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Dress to impress on your Valentine’s date (See Pages 10-11)

Rugby Club rejuvenated (See Page 15)

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Inside This Months Issue Swords Rugby Club

What to wear on Valentine’s date

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STRICT DEADLINE FOR MARCH EDITION: 15th February for inclusion in our March edition.

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Valentines 2018 Romance by the Sea

Treat that someone special in your life this Valentines to an overnight stay and a romantic dinner by the sea. Your special day will start with prosecco on arrival and the loved up couple will be allocated one of our seafront rooms that will be specially decorated with rose petals on the bed. The couple will also enjoy romantic meal with a delicious 5 course candlelit dinner in our restaurant. The sea is right on our doorstep for you to take a romantic walk on the beach.

Valentines Overnight Stay Offer 1 night Bed & Breakfast Prosecco on Arrival, 5 course dinner with bottle of wine Standard seafront room Late check out 1pm Rose petals decoration Any day of the week @ €130 *Subject to Availability

Valentines Dinner Offer 5 Course Dinner + Bottle of Wine for €69.00 for two

Valentines & Tower Bar & Bistro Special Valentines Cocktail and Candlelit setting and romantic music to set up the mood on Valentines weekend *All offers available from the 9th of February until the 18th of February * Booking Required

To book please visit www.watersidehousehotel.ie Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Local News

€435,000 more for Fingal Action Group It has been revealed that €435,000 was approved to fund a diverse range of projects across enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment by the Dublin Rural Local Action Group (LAG) in 2017. Led by the Fingal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) the LAG was established to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme for the period 2016-2021. The €435,000 comes from a fund of €4.83 million. Grants ranging from €3,000 to €200,000 were given to 17 projects. Examples include a feasibility study for Ardgillan Castle under the Economic Development theme as well as expansion of Paws Café, under the Social Inclusion theme. Significant projects include approval of funding of €200,000 awarded for the relocation and fit out of the Remember Us Special Needs Centre. The LCDC led Dublin Rural Local Action Group, appointed Fingal Leader Partnership (FLP) at the end of 2016 as the on-the-groundimplementing partner, FLP have made significant progress assisting potential project promotors to develop applications for approvals by the LCDC led LAG. Approvals began in June 2017 and are projected to rise significantly in 2018 to approximately €1.5million. The Dublin Rural Area has a population of over 66,000 people of which Fingal makes up approximately 70 per cent of the eligible local areas. Commenting on the funding, Fingal County Council Chief Executive, Mr Paul Reid, said: “From a Fingal perspective, it is very much welcome, especially considering the size and importance of the agricultural sector in the county.” Dr Pat O’Connor, Chair of the LCDC led Dublin Rural Local Action Group, commented “LAG members have accomplished a great deal in 2017 from establishing the governing structure to beginning the process of approvals. This year is set to be more significant again with the volume and value of approvals set to triple.” Chris O’Malley CEO of Fingal Leader Partnership commented, “Our

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Pat O’Connor, Chris Harmon and Paul Reid

Rural Development Team has been working hard to make community groups and small businesses aware of what the programme offers and to assist them in ensuring their proposals meet all of the rules of the programme.” Mayor of Fingal, Mary McCamley said: “With so many of our residents living and working in rural parts of the county, this funding will be extremely valuable to the development of tourism, enterprise and infrastructure in the area. I look forward to seeing the benefits of this investment across Fingal in the coming years.”

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Local News

Adam reaches half century Adam Butler started doing the Rush junior parkrun in July 2016 and achieved the 50 mark on the 31st December. Junior park runs are held on Sunday mornings at 9.30am and are for juniors aged from 4 to 14 years. We are very lucky in Fingal to have excellent Junior park runs in Rush, Balbriggan and a new one that started in Holywell (Swords) just before Christmas. Park runs are a social event as well as a great way to keep fit. All are welcome, every Saturday morning at 9.30am. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs all around the world and in north County Dublin we are lucky to have River Valley (Swords), Newbridge House (Donabate), Malahide Castle and Ardgillan Castle. They are free, open to everyone and are safe and easy to take part in. Runners, walkers and volunteers are welcome to join the parkrun family. Register for free, print out your bar-code and you are good to go! Adam has completed all 3 on his quest to get to 50 and I would strongly recommend junior parkruns to all. As hard as it can be to get up some Sunday mornings, it is really great to see young children out with their families, running or walking the two kilometres, it really is fantastic and a great start hopefully to a lifetime of keeping fit and taking exercise for many young children.

