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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE DCC AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED JANUARY 4-10, 2018

SEE INSIDE FOR OUR LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE TOP STORIES ACROSS DUBLIN

SPORT 2017’s year in review 28-31

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AUGUST: IT’S THE END OF THE ROAD FOR MANY OF TEMPLE BAR’S COBBLES AS THEY FACE REMOVAL TO MAKE THE AREA MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL OCTOBER: CROWDS GATHER AT DUBLIN AIRPORT TO HELP GIVE IBRAHIM HALAWA A WELCOME HOME AS HIS EGYPTIAN PRISON NIGHTMARE FINALLY ENDS

PROPERTY REPORTS UNDERSCORE SCALE OF COLOSSAL RISES

City house prices up 63% since 2013  STAFF REPORTER

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

MARCH: THE NATION IS SHOCKED AT THE LOSS OF FOUR RESCUE 116 HEROES, WITH TWO OF THE LOST CREW FROM DUBLIN

Picture: RTE Player

THE YEAR IN REVIEWP6

DO YOU REMEMBER...

HOUSE prices in Dublin continued to rise last year, according to two new reports.

According to Myhome.ie, which

released its analysis for the end of 2017 this week, overall the asking prices rose 12% in 2017.

The average asking price for a home in the capital now stands at €360,000 according to Daft.ie, which

also released its House Price Report for the fourth quarter of 2017 this week.

Since their lowest point in 2013, the city’s prices have increased by a whopping 63%.

At the start of 2017, the CBI relaxed its rules about first-time buyer minimum deposits, dropping from 20% for mortgage credit above €220,000 to 10%.

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

FUNDING | GROUP ARE AT 70% OF TARGET TO COMPLETE PROJECT

FASTNews

Street school Irish film company hope James’s honoured for achievement to reel in enough cash to make short film in Dublin  MARK O’BRIEN

AN Irish film company are appealing for help in crowdfunding to make a short film set in Dublin.

Ten Thousand Hours Films have reached 70% of their target and are hoping to get fully funded by the deadline of January 22.

The group have secured some private investment for the film but are hoping to raise €6,000 through crowd-funding.

The film, called I Didn’t, I Wasn’t, I Amn’t, is based on the hit Off Broadway play For Love, which was produced by the Irish Repertory Theatre and toured across Ireland.

Writer and director Laoisa Sex-

ton said on Sunday: “With only 22 days left on our campaign, we are now at a crucial stage to reach our goal, and so we are appealing for your help most desperately.

“If 100 people donated 20 euro each we would reach our target.”

The film tells the story of a man and a woman who go on an impromptu date that they probably shouldn’t embark on.

It is described as a darkly funny and authentic and compelling story about people making all the wrong moves.

Laoisa said of the film: “It hits a raw nerve in our increasingly selfcentred and emotionally impoverished society, incorporating themes, so instantly recognisable in our burgeoning isolating cul-

ture, and speaks to anyone with a heart who has made increasingly poor decisions and continues to do so.”

This will be Ten Thousand Hours’ second film. Their first was You Are Beautiful in 2015, starring Dearbhla Molloy, Laoisa Sexton, John Keating and Alan O’ Keefe.

It was well received at festivals and was shown this year on RTE Shortscreen.

Laoisa has written three produced plays since 2013 and performed in all of them.

All of her plays were produced Off Broadway.

As an actress, she has worked on stage, film and TV in New York City, UK and Ireland.

She will be joined for this film

by Director of Photography Trevor Murphy, a Dublin based cinematographer who has worked extensively in Ireland.

His many credits include working on commercials, feature films and short films and music videos.

Laoisa said that the company were extremely grateful to everyone who has donated so far.

“We know it can be an expensive time of year for everyone and we are so unbelievably grateful to all our friends and family and accomplices who have got us this far - its an incredible achievement,” she said.

Donations can be made at https://www.indiegogo.com/ projects/i-didn-t-i-wasn-t-iamn-t/

A JAMES’ Street school has ranked as the best performing secondary school in the country.

CBS James Street School has been recognised for its first-class achievement in the 2017 Renaissance Awards.

The school was ranked as the top performing secondary school in the Republic of Ireland. The awards honour the best performing schools from across the country in terms of their implementation of best practices for reading, and student growth in reading attainment – as measured by Renaissance Star Reading and Renaissance Accelerated Reader (AR).

In the Republic of Ireland and UK the AR tool supports over 1.4m students to become independent readers. Under AR, students read a book, take a quiz, and get immediate feedback. Star Reading is aligned to the national curriculum and features highly adaptive software that means its tests cannot be taught to and it is in use in over 5,500 schools.

‘Stand up for Ireland and say no thanks Nigel’ NIGEL Farage has set his eyes on Ireland and its EU membership, following the vote for Brexit in the UK, a Fine Gael senator has claimed. The former UKIP leader is involved in an anti-EU conference to be held by the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group in Dublin next month.

Neale Richmond, spokesman on EU Affairs for the Seanad, said the group is spreading misinformation.

“They incorrectly state that Ireland’s corporation tax rate of 12% is under attack,” said Richmond. Firstly the current rate of corporation tax rate is at 12.5%, secondly it is not under threat and thirdly even if it was Ireland has a rock solid veto on this area.”

The group also state Ireland’s biggest export partner is the UK, where it is third largest, after the US and Belgium, said Richmond. “We must take on the lies and mistruths being spread; stand up for Ireland and say no thanks Nigel.”

Mental health arts festival

A festive dip with Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club

MANY brave souls go for a dip on December 25 each year, and these two local men were no different as they took part in the Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club Annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of the RNLI. Dublin Bay sea temperatures are actually coldest in February and March so there was no excuse not to head along for a dip before your Christmas dinner.

NEW Year’s Day marked the beginning of not just the year, but also First Fortnight, Ireland’s mental health arts festival.

Events are taking place across the country as part of the initiative to challenge mental health prejudice through arts and culture, and to get people talking about their mental wellbeing.

Events include Therapy Sessions, two nights of music, poetry and spoken-word at Workman’s Club on January 5 and 18.

Meanwhile, the National Gallery of Ireland will host a talk on January 9 about Juan Cris’s cubist painting, Pierrot, in the context of mental health and the arts, and the Bernard Shaw will host an evening of spoken-word hip-hop theatre, with graffiti and storytelling about urban living and youth culture.

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

4 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

FASTNews

Newly-appointed chairman is against Local Property Tax hikes NEWLY-APPOINTED Chairman of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight, Colm Brophy, has said the country’s local authorities don’t need a major cash windfall from any future Local Property Tax (LPT) changes.

Introduced in 2013, the LPT is based on the market value of relevant properties. The rate is due to be reviewed next year.

Deputy Brophy said homeowners need to be protected from severe hikes.

He said: “City and county councils across the country do not need a substantial increase on their income. Homeowners should not face any hikes based on a dysfunctional market which has seen property values increase at varying rates nationwide.”

The Dublin TD said Local Property Tax is one of several areas of taxation and budgetary oversight he intends to cover in the committee in 2018.

“I believe tax should be just and Local Property Tax as it currently stands needs substantial Recalibration,” he said.

“I don’t believe that people should be penalised due to issues of housing supply distorting the property market. For many people, substantial increases in the LPT will be completely unaffordable.

“It is my own personal view that our local authorities don’t need an income bonanza, based on an inequitable tax.”

Spectacular show ushers in 2018

THOUSANDS flocked to Custom House Quay on New Year’s Eve for the countdown concert and to get a good view of the Liffey Lights Midnight Moment. Kodaline took to the stage as 2018 came closer and when the clock hit midnight the city lit up to ring in the New Year with a spectacular lights and fireworks show.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

HOUSING MARKET | CITY’S PRICES UP BY 63 PER CENT FROM 2013

Dublin house prices rise again, while supplies fall  STAFF REPORTER LAST year was one of two halves for Dublin’s housing market.

Easing of mortgage rules for first-time buyers by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) contributed to an increase in prices in the first half of the year, and a levellingoff in the second, according to Myhome.ie, who released their analysis for the end of 2017 this week.

Overall, asking prices rose 12% in 2017, with the average now at €360,000 in the capital, according to Daft.ie who also released their House Price Report for the fourth quarter of 2017 this week.

Since their lowest point in 2013, the city’s prices have increased by 63%.

At the start of 2017, the CBI relaxed its rules about first-time buyer minimum deposits, dropping from 20% for mortgage credit above €220,000 to ten per cent.

South County Dublin remains the most expensive place to buy property in the country, with an

average asking price of €564,000, according to Daft.ie.

South Dublin city is second, with an average price of €395,000, and north Dublin city third at €329,000.

The city centre saw a price increase of 20.8% in the year from the end of 2016, and the county in general saw an increase of between 11.1 and 11.7%, according to both websites.

Outside the capital, County Wicklow is the most expensive, with an average price of €316,000,

while County Leitrim is the least, at €120,000 on average.

Both reports highlight the ongoing housing shortage in the country, with a further 9% drop nationally in the number of homes on the market at the end of the year in comparison to 2016.

Supply of homes for sale has continued to fall for the past 100 months, according to Daft.ie.

However, new measures relating to apartment building, implemented on December 18, 2017, will lead to an increase in build-

Over 1,000 property searches take place every minute on Daft.ie

ing, MyHome.ie believe.

Developments will now be able to include a higher proportion of one-bed units, up to 50% in urban areas, and requirements for car parking have been reduced where public transport is available.

“The overall picture of the market remains one of strong demand, but very tight supply”, said Ronan Lyons, author of the Daft.ie report and economist at Trinity College Dublin.

“As we enter 2018, increasing supply, especially of apartments in Ireland’s major cities – must become the key success metric for policy makers when it comes to the housing market.”

Demand continues to increase, with over 1,000 property searches taking place every minute on Daft.ie, according to the website.

Asking prices in Dublin dipped 0.4 per cent in December 2017, but both Daft.ie and MyHome.ie say this is normal for end-of-year figures and expect sales to pick up in the spring.

‘Caring’ man ‘coerced’ into storing drugs

A “caring, gentle, kind” Dublin painter who was “coerced” into storing

drugs worth €1.9m in his garden shed has been jailed for five years.

Declan Cosgrave (53) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis resin, cannabis and cocaine worth €1.9m at his home in Donaghmede Park, Dublin 13.

Blaise O’Carroll SC, defending, handed the court a testimonial from Cosgrave’s former employer, which described him as “a very conscientious man who always went the extra mile for customers and for his colleagues”.

“By all accounts he is a caring, gentle, kind and hard working man. The cocaine use may have diminished his intellectual powers and made him vulnerable,” Mr O’Carroll said.

The court heard that gardai called to Cosgrave’s home in Donaghmede with a search warrant.

The defendant had cocaine in the pockets of his trousers and told gar-

dai there were more drugs upstairs, before handing them the key to the garden shed. Gardai discovered the vast majority of the drugs stored in this shed.

