SCHOOL REUNION: St Patrick’s National School, Cloghran (opposite Kealy’s Pub), is celebrating its Centenary Reunion on June 26 with a dinner/dance in the Carlton Hotel, Dardistown. Tickets cost e20 each and are on sale at the Cloghran Historical Society, phone 086-1734342. Also, the society is looking for old school photos to include in a centenary booklet that it is putting together to commemorate the night.

EXPECTANT MOTHERS: A Blessing for Expectant Mothers will take place on Wednesday, June 10, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Artane, at 8pm. For further information, contact Kathleen on 8310917 or Eileen on 8319617. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

DRAMA: Trinity Drama Group presents ‘Kevin’s Bed’, by Bernard Farrell, from May 27-30 (inclusive), at St Brigid’s Senior National School, Killester. Tickets cost e12, and e10 senior citizens and students. Tickets available at the door. For group bookings, phone 8483093.

CAR BOOT SALE: Swords Educate Together National School’s annual car boot sale and family fun day will be held on June 7 in the school car park near Applewood Village. This year’s event will have many fun stalls for children including face painting and hook a duck stalls. A wide range of antiques, jewellery, collectables, CDs, LPs, shoes, clothes, toys, household and electrical goods and books will be available for sale. If you would like to sell your second hand goods, the cost of a car is e10. Set up time is 9am. For more details contact Bev on 087-9775333.

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

DONNYCARNEY REUNION: A reunion of Sr Columban's 6th class of 1961/62 from Our Lady of Consolation School, Donnycarney, is planned for Friday, June 12, at 8pm at the Beachcomber, Howth Road, Killester. For further information contact Deirdre Conroy on 087-7423972 or Betty Murphy on 086-1699265.

EXHIBITION: Pat Carey, a member of St Benedict’s Photographic Group, Kilbarrack, is holding an exhibition of his work at Pearse Street Library until May 30.

AQUATHLON: 3D Triathlon club is organising a Super Aquathlon (swim and run) in aid of the Skerries RNLI. The event will be held on August 22 at 1pm on the South Beach in Skerries. There are two races on the day, a sprint distance race made up of a 750 metre swim and 4km run and a 1500 metre swim and an 8km run. All proceeds go to the RNLI. Entry is now open online at www.aquathlon.3dtri.com

ART GROUP: Portmarnock Art Group is holding its annual outdoor exhibition from May 30 to June 1 at the Malahide Lawn Tennis club railings from 10am to 6pm each day. Forty artists will be exhibiting.

GARDENING Gardening in the 21st Century with Eugene Higgins takes place at Raheny Lbrary on Tuesday, May 26, at 11.30am. Booking is essential. Phone 8315521.

MASS: A mass to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the apparitions at Medjugorje will take place at the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Road, Dublin 7, on Thursday, June 25, at 7.30pm. The celebrants are Fr John Chisholm CSST and Fr Joe Jones MHM.

GARDENING: Clontarf Gardening Society will hold its May meeting in the community centre to the rear of St John the Baptist Church, Seafield Road, on Thursday, May 28. Nick Egan will present a practical talk entitled 'Fabulous Fuchsias' at 8pm. Admission is e3 and includes refreshments. All are welcome.
WIDOWS: The Dublin branch of the Widows’ Association of Ireland would like to invite widows to come to its meetings at Wynn’s Hotel, Abbey Street on Monday, June 8, between 2pm and 4pm.
 
CHILDMINDING: Thinking about becoming a childminder or are already childminding? Are you a grandparent or relative minding children? The Childcare Bureau is holding an information evening on Thursday, June 4, dealing with all aspects of Childminding. If you’re interested in coming along or just looking for information on childminding, please contact Alison on 8675244 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

NEW GROUP: A new group for mature single people has been formed in north county Dublin. The group is for people in their 30s or 40s who wants to meet new people for dining, cinema, nights out and maybe even daytrips or weekends away. You must be single/divorced/ separated, with or without kids. The group meets once a month for drinks on a Saturday night at various venues on the Northside, where the setting up of other events is discussed. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/NSSN35/
  
SPORTS 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.

CHOIR: The Dublin City Council Choir is a mixed choir drawn from all over the city. They rehearse from 5.30pm to 7.30pm every Thursday in the Civic Offices, Wood Quay, and would welcome people who enjoy raising their voices in song and meeting likeminded people.

DRAMA: A drama group is looking for actors for its next production. Must be over 18. For more details and to arrange an audition, phone 087-6139880.

