Hi FingalEMers — 🙋♂️🙋♀️ The rain is still hanging around, but there’s a real spring feeling in the air now! 🌻🪻 Tuesday and Wednesday look like the best days to get the drying done, so today’s a good day to get organised. From Thursday on, it looks a bit more changeable again, so it might be no harm to keep the runners and a jacket ready by the back door.
Last week’s poll, “Sport – Yes or No,” got a great reaction and plenty of strong opinions. While the “Yes” vote came out on top, the “No” side definitely made their voices heard in the comments. It’s brilliant feedback for us, and it gives us lots to think about for future editions.
As we continue reaching out to more organisations and groups running local events, we can already see the calendar starting to fill up for the weeks and months ahead. That’s a great sign, but it also means space in the newsletter may get tight. So we’re starting to explore whether a twice-weekly edition might be the best way to keep sharing more with you without leaving good local events behind. Have your say in the poll below - as always, completing the poll helps us hone the content for you.
If this newsletter was published twice weekly would you read both editions?
If you know of an upcoming event or a local story worth sharing, just drop us a line & we’ll help spread the word with our fast-growing community: [email protected]
The sponsor of this week’s edition is:
Authentic Wood-Fired Flavour | Swords
This week’s sponsor is a little hidden gem of the North County Dublin food scene, Paddy’s Pizza Pies. It’s a local business built on a passion for authentic, wood-fired craftsmanship. More than just a takeaway, Paddy’s has earned a reputation for their commitment to traditional methods, using slow-risen sourdough and sustainable wood-firing to serve the community. Paddy’s Pizza Pies prides itself on its ‘shop local’ ethos, prioritising premium ingredients from local Irish businesses, bringing you the freshest pizzas possible! Their focus on quality and consistency is what truly sets them apart – each pizza is deliciously crafted, and a must-try for everyone in the area.
Paddy’s professional pizza truck is also available for hire, bringing you delicious pizzas for any occasion. Open for business this weekend, you can find them in Kinsealy Business Park, but keep an eye on their socials for updates on their trading locations and dates. Paddy’s dedication to the craft and their customers continues to make them one of the best independent food businesses in Fingal. Take it from us - their pizza never disappoints!
And don’t forget to tell the guys, you’re a FingalEMer!
News
Tracking all the developing stories that affect us.
⚖️👩⚖️ Court of Appeal Ruling Clears Path for North Street Regeneration in Swords
There has been another significant development in the long-running North Street / Swords Castle issue. The Court of Appeal has rejected Angela Heavey’s appeal against the compulsory purchase order for the property beside Swords Castle, so the earlier High Court decision remains in place. In practical terms, that means Fingal County Council’s move to acquire the property can proceed.
This is an important step because the council has tied the acquisition to its wider plans for the area around Swords Castle. The aim is to improve the setting of the castle, protect key views, and support a broader regeneration plan for the town centre. That wider vision includes the Cultural Quarter project, with plans around a new county library, theatre, arts space and public civic areas.
It also underlines just how long this has been going on, with disputes over this site and nearby planning stretching back many years. What makes this latest decision notable is that it brings much more legal certainty to the council’s direction for this part of Swords. Whether people agree with compulsory purchase or not, this looks like a major turning point in the future shape of North Street and the castle area.
☘️☘️ Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026 Brings Irish Language and Culture to Life Across Fingal
We wanted to flag Fingal County Council’s Seachtain na Gaeilge programme, which runs from 1–17 March 2026, because at its heart it’s really about getting all of us to use whatever Irish we have — not perfect Irish, just a willingness to give it a go. That “Bain Triail Aisti” message comes through strongly, and it makes the whole programme feel open and welcoming rather than formal or intimidating.
What we like about it is that it’s not just about language classes or formal learning — it’s about community, culture and confidence. The events are built around music, storytelling, family activities, poetry, comedy and shared local experiences, with a lot of them run bilingually in Irish and English, so they’re accessible whether you’re fluent, rusty, or just curious.