The court heard that mixing agent, slabs of cannabis resin, cannabis worth €1.7m, cocaine with a street value of €31,000 and weighing scales were also uncovered.

During interviews with gardai, Cosgrave said he had begun using cocaine 15 years previously to help with his chronic sleep apnoea.

He developed the condition after sustaining a head injury 20 years ago.

He told them he then racked up a massive drug debt and was holding the drugs to pay this off.

Cosgrave said when a van with the drugs arrived at his home he refused to take them when he realised the quantity involved.

He said he rang the van driver on a daily basis and “hounded” him to take them away.

Sentencing Cosgrave, Judge Cormac Quinn said the value of the drugs was an aggravating factor in this case.

However Judge Quinn said he had to be cognisant of Cosgrave’s plea, his co-operation with gardai, his medical conditions, the “element of coercion” in the case and his drug addiction.

“He was weak and vulnerable at the time he took possession of the drugs”, Judge Quinn said.

Other than three road traffic offences Cosgrave has no previous convictions and Judge Quinn said he was sentencing him on that basis.

He sentenced Cosgrave to seven years imprisonment and suspended the final two years for a period of two years.

FASTNews

Irish Ferries Investing €165m in new Ferry TOURISTS and hauliers sailing between Dublin and Holyhead will soon be able to travel on the world’s largest cruise ferry, following an order placed by Irish Ferries.

The new ship will set the company back €165.2 million, and will increase freight capacity by 50 per cent in comparison to the Ulysses ferry, and the number of cars on board by 200.

The number of passengers that will be able to fit, however, will reduce by 50, from 1,850 to 1,800.

Facilities will be spread over three decks, with a variety of restaurants, entertainment options, and club class amenities with direct access to car level.

The new ferry is due to be completed by 2020.

Harassment charge plea to be entered in February A PORTMARNOCK man accused of harassing RTE news reader Sharon Ni Bheolain is due to enter a plea at his next court sitting in February.

Conor O’Hora, 40, from Heather Walk, Portmanock, is charged with harassing the news anchor at various locations between October 2013 and February 2014. He also faces charges of possessing child pornography in text communications and images.

Mr O’Hora was served with a book of evidence at the district court on December 20 and his case was sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court.

At his first appearance the district court heard that in reply to the charge after caution he had nothing to say.

The case is due back before the courts on February 20 when Mr O’Hora will enter his plea on the three charges.

Support the tractor-ific fundraiser for D15 hospice A TRACTOR run in aid of St Francis Hospice takes place this Sunday, January 7, from the Man O War pub at 12 noon.

The fundraiser – now an annual tradition – is organised by Barney Greene and a team of supporters who raised a staggering €7,085 last year.

All are welcome to come out along the route and show support. For further details see the Facebook page – barneygreenetractorrun.

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

4 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

GAZETTE

2017 Shock, joy and heartbreak usher in the Spring months JANUARY Ballyfermot in shock as granny stabbed at door

CITY: LOCALS in Ballyfermot were in shock after a 72-year-old grandmother was attacked on her own doorstep.

Mum-of-five Bridie Smith was repeatedly stabbed when she answered her door to two men as she was preparing to go to mass.

Sinn Fein councillor Daithi Doolan said he was shocked by the attack. “We cannot allow our older folks, our elderly, our neighbours to be held siege by this criminality,” he said.

Council turned down 446 homes from NAMA for social housing

SDCC: South Dublin County Council refused 446 NAMA homes on the

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

grounds that they would result in an over-concentration of social housing tenants.

It emerged that a total of 592 houses were offered by the agency for social housing, but demand was confirmed for just 128 and 446 were rejected “for sustainable community reasons”.

In all, more than 2,000 homes were offered to the four Dublin local authorities, but only 776 were accepted.

South Dublin County Council had the lowest take-up of the four councils – accepting just 22% of the 872 units made available.

Heartless scam stung people for ‘roofing fixes’

SOUTH DUBLIN: Vulnerable south Dublin locals were being targeted in a “nightmare” roofing scam.

There were reports of a group of men offering to repair roofs which they claimed were damaged in the Mount Merrion,

JANUARY TO MARCH

Blackrock and Foxrock areas. Some lost as much as €20,000 in the scam.

Mount Merrion local, Kathleen, told Dublin Gazette that she was threatened by the men who damaged her roof deliberately before trying to extort money from her.

FEBRUARY 90-year-old meets his family for the first time

CLONDALKIN: A 90-yearold Clondalkin man was moved to tears after meeting his two half-sisters for the first time.

John Clarke, from Convent View Cottages on the Boot Road, had two very special visitors from the UK – Bonnie Stanford and Valerie Hipkiss.

John was born in 1926 and was placed in St Kevin’s orphanage and hospital as a child. He was placed in a foster home in Clondalkin in 1932 and never left the area.

He found out he had six half-brothers and half-

The nation shocked by loss of four Rescue 116 heroes off the coast CITY: March saw Dublin and the nation mourn the loss of “unforgettable hero” Captain Dara Fitzpatrick (left) who tragically lost her life while on board the Rescue 116 Coast Guard helicopter.

The Kilternan native was one of four crew on board the rescue helicopter which went down off the coast of Mayo on Tuesday, March 14.

Above: Sheer joy as Clondalkin man John Clarke (90) meets his half-sisters, Bonnie and Valerie, for the very first time in February. Picture: Clondalkin Reunion Facebook page Right: Also a good-news story in February, little Evie Kelly (7) and her cousin, Sophie Kavanagh (4), showed the kindness of children when they lopped off their long, lucious locks at Reba Reborn Hair in Ongar Village. The girls cut off their hair to send it to the Rapunzel Foundation, so that it could be be made into wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness. The 14 inches of hair they gace will make a huge difference to others.

sisters after a genealogist helped trace his family tree.

Fears ‘Shankill Stalker’ back on the prowl again

Pilot and commander, Capt Fitzpatrick (45) had bravely saved lives for more than two decades on search and rescue missions.

The loving mother of a threeyear-old boy Fionn, Capt Fitzpatrick and her heroic crew had been providing top cover for another Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, that was performing a medical evacuation off the coast of Mayo.

Rescue 116 was returning to base when it fell out of contact and a search operation got under way.

The other heroes lost in the tragedy were Paul Ormsby, Mark Duffy and Ciaran Smith, from Oldtown.

SHANKILL: There were fears that the so-called “Shankill Stalker” had struck again in February after a woman in her 40s was sexually assaulted in Killiney by a man descrived as six foot in height.

The woman suffered minor injuries and did not require medical assistance at the scene.

Locals expressed their shock and fear on Facebook following the assault with one saying: “I hope this isn’t the return of the Shankill stalker.”

A spate of sexual assaults occurred in the Shankill area at the same time the previous year.

In each case a lone male approached a lone female and an alleged assault took place.

MARCH ‘Memorialise the Seagull terror at suffering of our seaside setting BALBRIGGAN: Fearless Magdalenes’ seagulls were causing havoc in Balbriggan by attacking children and older people as they fight for scraps of food.

There were calls in the Seanad for lasers to be used to deter the aggressive birds from nesting and scavenging in urban coastal areas.

Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) said: “They are dangerous, dirty ... and they have a tendency to attack and reports locally suggest that they viciously attack for scraps.

“This is potentially quite dangerous for children.”

DUN LAOGHAIRE: Calls were made to memorialise the women who were housed St Patrick’s Refuge operated as a Magdalene Laundry from 1878 to 1963.

Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) spoke to Dublin Gazette and said that he believes that the women who were in St Patrick’s Refuge should be memorialised in some way.

He said: “I strongly believe that this town and the county council should erect a memorial in the town centre to recognise these women, their pain and suffering.”

4 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

GAZETTE

2017 Hero mourned, fairies help to spread goodwill

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

APRIL Missing Rescue 116 hero’s family continue sad vigil Still missing: Rescue 116 hero Ciaran Smith

FINGAL: The family of missing coast guard hero Ciaran Smith (left) spoke of their “living nightmare” as he remained missing

Shop uses crowdfunding to honour iconic Dublin character, ‘Bang Bang’ CITY: In May, a Stoneybatter shop committed to remembering a true Dublin legend: ‘Bang Bang’ (Thomas Dudley, 1906-1981), by raising money for a gravestone to mark his resting place.

Owner Daniel Lambert named his shop after the character, beloved by Dubliners in the 50s and 60s, and was devastated to hear that he was buried without a gravestone in Drumcondra.

“He had a laugh each day, he didn’t take himself too Bang! seriously, and Bang! that’s why we called the shop after him,” he told Dublin Gazette.

Generations of Dubliners were familiar with Mr Dudley, who was a regular sight on the city’s streets, where he could often be found engaged in ‘shoot-outs’ with goodnatured Dubs as he pointed a large church key and shouted “Bang! Bang!” at them.

Daniel raised the funds on a GoFundMe page and a proper grave has since been erected for Mr Dudley.

“Bang Bang should have a better grave – he was such a big Dublin character.”

following the crash of the Rescue 116 helicopter off the coast of Mayo.

He had been missing for three weeks at the time and his sister Orla issued a heartfelt plea for help in finding the 38-year-old winch operator from Oldtown.

“We need those boys home now. We really do,” she said.

“We’re doing our best to keep going, to stay as strong as possible and to stay as positive as we can.

But it is tough.

“My parents need them home, my sister-inlaw needs him home. My nieces need him home.

They have to come home now.”

Ciaran Smith’s body has still not been recovered.

Newsie wins his battle against a shopping centre

DUN LAOGHAIRE: There was joy in Dun Laoghaire as local legend and newspaper seller George Davis celebrated his court victory over Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre.

A judge ruled he could continue to sell newspapers from the spot he has held for 38 years in Dun Laoghaire.

The centre bosses said that George was unauthorised to sell from his

stall and that he didn’t pay rent to use the spot.

However, the judge ruled that George could retain his pitch for the rest of his life based on an agreement drawn up between him and the centre in the 1970s.

MAY Thugs caused €10k of damage to harbour boats

SEASIDE: Up to €10k of damage was caused when vandals went on a spree of robbery and destruction on Dun Laoghaire’s West Pier.

The Irish Youth Sailing Club (IYSC), which teaches children, saw one of their junior safety training boats slashed and left floating in the sea nearby. It also had its engine stolen.

The Dun Laoghaire Sea Scouts had an engine stolen off one of its sail training boats and all of the boat’s equipment was thrown into the sea.

A boat belonging to the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club was also ransacked and had its windows and doors smashed.

I YS C b o s s Ky r o n O’Gorman said: “Gardai are doing all they can but it’s a worry where we can put a boat that will be safe.”

APRIL TO JUNE

ABOVE: One of the year’s feel-good

colourful garden complete with fairy

stories came in April courtesy of a

doors, murals, a giant mirror, fantasy

brave little girl, Brooke Dunne (9),

lighting and a ‘fairy mail’ post box.

from Clondalkin.

