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The Heart Of Shopping In Balbriggan Member of Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce and Fingal Dublin Chamber
20th August 2013 • Volume 20, Issue 31 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
A Rush Of Blooming Beauty The seaside town of Rush has recently undergone a staggering transformation that is evident for all to see. Recent high profile events like the Harbour festival and the unveiling of the ‘Men of the Sea’ statues in Echlin Court, have catapulted Rush into the spotlight. The fact that the town was chosen by the local authority as the only one in the North County to represent the region
in the prestigious Pride of Place competition, is regarded as recognition for the hard work of tireless volunteers. Residents are rightly proud of their new look town and are determined to keep it that way. Visitors to the town are now greeted by the sight of wonderful floral displays which light up the place. Neighbouring towns in the North County would do well to take note, as Rush appears to have stolen a march on them in efforts to attract more tourists. The recent Harbour festival was an outstanding success, with huge emphasis on the Gathering, where diaspora from far and near returned to Rush for the occasion. “Our festival brought people from as far away as USA and the Canaries. It was great to see them here to enjoy
By Patrick Finnegan the festivities. The best part is that we gave them a reason to return,” Anne McCrudden from Rush Community Council told the County Leader. It is abundantly clear that the secret lies in community groups pulling together in a harmonious union for the betterment of the town. The sense of positivity in the town was described by one local as being, “like a very welcome virus.” For years, Rush was regarded by many as being a tired and somewhat dreary seaside town, with little to offer in terms of places to visit, or reasons to return. Buildings were seen as being boring and drab. However the determination of locals ensured that this would come to an end soon. A focused new initiative by Rush Community Council, which acts as an umbrella group for voluntary organisations like Tidy Towns among others, has paid dividends. Community co-operation sprang into action and the change has been dramatic, to say the least. Visitors are now greeted by a Main Street that is bedecked in magnificent floral displays with beautiful colours. Practically every shopfront has a brilliantly coloured hanging basket display, as well as freshly painted doors and windows, giving a wonderful impression to locals and visitors alike. Locals are keenly aware of the rich tradition of
the town, particularly their maritime history. This was brought into focus at the unveiling of the ‘Rush Men of the Sea’ statues at Echlin Court recently, where adults and children alike embraced the whole concept and showed a deep pride that such a place could have such a rich and fascinating history. One of the perks of such community endeavour was the choice of Rush to represent the North County in the all Ireland Pride of Place competition. This is widely regarded as recognition by the local authority that the town has taken gigantic steps in rediscovering itself. Judges visited the town and were shown places of great historical importance and interest. They were clearly impressed by the professional presentation and talks, which informed them about all that Rush has to offer. Anne McCrudden from Rush Community Council said, “We have just completed our first three year plan and are now starting on our second three year plan. In that time, the Tidy Towns and Harbour Festival have been established and we have lots of projects planned for the next three years. We have a great working relationship with the County Council and they respond to our efforts in like manner. We have lots of young people with great ideas and we recognise that they’re our future. A new Youth Council will give them a voice to let us know what we can do for them,” she said. Angela Byrne, also from Rush Community Council said that plans are afoot to expand the St Patrick’s Day parade to integrate minority groups. She said, “We have ethnic minorities here in Rush, and we look to embrace their culture and teach them about ours. We want to set up a small bursary to enable these groups to make their own floats on the day. Hopefully, we will have an international parade some day,” she said. Continued on page 11
625
POIN
TS
Pictured is Andrew Kettle from Balbriggan Community College, who scored a remarkable total of 625 points in the Leaving Certificate exam. Andrew scored A plus in six subjects, Maths, English, Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Technology. Andrew, who lives at Market Green in Balbriggan intends to study Nano Science at Trinity College. He lists Basketball and Scouting as his main hobbies and he hopes to become a Scout Leader next month. We have no doubt this young man will be a resounding success in whatever career he chooses.
See inside for some more of the top achievers from schools around the north county.
Funding May Be Slashed At St. Michael’s House Local senator, Darragh O’Brien (FF), is furious about alleged plans to cut funding for St Michael’s House and he says he will strenuously resist any threatened cuts which will affect the organisation . St Michael’s House provides day-care, education and respite services for over 1,500 children and adults with an intellectual disability throughout the North County and beyond. In an exclusive interview with the County Leader, a furious O’Brien said: “It is absolutely unacceptable for the St Michael’s House budget to be cut by €1 million. It is also not
not be able to provide good enough for the necessary care for Minster James them.” Reilly to again “These potential cuts wash his hands of have come about this. He is the because of the consisMinister for tent failure of Minister Health and he Reilly to control his must take responbudget. However, there sibility and interis still time for him to vene immedido the right thing and ately.” protect funding and “It is sickening Senator O’Brien maintain the existing that the most vulnerable people in our services at St Michael’s society can be once again House. I am personally calling targeted like this.” He on the Minister to publicly continued, “Service users at commit to maintaining this St Michael’s often have vital funding. He needs to severe mental and physical take immediate action and disabilities and in many cases ensure that these cuts do not their elderly parents would happen,” he concluded.