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Volume 6 Issue 9 April 2021

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SERVICES INCLUDE • Conveyancing • Bankruptcies • Probate and Wills • Personal Injuries • Employment Law • Family Law • Litigation

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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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STRICT DEADLINE FOR MAY EDITION: 15th April for inclusion in our May edition.

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LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Dennehy raises works at Chapel Farm Drive and Rogerstown Estuary At the March area meeting of Fingal County Council Cllr Brian Dennehy raised the issues of works required to be carried out at the Open Space at Chapel Farm Drive, Lusk and also the need for bollards at Rogerstown Estuary . Having previously allocated 100,000 Euro for the works in the 2021 – 2013 budget the Manager outlined the planned works to be carried out. “The additional area of land was acquired by Fingal County Council in 2016 when the remainder of public open space in Chapel Farm was taken in charge from the Receiver. It remains the intention of the Council to merge this additional area of land which is fenced off and not landscaped, with the adjacent developed Class 1 Public Open Space. There is provision in the 2021-2023 Capital Programme to commence landscaping works to facilitate the incorporation and merging of the two pieces of land. Initial works planned for 2021 /2022 are to remove the railings and reposition them to the rear boundary of the site. This will be followed with some earth moving to level and grass seed the new land. When these works settle it will be possible to start planning a perimeter pathway and a more detailed layout for the site. A corner of the site is currently being used

LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

as a Pyrite remediation holding area, so once that is vacated the council will be free to commence further works.” Mr Dennehy also welcomed Fingal County Councils positive response to erecting lockable bollards at the access points to Rogerstown Estuary as a measure to combat the large escalation of fly tipping in the area. He said, “ The stretch of the estuary which is accessible from both Lusk and Rush has witnessed in recent months, what can be only described as fly tipping on an industrial scale as rogue dumpers are taking advantage of the ready access to the area. Only the usage of trucks or other large vehicle would explain the volume of material dumped on occasions. Having chased after the implementation of the bollards over a long period of time it is great that the Council also see the benefit by having restricted access to the area while at the same time accommodation of local landowners as they work their lands. Removable bollards are listed on the general works list for installation at the entry points of Rogerstown Estuary from the access point at Rogerstown Park, and between the ramparts leading onto the Channel Road. However, discussion will have to take place with the landowner who utilises this area to access his lands.”

LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Fingal Development Plan - have your say Our 1st AGM was held via Zoom on the 1st March. It was well attended and there was good cross party public representation, attended by our own committee member, Cllr Rob O’Donoghue, Cllr Brian Dennehy, Cllr Adrian Henchy, Louise O’Reilly TD, Duncan Smith TD and Senator Regina Doherty. Minister Joe O’Brien continues to meet us frequently. We are grateful of their support and will be in continuing need of it over the coming years to deliver Lusk’s 2030 plan. We are pleased to note the repair of the road at the Rush Roundabout. We continue to communicate with Fingal County Council regarding the narrowing of the pathway on the Station Road. It has become very dangerous, and we have been requesting a repair of this for 6 months. We would like to hear from anyone who has interest in being involved in a Lusk Men’s Shed. You can contact us on 0863017842 . The Fingal Development Plan public consultation period is now open until the 12th May. Submissions and observations are invited on what is to be included in the draft of the new plan. This is a critical time for the community to be engaged. All land rezoning takes place during the development plan. Once land is rezoned for residential, there is very little the community can do to stop housing development taking place. We want to avoid this happening in this development plan as any more housing would be simply unsustainable in Lusk. So we need as many voices as possible to be very

LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

clear about what Lusk does and does not need. We need clear opposition to any more zoning for residential. The building and completion of schools, the provision of amenity, the improvement of road infrastructure, a strategic plan for traffic management at Blake’s Cross, the

improvement of rail and bus services and the provision of leisure amenity for our young people. And, importantly, the maintenance of the green space between Rush and Lusk.You can make a submission at the County Council’s website.

Local News

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.

O’Donoghue wants Class 1 Open Space Land for Sports Hub At the March Area meeting Cllr Rob O’Donoghue tabled a motion regarding the Lusk Sports Hub. Virtual engagement between the Council and the 2020 Sport Group has continued during the current lockdown, the group were advised that further development of the Hub is contingent on the transfer to the Council of the balance of open space zoned land by the developer so that the key sporting infrastructure objectives can be met. Cllr O’Donoghue welcomed the continued engagement and urged the speedy delivery of remaining Class 1 Open Space to the Council for the benefit of the all Contact us:communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

the community in Lusk.In other Council news, the Fingal Development Plan 2023 - 2029

public consultation was opened on the 12th of

March and will be open until the 12th of May.