Mum Julie said: “It’ll mean an awful

Brooke suffers from the debilitating

lot to her. Not only have they filled

disorder Rett Syndrome, and the

our lives with hope and joy, they have

charity Make-A-Wish dream saw

made my little girl feel like a child

her back garden transformed into a

again.”

JUNE Vandals costing Residents won’t FCC €60k a year roll over to allow FINGAL: It emerged that Fingal County Council ‘brothels’ spread forks out €60,000 every

CITY: Dorset Street residents vowed to protest against their area being turned into a red-light district amid reports of numerous brothels operating nearby.

Residents said that several complaints have been made to gardai over the last year but that nothing has been done.

“Residents believe that certain buildings are being used as brothels,” said Fianna Fail Dublin Central representative Brian Mohan.

He said that the residents’ claims were not speculative but based on some investigations they carried out themselves.

He also said that a shop on the street shares a back entrance with one of the alleged brothels and it is often littered with “paraphernalia associated with that sort of business”.

year to repair damage to playgrounds caused by

vandals.

A council spokesman told Dublin Gazette: “Apart from the expense, the biggest nuisance is time spent by staff making the area safe, and the time that the equipment is unavailable for use.”

Grandad’s buildings are helping to magic up support for sick children MALAHIDE: In May, a local grandad was happy to be “away with the fairies” after building an enchanting fairy house in his garden.

A carpenter by trade, Ger Lowry built his first fairy house for his grandchildren but the magical creations started attracting children from all over.

“It started up for my grandkids and I had one left over, so Robin said: ‘Why don’t we put it over by the tree?’ “ T h e n I s aw a child out there one day dancing up and down with excitement. Next thing, t h e r e ’s b u t t o n s , soothers, money, all sorts of things being left there.”

Ger decided to donate the money left at his fairy village to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

His daughter Tracey said: “This started out in the back garden for my kids and just grew bigger and bigger. People come from all over to see it now.”

4 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

GAZETTE

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

2017

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

Ten-year-old hero Flossie Donnelly, front centre, with her crew of beach cleaners

Warnings over unwelcome summer sizzler: hogweed

FINGAL: Wildlife experts were urging vigilance near the middle of the year after a schoolgirl suffered third-degree burns from a toxic giant hogweed plant.

The giant phototoxic plant contains a poisonous sap that causes blisters.

In extreme cases these can swell to the size of a fist and cause scarring which may require plastic surgery.

Crumlin mum Lorraine Jewell warned others to be vigilant after her teenage daughter Ellie had to be treated in hospital for third degree burns.

Fingal County Council said it had been undertaking control measures at a number of sites since 2010 – but that the seed remains viable for seven years so the same sites have to be revisited for that length of time in case new plants germinate.

Fair play, Flossie, for doing so much for the coastline

SANDYCOVE: Meanwhile, in July,

readers were impressed by a 10-yearold girl from Sandycove who dedicated her summer holidays to cleaning up the coastline.

Flossie Donnelly (pictured above, with some of the helpers who came along) dedicated every Friday evening of the summer months conducting a clean-up of the coastline around the Sandycove area.

“I and my mummy live right next to the beach and when we go crabbing, we always find rubbish so I wanted the beach to look clean,” Flossie told Dublin Gazette.

Flossie even made a poster requesting people to meet up at 6pm every Friday for an hour-long clean up.

When her mum Harriet shared it online it got a great response.

One Friday evening, a family from Finland even changed their holiday plans so that they could come along and help Flossie after seeing her poster on social media.

“Other families come and see the beach full of rubbish everywhere. I know the council come [to clean up] but they need some help sometimes,” she said.

At risk: Temple Bar’s cobbles?

Could plans for beloved paving prove a load of cobblers?

CITY: Summer saw the news that Temple Bar is set to lose its famous cobblestones as part of a “major decluttering exercise” by the council.

The popular tourist spot will undergo a redevelopment that will see some of the iconic cobbled streets resurfaced in order to improve accessibility and also make the space more suitable for cultural events.

The proposals reported in August

include the removal of the existing street furniture, trees, licensed outdoor seating terraces and replacement with new street furniture, new tree planting, seating and public lighting.

The council also want to improve the area’s accessibility by removing the likes of excess bins, pub barrels, sandwich boards and street lights, with the square to be extended as a single surface across the adjoining streets of Temple Bar.

JULY TO OCTOBER

Celebrations as beginnings, both JULY D15 native revs up for an exciting job with F1 team

BLANCHARDSTOWN: A Dublin 15 native told Dublin Gazette how he was swapping life in the army for life in the fast lane after securing a job with the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

Eamonn Slattery, from Fortlawn was gearing up for a move to Brixworth – near the famous Silverstone race track – in September to take up a job helping to design engines for the successful racing team.

Eamonn joined the a r my w h e n h e w a s 17-years-old and completed a mechanical apprenticeship during his seven years of service. He then won a place studying engineering in Trinity College which has led to this job at the team’s factory-set mission control.

Goatstown man preparing to sail around the world

GOATSTOWN: Dublin sailor Gregor McGuckin plans to turn back the hands of time next year to compete in a round the world race using only traditional navigation skills.

The 30-year-old will spend nine months at sea taking direction from the sun, moon and stars and armed with just paper charts, a compass, sextant

and a radio.

Gregor is the first ever Irish contender aiming to retrace the record-setting trip of Sr Robin KnoxJohnston in 1968.

More people have been in space than have successfully completed the feat which Gregor is attempting.

He told Dublin Gazette: “I’ve always liked the idea of adventure. I’m an ocean yacht master so as part of my training I’ve used traditional navigation skills.

“The biggest challenge will be to keep myself mentally fit. I will be nine months without my girlfriend; she has been very supportive of my dream.”

Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien commended the action, telling Dublin Gazette: “The waste industry is very lucrative and there are organised criminal gangs involved.

“This is not about people throwing bags of rubbish in the ditch, it’s far more serious and sinister than that.”

AUGUST Armed gardai aim SEPTEMBER to crack down on Floating homes illegal dumping FINGAL: A series of armed housing proposal garda checkpoints were set up across Fingal in to makes waves tackle illegal dumping.

The Armed Response Unit, Traffic Corps and Divisional Crime Task Force were drafted in to man the first of these random checkpoints in Baldoyle.

They assisted Fingal County Council’s environment enforcement unit in a clampdown on fly-tipping which has escalated over the summer months.

A council spokesperson said: “The checkpoints will continue with the aim of identifying unauthorised and bogus refuse collectors.”

DUN LAOGHAIRE: Floating homes in Dun Laoghaire Harbour could be a possible solution to the housing crisis in what local representatives called “a crazy idea”.

The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) proposed that up to 50 new homes could be permanently moored in Dublin Bay as part of an affordable solution to the housing crisis.

DLHC has called for statements of interest to build the homes and is seeking a partner to provide them as part of a new

housing scheme.

Local TD Richard Boyd Barrett condemned the plans, describing them as a “crazy idea”.

However, Gerry Dunne from DLHC said that there had been a positive response to the idea and challenged Deputy Boyd Barrett to come up with a better solution.

Picture: RTE Player

OCTOBER Ibrahim Halawa’s Egyptian prison nightmare ends

CITY: There were emotionally-charged scenes at Dublin Airport as Dubliner Ibrahim Halawa (above) finally returned home, marking one of the biggest Dublin and national stories of 2017.

Emotional scenes saw the now 21-year-old reunited with family and friends, as a large crowd celebrated his return.

Addressing the wellwishers, he said: “This is the moment I’ve waited for, for four years. It’s a dream come true. I didn’t think it would come through any time soon.”

4 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Dubs ready for new at home and abroad NOVEMBER Shock as arson destroys business

DONABATE: An arson attack in Donabate saw renewed calls for a garda station in the area.

Pharmacist Nuala Mac Cinna spoke of her shock after the blaze, which was deliberately started in wheelie bins to the rear

of the property, gutted the shop.

“I can’t believe it,” she said at the time. “The fire spread so rapidly. When I got here last night the fire was in the roof and spreading very fast. I just feel disbelief.”

Fire crews from Swords, Kilbarrack, Finglas and Tara Street battled the blaze until 4am as flames engulfed the one-storey building.

DECEMBER Gay councillor’s home is targeted by thugs – again

CLONDALKIN: The home of a Clondalkin councillor was targeted by vandals just two weeks after he received homophobic letters through the post.

Cllr Francis Timmons woke up to find the windows of his house and his windscreen smashed.

Cllr Timmons told Dublin Gazette that the repeated targeting of his home was “so frustrating”.

“When you get up in the morning and the windows are smashed like that, it’s horrendous,” he said.

Despite the recent incidents, Cllr Timmons paid tribute to his neighbours and the people of Clondalkin who have been supportive of him, with some even offering him money to help pay for the repairs.

“It gives you a bit of faith in people. It’s just a small minority of people [who carry out such attacks],” said Cllr Timmons.

GAZETTE

NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER

Kind-hearted Blanch boy Ben uses his savings to help lots of homeless

CORDUFF: December saw a seven-year-old schoolboy raiding his piggy bank to buy sleeping bags for the homeless.

Ben Armstrong, from Corduff in Blanchardstown, was so concerned about rough sleepers outdoors in harsh weather conditions he decided to use his Christmas savings of €70 to help them. Ben raised even more money through family and friends and then handed over 78 sleeping bags to a homeless charity.

His proud mum Deborah told Dublin Gazette: “After the last storm he came downstairs from his bed extremely upset. He was very concerned for the homeless people.”

Ben raised over €300 to add to his ow n money and after buying up the entire stock in Penneys, he spoke to the manager to request 60 more units.

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

Top tips for tackling your finances in 2018 €7m development at

LESS than three in ten Irish consumers believe they will be better off financially in 2018.

That’s according to research carried out by independent price comparison and switching service, Switcher.ie, which revealed the extent of consumers’ financial concerns for 2018.

Eoin Clarke, managing director of Switcher.ie, said: “It’s likely many of us could be emerging from the Christmas season with a financial hangover that feels hard to shake.”

Switcher.ie’s top tips for tackling your finances in 2018.

Draw up a monthly budget, including all your income and expenses, and try your best to stick to it. If you can manage to put some money into savings each month, even better.

If you have long-standing credit card debt that you’re finding hard to shift, think about

switching to a card with a 0% balance transfer offer, making sure to pay the balance off within the interest-free period.

Ensure you’re not paying more than you need to for your household essentials. If you haven’t switched your energy, broadband or phone plan in some time, make it one of your new year’s resolutions to take half an hour to do this.

It’s quick and easy and could save you some much-needed cash - switching energy alone could save you up to €335, while savings of up to €432 are available on some broadband packages.

Take time to review all of your monthly payments - be it for the gym, a cinema membership, or a streaming service - and cancel any you no longer use.

Make the most of any tax reliefs or benefits you’re entitled to - for example, you can

claim tax relief on some medical expenses that are not covered by the State or by private health insurance. There’s loads of information on benefits and taxes on the Revenue website, so take some time to check these out at the start of the year.

