Dublin Gazette: City Edition

DublinGazette MARCH 5 - 11, 2020

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

Transport

CRACKING A SMILE AT THE ARAS

SPORT SOCCER:

Legendary striker Olivia O’Toole talks about how times have changed for the Irish women’s team.

SEE P28

DUBLIN CITY COUNCILLORS have approved a plan for the longdebated Liffey Cycle Way – but a leading cycling website has raised concerns over the safety of the proposed route, set to be trialled in coming months.

SEE PAGE 7

THE serious business of continuing to develop warm ties with our neighbours was momentarily set aside at Aras an Uachtarain this week, when some very natural laughter momentarily halted proceedings.

President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, broke into warrm laughter with visiting British royals The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the start of their official first visit to Ireland.

The quartet shared warm greetings and conversation, before the royals set off on the rest of their visit to Ireland.

Freckles the sheep is baa-ack in action

Picture: MAXWELLPHOTOGRAPHY.IE

hudson taylor

READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH THE DUBLIN BROTHERS PAGE 16

Parents air frustration over response to virus Concerns over Coronavirus contact

RACHEL D’ARCY

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

RESIDENTS living near a school where a case of Coronavirus has been confirmed have voiced their frustrations with the Department of Health, with dozens saying they’re afraid to send their children to

school due to the lack of information being provided to those who live near Glasnevin and surrounding areas.

Dozens of parents on a local Facebook page have said they are concerned about sending their children to school, and are frustrated with the lack of action being taken.

Many have voiced fears of the virus getting into their homes, as they have regular contact with the elderly or have immunocompromised children or individuals living in their home.

One parent wrote: “The kids are so nervous, and we can’t even truthfully reassure them, because none of us know what’s SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 4 going on.”

A SHEEP with deformed front legs living on the Dublin City Farm in Raheny has gotten a new lease of life, after money was successfully raised for a set of wheels to help her move around.

Freckles was born with deformed front legs, meaning she needed to scoot around on her knees to navigate the farm.

A GoFundMe account was launched to try and get the friendly sheep her own mode of transport.

Enough money has now been raised to get Freckles her own ‘lamb-roghini’ – a cart with four wheels designed to help her get around with ease.

SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 March 2020

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RAHENY: NEW CHALLENGE TO CONTROVERSIAL PLAN

Motion calling for St Anne’s action passed

FASTNews

RACHEL D’ARCY rdarcy@dublingazette.com

A MOTION was passed at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Dublin City Council (DCC), calling on the council to lodge a High Court challenge against a decision made by An Bord Pleanala (ABP) to approve apartments at St Anne’s Park.

However, DCC has said that it will not seek a judicial review of the decision, with the council’s head of planning, Richard Shakespeare, telling The Irish Times that he could see “no valid reason” to pursue the matter in court.

The motion was lodged

by Cllr Donna Cooney (GP), after the planning authority granted permission for

Award for former chamber president THE former president of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber Pat Neill recently received a special recognition and acknowledgement award.

Pat won the “Row Man of the Year 2020” for his civic and social support over the years, and he was accompanied by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Deirdre, on what was a very special night.

The award was presented to Pat by Jeramiah Murray, who is currently the president of Westland Row School’s Past Pupils Union.

Pat was the president of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber from May, 2016 to May, 2018.

The gates of St Anne’s Park, Raheny

more than 650 apartments to be built on lands adjacent to the Raheny park.

Approval for the development was given to Cre-

kav Trading, part of Marlet Property Group, in midFebruary.

This was despite recommendations from DCC’s

chief executive, Owen Keegan, for ABP to reject the plans.

The development – located on former playing fields beside St Paul’s College – has been the subject of protest amongst local politicians and residents since plans were initially proposed for the development more than two years ago.

A judicial review of a prior application to develop houses and apartments on the site by the same developer had been lodged by local residents and environmentalists, with the recently approved application for an apartment-only development replacing earlier plans.

In a Facebook comment, Cllr Cooney said: “How can [Shakespeare] have given opinion or real consideration only one day after the motion passed, without even listening or meeting with councillors to hear valid reasons?

“It may be an executive decision, but we have a democratic mandate.

“This motion got the full support of the council and was signed by the Lord Mayor.

“I will be seeking a meeting with DCC executive, [its] legal department and planners so we can present to them our valid reasons for a judicial review.”

Dubliners University need 100k to sell up for a home centre site A NEW report has found that first-time buyers need to be earning nearly €100,000 a year to secure a mortgage for a new home in Dublin.

The report, from KBC Bank, also revealed that since 2012 the price of new homes bought by first-time buyers has almost doubled, from €200,000 to €380,400.

This means first-time buyers would need to be earning an income of around €100,000 a year in order to be able to afford the average Dublin home under Central Bank lending rules.

This huge rise in property prices has, as expected, affected the affordability of homes in Dublin and is pricing people out of the market.

In all four regions of Dublin, there was a marked pick-up in new home prices for first-time buyers relative to existing home prices, the report says.

The report also says the drop in purchases of new homes in Dublin by first-time buyers last year “likely reflects the drop in affordability coming from a cumulative increase in new homes prices of 90% from 2012 to 2019”.

TU DUBLIN’S Aungier Street campus, which is also the site of the old Jacobs Biscuits factory, is being sold as the university moves its city centre campuses to its Grangegorman site.

Potential plans for the site could include offices, retail, residential, hotel and student accommodation.

Peter Garrigan, director, head of development at CBRE said: “D2HQ [the campus site] represents one of the most attractive mixed-use development sites in Dublin city and is in a prime position to provide for a host of uses.

“With St Stephen’s Green on the doorstep, and the Luas in close proximity, the site is well catered for in terms of transport and local amenities, in an already well-established commercial location.

“We expect to see considerable interest from a range of interested parties for D2HQ, given the scale and development potential to provide for a brand-new urban quarter in Dublin 2.”

The campus, formally known as Dublin Institute of Technology Aungier Street, will be one of the largest sites to go on sale in the city centre for some time, comprising more than 2.5 acres.

5 March 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

BALLYMUN: TRINITY COMPREHENSIVE TAKE PART IN AN ACTION DAY FOR THEIR COMMUNITY

Over 450 students working towards a ‘Better Ballymun’ RACHEL D’ARCY rdarcy@dublingazette.com

THE newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, Tom Brabazon, launched a Better Ballymun Day of Action in the Trinity Comprehensive School on Ballymun Road last Friday, with more than 450 students from the school taking part in a variety of activities.

These activities took place at 30 different locations in Ballymun in a joint community initiative to bring about a ‘Better Ballymun’, with the activities designed to improve and enhance the environment.

Speaking about the event, Cllr Brabazon said: “I applaud the staff and principal of Trinity Comprehensive School for supporting the wonderful work that is taking place in Ballymun.

‘Rewarding’ “To see young people getting involved in projects and actions that enhance their locality is very rewarding.

“Everyone in Ballymun benefits from this initiative.”

Fran Neary, the school’s principal, said: “The Better Ballymun project increases our

students’ sense of social responsibility and provides opportunities for them to apply academic learning to real life events.

“It also gives them material to explore further in the classroom by reflecting on their experiences.

“Our students will see first-hand why it is important to come together to encourage and influence change, speak up for their community and put their ideas into actions.”

Works that took place on the day included painting murals, weeding and planting flower beds and creating bug hotels, as well as litter picking.

Just some of the students that took part in the event, with Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon. Picture: Twitter / DCC

Life has become wheelie FASTNews fun for Freckles the Sheep Terenure hair salon closes after 30 years

RACHEL D’ARCY rdarcy@dublingazette.com

A SHEEP in Raheny is the proud owner of her own lamb-orghini now, after a GoFundMe push to get her a set of wheels proved a rousing success.

Freckles the sheep lives at the Dublin City Farm at St Anne’s Park in Raheny, after being taken in last year by Marion Kelly, who is the manager of the farm.

Fre c k l e s wa s b o r n with deformed front legs, something that can be common amongst sheep. However, this means that she is unable to correctly walk, and navigates around on her front knees.

Rather than be put to sleep, the lamb was taken in by Marion after they met a few months ago.

Marion said: “Freckles is a gas character – very friendly and outgoing.

“I grew up on a farm so I know that sheep all have individual characters, just like people.

“She currently gets around on her front knees only, which are swollen and inflamed.

“She also gets the odd jaunt in a wheelbarrow to the allotments, where she loves eating rocket.”

After a visit to the UCD Veterinary Hos-

pital to see what could be done about Freckles’ legs, it was established that there was no operation that could be conducted to help the sheep, with Marion deciding to get creative.

A GoFundMe account was set up to raise funds to get a set of wheels for Freckles to get around the North Dublin farm, and to give the sheep a sense of independence, l ov i n g l y te r m e d t h e ‘Freckles-Mobile’.

The fundraising page s ay s : “ I f [ Fre c k l e s ’ legs] had been splinted, they would have grown straight, but then she would have been lamb chops.

“Marion has a very kind heart and she felt sorry for Freckles, who had never been out of the shed when they met a few months ago.”

In addition to raising money for the FrecklesMobile, the funds raised will also go towards paying the nearly €600 veterinary bill for Freckles’ various scans and x-rays.

Marion and the Dub-

A BELOVED hair salon in Terenure closed its doors for the final time last weekend, after 31 years.

Misty’s Hair Design made the sad announcement on their Facebook page, saying that following the passing of late owner Myra, running the salon “hasn’t been the same”.

They set their last curl at 3pm last Saturday, after originally opening their doors in Terenure in October, 1988.

Regular customers and Terenure residents all paid tribute to the salon, saying that the stylists and the venue itself would be sorely missed by many.

One loyal customer wrote: “Not just a great salon but the girls are all super.

Great place for the chat.”

Leap year baby in Ringsend Freckles is great at reversing on her new set of wheels, but not so good at moving forward – yet

“

Freckles is a gas character, very friendly and outgoing. She gets around on her front knees but she also gets the odd jaunt in a wheelbarrow.

lin City Farm had raised €930 of their €1,291 target by the time of going to press.

They raised more than €700 in their first day on January 27 after sharing

the post on Facebook.

On January 31, Freckles was fitted for her Cart at Raheny Veterinary Hospital, and has started learning how to use her new wheels -

though she can only go backward at the minute!

To keep up to date on Freckles and Dublin City Farm, see the Facebook page at facebook.com/ DubCityfarm.

If you wish to donate to Freckles’ GoFundMe page, see https:// ie.gofundme.com/f/ wheelie-cart-lamborghini-for-frecklesthe-sheep.

THE National Maternity Hospital welcomed the first leap year baby of 2020, born to parents from Ringsend.

Baby Jenson was born to Nicole Elizabeth McKeown and Philip Murphy, just after midnight on February 29.

The hospital says mother and baby are doing well.

Jenson has a big sister, Morvem, who will be five years old next week.

People born on a leap day, also known as ‘leaplings’, will usually celebrate their birthdays on either February 28 or March 1 in common years.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 March 2020

CORONAVIRUS: LOCAL ALARM AFTER STUDENT AT GLASNEVIN SCHOOL CONTRACTS COVID-19

Parents raise concern over virus response RESIDENTS living near a school in Glasnevin that has been shut after a pupil was diagnosed with Covid-19 – the Coronavirus – have slammed a lack of action regarding other local schools.

News emerged last weekend that the school at Mobhi Road would be closed for two weeks after a student tested positive for the Covid-19 virus after returning from a mid-term

break trip to Italy.

The student is in isolation at the Mater hospital, with the school advising for the school to be shut for the next fortnight as a precaution.

However, locals in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas have voiced their concerns over the lack of information being provided by the HSE for those in the locality, accusing the health service of “playing down” the situation.

The adjoining primary school to the impacted

institution has remained open, with parents receiving a text saying it was “business as usual”, with no plans for closure or quarantine.

In the wake of the news, dozens of concerned parents have said that they are keeping their children out of other schools in the area as a precaution, saying not enough information has been provided by the HSE. One parent said: “I’ve kept [my children out of school] as I just don’t know

The gates of the school at Mobhi Road in Glasnevin, which has been closed for two weeks after a student was confirmed with the first case of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland

what to make of the whole thing.

