Dublin Gazette: City Edition

DublinGazette DECEMBER 12-18, 2019

IN THE VULTURES’ SIGHTS... rt of EXCLUSIVE: In the penultimate pa what our innovative series, we examine 2-13 happens as ‘Vulture Funds’ circle P1

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

DublinGazette DECEMBER 12-18, 2019

IN THE VULTURES’ SIGHTS... rt of EXCLUSIVE: In the penultimate pa what our innovative series, we examine 2-13 happens as ‘Vulture Funds’ circle P1

CityEdition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

More than €7m paid in 2019 on DCC claims

SPORT ATHLETICS:

Gidey produces sensational run in Portugal to win European cross country medal in his debut for Ireland. SEE P30

RACHEL D’ARCY

IRISH Public Bodies paid out more than €7 million in insurance claims on behalf of Dublin City Council in the first nine months of 2019, it was revealed this week.

Local county councils are insured by Irish Public Bodies, which handles claims for incidents such as damage to cars caused by potholes, or people tripping over broken pavements.

In the first nine months of this year, €7.5 million was paid on behalf of Dublin City Council in insurance claims, with the coun-

business

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It’s a win for bingo players AWARD

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cil having the highest number of claims across the 31 local authorities across the country.

In 2018, €9.05 million was paid in claims for the entire year.

In total, there were 796 claims made in the first nine months of 2019 against Dublin City Council, compared to 780 in the entirety of 2018.

The figure paid out is part of the €43.3 million made in settlements across 28 out of the 31 local authorities from January to September, 2019.

In 2018, €47 million was settled over the entire year across all local authorities.

BLINGING SOME FUN: Iris Turpin was certainly celebrating Christmas cheer in style as she sang along with the Lucan Gospel Choir at the opening of the IFA Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House, Dawson Street. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

BINGO players had cause to celebrate this week – the Government has agreed not to cut large b i n go w i n nings, following protests outside the Dail last week (inset).

A new Bill proposed that large bingo competition winnings could just

pay out 50% in prize money takings, with the rest to go to charity.

H o w e v e r, following the protests, and fears that the new Bill could threaten the future of some bingo organisations, the Government has agreed to cap large prize winnings at 75%, not 50%. SEE PAGE 6

A CITY centre dentist’s act of charitable kindness has given him another reason to smile – he’s just been named Dublin Dentist of the Year 2019.

Dr Patrick Rooney, of Clear Dental Care in Cathedral Court on New Street, earned the award after seflessly helping a young boy in Direct Provision care.

SEE PAGE 5

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 12 December 2019

PICK UP YOUR

COUNCIL DEFENDS REMOVAL AS ‘HEALTH AND SAFETY’ MATTER

Anger as ‘coats for homeless’ EVERY THURSDAY! removed from iconic bridge

DublinGazette CITY EDITION

at the following locations:

• Ashleaf Shopping Centre • Artane Castle Shopping Cntr • Ballybough Stores • Bank of Ireland – Ranelagh • B&Q Tallaght • Bewleys – Georges St • The Buttery Restaurant – Trinity College • Cafe Parigi – Sir John Rogerson Quay • Centra – Ballsbridge • Centra – Dame street • Centra – Drimnagh • Centra – Fairview • Centra – Portland row • Centra – Thomas street • Centra – Pearse Street • Centra – Rathmines • Centra – Westland row • Centra – Whitehall • Centra – Westland Row • Charlestown Shopping Cntr • Crumlin Shopping Centre • DCC Office – Ballyfermot • DCC Office – Ballymun • DCC Office – Coolock • DCC Office – Crumlin • DCC Office – Marrowbone Ln • DCC Office – Wood quay • DIT Aungier Street • Drury street car park • Dunnes Stores- Finglas • Fresh – Grand Canal • Georges Street Arcade • Iceland – Ballyfermot • Iceland – Coolock • Ilac Centre • Insomnia – IFSC • Insomnia – CHQ • Insomnia – Liffey St • Insomnia – Millenium Walk • Insomnia Nassau St • Kilbarrack Shopping Centre • Knocklyon Credit Union • Londis – Inchicore • Marks & Spencer – Grafton St • Marks & Spencer – Mary St • Marks & Spencer – Mayor Sq • Mercantile Hotel • Northside Shopping Centre • Tesco – Baggot street • Tesco – Clearwater SC • Tesco – Dame Street • Tesco – Fleet Street • Tesco – Navan road • Tesco – Omni Park SC • Tesco – Prussia street • Tesco – Rathmines • Tesco – Sandymount • Tesco - Terenure • Sandymount Credit Union • Shelbourne Park Dog Track • Spar – Drumcondra • Spar – Capel street • Spar – Longboat quay • Spar – Nassau street • Spar – Patrick street • Spar – Thomas street • SuperValu – Ballymun • SuperValu – Knocklyon • SuperValu – Northside S.C • SuperValu – Raheny • SuperValu – Ranelagh • SuperValu – Rathgar • SuperValu – Rathgar • SuperValu – Sundrive • SuperValu – Talbot street • SuperValu – Walkinstown • The Swan Centre – Rathmines

For further info

www.dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

 RACHEL D’ARCY

rdarcy@dublingazette.com

HEAVY criticism has befallen Dublin City Council (DCC) again this week, following the removal of several jackets from the Ha’Penny Bridge, left in donation for the city’s rough sleepers.

Jackets were left on the rails of the iconic bridge by members of the public, alongside signs offering them to the homeless in the city centre, with images of the jackets shared widely on social media.

The jackets were hung as part of the #warmforwinter campaign.

People crossing the Liffey added coats to those already hanging on the railings of the famous city centre bridge

However, on Saturday afternoon, the jackets were removed by DCC officials, with a tweet posted

by DCC late on Saturday night saying that they were removed for ‘health and safety reasons’.

The tweet read: “DCC asks people not to hang clothes on the Ha’Penny Bridge for health & safety reasons – it reduces pedestrian flows, and causes congestion on [the] bridge.

“Please consider giving them to charity shops.

Items collected by DCC will be redistributed via our homeless services.”

The tweet received more than 250 responses, predominately from people criticising and questioning the decision made by the council, with many saying that those who are homeless cannot afford to purchase items from charity shops.

Others questioned the ‘health and safety’ reasons, saying that many tourists cause congestion and hazards on the bridge by stopping to take ‘selfies’.

Brian McLoughlin, head of communications with

Inner City Helping Homeless, said in a statement that Paddy Fryers – who founded the #warmforwinter campaign – was not contacted by DCC ahead of the removal of the jackets.

In a statement to Dublin Gazette, DCC said: “The [removal] decision was made, based on health and safety concerns, in order to avoid obstruction and congestion occurring along a key pedestrian artery, crossing the River Liffey.

“DCC recognises the well-intentioned call to action, to which the public responded.

“DCC are very open to coming to an alternative arrangement, recognising the spirit of giving and generosity at this time of year.

“DCC will work closely, through our existing channels and resources, to determine the best course of action, in assisting with this initiative.”

FASTNews Knobs and Knockers site to be new cafe PLANS have been revealed to turn the former Knobs and Knockers shop at Nassau Street into a coffee shop.

A planning application lodged for the building, whose previous tenant was famed for their suggestive name, show plans to transform the retail unit into a coffee shop.

The application submitted to Dublin City Council states that the former Knobs and Knockers unit, and the adjoining unit of Lapis Jewellers and Butler’s Chocolate Cafe, will be transformed into a brasserie and coffee shop.

Currently, there are already several coffee shops and cafes along Nassau Street, with one person joking on Twitter that Nassau Street will should be renamed the ‘Coffee Quarter’ of Dublin following the development of the new cafe.

Take a ‘selfie’ at Arnotts – and support a charity ARNOTTS has launched an interactive Christmas ‘Selfie Tree’, designed to accept contactless donations to charities this Christmas.

The contactless-enabled donation box is in aid of this year’s chosen charity, The Society of St Vincent de Paul.

Contactless card holders will be able to support the charity by simply tapping their card on the contactless device, located on the second level of the department store, to make a secure donation.

The devices will offer customers a quick and easy way to donate, even when they have no change to give.

Customers will be able to make donations of €3 and the Christmas tree will light up after a donation is made, providing the perfect moment for a festive selfie to share on social media.

A counter clock will notify customers of the total amount of monies raised for this year’s chosen charity partner.

12 December 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

HEALTH: MAN SCOOPS A TOP AWARD FOR SELFLESSLY HELPING A CHILD IN NEED

Dentist’s kind act was plenty to smile about RACHEL D’ARCY

A DENTIST based in The Liberties has been named Dublin Dentist of the Year 2019, after helping a young boy in Direct Provision after answering a call for help on Facebook..

Dr Patrick Rooney, of Clear Dental Care in Cathedral Court on New Street, was nominated for the award for his treatment of the young boy, who had just arrived in Ireland from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The woman who nominated Dr Rooney for the award said the boy’s family were overwhelmed by

the kindness shown to them by Patrick.

The woman herself had organised for a group of families from a local Direct Provision centre to stay at a guest house she owned for the Christmas period.

“The young boy was so happy and full of joy, but unfortunately his front teeth and some of his molars were rotten to the core.

“Although they were his milk teeth, I was worried the decay would travel and they would damage his new teeth.

“I put an appeal out on Facebook and Patrick

got in touch offering to treat the boy for free,” the anonymous woman said in her nomination.

The judging panel praised Dr Rooney for his act of kindness in providing his services to a child badly in need, but also clearly in one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Un fo r t u n a te l y, D r Rooney was unable to attend the ceremony last week, with the prize accepted on his behalf by some of his colleagues at Clear Dental Care.

The awards, which were attended by more than 360 people at the

Dr Oonagh Coughlan; Lauren McClory, practice manager; and Dr Bebhinn Kelleher, all from the Clear Dental Care practice, accepted the award on behalf of Dr Patrick Rooney (right). Picture: Maxwells

Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road on Saturday night, enable patients to nominate dentists who have provided them with dental care above and beyond

their expectations.

