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Gazette BLANCH

September 21 - 27, 2017

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Council could be missing out on millions in rates

Cllr: ‘Targeting backlog in commercial rates could raise far more than property taxes’

 MARK O’BRIEN THE council, which last week voted to increase local property taxes next year, could be losing out on a significant amount of income due to uncollected commercial rates.

A backlog in revising and revaluing commercial buildings by the valuations office could mean that Fingal is potentially missing out on millions in uncollected rates, Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) has claimed.

Revaluation is a process where all rateable prop-

erties in a local authority area are valued periodically by reference to a single valuation date.

Following the first revaluation, subsequent revaluations of each rating authority area will then be carried out on a cyclical basis no sooner than five years and no later than ten

years after the first revaluation in accordance with Section 25 of the Valuation Act 2001.

Revision is intended to reflect structural changes to individual properties or the addition to the valuation lists of new properties between revaluations.

Continued on Page 4

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 21 September 2017

ST CATHERINE’S PARK | COUNCILLORS BACK MOTION BY 100%

Boost in fight against controversial road plan  MARK O’BRIEN THE removal of the controversial indicative road through St Catherine’s Park moved one step closer last week after Fingal councillors unanimously voted to remove the road from the County Development Plan.

No funding had been allocated to the road, nor had feasibility studies been carried out in relation to the road, but locals had raised concerns that if the road was built it would spoil a valuable local amenity.

Mayor Mary McCamley (LAB) had initially brought forward a motion to remove the indicative

FASTNews

Local Ciara named one of most exciting Irish business stars

A BLANCHARDSTOWN woman has been named as one of Ireland’s top young businesspeople.

Ciara O’Doherty (28) was named as one of the Sunday Independent’s “Most Exciting Business Stars Under 30”.

Ciara is already a wellknown fashion blogger, as well as a freelance TV presenter and stylist.

She recently launched her company Taylor & Rose – a formal accessory brand specialising in coutureinspired headpieces, crowns and hair accessories.

Although her star is rising, Ciara said she was initially very reluctant to call herself an entrepreneur but is now comfortable with the label.

She added that she believed that ambition and conviction were the main traits were required to succeed in business.

Tania Doyle with members of Save St Catherines Park

road from the plan at the June meeting of Fingal County Council.

Due to lack of time, the motion was suspended to allow for further discussion on the issue.

Mayor McCamley raised the motion again at last week’s meeting and it was unanimously passed by 33 votes to nil.

Speaking after the vote, the Save St Catherine’s

Park campaign said: “Another step forwards to Save St Catherine’s Park took place in Fingal Offices, Swords. Thanks to all involved and the huge amount of work behind this campaign.”

However, they cautioned that as the vote was not binding on council officials, they would be “keeping an eye on things” to ensure that the indicative road was removed.

Cllr Tania Doyle, who campaigned to save the park, said after the meeting: “With the passing of the motion tonight, one more step forward to keep the park as a green flag community amenity.”

Cllr Doyle offered her congratulations to all who were involved with the campaign.

Local TD Joan Burton, who previously raised the issue in the Dail said that she was delighted that the motion had received unanimous support.

She also reassured campaigners that there were no plans to currently build a road through St Catherine’s Park.

Speaking after the meeting, she said: “Last night’s vote by councillors is not binding on the Fingal County Chief Executive, however from my own representations to the National Roads Authority and Transport Infra-

structure Ireland neither state agency is seeking to build a new National Road through St Catherine’s Park.

“I am continuing to be vigilant in respect of defending the park from inappropriate and residents can count on my full support in their campaign to defend the park.”

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said a final decision on removing the indicative line would be taken in the context of the overall County Development Plan.

Now for a few words: Toastmasters THE inaugural meeting of Dublin 15 Toastmasters will take place in Saint Brigid’s Community Centre, Church Ave, Blanchardstown Village, on Thursday, September 28.

Dublin 15 Toastmasters offer the best way to improve your communication skills, lose your fears of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path you’ve chosen in life.

No prior registration or booking is required.

The group plan to meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month, at the same venue.

All adults, 18 years and over are very welcome to attend, without any obligation whatsoever.

There is no charge on the first meeting.

Attendees are asked to meet at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. For more information contact Tony on 086 822 1274 or just come along on the night.

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DEALS | HOW TO SAVE YOURSELF €50 & JOIN THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST CAR-SHARING CLUB FOR FREE

GoCar race is on IT’S European Mobility Week, and GoCar have come up with a cracking way to help raise awareness of the campaign – offering Dublin drivers FREE membership until the end of next week (it’s usually €50).

Since 2002, European Mobility Week has sought to influence mobility and urban transport issues, as well as improve public health and quality of life. The campaign also gives people the chance to explore the role of city streets, and to experiment with practical solutions to tackle urban challenges, such as air pollution.

That’s where GoCar comes in. The Dublin-based car-sharing kings have long been champions of sustainability.

Formed in 2008 and currently boasting a fleet of just over 300 cars, GoCar boasts 10,000 members, 170 pick-up points and recently announced that they are expanding their service beyond Dublin and Cork to seventeen further counties.

To celebrate European Mobility Week and its national expansion, GoCar is offering free memberships to all Dublin drivers with a full driving licence until September 29th. To avail of the offer, simply visit www.gocar.ie and follow their instructions.

HOW GOCAR WORKS: Simply sign up online by upload- phone or GoCard; the keys are in ing a scan of your driving licence. the car, with fuel, insurance and Once you receive your GoCard in city parking all included. Rates the post, you’re ready to go. GoCar start from €8 per hour with the first users can book cars online or via 50km of fuel included in each trip. the app, then unlock with their Visit GoCar.ie to find out more.

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RECRUITING | JOINING ‘ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I’VE EVER DONE’

Youth Theatre seeks budding young actors  MARK O’BRIEN THE D15 Youth Theatre (D15YT) are busy recruiting new members, with young people from across Dublin 15 are invited to attend auditions.

Group auditions will be held on October 1 for those aged between 14-18 years with a love of theatre, having fun, making new friends and trying new things.

D15YT was established seven years ago and Alex Cahill was one of the inaugural members.

Alex recently returned to Draiocht as a writer, with his first play “i-Court” playing two soldout shows at the theatre in July.

Alex (centre) with D15YT members

Alex said that joining D15YT aged 14 was one of the best things he has ever done and it did wonders for his confidence.

“I initially had to be dragged along to auditions by a few friends because I was an awkward, shy teenager who didn’t want to participate in any form

of social interaction with strangers,” he said.

“After letting go of my fears and getting comfortable with the group around me, I ended up scoring a place among the ranks of the newly formed theatre.”

As well as learning new skills, Alex also made a

new group of friends.

“Going into youth theatre, I knew no one,” he said.

“But looking back, I think this was for the best.

“Having a whole new group of people enter my life was a really broadening experience that enabled me to step away from any reputation I may have had in school and start anew with a fresh group of people.”

Meeting new friends and performing on stage meant that Alex developed life skills that have stood him in good stead ever since.

“Youth theatre taught me so much more than the many theatrical skills I

Appeal for witnesses after a hit and run incident CORDUFF FC have launched an appeal for information after one of their under-12 players was involved in a hit and run incident last week.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 12, with the young boy lucky to escape with only minor injuries.

A statement on the club’s Facebook page read: “We are appealing for witnesses to an incident at 6:30PM last night, the 12th of September at the Corduff/ Castlecurragh junction.

“A white Ford Sedan type car appears to have broken a red light and struck one of our under 12 players. Please email info@cordufffc.com Gardai said that an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

learned there,” he said.

“Meeting new people each year, after being a new person myself at one point, meant that talking confidently to strangers was no problem at all for me.

“From classmates in school, to cashiers in shops, to new people in college, D15YT enabled me to have confidence with everyone I met.”

Auditions for D15YT will take place from 11am to 2pm at Draiocht Blanchardstown on Sunday, October 1.

D15YT runs on Tuesday evenings 7pm-9pm, during school term times, starting in October and running until May.

FROM PAGE 1

Rates backlog The issue was raised

by Cllr Paul Donnelly at a council meeting during the debate on the raising of Local Property Tax. The council voted to increase the property tax for 2018 but Cllr Donnelly said that significantly more money could be raised by targeting the backlog in commercial rates.

He said: “I understand that 89 properties have been front loaded by the valuation office.

“If we can extrapolate that 89 to the 400 that are unrated we are talking potentially another €4m or €5m.”

Cllr Donnelly added that he felt it was extremely unfair that councillors were being asked to increase tax on homeowners when the correct commercial rates were potentially going uncollected.

The valuation office

confirmed that there were currently 396 properties awaiting revaluation or revision in Fingal.

A spokesperson said: “For the year to date 43 revision applications including 33 new properties have been dealt with in the council rating authority area.

“A further 216 revision applications are being worked on by valuers and those valuations will issue shortly.

“The number of applications for revision of valuation in respect of the council rating authority area currently awaiting assignment to valuers in the valuation office is 396 of which circe 150 relate to new properties.

“All revision applications relating to new properties in the Fingal County Council rating authority area are due to be dealt with before the end of 2017.”

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Out and About

Alan Colgan and his son Evan from the Mulhuddart Boxing Academy

Haliyat and Bintou from the Al-Awal Centre

Fun Day a big hit for all in Mulhuddart M

Nicole Travers and Victoria Flannagan. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

ULHUDDART Community Fun Day proved a very memorable event for locals who came along to Mulhuddart Community Centre, where they could enjoy bouncy castles, face painting and a barbecue, to name just a few of the attractions that contributed to the wonderful event. It was a great opportunity for the community to come together, and to share their diverse backgrounds and experiences that help to create new ties across the area.

Rachel Doyle, Rhiann Murphy and Rebecca Doyle Katie Shaw

Lade Akiwouo and Ehud Eighugha

Thomas and Alisha McDonagh

Mia Konikova

RIVERSDALE

21 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

STUDENTS AND PARENTS OF 5TH AND 6TH CLASSES ARE INVITED TO OUR OPEN NIGHT ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 6-8pm • ETB School • Class Set iPads Provided • Guidance Counselling • School Completion Programme • Strong Pastoral Care System • Interactive White Boards • Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator • Leinster Senior Soccer Champions • Yellow Flag • Amber Flag • Well Read Flag • Green Flags • School Canteen • Accelerated Maths Programme • Drop Everything and Read Programme • JCSP Library and Librarian • Transition Year • Foreign Trips • Extra-curricular Activities

WHAT WE DO BETTER

• • • • •

New Science Labs New Computer Rooms Small Class Sizes Student Council Innovative Teaching and Learning School

• • • • •

International Exchange Students Homework Clubs Book Rental Scheme Breakfast Clubs Parents Association

RIVERSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Blanchardstown Road North, Dublin 15 T: 01 8201488 E: rcc@ddletb.ie Riversdale Community College

@riversdaleCC

www.riversdaleCC.ie

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 21 September 2017

R Harry O’Toole and Patricia Salveta. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

BREWING UP A BOOSTFOR HOSPICECARE

TE Star Marty Morrissey was sipping coffee at St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown as part of Ireland’s biggest coffee morning which aims to raise €2m for hospice care.

