Dublin Gazette: City Edition

DublinGazette FEBRUARY 21-27, 2019

DUBLINMAGAZINE: Spring’s bright and DUBLIN

breezy ‘out there’ – but you’ll find plenty of fresh, sunny content ‘in here’, too! SEE PAGE 13

CityEdition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

Housing crisis DUBLIN City Council’s chief executive drew criticism this week with some comments on homelessness. There was a backlash to comments he went on radio to clarify were ‘jocular’ in nature, but which had left many unimpressed.

SEE PAGE 2

SPORT

SOCCER: Corcoran

strike hands Bohemians the perfect start to the new League of Ireland campaign at Dalymount.

SEE P28

travel

FORMER PRISONS OFFER TOP-NOTCH LUXURY SEE P20

SUCCESS IS A SNAP

THE cameras were turned on some of the people responsible for many of the best photographs in the country recently at the Press Photographers Association of Ireland’s (PPAI) Press Photographer of the Year awards. Pictured are actor Liam Cunningham, Press Photographer of the Year 2019 Tom Honan, MC Miriam O’Callaghan, and PPAI president, Crispin Rodwell. See Gallery on Page 6

Finglas under siege by scrambler menace

Locals call for action on vehicles

RACHEL D’ARCY

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Picture:Paul Sherwood

RESIDENTS in Finglas have been driven around the bend by a lack of response to speeding scramblers in the area.

Locals have said that the vehicles running rampant in the area will eventually lead to a fatal accident, with some saying that their

children are terrified to walk down the road for fear of encountering a scrambler.

One resident spoke about how the drivers of scramblers are using the whole of Finglas for “rallying”, with Tolka Valley Road in particular becoming lethal.

Patricia Kennedy said: “We live with [the dangerous driving] on a daily basis. We take

our lives in our hands every day. Someone will die if this continues ... [it’s a] Tolka valley nightmare.”

Some Finglas locals have called for a driving track to be provided in the hopes it would deter speeding and dangerous driving on main roads, but others have said that they fear that even if a track is provided in the area that the negligent driving will continue.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 4

Clontarf examines anti-flood barriers THE ongoing disagreement over Clontarf’s flood measures looks set to continue, with the council suggesting ‘pop-up barriers’ which could be extended to help combat the threat of flooding, but with locals rejecting it.

A key issue in the continuing disagreements has been the visual impact of any such flood barrier, with different views over the potential height of any barrier.

The battle for the barrier looks set to continue, with the council saying it would not proceed with a planning submission to An Bord Pleanala if there is widespread local and political resistance to the final design SEE PAGE 5 proposal.

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

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‘JOCULAR’ REMARK CASTIGATED BY CRITICS

FASTNews

College Fury over DCC chief’s Griffith reveals three more homeless comments schools for bursary

 RACHEL D’ARCY

rdarcy@dublingazette.com

A MAN died in homeless shelter services in the city on the same day Dublin City Council’s (DCC) chief executive, Owen Keegan, made controversial comments over the “attractiveness” of being homeless.

Mr Keegan had an interview with the Sunday Business Post and said: “The best way to solve homelessness in Dublin would be to provide no beds,” saying that the city is an “attractive place to be” because of the increase in homeless accommoda-

Dublin City Council’s chief executive, Owen Keegan

tion and the standards of same.

There was an intense backlash to the comments, with a number of politicians and personali-

ties slamming the remarks made by the DCC chief.

In an attempt to clarify his remarks, he appeared on RTE’ Radio 1’s Sean O’Rourke show to say it

was a “jocular” comment, attempting to explain that because services were “better” now, that people were presenting as homeless rather than living with family or friends.

However, the chairperson of DCC’s housing committee, Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF), said the comments made by Mr Keegan “displayed total ignorance” and fuelled the culture of “victim-blaming”.

Cllr Doolan said: “DCC’s chief showed just how out of touch he is with Dublin’s homeless crisis.

“He displayed total ignorance of the facts and the causes of homelessness.

His comments are fuelling the shameful culture of victim-blaming.

“Owen Keegan would better serve the people of Dublin if he focused on facts and worked with city councillors on providing solutions rather than headlines.”

It was also revealed that a young man had passed away whilst attending homeless services in the capital on Sunday – the same day Mr Keegan made his controversial comments.

Anthony Flynn, chief executive of Inner City Helping Homeless, and Independent candidate for Dublin North Central, said: “A complete re-assessment of homeless services is required. This man’s death has come on foot of the DCC chief executive claiming ‘homelessness is attractive to some’.

“Homeless services are in continuous turmoil. We have seen so many deaths in service over the last year; preventable measures must be assessed.”

In a response to queries from Dublin Gazette on Mr Keegan’s comments, a spokesperson for DCC said: “[Owen Keegan] will not be doing any further interviews on this matter and has no further comments to make.”

GRIFFITH College has announced a further three second-level schools that will be acknowledged as part of the national institution’s STEAM bursary initiative.

Loreto Crumlin will be presented with a €1,500 cheque which will be used to improve STEAM-related equipment within the school.

Teamed with this bursary, the school will be given a site tour of Wolfgang Digital and a tablet for school usage.

Two other schools have been recognised for their application to the STEAM bursary initiative – St Colman’s and St Vincent’s, both located in Cork.

St Vincent’s will be gifted €1,000, a guided tour of Microsoft and a photography workshop in Griffith College. St Colman’s will receive a €1,000 bursar,y paired with a site visit to Microsoft.

In its entirety, Griffith College has given more than €10,000 worth of bursaries to schools as part of the STEAM initiative, which was conceived last September.

St John’s De La Salle was awarded €5,000 to enhance the school’s STEAM equipment as well as a site visit to Amazon.

Kylemore College Ballyfermot was awarded €3,000, paired with a site visit to Integrity 365.

Griffith College has been shortlisted in the Best Outreach Programme at the Education Awards 2019 for its STEAM initiative.

Cliff diving Ikea calls coming to for earlier city centre bus access DUBLIN is set to become one of the seven stops on this year’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, with Grand Canal Dock selected as the venue of choice.

The event was hosted three times previously on the island of Inis Mor, but this is the first time that the cliff dive will be held in the capital.

Grand Canal Dock is one of three new locations around the globe introduced to the series, alongside Beirut in Lebanon and El Nido in the Phillipines.

Taking place on May 11 and 12, this is the 11th season of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which provides a platform for complex dives and aesthetic free-falls.

Male and female drivers from over 18 countries are expected to take part in the event, with seven-time champion, England’s Gary Hunt, being one to watch, and a number of top athletes set to make an appearance.

THERE has been a call from furniture giant Ikea for Dublin Bus to begin services earlier in the morning for its staff to get to work.

Ikea are located in Ballymun and made the request as part of a submission to the National Transport Authority regarding on-going BusConnects planning.

Currently, the earliest bus available to Ikea workers gets them to the Swedish superstore just after 8am, and even later on the weekends.

The retail giant has asked for an option to be given to allow workers to arrive at the Ballymun store from 6am, given the early shifts that are required as part of the job.

The Swedish giant also said that public transport availability to and from the Ballymun store was “poor”, with only the 140 service running to and from the outlet.

BusConnects aims to overhaul the current bus system in the capital.

21 February 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

BALLYMUN: PROGRAMME CELEBRATES A 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF INSPIRING WORK

A noteworthy time for this Music Room RACHEL D’ARCY

THE Ballymun Music Room is celebrating 10 years this February as the centre of the Ballymun Music Programme, continuing to have a positive impact on the local area.

Initiated as part of Dublin City Council’s Ballymun Rengeneration Project, the centre is credited with opening up a new world of music for children, with the Music Room continuing to be every bit as impactful, urgent and innovative today as it was in 2009.

Maura Doyle from the music programme said: “The music programme

is a great opportunity for students to develop confidence in themselves and even challenge perceptions of Ballymun.

“Over the past decade it has been a pleasure to highlight the talent and creativity among our students.”

Ron Cooney is the Musical Director of The Ballymun Music Programme, which has been running successful programmes for children in North Dublin since 1996.

Cooney said: “The Music Room is significant in helping to ensure that music education is embedded in the community.

“Music has an immense power to connect people and is a really effective educational tool.

“It’s extremely satisfying to see the students so receptive to the programme, year in, year out, and the Music Room has been an invaluable tool in that regard.”

Director Frank Berry captured the first days of the Music Room in a documentary, released in 2011, striking a cord with the public when it screened on RTE 1.

In addition to featuring a number of students, the film also followed the making of a specially composed

POLITICS

Check that you’re on the register

Musical Director Ron Cooney, former student and current teacher Tara O’Brien, and students of St Joseph’s Senior National School who are members of the Ballymun Music Programme. Picture: Fennell Photography

CD by Daragh O’Toole, entitled Ballymun Lullaby, which featured performances from the students of the Music Programme alongside the RTE Concert Orchestra.

One student featured in the film, Tara O’Brien, emphasised how much music has given her an

improved confidence and self-esteem, and she expressed a desire to complete a Bachelor of Music Degree and to return to Ballymun to inspire a new generation of music lovers.

Now, some ten years on, Tara teaches in the same music room which fostered and supported her interest

in music.

Over the past decade, students of the Ballymun Music Programme have visited and performed in distinguished venues such as Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Castle, The National Convention Centre, Cork City Hall and the National Concert Hall.

PEOPLE are being urged to check the new electoral register to make sure you are registered to vote in this year’s Local and European Elections on May 24.

Every resident living in the Republic of Ireland over the age of 18 is entitled to be on the Electoral Register regardless if they are a citizen or not; however, their status determines the type of elections they may vote in.

The new electoral register is now available to view online at www. checktheregister.ie or at any council office or Garda station.

Each person should check the register to ensure that everyone aged over 18 living at their home is registered, to remove any margin for error.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

NUISANCE: COMMUNITY BLASTS THE WORSENING IMPACT OF CARELESSLY-DRIVEN VEHICLES

Scrambler hell descends on fed-up Finglas LOCALS in Finglas have slammed the lack of response to scramblers speeding on main roads in broad daylight last week.

A number of the controversial vehicles were reported to be speeding along main roads in Finglas, weaving in and out of traffic and nearly coming into contact with pedestrians.

One of the roads impacted was reported as Jamestown Road, with other

scramblers speeding in Berry Field and Casement Road – which is across the road from Finglas Garda Station.

Scrambler vehicles have come under criticism in the past, with gardai carrying out a major operation in the Finglas and Cabra area last Christmas Day to try and tackle the issue.

Community Policing gardai also visited local schools to warn parents and children of the dangers associated with scramblers, to try and dissuade

people from purchasing and using the vehicles.

A lack of caution with scramblers in the area has led to strife for locals, with one resident saying her child has been left traumatised after a vehicle mounted the path driving toward them.

Ciara Fox said: “My five-year-old is absolutely petrified of them. We live up [near Barry Field]; a scrambler came up on the path right towards us a couple of months ago.

“Now if he’s in our gar-

While gardai are able to act against scramblers and quad bikes, a number of limitations with current legislation prevents them from taking a harder line against the increasingly contentious vehicles

den and hears them he runs into the house, terrified; if we’re out and he even hears them in the distance, he just freezes on the spot and starts crying.”

Other residents fear that one day, there will be a tragic accident because of the amount of speeding and reckless driving by scrambler owners.

Patricia Kennedy said of one recent driving experience: “Coming up the Tolka Valley Road [on

Thursday] morning and several [scramblers] came up behind us doing wheelies – absolutely terrifying.

“They overtook us, forcing us into the kerb and intimidating drivers coming in the other direction.

Does anyone take ownership of these kids or are they feral?

“Someone will be killed if this continues and most likely an innocent person.”

In response to queries from Dublin Gazette regarding the legal impli-

cations of the use of scramblers, An Garda Siochana have said that there is difficulty in dealing with scramblers at present due to limitations with current legislation.

A Garda spokesperson said: “A task force has been established between the four Dublin Local authorities, the Department of Justice, the Department of Transport, An Garda Siochana and the Road Safety Authority. “[This is in relation to]

Help Tesco support top local community funds TESCO Ireland has announced the local projects taking part in the new cycle of the Tesco Community Fund.

Customers are encouraged to use their blue tokens in Tesco’s 151 stores to vote for their preferred local cause, enabling them to make a big difference.

In Dublin, the Tesco Community Fund has supported 3,999 local projects, donating more than €1,209,000 since 2014.

Aoife Donohoe, head of corporate affairs Tesco Ireland, reminded customers to keep local causes in mind.

She said: “The Tesco Community Fund

is open to a wide variety of good causes or groups, so if you know a local cause that could benefit from some funding, please nominate them in-store today.”

Every eight weeks, Tesco customers are invited to fill out a nomination form in store with three local causes being selected for the Tesco Community Fund.