ARTISTS: Original art from local artists is on show at St Sylvester’s GAA Hall, Malahide, every Sunday, from 12 noon to 6pm and in Café Provence. For more information, visit www.irish-art.com/artalley

STROKE SCHEME: The Volunteer Stroke Scheme Northside is appealing for volunteer drivers and helpers for their stroke clubs held in Kilbarron Court every Monday and Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Please send your applications to: The Volunteer Stroke Scheme 249, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone 4559036.
 
READING GROUP: Coolock Readers’ Group meet on the third Wednesday of each month in Coolock Library, Barryscourt Road at 6.45pm. Discuss books and make new friends.

WRITERS: Trinity Writers’ Group is currently looking for new members. The group has been in existence since 1991 and have produced several collections of poetry and short stories. It is a friendly group where members meet and chat, read poetry, short stories or a section of a novel they may be working on. It’s optional to read or not. The group is currently working on its latest collection of poetry and short stories and would love to give a voice to some new talent. The group meets at 6.30pm on the first Thursday of the month in the back room of Donaghmede Library.

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, 7.30pm-9.30pm. For an appointment, phone 8670279. Childcare services are available for morning appointments by arrangement with receptionist.

TOASTMASTERS: Fingal Toastmasters Club meets at the Marine Hotel Sutton on alternate Mondays at 8.15pm. For more details, phone 8451840.

MEN WANTED: A vibrant Northside choir seeks men.
An ability to read music is not essential and immediate commitment is not necessary. The choir practices every Thursday from 8-10pm in the Dominican School on Griffith Avenue. Why not give it a try? Phone 086-8776503 for further information.

AL-ANON: If you are troubled by someone else's drinking, there are weekly meetings taking place throughout Dublin, including Abbey Street, Gardiner Street, Stanhope Street, Ballymun, Blakestown, Cabra, Coolock, Finglas, Killester, Malahide, Raheny, Sutton and Swords. For details of the meeting nearest you, contact Al-Anon Family Groups Information Centre, 5 Capel Street, Dublin, on 8732699. Alternatively, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.al-anon-ireland.org

HISTORY: Are you interested in the history of Coolock and the surrounding areas? You are invited to join a new local history group in Coolock Library. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month at 6.30pm in the library. No particular skills are needed and all are welcome. For further details phone 8477781 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

TODDLERS: A Parent & Toddler Group meets at St Gabriel's Parish Centre, Clontarf, every Monday from 10.30am to 12 noon except during school holidays. Open to pre school children. Parents and childminders are welcome. Enquiries to 087-9383772.

COUNSELLING: Baldoyle Family Resource Services provides confidential counselling for anyone experiencing difficulties in life. Counselling is offered in marital/relationship difficulties, adolescent/child counselling, bereavement and other general issues. For more information/ appointment, phone Lilian on 8326115.

BEREAVEMENT: A Bereavement Support Group meets in the Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre on Thursdays from 8pm to 9.30pm. This counsellor-facilitated group is suitable for individuals who are affected by the death of a family member, friend or companion. The service is free of charge. For further information phone Tina on 8187180.

WRITERS: The Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre Monday Writers’ Group welcomes new members. Sessions take place from 10.30am to 1pm. Free of charge. For further information phone Liz on 8314494. 

BALDOYLE: Baldoyle Badminton Centre is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-11pm. Try out the fastest sport in the world. To hire a court, phone 8393355/8393074.

CHOIR: Dublin City Council Choir is looking for new members. They meet from 5.30pm to 7.30pm every Thursday at the Civic Offices on Wood Quay and welcome people who wish to sing with them.

LADIES: Ladies’ Club meet at St Laurence O’Toole’s GAA Club on Blunden Drive, Ayrfield, every second Tuesday. All are welcome. Phone 087-7820583.

CHESS: New members are welcome to Portmarnock Chess Club on Thursdays, juniors (7.30pm) and adults (8.30pm. The club, which has been in existence since 1971, caters for all types of players, from casual to highly competitive. They compete in the Dublin Community Games, Irish and Leinster tournaments, Leinster Chess Union leagues and weekend tournaments. Phone Denis Kelleher, club president, on 085-1690101 for further information.

