A WOMAN who was forced to have her leg amputated last January following a two-year illness has thanked her neighbours and friends in her local community for their support, after she returned home to her house in Whitechurch. The house remains unadapted to suit her needs.

Mary Maher returned home last Thursday following a stay in St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar, and has lived in her Whitechurch home, which she rents from South Dublin County Council, with her partner Joe McKnight, for the past 29 years.

Her partner Joe featured in The Echo earlier this month to highlight the struggles they were facing as they tried to get their three-bedroom home adapted to allow Mary to use the bathroom and move around the house.

Speaking to The Echo, Mary said: “I was in Tallaght hospital since January 6 following an appointment, and I expected to be going back home that day.

“I had to have all kinds of scans, and the doctors really tried everything to save my leg, but by the end of January they said there was no alternative.

“It all really came as a shock, my life changed so dramatically overnight.”

Since Mary and Joe’s story featured in The Echo, the decision was made for Mary to return home permanently to the house, which her partner Joe has said is “very cramped” and now has Mary’s bed, along with a commode and basin for her to use, in the front room.

She said: “Since I’ve been in hospital, and basically been categorised as disabled, I’ve been like a second-class citizen.

“It’s been made very clear to me that you have to fight for everything, and that there’s no encouragement there to help you along the way.

“The thing is, it’s not just me. There are over 60,000 people classed as disabled in Ireland, and we have nobody to really speak for us.

“I’m hardly a spokesperson, but I just really want to highlight the issues that we’re facing. It really gets you so downhearted.

“This has been my home for 29 years, moving from my home and from my community after everything that I’ve been through would be a very traumatic thing. I just couldn’t do it.

“I really do feel better at home, you just have to keep positive about it all. We’ve had to spend money to get ramps, but they only fit in the back door.

“We can’t really afford to get anything else done, and there’s no way we can extend on the house or change the structure due to planning and permission.

“It’s a very slow process, but since I’ve been home I’ve had great support from my neighbours, from members of the community and my friends. It’s really boosted my confidence.

“We hope to try and get funds from somewhere in the future, and I really do feel like I have my community behind me to try to help myself and Joe.

“I may have lost a limb, but I didn’t lose my head and you have to make a positive out of a negative. We just have to keep chipping away.”

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COUNCILLOR Charlie O’Connor, has welcomed confirmation from Council Management that the installation of CCTV cameras and resurfacing works at Bohernabreena Cemetery “will be carried out imminently”,

He said he has been receiving many calls in respect of these matters and knows that visitors to the cemetery were particularly anxious that the potholes would be dealt with.

According to Cllr O’Connor, who is a regular visitor to the cemetery, people are particularly concerned at reports of crime and vandalism over the past months.

He said the installation of CCTV in the cemetery will be especially welcomed and he said that the provision of the system will clearly be a huge boost to the security of the cemetery.

He promised to continue to monitor the situation on behalf of the community. 

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A YOUNG woman’s life was turned “upside down” 15 months ago, when out of the blue, she became ill and was subsequently diagnosed with kidney failure.

Drimnagh resident Janice Moran (27) had no prior warning that she could be facing a serious illness, nor was there any genetic history of the condition in her family.

After feeling a little under the weather in the lead-up to Christmas 2014, Janice’s condition deteriorated to the point that when she eventually got to hospital, doctors told her she nearly died.

“On January 15 (2015), my left eye started to swell, and turned into a black eye,” said Janice.

“I went to a doctor and they told me to go straight to hospital. When I got to St James’s, they hooked me up straight away, and I was transferred to Tallaght Hospital, who have specialist treatment for kidneys, and stayed there for up to two months.”

“I genuinely didn’t know what a kidney disease was at the time. My mother had to explain the seriousness of the situation to me.”

To go from being a healthy, outgoing young woman, to being laid off work for nearly a year, and undergoing an exhausting ten hours of dialysis a night, has been a shock to the system.

Janice continued: “My whole life was turned upside down. I had to give up work for 11 months, and I do dialysis for ten hours a night. I went back to work part-time before Christmas, because I wasn’t going out anywhere, and I needed the motivation. My employers (receptionist at an electrical wholesale company) have been very understanding.”

Janice is currently on an organ waiting list with the Irish Kidney Association.