There’s a nice spread of events across Fingal during the programme, including a Seachtain na Gaeilge celebration in County Hall, Swords with music and audience participation, a bilingual walk in Ardgillan Demesne, and a Pop Up Gaeltacht in the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre followed by a singing session. Local libraries are also hosting plenty for families and children, including yoga, magic and puppet shows, storytelling sessions, “Cup of Focals” workshops to help people practise Irish in a relaxed way, and a bilingual poetry evening in Balbriggan Library. There’s also a bilingual comedy show for secondary school students in Draíocht, which is a great way to make Irish feel more fun and relevant for younger people.
More detail next week, but you can check out Fingal County Council events here if you’d rather not wait.
⚖️🏤 Young Voices in the Council Chamber: Fingal’s Comhairle na nÓg Meets Local Leaders
Fingal’s Comhairle na nÓg recently visited the Council Chamber for a meeting with Mayor Cllr Tom O’Leary and Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly, where the young representatives gave a presentation on how the group is organised and the work they carry out each year. It was a good opportunity to see young voices being heard directly at local government level.
Comhairle na nÓg is Fingal’s official youth voice forum, made up of representatives from schools and communities across the county. It forms part of a national network that gives young people aged 12–17 a chance to have a say on decisions that affect their lives. In Fingal, the group is supported through the Council’s Community Development and Inclusion team and delivered in partnership with Foróige.
The visit also included a Q&A session on issues affecting young people, including social media safety, anti-social behaviour, racism awareness training in schools, town and village development, and active travel routes. From our point of view, this is exactly the kind of engagement that matters — giving young people a direct voice in shaping local services and future plans in Fingal.
🔮🔮 Fingal County Council Launches Explore Fingal
Fingal County Council is launching Explore Fingal - today (23rd Feb). There is very little detail about what it is, at the time of writing. All they have given us is the tagline teaser of ‘Something is coming…~Untapped. Unfiltered. Unforgettable.’ You can find out later today on Instagram.
Civil
Planning decisions, road closures & community notices.
Planning applications & decisions
🏗️ Nothing material to report this week.
Road closures & changes planned
🚧 Main Road Closures & Works
Swords (incl. Seatown / Balheary / R132 corridor)
Seatown Road closure remains in place (between St Columcille’s Drive and North Street) for the Swords Cultural Quarter works, with the current order running until 30 June 2026.
R132 Connectivity Project: new 50 km/h roadworks speed limit starts on 1 Mar 2026 (runs to 28 Feb 2027), covering parts of the R132 (Pinnockhill–Estuary) and approaches around Malahide Roundabout, Seatown Roundabout, and Estuary Roundabout.
Balheary Road (Swords): 50 km/h roadworks speed limit remains active (Active Travel Scheme), running through 1 Apr 2026.
TFI bus diversions (41C / 41X / 43): in effect during this week; citybound buses divert via Watery Lane, Rathbeale Road, Bridge Street, Swords Main Street, and some Swords/Seatown stops are not served.
TFI Route 41X Seatown diversion: departures that normally use Seatown Road divert via Swords Main Street / Malahide Road / Swords Bypass, with Seatown-area stops suspended and town stops served instead.
Rush
Corrs Lane closure: Monday 23 Feb, 08:00–20:00 for a wastewater connection.
Closure section is Corrs Lane / Golf Road (Sandy Road to Sundrive Road), with local access maintained.
Channel Road: also closes during School Streets hours — 08:30–09:30 and 14:30–15:30 — with diversions in place.
Lusk
Lusk 4 Mile Road Race closure: Sunday 1 Mar, 13:00–16:00.
Roads affected include Chapel Green, Chapel Road, Main Street, northbound R127 (Station Rd Roundabout to Skerries Rd Roundabout), Station Road, and Post Office Road.
Diversions include local reroutes plus northbound R127 traffic for Skerries diverted via the R128 through Rush and Loughshinny.
Events Calendar
Things to do in the week ahead.
