Dublin Voice South December 10 2015

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Dart and Luas line rents are off the rails

By Michelle McGlynn

Commuters living along the Luas Green line are paying higher rents than those living on the tram’s Red line and Dart line.

With an average rent of €1,444 renters located near stops along the Green line are paying almost €200 more in rent than their Red line counterparts (€1,271).

Meanwhile, those who wish to rent near a Dart station to ease their daily commute pay an average of €1,418 for the convenience.

Despite having the lowest average rent of all three rail networks, the most expensive station to live by is located on the Red line - Spencer’s Dock (€1,802).

This is followed by Sandymount (€1,791) and Dalkey (€1,743) both found on the Dart line.

Charlemont has the highest rent on the Luas Green line with an average of €1,642.

Only three of the 85 stations fall below the €1,000 mark, all three are found at the west

end of the Luas Red line: Cheeverstown (€869), Citywest Campus (€971) and Fettercairn (€997).

The report by property website Daft.ie reveals a distinct north/ south divide on the Dart line with all of the five most expensive stations located in the south - Sandymount, Dalkey, Landsdown Road (€1,722), Sydney Parade (€1,721) and Grand Canal Dock (€1,684).

For those looking to live in the city centre, the most expensive commuter spots are both found on the Dart line - Tara Street (€1,648) and Pearse (€1,657).

Dart commuters based on the northside will find themselves paying between €1,135 (Kilbarrack) and €1,407 (Malahide) in monthly rents.

On the Luas Red line, rent rents steadily rise on approach to the city with Tallaght being the one exception with an average rent of €1,138.

Just one station from Tallaght, rent dips to €1,040 per month at the stop by Tallaght Hospital.

Continued on page 6

Liam Butler as Dame Lola in Jack and the Beanstalk which runs at The Helix Theatre until January 10. » Lots more pictures inside

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04| NEWS

dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

Irish Water everywhere: pensioner hit with €6,000 bill

news in brief ParkRun A new ParkRun has been set up in Fr Collins Park, Donaghmede and all runners, walkers, families and dogs are welcome to join.

It is a free 5k timed walk or run that takes place each Saturday at 9.30am. For more information see parkrun.ie

Inspiring women The Inspiring Women Programme 2016 will begin in January with Dr Shirley Graham facilitating.

Programmes take place in Dublin Holistic Centre, South William Street starting on January 17 and Dublin Tai Chi Studio, off Camden Street on January 24.

Rare book sale Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers will conduct its annual Christmas Rare Book Sale in the Clyde Court Hotel, Dublin on December 15 at 10.30am.

With over 750 lots, this year’s Christmas auction will include a selection of first edition illustrated children’s books, the perfect gift for the avid reader in the family - as well as valuable investment pieces.

Penny’s dreadful ... locals upset over TV show

The bright lights of showbiz have become a dreadful nuisance for Dublin residents.

Residence of Henrietta Street (above) in Dublin’s north city centre have compained about popular series, Penny Dreadful being filmed on the street. As a result of these complaints, it has been announced that filming will be curtailed for the next six months.

Those who live on the Georgian terrace have said that the street has become a permanent film set rather than a residential area with access to homes and the street itself sometimes being restricted. The objections to the gothic horror series taking up residence at the city location came following 18 days of continuous filming by the crew.

Penny Dreadful, which stars Eva Green (right), Josh Hartnett (above) and Timothy Dalton is not the first project to use the location and it is unlikely to be the last. Henrietta Street is one of the county’s oldest thoroughfares which makes it an ideal spot for period dramas such as Ripper Street and Albert Nobbs which have both used the location. Dublin City Council have put a moratorium in place until May 13, only allowing productions with prior permission to film.

Not everyone has welcomed this decision, Ian Lumley of An Taisce, has said he doesn’t believe there is a widespread objection to filming.

By Jake Maxwell

news in brief ICT training Fujitsu Ireland are seeking four candidates for their FIT ICT Associate Professional training programme which is a two year apprentice-style programme.

The first six months are college-based and the remainder is a combination of college and work placement.

Participants will attain a level 6 ICT qualification.

Public lecture Dr John Scally will be holding a free public lunchtime lecture at the National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street on December 18 at 1pm. The lecture is titled, Going with your emotions: towards a new strategy for the National Library of Scotland.

Admission free.

Recycle IT Recycle IT are operating a number of free pre-Christmas and New Year recycling dropoff days at their facility at Crag Terrace, Clondalkin Industrial Estate.

Drop-off days are December 12 from 10am-2pm, January 9 from 10am and February 13 from 10am.

As the city and country recover from being battered by wet and windy storms and extensive flooding, Irish Water has announced it will take more than 300m litres of water a day from the River Shannon and pump it to Dublin.

The news comes as water supply has continued to hit the headlines - a pensioner has recently been hit with a €6,000 bill from Irish Water while restaurants are planning to charge customers €1 for tap water.

The 165km pipeline will take 2pc of the river’s water from the lower Shannon at Parteen Basin, near Limerick to meet the demand in the Capital. It will cost between €700m and €900m to deliver the plan, which could be built within five years.

Four options for a new source were considered before being whittled down to two, one of which was to desalinate sea water in Dublin Bay. However, desalination was ruled out on cost and environmental grounds, and because it would only serve Dublin and not deal with shortages across the Midlands.

Some 1.6 billion litres of water are currently produced by Irish Water every day, of which around 600 million litres are used in Dublin.

Meanwhile, a pensioner has been sent an Irish Water bill for almost €6,000 due to a leak outside their property.

The pensioner, who lives in Bray and has asked not to be identified, received a letter from the ultitlity company three weeks ago telling them that their usage was above normal.

However, due to the cap on charges which runs until 2018 the housholder is only liable for €40.34 instead of €5992.14.

Also, a glass of tap water with your carvery lunch will cost €1 next year - as restaurant owners pass on massive commercial rate increases to diners.

Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants’ Association of Ireland, says a reasonable charge on tap water is “only fair” as he claims Irish Water has repeatedly “flagged” plans to increase commercial water rates.

Mr Cummins expects many restaurants, pubs and coffees shops, that already pay hefty One of Dublin’s coffee hotspots has already introduced a “water tasting menu” on offer, where for €3.50, water tasters can have four shots of water.

Colin Harmon, from 3fe on Grand Canal Street Lwr, Dublin 2, insists that the new offering is aimed solely at getting coffee lovers to think about how water quality affects their coffee brew.

“If you’ve a cup of coffee in most places around the city, what you’re drinking is 85pc water.

“And water has a huge impact on how coffee is extracted, and how it tastes.”

