City

Gazette DUBLIN CITY

February 16-22, 2017

Find us on

CINEMA: The winners and surprises at this year’s Bafta awards P24

Jeans queen Thalia shore looks swell

EXCLUSIVE PIX OF DUBLIN BEAUTY’S SPANISH PHOTOSHOOT FOR DIESEL

Pages 16-17

WIN

A €100 voucher for DIESEL – to enter, turn to Page 17

Injection centre fear as WIN facilities get go-ahead A pair of tickets to the Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show at the RDS SEE P13

Businesses worry about impact as controversial drug services approved

 EMMA NOLAN INJECTION centres are coming to the city centre and many locals are worried about having even more drugaddict services “dumped” in their communities Having been approved at

Cabinet level, the proposed facilities are due to open in Dublin as early as this Autumn.

While the location of the centres has not yet been confirmed, the Department of Health told The Gazette that a pilot facility is definitely

planned for the city centre.

One local business owner told The Gazette that he doesn’t feel good about having another drug service located close to his business.

He said: “The city centre is not suitable for them – are the users going to take their

drugs, then go back out on to the street, high?”

However, the Minister of State for Drugs, Catherine Byrne, has said that injection centres should not result in more drug use or drugrelated crime.

Full Story on Page 5

2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 16 February 2017

CITY CENTRE | APPOINTMENT MAY SEE WORK START EARLY NEXT YEAR

Design team in place to help plaza proceed  AISLING KENNEDY CONSTRUCTION of the College Green Civic Plaza is set to commence in January 2018 according to Dublin City Council (DCC) following its appointment of a design team for the project.

D i xo n J o n e s / P a u l Keogh Architects will redesign the College Green Civic Plaza as a pedestrian-priority plaza in plans being developed

by DCC and the National Transport Authority.

A spokesperson for DCC said: “The development aims to contribute to improving the quality of the city’s public realm, thereby increasing Dub-

Architectural render presenting the proposed College Green Civic Plaza

lin’s attractiveness both as a place to do business and as a place to live.”

The initiative is currently subject to planning permission from An Bord Pleanala with the project due to commence next

year.

It will coincide with the start of operations on the LUAS cross-city line this December.

The appointment of a design team is the result of a two-stage EU procure-

ment competition which attracted submissions from Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

The project will be a joint venture between the London and Dublinbased architects. The

multi-disciplinary College Green team will include Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers, Cathal Crimmins Conser vation Architects, Paul Martin Landscape Designs and Rogerson Reddan Quantity Surveyors.

Commenting on behalf of both practices, Paul Keogh, senior architect, said: “We are aiming to create ‘Dublin’s living room’ – a place that is safe, adaptable and friendly for people of all ages, both for everyday social interaction and for major public events, comparable with world-class spaces of a similar scale internationally.”

FASTNews

Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Go on, have a heart and help support the Mater JIM Gavin, manager of the Dublin Senior Gaelic Football team and Stephen Kenny, manager of Dundalk in the League of Ireland, were joined by Ciara Ocks and Jude Davis to mark 10 years of lifesaving heart screening at The Family Heart Screening Clinic.

More than that – they were all helping to launch this year’s Mater Heart Appeal, and are urging the public to have a heart and donate what they can for the vital service.

Donations to help support the heart appeal can be made online at www.materfoundation.ie, or by calling the office at 01 830 3482.

First GRA ceremony will celebrate a love of books THE first award ceremony for the Great Reads Award (GRA) will take place on February 17 at The King’s Hospital in Palmerstown.

The GRA award was set up by a group of school librarians working in a variety of Irish second-level schools who are passionate about introducing students to great books.

The aim of the award is to highlight new authors and diversify the reading of young adults. It is also an opportunity for students to voice their enthusiasm about good writing for their age group.

The event will start at 11am and author, Paul Howard (Ross O’Carroll-Kelly) will announce the winners and present the prizes to the Junior and Senior authors. For further information email library@thekingshospital.ie.

Snip to it and nominate your hair salon in contest

Centre scoops top awards for council

DUBLIN City Council was delighted to pick up a pair of prestigious prizes at the recent LAMA Community and Council Awards 2017.

The council’s Ballybough Community, Youth and Fitness Centre scooped two major awards – The Best Public Building Of The Year, and also the overall Main Grand Prix award (a special commendation for outstanding excellence). The awards are a recognition of the community centre’s excellence in many areas since opening in 2009, with the community acting as a key stakeholder in delivering the services best suited for its needs.

Pictured are Ballybough Community, Youth and Fitness Centre staff Joe Lemumba and Treacy Byrne with Cllr Mags Murray, chairperson, LAMA.

ENTRANTS for the 51st L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards have until February 28 to make a submission on behalf of their hair salon.

There are three competitive categories again this year – the L’Oreal Men’s Image Award, the STAR Award, and the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Award.

All categories require the teams to create an inspirational modern colour showcase look on a model.

The competition is open to all salons around Dublin and the country and entry is free. For further information see www.lorealcolourtrophy.ie.

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

16 February 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3

 ALISON O’HANLON

Bertie helped Malahide Allotments break the world record for tree planting.

PIctures: ALISON O’HANLON

FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern wouldn’t have looked out of place at the Ploughing Championships as he mucked in to give a very worthy cause a dig-out at the weekend.

The Ex Fianna Fail leader and famous Dub was true to his word, turning up as promised and braving some of the worst weather we’ve seen this year to do his bit for a charity challenge in aid of the Epilepsy Care Foundation.

The Malahide Allotments had aimed to plant a world-record 500 trees in one day, but despite the dirty weather managed a staggering 687 – all by lunchtime!

Fair play to all who gave it a right good welly on the day!

Architectural render presenting the proposed College Green Civic Plaza Malahide Allotments members Brian Geraghty and Bertie brave the cold for a good cause

4 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 16 February 2017

CHARITY | COUSINS DON’T WIG OUT AS THEY CALMLY CUT THEIR HAIR FOR OTHERS

Girls lop off their lovely locks to help sick kids

 AISLING KENNEDY

TWO young girls from Dublin bravely had 14 inches cut off their hair recently in aid of The Rapunzel Foundation, which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness.

Cousins Sophie Kavanagh (4) from Dunboyne and Evie Kelly (7) from Clonsilla had their hair cut by Reba Reborn Hair in Ongar village, with their hair then sent off to the foundation by the salon.

Aine Caroll, Sophie’s mum and Evie’s aunt, spoke to The Gazette this week and said she was very proud of the two girls

for having their hair cut for charity.

“My four-year-old, Sophie, had never had her hair cut before but it was so long it was getting unmanageable. Everyone used to comment on how lovely her hair was because it was so long and the colour at the end of it was a different colour to the roots.

“We thought it would be a shame to cut it and just throw it away, so we thought maybe we should donate it as it’s such a lovely head of hair.

“Evie was more aware of what she was doing and she was happy that she was going to be giving her

Cousins Sophie Kavanagh from Dunboyne and Evie Kelly show their delight at donating their hair to help children without any

hair to children that didn’t have any hair. She was happy to be able to help as much as possible.”

Aine explained that on the day she was more nervous than the two girls and said she was hoping they would react well to their new hair cuts.

“I wasn’t sure on the day of how the girls would be, but they were absolutely fine. They were very excited and they were treated like royalty by the salon.

“Sophie was really excited with her new hair but I haven’t made a huge deal to her in relation to where the hair went because she doesn’t really understand.

“Evie was all into it though, and she’s delighted to be able to donate her hair. They’re absolutely brilliant and we’re very proud of them.”

Aine said that along with donating the girl’s hair to The Rapunzel Foundation, she decided to fundraise for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie – a charity that helps families of children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

So far, Aine and her husband, Stephen, along with Aine’s sister Siobhan Kelly and her husband Darren

Kelly, have raised €1,400.

They have set up a GoFundMe page and are hoping to raise a little more over the coming weeks for the charity.

She said: “I don’t know anyone personally affected by childhood cancer, , but we’re delighted that our campaign has managed to raise money for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.” To donate to Aine’s page for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, see https://www. gofundme.com/sophieand-evies-rapunzel-haircut.

Warning for dogs going to the coast CITY centre dog lovers are being warned to stay alert if they head to the seaside with Rover to give him a good walk by the coast.

Skerries Coast Guard issued a warning to dog owners at the weekend to avoid the beach area while reports of pollution were investigated.

Clumps of a wax y white substance (see inset photo) washed up on Skerries north shore, sparking fears

that it might be solidified palm oil which had been dumped at sea. The deadly substance can kill a dog if they swallow even a tiny amount of it.

In 2014, swathes of the toxic oil – possibly contaminated with cleaning fluid or diesel oil – washed up on beaches along the UK coastline in Devon and Cornwall.

At least three dogs died and dozens more were left writhing in agony. Maritime, environment and animal welfare groups warned dog owners to steer clear of the toxic substance. The waste is typically driven ashore in severe storms.

FASTNews

Commercial unit vacancies rose to 13.7% in Q4, 2016 COMMERCIAL vacancy rates in Dublin have increased from 13.4% in Q4 2015 to 13.7% in Q4 2016, according to new research published by GeoDirectory.

This is slightly above the national average, which increased from 12.6% to 13.5% during the same time period.

The GeoDirectory database shows there were 213,666 commercial address points in Ireland with 28,796 of those properties lying vacant.

The data indicates a substantial unused commercial building stock across the country as well as in Dublin.

Despite evidence from property agents which indicates that there is a strong recovery under way in the Dublin commercial property market, in terms of transactions activity and new space under construction, commercial vacancy rates across Dublin in Q4 2016 were mostly in double digits.

The Brady’s Sessions back at Gub Dandy’s

MUSIC lovers, take note – The Brady’s Sessions returns after a ten-month absence on Friday, February 24 from 9pm to 1am in Gub Dandy’s at the side of Brady’s pub in Terenure, with a couple of singer/songwriters and one band.

Acts performing on the night include Jim Loughran, Ciaran Moran and The Black Overtones.

Admission is free and the gig is hosted

by Keith McLoughlin.

16 February 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5

CITY CENTRE | CONCERN AT POTENTIAL IMPACT OF FACILITIES

Anger at proposed injection centre plan  EMMA NOLAN

SUPERVISED injecting centres must be “properly organised” if they are to be effective, according to some city centre locals.

Having been approved at Cabinet level, the proposed facilities are due to open in Dublin as early as this autumn.

While the location of the centres has not yet been confirmed, the Department of Health told The Gazette that a pilot facility is definitely planned for the city centre.

Some locals are worried about this facility being “dumped” in the city centre, on top of the already extensive drug and homeless services in the area.

Locals say that Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI) needle exchange programme has been “catastrophic” for the area as used drug paraphernalia lines the streets, and addicts shooting up in broad daylight is a common occurrence in the vicinity of MQI. One local business

owner told The Gazette that he doesn’t feel good about having another drug service located close to his business, which has suffered as a result of being located close to MQI. He said: “The building isn’t big enough for the people that use it now, so if they have drug users who want to use drugs in there, they all won’t fit in and they’ll end up shooting up on the street. It could be a disaster.”

The injecting centres will be staffed by medical professionals who will supervise drug users and ensure that they do not overdose. The drug users will have access to sterile needles to inject the drugs they bring with them.

Introduced by Minister of State for Drugs, Catherine Byrne (FG), the legislation surrounding the centres would effectively see heroin legalised inside the facility, but it would still be illegal to sell or supply drugs inside or outside the facility.

The local business owner said that his cus-

Merchants Quay Ireland is at the heart of some local attitudes against further drug treatment services being added to the city centre. Picture: Google Maps

tomers always question the safety of his business due to its close proximity to MQI and the anti-social behaviour that occurs as a result.

“Customers always ask if they should be worried, it’s always a topic that comes up. It’s never positive for business – it’s always bad.”

While he says he supports the idea of injection centres in theory, he believes it “depends on where they are located”.

“The city centre is not suitable for them – are the users going to take their

drugs, then go back out on to the street, high?

