiful day. My pace quickened as I looked forward to a spectacular sunrise over the railway bridge.Then suddenly in the distance the announcement of the train approaching! An adrenalin rush as I clutched my rucksack to Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

my back and mustered all my energy to run up that hill, willing my legs to run faster. A fleeting moment to savor the huge orange sun on the horizon at the brow of the hill before charging down to the station. “Don’t fall flat on your face!” I tell myself, slowing my pace. Fumbling for my Leap card I’m alarmed by the sound of the doors closing and the roar of the engine as the train prepares to leave.I race onto the platform, pressing the door button while desperately glancing down to the first carriage. The driver’s cheeky grin as he leans out the window gives me hope. I press my

hands together, pleading and give him the thumbs up as the door opens to the huddle of Donabaters standing in the middle, packed like sardines on the ‘Intimate Express’. “Those Drogheda drivers are decent” I say before joining them. I move down the carriage to de-layer as the heat rises. The train crosses the estuary and the carriage lights up, transformed by the warm glow of the sunrise on the glistening water. I take a moment to store it in my memory to sustain me for the rest of the day and acknowledge my gratitude for living in such a beautiful place. DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Tis the season to be jolly! Just a few interesting and imaginative food ideas for Christmas...These ideas can also be a crea tive way to ensure fruit and vegetables are served, even as tippets or snacks! Wishing you all a ‘veggie’ goo d Christmas agus athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh.

Fruit Angel Ingredients:-5 Slices of melon-1 grape-2 mandarin orange segments Instructions! 1.Place melon slices on the serving plate/dish for the angel’s body as shown in the image. 2.Place the 2 mandarin orange segments either side of the melon as wings.

3.Slice the bottom off a grape and pace at the top of the melon slices as the angel’s head. Sin é, bain sult as!

Funky Birdy

foods that you/the family likes for can really use your imagination and you al, ion opt are ng owi foll The -x6 Baby bell peppers stuffed with Ingredients: h as Salami, Prosciutto,Pepperoni suc ts mea cold of es Slic ge:ima ge pepper as in the image this.I used as in the m cheese-Slices of yellow and oran crea or ese che age cott ese, che sticks of celery (for a soft cheese such as Ricotta chunks cucumber (for the eyes)-2 ks-2 stic rrot -Ca ! too per pep s, salsa or sour (You could use any other coloured t flavoured and coloured hummu eren diff as h suc s dip )-2 feet the half (for the legs!)-2 green olives sliced in cream and chive the Instructions! meats as in the image. I layered ing plate first such as slices of cold serv the o ont bird the of y bod n 1.Place the mai 4 rows across. ther and in x4 rows down and x3nks into the 2 dips (the skin slices of cold meats over one ano in step 1. Place the cucumber chu ted crea as y bod ’s bird the of 2.Place the 2 dips at the top side facing out for more colour). ’s body (for feathers!). pepper around the sides of the bird 3.Add the cur ved strips of yellow serving dish . side at the top of the dips on the nose as in the image. 4.Place the carrot sticks side by top of the carrot sticks and as the on per pep ge oran ped sha ngle the serving plate. 5.Add in the rounded tria bird’s body and the lower end of the of tom bot the at legs the 6.Place the 2 sticks of celery for . end of the celery sticks for the feet 7.Add in the sliced olives at the , amusez-vous bien !! pers to the bird’s body and.....Voilà 8.Add in the stuffed baby bell pep

Please follow’Biabites’Facebook for other food ideas especially in the ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums. Please follow @BiaBites on twitter.For nutrition talks/workshops at events or in schools/workplaces/ community groups= please email:niamh@biabites.net.Niamh Arthurs BSc, MSc Registered Dietitian 14

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Local News

Guide Dogs Christmas Cards now on sale!

Back in early September I put out a mail and a whats app to promote a fundraiser that Breege and I wanted to do to mark our Ruby Wedding Anniversary instead of getting presents that in all fairness at this stage in our lives we didn’t really need. The fundraiser with the go fund me page and donations that came directly to the house made the incredible sum of €4,680 which allowed us to donate €1,560 to each of these charities; Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, St Francis Hospice Raheny and Balbriggan Cancer Care. We also filled out the revenue form that will allow each charity to get another small donation in lieu of paying tax in January 2021 because the donation was above €250 for each charity. We had a lovely evening in the City North Hotel, Gormanstown, Co Meath about 20 minutes north of Balbriggan on the night of our anniversary, 5th September. All ten of us, 4 grandchildren and 6 adults, stayed over and marked the occasion as a family group in the really difficult world we are now living in.Thanks for your support and friendship,

Thank you from Tom and Breege O’Neill. Pipers for Paws -a joint fundraiser between Balbriggan/ North County Dublin branch and Dublin City Centre branch with support from Na Píobairí Uilleann. We are excited to have a fantastic array of talent taking part, singers, dancers, pipers, and even some of our Guide Dogs will feature alongside their talented owners. Our own Andrew Green with his guide dog Nico takes part in the concert, which will be streamed to your home from Facebook live on Tuesday 8th December at 7pm.Please support our event, to donate visit our JustGiving page at Yarrow sends a big ‘thank you’ to his neighbours Dara, justgiving. com/fundraising/pipersforpaws Aiden, Julie and Emmet Fitzpatrick who made a donation to IGDB to celebrate his 1st birthday. Dara and Aiden wrote in a birthday card and gave Yarrow some yummy treats. Woof Woof.You can contact us by phone or text 085 7663107 or email Guide Dogs at guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com

Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine

NEEDS YOU!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED PHOTOGRAPHERS LOCAL WRITERS LOCAL REPORTERS NEEDED!! If you’re a Local and have some free time please email us on: communitylocals@gmail.com DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Local Sports

Donabate runners complete virtual Dublin Marathon

Alex leading the way through the park

Sean Greensit, Paudie Byrne and Alex Bell at the start of their virtual Marathon.

