Rush Local V2I12-MAR 2026

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Communities spring into action to prepare for better and brighter days!

In spring, Fingal not only wakes to longer days, but also to the steady rhythm of neighbours at work. The light stretches well into the evening now, and with it comes a shared sense of purpose: summer is on the horizon, and there is much to prepare.

In Balbriggan, volunteers gather along the harbour walls armed with paintbrushes and litter pickers. The sea is calmer, the wind kinder, and laughter carries across the water as benches are sanded and flower boxes fixed into place. Someone brings tea in a flask; someone else arrives with trays of seedlings ready for planting. What looks like simple tidying is something deeper — a quiet declaration that the village matters.

Further inland in Lusk, community groups clear winter debris from green spaces and set about planting beds of colour that will bloom by June. Children trail behind, learning the names of flowers and the value of showing up. Older residents share stories of springs past, reminding everyone that these efforts stitch generations together.

Around the castle grounds of Malahide Castle, volunteers coordinate clean-ups and plan summer festivals. Posters are designed, pathways repaired, hedges trimmed back to reveal historic stonework. The longer daylight hours make it possible; after work, people still have time to give an hour or two before dusk settles.

The importance of this work is not measured only in hanging baskets or swept streets. It is measured in belonging. Visitors will come when the weather brightens, drawn by tidy harbours, vibrant gardens, and welcoming smiles. Local businesses will benefit. Children will grow up knowing that community is something you build with your hands.

By the time summer arrives, Fingal will look effortless in its beauty. But beneath the blossoms and bunting lies spring’s true achievement: neighbours working side by side, shaping places they are proud to call home.

The Locals Team

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Rush Tidy Towns set out 2026 priorities at AGM

AGM

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend the Rush Tidy Towns AGM in January. The meeting wasn’t just a review of the past year—it sparked a lively discussion on how Rush can continue to evolve as a cleaner, greener, and more resilient coastal town.

We were delighted to reappoint all existing committee members and to welcome new member Louise, This year’s priorities reflect both community feedback and the practical needs of a growing town: tackling litter blackspots, progressing biodiversity corridors, improving pedestrian-friendly spaces, and deepening collaboration with local schools and businesses.

As always, Rush Tidy Towns is strongest when more voices are involved. If you’re interested in helping shape these projects. Whether as a committee member or a volunteer for occasional event, we’d love to hear from you at tidytownsrush@gmail.com. Even a single hour a month can make a real difference.

School Beach Clean

A huge thank you to the Community Care class from St. Joseph’s Secondary School, who recently took on one of the less glamorous but most important tasks on South Beach: clearing heavy tidal debris washed in by recent storms. Under the guidance of teacher Kevin, the students rolled up their sleeves and removed large items that pose

risks to wildlife, walkers, and the overall health of the coastline.

What made this cleanup stand out wasn’t just the amount collected, it was the attitude of the students. They asked sharp questions about marine pollution, how debris travels along the coast, and why certain items keep appearing. Their curiosity and teamwork showed exactly why involving young people in environmental care has such long term value.

Their efforts have already made the beach safer for everyone who uses it, from families and swimmers to the wildlife whose habitat it is. Well done to all involved—your work has a visible impact on the community.

Rush Set to Bloom Bright Yellow for Daff Day Weekend!

Rush is getting ready to sparkle in shades of sunshine as the Rush Daff Day Committee rolls out another unforgettable weekend of community spirit, celebration, and heartfelt support for the Irish Cancer Society.

For an incredible 38 years, this dedicated local committee has been spreading hope — raising a phenomenal €1 million since 1988! That milestone is a glowing tribute to the generosity, kindness, and unstoppable energy of the people of Rush. And if this year is anything to go by, they’re only just getting started.

A Weekend Packed with Heart and Happiness

Festivities burst into life at 6am on Friday, 20th March, when enthusiastic volunteers take to the streets to kick off a jam-packed programme of feel-good events:

Coffee Morning – Rush Community Centre

Pop in for a warm cuppa, indulge in a delicious selection of homemade cakes, and browse Irish Cancer Society merchandise — because cake tastes even better when it’s for a great cause!

Maisie’s Raffle

Get your tickets ready — there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs!