Council ahead of target by 63% Fingal County Council is ahead of its target for the 2015-2020 period of the Rebuilding Ireland programme by 63 per cent. The Council has delivered 2,241 social housing homes over the past three years having been set a delivery output target of 1,376 by central government for the first phase of the housing strategy. The homes were delivered through construction, acquisitions, leasing and renting and the figure of 2,241 does not include homes approved for delivery. The three year delivery figure represents an investment of €151m,

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

which is 86 per cent greater than the Council’s initial allocation of €81m from central government. Fingal County Council has been given a target of providing 5,084 social housing homes in the six years to 2020 and tonight’s meeting was told that delivery mechanisms such as the Rent Assistance Scheme (RAS) and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) can no longer be used towards meeting the final target. That means that the Council will have to supply the remaining 2,833 homes from its construction, acquisition and leasing programmes. The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley, said: “The provision of housing is the biggest challenge currently facing the Council and I am delighted we are ahead of our target under the

Rebuilding Ireland programme. The final target can be achieved if everybody works together to not only provide new homes but also the infrastructure that will allow communities to grow and prosper.” The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, said: “I would like to pay tribute to our Director of Housing and Community and her team for the excellent job they have done over the past three years in delivering over 2,200 social housing homes across the Fingal as well as dealing with an increasing numbers of presentations. Other departments are also involved and they have all made significant contributions over the past three years.”

Local News

Minister Moran addresses coastal erosion Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Mr Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, visited Portrane to meet with local residents concerned about coastal erosion and flooding in their area on Friday January 26. The Minister and senior officials from the OPW met with Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid as well as senior staff from the Council’s Planning Department. During the visit, the Minister expressed his Department’s support of the approach adopted by Fingal County Council to deal with the very difficult and complex problems of coastal erosion and flooding in the area. Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid welcomed the Minister’s visit and said: “The Fingal Coastal Liaison Group comprises Elected Councillors and Community Representatives from Fingal’s coastal areas. We have worked closely with them to devise a targeted plan to address coastal

flooding concerns around Portrane and Rush. I’m delighted to meet Minister Moran here today and welcome his support.” While visiting Portrane, Minister Moran met with residents including members of the Fingal Coastal Liaison Group as well as several local representatives. Raymond Brett of the Liaison Group explained the concerns of the residents particularly around the issue of erosion and emphasised the urgent need for coherent national policies and initiatives to assist the Council and other agencies to deal with coastal erosion. Welcoming the Minister’s visit, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley said: “The Minister’s visit is significant as it helps to raise awareness of the problems caused by coastal erosion. It also assists Fingal County Council and the Liaison Group in their efforts to adopt a policy to resolve the issue and I look forward to seeing the progress that will be made.”

How to avoid a potential tax liability for unmarried couples Considering that the 2016 Census showed that there are over 152,000 cohabiting, unmarried couples in Ireland, it’s worth making sure that any cover is set up correctly to avoid potentially large tax liabilities. Let’s take “John” & “Mary” who live together but are not married. If they have a life policy that covers both of them for €300,000, in the event of a claim, depending on how the premiums were paid, there could be a sizeable tax liability. If John passes away and the premiums were paid from a joint account that both contributed to, then Mary is deemed to have inherited 50% of the proceeds (€150,000). Not being married, she is only entitled to the “Stranger’s” tax-free threshold of €16,250, so she is liable to pay tax on the balance (€133,750 x 33% = €44,137.50 tax bill!) If John paid the premiums, Mary is deemed to have inherited all of the proceeds, leaving her with a tax bill of €93,637.50. If Mary paid all of the premiums herself, then there is no tax liability. It is important that couples in this situation set up their cover accordingly, by doing 2 x “life of another” plans. This way, each pays for the cover on their partner and then there would not be a tax liability in the event of a claim. This can often be done at no more cost than they pay for a joint plan. Taking a few minutes to review what you have in place for something as important as this can make a huge difference. If you have friends or family that this may apply to, make a suggestion for them to read this to see if there is anything that needs adjusting. For similar information regarding joint ownership of a house, read the “Unfair tax treatment of Cohabiting Couples” blog on www. financialcompanion.ie Dave Kavanagh QFA from Financialcompanion.ie has been a Financial Advisor for over 20 years (and a Gym Instructor/Nutrition Advisor before that!) He has done advice slots on on RTE 2FM and on TV3 and does the “Ask the Expert” Financial Advice section on Mumstown.ie.

