ROSES: The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland is hosting a demonstration of rose pruning by Darina O'Sullivan in the Walled Garden, UCD, Belfield on Saturday, February 27 from 2-3.30pm. All are welcome. Admission for non-members is e7. Further details on 2353912 or at www.rhsi.ie

HAITI: An ‘Art Jam for Haiti’ is taking place in St Mary’s Rugby Club on Thursday, February 18. This is a fun event for a good cause and the price is e50 per person, payable on the night. To book a place phone Deirdre on 0860615695 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

WALKING: Nordic Walking Classes are now taking place in the lovely fields and woods surrounding Kilruddery House, just outside Bray, Co Wicklow.  These are suitable for all levels of fitness and ages. Classes on Saturdays and Sunday cost e8. Details from Dairine on 0861936861.

CONCERT: The Greenhills Variety Group is performing a concert on Friday, February 26 at 8pm and Saturday 27 at 3pm and 8pm in Greenhills Community Centre. Tickets are e12 for adults, e10 for OAPs and e8 for kids. To book tickets tel 0857572698.

GIG: Foggy Notions presents a Haiti Crisis Benefit Concert in Association with Concern in Whelan’s on February 17 from 8pm. Tickets are e15 from www.tickets.ie

CHURCH: The South City Church meets on Sundays at 11am in Glenalbyn Function Room, Stillorgan. See www.southcitychurch.org

DINNER: Home & Away Disasters and the Irish Flood & Haiti Earthquake Victims campaign are hosting a dinner at the Rochestown Lodge Hotel on Thursday, February 25 at 8pm. Donations e40 per table.

ART: New classes for beginners and more experienced are taking place in Dundrum. Details at www.gerardogradyart.com or tel Ger on 0872904212/2790527.

TRAINS: The Railway Preservation Society is running a diesel rail tour to Longford on Sunday, February 21. Fares for adults e30/seniors and under 16s e20. Depart Connolly at 10.55am and returning by 5.40pm.

PANTOMIME: The Inchicore Variety Group presents ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in Arus Mhuire Hall, Inchicore, (Oblate grounds) on Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday 20 at 8pm each evening, concluding with a matinee on Sunday 21 at 3pm. Tickets e12 adults and e6 for children. For more information tel 0868627739.

BRIDGE: Bridge classes and bridge club for beginners and improvers take place every Thursday at 7.15pm in St Conleth's College, Clyde Road, Ballsbridge. Tel Thomas MacCormack on 0863859953 for details.

Badminton: Ladies Badminton Club play in De La Salle College, Churchtown on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 1pm. New members welcome. Contact Bernadette on 08724499395 or Oonagh on 0879341241.

GLASSES: Supersavers Opticians are appealing for old, unwanted spectacles or sunglasses to help those in the developing countries. Post all donations or drop them into Supersavers Opticians on Talbot Street at the (corner of Talbot Street and Gardiner Street (beside O’Shea’s Hotel) or into the branch in Raheny Shopping Centre.

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.

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.

COOKERY: Rachel Allen, in association with Pact (voluntary agency for domestic and inter-country adoption, pregnancy related counselling and schools education) will present a cookery demonstration at The High School, Rathgar, Dublin 6 on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 7.30pm. Tickets e35 (limited number available) are available on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 216 4208. Cheques to be made payable to ‘Friends of Pact’.

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 surrounding areas. There are currently seven free weekly walks in the city with history, culture and nature all on offer. See www.letswalkandtalk.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 or 087-9401189.

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

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.

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.

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 0868189888 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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.

CANCER SUPPORT: Yoga and relaxation classes are held in St Laurence Community Centre, Kilmacud, Stillorgan from 1.30 to 2.30pm each Thursday. Tel 2885725.

BADMINTON: A friendly game of badminton is held in St Laurence Community Centre every Thursday from 10 to 11am.

FIRST AID: The St John Ambulance hosts a First Aid course at Brigade HQ, 29 Upper Leeson Street. Tel 6688077 for further details.

OVEREATING: Do you obsess about food and weight all the time? Do you try to control food and weight constantly? Do you throw up, starve yourself, binge on a regular basis? Do you feel isolated, scared and think no one else acts and feels around food the way you do? If so tel 2891599/mob 087 2390595 or go to www.obsessiveeatersanonymous.org

BARBERSHOP: A new barbershop choir has started in St Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, Balally, Dundrum. Membership is open to those aged 14 and upwards (adults particularly welcome) and no previous experience is needed - just a love of singing. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 7 to 9pm in the school library. For more information, contact Paula at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0871208085 (after school hours) on any day.

THEATRE: The Boolabus Youth Theatre and Film Group meets every Saturday in Dun Laoghaire from 11am-2pm. Age group is from 15 to 20. New members welcome. Phone Lorraine on 2806147 or 0879401189.

