Lusk Local V12I8-MAY 2026

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Lidl Lusk

Collaboration is key within Fingal’s local Communities

Communities across Fingal are quietly demonstrating what can be achieved when people choose cooperation over isolation. From Balbriggan to Swords, Donabate to Malahide, collaboration has become more than a buzzword—it is a practical response to shared challenges.

At the heart of this collective effort is a recognition that no single group can address complex local issues alone. Whether it is tackling housing pressures, supporting small businesses, or creating inclusive public spaces, progress increasingly depends on partnerships between residents, community groups, local authorities, and volunteers. These partnerships are not always seamless, but they are proving effective.

Take, for example, the rise of community-led initiatives that bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Men’s sheds, tidy towns groups, and youth clubs are doing more than fulfilling their immediate purposes; they are strengthening social ties. In an era where loneliness and fragmentation are growing concerns, these grassroots efforts are rebuilding a sense of belonging that is difficult to replicate through policy alone.

Equally important is the role of local leadership in fostering collaboration. When councils actively engage with residents, they create the conditions for genuine participation. Fingal has seen encouraging signs of this in recent years, with increased consultation and support for community-driven projects. However, maintaining this momentum requires consistency and trust. Challenges remain. Population growth continues to place strain on infrastructure and services, and not all voices are heard equally. True collaboration must include those who are often overlooked, ensuring that development benefits everyone rather than a select few. Inclusivity is not just an ideal; it is essential for long-term success.

What is emerging in Fingal is a model of shared responsibility. Communities are not waiting for solutions—they are helping to shape them. This spirit of cooperation does not eliminate difficulties, but it makes them more manageable.

If sustained, this approach could define Fingal’s future: a place where progress is not imposed from above but built collectively from the ground up.

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STRICT DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION: Submissions by the 15th for inclusion in next months edition

Homeopathy For Exam Stress With Michael

Introduction

Homeopathy is a complementary system of medicine that uses natural substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing. It was developed over 200 years ago by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises homeopathy as one of the most widely used therapeutic systems worldwide, with significant use across the USA, South America, Asia, and Europe. The WHO includes homeopathy within its broader approach to traditional medicine and notes its role in expanding healthcare options for diverse populations. It also emphasises that homeopathy can be used safely at all ages when prescribed by a qualified practitioner.

Homeopathic remedies are tailored to each individual. Practitioners take a holistic approach, treating the person rather than just the symptoms, with the aim of addressing the root cause of illness. Homeopathy is used for a wide range of conditions, including fevers, colds and flu, digestive issues, allergies, minor injuries, skin conditions, asthma, pain, joint disorders, migraines, urinary tract infections, insomnia, sinusitis, infertility, cancer care, mental well-being, and developmental disorders.

In this article, I’ll focus on a timely topic: exam and study support. Pre-exam nerves can be overwhelming, while long study hours often lead to headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. Feeling nervous before exams is normal, but for some, anxiety can take over. Homeopathy offers a natural way to manage exam stress without causing drowsiness or side effects.

Below are six remedies for symptoms linked to exam stress and overwork. The most suitable option is always the one that best matches the student’s individual symptoms.

Aconite

Aconite is used for sudden, intense fear, such as anxiety attacks before an exam. Students are restless and panicky and may pace up and down, expecting the worst outcome. Aconite will help settle their nerves and allow them to sleep better.

Argentum Nitricum

Argentum Nitricum is suited for overthinking and performance anxiety. The person is typically nervous and hurried and may experience diarrhoea or digestive issues from stress. They often crave sweet things, which can further upset their stomach.

Gelsemium

This is a well-known remedy for exam nerves. It helps when the person feels overwhelmed and “paralysed” by anxiety, viewing every exam as a huge ordeal. They may feel weak, dizzy and shaky and have difficulty concentrating and may experience bouts of diarrhoea before exams.

Kali Phos

Kali Phos, is a highly regarded homeopathic remedy for exam preparation and stress relief. It is particularly beneficial for students facing highpressure situations, as it helps to restore energy, improve concentration, and balance emotions. It is a wonderful remedy for nervous exhaustion,

when there is mental or physical weakness from overstudying.

Aethusa

The person may feel incapable, as if they cannot succeed. They can get to the point where they feel they simply cannot learn any more, making it hard to think clearly or concentrate.

