Dublin Gazette: City Edition

DublinGazette FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020

POLSKA GAZETA GAZETA: This week we look

at the Zapusty celebration event held by the Irish Polish Society SEE PAGE 20

CityEdition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

On song TWO Dublin venues are celebrating after winning a coveted IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Award last week at a ceremony on South Anne Street. The awards saw dozens of venues from around the country snap up prizes.

SEE PAGE 7

SPORT SOCCER:

Shamrock Rovers beat Bohs in a tempestuous battle at Dalymount Park amid Storm Dennis downpour. SEE P29

Heavy Hitters Corinthians Boxing Club from Dublin 1 won the ‘Group Award’ at the Dublin North Central Garda Youth Awards in recognition of the contribution they make to their local community. Picture: Mark Stedman

style

BE MINDFUL WITH NEW CLOTHING COLLECTION P18

Permission granted for over 650 apartments RACHEL D’ARCY

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

AN Bord Pleanala have made a decision to grant planning permission to over 650 apartments on privately owned lands within St Anne’s Park, despite major opposition from locals and politicians.

Crekav Trading, part of Marlet Property Group, applied for planning permission for

657 apartments across nine blocks, ranging in height from five to nine storeys, on sports pitches formally owned by St Paul’s College.

Permission for the project was granted on Tuesday, under the Government’s ‘Fast Track’ process. The permission was granted, subject to 25 conditions, with ABP’s appeals board upholding the recommendation of

its own inspector to give permission for the development.

This is despite Dublin City Council chief Owen Keegan recommending that permission for the development be refused on several grounds, primarily that the development was ‘not considered to be consistent with the Dublin City Development Plan CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 2016-2022’.

Dublin commits to better air quality THIS week, Dublin became the first Irish city to sign a commitment to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guideline values within the next ten years.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Tom Brabazon, and the mayors of the other three Dublin local authorities signed up to the BreatheLife campaign last Monday, February 17.

By signing up to the campaign, Dublin will be joining 76 cities, regions, and countries around the globe in demonstrating a commitment to bring air quality to safe levels by 2030 and collaborate on the clean air solutions that will help us get there faster. SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

PICK UP YOUR

DublinGazette CITY EDITION

EVERY THURSDAY! at the following locations:

• Ballybough Stores • Bewleys – Georges Street • Buttery Restaurant @ Trinity • College • Café Parigi • Centra – Ballsbridge • Centra – Dame St • Centra – Drimnagh • Centra – Fairview • Centra - Portland Row • Centra – Rathmines • Centra – Thomas Street • Centra – Whitehall • Charlestown – Shopping Centre • Crumlin – Shopping Centre • DCC Office – Wood Quay (X2 Units) • DCC Office - Ballyfermot • DCC Office - Ballymun • DCC Office - Coolock • DCC Office - Crumlin • DCC Office Marrowbone Lane • Drury Street Car Park • Dublin Mosque – S. Circular Road • Dunnes – Finglas • Fresh – Grand Canal • George’s Street Arcade • Iceland - Ballyfermot • Iceland - Liffey St. • Ilac Centre • Insomnia – CHQ • Insomnia – Millennium Walk • Insomnia – Nassau St. • Lidl - Terenure • Londis Inchicore • Londis, East Wall • Marks & Spencer – Grafton St. • Marks & Spencer – Mary St. • Marks & Spencer – Mayor Sq. • Northside SC @ Customer Service • Nutley Merrion Square • Sandymount Credit Union • Shelbourne Park Dog Track 1 Unit • Spar – Capel Street • Spar - Crumlin • Spar - Longboat Quay • Spar – Nassau St. • Spar – Patrick St. • Spar - Trinity Plaza • SuperValu – Finglas • SuperValu - Knocklyon • SuperValu – Northside S.C. • SuperValu – Ranelagh • SuperValu – Rathgar • SuperValu – Sundrive • SuperValu – Walkinstown • SuperValu Aston Quay Café Area • Tesco – Clearwater • Tesco – Navan Rd • Tesco - Phibsboro • Tesco – Prussia St. • Tesco – Rathmines • Tesco - Baggot St. • Tesco Express – Rathmines Road • Tesco - Fleet St. • Tesco Metro – Terenure • The Swan Centre – Rathmines

For further info www.dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

PERMISSION GIVEN FOR CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT

Housing development gets the green light

FASTNews

FROM PAGE 1

Several local politicians have also voiced their desire for the project to be turned down, citing concerns for local biodiversity and pressure on amenities.

Local councillor Donna Cooney (GP) said that it was ‘a bad day’ for St Anne’s, upon news of ABP’s decision.

Earlier this month, An Bord Pleanala refused permission for the development of synthetic sports pitches on lands adjacent to those of the proposed development - still owned by St Paul’s College - on the basis that the proposed pitches could potentially ‘adversely affect the

Kari Daniels, CEO of Tesco and Denise Fitzgerald, CEO of Temple Street, pictured with Ethan Byrne, a patient of Temple Street. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Tesco raises €5m for Temple Street

People protesting against the development planned beside St Anne’s Park

integrity of the North Bull Island Special Protection Area’.

An advocacy group

campaigning for the protection of the grounds, I Love St Anne’s, took to Facebook following the

news to inform residents and locals.

The group said: “We are surprised and disappointed with this decision from An Bord Pleanala, which appears to contradict their own recent ruling on the synthetic pitches and their 2018 refusal for a similar development on the same lands.

“In addition, there are two legal processes ongoing in relation to this land, which in our view, make [the] ruling somewhat premature.”

Devastated Local resident Dee Byrne said that the light pollution alone from the apartments may adversely affect wildlife.

He said: “I am completely devastated and utterly confounded by this decision.

“The light pollution alone from this development will inevitably have a detrimental impact on the wildlife in the park.

“We have to challenge this terrible decision.”

Another resident, Sonja K r z yz a n ows k i , s a i d : “This is an outrageous decision.

“The community is united in opposition to this, and we will fight to our last breath to prevent this development.”

TESCO has reached a monumental fundraising milestone, announcing that they have raised €5 million over the course of its five-year partnership with CHI at Temple Street.

The funds raised have helped the hospital to buy over 270 pieces of vital medical equipment for patients including ultrasound scanners, patient monitors and respiratory equipment.

Tesco Ireland first chose Temple Street as its Charity Partner in 2014 following a selection process guided by Tesco colleagues nationwide.

Tesco is also announcing a further extension to its partnership for one-year for 2020 and continuing with its ambition of purchasing much-needed equipment to aid the treatment of sick children with the aim of raising an additional €1 million.

Denise Fitzgerald, chief executive, Temple Street Foundation, said: “We are truly honoured that Tesco is extending our charity partnership for another year and I want to congratulate everyone involved on reaching such a momentous fundraising milestone.

“As a direct result of their support over the past five years, funds have been invested where they are needed most right across the hospital, directly benefitting sick children and their families who depend on Temple Street to provide the urgent care they need.

“Put simply, these funds have helped to save lives and for that we commend Tesco colleagues for their dedication and Tesco customers or their loyalty and generosity.”

Three Irish credit unions team with Temenos

TEMENOS, the banking software company has announced that it has signed three new Irish credit union clients for its Community Banking offering.

These include Dublin based Capital Credit Union, which is headquartered in Dundrum, Tullamore Credit Union, and Meath based Credit Union Plus. All three will be moving from legacy, on-premise systems to Temenos’ front-to-back Software as a Service (SaaS) offering in order to digitally transform their business and prepare for growth.

Capital Credit Union expects that the new Community Banking platform will add a further 10% per annum to their already loan growth rates. It also says it will attract many new members – up to 10,000 over the next three years.

Across Ireland, 3.4 million people are members of 241 credit unions, accounting for €18.3 billion in assets.

Credit union assets are on the rise, increasing 31% (up from €14 billion) between 2011 and 2019.

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

HERITAGE: PRESIDENT PERSONALLY GIFTS BOOK COLLECTION AT AN EVENT IN CABRA

President donates 700 books from his personal collection HAVE you ever wondered what President Michael D Higgins has in his personal book library?

Well, wonder no more, as the President has gifted his personal collection to Dublin City Libraries.

Library users will soon be able to access approximately 700 books from the President’s personal collection after the books were donated for the use of library patrons nationwide.

President Higgins personally gifted the collection at an event in Cabra Library on Tuesday, February 11.

Speaking at the event, Dublin City Librarian Mairead Owens said: “We’re delighted President Higgins has chosen to donate his personal collection to our libraries.

“President Higgins has made education and the promotion of independent critical thought a cornerstone of his presidency, and he has spoken on a number of occasions of the importance of public libraries, and of public spaces.

“He chose to make this donation to Irish libraries because he views libraries as places that help people to nurture their inquisitive natures, and books as windows onto a wide variety of worlds, both real and imagined.

“The collection reflects the President’s status and interests as a linguist, poet, sociologist and former politician. A beautifullyworded bilingual label has been provided for insertion in each book.”

Donation The collection comprises a portion of the President’s own personal library, accumulated over his term of office, and the initial donation will be added to on an annual basis.

A selection of these books will be available to borrow through Libraries Ireland, but many of the titles are personally inscribed copies

and will be held in perpetuity at Pearse Street Library and Archive, Dublin 2.

They will only be available for reference only in the facility’s Reading Room.

The collection is diverse and multilingual and consists of a highly eclectic mix of subject areas, spanning childrens’ and adults’ material, including fiction and non-fiction, print and audio.

Items from the President’s collection for reference and for loan can be viewed in the library catalogue at librariesireland.ie with the search term ‘The President Michael D. Higgins Collection’.

Dublin commits to bring air quality to safe levels RACHEL D’ARCY

T H I S we e k , D u b l i n became the first Irish city to sign a commitment to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guideline values within the next ten years.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Tom Brabazon, and the mayors of the other three Dublin local authorities signed up to the BreatheLife campaign last Monday, February 17.

By signing up to the campaign, Dublin will be joining 76 cities, regions, and countries around the globe in demonstrating a commitment to bring air quality to safe levels by 2030 and collaborate on the clean air solutions that will help us get there faster.

Cllr Brabazon (FF) is “calling on all Dubliners to be ‘Climate Brave’,” adding: “Hitting the target in the BreatheLife campaign will involve difficult and potentially unpopular decisions, so we’ll all need to be brave if we’re to make the right decisions for our city.”

The four signatories of the pledge then took part in a landmark event at the Mansion House following the signing, to identify how the combined resources engaged

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Tom Brabazon and 17-year-old climate activist Beth Doherty are pictured with Dr Maria Neira, director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organisation; and Dublin GAA footballer Michael Darragh McCauley, after Cllr Brabazon signed up the city to the BreatheLife campaign. Picture: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

in climate change action, air quality management, and health protection can be harnessed to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Dublin.

An invited audience of national and regional policy makers, officials,

researchers and stakeholders were in attendance.

According to the WHO, 92% of people around the world breathe air quality which falls short of the recommended guidelines, with approximately seven million deaths

globally each year from pollution.

Speakers at the event included Dr Maria Neira from the WHO, Anne Graham from the National Transport Authority, 17-year-old climate activist Beth Doherty, Donna Gartland from

Codema, and Brendan O’Brien from Dublin City Council.

Beth Doherty said: “Solving this crisis will require large, brave leaps, not just steps, towards concrete climate action as a city.

“We need to target the

key roots of the issue head-on, acting where it is needed most, improving sustainable infrastructure, and ensuring that sustainability is accessible to all to ensure Dublin makes a just transition towards a brighter and cleaner future.”

FASTNews Tributes paid to legendary late publican Tommy Smith TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Tommy Smith, the longstanding publican of Dublin institution Grogan’s, who passed away on February 9.

