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Unite against Covid and shop locally!

Unfortunately with the recent sharp rise in corona virus cases and deaths from the disease, our Government has emphasised again that there is a very real possibility of a resurgence of Covid 19 nationally. Therefore we must continue to practise constant handwashing, using the hand sanitiser, wearing masks in public, and practising social distancing especially when shopping locally in order to keep ourselves and others safe. We need to unite further as a community and support those who have supported us over the past few months. This means shopping locally so that our local businness need not only survive but our local employment is secured. Many of us appreciate local shops and enterprises going above and beyond their remit to help all of us especially those with health problems and the elderly and now it time to give back and support those same outlets. No one wants to go back into lockdown but it is our responsibility to ensure that does not happen. We must protect ourselves, our loved ones and everyone in our community by abiding by the regulations recommended by experts. We at Local magazines really value the essence of community, and the loyalty of you, our readership, our contributors and our advertisers without whom it would not have been possible to publish the magazine online and now once again in print during this crisis. The days and months ahead will be crucial to the survival of each and every one of us. Crucial to all of us workers and business owners and the survival of those of us who have health problems and those children who have their whole lives ahead of them. In other words all of you our readership. We must not let a second phase take hold and we all must continue to grasp this new era and continue to pull together. This means supporting our local businesses, supporting our carers and HSE frontline staff and supporting each other and all in our locality who need our help. Let us all stay safe, obey the regulations and remember please shop local! The Locals Team.

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 OCTOBER EDITION: 15th September for inclusion in our October edition.

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News

New confidential Garda text service for public in Swords

Fingal County Council, in partnership with Fingal Dublin Chamber and An Garda Síochána, has launched an initiative in Swords that will allow members of the public to confidentially report incidents that might need Garda intervention.See Something, Say Something is a new public service initiative which allows members of the public in Swords to contact Gardai by texting SWORDS and the incident details to 50555. The free text message will be received by the Sergeant on duty and it will be acted upon immediately by local Gardaí.Very distinctive promotional signage highlighting the See Something, Say Something text number – including signs, posters and stickers – are now erected in several high-visibility outdoor and indoor vantage points in and around the town and the public is being encouraged to embrace the initiative and use it to tackle suspicious or illegal behaviour. Inspector John Moroney from Swords Garda Station said: “We are asking people in Swords when they See Something, to Say Something, and text SWORDS and the incident details to 50555. Rather than assuming someone else will report it, please take out your phone, describe what you see and text the details for free to 50555. This does not replace the traditional

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

method of dialling 999 in the event of an emergency but it is a very valuable, cost effective and user friendly tool to ensure Swords is a safer place for its citizens, businesses and visitors. We

designed this system with the goal of making it simple, user-friendly and effective while ensuring the confidentiality of the person making the report.”

Finance

Important financial aspects to consider when making a Will By Dave Kavanagh One of the most “put on the long finger” exercises in Ireland is making a will. A recent survey by Irish Life showed that 3 in 4 people say it’s important to have a will but 2 in 3 people in Ireland have no will. 1 in 3 people say they haven’t made a will because they “haven’t gotten around to it”!Avoid Capital Acquisition Tax - One of the financial aspects to consider (and a good reason to make a will) is that good planning can reduce or completely eliminate a potential tax liability in the event of a fatality. This is because without a will, it is the Succession Rights Act that determines how someone’s estate gets distributed and this may not be the most tax efficient, as there is a limit to how much someone can receive either as a gift or an inheritance, depending on their re-lationship to the person leaving the estate behind. There is no limit between spouses or registered civil partners. After that, there are three thresholds - In the current tax year, children can receive €335,000, other close relatives (such as grandchildren, parents, siblings etc.) can receive €32,500 and all others (classed as strangers, including cohabiting couples) can receive

€16,250. After these thresholds, all balances are taxed at 33%. So planning the right distribution of an estate can mas-sively reduce tax liabilities. Any other way to minimise tax? - When it is clear that a substantial CAT bill will become liable, a person can commence a Section 72 life plan. The proceeds of this plan can be used to pay the tax liability without increasing the value of the estate. These can be arranged through your financial advisor or broker and are the most efficient way to pay the tax liability.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion. ie or use the contact form on www. financialcompanion.ie or phone 0876414570. 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.