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Local News

Rented accommodation failing tenants On Thursday, 14th December, 2017 Councillor Paul Mulville attended the Fingal County Council Meeting of Balbriggan/Swords Area Committee and asked the Chief Executive to provide details of the number of inspections of private rental properties that have been carried out in the Balbriggan/Swords Area in each of the past five years; the number and percentage of properties that were inspected each year of the overall private rental market in the Balbriggan/Swords Area and the number and percentage of properties that were inspected each year that

failed to meet minimum rental standards?

In reply the Executive gave out the following figures which show that

with over double the amount of rented properties inspected since 2013,

this year the amount of properties that failed to come up to standard is up by 9%. This also shows that there are over twice as many privately rented properties in the area this year as opposed to 2013.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

No of Inspections

112

121

119

131

206

% of rented properties

2.8

3.025

2.975

3.275

5.15

No. failed to meet standard

111

% failing to meet standards

54%

51%

54%

52%

63%

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SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

St Valentine’s relics are in Dublin

Lena Vemealone

Hidden away in a beautiful church with a drab, grey exterior in the heart of Dublin are the remains of Valentinus, (St Valentine) patron saint of love. As you pass through the main entrance of the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church, on the right hand side lies The Shrine to St Valentine. The statue above the casket, of St. Valentine dressed in red, was carved in the 1960s by Dublin sculptor Irene Broe (1923 - 1992), who also carved the statue of St. Clare in the Church of St. Adam and Eve, Dublin. In the mid 19th century, Irish Carmelite Father John Spratt was gaining much admiration in the Church for his work among the poor and less fortunate people of Dublin. Between December 1835 and April 1836, Fr. Pratt visited Rome, for both health and business reasons. During his stay he was invited to preach in the principal church of the Jesuits, as a guest of Cardinal Weld. Weld was Pope Gregory XVI’s adviser on affairs in Ireland and England. The Pope was so taken with Fr. Pratt’s oration that he sent him a token of his esteem -- the remains of Saint Valentine. On the morning of November 10, 1836, the remains arrived in Dublin in a container for relics, known as a reliquary. They were received at Whitefriar street by Archbishop Murray of Dublin, who said a special High Mass, at which Fr. Spratt preached. The reliquary came with a letter from the Pope, outlining its contents. The outer casket, which has only been opened a few times, houses a container. Inside the container is a small wooden box, covered in painted paper, tied with a red silk ribbon and sealed with wax seals. This box has never been opened. According to the papal letter that came with the reliquary, the inner box contains: ... “the blessed body of St Valentine, martyr, which we ourselves by the command of the most Holy Father Pope Gregory XVI on the 27th day of December 1835, have taken out of the cemetery of St Hippolytus in the Tibur tine Way, together with a small vessel tinged with his blood”. “The blessed body” is believed to refer to the remains -- presumably some bones -- of St Valentine. On Valentine’s Day each year, the reliquary is placed on the main altar for a special mass. However, this is also the busiest day of the year to visit the church. Please be respectful. If you notice that mass is ongoing, and you don’t want to partake, wait until it is finished before visiting the relic. Mass usually lasts an hour or so. SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

By Fashion Editor - Carina Cunningham

Dress to impress on your Valentine’s date As we approach Valentine’s Day this 14th of February 2018, how does it make you feel? If you’re not a fashion addict like myself, that’s okay. Maybe you have your own style. It certainly doesn’t have to be magazine current trends. You match your look to suit your personality. And inner happiness really is the answer. There are no rules. You are individual. And cool to quirky is all okay!

