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SPORT
Dubs fully armed for Red Hand showdown
Armed gardai called in to help fight illegal dumping SYLVIA POWNALL
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ARMED gardai have been drafted in to help tackle the growing scourge of illegal dumping across north Dublin. Following the first in a series of random checkpoints, staged last week at Baldoyle, the council has confirmed that a range of policing resources will be deployed across the county as the war against ‘sinister’ dumping steps up Full Story on Page 6 a gear.
2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 24 August 2017
HEALTH | SF DEPUTY HITS OUT AT PARTICULAR IMPACT ON CHILDREN
SINN Fein have blasted an increase in the number of children waiting on trolleys at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, with Dublin South Central TD Aengus O Snodaigh describing it as “unacceptable and a disgrace”. Deputy O Snodaigh was reacting to information received in a reply from the HSE to a parliamentary question (PQ) he tabled, which showed that from September 2, 2013, to July 24, 2017, the number of such trolley waits recorded was 147, 502, 603, 949 and 666 respectively. He said: “There was a total number of 2,867 children who were placed
A HSE reply to a SF parliamentary question showed a steady rise of children waiting on trolleys
on trolleys when seeking treat-ment at Our Lady’s Hospital A&E Unit from September 2013 to July. “This is a scandalous figure, particularly as the numbers rose consecutively with 2016’s total of 949 [children] being the worse year recorded.
“However, this is likely to be surpassed in 2017 – as of July, there had been 666 children waiting on trolleys, meaning there is every possibility that by the year’s end, well over a thousand children will have been left waiting on trolleys in the Crumlin
Children’s Hospital. “The fact that children are being mistreated in this way is nothing short of disgraceful and the situation at Our Lady’s is unacceptable. This is an incredibly damning state of affairs ... “Minister Harris needs to immediately address this disgraceful situation. This is not how a compassionate, first-world health service should be run.” Deputy O Snodaigh also criticised the level of available in-patient beds at the Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital and Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. A HSE reply to another
PQ he had tabled showed between 2006-2016, the number of in-patient beds at the Coombe and Crumlin Children’s hospitals had been reduced from 207 to 189, and 210 to 182 respectively. He said: “In the same reply I received from the HSE, they confirmed that the number of day case places in the Coombe had remained static at 26, whilst there had been a marginal increase from 31 to 44 places available in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. “The total in-patient and day-case beds available in both hospitals has therefore reduced over a ten-year period.”
Picture: Sasko Lazarov
Swollen trolley lists blasted as ‘disgrace’
FASTNews
Taking steps to launch a city gem – Culture Night CHLOE and Molly Keane took a moment to share a story as they helped to launch this year’s upcoming Culture Night, on Friday, September 22. The young members of Dance Ireland played a pretty part in launching one of the city’s most popular annual cultural events, which is now firmly established as a favourite with Dubs and visitors alike. As ever, this year’s Culture Night will see a vast range of events laid on across the capital and the country, with the doors flung open on the city’s dizzying range of cultural and architectural treasures, many of which are otherwise inaccessible to the public. Dance Ireland and many other cultural groups are hoping to help beat last year’s record turn-out of more than 400,000 people nationwide.
You can’t beat a fun new game in the city’s streets AS IF regular walking to stay healthy wasn’t worth doing anyway, Dubliners can now win prizes as they go thanks to a new initiative that’ll soon be set up around the city’s streets. Running from mid September to the end of October, ‘Beat Boxes’ will soon be in place on lamp posts around the city, with walkers and cyclists invited to tap a special card on the boxes as they pass by. Sensors will record the tap, and the more you tap within the time, the better your chance to win a prize. It’s all in the name of promoting a fun, healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, with full details available over at beatthestreet.me/dublin
All welcome this Friday at the Finglas Family Fun Day
Lace up, race over to support cancer RONAN and Storm Keating are calling on everyone to help support the third annual Pigsback 5k/10k in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation, which takes place this year on Sunday, October 15 in the Phoenix Park. The chip-timed event promises to be a great run for seasoned runners and more casual joggers and walkers alike, with all proceeds from the €20 (5km) and €25 (10km) fee helping to support the Foundation’s work with cancer sufferers and their families. For further information and to register, see http://www.mariekeating.ie/events. Picture: Aisling Conway
LOCAL families are all welcome at the upcoming Finglas Family Fun Day, which takes place this Friday, August 25 at Farnham Park. Running from noon to 3pm, the fabulous free event promises a wide range of fun festivities, from frisbee-throwing to face-painting fun, along with rugby and art activities, dancing, the Garda Band, and many other activities for people of all ages. The organisers have worked hand in hand with local volunteers and agencies to help celebrate the community’s spirit, and hope to see as many locals as possible come along to what looks like being a real highlight in the late summer calendar.
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HISTORY MMA KING IN THE
WITH only a few days until MMA king Conor McGregor takes on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, Boylesports has created a fantastic poster to promote the Notorious knocking-out ‘Money Mayweather’, and put it above the iconic Karma Stone pub. The banner appeared on the corner of Kevin and Wexford Sts last weekend, with the caption: “They say he has no chance, but we like his odds.” Mayweather is the overwhelming favourite, but the Dubliner is believed to pose a substantial threat as punters rally behind Conor to wipe Floyd’s unbeaten record.
Meanwhile Huddersfield based tailor, Owen Scott Bespoke, have the market sewn up after they annouced they will be stocking UFC Champion Conor McGregor’s controversial suit with the phrase “F*** You” woven into the pinstripe. The Irish fighter wore the suit – which is made from cloth designed and manufactured in Huddersfield - when he confronted opponent Floyd Mayweather at the press conference before their much-anticipated fight (left).
WHERE TO SEE THE FIGHT
Vue cinema at the Liffey Valley will show the bout between The Notorious and ‘Mayweather on two of their screens. Tickets €20 for Adults and €17.50. Doors open from 11:45pm. Bluebell United are hosting a party for the fight. €50 admission entitles you to an open bar from 11pm onwards. Also Crumlin Boxing Club, where a young Conor stepped into a boxing club for the first time aged 12, is set to screen the mega-fight.
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Out and About
All aboard as new live venue opens Sinead Whyte and Nico Hehir
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Ste Barron, Eoghan MacMahon and Richie Power. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Ruth Scott and Rob Morgan
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OME familiar faces attended the launch of Dublin’s newest Live Venue, Tramline, on Hawkin’s Street last week. With a capacity of 1,000 people, there’s two separate bar areas and a pizza oven eatery complete with red brick alcoves. The aim is to use Tramline as a platform for up and coming Irish artists, and with a spotlight stage and a sound system that’s the same as the 3Arena, the tunes are gonna sound phenomenal.
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WE’VE teamed up with REHAB RECYCLE to offer you the chance to WIN a Reconditioned Core I5 Desktop computer OR Laptop for the school of your choosing – the school can decide whether a PC or laptop suits their requirements best. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize for YOUR school just visit the #RehabRecycleComp post on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers) and tell us which school you think deserves this prize. You can also email us the name of the school you vote for to competitions@dublingazette.com. The school with the most votes wins! Closing date for entries is 31st August 2017. Rehab Recycle is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in Ireland and works to promote an equal and integrated workforce through social enterprise. Rehab Recycle actively repurpose electronic IT equipment, such as laptops and desktops which are received through the corporate donations scheme PromiseIT to Rehab Recycle, who supply schools and community groups with high-quality laptops and desktops.
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Tara O’Reilly and Trisha O’Reilly
Luan Parle and Jennifer Dollard
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Lauren Arthurs and Michele McGrath Niamh Drohan, Kayla Walsh and Lucy West. Pictures: JULIEN BEHAL
BEST FOOT FORWARD
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CHUH presented its Autumn-Winter 2017 collection at an exclusive press event at NoLita, Dublin 2, last week. A wide range of this season’s women’s footwear was on display for guests to view amongst the beautiful foliage of the venue’s outdoor area. Guests on the day included Alison Canavan, Sinead Burke, Conor Merriman, Sarina Bellisimo, Jennie McGinn, and a host of fashionistas including two former Miss Ireland models Aoife Walsh and Rosalind Lipsett, Courtney Smith, Sarah Tansey, Justine King, Kerri-Nicole Blanc and Lauren Arthurs.
Jo Leggiero and Sarina Sybil Mulcahy and Sonia Harris
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D2 | PERMISSION SOUGHT FOR SPECTACULAR ROOFTOP CAFE
Grand Central plans for Dame St landmark
An aerial view of the proposals for ‘Central Plaza’ on the site of the old Central Bank on Dame Street Picture: Hines and Peterson
ALEN MCMAHON THE iconic old Central Bank building – arguably one of Ireland’s finest examples of 1970s Brutalist achitecture – is set for a new lease of life after plans were submitted to revamp the Dame St landmark. The plans, submitted to Dublin City Council last week, seek to transform the eight storey office block and surroundings into a “mixed use” space to be known as Central Plaza. They also include the provision of a spectacular two-storey rooftop restaurant and viewing area which would boast 360 degree views over the capital and beyond.
The building was acquired by multi-national real estate investment firm Hines and Peterson for a reported €67 million earlier this year after the Central Bank relocated to its new headquarters on the north quays.
The revamp of the iconic Dame St landmark is expected to cost around €75m. The plans for Central Plaza also provide for cafes and shops around the base of the old bank building and the extension of the
The bank during construction in the early 70s Photo: OldDublinTown.com
front plaza by removing railings that were put up twenty years ago. But it is the new panoramic restaurant which will probably be the biggest draw – and it won’t be the first time the award-winning building’s roof has caused a stir. Its architect, Sam Stephenson, had to redraw his plans when it emerged that they exceeded the height laid down when the original planning permission was granted for the building in the mid 70s. The change in his plans left the structure’s steel frame exposed at the top. This was subsequently covered with the greenish copper cladding that remains in place to this day.
