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Homeowners hit with 5% property tax rise Councillors agree on increase in bid to help shore up Fingal’s finances

 MARK O’BRIEN

HOMEOWNERS in Fingal face a 5% increase in their Local Property Tax (LPT) after Fingal County Council narrowly voted to increase the tax for 2018.

Councillors had been

warned prior to the vote that the local authority’s budget was forecast to run a deficit of approximately €8 million next year if the LPT was not increased, and that this could lead to a reduction in services, including homeless services in the county.

Since the tax was introduced in 2013, councillors have voted to reduce the LPT by the maximum allowable rate of 15%.

However, following a motion brought by Labour Councillors Mary McCamley, Duncan Smith and Brian

McDonagh, councillors voted by 20 to 17 to reduce the LPT by 10% in 2018 – with Fine Gael, The Green Party, the Social Democrats and a number of independent councillors voting in support of the motion.

Continued on Page 4

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

POLICING | DMR WESTERN GARDAI EXAGGERATED FIGURES BY 373%

District’s scale of fake breath tests blasted  SYLVIA POWNALL THE investigation into false recording on the Garda Pulse system of fake breath tests shows gardai in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Western exaggerated figures by 373%.

Deputy John Curran (FF) said: “These damning findings show that we now have a very significant problem on our hands.”

Leo Lieghio, whose 16-year-old daughter Marsia (right) died after being struck by a hitand-run driver on the Fonthill Road, said: “It’s absolutely disgusting.

How many lives could

Marsia Lieghio, who was struck and killed by a hit and run driver in 2005

the Gardai be responsible for taking by not doing their job properly?”

M arsia was m ow n down at the pedestrian lights on the Fonthill Road on 16 October,

2005, and died in hospital as a result of her injuries six days later.

The popular teenager from Kilcronan Grove was struck by a car travelling at 80kph. The driver failed to stop but

was later jailed for ten months and had a previous drink driving conviction.

Mr Lieghio is now campaigning for a review of sentencing for drivers caught behind the wheel while under the influence of drink and drugs.

He said: “Lives have been lost. It’s not just the figures that were changed, it’s the people who could have been saved if they [gardai] were doing their job and genuinely checking for drunk drivers.

“I drove a taxi for 20 years and I could see from driving around that the checkpoints the

gardai said were there simply were not there.”

Deputy Curran said the figures as presented – which mean less than one in four breath tests were genuine – “would constitute one of the most damaging episodes in the gardai’s long and distinguished history.

We need to call it out for the scandal that it is.”

He added: “I believe that decisive action must be taken to implement real reform and cultural change in An Garda Siochana.

“There must be a consequence for this dishonesty and there must be meaningful accountability within the Force.”

FASTNews Social Democrats to hold its Fingal branch launch THE Social Democrats will hold the official launch of the party’s Fingal branch at a public meeting at the Carnegie Court Hotel (North Street, Swords) on Monday, September 18.

The party’s co-leader, Catherine Murphy TD will address the meeting as will Marina Reilly, the Fingal local electoral area representative. The meeting will be chaired by Cllr Paul Mulville and will start at 8pm.

A question and answer session will be moderated by Tracey Carey, the interim chairperson of the Fingal branch.

Deputy Murphy said: “The Social Democrats are going from strength to strength around the country – we are now organised in 26 constituencies and are developing branches in a further seven.

“I am deeply impressed by the calibre of the Fingal branch members who have done such great work in highlighting local issues and coming up with innovative solutions to improve people’s lives.”

Burton raises importance of everyone shopping local DEPUTY Joan Burton (Lab) has urged the people of Dublin 15 to shop local.

In a letter to the Select Committee on Enterprise, Deputy Burton wrote: “It seems to me that retailers are failing so far to give consumers the full advantage of the new exchange rates. This is a cause for concern.

“Should this situation continue I fear consumers will choose to travel North or even to places like Manchester or London to take full advantage of the favourable exchange rate to purchase items such as clothing which will be available at cheaper prices than in Irish shops, indeed even in the Irish branches of leading UK stores. This will lead to an avoidable loss of business in our country.”

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

On the ball getting great hurling tips THERE was great concentration on the faces of tehse two lads taking part in the Castleknock Hurlathon recently, with the Castleknock Senior Hurlers’ day seeing the seniors take over the mentoring of most of the Juvenile boys teams, with the U7s to U16s getting some great insight and first-hand tips and coaching to up their game from the experienced players. Picture: Niall O’Connell/@KnockPhotos

14 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

ALL-IRELAND FINAL | MEET 86YO SEAN, WHO’S HOPING TO GO TO HIS 75TH CROKER SHOWDOWN

KING OF THE HILL Sean’s first All Ireland

Final was the ‘Thunder and Lightning’ final of 1939 (right)

 SYLVIA POWNALL DYED-IN-THE-WOOL Dubs supporter Sean Hallinan is bidding to attend his 75th All Ireland final in Croke Park on Sunday.

The 86-year-old from Cabra – who attended his first AllIreland at the age of nine – hopes to be there once again to see the boys in blue defeat Mayo to raise the Sam Maguire Cup. Sean has yet to secure a ticket but is ever the optimist and expects to be among the 83,000-capacity crowd at Sunday’s final with his nephew Joe, who flew in from NewYork for the game.

He told The Gazette: “My first final was in 1939 and it was known as the thunder and lightning final – Kilkenny beat Cork by a point.

“My older brother Joe and I were boarders in St Vincent’s school in Glasnevin and we used to go to the matches every Sunday.

“He was my best friend and we used to travel all over the country in the van supporting the Dubs.”

Sean’s brother Joe passed away in 2013 and he now goes with his nephew, also Joe – who has flown home from New York every year since 2002 for the Croker final.

Sean said: “The game has changed and it’s a lot faster than it was in my day. I played right hand forward or corner forward, take your pick. It was a lot more physical then but I love it just as much today.”

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

PROPERTY | COUNCILLORS DIFFER ON OUTCOME OF VOTE

Mixed reactions to higher tax on homes Continued from Page 1

The vote means that the owner of a house worth between €350,000 and €400,000 in Fingal will pay €608 next year, compared to €573 this year.

Homeowners in areas where local authorities have not imposed any reduction in the LPT must pay €675 on a property of the same value.

Cllr McDonagh made

a passionate plea in support of his motion, saying: “Historically across Europe and everywhere else on the Left, we have always favoured taxes that include taxes on property rather than just taxation on labour.

“I think it is scandalous that people are not prepared to put their votes where their mouths are in terms of providing the resources in order to provide services that they claim to believe in.”

Cllr Jimmy Guerin also spoke in support of the motion, saying that the increase would be minimal for most people.

He said: “We’re talking about 29 cents per week for up to 80% of our households – that’s the equivalent of three cigarettes.”

However, speaking afterwards, Cllr Tania Doyle said that she was very unhappy with the result of the vote.

She said: “Councillors

were told that unless we voted for a zero change that services such as fire and rescue, libraries, community projects such as St Patrick’s Day parades would be in jeopardy.

‘Concerning’ “Most concerning was that homeless support services would be cut, and this after the Homeless Summit where the Minister [for Housing] said money was no object to solve this issue.”

Cllr Doyle added she felt councillors were forced to vote for “the least worst option, and in a modern society that is not acceptable”.

The increase was welcomed by Fingal County Council’s chief executive

Paul Reid, who said: ““I welcome the decision ... to impose a 10% reduction as this will generate €1.9m which will be ring-fenced for local services, housing and homeless supports.

“If councillors had voted to take the full 15% reduction, we would have had to cut services in order to balance our budget. “ T h e r e h ave b e e n detailed engagements over the past few weeks and months with the Corporate Policy Group and the various political parties and groupings in which the council’s management team set out some of the very real upward pressures on our costs in providing services to a growing county like Fingal.”

One of Charles’ promotional images for his great fashion line

Teen’s clothing range is 100% a brilliant idea  MARK O’BRIEN

A 15-YEAR-OLD entrepreneur from Dublin 15 is hoping to make it big in the world of fashion with his new online clothing store.

Charles Chukwuogor – a fifth year student in Coolmine Community School – launched his company, 100% Clothing, earlier this year and has already gained a strong following online.

Charles told The Gazette that he was inspired to set up the company after his brother saw some of his clothing designs.

He said: “My brother saw some of the designs I drew in my sketchbook for my art class in school and he told me he would wear them.”

100% Clothing sell a range of streetwear clothing, including t-shirts, hoodies and baseball caps.

Charles said that the process of setting up an online store turned out to be surprisingly easy.

He said: “I thought it would be much more complicated than it was. I used a system called Storenvy which is kind of like Ebay but it lets you set up your own online store and then connects you with your wholesalers.”

The company also looks after shipping and Charles has factored shipping price into his prices to ensure that shipping is free to the customer all over the world.

Charles has also used social media to grow awareness of his brand. He said: “I found using Instagram very useful.

“I was looking up strategic ecommerce tactics to increase and boost sales and they said it was the number one platform for business, even though some people might think it’s Facebook.

“Most people like visual content, and that’s what Instagram is all about.

“When you’re scrolling through Instagram, people tend to see your adverts more than they would on Facebook, so I’ve included that in my advertising campaign and it’s actually brought a lot of awareness to my business.”

The tactic has certainly proved effective so far, with 100% Clothing amassing 500 followers by the time of its launch. This has since grown to almost 700 followers.

Charles said that he hopes to go to college to study retail when he is finished school but until then he hopes to continue to build up his business alongside his schoolwork. “I would love to get 100 sales by the end of sixth year,” he said.

To order from 100% clothing and to support a young local entrepreneur, see http://onehundredpercent.storenvy.com

RIVERSDALE

14 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

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

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

Out and About

Agelina Petrute

Nia Sunil, Faye Nully and Catherine Spain. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Rohen Chillze and Rex Vipin

Vyga Nair and Sashashi Vaduva

14 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Ieva Kenkyte

Saachi Ratpal

Junior infants say hello to a life of learning I

T WAS a day of mixed emotions at St Brigid’s National School as junior infants had their first day of school recently. Most were excited but many were afraid to let their parents out of their sight. However, all the parents and guardians were bursting with pride as their children got off to the start of their life-long learning adventure.

Elijus Latvys

Cillian Heyer-Graham

David Gheorghe and Alexandru Pelivan

Ryan Wall

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

Young music lovers having Brass craic!

THE Blanchardstown Brass Band have already had a busy September – but there’s plenty more huffing and puffing to be done before the month is out!

Already in September, the band have performed on the bandstand in Bray and at the “Shall We Dance” dance extravaganza during the Bleeding Pig Cultural

Festival in Donabate Golf Club.

Their next gig is at the Blanchardstown Garda Station Community Open Day on Saturday, September 16 followed by a show in the Blanchardstown Library for Culture Night on Friday, September 22.

The Band – which was formed in 1826 – has been going from strength to strength

and now has 32 playing members, seven junior members and 20 children in their training group.

