COOKERY: Ireland’s favourite celebrity chef, Neven Maguire, will give a cookery demonstration in aid of the Sam McMahon Trust and the charity Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. Sam is an 8-year-old boy who suffers from Friedreich's Ataxia, a degenerative illness, for which there is no cure. The event takes place on March 8 in the D4 Berkeley Hotel, Dublin 4. Tickets are priced at just e25. Order online at www.menupages.ie/sam or tel Sandra on 0868193321.

RESPECT: Tickets have gone on sale for the 36th annual Joe Doyle dinner in aid of RESPECT at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney on Saturday, January 30. Established by the late Joe Doyle, the annual dinner has helped fundraise for the charity that provides care, education and training for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. There will live music on the night and an auction with a wide variety of prizes donated. Tickets cost e75 and are available from RESPECT, St Vincent’s Centre, Navan Road, Dublin 7. Tel 8245420.

VALENTINE'S BALL: A St Valentine's Charity Ball in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation will take place at Finnstown House, Lucan on Saturday, February 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost e60 per person and are available from the foundation’s office on 6283728 or by email from This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

WALKS: The ‘Let’s Walk & Talk’ Sandymount Group meets every Thursday at 2pm at Sandymount Green for a walk to Irishtown Nature Reserve, along Sandymount Strand or to various parks in the area. There are currently seven free weekly walks in the city with history, culture and nature all on offer. See www.letswalk andtalk.ie for more information.

THEATRE: The Boolabus Youth Theatre in Dun Laoghaire is back with workshops every Saturday from 11am to 2pm. The group is going into rehearsals soon for their spring production and all 15-year-olds and over are invited to come along. They meet in the Drama Studio in the Old Nurse’s Home at the back of St Michael’s Private Hospital. Tel Lorraine for further information on 2806147/ 0879401189.

SOCIAL: A Southside social group for unattached adults seeks additional members. Ballinteer based. Contact Deirdre on 086 3698931 or Steve on 0868873644

FLOWERS: The Dundrum Flower Club is beginning flower arranging demonstrations on Tuesday, February 9 with an evening entitled 'Celebrate Spring’. It will be held in Gort Muire Ballinteer Road at 7.45pm. All welcome and there is lots of parking.

CEILI: A Céilí Mór in aid of Romania will take place in Old Belvedere Rugby Club, 28 Anglesea Road, Donnybrook, on Saturday, February 6 at 8pm. Beginners are welcome and there will be experienced teachers on hand to help everyone learn or remember the steps. Tickets e20. For more information and to book your ticket tel Sandra on 0876473388. All proceeds in aid of Comber - supporting people with disabilities in Romania. See www.comber.ie

OPEN DAY: Visitors are welcome to come along and see the new refurbishment of famous Ranelagh House where Padraig Pearse founded Scoil Eanna on Oakley Road, Ranelagh on Saturday, January 30 from 2-6pm. Lectures and readings will include Elaine Sisson on Pearse in Cullenswood from 2-3pm; architect Paddy Fletcher on restoring the house at 3.15pm and writer Eilis Ni Dhuibhne on being a schoolgirl in Scoil Bhride at 4pm. Admission is free and for more information go to Cullenswood.House@ gmail.com

ROCK NIGHT: A night of rock music will take place on Saturday, February 20 at The Mezz on Eustace Street, Temple Bar. Tickets e7 at the door (7.30pm) are in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

NOVENA: The Oblate Church of Mary Immaculate Inchicore hosts the Annual Lourdes Novena from Tuesday, February 2 to Thursday, February 11 at 10am and 8pm daily. The Anointing of the Sick will be on Saturday, February 6 at 12 noon and the torchlight procession will be on Thursday, February 11 at 8pm.

VOLUNTEERS: A fund-raiser in Argos Tallaght over the weekend of Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January requires volunteers for a couple of hours either day to sell Heart Children Ireland windmills. All funds raised will go to support children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). Tel 0877806025.

