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| Des
and Ann Darragh together 50 years. Des and Ann Darragh celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently. A family gathering was held on a weekend at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy attended by their children and grandchildren. A blessing was performed by Fr Michael Carey formerly a Curate in Balbriggan. At a dinner on a presentation was made to the happy couple. A memorable time was had by all. We have to add a big thank "Thank You" to Des for helping out one of the team recently. Des & Ann, may we at B.net wish you both much happiness and good health for many a year to come. Click on the thumbnail to view several photos of the happy couple. |
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| Balbriggan
Community College Reunion (The Tech) 1984. We received the following email "Dear Tony, Wondering if you could put a mention on the news page for a school reunion that is happening on the 7th of September in the Harvest Bar Balbriggan from 8pm. The reunion is for the entrance classes of 1982 into Balbriggan Community College (or the Tech as we loved to call it back then!!). There was about 5 classes of first years in 1982. I have attached a photo of my class taken in 1984 the year we would have done our Inter Cert. It would be great to see a mention on the site for this our 25 year reunion and I promise to send some photos of the reunion night. thanks and regards Sandra McGrath(nee Harford)" It's our pleasure Sandra to help, maybe some of the B.net team will attend the reunion and take some photos and maybe even bring the laptop and a microphone and record some pupils reminiscing of the good oul days. Click on the thumbnail to see the photo enlarged. |
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| OK,
We are back "On The Air" As you will have noticed, we returned to the "Airwaves" last Sunday with photos of Linda & Phil's wedding. We have literally hundreds of photographs to bring you over the coming weeks, so please, if you sent us in some photos and they haven't appeared yet, they will soon. We have another hour or so of Jack Benton and others volunteering to be recorded for the site. |
| Guest Book Updated. Click HERE |
| Smyco
Hall Photograph. Here is part of a photograph given to us recently by David O'Connor. There are over a hundred people in the photo but if we brought you the entire photo it would be difficult to identify anyone. Because of this, we have zoomed in on a section to see if anyone recognises anyone. It looks like the late1950's. 21.08.07 |
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| Balbriggan
Heads in Sydney. Here is a photo from an email sent recently, "Just a snap from the palace in coogee, Sydney at Nico le bros Sydney stag party he will be home in three weeks for the balbriggan one, also Gerry Prout and Dermot fox in this picture" Great picture lads, love the hats!!!!20.08.07 |
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| 1940's
Bank Manager Retires. Mr Cox was a Bank Manager in the town in the 1940's and this photograph shows his retirement presentation. We have most of the names and we even know where the photograph was taken. It was taken on High St. where you now drive into the Tesco car park. The photograph is from the Benton/Curtis collection. We have a backlog of photos to bring you over the coming weeks so watch this space. 20.08.07 |
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| Linda
Fanning Marries Phillip Scannell Saturday 18th August 2007 was Linda Fanning & Phillip Scannell's Big Day. Linda, daughter of Martin & Kathleen, looked stunning as she arrived at the church with her very proud Dad. Linda's sister, Denise McMahon was Bridesmaid, a role reversal from her own wedding here last November. Also present were Phil's parents, Nora & Patrick along with Jack & Chris Benton and Brian & Irene Howley. The best man was Justin Kavanagh, who was excellent. Celebrating the Marriage was Fr. Michael Carey, once a priest in Balbriggan. Then it was off to Gormanston Castle for photographs and, as if the gods were looking down, the rain stopped and some beautiful photographs were taken by Lynnette McNally. The focus then turned to the new City North Hotel in Stamullen, where following a lovely meal the guests partied the night away to local band “The Great Escape”. We at balbriggan.net wish Linda & Phil health, happiness and love for the rest of their lives. Click on thumbnail to view several photos taken by local wedding photographers Lynnette McNally & Tony Healy. PhotographyPlus.net 19.08.07TH |
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| Jack
Benton Remembers---The Messenger Boy. Due to the fact that B.net will be "Off The Air" for a week or so we thought we'd spoil you with some more of our Jack. In today's episode he talks about how nobody knew what time it was, he talks about his friends, Billy Dowling and Christy Coyle and how he was a messenger boy for Dillions Grocery shop. Enjoy the next ten minutes with Sir Jack. Click on thumbnail and wait about a minute to download. Broadband required. 06.08.07 |
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| Jack
Benton Remembers---The Cinemas. Here is the first of many, we hope, interviews with local people and who better to start with, only, Jack Benton. Jack has been hugely instrumental in making B.net so popular by supplying us with literally hundreds of photographs of Balbriggan in years gone by. We suggest you boil the kettle, make yourself a cup of coffee and sit back and listen to the tender tones of Jack Benton. Click on the thumbnail, its 10mb so it could take a minute or two to download. Enjoy.05.08.07TH. |
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| Blasts from
the past. Selection of photographs which you may find interesting of local people in Balbriggan in the "Young Days !! " See how many of them you can recognise!! Balbriggan.net would like to thank Helen, Mylene & Marion for the selection of photographs - Photos from the "Martin Fanning" Collection. 05.08.07MF |
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| Mick