Around 5,000 events were held around the country in an effort to raise €2m for support services for those who need pallative care. It marked 25 years of the event with more than €34,000,000 being raised since the very first coffee morning.

See full Gallery next week

SR Margaret Cashman, Fintan Fagan, Marty Morissey and Sr Patricia Walsh

CAMPAIGN | LIST OF TEN PROPOSALS

Social Democrats move to revitalise our main streets  MARK O’BRIEN

O Maolain added that he felt some of the proposals THE Social Democrats would require little work to have launched a campaign implement. to revive ailing main streets “Some of our proposacross the country – with als would be very easy to Dublin 15 being highlightimplement at little or no ed as a positive role-model cost, while others might for local authorities in less take some time, planning vibrant parts of the coun- Aengus O Maolain and funding,” he said. try.

“Those that require Under the hashtags #ProjectMain- additional investment could be paid for Street and #ShopLocalD15, Social in part by the phasing out of the 9% VAT Democrats activists will be promoting the tax break for the hospitality sector. party’s 10-point plan.

“We could also remove barriers to The measures are aimed at stimulat- using the proceeds of the recent AIB ing economic development and local job shares sale for capital spending, and pricreation, ensuring that abandoned shop oritise these kinds of projects in the new units are put to good use, and improving national Capital Plan. the overall appearance of main streets.

“Our proposals would also generate Aengus O Maolain, Social Democrats revenue for local authorities who would Dublin West chairperson and representa- collect more money in commercial rates tive for Castleknock and Blanchardstown which could then be reinvested in our said: “Across the country, many of our main streets. main streets are increasingly run down “The ten measures we are putting and neglected. forward today are about promoting “Dublin 15’s villages are an exception regional economic development, proto that rule, and compared to just a few tecting the interests of main street tradyears ago, our main streets are doing very ers, giving a leg-up to small businesses well. and entrepreneurs, and encouraging “We are lucky to have such great local community, sporting and arts groups businesses here and we hope that this to use our main streets in practical and campaign will remind people that our innovative ways.” local villages can only thrive so long as The full list of proposals can be viewed we give them our business.” at socialdemocrats.ie.

FASTNews

A celebration of our diverse communities U-FEST – an Enterprise Fair and Festival of Arts and Culture – will take place in Mulhuddart Community Centre in October.

The event aims to bring diverse communities together to celebrate their talents, skills and uniqueness.

It strives to improve social harmony, increase intercultural dialogue and encourage cooperation among local communities and businesses through music, arts, food, cultural performances, drama presentation and family fun days.

The event will take place from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, October 21.

Further information can be found at Facebook: www.facebook. com/ufestint.

Green Party’s ‘Think-In’ for the Blanch area GREEN Party Dublin West Representative, Cllr Roderic O’Gorman welcomed the Green Party to Blanchardstown for their two-day pre-Dail ‘Think-In’ which took place in the Crowne Plaza at the Blanchardstown Centre on Friday and Saturday.

The Party discussed issues like the housing crisis, public transport and mental health, along with preparations for the next general election.

“I’m delighted to welcome the Green Party to my home town of Blanchardstown today,” said Cllr O’Gorman.

D15 is a microcosm for urban Ireland today.

“At our Think-In, we placed particular emphasis on how councils can do more to provide social and affordable housing.”

21 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

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Out and About

Dublin’s No.1 fan - it’s official, he has a sign – Dylan Mulligan with pals

Mark

Deignan, Conor Andrews and Jack Mulligan

Brittany Porydzy and Mara Scallon

When everyone’s happy being blue Dean Rocks hoists the Sam Maguire aloft for the crowd after the match. Main Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne; others: Simon Peare

Tara Byrne and Alan King

Rebecca Caffrey and Megan Gore

I

T’S often said that “The Wesht is Besht”, but our country cousins were put to shame by the delight of the crowd gathered at Smithfield plaza for the thrilling, deafening, cheering night of celebration as everybody’s favourite Sam – Maguire, that is – came to town a few nights ago, bringing a party and a half along. Not even the efforts of the mighty Mayo men could keep Sam from hanging out with what felt like 10,000 friends in Smithfield, all of whom were gathered together to show that nobody throws a party like Dubliners. The sea of blue-clad supporters gave the legendary Irish trophy – and the hero team of Dubs – a brilliant night to remember.

Patrick and Charlie Brady

Emma O’Hara handles Sam with care

Sally and PJ O’Halloran flag their support

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Were you there? Thousands of people flooded Smithfield in a sea of blue – with the team getting a terrific welcome as they brought the legendary cup out, to the delight of everyone

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DUBLINBUSINESS EMPLOYMENT | ONLINE PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING GIANT MOVES IN

The DCU Enactus team head to London next week

DCU’s Enactus six primed & ready to take on the world

LinkedIn’s new EMEA HQ to see 70 jobs created

BUSINESS leaders and third level students from across the country gathered in Grand Canal Square to celebrate the official Enactus Team Ireland Launch ahead of the Enactus World Cup in London later this month.

Enactus Ireland is one of 36 country organisations around the world that operates an Enactus programme, bringing together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to solve challenges in local communities.

Earlier this summer Enactus DCU – which consists of Lucy Mangan, Mairéad McDonough, Daniel Kyne, Matthew Hewston, Margaret Hanlon and Aideen Foley – saw off nine other Irish third level institutions to be crowned 2017 Enactus Ireland National Champions.

They will now go on to compete on the global stage at the Enactus World Cup, taking place in London next week.

At the launch, the DCU team showcased their three projects to be presented at the Enactus World Cup, which include Second Scoop, an ex-prisonerwork programme in partnership with Ben & Jerry’s providing ice-cream for corporate events, festivals and fairs; Well On The Way, a social enterprise providing business apprenticeships to asylum seekers in order to integrate into Irish society; and HeadstARTS, a programme which provides weekly classes in Dance, Drama, Music and Art for people with intellectual disabilities.

See http://enactusireland.org/ to find out more Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Francis Fitzgerald joined LinkedIn Ireland’s Sharon McCooey to launch LinkedIn’s new state-ofthe-art EMEA HQ in Wilton Place earlier this week. The new offices will see the creation of around 70 jobs. Pictures: Connor McKenna

SOME 70 jobs are to be created at tech giant LinkedIn’s new headquarters, which opened in Dublin 2 earlier this week.

The social network for professionals officially opened their Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regional headquarters at Wilton Place on Monday.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Francis Fitzgerald were on hand to unveil the state-of-the-art five-storey building (left), which has been designed to create opportunities for LinkedIn staff and visitors to socialise, collaborate and exchange ideas.

Some of the facilities include a music studio, a highend gym and fitness studio, a restaurant, coffee bar, an expansive roof terrace and a games room.

A number of Irish companies were involved in the building works, and at the height of the construction – which was completed in two years – the project saw 360 workers on site every day.

The new building is the first that LinkedIn has built outside the USA, and is the result of an €85 million investment.

The development was undertaken in order to meet the needs of LinkedIn’s growing

workforce in Ireland, which has increased from three employees to 1,200 in just seven years.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Varadkar said: “When LinkedIn first came to Ireland in 2010 we were in the middle of one of our darkest periods economically.

“But today, thanks to the sacrifices of the Irish people and the policies pursued by the Government, our economy has recovered, and we are now facing the future with renewed confidence.

“Over the last seven years, the LinkedIn workforce here in Dublin has grown from just three staff members to 1,200.

“Indeed, LinkedIn’s belief in Ireland as a location for investment has contributed to our economic recovery.”

LinkedIn Ireland chief Sharon McCooey added: “With our new EMEA HQ in the heart of Dublin, we have an office that we are proud to call home, and we are honoured that An Taoiseach and An Tanaiste were able to join us for this landmark moment for our growth in Ireland.

“The level of our investment reflects our commitment to Ireland and the great work our amazing team in Dublin does every day.”

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 13

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CINEMA P24

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

SENSITIVE FRANKIE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU IN THE LURCH OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Frankie, a handsome, four-year-old male Lurcher.

He’s a typical Lurcher – bouncy, fast and active out and about, but once he gets his daily exercises he is a happy couch potato.

Frankie is a curious dog who loves to discover new places and really enjoys his walks. He is also a sensitive soul and he finds sudden, loud noises quite scary, so he will need some training that will help to build up his confidence. Training him should be lots of fun as he loves his grub! Frankie would be best living in a quiet household with a sensible adult family. This wonderful dog will thrive in the right environment and will make a great companion for life.

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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ROAR

POWER  EMMA NOLAN

A DAZZLING new winter event is coming to Dublin Zoo soon, with Wild Lights – a magical nighttime event featuring giant, colourful lanterns and illuminated animal sculptures, inspired by wildlife – promising to light up the night in delightful style.

Visitors to this must-see event can follow an enchanted trail, where they can discover a dazzling array of beautifully crafted enormous silk lanterns.

They will then be wowed by Chinese performers and crafts while enjoying Chinese foods and warm drinks. Wild Lights will will feature 12,000 metres of silk, 19,000 bulbs, 5,000 metres of LED lights, 48,000 glass bottles and 215,000 pieces of porcelain, weighing 9.5 tonnes, with the lanterns to include a pride of lions, orangutans, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and much more! Other highlights include a 16 metre-high porcelain elephant tower and a 30-metre long Chinese dragon. Everything will be handmade specifically for Dublin Zoo. Tickets for the event, which runs from the start of November into next January, are on sale now from www.dublinzoo.ie.

Visitors to the zoo’s

special exhibition

will be treated to a beautiful range of ornate, hand-crafted lights and lanterns

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DUBLINLIFE Planting good ideas into young minds on Tetra Pak Tree Day OAK-Y dokey! Tree day is coming up and Dublin primary schools are being encouraged to plant their very own oak tree to mark the occasion.

The Tree Council of Ireland supported by Tetra Pak is calling on primary schools to get involved in Tetra Pak Tree Day 2017 on Thursday, October 5.