“I’m on a priority list, but some people are waiting two years, some are waiting seven years. You have good days and bad days, but I’m fit and healthy,” she said.

On Tuesday, she attended the national launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week (April 2-9) at the Mansion House.

All donations during the week go towards the IKA and aid for patients on dialysis, and patients fortunate enough to have received a transplant.

Anyone can text ‘kidney’ to 50300 and €2 will be donated from your mobile phone account to IKA.

Organ donor cards can also be obtained by phoning the IKA Locall 1890-543639 or freetext the word DONOR to 50050.

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A PUBLIC park which has become a hive of activity for stolen cars, quad bikes and illegal dumpers – requires “immediate regeneration” – according to People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny.

St Cuthbert’s Park in Clondalkin has suffered from anti-social activity for a number of years.

Community volunteers in the South West Community Safety Forum have done a lot of work to tackle the problem, but Kenny feels a “viable plan” needs to be coordinated by South Dublin County Council.

Deputy Kenny said: “St Cuthbert’s park was upgraded in 2004. It comprises 35 acres of public open space for the communities of Deansrath, Kilmahuddrick and Bawnogue. Over the past few months the park has attracted a lot of negative activities.

“Dumping of rubbish, irresponsible use of scramblers, and more recently stolen cars breaching the perimeter walls and set on fire. The local safety forum and others are doing all they can to try and make the park more amenable and user-friendly. The park should be and could be a green space which all the community can utilise for all aspects of sport, leisure and more importantly a place to be proud of.”

He continued: “At present the park is under-utilised in all these aspects. Giving the historical significance with St Cuthbert and the building within the park, it’s imperative that a viable plan is put forward.

“I would appeal to the local authority and other civic bodies to make the regeneration of St Cuthbert’s park an immediate priority for the community over the coming year”

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THE women of 1916 are being remembered and celebrated through song, dance and poetry on April 18, when the Ladies Social Group in Newcastle stages a centenary performance.

The Echo met with the over-fifties group in St Finian’s Community Hall on Tuesday when the members gathered to rehearse the upcoming performance – which focuses on the stories of the women involved in the Easter Rising.

Established three years ago, the Ladies Social Group has 68 members who engage in a diverse range of activities and events – with the centenary performance being their biggest project to date.

Society chairperson, Margaret Maher told The Echo: “We have a great team and lots of research was carried out on each of the women and the song and dance of the day.

“We also spent a lot of time researching clothes worn and we were surprised at what we had at home – many of us found old hats, blouses and jewellery that, bought years ago, reflected what was worn at the time.”

She added: “We decided to focus on 1916 from the women’s point of view and bring their stories and experiences to life – and help to raise awareness around these women, many of whom have not, until now, been widely known.

“We felt as a ladies’ group that it was fitting for us to celebrate their contribution and their mark on society and we’re all looking forward to the performance on April 18.

“Everybody has worked so hard and put so much energy into the event, it’s sure to be enjoyable for both the society and members of the audience.”

Part of the active age movement, the social group has invited a number of active-age clubs to the performance, which will be staged in St Finian’s Community Hall, Newcastle, on April 18 at 11am.

Anybody interested in attending the centenary event, which is free, is invited to email Margaret at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">

 

A TALLAGHT family has celebrated their antecedents’ roles in the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and beyond.

Trish Murtagh’s grand-uncle Thomas Merrigan was a runner during 1916 and his sister Ellen Merrigan was in Cumann Na mBan. Their sister Lizzie Merrigan was a member of Clan Na Gael. Their half-sister, Trish’s grandmother Susan Ryan, was also in Cumann Na Mban.

Trish Murtagh’s daughter Zoe (12) delved into her family’s proud history as part of a project for Proclamation Day in her school, St Martin De Porres National School.

The Merrigans all lived in Church Street, just off the quays.

In her project, Zoe told the story of Thomas who was just 15 at the time of the Rising and served as a runner for the rebels between the GPO and Father Mathew Hall on Church Street. He lost one of his middle fingers during that period.

Ellen Merrigan, who was 18 in 1916 and Susan Ryan who was 32 ,were both involved in Cumann Na Mban. Lizzie was 14 at the time of the Rising and she later joined Cumann Na Mban.

