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LUSKLOCAL FREE

Volume 6 Issue 8 March 2021

€50 crosswor d competiti on inside

Call: 01 840 4075 Looking for a new Career? Why wait?

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Legal & Medical Secretary Book-keeping & Payroll Microsoft Offrice Suite IT & Tech Business & Management Web & Graphic Design

‘Sta y Prot Safe an e Oth ct Each d er’

Pitman Training Swords North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin www.pitmantrainingswords.ie

01-8438225

087 229 6194

• • • • • • • •

Services Sales Tyres Pre NCT Crash Repairs Diagnostics Valets Car Wash

We are classed as an Essential Service. The Garage is remaining open while observing all the necessary safety precautions.

Opening Times

Mon – Fri 9.00am – 6.00pm Saturday 10.00am – 3.00pm

General Practice Law Office dealing with conveyances, family law, probate, civil litigation and Insolvency SERVICES INCLUDE • Conveyancing • Bankruptcies • Probate and Wills • Personal Injuries • Employment Law • Family Law • Litigation

CALL IN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! Main Street, Lusk, County Dublin. e: liam@lrf.ie p: 01 843 8138 w: www.lrf.ie

Our Team Local News

Editor E. communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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

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Stay home and still enjoy St Patricks Day! Its a strange time, the pubs, restaurants and hotels closed on Paddy’s Day and no real sign of a let up in the restrictions that have governed our lives for the past 12 months. However all of these restrictions

have been imposed in a loving way by our Government to try and keep us safe and healthy. To try and keep our loved ones safe and healthy and to try and safeguard our elderly and our future generations.

This St Patrick’s Day will once again be one like no other any of us have ever experienced. The traditional parades will be virtual as will our messages of greetings to our relatives and friends throughout the

world. However that does not mean that we cannot show love to those who mean the most to us. Unlike any other period on 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. At this stage we do not have a choice

we must all obey the Government rules and continue to flatten the Covid 19 curve again. We must shop

Lusk Local Magazine Email: communitylocalseditor @gmail.com www.facebook.com/LuskLocal

locally and ensure the local jobs of our neighbours and friends. We must wear face coverings, regularly

Designated Pick up Points:

Patrick’s Day that we are the best wee country in the world by flattening the curve and safe guarding

Supervalu Lusk Costcutters (The Village Store) Tesco, Rush Published by

IRISHMEDIAGROUP publishing | design | print | web

wash our hands thoroughly and keep our distance when meeting others. We at ‘Locals ‘ magazines feel

the pain as do all of you. We hate not meeting our friends or loved ones, we hate not being able to go for a meal or a pint down the local or a drive in the country, But we as a nation can show the world on St

each other. 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.

Lusk Local Disclaimer

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

STRICT DEADLINE FOR APRIL EDITION: 15th March for inclusion in our April edition.

www.irishmediagroup.ie

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

Local News

There are brighter times ahead for us all! by Lusk Action Group Community engagement for “Lusk Vision 2030, Lusk for Life”, with consultants AP&E, commenced in February and is ongoing. Many thanks to Lusk Community Council who have progressed this project and made this opportunity available. We have been asked to complete a survey regarding the needs of Lusk, and over the coming weeks, a 2030 plan will be developed based on the survey results and the engagement with all community groups. This is a unique and really positive opportunity for Lusk, and we are very hopeful that, as a cohesive community, we can deliver a well-considered plan for Lusk over the next 10 years. Late January saw the passing of 13 residents in one week in Lusk Community Unit, from COVID 19. We would like to again express our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who died and, indeed, all those who have lost loved ones in this last extremely difficult year in our community. May they Rest in Peace. Fingal County Council’s programme of works for Lusk was published last month. We are receiving improvement works to the amount of €362,000, the largest amount Lusk has ever received, for road works on Thorigne Fouliard Lane, Traen Hill, Minister’s Road and St.

