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SPORT A Season of Sundays P29

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Mum’s desperate search to find a home for Fiona Edlerly woman with dementia struggling to house a daughter with special needs

 IAN BEGLEY AN 83-YEAR-old mother with dementia says that her only dream is to find a suitable home for her daughter with special needs.

Teresa Kinsella, who is

in the early stages of the memory-loss disease, acts as the full-time carer for her 51-year-old daughter, Fiona, in their Castleknock home.

The family have gone down ever y avenue to secure a community home

for Fiona in the area, but have had no luck in the years they’ve been searching.

Teresa’s other daughter, Ann, said she thinks it’s extremely unfair that an elderly woman with dementia has to care for someone

who requires full-time care.

“My mum has saved the Government so much money over the years caring for my sister, but they won’t provide sufficient funding for these homes,” she said.

Full Story on Page 2

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2016

A hole in one for charity

FASTNews

Back row: Elizabeth Ivanova, Anastasia Neascsu, Maria Cheslerean, Roxana Rabusapca, Sinead Akeke and Ese Emonina. Front row: Peter Emonina, Karl Nolan, Abbie Walsh-Nolan, Miriam Dongo and Dearbhla Comiskey.

Coolmine choir on song for Christmas contest

WESTMANSTOWN Golf Club recently presented a cheque of €9,500 to the St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown and Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. The presentation was made in the club following a charity event held jointly with club captain Eamonn Henry.

CARE | TERESA (83) HAS DEMENTIA AND LOOKS AFTER DAUGHTER

Mam sick with worry for daughter’s future  IAN BEGLEY

was younger, but now that she’s getting older she should no longer AN 83-year-old woman with be caring for her, especially since dementia who is also the full-time she has dementia. carer for her daughter with special “Fiona attends a day service in needs says she is “sick with worry” Coolmine under the Daughters of for her uncertain future.

Charity and since my mum canTeresa Kinsella, who is in the not drive anymore she has to pay early stages of the memory loss €50 from her pension each week disease, looks after her 51-year- for a taxi to take her there and old daughter Fiona in their back.”

Ann who lives in Cavan says Castleknock home.

The family say they have gone she helps her mother out whendown every avenue to secure a ever she can, as well as her other community home for Fiona in sister Gina from Blanchardsthe area, but have - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - town.

She said that had no luck in the since they both years they’ve been have full-time searching. jobs they are not Teresa’s other able to provide daughter Ann the care Fiona told The Gazette needs themshe is very worried about Fiona’s selves. future and thinks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The family’s i t ’s e x t r e m e l y plan for Fiona unfair that an elderly woman with was to find her a Daughters of dementia has to care for someone Charity community home in who requires full-time care.

Dublin 15, which would have staff “My sister has a moderate present 24/7, along with other learning disability and cannot be people with similar conditions left alone in the house,” she said. living in the house.

My mum has to do a lot of “We’re getting nowhere at this physical chores such as washing stage,” said Ann. and ironing her clothes, helping “My mum has saved the Govher to clean herself and preparing ernment so much money over the years caring for my sister, but they her meals.

“That was fine when my mum won’t provide sufficient funding

THE Junior Choir from Coolmine Community School has been selected as a finalist in Lyric FM’s Choirs for Christmas competition.

The choir, under the direction of music teacher Bernard Sexton, had their song “It’s Christmas and it’s here” was broadcast on December 8.

The choir was established a number of years ago to provide an opportunity for talented Junior Cycle students develop their vocal skills and to expose them to a wide variety of choral music.

Students are admitted to the choir following an audition and they perform at various school events throughout the year.

Their CD is available from the main office of Coolmine Community School and priced at €5.

Blanch DJ belts out the tunes for Christmas FM Blanch DJ Eimear Morrissey is one of 100 volunteers who are devoting their time this Christmas on charity radio station Christmas FM. Eimear is no stranger to the airwaves as she is a professional voiceover artist and actor. Eimear has always wanted to become a part of the Christmas FM family and is delighted to be presenting for Global Christmas FM Monday to Friday 5pm – 9pm.

This year, Christmas FM will be raising awareness and funds for homeless charity Focus Ireland, who work with people who are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes across Ireland. Focus Ireland offer individuals and families advice, support, education and housing to help people to have and keep a home.

Every cent of every donation raised by Christmas FM for Focus Ireland will directly go towards the organisation’s goal to support over 300 families out of homelessness.

‘This minority group does not have a voice and no one is speaking out for people like my mum’

Teresa Kinsella (right) with daughter Fiona

for these homes.

“The Government told us they will only provide a home for Fiona once my mother dies, but we believe this is so wrong and would cause her even more distress.

“The Late Late Show had guests on recently with similar experiences such as ours and we have since found out that there

are loads of other people in the same situation as us all over the country.

“This minority group does not have a voice and no one is speaking out for people like my mum.”

The Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath was approached

by The Gazette to comment on this issue, but did not reply at the time of going to press.

16 December 2016 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

YULE be amazed by these blinging colourful homes

WELL, it’s that time of year again – no, we don’t just mean the season of good will to all, but a time for many people all over the world to show off just how much they love Christmas.

And when we say they love Christmas, we mean they really, really, really love Christmas, judging by their blinged-up homes.

They certainly look dazzling and amazing, as well as probably being visible from space.

And, judging by just some of the homes we’ve seen all around Dublin, plenty of our readers could give these houses a run for their money when it comes to showing Santa exactly where to call. (With these many lights, he could hardly miss their houses!)

WIN!!!

C’MON, readers – we’ve seen lots of great houses all over the city which really get into the spirit of the season, and we’d love to show everyone just how great your house looks! So, send us pics of your dressed-up Christmas house by next Tuesday, December 20, and we’ll have a great spot prize for one lucky reader! Just email competitions@dublingazette.com.

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FASTNews Opposition to staffless libraries

Aiming to ensure ageing is a positive experience ONE in five Fingal residents aged 70 or over have difficulty carrying out maintenance or upkeep on their homes, a new report has found.

The Fingal Healthy & Positive Ageing 2016 document was launched at a reception in The Atrium of County Hall, Swords.

It marks a joint effort between the

Department of Health, The Atlantic Philanthropies, the HSE and Age Friendly Ireland and as part of the National Positive Ageing Strategy in the Programme for Government.

The study found that 80% of those aged 55-69 and 64% of people over 70 say their health is good or very good but 17% currently smoke daily which

is higher than the national average of 14%.

Over two-thirds of people aged 50+ admitted low levels of physical activity but 82% of people aged 50+ reported high life satisfaction, although almost 9% of that group have severe depressive symptoms.

Pictured are elected representatives

with Deputy Mayor of Fingal Eithne Loftus, Minister Catherine Byrne, Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid, Nora Owen, chairperson of Fingal Age Friendly Alliance and report author Sinead Shannon, programme manager with the Healthy & Positive Ageing Initiative, at the launch of the Fingal Report.

PLANS for staffless libraries in Fingal have met with stiff opposition from staff and public representatives.

IMPACT trade union has already balloted members – who are against the move – and Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF) says there are “serious concerns”.

Cllr Quinn warned: “If staffless services are deemed an option, councils will inevitably seek further savings by extending unstaffed services into core opening times. This measure will shortchange communities across Fingal.”

FIRST-HAND VIEW | PAIR INVITED TO FRONTLINE

Blanch backpackers visit war zone in Iraq  IAN BEGLEY A BLANCH backpacker who hitchhiked his way into war-torn Iraq was invited to the frontline to get a first-hand view of the Kurdish fight against ISIS. William Meara (26) and his friend Criag Reynolds (24) travelled to a war-torn part of northern Iraq as part of a year-long trip around the world.

After hitchhiking from the Iran border to Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, they made acquaintances with Kurdish freedom fighters from what is known as the Peshmerga army.

On his travel blog, William said he was invited to visit the battle the day after having a drinking session with some of the Kurdish fighters in what is known as the Peshmerga army.

“As the only active war zone on the planet, getting to the front

lines of an active assault would likely never come around again,” he said.

“We were to be met

by Shalaw and a Peshmerga fighter by the same name. Armed with a large people carrier, we were loaded into the back and barrelled down the roads through the desert. “ Tr u c k s o f a r m e d soldiers were swarming the area, hurtling by us in their dozens. Our giant Peshmerga fighter comrade ran across the motorway, booming his voice to one of the men in the convoy. It was our lucky day.

“T he General had invited us back to the military base, an impressive garrison we had passed only moments before.”

As the two Irishmen drew closer to the frontline they could see ISIS flags waving in the distance.

“Drawing back, we posed with photos with

Craig and William in their Peshmerga army uniforms

the soldiers and high ranking officers when suddenly something spooked our man.

“The atmosphere becoming more and more tense by the moment, we were pulled from the outpost and told to lie low in our people carrier until we had safely vacated the area.

“We waved goodbye to our brave comrades as we rolled away from the front lines. No one was speaking. We sat in silence looking towards the horizon.”

The Blanch local told

The Gazette that despite popular opinion the Middle East is one of the friendliest places in the world.

“Everyone wants to show you that their country is great, invite you home, give you food and treat you like their guest. Not once have I felt unsafe or at risk at any time while travelling through Iran, Pakistan or Kurdistan-Iraq,” he said.

You can keep track on William and Craig’s adventures by vis iting their travel blog, www.readyforroad.com.

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GazetteGALLERY

| COOLMINE MUSICAL SOCIETY ENJOY ANNUAL EVENT

Christmas quiz is festively fantastic

Margaret Turley, Edel Armstron and Fiona Kerrigan

Above: Orla Hanratty, Vanessa Murphy and Margaret Kane.

Left: Bernie Walsh Pictures: Paul O’Rourke

Cyril Greene and Andy Marsh

C

OOLMINE Musical Society got into the festive spirit with their Christmas quiz which took place in the Roselawn last week. It was festively fantastic and quizmaster Andy Marsh quizzed the teams and fired out the questions.

Emily and Philip Kavanagh, Brendan Marsh, Prema Nayar and Peter McCabe Esther Gray and Bernie Sullivan

Maria Kavanagh, Caragh Costello, Michelle Tobin and Andrew Gloria Borrowes, Derek Burke and Sinead Burke

Gallagher

John O’Sullivan and Dan O’Malley

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GazetteGALLERY

| WESTSIDE STAGE SCHOOL PRESENT DEAR SANTA

Scott Quigley Davitt, Kooper Sweeney, Eoin O’Sullivan and Liam Wilson

Talent shines at a festive show

Grace Dalton, Eleanor Mahady, Isobel Clyne Farrelly and Yasmin Wynne. Pictures: Trendphotography.ie

Darcy Maher and Abigail Fagan

Ksusha Olienik

W

ESTSIDE Stage School presented their special Christmas performance Dear Santa at The Helix last week. The crowd was wowed by the colourful costumes, the amazing music, song and dance which really got everyone in the festive mood. And there was a very special guest on the night as artistic director and founder of WestSide took to the stage for a one off performance.