Monday 23rd February
Online | Online | Have your say on the future of education in Ireland | This national consultation is exploring: What is working well in education, what needs to improve, how students are supported, how education should respond to social, technological and demographic change, and what Ireland’s education system should look like in the years ahead | 10:00-11:00 & 17:00-18:00
Swords | Upstairs in Peacock's Pub - Rivervalley | The Last Pint - Play (Live Rehearsal) | A powerful tragicomic performance marking the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, dedicated to Ukrainian veterans who lost limbs in the war. This powerful stage testimony speaks of loss, death, resistance, and survival and told by those who have lived it. | 20:00-21:30
Tuesday 24th February
Skerries | Skerries Library | History of Skerries Library | 18:00-19:00
Swords | Fingal Local Studies & Archives Service | DNA Workshop | Have you had a DNA test done but are unsure how to interpret your results and move forward with your genealogical research? Join Claire Bradley, professional genealogist, for a DNA Workshop where she will guide participants in using their DNA results for family history. | 14:30-16:00
Wednesday 25th February
Donabate | Donabate Library | Mosaic Making | 17:00-18:30
Swords | Fingal Local Studies & Archives Service | In Her Own Words: The Diaries of Eleanor Cobbe Corbally | This talk will share some of the thoughts and experiences of Eleanor Cobbe Corbally and her life at Newbridge House, Donabate in the 1910s and 1920s. Her extensive diaries provide a unique window into the past, revealing her definite views and opinions and her love of a lively debate. | 19:00-20:00
Skerries | Skerries Library | Sensory Hour | 16:00-17:00
Swords | Liam Rogers Final Community Centre | Living with Arthritis and related conditions | 6 week self-management course for people with Arthritis and Related conditions. Starting 25th Feb | 10:00-11:00
Online | Online | TikTok for Business | TikTok is growing in popularity with content creators and brands that are looking to grow their audience, increase engagement, and reach lots of people. TikTok is a dynamic platform where you can highlight a less-curated version of your brand, experiment with video, and drive traffic to your site. | 09:30-12:30
Thursday 26th February
Swords | Swords Women’s Shed - St. Colmcilles GAA Club Balheary | Karaoke night with Robert | Join us for a night of fun Karaoke with Robert from the Men’s Shed. Plenty of laughs and chats, nibbles on the tables, and enjoy a night of Karaoke fun. | 19:00-21:00
Friday 27th February
Donabate | Donabate Library | Jewellery Making | 10:00-11:30
[Special mention] Balbriggan | O'Dwyers GAA Club | Wet Your Whistle | Learn to play Dirty aul town & Wild Rover on the Tin Whistle. Whistle and a drink included (week 1 of 3 weeks) | 19:00-20:00
Balbriggan | The Lark | Elvis Tribute: Kevin Doyle & The Way It Was Orchestra | The Lark is delighted to have Kevin Doyle, Ireland’s leading Elvis performer and his 12-piece backing band The Way it Was Orchestra back again after their sell-out appearance in 2025. | 20:00-23:30
Swords | The Riasc Centre | The Last Pint - Play | A powerful tragicomic performance marking the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, edicated to Ukrainian veterans who lost limbs in the war. This powerful stage testimony speaks of loss, death, resistance, and survival and is told by those who have lived it. | 20:00-21:30
Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre | Afro Dance Classes | Get ready to move together and groove with our fun in-person Afro Dance Classes! Whether you're a beginner or have some moves already, these sessions are all about feeling the rhythm and enjoying every beat. Bring your energy, your smile, and let's dance together! | 20:00-21:00
Skerries | Skerries Harps GAA Club | Skerries Community College Parents' Association presents Quiz Night | An exciting night of quizzing and a great raffle to raise funds for our school. Please grab your team of 4 and enjoy a fun night out! | 20:00-23:00
Saturday 28th February
Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Balrothery: Past and Present with local historian Jim Walsh | Join local historian Jim Walsh for this very insightful talk. Jim’s illustrated talk will relate the storied history of Balrothery village, " Baile An Ridire". From its Norman occupation to its post famine decline. | 10:30-12:30
Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Leon Diop: Mixed Up | We’re delighted to welcome Leon Diop — founder of Black and Irish and author of two powerful books. Leon will be sharing insights from his work, discussing identity, community, and storytelling, and reflecting on the journey behind Black and Irish. | 15:00-16:00
Malahide | Malahide Library | Percussion Workshop | 14:00-15:30
Donabate | Donabate Library | Páistí! Scéalta! Amhráin! Spraoi! | 11:30-13:00