“That doesn’t make sense but I do understand the need to provide a safe environment for drug users – that’s grand, but it’s like they’re promoting taking illegal drugs.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Health told The Gazette that “consultation” will be a key part of the process in deciding the locations.

T h e s p o ke s p e r s o n added: “The HSE have established a working group to gather data, consider possible options and

Des talks, and talks, and talks his way to raising €6,520 for Our Lady’s Hospice IT TOOK a team effort to safely transport a precious cargo across the road – a cheque for €6,520 which was raised by a non-stop lecture for 12 gruelling hours.

Santry native Des Gibney (third from left), a lecturer in Account-

ing, undertook the lengthy lecture to furnish new palliative care rooms in Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross. His innovative fundraiser was in memory of Eoin Fennessy (33), originally from Clonskeagh, who passed away

last September at the hospice.

Pictured helping Des hand over the funds are Gina Quin, president, the National College of Ireland; and Tom Fennessy and Ann Julian, of Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross. Picture: Jason Clarke

to undertake public consultation before any decision is made.

“In line with what’s been done in other countries, the location will be carefully selected to address, most effectively, the requirements and concerns of the service users and the wider community.”

Cllr Nial Ring (Ind) has condemned the decision to “dump” the centres in the city centre.

He said: “The news that Minister Byrne’s pet project of having drug injecting rooms right in the heart of Dublin’s business, shopping and tourism district ... has shown a breathtaking disregard for the wellbeing of the city centre economy and its development.”

CRISIS | SF BLAST FIGURE

5,000 homeless during Christmas  AISLING KENNEDY

THE latest homelessness figures released showed that more than 5,000 people were homeless for Christmas in Dublin city, including 2,096 children.

In total, 5,258 people were homeless over the festive season.

Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF) said the latest figures demand swif t and immediate action.

“These shocking figures were presented at the recent housing committee meeting.

“Minister [for Housing Simon] Coveney stated that funding is not a problem, with €5bn available for housing.

Yet Dublin City Council continues to wait for its allocation to start building social housing in St. Michael’s Estate.

“The plans are sitting

in his department waiting for a response, while other projects, including O’Devaney Gardens, are sinking in the red tape of procurement.”

Cllr Doolan added that there was also a major concern that many families have to be out of hotels by July.

“Without a strategy this will cause even more distress to families; 778 families, including 1,590 children, will have to be in alternative accommodation within five months.

“Rapid-build homes will, at best, accommodate 241 families in Dublin city. The remaining 537 will be moved to other emergency accommodation or back into the private market. This is simply moving the deckchairs around a sinking Titanic.”

6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 16 February 2017

Out and About

Lisa Diederik and Sasja Hagens

Susie Hunt and Milly Farrell Kelly

Putting Belgian art in the picture Maeve Lyons and Denise Waters.

Left: Jessie Jones Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

A

RT lovers and friends of Dublin Port mingled over a glass of wine at the opening night of Eugeen Van Mieghem: Port Life at the Hugh Lane Gallery. The works of the acclaimed ‘Artist of Antwerp’ went on view to Irish audiences for the first time. The exhibition is sponsored by Dublin Port as part of its Port Perspectives arts commissioning series.

Jim Kelleher and Anne Kirby with their daughter Ella

Andrew Hetherington, Karen Jones and Eamonn O’Reilly

Mary Keogh and Tim Haier

Phil Kenny with Lucy McCaffrey

16 February 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Teodora Comptil and Julia Coptil

Model Lynn Kelly

Brendan Courtney and Adam Maryniak

Corina Gaffey and Anthony Remedy

Dine In Dublin launches at The Mansion House D

UBLIN Town last week launched the ninth edition of Dine in Dublin 2017, with a fantastic showcase of Dublin’s finest culinary offerings. All the big players on the city’s food scene were seen at the launch, where they were treated to a unique six course menu curated by six of the city’s top chefs, with interactive live demonstrations on the night. The capital’s favorite food festival returns from Monday, February 27 to Sunday, March 5.

Erica Bracken. Picture: Andres Poveda

Ruth Scott and Rob Morgan

Abigail Fox-Carroll and Clyde Carroll

8 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 17 February 2017

Don’t give in to eight HOMEOWNERS WARNED AGAINST TACKLING BURGLAR THEMSELVES AS POLL REVEALS 8% WOULD HAVE A GO  AENGUS O’HANLON

Would you tackle someone breaking into your house?

A new poll suggests that 8% of you would.

-------------------------------------

A WORRYING eight per cent of Irish homeowners say they’d take on a burglar themseves a bid to restrain them until gardai arrive, a new AA Ireland poll has revealed.

An AA Home Insurance survey of just under 7,000 homeowners found that the first action for 7.83% fool-hardy respondents would be to try and subdue the intruder till cops arrive.

However, a significant gender gap was recorded in the findings – with just 1.91% of women surveyed prepared to get physically involved in the event of a hypothetical burglary, compared with 13.28% of men.

Almost four in 10 homeowners said they’d hide and make contact with the gardai in the event of a burglary, while younger homeowners were slightly more likely than their older counterparts to tackle the intruder, with 9.19% of those aged under 45 stating they’d

‘Over a third of respondents stated they would hide and contact gardai instead of becoming physically involved’

-------------------------------------

attempt to physically restrain the intruder – a figure that fell to 5.93% among those aged over 56.

A A Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan said of the findings: “When it comes to protecting your home and family the urge to confront an intruder is a very understandable human response.”

He continued: “People get justifiably angry and scared. But it’s a bad idea. You can’t know the mental state of an intruder who might even be armed.

“Garda advice is that you should secure yourself as best you

can and call for help.”

Meanwhile, over a third of respondents stated they would hide and contact Gardaí instead of becoming physically involved.

37.63% of those surveyed stated that their first course of action would be to find a safe room in the house before making contact with the Gardaí.

Meanwhile, a further 32.20% stated they would yell or make noise in an attempt to scare the intruder out of their home before alerting the Gardaí.

Mr Faughnan said: “Material goods and possessions don’t mean any thing, they can be replaced.

“People are beyond price. The first and only priority is the safety of you and your family. Let the Garda deal with the criminals.”

Finally, a further 16.93% of respondents stated that they would confront the intruder in a non-physical capacity and order them to leave the property before contacting Gardaí.

FASTNews Teenage killer is jailed for four and a half years THE killer of Oliver Bond resident Lorcan O’Reilly (21) has been jailed for four and a half years.

Lorcan’s family have said that they are “heartbroken”. His mother, Jenny O’Reilly, broke down outside court after the sentence was handed down.

The accused (16) was handed down a six-year sentence, with 18 months suspended, for fatally stabbing Lorcan in the heart at a Halloween bonfire in 2015 after telling him: “You don’t know who my dad is.”

The teen, who cannot be named, has a “high social standing and notoriety among his peers due to the element of criminality in his background,” according to Justice Patrick McCarthy.

Justice McCarthy told the Central Criminal Court that the accused – who was 14 at the time of the killing – was guilty of “a very grave offence”. His sentence will begin at Oberstown detention centre in north county Dublin and the final 18 months will be suspended for two years, under conditions.

See Horae at The Complex

Support a blooming great way to help fight cancer

DES Bishop was happy to help Mr Daffodil (AKA James Gilleran from Cabra) launch this year’s upcoming Daffodil Day. The popular fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society invites the public to say yellow to the cause, dig deep, and buy the spring blooms to help support the society in its work. Des, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2000, is calling everyone to buy a daffodil or two on March 24 from the many sellers around the city. Picture: Andres Poveda Photography

HORAE, a 40-minute play written and performed by Dun Laoghaire native Susie Lamb, daughter of actress Geraldine Plunkett, will take to the stage at The Complex Live Arts Centre in Dublin 7 from February 20 to 26.

Horae is described as a theatre experience that explores modern sexual politics and the mysteries of ancient prostitution. To book tickets, call 01 544 6922 or see www.tickets.ie.

16 February 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9

COURTS | TERRIFYING ORDEAL FOR WOMAN SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT

Shop worker knew ‘gunman’ was old school mate, ‘Choppy’

A MAN was identified while holding up a shop when a member of staff recognised him as a former school mate, a court has heard.

A a r o n M c D e rmott (24), of Ratoath Avenue, Finglas, and another man told staff at a Tesco Express that they were armed and would shoot staff.

McDermott had his face hidden by a hooded top with a high collar. At one point the collar slipped and shop assistant Martin Kelly recognised the raider as somebody he knew from school whose nickname was ‘Choppy’.

T he raiders made off with €3,000 from the till and also took a bottle of vodka. Gardai were also able to identify him from CCTV footage and arrested McDermott at his home within days.

McDermott pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery in Finglas village on January 4, 2015.

Judge Pauline Codd suspended the last three years of a fouryear prison term on condition that McDermott take up drug treatment and take part in a victim awareness programme.

She noted that at the time of the offence, McDermott was struggling to cope with the suicide of his brother in 2015.

Hold-up During the hold-up, McDermott shouted “Open the tills and give me the money or I will ******* shoot you”.

His accomplice said he had a concealed gun in his pocket and said he would use it.

After his arrest, McDermott told gardai he had just been released from a psychiatric ward on the day of the offence and so “wouldn’t be doing robberies”.

Seamus Clarke BL, defending, said that McDermott suffered from depression and had been released from in-patient care that day.

On the morning of the raid he had spent two hours drinking bottles of beer at his father’s grave in Finglas cemetery.

He said he had taken extra medication that morning because of the grave visit.

Counsel said McDermott blacked out as a result of this mix and couldn’t remember the robbery. He said that McDermott lost control of himself after his brother’s suicide and began abusing alcohol and drugs.

Convictions Mr Clarke said his client had cleaned up his act since and was now drug-free. His 81 previous convictions include possession of firearms, attem pted robber y, dangerous driving and hit and run.

Judge Codd said that the shop staff were frightened for their lives. She said both men threatened staff but it was likely the raiders were not armed, despite their threats.

A letter of apology from McDermott to the shop staff was read out in court. McDermott asked staff to forgive him. Judge Codd said she was taking McDermott’s personal circumstances and his plea of guilty into consideration in her sentencing.

Hijacker repeatedly punched pregnant woman as car stolen

A MAN who hijacked a car and repeatedly punched a heavily pregnant woman in the passenger seat while driving through the city centre has been given a partly suspended sentence.

Stephen Comey (29), of Pearse House, Pearse Street, has 70 previous convictions and had been released from prison six weeks prior to this offence.

Comey pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful seizure of a car, assault causing harm and possession of a syringe in the north inner city on May 12, 2014.

Anne Marie Lawlor BL , defending, said the case had been adjourned on several occasions with Comey in custody to allow him continue work on his rehabilitation.

Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence.

She backdated the sentence to May 2014 when Comey went into custody and suspended the balance of the sentence from the

trial’s date. Judge Ryan had previously noted that Comey had made great efforts to rehabilitate himself while in custody, and noted the seriousness of the offence.

Sergeant David Wogan told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that a couple had parked their car in the city centre and the husband went to get a parking ticket, leaving the keys in the ignition.

His seven-and-ahalf-month pregnant wife stayed in the car in the passenger seat.

She had removed her seatbelt when the driver door opened and a man shouted at her to get out.

The car started moving and she had no chance to get out.

She tried to put the gear stick into neutral but Comey punched her

her out of the car while it was in motion. She hit a number of felt unable to jump out parked cars at because of her pregnancy.

Gardiner Lane – just one of a Sgt Wogan said gardai number of places had come across the silthe stolen vehicle ver Audi at the Gardiner Street and Mountjoy was driven to.

Picture: Google Maps Square junction and saw it driving erratically at speed with the front passenger door open.

Gardai followed the car to Gardiner Lane where it struck a number of parked cars. It came to a stop and the man could be seen punching the woman. The car took off again towards Gardiner Street and broke in the face. The woman said the a red light at Sean McDermott punching persisted and she did Street before coming to a stop.

Comey grabbed a mobile not know how many times she was hit. She tried getting out of phone from the car before exiting and was put to the ground by the car and called for help.

