Self-service Begins in Malahide Library

Self service has now arrived at Malahide Library.

You are now able to check your own items in and out at their self service machines.

This system is already in operation in other branches and has been very well received by customers.

Sarah Ann McGrath

Malahide R.F.C. Business Scrum

Guest speakers shall include Michael Dawson from one4all.ie; Ray Nolan from worky.com; and Siobhan Moore, President of the Fingal Chamber, from the D.A.A.

This event shall take place on Wednesday, 2nd February 2011 at 7:30pm in Malahide R.F.C., Mlaahide.

It is open to all local businesses, with admission free of charge.

Pre-registration is required via http://www.malahiderfc.ie/

For more information in relation to this event, please telephone: 01 8400050.

Sarah Ann McGrath

Fingal Integration Funding Scheme 2011

Fingal County Council have announced their Fingal Integration Funding Scheme 2011 to promote intercultural integration in the county.

The Scheme, which is funded by the Office of the Minister for Integration (O.M.I.), may provide grants up to €10,000 to groups and projects working towards enhancing the participation and integration of Fingal’s Ethnic Community.

An overall fund of €90,000 is available and interested groups are requested to submit completed applications for Integration Funding by Friday, 25th of March 2011.

Projects should be based in the Fingal area and have an Educational and /or cultural focus, and aim to raise awareness of diversity, history, culture or society. Local voluntary groups and ethnic minority organisations which are engaged in promoting events and activities aimed at integrating resident immigrants into the community are welcome to apply.

Applicant groups must be in existence for more than one year or have a working relationship with the Council’s Community Division. Successful applicants may receive funding of 50% made payable in advance where a group can provide a work plan with acceptable costs and invoices.

Costs associated with wages, salaries, personal materials and equipment, ongoing administration, retrospective costs or for-profit initiatives are not eligible for funding under this scheme. Sporting activities will not be considered under this funding stream. Groups in receipt of funding directly from the OMI will not be considered under this funding stream.

An advisory group will evaluate all applications and the decision of this group is final. Successful applicants will be informed by letter of the amount of funding awarded and all funding must be drawn down by 31st October 2011.

For information on the Integration Funding Scheme please contact Louise Edmonds at 01-8704488 or louise.edmonds@fingalcoco.ie. Alternatively, please visit http://www.fingalcoco.ie/CommunityRecreationandAmenitiesDepartment/CommunityCultureandSportsDivision/TheCommunityOffice/CommunityFundingandInformationUnit/#d.en.32897

Sarah Ann McGrath

Are you registered to vote?

Please click on the Fingal County Council link at the end of this text, to ensure that you are registered to vote in the forthcoming Spring 2011 elections.

You do believe in having the right to vote, but are unsure as to whether it really will make a difference. So, should you vote or not? Yes - if you want better healthcare, education and childcare, fairer taxation, basic income for all, good recycling facilities, better roads and transport, better local amenities because your government, national and local runs all these services and your vote in a General, Local or European Election or a Referendum will send a message about what sort of Ireland you want and expect.

Voting is the most important way to make your voice heard on the issues that concern you. Voting gives you an opportunity to be part of decision-making that affects your life.
If you don’t vote, others will make the decisions for you.
Decisions are made on your behalf everyday, healthcare, education, housing, global issues like defence and environment and local issues like bins and leisure facilities.

In many countries, including Ireland, people have fought for the right to vote. The right of women to vote in Ireland was granted in 1922 just over 80 years ago ! But we need to use this vote to have a strong and stable democracy.

From the safety of your street to the quality of the air you breathe, voting is an important way of having your say on the issues you care about. By voting you are also deciding who will take decisions on issues affecting your everyday life.

http://www.fingalcoco.ie/YourLocalCouncil/LocalDemocracy/RegisterofElectors/#d.en.32676

Sarah Ann McGrath

Gibneys, Malahide - Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2011

Congratulations to Gibneys, Malahide who was awarded Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2011 at the National Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2011 held on Monday, 10th January 2011.

The awards are held by NOffLA annually to recognise those off-licences around the country that offer exceptional service to customers and demonstrate excellence in retail standards.

