Launch of the automated external defibrillator (AED) at Red Island, which was attended by Mayor Tom O’Leary, Pearse Lydon (of Lydon Builders, who donated the AED), reps from the FCC, the Frosties and Tidy Towns as well as members of the Board of Directors of Skerries Community Association
A new automated external defibrillator (AED) was installed at Red Island. An AED is a portable device that can be used to treat a person whose heart has suddenly stopped working. This is called sudden cardiac arrest.
Effective AED programs are designed to deliver a shock to a victim within three to five minutes after the person collapses.
Pearse Lydon and Grainne Smith of Lydon Builders
The launch was attended by Mayor Tom O’Leary, Pearse Lydon of Lydon Builders who donated the AED, representatives from Fingal County Council, the Frosties (a local group of year-round sea swimmers) and Tidy Towns, as well as members of the Skerries Community Association (SCA) Board of Directors.
With the support of the SCA Board of Directors, it is planned to roll out CPR and AED training throughout our community, starting in February with the Frosties.
BalSwoOpArea@fingal.ie is the go-to email for issues with pavements, roads, signs, traffic lights, street lights, trees, beaches, playgrounds or anything else in public areas around Fingal. The email is a contact to the Fingal County Council Local Operations Department.
If you are sending an email to BalSwoOpArea@fingal.ie, then it is best practice to include details of the problem, with a photo and an associated eircode.
Onder Karayigit, General Manager of the Redbank Guesthouse, with Rowena Walsh of the SCA
This Christmas, the Skerries Community Association collaborated with Skerries woman Katie Byrne in a very successful Christmas gift drive for Red Bank residents. Katie had done the gift drive herself in 2023 and 2024, so we very much benefitted from her experience in organising the 2025 endeavour.
Katie took on matching a member of our community to shop for a gift for each and every child living there. In addition to the toys, the SCA funded a gift for every adult, and many people donated seasonal treats to ensure every family had something extra to enjoy over Christmas.
Alongside the gifts was a thoughtful note from Katie and the SCA, letting the residents know that the Skerries community is thinking of them and wishing them a happy, healthy year ahead.
Just some of the presents donated for the Christmas gift drive
Katie and the SCA want to say a massive thank you to everyone who signed up. Demonstrating the generosity of the town, we were actually over-subscribed with volunteers. To those of you who signed up but weren’t matched with a child this time: please know that your willingness to help is the foundation of what makes something like this possible every year.
Seeing so many people put their hands up to support our neighbours is exactly what makes Skerries such a special place to live. Whether you bought a children’s gift, dropped off a box of chocolates, or simply stood ready to help, you each are what makes this possible every year.
Messages from Red Bank
We gave the residents the opportunity to share a message with the community if they wished. Their responses were incredibly moving and here are a few I wanted to share just a few (anonymised) quotes so that illustrate the impact of the generosity of the town:
“Children are so happy. Thanks for your kindness!”
“Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. It has warmed my heart and uplifted my spirit. Much appreciated.”
“My daughter was so happy, and it really brought joy into our home. I truly appreciate the kindness and support from the Skerries community.”
“God bless you and thank you so much for doing this for us.”
“Thanks to all of you who make our Christmas colourful… we are so happy for your wonderful gifts. We will not forget your kindness.”
Knowing that these families felt seen and supported is the best start to the year we could ask for.
Churchfield residents Susan Mulcahy, Cait O’Donoghue, Andrew O’Byrne, Siobhan Carr and Donal Darcy with Breda Shankey, dep Chair SCA, and Mayor Tom O’Leary.
There was a great turnout in the Harps on Thursday 20th Nov for the annual Tidy Towns Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Night.
Chair Maeve McGann opened the event by welcoming all, including Mayor Tom O’Leary, and TD Grace Boland, and remembered May McGee, who sadly passed away on October 28, 2025.
The mosaic in Floraville, commissioned by Skerries Tidy Towns, with the support of the Community Association and the Chamber of Commerce, will remain as a fitting tribute to this brave woman.