The aim of the day is to encourage primary school children across the country to put down their school books for a few hours and get outside to enjoy all that trees and our natural environment have to offer.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Our Planet, Our Choice - Ar bPlaineid, Ar Rogha” to convey that we are all responsible for our environment.

It will see over 1,000 Oak tree saplings being made available for primary schools through the website, www. treeday.ie.

Dublin primar y schools are encouraged to log onto www.treeday. ie where they can apply for an Oak tree sapling which they can plant on their school grounds.

Planting these saplings will help teach children about the importance of planting trees to improve biodiversity on the school grounds. In addition, guided woodland walks will be organised nationwide with locations and details of the local walks on www.treecouncil.ie/tree-day.

GETTING TO KNOW JOSEPHINE K AT THE ABBEY THEATRE COMING to the Abbey Theatre this October, a new play by Stacey Gregg – Josephine K and the Algorithms.

Taking to the Peacock Stage as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival this year from October 11–21, 2017 and

starring Orla Fitzgerald (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, The Guarantee, Pure Mule) plays the lead role of Josephine K alongside Carl Kennedy who is also Sound Designer. Caitríona McLaughlin, Associate Director of the Abbey Theatre, directs.

Writer of Scorch (Best New Play, Irish Times Theatre Awards 2015) and Shibboleth, Stacey Gregg’s newest play is an unsettling foray into the age of big data and tech-intrusion.

A contemporary riff on Kafka’s The Trial, Josephine K is on trial but can’t find out why. Everyone else seems to know something, but they’re all super nice, so it can’t be that bad, right?

Stacey Gregg’s work often highlights advancing technological frontiers – Josephine K and the Algorithms is an experimental interrogation of how everyday life is interrupted and disrupted by the increasing role of technology and data mining in society.

Booking is now open for all dates at abbeytheatre.ie

POP TREASURES ON OFFER AT IRISH ANTIQUE DEALERS FAIR ITEMS owned by David Bowie, Jackie Collins and Lady Gaga will feature alongside the best of Irish antique design classics at the 52nd Irish Antique Dealers Fair at the RDS this weekend (September 22-24.)

And this year, attendees will also get a unique glimpse into the highend treasures of the rock and pop world thanks to Dubliner Laurence Carpenter.

“We will be displaying a collection of signed David Bowie lithographs – including his own charcoal drawing for an album press launch – along-

side rare finds from Rihanna, Noel Gallagher and Lady Gaga,” said Laurence of Irish-based Pop Icons, who deal mostly in London, New York and Los Angeles.

“We will have a mixture of contemporary artists’ costumes such as the headpiece Beyonce wore in the video for Lemonade, Lady Gaga’s graffiti corset and signed guitars from some of the music world’s top icons such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.”

Dublin antique dealer Niall Mullen will be selling a cold-painted bronze by renowned sculpture Josef Lorenzlwhich was bought from international author Jackie Collins’ estate sale at her home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

“Jackie Collins was passionate about collecting, and spent many decades selecting paintings, statuettes and jewellery which brought her joy and creative inspiration, and this bronze, valued at €3,850, is emblematic of her glamorous lifestyle,” said Niall.

Weldon’s will be displaying an important emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring, worth an estimated €150,000, at the Fair.

Admission to the 52nd Irish Antique Dealers Fair at the RDS from September 22-24 is €10, available at the door.

TAKING A LOOK INTO STRIKING IMAGES OF IRISH LIFE A NEW community-sourced Photo Detectives exhibition on in the National Library reveals striking images of Irish life.

Photo Detectives celebrates the NLI’s rich photographic collections and highlights the work of the dedicated global research community which has contributed significantly to

DIARY

Libby Boylan and Eoghan Breene from Stanhope Street Primary School celebrating the launch of National Tree day with Tail Skinner the Tree Man in the Phoenix Park.

Picture: Keith Arkins

uncovering details about the photographs in the Library’s holdings. The exhibition was officially launched by Sabina Higgins.

It shows 26 striking images and stories dating from 1871 to 1970.

They reveal almost a century of changing Irish lives, including weddings in Waterford, family holidays in Donegal, the footing of turf in Antrim, and royal visitors to Kilkenny Castle. One particular highlight is a large-scale image of the shopfront of Mortimer’s shop in Waterford, captured in 1916, from the NLI’s Poole Collection.

Through interactions with online contributors, it was discovered that the Poole Photographic Studio had scratched out reflections in Mortimer’s window – an early form of photoshopping. The exact address of the

shop and the name of the child standing in its doorway were also discovered through online detective work.

Speaking at the launch, Sabina Higgins said: “We photograph and document so many moments of our lives online now, but it is important that we keep alive the stories and traditions of life in Ireland before the digital age. It is a testament to the Library and its staff for always looking for innovative ways to do that. ‘Photo Detectives’ is a wonderful example of using technology to give life to old photos and share their stories.”

Photo Detectives is free to visit, and is open seven days weekly: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and 12noon to 5pm on Sundays. The exhibition runs in the NPA until the end of September.

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FEATURE

Colette Schutz, Noeline Blackwell and Charlotte Bradshaw and Lorraine Keane

Alexis Carey, Jordan Campbell and Mary Hayes Keane

Annie Gallagher

FUNDRAISER: GLAMOUR AND GLITZ AT WOMANKIND CHARITY LUNCH

Cathy O’Donohue, Elaine O’Reilly Ross. Picture: Sasko Lazarov

Carmel Breheny and Stephanie Whisker

and Emma

Hundreds gather to support Rape Crisis Centre MORE than 250 women from across Ireland’s business, media and fashion industries gathered on Friday, September 8 for WomanKind – a charity lunch and fashion show in aid of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

T he annual event, which took place at the Intercontinental Hotel, saw guests enjoy a threecourse lunch, followed by a showcase of 2017 autumn/winter trends in

a fashion show.

The show – which was choreographed by Cathy O’Connor, styled by Irene O’Brien and hosted by Lorraine Keane – featured stores including M&S, Avoca, Frock N Fabulous, JuJu and & Vedoneire, while hair and make-up was provided by Dylan Bradshaw.

On the day, Noeleen Blackwell, the chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, spoke

about the support available to victims of sexual violence, as well as the incredible work carried out by staff at the Dublinbased centre.

All involved donated their time and services free of charge. Along with spot prizes on the day, guests also received a goodie bag featuring brands such as Newbridge Silverware, Paul Costelloe Living, John Freida and more.

Holly White and Sinead Burke

The very pink-ture of support THERE was a sea of pink in the Phoenix Park down the country at Kilkenny Castle Park last weekend with many thousands of people taking part in the Great Pink Run. The event saw Avonmore Slimline Milk raising more than €350,000 to support Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research and awareness programmes, nationally, with these four ladies delighted to help the cause.

TV3’s Elaine Crowley and rugby commentator Shane Byrne led out the Dublin run on Saturday, where more than 6,000 people took part.

On Sunday, Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan set the pace with support from the side-line from hurling legend DJ Carey, with more than 1,500

people taking part in either a 10K challenge or 5K fun.

Many of those who participated wore elaborate pink costumes and painted their faces to show their support for the many thousands of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Ireland.

This is the fifth year that Sonia has taken part. She said: “The Great Pink Run is a great excuse to burn off some energy and have a target to aim for.

“An even better reason to take part is getting together with friends and family to raise much-needed funds for continued research into this disease and to help raise awareness of good breast health.”

Aisling Hurley, chief executive of Breast Cancer Ireland, said: “The Great Pink Run has gone from strength to strength over the past seven years and this year we have exceeded the targets we set in terms of registrations and monies raised online.

“Thanks to the support of our long-time supporters and sponsors we can ensure that 100% of funds raised from entries and individual sponsorship go directly to fund our ongoing efforts.”

Breast Cancer Ireland is planning to extend the hugely successful Great Pink Run to two new locations in 2018, and will announce the locations later in the year.

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

MUSIC

N O S ’ T A H W

 JAMES HENDICOTT

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Culture Night

The city’s busiest evening this side of the Christmas parties, Culture Night allows you to check out anything from the Wax Museum to Trinity Library for free. This year features a televised concert in the grounds of Dublin Castle, too.

September 22.

Canalophonic

The free Dublin music festival returns to its roots in Portobello, as well as expanding into the south of the city in venues like Whelan’s and Rathmines newbie The Bowery. A great way to catch a lot of up-and-coming Dublin acts in a single weekend.

September 22 to 24.

The World’s Biggest Eye Contact Experiment

A kind of antithesis to modern life, this global experiment encourages you to spend time connecting with strangers through a minute of looking straight into their eyes. SepTHE GREAT DUBLIN BIK tember 23 (morning), outside E RIDE the Stephen’s Green shopping centre.

All Ireland Ladies Final

Dublin take on Mayo once again in the ladies finale at Croke Park. The contest means long-dominant Cork can say goodbye to their title, but who will be the new holders in front of 30,000 plus at HQ? September 24.

The Great Dublin Bike Ride

Choose between 60km and 100km routes taking you out if the city, along the coast to Malahide, and then back to Smithfield on the popular annual cycle route. September 24.

Dublin Flea Market

The Monthly Newmarket event returns. You can grab anything from coffee and an imaginative bite to furniture, toys, vinyl and crockery. Plenty of bargains to be had, September 24.

Coastal Notes Music Festival

Dun Laoghaire welcomes a weekend long fiesta in which the various venues each host acts in a different genre, meaning the coastal suburb will come to life with varied stylings.

September 22 and 23.

LCD Soundsystem

Having retired in a blaze of glory not all that long ago, LCD Soundsystem are back at the top of the charts, and ready to take back Dublin, a spot they’ve always gone down a storm.

The Olympia, September 27-29.

New album of the week

The Killers - Wonderful Wonderful. Las Vegas stars return with their fifth album, one that’s gone down better critically than the previous two releases. Inspired by Brandon Flowers wife’s battle with mental health.

Pictures: Shay Murphy

THE long running Irish punk act fuse The Dubliners and The Clash in a memorable, brash, political barrage.

Earlier this year, trad-punks Blood or Whiskey spent a month touring the US. Playing 26 shows as a support act for Dropkick Murphys in just 30 days, they added to a growing reputation in American punk circles. Then they came back to Ireland to resume their day jobs.

It’s a strange aspect of the Celtic punk scene - which typically fuses trad tropes, tin whistles, Irish folk and harmonica - that the two biggest acts in the genre have only loose, emigrant links with Ireland. On our shores it’s seen as very much a musical niche.