No Tall Ships for Capital

Dublin City Council will not be entering a bid to host the Tall Ship Races 2019.

Although the event draws huge numbers, Dublin city chiefs have decided that the required budget of between €3m and €4m is just too much.

Event organisers, Sail Training International (STI) have expressed their disappointment that Dublin has not submitted a bid as they say the city is the “perfect host” for their event.

Almost 1.3m spectators

attended the four-day sailing spectacular when it previously visited the capital in 2012.

The council stated that the €3m budget necessary for the Tall Ships is greater than their existing budget for festivals and other events for a full year.

“We have decided not to proceed with such a bid but we are not ruling it out in future years,” a spokesman for the council said, adding that the 2019 bid had been given full consideration.

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06| NEWS news in brief

dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

Dart and Luas line rents are off the rails

Fusion Sundays

Continued from front page

The Fusion Sundays World Culture Market will be celebrating Christmas around the world at the Dublin Food Co-op, 12 Newmarket on December 13 from 11am.

More than just another Christmas Market it will be an authentic cultureclash of international stalls, interactive workshops, and live performances.

A similar trend can be seen on the Green line, where section one of the tram line which runs from Stephen’s Green to Sandyford the average monthly rent never drops below €1,400 while on section two running from Central Park to Brides Glen the rent dips to €1,174.

“A more detailed research paper, due out early next year, will be able to measure the total benefit of Dublin’s rail network,” said Ronan Lyons, author of the Daft.ie report.

“This is important for government spending plans, as without any measure of the benefits, the danger is that public spending is viewed simply as a cost.”

The figures shown are average asking prices for two bed apartments for each of the stations on the Red and Luas lines. This latest report follows on from another report released recently by the property website which examined the average cost to purchase a home along the capital’s rail network.

The research showed that commuters living in the south of the city pay approximately half a million euro for a

Anam Cara Anam Cara is holding its monthly parent evening on December 14 from 7.30pm to 9pm in Dominics Community Centre, Tallaght.

Anam Cara is an inclusive organisation where parents do not identify themselves by their children’s age, how they died, or if their death was recent or many years ago.

Moving crib The Moving Crib is now open at 42 Parnell Square and will be open until January 10.

The free seasonal experience has undergone refurbishment and is now more interactive for children.

Large groups are asked to book via stmartin.ie/crib.

three-bed semi-detached home located near a Red or Luas station. In contrast to this, homes on the Red line can

be purchased for as low as €138,000 in Cheeverstown.

As with rent, the most expensive area to purchase

a home on the Red line is Sandymount with an average of €727,000. To buy property the most expensive station to

live nearby on the Green line is Ranelagh (€650,000) although it has just the fourth highest rental rate.

40,000 new homes on way but court battle on the cards

By Jake Maxwell

IT sounds like something from 2005 and the height of the Celtic Tiger rather than 2015 but the Capital is set for a building boom as almost 40,000 new homes were announced recently.

The National Asset Management Agency has announced a funding programme for almost 4 million sq feet of new commercial space in Dublin as well as 20,000 new homes. However, a group of the country’s largest builders are planning to lodge a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that Nama’s plans to build the houses will distort the market.

New Generation Homes, David Daly, Michael O’Flynn and Sean McKeon’s MKN property claim the moves constitutes state aid and should be banned.

Nama said it would dedicate up to €5.6bn in total funding to the

residential programme, while the Docklands Development programme will require total funding of €1.9bn.

Meanwhile, house-builder Cairn Homes and private equity giant Lone Star are set to buy Dublin-based loans portfolio Project Clear from Ulster Bank in a deal worth €503m.

The first consists of Adamstown, a large landbank in west Dublin, where some 7,000 homes can be built.

The other key assets in the portfolio are a nine-acre site at Cross Avenue in Blackrock as well as an 80-acre site in Portmarnock.

The land will have space for over 14,000 homes.

Also, developers behind a plan to build 3,800 homes in south county Dublin are seeking planning permission from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for the first phase of work at the site.

US developer Hines’ Irish

arm is submitting a planning application to develop roads, parks and other infrastructure to allow the first stage in the construction of a new Town Centre and upgraded Business Park at the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in south Dublin.

The plan is ultimately to develop a new town that will become home to as many as 30,000 people.

Contracts for the work are currently going out to tender, and the initial construction project will create 150 jobs.

Depending on planning authorities the work could start as early as next spring.

Hines would then seek planning for its proposed housing scheme in the middle of next year.

That detailed planning application will include retail areas, a cinema, other leisure uses, restaurants and the initial 1,400 apartments.

December 10 2015 dublinvoice.ie

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08| NEWS news in brief New graveyard It has been confirmed

by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar that a new graveyard in Dublin 15 will proceed following an agreement between the council and landowners.

The graveyard will be located in the Porterstown/ Kellystown area close to Luttrellstown Community College, and not far from Luttrellstown Castle.

Giving Tree The annual St Vincent de Paul Giving Tree has been launched in Liffey Valley shopping centre.and will run until December 22.

Volunteers will be shaking buckets in Liffey Valley and shoppers are being asked to drop off unopened toys to their Christmas Giving Tree in the centre of Liffey Valley.

New Year’s Festival

dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

Talking lamp-posts deployed in battle against dog poo

Bono’s girl is all grown up

Bono’s little girl is all grown up. Eve Hewson, second born daughter of Bono and his wife Ali, posed for a recent issue of GQ magazine.

New York-based Eve’s acting career continues to take off and she’s back for the second series of The Knick.

Her higher profile could have a downside, though – more public recognition.

And that’s not a prospect Brooklyn-based Eve relishes.

“It freaks me out. I’m going to have to start behaving in public,” she told GQ. Dubliner Eve also recently starred in the new Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg film Bridge of Spies.

Talking lamp-posts are set to be installed in Dublin city to warn dog owners to clean up after their pets, under a new litter management plan from Dublin City Council.

Dog fouling was the single biggest issue raised by Dubliners – mentioned in one-third of all submissions – during public consultation ahead of drafting the city’s Litter Management Plan 2016-2018.

Dublin City Council is proposing to use pre-recorded messages in areas tagged as dog litter black spots due to the difficulty in enforcing littering laws.

The new talking lamp-posts are aimed at aiding the 18 litter wardens currently employed to cover Dublin’s city centre and will cost the council €320 each month per location. A similar system has been used in Balbriggan in north Dublin and Lahinch, Co Clare. The system costs €960 excluding VAT for three months per location.

The council is also planning

U2: Page 17

New Year’s Festival 2015 will run from December 30 until January 1.