More information is available on www. blanchardstownbrassband.com and anyone interested in joining the band should contact the secretary John Harford on 086 3901105.

FASTNews

Earn a childcare qualification in a D15 initiative THE D15 Early Years Training Programme are offering people the chance to earn a childcare qualification.

The Community Employment Project was primarily set up in late 2014 to cater for a growing demand in early years childcare services.

With effect from last September 1, 2016, children can avail of the scheme for up to two years prior to starting primary school.

This initiative has led to huge demand for childcare places and indirectly childcare assistants.

The project links in with nine local community creches in the greater Dublin 15 area.

TYRRELSTOWN | HOPES FOR DEDICATED FACILITY ALL BUT DASHED BY COUNCIL

Call for new youth centre to curb anti-social behaviour

 MARK O’BRIEN

THE COUNCIL says it can’t acquire or lease a vacant unit to build a social centre for young people in Tyrrelstown.

Cllr Matt Waine (Socialist Party) brought a motion before last week’s Castleknock/ Mulhuddart Area Committee meeting asking that Fingal explore the possibility of acquiring one of the vacant units in Tyrrelstown for use as a centre for young people.

Speaking in support of his motion, Cllr Waine said: “I think we have to look at the

deeper causes of the anti-social behaviour that is going on and I think it is related to the fact that we have very serious integration issues for young people in the area in particular, but the complete lack of youth facilities in the area is without doubt a contributing factor.”

Cllr Waine added that while progress was being made in building sports pitches in Tyrrelstown, not every child is interested in sport and there should be facilities in place that are inclusive to all young people.

Cllr Ted Leddy said that he supported

CllrWaine’s motion, particularly the point that not all young people play sport.

He said: “I thinkwe should always go forward with this. Not every kid is in to sport.

Not everybody plays GAA or soccer.”

Cllr Leddy cited Millenium Park, which has a skate park and graffiti wall, as an example of a facility that caters for young people who aren’t interested in traditional sport.

Cllr Edmond Lukusa also spoke in support of the motion, saying that a youth centre would be “an excellent remedy to the anti-social behaviour given that it will

be, for the youth, a place to go just to sit and hang out with friends”.

Cllr Paul Donnelly and CllrTania Doyle also spoke in support of the motion and raised concerns that such facilities are not considered properly during the planning stages of new housing developments.

In response to the motion, Fingal said they doesn’t usually acquire or lease sites on behalf of a third party, but they would ask the community worker in Tyrrelstown Community Centre to explore the possibility of expanding its youth services.

Services Some of these creches cater for disadvantaged families in disadvantaged socio-economic areas and are providing extremely valuable services which enable parents gain employment, education and/ or time for treatment for addiction services.

Coupled with these important services, the project currently employs 32 community employment participants. All of the CE participants are partaking in accredited Level 5/6 QQI education courses whilst contributing to the running of these community crèches.

For further information, email d15earlyyearstrainingprogramme@ gmail.com or phone 01 821 8055.

14 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

CHARITY | FUNDRAISERS FAITH | WIDOWER WELCOMING WHOLE COMMUNITY TO CENTRE

Appeal to help buy special car A GROUP of family friends have banded together to raise funds for a six-year-old Dublin 15 girl who was left severely mentally and physically disabled after contracting meningitis at just two weeks old.

The group hope to raise the funds to provide a wheelchair-accessible car to the family.

A Car for Kym have arranged a number of events in support of the cause, with an upcoming coffee morning in Scoil Oilibheir on September 22, to be followed by a Camel Racing night on November 17 in Westmanstown.

The group will also be making collections in SuperValu, Blanchardstown and Dunnes Stores, Ongar in December.

These are just a couple of the events lined up by the group, who are seeking sponsorship from businesses for the Camel Racing event.

Organisers say it’s €1,000 to sponsor the night, €100 for a race and €50 for a camel, and promise a great night to all who attend.

Further information can be found at the A Car for Kym Facebook page, and at https://www.gofundme. com/a-wheelchair-accessible-car-for-kym.

Doctor hopes mosque will help whole of D15  MARK O’BRIEN A DOCTOR who is planning to build one of Ireland’s biggest mosques in Dublin 15 in memory of his family says that he hopes that the new centre will be of benefit to the entire community.

Dr Taufiq al-Sattar, of the Shuhada Foundation, was recently granted provisional planning permission to build the mosque at Warenstown House in Corduff.

He had promised to build the mosque in memory of his wife, Shehnila Taufiq; daughter Zainab (19); and sons Bilal (17) and Jamal (15), who were killed in an arson attack in Leicester, England, in September, 2013.

The Shuhada Foundation already run a mosque, community centre, student education facility and Halal store.

Dr Taufiq, pictured above with his late sons, told The Gazette that the community is already availing of the services currently provided by the centre.

He said: “The work we do is helping a huge number of community people, especially people

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from lower socioeconomic groups, which is fantastic.”

The new centre will include a threestorey mosque, a large community centre, a sports hall and a five-a-side football pitch.

Dr Taufiq said that he hopes that the new centre will bring people together from all over Dublin 15, regardless of what religion they follow.

He said: “Our centre is already providing service to all the Irish community. I’m sure this new centre will provide more when we have our own sports complex, community centre and the mosque.”

With Dublin 15 being one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the country, Dr Taufiq said that he has been delighted with all the help and support he has received from the local community.

He said: “The local people have been very helpful. So many different nationalities are coming to the centre, which is fantastic.”

He added that he also hoped that the centre would help people of different nationalities to integrate into the community, saying: “It’s very important as part of the community to integrate.”

Dr Taufiq said that he is looking forward to the centre being built so that the Shuhada Foundation can offer even more help to the community.

Building work on the new centre is expected to commence in the coming months.

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10 GAZETTE 14 September 2017

Out and About

Frances Winston

Elaine Murren, Niamh Farrell and Claire McDonagh

Deirdre Crookes, Lauren McDonald , Megan Russell and Lyndsey Holmes.

Mother of all previews keeps guests on edge

Peter McGoran and Orlaith Dunne

A

DOUBLE-HEADER of thrillers were set to thrill movie buffs as ‘It’ and ‘Mother’ had special preview screening in Dublin.

Paramount Pictures hosted a special preview screening of the American psychological horror film, Mother, at the Odeon Cinema in Point Village Dublin. Guests Diana Bunici, Cathy O’Connor and boy band, Taken, arrived to a red carpet drinks reception ahead of the special invite-only screening.

Another preview was held at The Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield, which was packed to capacity for the special screening of the American supernatural horror film, It, based on Stephen King’s classic 1986 novel of the same name (below).

Guests were on the edge of their seats as they watched the film, which is set in the town of Derry, Maine. In a place known as The Barrens, a group of seven kids are united by their horrifying and strange encounters with an evil clown and their determination to kill It. Spotted on the night were model Carl Shaaban , actress Leah Mints as well as 98fm’s Luke O’Faolain and Kodaline’s Steve Garrigan.

Emily Holmes and Jessica Maiti

Bernie Leadon Bolger and Dawn Leadon Bolger

Laura McNaughton

Patrick Moynan and Carl Shaaban

Jody May

Niamh Cullen and Lisa McEvoy

14 September 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About Kodaline’s Stephen Garrigan and Diana Bunici Caoimhe McKenna and Kellie Duke

David Campbell and Pictures: Bbrian McEvoy

Rodrigo Ternevoy

The guys in new Boyband, Taken, were dressed to impress

Cathy O’Connor

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 14 September 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

CELEBRATING BUSINESS THROUGH CREATIVITY THE Dean Dublin, A&L Goodbody, Bank of Ireland, ESB and Dublin Port Company were among the winners in 11 categories at the 26th annual Allianz Business to Arts Awards ceremony at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre last week.

This year’s Allianz Business to Arts Awards, attracted a record number of nominations with over €6.5m spent on arts sponsorships submitted. The Awards recognise businesses, artists and arts organisations that develop creative

partnerships and bring businesses and the arts into mutually beneficial relationships across society.

The evening was a celebration of the most innovative and creative partnerships in Ireland in 2016/2017.

WIN

Andrew Hetherington, CEO, Business to Arts; Sean McGrath, CEO, Allianz Ireland; Laura Lynch, Head of Segments, Bank of Ireland; Richie Boucher, CEO, Bank of Ireland and the Junk Kouture winner, Mariusz Malon from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana at the Allianz Business to Arts Awards. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

a VIP night out for a party of TEN to the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby FINAL

TREAT nine pals to a VIP night at the highlight Of The Irish Greyhound Racing Calendar – the Boyleports Irish Greyhound Derby FINAL on Saturday, September 23 at Shelbourne Park.

This great prize includes FREE admission for ten, who’ll each receive a race card, €10 tote bet, €10 food voucher and complimentary first drink.

Doors open at 4pm; the first race is at 7.15pm.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, just

THE main event of the Irish Greyhound Racing Calendar takes place at Shelbourne Park on Saturday, September 23 when six of the fastest greyhounds in training will go to the traps in their quest to lift the €150Kwinner’s cheque and title of winner of the 2017 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

Doors open at 4pm and from the moment you step into the Dublin 4 venue, live music and buzzing bars will greet you with an eclectic mix of patrons from around the world gathering for a superb night’s entertainment.

The first of a bumper 13 race programme goes to the traps at 7.15pm, with the feature event – the BoyleSports Irish Derby Final – Race 8 on a night that never fails to deliver.

Shelbourne Park’s Patrick Flynn said: “BoyleSports

visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and simply Like and Share our BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby competition post, and tag someone you think would like to come along for the highlight of the Irish Greyhound Racing calendar.

Alternatively, email competitions@dublingazette.com and answer this question:  Which Irish bookmaker has sponsored the Derby for the past four years?

Derby Final Night is the culmination of six fantastic weeks of racing at the venue and this year is the centrepiece of our inaugural Festival Of Racing,which sees the first round heats of the Sporting Press Micro Dog ID Irish Oaks on Thursday September 21, and the Dublin Coach Juvenile Derby starting on Friday 22, making it three prestigious classic events offering a total prize fund in excess of well over €400,000.

“We would like to thank BoyleSports who are sponsoring the Derby for the fourth consecutive year and have once again shown their commitment to supporting Irish Sport.”

To find out more about Derby Day, go to www.shelbourneparkgreyhoundstadium.ie

Dundrum and Blanch firms among fittest in the country TWO DUBLIN businesses came out on top in the Irish Life Health Workplace Fitness Challenge.

Towercom in Dundrum were named Ireland’s Fittest Company and PayPal in Blanchardstown were named the Most Improved Large Company (over 250 employees).

Over 170 businesses throughout Ireland participated in Irish Life Health’s Workplace Fitness Challenge 2017 – a six-week nationwide workplace challenge which encouraged employees to take small, consistent steps to improve their fitness.

Now in its second year, the Irish Life Health Workplace Fitness Challenge supports and encourages employees to increase their level of physical activity to become fitter, healthier and happier.

