Celebrating the Canal

Dublin City Libraries came up trumps again last week, mounting an exhibition of artwork by students of Crumlin's Scoil Iosagain. Held in the Dolphin's Barn Library, the exhibition is called “Introducing Canal Life”, focussing on the Grand Canal which, before the days of motorways and Luas, was one of Dublin's lifelines. I was really impressed by these youngsters’ work, and by the effort they and their teachers put into the exhibition.

Launch of 'Next Steps' Evaluation Report

The ‘Next Steps’ project is a parental involvement programme designed to equip parents with the skills to engage both themselves and their children in formal and information educational opportunities in the community. The programme is run by the Ballyfermot Partnership. Here are some pics from the launch of the programme's Evaluation Report, which I attended last week.

Below, the Lord Mayor, Vincent 'Ballyfermot' Jackson addresses participants and guests.

The audience ...

... the programme's participants

The Circuit of Glendalough

Last time I planned a trip to Glendalough I had to abort it as the weather forecast promised blizzards and snow so I had to settle for the softer walk around Maulin, War Hill and Djouce (see blog Tuesday March 7 th.)

This Easter Sunday the 8 th. April proved to be the day to revisit the original plan and head down to where I always wanted.. the Hills around the Gleann da Loch..THE most spectacular scenic walk in the Wicklows!!!

Up at 5 a.m. on the road at 6 and arrive at 7........just as the dawn was breaking and the mist was raising off the Lake.........
But I had to stop on the road to photograph that most magnificent sight, Blessington Lake just outside Blessington Village.....before continuing on my way
THE PLAN.

I was to climb Camaderry and rendezvous with my colleague, who just can't get out of bed early enough... at Tourlough Hill. He was to start at the road on the Wicklow Gap and climb to meet me, and like clockwork we met bang on time... But it is some hell of a climb starting at the lake to climb Camaderry on your own at 7 am ......Oh ..deer .............................and goats.......

And now somewhere around Lugduff it was time for a photo..

And now for a map....

And with The Derrybawn Ridge in sight we were nearly there...

YES...the car is down there..where I started...

After 7 hours of walking we were back at the car tired but feeling reinvigorated and ready to go canvassing.......

If interested in hill walking you MUST read the Labour Party "Access to the Countryside Bill" produced by Ruairi Quinn T.D.

Starting Boxing Programme

Dublin City Council came up trumps when the Sports Development Officers recently identified that a lot of youngsters wanted to try the sport of boxing even though they were not involved in a boxing Club.

The Youth, Play & Sports Development Section of Dublin City Council has been introducing young people to many interesting sports throughout the City for some time now.

The main aim of the “Start-Boxing” programme was to teach participants the basic Boxing techniques in a fun & safe environment within their own local Youth Club, Community Hall or other sporting venue. The coaching sessions were led by Ireland’s elite amateur boxers who were in full-time training for international duty at the National Boxing Stadium

On the 4th of April the newly trained participants took to the ring supported by friends and Club mates.

Encouraging words from Eric…

With the Professional staff on hand…

While the Lord Mayor Vincent Ballyfermot Jackson dealt with the media…

And the audience settled in ….

Break dancers warmed the crowd…



And a great night was had by all.