There will be arts, culture and live performances taking place across the city. For details on events taking place see nyfdublin.com.

a 12-week advertising campaign in Dublin cinemas to highlight “dog fouling issues”, as well as a social media campaign to encourage responsible dog owners to post “selfies” to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the identifier #binthepoo.

Dog owners caught breaking the law face a fine of €150 or up to €4,000 on court conviction.

Last year the council’s 18 litter wardens issued 2,290 fines for littering, including dog fouling, almost 70% of which went unpaid.

Decline in public order offences across the county

By Michelle McGlynn

Public order offences appear to be decreasing in Dublin in recent months.

The number of public order incidents reported to Gardai in the first six months of this year appear to indicate a decline in the number of offences taking place in the county.

According to figures obtained by the Dublin Voice from the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Siochana, the number of incidents reported to Gardai is significantly reduced when figures from 2014 are compared to those currently available for 2015.

Almost all of the 40 districts have reported less than 50% the number of public order offences between January and June of this year than in all of 2014.

In 2014, a total of 9,527 public order offences were reported in Dublin while there have

only been 2,646 in the first six months of 2015.

Even areas that have experienced a high number of offences in 2015 have seen a large reduction on the previous year.

Pearse Street station had a total of 1,968 in all of 2014 but just 738 have been recorded between January and June.In the same period this year, Tallaght saw 109 public order offences with 559 reported in 2014.

The highest rate of public order offences per head of population is found in Dublin Airport (5,651) but this is a unique area and is not representative of the county as a whole.

The areas with the highest rate of public order offences are in the city centre as Pearse reports 3,903 per 100,000 in the first six months and Store Street comes in at 2,567.

Again, the city centre is unique as many public order offences registered would have

been a result of weekend revellers in town on a night out.

Therefore, the rate of offences is disproporionate to the residential population.

Beyond the city centre areas with high offence rates include Kilmainham (293) and Donnybrook (223).

Garristown, with a population of 3,500, has the county’s lowest rate of public order offences as there were no incidents reported in the first six months of the year.

The district also had the lowest number of incidents in 2014 with just two offences reported to Gardai.

Fitzgibbon Street has the lowes rate of public order offences in the county for the period between January and June at 24, followed by Malahide with 34.

Public order offending ranges from drunkenness and violent disorder to trespass, prostitution and begging.

NEWS|09

December 10 2015 dublinvoice.ie

dubliners in pictures

Kate Horgan from St. Andrew’s National School was treated to a guided tour by Stephen Ferguson of the GPO, where An Post is helping Santa reply to over 130,000 letters from children around Ireland for more than 30 years. Pic: Maxwell Photography

Cliona with Erin Murphy at the Abbott Laboratories Event at St Aidans National School, Tallaght. Pic: Shane O’Neill Photography

Andrew Keegan, Graduate and Dublin City Councillor, Ballymun with Séan Grief, Graduate and founder of Moontour at the Innovation Academy UCD Graduation Ceremony, Postgrad Certificate in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, supported by HEA Springboard+ Initiative. Pic Robbie Reynolds

Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland; and Mary Moloney, CEO, CoderDojo with Ciara Whelan (13)and Sebastian Sokolowski (12) at Microsoft’s first Hour of Code event at Cabinteely Community School. Pic: Naoise Culhane

Lorraine McGettigan and Maureen O Connor at the opening of the new McGettigans bar in Bray Co Wicklow. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Minister of Education Jan O’Sullivan TD and Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) members James Heneghan (6) and Julianne Haide (6) with Pat Clarke, CEO of DSI as they launch the new interactive app ‘Lámh Time’ which helps children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs to learn sign language. Pic. Robbie Reynolds

10 | ADVERTISING dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

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12 | WHAT’S HOT WILDLIFE

with Justin Ivory

Starlings. Pic: John Fox

Mesmerising Murmurations Last week we introduced the natural phenomenon that is a murmuration – the huge winter pre-roost flocks of starlings and their balletic aerial displays.

This week we will look at the Why and How of murmurations.

Firstly why do starlings gather to roost in such large numbers?

Starlings are very social birds and having spent the day dispersed in smaller parties feeding up to 50 miles from the roost site, when they reunite in the evening they most likely are exchanging information about good feeding locations.

Roosting in large, densely packed groups helps generate heat and conserve energy – vital for survival through cold winter nights.

Roosting in large numbers also significantly reduces the chances of an individual falling victim to a predator.

How do such a large number of individuals move with such exquisite fluidity and perfect unison as to appear like a single, living entity?

Scientists having being studying murmurations for years and have recently discovered that the flock movement is the result of a series of short-range reactions – each individual bird is reacting to the birds nearest to it. Further studies have shown that one bird’s movement affects its seven closest neighbours and in turn each of these neighbours’ movements affect their closest seven neighbours and on through the flock.

Why seven? That is not fully clear yet but, given the speed with which a flock changes and moves; seven is probably the optimum number for the balance between an individuals’ response times and maintaining the cohesiveness of the group.

Why the constant, shapeshifting movements through the air?

Such a large group of birds is going to attract the attention of predators such as sparrowhawks and peregrine falcons. The movements we so enjoy are essentially evasive manoeuvres. The constant movement of such a large flock also makes it difficult for a raptor to pin-point a chosen target quarry to attack.

dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

Panto of the week Jack and the Beanstalk The Helix, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, until January 10 Set in Ballybrutal, a town on its uppers, The Helix Beanstalk takes a rollicking contemporary twist on the magical fairytale and boasts a cast of pantomime favourites. Come and join that loveable rogue Jack (Niall Sheehy) on his journey as he encounters Golden Eggs and Beanstalks and Giants, oh my! Panto favourites Eoin Cannon and Aidan Mannion return as Professor Ploncouer and his gormless son Howaya to keep our Jack on his toes. The ever endearing and hilarious Buddy (Colin Hughes) will team up with the daddy-cool Mayor (Adam Lynch) to help our hero along the way.

Dame Lola is back too in the form of Liam Butler who will be donning the lashes once again. The beautiful and very talented Orla Jennings joins the cast for the first time as Jill with Danielle Williamson completing the lineup as the magical Fairy Lily Rose. Be sure to make a date with our Jack and pals this Christmas for some Fee-Fi-Fo-Fun and a whole lot of happily ever after. Pictured are Dame Lola (Liam Butler), Daisy and Jack (Niall Sheehy).