DANCE: A set dance class for fun and fitness resumes at Stackstown off the Kellystown Road at 8pm every Wednesday. Enquiries to Ed on 0872240439 or Pat on 086 8277727.

DANCE CLASSES: Irish dance, set dance, and international folk dance classes for 12 to 16 year old male and female and 16 to 25 year old males take place every Monday in the Holy Cross Church Hall, Main Street, Dundrum. For information tel 2987929.

BIBLE TALK: A series of talks from the Bible are being given in Kingswood Community Centre every Sunday from 7-8pm. Also every Thursday from 8.30-9.30pm. Event is free and all are welcome.

GOLF SOCIETY: A group of former pupils of Loreto High School Beaufort in Rathfarnham have set up the Beaufort Past Pupils’ Golf Society. If you are a past pupil or if you know a past pupil who plays golf then they would love to hear from you. Email Bronwyn (nee Byrne) O’Donnell on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact her on 0878110962.

SET DANCE: Classes resume in Meadowbrook Leisure Centre (Dundrum Family Recreation Centre) on Friday nights at 8pm. Old friends and new members welcome. For further information contact Kevin on 0861920034.

CHOIR: The Ballinteer Male Voice Choir has reconvened for Thursday night practice sessions. They cover a broad range of musical tastes and events including competitions, festivals, concerts, carol singing and whatever is likely to provide members with fun and craic. New members welcome. Contact Dominic on 0876474629.
 
ANNIVERSARY: With plans to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2010, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Choir (Johnstown/Killiney) is appealing for new members in all lines – soprano, alto, tenor and bass. To become a member you don’t need to be able to read music – but you do need to enjoy singing and have a reasonable voice; be available to attend rehearsals on Thursday nights from 8pm – 9.30pm; and to sing at the Liturgy on Sundays at 11.30am. Also, members are sought for their Gospel Choir. For more details contact Maureen Nightingale on 0872037576.

BRIDGE: Enjoy a sociable game of bridge every Thursday morning at 10am at 52 Grosvenor Road, Rathgar. New members welcome. For further information tel 2984321.

PHOTOGRAPHY: The OffShoot Club meets every Monday night in St Paul's Parish Hall, Glenageary at 8pm. New members of all levels are welcome. Check out the website: www.offshoot.ie or email the committee at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information on joining.

BOULES: Those who may be interested in forming a group/club and playing regularly for one evening a week and a weekend afternoon in Herbert Park, Ballsbridge are urged to get in contact with John O'Grady on 0863478968 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

RETIREMENT: The Dun Laoghaire Active Retirement Association is seeking new members. This is a group that offers a chance to meet old friends, make new ones and partake in hobbies of your choice. All activities take place in the afternoon. All welcome. Tel the secretary Pat Stanley on 0879438216.TALK: Raheny Heritage Society is holding a talk by Eoin Gill entitled ‘A Short History of Irish Engineers’ in Raheny Library, Howth Road, on Wednesday February 17 at 6.30pm. Admission is free and all are welcome. Phone Brian on 086-1605099 if you require further details.

ART EXHIBITION: Elizabeth O’ Callaghan, from Portmarnock, a graduate of the Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork, is holding an exhibition of abstract paintings, inspired by the sea, at Baldoyle Library, Strand Road, Baldoyle, from February 22-27.

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.

HOWTH TALK: Howth Peninsula Heritage Society hosts ‘110 Years A-Sailing: The History of the Howth Seventeens’, a talk by Bryan Lynch, at Howth Angling Centre, West Pier, Howth, on Tuesday February 23 at 8pm. The cost for non-members is e4.

TALK: The Dublin Five Horticultural Society continues its series of fortnightly gardening talks with ‘Herbaceous Plants’ by Steven Kelly on Thursday February 25 at 8pm in the Artane Beaumont Family Recreation Centre, Kilmore Road. Admission is e4.Tea/biscuits served and a raffle for garden-related products on the night. Phone 087-2423020 if you require further details.
WALTZING: The Irish Ballroom and Waltzing Federation is hosting an afternoon of Ballroom Dancing at the Grand Hotel Malahide on Sunday February 21 from 2pm to 6pm. The event will consist of a mixture of competition dancing and social dancing. Music will be by Housty. Everyone is welcome. Entry is e7. For more information call 087-6348480.

PLAYERS WANTED: Killester Basketball Club is seeking boys aged 8-10 for their Under 11 team. The club is also looking for boys born in 1994/95, 6ft 2ins plus (no basketball experience required) for its Under 15/16 teams. Phone Conor on 086-3938010 for further information.

FUN QUIZ: St Paul’s Secondary School Parents’ Association is hosting a Fun Quiz Night in the Beachcomber Pub, Killester, on Thursday March 4 at 8pm. A table of four costs e40.

FUNDRAISING EVENT: The Parents’ Associations at St Paul's Junior and Senior Schools in Ayrfield present the Hallelujah Gospel Choir and the North Dublin Community Gospel Choir in St Paul’s Church, Ayrfield on March 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost e10 and are available from the Parish office or school secretary’s office.