The Irish Dental Association received more than 1,000 nominations from dental patients all across the country.

Picture: Dentistry.ie

POLITICS

Fianna Fail in call for action over climate

FIANNA Fail spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Jack Chambers, has called on Minister Richard Bruton to immediately produce promised climate legislation to ensure reductions in emissions.

Deputy Chambers’ comments came after the publication of the Climate Change Performance Index which shows that, while Ireland is no longer ranked last in the EU, it remains among the poorest performers in addressing climate change targets.

Deputy Chambers said: “It is shameful and hugely damaging to our international reputation that this expert analysis again shows up Ireland’s response as being completely inadequate to the climate crisis.”

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 12 December 2019

FASTNews

New bridge is on way for the city centre in 2021 PLANS have been unveiled for a new bridge across the Liffey, which will be open exclusively to cyclists and pedestrians.

It will be situated between the Samuel Beckett and Tom Clarke (East Link) bridges, near the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Ireland.

The bridge will include a two-way cycle lane in the middle, with footpaths on either side. The bridge will be named the Blood Stoney Bridge, after Bindon Blood Stoney, the man who designed the quay walls at the Liffey, Grattan Bridge, O’Connell Bridge, and Butt Bridge.

It is expected that construction will take 18 months, and will begin in 2021.

GAMBLING: A WIN FOR PLAYERS AS THEY CAN NOW KEEP 75% OF WINNINGS, NOT 50%

Bingo protest results in a huge jackpot RACHEL D’ARCY and GARY IBBOTSON

THE GOVERNMENT has agreed to not cut bingo winnings after protestors demonstrated outside Dail Eireann last week.

In a new bill, large bingo competitions would only be allowed to pay out 50% of their takings in prize money, but this has now been revised to 75%.

However, 25% of all takings will still have to go to charitable organisations.

After the protest took place, Deputy Martin Kenney (SF) proposed the amendment to the legisla-

tion, which was accepted

by Minister of State David Stanton (FG) despite originally saying no revisions to the Bill would be made.

“There was a very organised lobby by the commercial bingo operators against this bill, but the main objection being put forward was that there was a cap of 50% of takings at any licenced bingo game being allocated to prizes,” said Deputy Kenny.

“My simple amendment changed that 50% to 75%, leaving it at the discretion of the operators as to how much they give as prizes.”

About 50 bingo players protested the initially proposed changes, which was organised by the Save Our Bingo campaign. The group said that the original bill would mean the “closure of every bingo hall in Ireland”.

The Bill and the protest were discussed in Dail Eireann the day after last week’s demonstration, with Deputy Jim O’Callaghan saying that the bill had not been explained properly to people.

He said: “Women from Pearse Street play bingo in St Andrew’s Resource Cen-

Protesters outside the Dail last week, ahead of the decision to amend the Bill on gambling. Picture: Maxpix

tre at least once a week, and they derive great enjoyment from it.

“If I can level some degree of criticism at the Minister of State, the legislation has not been

explained well to people.

“The word has gone abroad that the Bill will, in some way, shut down bingo halls throughout the country.”

The amended Bill has

been sent to the Seanad for further consideration.

Smaller competitions, where the total prize money is less than €5,000, are not affected by the new law.

12 December 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

SPORT: COSTELLO REFERS TO ST ANNE’S PARK DEVELOPMENT ISSUE IN ANNUAL REPORT

Dublin GAA chief calls for green spaces to be saved RACHEL D’ARCY

JOHN COSTELLO, the Dublin GAA chief executive, has said that the difficulties in procuring facilities in Dublin for the GAA has become “enormous”, calling for any green space to remain as such.

Costello made the points in the Dublin GAA Annual Report, published last Thursday. He has

called on local councils and the Government to ensure that any existing amenity space is kept as such, saying that not all green space should be used for housing and industry.

“I think the very least that can be done in this regard is that the Government and city councils should ensure that any existing amenity space is kept as amenity space.

“We should surely at least hold on to the little we have.

“This could be enshrined in law or a bye-law and this would then prevent the type of development speculation that goes on when any such land comes on the market. This speculation and intention or expectation to build drives prices to exorbitant levels.

“The prices are affordable

only to developers who seek to develop high-density housing and apartments on the land,” Costello wrote.

He refers in particular to the playing pitches near St Anne’s Park, which are at threat at being developed into housing under developer plans.

A submission has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala for 650 apartments on the for-

mer playing fields of St Paul’s College, which is adjacent to the park.

Costello further wrote: “St Anne’s Park is an iconic Dublin amenity. The last thing a growing club like Clontarf needs is to lose playing pitches.

“The last thing the community needs is to lose more green space to apartments which will bring more people to an area

Ballymun library makes major accessibility changes

BALLYMUN LIBRARY has recently implemented a number of changes, following a survey by members of the Older Persons Council.

The survey was conducted to discover existing issues, and to see what could be addressed to make the library a more age-friendly place.

Amendments made include improving accessibility, adding a second disabled parking space, installing automatic doors and fitting improved lighting.

Paving outside was replaced and a park bench installed for visitors to admire enhanced landscaping.

Large print books and audiobooks are also now being promoted, with reading glasses also available in the library now

Duo-mendous style at the ball IAN Begley and Eric Wan looked very dapper at the recent second annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards

Ball. Held in the Ballsbridge Hotel, the black tie event honours humanitarian achievements while raising vital funds

for vulnerable children and families both at home and overseas. Picture: Conor Healy/Picture It Photography

that would now have reduced amenity space.

Legal intervention ... would stop the [site] speculation and safeguard the precious facilities we have. What we have we should hold! I can also assure the Government that any investment in GAA facilities will produce a massive return.”

To read the full report, see DublinGAA.ie.

Ellen Reddin, Aisling Murray (senior librarian), Moira McSweeney, Reinhild Christy (librarian), Maureen Hayes and Geraldine Gough

for those that require them.

Work continues on the new building, but the library say that feedback to the initial changes has been positive.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 12 December 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Julian Capolei as ‘Aladdin’. Joe Conlan as Widow Twankey and Michael Joseph as Wishee Washee. Pictures: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Gaiety panto was a hit for everyone T

HE ONLY thing Wishee Washy about this year’s Gaiety Christmas Panto was a character by the same name, as the theatre welcomed a star-studded audience to a terrific, vibrant production of Aladdin. A whole host of familiar and famous faces were in attendance with their friends and family members, but all eyes were firmly fixed on the stage for a particularly accomplished production that delighted the audience. Running until the middle of January, Aladdin looks set to entertain panto fans of all ages until it closes well into the new year.

Lorraine Keane and Romy Devlin

Grace and Maggie Cassidy and Caroline Grace Cassidy

Jennifer Zamparelli and her daughter Florence

Audrey McDonald and Tom Dunne

Laura Woods with her sons Mark and Ben

Keith and Mairead Barry with kids Breanna and Braden

12 December 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

CROOK CONFESSED CRIME TO GARDA

VIOLENCE

Man sentenced for Rathmines robbery

SF call for parties to back bill

A ROBBER who admitted his crime after being stopped by a garda who noticed him cycling his bike through a red light has been jailed.

Stephen Whelan (36), of St Anthony’s Road, Rialto, was asked why he had thrown a phone under a car by the garda, who had signalled him to stop in order to speak to him about the manner in which he was cycling.

Whelan replied: “I am not going to lie to you, garda. I am just after robbing a guy in Rathmines.”

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Whelan, who was under serious pressure due to a drug debt, brought gardai to the spot where the offence had occurred and retrieved the victim’s wallet from a nearby wheelie bin.

Whelan, who has 68 previous convictions, apologised for the robbery and said he had robbed the first person he saw after being put under pressure by the people to whom he owed money.

Whelan pleaded guilty to robbery and production of a knife in Rathmines on September 2, 2018.

Whelan took the stand and told Judge Martin Nolan he wished to reform himself and get a job.

“I have been in and out of jail all my life, it’s not working for me,” said Whelan.

“I am coming out with nothing to do and going back to the same routine.

“I would like to change that with your help,” he told Judge Nolan.

He said he was very

sorry for what he had done and it was due to a drug debt.

Ju d g e No l a n s a i d Whelan had made the case against himself when confronted by the garda.

He noted Whelan needed “quick money” due to a drug debt and this was the only way he could think of raising money.

He n o te d W h e l a n wants to reform himself, but said he could not accede to a defence submission to impose a suspended sentence.

Judge Nolan imposed a two and a half year sentence and suspended the final 14 months.

He said the sentence would have been longer if Whelan had not dealt with the gardai in such an open way.

Tree-mendous goodwill for all over at Aras an Uachtarain PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, were delighted to help children sing some Christmas carols as they all turned on the Christmas lights at Aras an Uachtarain last weekend. Thanking the children for helping to make it such a memorable moment, President Higgins expressed his good wishes for all children and their families across the nation in the coming weeks. Picture:Maxwells

SINN FEIN leader Mary Lou McDonald is seeking cross-party support for domestic violence leave legislation, introduced in the Dail last week.

Speaking after the Oireachtas Briefing last Thursday, the Deputy McDonald said: “There is a growing recognition that domestic violence is a workplace issue.

“Domestic violence often follows victims into their place of work.

“In the absence of workplace polices, colleagues and managers are not equipped to support victims and ensure they are safe.

“Domestic violence leave would enable victims seek support, organise alternative accommodation or attend court dates without fear of losing their jobs.”

