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SWORDS Your Community News

Volume 2 Issue 10 - December 2017

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LOCAL

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Merry Christmas from all at Swords Local

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17 North St., Swords 01 6913000 / 21 Drogheda St., Balbriggan 01 8413000 E: info@reacumisky.ie www.reacumisky.ie

Our Team Local News

Editor E. communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Advertising

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

Production

Tim Evans T. 086 856 8181 E. communitylocalsdesigner@gmail.com

Swords Local Magazine Email: communitylocals@gmail.com www.facebook.com/SwordsLocal

Designated Pick up Points

Supervalu, Pavilions Tesco, Boroimhe Eurospar, Applewood Eurospar, Kinsealy JC’s, Swords Lidl, Swords Applgreen, Malahide Rd., Swords Published by

IRISHMEDIAGROUP publishing | design | print | web

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Editor’s Note

December is all about the lead up to Christmas. And, when it arrives it is mostly about kids, family, food ... and budget stretching. For many adults it also is a time of the year when we can think back, not just on 2017, but right across our lives - on the people we have loved, those we have lost, the way forward and the wake we have left behind us. It can be a depressing time for some - and the short, dark and cold days of Winter do little to lift the spirits - but people generally try to at least pretend to get into the spirit of it all. A lot of people believe that between commercialisation and immigration the ‘traditional Irish Christmas’ has been diluted but that view is shortsighted and leaves all the good things that change has brought us down the years (Now you can have several hundred TV channels ... and can still find nothing to watch! But maybe there are still mince pies to nibble!). Christmas, like your birthday, comes but once a year and both provide bookmarks in our lives even if, in this case, you can never be sure how many chapters are left :) If you are living on your own and know that you will be alone on Christmas Day please remember that you don’t have to be. Many areas around Dublin provide social events on the day so that no-one has to be isolated - some of those attending may be homeless, others lonely, some confused and some searching for company, but all are welcome. From all of us at Community Local - have a great Christmas!

This Month

Recipe of the Month

Crossword & Sudoku

The Editor, Swords Local Magazine e: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Swords Local Disclaimer

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

STRICT DEADLINE FOR JANUARY EDITION: 15th December for inclusion in our January edition.

Christmas Shopping Special Offer Book our Christmas Shopping Special Offer for only €95 & get the Christmas shopping done on time. We will provide complimentary transport to the nearby Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre, and give you a €20 voucher to spend on your shopping. This Offer Includes: • Freshly cooked Full Irish breakfast • Complimentary transfer to the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords • €20 shopping voucher • Free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel • Complimentary parking

Limited spaces available. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Tel: 01 8436153 Email:info@watersidehousehotel.ie www.watersidehousehotel.ie Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Local News

Mayor honours Lions Clubs

Ted Leddy and Joe Newman and President of the Swords District Lions Club, Seán Quigley, who spoke on behalf of the six Fingal clubs. Mr Quigley described the varying volunteer projects that the Lions Club undertakes annually. These include the Christmas Food Appeal which benefitted 70,000 people in Ireland in 2016, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Programmes as well as fundraising for Senior Citizens Holidays and International Humanitarian Aid. He also used the opportunity to highlight the need for volunteer groups in Ireland: “In this age of modernity and prosperity it is sad to see that there are still ‘the have nots’ in our society. Whilst there is a welfare system in place, too often it is not sufficient and that is why we have charities appealing to the better nature of people.” Mr Quigley added: “We believe the world gets better and problems get smaller when people unite to serve their local and global community.” Praising the volunteerism of the Lions Club, Chief Executive Paul Reid said: “This evening is a great opportunity to acknowledge the various volunteering and fundraising projects undertaken annually by the Lions Club who are valued hugely in Fingal. Myself and the staff within the Council are pleased to work with the Lions Clubs on a number of events. They are great role models within the county and it is extremely important for us, in building communities, to have role models like them as we are both serving the public.“ District Governor Teresa Dineen, who heads up the Lions Club organisation in Ireland, said she was delighted to attend the event and show her support for the clubs in Fingal. “I am very pleased to see the outstanding work that is being done by the clubs in Fingal being recognised by the Council and I would like to congratulate the Mayor on her decision to dedicate her year in office to the volunteer.” The international, secular and non-political Lions Club organisation was founded in Chicago by Melvin Jones 100 years ago and has since grown into an international body located in over 200 countries with 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members. The first Lions Club to be formed in Ireland was in Dublin, in November 1955.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley, paid tribute to the work being done by Fingal’s six Lions clubs at a civic reception in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Swords, recently. They are part of a worldwide organisation that was founded 100 years ago in America and the Mayor used the occasion of the centenary to honour the clubs which are located in Balbriggan, Castleknock, Howth/Sutton, Portmarnock, Malahide and Swords. Addressing the large gathering of Lions Club members from across the county, she commended them on their volunteerism: “Some of the work done by the Lions Club, like the Christmas food appeal, is high profile. But a lot of what you do in serving the communities you live and work in is low key. I know that all of your members are volunteers in the true sense of the word. You do not seek or desire rewards for what you do,” said the Mayor. Joining Mayor McCamley at the presentation in the Council Chamber were Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid, Lions Club District Governor Teresa Dineen, Fingal County Councillors Anthony Lavin, Brian McDonagh, Eithne Loftus, Jimmy Guerin, Darragh Butler, Anne Devitt,