Gemma Staunton, Louise Murphy and Abby Turner

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ALADDIN | YOUNGSTERS STUNNED AFTER WINNING THEIR ‘TICKET TO STARDOM’

Local kids enjoy a magic carpet ride to the stage  IAN BEGLEY

FOUR talented local school kids are taking a magic carpet ride on the national stage in Aladdin at Dublin’s The Helix theatre, having won their ticket to stardom via Ireland’s only panto bootcamp.

The youngsters were among 200 young hopefuls who were put through their theatrical paces this summer.

Having passed the talent test in singing, dancing and the art of panto, the chosen ones are now busy taking part in Aladdin which runs until January 22.

“I love everything about being on stage from waiting in the wings to actually being on stage performing and best of all is the reaction you get from the audience at the end,” said Laura

Behan (12) from Castleknock.

For ten-year-old Amy Slater from Clonsilla the dancing is her favourite thing.

“I love dancing in front of people who are enjoying the show, it makes me feel alive and happy,” said Amy who is in fifth class at St Mochta’s national school.

Young Kate Kavanagh (13) also from Clonsilla, was stunned when she learned she had made the panto grade this year.

“I was in complete disbelief at first but then I was so happy I cried,” said Kate who is a firstyear student at Luttrellstown Community College.

The local crew are part of a 48-strong team of children and teens aged from seven to sixteen who have graduated from panto camp to cast member.

They are now on stage with

singing sensation Tom Moran who stars as Aladdin in a show packed full of stunning special effects including a real flying carpet.

“Because there is a limit to the amount of time young people can perform on stage our child star crew is divided into eight teams,” panto co-writer/producer Claire Tighe explained.

“All the children will appear in a selection of shows over our eight-week run at The Helix.”

This is Claire’s ninth panto at the Dublin theatre and it looks like being a sell-out following last year’s hugely successful extended run of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Tickets for Aladdin are priced at €19 and can be purchased Panto kids: Kate Kavanagh; Amy Slater, Ellen Grimes, Laura Behan from www.thehelix.ie or call 01 with stars of the show Aladdin (Tom Moran); Princess Jasmine (Danielle Williamson) and Genie (Adam Lynch). Picture: Barry Cronin 700 7000.

One million visitors for the NAC THE National Aquatic Centre (NAC) welcomed its one millionth visitor in 2016 for the first time in its 13-year history.

On December 8, Bernadette Fallon and her son Oisin walked through the doors to be welcomed by NAC staff as their 1 millionth customers.

To celebrate, the Fallon family were rewarded with a year-long family membership for the NAC including the ToneZone Gym & AquaZone Water Park, plus a special VIP two night family package by our friends at the Castleknock Hotel.

Michael Murray, chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to get over the one million visitor mark in a calendar year for the first time in our history. We’re very pleased to present the Fallon family with this excellent prize,” he said.

15 December 2016 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

Blanch in battle against obesity  IAN BEGLEY A NEW cookbook aimed at fighting the obesity crisis among young people in Ireland was officially launched by chef Gearoid Lynch at FIRE Restaurant in the Mansion House.

“Fight the beast don’t become obese” was presented by Blanchardstow n Community Tr a i n i n g C e n t r e i n partnership with Baltic Regional Fund (Latvia) and Agenzija Zghazagh (Malta).

The project aimed to address two major needs necessary to start fighting the obesity crisis among young people.

Firstly, the need of understanding food labels and nutritional values of foods and secondly the need of basic cooking skills using

Project participants at Blanchardstown Community Training Centre

fresh, healthy and real ingredients.

The organisations involved in the project were carefully selected based on their experience of working with

young disadvantaged people.

The project participants were between 16 and 21-years-old that wanted to learn how to cook and how to start

making healthy food choices.

F o r t h e p a s t 11 months young people took part in a variety of activities in Ireland, Latvia and Malta which

COURTS | CAUGHT WITH MILLION EURO WORTH OF TABLETS

Dad held tablets to clear €4k drug debt A FATHER- OF - ONE caught holding over half a million euro worth of prescription tablets has been jailed for five and a half years.

Vincent Fox (39) of Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown told gardai that he had run up a drug debt of €4,000 from smoking cannabis and this was a way to clear his bill.

Fox pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis, heroin and diazepam for sale or supply and supply of a medical product, zopiclone, without prescription at a house in Blanchardstown on August 20, 2015. He has five previous convictions.

Garda Alan Barry told Fiona Murphy BL, prosecuting, that gardai searched a Blanchardstown address Fox was staying at and found diazapam tablets with a street value of €282,957 along with a small amount of heroin and cannabis.

Gardai also found 284,872 zipoclone sleeping tablets with a street value of €569,744 and paraphernalia such as bagging, labels, scales and a tick list.

Fox told gardai he had been staying at a friend’s house and the drugs found were nothing to do with anyone else in the house.

He said he had run up a drug debt of €4,000 from smoking cannabis and this was a way to clear his bill. He was in fear of giving any names.

Dirty work Gda Barry agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that the cannabis was for Fox’s own use.

He agreed that due to his drug debt Fox would be viewed as a person who was capable of being approached to do dirty work.

Mr Bowman said the father of one had a good work history and was making determined efforts, which he had started in custody

and continued on bail, not to use drugs again.

He said Fox had not been on the garda radar and had no propriety interest in the drugs.

He submitted Fox was on the lower rungs of the ladder. He comes from a highly respectable family who are supportive of him.

Judge Melanie Greally noted that Fox’s role was limited to picking up and distributing as directed and that he was not a major player in the overall drug hierarchy.

She said a probation report before the court outlined he had expressed great remorse for his offence. She said she was giving Fox credit for steps he had taken to address his drug addiction, his stable family background and efforts he had made to retrain himself to obtain employment.

Judge Greally imposed a seven year sentence and suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions.

were organised by project manager Anna Peplinska and project coordinators Niamh Morgan, Ginta Salmina and Karl Vella.

During the activities,

young people learned t o r e a d a n d u n d e rstand nutritional values of foods, prepare basic healthy meals using fresh and organic ingredients and also

recognise a difference b e t we e n h o m e m a d e and pre-packed foods.

Their learning, practical experiences and knowledge gained during the activities is presented in the cookbook created during the project.

The cookbook “Fight the beast don’t become obese” is divided into three segments and includes a simple guideline on reading and understanding food labels, information about organic farms visited during the project and a collection of healthy recipes prepared by the youngsters translated into three languages.

It is anticipated that the cook book will encourage people to cooking and making healthier food choices.

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DUBLINGazetteGALLERY |

SANTA CLAUS ARRIVES BY SLEIGH FOR THE OFFICIAL

Amy Redmond and Sinead Byrne

Adela Sedliakopa

Santa is pictured with Loraine Keane and special guest Alex Dickenson and his family Saoirse, Sebastian and Andrew

Senann and Derek Malloy

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 11

SWITCH-ON OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AS ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE CELEBRATE

Santa arrives to the joy of all gathered

Alec Dickenson with mum Saoirse Carr. Pictures: Andres Poveda

Temple Street party goes down a treat S

ANTA Claus arrived by sleigh to Temple Street last week to kick off the festivities as adults and children alike celebrated the official switch-on of the Christmas lights. Temple Street ambassador Lorraine Keane and little patient Alex Carr switched on the lights, which mark the beginning of this magical season in the hospital. The lights will help keep this special magic alive for sick children who won’t get to go home this Christmas. Temple Street was transformed

by Tesco Ireland into a wonderland of Christmas cheer, including a Kiddies’ Zone with Santa Sleigh Ride Experience and Fun Factory.

Emma and Chloe Moran

Hugh and Sean O’Dunlaing

Samantha Saulenaite

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DUBLINBUSINESS

Tobermore are in top form to spread festive cheer CHRISTMAS is a special time of year in bringing people together and staff at local paving and walling manufacturing company, Tobermore, have embraced the spirit of the season and have come together to create an exclusive ‘Merryoke’ rendition of Christmas classic, ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ in a bid to spread some festive cheer.

Staff from Tobermore’s head office and the production team from Tobermore’s 50 acre manufacturing

facility in Tobermore village teamed up with Tobermore’s sales force from across NI, ROI, Scotland, England and Wales to film the funfilled festive video at Tobermore HQ, and the result is simply fantastic!

Managing director David Henderson, believes that staff are the backbone to Tobermore and he has implemented a strong culture of team work at the company.

David commented: “Our people are at the heart of the business and whilst it is essential that

we work hard as a team, we believe it’s important to have fun as a team too.

“The video was fantastic in bringing our nationwide staff together and I am very proud to have such a talented, hardworking and highspirited group of people here at Tobermore.”

You can check out Tobermore’s Merryoke video on the Tobermore website (www.tobermore.co.uk/merryoke) and on the company’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

Give your career a kick start Eve Clowry from Leapordstown is currently Jameson Brand ambassador in Dubai

GRADUATE PROGRAMME | OVER 20 ROLES ON OFFER IRISH Distillers is calling on applicants from Dublin to join the Jameson International Graduate Programme.

Irish Distillers is looking for graduates from Dublin to follow in the footsteps of Conor Timmons and Eve Clowry, who are currently Jameson Brand Ambassadors in Toronto and Dubai respectively.

This year Jameson is looking to recruit over 20 graduates for roles in markets such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan and Russia where they will have a unique opportunity to develop fundamental business leadership skills supported

by Irish Distillers’ and Pernod Ricard’s international network.

At present, there are 75 graduates working in 42 global markets as part of the three-year Jameson International Brand Ambassador programme.

Eve Clowry, from Leopardstown, who is currently Jameson Brand ambassador in Dubai, said: “My experience on the Programme has been amazing.

“I would never have thought that I would be living and working in Dubai for an internationally known brand, like Jameson, straight out of college.

“It is incredible to think that as a new graduate, I am playing a role in driving the success of an Irish brand globally and supporting the global Irish

whiskey success story.

Already I have encountered numerous challenges and in dealing with them, honed skills which will stand to me whatever my next career move may be.

Sinead D’Arcy, Jameson International Graduate programme manager said: “Our programme, established 25 years ago, has played a central role in this phenomenal growth story. We’re proud to offer Ireland’s best young graduates an experience like no other. With graduates in over 40 countries all around the world, the sun never sets on the Jameson International Graduate Programme “What starts in Dublin can take you anywhere

from Berlin to Brussels or Bueno Aries to Boston.

Whether you want experience with an emerging market, or in a developed market, our programme is for you.

“The majority of our graduates have a business, marketing or languages background but we are open to graduates from all disciplines.

“Our graduates come from backgrounds as diverse as law, physiotherapy and psychology.

“What we look for are candidates with a wellrounded college and life experience.”

Online applications are now open at www.jamesongraduateprogramme. com and close at 1pm Monday, January 16 2017.

Dalata completes takeover of The DoubleTree IRELAND’S largest hotel Group, Dalata will now manage operations of the iconic Double Tree Hilton Hotel on Burlington Road in Ballsbridge.

The hotel will operate under their Clayton Hotel Brand and will be known as Clayton Hotel Burlington Road. This landmark hotel is still remembered by many as ‘The Burlington’ (or The Burlo).

Speaking about the announcement Pat McCann, CEO of Dalata Hotel Group, said: “We are excited that Clayton Hotel Burlington Road becomes part of our portfolio from today and look forward to fully integrating this fine property to the Dalata family. This hotel will be integral to our efforts to grow and strengthen our Clayton brand” he said.

