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Articles without such will not be published.
Lucan Newsletter Summer Hols!
We re all going on a Summer Holiday from now
until Sunday 31st August.
All items for that issue should be with us by
Wednesday 27th August.
We hope all will have a happy and safe holiday time!
AONTAS ANNUAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TRIP
On Friday last 18th July 19 members of Aontas along with 9 parents and guardians took to as the song says The Hills of Donegal . This is the 5th year the group have travelled to Donegal. Previously we travelled for the 1st two trips to Fanavolty which is in North Donegal and in the parish of Clondavaddog. In the last three years following the explosion in October 2022 in Creeslough we found ourselves visiting the parishioners there for the 3rd time this year. Creeslough which is built on a winding hill which overlooks the Ards Peninsula. Percy French made Creeslough famous in the 19th century when he wrote The Immigrants Letter . We can categorically tell you we most certainly did not feel like immigrants on our visit here. The parishioners along with their priest Fr. John Joe Duffy could not be more welcoming to which we are indebted for their kindness to the group.
These trips have become a fundamental part of our group. Aontas translates as Unity and that is exactly what these trips are about. They give the group a chance to spend time together away from all the distractions afforded to us at home. As our practice times are for 1 hour generally and mass on the following Sunday we don t really have ample time to have a chat and to engage with each other. These trips give us the chance to do just that. We get to know some of the newer members and to bond with the older members who are very much part and parcel of the Aontas family.
Our 1st night took us to the home place of Clannad, Enya and Moya Brennan where we were warmly welcomed by Bartley Brennan. We spent the evening in Leo s Tavern which is nestled in the village of Crolly. It is very much steeped in history of music and has had many a famous celebrity there. I sat in a particular seat and little did I know that Bono actually sat in the same seat (my one and only claim to fame). We had a lovely meal followed by a chance for a large number of our members to enjoy an open mic night. This highlighted the many talents within the group, from fabulous singing to playing piano and guitar.
An early start on Saturday at 8.30am saw us travel to Burtonport to fetch the ferry to Arranmore Island. We were collected by bus and taken on a tour of some of the island. We travelled to the lighthouse and did a bit of a climb dodging some sheep . much to the amusement of some. There were plenty of antics from some of our more senior members who instead of looking like singers were chancing their arm at circus acts but all in good spirit. We went then to St. Crone s Church where we were met by Fr. John Attoh who is a Nigerian priest and would you believe knows our very own Fr. Pius and has actually visited Lucan. He very kindly allowed us to use the church for some time to pray and reflect.
Music was acapella and some scripture was read followed by some thought-provoking reflections on how we can further reach out to young people within our community who may not be musical but who may also like to become involved in some other way with Aontas in our parish partnership.
We reflected on what Aontas means and does for us as individuals and as a group. Fr. John encouraged us to continue with the group and to continue with our singing. He reminded us that in the words of St. Augustine He who sings prays twice . St. Crone s will celebrate 200 years of the opening of their church in August and preparations were very visible so we will very much keep the community there and Fr. John in our prayers.
We travelled back to our accommodation to get ready for mass in St. Michael s in Creeslough and as every year it s an absolute privilege to be warmly welcomed by the parishioners and in particular by Fr. John Joe Duffy. I think back to the 1st time we got in touch with Fr. John Joe. I m not sure what he made of us but I am in no doubt we have made a firm friend. Like our own priests, Fr. John Joe gives of himself tirelessly to his community and also to us when we visit. The mass was so very prayerful and Fr. John Joe spoke very much to the group about the importance of reaching out to those around us, particularly each other and to our families and community around us. None of us truly realise as members of Aontas the impact we have made to those around us. Again on Sunday, we sang at the 11am mass and had some time out afterwards playing volley ball in what became a very competitive fixture but plenty of fun.
As our final place departing from Donegal we always have the final stop before heading home at Doon Well. It s a Holy well from the 15th century where it is believed that Lector O Friel a very Holy and Spiritual healing man blessed many people who came to him to be cured. This gave the group a chance to share some personal prayers of thanks. Here we leave any worries or troubles we hold. We prayed here for the 6 members who were unable to travel with us this time but please God they will be able to travel on future trips. Gail, Gelaine, Jordan and myself will travel to Rome next Monday as part of a representation from the Dublin Diocese along with Bishop Paul Dempsey to join in the Youth Pilgrimage as part of the Jubilee of Hope. Next year will see the group start the beginning of their 10th year from the first day of formation. We hope to travel along with some of our members as volunteers to the Philippines next year so we will give more details about that in the months ahead. Aontas are taking a much-needed break but will see you all again on the 7th September and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your support.
M le Bu ochas
Adam Hodgkinson (Aontas)
Icon Courses in St Mary's Parish Centre
St. Mary's Parish has been fortunate to have Mihai Cucu leading a group of individuals in the tradition of icon writing for the past three years.
An Icon from this year s course.
In recent times, iconography has become an integral part of Western tradition. The theology behind icons, along with their rich symbolism and profound spiritual significance, continues to attract more and more people. Icons serve as constant reminders of the Divine Presence and, more importantly, of the intimate relationship we share with God.
The new Icons were blessed at the Vigil Mass in St. Mary s, on Saturday last.
These iconography courses and workshops play a crucial role in preserving an ancient and beautiful tradition, one that traces its roots back to St. Luke the Evangelist.
Lucan Festival
On Sat 6th September we once again will have our only fundraising event in the grounds of Lucan House. This year there will be 2 sessions, afternoon and evening.
Please note the following
1. No dogs other than guide/care dogs
2. Admission is 5 (children 12 and under free)
3. Afternoon session, Main gate open at 12.30 and last admissions at 4.15. Afternoon session will close at 5pm.
4. Gates reopen at 6.30pm for evening session
5. On payment of 5 you will be given a wristband. This wristband if got during the afternoon session will allow you back for the evening.
