Dublin Gazette: City Edition

DublinGazette DECEMBER 13-19, 2018

DUBLINMAGAZINE: ’Tis the season for endless pantos and carols – and we have some of the best festive features PAGE 17

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

DublinGazette DECEMBER 13-19, 2018

DUBLINMAGAZINE: ’Tis the season for endless pantos and carols – and we have some of the best festive features PAGE 17

CityEdition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 4-10,AREA 2018

NURSING A CRUSH NURSES Stephanie Bucharan,Saoirse MCMahon, Ruby Gullinane and Georgia Gallagher were delighted to welcome Robin Hood (Gavin Ryan) to their ward when the cast of The Helix’s panto called in to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Picture: Leon Farrell /

Photocall Ireland

SPORT

LADIES FOOTBALL: Siobhan Killeen puts in amazing five-star performance to earn Clontarf and Dublin a first All-Ireland intermediate crown.

SEE P37

panto-RIFFIC

WE ROUND UP SOME OF THE BEST FAMILY SHOWS IN TOWN P16

travel

MALTA IS EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL DURING CHRISTMAS SEE P26

Ripples of anger as pool, homes to go for MetroLink Street protest as D2 residents, locals slam threat

RACHEL D’ARCY

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

SOME 50 angered residents and locals staged a protest outside an apartment block and leisure centre in Dublin 2 over plans to demolish the building for MetroLink.

The Markievicz Leisure Centre and the College Gate apartments above have been earmarked for demolition for the construction of an underground

MetroLink station.

Locals who use the leisure facilities, and residents of the apartments, were all in attendance at Tuesday night’s protest on Townsend Street, in an attempt to raise awareness of their situation.

The demonstration was organised by the Save Markievicz Pool and Gym campaign group. It began at the leisure centre before proceeding onto Pearse Street, before returning to the gym again.

Local resident Joe Byrne said: “I live near the centre and I’m a pensioner. I use the pool regularly, as do many of my neighbours.

“The pool and the gym are not only good for staying healthy, but they’re also very important socially.

“It’s a great facility for the whole community and the idea of it being torn down is awful.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Drone skills lead to award WE’RE happy to drone on about Dubliner Ian Kiely – after all, he’s just scooped a top European award (dubbed ‘the Space Oscars’) with his remarkable works with drones. Far from just flying the things, he’s trying to see how they can help people too, making him a remarkable entrepreneur to watch out for.

SEE PAGE 7

Cherrywood WORK has commenced on the State’s most ambitious urban development, with the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone set to deliver 1, 269 homes when its first phase is complete. The new town will eventually comprise 7,000 homes, ultimately housing 25,000 people.

SEE PAGE 15

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018

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PLANNING: BATTLE LOOMS OVER POOL, APARTMENTS

Locals vow to save College Gate homes

FASTNews

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Speaking to Dublin Gazette, People Before Profit spokesperson John Devlin said that there is an “overwhelming” level of fear amongst residents in College Gate, and anger amongst locals that use the leisure centre.

Devlin said: “Whenever I talk to residents, in their official group or separately, there’s an overwhelming amount of worry and fear.

Some are just petrified.

“Some of the people own an apartment ... and they think it’s dreadful; some of the people living there are renting and know if they’re kicked out in this housing crisis, there’s a serious threat of homelessness.

“People in the area are furious about the loss of the leisure centre. Even the

Chaos at the quays after man is stabbed Protestors demanding action to save their pool, and the homes above it. Picture: Kevin Purcell

young people are saying it’s not right, asking ‘How can they take away our pool?’,” he said.

Devlin also said that the land that MetroLink actually need for the station is only one corner of the leisure complex, but as the work is underground, the entire building needs to be demolished for access.

He said: “The underground station actually only overlaps on one corner of the apartment com-

plex and leisure centre, but because they want to get at it underground, they need to demolish the whole thing to do it.

“It’s the only public pool in the city centre that has the most access, and the only 25-metre pool. If you’re looking for affordable and easy access to swim, this is the only pool in the city [centre].”

According to a timeline on MetroLink’s website, following a public consul-

tation process they will announce a preferred route before applying to An Bord Pleanala for planning permission.

Devlin said: “Once Metrolink start applying for planning permission, that’s the beginning of the end of the line for these people. If they get the planning permission, that is it.

“This needs to be stopped before planning permission is sought.”

TWO people were arrested and released without charge after an incident that shut down one of the city’s quays for a time on Sunday night.

A man in his twenties was arrested following an altercation between three individuals on Essex Quay on Sunday evening around 4pm.

One man was brought to St James’s Hospital with stab wounds, although it’s believed that his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The city was put on lockdown as part of the quays – from O’Connell Street to Capel Street – was closed off as emergency services attended the incident.

Gardai appealed for witnesses after the incident while the area remained closed off for several hours, causing chaos for those in the city centre doing their Christmas shopping.

Parnell Street and Capel street also suffered huge delays due to the diversions.

A file has been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Live Crib Speed limit returns to restrictions Dawson St expanded

Dublin City FM get to Meet the Minister Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe stepped into a tion last week. Minister Donohoe congratulated the staff on special photo with 103.2 Dublin City FM broadcasters, when their work, with it being a rare opportunity to meet some of he attended the station’s Meet The Minister breakfast func- the people who help present the news. Picture: Patrick O’Leary

Parents urged to have their say on new primary schools’ patronage THE Minister for Education has asked for parents to express their preference in regard to the patronage of a number of new primary schools, including one in the city.

Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, put out the call to parents on Monday. The new schools are set to be established in 2019.

Parents are invited to express their patronage preferences on the Depart-

ment of Education’s new online patronage process system, at http:// patronage.education.gov.ie.

The department developed the system in an effort to provide objective information to parents and guardians to help them make an informed choice in selecting a preferred patronage model.

The city centre school planned for 2019 will cater to the Killester,

Raheny and Clontarf areas of the city.

The applicant patrons for this school include An Foras Patrunachta, City of Dublin Education and Training Board, Educate Together, Lifeways Ireland CLG and Scoil Sinead Limited.

The patronage process, which began last Monday, will run until January 15. The process for the remaining schools will be run at a later date.

ONE of the oldest Dublin Christmas traditions has made its return to the Mansion House.

The Live Animal crib was launched on Wednesday by Lord Mayor Nial Ring, and president of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Joe Healy.

There was a live performance by the Lucan Gospel Choir, in addition to a blessing of the crib by Reverend David Gillespie of St Anne’s Church on Dawson Street, and Father Enda Cunningham of St Andrew’s Church on Westland Row. The live animal crib is a joint initiative between Dublin City Council and the Irish Farmers’ Association, and consistently proves to be a hit with Dubliners and visitors to the capital alike.

For anyone looking to visit the Dublin festive stalwart, the crib is open to the public until December 23, from 11am to 5pm daily. It will be open on Christmas Eve, from 11am until 1pm.

THE Dublin City Council initiative to reduce speeds in residential areas of the city has now been expanded to include areas such as Clontarf, Sandymount and Crumlin.

The expansion is under plans introduced in 2016 in order to encourage safer driving in areas surrounding schools, and in residential communities.

There have been reports of 30 km/h road signage being introduced in suburban areas, such as Clontarf.

Byelaws were voted on initially in September by DCC’s Transportation committee, and have begun to be rolled out in a number of city suburbs in the past few weeks.

A public consultation carried out on the 30kmph speed limits earlier this year found a majority of people in favour of the new byelaws.

Out of 63 responses to the survey, 95% supported the introduction of lower speed limits.

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

TRANSPORT: LUAS JOURNEYS UP 25% ON THE GREEN LINE IN THE PAST YEAR

Speed up work on public transport, says Chamber RACHEL D’ARCY

A YEAR ON from the launch of Luas Cross City, a business group is calling on the government to continue investing in public transport.

This week marked the one year anniversary of the opening of the Cross City green line, which cost upwards of €365m.

Business group Dublin Chamber said that they believe that the introduction of Cross City has led to a 25% increase in the

number of journeys on the green line in 2018 so far.

They have also said the enhancement of public transport options for those living within the capital has led to a huge boost for shops and businesses in the city centre.

Dublin Chamber’s Head of Public Affairs, Graeme McQueen, said: “The number of journeys taken on the Green line this year will top 15 million. In 2018 so far, more than 14.7 million journeys have been taken on the Green line,

up from 11.7m in the same period last year. Much of this increase can be attrib-

“

Congestion continues to erode quality of life in Dublin uted to the success of Luas Cross City.

“The opening of Luas Cross City has provided shops and businesses in

the city with a huge boost.

It’s also greatly enhanced the commuting options for thousands of workers in Dublin.

“The first year of operation has been very successful and you can see the number of people using the Luas between the city centre and Broombridge growing all the time.

“The construction of Luas Cross City involved a sizable bill and a significant amount of disruption, but now the city is reaping the rewards.”

Remarking on the success of the tramline, McQueen said that it’s ‘frustrating’ that work still hasn’t begun on any of the other major transport projects that are in the pipeline for Dublin, including BusConnects, a cycle network and Metro North.

McQueen said: “If there’s one frustration following the completion of Luas Cross City, it’s that we’re still waiting for work to start on any of the other big transport projects mooted for Dublin. All the while,

congestion continues to erode the quality of life in Dublin on a daily basis.

“The success of the Luas Cross City project makes a strong case for delivery of other much-needed projects over the coming years, such as Metro North, the Dart Expansion Scheme, BusConnects, a proper cycle network and more Luas lines.

“The speedy delivery of these projects is vital to secure the future of Dublin and ensure a high quality of life in the region.”

Above: Nathan Piercy, Nathan Delaney and Jake Byrne from Our Lady of Good Counsel NS in Drimnagh are pictured with their teacher Zoe Quinn, as they presented their shoeboxes at Connolly Luas station .Right: Gerry Carney from Inner City Helping Homeless, Santa, Paddy Devereux from Transdev and Anthony Flynn from Inner City Helping Homeless

Luas jam-packed with charity donations LUAS launched their annual ‘Fill A Luas’ campaign last week, where the public were encouraged to fill a Luas full of presents to benefit Inner City Helping Homeless.

This year, Transdev - the operators of Luas - partnered with Inner City Helping Homeless. The initiative was initially in 2014, with homelessness in Ireland tripling in

the last four years.

It is estimated that approximately 4,000 children in Ireland are facing homelessness this Christmas.

Last year, over 20,000 shoeboxes were donated by members of the public. This year, Inner City Helping Homeless CEO Anthony Flynn said that across Depots

and the Luas, 20,164 shoeboxes were donated to benefit the charity. Flynn said it was ‘heartwarming’ to see the widespread support for the initiative.

The Fill-A-Luas initiative ran from December 3 until December 7, with a number of businesses also donating to the worthy cause.

FASTNews Dublin City Winter Lights launched in the centre

AFTER NEARLY a year in the making, Winter Lights Dublin City is now live across the city centre.

13 locations around Dublin will be illuminated for 30 nights in a move to elevate Dublin in an effort to take its place amongst the iconic cities of light around the world.

Winter Lights Dublin City features thirteen iconic sites illuminated and animated using customised projections.

The lights envelop the city with enhanced Christmas lights on city streets and building projections between sunset and 2am each night.

The projections are now illuminating City Hall, Trinity College, Liberty Hall, Civic Offices, GPO, The Mansion House and Covanta Dublin Waste to Energy Plant in Poolbeg.

Enhanced Christmas Lights are on Samuel Beckett Bridge, Millennium Bridge, O’Connell Street and Parliament Street.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring said “Our team has been working as hard as Santa’s elves to make the vision of Winter Lights Dublin City a reality.

Exciting experience “It’s another great reason to visit Dublin city this Christmas and view this exciting new seasonal experience that we hope will become a festive tradition.”

The instillation is ecofriendly, with some of the projections using lights that consume 80% less power than traditional lights with innovative and energy efficient technology.

Plans for one of the bridges call for 15 million colour combinations with the whole installation using less electric power than a domestic iron.

157,800 low power LEDs, 100 tonnes of equipment and 15,780 metres of cable have been employed to illuminate the city in a whole new way for 2018.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018

FASTNews

Minister Josepha Madigan; Sophie Ennis, student, Ringsend College; Sean Rocks, [resenter of RTE’s Arena and Declan Black, managing partner at Mason Hayes & Curran. Pic: Julien Behal

Xmas art exhibition launched in Ringsend A NEW Christmas exhibition by a number of upcoming artists was launched by the Minister for Culture last Friday. Minister Josepha Madigan launched the exhibition of six Irish artists at law firm Mason Hayes & Curran’s offices in Dublin.

The exhibition has been curated by children from three schools in Ringsend under the Royal Hibernian Academy’s Art Education Programme.

Minister Madigan said: “I’m delighted to support any initiative that helps new and emerging artists build a platform for their work.”

Artists attended workshops, learned about the principles of curation and the business of art, were given tours of the academy and they then helped to pick the pictures for the exhibition. The artists selected include Basil Al-Rawi, Andrew Bailey-Simpson, Christopher Banahan, Aron Cahill, Cecilia Moore, Elva Mulchrone and Aoife Scott.

HOUSING : SANDYMOUNT GARAGE TO BE DEMOLISHED

Belfast firm adds Dublin hub A BELFAST-BASED consultancy firm are celebrating the opening of a new Dublin based office in Parnell Square.

OCO Global recently opened their office in Dublin as they grow in Europe, and to mitigate any potential risks post Brexit.

William Fitzpatrick, a Director at OCO Global, will be providing oversight of the Dublin office.

OCO Global works closely with trade agencies such as Enterprise Ireland. The company is currently working with Fingal County Council to develop and promote its foreign investment proposition.