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

McCullin’s Close; path works on the Skerries Road to Country Gardens and Minister’s Road; controlled pedestrian crossing at Skerries Road roundabout/Clonrath Estate; pedestrian warning sign on Minister’s Road, repair on pathway and bandstand on the Green and fencing replacement on the tennis court in Orlynn Park. Many thanks to Councillor Robert O’Donoghue for all his representations on our behalf. We

continue to plan and develop our Multi-Use Youth Services Facility proposal for Lusk, regarding which we will be in discussions with consultants AP&E as part of the “Lusk Vision 2030”. Lusk Community Support Group are here to help anyone who is alone or self- isolating during COVID restrictions. You can reach them on 085 8533736. There are brighter times ahead! Until then, stay well and safe.

Feature

Liam R. Fitzgerald Solicitor – Serving the Community

Liam R. Fitzgerald Solicitor is situated in Lusk, County Dublin. The solicitor’s office is a general practice dealing with issues such as property, wills, family law, personal injuries, contracts, litigation and many more.The practice opened in January 2014..The main reason for opening the practice was to create a family business to service the community.Since the practice opened it has become involved in and sponsored many community activities and events. Liam Fitzgerald spent many years working as a solicitor in a number of respected law firms in Dublin City centre.Leaving an esteemed practise in a bustling business capital to move to the seaside town of Lusk to open the only solicitor’s firm in the area might not seem the likely next step but it looks like the risk is well and truly paying off. Speaking to ‘Local’ magazine Liam said, “One of our greatest strengths is being accessible. I think people probably like the way I do things.I carry out things in a logical and practical way. Setting up this business was never about money.What makes me happy is knowing that I am helping people. More often than not, I will tell people not to sue because of everything that’s involved and the risks that go with it.I like to think that I give people good, sound truthful, practical advice.I have sat with people and have spoken with them at length about family law and they have sat and cried because they thought the solicitor was going to wave a magic wand and make everything better and the last thing they thought they’d hear is that they have a chance at losing but they walk out the door with a huge weight lifted off their shoulders because they see and understand better, even if it’s not what they wanted to hear.” Liam R. Fitzgerald Solicitor takes pride in the fact that he gets repeat business from his clients and his clients refer him to their friends and family. So, for personal attention to every detail and a honest open consulation Liam should be your first and last stop. Liam also keeps his clients and social media followers up to date with regular posts and you can find out more about Liam R. Fitzgerald Solicitor on the website “www.lrf.ie” Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

Local News

Lusk Tidy Towns Spring programme begins

“Its that time of year again when spring is in the air and the Tidy Towns work programme begins. Your support in keeping Lusk Tidy and Neat is appreciated. Pat Kelly Lusk Tidy Towns,”

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

Local News

Lusk Programme of Works 2021 At the February Operations Meeting Councillor Rob O’Donoghue warmly welcomed the inclusion of over €350k in funding to be spent on road infrastructure in the coming calendar year. He commented, ‘I am delighted with that the works that have been included and will be pushing for other areas in the town that need attention to be considered for upgrade.’ Continuing, he stated, ‘I am also happy to report that the new seating on the Lusk ring road will be installed once ground temperatures increase to allow concrete to set and once normal work arrangements return following the COVID-19 works restrictions.’ A breakdown of the Programme of Works for Lusk is as follows: Thorigne Fouliard Lane - €55,000- Surface Dressing & Macadam Overlay - Treen Hill - €36,000 - Road Reconstruction, - Dun Emer/Ministers Road - €68,000 Road Reconstruction,-St MacCullins Close - €31,000 - Road Reconstruction, - Lusk to County Garden R127 - €40,000 - Footpath Kerbing,-Skerries Road - R127 Roundabout on Lusk By-pass at Clonrath Estate - €65,000 - Controlled Pedestrian Crossing, Ministers Road on approach to Dun Emer Estate from the R132 junction -€4,000 – VAS Speed Reader,- Chapel Green Open Space - €15 ,000 - Replace Concrete path that links to and surrounds the Bandstand. Repair and resurface the Bandstand, - Orlynn Cllr Rob O’Donoghue

Park Tennis Courts - €8,000 - Replace Fencing surrounding existing tennis courts.