During the struggle, the man the arresting gardai, who found a shouted at her and tried to push syringe in his possession.

The hijacked car

Alcoholic couldn’t say why he torched €3k motorbike AN ALCOHOLIC who set a motorbike on fire on a busy street, causing a passing woman and her child to run for safety, has been sentenced to four and a half years.

James Kennedy (34), of Upper Gardiner Street, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to arson on Westland Row, on September 12, 2015.

Judge Melanie Greally said the “consequences for the people in the immediate vicinity could have been very, very severe indeed”, describing the

incident as “senseless but highly dangerous”.

She accepted Kennedy had alcohol problems and he didn’t even recall the incident but said “ultimately, people have to take responsibility for their actions”.

The judge had adjourned the case after hearing evidence last November to allow for the preparation of a probation report and for Kennedy to be assessed for a residential treatment. She accepted that the report indicated that the Probation

Service felt it could assist Kennedy in the future.

She suspended the final two years of the four-anda-half-year term on strict conditions including that he attend for treatment and liaise with the service for 18 months on his release.

The court heard at the previous hearing that Kennedy could be clearly seen on CCTV footage trying to move the bike before he got off it and interfered with the petrol tank.

Liquid could be seen coming out of the tank

before he went into a shop and returned with lottery slips, which he put under the petrol tank.

He could then be seen searching his pockets before going into a nearby cafe, returning and setting the lottery slips on fire.

Garda John Paul Keohane told Seamus Clarke BL, prosecuting, that the bike was completely engulfed in flames and a woman and child who were passing by had to run away due to the blaze.

Kennedy was instantly recognised by gardai on

the footage and was arrested a few months later.

He initially denied any involvement but accepted responsibility when the footage was shown to him.

He said he didn’t know why he had done it and said he was “full of alcohol”, having drank a bottle of vodka that day.

Gda Keohane said the bike, which was valued at €3,000, was totally destroyed. He accepted that Kennedy had no connection to the bike or its owner and had no reason as to why he set it alight.

10 GAZETTE 16 February 2017

Out and About

Jenny Buckley and Rachel Kavanagh

Kerri Nicole Blanc and Sinead Noonan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Tripthi Rodrigues and Charlotte Doyle

Sinead Keary and Sarah Keary

Enjoying a girls’ night out in Dundrum T

o celebrate their February LOVE Box GLOSSYBOX held a Girls Night Out at Movie’s at Dundrum. Guests got to see the latest chick flick releases and each got to take home the February GLOSSYBOX. The evening was hosted by MD of Ireland & UK Rachel Kavanagh and included many well-known faces to include Jenny Buckley, Teodora Sutra, Gail Kaneswaren, to name but a few. From cult classics to innovative new launches, this February, GLOSSYBOX and La Mer have curated the ultimate skincare routine, boxed which launches on 20th February.

Lianne Traynor and Michelle Reggazoli Stone

Avila Lipsett

Stephen Kelly and Fergus Daly

Lorna Duffy

16 February 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Ellen Waters and Jonathan Crawley

Enny Buono and Jade Hanlon

Therese Ryan and Cormac Moore

Wayne Cronin and Leah Kilcullen

Sean McEvoy and Amanda Reid

January Winters. Photos : BRIAN MCEVOY

Fans out in force for John Wick sequel K Jason Brennan and Darragh Doyle

Baz Ashmawy

Helen Clinton and Niall Clinton

EANU Reeve’s fans were out in force at the Lighthouse Cinema for the Irish premiere screening of his latest film “John Wick Chapter 2”. Keanu Reeves plays the legendary hit man John Wick is forced back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild.

Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers. Spotted at the screening were Baz Ashmawy, Spin 1038’s Cormac Moore, as well as model January Russell.

12 GAZETTE 16 February 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINBUSINESS Hoping for Irish win in Singapore ENTREPRENEURS: IRISHWOMAN JUST ONE OF THREE SHORTLISTED EU FINALISTS FOR TOP AWARD

 EMMA NOLAN

Ciara Donlon, the founder and chief executive of THEYA Healthcare, has been nominated for an entrepreneurial award that will be revealed in Singapore in April

ENTREPRENEUR Ciara Donlon – the founder and chief executive of T H E YA H e a l t h c a r e (www.theyahealthcare. com), an award-winning medical device company – has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious 2017 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards.

Ciara is the only Irish entrepreneur shortlisted for the European Award category, alongside an entrepreneur from Russia, and another from the UK. The awards are an international business

plan competition created in 2006 to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to encourage inspirational women entrepreneurs worldwide to solve contemporar y global challenges.

THEYA Healthcare, which was formally launched by Donlon in 2015, designs and manufactures healthcare garments.

The company’s flagship post-surgery lingerie range, designed primarily for use by breast cancer patients, retails across

Ireland and the UK, and has also been launched in Europe and Canada.

THEYA Healthcare uses a unique fabric mix made from OEKO-TEX bamboo, which is ideal for post-operative products as it is anti-bacterial, thermally regulating, 59% more absorbent than cotton and extremely soft, thus helps reduce skin irritation.

T he design of the THEYA Healthcare range focuses on comfort, support, femininity, functionality and the promotion of healing.

Headquartered at

NovaUCD, the centre for new ventures and entrepreneurs at UCD, THEYA Healthcare is an Enterprise Ireland highpotential start-up client company.

Donlon said: “It’s a huge honour to have been chosen by Cartier as one of the three European finalists for such a prestigious worldwide award.

“I s et up THEYA Healthcare because I wanted to help women undergoing breast cancer treatment feel better about themselves and heal faster; for that to be acknowledged by an

organisation like Cartier means a lot. “ H o p e f u l l y, m o r e women who can benefit from our products will now have a chance to access them.”

She was shortlisted alongside fellow chief executives Marina Ross, Nanobarrier (Russia), and Lise Pape, Walk with Life (UK).

The winners of the 2017 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards will be announced at the awards week and ceremony which will take place in Singapore from April 8 to 13.

Take key steps to help realise business goals WITH entrepreneurial spirit having an ever greater impact on Irish business, it can be tempting to plan to start your own business. However, as with any business, a focused plan with realistic, practical goals is a key part of achieving success.

Carol Brick (right), of HerMoney, has compiled some simple yet essential pointers towards being your own boss and maximising your entrepreneurial spirit.

Research and plan right Before cutting ties with your fulltime job, be sure that there is a market for the product or service you offer.

Talk with freelancers in the industry to learn more on the market and clients, and ask about their transition from fulltime to self-employed work and check on any potential pit falls.

Maintain positive business relationships with your co-workers and your boss – they could potentially become your first clients or refer others to you.

Financial backing is key Ensure you have enough capital

to cover your living expenses for the first several months you will be selfemployed. You may take a second parttime job, or get some weekend clients within your new self-employed profession, ahead of quitting your current day job. Also talk to your local enterprise board and a financial advisor.

Prepare the right set-up A reliable accountant will advise on the sole trader versus company director approach, and on the tax implications of both. Managing your own income tax and charging for VAT on your products or services is one of the sea changes of being self-employed. Get a userfriendly software system to account for your income and expenditure on a day to basis (see www.contracting365.ie).

Security Replacing key employee benefits like a pension, income protection for when you cannot work, and death in service (life cover) is important. Talk to an independent advisor about savings and investments like live cover or pensions. Also check out the different types of insurances needed.

Finally, Citizens Information also has helpful information on many practical business and financial implications; see www.citizensinformation.ie.

16 February 2017 GAZETTE 13

GAZETTE

FEATURE

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

WIN

LOCAL

MATTERS

ONE OF THIRTY PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE CAROLE NASH IRISH MOTORBIKE & SCOOTER SHOW IN THE RDS FROM MARCH 3-5

THE annual “The Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show takes place from the 3rd to the 5th of March 2017 in the RDS Dublin – and we’ve got thirty pairs of tickets worth 18 euro each - to give away to this exciting event for all the family to enjoy.

All you have to do to win a pair of tickets to join 27,000 other motorcycle and scooter aficionados at the RDS next month is visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and Like

and Share our Carole Nash Motorbike & Scooter Show post.

Alternatively, you can simply email your entry to competitions@dublingazette.com - please make sure to put Carole Nash Comp in the subject line, and your name and address in the main body of the email.

Hop on your bike and go to the show - you would simply be mad to miss it! Best of luck all!

George Fitzgerald’s film explores the overlooked history of Dublin’s working-class citizens. Screengrab: YouTube

Delve into the capital’s ‘real’ past with a new documentary  EMMA NOLAN

A DUBLIN man has made a documentary that shows the dark side of Dublin. In Dublin Behind the History, Finglas man George Fitzgerald examines the history of working-class people in Dublin in the 1900s.

George (51) made the 25-minute documentary last year while he was researching his latest book, The Secret life Of Ashley Brown.

His research uncovered descriptions of Dublin often overlooked by history, of rats lining the streets, workhouses and barefoot, starving children.

“Dubliners are divorced from their own history,” he told The Gazette. George said he wanted to shed light on the history of the city that was forgotten because major events in history, such as the world wars, take precedence in the history books.

“I only just touched on [such content] in my documentary, there’s so much more – it was horrific,” George said.

Mixing footage of the

city as we know it with old photographs, illustrations and readings, the film shows how Dublin went from being the “flamboyant” city of the 1700s to having the worst slums in Europe by the early 1900s.

He shows two main catalysts that set about this change; the Act of Union in 1801 and The Famine.

George says that The Famine changed the course of working-class history as it led to suburban towns such as Swords being established.

The Monto He also explores the fact that the biggest red light district in Europe at the time – the Monto – was located in Dublin.

What modern Dubliners can learn from this history is an appreciation of simplicity and embracing our neighbours and communities, according to George.

“Get out and talk to your neighbour, and stop spending so much time on social media.”

Dublin Behind the History is available to watch on YouTube.

ENJOY A FEAT OF FREE LIVE ACTION ENTERTAINMENTAT THE RDS THIS MARCH….

WE’VE got new bikes, the latest accessories, clothing, helmets, training, adventure holidays … in fact just about everything you need for you and your bike!

NEW AT THE SHOW FOR 2017: JOEY DUNLOP TRIBUTE One of the main attractions of this year’s show has to be the exclusive personal Joey Dunlop Tribute which is the first time it will be on display in southern Ireland. See his race bikes, trophies, leathers, helmets from his astonishing 31 years of racing. Celebrities such as John McGuinness, Mick Grant and Eddie Laycock are scheduled to speak over the course of the three day show.

AMD INTERNATIONAL CUSTOM BIKE SHOW It is a firm show favourite with over 50 stunning custom bikes on display that are works of art and engineering genius from all over the world. Sponsored by Deltran Battery Tender with the support of Zodiac Intl and AMD World Championship.

ACE GLOBAL STUNT STARZ COMPETITION Be ‘wowed’ by 20 top freestyle motor-

cycle stunt riders competing for the title of ‘Ace of Aces’ all day ever day of the Show. The Ace Global Star Starz Competition is sponsored by Rock Oil and R&G Racing plus supported by Ace Café London.

ACE CAFE CLASSIC & RETRO ZONE Motorcycle enthusiasts all over the planet know about The Ace Café London and its pivotal role in the cultural revolution that shaped both the music and machines for future generations.

WORLD FAMOUS PURPLE HELMETS At speeds approaching 100 miles per hour – check out this mad cap Isle of Man riders and their crazy gang show.

ROCKABILLY LIVE STAGE SHOW The Rockabilly band, Skinny Elvis, will be performing on the main stage supported by the rather fine Rockabilly Roses and Fire Show with everyone dressed by one of the cool Rusty Pistons.

GRAFTON BARBER The Grafton Barber team will be offering to groom the visitors that ‘modern’ Rockabilly look. Check out the Harley Davidson’s in the Shop - they’ll even have the bike to match your new look.

FLAT TRACK SPEEDWAY There’s lots of speed and excitement with the Off Road Flat Track Racers and

for the first time show visitors can learn to ‘flat track race’ too.