OCO Global will be supporting a number of upcoming trade missions to Ireland from the US.

The Maxol Garage at Beach Road, Sandymount, which will be demolished for apartments. Picture: Google Maps

Maxol given a green light for apartments RACHEL D’ARCY

THE MAXOL GROUP, best known for service stations around the country, have been granted planning permission for a number of houses at a Sandymount site.

The company, owned by the McMullan family, sought permission earlier this year for the five storey, 87-apartment development.

Currently, the site is used as a petrol station with an adjoining car garage. However, permission was granted for a number of houses at the site by An Bord Pleanala last week.

Dublin City Council

initially granted permission for the development, however the case was referred to An Bord Pleanala (ABP) after a number of objections were lodged by local residents and a nearby primary school to the council.

St Matthew’s National School lodged a complaint amid concerns for the safety of its students as the block would overlook into the school. In objections from residents, locals said that the design of the building would have an affect on the ‘integrity’ of the locality.

In its approval of the scheme, ABP said that the apartment block could be a ‘standalone develop-

ment of individual character’, ruling that the site was suitable for development due to its close proximity to the city centre, and the transport facilities located in the area.

The majority of apartments in the 11,500sqm development are expected to be two-bedrooms, with the rest of the development composed of 23 one-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom units.

There will also be 90 car parking spaces, and 90 bicycle spaces.

The Sandymount development is the first time the Maxol group have used a site for housing rather than a forecourt. They are now

seeking permission for another residential development at a site in Saggart in the south-west of the county.

Counc illor Dermot Lacey (LAB) told Dublin Gazette he was ‘disappointed’ in the approval of the apartments, given concern from locals.

Lacey said: “I am disappointed that the legitimate concerns of residents were not taken into account. Nobody was objecting to apartments per se on the site however the scale and density was in my opinion too much.

“I was and am concerned also at the blase attitude to the overlooking of the school.”

SCOIL CHAITRIONA CELEBRATE 90 GREAT YEARS SOME of teh Class of 1984 are pictured celebrating Scoil Chaitriona’s 90th anniversary at an event in the school. Over 500 former and current pupils, teachers and parents gathered at a Gala Reunion evening in the school on Mobhi Road.

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

BUSINESS : IAN SET UP HIS BUSINESS WHILE HE WAS INJURED

FASTNews

Cher returns to Dublin for her first gig here in 15 years

Get a Cher of the tickets for singer’s Dublin gig

Peter Downey, Keith Tracey and Ian Kiely (Drone Consultants Ireland) with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (second-right)

QUEEN OF POP Cher is returning to Dublin in 2019 for her first gig in the capital in 15 years.

The star, who recently released an ABBA cover album, will take to the stage in the 3Arena on November 1 next as part of her ‘Here We Go Again’ world tour. It will be her first concert in Ireland in a decade and a half, following an astonishingly successful Vegas residency and multiple other projects.

Tickets for Cher’s Dublin gig will go on sale from Ticketmaster this Friday (December 14) at 9am.

Dublin man’s drone Waste company aiming to raise €2,000 for charity business is flying high REBECCA RYAN

A DUBLIN man’s business, that he set up from his sick bed, is flying high after scooping a prestigious award.

Ian Kiely’s Drones Consultants Ireland company has just been announced as the winner of the 2018 European Satellite Navigation Competition, dubbed the ‘Space Oscars’ The 41-year-old told Dublin Gazette he is feeling overwhelmed by it all.

“I’m still struggling to take it all in! We’re the first Irish team to ever win it. It’s really exciting. It’s opened a lot of doors,” he says.

Ian worked for years as a hotel manager, then as a catering manager at Microsoft, and then he qualified as a project manager.

In 2010 he got badly injured and had two knee surgeries. In 2014 he had more knee surgeries and got shingles on top of everything.

He spent eight months in bed

and four months recuperating.

It was during that time his drone business developed.

“My friend was talking to me about drones and I thought ‘what’s this drone thing.’ I started looking into it.

“I spoke to the Department of Social Protection a couple of times and eventually they gave me the back to work allowance.

“When you’ve lost everything, and you’re really injured it shows your prospective on everything.

“I was 37 and I thought I had to get back on top somehow otherwise I was going to be left behind.

I think that helped with the drive and determination.”

Ian then qualified as a drone operator. Within a year of qualifying, Ian and two friends rented the RDS and put on a Drone Expo with 1,800 people showing up. The next one 2,500 people showed up.

From there he continued to experience success. He worked

An alternative to glysophate will be used by DCC

on different drone projects with the likes of the Fire Brigade, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Dublin City Council’s.

He then started thinking about fires and disasters around the world and what he and his team could build drones to help monitor them.

Describing their product, Ian said: “If we were to drop five of our units around the Californian wildfires, we would be able to see every inch of the fire in real time and zoom in from 10 kilometres away and guide a lost person out.

And we can stay there for 500 hours.”

Ian and his team Peter Downey and Keith Tracey are now looking to build prototypes and are seeking investment.

Ian has already taken home numerous awards and he credits the State, his family, friends and colleagues for their help and encouragement along the journey.

“The Irish state is brilliant, they made training available to me, they gave me enough money to live on day to day, they gave me a grant when I finished, and then lots of other supports.

“Enterprise Ireland put us on their accelerator programme last January and that was a big turning point for us.

“We were hand to mouth, but it was absolutely fine.

“Lots of good people were believing us and pushing us.

Annemarie Phelan heads up Media Cube [in IADT in Dun Laoghaire].

“She has been an amazing support. Even when I didn’t believe in what we were doing she’s be banging on our doors saying, ‘get that finger out!’ We wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.”

There is no stopping this passionate entrepreneur and no doubt he will continue to experience further success.

A Dublin waste company are hoping to raise over €2000 this festive season for the Peter McVerry Trust.

Dublin-based KeyWaste have launched a new initiative where they encourage the public to take pictures of their Christmas trucks around the capital.

Once you take the p i c t u re , u p l o a d it online and post it to one of KeyWaste’s social media accounts, with the hashtag #KEYWASTECHARITY. For every picture shared on social media, the directors of the company have pledged to donate €1 to the charity.

Posting on Facebook about the new initiative, KeyWaste said: “As a waste company

collecting bins from the streets of Dublin, we collect from tens of thousands of homes across the City but we also come in contact daily with those without homes.

“This year, to help the homeless community, we want to make a contribution to the Peter McVerry Trust. ”

Green Party welcomes weed control alternatives THE GREEN PARTY has welcomed changes by Dublin City Council that will see alternatives to Glyphosate used for weed control on city streets from next year.

Last August, a San Francisco jury awarded $289 million dollars (€253 million) to a former school groundsman who claimed the popular Roundup weed killer contributed to his terminal cancer.

The Green Party’s Councillor Ciaran Cuffe received the news in a reply to a Council ques-

tion that he received on Wednesday morning.

Cllr Cuffe said: “This announcement marks a significant step towards the wider use of alternatives to glyphosate for weed control in the city. From next year, 5% of the weed removal contract in the north inner city must use alternatives to Monsanto’s Roundup or similar glyphosate-based products.

“For some years now, constituents had raised concerns about the widespread use of Glyphosate for weed control on streets and in parks and

playgrounds around the city. Parents and grandparents don’t want their children or grandchildren playing close to where these chemicals are used. I am pleased that alternatives to Roundup will now form a significant part of our contract, and I look forward to the phasing out of Glyphosate over time.

“Killer chemicals should have no place in our solutions to weed control, and I hope that as new solutions are mainstreamed the cost of alternative methods of weed control will reduce.”

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Nicole Osborne and Ian Collins

Tracey, Peter and Billy Quinn

George McMahon and Rachel Smyth

Deirdre Fergal with Jack, Lucy and Ethan. Pictures: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Exciting new panto comes to The Helix

T

HE opening night of The Helix Pantomime Robin Hood took place last week. It featured a superb cast which includes, Ireland’s premier tenor, Paul Byrom who will take to the stage for this magical production which begins an eight week run until Sunday 20th January 2019.

Eion Tughe with Alex and Zach

Maddison, Georgie and Jasmine Hickey

David Branagan and Laura Mannion

Brendan, Olivia, Daniel and Emilia

Claire Tighe and Clare Martin

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

Michelle and Natasha Donnelly

Ellie and Alphie Carlisle

Sonnie and Fletcher

Brian Morgan, Shane, Alphie, Ellie and Alex Carlisle with Elaine Darcy. Pictures: SIMON PEARE

Crumlin United and Ellie’s Christmas Heart appeal fun day

C

RUMLIN United held a family fun day in their club last Saturday to raise money for Ellie’s Christmas Heart Appeal. The Appeal aims to raise money and donations of toys to give to children spending their Christmas in Crumlin Children’s Hospital. The fun day was a great opportunity to donate presents and enjoy a number of fun activities on offer for all the family.

Crumlin United 12-year-olds

Daniel, Brandon, Paul and Karl

Sorcha Sullivan, Karl O’Brien and Brandon Arnold

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018

HERITAGE: FEARS THAT MUCH-LOVED LOCAL LANDMARK MAY STILL FACE DEMOLITION

Old Glasnevin model school still in danger AT A MEETING last Friday, Dublin City Council said that an old model school building on Glasnevin would not be added to the Record of Protected Structures.

An emergency motion was passed in November to attempted to add the building on Church Avenue to the list of Protected Structures after it was announced the building was to be auctioned off by the OPW. On Friday, Dublin City Council said that the build-

“

It would be desperately sad if the model school was just to be bulldozed

ing had not been considered of sufficient special interest to merit inclusion on the Record of Protected structures.

Speaking on this, councillor Paul McAuliffe said

it was ‘hugely disappointing’.

McAuliffe said: “Today’s news will be hugely disappointing for local residents who had hoped to see this building recognised and preserved. The former Model School in Glasnevin has been in the community for over 170 years and has educated boys and girls in the area for just as long.

“There are two other buildings close by that are protected and, in my view, it would be just as important to protect the Old Model School too given the age and status of the

The model school in Glasnevin, who’s future is still uncertain after it was sold off at auction, and refused Protected Structure status by Dublin City Council in a recent meeting. Picture: Google Maps

structure.

“It would be a desperately sad case of affairs if this history was just to be bulldozed. How could the council justify granting protection to other model schools in Dublin but not assigning one to Glasnevin?

“Irrespective of the future use of the site itself, the building should be granted protection by

the Local Authority to preserve its historical significance for the people of Glasnevin and Dublin 9.

“I fully support residents in their bid to have the building added to Dublin City Council’s Record of Protected Structures and will be further raising the matter with the Chief Executive.”

Former students of the school and Glasnevin

locals have been campaigning for the school to be saved ever since it was put up for auction in November.

The building was being auctioned off as it was deemed ‘surplus to requirement’ by the OPW, who were owners of the building.

Former students of the model school have said they’re also upset with the

decision. Chair of Glasnevin Model Schools Past Pupils, Sean Creighton, has said that it’s important the group keep trying to save the school from potential demolition.

The building was sold at auction in early November, with the zoning for the 1,600 sqm land currently zoned for housing under the Dublin City Development plan.

International film fest calls on young film fans

VIRGIN MEDIA Dublin International Film Festival is calling on young film fans to get involved and apply to become a Fantastic Flix Young Film Programmer.

The Young Programmers initiative offers teens the chance to understand all aspects of film, and also gives them the opportunity to curate, host and influence the Fantastic Flix strand.

The Young Programmers will also have an opportunity to learn from industry professionals, help to write programme notes and host events during the 2019 Festival, which will take place from the 20 February-3 March 2019.

Over the past sixteen years, Dublin International Film Festival has show-

cased the work of Ireland’s very talented producers, directors, screenwriters and actors.

It has hosted over 600 major guests, such as Al Pacino, Julie Andrews, Danny DeVito, and Stanley Tucci.

The 2019 Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival will bring the world’s best films to Dublin in its spectacular 17th edition that will include world premieres and a total of over 110 features.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday December 14th.

For more information and to download an application form visit https://www. diff.ie/news/article/become-a-fantastic-flix-young-film-programmer.

FOOD, PAGE 18

Get in the festive baking spirit: Take a look at these delightful Mince Pies – yum!



RACHEL D’ARCY

Groom found safe and well A GROOM (above) who went missing shortly after his wedding last weekend was found safe and sound.

Stephen Warren went missing after his own wedding in Naas, Co Kildare on Sunday, with concerned family and friends searching for the Dublin native.

However, Warren was reported as being found safe and sound by An Garda Siochana on Monday evening after a large social media appeal.

Gardai thanked the public for their assistance in helping to locate him.

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

12 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

Andy D’Alton and Caitriona Cahill

Ciara and Paul O’Connell

Irish Super Rally Champion Derek Tohill arriving at the night of Champions in Finnstown House Castle.

Pictures: Michael Chester

Honouring our amazing Motorsport Champions F

innstown Castle Hotel recently hosted The 2018 Night of Champions which celebrated the champions of many different motorsport disciplines. MC on the night was Leo Nulty. Guests enjoyed a Champagne and Canape reception, followed by a 4 course meal and prize-giving ceremony.

Linda, Michael and Peter Barrable and Lizzy Biggins

Irish Rallycross Champion Derek Tohill with Thomas O’Rafferty (IRX Chairman)

Stephen and Sharon Ross

Leo Nulty MC for the evening

Thomas O’Rafferty (IRX Chairman) with Jack Byrne, Junior Rallycross Champion

Nicole Drought, Endurance Trial Class A1 Champion with Sean McEnroe, Coffee Perfection

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

Sean Carroll and Sophie Reynolds. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Fans out in force for Robert Redford movie R

OBERT Redford fans were out in force at Dubln’s Lighthouse Cinema this week for a special preview screening of Robert Redford’s new film The Old Man and The Gun. The film is based on the true story of Forrest Tucker and his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounded authorities and enchanted the public.