YOUTH CLUB: Clontarf Foróige Youth Club urgently needs adult volunteers to help out. If you are aged 18 or over, and would like to give something back to the community, then the club needs you. It caters for young people aged 12 and over. Members get involved in fun activities and games that they are interested in. This is a great opportunity to engage with and meet new people. If you have an hour to spare and would be interested, please contact Bryan Gavin, Foróige Regional Youth Officer on 086-8519639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

READING AND WRITING: Life can be hard when you have a problem with reading and writing. Can you spare two hours a week, morning or evening, to help someone improve their skills? Training will commence in October. Phone Marie Casey on 8171990 for more information.

CARERS: Are you a family carer? Caring for a child with special needs, a family member with a long-term illness or a frail older person? The Crosscare Carer-Support Programme offers a variety of services in North Dublin. To find out what’s happening in your area, contact Nora or Rosemary at Crosscare Carer-Support Programme on 8360011.

CHOIR: The Cantible Choir is now recruiting new members. The choir meets every Tuesday at 8pm in a city centre venue. If you would like to join a choir and are in good voice, please contact Phyl on 2854674 or Phil on 087-2161182.

MENINGITIS: National charity Meningitis Research Foundation is inviting all thrill seekers to set themselves a challenge and sign up for a 10,000ft sponsored skydive. The events are taking place at venues across the country and everyone is catered for, regardless of experience and ability. So, if you want the experience of a lifetime, together with the chance to really make a difference, then contact Meningitis Research Foundation on 8196931 for more information and details of how to book.
 
TUITION: An adult reading and writing service is available to all persons who have difficulty with basic reading and writing, spelling and sums, and who left school before Leaving Cert. The service is free and is available to all persons on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9.30am to 1pm, and Monday nights from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Brenda on 8671967 (mornings) or 087-9047230 (afternoons and evenings) for further information.

LONE PARENTS: Doras Bui, a parents alone resource centre based in Coolock, offers lone parents accurate information on their rights and entitlements, support with family life, supports for teen parents, courses on health, parenting, art activities and other topics identified by lone parents themselves. A staff member is available to talk to you by phone or in person from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Fridays. For further information phone 8484811/8481872 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Also, you can visit www.dorasbui.org for more information.

BREASTFEEDING: A Breastfeeding Support Group meets at the Community Mothers’ Room in the Coolock Development Centre, Bunratty Drive, every Thursday from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Come along and meet other breastfeeding mothers. Phone Marie on 8482956 for more information.

BRIDGE: Beaumont Bridge Club is organising an introductory course to bridge that is designed for beginners. The 12-week course starts in September. For more information contact Anne Marie on 8313568 or Brendan on 8310351. 

UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY: Unplanned pregnancy is hard to face. If you need help or support, contact CURA in confidence on 1850 622 626 or 6710598. All services are free and confidential. Visit www.cura.ie for more information.

BADMINTON: A badminton club (mixed), based at 1 Commons Street, IFSC, Dublin 1, is recommencing on August 5 from 8.30pm to 11pm. The club plays on Tuesdays and Fridays and is recruiting players for Levels 4 and 5. The cost is e4 per night. Phone 086-2730399 or 086-8111982 for further information.

WEBSITE: Unmarried and Separated Parents of Ireland (USPI) provides information on weekly meetings and assists parents who are experiencing marriage/relationship difficulties. Visit www.uspi.ie

POKER: A poker classic takes place every Thursday and Sunday in Cara Hall (opposite Raheny Garda Station) at 9pm sharp. All are welcome.

BRIDGE: Baldoyle Bridge Club plays every Monday at 7.30pm in the local badminton centre in Baldoyle Industrial Estate. Now open to non-members for the summer. All are welcome.

MENINGITIS: Meningitis Research Foundation would like to invite you to take part in its Giving Together Collection. Giving Together is easy and not time consuming. All you have to do is to distribute envelopes to your family, friends, work colleagues or neighbours and then collect the envelopes, hopefully with a donation inside, at a time convenient to you. If you wish to take part in this event, please call Alex on 8196931 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

TOASTMASTERS: Clontarf-Marino Toastmasters invites you to join them for a free night. They meet on alternate Wednesdays at 8pm upstairs in the Yacht Pub, Clontarf Road. Learn how to speak in front of a supportive audience, develop leadership skills, gain confidence and make new friends. Toastmasters is a not-for-profit organisation. Phone Colm on 086-6071898 for further information.

CEILI: Swords Ceili Club holds classes for all levels on Wednesdays from 8.30pm to 10pm at Scoil an Duinnigh, Kinsealy, Swords. Beginners are welcome. There are also classes for children from three-years-of-age at Colmcille’s GAA Club on Wednesdays and Fridays. Phone Grace on 087-9549066 for further information.