EDDIE IRVINE RACING CHALLENGE Don’t miss your chance to see how fast you are on a MotoGP Motorcycle Racing Simulator. This is free of charge to all visitors each day of the show.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE TALKS Since this year’s show is heavy on travel and adventure - expect to hear from some very interesting people who have done some amazing things on two wheels Visit www.irishmotorbikeshow.com for more information.

BMW Motorrad have announced that it will be introducing its 2017 models to the Irish public for the first time at the Show. Among 18 BMW bikes going on display are three brand new versions of the most popular travel enduro bike in the world - the BMW GS

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 16 February 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

SCHOOLS: ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO GET TO GRIPS WITH KEY SUBJECTS IN AN UPBEAT WAY

Spelling out the wonders and fun of science ... Katie Dixon helping to launch SciFest 2017. Picture: Keith Arkins

Knowledge is a fun science KATIE Dixon had her hands full as she helped to launch the tenth annual SciFest event.

All budding secondary school science students have the opportunity to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills for the event, which gives students of all abilities the opportunity to develop research, problem-solving, critical thinking and presentation skills.

Sheila Porter, SciFest founder and chief executive said: “Over the past 10 years we have had the opportunity to experience some of the best young minds that Ireland has to offer.

“2016 was our best year ever, with more than 8,000 students participating and exhibiting their projects at local or region-

al science fairs all across the country, and we hope to build on this success in 2017 and beyond.”

Students can now showcase STEM projects at a series of one-day science fairs held locally in schools and regionally at DCU and a range of other institutions.

The winners from each regional science fair will go on to compete at a national final in November. The closing date for entries is March 10, so enter online or download a paper entry form from scifest.ie.

DRIVING INNOVATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THIS year, Young Social Innovators Ireland (YSI) are aiming to reach 50% of secondary schools by 2020.

Currently featuring

in 30% of secondary schools nationwide, the scheme, in partnership with Ulster Bank, has set a target of bringing its social innovation programmes to 367 secondary schools in Ireland by 2020.

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, co-founder of YSI, said that social value “must become an integral part of innovation in Ireland to address societal challenges and build social cohesion”.

YSI sees students from schools around the country select issues they care about, explore them and collaborate to develop and implement their social innovations.

Previous YSI projects have included a successful campaign calling for the introduction of a National Missing Per-

son’s Day and the development of a water-saving device for use on showerheads in homes.

Sr Stan added: “Policies and practices that align social and economic value will ultimately lead to a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable society.

“Through YSI, education is already playing a major role in developing a culture and understanding of innovation for social good among young people and we need to build on that.”

VALENTINES DAY IS SO ... MEH – SURVEY IT SEEMS we’re not the most romantic bunch ...

Nearly 60% of Irish people say they feel that Valentine’s Day has become a cliche.

A survey by Durex has revealed that 26% of us

generally mark the occasion by going out for a classy dinner while only 22% stay in with a bottle of wine and a movie.

However, the majority of us (70%) think Valentine’s Day has become too commercial. In fact, the survey found that more than one-fifth of Irish married couples won’t celebrate the day in any way this year.

Of those couples who are choosing to opt out of Valentine’s Day, 36% say it’s because there is too much pressure around it.

A fur ther 23% of couples say they prefer to engage in spontaneous acts of romance rather than abiding by the tradition, and 18% say it is because their partner doesn’t want to embrace the day.

Rising pressure hasn’t

lowered expectations, however, as almost two thirds (58%) of people still say they would be disappointed if their partner didn’t mark the occasion.

Irish men seem to be a little more laid-back, as more than half of them wouldn’t mind if the day went unnoticed, compared to just a quarter of women.

FARMERS MARKET TRAINING FOR ALL URBAN farmers and m a r ke t s e l l e r s t a ke note – Bord Bia has just launched a farmers market training workshop.

Starting with a Dublin city centre workshop on February 20, the workshops are designed for those thinking of starting or developing sales in such a market.

Aspiring Dublin-

based food market entrepreneurs can attend the workshop at The Fumbally Stables in Dublin 8 for a half-day interactive masterclass that will provide practical solutions to the challenges most frequently faced by market sellers.

Wicklow-based food producer, farmer and successful stallholder Margaret Hoctor, from Kilmullen Farm, will deliver the workshops. Margaret, a regular at the Marley Park food market, will share her own knowledge and wide experience of how she developed the family business through this channel.

For registration and further information, see www.bordbia.ie/FarmersMarketsTraining, or email maria.stokes@bordbia.ie.

16 February 2017 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 16 February 2017

Hop on the bus and see a real Dubs’ fare city

 ALISON O’HANLON DUBLIN Bus has been ‘doing Dublin’ bus tours across the capital since 1988 through its Dublin Sightseeing City & Coastal Tours (the green bus!).

It is Dublin’s original, authentic bus tour and this year it’s shaking things up by rebranding to DoDublin.

The drivers – who also happen to be the best tour guides in the world – are Dublin natives, Fáilte-Ireland trained and know every nook and cranny, anecdote and scéal across the streets broad and narrow of our fair city. And one thing the Gazette can confirm after taking a ride on one of the newly rebranded green buses this week – they clearly love what they do!

Priding themselves on having the ‘banter’ with Irish and international tourists alike, the 63 DoDublin drivers are a busy bunch. Between The Hop On Hop Off Tour, Coastal Tours, Ghostbus Tour and The 1916: Beyond Barricades Tour, they

travel 275,000 miles across the city and county each year.

They’re an honest lot too as one driver found a bag with €3,500 left on his bus! It was duly returned to a very relieved tourist while he was visiting Trinity College.

Visitors to the city can avail of the best value with a DoDublin Card.

At €33 for adults and €16 for children under 14 it offers unlimited travel for three days, including direct transfers to and from Dublin Airport on Airlink Express, The Hop On Hop Off Tour, and all public buses on Dublin Bus routes.

Tickets for The Hop On Hop Off Tour include free for kids (two under 14 with a fare paying adult), a free Pat Liddy Walking Tour of Dublin worth €10, free entry into The Little Museum of Dublin worth €7, and two for one meal deals and discounts at participating attractions.

Tickets can be bought at dodublin.ie, Dublin Airport and from ticket agents across Dublin City Centre.

RTE’s Jennifer Zamparelli launches Do Dublin with drivers Martin Connolly, Joe Morris and the company’s Miram Brady.

Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

THALIA HEFFERNAN | DUBLIN’S HOTTEST MODEL LAUNCHES DENIM KING DIESEL’S SPRING/SUMMER 2017 CAMPAIGN

16 February 2017 GAZETTE 17

NOW YOU’RE LOOKIN’ DIESEL: Thalia Heffernan looks amazing in her photoshoot alongside male model Savio De Chiara.

Pictures: Dara Munnis

Queen Diesel

JEANS Queen Thalia Heffernan looks a million dollars in this stylish new shoot for denim king Diesel’s Spring/Summer campaign.

The Dubliner put the disappointment of being voted off Dancing With The Stars behind her as she jetted out to sunny Spain for the one-day shoot with Italian model Savio De Chiara.

And to celebrate the launch of Diesel’s new campaign – which hits the stores THIS WEEK – we have a €100 voucher for a lucky reader to win.

All you have to do is Like and Share the Diesel post on The Dublin Gazette’s Facebook page.

Best of luck folks!

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 16 February 2017

DUBLINLIFE Zara Be

lt

River Island

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

WE THOUGHT we’d left oversized belts in the early Noughties – but we were wrong ... This new trend sees belts meet corsets to create a cinched waist silhouette, regardless of the rest of the outfit, as the waist has become the body part du jour.

Easy to wear, this trend is forgiving on most shapes and gives a bit of

curve and swerve to those who are challenged in the waist area.

What is most appealing about this trend is the creative ways we’ve see it worn thus far; over baggy jumpers and long dresses and men’s shirts – it works with any combination, from jeans and t-shirts to ball gowns.

One of these is a definite worthy investment to go with numerous outfits for the next few months.

Ana Mac is sew stylish  EMMA NOLAN

A DESIGNER from Rush has realised her lifelong dream of becoming a professional dressmaker.

Ana Mac is the brainchild of local dressmaker Anna Maguire (above right), who specialises in creating bespoke garments.

The 30-year-old is an expert at constructing garment designs of any kind, from christening gowns to bridal gowns and everything in between. She also offers garment reconstruction

services and has her own line of ready-to-wear pieces.

“I watched my mam dressmake from a very early age and this is how I picked up this passion,” Anna told The Gazette.

“She created all sorts, from debs to weddings to little christening gowns.

“I used to pick up leftover fabrics from the floor and hand-sew dresses for my Barbies and dolls.

“I loved it! Mixing fabrics, different colour threads, and redesigning four-inch skirts – my Barbies always looked great!”

As a teenager, Anna

started making things for her friends: “Simple things like furry boots for festivals, or taking in or taking up their clothes for them.”

Though she had a career in social care, Anna says that all she really wanted to do was sew so she applied for a fashion design course.

After acing the course, she began her career as a professional dressmaker, and confidently says: “I can create absolutely anything.”

To find out more about Anna’s services, see dressmaker.ie.

River Island 3-buckle waist belt €30 New Look Lace up corset belt €12

River Island Lace up corset belt €25

River Island Foldover waist belt €30

16 February 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

STYLE River Island

2 1

3

lt €18

4

5

Zar a

Be

lt

Zara W aist be

6

7

 EMMA NOLAN

8

brown and blonde.

3) CAILYN PURE LUXE

BELT &

BUCKLE BEAUTY

THIS weather is doing n o b o d y ’s s k i n a ny favours. Below are some products that are getting me through these fresh months, with everything available in pharmacies nationwide.

LIPSTICK, DARK PINK

1) IDC ULTIME DECOL-

favourite, this overnight liquid peel is suitable for even ver y sensitive skin. Great for oily skin, it tightens pores, improves skin texture and smooths fine lines.

Skin is left feeling softer and looking brighter the next morning.

LETE (€79.95) For all skin

types, this richly textured serum smooths and tightens the neck while getting rid of crease lines around the decollete.

2) EYLURE BROW PALETTE (€12.99) A kit gives

you everything you need to shade and sculpt and add definition. Available in dark brown, mid

( €19.50 ) Highly pigmented and delivers full colour coverage, also long-wearing and smudgeproof.

4) VICHY IDEALIA PEELING ( €30 ) A personal

5) DELAROM DECONGESTING HYDRATING EYE GEL (€35) Helps reduce the coloration of dark

circles, soothe the eyes and reduce signs of fatigue with instant brightness.

6 ) T H E BO DY S H O P ALMOND MILK AND HONEY BODY SCRUB (€24.95) Per-

fect for sensitive skin as it contains no colourants, mineral oil or petrolatum, this scrub is great for gently exfoliating skin.

7) GUINOT PUR CONFORT SFP15 PROTECTIVE AND SOOTHING CREAM (€58.50)

Protects the skin against environmental irritants.

8) EUCERIN AQUAPHOR SOOTHING SKIN BALM (€8)

All-in-one cream for the season, use on extremely dry, chapped, and even cracked skin.

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 16 February 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Great offers at Bagots Hutton for February  AISLING KENNEDY

BAGOTS Hutton is currently running a Neighbourhood Menu for the month of February which offers a complimentary glass of wine as part of their early menu from 5pm.

T h e N e i g h b o u rhood Menu, which runs from Monday to Thursday all night and Friday and Saturday before 7pm, features two courses for €19.50 or three courses for €22.50.

The restaurant, which is based on South William Street

recently opened a second location at 6 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin 1 and this offer is available with their early menu in both locations.

The new Bagots Hutton venture on Ormond Quay is larger than their flagship restaurant and features a 120-seater restaurant.

It also features a cafe bar at the entrance, the fine dining area in the basement, and first floor mezzanine with main bar and stage for live entertainment.

