CHRISTMAS MARKET: A Christmas Market, in aid of Skerries Day Care Centre, will take place on Thursday, November 26 in the Old School, Skerries.   Items for sale will include Christmas cakes, jams puddings, paintings, jewellery, knitwear, baby patchwork covers and plants for Christmas. Lots of raffles. All are very welcome.

VARIETY SHOW: Jomac Productions presents its hugely popular Variety Show at Holy Faith Girls’ School, Clontarf, on Friday, November 27, at 8pm. Admission is e10 and all proceeds will go to the Chernobyl Children’s Trust. Enquiries to 8336482.
 
TALK: The Dublin Five Horticultural Society continues its series of fortnightly talks with Christine O'Flynn's talk on Australian gardens, ‘A View Down Under’, on Thursday, November 19, at 8pm in the Artane Beaumont Family Recreation Centre, Kilmore Road. Admission is e4. Tea/biscuits and a raffle. Phone 087-2423020 if you require further details.
 
DRAMA: Riverside Drama Circle presents a Night of Comedy, three one-act plays on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, November 23, 24 and 25, at 8pm in Naomh Barrog GAA Club, Kilbarrack Road. Tickets cost e10 (e8 for groups of 10 or more). Phone    8572892 for further information.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: A Christmas Fair will take place at Colaiste Choilm, Swords, on Sunday, November 29, from 2pm to 6pm. Book stalls, bottle stalls, games, toy stalls, wheel of fortune, Christmas hamper raffle and much more available.

TALK: Howth Peninsula Heritage Society is hosting ‘The Lighthouses of County Dublin’, a talk by Frank Pelly, at the Howth Angling Centre, West Pier, Howth, on Tuesday, November 24, at 8pm. Admission for non-members is e3. If you require further details, phone 8325555.

FAIR: Friends of Lusk Community Unit Fundraising Committee are holding a Christmas Fair at Lusk Community Unit on Sunday, November 22, from 2pm to 4.30pm. Among the attractions will be Santa, bottle staff, home baking, flower stall, crafts, bric-a-brac and wonderful hampers to be won on the raffle. 
 
TINNITUS: A lecture on Tinnitus will be held on Saturday, November 28, in the Clarion Hotel, IFSC, Excise Walk, Dublin 1. Registration takes place at 9.45am and the lecture starts at 10.30am. The speaker will be Professor Deb Hall. Admission is free. Donations.

ANNUAL MASS: An Annual Mass for Lives Lost at Sea will take place on Saturday, November 28, in the Sea Angling Club, West Pier, Howth, at 3pm. All are welcome.

SCHOOL REUNION: Calling all girls who left Santa Sabina in 1980. There’s a 30-year school re-union being organised for January 9, 2010, for pupils who left Santa Sabina in 1980. Call Paula on 086-2643569 for further details or Facebook ‘Santa Sabina Class of 1980’.  

TAEKWONDO: The Irish Taekwondo Union National Championships will take place on Sunday, November 22, at the Sportslink, Santry. This high calibre event will include some of the Irish fighters who have won medals abroad for the ITU. For more information contact John Hayden, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
BEREAVEMENT: Are you interested in supporting those who have been bereaved? If you would like to become a member of St Colmcille’s Parish Swords Bethany Bereavement Support Group, would like further details about Bethany volunteers and training or would like to avail of this free, confidential service, phone 8403243 or 8402652. Also, visit www.bethany.ie

MEALS ON WHEELS: Volunteer drivers are urgently needed to deliver meals in the Swords area around midday. This should take no more than an hour of your time and can be done on a fortnightly basis. It is an invaluable service in the community. Please call Joan on 087-6963813 for more information.

FOOTBALL: On Mondays between 7pm and 8.30pm the Academy Colts are back in action at the Oscar Traynor Coaching and Development Centre Coolock. The Colts’ section is for boys and girls playing in the Under 9 and 10 divisions of the North Dublin Schoolboys’/girls’ League (NDSL). This section is a very important age grouping in the Academy and the first step to gaining entry into the future under 11 panel from which the Celtic International Cup squad is selected. Registration is now open on Monday evenings. Contact Tony McDermott on 087-3221091 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

COUNSELLING: TARGET in Donaghmede offers a one-to-one non-directive counselling service on Monday to Friday, 9.30am-1.30pm and Monday to Thursday, 7pm-9pm. For an appointment, phone 8670279. Childcare services are available for morning appointments by arrangement with receptionist.