Dropkick Murphys are Boston Irish, while Flogging Molly - an act Blood Or Whiskey supported in the Olympia Theatre just two weeks ago - are led by Dave King, born in a pre-gentrification Dublin 4 tenement, but very much based out of L.A. In terms of home-brewed Celtic punk stylings, Blood Or Whiskey are as big as they come, and regularly tour with both the rowdy American acts.

They might be heading on their first punk rock cruise this summer, but getting by hasn’t proved so easy back home, as frontman Dugs Mulhooly explains: “we definitely get more offers from the US and central Europe. People don’t see it as a thing here, because it is us [as a nation], it is what we do.”

“We’ve seen Japanese bands play music with an Irish crossover, though, but in general, Irish music is saturated here. People know these songs. We remember when Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys weren’t filling big venues here. They’d be playing 4,000, 5,000 when we went out with them elsewhere, but grinding it out here. That has changed now, but it hasn’t always been like that.”

For Blood Or Whiskey, though, the punk DIY ethos – building it yourself – is important. “To record an even half decent album costs eight or nine thousand quid,” drummer Chris O’Meara, the other remaining original member of a band that formed in 1994, explains.

“It’s a costly adventure. If you have a record label backing you that’s one thing, but we do it ourselves all the time.

We don’t believe in Fundit, in going to the fans. You shouldn’t be begging people to make you a rock star. We all go to work, and do jobs with our hands as well.

The thought of asking someone to give me money to release an album... I don’t believe in fleecing your punters to bring out albums. You do it yourself.”

Mulhooly adds that it can be quite a limitation: Blood Or Whiskey could certainly have more than four albums out under different circumstances. “We have

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16 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

JAMES HENDICOTT MEETS FUSION VETERANS BLOOD OR WHISKEY Formed in 1994, Blood Or Whiskey have come a long way since the days of playing sessions in their local GAA club. Pictures: Shay Murphy

Trad to the bone Celtic punk on a wing and a prayer a lot of songs there, but we’re not a great recording band anyway, to be honest,” he admits. “We’re a live act. If we could get a producer who could capture the energy we have live, that’d be perfect. It’s very hard to capture that energy playing to a click track, as you normally do when you’re recording. I’d love to just put mics around each instrument and lash it out, like we do in practise, and then just touch it up.”

There is, undoubtedly, a certain amount of sneering towards trad-fusion acts in corners of Ireland. O’Meara and Mulhooly pick out Clare as a place that’s

particularly superior about the purity of their music, and thank a notable Dublin act for their help on that particular front.

“The Pogues were the Godfathers of all this,” Mulhooly says. “Without The Pogues, we’d be nothing. What we’re trying to do is combine a bit of The Pogues, a bit of Dexys Midnight Runners, a bit of The Clash and a bit of The Specials.

Some punk, some ska, some soul, all put together.”

“When we’re writing songs, we don’t write them because we’re a Celtic punk band. We write as a standard punk band, and then we add in the banjo the whis-

tles, all that. We’ve squeezed banjo into songs that had no business having banjo in them, truth be told. But we’ve learnt from it, and now we’ll do what the hell we want.”

“We used to play trad in our local GAA club, for footballers or hurlers, just basically for a piss up. We’d come up and have a right old session, and play with some trad heads. But they weren’t snobby, we were just playing rebel songs.

The Pogues dealt with the snobbiness around trad music thirty years ago.”

“There’s an interview from RTE with Shane [MacGowan] just being asked

endlessly about it not being Irish. He just laughs it off. It’s a big celebration of being from Ireland, and we’ve nothing but respect for it. You’ll always get snobbiness, we’ve gone through the mill on how we’ve felt about it, but everyone can do what they want. It’s up to us. Music was never meant to have boundaries.”

At one point, though, it was definitely a bit of a party. “Back in the day, we played gigs and treated tours as holidays,” O’Meara says. “We’ve learnt, but we were young. It’s a completely different, more professional setup now. You can drink in your own time; we’ve real-

ised there’s something in it for us now.

It becomes very difficult to play when you’re partying every night.”

As for making some noise in Dublin?

“If you play less regularly, you’ve a better chance of getting a good crowd in. What we’d really like to do is set up a regular Christmas or Easter show. That’s kind of the plan.

“We’re also thinking about bringing it back to the pubs, with more of a party, session kind of vibe. We’d like that to grow into something.”

Maybe it will. Meanwhile, the American tour offers pour in.

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18 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE DUBLIN 2

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FACEPA

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Simone’s steps to make a face

FROM THIS...

SIMONE’S NOT YOUR AVERAGE A 26-YEAR-OLD Crumlin woman is pushing her make-up skills to the limit with incredible facial transformations.

Scary, gory, glam or cute, from well-known TV and movie characters to nostalgic cartoon characters and intricate fantastical creations, – Simone Cleary can do it all.

She sat down with The Gazette to discuss how she honed her skills and where she gets her ideas.

“It all began when I was looking up videos on YouTube on a video game called Until Dawn, and I found a make-up tutorial for one of the characters.

“So, I just started looking at more tutorials and I did a few at home in my bedroom using Halloween face paints that I had, and my mam encouraged

me to pursue it further.”

With encouragement from her family, Simone completed a course in Fashion Media and Theatre Make-Up at Galligan Beauty College, where she honed her skills.

“The course teaches you a lot about certain techniques but a lot of it you have to practice at home – that’s where you refine your skills and your own style by just trying new things.”

A talented artist who always excelled at drawing painting, Simone uses her face as her canvas: “It’s an extension of that – a new medium.”

She also uses her boyfriend’s face to practice on. “He lets me put prosthetics and liquid latex and all sorts on him – he’s a real trooper!”

Some of Simone’s looks have earned her thousands of likes on social media, with her Woody from Toy Story gaining more than 3,000 likes on Instagram.

“It just blew up overnight,”she says. “I had to turn my phone off!”

However, her favourite look, to date, is her version of Jon Snow, from Game of Thrones.

“I actually freaked myself out how much I looked like him – especially when I do his scowly face,” she joked.

Simone’s vast portfolio is thanks to her dedication in consistently coming up with new ideas.

This year, she challenged herself to complete 100

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

FEATURE 8

Emma Nolan talks to a Crumlin make-up artist pushing boundaries and using her face as a canvas

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AINTER days of make-up, where she created a new look every day for 100 days – which was no mean feat, as she was working full time in the pharmaceutical industry at the time.

“I was working from 7am to 4pm every day, then spending two to three hours getting a look done and photographing it, washing it off, then getting to bed to do it all again the next day – but I made it in the end.

“The hardest part is coming up with new

ideas of what do. I usually find inspiration from whatever I’m watching or reading at the time.”

Now, she’s set herself another challenge for her favourite time of year – 31 days of Halloween.

“I’m planning a lot of these looks in advance, so I want them to be more in-depth, with more prosthetics and bigger props.”

Currently on a career break, Simone is dedicating her time to expanding her portfolio of looks.

Having worked as a trainee make-up artist on the TV show,

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Vikings, and on the film, The Professor and the Madman, she hopes to continue painting faces.

“I want to keep pushing myself to learn new things and not be afraid to try new techniques or to stick fake hair all over my face.

“A lot of make-up artists are all about the pretty side of things, whereas I like the other side of it as well, where you can make yourself look so disgusting that you’re unrecognisable – it’s nice to be able to both.”

For more of her work, see her Instagram feed (@simone_cleary and (@simone_cleary) Facebook page ( (Simone Cleary Up/SFX Make Up/SFX), while you can also email her at simonecleary@ campus.ie campus.ie.

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DID YOU NAME THEM ALL? 1: Jessica Rabbit 2: Freddie Krueger 3: The Godfather 4: Woodie 5: The Beast 6: Jon Snow 7: Lil 8: Wonder Woman 9: Phil 10: Princess Fiona 11: The Mask 12: Mystique

TO THIS!

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20 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE Stradivarius Beret, €10; Forever 21, Jacket, €56; Miss Selfridge Dress €49; Stradivarius Shoes €36; (Right) Topshop Coat, €117; Dress, €64; Stradivarius Bag, €18; M&S Boots, €70

M&S Dress, €47.50; New Look Shoes, €39.99; (Right) New Look Jacket, €60; M&S, Dress, €67; Topshop Boots €80

Catch all the top trends under just one roof at Jervis

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

Topshop Jacket, €110; Miss Selfridge Jumper, €52; (Right) New Look Trousers, €25

Forever 21 Hat, €15; M&S Shirt, €34; Next Skirt, €27; Topshop Boots €85; (Right) Tesco Coat €50, Jumper €20; New Look Skirt, €30; Next bag €50

Vila Coat with faux fur, €95; Dress, €50; Topshop, Shoes, €100; (Right) Berskha Jumper €16; Topshop Skirt €90; Schuh Runners, €44

JERVIS Shopping Centre has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2017 collections with a shoot curated by Dublin stylist Corina Gaffey.

The collection is a showcase of the season’s top style trends handpicked from high-street stores throughout the centre.

Speaking about the collection, Corina said: “Jervis Shopping Centre is such an iconic shopping centre in Dublin and I was thrilled to be asked to pull an Autumn/ Winter collection together for their press preview.

“I had fantastic choice, with 30 retailers housed under one roof, with price and age ranges to suit everyone”.

Touching on a variety of the season’s key trends, Corina chose about four key styles to represent the season’s offering at the centre – Modern Heritage, 70s Bohemian, Vintage Romance and The Witching Hour.

Jervis Shopping Centre turns 21 this September and will be celebrating with a host of birthday activities and events in the centre.

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 21

TravelShorts

GAZETTE

TRAVEL BOYNE VALLEY: A STAY AT DUNBOYNE CASTLE HOTEL & SPA DELIGHTS

Care to try this tempting suite at The Shelbourne?

WHETHER or not you’re a princess or ‘just’ another commoner, there’s nothing to stop you enjoying royally luxurious treatment at the grand old lady of St Stephen’s Green, The Shelbourne Hotel.

As part of the multimillioneuro refurbishment of the iconic hotel, the stunning Princess Grace suite has been completely refurbished to offer an experience fit for a princess, or for anyone who appreciates the truly luxurious side of life.

Guy Oliver – of Oliver Laws, a leading London design company – has created a scheme that reflects the traditional nature of The Shelbourne, and quietly develops the five-star hotel’s national and historical importance.

As the hotel’s elite presidential suite, the Princess Grace Suite is available for up to four guests to avail of its two double bedrooms, which feature a level of detail and service to delight.