Mr Smith (pictured below) devoted his life to the Castle Street haunt, which was known for its legendary toasted sandwiches served alongside its pints.

He passed away surrounded by his loved ones following an illness, according to a social media post made by the pub.

The post read: “The passing occurred ... of Tommy Smith. A man who devoted his life to the pub, Tommy passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.”

The pub closed its doors as a mark of respect on February 12, the day his funeral was held. Dozens of tributes flooded social media, with many remarking the “quiet” support that the late “gentleman” showed for Dublin’s creatives.

One post read: “Tommy was the last of a very rare breed of great publicans, and the even rarer breed of true gents. Rest in peace.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Paul Kinsella and Mark Rogers

Vanessa Butler and James Patrice

Doireann Garrihy and Marie Claire Whelan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Preview screening of Birds of Prey at the Lighthouse Cinema W

ell known faces including Doireann Garrihy, James Patrice Butler, Stephen Byme, model Niamh Ryan and Rebecca Grimes joined guests at Dublin’s Lighthouse Cinema for a sneak preview screening of the new Superhero film Birds of Prey last week.

The fun continued on Wednesday evening as the yellow carpet was

Anna Gallagher and Denise Bolger

Niamh Ryan

Daisy Delaney

Judy Wong

then rolled out at Cineworld at the Parnell Centre for the spectacular Irish premiere of the film.

The film which stars Margot Robbie and Ewan McGregor sees Harley Quinn (Robbbie) who after splitting with the Joker, joins others to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.

Clara De Brun and Stephen Byrne

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

EDUCATION: 12% RENT HIKE PLANS SLAMMED AS ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ – O’RIORDAIN FUNDING

UCD students protest over rent increase RACHEL D’ARCY

STUDENTS in University College Dublin held a protest last Tuesday against plans by the southside university to hike on-campus rents by 12% over the next three years.

UCD students gathered at 9am on Tuesday to call for the proposed increases to be scrapped.

The protest coincided with a meeting being held by university management over the proposed rent increases.

The student union at UCD has been vocal about its opposition to the proposed increases, with UCD Students’ Union saying students did not receive any forewarning or consultation over the hike in living costs.

Joanna Siewierska, the president of the student union, said the students are “outraged”.

She said: “We are showing the university management team that they will not use campus residences as a fundraiser any more.”

Prominent politicians such as Sinn Fein’s Eoin O’Broin have also written to college management over the increases in rents.

Meetings He said: “I have written to the presidents of UCD, DCU [and] TCD requesting meetings to discuss proposed on-campus student rent increases.

“High rents are a barrier to education.

“There has to be a better solution to financing of student accommodation.”

Labour Party education spokesperson Aodhan O’Riordain has said the 12% rent hikes are unacceptable.

He said: “Third level institutions across the country are using the housing crisis as a way to make a quick buck.

“The housing crisis we are now facing is becoming a prevalent feature in Irish society, and these student accommodation companies are exploiting this crisis to charge extortionate accommodation fees.

“It is completely unacceptable to expect students and their families to pay between double and triple the annual college fee up front for student accommodation.”

In response to the news of the increase in rental costs, former UCD students have voiced concern on social media that hikes in costs such as rent can price lower-income students, or students from outside of Dublin, out of attending university.

Airbnb to offer grants to initiatives

UCD students call for the proposed increases to be scrapped. Picture: anticasualucd

Dr Alan Greene, a lecturer in Birmingham and a UCD alumnus, wrote: “I know I’ve said it before, but I have no idea how anybody can afford to study in Dublin any more.

“Coupled with the increase in registration fees over the past decade, things are drastically different from when I studied at UCD. I don’t know if I could do it now.”

Another former student, Molly, said: “I had to

Vicar Street named Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2019 TWO Dublin venues are celebrating after winning a coveted IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Award last week at a ceremony on South Anne Street.

The awards, now in their 12th year, saw dozens of venues from around the country snap up prizes on the night.

Two Dublin venues walked away with awards on the night, with Vicar Street receiving the IMRO Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2019 and 3Arena scooping the Hot Press Live Venue of the Year for 2019 plaque.

Eleanor McEvoy, IMRO chairperson said of the annual awards, said: “We are gifted in Ireland to have such a vibrant and eclectic music scene, the backbone of which is our magnificent live music sector.

“The important role that venues and festivals make is all too often overlooked, but we feel it is vital to acknowledge venues big and small across the country and to celebrate the individuals whose hard work and commitment help our music industry to thrive. From a musician’s first performance, right through to an internationally renowned headline artist, these venues and individuals allow music creators to continue making music and bring it to new audiences.”

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said: “Irish music is going through a real purple patch at the moment, with brilliant new artists emerging across every genre – and a lot of them

are making a serious impact internationally. They deserve to. We are producing some truly great music here at the moment.

“This extraordinary surge of creativity in Irish music would not be possible without great live venues. They give artists and bands a vital platform, especially at the start of their careers. A healthy live music scene is at the very heart of things – and music is flourishing all over Ireland.

That’s why the IMRO Live Music Venues Awards are so important.”

leave UCD and finish my education in Belfast to survive.

“My rent was cheap, at €450, while my SUSI grant at 100% was €330

per month. I’m from Mayo; I had no option to live at home, and I saw students like me get priced out constantly in my time, and it’s getting worse.”

AIRBNB is inviting community members in all areas of Dublin that lead grassroots, cultural and community initiatives to apply for funding as part of its new microgrants programme.

Aitiuil is a scheme designed to provide funding to cultural and community projects across Ireland.

It will award grants of between €500 and €5,000 to local grassroots initiatives.

The pilot and first round of funding will take place in the first quarter of 2020, with the company shortlisting applications every three months.

For further information on the application process, please visit Airbnb’s website.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

LAURALYNN : FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPENS AT CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

TV star opens revamped family houses PADRAIG CONLON

CELEBRITY architect and TV favourite Dermot Bannon recently opened the newly refurbished family accommodation at LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice.

Dermot visited the southside charity last week to cut the red tape on the new rooms at Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

LauraLynn has four family bedrooms alongside a living space and

kitchen area allowing entire families to book in for short stays at the hospice.

T h e se s h o r t s tays allow the child using the service, their parents and any siblings they may have to enjoy quality time together making memories as a family.

This specialised family accommodation was in need of some improvements, as it was over eight-years-old and a little outdated.

With no dedicated State funding however a renovation project was not something that seemed possible.

This year alone over €4.6m of LauraLynn’s annual running costs will need to be met via fundraised income.

The chance to do the much-needed refurbishment came about when Chris Mackin, one of the owners of Malmac construction, offered to help out if there was any building work needed.

B e l i n d a Ro h a n o f Belinda Rohan interiors

FASTNews New Lord Mayor to be selected next month

Dermot Bannon at the official opening with Liam Ryan and his mum Niamh.

Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

also came on board to offer her services free of charge alongside Malmac construction.

Through the amazing work of the two generous groups, the entire project came at no cost to the charity, who provide vital services to those who are ill.

The regeneration of the space has a direct impact on those who use

the service.

Liam Ryan, 11, has been going to LauraLynn for four years.

His mum Niamh said that Laura Lynn is like “a home away from home” for the family.

“It’s a lovely place for our family to come knowing that Liam is being minded and loved and is safe and happy,” she said.

“We get to just be

Mam, Dad and brother as all of Liam’s medical and care needs are looked after by the lovely staff.

“But LauraLynn is so much more than that.

“We all feel minded as the fantastic staff think of our whole family and this project has created such beautiful relaxing spaces for all of us to rest and feel so refreshed after our stay.”

A NEW Lord Mayor for Dublin will be selected in March, after current Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe was elected to Dáil Eireann in the recent general election.

McAuliffe (FF) moved out of the Mansion House last Friday after his success, with Deputy Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon wearing the gold chain until a new Lord Mayor - who will be a member of Fianna Fail - is voted in.

There is an agreement with council parties in Dublin City Council, whereby each party takes a turn in hosting a Lord Mayor.

Currently, there are nine Fianna Fail councillors sitting on Dublin City Council - Daryl Bannon, Racheal Batten, Deputy Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon, Keith Connolly, Deirdre Conroy, Daithi De Roiste, Mary Fitzpatrick, Claire O’Connor and Michael Watters.

A vote will be held at the next full council meeting, on February 24. Any other councillors who were elected to Dáil Eireann will also have their seats ‘co-opted’ by other members of their party, to fill vacant seats.

The elected Lord Mayor will only hold the position until June, however, where the Green Party will put forward one of their councillors to take on the role.

62 new speed cameras added to roads SYLVIA POWNALL

SPEED CAMERAS have been installed at 62 new locations across Dublin as part of a nationwide Garda crack down on reckless drivers.

In all 903 new ‘safety zones’ came into operation nationwide on Monday in areas which have become hotspots for speed-related collisions.

There are now a total of 291 zones in the capital which can be tracked via GPS navigation and are also listed on the Garda website (www.garda.ie).

The National Roads Policing Bureau compiled the list based on road collisions from 2016 to 2018 with 575 zones across the country which were previously considered high risk removed from the list.

Superintendent Tony Lonergan of the GNRPB said the removal of cameras from zones shows a change in driver behaviour, and that the new zones are targeting a small number of people who continue to drive in excess of speed limits.

He added: “We’re putting the message out there

that we’d like people to slow down for the entire duration of their journey in order to help make the roads safer and to prevent fatalities and life changing injuries.”

Among the new zones are a 3.4km stretch of the R139 at Clonshaugh near Dublin Airport where two fatal crashes and two serious crashes were recorded between 2016 and 2018.

Go Safe zones are also in operation along 1.4km of the St Peter’s Road from Walkinstown Cross to Whitehall Road, and the Hartstown Road in D15.

The 20 most dangerous stretches of road in Ireland are all in Dublin according to analysis with the highest number of accidents on the R111 between Islandbridge and Irishtown.

In a three-year period 118 collisions were recorded including two fatal crashes and 18 which were classed as serious.

The second riskiest road is a 5.4km stretch of the R148 between the Chapelizod bypass along the Liffey quays to the Customs House. Despite having a 30kph speed limit in places, it was the scene of

99 collisions including 17 serious crashes.

The third most dangerous road is a 21.4km stretch of the M50 between junction 3 (M1 interchange) and junction 11 (N81-Tallaght) where a total of 116 crashes were also recorded.

Superintendant Lonergan said: “We urge drivers to be fully aware of the posted speed limit and drive within the speed limit for the duration of their journey. Speed kills, help save lives.”

The full list of locations can be viewed at www. garda.ie/roadspolicing

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

NATIONAL EVENT: CELEBRATING THE NATION’S TREASURES

FASTNews Hotel plans approved despite Dunne objection A REVISED plan for a proposed hotel on the northside has been given permission by Dublin City Council (DCC), despite opposition.

Permission was given to PI Hotels and Restaurants, which operates the Premier Inn brand, despite an objection by businessman and gym owner Ben Dunne.

PI has been given permission to add an extra development to their new hotel at the site of Twilfit House, which is on the corner of Upper Abbey Street and

Jervis Street.

The building will now stand at eight storeys high, and will house 206 bedrooms. PI Hotels and Restaurants has said the Jervis Street hotel will offer a restaurant, public bar and “work zone”.

The development was opposed by Ben Dunne, who claimed revised plans for an eighth storey would contravene a ruling by DCC where planners expressed concern about the height of the building.

Rory Dignam and Justine Doswell at the launch of the St Patrick’s Festival programme. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

St Patrick’s Festival programme revealed RACHEL D’ARCY

THE programme for the National St Patrick’s Festival has been unveiled, with the theme this year set to be SEODA – Treasures from Ireland.