Take some energy-saving measures around the home. Simple changes, like turning down the heating by just one degree can knock up to 10% off heating bills, while turning appliances off, rather than leaving them on standby, will reduce the appliance’s energy use by around 20%.

See if you can get a discount by switching from monthly to annual payments. The chances are you’re paying extra for the convenience of paying things like gym membership or insurance on a monthly basis, so although paying upfront will be a larger outlay of cash in one go, it will save you in the long run.

Castleknock Hotel done CASTLEKNOCK Hotel has completed a €7 million development, which includes 52 additional bedrooms, a lavish spa and two new restaurants.

Begun in January 2017, the development has increased capacity from 138 rooms to 190. Thirtyeight rooms are ‘deluxe rooms’ with upgraded amenities; three are deluxe executive suites with a four-poster bed and Jacuzzi bath.

The hotel has added two new restaurants. Under the guidance of celebrity chef Neil Kearns, Earth & Vine follows a farm-to-fork ethos, serving a contemporary menu of artisanal food sourced directly from local farms and producers.

For more informal occasions, guests can enjoy Italian and Sicilian favourites, with a Castleknock twist at 22 Bar + Restaurant.

ASDFASFD | IASDF SDAFDSF SDF DSF DSAFDSAF DASFSDAF

asdf asdf asdf dsaf dsaf asdf dsafasdfsd THE Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City Women in Business Network awards saw Anita Donoghue, of The Hair Cafe Salon in Smithfield, and Rita

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

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

PROJECT: PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE FOR CHILDREN WHO MIGHT BE FEELING LONELY

Fostering friendships with buddy benches  MARK O’BRIEN LONELINESS can have a long-lasting effect on children.

Studies have shown that children who feel lonely are more likely to develop low self-esteem, are less likely to take positive risks and are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, such as smoking and abusing drugs, when they get older.

In recent years, schools around the world have come up with a way to prevent children from feeling lonely.

Buddy benches have gained popularity in the US, Canada and mainland Europe and many schools in Ireland have now adopted the idea.

The idea behind buddy benches is a simple one.

A child who is feeling lonely or has no one to play with at school sits on the bench.

This tells other children that the child is in need of a buddy.

T he benches have proved very effective in teaching children to recognise and respond to their own feelings.

Holy Spirit Senior School in Greenhills recently installed two buddy benches in their school yard.

T he benches were donated by Greenhills & District Credit Union.

The Credit Union’s youth liaison officer Marion King told Dublin Gazette that they were very keen to get involved in the project.

“No child should be on their own,” she said. “We all need a friend.”

Marion thanked all of the staff of the Credit Union who supported her

The new Buddy Bench at Holy Spirit Senior School in Greenhills

in raising funds for the buddy bench.

“The buddy bench will be a special place in the school yard where a child

can go and sit if they feel sad, lonely, isolated or just need someone to talk to or play with,” she said.

“Mental Health starts at

a young age and we want to combat this.

“Our aim is to give a child the confidence to talk and make new friends

and also to let them know it is okay to have a bad day.

“The buddy bench is not just for kids feeling sad, or lonely it is for all children.

Everyone needs a buddy.”

One of the benches is dedicated to Sinead Pugh, an SNA at the school who sadly passed away recently.

Marion cut two pink balloons in memory of Sinead at the opening ceremony.

“Ms Murray, the principal, said the balloons were going up to our friend Sinead Pugh in heaven,” said Marion.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

FUNDING: CALLING ON PEOPLE TO GET GROWING THEIR OWN FOOD IN 2018

Teaming up to ‘Get Ireland Growing’ IT’S TIME for Ireland to get growing as funding for community food growing groups will be available next year.

GIY and Energia are calling on people across the country to get growing their own food in 2018 and are offering all budding growers the opportunity to apply for funding from the “Energia Get Ireland Growing” €75,000 funding pool.

Grants from the fund will be split across three categories “Sow”, “Grow” and “Harvest”with awards ranging from €500 to €2,000 plus one very special group will receive a massive €5,000 grant for their project.

Together GIY and Energia will support at least 85 community food growing groups in 2018 and enable food growing by community and voluntary organisations all across Ireland including Northern Ireland.

The projects should all have an element of

outreach, promotion and inclusivity and should have some plan to encourage more people to grow their own food.

The successful applicants will be celebrated at a gala event, which will be held at the home of GIY, GROW HQ in Waterford, in March 2018. For further details and to submit an application see GIY.ie.

The application period is open until January 19.

You can drop unwanted gifts into any one of the shops, safe in the knowledge that its sale will make someone else happy and at the same time raise money for Barnardos’ work.

The children’s charity works with more than 14,100 children and families across its 40 centres nationwide, and campaigns for the rights of all children in Ireland.

BARNARDOS LOOKING FOR THE CHRISTMAS GIFTS YOU WON’T USE

GELDOF DONATES BAND AID MEMORABILIA TO LIBRARY

DID you get any unwanted gifts this Christmas?

Well, whether it’s a jumper that’s two sizes too small, a book that’s already sitting on your shelf at home or another scented candle, there’s a home for it in a Barnardos shop.

Barnardos has seven shops around the country, located in Carlow, Cork, Wexford and Dublin (Rathmines, Clondalkin, K ilbarrack and Dun Laoghaire).

THE National Library of Ireland (NLI) is to bring the Band Aid archive to a worldwide audience with plans to digitise a vast collection of letters, photographs and charity records from the iconic 1984 fundraiser.

Band Aid was a worldwide phenomenon in the mid-1980s.

The supergroup, formed

by Bob Geldof, brought together more than 40 of the top musical artists

Pictured are Nathan Cullen-Delsol, Carla Cullen-Delsol, Aisling Rohan, Erin Rohan, Daisy Dubois and Ultan Rohal at the launch of the ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’ fund. Picture: Patrick Browne

of the 1980s, including U2, Ultravox, Bananarama, Duran Duran and Geldof’s own band, The Boomtown Rats.

IRELAND’S ANCIENT KINGS AND QUEENS BROUGHT TO LIFE H I S T OR I A N S f r o m the National Museum of Ireland, Trinity College, Dublin and Queen’s University, Belfast, have worked together to help Expedia create a fascinating account of the kings and queens who reigned in Ireland thousands of years ago.

Their new website, Kings and Queens That Shaped Ireland includes a wonderful display of illustrations depicting the different kings and queens, as well as a series of connecting timelines and stories dating back some thousands of years ago.

Those that enter the site can expect to be taken on a journey through the lives of some of Ireland’s most notable kings and queens as they battle for power, marry numerous times, and eventually relinquish or pass on their throne.

From the likes of Brian Boru, arguably one of Ireland’s greatest kings, to the lesser-known thrice married Queen Gormlaith and King Conchobar mac Nessa, once a High King of Ulster.

Discover more at blog. expedia.ie/irish-kingsqueens

GET ACTIVE FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WITH 2018 TREKS MULTIPLE Sclerosis Ireland is encouraging people to sign up for a 2018 MS trek and raise funds

for vital services for those living with MS. MS Ireland has been organising treks around the world since 1989.

The 2018 treks include climbing the world’s highest mountain to Everest Base Camp, trekking the Via Francigena to St Peter’s Square in Rome and making the Biblical journey into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The treks are suitable for all levels of fitness providing a great opportunity to take part in active trips as an individual or group.

Funds raised will help provide one-to-one and family support including newly diagnosed sessions, physiotherapy and symptom management programmes through ten Regional Offices across the country, operate the MS Information Line and deliver specialised services in the MS Care Centre, Ireland’s only respite and therapy centre for people with MS. Register today at www. ms-society.ie or call (01) 678 1600 to receive more information.

Take a journey back in time and follow in the footsteps of the kings and queens that shaped Ireland for centuries

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

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16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

A REMARKABLE REMAKE WHEN THE STELLA THEATRE IN RATHMINES CLOSED ITS DOORS IN 2004, DUBLIN LOST ONE OF ITS MOST ICONIC AND ENDURING CINEMAS.  MARK O’BRIEN ORIGINALLY opening its doors in 1923, the theatre - affectionately named The Stella – once accommodated 1,283 patrons, making it Ireland’s largest cinema at the time.

It also boasted a ballroom that was once a hub of Dublin’s social scene.

In 1981, the cinema was divided into two smaller cinemas but by the early part of the last decade, the theatre was not what it once was and finally closed its doors 14 years ago.

But in October of last year, The Stella finally opened its doors once again, having been lovingly restored to its 1920s grandeur.

General manager of the reopened theatre, Dave O’Keeffe, told Dublin Gazette that the reaction from locals has been overwhelmingly positive since they opened their doors on

October 31.

“It’s been fantastic,” he said.

“The feedback from the public has been wonderful and the interest and support from Rathmines in general has been excellent.

“It’s very much a case, I think, of people happy to see it back and restored to what it once was.”

During the restoration, some beautiful original 1920s features such as the original facade were uncovered.

These include a typical art deco handrail which guides patrons up to the first-floor balcony, detailed mosaic tiling of the original Stella logo and original ceiling mouldings.

These can be seen kindly restored and dotted throughout the theatre.

“From the restoration p e r s p e c t i ve , e ve r y t h i n g was done with a significant amount of respect for the actual period that it opened,”

said Dave.

“It’s been very important to us that it does have that art deco feel and has all that sort of style that goes with that period, so it’s all been very thoughtfully done.”

The painstaking 18-month renovation process has certainly proved worthwhile.

Today, the Stella Theatre comprises one eye-catching large auditorium with a large balcony bedecked with a beautifully ornate ceiling, The Stella Cocktail Club – where the ballroom once stood – and the Refreshments Bar in the foyer.

All three elements combine to create a cinematic experience like no other in Ireland.

“It is totally one of a kind in Ireland, not just Dublin,” said Dave.

“Nationally, there wouldn’t be anything that would be of the same sort of calibre or the same sort of offering.”

There are also some unique seating options on offer.

“We have three different seat types primarily,” said Dave.

“A lovely luxurious red leather armchair would be your standard admission and then for people maybe out on a date night or somebody who is out celebrating a special occasion, we’ve got won-

derful couches on the ground floor and on the balcony as well and then what’s very unique to us is there’s five king-size lie flat beds.

“Where traditionally in the front row of a movie theatre you would sit upright craning towards the movie screen, we have very comfortable lie flat beds where you lie back and watch the movie from there.”

Even if you don’t fancy catching a movie, you’re welcome to pay a visit to The Stella.

“Guests are definitely welcome to join us for a cocktail before or after the movie or even just to pop in and have a bite to eat and a few drinks without ever going to catch a show,” said Dave.

The Stella Theatre is open for business seven days a week screening the newest movies, along with some classics that people may have missed the first time around.

“It’s very important to us that we do actually present the blockbuster of the time plus a selection of classic movies that people would have come to during their childhood here or just those cinema greats that you really want to have the cinema experience for,” said Dave.