All were involved in the War of Independence and during the Civil War they were on the Anti-Treaty side.

The family donated Ellen’s Cumann Na Mban uniform and autograph book to Kilmainham Gaol where they are on display. Trish still has Ellen’s service medal from Cumann Na mBan and she brought it down to the school for the proclamation ceremony.

 

LUCAN-BASED Councillor Liona O’Toole has been doing some research into her family history. Her great-grandfather, Thomas Breslin and his three brothers, Peadar, James and Christopher, were all active during the 1916 Rising and before.

She told The Echo: “I didn’t realise how prominent some of my family were in the 1916 rising and subsequent years. It culminated in me finding the gravestones of two of my relatives in the Glasnevin Cemetery Republican plot.”

Both Thomas and James survived this period, however Peader and Christopher were killed. The brothers where anti-treaty during the Civil War. Peadar was arrested after fighting in the Four Courts and was killed in Mountjoy Prison trying to escape. Peadar had risen to the rank of Quarter-master of the Dublin Brigade of the IRA.

Christopher was taken from his home by men who identified themselves as the Free State “CID” late one evening. His body was found dumped at the junction of Ratoath and Cabra roads.

Christopher was an Intelligence Officer with “A” company 1st Battalion of the IRA Dublin Brigade. James Breslin erected a memorial stone at the location which is still there today.

Cllr O’Toole said: “I have read about some tragic stories, including three young men/boys murdered and dumped in Clondalkin during the period when the “CID” was most active under the direct control of the then Minister of Justice Kevin O’Higgins.

Unfortunately a lot of records of the time, particularly around the “CID”, were destroyed”.

She added: “I believe that it is in the national interest ,as well as important to descendants, that we ensure that any remaining records are put into the public domain.”

The Irish Free State Army Intelligence Department, the “CID”, was in existence from early 1922 to November 1923, after which it was abolished.

 

AVOCA'S plans to open an artisan craft shop at the former Foxhunter site in Lucan, look to be consigned to the dustbin, with reports that the site has been sold.

The luxury retail chain planned to invest €3.7 million, and create 50 jobs at a food market, café and craft store, due to open 12 months ago.

The prime retail location beside the N4 was mired in complicated legal-contractual problems during a tumultuous year.

Avoca – which was sold to US multinational Aramark in November – were prevented from moving in due to a “legal-contractual” issue.

A recent announcement that Avoca plan to open a new shop in Dunboyne, Co Meath, was a further blow to the potential development in Lucan.

Avoca managing director Simon Pratt could not be reached for comment by The Echo over the last week to confirm reports – fuelling speculation that the company have decided to cut their losses at a site that has been mired in ownership complications.

South Dublin County Council confirmed they understand the site was sold recently and are trying to establish the identity of the new owner.

Last July, South Dublin County Council wrote a letter to “whom the council believes are the owners” of the former Foxhunters Pub – requesting works be carried out to prevent the site becoming derelict.

The project was put further into jeopardy at the end of July when an unknown person or persons, lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála, stating the development should not be considered “exempted development.”

Avoca previously told The Echo they never envisaged “getting into a mess”.

At the time, Avoca MD Simon Pratt said the company wanted “nothing more than to resolve the issues” and “if we can’t, it would be a real shame.”

Regarding ownership of the site, Mr Pratt said discussions were “complicated” and the company was not in a position to discuss it.

The Foxhunter closed its doors in 2012 and was put in the hands of receivers, five years after it was bought for a reported price of €17 million in 2007.

 

THE CONTRACT for the development and implementation of a County Tourism Marketing and Branding Strategy and Action Plan was awarded to Crowe Horwath by South Dublin County Council.

The plan will identify and promote the unique selling points and exciting experiences of South Dublin County from a tourism perspective with the aim of increasing tourist numbers to the area.

Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, Daniel McLoughlin, signed a contract with Clodagh O’Brien of Crowe Horwath who have undertaken the task to create, implement and embed a marketing and branding strategy for South Dublin County by setting out the experiences of the location that visitors to the county can enjoy, thereby unlocking the potential of South Dublin County, and in so doing developing the tourism economy in the region.

“Realising our potential as an attractive and strong player in the overall destination that is Dublin depends entirely upon excellent communication and vision for the County” said Daniel McLoughlin.