McGilvery hits the big 50. Well known local man, Mick McGilvery celebrated his 50th birthday in style in McCormack Lounge on the 27th of July. Judging by the photographs, a great time was had by all. We have to thank Mylene Delahoyde for emailing us the photos, thanks Mylene. Click on the thumbnail to see the photos. 05.08.07 |
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| A short audio
message from Tony. Ever since it was suggested to record some of the locals, our Tony has started to test some equipment he has from his radio days. We want to record locals who have stories to tell of Balbriggan years ago. Ask your Granny or Granddad would they like to share their memories with people all over the world, we are nice people at B.net and we will make the recording session a bit of fun as well. Technically, we want the quality to be top notch and want to make sure that everybody can open the MP3 files. So can you download this short test and let us know how the quality is and how easy it was to open. Click on thumbnail. |
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| Pioneers
7-A-Side 1950's Photograph. Colin Whelan brings us another classic photo. Colin rang the B.net this morning saying he had a great negative of the pioneers and was wondered if we could scan negatives. At B.net, we can do anything with negatives, glass plate photos. positives, very old and small photos and enlarge them to almost any size. This photograph is taken in the early 50's and who happens to be in it only Charlie Corr of the hardware shop in the town. Also there is Brexie Guildea and Freddie Harper of whom the Credit Union building is named after. Click on thumbnail to enjoy. Thanks again to Colin Whelan for this classic.04.08.07 Update, After speaking to Charlie Corr we now know the photo was taken in Ardee in 1957 |
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| Suggestions
welcome from home and abroad. We believe, because people tell us many times that B.net is the best web site, by far in Balbriggan and probably one of the best community sites in the country. Trying to maintain the high standards isn't always easy so this is where we are looking for your suggestions on what to put on the site. One suggestion from our Tony has is to interview some of the towns people who are in their 80's plus and put the interviews on the site either video or just audio. Some of these people have great stories to tell about how life was like in the town during the 30's and during the "Emergency" and the 50's & 60's. Let us know if you like that suggestion and submit your suggestions. 04.08.07 |
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| B.net
is on the move. B.net is moving to Hampton Green this weekend and because we have to change phone numbers, set up new broadband connection etc we will be "Off the Air" for a few days. Hopefully when we come back we will have some old photos to bring you. We need your support, do you have any photographs that would be of interest to B.bet surfers, if so please do contact us, we are running out of these type of photos. We cant put up on the web what we don't have. So please, talk to your parents or grand parents and ask them can we borrow some photographs to scan and return the same day.04.08.07 |
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| New Apartments
at Spicers One of the team was commissioned to take photographs of the new apartments where spicers used to be and also a photo showing the views from there. We thank Cumisky Auctioneers for allowing us to use them. The first photograph shows the view looking east and the second is looking west. Click on the thumbnail to view both.04.08.07 |
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| Curlew
Cottage Barnegeara Sold. This is the house at Bearnageara on the left side of the road just after the bad bend. It's a large house with about 2 acres of land. It was sold recently and as one of the team took some of the photographs for the Auctioneers we have been given access to some of the aerial photographs that were also taken. We thank Dave O'Connor of O'Connor Crean for allowing us use them. Click on thumbnail to view.04.08.07 |
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| Balbriggan.net
hits www.youtube.ie Two of the team have posted a couple of slide shows relating to Balbriggan on the you tube web site.Martin and Jack covered the opening of the new roundabout and the launch of the new sculpture Open Volumes.Martin also covered the Sp.Oly.team from Pakistan who stayed in Balbriggan in 2003.Other videos also feature on the site. Just visit you tube and type in Balbriggan and away you go.We hope you enjoy......23.07.07MF |
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Balbriggan
Chamber of Commerce new web site |
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| Guest Book updated Here |
| There
were double celebrations on Sunday night the 15th of July 2007. Derek Purcell and his wife Toni were celebratiing their last weekend in Balbriggan with friends before embarking on their 35 hour trip back to Sydney Austrailia with their children. It was a great weeks guys, and we will all miss you when you go back. Alan and Mariane Cox were out celebrating the arrival of their new baby boy 4 months ago, and Alans birthday! Congratulations! (Was this your first night out since the baby was born??) But most of all, to be fair, to most people in McCormacks that night they were celebrating the winning of the Leinster Championship by Dublin over Laois earlier in the day at Croke Park. A brilliant night was had by all. Click to see a selection of Photos. |
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| Looking
for Bernadette (Bernie) Byrne We received this email, Hiya, Very odd request I'm afraid. My family and I are visiting soon from South Africa and are trying to find an old friend (we had a childhood home in Skerries). Her name is Bernadette (Bernie) Byrne, last I knbew she was living in Balbriggan with her boyfriend Warren Donnelly. Her parents are Michael and Dolores Byrne if that helps at all. Oh yeah, she used to work at The Rig. I'm all googled out and we're there in a month, so any help you could give us would be great. Best regards, Richard Mulholland. His email address is rich@missinglink.co.za |
| Guest Book updated Here |
| St.