Property idea of the week Casey Kennedy Properties 1 The Hill, Stillorgan, 01 2883688, ckp.ie As an experienced team of property professionals Casey Kennedy Properties offer a range of services including residential and commercial sales, lettings and property management. They strive to establish long-term relationships with all their clients by understanding that every client is different and that one size doesn’t fit all, so while many agents focus purely on selling, exceptional agencies like CKP also focus on people and on delivering a truly excellent service to its clients. Call them today on 01 288 3688 for your free valuation. Terms and conditions apply.

book of the week A Fly Never Lit

By PJ Cunningham A Fly Never Lit is the third in a trilogy of short stories about the highs and lows of growing up in rural Ireland. The stories in this instalment are formed from the events and characters of the author’s youth and are supported by a simple but often poignant and incisive narrative and dialogue. The tales are evocative of their time as the collection shines a sometimes harsh, sometimes soft light on family and community relationships as they juggle with legacies of loyalty and feuds handed down through generations. In this third book, there is greater emphasis placed on observation of older people filling out their days in sometimes mad, sometimes sad ways as they interacted with their neighbours. Underpinning the collection is a humour that expands and contracts as the occasion demands.

TV SHOW of the week Luther BBC One, December 15, 9pm Luther’s back. Pitted against his most chilling adversary yet, haunted by the ghosts of his past and hell-bent on retribution, he’s drawn into a terrifyingly complex case that pushes him closer to the edge than he’s ever been. Golden Globe winning actor Idris Elba reprises his iconic role as DCI John Luther as the series returns for a two-part special. The new episodes will see Ruth Wilson returning as the

mysterious killer Alice Morgan, Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie as Detective Sergeant Emma Lane and Darren Boyd taking on the role of Detective Chief Inspector Theo Bloom.

The special will also star Laura Haddock, John Heffernan and Patrick Malahide, while Michael Smiley and Dermot Crowley returning as Benny Silver and DSU Martin Schenk respectively. The episodes will address unanswered questions from the end of series three and has been tipped as a sort of pilot for a Luther feature film.

Event of the week How Now Mrs Brown Cow 3 Arena, Northwall Quay, Dublin 1, December 15-19, €29.50 Following on from the massive success of Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie, the team will be returning to the 3 Arena with another hit show. If you have never experienced Mrs Brown’s Boys live then this new tour is definitely not to be missed as it’s set to be the best and funniest one yet.

They sold out five nights in the 3 Arena last December, so be sure to pick up your tickets asap. Mrs Brown’s Boys has continued to be a ratings smash across the globe, breaking box office records in Australia and the UK. The award winning serial comedy on BBC 1 saw last year’s christmas special being the most watched programme over the festive period.

Festival of the week

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WHAT’S HOT| 13

December 10 2015 dublinvoice.ie

MOVIE of the week By the Sea December 11 With the imminent release of Star Wars The Force Awakens, you may notice a hush falling over the box office. Unusual for this time of year, it appears many distributors have brought forward or pushed back their cinematic offerings rather than go head-to-head with Skywalker etc. One of the few new offerings this week is By The Sea which sees Angelina Jolie directing herself and husband. Brad Pitt in an intense relationship drama. In picturesque, 1970s seaside France, married couple Roland (Pitt) and his wife Vanessa (Jolie) arrive to soak up the sea and sand. However, it soon becomes clear their marriage is in desperate crisis and the couple realise they must confront the situation head on. An engrossing story of marriage that gains added emotional impact from the prescence of Hollywood’s premier power couple both in front and behind the camera, this is an intimate, honest and raw look at the nature of relationships.

HOROSCOPES

Weight loss tip of the week Slimming World North Dublin, Slimmingworld.ie Tis the season to be jolly for the Slimming World members of the North West Dublin team of Christmas Cracking Consultants! For them 2015 has meant a year of feeling confident with themselves and losing the weight they wanted. The members in the Dublin 15 and Dublin 7 areas have given themselves the best Christmas present ever by losing a jaw dropping 4000 stone between them.

Speaking to some of the members they

simply can’t believe how amazing this Slimming World plan is, one member said “Eat what you love and still loose weight? I still can’t believe I’ve lost 5 stone this year eating frys, curries, chips, spice bags, Sunday roasts and all the other things I love to eat!” Another said “the comraderie and friendships at group are something I’ve never experienced before, it’s like coming home every week.

I love my cuppa and get loads of tips and recipes.” If you’d like to give yourself the best present check out their ad or go online for details.

sports club of the week Sutton Lawn Tennis Club 176 Howth Road, Dublin 13, 018323035, suttonltc.com

Aries- This week is an 8 New income is possible, or a delightful discovery. Attend to finances. Put your money where your heart is. Count blessings.

Taurus- This week is a 7 Determine who is the best for the job. Work together for a common goal. It’s a good time to get messages across.

Gemini- This week is an 8 Don’t get overwhelmed. There’s plenty of work and it could seem intense. Postpone what you can.

Relax in peaceful privacy to celebrate.

Cancer- This week is a 7 Get creative and playful.

Practice your arts. Generate sparks with someone hot. Focus on your heartbeat. Love is the answer.

Leo- This week is a 6 The gentle approach works best.

Spend sweet time with family.

Share the load. Do something nice for someone. Dive into domestic projects.

Sutton Lawn Tennis Club (LTC) is one of Ireland’s leading tennis and squash clubs. It is also one of the oldest tennis clubs in the world. The club caters for all ages and abilities so whether you are a novice or an elite player, the club offers opportunities for healthy and fulfilling activities. Their excellent facilities include 11 tennis courts of which ten are floodlit, two seasonal indoor courts, two tennis mini-courts for juniors, three squash courts complete with viewing facilities, a brand new state of the art gym, two snooker tables, a members bar and lounge and function rooms are also available. Along with competitive tournaments, events and league matches in Tennis, Squash and Snooker there is a lively social scene with events throughout the year.

Virgo- This week is an 8 Music is a wise investment.

Finalise the design. Use and grow your skills and artistry.

Realise a vision. Someone finds this charming.

GIG of the week The Riptide Movement Whelans, Wexford Street, December 11, 12, 13 and 16, 8pm, €21.50 Due to incredible demand, Whelans have added a total of three extra dates to what was initially just one gig for The Riptide Movement.

The Lucan quartet has been busy these past few months embarking on the release of their lauded album, Getting

Exhibition of the week Sir Hugh Lane: a centenary perspective National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, until January 17 The tragic death on the Lusitania a hundred years ago of Sir Hugh Lane, a major figure in the Dublin and London art worlds, is marked by a display of art and archival material at the National Gallery of Ireland. This display aims to give a more rounded view of Lane’s life and personality, relationship to the literary world of his aunt, Lady Gregory, and friendship with artist, Sarah Cecilia Harrison. It also shows the impact he continues to have on acquisitions by the National Gallery of Ireland. From 1904 he was a Governor and Guardian of the NGI, knighted in 1909 for services to art and appointed Director in 1914. In his lifetime he presented twenty-four paintings. The Lane Bequest of forty-one outstanding Old Masters and British 18th century portraits, plus bronze sculptures, was a literal snapshot of what he owned at the time in Lindsey House, Chelsea. A further surprise is how many significant works have been acquired since with the Lane Fund.