DANCING: Old-Time Sequence Dancing takes place every Tuesday from 8.30 to 10.30pm at St John Vianney Hall, Ardlea Road, Artane. Admission is e6 and includes break for tea and cakes. It also takes place every Wednesday from 8pm-10.30pm at 54 Parnell Square West. Admission is e7. Phone 085-1263993 for further information.   

KNITTING: Knitting classes are available at Donnycarney Community Centre, on Thursdays from 2 to 4pm. For details contact the centre on 8329676. Beginners and knitters are welcome.

ADHD: Dublin North East ADHD is a Northside awareness group that meets every three to four weeks at Northside Partnership, Bunratty Drive, Coolock. Parents/guardians, special needs assistants and teachers are all welcome. For further information, phone 8512289.

BOXING: Bay City Boxing Club training takes place at Kilbarrack Community Hall, Greendale Road, every Sunday from 11am-12.30pm and Wednesday from 6.30pm-8pm. New members are welcome. For further information contact Pat on 8471863.

PARENTS: Are you expecting a child? Preparing for Life would like to hear from you. Preparing for Life invites all parents expecting a baby in the communities of Darndale, Belcamp, Moatview, Traveller communities and Newtown Court to join the programme. Drop into the Preparing for Life office in the Darndale/Belcamp Village Centre (Bell Building) or phone 8771509.

ART ALLEY: Local artists exhibit every Sunday from 12 to 6pm in St Sylvester's GAA Hall, Malahide, and permanently in Cafe Province. Paintings changed fortnightly. Admission free. Visit www.irish-art.com/artalley

PAINTING: A Drawing and Painting Group in Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre is welcoming new participants on Mondays from 10am to 12noon. All are welcome. A nominal fee of e3 per session is charged. Phone 8329676 for further details.

BROWNIES: Info Centre for Immigrants is currently building up a team of Brownies, aged 6 and a half to 11 years in Skerries and its environs under the Irish Girl Guides and are looking for volunteers to help as leaders. All training and supports for the programme will be provided. Names for new Brownie members are also being taken. Phone Areola on 085-7329472 or Ruth on 086-3663683 for further information.

WALKING: Those who enjoy a stroll and a chat are invited to join a group every Wednesday at 2pm outside Raheny DART Station for a walk through St Anne’s Park to Dollymount Strand or surrounding areas. The walks are free and last approximately 90 minutes. Contact Ronan at Dublin City Council on 2223726 for further information.

PITCH & PUTT: St Mary’s Ladies’ Pitch and Putt Club play at Inisfails GAA Club, Balgriffin, every Saturday at 10am. New members are welcome.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS: The Cystic Fibrosis Annual International Walk will take place from September 27 to October 8. We are looking for willing participants to join us. We will travel to Kerala, which is on the south east coast of India. This promises to be an enjoyable experience and will raise much-needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Research. Please contact Bernie on 087-2353319 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

TODDLERS: Fun For Toddlers (things to do for children over two) takes places in Coolock Library every Thursday from 10.15am to 11.15am. This is a facility for mother and toddler to meet in the library. Books and toys for children aged 3-5 will be provided. Phone 8477781 for further information.

FOOD ADDICTS: Having problems with overeating, constant dieting, binging or purging? Food Addicts Anonymous can help. Meetings take place every Wednesday at 8pm at the Central Mission on 9C Lower Abbey Street. This is a 12-step meeting and there is no charge. 

YOUTH: Are you aged over 18? Are you living in the Clontarf area? Would you like to give something back to the community? Would you like to work in partnership with young people and help them to learn new skills and organise activities? If you are this person and you can spare an hour on Thursday evenings, then please contact Bryan Gavin, Foróige Regional Youth Officer, on 086-8519639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SOCIAL CLUB: New Beginnings Social Club for widowed, divorced and separated people continues to meet on the first Tuesday of each month upstairs in Smyth’s of Fairview at 9pm. Phone 087-9603833 for further information. 

URGENT APPEAL: KARE Social Services delivers meals to hundreds of people in their homes each week. There is a growing demand for this service and to ensure that everyone who needs a meal receives one, an urgent appeal is being made for more volunteer drivers. If you can spare approximately one hour a week between 12 and 1pm either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday or are interested in finding out more, phone Sheila or Mary at KARE, 2 Sybil Hill Road, Raheny, phone 8058574 or 8058433.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Do you or someone you know have a problem with alcohol? The Killester Group Social Services Care Centre on Sybil Hill holds an open public meeting on the last Monday of every month, except bank holidays. 