Announced last week by Deputy Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon, this year’s festival will celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage with a world-class programme showcasing both contemporary and traditional Ireland over five great days and nights, from March 12 to 17.

There will be dozens of fun-filled family experiences, massive outdoor events, specially commissioned collaborative performances, a myriad of musical treats and the magnificent national St Patrick’s Festival parade.

There will also be an expanded four-day festival village and food market at Merrion Square.

Susan Kirby, chief executive, said: “St Patrick’s Festival is one of the world’s largest cultural celebrations and one of the most important and powerful tools that Brand Ireland has in promoting our country.

“St Patrick’s Festival continues to be five great days and nights where Ireland welcomes

the world.

“This year’s festival will present today’s culture creators and celebrate who and what our contemporary national treasures are, as well as taking pride in our traditions.”

This years’ festival will offer a richly diverse programme, including ABAIR – a remarkable programme of performances celebrating Ireland’s oral traditions, art exhibitions, poetry and literary events, the all-new Festival After Dark club series, hidden Dublin tours and trails, an exciting Port to City treasure hunt, Ceili Mor, and so much more.

Cllr Tom Brabazon said: “It’s a wonderful honour for me to launch the 2020 festival. As a boy I remember coming into the parade each year, and now our national festival has grown into a five-day extravaganza celebrating all that is great about Ireland today.

“We have so many modern-day treasures, people creating our contemporary culture each day, and it’s fantastic that the festival will showcase these across five days and nights of fun and celebration.

“I have no doubt that Dubliners and visitors

to the city will enjoy memorable experiences and leave with lasting memories.

“I would also like to congratulate the St Patrick’s Festival board for all their hard work, professionalism and dedication, which results in the Dublin festival being such a fantastic showcase for our Irish culture and heritage.”

Artists and performers set to take part in the diverse 2020 festival programme include Lisa Hannigan, Annie Mac, Kojaque, Soule, Denise Chaila, Crash Ensemble, Mango X MathMan, Dublin Gospel Choir, and many more.

Orla Carroll, director of product development at the National Tourism Development Authority, said: “We are delighted to see some of Ireland’s national treasures highlighted at this year’s St Patrick’s Festival.

“Festivals are crucial to the tourism sector and play an important role in both attracting overseas visitors and delivering brilliant visitor experiences.”

The full St Patrick’s Festival 2020 programme is now available over on the festival website, stpatricksfestival.ie.

Mary Lou dances away to a fun Macarena beat SINN FEIN leader Mary Lou McDonald made headlines earlier this week, after a video of her learning how to do the Macarena in Ringsend went viral.

The Sinn Fein leader was in Ringsend with newly elected Dublin Bay South TD Chris Andrews at an event in Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre on Monday.

Children in the area were showing off their best moves, and managed to get deputies McDonald and Andrews moving too, teaching the potential Taoiseach how to do the classic 90s choreography during her visit.

The video was shared widely online, including in local Facebook group ‘Ringsend People at Home and Abroad’, who delighted in the Sinn Fein leader visiting the locality and engaging with the kids.

Sharpen your digital skills with Google full-day workshops GOOGLE will start its 2020 Digital Garage workshops this week at its Dublin headquarters.

Starting on Friday, February 28, the workshops will include expert advice and tips on how to scale a business for international growth, and embrace opportunities to reach and engage with global customers online.

Digital Garage is part of Google’s global business support initiative, Grow with Google, that aims to help people and businesses acquire the skills needed to embrace the opportunities that technology presents.

The full-day workshop will feature mentoring and talks focused

on digital skills highlighted by business as areas of concern.

Some of the main areas of focus on the day will include how to utilise Google tools effectively in order to plan and grow a business internationally.

Marie Davis, head of Google Customer Solutions Ireland said: “We are delighted to be kicking off the new phase of Grow with Google 2020.

“The Digital Garage workshops were a huge success regionally across Ireland last year and due to high demand we are very pleased to be running a Digital Garage in Dublin in 2020.

“Local Irish businesses are vital to our regional economy and

through these workshops, we hope to provide support to business people through mentoring and coaching and to equip them with the digital tools and expertise necessary to drive growth both on a domestic and international scale.

“We want to give business people the confidence to integrate and use digital skills effectively in the everyday running of their business and to ensure success in the future.”

Last year, more than 1,000 companies took part in Grow with Google Digital Garage workshops around the country. Digital Garage is free to attend but anyone wishing to attend must register at: https://g.co/irelandgaragef2f.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Moya Doherty, John McColgan, Amy Huberman and Brian O’Driscoll. Pictures: Kieran Harnett

Tara Howley and Haley Richardson

Sophie and Louis Copeland

Julian Benson and Simon Murphy

Susan Ginnity and Ryan Sheridan

Norah Casey and Val Quinn

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show I

Kathleen Watkins

Helen and Paddy Cole

T’S 25 years since Riverdance first performed at the Point Theatre, and to celebrate they put on five incredible shows at the same venue.

The shows received a rapturous reception and standing ovations. They played to a packed audience with many friends, family, past colleagues and well known faces in

attendance. There was such excitement as the show began, with each number receiving rapturous applause.

When the iconic seven-minute Riverdance number brought the first part of the show to a finish the audience leapt to their feet in a standing ovation. The finale of the show brought a further standing ovation and

thunderous applause before a special treat was unveiled for the audience.

Associate director Padraic Moyles welcomed on stage many of the original cast who performed on that night 25 years ago and then introduced Jean Butler who had travelled from the US to be there for this special event and say a few words.

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Fiesta Zetec Champion William Kellett was presented with his trophy by BTCC star Chris Smiley

Jade O’Brien tries the Virtual Race Academy simulator at the Night of Champions

Top drivers speed into awards night

I

reland’s top drivers were honoured last Friday at the Night of Champions.The Irish Rallycross Championship, the Fiesta Zetec and ST Championships and the Irish Stryker racing class were all in attendance.

Guests arrived onto the red carpet,

where they were treated to a glass of bubbly and had their photos captured by Michael Chester.

The big winners on the night were Irish Rallycross Champion Derek Tohill, Keelan Zetec Champion William Kellett, Stryker Champion Stephen Ross and Dennings

Peter McGarry presents Derek Tohill Rallycross Campion

Cars Fiesta ST Champion Erik Holstein.

Holstein also received the Vivian Candy Memorial Trophy, having been voted National Race Driver of the year.

The event was run by Leo Nulty Promotions, with Nulty also acting as MC on the night.

Peter McGarry presents Derek Tohill Rallycross Campion

Jade O’Brien presents 2019 Irish Strykers Champion Stephen Ross with his trophy at the Night of Champions

Barry and Laura McHenry

Lorraine Lewis and Alan Heary

Stephen and Sharon Ross

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 20 February 2020

RETAIL: HARDWARE GIANT BRINGS ITS ‘CUSTOMER CENTRED’ APPROACH TO IRELAND

Screwfix have customer service and employee satisfaction nailed on CÓILÍN DUFFY cduffy@dublingazette.com

WORK doesn’t always have to be a chore, and for the people employed by Screwfix at their recently opened stores in Sandyford and Swords it’s certainly not, as the 650store UK operation, with over 12,000 employees over the pond brings its ‘customer centred’ approach to Ireland, with two other new stores in Ennis and Waterford also.

While Screwfix’s ‘bricks and mortar’ setup is new to Irish shores, they’ve had a presence here for the past five years, through their online business at Screwfix. ie, and have firmly established themselves in the Irish market.

For those who don’t know Screwfix, they are effectively an Argos for the Trade industry, as their CEO John Mewett explains.

“There’s a lot of similarities,” he told Dublin Gazette.

“I think one of the really interesting things about Screwfix is that it’s really w h e re t h e d i g i ta l m o d e comes together with the bricks and mortar model.

“Our stores are like a warehouse, we’ve got 10,000 products in every store.

“Somebody can go online, or on their mobile and check the stock and see what’s in store right then, and then pick it up in one minute so it’s really convenient.”

Mewett says it’s an exciting time for the company.

“We are really excited to come to Ireland. We’ve been in the UK for many years expanding, with over 650 stores.

“We’ve had a website in Ireland for the last five years, which has been hugely successful.

“It was really the demand of our customers. Our website is great, but it only had deliveries three days a week into

Actor and television presenter Simon Delaney with Screwfix staff at the launch of their new store in Sandyford

Ireland.

“We know for customers on the job, time is money for them. If they want to get the job done, they need to get

well.

“We have four stores here at the moment, and we’ll open more stores this year.

We see the potential to have

work done now, so that’s why we’ve opened these stores.

“It’s a great market Ireland.

There’s a lot of similarities, but also a lot of differences and we think Screwfix will work really well here.

“Also a lot of our customers already know the brand very

up to 40 stores right across Ireland.

“We’ve opened a store a week for the last seven years, which means there’s great opportunities for our colleagues – for our sales assistants to become supervisors, and for our supervisors

“

We know for customers on the job, time is money for them. If they want to get the job done, they need to get work done now

to become store managers, which is one of the reasons why our colleagues really like working for us.

“The key thing is that they like helping people. Our customers are busy – for them time is money, so for them it’s about getting their goods and getting them back on the job as quickly as possible. That’s the real focus of Screwfix.

“Our job is to help our customers get their jobs done quickly. I think what it’s about is having the right products for our customers, that they can get, and get back on the job. For them time is money.”

Paul Maher is Store manager of the new branch in Sandyford, and has 20 years of retail experience.

He started off his work life

as a General Assistant and a Department Manager with Superquinn, and knows all about a customer service focus – something Superquinn founder Feargal Quinn championed.

“I worked for Superquinn when I was younger,” he said.

“Screwfix have kept the same culture and it’s been amazing. The culture is the greatest thing here, and it is part of the support and training – your development and how you can step up. “ We p ro m i s e o u r c o l leagues what’s ahead of them if they give it 100%, and they follow through with that.”

“A lot of customers know the Screwfix brand already.

It’s only a stones throw from their house now, and that’s the best thing, that they can

come in and see what they are buying – they aren’t just buying online in the dark!”

Maher has had a busy time of late, and just four hours into his first day as manager his partner had a baby girl.

The Screwfix team were really supportive, and even made a special blanket with the Screwfix logo for the new arrival!

For anyone who passed through the doors of Screwfix’s Irish stores at the weekend, there was a chance to pick up a prize by guessing the number of screws in a jar.

Well Screwfit have certainly ‘nailed it’ oncustomer service, and a happy place to work in for their employees.

It looks like they’ll become a household name in Ireland for many years.

20 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

TRAVEL P17

MOTORING P20

DUBLIN

MUSIC P16

MAGAZINE

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

SAY ‘YELLOW’ TO A GREAT FUNDRAISER PRESENTER Kamal Ibrahim, Irish Cancer Society (ICS) Daffodil Day fundraisers Veitch Smyth and Margaret Wallace, and the chief

executive of the ICS, Averil Power are pictured at the recent launch of the ICS’s upcoming Daffodil Day, in partnership with Boots Ireland, in

the City West Hotel.

Taking place next month on Friday, March 27, the day will once again see the popular and biggest

national ICS fundraiser supporting people affected by cancer.

As well as supporting the day and the many ICS volunteers that will

be out and about, you can find out how you can raise crucial funds for cancer patients and their families at www.cancer.ie. Picture: Andres Poveda

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 20 February 2020

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

QUIRKY MATTERS

DUBLIN BITS & BOBS

Runs to peak your interest

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

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

LUCY Gratton, of John West Ireland, and Bridget Gavin, of Gaelforce, are pictured launching the John West Gaelforce Trilogy at Bray Head.