Through, in the UK and Europe. The album topped the Irish charts and achieved gold status for the band while the single, All Works Out, was a top ten smash hit.

While they have not stopped to catch a breath yet, there’s no sign of the band slowing down any time soon after having played festivals such as Electric Picnic, Benicassim and T in the Park this summer.

Libra- This week is a 9 Show your appreciation to those who share. Harmony is a necessity. The impossible seems accessible. Accept an invitation.

Schedule carefully.

Scorpio- This week is an 8 Step into a leadership position.

Listen to what others want.

You’re confident and strong.

Get help building your dream.

Meditation is useful.

Sagittarius- This week is a 5 Peace and quiet soothe your spirit. Listen to your creative intuition. A loved one or sibling inspires you. Clean, sort and organise.

Capricorn- This week is a 7 Prepare to launch your next adventure. Confer with friends and allies. Committees are especially effective. Leave nothing to chance.

Aquarius- This week is a 7 Someone’s watching your performance, so smile and put on a good show. Friends can help. Stick to what you’ve practiced.

Pisces- This week is a 7 New opportunities present themselves. Conditions are good for travel. Your next adventure reveals new perspectives. Plan for the territory ahead.

14 | lifestyle

dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

my favourite things We’ve been expecting you

Mr Bond

WHAT’s HOT

with Aoife Connolly info@informer.ie

It’s party time!

Over four decades, seven men and 24 movies we have watched James Bond go through more costume changes than a pop star on stage. Here are some bond looks that you can add to your wardrobe today.

The Daytime Suit From 1962 to 1971, Sean Connery proved that a suit should be worn everyday of a man’s life, no matter the weather. The grey pin stripe three- piece suit is the king of the daytime suits. Right: Burton Menswear, €120 The Dinner Jacket Through Roger Moore’s 12-year venture as 007 he went beyond the usual tuexdo and introduced the dinner jacket. Pair a dinner with black pants and a loose tie for effortless Bond style.

Top: Penneys, €30 A Good Coat No, a suit will not keep you warm.

During Pierce Brosnan’s tenure as the secret agent he killed it in the outerwear department. This twisted bomber jacket will definitely keep you warm. Centre: Officersclub.com, €60 The Daniel Craig Effect In these modern times, Daniel proved that you can wear sportswear and still look sharp. It’s all about the power of fit sobe sure to keep lines clean.

IT’S PARTY TIME and our calendars are already filling up, right up to New Year’s Eve. And given that most of them are festive parties of some kind, all of which will involve Instagram posts galore, we need outfit options.

Now, as we’re just at the cusp of the season’s change, the shops are packed with the best stuff, all of which is sure to majorly dwindle, once party season really kicks off.

We’re talking, statement jumpsuits, velvet shift dresses, killer heels and more.

Winter is our favourite time of year when it comes to luxurious colours and textures.

We’re all about the blacks, reds, wines, dark greens and if we could dress up like a Quality Street sweet come Christmas day, we would.

Here are bits and pieces I’ll be running out to grab the minute our bank accounts allow us.

Never mind presents for other people, treat yo self!

Main: Playsuit, Penneys, €16.

Clockwise from top left: Teal lace dress, €18; Bustier midi dress, €45; Sandals, €40, Box clutch, €18, all from New Look.

LIFESTYLE| 15

December 10 2015 dublinvoice.ie

Peter Byrne

my favourite food Prep as much as possible as you can the day before eg. Braise the red cabbage a couple of days before. Peel vegetables and potato the day before Choose a bronze turkey, it has the best flavour.

Rooster potatoes are best for roasting. Boil for 10 minutes. Before ­roasting shake for fluffy edges.

Don’t forget the pan juices from the turkey roasting tray – they make the stock dark and full of flavour If cooking sprouts boil them in stock and then toss with chestnuts, pancetta and chopped shallots For something different with the Christmas pudding slice into portions, dust with plenty of sugar and caramelise in a pan of foaming butter Red cabbage: 1 kg red cabbage sliced 150grms red onion 1 orange zest and juice

Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel

Tips for

Christmas 10 grms salt 100 grms red wine vinegar 500mls port and red wine 1 star anise 4 juniper berries 1 cinnamon stick 3 apples

Sweat the red onions. Add the juice and zest of orange and the vinegar. Reduce.

Add the cabbage, salt and spices tied in a muslin cloth and sweat again. Add the alcohol and bring to a boil.

Put into a deep tray and grate the apples on top.

Cook at 140 for approx 1 and a half hours.

Strain the juice and reduce. Mix back with the cabbage.

I love this recipe for the red cabbage as it is rich and

dinner

full of flavour.

Also you can make this a few days in advance as the flavour will develop over a couple of days BAKED HAM: 2 kg Ham Glaze: 100 grams maple syrup 50 grams Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C Place ham in a roasting pan, and press whole cloves

into the top at one to two inch intervals. Pour enough water into the bottom of the roasting pan to come to a one inch depth.

Cover the pan tightly with aluminium foil or a lid.

Bake for around three hours in the preheated oven , or until the internal temperature of the ham has reached 75 degrees C. Take the foil off and rub with the glaze. Put back in the oven and let it caramelise.

Let stand for about 20 minutes before carving.

20 Robinhood Industrial Estate Dublin 22.

(Beside Musgraves, Off Ballymount Road)

16 | OPINION

opinion&comment

350,000 have been abandoned in arrears crisis

O

ne Christmas present that’d be welcomed by 350,000 men, women and children across the country is a speedy resolution of the mortgage crisis.

That’s how many people still live in homes in mortgage arrears in Ireland today. It’s more than 100,000 in Dublin alone. Many in the negative equity generation remain trapped in accommodation unsuitable for growing families, and the rate of repossessions is rising rapidly.

Years of government inaction have allowed the crisis become far worse than in other countries. The result is years of unnecessary stress and suffering.

Total arrears are, finally, falling, but the recovery should be faster and fairer. Some lenders are making genuine efforts. Others are not. Often, whether a solution can be found comes down to who the lender is.

Arrears over two years aren’t falling. This represents tens of thousands of families in serious trouble, many of whom are in court, have unsustainable loans and are most at risk of eviction and homelessness.