Georges School Photo c1942. This photo was spotted by chance when our Tony was delivering a wedding album to Georgina Griffin and didn’t he spot this picture on the wall. He asked could he borrow it for an hour or so and Bert & Elizabeth Griffin agreed. As you will see, we have some of the names as remembered by Bert but we’d like the rest of them. “Quality Row” (Hampton Place) is visible in the background. Thanks again Bert for all your help. If you can add to the names list we’d be grateful. 13.07.07 |
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| R.I.P Bridget Keating. (nee Guildea) aged 91, of 80 Clonard Street, Balbriggan, sadly passed away yesterday evening 11th July 2007. She will be deeply missed by all her surviving relatives in the Guildea & Reilly Families and her Stepdaughter Marie. Bridget's remains will be taken from her home on Friday 13th July 2007 at 6.30pm to arrive at St. Peter & Paul's Church for 7.00pm. The funeral will take place on Saturday Morning 14th July 2007 after 10.00am Mass. Click to enlarge. |
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| Balbriggan
Slide Show. Here is a short 2 minute slide show of Balbriggan with most of the photographs taken today. Click on the thumbnail to the right and first "Save" the download. After you have saved the download you need to unzip the slide show. We hope you enjoy, if you experience difficulties viewing the show, please let us know. Enjoy. 06.07.07 |
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| Balbriggan
Guys in Bondi Road Hotel Sydney. Gerard Prout has just sent us this cracking photograph of himself with other Balbriggan "heads" in Sydney Australia. Gerard has supplied all the names. Thanks a mil Gerry. Click on thumbnail to view. 04.07.07. |
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| Opening
of new Roundabout Nothing could dampen the spirit of the crowd who gathered at the new roundabout beside the church in Balbriggan when the newly elected Cathaoirleach Councillor May Mc Keon in the presence of the Mayor of Fingal Co.Co Councillor Alan Farrell.Also there to launch his sculpture Open Volumes was sculptor Mark Ryan.The evening continued with a reception organised by Town Clerk Brian Murray.Well done to all concerned.Click on thumbnail to view photos by Jack Benton and Martin Fanning.....04.07.07MF |
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| The
Bower 1950's. Here is a great photograph showing the Bower and the Quarry nearby. Thanks to The Benton/Curtis Collection we have aerial photographs of most of the town from the 50's and over the coming days we will be showing you Craobhin Park, Derham Park. That's of course if you want to see them. 03.07.07 |
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| Aerial
Photograph of 1950's Balbriggan. Here is a photograph that we have shown before but this time we have zoomed in on a particular section. We have added text to help those new to the town identify certain landmarks. Many thanks to Benton/Curtis for this gem. Click to enlarge. 03.07.07 |
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| Bracken
Court Relaunch. 8th June saw the relaunch of The Bracken Court Hotel and B.net were invited along and a great time was had by everybody. Food, drink and entertainment was supplied by the hotel and we have a few photos to show the team enjoying themselves. Click on Edele to view photos. 03.07.07. |
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| 2
David Brangan Photographs of 1900 Balbriggan. The first photograph shows workers in Smyco placing the stockings over a leg shaped piece of card obviously checking for holes etc. The second photo shows a young lad but we wonder was the photo taken in Balbriggan. Anybody recognise the wall or the background? Click on thumbnail to view. 03.07.07 |
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| Great photo
from 1961-62 Sent in by John Woodhead.A brilliant photograph we received from John Woodhead.What makes it extra special is we have all the names.Thanks again to John for sending it for posting on site.You never changed a bit Woddie. Click to enlarge. 02.07.07MF |
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| c1945
Smyco Brochure. Smith & Co(Smyco), the famous Balbriggan factory which was in business from 1780 to 1980 brought out a brochure in the mid 40's and we brought you the first 15 pages two years ago. The other day we received the following email, "Hi, Fantastic site. I just wondered if you will be giving us the rest of the Smyth's of Balbriggan brochure? It is really interesting. Thanks again Laura Daly formerly of Hampton Cove Balbriggan", well, we got busy again and scanned several more pages and we bring them to you now. Many thanks to messers Benton & Curtis for supplying same.Click on thumbnail to view. 02.07.07 |
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| St
Francis pipe band in glasgow looking for help Dear balbriggan.net, my name is david plizga, and i am secretay of st francis pipe band here in glasgow. the band has recently celebrated its 80th anniversay and has just completed our first CD. we are now looking for information and photographs to include in a photo-journal which will be published by Christmas 2007. the pipe band used to travel to camp in balbriggan with the st francis boys guild, around the 1950's. in fact we still have a priest in our parish who used to organise this annual event! we would like to publicise in some way that we are looking for old photographs of the band at this time and i was wondering if you would be able to help through the use of the balbriggan website. i would be grateful if you could give it some thought and let me know if you thinko this may be a worthwile project for you. thank you in anticipation, david plizga, secretary. www.saintfrancispipeband.com |
| Community
Collage Awards 2007..... Today we bring you some photos of the awards for outstanding students in 2007.Overall winner of the Paddy Conway Student of the Year for 2007 which was presented by his daughter Kathleen Fanning went to Ciaran Halpin...Many thanks to all the teachers and students who made everyone very welcome on the day....Click on thumbnail to view photos.....Photos by Martin Fanning ..... |
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| Mosney