“South Dublin County’s natural outdoors and sporting infrastructure facilitates opportunities in both activity and business tourism sectors.

“The quality and presentation of our towns and villages, augmented and enhanced by our parks, waterways, mountains and other visitor attractions, together with quality accommodation are fundamental to our tourism offering as an affordable and accessible edge of city location.

“Signing this contract provides us with an opportunity to improve perceptions and experiences of the County, while also bringing economic benefits to all.

“We have so much to offer and we look forward to developing marketing initiatives with local businesses and to welcoming more visitors to our corner of Dublin”.

The marketing and branding action plan will outline the experiences in this county in order to create and build awareness of what the county can offer to both domestic and international visitors.

“Essential to realising opportun-ities in our county is tackling market awareness and recognition levels of the County through a coherent and targeted marketing strategy for existing and planned products and initiatives.

“The local tourism sector will be crucial and it is envisaged that the stages of the plan will involve engagement with local businesses as well as seeking views from the wider community.

On signing the contract, Clodagh O’Brien, Advisory Partner, Crowe Horwath, said “We are delighted to be working with South Dublin County Council on such an exciting and timely project.

"South Dublin County has a great variety of tourism products and planned developments that can add to visitors’ experience of Dublin as a vibrant tourism offering.

"We look forward to working with the council and the local tourism industry to increase awareness of what South Dublin County has to offer both national and international audiences”.

Fáilte Ireland’s wide-ranging “Destination Dublin” report by the Grow Dublin Taskforce, launched in January 2014 outlined a series of actions to re-define and develop the tourism product in Dublin.

South Dublin County Council has adopted a role in the development and promotion of tourism, and is working closely with Fáilte Ireland and the Grow Dublin team in this area.

It is expected that a final marketing and branding strategy and action plan will be developed and implemented over the next 18 months.

 

BAWNOGUE Shopping Centre have re-submitted a planning application to South Dublin County Council, after a previous application was declared invalid.

Centre owner Mark Burns is seeking permission to amalgamate three of the retail units into a small supermarket, and to relocate the existing post office to be incorporated within the new supermarket.

The proposals also contain the demolition of the existing store and the erection of a new store to the rear of the supermarket, resurfacing of the car park, alterations to the front façade and associated site works.

The planning application was initially submitted in January, but council planners declared an invalid site notice at the location, following an inspection.

Planners said no site notice was erected at the public road, as indicated on the ordinance survey map.
In the initial planning application, Mr Burns said the enlarged convenience proposal “will provide a “larger, better stocked, more accessible convenience store” for customers.

He said: “The existing Bawnogue Shopping Centre is a busy neighbourhood centre that provides a much-needed service for the surrounding residential communities. It is in many ways outdated and in need of modernisation.

The council are due to make a decision on the application by May 10.

 

BUSINESSES at a small shopping centre are appealing for the community to “take a stand” against a sinister gang of young thugs.

A masked gunman staged an armed robbery at the More4Less Food store in Bawnogue shopping centre, Clondalkin, twice in the space of three days this week – frightening staff and making off with a small amount of cash.

Employees believe the same man was involved in both incidents on Friday (April 1) and Sunday (April 3).

The raider operated solo on Friday, but brought an accomplice for his second robbery on Sunday at 1.44pm, during which, a gun was momentarily pointed at a terrified 10-year-old boy.

The pair took off with a small amount of cash, heading on foot towards Alpine Heights.

The attacks follow multiple robberies of businesses at the shopping centre in recent months, along with a long-standing problem of intimidation, theft, and anti-social behavior by a gang of local thugs.

“The majority of people in Bawnogue are good, but we want the community to take a stand,” said a More4Less employee, who cited another armed robbery at the store on February 24.

He continued: “Pointing a gun at the boy really hit me. He was looking at toys on the shelf when the guy came in and brandished the gun around, but what if the gun goes off?”

“There’s a lot of kids, around 20-30 of them, hanging out outside, intimidating staff, throwing eggs in, trying to pull the shutters down. It’s got progressively worse. You can’t turn your back for a moment or they’re in, and it’s not even like they want to steal, but just to cause damage.”

Regularly, a staff member has to be present at the front door of the shop to prevent youths wreaking havoc – while at night everything in the courtyard has to be locked down to prevent it being destroyed.