The good news is that the solutions are known. Last week the Social Democrats launched our policy response to resolving the mortgage crisis. The measures are sensible, achievable, and come at no additional cost to the State. Unlike the current situation, our response would minimise repossessions, provide equal and fair treatment for borrowers, ensure appropriate solutions are offered on a case by case basis, and minimise on-going social and economic damage. According to David Hall, founder of the Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation, IMHO, if what the Social Democrats propose were to be implemented, the mortgage crisis would be resolved within twelve to eighteen months.

Which brings us to the other good news – the government has consistently voted against these measures, when tabled by me and others. But there’s an election coming, and both Fine Gael and Labour are acutely aware of the 350,000 people they’ve abandoned. So a well-known communications firm is being consulted, and a new bill is being discussed by Cabinet, with a view to getting it over the line before the election. All we know of the bill so far is that it would reduce bankruptcy from three years to one. This should have happened in 2011 of course, but better late than never. It’s a welcome step, but on its own, won’t make that much of a difference.

Which is why a more comprehensive approach needs to be taken. Many people in arrears can’t afford the sort of financial

advice and legal representation they need.

The result is that viable restructurers are missed and people fall further and further into debt. There needs to be a one-stop-shop established for borrowers in arrears, that’s free to use. This would provide financial and legal expertise and representation, and could be launched quickly using the existing MABS network.

Right now, no lender is obliged to make any type of restructuring offer, regardless of how suitable an offer might be. This needs to stop, with lender mandated to offer, at a minimum, restructuring solutions that include a split mortgage, a debt-for-equity swap and mortgage-torent (where these meet the requirements of sustainability). Similarly, lenders are not required to explain why they’re offering particular restructuring offers, and not others. This should change, so that full and clear explanations are given.

The mortgage-to-rent scheme has been heralded by government as the panacea for many thousands in mortgage arrears.

To date, there have been less than 170 cases completed nationally. As well as mandating that lenders offer the scheme, it needs to be simplified and funded so it can be scaled up.

By providing a one-stop-shop, a mandated set of solutions, and a workable mortgage-to-rent scheme, it would be possible for far more people to find sustainable restructuring solutions for their mortgages. In additional to this, courts should be given the power to refuse repossessions if a sustainable offer of restructure can be made.

Some households with mortgage arrears would qualify for social housing, and / or rent support payments, were they to lose their homes. A pilot scheme should be established to allow local authorities provide temporary mortgage support in such cases, to keep people in their own homes, rather than move them to an already over-strained social housing system.

The actions proposed by the Social Democrats are designed to ensure that sustainable restructures of mortgages in arrears are found wherever possible and that no avoidable repossession occur. The actions are straightforward, and would greatly accelerate the speed and fairness at which the mortgage crisis is resolved. With 350,000 men, women and children still at risk, implementing this approach would be a very welcome Christmas present indeed.

Stephen Donnelly is a TD for Wicklow and East Carlow and a founder of the Social Democrats

“T

We have had enough discussion ... it’s time for action

Tweets of the week

Jarlath regan @jarlath “what’s in it for me nina? public humiliation and 2 years in prison for corruption? it’s a nice little figure isn’t it? #rteinvestigates”

random cork stuff @randomcorkstuff “Wind howling in cork now. #stormdesmond more Dessie o’hare than desmond tutu” dara o briain @daraobriain “unusual being between britain and ireland sometimes. don’t know which to acclaim first, theresa mannion in the rain or #youaintnomuslimbruv” tom @average_pimpin “donald trump is 6/1 to win the election. taking that myself, if he wins i’m spending the money on a bunker because y’know ww3”

have you got something to say? if you would like to write on this page, then contact us e: info@ infomer.ie w: www. informer.ie

with Stephen Donnelly with Caoimhe Doyle

We need to repeal 8th amendment he time for talking is over, it’s time to call a referendum.

Enda Kenny recently stated that if re-elected back into government he would call a citizens’ convention to debate the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. He said that what is needed is “a thorough, comprehensive, empathetic and sensitive discussion.” We’ve heard this type of language many times. We’ve been told that we need to have a “respectful debate” that we need to “look at the facts” that we need to talk about abortion.

Well here is some news for Mr Kenny: the discussion is already happening, and it’s been happening for quite some time.

The 8th Amendment has been comprehensively discussed.

It was discussed in 1983 before the Amendment was signed into law when Mary Robinson raised the serious difficulty “implicit in the wording of this Amendment”, saying that it was likely to cause confusion amongst both Doctors and Lawyers.

It was discussed in 1992 during the X Case when a young rape victim was prevented from leaving the country due to a “real and imminent danger to the life of the unborn.”

It was discussed in 2006 when a woman, known as D, brought her case to the European Court of Human rights arguing that Ireland’s ban on abortion in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities violated Articles 1, 3, 8, 20, 13 and 14 of the European Convention.

It was discussed in 2010 when the European Court of Human Rights found that Ireland had violated the Convention by failing to provide an accessible and effective procedure by which a woman can establish if she qualifies for a legal abortion under Irish law.

It was discussed in 2012 when Savita Halappanavar died of sepsis in a Galway hospital after being refused a termination despite repeatedly requesting one.

It was discussed in 2014 during the UN Human Rights Committee review of Ireland when the chair and former UN Special Rapporteur on torture told the Government “Irish abortion law treats women as a vessel and nothing more.”

It was discussed again in late 2014 when a migrant woman, Ms Y, pregnant as a result of rape was forced to carry her pregnancy to viability after which she was forced to undergo a cesarean section.

It was discussed again at the end of

2014 when a clinically dead young mother of two was kept on a life support machine against the wishes of her family because she was 17 weeks pregnant.

We have had enough discussion.

The 8th Amendment needs to go.

We’ve heard this again and again. We’ve heard it from doctors, we’ve heard it from lawyers, we’ve heard it from prochoice activists and we’ve heard it from all kinds of women.

The 8th Amendment forces at least 10 women a day to travel for abortion. It forces an unknown number of women to import abortion pills. It forces women with fatal foetal abnormalities to get their baby’s remains sent to them in the post. It forces suicidal women to sit before a panel of Multidisciplinary doctors and hope that they are believed. It forces women who are unable to travel and unable to obtain pills to take desperate measures to end their pregnancy. It denies women agency over their own body and their own health care even during wanted pregnancies. It denies women basic human rights.

The time for discussion has long since passed. We already know the damage the 8th amendment has caused the thousands of women who travel every year, and we know the type of horrendous cases it will continue to create while it is allowed to be part of our constitution. It is said hard cases makes bad laws, but while the 8th amendment is in place we can have nothing but bad laws in in relation to abortion and this results in creating ‘hard cases’: each one is a woman being forced to suffer by the state.