Anacardium

For students who feel mentally blocked or overwhelmed, with low confidence in their abilities.

If you or a family member experiences examrelated stress or study-related symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with a homeopath for personalised support.

Michael Farrelly, the author, is a homeopath with over twenty years of experience treating a wide range of ailments. He is based in Donabate, County Dublin, and can be contacted at (086) 159 6119 or via email at farrellym@hotmail.com.

CommunityLocals.ie

Tá

2026 Bealtaine 17ú – 9ú Tá s é

éasc a, spraíúil

Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi imeachtaí atá ar siúl i bhFine Gall,déan scanadh ar an gcód QR nó tabhair cuairt ar

A Little Planning Can Save Big

By Dave Kavanagh

Capital Acquisition Tax is the umbrella term for both inheritance and gift tax in Ireland. In 2024 in Ireland, there was over €850 million collected in Capital Acquisition Tax. It also includes estates that may have been taxed in previous generations. For example, if someone left an estate worth €1,000,000 to an only daughter, she would (in the current tax year) have a tax bill of just under €200,000. After she pays the bill and puts what’s left in the bank, any interest is taxed (DIRT). Guess what happens when she passes and leaves her estate behind? It’s taxed again! So what are the tax-free thresholds? Spouses can leave any amount to each other tax free. After that, the three thresholds are, a) Children€400,000, b) Other close relatives - €40,000 and c) All others (including cohabiting partners)€20,000. Everything received above these is taxed at 33%.

So, is there any way to prevent it? There are two main actions that can either reduce or eradicate such a tax bill. The first is to take the time to plan when making a will. Let’s say a value of €900,000 was being left to 2 adult children. (Not a big estate if you combine a house, savings and a life policy). This would create a tax bill of €33,000. Instead, if €800,000 of it was left to the 2 children and the balance between a few

grandchildren (at least 5), there is no tax bill. The second thing that can be done is for the person leaving the estate to take out a Section 72 plan. This is a type of life policy that is allowed to pay any tax liability without adding to the value of the estate. It becomes particularly important for anybody that does not have children to avail of the €400k threshold, as even other relatives can only receive €40,000 before any balance is taxed. These thresholds are particularly important for anybody in the process of planning or making their will.

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.

GRANDE PANDA LIFE IS PANDASTIC

STARTING FROM €22,995* AVAILABLE IN HYBRID OR ELECTRIC

*RRSP excludes dealer delivery and related charges. *Combined energy consumption of the Grande Panda Range (kWh/100km)16.8 Fuel consumption WLTP Combined l/100km: 5.0/5.1. :0-117; CO2 emissions (g/km. Electric range (km): 320 according to EU directive 1999/94. Values determinedbased on ongoing official tests prescribed by the approval procedure and measured according to the WLTP cycle. Preliminary values subject to confirmation during the approval process. The values indicated are for comparison purposes only. Energy consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on actual usage conditions and various factors, such as options, temperature, driving style, speed, vehicle weight, specific equipment (air conditioning, heating system radio, navigation, lights, etc.), tyres, road conditions, weather, etc. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Some features may be optional with an additional cost or temporarily unavailable.

Top awards and trips away for Lusk ICA Ladies

First outing of the year for Top Shop Golf Society

The Top Shop Golf Society had its first outing of 2026 in Corballis on Saturday.

Overall winner: Dermot (33pts) Cat. 1 - JP Hogan Cat. 2 - Robbie H.

Front 9 - Podge

Back 9 - Robbie Moore

Ray & Podge shared the Birdy pot

New member Dave Castles had a Hole in 1 on his first time out (on the 13th)

Kindly Sponsored by: Devine Motors (offers free pick up & drop off of your car, free wash & hoover with every service Sean on 085 1776987 ) & also Conrad Murray

New members welcome with plenty more great days out in 2026

Call Martin on 087-192 3059 if you’d like to join!.

Next up, Ballymascanlon.

CommunityLocals.ie

Time to get set for Communion season!

It’s Communion season and if you need some help preparing for the big day, we’ve got some great tips!

If you’re on a budget, charity shops, Mr Price and Vinted are brilliant for picking up Communion dresses and suits. Penneys and Dunnes Stores do chinos, shirts, braces and bowties for boys who don’t want to wear suits. Dunnes also has fabulous Communion dresses, shoes and accessories. And Penneys do wonderful, summery clothing for siblings.