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 12 December 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Steve McCann and Paul McDonnell. Pictures: Andres Poveda

Sarita Johnston, Mick Bohan (manager of the Dublin Senior Ladies Football team) and Kim Connick. Pictures: Michael Chester

Evening focused on great business

Vivienne Reilly

Darren Kananagh and Keilidh Cashell

Melissa Riddell Elysia Hegarty, Amy Carr and Eadaoim Curtinat

T

HE WESTIN hotel played host to a glittering evening recently when it welcomed Network Ireland Dublin members for their annual Christmas lunch. The meal and networking event was a great way to celebrate the group’s successes and initiatives throughout the year, borne out by its increase in new members – up by 36% – along with the organising of many events for women in business. Corporate guests and SME business owners alike rubbed shoulders at the stylish event, all keen to continue developing their respective products and firms as 2020 looms.

Noelle de Barra, Blathnaid Evans and Rosanna Fiorenza

Claire Tenwick and Jennifer Wrynne

Conor Ryan and Ellie Kelly

Early Christmas cheer at the RDS T

Caroline Tyler and Mary Doherty

Sandra Healy and Viv Healy

Geberalla Lubambo and Deborah Murphy

HE ARRIVAL of the Coca Cola Christmas Truck proved a hit with onlookers and guests by the RDS recently, all wrapped up against the Winter chill but eager to see the iconic vehicle in place at the historic landmark. The visit was the first of the truck’s nationwide tour, bringing a dash of Christmas magic to venues all across the country – as well as highlighting what Coca Cola has in store for the coming year too, of course. As part of the company’s community focus this Christmas, all proceeds from its charity cart at the visit are going to its charity partner, St Vincent de Paul, making the truck and charity cart purchases well worth taking in this Christmas.

12 December 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

COURTS: JUDGE BLASTS “DREADFUL ASSAULT”; TELLS ACCUSED HE HAD DISGRACED HIMSELF

Fully suspended sentence for man who abused and attacked taxi driver A MAN who racially abused and attacked a taxi driver has received a fully suspended sentence.

Clive Mason (43), of The Close, Robswall, Malahide claimed to be a garda while attacking the man and demanded that he get out of the car.

Mason presented himself to gardai after footage of the assault began to circulate on social media and news websites.

Mason pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at Malahide Road, Donnycarney, on April 21, last.

Detective Garda Andrew Fox told Dara Hayes BL, prosecuting, that driver Samuel Banjoko Johnson was originally from Nigeria and was a chartered accountant by trade.

Mr Johnson became a full-time taxi driver as a result of the recession.

Det Gda Fox said that on the date in question, Mr Johnson picked up the

accused man on Baggot Street, who asked to be driven to his home in Malahide.

Mason was shouting from the start of the journey, leading Mr Johnson to pull over and ask him to leave the car. Mason apologised, shook Mr Johnson’s hand and the journey continued.

When the car had reached the Malahide Road, the accused asked Mr Johnson what his favourite position was. Mr Johnson said he did not understand the question.

“Do you know your position, you are a n****r,” said Mason.

Mason took off his seat belt and jumped on the wheel, causing the car to turn to the left side of the road. He began to punch Mr Johnson, catching him a couple of times in the face.

Footage taken from the taxi’s dash cam was played before the court. During the attack, Mason can be

A video still from the widely circulated dashcam footage which captured the aggressive, racist assault on the driver

heard saying “Drive me home you f*****g n****r c***” and claiming to be a garda while demanding Mr Johnson get out of the car.

Mason got out of the car and Mr Johnson locked all of the doors. Mason walked around to the driver’s door and attempted to open it, kicking the door when he failed to do so.

Det Gda Fox said that footage of the assault

began to circulate on social media and news websites.

Mason presented himself to a garda station the following weekend.

In interview with gardai, Mason said he was very drunk at the time and claimed this was not who he really was. Mason said the video was disgraceful and said he had no explanation for punching Mr Johnson in the head.

Mason has three previous convictions, including convictions for speeding, disorderly conduct and intoxication in a public place. He has two children.

Det Gda Fox agreed with Rebecca Smith BL, defending, that her client had €5,000 in court with him for the victim.

He said that Mr Johnson does not wish to accept that money and has issued

civil proceedings in the High Court against Mason.

Ms Smith said her client had been subjected to abuse online as a result of the video. She said this was “a very modern case”.

Judge Martin Nolan replied that while there being a video is modern, “attacking and being racist is as old as the hills”.

Judge Nolan said that Mr Johnson was racially

abused and subjected to “a racial attack”.

He said it was a “dreadful assault” and told Mason that he had disgraced himself.

He said the case was mitigated by Mason surrendering himself to gardai, making full admissions, his apology and his taking steps to reform and rehabilitate himself.

He said it seemed Mason should not drink, as when he is intoxicated he becomes bad tempered.

Judge Nolan sentenced Mason to 20 months’ imprisonment, which he suspended on condition that Mason keep the peace and be of good behaviour for 20 months and follow all directions of the Probation Service for six months.

He ordered that the €5,000 be handed over to the investigating garda and that if Mr Johnson does not wish to accept it, the garda should forward the money to a charity of his choice.

€15m Parcel Hub gets Phil’s stamp of approval AN POST recently opened David McRedmond, chief its new €15m Dublin Parcel executive of An Post, said: Hub in Clondalkin.

“This hub is a significant The 50,000 square metre investment in Ireland’s economic infrastructure, prologistics facility, located viding Irish business and at Oak Road, significantly consumers with the world’s increases An Post’s parcel most advanced technolprocessing capacity as the ogy, coupled with An Post’s company expands its global expertise. reach and digital capability.

“With more than 50% of The hub’s Beumer Tech- Phil Hogan applauds the first packages at the new hub nology enables 13,000 parIrish retail now online, the cels to be processed every hour and to see this investment to future-proof Dublin Parcel Hub sits right at the transforms the parcels operation its business model. centre of a new world order of global from a manual set-up to a 90% auto“In today’s globalised economy, trading and shopping for customers. mated process.

“The European Investment Bank it is imperative for any country ... to Following processing, parcels are invest in e-Commerce technologies, recently approved a €40 million loan despatched directly from the Dublin just as An Post is doing. to support An Post’s transformation Parcel Hub to local delivery units.

“The Dublin Parcel Hub will help strategy.

EU Trade Commissioner Phil to connect Irish businesses and con“We will invest this, and additional Hogan was on hand to help open the sumers to the world. By transform- funds, to rebuild our entire network ing its business model, An Post will over the next five years to remain in new facility last Friday, December 6.

Mr Hogan said: ‘’An Post is one of be supporting Ireland to harness the step with the rapidly emerging global the staples of Irish life and it is great winds of international trade.” e-Commerce landscape.”

Stylish quartet happy to help hospices all over the country PICTURED are Ann Corcoran, Noelle McCarthy, LouiseMcCarron and Helen McVerry, who were among the more than 200 guests that attended the Irish Hospice Foundation’s annual Never Forgotten lunch at The Intercontinental Dublin. The stylish ladies were delighted to support the event, which featured RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan as MC, and economist David McWilliams as the special guest speaker. The monies raised from the event are going towards supporting end-of-life and bereavement care all across Ireland. For further information, see www.hospicefoundation.ie. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 December 2019

DUBLIN GAZETTE EXCLUSIVE EXPOSE ON VULTURE FUNDS: PART 6 OF 7

All you ever need to know for Part 2 of 3 such articles drafted for us by a panel of legal and debt advocacy experts

More about the hearing in court

START by accepting that the Judge is not on the side of the Plaintiff’s barrister. That’s not how the system works.

If you’ve applied to the Legal Aid Centre for legal aid (you didn’t? why not?) ask the Court to postpone the Hearing until you receive a reply.

You might think you’ve got a good point about non-compliance with some Court rule, but you probably haven’t.

Because if you’re there, you’ve got all the other side’s documents, the case can go on straightaway (unless the Mediation Act hasn’t been complied with).

If you’ve only just received new documents from them, ask for an Adjournment to prepare a reply.

If you’re offered a three-month Adjournment to consult a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) (the

Court is supposed to offer this) take it, and consult a PIP. Then file an Affidavit setting out what he/she told you. Exhibit correspondence.

Did the Plaintiff’s barrister read out your Affidavits? All of them? That’s his or her job (He’s not giving evidence!).

But what if the Judge says “I’ve read your Affidavits,” and you doubt it? Be polite; ask whether the Judge has any questions you can help with.

Don’t feel you have to make a speech without notes. Write it out beforehand if you want to. If the Judge interrupts you, say (politely) that you haven’t finished.

Lost the case? Appeal? (Why not?) Ask for a “Stay” pending Appeal. Don’t miss the deadline (10 days, starting there and then).

Make an offer; Make two!

EXAMPLE: you can’t go far wrong if you follow the Insolvency model. But call this one: THE PSA: PERSONAL SOLVENCY ARRANGEMENT Over the next six years, you can pay the Vulture Fund interest and principal at the rate a retail bank would fix for a 25-year mortgage

securing a loan amount in the sum paid to the original Lender to buy your loan.

(Ask the Judge to ask the Vulture Fund how much they paid, that’s the Vulture Fund’s “investment”). And after six years? Renegotiate.

Nothings off the table.

More sample “Offers” next week!

Fight or Deal?

IT’S not an “either, or”: you can do both.

Good lawyers always come prepared for both.

And remember: you can win!

The best deals are struck after a fair fight. If you propose a deal it will be “without prejudice” to your fight arguments.

WRITE or SPEAK? Slightly more complicated.

Don’t go to Court without an Affidavit (or Affidavits). Just the bare facts, no law. You get your chance to debate the law on your feet in Court.

So the answer to the question “write or speak?” is you must do both. Do your best.

(TIP: List your fight points under the heading “Defence” and your deal proposals under the head-

ing “Proportionality”).

DEFENCES OF THE LEGAL VARIETY

The Courts are tired of hearing arguments about technical or paperwork issues. But they still may be valid points.