GUIDES: The Coolock Girl Guide Unit - Cygnets (5 and 6 years of age), Brigine (7-10), Guides (10–14) and Rangers (15-18) have recommenced meetings. New members are welcome in all sections. Visit St Brendan's Parish Centre, Coolock Village, any Friday between 7 and 10pm or contact Mairead Quinn, unit leader, on 087-2479820 for further information.

SMOKING: Do you want to stop smoking? A nicotine anonymous meeting takes place in the Rutland Centre every Sunday at 8pm.

BOOK CLUB: Are you aged between eight and 12 and enjoy reading? Why not join the Coolock Library Book Club? The club meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 3.30-4.30pm. For further information, phone Coolock Library on 8477781.

VOLUNTEERS: Portmarnock Foróige Youth Club urgently needs adult volunteers to help supervise the club, which is involved in various activities and events. The club meets on Mondays from 8 to 9.30pm in Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre. If you are aged over 18 and would be interested in giving something back to the community, contact Bryan Gavin, Foróige Regional Youth Officer, at 086 8519639/6301560 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

BRIDGE: Bridge mornings will take place every Friday from 10am to 12.30pm at Sybil Hill Nursing Home, Raheny (opposite St Paul’s College). All grades of players are accepted and there will be a special section for beginners and novices. For further information contact Peter at 8339797.

BOWLS: Raheny Active Retirement Association has bowling in Killester College on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2-4pm, and art in Raheny Court (behind library) on Tuesdays from 2.30-4pm. Bridge and card playing to start soon. For further information, contact Brian on 8312523 or Mary on 8329408.

CHOIR: Would you like to join a mixed choir? Seafield Singers always welcome good singers and there are vacancies in all parts. 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.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. Do you have a drink problem? Help is available. Saoirse AA group meet at the BASE centre, Brackenstown Road, Swords, every Wednesday at 8pm. Phone 087-6206788 for further information or visit www.saoirse.ie

BOXING: Training for Baldoyle Boxing Club takes place at Baldoyle Community Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm-8.30pm and Sundays from 11am to 12.30pm. New members are welcome. Phone 8391132 for further information.

STROKE: North Dublin Volunteer Stroke Club requires volunteer drivers to bring members to a social club in Coolock and then home again on Monday and/or Wednesday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm. If available, please contact Patricia on 8351592.

CAR BOOT SALE: A car boot sale will be held in St Mary's Secondary School, Glasnevin on Sunday June 7 from 8am-3pm. Cars e15, vans e20. Contact Helen on 085-7666541 for further details.

FINGLAS MEETING: Finglas United Neighbourhoods (FUN) will hold a public meeting on Thursday June 4 at 6pm at Foodfare (coffee shop) in Finglas Village. The meeting is to take suggestions and feedback from local residents and interested parties on the possibility of painting murals on the old ESB building opposite the coffee shop. Refreshments will be provided and all those interested in this community project are welcome.

CAR BOOT SALE: A car boot sale takes place in St Canice's Boys School, Glasanaon Road, Finglas East, on Sunday May 31 from 9am-3pm. Cars e15, vans $20. Money raised will go towards the St Canice's Summer Project. Contact 086-4013376.

WIDOWS: The Dublin branch of the Widows Association of Ireland would like to invite widows to come to meetings at Wynns Hotel, Abbey Street. Next meeting will be held on Monday, June 8 between 2pm and 4pm. All widows welcome.

MASS: A mass celebrating the 28th anniversary of the apparitions at Medjugorje at will be held at the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Road, Dublin 7 on Thursday June 25 at 7.30PM. Rosary, Mass, Adoration and Benediction. Celebrants: Fr John Chisholm CSST and Fr Joe Jones MHM. Choir: Ann Carroll and Friends. Buses: 37, 38, 39, 70 and 122.

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

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.

VOLUNTEERS: An Irish development agency is looking for participants from Dublin to join a fundraising field trip to the heart of Africa this autumn. Self Help has been organising field visits for its supporters to Africa for the past decade. The trips require participants to fundraise to support the charity’s work, and enables them to see at first hand the work that is taking place, and the lasting impact that it has on the lives of Africa’s rural poor. To find out more about this year’s trips to Uganda, visit www.selfhelpafrica.com

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.

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

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-toast
masters.com or call Tony on 086-8221274.