The hotel comprises 502 recently renovated guestrooms, state of the art meeting and events facilities including a ballroom with a capacity for 1,400 delegates, an executive lounge, 24-hour fitness suite and an exciting ground floor experience.

The hotel’s unique selling point is its size and many will have availed and enjoyed its products and services over the years.

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DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

Volunteering approval for a new website

CODY’S LOVE AND ENERGY WILL REALLY MOVE YOU

IT TALLAGHT has joined forces with nine other third level colleges to develop studentvolunteer.ie – an online resource matching students’ interests with volunteering opportunities.

The portal is the first of its kind globally and aims to enhance students’ awareness of their role and responsibility in solving challenges such as homelessness, social exclusion and an ageing population.

IT Tallaght student Suzanne Brennan took time out on Christmas Day last year to help out at Tallaght Adventure World. She revealed: “It was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I met so many people who not only shared their life stories with me but also their Christmas Day.” In all, more than 100,000 students and 8,000 registered charities will have access to the new website.

Celebrating the website launch are Suzanne Connolly with Jenessa Scott and Suzanne Brennan, IT Tallaght students and Breffni Gorman, Special Olympics Ireland. Picture: Jason Clarke

COMMUNITY: TERRIFIC THREE-DAY FESTIVAL EVENTS TO USHER IN THE NEW YEAR

Count down to 2017 in town  IAN BEGLEY

DUBLINERS and visitors alike are being encouraged to come in to Dublin city centre over the New Year to embark on a three-day adventure and enjoy the many arts and cultural events taking place as part New Year’s Festival Dublin.

Now in its third year, NYF Dublin will be bigger and better than ever with an amazing programme spanning three days, from December 30 to January 1.

Bringing together some of the country’s best talents, NYF Dublin offers a

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host of arts activities and cultural events guaranteed to engage, entertain and excite for all ages.

They include Re with Tunes in the church on December 30 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Lingo NYF Poetry Slam and Tongue Fu on the same day at Magistorium on South Anne Street, and free family-friendly events taking place over three days across the city.

Other highlights include unusual walking tours, free Sean Nos dancing workshops, a daytime Seisiun in partnership with TRADFEST, a Dub-

lin screening of In Between Silence in Christchurch Cathedral, a life drawing class turned cabaret extravaganza, as well as many other events.

The festival is an initiative by Failte Ireland, in partnership with Dublin City Council.

Speaking at the official announcement of the festival programme, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr said: “I am encouraging everyone to come into the city over the New Year and experience some of the amazing events that are taking place over the three-day

festival, including the spectacular Sky Dance at the Custom House, the New Year’s Day concert at St Stephen’s Green, and the many free arts, cultural and pop-up events taking place all over Dublin.”

Tickets priced €20 including booking fee are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie, with tickets priced €12 for children and OAPs. For further information on all other NYF Dublin events, see www.NYFDublin.com.

OUR Dog of the Week looking for her #SpecialSomeone* is Cody, a male 18-monthold Belgian Shepherd Malinois, who is looking for an adult-only home where he will be the only pet.

He is specifically looking for an adopter who will bring him to force-free, positive reinforcement training classes.

With the right approach, Cody will be an incredible dog and a wonderful friend and companion.

If you’re looking for a hard-working Brainiac, and you have experience of Malinois or high-drive dogs, then Cody could be the dog for you!

If you can be his #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

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Get ready for a magical carpet ride to panto land THE wonderful Aladdin is set for a magical box office record run at Dublin’s The Helix Theatre until Sunday, January 22.

The Helix, who extended the show by popular demand last year, are set to have their best panto year yet with some shows already sold out and demand for tickets at an alltime high.

Starring singing sensation Tom Moran and packed full of stunning special effects including a real flying carpet, the panto, set in the magical city of Agrabah, is destined to amaze, amuse, and truly enchant audiences.

The hugely popular and wickedly funny Eoin Cannon plays panto villain Jafaah, with the lovely Danielle Williamson, winner of Irish musical societies best female vocalist award, brightening the stage as Princess Jasmine.

All that talent is combined in Aladdin at The Helix to create a truly magical piece of heartwarming, laugh out loud family entertainment.

Tickets are from €19.50 Bookings: www.thehelix.ie or call 01 700 7000.

A RIP-ROARING CAPER COMES TO THE PAVILION GET ready to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear as the modern classic, Elf, comes to the Pavilion Theatre on December 17.

Revel in the childish charm of Will Ferrell as Buddy the elf, a regular-sized man who was raised by elves, after climbing into Santa Claus’s sack from his orphanage cot while just a baby. When Buddy discovers that he’s not quite the authentic elf he believed himself to be; he goes in search of his biological father in the place of his birth - New York City.

A rip-roaring caper with a stellar cast of James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner,

Celine Byrne will perform loved operatic arias along with some seasonal favourites at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Picture: Iain White/Fennell Photography

Zooey Deschanel, and Bob Newhart, this is one festive flick that never fails to raise a smile, whether you’re a big kid or a little one.

Tickets for this event are priced from €5 - €7.50. Family admission €20 For more information visit paviliontheatre.ie.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH THE PRICE OF A PINT PIETA House has partnered with Pint Aid for a fundraising campaign this December.

Pint Aid is a crowdfunding movement for charities and causes. Every month they raise funds for a different charity by encouraging the public to drink responsibly. Potential donors are asked to have one less pint per week and donate the value of that pint (€5) to their charity partners, so people will donate €20 for the month.

For the December campaign, Pieta House and Pint Aid are working with some of Ireland’s most recognised corporate brands to support their fundraising target of €12,000.

Every €1,000 raised for Pieta House can provide support

and life-saving therapy for someone experiencing suicidal ideation. The proposed target would equate to 12 lives saved this Christmas.

Pint Aid director; Tony Fernandez commented “Please think of the difference you can make with the price of a pint and help us save 12 lives this Christmas.”

ENJOY A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS WITH BOSCO LAMBERT Puppet Theatre will be bringing Bosco’s Magical Christmas to life at the Pavilion Theatre this festive season on Sunday, December 18.

If you’re a parent, guardian,

auntie, uncle or friend who wants to cash in your nostalgia credit, introduce the little people in your life to the red haired clownish boy, Bosco, who lives in a box, spending his time singing, crafting, and making excursions to places like Dublin Zoo. Popular on Irish TV in the 70s and 80s, he’s now back to send you into a time warp as you revisit a time when jumpers were woolly and colourful, and people wallpapered every available surface in their homes. Expect some of Bosco’s classic songs and stories, as he takes to the stage along with his friends, Hansel and Gretel.

Tickets for this event are €8/ Family €30. For information visit www.paviliontheatre.ie.

SOPRANO CELINE IS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS I N T E R N A T I O N A L LYacclaimed soprano Celine Byrne will perform her Christmas gala concert Celine Byrne

NATIONWIDE SEARCH ON FOR TALENTED STUDENTS BANK of Ireland and Athletics Ireland have joined forces to launch a nationwide search amongst secondary schools to identify talented students.

The programme, which aims to encourage greater participation amongst secondary school students in athletics, will culminate in an athletics Mater Class with 200 top students with advice and tips from Ireland’s top sports psychologists, nutritionists and athletes including former European Indoor Championship gold medallist David Gillick.

To nominate your school to participate in the Athletics Programme see www.boi.com/ athletics.

Aladdin stars singing sensation Tom Moran at The Helix Theatre.

Picture: Jass Foley

Home for Christmas at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

Taking place on December 18, Celine will perform popular songs from the world of opera and operetta such as O Mio Babbino Caro, Un bel Di from Madame Butterfly and Villia from The Merry Widow along with festive favourites such as the haunting In The Bleak Mid-Winter, O Holy Night and White Christmas.

She will be joined on stage by her festive orchestra conducted by David Brophy.

Tickets are from €28 - €75 on sale now from www.ticketmaster.ie 0818 719 377 (ROI).

GET SOME HELP HANGING THOSE DECORATIONS TO help celebrate Christmas Age Action has announced that its care and repair volunteers…sorr y…elves in Dublin will help decorate the homes of older people who find it a little difficult to get the house ready for Christmas.

Jennifer Connolly, Age Action Dublin’s head elf, said: “We’re delighted to be able to give a hand to older people who needs just a little bit of help getting themselves ready. Our garda-vetted elves will drop out to your home, at no charge, help you decorate the house and then they’ll even come around again in January to help you tidy everything away.”

Age Action’s Care and Repair volunteers carried out more than 30,000 small DIY jobs or home visits in 2016 to support older people no longer able to do small tasks around the house.

The service is entirely free of charge. If you would like assistance putting up your Christmas decorations or with any other tasks around the home, simply call Age Action’s Care & Repair team on 01-475 6989.

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 15

Off to the races The Leopardstown Christmas Festival offers an exhilarating day out  IAN BEGLEY

IF you’ve got a passion for horse racing, you’re in luck, because at Leopardstown, the winter is host to National Hunt race days that are not to be missed.

National Hunt racing comprises steeplechase, hurdles and point-topoints, which are races held on farmland where young jumping horses start to learn the ropes and prepare for racing.

The day after Christmas, join the horserace-loving public and assemble at Leopardstown to blow the cobwebs away with a week of sports that promises to thrill.

There will be seven Grade 1 races occurring, allowing you to see

some of the world’s finest jockeys and horses do what they do best engage in fierce competition.

Get your pencils and racecards ready for four days of splendid equestrian fun.

Ireland’s most popular St Stephen’s Day outing attracts a huge range of personalities, celebrities and stars, as well as friends, families and of course horse racing fans.

Arrive early and head over to the expert panel, who might just help guide you to a winner.

The Winning Line will take place from 11 a m i n t h e Marquee.

View the

contending horses in the Parade Ring from the premium enclosure area.

Pop into the Christmas Festival Marquee where you can enjoy festive food and drink and soak up the atmosphere.

Witness titanic encounters on the race track and see who will join the Hall of Fame, which features amongst others, Lord Windermere, Bobs Worth, Hurricane Fly, Tidal Bay, Istabraq and Sizing Europe.

A not-to-be-missed traditional highlight of the Irish horse racing calendar (not to mention the social calendar!), the annual Leopardstow n Christmas Festival offers National Hunt racing at its best over four spectacular days.

Running since 1888, the Festival attracts people from all over the world who love an exciting day at the races combined with the magic of Christmas.

There’s plenty to do in addition to watching the races. With its famously seasonal, fun atmosphere, the Festival always attracts celebrities and stars from across the music, sporting, corporate and political worlds, as well as racing fans from near and far.

If you’re still hungry after Christmas dinner, you can head down to the premium enclo sure area to study the horses, complete with the Christmas Festival Marquee. Peruse your race card to see who you fancy, or pick up some hot tips from our Expert panel.

Tickets are from €20 €60. For more information, visit www.leopardstown.com.

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Save on your energy costs this festive season AS the festive season sets in – bringing with it colder days, longer nights and lots of entertaining – it can be extremely easy to let energy costs rise. Bord Gais Energy has some helpful tips for householders to save on energy costs.