You do not lose the new “Boxer’s Proportionality” option by arguing these legal defences, such as in regards to the Plaintiff’s Title, the Jurisdiction of the Court, the Compliance with CCMA/MARP (including progressing a Mortgage-to-Rent solution) and, of course, whether any of the Terms of the Original Loan Facility were “unfair” - spell it out: The FACTS go in the Affidavit(s).

Where equities are equal, the law prevails DON’T forget this legal principle.

Were You or Are You a “strategic defaulter?” The law presumes that you are. You have to explain if that is not the case. Is the Vulture Fund evicting you to get a windfall (probably untaxable)?

Legal possibly, but certainly not ethical!

Prove that you’re not a strategic defaulter (FACTS: why you stopped paying; LAW: social force majeure) and equities are not equal. You’ve a headstart when it comes to “proportionality.”

made to you at the time. They remain enforceable (even if not in writing). The Vulture Fund cannot ignore them. But be honest with the Court - don’t make it up. If you genuinely think the Fund’s behaviour is not as you expected the previous Lender to act, say so.

(The facts go in the Affidavit(s)) Harassed? Treated like a nobody? Problems talking to the “credit servicers”?

Tell your story!

(The facts go in the Affidavit(s)) MORE UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR The Court will want answers from them.

Already restructured with the previous Lender?

Send emails and “exhibit” hard copies.

Warehousing capitalised arrears “subject to Their behaviour is no longer “irrelevant” when it review“ or some such arrangement? comes to Proportionality.

Good for you. You can enjoy the benefits of all of (The facts go in the Affidavit(s)) the assurances, undertakings and representations

JUDGE MARY LAFFOY has said that a Possession Order should only be made “where the Application was made bone fide with a view to realising a Plaintiff’s security.” - (EBS v Gillepsie 2012) Ask the Judge to ask the Vulture Fund how many unexecuted Possession Orders (or empty houses) they have on their files. These were Orders given on the strength of the Plaintiff’s undertaking to sell the houses.

But they haven’t. Aren’t these Orders now void?

Was the Court deceived?

12 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

dealing with vulture funds

Boxer Moran’s proportionality test A NEW box to be ticked! From this year, judges have to factor “proportionality” into repossession decisions.

This is because Independent T.D. Boxer Moran finally convinced the Government to pass his Bill amending the 2009 Act to make this major change in the law.

Problem is: there’s no user’s manual for the judges. Working out what’s proportionate and what’s disproportionate is going to be a work in progress for some time to come, and your ideas are as valid as the next person’s.

When you set out to achieve some aim, “X”, and you find that unavoidably you cannot avoid collateral damage to “Y”, you should minimise that side effect by measured and “proportionate” action.

“X” and “Y” cannot co-exist. “Y” must give way, but only to the extent necessary to give effect to “X”. If the law requires a “proportionate” outcome, that’s not an open discretion, it’s actually calculable.

achieve “X” but be less damaging to “Y”.

This balancing exercise is well known in Constitutional Law, for example in the area of compulsory purchase which eats into “Y”, the right to private property, in the interests of “X”, the Common Good.

Or it may be that in Boxer’s Bill the “X” is the (ECHR Article 8) Human Rights of the Person and his dependants (which, of course, they already have since 2003).

Or perhaps “X” includes BOTH the societal objective of keeping people in their homes, AND their individual Article 8 Human Right for the dignity of the individual.

And what is the Vulture Fund’s “Y”?

Its demand is simple: it is to recover its money.

But the Fund has no entitlement to a (probably untaxed) windfall. And it must behave with due regard to Corporate Social Responsibility.

In a proportionate outcome, the Vulture Fund can have no expectation of a green light for eviction and supernormal Here’s the thing: Boxer’s Bill doesn’t profits. actually say what “X” and “Y” are ! The But, that said, here is the most courts have to work that out by statutory important argument about interference interpretation techniques. with the rights of secured lenders and Perhaps “X” is the borrower staying the economic role played by rigorous in his home. The borrower will make an enforceability of mortgage contracts offer - his plan for “X” - having regard to underpinning the solvency of the bankall his circumstances. ing system.

The court has to consider whether The argument is that once the bank this offer cuts into the Vulture Fund’s has sold the loans to the vulture fund rights, “Y”, to a disproportionate extent there is no such need to underpin the and whether a different solution might solvency of the Vulture Funds!

UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS?

No point in questioning the fairness of terms in your facility/mortgage deed Ts and Cs without being specific.

Which terms? Why unfair? But on the other hand, if you are now in a restructured facility, that’s a new contract. Were the new terms fair?

Did you promise more than you could afford? Were you at that point a “vulnerable” consumer? Rebut the presumption against “non-est factum” (no informed intention to contract) by citing EU Law (the “Unfair Commercial Practices Directive” Article 5 or the proposed “Common European Sales Law” Article 51).

And did the Mortgagee comply with Directive 2014/17/EU “Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreements” (now in force in Ireland under S.I. 142 of 2016) at the time of the Loan Restructure Agreement?

THE LAW MAY BE ON YOUR SIDE!

You have forfeited your home by not paying the mortgage, but you are not alone in this predicament. All societies which use credit markets to sustain standards of living also have safety nets to allow for a fresh start after credit default. It’s a re-set button: the original lender sees its investment written down; the borrower must either lose his altogether or start afresh on a “can pay, will pay” basis.

Until Boxer’s Bill was enacted in August, we had no re-set button set out in the Law. Now the button (marked “Proportionality”) must be used by any Court dealing with Repossession cases.

But the Court hasn’t been instructed as to what factors it must consider: it’s a discretion. Your case will be one of thousands. Over time a picture will emerge.

When a Court has an “unfettered” discretion, it doesn’t mean it controls the dialogue. It’s open to you to put forward your ideas and proposals. You must give the Court the facts it should consider, in your view. You can’t be denied that. But please be realistic.

THE EXTENDED REDEMPTION OPTION (“ERO”) THINK ten years. Affordable monthly payments are not credited to your mortgage loan account, but instead held in escrow, and at the end of that period the total paid is returned to you as your deposit when you go to get a mortgage from a bank to buy back (“redeem”) the house at it’s market value.

The deposit lump sum “rests in your account” briefly, and is then paid again to the vulture fund as part of a “full and final” redemption. (You can assign your right to redeem at this point.) Residual arrears (if any) on the mortgage account are written off. The ten year deposit period will be cut short if you default at any point, and your savings will be forfeit.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 December 2019

DUBLIN BUSINESS WOMEN Our new, monthly insight into Dublin’s most successful women

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

Nutrition and sport go hand in hand with Kate’s focus High-performance consultancy feeds the body and mind with a focused and practical approach to each individual KATE MCDAID is what can truly be called ‘a true sports person’.

She is a health and performance nutritionist who runs a high-performance nutrition consultancy called NutriKate which is based in Deansgrange, which she founded in 2017.

She works closely with individuals, highperforming teams and corporations to help them achieve their health and performance goals.

Kate is also the performance nutritionist for the Dublin Senior Ladies, and the Longford Senior Men’s football team, and has been for the past two seasons.

She works with people on a one-to-one basis to improve their health, performance and/or body

composition (such as weight loss or muscle gain), as well as delivering nutrition seminars, workshops and drop-in clinics for corporate entities.

Kate also plays basketball for Trinity Meteors at the National League level, and has played and captained the Irish basketball team.

To demonstrate her allround skills as a sports person, she recently took up Gaelic football with Kilmacud Crokes, with whom she plays over the

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

summer months.

She completed an MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition at Loughborough University after she studied Food Science for four years at UCD. As well as working tirelessly with the Longford men’s footballers and the Dublin ladies team, and keeping the flag of her professional nutrition consultancy, NutriKate, flying high, Kate spends the vast majority of her time getting her athletes, and other clients, ready for battle.

Her philosophy is simple, yet effective: correct nutrition practices should be individual, easy, attainable and affordable.

She strives to cut through the nonsense and deliver advice and content that holds truth, practicality and relevance.

Health and performance nutritionist, and the founder of NutriKate, Kate McDaid

“

We believe that the correct nutrition practices should be easy, attainable and affordable, and that’s exactly what I’ve created with the services we provide at NutriKate Having captained and competed at international and province level in basketball, the importance of nutrition has long been apparent to the health and performance nutritionist.

The values that sport

embedded in Kate’s life – such as goal-setting, empowerment, ambition, determination and hard work – perfectly complement the values and targets that can be achieved through a ppropriate nutrition and well-being

practices.

Similar to how no two sporting careers are the same, nutrition and the mantra that underpins NutriKate ensures that advice provided to Kate’s clients are bespoke and specific to each individu-

al and their needs.

These values are something Kate looks to incorporate into the work she currently does as Head of Performance Nutrition with both of the sports teams that she’s involved with.

ARE YOU A SUCCESSFUL DUBLIN BUSINESS WOMAN? EACH month, DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS are focusing on the promotion of Dublin Business Women.

We will be highlighting the vast talent that is Dublin Business Women. We will be talking to YOU about YOUR journey, where you are

in your business and about your plans. We’ll focus on what have been your obstacles, how you overcame them, and why you went into business and where you see yourself going.

Employees who are working for companies will also be promoted.

We want to hear YOUR story.

If you or any advertiser would like to be involved with this new DBW concept, and to be part of a sponsorship option, please contact Liz Ferris at her email below.

Commercial Director: Liz Ferris • lferris@dublingazette.com • 01 601 0240

12 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 December 2019

DUBLIN

STYLE P19

MAGAZINE MUSIC P21

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE STEVE MCQUEEN TO LOVE FORD’S MUSTANG BULLITT P20

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

‘Frozen 2’ was a cool hit with fans

Picture: Fintan Clarke

THERE were great smiles all round at the Savoy Cinema in the city centre recently when St Michael’s House held its annual Christmas matinee.

There was great excitement over this year’s film – Frozen 2 – which was a huge hit with the excited audience.

As one of Ireland’s largest providers of community based services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, St Michael’s House staff were joined by a team of volunteers from Fujitsu, with more than 500 children and adults enjoying the private screening.

