Lusk Local V12i1-Aug 2026

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Designated Pick up Points: Supervalu Lusk Costcutters (The Village Store) Tesco, Rush Lidl Lusk

Don’t Let Summer Slip Away

We have been blessed with the wonderful summer sunshine this year and the area of Fingal looks more beautiful than ever thanks to the efforts of locals in their respective areas! And while the summer heat is still with us, the evenings are just a little shorter now. Autumn is waiting in the wings, but before it arrives, there is still time to make the most of what remains of summer.

For many families, these are the final weeks to enjoy a well-earned break. Whether it’s a last-minute staycation, a few days by the seaside or a holiday abroad, the “last gasp” of summer offers an opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life. It is a chance to recharge, spend quality time together and create memories that will be talked about long after the leaves begin to fall.

Summer is also reunion season. Many family members who live apart return home during the warmer months to gather around the barbecue, celebrate milestones or simply catch up over a cup of tea in the garden. In a world where everyone seems to be constantly

rushing from one commitment to the next, these moments are more valuable than ever.

Yet, for many households, thoughts are already turning to the return to school. Parents are checking uniform sizes, children are choosing new school bags and teachers are preparing classrooms. While the end of the holidays can bring mixed emotions, it also marks the beginning of new opportunities, fresh ambitions and renewed routines.

The seasons will always change, and autumn will arrive soon enough. But until then, let’s enjoy what Summer has left to offer and make as many long-lasting memories as possible. Whether it’s enjoying a walk along one of the many wonderful coastal areas of Fingal, or enjoying some of the wonderful upcoming festivals, there is still plenty to make the most of August!

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Need ideas for summer days out?

The EPIC Irish Immigration Museum is an award winning interactive, immersive experience. Perfect for all age groups. With 5 star visitor reviews, it’s a must see.

Dublinia welcomes you to the heart of Viking and Medieval Dublin. Travel back to the heart of the old city at Christchurch. Walk where Vikings walked, step into Medieval Dublin, find out about Dublin’s rich past and climb an original Medieval tower!

The Wax Museum Plus in Dublin has a special summer offer, family entrance for only €50, that’s 20% off! Interactive and fun, it’s great to visit. For lunch on family days out, we love Shake Dog. Yummy hotdogs, burgers, shakes & more. Family friendly and affordable. To win Shake Dog vouchers, go to mams. ireland FB!

Visiting Dublin city? We recommend staying at Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan. 5 min walk to beach. 5 mins to train station and only 30 minutes by train to Dublin City.

Irish National Stud is another fantastic day out. Meet the baby foals, follow the fairy trail, have a delicious lunch and let the kids run free!

For family getaways, Farnham Estate has a stunning spa, woodland walks, indoor/outdoor pool and award-winning dining. Our children love the pancakes at breakfast The

Tomahawk steak for couples is an amazing dining experience!

Bounce n Beyond Ballyboughal has trampolines, soft play area and a Sensory Room. Let the kids bounce themselves tired!

The Gem Treatery Balbriggan has play area, acai bowls, crepés, sandwiches, coffee and multiple ice-cream flavours, including whipped for 99‘s! We had my nephew’s birthday party there. With a dedicated hostess, games and cake decorating, it was brill!

For Back To School we highly recommend personalised products! www.wanapix.ie water bottles, backpacks and pencil cases can be personalised with your child’s name, and they can choose the colour & style! Use code MAMSWANAPIX26 for 10% off.

For school uniforms, coats etc. MyNametags labels and stickers are superb. Personalise with your child’s name and your number and if anything’s misplaced, you’ll hopefully get it back. Cheaper than buying replacements!

Back to school is super busy for Mammies, so we’re giving away Charlotte Tilbury, Flormar & Gionni goodies for you amazing gals. Enter at:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ mams.ireland/ Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/mams.ie/?hl=en And www.mams.ie

Digital Scams Have Not Gone Away

By Dave Kavanagh

Despite every financial institution, news outlet, vloggers and even dedicated TV shows all constantly warning us how to avoid a variety of scams, not only are they still being attempted but they are still catching people out, with reported payment fraud estimated in Ireland of €160 million per year (based on 2024). Of course, many scams go unreported so it is most likely the figure is much higher than this. The scams range from simple text messages, either trying to persuade you to click on a hyperlink, or pretending to be one of your children who has a new phone number and needs you to send them money, to phone calls pretending to be your internet service provider, your credit/debit card company or an online store such as Amazon. There are also texts and emails needing you to pay a small customs charge on a delivery. Remember, if scammers send out 20,000 of these texts, there’s bound to be a number of people who are expecting a delivery, or have had a recent internet connection problem etc., so it makes them more convincing to some. So what can you do to minimise the risk of being scammed? Firstly, if in any doubt, do not click on hyperlinks, no matter how genuine they appear. You could be downloading malware or giving scammers access to your digital device. If you’re concerned, contact the real company

