The Ringsend Community Services Forum held their Easter Festival from the 8th to the 10th of April. The aim of the forum was to engage our young people of all ages in positive activities to create a diversion from substance, alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour. To create a sense of community spirit by bringing all ages together i.e. parents, grandparents, children, teens and seniors. Promoting positive relationships with the garda, local authority and our local community. The proposal presented by member groups originated to a response within our local community identifying the need for activities during the holidays.

Teresa Rooney Development Officer for the forum initiated local groups to participate in the events sharing their resources in a voluntary capacity free of charge to all members of our community. The programme of events was a great success, over one thousand people attended showing the true community spirit in our area.

The Forum’s Bachelor of the Year 2010 fund raising event was held in the Clanna Gael hall in aid of Haiti. Chairperson Derek Bowden opened the event with guest speaker Deputy Lord Mayor Kevin Humphreys thanking everyone involved in supporting such a worthy event. It was a night of great entertainment including artists from our local area including, Irishtown Stage School, Mark Byrne, The Ennis Twins Matthew and Owen, Ger and Paddy McGuiness not forgetting our local judges Willie Murphy, Patsy Doolin, Linda Flood and five of our local bachelors all displaying real talent, skills and showmanship for such a worthy cause.

Groups Participation
Garda Siochana, Power of 1 Lone Parents, Irishtown Stage School, G.A.L (women’s group), St Patricks Rowing Club, Stella Maris Rowing Club, Dublin City Council, Cambridge Court Senior Citizens, F.A.I. Civil Defence, Catholic Men &Women’s Society, Football Association and Irishtown Stadium.
Sponsors of the Event are: Dublin City Council, R.D.R.D. (Spellman Centre) Clanna Gael Fontenoy, The Star Shop, FAI, McGowan’s Printing, Ger & Paddy McGuiness, Sundry Supplies, G.A.L. (women’s group)

The Forum thanks all who volunteered and participated in the events making the festival a very memorable community opportunity. Special thanks to John Behan Nicole Collopy and Shauna Doyle.