The Girls. For the girls, what we all love is any reason to glam up; get the hair done, makeup, lippy (as in lipstick, not liposuction... although if that was on offer I would be the first in the queue), shellac nails, stockings, stilettos, over the knee boots.. the lot! Looking good really does make you feel good. And if you feel bad about your image, don’t despair please. Very little changes, one by one, really help with self- confidence building. I will be working and helping you all in the future as Fashion Editor to look and feel happy, when you just follow my monthly articles. For some inspiration, this month’s fashion shoot is all about love. We have the runner up of Top Model Ireland, Oana Covasa who is wearing the most stunning Audrey Hepburn black lace dress with red underskirt. Truly romantic, with a vintage twist. Colours are so important, as this is the one day of the year that you really can impress your lover/ partner and look like a vogue model. Our photoshoot is here to inspire you all to get into action. It’s been a long cold winter, but spring is on the way. Dress up! Get rid of the chunky jumper, and fleecy tracksuits that we have all been hibernating in. And bag them or bin them or donate to your favourite charity ASAP. Every January, I try to reinvent my look, following the festive season, as I look forward to a New Year, you should too.

The Guys. Somehow I feel the balance for the guys is a little bit unfair. It’s so quick and instant for the boys. You’re talking the slick hair, the trendy treads, the facial grooming and now luckily ladies 10

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

some guys do body grooming! A bit of deodorant and aftershave and they are finished. Gents please don’t be upstaged by your supermodel girlfriend. Guys come on and put a bit of thought on

coordinating your appearance! You also need to dress to impress. Your lady or your partner will really appreciate this effort however small or big that is. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

The Date So where are you going on your Valentine’s date? Here are some ideas for your romantic evening. Eating out romantically is always a winner and there are some fantastic restaurants in the Fingal area. So, book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment as demand will be great. A good music gig in any of the great local venues puts anyone in a happy mood and is a very acceptable and fun way to get close to your lover/partner. The movies is still a great date, once the film is agreed upon before. Or simply stay at home. A romantic homemade meal and Netflix and chill! Alternatively, you can cuddle up and listen to the music you used to listen to when you first met. Music is such an inexpensive way to change your moods, no doubt it can change you instantly just after listening to a few songs.

The Gifts Of course gifts for Valentine’s Day can range from as little as a red rose, to jewellery, perfume, champagne, chocolate and flowers. Oh and do not forget the cards! For the guys it’s nice to get them something funny or interesting. A photo on a mug, underwear, tickets to a gig or sports event, or for the dreaded golf addicts- a lesson or two. However, if you are minted, sure guys always love sport cars! Gifts are not really essential, but they do help to set the scene however you in close contact is. Hugs, kisses and holding hands are worth more than anything money can buy. If you have lost a little of that, due to demands of your hectic lifestyles, try to reap that back again this Valentine’s Day. Make a change, change is good. Try it, you might just even like yourself more for it. Oh and have a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day!

Credits: Styling: Carina Cunningham Photography: Taz Smith Photography Makeup: by Momi Kay Female runner up Top Model Ireland: Oana Covasa Dress: from ‘Coco Belle’, Donabate, Town Centre 0876600268 Male model winner Top Model Ireland: Sebastian Pawlik Jacket and jeans: from ‘Sensational Clothing’ (unisex shop) unit 10, Swords, town centre 0870613590 Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Style Warriors show for Cancer Charity

By Fashion Editor - Carina Cunningham Hi readers. I would like to introduce myself to you all. My name is Carina Cunningham and I am the new Fashion Editor of Community Locals Magazines. In the time ahead, I hope to bring you something interesting to look at and read each month. I am teaming up with well know photographer Taz Smith and wonderful make up artist Momi Kay to get the perfect shots for your enjoyment. I style and co-ordinate shoots, pick a theme, location, and models then make it all happen with the team assisting me. I design my own clothing vintage gothic burlesque style. However, the articles I will feature here will be clothing from local shops and boutiques. I also produce my own fashion show -Style Warriors Fashion and Entertainment Show. This has proved a great success with two very successful shows already and I am currently working in my third. I produce the shows to raise funds for different charities and this year’s show will take place on Saturday 6th October in Wrights Venue, thanks to owner Michael Wright. This year’s charity of choice to benefit from the show is NECRET (North East Cancer Research and Education Trust). So I will be looking for young girls and guys who would like to try out

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Rebecca Tallon De Havilland

modelling and I will have two casting dates to be confirmed at a later date. Mr Ray Quinn Owner of Bathstore and More Metro Point BusIness Park has kindly sponsored my last two shows and once again is our main sponsor. However, I will also be looking for local businesses to sponsor