For more see www. bagotshutton.com

A flawless balance of sweet, salty with a hint of spice

FOOD&DRINK Thai Sticky Chicken Ingredients Chicken  15g (1/2oz) packet fresh coriander  1 green chilli, seeded and chopped  2 garlic cloves, chopped  2.5cm (1in) piece root ginger, peeled and chopped  3 tbsp dark soy sauce  50g (2oz) Siucra Light Golden Brown Sugar  6 chicken thighs, trimmed  1 tsp sunflower oil Dipping Sauce  2 tsp white vinegar (rice or wine)  juice of ½ lime  2 tbsp Siucra Caster Sugar  1 red bird’s eye chilli, finely sliced To serve: Steamed Thai fragrant rice. Pomegranate seeds and sesame seeds Method  Reserve a handful of the coriander leaves for the dipping sauce, then roughly chop the remainder and put into a food processor. Add the chilli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Siucra Light Golden Brown Sugar and blend to a paste. Spoon all over the chicken thighs in a shallow Pyrex dish and if time allows leave to marinade for 10 minutes at room temperature. If preparing the day before, cover with clingfilm and place in the fridge.  To make the dipping sauce, put the Siucra Caster Sugar in a pan with 2 tablespoons of water and simmer for a few minutes to make a sugar syrup. Then stir in the vinegar, lime juice and chilli. Leave to cool and stir in the coriander leaves.  Preheat the oven to 190°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4. Drizzle the sunflower oil over the chicken thighs and roast for 35 minutes until cooked through and golden brown, basting occasionally to give them a nice sticky glaze.  Arrange the chicken on plates or in oriental bowls with the rice and scatter pomegranate seeds and sesame seeds on top. Put the dipping sauce in small dishes alongside to serve.

Recipe courtesy of Siucra. For more information on Siucra products along with recipes, tips and videos visit www.facebook.com/siucraireland, Instagram.com/ SiucraIreland and www.siucra.ie.

Get spoilt for choice in food heaven  AISLING KENNEDY

LOCAL MATTERS

TO PLACE AN AD CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON 60 10 240 OR EMAIL SALES@ DUBLINGAZETTE.COM

THE Dine In Dublin festival is back again this year for its ninth year and will run from Monday, February 27 to Sunday, March 5.

Organised by Dublin Town, over 70 of Dublin’s most renowned restaurants will take part in the seven-day foodie festival this year.

Restaurants including Pichet, Rustic Stone, Zaragoza, Fade St Social, Fallon & Byrne and Marco Pierre White’s will be taking part and running amazing offers on their menus for the sevenday festival.

The Gazette were lucky enough to head along to the launch of Dine In Dublin at Fire Restaurant in the Mansion House last week and sample some of the many delicious courses that will be on offer from a selection of the restaurants taking part around the city.

A specific mention has to go to San Lorenzo’s Roast Hogget with minted salsa verde, chantaney carrots and duck fast roast potatoes by Chef Temple Garner. It was a truly brave dish that was absolutely divine. There is so much choice on offer from the participating restaurants so it is well worth a visit to www.dineindublin.ie to see which offer might appeal to you.

San Lorenzo’s Roast Hogget with minted salsa verde, chantaney carrots and duck fast roast potatoes

16 February 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

RAMBLING AND ROAMING: SUPERB TRAILS AND SIGHTS AWAIT ACROSS THE BORDER

Slope off to Andorra for a top ski holiday TOPFLIGHT are preparing for their Copper Face Jack’s ski trip which departs on March 5 to Arinsal, Andorra where guests will include Paddy Casey and DJ Mark McCabe.

All-inclusive prices start from only €959 per person sharing. See www.topflight.ie.

Foodie heaven for all at Dine in Dublin festival DINE in Dublin Festival from February 27 to March 5 will have 70 dining experiences on offer from Pichet, Rustic Stone, Zaragoza, The Woollen Mills, Fade Street Social, Carluccios, Brother Hubbard, Saba, Fallon & Byrne and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill.

Ryanair ready to land average fares at €30 RYANAIR says it’s on target to reduce its average fare to €30 after it reported fares down 17% to €33, with passenger numbers up 16% to 29 million for the third quarter of 2016.

St Patrick to turn 300 sites green this year TOURISM Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said he expected the number of sites that will go green for St Patrick’s Day to rise to 300 this year.

Predicted tourist numbers for 2017 have been revised upwards, from -1% to 3%, with the rise reflected by booking trends reported by the city’s hotels.

Northern delights Whether rambling over the Sperrins or taking to the hills and valleys across Northern Ireland, nature lovers and hikers are never far from a relaxing, welcoming destination

 SYLVIA POWNALL

IF YOU fancy a staycation embracing the great outdoors, grab your walking boots and woolly hat and discover some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic locations. With eight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), 47 national nature reserves, 43 special areas of conservation and 10 special protection areas, it’s a rambler’s paradise.

Belfast A crisp morning is arguably the best time to walk the Lagan Towpath as the mist hovers just above Belfast’s main river.

Divis and Black Mountain rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills and provide a backdrop to the city’s skyline, offering spectacular views across Northern Ireland, Belfast Lough and as far as Donegal and the

coast of England, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Stay: The 4-star Ramada Plaza Hotel Belfast in Lagan Valley Regional

The Sperrins Spanning 40 miles and over the two counties of Tyrone and Derry, the Sperrins mountain range is the largest in Ireland and walkers can expect undulating hills covered in heather, quiet valleys, boggy uplands and a land teeming with wildlife.

Add in more than 90 sets of stone circles, the best known being Beaghmore, and numerous other intriguing, megalithic structures, and the Sperrins are most definitely a walking wonder.

Check out The Robber’s Table near Gortin. The highest point of this route provides superb views of the Bluestack and Derryveagh Mountains of

Donegal to the west and the high Sperrins to the north east.

Stay: Blessingbourne Estate offers 5-star luxury pet-friendly self-catering accommodation with premier 13k mountain bike trails

The Mourne Mountains These are the highest and most dramatic range in Northern Ireland and are criss-crossed by an unrivalled network of paths and tracks, providing enthusiastic walkers with incredible opportunities for exploration.

Northern Ireland’s highest peak, the Slieve D o n a r d , cl i m b s u p through forest to meet the famous Mourne Wall for the final steep ascent to the top.

The dramatic views of Newcastle and the sea below definitely make it

worth the 850m climb.

N e a r b y To l l y m o r e Forest Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle while Castlewellan Forest Park offers an array of loops through one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe.

Stay: The 4-star Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle.

Causeway Coast & Glens The Causeway Coast Way, especially the section from Portballintrae to Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, is among the most scenic coastal walks you can find anywhere.

Follow a stretch of breathtaking coastline between Ballintoy and Bushmills for a great 12.4 mile walk. The route includes walking on

beaches, across rocks and along clifftop paths.

Winter creates the perfect backdrop to explore the mature woodland of Glenariff Forest Park with freezing waterfalls and open, frosted moorland.

The trail first takes you down the Inver River gorge, to the edge of the Ess-na-Crub Waterfall and your path back offers spectacular views straight down the misty glen to the coast and the sea beyond.

Stay: The 4-star Causeway Hotel.

County Fermanagh Whilst Fermanagh is renowned for its lakelands, the first destination for any keen walker should be its highest summit – Cuilcagh Mountain, standing at 665m.

This area is part of the UNESCO endorsed Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark due to its unique

geology and spectacular landscapes.

A new boardwalk meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland.

Crom Estate near Enniskillen offers walks amidst a tranquil landscape of islands, woodland and historic ruins.

Along the shoreline to Crom’s beautiful boathouse you can enjoy stunning views up to the 19th century castle which sits to the right of the trail dominating the landscape.

Stay: The 4-star Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges TRANSLINK run a Sperrins & Mournes Rambler bus service all year round with stops in key towns which are ideal starting points for many circular walks. For further information, see www.discovernorthernireland.com.

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 16 February 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

The Nissan e-NV200 full electric van is Europe’s best-selling electric powered van.

Nissan e-NV200 is top-selling electric van THE Nissan e-NV200 topped the charts to become Europe’s best-selling electric van in 2016. The all-electric van ranked number one in 17 countries across Europe, ahead of its competitors in the category. The UK is the top market in Europe for Nissan e-NV200, followed closely by Norway and France.

The Nissan e-NV200 is an alternative transport solution for families and businesses alike as it combines the best of Nissan’s NV200 van with zero-emission technology from the world’s bestselling electric car, the Nissan LEAF. Available in both commercial van and fully trimmed Combi and Evalia passenger variants, the e-NV200 line-up offers a variety of options including a panel van, five-seat and seven-seat option and a driving range of up to 170km (106 miles) on a single charge.

New Seat Ibiza claims to be the best ever THE new Seat Ibiza is the Spanish brand’s most important model and for 2017 comes with new styling while preserving the same sporty spirit. It does so with a fresh design that Seat claims reflects the latest Seat distinctive character by continuing with the brand’s DNA but with an edgier, sportier design. This fifth generation Seat Ibiza will make its public debut at the next Geneva Auto Show and go on sale in Ireland from July 2017.

The new Ibiza, is claimed to be a completely new model bringing a major step ahead in safety, design, performance and comfort. This advance in quality was claimed to be achieved by the use of the new Volkswagen Group MQB A0 modular platform.

This platform allows the new Seat Ibiza to be much wider by a 87mm, while it is 2mm shorter and 1mm lower than the previous model. The wheel track is 60mm wider at the front axle and 48mm at the rear axle, while the wheelbase is 95mm longer giving claims of a more comfortable car.

The new Ibiza will be on sale in Ireland in July 2017

Citroën brings presence to stylish new C3

Citroën is back in the supermini market with style and strength following the launch of the new C3 model at the start of this year. This new design gives improved driving performance as Michael Moroney found out in his test drive.

CITROËN’S fresh attack in the supermini market with the new C3 makes a strong statement from the French brand and their biggest new entrant to the market for 2017. This new C3 has grown up significantly in terms of size and road presence, making it a more distinguished looking car than before.

This new Citroën C3 has scope to add flair and style with new options available that can either tone up or down how you feel about your car choice.

What’s standard is a car that feels, looks and drives with a stronger nature than before.

I’ve had the diesel powered Flair version Citroën C3 on the road for a week to test its metal. I took across a variety of city and country driving conditions that spanned 1119km, so it was well and truly tested in Ireland’s muggy winter driving conditions.

The 1.6 litre turbo-die-

sel engine is well accomplished. It can deliver pace giving the car a lively driving feel. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the car handled with this power and torque in what is a relatively light car. The road holding was impressive and at all times I felt that I was in control.

The smooth engine performance is average for a car in this class, even though the engine size is larger than some others.

The acceleration pace at 13.8 is no rally car, while it does give the car a better pace than some of the competition.

I had expected a better fuel economy figure where the rated numbers are impressive at 28m/litre (3.6/100km or 78.5mpg).

In practice this performance was well outside my reach, both in terms of what the car’s trip and range meter returned as well as my own consumption figures. The actual

figure was close to 40% off this and that was one of shocking surprises that you only realise when at the pumps.

The fuel tank is rated at 42 litres and in theory that should give me a range of over 1,110km but I had a pit stop along the way to reaching that figure. That economy figure does not take away from the performance of the engine which meets the challenge on the open road as much as in city driving, it’s just that as you tour on the motorways and come close to the 120km/ hr limit the car edges over the magic 2000rpm figure on the engine, which is the sweet spot when it comes to bridging the gap between performance and economy.

That all means that the Citroën is a good car to drive in terms of comfort, road holding and but keep an eye to that rev counter is economy is your priority.

The new Citroën C3 brings more style and stature to the market and the Airbump feature for the Flair models is both stylish and practical.

Citroën C3 BlueHDi 75

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 1.6 litre Engine power 75hp 0 – 100km/hr 13.8 seconds Economy 28m/litre (3.6/100km or 78.5mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 42 litres CO2 emissions 93g/km Road Tax Band A2 €180 Main Service 15,000km/ 12 months Warranty 5 years /100,000km Entry Price €17,890

The dash has a very modern feel to it and comes with the Citroën ConnectedCAM system

For city driving I expect better performance as the engine’s start/stop system is smooth and comfortable to use. I probably just didn’t do enough city driving to maximise its true economy benefits.