Holiday Camp. "Dear Sir/ Madame, I help maintain the web-site www.butlinsmemories.com, we are currently planning an update which will show aerial views of both existing and current “holiday resorts”.We have had success with most other camps except Mosney, both Google and Microsoft provides no high resolution images of this area. Do you have any current (After closure) aerial photos of the camp? If you do would it be possible to show this image on our web-site? We will be willing to link back to your web-site as a thank you. Many Thanks Kevin Christoforou Customer Support" If anyone can help, email us and we will forward on. 01.07.07 |
| Old
fire Brigade Pictures. Can anyone help Gary, "to whom it may concern I recently was going threw your archives and found two pictures of an old and first fire engine to arrive in balbriggan. I was wondering if you had any information on the engine or if it would be possible to contact the person who sent you the pictures. the reason i am looking for them is for a web site called blues-twos.com its a web site of all the fire stations and fire engines in ireland and are always looking for different pictures to put on some of the pages. if at all possible i would love to hear back from you with some info thanking you for your time" gary email deniseandgary@eircom.net |
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| Fingal
Volunteer Centre. We received the following Email, "To whom it may concern, I am the development worker of the Fingal Volunteer Centre. Our Centre is an independent and free matching service. We provide information and advice to people interested in volunteering and to organisations looking for volunteers in the Fingal area. The centre has opened just a few months ago. I have attached an article about our centre. Would it be possible to add this article to your website?" Click on the logo for more details. 01.07.07. |
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| O'Dwyers
Minors 1991. Damien Prout has email us this photograph. It's O'Dwyers Minors GAA club in 1991. We have no names so if you recognise anyone, email us with the names. Thanks Damien. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. 01.07.07. |
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| Views
of Balbriggan by Carolyn Kelly. Caroline has sent us several photographs of the town. In her email she say's "I attached some photographs that I have taken over the past few months while out and about around Balbriggan. I hope you like them as much as I liked taking them." Carolyn is using a Canon EOS Digital Rebel and got some really great shots, one in particular we liked is of the chimney at Seabanks. Thanks Carolyn for sending them in. Click on thumbnail to view others. 01.07.07 |
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| Down memory
lane. Selection of photographs which you may find interesting of local people in Balbriggan in the "Young Days !! " See how many of them you can recognise!! Balbriggan.net would like to thank Helen, Mylene & Marion for the selection of photographs - Photos from the "Martin Fanning" Collection. 01.07.07. |
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| Smyco-
Can anyone help?. We received this email from John Hatton Smyth in Australia, " Dear Tony I sent you an e-mail in January 04 saying that Joseph Smyth a founder of Smyco with a Mr Hatton was one of my great grand fathers - probably No. 4. I referred to "Smyth & Co Real Balbriggan" written by Jack Benton and Joe Curtis ( which led me to useful information) and asked if there is any fund of knowledge that I could draw upon. You showed my message to one of the co-authors who said he was willing to see if he could help: I will be visiting Dublin in September and am now writing to find out if that generous offer still stands. more |
| Message
from Tony. Many thanks to all for wishing me a speedy recovery, it's good to be back. I've to take it easy for the next couple of weeks, stick to a Gluten-Free diet as I am Coeliac and definitely not sit at the computer till the early hours of the morning. We have lots to catch up and put on the web and may I take this opportunity to thank Colin Whelan of OMNI Sys for sorting out our computer problems, 4 computers on a network can get very complicated. Thanks Colin. So, lets get back to keeping B.net the most popular web site in north county Dublin. Thanks again.Tony. 01.07.07. |
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| We are
back but taking it easy. Great to have our Tony out and about again.Tony was released early on good behavour,as the nurses and doctors had threatened to go on official strike if he was,nt sent home so they could recover from the pressure of keeking his laptop out of reach of our Tony.Great to have you back again kid. With your own private nurse and wife Yvonne to look after you, it wont be long until you are back as mad as ever.From the team. Jack, Joe Brian, Ronan, and Martin and all our wives.01.07.07MF. |
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| Guest Book Has been updated---Click Here |
Wayne Walsh Memorial-Tonight(Thursday
28th June)-O'Sheas Balbriggan. |
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| Balbriggan.net
back on-Line this weekend. Our Tony has spent the past two weeks in hospital but is due out this weekend so we will update the site. We have lots of guest book entries, photographs and news items to catch up on, so check out this page, this coming weekend 1st July. Many thanks. TH. 27.06.07 |
| Loreto
celebrate 150 years. Loreto College in Balbriggan recently celebrated 150 years of education. The mass (Our Journey) and get together took place on the 8th of May in St. Peter & Paul’s Church and then later in the school itself. The mass celebrant was the most Rev. Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin. Our man, Jack Benton was on duty for B.net and he got some fantastic photographs which we think you will enjoy and Tony has created an Audio Visual of the evening. The file is zipped so we recommend you save the file after downloading and then “run” the show. We hope you enjoy. Click on the thumbnail to start downloading which will take about 30 seconds. Broadband required. 16.05.07 |
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| Guest Book updated Here |
| Party
night for Clonard St., Fullam St.and Chapel St........