The innovative event is comprises three 10k trail runs through the scenic settings of Bray Head (April 4), Kippure Mountain (August 8) and Howth Summit (October 10). Those who complete the trilogy will receive an exclusive three-part medal, with John West Ireland encouraging runners of all abilities to take part, take in some of the superb scenery around the capital, and get some great, healthy exercise in the process.

For entry details, see gaelforceevents.com. Picture: Fintan Clarke

Making history with Cherokee Nation seeds Can might cost an music at the Oscars may help to save us all art critic $20,000 GALWAY-BORN conductor Eimear Noone became the first female conductor in Oscar history at the ceremony in Los Angeles earlier this month.

Speaking in advance of the Oscars, Noone said she “got a phone call from my dear friend, music director of the Oscars, and that was it, really”.

She added: “It was just amazing – I do 40-50 concerts a year and this is extraordinary, it’s special and amazing. I can’t wait to get to the music part.

The red carpet is terrifying.”

During the ceremony, Noone conducted music from five nominated movies, including songs from Toy Story 4 and Frozen 2.

After her performance, Noone received heaps of praise online with author Roma Downey tweeting: “So proud and thrilled for my friend Eimear! she became the first woman to conduct the Oscar orchestra tonight in a truly stunning performance! Go girl!”

THE Cherokee Nation will be the first US tribe to donate seeds to the Global Seed Vault on the island of Svalbard near the North Pole.

The vault, which is in its 12th year of operation, is designed as an insurance policy against doomsday scenarios that would force humanity to repopulate various plant and crop species from scratch.

Many peoples around the world have donated to the bank, and later this month the Cherokee Nation will count itself among them – and become the first such tribe to do so.

The tribe has agreed to donate samples of nine ancient cultivars — seeds from plants or crops that pre-date the European colonisation of the US — that often represent a cultural legacy for many indigenous tribes, with the Cherokee Nation welcoming contributing part of its legacy to the global project.

A MEXICAN art critic accidentally destroyed an art installation worth $20,000 at the Zona Maco art fair in Mexico City.

Avelina Lesper accidentally shattered the installation when she placed a soft drink can near it to show her disdain for the piece: a sheet of glass with a stone, soccer ball and other random objects suspended inside.

The piece was by Gabriel Rico, a Mexican artist who contrasts man-made objects, such as sporting balls, with natural items, such as rocks and feathers.

“It was like the work heard my comment and felt what I thought of it,” Lesper said.

The studio where the piece was housed said Lesper’s actions were entirely “unprofessional” and would be pursuing her for the cost of the piece.

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

This week’s dog of the week is Enzo, an extremely affectionate three-yearold crossbreed that just loves rubs and cuddles.

He is instantly friendly with everyone he meets but can be a bit picky with other dogs, preferring doggie pals which are calm and don’t interact too much.

In his former life, he was quite the accomplished escape artist, so his future adopters will need to be mindful of this and keep a very close eye on him.

Although his sweet, friendly nature would make him an ideal family pet, he is quite strong and could potentially knock over very small children in his enthusiasm.

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

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

enzo

20 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

DUBLIN FEATURES Canada

Peru

Prestigious win for Cong hotel with a top US travel guide award A MAYO hotel has made a small bit of Irish travel history by being the only – and first – Irish hotel to be included in the latest Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Rating winners’ list.

Ashford Castle achieved a maximum ranking in the annual

Go west to find bucket-list bliss SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor IF YOU’RE yearning to get away on an epic trip, Travel Department and TD active Holidays have a couple of spectacular ‘bucket list’ trips to really put a spring in your step (even as Spring at home stays dour and dull).

Canada First up, and Irish holidaymakers need little introduction to Canada, with the country’s incredible scenery and vibrant, welcoming cities drawing us ‘across the pond’ in ever greater numbers.

If you’re looking for something a little different from a Canadian holiday, a magical 10-day trip will bring you through the wonders of the Rocky Mountains and western Canada.

The busy trip across ‘the Great White North’ encompasses a range of incredible natural attractions, bringing you to some of the most scenic parts of Canada – and to some of the country’s famouslyfriendly citizens.

You’ll travel in comfort through snow-covered highlands and visit glaciers, rushing rivers and crystalline lakes, gaping canyons and valleys, thundering waterfalls and steaming hot springs.

The trip will take you through cowboy country and Gold Rush territory, where you’ll get a sense of the country’s rich history and dynamic spirit of her citizens.

You’ll also see the stunning National Parks of British Columbia and Alberta, with some of the most spectacular alpine scenery you’ll ever see.

It won’t be all wild wilderness and breathtaking sights – you’ll also explore vibrant, cosmopolitan Vancouver.

P r i c e s s t a r t f ro m €2,599pp for 10 nights, including flights, transfers, B&B accommodation, and excursions with expert local guides (admission to National Parks included), departing May, June, August and September.

See www.traveldepartment.ie, or call 01 637 1600.

Peru Moving on – way, way on – and it’s hard to think of somewhere more fascinating than picturesque Peru.

Peru has been attracting seasoned travellers for centuries, but the past couple of decades have seen it really explode onto the tourism trail with its unique blend of ancient culture and gorgeous, jaw-dropping scenery and

ruins.

One to mark for near the end of the year – due to permit logistics, making this one to book 6-8 months in advance – The Inca Trail 14-night tour of Peru will blend one of the world’s best-known hikes with a truly singular experience.

Every step along the way will be bringing you to and through some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

On the trip, you’ll experience stunning mountain scenery, dense cloudforests, subtropical jungle and a captivating mix of Inca ruins and tunnels as you spend four days trekking towards the magical UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu, and its captivating mountain city ruins.

Not for the faint-hearted, adventurous travellers will be rewarded with the trip of a lifetime, with a small tour group staying in a mix of hotels and overnight camps.

It’s on offer from €3,699pp for 14 nights including flights, transfers, B&B/half-board accommodation, and excursions with an expert local guide (including Inca Trail permit), departing on November 6.

See www.tdactiveholidays.ie, or call 01 637 1633.

honours list, and joins an elite group of luxury hotels around the world that have earned a Five-Star Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) ranking, with the hotel the only one in Ireland to be selected for the 2020 Star Rating Guide.

FTG referenced how the hotel

in Cong had achieved global gold standards in hospitality, and particularly admired the hotel’s staff for their dedication to every guest experience.

See www.ashfordcastle.com and forbestravelguide.com/ award-winners for more.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 20 February 2020

DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT

WELL WORTH A LISTEN

Stockton’s Wing Musically in a good place FORMED in 1977 by a group of All-Ireland winning musicians, Stockto n ’ s Wi n g a l m o s t immediately stepped away from their pre-band Trad roots by abandoning staples.

The Ennis act, named after a Bruce Springsteen lyric, went on to produce more than a dozen wellloved albums that explore the boundaries of guitarpop and rock.

Mike Hanrahan was there for it all, and now stands at the heart of the band’s revival.

The vocalist has spent serious time away from music, becoming a high-

 JAMES HENDICOTT

end chef and teaching in a cookery school after an extended period learning on a job miles from his prior, musical life.

Today, Stockton’s Wing return with a retrospective release, named after their hit single, Beautiful Affair, released on major label Universal.

“It was quite a nostalgic process, listening back to all the albums and thinking of times during recordings,” Han-

rahan says.

“As we progressed, we got more into the writing aspect of it, being more creative.

It was good looking back at those phases and sounds that the band went through, and remembering the musicians who came and went.

“It was very transient, [but] there was always that central Stockton’s Wing sound.

“Looking back, we did okay – we left a good mark behind us.”

Having started out w i t h a Tra d - re l a te d sound, but playing very

much their own music, Stockton’s Wing initially riled the purists.

It was a different time, musically, and Hanrahan never let it bother him.

“We always figured that for every purist we lost, we gained a lot more young people who just wanted the music,” he laughs.

“I never think about the people who gave out to us.

It’s more about those we enjoyed and had a good time with.

“I remember I discovered Doolin when I left school, and back then it was really a hive for new thinking.

“There was a real air of protest, so it was a good time to start with music.

“People were open to different things, and bands like Horseslips, my greatest influence, were blazing a trail.

“It’s the same now with people taking Irish music onto a different level.

Who are we to tell them not to?”

There’s not just retrospective material to be examined, though, with Stockton’s Wing back in

the studio themselves.

“We have a live album recorded with [a] new band,” Hanrahan tells me.

“They’re young, exciting musicians and we’re writing tunes again.

“I hope the live album will be out later in the year, and the next step after that is to go back into the studio. We’ve been reuniting on and off all our lives, and this year we just decided to return.”

“We’ve been lucky to get the support of Universal, who have taken on all

our music,” he continues.

“They’ve been a great support, because the Irish music industry isn’t the best – it has a real village mentality and doesn’t spread its wings.

“To have someone with the might of Universal come in behind you, we really appreciate it.

“We get a really positive energy. These are happy days for us, we’ve got offers coming in for shows that weren’t there a couple of months ago.

“We’ve got offers in America, and in Eng-

GOINGOUTOUT

land. We’ll see what happens when we’ve taken a breath, and then go back into it.

“I went into a whole different world as a professional cook, hiding away in the steam.

“When I came back out, there were no [music] singles anymore.

“It’s all changed, but what’s nice about Ireland is there still is autonomy for DJs and stuff like that.

We’re in a good place.”

Stockton’s Wing’s Beautiful Affair: A Retrospective is out now.

FEBRUARY 20 (THURSDAY)

Cavetown @ The Academy, SOLD OUT Kudos @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €6

The Magnus King Band @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT Jim McHugh @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €9

FEBRUARY 21 (FRIDAY)

FEBRUARY 24 (MONDAY)

Richard Dawson @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT Turnstiles @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Cavetown @ The Academy, SOLD OUT Aoife Nessa Frances @ The Grand Social, €12

FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY)

Reverend and the Makers @ The Academy Green Room, €22 Sprints @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), SOLD OUT

FEBRUARY 23 (SUNDAY)

Kaiser Chiefs + Razorlight @ 3Arena, €50

Anavitoria @ Whelan’s, SOLD OUT

FEBRUARY 25 (TUESDAY)

Saint Jhn @ The Academy, €25 Imar @ Whelan’s, €15 The Growlers @ The Button Factory, €24

FEBRUARY 26 (WEDNESDAY)

Lennon Stella @ The Olympia Theatre, €26 The Memories @ Vicar Street, €35 Garret Baker @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

20 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

FOOD&DRINK

Choc and awe at a real life chocolate factory

ALISON O’HANLON

FORGET about midterm distractions, mums and dads - the Butlers Chocolate Factory Tour Experience is full term fun - in fact it’s nothing short of wonderful!

We donned our white coats and blue hair nets and immediately felt like Willy Wonka’s lucky golden ticket winners -but without a Veruca Salt in sight!

Our tour guide Robyn was so welcoming and friendly, handing out lots of chocolate to sample along the way.

Starting with a short movie and self guided Museum visit before moving on to take in the factory floor where we learnt when it comes to their chocolate they are zero waste, each part of the tour was interactive and

informative.

For the final part of the tour we were brought into the decorating room and it was here the magic really began - it was Choctastic and all of the children in our group were in heaven.

Our chocolatier Carla greeted us with mini hot Butlers treats - honestly the chocolate never stopped flowing. She was so entertaining, and really involved the kids in the chocolate making demonstration and decorating process.

Hands were covered in melted chocolate and it’s possible more chocolate may have made it into my children’s mouths than onto the moulds to be decorated, but we still came home with some fabulous looking chocolate hearts and most of all, huge smiles on our faces.