Armed guards called in to fight illegal dumping A SERIES of armed garda checkpoints will take place across north Dublin in coming weeks to target illegal dumping. The Armed Response Unit, Traffic Corps and Divisional Crime Task Force were drafted in to man the first of these random checkpoints in Baldoyle last week. They assisted Fingal County Council’s environment enforcement unit in a clampdown on fly-tipping which has escalated over the summer months. A council spokesperson confirmed: “The checkpoints will continue with the aim of identifying unauthorised and bogus refuse collectors.” Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien commended the action and rejected any suggestion that it was a waste of public resources. He told The Gazette: “The waste industry is very lucrative and there are organised criminal gangs involved. This is not about people throwing bags of rubbish in the ditch – it’s far more serious and sinister than that.” Last week’s operation resulted in several seizures and the council is now seeking the owners of the rubbish in order to prosecute them. It warned that members of the public availing of “illegal services” to dispose of rubbish would be liable for prosecution and could face fines and possible imprisonment. A council spokesperson said: “Illegal dumping across Fingal is a serious issue and we are adopting a hard-line attitude in relation to prosecuting unauthorised collectors, as well as those who are employing them to dump their rubbish. “The checkpoints in Baldoyle were extremely successful and we are grateful to An Garda Siochana for their support in mounting this operation. “We would appeal to the public to report any incidents of fly-tipping to the gardai or to ourselves on our hotline number, which is 1800 20 10 93.”
Dublin rents hit record high
RENT prices in the capital have skyrocketed to a record high, according to Daft.ie’s latest report. Average monthly rent in Dublin during the second quarter of 2017 was an eye-watering €1,707, while the nationwide figure was €1,159. The property website’s quarterly rent report found rents in Dublin were on average 18 per cent – about €260 – higher than they were at their 2008 peak. There were just 1,100 homes available to rent, compared with 2,000 on the same date in 2014. Report author and TCD economist Ronan Lyons said it was “unsurprising” to see rents reach a new high. He added: “The rental market remains in severe distress due to a lack of supply and thus the appropriate policy response is to boost supply of all forms.”
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PEOPLE | PLEA FOR DONATIONS TO GET SURGERY IN AMERICA
Family needs €25,000 to help fix girl’s spine SYLVIA POWNALL
A DEVASTATED Dublin mum who only found out her daughter suffers from scoliosis when she suffered a fall while rollerblading has issued a plea for help. Jackie Trumper has launched an online appeal through GoFundMe to help raise the €25,000 the family needs so 10-year-old daughter Emma can travel to the US for vital surgery to straighten her spine. The money would cover flights, accommodation and living expenses for up to six weeks to avail of a vertebral body tethering (VBT) procedure at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. According to the crowdfunding page, the Skerries girl is unable to avail of a spinal fusion here in Ireland because medics say she is too
Brave little Emma (10) needs major surgery in the US
young and is still growing. VBT is unlike fusion treatment as it allows for continued growth and mobility of the entire spine as well as additional straightening of
the spine as she finishes growing but is not available here. Jackie says the procedure has “fewer complications, quicker recovery and better success rate”, but it isn’t available in Ireland or the UK so the trip to the USA “has been the light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I’ve thought long and hard about what I’m about to do, and to be honest I just feel right now I don’t have a choice. “Until April, my daughter Emma was a happy, normal 10 year old. She loves YouTube and Minecraft, and isn’t your typical ‘girly girl’. “In April, she had a fall from her skates and complained of a sore lower back. It was while having her back x-rayed the doctor noticed she had a curve on her spine.
“They decided to do more tests and it was then that my whole world began to fall apart. Doctors called me in and sat me down and told me Emma had a condition known as scoliosis. “What that means is her spine is curved. It varies from one person to the next but the news that Emma’s was at 52 degrees left us knowing that she was at the severe end of the scale. A thoracic curve like this also effects positioning of organs and bones. “As we sat and listened to the doctors explain the probabilities and the interventions offered, we felt nothing – their words were lost in a haze of confusion and fear. We were numb.” So far, €2,500 of the €25,000 target has been raised. To donate, see https://www.gofundme.com/ emmas-vbt-surgery-wish.
POLICING | CALL FOR ACTION
‘More funding needed to help tackle crime’
Have a heart and help to make defibrillators widely available EUROSPAR is calling on Dubliners to help fundraise to install a publicly accessible, automatic external defibrillator (AED) as part of the chain’s aim to provide a life-saving defibrillator outside every store. RTE’s Michael Lyster was on hand to help launch the initiative at the Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel, along with Malachy Hanberry, EUROSPAR managing director and David Menzies, co-chair and medical director, Cardiac First Responders Ireland. Michael suffered a cardiac arrest in 2015 and had to be resuscitated using a defibrillator, and fully backs the importance of publiclyaccessible defibrillators in the community. He said: ““This equipment can really mean the difference between life and death. Having a defibrillator in a public space raises the profile of heart disease and ensures that people know where to find one when an emergency occurs.” Funds will be raised through in-store collections, community fundraising activities and contributions from the sale of a selection of SPAR Range products.
A FINE Gael TD is calling for the Government to increase funding for areas such as Ballymun and Finglas in a bid to help tackle crime and gangland activity in the area. Following last week’s shootings in Ballymun, Deputy Noel Rock has called for an increase in funding to help tackle and prevent criminal activity. The Dublin North-West TD said: “The north inner city rightly received €1.6 million in funding in an effort to regenerate the area in light of the increase in gangland activities in the area. “It is only fair that areas such as Finglas and Ballymun receive similar funding in an effort to combat crime and the causes of crime. “We need to ensure that
hard-working and lawabiding families in these areas are not sucked into the horrible violence that was witnessed in Ballymun [last week].” He added: “Both Ballymun and Finglas are fine communities, and I have heard first-hand the anger of people living and working in these areas. “They are tired of crime and are calling out for something to be done to make sure that when Ballymun and Finglas are mentioned in the news, it is a positive story and not a negative one. “ T h e G ove r n m e n t need to be supporting the organisations, sports clubs and facilities in these areas to ensure that this positivity continues and to try to eliminate the scourge of crime.”
FASTNews
Public appeal for info after brutal murder of Michal GARDAI investigating the murder of Michal Kurek have renewed their appeal for information regarding the Polish man’s gruesome death. The 34-year-old’s body was found with 40 stab wounds in a laneway at Grange, Ballyboughal, on August 4. However, at the time of his murder it is believed he was heavily abusing alcohol and living rough. Superintendent Noel Carolan said: “The area where Michal’s body was discovered is otherwise a generally very quiet, peaceful rural community. “Michal was homeless during recent months and is known to have spent time in the Blanchardstown/Ongar area and in Dublin city centre.” Gardai are liaising with the dead man’s family in Poland and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Darndale fishing fans are angling to reel in a prize A GROUP of young fishing enthusiasts from Darndale are hoping to land a top prize with a film they made that shows off their great enthusiasm for the relaxing pastime. As finalists in Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Fish & Film competition, the Sphere 17 Youth Club members impressed judges with their entry, which focused on the group’s sea angling trip off the coast of Malahide and Ireland’s Eye. The footage, and their interviews, created an entertaining and action-packed short film, which can be found at www.fisheriesireland.ie/fishandfilm. The finalists will compete against other entrants to be in with a chance of winning the top prize of a €1,000 fishing tackle voucher for their club, or one of a number of €250 runner-up prizes.
Teens to swim for Ireland in UK school sports finals TWO Dublin teens are hoping to make a splash for the capital at the 2017 School Games, in the swimming finals, which take place across the Irish Sea at Loughborough University from August 31 to September 3. Ethan Murtagh (15) from Blackrock and Cara Osing (13) from Dundrum have the glory of swimming as Ireland squad members at the integrated multi-sport event, which has acted as a springboard for several leading sports stars. Hailing from Blackrock College (as a member of the Trojan SC), and Mount Anville Secondary School (training with Templeogue Team TSC) respectively, both young swimmers already have an impressive record of success – Ethan was selected to compete at the European Youth Olympic Festival this year, while Cara won silver at the ASA Nationals 400 freestyle last year.
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Dublin districts competing for BOI award, funding
SEVERAL Dublin areas are in the running to win the title of Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprising Town Winner 2017, with total funding of €110,000 to be distributed in a number of categories. The Liberties, Ballymun, the docklands, Dun Laoghaire, Sandyford, Blackrock, Rush, Malahide, Tallaght and Rathcoole are competing in various categories, including regional runner-up, regional winner, city award, merit awards, national category winners and the overall national winner, which will win €23,000, a trophy and the top title. Colin Kingston, Dublin provincial director, BOI said: “We recognise that SMEs, start-ups and community organisations are a significant driver of the overall prosperity of the city or county. Local business owners and community groups want to see their town doing well, and there is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to motivate people to put their best foot forward. “We want to recognise and reward those places where small businesses and community groups are working together with their local council and State agencies to promote enterprise in their area.” Some of the key criteria for consideration include partnerships and engaging with the diaspora, local enterprise initiatives and business groups, strategic planning to support enterprise development, the visual attractiveness of the town to help support economic growth, and any business awards or recognition that the town or area has achieved. The overall €110,000 funding includes €15,000 for the overall national winner,€5,000 for a city award, 12 regional runner-up awards of €2,000 and three €5,000 awards for national category winners. Judging panels are visiting each of the shortlisted 78 entries from now until mid-October, with the winners to be announced in November.