The pioneering initiative by Irish Life Health was developed in partnership with DCU. Busy PayPa l, winners of the Mos t Improved Large Company, was led by gym services manager Suzanne O’Connell; “Everyone leads busy lives these days and I believe the majority of those working desk jobs are concerned about the impact it’s having on their health, so it was easy to get people involved.

“I found the challenge easy to communicate and to manage. And the

PayPal were named as winners of the Most Improved Large Company

Move Your MET app appealed to a lot of employees as they could do it in their own time outside of working hours.

“Anyone who tried the challenge and stuck with it found their fitness levels had improved. What’s more, they’re more aware of their fitness, how to measure it and the health benefits associated with being fit.

“I would encourage anyone to participate in next year’s challenge. Not only will it improve your fitness, and ultimately your health, it’s also a lot of fun!”

14 September 2017 GAZETTE 13

MUSIC P16

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

EXUBERANT AMBER HAS A SPARKLING, FUN PERSONALITY

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Amber, an eightyear-old female Pit Bull Terrier.

She is paws-down one of the most affectionate and endearingly dogs we have ever had in our rehoming centre. If you’re looking for a fun and bouncy pal, then Amber would be a great addition to your family.

Amber is all about people, so would need to be the only pet in the home. She would love to live with young children but, as she is quite a bouncy dog, any children in the home would need to be able for her exuberance!

Amber has been overlooked time and time again, and we just can’t understand why – she’s got so much love to give! Can you give her the home she truly deserves?

If you and your family can be Amber’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook. com/dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

STYLE P18

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GAZETTE

DIARY P14

DUBLIN FRINGE: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, SAYS ITS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

A festival for us all  EMMA NOLAN

IN WHAT is his last year as artistic director of the Dublin Fringe Festival, The Gazette sat down with Kris Nelson to discuss this year’s performances.

“I’m so excited – the building is absolutely buzzing! It’s a wild time.”

Kris said, ahead of the opening day of this year’s festival.

Originally from Canada, Kris first led the Fringe as artistic director in 2013 and while he says he has loved his time in Dublin, this year’s festival is a bittersweet affair as it’s his last.

“I’m in festival mode so I’m just very excited about bringing the festival to life. I have had a few moments and a few twinges [about leaving], but I’m trying to keep them at bay.”

He will next take up the position of artistic director of London contemporary theatre festival, Lift.

As for this year’s Dublin Fringe, Kris praised the programme of artists and performances. “This year’s programme is the biggest we’ve had in a

Artistic director Kris Nelson; right: Everything Not Saved – one of the Fringe 2017 shows

while, with 80 different shows in 33 different venues.”

This year will also see many outdoor and public events taking place across the city. “These shows will bring really interesting propositions to public spaces,” Kris said.

One such outdoor event is Trophy.

Comprising a cluster of tents at Barnardo Square, beside City Hall, each tent is a person who tells a true story of a moment in their life when every-

thing changed. It’s described as a living monument to the experiences that make up our lives and a conversation about change.

Of the other highlights, Kris says: “The festival is for new work, new voices and new kinds of experiences.

We take audiences everywhere – there’s a show about the GAA called Spliced; there’s a circus called Raven

Eyed, in an old warehouse; there’s Soldier Still, about violence and posttraumatic stress disorder.

“Another piece which I think is really fun is Neon Western – it’s a rave, but also a spaghetti western, it’s got amazing music and that’s happening in the Samuel Beckett theatre. It’s a really wild and really visual and exciting show.”

With so many things to see and experience at this year’s Fringe, Kris recommends just showing up at venues and seeing what’s on at any given time. “A lot of people just rock up to the festival. They go to Smock Alley or the Project Arts Centre and they just say ‘What’s on?’ and that’s a really great way to take in Fringe.”

He also recommends simply calling up the box office and having a chat to find out what shows you’ll enjoy most. “Our box office team will guide you and find out exactly what you want to see.”

The Fringe is running until September 24; for the full listings, see fringefest.com.

14 GAZETTE 14 September 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE Gogglebox is back, and all set to rule the TV roost €30K HELPS TO BRING A SMILE TO SICK KIDS AT CRUMLIN HOSPITAL

LITTLE patients at Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin were cheered up this week as One4All raised over €30,000 for the

CMRF Giggle Fund.

The Giggle Fund is dedicated to brightening the lives of patients in Our Lady’s Children Hospital, Crumlin. Be it for fun, games or educational activities, these funds will

help the hospital relieve the pressure of a hospital stay for both patients and their families.

The funds will also be used to help patients celebrate special occasions such as St Patrick’s Day,

DIARY

Pat Kenny and Gogglebox are back on Wednesday nights on TV3, with the first show starting last night (Wednesday, September 13), bringing another batch of the nation’s telly watchers to the small screen with reliably entertaining results

Easter, Christmas and birthday parties.

The Shop4Crumlin campaign, which took place from July 22 to 30, saw One4all donate .50c to CMRF Crumlin for every transaction made in any of its 8,000 retail outlets nationwide or online.

For further information on Shop4Crumlin visit www.one4all.ie/shop4crumlin.

phone equipment manufacturers to award prizes in each category.

Submissions can be made at https://filmfreeway.com/festival/ DublinSmartphoneFilmfestival. For further infromation, see www. dublinsmartphonefilmfestival.com/.

MOBILE PHONE FILM FEST ON THE WAY

TWO IN THREE people in Ireland mistake blood cancer for skin cancer, according to new research to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

A new campaign launched by former Irish professional boxer, Barry

DUBLIN Smartphone Film Festival – a new international film festival dedicated to filmmakers exclusively using mobile devices – starts next January 27.

The festival will screen a selection of short film, documentary, animation and music videos, along with hosting industry and educational workshops.

The festival is now accepting submissions from local and international filmmakers, and the awards categories include Best Fiction, Music video, Documentary, Animation, and Best 360/VR film.

The programmers are on the lookout for strong original concepts with an inventive use of the technology and have teamed up with several smart-

HELPING TO MAKE BLOOD CANCER MORE WIDELY KNOWN

McGuigan, aims to highlight the significance and impact of blood cancer, which 85% of respondents were surprised to learn is the fourth most common cause of cancerrelated death in Ireland.

Barry said: “My father, Pat McGuigan, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer at the age of 52.

“He underwent surgery in hospital, but sadly died nine weeks later. My family and I were shocked and devastated.”

The study shows twothirds (67%) of people believe that there are low levels of awareness of blood cancer amongst the population because they

Boxing legend Barry McGuigan at the launch of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Picture: Naoise Culhane

have not heard much about it in the media.

Barry added: “In 1987, we were unaware of blood cancer or what it meant in terms of prognosis, treatment and survival. Today, however, there is renewed hope.”

The Make Blood Cancer Visible campaign will host a free patient information event for people living with blood cancer on September 27 at 6.30pm in the Davenport Hotel on Merrion Street Lower, Dublin 2.

The event is open to all people living with blood cancer as well as their family, friends and carers.

For all campaign information, visit cancer.ie/ bloodcancer.

14 September 2017 GAZETTE 15

CHILDREN: 10,000 KIDS TO JOIN NATIONAL INITIATIVE

Dahl-ings, you’ll love this great readathon MORE than 10,000 Irish kids are set to embark on a fourweek reading marathon this October in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland.

Heinz and MS Ireland are teaming up for the MS Readathon to inspire kids around the country to embrace adventure and make the most of the back to school season, and to help raise essential funds for MS Ireland.

In competitions appearing in Tesco and SuperValu stores around Ireland, Heinz customers can win iconic Roald Dahl book sets.

The collection contains 15 classic stories, written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake. Book sets are available to win with a purchase of Heinz Back to School products in select stores.

Roald Dahl launched the first ever MS Readathon in 1988, beginning three decades of adventures in reading. More than 10,000 young readers in schools around the country took part last year, reading some 87,000 books in total and raising funds for people with MS in their community.

Speaking at the launch of the 30th MS Readathon in Dublin this week, Dahl’s widow, Felicity, said: “Roald once said, ‘If you can learn to treat books as your friends when you are young, you will always be able to cope with the tougher [more serious] ones in later life’.

“Over the past 30 years, the MS Readathon has encouraged children all across Ireland to make friends with books and the reading habit whilst raising funds for a highly worthwhile cause.

“Roald helped to launch the very first MS Readathon in Ireland and I am delighted to be following in his rather giant footsteps to help launch this year’s readathon.”

To sign up for it, see www.msreadathon.ie. If you have any query about MS, you can call the MS Information Line at 1850 233 233, or see www.ms-society.ie.

GAZETTE

FEATURE

14 September 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

The All Ireland Final

Wrangle your seat in Croker (or failing that, the pub), get your sky-blue on, and get ready for the big one: it’s time for three in a row. Or is it? The continued drama of Dublin’s dominance and Mayo’s curse takes its latest twist on Sunday, September 17.

Bluefire Street Festival

Back for its fifth outing, this colourful Smithfield event brings with it a bunch of wonderful musical unknowns, arts and crafts, family fun, and lovingly prepared food offerings. Far better than a free festival has any right to be. September 16.

Cycle Hack Dublin

As the debate on Dublin cycling rages on (half the city seems to have an opinion on who causes road chaos), Cycle Hack Dublin drops in on the city to talk about how to improve the bicycle experience. A weekend-long programme in the Fumbally Exchange. September 15-17.

The EA Cup Final

Another sporting finale scheduled for the weekend, Dundalk travel to Tallaght to take on Shamrock Rovers, as last year’s League of Ireland Champions look to salvage pride from a season in which Cork City became kings. September 16.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The funk-rockers with one of the best stories in music may have faded a touch in recent years, but they’re still a compelling live act, and sure to light up an arena stage as they have been for a generation. September 20 and 21, 3Arena.

CHILIS!

The National Ploughing Championships

It goes without saying this involves braving the traffic over near Athy, County Kildare, but it’s not to be sniffed at: this monstrous event has more to offer than you can ever hope to see in a single year, and it’s not all farming. September 19-21.

Terenure Family Fun Day

Bushy Park hosts a community event in the south Dublin suburb, with a market from 11am and entertainment, bouncy castles and face painters from 1pm. September 16.

The National

Slightly glum but endlessly talented Americans - a band with no less than four albums in NME’s top 500 - return to Ireland to showcase their latest, ‘Sleep Well Beast’. Powerfully emotional stuff, Vicar Street.

September 17 and 18.

New album of the week

Benjamin Clementine - I Tell A Fly. The Parisianinfluenced Englishman with a complex and heartbreaking backstory returns with his latest experimental, avant-garde jazzy offering, sure to be loaded with quirky character.

Is another Mercury Prize in the offing?

MUSIC

ROCK GETTING READY TO CRUSH TICKET TOUTING

GAZETTE GAZETTE

GAZETTE GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 14 September 2017

Music and gigs fan Deputy Noel Rock (FG) has had enough of above-face-value Flogging Molly at The Olympia ticket resales. He tells The Gazette how he wants to stop it, once and for all.