Puppy raising for Irish Guide Dogs My name is Anne Mulligan and I am

Yarrow, a golden Lab/Retriever who arrived

a Puppy Raiser for Irish Guide Dogs for

late November 2019 when he was 8 weeks

the Blind. I also volunteer with the local

old. My role has been to help Yarrow become

Balbriggan/North Co Dublin branch. I’ve

well-mannered and socialised. The early

been a Puppy Raiser since March 2011 and

training team from Cork provided support

have taken care of a number of puppies. In

throughout the time Yarrow has been with

no particular order I have looked after Zack,

me. All veterinary fees and feeding costs are

Cinders, Gabby, Oscar, William, Genna,

covered by IGDB. Now at 14 months old

Zabbie and Coby. All were Labradors except

Yarrow will shortly go to Cork for his formal

Oscar who was a Retriever. Zabbie was part

training where he will hopefully become a

of the breeding programme and Mother to

Guide Dog or Assistance Dog. I will miss

the “G” litter. All pups born are named using

Yarrow but I know that he has the potential

a letter from the alphabet. Cinders, Gabby,

to change the life of a person who is visually

Oscar and Genna all qualified as Assistance

impaired or the life of a family of a child with

Dogs. Unfortunately, not all pups make

autism. I will follow Yarrow’s progress in Cork

the grade required to become a Guide Dog

with interest.I have something to look forward

or Assistance Dog. In such cases they can

to in 2021 as I am on the waiting list for

become a Companion Dog or an Ambassador

another puppy once Yarrow leaves. If you are

Dog or sometimes be rehomed as a pet. Zack,

interested in becoming a puppy raiser Contact

William and Coby are all happily settled

us by text or phone 085 7663107. Email

in home environments.My current pup is

GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

Yarrow and Anne Mulligan

The National Framework for Living with COVID-19

Safe Reopening of Schools & Childcare Thanks to continued adherence to public health restrictions, we can now plan for reopening of schools and childcare on a phased basis.

Phased Reopening is planned as follows:

Special Schools at 100% capacity

Early Childhood Care and Education

3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class at Primary Level

Early Learning & Care, and School-age Childcare

1st to 4th years post-primary

March

Junior & Senior Infants First and Second Class

March

5th year post-primary

April

Final Year Leaving Certiﬁcate Classes

COVID-19 is still a threat. A careful, gradual reopening of our society will protect our communities while we await supplies of COVID-19 vaccines.

In the meantime, ﬁnancial supports for individuals and businesses will continue up to the end of June. Wellbeing and mental health supports also continue.

Current Level 5 restrictions will continue unchanged until Monday 5th April. The following key factors will be reviewed weekly and will guide the lifting of restrictions after 5th April:

Controlling the Virus We must continue to reduce infection rates in our homes and communities.

Decreasing Hospitalisations We must continue to reduce the pressure on our health system and front line workers.

Securing Vaccine Supply Vaccine supplies are organised on an equitable, EU-wide basis. Once supplied, vaccines are delivered swiftly in accordance with a carefully planned schedule.

Managing New Variants New variants can have an impact on the course of the disease. Surveillance and monitoring of emerging variants will continue during phased reopening.

We must continue to reduce the pressure on our health system and front line workers.

Remember, we are still at Level 5 which requires that we stay at home, with limited exceptions.

Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

More detailed information is available at gov.ie/COVID19 If you need to talk, free text HELLO to 50808 to start a conversation

Wear a face-covering in indoor spaces, on public transport and outdoors wherever you see people gathered. Ensure that your facecovering is clean.