“One minute it’s very serious, next the HSE are downplaying it instead of just being upright and honest so we know were we stand.”

Others have said that they aren’t willing to risk sending their children to schools in the Glasnevin,

“

One minute it’s very serious, the next it’s downplayed

Ballymun and Finglas areas as a precaution.

Many said they have regular interaction with the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, or individuals with respiratory illnesses, or their children have underlying health conditions.

One person said on Face-

Knobs and Knockers sign has been removed THE iconic ‘Knobs & Knockers’ sign at Nassau Street has been removed, marking the end of an era for the beloved landmark.

Knobs & Knockers moved from its city centre premises to Deansgrange in 2019, but the sign had remained in place on the facade of the building until last week.

Graeme McQueen, head of communications at Dublin Chamber, said it was a “sad day” that the sign had now been removed.

“A sad day ... Knobs & Knockers now officially gone from Nassau Street. The iconic shop sign has been removed,” he posted on social media, alongside images of the front of the building.

No more Knobs & Knockers here It’s understood that lettering similar to the well known sign is now in place at its new store near Baker’s Corner in Dun Laoghaire.

The former Knobs & Knockers store on Nassau Street is expected to be redeveloped in the coming months.

ENTERTAINMENT, PAGE 16

What’s new on Netflix: Take a look at our top picks of what’s streaming over the next month

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RACHEL D’ARCY rdarcy@dublingazette.com

book: “My grandson is in a different school in Finglas.

“He has [cystic fibrosis] and is high-risk. He won’t be going [back to school] until we know it’s safe.”

The HSE have advised that if a person believes they have been in contact with a case of Coronavirus, to contact HSELive at 1850 241 850.

Dublin set to get new train station at Pelletstown DUBLIN is set to get a new train station, after work began on Pelletstown station last week.

The new station will sit between the existing Ashtown and Broombridge stations on the Maynooth commuter line, and is due to open in the Summer of 2021.

The station will cost €10.5m to build and will serve Ashington as well as the new community at Royal Canal Park, with a journey time of just 12 mins to the city centre.

This is the first new station to open on the Iarnrod Eireann network since Oranmore opened in 2013, and will be the 145th station on the network.

5 March 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

DCC STEPS UP ACTION ON ARTWORKS

TRANSPORT

Murals’ future now before the courts

FingLUAS plans for northside

TWO MURALS in the city centre are understood to be at the centre of legal proceedings, with Dublin City Council (DCC) understood to have taken legal action regarding their removal.

The murals, by Dublinbased collective SUBSET, are based in Portobello and Smithfield.

They were ordered to be removed in August last year by DCC, through an enforcement letter.

DCC are alleged to have begun legal proceedings due to the murals being “unauthorised developments”, which the council say were created without planning permission.

A hearing is expected to take place on March 24, with the council’s prosecution having appeared at Dublin District Court

on February 25, according to Journal.ie.

The murals in question include the Horseboy mural in Smithfield, which was painted onto the side of a rented house just off Church avenue.

It had been in place for a number of years and was originally permitted as an “exempted development”, but the conditions ran out in April, 2018.

The other mural is a large piece about documentary-maker and environmentalist David Attenborough, which was revealed on the gable wall of a house on South Circular Road on Attenborough’s 93rd birthday last year.

There were petitions created to urge the council and An Bord Pleanala not to force the removal

of the artworks, and to allow for them to remain in place, garnering thousands of signatures.

Cllr Tina MacVeigh (PBP) lodged an emergency motion at last Monday’s council meeting, calling for DCC to revoke legal action against Subset, and for the murals to be allowed remain in place.

However, the motion put forward was not allowed on the agenda as DCC management told Cllr MacVeigh that the matter was already before the courts, and “an example had to be made”.

In a tweet summarising the situation, Cllr MacVe igh said: “We need to make changes to the development plan to ensure street art is protected and encouraged.”

Kathryn thinks locally to help globally with a new initiative TV PRESENTER Kathryn Thomas and her daughter Ellie (2) planted a tree at Airfield Estate, Dublin to mark the launch of Self Help Africa’s ‘One Million Trees’ campaign, which is being sponsored

by Glenisk. One Million Trees is a local-to-global initiative that aims to plant 100,000 native trees in Ireland, and one million trees in sub-Saharan Africa, this year in a bid to tackle climate change.

Picture: Photocall Ireland

Because no story is too small...

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PLANS have been revealed for the extension of the Luas Green Line to Finglas in the coming years.

The proposed plan would see the Green Line extended out a further 4km from Broombridge out to Charlestown, with four new stops on the route.

In addition to the new stops, there would also be two main bridges, a new Park and Ride facility, and an extension to the Broombridge depot.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is looking for a company to carry out a topographical survey on the project.

Former Fine Gael TD Noel Rock said it could connect Charlestown to the city in around 15 minutes.

A public consultation process is expected to be announced within the next few months.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 March 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Press photographers mark big wins in style M

ARK Condren was named Press Photographer of the Year at an awards ceremony in Dublin last

week.

The 42nd annual Press Photographers Association of Ireland awards took place

at a gala awards ceremony held in Dublin, with photographers from across the island of Ireland represented.

Awards were presented across nine categories – news, daily life & people, nature & the environment, politics, sports action,

sports feature, portrait, art & entertainment and reportage, alongside a dedicated award for multimedia.

Caretaker Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in attendance to present the overall award and congratulate the photographers.

Crispin Rodwell, president, Press Photographers Association of Ireland; Dr Matthew Barrett and caretaker Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

Bernie and Dave Meehan

Eric and Jenny Luke

Jackie and Bernie McMahon with Justin and Marian McInnes and Val and Alison Keating

Naoise Culhane

Fellow photographers congratulate Mark Condren, who was named Press Photographer of the Year 2020. Pictures: Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic Ltd

5 March 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

TRANSPORT: CYCLISTS, GROUPS CITE FEARS OVER PROPOSED PLAN

FASTNews

2019 winner, Lee McDonagh from IT Tallaght

DIT student set to cook up a storm A DUBLIN Institute of Technology student is set to represent the college in this year’s Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year competition.

Nine of Ireland’s most talented culinary students will be taking part in the competition, with secondyear DIT student Clodagh Fox set to represent her school. This year’s competition takes place in TU Dublin – Tallaght on March 10.

Now in its 23rd year, the students represent different colleges and institutes across the island of Ireland, with the theme for this year’s competition being: 2020 – The Future of Foods.

All nine students have been challenged to create two dishes taking inspiration from global challenges of sustainability and driving positive change.

This year’s judging panel is Audrey Crone, executive head chef with Unilever Food Solutions; Darina Brennan, group executive chef of Dalata Hotel Group; Annette Sweeney, co-ordinator of the culinary arts programmes at TU Dublin Tallaght Campus; and food journalist, Dee Laffan.

Tatty selected as novel for One City One Book 2020 LAST WEEK saw the launch of the 2020 Dublin One City One Book Festival, where Tatty, by Christine Dwyer Hickey, joined a long list of illustrious titles as this year’s featured book.

The festival will see a programme of events themed around the book, taking place during the month of April.

Dublin One City One Book encourages everyone to read a book connected with Dublin during the month of April.

Tatty depicts a troubled

family told in the vibrant voice of the little girl lost within it, and is set in Dublin during the 1960s and 1970s.

Dublin-born novelist Christine Dwyer Hickey said: “I’m absolutely delighted. When I look back over the previous books on the One City One Book list, from Flann O’Brien in 2006 to Edna O’Brien last year, I feel very privileged indeed to be included. “ I’m really looking forward to taking part in the many events.”

What the proposed segregated cycleway could look like upon completion. Picture: O’Roughan-Donovan Engineers

Concerns new cycle route may be ‘unsafe’ RACHEL D’ARCY rdarcy@dublingazette.com

A TRIAL version of the Liffey Cycle route should be in place this Summer, but a leading cycling publication has said that what has been proposed is “far from safe”.

The long awaited route has been the subject of discussion for more than seven years, although it has faced several setbacks.

A draft plan for a trial of the project appeared before city councillors at their monthly meeting last Monday.

Dublin City Council’s chief executive, Owen Keegan, recommended that the route be introduced on a phased basis at a cost of €800,000, which would see a permanent route ready by 2024.

Councillors voted on Monday to approve the route.

There have been consistent calls for the route, culminating in a protest taking place in the city centre last month which saw hundreds of cyclists make their way along the preferred route for the project.

A petition was also launched to garner support for the route, with more than 4,400 people adding their name to the petition and the demand for the cycleway to be introduced.

However, Cian Ginty, editor of cycling website IrishCycle.com, says that the route proposed to councillors still sees heavy conflict with other road users, and could prove unsafe.

Ginty said: “Under the council’s ‘interim measures’ for the quays,

people cycling will still have to mix with buses at bus stops, mix with buses and taxis in sections of bus lanes, and, at junctions, there will still be conflict with left-turning traffic.

“Many people are quick to say ‘something is better than nothing’, but that’s not always the case with cycle route design.

“There was a similar situation in London a number of years ago, [where] unsafe stop-start segregated cycle paths were installed without dealing with the conflict areas [with other road users] such as junctions and bus stops.

“The result was that cycle routes looked more attractive, but the conflict remained or worsened and people died.

“It is senseless for Dublin to

be making the same mistakes – there’s too much at stake.

“Councillors need to have vision and implement a trial which is continuously segregated along the quays, even if this means disrupting cars on the North Quays.

“Compromising on cycling safety just to maintain the same number of cars on the quays is pointless. Something has to give.”

Chair of the council’s Transporation Committee, Cllr Christy Burke (Ind), also raised concerns about the track at Monday’s meeting, saying a number of disability groups had contacted him to raise their concerns about the route.

The plans will now come before the Transportation Committee, which will hear from stakeholders next month.

AIB set to become a JAM card-friendly chain USERS of the JAM card – a card designed for anyone with a communication barrier – will now be able to utilise their cards at AIB branches across the county.

The JAM card stands for ‘Just A Minute’, which allows people with autism, a brain injury or another communication barrier to tell others they need ‘just a minute’ discreetly and easily.

AIB customers will be able to show their card in branch to a member of staff, which will discreetly convey their need for more time in

communicating or conducting their banking business. All branch staff will complete JAM card eLearning awareness training in the coming months.

This is part of the bank’s Vulnerable Customer programme, which aims to develop the support of customers in vulnerable circumstances. AIB will be the first bank to be JAMfriendly throughout all of its branches.

Maeve Monaghan, chief executive at NOW Group, who are behind the JAM card, said: “The JAM card was developed by NOW Group

participants and we are sure that it will prove valuable to AIB customers.

“We have been working with AIB over a number of months and are impressed with their commitment to offer excellent customer service to all. They have put JAM Card training at the heart of their support to their vulnerable customers in the knowledge that it will help make their business better.”

The card is available as a physical card or as an app. For further information about the card and initiative, see JamCard.org.

Mark Doyle, chief marketing officer, AIB; Maeve Monaghan, chief executive officer, NOW Group, and Andrew Herd, NOW Group ambassador

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 March 2020

CORONAVIRUS: EVENTS SUCH AS ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADES STILL GOING AHEAD AS PLANNED

Life is continuing as normal in the city – for now STAFF REPORTER

GIVEN the threat of COVID-19 – more commonly referred to as ‘the Coronavirus’ – hanging over many events around the world, many Dubliners have been worried about the looming St Patrick’s Day Parades around the city.

At the time of going to press, the Government is not advising that St Patrick’s Day parades should be cancelled due to the Coronavirus threat.

However, this situation obviously could change in the next few days or week, given what is proving to be a fast-moving situation.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, caretaker Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government is expecting the Coronavirus to further spread.

He also said the Government made three decisions

to deal with issues arising from the medical threat to people.

A Cabinet sub-committee chaired by An Taoiseach has been set up; there will also be a stakeholder forum to engage with people working in the medical field, and the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health will work together to identify resources needed.

Mr Varadkar said that advice, actions and plans may change, and there was a moderate to high risk of more Coronavirus cases emerging.

