Joe Taylor who lives in Irishtown was going for his morning walk on the day after St Patrick’s Day along the drain in Ringsend Park and was horrified to see the vandalism perpetrated on several trees. Jason McDonnell captured this senseless destruction on camera.

The Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Sandymount Historical Society
Early in 2007 a steering committee was formed to set up a local historical society and organise an inaugural lecture. The initiative for this stemmed from Liz Turley, senior Librarian of Pembroke Library and Councillor Dermot Lacey. Following two very successful years, the Society continues to go from strength to strength. The current membership is almost 250.

The spring programme is as follows:
Thursday, 23 April 2009: Mills, Ancient and Modern: Norman Campion
May and June 2009: Tours are planned for the summer months of May and June.

Membership is open to all with an interest in local history. Most events take place at present in St. Mary’s National School, Belmont Avenue, Donnybrook. Talks are open to the public for a small charge of €3 and free to members.

For more information, contact Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Sandymount Historical Society, Pembroke Library, Anglesea Road, Dublin 4. Phone Number: 01- 6689575

Stepping into Spring
By Audrey Healy

As the snow melts from outside my door and the sound of the whistling wind fades away, the sun cautiously steps into view and I welcome it gratefully, eager to seek solace from the darkness of the past year which hasn’t been a great one for me. This year I vow, will be full of hope and joy and I yearn for it to so, after a time of great stress and ill-health.

2009 sees the Golden Jubilee of my parents who married fifty years ago in 1959 and both are still healthy and happy with a family and grandchildren at home. It also sees, with God’s grace the arrival of a new niece or nephew for me in June and that will also bring a new beginning as we step into Spring.

Spring is also a time of moving on for me personally as I sadly come to the end of my second stint here with ‘NewsFour’. I have always enjoyed my time here and it has been a great training ground for journalism. Ann has always been a kind, personable and flexible boss and has taught me a great deal. I will miss being here particularly doing the book reviews! I will also miss the friends I have made. Best wishes to all of you.

What is Spring
By Glenda Cimino

Spring is getting rid of all the rubbish the winter piled up, when it was too cold to go out. It is getting out the rake and shovel. It is the solitary robin suddenly appearing again, cocking his head at your gardening efforts, hoping you will uncover a fat worm for him. Spring is something lighter in the air, a lighter step in your feet, a sudden realisation that summer will come again after all. It is snowdrops and daffodils. It is the seed swap events, it is friends bringing you plants and seeds for your neglected garden. Spring is tiny leaves on the trees, everything waiting to SPRING into bloom! Into new life. Spring is hopeful thoughts.