CELTIC PUNKS FLOG CHAOTIC BRILLIANCE

 JAMES HENDICOTT FINE GAEL TD Noel Rock (right) is pushing forward with his bill to outlaw the above-face-value sale of tickets, with the long-term campaign proving a popular bid to stamp out the current legal and thriving secondary ticketing market in Ireland.

Deputy Rock, who’s at pains to clarify that his bill is targeting only “above-face-value” resales – and takes no issue with legitimate onwards sale due to personal circumstances – told The Gazette this week that the bill is currently - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - being held up by a consultation process taking place in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, before progress to the next stage.

The problem, he says, continues to grow: “There’s a consistent pattern of popular, high-profile events selling out in minutes, and - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - reappearing at high value on ticketing websites almost immediately.”

There are also some quite dubious practises.

He cited LCD Soundsystem at Dublin’s “There are certainly cases where companies offer a ‘guarOlympia Theatre and Danish singer MO in antee’ of a ticket that a customer has paid for, that essentially The Academy as recent examples. “It’s legal says they will either be provided with a ticket, or with their currently, and real fans are being squeezed money back. That’s not much of a guarantee in itself, but out. it’s also common to substitute tickets in other parts of a sta“The difficulty is, I don’t really trust dium, for example. What kind of customer service is that, the industry to make it difficult. There are really? It’s mis-selling.” a lot of vested interests in the market, Deputy Rock – a TD for Dublin North West – is a dediand there’s very little motivation to cated music and sports fan himself, and often tweets about make the market customer-friendly. attending various events, including Electric Picnic in recent weeks.

Mo – the Danish singer is He highlighted the touting issue earlier this year by another example cited by the arranging to meet and confronting someone selling Ireland deputy as someone whose gig v England Six Nations tickets, recording and publishing the very quickly sold out, followed discussion as the seller attempted to unload the tickets at by reselling websites offering several multiples of face value. tickets almost immediately Deputy Rock claims to have a “thick file” on bad practises

 JAMES HENDICOTT

There’s a consistent pattern of popular, high-profile events selling out in minutes, and reappearing at high value on ticketing websites almost immediately TD Noel Rock

LCD Soundsystem (above) played at the Olympia Theatre, with Deputy Rock citing the speed at which their gig sold out as an example of ticket touting in action, affecting fans trying to get the elusive tickets

within the industry on his desk, containing a broad range of issues around touting that have seen customers ripped off in various ways.

“During the consultation process, we’ve received submissions from people like Ticketmaster, who as owners of resale website have a vested interest,” he continued.

“It’s worth noting that Seatwave shut down in Belgium after the government [there] outlawed resales, and touting is definitely down.

“I fully accept that it’s almost impossible to totally stamp out touting. We’re not suggesting that the law will have that impact. But what’s happened in Belgium since they made the changes is [touting’s] been substantially reduced, and some of the major players have been pushed out of the market.

“It’s created a ‘friction’ – a doubt in the minds of both the buyers and sellers involved in these transactions, and that’s what we hope to do, as it’ll definitely make things more dif-

ficult, and give gardai the power to intervene,” he said.

“At the moment, if someone sells a ticket to a concert or a football match, the terms and conditions that outlaw it are close to useless, even if they prohibit reselling.”

“Things are only going to get worse, as it’s an easy, legal way for people to take a punt on making a lot of money. It doesn’t benefit the artist or the people who actually want to attend these events.”

Deputy Rock will be pushing for his anti-touting bill – which has the backing of organisations like the GAA, the FAI, and major concert promoters – in the coming months.

“Our research has shown the vast majority of the Irish public support measures to stop above-face-value sales, even in cases where it causes some job losses.

“We did a survey of 1,100 people posing a question on that particular scenario, and 86% were in favour of the legislation. That’s unprecedented for almost anything,” said the deputy.

DAVE King doesn’t care what you think, and it might just be the best thing about him.

His band – well-travelled celtic punks, Flogging Molly – sit halfway between a session and a riot; a chaotic, unapologetic, ramshackle fusion of Irish trad and punk rock angst.

Based out of California (and largely comprising Americans) – but led by King, who was raised in long-fallen Dublin 4 tenement Beggar’s Bush – Flogging Molly have made a career out of morphing trad stylings into songs about drink and national pride, love and hopelessness.

Dublin is a spiritual home; a loose party at the end of a summer-long European tour.

King’s trademark is a

husky, snarling yet somehow warm voice, a quick turn of phrase and cutting lyrics.

Fuelled by on-stage cans of Guinness, he wiggles with his guitar, gurning between vocals and throwing playful but pointed jabs, like the dedication of Selfish Man to his brother, and a quip about so many of his mates coming down that nobody’s actually paid to be in a packed Olympia.

The highs are in the raucous choruses; What’s Left of The Flag is a glorious embittered ode to Irish identity, flowing into a manic Rebels of The Sacred Heart, and a melodic slowed-down celebration of the booze, Drunken Lullabies’ Then there’s the lesserknown highs – they come in nods to debut, Swagger, and early days in LA pubs, or in Saints and Sin-

ners – a track that plays with religious themes but is ultimately about losing yourself in a fully-lived, fully-loved life.

D ow n t h e f r o n t , where 500 punks haven’t stopped leaping in 90 minutes, they can do no wrong. Celtic punk doesn’t always sit well with trad purists, but there’s no better place to soak up something like this than an Olympia heaving with roaring, half-cut punk fans lobbing every word back at the stage.

King is like Glen Hansard, except far more fun, slightly worse for wear, and with everything The Clash ever made eating at him from inside his veins.

Flogging Molly can happily lay claim to Green Day’s famous playful-punk quote: they very much put the fun in dysfunctional.

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18 GAZETTE 14 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

DUBLIN continues to produce some amazing fashion talent with five young designers named as finalists in the Dublin Fashion Festival Young Designer of the Year for 2017.

The five budding designers – Maria-Christina McPadden, Romy Blennerhassett, Danielle MvGregor, Aoife Eustace Doyle and Naomi Ajetunmobi – are Dublin residents and their designs, along with the remaining seven finalists, will be showcased in a spectacular catwalk show taking place in the Mansion House on Friday, September 22.

Romy is from Monkstown, Maria Christina is from Blackrock, Danielle is from Clondalkin, Aoife is from Dundrum and Naomi is from Fairview.

The finalists were chosen by a select judging panel including renowned fashion photographer, Barry McCall; TV3 Xpose series producer, Debbie O’Donnell; the Irish Independent’s fashion editor, Bairbre Power; the owner of The Design Centre, Ashling Kilduff; Brown Thomas’s personal shopping manager, Katie McGrath; Arnotts head of personal shopping, Clara Halpin and Evoke.ie editor, Sybil Mulcahy.

The designers’ pieces will be showcased in front of key fashion media and influencers, including some of Ireland’s established designers and fashion buyers, as they compete for the title of Young Designer of the Year.

Along with the coveted title prize, the winner will also get the invaluable opportunity to shoot a fashion

By Aoife Eustace Doyle

By Romy Blennerhassett

5

TAKE

Crimp silver necklace €185; punk bracelet €120; Rocks-off necklace €145

By Naomi Ajetunmobi

By Maria Christina

By Danielle McGregor

Unravelled rose gold bracelet €110; Idol rose gold necklace €595

portfolio with fashion photographer Barry McCall.

Previous winners of the Young Designer of the Year Award have gone on to achieve great successes.

With so many excellent candidates, the judges have the extremely tough decision of choosing one overall winner out of the finalists.

Having completed her shoot with Barry, last year’s winner, JJ Donnelly from NCAD, is now assisting the design team for Irish designer Carolyn Donnelly on The Edit at Dunnes.

JJ is now getting ready to pass on the title to this year’s winner, along with featuring her collection at this year’s show.

For further information, see www.dff.ie or become a fan on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram #DublinFashion.

Unravelled gold necklace €195

14 September 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE

Jager silver earrings €80

New omantic

R

Ardour silver ring €135

A JEWELLERY LINE YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

A NEW Irish jewellery brand has just launched with a brand-new store in town.

Founded by designer Niamh Patten and JulieAnn Fearon, the New Romantic collection is inspired by their love of simple beauty.

Sterling silver plated in gold, rose gold and Rhodium pieces are the brand’s key looks. Designer Niamh said: “I create what I like to wear and what I think the strong, confident women of today would like to wear.”

All of the metals and stones used to create New Romantic’s pieces are ethically sourced and manufactured in Italy

and Greece. In Italy, where most of the pieces are made, the craft of jewellery is passed down from generation to generation.

With prices ranging from €60 to €595, New Romantic can be found at its flagship store located at Number 21 Drury Street, Dublin 2, as well as online at www.newromanticjewellery.com.

Odyssey silver necklace €160

Idol silver necklace €595 Energy rose gold necklace €140

Jager gold ring €80

Jager rose gold bracelet €95

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 14 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FOOD&DRINK  EMMA NOLAN

THE Exchequer D2 has launched an exciting menu made up of entirely gluten free dishes. The menu is one of many new changes taking place at the established Dublin eatery, along with the welcome addition of talented new head chef Marty Montgomery.

The menu is designed for people who suffer from gluten intolerance, whether it be a dietary choice or those who suffer from coeliac disease, this menu hits the spot on all accounts.

No longer will diners with gluten intolerance be limited in their dining choice with an entire menu on offer at The Exchequer to satisfy their taste buds.

With delicious dishes on offer such

as cured salmon with cucumber and wasabi dressing, hake with asparagus, mussel and garlic sauce as well as a sumptuous steak tasting board including bavette, flank and featherblade, the new menu is a triumph of flavours and local product.

The new menu consists of numerous starters, mains and desserts to make for a fully rounded dining experience with absolutely no gluten!

The gluten free menu is the latest in a string of food innovations at The Exchequer and it showcases the level of care taken by the expert team for their valued customers.

The new menu is available in the excellently located Exchequer D2, seven days a week and table bookings can be made at www.theexchequer.ie

The steak tasting board at the Exchequer D2

Eat gloriously gluten-free at Exchequer D2

Hake with asparagus, mussel & garlic sauce

Ben&Jerry’s unveil new non-dairy range  EMMA NOLAN

ATTENTION ice cream fans unable – or choosing not – to consume dairy!

It’s almost time to raise spoons in celebration of an all-new Ben &

Jerry’s, non-dairy flavour lineup, set to arrive into Irish supermarkets later this September!

Soon, fans will be able to dive deep into a decadent tub and experience all the chunks and swirls Ben & Jerry’s is known and loved for, but this time in a vegan certified, almond-based indulgence.

For years, non-dairy fans have been forced to watch ice cream consumers with envy, unable to satisfy their sweet cravings.

Now the tables are turning.

Non-dairy and vegan consumers alike will be able to participate in a truly indulgent ice cream experience, enjoying two classic Ben & Jerry’s flavours… as well as a Non-Dairy exclusive flavour, Peanut Butter & Cookies.