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News

€1,000 cheque presentation to Swords Meals on Wheels

The winning dog owner Liz Peavoy being presented with a basket of goodies by Heidi Doherty who organised the event.

The presentation of the Cheque

Fingal Dog Owners group recently presented a cheque for €1,000 to Swords Meals on Wheels and other charities to help with their service. The dog owners attended a special night out recently to present their cheque and Swords Meals on wheels were delighted to welcome this great group of great people and terrific dogs and we were over the moon to receive this much needed donation which was really appreciated.The €1000 Euro’s raised is being equally divided between Swords Meals on Wheels, Blanchardstown Meals on Wheels, Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, Malahide Meals on Wheels

and Alone. Dermot Byrne organised the get together and co-ordinated the

event.The collection was internal to the Fingal Dog Owners Group and was a competition to get the best photo submitted of owners dogs,for which

there was an amazing number of entries.We also received a brilliant gift of cupcakes and scones to be distributed to our recipients in the next day or

so.Thank you Liz, the cheque is very welcome and thank you all for thinking of Swords Meals on Wheels.

www.facebook.com/SwordsLocal www.facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal 6

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

Immediate Actions to Counter the Rising Rate of COVID-19

What is happening with the disease? The disease is increasing and the proﬁle is changing. In recent weeks, there have been multiple COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces, households and resulting from social events including sporting activities.

What everyone should do:

Adhere strictly to the basic hygiene guidelines.

Government has decided to put new measures in place to try to change this trajectory, protect the vulnerable, enable schools to reopen and health services to resume. These measures will be in eﬀect until 13th September. If we can get this right, we can avoid going back.

Cultural, Sporting and Social Activities

Avoid places and situations which are crowded.

Keep visitors to your home or garden limited to six from no more than three households.

Work and Transport

Over 70s and Medically Vulnerable

Restaurants and cafes, including pubs that serve food:

Sporting events and matches continue but behind closed doors.

Work from home unless workplace attendance is essential.

Limit interactions to a small network for short periods of time.

—All close by 11.30 pm.

Classes and training sessions limited to six indoor and 15 outdoor.

Avoid using public transport where possible.

Maintain 2 metre distance when exercising outdoors and wash hands on returning home.

—Customers wear face coverings until seated and again on departure.

For full details see gov.ie

—Table Table service only — no bar seating and no more than six at a table.

Avoid sharing cars with people from another household. Wear face coverings if this is not possible.

There will be an enhanced level of enforcement to ensure that workplaces, venues and organisers of activities adhere to the guidelines.

Public Health Advice

Wash your hands regularly

For more information go to gov.ie

Maintain a 2 metre distance from others

Avoid public transport. Shop during designated hours and wear a face covering.

Special measures for Kildare, Laois and Offaly will remain in place until 23rd August.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette

Wear face coverings in accordance with public health advice

Limit your social contacts

Local News

Swords 5-year old is ireland’s ‘best junior baker’ Cáit Flood, a 5-years old Junior Infants class pupil at St. Colmcille’s Girls National School, Swords is one of Ireland’s best banana bread bakers. One of three children, Cáit secured the ‘Best Junior Baker under 10 years’ category award in a recent nationwide search to find Ireland’s Best Banana Bread recipes conducted by celebrity chef and RTE presenter, Donal Skehan with the support of banana distributors, Fyffes. From Balheary, Cáit’s proud parents Sean and Edel Flood were joined by her older sister and younger brother in expressing their pride and delight at her success – baking having been one of Cáit’s interests from an early age.“Her winning recipe submitted was a particular favourite and one she was accustomed to making. In preparing her recipe for the competition, she made a number of improvements, adding some extra ingredients such as white chocolate chips together with some attractive decorative touches,” her mother Edel said. Encouraged by her mother, a teacher in home economics at Loreto College in Swords, Cáit has been baking since she was just 3-years old. Ever since,