through the usual methods of contact that you have (not one that is given to you by scammers!). If you receive a phone call from someone who claims to be from one of the types of companies listed above, firstly, do not give away any information at all. If they say they are calling from Eir, do not say “but we’re with Vodafone”. You’re just giving them additional information to use to call you again in a couple of months. Ask them any questions you think relevant, then end the call and contact the company directly. The main thing is to be vigilant and cautious of unexpected contact.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_ advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

The Top Shop Golf Society had an outing at Coorstown, it was a lovely day and the course was exceptional.

We were sponsored by Conrad Murray of The Top Shop bar and lounge, KP Windows and Doors.

The Overall winners were, David Grimes, Category 1, Dermot Halpin, Category 2, Matt Byrne, Front 9, Robbie Hender, Back 9, Ken McDermott.

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Festivals and fun in the sun for the Lusk ICA Ladies!

Pictured with Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee are Frances Devane William Hewitt & Millie Hewitt at the Lusk Summer Festival

Angela O’Brien with Senator Loraine Clifford Lee and Eileen O’’Donovan

Tracy O Mahony Fiona Mary Bermingham Alma Gretta Hardy Sandra Conlan and Leona Donagher

Councillor Eoghan Dockrell

Teresa Kilmurray and Grace Boland TD

Maureen Aupy Mary Hickey and Anne Smithers

By

Dr. Carla Lluch, Veterinary Practitioner

Summer Sun: Not Just Our Skin at Risk

We’re always delighted when the Irish sun decides to make an appearance. Gardens fill up, beaches get busy, and our pets are never far from the action. But while most of us reach for the sunscreen, we often forget that some of our furry friends may need protection too.

Many owners are surprised when I tell them that pets can get sunburn.

Dogs with white or thin coats are particularly at risk. The nose, ear tips and even the tummy can burn after spending too much time sunbathing. And let’s be honest, some dogs would happily lie in the sunshine all day if we let them!

Cats can also suffer from sun damage, especially

those with white ears and pink noses. In fact, repeated exposure to sunlight can lead to a type of skin cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), one of the most common skin cancers we see in cats.

The tricky part is that it often starts with what looks like a harmless little scab. Owners may think their cat picked up a scratch while climbing a fence or chasing a bird. But if a sore on the ears or nose doesn’t heal, it’s worth getting it checked. Fortunately, prevention is quite simple. Providing shade, limiting sun exposure during the brightest part of the day, and using pet-safe sunscreen in high-risk animals can make a

huge difference. And before you raid your own sunscreen bottle, remember that human products aren’t always safe for pets.

We spend a lot of time talking about vaccines, flea treatments and healthy diets, but sometimes a little sun protection is just as important. Your vet can advise whether your pet would benefit from one and recommend a suitable product.

So while you’re enjoying the sunshine this summer, spare a thought for your four-legged family members too. They’ll thank you for it, probably by finding the sunniest spot in the house and ignoring your advice completely! “

CAR REVIEW KIA PV5 Passenger is a People Pleaser

By Declan Glynn

The all-new Kia PV5 Passenger represents the Korean manufacturer’s bold entry into the modular electric vehicle space, and it promises van-like practicality with a car-like driving experience. The PV5 is the first vehicle in Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family – a flexible electric architecture deliberately engineered to support multiple body styles and passenger configurations.

Outstanding Practicality.

The PV5 is based on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), and is manufactured at the brand’s cutting-edge EVO production facility in South Korea. Long Wheelbase, Standard Roof (L2/H1) Passenger and Cargo versions are available now, with additional variants to follow for the 262 registration period, including an impressively-spacious 7-seat MPV. The PV5 Passenger represents a genuinely different type of practicality over typical MPV rivals, and the space on offer within the cabin eclipses most large SUVs and estate cars outright. With all five seats in use, there is a class-leading 1,330-litres of cargo space available, and with the rear seats folded flat, the figure increases to a

massive 2,300-litres.

Modern Appeal.

The PV5 Passenger’s refined profile accentuates its contemporary look and delivers excellent visibility thanks to the large window area, made possible by a low beltline. Robust black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels mirror Kia’s SUV lineup, while a bold lighting signature and sleek black accents elevate its modern appeal..

Vehicle on Review.

