The spirit of Kilbarrack was soaring over the summer with the unveiling of two spectacular murals at Kilbarrack dart station. Author Roddy Doyle launched proceeding with “I’m really proud to have me head on the wall over there,” Doyle said before reading from the Barrytown trilogy which provided the inspiration for the murals. Internationally renowned street artist Solas mentored the participants of the Reach Out Project in the creation of ‘Welcome to Barrytown.’ With the skills they gained from working with Solas they created their own mural. ‘The Spirit of Kilbarrack’ reminds us to never give up and pays homage to community champions Brenda O’Connell, Ann Murnane and Cathleen O’Neill. Laura Larkin, project manager for Dublin City Council Culture Company was so impressed with the work put in that she commented “I think it really brought out those skills that were in hiding and showed them new paths for careers.”Many thanks to all those who made this fantastic day possible: Jane Cregan from Irish Rail, Laura Larkin and Solas from Dublin City Council Culture Company; Roddy Doyle; John Connors; Jim Fitzpatrick; Local representatives; The community for turning out in great numbers in particular friends and family of Brenda O’Connell, Ann Murnane and Cathleen O’Neill who were featured in the mural. To all ourheroes past, present and yet to be!Kilbarrack is a suburb area based around the North side of the city, it is nestled in between Raheny, Donaghmede and Bayside. The coastal area faces North Bull Island which is a small Island just across the water, known as Raheny Lake or Crab water. Kilbarrack is an old district whose name can be found on maps and sea charts.It is well known for its sporting clubs such as Kilbarrack United FC, Naomh Barrog GAA club and also a boxing club named Bay City Boxing Club. In 1996 a film named the Van was based in Kilbarrack. Roddy Doyle, the famous author, was also a teacher in Scoil Eoin many years ago. Kilbarrack has received worldwide recognition, thanks to its starring role in Roddy Doyle's fictional suburb, Barrytown. Doyle's work is set primarily in Ireland, especially working-class Dublin, and is notable for its heavy use of dialogue written in slang and Irish/English dialect. He is the author of eleven novels for adults, eight books for children, seven plays and screenplays, and dozens of short stories. Kilbarrack is a place with a rich history and interesting stories, Check Francis Higgins known as the sham squire!Two Northside Dubs - Nicholas O'Brien and Lorcan Byrne flew to Africa on the 6th January 2019 with a plan to cycle down the east coast of Africa. It turned out to be a challenge of a lifetime. They experienced all kind of hardships but met some wonderful people along the way. Both are passionate that all the children of the world should be treated equally, so they have sought donations for two charities. The first is in Kilbarrack - KCCP/Youth Matters and the second in Namibia - Orlindi Orphanage. All money raised will provide services to young people. If you wish, make a small donation online or drop the money into Kilbarrack Coast Community Programme (KCCP).The lads arrived back in Ireland on the 26th July and visited Tomás Mac an t-Saoir (Facebook Tomás' Africa Cycle) in Ballyferriter, a young man who completed the same cycle a few weeks ahead of them and as well as being an inspiration he was also an incredible support to them.Adult Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation ServiceA structured, community aftercare rehabilitation program. Provides education, training, personal development, counselling and support.Counselling & Referral ServiceOpen to everybody in the Kilbarrack community. Support for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction.Family Support GroupDrug/alcohol use affects the whole family and community. We provide information, advice and support, counselling and acupuncture. The group meets on a Wednesday at 8pm.Parent & Toddler GroupParent Toddler Group every Tuesday between 10.30am - 12.30pm. The group offers support and developmental play for children 0-4yrs. Open to all parents in the Kilbarrack area.Youth MattersA program for young people between 9-21yrs, providing a range of stimulating and varied activities. Group meets Mon to Fri 2.30pm-9pm.SASSYSubstance Abuse Services Specific to Youth provides support to under 18s for whom drug use or alcohol use is having a significant negative impact on their daily lives. SASSY works with KCCP to provide a service every Monday afternoon.Reach Out ProjectMonday to Friday (excluding Thursday) 19.5hrs per week, participants are encouraged to become creative and express themselves through fitness, film and art (for ages 18 - 25).Kilbarrack Coast Community Programme is only five minutes from the dart line, and only five minutes from either the17A, or any of the 31 or 32 buses. Office hours are 9.15-4.30Contact: Marian Clarke or Declan ByrneKilbarrack Community Hall,
Greendale Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5. Tel: 01 832 4516 Fax: 01 832 6358 Email: info@kccp.net

Did Banksy visit Kilbarrack, like we asked him to?