she has been busy developing her interest through cooking classes for children hosted by her mother on her Instagram page. Commenting, her mother added: “like many families throughout Ireland, ours has looked to home baking as one way to relieve the stress of being locked down over recent months.As she gets older, we hope that her success will lead Cáit to take an even greater interest in home baking and food preparation generally and look upon it for the pleasure and enjoyment that it gives,” she said. The overall Best Banana Bread recipe award was won by Gillian Carney from Cobh, who also topped the category for Best Ingredients. Reflecting on what he called “the amazing volume and quality of entries”, Donal Skehan praised Cáit for her “imagination and creativity” – qualities he said he was “delighted to see in someone so young”Speaking about the entries as a whole, he said: “Ireland has some exceedingly creative and talented home bakers. It was refreshing to see such imaginative ideas, ingredients and methods being shared, particularly amongst junior and dietary-restricted entrants”.

Colouring Fingal’s Heritage launched during Heritage Week Fingal County Council Heritage Office have

launched a fabulous colouring book Colouring

Fingal’s Heritage during heritage week. The book

which depicts wonderful illustrations that capture the essence of Fingal’s exceptional heritage,

was launched by Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr

Rob O’Donoghue in Swords Castle along with Fingal County Architect Fionnuala May and

Heritage Officer Christine Baker.By matching

cultural heritage with creativity this publication aims to introduce these sites and stories to new and varied audiences, both young and old(er)! Drawings are of varied detail to encourage all

levels of colouring enjoyment. The majority of

the sites included are open to the public and are

there to be enjoyed by all the family.Commenting on the publication Deputy Mayor O’Donoghue said “Fingal Heritage Office have produced a

fantastic programme for Heritage Week 2020 and I am delighted with the opportunity to launch

this Colouring Fingal’s Heritage publication as

part of it. The book contains images from across the county including Skerries Mills, Balbriggan 8

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

County Architect Fionnuala May, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien. Chief Executive Heritage Council Virginia Teehan, Fingal County Architect, Deputy Mayor of Fingal Rob O’Donoghue and Fingal Heritage Officer Christine Baker.

Harbour, Clonsilla Church, The Royal Canal,

in an accessible way”.While celebrating Heritage

will definitely have wide ranging appeal. Heritage

Minister for Housing, Local Government and

Mulhuddart Holy Well and Baldoyle Vikings!. It is for everyone’ said Fingal Heritage Officer,

Christine Baker ‘And it is important to share the stories of Fingal’s past with our younger citizens

Week 2020 with a visit to Swords Castle, the

Heritage Darragh O’Brien T.D. and Virginia

Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council

were presented with a copy of the colouring book. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Feature

MAXIMISE YOUR POTENTIAL WITH OSTEOPATHY

Tony O’Brien Osteopath now open again for treatments! We are finally open for business again at The Swords Treatment Clinic in GymPlus Applewood Village Swords. For years we have been serving the Fingal community with the highest quality Osteopathic and Physical therapy treatments and we are delighted to be ready to do so again. We have prided ourselves on our cleanliness and sanitation in the past, but now we have taken even more steps to ensure your safety. We have actually surpassed HSE recommendations, with the use of air purifiers and air filters which ensure 99% of particles are removed from the air. Overnight the rooms are totally sanitized to guarantee all particles are removed. Your treatment room and plinth will be sanitized /disinfected after every visit ensuring it is contagion free for your treatment.Therapists will

have full PPE to hand at all times. We do request however that you take pains to sanitize yourself before you arrive and bring a mask with you. Your therapist will greet you at the front door at reception and escort you to the treatment room as waiting rooms are off limits. There is hand sanitizing stations throughout . If you have any doubt regarding your health please inform your therapist at the time of booking your appointment, you will be asked if you have any covid 19 symptoms, if you have come in contact with anyone who has Covid19 symptoms or if you suspect you may have been at risk. Honesty and transparency are very important at this point. So, to all our clients old and new we look forward to welcoming you to The Swords Treatment Clinic at Gymplus in Applewood Village.