As you’d expect, there’s champagne on arrival, a butler service, luggage packing and unpacking, a lavish breakfast for all guests, complimentary return Dublin Airport transfers, complimentary newspapers, valet parking, internet access and daily amenities – all while admiring the tastefully appointed antique furniture, artworks, and other touches to add a pinch of perfection to your princess-tastic stayover.

Before you decide that it could do for a quick getaway, you might need to raid the piggybank first – the plush package costs €7,500 per night for up to four guests ...

There’s fine cuisine at the hotel’s 2AA Rosette-winning Ivy restaurant, as well as plenty of nearby activities to indulge in

River activity helps make a splash at superb hotel  AISLING CONWAY WHOEVER would have guessed that discovering the Boyne Valley from the water could be so much fun?

An itinerary of wild water activities coupled with some serious pampering at the hotel spa might not sound like the ideal combination – but it was just that.

Our weekend started the way every weekend should, with afternoon tea washed down with a few glasses of Prosecco!

Then, after checking into our very plush and impressive room, it was down to the Boyne Valley activity centre to don our, ahem, very attractive wet suits.

The instructor talked us

through the safety aspects before it was time to hit the water. Myself and my fiance, Shane, were in one double kayak and we did ourselves proud for the most part, managing to stand up on the kayak, spinning around ...

However, I will admit that the final challenge on a rapid proved one manoeuvre too far for us and our boat capsized, dumping us spluttering into the river.

Talk about a wake-up call – but we enjoyed every minute of it.

With our feet back on terra firma at the hotel it was time to take in our blissful surroundings. Dunboyne Castle is nestled in 21 acres of lush countryside which would put even the most

Enjoy bed and breakfast at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa from €130 per room per night. Kayaking with Boyne Valley Activities costs €40pp for a two-hour experience.

For further information, email reservations@dunboynecastlehotel.com, or see www.dunboynecastlehotel.com.

stressed-out workaholic at their ease.

The Georgian house’s restoration has been cleverly done and marries sleek sophistication effortlessly with its period charm.

You could lose yourself exploring the gardens, meander through the contemporary wings or just lounge for hours on end in front of the

magnificent open fires.

Wise owls that we are, we decided to warm our sodden bones with a few more glasses of Prosecco before dinner.

Staying as guests of Host & Co, we were delighted that the chef at the 2AA Rosettewinning Ivy restaurant had preparwwed a special taster menu exclusively for us and it all looked so tempting it was hard to choose.

I opted for steak (melt in the mouth good), and the scallops starter was literally to die for. With our stomachs full to the brim we went into the bar for a night cap and the live music helped lighten everyone’s mood.

I found myself wishing we could stay longer to explore Ireland’s heritage capital a

bit further. The hotel is ideally situated for visiting nearby Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, majestic Newgrange or the Bru na Boinne UNESCO world heritage site.

But all too soon it was over ... Breakfast the next morning was a buffet affair in a private room off reception and one last surprise – a visit to the spa.

From the moment we walked through the doors we felt uber-relaxed. The outdoor tub was the highlight and even though the weather wasn’t great it didn’t take away from anything.

Dunboyne rates highly with its extremely friendly staff and top-quality rooms, but the spa was definitely the cherry on the top.

22 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE FASTNews Kia packs more space into Picanto

The group’s lower emission cars can save money too

Volkswagen Group Ireland launches Ecogrant offer VOLKSWAGEN Group Ireland brands, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen passenger cars and Volkswagen commercial vehicles are encouraging the uptake of its latest generation, lower-emission new cars, hand-in-hand with the removal, of older, Euro 1-4 emissions standard vehicles from the Irish car market, by launching a new EcoGrant offer.

Owners of any diesel vehicle that complies with Euro 1-4 emissions legislation qualify for the EcoGrant offer.

They can benefit from cash grant incentives that range from €800 to €6,500, when trading in against a range of Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen passenger cars and Volkswagen commercial vehicles, if the vehicle is ordered by December 31, 2017. The trade-in vehicle needs to have been owned by the customer for at least six months.

The deal applies to new petrol/diesel and plug-in hybrid/fully electric models from Volkswagen Group vehicles. When combined with SEAI and VRT grants, Volkswagen claims that electric car customers can benefit from €14,000 off the price of a new e-Golf electric car. All new Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen petrol and diesel vehicles meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards.

Irish drivers confident of passing driving test again OUTSIDE of school exams the driving test is regarded as one of the most daunting test you can take.

Despite that, it seems that Irish motorists are confident they could pass their driving test with flying colours second time around.

According to new research from Carzone, one of Ireland’s websites where you can buy and sell new and used cars, 91% of Irish motorists believe that they would pass their driving test if they had to take it again.

The research was carried out among motorists as part of the Carzone Motoring Report. The research reveals that 41% of those questioned learned to drive between the age of 17-20 with ‘parent pressure’ being the reason why 1-in-5 got behind the wheel in the first place. A further 46% say they were inspired to learn to drive because they wanted independence.

According to the Carzone Motoring report 59% of men claim to have passed their test first time compared to 51% of women. For men and women who had to take it a second time, the pass results were relatively even. Thirty per cent of men say they passed on a second attempt compared to 29% of women.

City drivers like comfort and manoeuvrability and now they are also getting more room in a tight package. Kia’s new Picanto offers more in terms of space and features in a car that has been modernised and up-styled as MICHAEL MORONEY experienced during his recent test drive.

SMALL cars that are designed for city driving don’t seem to get bigger; they just seem to have become more spacious.

As we live in tighter spaces, the car designers have responded with vehicles that maintain a smaller footprint on the road, are more economical, yet more spacious.

All of those features are noticeably obvious in Kia’s upgraded Picanto, which has been refreshed with some modern features and more internal space. The car retains the same overall length as the previous mini car from the Korean brand, but now packs in more space in all areas of the car.

There’s more legroom and knee room in the front by subtle repositioning of the dash area. In the rear, the positions of the wheels have been moved to give a slightly longer wheelbase. More importantly, this gives extra boot space that’s valuable to city drivers.

The other benefit of the longer wheelbase is that the wheels have been pushed further out to the corners of the car. This means that there is less overhang and that should make tight parking spots easier to manoeuvre into.

The new Picanto is also an economical small car. I’ve compared it with other city cars such as the Hyundai i10, Volkswagen up! and the Toyota Aygo where Picanto’s threecylinder petrol engine is a match in terms of economy performance.

The new Kia Picanto offers an impressive small car package with additional space and modern features with its 7 year warranty and impressive safety credentials. Entry prices start at €13,295.

Kia Picanto SPECIFICATIONS

ambitions. And that delivers predicable poorer fuel economy results.

Engine 1.0 litre So much of this new Engine power 67hp car is about its packaging 0 – 100km/hr 14.3 seconds for more space, while not Economy 23m/litre compromising on safety.

(4.4/100km or 53mpg) On the inside the dashFuel Tank Capacity 35 litres board layout is now more centrally aligned, with a CO2 emissions 101g/km large 7.0-inch ‘floating’ Road Tax Band A3 €190 touchscreen sitting in the Main Service 15,000km/12 months centre of the console. This Euro NCAP Rating 4 star 2017 design moves many of the Warranty 7 years /150,000km car’s controls further up Entry Price €13,295 into the driver’s line of sight.

My city driving was Picanto can hold its own.

The large floating 7.0more limited than unu- The three-cylinder petrol inch HMI touchscreen sual making it difficult engine is lively and for at the centre of the dashto achieve the rated those with a passion for board also houses a fuel economy figure of pace a new turbo-charged navigation system with 23m/litre (4.4/100km or version of the engine in on 3D map, and is available with Apple CarPlay and 53mpg). With regular city the way for later this year. driving, I expect that the Kia’s five-speed gear- Android Auto for full Picanto can come close to box is light to use, while smart phone integration.

20% off that figure, which the modest engine per- It also converts to a screen makes it still a cost-effec- formance does push the for the rear-view parking tive small car to own. rev counter into the higher camera to make parking Out on the larger and less economical zone for manoeuvres much easier. faster road, this new those with higher speed There is an optional wire-

less smart phone charger and USB port at the base of the centre console to keep mobile devices charged on the move.

For the Picanto the larger boot area is a key selling point. Kia claims that it has best-in-class packaging efficiency, with improved versatility resulting from its larger cabin and boot capacity. And a comparison with the competition proves that point, although it’s very near in capacity to its related and slightly cheaper Hyundai i10.

Kia’s new Picanto adds extra features to a more spacious small car that’s versatile, while priced at €13,295 it’s marginally more expensive than its nearest competition. Kia’s 7 year warranty is part of the appeal, its safety standing is recognised and its space makes this compact city car a little special.

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORING Three new Fords rolled out at 2017 Frankfurt Show

FORD used the opportunity of last week’s annual Frankfurt Motor Show to deliver the European public debuts of THREE new models – the more powerful new Ford Mustang sports car, a more capable EcoSport sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a more premium Tourneo Custom people mover.

They were joined by a new Ranger Black Edi-

tion pickup, limited to just 2,500 examples, which was also on display for the first time. Ford also unveiled a new GT version of the new Fiesta, which will also be limited to just 1,000 vehicles across Europe.

Ford claims that the new Mustang is sleeker, faster and more technologically-advanced, with engine and suspension upgrades as well as advanced driver assistance features.

Ford has sold almost 30,000 Mustangs in Europe since the iconic sports car first went on sale across the region for the first time in more than 50 years, in early 2015.

Alfa Romeo claims to have found the perfect balance between driving experience and safety with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV which was recently awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Prices start from €47,295.

Ford’s new EcoSport compact SUV claims to delivers enhanced versatility and capability, more refined styling and sophisticated technologies. Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) is now offered for the first time, combined with an advanced new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering up to 125bhp and optimised CO2 emissions. Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine also will be offered with three power outputs up to 140bhp.

Ford has upgraded the EcoSport compact SUV to deliver a more comfortable and self-assured driving experience than ever at the wheel

Alfa Romeo unveils its new Stelvio SUV offer

ALFA ROMEO has revealed pricing and specification details for its first ever SUV, the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio, with prices starting from €47,295.

The new SUV is built around the latest Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive architecture, and claims best in class power-to-weight ratios and new engine and driver technologies.

Alfa Romeo claims that the Stelvio can boast at being the lightest mid-size SUV in the sector thanks to its lightweight body structure and carbon fibre driveshaft. The entry level 2.2-litre 180bhp diesel version weighs in at just

1,604kg, while the 2.0-litre petrol 280hp Q4 AWD weighs 1,660kg, only adding an extra 56kg for the all-wheel- drive system (AWD).

