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POPULAR TOURIST HUB SET FOR ‘MAJOR DECLUTTERING EXERCISE’

Temple Bar set to lose its cobbly bits under revamp plan Cobble shock. Photo: Flickr

 EMMA NOLAN TEMPLE Bar’s historic cobblestones could soon be history if proposals to “declutter” the popular tourist hub get the green light.

The eighteenth century cobbles could soon make way for a smooth, singleSee Page 3 surface modern pathway.

2 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

SAFETY | OPERATOR’S OWN DATA SHOWS BIKES IN FEWEST COLLISIONS

 EMMA NOLAN THE city’s Luas carriages were involved with 23 contacts with vehicles, three contacts with pedestrians and just two with cyclists last year.

Figures provided by Luas operators Transdev to the I Bike Dublin cycling group shows that motorists and pedestrians account for more crashes and emergency braking incidents than cyclists.

The data was published following a campaign

by Luas entitled Luas & Irresponsible Cyclist Behaviour, which stated that cyclists were not “giving trams space to turn or stop”.

The #BeTramAware video campaign by Transdev shows footage of a number of near misses

Picture: Dan Sheridan

‘Cyclists are the LEAST dangerous to the Luas’

FASTNews

On the look-out for kids who proudly wear glasses Data provided by Luas operators Transdev to the I Bike Dublin group showed that, in 2016, there were 23 Luas contacts with vehicles, 3 with pedestrians, but only 2 with cylists.

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between the tram service and motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists and was released online.

However, I Bike Dublin claims that the video attempted to “demonise” cyclists, with the group releasing a statement saying: “We at I Bike Dublin contacted Luas

for official incident figures and can reveal that drivers account for more than half of all crashes and emergency braking incidents, pedestrians more than one-third and cyclists less than 10%.

“I Bike Dublin can also reveal that far from being the biggest problem for

the Luas, people on bikes cause the least amount of problems for trams.”

In 2016, there were 206 incidents where the emergency brake was pulled as a result of motorist activity, while 131 incidents involved cases related to pedestrians.

‘I Bike Dublin claims that the #BeTramAware video campaign attempted to “demonise” cyclists’

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IRISH international and Connacht rugby player Kieran Marmion, has just launched Specsavers inaugural Kids Spectacle Wearer of the Year awards, with help from six-year-olds Nina Mullins McShea and Trysten Bruen.

Kieran, who worse glasses since he was nine, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate children glasses wearers in Ireland. From my own experience, I know children can feel embarrassed when they first put on a pair, worrying about what people might say or think.”

The competition will also help raise vital funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, with Specsavers donating €1 to the charity for every entry received. The winner will receive a trip for two adults and two children to Legoland Windsor, staying for two nights in the Legoland Hotel.

To enter, see https://www.specsavers.ie/kidsswoty, with a closing date of September 10.

Have a say on varying the city’s Local Property Tax DO YOU think that the Local Property Tax (LPT) rate should be varied in Dublin city?

Dublin City Council has invited submissions from the public and interested parties on whether they think the LPT should be varied.

Section 20 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 allows the elected members of the council to vary the rate by + or -15%. The council must take the public’s views into account before making a decision.

To have your say, complete the user-friendly online survey before 4.30pm on Wednesday, August 30 at https://consultation. dublincity.ie/ Any variation to be made would apply from 1st next January 1.

Tour the city’s secrets

Some positive Hectoring to get involved and help children THE one and only Hector (O hEochagain, of course) joined five-year-olds Sophie O’Toole and Luke Freeman to help launch Barnardos’s upcoming national collection day, supported by Dell EMC, which takes place this year on Friday, September 15. The kids and the colourful Barnardos ambassador are calling on Dubliners to support the national volunteer drive for the fundraising day, with people invited to register at www.barnardos.ie/buckets. Hector says that just two hours of help could help raise €100 or more for the children’s charity and its work with 14,000 children and families across Ireland. Picture: Keith Arkins Media

SOME of the city’s hidden gems are set to be uncovered thanks to The Locals Dublin Discovery Tour, in association with H41 Wild Lager by Heineken. With tickets (priced €10) available from www.thelocals.ie, the tour will visit shops, studios, pubs, restaurants and historic buildings as it weaves its way through narrow streets and laneways. Tour guides will reveal insights about some everyday spots and places with histories even the locals don’t know, as well as offering tour participants a sample of Heineken’s H41 Wild Lager.