Youths try to get a rise out of staff members, insulting them with childish taunts and aggressive threats, but this has implications for the business.

“We had to convince the owner that this shop is worth keeping,” said an employee.

“From a business point of view, it’s giving us added expenses, replacing tills, damaged goods, we are looking at getting in security. We get threats when we stand up to trouble, but what are we supposed to do, let them come in and wreck the shop, scare our staff and customers?

He continued: “The girl behind the counter for the last armed robbery was only 19. It’s not on. You can’t feel comfortable at work, if you think you are going to be robbed. We are asking the community to stand by us. If you see something bad happening, don’t do nothing about it.”

Other businesses that The Echo spoke to in Bawnogue Shopping Centre, either confirmed recent robberies at their premises, or were afraid to comment due to the culture of fear perpetuated by thugs.

Clondalkin Gardaí have facilitated a business watch meeting for retailers in Bawnogue, Greenpark, Woodford and Kingswood shopping centres, at the Green Isle Hotel, on April 13.

A Garda spokesman said: “Gardaí are investigating an incident in which a lone male, entered a Bawnogue shop on April 1 before 8pm. He is believed to be in possession of a black hand-gun. He threatened staff, and left with a small amount of cash. No injuries reported.

“On April 3, a similar incident, occurred. This time two males entered the premises, one in possession of a black hand-gun and the other male had a long kitchen knife. Again, staff were threatened, and they left with a small amount of cash, and fled on foot in the direction of Alpine Heights.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 666 7600.

The owner of More4Less has submitted a planning application with South Dublin County Council to refurbish the store – amalgamating three retail units into a small supermarket, including the existing separate post office.

 

A TALLAGHT couple highlighted the struggle they face in finding a wheelchair-accessible taxi, in the same week as a grant scheme for wheelchair-accessible vehicles is launched by the National Transport Authority.

Richard Redmond and his partner Stephanie Walsh, who is a wheelchair user, told The Echo how they often struggle to find a wheelchair-accessible taxi in the area, and were only this week forced to walk home in the early hours after being unable to find a suitable taxi.

Frustrated by the situation, Richard told The Echo: “It’s hard to get a wheelchair-accessible taxi all week long.

“A lot of taxi drivers who drive a wheelchair-accessible taxi only work from 8am to 6pm, you might get one or two after that time.

“At the weekends it’s so hard to get a wheelchair-accessible taxi because they make more money if they take eight people . . . [and] some taxis don’t have any ramps even though they class themselves a wheelchair accessible taxi.”

He added: “It’s very difficult, especially when we are on a night out and, for example, on Sunday last we were out in the Old Mill in Tallaght and myself and the staff rang up all of the taxi companies around Dublin and we all got told “no” or it’ll be an hour or two.

“The Old Mill staff kindly stayed open until we got sorted but we decided to walk home at 2.30am . . . and we felt unsafe and annoyed because people can just jump into a taxi and go home.”

Richard and Stephanie both stressed that it’s much easier to get a wheelchair-accessible cab in the city centre than out in suburbs like Tallaght.

Stephanie told The Echo: “Basically most of the time I find it really difficult to live my life day to day, which I find really upsetting – and sometimes I find myself invisible to others.

“People in wheelchairs should have the same rights as everyone else . . . [and] I have just had enough. Things need to change drastically.” 

When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson from the National Transport Authority said: “Note that at present, the National Transport Authority is accepting applications for new vehicle licences only for wheelchair-accessible taxis, wheelchair-accessible hackneys, limousines and Local Area Hackneys.

“That is to say only wheelchair-accessible vehicles will be granted a new licence.

“The 2016 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme opened on April 1, 2016. Information relating to this grant is available in the “Forms and Guides” section of our website.

“€750,000 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Any Provisional Grant offer will only be valid for 3 months from issue, until 30 November or until funding is depleted whichever is the earlier.”

 

A LAST-MINUTE try by Wicklow Club Captain Wes Wojnar broke the hearts of Clondalkin who consequently lost out 16-13 in the semi-finals of the Towns Cup in Carlow on Sunday.

Stopped at this very stage of the competition by Kilkenny last season, Clondalkin’s heartbreak will be even more severe this time around given just how close they were to reaching the decider.

