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Eat, drink – and be healthy, with our great new section to help you feel your best Page 23
RACHEL Grainger, Lisa O’Sullivan and Carol Sanderson looked very stylish as they gave their support to a Christmas lunch in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation.
A host of supporters and celebrities gathered for the delicious do at The Shelbourne, where Brian and Pippa Ormond, Shane Byrne, Lorraine Keane and many others were happy to help. For the full gallery, see inside. Picture: Shane O’Neill
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STARS URGE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE URGENT ACTION ON HOUSING
‘Get your arses in gear...’
Glen Hansard leads a blistering rebuke outside the Dail over inadequate response to the homelessness crisis
MARK O’BRIEN OSCAR-winning singer Glen Hansard delivered a searing rebuke to the Government during a protest concert on Tuesday. Hansard was one of a group of artists performing at the Songs & Words A Home For All protest concert held outside the Dail on Tuesday. Calling out Housing Min-
ister Eoghan Murphy and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Hansard sang in a reworked version of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over). It ended with a chorus of: “A very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, let’s hope it’s a better one, get your arses in gear.” See full story on Page 4
4 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
HOMELESSNESS | GLEN HANSARD LASHES GOVERNMENT INACTION
Music protest strikes sour notes at the Dail OSCAR-winning singer Glen Hansard delivered a searing rebuke to the Government during a protest concert on Tuesday. Hansard was performing at the Songs & Words – A Home For All protest concert that was held outside the Dail on Tuesday. Calling out Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Hansard sang in a reworked version of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over): “Eoghan Murphy, Leo Varadkar, what’s the story? A doorway’s no place to be sleeping. “A hotel’s no place to raise your children.”
Twitter: Gemma Stack, @stackgem_files
MARK O’BRIEN
Some of the organisers of the protest; right: Oscar-winner Glen Hansard
Hansard also reworked the chorus to: “A very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, let’s hope it’s a better one, get your arses in gear.” The event was organised by Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH), with Dil Wickremasinghe acting as MC. A host of Irish artists,
including Frances Black, Stephen James Smith, Emmet Kirwan and the High Hopes Choir, performed at the event. Homelessness campaigner Erica Fleming, Fr Peter McVerry and ICHH chief executive Anthony Flynn were among the speakers at the event. Speaking in a video
recorded at the event, Flynn said: “We’ve had artists and speakers coming in here today to highlight what is the national scandal that is homelessness.” The Social Democrats opened their nearby office for the day as a base for the artists. Co-Leader Catherine Murphy said the
party was happy to assist with the concert. She said: “We’re very pleased to have our office occupied today. It’s as part of the protest that’s happening outside in relation to the homelessness crisis. “We should not lose our sense of outrage about homelessness. There’s nothing normal about it – it is completely resolvable. “It is very poignant this time of year that people think of family and think of home. That’s why this event is happening today, because it is falling within that time that people think of family and home. “The idea that there are 3,000 children without a home is just absolutely outrageous.”
FASTNews
Santa’s virtual visit gave sick kids a definite boost THIS year, instead of sending their Christmas lists in the post to the North Pole, children at the Cancer Ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin got the chance to share them with Santa himself as he embraced the digital age. With the help of video communications technology from Cisco, Santa made a virtual appearance at the hospital to hear the children’s Christmas wishes, with a video link helping him to talk directly to some of the country’s sickest children. Rachel Kenna, director of nursing, said: “Around 100 very ill children will spend this Christmas Day [here]. That is why, coming up to Christmas, this magical event organised by CISCO was an amazing experience, bringing joy and fun to the children and a major distraction from their treatment.”
Buying a 99c single could help thousands of homeless A CHARITY Christmas single has been released to help raise much needed funds for Focus Ireland, the organisation that works with people who are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes all over Ireland. Brothers-in-law Daragh Breathnach and Kevin Breen formed The Festive Spirits, and the duo are donating all proceeds from their single (That’s when you know it’s Christmas) to Focus Ireland. The single is now available on iTunes and Google Play for 99c, with The duo hoping as many people as possible will buy the single to help support the thousands who are homeless – including 3,124 children.
Awards to help highlight the best of adult learning
Helping the DSPCA isn’t a ruff task ...
MODEL Thalia Heffernan was happy to join some canine companions for the recent launch of a VISA fundraising campaign for the DSPCA. The campaign saw users of VISA contactless cards invited to help support the work of the DSPCA, with voluntary taps during the two-day initiative helping to support the historic animal welfare organisation with €4 donations. Thalia – whose own dog came from the DSPCA – was delighted to help promote the campaign, as well as to highlight her new role as the DSPCA’s inaugural ambassador. She called on everyone to help the DSPCA care for sick, abandoned and neglected animals not just at Christmas, but the whole year round.
AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is seeking nominations from adult learning initiatives in Dublin for the 12th annual STAR Awards, which recognise the use of innovative approaches in adult and community education. The STAR Awards are described as “a fantastic occasion to highlight and celebrate the positive impact adult and community education have on the lives of learners around Ireland”, with wide-ranging categories including many schools of learning. To nominate an adult learning initiative, enter at www.adultlearnersfestival.awardsplatform.com; the deadline is today (Thursday, December 14). 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
14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 5
6 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
RANELAGH | FATALITY
FASTNews
Dead man may have fallen off a roof – gardai EMMA NOLAN
IT IS understood that the 22-year-old man whose body was found in Ranelagh on Monday morning may have fallen from a roof. At approximately 4.40am, the man was found unresponsive with a head injury outside the Luas stop at Ranelagh Road. He was taken by ambulance to St James’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
CCTV footage A review of local CCTV footage determined that the young man climbed from the Luas tracks onto a nearby rooftop before falling to the pavement. It is believed that he was alone when the incident occurred. Having reviewed the footage and conducted preliminary enquiries, investigating gardai have confirmed they are treating the death as a “tragic accident”, and a file will be prepared for the coroner. They say the death is not being treated as suspicious. A Garda spokesman said a postmortem would determine the handling of the investigation into the incident.
Winning Streak comes in threes for Finglas woman
Sugar, it’s cold out there
CLOSE enough to be very almost a Dublin landmark – almost – the Great Sugar Loaf mountain enjoyed a generous dusting of snow at the weekend, luring plenty of hardy Dubs out into something that was truly The Pale. Slipping and crunching their way across the distinctive hill’s snow-covered sides, the Dublin daytrippers and their culchie cousins were treated to a magical, seasonal moment with Christmas just around the corner. The walkers certainly used their loaf, with everyone wrapping up well for the chilly walk, with some producing a dram or two of a timely tipple to help ward off the bitter cold. The picture-perfect scenes were a hit with everyone, with the trip out to the mountain on the city’s far horizon proving well worth the journey. Pictures: Donall Farmer
Trinity College buys Iveagh sports ground EMMA NOLAN THE Iveagh Grounds sports facility have been bought by Trinity College from Guinness owners, Diaego. The news comes following a three-year negotiation process that will see current clubs still operating on the grounds and a long-term plan to create a sports hub for TCD students. Trinity Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, said: “For some time we have been looking to develop more off-campus sports facilities for the benefit of our students. “The facility will be developed further in time for student sports, complementing our other campus sports pitches at College Park and Santry Sports Grounds.” Originally established
in 1928 for the benefit of Guinness workers, the grounds have not operated as part of the company or Diageo staff offering for more than two decades. The 17-acre facility is currently managed by the Guinness Athletic Union (GAU), an independent club with a broad membership from across the community. They include GAA, rugby and hockey pitches and are among one of the largest sporting grounds close to Dublin city centre. Under the terms of the agreement, Trinity is assuming ownership, control and management of the Iveagh Grounds. It is planned that the GAU and its clubs will have continued access to the facilities at preferential rates.
A FINGLAS woman who got engaged and celebrated her 40th birthday in recent weeks topped off a brilliant month last Saturday by winning prizes worth €23,000 on the National Lottery Winning Streak game show on RTE One. Anita Howlett revealed she is also on a healthy winning streak, having shed nine stone in weight in less than three years after joining Slimming World. She is pictured with show hosts Marty Whelan and Sinead Kennedy, and Dermot Griffin, chief executive, the National Lottery. Anita says she is much happier now – and is proof that good luck comes in threes with her Winning Streak appearance, her engagement and her big birthday. With her Winning Streak windfall, Anita plans to get a new kitchen and also hopes to be in a position bring her wedding forward to 2018 or 2019.
Ballyfermot man receives top award from President AN INSPIRATIONAL young man from Ballyfermot received the prestigious Gaisce Gold Award from President Michael D Higgins at a special awards ceremony in Dublin Castle last week. Aaron Murphy was among 55 young people from across Ireland who received their Gold Award on the day. Aaron is in his final year of college at the National College of Ireland, studying Psychology. His impressive background has seen Aaron dedicate countless hours in a variety of ways to help others, from supporting people with intellectual disabilities to volunteer work in Sri Lanka, making him a very worthy, deserving winner and young citizen.
Girls are delighted to be officially Career Ready
STUDENTS from Our Lady of Mercy, Beaumont, were only too happy to celebrate as they claimed their Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) Career Ready graduation recently, marking the end of a two-year programme to help develop their employability skills and introduce them to the world of work. Jason Sherlock, life coach; Helen Raftery, JAI chief executive; Sinead Henshaw, managing director, operations business and chair of community affairs group in Citi, and Leslie Buckley, JAI patron, looked on and congratulated the girls.
14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 7
Charity set to create homes for 18 people
EMMA NOLAN
A DERELICT building on Townsend Street is set to be redeveloped by the Peter McVerry Trust. The housing charity secured planning permission to develop Numbers 181-187Townsend Street, which was previously owned by Dublin City Council, into 18 apartments, marking the largest capital housing project undertaken by the charity, to date. Pat Doyle, the chief executive of Peter McVerry Trust, called the plans a “real good-news story”. He said: “At the end of this project, there will be 18 new keys to a home and 18 people leaving homelessness behind. “This is the type of project that we want to
do much more of because more social housing is the only way we can sustainably reduce the number of people in homeless services.” The building, which is located just across from the old Screen cinema, has been derelict for a number of years and requires extensive refurbishment works. When complete, the units will provide “badly needed” housing for single people. The charity said it is now preparing to issue a public tender to appoint a project contractor, after which it can commence works on the scheme. They hope to begin work on site as early as possible in 2018, with the scheme finished and fully tenanted in 2019.
CROSS CITY | MONDAY BROUGHT MISERY TO MANY COMMUTERS
Luas chaos prompts demands for action MARK O’BRIEN
THE new Luas Cross City got off to a bumpy start this week, with many commuters complaining that it was adding time to their journey. Issues with traffic signals and trams interacting with other traffic caused delays in the city centre, with some people reporting delays of up to 40 minutes on Monday, the first morning of peak operation of the new service. The delays also affected bus and car users, with many taking to social media to vent their frustration. One commuter wrote on Twitter: “Didn’t even use the new Luas
Twitter user Helen McCormack captured Monday’s chaos and fustration for many commuters. @hel_mcc 2
this morning and it still managed to add 30 mins to my commute. Causing absolute chaos for traffic around College Green.” One quick-witted commuter quipped: “Reports coming in Dublin’s new tram line to be renamed Luas angry-city.”