Noel Cunningham

some of the production costs. Any young aspiring sponsors or models can contact me on Facebook. Contact me at carinacunningham@gmail.com. NECRET are delighted with the opportunity to fundraise and said, “We in NECRET would like to thank Carina Cunningham for kindly offering to run this show as a fundraising event for our cause. Thanks you also to the show’s co-hosts Noel Cunningham and Rebecca Tallon De Havilland who along with photographer Taz Smith have offered their services without charge. And finally a Message from Noel Cunningham:.. “ I am so excited to be part of Style Warriors … What to wear! A huge amount of work goes into this massive amazing production spearheaded by the wonderful Carina Cunningham … and several most gifted talented individuals. I am also delighted that cancer … a cause close to me heart will benefit through NECRET .. a greatorganisation doing fabulous work. Roll on October … now I must call Claire Garvey ..because the style will be amazing and I need to be noticed !! That’s it for now. Next month I will be adding to this information as the show progresses. in the meantime thanks for your time. Carina Cunningham –Cherie Styling Studio. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Valentines Day in the USA

Most people agree that North Americans tend to do things bigger and better than other countries and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Here are some facts that will really astound you. Just over half of Americans -- 54 percent -- are expected to celebrate the holiday this year. Total spending for the holiday in the USA is expected to top $18.2 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s an average of $136.57 per person. Jewellery is the most popular Valentine’s Day gift in the US: 20 percent of consumers are

expected to buy jewellery, spending a total of $4.3 billion. Lovers are also expected to spend $2 billion on flowers. The most popular Valentine’s Day flowers are, naturally, roses; 250 million roses are produced for the holiday, according to the Society of American Florists. However, Valentines Day cards are still a very popular form of showing your love if you’re an American and couples will exchange 190 million greeting cards during Valentine’s Day, spending $1 billion on cards, according to the Greeting

Card Association. 6 million -- The number of people who expect or are planning a marriage proposal $4.52 -- The average amount pet owners spent on their pets on Valentine’s Day in 2012. Add to those these percentages of the overall population of the USA. 40.7% -- The percentage of people who will use their Smartphone to purchase Valentine’s gifts. 29% -- The percentage of people who will type a romantic text message.

Valentines Day Poems Roses are red, Violets are blue Sugar is sweet, and so are you! Happy Valentine’s day xx --My love is like a cabbage Divided into two The leaves I give to others but The heart I give to you Happy Valentine’s Day xx --If apples were pears and peaches were plums And the rose had a different name If tigers were bears and fingers were thumbs

I’d love you just the same. Happy Valentine’s Day xx --Love Hearts and Candy Can never be as sweet as my love for you Happy Valentine’s day xx --Loved you yesterday, love you still, Always did and always will Happy Valentine’s day xx --Daisies are Yellow Violets are blue

Cookies are sweet And so are you Happy Valentine’s Day xx --You’re the sun in my morning, the moon in my night And everything about you feels just right You’re the reason I hurry home at the end of the day A love that is strong and always true And I will forever and always love you

Happy Valentine’s day xx Your kiss makes me linger, Your smile makes me sing I love you forever Whatever life brings Happy Valentine’s day xx --You’re the stars in the sky And the reason the cow jumped over the moon When you are near I smile and I coo That is why I truly love you Happy Valentine’s Day xx

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Local News

Eight Fingal Initiatives shortlisted in 2018 All Ireland Community and Council Awards

Eight Fingal County Council community Initiatives have been shortlisted across six different categories in the 2018 All Ireland Community and Council Awards, presented by IPB Insurance and LAMA. This is the 12th year of the Community and Council Awards which highlights and recognises projects that are the joint effort of councils and community groups.

Congratulating the finalists, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid said: “I am delighted to see so many well-deserving projects being recognised in this year’s awards ceremony. Great credit is due to our teams across the Council and also with the many groups we work closely with throughout Fingal who contribute hugely to our county’s economic, social and cultural well-being.” Dublin Enterprise Zone has been shortlisted in the category for Best Local Authority for attracting Foreign Direct Investment. In the Best Business Working with the Community Category, BEAT Enterprise Centre in Balbriggan was shortlisted alongside the DonabatePortrane Community and Leisure Centre, which was also shortlisted in the Best Community Sports Club category. Welcoming the news, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley said: “I am extremely proud of all of the community groups who have been recognised in this year’s shortlist. I’m delighted to see such a variety of projects recognised as it reflects the diversity of initiatives and resources being implemented in Fingal. They are a great example of the talent, ambition, determination and creativity that can be found among citizens of our county.” Also shortlisted was Active Age for All in the category for Best Community Based Initiative. Bremore Castle Big Dig and Malahide Castle and Garden were shortlisted in the Best Heritage Project. Space Invaders is an Arts festival for children and took place in Farmleigh, Phoenix Park and is listed alongside the Bleeding Pig Festival in the Best Arts/Culture Initiative Category.