Having suffered a loss to Wicklow some three weeks ago that ultimately saw them relegated to Division 1B, Clondalkin had no shortage of incentive for this game that devolved into a muddy battle as the rain-soaked pitch cut up and turned to a quagmire.

Clondalkin, who, like Wicklow, have yet to raise the Towns Cup, struck the first blow in the battle to join Enniscorthy in this year’s decider on April 17 when the ball was spun to Matt Stapleton and he slipped several attempted tackles before scoring under the posts. Chris Jebb added the extras to propel them 7-0 ahead.

Having established a base in the Clondalkin 22, Wicklow used their rolling maul to drive their oppon-ents back to their own line and after a number of recycles, they barged their way over the whitewash.

The penalty count against the Dublin side was mounting and Wicklow got their first successful kick on the 28th minute after Clon’ had dropped a lineout maul.

But their one-point lead lasted all of one minute as a short-restart tap from Jebb saw Neil Finlay claim possession for Clon’ and Wicklow penalised for not staying on their feet.

Jebb was immaculate once again with the boot and Clon’ regained the lead before the break yet they would have to play the second half without scrum-half Colm Quinn who had to be replaced by Ben Foran before the recess.

Both sides traded penal-ties after the break to make it 13-11 in Clon's favour.

The conditions had deteriorated into to a mud-bath at this stage and chances were at a premium, but Clondalkin were shading it in the possession stakes.

Nevertheless their scrum dominance was ended just before the half hour mark when the scrums went uncontested after Wicklow's replacement prop hobbled gingerly to the sideline after just five minutes on the pitch.

Wicklow once again resorted to their chief attacking weapon, the lineout maul and after a number of pick and drives, they squeezed over the line in the left hand corner with only one minute remaining on the clock.

The conversion attempt came back off the upright but the damage had been done and Clondalkin’s title quest ended.

TALLAGHT was the location this week for the national launch of a new handbook which aims to support, nurture and sustainably develop existing and new Men’s Sheds programmes in Ireland.

At the start of 2011 there were no Men’s Sheds programmes in Ireland, now there’s 305 nationwide with more than 10,000 members – after founder John McEvoy established the first shed in Wexford five years ago.

The Tallaght Centre for the Unemployed followed suit and set up one of the country’s first Men’s Sheds programmes soon after and now there are four different sheds running in Tallaght – with sheds also operating in neighbouring communities such as Clondalkin, Ballyroan, Ballyfermot, Walkinstown, Nutgrove and Templeogue.

On Tuesday, the members of Dublin-based sheds gathered in the County Library in Tallaght to celebrate the launch of a new handbook by the Men’s Sheds Association of Ireland, which, established in 2011, was set up to support the development and sustainability of Men’s Sheds.

Barry Sheridan, CEO of the association, told The Echo: “The Men’s Sheds programme has experienced huge organic growth since 2011, and our overall mission is to give every man the opportunity to take part in a Men’s Shed.

“Men’s Sheds provides a space for men to be themselves, to meet new people, learn new skills and maybe reconnect to their community.

“We have found that men can be quite isolated and lonely due to a redundancy or the loss of someone close and they need something to fill that void – helping them to find themselves again.”

He added: “On the back of meeting new people and learning new skills, there is a positive impact on a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing – which has a knock-on effect on their family.

“The most important thing about any shed is the kettle.

“Men don’t talk face to face, but we have noticed that in the shed men talk shoulder to shoulder when they are working on something and this has helped to knock down communication barriers.

“The programme really works and has made huge differences to members’ lives, improving health and wellbeing and, in some instances, saving lives.”

Barry stressed that there is a place for every man in Men’s Sheds, which grow from grassroots level and are shaped by members, or shedders, as they are known, and their interests.

Barry said: “The handbook launched this week is designed to make it easier to set-up and run a shed in a sustainable way, making sure that the shed survives for all of the men in the community.

“The handbook offers, for example, advice, guidance, information on policy, procedures and setting up a committee and how to stay within the ethos and values of Men’s Sheds.

“Outside of that, each shed grows itself and the members come up with their own ideas for activities. 
“It really is a simple concept and that’s why it’s been so successful, Men’s Sheds provides the space and members grow it from there.”