Paula Byrne and Tina Fox

Deirdre Molumby

Stars step out in style for Winter Gala Ball

R

ORY Cowan and Anette Carroll joined a whole host of Irish celebrities for the inaugural Julian Benson CF Foundation Winter Wonderland Gala Ball at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin last week. The event was in aid of the foundation, set up by Dancing With The Stars Ireland judge Julian Benson, who himself was diagnosed with Cystic Fybrosis when he was just two-years-old.

Picture:Brian McEvoy Photography

Rick O’Shea

Caitriona O’Connor

Monica Walsh

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018

DEVELOPMENT: COUNCIL, AN BORD PLEANALA FORMALLY DESIGNATE KEY D8 SITE CRIME

John Player site is finally officially ‘a vacant site’, agrees Bord RACHEL D’ARCY

A POTENTIAL development site in the South inner c ity has been declared vacant by An Bord Pleanala.

It was confirmed last Thursday that the planning board would uphold Dublin City Council’s decision to formally declare the former John Player Wills site on South Circular Road as vacant.

It is believed the land is sizeable enough to be able to accommodate

the development of more than 600 housing units on the South Circular Road.

The land appears in Dublin City Council’s September 2017 register of the 10 largest vacant sites, based on valuation.

In September 2017, the vacant 2.4092 hectare site was valued at €23.8 million, with permission having previously been granted for the development of 11 buildings in various heights on the land. It is the largest

“

Focus should be on maximising the value of the vacant John Player site

site on the register, and entered the vacant sites register in July 2017.

Speaking in the Seanad, Crumlin based

The vacant site of the former John Player factory on the South Circular Road in D8

S e n a t o r, C a t h e r i n e Ardagh said: “This site, which is currently under the control of NAMA and recently valued in the region of €100million, is of massive strategic importance to our area.

“The South Inner City is in the grip of an ongoing housing crisis. DCC have sought to take Weaver Square and its allotments to use for development but as I have previously pointed out, the needs of residents locally shouldn’t

Fundraiser for young mum with cervical cancer THE Wright Venue is hosting a fundraiser for a young mother who is battling cervical cancer.

The ‘Saving Yana’ event takes place on December 16 from 6pm and 100 per cent of the proceeds will go towards Yana Navarene’s treatment.

The 42-year-old, who is originally from Russia but has lived in Balbrig-

gan for the last 12 years, is a single mother to 15-year-old Vincent.

Her next line of treatment involves Pembro, the same drug used to treat Vicky Phelan, which is not available through the HSE and costs €6,000 per round.

Next Sunday’s event will feature stilt walkers and fire eaters as well

Scammer warning on bogus emails

Picture: Google Maps

necessarily be sacrificed.

“The vacant lands around the former John Player factory could be a better alternative to seizing much used and much loved green space when it’s already in short supply. Focus should instead be on maximising the value of the vacant site to alleviate the crisis in housing by developing sustainable, affordable housing on it.”

Ardagh had previously said that the site is of critical importance for the

development of housing in the area, in a locality that finds itself one of the most adversely affected in the housing crisis.

“The economic and social needs of the communities throughout the South Inner City need to be respected and the proper use of this site is the perfect opportunity to see that happen.”

The former John Player Wills site is listed as currently being owned by Players Square Limited, who are in receivership.

AN GARDA SIOCHANA have warned the public to be vigilant, after reports that people are receiving unsolicited emails claiming to be from the Gardai.

The emails allege to be coming from an individual claiming to be ‘Inspector Andrew Cullen’ of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.

However, there is no member of the Gardai by this name, and the Gardai have warned that the emails appear to be part of a rental scam to deceive people into handing over deposits on properties.

Gardai have said if any individual has concerns regarding unsolicited emails or other correspondence from An Garda Siochana, to contact their local station to verify the authenticity.

They have also made note that they will never ask the public for any personal or banking information over the phone or via email.

There is more information at Garda.ie.

Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

as a make-up masterclass, fashion show, spot prizes and a charity auction.

The dress code is cocktail and the theme is glitz and glam.

Tickets are priced at €20 and can be purchased online at: https://www. eventbrite.ie/e/saving-yana-tickets-52992965386.

The Morrison Hotel raises close to €10k for the ISPCC in 2018 PICTURED at The Morrison are Fiona Burns, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Morrison; Penny Dix, Events Manager ISPCC and Patrick Joyce, General Manager at the Morrison, as the annual Afternoon Tea at The Morrison in aid of ISPCC has just celebrated its 5th Year, and has grown in popularity each year.

2018 saw over 140 guests raise nearly €10,000 through tickets sales and a raffle.

The Morrison Hotel donates 100% of the proceeds, which has seen the hotel raise over €30,000 for the children’s charity over the years.

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

PLANNING: MINISTER FOR HOUSING WELCOMES START ON MAJOR NEW ZONE IN THE CAPITAL

Cherrywood build launched, creating 1,269 new homes REBECCA RYAN

THE largest urban development in Ireland has been launched in Cherrywood.

Construction is underway to deliver 1269 new apartments at Cherrywood Town Centre over the next three years, including 130 social units.

Approximately 3,000 construction jobs will be created over the lifetime of the Town Centre building project, with the immediate creation of 300 jobs by Sisk on the first phase of development.

It coincides with agreement between Hines and APG for an additional investment to specifically target other new ‘build-

to-rent’ development opportunities in Cherrywood and across Dublin city in the coming years.

Multi-national developers Hines and APG Asset Management also announced they plan to invest an additional circa €700m in growing this platform beyond the 1,269 units currently secured at Cherrywood to deliver approximately 3,000 units across the Greater Dublin Area, ultimately taking total capital invested to over €1.1 billion.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy, said he was delighted to see Cherrywood coming on stream at a time of critical demand for new hous-

ing supply in the capital.

He said: “The commencement of construction at Cherrywood SDZ is to be warmly welcomed as a very significant development.

Development “Cherrywood’s strategic development zone status allows for major projects of scale to be delivered within accelerated timeframes and as of today, it is officially the largest urban development in the State and in time will see approximately 8,000 new homes becoming available in the area.

“The 1269 new apartments that will emerge from this first phase of

COURTS: ‘A NASTY AND COWARDLY ACT’

Man who stole phones in pizza shop sentenced A MAN who spit whiskey onto a restaurant floor and then stole two mobile phones while on bail received a partially suspended sentence.

Michai Wisniewski (36), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the robbery of mobile phones at Pizza Macs, East Wall, Dublin, on August 30, 2017.

Judge Martina Baxter sentenced Wisniewski to 18 months imprisonment backdated to October 29, 2017, the day he first went into custody and suspended the balance of the sentence on the condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The court heard that on the day in question Wisniewski entered the restaurant visibly intoxicated with a bottle of whiskey tucked into his trousers. He attempted to order food but the staff did not understand him as he was not speaking in English.

Wisniewski proceeded to drink the remainder of the bottle and placed it onto the restaurant’s counter before spitting the final portion of the whiskey onto the floor.

Another man entered the restau-

rant and a commotion began when he attempted to get behind the counter. During this commotion Wisniewski assaulted a member of staff and fled from the restaurant with two stolen phones.

Only one of the phones was recovered.

The court heard that Wisniewski is a Polish national and that he was co-operative with gardai once he sobered up.

Wisniewski was on bail at the time of the offence after receiving a nine month suspended sentence for public order offences.

In a victim impact statement the two members of staff involved in the incident said they were now nervous whenever an intoxicated person entered the restaurant.

Judge Baxter said the mitigating factors in the case were his early plea of guilty, his remorse, his co-operation with gardaí and the fact that imprisonment could be particularly difficult for foreign nationals.

She said it was “indeed a nasty and cowardly act” and that Wisniewski’s behaviour had been “reprehensible”.

She accepted that his remorse was genuine and gave him credit for not applying for bail regarding this offence.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy (centre) with Paul van Stihout, senior portfolio manager at APG Asset Management and Brian Moran, senior managing director with Hines’ Dublin office. Picture: Naoise Culhane

development will deliver modern and sustainable housing for the new residents of Cherrywood for

many years to come.”

Cherrywood is a Strategic Development Zone project to build a new

town comprising over 7,700 new homes, six schools, three major parks and leisure facilities, sup-

ported by an existing light rail system and serving an eventual planned population of 25,000 people.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BREAKDOWN OF SOME OF THE BEST SHOWS TO TAKE IN THIS CHRISTMAS

GIANTS, SNOW QUEENS AND DAMES, OH MY - IT COULD ONLY BE PANTO TIME AGAIN WITH DUBLIN’S FAMILY SHOWS

DUBLIN MADE EASY T

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT CHRISTMAS PANTOS (OH YES IT IS)

IS the season to be jolly when Dublin families hit the theatres for their annual dose of panto.

Almost everyone who grew up in Dublin will remember the buzz of being brought to the Christmas panto and seeing crazy characters in outrageous costumes, dancing and singing and joking while the audience interacts with them.

Theatre snobs may look down on the time honoured panto but it is the first taste of theatre for many people, and brings great joy and pleasure when done well.

As an artform, pantomime can trace its roots back to the ancient Romans, but it was the Victorians who created the form of panto we know and love today by taking fairy tales and retelling them in a humorous way.

Well-performed pantomime can be brilliant, creating a special bond between performers and the audience. Here’s our verdict on three of the best Christmas pantos in Dublin...

THE CIVIC THEATRE

THE HELIX

THE GAIETY

HIGHLIGHT: Its impressive kid cast dancers

HIGHLIGHT: A brilliant fundraiser for sick kids

HIGHLIGHT: Guaranteed to wow

THE Civic’s panto in the heart of Tallaght this year is the ever hilarious Jack & The Beanstalk, a spectacular treat for the whole family.

Its cast includes YouTube sensation Enya Martin (Giz A Laugh) as the hilarious ‘Instafairy’, Sorcha Furlong as the evil Baroness (best known as Orla in Fair City), Morgan Crowley as Dame Dottie (a West End veteran and EastEnders actor).

Jack & The Beanstalk is now running until January 6 with two performances daily including seven schools’ shows and a sensory-friendly performance. A family ticket costs €55 with free parking in The Civic car park from 4pm; contact the Box Office at 01 462 7477

AT DCU, Robin Hood opened in the Helix at the end of last month, impressing audiences with all its usual wit, magic and fun.

Once again produced by TheatreworX Productions, the cast includes Ireland’s premier tenor Paul Byrom as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Chris Corroon as Dame Lola, Ciara Mackey as Maid Marion and Gavin Ryan as Robin Hood.

Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from this show will go directly to Temple Street Childrens University Hospital – last year’s panto raised €12,000!

Robin Hood runs until January 20 and tickets are €19.50. Call the Box Office at 01 700 7000.

LAST but definitely not least, The Gaiety has really outdone itself this year, as The Snow Queen is one of the coolest and funniest pantos in Dublin this Christmas.

Hosting Christmas pantos each year since 1873, The Gaiety is an old hand at staging superb shows, with this year’s stellar cast included West End star Louise Bowden as the Snow Queen, Nicholas Grennell as Jack Frost and Joe Conlan as a hilarious Panto Dame.

Tickets are on sale from €19.50 (including booking fee) from Ticketmaster outlets and the Box Office; see www.gaietytheatre.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie.

13 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

DINO SHOW SURE TO BE A ROARING HIT... P24

LOOK AHEAD TO WHAT’S ON TV FOR CHRISTMAS P25

Make it Malta for Christmas P26

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY

PANTOMINE CAST VISIT KIDS AT TEMPLE STREET CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL THERE was a magical surprise at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital recently, when the cast of The Helix Pantomime, Robin Hood arrived in character to spread some Christmas cheer this festive season among the young patients, families and staff.

Pictured are Jack Farrell meeting with Ciara Mackey as Maid Marion and Gavin Ryan as Robin Hood. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

FOOD&DRINK BUSINESS | IS IT TIME RESTAURANTS STARTED CHARGING DEPOSITS?

Think of the damage your careless ‘no-show’ can do REBECCA RYAN

ONE Dublin restauranteur who had a huge no-show at his restaurant on a usually busy Friday night recently has reignited the debate over whether restaurants should take deposits for bookings.

Social media posts went into a frenzy on November 30 when the owner of Michael’s in Mount Merrion, Gaz Smith, tweeted to say that he was “gutted” when 14 people failed to show up for their booking.

Gaz said: “We’ve just had a group of 14 cancel last minute for our early sitting, absolute nightmare. Nearly half of the restaurant. If anybody would like a last-minute table early this evening, we’d love to have you.

“I feel like I’m going to vomit, so gutted”, added the small restaurant’s owner.

It was not long before people got behind Gaz online to vent their disgust at the incident, and thankfully the “phone hopped” and the seats were filled.

One person even offered to make a donation to the restaurant.

Michael’s, Mount Merrion

Commenting on the kind gesture, Gaz said: “I’m not going to dwell on noshows tonight, not after your support, and look at this email – what a lovely, lovely gesture.”

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, Gaz said he was grateful for the support of the community and people online.

He said: “We were lucky to be able to turn last Friday night around, but that was due to lots of goodwill from locals and Twitter.

“The neighbourhood of Mount Merrion descended upon us as they have done in the past when the storm

hit us. We are so lucky to have been welcomed within the community here. It was very heart-warming!”