Chunks? Check. Swirls? Check.

Non-Dairy? Check. We kid you not!

The new lineup includes a trio of flavours ready for spooning, including: Peanut Butter & Cookies: We’ve always had a thing for

peanut butter… and cookies.

Presenting: vanilla non-dairy ice cream with chocolatey sandwich cookies & scrumptiously crunchy peanut butter swirls.

Chocolate Fudge Brownie: Irresistible chocolate non-dairy ice cream with fudge brownies.

Our fabulously fudgy brownies have come from New York’s Greyston Bakery in Yonkers since ‘88, where baking is part of a greater-good mission to help provide jobs & training to low-income city residents.

T his concoction includes Greyston’s vegan brownie, which brings a taste like no udder.

Chunky Monkey: Okay, so we monkeyed around with our clas-

sic Chunky Monkey… banana nondairy ice cream with chocolatey chunks & walnuts - guaranteed to make fans go truly bananas!

To learn more about Ben & Jerry’s new flavours or to find a store near you, visit www.benjerry.ie.

14 September 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

TRAVEL EARLY BOOKINGS: WHISK THE ENTIRE FAMILY OFF TO A WINTER WONDERLAND

Claus to visit lovely Lapland  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

IT MIGHT seem a bit early to be talking about ‘the s-word’ – why, snow of course! – but when it comes to visiting magical Lapland in December, early booking is advised.

If you want to make it a festive season to remember, whisking the entire family off to visit Santa in his winter wonderland home will pretty much nail it.

Fly direct into Rovaniemi Airport in Finland from Dublin and you can deliver your festive wishes direct to the man himself, take a husky-led sleigh ride and enjoy an early white Christmas.

Visit Santa is the expert

when it comes to picking the perfect trip for a meet and greet with Mr Claus and his wife.

T h e y ’r e offering a three-day idyllic Lapland trip from €1,440 per adult and €1,340 per child (travel dates December 1, 3 and 11) crossing the snow-capped forests with the help of trusty reindeer and noble huskies.

Price includes return flights, taxes, transfers, thermal snow suits and boots (a must), two nights’ full-board accommoda-

tion, a 90-minute husky experience and a 90-minute reindeer experience.

You will also get a private meeting with Santa and his elves, a €25 gift allowance, snowmobile, sleigh ride and tobogganing, all meals including a festive gala dinner, souvenir CD and relevant licences.

The four-day Lapland Lullaby trip starts from €1,490 per adult and €1,390 per child and travels on December 5, 8 and 13.

The activity-based Sleighbell Spectacular is a three-day affair with everything from husky and reindeer sleigh rides to lessons at Elf School – from €1,259 per adult and €1,059

per child travelling December 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20.

F o r m o r e information or to book see VisitSanta.ie or call the experts at 01 611 1048.

If you’re on a tighter budget, Lapland day trips with Falcon Holidays can offer the experience at a lower cost, with their one-day package departing on December 9 and 16.

Adult prices start from €679 with children from €579 and prices include flights, taxes,

transfers, guides, visits to Santa and outdoor activities including sledging and snowmobiling.

Aside from in-flight meals you will also get lunch in Santa Park, but you might want to bring a bit of cash for tea, coffee and other snacks from Mrs Claus’ Bakery.

There are also plenty of souvenirs from the gift shop – and there is a cash point in Lapland, so don’t worry about how much to bring.

Thermal outerwear is provided and you’ll also get to take a train ride through the toy workshop to see how the elves are progressing with all their Christmas orders (now we’ve said ‘the c-word’ as well...)

For further information, see www.falconholidays.ie.

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22 GAZETTE 14 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

In the FASTLANE

Latest Nissan Qashqai Making the best even better has been the challenge for Nissan as its most successful Qashqai crossover car gets an update for 2017. MICHAEL MORONEY has been a fan and now he finds that the new version brings even more appeal.

Traditionally going on summer drives was all about the journey, but parents today admit that their kids have their heads down most of the time, immersed in their devices

Parents wave the white flag on kids’ screen times on car journeys ONCE upon a time, long journeys by car were an opportunity for families to bond, but today’s car journeys are a lot different. Traditionally going on summer drives was all about the journey, but parents today admit that their kids have their heads down most of the time, immersed in their devices.

Research by Enterprise Rent-A-Car has found that almost one-in-three (30%) of Irish parents with children under 18 admit that their kids often play on a tablet or phone “for hours on end” in the car (and in everyday life). With Irish motorists covering an average of 612km while driving on holiday this summer, that’s a lot of screen time.

The research also suggests, however, that in spite of frustration and anxiety about over-reliance on devices, parents are waving the white flag and admitting defeat in their attempts to limit the time their kids spend on mobile devices.

Even though 26% of parents worry that it could be bad for children’s health to play on tablets or phones for long periods in the car, and 25% would prefer to engage more and have conversations, just 15% of parents have become angry with their kids for staying glued to a device as opposed to interacting with others.

“For families heading off on a long drive in the car during the summer, it is not the same as 20 or even 10 years ago,” says George O’Connor, managing director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland. “With the emergence of mobile technology, you’re simply not comparing like with like and most parents accept that devices are part of the journey now.

“However, the research suggests that a lot of parents are maybe losing the battle to get their kids off the devices and interacting with others,” O’Connor said. “Thirty per cent of our survey respondents admit their kids stay too long on their devices but only 15% say they’ve been angry as a result. It seems that for the sake of a quiet life, we are letting our kids win that battle.”

IRISH car buyers have loved the Nissan Qashqai since it was first introduced in 2007. It has become Ireland best selling crossover vehicle in that time with more than 50,000 Qashqai’s now on Irish roads.

In 2014, the Qashqai underwent a significant design change and now this year, there are some more subtle changes to Ireland’s favourite crossover.

To those with a casual interest in cars, the exterior design changes will not appear significant.

The most obvious but somewhat subtle exterior changes sees a new and larger ‘V-motion’ grille along with new front bumper and front fog lamps. The new ‘boomerang’ Daytime Run-

ning Lamps (DRL) and the LED light motif has been extended across the whole lamp at the rear to give the car a more modern look.

Jump inside and you’ll notice that there is a new D-shaped steering wheel. Nissan claims that the seats have been redesigned using a more durable upholstered finish or a choice of quality soft nappa leather, with 3D quilting. I think that Qashqai drivers will like the re-fresh for the car.

I took the entry-level diesel version out on the roads, powered by its well-proven 1.5-litre turbo -diesel engine.

What’s retained with that engine is the impressive fuel economy figure claimed to be 26km/litre (3.8l/100km or 74mpg).

The new Qashqai retains the modern design dash of the previous model with very small design changes

With almost 1,000km behind the wheel, I found the Qashqai economy level was close to an acceptable just 20% off that figure, giving me a range of more than 1,000km from the car’s modest 55-litre capacity fuel tank.

The six-speed manual gearbox allowed for sensible use of the engine’s

110bhp power and torque.

This new Qashqai will deliver pace and more than adequate power at the entry level to suit a combination of modern city driving with weekend longer runs cruising at 120km/hr at just over 2000rpm.

T hat’s economical driving for any modern car and with its low CO2

rating, now down to 99g/ km. This means that the refreshed Qashqai is now even more cost effective to own. If you want to extend that ownership value even longer Nissan is offering a five-year warranty extension option and a Service Plan to allow you to manage the running costs well into the future.

Nissan claims that this new Qashqai delivers improved driving performance due to calmer vehicle body motion and better levels of impact shock.

The new Active Return Control claims to allow the steering wheel to return to centre position more naturally, bringing claims of improved precision during driving. Nissan also claims significant improvements to noise,

Domino’s and Ford begin consumer research of pizza delivery using self-driving vehicles THERE’S a driverless car coming to your door to deliver your next pizza - maybe that’s no longer a far-fetched idea as Ford and Domino’s pizza work on a new initiative in the US. The two companies have joined forces in an industry-first collaboration to understand the role that self-driving vehicles can play in pizza delivery.

As part of the testing, researchers from both companies will investigate customer reactions to interacting with a self-driving vehicle as a part of their delivery experience.

They claim that this research is important as both companies begin to examine and understand customers’ perspectives around the future of food delivery with self-driving vehicles.

As Ford builds out its business enabled by self-driving vehicles, conducting research with companies, like Domino’s, will be crucial to ensuring that the technology is applied in ways that enhance the customer experience. Ford plans to begin production of self-driving vehicles in 2021.

Over the next several weeks, randomly-

Ford and Domino’s have completed preliminary testing of the driverless car delivery process at a simulated urban environment on the University of Michigan’s campus

selected Domino’s customers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, will have the opportunity to receive their delivery order from a Ford Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle, which will be manually-driven by a Ford safety engineer and staffed with researchers.

Customers who agree to participate will be

able to track the delivery vehicle through GPS using an upgraded version of Domino’s Tracker. They will also receive text messages as the self-driving vehicle approaches that will guide them on how to retrieve their pizza using a unique code to unlock the Domino’s Heatwave Compartment inside the vehicle.

14 September 2017 GAZETTE 23

upgrade adds to its appeal

Nissan has retained four grades, XE, SV, SV Premium and SVE for the new Qashqai with entry prices starting at €27,970 for the diesel versions, that’s just a modest €400 more than the outgoing models.

1.5 litre Petrol engine versions 110hp are also now avail 11.9 seconds able and powered by an 26km/litre improved 1.2-litre turbo(3.8l/100km or 74mpg) petrol engine.

55 litres The Nissan Qashqai is still one of the most 99g/km desirable and affordable A2 €180 crossover cars on the Irish 30,000km/12 mon market. It competes in a 5 star (2014) very packed competitive 1350kgs space against this year’s 3 years (100,000km) best seller, the Hyundai €27,970 Tucson, as well as Ford’s Kuga, Toyota’s RAV4 and towards autonomous a growing host of other driving in the future. options.

There are ISO-Fix seat The Qashqai upgrades attachments in the rear are functional and make and a new lane depar- the car even more desirture warning system, all able. For me, it still retains of which add to the safe- its status as a crossover ty appeal of the Qashqai. icon.

Nissan Qashqai 1.5dCi

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy

Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Towing rating Warranty Entry Price The new-look Nissan Qashqai comes with small changes to the exterior design, more significant changes to interior quality, driving performance and comes with new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies

vibration and harshness (NVH) performance on the new Qashqai, all giving an impressive and non-tiring driving experi-

ence.

T his new Qashqai comes with the option of some new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technolo-

gies. These include intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intelligent park assist.

New rear cross-traffic

alert and still assist systems have been added while other safety systems have been upgraded.

The new Qashqai is

still awaiting a new Euro CAP safety rating, while its 2014 rating remains a strong five stars. Any new test will see the benefits of the new safety systems, some of which are part of the process

GAZETTE

MOTORING

GAZETTE

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

Nat Wolff stars as Light Turner – a high school loner who ends up with a supernatural notebook that will see anyone whose face is known, and true name written in it, die exactly when and as described

DEATH NOTE: NETFLIX’S FILM ADAPTATION OF A CLASSIC JAPANESE SERIES ENDS UP AS A WEAK CHAPTER

Doesn’t have the write stuff ADAM Wingard hinted at a promising future in genre filmmaking with his debut project, home-invasion horror, You’re Next.