Tickets for the Stella Theatre can be booked at stellatheatre.ie

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

Out and About

John O’Dwyer, CEO, Vhi; Sabina Cotter, Irish Youth Foundation; Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon with local

Promoting fitness and inclusivity children Braxton Rice and Elliot Toale. Pictures: JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY

D

Philly watches on as children exercise

UBLIN GAA star, Philly McMahon joined The Irish Youth Foundation and Vhi as they announced details of ‘Run for Fun’, a new initiative developed to encourage young people from disadvantaged communities in Ireland to embrace the benefits offered through running. The initiative has been created to encourage more young people to get involved in running both for fitness and for recreation.

Pictured at the launch in Bradog, Dublin, were Philly with youth participants Sarah Bardon; Casey Nolan; Shannon Delahunty; Saoirse Glennon; Holly Bardon and Abbie Dyer.

GAZETTE

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

DUBLINFITNESS

CHECK OUT

www.kickstartfitness.ie

Recover well, stay injury free and keep progressing in 2018 Gareth Francis is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach with over eight years experience in the fitness industry.

He now works as head coach in Kickstart Fitness.

THIS January a lot of us will run back to the gym with the mindset of smashing as many workouts as possible.

Although some of us might not have been to the gym for some time so our bodies will be in for a shock.

Here are six ways to deal with DOMS and help with your recovery after your workouts.

Delayed onset muscle soreness is also known as

 GARETH FRANCIS info@dublingazette.com

DOMS. This is a common sensation felt after lifting weights.

Most trainees actually base the success or effectiveness of their training sessions on how sore they get.

However, this is not a good way to judge your workouts.

Typically DOMS is characterised by muscle tenderness, stiffness and soreness and can actually slow down your pro-

STEP 1 SLEEP Sleep is the number one factor to recovery. It’s your body’s only chance to completely shut down and rest.

So get your 8 hours in guys. Try to “switch off” about 30 mins before you go to bed. Get into the habit of leaving the phone downstairs, make sure the room is dark and even try to read an enjoyable book before you fall asleep.

Give your brain some down time, time away from the internet and the mundaneness of social media. Allow yourself to switch off before actually going to bed and you will be amazed in how different you sleep and how much better you actually feel the next day!

gression in the gym if they occur too often due to being too sore to train again the next day.

Most of us like that feeling of waking up the next day a bit stiff after working out just enough to remind us that we’ve put in some good work however nobody likes that excruciating muscle pain when you can’t even sit on the toilet! (ouch!)

This level of DOMS is usually caused by training something completely new or just over training in general and can last up to seven days.

Here are some tips on how you can help reduce and prevent DOMS and recover well after your workouts.

STEP 5 ACTIVE RECOVERY

Call it hair of the dog if you like! While you may want to become a hermit until the muscle pain passes, a better strategy for the body is some activity!

Your body wants to move

STEP 2 HYDRATION Exercising while dehydrated can cause greater damage to muscles and reduce the body’s ability to repair itself.

So keeping your body hydrated throughout the day with a minmum of three litres of water and an extra litre when exercising will help in a speedy recovery.

STEP 3 NUTRITION

STEP 4 SMR

Follow a nutrition plan that is complete in all macronutrients. A well nourished body will be better equipped to fuel your workout and recover efficiently!

Protein plays a crucial role in the recovery of broken down muscle fibres after resistance training. For someone resistance training on a regular basis the recommended amount of protein daily is 1.0g - 1.5g per pound of body weight Meal timing is also important, consume a well balanced meal within two hours of training.

Self-myofascial release is performed in a sports massage or by using a foam roller. This technique has been proven to reduce stiffness and release tenderness in a muscle. Be careful with foam rolling if you have never done it before. Check out some Youtube videos on how to foam roll certain parts of the body.

so after suitable rest jump straight back in...

STEP 6 YOGA REGULAR yoga sessions can help loosen or reduce DOMS by maintaining the elasticity in the muscle fibres and release the myofascial surrounding the muscle tissue which in turn will reduce the risk of scar tissue and reduce your recovery time.

Adding at least one yoga session into your training week will not only help with the pain of DOMS, it will also reduce the risk of injury! Win Win!

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

Dinosaurs Around

The World A chunky collection of life-scale mechanical dinosaurs comes to the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin, where they’ll roar, shimmy and teach you a little of their history.

There are even a couple for the kiddies to ride on. All week.

The Science Gallery - Economic Collapse

How about this for an optimistic Jimmy White will return to start to the New Year? The Science Gallery (Trinity)’s latest class is on eco- the Irish Masters Seniors nomic collapse, with a six-person panel Snooker discussing a kind of ‘what happens next’ for any further financial disaster. January 10.

University Open Days

Thinking of starting something big in 2018? University Open Days are a great way to get a taster, and most of the big universities are hosting something this week with UCD, Dublin Business School, DIT and Maynooth amongst them.

David Bowie Festival

A celebration of the great man and his evolution takes place with lively musical tributes across Dublin, from cover acts to well established scene stars. The Bowie love in takes place across various venues from January 4 to 10.

First Fortnight

A festival to get you through the long winter, First Fortnight involves itself in mental health, aiming to both light up your days and get mental health issues into the national conversation. Check out a host of events on firstfortnight.ie, all week.

Irish Masters Seniors Snooker

The likes of Jimmy White and Stephen Henry return to the legendary Goff’s venue in Naas, Kildare, where they’ll compete over two days in a tournament also including two highclass local qualifiers, as part of a new world seniors tour.

Leinster v Ulster

The third and final Christmas inter-provincial derby for Leinster boys sees them take on their northern counterparts at the RDS on January 6, with more of the fireworks that have featured in the earlier clashes to be expected. It’s gearing up to be a classic.

Urban Retreat

The ultimate New Year detox? Lifecleanse are running a day of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, health tips, juice, nutrition work and lifestyle adjustment at their South William Street Office on January 7.

The Red Shoes at the Gate Theatre Hans Christian Andersen’s work (adjusted for stage by Nancy Harris) comes to the Gate Theatre in a winter production of the classic fairytale, which is part theatre, part dance. It runs until January 27.

Future “As we edge into another year, we can’t help but look ahead to 2018 in Irish music, casting a glance the way of the country’s great hopes. There’s plenty to be excited about,from a rising hiphop scene to plenty of impressive and lairy rockers, but we’ve narrowed it down to just seven rising stars. Here are our picks for Ireland’s most likely breakthrough artists for the next twelve months,” says James Hendicott.

Jafaris IRELAND’S hip-hop scene seems to get better by the day, and while Rusangano Family are the much-acclaimed kings, Jafaris - who played Ngig in Sing Street - is coming up fast on the outside.

With a quick quip constantly to the ready and a live show that seems to wow everyone before him, the Diffusion Labs rapper is working on a 2018 album as a follow up to the sensational Velvet Cake EP. Add the man to your ‘must see’ list before he starts playing anywhere bigger: when a vocalist delivers this kind of cuttingly intense honesty together with the boisterous on-stage persona that Jafaris has made his own, the result is certain to fly.

Bitch Falcon AFTER a patchy 2017 that saw the three-piece undergo a personnel change, this grungy Dublin outfit are all set to fly once again.

They seemed to be everywhere for a little while, with their pounding, intense live show backed up with an early single nodding to obscure parts of the body (TMJ) amongst a sprinkling of lairy, crafted riff-laden tracks.

They have a cult-like following on the Irish guitar scene, and November’s new single ‘Of Heart’ created some buzz in the UK music press, too. And who wouldn’t want band merch with that particular band named blazened all over it. In a word, ferocious. Brilliantly so.

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

Blending folk, jazz and her own distinctive vocal, Limerick singer Emma Langford is all about memorable melody and soul-exploring lyrics, and showed it with a gorgeously eloquent 2017 debut album in ‘Quiet Giant’.

She’s been around for a little while, but Langford felt like she came into her own in the last 12 months, and with her sharp takes on modern life and cleverly ‘less is more’ production, she’s the kind of artist who has the potential to wriggle quickly into the forefront of minds.

A space to watch.

Thumper

Emma Langford

THEY might share a name with a Disney character, but these guys are no soppy cartoon: Thumper’s blaring and manic live show was ably backed up with a surprisingly brilliant 2017 EP in ‘Pop Goes The Weasel’.

The EP’s surprising mainly because Thumper sound like the kind of band that excel live, and this third release was a marked step up on its predecessors, and had the feel of a coming of age. Seemingly inspired by their compatriots Girl Band, Thumper say they play pop music.

What they mean is they roar their melodies through a dank filter at high volume. All kinds of excellent.

2018’s Most Likely in Irish Music

Vulpynes

THE new darling of the Dublin punk scene, this powerful young two-piece are abstract, grungy and very, very loud.

Nodding heavily to an abundance of late 80s and early 90s influences, they make more noise than should be feasible for a just two, and have won the love of their punk peers as they’ve gigged relentlessly through 2017, slowly edging into Dublin muso’s consciousness as they bounce from venue to venue.

Think snarlingly aggressive tunes kicked firmly into the 21st Century, formed with the most modern of twists (via a shoutout on Boards.ie), and delivering gorgeously raw tones.

The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock

Siobhra Quinlan A HIGHLY creative soprano composer who’s making waves on the opera scene, Siobhra Quinlan is perhaps the most likely classical crossover artist of the coming year, combining vocals that will please to casual listener and the technically minded, and going fiercely creative in the abstract and imaginative styles that make up her work.

Over the course of 2017 she released several powerful offerings from her awesomely ambitious Sfiiinx project, as well as work examining George Bernard Shaw, and taking on a 24-hour project that saw her producing and performing an opera as part of a talented team. Inventive, and memorable.

GAZETTE

Stars?

MUSIC

BLENDING folky-trad roots with some louder and more modern rock licks, The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock have been relatively mute for years.

They formed way back in 2005 and released their self-titled debut in 2008, with memorable follow-up album ‘The Brutal Here and Now’ arriving back in 2012.

It turns out they’ve spent the last few years

doing something huge. ‘Lockout’ is the product of five years worth of work, and will look at the 1913 Lockout workers protests in Dublin, as well as glancing at the impact of Constance Markievicz and the women’s rights movement in Ireland.

History fused with nuanced and intelligent trad-rock music: expect them to return with a bang come the album launch in March.

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DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

Dunkirk managed to be both sweeping and intimate, a WWII epic that will likely stand alongside the classics

LOOKING BACK: YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO LOOK TOO HARD TO FIND AMAZING MOVIES IN 2017

Movies of 2017 - 10 of the best IT’S been a great year for cinema - mainstream, independent and everywhere in-between. Here are our picks for the best of 2017.

Manchester by the Sea Manchester by the Sea kicked off 2017 with what was easily the most emotionally ruinous moment in cinema this year.