The delays seemed to ease off on Tuesday but some commuters said that they felt there were not enough trams to deal with the volume of passengers, with one commuter writing: “Green line Luas’s all full and running far too far apart this morning ... hun-
dreds being left at stations between Leopardstown and Sandyford.” Fianna Fail Spokesperson for Dublin, John Lahart, said that the traffic chaos could and should have been avoided. He said: “The engineers in the city council, the Dublin Transport Authority and the operators of the Luas need to put their heads together and come up with a solution, fast.” Dublin North West TD Noel Rock also called on stakeholders to work together to solve the teething problems. Speaking on Monday, he said: “The delay experienced by commuters this morning was a fiasco and
while we can all accept teething problems, this cannot become the norm.” Dublin Bus said that they had been working closely with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Luas operators Transdev since work began on the Luas Cross City five years ago. A spokesperson said: “Dublin Bus is working closely with Luas and other stakeholders and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.” Dublin City Council said a number of issues were identified on Monday, including issues with traffic signals and tram interaction, which were subsequently resolved.
8 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
Out and About
James Patrice Butler
Lauren Arthurs
Rosanna Davison
Lauren Pope pictured with Suzanne Jackson. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Fragrance launch is heaven scent D
J and model Lauren Pope was among many famous faces at the launch of Suzanne Jackson’s SOSU by SJ fragrance at Dublin’s glitzy Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin last week. The vegan-friendly luxurious fragrances were created by award winning blogger turned businesswoman, Suzanne Jackson. Sarah Ashcroft, Kristy Green and television and social media star James Patrice Butler were also in attendance.
Carla Jackson
Maria Liddy
Michelle Regazzoli Stone
Louise Cooney
Rosie Connolly
Model Thalia Heffernan
14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 9
10 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
LAW AND ORDER | PUNISHMENT AND REHABILITATION FOR SOME AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES
Teen’s drunken kick at stranger finishes in court A N I N T OX ICAT E D teenager who kicked a stranger in the backside has avoided a jail sentence. Mark O’Brien, now aged 21, kicked out at the man as the victim was walking with his girlfriend, their three-weekold baby, and his brother at the Central Bank Plaza in Dublin city centre. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard O’Brien, formerly of Augier Street, and now attending a residential treatment programme called Team Challenge in Scotland, plead guilty to violent disorder on November 21, 2015. He remained at the scene and was arrested after the victim pointed him out to gardai.
Keith Spencer BL , defending, said there had been an “amazing transformation” in O’Brien, who had been attending a Christian rehabilitation course. Detective Garda Shane Moriar ty told Fergal Foley BL, prosecuting, that O’Brien, who has two minor previous convictions for drugs offences, admitted his role in what had happened during interview. Judge Karen O’Connor said normally in the case of such “gratuitous aggressive behaviour” a custodial sentence would be imposed. The judge imposed an 18-month sentence which she suspended in full on a number of conditions.
‘Santa Claus’, 44, is jailed for a range of criminal offences
A GRANDFATHER who dresses up as Santa Claus and visits sick children in hospital has been jailed for two-and-a-half-years after being caught with equipment capable of making fake driving licences, motor tax discs and car registration plates. Gregory Kearns (44), Casement Park, Finglas, told gardai: “I’ll have all that replaced in a week,” after they uncovered false bank statements, a fake driver’s licence, a coun-
terfeit €50 note and fake motor tax disc in the attic of his home. When told by gardai they would search his home again, he said he would have it moved elsewhere. Kearns pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 14 counts of illegally possessing false instruments and items that could be used to make false instruments at his home on March 8, 2014. Sentencing Kearns, Judge Karen O’Connor said “These types of offences facilitate people at the heart of criminality within our society.” Gold and silver foil, a harp stamp, an ‘IRL’ stamp, a circular cardboard template for making motor tax discs, scanners and laminators were among the items uncovered by gardai in the attic of Kearns’ home. Garda Darren Coller told Fiona Murphy BL,
prosecuting, that the laminate strip and the gold foil could be used for embossing documents such as driver’s licences. The silver foil could be used to simulate the hologram in €50 notes, the court heard. Gda Coller said the counterfeit €50 note that was seized had not been made by Kearns. Kearns has seven previous convictions, including one for handling stolen property. The remainder are for road traffic offences. Bernard Condon SC, defending, said his client set up a construction company that became insolvent during the economic downturn. He said the bank at one point sought to repossess the family home, and Kearns was under significant financial pressure. The court heard that Kearns cared for his elderly mother and was fully
supported by his closeknit family. Mr Condon said Kearns was involved in charity work for Focus Ireland, and Temple Street Children’s Hospital. He added: “He has the capacity to go out and put on a Santa Claus outfit and visit children and help people out.” Judge O’Connor noted that the probation services described Kearns to be at a high risk of re-offending, and that he was unwilling to engage with them in a meaningful way. The judge also said the nature of the offences, together with Kearns’ very late guilty plea, were aggravating
factors. She sentenced Kearns to four years and suspended the final 18 months, meaning he will ser ve two and a half years i n jail.
Actor Billy Bob Thornton in character as ‘Bad Santa’; Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard a Finglas grandfather, who also dresses up as Santa Claus sometimes – in his case to carry out some charity work – pleaded guilty to a range of criminal offences
A great Christmas concert to help support ex-prisoners MARK O’BRIEN
CARE After Prison (CAP) will host a fundraising Christmas Concert this evening (Thursday, December 14) at Whitefriar Street Church, in Dublin 2. The diverse line-up for the night includes the High Hopes Choir, Irish poet Louis de Paor accompanied by Sean Duggan on violin, guitarist NC Lawlor with Aine Fury on vocals, and Emily Logan, chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. The interim executive direc-
tor of CAP, Alice O’Flynn, said: “I am very excited about our first Christmas concert. The night will be an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on inclusion, and we are all looking forward to an uplifting event for the whole community.” CAP is a peer-led organisation which provides support, information and advice to those who have spent time in prison, their families and victims of crime around the country. The charity organisation, which was established in 2011, has seen an increase of 55% in clients referred through the Irish Prison
Service, and 40% in clients selfreferred to the service during the last quarter. The organisation supports current and former prisoners to prepare them for release and successful reintegration into society. Tickets for the event at Whitefriar Street Church are priced at €20 and €15, and are available at the door on the night, with an evening of wonderful Christmas entertainment promised for all. Those who cannot attend but wish to support CAP’s work can see www.careafterprison.ie, or text Empower to 50300 to donate €2.
14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 11
12 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
Out and About
Oonagh Meagher
Josie Lynch, Jordan Ring and Gemma O’Connor. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
A great chance to get gifts and support good cause X
Hazel Rogers, Dani Masterson and Klara McDonnell
POSE teamed up with Meagher’s Pharmacy for an exclusive Christmas Market in aid of The Peter McVerry Trust last week. The markets featured live music from brilliant Irish acts, festive stalls packed with your favourite must-have beauty brands. The public were invited to come along and pick up some Christmas gifts while nibbling festive treats and sipping on hot chocolate all while supporting the Peter McVerry Trust.
Elaine Kavanagh, Alan McGarry and Roisin Aoife and Barbara Stack
Emma Devir
O’Neill
Lara Mooney and Jane Sinead Whyte and Ciaran Shah
Fogarty
14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 13
Out and About
Ciara Delaney and Elaine O’Connor
Lorna Weightman and Courtney Smith
Paula McCarthy
GAZETTE
14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
DUBLINBUSINESS
Students take first steps on career ladder STUDENTS from three Dublin schools recently
Beaumont. Special guest Jason
graduated from the
Sherlock congratulated
Junior Achievement Ire-
the students on taking
land (JAI) Career Ready
their first steps in to the
programme.
world of work. He also
The programme was
emphasised the impor-
hosted by Citi on North
tance of role models and
Wall Quay, Dublin 1.
of achieving your goals.
To mark the comple-
“The guidance and
tion of the two-year pro-
encouragement of men-
gramme, the students
tors and role models
were joined by business
really can make a
It was an early start for the Failte Ireland’s Dublin Convention Bureau when they held their Christmas Breakfast Briefing at the CityWest
mentors, representa-
profound difference in
Hotel. Pictured, left to right, were Sam Johnston, manager of Failte Ireland’s Dublin Convention Bureau; David Meade, inspirational speaker;
tives of supporting
a young person’s life. I
Paul Mockler, head of commercial development, Failte Ireland; and Sean Reid, commercial director, of the CityWest Hotel
organisations, and
know this from my own
former Dublin GAA star
personal experience,”
Jason Sherlock.
he said.
Conventions to boost local economy by €64m
Career Ready devel-
“To the participating
ops students’ potential
students I say take the
by pairing them with a
skills and confidence you
mentor for 18 months.
have gained from Career
The youngsters also
Ready and build on them,
visit workplaces, attend
allow the programme to
master classes and
be the catalyst for you to
complete work place-
fulfil your potential.
ments. The overall aims of the JAI Career Ready initiative are to help stu-
“With the right attitude you can do anything you set your mind to.” The Career Ready
dents to recognise their
mentors, master
potential, to develop
classes, and school-to-
their employability skills,
work visits were pro-
support their academic
vided by A & L Goodbody,
work and introduce
Accenture, Amundi, BNY
them to the world of
Mellon, Citi, Core Media,
work.
Dell, Deloitte, Diageo,
The 2015-2017 cohort
EisnerAmper Ireland,
comprised of 29 stu-
Gaiety School of Acting,
dents from St. Paul’s
LinkedIn, JLL, Lloyds
CBS, North Brunswick St;
Bank, Manpower, Pfizer,
Loreto College, Crumlin;
SQS, Standard Life, and
and Our Lady of Mercy,
TV3.
FAILTE Ireland’s Dublin Convention Bureau has revealed that new business worth €64m has been won for Dublin so far in 2017. The announcement was made at their Christmas Breakfast Briefing in the CityWest Hotel last Thursday. The revenue boost was a result of winning 150 new conferences for the city and county. The events will bring almost
45,000 extra visitors to Dublin between 2018 and 2021. Among the notable conference wins is the cyclist gathering, Velo City. Around 2,000 delegates are expected to attend the European Cyclists’ Federation convention in 2019, boosting the Dublin economy by €3.2 million. Also taking place in 2019 is the World Science Fiction Convention, or World Con, and
the 5,000 or so sci-fi fans who will flock to Dublin will generate around €8m for local businesses. While in 2020, a cash injection of €1.3m is expected when 800 people attend the European Federation of Periodontology’s 3rd Master Clinic. Sam Johnston, manager of Failte Ireland’s Dublin Convention Bureau said: “I am delighted that the Dublin Convention
Enterprise Ireland launches fund to help firms tackle Brexit challenges ENTERPRISE Ireland has launched a new fast-track Agile Innovation Fund to give companies rapid access to innovation funding. The new measure has been introduced by Enterprise Ireland for companies to respond more quickly to market opportunities and challenges, including those posed by Brexit. Offering fast-track approval and a streamlined online application process, Enterprise Ireland’s new Agile Innovation Fund will allow companies to access up to 50% in support for product, process or service development projects with a total cost of up to €300,000. A survey of 2,000 Enterprise Ireland clients in 2016 found
that those who availed of innovation supports (specifically capability, funding and collaboration support) reported on average a 67% growth in global sales. Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland CEO, said: “In the context of Brexit, investment in Irish innovation will prove to be a key driver of global growth for Irish companies, helping them to diversify their product base, be competitive, and allow them to build their scale and reach into new markets. “Historically, Enterprise Ireland client companies who have received funding to build their innovation capability have seen tangible exponential growth in their global sales performance.