Councillor O’Donoghue ask that the people of

Lusk have their say in development of Lusk into

the future by making your submission on how you would like to see the town develop on the FCC website. The Council have also committed to

bringing the pathway at the top of Orylnn Park which has been in need of repair for some time up to standard in the calendar year.

LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

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

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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. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Easter! 083 322 7472

LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

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

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

www.facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal Facebook.com/LuskLocal

CommunityLocals.ie 10 LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029

STARTING NOW

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

www.fingal.ie/developmentplan Join the conversation Oﬃcial Compact Mark

Comhairle Contae Fhine Gall Fingal County Council

Local News

Tap to Donate ‘€3’ machine for Irish Guide Dogs Our ‘Tap to Donate €3’ machine has arrived in Specsavers, Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan.A small countertop device which allows a contactless donation of €3. Displayed on the welcome desk it is simple to use, just ‘Tap to Donate’.Thank you Brian and Paul.2020 was a very difficult year for fundraising but with your help we raised €22,787.56 for Guide Dogs. Restrictions are still in place but when allowed we will be out in the community again.In January we received a cheque for €333.33 from Tesco’s community fund initiative. Thank you Tesco and especially Lisa from the local Millfield store.The annual Balbriggan Feis couldn’t be held in February but Damien, Ann and committee raised €966 for us through their Facebook fundraiser, thank you all.Thomas O’Grady, from Skerries, gave off-road dirt track motorbike lessons to some youngsters and raised €300, thank you Thomas. Anne and Yarrow raised €200 with their photo taken beside the large collecting dog in Millfield.Please view our videos on Facebook made by volunteers,

Zoe, Anne, Andy, Tom, and Adele, with Guide dogs Nico and Qeb and puppies Yarrow and Lola.Please donate if you can at our facebook page Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs page.Do you have an idea for a fundraising event? We’d love to hear from you.Contact us by phone or text 085 7663107 or email guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com.A number of Transition Year students from Loreto Balbriggan participated in a virtual programme with IGDB in March.The 5 day programme is aimed to inspire students by raising awareness of the difference a Guide or Assistance Dog can make to others and how they can change lives. Guide Dog Day will be on Friday 7th May and we hope to be out with our new contactless machine which accepts donations in line with payment limits.Up to €50 by tap, over €50 you insert your card and enter your Pin.Yarrow remains with Anne but when he goes to Cork for training we will keep you informed on his progress as he hopefully becomes a Guide or Assistance Dog.

“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 12 LUSK LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Feature

How to help your community in these uncertain times

By Siobhan O’Neill White While we are all still trying to get through Covid physically and emotionally, we have no real idea yet what the long-term economic impact will be. Sadly, some of the much-loved local businesses in our local area have closed their doors because they simply could not stay afloat. The creche our daughter attended, the café and bakery we loved; both gone for good because of Covid.There are ways we can help struggling local businesses keep going. If they are offering online sales, try to buy online from them. If your local hotel, café or restaurant is doing a take-away service, support them when you can. Shop local as much as possible, so when we do get through this – and we will get through this – these businesses will still be standing. We know how to support retailers but for service providers, like www.mams.ie, it is not as simple as ordering a takeaway or making an online purchase. Due to Covid, we are unable to run our free monthly parent & baby

coffee & movie mornings, organize goody bag giveaways or plan blogs & events. Most of our clients are closed due to lockdown and cannot advertise right now, which affects our income drastically. mams.ie has provided free chat forums & parenting support for 12 years. Our events, competitions and goody bags are always free too. It would break our hearts to go out of business. We want to bring back our coffee & movie mornings post-Covid and keep the mams.ie website & social channels going until then - but we need some help to stay afloat.Some of our members suggested we set up a Go Fund Me page; so that parents who use mams.ie and our social channels and/or attend our events can make a donation. If you would like to support, please see here: gofund.me/5c743c3b Stay safe, take care and we hope to see you again at mams.ie events sometime later this year. Until then, please go to mams. ie for chat, advice, support and our wonderful free competitions.