May 2007. Well done to the Morgan Family for organising such a great night in the Milestone Inn, Balbriggan. Music was supplied by the "Odd Couple" and disco by Bert Cadwell. If there was a prize for the best dancer on the night, it would have to go to Rita Browne - fair play to you Rita!! A special hello to Marion from Canada and Jimmy from England who made the long journey to attend the reunion. A brilliant night was had by all. Well done to the organisers and many thanks for the laughs! Photos from Martin & Kathleen Fanning Click on thumbnail to view some great photos. 12.05.07MF |
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| Anne Marie
and Paul become Mr & Mrs Mulvaney. Local couple, Ann Marie Maher, looking stunning and Paul Mulvaney tied the knot last weekend in St Peter & Paul's Church Balbriggan. Then it was off to Ardgillan Castle for photographs with the parents and bridal party along with the couples beautiful daughter, Lucy. Fr. Michael Murtagh celebrated the wedding and then the couple partied the night away at the Bracken Court Hotel. We wish the couple a happy life together. We have several photos of the day for your approval. 11.05.07 |
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| General
Election 2007. This is really aimed at those abroad, it's to show how the square looks with the election posters on every pole, they are certainly making the most of the new poles in the towns centre. We hope that issues like anti social behaviour, graffiti, a visible police presence in the town and facilities for the youth are high on the agenda. Click on the thumbnail to see who's standing and to see how the new poles have been put to use. One good thing though, they are all removed after the election 09.05.07 |
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| Balbriggan
Cricket Club Glen Russell from Balbriggan Cricket Club has asked us to give them a mention, the email goes as follows: "Following on from the success of the national team in the World Cup, we are expecting to have a busy and successful season. The club this year will have two under 11 teams, an under 13 team and an under 15 team in addition to two Senior teams. Before the season starts, the club are holding a darts classic in North County on Friday the 11th of May. Local professional Mick McGowan will take on a variety of different players ranging from the very good to the very,very bad!!. The 2nd team's season starts at home on Saturday 12th of May at home to Leinster at 1.30 pm, whilst the 1st team look to begin their campaign for promotion away to Laois the following day. It will mean a debut for the club's first professional, Leo Sorensen, and the club look forward to him helping progress in the right direction. Updates on the club's fortunes will be available on the club website ...www.balbriggancc.com. Glenn Russell, Team Secretary, Balbriggan Cricket Club" Thanks for the email Glen, best of luck.. The B.net Team.09.05.07 |
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| Balbriggan
Pigeon Club. Our Tony was at a party recently and PJ Corcoran asked him could he give the Pigeon Club a mention on B.net. So about a week later, Tony contacted John Campbell to arrange for a good time to take some photos and the coming friday was agreed for 5.30pm. Our photographer was there and it was bedlam in the clubhouse as there were hundreds of birds to be ringed with a numbered rubber band. Our guy was made to feel very welcome and in return we have created an Audio Visual Slide Show on the pigeon club that we think they will enjoy. The club are always looking for new members and we will have phone numbers etc shortly. Click on the thumbnail to download "Stop the Pigeon"(If anyone has a problem opening the slide show, let us know) 07.05.07 |
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| We
Lost Our Baby. Local woman, Siobhán O'Neill-White, has written a book entitled "We Lost Our Baby" and Siobhan has requested that we give it a mention on the web site as it is now available in Fax & Fiction and it may be beneficial to others in the same position, the email is as follows: My name is Siobhán O'Neill-White, I am from Balbriggan. My husband and I have written a book and it has just been published by The Liffey Press and we would like to have something mentioned about it on the website if possible? To read more click on the thumbnail. 07.05.2007 |
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| Locals
enjoying the sunshine. Our Tony was out and about with the dogs today(along with pooper scooper) and he took a few photos of the Harbour and Lighthouse ( We think he'll eventually buy it, he loves it that much) and also of some locals out enjoying the sunshine. Mrs Moran, her daughter Sally, JJ and others all posed to appear on the towns most popular web site. Click on the two lovely girls and help us with the names we are missing. 04.05.07 |
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| Wow,
how the town has changed. Balbriggan, is one of the towns in Ireland, that has expanded the most over the past five years and who would disagree with that. Let's hope it can cope with the influx of people and that infrastructure doesn't buckle under the strain. Today we bring you some photos courtesy of "The Benton/Curtis Collection" and the pictures show how the Drogheda street and Dublin street have changed in such a short time. Click to see several photos.04.05.07. |
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| Tribute
Night For Buckshot...... On monday night the 7th May there will be a traditional night for the late Patsy Buckley in the Man of War pub .Patsy passed away in April. His friends decided to gather to recall his passing. A number of musicians in the region will attent. The evening starts at 9.30pm Contact Mylene at 8411986 for more information.Please note this is not a fund raising event. 02.05.07 |
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| Sunshine
House Photos. Apologies to all for the lack of updates on the site, that 4 letter word is the cause again, work. Anyway, a very interesting guest book entry about Sunshine House promped us to bring you these photos. Ivan Higgins writes "I am proud to say that I was one of these children. I was one of twelve children and my father did not work. The fact that my father did not work put my family in the poor bracket which made us eligible for ‘Baller" To read Ivans lengthy guest book entry and poem, click Here and to see several Sunshine photos from 1947, 1960's and 2004 click on the thumbnail. 30.04.07 |
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| Balbriggan