1. Lower your thermostat by 1°C and save up to 10% on your heating bill.

2. Use automatic timers to turn off luminous Santas and Christmas lights during the night 3. Consider using LED lights to decorate your home. They last 30-50 times longer than incandescent bulbs and a 50,0000 hour running life.

4. Keep curtains closed at night, even in empty rooms to avoid heat loss through windows.

5. Turn off appliances when not in use and save up to 20%[1] on energy use.

6. Don’t leave Christmas gifts such as tablets or mobile devices on charge for longer than necessary.

7. Don’t be tempted to peek into the oven when cooking the festive roast. Opening the door will allow the heat to escape and it will cost more to reheat the oven.

8. Make sure the Christmas tree and any other decorations aren’t blocking any radiators.

They will absorb a lot of the heat and prevent the radiators from warming up the rest of the house.

9. Be careful when discarding of Christmas wrapping paper in open fires, as paper can get stuck up the chimney and cause a build up of carbon monoxide in the air. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.

For a longer term energy management solution, consider installing smart energy controls, such as hive active heating, which allows total control of home heating and hot water from a smartphone, laptop or tablet. Users can control their energy whether they are at home, work or on the go and can help customers save you up to €120 per year on their energy bills.

Householders should also ensure their boiler is serviced annually. As well as improved safety, well maintained boilers can save up to €150 a year.

Gary Griffin, service delivery manager at Bord Gais Energy said: “The Christmas holiday season can be an expensive time, with budgets being stretched on all fronts. The last thing consumers need is an unnecessarily high energy bill, and there are lots of things that Irish householders can do to help keep costs down.

“Switching off lights and appliances when not in use, lowering thermostats by 1°C or simply keeping the oven closed while cooking can save a considerable amount on energy bills.”

Bord Gais Energy’s HomeCare team offers a range of oil and gas boiler servicing packages and its service engineers can install carbon monoxide alarms while in your home.

For more information, visit bordgaisenergy. ie/homecare or call 1850 427 434.

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

86% would approve of Ireland as their destination to study SOME 30% of international students say they have experienced some form of racial discrimination in Ireland.

According to a new sur vey conducted by SEDA College, 86% would still recommend Ireland as a study destination despite some experiencing some racism here.

The survey was carried out to obtain insights into why international students choose Ireland as a destination to learn and what they really think about studying and living in Ireland.

T his year the college welcomed pupils from over 40 different

nationalities, including Brazil, Spain, Italy, Panama, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea, Malawi, Japan, Taiwan and South Africa.

When asked what was the most important factor in choosing Ireland as a destination to learn English, the main reason is because they’ve had friends here in the past.

The second most popular reason was due to Ireland’s close proximity to the UK and other European countries.

Asked if they would stay in Ireland if the Irish Government introduced an incentive to students to remain here after their studies, 66% said they

would stay, 24% said they would consider it while 9% said they wouldn’t stay.

36% said they would like to return to live in Ireland at some stage in the future, while 22% have no ambition in returning to Ireland once their studies are complete.

Many of the results portray Ireland in an extremely positive light, with 76% saying they found Irish people to be pleasant, welcoming and friendly.

However 15% say they had encountered some negativity from Irish people while only 8% said they did not feel welcomed at all.

FEATURE

Irish get the lick of love  EMMA NOLAN

SOME 72% of Irish people have said that having a dog completes the family.

We’re a nation truly in love with man’s best friend it seems with 60% of us admitting that we use a silly voice when talking to our dog.

A survey by iReach for PURINA as part of their support for DSPCA’s on-going Pet Adoption Drive has revealed the extent that Irish life is centred on our furry friends.

A massive 84% of all participants consider “having a dog” as a great way to teach children responsibility.

82% also strongly agree or agree that dogs contribute greatly to children’s development and growth while 72% of survey respondents stated that “having a dog completes the family”.

An impressive and surprising amount of people, 97% of all dogowners, admit they talk to their dogs.

Having a hound is a great way to increase a person’s pulling power when it comes to dat-

ing, with the majority of all participants (68%) thinking “that a person with a dog can often be more attractive as a potential date or partner”.

When it comes to selecting a name for a dog, 51% of people chose a human name for their furry friend with 49% preferred using a traditional dog name for their pet.

25% of respondents named their dog after its character (Sparky, Spot etc).

An equal percentage of dog-owners (25%) let their children pick a name. Dog TV and Movie appearances have been an inspiration in selecting a dog’s name for 13% of all survey participants.

A whopping 74% of all dog-owners admit they have images of their dog that they carry around with them and 15% admit that their dog is more welcome in the bed than their partner – interestingly slightly more females (17%) than males (14%) prefer to have their dog sleep in bed with them rather than their partner.

Pictured launching Purina’s support for the DSPCA’s Pet Adoption Drive is Holly Brady with Marlo and Lacey.

PIC: MAXWELLPHOTOGRAPHY.IE

FEATURE

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16 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

Dublin families offered a chance to make history DUBLIN families have been offered the chance to make history through a unique new service called Histories In The Making.

Did any of your ancestors live through or take part when the Four Courts was occupied and then attacked during the Civil War? Maybe one of your relatives fired the artillery guns which turned much of the building to rubble.

Or perhaps you have family who recall the terrible night of May 1941 when Nazi bombs rained down on Dublin, devastating the North Strand, killing 28 people and injuring a further 90.

Histories In The Making aims to make the past a present for future generations with a revolutionary new way of compiling family histories.

It presents people’s family research in a readable and informative way, putting that information into a wider historical context and delivering it in a way that is readable for all the family.

They also deliver that research in more techfriendly way by offering their clients updatable, interactive web pages that can be sent to family members all around the globe.

Most families have an amateur historian – the one person who provides information on the family tree if a milestone celebration or gathering is planned.

However, with the oral tradition dying, and many families now connected digitally around the world, there is a fear that this information will become stagnant or lost.

David Lawlor, of Histories In The Making said: “We want to package the past for families. Very often, people will either have scraps of information about an ancestor or they might have a vast tome of genealogical research that is difficult to read.

“We knit their stories together and package what people have discovered, putting it into a broader historical context. We produce printed posters and brochures, and also offer clients a secure digital file, which is easily updated to the entire family network in real time, allowing the family history to grow organically as time moves on.

“Once you have sent the file to family members, any subsequent additions to it will automatically update on the original file received by relatives.

“I want families’ ancestral stories to be personal and not dry pieces of information that people struggle to relate to,” said David.

Email historiesinthemaking@gmail.com with your own stories.

Maybe somebody in your family recalls when the Nazis bombed Dublin in 1941?

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18 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

DUBLINLIFE

For wearing at your desk where nobody will notice Accessorise Supersoft slippers €15.90

For all your favourite biz-speak, going forward River Island Speech bubble light box €33 For intensive team-building exercises Accessorise Christmas crackers €7.90

For when you’re studying rival products Lidl Dart set €3.99

For when it’s time to take your new corporate shots River Island Insta photo booth €10 For subtle petty cash reminders about staff dietary requirements Accessorise Chocoholic purse €12.90

For networking and brainstorming at the back door Accessorise Rosalie insulated floral cup €9.90

Office-ly good Christmas gifts  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

For taking your new corporate shots/office Christmas Party blackmail Fujifilm Instax Mini8 camera €85

KRIS Kringles at the office are a fun part of the Christmas ritual, but they can be awkward if you select someone you’ve only ever com-

municated with via email.

So, here are a selection of gifts to give you some inspiration for your Secret Santa, whether they turn out to be your best work buddy or someone you’ve never even had a coffee with!

While you usually can’t go wrong with a bottle of booze, they can come in over budget, so here are a few ideas for your Kris Kindle whether you work in a pub, shop or office (or even in a local newspaper)!

Best of all, most of these are very pocket- and budget-friendly – so, no need to slip IOU notes in the petty cash box – while a couple of pricier products could go down a treat if you’re trying to impress!

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 19

For a clean cup to be able to hand to any office visitors Dealz Teacup €1.50

GAZETTE

GIFT GUIDE For escaping from reality/the office grind Easons Waterford Whispers €16.99

For leaving beside the canteen microwave Easons Lean in 15 – Joe Wicks €20.99

For whoever’s stuck sitting near the office door Aldi Faux-fur stole €9.99

For holding your paper on the way to work Lidl Leather gloves €14.99

For the unsung hero who tidies the canteen Accessorise Superman mug €9.90 For listening to stock market updates or Kanye AppliancesDelivered.ie Akai AM/FM retro radio €29.95

For the office’s Me-Too Hipster Topman Paisley tie €14

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Volvo gives hints to

There are some impressive big cars on the market loaded up with technology features that we could only have dreamt about a few years ago. Auto driving features are just around the corner and the new Volvo S90 which MICHAEL MORONEY has been driving is just a stage in a process that leading to autonomous driving, but in style.

Land Rover will build the new Discovery model in Slovakia when its new modern factory opens there in 2018

New Discovery for Slovakia build in 201 JAGUAR Land Rover recently announced that it will build its next-generation Land Rover Discovery in Slovakia. This is the first Land Rover model to be chosen for the new modern car factory which is due to open in 2018.

Last year Tata Motors, the owners of Jaguar Land Rover picked Slovakia as the location for the new factory that will have an annual output of up to 300,000 vehicles. The huge factory will be one of Slovakia’s biggest foreign direct investment programmes.

Jaguar Land Rover currently builds the Discovery at its factory in Solihull in central England. The company said that production of the Discovery will continue in the UK after the Slovakia plant comes on line. Jaguar Land Rover has boosted its model range and the company plans to produce 1 million cars per year by 2020 as it has opened new factories in China and Brazil.

Tyre industry takes to Dublin to protest high recycling costs AS TYRE companies took to Dublin streets in protest at the cost of recycling used car and truck tyres, the organisation established to operate a national tyre recycling scheme, Repak ELT has responded to claims of high recycling costs.

Repak ELT CEO Seamus Clancy said: “Repak ELT, in progressing the establishment of this critically important scheme, has consulted with the tyre industry in an effort to ensure all interested parties have the opportunity to put forward their positions and we welcome the fact that some 839 members of the tyre industry, representing 1,045 outlets, have already registered with the scheme.”

“Inevitably there will be differences of opinion as to how this major environmental issue should be managed. To that end Repak ELT is finalising a full submission to Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment and his Department for approval. It will be an effective, cost efficient and equitable scheme which will benefit the entire population of this country. It is expected that the scheme will launch in Quarter 1, 2017. Ultimately, the final shape and charges for the scheme will rest with the Minister and his Department.”

VOLVO has a big statement to make with the new S90 as it’s a car that carries forward a fresh brand design style with a host of new safety features. The S90 looks and feels a big car, with big car comfort and the latest in new technology features.

Drive the S90 around the streets of Dublin and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of second looks that you get from Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz drivers.

The glances ranged from envy to arrogance, but they all took note of Volvo’s new offering because you simply can’t hide that modern Volvo style.

The key feature of the new S90 is the level of driving automation included. Pilot Assist is what Volvo calls its semiautonomous driving feature which is a standard feature on every S90. The system automatically keeps you at a set speed or distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating with the flow of traffic, and gives gentle

steering inputs to keep the car within lane markings at motorway speeds up to 130km/hr.

