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Volume 5 Issue 3 - April 2021

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There is a light ahead lets get to it soon We are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. All the experts are saying yes unfortunately there are still people suffering and dying but the overall incidence of Covid 19 is reducing throughout

the land. In recent weeks we have seen where the figures have reduced both in intensive care units and in fatalities. So let us keep the pressure on this pandemic and rid it from our county and country. Let us care about each other ,unlike any other period in history we have the means to stay in touch and

communicate without meeting in person, whether that be through a mobile phone call or Facetime or

Zoom or whatever technology we have at hand. The worldwide communications structure is so vast now that we need never feel alone and can send messages of love and support to those we care most about..

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.. 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. Let us happily walk towards that light together in safety in our communities,

supporting our HSE workers, our local shopping outlets and most of all our families and those we love. The message is clear: wear your mask, keep your distance, wash your hands and stay safe, and have a happy and safe Easter where the smiles on children’s faces brighten up all our lives. Happy Easter from all of us in the Locals team.

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Local News

Active Age - fighting the lockdown with exercise Great news for those who walk the distributer road – you will soon be able to sit down and take in the view! Fingal County Council, working with local groups and Tidy Towns have 4 points now selected where they plan to put seating for walkers to be able to take a break. The one in the picture attached is a particularly lovely one and, for those who walk the route, you will know that the view can change dramatically with the changes in our weather. Active Age for All welcome this development and look forward to other new seating areas in the future.It has been great to see so many members join in with the Zoom classes each day from January until Easter. Monday Pilates has had a really good attendance. Tuesday Sit & Get Fit is also well attended. Thursday Tai Chi is growing, and Friday yoga has its group of regulars too. Is it just that we are talking less that many have found our voices need a bit of exercise too? The class that has been most ‘fun’ has been Music on Wednesdays. We have been led by Muireann as usual, and one

of the real plusses of the class is that we have all found that our voices are becoming stronger again! She has been working on scales and breathing and we are feeling the benefit. The song sheets go out in the weekly emails and songs are chosen by individual class attendees. We have been on a tour of the world and have been singing songs from some of the countries that we have missed visiting. Comment by one person: ‘I love my music class. I haven’t a note in by head and I can belt out a song and nobody else can hear me! ’So, what about our classes after Easter? Because we will not be back to physically meeting after Easter, we will probably keep the classes going on Zoom. Keep an eye on your emails and texts for news about this. The slowing off on delivery of vaccinations has had such a knock-on effect and we all know that it is difficult to just hang in there. We will be waiting rulings on how many can meet outside and if things like Croquet will be allowed at the same time as tennis and golf open up again… Don’t hold your breath!

Johnston welcomes Hearse Road feasibility study Duncan Smith TD and Corina Johnston the Labour Party local area representative have warmly welcomed the decision by Fingal County Council to carry out a feasibility study to improve walking and cycling links on the Donabate peninsula. Corina said in a recent statement, “ A recent allocation was announced by the National Transport Association (NTA)of a grant of €100,000 to Fingal County Council from the sustainable transport measures scheme. Duncan Smith TD and I have been informed by the NTA that the purpose of the grant is to carry out a feasibility study to improve walking and cycling routes along the Hearse Rd in Donabate to connect to the Broadmeadow Way Greenway, and to link in with the Donabate Urban Framework, currently being developed by Fingal County Council.Duncan and I were dismayed that there were no proposals included in the Broadmeadow Way Greenway project to provide a cycle and pedestrian link to connect with the town centre and railway station along the Hearse Road. We made representations to Fingal County Council in June 2020 to have these facilities included in the scheme. “ Ms Johnston concluded: “We are pleased that our proposals are now being given serious consideration and that Fingal County Council has been granted €100,000 by the NTA for a feasibility study. In any event a footpath is urgently required along the Hearse Road given the increase in pedestrian and cycle traffic on this dangerous stretch of road. 4

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Corina Johnston

Local News

PARENTS...Coding now available through Donabate Library ! Homeschooling and online learning can be extremely tricky, especially under the current circumstances. However, Fingal Libraries would like to lend a hand, with our brand new Coding eService. Run in conjunction with Coding Ireland, this new facility leads participants through the art of coding, using hands-on experience and experimentation to encourage independent thought and creativity. At the moment, there are two options for coding enthusiasts. 1. You can help your child sign up to the classes by visiting the Fingal County Council library Services website Scroll down until you find ‘Coding Ireland’, and then click on the relevant link, depending on your child’s age. Classes are available for the following groups: Ages 6 – 7, Ages 8 – 10,Ages 11 – 13, Age 14+. Simply follow the directions to set up your child’s account, and the learning can begin straight away.2. You can sign your child up to the Donabate Library Coding Club! At present, One Coding Club is available for the following age group: Ages 11 – 13 Joining the Coding Club will provide a more structured approach to the lessons, with classes being released weekly. Donabate