My review vehicle was a PV5 Passenger K4, which looked very elegant in its Aurora Black Pearl metallic paint and contrasting two-tone alloy wheels. Designed with practicality and functionality in mind, the ergonomic cabin features a multitude of recycled plastics and other eco-friendly alternatives, and overall fit and finish is excellent. In typical Kia fashion, there is a good blend of physical buttons and switches on the dashboard and steering wheel, so it is always easy to access important functions when on the move. The standard 120kW electric motor is powered by a 71.2kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, and it

produces 163PS (165bhp) and 250Nm of instant torque, resulting in a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 12.4-seconds. The PV5’s driving character has to be one of its unexpected qualities, as it delivers a driving experience that defies its upright stance and van-like dimensions. Despite its tall proportions, body roll is well controlled, and the steering is light and agile for confident urban driving, yet suitably direct for spirited motorway driving too. The cabin is surprisingly refined, with very little in the way of wind or road noise getting through to the cabin, and this makes the PV5 a genuinely relaxing motorway companion for longer family journeys. Acceleration is brisk from the get-go, and settled at motorway speeds, and the low centre of gravity from the flat battery pack results in consistent power delivery. With a best-in-class electric range of up to 416km, and ultra-fast charging capabilities providing a 10-80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, the PV5 ensures efficiency without compromise.

Price.

Priced from just €42,550 (ex-delivery), the PV5 Passenger represents outstanding value for money.

How a gift in your Will can transform lives

Food for thought

By Jon Kavanagh

You know you are getting somewhat long in the tooth when: you slip into your pyjamas at the time you once donned your glad rags for a night on the town, the Gardai look like junior cert students, and you no longer recognise many food items on the supermarket shelves. Unlike today we Baby Boomers grew up on a limited diet of ‘plain’ grub. A jar of sandwich spread was as close as we got to caviar. Protocol policed by our mothers (armed with the wooden spoon) strictly prohibited eating on the sofa. Rugged and often adorned with a length of oilcloth, the kitchen table was the focal point of the home. There we were duty bound to assemble at the designated time to break bread, celebrate the successes of the day, catch up on

Tom O’Neill of the Balbriggan/ North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs, got his first Guide Dog, Frank in 1985 and is currently on his seventh guide dog, Qeb. Tom speaks of the freedom, mobility and confidence he gets from having a guide dog and the ability to meet so many people through having a guide dog, the positive image that is shown to the world and the freedom it allows him to get out and about, be involved and to do something extremely positive with his life and within the community.

Tom met his late wife, Breege in Sligo when they were both doing a course designed to help visually impaired people adjust their lives due to vision loss or impairment. In June 2021, Tom lost Breege to cancer and his then dog, Gatsby, passed away in the middle of losing Breege, also due to cancer. The dog Tom currently has, Qeb, is the last dog Breege ever trained with. In Longford, where Breege is laid to rest, Qeb allows Tom the ability to walk twenty minutes up to the graveyard and sit and reminisce at the gravestone to think about the

the local gossip and discuss any problems on the horizon. The ancient art of the family row was practiced there on a regular basis. You could tell the day of the week by observing the food on the dinner plate: chicken cooked in a pot on a Sunday; bacon and cabbage on a Wednesday; herrings from Balbriggan on Friday etc. On special occasions we had desert then known as ‘the sweet’, consisting of rice with added raisins boiled to the point of extinction; jelly and custard, semolina or tapioca.

The concept of healthy eating and food safety had yet to book its flight to Ireland. Not a health inspector in sight as the local shopkeeper cut cooked and uncooked meat on the same slicer. No sympathy for the plight of our arteries as a large lump of Dripping (fat) was lashed on the pan to create my father’s beloved treat – a fry up straight from the pages of Ulysses. Back

40 plus years they shared together, all thanks to the dog they would one day go on to share and grant them both independence. Given the importance of a guide dog in their lives and the lives of others, Tom and Breege left a legacy donation to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in their wills. Did you know that 1 in 3 guide dogs are supported by legacy donations from being left in a persons will. If you are looking for a noble and lifechanging way to support the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, why not leave a legacy donation in your will and help give independence and change lives.