Volvo claims that Pilot Assist is another step towards fully autonomous driving. You quickly feel confident with the system especially on a longer motorway drive and it makes the drive more relaxing once you get your head around its function.

A series of cameras detect the road markings or any objects including one neatly incorporated into the Volvo logo on the front grille. Unlike previous versions of the system, the system no longer needs to follow another car, and that’s the autonomous part.

Volvo safety heritage is highlighted in the S90 where the latest version of City Safety comes as standard in every S90.

This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and the worldfirst application of largeanimal detection. This feature helps to avoid or

Volvo S90 D4 SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power Engine torque 0 – 100km/hr Braking Distance (100km to 0) Economy

Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

2.0 litre 190hp 400Nm 8.2 seconds 35 metres

22.7km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) 55 litres 116g/km A4 €200 20,000km/12 months 5 Star 2016 2 years €48,400

The internal layout is understated with Swedish styling, where all of the functions are easy to use and logical in their control, along with big comfort seats

limit the severity of collisions with large animals such as Phoenix Park deer and horses both at night and during the day.

There are two engine versions of the S90 model on the market and I drove the entry level engine version that’s powered

by a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine. The engine has more Volvo input than in the past and that means smoother performance coupled with a quiet and comfortable drive.

The engine power is rated at 200bhp with an impressive level of torque that’s a match for the competition. This is a big car and it’s a heavy one so the acceleration performance is marginally behind some of the impressive competition.

At 8.2 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr acceleration race, the S90 is no slouch, while still only very marginally slower relative to the BMW or Mercedes Benz equivalent.

Despite that Volvo has worked some magic because the car comes with an impressive official economy rating of 22.7km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) that can almost be reached with strategic driving. To get a big car like the S90 to come in with such an impressive economy figure is amazing; just don’t

Fiat adds saloon version to Tipo offering FIAT in Ireland will launch a saloon version of the recently introduced Tipo mid-range car for the early New Year market. The new saloon model completes the expanded Fiat Tipo range with saloon version car prices starting from just €16,745.

Fiat will be offering a full range, hatchback, saloon and estate version of the Tipo in their effort to get back lost market share in this important segment of the car market. Fiat claims to offer exceptional roominess, high specification, robust quality and outstanding efficiency, not to mention an affordable price across all models in the updated range.

Fiat claims that the Tipo saloon can accommodate three six-feet-plus adult passengers in the rear due to its 4.53m length, 1.79m width and 1.49m tall dimensions. Its boot capacity is one of the best in this class

The new Fiat Tipo saloon

with a volume of 520 litres. Loads of up to 1.8m in length can be carried courtesy of its flipand-fold 60/40 split rear seats that provide a completely flat load floor.

Like the hatchback versions, the saloon model will be offered in three trim levels, Pop, Easy and Lounge. The entry Pop trim level is equipped with air conditioning, remote central

locking, front and rear electric windows, bodycoloured door mirrors with electric adjustment, six airbags, chrome door handles, split rear seats, a front seat centre arm rest, full size spare wheel, USB and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel remote controls.

There are four engine options, two petrol engines, a 1.4-litre 16v producing 95bhp and 127Nm and the 1.6-litre e-TorQ engine producing 110bhp and 152Nm and two turbo diesel engines – a 1.3-litre MultiJet II producing 95bhp and 200Nm and a 1.6-litre MultiJet II with an output of 120bhp and 320Nm. Fiat claims that the entry-level 1.4-litre 95bhp version is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds. Fiat is quoting an official combined cycle fuel economy figure is 17.5km/litre (5.7 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are 133g/km.

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

autonomy in new S90

MOTORING

Great deals on offer at SEAT SEAT dealer Brady’s Dublin has announced a host of sensational offers as part of SEAT’s outstanding 171 campaign, just in time for Christmas.

Until December 31st, motorists are invited to visit the dealership located at Old Navan Road, Castleknock to view the latest range from SEAT and make fantastic savings.

Customers can avail of 0% finance on selected Ibiza and Leon models, 1.9%

The new Volvo S90 is a very impressive luxury end saloon car that combines comfort with traditional Volvo safety features now supported by safety technology that brings the car closer to autonomous driving. Prices start from €48,400 before delivery charges.

finance available on the SEAT Ibiza Sport and SEAT Leon SE Select AND a staggering 2.9% finance

expect to repeat it in preChristmas Dublin City stop start driving.

The new S90 comes with a low CO2 rating of just 116g/km and that means low running costs in terms of road tax, just €200 annually. This figure also gives an indication about the car’s economy performance and it lives up to some of its economy

claims. While the 55 litre capacity fuel tank is probably smaller than most of the competition, meaning more stops.

Volvo’s most logical gearbox option is the 8 speed automatic version and it was a good match for the high torque diesel engine. There are three driving modes available EC0, Comfort and

Dynamic where you will quickly notice the difference in driving performance. For city driving the ECO option is compulsory while for longer motor way r uns, the Comfort setting gives a more relaxing drive.

The car’s start stop system is smooth and comforting; you won’t need to think much about it

as you are enveloped in a bright leather comfort zone. The layout of the dash and controls are typically understated, while being very functional. I liked the starting switch which is more tactile than the start button used by other car brands; it’s just that you feel that you are engaging with the car’s system more.

Within minutes I was comfortable in the Volvo S90; seat adjustment was logical and so too was setting up the mobile phone Bluetooth connection. The heating adjustment is logical and easy to use with a large centre mounted nineinch touch screen.

Cars like the S90 can take that extra length in

their stride; it adds to the big car image. The wheelbase is stretched slightly longer than most of the competition to give the S90 a new comfort zone.

Entr y prices start at €48,400, but adding the extra comfort and style features will quickly bring you over the €60,000 limit and then it becomes a more expensive option.

available on the all new SEAT Ateca, SEAT’s first ever SUV model.

In addition to the attractive finance offers available at Brady’s Dublin, SEAT have introduced a scrappage offer of up to €4,000 on the Leon range and up to €2,500 on the Ibiza range.

A Busy Mercedes Benz year ahead

The launch of SEAT’s 171 finance offers comes at a particularly exciting time for SEAT as the brand has welcomed new, high

MERCEDES-BENZ in Ireland is planning a busy 171 with a

profile dealers to the

host of new cars on the way for Dublin drivers. The new

network, all featur-

S-Class Cabriolet is scheduled to arrive in the January-

ing the marques new

March period. This new ‘dream car’ will bring the joys of

look showrooms and

open-top motoring to the premier S-Class range.

forecourt signage.

Mercedes Benz will be adding an E-Class Coupé early

In addition, SEAT

in 2017, followed in mid-year by an E-Class Cabriolet. Also

has just launched the

arriving in that period will be a new E-Class All-Terrain

all new SEAT Ateca

model and a revamped GLA entry-level SUV.

in the Irish market which is already

As 2017 progresses, it is expected that MercedesBenz will advance developments already in the pipeline,

performing well and

one being their entry into electric-powered motoring

generating strong

discussed at the recent Paris Motor Show. It is expected also that autumn will see the arrival of some top end models with two especially exotic AMG models due, the GTR and GTC.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GTR is one of the exotic introductions planned for 2017

interest.

For more information see www.bradys dublin.ie/

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22 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

DUBLINLIFE 1

TECH IN REVIEW

Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, joined the Government in rejecting criticisms of the tech giant’s tax arrangements with the Republic of Ireland

Stories worth taking a bite at next year, too  SHANE DILLON

AS ALWAYS, the year brought plenty of tech changes and some fascinating news stories, both good and bad. Here are just a few of the tech trends, stories and developments from 2016. In no particular order ...

W hile there were lots of IT sector gains in Ireland, particularly with research and pharma firms, the likes of Dell and Intel each announced job cuts.

The giants’ job losses here echo the wider malaise in the global computing market – on the whole, consumer sales have slowed right down, with high-end tablets also underperforming, although phablets are doing okay.

While some tech may be faltering, this year saw several impressive virtual reality headsets hit the market, typically for use with consumer games and media browsing content, but also offering some burgeoning business, training and development applications.

Several VR headsets wowed consumers in 2016, and look set to refine their tech in coming years. Their success is virtually certain ...

It’s fair to say that one person dominated the Tweetosphere this year: The Donald.

America’s incoming president, Donald Trump, commanded headlines around the world all year round, seemingly running much of his election campaign through random Tweets.

Whatever else can be said about the man, his musings as America’s president in the coming years should be ... memorable.

The continuing trend for consumers to swap bricksand-mortar for clicks-and-order

saw HMV finally close its remaining stores in the Republic – again – with the retailer retreating to an online-only presence in the Republic.

The severing of the chain’s physical presence in Dublin marks a blow for the city’s gaming and media consumers.

However, the biggest Irish tech story of the year was, of course, Apple’s tax arrangements with Ireland, with the Government garnering a lot of uncomfortable headlines all around the world.

Apple has been completely and fully compliant with all of our laws, in every way, as both they and the Government have pointed out to all and sundry.

However, this didn’t impress the European Commission’s mandarins, who concluded in late summer that Ireland granted undue tax benefits to Apple of up to €13bn – a charge which both the Government and Apple reject.

2017 will almost certainly see similar stories and complex issues pushed back into the spotlight once again.

Donald Trump’s often bizarre Tweets were a mainstay of 2016 on the global stage

1

Uncharted 4 A spectacular gaming highlight, and a technical wonder

2

Firewatch Presented the most thoughtful narrative of 2016

YEAR IN REVIEW: A TOP-TEN LIST OF THIS YEAR’S MOST

2016’s best WHILE every year presents plenty of great (and terrible) games, 2016 stood out as a bumper year for gamers.

While mobile gaming continued to quietly make an awful, awful lot of money from people who’d never call themselves a gamer (and yet who still play the likes of Candy Crush Saga on the Luas), console gaming – the most readily identifiable form of gaming for many people – enjoyed a stellar year.

As such, here’s my list of 2016’s best games. Some were critically acclaimed, others were runaway financial successes, and others were quietly fantastic – but they’re all worthy of the list. In order...

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

1) Unchar ted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4, Cert 16).

Even in a year with some superb titles, Uncharted 4 stood head and shoulders above pretty much everything else, setting one benchmark after another in everything from character development and scripting through to level design and environmental detail, and all kinds of technical bells and whistles, too.

Developer Naughty Dog pulled out all the

stops – and then some – to deliver a true tour de force in gaming, setting storytelling and gameplay high points that haven’t been surpassed since.

2) Firewatch (PS4/ XBO, Cert 16). Another high ranker on many critics’ lists, Firewatch was a narrative-heavy game that greatly impressed..

The tale of a 1980s everyman working for a summer in a national park doesn’t sound like much on paper, but it had a witty, engaging and very human tale to spin, wrapped up with mellow graphics.

3) Pokemon GO (IOS, Android, Cert 9+). Even those of you living under rocks know about Pokemon GO, so I don’t need to say much about Nin-

tendo’s foray into mobile gaming. The global craze provided yet another smash hit for the gaming giant, as millions took to the world’s streets in search of rare Pokemon.