6. Evening session entrance for those with wristbands through the main gate.
7. For those with no wristband the entrance is at the gates on the Leixlip road just up from the AIB and the same admission cost is 5 (children 12 and under free)
The afternoon will have dinosaurs, birds, music, yoga, vikings, historical exhibition, cricket etc
and an international food fair in the stable yard where you can sample wonderful food.
The evening will have local bands entertaining you on stage from 6.45pm until just before our spectacular fireworks display at approx. 9pm.
Wristbands for health and safety reasons are confined to 4,900 and when that number is reached gates close.
Please follow the stewards and Gardai instructions on the day.
On the Tues and Thurs mornings we will have a tour of the Historic Shackletons Mills on the Low Road. Numbers are limited to 25 on each morning. If interested please send your details to us by email at lucanfestival@gmail.com. We will then reply back with details.
Thurs night 4th Sept well known local man Jim Doyle will present an illustrated talk on the life of Roger Casement in the Presbyterian Church at 8pm.
Joe Byrne
Primrose Hill Gardens
is an old-world garden with many different plants in flower
Open Heritage Week 16th August 24th August.
Open daily from 2pm 6pm
Adults 6.00 euro. Children Free.
Top of Primrose Land, Lucan. Post Code K78L1W9
BERNARDOS
We are currently looking for volunteers who would be especially interested in working in schools in Dublin 11 & Dublin 15, to start in September / early October 2025 - and be available 2 mornings per week for the academic year.
Informal interviews will be held in our Head Office in Christchurch Square ASAP.
Garda Vetting will be carried out by Barnardos in advance of starting the programme.
Training will be provided by Barnardos on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August 2025 All interested volunteers must be available to attend this training before being considered for the role.
Ballyowen Castle Community Centre
Email: info@ballyowencommunitycentre.ie
Telephone: 01 253 6105 or 085 867 1245
Follow us on Facebook (Ballyowen Castle Community Centre) or on Instagram (ballyowen_community_centre)
Family Fun Day: WOW!!!!! What a day we had for our annual Family Fun Day. This year we moved the Fun day into Cluain Ni Ri park and it was a great success. We were delighted to see so many of our community come out and enjoy the day. We would like to thank all our volunteer's that helped out on the day it would not have been a success without you all. We would also like to thank the local businesses that donated to us Euro Spar Ballyowen, Regal Fare, Foley's Life Pharmacy Ballyowen, Pennyhill, Barefoot yoga and Shane Moynihan TD. Thank you to Liffey Sound FM for all their coverage on the day. The entertainment on the day was amazing Zumba with Sue, Croi yoga, Inisealga Irish Dancing, Alex J Byrne. Music was The Snappers Ukelele Band, Sli Dhala Comhaltas Lucan, and Comhaltas Craobh Leamhcain. A special thanks to the Lucan Festival and 23rd Dublin Lucan Scouts Troop. Big shout out to South Dublin County Council for funding the day and also getting the park in order for the day.
Volunteers: As the centre is growing, we are looking for the help of locals. If you have some spare time and would like to volunteer at some of our events please get in touch.
Room booking: Would you like to book a room in the centre for a meeting or a group activity? We have some availability and offer competitive rates. Email us to make a booking.
Adult Education
The Adult Education Service in Lucan Education Centre, on Esker Hill are currently enrolling for free and flexible part-time courses commencing in September 2025. The Return to Education Programme courses are at times to allow you to choose between one and four different subjects to fit around your busy life. Each subject is 4 hours, 1 morning per week. This can lead to QQI qualification.
The following subjects are available this term:
Spanish for Beginners
Introduction to Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheets)
Career Preparation / CV and Interview Skills
Business English Language Skills
Data Entry Improving Keyboard Skills
Office Skills
Business Administration
Word Processing (Advanced)
Social Studies (Introduction to Sociology)
Payroll Using Sage Software
For more details, contact lorrainekavanagh@ddletbaes.ie or call 01 6283557
Lucan Citizens Information Centre
Our telephone number is 0818 07 5090
www.citizensinformation.ie
Email lucan@citinfo.ie
Our office is located in the Ballyowen Castle Youth and Community Centre, Ballyowen, Lucan
Opening hours:
Walk-ins to see an Information Officer
Tuesday: 10am - 12pm and 2pm to 4 pm
Wednesday: None
Thursday: 10am 12pm and 2pm to 4 pm
Reception open*
Tuesday: 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Thursday: 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
We are closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 8pm on 0818 07 4000
MABS the Money Advice and Budgeting Service is the State's money advice service, guiding people through dealing with problem debt for over 20 years. MABS phone service is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm on 0818 07 2000
Age Action for all Older People
Age Action are offering five hours tutoring, remotely, to anyone who needs support using their smartphone, tablet or laptop. Covering topics like how to set up an email, how to download an app, how to use video calling to see your loved ones etc.
For more information, please call 01 4756989 or email gettingstarted@ageaction.ie
ALONE
Older people need your support!
ALONE is recruiting volunteers to provide companionship and support through their Telephone Support & Befriending service for older people.
ALONE asks that interested volunteers commit to one set shift of 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.
Visit alone.ie/volunteers for more information.
Lucan Newsletter Sales Outlets
Lucan Village
Collins Butchers, Main Street
Lynchs / Centra
Ballyowen / Ballydowd area
Texaco Service Station
Eurospar
Esker area
Spar Finnstown
Dodsboro area
Spar Dodsboro
Churches
St. Mary s Church, Lucan
St. Patrick s, Esker
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