The awards were held in the prestigious surrounds of the Honourable Society of King’s Inns, Dublin, where the 50 finalists from around Ireland gathered for the final stage of the judging process, comprising a blind-tasting.

For more information in relation to the awards, please log onto http://www.noffla.ie/Off_Licence_of_the_Year/Default.137.html

Congratulations to all at Gibneys!

Sarah Ann McGrath

Bon Appetit Retains Michelin Star

Congratulations to Bon Appetit, Malahide on retaining their coveted Michelin star.

The iconic Michelin restaurant guide's 100 year celebrations took place in London on Tuesday, 18th January 2011.

Accoring to the Irish Independent, Oliver Dunne of Bon Appetit said that he was very pleased given the very difficult climate for high-end restaurants. He said that thankfully, his business had remained busy despite the current economic downturn.

For bookings and more information in relation to Bon Appetit, please log onto http://bonappetit.ie/

Sarah Ann McGrath

Malahide Tennis News

Malahide's tennis star Colin O'Brien turned the form book upside down yesterday when he dumped out Britain's Richard Bloomfield in the ITF Futures event in Sheffield.

Playing in his first world ranking tournament since November 2010, the 614-ranked Dubliner sent 356-ranked Bloomfield, the No. 5 seed, packing on an emphatic 6-3 6-2 scoreline in the first round.

The Malahide left-hander's reward for his success is a second-round clash today against British qualifier Liam Broady.

Dubliner Barry King failed to join O'Brien in the second round, the Knocklyon man losing 6-4 2-6 1-6 to France's Vincent Stouff.

Best of luck, Colin!

Sarah Ann McGrath

The Laura Brennan Charitable Trust - Annual Gala Evening

On Saturday, 12th February 2011 at 7pm the 3rd annual Laura Brennan Charitable Trust Gala Evening shall take place in the 4* Grand Hotel, Malahide.

This is their principal fund raising event and each year the event has become bigger and bigger.

The Trust was set-up to provide assistance and support to children under the age of 18 who have life-threatening or life-limiting diseases within the local area.

The cost of each ticket is €100. The night itself will include a full sit down meal at 8pm, wine for the evening, a raffle, auction, and dancing until late!

For more information in relation to the event, please log onto http://www.laurabrennan.org/

Sarah Ann McGrath

New Year's Resolution - Join the Library!

Joining your local library is the best New Year's resolution you shall ever make.

Its' yours and it's free! For books, C.D.'s, D.V.D.'s, Gaming and Internet access; children's and family events and programmes; database access, courses and workshops; public lectures; research; local studies; etc. There is free access for all.

For more information in relation to Malahide Library, and joining the library, please telephone 01 8704430; send an email to malahidelibrary@fingalcoco.ie or click on the following link: http://www.fingalcoco.ie/CommunityRecreationandAmenitiesDepartment/Library/LibraryBranches/MalahideLibrary/

Sarah Ann McGrath

Update on Restrictions to Fingal Water Supply

Fingal County Council is glad to report that as there have been significant improvements to the stored capacity in the reservoirs, it is intended to ease back on the water restrictions over the coming days. There will be no further planned shutdowns to the water supply for the foreseeable future, however, there will be reduced water pressure between the hours of 7pm and 7am across the County on a rota basis and in this regard we are continuing with the schedule that has been in place up to now.

Fingal County Council wishes to thank all consumers throughout the County for their patience during the current periods of water restrictions.

Reduced Water Pressure - Planned Areas:

Tuesday, 18th January 2011: 7pm to 7am - Area 2
Malahide, Portmarnock, Bremore, Balrothery, Clonsilla, Porterstown, Clonee, Barnhill, Westmanstown, Lucan, Littlepace, Castaheany, Huntstown(part), Hansfield/Ongar, Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown and Kinsealy(part)

Wednesday, 19th January 2011: 7pm to 7am - Area 3
Swords, Cloghran/Baskin, Mulhuddart, Castleknock, Farmleigh, Blanchardstown, Carpenterstown, Huntstown(part), Hartstown, Blakestown, Clonsilla, Coolmine and Phoenix Park Racecourse