“Investment in innovation delivers for businesses. “Enter prise Ireland has designed and tailored this new fund to precisely meet the needs of Irish companies – substantial financial support for innovation, localisation and product development, a streamlined online application and a fast-track approval process. “Enterprise innovation is a key differentiator in competitive markets and Enterprise Ireland’s Agile Innovation Fund will assist companies in their innovation agenda. “This fund will enable many Irish companies to respond quickly and effectively to the challenges posed for their business by Brexit.”
Bureau has hit its target for 2017. We have worked extensively throughout the year to bring available international business to Dublin. “Indeed, looking ahead we are forecasting strong growth for 2018 and in fact we are currently targeting business as far out as 2026. Dublin is and will continue to be a competitive and attractive place to hold international events.”
Women can get their start-ups off to real flier APPLICATIONS have opened for Dublin City University’s prestigious Female High Fliers accelerator programme. Run by the DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurs, the 13-week programme supports Ireland’s most promising female-led start-ups. Previous High Flier graduates include Ciara Garvin, founder, Work Juggle (2017); Pamela Newenham, cofounder, GirlCrew (2016); Mary O’Brien, co-founder, Video Doc (2016); and Ciara Donlon, founder and CEO, Theya Healthcare (2015). The closing date for applications is January 23. See www.ryanacademy.ie/ portfolio/female-high-fliers.
GAZETTE
DUBLINLIFE
14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15
Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
FAMILIES: THE COOLEST CHRISTMAS ATTRACTION IN TOWN IS BACK AT THE RDS
Have an ice time at Funderland FAMILIES across the city are looking forward to an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic over the coming months, thanks to Winter Funderland. The beloved Dublin institution is now running from today (Thursday, December 14) until next January 14, with organisers promising an even bigger and better experience than ever. In addition to a terrific range of activities that really put the fun in Funderland, a Christmas market and ice skating rink are in
place to make Funderland the coolest place to be this Christmas. For kids of all ages, but especially for children, dozens of attractions from all across Europe have been brought together at the Simmonscourt Pavilion in the RDS, where Funderland is welcoming people of all ages to join in the fun. The all-new Santa’s Family Roller Coaster is just one of the thrilling experiences awaiting visitors, with some family favourites also ready and waiting to whisk, whirl,
twirl and thrill everyone. This year’s Christmas market, and pretty wooden chalets, offer plenty of treats and trinkets to help find the perfect gift for loved ones (or even just for yourself), while the iSkate-on-ice – Ireland’s largest 1,000 sq m outdoor skating rink – will slip and slide right into the top spot in many visitors’ list of favourites. Funderland has been a highlight of Christmas for Dubs for decades, with the addition of new rides and even more great attractions
promising to make it a hit with all ages for many more years to come. With a range of price points, from wristbands to traditional pay-per-ride options, the organisers have done their best to create an affordable and varied experience for everyone, all under one roof. For further information, including the full list of rides and attractions, see w w w.winter funderland. ie, or call 01 485 3045; for group bookings call 01 685 2439.
People of all ages are in for a real treat, with organisers adding a giant outdoor ice rink to the fun family favourite
GAZETTE
16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
DUBLINLIFE
ON THE RED-CARPET: ADULT LEARNERS’ FESTIVAL 2018 WILL OPEN WITH AWARDS CEREMONY
Aontas launches search for new galaxy of STARs AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is seeking nominations from adult learning initiatives in Dublin for the 12th Annual STAR Awards 2018. The awards recognise the use of innovative approaches in adult and community education. Speaking about the awards, Niamh O’Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of AONTAS, said: “Adult learning is essential to both economic success and to personal, social
and cultural development. “ Eve r y y e a r, t h e STAR Awards are a fantastic occasion to highlight and celebrate the positive impact adult and community education have on the lives of learners around Ireland. “Our award categories focus on promoting wellbeing, social inclusion, digital inclusion, and ensuring that the learner’s voice is heard. “These award categories highlight the huge positive impact adult
and community education have on an individual, their family and the wider community.” Since its inception in 2007, more than 1,000 adult learning initiatives in the arts, mental health, addiction, and disability have been recognised through the STAR Awards. For 2018, nominations are invited under four categories: Adult L e a r n i n g I n i t i a t i ve s that Promote Wellbeing, Adult Learning Initiatives that Promote
Digital Inclusion, Adult Learning Initiatives that Promote Social Inclusion, and Adult Learning Initiatives that Promote the Learner Voice To n o m i n a t e a n adult learning initiative, please visit: www. adultlearnersfestival. awardsplatform.com. The deadline for receipt of nominations is December 14. Winners will be announced at the STAR Aw a r d s c e r e m o ny, which will be the opening event of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2018 in Dublin. The festival begins on March 5 and runs until March 9.
GOING FOR IT WITH €300,000 IN GRANTS A TOTAL of 1,118 groups across Ireland are celebrating the awarding of grants to fund physical activity for older people.
The Go for Life National Grant Scheme from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland last week announced grants totalling almost €300,000. The aim of the grants is to improve the health and wellbeing of older people across the country by providing them with opportunities to engage in physical activity and sport. Groups benefitting this year include Men’s Sheds, ICA guilds, active retirement groups, local sports partnerships, sports clubs, family resource centres, and many others who provide older people with opportunities to get active. Announcing the successful grantees at the Ballybough Community Centre, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin said: “Over the last 17
years, the National Grant Scheme funding has supported and empowered thousands of groups of older people to get more active more often and the record number of applications this year shows the continued importance of the scheme for groups throughout the country. “Programmes like Go for Life, funded by Sport Ireland, will help us reach the targets set out in the National Physical Activity Plan and approximately 30,000 people nationwide will take part in the activities funded by the grants. “ The scheme has awarded over €5.5million in almost 12,000 grants during its lifetime. This year saw a record number of applications and of grants awarded. The number of groups applying continues to grow since the launch of the scheme in 2001.
BEAT COLD TURKEY ON CHRISTMAS DAY A DUBLIN psychology clinic has launched a free service for people with a fear of turkey. The D4 Psychology Clinic in Blackrock, which specialises in clinical hypnotherapy, recently hit the headlines when they helped people overcome their fear of clowns when the horror movie IT was released. After a woman from Manchester beat her turkey fear with hypnosis, the clinic is offering a free online session for anyone with a similar phobia. Speaking about the free service psychologist, Jason O’Callaghan said: “This is not just about a fear of turkey which stops people enjoying Christmas dinner. It’s an issue called
The All Ireland Public Speaking Champions 2017 were Kings of the Hill 16. Pictured, from left, were Teresa Mackin from sponsors Triace Hardware, Macra na Feirme national president James Healy, with competition winners Bryan Tully, Sally Rochford and Grace Stenson
14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
selective eating disorder. This is a gagging relax that happens when you try new foods. “Most of these clients live on chips or chicken nuggets or pizza. “They have a fear of eating foods like turkey in case they choke. “ We h ave h e l p e d countless people using hypnosis. “One lady lived on potato waff les and another man lived on spaghetti hoops. “Both were cured with one session. If anyone wants a free downloadable session to overcome this just contact us at The D4 Clinic.” For more information see www.D4Clinic.ie.
IT’S THE RIGHT ONE FOR ABBEY THEATRE THE Abbey Theatre has announced two weeks of extra dates for their
main winter season production, Let the Right One In. The world-class creative team behind the production includes Tony and Olivier awardwinning director John Tiffany and two-time BAFTA Award-winning writer Jack Thorne, who are also the creators of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Let the Right One In is adapted from John Ajvide Lindqvist’s original Swedish novel and film of the same name It is a tender, funny and brutal love story about the friendship between a lonely teenager called Oskar and a centuries-old but eternally young vampire named Eli who moves in next door. The pair forge a deep connection until a series of mysterious killings
GAZETTE
DIARY tests their relationship. Tickets for teens are €13 with prices ranging from €13-€45 during the run available from abbeytheatre.ie.
TOP MACRA PRIZE FOR HILL 16 CLUB D U B L I N ’ S H i l l 16 Macra club picked up a top prize at the AllIreland final of Macra’s P ublic Speaking and Impromptu Public Speaking competitions last weekend. The competition was sponsored by Triace Hardware Specialists. Macra na Feirme National President James Healy said: “Well done to all our speakers, these competitions are a great way for our members to grow accustomed to speaking in a public forum and I would like to thank Triace for their continued support.”
Young Ballymun, which helps parents improve their child’s literacy, was previously shortlised for a STAR Award
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
Out and About
Carmel Breheny and Maia Dunphy
Pictured are Elaine Diffley, Jill Wright and Audrey Taylor. Pictures: Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic
Kicking the Christmas season off in style O
Kayleigh Cullinan and Orla Molloy and Aoife Donohoe
Paul Williams
Anna Daly
Mary Power and Tracey Moran
VER 320 guests kicked the Christmas season off in style at the Newstalk Christmas Lunch in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation in the Shelbourne Hotel last week. The lunch raised over €30,000 for the Foundation’s cancer programmes and services which are offered free of charge to men and women all over Ireland. Newstalk presenter Shane Coleman was MC for the event.
Yvonne Joy, Carmel O’Shea, Lisa Kwik
Gary Keating, Valerie Keating and Conor McAllister
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DUBLINLIFE
14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
FEATURE
Local hero Suzanne sowing seeds of success in garden MARK O’BRIEN VOLUNTEERING can be one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Whether it’s giving up your time for a charity, a sports club or a local event, volunteers are the unsung heroes that make our communities the vibrant places they are. O n e D u b l i n wo m a n w a s recently recognised for the outstanding work she does in her local community. Suzanne O’Neill was named as the winner in the Animals and Environment category at the Volunteer Ireland Awards. The awards aim to shine a light on the remarkable work of volunteers around the country by celebrating them on a national level. Suzanne has been volunteering in the Community Garden in Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght for over seven years, using her expertise to give advice and guidance on maintaining the garden,
which is a social outlet and safe space for those in unemployment or who are retired. Speaking to Dublin Gazette this week, Suzanne paid tribute to those people and modestly credited them for her achievement. “I was absolutely over the moon but the award was for everybody here in the garden,” she said. “I’m just standing back in the shed at the moment, looking over at the polytunnel and they’re in there and we’re having a party and my heart is full of pride looking at all of them because they’re such a wonderful group of people.” Through Suzanne’s teachings the participants have seen how things can grow and they are able to harvest the fruits of their labours. Ever y month she delivers wo r k s h o p s i n t h e c o m m u nity garden on different topics including floristry, making hanging baskets, vegetable window boxes, composting, garden
design, plants for the different seasons, and maintenance. She said that it’s heartening to see the effect that growing plants has on the group. “What they grow, they’re nurturing a plant and they’re nurturing something and then in return it’s nurturing them.” The group have utilised the polytunnel in the garden to grow melons, tomatoes, and pumpkins and Suzanne has even provided recipes to include the produce that the participants have grown. Suzanne said that she has gained as much as the participants from volunteering at the garden. “I used come out of the job that I was paid in and I used to cry with stress,” she said. “But ever y Wednesday I’d come out into the garden volunteering and my heart would sing so volunteering really has given me a lot as well.” The Community Garden in Sean Walsh Park is open from 11am to 1pm every Wednesday and all are welcome to attend.
