Year in Review 2020: January

By Aideen O’Flaherty 

As people were dusting of the cobwebs from a fun-filled festive season, many took part in fitness pursuits and new activities.

Mental health was a key topic in January, as several people opened up about their struggles – and coping with them – in the pages of The Echo, including boxer Kellie McLoughlin and author Shauna Richmond.

Kellie McLoughlin (left) from Drimnagh Boxing Club seen here after winning the National Senior Boxing title. Kellie opened up about her acute mental health struggles, including several attempts at taking her own life. Kellie explained the treatments she was undergoing, and her hopes for the 2024 Olympics (January 9 edition)

Over 150 people took part in St Anne’s GAA Club’s annual fun run in Bohernabreena. The highlight of the St Anne’s calendar saw runners zipping through roads around Bohernabreena, including some who brought their dogs along for some exercise too. There were prizes in all categories for the fastest runners. (January 9 edition)

Hundreds of Clondalkin residents took part in a rally in opposition to development plans at the historic convent site in Clondalkin Village. The contentious plans were for the development of a 155-bed nursing home. (January 16 edition)

Round Tower clubman and former Dublin Senior GAA manager Jim Gavin received the Honorary Freedom of the City from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe. The Clondalkin man received the honour in recognition of his contribution to public life and service to his county and country, on and off the pitch. (January 23 edition)

Tallaght native Shauna Richmond released her second novel ‘Raghnall’s Revenge’. Shauna started writing after struggling with her mental health and suffering a breakdown. She hoped her books would show that people struggling with mental health can do what they want to do, despite their illness. (January 9 edition)

The Liffey Sound FM Town Hall Forum was held in the Adamstown Community Centre, where residents got to meet several candidates who were running in the General Election 2020. (January 30 edition)

It was confirmed that plans for the amalgamation of the three secondary schools in Ballyfermot – Caritas College, St Dominic’s College and St John’s College – were set to go ahead. (January 23 edition)

Pick up your edition of this week’s Echo to read the full Year in Review for January 2020.