TECH | DUBLINERS’ UNIVERSITY SEARCH ENGINE FIRM EXPANDING INTO OZ
Walkinstown lads’ online startup goes walkabout MARK O’BRIEN
UniBrowse co-founders Niall
A TEAM of Irish 25-yearolds are expanding their tech start-up to international markets to help young people worldwide choose the right third-level course. UniBrowse was cofounded by Walkinstown natives Alan O’Beirne and Niall Cronin, along with college friends Kenneth Casey and Walter Holohan, as an online search engine that makes it easier for school students to find college courses. It launched in Ireland in December 2016. Now, the company is expanding to Australia, with plans to launch in the UK and USA in the coming months. Announcing the international expansion yesterday, O’Beirne said: “Australia is seeing an increase in college drop-out rates, which is resulting in thirdlevel completion rates being at an all-time low. “From our research, the
Cronin and Alan O’Beirne
reason for students dropping out of college in Australia is the same as the reason here in Ireland: schoolleavers just aren’t getting the right information when it comes to choosing their college course and they end up in courses that really don’t suit them. “UniBrowse was born out of our own personal experiences,” O’Beirne continued. “Myself and my three cofounders all struggled with the decision-making pro-
cess around college courses when we were doing our Leaving Cert several years ago. More recently, I saw how my younger sister struggled to find useful information when she was finishing school last year. College “When you’re finishing school, you feel like you’re being asked to make decisions that will impact on the rest of our life. This is daunting enough without the added complication of
trying to sift through hundreds of college courses, some with little to no information available. “At UniBrowse, we make the college decisionmaking process much easier, so students feel really informed in advance about what’s involved in the course they’re interested in, and whether it will suit them. “We provide a complete bank of undergraduate college courses, and students can search keywords for
the course for them. Once they’ve found a course they like the look of, they can click it to find even further information, such as the modules completed throughout the degree and whether an Erasmus overseas placement is an option as part of the course.” In addition to international expansion, UniBrowse will launch the second phase of its site here in Ireland next month. “We’re keeping the exact details under wraps for now, but Phase Two will be targeted at parents,” O’Beirn added. “The process of finding the right college course isn’t just a stressful time for students, but for their parents too.” UniBrowse aims to scale up and fast, according to O’Beirne. “After we launch in Australia, the UK and US are next on our list. Our vision is to reduce college dropout rates globally,” he said. n Further information is available at unibrowse.ie
Businesses urged to take a bite at a top Pakman waste award TIME is running out for businesses and organisations looking to highlight their environmentally-friendly waste management policies in this year’s annual Pakman awards, with the closing date of Thursday, August 31 rapidly approaching. The awards celebrate excellence in waste management and recycling, with this year’s awards seeing a brand-new category, Innovation in Waste Management, with the winner of this inaugural award to be chosen by a panel led by businesswoman and Dragon’s Den’s Chanelle McCoy. She said: “I’ll be looking to
award those who have demonstrated going the extra mile when it comes to protecting the environment through positive waste management and recycling practices. “I encourage everyone to get involved and to give their business or organisation the chance to be recognised for truly making a difference to recycling in Ireland.”
‘Awareness’ Repak chief executive Seamus Clancy said: “The growth and increased success of these awards year on year is a testament to how far we’ve come as a nation in our
strong recycling practices and our aim is to continue to spread awareness and secure positive results in this sector. Categories range across a number of recycling and waste management sectors, including We’ll Take It Back Retailer Champion, Community Recycling Project of the Year, Waste Recycling Facility of the Year, Innovation in Waste Management, and Environmental Education and Awareness Initiative. To enter, see www.pakman.ie, with the deadline for nominations set at midnight on August 31.
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LEARNINGCURVE Whether you’re a first-time student or want to boost your existing qualifications, there’s a lot to learn about college life – luckily, The Gazette has everything you need to know
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BLACKROCK P12
Same old joy, tears as the Leaving Cert results rolled out using new grading
MOVING ON
It’s great to be starting college life – but first, best of luck to find a place ... RENT RACE P20
TAKE a moment to think of the mammies and daddies (and other guardians) of Ireland, who were no doubt nervous wrecks as they waited for 2017’s 58,000 Leaving Certs to get their results last week. Although for most, The Leaving is a once-off affair, a number of repeat students had a unique perspective on this year’s exams – 2017 saw an inaugural 14 score band grading system put in place, compared to the standard eight of previous years. As you’d expect from using a larger range of grades, there was an immediate impact across the Leaving, with a sharp drop in failure rates in some subjects, such as Higher Maths. A small number of critics raised perenially popular claims of the State’s exams “dumbing down” – claims that the Department of Education rejected as optics, with the department, and a number of education specialists, discussing how the new grading system eases the pressure on students while simultaneously taking into better account how grades are reported to them under the new grading. However, as with any new system, subtle shifts came into play with the marks. For example, the unlamented E grade is no longer an automatic fail, but still scoops up points for the student’s CAO total – a move to be welcomed, but countering that gain the new range of grades was thought to have prompted some students into trying a higher level in the hopes of scoring better, potentially resulting in a weaker outcome than if they had stayed at a lower level. Subsequent years will show how the new system is playing out for everyone, but regardless of their results on the day, well done to all the ex-Leaving Certs (and to any who may repeat) on completing their exams!
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LEARNINGCURVE
Open day to showcase a brilliant Blackrock hub AS THE principal of Blackrock Further Education Institute (BFEI), located in Blackrock village, Deirdre Hanamy is passionate about the benefits of taking a further education course. She points to the benefits of such courses, such as flexible entry requirements, qualifications to go directly into employment, or qualifications that provides alternative pathways to degree courses. Deirdre says: “If you did not get the CAO points to go directly to third level, then you should consider coming to our next
Come along to Blackrock Further Education Institute’s upcoming open day next week
open day on Wednesday, August 30, to find out about our courses such as Applied Psychology, PreUniversity Law, Business Studies or Computer Science courses, which offer alternative pathways to degree courses. “Students who just fin-
ished their courses last May are now taking up the places in Computer Science in UCD, Law in DIT, and Psychology in the IADT, Dun Laoghaire. “Finally, students who choose to study at BFEI will also benefit from
small teaching groups and continuous assessment, as this is an integral element of most of our courses and excellent career guidance advice.” BFEI offers a wide variety of courses at Level 5 and 6 in a great range of diverse areas, from Business and Accounting to Design, Health and IT skills, as well as many other sectors and skillsets. Some courses such as Accounting Technician, Office IT Skills, Interior Design, Applied Psychology, Health and Wellbeing Therapies are timetabled for mornings only to cater for students who
have other commitments. There is also an option to enrol on the new Accounting Technician Apprenticeship course and earn as you learn. Of the open day on Wednesday, August 30 from noon to 6pm, Deirdre says: “I recommend coming along to find out more about the college and courses, meet our staff, and see our facilities including computer laboratories, design studios, and beauty salons and an ICT learning centre.” Further details on the institute and all its many courses are available online at www.bfei.ie.
Half of parents haven’t saved for third-level costs HALF of Irish parents have no financial plans in place to help put their children through thirdlevel education. That’s according to a new report by Aviva, with its Cost of Education research showing that 49% of parents are unprepared for the cost of further education. The Aviva research found that on average, parents expect to pay out €5,122 a year to send a child to a thirdlevel college or university, while if the student has to study away from home, the expected cost is almost double, at €10,125.
The research found that a quarter (27%) are saving for their children’s primary and secondary education, but the next step remains a financially daunting challenge for many. The research for the report, carried out by RED C for Aviva, found support for the idea of a student loan system with repayment to be contingent on the income earned by graduates. Three out of four parents thought such a system was at least worth exploring as a funding option, although just one in four students thought it was a great idea.
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LEARNINGCURVE
ANNIVERSARY: INSTITUTE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH EVEN MORE CHOICES
ITT’s reason to help celebrate 25 years of top academic excellence IT TALLAGHT is celebrating its 25th year this upcoming academic year, and there are various activities and events planned throughout the year as part of the celebrations. Since we opened our doors in 1992, multitudes of students have chosen IT Tallaght as their college of choice, and have subsequently gone on to have wonderful careers and enriched lives. It has been a pleasure to have all the students here throughout the years, and we eagerly await the arrival of this year’s new first years in September. Our first open evening of the year takes place on Monday, September 4 from 5:30-7:30pm. This event is aimed at those who are interested in enrolling in fulland part-time courses in IT Tallaght. Staff members will be available to answer any and all queries on course information, fees, grants, careers and so on. Along with our vast range of courses in engineering, science, computing, humanities and business, we have exiting new programmes in biomedical design, digital
marketing, international business, media and digital arts, computing/IT, social care and culinary nutrition. We also have various free springboard courses in computing/IT/technology aimed at those who wish to up-skill in order to commence or enhance their careers. Bus services
Our two private bus routes (Kildare town to IT Tallaght serving Newbridge, Naas and Rathcoole, and Maynooth to IT Tallaght serving Celbridge, Leixlip, Lucan, Griffeen, Ballyowen, and Ronanstown/Fonthill) allow students in our region ease of access to and from the college. These bus services reflect the growing popularity of the institute in the south-west Dublin areas and Kildare. Please keep in contact with our website (www.it-tallaght.ie) throughout the year for more information on our 25th anniversary events. For our other useful links, see www.it-tallaght.ie/busand-rail-routes, www.it-tallaght.ie/fulltimecourses, and www.it-tallaght.ie/parttimecourses.
The atrium at the college, where students and visitors often get a glimpse of ITT’s diverse academic and social life. Picture: Nenad Malik
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NETWORKING: INNOVATION TO THE FORE IN ITB’S LEARN+WORK PROGRAMME
A new initiative to grow ICT skills FOR many students, the CAO offers herald the start of an exciting new phase in their educational journey. But what do you do, if you don’t get the offer you wanted or have changed your mind about pursuing a traditional degree course? The Institute of Technology Blanchardstown’s (ITB) Department of Informatics has opened its doors to recruit a new wave of students looking to access career opportunities in the ICT sector.