Garden of Hope – Rush Library (from March 16th)

Plant a daffodil in memory of a loved one or leave a message of encouragement for someone bravely facing cancer. A beautiful space filled with remembrance, love, and support.

Michelle’s Fun Run – Friday Evening, Harbour Park

Michelle’s running friends lace up once again to mark her 10th anniversary — a touching tribute filled with strength, solidarity, and smiles.

Dash and Splash Swim – Saturday, Rush South Beach

Feeling brave? Join the sea swimmers for a refreshing (and possibly chilly!) dip in support of Daff Day.

Village Twalk – Sunday Morning - Led by the ever-energetic Declan (CJ), this uplifting community walk promises plenty of chat, cheer, and bright yellow spirit.

Declan has been a driving force behind this year’s mission to truly “turn Rush yellow,” shining a spotlight on the very real and lasting difference fundraising makes for cancer patients and their families.

Most importantly, every single cent raised — 100% — goes directly to the Irish Cancer Society, funding lifesaving research and providing essential support services for those who need it most.

The committee’s powerful message says it all: “We won’t give up till cancer does.”

So dust off your brightest yellow, gather your friends and family, and join in. Let’s make this year’s Daff Day weekend the biggest, brightest, and most joyful celebration of hope yet.

Rush, it’s time to turn yellow!

Are You Gambling Your Financial Security?

By Dave Kavanagh

In a week where I have arranged pay out of another Serious Illness Cover claim, many people are in the “it’ll never happen to me” group, when it comes to planning for events that could potentially impact finances. Let’s face it, nobody wants to think that anything “bad” will happen to them but the reality is, bad things happen whether we like it or not. The three areas most relevant are, Life Cover, Serious Illness Cover and Income Protection. Of course, we would hope that we are not going to die prematurely, we are not going to get seriously ill and accident or illness will not prevent us from being able to work. Sadly, in this small country of ours, about 6,000 people die each year NOT of natural causes (under age 65), over 43,000 new cancer cases every year (the cause of more than 50% of Serious Illness claims) and the average time off work for an income protection claim is close to 5 years! When I do group talks, I often ask the question whether anyone’s close family or friends have been affected by cancer? I have only ever had one person say “no”. When I ask whether the same close family or friends have ever won the lotto jackpot, not surprisingly, it’s (almost) always “no”. Yet with odds of 10.7 million to 1 to win the lotto jackpot, people spend a relatively large amount of money each week on lotto (and

Euromillions and scratch cards etc.) believing and hoping that it will happen to them. The same people have a 1 in 4 chance of being diagnosed with one of the Serious Illnesses covered BEFORE they are 65.

I often see that people have their cars insured, house insured, pets, mobile phones, lap tops and jewellery insured but not themselves! It’s not until one of these events happens that people appreciate the financial loss that is suffered. An important detail is that even if people have cover in place from a few years back, they could well be paying over the odds premium wise or it may no longer be most appropriate. Take the time to check what is most appropriate for your specific circumstances.

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.

Michelle Lacey

Rush Community Council is delighted to announce that our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17 March at 1pm.

The theme this year is Pirates, Myths and Legends of Rush!! Mark your calendars and come out to celebrate our fantastic community with a day full of colour, music, and local pride!

If you are interested in being part of the parade, please either pop into Rush Community Centre or email info@rushcoco. ie for more information and the application form, the closing date for applications is Monday 9 March.

Call for Parade Marshals We’re currently looking for volunteer marshals to help make

the day run smoothly and safely. If you can spare a couple of hours to support this wonderful community event, we’d love to hear from you.

Marshals play a key role in:

• Assisting with parade coordination

• Supporting participant lineup

• Helping ensure public safety along the route

No experience is necessary — just enthusiasm and a community spirit!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Debbie at manager@rushcoco.ie by Monday 9 March.

Let’s make this year’s parade the best one yet!

Wuthering Heights: A Modern Lens on a Classic Obsession

By Jack Shanley

If you walked into the theatre expecting a polite, tea-sipping period drama, you clearly haven’t seen an Emerald Fennell movie before. The director behind Saltburn has taken Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic and turned it into a neon-soaked, gothic fever dream that is as much a fashion shoot as it is a tragedy.