Director Kenneth Lonergan told us a story about profound, unshakeable grief and the arduous road to recovery, featuring a quietly captivating central performance from Casey Affleck. Not an easy watch; not to be missed.

Moonlight This rich and nuanced character study in three acts from director Barry Jenkins shone a light on the experience of LGBTQ people of colour - territory rarely visited in mainstream cinemas.

Intimate camerawork, an emotive score and superb performances from its three leads made for a uniquely human, often

 DAVE PHILLIPS

devastating cinematic experience.

The Handmaiden Fresh territory for Korean director Park Chanwook, this multi-layered period drama maintained all the masterful framing, bleak humour and brutal violence that has gained his work critical acclaim and cult status.

W hile not for the squeamish, The Handmaiden is a stunning Hitchcockian suspense tale that mesmerises and devastates in equal measure.

Get Out Fiendishly entertaining, sinister, shocking and deeply necessary, director Jordan Peele’s Get Out was a social and politically conscious horror movie

with purpose.

Balancing bitterly dark humour with thoughtprovoking social commentary, it wore its genremovie influences on its sleeve, setting box office records and seizing nearuniversal praise.

Dunkirk Christopher Nolan brought his idiosyncratic

Get Out was a social and politically conscious horror movie with purpose

storytelling approach to one of the war’s most decisive battles in the summer’s biggest cinematic event.

Weaving together a rich tapestry of narratives and timelines, visceral and affecting throughout,

that was deservedly shortlisted for the Palme D’or at this year’s Cannes.

Dunkirk managed to be both sweeping and intimate, a WWII epic that will likely stand alongside the classics.

The Death of Stalin The bewildering nature of Soviet bureaucracy is the perfect fit for director Armando Iannucci’s uniquely bitter brand of political satire in the hilarious The Death of Stalin.

Despite hefty subject matter, the grim facts lend themselves well to farce and absurdity. Great comedic performances from Steve Buscemi, Jason Isaacs and Michael Palin.

The Florida Project The Florida Project takes a look at all the irrepressible curiosity of childhood with an honesty rarely seen on screen.

Director Sean Baker couples joy with sorrow, always lifting us in high spirits just before he throws us down.

This is empathetic filmmaking at its best, raising critical questions about modern America while

The Florida Project entertained with incredible performances from its young cast

keeping us entertained with incredible performances from its young cast and a career-best from Willem Dafoe.

Good Time This stunning crime thriller from auteur directing duo Ben and Josh Safdie gave Robert Pattinson plenty of room to demonstrate his skills, further cementing his post-teen idol status as an actor to be reckoned with.

Evoking early Scorsese and Michael Mann, Good Time is an exhilarating, often disturbing and emotionally complex drama

The Disaster Artist Finally, a great piece of filmmaking from occasional-director James Franco.

The Disaster Artist tells the stranger-than-fiction true story of Tommy Wiseau and the making of The Room, commonly considered the worst film of all time.

Often moving and dow nright hilarious throughout, a deeply per-

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Perhaps the most unpredictable instalment since the series-defining Empire Strikes Back, director Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi garnered a great deal of critical praise.

Diehard fans, however, found plenty to complain about - Episode VIII is perhaps the least “Star Warsy” Star Wars yet.

Regardless, Johnson’s personal touch cuts through decades of convention; a forward think-

The Last Jedi garnered a great deal of critical praise

sonal project that actually makes one want to revisit the awful source material.

ing sci-fi epic that feels both exhilaratingly fresh and comfortably familiar.

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINMOTORING

Compact SUV offers dominate new cars

for 2018

As 2018 heralds a brand new motoring year there are new cars on the way for Dublin motorists across almost every brand. There are more options than ever in terms of power source and while petrol and diesel power is still dominant, the electric and hybrid car options are expanding at a phenomenal rate. MICHAEL MORONEY takes a look at some of the new cars on offer for 2018.

LOOK across any of the new car offerings across the brands for 2018 and you’ll find they offer a new compact SUV. The market for smaller cars with SUV styling and a higher driving position has mushroomed across Europe and Dublin drivers are certainly following that trend.

Car buyers are moving with another trend and that is petrol power after the issues around diesel emission cheating were further exposed. Governments across Europe have reacted with tougher

regulations for engine emissions and diesel sales have taken a hit, but not as much in Ireland, just yet.

Promise

Petrol engine design has improved at the same time, lowering emissions and raising performance at the same time. The generation three-cylinder petrol engines are showing promise and growing in driver acceptance as well as being economical.

More significant engine chang-

es are looming further down the line. The era of the electric car is coming closer to us so expect to see larger numbers of electric cars on Dublin roads in 2018.

The news that Governments in some European countries are to ban the sale of new cars with any form of internal combustion engine, be it petrol or diesel from 2030 onwards, puts the electric car into a whole new perspective.

That’s just about 12 years away, or two car changes for many families.

And that prospect will force a sig-

nificant re-think for new car buyers in Dublin, who need to plan their motoring investment carefully, after all the cost of owning a car comes second behind the cost of buying and running a home in the Dublin region.

In the meantime, its compact SUV time for many Dublin car buyers in 2018, and here we look at some of the options. These will be among the best-selling cars for Dublin 2018 and some of these new generation models will stand out for their sheer design style.

New E-Pace joins the Jaguar range THE new Jaguar E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family. This five-seat SUV packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle. The exterior design has the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches while optional 21-inch alloy wheels give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance.

The E-PACE claims to be one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class. The next-generation touchscreen infotainment system connects customers to their favourite apps, such as Spotify through Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl apps.

BMW adds new sporty compact X2 to the range

Under the bonnet, E-PACE is available engine options from the Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The 300bhp Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers E-PACE from 0-100km/hr in just

BMW aims to break new ground with the new X2 SUV addi-

6.4 seconds before reaching an electronically-

tion to the BMW X model range. The car’s chassis and xDrive

limited top speed of 243km/hr. For customers

intelligent all-wheel-drive system claims to deliver a balance

who want greater efficiency, the front-wheel

between sporting dynamics and efficiency and entry prices

drive 150bhp Ingenium diesel delivers CO2 emis-

start at €50,320.

sions of 124g/km and annual road tax of €270.

The new Jaguar E-PACE comes with a limited

The new BMW X2 is two centimetres shorter and more than seven centimetres lower than the BMW X1, yet has the same

edition introductory launch price of €36,000 for

wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched,

the E-PACE 2.0D i4 150PS Manual model.

coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic.

The car’s driving responses can be adapted by using the Driving Experience Control switch, allowing the driver to choose

The 20d diesel model comes equipped with xDrive intelligent all-

between default COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO

wheel drive as standard. The integral Hill Descent Control feature

mode and SPORT mode. The pre-programmed set-up available via

enables the BMW X2 to automatically maintain a desired speed on

SPORT mode claims to give the car even more dynamic steering

steep descents by taking care of brake control for the driver, who

and engine responses.

can then devote their attention to the task of steering.

From January, the X2 xDrive20d diesel variant will be available.

The car is equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW Con-

It generates maximum output of 190bhp and 400Nm of torque

nectedDrive Services, both of which are now available in updated

enabling a zero to 100km/hr time of 7.7 seconds. Official fuel con-

form. Further variants of the BMW X2 will be added to the Sports

sumption is still highly impressive 4.6l/100km (61.4mpg), while CO2

Activity Coupe’s line-up in early 2018 in the shape of the four-cylin-

emissions are as low as 121g/km.

der X2 sDrive20i, X2 sDrive18d and X2 xDrive18d.

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

Citroen launches new C3 Aircross CITROEN launched its new C3 Aircross compact SUV at Dublin Citroën dealerships in advance of the January registration period with entry prices starting at €20,695.

This new generation SUV has been influenced by the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme and uses the latest in grip control technology with hill descent assist for added driver control. It comes with a new continuous connectivity system that includes wireless smart phone charging.

Citroen claims that technology continues as a core theme in new C3 Aircross with 12 different technologies that assist your journey, including voice controlled 3D navigation, keyless entry and start, 60/40 sliding rear bench, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Citroën claims that the new C3 Aircross offers best-in-class space for maximum passenger comfort, with generous legroom in

The car is available in three specified trim levels Touch, Feel and Flair. The new

Volkswagen T-Roc to turn heads in 2018

SUV offers a choice of five different interior ambiences comprising of special seat

VOLKSWAGEN’S new T-Roc crossover model is going

upholstery, a range of dashboard textures, door panel designs, and touches of

to attract a lot of attention when it takes to Dublin

colour on the central console surround, steering wheel, air vents and seat backs.

roads in 2018. This new mid-size crossover comes

The car has a practical interior with a split sliding and folding rear bench, 60/40

with a starting price of €24,750, which in itself will

split-folding and adjustable seat backs.

attract enough attention.

the front and rear, as well as an exceptional modular boot space with a volume of up to 520 litres. The new C3 Aircross also scored maximum 5 Euro NCAP rating for car safety for models fitted with either Safety Pack 1 or Safety Pack 2.

The new Citroen C3 Aircross is available with either PureTech petrol and BlueHDi

The entry-level T-Roc specification is offered with

diesel engines, as well as the latest generation EAT6 fully automatic gearbox as a

Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine putting

further option.

out 115bhp. Standard specification on this grade includes Climatronic 2-Zone air conditioning, USB interfaces, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch

Subaru delivers redesign in new XV SUBARU’S XV crossover for

Volvo Popped Up on Grafton Street

2018 is claimed to be totally

‘Composition Colour’ radio system. All T-Roc models come with Front Assist and Lane assist systems.

Volkswagen will be offering a range of packs around the T-Roc model. These include the T-Roc Design version which also features the 1.0-litre TSI 115bhp petrol engine and adds 16” Chester alloy wheels, a larger Composition Media radio system featuring an 8-inch glass touchscreen, a chrome package, Voice Control and App Connect amongst others for slightly higher price of €26,995.

Volkswagen will also offer a number of Technol-

new from the ground up, inside and out and from top to bottom. The changes

ogy Upgrade Packs for the T-Roc. With these Option

include a new platform with a new suspension system, a new Subaru Boxer

Packs, customers can make savings on a number of

engine and a new transmission. The car has a redesigned exterior and claims a

popular optional extras.

more spacious, more comfortable and more connected passenger cabin.

