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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE DCC AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  FEBRUARY 8-14, 2018

DEARMARY PUTTING THE FUN IN A RUN! P21 ROSES ARE RED, SINGLETONS ON VALENTINE’S DAY COULD BE BLUE, BUT LOVELY MARY BYRNE HAS GREAT ADVICE FOR YOU!

FOOD Ready for a very tasty Tuesday? P26

SPORT Solo sailing round the world P35

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CLONTARF ladies Lisa O’Brien, Lisa Shoebridge, Aileen Pearson-Evans, Sinead O’Hara, Ann Braoders and Barbara Saber looked tired but delighted to have taken part in the 34th annual Raheny Road Race recently. Picture: Alison o’Hanlon

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POLICING CLOSURE, CUTS A RISING CONCERN FOR CONSTITUENTS

Frustrated Cllrs demand greater garda resources North Dublin bearing the brunt of rising crime, as cross-party representatives blame change to Whitehall and Santry garda stations for ‘hurting communities’

 RACHEL D’ARCY COUNCILLORS have stepped up their criticisms of the impact of policing cuts in the north city, with Whitehall Garda Station’s closure and Santry station’s downgrading cited as causing ‘frustration’ in the area.

While Cllr Norma Sammon (FG) welcomed gains to the polic-

ing levels, councillors Noeleen Reilly (Ind) and Andrew Montague (Lab) were critical of the current levels of policing in the area.

Cllr Reilly said: “We are still at Garda numbers way below prerecession times, and this is despite an increase in gun and drug crime in Dublin.”

See full story on Page 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

GIVE US THE NIGHT | LATE-NIGHT LICENSING LAWS ‘LAUGHABLE’

Dublin group call for longer licensing hours  RACHEL D’ARCY A DUBLIN based group of music industry professionals have called on the Government to reform Ireland’s licensing laws, calling Ireland’s laws “laughable” compared to other countries.

Give Us the Night are a volunteer group who are campaigning for “progressive” licensing laws for Ireland and have recently held a meeting in the city centre to raise awareness of their movement.

The meeting was held in the wake of the news that District 8, an electronic club night, would

be ended with the demolition of the Tivoli Theatre, as well the closure of Hangar (formerly the Andrews Lane Theatre). “ We d o n ’ t k n o w what’s coming down the line with Brexit, we don’t know if we’ll have the same level of tourism.

“We need to do something substantial this time. A complete overhaul of the licencing laws needs to take place very, very soon,” said DJ Sunil Sharpe, a member of the Give Us the Night campaign group, on The Last Word with Matt Cooper.

T he current issues being faced by smaller clubs due to Ireland’s

stringent licencing laws were also discussed.

Their mandate calls for “consistent opening times” across Ireland to allow nightclubs to compete with late bars, as well as continuous entertainment until closing time and sequential closing. “ We ke e p c o m i n g back and talking about the same thing. A lot of Irish people will say ‘what if’, and we need to try it.

“We’ve had late opening in Dublin before and it works,” he said.

Dublin’s opening hours mean late bars and nightclubs close before 3am, with last

drinks being served half an hour before closing.

In comparison, clubs in Berlin and Paris can stay open until 5am.

Fellow DJ Marcus O’Laoire voiced his support for the movement on social media, saying that amendments to licencing laws in Ireland would “be another string to [Dublin’s] cultural bow”.

“Regardless of the fact that an extention of opening hours

would mean there would be millions of euro in additional revenue spent across every aspect of the nightlife industry, as well as a proven decrease in loutish behaviour and the potential establishment of our lovely little city as a nightlife capital which would boost tourism, be another string to our cultural bow.

“Our clubs close earlier than anywhere in Europe,” O’Laoire said.

FASTNews

New Dublin Bus route to link Finglas to new Luas A NEW bus route has been announced to connect Finglas with the LUAS Cross City at Broombridge.

The National Transport Authority confirmed that 40L bus route will travel through Ballycoolin, Cappagh Hospital and West Finglas before reaching Broombridge.

Fine Gael TD, Noel Rock, has said that the new bus route is “another step towards getting the LUAS extended to Finglas”.

He said: “This marks the completion of phase 1 of my Fing-Luas campaign, where I promised that I would work to ensure a viable bus connection between Finglas and Broombridge was brought about”.

TD Rock also called the introduction of the 40L a ‘practical achievement’ for those living in Finglas.

“Now, the next steps involve ensuring that this service is regular and convenient to as many as possible in Finglas. I will continue to put pressure on the NTA to develop park and ride facilities. The final step of my campaign [will be] to bring an extension of the LUAS line itself to Finglas. I am confident this can be done. I look forward to the NTA following up with more solid information on the service soon,” he said.

Beaumont Hospital launches walking route

Tree-mendous work

CO-WORKERS from IKEA Dublin rolled up their sleeves recently to plant 100 trees in Poppintree, Ballymun, as part of the company’s partnership with Crann – Trees for Ireland.

This partnership aims to educate and raise awareness of the environmental importance of trees and hedgerows in the Ballymun area. Pictured are Charlotte Johansson and Edel Sweeney.

Picture: ALISON O’HANLON

BEAUMONT Hospital has launched a new initiative to encourage people to incorporate more walking into their day.

The new Sli Na Slainte walking route is in partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation, and is supported by Healthy Ireland.

It encourages people in schools, workplaces and communities to use mapped and measured routes to incorporate more walking into their regular routines.

At present, over 400 routes have been developed across the country, with 50 of those in HSE sites.

Commenting at the launch of the new route, Health Promotion manager of Beaumont Hospital, Michele Mc Gettigan, said: “Staff, patients, visitors and the community surrounding the hospital are often seen walking the grounds and the team which worked hard in partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation to create these mapped routes.

I hope the routes will encourage current walkers to sustain their motivation to continue walking and also encourage more people to join them to improve their general health and wellbeing.”

Tara Curran, Sli na Slainte coordinator from the Irish Heart Foundation added: “Getting active makes such a big difference to your heart and overall health, helping to reduce stress, ease back pain and reduce the risk of heart disease. By having a clearly marked and safe walking route, we aim to make it easier for people to include physical activity as part of their day.”

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8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CRIME | ‘LOCALS IN THE AREA FEEL SIGNIFICANTLY LESS SAFE’

Calls for increased level of gardai in North City  RACHEL D’ARCY AN independent councillor has called on the Minister for Justice to provide more gardai to North Dublin, five years after closing Whitehall and downgrading Santry stations.

Ballymun councillor Noeleen Reilly said that despite asking Minister Charlie Flanagan for additional gardai in the area a number of months ago, no improvement has been made.

“I am frustrated by what is going on at present, and it seems there are no answers. We are still at Garda numbers way below pre-recession times, and this is despite an increase

Councillor Noeleen Reilly

in gun and drug crime in Dublin,” Cllr Reilly said.

Across the country, 95 Garda stations were closed as part of cost cutting measures. Whitehall Garda Station was closed completely, with Santry station downgraded as a cost cutting measure. Most of the crime in the locality now goes through Ballymun station.

Cllr Reilly, a native of

Ballymun, says that locals in the area feel significantly less safe as a result of the lack of gardai present in the area.

“Parents are weary about letting their children out to play, and in general we are all more concerned about things happening in our community,” she said.

Labour councillor Andrew Montague said.

“The residents of Ballymun are hard-working, trying to look after their families, and they are let down by a small number of offenders in the area. But the small numbers that are engaged in crime are terrorising their neighbours and making life dangerous for all, and they need to be stopped.

The residents deserve protection, and should not be frightened in their own homes. We need a bigger Garda presence in the area,” Montague told Dublin Gazette.

However, local Fine Gael councillor Norma Sammon said she has “very much welcomed” increased numbers in the police force, supplementing the improvement of Dublin Northwest.

“Just like in the rest of the country, policing in northwest Dublin suffered as a result of the economic crash. However, the recruitment campaigns launched by the Minister have resulted in increased numbers in the force and I very much welcome this.

Community policing in the northwest area is improving and has been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, particularly in the area of domestic abuse,” Cllr Sammon said.

It was reported in 2016 that Santry Garda Station was considered for further downgrading, despite an increase in crime in the locality in the previous three years following the first downgrade.

In 2015, there were plans to move the Dublin City Mortuary to the former Whitehall Garda Station building, however there have seemingly been no further developments on what will happen to the former station.

FASTNews

Father Ted Quiz set for March

THE third annual Father Ted Quiz is set to take place in Dublin this March. Taking place on Holy Thursday for the third year in a row, the Father Ted Quiz and Lovely Girls Competition will take place in DTwo on Harcourt Street on March 29.

Hosted by Patrick McDonnell – also known as Father Eoin McLove from the show – the quiz will be based on trivia from the show.

There will also be a ‘Lovely Girls Competition’, open to both women and men, during the quiz interlude.

Prizes for best dressed priest, nun and hairy baby are also up for grabs on the night.

Tickets are on sale now at www.holythursdayted. eventbrite.ie.

Record number of start-ups A RECORD number of start up companies were established in Ireland in 2017, with an average of 61 companies formed every day last year.

According to Vision-Net, 22,354 new companies were registered in Ireland last year. This is a figure up by over 6% on 2016 and is the highest amount of start-up companies registered in Ireland in 20 years.

In 1998, over 21,145 start up companies were registered in Ireland. Last year marked the first year since 1998 that the figure topped over 20,000.

There were also an average of three insolvencies a day in Ireland last year, with 1,018 recorded – a 3% increase on 2016.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

Out and About

Some last-minute nerves and excitement at the start of

the run

Conor O’Keeffe, Templeogue

First female to the finish – Ann-Marie

Tallaght AC ladies Ciara Forrester,

McGlynn

Claire O’Brien and Suzanna O’Callaghan

Friends Fiona Tobin, Roxanne

John Travers, Donore Harriers AC-2, claiming first place Team James share the feeling as they complete the run together

Linda Barrable and Polly Dooney, Swords Liam Sherlock with his children Ronan, Aoibheann and Luke, cheering on their mum

Sloggers to Joggers

Saoirse McClean and her dad, Damien

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

Out and About

Edel Mulligan and Cabena Carroll-Smith, Portmarnock AC

Lusk little ladies Annie Foy, Amelie and Freya Giles and Ella McNamara

Miles of appeal to join a Raheny run D

O’Sullivan, Aisling McGovern and Brian O’Moore with a pooch pal. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

ESPITE some miserable running conditions, there were plenty of sunny smiles about at the 34th annual AXA Raheny 5 Mile Road Race last weekend – particularly once the finish line loomed into view for the more casual participants taking part. While members from several athletics and harrier clubs were taking part, the event was notable for its all-round inclusiveness, bringing all kinds of men, women and children together for the popular event. The course took in a number of wellknown spots, with St Anne’s Park and environs again playing a prominent role in the run. Regardless of their individual and group finish times, everyone left with a great feeling of sharing the popular run.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

INITIATIVE | HELPING DRIVERS IDENTIFY SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION POLITICS | SINN FEIN

Taxi drivers are ‘well placed’ to promote positive mental health  RACHEL D’ARCY MYTAXI and Aware have launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging taxi drivers to promote positive mental health.

The Drivers of Change initiative aims to help taxi drivers use their interactions with passengers to become mental health advocates through several media platforms.

It was launched last week with a three-hour mental health workshop for drivers, held by Aware in Clan Na nGael GAA

club.

The initiative will be rolled out to more taxi drivers within the year, with more mental health workshops planned.

“It supported real awareness-building for me, and I now feel better equipped to impact positively on the general population around mental health issues,” said Christopher Flynn, a mytaxi driver who attended the first workshop.

“I would strongly urge my colleagues to also get involved in this campaign

- our daily interaction with the public gives us a real opportunity to relieve some of the pressures felt by those suffering in this area,” he said.

The workshop tackled topics such as an overview of mental health in Ireland, how to have a conversation with those who suffer from a mental health issue, and tips for maintaining positive mental health.

Drivers that participate in the Drivers of Change initiative will be encouraged to use Aware stickers

Councillor resigns over claims of ‘bullying’

The initiative will be rolled out to more taxi drivers within the year

on their cars, and to keep leaflets from Aware in their taxis.

The leaflets will contain information on Aware and its services, as well as mental health in general.

Brid O’Meara, director of services at Aware said: “Taxi drivers are very well placed in the community to assist in the reduction of stigma in the area of mental health.

“Our first workshop with drivers, which is hopefully the beginning of

many, was a very valuable opportunity to impress upon the drivers the role they can play in signposting information and supporting services where appropriate.

“There is real potential for taxi drivers to foster positive change as part of this campaign.”

The head of marketing for mytaxi, Roisin O’Brien, has said the initiative is the “perfect resource to challenge mental health stigmas”.

Taxi driver dies on duty AN on-duty taxi driver is believed to have died after having his mobile phone stolen, it has been revealed.

Moses Ebohon Ikpefua, who was in his 40s, passed away last Sunday on James’ St in the city centre.

It is believed that he passed away after an “incident with a fare” which resulted in his mobile phone being stolen.

Gardai have said that Ikpefua did not receive

any physical injuries consistent with assault.

It is suspected that he may have had an underlying illness which was triggered by the stress of having his phone stolen.

An investigation has now been launched into his death.

Gardai in Kilmainham are expected to make arrests in relation to the case after the suspected thieves were spotted on CCTV at a nearby apartment complex.

Dublin councillor Noeleen Reilly. Picture: Facebook

 RACHEL D’ARCY A DUBLIN North West councillor has resigned from Sinn Fein over claims she was bullied by an individual associated with the party.

Councillor Noeleen Reilly announced her resignation on Monday morning, after posting a number of Tweets last weekend accusing TD Dessie Ellis and his wife, Ann Ellis of assaulting and bullying her.

Reilly claims she was physically assaulted by Ann Ellis over the weekend. She also says that she first reported any bullying to the party in 2014 but she was ‘either ignored or an angle was found to blame me for their treatment [of her]’.

“My treatment included physical assaults, verbal abuse, total isolation, smear campaigns, the list goes [on],” said Cllr Reilly.

“I was always told to keep these matters internal and I did so for four years hoping that justice would take place as some time,” she said.

In a statement following Reilly’s resignation, Sinn Fein said in a statement that she was suspended on February 3 for six months ‘for orchestrating a vicious bullying campaign’ against fellow Ballymun coucillor Cathleen Carney Boud.