Gaz said that when people fail to show up for a booking it is a big hit for his restaurant and it makes him “nauseous”.

He said: “We’ve had a couple of cases recently of groups either cancelling very last minute or simply not turning up; this hurts us so badly.

“Losing a big group in a small suburban restaurant with barely any footfall means trying to fill those spaces last minute is a problem and having empty

tables on what should be a busy night has enormous ramifications, and can skew the [profit] margins for the month.”

Gaz added that it is getting to the point where he might have to take deposits.

“My hospitable side doesn’t want our first interaction with a guest to be asking for credit cards.

“However, a small independent like us can’t absorb the losses, and we will have to look into taking credit card deposits for larger groups.

“We hear stories of larger groups booking parties

at four or even five places, and then they decide on the day which one they all prefer. The thought of that makes me nauseous.

“I would love to live in a world where we don’t need to demand deposits, but it’s getting to the point that we’re left with no choice.”

He added: “Please, please, please don’t double-book; please call us if there are significant number changes or if you can’t make it. We really depend on it.”

The incident reignited the debate of should deposits be taken when booking a table in a restaurant, with social media posts jumping straight in to the debate.

One person wrote: “Enough is enough. Restaurants have to start taking a non-refundable deposit. This is people’s livelihoods we are talking about.”

Another pointed out that other industries suffer as a result of no-shows: “Deposits should become mandatory in the industry. [No-shows] will keep happening unless all restaurants come together to tackle it.”

Delight at fresh win for gourmet chain

Lorraine Heskin, Gourmet Food Parlour, Skerries

A RESTAURANT in Skerries has won big at the Fingal Business Excellence and CSR Awards..

The newly opened Gourmet Food Parlour branch won an award for Best Presented Business Premises, which recognised both the interior and exterior of the premises as well as the presentation of staff friendliness, quality of food and general ambience.

Owner Lorraine created GFP 12 years ago with the inspiration to serve a funky style of food, using simple, locally-sourced ingredients whilst serving it all

in a fun, relaxed way.

GFP locations include Dun Laoghaire, Swords, Skerries and Malahide, as well as a catering and events division.

Commenting on the win, GFP managing director Lorraine said: “Myself and the whole GFP team are extremely proud to win this award, especially as it’s for our new restaurant.

“I am so thankful to all the people in Skerries for their warm welcome and continued support.”

For further information on the eaterie, see gourmetfoodparlour.com.

Mince Pies to delight anyone KILKENNY, the home of Irish craft and design, is well-known for its Christmas offerings and one in particular – its signature mince pies.

From December 1 each year, Kilkenny sell on average more than 1,700 mince pies per week during the festive period.

The mince pies are made completely from scratch using Kilkenny Cafe chef Lynn Meehan’s family recipe, that has been passed down through the generations.

Preparation of the 100kgs of minced meat takes place in August as it takes four months for the mince to marinade in the premium ingredients, which includes 16 litres of Hennessy brandy.

Here we share with you Lynn’s recipe for marvellous Mince Pies.

Step 1: Make the pastry • 1kg plain flour • 175g sugar • Pinch of salt • 2 eggs • 500g butter • Zest of 2 oranges • Juice of 2 oranges Step 2:

• Evenly roll out the

pastry, cut out disks and place them into a lined pastry tin

Step 3: Kilkenny’s special minced meat • Fruit mix • 250g raisins • 100g mixed peel • 100g sultanas • 100g diced apple • 50g dried cherries chopped • 100g dried apricots

chopped

• 200g brown sugar • 200ml orange juice

freshly squeezed and strained • 250ml brandy (we recommend Hennessy) Step 4:

• Fill the pastry with a generous scoop

Step 5: Make the frangipane mix • 450g ground almonds • 350g icing sugar • 250g butter • 5 eggs Step 6:

• Pipe and spread the frangipane and bake for 20-25 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 160°C

13 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

FEATURES PEOPLE | LONG-TERM HOST DEFENDS THE CONTROVERSIAL PROPERTY-SHARING BUSINESS

‘Airbnb has helped us meet the world’ RACHEL D’ARCY

EARLIER this year, the Government proposed legislation aimed at tackling short-term rental site Airbnb in a bid to tackle the housing crisis.

The rental giant has become one of the focal points of the worsening crisis, with many slamming individuals who own entire homes solely to rent out on Airbnb.

However, a majority of the individuals who rent on Airbnb in Ireland let out rooms in their own family homes and rely upon the app to cover costs such as mortgages, school fees, bills and more.

“We’re hoping the new rules won’t have any impact on us as we rent out of the family home,” Danielle Vierling, an Airbnb renter in the Portobello area of the city, told Dublin Gazette.

“I got involved about five years ago, and at the time it was financially motivated as a lot of costs

in Dublin were quite high, so that was our incentive first of all.

“In the end, that’s what keeps us doing it – it’s the connection with people doing it.

“If it was just financial and you didn’t enjoy the

who’ve stayed with us – it makes you believe in the goodness of the world, and makes the world feel smaller, and that’s why we love doing it.

“People are sick and tired of staying in hotels; they want a human connection.

“We want to interact, we want to have friendly exchanges with our visitors, and some people want that over a hotel, which can be quite impersonal,” she added.

Danielle said that they’ve hosted people from all walks of life Airbnb host Danielle Vierling – from people visiting Ireland on holiday, people part, it wouldn’t be business people, to famiappropriate because we lies attending weddings, rent out part of the family sometimes even other home and we have chil- Irish people visiting the dren, and we don’t want capital. to just let anyone into the She said it’s a flexhouse. ible way for the family “As it turns out, the to make supplementary people have been abso- income, something that lutely fabulous. It really she’s concerned will be improves your view of the threatened under any community and the world new regulations. because there’s amazDanielle and her faming, interesting people ily rent out a basement

Danielle defended her Airbnb listing (above), citing it as a way not only to get some financial support, but to meet people from all over the world and all walks of life

apartment accessed through the home and a room in the house on a regular basis, turning to the service as a way of making extra income and for meeting new people.

She said: “I love the dif-

ferent people you get to meet through Airbnb.

“A lot of people that stay with us have told me that they choose Airbnb for a more personable experience, rather than a hotel where you might

not have a lot of personal contact.

“From a community standpoint, I really enjoy it. Airbnb is kind of a community building thing for me. I’ve lived in the area for eight years, I know all

the local businesses, and the businesses appreciate that I’m referring them all the time.

“The people who’ve stayed with us say they enjoy that local connection as well.”

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

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WHAT AN ICE LOOK: Bryan Dobson, Cystic Fibrosis ambassador joined Helen Somerville, SPAR marketing manager and Fergal Smyth, fundraising manager, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland at the launch of Christmas Jumper Day 4CF, supported by SPAR, with the trio creating a suitably colouful sight.

Taking place this Friday, December 14, companies are being asked to encourage their staff to wear their best Christmas jumper to work on the day – for a donation of €5, which will be sent to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s work.

As Ireland has the highest rates of CF in the world, and some of the most severe types of the disease, Christmas Jumper Day 4CF promises to be a fun and festive way to help people with the disease. For further information, see www.cfireland.ie, or email fundraising@cfireland.ie.

CELEBRATING BOWIE A crafty way to have CALLING all Bowie fans – the Dublin Bowie Festival will celebrate 50 years of the original Space Oddity, with the festival’s programme aiming to encapsulate the profound influence and inspiration that Bowie had on both popular culture and art.

Topped by a heavyweight line-up of live music, the festival also includes movie and documentary screenings, Q&As, debates and discussions, literary events, fashion, fine art, merchandise markets, a quiz, karaoke and more.

Venues include the National Concert Hall, The Grand Social, The Olympia Theatre, The Academy, Ebow Gallery, The Lighthouse Cinema and many other creative spaces, all coming together to pay respects to one of the most important figures in our cultural history.

The festival runs from January 7-13, with tickets and more information available from dublinbowiefestival.ie/events.

fun and save money

LET your inner artist out and save money this Christmas by making your own cards at A Very Grainstore Christmas.

The Grainstore, dlr’s Youth Art facility in Cabinteely Park is sharing a little seasonal joy this Sunday, December 16.

There will be Christmas craft workshops for families with artist Tunde Toth where you can design and create your own cards and

decorations.

There will also be parent and children music workshops, a drop-in iPad workshop for young people, and a feast of music from some of the Grainstore’s groups.

The event starts at noon and is for children aged over five (children must be accompanied by adults).

For bookings, search eventbrite for A Very Grainstore Christmas, or email grainstoremanager@dlrcoco.ie.

13 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

DIARY

Picture: Naoise Culhane

Vive Les Miserables

DOG OF THE WEEK

MUSICAL lovers are in for a treat as Les Misérables is now on at the the Bord Gais Theatre, until January 12.

Originally based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Le Misérables was turned into a musical by Alain Boubil with songs composed by

Claude-Michel Schönberg.

Cameron Mackintosh has produced a brilliant new staging of Les Mis that has travelled from Broadway to a number of cities around the United States, South America, Korea, Japan, Australia, Spain, France

and now Dublin, featuring classic songs such as, I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, and Do You Hear the People Sing?

Tickets are priced from €26 to €74.50, and are available on the Bord Gais Website now.

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Sheeba is a five-year old Pointer crossbreed which would make a wonderful addition to most families. She is a sweet, friendly dog which will try to say hello to everyone she meets on her walks. Since she doesn’t yet know how to greet people in a polite manner, she will require some impulse-control training. Sheeba is an active Pointer and will need plenty of exercise on a regular basis to keep her body and mind in good shape.

She would be best suited to a family that spends a good bit of time at home, as she struggles when left alone for longer periods of time.

If you have room in your heart and home for Sheeba 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 www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

JOIN THE NYE PARTY CELEBRATE the final moments of 2018 with a bang under a canopy of sparks as the Liffey Lights Midnight Moment signals the end of 2018 and the arrival of the New Year.

This dazzling spectacle will be performed against the backdrop of the Custom House and features a thrilling choreography of lasers and aqua beams, with DJS and percussionists.

Tickets are also on sale now for the 3Countdown Concert at Custom House Quay.

Platinum-selling artist Gavin James will headline the 3Countdown Concert with special guests Hudson Taylor, Wild Youth and Inhaler.

Tickets – which include entry to the Liffey Lights Midnight Moment event – are priced €29.90, includ-

ing booking fee, and are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and ticketmaster.ie.

For additional information on all other NYF Dublin events, see www.

NYFDublin.com.

Keep up to date with news about all upcoming events by using the hashtag #NYFDublin and following @NYFDublin on Twitter and Instagram.

Red-dy to help others? IADT FILM STUDENT WINS THE iconic Coca-Cola’s Christmas Truck is coming to Tallaght, marking the last chance to catch the truck this year as it completes a nationwide journey.

It’ll be pulling in to The Square in Tallaght this Sunday, December 16 as part of its eighth annual road trip, with all proceeds from the sale of merchandise to be donated to St Vincent De

WARNER BROS SCHOLARSHIP

Paul. Look out for the unmistakeable truck at The Square from 2-8pm on Sunday.

WARNER BROS. IRELAND has awarded a scholarship to Sarah Ahern, an MA Screenwriting student at the National Film School at Dublin’s Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

The Warner Bros. Creative Talent scholarship will, over the

course of a year, provide Sarah with funding support and ashort, paid placement at Warner Bros.

Ireland’s Dublin offices, as well as access to screenings and mentoring supportfrom Warner Bros. executives in the country.

Previous Warner Bros. Crea-

tive Talent scholars, Allyn Quigley, Miriam Devitt, and Daniel Kelly, have gone on to enjoy success in TV and film.

Sarah is is currently the Projects Manager & Programmer at Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival (VMDIFF).

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Jane Hayes and Evelyn Walsh

Marie Jackson and Emma Cassidy

Sinead and Rhoda McDonagh Models Caoimhe O’Dwyer, Ursula Kelly and Kerri Nicole Blanc. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Denise and Geraldine Ashe

Breast Cancer Ireland hosts Christmas lunch O

Louise O’Regan and Amy Dunne

Laura Bowe and Orla Bleahen

VER 170 glamorous guests enjoyed the style and fashion at this year’s Breast Cancer Ireland Christmas Lunch in Marco Pierre White Courtyard Restaurant. The lunch kicked off with a champagne reception on arrival, followed by a 3-course lunch with a selection of wine.

The luncheon raised vital funds for Breast Cancer Ireland.

Juliette O Connell,Adrienne McCleen and Rachel Fitzgerald Feeley

Shoshanna Hayden, Aisling Sproul and Clodagh Holmes

13 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS

ENTERTAINMENT GOINGOUTOUT GOING

PICKWEEK OF THE

DECEMBER 17, 18

Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Christy seems to have been around since the Vikings popped over, but his sold-out gigs at Vicar Street show that his popularity hasn’t fallen back (unlike those Vikings, the lightweights). You’re in for a treat if you nabbed a ticket, with a great Christy gig guaranteed.

DECEMBER 13 (THURSDAY)

Dino show sure to be a roaring hit with Dubs THE BBC series Walking With Dinosaurs was surreal at times. Beautifully computer-generated and based on the best guesses of palaeontologists on dinosaur behaviour, it brought monolithic beasts to life in a way that had never truly been attempted before.

The series examined likely behaviours, and set dinosaurs in the environment they would have explored, recreating the battles and struggles that could have formed part of their lives, and topped it all off with some Attenborough-light commentary from Kenneth Branagh.

What a screen can’t do, however, is give a sense of imposing scale and physical melodrama whilst shooting through 200 million years of earth’s history.