DREAMS: Dreams have long been a source of fascination. What are dreams and what is their purpose? These are just some of the questions that will be discussed at a Dream Discussion Group (non-profit making). If you are interested in Dreams or would like more information, contact Declan on 087-9957277 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

TOASTMASTERS: Clontarf/Marino Toastmasters Club is a non-profit club affiliated to Toastmasters International. The club is holding a meeting at the Regency Hotel, Swords Road, on November 25. Guests are always welcome with the first night free. Contact Patricia Murphy on 085-1165571 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you require further details.
  
BADMINTON: A badminton club (mixed), based at 1 Commons Street, International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), is recruiting new members for Fridays from 8.30pm to 11pm. Three-court facility. For more information, phone Catherine on 086-2730399.
 
TOASTMASTERS: Fingal Toastmasters Club meets at the Marine Hotel, Sutton, on alternate Mondays at 8.15pm. Develop your communication skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The next meetings will take place on November 16.

CHOIR: Would you like to join a mixed choir? Seafield Singers always welcomes good singers, particularly men. Sight reading is not a priority. Rehearsals take place on Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm in Clontarf. If you are interested, please contact Alison Young on 4904226.

VOLUNTEERS: The ABACAS School in Kilbarrack is looking for volunteers to drive the school minibus for school activities like swimming and horse riding during school hours. Volunteers will have to have a clean D1 driving licence, be willing to fill out a Garda Vetting form and must have at least two references. Please call Mandy Daly on 8396705 from 9am to 3pm or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

BADMINTON: A badminton club is looking for ladies to play the sport at Portmarnock Community School every Tuesday from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. For more information, phone Eileen at 8461474.

MUSICAL SOCIETY: Are you looking for a fun pastime with a great social life? New members are invited to join Baldoyle Musical Society. They stage a pantomime and musical production annually and have openings for male and female chorus members over 16-years-of-age. Don't fancy going on stage? You might be interested in joining the back stage staff or helping out 'front of house'. Rehearsals for the pantomime 'Beauty and the Beast', to be held in January 2010, have commenced. Contact Karl on 086-8146531 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

SINGERS: The Dublin Airport Singers are looking for new members. First sopranos, tenors and basses are especially needed, but all voices are very welcome. The choir’s musical director is Paul Deegan. Weekly practice takes place at St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Griffith Avenue, every Tuesday at 8pm. For more information, phone Kathryn on 087-9592703. 

BIBLE TALKS: A series of talks from the Bible are being given at Balbriggan Combined Clubs Community Centre Dublin Street, Balbriggan, on Tuesdays from 8-9pm. These talks are free.

CHESS: Portmarnock Chess Club is seeking new members (juniors 7.30pm and adults 8.30pm) for their meetings every Thursday. The club caters for all types of players from casual and social to highly competitive, and competes in Dublin Community Games and the Leinster Chess Leagues. For further details, contact Denis Kelleher on 085-1690101.

TOASTMASTERS: Malahide Toastmasters meet at the Grand Hotel, Malahide, at 8pm, on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Phone Liam on 087-2696260 for more details.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? Phone Overeaters Anonymous on 2788106 or visit
www.oa.org
PLAYERS WANTED: Drumcondra Football Club is looking for players for its Under 12 schoolboys’/girls’ team, born year ending 1997. Training takes place every Monday and Thursday at 7pm at Clonturk Park, Richmond Road. Contact Alan on 085-1148729 for more information.

WANTED: Collector seeks Irish picture postcards, old and not so old, used or unused. Also, Irish aviation picture postcards and Aer Lingus memorabilia. Please contact John on 8378898.

WANTED: Old spectacles or sunglasses to help those less fortunate than ourselves in the developing countries to see better. Please post or drop in your unwanted spectacles or sunglasses to Supersavers Opticians in Talbot Street (8363051) or Raheny Shopping Centre (8187918).
 
BRIDGE: Afternoon Bridge in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Sybil Hill, Raheny, takes place every Monday from 2pm to 4.30pm. All grades welcome. Novice and Improvers’ section is separate. For more information, phone Peter on 8339797 or 087-9344795.

WEBSITE: Struggling to find out where kids’ classes are on or to think of things to do with the kids at the weekend in North Dublin? Visit www.mykidstime.ie for more information.