Always keep a distance of 2 metres from others.

Local News

Lusk Vision 2030 and St Patricks Day

The Community Council wants to thank all our public representatives and community groups for supporting the ‘Lusk Vision 2030’ project. Minister Joe O’Brien did a virtual launch of the project on 2nd February and this kicked off the online survey, while many other local and national repre-sentatives came out in support of the project. The launch video is available on YouTubesearch for luskvision2030. Other information will be added to this YouTube channel over coming weeks. To date the response to the online survey has been excellent, and the level of intertest shows the desire for people to have their say in the future of Lusk. This survey was followed up with a series of vir-tual workshops at the end of February with community groups, and an open community meeting on Feb. 20th.‘Lusk Vision 2030’ was commissioned by the Lusk Community Council, and is being pre-pared by consultants AP+E with Miriam Delaney & Tara Kennedy. The feedback from the commu-nity engagement will help identify and formulate strategies for the long-term development of Lusk town centre, to improve the quality of life of residents. The information and strategies emerging from the ‘Lusk Vision 2030’ project will be submitted 10 LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

to Fingal County Council as part of the consultation phase of theFingal Development Plan 2023-2029 which kicks off in March 2021. A two month public consultation process will start on 12th March and this will be for submissions and ob-servations to be submitted from all interested persons and bodies, on what is to be included in the draft of the new plan. The Community Council will also be encouraging everybody interested in the long term development of Lusk to also make their own submissions. The Fingal Development Plan is a very important document and strong community engagement is critical. As our consultants liaise with the community in Lusk to understand the issues that we face, they will better understand what are the priorities for the town and how to present new ideas for the town. This will all feed in to our own Lusk Vision 2030 Action Plan for our town which we will continue to promote and implement over the coming years.This will be the first time that Lusk has had the opportunity to create a “community first” voice and vision for our town. The Lusk Vision 2030 will be a collective vision that needs your community input. Celebrating the New 2021 St. Patrick’s Day -2021 will be the second pandemic

St. Patrick’s Day, without parades or gatherings as we look to Protect Each Other and Suppress The Virus. No doubt St. Patrick would approve that we prioritise each other. However working with Fingal County Council, the Community Council has prioritized the lighting of the Round Towers and this now is emblazoned with key Covid Messages. We are so lucky to have a magnificent historic Round Tower complex that can be illuminated like this. Prior to St. Patrick’s Day, the 16th March is National Flag Day and the Lusk Community Council will also be highlight-ing the background to the design of the National Flag by THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER, da-ting back to 1848. It will be mounting the Tricolour at at number of locations in Lusk to literally fly the Flag for our town. ‘THE WHITE IN THE CENTRE SIGNIFIED A LASTING TRUCE BETWEEN ORANGE AND GREEN. I TRUST THAT BENEATH ITS FOLDS THE HANDS OF THE IRISH CATHOLIC AND THE IRISH PROTESTANT MAY BE CLASPED IN GENEROUS AND HEROIC BROTHERHOOD.’ THOMAS F. MEAGHER, 13 APRIL 1848. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Feature

Move your body and move it often With our fitness Guru Ciaran Russell Being physically active is important. Not only does being active have physical benefits for your body but also has positive mental health benefits.People that are more physically active tend to have fewer illnesses, get sick less, have more energy, feel better about themselves and others, and contribute more to their community. But with such a range of positive benefits, why do so many people stay inactive or sedentary? Simple, because it’s easier! It’s easier to jump in the car to go to the shop. It’s easier to sit on the sofa instead of going for a walk. It’s easier to take the lift instead of the stairs. It’s easier drop the kids to school instead of walking, cycling or scooting. But it’s different for me; I’m tired, I don’t have the energy, I had a tough day or week. Sound familiar? If this was your response ask yourself why. So then ask yourself who would you be without