The Arena Spectacular version of Walking With Dinosaurs has been tour-

 JAMES HENDICOTT

ing since 2007, undergoing several iterations and improvements along the way, and is aimed at more than just fans of the TV series.

We grabbed a preview of the show when it landed in Belfast earlier this year, and found Michaela Strachan, an iconic nature TV presenter, in charge of the storytelling aspect of the drama.

Strachan is the sole human ‘character’, and plays the role of a palaeontologist heading back in time, uncovering the progression of dinosaurs through history, and explaining a little of their existence as the life-sized beasts roam the stage before your eyes.

Her commentary

comes across as authentically wondrous, and she heavily interacts, leaping around the arena in her rimmed hat as she dodges dinosaurs’ interest, or hiding behind rocks to give whispered commentary as youngsters emerge delicately from eggs.

It’s the lumbering mechanical side of the show that’s the main draw, however, and it is startlingly impressive, drawing gasps as the bigger animals emerge onto the stage from behind the curtains that hide them.

The dinosaurs span the eras, and you’ll meet familiar favourites in the Stegosaurus and the T-rex, the Iguanodon and the Allosaurus, as well as some lesser known beasts.

All are true to scale, with some of the slowmoving herbivores stretching towards the rafters, while the more

rapid carnivores are imposing and aggressive.

There are tiny hatching eggs, battles over food, and interaction with a fast-changing territory, before the late-era beasts meet a dramatic end.

The larger dinosaurs move on wheels, set on large bases that ‘walk’ their legs in broad, sweeping movements. They strut, seemingly independently, across the ground.

At times they’re surrounded by a plethora of detailed small dinosaurs played by actors, who are able to leap and frolic at higher speeds.

The whole thing sounds like it should provide a few minutes of entertainment at most, but it runs deeper.

It’s brilliantly scripted, has eked out a plotline that’s a good mix of entertaining and educational, and wows with both its detail and its scale. Overall, the concept far out

does the various other dinosaur shows that have toured recently.

You could dismiss something like this as a kid’s show, and it certainly does hold a lot of appeal for children fixated with ancient lumbering lizards.

What impressed us most is that it’s also surprisingly strong on the more grown-up entertainment: there’s light comedy, a nice flow to the storyline, and the scale and detail of the dinosaurs is really quite impressive.

Not your typical Christmas entertainment, perhaps, but a genuinely memorable show with lots of educational detail, and a chunky, imaginative roar into the holiday season.

Walking With Dinosaurs runs for six shows at the 3Arena right before Christmas, on December 21, 22 and 23. Tickets start at €38.50.

YG @ The Olympia, €23 Ham Sandwich @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT Ryan McMullan @ The Academy, €20 Siomha @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €12

DECEMBER 14 (FRIDAY) Ham Sandwich @ Whelan’s, €23 Local heroes play their annual Christmas shows at Whelan’s, guaranteed to be messy, melodic and wonderfully boisterous. Get in before they sell out.

2FM Xmas Ball - Hozier, Walking On Cars, Keywesy, Chasing Abbey @ 3Arena, SOLD OUT Greatest Hits of Motown @ Vicar Street, €39 Gypsies On The Autobahn @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €12

DECEMBER 15 (SATURDAY) Hozier @ The Olympia, SOLD OUT Ham Sandwich @ Whelan’s, €23 The Blades @ The Academy, €30 The Academic @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Bleeding Heart Pigeons @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €12

DECEMBER 16 (SUNDAY) The Academic @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Josh Groban @ 3Arena, €70 Hozier @ The Olympia, SOLD OUT Jerry Fish @ Whelan’s, €22 Rob Bochnik @Whelan’s Upstairs, €12

DECEMBER 17 (MONDAY) Flogging Molly @ The Academy, €32 Hudson Taylor @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT Hozier @ The Olympia, SOLD OUT Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT

DECEMBER 18 (TUESDAY) Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Hudson Taylor @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT Denzel Curry @ The Academy, €23 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €7

DECEMBER 19 (WEDNESDAY) Glen Hansard @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Ash @ The Academy, €27 Northern Irish pop rockers bring the feel-good factor to The Academy, in a show sure to stoke the 90s nostalgia as well as explore some of the band’s newer efforts Hudson Taylor @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT Amistat @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €15

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

StillShowing...

ROBIN HOOD

Doesn’t hit the mark HERE comes the 347th attempt to make a good film about everybody’s favourite bad boy from Merrye Englande, Robin Hood (Cert 12A, 116 mins). Unfortunately, the end result is a fast-paced, kinetic mess, which turns Nottingham into some kind of mining-crazy industrial hell hole, Jame Foxx into an exposition-heavy Moor, and Taron Egerton into a Robin that it’s hard to root for. At least the film poster is lovely, though not the film.

THE GRINCH

Needs more humbugs WHAT can you say about The Grinch (Cert G, 90 mins) that’s never been said before? This animation looks to flesh out Dr Seuss’s most famous creation a little bit, without deviating much from the original, admittedly slight tale. The end result is a handsome looking film that should entertain small children, but will leave older minds as bored as the Grinch contemplating the annoyingly nice and happy citizens of Whoville below.

FANTASTIC BEASTS 2 Lacks a little magic

GOOD luck to everyone insisting on saying the full title of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (Cert 12A, 134 mins). It’s another dive back into some Potter-ish magic goings-on as the wizarding world again threatens the moral realm, building on the lore of the first film. It’s okay, but lacking the true magic of the Harry Potter films, despite the best efforts of its likeable cast.

Powerful performances abound in the Best Film – Drama nominations, including A Star is Born, Black Panther and Bohemian Rhapsody

Few surprises in Globes nods WHILE next year’s Oscars may have tripped on the red carpet with its choice of host (see panel below), the nominations for the upcoming Golden Globes in January passed by much more smoothly.

There were few surprises in the just revealed list of categories, with most of 2018’s biggest commercial and critical darlings making their way onto the list, which is still a decent barometer of how things tend to go at the Oscars months later.

While several of the nominated films haven’t made it to Irish shores just yet, many of them are known to audiences here, and most of the nominees won’t come as a surprise.

Many eyes are on Black Panther, following that film’s phenomenal global success this year, with nods in a few categories,

 SHANE DILLON

particularly for arguably the top award, Best motion Picture – Drama.

Crazy Rich Asians also nabbed a couple of nods in the categories, with that film, and Panther, suggesting that Hollywood is finally – belatedly – grasping that there’s a global market for good films with compelling characters drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

In fact, four of the five Best Motion Picture – Drama nominees had stories or characters that are a little out of line with what you might call Standard White Westerner tropes, presenting some well received content.

Elsewhere, and bookies would have their work cut out for them with some of the names on the awards list – for example, who can make the call on whether A Star is Born is better than Bohemian Rhapsody, or Spike Lee’s provocative BlacKkKlansman, for example?

There are some tough choices in other categories, too, such as Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Music.

John C Reilly looks stunning as the beloved Oliver Hardy in Stan and Ollie; Christian Bale is similarly unrecognisable as warhawk Dick Cheney in Vice, and Robert Redford makes his cinematic swansong in The Old Man and The Gun. Moving on through some of the other categories, and while Glenn

SOME OF THE MAIN 2019 GOLDEN GLOBES NOMINATIONS Best film – Drama Black Panther BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody If Beale Street Could Talk A Star Is Born Best Director Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born Alfonso Cuaron – Roma Close’s star turn in The Wife looks like a certainty for the Best Actress under Drama award, Lady Gaga surprised and wowed with her star-making turn in A Star is Born (opposite an impressive Bradley Cooper, himself nominated for Best Actor under Drama).

An outside Best Actress bet would be Melissa McCarthy, who managed to make the abysmal The Happytime Murders in 2018 and yet also stole the show (and earned a Globe nod) as a

Peter Farrelly – Green Book Spike Lee – BlacKkKlansman Adam McKay – Vice

Rhapsody John David Washington – BlacKkKlansman

Best Actor – Drama Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born Willem Dafoe – At Eternity’s Gate Lucas Hedges – Boy Erased Rami Malek – Bohemian

Best Actress – Drama Glenn Close – The Wife Lady Gaga – A Star Is Born Nicole Kidman – Destroyer Melissa McCarthy – Can You Ever Forgive Me? Rosamund Pike – A Private War

reluctant, frumpy forger in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, making her as ever an interesting star to follow.

Irish eyes will be wishing the best for The Favourite – the latest quirky film courtesy of Irish company Element Pictures.

The five nods attached to the film (a collaboration from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos and Element) are a pretty strong endorsement for the film, which sees Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz’s char-

acters competing for the attention of Queen Anne – with the actresses simultaneously competing for a Best Supporting Actress award in a little nod at life imitiating art.

It’s good to see Olivia Colman also getting a nomination as the queen, in a rare reflection of the comic actress’s more serious chops.

You’ll easily find the full Golden Globes nominations for cinema and TV online, with the awards taking place on January 6.

Hart fiasco just another Oscars blunder WHILE there was plenty of interest in the Golden Globes nominations, culture vultures have continued circling around Kevin Hart following his ill-fated – and brief – stance as the 2019 Oscars host.

The comedian (right) lasted three days in place as the upcoming host before stepping down last week when a storm of criticism erupted over long-standing homophobic comments and jokes he’s made down the years.

Hart couldn’t quite manage to quietly step aside – a Martin Luther King Jr quote he used in a clumsy fashion irritated many people, leaving him seeming unable to do

right for doing wrong ...

Ultimately, the Hart incident draws attention to the Oscars powers that be – the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – with the latest little drama underscoring that the Hollywood gods don’t quite seem to know what they’re doing any more.

After all, a cursory check of Hart’s material would have soon revealed him as a problematic host who’d be likely to draw criticism – which happened.

Let’s also not forget the Academy’s 2018 idea to introduce a Best Popular Film Oscar – a move which angered many

actors, studios and directors, forcing the idea to get quickly shelved.

Both were moves which were blunders on the Academy’s part, with both being obvious bad ideas that, oddly, the Academy still thought would be okay.

And if the Academy doesn’t really know what it’s doing, what’s the point of having the Oscars any more?

Oscar hosts come and go, often with good coverage, sometimes with bad, and Hart will continue being a popular comedian regardless of some of his ill-advised content.

However, a bigger issue is the malaise

within the Academy itself, as it continues making poor choices even as the Oscars’ power, viewership and relevancy continues to diminish.

With Oscar viewership figures now a fraction of what they were, and with changes in audience figures and statistics, the Academy really needs to make 2019 a turnaround year, and to make the Oscars relevant again.

Otherwise, the Academy has much bigger problems to worry about than just what host is probably a safe pair of hands to give the presenting gig to ...

13 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS

ENTERTAINMENT

CHRISTMAS TV | LOOK AHEAD TO DIE HARD AND GRAHAM NORTON

QUIKFLIX FLIX Streaming highlights on the way

UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race for BBC Three

There’s a huge selection of Christmas movies on Virgin Media One this Christmas, including Moonlight & Mistletoe.

Virgin Media One launch their Christmas Schedule RACHEL D’ARCY

VIRGIN Media Television will be delivering a whole host of festive programming specials and family favourite movies this Christmas.

The channel unveiled their Christmas schedule last week, and it’s set to be a treat for both young and old with a range of festive treats and retrospective looks at the year that was.

Soap addicts are getting some extra love this festive season, as Stephen Mulhern hosts the quiz that tests the stars

of Coronation Street and Emmerdale on their funniest, and most memorable soap moments of 2018 on ‘The Big Soap Quiz’ at 9pm on December 21.

Corrie lovers are in for a special treat with ‘Coronation Street: DNA Secrets revealed’ which will air at 8:30pm on Christmas Eve. In this one off, 90-minute special, Coronation Street’s DNA Secrets reveals the secrets lying deep in the DNA of one of the best-loved streets.

For fans of hit TV show The Chase, there’s a treat this Christmas as Bradley

Walsh hosts a very special edition of ‘The Celebrity Chase’ on December 26, as well as brand new ‘The Chase Bloopers Show’ with all the bits you were never meant to see in an hour long special on December 29 at 7pm.

If you’re still suffering from Love Island withdrawals, an early Christmas present is on the way in the form of a festive special where Caroline Flack reunites 19 of the most talked about Islanders in ‘Love Island The Reunion’ on Virgin Media Two on December 17 at 9pm.

The channel have got the whole family covered when it comes to movies with classics such as The Commitments, Marian Keyes Watermelon, Bridget Jones Diary, Night at the Museum, Chicken Run, Babe, The Wizard of Oz, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar.

Music lovers are also being spoiled in the schedule, with specials such as ‘Happy Hour with Olly Murs’ on Virgin Media One at 9 on December 15; ‘Voice of Hope 2’, a special concert by Tommy Fleming on December 11 and

‘Celtic Woman: Ancient Land’ on December 16 at 6.05pm.

There will also be a look back at the most memorable parts of 2018, with Virgin Media rounding up what has been a memorable year with ‘Ireland’s Weather 2018: Climate Chaos’ airing on December 24 and ‘That Was 2018’ on December 28 at 9pm.

On December 31, ring in the New Year with Graham Norton as his special New Year’s Eve show, ‘The Graham Norton Show NYE 2018’, airs at 11.35pm.

IT WAS revealed last week that cult reality show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, is set to get a UK version in the New Year. The show will be delivered by BBC Three, the TV giant’s online channel platform, though it’s unclear if it will be streamed on a weekly basis like it’s US counterpart or available to binge all at once.

On the judging panel for the UK version - so far - are RuPaul himself and current Ireland’s Got Talent and US Drag Race judge Michelle Visage.

Visage has said numerous times she ‘wouldn’t rest’ until there was a UK version of the iconic show, which bagged RuPaul an Emmy award earlier on this year and has steadily grown in viewership.