At the end of each phase, blue token votes are counted and up to €1,000 is shared proportionally between the three local causes.

To check out the full list of local projects and organisations you can nominate, see www.dublingazette.com.

TRAVEL, PAGES 20-21

Try these arresting destinations: Check out (or into) former prisons that’re now top hotels



RACHEL D’ARCY

dealing with ongoing matters about the use, misuse and dangers of scramblers and quad bikes across Dublin city and county.

“This task force has met on a number of occasions, to date. The main difficultly in dealing with this issue lies in limitations with current legislation, and the task force is examining this, at present.

“Any person who sees suspected dangerous driving is asked to contact their local garda station.”

Tap on to help the church A DECREASE in donations has led to five Catholic churches across Dublin trialling contactless card machines in an effort to raise money.

A spokesperson spoke to The Times Ireland, saying that the card machines will be in place at the rear of the churches to allow parishioners to be able to make a “contactless contribution”.

The spokesperson said: “We plan to roll out the ability for the majority of parishes to accept cardbased payments using a parish payments system.

“This will cover many transactions and will enable parishioners to sign up for recurring contributions.”

The introduction of the card machines would not mean an end to traditional basket collections.

21 February 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

ARTS: BUDDING YOUNG FILMMAKERS TO PREMIERE THEIR WORK AT UPCOMING FILM FESTIVAL

Teens keeping it reel with documentary on housing crisis CIAN VALENTINE

A GROUP of teenage film students will be premiering their short documentary on homelessness and the national housing crisis this Friday. The world premiere will take part in the Light House Cinema as part of the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival this Friday, February 22.

Supported by The Digital Hub, a group of 18 teens (inset) aged between 14-16 took part in the Screen8 film-making course, which sees students mentored by award-winning filmmaker Mia Mullarkey. The documentary, entitled No Place Like Home, was created in the hopes of bringing attention to the national housing crisis and how it affects everyone, including young people just like the filmmakers.

Filled with gripping testimonies from people who are homeless and on the emergency housing list, the documentary takes a deep look at those who are homeless and who are being affected by the national housing crisis.

In the documentary, the students aim to find out why this crisis

is happening in their country and what can be done about it.

Grainne Humphreys, the director of Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, and Fiach Mac Conghail, chief executive of the Digital Hub Development, were both impressed when watching the short documentary.

One student of the course, Isabelle Devereux McCarthy, said: “I personally cannot wait to experience watching our short film on the silver screen alongside our family, friends, those involved in the short and film festival goers for the first time. I strongly believe that it will be one of my favourite moments in my life.”

No Place Like Home will premiere this Friday in the Light House Cinema at 6pm with tickets available at ticketsolve.com for €13.

The cinema will also host a second viewing of the documentary on March 1 at 11am, priced €10.

FASTNews

Temporary floodmeasures sandbags are captured in place in this shot – but the permanent fixtures to replace them have still not been decided, with disagreements over what should be installed at Clontarf.

Picture: Google Maps

Sod-turning ceremony at St Teresa’s

ENVIRONMENT: RESIDENTS UNIMPRESSED BY COUNCIL’S FLOOD MEASURES PLAN

Locals push back against pop-up barriers in Clontarf PADRAIG CONLON

DUBLIN City Council plans to install pop-up barriers to protect Clontarf Promenade from flooding.

There are currently more than 400 local homes at risk from flooding and this could increase due to the average sea level in Dublin Bay having risen by 130mm between 2000 and 2016 – twice the global average.

The proposed barriers would flip up during times of flooding risks and would be installed between the Promenade and the road,

at Alfie Byrne Road, Vernon Avenue and Clontarf Baths.

A working group of council officials, local councillors and residents’ representatives tasked with progressing the project met again recently.

However, in a statement, Clontarf Residents’ Association said there are issues with the council’s latest plans.

They said: “DCC have accepted that their proposed wall is too high in certain stretches and have agreed that demountable defences can be used.

“At present, they are suggesting that these demountables would be used in areas where the proposed wall would be more than 1.4m high, and would result in a maximum inner wall height of 1.4m.

“This figure of 1.4m high has never been agreed by the joint working group.

“We have consistently stated that a maximum height of 800mm is needed to provide adequate passive surveillance, to preserve the amenity value of the Promenade and to gain

full community support.

“We believe that any additional flood defence requirement, to deal with the ‘perfect storm’ in a one-in-200-year event, needs to be achieved via a temporary solution,” they said.

Commitment A spokesperson from Dublin City Council told Dublin Gazette: “The project team has given a commitment to examine the use of demountable barriers, such as pullup barriers, at locations where the wall height is

greater than 1.4 metres.

“While this will require greater operational manning during high-alert episodes, it will reduce wall heights, except during these episodes.

“A wall height of 0.8m above ground height will not provide the required flood protection for the majority of the promenade.

“It is unlikely that a final design option ... will be presented to the working group until the second half of 2019.

“The council will not proceed with a planning

submission to An Bord Pleanala if there is widespread local and political resistance to the final design proposal.

“The approval of the council will be sought before a submission is made to the Bord.

“If a broad level of agreement cannot be achieved on the final design specification, and if it is not approved by the elected members, the scheme will not go ahead, and the council will proceed to work on other priority flood defence schemes,” they said.

A SOD-turning ceremony took place on Tuesday at St Teresa’s Gardens on Donore Avenue to mark the beginning of the latest phase of construction of new housing.

The Lord Mayor, Nial Ring, performed the deed as the construction of 54 new housing units at St Teresa’s Gardens got under way. This latest phase includes 16 apartments, 28 three-bedroom terraced houses and 10 two-bedroom terraced houses.

Speaking about the sod turning, Cllr Ring said: “The provision of an additional 54 new housing units is especially welcome and I am delighted to see the plans include a fantastic new park and playground.”

Rapper takes €4,000 ciggie break at 3Arena US RAPPER Post Malone has smoked his most expensive cigarette – after lighting up on stage at the 3Arena last week.

The Congratulations, and Rockstar hitmaker was in Dublin for the heavily anticipated, sold-out shows, and was told by bosses at the 3Arena ahead of the gig that every cigarette smoked on the stage would cost him a €4,000 fine.

He lit the cigarette halfway through the gig and told the crowd that it was “officially” the most expensive cigarette he had “ever lit in [his] life”, with the moment caught on video by fans who erupted in applause as the rapper took a drag.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Eskimo Boy. Picture: Tom Honan

Press Photographer of the Year’ 2019 was presented to Tom Honan. Tom, a freelance photographer from Dublin started his career with Inpho Photography before moving on to work with the Irish Times and The Irish Mail on Sunday. Picture: Paul Sherwood

Brian Downes - MSL Grange Motors; Stephen McCarthy - Sportsfile and Crispin Rodwell - President PPAI

A view of Dollymount Strand during the fine weather. Picture: Tom Honan

Tony Ferguson in action against Anthony Pettis in UFC229. Picture: Stephen McCarthy

Bertie Ahern, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton attend an event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne

Bono performing. Picture: Tom Honan

Celebrating some amazing pictures D

UBLIN-BASED freelance photographer Tom Honan has been named PPAI Press Photographer of the Year by the Press Photographers Association of Ireland (PPAI).

The annual event was held in Dublin last week, with photographers from around Ireland attending the awards which are now in their 41st year.

This year’s awards were presented by RTE broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and were presented across nine categories: news, daily life and people, nature and the environment, politics, sports action, sports feature, portrait, art and entertainment and reportage, alongside a dedicated award for multimedia.

Brian Downes, MSL Grange Motors and Michael Chester

21 February 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

dublin

COURTS: MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FALSE IMPRISONMENT AT HOME

DIARY Terminally ill mum Make-up star to meet fans at the Gibson; encouraging awareness; and drag star coming to town ...

YOU’LL BE MADE UP TO CATCH KEILIDH MUA’S MASTERCLASS ONE of Ireland’s biggest social media stars brings her make-up masterclass to the Gibson Hotel on Sunday, February 24.

Keilidh MUA, as she’s known on Instagram, will be bringing her sold-out tour to the Docklands hotel, promising “a fun-filled day of make-up demonstrations and chats”.

The Dublin date is just one date of the make-up artist’s extensive tour of the UK and Ireland, which has been met with excitement online.

Her masterclass will include two make-up demonstrations, a full-face masterclass packed with Keilidh’s top tips and tricks, a meet and greet with the social media star herself, and more.

For further information, see facebook.com/keilidhmua.

EXPLORING ISSUE OF CONSENT AND HAVING A GREAT NIGHT OUT THIS Friday sees Consentfest take place in the Grand Social, aiming to ensure that the issue of consent remains at the forefront of political and social discussion and to broaden the conversation around sexual consent.

Featuring a number of musicians, poets, DJs and more, the event will raise funds for Dublin Rape Crisis Centre through ticket sales, t-shirt sales, other Consent merchacndise sales and a raffle on the night.

The event will be MCd by Sarah Devereux, with a line-up including poetry by Emmet Kirwan, Vickey Curtis, Una Mullally, Ailish Kerr and Lewis Kenny.

There will be live music by Roe, State Lights, Molly Sterling and Ailbhe Reddy; DJ sets by Kate Brennan Harding, Claire Beck, Michael Pope (Le Galaxie), Aine Molloy (GirlCrew) and Stephen White (The Last Mixed Tape), and live street art in the beer garden

by Holly Pereira and ESTR. Tickets are available from Eventbrite now, priced at €10 excluding booking fee.

saw son’s beating A MAN who broke into a terminally ill woman’s house and repeatedly beat her son over four hours will be sentenced later for false imprisonment.

Graham Stafford (36), of St Canice’s Square, Dublin 11, broke into the home in the early hours of the morning, believing one of the family owed him €3,000.

Detective Garda Paul Oates said Stafford kicked and hit the then 32-year-old male occupant in front of his mother, who was suffering from cancer and has since passed away.

The injured party later told gardai that Stafford had appeared “off his head on drugs”. At one point Stafford, who was known to the family, made threats with a large kitchen knife and hit the man over the head with a Yankee Candle.

Stafford pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to false imprisonment at Corduff Gardens, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on January 24, 2015.

His 11 previous convictions are for minor drugs and public order matters and he has been in custody since 2015.

Det Gda Oates told Caroline Cummings BL, prosecuting, that Stafford seemed to have thought the injured party’s sister had disposed of €3,000 drugs. Throughout the incident, he would stop and start the assault.

At one point he told the injured party he was stopping because his mother asked him to. Then he giggled, made a joke and became aggressive once more.

He eventually left the house, before returning briefly to seek a small amount of money to buy cocaine.

Det Gda Oates said the injured man suffered a cut to his left eye, lumps on his head and mouth wounds. He told investigators he had dizzy spells and headaches after the incident.

He didn’t go for medical treatment because he had to take his mother to hospital the next day. A victim impact report was handed into court, but not read out.

Gardai seized clothing belonging to Stafford on his arrest. The

injured party’s blood was later identified on a pair of cream trousers taken during the investigation.

Det Gda Oates agreed with Kathleen Leader SC, defending, that her client had been under the influence of drugs at the time. He further agreed Stafford had no previous convictions for a crime of this calibre.

Ms Leader submitted to Judge Pauline Codd that Stafford wished to apologise to the man he attacked and express sympathy at his mother’s passing.

She said her client was put on

medication after witnessing the violent death of his friend over ten years ago.

Ms Leader also said he suffered family bereavements about a year later and was in a motorbike accident, which ended his chances of playing professional football.

Counsel submitted that Stafford is in a drug-free wing in prison while awaiting sentence, has strong family support and job prospects on his release.

Judge Codd remanded Stafford in continuing custody and ordered a report from the Probation Service ahead of sentencing in April.

Appeal to help find missing Icelandic man RACHEL D’ARCY

DRAG YOURSELF OVER TO WHAT COULD BE A HILARIOUS SHOW CALLING all Drag Race fans – one of the winners of All Stars 4 will perform a show in the capital this Friday in Twenty Two on South Anne Street.

Trinity The Tuck Taylor, a standout performer from RuPaul’s Drag Race, will take to the stage, performing live alongside a number of special guests that promise to have your eyes fixated on the performance.

Her hilarious one-liners that she’s become known for are promised, alongside Trinity’s energetic lipsyncs and dance moves. The show will be followed by a DJ until 3am, so you can party all night long.

Doors open at 11pm, with the event strictly over-18s. More information, as well as tickets, is available from DraggedUp.net.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard details of how a man on drugs broke into a terminally ill woman’s house and beat her son over four hours

MISSING: Visiting Icelander Jon Throstur Jonsson (41)

THE family of an Icelandic man who has been missing in Dublin since February 9 have become increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Jon Throstur Jonsson (41) was last seen in Whitehall, at the exit of Highfield Hospital heading northbound on the Swords Road towards Collins Avenue, disappearing at around 11am.

