Donaghmede Estate Residents Association
Members of the DERA Committee attended a Community Reception hosted by President Michael D. Higgins and Mrs. Sabina Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin in recognition of their work for and on behalf of the community of Donaghmede Estate. The event was attended by representatives of Residents’ Associations and Community Groups nationwide. Those present enjoyed a social afternoon with high tea and entertainment in the company of the President and Mrs. Higgins.
As part of the Dublin City Council Neighbourhoods Competition, winners of the North Central Area competition go forward to participate in the Citywide Competition.
We are delighted to announce that DERA Chairman Bernard C. Byrne was named as the Winner in the Best Individual Contribution category in the city at the Dublin City Council Neighbourhood Awards in Croke Park on September 24th.
Bernard was presented with the award by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh. DERA was also represented by Angela Owens, Kay Ashmore and George Byrne.
Congratulations Bernard!
Each year DERA submits a number of entries to the Dublin City Council Neighbourhoods Competition, representing projects undertaken by DERA’S Environmental Team & Volunteers on which they work all year round for the benefit of all our community. Judging normally takes place in June with competition results announced in September. DERA has an excellent track record, but this year’s results were exceptional: we received 7 awards at the North Central Area City Neighbourhood Awards evening on September 3rd.
Best Community Environment Initiative WINNER: George’s Green Space, Donaghmede Drive
Best Individual Contribution WINNER: Bernard C. Byrne, DERA
Residential Area 300+ Highly Commended: Donaghmede Estate Residents Association
Best Mixed Use Street Highly Commended: The Island, Newbrook Road
Best Open Green Space Highly Commended: St. Donagh’s Road/Donaghmede Green Spine
Best Open Green Space Merit: Angela’s Green, Carndonagh Lawn
Best New Entry Award Highly Commended: George’s Green Space, Donaghmede Drive
We thank all residents who contributed to our success and congratulate our environmental winners on their achievements.
The Band of An Garda Síochána, under the leadership of Insp. Pat Kenny, provided a very entertaining evening of music and song in Donaghmede Shopping Centre on 16th July. The concert was enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
The Festival Social Night was held in The Donaghmede Inn on 18th July, with an enjoyable evening had by all.
The Festival Weekend got off to a great start on Saturday 25th July with the Dog Show, organised by Tommy Foster, which attracted its largest entry to date.
Unfortunately the adverse weather conditions on Sunday meant that the planned Gala Parade and Fun Day had to be abandoned. Our thanks go to all who turned out in hope of a break in the rain, sponsors and participants alike. We’ll have to wait for another occasion to see Kerrigan Meats‘ super-BBQ in action!
Thankfully the Senior Citizens’ Day Out a few days later saw better weather, with almost 150 residents enjoying a tour of Dún Laoghaire and a meal in Bewley’s Hotel. Special thanks go to Angela Owens for organising a very enjoyable day, to the Dublin Bus drivers who volunteered their time, and to Donaghmede Shopping Centre manager Pat McCabe and News Centre and Card Shop proprietor Joe Sweeney for their generous sponsorship.
Thanks also to Dublin City Council North Central Area deputy manager Elaine Mulvenny for her support and interest in DERA events.
Come and join us this weekend for the DERA Summer Festival: there’s something for all the family!
Dog Show
Bring your canine friend along to Donaghmede Park at 1pm on Saturday for our ever-popular dog show, organised by Tommy Foster.
Grand Parade
Our Grand Parade will assemble under the direction of Festival Marshal Bernard C. Byrne at St. Kevin’s School at 12pm on Sunday, and proceed through Donaghmede Estate to the festivities in Donaghmede Park. This year our parade will be led by Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh, and will feature the Dublin All Stars Marching Band.
Family Fun Day
Fun and games for all the family in Donaghmede Park on Sunday afternoon, immediately after the parade. We have a packed programme, including:
We’ve also got some great entertainment lined up for the afternoon:
The safety of all participants is of course our first priority: we will have qualified First Aiders on hand, and this will be an alcohol-free event. So come along for a great family day out, rain or shine!
Sponsors & Supporters
As always, we are grateful to our sponsors and supporters for their valued contributions towards making the Festival a success. We couldn’t do it without you!