New mobile libraries for Fingal Fingal Libraries launch new Mobile Library Vans at Blanchardstown Library Fingal County Council’s Library Department launched three new Mobile Library Vans on Tuesday, January 23 outside Blanchardstown Library.The new vans replace three older mobile libraries, which have clocked up on average 17 years and many thousands of miles on the road. The Mobile Library Vans costing one million euros are a valuable service to those in rural areas, schools, crèches and residents with limited access to public transport. They also play an important role in developing new neighbourhoods and communities. The vans were designed by Nu-Track, a Northern Irish company who make wheelchair accessible vehicles. Each van also has on-board Wi-Fi and visitor seating available for library users who need access to the internet on their phone or tablet. Fingal County Council Chief Executive, Paul Reid. Welcoming the launch of the vans, said: “We have an extremely dedicated and pro-active team at our Library Department. As well as being a source of information and books, libraries offer a space for communities to spend time together and connect in a relaxed and peaceful environment. The Mobile Library Vans bring this service to residents who may be more isolated or do not 14

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

have immediate access to books.’ Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley was also present at the launch and said: “I am delighted to see so many people coming to experience the new vans here today. Since 1994, the mobile library vans have been an asset for Fingal County Council to ensure all residents have access to

the reading and information materials that are available at local branches. The launch of these vans represents the continued effort of Fingal County Council in offering convenient and interactive services to our residents.” The new Mobile Libraries visit each stop on a weekly basis and began service in December 2017. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Local Sports

Swords Rugby Football Club After a few turbulent years in the club after the loss of a majority of players to emigration and retirement Swords are back being a formidable force in North Leinster. The club has seen its ranks swell over the last 3 seasons with the club back actively developing a second’s team to compliment the first fifteen. It’sgreat to see the team back to strength when we were struggling to field 15 players 3 seasons ago. Swords are currently sitting 3rd in the Leinster Leaguedivision 3 and are aiming for promotion along with silverware in the McGee and Towns Cups. We have people joining the club from all over the country and beyond from all walks of life and skill levels. Swords RFC is an all-inclusive club and will happily welcome new players down every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm in ALSAA sports grounds. This season was also a historic one for the club as we launched our first Senior Women’s Team. It’s great to be able to open the sport up to everyone and with the great work the IRFU and Leinster are doing to get more women into the game we can see the team going from strength to strength. Swords Women’sTeam train every Tuesday and Thursday in ALSAA from 7pm.

They are activelyrecruiting players and welcome players of all skill and fitness levels. The team has gelled extremely well and this is evident on and off the pitch..Swords Spring Tag League is also back again this year for those who want to play the game without the contact. Tag is a great social sport and a brilliant way to keep or get fit.

Handyman Service Need Mirrors / Shelves / Curtain Poles hung? Or help with that flatpack?

Registration is now open at http://www. irishrugby.ie/tagrugby with the league running from April 4 th to May 11 th . For more information on the club, training or if you’re interested in joining you can find us on all social media @SwordsRugby.

CHILDMINDER WANTED

TV Hanging

Looking for a caring energetic person to mind my two children 4 day's a week in our home in Malahide. Aged 8 months and 4 years. The 4 year old will be in Montessori until 12 and will require pickups. Experience minding children is essential and own transport. I would really like someone who likes to be outdoors and will fill their day's with fun activities..

Call Ken Today: 086 6045956 Local Installer / Keen Rates

Position will commence full-time in March.

Call: 086 6045956 - Great Rates

Don’t want your TV falling off the wall? Have your TV hung with the proper fixture and fittings.

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Local Sports

Swords Native aims for Olympic Qualification Ali O’Keeffe, with her Sensei Dermot O’Keeffe 6th Dan JKSat the Inaugral Karate Ireland Open Championship, September 2017.