He was staying in the Bonnington Hotel, and was seen on CCTV at McGettigan’s Bar at 11:07am.

He is understood to have been visiting Dublin for 10 days for a poker tournament alongside his fiancée, Jana. Jon went missing just a day and a half into the trip.

In a statement, his family said: “Jon’s disappearance comes as a complete shock to us and we have spent every waking hour since his disappearance

searching for him all over Dublin. We are desperate for any information regarding his whereabouts.

“We are putting all of our trust in the public to help us with any clues that can result in finding him.

“We are eternally grateful for the help we have received, and we continue to gratefully accept assistance, in any way, shape or form.

“About 10 family members and friends have flown to Dublin in order to help with the search.”

Jonsson is 6’0” tall, with short brown hair and of medium build. He was last seen wearing a black padded jacket.

Gardai are enquiring if taxi drivers may have seen Jon at his last known location, and if they might have dashcam footage of the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballymun Garda Station at 01 666 4400, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

21 February 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

MUSIC: CATHAL BRUGHA STREET SINGERS LOOKING AHEAD TO ANOTHER MEMORABLE YEAR

Discovery Gospel Choir hoping for heavenly successes RACHEL D’ARCY

A CATHAL Brugha Street gospel choir are set to make an appearance at a prestigious festival this May. Discovery Gospel Choir will perform at Gospel Rising, which takes place from May 17 to 19.

The director of the choir, Grace Bergin, told Dublin Gazette that she’s excited to take part in the festival – but it’s just one of a number of highlights on the choir’s calendar.

She said: “We’ve gotten to do so much as a group, we’ve sold out The Helix, we’ve per-

formed along the likes of Wyvern Lingo – it’s just been incredible for us as a group.”

Speaking as ambassadors of the Association of Irish Choirs rebrand as ‘Sing Ireland’, the director says she’s glad that the new brand takes on a more inclusive edge for the likes of barbershop quartets, non-traditional singing groups and more alongside traditional choirs.

She added: “It’s great to see that there’s a representation for all musical groups now, not just choirs.

“The rebranding to ‘Sing’ creates something more of an inclusive association, so it’s great

that Discovery gets to be a part of this new path.”

24 nationalities Discovery has more than 40 members, within which Grace says they’re proud to boast roughly 24 different nationalities. They’re widely regarded as one of the country’s leading intercultural choirs.

“Variety is key to us. We work in four-part harmony a lot of the time, and we take on different cultural experiences and sounds that come from our members.”

Raise funds by dropping down the side of Croke Park for sick kids

Death

BROADCAST journalist and CMRF Crumlin ambassador Miriam O’Callaghan launched the CMRF Crumlin abseil recruitment drive last week.

She was joined by Grainne Carew, community fundraising executive, to launch the CMRF Crumlin abseil drive at Croke Park, which aims to recruit 80 people to take on the challenge and to raise €24,000 for some of Ireland’s sickest children at the upcoming abseil on Friday, September 20.

Miriam said: “The fundraising the charity does for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital is incredible, and the support they provide for children and their families is absolutely vital.

The abseil will be a great way to give back while having fun.”

For further information or to sign up for the CMRF Crumlin abseil challenge, just email bcondon@cmrf.org. Picture: Mark Stedman

The late Liam Finnegan

Tributes paid to legendary barber Liam Finnegan, 73 THOUSANDS of people have paid their respects online to a much-loved barber, who passed away last Sunday.

Liam Finnegan (73) was the owner of the famous Waldorf Barbershop on Westmoreland Street, which posted a heartfelt tribute to the grooming expert on Sunday evening.

He took over the barbershop in 1994 alongside his daughter, Linda.

The barbers wrote on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we wish to inform you that our boss, legend, Godfather of barbering, and dearest friend Liam Finnegan has passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family.

“It is a huge loss to us all, and the global barbering community. He was a master of his trade, an inspiration, and a true gentleman. He was very much loved and respected by everyone who knew him.”

As a mark of respect, the barbershop shut its doors from Sunday until Thursday, February 21.

Many recalled Mr Finnegan fondly in the comments of the post, with many recalling him as an artist and gentleman through and through. Mr Finnegan was laid to rest in Glasnevin on Tuesday afternoon, following a service in St Anthony’s Church in Clontarf.

Currently, the group are on the hunt for more tenor and bass vocalists, looking to expand their ever-growing membership and to be able to deliver a more rounded, unique sound than they already have.

Grace added: “We have a lot coming up in 2019, a lot of big gigs, and we’re also looking to expand our membership to include some more tenor and bass vocalists – it’s a really exciting time for Discovery, and we’re always welcoming new people into the group.”

For further information on Discovery Gospel Choir, see discoverygospelchoir.ie.

Dog owners warned as alsatian bites man REBECCA RYAN

AN ANIMAL charity has warned about pet owners breaking the law by not muzzling certain types of dogs after a man was attacked by an alsatian.

Wendy Kenny was out walking with her husband, Mark, in Killiney at the weekend when he was bitten by an unmuzzled dog which two young teenagers could not keep control of.

Taking to the Shankill Open Forum on Facebook, she warned: “My husband has just been bitten by an alsatian where the cliff path meets Killiney beach. It was on a lead when it bit his leg.

“The dog was with two young teenage girls who couldn’t control it, and on inspection it transpired they were attempting to put a muzzle on it.

“

That dog could have been taken from those girls because they are in breach of the law

“We are dog owners ourselves, and Mark was walking our lab-cross when attacked.

The alsatian showed no interest in our dog and she didn’t react to the alsatian.

“I’m asking very nicely that this does not turn into an attack on dog owners. I posted to warn people about this dog.”

Wendy added that her husband went to the doctor for treatment, has been to the gardai, and also planned to get in touch with the dog warden.

Locals were shocked by the incident.

Commenting on social media, one person wrote: “This does a lot of reputational damage to responsible dog owners and walkers.”

Another person wrote: “Terrified of alsatians. They must be muzzled and kept under control, not fair on people who can’t walk in peace.”

Gillian Bird, spokesperson for the DSPCA, told Dublin Gazette that the teenagers were breaking the law by not having their dog muzzled.

She said: “That dog could have been taken from those girls because they are in breach of the law. They’re breaking the law by not having the dog muzzled.

“The rules in the Control of Dogs Act 1986, under the restricted breeds act, says a dog must be kept under effective control at all times.

“Alsatians are German Shepherds, and the rules are that any cross or strain of any of the dogs on the restricted breed list – such as a German, Belgium or Dutch Shepherd – are strains of that.

“Those dogs must be muzzled, kept on a strong lead and walked by someone over the age of 16. If you have a dog that is on the restricted dog list, you must adhere to the rules and regulations; otherwise you are liable to any damages done by your dog. It is basic responsibility.”

She also advised dog owners to check with their local bye-laws on whether they can allow their dog to be off its lead in public places.

If you have any queries about the behaviour of your dog, the DSPCA run free assessments for dog training. For further information, see www.dspca.ie.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Roisin O’Hea with Ryan Doyle, Clodagh O’Hea and Oisin O’Hea at Odeon in Point Square. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Keith Malone, Kerrie Nicole Blanc and her daughter Kayla

Grace Murray and Debbie O’Donnell

Special preview screening of The Lego Movie 2

Sarah Snell with sons Louis Michael and Finlay

Walter and Rosie Jayawardene

Jenny Buckley with her daughter Jude, Oscar Grey and Tiernan Grey

Triona McCarthy with children Maxi and Mini

Dee and Lucy Purcell

21 February 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Katie Gerromes and Sinead Jerromes. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Nadine Reid

Motown the Musical opening at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre M

OTOWN the Musical uncovers the true story of the legendary record label that changed music history and created the soundtrack of a generation.

With just $800 borrowed from his family, Motown founder Berry Gordy, goes from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, discovering and launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more.

Yasmine Yau and Karen McBride

Robbie Kane and Claire Stowe Deirdre Crookes and Brendan O’Loughlin

Teresa Maher and Linda Maher Caitriona O’Connor and Thomas Crosse

Beta Metzher and Claudia Radeck

Alison Canavan and son James Geraldine Feehily

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 February 2019

DUBLINERS: THE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO CALL THIS CITY THEIR HOME

Gambian kindness

Dub Paul Dowling on the generous nature of people with far less than us H AV I N G moved to Dublin from Laois at the tender age of three, I’ve enjoyed the luxuries of living in the suburbs of a capital city in a fully developed country all my life.

With my culchie life far behind me, I’ve been a Dub ever since, and today I call Lucan home.

Although I’ve travelled a lot, I’d never visited a country that was considerably underdeveloped, but when the prospect of volunteering in Africa presented itself I immediately jumped at the opportunity.

Along with five friends, I recently returned from a week in Madina Salam, The Gambia, set hours of travelling away from Gambia’s capital.

The Gambia last year was ranked the 12th poorest country in the world with a life expectancy of 61 years.

It’s one of the few countries on the planet that has actually gotten poor-

society

er in the past ten years, surviving on only a very small tourist trade and its peanut production.

I remember when I was in school, the emphasis that was placed on looking presentable in school uniform, and I was amazed at how children in The Gambia likewise take pride in their uniform.

It was their one good outfit, and they kept it in impeccable condition.

O n c e h o m e, t h ey changed into their home clothes, which can only be described as rags, while the uniform gets washed and dried for the next day.

Aware of how limited their clothing is, this year we volunteers chose to bring football tops/jerseys with us.

A jersey is a highly desirable item of clothing in The Gambia, so thanks to the generosity of Clonee United FC, and many other clubs across the country, along with countless individuals, we collected more than 400 tops – a massive 140kgs

worth, so it was a good thing we travelled light The compound as we had highlights things we take no room for for granted on an everyday o u r o w n basis, and I was grateful to be things! able to turn on the lights while The tops having a warm shower on were very our return back home well received; to Dublin it was fantastic to see the pleasure they got from them, and all thanks to everyone who donated.

We stayed in the compound of WYCE, a charity supporting the school and clinic. By Irish standards, the accommodation was “rough”: cold showers, no lights, a few spiders and It’s a long way from Lucan to The Gambia – but Paul even a toad for company Dowling and pals are determined to help one local one night, but by their community build a new classroom there, costing €6k standards, it was 5-star.

The compound high- contrast at the busy adults alike.

We spent a day paintlights things we take for nature of everyone back granted on an everyday home compared to the ing the local school and another day fixing tables, basis, and I was grate- local community.

We were constantly hanging blackboards, and ful to be able to turn on the lights while having greeted by a friendly other odd jobs.

Hav i n g se e n t h e a warm shower on our “Hello”, “How are you?”, return back home to Dub- asked what our name school’s capacity chalwas, and even the ques- lenges, we decided while lin.

The first time we left tion “Minto?”, meaning out there to fund the the charity compound, I ‘Where are you going?’ by building of a new classwas amazed at the stark young kids, teenagers and room – a cost of €6,000.

The people of Madina Salam are starting to know where Dublin and Ireland is, and they really will when we build their classroom.

If any reader would like to help us reach that classroom target, we’d be delighted if they’d check our charity fundraiser account, at https://

www.gofundme.com/ build-a-school-classroom-in-the-gambiawith-joal.  What’s your story?

Do you have an interesting connection to Dublin and why you call it home? Please email your story to news@ dublingazette.com.

Shining a light on living with Asperger’s and depression PADRAIG CONLON

A DOCUMENTARY coming to Dublin cinemas next week sees its filmmaker turn the camera on himself.

This Is Nicholas — Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a powerful, moving film in which former Ballyfermot College student Nicholas Ryan-Purcell shares his experience of living with Asperger’s and depression.

Talking to Dublin Gazette, he said: “I want my film to show people that there is hope, there is a way through obstacles in life.

“I am deeply moved by the response to the film so far from people all over Ireland; the most joy I’ve got from this is the positive impact it has had on so many people.”

The documentary, which Nicholas produced, shot and edited himself, took a year and a half to complete.

The Tipperary man is full of praise for Ballyfermot College from where he graduated in 2012 with a Higher National Diploma in Television Operations and Production.

He said: “I learned all about film-making there – what a fantastic college it is. All the staff helped me so much; it’s such a small, tight-knit community [there], where everyone helps each other.”

After leaving Ballyfermot, Nicholas set up his own company producing corporate videos which led to him producing some award-winning films.

In 2016 he received great praise for his debut documentary, Against the Odds, which tells the life story of the champion racehorse Lord Byron and also won him two awards at the Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards.

Last October, This is Nicholas was premiered at the NYC Mental Health Film Festival in Man-

hattan.

This week, Dublin audiences in Santry and Tallaght will get to see it for the first time, with Nicholas adding: “I’m so thankful to IMC for putting my film into 11 of their cinemas around the county.