that story, or those excuses.To be an active person you don’t have to go running the roads every day of the week, you don’t even need a gym membership or be a member of a sports club.The best part? You get to decide how you become more active, you get to figure out what you love to do to be a healthy person. It’s your choice.Maybe you love walking at sunrise listening to your favourite podcast. Maybe you really enjoy doing yoga when the kids are gone to bed.However you like to stay active, do that! Physical activity isn’t just about taking part in organised sport or exercise. It’s about being an active person as often as you can. Organise a walk with a friend. Take the stairs. Park further away. Walk to the shop. Clean the house.Every time you choose to move your body is a positive step towards becoming more active. Your health is important so why not start prioritising it today while you have the choice before it becomes necessary to prioritise it later in life.

New programme for Fingal HomeFit Yoga Fingal County Council Sports Office will be adding to the Fingal HomeFit live series by facilitating a free yoga programme. Erica from Yoga Sanctuary will be teaching a 4-week online yoga course aimed at beginners, but all are welcome. She will guide you through a 1-hour class each week aimed at introducing you to the benefits of yoga through breathwork, yoga postures and relaxation. If you are interested in starting something new for yourself or would like to join in to stretch out and feel good in your body, then join Erica from Wednesday, March 3rd at 6 pm.The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy said: “Another excellent online programme from Fingal County Council Sports Office. The Fingal HomeFit programme has been an important exercise option for many people during the current government restrictions. The inclusion of a 4-week Yoga programme is fantastic news and will give people an extra activity to participate in the evenings.” Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing and Community Development for Fingal County Council said: “The Fingal Sports Office HomeFit live sessions have been a great success. Adding a new class to the already popular programme will give participants the chance to try a new physical activity from the comfort of their home.” For more information contact Noel McManus, Fingal County Council Community Sports Development Officer Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

Local News

Round Towers GFC run/ cycle for the Irish Cancer Society Some of our Minor/Senior/Junior Team players have decided to challenge themselves to Run 200k or Cycle 400k over the next 40 days in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. All money raised goes directly to the Irish Cancer Society and you can donate through this link. Please support the lads by donating to this worthy cause, which has been deeply impacted by the current pandemic. We wish them the very best of luck.

WE WANT YOUR LOCAL NEWS!! • Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team? • Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary? • Are you running or hosting a Local event or Fundraiser? • Do you have a story to tell? • A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion..

Send us your pics.. We Want it ALL..

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

12 LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

“The Cove” at Maydenhayes Are you looking for more space for your family to live in? Would a top floor working space in your home make your life more productive?Would you love a better quality of life, living 5minutes from beautiful Mornington Bay Beach and its beautiful environs?If this has tweaked your interest, then prepare to be wowed by an exquisite new house in Maydenhayes Cove, Mornington, County Meath, a private enclave of 6 gorgeous new family homes at a very affordable/reasonable price. These new large 5-bedroom detached houses are laid out over 3 levels, maximising space for comfortable living; with a bespoke comfortable airy space at the top-floor level presenting the opportunity for a fantastic space to work from home. Other features in these spacious A-rated homes include five comfortably sized bedrooms and family bathroom, generous ensuites, walk in wardrobes, an unusually spacious landing at first floor level, underfloor heating and high-quality sanitary fittings. On approach to the house, the stained glass in the front door sets the tone for a chique new house that manages to combine the cosy feeling of home with being comfortable, modern and on trend. The front door opens into a charming and stylish entrance hallway filled with a happy and homely personality that permeates the whole house. The hall leads into a wonderful airy, spacious, and light-filled living/dining/ kitchen area featuring high ceilings at this level. Patio doors lead out into a generous garden with its favourable south westerly aspect to the rear. The house also comprises a good-sized boot/laundry room kitted out with plenty of storage for buckets and spades… and also features a smart guest cloakroom.A visit to the show house is strongly recommended if only to see how efficient living and working in a spacious, tranquil and beautiful setting could be. The Maydenhayes Cove show house is on view each Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 4pm and on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 4pm, or by private appointment – prospective purchasers can feel free to call to make an appointment and/or to get help with any questions. Enquiries to: Pivotal Construction Limited (01) 4732473 Knight Frank New Homes (01) 6342466 or Sherry Properties (041) 9841149 Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Feature