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Suzanne O’Neill, top right, recently scooped the top award in the Animals and Environment category at the Volunteer Ireland Awards for the selfless work she does in maintaining the Community Garden at the Sean Walsh Park, above left and right, in Tallaght
I used come out of the job that I was paid in and I used to cry with stress. But every Wednesday I’d come out into the garden volunteering and my heart would sing so volunteering really has given me a lot as well -----------------------------------
14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21
DUBLINLIFE
MUSIC
N O S ’ T A H W
JAMES HENDICOTT PUNK two-piece Vulpynes are only three singles old, but already look a good bet for Dublin music’s next big thing. So what has the lairy pair making waves in London and Berlin? DUBLINERS VULPYNES had an inauspicious start. Formed after drummer/ vocalist Kaz Millar placed an advert on Boards.ie looking to form a band (future partner in crime Maeve Molly McKernan was the first to reply), the post eventually resulted in a four-piece. They played only covers, and lasted mere days. Millar and McKernan had felt something click, though, and after a brief search for a bassist, decided to start making original material, and to go it alone. Their sound takes much of its inspiration from the 90s. It’s raw, nodding distinctly to acts like Hole, Alice in Chains, L7 and Soundgarden. Riddled with reverb, abrasive and fearless, it comes from a band dynamic that was very much full speed ahead from the off. “We started off really determined,” McKernan recalls. “We were just eager to play, and took any gig we were offered. It’s a mentality we’ve kind of continued with. We want to play live, and the more people see us, the more people know us. “It’s a word of mouth thing. With the UK shows, we reached out to promoters the first time around, and since then we’ve been invited back to do shows. We’re going to Berlin this month, too, and back to the UK in 2018.” While relatively underground at least for the uninitiated (it’s based largely around a small handful of labels and venues, though there are surprisingly numerous bands), Dublin has long had a powerful and closeknit punk scene, based around lairy nights out, an enticing community spirit and supportive culture. “It’s a really friendly community of bands,” McKernan explains. “They really want to help each other out, and they love music. It’s that community where we feel at home, and we’ve found it so welcoming. Everyone’s so genuine, with a real community spirit with no back stabbing, and we love it.” While they connected specifically on order to form the band, the stories of Millar and McKernan’s journeys with punk are surprisingly similar. McKernan’s mum introduced her to bands like L7 and Hole at a young age, and now shows her support for Vulpynes by drawing, producing stunning illustrations of the pair as skeletons, or foxes. Millar’s older sister channeled Nirvana and Alice in Chains into her life. Much of the band’s creative spark now happens in a practise room in Whitehall. Shared with several other bands, the space is “too hot in summer and too cold in winter,” but enough to allow the pair to work.
GAZETTE
GAZETTE
20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
E D I U G S T N EVE
with JAMES HENDICOTT
BIMM End of Term Gig
See some of the rock stars of the future as Dublin’s finest music college puts on its end of term show on December 14 at the Button Factory, Temple Bar. They’re keeping the line up under wraps, but it’s a bargain at €5 in (or free for alumni).
Christmas Sing Along at Teelings
Do you love your Christmas carols and cheesy winter pop? Why not join those of a similar humbug-busting bent at THE DETROIT RAPPER RE TURNS Teelings to scream that at ALBUM OF THE WEEK WITH OUR the top of your lungs, and try and win a few prizes? December 17.
Dublin Comic Arts Festival
A change from the usual seasonal fare with a market for independent comics coming to the loveable Token in Smithfield, on December 17. There’s also workshops and talks. You might not have heard of them, but they’re great.
Leinster v Exeter Chiefs
Dublin’s heroes take on the reigning English Champions at the Aviva, the second of a double header over the Christmas season that’s sure to be fiery, and go a long way to deciding Leinster’s top-class Champions Cup group. December 17.
Citywise Winter Wonderland
Santa, Elves, gingerbread men, carol singing, photos and pictures in the sleigh as the Winter Wonderland returns to Citywise Education in Jobstown on December 16 & 17 and 17th. Time for some last gasp Santa fun?.
Swords Castle Christmas Food Fare The songs come together quickly. “We normally write lyrics first. I’m constantly scribbling verses,” McKernan tells us. “Then riffs, and Kaz adds her magic, cutting through it. That we’re done in a couple of hours is a nice uncomplicated reality for a two piece. I like my guitar to sound distorted, but not too hazy, not too muddy.” So far, the singles have been a stark statement. ‘OCD’ is a brash if oddly positive ode to the condition, with abrasive riffs and throat-battering lyrics. ‘Terry Said’ is a little less direct, written about a stranger in a Dublin bar, with almost sneeringly dank choruses. The newest release, ‘Silica’ is the best yet, unapologetically in your face and bitter, with deeptoned chords that almost twist McKernan’s guitar into a bass-like snarl. “The two piece thing does seem to be kind of fashionable,” the pair admit, “but we
never planned it, it’s just how things worked out. I love the White Stripes, because they’re not afraid to just write good songs, they never try to fill up something that isn’t there. “They’re just good songs. We’d relate more to them then someone like Royal Blood, who just sound a bit overproduced to us. We’re really as raw sounding as possible. That’s what we want to do, and it’ll be the same when we come to doing an album.” The future is bright for the pair, and in the short term will see the boisterous two-piece playing extensively over Christmas and New Year, including a Hot Press showcase in January. “We have a few plans for the New Year, but we don’t really plan too far ahead,” McKernan tells us. “We’re always very busy, but we like it that way. We noticed the other day that it’s been almost six months since we put out a single,
back in July, and it’s just flown by. We’re going to try and get something physically released next year. The next step is an EP, probably in the first quarter or so of the year, and probably a video, too.” In passing, McKernan mentions two key chords on which she bases much of her guitar part. It’s an aesthetic, of course, but also distinctly punk rock, about being raw, direct and sticking to a tone as much as delivering a melody. The passion for their project is clear to see in everything the duo say. As a well known twist on the old saying goes, ‘love is like punk: not dead’. Whatever the pair do, it’s sure to be done with passion. The result is one noisy, relentless party. Catch Vulypnes at the Dando Christmas Sessions, Fibber Magees, December 30, or at the Hot Press Tramlines show on January 15.
A visit to the beautiful Swords Castle is always a worthwhile adventure, but with this host of seasonal stalls dropping in for the weekend, there’s now a nice munch on offer, too. Why wouldn’t you? December 16 and 17.
Guided Walks at the National Botanic Gardens
Explore Christmas-loving plants at one of the city’s most beautiful gardens, as the staff put on a walk to explore the seasons for €5 per person. Ask at the visitor centre for information.
The Strypes
The young rockers who’ve found levels of acclaim that have seen them play Slane and complete a Japanese tour as barely post-teens. The Strypes won’t be playing venues as small as Whelan’s for much longer. December 21.
New album of the week
Eminem - Revival The Detroit rapper might have been taking it slow for a while now, but his pre-Christmas return in ‘Revival’ - his first album since 2013 - is sure to make a splash, especially as Ed Sheeran, Beyonce and Pink appear as guests.
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22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
DUBLINLIFE
How to feast on Christmas turkey and trimmings and still keep trim DID you know.... On Christmas Day people can eat and drink their way through up to 6,000 calories - that’s up to three times what we need in an average day. When it comes to Christmas, most of us expect to gain at least a few extra pounds and hope to shed them in the New Year, but for those seriously trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss, Christmas can be a trying time. So, the people at the Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute, have put together some tips to help you through the festive season. Don’t starve yourself Over Christmas it’s better to aim to keep weight steady than to try to actively lose it. There is nothing like avoiding every bit of party food to bring on the urge to give up the whole diet and splurge. Have a little of what you fancy. Pick one or two parties over Christmas where you can indulge - but keep it to just one or two - and remem-
ber Christmas Day counts as one! Choose wisely Between work and family many of us have more than one party to go to and, at this time of year, the food tends towards the high fat and stodgy or the sugary and sweet. Start by having some of the lower calorie options salads, fruit and bread before you head for the sausage rolls and mince pies. Be careful what you buy Christmas is a great excuse to fill up the shopping trolley with tins of biscuits and boxes of sweets but who is going to end up eating them? If you are only having guests over for one day at Christmas, buy just what you need for that day. You don’t need to stock-
pile goodies ‘just in case’. You could also buy healthier nibbles such as satsumas and other seasonal fruits such as mango, unsalted nuts or chestnuts as they are the only low fat nut, reduced fat crisps, popcorn or pretzels, dried fruit such as dates, figs or apricots, bread sticks with tomato salsa or low-fat yoghurt dips. Plan Ahead As most of us are very busy during December, we may be tempted to opt for take-aways and junk food. Having some standbys in the house can help. Beans on toast is a quick, nutritious meal or tr y stocking the freezer with cartons of fresh soups. If you are cooking dishes such as stews or casseroles, make some extra and freeze it and y o u d o n ’t h ave t o worry about cooking
Doing some extra walking or sessions at the gym will help to balance out the extra food you’re eating
FOOD&DRINK
People can eat and drink their way through up to 6,000 calories on Christmas Day
when you come in from a busy day. On Christmas Day For starters, try melon, other fresh fruits or smoked salmon. Homemade soup can be a warming low-calorie starter, try adding some seasonal butternut squash. Top with low fat creme fraiche and some fresh parsley rather than cream. Turkey meat is good, however avoid the skin as this is high in fat. W h e n roasting potatoes leave them
whole rather than cutting them small as the smaller they are the more fat they will absorb. Roast separately from the turkey to cut out the animal fat. Fill up on plenty of vegetables but avoid adding butter or rich sauces. Steam your vegetables rather than boil to hold on to those valuable vitamins and minerals. Gravy is a must for turkey but allow the juices to settle so you can skim off all fat before making. Use low fat custard or creme fraiche instead of cream or brandy butter with pudding. Try a fruit compote by stewing your favourite berries with plums and apples with a pinch of cinnamon. When you feel full, stop eating! Christmas Cheer We do more drinking at Christmas that at any other t i m e of the year a n d alcohol is a big problem if trying to keep your weight stable. Not only does it contain calories itself (one pint of beer has around 200 calories) it also leads to low blood sugar, which makes you feel hungrier. Try to have a glass of water for every second drink. This
will not only reduce the calories, but will also help the hangover. Mixing wine with mineral water is another way to cut back on calories. If you have a lot of parties to go to, try not to drink at all of them and bringing the car with you has the added benefit of not having to queue for taxis! Entertaining at home Appetisers don’t always have to be crisps and sausage rolls. Raw vegetables like carrots, celery and cauliflower chopped and served with dips such as salsa are tasty and low in calories, as are olives with thin slices of French bread. Have fruit-based desserts such as apple crumble and frozen yoghurt available as well as ice cream to go with it. If you are having traditional desserts like Christmas pudding, go for custard made with low-fat milk rather than cream. You are unlikely to be the only person watching your weight - your friends may thank you for thinking of lower calorie options. Get some exercise Most of us have a few days off over Christmas, which makes it a great time to get some exercise. Doing some extra walking or sessions at the gym will help to balance out the extra food you’re eating. Walking in the fresh air is also one of the best hangover cures - so now you have two reasons to get going.
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14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
DUBLINFITNESS
CHECK OUT www.kickstartfitness.ie
NUTRITION: FORGET POPULAR FADS – A SENSIBLE DIET APPROACH BEARS LONG-TERM FRUITS
Some dietary hits and myths to be aware of in your foods Sinead McSorley is a qualified nutritionist with more than five years’ experience in the field. Sinead has a particular passion for the area of sports nutrition, and is currently undertaking a SINEAD MCSORLEY Masters in sports nutrition. info@dublingazette.com DID you know that by staying away from five particular foods you can lose the weight you want to within a week and never be hungry? And did you also know that drinking one glass of wine a day can give you the same health benefits as one hour of hard exercise? Oh, and before I forget, if you drink nothing but antioxidant-enriched juices for three to five days straight, you will never get sick! Does all that sound too good to be true? Well, that’s because it is! Unfor tunately, the diet, health and exercise community is rife with unsubstantiated claims and myths on how to lose weight, drop body fat and get that ‘summer body’. While most of the claims hyped in popular magazines and newspapers are just flat-out wrong or vastly overhyped, some do have a lot of truth to
them – so how do we know the difference? We look to science for the answers, that’s how! Most people don’t have hours (or years, in my case) to review all the literature, so I have broken it down into six key principles, as follows. These principles are based not only on research, but also backed on the scientific opinion of industry leaders whom I greatly respect.
