Welcome to the latest edition of the Blanch Bulletin.

Two teenage boys accused of attacking 37-year-old Alex Coughlan in Blanchardstown are to face trial for murder.

Mr Coughlan was seriously injured during an assault on Mill Road on 17th May and was later pronounced dead in hospital.

The two boys, aged 16 and 17, were originally charged with causing serious harm and robbery. The Director of Public Prosecutions has now directed that both face murder charges in the Central Criminal Court.

The teenagers, who cannot be named because they are juveniles, remain in custody at Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

The case is being dealt with under the juvenile protocol, which places a 12-month time limit on completing the trial process from the date of the initial charge.

Blanchfest 2026 takes place at Millennium Park this Saturday and Sunday, 22nd–23rd August, with two days of free entertainment for the whole family.

There's a huge programme planned, including:

The festival runs from 12pm–6pm each day, with performers, food vendors and activities spread throughout Millennium Park.

And best of all, it's completely free to attend.

Odeon Blanchardstown is proving that Dublin 15 has plenty of appetite for the big-screen experience.

Almost 20,000 film fans have visited the cinema to see Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in IMAX since its release.

The Blanchardstown cinema, one of only two IMAX cinemas in Ireland, has recorded more than 80% occupancy for the film's IMAX screenings.

Its premium iSense screenings have also been performing strongly, with around 60% occupancy.

The figures come as The Odyssey approaches €1 million at the Irish box office from its opening weekend.

Looks like Dublin 15 is very much up for a trip to the cinema. 🍿

Blanchardstown Centre has appointed OCS Ireland to provide integrated security and cleaning services under a new three-year contract.

The deal covers the main shopping centre, two adjoining retail parks and external car parks.

OCS will provide security guarding, patrols, CCTV monitoring, customer assistance, cleaning and hygiene services, alongside a dedicated training programme for staff working at the busy retail destination.

The centre has more than 180 stores and around 5,500 parking spaces, attracting millions of visitors every year.

The contract will also include measures around local employment, inclusive recruitment and more sustainable cleaning practices.

Looking to get moving this September?

Parslickstown House is hosting a series of free fitness classes suitable for all levels.

🧘 Pilates
Tuesdays, 1st & 8th September
10am–11am

🏋️ Circuit Training for Beginners
Saturdays, 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th September
10am–11am

Whether you're looking to build strength, improve flexibility or simply get more active, the sessions are open to everyone.

📞 Book your place: 01-815-1779
📧 [email protected]

Hartstown Huntstown FC is holding an open training session for its new 2026/27 season.

The session takes place on Monday 17th August from 6pm–7pm, with new players welcome.

The club has FAI & UEFA certified coaches, a FAI Two Star Club Mark Award and is an affiliate club of Bohemian FC.

For more information:

📞 087 261 2291
📧 [email protected]

Sweet tooth?

A new range of Cookie Cups has just landed in selected Dunnes Stores.

There are five flavours to choose from:

🍫 Rocky Road
🍫 Milk Chocolate
🍪 Cookies & Cream
🍯 Chocolate Caramel
❤️ Red Velvet

Available as individual Cookie Cups or in three-pack boxes.

Parents and toddlers can meet, play and have a chat every Thursday morning at Blanchardstown Library.

The group is designed as a relaxed opportunity for local parents and young children to meet other families.

No booking required.

Clonee United is looking to add players to its Saturday Under-11 squads for children born in 2016.

Training and matches take place in Damastown.

For more information, contact Darren on:

📞 083 332 2504

📱 TikTok and motorway videos: TikTok has declined an Oireachtas invitation to discuss videos showing dangerous motorway driving.

🏰 Zuckerberg buys Irish castle: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly purchased Strancally Castle in Co Waterford.

🏠 3,000+ homes started: New figures show construction commenced on more than 3,000 homes during July.

A cooler but largely dry weekend is on the way.

Today: A mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers. Highs of 17–18°C.

Saturday: Mostly dry with sunny spells and just the chance of an isolated shower in the northwest. Highs of 15–19°C.

Sunday: Largely dry and bright after some morning mist and fog. Highs of 15–19°C.

If you run a local business, event, class, or community initiative, you can now promote it directly to our 1000+ Blanchardstown locals through The Blanch Bulletin.

We offer featured placements and sponsored spots to help local organisations get extra visibility in the newsletter.

Interested? Reply ‘INTERESTED’ with some details about what you would like to advertise and we can discuss further or download our media pack below.

Summer Promotional Offer: 1 slot: €30, 2 slots: €50, 3 slots: €75

Check out Éirigh Media - your independent growth partner!

Interested? Reply ‘MARKETING’ with some details about what you need or check out our website below.

And as always, if you have:

Reply ‘INTERESTED’ to this email and we’ll take a look for an upcoming issue.

Thanks {{first name | Blanch}} and have a great weekend! 😊