The Learn+Work Programme in Networking Technologies is a full-time course combining blocks of academic study with blocks of paid industry work placement. This work experience gives learners the opportunity to apply their learning, be coached by industry experts and develop the work-ready skills to gain employment upon graduation. Following completion, students are awarded a Higher Certificate in Sci-
ence in Computing and Networking Technologies. The networking technologies course was designed in partnership with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet to provide students with in-company placement, which accounts for approximately 50% of the course, accompanied by academic studies which provide the up-to-date technical and communication skills that are in high demand within the ICT sector. This includes modules
“The businesses we partner with tell us that they see the course as a low-risk recruitment opportunity; using the placement period as a method of assessing prospective employees for future vacancies. “Of course, this goes both ways, with students developing a very real impression of the IT industry, as well as a ‘taster’ of potential employers and workplaces.” Mark Keyes, work placement coordinator, ITB on computer systems, server administration and networks as well as the knowledge required to achieve highly-valued industry-certified awards such as CompTIA, Linux, Cisco, Microsoft and VMware, which are also facilitated through ITB. Students like Emmet Quinn (23) from Raheny receive exposure to experienced and creative mindsets, whilst making valuable connections with innovative compa-
nies such as Fleet Connect, based in Blanchardstown Corporate Park, who provide wi-fi and technology solutions for public transport. Emmet says the paid work experience was a real clincher in applying for the course, helping him to keep his independence and focus on his studies, which other courses might not have provided. “The lack of fees allows me much more time to
focus on my studies and puts me at a great advantage in terms of having the time to work on assignments and certifications. “The cer tifications themselves are also massively beneficial to my professional development, and for future job applications.” Patrick Cotter, chief executive of Fleet Connect, where Emmet is currently undertaking his work experience, says: “A new recruit needs to possess excellent communication skills, be adept at solving problems, take ownership of their job and be able to react to situations swiftly and confidently. “This is why we joined ITB’s Learn+Work programme. We believe it’s a
win-win situation because students get the opportunity to grow, learn and build a portfolio, while we get to avail of the best staff in the business.” The programme prepares candidates for careers in networking, data centre and Cloudbased disciplines, with roles including desktop service and support, network operation centre engineer, information security engineer, systems administrator, Cisco network engineer, helpdesk engineer, field service engineer and pre-sales engineer. Interested applicants can apply directly to www.itb.ie/learnandwork by August 27 for an aptitude test and interview, or call ITB at 01 885 1530.
Help is at hand for the best ‘Repeat’ HERE at O’Connell Secondary School, we truly believe that once inspired and motivated effectively, all students have the ability to achieve their own personal goals. Located in the heart of the city near Croke Park and in close proximity to Connolly, Clontarf and Drumcondra train, Luas and DART stations, our school at North Richmond Street offers a repeat year that’s a standalone programme run in a separate section of the school, and one which operates on a different timetable to the rest of the school. A full and wide range of subjects and levels are available from very experienced teachers who have helped pupils to dramatically improve their grades and CAO points. Detailed notes in all the subject areas are provided by the teachers. In addition, we provide constant supervision throughout the year, along with caring support structures with a dedicated year head and a safe
and secure environment for teaching and learning to take place. Most of those students who have taken part in the programme have gone on to further their studies at third-level institutions in Dublin and elsewhere. Compulsory supervised day and evening study takes place in a controlled and silent environment. Seminars on study and exam skills take place at the beginning of the school year and students are encouraged to avail of the services of the school’s career guidance department.
Comprehensive career guidance is indeed a core part of the programme and the individual career needs of each student are carefully explored and discussed on a number of occasions during the year. Monthly progress reports are compiled and sent out to parents throughout the year. Facilities at the school have been upgraded in recent years and students can now avail of our spacious and bright classrooms that are all equipped with digital projectors. Our three science laboratories have just been completely renovated, and are equipped to the highest standards in the country. Canteen facilities, serving hot and cold food, are available before lessons begin in the morning and at lunchtime. At all times we endeavour to maintain constant contact with parents/guardians and discuss any concerns that may arise. For further information, see www. oconnellschool.ie, or email principal@oconnellschool.ie.
LEARNINGCURVE
Some top tips for everyone applying to get a new job
Now that your results are back, just don’t panic! WE’VE all heard the old chestnut about “So-andso left school without their Leaving Cert, and just look how successful he/she has been”. Well, there’s more than a grain of truth in that, with teachers and college lecturers all over the country sharing the same message to any students who’re disappointed by their exam results: “Don’t panic!” Now, more than ever before, there are many pathways to education and training for students of any age and with any
interest with choices galore to help move forward with your studies and find the training or course that’s right for you. A positive outlook is key if you didn’t get the results you’d hoped for, with plenty of options to avail of. If you’re a school leaver, one obvious course of action is to repeat the Leaving Cert. While it may seem a bit daunting to go back, schools and teachers will be only too happy to try to help any returning students, with several specialist institutions also
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You may be disappointed with your results, but don’t be too disheartened, as you’ll still have many options
offering a range of services for ‘repeats’. The CAO could yet come to the rescue with a subsequent offer, but if not, there are other options to consider, such as a College of Further Education (CoFE). Of course, further education isn’t the only route
to take – apprenticeships are another excellent step to consider undertaking, offering their own challenges and rewards. These are just some of the many options to consider, so don’t despair at your results, as you have many more choices than you may realise ...
WHETHER you’re looking to go straight into the workplace after finishing school, or if you’re looking to take the next step on your career, it’s vital that you prepare for the task ahead. Although finding that dream (or ‘just’ your next) job could seem like a daunting task, recruitment experts offer a number of simple, clear objectives to help get that job you’re looking for. After all, that’s the ultimate aim of that great education you’ve been slaving away for! Keep these next few points in mind, and you’ll be on your way ... 1. Pretty much ever ything and everyone is online now, so tailor your profile to meet current online standards and expectations. These days, many employers and potential recruiters will look to check a candidate’s online profile, especially
if you’ve listed it for them. 2. If presenting a professional profile, such as on LinkedIn, ensure that it’s up to date and is also as accurate as possible. 3. Don’t be afraid to turn to your existing contacts, and maintain an amicable, courteous relationship with them. Ex-colleagues, lecturers, and even your favourite teachers could all help you on the way, or down the road, and the vast majority will be delighted to help. 4. Last but not least, make your application relevant to the role itself and the company. Your one-size-fitsall CV and cover letter could be great ... if you just want a ‘McJob’. However, virtually every employer or recruiter looks for, and expects, tangible proof that you want that specific job in that company, so be clear without going overboard.
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Enjoy the benefits of 30+ years of Stillorgan CoFE STILLORGAN College of Further Education has been a specialist centre for Further Education/Post Leaving Cert courses since 1986. During this time it has developed an enviable reputation for its delivery of Further Education programmes. The college offers a range of practical courses that develop the necessary skills for the workplace or to progress to further study in the Institutes of Technology or Universities. The college is innovative in providing courses that meet the current needs of industry. One of the new courses is a Level 5 course in Illustration & Design. This exciting course introduces students to the wideranging discipline of Illustration and helps them gain an improved understanding of the possibilities of image-making. A second new course for 2017/2018 is a Level 6 course in Photography. This course builds on the long-established and successful Level 5 course in Photography.
Another recent addition to the list of courses is a Level 5 course in Animation. This introductory course prepares students with little or no experience for a third level course in animation production. With a dual focus on drawing and computer skills, the course covers all the fundamental areas required for a successful portfolio submission. One of the longest established courses in the college is the Art Foundation course. This course provides tuition in areas such as Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics and Combined Materials. Graduates of this course leave with a very extensive portfolio that can be used to progress to Degree courses in colleges such as the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and IADT Dun Laoghaire. The college also offers Level 5 and Level 6 course in Multimedia and Web Development. A unique strength of the Multimedia courses taught in the college is the emphasis they place on incorporating Digital
Video into multimedia content. This is a skill that is rarely taught on other similar courses and offers graduates of this course a particular advantage when it comes to the jobs market. Also on offer is a Travel and Tourism course with Airline Studies. This course prepares students for work in all areas of the travel industry. Courses in Media Production, Journalism and Level 5 and 6 courses in Computer Skills for Business round off the extensive offering of courses in the college. The staff of the college have extensive industry experience in their respective fields and are dedicated to ensuring that, whether aiming to move to Higher Education or entering the employment market, students leave the college with every skill necessary for the future. If you would like more information about the courses available in the college, more details are available from the college website: www.stillorgancollege.ie.
A Level 5 course in Animation awaits at Stillorgan College of Further Education – just one of the diverse range of options available at the long-established specialist centre for further education/post-Leaving Certificate courses
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Top tips to help students entering the rent race WITH less availability and rental property prices in Ireland increasing, students are facing huge challenges in the race for rental accommodation. OFTEC, the organisation that represents the domestic heating and cooking industry in Ireland, is concerned that many students will take the cheapest accommodation available without properly inspecting the property. With this in mind, they have issued top tips to help students ensure their accommodation is safe before they sign the dotted line. 1. Check the electrics and appliances– With rented residential accommodation it is the Landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the electrical installation and appliances provided by the landlord are safe when the tenancy begins and are in proper working order
throughout the tenancy. 2. Look for damp – If your house smells musty or you see evidence of mould, find out how the landlord is planning to fix the problem in the long term as mould has several health risks. 3. Raise the alarm – It is the landlord’s duty to provide fire and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as fire extinguishers, but the tenants should always test alarms on a regular basis. 4. Furniture and fittings – Ask the landlord for a list of everything that is included and make note of any damage that is there before you move it. 5. Heating requirements - Does your house have oil or gas fired central heating? At the minute, households on heating oil have the cheapest fuel bills of all the main heating systems. The Health & Safety
Authority recommends that all boilers should be serviced annually and tenants looking at an oil-fired property should ask for evidence of recent servicing. If you have concerns, ask for a CD/12 Landlord Oil Installation Check which is carried out by an OFTEC registered technician and will give you peace of mind. If the property has a gas boiler it must be checked by a 6. Note fire escapes – This is important particularly for apartment blocks but make sure they are secure from the outside to prevent unwanted visitors. 7. Secure your home – burglars target student areas because of lax security. Ask your landlord to fit key operating locks on the windows and five lever deadlocks on external doors.