A different kind of Mother’s Day- try the web! by Siobhán O’Neill White Whether you live with her, haven’t seen her in a while due to lockdown or if she has sadly passed away, March is a time for remembering and thanking our wonderful Mammies for everything they have done for us.When we asked the Mammies on mams.ie what gift they would like this year, the most suggested was hampers! Between homeschooling, keeping the family fed and safe - with all the cooking and cleaning that entails, Mammies just want a break! Whether it’s skincare, bath products, yummy food, sparkly drinks – hampers are a fabulous way to treat your Mammy this Mother’s day and here are some of our favourites. The breakfast hamper from GiftsandTreats. ie is a super treat. Fresh bread, zesty orange juice, scones, tea, coffee, cake, chocolate and flowers. The perfect breakfast in bed! There are also lots of great websites yuu should check out. The Love = Love hamper from the GreenGrocersDaughters website comes with chocolates, cheese, wine, prosecco, onion jam, candles and beautiful bunting, which can be hung up after all the wine and chocolates are devoured! The ‘Days Out’ hamper from the hampersandco website is perfect for a picnic! Set out a blanket and enjoy some outdoor family time with yummy food! The website YourSurprise. has clever gifting ideas, from champagne glasses to teddybears. We love their personalised Toberlones! The website GreenAngel make beautiful skincare gift sets. These Irish made products feel gorgeous and smell amazing! On a budget? Check out the sweetliving website for luxury chocolate bars, which can be personalised. But as any Irish Mammy will tell you, we don’t care about the cost of the gift. You could make a hamper with budget items from your local supermarket. Or simply do something nice, like vacuum the house and run her a bath to ensure she has a relaxing day. One of my favourite Mother’s day gifts was a salad sandwich my children made me for breakfast in bed. The butter was an inch thick, the tomato slices huge and the bread tasted of ‘hands’ (parents of young children will understand!) It was inedible but so thoughtful and is a treasured Mother’s day memory. If you would like to enter some competitions to try and win something fabulous for your Mammy or you want more gifting ideas, go to mams.ie.

www.facebook.com/LuskLocal

CommunityLocals.ie Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

Home Cook Recipes

Healt

Easy Peasy Dark Chocolatey Bark Some of you may have given up sweet foods for lent. Some of you may be trying to cut back on sweet foods as part of healthy eating plans or goals or new year’s resolutions.Or some of you may just like trying out new food ideas and recipes!!! This recipe is super quick, easy and you can tailor it to your taste preferences or to whatever is in your kitchen cupboards!! I love the crunch that the dried edamame beans or nuts provide in this recipe and the richness of the dark chocolate. It is also very satisfying and filling. Edamame Beans are green soya beans which have become very popular due to their nutritious properties including high levels of protein and fibre which can help to keep us fuller for longer. Edamame Beans also contain vitamins A, K and folate, and are good sources of calcium, manganese and iron. If you don’t have or like edamame beans, you could use nuts or seeds or dried fruit instead in this recipe! Ingredients: • •

200g Dried Edamame Beans OR nuts OR seeds OR a combination with some dried fruit!!! 200g GOOD Quality dark chocolate (Please Note: When I state good quality dark chocolate, it does not need

14 LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

to be expensive. Most supermarkets have good quality dark chocolate at reasonable prices. The difference is how the chocolate melts and reforms. Good quality dark chocolate will melt smoothly and reform into a smooth bark. The not so good quality chocolate may turn lumpy and crumbled!) Tip: I love the bright green colour of the dried edamame beans which makes them stand out against the dark chocolate but for a variety of colours, use a mixture of different coloured dried fruits, nuts, seeds etc. You could even do an Irish flag theme for St Patrick’s Day with green pistachios or pumpkin seeds, orange apricots and white coconut chips or flakes! Method: 1. Spread out a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray or lunchbox. 2. Melt the dark chocolate either: in a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water and stir intermittently until just about all the chocolate is melted, OR in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each one.