1. Calorie balance The reality is calorie intake and body weight have a direct relationship with each other. Body weight is massively important to your health; being too high or too low will impact your everyday life. In terms of healthy eating for fat-loss, most people will get everything else right, they will buy the ‘health’ foods but they fail to get the calorie balance correct.
This is where you need to start.
2. Food composition While the number of calories you eat will be the biggest contributing factor to your body composition goal, there is a concept of ‘healthy’ foods, and it will benefit you in terms of long-term health to fill your calories with nutrient-dense foods. 3. Macronutrient amounts When constructing your food intake plan, ensure that you are consuming at least the minimum amounts of macro-nutrients, protein, fats and carbohydrates. Don’t allow certain ‘Interest groups’ to influence and demonise nutrients – we all need protein, fats and carbs, and none of these are bad for you. 4. Nutrient timing For the majority of us, three to five meals per day are what works best. We all lead busy lifestyles, and my advice is don’t stress over this, find what works for you and go with it. If you like three big meals a day, do that – but if smaller and more frequent meals work, then do that.
To promote energy and alleviate craving, try to space your meals out with an even spread of nutrients.
5. Hydration To be hydrated is to have enough body water to support life. How can you tell if you’re hydrated? Well, it’s easy – your urine should be clear, or a light yellow colour, and you should urinate in high volumes at regular times.
We’ve all heard of the Food Pyramid – but it’s also very useful to know of the Diet Circles, with a number of overlapping areas that provide a great way to focus on a sensible, healthy way to eat the foods that are best for you
6. Supplements Sort out principles 1-5, and in that order, and then look to your supplements. There are, however, some essentials, and I will cover them in another article. The take-home message It is impor tant to remember that health is both deteriorated by and improved by diet (very slowly). I believe that food should be enjoyed, not restricted, which is why our fat-loss plan produces great results that are maintained long-term. A good place to start on your healthy fat-loss journey is a good fat-loss plan – it’s much more than just a diet plan, it’s science.
While some people may be focused on getting a ‘beach body’, it’s much more important to focus on developing and then maintaining a healthy, balanced diet that suits your own body’s unique nutritional needs
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24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
DUBLINMOTORING
FASTNews
Some of the team from Renault Ireland who rolled up their sleeves to help Crosscare deliver more than 600 packages in one day
Renault gears up for charity drive with Crosscare RENAULT Ireland has teamed up with social
support charity Crosscare to provide food and other important supplies to those in need this Christmas. A fleet of five Renault vans recently travelled around Dublin and Wicklow to collect donations of non-perishable items such as tinned food, soft drinks, cereals and toiletries. Twenty Renault Ireland staff then spent a full day packaging up the donations, which will be delivered by Crosscare to people in local communities in the run up to the festive season. The Crosscare team usually delivers 100 packages a week, but with the help of the Renault team, they delivered 600 packages in one day. Crosscare is a social support agency which provides a range of social care, community and youth work services across the whole of the Dublin Archdiocese. They provide 500,000 meals to those in need and continue to play a significant role in the provision of services to people affected by poverty in the Dublin area. Currently they employ over 500 staff with over 1,500 of volunteers in locations throughout the greater Dublin area and Wicklow.
Suzuki’s Swift can put a smile on your face in association with
Suzuki upgraded the Swift compact car during 2017 with improved performance and edging in some additional interior space to a smiling looking car design. The new car is lighter and more economical than in the past, while pitched higher in price than some of the mainstream competition, as MICHAEL MORONEY found out.
THERE’S something about the design and stance of the new Suzuki Swift that makes you want to smile. This is a car that feels it’s friendly towards you the moment you set eyes upon it; there’s a sort of Toy Story look to the Swift that’s part of its immediate appeal. Under that smiling design Suzuki have make some significant changes to make this new Swift a more appealing car. The new Swift is lighter and shorter than before and between engine design changes and the use of a new vehicle structure, Suzuki have shaved 100kg from the weight of this small car. So while the overall dimensions of the car are more compact, Suzuki has stretched the wheelbase, that is the distance
Suzuki Swift 1.0 Boosterjet Engine 1.0 litre Engine power 111hp 0 – 100km/hr 10 seconds Economy 20m/litre (5.0/100km or 56.5mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 37 litres CO2 emissions 114g/km Road Tax Band A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 4 Star (Safety Pack) Warranty 3 years/100,000km Entry Price €16,995 front to rear between the wheels, to give more internal space for the driver and passengers. There is a slightly wider feel to the new Swift so this compact city type car never feels cramped, unless you pack in four very large adults. Part of the new Suzuki Swift transformation
comes with some engine changes. The car gets a new 1.0 litre three-cylinder Boosterjet engine that’s lively to drive. This engine is rated at 111bhp, which is more powerful than some of the equivalent cars on the market and its acceleration pace impresses at 10 seconds in a 0 to 100km/
hr race. The Suzuki Boosterjet engine uses a combination of turbo-charging and direct inject to achieve this impressive performance. And that includes good torque which, in the automatic version that I drove, reaches its best at a low 1700rpm on the engine. This allows for smooth speed changes in the automatic version. I liked the six-speed gearbox, while it took a little getting used to. There is a D and M setting on the automatic gearbox lever, and it’s all too easy to engage M when really you want the convenience of D for drive, without having to move the lever again. The Swift is an economical little car, whether its city driving or longer distances, both of which it’s well able for. My test drive was just about 25% off the
rated economy figure of 20m/litre (5.0/100km or 56.5mpg) and that meant that I achieved a range of well over 500km on the full 37 litre capacity fuel tank. This tank capacity is lower than most of the competition, so expect to visit the petrol station that little bit more often. There is a SHVS mild hybrid version of the Swift available that gives even better fuel economy and a lower CO2 emission figure of 97g/km. The system also uses a compact high performance 12V lithiumion battery placed under the front passenger seat to
Jeep gets 2018 ready with competitive Compass AHEAD of its arrival in January, Jeep Ireland has revealed pricing and specification details for its latest SUV, the new Compass. And with a starting price of just €27,995 for the 120bhp 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel engine version, the new Compass is competitive. In Ireland, the Compass engine range includes three diesel engines and a petrol 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, delivering 140bhp at 5,000 rpm in combination with the six-speed manual gearbox and 4x2 configuration. The diesel range comprises the efficient 1.6-litre MultiJet engine delivering 120bhp
at 3,750 rpm, as well as a 2.0-litre MultiJet engine delivering 140bhp at 3,750 rpm. Both of these engines are mated to the sixspeed manual transmission, with the latter coming in a 4x4 drive. A higher output version of the 2.0-litre MultiJet engine delivering 170bhp in combination with the nine-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 completes the engine offerings available on the new Compass. Three equipment levels of Jeep Compass are offered in Ireland: Sport, Longitude and Limited. The entry level Sport version’s standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy
wheels, LED tail lights, leather steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, cruise control, forward collision warning plus, lane departure warning plus and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. The new Compass is the first Jeep SUV to offer the new Uconnect system. This system has been improved to include enhanced processing power, faster start-up times and touch screens that display high-resolution graphics. The new Jeep Compass has attained a five-star Euro NCAP score and offers more than 70 available active and passive safety and security features.
The new Jeep Compass has a distinctive, contemporary design with a wide stance. Entry prices start at €27,995
14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25
in association with
The new Ford Transit Custom blends style with productivity FORD’S new Transit Custom one-tonne van has a fresh new design and claims enhanced productivity for businesses users. Powered by the Ford EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, Ford claims that the Transit Custom has been re-engineered to offer significant new features and capabili-
The new Transit Custom van
ties including a new ECOnetic
front-end design with three-bar Tran-
van variant delivering improved fuel
sit grille. The cabin area is completely
efficiency and 148 g/km CO2 emissions.
new and claims to offer the best-in-
Ford claims that this new engine
ergonomics, and easy connectivity with
and performance benefits compared to
SYNC 3 or MyFord Dock options.
the previous 2.2-litre diesel, with fuelThis new third generation Suzuki Swift is a lighter and more agile car for city driving with compact outer dimensions, while retaining good internal cabin space. Entry prices start at €20,995.
The dash layout for the Suzuki Swift is clear with analogue dials and a large centremounted infotainment screen and (right) the three-cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine
store energy and adding only 6.2kg to the overall weight of the car. The Swift’s compact outer dimensions can belie impressive interior space. Suzuki claims to have improved headroom in the rear and that was welcome for me as I brought home the Christmas tree after folding down the Swift’s rear seats. I was impressed that the car extended its load area so well, but it’s still shorter and less spacious than some of the
competition such as the new Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra or Volkswagen Polo. The boot area was compromised not just in its smaller capacity but also by the fact that not only did it have no spare wheel, there wasn’t even a jack present. I was unfortunate to clip a sharp kerb nicking the Swift’s front tyre and without the necessary and basic tools I have no option but to call for tyre fitting help.
Luckily, I was near Roscommon town at the time and could locate a mobile tyre fitting service. There was an additional problem in that the Bridgestone 165/55 R16 tyre is a little uncommon, so the search for a replacement took some time. You simply never realise how important tyre size and availability are until stuck in my predicament. The Swift comes with claims of improved safety features and the higher
specification ‘Safety Pack’ version was the one that achieved the four-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The car is well equipped in a safety sense with six airbags, ABS brakes with EBD & brake assist, side impact protection beams, lane departure warning, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, tyre pressure monitor, hill hold control and high beam assist lighting. Entry prices for the new Suzuki Swift start at €16,995 which is reasonably competitive for a car that is more economical and better to drive than ever before. All versions come with air conditioning, DAB Radio, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and Bluetooth fitted as standard on all new Swift models. If you opt for the six-speed automatic version then you add €4,000 to the price.
class stowage, improved comfort and
delivers significant cost of ownership
The new Transit Custom is the first
efficiency improved by up to 13% and
commercial vehicle to offer Intelligent
low-end torque enhanced by 20%. The
Speed Assist, a feature that could help
updated model offers a new ECOnetic
prevent drivers from exceeding speed
variant that delivers 148 g/km CO2
limits, and potentially from incurring
emissions and 5.7 l/100 km (49.6 mpg)
costly speeding penalties.
fuel efficiency, a further 6% improve-
It is available in two roof heights,
ment over the most efficient current
two wheelbase options, a gross vehicle
vehicle.
mass range from 2.6 tonnes to 3.4
The new Transit Custom has a new
tonnes offering payloads up to 1,450 kg.
Mini may go all-electric in US BMW may make its Mini brand all-electric in the US, according to new reports as the Germany car company looks for partners to lower the cost of electrifying the brand. BMW plans to launch an electric Mini in 2019 and the company has hinted that in the US market at least, Mini could become an entirely electric brand, aimed at urban consumers, according to a senior company executive and board member. Building smaller electric cars is challenging both in terms of financial costs, and because of the engineering problem of fitting batteries with sufficient range into a smaller car package. BMW builds Mini vehicles at its main factory in Oxford, England.