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The perfect Christmas needs a little preparation Place your order today.

For locally-reared, and free-range bronze turkeys; hams smoked the old fashioned way; mouthwatering beef from our own farm; and gorgeous gift hampers filled with the best of Irish artisan produce, look no further than the Country Crest Farm Shop.

Country Crest Farm shop at Jones Garden Centre, JunCtion 4, m1. open 7 days a week. Free parkinG. www.CountryCrestFarmshop.ie phone: (01) 810 7493 f o Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Local News

November meeting items Throughout the project, residents and businesses will be advised of all works in advance and will be given 48 hours’ notice of any planned water shut offs. Irish Water will host a public drop-in information evening, a business information meeting and a briefing for elected representatives in the coming weeks so that the community is kept fully informed about the project.

Fly-tipping in Swords

Swords Water Gets Upgrade

Irish Water has signed a contract with GMC Utilities Group to replace 5km of ageing water mains in Swords. The 30” concrete water main was laid in 1970 and will be replaced between Cooks Road and Forest Road south of Swords, along Forest Road to the junction with the Dublin Road/Main Street Swords, then along Main Street and North Street and onwards to Lissenhall, ending near the Swords north M1 motorway junction. The €9m in this project will take almost 2 years to complete. Works are expected to commence in the coming months.

Following a query by Cllr. Darragh Butler, the County Council hads confirmed that it is monitoring Balheary and Ennis Lane, Swords, in relation to illegal dumping. It has been agreed that this area will be assessed for suitable locations for covert CCTV in 2018. Where suitable evidence is found, litter fines will be issued and if required prosecutions sought.

Christmas Parking

The County Council has confirmed to Cllr. Darragh Butler that it intends to offer free car parking in Swords in the run up to Christmas. A statement said: “In previous years the free car parking at both Pay and Display locations, and at the Council cark parks in Swords has been very well received. It is intended to offer this facility

again this year, and discussions are currently underway as to the exact dates/times/locations which will be offered.

Donabate Housing Limits

Following a query by Cllr. Adrian Henchy (FF) the County Council has confirmed the upper limit of housing units that can be both built and occupied within both the current local area plan zoned lands and all other residential zonings within Donabate Portane that can be occupied before the proposed Donabate Distributor Road becomes fully operational. Figures from the Council show that 1,000 units can be provided at Turvey, Rahillion, Corballis East & West, Spires East & Ballymastone. In the region of 750 units can be built on lands at Corballis West, Corballis East and Spires East, and prior to any units being sold and occupied on these lands, the Distributor Road linking the Hearse Road to the Balcarrick Road must be operational. The final phased delivery of housing and infrastructure relates to c.2,000 on lands at Corballis East and Ballymastone. Construction cannot begin on these units until the full Distributor Road linking the Hearse Road to the Portrane Road is operational.

Bedsit at the Castle

Fingal County Council will be opening the doors of Swords Castle every evening from December 4th - 9th to present a week-long performance of the original play “My Bedsit Window” in the beautifully-restored Chapel Venue. Written and performed by Swords’ Playwright David Gilna and Directed by Glenn Gannon, “My Bedsit Window” is a black comedy, chronicling David’s journey as a young actor/writer, William Blake, looking for that lucky break in Theatre and the highs and lows he encountered as he moved from 6

SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Dublin to London and Hollywood. First performed in Dublin in 2014, “My Bedsit Window” returns to the stage by popular demand having received huge critical acclaim for David’s performance as William Blake, and a story bursting with energy and laughter through his very funny and deft use of language. Doors open 7.30pm. Ticket are €15 with €2 off for Senior Citizens, Students and unemployed (available on-line @ eventbrite.ie or e-mail: mybedsitwindow@gmail.com To reserve seats and pay on the evening - call or text: 086-074-9111

Local News

Mayor honours Lions Clubs

Lions Club District Governor Teresa Dineen, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley and President of the Swords District Lions Club, Seán Quigley with representatives of the six Fingal Lions Clubs and Fingal County Councillors in Fingal County Council Town Hall in Swords.