Skerries | Skerries Library | Wanda Broom and Magical Mayhem | 14:00-15:30
Rush | Rush Library | Rewind Anthology: Indie Authors Panel | 14:30-16:00
Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Ireland Reads Day Storytime | With children's author Megan Wynne - The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey & The House on Hawthorn Road | 10:30-12:00
Malahide | St Sylvester's Church | 1 Day Popstars Dance Party Workshop | Popstars Dance Party Workshop for ages 8–12 — a fun, high-energy 2-hour dance experience inspired by today’s biggest popstars such as KATSEYE, Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter! | 10:00-12:00
Swords | Pavilions Shopping Centre | Funtime Kids Show | Join us for an hour long fun filled meet & greet show including Micky & Minnie Mouse Paw Patrol Spider-Man & Rumi and many more | 11:30-12:30
Naul | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | Alaw - Discover the Sound of Wales Like Never Before! | This acclaimed trio combines breathtaking musicianship with stories that reach deep into tradition while sounding fresh and exciting. | 20:00-22:00
Balbriggan | Argillian Castle | Make Your Own Mini Assemblage | A one-day creative workshop in the inspiring surroundings of Ardgillan Castle, where you’ll design and create your own mini wall assemblage using birch ply and laser-cut techniques. Guided by contemporary artist Maria Atanacković, this hands-on class is perfect for anyone interested in art, design, architecture or making, no prior drawing or making experience required. | 10:00-16:00
Sunday 1st March 🐝🌸
Swords | Broadmeadow Community Garden | Seed Swap & Seed Sowing Tutorial | Free event, materials supplied along with tea & coffee. | 11:30-13:00
Balbriggan | The Lark | Kaizen Grappling Championship | The Kaizen Grappling Championships explodes onto the big stage with one of the most exciting invitational grappling shows that Ireland, and Europe, has ever seen. | 16:00-19:00
Donabate | Community Well Studio | An Introduction to Journaling Workshop | Learn how to develop your own journaling practice to support you through life’s ups and downs. Over two hours we will explore different journaling tools and techniques to help you engage with your experiences, your thoughts and your emotions in new ways. | 17:00-19:00
Balbriggan | Bremore Car Park | Belle Hill Commemoration | Balbriggan & District Historical Society in association with Balbriggan Tourism invites you to join us as we commemorate those lost in the sinking of the Belle Hill on 26 February 1875 and all those lost at sea in Balbriggan. The Belle Hill plaque at the Sailors Grave, which was damaged, has now been kindly replaced by Kelly Cowin Memorials. | 14:30-15:30
📢Finally, stuff from Fingal East we just like - From Swords to Los Angeles: Donna Stewart’s Inspiring Global Marketing Journey
Donna Stewart
We wanted to share a really positive local success story with you all — Donna Stewart, who has strong roots in Swords, has built a brilliant international career in marketing and Irish drinks. Early coverage of her career described her as being from Swords and making the move to California, and she also appeared in Dublin tech coverage as a Swords entrepreneur connected with the SocialCue startup journey. From a Swords education path, including St Finian’s Community College, through to DCU, it’s a great example of someone taking local foundations and turning them into a global career.
What stands out in Donna’s career is how consistently she has combined marketing, hospitality, and brand storytelling. Industry coverage shows her stepping into a major U.S. role with Tullamore D.E.W. as a West Coast ambassador, based in Los Angeles, where she helped promote Irish whiskey across key markets. Other profiles also describe her as Boston-born, Dublin-raised, DCU-educated, and well established in California — which gives her a great mix of Irish identity and international experience, and you can really see how that helped her become such a strong voice for Irish brands abroad.
She then went on to become part of the Lost Irish Whiskey story, with Irish whiskey coverage highlighting her as a Los Angeles-based ambassador helping the brand grow in the American market before its launch back in Ireland. More recently, public profile details identify her as Brand and Marketing Manager in the CPG space in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, which is a fantastic milestone and shows just how far that journey has gone. It’s also lovely to see her recognised in Los Angeles civic circles, with an Irish Day Civic Ceremonies Honoree recognition issued by the City of Los Angeles in March 2022 — a great achievement and a proud moment for someone with Swords connections.
Image Credits
Photo: “Spring is coming - Malahide, Ireland Feb 2026” provided by Andrea Dodrill, with no licensing requirements.
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