WOMEN’S GROUP: A new intercultural women’s group is being established in the Swords area, which will initially meet on a monthly basis. The group is open to women from all backgrounds. For further information, contact Atinuke Diya on 085-7065797 or Sara McIntyre, Fingal LEADER Partnership on 8951070/086-1718002 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

VOLUNTEERING: Are you interested in helping your community to improve services and opportunities? Lá go Bhrí is a community childcare service based in the Mourne View Estate, Skerries. The management committee is seeking new members to become involved in the running of the service. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Helen on 8020484 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

PLAYERS REQUIRED: Killester Basketball Club seeks boys and girls born between 1999 and 2002 to play on its youngest teams. For more information phone Mark on 086-0314465, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.killester.com

INVITATION: Girls who want to have fun should join Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA Club, 95 Clontarf Road (opposite the old baths). There are teams for every age from nursery to ladies, and girls are particularly required for Under 11 and 14 teams. It’s a great way to make new friends and develop a new skill. Boys and men are also catered for in hurling and football and new members are very welcome. For further information contact PRO Niamh Crowe at 8333599.

CHILDCARE: The Childcare Bureau is a local childcare resource centre providing support and training to childcare workers, childminders, parent and toddler groups and parents. If you are interested in availing of childcare training or require support and information, please contact Alison on 8675244 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Advice and training is provided free of charge.

SINGERS WANTED:
Dublin City Council Choir are a mixed choir drawn from all over the city. They rehearse from 5.30pm-7.30pm every Thursday evening in Civic Offices, Wood Quay, and would welcome those who enjoy raising their voices (especially tenors) in song and meeting like-minded people.

INDEPENDENT LIVING:
Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) provides support for people with disabilities to live and work in the community. It provides a forum for people with disabilities to realise their human, civil, social political and economic rights. Its aim is to empower and enable disabled people to achieve independent living choice and control over their lives and achieve full and active participation as equal citizens. If anybody you know is interested in issues around disability and wish to become a member of BCIL, phone 8270609 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CARERS’ RESPITE:
The Carers’ Association in North Dublin provide in-home respite in the Blanchardstown, Castleknock and Clonee areas. This allows the family carer to take a few hours off while their loved one is cared for by trained staff in their own home. All staff have Garda clearance. For more information, phone Michelle or Judith at 8119555.

YOUTH CLUB:
Volunteers are required to help run a Foróige club in the Glasnevin area. The club will be for young people aged 12 and over living in the area. It will provide a social outlet for young people to meet up with their friends and get involved in activities. If you would like to volunteer and give something back to the community please contact Bryan Gavin at 086-8519639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

TOASTMASTERS:
People looking to improve their speaking, listening and thinking skills are being invited to join Phoenix-Tara Toastmasters. The organisation is currently recruiting new members and is inviting adults to come along to one of their regular meetings, which are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7.45pm in Dunboyne Castle Hotel. For more information visit www.phoenix-tara-toastmasters.com or call Tony on 086-8221274.

COELIAC:
The Dublin 15 Coeliac Support Group will no longer be meeting on a monthly basis. For general information on coeliac disease and gluten-free diets, visit www.coeliac.ie or contact the Coeliac Society of Ireland on 8721471 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For local information only, email Liz Ward at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CARERS:
Are you caring for a member of your family with special needs, a long-term illness or a frail older person? Crosscare Carer Support Programme provides a variety of services to support family carers across North Dublin. Contact Nora or Rosemary on 8360011 or visit www.crosscare.ie.

LITERACY:
A small group is forming in the Finglas area for an adult literacy programme using new methods of teaching. No charge. Experienced teacher. Call 087-6650588 after 6.30pm for further details.

VOLUNTEERS:
Women's Aid, which provides support, information and referral to accommodation to women and their children who are being physically, emotionally and sexually abused in their own homes is currently seeking volunteers to work on its Dublin based national Freephone helpline. The helpline is open seven days a week 10am-10pm on 1800-341900. If you are warm, a good listener and interested in women’s issues, contact Gisela Boehnisch for an application form on 8684721 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Full training will be provided in January and February 2010.

TALKING:
Castleknock Toastmasters Club meets upstairs in Myo's pub in Castleknock on the first and third Thursday of each month. It’s a lively and active club providing an opportunity for overcoming shyness in speaking to an audience and improving existing skills in a comfortable and stimulating environment. Members are welcoming, friendly and sociable. Anyone over 18 is invited to come along to a meeting and observe before deciding to join. For further information ring Jenny O'Halloran on 087-7605422.

LOCAL HISTORY:
A new local history society entitled Fingal South Heritage Society has been set up in Blanchardstown Library. It runs on Saturdays from 2pm to 3.30pm. Anyone interested in may enquire to Aingeal on 086-8438812.