Library’s Coding Champion will also be on hand for any and all queries relating to the group and the lessons. However, numbers are limited. Both options provide self-directed learning without pressure or deadlines. Both options also require the following: (a) A valid library membership (b)

A computer or laptop – preferably with sound enabled (c) An internet connection and (d) An email address. If you’re interested in signing up for the Donabate Library Coding Club (ages 11 - 13), please email: stephend.oreilly@fingal.ie for further details.

Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival celebrates International Women’s Day The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday 7th March. Unfortunately, because of restrictions we were not free to meet up but thanks to Zoom we DID meet up! Brίd Staples opened the celebration with the Helen Reddy song “I am Woman” and so we got off to a rousing start! There were poetry readings by Breda Dockrell and Aoife Dempsey. Marian Burke has published 2 books of poetry and she read a poem in memory of her mother. The late Mairead Manton, poet and disability activist, from Portrane had a special mention and Mairead Dempsey read 2 of her poems. Following a short film from the RTÉ Archives on The Contraceptive Train,Peig McManus gave a humourous reflection on Family Planning , commemorating 50 years since the train went to Belfast. Cliona O’ Reilly and her daughter, Eleanor, both accomplished violinists, played the tango from “The Scent of a Woman”. Margaret Godwin and her granddaughter played their ukuleles and sang “Little Boxes”. Debbie Breslin showed us how to make her speciality cocktail “Side-by-Side” And sang a hilarious version of “Side by Side”. Denise O’Toole, a member of The Tower Singing Circle sang “ On My Own” from “Les Misérables”. Jennifer Maxwell, chair of Active Age for All, told a real life story of encouragement, support and how it inspired a young man to achieve great things. This year we had three talks -/ workshops. Catherine Connolly’,Fern Therapies, Reflexologist/Aromatherapist/Reiki Master gave a talk and demonstration on the benefits of hand massage. Malahide author, Siobháiin Bunni, spoke about how she started writing and getting published.. She read an extract from her latest novel, “Deadly Blind” and answered questions. Mary Farrell, Secretary of Active Age, chaired this session.. Sallyanne Brady, is the founder of The Irish Menopause.,an online social media support platform for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, surgical menopause, early and premature ovarian insufficiency too. Anna Maria Luddy chaired this session.Burrow resident, Kate Smart finished our day with a Michael Bublé song and left us looking forward to “…a new dawn,…a new day and….a new freedom”.

Cliona and Eleanor O’Reilly who entertained on the violin

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Local News

DP Men’s Shed Buys New Greenhouse with Grant from Fingal Chamber

Last month, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed was delighted to be awarded €1,000 by the Fingal Chamber Community Fund. This new annual grantaiding scheme, financed by supporters and contributions from the Chamber, aims to support community projects and activities which benefit the citizens of Fingal.Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed is most grateful for this grant, which will pay for a greenhouse at our plot at Turvey Allotments, allowing us to propagate plants for later planting out and to grow plants over the winter and those that need warmer conditions. We intend donating flowers and shrubs propagated at our allotment to Donabate Tidy Towns and other community groups.The Turvey Allotment Association and individuals with plots there have been hugely helpful to Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed in the form of practical advice and generous donations of plants. Our members enjoy the supportive and community atmosphere at the allotments.In addition to work at our allotment, we meet weekly by Zoom, but we all look forward to being able to meet face-to-face again in the not-too-distant future for a cuppa and a chat. Anyone interested in joining us, please call Jim on 086-3694316.