The party also claim that Reilly was told to report her assault to An Garda Siochana on a number of occasions, but it is unclear whether Reilly has done so.

Sinn Fein also called for Reilly to return the Sinn Fein Dublin City Council seat to the party, however Reilly has said she will remain an independent councillor for Dublin Northwest.

In the Sinn Fein statement, Carney Boud said: “Having been the victim of an orchestrated online bullying campaign I made a complaint to Sinn Fein against Councillor Noeleen Reilly who I believed to be behind the campaign.

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

HERITAGE | CELEBRATING HANNA SHEEHY SKEFFINGTON

Ireland’s most famous Suffragette set to be honoured at the Castle

 RACHEL D’ARCY

A PLAQUE is to be erected at Dublin Castle to commemorate suffragette Hanna Sheehy Skeffington in the coming weeks, to celebrate her role in securing Irish women’s right to vote.

The plaque will be erected at the Ship Street entrance to Dublin Castle. This is where Sheehy Skeffington smashed windows at the castle in 1912 in response to women being excluded from the Home Rule Bill vote.

Dublin City Council will be erecting the plaque to recognise her contribution to Irish public life.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Micheal Mac Donnacha said: “Hanna lived in Dublin and was elected to the council, so it’s entirely fitting that Dublin City Council recognise her role in Irish political life by erecting a plaque in her honour.

“I look for ward to unveiling this later in the

Window-smashing Suffragette and rights activist Hanna Sheehy Skeffington

year,” he said.

L a s t Tu e s d ay, t h e granddaughter of Hanna Sheehy Skeffington reenacted her grandmother smashing the windows to mark the centenary of women getting the vote.

M i c h e l i n e S h e e hy Skeffington also gave a speech from a soapbox, similar to the platform used by Suffragettes a

SciFest is well worth droning on about ...

WITH a drone keeping watch from a few feet above them, former SciFest winners Conor Foy (2013) and Caolann Brady (2016) helped launch this year’s nationwide SciFest competition for second level schools.

As the largest and most inclusive science fair initiative on the island of Ireland, SciFest helps to encourage an interest and participation in science, with the winner(s) of this year’s SciFest to represent Ireland at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. Picture: Shane O’Neill

century ago.

Hosted by the Office of Public Works (OPW), a replica window was created, and Sheehy Skeffington was “arrested” by a policeman as part of the re-enactment.

“As a Suffragette, a nationalist and a human rights activist, Hanna was undoubtedly ahead of her time in challeng-

ing the boundaries of what was perceived as a woman’s role,” said Maurice Buckley, chairman of the OPW. “This event was about recognising a historic day in Irish public life as well as a celebration of the contribution of Ireland’s most committed feminist, who played a leading role in the struggle for equality.

“I want to ensure that the courage of Suffragettes is honoured on the centenary of women getting the vote.”

M i c h e l i n e S h e e hy Skeffington said: “What they did and what they achieved is incredibly impressive.

“We have the vote today because of them.

Power and privilege are never given up easily by any section of society, but things changed through women like Hanna taking a very public and often unpopular stance to demand that change.

“So, we owe it to them to ensure they are remembered,” she said.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

COURTS | OFFENCES DESCRIBED AS ‘MANNERLY BURGLARIES...AS BURGLARIES GO’

Homeless men dressed as maintenance workers in order to commit robberies TWO homeless men dressed in high-vis jackets and passed themselves off as maintenance men, in order to commit a string of robberies in city centre offices after hours, a court has heard.

Stephen Talbot (42) and Trevor Murphy (38) both pleaded guilty to the burglaries carried out during the space of a month within a small, concentrated area of Dublin 2’s business district.

Murphy, with an address at Clogher Rd, Crumlin, Dublin pleaded guilty to 11 counts of trespass and theft between March 21 and April 19 last. He was sentenced before Christmas at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three years in prison with the final year and a half suspended.

Talbot, of Benbulbin Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, admitted to five of the same theft offences. Both men further pleaded guilty to possessing a plastic device known as a “glide” to gain entry, on March 31 last at Hatch Street in Dublin 2.

Garda Enda Dowling told Noel Devitt BL, prosecuting, that a “glide” was a very simple device used for slipping locks on doors and windows.

“It can be made from a 7-Up bottle,” said Gda Dowling.

Talbot was sentenced to three years in prison by Judge Martin Nolan, backdated to April 21 last.

Judge Nolan described the offences as “mannerly burglaries...as burglaries go,” in that the men targeted unoccupied

offices and were assumed by any personnel to be workmen or cleaners.

But he said the men caused “a level of difficulty” for the businesses concerned, as they stole a total of €1,167 in cash, together with several mobile phones and some high-level corporate tickets for the Punchestown Races.

Judge Nolan also noted Talbot’s “dreadful record” of 67 previous convictions, and said although there had been a period of stability since 2012, Talbot had slipped “back to his old tricks” at the time of these offences.

Garda Dowling said an operation was put in place after reports started coming in of burglaries and the two culprits were identified on CCTV

footage.

On April 19 last, Murphy and Talbot were caught redhanded after gardai saw them in Fitzwilliam Square South and heard noises coming from the offices of Education First.

The pair had previously committed trespass and theft at Aergen Aviation Finance Ltd at Flymob on Mount St, and at other businesses on Fitzwilliam Place and Fitzwilliam Square.

The court heard that when occasionally staff working after hours would come across the men, they presented as either maintenance men or cleaners.

Michael O’Higgins SC, defending, said both men were homeless at the time and had drug difficulties.

He said Talbot left school at the age of 12 but had recently started studying for his Leaving Certificate while in custody.

Mr O’Higgins said his client had been a prolific burglar to feed his drug habit, but had enjoyed a long period of stability since 2012 while he was working at Liberties Recycling Glassworks.

He said unfortunately Talbot “had a slip” prior to these offences, was put out of the house by his long-term partner and became homeless.

He has since reconciled with his partner and two adult children.

Talbot has detoxed while in custody at Cloverhill Prison where he is on an enhanced regime and works as a cleaner.

Man murdered in Dublin gun attack ANOTHER life has been claimed in the on-going Hutch / Kinahan feud, with a known associate being murdered just hours before Derek C o a k l e y Hu t c h ’s funeral.

The murder of Jason ‘Buda’ Molyneaux at James Larkin House on North Strand is the latest murder in the long running dis- Derek Hutch (left) with Jason Molyneaux pute. He was shot several times just hours with those who attempted the murder before he was due to lift Coakley Hutch’s of Derek Devoy in Ballymun last year, coffin at his funeral in the city centre. which saw a mother of six shot dead, It is believed that Molyneaux was with his death possibly being a revenge warned by Gardai that his life was in killing. The other option is that he may danger, but he was not wearing a bullet have been killed by the Kinahan gang for proof vest at the time of his death. his links to the Hutch family.

There are two possible motives for It is believed that the deceased was Molyneaux’s death, with Gardai explor- also linked to the suspected target of a ing both options. shooting outside the National Stadium He is suspected of being associated last week.

FASTNews Councillor wants to bring in transport service for the elderly THE possibility of bringing in a transport scheme for the elderly or mobility impaired is being explored by a Dublin City councillor.

Plan Labour councillor Dermot Lacey is set to bring the plan to the council’s transport committee this week, based on the DublinBikes scheme.

The transport scheme would involve a fleet of golfbuggy like vehicles or modified wheelchairs that would have individual stations around the city.

Options Cllr Lacey said that if main areas in Dublin city are pedestrianised, or if public transport routes are being diverted away from main junctions, there will be a need to provide options to those who have difficulty getting around.

“Changes to traffic systems mean that some older people are also reluctant to come into the city, as they’re no longer sure how to make their way around,” Cllr Lacey said.

“There are many things that could be done to help elderly people to improve their quality of city living.

“Electric golf style carts for ferrying people to side streets is an example, like a mini taxi service for the elderly.

“Rickshaws are allowed to run around why not elderly transport, regulated of course,” he said.

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

FASTNews

Wheelie good news for dad as stolen bikes returned A DUBLIN dad has told of his joy after stolen bicycles worth thousands of euro were tracked down and returned to him.

Peter Murtagh’s two high-performance bikes were taken by armed raiders while he and his wife Sarah were upstairs bathing their two young daughters.

Three brazen thieves armed with crowbars smashed windows and the conservatory door of his home to gain access at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon.

Speaking about the robbery, Peter said: “My one-year-old obviously can’t comprehend what has happened but the three-year-old saw the smashed glass.

“For it to happen in broad daylight, we just can’t comprehend it.”

He put the word out

on social media asking for any information on the bikes – a Cervelo P3 TT (similar model shown above) which cost €5,500 in 2011, and a Planet X Pro Carbon Road Bike.

Within days, gardai tracked the stolen property down before it had been shipped abroad and keen Castleknock cyclist Peter expressed his delight on Facebook.

He said: “Unbelievable end to a stressful few days for me and my family. I can’t thank you enough for sharing my post.

“It really helped in tracking down these lowlifes. My bikes were stripped down, professionally cleaned and a few small amendments made. I suspect that a professional third party was involved.”

Lord Mayor thanks groups for commemorating Rising MORE than 150 community groups across the city have been recognised by the Lord Mayor for their contribution to commemorating 1916.

At a reception in City Hall on February 1, Lord Mayor Micheal MacDonncha awarded certificates to each group for their involvement in honouring 1916 and the Decade of Commemorations.

Since 2015, community groups across Dublin have organised hundreds of events to celebrate the Rising’s Centenary. They took advantage of more than €200k in grants from Dublin City Council under the Decade of Commemoration Fund for Communities.

Cllr Mac Donncha said: “In marking the events of the Decade of Commemorations, the council wanted to get as many people as possible involved.

“The response from communities around the city and suburbs was fantastic, with hundreds of events, supported by the council’s Decade of Commemorations Fund for Communities, taking place throughout Dublin.

“I want to congratulate all the communities involved and look forward to seeing how they continue to engage with the history of our city and its people.”

CONSUMERS | DEPUTY ROCK CRITICISES SLOW PACE OF ACTION

Rush to sell U2 tickets prompts fresh call to tackle greedy touts  RACHEL D’ARCY THERE have been further calls to tackle ticket touting in Ireland, after tickets for U2’s four Dublin gigs ended up on resale sites within 30 minutes of going on sale.

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, who last year authored legislation to ban above-cost reselling of tickets, has criticised the Government’s slowness to act.

Deputy Rock said: “Belgium has successfully introduced legislation in this field. The Irish people are overwhelmingly in favour of legislation – with a recent Ireland Thinks poll showing 89% of people support this. “[Above-price reselling] is now happening on a weekly basis with concerts big and small, as well as larger sporting events:

people know they can make a quick few quid by snapping up tickets, and make at least double their money back.”

Tickets for U2’s gigs in the 3Arena originally were priced from €40.50, but now are being resold on Ticketmaster-owned reselling site Seatwave for up to €210 at time of print.

Similarly, tickets for Britney Spears’ sold-out show on August 20 were originally priced between €65 to €90 but are now being resold for up to €140.

In January, Ticketmaster announced that it would be introducing its VerifiedFan system to Ireland in an aim to combat ticket touts.

However, it’s understood that the codes that are given to ‘verified fans’ as part of the scheme

Anti-bullying forum for city  RACHEL D’ARCY

DUBLIN City University are set to hold the World Anti-Bullying Forum in June 2019 after a successful bid for the honour.

The event is expected to attract more than 700 academics, practitioners and others interested in understanding and tackling bullying. It will be held in DCU from June 2-4.

Hosted by the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, the forum is expected to focus on topics such as cyberbullying, diversity,

sexting, and other forms of violence among children and youth.

The bid was supported by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Micheal Mc Donncha; the Department of Education and Skills, and Failte Ireland.

James O’Higgins Norman, director of the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource centre, has said that they “have already secured some of the leading international experts on bullying” to appear at the forum.

The first such forum was held in Stockholm last year.

are being sold online, or shared on social media, meaning touts can still get their hands on tickets meant for genuine fans.

Deputy Rock concluded: “This situation cannot continue: the ticketing industry cannot be relied upon to regulate itself.

“Time and time again, they promise that things will change. Time and time again, they fail to change things. It’s time for Government to step in with legislation.”

Rock’s calls for legisla-

tion come as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission revealed they have obtained over 230,000 emails and other documents as part of an investigation into the ticketing industry.

RTE have reported that the Commission have held ten summons hearings where individuals were questioned about ticket touting under oath.

“Having requested the CCPC look into this a year ago, I am satisfied with

the progress made to date and while I understand they cannot comment in detail at this point in time, I believe it underlines that this industry, which is worth over €4bn per annum across Europe, is worthy of further and ongoing scrutiny, and I am satisfied that the CCPC agree with this stance,” Deputy Rock said.

The CCPC launched an investigation into breaches in consumer law in the ticketing sector in January 2017.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

Out and About

Fergus Kealy

Susan, Suzanne, Carla and Damien Jackson. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Taine King

Alchemist album delights at Lillies

Sarah Curran

A

N INTIMATE gathering at Lillies Bordello Library greeted the launch of Maria Greenan’s album, The Alchemist, which certainly created some golden notes for guests to enjoy. Maria’s music is noteworthy in its own right, but her album is also a testament to her passion for music, and her drive to create, no matter what. With more than 200 surgeries behind her to try and save her sight, the registered-blind musician demonstrated with ease to her gathered guests the remarkable skill which has seen the classically trained musician play as a soloist in the National Concert Hall. Her album, The Alchemist, is available now on iTunes and Spotify.

Aising Kettle and Rebecca Todd

Mark Rogers and Caitlin O’Neill

James Patrice Butler

Ali Ryan

Getting the lowdown on Lauren’s lovely lashes

F

ASHIONISTAS were out in force for the launch of the new Faux Mink Lash collection at the Cliff Townhouse recently, where the SOSU and Lauren Pope collaboration proved a hit. Blogger-turned businesswoman Suzanne Jackson and the 35-year-old television star Lauren Pope introduced the Faux Mink Lash range, which will be available in selected Penney’s stores. Keep your eye out for them!

Jen Hatton

Louise Mooney and Brigid Laverty

Stella Bass

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Catriona O’Connor and Thoma Crosse

Paul Broughall

Maria Greenan tickles the ivories at the launch of her album, The Alchemist, at Lillies Bordello Library.