Anna and Heidi receive their Butlers Chocolate Experience certificates. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Manor Farm receives top prize at awards IRISH chicken producer Manor Farm has won the IFSA Best Sustainable Food Product Award 2020 at The Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA) awards, which took place last week, at the Citywest Conference Centre, Dublin.

Manor Farm won the award for their ‘Farmers to Market’ Free-Range Chicken Thigh Burgers.

Farmers to Market is open to producers and suppliers with food products produced in a manner that simultaneously protects and enhances the natural environment and the local community.

Matthew O’Gorman of Manor Farm said: “We are delighted to have won the Best Sustainable Food Product Award this year.

“We have been working alongside Farmers to Market to ensure the best quality product was produced without compromising on our sustainability goals.

“We are incredibly proud to have our efforts recognised at the ISFA’s, it motivates us to continue to strive to have the best quality poultry on the Irish market”.

Battle of the baristas EARLIER this month, Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street was the scene of hissing steam wands and luxurious aromas as the country’s six best baristas battled it out for a top title.

The Annual Barista Championship is designed to showcase the talent, passion and expertise of Ireland’s greatest coffee brewers.

Ravi Kuma Soniah from Dublin was named runner-up alongside the overall winner Joanna Tomaszewska.

Ravi who is a barista at Oracle, Eastpoint Business Park, impressed the judges with his signatures drinks which included his own creation ‘An Exotic Twist’.

The judging panel was led by renowned coffee artist Elvis Seivijus Matiejunas, sensory judges Wojciech Tysler, Karen Anders, Ali Hulley and Hugh Healy and technical judge Gary Hollywood.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 20 February 2020

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE HOME & STYLE

HOME & STYLE

Be mindful with new clothing collection  Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor LOVE ISLAND star Molly-Mae Hague is back with a new season edit for PrettyLittleThing, with 100% of the profits going to a mental health charity.

The online fashion brand has teamed up with the influencer for the ‘off-duty edit’, with all profits from the collection going to MIND charity.

MIND provides advice and support to help to empower

anyone experiencing mental health problems. The charity also campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding surrounding mental health.

Molly-Mae’s new collection was designed with serving up off-duty LA vibes in mind, with pieces including deliciously soft brushed loungewear, figure-hugging jumpsuits, essential oversized tees and everything in between.

The collection also contains killer thigh-high boots and a fresh jumper dress, for a relaxed yet luxe look.

Whether you’re hanging with friends, or just want to switch up your wardrobe, the inclusive collection aims to help you emulate a cool Californian vibe.

There are 48 killer styles on offer, available in sizes 6 – 26 with prices starting from €15.

The new Molly-Mae edit is available from PrettyLittleThing now.

20 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

HOME & STYLE

Find out what your decor says about you EVER NOTICE how we might dress in darker colours in winter than we do in spring?

Well, if you think your clothes reflect you, imagine what your home décor says!

It’s true what they say: when our words fail, our interior speaks for us.

EZ Living Furniture has shed light on what we are saying, or in fact, not saying by the décor we choose for our homes.

1. ARE YOU BOLD? If your home is surrounded by more primary than neutral colours, it’s safe to say you like expressing yourself. You’re confident, loud and proud.

If you’re drawn to more neutral tones and pastel shades, it could show that you enjoy the little things in life and refrain from being the centre of attention.

2. ARE YOU A PEOPLE PERSON? The amount of seating areas in your home can show how social you are.

If you have multiple seating areas and even back-up stools, you could be the life of the party. If you have minimal seating, you are more introverted in nature and find yourself recharging in your own company.

(L-R) Dunnes Stores: Easy dressing check shirt, €12 - €14 Wheelchair accessible jacket, €20-€22 Easy Dressing long sleeve top, €8-10 Easy Dressing star print top, €8 - €10 Easy Dressing button joggers, €12 - €14

3. ARE YOU UP THE WALLS? When people have different artwork or photos on their wall, it shows they welcome change.

This love for change is further heightened when you’re comfortable with changing up your wall’s décor.

4. ARE YOU BARELY THERE? When a person is afraid of committment, this is often expressed by their lack of furniture.

When they haven’t planted roots in either a job, relationship, or even house, there may be a lack of sofas, artwork, or accessories. When observing someone’s home, look for the bare necessities.

5. ARE YOU DRIVEN? When a person is more goal-oriented they may opt for more of a theme-based interior. You have drive and ambition that helps you keep up with the latest trends.

However, if your home is less themefocused and more natural, this may indicate that you’re more of a “go with the flow” type of person.

For more, see ezlivingfurniture.ie.

Brand new beauty

 Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor

A NEW SEASON means new makeup, and new makeup trends.

It can be hard on your pocket to keep up with the ever-changing beauty world, but cult beauty brand Essence’s new collection ensures on-trend products at a price that won’t break the bank.

With Spring and Summer calling for products that are soothing and light on the skin, as well as producing an effervescent glow, we’ve selected some of our top picks from Essence’s Spring/ Summer collection.

All products are available in Penneys and pharmacies now.

Witch Side eyeshadow palette – Become a good witch – or a bad witch – with this new eyeshadow palette that promises shimmery shades and a punch of pigment. The palette offers two colour combinations; a lighter and a darker side. The 15 matte and shimmery shades and metallic flake nuances help to create both wearable and breathtakingly mystical eye make-up styles.

Price: €11.95 Bye Bye Panda Eyes! mascara – Get the drama without any pesky smudging. Under-eye blackness after a long day can be a pain, but this new vegan mascara promises absolutely no smudging. It tints the lashes, but mystically also claims to wrap itself around the lashes like a gentle film to ensure product stays in place. The

best part? No crumbling or clumping, and it’s easy to remove with just warm water!

Price: €4.40

Choose Your Glow! Highlighter palette – There’s nothing wrong with a little glow in your day to day look, or to ramp up an exciting night look. The Choose Your Glow palette contains three shades to ensure you always have the right shade at hand for an irresistible glow to the skin.

The most subtle of the three shades creates a natural everyday highlight, while the bronze shade is ideal for a shimmering summer glow.

Price: €6.25 Blushlighter – These new ombre single pans are what happens when blush meets highlighter!

This new product comes in four shades, containing a highlighter and a blush shade, which perfectly fade into one another. The blush and highlighter can be applied solo or in combination, and is available in gold-rosewood nude, gold-soft peach, silver-nude coral and silver-cherry red. Price: €4.80 Stay 8h Matte liquid lipstick – If you’re looking for a durable liquid lip, this one is for you.

Promising to last for eight hours at a time, this product comes in nine seductive shades that will deliver a lasting matte finish. The texture is also light on the lips, with an ergonomic applicator, meaning once you try one shade, you’ll want to give them all a go! Price: €3.80

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 20 February 2020

POLSKA GAZETA

This week we look at the Zapusty celebration event CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST held by the Irish Polish Society in Dublin last Sunday FOR FUN!

Celebrations galore at Irish Polish Society’s Zapusty event news@dublingazette.com

THERE WAS plenty of fun and celebration in Fitzwilliam Place on Sunday, as the Irish Polish Society organised Zapusty – with a carnival concert of entertaining light music (popular classical music, tangos and waltzes, some film music, jazz, and more) at the Polish House.

‘Zapusty’ is an annual festival celebrated in many countries before Lent. In Poland Zapusty has been known since the early 16th century.

It was always a time of public merrymaking, feasting, music, dancing, fancy dresses and masquerade balls.

Pianist Anna Kiselyova played pieces of popular classical music, mazurkas, waltzes, film music, jazz, and more.

She was ‘supported’ by her talented daughter Maria, who sang and played piano, and her pupils - two Chinese kids who played four hands and were fantastic!

Traditional Polish carnival fritters faworki and doughnuts were served after the performance. It was a great evening and everyone who was there enjoyed it.

While in Ireland the seasonal parties of “eat, drink, and be merry” are celebrated before Christmas, in most of Continental Europe the ‘craic’ takes place after Christmas. In Poland the Zapusty (Polish Carnival) has been known

Pianist Anna Kiselyova and her daughter Maria Nasypanaya perform at the Zapusty event in the Polish Pianistka Kiselyova i House lastAnna Sunday.

Pic: James jej córka Maria Nasypanaya Dolan wyst puj na imprezie Zapusty w Domu Polskim w

Uroczystości na imprezie Dublin Zapusty news@dublingazette.com

W Fitzwilliam Place odbyło się mnóstwo zabawy i uroczystości w niedzielę, kiedy Towarzystwo Polsko Irlandzkie zorganizowało Zapusty - z karnawałowym koncertem rozrywkowej muzyki rozrywkowej (popularna muzyka klasyczna, tanga i walce, trochę muzyki filmowej, jazzu i więcej) w języku polskim Dom. „Zapusty” to coroczny festiwal obchodzony w wielu krajach przed Wielkim Postem. W Polsce Zapusty znane jest od początku XVI wieku. Zawsze był to czas wesołej zabawy, biesiadowania, muzyki, tańca, fantazyjnych sukienek i balów maskaradowych.

Pianistka Anna Kiselyova grała utwory popularnej muzyki klasycznej, mazurki, walce, muzykę filmową, jazz i wiele innych. „Wspierała ją” jej utalentowana córka Maria, która śpiewała i grała na since the early 16th century.

It was always a season of public merry-

pianinie, a także jej uczniowie - dwoje chińskich dzieci, które grały na cztery ręce i były fantastyczne!

Po spektaklu podano tradycyjne polskie placki karnawałowe faworki i pączki. To był wspaniały wieczór i wszystkim się podobało.

Podczas gdy w Irlandii sezonowe imprezy „jedz, pij i baw się dobrze” są obchodzone przed świętami Bożego Narodzenia, w większości krajów Europy kontynentalnej „święta” odbywają się po świętach Bożego Narodzenia. W Polsce Zapusty (Polski Karnawał) znane są od początku XVI wieku. Zawsze był to okres wesołej zabawy, biesiadowania, tańca, masek i fantazyjnych strojów, zabaw, romansów, złamanych serc i kaca. Tradycyjnie dzieje się to po Święcie Trzech Króli, kończąc noc „Tłustego Wtorku” (Shrove Tuesday lub Mardí Gras), czyli dnia Wielkiego Postu.

making, feasting, dancing, masks and fancy dresses, amusements, romances, broken

hearts, and hangovers.

Traditionally it takes place after Epiphany, ending the night of ‘Fat

Jak większość europejskich zwyczajów, Karnawał rozwinął się z praktyk przedchrześcijańskich - pogańskiego starożytnego rzymskiego festiwalu ku czci boga Saturna. Uroczystości Saturnalia obchodzono w połowie grudnia i były to najfajniejsze wakacje w starożytnym Rzymie. Wraz z nadejściem chrześcijaństwa starożytny rzymski festiwal nie został zniesiony, ale „zamieniony” w chrześcijańską ucztę.

Towarzystwo Irlandzko-Polskie organizuje wiele imprez przez cały rok, aw ostatnich miesiącach w listopadzie obchodzono Dzień Niepodległości Polski; specjalne wydarzenie poświęcone polskiej pisarce Oldze Tokarczuk oraz „Wieczór Trzech Króli” 6 stycznia.

W u b i e g ł y m r o k u To w a r z y s t w o obchodziło 40. rocznicę wystawą sztuki, którą zainicjował Ruairí Ó’Cuív, Public Art Officer Dublin City Council.

Tuesday’ (Shrove Tuesday or Mardí Gras), the day marking the beginning of Lent.

Like most European customs Carnival developed from pre-Christian practices –the pagan

ancient Roman festival in honour of god Saturn.