Swords Karate Club would like to congratulate Ali O’Keeffe on her debut in the World Karate Rankings for the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aries in 2018. The rankings were published recently with the Swords native coming in at 29th in the world. Ali, who trains regularly in Swords Karate Club under the watchful eye of her Father & Sensei, Dermot O’Keeffe Sensei 6th Dan JKS,

SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

has had a busy few months, most recently grading to Nidan level (i.e. second black belt), in Japan at the International Conference, under a panel of Senior Japanese instructors. She competed in the Inaugural Karate Ireland International Open Championship in September 2017, coming 1st in her category and also at the 2017 10th World Karate Federation Junior, Cadet &U21

Championships in Tenerife last October. Ali will continue her training for the next few months both in her home club and with the Karate Ireland National team with focus on being amongst the top 20 in the world who will qualify for the Youth Olympic Games in October. We wish her the very best of luck as she continues on this fantastic journey. OSS!

Local Sports

Comhghairdeas le Fingallians GAA The inaugural Joe McDonagh Foundation awards ceremony was held in Croke Park on 16th December 2017. The foundation was set up by the family of the late ‘Liam McCarthy’ winning Galway hurler and previous president of the GAA, Joe McDonagh, in conjunction with Irish language group Glór na nGael and the GAA. The gold, silver and bronze awards are presented to GAA clubs that are actively promoting and supporting An Ghaeilge within the Association. In the inaugural year there were no gold medals awarded but the Fingal area was represented by Fingallians GAA who collected a silver. Fingallians GAA have for many years been to the fore in the campaign for promotion of the Irish

Pictured is Liam Ó Culbáird (Culture Officer) collecting the medal on behalf of Fingallians GAA.

language within their membership and throughout the Fingal area.

Fingallians club notes Player of the year winners: Football: Senior – Oisin Lynch, 2nd Team – Cian O’Brady, Junior Team – Seán Ó Fionnaláin, Social Football – Paul Webster. Ladies: Senior - Emer Ní Éafa, Junior – Elisha Duffy.

Garda vetting: Thank you to all who have

completed their e-vetting applications so far. Remember as per step 1 of the process a copy of a photo Id and proof of address must be sent to the clubs CPOs (Paul@chambersengineering.ieand aoifeoreilly21@gmail.com). For those who haven’t completed their e-vetting yet please do so as soon as possible by clicking on http://gaa.flowforma. com/Lists/Forms/NewForm.aspx?FlowId=7

Awards Night: Thank you to all the members

who made the night a very successful one. Well done to Nicola Fitzgerald on winning the club person of the year for 2017.

History Project: Fingallians GAA are now in our 134th year. There is a requirement to have our history researched, compiled, recorded and potentially published. The longer it is left undocumented the more of our story will be

lost. We are appealing to our membership to see if anyone would be interested in undertaking the task. It would be a substantial undertaking involving considerable research and interviewing. It is a project that needs to be done properly and professionally. Interested parties can contact Liam Ó Culbáird- 086 3814422

Irish Group: Our Irish group started back on Wed 17th Jan at 9 in the club. Everybody is welcome. Fun and free. Further info from Liam @ 086-3814422. Dancing on Monday’s: Every Monday from 8 – 11pm in the main hall social dancing takes place. ( Jive, Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot & Line Dancing). It is €10 per night and new members are welcome to join the fun.

Lotto: The club loto is ongoing and your support would be appreciated. SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

Crossword & Sudoku

Across

Down

1. Very enthusiastic and dedicated. (4,2) 5. An old story about mythical events. (6) 10. There’s no time like it. (7) 11. The place to go for a play. (7) 12. Abruptly terminated. (4) 13. The path of the Earth around the Sun. (5) 15. An examination conducted by word of mouth. (4) 17. A large body of salt water. (3) 19. A period of instruction. (6) 21. Commonly combined with fever, canary and belly. (6) 22. Obscured by protection. (7) 23. A line that suspends the harness from the canopy of a parachute. (6) 25. Salvation Army magazine and slogan used to rally support for a cause. (3,3) 28. Be of service, help. (3) 30. Cut the herd in size to remove the sick animals. (4) 31. Place in a grave, a short exam. (5) 32. Object used on the set of a play. (4) 35. An inscription on a tombstone in memory of the person buried. (7) 36. A device that displays words for people to read. (7) 37. Expression used for shock, dismay, sympathy, etc. (2,4) 38. Large birds of prey. (6)