Pictures: Brian McEvoy Hazel Alford

Sinead Greenan and Brigid O’Gorman

Mark and Andrea Greenan

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

RETAIL

EU laws may bring an end to ‘geo-blocking’  RACHEL D’ARCY

Hoping to help spin some love for single Dubs A RADIO station’s dynamic duo DJ team is taking a break from spinning the latest tracks to, hopefully, spinning some love between Dubs in a quirky new campaign.

Spin1038’s Fully Charged Breakfast duo, Graham and Nathan, are flexing their matchmaking muscles, with Fully Charged’s Billboard Singles set to see four Dublin singletons geting their very own billboard dating ad for two weeks from February 26.

With huge numbers of passersby able to see them, any prospective daters interested in the ‘Billboard Single’ that’s caught their eye can send in a WhatsApp voice note on why they’d like a date with them, with the Billboard Single picking their potentially perfect match on air.

Pictured above, Nathan (O’Reilly) and Graham (O’Toole) are joined by Doire-

ann Garrihy and Martin Guilfoyle, with them all calling on shy singletons to step forward for the fun dating support.

Would-be billboarders can sign up now at www.spin1038.com/SINGLE, with the four finalists to have their stories featured on the Billboard Singles segment every morning on the Fully Charged Breakfast Show once they appear from February 26.

COURTS | PARTIALLY SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR SPATE OF INCIDENTS

Drug addict stole BMW in robbery, hit other car A CHRONIC drug addict who stole a car during a burglary and headbutted a prison officer while in jail has received a partially suspended six and a half year sentence.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Michael Royal (41), of Meath Place, left the country after taking a trial date for the burglary, but was later brought back to Ireland.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Officer Paul Hayes at Mountjoy Prison on October 27, 2012.

Royal also pleaded guilty to trespass and theft of a BMW car, iPhone 5s and a TV at John Dillon Street on December 2, 2013.

His 40 previous convictions cover offences committed both here and in

the UK, including robberies, burglaries, assaults and a serious drugs offence.

Garda David Houlihan told Lisa Dempsey BL, prosecuting, that in December 2013 a man living at John Dillon St awoke in the early hours to find Royal in his room holding a torch and a large knife.

Royal became aggressive and started demanding money. He then apologised, saying that he needed the money for drugs.

After Royal had left the home, the resident realised his car, iPhone and TV were missing and went to Kevin Street Garda Station. Using the iPhone’s tracker, gardai located the BMW nearby.

When gardai and the injured party approached,

Royal sped off, drove the wrong way up nearby Francis Street and collided with a Nissan Micra car. Royal was later found hiding beside a low wall on Prussia Street, Dublin 7, near the abandoned BMW. Royal made admissions during interview, said he had been on tablets and that he’d intended to sell the TV. Gda Houlihan agreed with Ronan Kennedy BL, defending, that his client had spent time in hospital due to medical issues from drug use.

Detective Garda Maura Fitzgerald told Fiona Murphy BL, prosecuting, that Royal headbutted Prison Officer Paul Hayes after a dispute about him having a phone in his cell in

2012. The prison officer was locking each inmate’s cell when he noticed Royal with a phone, which was against regulations.

Royal punched the prison officer in the face and later headbutted him during the fight about the phone. Other prison officers arrived on the scene to prevent more inmates entering the cell.

The court heard that Officer Hayes suffered a few fractured bones and had a clicking in his jaw which required an operation after the attack.

Det Gda Fitzgerald agreed with Ronan Kennedy BL, defending, that his client had sustained a number of injuries during the fight and had lost 56 days of privileges at the prison.

Michael O’Higgins SC, also defending, said Royal started using prescription drugs at eight years old and began injecting heroin aged 12 years. He said his client had spent large periods of time in custody during his adult life.

He asked the judge, who read the victim impact statements handed up to him in court, to be lenient on Royal.

Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged that Royal had had a difficult life, but said that he had become “a menace to society”.

He imposed a six and a half year sentence with the final 18 months suspended for the period. He also ordered that Royal undergo post-release probation service supervision for 18 months.

NEW legislation being brought before the European Parliament is set to put an end to the practice of ‘geo-blocking’ by online retailers.

‘Geo-blocking’ is a practice where an online retailer will re-direct consumers from one website to another that is dedicated to their region.

There are different selling conditions implemented for different countries based on their IP address, or their credit card’s country of issue.

For example, if an Irish consumer visited a “.co.uk” domain, they would automatically be redirected to an Irish version of the site, where products could potentially be more expensive.

The new rules will mean that any EU-based e-retailer will have to treat all EU citizens as ‘local’ customers, rather than redirecting them to another version of the website.

Andrus Ansip, the European Commissioner for the Digital Single Market, told the European Parliament that he wants to make the digital single market a reality by introducing the new rules.

In 2017, 57% of EU citizens bought something online, with 68% of overall internet users shopping online in 2017, as reported by EU Reporter.

The PwC Total Retail Report detailed last year that one in four Irish people shop online weekly, with 48% of all

Irish consumers also shopping online at some point in 2016.

The new laws are up for debate in the European Parliament this week, and if they are passed, they will come into effect around November.

A representative from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation told Dublin Gazette: “The realisation of the full economic potential of the digital single market is an important driver for growth and competitiveness in all our economies, and ending unfair geo-blocking practices is a step towards this realisation.”

The European Parliament has said that the geo-blocking practice limits cross-border trade within the EU, and has raised concerns in regard to consumer protection and competition as a result of the practice.

According to the European Parliament, geo-blocking is present in various forms across 63% of European websites.

Under the new legislation, online shoppers will also be able to avail of wider access to products including concert tickets and hotel bookings. Copyrighted materials such as e-books and audio-visual products are currently excluded from the regulation.

There will be a ‘review clause’ in the new legislation, which means there will be an evaluation of the new rules after two years.

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

TECHNOLOGY | DIGITAL MAPPING HELPS TO HIGHLIGHT MAJOR PROJECTS

A lot to dig into in a new platform for Irish construction ESRI Ireland has announced that Construction Information Services (CIS) has leveraged its digital mapping platform to present its members with a visual guide to construction projects around Ireland, with some 36,500 construction projects – worth €56 billion – currently mapped on this visual platform.

Having published a weekly report since the 1970s providing compa-

nies with the information about construction projects, and transitioning online in 2008, CIS wanted to provide its subscriber base with a more interactive experience. such, CIS As approached Esri Ireland to create a map showing the location of all projects around the country.

T he result is CIS Mapping – an interactive system that enables construction companies

planning for the future to examine the opportunities for new builds throughout the country.

Subscribers to the service can view their search results on a highly-detailed map of Ireland, and filter results using a number of criteria, including project type, location and size of the project.

This allows companies to quickly assess jobs that might be of interest and proceed to the next

Celebrating the launch of a new digital mapping platform to help gain an understanding of Irish construction projects are Dermot O’Kane, sales manager, Esri Ireland with Tom Moloney, managing director, CIS

stage of the process.

Esri’s platform also enables CIS to illustrate other data sets that may be of interest to their customers, including area demographics and zoning information. All of this information can be very helpful to compa-

nies bidding for business.

Tom Moloney, managing director, CIS, said: “The construction sector in Ireland is once again becoming an important pillar of the Irish economy after a number of difficult years.

“To ensure this posi-

tive momentum continues, companies need access to in-depth, reliable data about projects across the country from the pre-planning to onsite stages.

“This is where CIS Mapping comes in. With more than 36,500 con-

struction projects worth €56 billion already listed on the map, this tool presents organisations with a huge opportunity to quickly and efficiently decide on the projects that interest them most, and that demonstrate the most potential.”

DUBLINLIFE

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GAZETTE

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

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

ANIMALS: MEET PJ – THE LATEST ABANDONED VICTIM LEFT FOR DOGS TRUST TO CARE FOR

Is a dog for life, or just for Christmas?

IT SEEMS that many people are still not heeding the advice that “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas” after dog welfare charity Dogs Trust reported a spike in people looking to surrender a dog in the three weeks following Christmas.

The charity launched their #PawsForThought campaign in November last year, where they urged the public to “pause” and think twice before getting a dog for Christmas.

An upsetting case arriving at Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre came on Janu-

ary 9, when a two-year-old Jack Russell Terrier – PJ (right) – was cruelly abandoned at the centre.

The distressed dog watched from the car park as a man dropped his lead and drove away. With no other option, PJ was taken into the safety of Dogs Trust and is now looking for a loving family.

PJ is suffering from a lack of confidence which could indicate that he missed out on socialisation in his early life, as he is very quiet, spending most of his day in bed, and is scared to meet other

dogs and play the way a happy dog should.

Catriona Birt, head of operations at Dogs Trust, said: “It is painfully upsetting to see PJ, a friendly young dog, being discarded in such a heartless way.

“PJ is a particularly sad case which highlights how important those early months are for a pup and how vital it is to make time to socialise and habituate your new arrival in their puppyhood and adolescence.

“Our care team here are helping PJ with basic training and confidence build-

ing, and showering him with love and affection.

“He is recovering well from the incident, and he is looking for a new family who will love and

Poor little PJ was cruelly abandoned after Christmas

care for him.”

Dogs Trust operates at full capacity and offers as m a n y places as possible to dogs from pounds, as they are the ones most at risk of destruction, so unfortunately the charity are not in a position to take surrendered dogs from members of the public.

Suzie Carley, executive

director of Dogs Trust, said: “We urge the public to avoid getting a dog around the Christmas season.

“It is disappointing to see that this message is still falling on deaf ears for many, as the number of surrender requests continue to rise.

“PJ is a particularly sad case. He is such a sweet and kind dog, and for him to be discarded this way is deeply upsetting.

“Dogs Trust recognises that not all surrender requests are made lightly, and that sometimes

circumstances change, resulting in no other option but to surrender a dog.

“We would ask the public to try and anticipate any major lifestyle changes such as an upcoming move, or a baby coming into the home, and consider how a dog may impact this before bringing one into your home.

“Dogs Trust coined the phrase, ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’, and it is astonishing to see that almost 40 years later this message is still as relevant today.”

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

CHARITY: IRISH GYM EXERCISES A FUNDRAISING IDEA TO HELP SUPPORT POOR UGANDANS

Water way to help improve lives

AN IRISH- OWNED gym group – Gym Plus – has launched a charity initiative in its eight locations to help provide clean safe drinking water in communities in Uganda.

Already, one well has been drilled in OkelloKuc in northern Uganda, a place where sharing the same water source with animals is a way of life, and where children have died from drinking dirty water.

Now, the new borehole benefits 172 local households, where people had previously walked 2km to draw water from an open well.

To fund further safe water developments in East Africa, Gym Plus is selling reusable 1 litre Camelbak water bottles and a smaller BPA free children’s drink bottle, with €2 from every sale going to the project.

In addition, the reusable bottle will also help to reduce the amount of waste plastic that ends up in the ocean.

Launching the water campaign, Josh van der Flier, Leinster and Ireland rugby

player, said: “This Gym Plus partnership gives gym members the opportunity to m a k e a real d i f f e rence in Ugand a n

children’s lives, simply by buying a new water bottle.”

Gym Plus has Dublin clubs in Rathfarnham, Swords, Clarendon Street and Ballsbridge.

PUT YOUR DESIGN STAMP ALL OVER A ‘POSTCARD GARDEN’ ARE you a blooming good gardener, or a budding green-fingered Leinster and Ireland rugby player Josh van der Flier launching

the Gym Plus water bottle campaign to help Ugandans

plant perfectionist?

Bord Bia’s Bloom festival returns to the Phoenix Park this June bank holiday weekend, with organisers looking out for people to design ‘Postcard Gardens’.

These gardens offer passionate amateurs, garden clubs and community and Grow It Yourself (GIY) groups a chance to showcase their talents to more than 100,000 visitors attending the popular event.

The Postcard Gardens comprise 3m x 2m plots which can be used to represent a club, locality or a special person or character from your community.

Applications are now open on the Bloom website and will close by March 6.

For application details, email kerrie.gardiner@bloominthepark. com, call 086 130 4170, or visit www.bloominthepark.com’s exhibit section.

BRIGHT SPARKS WANTED FOR 70 ESB APPRENTICESHIPS THE ESB has announced that its ESB Networks Apprenticeship Pro gramme is now open, with the company looking for 70 bright sparks to join its prestigious programme.

Apprenticeship pro-

grammes, such as the ESB’s, play a pivotal role in helping to maintain and develop core parts of the Irish economy.

ESB’s high-quality apprentices hip pro gramme offers on-thejob experience as well a s cl a s s r o o m - b a s e d learning, with successful apprentices obtaining a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate with the utility, which serves 2.3 million domestic and business customers in Ireland.

Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, March 14. To apply, see www.esbnetworks.ie/ careers.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Perhaps a little overshadowed by the sinking of better-known ships of the era, the loss of the RMS Leinster in the Irish Sea still casts a long shadow

BOOKS: EXPLORING THE LEGACY OF THE GREATEST MARITIME TRAGEDY IN IRISH WATERS

Honouring the RMS Leinster, 100 years after her tragic loss  SHANE DILLON WITH this year marking the 100-year centenary of the sinking of the mail boat Leinster just outside Dublin bay, history buffs and those looking for more information about Ireland’s greatest maritime tragedy will find plenty of food for thought in The Last Voyage of The Leinster (right).

Officially launched late last year, the handsome hardback tome delves into the ship’s sinking, which saw more Irish people killed than those who were lost on more famous sinkings, such as on board the Titanic or the Lusitania.

However, the loss of the RMS Leinster, and the official death toll of 501 people out of a total of 771 on board, had a profound impact on Dun Laoghaire, with the tragedy striking at families as far away as Australia.

With the State commemorating the Leinster’s loss as one of the key national events of

2018, this year will also see communities far beyond the historic coastal Dublin suburb focusing on the Leinster.

For any reader, the book is likely to give an invaluable insight into the lives and loss of those on board that fateful morning of October 10, 1918 – just a month and a day before the end of the First World War. That day, the mail ship was bound to Holyhead, but she was soon torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat just outside Dublin Bay. The ship had been pre-

viously targeted in the Irish Sea, but this time, she was unable to avoid the three torpedoes that slammed into her hull in quick succession.