Pictured are (back) Tony O’Malley, chief executive, Fujitsu; Frozen 2 characters Elsa and Olaf; (front) St Michael’s House service users from Dublin, Tonto Tumenbayar (10), Katie Flynn (11) and Dionne McGarry (11); bookended by Aoife Moore and Deborah Wiseman.

12 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 December 2019

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N

COOL AND QUIRKY THINGS

BITS & BOBS

Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

GUINNESS have teamed up with An Post to help spread some Christmas cheer, with an initiative not only encouraging people to reach out to their loved ones, but to help support ALONE’s work with older citizens. Special Guinness postcard beermats (available with the purchase of a Guinness) invite patrons to send a postcard from more than 100 pubs across the country, including Toners and Bonobo in Dublin, with Guinness making a donation to help support ALONE with each postcard sent.

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the City Gazette, Fingal Gazette, South Gazette and West Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Police arrest a drunk who’d skipped work to rob own workplace POLICE in Georgia say a man who called out of his shift a local restaurant because he was “intoxicated,” showed up a couple of hours later and demanded money while holding a co-worker at gun-point.

The Gainesville Times reports Kentarias Gowans (20) is charged with offenses including aggravated assault.

Police investigator Todd Templeton says Gowans called the restaurant on Thanksgiving, saying he would not be able to make it to work – but later that night, he held the establishment up at gunpoint.

Police say responding officers arrived to see employees running from the business, which had customers at the time.

Police say an apparently still intoxicated Gowans briefly raised the gun at officers before dropping it.

He was arrested after a brief struggle during which a stun gun was used.

Not the best present for a baby: a rifle

Yoda-n’t want to tweet mean things about him

A CANADIAN man was recently put in ‘Twitter jail’ for wishing that current pop culture sensation, Baby Yoda, would die a painful death.

Will Sloan, a podcaster from Canada, jokingly tweeted : “I actually hope [Baby Yoda, above] dies painfully.” Within 20 minutes, the podcaster said Twitter notified him that he violated their rules against abuse and harassment.

Sloan told CTVNews.ca that his temporary account lock-down – where he couldn’t post or favourite tweets for a week – was like being in ‘Twitter jail’. He also told CTVNews that he doesn’t plan to wish pain on Baby Yoda again. but that he’ll take other fictional characters “[on] a case-by-case basis”.

TOYS, walkers, clothes, semi-automatic rifles – wait, what?

That’s exactly what the father-to-be thought when he opened a gift at a baby shower in Florida last week.

Veronica Alvarez-Rodriguez and her husband were on their way to a shower last week when they popped into a Florida Goodwill shop.

Alvarez-Rodriguez found an unopened and seemingly brand-new bouncer for $9.99. ’’ It was like the perfect gift for the baby shower,” she said.

However, when the father-to-be opened the gift, he found a loaded semi-automatic rifle. Shocked, the couple rang Crestview Police Department, and although the man was initially allowed to keep the weapon, the department asked him to hand it in the next day.

It is still not clear how the gun got into the box, and Goodwill would not comment on the matter.

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog of the week is Maura, a gentle four-year-old female Jack Russel Terrier that is looking for a patient, caring family that will give her time and space to settle into her new home.

As Maura is very timid, she is looking for a fam-

ily to befriend her in our Rehoming Centre before she makes the big move to her new home.

Her ideal home would be quiet, with a family who have time to help her grow in confidence.

At the moment she is finding life much easier to cope with when she has a doggie pal, but once she gets to know you, she wants all your attention.

If you have room in

your heart and home for Maura then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

maura

12 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

GLITZ AND GLAM

HOME & STYLE

New Benetton concession opens in Arnotts this month UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON have opened a brand new in-store concession at Arnotts, one of the newest additions to the ever expanding womenswear department, just in time for Christmas.

The new concession showcases United Colors of Benetton’s latest collection, which draws on the brand’s ultra-bright colour palette and features well-known cartoon characters including Snoopy and Mickey Mouse.

Catherine McDonagh, District Manager Ireland at Benetton Group, said: “Arnotts is Dublin’s most famous, historic and well-regarded department store – and we’re delighted to launch this concession and continue to build our presence

across the country.

Customers can look forward to the full United Colors of Benetton fashion experience in one of the best shopping destinations in Dublin city centre.”

Audrey Owens, Business Development Director at Arnotts said: “The womenswear offering at Arnotts aims to meet the demands of the modern Irish woman of every age and we will continue to do this with the newest addition of United Colors of Benetton.

“The eco-friendly ethos of the brand is an element we very much welcome, with their journey towards 100% sustainability by 2025 being something we will support.”

Master your look with this new palette

Molly-Mae jumpsuit, €85, Pretty Little Thing; Velvet Bardot Dress €77.50, Simply Be; Molly-Mae Emerald Green wide leg trouser. €35, Emerald Green Satin Corset Blazer, €58, Pretty Little Thing; Velvet Maxi Dress €85, Simply Be

 Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor THERE’S TONS of new styles and pieces on the market in the run up to Christmas.

With all kinds of events on the cards for people over the next fortnight, it’s clear that there will be three massive contenders this party season sequins and glitter make an appearance in a big way, both for December 25 and New Years Eve, as

well as velvet having a heavy appearance in styles across the high street.

Satin is also a huge player in the style stakes this festive season, proving a comfortable and wearable fabric that also appears luxurious, too.

We’ve taken some of our top picks from Simply Be and PrettyLittleThing, all of which are available now on SimplyBe.ie and PrettyLittleThing.ie – the perfect excuse for some online shopping!

beauty review

’Tis the season for pine  Jessica Maile

features plant extracts including rose-

I LOVE this time of year! The Christmas

mary, black tea and sea salt with a scent

decorations, hot chocolate and the

that can’t help but make you happy. I

search for the best gifts for loved ones.

highly recommend!

But it’s also a time to treat yourself, too!

Stone Pine Sea Salt Cleansing Gel

So in the spirit of the season, I decided

200ml is available from Dr Hauschka

that treat would be Dr Hauschka’s Stone

stockists nationwide now for a special

Pine Sea Salt Cleansing Gel.

introductory price of €19.95.

This soothing clear gel is ideal for my extremely early cleansing routine. It is

For details of your local Dr. Hauschka

refreshing yet very kind to your skin. It

stockist, log onto www.drh.ie

FOLLOWING ON from original BPerfect Cosmetics x LMD Master Palette back in 2017, the company have just launched the LMD Remastered palette in time for Christmas.

The original collaboration with expert make-up artist Louise McDonnell was one of BPerfect’s most popular collections to date, so hopes are high for the new palette.

The LMD Remastered Palette is versatile,

featuring 15 face and eye powders perfect for sculpting, highlighting and blush.

It features colours from the original palette that are more pigmented than before, and four fabulous new shades to match.

Louise McDonnell said: “I designed this palette to be a go-to daily make-up essential, that would have a place in everyone’s cosmetics bag.

The beauty of the shades I have selected, is that they are so versatile, meaning they can be used

A spellbinding new collection from Pandora PANDORA HAVE launched their new collaboration, inspired by the iconic Harry Potter films.

The capsule collection is comprised of 12 hand-finished products, all inspired

by Harry and his wizarding adventures at Hogwards.

Harry and his two best friends, Ron and

Hermione, are brought to life as sterling silver charms, while other recognisable symbols from both the books and movies appear throughout the collection, including the famous Golden snitch.

The collection is available online at Pandora.net, or in Pandora stores across Dublin.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 December 2019

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Straight to the top with a

Bullitt

Once upon a time, box-shaped cars ruled the roost in motoring – how things have changed

The how and why we’ve drifted away from box shapes to ‘curvier’ vehicles DECLAN GLYNN

if you can afford it, Ford’s new limited edition Mustang Bullitt is set to be just as much of a classic in years to come as the film it pays homage to – what a beauty!

DECLAN GLYNN

THE multi award-winning 1968 cops and robbers film, Bullitt, is noted for its car chase scene through the streets of San Francisco, and is regarded as one of the most influential car chases in movie history.

Now, more than half a century later, Ford are paying homage to the iconic film, with a limitededition Mustang Bullitt, which is guaranteed to be a future classic.

Finished in stunning Dark Highland Green metallic paint, this is a proper old-skool muscle car in every way.

The magnificent 5.0litre V8 petrol engine in the Mustang Bullitt has been allowed to breathe much

more freely thanks to a huge new air filter, bigger throttle bodies, and an allnew exhaust.

T h i s re s u l t s i n a 14bhp hike in power (to 453bhp/460PS), plus a thumping 529Nm of torque.

But, the Bullitt’s V8 engine feels and sounds very different to anything we have experienced from Ford in the past, and is a genuine masterpiece of mechanical engineering.

Taking just 4.6 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h, the naturally-aspirated engine in the Mustang Bullitt is capable of reaching a limited top speed of 263km/h (where permitted).

A standard six-speed manual gearbox (complete

with a white cue ball gear knob) features a new auto-blip on downshifts, thereby eliminating the need to master the art of ‘heel and toe’ footwork, because the electronics take care of that instead.

My Fo rd Mu s ta n g Bullitt test car attracted a huge amount of admiring glances no matter where I drove, while the terrific sound coming from the car’s engine and exhaust really set pulses racing.

The front grille of the Bullitt is devoid of any badging, leading to a level of intrigue, as fellow motorists wonder what brand of performance car is behind them, as they look in their car’s rear-view mirror.

On the road, the Bullitt

feels unsurprisingly solid, while the slick manual gearbox is extremely well suited to the Bullitt’s magnificent engine.

However, the best aspect about the Bullitt on the move is what it sounds like, especially when you reach the final 2,000rpm of the rev range.

The engine feels a lot sharper than the regular V8 – producing a monster

soundtrack to go with it.