The 2026 adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ ditches the dusty reputation of the novel for something far more visceral. Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, playing her not as a delicate heroine, but as a bored, selfish, and deeply magnetic force of nature. Opposite her is Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. While his casting caused a stir online regarding the character’s heritage, Elordi leans into a “brooding rockstar” energy that makes his destructive obsession with Cathy feel dangerously modern.

The plot sticks to the first half of the book, focusing entirely on the toxic pull between the two leads. We see them grow from feral children into adults who are clearly wrong for each other but unable to stay away. When Cathy marries the wealthy, stable Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), the film shifts from a romance into a full-blown revenge thriller.

What really grabbed my attention was how beautifully crafted and visually stunning the film was. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, transforming the rugged Yorkshire moors into a living, breathing character. Every frame feels like a carefully composed painting, utilizing natural light to capture the haunting contrast between the cozy, flickering warmth of the Grange and the raw, wind-swept desolation of the Heights. The cinematography by Linus Sandgren doesn’t just show the landscape; it makes you feel the grit of the earth and the chill of the mist, perfectly mirroring the turbulent emotions of the story. From the intricate, periodaccurate textures of the costumes to the sweeping aerial shots of the highlands, the film is a breathtaking visual experience that stays with you long after the screen the film ends.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Wuthering Heights’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Three Stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today but would recommend seeing it in IMAX. Director: Emerald Fennell – Rating: 15A – Genre: Romance – Run Time: 2h 16m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

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A Festival for Everyone: Balbriggan Prepares for the 2026 International Festival of Voices

There is a unique rhythm returning to the streets of Balbriggan this March. The Fingal International Festival of Voices (FIFOV) is back from March 5th to 8th, and while the world-class choirs are traveling from as far as the US and Europe, the heart of the festival remains firmly rooted in our local community.

Whether you are a lifelong choral fan or just looking for a great family day out, this year’s line-up offers more ways than ever to get involved—without breaking the bank18.

In a time when event tickets can be a major expense, the festival is offering free entry to all competitions. All daytime choral competitions are free for the public to attend. This means you can walk into the award-winning Lark Concert Hall or the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS), St. Peter and Paul’s Church (home to Harry Clarke windows) or in pop businesses around the town and hear elite international choirs, barbershop quartets, and sacred music ensembles at no cost. It is a rare opportunity to experience a “Feis” atmosphere with a global twist right on your doorstep. Meet the Global Choirs

Balbriggan will play host to a diverse array of voices from across the Atlantic and Europe. Locals will have the chance to hear:

The Holy Cross Choir (Massachusetts, USA): Bringing the prestigious Ivy League-style choral tradition to North County Dublin.

Chester River Chorale (Maryland, USA): A massive 60 voice ensemble showcasing a rich tapestry of American folk and gospel.

Gospodnetič Singers (Croatia): Bringing the hauntingly beautiful and rhythmic traditions of the Adriatic coast.

European School Brussels 1 (Belgium): A vibrant youth choir representing the multicultural heart of Europe.

These groups will join top-tier choirs from all over Ireland, creating a

global soundscape right here in Fingal.

Learn from a Disney Legend and others.

Perhaps the most exciting news for local families and aspiring singers is the arrival of Tove Ramlo-Ystad. Hailing from Norway, Tove is the worldrenowned conductor of the choir “Cantus,” famous for providing the iconic, ethereal vocals in the opening of Disney’s FROZEN.

Tove is part of an elite panel of adjudicators from Norway, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Across the weekend, these experts won’t just be judging competitions; they will be leading free workshops open to anyone with an interest in singing. Whether you’re a shower-singer or a seasoned pro, you can learn directly from the woman who helped shape the sound of one of the biggest movies of all time.

Learn from the Best: Free Workshops

The festival is offering workshops and classes led by international guests. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned singers. Topics often include:

Music of Sami People & Norway (Tove Ramlo-Ystad)

Learn to sing to barbershop style

Local health and “healthy singing” techniques.

Irish Traditional music workshops

Check out our full schedule on www.fingalfestivalofvoices.com or on our instagram @fingalfestivalofvoices

If you are interested in volunteering we’d love to have you - email: manager@fingalfestivalofvoices.com with the subject title Volunteer!

Thank you to our supporters and sponsors - Irish Media Group, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, The Irish Institute of Music and Song, Lark Concert Hall, St. Peter and Paul’s Church

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Across

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)

Down

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)

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