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Quality Education with no Barriers through The Open College IRELAND’S largest dedicated provider of QQI/FETAC Awards, The Open College offers more than 90 QQI Levels 5 and 6 component cer tificates and major award programmes in a variety of subjects, delivered over a flexible mix of distance learning, e-learning and part-time attendance learning. Those looking to take their next steps in the world of Healthcare, Business and Finance, Management, Digital Media, Childcare, Law, Journalism, Special Needs, Montessori, Psychology and many more besides will be delighted by the choice on offer. The QQI awards you can achieve through The Open College are fully recognised by employers both nationally and internationally, and year-round
enrolment provides more flexibility and choice to prospective students than you will find at any other private college. Keenly aware of the challenge of balancing further education and wider life, The Open College ensures that your next step can be expertly tailored around your life – rather than the other way around. For more information on courses and programme advice you can contact The Open College at The Learning Centre, Leopardstown Business Centre, Ballyogan Road, Dublin 18; telephone 01 206 1828, or 01 206 1829. Advice lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm; you can also fax 01 206 1750, or email info@theopencollege.com.
DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
FUN-LOVING ROCCO WILL BE A GREAT COMPANION OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Rocco, a one-year-old Staffy Cross. He is a fun-loving and affectionate dog, who loves his daily walks and really enjoys swimming! Rocco will need basic training, but he’s a quick learner, gets on well with other dogs and loves meeting new people. Rocco likes to be busy and would make a great hiking or jogging companion. He’s also into health food - his favourite training treats are broccoli, carrots and apples. This big softie is looking for an active family who will give him the fuss, cuddles and attention he deserves. If you can be NAME’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.
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50 things to do at Electric Picnic
Ireland’s biggest festival is just around the corner
... get charged for our quick tick list of the weekend’s essentials, from a few musical tips, to all that other stuff Picture: Paulo Gonçalves
See pages 22 & 23
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N O S ’ T A H W
JAMES HENDICOTT LET’S start by saying It’s not all about the lineup. The big announcements are just the backdrop to what really makes up Electric Picnic: an atmospheric weekend that’s always guaranteed to be one of the best parties on offer any given year. 2017 will be no different: here, we explore a few of those things you just have to do in a stroll around Stradbally’s temporary heart in early September....
E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT
Stiff Little Fingers
Old school punks drop in on the Academy to loudly blast through a few hits, with support from Ruts DC. Not one for the faint hearted: expect a lot of angry, punchy, politically-tinged noise. August 25.
McGregor v Mayweather
The circus is over, and the Notorious is all set to swing at his aging but lethal opponent as he tries his hand at a totally different sport. Could the cocky Crumlin man upset the odds and put Money on the canvas? Find a screen. August 26.
Pictures: Allen Kiely, Christian Tierney, Ruth Medjber
CONOR MCGREGOR
Flying South
Another thoughtful Filmbase event focuses on the spoken word and mental health, with the collective looking to open doors and change views on different types of mental wellbeing issues as they bare their hearts. August 25, €5.
The Ukulele Hooley
Dun Laoghaire’s most unlikely music festival returns for another year, as the harbour town celebrates all that’s great about the ukulele. They’ll be open mics, workshops and jamming on August 27.
Niall Horan
That Irish one from One Direction will be greeted with breathtaking enthusiasm, no doubt, by his legion of largely young fans as he returns home to play The Olympia. He’s got his own material now, but we’re expecting a few nods to that band he used to be in along the way. August 29.
Monsters Wanted
Get scary with a workshop aiming to teach people about the art of being monstrous, but also offering jobs for those who fit the bill: a live horror experience taking place in October. So like a very weird, very fun mass job interview, basically. The RDS. August 26.
The Uncool Flea Market
A misnomer, we reckon. Phibsborough spills onto the banks of the Royal Canal for home made food, second hand trinkets and a little bit of live local music. The evening offering takes place on August 26.
New album of the week
Queens of the Stone Age - Villains. Powerful rockers return with another boisterous, riff-heavy effort complete with contributions from Mark Ronson as producer, and, bizarrely, a comic polygraph test making up one track. Guaranteed to be beautifully messy.
Grab a hot tub The perfect Body and Soul Sunday morning hangover cure. Yeah, we hope they have good water filters, too. Dance at the Salty Dog at 3am Because (a) they let you bring cans and (b) it’s a pirate ship in a forest, and that can’t be wrong. Get yourself some political hip-hop Bernie bros Run The Jewels are just wonderful. And then there’s A Tribe Called Quest to get your teeth into. Hit the Body and Soul fire late at night Flames flicker, the bars are closing and you’re listening to four stages at once, but it’s still the best banter on site. Join the Duran Duran sing-along Her name is Rio, and she’s probably settled down and had a few kids by now... Have an S Club Party 5ive are playing, too. Cos there ain’t no party like a 90s nostalgia party. Go mad for Madness Because midafternoon bouncing ska pop could hardly be more fun. Explore the Other Voices stage Sure to have a couple of top-class special guests over the course of the weekend, Other Voices’ trip out of Dingle is invariably excellent. Ride the bumper cars at 2am We vocally condemn drink driving. We very much condone drunk bumper-car driving. Check in on Olaf’s interviews Hot Press’ rogue interviewer is sure to drag someone from the main stage and interrogate them on something they’d planned to keep quiet. Get a five minute massage They’ll only cost you a charity donation, and after a day standing in front of a stage... Check out eco credentials at Global Green Or just learn to carve something out of driftwood, or weave a plant basket. Perfect for the inevitable lineup lull. Have your Father Ted moment Sure, we know the Divine Comedy are lovely in every way, but we still badly want THAT melody, please, Mr Hannon. Check out some local stars We’d suggest Bitch Falcon, complete with their new line up, Elaine Mai, Saint Sister and Soule as a starting point.
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THE ULTIMATE ELECTRIC PICNIC ‘CHECKLIST’ Ireland’s biggest festival is just around the corner... here’s our quick tick list of the weekend’s essentials, from a few musical tips, to all that other stuff
Wear a daft outfit Not a onesie, we all got over that in 2012. We’re thinking more a rhino borrowed from a Dublin marathon runner, or a Disney character. Hell, you pick! Smuggle in a few shots Is it allowed? No. Have half the audience got a hip flask in at some point? Hell yes. (Sorry, EP!). Catch the maddest live act at the festival We’re calling it: it’ll be the incredible glam-pop rising stars HMLTD. Don’t miss it. Find yourself in a 4am gazebo gathering Because they’re mighty, plus anyone who takes up all that space in the campsite has to share, right? Grab a lineup shirt Especially if it’s your first Picnic: it’ll be essential wear when you’re heading for your tenth in a few years. Explore The Pretenders’ latest Because Chrissie Hynde and co don’t do much wrong. Swim in the lake Yes, you can,
and yes, it is allowed. In fact it’s encouraged. Just go for the hangover cure, not the 3am skinny dip, right? Right. Watch something random for a few hours Sure, we all have our highlighters on the lineup at some point. Set yourself free and see where the festival takes you. Don’t fixate on backstage Trust us, it’s not all that exciting. In fact, the VIP area is positively lame. Though the drink queues are shorter, so if you’ve got the pass, abuse away. Eat Pie Minister The biggest option, where they drench your pie with the minty peas and the heap of random toppings lobbed on the top. Drool. Drink before lunch Because where else do you get the chance? Heckle a comedian Just a little. At the right moment. Or at least hit up the comedy tent: the perfect half hour aside from music, music, music. Bounce along to Ireland’s hip-
hop wave Jafaris is the best live act to come out of Ireland in years, and Katie Laffan is top notch, too. Check out The Hazel Wood The chillout forested corner is returning for its second year, and it went down an absolute storm in 2016. Go futuristic at Anachronica Future rave. If you’ve been to Glastonbury, it’s a lot like Arcadia on a far, far smaller scale. Which, let’s be honest, is still pretty cool. Lose your friends On purpose, at least once. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and so do random encounters with festival goers. Hit up the kids area You don’t need a child to play a few games of connect four or chuckle at a clown. Just let the kids go first! Ogle Foil, Arms and Hog See the breakthrough comedians run through their skits on Irish life on the comedy stage. Soak up The Rubberbandits A bag for me, a bag for you... vaguely
political, vaguely hip-hop, entirely funny live. Dig in. Embrace the rain However bad it gets, it’s not as bad as Massive Attack’s headline set a few years back. Trust us, it just isn’t. Learn some cooking skills Not what you came for? Who cares, learning how to cook the perfect curry is what Sunday mornings were made for: embrace the Theatre of Food Speak some Irish The Mindfield is going gaeltacht, why not stretch that linguistic muscle? Check out Loah The astonishing ‘Artsoul’ artist from Maynooth is going to be a superstar. She’s on the Other Voices stage. Talk mental health Pieta House are another showing up at Mindfield, and a weekend away seems the perfect chance to spend an hour taking a step back. Get involved in THAT Elbow song Sure, we all remember last
time, and yes, it is the perfect festival tune. But leave after the third chorus, they’ll do about 15 of them. Get soothed by Michael Kiwanuka Like Florence Welch’s proverbial ‘kiss with a fist’, Kiwanuka will sooth your soul while hammering you with his politics. Awesome. Track down the jelly shots Someone’s making a fortune on these little babies. Do we care? Not after a couple of pints, we don’t. Book Monday off work Stop lying to yourself, you’re not going to make it. No, not even if you go home after the headliner. Detox And breath.