We no longer need to discuss the 8th Amendment, we need to repeal it.

Caoimhe Doyle is a member of the Abortion Rights Campaign

The 8th Amendment forces at least 10 women a day to travel for abortion

OPINION| 17

December 10 2015 dublinvoice.ie

anyotherbusiness

Have you got a story?

Then email info@informer.ie

We have a lot to thank U2 for

T

Brian Quigley here was something very special about the recent U2 Innocence and Experience concerts in D u b l i n ’s 3Arena, both for the band and the fans lucky enough to get tickets. U2 concerts in Dublin are always something to be savoured, and these shows certainly didn’t disappoint. The homecoming concerts at the end of the current European tour only went ahead thanks to U2’s stage crew and management figuring out how to reconfigure the stage show for the venue, showing the desire the band had to play Dublin.

U2 had been due to play Paris the weekend of the terrorist attacks last month. With so much going on in the world, a lot of it not good, people need to be able to retain hope, to continue to celebrate life and make sense of the human condition. Nobody does this better than Bono, except maybe Bob Geldof.

In a way things have come full circle for U2. If there is a lot going on in the world now, there was certainly a lot going on in the 1970s during the formative years of Bono, Larry, Adam and The Edge. These influences are touched on and referenced in the bands ‘Songs of Experience’ album released last year, and some of the songs from the album were played at the recent gigs. The album is an important one in the U2 canon, distilling the musical influences of the band growing up (1970’s rock, punk and early 1980’s electronica) and by extension events happening in the outside world at the time are embedded in the mix (the Troubles loomed large over everybody at that time, for example).

The song ‘Cedarwood Road’ probably epitomises this best; set on the road Bono grew up on in Finglas/Glasnevin, his former house is still a shrine for U2 fans from all over the world, with visits spiking every time there is a new album release or

Wall that you can’t leave behind ...

U2 have an album called All That You Can’t Leave Behind but it’s now a wall that you can’t leave it behind.

The iconic graffiti wall that once stood at Windmill Lane Studios has been saved by The Movember Foundation.

The men’s health charity have announced their latest fundraising effort - they will sell sections of the famous wall. When redeveloping Windmill, new owners Hibernia REIT, took care to preserve the wall which set of gigs in Dublin.

The fact that the current tour is the most Irish-centric the band has ever done is significant.

U2 came out of Dublin and conquered the world, and it is always a pleasure to have them back. Dublin then and now, and indeed Ireland then and now are far from perfect and Bono is as entitled as anyone to articulate that, but nowhere is perfect and you only change things and highlight issues by speaking up. We’ve always been lucky as a nation to have people who aren’t afraid to stick their head over the parapet, be it Bono, Bob Geldof or many others.

displays layers of art from throughout the decades. Now thanks to months of careful work by the Foundation and a team of professionals, each of the five sections will be available for purchase by anyone who wants to own a piece of Dublin cultural history.

U2, despite all the success they have had, have never lost sight of their Dublin and Irish roots. They have done an incalculable amount of good for the country, promoted it and been ambassadors for it and generally put us on the map. Musicians have an enormous reach and influence in life and part and parcel of this is the place you are from being brought into the minds of your audience.

If U2 haven’t given enough back to the country by this free publicity and marketing, then acts of philanthropy like the €2m from the recent concert profits that went to Music Gen-

Each section is valued at €30,000

by Whyte’s Auctioneers and The Movember Foundation are hoping to raise at least €150,000 for the Foundation and international research projects. The studios are known for kickstarting the meteoric rise of U2

eration (a national music education programme set up by U2 and The Ireland Fund in 2009 to help children and young people access free musical tuition at local level) just lift these guys even higher in our estimation, and deservedly so.

I’m sure U2 keep touring because it is the part of the job they enjoy best, and this is something Bob Geldof touched on when he appeared on the Late Late Show on December 4. It was great to see Bob on the show. He’s another Dublin legend, up there with U2.

He’s had a tough time recently, with the death of his daugh-

as well as hosting some of the world’s hottest acts such as the Rolling Stones.

It is hoped that some die hard fans of these artists might throw their hat into the ring.

Speaking to the Dublin Voice, Movember Country Manager Neil Rooney said, “We have to thank all of those who have helped us with this project as it wouldn’t have been possible without them. The amazing response we’ve received shows that the wall is close to people’s hearts.”

ter Peaches last year being a cruel blow.

Any parent losing a child at such a young age, especially a child as talented as Peaches, will carry that burden with them day and night for the rest of their life.

Bob spoke about the importance of getting on with life not to get over his daughter passing but as a way of coping, a way of staying sane and retaining purpose.

Touring with The Boomtown Rats is the ideal tonic in that the immediacy and energy generated during live shows is an experience the band and audi-

ence enjoy and want to continue tapping into. Bob Geldof was one of the first to speak up earlier this year about the plight of Syrian refugees.

It harked back to his compassion and humanity being the driving force behind Band Aid and Live Aid 30 years ago.

Nothing has changed. Bob is still Bob in the same way that U2 are still U2.

Dubliners who have conquered the world but never forgot their roots or their essential purpose as human beings as well as being talented performers. Long may these guys continue. Dublin, be proud.

18 | SPECIAL REPORT dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

Planning for a bereavement:

One of the loneliest periods of a person’s life is when someone dear to them dies. The overwhelming feeling of loss and sorrow is all consuming, and it is at this time that the comfort of relatives, friends and neighbours is crucial to getting you through the first few days and then the preparation for the wake, removal to the local church and burial.

We are extremely fortunate in this locality that we have a team of undertakers who are fully experienced in dealing with all types of situation resulting from the death of our nearest and dearest.

The purpose of a funeral is to give meaning to a person’s life. It is an opportunity for family and friends to gather and remember the deceased while offering support and comfort to one another. Planning a funeral can be an emotional process with several legal and financial matters to consider. Taking these steps can help you as you plan, whether you are planning your own funeral or that of a loved one.

If you are the type of person who likes to plan ahead or if you know you have a life-limiting illness, planning your own funeral may be the right thing for you. You can plan your own funeral, and even pay for it, well in advance of your death.

If you are caring for a loved one who is dying, you can plan the funeral in advance. Planning ahead is a good idea, as it’s more difficult to make decisions when you are grieving.

The cost of a funeral can be considerable and should be planned for in advance. Most people have a Credit Union account which carries a death benefit policy as part of their service to the community. This will not cover all the cost of a funeral but is a great relief to many people to know that they have that cushion of money they can call on. Many people also have an insurance policy that will cover their funeral costs.