2. Not helpful at all. (7) 3. The natural colour of aged hair. (4) 4. Freshwater carnivorous mammals. (6) 5. Baltic Republic, capital is Riga. (6) 6. A narrow secluded valley. (4) 7. Not artificial or imitation. (7) 8. Sit or lie with one’s limbs spread out. (6) 9. Either of a pair; a mate. (6) 14. A performance to raise money for a charitable cause. (7) 16. Bring camera image into sharp detail. (5) 18. Metal piece to mark distinguished service. (5) 20. Lower and raise the head to indicate agreement. (3) 21. Wood used for archery bows. (3) 23. Information that is not to be passed on. (6) 24. He’s said to have planted the first potatoes in Ireland. (7) 26. A small rounded boat made of hides stretched over a wicker frame. (7) 27. Expression of exuberant delight or triumph. (6) 28. Ship stopper. (6) 29. A formal discussion in a public meeting. (6) 33. Ornamental mineral, often green. (4) 34. Boys night out with a male deer. (4)

CROSWORD ANSWERS

Android TV supplied and fitted

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SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Across: 1. Gung ho, 5. Legend, 10. Present, 11. Theatre, 12. Axed, 13. Orbit, 15. Oral, 17. Sea, 19. Lesson, 21. Yellow, 22. Covered, 23. Shroud, 25. War cry, 28. Aid, 30. Cull, 31. Inter, 32. Prop, 35. Epitaph, 36. Autocue, 37. Oh dear, 38. Eagles. Down: 2. Useless, 3. Grey, 4. Otters, 5. Latvia, 6. Glen, 7. Natural, 8. Sprawl, 9. Fellow, 14. Benefit, 16. Focus, 18. Medal, 20. Nod, 21. Yew, 23. Secret, 24. Raleigh, 26. Coracle, 27. Yippee, 28. Anchor, 29. Debate, 33. Jade, 34. Stag.

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Healt

Ingredients • 200g ground almonds (Could also use almonds and blitz up finely in a powerful blender/ bullet) • 30 dates soaked in 2 tablespoons water overnight • 2 eggs • 100g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) • 100g raspberries (fresh or frozen) Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

Home Cook Recipes

Method

Sweetheart Torte

What better way to show someone how much you appreciate them than by making and in this case baking for them! This delicious decadent and rich torte has a nice health twist with no refined sugar and instead gets a natural sweetness from the raspberries and dates. Dark chocolate, almonds and eggs are also nutritious ingredients and it is so simples to create so even if you say you can’t bake, give this recipe a go and you’re putting in spoonfuls more effort than if you bought one! “It doesn’t have to be a romantic partner that you make the effort for; a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend would all delight in receiving something thoughtful like this. It makes 8 slices and stores for up to 1 week in an airtight container or can be frozen so savour it! And: “Workplace Well-being week is coming up in April and having a nutrition talk/workshop is an ideal way to mark the week and learn something that can benefit you and your families health and help you to achieve a healthy work-life balance 1. Preheat oven to 180’c and line an 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or use a Tupperware mould for the oven. A heart shape mould/pan would be ideal, otherwise you can just cut the heart shape after the torte is baked. 2. Blitz up the dates in a blender/bullet. 3. Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl and add the almonds and dates. 4. Melt dark chocolate and add to the other ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix together. 5. Add the raspberries to the mixture and gently fold the mixture over itself so that the raspberries are spread throughout. 6. Pour the mixture into a pre-lined baking tray/mould and place in oven at 180’c for 25 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 160’c for another 10 minutes (total baking time in oven is 35 minutes). 7. Allow the torte to cool and cut into a heart shape using a sharp knife. The texture will be soft and moist inside and it will look quite dark due to the dark chocolate and dates. Perhaps crush and sprinkle some frozen raspberries over the top to brighten it up....after all red is the colour of love! Workplace Well-being week is coming up next month in March and having a nutrition talk/workshop is an ideal way to mark the week and learn something that can benefit you and your families health and help you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. For information on the talks and workshops that I provide, please contact me: niamh@biabites.net and follow me on Twitter/Facebook: Biabites

Happy Valentine’s Day! SWORDS LOCAL-FEBRUARY 2018