The Saturnalia festivities were celebrated in mid-December and were the merriest holidays in ancient Rome.

With the arrival of Christianity the ancient Roman festival was not abolished but ‘changed’ into a Christian feast.

The Irish Polish Society organise a number of events throughout the year, and in the past few months have held celebrations of Polish Independence Day in November; a special event dedicated to Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk and the ‘Three Kings Evening’ on January 6th.

The Society celebrated its 40th anniversary last year with an Art Exhibition, which was launched by Ruairí Ó’Cuív, Public Art Officer Dublin City Council.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN POLSKA GAZETA? EACH week, DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS are focusing on news and views for the Polish community with Polska Gazeta.

Would you or your business like to get on board?

If you or any advertiser would like to be involved with this new concept,

and to be part of a sponsorship option, please contact Martyna Muszczynska at her email below.

Phone: 01- 60 10 240 • E-mail: sales@dublingazette.com

20 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Superb

by name

DUBLIN MOTORS

Skoda’s revised motor lives up to its name with ease

Available in a range of trims, Skoda’s third-generation Superb has been extensively revised both inside and out, with the end result seeing an already great motor brought to the next level, and thoroughly impressing

DECLAN GLYNN

THE third (and most successful) generation of the Skoda Superb has been extensively revised both inside and out.

Available in a Combi ( Es ta te) a n d S a l o o n ( L i f t b a c k) ve rs i o n s, Skoda has slightly modified the exterior of the Superb and has carefully refined the front section.

The redesigned front bumper means the car’s length has increased by

8mm (to 4,869mm) in the Superb Liftback, and by 6mm (to 4,862mm) in the Superb Combi.

There are five trim options on offer – Active, Ambition, Style, SportLine, and range-topping L&K (in honour of the company founders and automotive pioneers, Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement).

The Superb update includes new technologies and an even more sophisticated interior.

These include full LED matrix headlights available for the first time in a Skoda production model, and feature as standard on SportLine and L&K models.

Additionally, several new assistance systems (such as predictive cruise control) have made their debut in the new Superb.

The engine line-up in consists of a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (TSI) which produces 150bhp, a 1.6litre turbo-diesel (TDI)

with 120bhp, and a 2.0litre TDI with a choice of 150bhp or 190bhp.

Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, or a 7-speed DSG (automatic) – depending on the model and engine chosen – while fourwheel-drive is available with the TDI 190bhp engine.

My review car was a Superb SportLine Liftback 1.5TSI 150bhp, which was fitted with the VW group’s won-

another strong point for the Superb, with my car returning a consistent 43mpg (6.6l/100km) on a combined driving cycle, while annual road tax is just €270.

There is just one word required to describe the new Skoda Superb, and the clue is in the name.

T h e b i g S ko d a i s ‘superb’ in every way – from its striking design language, and its sumptuous and spacious interior, to the impressive

on-board technology, and modern engine lineup.

A plug-in hybrid is due to join the wonderful Superb range soon, and this will enhance the appeal of the car to an even wider audience than ever before.

Pricing for the revised Skoda Superb range starts at just €30,750 (including delivery), with my review car specification priced from €39,750.

Some driving tips to remember in any times of storms or high winds

The fourth-gen Octavia design is revealed by Skoda ahead of Geneva show STAYING with Skoda (see main article, above), the Czech manufacturer has released some official exterior design sketches showing the sporty range-topper for the fourth Octavia generation.

The Octavia is set to have its world premiere on March 3 at the Geneva Motor Show.

Signature black RS details emphasise the dynamic design language of the elegantly proportioned Skoda best-seller, whose dimensions have grown slightly over those of its predecessor.

As the first Skoda RS model to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Octavia RS

derful DSG (automatic) transmission.

An impressive specification comes as standard in SportLine trim, with the very latest in comfort, convenience, safety, and infotainment features on offer.

On the road, my review car handled every road surface with poise and prec ision, while the slick DSG transmission ensured that every journey was pleasurable F u e l e c o n o my i s

IV is unique in the way it combines familyfriendly versatility and sports car-like performance with sustainability and efficiency.

The design sketches reveal the Octavia RS IV in coupe-style saloon and dynamic Combi estate format.

The most eye-catching design elements are a black Skoda grille and a sporty front apron with large air intakes and distinctive black detailing.

Large alloy wheels, diffusers at the front and rear, and spoilers on the saloon’s tailgate and the rear edge of the combi’s roof underline the dynamic appeal of the Octavia RS IV.

THE recent spells of storms and poor weather certainly made their presence felt on our roads.

Here are some driving tips to remember during any high winds.

If your journey is absolutely necessary, plan the journey carefully and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, as this will allow you to take evasive action if the need arises. Even when stopped in traffic, a safe distance is recommended.

It is important to keep both hands firmly on your steering wheel, as strong winds – particularly gusts – can blow your vehicle off course, so it is best to be prepared.

Whether it is daytime or nightime, turn your dipped headlights on during times of high wind. Turning on your headlights will

give better visibility as to what lies ahead, and will also help other vehicles see you.

Be careful around larger vehicles such as trucks, vans or cars towing trailers, as these are more inclined to lose control in high winds.

Reduce your speed and give yourself a chance to stop suddenly if the need arises.

Always expect the unexpected.

Always be conscious of fallen trees, especially on country roads. Even after strong winds have died down, they might have damaged trees that could uproot days later, so stay cautious.

Watch out for any other debris on the roads.

Winds can blow branches from trees, or large items of rubbish, onto the roads, and onto your vehicle.

Make sure to give pedestrians and cyclists a wider berth than usual, because their paths can easily be affected by strong winds.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 20 February 2020

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

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

You don’t need to get rich quick in order to succeed – Byrne NICOLA BYRNE is a bubbly, outgoing and genuine all-round nice person; a thinker who looks at the full picture, rather than just doing things for the sake of it, and is always thinking about what’s ahead.

It’s no surprise that the Glasnevin native has been involved as a founder of a unique group of companies, while also holding down a number of various board positions from the likes of being President of the Irish Exporters Association to being a member of the Ireland US Council, and much more besides.

She isn’t one to sit around, and set up the 11890 Directory enquir-

ies service, after coming up with the idea when on holidays.

“It was one of those mad ideas you have when you are on holiday,” Byrne told Dublin Gazette.

“I was with my husband on holiday in Blackpool in the UK, and I saw that they were deregulating the UK market and I thought ‘ooh we should have a go at that’ and I did!

“All of my ideas tend to be ‘oh how could I do that’ and then I go and do something about it!”

Byrne is certainly a person of action.

“I was flicking through something on the internet today, and I saw a great quote about Govern-

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

ments, that ‘unless smart people participated, that stupid people keep getting to rule’,” she said.

“I realise that you can’t do anything by just sitting on the sidelines, that the only way to get things done is to step in and do it yourself.”

Directory Enquires services are far from the money maker they used to be and while continuing the service, Byrne h a s d ive rs i f i e d i n to other areas, and in 2013 founded ‘Cloud 90’ a service which provides live risk analysis over social media data in real time.

“What we did was kept the same model, and kept the same people, but changed the job in hand,”

Byrne said.

“We’ve made jobs that never existed before now.

We have created innovative concepts that have never been built before.

“When the internet came along, everyone goes on about A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) this and A.I. that and the Googles, Facebook’s and Twitter’s of this world empowering you to do things for

yourself like booking a holiday.

“The problem is however that you have only one you and you are not an expert. The problem is that the internet brings you data, it doesn’t bring you answers.

“What someone thinks is an answer, because they have been empowered by Google or Facebook, but it’s just not true.

“You don’t have time to find facts, and even when you do find a fact, you don’t understand it the consequences.

“The difference between whether you have a flu or a virus can be only determined by a Doctor or a good mother!

And Nicola has this advice to budding entrepreneurs.

“There’s a mad world

out there of ‘the get rich quick brigade’.

“You do have to believe in yourself, but if it is a good idea and you work hard, you don’t need to sell your soul or look for a quick win, because even if you raise loads of money, or go to the bank and borrow money - if you feel rich you will blow it on needless things and make mistakes.”

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

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

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

Employees who are working for companies will also be promoted.

We want to hear YOUR story.

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

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

20 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS ANAL ARCHIVIST DOWNLOAD ELECTED ERRANDS FAIR GASES LICKED LITTERS MAUL MIDGE MITES

MONITOR NOURISHING OKAY REPLACES SCHEDULES SHIPS SIFTING SUCCESS TINT UNSTEADILY WHIG

To advertise here please contact sales@dublingazette.com or call 01 6010240

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  CITY

60 10

240

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

ROOFING

FOR LOCAL

IN DUBLIN

NEWS & SPORT

#1

FOLLOW US TODAY ON

Twitter: @DublinGazette

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

G E T YO U R

KEEP IT GREEN

www.dublingazette.com

GATES & FENCING

 THE FUTURE IS LOCAL, THE FUTURE IS FREE!  DUBLIN

GAZETTE INSURANCE CLAIMS

PER! L PA S! LOCA EW YOUR LOCAL N YOUR

01 CALL

HOME IMPROVEMENTS DVD TRANSFERS

GARDENING DECKING

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

CITY  DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS RECRUITMENT

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

YOUR ADVERTISEMENT

COULD BE

HERE

OR A COMPETITOR’S

AD UP TO YOU!

TO ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL

60 10 240

ROOFING

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  CITY ROOFING

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

#1

G E T YO U R

DUBLIN

FOLLOW US ON:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

E T T E Z A G  TH E FU TU RE

IS LO CA L,

FR EE !  TH E FU TU RE IS

FOR LOCAL

NEWS & SPORT

IN DUBLIN

FOLLOW US TODAY ON PER! L PA LOCA L NEWS! R U YO LOCA YOUR

CALL

01

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers

0

Twitter: @DublinGazette

24 60 10

www.dublingazette.com

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

CAMOGIE P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

TALKING HISTORY: SOCCER: YOUNG and old crowded into

the Foxhound Inn in Kilbarrack to celebrate the launch of Jim Kelly’s ‘The History of Kilbarrack United’ last week.

Honorary club president, the author Roddy Doyle, was also on hand as local historian Kelly unveiled the glossy and tirelessly-researched history of one of amateur football’s greatest sides.



GAZETTE

BASKETBALL P30

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | BLUES ADAPT TO WET AND WILD CONDITIONS BETTER

Leinster catch Cheetahs cold at stormy RDS GUINNESS PRO 14 Leinster 36 Cheetahs 12  sport@dublingazette.com

LEINSTER returned to Guinness PRO14 action at the weekend with a 36-12 win over South African side Cheetahs at the RDS Arena.

In the midst of Storm Dennis, Leinster built up a 22-0 first half lead thanks to tries from Will Connors, Michael Bent and new Ireland cap Rónan Kelleher.

Connors opened the scoring at the end of the first quarter with his first senior points after Max Deegan’s break had given the province good field position.

Ciarán Frawley converted before adding a further three in the 28th minute when Cheetahs’ Charles Marais was sent to the bin for a shoulder charge.

Another Deegan break from a short Frawley pass opened up the South

Africans’ defence again, and after Kelleher was stopped short, a wellsupported Bent soon burrowed over for his third try of the season.

Kelleher increased his influence with a turnover penalty, and the subsequent maul – right on the stroke of half-time – saw the 22-year-old front rower power over for a deserved fivepointer.

Luke McGrath’s snappy break quickly launched Leinster forward on the resumption, Ruddock soon driving in under the posts with Ross Molony on his shoulder.

The latter secured lineout possession for the drive which Connors broke from for his second try of the day, converted once more by Frawley.