“I think it’s fantastic they’re helping to educate and raise awareness of autism in all these regions.”

This is Nicholas screens in IMC Santry on Tuesday, Feb 26 at 4.45pm and 8.45pm, and at IMC Tallaght on Thursday, February 28 at 6.45pm and 8.45pm.

Nicholas RyanPurcell (above), director of the new documentary, This Is Nicholas — Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (left)

21 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

STYLE: SPRING FOR SOME FRESH NEW STYLES: There’s a grand stretch in the

DUBLIN

PRISON BREAK P20

TRAVEL: Most of us wouldn’t normally look to go to prison – but

PAGE 14



THE LEGO MOVIE 2 P19

evenings these days – and with many of us looking to freshen up some tired outfits after another long winter, you won’t need to stretch your budget too much for some great new style. We’ve rounded up some things to help put you in the mood for warmer weather, with some great prices that’ll put a smile on your face, too!

MAGAZINE these former prisons, now converted into luxury hotels, are welcoming guests for some criminally good pampering ...

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

PUBLIC THANKED FOR GROWING SUPPORT CANCER researchers Dr Emma Allott and Dr Aideen Ryan are pictured with budding researchers – siblings Oisín and Emma Foley, from Booterstown, to celebrate the Irish Cancer Society’s announcement that, thanks to the public’s generosity, the charity is on track to invest €30 million in cancer research in the

decade up to 2020.

But to continue funding vital research, the Irish Cancer Society needs this Daffodil Day, Friday March 22, to be the biggest one yet.

Members of the public are urged to get involved by volunteering as fundraisers and donating what they can on the day. Picture: Andres Poveda

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 February 2019

HOME & STYLE

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE ice Catr ics et Cosm d Fine An Prime alent Multit ray Sp Fixing 5 €4.9

Catrice Cosmeti cs Light Corr ecting Serum Pr imer €7.95

STYLE SOS WITH

Avene Hydrance Intens Serum €2 e 6

River Island Yellow Dress €75

SPRING beauty bits  Jessica Maile, Style Editor SPRING IS just around the corner and it’s time to fight the winter blues and plan to freshen up the ol’ wardrobe and make-up drawer!

From fresh new scents that evoke faraway holiday destinations, warm eyeshadow palettes to compliment future sun-kissed skin and bright, colour ful spring dresses, there are plenty of ways to start planning for warmer weather now!

End of an era

Penneys The PS SS Destination 19 fragrance collection €4.50 ea ch

Catrice Cosmeti cs Superbia Vol. I Copper Ey Warm eshado Edition €10 w .15

Tributes flood in for Karl Lagerfeld THE FASHION WORLD was in mourning earlier this

props - like the time that Chanel shipped an ice-

week, as it was announced that design power-

berg from Scandinavia across the continent for a

house Karl Lagerfeld passed away aged 85.

2010 show.

German native Lagerfeld was the creative director of iconic French fashion house Chanel for a genre-defining 36 years, reinventing the company through the eyes of a pop culture savant.

He became known as the mastermind behind

Lagerfeld was also creative director of Fendi for a time, as well as his own eponymous fashion label.

The fashion icon had been unwell for some time, most notably missing from Chanel’s couture show in January. He’s recognised as one of the most

Chanel’s elaborate Grand Palais fashion shows

irreplaceable people in fashion, with speculation

each season, most notably for the extravagant

already rife as to who will succeed the legend.

Martha What comes around goes around!

 MARTHA GILHEANEY NEW SEASON trends will soon be hitting the shops. But when you are not so new yourself, it can seem like you have seen it all before.

We’ve all heard the infamous ‘They’ say - ‘Don’t throw anything out, everything comes back.’

But what would Marie Kondo say? Even if you haven’t seen the popular Netflix show you probably know - ‘Does this spark joy?’

If you’d been holding shoulder pads, cycling shorts or a scrunchie a mere handful of years ago you would’ve responded with an ‘Eugh, yuck, no.’

Maybe you still would, they are divisive items, but the shops are full of them, so somebody’s buying.

While we like to imagine we’re not such slaves to fashion, turns out, most of the time, we are.

As the trends fade so do our affection for them and we’re only too happy to bag them up and send them on their second hand way.

Fashion forecasters say that trends resurface approximately twenty years after they originally hit. Looking back twenty years to 1999, the year of The Matrix and what do you see? Very little through those micro shades you’re sporting once more!

Just the other day, while sifting through a rail of flares, a woman in a jaded tone said.

‘You flares shopping too?’

‘I can’t believe it, but yes I am.’

I was happy, she looked downcast. I imagine her regretfully thinking, ’If only I hadn’t thrown out that great pair in the seventies.’

But don’t you get down too, it’s not all recycled matter. Even it the trends are old, the way we wear them doesn’t have to be as there’s so much more creativity and flexibility in the way we blend them.

One fine example is how runners, the most casual and comfortable of footwear, have finally become acceptable in all situations, with all outfits. And I for one appreciate the mere minutes it has shaven off my city centre commute not having to navigate slippery city centre cobbles in heels!

So this is what it boils down to, if you love it, keep it. If you want to keep it fresh, then mix old with new, vintage with high street, sporty with classic, pink with red, polka dots with stripes (you get the idea) and you’ll be newer than any of the new (actually old) trends going!

21 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

FOOD&DRINK

MORSELS OF NEWS IN THE CAPITAL

NIBBLESOFNEWS Mary’s Meals extends programme to help children in Zimbabwe DU B L I N b a s e d c h a r i t y Mary’s Meals Ireland have announced that the charity is now feeding 1.4 million children every school day.

Mary’s Meals began feeding just 200 children in Malawi in 2002.

The charity is now bringing life-changing school meals to 1,425,013 hungry children in 18 countries and has begun feeding in Zimbabwe for the very first time.

The charity has praised the “incredible generosity” of supporters from Ireland and around the world.

The charity’s founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, said: “I am so grateful to everyone who makes this wonderful work possible through generous gifts of money, skills, time and prayer.

“Your kindness is helping children in some of the world’s poorest communities to gain a precious education, which opens the door to the possibility of a brighter future.”

To find out more or to donate, visit www.marysmeals.ie

Delectable Desserts

Catherine Fulvio’s Rhubarb, Orange and Ginger Cheesecake Serves 12

This sweet treat is quick and easy to whip using seasonal rhubarb. Be sure to add your own special touch by decorating with some mint leaves or colourful flowers!

INGREDIENTS

For the rhubarb 150g stewed rhubarb, trimmed and sliced into 5cm lengths, 80g Siúcra Caster Sugar ½ tsp ground ginger For the base 20 digestive biscuits, crushed finely ½ orange, zest only, 120g melted butter

Mary’s Meals now feeding 1.4 million children

CRAFTBEERCORNER

Blackwell Irish Stout Ballykilcavan Brewery in Stradbally, Co Laois  PALE MAILE, Beer Aficionado THIS BEER sums up everything that is great about Irish craft beer. Locally made beer from a locally grown crop.

This beer is actually named after their own Blackwell barley field from the ancient Ballykilcavan farm. Stouts have a powerful body and aftertaste and you can taste the hints of coffee and chocolate. Stouts have a unique taste and there is so much more to offer than just a traditional pint of the black stuff. The alcohol volume is 4.4%, so it strong enough to taste the strength but comfortable enough to try one more.

For the filling 200ml cream 1½ leaves gelatine 400g soft smooth cream cheese 70g Siúcra Icing Sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 tbsp finely chopped crystallised ginger ½ orange, zest only For the orange topping 150ml orange juice 80g Siúcra Caster Sugar 1½ gelatine leaves

Orange segments, candied rind, poached rhubarb to decorate. Mint leaves, to decorate (optional)

METHOD

To cook the rhubarb: 1. Dice up the rhubarb into roughly 1-2cm pieces, mix rhubarb, sugar and ginger together and put into a small pot and cook until soft.

2. Taste mix at this point and add more sugar if necessary, rhubarb can be extremely tart depending on the time of year so good to check as you go along and adjust to your own taste buds.

3. Once cooked, leave to cool completely.

To make the base: 1. Line the base of a 23cm spring form baking tin with parchment paper.

2. Brush the sides generously with melted butter. 3. Place the crushed biscuits and orange zest into a bowl.

4. Pour enough melted butter to coat the biscuits and spoon this mixture into the base

of the spring form tin, flatten with the back of a spoon. 5. Leave in the fridge to set for ½ an hour.

To make the cheesecake filling: 1. Warm the cream in a saucepan over a medium heat.

2. Place the gelatine leaves into 100ml cold water to soak until softened.

3. Squeeze the excess water from the soaked gelatine leaves and place into the warm cream and stir until dissolved.

4. Leave to cool. 5. Whisk the cream cheese, Siúcra Icing Sugar, vanilla extract, crystallised ginger and orange zest together.

6. When the cream is cold, whisk it into the cream cheese mixture.

7. Gently fold in the cold stewed rhubarb into the cream cheese mix and spoon this over the biscuit base. 8. Leave in the fridge for at least 6 hours to set.

To make the orange topping: 1. Place the orange juice and Siúcra Caster Sugar into a saucepan and heat until just hot and the sugar dissolved.

2. Place the gelatine leaves into 100ml cold water to soak until softened.

3. Squeeze the excess water from the soaked gelatine leaves and place into the hot orange juice and stir quickly until the gelatine is dissolved. 4. Cool this down by placing the saucepan on some ice or in very cold water and letting the liquid thicken slightly before pouring over the top of the cheesecake mix. 5. Leave to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

To serve: 1. Run a warm thin palette knife carefully around the tin, unlock the tin, peel the wrap off and slide on a cake stand.

2. Decorate with orange pieces and mint leaves if you are using them. You can also cut the smaller stalks of rhubarb into a nice shape and gentle poach them in orange juice for extra decoration.

An atmospheric pub

with a legendary name LOCATED on Cathedral Street, just off Dublin’s main thoroughfare, Brannigan’s blends a modern, spacious feel with a cosy, traditional atmosphere. An ideal place to watch, or avoid, a match, there is a good mix of regulars here. It is also part of the Traditional Irish Music pub crawl, with music seven nights a week in the summer and Thursday to Saturday during the winter.

The bar’s name has a relatively unusual backstory, so called after James Christopher Brannigan better known as ‘Lugs’ Brannigan, a legendary member of the Gardai. The street where it is located also has a unique history. Over 300 years ago, the street was home to Ireland’s first elephant. The animal, showcased to the public on Parliament Street, perished when the viewing booth in which he was shown caught fire.

The pub remains family run, which is obvious from the welcoming nature of the staff.

While there are a wide range of beers and spirits on offer, Brannigan’s has not lost sight of the importance of its porter. Full of body and cream, with temperature and flavour right where they should be, there is definitely a taste of more off the pints here.” @guinnessadvisor

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 February 2019

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND

‘Fresh Prince’ star loses copyright claim over Carlton dance THE actor behind the legendary Carlton Dance from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air has been told that he can’t copyright the slick moves.

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks, was in the process of trying to sue two computer game makers over the dance routine from the 90’s TV show but has been told by the US Copyright Office that the dance routine cannot be copyrighted.

They said that the moves – a swing-

ing of the arms and hips – were simply a dance routine, rather than choreography that can be copyrighted.

The dance was made popular in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, which starred Will Smith.

Ribeiro was suing the makers of the basketball game NBA 2K16, and cult war game Fortnite, which allow players to do a ‘victory dance’, similar to the legendary Carlton moves.

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com

Newly discovered Ceratogyrus Attonitifer spider

Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

Astonishment in Angola A NEW species of tarantula has been found with a peculiar horn on its back.

The spider, discovered in Angola, belongs to a group known as horned baboon spiders but in other known

species in the group the horn is ‘short and hard’ and in the new species the structure is ‘elongated and soft’.

Dr John Midgley from the KwaZulu-Natal Museum in South Africa made the discovery.

skye

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Skye is a wonderful, funloving four-year old Staffordshire terrier cross.

She is full of life and loves to play games – her favourite being Fetch. Skye loves other dogs and is happiest when she has a doggy pal by her side. She likes to keep busy, whether it is lapping up attention, going on a walk or putting her clever mind to use with dog treat puzzles.

Skye would love a quiet home with a patient family; a dog in the home would also be great. She needs an understanding family who will help her gain more confidence around people, but with some time and lots of love, she will make a fantastic addition to a very lucky family.

If you have room in your heart and home for Skye then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

DOG OF THE WEEK

21 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

D QUIRKY THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

St Patrick’s Festival and Tesco Ireland announce Cultural Partnership ST Patrick’s Festival has announced a new two-year cultural partnership with Tesco, called ‘Tesco finest - A Celebration of Irish Culture’.