Large Brembo brake calipers ensure that the Bullitt stops as effectively as it goes, while the car’s chassis feels well damped, and controlled, on every road surface.

While the Ford Mustang is priced from €49,896 (ex-works), the limitededition Mustang Bullitt is priced from €73,092 (ex-works).

Renault presents a ‘Popemobile’ to Francis CAR manufacturer Groupe Renault has given as a gift a Dacia Duster 4x4 to his Holiness, Pope Francis, specially designed for the mobility needs of the Pope.

The vehicle was delivered by Christophe Dridi, managing director of Groupe Renault Romania, and chief executive of Automobile Dacia SA; and by Xavier Martinet, general manager of Groupe Renault Italy, during a visit to the Pope’s residence in The Vatican.

The ‘Popemobile’ has a white outer livery with beige interiors. The model, based on Dacia Duster, is 4.34 metres long and 1.80 metres wide.

The vehicle integrates specific solutions and accessories specially designed to make it suitable for the uses for which it will be intended by the Vatican: large sunroof, removable glass superstructure, and a ground clearance that’s 30mm lower than normal.

IT IS a very true saying that “time brings changes”, and nowhere is it more noticable than in the automotive industry.

You only need to look at cars from 20 or so years ago to see how far car design has come.

I am a regular attendee at classic car shows in Dublin, and I love drooling over some magnificent cars from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

There was a time when boxy designs were all the fashion, but the problem was that this was taken to extremes by a variety of car manufacturers, with the result that a lot of cars started to look fairly similar.

Ta ke t h e c l a s s i c Austin 1100 body shell, for example; the very same body was available b a d g e d a s a n MG , Wolseley, Riley, Morris, Vanden Plas, Innocenti and Austin.

That is seven incarnations of the one body style!

The only differences between all these models was engine and trim options – otherwise, the running gear was pretty much unaltered.

T h a n k f u l l y, t h i s extreme type of bodysharing does not go on in these modern times.

However, some people will say that they feel that modern cars are beginning to look alike, but the reason for this is simple; modern car

designs are heavily influenced by curves instead of squares, which results in ‘fluidic’ design, giving the impression that a car is actually moving – even when it is stationary.

The role of a modernday car designer is becoming ever more demanding due to the fact that there are so many things that have to be taken into account before the designer puts pencil to paper.

There is a huge desire from car manufacturers to make their products more economical than their rivals, and the designers are required to make the exterior shape of the new car ‘slippery’ so that there is less resistance to drag which, in turn, improves fuel economy and makes the car more resistant to wind noise when travelling at speed.

It is also important to incorporate required levels of safety equipment into these designs without compromising style.

In these modern times, many customers will base their buying decision on how a car looks, so this is crucial from a designer’s point of view.

With such a change in car design over the past couple of decades, it will be interesting to see where car design leads us over the next few decades.

One thing is for sure – be prepared for change ...

12 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

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

ENTERTAINMENT

The Brother’s Movement A CULT INDIE CLASSIC RETURN

AFTER an almost decadelong break, once buzz-laden Tallaght indie rock act The Brother’s Movement are returning for a one-off show this Christmas – or at least, that’s the official line.

There are already hints, you see, of a broader return.

Nothing’s set in stone, but there are enough little jokey lines throughout our quick chat with frontman Daniel Paxton that suggest that rehearsals have proven a whole lot of fun, and just lead to something more than a one-night nostalgia trip.

“We always said we’d

 JAMES HENDICOTT

come back and do some shows if we were still on talking terms, and we felt that we didn’t sound dated,” said Paxton, who has since played a key part in the output of popular rockers Sweet Jane, and later Buffalo Sunn.

“We’re doing it to mark the ten-year occasion, really.

“We’re in a few different bands now between

GOINGOUTOUT

us. We worked hard on that Brother’s Movement album, and spent a lot of cash on recording it in Philadelphia.

“We were very proud of it. There’s no pressure, which is the beauty of this show.

“At the time, we always had that aim of getting something more from it, making a career. Now it’s just for the pure enjoyment of playing the songs.”

The rehearsals weren’t always easy, but things are coming together.

“At first, the rehearsals weren’t good, to be honest

with you,” Paxton says.

“But after about three or four shows, things started coming together.

“We actually sound a hell of a lot better than I remember, because we used to be in this pokey little room.

“Having a really good PA and actually being able to hear each other play definitely helps. Plus, we’re a little bit older and wiser, and don’t need to have the amps turned up to 11 all the time to make the point we’re trying to make.

“There is one song we’ve been leaving until last.

DECEMBER 12 (THURSDAY)

The Coronas @ The Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Junior Brother @ Whelan’s, €15 Greywind @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15

DECEMBER 13 (FRIDAY)

Villagers @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Ham Sandwich @ Whelan’s, €25 The Wha @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 The Coronas @ The Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT

It’s ten minutes long and instrumental, and it takes a bit of working out, it has so many twists and turns.

“A few of them took a little while, but once we figured them out, they came good.

“We enjoyed the process of looking at how we did it back then, and it came back to us.”

In their earlier incarnation, The Brother’s Movement were signed to Rocket Girl records in the UK, and widely expected to go on and make an impact more substantial than they actually did, having

Fangclub @ The Workman’s Club, €17

DECEMBER 14 (SATURDAY)

Ham Sandwich @ Whelan’s, €25 Blue Hawaii @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 The Coronas @ The Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Villagers @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT The Scratch @ The Button Factory, SOLD OUT Milk @ The Workman’s Club, €14

evolved from a band called Mainline and garnered substantial hype.

They played support to the likes of The Jesus and Mary Chain, Doves, Sonic Youth, The Chemical Brothers and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

The band lasted only three years before going their separate ways.

“We all started to not get on at a certain point,” Paxton says of their demise.

“The pressures of holding down full-time work and doing the band were hard.

“Two of us wanted to get

on with our lives, so it got pretty stressful. We were doing tours with people not talking.

“We were always fine on stage, but as soon as the amps were turned off, it wasn’t so good.

“Recording the album and doing a couple of tours afterwards took its toll on us a little bit.

“I ended up leaving first, and the lads did another tour without me.

“I think, after that, they just had enough. It was all the stuff you read about, really. It’s water under the bridge now.”

DECEMBER 15 (SUNDAY)

Soda Blonde @ Whelan’s, €17 Bjorn Again @ The Olympia Theatre, €38

Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €43+ Mark Lanegan Band @ The Button Factory, SOLD OUT

DECEMBER 16 (MONDAY)

DECEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY)

Sam Fender @ The Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Soda Blonde @ Whelan’s, €17 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €43+

DECEMBER 17 (TUESDAY)

Hudson Taylor @ Whelan’s, €29

Hudson Taylor @ Whelan’s, €29 The Vibes @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €7 Inhaler @ The Button Factory, SOLD OUT David O’Doherty @ The Sugar Club, SOLD OUT

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 12 December 2019

DUBLIN SENIORS

This week, we look at the importance of eating well, medical cards for seniors and the Cold Weather Initiative

Understanding the importance of eating well EATING well is important for all of us. It helps us to stay as healthy as we can be. But many of us find it hard to eat well every day.

Only one-third of people in Ireland eat the recommended amount of vegetables, salads and fruit each day.

Many people eat less healthy foods such as chocolate, cakes and crisps on a daily basis.

In Ireland, 62% of the adult population is overweight or obese. 1 in 4 children aged 7 is either overweight or obese.

Benefits of eating healthily When you eat well, you reduce your chance of developing certain diseases. If you have children, you’re also more likely to pass on good eating habits to them.

Good eating habits can lead to: • a healthy body weight • a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer • a healthy cholesterol level • an improved sense of wellbeing Diet, nutrition and your body Foods are made up of nutrients. Protein, fat and vitamins are types of nutrients. Your body needs the right mix of nutrients to be healthy and well.

Different foods contain different nutrients.

Choosing a mixture of foods every day will help you get to get all the nutrients you need to grow and be healthy.

This is what it means to eat a balanced diet.

Foods that contain the same types of nutrients are grouped together as: • vegetables, salads and fruit • wholemeal cereals and bread, potatoes, pasta and rice • reduced-fat or low-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese • lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts • fats, spreads and oils Food also gives you the fuel (calories) you need for your body to work.

If you take in more calories than you use, you’ll put on weight and become overweight.

If you don’t take in enough calories, you’ll be underweight. Either is bad for your health.

Making small changes to your diet can make big differences to your health now and in the future.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul Mc Auliffe, launched Dublin City Council and ALONEs cold weather campaign outside Bewleys Café on Grafton Street, alongside ALONE service users Paul Hynes and Don Johnson. Picture: Jason Clarke Alone

Lord Mayor launches Cold Weather Initiative LORD Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe, launched Dublin City Council and ALONE’s cold weather campaign outside Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street last week.

Cllr McAuliffe said: “The colder winter months can be a difficult time for many people who are vulnerable and may be feeling isolated.

“We are appealing to all Dubliners, and indeed people across the country to be mindful of older people in our communities who may live alone or be at risk of struggling with loneli-

ness, health difficulties or fuel poverty.

“This campaign represents the community and the whole city working together to make a difference in the lives of older people, many of whom face worries about warmth, shelter and essentials, such as food and medication at this time of year.

“I am confident that Dubliners will respond with our usual sense of kindness, compassion and goodness.”

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented: “Colder temperatures can have a seri-

ous impact on the health and safety of older people, and Ireland has among the highest levels of excess winter mortality in Europe.

“We regularly work with older people who don’t have central heating, live in challenging housing conditions, and even people who have used their free travel and stayed on buses and trains during the day to keep warm.

“It’s really important that we reach out to people who may be finding things difficult due to ill health, financial worries, or

housing difficulties.

“We hope that by spreading this message and by reaching out, more people will stay safe and well this winter.”

Mr Moynihan continued: “According to reports by TILDA, around 1 in 10 older people have problems heating their home, and nearly half have experienced problems with damp, mould or mildew.