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Time to enjoy clean Toyota Ireland launches new road safety app Tesla electric power In the Fast Lane TOYOTA Ireland has launched it’s free ‘Face
It Down’ app for iPhone and Android which is
designed to save lives on Irish Roads. The app is launched in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Topaz. It will reward all
drivers for putting their phone face down when driving, allowing them to redeem the points for a complimentary hot drink at Topaz Re Store outlets
Irish drivers are in for a treat if they can stretch to owning a new Tesla electric car as MICHAEL MORONEY found during a chance meet with an Irish Tesla owner in recent weeks.
nationwide. International research has shown that making a call while driving will make a driver four times more likely to crash while texting makes crashing a staggering twenty-three times more likely. As Ireland’s biggest car brand, Toyota Ireland felt a responsibility to solve this social issue by creating safer roads for everyone. Use of mobile phones while driving is a big problem on Irish roads. Too many people still drive while on their phone to take a call, text, snap a selfie, update their social media channels or check an email. Even glancing at a phone when it lights up is a distraction. Toyota Ireland has developed the app with the aim of changing driver behaviour and improving road safety for everyone. Users can download the Face It Down app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store for free.
Opel and Vauxhall join PSA in historic move THE sale of Opel with its brands Opel and Vauxhall by General Motors to the French PSA Group was finalised at the start of August. “It is a historic day,” said Opel Automobile GmbH CEO Michael Lohscheller. “We are proud to join PSA and are now opening a new chapter in our history after 88 years with General Motors. We will continue our path of making technology ‘made in Germany’ available to everyone. The combination of our strengths will enable us to turn Opel and Vauxhall into a profitable and selffunded business. We have set ourselves the clear target of returning to profitability by 2020.” PSA Chairman of the board Carlos Tavares said: “We will assist Opel and Vauxhall’s return to profitability and aim to set new industry benchmarks together. We will unleash the power of these iconic brands and the huge potential of its existing talents. Opel will remain German, Vauxhall will remain British. They are the perfect fit to our existing portfolio of French brands Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobiles.” The market share of the enlarged Groupe PSA is now around 17% in Europe, making it the continent’s second largest carmaker with first or second place in main markets. A s already assured when the contract was signed in March, all employee codetermination rights will remain unchanged.
I CAME on a superb driving opportunity by sheer chance over the August Bank Holiday weekend, which put me behind the wheel of one of the most exciting cars to come on the Irish market. Tesla is seeking to break the mould when it comes to car ownership, ever since the US company began production in 2008. The Model S is just one of a range of new generation electric cars that Tesla claims are both stylish, high performance, yet highly practical. The Tesla aim is to produce true zero emissions cars and the Model S that I drove lived up to that dream along with a hugely impressive driving performance. I accidentally met up with an Irish Tesla owner who generously brought me for a test drive. Then, with ultimate trust and confidence in me, or a sense of insanity, he let me loose behind the Tesla S. And yes, it was truly a superb but too-short lived motoring experience. The Tesla Model S electric motor power is enormous, delivering the equivalent of 600bhp, and virtually in an instant. The test car was a Dual Motor Model S denoted by the badge on the rear which read P85D, D meaning dual and P the symbol for the more powerful rear motor. This all wheel drive power package gives supercar acceleration performance with outstanding smoothness and zero
The Tesla Model S tested was the P85D version, which means that it has an 85kW motor, dual drive to the front and rear with a high performance rear motor that gives super fast acceleration
power is quiet yet enormous to propel the car at a pace that would be the envy of many of the turboElectric Motor powered super cars. This car was bought 120hp direct from Tesla in the UK 4.4 seconds while now the company 490km range/ has set up an Irish operafull charge tion at 92 Bracken Road, 0g/km Sandyford, Dublin 18. The A0 €120 Irish price list and options are available on the com5 star (2017) pany’s website. 4 years/ 80,000km This now two-year old €82,500 car is still performing to its mounted in front, to all ability and up to recently four wheels. Tesla claims was getting its annual serthat this sacrifices efficien- vice in the UK. cy in favour of all-weather Tesla fit brushless electric motors to their cars so traction. Using electric motors there are no wearing parts the Model S motor is in the motors. The suspenlighter, smaller and more sion is the only possible efficient than its rear wheel wear area. Wear to the disc brakes drive counterpart, and also combines improved is minimal. This is because range with much faster there is a form of graduated electric motor braking acceleration. The only sound is road that minimises the effort noise, the noise of the tyres on the discs. Tesla claims that softand some wind noise. The
Tesla Model S Electric
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price acceleration drag. With two motors, one in the front and one in the rear, Model S claims to digitally and independently controls torque to the front and rear wheels. The result is impressive traction control coupled with great road holding in all conditions. Conventional all-wheel drive cars use complex mechanical linkages to distribute power from a single engine, usually
ware downloads minimise service time and are fed into the car while its charging at home or at a Tesla super charger. This Tesla owner is very confident that in 10 years time the car will have all of the latest product downloads and given that its power is a non-wearing electric motor, it will still be as good as new. This Tesla is a revolution in car ownership, running cost performance and ownership management. The car is not cheap to buy at €82,500 entry price, while cheaper models are on the way. Tesla claims that the car is a part of evolving technology and will be forever young because of upgrades, while you don’t need to be scared of the huge technology screen; if you can use an iPad or iPhone, that part won’t be a put off, but the price might.
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MOTORING
Nissan launches upgraded Qashqai
Poor tyre inflation now costs you more
NISSAN has upgraded its most popular car of recent times, the Qashqai with significant changes in four areas: exterior design, interior quality, driving performance and some new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. The new Qashqai comes in four grades: XE, SV, SV Premium and SVE, with a starting price of €26,070. The most obvious but somewhat subtle exterior changes to the Qashqai see a new contemporary design featuring the iconic ‘V-motion’ grille along with new front bumper and front fog lamps. The Qashqai also features ‘boomerang’ Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the LED light motif which has been extended across the whole lamp at the rear. On the inside the changes include a new D-shaped steering wheel. The seats have been redesigned with claims of a more durable upholstered finish or a choice of quality soft nappa leather, with 3D quilting. Out on the road, Nissan claims that this new Qashqai delivers improved driving performance due to calmer vehicle body motion and better levels of impact shock. The new Active Return Control claims to allow the steering wheel returns to centre more naturally, bring-
risen over an 18-month period, in line with the cost
THE cost of driving on under-inflated tyres has
of fuel, according to tyre manufacturer Michelin. Michelin claims that tyre pressures have a direct impact on a vehicle’s fuel economy, with underinflation increasing both fuel usage and carbon emissions, whilst also posing serious safety risks to motorists and other road users. Data collected by Michelin over the last 10 years shows that, on average, at least 60% of motorists in the UK drive on under-inflated tyres, and half of those are at dangerously under-inflated levels (more than 8psi). Tests carried out have shown that a tyre which is 20% under-inflated will typically return 20% less Nissan has launched a new Qashqai with some neat design changes and improved safety
mileage before needing to be replaced. This equates
features with a modest price increase
to loss of 8,000km (5,000 miles) on a tyre which offers a potential mileage of 40,000km.
ing claims of improved precision during driving. Nissan also claims significant improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance on the new Qashqai. This Qashqai will be offered with new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such as intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intelligent park assist, while new rear cross traffic alert and still assist systems have been added while others have been upgraded
with new safety features. This new Qashqai will be available with ProPILOT, Nissan’s autonomous drive technology in 2018. James McCarthy, CEO, Nissan Ireland, said: “With over 50,000 units sold in the last 10 years, the Qashqai has certainly proved its popularity with the Irish public. Now, with these premium enhancements to its design, quality, technology and driving dynamics, we are confident it’s success will grow further.”
As well as increasing fuel bills, Michelin says under-inflation makes a vehicle’s steering less precise, increases stopping distances and leads to a higher risk of aquaplaning. It also reduces a tyre’s endurance capabilities, making it more prone to damage and possible rapid deflation. Michelin advises motorists to check tyre pressures, including the spare, at least every month and before any long journeys.
26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 24 August 2017
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GAZETTE
28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 24 August 2017
SPORT
FastSport
Yappy birthday Shelbourne
GOLD-EN DAN: DUBLINER Dan Golden won gold at the 17th FINA World Masters Swimming Championships in Budapest when he came home first in the 50m butterfly event in the 65-70 age category. “Masters” is the term given to competitive swimming for anyone over 25 years old and Golden also set a new FINA World Masters Swimming Championship record when he finished in a time of 30.09 seconds to take his much deserved victory. He is a member of the NAC Masters Swimming Club, which has become one of Ireland’s most successful masters swimming clubs since been founded in 1988, and he also competed at the tournament in the 100m butterfly and both the 50m and 100m freestyle -finishing an impressive fifth in both of the latter two. The FINA World Championships take place every two years, with this year’s event running over a twoweek period in Budapest.
SHELBOURNE Park are celebrating 90 years in business - that’s 630 years if you’re a dog. The home of Irish greyhound racing is situated in the docklands of Ringsend and first opened its doors as a dog track in 1927. The historic stadium was also the home of Shelbourne FC from 1913 to 1949, and even hosted a race between a greyhound and former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond in a Mazda MX5 - and yes the greygound won.
Celebrities and fans alike come together to celebrate 90 years of racing at Shelbourne Park
Dubliners denied three in a row by the Germans JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
Female MVP of the final Grainne McCarthy of Ireland Picture: Paddy Cummins
THE fourth outing of the Dublin Golden Cup in ultimate frisbee took place earlier this month in Westmanstown, with the German national team winning the tournament, defeating Dublin side Trilogy in the final. The tournament was conceived of by a group of Dublinbased frisbee friends as a way to bring an array of multinational opposition to the city, and is played across two days - pool matches on Saturday, and final
ranking contests on Sunday. Organiser Mark Earley told the Gazette of the finalists “Both teams stood out all weekend long but the Germans played a much stronger final game and won well in the end. The Irish team had won the tournament for the last two years running so were pretty disappointed. Each year the cream of UK Ultimate come over and this year a Scottish team Black Eagles looked exceptional and were unlucky not to make it to the final.” The tournament featured 30 teams and more than 200 play-
ers, and for Earley the organisational aspects were his proudest moments. “To be honest seeing Saturday morning go well was a great feeling,” he explained. “We put on breakfast for them, we organised lunch at the fields and brought merchandise to sell too. We needed lots of things to come through for us, including the weather, and it did, so just seeing it all in full swing was great. We’ve an annual ceili on the Saturday night where we teach the visiting teams a few Irish dances which was both hilarious and fun. And then on
Sunday, seeing everyone watching the final was nice too.” Ultimate frisbee - a fast paced game with similarities to American football in the scoring, but a much more open and fluid gameplay - first came to Ireland in 1995, over thirty years after establishing in the US. Earley who regularly travels to participate himself - says the country “punches well above its weight” with about 500-600 active players. The sport is typically mixed and open to all, and Earley encourages anyone interested to get involved.