This inclusive cultural programme will celebrate Ireland’s heritage, traditions and music, alongside the very best of Irish food, and runs throughout the five-day celebration of Ireland’s national holiday, from March 14 to 18.

The programme partnership will fea-

ture a diverse range of events that will take place at the three-day Festival Village in Merrion Square, running from March 16 to March 18.

Susan Kirby, St. Patrick’s Festival CEO, said: “We are delighted to announce this exciting partnership with the team at Tesco Ireland, and we look forward to working on an inclusive, celebratory and diverse cultural programme for 2019 and into the future.”

Celebrating the new partnership, Clair

O’Donnell, head of brand activations, Tesco Ireland said: “We’re very honoured to be such a major partner to the worldrenowned St Patrick’s Festival.

“This is something our colleagues are very excited about. As a team we can’t wait to bring our culture of little helps to life across the Festival, supporting a whole host of cultural events and activities for colleagues, customers and families to enjoy.”

IRISH hitmakers Picture This recently launched their brand-new album “MDRN LV” with a special performance on top of The Empire State Building in New York City.

The launch included a one hour special in association with The Eoghan McDermott Show on RTE 2FM, plus an acoustic performance from the 86th Floor Observatory level where they performed their hit “Take My Hand” to global media and fans.

“MDRN LV”, the new album, was released last Friday, February 15. The new album includes the current single “One Drink” plus two previously released tracks “Everything Or Nothing” and “If You Wanna Be Loved”.

In the nearly three years since Picture This formed, they’ve impressively sold over 300K tickets, concluding 2018 with the announcement of a five-night residency in Dublin’s 3Arena for this March. All five nights have subsequently sold out.

Picture This are Ryan Hennessey, Jimmy Rainsford, Owen Cardiff and Cliff Deane.

BITS & BOBS TOP TWEETS

My son saw a cemetery and said ‘that’s where they plant ghosts’ @meaghano

Me: single. also me: regularly covered in a light dusting of sour cream and chives flavouring @rose_ matafeo

It speaks to Sophie EllisBextor’s character that her primary concern after discovering a murder on the dancefloor is that the mood is not also killed. @byrceroney

picture perfect album launch

Dublin will never be a civilised city until our footpaths have a fast lane and a saunter/ tourist lane @Gilleeece

I made my own coffee on the way to work today so the €1.40 I saved can only mean I’ve my mortgage deposit in the bag @tochmarc_ eimear

A busker on Grafton Street just described his style as Snoop Dogg meets Michael Flatley. @greeneggs

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 February 2019

LADY ANTEBELLUM

CAROLINE JONES CHRIS STAPLETON

GOINGOUTOUT

Country-girl power Amid a battle for representation in country music, some of America’s biggest female country stars drop in on Dublin

PICK WEEK OF THE

FEBRUARY 24 (SUNDAY)

Massive Attack @ @ 3Arena, €52+ Bristol legends bring the late 90s and early 00s highlights, and plenty of new material to the 3Arena for a tripped-out night of fuzzy dance.

FEBRUARY 21 (THURSDAY)

Chvrches @ Olympia Theatre, €30 Damian Clark @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

FEBRUARY 22 (FRIDAY)

Bill Ryder-Jones @ Whelan’s, €17 Exiles @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Chvrches @ Olympia Theatre, €30 Rory and the Island @ The Workman’s Club, €12

FEBRUARY 23 (SATURDAY)

Kojaque @ Whelan’s, €21 Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) @ The Sugar Club, sold out Somebody’s Child @ Whelan’s (upstairs), €10 Palace @ The Workman’s Club, €15 Why-Axis @ The Grand Social, €10

FEBRUARY 24 (SUNDAY)

Alasdair Roberts + Landless @ Whelan’s, €16 Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) @ The Sugar Club, €20 Eleanor Tiernan @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12

FEBRUARY 25 (MONDAY)

Fredo @ Olympia Theatre, sold out

FEBRUARY 26 (TUESDAY)

Catfish And The Bottlemen @ Olympia Theatre, sold out Laura Gibson @ Whelan’s, €15

FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY)

Ger Staunton @ Whelan’s, €10

IRELAND’S love of country music only occasionally seems to raise its head above the parapet.

It comes in moments like the 400,000 sales country-rock singer Garth Brooks had pulled off back in 2014, before his five night stand at Croke Park fell victim to licensing issues, or in sporadic appearances from visiting stars on the Late Late Show.

There’s little in the way of radioplay, even for the likes of Brooks, and Ireland’s own countryleaning scene would still, broadly, be better categorised as a more native brand of folk.

Nevertheless, ‘Country to Country’ has become a regular on the gig circuit in the last few years, showing emphatically that there are tickets to be sold, as it packs out Ireland’s biggest indoor venue, the 3Arena, for three consecutive nights.

This year’s event has a distinctly feminine flavour, not least through the star-factor and hugeselling headliners Lady Antebellum, fronted by the distinctive Hillary

 JAMES HENDICOTT

Scott.

The band are on the back of an extended break, one that led plenty to believe they’d split permanently, but returned just over a year ago. They’ve sold an incredible 18 million albums, and clocked up more than two billion streams.

“I definitely think the span of country music in general has grown a lot,” the band said around the release of their most recent album Heart Break, their fifth US number one in six releases.

“For one thing they seem a lot younger, which is neat. A lot of young fans are coming to our shows.

We have all kinds of fans.

“If you love music, come and check it out! That’s always been our motto.

We know we’re not so much a traditional country band. But that was never our goal. We just try to be true to whatever songs are coming out.”

Another star set to turn out at the festival is Camaron Ochs (CAM), a Californian exception to the general southernstate dominance of the genre.

CAM wrote tracks for Miley Cyrus and funded her own debut through a Kickstarter project before really breaking through.

She also sits a little outside of country convention in her music, and is particularly outspoken about male dominance in the genre.

“I came into country music and as I started moving up in my career, I started looking around and there were no women and there were no people of colour,” she said.

“I also know that a lot of rooms made me feel a little awkward. Then I hit a wall for myself where I couldn’t progress.”

Her stance came to the forefront when Keith Hill, a country radio consultant, advised his clients to play less female-fronted country, as he claimed the tracks damaged ratings.

“I was complicit in this whole thing, too,” CAM recalls.

“I was a part of this system and I’ve let it go this far, and now all of us are waking up and saying, ‘Hey, nobody’s got to get burned, all we’ve got to do is wake up and get better together.’”

CAM will have plenty

of allies at the 3Arena, with seemingly overnight Arkansas success story Ashley McBryde, Caroline Jones, and Carly Pearce, who’s toured since the age of 11, also taking to the stage over the course of the weekend.

The Country to Country Festival takes place at the 3Arena on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 of March. It features every artist mentioned in this article, as well as Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Hunter Hayes and more. Single day tickets start at €55

CAMARON OCHS

21 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS

ENTERTAINMENT

CINEMA | THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART

QUIKFLIX FLIX

Not awesome, but it’s still pretty great

WITH what looks set to be a messy, unfocused Oscars ceremony looming on the horizon, it’s looking like they’ll be anything but awesome this year.

However, if I said “Everything is awesome...” you’d probably know straight away what I was referencing, such was the popularity of a certain song (and film) that was even catchier than last year’s Baby Shark (“Dede-de-de-de-de-de-dedehhh, Baby Shark...”).

That’s right, The Lego Movie, with its inevitable sequel, The Lego Movie 2 (Cert G, 107 mins) hoping to build - geddit? - on the success of the smashhit film from a few years back.

We ’ r e b a c k w i t h upbeat Emmet (Chris Pratt), WildStyle/Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett) and the gang, with The Kid from the first film having grown up a bit.

His Lego city/world of Brickburg has consequently taken on a much grittier, more apocalyptic look and tone - not that you’d know it from chirpy, cheerful Emmet.

However, things soon take a turn for the worse

 SHANE DILLON

with monstrous alien invaders from the Systar System (amusingly clunky Duplo brick creations made by the kid’s little sister) not only constantly hassling Apocalypseburg-

of an impending Armageddon threatens the end of brick-based life as we know it.

Somehow, he has to toughen himself up a bit to go through (or up) ‘the Stairgate’ to lead a rescue mission in the world beyond, get his gal and his pal back, and avert Armageddon - without falling under the spell of some catchy music...

and The Lego Movie 2 comes reasonably close.

After all, it’s stuffed to the gills full of knowing nods and references to all kinds of people and things, has a dizzying line-up of stars providing solid voiceover work for their cameo characters, has admittedly catchy music and, above all, plenty of excellent Legoinspired vistas.

As you’d expect, the film is stuffed full of movie and pop culture references

nee-Brickburg’s inhabitants, but soon seeing Batman, Lucy and others kidnapped.

Batman has been chosen as the unwilling groom-to-be in an upcoming wedding instigated by the merciless queen of the Systar System (Tiffany Haddish), and even more pressingly, Emmet’s fears

You know what you’re getting with this one, with the sequel to the barnstorming The Lego Movie providing much of the same solid entertainment as that striking film did.

To be blunt, it’s just not as good as the first film but then, that would be quite a task to achieve,

As some icing on the cake, a key new character - Rex Dangervest (also voiced by Pratt) - is like a wonderful tribute to classic Kurt Russell characters amalgamated together.

Put all of that together, and while The Lego Movie 2 isn’t quite awesome, it’s still pretty great.

Verdict: 8/10

StillShowing... StillShowing... StillShowing... StillShowing...

INSTANT FAMILY

Forgettable fare from Wahlberg

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL

Fight the impulse to leave THE original popular cult manga is decent, but the big-budget film it’s based on, Alita: Battle Angel (Cert 12A, 122mins) is just an ugly, unfocused mess.

A cyborg who’s almost more human than humans is forced to embrace her potential for ultra violence to help save those she loves in a shabby city. The end result is an unfocused mess with distracting CG everywhere.

HERE comes yet another Mark Wahlberg family-man film, with Instant Family (Cert 12A, 118mins) proving instantly forgettable. A couple decide that they’d like to give parenting a go, and look into foster care adoption – but instead of one kid, they end up with three. Hey, it’s an ... instant family! Hilarity doens’t quite follow as they all learn what family is, and how to live and love together.

Streaming the latest news

Youtube star Shane Dawson in his latest viral video on Conspiracy Theories

Is YouTube redefining the documentary?

RACHEL D’ARCY WHEN SOMEONE thinks of binge watching, or unique documentaries, their minds nearly automatically drift to Netflix.

However, video sharing platform YouTube is solidifying it’s status as a real contender in the content business.

Creators are finding innovative ways to deliver what their audiences want to see, using the platform to generate videos of such a high quality, they actually wouldn’t be out of place on Netflix itself.

One such creator is Shane Dawson, billed widely as being one of the most innovative YouTubers, in addition to being one of the first creators on the platform.

He’s been using the platform to deliver in-depth documentaries on controversial YouTubers like Jake Paul (ask the kids!), but most recently has further

delved into the world of conspiracy theories in videos almost two hours long.

Theories explored include the world of ‘deep fakes’ and whether or not your phone is listening to you, triggering a massive response online Dawson’s videos usually rack up millions of views in a matter of hours - at time of press, both videos stood at a combined 50 million views in less than two weeks of being live.

Another creator in the beauty field of the site, Thomas Halbert, is also attempting to branch out with a television style series, ‘Battle of the Brands’.

The format is different to the typical reviews and previews of the beauty genre, whilst still maintaining a comedic and educational aspect.

Halbert’s editing style is akin to entertainment channel E!’s style, while

maintaining that traditional ‘YouTube edge’. The series has generated a huge buzz in the beauty community, racking up over 300,000 views.

It’s rare that YouTube is considered a serious form of entertainment, with few critics paying much heed to the growing platform.

One thing is certain though - this pop culture phenomenon is delivering stellar content on a near weekly basis - and that’s not something to scoff at.

Youtuber Thomas Halbert

X-Factor WILL return this year but will it be in a brand new format?

HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U

Not so much of a happy return HERE’S another sequel this week that doesn’t quite match its superb predecessor. Happy Death Day 2U (Cert 15A, 100 mins) once again sees a young woman constantly reliving the same day over and over again, while a new murderer is on the loose. Think: Groundhog Day crossed with Halloween, and you’re on the right path. It’s fine, but the first film was much fresher.

X-Factor’s Simon Cowell

DESPITE rumours that the X-Factor may face the chop, it’s been revealed that the show will be back on screens in 2019.

As confirmed to Digital Spy by a source, the singing show will return to ITV despite a less than stellar viewership in 2018.

Auditions for this year’s

show have already begun, including a stint in Stephen’s Green to find some Irish talent.

Speculation is circulating, however, that this year’s format may feature celebrities in an effort to boost ratings, with the regular version returning to screens in 2020.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 February 2019

TRAVEL

Book a bargain holiday away to a European city with GoHop.ie FANCY a quick getaway to one of Europe’s top cities?