4) Virginia (PS4/XBO/ PC, Cert 12). Without a single word of dialogue or narrative to its brief length, this quirky game still wowed, providing a masterclass in storytelling.

Like a curious mashup of Twin Peaks and The X-Files, its basic characters and simplistic art style, still managed to present a complex tale with a range of human emotion – with its classy soundtrack also impressing.

5) Inside (PS4/XBO/ PC, Cert 18). There were a hundred different ways

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 23

2

GAZETTE

GAMING 5

3

6

4

3

Pokemon GO Caused near mass hysteria around the world

4

Virginia Had no dialogue, but was a masterclass of storytelling

ACCLAIMED OR SUCCESSFUL TITLES

7

5 Inside Gothic touches created a compelling side-scrolling platformer 6 Overwatch Fired a rocket of inclusive fun into the Boys-Own shooting genre, delivering a payload of upbeat mayhem

8

games ...

to accidentally guide this game’s little character to his doom in this, but exploring this near-monochrome sidescrolling platformer was a treat.

With humourous touches as dark as its palette, and a slowly revealed narrative, Inside impressed with its pure game design as much as its stark visuals.

6) Overwatch (PS4/ XBO/PC, Cert 12). To the surprise of many, Overwatch dominated what I’ll call ‘shooter’ games for much of the year, with a strong focus on the fun, rather than the gun.

Popular with everyone from hardcore gamers to casual players to LGBT gaymers and many more, Overwatch’s colourful graphics, zany characters, quirky powers and other atypical traits saw it reclaim territory from more traditionally grim shooter games. Speaking of which ...

7) Battlefield 1 (PS4/ XBO/PC, Cert 18). Settings don’t come much grimmer than World War One’s l a n d scapes –

Congratulations, Nathan Drake – your game, Uncharted 4, is officially The Gazette’s Game of the Year 2016! Well done!

yet Battlefield 1’s take on The Great War outgunned rival shooters.

Dumping the techheavy nonsense that has smothered rival shooters, B1’s purist back-to-basics approach, coupled with very impressive graphics and levels, saw it hit the target with gamers.

8) The Witness (PS4/ XBO/PC, Cer t 3+) .

Released at the start of the year, The Witness could be played by anyone – anyone from Mensa, perhaps, as its beautifuly realised island was full of real headscratcher puzzles to unlock as you explored.

Something of a cult hit, its laidback p a c e

9

10

7 Battlefield 1 Stripped-back gameplay subtly added depth to its chaotic World War One setting 8 The Witness Beautiful island setting and lush graphics hid head-scratcher puzzles galore 9 Dishonored 2 Late 2016 release wowed with singular and superb art style and open-ended gameplay 10 Hitman Its initially derided but soon acclaimed episodic release proved naysayers wrong

and variety of puzzles give it a timeless appeal – though I’m probably not the only person who resorted to YouTube walkthroughs to solve some of its trickier bits.

9) Dishonored 2 (PS4/ X B O / P C , C e r t 18 ) .

Although a very late

2016 release – last week’s review, you’ll recall – Dishonored 2 greatly impressed with one of the most singularly realised games of the year.

Its wonderful art direction, intricately designed levels and the ability to complete it as peacefully/

violently as you wish give it lots of replayability.

10) Hitman (PS4/XBO/ PC, Cert 18). The latest in the long-running franchise (starring everyone’s favourite bald assassin) was initially derided when its developer decided to release the game serially,

releasing a new level every month or so.

Despite this unusual approach, and a number of flaws, gamers loved its vast, elabourate levels that were packed full of silly, inventive or practical ways to eliminate a shifty group of very bad people.

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2016

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE fast TRAVEL Destination moon!

The sky’s (not) the limit for an ambitious new destination  IAN BEGLEY

WITHIN 10 years, holidaymakers could be literally flying to the moon – that’s according to a private firm that wants to set up lunar travel.

Moon Express is hopeful that their ambitious endeavour will occur in the near future, thanks to a ruling by the US government that has made the company the first private business to be given the green light to land on the moon.

America’s Federal Aviation Administration gave the go-ahead late this year, and now Moon Express is planning its first trip to the moon next year, with the aim of sending human holidaymakers by 2026.

Moon Express cofounder and chairman Naveen Jain has said tickets for the trip will cost around $10,000 (£9,200).

He said: “The sky is not the limit for Moon Express – it is the launchpad. This breakthrough ruling is another giant leap for humanity.

“Space travel is our only path forward to ensure our survival and create a limitless future for our children. In the immediate future, we envision bringing precious resources, metals and moon rocks back to Earth.”

TRAVEL

CINQUE TERRE: STEP OVER TO THIS WALKING ROUTE THROUGH A STUNNING AREA

Italian adventure offers so much ‘amore’ of all you need to feel relaxed I RAN away to explore the world at the tender age of 18, and even though I’ve yet to come across a country that owns my heart like Ireland does, I always feel at home when I’m in Italy.

Italy is a country that I adore. She has it all: coast, mountains, skiing, sunbathing, great food, art, history, culture, showstopping architecture and the Italians know how to party!

So, at just a two-hour flight away from Dublin, I’m never one to refuse the opportunity to get my backside to Italy.

Lately, I’ve become a fan of the walking holiday; after my pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago earlier this year I researched other famous walking routes across Europe and came across Cinque Terre – a UNESCO world heritage site on the north-east coast of Italy, between Genoa and Pisa.

Cinque Terre literally translates to ‘five lands’ and that’s exactly what it is. The rugged coastline draws a u-shape with five darling towns dotted along the edge, looking as though one little shake and they’d topple over in to the Ligurian Sea. Arriving in Monterosso, I got my first view of the sea and took a few moments to deeply inhale the fresh sea air and absorb the views.

The streets were cobblestoned, buildings painted bright pastel colours with smiling locals, and even

 GERALDINE O’CALLAGHAN

Reality TV star

in November the sun was glorious.

Enjoying a coffee while sitting at a boardwalk out on the seaside, I felt a million miles away from the stress of work. Life moves at a different pace in Italy – and even a step slower in Cinque Terre.

Taking the local train from Monterosso – which is the most northerly of the five towns to Riomaggiore – I arrived to walk through a tunnel along the Via dell’Amore (The Way of Love).

Beautiful You have to give it to the Italians – they love an aul’ bit of romance. It’s one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world, so they named it aptly, don’t you think?

After a long day travelling, I was a little disheartened to realise that Riomaggiore is embedded into the hills and my hotel was – yes, you’ve guessed it – up at the very top.

Anyway, soldiering on up, I got myself to the top.

The climb – awful as it was – was so worth it. The views from my hotel balcony were so perfect it was

like staring at a postcard.

Up and out early the next morning, I had plans of walking the full boardwalk from Riomaggiore through Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and finish off having lunch in Monterosso before getting the local train back to my hotel in Riomaggiore.

It didn’t quite go according to plan ... the stretch of the Via dell’Amore boardwalk between Riomaggiore and Manarola is closed off for repair work, so it was up and over the hills with me.

The hills are steep enough and the climb is physically challenging, but every time you look over your shoulder, the views get better and better and the sense of achievement gets stronger and stronger.

The climb down from the peak into Manarola is steep. Although all five towns look alike, they each have their own distinct character. Manarola has tiny winding streets – if you stretch out your arms, you can reach the houses on both sides!

Although there is a small beach in Monterosso, Cinque Terre isn’t a beach holiday. It’s purely all about the walking routes and views and wine – definitely about the wine.

All the locals grow grapes in their gardens, so every shop, restaurant and hotel sell wines produced with their very own hands.

There’s something very beautiful about that.

There’s a lot to be said for the walking holiday versus a beach or partying holiday (or maybe it’s just that I’m getting old).

The thing about a walking holiday is when you get home you feel completely fresh and revitalised.

It’s almost like being out in the fresh air all

The Cinque Terre (‘five lands) walking route in northeastern Italy offers lots of stunning sights, with charming towns cascading down the ancient hillsides to the gentle waters of the Ligurian Sea

day scrubs out the brain of clutter and stress and every step you take is a step further from your troubles. Something that gives you that result is certainly worth trying.

My holiday was a week long, booked through

OneFootABroad.com who supplied me with all maps and walking notes and advice on which walk to choose on certain days.

They also gave me an emergency helpline number. I flew in to Milan with Ryanair.

15 December 2016 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

SULLY

Hanks for an okay biopic DIRECTOR Clint Eastwood delivers a solid biopic with Sully (Cert 12A, 95 mins). Telling of the famous incident about a plane crash landing safely on a Noo Yawk river, Tom Hanks stars as the titular captain of the troubled flight, with ‘Sully’ hailed as a hero – at least, until a number of investigators started to question his actions. Still, it’s a likeable film about the interesting incident.

Rebel fighter Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) finds herself deep in Star Wars territory: in a desperate fight against the evil Empire, facing suicidal odds

ROGUE ONE: EXPERTLY SPUN TALE IS A FINE PREQUEL TO CLASSIC STAR WARS LORE

MOANA

Surfing on great reviews DISNEY makes quite a splash with Moana (Cert PG, 113 mins), with its plucky Polynesian princess (oh, and demigod sidekick) ignoring the usual tropes for the genre. Likeable vocal work take a back seat to some stellar graphics and animation, and while Moana and friends don’t sail completely clear of some familiar themes, it’s a fresh, vibrant and welcome film for all the family.

FANTASTIC BEASTS As the title says ...

WHILE MANY are calling it ‘the new Harry Potter film’, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (Cert 12A, 133 mins), set earlier in the same universe as the worldconquering wizardry series, is a decent addition to the franchise. Stepping across the pond to America, its new characters and setting will reinvigorate fans, while bringing in new ones to see our ordinary world and its magical undertones.

Makes a Force-ful impact IT’S not until those first words appear across the screen, in blue and black, that its hits you – you are, in fact, watching a second Star Wars movie in as many years.

How time has flown since 2015’s The Force Awakens. Some condemned Disney’s eagerness to release another Star Wars movie so soon (and each consecutive year, from the looks of things), anticipating a rush that would damage the franchise after the critical success of JJ Abram’s Episode VII. When word of production troubles and reshoots hit the Internet, many fans’ worst fears appeared to be confirmed. Thankfully, any worries about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Cert 12A, 133 mins) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story are entirely unwarranted.

Director Gareth Edwards has produced a spectacular, satisfying

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

and genuinely moving Star Wars experience – its existence justified with a style and tone that is refreshingly different, yet so completely and perfectly Star Wars.

Rogue One’s eagerness to separate itself from the main series is rigidly clear from the very beginning – for the first time, a Star Wars movie starts proceedings without the signature text ‘crawl’, or John Williams’ beloved theme music.

Furthermore, the events of the opening sequence are far darker than any the series has previously offered.

Prior to the events of A New Hope, the newly formed Galactic Empire is working on a space sta-

tion capable of destroying entire planets – even the most casual viewer should recognise the infamous Death Star.

In response, a group of unlikely heroes, led by the young Jyn Orso (Felicity Jones), work together to steal the plans to the superweapon and deliver them to the Rebel Alliance.

Almost any Star Wars fan will have a rough idea going in to Rogue One of how events are going to transpire – it is a prequel, after all. Consequently, Rogue One has an inherent, inevitable sense of tragedy.