POKER:
A poker classic takes place at Fr Maloney Hall, Drapier Road, behind Ballygall Church off Ballymun road on Saturdays from 9pm. All welcome. Entry fee e12.

WORSHIP:
Gospel Hope Gospel Ministries have an exciting worship and praise meeting every Sunday at 6.30pm in the meeting room at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. Everybody welcome. Phone 086-3207192 for details.

BOOKS:
Ballymun Book Exchange runs on the first Thursday of every month in Ballymun Civic Centre between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Next meeting is on Thursday, December 3. The idea is to bring a book and exchange it for another, free of charge. The aim is to help and encourage more people to read. Since February, Book Exchange has just grown bigger and better, and the extensive collection of adult and children’s books makes finding a book easy. For more information, or to make book donations, contact the Education Section of Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership on 8423612 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

PHOTOGRAPHY:
St Brigid’s Photography Group meet every Wednesday in Blanchardstown Library at 7pm. New members welcome.

LANGUAGES:
An Irish Conversation group meets at Blanchardstown Library every Saturday at 12 noon and an English Conversation Group meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. These are informal gatherings for those who wish to practice English or Irish. All are welcome.

REUNION:
All past pupils of Finglas Parochial National School are invited to a reunion and celebration of the school’s 50th Anniversary, on November 27. Memories, stories and old photos would be greatly appreciated and welcomed. If interested please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact Sam on 087-2027548, Colette at 086-8970355 or Sarah on 087-4111220.

YOGA:
Sahaja Yoga and meditation takes place on Mondays at 7pm at Blanchardstown Library. Sahaja Yoga is a simple method of finding inner peace, it’s easy to learn and always Free. For more information phone 086-2520765 or visit www.sahajayoga.ie

SPECIAL NEEDS CLUB:
The Rainbow Junior Arch Club offers fun and friendship for children under 12 with special needs, and their siblings. The club is run by parents, and is based at Scoil Chiaran, St Canice’s Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. It takes place on term time Saturdays from 3-5pm. Ring 085-1289342 for more details, or check out www.rainbowjuniorarchclub
.com.

FOOD PROBLEMS:
Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? Call Overeaters Anonymous on 2788106 or visit www.oa.org.

SPECS WANTED:
Old spectacles or sunglasses that can help those less fortunate than ourselves see better are needed in the developing world. Please post or drop in your unwanted spectacles or sunglasses to Supersavers Opticians in Talbot Street (corner of Talbot Street and Gardiner Street) or in Raheny Shopping Centre.

SPECIAL NEEDS ATHLETICS: North City Striders Special Olympics Athletics Club is inviting anybody with special needs to train with them. The club currently trains one evening a week. Volunteers are also needed, particularly anybody with experience in athletics, but enthusiasm and patience are the main requirements. For further information contact Kieran on 086-4059142.

PITCH AND PUTT:
Our Lady of Victories Pitch and Putt Club have an opening for new members, male and female. For further information contact Pat on 086-8882853.

NORDIC WALKING: A new Nordic Walking group is holding walks in the Phoenix Park every Saturday and Tuesday evening. Originating from summer training for cross-country skiers, Nordic Walking works the upper and lower body at the same time, strengthening back, legs and arms, and reducing neck and shoulder tension. Exercise intensity is determined by upper body effort so people of differing fitness levels can walk and talk together, while working to their own level. Full training available. For further information contact Kathleen on 086-0427989 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

BIBLE TALKS: Are given in Kingswood Community Centre every Thursday from 8.30 to 9.30pm and in the Scouts’ Den, St Killians Hall, Watery Lane, Clondalkin every Sunday from 7 to 8pm. All welcome.  

TEA MORNING: A fund raising morning for Down Syndrome people will take place in Dunmore House, Glenageary on November 20 from 10am to 12.30pm. Admission e5.

OLD COINS: Irish coins or notes and small euro cents are needed for three charities including Haven (that build houses in Haiti); Children of Andes (for the street kids of Colombia) and Street league, the homeless Irish world cup soccer team. Collections can be arranged. Contact Brendan Flynn on 086 8189888 or email goodidasales @gmail.com
 
LITERARY: The Irish Christian Writers' Fellowship is holding a Literary Evening of songs, poems and stories at the Carmelite Community Centre, Whitefriar Street on Friday, November 20 from 7.30 to 9.15pm sharp). All welcome. Admission free. Further details from Joan on 4549237 or Michael on 086 2065986.