GAZETTE
26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
DUBLINLIFE Chantilly Lace Blouse Red €395
Exciting exhibition Hi! Fashion opens EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
AN exciting exhibition “Hi! Fashion” which explores and celebrates fashion design from Ireland and Japan hosted by the OPW, commissioned by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) and curated by Gemma A. Williams opened in Farmleigh Gallery on 1st December. Showcasing garments from ground-breaking fashion designers spanning six decades, the exhibition celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan. Hosted by the OPW in partnership with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, Hi! Fashion will feature works including a gown from the first collection by celebrated Irish designer Sybil Connolly who launched her couture line in 1957. It also presents the work of other internationally renowned Irish designers including John Rocha, recognised as one of this country’s best designers, Lainey Keogh who transformed the face of Irish knitwear and Úna Burke whose designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Daphne Guinness amongst others. The exhibition will also include the work of Japanese visionary Issey Miyake, master tailor Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons who is responsible for dramatically changing what we think of as fashion. Garments have been sourced globally from museum collections, designer archives and collectors as well as newly created pieces. Curated by Williams and designed in collaboration with award-winning Irish design studio ROJI, Hi! Fashion is open at Farmleigh Gallery and will run until 29th April 2018.
SHE’S SO
Lovely EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
IRISH designer Catriona Hanly’s autumn winter collection is an opulent feast for the eyes. The beautiful campaign was shot at Kilronan Castle in Roscommon and features a range of statement blouses. The blouses, which are composed of Chantilly lace and silk organza, demonstrate the designer’s unique eye for rich fabrics, delicate textures and classic colour. An utterly feminine collection overall is juxtaposed by the introduction of some tuxedo style tailoring – in keeping with the demands of the year. Loved by celebrities from both Ireland and further afield, Catriona Hanly is stocked in the Design Centre, Havana Boutique and Emporium Kalu. Visit catrionahanly.com.
14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27
GAZETTE
STYLE
Benefit PoreFessional pearl primer €34
NYX Professional Make Up Slide On Lip Pencil €8
Inglot eyelashes €10
Inglot eyeliner gel €15
Coco Blouse €395
Catrice The Ultimate Chrome Collection Eyeshadow Palette 010, €5.50
Catrice IcoNails Gel Lacquer 05 IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT RED, €2.95
Delarom Rich Lip Balm 15ml, €18
Catrice Strobe to Glow Highlighter Stick 010, €4.95 Karina jacket €495 and trousers €295
NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick – Highlight & Contour €14
ON the twelfth day of Christmas myself gave to me… Keep your make up bag topped up and bursting with silly season must haves for the many nights out of December. Our top picks include a number of affordable products, from highlighters to lipliners, to keep you looking glam for your Christmas party...
Benefit Bigger and Bolder brow set €38.50
Chantilly cream blouse €395
Ivy blouse €295
Catrice Liquid Lip Powder 030, €4.50
He-Shi Bronze Me Beautiful Gift Set €25
GAZETTE
28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 December 2017
DUBLINLIFE ReelReviews
DISASTER ARTIST It’s anything but...
TOMMY Wiseau’s 2003 film, The Room, has gone down in history as one of the (unintentionally) worst films ever made – and The Disaster Artist (Cert 15A, 105 mins) delivers a hilariously entertaining look at how the titanic turkey came about. James Franco excels in this labour of love, as he portrays the eccentric, one-of-a-kind actor-director while he created his infamous contribution to cinema.
An extended family’s refined, wealthy surface masks some unpleasant realities in director Michael Haneke’s latest
BATTLE OF THE SEXES
HAPPY END: CALAIS-SET FAMILY DRAMA IS A BITING BUT BRILLIANT SATIRE
A oui bit cold and cruel
THERE’S no love lost in this bitterly dark satire from acclaimed director Michael Haneke. Happy End (Cert 15A, 107 mins) is set against the Calais refugee crisis, although unfolding as it does around the drama of an upper-middle class family, you’d be forgiven for overlooking the factual backdrop. Targeting the apathy and deep-seated indifference of higher society, Haneke revisits the thematic threads that have linked all his work – actually, Happy End is a sequel of sorts to the Oscar-winning Amour (2012), which was also nabbed the Palme D’Or at Cannes, Haneke’s second time securing the prestigious award. However, as much as it
MARTIN MACNAMARA
works through the Austrian director’s preferred subjects – racial tension, social apathy, familial strife, suicide and euthanasia (hefty subjects, to say the least) – Happy End is also, shockingly enough, a wickedly funny film. Those familiar with Haneke’s work may indeed be astounded; his is an oeuvre that rarely takes time to offer any humour. Here, one can’t help but laugh at the trivial dramas of contemporary Europe-
an affluence in the midst of an era-defining crisis. Jean-Louis Trintingent and Isabelle Huppert return to the father-daughter roles they portrayed in Amour: retired construction magnate Georges Laurent and his daughter Anne, who now runs the company. While George struggles with depression and suggested dementia, Anne battles with her wayward son, Pierre (Franz Rogowoski), who is also battling his own demons. Amidst this drama, Anne’s brother, Thomas (Mathieu Kassovitz), who also lives with them in their huge Calais mansion, takes over the care of his somewhat estranged preteen daughter, Eve (Fantine Harduin).
Eve, we learn in the film’s prologue (covertly filmed with a smart phone camera), has secretly poisoned her mother with sedatives, who is now in a coma. With all the twisted soap opera dramatics, we rarely give thought to the humanitarian crisis going on down the road. However, as the narrative unfolds, Haneke lets the real-world drama slowly seep through the cracks in the Laurent family’s mundane existence – a gradual, damning condemnation of what we as a society often choose to ignore in favour of more trivial endeavours. Stylistically, Happy End is textbook Haneke – the director’s favoured long takes, wide angles and
sudden, violent cuts are all here with his trademark, unwavering camera eye. As always, we invade the day-to-day of family life as a voyeur, observing the drama from doorways, around corners and from the opposite ends of hallways. Here, however, Haneke also chooses to frame his narrative with an abundance of technological devices – CCTV footage, smartphone cameras and computer screens. Consequently, any possibility of intimacy is denied to the viewer; Happy End is perhaps Haneke’s coldest, most detached project yet, even if it offers a whole lot more humour and a great deal less violence (don’t worry, there’s a bit of that
here too). The cast of Haneke stalwarts and newcomers pull plenty of humanity and depth into the family’s shallow existence – Huppert and Trintingent are terrific, as usual; newcomer Fantine Harduin shines as a young, burgeoning sociopath. Expertly crafted, brilliantly acted, disturbing, cynical, hilarious and often shocking, Happy End stops just short of being another masterpiece for Haneke. Those familiar with the director’s work will often feel like they’re retreading familiar territory – still, when the journey’s as visually pleasing and brutally gratifying as this, who cares? Verdict: 9/10
Game for a good movie
A REAL-life sports feud carries a serious message behind its breezy facade, with The Battle of the Sexes (Cert 12A, 121 mins) serving up an entertaining but also thoughtful film. Emma Stone and Steve Carell are great as tennis champs Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, whose 1973 grudge match put gender equality in the centre court, as each took their best shots at defending their differences.
SUBURBICON
Nasty neighbours galore THE FILM poster has lots of multi-star praise – but many film critics have slated this misfiring dud from director George Clooney. Suburbicon (Cert 15A, 104 mins) takes a look at the darkness behind idyllic suburbia in late 1950s America, but the lurking violence and latent racism the film portrays aren’t exactly shocking, with the current climate in America hurting the film’s narratives.
14 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
Take the stress out of the January sales Heritage in Killenard SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor
SOME of us haven’t even started our Christmas shopping but the more organised spenders out there might already be looking ahead to the January sales. It can be tough trekking around boutiques all day long laden down with bargains – but a retail-themed hotel stay can take the stress out of the most manic retail hunt. The Heritage in Killenard is offering a special shopping package with a day out at Kildare Village followed by a spa experience at the fivestar facility. You can enjoy a onenight break with a 10% discount card and €30 gif t card for K ildare Village, courtesy of the hotel. Located in the charming countryside of Co Laois, The Heritage is known for its exceptional facilities, impeccable service and world-class dining. Rates for the Luxury Shopping Package start from €109.50 per person sharing and includes
overnight deluxe accommodation with breakfast and access to The Heritage Spa Experience and a €30 voucher for Kildare Village (www. theheritage.com). Alternatively why not shop your way into the New Year at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin? Hit the sales with a chic and stylish break, enjoy a cocktail on arrival (choose from the signature apple strudel or snowflake), dine on seasonal menus and recharge the batteries. Take a break between December 27 and 29 with one night including Super Breakfast and dinner in V’nV Restaurant from €150 per person based on two people sharing (w w w.radissonblu.com/royalhoteldublin). If you fancy getting out of town how about a five-star fashion fix at The Savoy in Limerick? In the heart of vibrant downtown Limerick and only a short stroll from the city’s retail quarter, The Savoy is perfectly placed for guests to shop until they drop. Brown Thomas is only
Enjoy a cocktail at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin
The Savoy in Limerick is perfectly placed for guests to shop until they drop
a short walk away and you can avail of a €30 gift card for the luxury lifestyle store courtesy of the hotel. You can take a break from browsing with afternoon tea with Prosecco ser ved in the plush library, or a dip in
the pool and a spot of relaxation in the thermal suite. The boutique break is priced from €145 per person sharing and includes an overnight stay in an Executive Guest Room, a €30 Brown Thomas voucher,
Prosecco afternoon tea for two people in The Library, a late breakfast the following morning (served until 12 noon) and a late checkout (2pm) plus complimentary valet parking. Visit www.savoylimerick.com for details.
Spoil yourself with a spa experience at the five-star Heritage in Killenard
30 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
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14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 33
SOCCER P35
DUBLINSPORT
Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community
Leinster are looking to make it four wins from four in the European Champions Cup next Saturday. Picture: Martin Doherty
RUGBY: LEINSTER ON THE BRINK OF QUARTER-FINAL QUALIFICATION
Cullen ready to chop and change for the hectic Christmas battles JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
LEO Cullen’s Leinster can push to the brink of qualification for the European Champions Cup quarter-finals if they can back up their hugely impressive victory over the Exeter Chiefs last Sunday. An 18-8 victory at Sandy Park cemented the province’s status as one of the favourites for the competition and a repeat victory in front of a large home crowd will further augment that reputation. “The Aviva games are huge for the club,” Cullen told the Dublin Gazette ahead of Saturday’s tie. “47,000 people coming out shows the strength of Leinster rugby, it’s a real point of difference
for Leinster. They’re showcases, special events that allow us to compete with teams around Europe, against the TV money that’s on offer in England and France. We’re competing against that all the time. “Exeter won the English league ahead of the champions of Europe in Saracens and ahead of Wasps. They’re a strong club that has built slowly, in the right way, and they’re really difficult to play.” It continues a hectic month for Leinster in a season which has already presented new challenges. The double-header trip to South Africa in the Pro-14 in September is recalled as being “logistically difficult” with Leinster playing “guinea pigs”.
But the Christmas season holds its own challenges with the Exeter contest followed by games with Munster, Connacht and Ulster in quick succession. “It’s very attritional but we have a really strong squad, which is becoming more important. We’re trying to make sure things like the South Africa trip don’t have any long term effect. “When you play those away games, we’d normally fly home the night of the game but obviously that can’t happen in South Africa. We flew home and couldn’t train until Wednesday for a game on Friday. “It’s not ideal but it’s the reality of how you play now. It’s very squad focused, and it’s probably
one of the things that attracts players to Irish clubs over others. “We do care for our players and we think a lot about the best man in. We’ll be chopping and changing throughout Christmas, as that’s the nature of it.” The recent confirmation of Jordi Murphy’s departure for Ulster, after coming through the Leinster youth system, is a case in point. “We have to deal with these things on a case by case basis,” Cullen explained. “It’s a highly competitive environment to be in. Obviously Jordi’s weighed up his options and decided his future lies elsewhere. We’re really sad to see him go, he was a great contributor.”