Minister for Health Simon Harris said the Government was regularly talking to public health experts and taking advice from them.

Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said he saw no reason why, as things stood, that the St Patrick’s Day festival should not go ahead.

HSE’s advice to help stay healthy and well

Every passing day is revealing more about the COVID-19 virus and how it works

Meanwhile, with The Department of Foreign Affairs already presenting travel advice about restrictions or caution visiting China, their expanded travel advice now also includes Japan, Hong Kong, Iran, and four regions in Italy where restrictions have been imposed.

Anyone coming back from these areas and who feels unwell is being advised to contact their GP and may require Coronavirus testing.

Anyone travelling to Italy in the next few days is advised to consult the Department of Foreign Affairs’ website, where the other countries and

areas listed above are also referenced; see https:// www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/.

Up to Tuesday, 397 people in Ireland had been tested for the Coronavirus, and the results have been negative – the exceptions being the two confirmed cases known at the time of going to print.

IN REACTION to the global spread of the COVID-19 virus, the HSE has published tips and instructions on prevention, possible symptoms and what to do if you believe you are infected.

Firstly, the Coronavirus is spread through sneezing or cough droplets. You could catch the virus if you come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is sneezing or coughing, or if you touch a surface that has been sneezed or coughed on by a person with the virus.

It is not yet known if someone who has the virus, but who has yet to show any symptoms, can spread the virus.

Wash your hands regularly and often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, immediately put used tis-

sues into a bin, disinfect any frequently used and touched surfaces, and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

If you show symptoms of the virus – such as coughing, a shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or have a high temperature – and in the past 14 days have been in contact with someone who has the virus, or who has been in a place or country where the virus has spread, the HSE says do not go to your GP. Instead, ring your doctor, or alternatively phone 112 or 999 and tell them about your symptoms and give details about your situation.

Make sure to avoid contact with people and self-isolate while Department of Public Health staff give you advice on what to do next.

5 March 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

CHARITY: UPCOMING FUNDRAISER ON APRIL 3 WILL HELP SUPPORT MANY SICK CHILDREN

Get baking and help raise some dough for Temple Street RACHEL D’ARCY

Brook Moran (4) and Rosie Connolly launching the upcoming Great Irish Bake for Temple Street. Picture:Andres Poveda

TEMPLE Street children’s Hospital Ambassador Rosie Connolly was joined by some talented but tiny bakers to celebrate the launch of this year’s Great Irish Bake for Temple Street.

This year, the Great Irish Bake will take place on Friday, April 3, to raise much needed funds for one of Ireland’s hardest working children’s hospitals.

Each year Temple Street Foundation holds the campaign,

encouraging people to host their own bake sale to raise some much needed dough for Temple Street.

These funds will help to provide essential equipment for all those who find themselves at Temple Street.

Rosie Connolly said: “I was thrilled to be chosen as the ambassador for this year’s Great Irish Bake.

“I had my own experience with Temple Street when my son broke his leg, and I have seen first-hand how incredible the staff are.

“Hosting your own Great Irish Bake is a great opportunity to have some fun with friends, family, and colleagues, whilst also doing something special for sick children in Temple Street.”

Denise Fitzgerald, chief executive of Temple Street Foundation said: “We are delighted to welcome Rosie as the Great Irish Bake Ambassador this year.

“Rosie has been a great friend to sick children in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, and we are looking forward to working

with her on this exciting campaign.

“Each year, Temple Street cares for more than 147,000 sick children in the hospital.

“Every donation we receive, no matter how big or small, goes towards providing essential equipment and supports for our little heroes and their families at Temple Street.”

Join Temple Street’s Great Irish Bake on Friday, April 3, by registering online at www.templestreet.ie/greatirishbake.

SUPPORT

Doing their part at a previous Darkness Into Light walk ... Sandra, Andrew and Evannah Mahon

St Luke’s awards top hospital cancer staff Celebrating the award for Best Visual Poster 2019 ... Jacqui Purcell, Trevor O’Callaghan, Michelle Kenny and Fiona Horlacher

PADRAIG CONLON

LOCAL hospital staff who care for cancer patients from all across Ireland were recently honoured for their outstanding work at a ceremony in St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar.

Opened in 1952, St Luke’s was founded by the Cancer Association of Ireland to treat patients from across the country.

In 2011, St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON) was established, with centres in St James’s and Beaumont Hospitals also incorporated into the network.

The network’s main role is the treatment of patients with radiotherapy, and it is also the national centre for specialist techniques such as stereotactic treatment for lung and brain cancers, paediatric care, and total body irradiation.

In order to recognise outstanding work from staff, and quality improvement achievements throughout the network, the hospital’s Quality, Patient Safety and Risk department organises the annual SLRON Quality Excellence awards.

These awards celebrate the individuals and teams who go the extra mile and

make a real difference to patients, visitors and staff and implement quality improvements that improve the service delivered to patients.

This year, 34 different projects were submitted from various departments within the three hospitals’ network centres.

From the submissions, six project winners and runners up were selected, with projects that ranged from support for patients and staff, and improving efficiency in current services, to a new information leaflet for patients.

To acknowledge staff

who have displayed ‘excellence every day’, more than 180 staff received a nomination as ‘Staff Champion’ from either their fellow colleagues or patients, with four such Staff Champion titles awarded to staff.

The awards ceremony was held at St Luke’s, and was broadcast across the network using video-conferencing facilities.

It was well attended by all staff from across the network.

Colette Brett, director of Quality, Patient Safety and Risk, St Luke’s SLRON, said: “We are delighted to hold [these] Quality Excel-

lence awards.

“In keeping with our values of excellence and patient-centred care, we want to celebrate the improvements, initiatives and research implemented in our service and the staff who care for our patients.

“This yearly event enables us to share our learning and expertise within the network among the different disciplines involved in patient care.

“The aim is to empower staff to continually improve the services we offer our patients and to share our learning nationally.”

Darkness Into Light open for registrations RACHEL D’ARCY

REGISTRATION is now open for the annual Darkness Into Light pre-dawn walk, which will take place on Saturday, May 9 at venues across the city.

The 2020 walk not only raises vital funds for Pieta House and awareness of promoting better mental health, but aims to bring people together in a spirit of solidarity and hope.

The unique event will begin in darkness at 4.15am, and will see thousands of people walk a 5-kilometre route into the light of dawn.

Funds raised from the walk aid in helping to keep Pieta’s counselling services free and accessible for those in suicidal crisis, people who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide.

In 2019, €5.4m million was raised, with more than 200,000 people taking part around the world. In Dublin, more than 30,000 people took part in the 5km walk last year.

Speaking about Darkness Into Light, Rachel Murphy, director of fundraising at Pieta House, said: “We rely on the support of the public to keep our doors open.

“Without this support, the life-saving work of Pieta around the country would not be possible.

“It gives us tremendous hope to see the incredible solidarity of people across Ireland who walk together towards the dawn.

“Darkness Into Light is a community event so, if possible, walk with friends and family on May 9 to show your support.”

To sign up and to find your nearest venue, see www.darknessintolight.ie.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 March 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

WomanKind diners did their best to help a cause

T

HIS year’s annual WomanKind lunch, supported by Dundrum Town Centre at The Intercontinential in aid of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, once again proved a great success. The stylish event, MCd by Claire Byrne, featured a fashion show with looks from across Dundrum Town Centre’s stores, including Harvey Nichols, M&S, Hobbs, Mint Velvet, Louis Copeland and Best Menswear, with hair styling provided

by Peter Mark, and make-up by Trish McEvoy. All involved in the event donated their time and services free of charge, with attendees happy to support the worthy cause – with some lucky ladies even claiming some spot prizes at the event.

Ann O’Brien

Elaine Butler-Doolin

Dublin Rape Crisis chief executive Noeline Blackwell (centre) with Emma Clarkin and Stephanie Higgins, Dundrum Town Centre

Eileen Grace and Aoife Fitzpatrick

Elaine Sherry and Leona Hall

Gemma Hynes and Lisa Holmes. Pictures: Andres Poveda

5 March 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Edel Lyons and Laura O’Donovan

Fred Letailleur and Roisin Tierney-Crowe

Selina Ragazzoli and Michelle Regazzoli-Stone

Emma fans

C

INEPHILES Roisin Coulter and Claire Hyland were delighted to head along to the special preview screening of Emma at the lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield recently, just ahead of its release. The latest take on the Jane Austen classic stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Josh O’Connor and Bill Nighy, and has already been well received on the awards circuit. Picture: Andres Poveda

Anne Marie Carey and Danielle Mahon. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

T

Stephanie Buckley and Laura Jordan

HE launch of a new skincare range at the end of February – courtesy of an exclusive launch at Brown Thomas and Arnotts – attracted skincare and make-up enthusiasts and fashionistas to The Ivy in Dawson Street.

They were all keen to learn about the YSL Pure Shots skincare range, comprising a Perfect Plumper cream; Hydra Bounce lotion-essence, and four serums, including the ‘hero’ Night Booster, helping to reduce signs of urban fatigue, along with Lines Away serum, targeting fine lines; Y-Shape serum, targeting firmness; and Light Up serum, for instant radiance.

Gemma Leigh and Leonard Daly

Exploring make-up at The Ivy

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 March 2020

 YOUR DUBLIN

RAISE A GLASS TO THESE GREAT DRINKING SPOTS

HAVING A QUIET PINT OVER AT THE GRAVEDIGGERS – ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST FAMOUS PUBS, AND ONE WITH A RICH HISTORY

DUBLIN MADE EASY AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE CITY’S BEST PUBS

DUBLIN wouldn’t be Dublin without its huge range of bars and pubs, and all the craic and community focus that they provide. Of course, we also have lots of treasured bars that don’t make a fuss of their features, but just get on with giving punters some of the best, and most welcoming, spots to down a pint or meet friends. Here are three such treasures that deserve visiting.

UNDERDOG

THE LIBRARY BAR

LOCATION: 75 Dame Street, Dublin 2 BEST FEATURE: Great selection of beers

LOCATION: Central Hotel, Exchequer Street BEST FEATURE: Still a hidden treasure

LOCATED beneath Brogan’s Bar and beside the Olympia Theatre on Dame Street, the Underdog lies in wait.

Opened in 2017, this hidden downstairs gem specialises in craft beer and whiskey, giving the underdogs of the brewery world a chance to show their worth.

Boasting a constantly rotating and diverse beer list, Underdog also offers an impressive 60-plus selection of bottles and cans to choose from. Among the brews currently on tap is a 13.5% barrel-aged barley wine, from Norwegian brewery Lervig; and a dry-hopped sour ale, by Brooklyn Brewery.

SITUATED in the historic surroundings of the Central Hotel on Exchequer Street, the Library Bar was first opened in 1991 and has been revered among Dubliners ever since.

Known for its fantastic Guinness, wingback chairs and open fire, the bar even possesses the rare Dublin pub trait of never playing music, making it a true haven of ‘peaceful luxury’.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, you can find it by walking past the reception on the ground floor, up the winding, grand staircase and take a left when you reach the corridor.

THE GRAVEDIGGERS LOCATION: 1 Prospect Square, Glasnevin BEST FEATURE: Authentic Dublin legacy ARGUABLY the most famous of these pubs, John Kavanagh The Gravediggers in Glasnevin dates back to 1833 and little has changed since.

Famed for its no-music, no-screens and no Wi-Fi policy, many people argue The Gravediggers serves the greatest pint of Guinness in the city, and many others wouldn’t put it outside the top three pubs.

The historic pub itself has been owned and passed down through eight generations of the Kavanagh family, and is now run by Anne, Ciaran, Anthony and Niall and their mother, Kathleen.

5 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

STYLE: BREAK OUT THE PASTEL TECH:

MAKE VROOM FOR FORD MOTORING: The new Focus ST builds on the strengths of

previous generations to confidently roll out a new iteration that offers exciting handling and everyday usability alike SEE P22

PAGE 19



MAGAZINE

PORE OVER OUR GUIDE TO THREE TREASURED PUBS P20

DUBLIN

Now that Spring has well and truly sprung, despite a few pesky storms, it’s time to ditch all the Winter wear and brighten up your wardrobe. Refresh your look with some pastel shades, courtesy of River Island, with a new range providing a great way to layer up or down to suit the day outside.