Accordingly, the story’s power lies in its characters and how they develop, rather than the narrative itself.

When we first meet her, Jyn is a different kind of Star Wars hero: brooding, broken and apathetic, she’s a far cry from the wide-eyed optimism of Luke, Finn, Rey or – dare I say it – the young Ana-

As usual, it’s a bad day to be a Rebel against the Empire in the Star Wars galaxy

kin Skywalker.

Those central themes throughout the franchise – sacrifice and hope – take a while to manifest in this story’s hero, but her arc, when it develops, feels completely natural.

The rest of the courageous team is played with undeniably Star War-sy heartfelt enthusiasm by Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen, with Alan Tudyk as occasional comic relief, droid K-2SO. Ben Mendelsohn is delightfully nasty as Orson Krennic, the director of the Death Star programme and Rogue One’s

key villain.

The cast of characters packs a number of wonderful, fan-targeted surprises, both big and small.

Visually, Rogue One is a special effects masterpiece and throws plenty of nods to the series’ past and future. The spot-on 1970s Sci-Fi aesthetic extends from sets and vehicles to haircuts and facial hair. Watching a real x-wing dogfight, complete with cockpit conversations and call signs, is a wonderful, nostalgic thrill.

To point out Rogue One’s later narrative missteps would be to spoil

the film entirely. However, these issues are more so inevitabilities, given the overall storyline, and they are rendered almost insignificant by the film’s s p e c t a c u l a r, a c t i o n packed climax.

While maintaining an indeterminate, yet thoroughly franchise-perfect sensation, Rogue One sets itself apart from instalments gone by.

Accordingly, in a postForce Awakens world of entertainment, Rogue One gives us a genuine reason to eagerly anticipate a new Star Wars movie every year.

Verdict: 9/10

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2016

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GAZETTE

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2016

SPORT

FastSport LEINSTER SET UP TITLE DECIDER: LEINSTER’S women rugby team set up an interprovincial championship decider with Munster next Saturday in Donnybrook at 2.30pm following their impressive 46-0 win over Ulster.

They did so with two tries from number eight Paul Fitzpatrick and winger Katie Fitzhenry while Alisa Hughes, Hannah Tyrrell and Niamh Byrne also crossed for tries against the northern province.

Jenny Murphy augmented the win with 11 points with the boot.

Murphy started the scoring in the 19th minute from a penalty when scrum-half Hughes was taken out at a ruck.

Leinster built the lead with accurate passing from deep for full-back Kim Flood to put Fitzhenry over on the left. Hughes’s try helped to make it 17-0 at the break.

And they duly scored a bonus point when Fitzhenry scored her second try in the 50th minute before Fitzpatrick touched down off the back of a line-out maul.

HOCKEY: UCD AND EY LEAGUE LEADERS PLAY OUT HIGH OCTANE DRAW AT BELFIELD

Students halt Hermes’ run of victories

 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

UCD ended HermesMonkstown’s perfect record in the women’s EY Hockey League but the visitors to Belfield last Sunday remain four points clear at the head of the table at the halfway stage.

The meeting of the division’s top two sides proved a cracker, flow-

ing from end to end, with both sides having their chance to claim all three points.

Fortunes swung dramatically from end to end with both teams having their moments but a draw was probably a fair result.

The first half was helterskelter with big chances at either end right from the start.

Hermes-Monkstown’s first corner saw Clodagh

Cassin save well from Chloe Watkins while UCD fluffed a three-onone counter-attack.

Suzie Kelly then swept a Lena Tice corner shot off the line before the visitors took the lead on the first quarter hooter.

Watkins’s disguised pass was smart, picking out Rosie Carrigan who slid onto the ball for 1-0.

UCD, though, had a string of corners of their own

Railway Union’s Kate McKenna. Picture: Adrian Boehm

UCD’s Lena Tice was a star performer. Picture: Adrian Boehm

with Katie Mullan playing a key role along with the immaculate Tice.

The sweeper created the opening for the equaliser when she beat a couple of players before laying off to Gillian Pinder.

Her cracking shot was saved by Liz Murphy but only as far as Sorcha Clarke who popped home from close range.

It remained 1-1 through the third quarter in spite of a concerted HermesMonkstow n spell of attacking with Anna O’Flanagan and Nikki Evans going close.

UCD had the best of the early stages of the final quarter but were almost caught at the death when Evans won a corner. O’Flanagan worked

an opening to shoot but Mullan charged it down, meaning it was honours even.

In the chasing pack, Railway Union picked off a significant 3-1 victory over Cork Harlequins at Farmer’s Cross to move back into the top five of the division.

The visitors were the dominant force in the opening stages in terms of territory and possession, winning a corner inside a minute as Emma Smyth made her presence felt.

The Dubliners went into the lead in the 29th minute from a penalty corner with Anna May Whelan getting the final touch from a penalty corner. The lead didn’t last long however.

Yvonne O’Byrne broke through a few tackles before shooting on her reverse into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1 at the break.

But final quarter goals from Sinead Dooley and Kate McKenna saw Railway pull clear as the moved back into the top half of the table.

Loreto strengthened their position in fourth place as the McDermott sisters Freya and Hannah helped score a 2-0 win over Belfast Harlequins.

Pembroke finally got off the mark in the women’s EY Hockey League as they drew 2-2 at fellow strugglers Ulster Elks in Jordanstown, keeping it very tight at the bottom of the table.

Oldtown’s ASK racing to launch stars of the future  sport@dublingazette.com

ASKRacing have launched big plans for 2016

ASK RACING have announced big plans for 2017, joining what they call “the largest and most competitive field to date” in the newly rebranded Pirelli Supercar Championship, and hoping to use the position to promote young Irish drivers.

Based in Oldtown in the north county, ASK is one of Ireland’s most successful racing teams.

Much of the Supercar Championship takes place in the UK, at iconic circuits such as Brands

Hatch – added to the championship for the coming season – but ASK will link in with the more local Ginetta offering, which takes place in part at Kildare’s popular Mondello Park circuit.

The team have partnered with the Junior Ireland competition for the coming season, and will offer the top driver in the championship a race in the Pirelli Supercar Championship at the final round in Brands Hatch as a reward for their effort.

The top three drivers in the championship will get a test

drive for ASK following its conclusion next year, with the Ginetta winner put forward for the Brands Hatch event, a potentially decisive part of the Supercar calendar.

The team hope that the initiative will give drivers between the age of 14 and 17 the chance to step up to supercar racing, and give an opportunity for a young Irish driver to launch a career.

As well as running events and offering driving experiences, ASK also provide race support and build track-ready cars to sell on to drivers, includ-

ing cars aimed at competing in the supercar championship for other drivers.

They also train at Mondello Park, using specialised data collection to help racing drivers or potential racing drivers identify areas for improvement.

The team have asked any 14-17 year olds interested in competing in the Ginetta Junior Ireland Championship to contact the team, via their website w w w.askracing.com, where contact information for Class Principal Ann Stevens is available.

15 December 2016 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Capturing the mood of a Season of Sundays Sportsfile supremo Ray McManus reflects on what makes the annual pictorial book from his company on the GAA season gone by such an enduring companion to the year  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

RAY MCMANUS is celebrating 20 years of what he jokingly calls “Sportsfile’s Business Card,” A Season Of Sundays which came out last month The annual photo book looks at the world of GAA through the photographer’s lens, a pictorial view of the highs and lows of 2016 from some of the best in the game.

The book was borne from inauspicious beginnings. An anonymous journalist made a comment that appeared to undervalue McManus’s work back in the mid-90s.

“I remember a journalist – who has passed away now – calling me up and asking me if I have any photos lying around. I told him I don’t have pho-

tos ‘lying around’. I like to think I’m a bit better, a bit more professional than that!” McManus told GazetteSport. “That gave me the idea, and it’s really become a calling card for Sportsfile.”

Enda Kenny agrees, saying at the launch of the book – which is already close to selling out in what would be a first ahead of Christmas – that the team’s work “inevitably transports back to a magic and memorable sporting moment.”

The annual release has taken the same format since it first appeared: a 168-page hardback presented in chronological order, exploring the GAA’s various different sports and competitionss, but also their settings and the people involved in them.

McManus has a pen-

chant for the unusual in a sports photos. “You never quite know what you’re going to find,” he tells us.

“A few things have changed over the years – the haircuts and the clothing, but most of it hasn’t changed that much.

I like going to the more quaint grounds, places like Aughrim in Wicklow, and Ennis in Clare. This year I turned up in Aughrim and they were renovating a stand, so the little tea hut had moved around the back. Little things like that can make for the best photos.”

This year, those photos feature Dublin’s fourth consecutive national league title, and second consecutive All-Ireland, as well as Tipperary’s hurling win, action from St Patrick’s Day’s All-Ireland club finals – includ-

Not even the travelling legion of Dubs in Nowlan Park can suck Diarmuid Connolly’s penalty into the net as Laois’s Graham Brody saves. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

ing Ballyboden St Enda’s footballing glory – and a story that’s stretched well beyond the lifespan of even this long-running journal, Mayo and the now 66-year curse.

“It’s about capturing atmosphere,” McManus explains. “It’s not really designed to follow the narrative of a season – though being in date order, and

about at Sportsfile. There are some incredible photographers generally, as good as anywhere.

“I think getting the image is a mix of luck, skill and anticipation, when it comes to sport. In some, like boxing, you almost have to know a boxer is going to throw a punch before he knows he will.

“You’ve got to concen-

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘It’s about the most representative images, whether it’s a cup of tea in the crowd or a trophy being lifted.’

- Sportsfile’s Ray McManus --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

with the scores and key moments more heavily featured, you certainly can follow Dublin orTipperary through the year.

“But it’s not all about reporting anyone’s progress. It’s about the most representative images, whether that’s a cup of tea in the crowd or a trophy being lifted.

“You don’t really go to the game as a fan because you’re looking at it all through a viewfinder. It’s very much about focusing on the image.

“In sports photography, that can mean capturing something that exists only for a split second. If you miss if, it’s gone, and you just have to move on.”

And McManus says the sports photography scene in Ireland is up there with the best in the world.

“I’m not just talking

trate, as – no disrespect to wedding photographers or those shooting promotional images in St Stephen’s Green – this has no replays, and you can forget about whatever you miss.

You’ll never catch everything, but it’s like they say about golf, the more you practise, the luckier you get.”

A Season Of Sundays – which also features photo annotations by GAA Head of Communications Alan Milton – puts the best of those “lucky” moments in a book.

It’s available from major bookshops now, and via the books section of the Sportsfile website at www. sportsfile.com. ** McManus wishes to thank sponsor Carroll’s of Tullamore, who he says “keep the book affordable!”

FASTSport

Liam O’Riain, Cllr Darragh Butler and Paul Reid at the announcement. Picture: Kevin McFeely

Newbridge House to host Dublin half marathon NEWBRIDGE House and Farm in Donabate will host the 2017 Dublin Half Marathon which will take place on Sunday, September 24 with up to 10,000 runners taking part in the race around the peninsula.