CLIMB: Meningitis Research Foundation is looking for thrill seekers to take on the challenge of a lifetime, by climbing Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. The 12-day trek departing in September is a great way to conquer the summit and raise money for a good cause. Local training weekends take place before the trip. The Foundation relies on voluntary donations to fund its work in research, awareness and support for people affected by the diseases. To receive an info pack, phone 8196931.

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.

JUMP: National charity Meningitis Research Foundation is inviting all thrill seekers to set themselves a challenge and sign up for a 10,000 feet sponsored skydive. The jump will raise vital funds for the Foundation’s ongoing fight against meningitis and septicaemia. Contact Meningitis Research Foundation on 01 819 6931 for more information and details of how to book your jump.

SALE: The St John of God Carmona Service, Dunmore House, 111 Upper Glenageary Road in Dun Laoghaire (tel 2852900) is hosting a sale of cakes, toys, books, bric-a-brac and plants in the hall on Friday, June 5 from 10am to 1pm.

DISPLAY: A series of 29 contemporary prints from the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland are on display at the Pearse Museum in Rathfarnham until July 31. The museum is open seven days a week, from 9.30am to 5.30pm (10am weekends and bank holidays). Admission is free.

CAR BOOT SALE: A car boot sale will take place in the car park of St Maelruain's Parish Centre, Tallaght Village, opposite the ITT on Saturday, May 30 at 10 am. Cars are e15 and vans e20. Tel 4626006 for more information.

HORTICULTURAL: The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland is presenting an illustrated gardening lecture entitled 'Avoca and Gardening' by Donald Pratt. It will take place in Wesley House, Leeson Park, Dublin 6 on Wednesday, May 27 at 8pm. All are welcome. Admission for non- members is e7. Further details on 2353912 or at www.rhsi.ie

MASS: An anniversary mass celebrating the 28th anniversary of the apparitions at Medjugorje will be held at the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Road, Dublin 7 on Thursday, June 25 at 7.30pm.

WIDOWS: The Dublin branch of the Widows Association of Ireland is inviting widows to come to a meeting at Wynns Hotel, Abbey Street on Monday, June 8 between 2pm and 4pm. All welcome.

BOWLING: Dun Laoghaire Bowling Club situated at Moran Park - beside the Pavilion Car Park in Dun Laoghaire - is hosting ‘Coaching Sundays’ again in May for newcomers to the sport. If you have never played before and would like to learn or give it a go, we will be running open mornings from 11am to 12.30pm. Please wear flat-soled shoes or runners.

FAIR: Griffith Barracks MDS, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, is having its summer fair on Sunday, June 7.

CABARET: The Greenhills Variety Group will present 'Viva Las Vegas' on Friday, June 5 in the Moran Red Cow Hotel, Clondalkin It promises to be a great night's entertainment with many well known names, and includes a mixture of singing, dance, comedy and a raffle. Tickets can be booked on the Red Cow booking line – 4593650.

SOCIAL CLUB: The Wednesday Club is a long established social club which caters for persons in the 50s and 60s age group who are widowed or unattached. They wish to attract new male members in order to improve the gender balance. The club is based in the Stillorgan area and engages in normal social activities including club meetings, theatre, dining, walking, golf, bridge, holidays etc. Phone 2804281 for more information.

CAR BOOT SALES: Car boot sales will be held at the Methodist Church, Ballinteer Road, Dundrum, (just off M50 - beside Wesley College), 9am–2pm on Saturdays June 13, July 11 and August 8. Gates open 7.30am. Refreshments available. Prices for sellers is e12 per car. No vans. Details from David on 4931673 or Fraser on 4934650.

SINGERS WANTED: Dublin City Council Choir is 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 in song (especially tenors) and meeting like-minded people.

WATER RESCUE: The Dun Laoghaire Civil Defence Water Rescue unit are recruiting again. They are a national volunteer organisation that provides support to the emergency services and with community activities carried out on or near the water. Anyone aged 17 years and upwards with an interest in powerboats or rescue activities can become members, subject to an initial probationary period. No prior experience is necessary. Full training will be provided up to ISA Powerboat Level 3 (Safety Boat), first aid, VHF and general rescue and firefighting activities. For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

GOSPEL CHOIR: If you are aged 25-30 or over, able to sing and have a keen interest in gospel music, Our Lady of Good Counsel Gospel Choir (Johnstown/ Killiney) is looking for new members for all parts - sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. Please phone Maureen on 0872037576 for full details.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT: Do you have a disability or impairment? Would you like support in finding employment? If you have training, work experience or previous work history, support is available. Contact Work4U on 8442700 for further information.