Bulging or ProlaPsed discs MAXIMISE YOUR POTENTIAL do not always need surgery.

WITH OSTEOPATHY

a 53 year old lady who presented to my clinic complaining of severe pain in low back,hip The human body works at itswith best bulging when it isdiscs in a state balance nd foot. She had been diagnosed at of L4/5 andbetween muscles, and had ligaments been sent A+Esoft bytissues, her GP to theskeletal severity of her andtoother anddue the boney system. Combined with a healthy on. She was prescribed Lyrica for nerve pain, antiinflammatories diet, exercise and frame of mind, this will lead to the best potential for health and fitness. n patches. as told she had no choice but to have surgery. hobby of woodturning involved a lot of heavy lifting, and this Classical Osteopathic treatment approaches the body with a view to balance and with some earlier falls and accidents were big factors in her harmony, encouraging eachact component to be at its best so theisbody as a unit can condition.The joints of your body as shockabsorbers, this do not always need surgery. irene is is a 53 year old lady who presented to my clinic complaining of severe pain in low back,hips, e so than work in the column. When there inadequate shock to spinal its maximum potential. This imbalance isThehad generally old human body workscaused at itswith best bulging whenby it isdiscs inmistreated a state balance ankle and foot. She been diagnosed at of L4/5 andbetween muscles, L5/S1, and had on been sent to A+E by her GP to theskeletal severity of her ancy at one or more joint, some other part takes that force. ligaments and other soft tissues, anddue the boney system. Combined with a healthy condition. was prescribed Lyrica for nerve further pain, antiinflammatories injuries, so or Osteopathic treatment willShe minimise the risk injury. diet, exercise and framethe of mind,of this will lead to the best potential for health and fitness. and pain patches. n sections of the spine pelvis have restrictions in them irene was told she had no choice but to have surgery. Irenes hobby of woodturning involvedand a lot of heavy lifting, and this tebral discs take on the extra force, causing them to bulge Classical Osteopathic treatment approaches the body with a view to balance and along with some earlier falls and accidents were big factors in her harmony, encouraging eachact component to be at its best so theisbody as a unit can present condition.The joints of your body as shockabsorbers, this ally prolapse. no more so than work in the column. there is inadequate shock So if you are only beginning a fitness programme orjoint, are aWhen professional athlete, to spinal its maximum potential. This imbalance is generally caused by mistreated old absorbancy at one or more some other part takes on that force. al osteopathic treatment, aims at improving the quality ofso or these injuries, Osteopathic treatment will minimise the the risk of further injury. So when sections of the spine pelvis have restrictions in them treatment willwhole help you operate at the level. Osteopathic treatment is intervertebral discshighest take on for the extra causing them to bulge and parts, in Osteopathic conjunction with the body. This makes a force, more eventually prolapse. So if you are only beginning a fitness programme or are a professional athlete, classical osteopathic treatment, aims at improving the quality of these ed skeletal systemindividually which absorbs Disc problems always occur over so developed for eachshock person,better. tailored their specific and needs. It treatment is time, Osteopathic treatment willwhole helpsituation you operate at the highest Osteopathic is injured parts, into conjunction with the body. This makes forlevel. a more balanced skeletal systemlifestyle which absorbs problems always occur over developed individually for eachshock person,better. tailoredDisc to their specific situation and needs. It is time, so it me to change the pattern which caused them. Some changes may be necessary takes time to change the pattern which caused them. Some lifestyle changes may be necessary to a physical treatment but nothelp painful and is suitable forbuteveryone. a physical treatment not painful and is suitable for everyone. with the management.After six months of weekly treatments, Irene went back to her Orthopae th the management.After six months of weekly treatments, Irene went back to her Orthop Surgeon with a new MRI scan.He told her he was discharging her as the bulge had decreased by 85%. She has no pain in her back or legs but management treatment is still required. n with a new MRI scan.He told her he was discharging her as the bulge had decreased b he has no pain in her back or legs but managementOsteOpath treatment is still required. tony O’Brien D.O., M.O.C.I., M.I.C.O