While those on board largely comprised military personnel from a range of armed forces, there were also many civilians, as well as postal workers in her mail room, and nurses drawn from all over the world.

Along with many of these, a wide range of famous and prominent people were also lost when the ship rapidly sank following a huge

explosion, as well as several children, with many of the military personnel who died buried at Grangegorman Military Cemetery.

The loss of life connected with the Leinster didn’t end with her quick sinking – the crew of the U-boat which sank her, the UB-123, was itself lost very shortly afterwards on or about October 19, with her entire crew also lost at sea.

Today, The Last Voyage of The Leinster provides a fascinating look at the ship, those that sailed and worked on her, and a world in flux at the time as the first world war raged and society faced rapid changes.

However, it’s also largely an exploration of the ordinary men and women on board who were lost when she sank, as well as the thoughts of their ancestors and prominent people, a century later.

Her loss was a devastating blow that reverberated far around the world, with modern Dun Laoghaire

continuing to bear the scars of her loss, as well as honouring one of the greatest ships to have sailed from the historic Dublin port.

The fascinating National Maritime Museum in

Dun Laoghaire is set to play a key role in commemorating the Leinster, which is also further recalled at the postal museum in the GPO, in the city centre.

Published by the Mail

Boat Leinster Centenary Committee with assistance from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, The Last Voyage of the Leinster is widely available at all good book shops, priced €15.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

Out and About

Ashley Kehoe and Claudine Kehoe Carol Byrne Judy Wong, Timoa Stoilowa, Roy Wong and Amanda Wong. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Shona Guerin and actor Television star Caitlyn Jenner Lucy Kennedy won the award for

Michelle Regazzoli won Best Freelance Make-

Best Female TV Star

Up Artist

Emma Leary and Beth Kelly

Barry Keoghan

A celebration of the best in fashion and entertainment A HOST of Irish and international stars took to the pink red carpet at the Mansion House for the inaugural Xpose Benefit Awards last week. The public voted the winners in 14 categories, with the best and brightest in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industries of Ireland awarded on the night. Television star Caitlyn Jenner showed up at the bash unexpectedly before scooping the Beauty Icon award.

Rob Condon, Christian Shannon and James Patrice won Best Male TV Star

Pippa O’Connor won Best High Street Range

Claire Brock and Anne Marie Hand

Darren Regazzoli

Caroline Lambe

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

PUZZLE PAGE

ADVICE

Valentine’s Day is a day for you to focus on you, not just others

SUDOKU

CODEWORDS EASY

TOUGH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

HOW TO SOLVE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WORD SEARCH

Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues!

Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

Is there something on your mind? Mary Byrne is delighted to offer her advice to Dublin Gazette readers; email her today at marybyrne@dublingazette.com

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

SHARE A GREAT VALENTINE’S NIGHT WITH MARY AND PALS

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

SCRIBBLE BOX

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE FOLLOWING HIDDEN WORDS Aniston

Jolie

Bardot

Kidman

Berry

Mirren

Binoche

Newton

Dench

Paltrow

Dunaway

Portman

Fonda

Streep

Gardner

Tautou

Green Haley Hudson

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

TREAT yourself to a great Valentine’s night with Mary next Wednesday – she’s starring in The Red Cow Inn’s Trio Royale cabaret show, alongside Elvis Idol USA winner Liam Murphy and diva Kayleigh Cullinan.

Mar y and friends are looking forward to welcoming couples, singles, friends and groups along to share the great night’s entertainment, with everything from soulful sounds to rockn-roll and divalicious hits to enjoy. For further info, see redcowinn.ie.

Sharing with others is great – but I’m tired of being ‘Mother’ and nagging people to help clean and tidy up our home...

I JUST moved into an apartment with a group of girls, and it’s been great fun – but I seem to be the only one that cleans.

I don’t mind sharing chores, but no one seems to care if the bin overflows, or if the kitchen and bathroom need to be cleaned.

I don’t want to sound like a nag, and it’s my first time living away from home, so I’m nervous they’ll get mad if I constantly ask them to help!

I didn’t know them before I moved in.

How can I bring it up without sounding like their mother?

Sarah

MARY SAYS: CLEANING can be one of the biggest issues in sharing accommodation. It starts as something that shouldn’t

be a big deal, but then grates on your nerves as you constantly spend hours of your precious time cleaning up other people’s mess.

Everybody’s standards of cleanliness are different. Some people are happiest surrounded by clutter, whilst others like to fold their trousers and iron their socks.

There’s no right or wrong way to live – it’s about finding a compromise that works for everybody.

You won’t sound like their mother, you’re all adults! If they are old enough to be out living by themselves, they should be able to wash a cup.

You need to have a gentle but firm conversation with them. They probably don’t even realise how untidy they are – after all, they leave a cup down, and by a miracle it’s gone, washed and back in the press as if by magic!

Be ready to compromise and come up with a suitable arrangement with them.

However, do not leave passive-aggres-

VALENTINE’S Day is coming up next week, and I know there are a lot of people who are really looking forward to it – but I know that there are also a lot who will feel really left out and lonely.

For me, over the years, I felt that way too when I didn’t have a partner.

It took me a long time to realise that Valentine’s Day is not just about couples, it’s about the whole concept of love itself, and the power that love can give to each and every one of us.

When my daughter was young, I remember sending her a Valentine’s Card and thinking to myself: “Am I nuts, sending my daughter a Valentine’s Card?”

But when I saw her face light up I realised that Va l e n tine’s Day was not just for lovers but it was for me,

my daughter, my family…

As the years went on, I realised that I had to love myself, too. Love is one of the most beautiful things that we can share with ourselves and others, so this Valentine’s Day, if you are feeling lonely, remember that it’s not just for the couples, it’s for you too.

Celebrate it in whatever way you want, buy yourself some flowers or a box of chocolates, and sit down and watch a movie on TV and tell yourself: “I’m worth this – I can celebrate Valentine’s Day without needing somebody sitting there beside me”.

Just feel the love of yourself and the ones you love around you.

It’s a day for love – not just a couples’ love but to show yourself and all your loved ones just what they mean to you.

Unless you’re happy to be The Magical Apartment Fairy who tidies up after everyone else, don’t be afraid to tell the others to clean up too

sive notes lying around the place; do not bitch behind their back, and do not divide the kitchen into ‘their’ area and ‘your’ area!

Use phrases like: “I feel that...”; don’t blame and say: “You do this…” etc. Hopefully, it will improve and they will follow your lead!

REMINDER Mary needs you to contact her by noon on Monday, so don’t delay – email your problem straight over to Dear Mary at Dublin Gazette today!

GAZETTE GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE BEST OF THE REST

FEBRUARY 8 (Thursday) The Script @ 3Arena, €42 The Lost Brothers @ The Sugar Club, €22.50 RavenEye @ The Grand Social, €13 Chinese Newspaper + Easy Tide + Young Earth @ Whelan’s, €8 The Felonies + Boom Child + The Elephant Room + Emma Langford @ The Workman’s Club, €8 A selection of the Irish acts most likely to breakthrough into mainstream consciousness this year takes to the stage as part of Gigonometry Presents in the Workman’s Club. The Felonies and Emma Langford look particularly hot property: get there while it’s cheap.

Hamell On Trial + Clive Barnes @ East Side Tavern, €16

PICK

OF THE WEEK

FEBRUARY 9 (Friday) The Script @ 3Arena, €42 FEBRUARY 10 (Saturday) The Script @ 3Arena, €42 I Draw Slow @ Whelan’s, €15 Dimitri From Paris @ The Button Factory, €25 The Ratzingers @ The Mint Bar FEBRUARY 11 (Sunday) Franz Ferdinand @ Olympia Theatre, €36 The 00s indie icons Franz Ferdinand have a new album for 2018, and while it’s unlikely to soar in the way early hits ‘Fire’ and ‘Take Me Out’, they still have the jaunt and melody to make one hell of a night out.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers @ Vicar Street, €29 Therion @ Tivoli Theatre FEBRUARY 12 (Monday) Paul Weller @ Olympia Theatre, €55 The modfather returns to Ireland, fresh from playing the Sydney Opera House.

Expect solo material and classics from his unforgettable former band The Jam. Maleek Berry @ The Academy, €20 SYML @ Whelan’s, €15 FEBRUARY 13 (Tuesday) Paul Weller @ Olympia Theatre, €55 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 Lewis Capaldi @ The Academy, €15 The Front Bottoms @ Vicar Street, €24.50 FEBRUARY 14 (Wednesday) Paul Weller @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Iron and Wine @ The Helix, €30.50 Suicideboys @ Tivoli Theatre, €24.50 5 Dollar Shakes @ Whelan’s, €8

PAUL WELLER

AT THE OLYMPIA THEATRE The legendary Modfather behind The Jam and The Style Council returns to Dublin for a number of performances at The Olmpia Theatre.

The quintessential soundtrack to English life, Paul Weller’s timeless songwriting has never been more critically acclaimed with the release of his latest album, A Kind Revolution.

Tickets €55

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

“Music Magpies” the Eclectic Indie Beats of Django Django

 JAMES HENDICOTT Having bounced from a bedroom-DIY debut that brought a Mercury Prize nomination, to a follow up they seem to have dismissed as an uninspired blip, Django Django - an almost impossible band to peg - are back with a third album, Marble Skies, and heading for Dublin....

Django Django have been hovering around the edges of a burgeoning indie scene for years, hard to define but easy to love.

They draw in aspects of straight up indie rock, electro-punk, mild psychedelic tendencies and plenty of varied, often-sampled beats.

The entire concept seems to hang on limitless experiment, something that’s evolved strongly through their careers, and now revolves around a large practise room in Tottenham (North London), crammed with their monstrous vinyl collection and all the instrumentation they need.

“We have to take it a little differently now,” frontman Vincent

Neff - a native of Derry - says of the band’s everyday life.

“When we’re back in London, it’s very much a normal working schedule, as some of us have families, so the whole all-night, up drinking while we write music thing is largely a thing of the past.

“That’s totally different on tour, of course, but when we’re recording we have to consider family life.

“W hat we produce comes largely from a lack of belief in genre. Dave [Maclean, the band’s producer and drummer] has a crazy techno record collection, while the other lads have other influences.

“There are five or six new records coming into the practise space every week.

“Growing up in the 90s you were going to a gig one night and a rave the next, listening to the Happy Mondays and hard house.

“I don’t really understand how anyone can just be into a genre, and come out with stuff like ‘I just listen to techno’. That idea eroded for us a long time ago.”

There are difficulties with that variety, of course, not least in Django Django’s textured and nuanced sound being extremely difficult to reproduce live.

“It takes a long time to sort,” Neff admits, laughing.

“You get onto the stage and it sounds different. There are definitely some songs we just can’t do, and others that are different live, that we change the rhythm of, or use different instruments.

“Some songs we try for a few minutes as a live set up and it’s immediately obvious it’s just not going to work. Others we kind of stumble on solutions.”

Latest album Marbles Skies has been a long time coming.

“By the time it comes to release you’re just excited to have it out there,” Neff says of the launch of their third release.

“It’s been six months finished, and working on other stuff, like videos, and how to play the tracks live, and it’s more of a relief than anything to actually have it out there.

“Ideally we’d like to put it out

the next day, but things don’t really work that way, though I did come across a label that does that recently.

“We actually wrote this one apart, in a sense, and that worked quite well. It was quite dynamic at the beginning. We got Anna [Prior, the drummer with Metronomy] involved.

“Dave being away from us was a bit of an accident, but in a way it gave us all space, and we came at each track with fresh ears, which made things slightly different from before.”

There’s a sense, in fact, that Neff wasn’t all that happy with Django Django’s second album, which saw the act shift to the ‘big time’ but perhaps become a little less themselves.

They moved from a very-much bedroom recording set up in their 100,000-selling self-titled debut, to a high-end studio production in sophomore release, Born Under Saturn.

“You can say you don’t care when the critics aren’t as into it,” Neff says, “but that’s only so true.

If someone pummels it, it’s not like you can go out and just fix it the next time.

“Nothing’s ever going to be to everyone’s taste and you kind of have to go with your gut.

“But I don’t really believe anyone doesn’t care what people think of what they’ve put so much work into.

“We work with an amazing label, and that gives us real freedom,” he continues.

Based on the reception of its early singles and the first few days of the new album, it seems likely the Marble Skies will be the popular return to form that Django Django were looking for.

The critics are certainly infatuated, if continuing a charming and convoluted struggle to pin down exactly what this band actually are.



Django Django play the Tivoli Theatre on Francis Street on March 2.

Their acclaimed third album ‘Marble Skies’ is out now..”

GAZETTE GAZETTE

MUSIC

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINFITNESS Gareth Francis is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach with over eight years experience in the fitness industry.

He now works as head coach in Kickstart Fitness.

 GARETH FRANCIS info@dublingazette.com

5

fitness myths That need to die in 2018

Myth 1

Training and targeting specific body parts for fat loss

IF only this were true, we could do endless crunches and our stomach fat would disappear but unfortunately this isn’t the case.

We can’t pick and choose which area we want to burn fat in.

Our body reduces fat as a whole when we expend energy (burn calories) so this is why bigger exercises like squats, deadlifts, lunges and sprints are actually better for fat loss.

They take more effort to do therefore they burn more calories. Although you can target specific muscles to grow under fat.

Myth 3

Cardio is best for fat loss FOR most people who join the gym to lose some weight, they’ll head straight to the treadmill or cardio machines.

Even though this is an effective way to burn up calories and lose fat, in my opinion, we all need some strength training in our training plans.

Even if the goal is just to lose a few pounds, strength training is a more effective way to lose fat long

CHECK OUT www.kickstartfitness.ie

term.

This is due to the excess post oxygen consumption that occurs elevating your metabolism leaving you burning calories long after your workouts are done.

You also get the benefit of building lean muscle while strength training.

So I advise strength training being the base training of your programme and cardio, you just add in to burn up some extra calories.

Myth 2

When you get old your metabolism slows down

ALTHOUGH this term is somewhat true it is very over exaggerated. As we get older our metabolism does slow down but not by a significant amount. Studies have proven that our metabolism actually only reduces from 5% to 10% as we get older.

One thing that does slow down as we get older which is always overlooked is our NEAT levels. Basically this is the amount of activity we do that is not exercise.