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

Could you be Miss Universe Ireland?

RACHEL D’ARCY

LAST WEEK saw the launch of the search for Miss Universe Ireland 2020 at the Mansion House on Dawson Street.

The director of Miss Universe Ireland, Brittany Mason, was joined by previous winners of the title – Fionnghuala O’Reilly, Grainne Gallanagh and Cailin Ni Toibin – to launch this year’s competition.

Reigning Miss Universe Ireland Fionnghuala made history last year as Ireland’s first biracial contestant to represent the country at Miss Universe, as well as being the very first NASA ‘datanaut’ to compete.

The Swords native was last week announced as the ambassador for Engineers Week, which is currently running until this Friday, March 6.

A gaelgoir now living in Dubai,

Cailin was the first Irish representative to secure a top 20 placement for Ireland at Miss Universe 2017, since Roz Purcell in 2010.

Grainne then followed in Cailin’s footsteps in 2018, making Ireland one of only five coun-

tries in the world to hold two consecutive final 20 positions.

She is currently competing in RTE’s Dancing with the Stars, and is the first Irish-born and bred model to walk in Miami Swimweek during her year as Miss Universe Ireland.

This year’s competition aims to make history by bringing home the first Miss Universe crown to Ireland.

The lucky 2020 winner will walk away with more than €70,000-worth of prizes and will go on to represent Ireland at Miss Universe at the end of 2020.

First-round applications to compete as one of up to 30 finalists for the title of Miss Universe Ireland 2020 are being accepted until Friday, April 3.

You can find the online application form at missuniverseireland.eu/apply-2020.

Helping to look for Miss Universe Ireland 2020 ... Brittany Mason, Fionnghuala O’Reilly, Grainne Gallanagh and Cailin Aine Ni Toibin. Picture: Anthony Woods

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 March 2020

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

A WRY LOOK AT SOME OF THE

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

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

NOW THAT the 19th annual lick-tastic Lollipop Day has been and gone (taking place late last week,from February 28-29), the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is reminding the public to stay focused on the importance of recognising the early symptoms of this cancer and how vital early diagnosis can be.

Its symptoms include difficulty swallowing food, persistent acid indigestion, heartburn or reflux. For an easy-to-understand and relatable resource to educate and support anyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer, check out the OCF’s recently launched website, at ocf.ie.

Pictured helping little Amy Dempsey launch the day are Noelle Ryan, chief executive, Oesophageal Cancer Fund and Minister for Health Simon Harris. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

Drive-thru Ash Wednesday for Catholics on the go A CHURCH in northern Galway hosted a drive-thru on Ash Wednesday for people who couldn’t make it to mass in the morning.

Fr Paddy Mooney, the parish priest for Glenamaddy, said that because people are very busy nowadays, he came up with the idea of a drive-thru ashgiving ceremony at St Patrick’s Church.

People drove through their vehicle through one gate of the church from 8am to 9:30am, got their ashes at their car seat, and then exited through another gate.

Fr Mooney said he came up with the idea a couple of years ago, and it has been popular ever since.

The St Patrick’s Church twitter account said this year’s attendance for the drive-thru was the largest “in four years”.

Flashlights for headlights – what could go wrong?

A DRIVER in Canada was recently caught with some dangerous additions to his car, after attaching flashlights where his headlights should be.

Police in Vancouver pulled the driver over for having an insecure load on the back of his truck.

However, when Sergeant Mark Christensen pulled him over, they discovered that things weren’t as bright as they seemed.

In a tweet with pictures of the offend-

ing flashlights (left), Sergeant Christensen said: “Stopped for insecure load; further examination found flashlights being used as headlights/taillights; no insurance and failed to comply with previous inspection order!”

The driver also didn’t have any insurance, and the driver failed to comply with a previous inspection order. In all, the driver received $1,920 in fines and had their vehicle impounded.

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

This week’s dog of the week is Arthur, a stunning five-year-old English Springer Spaniel that has the best head of hair and the most endearing smile. He is quite an energetic boy and is always on the go, so he is looking for someone to match his enthusiastic love of life!

Arthur is very friendly and loves people SO much that he would love a family who is home a lot to keep him company.

He is looking for an experienced dog owner who will continue his positive

reward-based training as he sometimes guards his toys and food. He absolutely loves cuddles, food and he is dreaming of a house with an enclosed garden where he can run around and play.

If you have room in your heart and home for Arthur, 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.)

arthur

5 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

ODD THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK

Ruff work for Texas cops A DOG in Texas reported itself missing last week, after strolling through the doors of a local police department and putting his paws up on the counter (right).

The dog entered Odessa Police Department in Texas and hopped up onto the counter, though he didn’t seem distressed at all.

Speaking to The Dodo, Sergeant Rusty Martin said everyone played with the dog for a short while, whilst trying to find his owners.

Sergeant Martin said: “We were all excited to have him in the building. We had a tennis ball and threw it in the lobby for a bit. Everyone loved him.”

The dog was wearing a collar when he arrived at the station, but the ID tag had apparently fallen off, so animal control came to check for a microchip.

However, the dog had other ideas, and left the station before animal control could arrive.

“He ran out just as quick as he came in,” Sergeant Martin posted online. “The owner responded the next day [to say that] it was his dog and he had returned home. He lives about a mile from the station.”

BITS & BOBS

THIS WEEK’S TOP TWEETS As much as I would like to believe I’m not an Irish stereotype, I did just use the buffet in this 4-star London hotel to make a ham and cheese roll for lunch later.

A slice of apple pie is $1.40 in Jamaica, and $2.60 in the Bahamas.

These are the pie rates of the Caribbean. @StephanieYeboah

Yesterday I met my arch nemesis. It was a Trinity masters student who came This Jamaican man on my campus tour. He I work with was telling already knew everything me a story about when he and ruined all my worked in Tallaght ,and this punchlines, exposing how fella got hit by a car, and scripted my jokes are and another man went over to that I am not organically him and asked him ‘Where are ye bleeding from?’ And funny. Also did not tip. @mistress_mick the fella on the ground goes ‘Clondalkin’! Hahaha Gwen Stefani was you couldn’t write it. right. Don’t speak.

@samwhatislife

@georgiaashiels

@ellisadaydreams

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 March 2020

5 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS A NEW month brings a host of new content to Netflix. March sees the return of cult favourites such as Ozark and Better Call Saul, as well as new series and original content. Here’s a flavour of just some of the content making its way onto the streaming service as Spring finally kicks into gear!

(March 6) Spenser Confidential Just out of prison and investigating a twisted murder, Spenser is sucked back into Boston’s underbelly. Based on the popular books; Mark Wahlberg stars.

(March 11) On My Block: Season 3 On My Block is a coming of age comedy about four bright and streetsavvy friends navigating their way through the triumph, pain and the newness of high-school, set in the rough inner city.

Dirty Money: Season 2 This season offers a look inside Jared Kushner’s real estate empire, the Wells Fargo banking scandal, and Malaysia’s 1MDB corruption case.

(March 12) Hospital Playlist Five doctors, whose friendship goes back to their days in med school, band together at one hospital as colleagues in the VIP wing.

(March 13) Women of the Night Haunted by a shadowy past, the wife of a rising star in Amsterdam’s mayoral office finds herself drawn into the city’s underworld of sex and drugs.

Bloodride This is a Norwegian anthology series that blends horror with dark Scandinavian humour, setting each distinct story in its own realistic yet weird universe.

March 20: Better Call Saul

100 Humans Some 100 diverse volunteers participate in experiments that tackle questions about age, gender, happiness and other aspects of being human.

(March 20) Self Made This limited series is inspired by the incredible true story of Madam CJ Walker, who was the first African-American female self-made millionaire.

The Platform In a prison where inmates on high floors eat better than those below, who get the scant scraps, one man tries to effect change so everyone gets enough.

The English Game In 1870s England, two footballers on opposite sides of a class divide forge a bond that helps bring the upper-class gentleman’s sport to the masses.

Better Call Saul: Season 5 Changing his name to Saul Goodman, Jimmy recruits a new crop of clients.

Tiger King A rivalry between big cat eccentrics takes a dark turn when Joe Exotic, a controversial animal park boss, is caught in a murder-for-hire plot in this limited docuseries.

(March 25) Curtiz Driven and arrogant, film director Michael Curtiz deals with studio politics and family drama during the troubled production of “Casablanca” in 1942.

(March 27) Mark of the Devil When two sisters open an ancient book that ushers evil into their midst, a possessed priest wrestling with his own demons becomes their only salvation.

ENTERTAINMENT GOINGOUTOUT JAMIE CULLUM, MARCH 9 Bord Gais Energy Theatre PRICE: €46+

HUDSON TAYLOR | SLOW-FORGED SUCCESS

‘We’ve gone for little bits of Pop and Hip-Hop to give it a modern edge’  JAMES HENDICOTT

BROTHERS Harry and Alfie Hudson-Taylor are, musically at least, very much a product of the Dublin streets.

Long-time buskers Hudson Taylor have evolved over a decade into a traveling Folk-Pop juggernaut – a slow-forged success that has pushed from the corner of Grafton Street to American tours

and European adventures.

They’re now feeding that travel experience back into their work.

New album, Loving Everywhere I Go, is very much a nod to the highs of it all.

“Being in New York, doing support slots for Hozier, and the EPs being recorded in Seattle, the hub of Grunge, gave us a mixture of genres and influences that are not necessarily conscious, but you allow them all to feed in,” Alfie Hudson-Taylor tells us.

“The songwriting is very influenced by our travels.

We started working on this album back in 2017 in Seattle, and it would have been out a while ago, apart from the Hozier tour happening, so we did an EP instead, and toured that.

“For the album, the producer really challenged us to try new things.

“There are little bits of Pop and Hip-Hop that give it a modern edge. It’s not brash, but they’ve been captured in a way that we really like.

“Some people think we’re real Folky and acoustic, others think it’s really

Pop. It seems to depend on what they normally listen to.

“So we’re in a weird spot, but that makes it very fun to work on the sections of our songs. We sit in this kind of ‘live band’-type space,” he said.

Those times back on Grafton Street feed in too, sometimes literally, like in the lyrics to their homecoming Christmas song, How I Know It’s Christmas, a nod to returning to Dublin after time away.

They even played it back on Grafton Street last

AFTER the release of his new album, Taller, critically acclaimed musician and songwriter Jamie Cullum returns to the stage for a 2020 tour.

His dynamic live performances have always captured the attention of the audience through Jamie’s undeniable energy, boundless talent and stage presence.

With 10 million album sales, to date, and his successful BBC Radio 2 Radio show, Jamie is a celebrated musician the world over with loyal fans in every corner of the globe

MARCH 5 (Thursday) The Script @ 3Arena, €42+ Hayseed Dixie @ Whelan’s, €21 Choice Music Prize @ Vicar Street, €28 Lyra @ The Academy, €17 Una Keane @ Pepper Canister Church, SOLD OUT

MARCH 6 (Friday) Jon Hopkins @ Bord Gais Energy Theatre, €40 The Script @ 3Arena, €42+ The Picturebooks @ Whelan’s, €16 Vernon Jane @ The Academy, €17

Christmas.

“The common thread for us has been that people like how we sound live,” Harry explains.

“I don’t think the records have always been as good as we sound live. With this new album in particular, I think it does it justice.

REVIEW | TAME IMPALA

does The Slow Rush shape up?

From the outset, it’s clear that Parker’s production on The Slow Rush has taken a detour from Currents’ polished and spaced-out musical offering.

Instead, The Slow Rush shares more characteristics with Lonerism, Parker’s second record.

L u s h a n d l aye re d instrumentation can be found from the first track to the last with the phaser and flanger guitar pedal seemingly used in abundance and in an indiscriminate fashion.

The songwriting on the record also has more in common with Lonerism, too.