Irish Stelvio buyers will be able to choose between two engine versions, 2.2-litre 210hp diesel Q4 AWD and 2.0-litre 280hp petrol Q4 AWD, combined with an ZF eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. From October the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will also be available to order with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 180hp and available in both Q4 all-wheel- drive or rear-wheel- drive, and a 2.0-litre petrol engine, with 200hp and Q4

all-wheel- drive.

The 2.0-litre 280hp petrol Q4 AWD engine claims best in class acceleration, going from 0-100kmh in just 5.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 230kmh. This is while returning 7.0l/100km (40.4mpg) on the combined cycle and emitting just 161g/km CO2.

The 2.2-litre 210hp diesel Q4 AWD meanwhile, gives out 127g/km Co2 and returns 4.8l/100km (58.9mpg) on the combined cycle, while still registering a top speed of 215kmh and accelerating from 0-100kmh in 6.6 seconds.

Honda commits to extensive electric car technology by 2025 HONDA has confirmed that electrified technology will now feature in every new car model launched in Europe. The announcement was made by Honda Motor Co president and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during last week’s 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

At a global level, Honda aims to have electrified technology in two-thirds of its new car sales by 2030. In Europe, the target year is 2025, as interest is particularly strong.

Honda unveiled its new Urban EV concept electric vehicle at the show. It will be available in Europe in 2019. The new Honda Urban EV Concept will be built on a completely new platform, and showcases advanced technology within a simple and sophisticated design.

Honda also unveiled its new CR-V Hybrid, due in the summer of 2018, which uses a new i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode

Drive) two-motor system which does not need a conventional transmission. Honda instead uses a more compact multimode unit with a single fixed-gear ratio to deliver torque to the wheels.

Honda unveiled a new Power Manager Concept, a fully integrated energy transfer system that can distribute electricity to and from the main grid, as well as directing power flow from renewable sources and managing the interaction of an electric vehicle battery connected to the home. Honda claims that the Power Manager can draw on energy from the EV battery to power the home, and minimise the demand from the main grid.

It even allows energy stored in the EV to be sold back to the grid to generate an income for the owner, according to Philip Ross, senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe.

Honda’s new hybrid version of the CR-V, which is expected to be available in Ireland in 2018

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24 BLANCH GAZETTE 21 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

IT: LATEST TAKE ON CLASSIC STEPHEN KING TALE RAMPS UP THE TERROR

No laughing matter CONTEMPORARY culture’s most infamous evil clown – Pennywise – was first introduced into the common lexicon with Stephen’s 1986 novel, It, arguably his best work.

Of course, there’s a younger generation who grew up suffering lost sleep thanks to the 1990 madefor-TV adaptation starring Tim Curry, a corny but creepy enough affair that has defined It in popular culture for more than two decades.

Now, more than 30 years since the publication of the original novel, yet another generation has been introduced to Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

Following a recordbreaking opening weekend for the film – the highest grossing for a horror film in the UK and Ireland – it seems certain that director Andres Muschietti’s effort will become the definitive adaptation of King’s vision; indeed, the writer’s already given it his seal of approval.

Set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, IT (Cert 16, 134 mins) tells of seven young social outcasts who face off against an ancient evil – one that takes the form of their innermost fears, most often as a bloodthirsty clown.

Over the course of their summer vacation, the

LOGAN LUCKY

Hillbilly hijinks abound EVERYBODY loves hillbilly films – well, when they’re lovable losers like the guys in Logan Lucky (Cert 12A, 119 mins), who decide to team up with an explosives expert to rob a big Nascar racing event. Inevitably, things don’t go to plan ...

The film’s likeable cast clearly had a blast with their roles, and even the film’s choppy editing and cuts can’t stop it from being daftly entertaining.

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

group must band together, face their fears and confront ‘It’.

Certainly, It is worthy of King’s praise. Perhaps the most ‘Stephen-Kingy’ of the legion of adaptations of his work that have proliferated mainstream media ever since Brian DePalma’s Carrie in 1976, It replicates the small town Americana of King’s novels and the darkness that lurks just beneath its surface with a visual language ripped straight from the writer’s pages.

It’s easy to see why a writer that despised the creative liberties taken

by Kubrick’s The Shining (1980) would delight in the rigid adherence to his storytelling and style to be found here.

Still, what works on the page doesn’t always translate to the silver screen; while there’s plenty to delight and disturb in It, the lengthy film often feels overly-fragmented.

Following a genuinely disturbing introduction and a pitch-perfect setup in the era-defining style

ReelReviews

A classic pose for Pennywise and his red balloon, with the evil clown – or whatever he really is – popping up as a malevolent, bloodthirsty spirit in many places

of Joe Dante or Richard Donner, in which we meet our heroes on the final day of school in 1989, the story in It plays out in a series of vignette-like segments.

Here, each of the friends encounter the monster in their own waking nightmare. Certainly, these segments are bursting at the seams with disturbing imagery, distorted figures replicated wonderfully from paper to screen.

However, while this episodic structure works well on a chapter-by-chapter basis, in a two-hour and

15-minute movie, it leaves things a little narrativelydisjointed. It lacks a certain fluidity; while never hard to follow, it often feels like things aren’t really going anywhere.

To its credit, it’s in these segments where It is most disturbing. We feel the fragility of our heroes, mere children facing off against an ancient evil in a world where adults are ineffectual and uncaring.

With a cast of young actors, including Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard (a TV series relied on heav-

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Cosy up to a true classic

ily here, just as it relied on King’s work – the cycle continues), it’s quite an achievement that It tells its story with considered emotion and admirable performances.

Bill Skarsgard lays it on suitably heavy as Pennywise, though he rarely disturbs in his (un)natural form.

It becomes increasingly less prolific on scares as Pennywise’s presence becomes more dominant and the danger moves away from the town itself.

The most disturbing

qualities of It exist in the layers of evil, anger, abuse and prejudice underlying small-town America; travesties that are touched on but rarely embraced for genuinely lingering scares.

There’s a high-quality horror movie here, though perhaps not the classic that King’s novel deserves – the scares are unlikely to follow you out of the cinema. Still, this is just chapter one. Perhaps, taken as a whole, It will do justice to King’s modern classic.

Verdict: 7/10

CINEMA fans are in for a treat with the 4K restoration of Stephen Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Cert PG, 145 mins).

What can you say about this classic that hasn’t been said before since its 1978 release, other than to say that it’s never looked so good? The tale of ordinary Joes caught up in an extraordinary tale of alien visitation still stirs with its visuals, plot and one of cinema’s defining scores.

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28 BLANCH GAZETTE 21 September 2017

SPORT

FastSport RUGBY: LANSDOWNE SEE OFF CHALLENGE OF NEWLY PROMOTED BUCCS WESTON THE UNLIKELY EARLY SEASON STARS: WESTON Hockey Club were an unlikely headline act on the opening weekend of the Leinster season as the Lucan club beat Kilkenny 2-1 in the only game to be played.

The national EY Hockey League saw a blanket set of postponements due to a dispute between the Irish Hockey Umpires Association and Hockey Ireland relating to expenses and development support structures which left no officials appointed for fixtures.

Weston and Kilkenny’s tie was the sole one on the agenda that did not fall under the jurisdiction of the IHUA and so took centre stage.

Ben Epstein opened the scoring for Weston from a clever move, created

by Tom Cole’s spin.

Emmett Hughes equalised for the Cats but Regan Turnbull grabbed what proved to be the winning goal in the second half. The rest of the league starts in the coming week.

Nure teach Trinity a lesson as UBL Division 1A returns

 sport@dublingazette.com

TERENURE College kicked off the new Ulster Bank League Division 1A eason in style with an eye-catching 24-0 bonus point victory over Dublin University at College Park.

Trinity’s dramatic 27-25 win over the same opponents at the end of last term saved their Division 1A status but Terenure exacted revenge today with unanswered tries from Oisin Heffernan, Michael Melia, Sam Coghlan Murray and Stephen O’Neill.

The students were up against it almost straight from the off, flanker Sam Pim seeing yellow for a tackle in the air in the third minute. Although they held out initially, the home defence gave when when Leinster-capped prop Heffernan powered over from a maul.

Out-half Mark O’Neill converted brilliantly from a tight angle in the tenth minute. Following Pim’s return, the Terenure pack continued to look dangerous deep in Trinity territory.

Another drive towards the posts was finished off by lock Melia.

As the first half developed, heavy rainfall made life diffi-

Representatives from the UBL Division 1A clubs at the season launch

cult for both sets of players and clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. Toby Boyd and out-half James Fennelly broke for Trinity to get them into scoring range, but the half ended with ‘Nure still with a 12-point cushion.

Two of the visitors’ summer signings, front rowers Schalk Jooste (South Africa) and Giorgi Turabelidze(Portugal via Georgia), were having a notice-

able impact. The latter was involved in a sweeping 57thminute move which ended with winger Coghlan Murray scoring out on the left.

Trinity, who were missing some of their frontline players from the 2016/17 campaign, kept plugging away but they struggled to create try-scoring opportunities.

Terenure, on the other hand, had a bonus point in their

sights, and it finally arrived six minutes from the end. Impressive centre Stephen O’Neill intercepted a pass and sprinted over to seal the maximum for James Blaney’s side, who top the table after round 1.

E l s e w h e r e , L a n s d ow n ensured there was no dream return to the top flight for Buccaneers who were promoted following a 10-year absence as they were downed 19-10 at

Dubarry Park.

The Pirates gave as good as they got in the first half, only trailing 3-0 to an 18th minute penalty from Lansdowne’s lynchpin out-half Scott Deasy.

His opposite number Alan Gaughan missed two efforts in the difficult wet conditions.

Deasy doubled the visitors’ lead in the 51st minute before Jack Carty’s teenage brother Luke, a new addition to the Connacht Academy, hit back for Buccs with a well-taken drop goal.

The scores were now coming thick and fast, the sides swapping tries just before the hour mark as provincially-capped replacement scrum halves Charlie Rock and Conor McKeon touched down at either end.

Today was Rock’s league debut for Lansdowne.

The gap remained at three points – 13-10 – until the pressure off the back of a Buccs yellow card led to Deasy landing his third penalty success.

His fourth, coming from a 73rd-minute scrum penalty, sealed the hosts’ fate and gave Mike Ruddock’s men a winning start to their Division 1A campaign.

Nine Dubliners get golden Soccer Sisters chance  sport@dublingazette.com

Allanah Ferrari, age 9, from Irishtown, Dublin, enjoying the Aviva Soccer Sisters Golden Camp. Picture: Sportsfile

NINE girls from Dublin were given the opportunity of a lifetime this week when they were selected from over 4,000 budding footballers from the Aviva Soccer Sisters initiative, to take part in a special training session alongside the Republic of Ireland women’s senior team.