As we get older, we tend to move around a lot less which makes our energy expenditure a lot less, storing calories and gaining weight, so we just need to move a bit more to maintain what we had when we were younger.

Myth 4

The weighing scales I’M not completely against people using the weighing scales as a tool to track their progress, once they know how to use it right!

Yes I know you would think it’s as simple as stepping on and reading the numbers right?

But if those numbers aren’t what you expected them to be, it can be very disheartening.

Here are a couple of things to consider when weighing yourself that could tip the scales in the wrong direction.

Are you using the same scales each time?

Have you eaten food that’s still in your system? (fasted first thing in the morning is best).

Have you used the bathroom before stepping on?

Are you female and close to your monthly cycle?

Are you retaining water?

So taking all of the above into account, there are other ways to track your progress.

Like body-fat measurements or feeling better in your clothes and looking at yourself in the mirror because those three never lie.

Myth 5

Fat burners Firstly let me say, if there was a pill you could take that just burned fat like some of these well known brands say it can, there would be a lot of empty gyms out there. In fact there’s never been

any research that showed any of these so called “fat burners” actually work.

Truth be told, if they did, I’d probably take them myself, so don’t waste your money guys.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

STYLE

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There is little bit of love in the air at Littlewoodsireland.ie in the lead up to Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself to something innocent and pink with a frilly blouse or go full-on red with a romantic dress with the ever-so-tough biker jacket to show your wild, passionate side. Watch out! You could get love struck with just a click.

elegent colour. Available in pharmacies nationwide

V by Very Tea Dress €62

V by Very High heel knitted sock boot, €58

Treat your skin FRENCH brand Payot have two new products that will leave you living your skin this Valentine’s Day. The Peeling Oxygenant Depolluant (RRP €38) peeling mask oxygenates, detoxifies and neutralises pollution while the Gommage Doucer Framboise (RRP €35) contains real raspberry seeds for super soft exfoliation. Available in pharmacies and selected stores nationwide and at http://payot.ie

Floral blouse €42

V by Very Faux leather biker jacket, €2

Behind every strong brow is a strong woman ELIZABETH Oakes has been a Permanent Make-up technician and educator for over 15 years and is highly regarded within her field. On a regular basis, Elizabeth meets clients who are suffering the effects of cancer and are losing or have lost their hair through the effects of cancer treatments.

With her skills, Elizabeth can give back something to these ladies and considers herself very lucky to be able to help them in a such an important way.

The eyebrow treatments that Elizabeth offers makes such an astounding difference to their lives and helps bring confidence back in these ladies whilst they are suf-

fering the physical and mental effects of cancer.

Elizabeth feels extremely passionate about helping and supporting these people and gives a lot of her time and skills to these ladies on a regular basis on a pay-with-a -smile ethos.

A charity event will be held on the February 18 in the NSI Swords

where ladies in these situations are invited to attend and get a brow treatment complimentary.

There will be many other surprises on the day. It will be an intimate event and a look good, feel better pamper day for the ladies involved.

For more information or if you would like to partake or support in anyway please call 012544245 or email info@elizabethoakes.ie

Love is in the CREATE the perfect hairstyle for Valentine’s Day using the

hair

revolutionary Remington Air Plates (€99.99).

The innovative suspended plates adjust to provide maximum contact for straighter hair and faster results. Each plate is coated in black titanium ceramic to ensure a smoother glide and smoother results, up to 75% smoother than a standard straightener.

Available from independent Irish electrical retailers and pharmacies nationwide.

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

FOOD&DRINK

Tastytitbitsabout PANCAKES

IT’S that time of year again – Pancake Tuesday is almost upon us, with next February 13 ushering in one of the tastiest Tuesdays of the year.

W hether you like ’em big and flat like the Mammy makes them, or small and fat like our American friends serve them, pancakes are a delicious dish that is also surprisingly adaptable.

Quick and easy to make, as well as being

very budget-friendly, pancakes have a surprising versatility that goes far behind the traditional serving (sprinkled with sugar and a quick dash of lemon) that many of us still plump for.

Whatever way you’re tucking into your perfick pancake next Tuesday, these titbits about the humble pancake may give you some food for thought ...

Devout Christians know that the day is the

last day to indulge before the start of Lent, with the day traditionally used to use up the last of some food staples before marking their fasting.

In line with seeking some spiritual nourishment, Christians also know that Pancake Tuesday falls 47 days before however Easter Sunday

falls that year.

Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to mark Pancake Tuesday in Ireland rather than Finland or Iceland – our Finnish friends celebrate Shrove Tuesday (to use its religious title) with green pea soup; in Iceland, it’s marked with salted meat and peas.

The Swiss have perhaps a more literal take on Pancake Tuesday – they refer to it as “Gudisdienstag” which is derived from a word meaning “a stomach full of food”.

Whatever your reason – as if any were needed – be sure to tuck in to some tasty pancakes next Tuesday, and enjoy!

Go gluten-free at restaurant week PERONI Gluten Free has teamed up with some of Ireland’s leading restaurants to host Gluten Free Restaurant Week from Monday, February 5 to Sunday, February 11.

Each participating restaurant has created a special gluten free Italian dish, which is on the menu all week, and comes complete with a complimentary bottle of Peroni Gluten Free.

Dublin restaurants taking part include Coppinger Row, The Exchequer, Sophie’s at The Dean, Angelina’s, Roberta’s, Lemon & Duke and The Bridge 1859.

To enjoy this offer, customers simply make a reservation at their restaurant of choice and choose the special Peroni Gluten Free dish when they place their order. Gluten free options range from a beetroot risotto at Coppinger Row to braised lamb shank at The Exchequer.

Peroni Gluten Free will also sponsor a new Free From award at the Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards.

The award will go to the Irish restaurants offering the best ‘free from’ options on their menu, and whose presentation highlights the unique qualities of the ingredients.

For more information on the awards, please visit www.rai.ie.

Coppinger Row Beetroot

Ireland needs to become a foodie destination

The new Failte Ireland Food & Drink Strategy aims to change overseas visitor perceptions of Irish food and drink

THE Irish Tourism industry needs to work towards changing the perception of food and drink amongst overseas visitors.

Paul Keeley, Director of Commercial Development at Fáilte Ireland said that Irish Food and Drink needs to be to repositioned from being a pleasant surprise to becoming one of the compelling reasons to visit Ireland.

His remarks came at a briefing to tourism and food & drink industry representatives on the publication of the tourism body’s new Food and Drink Strategy 2018 – 2023.

“Food and drink consumption is an intrinsic part of the tourist experience,” he said.

“Quality experiences are now a major contributor to increasing holiday satisfaction, cre-

ating positive memories and driving advocacy.

“A m o n g s t t h o s e deciding on a holiday location, the expectation of good food is nearly as important as hospitality.

Global reputation

“We undoubtedly have the product and expertise, we have natural produce, fresh ingredients, and great fish and meat but we need

to ensure that our food and drink offering gains a global reputation that matches the reality on the ground.”

The new Food and Drink Strategy is seeking to increase the number of tourism businesses engaged with development initiatives and, overseas, to increase and enhance the awareness and perception of Ireland’s food and drink offering.

In 2017, revenue from overseas visitors totalled €6.5bn with approximately a third - about €2 billion – spent on food and drink.

By targeted investment and effective promotion of the quality food and drink experiences available, the report claims that food could help grow tourism revenue by as much as €400 million over the next five years.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

COCO

Go loco for Pixar’s latest PIXAR’S latest has more than the bones of a good movie – it’s a great one, as Coco (Cert PG, 105 mins) fleshes out an old Mexican tradition with beautiful style. A young boy becomes trapped in the land of the dead, with his ancestors teaming up to help him back to the land of the living – and to pursue his dreams – in one of the best animated films in recent years. Truly heartwarming stuff here.

Welcome to the house of horror – horror-bly cliched, that is, as Winchester’s sprawling mansion contains as many obvious jump scares as creepy ghosts

DARKEST HOUR

It’s bullishly brilliant COARSE, rude, calculated and bad-tempered – even so, Winston Churchill’s suddent rise to power at the heart of Darkest Hour (Cert PG, 125 mins) is a terrific examination of the legendary leader’s legacy. An unrecognisable Gary Oldman excels as the British bulldog, with a sense of mounting pressure, and the Dunkirk Risotto evacuation, adding to the tension behind the theatrics.

Darkest is an early bright spot in the year’s releases.

THE COMMUTER

Some rail-ly daft action LIAM Neeson straps on his action shoes yet again for The Commuter (Cert 15A, 104 mins), playing yet another everyman allround action hero forced to save the day in one extraordinary day. He’s the titular train commuter who gets caught up in a deadly game, on board a train full of other passengers, bad guys and suspects. It starts well, but ends up derailed by its muddled plot twists.

WINCHESTER: PLENTY OF LACE FRILLS, NOT SO MANY CHILLS IN MISFIRING HORROR

Has boring bullet points  SHANE DILLON THERE’S something about the haunted house as a narrative device that keeps seeing filmmakers returning to this tried and tr usted cinema device time and again.

After all, it’s the easiest thing in the cinematic world to lure in an audience, then send them tripping down a dark hallway here or shadowy staircase there, all the while readying one cheap jump scare after another to make ’em jump.

However, at this stage, it’s a little too tried and trusted – for ever y film that tries

something new with the formula (such as 2011’s horror-comedy, Cabin in the Woods), there are dozens of derivative shlockhorror films that

leave audiences itching to run for the exits out of boredom, rather than fear.

As the latest addition to the genre, Winchester (Cert 15A, 99 mins) at least aims to try and do something new, basing itself – very loosely – on a real-life house (and a character in its own right): the Winchester Mystery House.

Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the eponymous firearm kingpin, the actual Californian mansion is a sprawling labyrinth of 160-plus rooms.

I t ’s r e p l e t e w i t h dead ends, staircases to nowhere, unlikely twists and turns, and Liberally doused in black ... Helen Mirren is the eponymous widow at the heart of the film

a-la-carte architecture – apocryphally attributed to Sarah’s fear of ghosts, with the confusing, baffling layout designed to keep ghosts and bad spirits lost inside.

(One can only guess what the original house was like, as the famous 1906 earthquake saw a lot of it destroyed.)

Hey, that all sounds like the great basis for a haunted house movie, I hear you cry – as did Hollywood.

Step forward Helen Mirren, gamely stepping into Sarah’s shoes as the eccentric widow liberally doused in yards of black lace, ruling like a lost queen over her winding, sprawling, confusing realm of rooms, hallways, and hidden horrors.

Yes, horrors, as it’s not long before we’re firmly in bog-standard haunted house territory here, with

the Winchester home gunning for horror fans but, alas, shooting plenty of blanks along the way.

It’ll come as no surprise to learn that the Winchester house is soon swimming in more spirits than the average pub at Christmas, with all kinds of creepy goings-on, courtesy of just some of the many, many unfortunates who’d lost their lives to the late MrWinchester’s massproduced rifle.

Sarah is just the trigger – pun intended – for the increasingly batty horrors on show here, with a snooping psychologist (Jason Clarke) further added to the mix, and proving to have his own ghosts (inner, that is) in tow.

Add in problems with the staff, things that go bump in the night (and the day), and one cheap jump scare after

another, and you have a Winchester that’s rifled through one too many cinema cliches.

Mirren seems to be enjoying herself in the archly over-the-top role, but while she’s a grand Dame, this film isn’t exactly grand guignol, being neither horribly good nor horrifically bad.

Ultimately, Winchester is very much a “Meh” film, and you’ve certainly seen meh-ny better ones.

Much like the actual Winchester Myster y House, you’re likely to stroll right along through this film, taking in the sights, clocking some of the particularly cool rooms and interiors – and then calmly exit, with the film, as with the house, little more than a jumbled maze in the mind – and that’s about as amazing as Winchester gets.

Verdict: 4/10

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 8 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

Penalty points for incorrect tyre pressures IRISH motorists are being warned that for the first time since penalty points were introduced in 2002, drivers could now be liable to incur points on their licence if their tyres are either under or over-inflated. Following an analysis of the penalty points issued to Irish drivers during 2017 carried out by Continental Tyres in Ireland, the research has shown that for the first time ever, a driver was given two penalty points for having incorrect tyre pressure.

The penalty point offence in question, ‘unsuitable tyre due to degree of inflation’, was one of a raft of new tyre-related penalty point offences that were introduced in April 2016 by then Minister for Transport Paschal Donohue. However, the first allocation of penalty points under this measure was made during July 2017. The analysis was carried out as part of Continental Tyre Group’s commitment to its Vision Zero strategy, a long-term commitment to reduce accidents through tyre technologies and innovative automotive systems.

According to Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland: “Irish motorists need to realise that incorrect inflation of their tyres does not only have important safety implications for the performance of a vehicle, now you could get penalty points if your tyres are either over or under-inflated.”

The new Volvo XC60 Hybrid drive gives impressive road performance coupled with low CO2 emissions in a car that’s rated as one of the safest Volvo ever produced. Prices for the hybrid models start from €69,950 with some attractive grant incentives to ease the cost.

New era XC60

Volvo’s commitment to cleaner driving now comes in the shape of the new plug-in hybrid XC60 mid-range SUV model that heralds an era of change for the Swedish brand as MICHAEL MORONEY when he took the car rated as the safest on the market for some lengthy test drives.

THE new generation Volvo XC60 has a hybrid engine offer that confirms Volvo’s intention to have no petrol or diesel only cars in its range by next year. The new hybrid version of the Volvo XC60 affirms that plan with a drive system that claims to further enhance the capabilities of what is in every other sense, a very impressive mid-size SUV. The 2018 version of the Volvo XC60 is impressive in so many respects. The car is such a solid vehicle on the road, combining comfort, safety and now new low levels of exhaust emissions, in one. As I’ve mentioned in the past, the XC60 does the SUV thing really well with a level of style and comfort that makes this car less intrusive than some of the other brands.

In recent weeks, the XC60 has come through

a new generation Euro NCAP crash test programme to add its credits.

Volvo claims that this car is one of the safest that it’s ever made, and it has been crowned the best-performing large off-roader and the car with the best overall performance in the Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards.

The XC60 scored a near-perfect 98% in the adult occupant safety category, and its Safety Assist system scored a 95% rating, 20 percentage points higher than the nearest large off-road competitor, further confirming Volvo’s position as a leader in automotive safety.

