Echo Year in Review: February 2023

LARGE-scale festivities were held in Clondalkin to mark Imbolc and the legacy of St Brigid, patroness Saint of Ireland, as the first bank holiday marking the occasion was held, while in Ballyfermot residents felt they were “under siege” due to anti-social behaviour.

There were renewed calls for increased Garda resources in Ballyfermot, after a mob attacked gardai and damaged a number of Garda vehicles.

Local councillor Daithí Doolan said residents felt as though they were “under siege”.

Pop band Wild Youth was selected to represent Ireland at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.

Wild Youth were selected to represent Ireland at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool

The four-piece band, Wild Youth, is composed of Callum McAdam from Jobstown, Ed Porter from Springfield, David Whelan, and Conor O’Donohue.

The group competed against other Eurovision hopefuls on a special edition of ‘The Late Late Show’ last February and wowed the audience with their energetic performance.

Tallaght firefighter Alan Sexton climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

Tallaght firefighter Alan Sexton climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for adaptations to the home of young Clondalkin man Eoghan Gorman, who was paralysed in a mountain-biking accident. He raised €3,500.

Demolition works commenced at the former De La Salle National School, changing the landscape of Ballyfermot to make way for more than 800 apartments.

Stephen Brennan and Anto Heapes

Tallaght men Stephen Brennan and Anto Heapes spoke about establishing their positive mental health group, Walk and Talk.

The group brings people on early morning walks every Saturday in areas of natural beauty around the county.

To read the full Year in Review for February 2023 pick-up The Echo on Thursday, January 4, or subscribe online.