Try-scorer Connors said it was a tricky day in the conditions: “The wind was swirling around fairly hard but when we were warming up, the rain wasn’t there so we had no jackets.

“Sure, when we came out, it was then a full storm. We managed it well

Luke McGrath tries to get a box-kick over the Cheetahs’ defence. Picture: John Crothers

and prepared for it.

“It was fairly attritional and they had a big pack so the impacts were large and it took 20 minutes to break them down. It was just a tough battle up front.

“Coming off the back of a break, we could have been a bit rusty but credit to us all. We have trained well over the

last few weeks, trying to create match scenarios as much as possible. so we felt quite well prepared for it.”

Leinster are back in action on Friday evening with an away date against the Conference A basement side Ospreys at the Gnoll. The blues are currently 15 points clear at the top of the pool with 11 wins out of 11.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

LUCAN SARSFIELDS BALLYMUN KICKHAMS OUR under WELL done15’s to the areJunior hoping A la to fund a trip to Portugal in early summer, to that end, they are doing a used clothes collection in our clubhouse every Saturday and Sunday. We can help you clear some clutter in the process. So winners all around!

We have launched advertising opportunities for our new artificial pitch in the last week, which are easily viewable on all our social media. Do not hesitate to contact any member of the sub committee on the launch page for more details.

Your annual membership is now due. Please see Linda or a member of your management team asap. Adult players/full membership is €100 and €50 for the unwaged. Social membership is €40 per annum. Remember, this entitles you to apply for entry into our (what seems to be now annual) ticket draw for all Ireland football final tickets!

We encourage all people involved in the club, be it supporter, parent or just a well wisher, to join the club and become a member of our burgeoning family. All new comers welcome. Linda is most welcoming! You can contact her by using these: lindaparnell@yahoo.ie or 0872733022 or go to our website for more information.

Our artificial pitch replacement is well underway, and we advise all juvenile teams that during this process, Pairc Ciceam will essentially be a building site and therefor out of bounds for safety reasons.

We ask all juvenile teams to please comply with this rule. It’s envisaged that the pitch will be completed by the middle of February (weather permitting). We also advise that our grass pitch is currently closed until further notice, will reopen soon, weather permitting.

The executive committee of the club, on behalf of all our members, would like to express our deepest sympathies to our friends and neighbours in Ballymun Setanta hurling club, on their insurmountable loss and the sad passing of Proinsias Ó Conghaile.

Proinsias was at the centre of life in Setanta and Ballymun for decades and his loss is immeasurable for many. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. We will publish details of the arrangements as soon as they are to hand.

O’TOOLE’S WELL folks, after a horrible weekend, weather wise, hopefully all scheduled matches will go ahead this week. Best of luck to you all.

Can all mentors please remind parents/guardians that registration fees are now overdue. Their children are at risk of not being covered by the GAA injury fund, should an unfortunate injury occur while participating at training or playing a match.

Please treat this with the importance it deserves.

The rate of returns is very low and the club have to pay out massive fees for

the teams participating in the upcoming leagues.

Mentors…..your help with this is greatly appreciated.

Entertainment this coming weekend in our lounge…….Sat night with ‘DESIRE’ and Sun it’s Denis Storm.

‘Find the Joker’ jackpot €620 this week* O’Toole’s send deepest sympathies to the Smith family on the death of Thomas Smith RIP There was no winner of our Thursday night ‘Live’ Club Lotto draw. the numbers were 3, 15, 17, 19.

This week the jackpot is €4,200.

SOCCER: JIM KELLY LAUNCHES SPECIAL BOOK COMMEMORATING

Kilbarrack toast 50 years of football at the heart of the area KILBARRACK BOOK LAUNCH  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

YOUNG and old crowded into the Foxhound Inn in Kilbarrack to celebrate the launch of Jim Kelly’s ‘The History of Kilbarrack United’ last week.

Honorary club president, the author Roddy Doyle, was also on hand as local historian Kelly unveiled the glossy and tirelessly-researched history of one of amateur football’s greatest sides.

Cabra native Kelly, who considers himself neither an insider nor an outsider at the club, put together the history to coincide with the club’s 50th anniversary this

year.

“These really are the stories of people and not just the statistics and results,” Kelly told Dublin Gazette.

“For Irish soccer clubs, there’s a real shortage of club history, unlike the GAA and the rugby.

They’re better organised, and it takes an effort to keep records, index them, and then have it written.

“But it shows you the sense of community and philosophy that people in working-class areas have to get expression through soccer.

“I know that sounds like very fine language, but it becomes a sense of identity and purpose and skills, and they can

Roddy Doyle speaking at the launch

relate to it.

“You end up with a series of shared memories, and there’s good memories and bad memories, but it’s a collective thing.”

While some newspaper records exist, and m e t i c u l o u s, c o p p e rplated minutes kept in the 1970s, much of the history centres around individuals, the volunteers and their stories.

“I broke it down to the milestones of the five decades. Then you look for the significant things happening, you speak to the chairpersons and committee people and build it up that way.

“It’s a mountain of research, and the real risk is you just do the research and then you’re exhausted. You’ve then got to write something t h a t ’s c o h e re n t a n d think about the reader.”

For Doyle, whose writing career has centred

around his portrayal of authentic, albeit fictional, voices of the Dublin working classes, the preservation of this history is vital.

Library “It’s the great working-class sport, so it doesn’t get the same attention and respect as it should. Jim is very keen that amateur football be properly recorded, and he’s right. There should be an archive in a library in Dublin with records.

“I went to a museum in Copenhagen called the Museum of the Worker, and it had a room dedicated to the football clubs of Copenhagen, a huge facet of workingclass life.

“We as a club should be proud that we’ve recorded the 50 years and all the names of the people associated with the club. These things

can be forgotten, and at least now we have the book.

“It’s a colossal labour.

It’s only an exceptional person who can be dogged enough to do it, and luckily one of them lives here.”

Doyle tells the story of how his own Kilbarrack career petered out as a youth when he was replaced in the side by the far more talented, future international fullback John Anderson.

He has little doubt which of his fictional creations from the Barrytown trilogy would have been the most likely to have etched his name in local football folklore.

“I suspect Jimmy Rabbitte senior, the father, was probably a nippy enough player in his youth.

“But I suspect his youth was over by the time he was about 22.”

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SPECIAL CLUB HISTORY

SOCCER: ROVERS STRIKER REVEALS HIS STORMY PREDICTION

Greene fulfils prophecy LEAGUE OF IRELAND  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com The History of Kilbarrack United author Jim Kelly with his new book

STAR QUALITY

Railway’s multi-talented side take on Euro indoors RAILWAY Union travel to Porto this weekend for the women’s EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy with one of the most multi-talented sport’s teams likely to have been assembled in Irish sport. The side is captained by Holly Jenkinson who has played both tag rugby and netball for Ireland. Joyce twins Cecelia and Isobel both played over 100 times for Ireland in cricket while Kate McKenna has an All-Ireland football title with Dublin. Their campaign starts on Friday morning against Swedish side Partille.

AARON Greene expressed his delight on getting one over Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot as he struck the winner in Shamrock Rovers’ league opener away to their biggest rivals.

The Kilnamanagh native admitted he had called the late goal, which earned the Hoops a 1-0 win, in advance as he exchanged barbs with the opinionated shot-stopper during the game.

“I said to James, ‘you’re going to drop one and I’m going to be there to tap it in’,” the striker said following the full-time whistle.

“I said it to him in the first half. Because he does give us a bit of stick in the media, doesn’t he? He always talks about our character and stuff.

“I don’t want to get into that. That’s what he does. We put in a good performance on the day.

“I’m delighted. Last minute of the game. No better feeling. But we can’t get carried away. It’s just the first game of the season.”

Greene was harshly shown a straight red card when the sides met at Dalymount in the early weeks of last season as the Gypsies won 1-0 thanks to a Dinny Corcoran penalty.

This season it was Bohs who finished the game with ten men after Andy Lyons was shown a second yellow card midway through the second half, having been booked early on for a dive in the box.

Bohs looked to have held out for a hardearned point as they limited the Hoops to just a few chances, but Greene was on hand to thump home after Talbot had denied Aaron McEneff.

The former Sunderland keeper fell awkwardly after diving low to deny the Derry native and there was nothing the covering defenders could do as Greene reacted first to the loose ball.

Aaron Greene on the attack for Shamrock Rovers against Bohemians. Picture: Martin Doherty

Rovers had earlier lost defensive talisman Joey O’Brien to a shoulder injury, and both Greene and Lee Grace had spurned gilt-edged opportunities in atrocious conditions.

RTÉ had to cancel their intended broadcast of the game as Storm Dennis ripped through Dublin city, and the pitch cut up as the heavy rain battered the pitch throughout.

Greene, who was Rovers’ top scorer in 2019 with 11 league goals, had to run off after the match to watch his son line out in the green and white Hoops against Southampton under-13s at Roadstone.

And he revealed the predatory instinct is something he’s been looking to bring more into his game having played a lot of his senior football on the wing.

“They’re the type of goals I’ve been wanting to score,” he added. “It was a Dean Williams who was on the bench - type of goal.

“It was nice to get a poacher’s goal. I don’t care who scores. I say that an awful lot. If Graham Burke had scored I’d be equally as happy.

“My Da was there on Saturday and one of my best friends and he just said ‘that’s the goal I want you to score’.”

Drimnagh brew up a storm in Knight Cup UCFL RICHARD KNIGHT CUP Drimnagh Celtic Harding IF  JOHN MOONEY sport@dublingazette.com

3 0

STORM Dennis blew into Dublin on Saturday and, in the process, blew Drimnagh Celtic into a mouth watering last 16 Richard Knight Cup clash with Rialto FC, after a convincing 3-0 over Harding IF FC 2nds on Brickfield Park’s Astro Pitch.

Despite the elements, this was a decent game and the Celts were deserved winners as they took their chances when they were presented with them.

Harding opted to play with the strong wind at their backs in the opening half. But it was the home side who created the first opening inside three minutes, as Patrick Carey set up Ryan Turner, but he shot tamely at Chris Losty and

caused him little trouble.

Nine minutes later, they almost scored at their own end as Luke Reynor played the ball back to keeper Mitchell O’Dwyer, who was out of position, and he had to scamper back to prevent the ball crossing the line.

The visitors had plenty of ball but it was the home side who were looking sharper in front of goal and on 32 minutes they snatched the lead. Carey headed on a through ball, Turned picked it up and slipped it into Bobby Gannon who found the net from inside the area.

The visitors responded with a free kick two minutes later but Patrick Roache saw his effort dealt with by O’Dwyer.

One goal was never going to be enough and 10 minutes after the restart, the Celts put a bit of daylight between themselves and Harding with a cracker from Turner, which more than made up for the

Drimnagh’s Michael Kinsella gets away from FC’s Paul Kilfeather

earlier miss.

It meant that the visitors had to throw caution to the wind and, on 65 minutes, O’Dwyer had to be fast off his line to bravely dive at Hughie Grehan’s feet to deny him a goal.

Grehan had another chance minutes later when he was set up

by Adrian Marin. Just as he was

about to pull the trigger, Luke Reynor stuck out a foot and put him off and he screwed his shot narrowly wide.

Those two misses came back to haunt the visitors with 15 minutes remaining as substitute Glen Curren delivered a beauty from the edge of the area to seal a date with Rialto.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 20 February 2020

RUGBY

ROUND

2

BASKETBALL: 200-POINTS SCORED IN CLASSIC TIE

Killester win thriller to wash out Neptune MEN’S SUPER LEAGUE Pyrobel Killester 102 C&S Neptune 98  sport@dublingazette.com

Lansdowne coach Mark McHugh

Reynolds grabs dramatic injury time winning try AIL DIVISION 1A Lansdowne 29 Clontarf 28  sport@dublingazette.com.com

JAMES Reynolds bagged a 82nd-minute converted try to give Lansdowne a dramatic 29-28 victory over Clontarf in their Friday Night Lights fixture.