24 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
FASTSport
Young basketballers end European’s with big win IRELAND Under-16 men’s basketball team have written their own piece of history at the FIBA European Championships by storming home to an 83-78 point win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 11-12th place classification game. Four Dubliners were involved in the squad with Malahide’s Cian Daly, Templeogue’s Matthew Harper, Sanmi Fajana from the Ongar Chaser’s, and Liffey Celtic’s Tiernan Howe all taking part. In what has already been a superb summer for Irish international basketball, the under-16 men continued the trend by securing a massive 11th place finish. Ireland not only finished their Europeans campaign in style, but did so over a team who – just five days previously – beat them in the group stages 71-97. An even first quarter saw the teams trading baskets, with Fajana, David Lehane and Howe the stand out shooters - helping to send Ireland into a 21-18 point lead at the end of the first. A superb second quarter from Daly, which saw him get in some vital assists and steals, served to enhance an already strong defensive display from the boys in green. Fajana continued to clock the scores for the Irish, and they held a five-point lead at the break, 40-35. The third quarter is where things got a little shaky for Ireland as Bosnia & Herzegovina hustled to close the gap and managed to take their first lead in the game. Ireland regrouped quickly though, with Paul Kelly leading the charge with a perfectly placed pace to Oisin Rice who hit the long three, and Ireland were back in control by the buzzer. It certainly wasn’t over though, and the final quarter was a battle of will and determination. Strong defence kept Ireland on top, and Nathan Moore showed his cool head from the free throw line to send Ireland home to a memorable and historic victory, 83-78. “It was what we thought it would be, last game, last day, let’s find out what we have left in the tank,” said Head Coach Pat Price after the game. “We reminded the team in the third quarter, that we needed to want this more than Bosnia. A lot of the team made a couple of great plays and did a lot of defensive stops at critical times, so I’m very proud of them and proud that they could rally after such a tough game last night. They said they wanted to end this thing in the right way and they really did that.”
Canadian dream still flying high for teen star Dublin ice hockey ace looking to pick up sponsors in bid to keep alive his ambitious hopes of playing professionally by spending the next 12 months in the GreatWhite North sport@dublingazette.com
BLANCHARDSTOWN teenager Mark Murphy is all set to take a brave gamble, in a bid to make an impact on the ice hockey world. It’s an unlikely move for a Dublin native: our city doesn’t have a permanent ice skating rink, and Murphy’s side the Flying Ducks only play on ice around ten times a year as they have to travel to Belfast to do so. The plans, however, are not as pie-in-the-sky as they may sound. Murphy has already spent six weeks in Canada, where he played for a side in French-speaking Mon-
treal. Living with a host family and picking up the language as he went along, the 16-year-old turned out for Somang Hockey Club. He trained daily, and his improvement during those six weeks was so substantial that the club sought him out earlier this year to try and persuade him to return. Murphy decided to do so, for an entire year. Murphy’s start in the game was somewhat coincidental. “There used to be a Castleknock ice hockey rink, six years ago, and my sister was figure skating in the morning. They happened to be training, and my mum suggested I join in. I never
Mark Murphy posing in his Flying Ducks gear
looked back,” he recalls. “You learn how to skate, which was kind of natural to me as I used to rollerblade, and then it came fairly naturally. I just love it. They kept the Castleknock rink open through the hottest summer we’ve had in years, in a warehouse in 2010 but the planning permission wasn’t renewed, and they’ve built houses there. It was difficult to even get ice time.” “There are teams around the country, but we usually play them on roller hockey rinks. It’s not the same sport, really. We play with a puck with balls on it so it has less friction. I don’t really like
it in the same way.” “There’s just about an Irish national team, as well as age groups,” he continues. “For the Canadians, playing us is a bit like playing children. There’s just no comparison. My aim is probably to coach in the long term.” There’s an air of modesty in this ambition, however: Murphy’s Canadian side Somang have players from within the team who will shortly take up professional contracts. Murphy’s team, the Flying Ducks, have done a lot to progress the Irish situation for their players, however. Their connection with Canadian teams, for example - they visited for St Patrick’s Day last year - has enabled them to acquire shared equipment, which they then rent to players on an annual basis. That means the bar to entry - the cost of essential equipment - is only a fraction of what it would otherwise be. The sport is huge over there. “There’s a stadium every 15 minute drive, and each would have two ice rinks at it,” Murphy said of his six-week Canadian experience. “It was like playing a different sport. They’re all really good players, who know how to position themselves. As soon as I came back, I went straight into our senior team, I felt like a totally different player.” “The physical side was tough, but I loved it. You have to get used to be pushed around. You’re
allowed to hit with the shoulder, within certain rules, like how far you are from the boards. I can watch a bit of it here, but I have to do it at mad o’clock in the morning.” The stumbling block for Murphy and his family is an obvious one: with a year in Canada costing tens of thousands of dollars. “We’re hoping we can find some sponsorship,” Murphy’s mum Debbie Hendy Murphy explains. “It’s such a good opportunity that we have to make sure Mark takes it. The difference with sponsorship might be whether Mark is in school, which is an extra cost. There’s no funding there at the moment for the sport at all in Ireland. We’d certainly be interested in making an arrangement with any company interested in supporting Mark.” As for ice hockey in Ireland? “It’s a great business opportunity,” Murphy explains. “If someone came in with some money and set up a rink, it would never look back. The demand is clearly there, and I don’t think it would take too long to hook up with the elite league in England.” Should that happen, it will be too late for earlyadopters like Murphy. Instead, he’ll be leaving behind the conventional school route - at least temporarily - in September, with big ambitions: to try and make things stick in Montreal.
GAZETTE
30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 24 August 2017
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: INNER CITY SIDE GET NEW CAMPAIGN OFF TO WINNING START
Shels kick off European campaign with stalemate SHELBOURNE Ladies remain on course to qualify for the knockout stages of the Women’s Champions League after drawing 0-0 with top seeds Medyk Konin in Belfast on Tuesday. The Red Pandas travelled to Belfast on Monday ahead of three games in eight days against host club Linfield, the Polish titleholders and Finnish champions PK-35 Vantaa. Mark Leavy’s side were viewed as outsiders for qualification as only group winners and one runner-up progress but they were the better side throughout and forced a number of good saves. Defender Seana Cooke was harshly sent off late on when she was deemed to have handled a goalbound shot, and the Polish side missed the resulting penalty as the tie finished scoreless. Next up on Friday evening is Pk-35 Vantaa before the Reds take on Linfield in their final group game on Monday 28th. Shelbourne qualified for the elite European competition on the back of their 2016 Women’s National League triumph, their first since the merger between Shelbourne and Raheny United. “We’re definitely going into the Champions League full of confidence,” Leavy said. “We’ve picked up a really good run of form in recent weeks which is well-timed. “We’ve been able to close the gap at the top of the Women’s National League so it means we can relax a little and concentrate fully on the challenge ahead. “We know we’re going to be playing some good sides, we’ve been able to watch them and it will be a tough challenge for us but this group have plenty of talent and I’m confident in them.” The champions endured a slow start to the season following the departure of star striker Noelle Murray to Glasgow City and midfielder Rebecca Creagh emigrating to Australia. With Creagh back and American striker Gloria Douglas returning on a short-term deal, Shels look better-equipped to challenge to retain their title. The Reds sit third in the Women’s National League, four points behind league leaders Wexford Youths with five matches left to play.
St Patricks CY’s LSL Senior Sunday side
Pats shock Bell in LSL sport@dublingazette.com
ST PATRICK’S CY got their Leinster Senior League top-flight campaign off to an excellent start with a closely-fought 2-1 win over Bluebell United at the Ringsend Astro on Friday night. Alan Murphy’s reign began in the ideal fashion as they upset the 2015/16 title winners and one of the pre-season favourites thanks to first-half goals from Daniel Kelly and Andy Doolin. Shane Stritch pulled one back for ten-man Bluebell after Tony Keeler had been sent off but, despite losing Graham
Hannigan to a red card, Pats held on for a moraleboosting victory. It took the home side just five minutes to break the deadlock with a move started and finished by striker Kelly in his first game back at the club following a spell with Crumlin United. Kelly picked the ball up wide on the left and sprayed it across the pitch to Jason Doyle on the opposite flank. Doyle returned it to Kelly on the edge of the box and he swept the ball past Bell keeper Andy McNulty. It was to get even better for the hosts later in the half when Bluebell
UNIVERSITY GAMES Soccer star one of eight to reach Taiwan DUBLIN City University soccer star Alan O’Sullivan has been named as one of eight DCU students selected to compete at the 29th World University Games in Taiwan. Malahide United man O’Sullivan, a sports science and health major, and the other students will represent DCU and Ireland as they compete with other student athletes from around the world. In total, 10,000 athletes will come together in Taipei to compete in over 300 medal events across 21 sports.
were reduced to ten men as Keeler was given his marching orders for denying Doyle a goalscoring chance. A long punt from Doolin was contested by McNulty and Pats striker Kevin Dunne, with the latter winning out, and when the loose ball broke to Doyle he was fouled by Keeler. The referee pointed to the penalty spot before producing a straight red card for the Bluebell skipper and, after a delay for treatment to McNulty, Doolin converted off the post. Bluebell changed to three at the back in order
to keep numbers in midfield and they pulled one back just before half time through Shane Stritch. The striker controlled Karl Russell’s right wing cross inside the penalty box and got his shot away quickly to beat Pats goalkeeper Sean Coffey. Bluebell held the lion’s share of possession in the second half as they looked to hunt down an equaliser. Hannigan was then given his marching orders for a second yellow card midway through the half as the pressure from the Bell took its toll on the hosts. It was Pats who had the
better chances to kill the game off in the latter stages, however, and former Shelbourne midfielder David Cassidy could have wrapped it up late on. Cassidy benefited from a clever dummy by Dunne that presented him with a shooting opportunity from the edge of the box, but he couldn’t keep his shot down. It didn’t prove vital, however, as CY held out for the win. Pats face South Dublin opposition again in their second league tie as they travel to Firhouse Clover on Wednesday August 30th, while Bluebell face Cabinteely in the FAI Cup on Friday.