Please stand by the chocolate whichever way you melt it, have patience, don’t forget to stir and be careful not to overdo it! 3. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the pre-lined tray/lunchbox and spread it into a rectangle. Do not let any condensation or water droplets fall onto the melted dark chocolate as they do not mix well! 4. Scatter over the dried edamame beans OR nuts OR seeds or fruit. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature for a few hours. 5. When hardened, break up the bark into pieces or use a sharp knife to cut it neatly into squares, triangles or however you like!! Store within an airtight container and use within 2 weeks. Bain sult as (=Enjoy)!!!! 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

Finance

Women are still being undervalued in society By Dave Kavanagh I wrote a piece a couple of years ago following a series of interactive talks I had given to a number of groups. I had broken each group into small working groups and set them a task, to work out ap-propriate levels of life cover for a 35 year old couple with 2 young children, where “John” was in full time employment and “Mary” was a homemaker with no source of income. I gave a few basic details such as income, mortgage balance, loans and savings etc. and although there were varying levels of cover suggested (ranging from €150,000 to €2,000,000 life cover) in the vast majority of cases, the groups suggested that John needs approximately double the level of cover that Mary does, being the sole income earner. Cover should be based on the financial loss that would be suffered, so once I explained that although John passing away would remove his income, if Mary passed away, John would have to either give up work (also removing his income) or have very high costs for the minding of 2 young children, as well as additional, potential costs associated with running the house, the groups then realised that the appropriate levels of cover should be about the same. So is that the reality for most couples?Obviously, there are many different family unit dynamics, one or both in paid employment, more or no children, one or both with pension and death benefits etc., and

the important factor when arranging cover is to calculate the potential financial loss that could occur for your own specific circumstances. But I still see many examples that are still placing too low a value on a homemaker by not considering the financial loss that would occur in the event of that homemaker passing away. Have a look at your own levels of cover and see if this is something you need to review.

wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM and TV3.

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 0876414570, 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

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

News & Events Lusk AC still (virtually) competing at the highest level

As Level 5 drags on, our club group training is on hold and the weather at times has being a little cruel now more than ever we need to dig deep and stay upbeat. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it’s getting closer. We’re hopeful some groups can resume training in March. In the meantime stay active, exercise with one other household & partake in the club initiatives (Little Athletics zoom sessions, individual plans, Jerusalema Dance, 40 Day Challenge).There were some amazing times recorded by our athletes in the Raheny 5 mile virtual event. Mark Dunne was our fastest male finishing in a speedy 29:50 while Alex Bell’s brilliant 32:26 was enough for a top ten finish and along with Dara Harford and Sheila Bourke helped our ladies to third place in the team event.Congratulations to Sean Greensit on completing the Donadea Virtual 50k recently. Sean has competed at this event in Donadea forest every year since 2017 and this time was able to pick a route around the beautiful peninsula of Donabate and Portrane. Weather conditions were challenging with strong winds throughout but with the help of a brilliant support crew he finished in a great time of 4:07:39 securing a top ten place.February was a chance for the juveniles to complete a Marathon by running 42km over the course of the month. Well done to all who completed the challenge.We commenced our 40 day sunrise challenge on February 17th. It’s not too late to get involved. Your run starts at dawn from your own front door and it’s a great way to start your day. Check our facebook and instagram pages for all the details.Annual club membership is now overdue. 2020 insurance expired on 31st January so please complete your club registration as soon as possible via the club website. As always, do not hesitate to contact us with any financial concerns. The Lusk 4 mile road race is here again. This year’s event is a virtual one and can be completed any time between 28th February and 7th March. Registration is only €10 via the club’s website with options to purchase a t-shirt and medal. There is also the Thomas Ashe Dash for children to enter shorter races. 16 LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

Una Gaines and Emma Tully took part in the Raheny 5 mile virtual event Stephen Brennan with Fiona & Gary Reinhardt before completing the Raheny 5 mile virtual event

Sean Greensit at Newbridge House with pace team Sheila Bourke, Alex Bell and Paudie Byrne after the Donadea 50k virtual event.