For the entry level T-Roc specification the Technology Upgrade Pack includes; adaptive cruise

IF YOU’VE been on Dublin’s Grafton Street in the

SE models are equipped as standard with Eyesight, adaptive cruise control,

weeks before Christmas you’ll have seen Volvo

hi-beam assist, Subaru rear vehicle rear detection, automatic LED headlamps

control, front fog lamps and 16-inch Chester alloy

Car Ireland’s car pop-up shop. The new shop

and headlamp washers, alloy wheels (1.6 litre models – 17-inch alloy and 2.0-litre

wheels for €599, a claimed saving of €639 over the

provided visitors with a chance to see Volvo’s

models – 18-inch alloy), heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button

items individually.

new XC40 compact SUV, Volvo’s first ever entry in

start, and privacy glass, as well as a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment sys-

the small premium SUV segment.

tem, incorporating audio, smart phone connectivity and a rear view parking

specification, which comes with a choice of 1.5-litre

At the top of the T-Roc range will be the Sport

camera. The system also incorporates Subaru STARLINK and is Apple CarPlay

150bhp petrol engines or the 2.0-litre 150bhp TDI

much of the advanced connectivity, entertain-

and Android Auto compatible. SE Premium models add leather seats, satellite

diesel, with the latter available in either six-speed

ment and safety technology from Volvo’s newest

navigation, sunroof, and electrically-adjustable driver’s seat for added func-

manual or seven-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre TSI Sport

60- and 90 series cars, the XC60, S90, V90 and

tionality. Subaru SV prices start at €33,495 for the new 1.6i SE Lineartronic CVT

starts from €29,750 and the 2.0-litre TDI 4Motion

XC90. It is also powered by Volvo’s efficient

automatic, rising to €38,495 for the range topping 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic

starts from €34,795.

Drive-E engines, and is offered with front- or

CVT automatic.

Designed primarily for the city, it features

all-wheel drive, and with manual and automatic gearboxes. be available, with power ranging from 150 to

Kona joins Hyundai SUV range

250bhp. All these engines are 2.0-litre, four-

HYUNDAI buyers will have had a peek of the new Kona SUV from November and

cylinder units; there are 156hp T3, 190 hp T4 and

now have a opportunity to take on to the road. The new Kona is smaller than

247bhp T5 petrol engines, and 150bhp D3 and

the best-selling Tucson and claims to offer a completely new compact SUV

190 hp D4 diesels. The T3 is available exclusively

platform.

Three petrol and two diesel engines will initially

with front-wheel drive, while the D3 is offered

The early edition models will be offered with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine

in front- or all-wheel-drive form. The T4, T5 and

rated at 120bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox with starting prices from

D4 come with all-wheel drive and an automatic

€20,995. Hyundai will be offering the Kona with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine

gearbox. An automatic gearbox is also avail-

later in 2018 followed by a full electric version in 2019.

able on D3 versions. Full technical details of

This new Kona will be available in four trim levels, Comfort, Executive, and

these engines will be released at a later date.

two Premium versions, a manual and automatic gearbox version. All cars

Other engines will be offered later in the XC40’s

come on 16-inch alloy wheels and include a lane keep assist and a driver

lifecycle.

fatigue warning system.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

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28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

SPORT2017

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JANUARY TO JUNE

City sports spring into action with glory galore January THE IRISH athletics community was saddened as legendary athlete Frank Murphy passed away.

The two-time Olympian, who was inducted into the Athletics Ireland Hall of Fame in 2014, had been fighting Parkinson’s disease for the last number of years.

Kate Dillon was queen of the Leinster indoor hockey boards, scoring twice early in the second half to swing the final Railway Union’s way at St Columba’s in the final, beating Glenanne 3-2.

The Sandymount native had trailed 1-0 to Glenanne at the break after Audrey Westlake’s clever finish from mid-circle, found by an intricate pass down through the centre but Dillon’s aggressive style soon turned the tables.

Daniel Donohue Jr, Dane Walton – who both hail from Crumlin – and Jake Jackson, from Rialto, all won big at the WKC Karate and Kickboxing world championships that were held in Albufeira, Portugal.

After three gruelling days of action, the longawaited world titles started

to flow in. First in was Walton, stepping up in weight to take the -90kg kickboxing world title en route to seven world titles along with five silver and a number of bronze.

February ST VINCENT’S All Ireland club championship run came to an end as the much-fancied Dubliners were overturned by impressive rural Derry side Slaughtneil in Newry.

Following a stunning 2016 that saw them win the Ulster title in football, hurling and camogie, Slaughtneil were nevertheless outsiders as they went head to head with the Marino men.

The face-off was the first of the club’s dual code semi-finals, contests that potentially had GA A HQ scrambling over how to host the finals come March, with eight of Slaughtneil’s side doubling up.

Vincent’s, though, were distinctly off colour on the day, with Diarmuid Connolly in particular struggling to get to grips with a stifling Slaughtneil defence.

Muay Thai Junior Mayhem promotions cham-

pions Liam Hand, 15, won the belt following his three-round war against Derry’s Sean McGettigan in November and the Crumlin fighter, who trains at Hori’s Gym Muay Thai under Gabor Hortobagyi, would go on to build on that win significantly in 2017.

Terenure’s Rhasidat Adeleke with her junior schools All-Ireland 100 and 200m medals. Picture: David Fitzgerald/ Sportsfile

CYM’s Promise Chapwanya and Monica Beresford celebrate the Leinster women’s

Dublin’s Division 3 camogie side

League Division 2 Playoffs at Donnybrook

toast their national league victory.

Stadium. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Picture: Tom Beary/Inpho

Sheriff YC celebrate their

March TEMPLEOGUE showed their class under pressure as they defeated Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 96-93 at Oblate Hall to secure the men’s Super League basketball title.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” said head coach Mark Keenan after the win. “We had to really dig deep after a slow start. Maybe it was the occasion, maybe a bit nervy, but once we got going the boys were absolutely amazing. We pulled that out of the fire.”

Jermaine Turner drew the curtains on his Irish basketball career with a perfect finale as his Killester side secured an 83-62 win over his former team DCU Saints in the men’s super league at the DCU Complex.

Turner is regarded as a legend of the game in Ireland having first taking to

Claregalway’s Sara Cogley The UCD team including David O’Malley, Stroke, celebrate after crossing the finish

Phipps in the FAI U-14

line to win the 2017 Colours Boat Race against Trinity. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

the court in this country 17 years ago, but the Queen’sborn superstar will now make his return to home soil.

The 42-year-old may be retiring but his tank was not empty yet, and he went out with a bang, scoring an exceptional 35 points in his final outing.

April DUNDRUM South Dublin AC’s Shane Sheridan brought home a silver medal from the 200 metres at the World Master’s Indoor Athletics Championships in Daegu,

South Korea as well as reaching the finals in the 60 metres and men’s 4 x 200 metre contests.

Sheridan’s achievements are particularly astonishing given he only took up the sport at the age of 53.

At the age of 58, he is one of the oldest competitors at the sharp end of his M55 category for those aged 55 and over.

Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre (RICC) launched its brand new boxing club, affably named The Ringer.

RICC were delighted to have Olympic gold med-

allist Michael Carruth on board who will be the official patron of the club and actively involved in making the club a success.

It will be the first boxing club in the area in over 20 years. Initially catering for young people, The Ringer has already enrolled over 60 local children and classes commenced in May 2017.

May L I F F E Y Wa n d e r e r s emerged victorious in the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup final after a hardfought victory against

Cobh Wanderers which was decided after a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

It ensured an inner-city double in the national cup finals, adding to Sheriff YC’s success in the Junior Cup, their near neighbours from just across the river joining them for memorable celebrations later on the same day.

Crumlin United won the Charlie Cahill Cup for the seventh time in their history after an impressive 3-1 win over Bluebell United following a clash of the LSL giants at Whitehall Road.

4 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES

Rob McGrath scores a try for Clontarf against Young Munster in the UBL Division 1A. Picture: Deryck Vincent

“It’s dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

“All your warm blood goes to your core, around your heart, and your extremities get very cold.”

- Ice swimmer Conor Turner, from Whitehall, on his sub zero sport FAI Junior Cup victory in May in the Aviva Stadium

Luke Keeler beat Darren Cruise to the Irish middleweight boxing belt. Picture: Laszlo Geczo

“T here’s a sense of loss.

It’s a big part of your life just taken away. It’s a little ironic, as I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the sport’s safety.”

- Drimnagh’s Aisling Daly on coming to terms with enforced retirement from MMA

and Kilmore Celtic’s Lara Cup final at Deacy Park.

The match was a repeat of the 2014/15 final and ended in identical fashion as Crumlin also left with the silverware that night after a 3-1 win.

Clontarf fell just short as handling errors and penalties cost them in the Ulster Bank Division 1A final at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday as Cork Constitution held on to defeat their long-time rivals by 25-21.

The Dublin side, bidding to maintain the title in their third consecutive final, faced a Cork Con squad looking to take title out of Leinster for the first time since their last win in

UCD celebrate winning the Irish Senior Cup. Picture: Adrian Boehm

2010.

Dessie Farrell’s Dublin Under-21s etched themselves a unique piece of history as their 2-13 to 2-7 defeat of Galway at Tullamore’s O’Connor Park was the last All-Ireland football at this age group.

It was a win powered by a string of players from close to the city centre with Clontarf’s Andy Foley and Declan Monaghan, Raheny’s Darren Byrne, Sean MacMahon and Brian Howard and Na Fianna’s Eoin Murchan, Aaron Byrne and Glenn O’Reilly all starting.

St Kevin’s Boys completed a remarkable

achievement by contesting four SFAI All-Ireland finals at Jackson Park, and walking away with all four national trophies over one weekend.

The club’s Under-14s edged out Belvedere FC, the Under-16s got the better of Galway’s Mervue United, and the Under-12s defeated Shamrock Rovers.

The Under-13s completed the quadruple in a tasty encounter with rivals St Joseph’s Boys.

June LUKE Keeler shrugged off a broken hand to

become the new Irish middleweight champion at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin after securing a narrow one point win over Darren Cruise.

The 30-year-old from Ballyfermot and Roscommon’s Cruise were competing in the headline fight of Red Corner’s ‘For Honour and Pride’ card as both looked to leave the ring with the previously vacant title wrapped around their waist.

Ice swimmer Conor Turner took on a new challenge as part of the first team ever to swim from the Isle of the Man

Templeogue’s Ellen Walshe en route to winning the Irish 200m butterfly final at the NAC. Picture: Brendan Moran

to Ireland, a step away from his usual challenges in terms of distance, environment and practical difficulties.

Turner came to the fore in the rarefied world of ice swimming over the winter, when he came second in the world championship in Germany, and very much focuses his swimming career on the winter event rather than in the pool.

Oliver Bond Celtic manager Eddie Keogh says their Frank Roe Cup victory has given their while community a huge boost in just their first year since formation.

Their 2-0 win over Woodlawn Sportslink at the AUL Complex, coupled with finishing second in the AUL Division 3 Saturday to gain promotion, gave the area something positive to shout about.

“This is LA, your face is your calling card, but she never seemed worried about it.”

- Dubliner Kerrie Christie on the perils of training former beauty queen Whitney Miller

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 4 January 2018

SPORT2017

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JULY TO DECEMBER

Blue boys and girls provide the defining 2017 colour July CLONTARF emerged v i c t or io u s fro m the LHK Insurance [Alan Murray] T20 League in a very close encounter with Pembroke in front of a large crowd in the ground and also via a live Youtube stream for the first time.