Sometimes we take the Volvo safety message for granted, while in this car its one of its outstanding features. The other is the plug-in hybrid drive system. At a time when we are being encouraged to move

away from diesel and petrol engines, the Volvo hybrid offer is timely.

alent of 407bhp backed by huge torque levels that give almost instant accel-

Volvo XC60 Hybrid T8 Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price This hybrid drive offer is a powerful one. Volvo combines the power from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with that of a rearwheel-drive electric motor to give a powerful package in what’s labelled as the T8 version. The combined power comes to the equiv-

2.0 litre 320hp +85hp 5.3 seconds 21km/litre (2.1/100km or 136mpg) 50 litres 49g/km A1 €170 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2009) 3 years (100,000km) €69,950 eration.

This smooth combination of petrol and electric power gives the car a hugely impressive 0 to 100km/ hr acceleration time of just 5.3 seconds. And I assure you that it can easily deliver that pace.

The plug-in system gives

a pure electric range of up to 45km (28 miles). The combined engines claim a fuel consumption figure of 2.1 l/100 km (134.5 mpg), which on paper is impressive. The CO2 rating is very low at 49g/km and that’s kept the road tax at an affordable €170.

T his new plug-in hybrid XC60 comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that allowed very smooth acceleration and when the two power sources are combined, the car has really impressive acceleration power.

The transmission is very seamless and effortless to use.

Volvo’s City Safety system is fitted to every XC60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and the world-first application of Steer Assist.

This feature helps to avoid

or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle.

There’s an obvious luxury feel in a minimalist Swedish way to the interior of the XC60 hybrid.

The seating is good and firm with electric adjustment on the test car. The touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and Bluetooth phone set-up took little effort and more than one phone can be connected.

The Volvo XC60 T8 hybrid is possibly the safest and one of the cleanest cars in the luxury end of the mid-size SUV market.

Hybrid XC60 entry prices start at €69,950.Grant incentives are available such as a €2,500 refund on VRT in addition to a €5,000 grant for private buyers.

8 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Skoda replaces Yeti with stylish Karoq THE new Skoda Karoq compact SUV, the second model in the brand’s SUV offensive, is now on sale in Ireland, with entry prices starting at €27,715 for the Ambition specification models. This new Karoq replaces the Yeti, which has been a popular model with Irish drivers.

The Skoda Karoq is positioned just below its bigger counterpart, the Kodiaq, in the Skoda vehicle line-up. While the Kodiaq is primarily a seven-seat vehicle, the Karoq is strictly a five-seat compact SUV with all the space, functionality and

features that are synonymous with the brand.

This new Karoq is larger than the Yeti, which it replaces, being 160mm longer and 48mm wider.

The boot capacity has increased by 105 litres to 521 litres in standard format. Despite this, Skoda claims that the Karoq is actually 13kg lighter than the outgoing Yeti.

From the exterior, the Skoda Design language is evident with crystalline effects in the LED head lights and body panel lines.

Like all Skoda models, the Karoq offers class-leading luggage space and func-

tionality. Positive impressions continue into the cabin.

On the inside, the optional and unique VarioFlex seating system can be adjusted into multiple formats (or removed completely) to accommodate the more bulky luggage transporting tasks. With VarioFlex seating, the standard luggage capacity increases to 588 litres. All Karoq versions are provided with a foldable umbrella that is stored beneath the passenger seat.

The Karoq comes with a choice of four engines, ranging from 115bhp to

150bhp, with three DSG automatic gearbox offerings, as well as a 150bhp 4X4. The top navigation systems, Columbus and Amundsen, also offer a Wi-Fi hotspot for on board Wi-Fi. A wireless phone charger can also be added to the Karoq, removing unwanted cable clutter.

The entry level Ambition trim comes standard with 17” Ratikon alloy wheels, 8” touch screen Bolero infotainment system, Climatronic airconditioning, rear parking sensors, Smart Link+ and chrome roof rails and window surrounds.

GAZETTE

MOTORING

The new Skoda Karoq replaces the Yeti with more space, more style and improved engine options with entry prices starting at €27,715 for the Ambition specification models.

FASTNews New electric car grant for taxis and public vehicles THE Department of Transport has announced a new electric car grant

licence and wish to replace their vehicle.

Jaguar offers fast charge electric I-PACE

It will also be available for existing drivers

JAGUAR’S new electric I-PACE car will promise both

who operate a wheelchair accessible

rapid charging and rapid performance when it goes on

vehicle (WAV) licence and wish to replace

sale on March 1 of this year. The car claims a charging

their vehicle with an electric WAV and the

time of less than 45 minutes combined with sports car

new licence holders who wish to operate

performance and SUV practicality. Jaguar claims that

electric WAVs or limousines.

the new I-PACE will be an everyday car, whether on the

scheme worth up to €7,000 for taxis and Toyota lead the new car

public service vehicles. The scheme will

market in January

be available nationwide to existing taxi

Toyota’s hybrid sales give market lead TOYOTA Ireland claims that its new car market lead for January 2018 is thanks to significant demand for its hybrid range.

Toyota ended January with a 11.83% market share, achieved through the sale of 4,393 passenger vehicles, 48% of which were hybrid, according to the company.

Looking across Toyota’s best-selling hybrid models, Yaris sold 1026 units, of which 49% were hybrid, Auris sold 807 units, of which 71% were hybrid, C-HR sold 813 units, of which 77% were hybrid and the RAV4 sold 582 units of which 49% were hybrid.

Toyota Ireland’s chief executive Steve Tormey said: “With close to 50% hybrid

mix of our total passenger car sales, it’s very clear that hybrid is the best technology in the market today to meet customers’ needs for more environmentally friendly and better driving experiences. With diesel now accounting for only 21% of our car sales, Toyota customers are ahead of the market in their move out of diesel and into hybrid.

“Similar to the Irish Government, Toyota too has a vision for a zero emissions society, which we believe can be a reality by 2050.

To help achieve this, Toyota’s self-charging hybrid cars, which are in electric mode for up to 55% of the time, should be viewed as a stepping stone for consumers into full electrification”.

The new Jaguar I-PACE

drivers who operate a standard vehicle

The electric vehicle grant scheme will be applicable to both new and second hand electric vehicles. For the purpose of

school run, daily commute or even coping with sub-zero temperatures.

This new I-PACE has been rigorously tested across

this Grant Scheme only Battery Electric

extremes of terrain and temperature, the I-PACE has

Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric

tamed the Arctic at Jaguar Land Rover’s cold weather

Vehicles (PHEV) will qualify for purchase

test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, at temperatures as low

relief. Fully hybrid vehicles or vehicles

as -40°C.

older than six years of age will not be eligible for support.

Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a

Up to €7,000 grant will be made avail-

journey. Pre-conditioning the car ensures maximum

able from the National Transport Author-

range, performance and comfort whether tempera-

ity for the purchase of a new BEV and up

tures are freezing cold or extremely hot. Setting up pre-

to €3,500 for the purchase of a new PHEV

ferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules

— with lesser amounts being available

can be done from either the on-board InControl system,

the older the vehicle is (up to a maximum

or the Remote smartphone APP, and is as easy as setting

of six years old).

an alarm.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

SPORT

FastSport NOVA HITS THE SIX AT SIX: FOR the next six weeks, Radio Nova will bring their unique twist on The Six Nations Championship with the ‘6 At 6’ from 6pm-7pm every Thursday.

Brent Pope will join Pat Courtenay in studio as they look forward to the weekend’s games.

Does Brent Pope still believe we can claim the Grand Slam as he has so often stated or with a resurgent Wales and England on form, have his expectations dropped?

Of course, with no Brent on TV this year, Nova is the only place to get your annual Popey fix. And being two Kiwis, Brent and Pat are not afraid to say it as they see it.

There will be special guests dropping by and the lads will be encouraging listeners to call directly into studio.

The ‘6 At 6’ with Pat Courtenay and Brent Pope continues on Thursday, February 8.

ULTRA-RUNNING: CABRA-BASED RUNNER BREAKS EIGHT HOUR MARK FOR 100KM

Higgins follows Pheidippides route on the road to Sparta

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN-BASED ultramarathon runner Alastair Higgins has hit the much sought-after automatic qualifying time for iconic ultra race the ‘Spartathlon’, taking home first place in the UK’s Flitch Way 100km race, near Braintree, in the process.

Higgins took the lead in the Flitch Way race with around 20kms to go, having run much of the distance in third place.

His consistent splits saw him average four minutes 43 per kilometres over the 100kms, and contained only 12 kilometres at over five minutes pace.

It saw Higgins reel in the leaders over the out and back course, to finish in seven hours and 55 minutes. A sub-8 hour time is enough to qualify for the Greek contest.

“The course was 5kms each way, out and back, which acts as a kind of mental reset after each time,” Higgins said of the race.

“It breaks it all up into five or 10km chunks, which is helpful as it can be hard to keep track of your pace when you don’t

Alastair Higgins following the 100-mile Vartry Lakes race

have regular markers.

“As it was out and back, I could also see the other runners in front of me at about the same point on the course every time, and I knew I was slowly reeling them in.

“I was trying to keep some-

thing for the end, and knew I had a bit in the bank. The eight hours was key, that’s an automatic qualifying time for Spartathlon, and outside of that you need a slower time to get into a lottery.”

The Greek race traces the

route Pheidippides took from Sparta to Athens, a path of around 150 miles that finishes with a climb up and down a mountain.

There are regular time cut offs that must be made by racers, and another serious inhib-

iting factor is the heat.

Training in Ireland involves regular runs in multiple layers of clothing aimed at raising the core temperature.

The field of athletes is world class, and a top 50 finish would be a fantastic achievement.

Higgins, though, is used to the hard yards: “I peaked at about 180kms a week,” he said of his recent training, “and tried to stay above 100 miles, which is about 161kms.

“Obviously, as a parent, that doesn’t always go to plan and you can’t really just add it on next week at that kind of distance, so you just have to accept it and move on.

“I’ve learnt a lot about recovery and nutrition, and you can really maximise the benefit and bounce back quickly.

“The worst part after the last run is actually my arms, from holding water bottles.”

Higgins is also the drummer in popular Dublin dance act Le Galaxie, and as well as the Spartathlon, plans to run the Belfast to Dublin ultra race later this year (he ran the same contest in reverse in 2017), and to go for entry to notorious American ultra race Badwater.

Saints stun Marian with crucial last minute free throws  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU Saints’ Dee Proby. Picture: Sportsfile

DCU Saints caused a big upset in the Men’s Super League on Saturday evening as they overcame league leaders, UCD Marian, at the death, 71-70.

A nail-biting finale to one of the games of the weekend saw the clash ultimately decided on the free throw line, as everyone held their breath when Dee Proby edged DCU ahead.

UCD Marian missed the opportunity from the same spot at the other end – netting just one from two of their bonus

shots – to tie the game on the buzzer to send the game to overtime.

“I’m delighted with the win!” said Saints head coach, Joey Boylan. “It was a tough game, and the last couple of minutes it came down to who was getting their shots and who would miss them and, unfortunately for them, they missed a free throw on the buzzer.”

Marian didn’t have long to wait though until they got back to winning ways as they took the spoils from their big clash with UCC Demons at the Mardyke

in Cork on Sunday, winning out 95-78 in the end with a 31-point display from Mike Garrow.

“We would have loved to have won both games,” admitted Marian’s Ioannis Liapakis. “But the way things came about, one win is enough – it’s good, we’re happy. We needed that win: in five months, we had only two losses and all of a sudden, in one week we had two losses in a row. We needed that win to get back on track.”

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, meanwhile, kept their spot at second place on the table secure

this weekend, with an 84-72 point win over Pyrobel Killester in the Complex in Tralee.

I n t h e Wo m e n ’s S u p e r League, meanwhile, the hugely anticipated clash between Courtyard Liffey Celtics and DCU Mercy certainly lived up to all expectations, with Liffey winning out 61-57 in a cracking game.

A nail-biting end to the clash saw brilliant scoring from Devon Brookshire and international underage star Sorcha Tiernan see them home to victory.

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Gillick back on home turf for Marlay parkrun VHI is calling on walkers, joggers and runners to join them at Dublin’s Marlay parkrun on Saturday, February 10 when they will host a special event to celebrate their partnership with parkrun Ireland.

Parkrun, in partnership with Vhi, support local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5k runs every Saturday at 9.30am which are open to all ages and abilities.

In addition to the normal Marlay parkrun on Saturday, Olympian, David Gillick will be on hand to lead the warm up for parkrun participants before completing the 5km course alongside newcomers and seasoned parkrunners alike.

Refreshments will be provided in the Vhi relaxation Area at the finish line. Free massage balls will be given out on a first come first served basis and a qualified physiotherapist will also be on hand to guide participants through a post event stretching routine.

Marlay parkrun event director, Liam McCambridge is extending a warm welcome to newcomers: “The community at Marlay parkrun prides itself on being welcoming to all, so if you’ve never completed a parkrun before or have just let your parkrun habit slip, I’d encourage you to give it a go this weekend.

“Vhi will be providing an extra level of support to participants and volunteers so Saturday is a great opportunity to get active! Just register at parkrun.ie and we’ll see you in Marlay Park for what should be a brilliant morning!”

The Vhi parkrun roadshow visited 11 parkruns during 2017 and has hosted events in Dublin, Kildare and Limerick over the past number of weeks.

The events across Ireland are organised by more than 600 volunteers every weekend from Bere Island to Ballina to Ballinteer. Over 100,000 registered participants have run more than 3.6 million kilometres at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012. Originally launched in the UK in 2004, parkrun is the single biggest participation running event globally with nearly three million registered participants and an average of 165,000 weekly participants.

To register for a parkrun near you visit www. parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.

McGuckin going back in time to sail around world Battling high winds and rough seas is one thing but one Goatstown man is making things even tougher as he harks back to the 60s in his bid to circumnavigate the globe solo  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DU BL I N E R G r e g o r McGuckin is looking to be the first Irish native to sail solo and non-stop around the world, with his challenging adventure race set to get underway in late June, amid a field of 25.

McGuckin isn’t making his life easy, either: the contest he’ll enter is a recreation of an infamous non-stop, solo race that took place in 1968. It goes so far as to use yachts dating back to the era, ban electronic navigation (the competitors will rely on a compass and the sun and moon), and even prohibit communication that wasn’t available 50 years ago.