The launch in Tallaght Library was organised by Maire Redmond of Tallaght Centre for the Unemployed, who is also an advocate for the Men’s Sheds movement.

For further details or to find a local Men’s Sheds, which are always welcoming new members, visit www.menssheds.ie or call Maire Redmond on 4512983.

THIEVES have infested Corkagh Park in recent weeks, breaking into the council depot on a number of occasions, and attempting to burgle a residential house in the park.

The Echo understands that thieves ransacked the park’s depot on at least four occasions, stealing valuable equipment and damaging property.

A ranger’s jeep was also taken during one of the incidents. Thieves attempted to break out of the park through barriers, smashing the vehicle to bits during the hare-brained theft.

South Dublin County Council have recently installed metal doors in the courtyard to prevent thieves from gaining access to equipment.

A spokesman for the council was not available for comment, but a local source says the equipment was “cleaned out” and there is “nothing left.”

Meanwhile, resident Mick Corry, who lives in one of two residential houses in the park, not far from the parks depot, was woken up late at night when thieves attempted to break in on Wednesday, March 30.

Mr Corry (61), is receiving treatment for melanoma, told The Echo: “I’ve been living here for nine years, and this is the first time something like this happened. I think they were casing the place. I have CCTV and could see them walking up and down, looking in.

“They managed to get in through the shed at around midnight, but the alarm system triggered and they took off straight away.”

Mr Corry, a Ballyfermot resident before moving to Corkagh Park, praised Clondalkin gardaí for their quick response.

“They were here in a matter of minutes when the alarm went off,” said Mr Corry.

“Before this was a park, it was owned by a Kilkenny man, a farmer. There was an agreement with the local authority, when they take it over, that no houses be built. The family come up once a year to have a look around.

“It’s a grand park, and it’s getting more family-friendly all the time. Mind you, there is always a bit of activity, from early in the morning to late at night.”

Clondalkin gardai are investigating the attempted burglary at Mr Corry’s home.

A Garda spokesperson said: “There was a bit of damage done to the back door during the burglary shortly after midnight on March 31. The scene was preserved for technical examination. No arrests have been made yet. Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 666 6700.”

 

THE legacy of a former school principal will embellish the latest edition of the upcoming Lucan Art Fair (April 15-17, at Divine Mercy SNS, Balgaddy).

Now in its sixth year, the exhibition was established by former Divine Mercy SNS principal John Ring, who passed away on St Valentine’s Day.

Artist Miriam Smithers, a co-founder of the expo, said: “John was a great supporter of the arts and fondly cherished community links created by the project.

He thoroughly enjoyed the event and gave a warm welcome to visitors who passed through the door, greeting them with kindness and often leaving them in laughter with his infamous sense of humour. The art fair forms part of the great legacy that John left us.”

The exhibition was formerly known as Balgaddy Art Fair, but has been “building momentum” in recent years, with exhibitors from wider communities taking part, leading to a name change.

One of the 40 exhibitors is Bríd Connolly, a teacher in Divine Mercy, and organiser of the event. Brid is inspired by the rugged landscape of Galway where she grew up, along with a love of sepia photography.

Applications for artists, photographers and crafters are welcome.

Further information may be found Lucan Art Fair Facebook page, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or contact Bríd 087 9213520, or Miriam on 086 0573820.

Opening times for the expo are on Friday, April 15 from 7pm to 9pm, Saturday from noon to 5pm), and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

 

PARENTS can avail of free early childhood development programmes and supports in the Clondalkin and Lucan areas, by signing up with the Blue Skies initiative.

The initiative has been running since September 2014 - engaging over 300 parents and children. The aim is to improve the overall well-being of families, by using evidenced based programmes which assist parents in helping their toddlers hit developmental milestones.

The Clondalkin-based group currently runs the comprehensive UpTo2 programme, as well as a number of early years initiatives.

They also work with national schools carrying out training for speech and language support programmes, including St Bernadettes JNS, St Mary’s JNS, St Peter Apostles JNS, Divine Mercy JNS, Lucan CNS, Scoil Nano Nagle, St Ronan’s NS and Clonburris NS.

Project Coordinator Lorraine Doherty said: “The ABC Blue Skies Initiative aims to embed evidence based programmes in the local community that benefits the overall well-being of all children in the area.