On the track, Posthumous Forgiveness, Parker croons about the loss of his father at an early age and how he wishes he made amends with him before he passed away, while on It Might Be Time, Parker discusses the aging process and his own mortality.

At times, on tracks such as One More Hour, and Tomorrow’s Dust, Parker’s vocals can get washed out by the tsunami of guitar and synth tones, pushing

The result is happygo-lucky at times, and thoughtful at others; lyrically smart and almost carefree in its harmonies.

“We’re collecting our thoughts now, really,” the brothers joked ahead of the release. “The tunes are anything from seven years

old to one year old, and there’s loads for us to talk about.

“It’s really nice to finally get to speaking about all of this, but we can only really talk about it so much – after that, it has to be about the music.

“The best thing that’s

happened to us has been living in two different cities, surprisingly. We used to put off working.

“Now we’re based half in Dublin and half in Brighton, we have to make the most of our time, and that really works for us. We can’t put things off.”

“I don’t know how Harry feels,” Alfie says, “but now I feel like our last album is nasty. I’ll probably never listen to it again.”

H u d s o n Ta y l o r ’ s album, Loving Everywhere I Go, is out now.

They play the Olympia on April 24.

THEATRE | RODDY DOYLE’S TWO PINTS

Taking on time in The Slow Rush SINGER, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker is back with his fourth studio album under the Tame Impala guise.

Since Currents (2015), the Australian psychpop outfit’s third album, Parker has decided to spend much of the past half-decade producing and collaborating with pop music royalty such as Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson and Travis Scott.

So, given that it’s five years on, and with Parker’s recent dabbling into the world of super-slick pop music in mind, how

“If anything, we might struggle to replicate some of the recordings on stage.

“We tried to sound like the best take of four rather than 14 this time – a bit more organic than we’d done before in the studio, and that seemed to work for us.”

Reflection and mirth at The Olympia

his words to the background and forcing the listener to believe they’re not as important as perhaps originally intended.

However, for the most part, The Slow Rush delivers on where perhaps Currents did not.

The songwriting feels m o re c o m p l e t e a n d well-rounded, while the

grooves offered on Instant Destiny and Breathe Deeper provide good diversity amongst the flow of the track listing.

Overall, The Slow Rush is a great psych-pop record with some gorgeous production, fine songwriting and infectious grooves, making it a highly-recommended Spring listen.

“I posted it on Facebook and the reaction a similar experience – his mother had died RODDY Doyle is bringing one of his most poprecently. was terrific.” ular creations home to Dublin this Summer.

“We were talking about the whole rhythm Following the positive response online, a After very well received performances in pubs across Ireland, as well as on tour in the tragic event in Doyle’s life became the cata- of your life when this occurs, going to the hospital, and very soon, we were laughing.

US and UK, Doyle’s play – Two Pints – is com- lyst for Two Pints to become a play.

“At the end of the conversation, I ing to The Olympia Theatre in August.

After starting out life as a conversathought in the back of my mind that tion on Facebook, Two Pints has grown I had a plot that would last the right into a popular play featuring two men length for a play.”

Starring Liam Carney and Philwho meet for a pint, chew the fat and set the world to rights. ip Judge, and directed by Caitriona Doyle said: “I sat in the kitchen one McLaughlin, Doyle is really looking forevening and, feeling as if I was just ward to the Two Pints Summer run at about to press a button and perhaps The Olympia.

The author added: “In 1987, I saw my destroy the world, I opened a Facebook account. first play, Brownbread, being performed “I was a bit mystified at first, and I on the Olympia stage.

“Now, 33 years later, I’ll be seeing didn’t really know what to do with it.

Two Pints on the same stage. I’m “Then Obama and the Queen of Engdelighted.” land came to Dublin, and there was a Roddy Doyle (centre) with actors Liam Carney and Philip Tickets for Two Pints, which runs bit of merriment and giddiness around Judge. Picture: loen Farrell/Photocall Ireland at The Olympia from August 18-29, the place that had been absent since Doyle said: “Some months after my father priced €26, are available now via Ticketmasthe collapse of the economy, and it was great.

“So I just imagined these two men, slightly had died, I met a man in London and we ter.ie, Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and older than myself, sitting at a bar and chat- talked about the possibility of [his dad’s The Olympia’s box office, telephone 0818 death] being a play. He had been through 719 330. ting about it all.

MARCH 7 (Saturday) The Fureys @ Vicar Street, €35 YBN Cordae @ The Academy, €25 The Script @ 3Arena, €42+ Georgia @ The Academy Green Room, €14 MARCH 8 (Sunday) Lewis Capaldi @ 3Arena, €36+ Eden @ The Olympia Theatre, €27 The Vapors @ Whelan’s, €18 Tung In Cheek @ The Workman’s Club, €5 MARCH 9 (Monday) Lewis Capaldi @ 3Arena, €36+ Jamie Cullum @ Bord Gais Energy Theatre, €46+ MARCH 10 (Tuesday) Halsey @ 3Arena, €50+ Gabrielle Aplin @ The Olympia Theatre, €23 MARCH 11 (Wednesday) Arlo Parks @ The Grand Social, €15 Baby Rose @ The Academy 2, €18 Jon Herington @ Whelan’s, €26

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 March 2020

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5 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS TRAVEL | YOU NEEDN’T GO FAR FOR A GREAT BREAK

Mum’s the word for a staycation thank-you

DUBLIN FOOD & TRAVEL FOOD | INNOVATIVE IDEAS ON THE WAY

SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor

New delivery system worth droning about

IF, LIKE ME, you have the best mum in the world, why not show how much you care this Mother’s Day with a gift she’ll love?

Here are a couple of ideas to help put a smile on your mum’s face, with another great suggestion in the panel below ...

Killenard The Heritage in Killenard, County Laois, have a perfect package to enjoy with your mum – a two-night break with all the ingredients of a fantastic getaway, afternoon tea, dinner in its beautiful new restaurant, a pampering spa treatment and even a 10% discount for nearby Kildare Village.

Make your way through the picturesque village of Killenard and arrive at the luxurious hotel before catching up over a delicious afternoon tea on arrival.

Head to the award-winning spa for a pampering one-hour spa treatment; choose from an Inner Calm massage or Restore and Revive Facial.

You can also while away the hours in the relaxing Heritage Spa Experience

(Above, above left) Turn to The Shelbourne for a luxury spa treament and stay; alternatively, head out of Dublin to nearby Killenard, where The Heritage (left) also offers a spa treatment, afternoon tea, and even a shopping discount

Thermal Suite.

A different sort of therapy is available at Kildare village nearby, where you can indulge in retail therapy with the fantastic 10% discount.

As part of this package, you can also enjoy dinner in the beautifully refurbished restaurant, Blake’s.

The Mother’s Day Relax and Unwind package includes two nights B&B, afternoon tea, dinner on one evening, access to the

two-hour spa experience and a one-hour spa treatment each, and a 10% discount card for Kildare Village Shopping, priced from €239PPS. For further information, see www.theheritage. com, or call 057 864 5500.

Dublin Closer to home, or for those of you who want to bring mum up to ‘the big smoke’, Mother’s Day at The Spa at The Shelbourne begins

with a relaxing back massage, followed by a rejuvenating essential steps facial.

The luxury treatment finishes with a stylish mini manicure in The Salon, with Mother’s Day at The Spa at The Shelbourne an 85-minute treatment that’s available throughout all of March, for €145 per person, making it a mother’s day present that is ready whenever she is.

With seven elegant

treatment rooms, and a uniquely opulent relaxation room overlooking St Stephen’s Green, The Spa at The Shelbourne will give your mum a lavish five-star spa experience.

And, if you’re looking to treat your mum to a night in the heart of the city, stay overnight in the lavish hotel from €299 per room, including parking.

For further information, see www.theshelbourne. com, or phone 01 663 4000.

Spoil your mum with a terrific Tulfarris stay

RACHEL D’ARCY

SPOIL your mum this Mother’s Day with an overnight stay at the stunning Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains and Blessington Lakes, and just 40 minutes from Dublin, it’s the perfect spot for a small getaway with your mum to treat her to some luxury this year.

The hotel’s Mother’s Day Package – from €105PPS – includes an overnight stay in a luxury room, a gift from the luxury resort for your mum, and a full Irish breakfast and dinner in

its newly renovated restaurant, Fia Rua. On arrival as part of the package, you’ll be treated to Tulfarris Tipples afternoon tea, served in the 18th Century manor house where you and your mum can enjoy an assortment of sandwiches, pastries and

more, all accompanied by a wide variety of teas, coffees or a Tulfarris Tipple cocktail.

Tulfarris Tipples afternoon tea can also be booked throughout March to celebrate your mum, at €30PP, which also includes a complimentary gift and a Tulfarris Tipple cocktail.

Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort includes the luxury 4-star hotel, championship golf course, clubhouse and several restaurants and bars.

For further information on Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort, or to make a booking, see www.tulfarrishotel.com or call 045 867 600.

THE first food deliveries by drone in Ireland will take place in University College Dublin’s (UCD) campus at the end of March.

Manna, a drone delivery company, has acquired a fleet of drones to deliver food directly from the restaurant to the customer – staff and students on campus.

The food will be transported inside the cargo area of the drone and will hover about 10m above the ground before lowering the order to the customer on a biodegradable piece of string.

Manna says the whole process in the pilot takeaway food delivery service at UCD should only take a few seconds.

The company has so far signed up takeaway service Just Eat and restaurant chain Camille Thai as its first partners, with more planned to join during the year.

Social entrepreneur Bobby Healy (pictured), who founded Manna, said he was “extremely proud of the team and what we have built”.

He added: “It is a pleasure to work with such highcalibre partners on our project in Dublin – our first European launch, in UCD. “It’s clear that drone delivery provides a faster, cleaner, safer, cheaper and higher-quality alternative to road-based delivery. We are excited about how that will improve the world.”

Can it – if you want to get a stake in business

INDEPENDENT craft brewer Brewdog is inviting its customers to return empty cans in return for a stake in the business.

The Scottish brewery, which was founded in 2007 and first arrived in Dublin last year, says you can return 50 empty Brewdog cans to its Dublin bar on the docklands for one share in the company.

The initiative, entitled Cans For Equity, is part of the brewery’s Brewdog For Tomorrow scheme in a bid to encourage more sustainable businesses practices among the brewing industry.

The Brewdog for Tomorrow scheme also includes five other initiatives, including Once Beer Vodka, where imperfect beer is distilled into vodka, and DIY DOG, which encourages home brewing to reduce transport miles.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 March 2020

DUBLIN HOME HOME | SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME WITH SPRING FLAIR

Keep it simple and bring the outside in

Top tips to find your perfect mattress for a good night’s sleep HAVE you ever woken up and felt like a train has hit you in your sleep? Or do you watch every hour on the clock go by as you toss and turn in bed? If the answer is yes, the problem could literally lie in your mattress!

Here are some mattress testing tips from EZ Living so you can sleep in style.

MATTRESS TESTING TIPS: 1. Ever hear the phrase, “You shouldn’t go shopping when you’re hungry”? The same applies for mattress testing.

You should never go mattress shopping when you’re tired because no matter what type of mattress you lie on, if you’re tired, you’ll find anything comfy! Get a good night’s sleep before you make the investment.

2. The length of the mattress is just as important as its width. A mattress should be 10-15cm longer than its tallest sleeper.

3. It is essential that the comfort of the bed is just as important as its quality. You should never compromise on comfort over quality, and you should never compromise on quality over comfort. Some people make the mistake of going for the most expensive mattress as they assume it is “the best”. However, the most expensive mattress might not necessarily fit your own personal needs.

4. To find the perfect mattress, you’ll need more than just sitting on the edge and giving it the occasional bounce or two. You don’t sleep sitting on the edge, so why let that be the deciding factor? If you’re a side sleeper, lie on your side, if you’re a ‘starfish’ sleeper, become the star that you are. You should lie in every position you would normally lie in.

5. The most important thing to consider when selecting a mattress is to confide in a knowledgeable salesperson. Researching online will only get you so far. Therefore, to get a proper diagnosis of your needs, a highlytrained salesperson will point you in the right direction.