The Aviva Soccer Sisters programme has been running since 2010 and is aimed at engaging young girls in physical exercise and attracting them to the game of football. Over 30,000 girls have

taken part in the programme since it first kicked off.

Eight-year-old Ava Palmer of Portmarnock 11-year-old Rebecca Caswell of St Ita’s AFC, Jessica Cox (9) from Balbriggan FC, Jade Flannery (12) of Home Farm, Allanah Ferrari (9) from Irishtown, Katie Law (12), Aoife Sheridan (9), Erin O’Hare (7), and Ella Hevey (12) travelled to the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin for the special session which was rolled out as part of the 2017 Aviva Soccer Sisters Golden Camp.

The camp saw the girls sit in

on a full Irish team training session, before getting to take the field with the team ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Northern Ireland.

Sue Ronan, Head of Women’s Football with the FAI, said: “The programme has been vital for the development of girls’ football in Ireland. It is an ideal opportunity for young girls from Dublin and around the country to experience football in a fun, safe environment with their peer group and friends.

“For many young girls, it’s their first step on the football ladder.

Lots of these girls have stayed in

the game, some going on to great heights like playing for their country at underage level, while others continue to enjoy the game at club-level, making life-long friends along the way.

“We’re delighted to have Aviva as a sponsor. Their support in providing an opportunity such as the Aviva Soccer Sisters Golden Camp to 40 lucky young girls is invaluable.

“These girls will get the chance to train and meet with some of our women’s national team players, a once in a lifetime experience for these young girls.”

21 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Beach volleyball reflects on productive summer  BERNARD DUFF

AS THE 2017 Beach Volleyball season in Ireland draws to an autumnal close, it was a year of development by the BVI. It was a year in which the Irish team bolstered by the hiring of international coach Jorge RodriguezPerez. Speaking about what he brings to the side, he said: “I play the Danish national tour and have been coaching in across Europe for two years. I’ve shadowed some of the best coaches which has helped me to create my own style. I also organise training camps, so far we’ve been in Austria, Ireland, Denmark and Spain.”

When asked about the standard of the current Irish players, Rodriguez-Perez responded: “They are doing a good job but with no permanent facilities so it’s difficult for players to play international level unless they go abroad.

“BVI is on the right track sending their players to training camps in Tenerife, bringing coaches over and working from the ground up. The men are probably ahead of the women in performance but both of them would need more technical training as well as more international exposure.”

And as for his involvement moving forward with the Irish set up? “I hope so. They are a very enthusiastic group of people. Regarding the [recent] CEV tournament in Liechtenstein, the guys got a good fifth place fighting and both women teams performed at a really good level. They all need more to become used to the pressure and mental aspect of the game.”

The plan is for the Ireland team is to next meet with the coach in December.

The summer-long BVI season ended with Edyta Jozwiak-McMullen winning the women’s competition just ahead of Giedre Guobyte with UCD’s Ernesta Gruzdaite and Ivett Simon-Byrne in joint third. Northern Ireland’s Jeff Scott won the men’s just ahead of his countryman Johnny Workman with both Pietrek Piecek and Anthony Nguyen sharing third.

The mixed tournament table was decided after a catch up on Dollymount at the start of September.

The seasonal winner was the pairing of Ernesta Gruzdaite and Naas Eagles’ Pawel Kalaga. Alex Graves and Irish international Miriam Gormally came third and fourth respectively, both had differing male team partners during the season.

Thunder strike first big blow in season opener

Baker content with first showing from new-look team as his Swords side get the better of Dublin rivals Pyrobel Killester in Clontarf, kicking off their campaign in strong fashion  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS Thunder made an important statement on the opening weekend of the men’s basketball season as they beat Pyrobel Killester 90-72 in Clontarf.

The ALSAA based club have been the runners-up in the Super League in two of the last three seasons and manager Dave Baker would love to land the title as the country’s most consistent side to go with the National Cup title they won earlier in 2017.

He saw his side succeed despite the heroics of Royce Williams who landed 32 points for Killester. From a Swords perspective, they had a wider spread of shooters which ultimately saw them home with Conroy Baltimore (18), Alex Dolenko and Isaac Westbrooks (both with 12 points) leading the way.

“Obviously, coming to Killester is daunting for any side,” Baker reflected of the win. “We met them in the cup last year. They are a quality side and are always in the top four or five teams so it was one we couldn’t be complacent on, we had to be smart.

“It was a very, very tight game during the first half. The third quarter we stepped in and won 33-17 and I think that was it. I spoke during half-time about upping our defence and just getting some composure.”

His side has undergone a number of changes during the summer due to the nature of the club.

Their link-up with Griffith College means they are beholden to the lifespan of a college course.

That brings the huge benefits of scholarships and means the club do not have to pay professional players to bolster their ranks but it does mean

that players will move on at the end of their studies.

To that end, Jose Maria Gil Narbon has returned to his native Spain following his masters while Alex Calvexe is taking a year out. On the flip side, Travis Black is back with the club while Oisin Kerlin links up with the team following a year playing in Germany.

Antonio Na Dunga played with Swords through his youth career before switching to Tolka but he is another one back in the fold for this campaign.

“We are still all getting to know each other. The season is a little bit early this year, as I keep saying, but, all in all, everybody got in and did well. It is one to move on from,” Baker said of the opening fixture and he is hopeful they will gel further when they play another Dublin side next weekend.

“Eanna are a mixed bag. Last year they strug-

gled slightly and were right down near the bottom of the table but I think they’ve set the gauntlet in transfers this year, the seemed to have brought in a lot of talent.

“Paddy Glover has taken over there. He was a superb player in his day and I’m sure that will cross over into coaching so they will be well drilled and I’m sure they are going to be a different side this year that nobody can take lightly.”

Elsewhere, reigning League champions Black Amber Templeogue overcame DCU Saints in style at the University complex on Saturday evening, with Lorcan Murphy back to his old ways, dunking his team home to glory. A big

talking point for home fans was the return of veteran Emmet Donnelly into the Saints’ side.

Belfast Star travelled back home on Friday evening with a big win over KUBS under their belts, as they ran out 40-point winners in the end.

Day two of the campaign sees KUBS on the road to face Garveys Tralee Warriors at 8pm on Saturday evening while Black Amber Templeogue and Pyrobel Killester have a derby date in the Oblate Hall in Inchicore.

UCD Marian open their campaign with a tie in Belfield against UCC Demons at 7pm on Saturday evening.

Isaac Wetsbrooks will once again be a key figure for Griffith Swords Thunder in their men’s

Pyrobel Killetser’s Royce Williams scored a game high 31 points

basketball Super League campaign . Picture: Martin Doherty

despite his side’s defeat. Picture: Martin Doherty

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 21 September 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: FAI INTER AND NOEL RYAN CUP WINS FOR PORTERSTOWN SIDE

Red-hot Castleknock drive into Ferrari final CASTLEKNOCK Celtic drove into the Ferrari Cup final in red-hot style, getting the best of Esker Celtic 5-3 to set up a date with St Malachy’s Boys in the final next Sunday.

The Porterstown Park hosts got their noses in front when Evin Lawlor converted a penalty after Dammy Sodeke was taken down in the box.

A brace from Cillin Byrne put the visitors, Esker, in front before Mark Thornberry hit a beautiful free kick after Killian Ronan was fouled on the edge of the box. The teams went in at half time level.

After the break, Byrne completed his hat trick with a superb finish, beating Castleknock keeper Oisin O’Donoghue with his shot into the far corner.

With Esker tails up, it was going to take something special to rescue the situation. Up stepped Lawlor and he swivelled in the box and shot low past the Esker keeper and they were level again.

This nip and tuck contest flowed from end to end. It looked like Castleknock would have to do it the hard way to progress to the final by going to extra time.

But Killian Ronan was to prove crucial in the end. He got possession on the left side of the box, tested the keeper with his shot at the near post. The ball went loose in the box, and Ronan fought to retrieve possession.

He picked his spot and rifled into the roof of the net from 12 yards. Castleknock had gained supremacy and they got the insurance goal a minute later when Sodeke got the goal that his performance deserved when he smashed his shot past the brave Esker keeper.

Castleknock had just about shaded it with their clinical finishing and they look forward to the final.

Elsewhere, Castleknock’s performance of the weekend came from Adam Kelly who served up a goal scoring exhibition in the Under-16B DDSL division away to Dundrum FC as his team won 4-1 which maintains their title chase.

They also have a chance of a cup final appearance as they await the outcome of their appeal to the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland.

St Mochta’s senior side celebrate during their win over Bangor Celtic. Picture: B. Earl Photography

Super Saints sweep through sport@dublingazette.com

ST MOCHTA’S enjoyed cup success on two fronts last weekend with the Sunday and Saturday teams both securing passage to the next stage of their respective competitions.

T h e S u n d ay s i d e advanced to the second round of the FAI Intermediate Cup after putting five past Bangor Celtic in a 5-2 win at Portertsown Road.

Alan McGreal got Moctha’s off to a great start after just four minutes when he got the better of his marker before finishing powerfully into the corner of the net from 25 yards out.

Mochtas made it 2-0 in the 21st minute with an excellent strike into the top corner after Luke Kelly’s effort was parried into his path.

Bangor pulled one back five minutes before the break when Laurence Dunne followed up Mark Osbourne’s parried effort. They then shocked Mochta’s by equalising on the stroke of half-time with Dunne’s second.

The Porterstown side, however, retook the lead five minutes after the restart when Keith Dunne flicked on a corner and David Somers headed home off the underside of the bar.

MAJOR VICTORY Verona’s McCabe magic ends Joeys home run VERONA’S Under-13 Major side raided Pearse Park in Sallynoggin to beat St Joseph’s Boys 3-0, breaching their unbeaten home record in some style.

The Blanch boys got off the mark early when a Samuel Bumbu cross was spilled and quickthinking captain Keith Obaseki took advantage.

Obaseki hit the post before Stephen McCabe, pictured, volleyed in a second and he added a third from David Ubor’s pass, winning the man of the match tag into the process.

The home side restored their two goal cushion two minutes later when Karl Somers was left unmarked in the box to side-foot a finish into the corner.

Bangor were left reeling from the two goals and McGreal wrapped up the scoring in the 67th minute after a sublime one-two with David Somers.