Alex Bell secured a top ten finish in the Raheny 5 mile virtual event

Conor Clune and Eddie Hamilton taking part in the Raheny 5 mile virtual event

Mark Dunne was the fastest Lusk AC athlete in the Raheny 5 mile virtual event

Junsa Taekwondo Club News Junsa is Nearly There – Training on line By Stuart Russell While training is still not allowed , at Junsa we have started training online and keeping everyone busy.While it’s not same we are still trying to keep the training and fitness up to speed. There is a fantastic App called Strava which we have been using for the students to keep track on their training .Here is a few photos of our guys training online and a look back at some photos from our tournaments from 2015 to 2019. Kick for mental health, Kick for Pieta- Junsa and senior student Robbie Murphy will be holding an online fundraiser for Pieta house in the coming weeks, please watch our Facebook page for information and try to donate whatever you can for this great cause. We hope that everyone is keeping well and safe and hope to see you soon.If you wish to try out Taekwondo even though it’s online please contact Master Stuart on 087 7775202

Junsa attended another international training camp in London in 2018.

My son James kicking the bag in our homemade gym / tent at home

Online training with Tosia

Nicole and Charlie (front) meeting two Olympic Qualifiers and sisters from Greece at a training camp hosted by Junsa in 2019.

Nicole training at home in Drogheda

Coach Stuart and international fighter Robbie at the Polish Open 2018

LUSK LOCAL-MARCH 2021

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

Working Hard For Lusk

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Down

1. An acknowledgement of appreciation. (6) 5. Not feeling secure, anxious. (6) 10. The metered Greek goddess of fertility. (7) 11. Leaning like a damaged ship. (7) 12. A person known for taking advantage of others. (4) 13. Device for finding aircraft. (5) 15. The lowest female singing voice. (4) 17. Skedaddle hides a parent! (3) 19. Takes samples of several dishes. (6) 21. A down-market violin. (6) 22. Seaside places. (7) 23. Rectangle with four equal sides. (6) 25. A period of ten years. (6) 28. Essential for writing. (3) 30. Smell like Magillicuddy.. (4) 31. One of God’s attendants. (5) 32. A mark made by dirt. (4) 35. Sharply exact and accurate. (7) 36. Part of a cake. (7) 37. The upward route on a mountain. (6) 38. Stand up against someone or something. (6)

2. Small villages straight out of Shakespeare. (7) 3. Military alliance of some European states. (4) 4. Drapes hide a sandwich filler. (6) 5. Put your material on the Internet. (6) 6. Primary compass direction. (4) 7. There’s no point in crying over this milk. (7) 8. Alter equipment for accuracy and effectiveness. (6) 9. Refuse to notice. (6) 14. Getting involved with the music. (7) 16. It’s a black and white animal. (5) 18. Gets annoyed like Tim Finnegan. (5) 20. Perceive the bishop’s seat. (3) 21. Provided food. (3) 23. Leather bands for binding things together. (6) 24. Of no help whatsoever. (7) 26. Puts into service. (7) 27. Stretch out and forward, like a limb. (6) 28. Very small creature. (6) 29. Someone in charge of a building, grounds or animals. (6) 33. Alcoholic beverage. (4) 34. Popular subject at UCD. (4)

SUDOKU ANSWERS

BRIAN DENNEHY

Across

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