The EZ Living Furniture Mattress Madness Sale starts today – Thursday March 5.

For more information see www.ezlivingfurniture.ie

THE DAYS are getting a bit longer, although Winter still seems to have a bit of a chilly grip outside. But have no fear – you can certainly turn your home into a little oasis with a dash of green and bring the outside in – without the icy winds, of course!

Fresh neutrals, such as white and light woods, combined with shoots of fresh, green plants and scented candles, will bring your decor a step closer to warmer seasons.

The quickest way to get this look is to change up your heavier textiles (such as pillows and blankets) to lighter versions. Choose colours such as white and beige and bring in a hint of a tropical jungle with plant-inspired patterns (such as palm leaves in the cushion below) and then fill your room with plenty of green plants.

Littlewoods Ireland Palm Leaves Cushion €31.99

LET SPRING BEGIN AND FILL YOUR HOME WITH FRESH NEW ACCESSORIES, PLENTY OF PLANTS AND SCENTED CANDLES

Next Jefferson White Bench Set €650

Penneys Green Hexagon Wild Mint And Sage Candle €3

Penneys Buddha ornament €7

Next woven coffee table €216

Capture the magic of Easter with whimsical decorations WITH EASTER just around the corner, Søstrene Grene has gathered a selection of cracking good Easter products, including colourful eggs, lovely ornaments, fine linen napkins and creative DIY projects for all the family to enjoy.

Let pastel colours adorn your home, inside and out,

with beautiful decorations, or create a fun Easter egg hunt in the garden.

These Easter products will help to create the perfect atmosphere and capture magic and fun-filled moments for the occasion.

These whimsical products will be available in stores from March 12.

5 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT WONDERFUL WEARABLES

DUBLIN STYLE &HEALTH

STYLE | SPRING IS COMING

BEAUTYBits

Lucy Kennedy – the new ambassador of casual

TV PRESENTER Lucy Kennedy has been announced as the new SS2020 brand ambassador for iclothing.com, featuring in their brand-new campaign.

Renowned for her effortless style, Lucy is known for her enviable casual wardrobe.

Iclothing.com has taken that style and added more occasion and even red carpet looks to her wardrobe.

This latest collaboration with the queen of Irish TV marks a new direction for the brand.

Launched in 2012, iclothing.com started off as a very small venture. Within 10 years the brand has grown hugely and now sells in both Ireland and the UK. iclothing.com India tie-waist culotte jumpsuit in mushroom €44.95

Pastels go tech  Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor

THE WEATHER is brightening up, so why shouldn’t our wardrobes, too? River Island has just dropped its latest menswear edit, with pastel brights, to boot.

The Pastel Tech collection provides perfect holiday wear in lightweight t-shirts and shorts, as well as jackets and cover-ups.

Ranging in shades from lilac to a more rose-red, the colour story for the edit delivers a subtle Summer palette as we make the transition from a dreary Irish Winter to the (slightly) warmer Irish Summer –

or the two weeks in June, as they’re more commonly known!

With colour blocking the theme of River Island’s collection, the wearable nylon and jersey fabrics also prove powerful for packing in a suitcase and jetting off to warmer climes, or even bringing along to your favourite festival this summer.

As detailed by River Island themselves, the Pastel Tech edit is designed to “catch attention for directional yet effortless ‘thrown together’ styling”.

The items on offer are available to buy from RiverIsland.com, and in selected stores, with prices ranging from €22 to €65.

New eyewear collection THE BELOVED Dutch brand Viktor&Rolf has unveiled its latest eyewear collection at Specsavers, Viktor&Rolf Vision.

The 15 optical styles, and three styles of sunglasses, are priced at €239 and are available now in all Specsavers Ireland stores.

The range embodies the avant-garde aesthetic of the brand, but remains wearable for day-to-day wear. Traditional glasses shapes are reinvented and brought to life in a rich colour palette of burgundy, bright yellow, silver and gold.

HEALTH | CYCLING IS A FUN ACTIVITY FOR ALL OF THE FAMILY

Get on yer bike and give your heart and lungs a great workout PADRAIG CONLON

CYCLING is a wonderful, stimulating and healthy activity with so many benefits for young and old alike.

With the arrival of Spring, and better weather, now is the time to maybe consider getting back in the saddle.

Improved cardiovascular and mental health are just two of the many benefits you’ll gain from regular cycling.

Because it’s an aerobic activity, cycling gives your heart and lungs a great work out while also reducing

your blood pressure and your cholesterol level.

Cycling also releases endorphins – chemicals that make us feel good, and the increased health and fitness gained by regular cycling helps to create a happier and improved outlook on life.

Here in Dublin, we are lucky with the climate as it generally never gets too hot, wet or cold to cycle and the city is relatively flat.

In comparison to cities with a similar population density, for example, Dublin gets less freezing weather

than Copenhagen, and less rain than Amsterdam.

However, a lack of good cycle lanes is an issue in Dublin, and calls are increasing for the implementation of the GDA (Greater Dublin Area) Cycle Network Plan.

First put forward by the National Transport Authority in 2013, the plan will see the number of segregated cycle routes in and around Dublin increase from 500km to 1,485km in length.

The roll-out of the GDA Cycle Network Plan has been stalled over the

past seven years, but some routes have been built – among them the 7km Canal Way, and 3km of the Sutton to Sandycove route.

Despite this, there are still some excellent cycle routes which are safe and well worth a spin.

MY OWN THREE FAVOURITES ARE: • Clontarf to Howth (12km): Taking you along the coast, you can detour into Dollymount Strand along the way for some added excitement.

St Anne’s Park can also be included in this route.

•Sandymount - Dun Laoghaire (8km) Another coastal route with great views of Dublin Bay, highlights include a lovely park between Booterstown and Blackrock village, the 40 Foot bathing area, Bullock Harbour and Collimore Harbour, with stunning views of Dalkey island.

• Dodder Valley Park (6km) Tallaght to Rathfarnham: Even though this route brings me to work, it is lovely! This route takes you along the banks of The Dodder with plenty of trees thrown in for good measure!

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 March 2020

DUBLIN TECH & MOTORS

TECH TIME

How much value do you place on your own data?

SHANE DILLON

HOW much would you want a tech platform to pay you a month for access to your contacts?

While you couldn’t pay me to hand over that info, plenty of other people have a price they’d settle for, according to a key new multi-country study by a US thinktank.

The Technology Policy Institute carried out a study of people living in the US, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia and Argentina, in a bid to see how people value their private and digital information.

Germany came out on top of the study, with our European friends saying they’d want the tech titan to pay them about $8 per month for sharing their contact information with third parties. However, US users would only seek $3.50.

Understandably, financial data, including bank balances, held the most value for individuals, with location data commonly considered the least valuable data to share, with a range of metrics besides contacts info up for access consideration – at a price.

Averaging out the multi-country data, across all the people studied, consumers would have to be paid a monthly $8.44 to share their bank balance information, $7.56 to share fingerprint information or $6.05 to read an individual’s texts, while at the lowest end of ‘worth’, consumers would only want to be paid $1.82 per month to share their location data, and nothing to be sent advertisements via text message.

With tech giants increasingly in the news over data privacy concerns, there’s a growing academic, consumer and lawmaker interest in the ways in which such data is monetised.

Apple bars ‘bad guys’ from using iPhones in films PICTURE this: think of a film where The Hero has been yakking away on his iPhone to save the day/city/planet.

You’ve probably already thought of someone in a recent film or TV show, where the iPhone has been an incidental but obvious bit of product placement.

Now think of the last time you saw the Bad Guy on an iPhone, and, and, and ...

Well, good luck with that, as it’s just been revealed that Apple won’t let its products be used by ‘the bad guy’ in films.

Director Rian Johnson (Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) let slip in a Vanity Fair video that particular nugget of cinema info, which won’t surprise anyone when they

Dr Evil might ask: “Hello?

Where can I get a frickin’ iPhone? Hello?!”

think of Apple’s firm, positive image control of its brands.

As such, you’ll often see plenty of characters using Apple products – but now canny viewers will know that the character they’re focused on can’t be The Bad Guy, or a killer, or a terrorist, if they’re ever shown using an iPhone ...

FRESH THINKING IN NEW ITERATION

MOTORS | EXPECT SOME EXCITING HANDLING

Ford’s new Focus ST is a terrific new variation DECLAN GLYNN

BACK IN 2002, Ford launched its very first fast Focus, the ST170.

Now, three generations later, petrol power for Ford’s latest Focus ST comes courtesy of a 2.3-litre four-cylinder (EcoBoost) engine, which boasts 280bhp, and a whopping 420Nm of torque for swift acceleration.

The all-new Focus ST boasts an aggressivelysculpted signature exterior, with a large rear spoiler designed to enhance aerodynamic performance.

An all-new selectable drive mode feature (conveniently located on the steering wheel) lets the ST driver tailor the car’s drivability to suit the road conditions at hand.

These modes comprise Normal, Sport, Slippery, and Track options, with each mode capable of providing the driver with the requested assistance at all times.

The Ford Focus ST is also available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit producing 190bhp, while a slick six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, as does front wheel drive.

There is no automatic gearbox or all-wheel-drive

Petrol power for Ford’s latest Focus ST comes courtesy of a 2.3-litre four-cylinder (EcoBoost) engine

option available in the new fast Focus.

My review car was a 2.3litre EcoBoost Ford Focus ST-2 5-door, which was finished in Ford Performance Blue paintwork.

Featuring anti-lag and Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) technologies, the new Focus ST is the most powerful, agile, and responsive yet, and is the product of engineering genius from the Ford Performance professionals.

The standard equipment in the new Focus ST is impressive, with a host of optional extras available for the ultimate in individual personalisation.

Capable of a top speed of 250kmph, the Focus ST can go from 0-100kmph in just 5.7-seconds.

Co 2 e m i s s i o n s o f 179gpkm translates into annual road tax of €750, while a fuel return of 8.2l/100km is possible from a combined driving

cycle.

On the road, the new Focus ST really does show its true colours, with exhilarating driving dynamics and effortless acceleration taking centre stage, while strong brakes ensure that the Focus ST stops with the same urgency with which it accelerates.

Providing exciting handling, and everyday usability, the new Ford Focus ST could very well be the only performance car you could

QUICK FACTS

1) Exhilarating driving dynamics 2) Petrol or diesel engines 3) Slick 6-speed manual 4) Created for road and track 5) On sale now

ever need.

With pric ing from €41,099 (ex-delivery), the Focus ST adds affordability to the performance car mix, too.

New Puma ready to pounce on market JUST arrived in Ireland, the new Ford Puma introduces Ford’s advanced, fuelsaving mild-hybrid powertrain technology alongside class-leading practicality and head-turning design for compact crossover customers.

Powerful, responsive performance and optimised fuel efficiency is expertly delivered using Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology – seamlessly integrating electric torque assistance with a low-friction, three-cylinder 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine,

delivering 125PS. In Ireland, the new Puma is offered in three series: Titanium, ST-Line and STLine X, with pricing from just €24,465 (ex-delivery).

An impressive array of comfort, convenience, safety, infotainment, and security features come as standard across the entire range, with a whole host of optional extras available for total personalisation.

My full review of the amazing new Ford Puma will be coming soon.

5 March 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

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SOCCER P29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

OLIVIA THE PIONEER: SOCCER: OLIVIA O’Toole looks back

on how things have changed for young girls since her days growing up, dreaming of playing for the Repbulic of Ireland.

O’Toole scored 54 goals in 130 caps, at a time when the extent of publicity for the women’s national team was the FAI asking players to put up posters on the day of the game.



GAZETTE

ATHLETICS P30

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | LEINSTER CONTINUE TO BRUSH ASIDE PRO 14 OPPOSITION

Brilliant Baird breaks Warrior spirit  sport@dublingazette.com

RAMPAGING Academy lock Ryan Baird helped himself to a memorable hat-trick in Leinster Rugby’s 55-19 Guinness PRO14 bonus point win over Glasgow Warriors at the RDS Arena.

The former St Michael’s College student took just three-and-a-half minutes to crash over, the hosts’ thunderous attack producing further scores for Dave Kearney, James Lowe and captain Scott Fardy to create a 24-7 halftime lead.