In our family we have a tradition where we go Communion shopping with the Aunties and Nannies and they each buy something for the child. As well as making memories, having the others chip in is helpful financially for the parents!

At mams.ie we are huge advocates of buying Irish. One of our favourites for special occasion wear is MyKindOfDress.com They have a great website to buy online and a store at Unit 1 Fashion City in Ballymount, where you can try on dresses and no appointment needed! Another fab Irish retailer for special occasion wear is www. Dresses.ie I got this beautiful blush pink dress (pictured above) for a family occasion, for only €36.99! I got so many compliments on it and it’s wonderful to know you can buy such beautiful, reasonably priced dresses in Ireland - so no need to buy from some awful, cheap website on the other side of the world.

Mammies, if you can afford to treat yourself, it’s nice to get your hair and make-up done. We love Advanced Hair Design on Hampton St. They’re

reasonably priced and super friendly. Tricia did my hair in the above pic for a family event and I loved it. Afterwards, I headed to Lynda at Neon Trees (also, very reasonably priced) for makeup and by the time they had both worked their magic, I felt relaxed and Glam! There are lots of photos taken on Communion day and having hair and make-up done professionally is a confidence boost.

For Communion celebrations, we love Bracken Court Hotel. They are genuinely family friendly and the food and service is great. Farnham Estate is stunning – the grounds are a great place to take Communion photos with family. It’s a nice place to escape for a May Bank Holiday break. For more about Communions and all things parenting, go to www.mams.ie

CommunityLocals.ie

CAR REVIEW

XPENG G6 is Now Even Better

By Declan Glynn

A new and improved version of the highly-commendable XPENG G6 has arrived, and it retains its signature fastback-coupé silhouette, while refining the front and rear styling. Key updates include an uninterrupted, full-width LED front light bar, a repositioned front logo, and a subtle “ducktail” spoiler added to the rear of the car.

With an overall length of 4.75m, width of 1.92m and height of 1.65m, the XPENG G6 strikes a perfect balance between road presence and outright practicality. The upgraded 15.6-inch central touchscreen controls vehicle functions, and it is complimented by a 10.25-inch digital driver information display behind the stylish multi-function steering wheel. Natural language processing enables seamless voice commands, and the system is compatible with over-the-air (OTA) updates for hassle-free tech upgrades. XPENG’s dedicated XPILOT ASSIST system is broken down into three areas of advanced driving assistance; XPILOT DRIVING, XPILOT PARKING, and XPILOT SAFETY, and includes intelligent features for everyday use.

The XPENG G6 comes with a choice of Standard Range or Long Range versions, both of which send power to the rear wheels, along with a Long Range Performance model with permanent all-wheel drive - a direct competitor to the new Tesla Model Y Performance. The LFP battery in the Standard Range model now has a capacity of 68.5 kWh (up from 66 kWh), which provides a WLTP range of up to 470 km, while the Long Range model now features an 80.8 kWh LFP battery that increases the WLTP

range to 525 km. Thanks to 800V EV fast-charging architecture, and a charging capacity of up to 451 kW (Long Range model), you can charge the battery from 10-80% in just 12 minutes - perfect for fast-paced days and long road trips.

My review car was an XPENG G6 Standard Range model, which looked particularly striking in its Silver Frost metallic paintwork, with contrasting rear privacy glass, and stylish 20” alloy wheels with Michelin tyres. The electric motor produces 255bhp (251PS) and a hefty 440Nm of instant torque, providing the car with the ability to reach 100km/h from a standing start in just 6.9 seconds. The G6 delivers a smooth, refined ride quality on every journey, and drivers can choose between Eco, Standard and Sport drive modes, each of which offer distinct driving characteristics to suit individual driving style. A solid brake pedal feel ensures the car stops with a similar sense of urgency to which it accelerates, and the adjustable regenerative braking function sends energy back to the battery during deceleration to enhance driving range. The luxuriously-appointed and spacious cabin features ingenious door-release buttons that can be operated by a person’s thumb as they grip the door handle with their fingers, and all occupants enjoy impressive levels of head, leg and elbow room. In short, the refreshed XPENG G6 is now even better than its predecessor in every respect. With pricing from just €42,000 (inclusive of VRT Relief & SEAI Grant), the new XPENG G6 represents outstanding value for money.