Over 200 community activists representing more than 140 community groups across Fingal attended the Fingal Public Participation Network (PPN) Plenary in the Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords on recently. There were community representatives present from Garristown, Ongar, Howth and Balbriggan, among others. A wide range of groups were involved, including those with a focus on Arts, Culture, Environment, Festivals, Sports, Residents, Radio, Youth, Health and more. As well as discussing key community issues, a Community Supports Showcase consisting of fourteen exhibits took place. Local service providers in attendance were the Fingal Leader Partnership and Blanchardstown Area Partnership who were joined by voluntary support organisations such as Charity Regulator, The Wheel. Representatives for community organisations present highlighted the services they provide locally which include funding, training, advice and advocacy. Fingal PPN Secretariat member John Melvin said: “Fingal PPN is growing from strength to strength and is now in its third year of operation. The PPN belongs to the community and is run by the community. Our community membership is growing all the time with the profile and influence of the PPN increasing year upon year.” Maria Tormey, also a Fingal PPN Secretariat member commented: “This is a really exciting time to be active in the community of Fingal. We are currently working on a new 2018 to 2020 Strategic Plan which will help us map our direction going forward and best serve our membership.” Fingal Public Participation Network is a network of more than 500 community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental organisations in the Fingal County area. The Fingal PPN plays an important role in representing communities in local decision making and policy making structures. Fingal PPN also provides training, networking opportunities and funding information to members. Get in touch at ppn@fingal.ie or find out more on www.fingalppn.ie. Fingal PPN is co-funded by Fingal County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

New Year’s Eve INTIMATE DINING IN THE BRACKEN GRILL RESTAURANT New Year’s Eve brims with the decadent glamour and excitement that surrounds the last night of the year, drawing to a close with the champagne flowing in Jack Doyle’s Bar with DJ Entertainment. The chic surrounding of the Bracken Grill restaurant is the perfect venue in which to enjoy the finest local cuisine and enchanting atmosphere this New Year’s.

Seasonal Punch on arrival from 7pm Festive Five Course Gourmet Menu Live Light Accoustic Music Champagne at Midnight €40 per person

Bridge St., Balbriggan, Co. Dublin T: (01) 841 3333 W: www.brackencourt.ie

SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Local News

Fingal adopts progressive budget of €227m

Fingal County Council has adopted a budget for 2018 which will see an increased investment of €11.3m from last year to ensure the Council keeps pace with the increased demands of a county that has the fastest growing and youngest population in Ireland. The €227m budget specially targets investment in five key areas of the Council’s overall strategy which will ultimately benefit all citizens of Fingal. These are Housing and Homelessness, Economic Development, Services to Citizens, Building Communities and Growing Tourism. Expenditure on housing and homelessness rises by almost 11 per cent to €61m while the Council’s road works programme will increase by nine per cent to almost €26m. Spending on Economic Development and Tourism will also be up by nine per cent to €21m and there is a five per cent increase in community investment. The 2018 Budget represents a spend of €767.25 for every one of the county’s 296,214 residents. The County Council estimates that for every €1 it spends an additional €1.72 is spent downstream in the economy - potentially bringing an economic boost of up to €0.5 billion. The employment impact is also substantial and 8

SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

for every position directly employed within the council, an additional three jobs are supported as a result. This means that the total employment contribution from Budget 2018 is over 4,000 jobs. Councillors opted to reduce the basic rate of Local Property Tax (LPT) by 10 per cent, yielding an extra €1.9m in discretionary income, and this has been ring-fenced for spending in key areas, This will see an additional €730,000 being invested in library services, community events and facilities and the arts programme and €500,000 being used to fund the Council’s initiatives to tackle homelessness. A further €113,000 will be spent on the Council’s housing stock, €250,000 will be invested in parks, open spaces and playgrounds with €200,000 going towards additional street lighting and road maintenance. The remaining €116,000 will be spent on tourism promotion and funding for events throughout the county. For the first time since 2009, Councillors voted to increase Commercial Rates by two per cent. This is the first increase in rates in Fingal since 2009 and follows a number of rate decreases in the early part of this decade. Fingal, which has the highest compliance of rate payment in Ireland

at 95.63% for 2016, also retains the distinction of having the lowest rate among the four Dublin Local Authorities. There will be an additional €650,000 spent on public lighting, traffic, footpaths and bridge maintenance and a similar amount will be used to fund remedial and refurbishment works on community centres throughout the County. A further €650,000 will used to provide funds for capital works on the Council’s housing stock including heating system upgrades and the replacement of items such as doors and windows. A further €250,000 will go towards economic development promotion and improvement works at the Dublin Enterprise Zone, while €270,000 is to be spent on refurbishing bottle banks throughout Fingal and improvement works at the Council’s two recycling centres in Coolmine and Swords. Within the 2018 Budget, a total of €61.1m will be spent on Housing and Building with €42.7m budgeted for Environment and €42.5m for Recreation and Amenity. Road Transportation & Safety will receive €25.8m and Water Services €20.7m while €21.1m has been set aside for Development Incentives and Controls. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local Sports

Griffith College Swords Thunder

Over the past two weekends Alsaa Sports Complex Dublin Airport has hosted Kieran Dotherty and the Tralee Warriors and UCD Marian to play Griffith College Swords Thunder. Thunder defeated both teams in two very exciting games gaining top spot in the Irish Superleague.

Available for society, corporate, casual and charity events

CASINO NIGHT

We are running a casino night on 8th December which will consist of a great nights entertainment and festive spirit along with a superb 4 course Christmas menu. There will be a cocktail reception on arrival followed by the above. We are doing a Christmas lunch from €19.95 daily and our new bar menu is available from 12pm to 10pm daily.

LATE BAR & DJ

NEW YEARS EVE

Why not ring in the new year in style with a prosecco reception followed by a sumptuous 6 course meal in Mc Loughlin’s Restaurant and music afterwards in O Callaghan’s bar .

Tickets only €60.00 pp

For Bookings call 01 8433118 or email events@roganstown.com

Fingallians club notes Adult Camogie: The Fingallians

Camogie section will register an adult team for the 2018 season. If interested please drop an email to camogiefingllians@gmail.com for more information or come down to a training session on Tuesday nights at 8pm.

2018 Membership: A new

2108 Committee: Tony

Gordon, Chairman: Brendan McGrath, Vice Chairman: John McGee, Secretary: Aidan Scully, Treasurer: Cáit NíCheallaigh, Ass. Secretary: Feargal O’Hanrahan, Ass. Treasurer: Derry Murphy, Adults Games Chairman: Paul Carney, Juvenile Games Chairman: Nicola Fitzgerald, Ladies Games Chairperson and Paul Gormley, PRO.

facility has been created on the clubs SmartCard system that allows you to start putting money aside for 2018 membership. If you wish to build up a fund, you can ask the bar staff to top up the ‘Membership Purse’ on your card. The money placed on the ‘Membership Purse’ cannot be used for Bar purchases but only against membership in Jan 2018. If you need any more details, please talk to Feidhlim or one of the committee members.

Winter Bar Hours: Monday

- Wednesday 6-11pm; Thursday 6-11.30pm; Friday 6-12am; Saturday 3pm-12.30am and Sunday

1pm-11pm. (the Winter Timetable will run March ’18). Children must be off the premises by 9pm.

Christmas Parties: On Saturday 9th December, the academy party for U4 – U7 will take place from 10am – 12pm. The U8 – U11 will follow from 1 – 3pm in the main hall.

IRISH GROUP: Meets each Wednesday at 9pm in the club bar and it is suitable for all levels. Great free service open to everyone. Further info from Liam-086 381442. Tagann ár nGrúpa Comhrá le chéile gach oíche Céadaoin sa bhéar ag a 9. Oiriúnach do chách. Saor in aisce. Tuilleadh eolas ó Liam-086 3814422 Bloodbank - Diary Date: The mobile blood bank will be in the club on Saturday 23rd December.

Times to follow.

Bloodbank: We are constantly

looking for volunteers to help with the running of our Tuesday night bingo. If interested in helping please make contact.