Bulging or ProlaPsed discs

OsteOpath tony O’Brien D.O., M.O.C.I., M.I.C.O

Based in Swords - Tel:087 2992899

Email:osteo@eircom.net or Visit Website: tonyobrienosteopath.com

Based in Swords - Tel:087 2992899 Tony O'Brien Osteopath-Full Page-25-07-20.indd 1

25/07/2020 10:19:19

Email:osteo@eircom.net or Visit Website: tonyobrienosteopath.com Tony O'Brien Osteopath-Full Page-25-07-20.indd 1

25/07/2020 10:19:19

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News

Fingal children’s art competition winners to feature at Highlanes Gallery

‘The Face’ by Wiktoria Anna Witkowska

‘Feathered Friends’ by Bailey Jones

‘Spring Flowers’ by Ryan Bouakkaz

‘White Dove’ by Maia McCann

‘Juicy Banana’ by Julianne Coleman ‘Tomatoes and More’ by Cliona Fitzpatrick

‘Enjoying The View!’ by Alex Jones

Nine talented Fingal artists, all winners in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are to have their artworks showcased at an exhibition of 30 winning paintings from the past 15 years of the Competition in Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda. They are Eve Aherne, a 6-years old pupil at St. Marnock’s National School, Portmarnock in 2017; Ryan Bouakkaz (8) from St. Cronan’s

‘Love Is’ by Nicole Halpin

Junior National School, Swords (2016); Wiktoria Anna Witkowska (16) from Loreto Secondary School (2016); Malahide Community School pupils Nicole Halpin (13 in 2016) and Cliona Fitzpatrick (14 in 2015); Julianne Coleman, also from Malahide (6 in 2014) and three students from Rush Art Academy – Alex Jones (11 in 2012), Maia McCann (10 in 2014) and Bailey

‘Fluttering Feathers’ by Eve Aherne

Jones (7 in 2014).The official opening, to which the winning artists have been invited,will take place at 11am on Saturday, 5th September. Following this, the exhibition will remain open to the public each day from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm (closed 1pm-1.30pm) until Saturday, 31st October. Admission is free.

CommunityLocals.ie 10

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News

The Arts in a Time of Coronavirus

Laura Shields

Robert Shaw

Eamonn Galldubh

The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival became a victim of COVID19 when the decision was made to postpone the 2020 Festival. The committee had the sad job of contacting the performers who had been engaged for the Festival. It was done with a heavy heart as we knew that these artistes were now facing into a time of uncertainty and unpredictability.One of the aims of the Bleeding Pig Festival is to promote local amateur and professional performers. We have followed up on four of our regular, local and professional performers to see how COVID has affected them.Donabate resident, Laura Shields, is a mezzo soprano. This summer she was due to tour Northern Italy and Germany but these tours were cancelled.The Christmas season now is looking increasingly uncertain.Laura teaches music to local children from home but this had to discontinue as both Laura’s parents are frontline nurses.Recently Laura travelled to Belfast to film, sing and record for the upcoming BBC Proms. 12