While his sophomore effort wasn’t quite as well-received, many critics (including this one) lauded its deft blend of horror and bitter comedy – a stylistically original thriller that nodded at genre-filmmaking gone by in a manner that thrilled film nerds ... and left some newcomers confused.

There were plenty of horror aficionados eagerly awaiting Wingard’s follow-up project, then – needless to say, after two

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

deviously original efforts, many of them were baffled by his surprise announcement that that film would be a reboot-come-sequel to one of the genre’s modern masterpieces, The Blair Witch Project.

Though offering up some genuine scares in its final act, The Blair Witch was a jump scare-riddled mess. Wingard would

Western take on Death Note isn’t the first film based on the hit brand

have to return with something good – something original – if he were to deliver on the promise of his early efforts.

Regrettably, he hasn’t.

With Netflix original, Death Note, it’s become abundantly clear that Wingard isn’t the wunderkind that horror-fans once held him up to be.

Instead of delighting with an original effort, Wingard chose to westernise Death Note – a property beloved of Japanese manga and anime lovers the world over (see panel below).

The original comic has gone through myriad

NETFLIX’S interesting but ultimately botched take on Death Note isn’t the only film featuring a bored death god, an increasingly psychotic youth, a supernatural notebook and a worldwide murder spree – far from it.

There have already been several Death Note films in Japan, where the brand has been a runaway smash-hit success for many years

manifestations: as an animated series, a number of live-action movies, and even a musical. Wingard’s vision deviates somewhat substantially from that source material, but that’s the least of Death Note’s problems.

Light Turner (Nat Wolff) is a reclusive high school student, plagued by bullies and without friends. When a mysterious notebook – Death Note – literally drops from the sky, Light gains the power to kill anyone, in any way, simply by inscribing their name on its pages.

Naturally, with such

– first in a complex manga, then as a long-running anime (right, which you can watch on Netflix), followed by three live-action films and a TV drama which attempted to capture some of the complex tale’s magic.

Unfortunately, as with Netflix’s adaptation, the live-action stuff has ultimately failed to do Death Note justice, as there’s something about the complex, pitch-black content

power comes a whole new set of problems, and Light soon finds himself tormented by the mysterious death spirit, Ryuk (voiced

by Willem Dafoe), hunted by a relentless investigator (Keith Stanfield) and plagued with some serious girlfriend trouble.

While it bears many of the symptoms of the director’s early work – a delightfully grim sense of humour, razor-sharp horror, oodles of gore-heavy practical effects and the stylised retro sheen that had The Guest standing out from the crowd – Death Note fails to tell its fascinating story with any-

thing resembling a professionally crafted narrative, eschewing character building and clarity for a disastrously bloated narrative that closes with far too many loose ends.

Wingard attempts to stuff far too much into Death Note’s mercifully short run time, letting the meandering narrative run wild after only 20 or so minutes.

Little or no time is given to establishing Light as someone we could actually care about, bar a halfbaked attempt at familial drama with his father (Boardwalk Empire’s Shea Whigham, turning in

one of the film’s finer performances) and a shallow, poorly executed romantic subplot.

Perhaps if it ran even further from the source material and tried to tell a much smaller, more intimate horror story, Wingard’s Death Note could have been a return to form for the director – certainly, there are plenty of signs of that early promise littered throughout.

Unfortunately, Wingard played a dangerous game in adapting Death Note – and has surely lost many of those early devotees in the fray.

Verdict: 4/10

(which is entertainingly barmy to watch in the Netflix anime) that just hasn’t translated well to its live action treatments, so far.

However, given the global popularity of the hit manga and anime series, it’s very unlikely that this TV adaptation will be the last we see of Death Note, as there’s great potential for the memorable core content Ryuk, a bored Shinigami (death god), with Light Yagami, a student (and eventual mass murderer) to get the treatment it deserves.

14 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH LAUNCH: ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER NEW PHONE – BUT WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS ONE?

Are you feeling X-cited about Apple’s latest, best iPhone?

ONCE again, the Church of Apple drew its devotees together this week to sing the praises of another new product launch.

But what, pray tell, did we learn from Tuesday’s largely iPhone-focused presentation?

Tech watchers, business leaders and the stock market had spent a busy Monday chattering about Apple’s expected revelations, with a number of leaks – proven to be correct – suggesting Apple’s latest iPhone iteration would make some large leaps forward.

The leaks and rumours were confirmed by the main man himself, Tim Cook, who took to the stage to run through the main features of Apple’s new ‘anniversary’ phone – the iPhone X – as well as run through the major boosts to some ‘lesser’ models, such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus, and other Apple products.

However, the X was by far the star of the show, boasting some interesting new features – and an eyewatering price – to note.

Perhaps the biggest change for most users was a further drift into purely tech-driven fea-

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

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

tures, with the X ditching its physical Home button for a full-screen phone experience.

Forget fingerprint recognition – the X now scans your face, using infrared tech to create a 3D mask and verify that, yup, you’re you, rather than, say, an annoying kid brother trying to unlock your phone with a photo of your face.

It’s an interesting piece and use of tech, with Apple claiming that it’s about 20 times better and more secure than its fingerprint-scanning tech which it had introduced a few years back, but many users may miss the muscle-memory use of a home button.

Moving on, and there we r e t h e i n e v i t a b l e power, speed and processing jumps that each new iPhone iteration gets – and as the vast majority of people go as glassy-eyed as I do whenever someone starts talk-

‘The iPhone’s Achilles Heel (its pitiful battery life) saw a plaster slapped on, with claims of an extra two hours or so of extra life for the X, despite its power-hungry abilities’ ---------------------------------------------------------

ing about giga-anything chips, processing cores and RAM, let’s just say that the X has seen a decent boost to enable it to do even more impressive things, even faster.

One welcome new feature, although not a revolutionary one, is the X’s introduction of wireless charging, using a special plate – so goodbye, fiddly, fragile charging cables.

This isn’t particularly new tech, as a number of rivals have offered wireless charging for some years in higher-tier phones, but it’s a canny move towards the wire-free future that’s surely coming.

Apple’s new usermodifiable emoji was a bit of an underwhelming feature to highlight, but anyone who can’t type anything without adding a This-is-what-I-kindof-mean face at the end could get a kick out of them, although thankfully they’re locked into

using Apple’s proprietary messaging system. ;-) Apple’s already impressive iPhone cameras got another significant boost, both in terms of the power put into taking shots, and to subtly edit them afterwards.

At this stage, many phones (not just luxury iPhones) have started to encroach on the lower tiers of digital cameras’ abilities, and as other tech heads have noted, there’s an evolutionary clash beginning to take place between phones and cameras which one would hope camera manufacturers have already woken up to the dangers of. A complex story for another day...

The iPhone’s Achilles Heel (its pitiful battery life) saw a plaster slapped on, with claims of an extra two hours or so of extra life for the X, despite its power-hungry abilities.

Longsuffering iPhone

There’s no place like home ... but now, there’s no home button, with the iPhone X completely ditching the familiar feature that’s been there all through the past ten years of the iPhone range’s life. Losing the stalwart button for an all-screen piece of ‘real estate’ is just one of the first things that strike you about the latest iPhone – but the more significant changes are all under the hood ...

users will welcome the boost, any boost, to the battery life, but I can’t help but think of how my cheap €150 Moto G phone, for all of its faults, generally lasts a day and a half on a single charge despite heavy use – something beyond this pricey new phone.

I said ‘pricey’ for a reason: the iPhone X has a

$999/£999 price point – to start with – which will inevitably be even higher, here, let alone paying for higher-storage models.

For all of its bells and whistles features (which I’ve ignored running through in more detail, as by today, Thursday 14, readers will already have had a full day or two of iPhone X articles

everywhere), that’s an eye-watering price for what’s ultimately still just a phone; fancy and powerful, but a phone nonetheless.

Apple purists will love it, but it’ll be interesting to see how the X fares over here in our cash-strapped economy once it starts shipping in early November ...

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

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28 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

SPORT

FastSport WANDERERS WELCOME NEW YOUTH MEMBERS: WANDERERS rugby club are welcoming new players to join up as they begin their youth section’s new season on Sunday, September 10 at their Merrion Road home.

Registration begins at 9.30am followed by training 10am until 11.15am with new members for the Under-9s age group – born in 2009 – being recruited.

All levels of experience are catered for with an emphasis on fun for the children, learning how to execute the basic skills of the game in a safe environment.

All other age groups are also facilitated from Under-6s up to Under-12 level at the family orientated club.

Throughout the Saturday morning sessions during the season, the club will be serving breakfasts, teas & coffees. For more information, visit www.wanderers.ie/mini/youth rugby for more details or contact coaches: Mike Maloney on 086-8103212 or Cahir O’Higgins on 0876685785.

SWIMMING: RANELAGH TEACHER EMBRACING NEW SEA-SWIMMING CHALLENGE

Earley’s homage to late wife with his maiden Liffey Swim

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

AS WELL AS being the culmination of a surprisingly intensive Irish sea swimming season, the iconic Liffey Swim carries with it some incredible stories local stories.

Saturday’s 2.2km race, for example, saw Dublin’s Mark Earley – a teacher at Gonzaga College in Ranelagh – swim in memory of his wife late Liane Deasy, who passed away as a result of nocturnal epilepsy earlier this year.

Earley was completing his first Liffey Swim, and told Gazette Sport: “Since late April, I have swam at the Forty Foot every day, apart form some days when I haven’t been in the country. I started doing it as a homage to my late wife, who died on April 20.

“She was a very keen sea swimmer and ignited in me a passion for the sea that I didn’t know I owned. The daily swims sort of naturally piqued my interest in the open sea swimming – something I’d admired from afar. When the summer season began I joined a club and started racing.”

To do it in a river with friends, for someone you love and for charity made it that be more special for me. I struggle to find other sporting events that have meant that much to me.”

Another finisher in Saturday’s event was Viking Swim Club (Ballyfermot) member Lucy Collins, who covered the course alongside her mum Isabel, who swims both in the pool and at the Forty Foot with the Phoenix Swim club.

At just 13 years of age, Lucy – who attends Colaiste Cois Life in Lucan – had already completed the six required qualifying races in qualifying to swim the river, typically over just under 2kms, and held in the Irish Sea. Mark Earley during the Liffey Swim (Picture: Aoife Hyland), left, and Lucy and Isabel Collins, right, at the finish line The 13-year-old was the youngest swimmer to take part Earley finished the Liffey the preparation - the fear of the and there are no bottlenecks in this year’s event, with the rounding buoys, the crowding 2.2km race surprisingly routine route in a time of 43 minutes, just unknown. seven minutes behind the men’s “As an event, it was well is less of an issue [than in sea for the teenager, who’s become winner, recalling: “I was quite run and the atmosphere was swimming that Earley had to a regular on the Sea Swimming emotional finishing the race as amazing. I like the informal an complete in order to qualify]. circuit in 2017.