RECITAL: Dun Laoghaire School of Music hosts a number of lunchtime recitals in the Gallery at the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire featuring classical guitarist Colm McDonagh and music from Iberia and Latin America on Friday, February 12 at 1.10pm. Tickets (e7.50 adults /e5 children are available from the box office on 2312929.

BLACKROCK: The Sion Hill Past Pupils Union bridge morning and lunch (in aid of the benevolent fund) will take place on Friday, February 5 at Blackrock Rugby Club on Stradbrook Road. Tel Helen on 2805198/0871972020 or Pauline on 2894366 or 0851268683.
EXHIBITION: A WB Yeats lecture series is taking place at the National Library of Ireland where every month an object from the exhibition ‘Yeats: The life and works of William Butler Yeats’ is selected for discussion. Admission is free and no booking is required.

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.

NORDIC WALKING: Have Fun, meet new friends and get fit in 2010. A new Nordic Walking Club meet and walk in the Phoenix Park every Saturday morning throughout the year and every Tuesday evening during the summer months. Nordic walking is the fastest growing fitness trend in the world and has now come to Ireland. It is an enhanced form of walking using two specially designed poles. It gives a total body workout and yet feels easier than normal walking. It suits people of all ages and all levels of fitness. Training will be arranged for anyone interested in joining the club. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 086-0427989 for more information. You can also visit www.nordicwalkers.ie

EASTER RAFFLE: The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is looking for people to hold Easter Egg raffles in their local pub/shop/club or workplace. Each egg will be raffled at e2 per line (raffle cards will be supplied). If you are interested in undertaking a raffle on the IMNDA’s behalf, contact Dearbhla or Gemma on freefone 1800 403 403 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to ensure you have your Easter eggs on time. All orders must be received by Friday February 5. The IMNDA will deliver all the eggs.   

BREMORE MEETING: The Save Bremore Action Group is holding a meeting at the Huntsman's Inn just outside Balbriggan en route to Drogheda on Sunday February 7 at 2.30pm. This meeting is for anyone interested in joining the group or learning more. All are welcome.

RNLI FUNDRAISER: This year’s RNLI SOS fundraising day will take place on Friday January 29. The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea.

CHILDMINDING: Are you childminding or thinking about becoming a childminder? The Childcare Bureau is one of Dublin City Childcare Committee’s local childcare resource centres providing support and training to childminders and parents. If you are interested in availing of 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 This is a community based resource centre that provides support, advice and training for free.
 
TALK: ‘The Unitarian Church: Dissent into Treason’, a Howth Peninsula Heritage Society talk, by Fergus Whelan, will be held at the Howth Angling Centre, West Pier, Howth, on Tuesday January 26 at 8pm.
The cost for non-members is e4. Phone 8325555 if you require further details.

TOASTMASTERS Iarnrod Eireann Toastmasters invites you to develop better speaking and presentation skills. Learn to think quickly and clearly on your feet. Build strong leadership abilities. Improve your listening skills. Meet every second Tuesday at Ripley Court Hotel, Talbot Street, Dublin 1, at 6.45pm.
AGM: The Artane Beaumont Family Recreation Centre’s agm will take place on Monday March 1 in the Piano Room at the centre at 8.30pm. The closing date for motions is February 14. Accounts available for collection on Monday February 8.

FUCHSIAS: The Irish Fuchsia and Pelargonium Society is holding a talk, ‘Looking Forward to Fuchsias – Slides & Advice’, by Nick Egan, on Thursday February 4 at 8pm in St Brigid’s Resource Centre, Howth Road, Killester. Admission is e3 and everyone is welcome.

TALK: Clontarf Gardening Society will host a talk by Pat Liddy, ‘The Story of Dublin Parks’, in the community centre to the rear of St John the Baptist Church, Seafield Road, Clontarf, on Thursday January 28 at 8pm. Admission is e3 for members and e4 for non-members and includes refreshments. All are welcome.