Community Directory--Free to download here. We received the following email. "We have recently completed a community phone directory for Balbriggan which has details of voluntary groups, health services, education and training etc. in the area. As you are probably well aware, it can be difficult to get information on community activities in the town and that this is especially an issue for the many newcomers to the area. This project is an attempt to somewhat fill this gap." This is a very comprehensive directory with lots of information and it's available to download here for free. If you wish to contact those who compiled the directory, contact Lisa by email, ltonge@co-operationfingal.ie Click on thunbnail to start download of only 331 kb. |
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| Balbriggan
Boxing Club 1966. Here is a photo courtesy of Brian Howley, we may have already brought you this photograph some time back, but it's a good one and we have all the names. We have spotted a good friend of ours, Anthony McMahon, and Anthony went on to win numerous titles as an amature boxer. 23.04.07 |
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| Locals
cause mayhem in Manchester. Locals, James Carvin, Chitty Moore and Chris Costello started a riot in Manchester just before the Roma match. Here is the email that accompanied the photo, "Here's a picture from The Daily Mail of me, Hatchy and Chris Costello outside Old Trafford last week!! We're in the top left of d photo,.,.I near got d whacks off d Cops bout 20 seconds b4 this pic was taken!! Lucky enough the Cops knew who d trouble makers where!! It was scary s**t!!!!! " James has told B.net, what he reckons really caused the riot. Click the thumbnail to view. 21.04.07. |
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| ‘LIVE’-
Balbriggan’s First Rock Band Formed in 1971 by members P.J.Cullen (Lead Guitar), Bren Dunphy (Drums) and Joe Walsh (Bass Guitar and Vocals) The Band had a big following and played mostly in Fingal area. Their original material and music was greatly influenced by Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath and many more. Some brilliant photos have come to light here – the colour ones are from the Open Air concert in the Glebe North football pitch in the early 1970’s after the famous 20 mile Walk for Charity. And what about the ones in black and white of the lads playing in the old Town Hall, you can see the old pillars and seats around the sides. These photos are part of the Brian Howley collection and come on everybody there must be loads more out there of the old Town Hall and also of the Charity Walk- it used to start at the Glebe North/Market Green area??? 19.04.07BH. |
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| Surprise
Birthday Night for Emmie Hand....... What a surprise for Emmie Hand when a few of her friends decided to take her out to the Milestone for a meal to celebrate her 80th birthday.Little did Emmie know that her relations and friends were all gathered there to surprise her on the night.Emmie was also joined by her sister Nellie,Mike her nephew and Maria Mc Mahon and many of her friends.Music on the night was performed by Sean Farrell and Seamus Mc Cann.Mike joined the lads on the night to play a few tunes on the mandolin and by all accounts a great night was had by all.....Photos on the night by Jack Benton. Click on thumbnail to view photos. 18.04.07MF |
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| Three
National School Principals spanning over 63 years
! So if you went to Balrothery National School then you will remember them all and here we have a photo of all three together! Joseph Madden Principal from 1944-1975 when school grew from three teachers to nine. Stephanie O’Connor Principal 1975-2005 -(Class Teacher from 1960-1975) when school grew from nine to fifteen teachers. And then P.J.Keary -(Class Teacher from 1975-2005) Principal 2005 right up to the present and the number of teachers is still growing ! Click to enlarge. 13.04.2007BH |
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| Invitation to launch
of Balbriggan Community Directory. Co-operation Fingal, the community partnership in North Fingal, would like to extend an open invitation to all members of the community in Balbriggan and surrounding areas to the launch of Balbriggan Community Directory. This Directory will provide information on local activities, promote community groups in the area and support enhanced participation for all in their community. The directory will be available to download from B.net shortly. more 11.04.07 |
| Aerobics Classes? We received this email today "I was just wondering if you would know of any aerobics classes around Balbriggan?"If there is, let us know. 11.04.07 |
| Balbriggan
Guide Dogs Fundraising Event. On Saturday 14th April, Balbriggan North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs are having a sale of fundraising merchandise in Balbriggan Shopping center at the entrance to Tesco's food market. For sale will be dogs (soft toys), rulers, pencils, door mats, Frisbees, purses and about another 20 items. Click on the thumbnail for more details. 11.04.07 |
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| Balbriggan
Man Keeping Sydney Airport Moving. We received this photo by email from Joyce & Johnny McLeer and it goes as follows "Hi, Passing through Sydney airport recently met Gerard Prout from Fancourt Heights keeping all the conveyors working. Gerard is loving the life in Aus and asked us to say hello to everyone he knows in Balbriggan. Says he visits Balbriggan.net regularly for news on the old home town. Regards Joyce and Johnny" Thanks guys, thats a great photo. Click on to enlarge. 11.04.07 |
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| Big
Maggie launch and 60 years a going. Balbriggan Dramatic Society had a wine reception in the Bracken Court Hotel on Monday 9th April to launch their forthcoming production Big Maggie by J B Keane and also mark their 60 years of drama in Balbriggan. A great crowd turned up including An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Monica Harford, Gus & Yvonne Kennedy, May Mckone, Jack Benton and many others. We have several photographs of the event and names will be added shortly. Click on thumbnail to see photos. 11.04.07 |
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| Selection
of Photographs from Mrs.Laurie Hogan We have received this collection of photographs from Laurie and daughter Marian Hogan of some wavin trips and various other shots covering lots of Balbriggan people. We think the under 11 football photo will have you all trying to put names to the then young boys. See how you get on.Thanks again to Laurie and Marian for the use of photographs for site.MF08.04.07 |