Thursday, 20th January 2011: 7pm to 7am - Area 1
Swords, Kinsealy(part), Skerries, Lusk, Rush, Loughshinny, Bayside, Sutton and Baldoyle

Friday, 21st January 2011: 7pm to 9am - Area 2
Malahide, Portmarnock, Balbriggan, Bremore, Balrothery, Clonsilla, Porterstown, Clonee, Barnhill, Westmanstown, Lucan, Littlepace, Castaheany, Huntstown(part), Hansfield/Ongar, Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown and Kinsealy(part)

For more information, please visit http://www.fingalcoco.ie/Water/CustomerServicesEmergencyNotices/EmergencyInformationUpdates/#d.en.30721

Sarah Ann McGrath

Self Service Coming Soon to Malahide Library

To facilitate works, Malahide Library shall open at 11am on both Monday, 17th January 2011 and Tuesday, 18th January 2011.

They apologise for any inconvenience caused.

When self service arrives, you will be able to check in and out your own books, D.V.D.'s etc., thus avoiding queues at the counter.

Fines can be paid through the units as well.

Sarah Ann McGrath

JCI Fingal January 2011 Networking Event

Junior Chamber Present Informal Networking Event in Malahide

Are you aged between 18 and 40 and keen to expand your network and get involved in a worldwide organisation that will develop your leadership skills? Do you want to get hands on experience of managing projects and attend professional development and world class training sessions? Do you want to travel internationally and attend high profile social events? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions then come along to the JCI Fingal informal networking and drinks night in Gilbert and Wrights next Thursday, 20th January 2011 at 7:30pm.

The evening will be a great opportunity to meet members of JCI Fingal and hear about some of our upcoming projects and events and learn how you can get involved and make a difference.

What is JCI all about?

Junior Chamber International is a worldwide nonprofit organisation which contributes to the advancement of the global community. JCI provides young people in their 20s and 30s the opportunity to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change. More than 200,000 members globally gain personally and professionally through training and self development programmes. This can be achieved through leading teams, organising events, increasing skills and networking. JCI also provides opportunities to travel and meet fellow members from all parts of the globe. In 2011, members will attend events in Spain, France, and Belgium among others. All members are welcome to attend these conferences and training events. Bill Clinton, Kofi Anan, Al Gore and Bill Gates are all JCI Alumni. JCI Fingal have been active in north Dublin for the past 37 years.

For more information in relation to this event, please contact Brian J. Smyth (Public Relations Officer) on 0879028440 or log onto http://www.jci-ireland.org/

Sarah Ann McGrath

Portmarnock / Malahide Charity Valentine's Ball

A Valentine’s Ball shall be held in aid of the National Haematology and Oncology Unit, St. John's Ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin on Saturday, 12th February 2011 in Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre.

In December 2008, Mia Keane, aged 7 from Malahide (pictured to the right meeting her idols ‘Jedward’ on Sunday, 9th January 2011) was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on her kidney. She subsequently had her kidney removed, underwent 6 months of chemotherapy and thanks to the wonderful staff and support in Crumlin, Mia successfully finished her treatment and was recovering well. However in November 2010, doctors discovered that her tumour had unfortunately returned, this time affecting her lung. She recommenced treatment 2 weeks later this time with more intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and possibly further surgery. Thankfully, she is now doing well.

The return of Mia's tumour highlights the necessity for ongoing research and development of oncology treatment. The money raised will go towards this research, and to the ward itself, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. Last year, over €16,000 was raised.

All donations of vouchers or prizes from locals and / or their businesses in the greater Malahide and Portmarnock area would be most appreciated. In return for these possible donations, the M.C. on the night shall mention your Company's name, and the organisers of the Ball shall advertise your goodwill in their 'Thank You' brochure .

If you wish to receive further information in relation to this event, book a table, or make a donation, please contact Kelli O'Malley on 0860833258.

Sarah Ann McGrath

The Power of Social Media

An invitation has kindly been extended to the Malahide Chamber Affinity Network and local businesses to attend ''The Power of Social Media'' presentation this Thursday, 13th January 2011 at 8pm in Malahide Yacht Club.

