Around the Districts: Dunlavin

David Ballesty gives a guided tour to Wicklow Rose 2024 entrants during a visit to Beyond the Trees in Avondale. Photo: Michael Kelly

© Wicklow People

DUNLAVIN

Sympathy

Sympathy to Jenny (Craigie) and Richard Street on the death of Richard’s father Don. Don’s funeral took place in Cork. May he rest in peace.

Dunlavin and District News

The Dunlavin and District Forum, which serves and improves the wellbeing and quality of the Dunlavin community and acts as a cornerstone of voluntary community engagement, is pleased to introduce its newly appointed Executive Team.

Taking over from the outgoing team of Aisling Grace and Antoinette Whelan, the incoming executive includes members of the community, Kathleen Lucey, Claire Grace, Noreen Lucey, Shauna Rouse and Michelle Brewster. Current treasurer Margaret Healy will remain as treasurer and Feargal Hennigan is welcomed as new PR Officer.

The incoming Executive Team is eager to build upon the foundation laid by the outgoing executive and continue the progress and various projects that are ongoing in the town.

The Dunlavin and District Forum is committed to fostering collaboration and driving and supporting initiatives that benefit the growing town of Dunlavin. Existing sub-committees that are working on enhancing the quality of life and promoting sustainable development in the town include, the Historical, playground, Text Alert, Christmas Fair, Christmas Lights and Green Team sub committees.

The Forum welcomes existing and new members to join any of these sub-committees. If there are new areas of focus or community engagement that residents are interested in exploring or setting up, all attendees are welcome to join Forum meetings or get in touch.

In addition to announcing the new Executive Team, the Dunlavin and District Forum takes this opportunity to express its heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing executive team for their years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment and engagement to the betterment of Dunlavin.

For more information about the Dunlavin and District Forum, please visit dunlavin.ie or attend our monthly meetings on the first Monday of every month in the Imaal Hall or contact dunlavinforum@gmail.com. New members are welcome and encouraged to share their input.

Camino Walk

Walking the Camino – Join the MSC Missions as we walk the shaded lanes and valleys of the Camino Ingles walking from Ferrol to Santiago in Northern Spain. The temperature in this part of northern Spain in July is perfect for walking, like a balmy summer day in Ireland. For more details of this fundraising pilgrimage ring Mary at 021 4546691 or email mary.morrish@mscmissions.

Adoration

Adoration of the Blessèd Sacrament takes place in St Nicholas of Myra Church, on Thursday evenings from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Foróige

Our existing Foróige Teen Scene Club – meets every Friday between 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., catering to youths aged 12 to 18. Unfortunately as we approach the end of this club year in May we are losing our current leaders. We face the imminent challenge of sustaining the club to recommence in September. Without fresh leadership, our club’s continuity is at risk. We appeal to you for assistance. If you’re willing to dedicate just one Friday a month to support and keep this valuable club to support our local teenagers please get in touch. Contact Michelle Brewster at 086 8346170 or Adrienne Muldowney at 085 1363858.

Parish News

The Parish Centre Shop has a lovely selection of general cards. Also other items, ie. Rosary beads, Candles, Keyrings etc. We also have a selection of Confirmation and Communion items, to include pins, booklets, Rosettes, necklaces and cards. Please drop in for a look.

Diary Date

Dunlavin Festival of Arts 2024 will take place from Thursday, June 13, to Sunday the 16th. This will be the 40th festival and will be officially opened by Chris Jaffer, who is nephew of festival founder Gloria Clyne. Chris and his brother are travelling from America for the event. If anyone would like to organise an event on the weekend contact 087 9693960. The committee are interested in clubs who might want to organise some event on the Green or a street event. All ideas welcome.

Line Dancing

Line dancing takes place in the Imaal Hall every Wednesday 8.10 p.m., all welcome. Great way to meet new friends and keep fit.

Outing

Culture Bus will depart from Dunlavin on Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. to visit Kilmacurragh Gardens, proceeding to Joly’s Garden Centre in Glenealy, Will depart for home at 5 p.m. for home. 087 9693960 to book seat on the bus.

Parish Draw

Parish lotto draw takes place on Saturday, May 11. If you are not in you cannot win. For further details please contact Breda at 086 3598866 or the parish office at 045 401871. Thanks to all who have supported this funraiser. Painting of the church will commence in June.

Road Closure

Diary date for residents in Dunlavin, Grangecon and surrounding areas.

Temporary road closure lasting 50 days.

R412 road from the R413 at Brannockstown to the R756 at Dunlavin.

This is to facilitate the installation of new watermain pipework.

From Monday, March 4, to Friday, July 12. Alternative routes will be posted nearer the date.

WEST WICKLOW HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL NUMBER 12.

Copies of the latest WWHS journal are on sale in Dermot Hughes’ shop in Dunlavin. The 200-page journal includes an article about the massacre on Dunlavin green in 1798, and other articles on Hollywood, Donard-Donoghmore and many different parts of west Wicklow, covering time spans from the Neolithic Age to the twentieth century. Journals cost €15 and are a great present for local people, and especially for those living abroad.