DRAMA: Rush Dramatic Society presents ‘Playboy of the Western World’, by JM Synge, at the Millbank Theatre, Rush, until Saturday February 20 (Wednesday to Saturday inclusive). Starts at 8.30pm nightly. Admission is e12 (concessions for students/senior citizens). For bookings, phone 8437475 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

PITCH & PUTT: St Mary’s Pitch and Putt Club is seeking new lady members. The club plays at Inisfails GAA Club in Balgriffin on Saturdays at 10am from February to December. For more details contact Pat on 086-3505384.

WANTED: Old spectacles or sunglasses to help those less fortunate 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 Opticians, Raheny Shopping Centre (phone 8187918).

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. 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

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.

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.
  
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: 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.

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.

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 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.
  
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.
 
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 on 8461474.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 six 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.

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.

YOGA: Sahaja Yoga and meditation takes place on Mondays at 7pm at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown Centre. 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

CAR BOOT SALE: A car boot sale in aid of St Canice’s Summer Project takes place on Sunday, February 28 from 9am-3pm at St Canice’s Boy’s School, Glasanaon Road, Finglas East, Dublin 11. Price for sellers - cars e15 vans e20. Contact Martina 086-4013376.

CARERS: The Carers Association will run a one day stress management module in late spring in Blanchardstown for family carers. Application forms are now available. The fee for the module is e10. More information from the Carers Association on 8119555.

GOSPEL CHOIR: Ballymun Gospel Choir and Band have moved to Holy Spirit Church, Silloge, Ballymun. The celebrated musicians and talented singers will be bringing their brand of gospel, soul and contemporary spiritual music to the west side of Ballymun from now until summer time. Their moving uplifting celebration of music and community takes place every Sunday night at 7pm Mass.

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.

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.

OLD SCOUTS: Were you ever a leader or a member of the 75th/95th East Finglas Scouts? The current leaders are trying to contact former leaders and members as the unit celebrates 50 years of scouting in Finglas. To mark the occasion a number of events are planned, one of which will be a Mass on Sunday April 11 in St Canice’s Church. Former scouts are invited come along and bring their family. They can also wear their old uniform if they still have it.
Another event is a Black Tie formal dinner on April 17. The current leaders hope to have as many ex members as possible there to help celebrate a great occasion. Tickets are limited. For further details drop into the Scout Den in Finglas Village any Monday Tuesday or Wednesday evening between 7- 8.30pm. Anybody who knows any ex-members are asked to pass on these details.

SINGERS: Male singers are needed for the Dolce Choir, a Northside mixed based, four part harmony choir which rehearses every Thursday evening from 7.30 to 10pm in Griffith Avenue, near Drumcondra. The choir embraces all ages, is fun, welcoming and challenging. You need to be able to is sing but an ability to read music is not essential. Auditions will be taking place in early February. Musical Director is Deirdre Ni Chaomhanaigh. Text or call, Fran at 087-2425513 if you’re interested.

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 and it’s suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. For further information visit www.nordicwalkers.ie or contact Kathleen on 086-0427989 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

RECOVERY: LifeRing Secular Recovery is a non-profit self help group for people who want to live free of alcohol or other addictive drugs. The group focuses on empowering the sober self within. Members take a strong, active role in their own recovery. This group is not faith-based. LifeRing respects everyone's religious or spiritual beliefs or lack of beliefs. Meetings are a forum to develop an individual recovery plan. Meeting on Tuesdays 6.30pm at Dublin Mission, 9 Lower Abbey Street. For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

VOLUNTEERS: Two CASA youth groups based in the Swords area are currently recruiting volunteers for 2010. CASA is a voluntary organisation established in 1981 to support people with disabilities. CASA offers friendship, respite care and social activities on a one-to-one basis for people with both physical and intellectual disabilities. If you have one Sunday afternoon a month free, and can make a minimum commitment of six months they would love to hear from you. No experience necessary but true enthusiasm and dedication is an asset. Please contact Rebecca by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 087-1260975.

RECOVERY: Recovery Inc is a group for people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, OCD, stress etc. Meetings take place at Blanchardstown Community Centre on Saturdays from 2.30-4.30pm and Fridays from 8-10pm at the Community Centre in Blanchardstown. For more information, please phone 626-0775. All welcome.

WRITERS:
Cabra Writers’ Group meets every Friday from 11am-12.30pm in Cabra Library (Navan Road, beside McDonalds). All welcome. Just drop in or call Orla on 085-1609906 for more details.

IRISH:
The Irish language volunteer centre and café - An Caifé Gaelach – which opens on Saturdays 2-4pm at 107 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 is taking names now for volunteer tutors for Irish language training in the New Year. All activities as Gaeilge - Fáilte roimh chách. If you’re interested call 087-6662903 email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.ionad.org.

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.