GoHop.ie has some great value city breaks in March. Whether it’s shopping, sightseeing, or a short romantic trip with your other half, a city break is the ideal tonic to get away from it all and recharge your batteries.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide selection of competitively priced flights and accommodation to suit all budgets.

So go on, you deserve it, book that European city break now with GoHop.ie .

And, why not give the gift of travel to someone special with a GoHop.ie holiday voucher?

Whether it’s a special birthday, anniversary, wedding gift or simply because you feel they deserve a break, a travel voucher really is an ideal present.

Check out the GoHop.ie holiday voucher page at https://www.gohop.ie/travel-voucher/holidays.

A selection of the great value spring city breaks on GoHop.ie include: Amsterdam, March 20, two nights at the 3-star Hotel De Looier, room only from €185pp.

Budapest, March 23, two nights at the 5-star Hilton Budapest City, B&B from €250pp.

Munich, March 06, two nights at the 4-star Azimut Hotel, room only from €140pp.

Rome, 10 March 10, two nights at the 3-star Hotel Tre Stelle, B&B from €195pp.

Barcelona, March 30, two nights at the 4-star Hotel Sansi Diputacio, room only from €190pp.

All the above prices are subject to availability and include return flights from Dublin, all taxes and two nights’ hotel accommodation as specified. Baggage and transfers not included.

GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland. Irish-owned and managed, the brand continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers, offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market, operating flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

The company boasts more than 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.75.

Consumers can also sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter for unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

For further information, see GoHop.ie, or call 01 241 2389; on Facebook see GoHop.ie; on Twitter follow @GoHop_ie; or on Instagram follow #GoHop.ie.

Langholmen Hotell, Stockholm, Sweden

Stylish slammers: A jail break with a difference Malmaison, Oxford

Unusual hotels won’t be such a hard cell ...

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor HAVE you ever wondered what it would feel like spending a night in prison? Well, wonder no more.

Our seemingly evergrowing obsession with prison documentaries, true crime and gore has led to a trend in converting former lock-ups into places of luxury.

Spending the night in a former slammer might sound like a daunting prospect but it makes for

an unforgettable experience, especially when the building has been given a makeover marrying luxury with original features such as window bars, cells and security doors.

You can take the quick route and check-in to your very own sumptuous cell at a revamped former jail – transformed into a haven of tranquility while still paying homage to its heritage.

The accommodations experts at Hotels.com have compiled a list of stylish

slammers, most definitely more in tune with indulgence than incarceration.

Malmaison Oxford, Oxford, UK The building we today know as Malmaison Oxford has an eventful history stretching back more than 900 years.

Adjacent to Oxford Castle, it was originally built in 1071 as a Norman fortress.

Over the years, civil unrest, change of political interests and negligence

led to the castle being extended during the Victorian era, and it served as HM Prison Oxford 18881996, after which it was turned into a hotel.

The hotel offers a range of 95 rooms and suites, including the cell double, cell superior double and rooms located in the adjacent House of Correction building.

Malmaison prides itself on its unique concept and high standards, with each room boasting power showers, mood lighting,

24-hour room service and exclusive toiletries.

Inmates won’t have to worry about sub-standard food here: the stylish Brasseries serves generous portions of fresh, local and classic food.

Rates start from £149 (€169) per room per night.

Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland Located in the heart of the Finnish capital, the building we today know as Hotel Katajanokka opened as the Helsinki County

21 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

Hotel Katajanokka, Heilsinki, Finland

Unlike its original inhabitants, you can check out of The Liberty, Boston any time you please ...

Prison and investigative penitentiary in 1837 and remained open until 2002.

At that point, the prison was relocated to the outskirts of the city. The building underwent several years of restoration and the luxurious hotel opened its doors in 2007.

Sets of two or three cells were combined to create spacious and comfortable four-star hotel rooms, ranging from queen rooms to junior suites, accessible by the original prison corridor.

Its restaurant, Jailbird, also has a prison theme, complete with exposed brick walls, barred windows and medieval-style chairs. Here guests can sample Scandinavian specialities, including the acclaimed President Ryti’s beef.

Rooms at Hotel Katajanokka start from €115 per room per night.

The Liberty, Boston, USA The spectacular building we know today as The

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The post lasts three weeks and pays

Liberty was built in 1851 and served as the notorious Charles Street Jail until 1990.

Probably the most famous inmate that served time here is Malcolm X. The prison was known for its octagonal, 27 metre-tall rotunda, which helped segregate prisoners by sex and category of offences and remains at the heart of The Liberty Hotel’s design.

While the former prison cells were just 80sq

€6,850 for the lucky explorer who will get to try out “extraordinary shore experiences” in spectacular locations including CocoCay, a private island in the Caribbean.

Social media smarts are a must for the successful entrant, who will share their footage and photos on Instagram, Insta Stories and IGTV. And as if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll get €57 a day for expenses.

Candidates are being invited to apply by sharing their best travel experience on Instagram, tagging @RoyalCaribbeanUK and #ShoreExplorer.

Entries close on March 1 and the winner will be chosen by a panel of

ft, today’s 298 rooms and suites range from 400 to 800sq ft.

Guests can expect advanced technology and contemporary style, including mahogany woods and touches of stainless steel.

Those wishing to see the original prison should head to CLINK restaurant, where guests can sit in parts of the original cells while enjoying modern American cuisine.

Rates start from €170 per room per night.

judges. Terms and conditions state you must be over 21, live in the UK or Ireland, hold a valid passport and be able to drop everything to travel between May and August for up to four consecutive weeks.

Edinburgh set to introduce a £2 tourist tax EDINBURGH is a step closer to becoming the first city in the UK to introduce a tourist tax after the move was widely

Langholmen Hotell, Stockholm, Sweden The centrally located Langholmen island has a rich and captivating history, dating back more than1,000 years. Its history as a correction facility dates back to 1724 when its first female inmates arrived.

The prison was expanded over the years and was eventually closed in 1975. Today, guests staying at the Langholmen Hotell have access to the prison museum, giving them insight into the living conditions of former prisoners.

The original windows remain, although the cells have been updated with contemporary d e s i g n s o l u t i o n s to include flatscreen televisions and other such

approved by councillors.

Plans for the tax, or Transient Visitor Levy (TVL), include a £2 per night room charge (with an exemption for campsites) and a cap of seven consecutive nights.

Local politicians, who backed the plans by 43 votes to 15, reckon this will generate an estimated £14.6 million every year.

The local authority will now put its recommendations to Scottish parliament. If passed, the move would see the city follow in the footsteps of Paris, Venice and Barcelona, while Bath and Oxford councils have also called for similar powers.

amenities.

Guests can choose between single cells, double cells, family cells and even romantic cells, offering sparkling wine, c h o c o l a t e, d re s s i n g gowns and slippers.

Rooms start from €99 per room per night.

FOR bookings on any of the above visit www.hotels. com. And, if you’ve caught the bug, you might want to book a stay at Clink78 in London, the Four Seasons Sultanahmed in Istanbul, Turkey or blow the budget on Q Station in Sydney, Australia ...

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 February 2019

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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21 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

MOTORS

AUDI Ireland 191 upgrade deal detailed

AUDI Ireland has

announced details of bespoke complimentary upgrade packages on its Audi A4 and Q2 models as part of its 191 sales event.

This exclusive offer is available to all customers until February 28, while stocks last.

The 191 sales event is currently taking place across all Audi-authorised dealers nationwide.

The Audi A4 Style Pack 191 complimentary style pack includes a metallic paint finish, ambient lighting pack, heated front sports seats, comfort armrest and front parking sensors.

The style pack also comes complete with 18” alloy wheels on SE models and 19” alloys on the S Line, offering a customer saving of more than €4,000 for the SE and €4,500 for S Line model.

The Audi Q2 Convenience Pack offers an enhanced driving experience. The complimentary upgrade bolsters the compact SUV with a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, providing a saving of more than €2,600.

The 191 range includes the launch of five new models: the sporty yet compact Audi A1; an SUV with a difference, the Audi Q3; Audi’s first fully electric model, the Audi e-tron; the limitededition Audi Q5, complete with2.0TDI 163 HP engine; and the stylish Audi A6.

As part of the Audi 191 sales event, customers can avail of low APR rates, starting from as low as 2.9% on the Audi Q5 and Audi A6.

For further information see www.audi.ie, or your local Audi dealer.

Its decent fuel consumption and nifty power will appeal, as will its surprising amount of space (for everyone and everything it can carry), coupled with great features

KIA Ceed SW impresses with space and comfort DECLAN GLYNN

THE all-new KIA Ceed SW (Sportswagon) shares everything, except the rear, with the new Ceed hatchback, while an extended rear overhang provides the new SW with an additional 97-litres of space over the previous generation model.

The boot lip is also substantially lower, with the lower lift-over height making it easier to load heavier items into the boot.

Compared with its predecessor, it is 95mm longer at 4600mm, 20mm wider at 1800mm and 20mm lower at 1465mm.

As with its hatchback sibling, at the front of the new SW there is the familiar ‘tiger nose’ grille and castellated upper windscreen, while the sweptback headlight design and lowered, widened, front air intake is reminiscent of KIA’s stylish and sporty Stinger GT. The eye-catching rear LED daytime running lights give the new Ceed SW greater visibility and recognition on the road.

The striking design is

a signature feature of the new Kia Ceed family, while ‘Ice Cube’ LED daytime running lights and High Beam Assist (HBA) also come as standard.

The sporty low profile is extended by the chromeframed windows and sleek roof rails.

The new KIA Ceed SW offers more room than ever before. C-segment estate customers’ expectations go beyond cargo capacity, so KIA’s designers have ensured versatility and usability are key strengths for the new Ceed SW, making it one of the most practical cars in its class.

With the split-folding rear seats dropped, the boot floor is completely flat. Every Ceed SW features an underfloor box to secure or hide smaller items, as well as a tonneau cover and a bag hook

to prevent groceries and other items rolling around the load bay.

Cargo capacity is an impressive 625-litres with the rear seat backs in place, and a huge 1,694-litres with the rear seats folded.

The new Ceed SW is only available in one trim – K3.

T h i s ge n e ro u s l yequipped model comes complete with a vast range of features, such as (to name but a few) LED daytime-running-lights (ice-cube effect), tinted windows, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, cloth and artificial leather seats, USB charger, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 7” LCD infotainment screen, rear camera and much, much more.

Engine options in the new Ceed SW consist of a

FACT BOX

1) All-new model 2) Increased dimensions and space 3) 7-Year/150,000km warranty 4) Petrol or diesel engines 5) Priced from €25,295

Tall drivers will welcome the overall design, providing a comfortable drive

3-cylinder, 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine producing 120bhp, and a 4-cylinder 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine with 115bhp.

The annual road tax is just €200 and €190 respectively, thanks to impressively low Co2 emissions.

Both engines are available with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, with no automatic gearbox currently available. A 7-speed automatic gearbox is, however, available in the SW’s hatchback sibling.

On test was a new Ceed SW K3 in 1.0-litre T-GDi guise.

T h i s f ro n t-w h e e l drive car is capable of

a 0-100km sprint in a respectable 10.9-seconds, and can reach a top speed of 192km/h.

Front suspension is by MacPherson struts and an anti-roll bar, while a multilink arrangement with trailing arm and anti-roll bar are employed at the rear.

On the road the new Ceed SW is composed, nimble, and drives with poise and precision. The cloth and leather-effect seats in my test car were very supportive, and there is ample adjustment available on the driver’s seat to ensure that even tall drivers can get comfortable behind the wheel.

Thankfully, rear seat comfort hasn’t been forgotten – space in the rear seats is very nearly as generous as in the front.

As a result, there is enough room for a six-foot tall passenger to sit behind an equally tall driver, and the soft central seat and almost flat floor means there is space for three adults to sit side-by-side.

The 1.0-litre T-GDi K3 model is competitively priced at just €25,295 (exworks), with the 1.6-litre CRDi model costing an additional €2,655.

As is the case across the entire KIA passenger car range, a 7-Year/150,000km warranty is standard.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

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FOOTBALL P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

LEAGUE OF IRELAND: SOCCER: BOHEMIANS kicked off their

2019 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Finn Harps at Dalymount Park on Friday night.

Dinny Corcoran scored the only goal of the game as Keith Long’s side saw off the Premier Division newcomers at the home of Irish football. St Pat’s, meanwhile, hosted their biggest crowd in years against Cork City.



GAZETTE

RUGBY P29

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS CHALLENGE | DUBLINER HITS GRUELLING TARGET FOR EB

Doyle hits ‘Dreadmill’ for Debra  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

BALBRIGGAN runner Liam Doyle ran 50 miles on a treadmill in 7 hour 45 minutes late last week, as he continued a quest to raise money for Debra Ireland by covering vast distances on the machine.