LOCAL HISTORY BOOKS

Books on the history of Dunlavin and its environs are also available in Dermot Hughes’ shop and An Lár. They cover various aspects of the long and complex history of Dunlavin village and County Wicklow. Prices range from €14 – €30. Great reading for anyone with a local connection and will become collectors’ items in years to come.

Soccer first Score Scratch Cards Dunlavin AFC

Last week’s winner was Julia Murphy. Thanks to all who purchase the weekly tickets.

Social dancing

social dancing takes place in Donard Community Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to midday.

Bereavement Support

The Irish Hospice Foundation provides a free Bereavement Support Line. This National Freephone Service is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 807077. Visit hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

Church Adoration

Adoration of the Blessèd Sacrament takes place on Thursday evenings, in St Nicholas of Myra Church, Dunlavin, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. All are welcome..

Baby and Toddler Group

Dunlavin Baby and Toddler Group is back in Seomra (Imaal Hall) on Wednesdays from 9.30 a.m. to midday. Please come along for a play and a cuppa. All welcome.

Dunlavin Friendship Club

Great news that the Friendship club will be meeting every Friday at 3 p.m. Check if a neighbour needs a lift.

Staff sought

Dunlavin Nursing Home are currently recruiting the following staff: Health Care Assistants (Full and part time) Kitchen Assistants

Please forward your CV to Bessy on bvarghese@silverstream.ie.

Dunlavin Library

Dunlavin Library’s opening hours are now as follows: Tuesday 5-8, Wednesday and Friday 10-1 and 2-5 and Saturday 11 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Your Library card gives you free access to books and audio materials as well as access to online materials and resources including magazines, courses and Find My Past which will allow you to discover your family history. Printing and photocopying service also available. Joining is free and no late fees are chargeable on overdue items. Great selection of new films in stock for young and old.

Affinity Plus Home Support

Affinity Plus Home Support is a community-based service offering; Senior Care, Mother Care, Recovery Care and a unique Concierge Service. We can assist with personal care, domestic tasks, meal preparation and assistance to and from appointments. Please contact us at 045 916060 or visit our website on affinityplus.ie to find out more.

Baltinglass Credit Union

Opening Hours

Monday – Thursday

9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Friday

9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (open through lunch each day)

Saturday

9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dunlavin Opening Hours

Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday 9.30 a.m. – 100 p.m.

Baltinglass Credit Union are now actively issuing Education/Student Loans and at a low rate of 6.5% (6.71% APR).

An example of a €3,000 Education Loan over a two-year period (104 weekly repayments of €30.78) would cost the member €200.49 in interest, therefore, the total amount repayable would be €3200.49. Terms and Conditions and normal lending criteria apply.

To enquire about a loan, contact 059 6481071 (Dial 2) or email – loans@baltinglasscu.ie. We are here to help our community.

Rosary

Praying the Rosary has returned in St Nicholas of Myra Church on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m.

Plants for sale

Bedding Plants and Cottage Garden plants along with some Silk Flower arrangements – Contact Pauline Allen at 087 6183903. Reasonable Prices.

I can fill your hanging baskets, window boxes and potted arrangements for your patio or Family Grave. Also available are small Garden Signs and Wine bottles with lights suitable for late nights on the Patio.

Mobile recycling

Mobile Recycling has Recommenced. Dunlavin second Saturday outside church of Ireland 10-12. Blessington first Saturday, outside Secondary School (Naas Road) 10-12. Hollywood third Saturday outside the National school 10-12.

Panic Buttons

Anyone, who is over the age of 65 may apply for a Panic Button. If you are interested, or know of someone who may require one and is living in the Dunlavin area, the necessary application form can be accessed by calling 086 1020303.

Used Postage Stamps

Please keep your used postage stamps for St Patrick’s Missions, Kiltegan, who use them to fundraise. Stamps can be dropped into the parish office any time. Thank you to all who have donated in the past.

Alone

ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who may have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., by calling 0818 222 024.

Family Carers Ireland

Family Carers Ireland are seeking volunteers in Dunlavin and the surrounding area to give one o two hours a week to visit an elderly person in their own home who are experiencing loneliness and isolation. Full training will be provided. A simple gift of time can make a huge difference i a persons life. For more information contact Maggie at 086 0213749 or email mlally@familycarers.ie.

Volunteers sought

The Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in all public hospitals nationwide. Volunteers will need their own car but all expenses are paid. If you have two free days a month (Monday to Friday) and an active email address we would love to hear from you. Please call Laura at 01 2310 594, email transport@irishcancer.ie or go to cancer.ie for more details.

Outreach Service

‘There is a new domestic violence outreach service in West Wicklow provided by Saoirse Women’s refuge in Tallaght. We can offer confidential appointments providing support to women suffering from domestic violence in the community, including Court Accompaniment. The drop in clinics areas follows: Every Monday 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Blessington Library, Every Wednesday afternoon 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Seomra Imaal Hall Dunlavin and Every Friday 9: 30-11.30 a.m. The equestrian/The Lawlor centre Baltinglass. Call 085 2710378 for an appointment.