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

Laura faces an uncertain future in her chosen career however it grateful to currently be kept busy studying her Masters of Primary Education and is grateful for the COVID payment but worries about when it will be withdrawn. She is “lucky” as she lives at home. Uilleann Piper Éamonn Galldubh has toured and recorded with many artists including Clannad, Riverdance, and more.He would usually be difficult to catch at this time of the year. This year it is scéal eile. Venues are closed, concerts cancelled and the tourists haven’t come. Government support for the Arts has been haphazard. He was due to tour the UK but that has now been cancelled. Éamonn is a tutor with the local Comhaltas Group Comhaltas Leithinis Donabate Portrane. David Scott is an opera singer from Donabate and is a singing teacher in Clongowes Wood College. In March he went from a busy schedule of juggling rehearsals, performances and singing lessons to considering online courses in coding

or web design. His opera Carmen was cancelled, his weddings were all postponed and his usual busy Christmas period is in doubt. The latest restrictions have also put his expected return to teaching in jeopardy. In eight years as a selfemployed musician, this is the most difficult period he has encountered. Robert Shaw is a well known local artist. Robert’s paintings are held in corporate and private collections including Dr. Edgar Mitchell, Ryan Tubridy, and others. Robert describes himself as having been in lockdown for the last twenty years! He works in his studio in Donabate and en”” plein air” on the peninsula. He is one of the artists who exhibits on Merrion Square but this was closed until recently. During the lockdown someone suggested that he might do some zoom art sessions for children. These proved so popular that he is considering doing zoom art sessions for children and adults in the community. You can visit him on his website robertshaw.ie Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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Local News

Reminder to the community in Swords!

Top tips for saving on Back to school costs! The Following tips may be of use to you to help alleviate the back to school costs which are ever increasing after each summer holiday and may surely increase after this extended lockdown period.

St John Ambulance Swords installed a public access Defibrillator (AED) in 2018. The AED is located in a locked box for security reasons. It is located on the main street (Castle side) outside the Fingal Co Council offices behind the bus stop. If you ever need an AED, ring 999 or 112, the control room can give you the code. Alternatively there is a phone number for us if the code is needed Thanks to our volunteer Declan who checks the AED monthly. We would also remind you that if you are looking for a first aid course for your group, club or company? Get in touch with us and we will be happy to facilitate you.We offer: First Aid Responder, First Aid Responder refresher, Cardiac First Responder, Emergency First Aid, Paediatric First Aid, Baby and Toddler First Aid so contact swords@ stjohn.ie for more information.

1 - Label Everything- MyNameTags.ie has labels for uniforms, books and schoolbags etc. Label it so they won’t lose it! 2 - Buy Irish for PE/Sports -Earn reward points at o’neills.ie on their Irish made sportswear, remember points earned equals money off future orders! Excellent quality and value. 3 – Shop Irish for books- Educate.ie schoolbooks are produced in Co Kerry and are affordable too. 4 -Look for bargains- The Works stores in Ilac and Pavilions are excellent value for stationary and arts supplies. 5 – Tech support and service – For good value and great support on Technology buy at Compupacit.ie - ask for Brian he is extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. 6 – Stagger school fees- stagger school fees where possible, if you are struggling ask the school about your options. This year they should be especially flexible. 7 - Enter competitions and find out about discounts on items at www. mams.ie Helping you save on Back to School costs. 8 - Shop Smart- Penneys has wintercoats and schoolbags in stock now, good for socks, shoes and acccessories too. 9 - Be Covid 19 aware-talk to your children about safety and make sure they have tissues, hand sanitisers and wet wipes in their schoolbags every day.

Foróige Launches ‘Linkup Festival’ to Support Young People Foróige recently launched its ‘Linkup Festival’ to support young people’s health and wellbeing before returning to education. Four events were held throughout North Fingal and Dublin to support young people’s health and wellbeing. Foróige recognises that young people are feeling anxious and stressed with the uncertainty of returning to education in September, so they have taken this initiative in leading the way for young people to reconnect, de-stress and build their resilience.On Monday, August 10th, the Linkup Festival was launched in Rush, Co. Dublin. Staff and young people came together to mark the beginning of the festival which will support young people with their return to education. Foróige is leading the way in North Fingal and Dublin to give young people the opportunity to gain the skills to support their health and wellbeing. The first day started with ‘Trails & Tales’, a 5km walk followed by a healthy picnic. The day was about young people moving more and having some healthier food options for returning to education. Day two, ‘Tunes & Chats’, gave young people the time to de-stress with friends while listening to music which can improve their mental 14