RuPaul’s Drag Race sees a number of Drag Queens battle it out in various challenges and catwalk battles to be named the winner, with those in the final two each week strutting their stuff in a lip sync challenge in an effort to keep their place in the competition.

Drag Race US is currently on it’s 10th season. No premiere date has yet been set for the UK version.

Peaky Blinders cast actor Sam Claflin for new series FANS OF Peaky Blinders will be glued to the new series, as the Shelby family is in for a little shakeup.

The BBC have released a photo of brand new cast member Sam Clafin, who will feature in the fifth season of the show Netflix and BBC One. Clafin, who is known for his roles in the Hunger Games and Me Before You, isn’t the only new member of the cast for the next season however.

Joining him are Anna Taylor-Joy, Brian Gleeson. Neil Maskell, Kate Dickie, Cosmo Jarvis, Emmett J Scanlan, Elliot Cowan, Charlene McKenna, Andrew Koji, and Daryl McCormack.

The fifth season will be set in 1929, where the world is in upheaval from the stock market crash.

When Tommy Shelby is approached by a “charismatic politician (Claflin) with a bold vision for Britain,” it is clear his decisions will affect not just his own family, but the country as a whole.

Irish animated Christmas film showing on Netflix ANGELA’S CHRISTMAS, based on the popular children’s story from Irish author Frank McCourt, is now available on Netflix. The film created by Brown Bag Films, stars Ruth Negga in the role of Angela’s mother, and Lucy O’Connell as Angela. The film is written by Will Collins and Damien O’Connor and directed by Damien O’Connor.

Ellen McCourt, Frank’s widow, serves as an Executive Producer on the project and Malachy McCourt, Frank McCourt’s brother, an Irish-American actor, provides the narration. Set in Ireland in the early 1900s, it’s a heart-warming story about the power of family.

A sneak peak of some of the programming on Virgin Media One this Christmas, including Die Hard and a Dog Named Christmas

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

TRAVEL

OUR EUROPEAN FRIENDS WILL WOW WITH FESTIVE FUN

Make it Malta for Christmas THIS Christmas, why not do something a bit different and experience the festive season in magical Malta?

Famous as a sun-kissed island where several civilisations have fused into a memorable melting pot, Christmas is also a mustsee time to visit.

Just a short three-anda-half-hour direct flight from Dublin with Ryanair, the Mediterranean island of Malta offers an ideal short-haul destination for those who wish to spend Christmas in the sun but not too far away from home.

The Christmas season is celebrated to its fullest on the Maltese Islands with many Nativity scenes, crib displays, carol services and other events

organised throughout the islands.

As just one example of a great deal, with Budget Travel, you can depart on December 22 and stay at the 4* Gillieru Harbour, St Paul’s Bay (room only) for €389pp; prices include flights, accommodation, taxes and transfer.

In fact, with Malta and Valletta’s popularity at this time of year, many tour operators have a range of offers to whisk you there for an unforgettable Christmas break – not to mention some early New Year deals too, of course.

Fro m t h e s ta r t o f December, Valletta’s waterfront has been transformed into a Christmas village with a mix of festive decor, music and

Bustling Christmas markets, colourful lights – and one of Europe’s most fascinating cultures, surrounded by architectural jewels – it must be Malta!

food.

Free activities underneath the 35-foot Christmas tree will delights any visitor, with bands, choirs and cribs along the promenade.

Balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet and greets with Santa Claus,

puppet shows and bouncy castles are all on offer as the islanders and guests celebrate.

Visitors to Malta this month have already been treated to all kinds of Christmas treats, from parades to choirs – but the Christmas celebrations aren’t the only reason to

visit Malta as soon as you can.

This December see Malta’s capital city Valletta celebrating its successful year as the 2018 European Capital of Culture.

If you’re lucky enough to get a last-minute deal, the Valletta 2018 Clos-

ing Spectacular will take place this weekend, December 15, and will feature a spectacular line-up of live shows and music.

You can join guests, visitors, artists, curators, residents, Tal-Kultura volunteers and the Valletta 2018 team as they

celebrate a fantastic year with a closing event that pays tribute to the creative diversity that exists on Malta, Europe and beyond.

Visit www.maltaireland.com for further information and details of events that taking place in Malta this December.

Find unforgettable Christmas markets in Germany Lucie Weidenauer gives readers her tips about some of the Christmas Markets back in her native Germany, where many of Europe’s best such markets are found ...

Berlin Of course, Berlin has many different Christmas markets, but the one at the Red Town hall (“Rotes Rathaus”) is very special.

It has a skating rink, where lots of children and adults have fun every year, but also visitors can find many street performers, puppeteers and sto-

rytellers, and a particularly wide variety of delicious food.

Dresden This historic town has one of the oldest markets in Germany, the “Striezelmarkt” (right).

It’s called this because of a very special biscuit, once called “Striezel” but today known as the “Stollen”.

Every year on the second Advent day, an enormous Stollen is baked and then cut in a traditional ceremony.

Essen The Essen Christmas Market is very beautiful due to a shining LED tree

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt

right in its centre of it – but it’s actually famous because it’s an international Christmas market.

People from more than 20 different countries, and from different regions all across Germany, to sell their food and wares. Here you can find every-

thing from amber jewellery to Peruvian Potatoes!

Munich The Christkindlmarkt (Christ Child Market) is the most popular Christmas Market in Munich.

A highlight at this market is the Krampus Parade, with many people dressing up as the Krampus – the scary partner of Saint Nikolaus, who scares or even punishes naughty children!

Heidelberg This city in the south of Germany is mostly known for its famous castle above the town, but also for the Old

Historic Heidelberg

Town, where every year one of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Markets take place.

With more than 140 stalls, the take place in many parts of the historic town, so wherever you go in the old town, Christmas delights await.

13 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FESTIVE CHEER AND OTHER GEAR

HOME & STYLE

Glorious gifts for gentlemen RACHEL D’ARCY LOOKING to do some last minute shopping for the man in your life?

Have no fear River Island is here.

The high street retailer have unveiled a whole ho-ho-host of Christmas gifts that are perfect for partners,

fathers, brothers, grandfathers and more at affordable prices, available online and in River Island stores now.

From chunky jumpers to leather bags, products on offer range from around €8 for cufflinks, up to €50 for a faux fur hoodie. They also have some slightly quirkier

gifts available, including a ‘Grow Your Own Festive Sprouts’ set and a game called ‘Weird Things Humans Search For’.

If you’re looking to nab any of these gifts, act quick, as they’ll most definitely begin to fly off shelves as we approach the most Wonderful Time of the Year!

RIVER ISLAND Monogram flight bag, €25 RIVER ISLAND Red chunky knit cable knit jumper, €40

All ll of these style buys are available in store now from PEP&CO at Dealz stores nationwide

RIVER ISLAND Grow your Own Festive Sprouts set, €5

RIVER ISLAND Light brown gold tone face watch , €40

pep and christmas DEALZ’S own clothing brand PEP&CO have unveiled their winter collection, with a whole host of styles perfect for the Christmas season. From glitz and glam jumpsuits for work nights out, to matching pyjamas to all the family, there’s something for everyone in the family at a great price point.

Prices at PEP&CO range from as little as €2.50 for cool kid’s tshirts, right up to €32.50 for a parka, available for both men and women. PEP&CO is available at selected Dealz stores across Dublin, with more information available on Dealz’s website at dealz.ie.

Glowing like a (green) angel RIVER ISLAND White Christmas shower kit, €20

RIVER ISLAND Black faux fur zip front hoodie, €87

RIVER ISLAND Burgundy RI monogram belt, €17

THE EXPERTS at Green Angel have been creating exclusive seaweed and essential oil based skincare, spa and haircare products by hand in Ireland since 2005.

Green Angel candles (RRP €19.95) are hand poured in Ireland and are made from 100% soy, allowing for a cleaner burn than paraffin wax, while all feature a natural cotton wick. With no harsh chemicals or artificial colours they have an average burn time of 55 hours.

There’s also a matching allnatural diffuser (RRP €29.95). An flame free option, Green Angel diffusers use natural rattan reeds and emit a fragrance that will last for up to three months.

The Green Angel range includes two stunning scents: Lemongrass & Lime and White Linen.

The range is available at all good pharmacies and lifestyle shops across Dublin.

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 December 2018

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Marvellous MX-5 Mazda brings the fun

Some eye-catching stylings are the icing on a cake stuffed with impressive features

DECLAN GLYNN

MAZDA has launched a brand-new coupe-cumcabriolet derivative of its iconic sports car, the MX-5.

Called the MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback), it is essentially an MX-5 with an electrically folding hardtop.

The idea to introduce the RF was in the plan from the very beginning, thanks in no small part to the fact that the previous-generation MX-5 Roadster Coupe accounted for almost 80% of sales.

It will come as no surprise to learn that the electrically folding hardtop on the new MX-5 RF is the car’s party piece.

When in place, it makes the car look like a coupe, but 13 seconds later the car transforms into a beautifully proportioned opentop sports car.

The Mazda MX-5 RF enhances the pure joy of driving with a superior power-to-weight ratio, rear-wheel drive and more comfort and technology than ever before.

Mazda’s signature KODO (Soul of Motion) design gives the new Mazda MX-5 RF a more aggressive and sculptured look, while retaining the classic coupe cues of a sleek bonnet, setback seating and a short rear overhang.

The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF has perfect 50:50 weight balance and a lower centre of gravity, giving it the advantage of responding precisely as the driver intends.

Mazda’s MX-5 is the world’s best-selling twoseat sports car, and it has earned iconic status in its 29-year history.

The new MX-5 RF is available with a choice of two SKYACTIV-G petrol engines – a 1.5-litre with 131bhp, and a 2.0-litre with 160bhp.

Chris Rea’s still got the best track for Christmas drivers IF YOU’VE already had more festive songs than you can take and are ready to go Christmas crackers at the merest tinkle of a sleigh bell – buckle up, as here comes a list of drivers’ favourite Christmas songs that they like to listen to as they go-ho-ho home at this time of year.

Motorcheck surveyed 1,000 drivers across Ireland to check out what Christmas choons they like the most, with few surprises revealed in the top favourites.

Chris Rea is still best for driving home for Christ-

Two trim levels are available – a standard RF and an RF GT. The RF model (only available with the 1.5-litre engine) is well equipped, with features including 16” alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic air-conditioning, 7” touchscreen and a digital radio with six speakers.

You’ll also get Bluetooth, USB & AUX ports, multimedia commander, electric windows, dynamic stability control, front and side airbags, immobilizer, alarm and cruise control features.

Upgrade to the RF GT in 1.5-litre engine guise and you will also get adaptive front headlights, leather interior, and a lane-departure warning system.

That’s topped off with smart-key entry, rear parking sensors, heated seats, 16” Gun-Metal alloy wheels and a BOSE sound system with nine speakers.

And, on top of all this, if you opt for the RF GT

mas, Mariah’s inimitable yelping remains a hit with many, and good ol’ Shakey is still rockin’ around that tree, with a smattering of usual suspects also filling out the rest of the drivers’ favourites to listen to.

Alas, Gazette Motoring’s personal favourite (Elmo & Patsy’s 1978 classic, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer) failed to make the cut. Better luck next year, Elmo & Patsy ...

The Mazda MX-5 RF has an undeniable wow factor, and its features also wow

with the 2.0-litre engine, you will also get Bilstein sports suspension, a strut tower bar, limited slip differential, body-coloured door mirrors and 17” alloy wheels!

On test this week was a Mazda MX-5 RF GT 2.0litre SKYACTIV-G, finished in stunning Soul Red metallic paintwork.

T h i s S KYAC T I V- G engine is punchy, sounds great and is well matched to the chassis.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and there is no automatic gear-

FACT BOX

1) Stunning hard-top retractable fastback 2) Excellent power-to-weight ratio 3) Latest SKYACTIV-G technology 4) 2 engines and 2 trim levels 5) Priced from €31,495 (ex-works)

box option available.

Annual road tax for the new MX-5 RF 1.5-litre is €390, while the 2.0-litre commands annual road tax of €570.

Fuel consumption as low as 6.1l/100km is possible on a combined driving cycle for the 1.5-litre engine, while this figure rises to 6.9l/100km for the 2.0-litre engine.

The 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 8.6-seconds with the 1.5litre engine and in just 7.4-seconds in 2.0-litre guise.

Slim LED headlights and a gaping front grille give the MX-5 RF a slightly more aggressive character than its Roadster Coupe predecessor.

Whether the hard-top is up or down, the MX-5 RF has a classic silhouette, with the cockpit located

towards the rear of the car and a long bonnet stretching out in front.

The new Mazda MX-5 RF’s dash is dominated by an iPad-like, 7” touchscreen, controlled through a rotary dial on the centre console.

Underneath that there are three circular dials for the climate control. The instrument panel and air vents are designed to be perfectly symmetrical around the driver, for a cockpit-style feel.

Overall, the new MX-5 RF’s cabin is a pleasant place to spend hours of driving fun.

With prices starting at just €31,495 (ex-works) the new Mazda MX-5 RF provides drivers with an excellent fun-to-value ratio.

The RF GT 2.0-litre model on test is priced at €37,745.

Brexit, Sterling’s weakness affect new car registrations OFFICIAL statistics released on December 3 by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (S.I.M.I.) show that the total new car registrations for the month of November were down 5.72% (643) when compared to November 2017 (682).

Registrations this year are down 4.4% (125,415) on the same period last year (131,173), with some interesting figures revealed in the breakdowns of 2018 registrations, to date, as follows.