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| Guest Book Updated. |
| Good
Friday around the Harbour. Our Tony and Ronan were down at the harbour Good Friday and the place looks great apart from one or two eyesores. It's not that long since the Council removed several wrecks but now we have another one and unfortunately it's right at the Lighthouse and looks terrible. Our best asset blighted by an unsightly wreck. Tony would like to thank everyone who wished him well following his ordeal on Naked Camera. The whole town must have seen the show. Hello to Tom whom we met at the lighthouse, nice to meet you. Click on the thumbnail to see a few photos taken today. Happy Easter to all. 06.04.2007. |
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| Two
Photographs from Kathleen Hammond. Our good friend, Kathleen Hammond has given us some photographs to place on the site. Two photographs today, the first shows Cora Kelly, May Doyle and Teresa O'Neill along with Kathleen and the second is a photo with Phyllis Casey and Cora Hamilton. Thanks Kathleen for these great shots. More from Kathleen over the coming weeks.05.04.2004 |
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| Cricket
World Cup Jamaica. We have received this email from Tommy Geraghty, Attached is a photo of some of our party outside the cricket stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on St Patrick's Day, the day we whopped Pakistan. We were part of approx 150 from the Balbriggan, Balrothery, The Hills, Skerries areas who made what can only be described as the trip of a lifetime. There are probably 100's of photos taken of the trip and if any are suitable I'm sure we can forward some on. Keep up the great work you guys are doing." Thanks Tommy, thats a great photo and we would love to receive a few more.Click to enlarge.05.04.2007. |
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| Locals
Lisa & Aidan tie the knot. Locals from Ashfield, Lisa & Aidan Richard-Scully celebrated their wedding on Saturday, 31st March in St. Peter & Paul's church Balbriggan. Beautiful sunshine all day added to the occasion which was celebrated by Fr. Michael Murtagh. The couple then headed to Ardgillan Castle to have their photographs taken and then on to the Bracken Court Hotel to party the night away. Beautiful Lisa looked stunning all day and their daughter, Libby, had the time of her life. Congratulations to the beautiful couple from B.net. Click on the thumbnail to view several photos. 04.04.07. |
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| SARGENT WELCOMES AGREEMENT FROM FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL TO LOCATE A LITTER BIN ON THE PIER AT BALBRIGGAN. More |
| Naked
Camera Video. Wow, we all saw a terrified Tony last night on TV. There were so many people around when the set-up was recorded and that is why Tony was whispering, he didn't want to embarrass the Bride or himself. He thought the bride was a "weirdo" and was thinking, "I hope I don't get this wedding. We hope you enjoyed this video and we sincerely thank Martin Fanning for setting it up. Thanks Martin. If you misssed the programme, Tonys' bits are here. Click on thumbnail to download. 03.04.07 |
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| April
Fool--The Lighthouse is ok. It's actually expected of us each year now, it just gets harder and harder to come up with something topical. It was just a bit of fun. We left it on the site for an extra day as most people view the site on a weekday. We believe one person actually went down to see the Lighthouse but we will spare their blushes and not give their name.02.04.07 |
| News Flash,
News Flash.---Lighthouse Destroyed. We have some very sad news to report, the Balbriggan Lighthouse is gone. It's the second oldest working Lighthouse on the Island of Ireland. We are not sure how it happened, as there were calm seas last night so maybe it's like the harbour wall, it just collasped as the foundation gave way. One of our photographers, Tony, got a call early this morning (Sunday) from an anonymous caller whom was obviously very upset. Our photographer rushed to the sceen to see for himself. We have one photo now and will bring you more very shortly. We presume that ends the debate on having the dome replaced, it'll now be "Replace the Lighthouse". Click on thumbnail to see a very sad sight. 01.04.07 |
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| A
Very Clever Dog. Here is a video clip that was sent to us by Arthur, it shows a dog retrieving a ball from a swimming pool, watch how he does it. Click HERE to go to our funny videos page. |
| St.
Patrick's Day Slide Show----More Photos Added. Our Slide Show has certainly hit a nerve with many of you. We have received many emails from people letting us know that they had a picture taken by one of our photographers but it never appeared on the slide show. So now we have tidied up the slide show and added about 30 more photos so hopefully that will keep everyone happy. Click on the thumbnail to start download. 01.04.2007. |
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| Looking
for Jill Dempsey. Emails are certainly flying in of late. "Do you know any way I can contact Jill Dempsey? Her father owned John D's Pub. I went to primary school with Jill at the Loreto from 1974 - 1981. I now live in the United States, I have not seen Jill since about 1993, I know her parents lived on the Dublin road but I don't remember the number of their house. I would really appreciate your help or any suggestions you have on finding her. I am writing a book about my boxing career (I was the women's World Featherweight Boxing Champion in the late 90's) and I will be writing about Balbriggan (and Drogheda where I'm originally from). Thanks in advance for any help you can give me, Deirdre Gogarty." If anyone can help, contact the web site. 30.03.07 |
Over 40
Soccer game in London. |
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| Sunrise
in Balbriggan. Two great photos for you today from Eamonn Byrne who sent them in by email. Eamonn took these photos using Kodak Z740 from the apartment block beside the train station. Spectacular view, many thanks Eamonn.Click on thumbnail to view. 30.03.07 |
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| Karin