Doyle’s fifth treadmill attempt saw him cross the 40 mile mark for the fourth time in the challenges, which have taken place regularly since February 2017, and top his previous fundraising mark. He has raised €950 to date from his most recent run.

“The Dreadmill, aka Treadmill is that piece of Gym equipment most people shy away from,” Doyle jokes.

“Not me, I see it as an opportunity to raise funds for Charity whilst getting a little work-out done.”

“Working with Applegreen for more years than I can remember, we have always supported charities through our Charitable Fund. A charity that

inspired me to plug in the treadmill and run for hours on end without actually moving too far was DEBRA Ireland.

“DEBRA Ireland was set up to assist and provide vital care for the 300 known cases of Epidermolysis Bullosa, EB for short or Butterfly Skin.

This is a debilitating skin condition that there is no known cure for and life expectancy is 25 - 30 years, depending on the severity.

“It comes with constant pain with regimental wound dressing of up to 3 hours every second day. It leaves those affected with a very different life to any other normal child.”

“My own case of Psoriasis, whilst I have good and bad days, is nothing compared to their daily routine and this inspired me to lace up the runners and plug in the treadmill.”

“I place the treadmill on the forecourt where I work and off I go. It is not only a physical challenge but more of a mental challenge to stay running on the spot for so long with people asking

Liam Doyle on the treadmill in the middle of his challenge

me where are the others who are going to run as well.

“The look of disbelief on their face when I tell them it’s just me on a solo challenge is priceless, they probably rightly think I am nuts.”

“My own running background is being a member of Balbriggan Roadrunners who I joined up shortly after

I started running/jogging back in 2014,” Doyle explains. “I’ve lost five stone, run four Dublin marathons and numerous East of Ireland marathons, and two many other races to list since.”

You can sponsor Doyle’s efforts by visiting his fundraising page at give. everydayhero.com/ie/liam-s-treadmill-challenge-1.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

LUCAN SARSFIELDS BALLYMUN KICKHAMS OUR adult WELL done league to the Junior games A la started this weekend with opening day defeats for our seniors by 6 points and inters by 2 points, both against Ballyboden.

Our junior A’s opened their season with a fine three point win over Round Towers Clondalkin, while our junior B team opened their season with a three point victory over Fingallians! Well done.

Our juvenile teams are motoring now, our newest under 8 boys team had a great set of matches against Castleknock, whilst our under 9’s were superb also against Castleknock.

The hard work and skills training is really showing now on the field of play.

The same can be said for our under 10 boys, who had a terrific set of games out in the fabulous facilities of Sancta Maria against Ballyboden.

Reminder, there are no nurseries this coming Saturday due to the mid term break.

Please spread the word!

We would like to remind all members, that under no circumstances are dogs allowed on our pitches and surrounds, and that smoking is not allowed on our pitches and surrounds.

This is an executive order, and will be strictly enforced.

Congratulations to Davey Bolger and Darragh Conlon who were part of the victorious St. Pats college team last week in the All Ireland intermediate final.

Yet again, great credit to them, our club and their families. Well done lads.

Our senior team will be holding a “Cheltenham festival preview” fundraiser on Wednesday March 6th upstairs in the Autobahn at 8pm.

Special guests are Johnny Ward, David Jennings, Bryan Cooper and Keith Donoghue. Tickets are €20 and available from Eoin Dolan on 0863470146 or Liam O’Donovan on 0879764120 For more information on all our news snippets, go to our website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page, where you can find a myriad of facts about the club!

CLONTARF SENIORS had the short trip away to Bóthar Chluain Tarbh where they defeated Scoil 1-18 to 0-13 in AFL2.

Junior A won at home to St. Finians Swords 1-10 to 1-7 while Junior B completed the league treble this afternoon against Portobello 2-13 to 0-7.

Many of the players are taking part in The OsKaRs so great to see them getting into shape for their demanding roles!

There was no winner of our club Lotto this week and the Pota Óir/

Jackpot is now €12,200.

The lotto is an important fundraiser for the club and if you are not already playing why not think about signing up online bit.ly/tarbhlotto.

Signup for 25 draws and get 2 free or signup for 50 draws and get 5 free.

You can also get tickets in An Siopa (Tueday and Thursday 7-8pm), An Cúldoras, Graingers Pebble Beach, Clontarf & Connollys, The Sheds.

We would like to thank Staffords Funeral Homes for their support.

SOCCER: BOHEMIANS OFF TO STRONG START TO NEW SEASON

Dinny plucks victory from Harps LOI PREMIER DIVISION Bohemians Finn Harps  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

1 0

BOHEMIANS kicked off their 2019 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Finn Harps at Dalymount Park on Friday night.

Dinny Corcoran scored the only goal of the game as Keith Long’s side saw off the Premier Division newcomers at the home of Irish football.

Ireland’s record goalscorer Robbie Keane, now a member of Mick McCarthy’s coaching staff, was in attendance as the Donaghmede man settled the tie.

Ollie Horgan’s side succumbed to their 12th straight defeat at the Phibsboro venue against a Bohs side littered with new caps after a tumultuous off-season.

James Talbot, Conor

Levingston, Daniel Mandroiu, James Finnerty and Luke Wade-Slater were all given debuts following their return from the UK over the winter period.

It was Harps who came within inches of taking the lead early on, however, as Daniel O’Reilly’s header from Mark Timlin’s cross rebounded off the stump of the post.

It was Talbot who set in motion the Bohs opener with a long ball forward that eventually found its way to striker Corcoran.

He laid the ball off to Keith Ward, and his delightful pass found Keith Buckley on the overlap, and his pass inside was turned into the net by Corcoran to give the Gypsies a halftime lead.

Corcoran’s finish didn’t quite match the fluidity of the build-up play, and the ball rebounded into the net off the post, but

the striker has proven instincts in front of goal in this league.

Mandroiu came close to making it two for the home side after the break when he found space on the edge of the box, but his shot was turned behind by Peter Burke.

From the resulting corner, Rob Cornwall headed just wide as Long’s side continued to press in search of the goal that would guarantee the three points.

Bohs could have made

the points safe late on as Keith Ward turned Derek Pender’s cross towards goal, but again Burke denied the home side.

And a mistake from d e fe n d e r S a m To d d should really have put the gloss on the scoreline for Bohs late on as he allowed Wade-Slater in on goal.

The former St Kevin’s Boys and Stevenage man had only Burke to beat, but his weak shot was turned away by Burke, and Corcoran put the

loose ball over the bar.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Long said afterwards.

“We didn’t make it easy for ourselves. We had some chances in the second half but maybe make life comfortable for ourselves.

“We had to withstand a lot of long throws into the box from set-plays. Finn Harps are an honest side and they make you work.

“It’s a 1-0 win but it’s three points and it kickstarts our season.”

Travers’ indoor 3,000m gold

Donore’s John Travers and Raheny’s Brian Fay shake hands. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

JOHN Travers (Donore Harriers) impressed in the first final on the track of day of the Irish Life Health National Indoor Championships in Abbotstown.

He sped to 3,000m gold in 8.07.89 ahead of Paul Robinson (St Coca’s) in 8:09.79 and Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock) in 8:10.10.

It was a nice boost for the Donore man ahead of the European Indoor championships which take place on March 1-3 in Glasgow. Travers was named on a 16-person team alongside Sean Tobin to contest the 3,000m.

Elswhere, Matthew Behan was another strong winner as the Crusaders man took home the 60m hurdles gold. His time of 7.96 seconds proved too good for Clonliffe Harriers’ Rolus Olusa who was second in 8.17.

Among other medalists were Dublin City Harriers’ Catherine McManus and Donore’s Aoife Lynch who took silver and bronze, respectively, in the 200m.

DSDAC’s Siofra Cleirigh Buttner won the 800m ahead of UCD’s Claire Mooney and Templeogue’s Nadia Power.

21 February 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

AT DALYMOUNT

Bohemians’ Danny Mandroiu holds off Finn Harps’ Liam Walsh.

Picture: Martin Doherty

DUBLIN STAR

Donore’s O’Byrne lands Athletics Ireland gong DONORE Harriers Lara O’Byrne received the Dublin Star award at the thletics Ireland Juvenile Star Awards from Georgina Drumm, President Athletics Ireland, and George Mayberry in Tullamore for her performances in 2018 in which she won the outdoor heptathlon title and 100m hurdles gold to boot.

Most recently in January, O’Byrne landed the sixth year national indoor penathlon title Picture: Dan McGrath

RUGBY: HUGE WIN FOR DONNYBROOK CLUB AT BALLYNAHINCH

Stynes kicks Wesley to big jump in AIL1B AIL DIVISION 1A Ballynahinch Old Wesley  sport@dublingazette.com

17 19

OLD WESLEY made a big jump up the AIL Division 1A table, landing the spoils on the road at Ballynahnich to go into second spot.

In a hard fought and tight encounter Old Wesley claimed another valuable victory, this time away to Ballynahinch, maintaining their perfect record north of the border this term.

With juts three points covering second to seventh, it could prove a vital result, grinding out a close-run thriller.

Wesley had the better of the early exchanges and landed a penalty via Rory Stynes without too much difficulty.

Hinch replied with the first try. Following a quick line out and a carry from Ulster hooker Zac McCall, centre Rory Butler crossed to score under the posts. Jonny McPhilips converted fgr a 7-3 lead A second Stynes penalty reduced the damage and the Ballinteer old boys continued to make life difficult for the hosts who had come into the tie with a perfect home record.

A break by Charlie O’Regan, and some slick handling had Wesley again deep in opposition territory. Another promising attack gave Wesley a line out five metres from the ‘Hinch line.

The hosts held their line but in doing so conceded a penalty and yellow card to No 8 Conal Boomer.

Opting for a scrum James O’Donovan was stopped less than a metre short. From the next phase the ball was intercepted by a defender and kicked down field, and it looked like the opportunity was gone.

But, from the counter attack, the ball was swung wide through Alan Gaughan and Paul Harte to JJ O’Dea who, using his elusive running skills, got in for a try in the corner.

The conversion into a stiff breeze was

JJ O’Dea evades the final Ballynahinch tackler to score in the corner. Picture: Ken Richardson

missed but Wesley were back in the lead. Just before half time ‘Hinch kicked a penalty goal to leave it 11-10.

The Dubliners were dealt a huge blow when Hinch’s speedy winger Ross Adair crossed for a converted try just 45 seconds after the restart.

This was to be the Ulstermen’s last score of the afternoon. Eight minutes into the half, Wesley were awarded a penalty inside the opposition half.

A kick down the line found a good touch 10 metres out.

From the line-out, some well controlled carries and phases led to the ball being passed to the wing where Tommy O’Callaghan, still with

some work, beat the defender to touch down in the corner.

It left Wesley a point behind going into the last ten minutes. Hinch missed a penalty before Wesley forced a key knock-on from the hosts and go within five metres of the try-line.

In their desperation to defend, Hinch conceded a penalty and a yellow card to substititute Bradley Wilson.

Cool as could be, Stynes struck the kick perfectly to take the lead. Ballynahinch had a late penalty near the touchline which they opted to kick down the line but botched it, allowing Josh Miller to clear and secure a seventh win of the campaign.

Roma the kings and queens of the Castle

WINTER LEAGUE  sport@dublingazette.com

THE Winter League at Castle Golf Club was brought to a finale as Team Roma marched triumphantly to victory.

Led by team Captains Hilary Haydon and Martha Jones, the team played golf to the highest standard throughout the entire winter programme to snatch victory from Team Bari who were gallantly led by Philip Murphy and Catriona Horgan while Team Genoa (Ed Carty/Mary Whooley) finished third.

Team Roma’s success in this year’s winter league programme came down to the hard work put in by each team member, through the season.

Aidan (Spartacus) Williams was singled out for delivering 27 points over nine holes – no mean achievement while Michael (Hannibal) McGovern bounced back from the disappointment of being disqualified in Week 1 (due to not entering foursomes handicaps on the card) to playing a major contribution over the remaining weeks and bringing in another winning score on the final day.

A great night’s entertainment was enjoyed at Finals Night in Castle Golf Club with Captains Joe O’Hare and Karina Staunton presenting the prizes.

All teams paid tribute to Frank O’Hare and Ger Moran for their great organisation of the whole event.

Team Roma celebrate their success

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 21 February 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

O’TOOLE’S NEW season training is back and in full swing in preparation for forthcoming games.

Our new Nursery children are well settled in and looking forward to the day they play competitive for O’Toole’s.