The formal announcement was made by Dublin Marathon race director, Jim Aughney, and a special reception in County Hall, Swords, on Monday evening to mark the occasion with Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler, Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid, the Chairman of Dublin Marathon, Liam Ó Riain, members of the Council and representatives of local athletics clubs in attendance The event, which is the biggest half marathon run in Ireland, had previously been staged in the Phoenix Park but the number of participants had to be capped at 8,000.

The move to Fingal will allow race organisers to cater for the growing demand from athletes at home and abroad to participate in the race.

“The half marathon has huge potential to grow and, with the commitment of FingalCounty Council, we believe it will rapidly reach over 10,000 participants. Fingal offers a unique venue in Newbridge House and also some of the most scenic areas for our athletes,” Aughney said at the launch. The actual route will be announced in due course. Cllr Butler added that the event would be a major boost to the area.

“An event like this will certainly help to promote Fingal and the prospect of 10,000 runners together with their families and supporters coming to the area will certainly generate extra revenue for local businesses.

“I’ve taken part in all the Fingal10ks and I’m not sure if I’ll be up for the half marathon but I might give it a go,” he said.

At the reception a special presentation of cheques for €3,000 was made by the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon Race Series to representatives of Metro St Brigid’s, Clonliffe Harriers and Fingallians Athletic Club in appreciation of each club providing stewards and volunteers for the events. Entries for the Dublin Half Marathon and the Fingal 10K, which takes place on Sunday, July 23, in Swords, are now being taken at www. sseairtricitydublinmarathon.ie

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: HORRIGAN FAMILY ENJOY STELLAR DAY AT WESTMEATH OPEN

Elmgreen to receive big boost from Carr Golf ELMGREEN golf club – along with Corballis GC – is set to receive a big boost with the announcement that Carr Golf will invest €1 million investment into dramatically improving both facilities.

Carr Golf are Ireland’s fastest growing golf club management and maintenance specialists and their ambitious plans will help to reinvigorate two of Dublin’s most well-known golf clubs.

The initial phase will focus on improving the presentation of both courses and this is already underway with the recent purchase of state-ofthe-art machinery worth over €500,000.

The new machinery will assist a 25-strong team of expert greenkeepers who will be working tirelessly over the coming weeks and months to elevate the standards of both courses.

Initial reaction has been extremely positive from members and guests, with many commenting that they have already noticed improvements to the quality of the courses, which has greatly enhanced their playing experience.

Plans are also in place to renovate the off course facilities at Corballis and Elmgreen with a further investment of more than €500,000 being committed to improving the clubhouses, pro shops, locker rooms, driving range and restaurant, with work commencing in early 2017.

Carr Golf will manage all aspects of each club’s operations and, during the tender process, they engaged Goodform to carry out extensive research of members and visitors at the clubs.

The feedback has helped shape their investment plans and prioritise those areas needing immediate improvement.

Elmgreen Golf Club is a quaint parkland course designed by renowned golf course architect Eddie Hackett. Although situated just off the M50 and only 20 minutes from the city centre, the course offers spectacular views of the Dublin mountains and is renowned for year round playability.

Speaking about the plans for the golf courses, Marty Carr, CEO at Carr Golf said: “We see this as a really exciting time for Elmgreen and Corballis Golf Clubs and hope that members and guests enjoy this new journey with us as we strive to dramatically improve their experience and present a far superior golf course, facility and service.

Improved communications and engagement with members will also ensure they are kept updated of club initiatives at all times.”

Horrigan siblings Conor, Nathan and Kaithlin are pictured - with their winners certs - with Karl Brabazon and fellow club members

Blanch siblings golden day  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

BLANCHARDSTOWN siblings Conor, Nathan and Kaithlin Horrigan produced a set of results to remember as they all won gold at the Westmeath and Longford Open championships.

Conor, 15, stopped his opponent in his final while Nathan, 14, won all three rounds of his decider to add to a Dublin league title won earlier in the year.

The 11-year-old added to the clean sweep for the family with a third gold.

The trio recently moved from Leixlip boxing club to Lucan and club coach Karl Brabazon – a former amateur national champion – says this latest win represents a significant stepping stone for the youngsters on their rise through the ranks.

“This was the first time we had them entering in events and it’s a fantastic base,” he told GazetteSport.

“This is the first title and will kick-start their season as they build up to the Dublin championships in February at the Ringside at the back

TRIDENTS REPELLED Dublin 15 club bow out of National Inter Cup TRIDENTS bowed out of basketball’s intermediate national cup at the hands of Galway’s Maree last weekend, succumbing on a 69-50 scoreline.

The damage was done in the first half with the Connacht hosts building a 41-21 lead at Calasancticus College. Grainne McGlade weighed in with 10 points while Eilis O’Meara landed seven points. The Blanch club had reached the second round following a win over Carraig an Bhfear.

Picture: Martin Doherty

of the National Stadium.

“From there, depending on the category and how many fights they get, they can then try and aim at an All-Ireland.”

Exhibitions The club is currently working with a new wave of boxers who are finding their feet in the sport with up to 40 in the youth categories regularly taking part in club exhibitions, building up experience.

The youngest group under Brabazon’s tutelage is currently aged

between five and nineyears-old in the Lucan academy which r uns every Saturday morning, right the way up until New Year’s Eve when each boxer will receive a set of boxing gloves.

With this group, Brabazon explains that it is all about “engagement” and “the basics”, teaching the boxers through a mixture of games and technical sessions.

As for his own aspirations in the ring, the Lucan man says he has had a couple of offers to return to professional bouts for the first time since 2013.

It is something he says he is open to but getting the balance right between putting in the work and training required, keeping the club going and looking after his young family means is a tricky one.

“There are a couple of new promotions like Westside in Tallaght and it is something I am considering but I have to weigh up if it is something that I can commit to.”

For now, the focus remains on developing the club’s youth and bringing them to the next level.

15 December 2016 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

GAELIC GAMES: SPONSOR SOUGHT FOR D15 NURSERY

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S BEST wishes to Barry Cahill and Kevin

Park. A huge thank you to all the par-

Bonner on their retirement. Both

ents, players and coaches who helped

have been fantastic players and loyal

out with nursery during the year.

servants to the club over the years.

most welcome in 2017. For further

for their senior ladies football team

information and queries, contact

for the 2017 season.

David on 085 8340169.

The team has contested the senior

O u r l o t t o j a c k p o t r e m a i n s at

championship final in both of the past

€15,000 with the reserve now also at

two years.

€15,000.

We seek a mana ger wi th good organisational skills who will provide

Erin Go Bragh are hoping they can expand their youth section even further

Erin Go Bragh seek help for expansion  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ERIN GO BRAGH are looking for a nursery sponsor as their fastgrowing section for 4-7 year olds expands to encompass all five local primary schools in early 2017.

Having had just 30 regular attendees in the age group 18 months ago, a great deal of effort has gone into expanding the nursery to 120, with lots of local parents getting involved in coaching and planning the programs.

The addition of kids from the remaining two local schools is expected to lift the total to 150 early in the New Year, with further expansions bringing numbers to 220 by the end of 2017.

Nursery co-ordinator Donal Quinn told GazetteSport that costs are becoming an issue for the club, both in relation to equipment and the hire of the all-weather facilities at Phibblestown.

Sponsorship would help relieve this pressure as well as providing good

value to potential sponsors as the nursery grows.

“We’re looking for an overall, headline sponsor,” Quinn said. “An exclusive link up that will work across the whole of the academy, help with the facilities and providing the children with gear.

We’re growing so it might prove good value for the sponsor, too.”

The Ongar club currently collaborate with nearby Westmanstown Gaels to play as St Catherine’s at minor level, where they recently won their minor title, and are also Under-16 champions.

The long-term aim of projects like the nursery – aside from their intrinsic value for the kids involved – is to make the club selfsufficient at a higher level, which they hope might have a knock-on effect up through the age groups.

Speaking of the style of the nursery groups, Quinn said “The kids usually do about half an hour of skills in either football or hurling in each session. We don’t split them by football and hurling until they reach the age

of seven. They also play non-GA A games like Duck Duck Goose. The main aim is definitely fun ahead of anything else at this stage.”

The schools currently involved with Erin Go Bragh nursery are Ongar primary schools Scoil Grainne, Hansfield Educate Together and Mary Mother Of Hope, with children from St Benedict’s and Castaheany Educate Together to be added in the New Year.

Quinn emphasises, however, that anyone in the right age group is welcome to join.

“It’s taken off so much in the last little while, it’s been fantastic to see. We just want to make sure we can carry on doing it for all the kids,” Quinn concludes.

You can find information on the nursery section and its plans via Erin Go Bragh’s website at http://eringobraghgaa.ie/ juvenile-section/nursery/.

New members and families are

St Brigid’s are seeking a manager

There was no jackpot winner in last week’s draw.

a high standard of coaching to drive

This week’s draw will take place in

on our team. If you are interested,

Russell Park on Thursday, December

please contact Ken Nyhan on 086

15 and will be the last draw before the

2524338.

New Year.

St Brigid’s GAA nursery is taking a

Many thanks to everyone who sup-

break for Christmas and will resume

ports our club lotto and to our great

on Saturday, January 14 in Russell

lotto committee.

CASTLEKNOCK

GREAT nursery party last Saturday.

8 draw. The numbers were 1, 8, 10 and

Loads of fun had by all. Thanks to the

25. There were 12 match three win-

organisers. The nursery, with thanks

ners. Next draw in DeBrun’s.

to Tigers Childcare, is finished until

Well done to the Castleknock lads selected for Dubs stars game.

the new year.

Best of luck to Cian O’Dualaig who lines out for TCD hurling.

GA A National draw tickets are

Cash for Clobber goes on all year round. Just drop your old clothes to Somerton.

available; please contact any men-

Chartered Physiotherapy service

tor to get your ticket. Our Christmas

for club members runs every Satur-

newsletter is now out.

day in Castleknock Hotel.

Special offers from Drycleanit and

Available by appointment only.

Castleknock Hotel for club members,

Contact James Sherry MISCP on 087

see Facebook for details.

7553451 or email james_sherry8@

No lotto winner from our December

hotmail.com to book.

NAOMH PEREGRINE WELL done to the adult ladies footballer Jennifer Judge on been selected for the Blue Stars junior panel.

can register for a Whatsapp group.

For further details, contact Niall on 086 607 3190 or Barry on 087 618 3868.

The club main pitch is not to be used

The juvenile awards take place on

for training without prior approval of

December 17; the nursery and acade-

Dave McEneaney/Paul Harte.

my is from 12pm-2pm; CCC1 and CCC2

Our nursery (born 2011 and 2012)

take place from 2.30-4:30pm.

and academy (born 2009 and 2010)

There was no winner of this week’s

kids train every Thursday (5-6pm for

club lotto. Numbers drawn were 15, 17,

all) and Saturday (9.30am nursery

20 and 22.

and 10.30am for the academy).

Newcomers always welcome. Bring gum shields, helmets, hurls, water

Well done to our 10 winners of €40 drawn out.

Next week’s jackpot will be €7,800.

Thank you to all who suppor t the

and subs.

Details on Facebook “Naomh Peregrines GAA Academy” or parents

club lotto as this is a major source of funds for the club.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

32 BLANCH GAZETTE 15 December 2016