VOLUNTEERS: The Caring and Sharing Association (CASA), which has two youth groups based in the Swords area, is recruiting volunteers for 2010. If you have one Sunday afternoon a month free, and can make a minimum commitment of six months then CASA would love to hear from you.  No experience is necessary but enthusiasm and dedication is required. CASA offers friendship, respite care and social activities on a one-to-one basis for people with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Phone Rebecca on 087-1260975 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
  
MUSICAL SOCIETY: Are you looking for a fun pastime with a great social life? Baldoyle Musical Society will host an open night for those interested in joining at 8pm on Monday January 25 in St Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle. The society has openings for chorus members for the classic musical ‘Oklahoma’, which will be performed from April 20-24. Rehearsals will be held every Monday and Thursday at 8pm. If you don't fancy going on stage, you might be interested in joining the back stage staff or helping out 'front of house'. Please contact Karl on 086-8146531 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.
NEW MEMBERS: Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA club welcomes new members. The club caters for every age from nursery boys and girls to adult ladies and men. For more details contact PRO Niamh Crowe on 8333599.

TOASTMASTERS: Do you dread speaking in public? Are you afraid of making presentations at work? Want to make new friends in a friendly environment? The next meeting of Fingal Toastmasters will be held at the Marine Hotel, Sutton, at 8.15pm on Monday January 25 and   alternate Mondays thereafter.

AUDITION: O’Connell Musical Society invites boys and girls, aged between eight and 15, to audition to take part in its production of ‘Oliver’, which will take place at Mount Temple School, Malahide Road, from May 11–15. Auditions will be held in St Paul’s Boys’ School, Sybil Hill, Raheny, on Saturday January 30 from 2.15pm to 4.30pm for anyone wishing to audition for the chorus. Anyone wishing to audition for the parts of Oliver and Dodger will be required from 2.15pm until 6pm. Please note that Oliver must be aged between eight and 13 and Dodger aged between 12 and 15. Enquires: Contact Laura on 086-8495090 or Denise on 087-9321191.

TOASTMASTERS: Malahide Toastmasters meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 8pm in the Grand Hotel Malahide. All are welcome. Contact Liam on 087-2696260 for more information.
BRIDGE: A Novice Bridge Club is opening in Drumcondra. A place where novice and mini bridge players can practice what they’ve learnt in a friendly atmosphere and under expert supervision. Weekly, starting February 11 at 7.30pm in the Ierne Sports and Social Club. Contact Ranald on 086-3868480 for more details.
    
VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are required to establish a Foróige youth club in the Santry area. If you are aged 18 or over and would have an hour to spare once a week, the club needs you. The club is for young people aged 12 and over from the local area. For further information phone Bryan Gavin on 086-8519639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
TRADITIONAL MUSIC: The Craobh Seán Treacy branch of Comhaltas Ceolteori Éireann host a traditional music, song and dance session every Tuesday night at Clasac, Alfie Byrne Road, Clontarf. Musicians of all ages welcome. Contact 8393093 or 8363059 for further details.

EMPLOYMENT: North Dublin Supported Employment. Do you have a disability/impairment? Would you like support in finding employment? If you have training, work experience or previous work history, we can support you. Please contact Work4U on 8442700 for further information.      
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 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.

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.

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.

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

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 on 8461474.
TOASTMASTERS: Clontarf/Marino Toastmasters Club is a non-profit club affiliated to Toastmasters International. The club holds regular meetings.  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.
 
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

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.


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

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 (phone 8363051) or Raheny Shopping Centre (phone 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.

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 at the Civic Offices, Wood Quay, and would welcome people who enjoy raising their voices in song and meeting likeminded people.

UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY: Unexpected Pregnancy is hard to face. If you need help or support, contact CURA. Phone in confidence. All services are free.
Phone 1850 622 626 or 6710598 or visit www.cura.ie for more information.

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.

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 meets at 6.30pm on the first Thursday of the month in the back room of Donaghmede Library.

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

SOCIAL GROUP: A social group for mature single people has been formed in north county Dublin. The group is for people in their 30s or 40s who want 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/

HISTORY: Are you interested in the history of Coolock and 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 meet 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.

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.

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.