So if you don’t know your Facebook from your Twitter or are curious about how you could use Social Networks to grow your business then this is an excellent opportunity for you to network with local businesses and to learn something new and potentially profitable.

The presentation shall be given by Social Media Consultant, Noel Davidson (http://www.noeldavidson.com/)

The outline of the presentation shall be as follows:
• Social Media - What is it?
• Social Media / Internet - "Filtering the Noise"
• The big five of Social media - Explanation/ Discussion of each one
• Facebook - Personal Pages / Business pages
• Twitter - Pointless Babble or Market Research Tool?
• LinkedIn - Business networking, Generating new business, managing connections
• You Tube - Research / Advertising / Marketing / Our very own TV Channel on demand.
• Skype / VOIP - Single / Multi Conference calls and hidden utilities
• Making Social media work for my business.
• Q&A

If you require further information in relation to this event, please contact John Byrne at john@saol.ie

Sarah Ann McGrath

Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society

Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society are busy putting the final touches to their annual Spring Show. This year, they shall present an Irish Premiere of "The Pirates of Penzance" (Australian version). Although similar to the original Gilbert and Sullivan version, this show has been adapted to suit modern audiences.

The show shall take place from Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 until Saturday, 26th February 2011, commencing each evening at 8pm in Scoil Iosa Hall, Malahide.

Tickets cost €15 , €10 concession and shall be available shortly. Please contact 0866035320 or check out their Facebook Page for further updates in relation to tickets.

This show has something for everyone - guaranteed to send you home in a great mood!

Directed by Lynda Thompson, choreographed by Denise Donohoe and musically directed by Graham Walsh.

The cast includes:
Dave Latham - Pirate King
Kevin Fagan - Frederic
Annemarie Ireland - Mabel
Jean Bennett - Ruth
Bobby McWilliams - Samuel
Barry Kavanagh - Major General Stanley
Vincent Oliver - Sergeant of Police

And not forgetting Emma Jane Reilly, Hilary Harnett and Tracy Peacock as the fabulous Fabulettes!! (and of course the ladies & gentlemen of the chorus!)

Sarah Ann McGrath

Launch of Malahide Camera Club / Malahide Tidy Towns Biodiversity Photographic Exhibition

Malahide Tidy Towns are delighted to invite you to the launch of Malahide Camera Club / Malahide Tidy Towns Biodiversity Photographic Exhibition which shall take place on Saturday, 15th January 2011 at 2:30pm in Malahide Library. The event shall be launched by Deputy Trevor Sargent.

As part of the Malahide Tidy Towns Initiative 2011, Malahide Camera Club have collected together photographs of plants and animals around the Malahide area and have established a fabulous display as information for the residents of Malahide.

Fingal County Council and the Malahide Library are facilitating the display from Saturday, 15th January 2011 until Friday, 28th January 2011 during which time residents and visitors can examine the vast wealth of biodiversity including birds, insects and plants which can be seen during the year in the Malahide area.

The project was initiated by the Malahide Tidy Towns and is a part of their Biodiversity plan for Malahide and included in their 5-year plan for the Tidy Towns competition. Last year Malahide took 2nd place in the Regional awards, winning a Gold Medal.

All are welcome to attend this event.

For more information, please contact Heidi Bedell at 087 2301894.

Sarah Ann McGrath

Christmas Tree Recycling Points - January 2011

From Tuesday, 4th January 2011 to Thursday, 13th January 2011, householders can drop off their Christmas Trees at any of the 21 collection points arranged across the county.

The Christmas Tree collection points for the Malahide and Portmarnock areas, are as follows:

- Public Car Park, Strand Road, Portmarnock;
- Kinsealy Court, Kinsealy;
- The Banks Carpark, Malahide;
- Seagrange Park, Baldoyle;
- Sutton Park, Sutton;
- Harbour Carpark, Howth.

Only Christmas Trees shall be accepted at these locations. For all other recycling, please use Coolmine or Estuary Recycling centres.

For further information, please telephone 01 846 2456.

Sarah Ann McGrath