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

health. On day three there was a health and wellbeing guest speaker, with another healthy lunch option being offered to all young people. Jack gave an inspirational workshop on resilience and overcoming life’s unexpected challenges. Day four was about slowing down and taking time to look after yourself through the practice of yoga and meditation. This time gave young people the opportunity to learn new skills that they can practice in their everyday lives. Sarah (Health and Wellbeing youth officer) and co-ordinator of the Linkup Festival said: “The aim is that young people will engage in a positive health initiative at a key time before their return to education. We hope that every young person in our Foróige projects and services will feel more confident, resilient, reconnected and ready for the new challenges they face returning to education, knowing that we are fully behind them, supporting them all the way.”‘Linkup Festival’ is supported by Healthy Ireland through Fingal Children & Young People’s Service Committee (FCYPSC). If you would like more information on Foróige services in your area please contact, a Foróige staff member on info@foroige.ie. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Healt

Home Cook Recipes

Niamh’s snack attack cereal bars! Some of us are getting back to work, school and some sort of routine; and along with that comes preparing lunches again!Food preparation can form a very valuable part of routine but it may have subsided in the last few months.These cereal bars are very simple to make in advance and you probably already have most of the ingredients at home.Store them in a greaseproof paper lined container in the freezer and take out in the morning or a few hours before eating.

Ingredients:

Makes 12 squares • • •

300g dates (soak in about 100mls water overnight to help make a sticky date paste!) 200g rice cereal (eg.Rice Krispies or brown rice cereal) 70g almond butter (if you don’t have almond butter, substitute for another nut butter such as peanut butter

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

•

50g dark chocolate chips. Optional: 50g seeds ( I used pumpkin, sunflower seeds and coconut chips as pictured in the image) If you are not adding any other ingredients such as these then use a totalof 250g rice cereal.

Tip: The size of the lunchbox you use determines the thickness of the bark. I used a 12cm lunchbox for the yogurt bark in these images which made the yogurt bark 1cm thick. If the yogurt bark is too thick, it will be difficult to bite into it!

Method: 1.Line a container or lunchbox with greaseproof paper. 2.Mash the dates in a blender/food processor or simply using a fork and some muscle! This

forms a sticky date paste which helps to bind the rest of the ingredients. 3.Place all of the ingredients except the almond butter into a mixing bowl and mix well together. 4.Add the almond butter to this mixture and combine well. 5.Place the well combined mixture into the prelined container and use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. 6.Place into a freezer for 2-3hours. Then cut into squares or the shape that takes your fancy. Store in the freezer and remove 1-2hours before eating. For school, workplace, sports or community group nutrition talks/workshops please email: niamh@biabites.net See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’Facebook for other food ideas. Niamh Arthurs BSc, MSc Registered Dietitian

Local Sports

Changes to boxing training due to Covid 19 Swords Boxing Club have received the following instruction regarding changes to training from the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. ‘As you are no doubt aware, recently saw the Irish government announce additional measures/restrictions aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19. These new government restrictions limit the number of people who can attend outdoor and indoor events. From a practical perspective, this means boxing clubs MUST now limit the number persons attending indoor training/ club event sessions to 6 and for outdoor training/club event sessions the number of persons who can attend is now limited to 15.Please be advised this includes coaches and/or support staff. For example, 1 Covid-19 Officer + 1 Coach +4 Boxers or 1 Covid-19 Officer (who is a coach) +5 boxers.These restrictions will remain in place until at least 13th September 2020. All IABA clubs in the 32 counties MUST adhere to these new restrictions.This pandemic continues to have a detrimental effect on all areas of society with sport being no exception. The virus is on the increase in Ireland and in recent weeks there have been multiple outbreaks throughout the island. As such, everyone must play their part to help to suppress the virus to prevent stricter restrictions being re-imposed in the coming weeks. The IABA would like to thank all its members and volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout this unprecedented period. We must redouble our effort now and follow the expert advice – regular hand-washing, keeping a 2 meters distance between ourselves and others, good cough and sneeze etiquette, wearing face coverings on public transport and in shops and other indoor outlets, limiting contacts with others and self-isolating immediately and ringing your GP if you have any symptoms.Please stay safe and kept updated of government guidance/advice.’ Members should contact the club directly with any questions or queries on this directive.