Please see link below to video of Tom O’Neill speaking about leaving a donation in your will: https://www.guidedogs.ie/howyou-can-help/ways-to-donate You can contact Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 0876489479, email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

then local towns like Swords and Donabate had stand-alone butcher shops where he bought sausages, rings of black and white pudding, and a selection of offal that I will spare you the details of. Nothing went to waste with leftovers reheated on the aforementioned pan. Food scraps were donated to dog and cat. In the post-World War Two era houses often had a sizable garden, enabling the residents to grow their own vegetables. A childhood memory that makes me laugh to this day recalls my father growing an oversized beetroot. Unfortunately, it was left too long before harvesting and sprouted mould. Not the most observant of men he failed to notice the fungus and brought his pride and joy into the kitchen proudly exclaiming “Begob there’s a great beetroot!”. To which my mother retorted (as only she could) “Well it has a nice head of hair anyway!”. Simple frugal times that give us an appreciation for what we have today.

& Events

No slowing down for Lusk AC Athletes

The races are coming thick and fast for our club members with something on the calendar almost every day of the week during the summer months. The Irish Runner race series took place in Phoenix Park and the Irish Life Dublin race series commenced with the Fingal 10k in Swords. There was a big contingent from Lusk for the latter including an army of volunteers. That race also signals the start of training plans for many athletes who are taking on the Dublin City Marathon in October or one of the other Autumn marathons. Best of luck to all with their plans. The club held a Heavy Throws event in Lusk which was a great success. Conor McGuirk ran his final race as a juvenile with a Championship record and we now look forward to seeing his career develop in the senior ranks. A reminder to register for the Man O War Round 7k which takes place on August 13th.

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

Across

1 Citizen of ‘The Floating City.’! (8)

6 Leaving hurriedly and secretly to avoid arrest. (10)

13 A foolish or stupid person. (5)

14 Restore an emirate to life, revive. (9)

15 Country with 8 out of 10 of the world’s highest mountains. (5)

16 Pariah, persona non grata. (7)

18 The A in A.D. (4)

19 A raised platform for a lectern, seats of honour etc. (4)

20 A sharp, shrill bark. (3)

22 A fruit with a hard shell and edible kernel. (3)

23 Jewelled ornamental band worn on the front of a woman’s hair. (5)

25 A place where a wild animal lives. (4)

27 Elegantly and stylishly fashionable. (4)

30 A dish of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese. (6)

31 Full of incessant or frantic activity. (6)

33 European country, capital is Tirana. (7)

34 Ask Ho about the cylindrical military hat. (5)

35 Day to get hammered with a Norse god. (4)

36 Give up power or territory. (4)

37 Pretends to sing or play an instrument as a song is being played. (5)

40 Trembles slightly with cases for arrows. (7)

41 Awkward in movement or in handling things. (6)

42 Type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow. (6)

44 A thought or opinion. (4)

45 Makes a mistake. (4)

46 A dish of pieces of meats, fish or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer. (5)

48 Large passenger vehicle. (3)

50 A small child. (3)

52 Presenting few difficulties. (4)

54 Affected or damaged by use. (4)

56 A tendency to do nothing. (7)

59 Honest, brave and kind or having a high rank in society. (5)

60 Singing performed without instruments. (1,8)

61 Canadian flag tree. (5)

62 This Duke was the second Irishman to be Prime Minister of Britain. (10)

63 Boats designed to keep harbour and rivers clear from obstructions. (8)

Down

2 An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority. (5)

3 Consume. (3)

4 Exasperate, nettle, provoke. (8)

5 Group of three waterfalls between Canada and the USA. (7)

6 A being from another world. (5)

7 A dishonest scheme, a fraud. (4)

8 “... is where a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings.” (Robert Benchley) (5)

9 Nationality and pastry. (6)

10 Able to move quickly, chilly. (5)

11 Large, luxurious cars, often with a chauffeur. (10)

12 Medical term for spot baldness. (8)

17 Ranters moo at the sky examiner. (10)

21 Slowly moving masses of ice. (8)

22 Fuzzless variety of peach. (9)

24 Divisions of plays. (4)

26 A visual representation of something. (5)

28 “The ... Tale,” by Margaret Atwood. (9)

29 Very bad, terrible, like a mythical snowman perhaps. (10)

32 A person who expels evil spirits from others. (8)

35 Non-lethal weapon delivering an electric shock. (5)

38 Forced someone to join a ship lacking a full crew. (10)

39 Entertain in public in the hope of donations. (4)

40 Giving up, leaving a place or job permanently. (8)

43 Renounce one’s throne. (8)

47 Carried out a task clumsily or incompetently, made a hames of it! (7)

49 Cause something to be seen. (6)

51 A piece of furniture for eating or working at. (5)

53 Mark or discolour with something that is not easily removed. (5)

55 Major Sir William Newenham Montague ..., famous Irish artists. (5)

57 A slender candle, a gradual narrowing. (5)

58 Breathe with short, quick breaths after exertion. (4)

61 A person’s face on a large cup! (3)

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