Maeve reminded us of Skerries’ strong position in this year’s national competition, coming second in Dublin, only five points from the overall winners Carrick on Shannon, and winning our 25th consecutive Gold Medal.
She pointed out that Skerries’ strength lies in the great work not only being done by Tidy Towns but by groups such as Sustainable Skerries, the Cycling Initiative, the Community Garden, and the people who Adopt a Patch in their neighbourhoods or on the beaches.
She encouraged people to sign up either to Adopt a Patch or to join us on the weekly work parties, and to sign up for the Pollinator Plant giveaway next year, the purpose of which is to encourage pollinators throughout Skerries.
Gerard and Siobhan Boylan of Skerries Frameworks with Mayor Tom O’Leary and artist Kristina Keegan
Light refreshments were provided, and the winners of this year’s local awards were announced.
The winner of Best Presented House in an Estate was Theresa McManus of Kelly’s Bay Weir. The adjudicators commented on the abundance of colourful pollinator friendly planting, including at the kerb area, and the maximising of a relatively small space with brightly coloured planters.
Theresa McManus, Kelly’s Bay Weir, with Marian Forde (STT) and Mayor Tom O’Leary
The Best Presented Non-Estate House was ‘Glenbeigh’, on the South Strand. This award was sponsored by the Progressive Credit Union. When seen in early August the garden was a riot of colour, including the bees’ favourite, a thriving fuchsia bush. Well done to Therese and Brian Sherwin.
Wildcat Lane in Mourne View was judged the Best Presented Laneway. This lane had been quite run down but has been resurfaced and the walls painted and containers with creepers and flowers have been planted. This was thanks to the hard work of the Mourne Estate Residents Association, who have made the lane a pleasant place for all to use, going to and from Scoil Realt na Mara or to the beach.
Sarah Jane Donnelly’s salon ‘Hair’ in Strand St was judged the Most Accessible Business. There is plenty of room inside to turn a wheelchair or mobility scooter, access to the wash basins is easy and the staff are very considerate.
Sarah Jane Donnelly of “Hair” salon, Strand St with Marian Forde (STT) and Mayor Tom O’Leary
Best Visual Display went to AnnMarie Dowling Smith of Whizz Kids in Strand Street. This award was also sponsored by the Progressive Credit Union. The adjudicators commented on how there is always something eye-catching in the window displays which change according to the season, cultural or sporting events.
Churchfield was awarded a trophy, sponsored by Skerries Community Association, for Best Presented Estate. Their 10 person Residents’ Association works tirelessly on improvements to their green areas, their approach road and lane, as well as organising social events for children and for the more mature residents. They have also organised the installation of a Defibrillator and a course is to take place shortly to give residents the skills to administer CPR and to use the Defibrillator. Their very informative Facebook page also got a mention. Well done to all in Churchfield!
This year’s winner of the Best Presented Premises was Skerries Frameworks in Church St, owned by Gerard and Siobhan Boylan. The prize, an original painting of the premises, was presented by the artist Kristina Keegan, and sponsored by Tidy Towns. This bright, colourful and exceptionally well-kept business was a well-deserved winner for its positive contribution to the streetscape of Church Street.
Marian Forde of STT, AnnMarie Dowling of Whizzkids and Mayor Tom O’Leary
So now thoughts turn to preparing for our entry into the 2026 National Tidy Towns Competition! The Committee will always welcome new joiners and are also open to suggestions and new ideas from the community in Skerries.
We can be contacted by email: tidytownsskerries@gmail.com
As ever, the ongoing financial support by so many local people is much appreciated. If you would like to contribute, please log on to our iDonate page, https://www.idonate.ie/event/SkerriesTidyTowns25 Or donations can be given to any Committee member or left in an envelope for us at the Reception Desk in the Community Centre. Thank you again, your support makes all the difference! Skerries Tidy Towns, Protecting the Environment A Committee of Skerries Community Association