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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: • • • •

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

14 LUSK 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 Sports

Lusk United = Virtual St Patrick’s Day and Jerseys for Mali

Lusk Utd Youth Council with Peter Thompson (picture taken before Covid )

All may be quiet on the pitches of Lusk United Football Club, but behind the scenes the club is very much active. The club’s Youth Council, newly formed before Covid, are unable to interact with members as first planned…but they’ve not let a pandemic stop them. Rather, they have formed their very own ‘Skillz School’, broadcasting through the club’s social media platforms, urging younger members to get involved and get active. Indeed, The Youth Council took a front seat organising the St. Patrick’s Day Virtual Parade, which was a huge success. We are so proud of these young people getting involved in their club and community in a positive way. Follow their hashtag, #luskutdYC, to keep an eye on what they’re up to. On International Women’s Day, we celebrated our 30% female members aged 18 or under, female mentors and managers, ladies kick fit team and our female volunteers. Our girls team members reflected upon what sport and being part of Lusk United means to them. It was truly heart-warming to

hear the girl’s thoughts and reflections. We were delighted to be joined by Jamie Finn, Irish International player. Jamie sent a contribution to the club’s International Women’s Day video, encouraging all girls to believe with determination and hard work anything is possible. Jamie has also been working via zoom with the U-11 girls team during lockdown…ready for the much awaited return to football.One of our academy coaches, left in October to go on tour with The Irish Army. A few months later a message was sent by Coach Paul asking if any jerseys or football boots could be collected and sent to Mali. An SOS call was sent out. We were overwhelmed by the response from the Lusk community, St. Michael’s House and from Paul Keogh of the FAI. A huge shipment was sent to Mali. We are delighted to hear it has arrived safely this week and Coach Paul is back doing what he does best…coaching soccer. All in all a busy month for us, but one which embraces our ethos #workhard #havefun.

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News & Events Lusk 4 mile virtual race – huge success

The recent Lusk 4 mile Virtual race was a tremendous success with over 700 registrations including over 200 Juvenile entries of the Thomas Ashe Dash. This was the highest number of juvenile entries in a Virtual race since lockdown began. We really appreciate the support of local athletes, other club runners and sponsors in making the event so successful. Thanks also to Annette Foy and Nicole Hodson for organising the event. There were some fantastic times recorded with Darren Ryan and Alex Bell retaining their titles as fastest male and female Lusk AC athletes.We would like to congratulate members for continuing their own training during this extended lockdown. Some of the times recorded over the last few months have been phenomenal and show the hard work being put in is really paying dividends. We are very excited to resume group training once allowed. The 40 day Sunrise Challenge is almost at an end. Well done to everyone who took part.

Fiona Reinhardt and Nicole Hodson taking part in the 40 day Sunrise Challenge

Meabh & Nessa Donoghue taking part in the Thomas Ashe Dash

Alex Bell was the fastest Lusk AC female athlete at the Lusk 4 mile

Keith Greene was in flying form in the Lusk 4 mile

Race Director, Annette Foy enjoyed a rare opportunity to take part in the Lusk 4 mile

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Darby Browne took part in the Thomas Ashe Dash

Darren Ryan was the fastest Lusk AC male athlete in the Lusk 4 mile

Junsa Taekwondo Club News Junsa Taekwondo is now training online There is an old saying – the secret to getting ahead is getting started and that’s what we at Junsa have done, instead of waiting for lockdown to finish, and an end to restrictions so we can train together safely , we have gone training , online, and separately but together.Even though our students are safely training at home they are training together where they can still see and chat ( but not too much !) to each other over our Zoom training sessions.While it’s still not the same the students are still keeping their fitness and Taekwondo skills up to date.The club made their kick pads available to the students for home training, which means they need someone to hold the pads,and in steps the mams and dadsw to help out.It’s great to see the parents and guardians getting involved in the students sport. Well done to everyone , and huge thank you to all for the support. Here are some of our students training at home via Zoom.A huge thank you to everyone who has kept up their training online and we hope to see everyone back for training face to face as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Charlie warming up at our second zoom training. Someone is taking it all in !

Adam practicing his punching via Junsa Taekwondo online training.

Hope and brother Ryan (Ryan a Junsa senior Black Belt) helping his sister during her zoom training session.

Tosia using her high turning kick on her kick bag , otherwise known as Bob Evie kicking her way forward.

Noah improving his punching skills

Brothers Conor and Darragh training their hardest at home , Brilliant lads!

Fionn pad kicking with dad at home during our online advanced training session.

Aoife practicing her footwork via online training.

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Down

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)

BRIAN DENNEHY Working Hard For Lusk

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SUDOKU ANSWERS

38. Hospital carers. (6)

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