“We encourage anyone who may be concerned about their own wellbeing or someone else’s to reach out for assistance from ALONE if needed.

MEDICAL CARD FOR SENIORS If you are 70 or over, you qualify for a medical card, if your gross income is: • not more than €500 a week if you are single • not more than €900 a week for a couple If you are 70 or over, you qualify for a GP visit card, if your gross income is: • over €500 but not greater than €700 if you are single • over €900 but not greater than €1,400 a

week if you are part of a couple You can’t include expenses such as rent, medicines and healthcare costs in your application.

Apply online For couples: If one of you is aged 70 or older, you will both qualify for a medical card, if your combined gross income is €900 or less a week.

If one of you is aged 70 or older, you will

both qualify for a GP visit card, if your combined gross income is over €900, but not greater than €1,400 a week.

Medical conditions and costs If you have any long-term medical conditions, you must include a medical report from your doctor or consultant.

If you have high medical costs and you do not qualify for an over 70s card, you can apply for a general medical card or GP visit card.

12 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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12 December 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

BASKETBALL P29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

BANG ON FORM: SOCCER: BANGOR GG face a difficult

trip to Cork city to face Ringmahon Rangers in the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup after seeing off Castleknock Celtic on Friday night.

Goals from Oisin McMenamin, Darren Goode, Jordan Andre and substitute Andy Dunne saw John Scott’s side to a comfortable win in this refix.



GAZETTE

ATHLETICS P30

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS SWIMMNG | RYAN, HYLAND, COYNE AND MAYNE ON FORM

Dublin stars shine at Euro short course  sport@dublingazette.com

NAC Swim Club’s Shane Ryan claimed Ireland’s second medal at the LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships in Glasgow in the 50m backstroke.

Ryan, World Bronze medallist in the event in 2018, produced an outstanding performance to again finish in third place in 23.12, faster than his heat (23.16) and semi-final (23.21) swims earlier in the day.

The 25-year-old joins a growing list of Irish medallists from this Championships including Mona McSharry – from earlier in this gala – Grainne Murphy, Andrew Bree and Barry Murphy.

A delighted Ryan commented ‘I’m really happy that I’m bringing home something to Ireland. It’s been a tough day of racing but I’m happy to come away with the bronze and to end the meet with a strong finish as part of the Ireland Relay’.

Among other highlights, he also

reached the 100m backstroke final with a new Irish Senior Record of 50.42 to finish in 6th place overall.

The swim was the 25-year-old’s first senior international final in an Olympic distance, and this bodes well for an Olympic year almost upon us. Ryan had progressed to the Final with an Irish record in the heats of 50.45 and a time of 50.48 in the semi-final.

Tallaght’s Brendan Hyland started off a busy week with a 52.00 swim in the 100m butterfly heats before he joined the Irish record train with a big swim in the 400m Individual Medley.

Hyland knocked over four seconds off Andrew Bree’s 2001 record of 4:16.26, clocking 4:12.13.

The butterfly specialist went on to secure a place in his first ever senior international final in the 200m event.

There, he clocked 1:55.06 in the final to finish in eighth place.

The Tallaght man also recorded a 200m individual medley lifetime best of 1.58.12.

Tallaght Swim Club’s Brendan Hyland. Picture: David Kiberd Photography

Fellow Tallaght swimmer Niamh Coyne’s highlight was a semi-final appearance in the 100m breaststroke.

She backed up a 1.06.12 in the heats with a 1.06.16 to end up in 14th place overall.

She also swam a personal best in the 50m breastroke and competed well in the 200m.

Templeogue 14-year-old Molly Mayne was making her adult level debut and she put in a string of good performances that bode well for the future. She swam 2.29.46 in the 200m breaststroke, 1.09.36 in the 100m and 31.93 in the 50m while also competing in the 200m individual medley with a 2.19.46 time in the heats.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 12 December 2019

RUGBY

Old Wesley have a perfect record to date.

Wesley win thriller to chase down Highfield OLD WESLEY scored a vital victory over current AIL Division 1B leaders Highfield to maintain their 100% record, putting them in range of taking over should they win their game in hand.

It was a pulsating encounter in Energia Park, Donnybrook with the final scoreline of 25-22.

Highfield got off to a very lively start, engineered an opening try in the corner for winger, Paul Stack. The Donnybrook side struck soon when David Poff ran a great line to ground far out in the corner; Rory Stynes narrowly missed the conversion, 5-5.

The large and well-drilled Highfield pack gave the Wesley eight a serious examination but the home side stuck manfully to the task despite being under pressure in the scrums.

But, from the move of the match, Poff passed on the inside to Stynes, who returned the pass and the centre made a great break. A sublime long pass followed to fellow centre Ed O’Keefe who streaked over in the corner.

Stynes embellished this wonderful score by landing the conversion from the touch line for a 12-5 lead. Inevitably, Highfield struck back and, despite some heroic defence, Wesley finally conceded a penalty on 35 minutes which out-half Shane O’Riordan calmly converted.

Stynes replied with a three-pointer for Wes six minutes into the second half for a 15-8 lead.

Highfield continued their forward pressure in pursuit of an equalising score but a great turnover penalty by Paul Derham seemed to have lifted the siege. But the hosts lost the ensuing line-out and Highfield made the most of it. After a number of passages of play, second row Eoin Keating went over for a try, converted by O’Sullivan for 15 all.

From a scrum turnover, the ever-reliable Stynes duly slotted to inch Wesley into the lead again from another penalty.

But with 13 minutes left, things looked bleak when Highfield drove over for a converted try, scored by Colin O’Neill, to take the lead 22-18.

Wesley showed their reservoir of confidence to bounce back and immediately gained a foothold in the Highfield half. Tom Kiersey made a typically incisive break through the eye of a needle and replacement flanker, Josh Pim crashed over from the ensuing ruck. Stynes added the extras.

The drama was not over, however, as Highfield stormed back and had the home defence under strong pressure but some Herculean tackling from the Wesley defence kept them at bay.

Highfield, in pursuit of a winning try and a bonus point, eschewed two kickable penalties for a draw but the final action saw Wesley superbly rob an attacking five metre line-out to get the ball off the park in advance of the final whistle.

Highfield remain three points clear but Wesley have a game in hand with Old Belvedere seven points further back.

SOCCER: CORK’S RINGMAHON RANGERS LIE IN WAIT IN LAST 16

Scott’s Bang’ in form side storm the Castle FAI INTERMEDIATE CUP Castleknock Celtic Bangor GG  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

0 4

BANGOR GG face a difficult trip to Cork city to face Ringmahon Rangers in the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup after seeing off Castleknock Celtic on Friday night.

Goals from Oisin McMenamin, Darren Goode, Jordan Andre and substitute Andy Dunne saw John Scott’s side to a comfortable win in this refix.

The sides had been due to face off seven days earlier but it was postponed late on due to a doublebooked pitch.

The LSL Sunday Senior leaders overcame their fourth-tier opponents with the minimum of fuss as they led through McMenamin’s early strike and never looked back.

The Donegal man, making his first appearance since signing from League of Ireland side Cabinteely in the summer, toe-poked home from close range

with just 15 minutes on the clock.

They doubled their lead when another ex-Cabo man, Adam Maher, slalomed through a couple of challenges before teeing up Goode to smash the ball into the top corner.

Andre – yet another recruit from Cabinteely – made it 3-0 with 20 minutes to go to register his 14th goal in all competitions before Dunne sealed the win with a spectacular finish from range late on.

It was the ideal riposte from a side who had fallen to a disappointed 5-1 defeat to fellow title challengers Malahide United before the previous week’s late postponement.

Scott believes his side have what it takes to beat anybody on their day and go a lot further in the Intermediate Cup, having already secured a place in the FAI Senior Cup qualifying round.

“It’s the biggest cup in the country outside the FAI Cup. You want to win it and you want to try get to the Aviva,” Scott tells the

Dublin Gazette.

“Can we win it? I think we can beat anybody on our day. We have a hard away game against Ringmahon in Cork. They’re top of the league and had a good win at the weekend.

“It’s going to be really tough to go there and take something, but on our day we’re good enough to beat anybody.”

Scott is delighted with his young side’s progress but has added experience

in former league-winning captain Tony Keeler from Bluebell United and keeper Gary Cleary from Booth Road Celtic.

And with a trip to 2016/17 champions St Mochta’s on the horizon on Sunday, Scott says the key is to stay in contention long enough to mount a title challenge.

“You look at Crumlin, they’re obviously the benchmark, and they’ve won four and lost four

this season. They’re going to come on strong.

Bluebell are always there or thereabouts.

“Mochta’s are flying at the minute and we’ve got them on Sunday. Malahide are a really good side. There are probably five or six teams that could win it.

“We’re hoping to stay there as long as we possibly can and hopefully mount a challenge come March or April.”

Pembroke knocked off top

PEMBROKE’S women succumbed to a huge comeback in the women’s EY Hockey League as Pegasus knocked them off top spot in a remarkable 4-3 outcome in Belfast.

The defending champions looked dead and buried and strangely out of sorts as they conceded three times in the opening quarter.

Alice Ward ghosted behind the home defence to net the opener after only three minutes and, three minutes later, Amy Kate Trevor doubled the Pembroke lead with a superb Pembroke’s Leah McGuire shows her frustra- backhand shot. tion in their loss. Picture: Billy Pollock Ireland star Gillian Pinder was causing

Pegasus all sorts of problems at that stage and she released Sinead Loughran, whose cross was converted by Aisling Naughton at the back post on 18 minutes.

After a scoreless second quarter, Lucy McKee started the fightback in the 43rd minute. Three minutes later, Alex Speers set up schoolgirl Niamh McIvor who converted at the back post and, all of a sudden, it was game on.

Speers hammered home the equaliser from the edge of the circle and Shirley McCay won the tie with the very last act, a powerful penalty corner slap.