New light commercial vehicle registrations (LCV) have slightly decreased – some 1.55% (572) on November 2017 (581), although up 5.7% (25,340) this year.

New heavy commercial vehicles (HGV) have also seen a decrease of 38% for the month of November (80) when compared to the same month last year (129), although up 2.5% (2,538) this year.

Imported used cars have shown an increase 1.44% for November (8,732) when compared to November 2017 (8,608), while so far this year’s figure is 8.21% (95,148) ahead of 2017 (87,928).

Commenting on the figures, Alan Nolan, SIMI director genera, said: “As we approach the end of 2018 new vehicle registrations are in line with Industry projections. Our industry has experienced a decline in new car registrations some eight months out of 11 so far in 2018, and December will no doubt see a further fallback in new car registrations.

“The impact of Brexit and Sterling’s weakness continues to drive used car imports to a level where the volume is impacting on the new car market.

“This challenging and uncertain trading environment is set to continue into 2019,” he said.

13 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

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All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

SOCCER P34

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

USHERING IN NEW ERA: SNOOKER: FRESH from running Ron-

nie O’Sullivan extremely close at the UK Championship, Ken Doherty described seeing “green shoots of progress” last week, but also admitted he’s not quite sure how much longer he’ll remain on snooker’s full tour. His focus switches to the Masters tour and a return to Goff’s where his love for the sport developed no end.



GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL P37

PAGE 34

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BASKETBALL | REIGNING CHAMPS INTO NATIONAL CUP SEMI-FINALS

DCU show no Mercy to Glanmire  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU Mercy advanced to the semifinal of the ladies Hula Hoops National Basketball Cup with a comprehensive victory over UCC Glanmire over the weekend, grabbing a 77-40 point victory in second consecutive win over the Cork side.

The reigning champions stormed out of the blocks and put themselves hugely in control in the first quarter, with Sarah Woods, Samantha Hyslip and Aine McDonnell all on form as DCU established a domineering 27-6 lead.

Glanmire did hit back slightly, pulling DCU back by a couple of points to 43-24 by halftime after a much improved second quarter, but the Cork side could only hit four points in the third quarter as DCU upped their game and put the contest to bed early.

Following the game, DCU coach Mark Ingle said “in the cup it’s just about getting through, whether it’s by

one point or ten points, but I think in the first quarter we played exceptional basketball and really moved the ball well.

“Glanmire, I think they were chasing the game after that. They are a young team but I think we’re young enough as well. We’re young enough with a lot of experience, they have a lot of basketball in them.

“Our defence was good as well,” the coach added. “I think under ten points for that first quarter. They’re the sort of team that come back at you with runs.

We expected, and prepared like we’d lost by 20 last week. We had a good win over them last week, and a good win this week. We’re looking forward to the challenge of Father Matthews next week [in the league] and Liffey in the semi finals.”

As Ingle said, DCU will face Courtyard Liffey Celtics in the semifinal in January, after their rivals overcame Maxol WIT Wildcards 68-56 in a far tighter contest, to continue a promis-

DCU Saints Sarah Woods was in super form. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

ing unbeaten early season.

The pair will be joined in the last four by an all Cork other half of the draw, in which Singleton SuperValu Brunell and Fr Mathews face off in the New Year.

In the men’s Super League, C & S Neptune made it four wins on the bounce, winning away to Griffith College Swords Thunder 84-92.

Lehmon Colbert, Darragh O’Sullivan and Cian Heaphy combined for 71 of the total 92 points scored on the evening.

Templeogue had the better of Moycullen, DCU Saints pipped Keane’s SuperValu Killorglin in a nail-biter in Dublin, while Pyrobel Killester got the better of UCC Demons at the IWA in Clontarf.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLYMUN KICKHAMS

Our nursery ended last Saturday for the Christmas break and will return in early January, but was marked by the arrival of a most important guest, the big man in the red suit! Thanks to all the parents and kids who took part in the small end of year parties at both nurseries and special thanks to Gerry, Louise and Lisa who made it all possible. Oh, and of course to Santa for making the kids day!

Congratulations to all our juvenile committee, headed up by Chairperson Vinny Kelly, on a brilliant evening at the awards night last Friday. Well done to Dermot, Linda, Janet, Louise and Gerry for making it run so smoothly. Thanks a million to Mick and all in St. Kevins for the use of the fabulous hall and facilities to host it, but most of all, congratulations to all our teams and all the winners on the night, for having such a brilliant year. Bring on 2019 Our 2019 U-15 girls team are fundraising for their trip to Portugal next year and will be having a used clothing collection in January, check out our recent Facebook and Twitter posts for details.

CLONTARF SATURDAY was a historic day for Cluain Tarbh as our Intermediate Peil na mBan team captured the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship in Páirc Parnell, with a scintillating second half display against Emmett Og from Monaghan; winning 8-14 to 2-5.

There were so many highlights from the day and night.

Comhghairdeas to Siobhán Killeen. who was named Laoch na hlmerartha by TG4 after scoring 5-4, but it was a supreme tearn effort with great passing and work-rate up and down the páirc.

What a special moment for Captaen Sarah Murphy who lifted the cup. GRMA to our members, imreoirí, mentors, supporters, family,

Player of the Match Katie Murray and friends, neighbours, who Captain Sarah turned out in their hundreds Murphy after to cheer on theClontarf’s team.

Ladiesresponse IFC win..

We had a great Picture: GAApics. to the call for our Supportcom

ers’ March with hundreds streaming up Collins Avenue.

GRMA to CRC, who let us use their car park.

Thanks to SuperValu Killester, who donated a mountain of milseáin which went down a treat.

We would especially like to thank all the businesses in Clontarf and Killester who put up our support posters and helped spread the word.

Well done to all members, family and friends who put up bunting and colours.

GRMA to sponsors Mason Hayes & Curran for their fantastic support.

SNOOKER: RANELAGH ACE TO DECIDE NEXT STEP SOON

Doherty ushers in Masters at Goff’s

Former world snooker champion set to return to Goffs in the New Year for Irish Masters Snooker Championships, embracing a venue that holds a very special place in developing his love of the game

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

FRESH from running Ronnie O’Sullivan extremely close at the UK Championship, Ken Doherty described seeing “green shoots of progress” last week, but also admitted he’s not quite sure how much longer he’ll remain on snooker’s full tour.

Former World Snooker Champion Doherty, from Ranelagh, came within a couple of shots of defeating the supremely talented world number three in York.

Nonetheless, he’ll wait until the end of the year to make a decision on whether he wants to continue on the tour, and is looking forward to playing the masters games that now lie ahead of him.

Those include a return to County Kildare’s Goffs on Janu-

ary 5 and 6 where Doherty worked as an usher as a teenager and watched several of his heroes.

“It’s nostalgic for me, yeah, it’s a special place,” Doherty told the Dublin Gazette of the venue.

“I didn’t do much work when I was there,” he jokes. “I was meant to be showing people to their seats but I usually just watched the games. I met Alex Higgins for the first time, one of my heroes.

“I was getting his drinks and he told me if he asked for an orange juice, that meant a vodka and orange juice, and that if he asked for a vodka and orange juice, that meant a double.”

Doherty’s enthusiasm for the masters tour is immediately evident. “It’s great fun,” he says, “Like a breath of fresh air. You never lose that competitive spir-

it, and people like Jimmy White and Stephen Hendry, we still get a kick out of playing. It’s really well supported, and we get to play at places like The Crucible,

“

You never lose that competitive spirit; people like Jimmy White and Stephen Hendry, we still get a kick out of playing

”

too. It’ll only grow, especially as people like Joe Swail and James Wattana come on board in the

CRUMLIN CHRISTMAS Draw will be held on December 15 at 10.30pm with first prize being €2,000 along with nine other cash prizes. Tickets are €20 and are limited so if you can please contact Maurice Kerrigan or ask behind the bar to make sure you are in with a chance of winning.

Lotto was not won numbers drawn will be available next week. Next weeks jackpot will be €1,950. Joker Poker is played every Sunday in the club and next week’s jackpot is €1,750.

Congratulations to our U-13s girls football team who braved cold conditions on Saturday to win the league.

Apart from our ever popular Married V Single on St Stephen’s Day that was the last fixture of the calendar year.

All players and supporters both men and women are welcome to play and partake in the Married V Single game on St Stephen’s day. The match itself will be played at 11.45 in Lorcan O’Toole Park.

Ken Doherty says he can still turn it on against the big guns like Ronnie O’Sullivan

next few years.”

Doherty’s game, he says, is not quite what it once was, but he has his days. “I can still do it on a good day, occasionally, as I think the game with Ronnie showed,” he says. “I think 1997 Ken could probably give 2018 Ken a head start of about 14, 18 points. On my day, though, I still have it, and I might cause a big upset.”

O’Sullivan’s win was followed by a debate over the format of the snooker championship, which O’Sullivan feels is too demanding. Doherty emphatically disagrees. “You don’t have to play every tournament, it’s not that tough,” the Dubliner says.

“You only have to play maybe ten tournaments in a year. There were some good ideas in there.

You could look at averaging out the best ten tournaments, for example, but you either want to play or you don’t.”

While perhaps not at the highest level for much longer, Doherty quite definitely still wants to play. We take a moment to slip into nostalgia, and he recalls his 1997 World Snooker Championship with obvious enthusiasm.

“There was no crime in Dublin for three hours,” he laughs. “It was the first time that RTE had televised the snooker and half the country didn’t have the BBC back then. I got an open top bus tour when I got back to the city, which was something else.”

“I was lucky, as I grew up next to Jason’s in Ranelagh, and I used to go in and play until my tea was ready as a kid. Sometimes I’d go back afterwards.

Now I have my own little hall in Terenure, with a few tables.”

It just might be nearing its top-tier conclusion, but for Doherty, it’s been quite the ride.

The Irish Masters Snooker Championships takes place at Goffs in Kill, County Kildare on January 5 and 6.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

SOCCER: 16-YEAR-OLD DUBLINER IN SPARKING SPURS FORM

Parrott’s hot streak rolls on in Barcelona UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE

Troy Parrott celebrates his goal against Barcelona. Picture: Tottenham Hotspur FC

 DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

A MOMENTOUS season for Buckingham Street native Troy Parrott kicked up a notch as he trained with the Tottenham Hotspur first team ahead of their Champions League tie with Barcelona.

A 1-1 draw in that game was enough to ensure the senior team made the last 16, but Parrott’s shining moment came earlier in the day as Spurs beat Barca 2-0 in the UEFA Youth League.

16-year-old Parrott scored for the third successive Youth League game as Tottenham qualified for the play-off round of the UEFA Youth League with a 2-0 win away to holders Barcelona.

The Dubliner made headlines last month when he struck spectacularly against Inter Milan although the Italians, captained by Clare man Ryan Nolan, ran out 4-2 winners.

Parrott found his scoring feet at this level in the previous game with an injury-time goal that ensured three points in a hard-fought encounter with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

And the youngster – who lit up Ireland’s Under-19 European Championship qualifying group in Longford earlier this year – made it three from three as he put Spurs in front on Tuesday.

There were 17 minutes on the clock at Mini Estadi, adjacent to Camp Nou, when Parrott calmly finish after Paris Maghoma unselfishly picked out the striker in the box.

Tottenham were the better side for long spells at Barcelona’s underage arena, but the north London side rode out a lot of pressure in the second half before sealing the win late on.

Spurs made the three points – and second place in the group – safe in injury time as substitute Rodel Richards struck home the rebound after Jack Roles’ initial shot had been blocked.

 STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

LATE goals proved the order of the day as UCD and Avoca both scored very late wins in men’s Leinster Division One to take the spoils in their respective ties.

For UCD, it gives them clear daylight at the top of the regional table for the time being as they moved six points clear with this seventh win from eight outings, beating Corinthian 4-3.

In a frantic opening, the reds

UCD Wave goodbye DLR Waves will once again contest the Women’s National League after UCD withdrew support for the club after four-and-a-half years.

Waves, who are supported by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council, will re-enter the league in 2019 after the license was transferred to a South Dublin consortium.

Former Bray Wanderers caretaker manager, and longtime St Joseph’s Boys coach, Graham Kelly has been announced as manager in place of Noel Kealy.

BOHS NEW SIGNINGS

It was no less than the English side deserved for a 90-minute performance high on energy and no little skill, with Parrott performing a sometimes thankless task in the hold-up role up front.

The former Belvedere man – who hails from the same area as Wes Hoolahan but has more in common with his clubmate Harry Kane as a player – has risen quickly through the ranks.

He scored three times while still a year underage as Ireland reached the quarter-finals of the Under-17 European Championships in England last year, losing in a penalty shootout to the Netherlands.

He’s since been promoted to the Under-19s, despite still having a year left at Under-17s level, and scored four times as Ireland topped a group containing the Dutch with three wins from three.

His progress at Spurs has been no less rapid

as, despite having to wait until he turned 16 to move to London, he’s already become a mainstay in the Under-23 Premier League side.

Parrott, who doesn’t turn 17 until February, spent some time with the club’s Under-18s and top-scored at the Borgaro Maggioni Righi tournament in Italy with ten goals.

That form earned him a call-up to the Under-23s, from which Harry Winks and Kyle Walker-Peters have pushed onto the first team in recent times, and he quickly became firstchoice striker.

Unlike the Champions League proper, second place in the Youth League ensures a playoff against the eight remaining teams from the champions route.

That includes Denmark’s FC Midtjylland, who overcame Parrott’s local club Bohemians in the first round and reached this stage with a win over PAOK of Greece.