ASDFSDAF P27 RUGBY P34
GAZETTE
FOOTBALL P36-37
GAZETTE
34 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
SPORT
WOMEN’SHockey
RUGBY: DUBLIN 4 SIDE CONTINUE UNBLEMISHED START TO CAMPAIGN
Aisling Naughton celebrates. Picture: Deryck Vincent
Railway breach top four as Pembroke down Town RAILWAY Union moved into the top four in the women’s EY Hockey League for the first time his season as Kate Lloyd scored with 10 minutes to go to win the Dublin 4 derby. Pembroke had the services of Irish internationals Emily Beatty and Gillian Pinder, giving them an extra impetus and they went ahead in the 15th minute. Beatty created it when her shot came off goalkeeper Riona Norton and Alice Ward finished the second phase nicely. Hannah de Burgh Whyte equalised 10 minutes later when she got the final shot off from a corner to make it 1-1. Jean McDonnell put Railway in front seven minutes after half-time but Pembroke were not going away easily and they were level when former Railway player Orla Macken with an excellent strike from a corner. Lloyd finished off a Railway corner move, though, to win it soon after in spite of a concerted late Pembroke charge. Pembroke bounced back a day later, however, to beat Hermes-Monkstown 1-0 and move up a place in the table with Aisling Naughton scoring against her former club. They made the best of the early exchanges with Erika Hinkson seeing a corner move deflected wide before Naughton got on the end of Gillian Pinder’s shot with a lovely finish for the only goal. Pembroke carried that lead into half-time and went close to another when Hinkson intercepted between the two centre halves but Liz Murphy kept out her strike. HermesMonkstown awoke to draw Iseult Cambay into a couple of saves but Pembroke remained the more attacking force for much of the tie and grasped the three points. At the top, UCD retained their slender one point lead over Cork Harlequins thanks to a single Abbie Russell goal in the first quarter, seeing off Ards. Cork beat Loreto 3-1 with two late goals doing the damage.
Lansdowne celebrate a crucial try against UCD last weekend
Lansdowne pitch perfect sport@dublingazette.com
ALL-conquering Lansdowne claimed their tenth straight league victory to keep up their unblemished Ulster Bank League Division 1A run, beating UCD 46-30. The highlight of their latest success on Saturday was a hat-trick of tries from tricky scrum half Alan Bennie. The eager crowd were treated to 11 tries in all, six of which came in a very entertaining first half that saw Lansdowne shoot out into a 10-3 lead inside the opening ten minutes. Winger Mark O’Keefe, whose brace of tries took
his season’s haul to six, and Bennie both did a lot of damage with their pace off the mark and eye for a gap, and three of the hosts’ first half tries were finished off in the right corner. UCD, who trailed 25-15 at the break, hung in there despite regularly leaking scores. Stephen McVeigh notched their first try after his back row colleague Alex Penny had charged down a kick, and their second was a team effort to which centre Stephen Murphy applied the finish. They had the margin down to two points thanks to prop Liam Hyland’s early second half touchdown, convert-
LIFESAVERS Super success for Irish national team in Leeds THE Irish National Masters Life-Saving
team, based at Inspire Leisure Centre in Dublin 7, took a magnificent silver medal place at the recent international Life Saving Championships held in Leeds 50-metre pool in England. The seven-strong team took home a total of 18 individual event medals, narrowly missing out on the overall top spot in the field of 16 teams. Individual winners included Laura Mulhair in the ladies’ 30-39 age group, Patricia Kelly in the 50-59 division and David Browne in the men’s 40-49s.
ed by 10-point out-half Harry Byrne. However, in between a yellow card for both sides, Lansdowne’s f o r w a r d p owe r w a s rewarded with a penalty try and a 32-22 cushion. With Bennie topping up his tally and replacement Adam Boland also getting over the whitewash, Lansdowne had a relatively untroubled finish, yet UCD made sure they collected a deserved bonus point - their eighth of both varieties in this 10-game block - when young fullback Steven Kilgallen, who was excellent under the high ball, crossed. Elsewhere, Tony Ryan rescued a hard-fought
17-13 win for Clontarf as his late try denied a determined Dublin University. Ryan showed his experience as he took a terrific line onto a pass to score in the corner in the dying minutes, as Trinity were left to rue their errorstrewn finish to the game. Clontarf had five points to spare when they entertained the students last week, and a similarly tight affair was in the offing on Saturday when two James Fennelly penalties had Trinity leading 6-3 at the break. Into the second half, Cian O’Donoghue crossed in the corner with David Joyce adding a classy con-
version. Trinity conjured up a superb response as American flanker Alex McDonald thundered through a gap and linked with fullback Michael Silvester who seared away from the cover to notch his seventh try of the league run. Fennelly’s successful conversion gave Smeeth’s charges a three-point buffer. But Tarf showed their cutting edge when it mattered most as O’Donoghue was fed from a scrum and thundered down the wing, sucking in two defenders, before the supporting Ryan found a gap and struck out wide for the decisive score.
14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 35
GAZETTE
DELICIOUS DOZEN
CROSSCountry
Crumlin closing in on St Kevin’s in U-19 league CRUMLIN closed the gap at the top of the
LSL Charles and Paddy Lee Under-19 division thanks to a comprehensive victory over basement side Whitehall Rangers last Sunday morning. The 12-0 win put them within a point of leaders St Kevin’s Boys with a game in hand.St Francis, though are also in with a shout with two games in hand, sitting in fourth place.
SOCCER: UNDERAGE INTERNATIONAL SNAPPED UP
Raheny Shamrocks make their mark on European Championships stage
Brian Maher has been snapped up by St Patrick’s Athletic.
Maher gets big gig with St Patrick’s LOI PREMIER DIVISION sport@dublingazette.com
BRIAN Maher has put pen to paper on his first professional contract, with the goalkeeper committing himself to St Patrick’s Athletic for the 2018 season. The former Raheny United and St Kevin’s Boys star has spent the last two seasons at the Saints, captaining the club’s Under-17 side while also lining out for the Under-19s, but will now provide cover for Barry Murphy and Lukasz Skowron.
Having just turned 17, Maher will not sit his Leaving Certificate until June 2019 but hopes if he works hard then he will be giving an opportunity in the first team. “I signed for this club as a 15-year-old because I knew that if I performed well that there were opportunities to progress. Liam [Buckley] told me this when I first signed and he’s been true to his word,” Maher said at the announcement of his arrival. “Liam has said that it’s about getting myself ready to be playing in
first team games so I’ve just got to work hard and see where it takes me, and hopefully I’ll get my chance somewhere down the line. The training sessions at a higher level will also be really important for me and I’m looking forward to that.” Like many young footballers, balancing football with their education can be tricky but Maher is confident he can find time for both. “I’m only in fifth year so it feels like the Leaving Cert is a long way away but I’ve spoken to
[the] club about this. I won’t have a problem in balancing both for a year or so and I’m sure I’ll be fine with football and school. “I just have to keep my head down just like a lot of the lads have done here before with school and also college and I’ll be no different.” Maher has represented his country at Under-15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 level, and if he continues impressing the way he has been he could one day be donning his country’s colours as part of the first team.
RAHENY Shamrock’s Kevin Dooney and Donore Harriers John Travers were all part of the Irish men’s team that finished in fifth place last Sunday in Samorin at the European cross-country championships. Dooney finished in 51st place and will be back again for club and country and no doubt already has his eyes set on the European Championship in Berlin in August while Travers came in 72nd spot. The Irish men’s team in the bizarre three to score competition produced the best men’s team performance of the last decade to finish fifth, led home by Sean Tobin with Hugh Armstrong and Kevin Mansell. Also from Raheny, Eoin Strutt made his international debut in the Under23 men’s race, taking 49th place, just 69 seconds behind the winner France’s Jimmy Gressier in an ultra-competitive race. It was a gutsy performance by Strutt on his international debut who fought very hard through the last lap for a top 50 finish. Brian Fay placed 49th in the Under-20 men’s race some 63 seconds behind Norway’s gold medalist Jakob Ingebrigtsen. A baptism of fire for Fay, it was easily the most competitive race in the European Cross Country championship and one he will have learnt a lot as he will continue to progress his international career. On the women’s side, Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) was making a record-breaking 15th appearance at these championships but she had to settle for a 12th place finish over 8km in the senior women’s race. “Obviously I would have liked to have finished higher but I will be back and hope to get back in the mix. I just couldn’t get into it today at the top even though I gave my best throughout.” There was a very positive start to the day with Sophie Murphy (Dundrum South Dbulin) finishing 10th in the Under-20 women’s 4km race and leading the team to seventh overall out of 20 teams. She was followed home by Stephanie Cotter in 27th, Jodie McCann (DSD) in 34th, Laura Nicholson in 39th, Fiona Everard in 62nd and Fian Sweeney (Dublin City Harroers) in 72nd. High Performance Director Paul McNamara said: “I’m really pleased with the performances. There were some heroic performances out there starting with Sophie Murphy and then right through to the senior men who were magnificent. We have a strong tradition in cross country and for a country of our size we performed at a very high level.”
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GAZETTE
36 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017
SPORT
FOOTBALL: GLASNEVIN CLUB MAKE IT DOUBLE DELIGHT IN BOTH THE MINOR
FASTGAA
Na Fianna complete UNDER-21 AFC FINAL Na Fianna 2-11 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-9 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
Action from the 2016 Dub Stars. Picture: GAAPics
McGinley in Dub Star team NAOMH Barrog’s Laura McGinley and Parnells Siabh Hannigan have both been named in the Dub Stars panel to take on a county selection on January 14 in DCU. The Dub Stars event is the traditional first outing of the new season and as such the senior game can be a competitive affair with both sides not wanting to give an inch as bragging rights are very much up for grabs. This contest will certainly offer Dublin boss, Mick Bohan and his senior panel of 2018 the opportunity to get some much needed game time in ahead of Dublin’s opening LIDL NFL fixture which is scheduled to take place on January 28.
NA FIANNA comfortably saw off Ballyboden St Enda’s in the Under-21 A football championship final at O’Toole Park on Saturday afternoon. The composure and methodical fluidity of the northsiders proving too much for their more frantic opponents as they completed a famous quadruple across the Under-21 and minor grades in both football and hurling. T h e g a m e l o o ke d evenly matched early on, but was perhaps symptomatic of what was to come later. Na Fianna burst into a 0-3 to 0-0
lead with two points from Sean Caffrey and another from James Doran coming despite an evenly-matched opening. Boden has plenty of the ball, but tended to misdirect it when moving at pace. At the other end, Na Fianna built slowly and carefully, creating space, and only two desperate Ballyboden blocks prevented a bigger lead. St Enda’s were to hit back through a series of frees from their most effective player, the reliably accurate star man Colm Basquel, but a pattern was set for the contest. W here Ballyboden could match Na Fianna, they were burning twice the energy to do so, and
tending to give away possession in the midst of their rapid attacking flurries.