Paying for the funeral in advance may appeal

“

If you’re planning your own funeral, talk with your family about your funeral wishes to make sure they know what you want

to those individuals who prefer not to burden their families with difficult decisions and funeral costs.

You don’t necessarily need to pay for services in advance but can still set money aside, so as not to burden family members financially, by setting up a payable-on-death (POD) account at your bank.

When you set up this type of account, you name the person you want to handle your arrangements as the beneficiary. These accounts don’t have to go through probate and the money goes directly to the beneficiary at the time of death.

If you’re planning your own funeral, talk with your family about your funeral wishes to make sure they know what you want.

Having a verbal conversation about your wishes will paint a better picture for your loved ones than written requests.

Consult with your solicitor before you finalize anything. Keep a written record of your funeral arrangements close at hand, perhaps in a file cabinet at home, rather than in a safe deposit box. You will want your family to have timely access to your records when they need them.

For the avoidance of doubt it would be prudent for you to make out a will setting out in full what your wishes are in the event of your death, and also your wishes regarding your worldly possessions.

SPECIAL REPORT| 19

December 10 2015 dublinvoice.ie

We’re there when you need us An Irish Wake The custom of the Irish Wake is embedded in the Irish psyche and is widespread throughout the country.

Whatever the origins, there is no doubt that the ceremony of the wake has provided comfort to those who have nursed a loved one through a terminal illness or have had them snatched away by disaster without the chance to say goodbye. It is an opportunity to celebrate the departed person’s life in the company of his or her family and friends and to mark their departure from their home for the last time. A wake is a scene of both sadness and joy as the end of that life is marked but the life itself is remembered and treasured.

Removal of remains The removal of remains from either the persons home or funeral home is often accompanied by large numbers of mourners. The remains are received in the Church by a priest and prayers are recited usually ending with the Rosary. Nowdays in some churches the local parish council provide tea and sandwiches where mourners can meet up and exchange stories and reminisce about the deceased. This often gives people the opportunity to catch up with relatives or friends elsewhere in Ireland or abroad.

The burial usually takes place following Requiem Mass the following day at which

tokens representing events in the life of the deceased are brought to the altar. Sometimes following the homily by the priest a member of the family might like to speak from the altar recollecting events and achievements of the deceased person.

Following this the funeral cortege leaves for the burial ground where final prayers are recited and the blessing of the grave takes place.

Sometimes it takes several days before the full impact of the death of a family member hits you. This is a time when your family and

friends need to be on hand to comfort and console.

There are also matters to be sorted out such as financial and property issues and death certificates must be obtained before insurance premiums can be paid over. You can consult with your local undertaker with complete confidence on all these matters. Their competence in these issue is second to none and can be relied upon.

Organ donors and consent If you want to donate your organs and make them available for transplantation after your death, the easiest way is by telling your family or next-of-kin that you wish to donate your organs after your death. Your family or nextof-kin can inform a doctor or another healthcare professional in a hospital if they are asked about your wishes regarding organ donation.

You can indicate your wishes by carrying an organ donor card or signing the organ donation option on the back of your driving licence. Organ donor cards are available from the Irish Donor Network (see below), through the Irish Kidney Association, and in doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies. You can contact any member of the Irish Donor Network for further information or for organ donor cards. Email donor@ika.ie, free text the word ‘Donor’ to 50050 or lo-call Donor House at 1890 543 639.

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22 | sport

dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015

Leinster schools rugby draw 2016

Leinster’s Noel Reid and Jonathan Sexton draw teams during the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Cup Draws, House of Lords, College Green, Dublin. Pic: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

Cistercian College Roscrea will put their Leinster Senior Cup title on the line against Kilkenny College after the 2016 Schools Cup draw.

Leinster Rugby players Noel Reid, Johnny Sexton and Jamie Heaslip were on hand at

the House of Lords as the draw took place for the 2016 season. Roscrea defeated Belvedere 18-11 in last season’s decider.

In the Junior Cup, reigning champions Blackrock will begin their campaign against St Mary’s College.

sport| 23

December 10 2015 dublinvoice.ie

insideback

with Brian Quigley

Ballyboden are champions!

In the Leinster Senior Club Football final on Sunday last December 6, Dublin side Ballyboden St Endas dug deep to earn an historic victory.

In beating Portlaoise in O’Connor Par, Tullamore by 2-09 to 1-11 they lifted their first Leinster senior football title and have progressed through to the All-Ireland Club Football championship semi-finals in the spring.

Ballyboden, one of the biggest GAA club set-ups in the entire country, prevailed with goals from Andrew Kerin and Michael Dara McAulay in the first half.

The single-point winning margin at the end showed how tight the game was (there was only a point in it at half-time too) and in truth Portlaoise could have won it with some late chances being squandered.

So it’s onwards and upwards for Ballyboden as they look

forward to their semi-final in the spring!

In the Leinster Senior Club Hurling final on Sunday November 29 Dalkey club Cuala lost out to a determined Oulart The Ballagh side.

The Wexford side, contesting their seventh final, were looking for a first-ever Leinster win and the 2-13 to 0-13 victory got them over the lone, easing the pain caused by four successive final defeats between 2010 and 2013.

Cuala weren’t at their best in Cullen Park, Carlow and at one point went a full 20 five minutes without scoring. Still, getting to a Leinster final in senior club hurling is a huge achievement for a Dublin club, and a real boost for hurling in the county.

The Dublin title that got them into Leinster was Cuala’s first in twenty one years, and they had disposed of the Offaly and Kilkenny champions prior

Neville Hotels have announced their sponsorship of the Grade 1 Novice Steeplechase (formerly Fort Leney Chase) at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival with top national hunt jockey Paul Carberry with daughters Kasey Lou and Elle Jay at the historic Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. to lining up against Oulart, the semi-finals of the All- All-Ireland Rugby League who now advance to face Ireland Senior Club Hurling As the Ulster Bank All Na Piarsaigh of Limerick in competition on February 6.

Ireland Rugby League heads

for the Christmas break, Dublin clubs sit at the top of both Division 1A and Division 1B. UCD sit at the top of Division 1A after rounding off their 2015 league fixtures in style with a 20-12 win over Old Belvedere at the Belfield Bowl on December 5.

They have 31 points from 9 fixtures - the same as their Dublin counterparts Clontarf – but UCD head the table on points difference.

Clontarf rounded off the year in style too with a fine 39-25 victory over Garryowen at Castle Avenue on December 5.

In Division 1B St Marys College head the way with Dublin University in second place. St Marys beat the Belfast Harlequins 32-16 away at Deramore Park and Dublin University beat Shannon 3611 at College Park, both on December 5.

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dublinvoice.ie December 10 2015