24 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
MASTERS CHAMPIONS
Belvo’s Under-13 side continue club tradition
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST VINCENT’S
BELVEDERE FC came out on top of a Dublin derby with Crumlin United to win the Under-13 Volkswagen Junior Masters football tournament. Over 250 footballers from 16 top teams around Ireland competed in the tournament, now in its fourth year, in the AUL Complex but only one side could take home the cheque for €2,500 and it was Belvedere who did so after a 1-0 win.
OUR Div 10 Footballers take on Starlights
they prepare for the rest of the Cham-
in the Junior D championship semi-final
pionship. Three great prizes to be won.
on Sunday morning at 10.30am on PNU2.
€20 Tickets available from players and
Best of luck lads! Let’s get down there
by contacting Pedro at 086 3643803.
and give them some support.
CAMOGIE: CATS END FINAL DREAM FOR THE DUBS
Our Senior Hurlers are hosting a Golf
This Week’s Fixtures can be found by
Classic on Friday 15th September at 2pm
going to http://stvincentsgaa.ie/weeks-
in Donabate GC. Classic Shotgun For-
fixtures-ending-2782017/
mat. €500 per team of 5. Dinner included.
The Bar will be open at 3pm on Sunday
Great prizes. Contact Mick Slattery,
showing the Dublin v Tyrone game. We
Mickey Whelan, Tom Russell, Cathal Fal-
will have some drink specials laid on dur-
lon or Quinto Moore to sign up now. Your
ing and after the game so if you haven’t
support would be most appreciated.
got a ticket come along and cheer on the
Mini Leagues is back on Saturday September 2nd. Registration from 10am. The
lads. COYBIB! We are still looking for volunteers to help us to fill the gap left by Christy.
Lar & Des Foley U12 Tournament is also on that day. See you all there.
Please email vinssec@tinet.ie or call 01
Lotto Results 21/8/2017: Numbers
8335722 if you can help out in any way.
drawn were 1-4-9-22. Jackpot of €5,200
Your help would be most appreciated.
not won. €100 cash winners were W. Soffe
Senior Footballers All Ireland Grand Draw 2017: Please support the lads as
and Nick Murphy c/o Kavs. Next week’s jackpot is €5,350.
ST OLIVER PLUNKETT EOGHAN RUADH GOOD Luck to our Intermediate and Jun-
Cunningham Funeral Directors for their
ior A football teams in this year’s Junior
generous sponsorship of our Golf Clas-
A and B football championship finals v
sic. Our thanks also to all participat-
Skerries Harps and Ballymun Kickhams
ing teams, Castleknock Golf Club and
at Parnell Park on Friday next 25th
our volunteers, Denis, Tadhg, Joan and
August. Throw in for the B final v Sker-
Sean who kept things running smoothly
ries @ 6.45pm. The A final v Ballymun
all day. Thanks to AIG for donating two
Kickhams @ 8.15pm. A big turn out from
premium tickets for the Dublin v Tyrone
the club to support both teams would be
semi-final, the lucky winner of the pair of
much appreciated from all involved with
tickets was Michael Downey. Dublin V Tyrone ticket collection: For
the teams. Two Dublin players comfort each other after their loss to Kilkenny . Picture: Bryan Keane/INPHO
Kilkenny prove too strong for Jackeens ALL-IRELAND SEMI FINAL Dublin 0-09 Kilkenny 2-11 sport@dublingazette.com
DUBLIN’S 31 year wait to reach another All-Ireland senior camogie final continues after they lost 0-9 to 2-11 to Kilkenny at the Gaelic Grounds. The final margin is harsh on Dublin, who were appearing in their first semi-final in 27 years, but they showed enough to confirm that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons. Kilkenny got off to the perfect start when they
broke out of defence and worked the sliotar to Miriam Walsh, who was hauled down by Áine Woods for a penalty. Denise Gaule stepped up to the plate and planted a shot to the right corner of the net with only two minutes elapsed. The threatening Siobhán Kehoe then got Dublin off the mark. That was the start of a run of four points for the Metropolitans out of the next five scored. A strong run by Anna Farrell created a goal chance for Walsh but she was dispossessed by Eve O’Brien, who was
magnificent throughout for the Sky Blues, as was Miriam Twomey. Ann Dalton was particularly influential as Kilkenny began to get their running game in motion, and the Stripeywomen scored the last three points of the half to lead by 1-5 to 0-4 at half time. Dublin were playing into the wind in the second half but they halved the deficit inside six minutes with a point from Kehoe. K i l ke n ny a r e a n extremely experienced outfit however and while being put to the pin of
their collars by Dublin’s ferocious workrate, they had enough experience and scoring threat to put some breathing space between the teams with five of the next six points. It was still a three-point game entering the final quarter when Maher replied to a Danielle Morrissey brace but points from Julieann Malone, Anna Farrell, Michelle Quilty and a wonderful effort by Meighan Farrell saw them pull clear. Maher shot two more points to bring her tally to six but Clifford had the last say with her rocket of a finish.
Our Annual Golf Classic, was held last
those who have ordered tickets either
Friday 18th August in Castleknock Golf
behind the bar or through online reser-
Club. The fundraising committee would
vations, they will be available for collec-
like to extend our thanks to all our spon-
tion this Tuesday 22nd August in the club
sors especially Robin Cunningham from
between 8pm and 9pm.
ST ANNE’S
FITSTEPS returns to St Anne’s, Thursday
final. Please contact Shay Brady on
August 24th @ 8pm. Learn all the moves
0879049777 for more information or to
from Strictly Come Dancing in this dance
book your place.
fitness class, no partners needed, just trainers, water & your smile. Following an email from the county board we have not received our full allo-
Well done to all the under-9 boys who played in the blitz in Newbridge. Huge thanks to Absolute Limousines on sponsoring their tops and jerseys.
cation of stand tickets for the All-Ireland
Congratulations to the under-14 boys
semi-final. Unfortunately, we have had
hurlers on a fantastic win against Round
to reduce down people’s ticket requests
Towers Lusk.
accordingly. We will be in contact with everyone in relation to their orders. Bus available to Croke park from the club next Sunday for the semi-
Lotto: Their was no winner of this week’s €500 jackpot. The numbers drawn were 11, 27 and 29. Next week’s jackpot €1,000.
GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!
Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3
or email sport@dublingazette.com
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
SUPER SAINTS: Pat’s CY shock former champions Bluebell with opening day victory in Ringsend P30
AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017
GREAT WHITE NORTH: Young Dubliner dreams of hitting big time in Canada P29
Cormac Costello, left, celebrating Dublin’s Sam Maguire win in 2016 alongside Dermot Connolly, centre, and Paul Flynn
Dubs fully stocked
Whitehall forward Costello will be hoping to take to the pitch from the start on Sunday as competition hots up for a place in Jim Gavin’s side
DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
WHITEHALL Colmcilles forward Cormac Costello is in line for a championship comeback ahead of Dublin’s All-Ireland Football Championship semi-final with Tyrone on Sunday. The 23-year-old – who scored three points off the bench in the replay win over Mayo last year – has missed the championship to date after suffering a hamstring injury on club duty. “We have a full squad to pick from,” said Dublin manager Jim Gavin. “Cormac Costello is back now as well, he’s worked really diligently at his return to play. Everybody is fit.”
Gavin remained coy about Diarmuid Connolly’s chances of returning to the starting lineup ahead of the county’s biggest game of the season. Connolly missed most of the Leinster Championship after he was handed a 12-game ban for pushing an official during the quarter-final with Carlow. “We just have to wait and see as we get closer to the game. [Diarmuid] is doing his own thing. He is on his own programme.” Paul Flynn and Michael Darragh MacAuley made their returns to the team in the quarterfinal win over Monaghan but, likewise, neither is guaranteed a starting shirt. “We don’t hand out jerseys. Both of them
earned the right to return to the field of play based on what we saw in front of our eyes in training. So they’ve been training really well over the last number of weeks,” said Gavin. “They got those jerseys on merit. [The] biggest strength of this team is their sense of collective and they understand that they’re the sum of their parts and Paul and Michael Darragh came in and did their bit for the team. “It’s been a long road for both of them, as it has been for a number of players.” Tyrone gave the Boys in Blue one of their toughest games of the year back in February when it took a stirring comeback to salvage a draw and keep the record-breaking unbeaten run on track.
And Gavin anticipates another close battle between two complete footballing sides. “Defensive has always been their cornerstone. They have always been an exceptionally good counter-attacking team, but they have really added to it since that league game. “If you look at their championship games it has been so, so impressive from them. Players coming off the bench has really added to it as well. “They are just a modern football team and they have been very impressive. “We know how good they are defensively and they have a great defensive system. They have been putting up big scores and they’re a freescoring team now.”