Instead of an MP3

p l ay e r a n d K i n d l e , McGuckin – and the rest of the competitors – will carry a haul of books and cassette tapes.

McGuckin’s circumnavigation is expected to take approximately 270 days, and his number one goal is to finish, though the 31-year-old hasn’t ruled out a push to win the competition. Having crossed the Atlantic on numerous occasions, as well as the Indian Ocean, his main concerns are not so much about the sailing, but about the isolation.

“We’ll have long range radios, which work sporadically, so I will be able to talk to home, though I’ll be relying on limited charge and intermittent contact,” he tells us.

“We have a GPS, but it’s for safety, and it’s kept

Gregor McGuckin on the bow of his boat

in a box that we’re disqualified for opening. The same goes for the satellite phone, except for calling the organisers.”

“I’m confident I’ll be fine alone for the first month or six weeks but I am worried about boredom. It’ll be easier if I’m going along at a good speed, the boat is well maintained and I’m near the front. If I’m out of the race somewhere down the back, it’ll be a lot more difficult.”

Despite it being 50 years old, McGuckin’s is confident his boat, a Biscay 36 Ketch - touted as one of the most competitive models permitted in the race - is more than capable of the journey.

“It’s a good solid boat,” McGuckin explains.

“They weren’t so certain

of the strength of fiberglass at that time, so they actually made the hulls a lot thicker and a lot stronger to be sure they were safe.

“It has basic controls; I have modernised the control system a little bit, but it’s not like driving a vintage car. It’s definitely a boat capable of making it around, and it’s in pretty good nick right now.

“It’ll have to last under sail for almost the entire distance [around 30,000 miles] , as while I have an engine for emergencies, I’ll have very little fuel.

So I hope it holds up,” he jokes. “The Southern Ocean has effectively no land mass in the way, so storms build with constant westerly winds.

They’re bigger seas, and bigger challenges thou-

sands of miles away from land. It’s cold, grey and big, and crossing the Atlantic isn’t really comparable, but I’ve been in big seas before.

“As much as that, my worries are things like that I read quickly. I might try reading in a different language or something to make it take a little bit longer, as I can’t bring too many books for weight reasons.”

McGuckin was raised in Goatstown and attended Colaiste Dhulaigh.

His passion for sailing has developed from an interest in windsurfing, and he has spent recent years teaching children to sail off the coast of County Mayo. He has over 50,000 miles of logged sailing experience, and will add a further 30,000 should he complete his trip.

While the race gets under way in June, a feature film about a competitor in the original contest, The Mercy (starring Colin Firth) is out this week, with Firth playing Donald Crowhurst.

Crowhurst was a failed amateur competitor in the original 1968 race, widely believed to have committed suicide once he realised his ill-thought-out plan to ‘win’ by hanging around in the Atlantic and return home at speed without circumnavigating the globe was likely to be discovered, and lead to his bankruptcy.

The original race was won by Robin KnoxJohnston.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

SPORT

JUNIORCup

SCHOOLS RUGBY: RATHMINES OUTFIT WIN BATTLE OF THE SAINTS

Picture: Paul Lundy

Rock avenge junior final defeat to St Michael’s BLACKROCK College moved into the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Junior Cup quarter-finals at Donnybrook on Sunday with victory over St Michael’s College, avenging last year’s final defeat.

St Michael’s took the early initiative, captain Stephen Woods leading the way with fly-half Hugo McWade fizzing passes and centres Sam Berman and Conor Gannon probing.

Rock centre Tom Henderson’s made the first real inroad of the game, attacking around the outside. It was on the edges that Rock looked to have an advantage.

Wing Harry Whelan was instrumental in winning a crucial penalty, captain James Culhane then opting for the corner. A powerful maul followed, the Williamstown school capitalising on the forwards’ work to send left wing Jude O’Reilly over the line on 13 minutes for 5-0.

St Michael’s enjoyed their fair share of possession but lacked that cutting-edge needed, wing Callum O’Reilly coming close for the Donnybrook school.

Blackrock appeared superior at the breakdown where flanker James Culhane and number eight Sean Dempsey were vigilant.

Their wing Whelan was finding joy down the outside, his latest intrusion paving the way for lock Rory McGuire to add the second try for Michael Moloney to convert in the 27th minute.

It was soon treble trouble for St Michael’s, prop David Walsh’s quick hands the key to wing O’Reilly’s second try just on half-time.

Captain Culhane struck soon after the break, Moloney again converting for 24-0 with 34 minutes gone. O’Reilly promptly completed his hattrick with another fine attack down the left.

True to form, St Michael’s kept to the game plan and hit back with everything they had to go close at the posts however ‘Rock stood strong against the maul and driving game.

The St Michael’s three-quarters continued working and moved the ball sweetly for O’Reilly to dot down in the 48th minute.

Walsh was the link man again in putting scrumhalf Thomas Quinn in for the sixth try, Moloney converting.

There was time for captain Woods to score a consolation try but to no avail.

St Mary’s salute their crowd following their win over St Andrew’s. Picture: Paul Lundy

Mary’s might outdoes Andrew’s SENIOR CUP 1ST ROUND St Mary’s 29 St Andrew’s 18  MATTHEW KENNEDY sport@dublingazette.com

ST MARY’S triumphed over St Andrew’s in Donnybrook on Friday to book themselves into the quarter finals of the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup. The enthralling contest began at a frenetic pace with both sides looking to assert themselves into the game early on.

The pace and power of St Mary’s duo Ruairi Shields and lock Sean Heeran proved instrumental in earning an early penalty for the Rathmines outfit which Shields him-

self pulled wide of the upright.

St Andrew’s scrum-half Daniel James was another to make an early impact, his line break and offload opening the pitch up for number eight Stephen Keane whose barnstorming run was brought to a halt prematurely.

The St Mary’s forwards found joy with their driving game. Centre Ben McDonnell was denied off the back of the maul

by Aaron O’Neill, stripping the ball away too for a crucial turnover.

T h e B o o t e r s t ow n school capitalised on this turnover efficiently, scrum-half James dancing around a midfield ruck and eventually releasing

HONOURS EVEN Wesley unable to escape the Dolphin challenge OLD WESLEY shared the spoils in Cork with

Dolphin following a 13-13 draw, keeping them in seventh place of Ulster Bank League Division 1B. Played in bright but cold conditions, Josh Miller kicked Wesley into the lead on the half hour for a 3-0 half-time lead. Barry Keeshan’s pair of penalties countered one from Miller for 6-6. JJ O’Dea’s converted try put Wesley in front once more but Dolphin drew a penalty try late in the game for the draw.

prop Jack O’Brien with a clever kick to get the first points on the board.

St Mary’s swiftly replied to going behind when scrum-half Adam McEvoy stole down the right, popping the ball smartly to wing Hugo Conway who drove over the line.

The Rathmines school added to their lead, hooker Gavin O’Brien’s sublime piece of skill opening enough space for wing Eoin Carey to dot down on the 23rd minute for a 12-5 advantage.

Past pupil Jordan Larmour was on hand with the kicking tee for his former school as he assisted Aaron O’Neill whose magnificent penalty from the left sailed between the

posts to cut the deficit for St Andrew’s.

St Mary’s extended their lead once again before the half when a trick play led to a Shields try. This took the teams into the break at a score of 17-8.

The Booterstown boys came out of the traps quickly in the second half, spurred on by an early turnover from O’Neill.

Scrum-half James bundled home after a smart dummy in the 40th minute. This converted try slashed the deficit to just two points.

St Mary’s appeared unfazed by the mounting pressure and looked to extend their advantage once again. Their perseverance paid off in the

48th minute when second row Ian Wickham snatched a loose pass from beneath the Saints noses and scampered over the line to reopen the gap.

St Andrew’s heads never dropped and after another smashing O’Neill penalty they gained momentum.

Full-back Reece Jordan made a stunning, mazy run, driven on by the roar of the Donnybrook crowd however he was brought down short by the covering backs.

St Andrew’s couldn’t capitalise on their momentum as St Mary’s hooker O’Brien stormed over the line to consolidate victory for the D6 school at a score line of 29-18.

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: TOLKA SALVAGE DRAW DESPITE RED CARD

ATHLETICS

Clonliffe’s Chris Sibanda leads the way .Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile Liffey Wanderers LSL Sunday Senior 1 side

Liffeys let points slip against 10-man Tolka LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1 Liffey Wanderers Tolka Rovers  JAMES HENDICOTT

2 2

sport@dublingazette.com

LIFFEY Wanderers and Tolka Rovers have been heading in the opposite direction in recent years.

Liffey’s quick rise from junior football has taken then to both a FAI Junior and FAI Intermediate Cup titles over the last few years, and they now sit on the verge of a place in the top tier of Leinster intermediate soccer.

Tolka, meanwhile, have dropped from their regular position in the Sunday Senior division and are fighting for a return.

Both are threatening promotion in 2018, however, and the encounter in Irishtown on Friday night had all the hallmarks of two ambitious attacking teams. Liffey dominated from the off, creating a series of chances for front men Dean Kinsella and Lee Roche who got the better of a frantic opening period.

It was Tolka who took the lead on 23 minutes,

however, as Paddy Obijuru fed on Philly Nolan’s through ball on the break, finding a gap on the left wing and lashing a perfectly placed lob into the corner of the Liffey net from forty yards.

Obijuru was at the heart of almost everything good coming from Tolka early on as their only consistent attacking outlet, but could have cost his team dearly. After Kinsella had taken full advantage of a smartly squared ball to equalise from around the penalty spot, Obijuru got involved in an altercation in the middle of the Liffey box that would see him sent off just before halftime.

The bizarre incident saw Obijuru raise his hands to his marker as he waited for an attacking freekick to launch into the box, though the exaggerated reaction of the Liffey man perhaps played into his dismissal.

While Tolka almost found the net again when the ball did eventually come into the box, it was a sucker punch from Roche right on the half time

whistle that had Liffey going in deservedly 2-1 ahead.

From there, it should have been a cakewalk for the home side who had had much of the ball and generally looked more likely throughout the contest, but the second half proved to be anything but.

With Liffey still holding a vast majority of the possession, Tolka resorted to weathering the onslaught and looking for long balls up to Nolan, now playing an energetic role as loan striker. With Liffey struggling to break down the ten men, it was a free-kick won by Nolan against the run of play that proved

critical.

In the 80th minute, Tolka slammed a second high-class goal from distance in, as they curled a 30 yard freekick onto the underside of the Liffey crossbar and down, with the linesman ultimately awarding a contentious goal.

A heav y rain had arrived and with the astros seeing rapid run-on from almost every ball, Liffey weren’t able to adjust and see the game home. Both sides are well placed for Senior 1 promotion, but for Liffey, this can only be two points lost to their resilient, sharp-shooting rivals.

Clonliffe rack up the medals CLONLIFFE Harriers took home plenty of silverware from the NIA Abbotstown at the AAI Indoor Games where Luke Lennon-Ford won his 400m after an excellent battle with Jason Harvey (Crusaders) in 48.53.

There was a win also for Keith Marks, this time in the high jump, with a best of 1.90m. In the 60m, Leo Morgan ran 6.97 in his heat, Keith Marks 7.09 after a stumble out of blocks, Keith Pike 7.04 and 7.02, Isreal Ibeanu 7.41, 7.36 and then a 23.30 in the 200m.

In the middle-distance events, both Hannah Browne (2.23.50) and Ale Hernandez (2.23.90) recorded 800m personal bests while, in the 3,000m, Efron Gidey ran 8.55.14 and Eoin Taggart a best of 8.56.04.

In the race of the day, a great run by Richie Owen saw him end the 1,500m in fourth place.

Earlier in the week, the Clonliffe men continued their domination of the National Indoor League with their third win in succession at Abbotstown.

The win came from a great team effort by the entire squad. Having topped the standings after both rounds 1 and 2, they made sure with impressive performances throughout the day. Maximum points were scored in five of the 11 events: David Donegan in the pole vault (4.10m), Keith Marks in the long jump (7.15m), Marcin Klinzow in the high jump (1.85m), Chris Sibanda in the 200m (22.17) and Dara Kervick 400m (48.50).

With very solid points then contributed, again, by Klinzow, this time third in the shot (11.63m), Niall Counihan second in the triple jump (12.97m), the 4 x 200m team were also second, Leo Morgan 2nd in the 60m, Mark McDonald third in the 800m and young Greg Hosseny fourth in the 1,500m, the win was assured.

The women`s team put in a spirited display with Lean Bergin`s win in the 400 (58.67) providing the highlight with their seventh place finish.

Leah Bergin at the AAI indoor games .Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 8 February 2018

SPORT CAMOGIE: ST VINCENT’S WOMAN CONFIDENT OF TAKING DOWN CATS

FASTGAA

Dubs go from two from two IT’S TWO wins from two starts for the Dublin senior footballers as they overcame Tyrone by five points in Healy Park, Omagh on Saturday night in front of a crowd of 9,465 with a 2-13 to 0-11 victory.

The Dubs played almost the last half hour, including added time, with 14 men after Niall Scully had been dismissed for a second yellow card in the 48th minute.

Like in the previous round against Kildare Jim Gavin’s men responded well to the early concession of a goal as Cathal McShane’s 1-1 in the opening minutes had Tyrone four points clear inside five minutes.

However, as the half progressed Dublin began to find the feet when playing into a strong wind and by the break were 1-7 to 1-5 in arrears with Ciaran Kilkenny grabbing Dublin’s goal in the 23rd minute.

“I think just how this Dublin team responds to that – they just roll up theirsleeves and get on with it,” said manager Jim Gavin.

“That’s to their credit and no matter what has happened in the game they are just playing the next passage of play.

“They are very adaptable, very present in the game and not looking too beyond the next actual phase of play,” added Gavin.

McCarthy lines up revenge mission NAT. CAMOGIE LEAGUE  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN camogie star Eimear McCarthy believes her team have what it takes become the first side from the capital in more than 30 years to take home the All-Ireland title.

T he Girls in Blue were knocked out of the Leinster and All-Ireland championships last year

by Kilkenny, who went on to reach the finals of both competitions.

But the side had a hugely productive year, reaching the All-Ireland semi-final for the first time in over 20 years.

And St Vincent’s clubwoman McCarthy feels the squad have learned enough from their recent run-ins with the Cats to knock them from their

perch in 2018.