The Citroën C3 looks aesthetically pleasing and the free Style Pack which

Citroën claim is worth €500 brings a distinctive Airbump and Bi-Tone roof to the car. With the C3 the Airbumps are both practical in supermarket trolley defence and is stylish in appearance.

On the inside the C3 is more modern looking than in the past. There is a

16 February 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORING

The new Nissan Navara Trek-1° version is a limited edition and high spec version of the well-known 4x4 pick-up

GM and Honda to establish joint fuel-fuel operation

new ConnectedCAM Citroën system included on the higher specification models which uses a fully integrated camera, located behind the rear view mirror, to capture images and video that can instantly be shared on social media channels, or saved as evidence in the event of an accident.

T he 17-inch alloy wheels gives the car great road stature and there are useful features in the topend Flair specification that include automatic lights and windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Other options that improve the driving experience include voice controlled 3D navigation, a reversing camera, keyless entry and start and blind-spot monitoring.

While this pushes up the price from the Touch specification entry model at €17,890 to €20,790 for the top of the range Flair model with all of this kit.

That €3,000 difference brings a lot of features, many of which you’ll find in the mid-range where the price jump is exactly

half that figure. Citroën is offering enticing scrappage options and low rate finance options.

The rear space is what you would expect from a supermini car, adequate as long as you’re not 6ft tall. There are two ISO-Fix units in the rear for child seats but not much room between them. The car has yet to achieve a Euro NCAP safety rating.

The boot space is good at 300 litres extending to 922 with the rear seat folded. The other plus is that there’s a space saver spare wheel included.

Ford’s Fiesta is the big competition for the Citroën C3 and the new bigger C3 is very price competitive at the entry and middle end, while the higher specification Flair model that I drove has more kit included that the equivalent Fiesta Titanium.

Citroën has a strong offering in the new C3 supported by a 5 year warranty and for me the improved driving and handling of the car was what won the day.

General Motors and Honda has announced establishment of the auto industry’s first manufacturing joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in future products from each company. Fuel Cell System Manufacturing will begin around 2020 and create nearly 100 new jobs. Fuel cell technology addresses many of the major challenges facing automobiles today: petroleum dependency, emissions, efficiency, range and refuelling times. Fuel cell vehicles can operate on hydrogen made from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. Water vapour is the only emission from fuel cell vehicles. Honda began delivery of its new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle to U.S. customers in December 2016 following a spring 2016 launch in Japan. The Clarity Fuel Cell received the best driving range rating from the US Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of any electric vehicle without a combustion engine with a range rating of 550km (366 miles) and fuel economy rating of 24km/litre (68mpg) of petrol-equivalent combined.

GM is currently demonstrating the capability of fuel cells across a range of land, sea and air applications. The company has now accumulated millions of miles of real-world driving in fuel cell vehicles.

The C3 comes with Airbump doors that don’t add a feeling of weight to car, more in terms of protection from other car opening doors and straying supermarket trolleys

Skoda announces Kodiaq SUV prices SKODA in Ireland has revealed Irish pricing and specification details for its new five and seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq SUV, due to be launched next month, with prices for the entry level Kodiaq Act 1.4 TSI petrol from €29,395 including delivery charge.

The Skoda Kodiaq will come in three trim levels (Active, Ambition and Style), with five engine and trans-

The engine gave impressively smooth acceleration but comes with a thirst

The new Skoda Kodiaq is due here in March with entry prices from €29,395 including delivery charge for the I found the road holding and handling impressive across a range of driving conditions

Kodiaq Act 1.4 TSI petrol model

mission options and fourteen different exterior colour options. There will be a seven seat option available for just €1,000 more than the standard five seat model.

That entry level Active trim level includes a host of impressive features, including 17” Ratikon Alloys, Cruise Control, Bluetooth, Climatronic air conditioning and the clever Smartlink technology for Smart Phone integration with the infotainment system.

The Skoda Kodiaq will also come with a host of connectivity features.

Smartlink+ smartphone integration system containing Apple Car Play and Google Android Auto is now available as standard. The Columbus Navigation & Infotainment system which is standard on the Style trimline also comes with an additional 4G LTE SIM card slot to enable a high speed Wi-Fi hotspot within the car (data plans sold separately) and a host of additional connected services from Skoda Connect.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 16 February 2017

DUBLINLIFE

ReelReviews

LEGO BATMAN MOVIE Wholly entertaining

EVERYBODY’S favourite superhero (in your face, Spidey) gets yet another twist via The Lego Batman Movie (Cert G, 104 mins).

An unexpected breakout star of the smash-hit Lego movie from a few years ago, Batman gets his own pretty brick-tastic plastic film, while a whole host of familiar Gotham characters, superhero and supervillains fight for screen time. It’s a batty-ful film to watch, too.

La La Land didn’t quite sweep the boards as had been predicted, but still took home a great haul of top Baftas

 SHANE DILLON RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER Promises, promises

MUCH like the undead horrors at the heart of this franchise, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (Cert 15A, 106 mins) is the latest in the tired franchise that refuses to die. Nothing seems able to stop the zombies – or Milla Jovovich – from returning in the unstoppable series, with Milla attempting to save the world (again) despite the undead (again).

50 SHADES DARKER Grey Steele strike back

STEAMIER than drying socks on the radiator, and about as erotic as a weekend away with your in-laws, here comes 50 Shades Darker (Cert 18, 118 mins). Continuing the contrived misadventures of Grey and Steele, it’s got less romance than an old Mills and Boon book, and is even less grounded in reality than a Christmas episode of Eastenders – but fantasists may enjoy some of it.

GIVEN all the turmoil of recent months, thank heaven there’s still something cinema fans can still rely on – the Baftas, which are usually a fairly decent indicator of how the Oscars will play out soon afterwards.

The weekend’s glittering (if a little rainlashed) red carpet guests traipsing in to the Bafta 2017 awards were giving nothing much away, but all eyes were on the critics’ (and audiences’) darling on the night – La La Land.

Would it sweep the board in charming Technicolor fashion, tapdancing an i m p r e s s i ve haul of golden Baftas into a basket to take home?

BAFTAS: FAVOURITE WON PLENTY – BUT THE GLITZY CEREMONY STILL HAD SOME SURPRISES FOR VIEWERS

La-vely haul of awards for upbeat hit musical Err, no – perhaps because of all the unpredictability sweeping the world in recent months, this year’s Baftas turned out to be a little less predictable than usual.

Of course, La La Land was still the big winner on the night, claiming an impressive haul of wins (including Best Original Music, Best Cinematography, Best Director and, the best ‘Best’ of all, Best Film), in addition to a stack of other nominations and wins.

However, it didn’t quite sweep the board as decisively as had been expected, with this year’s diverse range of films claiming some well deserved wins of their own.

While Emma Stone took a well deserved Best Actress win, her La La Land co-star Ryan Gosling lost out to Casey Affleck for the Best Actor nod. Gosling’s game I’m-almost-as-goodas-Emma-see song and

dance skills were appreciated by audiences, but critics raved about Casey – brother of Ben – and his bravura turn in Manchester by the Sea. Other critically acclaimed films also raised some eyebrows by not claiming the coveted golden statue – not that there’s any shame in ‘just’ being nominated for a Bafta, of course, but there were still some surprises in store.

For example, Moonlight – widely tipped for award glory – didn’t win on the night, despite the widespread acclaim it’s received all around the world.

Indeed, some of the aw a r d n o m i n a t i o n s were themselves surprising – for example, Hugh Grant popping up for Best Supporting Actor in the amusing, eccentric Florence Foster Jenkins (which also stars Meryl Streep as the charmingly

talentless titular character – a role which saw her up for the Best Acress award), while Ken Loach came back with a powerful tale (I, Daniel Blake) to claim Outstanding British

Film.

The Best Animated Film shortlist, meanwhile, curiously omitted Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name – an anime now much more commercially successful than the world-conquering Spirited Away, some years back – to run with more predictable fare, such as Finding Dory.

Still, if there were disappointments on the night, there was one big delight thanks to an aging American gentleman that everybody was delighted to see – the inimitable Mel Brooks, scooping the prestigious Bafta Fellowship.

Wisecracks Promising not to flog his latest momento on eBay, Mel showed a flash of the irreverent charm and wisecracks that you’d expect from such a comedy legend.

He wasn’t alone with the gags – host Stephen Fry took aim at another aging American gentleman throughout the night, with President Trump providing a constant source of amusement and annoyance in

some politically charged moments.

Closer to home, and a number of Irish hopes were scattered throughout the awards, with acclaimed Irish-Ethiopian actress Ruth Negga arguably the most prominent Irish figure in this year’s Baftas, given the praise she’s enjoyed for her great performance in Loving.

Unfor tunately, she didn’t win the EE Rising Star award, losing out to Tom Holland, but has certainly proven that she’s one to watch.

It’s the broader, more general award categories which have given the Baftas their critical cachet and worth, and which usually – not always, but usually – see the Bafta wins echoed at the bigger, glitzier Oscars.

With this year’s Oscars rapidly approaching at the end of the month, expect to see plenty more about several of these films once again when February 26 rolls around, and the Oscars steal the limelight in California – worth making another song and dance about ...

16 February 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

CINEMA

To be a woman in an important role in 1960s NASA was already unusual, but to be an African-American as well made it an even greater achievement for the women at the heart of the film

HIDDEN FIGURES: A GREAT LOOK AT STRUGGLES FOR EQUAL RIGHTS

Well worth finding  ROMY CARROLL

The little-known key roles of African-American women in NASA’s early days finally gets a great film

DIRECTOR Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures (Cert PG, 121 mins) is a very compelling true story of how a group of exceptional women were at the forefront of launching the first American into space, and into orbit around earth, whist also believing in their highly personal quests for equal rights in early 1960s segregated America.

Katherine G Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson were just three of the 30-strong group of African-American mathematician women who had to live in a very male-dominated world in NASA whist also having to deal with

the day-to-day challenges of America’s turbulent civil rights movement.

Johnson (played by Taraji P Henson) was a “human computer” at NASA, who proved to the plethora of engineers, mathematicians and strategists at the agency that her formula was correct, making her the first woman to outdo her male associate, Paul Stafford (Jim Parsons).

We see how Paul makes her life very hard from start to finish – a day that was already hard enough having to sit at the back of the room, drinking coffee from a different coffee maker, and having to run 40 mins each day to use the “colored bathrooms” which were on the other

side of the campus.

Her daily routine finally caught up with her boss (played by Kevin Costner), who decided to do something about it.

With some sledgehammer subtlety, his character strikes a blow for Johnson, sending a clear signal that she, and every other African-American woman, should be treated with respect and equality at the busy agency.

We also see Dorothy Vaughan (played by The Help’s Octavia Spencer), always hoping that one day she would make supervisor, but it wasn’t to be as she kept getting undermined by other women, including her Caucasian boss (Kirsten Dunst).

We see how she, and other characters, were always spoken to in a demeaning way, while Vaughan and all the other African-American women just had to put up with it – in this climate, speaking back or out of line would see them swiftly out of a job.

We also follow Mary J a c k s o n ( p l ay e d b y Janelle Monae), who had a family of three to bring up but still passionately believed in her dream to become an engineer in the white, male-dominanted world.

Despite her lack of civil rights, she still believed in her dream, even though she wasn’t allowed to go to college, never mind be an engineer.

The film shows how her hard study and fighting for her right to be an engineer would prove everybody wrong, seeing her become the top of her class.

This true-life story really gives audiences an insight into how hard it was for African-American men and women of the era to fight hard for their civil rights, and to keep believing in what they could achieve.

Handsomely shot and with several likeable leads – including some great performances from the trio of women at its heart – Hidden Figures deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

Verdict: 9/10

26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 16 February 2017

DUBLIN CITYCLASSIFIEDS ALARMS

DVDS

TENDER NOTICE

PAINTING

Kenneally Steel Fabrication Ltd., Marston, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford.

058-60170 Invite tenders for the following: Supply & fit CNC single spindle steel drilling line. For further details please contact Sarah/Kay by 3rd March.