Craig Ronaldson kicked a terrific haul of 19 points, including a decisive last-gasp conversion, to steer Lansdowne past a Tarf side that had 18 excellent points from their goal-kicking winger Sean Kearns.

Preceding the arrival of Storm Dennis to these shores, this Dublin derby was played out in near perfect conditions. Ronaldson got the ball rolling with a third-minute penalty, before Clontarf fired back with the opening try of the game.

Having missed the target with an earlier penalty, Kearns completed an incisive move on the left and converted his own try for a 7-3 lead. Ronaldson reduced the arrears at the second attempt, nailing a 23rd minute penalty, but ‘Tarf were over the whitewash again just shy of the half hour mark.

Following strong carries by Cormac Daly and Ivan Soroka into the 22, it was flanker Tom Byrne who dotted down in fine style for an unconverted score. However, it was Lansdowne who surged into a 16-12 lead by halftime.

Ronaldson’s left boot split the posts in the 33rd minute, and in sinbinned lock Daly’s absence, Tarf leaked a maul try to Lansdowne number eight Darragh Murphy. Ronaldson sent over a superb conversion from the touchline to put four points between the sides.

To the north Dubliners’ credit, they coped admirably while down to 14 men and a Kearns penalty made it a one-point game on the restart.

Ronaldson cancelled out that kick, only for Lansdowne loosehead Martin Mulhall to be yellow-carded soon after.

Tarf swiftly profited from their numerical advantage when centre Matt D’Arcy burst through a gap for a 61st-minute converted try. Ronaldson’s fifth penalty success of the night restored parity at 22-all, but the northsiders edged back ahead thanks to successive penalty strikes from Kearns.

Nonetheless, just like their most recent outing against Terenure College, Lansdowne snatched the result right at the death.

Winger Reynolds latched onto a skip pass for an impressive finish on the left, and Ronaldson nervelessly sent over the tightly-angled conversion to move the headquarters club back into the top four.

I T TO O K t h e d y i n g moments of the game to separate Pyrobel Killester and Coughlan C&S Neptune in Killester on Saturday evening, with the hosts just pipping it by four points in the end, 102-98.

The sides were neckand-neck throughout, with Killester edging the first half lead, 47-44, thanks to good scoring from Kason Harrell, Tomas Fernandez and John Behan – who all combined for 71 points.

The clash continued in the second half with Gary Walsh and Nil Sabatta getting some key scores for Neptune and causing lots of trouble for the home side.

Killester had a narrow two point lead at the end of the third quarter, 73-71, setting up a thrilling fourth.

The final quarter was end-to-end Colbert and Kyle Hosford battled hard for Neptune in the fourth quarter, but it was the Killester trio of Harrell, Fernandez and Behan who had the composure for the hosts at the death and edge the home win.

Pyrobel Killester’s Kason Harrell on the attack. Picture: Martin Doherty

Looking back on the game, Killester Coach Brian O’Malley said: “It was an exceptionally tough game.

“Very exciting for everyone watching. They caused loads of trouble at different points, Gary Walsh first, then Hoffman then Lehmon Colbert.

“Thankfully we did enough to get over the line. We had five guys in double figures tonight

CRICKET Tector to lead Ireland’s Wolves YMCA’S Harry Tector will lead the Irish Wolves cricket team for their tour of South Africa where they will take on Namibia in three T20 games and two 50-over matches before facing a Northern Titans Select XI. Speaking from the team hotel, Tector said: “I’m expecting this to be a tough series. The Namibians are a strong side in T20 cricket. They gave our senior side a good test out in Dubai during the World Cup Qualifiers last last year.”

and our spread of scoring was really pleasing.”

Elsewhere in the capital, DBS Éanna scooped up a significant home victory on Saturday evening, taking an 88-62 point win over DCU Saints.

Stefan Zecevic and Paris Ballingar were in fantastic form for the hosts, especially in transition as they helped Éanna into an early first half lead, 48-29.

The DCU Saints front court combo of Michael Bonaparte and Martins Provizors were causing trouble for Éanna defence, making key plays and converting on scoring opportunities but it wasn’t enough.

Joshua Wilson and Marko Tomic were on hand for Éanna to maintain the breathing space on the score board, as Éanna cool as the clocked ticked down.

20 February 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

CAMOGIE: BRILLIANT THIRD QUARTER RUN MAKES FOR THE PERFECT START Lucan Sarsfields’ Ellen Dunphy on the attack. Picture: ilivephotos.com

Minor stars shock reigning champions MINOR A CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP Dublin 1-12 Cork 1-9  JOE SHANNON sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN’S minor A camogie side survived Storm Dennis and a Cork onslaught to start their championship in brilliant fashion at Bray Emmet’s, beating the reigning champions by three points.

The side featured Na Fianna’s Emily Byrne and Elyse Jamieson Murphy, Naomh Fionnbarra’s Kerry Milne and CBC’s Meadhbh Hicks from the start After Aisling O’Neill’s early point, goalkeeper Jones had to be alert to deny an instant riposte from Cork.

Dublin had started slightly the better with Ellen Dunphy making an immaculate catch in the conditions while Niamh Comerford added another point from a free.

O’Neill sent another over the bar before Cork retaliated with speed and purpose and set about a storming run from Ciara Irwin who struck low and hard but Jones was again equal to it.

But the rebels were coming in waves and Rebecca Sheehan took advantage

of the goalmouth scramble to put the sliotar in the net for a goal. All even.

No matter as the hosts edged back in front when Jamieson Murphy was fouled and Comerford sailed the free over the bar.

Cork equalised again and almost went in front for the first time when Claudie Keane’s shot rattled the upright and bounced back into play. Following the reprieve, Comerford delivers another score from a 45.

In the final minutes of the half, the struggle, like the wind, is unsure which way it is blowing. The visitors do land a point but, in the blink of an eye, the Dublin gears find their groove adding two more points via the steady aim of Comerford and one from play by Katie McDonald for a 0-7 to 1-2 half-time start.

Cork started the second half on the up, equalising the score as Dublin defended their lead desperately.

No sooner had they done so than O’Neill popped up again and added another score from an acute angle; again, the Munster side equalise quickly.

But a new fluency could be detected in the Dublin play. A Lucy Quinn strike

went tantalisingly wide after a melee in the goal mouth.

O’Neill then sent a low, fierce shot at the Cork goal which was just parried which Dunphy, running at speed, pounced on to soar the sliotar over the bar. Another Comerford free augmented the tally further.

Cork, sensing the game slipping, were being blocked at each turn with 10 minutes to go, a great block down by

Katie McDonald a case in point.

And McDonald was soon to create the crucial goal, dropping in a free into the danger zone where Comerford was on hand to strike into the net. It put six in the difference; Cork gamely pulled two back but Dublin kept out of reach when O’Neill added extra breathing room.

Cork, not to be outdone, claimed two more points one from play and one a free but it was not enough.

FOOTBALL

Archer hits 1-4 as Dubs reach semis TWO LATE goals saw Dublin to victory in this EirGrid Leinster Under-20 football championships quarter-final at Parnell Park on Saturday.

Goals from Naomh Maur’s Ciarán Archer (56th minute) and sub Conor Kinsella (61st minute) saw Tom Gray’s men advance to a provincial semifinal next weekend.

Archer was in the right place at the right time to fire to the net after Pádraig Purcell was twice denied by Longford keeper Eoin McGuinness.

Five minutes later, Kinsella made no mistake to cracking home Dublin’s third goal.

There was little between the side throughout before Longford were reduced to 14 men following the sending off of Aidan McGuire.

Dublin led 1-8 to 0-7 at that stage and over the conclusion turned their numerical superiority to the advantage, following the 47th minute sending off of Longford’s Aidan McGuire, to set up a last-four clash with Meath.

Played in very difficult conditions, the tie had been level at 1-3 to 0-6 at halftime thanks to Lorcan O’Dell’s first half goal before Dublin started the second half with a run of five successive points.

Dublin will return to Parnell Park for the next round of the competition on Saturday for the semifinal against Meath with a 2pm throw-in time.

GazetteSPORT FEBRUARY 20-26, 2020

ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

DROWNED DUBLIN DERBY SOCCER:

Greene settles tempestuous opening day Premier Division showdown between the city’s fiercest rivals. SEE P29

KILBARRACK’S HISTORY BOOK SOCCER:

Community club reflects on 50-years at the heart of their area. SEE P28

HITTING THE HIGH NOTES BASKETBALL:

Killester come out on top of incredible 200-point showdown with Neptune to the delight of their home crowd. SEE P30

Find us on

PICK US UP

EVERY THURSDAY!

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Fenton calls for more player-rule consultation  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

BRIAN FENTON has u rge d G A A o f f i c i a l s to listen to players, as the GAA’s top ranking officers mull over rule changes ahead of GAA Congress in Croke Park next week.

A total of 63 motions are up for consideration including one from Kildare aiming to stop footballers receiving a kick-out being able to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper.

Fenton is among a number of players, such as former Mayo star Andy Moran, who have expressed concern over “the advanced mark”, which has been trialled during the league.

“Looking at the new rules, the GPA were asked for their opinions from the players but I don’t think really they were consulted in lots of ways,” Fenton said at the launch of Mitsubishi Motors partnership with Dublin GAA. “Players would love to be consulted; I know, and the GPA leads that from the front and they ask for huge surveys.

“Players are crying out to give feedback on the current status of the game and what works and doesn’t work.

“New rules were brought in without consultation with referees, as well.

“Look, we’ve a magical game, and a magical sport, and we’re doing so much to try to ‘fix’ it...

Dublin footballers Paddy Andrews and Brian Fenton at the launch of Mitsubishi Motors link-up with Dublin GAA. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

“Look, we’ve a magical game, and a magical

sport, and we’re doing so much to try to ‘fix’ it... is it really in such bad health?“ is it really in such bad health?

“I think gate receipts were up last year. People still love the game.

There’s a transition back to offensive football.

“It’s in a good place.

Let’s just steady on a b o u t c h a n g i n g to o much.

“So look, consult players, consult refs, get opinions, add things that you might think help the game, but it’s our game at the end of

the day.

“Don’t change it for anything else.”

There’s been much talk recently of a number of Ladies Gaelic Footballers switching codes to Aussie Rules, with Fenton revealing he has got the call to go Down Under in the past.

“I got a call once from Tadhg Kennelly when I was in my first year with Dublin,” he said.

“I was 22 and the trials were on at the same

time as the Dublin holiday that year. We went on holiday in December after winning the AllIreland.

“They just clashed and I never heard from Tadhg again. I haven’t regretted staying, certainly not.”

Fenton says while the sport offers some positives, it’s not one he is overly attracted too.

“When you’re a kid, you see the highlight videos – the unbeliev-

able catches. You see the boys out there now on their highlight videos, the likes of Mark O’Connor,” he said.

“I’ve watched a few games and the ball leads to it being scrappy.

“The lifestyle of a professional athlete is obviously very attractive when we’re training borderline professional.

It’s always tempting.

“I can see why lads go to live that life and see what it’s all about.

“At the same time, I’m very lucky to play in this generation with Dublin and I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”

Dublin are back in action at Croke Park on Saturday evening at 7pm against Donegal.

They currently share the led at the head of the Division One table with one win and two draws from their three outings to date but seven sides are covered by just a single point.