“I don’t fear Kilkenny and I do believe that we will get over Kilkenny this year,” McCarthy said, speaking exclusively to the Dublin Gazette at the launch of Dublin GAA’s season at Parnell Park.

“We have to drive forward with belief and put in good performances.

It’s got to be good performances for 60 minutes of the game and once we can get that we can beat anybody.”

Despite the disappointment of failing to reach a final last year, D u b l i n r e c e i ve d a n impressive seven all-star nominations in 2017.

McCarthy was one of those nominated, and the midfielder believes that will have given the squad confidence they have the quality to go

Eimear McCarthy at AIG’s launch of the Dublin season. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

one step further this year.

“Everyone wants to win. Everybody wants to come home and win the All-Ireland. We definitely could have taken it last year.

“A f e w d e c i s i o n s mightn’t have gone our way and that kind of thing, but last year is last year and we’re driving on for a new year. We’re going to take it this year hopefully and make it to Croke Park.”

The Dubs managed their first win of the league campaign at the weekend as they eased

past Meath by 0-15 to 0-10 at Trim GAA club.

Having drawn with Limerick on the opening day, Dublin were roundly beaten by Kilkenny in atrocious conditions at the Parnell’s astro facility in Coolock two weeks ago.

With Clare and Waterford also having played out a draw, it leaves four sides now delicately poised in second place on three points, with the Girls in Blue to play both sides in their remaining games.

“If we look at our

league scores last year, we went to Cork in the first round of the league and scored four points.

It’s definitely a positive that we are scoring, and we are scoring a lot from play.

“We are going to learn a lot more from the mistakes we make. It’s easier to make them now than in the championships.

“I’d rather have to learn stuff now than to be learning it in the summer. We have a long time to fix our mistakes, and that’s what we’re doing at the minute.”

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

BALLYMUN KICKHAMS

OUR heroes of the week are our U-14 girls team who had their first game of the year, and didn’t disappoint with a terrific team display against O’Dwyers, with stand out players Casey, Lana, Grainne and Megan.

Well done girls, and well done to the whole team, take a big bow, you are our Laoch Na Seachtaine!

Well done also to our U-9 boys who had a great couple of games against Kevins Cillians on Saturday morning. James Clinton and Jamie Byrne both wereexcellent in their games.

Please note, the club has started a campaign to try and

resurrect our monthly draw, as it has faded badly recently.

On our Facebook and Twitter and our website, you will find details where by just donating €10 per month direct debit, you can help keep the floodlights on and the water warm in the clubhouse, that serves all our teams from the toddlers to our seniors and all between.

While our pitch fundraisers have been great success, our monthly draw has suffered.

We would ask that you consider making this donation on a monthly basis, to help keep the bills paid, and our teams on the pitch.

Please visit www. ballymunkickhams.com for more details.

CLONTARF

THE minor team fundraising skip share resumes this weekend.

Check clontarfgaa.com/skipshare for details.

Tickets for the fashion event of the year, our Fashion Show in The Helix on February 23, are on sale.

Available in An Siopa (Tuesday and Thursday 7-8pm) or text Grainne 087 2370625, Ruth 085 7278693 or Siobhan on 087 6771835.

The club have recently launched our Healthy Club initiative.

Further details on our website on clontarfgaa.com/healthyclub Imreoir na seachtaine is Ciarán Giles who grabbed a hat trick of goals playing up for the U-15s. He was ably assisted by his brother Cian and Cillian Hayes and Fionn

Magner who played up from U-13s in a battling performance against James Gaels. Unfortunately, the team were edged out in an entertaining match. The U-15As had a good win in their league opener away to Naomh Mearnog.

Well done to Paddy Smyth who helped Áth Cliath hurlers edge out Aontroim in AHL 1B. Katie Murray started for Áth Cliath Peil na mBan in their league victory over Westmeath.

GRMA to sponsors Sherry FitzGerald Lettings who launched the 2018 U-9 boys and girls geansaí at the club on Sunday.

Our juvenile Peil na mBan teams had some great training sessions over the weekend. Kerry legend Colm Cooper took the Faoi15 cailíní for training on Saturday while the

U-12/13/14 cailíní trained with Áth Cliath. GRMA to Willy O’Connor who helped arrange that session.

The club host several social sports games on the club astro.

New players are always welcome, contact details on clontarfgaa. com/Social/Sport.The club now have a LinkedIn page, search for Clontarf GAA Club to follow us.

No winner of the club lotto.

Numbers drawn were 1, 10, 22 and 23. Consolation prize winners were Fionnuala McNamee and PJ Ryan.

Póta Óir now €6,800. Play online via our website or by envelope in An Siopa, Cúldoras, The Sheds or Pebble Beach.

CRAOBH CHIARAIN

NO WINNER of the lotto jackpot of

€3,500 on January 29. Ten match three winners each receive €60.

Numbers were 1, 8, 11 and 24.

Next week’s jackpot will be €4,000. Tickets are €2 each and the draw takes place every Monday at 11pm in the club lounge.

Most juvenile teams return to action this week and the nursery continues on Saturday at 11am and on Wednesdays at 4pm. New members are always welcome.

We welcome our New Games Promotion Officer, Thomas Burke, and we wish him every success in his new role. Thomas will visit your training sessions over the next few weeks.

Membership fees for 2018 are now due, details of which are on display in the club or from club registrar Linda Ryan. Payment can

8 February 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: NA FIANNA STARLET SAYS HER SIDE IS TARGET FOR EVERYONE ELSE

Leah relishing Dubs bid for title retention NAT. FOOTBALL LEAGUE  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

NA FIANNA’S Leah Caffrey says the Girls in Blue have their eyes firmly trained on retaining their All-Ireland crown as their National Football League season kicks into gear.

Dublin take on Cork – whose six-year AllIreland winning streak came to an end last summer as Dublin lifted the title – on Saturday in the year’s first televised game at Croke Park.

Two weeks later, Mick Bohan’s side face their opponents from last year’s final, Mayo, in Castlebar in a double header with the men’s team that will also be broadcast live.

Na Fianna clubwoman Caffrey realises they’ll be the team to beat come

the summer and that the upcoming games will be an opportunity to lay down a marker for the entire season.

“The title would be the biggest aim and we know other county teams want to take that away from us,” Caffrey told the Dublin Gazette at Dublin GAA’s season launch at Parnell Park.

“We’re just looking forward to getting back into it now. 2017 was last year and we’re focusing on this year. We haven’t won anything yet, and it’s going to be twice as hard this year to retain the title.

“We’ve loads of new girls in the squad now and there’s a lot of competition for places.

The standard is there – it’s definitely going up because of the newer girls coming in.”

The Dubs made hard

work of a spirited Westmeath side in Mullingar on Saturday, trailing by seven points early in the second half before eventually winning out by a five-point margin.

And Caffrey admits that, at this time of the year, it’s all about shaking off the ring-rust with the likes of Mayo, Cork and Kerry primed and ready to capitalise if they’re below their best.

“Because we played Mayo in the final last year it’s going to be very competitive when we go down and play them this year, and that’s before the men’s game as well.

“It’s about peaking consistently throughout the year, but peaking in the summer, during the championship, that’s the most important thing.”

Caffrey – who struggled with a knee complaint over the winter

FastGAA BURKE STRIKES LATE TO SALVAGE WIN:

Leah Caffrey with young Dub, Kyah O’Reilly, age 8, in Parnell Park to kick off the 2018 Dublin GAA Season. Picture: David Fitzgerald

break as an exhausting season took its toll – admits the first few weeks back have been a challenge.

However, victories over Donegal and Westmeath have helped them ease their way in with

much tougher challenges to come in the weeks ahead.

“At the minute we’re a bit rusty because we haven’t been playing with each other. Any games [we play] are getting experience under

our belt.

“We started back in January there and we didn’t have that much pre-season but we got a good bit of fitness in and we got a good result against Donegal [in week one].”

A DONAL Burke pointed free in the sixth minute of added time saw Dublin edge out Antrim in dramatic fashion in their NHL Division 1B encounter at Corrigan Park, Belfast on Sunday afternoon, 0-23 to 0-22.

The Glensmen looked like they had done enough to share the spoils after coming back from seven points down before the young Na Fianna man split the post with the last puck of the contest from just outside 65 metres.

“It was a good response to last week.

“Our workrate, particularly in the first 60 minutes, was excellent. We really, really worked hard,” said manager Pat Gilroy.

“Our shooting wasn’t what it should have been ... but it was very satisfying to get the response from last week, because it was twice the workrate.”

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

be made at the bar. Receipts are issued for all such transactions. Adult playing members must also pay an additional insurance fee.

Our ladies football section are holding a fundraising karaoke bingo session in the club lounge on Mother’s Day, Sunday, March 11 from 6-9pm.

Music returns to the lounge on Sunday evening and every Sunday thereafter.

The executive committee are looking for nominations for the position of Asst Treasurer and PRO. Interested parties should contact club secretary Mary Derwin immediately.

O’TOOLE’S

WELL done to Kate Fitzgibbon and the Dublin ladies team that defeated Westmeath in the NFL on a very cold Sunday in Mullingar. We’re looking forward to seeing more of Kate and the girls this year.

Nursery every Saturday at 9.45am on our all-weather pitch. If you have a child aged four and upward wanting to play our national sport, look no further than O’Toole’s.

Contact David 086 3101034.

I had a lovely phone call on Sunday from Michael Colreavy, the brother of the late Fr Tom. He, on behalf of the family, wished to express

his thanks and gratitude to the Executive Committee, staff and members of O’Toole’s for their condolences and kindness at the time of Tom’s death.

O’Toole’s are looking for members to join the Healthy Club Committee.

The healthy club is part of the GAA initiative to provide support to all club members and increase opportunities to develop their physical, social, emotional, and psychological health. If you would be interested developing positive health and well-being in the club, please contact Barry at healthyclubofficerotooles@

gmail.com.

We are currently accepting names for places on our forthcoming First Aid course. There must be at least two qualified first aider on each team always.

Contact Kelly 085 1600381 or Hellen 086 3060524.

This weekend in our refurbished lounge is…

Friday night fun & Games.

Saturday with ‘Midnight Blue’ and Sunday, 6-8pm ‘Owen Thomas’.

There was one lucky winner of our club Lotto. The numbers drawn were 7, 11, 13, 23. The jackpot this week is €1,000.

RAHENY

OUR 60th Anniversary Ball is on March 16; this is a black tie event, tickets will be available to purchase behind the bar or online shortly.

This is a great night to celebrate our club and everyone in it. Tickets are €75 each with dinner served at 8pm sharp.

This year’s Mother’s Day falls on March 11 and the chosen charity for our mothers day brunch is “Breast Cancer Ireland”.

A group of Manor House TY students are running this event to help raise money for Breast Cancer Ireland in

one of their teachers names Emma Cassidy.

Raheny All Stars had a visit from Minister Finian McGrath on Friday evening.

The All Stars are an amazing group of children with special needs learning GAA skills, this is only possible with the help from all the volunteers, thank you to all of these, especially the ones who have gone on to do courses: Dara O’Hanlon (minor football/camogie player) who has completed a Certificate in Disability Inclusive Training, Congrats Dara.

The Club Hall is available for hire for parties; if you

wish to book either the hall or the Hill for communion/ confirmations, contact Andrew Dowling on 0871263439 or ring the club on 01-8313530.

Pitch alerts: The new pitch in St Annes, Pitch 5, the astro beside the tennis courts in St Annes is an All Weather pitch and therefore not included in the pitch alerts on a Friday morning. If looking to hire this pitch, contact Paddy Moore of Raheny Sports Alliance on 086 7966794.

A pub quiz to raise funds for our U-14 Feile girls is on Thursday, February 8 at 8.30pm. Up to 4 people per table €10 per person.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 34-39

NEW CHALLENGES: Leah Caffrey relishing the Dublin ladies bid to retain the All-Ireland football title P39

FEBRUARY 8-14, 2018

MIGHTY SAINT MARY’S:

Rathmines outfit power through over Andrew’s P36

Bohemians and St Kevin’s Boys young stars have formally joined forces for 2018 and beyond

Bohs’ tangerine dream

St Kevin’s Boys and Bohemians formally join forces to develop their pathway to League of Ireland football with groundbreaking agreement  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

LEAGUE of Ireland club Bohemians and schoolboy nursery St Kevin’s Boys have formally announced a partnership that will see the clubs work closely together on youth development.

The partnership will see a joint team bearing the crest of both clubs compete at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 National League level, with an Under-13 league also in the pipeline.

Both clubs fielded separate sides in the Under15 league during its inaugural 2017 season, an interim measure approved by the FAI while the clubs thrashed out a long-term joint venture.

“Bohemians was always our first choice and

the first club we sat down with,” said St Kevin’s Boys head of youth development Alan Caffrey at the launch of the partnership in Dalymount Park.

“It just took a bit longer than we thought it would. We now look forward to bringing young players and sitting in the stands watching them make their debut here.”

The underage teams will wear Bohemians’ traditional black and red at home while their changed away strip will be tangerine – St Kevin’s Boys colours.

It was important to both clubs that their symbols and identities remain distinct and that underage sides be recognised as a willing partnership rather than one taking over the other.

“Obviously, Bohemians has a massive tradi-

tion and so does Kevin’s. It was important for people that they seen both identities in the club.”

“Having the crest on the jersey, having the away jersey tangerine, we’re happy that nobody’s lost any identity.”

Caffrey himself was an important link between the two clubs. He was assistant manager to Gareth Farrelly after returning from an academy role with West Brom in 2005 and was caretaker manager following Farrelly’s dismissal in 2006.

Much of what the Dubliner has sought to achieve with the merger has its roots in that time, when he observed the sorry state of underage football in the National League.

“Funnily enough, it was a conversation I had

with a Bohs board member when I came back from West Brom and I asked about the youth section.

“One of the comments I made, I remember where I was when I made it, was you would have to invest in your youth system probably half of what you invest in your senior section.

“And of course in them days it wasn’t looked at. It was laughed at probably. It’s good for Irish football that they’re starting to turn it around.

“Obviously the investment isn’t as massive as it needs to be, but at least we’re at a starting point.”

Bohemians present Chris Brien added: “While our elite section has been successful to date with our previous link to the NDSL, we can move to a different level with this partnership.”