GUIDE DOGS: The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Dun Laoghaire Lifeboats will hold a coffee morning and Christmas fair in Dalkey on Saturday, November 21 from 10.30am -12.30pm in Our Lady’s Hall, Castle Street, Dalkey. Items on sale will include Christmas cards, gifts and calendars.

HISTORY: Leslie Brown will present a lecture on ‘Irish Antique Maps’ to the Bray Cualann Historical Society at 8pm on Thursday, November 19 in the Bray Chamber of Commerce House, 10 Prince of Wales Terrace, Quinsboro Road, Bray. All welcome – admission e4. Also, Rob Goodbody will present his lecture ‘Roadside Milestones’ at 8pm on Tuesday, November 17 to the Foxrock Local History Club in the Foxrock Parish Pastoral Centre at the rear of Foxrock RC Church, Foxrock.

SALE: Holy Trinity Church, Killiney will hold its annual sale on Saturday, November 28 from 11am-lpm in the Carry Hall (opposite Fitzpatrick's Hotel). Admission for adults is e2, children free. All welcome.

BLUES: The Black Cat Bone Band play blues and rock in Mother Reilly's, Rathmines on Friday, November 20 at 10pm. Free admission.

FILM: Hospice Africa Ireland is hosting an evening of nostalgia and Christmas cheer with a screening of the classic black and white James Stewart film from 1946 'It's a Wonderful Life' on December 3 at 9pm in the Screen Cinema. The evening will start with a cocktail evening in the Old Parliament Building, College Green. In keeping with the theme of the film, the dress code is 'Black & White'. Tel 4068708 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to book tickets. All proceeds go directly to Hospice Africa Ireland to fund palliative care treatment for over 2,500 patients in three hospices in Uganda.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: An indoor car boot fair will take place on Sunday, November 29 from 10am to 4pm in Perrystown Community Centre, Limeklin Lane. Renting a space costs e20 where you can sell crafts, Christmas products, household goods and books. The children can also visit Santa from 2pm – 4pm. To hire tables contact Bernie on 0868169904 or John in the centre on 4515527.

PLAYERS: Stillorgan Players Dramatics Society will be performing  ‘House Guest’, a thriller by Francis Durbridge from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 21 November in St Brigid's Parish Centre (opposite St John of God's on the Stillorgan dual carriageway). It commences at 8pm nightly. Tickets e12 (e10 concessions) are available by contacting the booking office on 2882115.

PHOTOGRAPHY: The Volvo Ocean Race photography exhibition is being held in the Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre until November 18.

FLOWERS: The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland is presenting a Floral Art demonstration by Richard Delmar with the theme 'Christmas Delights'. It will take place in Wesley House, Leeson Park, Dublin 6 on Wednesday, November 18 at 8pm. All are welcome. Admission is e7, which will be donated to charity. Further details on 2353912. Also, on Wednesday, November 25 at 8pm Dr Matthew Jebb from the Botanic Gardens will give a talk entitled 'Mr Darwin's Big Idea'.

FILM: The Rathfarnham Parish Eco Group is offering a unique opportunity to see ‘The Age of Stupid Film’ on Thursday, November 26 at 8pm in the parish centre beside Rathfarnham Church of Ireland, Main Street, Rathfarnham. The film stars Pete Postlethwaite as a man living alone in a devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: Why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance? To book a ticket (e5 or e2 concession) call /text David on 0868325780 or Fiona on 0861706923. Refreshments included and it will be followed by a short discussion led by Sylvia Thompson of The Irish Times.

OPEN DAY: Holy Child Community School, Pearse Street, Sallynoggin is hosting an open evening on Tuesday, November 24 from 7 to 9pm. Contact number is 0863821129.

SALE: The Monkstown Missionary Union Annual Sale will take place on Saturday, November 21 from 10.30am - 2pm in the Knox Hall, Monkstown.

ARTHRITIS: A talk will be given in the Montrose Hotel, off the Stillorgan Road, on Wednesday, November 18 at 8pm by Dr Anne Barbara Mongey. Admission is free and all are welcome. It will be preceded at 6.30pm by the AGM of the South Dublin Branch of Arthritis Ireland.

DIABETES: The Diabetes Federation of Ireland (Dun Laoghaire branch) host talks on the condition at 8pm on Thursday, November 19 in the Tara Towers Hotel. All welcome and admission is free.

CAR BOOT SALE: The Glasthule Car Boot Sale (formerly Pres Car Boot Sale) will take place on the first and third Sunday of every month. A hall will be available for indoor stalls. Tea, coffee, refreshments and lunches served. No food vans. Contact Liz on 0876308072 for further details.