News & Events

Lusk AC members enjoy and actionpacked month

It was another action-packed month for the club with plenty of events for our members to take part in. Congratulations to Conor McGrath and Colm Ó Donnchadha who represented Ireland at the European masters indoors championships in Torun, Poland. The Marathon season is in full swing with Lusk colours on show at Boston, London and Connemara. Thanks to McCabe’s Pharmacy and Athletics Ireland for bringing their Fit4Life roadshow to Lusk. Well done to Colm, Conor and Nessa on their National medals and on the subject of medals, the club picked up a nice haul at the Windmill 10k when a 40 strong contingent descended on Garristown for the Dublin 10k Championships.

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

Across

1 Seaside settlement near Donabate. (8)

6 Mascot of the Fighting Irish sports team at the University of Notre Dame. (10)

13. A passage between seats in a church, theatre, aircraft, etc. (5)

14. Dads hunch leads to a sausage dog. (9)

15. Salt-cured pork. (5)

16. A division of a road marked off with painted lines which excludes certain vehicles. (3,4)

18. Imperial and U.S. measure of land. (4)

19. Prepare material for publication. (4)

20. A female sheep. (3)

22. A short-lived but widely shared enthusiasm for something. (3)

23. Swords Castle was build as a residence for this Archbishop of Dublin. (5)

25. Avoiding work, lazy. (4)

27. Plant used by the Celts to make a blue cye. (4)

30. The state of being light-hearted or cheerful in a Dublin theatre. (6)

31. Family which produced ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Wuthering Heights.” (6)

33. Became aware of and paid attention to something. (7)

34. A tortilla chip topped with melted cheese and other savoury toppings. (5)

35. Official records of incidents during the voyages of ships and aircraft. (4)

36. Move with urgent haste to this town. (4)

37. Strong cords for securing or fastening. (5)

40. Hangs around with no apparent purpose. (7)

41. A grave to cause severe and extensive damage. (6)

42. A facility for medical diagnosis and treatment. (6)

44. Dwarf dogs and MMORPG scratch groups. (4)

45. The hairy man of the Old Testament. (4)

46. State franchised game of chance. (5)

48. International code signal of extreme distress. (3)

50. Pull the towing boat hard. (3)

52. A curved structure. (4)

54. Made cheese. (4)

56. Boredom in a room set aside for sleep. (7)

59. Want to have something very much , especially something that belongs to someone else. (5)

60. A plant that retains leaves throughout the year. (9)

61. Facial expression of disapproval, displeasure or concentration. (5)

62. Slang for a Garda vehicle used to transport prisoners. (5,5)

63. This town reeks, Sir! (8)

Down

2. A fertile spot in a desert. (5)

3. Lower digit. (3)

4. Those in front of the stage. (8)

5. Cry out suddenly in surprise, strong emotion, or pain. (7)

6. Device that generates an intense beam of light. (5)

7. Show displeasure by thrusting out the lips. (4)

8. Helped, assisted or supported. (5)

9. Old ... die hard (6)

10. Male relative. (5)

11. Brecan’s Town today. (10)

12. The lean dude chooses fuel without pb. (8)

17. Auntie Dido went for an interview as a cast member. (10)

21. Wagner’s Ring. (8)

22. Making a quick nervous movement as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain or surprise. (9)

24. Female religious. (4)

26. Meal in the middle of the day. (5)

28. Persons who reside in a house or vehicle at a particular time. (9)

29. Made something free from bacteria or other micro-organisms. (10)

32. Extremely thorough and careful. (8)

35. Doesn’t win. (5)

38. The temporary transfer of a worker to another position. (10)

39. Shaped like an egg. (4)

40. You can put ... on a pig - it’s still a pig! (8)

43. Famous Paris university. (8)

47. Interferes with something to cause damage. (7)

49. Acid which can build up in the body during exercise. (6)

51. Small hammer for an auctioneer, judge or chairman. (5)

53. It rises to the top when fresh milk is left to stand. (5)

55. A fixed, often religious, belief or set of beliefs. (5)

57. Protective layer of gas above the earth. (5)

58. Fruit with a double meaning? (4) 61. Irish male tree. (3)

9th – 17th May 2026

T c o find out more about events in Fingal, scan the QR ode or visit