“Training and support for public health nurses, community centre staff, parents, early years educators, teachers and SNA’s will ensure that a sustainable framework will exist.”

The free UpTo2 programme is delivered in partnership with HSE public health nurses, Deansrath Family Centre and Archways - offering supports to new mothers from pre-birth until a baby reaches 2-years.

Up to 50 teachers from Clondalkin and Lucan schools have received early years training in Dina Programmes – a curriculum which strengthens children’s social, emotional and academic competencies.

For further information visit www.blueskiesinitiative.ie or contact Lorraine Doherty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

TRIBUTES have poured in for Donore Harriers’ longest serving member and former president Tommy Hayward (95), who passed away on Tuesday.

Tommy joined the club in 1941 and was a member of the first Donore team to win the AAU Senior Cross Country Championships in 1943.

A statement by Donore Harriers said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Tommy Hayward. He was a great committee man. Up to last September, Tommy had attended every consecutive AGM for 75 years. He was very interested in the development of the club and influential in its success.

“In 1957 he took over as Secretary for almost 10 years. As part of a great trio, along with Pat Mullally (Treasurer) and Eddie Hogan (Head Coach), he oversaw the halcyon days of Donore when the club became a powerhouse in distance running and track and field. In later years he also served as President.”

At national level, the Santry resident was a negotiator in the formation of BLE in 1967 and active in athletics up until last year.

Donore Harriers said: “Tommy was a great family man and beloved husband of his late wife Maura. Our condolences go to his children Eric and Muriel, his family and many friends.”

 

MOTHER and Baby Home survivors from South Dublin County were among those who engaged in a peaceful protest outside Dáil Éireann on Wednesday (April 6).

Clondalkin resident David Kinsella and Parkwest resident Terri Harrison are organisers of the ‘We Are Not Gone Away’ campaign.

David (57) said: “Our core purpose is to remind new incoming government parties that we haven’t gone away. We are ageing survivors of Ireland’s history in mother and baby homes and Magdalene children.

He continued: “In Ireland’s 2016 centenary, we are seeking a full apology and fast-track interim redress to be put in place, while the commission of inquiry continues its work.

"Since February 2015, a lot of survivors have died and some are ill or well aged. A recent report similar to our plight has been published in Belfast and the UK titled What Survivors Want."

David spent four traumatic years at the St Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home on the Navan Road, and never saw his birth mother again.

Terri Harrison (60), was marched home from the UK by the Catholic Church. As a single 18-year-old pregnant woman, she was forced to go to St Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home.

There, she was denied pain relief in labour and medical care, before nuns took away her son Niall after a matter of weeks.

What Survivors Want is published by Prof. Patricia Lundy from Ulster Univer-sity and is recommended for survivors.

 

NINE local schools took part in the Young Social Innovators Speak Out event in UCD on Tuesday, as part of the Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards supported by Ulster Bank.

The schools, from the areas of Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan and Drimnagh, came together to present their creative ideas and to see what other local schools are doing to tackle social issues.

St Joseph's College in Lucan had the highest number of teams taking part in the day, with seven different projects ranging from Alzheimer's Awareness, Concussion in GAA and Classroom Comfort YSI - Lucan Community College also had a team presenting their project entitled #IAMME.

Clondalkin schools taking part in the event included Coláiste Bríde and Moyle Park College which both had two teams presenting their projects, and Collinstown Park Community College which presented its project called I Hate This Hotel.

Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School in Drimnagh had one team taking part, with a project entitled Be Smarter Than Your Smartphone.

Three Tallaght schools also took part, with St Aidan's Community School, St Mark's Community School and Tallaght Community School each having one team representing them at the Speak Out event.

During the event, each team was given two minutes on stage to present their social innovation to the audience which was made up of students from the other schools, invited guests and the Young Social Innovators panel.

Rachel Collier, CEO of Young Social Innovators said: “We want young people to become innovators in their own lives and be resourceful in creating positive change and solutions in the world around them.

“The energy felt at these events must be experienced and we wish all the participants the best of luck in progressing their projects and continuing to advocate for change in their communities.”

This is the 15th year of the Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards, with more than 6,500 teenagers across the country taking part in the event with 450 projects from 211 schools looking at a very diverse range of issues including integration, equality, crime, health, safety, homelessness, intergenerational initiatives and more.