In terms of the play, the best was kept until the last as Tarf won a pulsating final by just four runs. Batting first, as all winners on the final day of action did, Clontarf posted a total of 149/8 in their 20 overs and just about withstood their southside rivals.

Nine days of superb golf came to a close at the All-Ireland Father and Son Four-somes competition at Castle Golf Club in Rathfarnham as 500 entrants were whittled down to just four on finals day.

Michael and Tadhg Kellett of Clontarf faced off against the synonymously named David and David McGrath duo from Portmarnock for the overall prize; and it was the Kelletts who emerged victorious in the battle of north Dublin.

Crumlin United said goodbye to one of their all-time greats as Lucan United pulled off the

transfer coup of the Leinster Senior League offseason with the capture of the decorated midfielder James Lee. The 32-year-old was part of a Crumlin side that won five Senior Sunday titles and four FAI Intermediate Cups in his ten years there.

Philip Orr, the former Ireland and Lions prop forward, was enrolled as the 130th President of the Irish Rugby Football Union at the annual Council meeting in the Aviva Stadium.

August SARAH Healy was the standout Irish performer during a successful 2017 European Youth Olympics for several Dubliner – as 40 athletes from across the country returned home to a fine reception.

The runner from Monkstown won Ireland’s first gold medal at the tournament in Hungary when she crossed the line in a personal best time of 4.19.85 to take victory in the 1,500m.

Glenville marked their 20th anniversary with arguably the biggest game in the club’s history as they travelled to Tallaght Stadium to take on Shamrock Rovers in the

FAI Cup. The Palmerstown side gave a good account of themselves as they restricted Ireland’s most successful club to a 1-0 victory in their home stadium, and walked off with their heads held high.

The youth triathlon festival drew the crowds in August. Picture: Inpho

Ballymun Kickhams’ Dean Rock lifts the Sam Maguire trophy following his crucial

Pat Gilroy switched codes for 2018

kick to land yet another All-Ireland

when he was named county hurling

victory. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

boss. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Dublin ladies football

September AS Dean Rock stepped up nearly 45 yards from the Davin Stand with the destination of the 2017 All-Ireland final in his hands, some may have had flashbacks of the league final against Kerry when he missed in remarkably similar circumstances.

However, the man himself had nothing else on his mind other than sticking the ball between the posts.

“I was just absolutely delighted the ball went over the bar,” Rock said afterwards. “Diarmuid [Connolly] did very well to win the free and it’s my job to put it over the bar.

Thankfully it went over.”

He did so under the further duress added by a flying Mayo GPS monitor but, nonetheless, secured three in a row for the Dublin senior footballers.

And it was to be a blue double as the ladies footballers from the capital scratched a seven-year

Leinster’s Isa Nacewa and Garry Ringrose On your marks as racing gets under way at Abbotstown. Picture:

with supporters ahead of the PRO14 match

Matt Browne/Sportsfile

against Munster. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

itch to put their senior football final demons to bed as they confidently dismissed Mayo 4-11 to 0-10 in front of a huge record crowd of 46,286 at Croke Park.

Goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan proved the Shelbourne hero in a penalty shoutout as they beat Peamount United to retain the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup at Greenogue.

McQuillan saved Niamh Barnes’ third spot kick for Peamount after 120 minutes of fitful football had failed to separate the sides at the windswept Newcastle venue.

Amber Barrett, Claire Kinsella, Chloe Moloney and Eleanor RyanDoyle did score from 12 yards for Peamount who finished with 10 players after substitute Sarah McKevitt had been sent off in extra-time.

October “A LOT of people would argue I didn’t play football at the top level either,” Pat Gilroy joked as he met the press this week at the launch of the AIG Fenway Series in Boston.

It came in the wake of the All-Ireland-winning former Dublin football coach Pat Gilroy being unveiled as the new boss

of the county’s hurlers.

The new Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown will play host to the 2018 Special Olympics Ireland Games, it was confirmed in October.

The Games will take place over four days from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 17. In what will be one of the largest sporting events to take place in Ireland next year, 1,600 Special Olympics athletes from throughoutIreland will travel to Dublin.

They will be accompanied by 600 coaches and official delegates and 3,000 family members and supporters. The Games will be supported by a

team of 2,500 volunteers who will be recruited from Dublin and beyond over the coming months.

Walkinstown’s Killian Callaghan was crowned world champion in the Under-21 Enduro World Series last weekend following a sensational few months.

The Dublin man raced consistently in each of the rounds on the series with a first place in Aspen and second in Whistler, Canada, securing the overall series lead, leaving him unbeatable going into the final round in Italy.

Enduro is one of the fastest growing strands of cycling in Ireland, consisting of timed downhill sec-

4 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTES OF

THE YEAR “A lot of people would argue I didn’t play football at the top level either.” - Pat

Shelbourne Ladies players celebrate WNL Cup final win over Peamount United. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Gilroy on whether his hurling credentials match up to what to his football background.

“The last few years have obviously been very difficult to take. It’s such a great group of girls, we love playing football, we love playing with each other and we love playing for Dublin. This is just beyond words.”

team celebrate their famous All-Ireland senior victory in Croke Park. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

- Dublin ladies footballer Noelle Healy Clontarf’s Michael Kellett holes a

Killian Callaghan was on top of the world in 2017 as he

Na Fiann completed an amazing quadruple with wins at minor and Under-

chip shot en rout to the Castle GC

won the world enduro cycling series. Picture: Adrian van

21 level in both hurling and football

Father and Son title. Pic: Pat Cashman

der Lee

tions and untimed uphills.

The winner of an enduro race is the person with the fastest combined times at the end of the day.

November R AHENY Shamrocks landed their second AllIreland Cross Country men’s team title at Abbotstown as clubman Kevin Dooney finished second in the men’s 10,000m race.

T h e 2 4 - y e a r- o l d crossed the line in a time of 31.50 minutes, just ahead of Ballina’s Hugh Armstrong and seven seconds behind eventual winner Paul Pollock from Annadale Striders.

The result saw Dooney secure his place in the Irish cross country team for the third year in a row.

Kellie Harrington landed gold at the Boxam Elite tournament in the Canary Islands.

The 27-year-old from Glasnevin scored a unanimous points victory over Romanian Cristina Cosma after receiving a bye straight through to the final.

Bohemians lifted the SSE Airtricity Under-19 League title after a narrow 1-0 win over Dublin rivals St. Patrick’s Athletic in the final at Dalymount Park.

Steven Nolan scored the only goal just after

the break as keeper Kian Clarke made a number of late saves to keep a crucial clean sheet.

St Patrick’s Athletic secured their League of Ireland Premier Division status after getting the point they needed away to Derry City at Maginn Park on the final day of the season.

Liam Buckley’s side took a big step towards preserving their place in the top flight with a dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Cork City at Richmond Park the previous week.

And they got the job done in Buncrana thanks to Killian Brennan’s goal midway through the

first half – though they endured a nervy finish thanks to Rory Patterson’s equaliser after the break.

December NA FIANNA comfortably saw off Ballyboden St Enda’s 2-11 to 0-9 in the Under-21 A football championship final at O’Toole Park.

Their composure and methodical fluidity proved too much for their more frantic opponents and saw the Glasnevin side complete a famous quadruple across the Under-21 and minor grades in both football and hurling.

St Kevin’s Boys finally struck a deal with Bohemians that allows them to compete in the SSE Airtricity underage leagues.

Under the deal, the two clubs will compete as one in the Under-15 League of Ireland division next season and the Under-13 league when it gets underway in March 2019.

They will play in the iconic red and black colours of Bohs while adopting tangerine for away games.

Tributes have been paid to 16-year-old Shelbourne player Izzy Dezu after he tragically died during a match.

Izzy was playing for

Shelbourne Youth Academy against St Kevin’s Boys in the Athletic Union League (AUL) Complex in Clonshaugh when he collapsed during the second half.

Paramedics from Dublin Fire Brigade attended to him on the field but he was later pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital.

In a statement confirming the news, Shelbourne said: “We are heartbroken to have to confirm the news that our Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, collapsed and passed away during a match at the AUL Complex last night against St. Kevin’s Boys Club.

“Letting down players is not what I want to be getting into. If I was involved I wouldn’t be able to look at the players face to face and explain why they are not getting wages.”

- Shelbourne legend Richie Baker on why he has no interest in taking up management in the League of Ireland and prefers it in the amateur game

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

JANUARY 4 -10, 2018

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF LOCAL SPORT: Gazette Sport looks back on an exceptional 2017 with glory galore for captial clubs and individuals P28-31

St Kevin’s Boys Under-13s celebrate their DB Sports Tours Cup win over Linfield

DB delight for Kevin’s

Whitehall club win two out of three ties against Northern Irish champs to add to their bulging trophy cabinet, setting them up nicely for 2018

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

ST KEVIN’S Boys added yet more silverware to their bulging cabinet by leaving the DB Sports Tours Champions Cup at Dundalk’s Oriel Park with two wins from three games.

The tournament pits the current SFAI and Northern Ireland FA cup holders from four age groups against each other, and the Under-13s got St Kevins’ day off to a great start with an impressive 5-1 win over Linfield FC. They dominated the game from start to finish and took a 3-0 lead into the half-time break courtesy of goals from Danny Jeal, Jamie Murphy and Kevin Zeffi. Daniel Bergin then

stepped off the bench in the second half to bag himself a brace and help his side to their fourth trophy of the season.

The Under-14 side were up next but they met a very strong Glentoran outfit in their final and were left disappointed after a 2-0 loss.

However, the Under-15s ensured the day ended on a positive note for the club by running out 2-1 winners over Linfield.

“It was hard to win the four out of four AllIrelands last year and it was a huge achievement for the boys, and a nice way to dust off the cobwebs after Christmas and get a bit of ball in while we are in pre-season,” St Kevin’s PRO Neil Fox told the Dublin Gazette.

“To get two out of the three was a good result.

Obviously, Linfield and Glentoran are the best Northern Ireland would have to offer this year, and it was good competition for our boys. We did well in the two games against Linfield and I think Glentoran were the stronger team against us in the Under-14 age group.

“They are big clubs in Northern Ireland and obviously we are trying to achieve that stature with Bohemians [whom they agreed to join forces with foe 2018 onwards at national league level] so the fact that we were able to hold our own against these teams says a lot for the job we are doing down here.

“We are delighted and the coaches are delighted. “Obviously, the Under-14s were disappointed to lose against Glentoran, but the

Under-13s and Under-15s did very well.”

While all three teams put in good performances, the stars of the show were undoubtedly the Under-13s.

“They are a fantastic side; they really are,” Fox continued.

“In general, the ethos of the team - as with all the teams - is to play from the back, keep the ball on the ground, work from the midfield and get the ball upfront.

“You could see it in moments of the game that the lads have been working on it and it paid off.

In particular, in the Under-15 game, there was a goal with over 20 passes in it so that shows it is working right through the ranks. There are some great players in both those teams.”