12 December 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

AFTER BIG WIN

BASKETBALL: GLASNEVIN GIANT GETS SWITCH TO D1 COLLEGE

Treacy’s Bryant move  GERARD MULREANEY

Matt Treacy (22) during his school days with St Aidan’s CBS in 2017. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

sport@dublingazette.com Bangor’s Jordan Andre escapes a tackle Picture: Martin Doherty

LATE NITE LEAGUE

Baldoyle celebrate at end of season finale

Baldoyle players celebrate with the trophy following the Late Nite League Finals at Irishtown Stadium last Friday.

The event brought together teams from local county council efforts across the city who had participated in Late Nite Leagues over the past six weeks. The event is run by the FAI in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and local county councils.

Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

GLASNEVIN basketball star Matt Treacy has announced he will join Division 1 school Bryant University for his latest move in the US colleges system, joining fellow Dubliner Aidan Harris Igiehon at D1 level.

Treacy started out at the newly formed Tharren Reid basketball academy at Tolka Rovers as a five-year-old, just for something to do, and he’s never looked back since.

And Treacy said of the big move: “I’m really looking forward to getting up there. They really provided everything that I was looking for.

Their style of play, coaching staff, returning players, Academics and location were perfect for me.”

His interest in a potential move to the States did not come about until his mid-teens when he was producing the goods for St Aidan’s CBS and Tolka.

“Over the next few years, I essentially worked my way into the position to be able to go to America. I grew to 6’7” and put on some weight which caught the attention of some scouts and college coaches.

“I decided to go to a prep school for a year before making my college decision, so I attended Combine Academy in North Carolina,” said Treacy.

When he arrived at Urbana University in Ohio, he was expected to produce from the getgo. Treacy said: “I started my first game, and close to all my games that season, which is not always common with freshmen. I had to adapt quickly as you are playing against guys with three years of college basketball experience, plus many guys are bigger, stronger and faster.

“Though being a freshman had its positives as you are relatively unknown to other teams and they do not scout for you. Though there were definitely ups and downs personally throughout the season, I adapted to the game and how teams were scouting me.

“My coaching staff left the school after the

season, so I decided it was best for me to move on. The recruiting process went really well for me; I had a lot of different options.

“I decided I wanted to try and pursue D1 basketball, and junior college was the best way to do that from a D2 school.”

He left Ohio and headed to Hobbs, New Mexico, to join the Thunderbirds: “I have a great relationship with the coaching staff here at New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) and knew that the team were going to compete for a national championship.

“I trusted that I was in the best place to help me continue to work on my game and achieve my goals.”

Treacy has represented Ireland, at Under-17,

18, 20 and senior level, and says that there’s nothing better than representing your country.

“The feeling of putting on the green jersey and hearing the anthem play is like nothing else. I was extremely grateful and proud to represent the senior team this past summer, it was an amazing experience.”

He is learning all the time, and knows that he needs to keep working hard if he wants to achieve his goals.

“I’ve been working a lot on my body lately and trying to get quicker, But I really try to work on all aspects of my game. It’s important to continue to develop all the skills. I want to maximise my potential and play at the highest level that I can.”

Medals galore for St John Berchmans LIFESAVING

 sport@dublingazette.com

SWIMMERS from St John Berchmans Club, based at Inspire Leisure Centre in Cabra, were recent winners at an international rescue swimming competition in Leeds.

The event, orgainsed annually by the Drowning Prevention Charity, brings together 16 teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and aims to encourage swimmers to perfect their life saving skills.

Medallists in the individual events included Senior Girls Rachel Callender and Rachel Smyth in the first aid competition, Sean Scully and Tom Callender (silver in the rescue swim event), Ladies Competitor Olivia Smyth (silver in the

rescue swim) and Ronan Spain (gold in the first aid event).

The performance of the day came in the Individual Men’s open competition, with Ronan Spain taking the overall title, the first Irish winner of this event since the competition started 45 years ago.

Success for the St John Berchmans’ club’s swimmers continued in the Masters division, with David Browne taking overall gold in the men’s event for the third year running with club-mate Laura Mulhair taking top honours in the Ladies’ category. Eamonn O’Brien, Louise Thompson and Noel Mulhair all achieved podium places in the individual events.

Overall, the Irish youth team placed third, narrowly beaten by

English teams from the North East and West Midlands, while the senior team were crowned overall Masters champions, the first time this accolade has been achieved by an Irish team.

In addition, David Browne was

The Irish youth team at the event

awarded the Dorothy Cadbury Trophy for lifetime achievement in the sport of lifesaving, and husband-and-wife duo Noel and Sheila Mulhair were awarded the Wilkinson Sword Trophy for lifelong services to sports officiating.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 12 December 2019

BASKETBALL

CROSS COUNTRY: DEBUTANT DEFIES EXPECTATIONS IN LISBON

Clonliffe’s Gidey stars in Euro cross debut EURO CROSS COUNTRY

UCD’s Mike Garrow on the charge. Picture: Martin Doherty

Garrow slams Killester hopes but Temple win PYROBEL Killester fell to a sixth defeat of the Men’s Super League season as they were edged out in overtime away to UCD Marian.

The sides were locked at 82 points apiece come the end of normal time but a remarkable 14-point swing in the additional period saw Marian run out 97-83 winners.

A slam-dunk on the buzzer from Mike Garrow tied the game up for Marian and they took that momentum in overtime as Garrow finished with an individual haul of 32 points.

There was better news for Griffith College Templeogue, who maintained the pressure on league leaders Tralee Warriors with hard-fought 101-87 win over early-season pacesetters DBS Éanna.

Jason Killeen top-scored for Templeogue with 26, while Neil Randolph scored 23 and Darren Townes 15 in a high-scoring game.

It was Templeogue’s second win of a busy week after they saw off the challenge of UCD Marian 85-68 on Thursday night at Nord Anglia International School.

The wins leave Templeogue just three points behind Tralee at the top of the table, level with Éanna, UCD, Belfast Star and Neptune in a congested fight for top spot.

“That was a massive win,” said Templeogue head coach Mark Keenan afterwards.

“I have to say both teams threw up a great game. Fair play to Éanna, the way they played tonight showed why they are where they are in the league.

“It was nip and tuck. We thought we’d get a break away in the third, we were seven up and then they got it back level.

“What more could you ask for down the stretch when it’s all tight than for one of your best shooters to come up with a big few threes.

“It just made that last minute and a half that bit more comfortable. I’m thrilled for the guys, it was a big weekend with the game Thursday and today and that win shakes up the league now again.”

DCU Mercy remain top of the Women’s Super League after fighting back to eke out an 85-72 win in a top-of-the-table six-pointer against UCC Glanmire.

Meredith Burkhall was the home side’s standout player as she posted a final total of 34 points, while Ashley Russell managed a haul of 20.

“A key win – it would have been more key if we’d lost,” said head coach Mark Ingle.

“We’ve great rivalry with Glanmire and they’ve been on a great run. Home advantage helped a little bit, I was very happy with the second half.

“We dug in defensively. They’ve a lot of weapons and they had 44 at half time, which I wasn’t too happy with. But I’m delighted with the win and It sets us up nicely for next week against Liffey.”

 sport@dublingazette.com

EFREM Gidey played a starring role as the Irish cross country teams went medal crazy with two individual and two team awards from the European Championships in Bela Vista Park in Lisbon last Sunday.

The Clonliffe Harriers man got the haul underway with a fine individual bronze in the men’s Under20 6,225m race that was won for the fourth time by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Gidey was passed for silver by Turkey’s Ayetullah Aslanhan on the last lap but, nonetheless, was ecstatic with how his first run in an Irish singlet panned out.

“Wow, I’m happy, so happy. I don’t believe it,” Gidey said after his race.

“The first half of that race for me was so fast, I was so tired, but the second half I felt strong, for the last lap.

“I was thinking of top 10. Third, that’s amazing, the European championships are so big. And to wear the Irish vest, makes me so happy, and so proud for Ireland. And so happy for my coach Joe Cooper.”

Born in Eritrea, he

Efrem Gidey at Dublin Airport on Monday. Picture: Piaras O’Midheach/Sportsfile

arrived in Ireland two years ago via a number of refugee camps but eventually settled in Le Cheile Secondary School in Tyrrelstown and found a home at Clonliffe.

In addition to Cooper, club President Paddy Marley, club coaches and other athletes from the club were on hand to welcome home their hero at Dub-

GET ALL GIRLS ACTIVE City sports partnership celebrates at Crumlin PLAYERS from Scoil Chiarain, Glasnevin,

and Scoil Eoin, Crumlin, come together for a team photograph during the FAI Getting Girls Active Programme at Crumlin United.

The programme was run by the Dublin City Sports and Wellbeing partnership and encompasses young girls up to older athletes with over 100 schools from across the city taking part in last Thursday’s event. The programme ran for six weeks with a focus on getting girls active and taking part in sport.

Picture: seb daly / SPORTSFILE

lin Airport. The club also welcomed home Cathal Doyle, who competed in the Under-23 race.

G i d ey ’s r u n c a m e incredibly close to helping win a team medal but, unfortunately, the team ended fourth on countback.

Stephanie Cotter (West Muskerry) also took bronze in the Under-23

women’s race while two team silver medals were won by the U23 women and the senior women.

Dublin City Harriers’ Fian Sweeney played her part in the women’s team silver, fourth home for the Irish team in 38th overall.

Her club mate Jodie McCann was Ireland’s best finished – in 46th – in the women’s Under-20

race with DSDAC’s Eimear Maher in 85th.

In the men’s Under-23 team, Raheny Shamrock’s Brian Fay impressed in a 22nd place finish with Doyle in 71st. The mixed relay team were seventh with Dublin City Harriers’ Nadia Power, Donore Harriers’ John Travers and Clonliffe’s Eoin Pierce in the line-up.