Still smiling during the marathon

The October bank holiday weekend is normally a time when marathon runners converge on Dublin City centre to complete the iconic 26.2 mile distance. Unfortunately due to the Covid restrictions in place, this yearâ€™s Dublin City Marathon was cancelled and replaced by a Virtual event. Runners had the opportunity to set their own route close to home and run with a phone app that would record their time and distance. 3 Donabate friends Alex Bell, Paudie Byrne and 16

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

All smiles again after finishing

Sean Greensit had trained hard all year and were filled with the usual excitement and nerves that most runners will be familiar with on the day of the big event. The overnight rain and strong winds thankfully subsided right on queue as they set off down Portrane Road at 8:30 on the Saturday morning. Sean had designed a route that took in almost every nook and cranny around the beautiful peninsula before finishing in Newbridge Park. The trio kept a metronomic pace throughout

and were delighted to finish in 3 hours 21 mins 55 secs, a huge personal best for Alex. They were wonderfully supported by family and friends throughout with local clubs Lusk AC, LSA and St Patrickâ€™s GAA all out in force to cheer them on. All 3 were thrilled with the local support and delighted to be greeted by family members and club mates as they completed the distance close to the steps of Newbridge House. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Open for yo u busin r ess In what at best can be described as an uncertain world at the moment, we at Robertson Estates hope you and your families are healthy and Covid free. Since our return in June we have like many other businesses have had to adapt our company model to not only ensure your safety when viewing properties but to also provide the professional and exacting standards you have come to expect from us. We have implemented all guidelines set down by the Government and the H.S.E. and with short notice can adapt to any new measures that may come into place in the foreseeable future.

SOLD SOLD

Your trust in all we do has seen a steady flow of sales and rentals since our return, all done with the minimum inconvenience to both parties involved. Our professional staff and dedication has resulted in us now actively seeking properties for loan approved buyers and vetted tenants. If you are considering selling or renting, we would be delighted to meet you at your property to discuss a Sales and Marketing strategy in order to achieve its true market value. Please call my office on 01 8085540 to arrange an appointment for a free verbal valuation. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future and in the meantime please stay safe and well.

SOLD SOLD

Kind regards Doug Robertson.

If you require sales, rental, probate or valuations for legal purposes you can email me on doug@robertsonestates.ie or contact the office on 01 8085540.

SOLD

Robertson Robertsonad.qxp_Layout ad.qxp_Layout11 27/01/2017 27/01/2017 12:55 12:55 Page Page 11

Market Improvement

✓

Greater Confidence

✓

Properties Properties Selling Selling

✓

Sold Sold by byRobertsons Robertsons

✓ ✓

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 December 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck

DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Down

1. A place of refuge from danger or hardship. (6) 5. A poor densely populated city district. (6) 10. Landlocked Central European country. (7) 11. Even more absurd. (7) 12. A metal piece of money. (4) 13. North and South country. (5) 15. Oven for a potter. (4) 17. A short day to be married. (3) 19. Substance which separates milk into solids and liquids. (6) 21. Great birds of prey. (6) 22. Quickly, speedily. (7) 23. Woven container with handles. (6) 25. Lacking physical strength or vitality. (6) 28. A state of matter. (3) 30. Dry like a desert. (4) 31. Slippers with no fitting around the heel. (5) 32. Popular Indonesian island. (4) 35. Just the place for sport and concerts. (7) 36. Trace the shape, as of bodies at crime scenes. (7) 37. No longer frozen solid. (6) 38. Change for the worse. (6)

2. A meeting of musicians. (7) 3. Boisterous songbird. (4) 4. A field where grass is grown to be made into hay. (6) 5. Breathed noisily, as if exhausted. (6) 6. Long fish. (4) 7. A pursuit of little importance. (7) 8. Craned at the performer. (6) 9. Swimwear for men. (6) 14. A performance of music especially by a soloist. (7) 16. A cap for the French. (5) 18. A hen kept for her eggs. (5) 20. A cheap and vulgar item. (3) 21. A mischievous fairy. (3) 23. Slowly cook food with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan. (6) 24. Vegetable mistakenly known for iron content. (7) 26. The sort of exercise that sets you up for the day. (7) 27. Expelled from your own country. (6) 28. Treated with adhesive, like an envelope. (6) 29. A good with faults, usually sold at a reduced price. (6) 33. A personal belief not based on proof. (4) 34. Flower supporter. (4)

SUDOKU ANSWERS

www.facebook.com/DonabatePortraneLocal

Across

Weâ€™re selling houses Are you selling yours?

Sales & Lettings Service NOLAN & FAHY

.ie

Member firm of The Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers Licence No. 003937

Call us today for a FREE private consultation

Tel: 01 843 5678 20 DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2020

Email: nolanfahy@propertyteam.ie Unit 1B, Donabate Town Centre, Co. Dublin Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com