Kyle Steyn deftly doubled Glasgow’s try tally, adding to Tommy Seymour’s slick 25th-minute effort, but Lowe completed his brace before Baird brilliantly accelerated away in the 55th minute and then went over again past the hour mark.

Kearney finished with a hat-trick of his own, cancelling out an Alex Allan score, on a night that Leinster moved 20 points clear at the top of their Conference A. The hosts got over from their very

first attack, a scrum penalty allowing them to carry with great intent before Baird expertly burrowed over from a couple of metres out. The heavilyinfluential Harry Byrne converted to the right of the posts.

Leinster tidied up lineout ball after an overcooked Pete Horne kick, and another powerful carrying spell forced Warriors backwards. Armed with a penalty advantage, Byrne’s long pass put Kearney over in the corner to make it 12-0 after as many minutes.

The Warriors did clip the lead back to five points through Seymour’s try off George Horne’s inside pass but Fardy soon outfoxed two defenders with a scooped offload to send Lowe raiding over for a seven-pointer.

Luke McGrath’s initial break sparked a furious late hunt for the bonus point, Fardy duly delivering it off a close-in ruck.

However, Glasgow had an encouraging start to the second half. Skipper Ryan Wilson was involved as quick hands released Steyn for a superb in-

Leinster’s Ryan Baird breaks through a tackle. Picture: John Crothers

and-out finish from his own 10-metre line.

Leinster cancelled out that score in the 51st minute, Will Connors’ turnover and another burst by Baird leading to Lowe spinning free.

It got even better for the table-topping province when Baird stormed over from 45 metres out, stunning scrum half Horne and the chas-

ing wingers with his pace. The St. Michael’s College product picked from a ruck to add a much more straightforward third try with 63 minutes on the clock.

Leo Cullen’s side pushed through the 50-point barrier, Fardy starring in the build-up to Kearney’s second of the night before Jones’ loose offload gave the Ireland winger his third.

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 5 March 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

LUCAN SARSFIELDS BALLYMUN KICKHAMS OUR Under WELL done 15’s to the areJunior hoping A la to fund a trip to Portugal in early summer, to that end, they are doing a used clothes collection in our clubhouse every Saturday and Sunday. We can help you clear some clutter in the process. So winners all around!

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

Your annual membership is now due. Please see Linda or a member of your management team asap. Adult players/full membership is €100 and €50 for the unwaged. Social membership is €40 per annum. Remember, this entitles you to apply for entry into our (what seems to be now annual) ticket draw for all Ireland football final tickets! We encourage all people involved in the club, be it supporter, parent or just a well wisher, to join the club and become a member of our burgeoning family.

All new comers welcome. Linda is most welcoming!

You can contact her by using these: lindaparnell@ yahoo.ie or 0872733022 or go to our website for more information.

Our artificial pitch replacement is well underway, and we advise all juvenile teams that during this process, Pairc Ciceam will essentially be a building site and therefor out of bounds for safety reasons. We ask all juvenile teams to please comply with this rule. It’s envisaged that the pitch will now be completed by the end of March (weather has caused significant delay). We also advise that our grass pitch is currently closed until further notice, will reopen soon, weather permitting.

A huge thanks to our local DCC representatives and to some of the members of Trinity Comprehensive school for their assistance in making our community easier on the eye with the Better Ballymun action day. The fruits of which can be seen all across the community, and in our clubhouse. Míle buichas!

O’TOOLE’S IT WAS a quiet week for sport. Hopefully the weather will improve enough for games to be played this week.

A couple of reminders: juvenile registration is overdue. Please take heed that no child can train or play without being registered.

Also, the club have set a deadline for payment of membership fees for this year. If you haven’t paid by the 16th of March, you will lose the privilege of your discount card.

Azzuri will be in the club taking orders for club gear and other sportswear on Saturday 7th March (this Saturday) from 9:30am Dates for our hugely popular Easter Camps are: Junior camp 4 to 7yr olds, Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th April; Senior camp 8 to 12yr

olds, Tuesday 14th to Thursday 16th April; the camps run from 10am to 1pm each day @ €30 per child.

For information call David on 086 3101034 or Hellen 086 3060254 or Kelly (evenings or weekends only) 085 1600381; places will be limited, so booking early is essential.

Well done to some of the parents of our Féile boys & girls on their endeavour to raise funds. They had a few days bag-packing in Donaghmede over the weekend.

Entertainment for this weekend is: Saturday night with ‘PULSE’ and Sunday it’s music of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s.

‘Find the Joker’ jackpot is €830 this Sunday.

There was no winner of our Thursday night ‘Live’ Club Lotto draw.

SOCCER: IRELAND’S MOST CAPPED FOOTBALLER CHANGED THE

Pioneer O’Toole laid a path for poster girls of today  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

“I ACTUALLY got that rule changed,” begins Olivia O’Toole, Ireland’s most-capped footballer of all time and, arguably, its greatest-ever goalscorer.

O’Toole scored 54 goals in 130 caps, at a time when the extent publicity for the women’s national team was the FAI asking players to put up posters on the day of the game.

Organised football for teenage girls was virtually non-existent in most of the country, so O’Toole did what any other committed footballer would do and joined a boys’ team in her age group.

From 15 to 18, she played underage footballer with her local team, Sheriff YC, and one morning in the Phoenix Park brought about the classic ‘Irish solution to an Irish problem’.

“When I was playing football, I played with the boys,” said the 49-yearold, who recently took the reins with St Patrick’s YC who will enter the newly-

created Eastern Women’s Football League next month.

“I went out at 15 years of age with Under-16 Sheriff to the Phoenix Park, played a match, went up for a header and busted a young fella’s nose.

“He went to hit me and they were all like: ‘You can’t hit her’. That’s the only time they found out I was a girl.

“There was a big uproar and I actually got that rule changed for girls to be able to play up to age 16 or 17.

There were no girls’ teams then.

“I went at 17 to playing with girls in their 30s.

There was nothing there for me from 16 up. Now they have the under-17s league and it’s properly done.”

O’Toole was part of the Irish side that reached a play-off for Euro 2009, losing 3-0 in Iceland (“it should never have been played – it was an ice rink”) after drawing 1-1 at Richmond Park.

Even then, publicity for the national team was practically non-existent –

to see projections of over 5,000 people and a real buzz around Thursday’s Euro 2021 qualifier with Greece is gratifying.

“I was talking to a girl and she was like ‘what did you do when you played matches?’ When we played, we got handed posters when we were stripping for the matches going out to play.”

Like fellow internationals Emma Byrne and Ciara Grant, Arsenal came

knocking for the striker.

Arsenal were the dominant team in England but that was no guarantee of a fair wage.

She was offered opportunities to take up scholarships in the United States but, having left school at 13, she was daunted by the prospect of returning to full-time education.

“We were offered at the time IR£150 and work in the launderette washing the senior men’s laundry.

“I was like, ‘I ain’t leaving my family for £150’.

“I was asked to go to America as well, but the thing that I took issue with was the schooling part.

To me, that was daunting, because I was out of school.

“I’d left school when I was 13 – not that I’m stupid or anything, but I just didn’t do schooling. To me, at 22 or 23, going to a college, it was daunting to me.”

Boh’s Boyle’s brilliance

James Boyle celebrates a goal. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

BOHEMIANS continue to top the Megazyme amputee football national league after they picked up a pair of wins last weekend in the latest series of games.

James Boyle was in red-hot form as his hat trick along with a goal from Robert Balog saw the side run up a 4-1 win over Cork City.

Boyle duly added a double against Shamrock Rovers in the second game of a day affected by high winds from Storm Jorge.

The win made it six wins out of six for Bohs thus far in the fourteam competition and has them four points clear at the top with Rovers.

Rovers, for their part, did run up a 5-1 win over Scottish side Partick Thistle which lifts them up to 14 points in total with four wins out of six.

Cork are in third with a win and a draw while Partick are improving and have risen to seven points.

5 March 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

RULES FOR GIRLS

Olivia O’Toole celebrates a goal against Italy in 2007.

Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

SOCCER: OUTSIDE CHANCES OF SECOND SPOT STILL ALIVE

Glasaion stun Sutton to win five-goal thriller UCFL DIVISION 3 Mid Sutton Sportslink Glasnaion FC  JOHN MOONEY sport@dublingazette.com

STRONGER TOGETHER Women’s mini marathon open for 2020 entries THE Ryan sisters Lottie and Bonnie, along with mum, Morah; broadcaster Georgie Crawford; actress Demi Issac Oviawe and fitness enthusiast Leanne Moore, will make up the 2020 Vhi Squad and are calling on women all around the country to run stronger together and join them at the largest all-female event of its kind in the world on May 31! Enter now at www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie.

Picture: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

2 3

MID SUTTON Sportslink missed the opportunity to move into second position in the UCFL Division 3 when they were narrowly beaten by Glasnaion FC in Furry Park on a 3-2 scoreline on Saturday afternoon.

The win threw the visitors a bit of a lifeline as, with games in hand over both their hosts and second placed Riverside United, they could join the title-chase if they are successful in those games, but that’s down the line.

Saturday saw Storm Jorge hold off until the final whistle sounded but there was a strong swirling wind throughout and it made good football hard to come by.

There was little goalmouth action in the opening half although the home side did break the deadlock on 30 minutes. Sean Dineen slipped a pass into Lorcan Quinn who turned two defenders and laid the ball on a plate for Ciaran Sinnott to slot home.

The visitors responded and could have been on level terms minutes later when Keven Bell had a clear shot on goal but he blazed over the bar.

However, the equaliser did arrive straight from the kick-off of the second half as the visitors did what they threatened to do in the first half. Ger Malone latched onto a Niall Dolan pass and crashed home via a post.

With 15 minutes remaining, Glasnaion notched two in two minutes to all but wrap up this tie when Malone fired in an effort that somehow found its way to Dolan and, with the home defence looking for offside, he slotted home.

Two minutes later, it got even better as McKenna chased a through ball, keeper Liam Bailey came out and got to the ball first but it

Mid Sutton Sportlinks Lorcan Quinn is held off the ball by Glasnaion FC’s Stephen Meehan

squeezed under him.

As the ball trickled towards goal, defender Brian Tobin got back and stopped it on the line only for McKenna to follow up and force the ball home.

It looked all over but the home side chased and harried and their effort was rewarded when Dineen crashed home his 17th league goal of the season.

There was time to get an equaliser but no matter how hard they tried, there was no joy for Mid Sutton as Glasnaion celebrated.

Mid-Sutton Sportslink: Liam Bailey, Garvan Morris, Sean Beadie, Brisn Tobin, Tommy Refnan, Billy Hyland, Keith McDonnell, Brian Collins, Lorcan Quinn, Sean Dineen, Ciaran Sinnott, Mick Carr, Conor Phelan, Stephen Redmond, Shane McCarty, Amair Zmalee.

Glasnaion FC: Kevin Darcy, Michael Naughton, James Kelly, Stephen Mark Brady, Kevin Bell, Paul McKenna, Niall Dolan, Ger Malone, Carl Lenihan, Conor Fay, Dan Harrison, Ian Gilligan, Owen McCort, Michael Moore, Larry Lillis, James Collins, Kevin Brady, Stephen Meehan.

Railway remain on track for title decider MEN’S HOCKEY  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

CLONTARF and Railway Union took another step closer to what looks set to be a final day showdown for the men’s Leinster Division One title. ’Tarf had the trickier task in horrible conditions at Portrane as the wind made things difficult for any major fluidity for either side.

Portrane took the lead in the first quarter with a low Chris Neville drag flick; Kevin Mullins equalised

from a high reverse following a counter attack just before half-time.

The Bulls moved into the lead when Davyn Keuter scored his 18th goal of the campaign via a corner goal in the final quarter. Kevin Murray’s tap-in in the closing minutes sealed the 3-1 win.

Michael McKenzie’s hat trick – bringing his season’s total to 11 in the league – and a double from Michael Fulham saw Railway Union win 5-0 early on Saturday morning against Dublin University in the Santry sun.