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Local News

D/P Special Olympics - “#saturdaysmiles”

Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club launched in November 2018 with a Young Athletes Programme for children with aged 4 to 12 years.This programme introduces the fundamentals of sport (with the emphasis very much on FUN!); walking, running, jumping, kicking, balancing, throwing, catching etc. and social skills such as listening, turn taking, team work etc.We are based in Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School and are very grateful to them for donating the use of their premises.The growth of our club has been phenomenal; starting with one hour long session, by the time COVID arrived we were running three sessions every Saturday to cater for our 75 Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

athletes. Since then our waiting list has grown to 25 and we are working on post COVID plans to expand! Watch this space for news of gymnastics and athletics!Like all community groups we rely on amazing volunteers.Each session needs 10 volunteers and we are lucky to have over 30 volunteers; each session needs 10 so which means that no one has to commit to every week . We are always happy to welcome new volunteers; no coaching qualifications needed, just good will and enthusiasm.Please get in touch with is if you would like to know more (dpsoclub@gmail.com, we’re also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Our athletes and families have been hard hit by COVID, in addition to school closures they also

lost access to vital services such as Occupational/ Speech and Language Therapy. Our volunteers missed the athletes too so one of our volunteers, Mike Curran, suggested trialling a Saturday zoom session.“#saturdaysmiles” as we call these sessions have been hugely successful and a wonderful way to keep in touch with each other. Our volunteers lead simple activities which the athletes (and family members) can perform at home with household items (eg balls of socks for throwing games).The high point for all of us has been seeing so many of our amazing athletes volunteer to lead the warm up and cool down every week. We are all so proud and delighted to see their confidence grow. DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Lambay Sports and Athletics and their C25K

On International Women’s Day 8th March 2019, we launched our first ever women’s Couch to 5k. With the established and popular Donabate Parkrun there was huge interest from women in the community to run 5k. Some had tried before and found it very difficult to do on their own or were worried about running alone especially in the evenings after work. Our Couch to 5k is an 8 week training programme for absolute beginners, runners who have been injured or just haven’t run in a while. The plan involves 3 runs per week over 8 weeks. For new runners the biggest mistake that they can make is to overdo it or to run too fast.Our programme will gradually build up your fitness and stamina. Our Couch to 5k programmes are open to both men and women. We’ve had numerous Couch to 5k programmes since 2019, and during the Covid pandemic we have had two Virtual Couch to 5k’s . The support and inspiration from Coaches and C25k graduates has been amazing and athletes have commented that being part of the programme virtually has kept them sane during the pandemic. From a Coaching perspective doing a Couch to 5k with absolute beginners is so rewarding. You see so many changes in an athlete from the beginning when they feel they couldn’t run 60 seconds to conquering a 5k on Graduation Day. It’s a very emotional moment when you see athletes cross the line with the belief that they develop in themselves both physically and mentally. “I joined LSA for their C25K program after the recommendation of a friend and I haven’t looked back. With a consistent, easy to follow program I made great progress. Some days were harder than others, but there was always the encouragement of friendly, knowledgeable coaches to help me get over the humps. The support and camaraderie have made my training group my newest bunch of friends.” - Andrew Forde, LSA member & recent C25K graduate. If you have any questions, please email lambaysportsathletics@ gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Search “LSA”.

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Local News

Have your say in the new Fingal Development Plan Fingal County Council has commenced the review of the current Fingal Development Plan and preparing the new Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 and is now looking for the public to take an active part in the process which will take two years to complete.The process has now begun of an eightweek public consultation on the Strategic Issues Paper, the first stage of the process, which sets out some of the key topics that may need to be addressed in the new Development Plan.The Council is seeking to encourage public debate among citizens, businesses, community groups and other interested parties on what broad issues should be considered in the new Plan and online submissions can made by citizens and organisations between now and May 12 on Fingal County Council’s Consultation Portal,www. consult.fingal.ie. An Information Booklet, summarising the seven themes contained in the Strategic Issues Paper, has been distributed to households across Fingal from March 22..The seven themes are: People and Place, Climate Action, Connectivity and Movement, Employment, Economy & Dublin Airport, Cultural Heritage, Green Infrastructure & Natural Heritage and Infrastructure & Utilities.Four online consultation

seminars featuring a total of eight presentations on topics raised in the Strategic Issues Paper will be held in April and a Minecraft workshop is also being developed to encourage the participation of younger citizens. Links to these will be available in due course on the Development Plan website and the Council’s social media channels. The Council intends to use the hashtag #FingalDevPlan on social media posts in relation to the Development Plan.The Development Plan process is scheduled to run for the next two years and will involve three public consultation stages before the final plan is adopted by Councillors in February 2023. The current stage, which is known as the pre-draft, sets out the strategic direction for the Plan and will form the framework into which objectives and policies at the subsequent stages will sit. The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The Development Plan review has come at a challenging and unprecedented time arising from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Climate Change and Brexit. However, these challenges also present opportunities to build on our vision to make Fingal the place to live, work, visit and do business. This first phase of