I’d been thinking of Liane for a friendly approach of the Leinster At least, that’s my opinion as a ** You can donate to Mark large part of the course.

Open Sea people - they’ve been beginner! Someone trying to “I also took a stray foot to my nothing but a pleasure to deal win the race may feel totally dif- Earley’s fundraising campaign ferently. in aid of Epilepsy Ireland - a shoulder under one bridge and with all season,” he continued “To complete any type of race campaign thats raised nearly pulled my left calf in the final “With the handicap system, 100m so that kept me busy. I the Liffey race thins out and in the city you live in, passing €18,000 at the time of writing suppose the biggest challenge bulks up at various parts. If any- landmarks that are woven into - by searching ‘Liane Deasy’ on was dealing with the nerves and thing, given it’s a straight course your life and memory, is special. everydayhero.com

Famous Dublin race draws the crowds for 98th edition  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

The River Liffey saw 500 people take on the 98th edition of the annual race. Picture: Aoife Hyland

THE 98th Liffey Swim on Saturday saw almost 500 ambitious swimmers - many of whom have qualified through regular participation in sea swims throughout the year - compete down a 2.2km course from outside the Guinness factory to Custom House Quay, through the heart of the city.

The event, considered an AllIreland climax in the sport of sea swimming, is a handicapped swim that enables direct competition between athletes of differing abili-

ties. The adaptation means the victor isn’t necessarily the person with the fastest time, and adds a competitive element even in scenarios where masters swimmers compete against younger athletes.

Swimmers are released according to their handicap, with the fastest athletes left to chase down their slower competitors, who have already departed, and the first to reach the Custom House Quay is declared the winner.

Colin Monaghan of Dublin swimming Club took home the men’s title this time around, finishing in 36 minutes. He was the

first over the line, operating off a thirty second handicap.

Anne Marie Bourke, who started with a two minute handicap, took home the women’s title in a race run an hour apart from the men’s contest, in a time of 33 minutes and 48 seconds. Bourke also represents Dublin Swimming Club.

It is Ireland’s oldest swimming club, based in Ringsend, hosting regular training and competitive events at Seapoint, Sandycove and Dun Laoghaire, as well as more conventional indoor events.

The athletes were also joined

by Clare O’Dwyer, a regular in the contest who is still completing the course a few months short of her 76th birthday. O’Dwyer told The Times on Saturday that she’d been doing the event for so long she could no longer remember when she started.

The race – its fame secured by a Jack B Yeats 1923 painting which, bizarrely, won an Olympic gold medal in its own right – was originally designed by Dublin Corporation engineer Bernard Fagan as a demonstration of the quality of the Liffey’s water. It’s been running since 1920.

14 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Cooper envious of new boys on All-Ireland eve Na Fianna man wishes he could go back to experience his first senior football championship final all over again as he prepares for his fourth decider in Croke Park on Sunday

Joyce and Dockrell light up Leinster’s treble win  BERNARD DUFF sport@dublingazette.com

THE LEINSTER Lightning added the 2017 Hanley Energy Cricket InterPro Championship in Rathmines on Sunday to the T20 Trophy they won in August, making it a clean sweep of titles in 2017.

They added the three-day championship in midweek when they played Belfast’s Northern Knights in a title decider at Castle Avenue. Leinster bowled out the Knights in their first innings for 195 before taking charge on day two with the bat. If proof were actually needed that Ed Joyce still has it, he top-scored with an unbeaten 167 that displayed all his trademark timing and instinct for runs. Leinster declared on 383-8.

By this stage, the title was actually confirmed by Leinster after they scored their 250th run to gain an extra bonus point which put the title beyond the Knight’s reach. Batting second time round, the Northern Knights were undone by another Ireland international. This time is was George Dockrell who used his left arm spin to kill off the Knights.

Dockrell had figures of 6-29 helped Leinster to a victory by an innings and 12 runs.

Dockrell’s 6 wickets meant he ended up the firstclass season’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets.

There was some joy for the Knights as their skipper James Shannon with 60 runs ensured he was the highest run scorer. Shannon totaled 446 runs at a great average of 74.3 runs.

With a second trophy in the cabinet so Leinster faced the same opposition in Observatory Lane on Sunday. In a rain affected match yet again, Leinster proved too strong.

Batting first Leinster scored 239/8 in 48 overs.

Dockrell brought the form from the first class game into the one-dayer. He top scored for Leinster with 50 runs off just 35 balls.

The rain then came and the Knights target would become a steep 188 off 25 overs, a tough chase in which they never threatened.

Dockrell, with 3/18, backed up by Peter Chase’s 2/18 and Simi Singh’s 2/29 meant Leinster won by 55 runs and completed the clean sweep of the silverware.

 DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

NA FIANNA’S Jonny Cooper admits to a tinge of envy as teammates Con O’Callaghan and Niall Scully prepare for their first All-Ireland football finals.

Cooper, who was dismissed with a black card early in last year’s final replay win over Mayo, is looking forward to making up for lost time when they face the same opposition on Sunday.

And although he’s looking ahead to his fourth All-Ireland final in blue – he’s won all three so far – his drive for self-improvement means

he can’t help wondering what he could have done better in his maiden Championship.

“You’d like to be back at the start again and having another crack at it and seeing if I could do it better than what I was doing at the time. It’s an interesting one.

“I suppose you don’t really take it [in] – well I didn’t. It was over before I knew it. It was October and you were training again before you even knew it.

“I don’t know what way the likes of Con would be feeling now.

They’re all quite levelheaded so I’m sure they’re all taking it in

their stride.

“They have to find their own path as well as leaning on the support of the guys who have been through it. It’s an exciting time for a few of them lads.”

Back when he was a young footballer on the beginning of his journey towards intercounty stardom, Cooper didn’t look up to the heroes of the 1980s and early 1990s.

During a less-thanfertile time for Dublin football, it was his Na Fianna clubmates Dessie Farrell, Senan Connell and Jason Sherlock who inspired him to reach for the stars.

Na Fianna man Johnny Cooper is looking forward to a fourth All-Ireland final . Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

“I haven’t seen much of [the classic Dublin sides], or know much about it, to be honest.

I’m obviously aware of the tradition as a whole, but in terms of names and people who would maybe have been the bigger players back then, I wouldn’t have too much of a grasp.

“I cer tainly would have gone to the games in the 2000s, etc, so I’d have a lot more of an affiliation to individuals in the later years rather than the earlier years.

“Dessie, Jay and Sen would have been the three big Na Fianna and Dublin players at the time, so I’ve obviously a direct connection with them.

“Dessie and Jason have gone into coaching and management and done particularly well, so I’ve kept in contact with them, and I’ve seen Senan about and he’s doing his own role with analysis.

“T hey would have been the original people you’d have nailed to wrap yourself around in terms of looking directly at what they were doing.

“They weren’t overly successful with Dublin but they were where I wanted to be so it was good to interact with them in any shape or form.”

The game has changed immeasurably even since those players were winning Leinster Championships around the turn of

the century.

Jim Gavin’s Dublin team, and that of Pat Gilroy before him, have been a huge par t of that changing focus in GAA where players are expected to be comfortable in any part of the pitch.

That flexibility was key to Dublin’s overwhelming a more old-fashioned Tyrone in the semi-final and will be even more vital against a similarly vibrant and modern Mayo side led by Aidan O’Shea.

It’s a par ticular strength of this Dublin that players like Cooper are just as adept playing as an out-and-out defender or sweeper or getting forward to advance play and score points.

“You have to be comfortable, certainly now, in many different positions, many different scenarios, angles, etc.

“You have to be just as comfortable – maybe not as good, but as comfortable – taking a score as the forwards would be, and likewise the forwards in terms of blocking and tackling.

“T hat’s what’s the exciting part of it. When I started, you were an out-and-out defender and that was your job, whereas now that’s very much flipped on its head.

“You could be taking up any role, or asked to do any role, and you have to be adaptable in Jim’s to fit in.”

GAZETTE

30 BLANCH GAZETTE 14 September 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

RUGBY: ASHBROOK OUTFIT CLOSING IN ON NEW LEINSTER LEAGUE RUN

Brilliant Corduff trio on top form in Chesterfield THREE Corduff Karate Club members formed part of the United Shotokan Karate Federation of Ireland team that travelled to Chesterfield in the UK to participate in the Karate Union of Great Britain Shotokan Cup, one of the top Shotokan competitions the UK has to offer.

Eva Thunder dominated the girl’s 10 to 11-year-old kumite (freestyle) event. After some superb performances in the elimination rounds, she made it to the final. Her tenacity was too much for her opponent as she went on to score in a decisive fashion eventually, going on to win the bout and take her second title in only her second international event.

In the boy’s 10 to 11-year-old kumite, Shay Kelly was flying the flag for Ireland. He has been a member of the international squad for over a year now and has that little bit more experience which stood to him on the day.

He stormed through the eliminations with some real dominating performances, showing his versatility with different strikes scoring well on his opponents.

Kelly secured himself a silver medal in this event after a close final bout. He also performed well in his kata event, making it through to the quarter finals in what was a very tough event.

Finally, Leeanne Royle made her full return to competition after taking some time out to concentrate on her studies. Royle took up where she left off last year, dominating in both her kata and kumite events.

After some superb performances in the eliminations, she secured her place in the final for both kata and kumite. Royle eventually took silver after being narrowly beaten by 0.1 of a point.

In the kumite, Royle showed her experience, composure and a high level of skill to secure the title of ladies 16 to 20-years-old kumite freestyle fighting champion.

Royle’s next international event will be the World Championships which will be held in Italy later this month and the European Championships which will be held in Portugal in November. She is hoping to add to her previous two gold medals and a bronze at the World and European championships.

The Corduff Karate Club is now recruiting new members. For any inquiries, you can email Corduffskc@gmail.com or contact the club on Facebook.

Coolmine’s Fintan Brown on the attack last season against Suttonians. Picture: Voicu Duma

Coolmine RFC fighting fit sport@dublingazette.com

COOLMINE RFC are building to hitting full tempo in the coming weeks following their recent return to competitive action with all ages and teams now fully back training hard for the year ahead.

The club never really rested over the summer with many of the senior teams coming back to preseason from June and some of the youths starting back in July and August.

The club also hosted two summer tag tournaments throughout the break with the high point

being the visiting Australian national tag team coming to play a Dublin selection.

A tag rugby session continues throughout the season every Monday night from 8pm and everyone is welcome to join.

T h e s e n i o r s h ave started back already with some mixed results in some early challenge and cup matches. With the influx of some new and exciting talent coming through the ranks, there are big hopes to push on for a return to Division 1A rugby this season.