It leaves Railway six points back,

but with a game in hand, with the final day of the season potentially pivotal in deciding who wins the Leinster crown when the top two meet.

Rathgar moved up to third with a comfortable 5-0 win over Bray with Andy Malcolm scoring two first half goals to set them on their way.

Railway Union after their 5-0 win over Dublin University

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 5 March 2020

ATHLETICS

RUGBY: AIL CLASH DOUBLES AS LEINSTER CUP FINAL

Foley’s try heroics bring added bonus AIL DIVISION 1A UCD 22 Clontarf 19  sport@dublingazette.com

Raheny’s Mark Smyth starts to celebrate his 200m win. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Raheny Shamrock and Clonliffe’s big medal haul NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS  sport@dublingazette.com.com

RAHENY Shamrock’s Mark Smyth landed his first national senior title when he scorched around Abbotstown to claim the national 200m indoor title.

Smyth set a new personal best and club record, posting 21.04 seconds to claim the title, 0.69 seconds ahead of Donore Harriers’ Paul McDermott. The time moves Mark Smyth to fifth on the Irish all-time list.

The 21-year-old Smyth had set a new personal best in the heats, stopping the clock at 21.37 seconds to win his heat and qualify automatically for the final. In so doing, he became the 31st Raheny Shamrock athlete to claim a national senior title and the sixth athlete to win an indoor title.

A day later, he added a 60m silver with his club mates Isuelt O’Donnell and Brian Fay doing likewise in their events.

Isuelt O’Donnell posted a fast 2:07.07 for 800 metres in a tight finish where Dublin City Harriers’ Nadia Power took gold in 2:06.26 and Claire Mooney bronze in 2:08.06.

Brian Fay collected silver in a very fast 1,500m final as Star of the Sea’s Andrew Coscoran sped to the title in 3:41.36, Fay less than two seconds behind in a speedy 3:43.13. That would have been enough to break James Nolan’s longstanding Irish record of 3.44.

Indeed, Clonliffe Harriers’ Eoin Pierce recorded a fast 3.45.35 which, in most years, would have been enough to take the title.

Clonliffe was another club to take home a wealth of medals. Keith Marks captured the national long jump title in a new club record of 7.33m while there was a first national title for Ariel Lieghio in the women’s pole vault with a best of 3.95m, only narrowly missing 4.05.

The big story of the day was the welcome sight of seeing Brian Gregan line up once again in the national final after his injury travails.

Gregan battled like the true competitor that he is all the way to the line and will be pleased to take bronze in his comeback in a time of 48.21.

Rolus Olusa took a fine bronze in the 60 hurdles in a time of 8.43. He also placed fifth in the long jump with a best of 6.78. Shannon Sheehy took high jump bronze on day one and duly qualified well for the 60 hurdles final where she had an outstanding run to fifth place in a new personal best and new Clonliffe indoor club record of 8.69.

Crusaders’ Niamh Allen, meanwhile, took second place in the women’s 3,000m.

RONAN Foley’s sixth try of the season could be his most important of all after UCD edged out Clontarf 22-19 in a fiercely-contested Energia All-Ireland League tie at Belfield.

Using the rain-soaked pitch to his advantage, number 8 Foley squeezed in under a couple of defenders to score a decisive 70th-minute try in a game that doubled up as the Leinster Senior Cup final. The students are provincial champions for the first time since 2016.

Facing into a gusting wind in the first half, Clontarf’s hopes of bouncing back from a heavy defeat to Garryowen took some early hits.

Alex Penny and David Ryan both crossed for the students inside the opening quarter of an hour, adding to James Tarrant’s initial penalty.

It was a fasc inating battle at scrum half w h e re L e i n s te r p a i r Paddy Patterson and Hugh O’Sullivan chipped away behind two determined packs.

UCD celebrate their victory last Saturday at Belfield against Clontarf. Picture: Deryck Vincent

Closing in on half-time, ’Tarf got off the mark with a well-worked score from winger Michael Courtney for 15-5.

Good patience by the Clontarf forwards was rewarded with a 47th minute try, prop Ivan Soroka grounding the ball under a pile of bodies.

Courtney was released to complete his brace in the 64th minute, with Sean Kearns adding another well-struck conversion for a 19-15 turnaround in very testing conditions.

NATIONAL INDOORS Travers sprints to 3,000m title DONORE Harriers’ John

Travers (146) stormed to an impressive 3,000m title at last weekend’s National Indoor Athletics Championships in Abbotstown.

He held off the challenge of Dundrum South Dublin AC’s Hiko Tonosa, catching out his arch rival on the last lap to make a brilliant sprint and win in style in a time of 8.00.96. Tonosa came home in 8.03.55.

DCH’s Nadia Power leads the way in the 800m. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Picture: sam barnes / SPORTSFILE

However, that good work was undone five minutes later when ‘Tarf captain Michael Noone saw yellow and UCD wrestled back control for the closing stages.

Foley swiftly seized his opportunity to drive in low over the line, Tarrant tagging on the extras for a three-point advantage.

Kevin Croke’s charges showed impressive composure and game management to close out the result, controlling possession with a frustrated Noone watching on from the touchline.

UCD have closed the gap on second-placed Garryowen to five points, while ’Tarf now lie seven points outside of the top four with four rounds remaining.

UCD’s Jonny Guy

5 March 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: REIGNING LEINSTER CHAMPIONS START 2020 ON FRONT FOOT

FEILE

Ballyboden St Enda’s Aran Waters rises highest in midfield. Picture: John Kirwan

2019 Feile champs Kilmacud Crokes

John West put up big Feile prize

Boden make big AFL1 statement AFL DIVISION ONE

 sport@dublingazette.com

LAST year’s league finalists – and reigning Dublin SFC champions – Ballyboden St Enda’s displayed the midas touch in front of goal to record a 3-10 to 0-14 victory over Na Fianna.

Tom Hayes, Ross McGarry and Darren O’Reilly recorded second half majors to ensure the hosts came away with the two points on offer.

Playing with the breeze in the first half, the home team was first on the score board after three minutes when Warren Egan split the posts.

Na Fianna responded almost immediately but in the next 10 minutes Alan Flood, Ross McGarry and Aran Waters added points.

Na Fianna got two back from play and then up popped Bob Dwan and Brian Bobbett to cancel out these scores. The visitors had two points from frees each side of a similar point from McGarry as half time arrived, leaving the home side 0-7 to 0-5 ahead.

This could have been even more favourable were it not for two late goal chances that went abegging.

First, Conor Dooley cracked a shot off the crossbar and they would go on to

see two second half penalties saved.

Egan was denied with the first of them but Hayes knocked in the first goals soon after. The second penalty was blocked but Ross McGarry picked up the rebound to fire home and when O’Reilly palmed in, it helped build a 10-point lead which put them out of sight.

After the first round of matches in AFL1 were called off a fortnight earlier, this round was also curtailed but there was a win 2-13 to 1-11 win for Clontarf over Ballinteer St John’s.

St Maur’s beat Castleknock 1-12 to 0-12; Skerries Harps saw off St Brigid’s 1-6 to 0-8 while Thomas Davis won 2-3 to 0-5.

In the second tier, having dropped down at the end of last season, St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh will be hellbent on securing a return to Division One in 2021. They certainly made a fine start to their campaign by registering a 1-14 to 0-9 victory against St Anne’s in Broombridge.

In the absence of current Dublin footballer Seán Bugler, seven-time Celtic Cross winner Bernard Brogan stepped up to the mark for Plunkett’s.

He dovetailed effectively with Gareth ‘Nesty’ Smith, who represented Dublin

at underage level before lining out for Cavan at the senior grade.

A win looked in doubt for Plunkett’s when they led by just two points at the break having played with the elements

at their backs.

The wind wasn’t as strong on the resumption, though, and the Martin Savage Park brigade emerged as worthy victors in the end.

Warren Egan shoots at goal for Boden.

Picture: John Kirwan

BOYS’ and girls’ U-14 GAA teams in south Dublin gearing up for this year’s John West Féile can win €1,000 of kit by creating videos of their clubs’ Féile memories.

John West, which sponsors the Féile na nÓg and Féile na nGael U-14 football, hurling and camogie tournaments, are preparing for the competition finals with a €1,000 kit giveaway to teams.

The 2020 John West Féile na nGael hurling and camogie finals take place in Dublin, Kildare and Meath on the weekend of June 5-7.

This year, the John West Féile na nÓg football finals will be held across Donegal, Derry and Tyrone on the weekend of June 26-28.

Four GAA clubs now have the chance to win €1,000 each towards their Féile 20 kit.

Entries are now open and to be in with a chance of winning, all teams have to do is send a short video through the Teamer app featuring their club’s best Féile memories.

Ideas can include profiling a Féile hero, photographs set to music of a magical Féile moments, Féile journeys, the role of your coach, training highlights, parental support and host family memories.

GazetteSPORT MARCH 5-11, 2020

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

UCD’S LEINSTER CUP LEADERS RUGBY: Students get double boost with AIL victory also bringing Leinster Senior Cup trophy to Belfield.

SEE P30

POSTER GIRL SOCCER:

Legendary Irish striker Olivia O’Toole talks about the huge changes in publicity for the Irish women’s team. SEE P28

SPRINTING TO VICTORY ATHLETICS:

Raheny, Dublin City Harriers, Donore, Clonliffe and Crusaders all win national indoor championship medals. SEE P30

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Merciless DCU win the women’s Super League  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU Mercy were crowned the 2019/20 Basketball Ireland Women’s Super League champions on Sunday afternoon as they ran out 81-58 point winners over Maree at DCU in the penultimate game of the season.

Mark Ingle’s charges were pushed all the way by the Galway outfit.

It took a stunning third quarter display from American Meredith Burkhall that ultimately put them on the road to glory, as she dominated under the boards and headed to the free throw line on numerous occasions.

She slotted home 12 points in the quarter, with 10 of these coming from the free throw line.

A tense and close first half saw Maree get the better of proceedings early in the first quarter, with Fiona Scally, Carol McCarthy and Claire Rockall dominating the scoring to edge them into an early lead.

Good play from DCU’s Ashley Russell, Burkhall and Rachel Huijsdens saw the Dubliners claw back the lead though, to trail by just two at the end of the first, 14-16.

An extremely close second quarter followed, with Sarah Woods, Huijsdens and Burkhall all on-form for DCU. Rockall and Scally, along with good scores from Maggie Byrne, kept Maree with the hosts every step of the way to tie the game up at 31 points apiece at the half.

DCU Mercy’s Super League winning side

“To be fair to the girls, they have been the best

team in the league all year. Not by much, but the best team“ Burkhall hit her stride in the third, dominating the offensive boards and picking up numerous fouls to put Maree in foul trouble.

Two key threes from Maeve Phelan and Woods pushed DCU further in front and they headed into the final quarter 55-45 to the good – having outscored Maree 24-14 in the period.

Another huge quarter followed in the last, with

Russell and Burkhall dominating, while Woods delivered two big threes at key stages to stop Maree’s momentum.

Again, free throws were the story of the quarter with DCU knocking down 10 points from the line in the period, and they pushed on to win out 81-58 in the end.

Speaking afterwards, captain Sarah Woods said: “We’re just elated.

“We came in today with

a job to do. We know how good Maree are, they beat us in Galway and we knew it would be a really tough game.

“I’m just so happy to be holding the trophy now and to be finally able to say we’re league winners.”

Coach Ingle added: “I’m feeling great because we won but, to be fair to the girls, they have been the best team in the league all year. Not by much, but

the best team with their record of 15 [wins] and one [loss]. The only loss was away to Maree which can always happen.

“We were very well prepared for this one during the week and I think the side with the best record over the course of the season are worthy national champions, no matter who they are.

“I also have to commend Basketball Ireland for the trophy itself; it

is worthy of a national champion.

“The last 20 seconds I felt confident!” he said when asked when did he feel the job was finally done.

“Every third quarter, we have been very good, especially at home. I don’t know what that is.

“Sometimes, we have gone on to outscore people, others we set the tone defensively, but usually that is what separates us.”