Former Swords Celtic player signs professional contract Massive congratulations to former Swords Celtic player Sean Roughan on signing his first professional contract with Lincoln City Football club. Everyone at the club wish him every success in the future. Last year the club caught the attention of the Irish media when they advertised for an Irish language tutor to join their ranks in an unprecedented move for an English League One club.“That was for young Sean Roughan,” explains Lincoln City’s head of football Jez George. George said, “Basically his Mum was really clear with us all the way through that process that he could come, but only if we completed his Irish Leaving Certificate.That’s a challenge for a League One English football club. We were able to hook up with an independent school called Lincoln Minster, who are able to deliver all the subjects bar Irish, and therefore we advertised to get an Irish teacher who could teach Gaelic and we’ve managed to do so.We found a lady who lives in Nottingham who is over there because her husband is involved with the Wasps rugby team and used to be at one of the Irish provinces. She teaches Sean twice a week and we’re hoping to get him through his Leaving Cert by the end of the year. That would be a great success for us because we respect that’s a really important qualification in Ireland and his family Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Sean Roughan at Lincoln City

were quite right in not wanting Sean to give up

individual strive. He added, “ I think with football

if we could do both.” For George it’s all about

Every individual is different.For Sean Roughan,

that to pursue his football. So, we’ve tried to see making each player at the club, no matter their background, comfortable in their surroundings

and while building an atmosphere that helps each

you have to try a nd look after every individual. he’s a young man and we have to make sure he gets the qualification that he could’ve got if he was still in Ireland.”

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@ gmail.com before 5pm on September 16. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck

SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020

Down

1. Accurate, correct, right. (6) 5. Bring back to mind. (6) 10. Springy and flexible. (7) 11. Reveals more than one but not many. (7) 12. Work laboriously or incessantly. (4) 13. Make a mess of, destroy, ruin. (5) 15. A German Mr. (4) 17. A major division of geological time. (3) 19. Give it where it is due. (6) 21. Traded quickly from place to place. (6) 22. The elected local administration. (7) 23. Happening without warning. (6) 25. Able to cause serious fatal injury or serious damage. (6) 28. Was in command of. (3) 30. The invention of Mr. Otis. (4) 31. Household containers for flowers. (5) 32. Wear away by biting. (4) 35. Make a reference to. (7) 36. Gain with effort. (7) 37. A section of something that is long and narrow. (6) 38. Disclose to view as by removing a cover. (6)

2. Understand clearly. (7)

3. Spot the kitchenware. (4)

4. Directions for making a meal. (6) 5. Country of the Tsars. (6)

6. A large hollow in the side of a cliff or hill. (4)

7. Greatest in size. (7)

8. Busy and confused. (6)

9. Looked at with a fierce, fixed gaze. (6)

14. The fruits with rhymes. (7)

16. More pleasing or agreeable. (5) 18. Meals cannot have babies. (5) 20. 2,240 pounds. (3)

21. Performed an action. (3)

23. Lemons are dignified and sober in manner. (6)

24. Military action to prevent invasion. (7)

26. Stubborn beasts of burden. (7)

27. Gaped wide open as if tired. (6)

28. A motorboat with an open deck or a half deck. (6)

29. A period of ten years. (6)

33. A circular metallic band for the finger. (4)

34. A jockey’s aid. (4)

SUDOKU ANSWERS

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20 SWORDS LOCAL-SEPTEMBER 2020