The opening league game is at home in Ashbrook, Sunday week on

PLAYER OF MONTH Nominations open for latest footballing star THE GAZETTE is currently taking nominations for the latest New Ireland Assurance Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association star of the month.

Send in your nominations to sport@dublingazette.com by Monday, September 18, including the player’s name, club and a couple of lines about why you feel they should be up for the honour.

For August’s award winner, the nomination period will refer to the latest stages to date of all the New Ireland Assurance competitions.

September 24 versus Kilkenny with both firsts and seconds playing from 1.30pm.

In the preseason Spencer Cup, the club did manage to pick up a narrow 8-6 win over Monkstown but were undone by a single point by De La Salle Palmerston 16-15 and 13-3 by Ashbourne.

All three sides will play a division above Coolmine in 2017/18 and so the narrow margins give confidence the Ashbrook side will make some waves this term.

The seconds opened their Jim Byrne Cup campaign with a 13-12 win over Ashbourne

Coolmine has no less than four senior teams now, with the thirds and fourths competing in Metro area leagues.

The thirds are away this Saturday to DLSP in their quest to retain the John Madden Cup while the fourths host Tallaght in the Dr Kieran Foley Cup having made the final of this competition last year.

The youths will be looking to further cement their reputation as one of the most formidable clubs in Leinster with a host of talented young players looking to make their mark.

The minis section is one of the most active

sporting sections in Dublin 15 with hundreds of youngsters from as young as four up to 12 years old filling up the two allweather facilities every Saturday and Sunday morning.

Last season, the club started a girls youth section and is currently trying to recruit a coach to take this project to the next level and attract new members.

New members are always welcome and for more information, training times, contacts etc. please check www.coolminerugby.com or email coolmineinfo@gmail. com.

14 September 2017 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

ST BRIGID’S 5K RUN

Russell Park to host perfect Sunday start

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S

ST BRIGID’S will host their annual 5k run on

Sunday, September 17, giving participants the perfect start to All-Ireland final day.

The run starts at 10am at Russell Park and finishes at the same venue with prizes for the first, second and third place finishing male and female as well as team and veteran prizes.

Race entries are online at register.primoevents.com/ps/event/stbrigidsGAA5k.

THE St Brigid’s 5k is set for September 17

Completed cards must be submitted

at 10am. Click on https://register.primo-

prior to September 16.

events.com/ps/event/StBrigidsGAA5k

Wishing our players Paddy Andrews,

to register. All are welcome – you can

Noelle Healy, Ciara Trant and Deirdre

run, jog or walk or do a mix of all three

Murphy all the best; both the men’s and

but make sure to take part. We want to

ladies teams prepare to meet Mayo in

see everyone out on Sunday morning to

the finals.

support the event.

FOOTBALL: LATE SCORES LIFT SOMERTON SIDE TO NINTH

place in the Hogan Suite of Croke Park on

9.30 to 11am with all 4 to 7 year olds very

October 14; email eventsbrigids@gmail.

welcome. The club academy for 13 to 16

com to reserve your tickets.

year olds on Fridays at 6.45pm; all are welcome.

The weekly lotto draw this week will

1 and Division 7 teams. Players of every standard and all ages are welcome, call

make sure to have your envelopes in. The

086 4090371 for details. sympathy to the Kavanagh family on the

cast cards from John Fleming on 087 269

passing of Patrick Kavanagh, father of

7208 or Tony Hegarty on 087 619 9783.

Cain who plays on our U-12 team.

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers

Family Fun day which is always enjoya-

Childcare, is in full swing again to Tir na

ble. This year, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

nOg. New members always welcome.

will “Turn the Sod” on our new clubhouse

Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@

at midday and everyone is invited.

gmail.com.

ciation with Rialto Ford. Numbers drawn

ballers on a great win over Skerries

were 15, 21, 27 and 28 with no match three

Harps in the league; Castleknock 1-11

winners.

Make sure to make you way to Somerton on Saturday, September 16 for our

Castleknock 1-11 Skerries Harps 2-6  sport@dublingazette.com

LATE scores from Graham Hannigan, Colin Lynch and the in-form Des Carlos saw Castleknock record a potential crucial win as they moved two points clear of the relegation playoff spots and significantly up the AFL1 table.

Those scores helped them pull away from Skerries Harps as well as moving above Na Fianna, Thomas Davis and Ballyboden St Enda’s as the league approaches its

endgame.

The first half was slow to start with Castleknock side taking points to lead by three points to no score after 15 minutes.

Skerries goalkeeper Shane Cullen slotted over a long-range point to register their first score on 20 minutes and the game came to life when Skerries scored a goal on 25 minutes to level the match at 1-1 to 0-4.

Skerries took the lead for the first time on 29 minutes. However, their work was undone after Skerries midfielder Colm Daly was black carded by referee Seamus Farrelly

and Des Carlos slotted home the resultant penalty to give the Somerton men the halftime lead 1-4 to 1-2.

After the restart, Castleknock increased their lead to three points only to be cancelled out

by Skerries full forward Graham Cullen scoring a goal level the match at 1-5 to 2-2.

And with just 12 minutes of normal time remaining, the coastal side had developed a slender advantage as the two teams traded scores.

Yet, consecutive points from Hannigan (two) and Collie Lynch moved

Castleknock backed into the ascendancy and although Skerries responded with a brace of points to raise the possibility of another stalemate, the hosts dug deep to ultimately secure a 1-11 to 2-6 triumph.

Castleknock now look to avoid the threat of a playoff but they can make extra sure if they get the better of St Vincent’s in their final league tie.

St Brigid’s playoff ambitions, meanwhile, remain up in the air as they will wait to find out when they play their final two league games once the All-Ireland final is complete.

No winner of our lotto jackpot in asso-

Well done to the Division 1 men foot-

Skerries Harps 2-6.

AFL DIVISION ONE

St Brigid’s would like to extend sincere

Get your All-Ireland football final fore-

CASTLEKNOCK

Knock’s big boost to AFL1 retention hopes

Our adult ladies football teams are looking for new members for our Division

be in Russell Park on Thursday evening; jackpot is €4,800.

John Kindlon of Castleknock on the attack for Castleknock, pursued by Barry Davey. Picture: Niall O’Connell

Our Club Gala Dinner 2017 will take

Nursery is back every Saturday from

ERIN GO BRAGH

THERE was no winner of our lotto jackpot worth €10,000. Numbers drawn were 2, 8, 25 and 26.

All of our juvenile teams were in action this weekend.

Our G4M&O took part in Erin’s Isle blitz on Saturday, and came out unbeaten.

All of our juvenile teams were back in action this weekend.

Our skydive was postponed last weekend due to high winds, new date to

Lucky dip winner was Mick Greaney.

Next draw in the Carpenter on September 14 with a jackpot of €6,600.

be advised.

Well done to Aoife O’Sullivan who was part of the Dublin U-14 camogie squad who took part in the All-Irealnd camogie blitz on Saturday in Abbotstown.

Please remember to donate your unwanted clothes, curtains, towels, soft toys, belts shoes and handbags. They can be donated at our club house every Saturday from 11am to 12 noon from now until October 7.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN INTERMEDIATES finished their league

the championship against Round Tower,

campaign last Saturday evening with

Clondalkin.

an excellent performance away at Fin-

The ladies lost to Lucan Sarsfields in

gallians, losing narrowly to the division

the league last week. Next fixture is a

winners on a score of 0-17 to 1-11.

cup semi-final at home to O’Toole’s on

The next outing is the championship

Wednesday, September 20.

quarter final against St Jude’s on Octo-

The good work continues at juve-

ber 1 in O’Toole Park. The juniors contin-

nile level with our boys and girls teams

ued their recent good form beating Por-

continuing to thrive. Last weekend, the

tobello on Sunday morning in the league

U-14 hurlers drew at home with Round

at Westmanstown by 2-09 to 0-06. Final

Tower, Clondalkin, the U-11 hurlers had

league match on Sunday, September 24

three great games away at Ballyboden

at home to Round Towers Lusk in West-

St Endas, the U-12 hurlers were away

manstown.

at St Mark’s and the U-8 hurlers hosted

Good luck to Gary Brennan in his

Crumlin and Naas for a blitz at West-

big match this week. The minors beat

manstown. Two U-9 girls teams travelled

Kilmacud Crokes at home on Sunday

away on Sunday, visiting Skerries Harps

morning in a challenge match.The next

and Erin Go Bragh and the U-13 girls lost

game is at home next Sunday morning in

at home to Foxrock Cabinteely.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR BLANCH SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

KICKING KINGS: Corduff Shotokan heroes win big for Ireland at British championship in Chesterfield P30

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2017

COOPER’S ALL-IRELAND ENVY: Na Fianna man closing in on fourth football final date P29

Leinster’s Devin Toner attempts to reach over a Cardiff maul to disrupt their progress during last Friday’s PRO14 date at the RDS. Picture: Laszlo Geczo

Toner hits 200 mark Towering former Castleknock College man leads Leinster for milestone appearance, grateful for the huge faith the province has shown in him

 STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

FORMER Castleknock College man Devin Toner joined an elite club of six as he led Leinster onto the field last Friday night against Cardiff Blues for their first PRO14 tie of the season.

It was the 31-year-old’s 200th appearance for the province, making his debut in 2006, a career in which he has been part of their three European Cup successes as well as winning 50 international caps since his 2010 debut.

Reflecting on reaching the milestone, the giant 6’10’’ second row said: “It kind of crept up on me. I made my debut in 2006; it seems

like only yesterday but on paper, it’s a bit longer!

“Obviously, I owe a lot to Leinster. They have put a huge amount of faith over the years, a lot of work gone in and thankfully it has been rewarded with all the caps.

“I did a lot of work myself but back then and compared to now, the young lads coming out of the academy are far more advanced than I was.

“They seem to be ready a lot younger now so I would be the first to say that Leinster put a lot of faith in me, a lot of work, and I am really grateful for it.

“I was very raw, yeah. I didn’t know my body shape. I was bent in rucks, bent in the scrum

and I didn’t know how to get straight or low or how to use my size, I suppose. I learned over the years to use it. I didn’t think I was very impactful, that I drifted a bit. Hopefully I’m a bit better now.

Top club “It’s a fantastic club to play for and to see the kind of people on the list [who have reached 200 caps] of records. To think that I am up there is brilliant.”

He is one of only two in the current squad to have reached the mark – Jamie Heaslip is the other – and is 57 short of current record holder Gordon D’Arcy.

Against the Blues, Toner played the full 80

minutes in Leinster’s second league outing, one which ended with a flurry of tries.

They run out 37-9 winners with a bonus point to boot, something that looked a long way off in a tense opening hour with Cardiff in touch before Sean Cronin raced in for a second try.

Barry Daly’s magical ball juggling and Nick McCarthy’s try transformed the final outlook as Leinster now prepare for two ties in South Africa, facing the Southern Kings on Saturday before meeting the Cheetahs on September 22.

Toner did not travel with the squad as he and his wife are expecting a baby in the coming weeks.