The last Friday evening in January we had our Annual Juvenile presentations. It was lovely to see all the smiling happy faces having been awarded well deserved medals and trophies in recognition of their hard word over the past season. Special thanks go to our juvenile secretary Kelly for all the work she put into organising the very successful event. Thanks also to those that helped and the mentors for getting their teams there. Well done and very well deserved to our Juvenile person of the year Aisling Kane.

There was a great start for our senior Div 3 footballers when they played locals Trinity Gaels at home, beating them by 2pts in the first competitive game of the season. There were lots of new faces and a completely new structure to the team. Onwards and up lads.

Since our last ‘Club notes’ there have been a few members, and family of members deceased.

An Cumann Ui Thuathail send our deepest sympathies to you all at this time.

We congratulate Nikki Kearney on the birth of her beautiful son Zach.

This weekend in our lounge, Saturday ‘UPTOWN’ & Sunday 6 to 8pm ‘Inner City’.

There was no winner of our Thursday night live ‘Club Lotto’. The numbers were 3, 5, 14, 16. This week the jackpot is €1,900.

HOCKEY : SANDYMOUNT SIDE CONTINUE EXCELLENT FORM Railway Union’s Zara Delany.

Picture: Adrian Boehm

Delany’s Railway on track WOMEN’S EYHL Belfast Harlequins 1 Railway Union 5  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

RAILWAY Union jumped up three places in the women’s EY Hockey League with a huge 5-1 away win over Belfast Harlequins as Zara Delany netted a hat trick.

The result continues their superb form, winning 11 points from their last five games in addition outdoors to landing the National Indoor Trophy recently.

Indeed, the scoreline flattered Davy Frazer’s side, who could have been beaten by a bigger mrgin had it not been for the

heroics of home keeper Marianne Fox and some wayward finishing from the visitors.

Railway could have been out of sight in the first quarter after carving out six clear cut chances in the opening 12 minutes.

Irish international Sarah Hawkshaw (twice) and Delany both shot wide early on and Kate McKenna and Kate Lloyd were both denied by Fox, who then made a great save from Kate Lloyd.

The Dublin side broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Cecilia Joyce scored from a penalty corner before Claire Weir equalised on the half-hour against the run of play.

Delany made it 2-1 from

the penalty spot in the 45th minute and Lloyd added a third with 11 minutes left when she scored from a rebound after Hawkshaw’s initial shot had been saved.

Delany completed her hat-trick with two more goals in the last three minutes to complete an emphatic victory, twice scoring into an empty net after Quins had withdrawn Fox to have an extra outfield player.

The biggest cheer of the day from the home fans came when, with Railway leading 4-1, Quins’ kicking back Rachel Johnston brilliantly saved Delany’s penalty stroke with her stick.

The pair sportingly

shared a high-five and a giggle immediately after the incident before Delany had the last laugh when she completed her treble.

Elsewhere, Loreto ran up a strong 6-0 win over Muckross to maintain their place at the top of the women’s EY Hockey League table. They had the majority f the play in the first quarter but Ellie McLoughlin kept things scoreless with a key saves from a pair of penalty corners.

From their third setpuece, they broke the deadlock with Hannah Matthews – in the injector’s position where she netted a last minute winner a week earlier – making no mistake from a

switch move.

It became two in the 24th minute when a shot well saved by McLoughlin was caught on the rebound by Siofra O’Brien and sent high into the net.

Two became three seven minutes into the second half from a scrappy corner breakdown, Nicci Daly firing a rising shot into the goal from the left of the D. Matthews got her second from a penalty stroke and Loreto added an extra gloss to the scoreline in the last five minutes.

Ali Meeke slotted one from a corner and she then assisted by flicking into the circle for Mia Jennings to deflect in mid-air to send in the sixth.

Positive vibes all round at St Pat’s LOI PREMIER DIVISION

St Patrick’s Athletic Cork City  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

St Pat’s player of the match Conor Clifford

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HARRY Kenny hailed his St Patrick’s Athletic side’s desire as his reign began with a 1-0 win over last season’s FAI Cup finalists Cork City.

Mikey Drennan’s penalty after half an hour was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Saints at Richmond Park and a valuable three points to kickstart his tenure.

It was a team performance from the home side, who withstood a barrage of late pressure and had goalkeeper Brendan Clarke to thank for one particularly stunning stop at

0-0.

Indeed, the Rebel Army had a glorious chance to take the lead inside five minutes as Sean McLoughlin hooked the ball to Conor McCarthy, but the defender headed wide from close range.

The ball sat up nicely for Pat’s captain Ian Bermingham at the other end and his volley looked headed for goal only for a brave diving block from McCarthy to turn it behind.

City thought they’d taken the lead midway through the half when Daire O’Connor picked out Garry Buckley and he headed goalwards, but Clarke somehow clawed the ball off the line.

The Athletic took the lead when twinkletoed Conor Clifford touched the ball past McLoughlin and the defender dived in, and

Drennan did the necessary from 12 yards.

Daire O’Connor had Cork’s best chance when the ball sat up nicely in the box, but he sliced his effort over the bar, and Pats rode out six minutes of injury time to secure the three points.

“It is a huge win,” Kenny told the Dublin Gazette.

“If you take Cork, that’s a difficult fixture to open up with. They’re miles ahead of us in the sense that a lot of their players are with Cork for a few years.

“I’m trying to gel I think eight new seasons and get them into a system and knowing each other. I’m delighted with the energy and effort tonight.”

Kenny added it was “the biggest crowd in years” at Pat’s entertained 3,478 people.

21 February 2019 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: SWORDS CLUB PUT IN COMPOSED WIN OVER TEMPLEOGUE

FOOTBALL

Connolly inspires Vincent’s AFL1 win

Templeogue’s Mark Hayes attempts to break out of a tackle. Picture: Jim Power

Synger out-scrapped

by Fins in AFL1 opener AFL DIVISION ONE Templeogue Synge Street Fingallians  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

0-8 1-11

A SCRAPPY, slightly manic contest at Dolphin’s Park on the opening day of AFL1 season on Sunday morning saw Fingallians edge the battle of two promoted sides, defeating 14-man hosts Templeogue on Sunday.

Templeogue had announced grand plans to rejuvenate their Dolphin’s Park ground during the week, involving the selling of 15% of the venue to developers, and the reinvestment of the money received in improved facilities across the remaining 85%, a move that was the talk of the crowd.

When the game got underway, though, Fins had the better of the early minutes, carefully controlling possession around midfield. Oisin Lynch put them in front before Eoghan O’Gara leveled up on the break from Synge Street’s first attack.

Soon Synger were in front with both teams looking settled by their returning Dublin men – Paul Flynn in particular playing as a calming influence in the Fingallians midfield – in a fast-paced encounter.

Templeogue struggled at times to break out from the back, but their patience was rewarded with space at the other end, where Killian and Eoghan O’Gara looking consistently dangerous.

The latter’s morning ended quickly, though, when he was sent off for a shove only 15 minutes in with Synge Street leading 0-3 to 0-2 at the time.

The verdict was perhaps a little harsh, though it had little immediate effect with the hosts quickly building a three point lead.

There was frustration amongst the Templeogue staff, though, that Fins were being gifted cheap points from defensive turnovers. Four of Fingallians six points before halftime – enough to lead 0-6 to 0-5 – had come from similar scenarios.

Fingallians started to expand their lead early in the second half with Lynch in particular a constant threat, feeding on the through balls of Flynn and Derek Rodgers. The Swords side led by three when Synge Street had a solid goal chance, saved from a tight angle by goalkeeper Ian O’Reilly.

Synger did take advantage of a period of pressure to close the gap to a single point, with Flynn having moved up top for Fingallians, the reduced impact of the Swords’ side’s midfield immediately

apparent as they were briefly overrun.

Flynn had his own impact at the other end, of course, grabbing some smooth points from distance.

A skirmish saw two players booked, and straight off the back of it Dillon Staunton broke for Fingallians to grab a crucial goal on a solo break and put the Swords side well in charge with 15 remaining.

The game became bitty in the closing stages though Killian O’Gara’s class

Fingallians’ Oisin Lynch and Templeogue’s Sean Brew. Picture: Jim Power

for Templeogue was apparent and the 14-men finished strongly without ever really threatening to overturn the lead of a Fingallians side that saw a late red themselves.

With both sides newly back in AFL1, there is a sense that points from games with some of their collective Dublin contingent are likely to be crucial to the season’s ultimate outcome: for composed Fingallians, this is an important two points.

ST VINCENT’S produced a strong second-half display on Sunday to make a winning start to the defence of their AFL1 title.

On level terms with Skerries Harps at the midway point of their contest in Pairc Naomh Uinsionn, the Marino men turned on the style after the resumption to record a 2-15 to 0-14 triumph.

In a forward line that also included former county stars Tomas Quinn (Dublin) and Enda Varley (Mayo), Diarmuid Connolly proved to be a focal point for the hosts.

The five-time Celtic Cross winner kicked three points during the opening period as Vins looked to issue an early statement of intent for 2019. Nevertheless, Skerries were also keen to make an impression on their return to the top-flight.

Stephen Smith and Harry Dawson registered two points apiece in the early exchanges, before their northside rivals settled into a more familiar rhythm.

Varley rattled the net at the end of an incisive attack, only for Harps to develop further momentum at the opposite end.

This ensured that parity was restored in time for the interval (1-6 to 0-9) and the visitors briefly edged in front when the action resumed. Yet, following excellent approach work by Gavin Burke, Quinn added a second Vins goal on 36 minutes.

They found themselves in the driving seat as a result and with Connolly in fine form, they pushed on to eventually claim the spoils.

GazetteSPORT FEBRUARY 21-27, 2019

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

TEMPLEOGUE TOPPLED

FOOTBALL: Synge Street return to top tier of AFL Division One with a feisty opening league encounter with fellow promoted side Fingallians. SEE P31

UP TO SECOND RUGBY: Old Wesley make a break from the pack to move into great position with victory over Ballynahinch SEE P29

DINNY DOES IT FOR BOHS SOCCER: Bohs off

to a confident start in League of Ireland Premier Division as Corcoran strikes SEE P28

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O’Donovan fighting for her Olympic dream  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

CARADH O’DONOVAN is campaigning to save her Olympic dream this week, as the former kickboxer turned high-level karate fighter tackles a political battle that has seen her road to Tokyo 2020 derailed.

The ambitious Terenure-based woman won world and European titles as a kickboxer before switching sports with the primary aim of making an Olympic title.

She battles with Crohn’s disease alongside her rigorous training regime.

She describes herself as “training well and in excellent all round shape” right now. However, a rift in the world of Irish karate’s governing bodies is within a month of making her Olympic dream, at the very least, an extremely tall order.

“It comes down to politics,” she told the Dublin Gazette, having launched an online protest against the situation.

“Karate Ireland ONAKAI, the governing body for the sport in Ireland, voted out their leader, and he didn’t accept it. He went off and formed another group called ONAKAI, saying the vote had been unfair.

“The body I’m a part of, Karate Ireland ONAKAI, are still recognised by Sports Ireland, but the former head of the organisation is being treated as the main contact point for Ireland by the KWF,

Caradh O’Donovan is fighting to keep her Olympic hopes alive

“I’ve paid the entry, paid for flights and

accommodation. If we can’t compete, I guess I’ll just take a Sound of Music tour or something.” the Karate World Federation.

“There’s a split in the sport in Ireland, and the head of the new body has written to those of us on the other side of it insisting we drop our coaches and association with Karate Ireland ONAKAI and join up with them.

“I’m not willing to do it. They were voted out.

They have no policies, no child protection set up.

It’s only about power.

“I’ve never heard of

anything like this in any other sport,” O’Donovan continues.

“Normally the international federation recognises the one that’s accepted locally, but the people involved seem to have the KWF’s ear.

“It’s a shambles, and they’re hoping to pressure the Olympic competitors into switching sides as really the athletes are the only leverage that this second organisation has.”

O’Donovan, one of several high-end athletes affected by the move, and already falling behind on critical ranking points, plans to continue as best she can.

T h e f r u s t ra t i o n i s evident, in particular as Tokyo 2020 has long been her core aim.

“Realistically, I need this sorted in the next month or it seriously reduces my chances of going to Tokyo,” she says.

“In my opinion, most of they best athletes remain with the original organisation.

“We’ll be fighting in a non-ranking event this weekend, and travelling to Austria in three weeks hoping to be allowed to fight, though we’ve been told we can’t.

“I’ve paid the entry, paid for f lights and accommodation. If we can’t compete, I guess I’ll just take a Sound of Music tour or something.

“I want to qualify by ranking, like everyone does. If I can’t move towards that in the next month or so it’ll be gone, and my last chance will be a dangerous once off in June next year, ahead of the Olympics,” she concludes. “I’ll still try, of course, but I feel so sorry for everyone involved.

Especially the younger ones. The politics of the situation is killing their focus, and killing their dreams.”