consultation will play a very important role in the preparation and drafting of the Development Plan and we are inviting citizens, communities, organisations, businesses and stakeholders to become involved and to make their views known on the future development of our county.This will ensure that the next Development Plan responds to people’s aspirations for the county while also addressing any concerns that they may have.” Matthew McAleese, Fingal County Council’s Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure, said: “The publication of the Strategic Issues Paper is the first step in the Development Plan process and the document presents an overview of the strategic issues facing the County. It sets out, under seven themes, some of the key issues that may need to be addressed by the new Plan. At this early stage, we are looking for input on these broad ‘big picture’ issues. Specific proposals relating to the zoning of lands should not be made at this stage as they cannot be considered.”Submissions on the Strategic Issues Paper must be received by 11.59pm on May 12 and these can be made at www. consult.fingal.ie or by post to the Development Plan Team, Planning

and Strategic Infrastructure Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main St., Swords, Co. Dublin, K67X8Y2. The Development Plan process can be broken down into four phases:Phase 1:The Strategic Issues Paper is published. Following the receipt of submissions, a Chief Executive’s Report will be compiled and this will feed into the preparation of the Draft Development Plan.Phase 2:The Draft Development Plan will go out to public consultation in February 2022 after which another Chief Executive’s Report will be prepared on the submissions received and presented to councillors for consideration.Phase 3:There will be another public consultation on the Amended Draft Development Plan in November 2022 followed by a Chief Executive’s Report on the submissions received.Phase 4:Councillors will consider the Chief Executive’s Report in January 2023 and are expected to adopt the 2023-2029 Development Plan in February 2023. The new Development Plan will come into force six weeks after its adoption by the elected members. Further information on the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 is available at www.fingal.ie/ developmentplan

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Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029

STARTING NOW

It’s good to plan ahead. It’s better to talk first. Let’s talk Fingal.

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Comhairle Contae Fhine Gall Fingal County Council

Local News

Seachtain Slow Session for St Patrick’s Day at Leithinis

Friday 12th March we held a great night of traditional music & singing for all our members. It was our monthly slow session so people play at whatever level they are at - we have a number of new

people learning new instruments and they are really delighted with the instrument loan system & the fantastic teaching, all by zoom. We have a great mix of people of all ages and abilities- Junior Slow

Sessions are from 7 30pm - 8 30pm & Adult Slow Sessions from 8 30pm - 10 30pm. As one of the new lads a talented musician on guitar, now learning mandolin said “I loving this it’s great....” Check

out our website leithinis.com and our new Newsletter. If you are interested in joining for classes or as a new member, please email us to leithinis@comhaltas.net. Slan & slainte - Take care!

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Finance

Something for people who rent to consider By Dave Kavanagh When compared to home-owners, people who rent where they live can be a lot more vulnerable. Apart from the obvious points, like rents being increased or having to move out if a property is being sold, there are other potential events that could prove problematic for renters. For home owners, an unexpected temporary loss of income, whether due to illness or occupational difficulty, may mean that they need to make an arrangement with their lender until their income returns to normal. Even in the event of a fatality, the mortgage protection in place will clear the mortgage, leaving the surviv-ing partner (if there is one) not worrying about mortgage payments. Renters don’t usually have any such protection in place. If a loss of income meant rent could not be paid, they would most likely be evicted. With the current levels of rent so high, if one of a couple renting passed away, it may not be affordable on one income. So, can renters protect against such eventualities?Yes, firstly, having income protection in place, which pays out an income if someone cannot work due to illness or inju-ry and suffers a loss of income, would make sure that rent could still be afforded, preventing a pos-sible eviction. Also, in the same way that home-owners have life cover in place to clear a mortgage in the event of a fatality, renters can do the same, with the payout allowing them to purchase their own property

mortgage free. Serious illness cover also pays out a lump sum on diagnosis of one of the specified illnesses, which could also be hugely helpful to renters. Premiums for such cover plans, especially for younger renters can be a lot cheaper than people often think. If you rent, it would be clever to give some thought to these.

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, or @Davekav_ advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/ nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM and TV3.