28632

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION

TENDER NOTICE

PIANO

Kenneally Steel Fabrication Ltd., Marston, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford.

058-60170 Invite tenders for the following: Supply & fit 3.2T, 11m wide remote control over-head gantry crane.

For further details please contact Sarah/Kay by 3rd March.

28633

DENTAL PLANNING NOTICE

MOULD REMOVAL PLUMBING

TV/LAPTOP REPAIRS

GOT A PICTURE? SHARE IT WITH US!

GOT A PHOTO? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@dublingazette.com



A PICTURE TELLS A STORY GOT A GREAT PICTURE, EMAIL IT TO US! EMAIL YOUR PHOTO TO picturedesk@dublingazette.com Or call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL I Suzanne McDonnell intend to apply for permission for development at 27 Ashford Street, Arbour Hill, Dublin 7. The development will be a new 1st floor incorporating a storage room and one dormer to the rear. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

28634

16 February 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 27

DUBLIN CITYCLASSIFIEDS TREE CUTTING

WINDOWS

PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

Dublin City Council I Niamh Dolan intend to apply for planning permission for development at 11 Summerville, Clontarf, Dublin 3 (D03 F9V6). The development will consist of the construction of a single-storey flat roof extension to the rear (east) of the existing dwelling and associated site works at 11 Summerville, Clontarf, Dublin 3 (D03 F9V6). The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Val O’Brien & Associates, Chartered Building Surveyors, G2 The Steelworks, Foley Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018891910 28612

Dublin City Council Helen O’Callaghan is applying for permission for the conversion of the existing attic with the addition of a dormer extension to rear and reconfiguration of the roof and existing gable wall to provide additional bedroom with shower room en-suite along with attendant internal alterations, all at 1 Chapel Crescent, Riverston Abbey, Dublin 7.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observtion in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

28613

Dublin City Council Brian Reynolds is applying for Planning Permission for development to existing 2-storey residential terraced house at 25, Ring Street, Inchicore, Dublin 8, comprising demolition of existing single storey extension to rear of house and construction of new 2-storey extension providing kitchen and wc at ground floor and bedroom at first floor and also providing bathroom at first floor in existing house with general refurbishment throughout. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

28618

Dublin City Council We Stephen Richardson and Conor Nolan, of 11 Church Ave South, Rialto, Dublin 8, D08 P8P0, intend to apply for Full planning permission. The development will consist of the demolition of existing rear sheds and glazed utility and the construction of a 6.2sqm single storey extension to the rear courtyard, with 21.8sqm private open space to the rear. Extension to be constructed of Brick and render to match existing, with a extensive green roof (flat). Modified foul and surface water drainage to connect to existing combined sewer. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

28623

ABC CERTIFIED 52,958 COPIES EACH WEEK (ABC: Group MFD, Jan-Dec 2015)

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

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

TELL US YOUR STORY Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

WHAT HAVE YOU

MATTERS

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 email news@dublingazette.com



Dublin City Council Michael O’Connell of 17 Oaklands Drive, Rathgar, Dublin 6. is applying for planning permission for the widening of gates and paving of front garden. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

28620

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPER HAVE OVER 280,000* READERS EACH WEEK *Publishers Statement

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 01 60 10 240

We would love HAS IT to hear it!

WHO DISCOVERED? CHANGED WHAT YOUR DID YOU INSPIRED LIFE? FIND? YOU?

LOCAL GOT A STORY?

PLANNING NOTICE

TO PLACE AN AD CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON 60 10 240 OR EMAIL SALES@ DUBLINGAZETTE.COM

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 16 February 2017

SPORT

FastSport GORDON AND BYRNE IN IRISH TEAM FOR LA: DUBLINERS Martin Gordon (stoker) and Eamonn Byrne – from Sundrive Track team – have been confirmed in the Irish team to compete in the UCI Para-cycling track world championships in Los Angeles, USA in March.

They will be making their debut in the men’s tandem, competing in the men’s B tandem sprint events.

Cycling Ireland performance coach Neill Delahaye said of their inclusion: “Martin has been on the Development Squad for the last couple of years and this is a new partnership with Eamonn.

“They are an exciting prospect. Eamonn is an experienced and accomplished sprinter and with the sprint events back on the Tokyo Paralympic programme of events we are excited to see what they can do.“ This is the first time that a World Track Championships for Para-cycling has been held in the post-Paralympic season, and this is the first competition for the Irish team.

BASEBALL: MASON KEEN TO SEE SPORT WELCOME NEW PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR

Shankill club giving it Sox for 2017 league campaign

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

THE DUBLIN Black Sox have kicked off a recruitment drive, with the Shankill-based baseball team on the lookout for anyone interested in taking part in the sport, particularly ahead of the new season.

The Black Sox play out of Shanganagh Park, and are part of a littlepublicised Irish baseball league that has been in place since the late 1990s.

T here is plenty of Irish interest on the ground, as well as an abundance of players from traditional baseball hotbeds the USA, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

Chris Mason, who plays with the Black Sox, was keen to tell GazetteSport of the inclusiveness of the spor t in Ireland, in terms of welcoming a broad array of players and when it comes to ability.

The Black Sox are preparing for their 2017 Baseball Ireland season

“There’s space on the teams [which operate at an ‘A’ and introductory ‘B’ level] for anyone who wants to play regularly,” he explains. “One of the teams we played last year had an 80-year-old playing for them, and he plays in the same position at me. He was getting some great balls, I don’t know how he did

it!”

Mason’s interest in baseball dates back to fuzzy images on NBC as a kid, though it took him a number of years to stumble across Baseball Ireland and get involved in the sport outside of watching on TV. “It’s a young sport, and doesn’t get a lot of support in Ireland,”

he tells us. “The adult league is open to anyone aged 16+, and a lot of people come in having to learn simple things.

“Throwing, for example, is something you have to learn.

“You need someone to show you how to throw properly.

“It can be a little jarring to play a new sport,

and people don’t always stick with it but a lot of people transfer in from sports like hurling and cricket. There are parallels.”

“The game is spreading in Ireland,” he continues. “We have two divisions now, North and South.

“T here are several teams in Dublin and

Belfast, and others based in Cavan, Kilkenny, Clare, Ashbourne and Greystones.

“It’s all part time and amateur, so we often play two games on one day.

“The rules are just the same as Major League b a s e b a l l , a n d we ’r e wo r k i n g w i t h D u b lin City Council to get things set up as well as possible.

“We can supply bats and gloves; the club have invested a bit in that kind of stuff and there’s always equipment to use.

“All you really need is a pair of football shoes or trainers.”

The Dublin Black Sox can be contacted via their Facebook page or, at DublinBlackSoxBaseball@gmail.com.

Those with a broader interest in baseball can get in touch with the Irish association, whose website can easily found by googling ‘Baseball Ireland’.

Clarke snatches winner as UCD keep double hopes alive  sport@dublingazette.com

Sorcha Clarke, 9, celebrates with UCD team mate Sally Campbell. Picture: Adrian Boehm

UCD and Cork Harlequins both took advantage of HermesMonkstown’s enforced inactivity - their visit to Pegasus fell victim to a frozen pitch - to shake things up at the top of the women’s EY Hockey League.

UCD are at the league’s summit for the first time this season as their unbeaten run continued with a 2-1 success over Railway Union.

The students, who along with Monkstown are the only side yet to lose this term, led

through Lena Tice’s drag-flick but Zara Delany’s pace got her in behind the UCD rearguard for an equaliser shortly after.

UCD’s winner came in stylish fashion though, a seemingly pre-planned set play off the fourth quarter restart with Katie Mullan and Emma Russell linking up to tee up Sorcha Clarke to score.

Cork Harlequins were dominant in their 3-0 success over second-from-bottom Pembroke, Karen Bateman’s magic half-volley getting them on the board after 28 minutes.

T hey did, however, miss a hatful of chances - hitting the post twice - before Kay Gaffney’s short corner bunt and a fine team goal, walked into an empty net by Yvonne O’Byrne, made it safe in the final quarter.

Loreto kept the pressure on the top three with a hardearned 2-1 victory at Ards.

The hosts made all the early running but a pair of short corner goals from Ali Meeke and Freya McDermott built a useful lead before half-time.

Lucy McKee finished Ards’

fourth corner with eight minutes to go to give them a lifeline, but Loreto held firm to take all three points.

On Sunday, UCD continued their superb season with a 7-0 win in the Irish Senior Cup semi-final to reach a showdown with Cork Harlequins.

Deirdre Duke spent the majority of the last three months out injured with a broken bone in her shoulder but returned in some style, netting a hat trick with fellow international Katie Mullan weighing in with a pair of goals too.

16 February 2016 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Ais the Bash looks to write her next episode Daly admits her “devastation” at having to retire from mixed martial arts but is now keen to develop the next generation of the sport in Ireland as one of Straight Blast Gym’s coaches

Eight Dubliners named in Irish Winter Games team THE countdown is now on as Team Ireland prepares to travel to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in just under two months, and eight local athletes are gearing up for the chance of a lifetime.

Thomas Caulfield (23) and Lorcan Byrne (35) from Ballyfermot, Niall Flynn (30) from Dun Laoghaire, Stephen Lee (23) from Navan Road, LJ Byrne (19) from Donaghmeade, Anthony Murray (46) from Balbriggan, Matthew Colgan (45) from Swords, and Laoise Kenny (16) from Monkstown are part of a 26-strong Team Ireland squad at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017 in Graz and Schladming, Austria in March.

Some of the Dublin athletes will be competing in floorball (Caulfield, Murray, Colgan and Byrne), a team sport similar to unihoc or ice hockey but played in a rink on a standard playing surface, whilst others are looking forward to representing Ireland in alpine skiing, namely Flynn, Lee, Byrne and Kenny.

All of the athletes are extremely excited to be representing their country in the World Games this year and have been training hard in preparation with many incorporating swimming, football, athletics, and basketball into their exercise regime to ensure they are fit and ready for the Games in March.

Commenting on the Team Ireland floorball team’s progress, head coach, Michael Lynch said: “I think they’re all training very well and I think we’ve got a great bunch together. They’re looking forward to it. We understand that we’ll be playing against countries where floorball is their main sport.

“It’s going to be a fair competition because if you get beaten in the first game, you go into a different group. I think we have a good chance of staying there anyways.”

The Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017 will be the largest sports event to take place in 2017, hosting 3,000 athletes from 110 countries worldwide. Team Ireland will join almost 3,000 Special Olympics athletes from 107 countries for the Games, which are already set to be one of the sporting highlights of 2017.

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

AIS ‘THE BASH’ DALY is taking a pragmatic approach to her recent enforced retirement, telling GazetteSport of her plans to stay involved in MMA, both in coaching and in continuing her work in the safetyfocused side of the sport.

The Drimnagh native and former Allied Fight Series champion learnt she had suffered a mild brain aneurysm following a routine head scan before Christmas.

This forced her immediate retirement from her UFC career, right as she was nearing a full recovery from a recurring knee

injury.

Daly said she was “devastated” to be told the news, adding: “I felt I had a lot still to give.

“I knew about it for a couple of months before I went public. I didn’t want to spend my Christmas talking about it, but there’s a sense of loss.

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

The safety aspect of her work is something Daly is already committed to continuing with, and, strangely, an area in which her injury might even prove an advantage.

“It’s hard telling amateurs a sport is danger-

ous, everyone thinks it won’t happen to them,” Daly admitted.

“W hen it’s coming from me now, and it has happened to me, it might be an easier message, especially when it costs money to get checked, and that cuts down on the already limited earnings.”

Ref lecting on her career, Daly talked of the difficulties weight classes presented to her, but also of her pride in her acheivements.

“It wasn’t ideal for me that the weights were 115lb and 135lbs.

“I’d be so drained training for 115lbs; my ideal weight was really 125lbs and that took

some of the fun out of it.

I damaged my body staying at that weight, and it created a few issues for me.