The Saturday side also enjoyed home advantage and progressed to the second round of the Noel Ryan Cup after defeating Clondalkin Celtic 4-2.

The Dublin 15 outfit took the lead after five minutes when Aaron O’Brien beat the offside trap before rounding the

keeper and slotting home.

Clondalkin almost equalised 10 minutes later but James Sheridan was found on top form to protect his side’s lead. O’Brien almost doubled his side’s advantage two minutes later when he got on the end of Craig Sheridan’s flick but the angle proved too tight.

He was involved yet again shortly afterwards when he was tripped in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. John O’Leary stepped up but the Clondalkin keeper produced an excellent save to deny him.

The visitors punished Mochta’s for their waste-

fulness by equalising on 34 minutes after a free kick into the box was not dealt with by the Saints defence.

A minute later and Mochta’s were reduced to ten men as Craig Sheridan was dismissed for reacting to a blow to his head.

O’Brien grabbed his second with a clinical finish five minutes after the restart, and Wayne Fay made it 3-1 on the hour after they were awarded another penalty.

Dylan Sweeney score his side’s fourth with a 30-yard free kick 13 minutes from time before Clondalkin grabbed a consolation deep into injury time.

21 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: BRIGID’S STAR’S ALL-IRELAND DREAM

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

ST BRIGID’S MASSIVE congratulations to Paddy

Work Placement Initiative Meeting for

Andrews and all the Dublin team on their

St Brigid’s transition year student mem-

three-in a row All-Ireland win on Sunday

bers and their parents in Russell Park on

in a tough tense and tightly contested

September 26 at 8pm.

final.

be in Myo’s on Friday, September 22; the

sponsored, facilitated and ran the St

jackpot is €5,000. Thank you to everyone

Brigid’s 5k. We hope to hold this as an

who supports our lotto and to our great

annual event on All-Ireland Football on

lotto committee.

Sunday.

St Brigid’s Deirdre Murphy in action against Westmeath. Picture: GAAPics.com

Murphy looks to add to Mayo All-Ireland pain ALL-IRELAND FINAL  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ST BRIGID’s defender Deirdre Murphy still has two recent Dublin All Ireland Under-21 victories fairly fairly fresh in the memory.

That’s a nice psychological advantage going into an All Ireland senior final, perhaps, especially in a squad that’s become agonisingly used to losing out in Croke Park.

On Sunday, they will be contesting their fourth successive All-Ireland decider in Croke Park with Cork the rival for the past three years.

This year’s opponents are not Cork, though, but Mayo, revived under the ever-effective Cora Staunton.

“It has been nice to focus on Dublin on the way to an All Ireland,” Murphy explains after her club Brigid’s had a less than inspired 2017, following a strong 2016.

“We’ve been focusing more on the basics,” Murphy says of Dublin under a returning Mick Bohan.

“That’s perhaps something we haven’t done enough in recent years and it’s really stood to us in games. Our touch and finishing is better, because we’re focusing on those skills.

“Our style of play has also developed. Every year, you have to build on what you’ve already done.

Greg [McGonigle] and his management team did great work with us before, and the new team are just taking that further.

“We’ve gone after shooting and it’s worked; we’re getting our rewards. Our backs and the transition into the forwards is really clicking, as we saw against Kerry [in the semi final].”

As for avoiding a rematch with Cork, and instead facing a hungry Mayo team, Murphy says “The two best teams get to the final, and that’s the aim at the start of the year. You never know who you’re going to play. Clearly they deserve to be there, and we’re looking forward to it.

“Cora [Staunton, Mayo star forward] is a great player and you have to

give her the respect she deserves. But we’re going to concentrate on ourselves, and hopefully pull it off on the day.

“The hurt [of consecutive final losses] drives you on, and everyone wants an All Ireland, that’s why you play football. I think we want it as much as we’ve always wanted it,” she explains.

“I enjoy the build up; the week before the game you have to try and block it all out, though, and focus on the game. The intensity in training is good, and come match time, we all

know what we have to do.

It’s exciting, but I’ll still be at work. It’s kind of a distraction.

“It’s been a long season in some ways, with Brigid’s,” Murphy adds.

“It didn’t really go to plan, but we’ve had a change of personnel with a few senior players leaving. We see it as a building year and hopefully we move forward next year.”

If Dublin were to claim a second All Ireland title this Sunday, we suspect an indifferent year at Brigid’s will quickly be swept from Murphy’s mind.

The weekly lotto draw this week will

Thanks to all who organised, helped,

Wishing Noelle Healy, Ciara Trant and

The Dublin senior hurling champion-

Deirdre Murphy all the best on Sunday,

ship campaign resumes for St Brigid’s

September 24 as Dublin meet Mayo in the

on Saturday, September 23 in Parnell

TG4 All-Ireland final. Come along and give

Park where we meet Naomh Fionnbarra

the girls every support.

at 3.15pm. This is a fixture not to miss –

Well done to the St Brigid’s U-10 group

come to the home of Dublin GAA to be the

who will be playing the half time mini-

16th man for our lads.

game.

St Brigid’s play Ballymun Kickhams in

Our club gala dinner 2017 will take

the senior football championship quar-

place in the Hogan Suite of Croke Park on

ter final on September 30 at 6.30pm,

October 14; email eventsbrigids@gmail.

another important date to have a full St

com to reserve your tickets.

Brigid’s support out in Parnell Park.

Our adult ladies football teams are

The nursery is back every Saturday

looking for new members for our Divi-

from 9.30 to 11am with all four to seven-

sion 1 and Division 7 teams and Gaelic for

year-olds very welcome. Club acad-

Mothers and Others are also recruiting.

emy for 13 to 16-year-olds on Fridays at

Players of every standard and all ages

6.45pm.

are welcome, call 086 4090371 for details.

CASTLEKNOCK

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers

much work to make our Family Fun Day

Childcare, is in full swing again at Tir na

a huge success. Well done to all involved,

nOg. New members always welcome.

great day had by all.

Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@ gmail.com.

There was no winner of our lotto jackpot in association with Rialto Ford.

Congratulations to Ciaran and the

Numbers drawn were 5, 11, 15 and 27 with

Dubs on being crowned All-Ireland

three match three winners, winning €100

champions for the third year in a row.

each. Lucky dip winner was T. Cunning-

Well done to the lads, the club is very

ham c/o O Shea’s Merchant. Next draw in

proud.

the Bell on September 21 with a jackpot

Big thanks to everyone who put in so

ERIN GO BRAGH

of €6,800.

OUR nursery, The Little Green Machines,

the shield final which is due to be played

continues in Phibblestown Community

in the next few weeks.

centre on Tuesdays from 6-7pm and

Well done to our adult hurlers who

Saturdays from 11.30am to 1pm and also

beat Kilmacud with an impressive score

in Hansfield Educate Together school on

of 4-9 to 1-6.

Saturday morning from 9.30-10.30am.

New members are always welcome.

The good work continues at juvenile level with all our teams continuing to

We are currently seeking new adult hurling manager; please contact pro. eringobragh.dublin@gaaa.ie for further details.

thrive. New members are always wel-

Our skydive has been rescheduled

come to any of our teams, no experience

to September 30. Please support our

necessary.

eight volunteers as all funds raised goes

Well done to our 16 hurlers on reaching

towards the running of the club.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN

Dublin’s ladies footballers celebrate their semi-final success against Kerry. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

THE minors were only adult team in

quarter final on Sunday week, October

action last week, taking on Round

1, at O’Toole Park with a 2.30pm start.

Tower, Clondalkin in Westmanstown.

The juveniles had another busy week-

The next fixture is away to St Jude’s on

end with the U-13 girls beating Raheny

Sunday, October 1.

by 3-12 to 0-5, the U-9 boys travelled

The juniors have a vital league fixture

to Shankill, the U-11 boys fielded three

at home next Sunday to Round Towers

teams in Whitehall, securing victories in

of Lusk in Westmanstown at 11am.

all three matches

The intermediates next outing is against St Jude’s in the championship

Our U-10 camogie girls hosted a blitz in Westmanstown.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR BLANCH SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

FERRARI FINALE: Castleknock Celtic set up date with St Malachy’s to decide red-hot piece of silverware P30

SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2017

THUNDEROUS BEGINNING: New basketball season fired up by early Dublin derby date P29

D15’s Kings of Croker Castleknock’s Ciaran Kilkenny gets in a tangle with Mayo’s Donal Vaughan. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho

Local quartet swell their incredible haul of All-Ireland senior football championship medals, playing critical roles in their run to glory in 2017

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN 15 quartet Ciaran Kilkenny, Paddy Andrews, Eric Lowndes and Bernard Brogan added to their huge All-Ireland senior football championship titles, bringing it to 18 between them following last Sunday’s narrow win over Mayo in Croke Park.

For Castleknock’s Kilkenny, he has played a crucial role of linking the midfield to a forward line a vital piece of that jigsaw, going into the final as a contender for the 2017 player of the year gong.

However, with huge importance comes close attention from opponents and his role adjusted

over the course of the final in the wake of Jack McCaffrey’s departure in the ninth minute to a knee injury.

Kilkenny was tightly marked by Lee Keegan for large parts of Sunday’s game but such is the ability of the young forward, he eventually overcame the attention of last year’s footballer of the year to make some telling runs during the final 15 minutes of the game.

St Brigid’s Andrews started in the full-forward line en route to his fifth title, a feat matched by St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh’s Bernard Brogan who entered the fray in the endgame.

St Peregrine’s Lowndes was an unused sub this time around.

In the end, the tie was settled by an injury time

free by Dean Rock – who grew up in Garristown – for a 1-17 to 1-16 victory, making it three in a row for Dublin.

“Composure has been the hallmark of these guys,” manager Jim Gavin said afterwards.

“They work so hard at their game and are very disciplined in what they do. The sacrifices they make to play Gaelic games is phenomenal.

“That composure when they went two points ahead and had the crowd behind them – there is a perception Mayo had the momentum but in the last quarter we probably outscored them four points to one.

“Recent Dublin [versus] Mayo games have been nip and tuck so I don’t think it was a surprise to our players that there was very little in

it going into the last few minutes. I thought our boys showed good composure when the game was there to be won.

“That shows how present the Dublin players were in the game. For them to turn it around and finish so strongly was satisfying,” said Gavin.

The two finalists appear to have moved clear of the chasing pack with plenty of talk of splitting Dublin due to their power in recent years.

But Gavin believes there is very little between many of the big teams and it inevitably comes down to the work put in by the layers throughout the year.

“One of the biggest strengths of this squad is their attitude and what they bring to the Dublin team from their clubs.”