Kerro is leaving Bracken Court Hotel. One of the most popular members of staff, Karin Kerro, is leaving the hotel and heading back to Europe much to the dissapointment of her work collegues.Karin is Assistant Banqueting manager and she has decided to return home and that the 6th of April will be her last day in work in the hotel. Her collegues are devistated that she has decided to go as "she will be greatly missed by all the hotel staff & management, in particular Lorraine Gissane her manager who will be lost without her.We are all genuinely very sad to be losing Karin." Thanks Hazel for your email. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge photo. 29.03.07. |
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| Guest Book updated. We have added more entries to the Guest Book so check them out HERE |
| Balbriggan
Dramatic Society. Balbriggan Dramatic Society are celebrating 60 years of Drama in Balbriggan this year and It will celebrate by performing “Big Maggie” by John B Keane in their new venue the Bracken Court Hotel from Wednesday 18th April to Sunday 22nd April, 2007 inclusive. Further details regarding time and tickets will follow. However in order for us to perform in the hotel we need to buy a new stage. This will cost us in the region of €10,000. Our first fund raiser will be a table quiz in the Bracken Court Hotel next Thursday 29th March, 2007 at 8.00p.m. Tables of five €50.00. All welcome. We hope to launch the play and mark the occasion of our 60 years with a Wine reception the week before the play and we are appealing to any of the founder members and indeed any members who were involved in the early days to come forward so that we can invite them to our night. I can be contacted at 087/9436650 for any information regarding the play or our 60 years.Thanks, Grainne |
| Balbriggan
Parent and Toddler Group Hi there, I am writing in the hope that you can advertise the towns Parent and Toddler Group. We meet on a monday and friday morning from 10a.m until noon in The Order of Malta Hall. All welcome. Please phone 01 8415388 for more information.I hope this is ok, please contact me if you need any more information Kind Regards Kelly Stoat |
| Anti-Racism The eircom League of Ireland launched its anti-racism awareness campaign last Friday at Bohemian FC. The launch saw the distribution of 3,000 Bohemian FC Show Racism the Red Card posters in the club catchment area. A panel of Bohemians players with ex- Ireland International Curtis Fleming took part in a lively Questions and Answers session with pupils from local schools in the inner city. Several local lads from Balbriggan were there althought we don't have their names at the moment. Click on the thumbnail to see them. 29.03.07 |
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Bits
& pieces catch-up. |
| Naked
Camera, Our Tony is in Episode 2, April 2nd RTE's Naked Camera starts this monday evening but our Tony will be featured in the second episode, that's next Monday, 2nd April. We look forward to that. |
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| St.
Patricks Day Parade Slide Show with Music. Ok, we promised you a slide show with music of this year’s parade and now we bring it to you. Make sure you have your speakers turned on and get ready for 8 and a half minutes of beautiful photography by the Balbriggan.net team. It’s 24 MB, so you’ll need broadband (DSL in the states) and it will take about 3 minutes to download but we think its worth it. Well done to our photographers, Jack Benton, Martin Fanning, Brian Howley, Ronan Carey and Tony Healy. There are over 100 photos in this slide show with lots of close-up photos of local people. See who you recognise. For those without broadband, we will try arrange with some of the shops in the town to give out a “FREE” CD of the slide show. More details on this soon. Click on the thumbnail to start downloading. 18.03.07 Update, New Slide Show added. |
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Balbriggan
Bridal at Wedding Fair in Bracken Court Hotel. |
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| Exciting
St. Patrick’s Day Parade promised for Balbriggan Balbriggan Town Council have organised the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade again this year and an exciting parade is promised.An Ecumenical Service will take place in 1.00 p.m. in St. Peter & Paul’s Church and all are welcome to attend. Balbriggan.net are the official photographers for this years parade. more |
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| Sun
Shines as Elaine Rock marries Keith Whelan. Balrothery girl, Elaine Rock married Keith Whelan on Saturday 3rd March '07, in St. Peter & Paul's Church Balbriggan. The weather on Friday and Sunday was terrible but on the day of the wedding, the sun split the skies, Elaine was given away by her father Michael and in the presence of her sister Susan and brother Paul. Elaine felt that her mother, Joan, who sadly passed away last year, was looking after her on the big day. We wish the happy couple, all the very best. Click on thumbnail to see 3 photographs from their big day. 05.03.07 |
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| Rose
Cannons' 5 Generations. Here is a great photograph we at B.net were asked to take recently. It's of Rose Cannon (96) with her daughter, Kathleen Guildea. Kathleens' daughter, Helen, is there with her daughter, Catherine, whom was there with her son, Alex Campbell. Rose, origanally from Yellowfurz, Co Meath, now lives in Derham Park and for several years work on a farm at Man O'War.We thank Rose and all her family and Eddie Guildea for arranging the photograph to be taken. Click to enlarge. 05.03.07 |
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| Gerry
& Amanda Guildea celebrate the birth of "Molly". We received the following email from Gerry Guildea,"Just thought I'd let you know that my wife Amanda gave birth to our first child, a little girl, Molly Ava Guildea on January 24th 2007 at 19.11pm weighing in at 7lb 13oz. Here's a few pictures of Molly at 4 & 5 weeks. We are so lucky as she is a very calm & happy little girl!" Congratulations to you both from all of us here.Click to enlarge.05.03.07 |
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Party for Balbrigganers born in 1947 |
| Lunar
Eclipse from Balbriggan. Two of the crazier members of the B.net team, Martin & Tony, decided to photograph the Lunar eclipse from the car park at Quay Street and they were joined by lads from the town. Rodney, in particular showed a particular interest and was fascinated to see how our photographers could capture the sequence. The distance from the Earth to the Moon is about 250 thousand miles and the eclipse was caused by the earth casting a shadow on the moon. A bit of fun was had by all, thanks lads. Click on the thumbnail to view the sequence of photos over the hour. 03.04.2007. |
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