Ladies U14 Team: Following a very successful year with the Dublin Ladies Football U13 Development Panel, Shay O’Reilly & Sandra O’Brien have been ratified as part of the management team for the 2018 Dublin team. Ladies Minor Team: Pauline Dempsey has also been ratified as FLO (Female Liaison Officer) for the 2018 Dublin Ladies Football Minor Intercounty team working alongside Bobby McNulty & Greg McGonigle. This follows her excellent work as FLO for this year’s Dublin Ladies Football U17 Development Panel. SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Crossword & Sudoku

Across

Down

1. Australian marsupial. (6) 5. Saintly home for Napoleon. (6) 10. Huge mass of slowly moving ice. (7) 11. Spoiled, corrupted. (7) 12. The act of going out. (4) 13. Package of bound hay. (5) 15. Mark left after a wound. (4) 17. An ineffective explosive round. (3) 19. People who contribute. (6) 21. Escaped from pursuit. (6) 22. A small Hawaiian four-stringed guitar. (7) 23. Highly seasoned fatty sausage of pork and beef usually dried. (6) 25. A shelter for a dog. (6) 28. The outward flow of the tide. (3) 30. Not the slightest amount, Greek letter. (4) 31. An appliance that removes moisture. (5) 32. Advanced in years. (4) 35. A popular cocktail. (7) 36. Indecent, repugnant to morality. (7) 37. Be agreeable. (6) 38. Not the sheriff but the next in line. (6)

2. Enthusiastic and prolonged applause. (7) 3. A brief departure from the normal. (4) 4. Sewing essential. (6) 5. Intense animosity or hostility. (6) 6. The region of the hips, groin and lower abdomen. (4) 7. Observed, perceived. (7) 8. Consented. (6) 9. Worshipped, loved greatly. (6) 14. A song to put a child to sleep. (7) 16. Small piece of bread or cake. (5) 18. Natural state of rest for the mind and body. (5) 20. Glide over snow for recreation or sport. (3) 21. A large deer, a moose. (3) 23. A mark of shame or discredit. (6) 24. An indirect and creative approach to a problem. (7) 26. Lack of attention and due care. (7) 27. Portable up and down structure. (6) 28. The stoat during winter, when its coat becomes white. (6) 29. On the far side of, past. (6) 33. Capital of Latvia. (4) 34. Used on an invitation to request a response. (4)

CROSWORD ANSWERS

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Across: 1. Wombat, 5. Helena, 10. Glacier, 11. Tainted, 12. Exit, 13. Bales, 15. Scar, 17. Dud, 19. Donors, 21. Eluded, 22. Ukulele, 23. Salami, 25. Kennel, 28. Ebb, 30. Iota, 31. Dryer, 32. Aged, 35. Martini, 36. Obscene, 37. Please, 38. Deputy. Down: 2. Ovation, 3. Blip, 4. Thread, 5. Hatred, 6. Loin, 7. Noticed, 8. Agreed, 9. Adored, 14. Lullaby, 16. Crumb, 18. Sleep, 20. Ski, 21. Elk, 23. Stigma, 24. Lateral, 26. Neglect, 27. Ladder, 28. Ermine, 29. Beyond, 33. Riga, 34. RSVP. 10

SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Healt

Home Cook Recipes

Dark Chocolate OrangeTruffles Method

Ingredients (Makes 20 truffles)

• 30 dates • Juice of 1 orange • 50mls Flaxseed/pumpkin seed oil (High in Omega 3’s!!).Could use coconut oil either. • 60g cocoa • 3 teaspoons ground cloves • 140g Ovaltine chocolate drink powder (fortified with vitamins and minerals)

1. Soak the dates overnight in the orange juice. Then blitz the dates and orange juice together with a blender/food processor. Place in a mixing bowl when the mixture turns into a sticky paste. 2. Add the oil and mix. 3. Add the rest of the ingredients. And mix mix mix!!! 4. Pile the mixture upwards in a container (so that it has quite a lot of depth) and place in the freezer for 1 hour. 5. Remove from the freezer and using a melon ball cutter scoop out round spheres from the mixture. 5. Roll the small spheres using the tips of your fingers only to make defined round balls. 6. Roll the balls in desiccated coconut or cocoa powder for decoration. Enjoy the festivities and keep active this season. But remember the presence of people is a lot more magical than their presents. It’s not what is under the tree that matters but the people who are gathered around it. Until 2018 Merry Christmas to all. See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for fun ideas to do over the Christmas holidays and to kick off the New Year with a healthy Biabites BOOM: Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

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