UCD students take Christmas top spot LEINSTER HOCKEY

LOI SHORTS

had a trio of corners before Peter Lynch finished off a breakaway for the students with just three minutes on the clock.

It proved the only goal of the first half. Corinthian levelled in the second half via Johnny Roberts but David Nolan inspired UCD to fight back and soon turned it into a 3-1 lead with goals from play and a stroke.

Andrew Sutton’s corner deflection and an Ian Stewart goal saw the reds race back to 3-3 but it went down to the last play when UCD won a corner which Ziggy

Agnew netted for the crucial goal.

Avoca, meanwhile, came back from 1-0 down to a Shane Dempsey drag-flick for Dublin North to win 2-1 at Newpark.

Evan Rankin equalised a couple of minutes before half-time and New Zealander Eli Bigwood popped up with the winner from a set piece with just two minutes left in the game.

Their second win of the season moves them up two places to seventh in the division.

Rathgar are back in the top

four thanks to two goals each from the Malcolm brothers Stuart and Andy, helping them to a 5-0 win over Kilkenny at the High School.

Portrane and Clontarf shared the spoils in Donabate. Imran Khan gave the Fingal side the lead in the early stages while Timmy Cullen got the leveller in the last quarter of the contest for a 1-1 outcome.

On Tuesday, meanwhile, Corinthian got back on the horse with a 1-0 win at Dublin North with Stewart on the mark.

FORMER Aston Villa defender James Finnerty and ex-Brighton midfielder Daniel Mandroiu will line out for Bohemians next year as Keith Long continues rebuilding at Dalymount Park.

Bohs were hit by a spate of departures at season’s end, not least the forced retirement of goalkeeper Shane Supple due to a hip injury.

The Phibsboro club have brought in goalkeeper Niall Corbet in Supple’s place, while versatile defender Michael Barker has arrived from St Patrick’s Athletic.

“There is a big void to fill with Shane Supple retiring, but Niall and James Talbot are two excellent keepers who I believe will push one another,” said Long.

Defender Paddy Kirk, winger Kevin Devaney and striker Ryan Swan have also put pen to paper on new deals as Long’s squad swells to 20 ahead of the new season.

That includes full-back Andy Lyons, who has been on trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but not striker Ali Reghba, who may sign back in spite of Premier League interest.

Byrne swaps Kilmarnock for Rovers SHAMROCK ROVERS pulled off the highest-profile transfer of the winter with the addition of former Manchester City and Ireland under-21 midfielder Jack Byrne.

The 22-year-old, who was called up to the Irish senior squad as recently as 2016, arrives after leaving Kilmarnock by mutual consent.

Playmaker Byrne was part of the Man City side that reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Youth League in 201314, and scored six goals in eight games the following season.

The Dubliner spent a successful year on loan with Cambuur in the Dutch Eredivisie, but after another loan with Blackburn Rovers he joined Wigan Athletic in 2017.

Short spells with Wigan, Oldham Athletic and Kilmarnock didn’t work out, and the former St Kevin’s Boys schoolboy made the decision to return home.

“When the opportunity came to sign for Shamrock Rovers I snapped the hand off,” Byrne said.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

NA FIANNA

HARD luck to our senior hurlers in Sunday’s Division One league final against Dublin double hurling champions Ballyboden.

Also to our Minor B camogie in Championship final against Faughs, and to Minor As against Lucan in Shield final. Congratulations to Na Fianna’s Eve O’Brien on her Dublin Bus/Herald Camogie Player of the Year 2018 award, which was announced last week.

Thanks to all who made it to club for Sunday’s Fun Day. Well done to the organisers on a great day. All grass pitches closed until February 2019.

Annual Friends of Na Fianna Night this Saturday 15th December, 8pm until late. Live music from The Aces, complimentary finger food. Drinks from €4. All members welcome. Always a great night.

Tickets now on sale in club for 2019 National Club Draw. Great prizes on offer and huge earning potential for club. Just €10 each.

Please support.

RAHENY A CHAIRDE, go raibh maith agaibh to all who attended our AGM last Monday. We would like to say a special thanks to Mark O’Connor, Fionnan Ryan, Alison Dempsey and Ciara Manley - who step away from their roles on Executive as chairman, treasurer, PRO and camogie chairperson.

The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes often goes unrecognised.

We are eternally grateful to have such a positive and enthusiastic community spirit alive and well. We welcome our new executive for 2019 - Chairperson & Coaching Officer: Colm

Codd. Vice-chairperson: Mick Harford. Secretary: Tony Lee. Treasurer: Brian Savage. Juvenile Secretary: Paul Fox. Children’s Officer: Alison Dempsey. Players Rep: Matthew Dempsey. PRO: Cian Burgess.

Registrar: Siobhan Baldwin.

Camogie Chairperson: Eamonn Doherty. Ladies Football Chairperson: Emer Kiely, and committee members John Crimmins, Deirdre McAweeney, Evin Crehan and Rob O’Neill. On Saturday, we hosted our mentor’s night and club awards. Our chairman, Colm Codd, thanked all players, mentors and volunteers.

O’TOOLE’S AN CUMANN Ui Thuathail wish all our members, players, staff, volunteers, parents and the greater Ayrfield community a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Well done and thanks to all those that contributed to our U-14 football blitz that took place here on Saturday last. Whether you made sandwiches, cakes, supported our team or brought another team, it was a great success.

Winners were each and every team that turned up in the cold and wet to play.

Congratulations to our near neighbours Clontarf girls on their momentous win, becoming All Ireland intermediate club champions. A very special congrats to Kate & Tara Fitzgibbon on the part they played in the team’s achievement.

Santa came early to Blunden Drive on Saturday morning. Along with our wonderfully entertaining magician, the man with the beard and red suit was greeted warmly by all the children here for our annual Christmas party. Again, thanks to all Santa’s helpers, that made it great.

There was one winner of our Thurs night ‘live’ Club Lotto draw. The numbers were 1, 7, 14, 20.

This week the jackpot is €1,000.

HURLING: MOBHI ROAD CLUB FIND BODEN TOO STRONG IN

Na Fianna caught cold as Boden edge AHL1 title AHL DIVISION ONE FINAL Ballyboden St Enda’s 1-14 Na Fianna 1-10  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN senior Colm Basquel bagged a key firsthalf goal as Ballyboden St Enda’s retained their Adult Hurling League Division One title with a win over 14-man Na Fianna at O’Toole Park on Sunday.

It completed an impressive double for Joe Fortune’s men in 2018, following their success over southside rivals Kilmacud Crokes in October’s county final replay in Parnell Park.

Basquel’s 18th-minute finish offered ‘Boden significant breathing space throughout, and Paul Ryan’s five-point haul off the bench was a crucial factor in keeping their Glasnevin counterparts at bay.

After securing the top-tier crown at the expense of St Brigid’s 12 months ago, Boden safe-

ly advanced to another showpiece with 11 wins and one defeat to their name.

Their sole reversal came at the hands of Na Fianna on May 30, when their well-drilled opponents had five points to spare (3-13 to 2-11) at St Mobhi Road.

In comparison to Boden, who had to work their way through a hectic schedule in recent weeks, Na Fianna were perhaps short of competitive match practice.

They faced a stiff breeze during the opening period and didn’t open their account until the 14th-minute, with Boden already five points up.

Paul Doherty broke the deadlock before the elusive Basquel split the posts at a right-hand angle to offer his side early leeway, and Doherty added two more early scores.

Na Fi a n n a f i n a l l y responded with a Gavin King free, before Basquel rattled the back of Jona-

Na FIanna’s Gavin King battles to get free against Ballyboden St Enda’s in the AHL1 final Picture: John Kirwan

than Treacy’s net to stretch their cushion to six points. Na Fianna did gain some degree of solace in the shape of King and Donal Burke points, but they remained five points in arrears (1-6 to 0-4).

It has been a collective squad effort for Ballyboden this year, epitomised by the introduction of Conor McCormack and Ryan either side of the interval.

Seconds after his introduction in the 33rd min-

ute, Ryan converted a free on the left-hand touchline, and Durkin’s second of the day followed.

Na Fianna suffered a hammer blow when central attacker Tomas Watters received his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident involving his direct marker Dean Curran.

Na Fianna dealt admirably with their numerical deficiency, and King knocked over a brace of frees - including one from his own 65-metre line, and

they earned a potential lifeline on 58 minutes.

Treacy stepped off his line to size up a goal-scoring opportunity at the far end. Via a deflection, he fired past Gary Maguire to cut the deficit down to four.

Another inspirational Kelly single kept Boden on tenterhooks, but Ryan displayed his true class with an ‘over the shoulder’ strike before finding the target again from the next attack as Boden held out.

Lansdowne too good for UCC

Lansdowne’s Ronan Kelleher closes in to make a tackle. Picture: Lansdowne RFC

RONAN Kelleher racked up a hat-trick of tries as Lansdowne continued on the winning trail with a 31-15 bonus point success at home to UCC in rugby’s AIL Division 1A Flanker Aaron Conneely also added to his brace against Shannon in the last round with Lansdowne’s forwards outplaying the Cork pack, using their set piece to tire out the defence and build scoreboard pressure.

The headquarters club’s well-oiled lineout and driving play provided the platform for Kelleher and Conneely’s opening scores, the first coming

after just seven minutes.

They led 12-3 but UCC head coach Brian Walsh had rotated his squad and the impact of Ryan Murphy, Darragh Moloney and John Poland off the bench gave them a spark. Both Murphy and Moloney crossed the whitewash as the visitors found some holes in the defence.

However, Lansdowne were never really knocked off their stride and with Leinster centre Tom Daly getting on the scoresheet, along with Kelleher completing his trio of scores, for a fourth bonus point of the campaign.

13 December 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

LEAGUE DECIDER

LADIES FOOTBALL: FIRST EVER INTERMEDIATE TITLE FOR DUBLIN

Five-star Killeen powers resounding Inter victory ALL-IRELAND LGFA INTERMEDIATE FINAL Clontarf Emmet Og (Monaghan)  sport@dublingazette.com

SOLD OUT

Dublin marathon fully booked already for 2019 ENTRY to the KBC Dublin Marathon has sold out 10 months before the 20,000 runners are set to hit the streets of Dublin on Sunday, October 27, 2019.

Jim Aughney, Race Director of Dublin Marathon said: “In our first year with our new title sponsor KBC, we are delighted to be sold out so quickly. The success and demand for the Dublin Marathon grows each year. Mick Clohisey and Lizzie Lee are pictured at the launch of KBC’s announcement of sponsorship of the event Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

8-14 2-5

REPUBLIC of Ireland women’s international Siobhan Killeen grabbed an astonishing haul of 5-4 at Parnell Park to propel Clontarf towards an historic All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Club Championship Football title win.

They finished with all of 27 points to spare over Emmet Óg of Monaghan and, in the process, became the first Dublin club to triumph at this grade.

Amidst torrential rain in Donnycarney, Killeen – a member of this year’s successful Dublin TG4 All-Ireland senior championship winning panel – rolled a third-minute shot beyond the reach of Emmet Óg goalkeeper Darine Morgan.

Niamh Hetherton’s subsequent point made it an ideal start for Clontarf, but their Monaghan counterparts finally settled with unanswered efforts by Bridín Tierney, Chloe McBride and Laura Boylan.

While Clontarf rattled the net for a second time through Tara Fitzgibbon, Emmet Óg issued an immediate response in a frantic opening.

McBride’s speculative shot on the left-wing floated into the far corner of the net, reducing their deficit to a single point at 2-1 to 1-3.

Urged on by a passionate local support base, Clontarf reinforced their superiority with back-to-back scores from Fiona Skelly and Killeen (free).

An excellent Laura Boylan point kept Emmet Óg within touching distance, but after Sarah Fagan chipped over on the run, another clinical Killeen three-pointer gave the Dublin club a commanding 3-4 to 1-4 interval cushion.

This proved to be the springboard for a dominant second period display by Clontarf,

Clontarf’s Sarah Murphy lifts the cup Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

who introduced team captain Sarah Murphy in the 39th minute. Killeen completely her hat-trick with a typically-assured strike in the final-quarter, though this was swiftly cancelled out by Emmet Óg attacker Ellen McCarron.

However, instead of the Aghabog outfit forging a dramatic fightback, Clontarf placed

the outcome beyond doubt with a manic scoring burst in the closing moments of the action.

The industrious Caoimhe O’Connor got the goal her performance deserved in the 51st minute and substitute Caroline Roban also fired home at the end of an outstanding team move.

Tarf success beyond ‘wildest dreams’ IFC FINAL REACTION  sport@dublingazette.com

CLONTARF manager Mick Cronin says it was a dream come true to see his players hit their stride in an All-Ireland final as they became the first Dublin team to win the ladies football intermediate club title.

“In my wildest dreams I didn’t think we’d win by the score we won by, or perform like we performed in the night that was in it,” said

Cronin.

“The second half performance was absolutely outstanding. It’s a great credit to them and the work they’ve put in over the last number of years. Especially the last 11 months, where they’ve really, really put their heads down.

“Trained and performed in every game that we’ve asked them to. Really, really proud.”

He paid particular tribute to soccer international Siobhan Killeen who was immense in the forward lines.

“You get the ball into Siobhan and you know she’s going to finish it. As I said, you’ve got to get the ball into her and the ball was perfect,” said Cronin.

“There’s a lot of hard work goes on out the field to get that space open in front of Siobhan for her to finish.

She’s the finisher, she’s brilliant at it and she really did a wonderful job.

“But there’s 24 other girls in the squad who really worked hard as well.”

Clontarf’s Siobhan Killeen celebrates one of her five goal haul. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 13 December 2018