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Home Cook Recipes

Healt

Niamh’s Nutty Caramel and Chocolate Crunch Cake Going completely indulgent for this one but enjoying food is one of the many great pleasures in life and one of the few things we still have to enjoy during the current pandemic lockdown.Also this might be a scrumptious recipe to try over the Easter and especially f there is lots of chocolate around!! No baking required and although there may seem like quite a few steps, it’s just because there are a few different layers. This means all the more mixing bowls and spoons to lick clean after!!! Have fun, happy making and sharing!! Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh. Please follow ‘Biabites’ on 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.netNiamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher. Ingredients: • • • • 14

600g dark chocolate digestive biscuits 300g butter 75g peanuts 100g dark chocolate

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2021

For the caramel: • • • •

75g caster sugar 120g butter 400g (approx-397g is fine!!) tin sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon golden syrup

{Alternatively for convenience, use a 400g tin (OR 397g as available in shops) of caramel.} Method: Grease or pre-line a non-stick springform based tin.To make the biscuit base: 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.Melt the butter in a saucepan. Take off the heat and stir in the biscuit crumbs until well mixed.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 caramel. To make the caramel: gently melt the sugar, butter, condensed milk and golden syrup in a

saucepan.Then increase the heat until just below the boil and stir vigorously using a whisk for approximately15 minutes as the sauce changes colour from a lighter to a darker brown and thickens. If clumping starts to occur, remove from the heat and whisk vigorously to combine again. Allow the caramel to cool slightly as it will thicken further as it cools. Then pour the caramel over the biscuit base. Place in the refrigerator to cool fully.(If using a tin of caramel instead, then skip step 5 and 6 and just pour the already made caramel over the biscuit base and place in the refrigerator to harden. Finely chop the peanuts. Sprinkle on top of the caramel. Melt the chocolate and pour on top of the peanuts (ensure the caramell has cooled fully), making a creative design! I did a zig-zag drizzle as in the image! White chocolate could also be melted and used to decorate it! Store in an airtight container. Please follow ‘Biabites’ on 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 and Researcher. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Local News

Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid [SBASC] open for applications

Businesses in Fingal are being encouraged to apply for funding under a new assistance scheme launched by the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment. The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is intended to target those businesses with operating costs that do not qualify for the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Eligible applicants will be entitled to an initial payment of €4,000 for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021 The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships and the eligibility criteria for the SBASC and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) are similar. The main difference between SBASC and CRSS is the requirement, in the case of CRSS, for the public to have access to a business premises. SBASC also aligns with recently announced grant schemes for the tourism, arts and entertainment sectors.Speaking about this

new funding announcement Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “The survival of small business is vital for the towns and villages of Fingal and I encourage anyone eligible to apply this new SBASC funding which will be of great assistance in meeting some of their current costs so they can keep afloat until the pandemic restrictions can be loosened.” AnnMarie Farrelly Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “Fingal County Council have been providing a wide range of supports to local businesses and working with all stakeholders throughout the last year to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new funding provided under SBASC will be another important support for small businesses to ensure that they can reopen and continue to provide employment and vital services in communities across the county.”Emer O’Gorman Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development said: “The new SBASC funding is a welcome addition to the range of financial supports available to Fingal businesses

Virtual Seachtain na Gaeilge in Fingal 2021 Fingal County Council celebrated the Irish Language and culture with a fantastic online programme for Seachtain na Gaeilge this year. In partnership with the Seamus Ennis Centre they hosted a celebration of traditional music, live on Facebook and Youtube on Saturday March 6, it featured a stellar line up of musicians. Throughout the festival which ran from March 1-17 the Council aimed to reawaken love for the language with a wide range of online content including music, storytelling, and sport and encouraged everyone to use whatever Irish they had.The online seisiún on March 6 featured Conal Ó Gráda, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Billy Mag Fhloinn, Róisin Chambers & Luke Ward, Caitlín Nic Gabhann

to enable them help keep afloat until they can fully reopen. It builds on previous supports such as the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus and our initiatives such as Fingal In it Together and Shop Local campaigns as we work closely with local Chambers of Commerce and national agencies to provide much-needed support to businesses. I would encourage all qualifying businesses to apply.”The grant, which is available as a contribution towards fixed costs to assist a business to keep operational for an eventual re-opening, is only available to an applicant operating from a rateable property. The scheme covers the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. Each eligible applicant will receive a payment of €4,000 with an additional payment of €4,000 from May 2021 to applicants continuing to meet the scheme eligibility criteria. Full details and information on applying can be found on the Fingal County Council Website.The closing date for applications for the initial grant under SBASC is 21 April 2021.

& Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. The musicians zoomed into the session live from all over Ireland and a great night which began at 8.30pm was had by all. Antaine Ó Faracháin and Nollaig Mac Cárthaigh are old friends of Seachtain na Gaeilge in Fingal and the Council were delighted to welcome them again for an intimate Zoom musical get together on March 10 at 6.45. Fingal Libraries also had storytelling with traditional Irish story-teller Niall De Burca on March 13 as well as lots of other online content posted. Fingal Sports Office posted content everyday and were delighted to feature skills videos from laochra spóirt – sporting heroes Ciaran Kilkenny Dublin GAA star and Irish Cricketer Lorcan Tucker. Their main focus of all the online content was to celebrate and promote the language and culture and there was plenty of content to enjoy on the Council’s social media including Logainm an Lae and Seanfhocal an Lae. DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Feature

Energy balance relating to weight loss and gain

by Ciaran Russell How a person gains or loses weight comes down to one simple principle, Energy Balance. Energy balance simply means the amount of Calories you expend in comparison to the Calories you consume. Calories in Calories out. In order to lose weight you need to be in a Calorie deficit, ie. you need to consume less than you expend. To gain weight you need to be in a Calorie surplus meaning you need to consume more than you burn.If your goal is weight loss, it will help to have an idea of how much Calories you are burning on a given day. This is known as your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).

Although there are general guidelines about how many Calories you burn daily, everyone’s TDEE will be specific to them. This is impacted by a number of factors including; age, gender, height, weight and level of physical activity.Once you have an idea of how much energy you use in a day, you can then reduce your Calories in order to put yourself in a small Calorie deficit so that you can lose weight.Your TDEE is made up of 4 components; Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) and Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (EAT).In short, your BMR is the amount of energy you use at rest; NEAT is unplanned exercise such as walking to

the shop or taking the stairs instead of the lift; TEF is the energy that is needed for digestion, transport, storage and absorption of food; and EAT is your planned exercise such as sports training, gym sessions or running.Put simply if you want to lose weight you must be in a Calorie deficit but for some it can be very difficult due to various complex reasons and essentially it’s more of a discussion around behaviour and habit changes. If you would like to drop a few pounds, find out your TDEE, work on creating a Calorie deficit, increase your level of activity and maybe find a coach to help you if needed. The overall aim is to create a healthier more active lifestyle so you can enjoy doing the things you love to do.

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DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2021

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.

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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.

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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.

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Properties Properties Selling Selling

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

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2. Put something back where it belongs. (7) 5. Pushed roughly. (6) 3. Became larger, expanded. (4) 10. Occurs, comes to pass. (7) 4. Paper used to construct lies. (6) 11. John Lennon album was a 5. Protect, conceal from danger. (6) Gemini. (7) 6. Round like an egg. (4) 12. Soil that is plastic when moist 7. Clearly apparent or obvious to the but hard when fired. (4) mind or senses. (7) 13. Create by combining materials 8. Unpleasant or disappointing and parts. (5) surprises. (6) 15. A pause for relaxation. (4) 9. A dog trained to point out game. 17. Finish, conclude. (3) (6) 14. The first letter of a word. (7) 19. Found in conjunction with fly, 16. There goes the anaesthetic. (5) lightning and balance. (6) 18. Perhaps, possibly. (5) 21. Christian celebration of the 20. Term of address for a man. (3) Resurrection. (6) 21. A major division of geological 22. Male accounts of the past. (7) time. (3) 23. Bow and arrow user. (6) 23. Counting the cost. (6) 25. In a foreign country. (6) 24. A book still read and studied after 28. A joke to cause to retch. (3) many years. (7) 30. A beloved person comes with a 26. Invitation to engage in fisticuffs high price. (4) in the open air. (7) 31. Food for tossing. (5) 27. Harm, impair. (6) 32. Slender structure which supports 28. Sacred river of India. (6) a plant. (4) 29. Four quarts. (6) 33. One of two or more contesting 35. Tensing, living like a bird. (7) groups. (4) 36. Searching visually. (7) 34. Division of the day. (4) 37. Slang for prison guards. (6) 1. Capable of learning easily. (6)

Cllr. ADRIAN HENCHY “PUTTING THE COMMUNITY FIRST” Tel: 087 681 4485 Email:Adrian.Henchy@cllrs.fingal.ie @adrianhenchy

DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2021

SUDOKU ANSWERS

38. Hospital carers. (6)

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Tel: 01 843 5678 20 DONABATE LOCAL-APRIL 2021

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