“It was very much ‘eat. sleep, repeat’. While I’m still training, it’s great to be out of that mindset

you’re well off because you do these things, but that’s not why I did it.”

Today, Daly is coaching at SBG g y m in Swords, and expects to start shortly in Portarlington, too.

“I teach kids on

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘It’s a big part of your life just taken away. I felt I had a lot still to give’ - Ais Daly

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

for a while. I’ll take some time to work out exactly what I want to do next.”

For all her successes, however, Daly admits that a career in mixedmartial arts has been difficult at times, in particularly financially. “I’d probably be financially better off if I’d never done it,” she says.

“The money you earn isn’t enough to get by on, really. People think

Wednesdays and Fridays, and on Saturday mornings,” she says.

“I think it’s important to realise not all kids are into hurling, gymnastics, soccer or camogie.

“Particularly for girls, there’s an expectation that they’ll do certain types of sport.

“MMA scares people, but Jiu Jitsu is a great, respectful outlet, and it really suits some people.”

Ais “The Bash” Daly has taken up new coaching roles with the Straight Blast Gym in

Aisling Daly, centre, with fellow SBG team members

Swords and in schools around her native Drimnagh since her enforced retirement.

Conor McGregor and Paddy Holohan

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 16 February 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: ST PAT’S SEEKING CONSISTENCY AHEAD OF BIG CAMPAIGN

Purple Run in Phoenix Park set for second year DOWN Syndrome Ireland (DSI), with the support of Today FM’s Matt Cooper, are encouraging people to get active for the second annual DSI Purple Run and help celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This year, DSI is encouraging everyone to “Run with us, not for us” on Saturday, March 25 at 11am, in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

The event is open to all age groups and abilities and participants can choose to run, walk or push a buggy over the 5km or 1km distance, allowing all the family to take part.

Registration for the event takes place online only and costs €20 which includes a ‘Down Syndrome Ireland Purple Run 2017’ t-shirt. People with Down syndrome and under-sixteens can enter for free.

The event offers lots of fun for all the family with clowns and face painters, as well as live music.

DSI are encouraging everyone attending to wear something purple such as wigs, hats, boas, bow ties, etc in support of the ‘Purple Run’ and to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. It is expected over 2,000 people will participate in the event with people, including many DSI member families, travelling from all over Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the Purple Run, Matt Cooper said: “I’m delighted to be involved with the Purple Run again this year for Down Syndrome Ireland. It is a fantastic all-inclusive event for a great cause and I encourage as many people as possible to register and join me on the day.”

Mary Doherty, President, Down Syndrome Ireland, added: “The Purple Run is more than just about creating awareness, it is a celebration of every person with Down syndrome, their families and those who support them.

“Down Syndrome Ireland is a family led organisation that places the person with Down syndrome at the centre of everything we do.

“We are urging everyone to get involved in the Purple Run on March 25th which like last year, is guaranteed to be a fantastic fun event for all the family”.

To register for the Purple Run and find out more information on Down Syndrome Ireland, please visit www.downsyndrome.ie or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Shamrock Rovers Ronan Finn, left, and Ian Bermingham, of St Patrick’s Athletic, at the SSE Airtricity League launch. Picture: David Maher/Sportsfile

Buckley shuffles deck for 2017 SSE LOI LAUNCH  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

LIAM Buckley has shaken things up at St Patrick’s Athletic in an effort to improve on their disappointing seventh place finish in the SSE Airtricity League last season.

Pat’s had a mixed start to last term and their form remained patchy throughout – racking up impressive wins over the likes of Dundalk and Cork City but suffering at the hands of others.

They are, however, capable of beating the best in league on their

day – evident by them winning the EA Sports Cup last season for the second year in a row.

This year’s campaign is likely to be one of the most competitive in recent times with teams investing heavily and three sides’ set to be relegated at the end of the campaign to facilitate the switch to two divisions of 10 teams – a fact Buckley is more than aware of.

“It’s going to be a stronger league this year because a lot of teams have invested and it will be an interesting campaign.”

Pat’s open their league

CONAN THE LION Leinster star rewarded for January showings JACK Conan was presented with his Bank of Ireland Leinster rugby player of the month award for January at Donnybrook Stadium earlier this week.

The back row forward was a key figure for the blues as they province ran up big wins over Zebre and Montpellier along with a European Cup draw with Castres in France.

Conan scored a hat trick of tries in the win over Montpellier in a marquee performance.

Picture: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

campaign against Bray Wanderers on Friday, February 24, who they defeated 4-0 in the quarter-finals of the Leinster senior cup last month, but Buckley believes that little can be taking from that result.

“We played them during the pre-season but I wouldn’t read too much into that because players were still trying to get themselves fit.

“From a fitness point of view, it was another pre-season game and we were both only at it a month. “ T h e y h ave m a d e some interesting signings and are obviously throw-

ing a few bob at it to try and get themselves into the European spots.”

St Pat’s now hope that the new season can bring new fortune.

“Obviously at the back end of last season we were struggling for intensity and I thought our form last year was distinctly average. “ We ’ ve j u g g l e d a few things around and brought in some new players and some have gone.

“We’ve also juggled around the training and fitness and how we are doing all that so we hope that the mix is right. You need to get a lot right

to be successful in our league so we have signed some interesting players and have a few of our Under-19s coming up who we are expecting to do well.

“It’s a difficult league.

Our ambition every year would have been to finish in Europe and we have done that four out of five years.

“We had a little bit of a blip last year but hopefully we will be back on track this year.

“You have to take it one match at a time that is what we are doing. It is going to be a very, very difficult league this year, there are no easy games.”

16 February 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: ALL-IRELAND RUN COMES TO END IN NEWRY

COLLEGESFINAL

St Vincent’s line up for the national anthem in Pairc Esler in Newry last weekend

Vincent’s stifled by Slaughtneil defence ALL-IRELAND SFC SEMI Slaughtneil 0-12 St Vincent’s 0-10  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ST VINCENT’S All Ireland club championship run came to an end on Saturday, as the muchfancied Dubliners were overturned by impressive rural Derry side Slaughtneil in Newry.

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

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

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

The Marino side started

the stronger of the two, initially getting the better of the defence that’s quickly become Slaughtneil’s main asset. Enda Varley was a driving force early on, scoring 0-4 in the opening period with Nathan Mullins and Connolly adding to the tally.

Chrissy McKaigue and Chris Bradley responded for the Ulster men, with Slaughtneil forced to shoot from distance as Vincent’s crowded their defence, with mixed results.

The low scoring contest was clearly frustrating attack-minded Vincent’s, however, and despite going in 0-6 to 0-5 behind, the Derry side were arguably the happier at the break.

From there on, Slaughtneil were in control. The Derry side’s best spell came straight after half time as they scored a critical five points to a single Vincent’s response, grabbing a three point lead through McKaigue, Bradley and Shane McGuigan.

Varley and Connolly, meanwhile, were increasingly unable to influence proceedings, with Vin-

cent’s forced to look to their midfield to threaten the Slaughtneil posts. The likes of Gavin Burke and Shane Carthy offered the main threat.

Carthy came closest to breaking the Ulster side’s resistance, as his flicked goal effort was sharply turned around the post by Anton McMullan with ten minutes left on the clock.

Come the final quarter, however, Vincent’s frustrations started to tell, with black cards shown to Brendan Egan and Cormac Diamond. Their disciplinary issues didn’t stop the Marino club ramping up the pressure in the final

moments, with Varley narrowing the gap to a single point as they looked to force added time.

Slaughtneil’s composure shone through, however, and instead it was Bradley who popped up at the other end to send a delirious Ulster side into their first All-Ireland final with a 0-12 to 0-10 win.

In a season where some within the club have argued Vincent’s success has come in spite of never really reaching their best on field, the failure to break down Slaughtneil will nevertheless be seen as a major missed opportunity.

DIT celebrate their Purcell Cup success. Picture: Tommy Greally/Inpho

Minogue defies weather and Maynooth for DIT DIT were made to dig very deep before emerging victorious in a very tight Purcell Cup final at Abbotstown, prevailing 1-8 to 1-6 over Maynooth University.

The Dubliners had showcased their scoring capabilities in their semifinal victory over IT Carlow when registering 3-15 but they had to rely on their fighting qualities with the silverware on the line.

Maynooth were involved in one of Saturday’s best games, but just held off Queen’s University, a late save by Niamh Doyle keeping the Belfast girls at bay.

Melissa Lyons was the key contributor for Maynooth and that was the case again in the final but she just had to give way to the magnificence of player of the match, Aoife Minogue.

Lyons opened the scoring from a free but Meath sharpshooter Megan Thynne equalised for DIT. Thynne’s county colleague Minogue gave the Dublin-based crew the vital breathing space with a goal from a free and followed up with a point from a 45.

There were four between the sides at that juncture but Lyons had that down to the minimum as she hit the target three times in succession, making it 1-3 to 0-4 at the change of ends.

And the Kildare star wasn’t done, slotting an equaliser soon after the resumption before smashing the sliotar to the DIT net.

Maynooth were unable to deny Minogue though and she shot some remarkable points given the horrific weather conditions, including one from wide on the sideline and another from midfield, to reel in the deficit and edge DIT in front for their first Purcell Cup win since 2010.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Ger Brennan in possession

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GAZETTESPORT

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

HIGHER AMBITIONS: St Pat’s Athletic boss Buckley says greater consistency needed for 2017 League P30

FEBRUARY 16-22, 2017

AIS DALY’S NEXT BIG BASH: Following retirement, MMA star talks new horizons P29

Dubs to raise the bar Sarah O’Donovan helped launch the Littlewoods Ireland Camogie National Leagues this week. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Sarah O’Donovan says Dublin’s camogie side, under Kilkenny legend David Herity, is looking to harden their team culture for 2017 league campaign

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN camogie star Sarah O’Donovan has promised her Dublin side will push the boat out ahead of the new season, saying “we’ve put our aims out in writing; we want to win silverware”.

Under the new management of former Kilkenny hurler David Herity, the girls in blue have made a strong start to pre-season, comfortably beating Wexford in a challenge match, and hitting peak levels in training.

“Intensity levels have gone up 100%,” O’Donovan said, adding that she’s never suffered so much through the pre-season fitness sessions as this time around.

“David is very slow to praise you, and I think

that’s a good thing.

“There’s long been a culture in camogie so saying ‘well done’, and it’s not always clear what people are saying ‘well done’ for. He wants us to forget ‘well done’, and become faster, stronger and more encouraging.

“We’re talking about what we need to do on the pitch, not praising what we already did.”

Herity’s job has involved integrating a large number of new players into the panel – approximately half of the squad in total – and several have given O’Donovan plenty of added impetus.

“Last year we’d have been ranked about sixth,” the former Cork star, who converted to Dublin after moving to St Vincent’s due to work commitments, explained.

“We’ve been looking at clubs like Slaughtneil

[the rural Derry side that are in the running to win an astonishing triple club All Ireland] for inspiration. But we’ve got players that are going to make impact, particularly the youngsters.

“I think Eva Marie Elliott, who plays with me at Vincent’s, is a vital addition at wing back. Doireann Mullaney from Ballyboden is a great player, and Alex Griffin from St Brigid’s has been making a big impact.

“She’s just doing her Leaving Cert this coming year and preparing to study medicine, so committing to the team is a huge decision for her and shows great loyalty. It’s really promising.”

As for playing Cork on the opening day of the season, O’Donovan says it that it is no longer odd to face her former team. “We played them in 2015 at Parnell Park and that was a weird day for me,”

she admits.

“The team has changed a lot, though, and it’s been a long time since I last played with Cork.

Most of the girls playing now don’t know who I am.

“When I played soccer [O’Donovan is a former age-group international], I got used to the idea that you play for a team mentality rather than a crest of a shirt, and I’ve really bought into the mentality of Dublin.

“Cork don’t normally take the National League seriously,” she continued, “but we’ve heard that’s not the case this year, and they’ll want to lay down a marker against us at the weekend. We’ll be looking to do the same.”

Dublin’s league season gets underway away against Cork on Saturday, February 18.