The composure eventually told in Na Fianna’s confidence in front of the posts and their
next three scores were the best of the game. First, Glenn O’Reilly found space out on
Na Fianna celebrate their Under-21A football title, adding to an incredible series of wins
CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYMUN KICKHAMS
AS THIS is the last club notes for 2017, there can only possibly be one hero of the week, the large gentleman in the red suit; not only did he take time out from his busy schedule on Saturday morning to visit our nurseries, but he also promised all our coaches nice surprises as they have been good boys and girls all year, especially coach Gerry. So take a bow Santa Claus, you are our Laoch Na Seachtaine. All looking forward to December 29 in Leopardstown? We are! There are only a few spots left so don’t be disappointed, please see Declan Small ASAP. We announced last weekend that Paddy Carr and his management team had stood down after two years in charge of our senior team. We would like to thank Paddy and the backroom team for all they have achieved and all their exceptional efforts on our behalf and we wish them all the very best in whatever they do next. All that’s left is for us to wish all our members, friends and supporters and
very happy, peaceful and wholesome Christmas and a prosperous and successful new year. Nollaig Shona daoibh agus athbhliain faoi mhaise doibh!
CLONTARF
AN NAIOLANN, our nursery, is now wrapped up for 2017. GRMA to all the players, parents, mentors and helpers who made it a great year and see you all in 2018. The club are running their Christmas tree collection service on January 6. This year, you can pre-book and pay for your collection on clontarfgaa.com/xmastree. The lights are up in Culdoras. If you’re looking for a venue for a party or event over the Christmas season, contact Kieran McMahon on 086 1791120. Well done to Sarah Fagan who has been named on the Dub Stars panel for the second year running. She’ll be up against Ath Cliath, managed by Mick Bohan, in DCU on January 14. No winner of the club lotto. Numbers drawn were 13, 22, 23 and 28. Lucky dip winners were Brian Power and Ger Devine. Pota Oir is now €6,000
which would make a nice Christmas present!
CRAOBH CHIARAIN
NO WINNER of the lotto jackpot of €3,000 on Monday, December 4. One match three winner receives €600. Numbers were 1, 9, 20 and 23. Next week’s jackpot will be €3,500. Draw takes place every Monday evening in the club lounge at 11pm. Tickets are €2 each. Please support. The annual senior members Christmas party takes place on Friday starting at 3pm with meal served at 4pm. Please leave your name behind the bar or contact any member of the committee for details. Christmas party for all our mentors, coaches, committee members and other volunteers will take place in the club lounge on Saturday at 9pm. Juvenile Disco on Friday December 22 in the club gym at 7pm. Music continues in the club lounge every Sunday evening. Please support. Congratulations to the winners in the second draw in our annual 500 Christmas raffle.
Week 3 draw will take place in the club lounge on Saturday at 10pm and the final draw will take place on Friday, December 22.
CRUMLIN
THE Christmas draw will be held this Saturday, December 16 at 10.30pm with first prize being €2,000 along with nine other cash prizes. Tickets are €20 and are limited so if you can please contact Maurice Kerrigan or ask behind the bar to make sure you are in with a chance of winning. Lotto was not won; numbers drawn were 15, 17, 27 and 29. There was one match three winner and next week’s winning jackpot will be €2,100. Winners of the monthly draw for November were: €1,000 Darragh Robinson, €200 Janice Kelly, €100 Janice Dunne, €50 Tony James, €50 Liz Hennebry. Anyone looking to join, please contact James Comerford on 087 6769885. Joker Poker is played every Sunday in the club and next week’s jackpot is €1,300.
ERIN’S ISLE
THE annual players party
was a huge success on Saturday night and well done to all players and teams who received awards and medals on the night. The AGM had a good turn out on Friday night and we thank the outgoing executive committee for their tireless efforts throughout the year and wish the best of luck to the incoming committee. We remembered members who have passed on Sunday afternoon with the annual club mass and the opening of the club garden was also part of the day. The club centenary book is now on sale from the bar and is a great stocking filler coming up to the festive season costing only €10. There was no winner of the lotto, numbers were 2, 17, 19 and 23. Next draw is €1,600 on December 14. If you have anything for club notes, please contact Aaron Wheatley on 0858292670 or aaron.wheatley@ gmail.com before Sunday evening.
NA FIANNA
CONGRATULATIONS to our U-21A footballers on Saturday’s championship
final win against Ballyboden and thanks to the big Na Fianna crowd who supported. Saturday’s title completes the suite of minor and U-21 championship titles in both codes for Na Fianna, a feat we don’t believe ever achieved by any club before this weekend. Tickets now on sale in the club for the 2018 National Club Draw. Great prizes on offer and huge earning potential for the club, please support. All Na Fianna grass pitches now closed for December and January. Thanks to all who turned up for last Thursday night’s Tae, císte agus caint – Tea, cake and conversation, a great night and great crowd. Club hurley shop open late for Christmas shopping on Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15 from 9am-5.30pm, and Saturday, December 16 and 23 from 9-12pm. Awaiting confirmation from O’Neills of Christmas hours for the club shop. The sixth annual Christmas tree collection fundraiser takes place Saturday, January 6. Anybody interested in helping, or has a truck, trailer or van
14 December 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 37
GAZETTE
AND UNDER-21 FOOTBALL AND HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
unique quartet the right to fire over a beautiful tightly-angled point. Then Aaron Byrne calmly side-stepped a
defender to chip over. Finally, Alex Fitzgerald was found on the end of a beautiful flowing move
across both codes
available, call Martin on 087-9092732. Annual Na Fianna Mass offered for all club members who have lost family during the year and for all deceased club members and their families will take place Sunday, January 14 in the club, everybody welcome. Rory’s Stories will be the star attraction at a fundraising event for the junior hurlers on Friday, February 2. Tickets for the event on sale from any member of the junior hurling panels or at naf. juniorhurling@gmail. com. Members’ subscriptions can be paid in club office from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm, Saturdays in the club or online at www. clgnafianna.ie. Sincere sympathies of the club are offered to the Ryan and Brogan families on the passing of Mr Michael Ryan, grandfather of inter hurler Wayne Brogan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Finally, best wishes to
through several hands to pummel into the net, and Na Fianna had control at 1-5 to 0-3. The side in yellow were also to slam the post before half time at the end of another smooth attacking move, and while Basquel was keeping Ballyboden in with a shout, it took until first half injury time for Warren Egan to score their first point from play. Na Fianna went in with a 1-6 to 0-5 lead. Ballyboden did close that gap back to a goal with a strong start to the second half, and had a moment when they chipped a point attempt high on the post, but weren’t quick enough to react and saw Na Fianna clear. From then on, the
game looked a foregone conclusion with Na Fianna controlling the contest both with and without the ball. They pulled slowly further clear, with a second goal scrambled in with the run of play to put the contest to bed ten minutes from time. Ballyboden has much of the ball in the closing stage, but struggled to produce much with it, with Na Fianna ultimately running out 2-11 to 0-9, having also rattled the woodwork at goal-scoring height no less than three times over 60 minutes. With the Under-21 win coming on top of their minor title earlier this year, Na Fianna look a serious long-term footballing prospect.
O’BYRNE-ING DESIRE
Cooper raises curtain on 2018 JONNY Cooper was at the launch of the Bord na Mona Leinster
GAA series at O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Tuesday as the focus switches to the O’Byrne Cup. the curtain-raiser for the 2018 season while the Kehoe Cup was also launched. Dublin won the 2017 edition of the O’Byrne Cup with victory over a spirited Louth while Kilkenny out-played Galway en route to the Kehoe title. For the Dublin footballers, they will get an early run out on December 23 when St Vincent’s hosts the annual Dub Stars. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile
CLUB NOTICEBOARD all Na Fianna members and their families for a peaceful and happy Christmas and for a prosperous new year. Nollaig shona daíobh go léir agus athbhliain faoi mhaise.
SCOIL UI CHONAILL
SCOIL Ui Chonaill’s first Christmas Craft Fair took place last Saturday afternoon with Santa Claus making an appearance too. An afternoon of festive fun was enjoyed by both our juvenile and adult members. Our annual bag packing fundraiser will be taking place in Nolan’s Supermarket, Clontarf on December 23. All support greatly appreciated. Anyone interested in availing of very attractive pitch side advertisement opportunities should contact Aidan Mulvey on 085 7213789. Training for all ages and levels will continue in January
after the Christmas break; adult hurling and football teams train in Scoil on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.30pm. Juvenile training takes place in Scoil at 10am on Saturday mornings. For any news or enquiries, please contact scoil.pro. eoc@gmail.com.
ST OLIVER PLUNKETT’S/ER
OPERATION Transformation is coming to Plunketts in January 2018 As part of our Healthy Club initiative, the club health and well-being team are organising a Plunkett’s Operation Transformation. It will run for six weeks, starting January 15. The primary purpose is to bring together people from the wider community to have fun, make friends and improve health. There will be weekly exercise classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings in the hall and organised walks. Weekly
weigh in will be optional and during the six weeks, there will be talks on health related topics. Supporting this will be our existing club sponsor, Meaghers Pharmacy who, in addition to sponsoring the club nursery, will be our Healthy Club Partner. If anyone is interested in becoming an Operation Transformation leader or has ideas for what the club should do for OT, please contact Trish Maher, Healthy Club Officer on 086 1996358. On Friday, December 15, we have the Sam Maguire Cup and some of the victorious Dublin team coming to the club. All are welcome to come to the club between 7pm and 9pm where they can meet the players and get the opportunity to have their photo taken with the cup. Our annual Christmas draw takes place on Sunday ,December 17 in the club at 9.30pm. The tickets are now on sale price €20 each and are available from Joan in
the bar or from Gerry Woodlock First prize is €2,000 and second prize of €1,000; with a total prize fund over €5,000. This is a family evening and all are welcome to attend, with music & finger food from 5pm. After the Christmas Draw on Sunday, December 17, we will continue with our annual mentors and supporters night. All parents, adult players and mentors are invited to come along and celebrate the year. The lotto results for Sunday, December 10: there was no winner of the jackpot in last Sunday’s lotto draw The numbers drawn were; 1, 2, 19 and 22. The jackpot for next week’s draw is €3,450 There were seven match three winners: Tom Turley, Aoife Bugler, Brian Mc Donnell, Stacia Clerkin. See the website to play club lotto online: http:www.plunketts.ie Remember, you can play for as little as €2 per
entry each week and if you play on-line you get two free weeks if you pay for ten weeks. Thats 12 weeks entries for €20, less than €2 per week. Club shop opening hours pre-Christmas: This Saturday, December 16, the club shop will be open hours from 10am to 12.30pm. If you require anything other than on a Saturday, it can be ordered online from our website www.plunketts. ie. The nursery is now finished until after Christmas. Mark and all the team from the Have a Ball nursery wishes everyone a happy and Peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
WHITEHALL COLMCILLE
OUR annual Christmas party/awards night is on this coming Saturday, December 16. Always a great night, food and DJ, doors open at 8.30pm. Bar Bingo this Friday is
an amazing €1,000; what an amazing Christmas present, make sure you dont miss out, eyes down at 9.45pm! Our legendary OAP Christmas party is on next Tuesday, December 19, see you all then. Everyone please keep returning your GAA club draw tickets; many thanks to those who have already returned theirs. Remember every single cent comes back to us here in Whitehall Colmcille. Return to the club bar marked for the attention of Audrey Keegan or Daragh Giles. No winner of this week’s lotto jackpot but two members, as always, win €50, next week’s jackpot will be €7,550. Please support your club by playing lotto online or in the club bar. All tickets are entered into a weekly draw for two €50 prizes. As always, keep an eye on the club website and Facebook page for more details on all club events and fixtures: www. whitehallcolmcille.ie.
38 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 14 December 2017