We’re on our holidays!

The Gazette, your Number 1 FREE local paper, is closed for the summer holidays - our next edition will be on shelves from August 24th. We want you to enjoy a break too, so be sure to enter our great competition thanks to our friends at Tourism Northern Ireland.

See Page 9 to enter, and good luck folks!

3 - 23 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3

Leanne McDonagh and her hen party at the festival. Pictures: Aisling Conway

Amy and Seamus Finucane

It could only be one of The Village People

Punchestown is a real hit with fans 98FM radio presenter Adrian Kennedy has his hands full with Tanya Molloy and Aine Bermingham

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ALF the city made its way to Punchestown at the weekend, where one of the best festivals of recent years took place. Attracting music fans from all across the city and county and further afield, this year’s festival saw the likes of Tom Jones, Culture Club, Deacon Blue, Village People, Smokie and many others delight, with the 10,000 fans treated to a terrific range of bands and stars.

Boy George belts it out

REVAMP | PUBLIC INVITED TO HAVE A SAY AS AUTHORITY FOCUSES ON IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY

Council calls time on the Temple Bar cobblestones  EMMA NOLAN

TEMPLE BAR is set to lose its famous cobblestones as part of a “major decluttering exercise” by the council.

The popular tourist spot will undergo a redevelopment that will see some of the iconic cobbled streets resurfaced in order to improve accessibility and also to make the space more suitable for cultural events.

The proposals include the removal of the existing street furniture, trees, licensed outdoor seating terraces and

replacement with new street furniture, new tree planting, seating and public lighting.

The council also want to improve the tourist destination’s accessibility by removing the likes of excess bins, pub barrels, sandwich boards and street lights.

The square is to be extended as a single surface across the adjoining streets of Temple Bar, Crown Alley and Fownes Street to the adjoining buildings.

It is also proposed to fully pedestrianise Temple Bar

Are Temple Bar’s cobbles doomed?

Square and Crown Alley and exclude regular vehicular traffic from these areas.

According to Dublin City Council, the measures taken will lead to a significant

improvement in accessibility to the project area and support the principle of universal access for all.

The plans have been welcomed by the Temple Bar

Company who have been working on getting such changes implemented for several years.

Its chief executive Martin Harte said the plans are “fantastic” and that the company is “100% in support”.

Speaking to The Gazette, he said: “The plan initially came from our company in 2011.

We did surveys and submitted them to the council three years ago, so this design that is now in place is based on that work. It’s a fantastic scheme and we’re delighted that it’s

going to go ahead.”

He said that the area is currently “less than attractive and hard to navigate” but that the plans will now provide “a civic space, not a commercial one”.

He added: “Temple Bar doesn’t have a place where you can come in and sit down and relax and watch the world go by. That’s what we’ve been looking for – to make it a calmer and nicer space.”

The public are invited to have their say at consultation. dublincity.ie/parks/templebar-square/.

4 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

Help celebrate all the brilliant work unpaid carers give back to the community

An ancient sport helps to create a new friendship at Ballinteer St John’s. Pictures: Paul Lundy

A GAA-s time for Gaza kids SOUTH Dubliners turned out in droves to welcome 19 children and two coaches from Al Helal FC in Gaza on their visit to Dublin, where they played GAA against their peers at Ballinteer St John’s.

Following their highly-succcessful visit last year, the long-awaited return trip saw the kids given the best of Irish welcomes, with the Palestinian children leaving conflict behind to enjoy a ten-day trip to Ireland, with the Ballinteer leg a highlight.

There was time for a clash of ash, too, as the Gaza kids gamely picked up a hurley

or two at Marlay Park.

There were also hotly contested soccergames against Ballybrack FC last Sunday, July 30, with the visiting Al Helal team losing 4-2 in an entertaining affair.

They took the loss in their stride, with their efforts on the pitch roundly applauded and cheered on by many locals.

Thanking their Ballinteer and Ballybrack hosts and the people of Dublin, the Al Helal FC coaches spoke warmly of the lifelong memories forged on welcoming Irish soil.

Liverpool trio of legends to visit the Ilac

LIVERPOOL legends John Aldridge, Phil Babb and Jason McAteer will be in Dublin this week. The trio will be in Dublin before Jürgen Klopp’s side play their final friendly of the summer against Athletico Bilbao in the Aviva stadium. All fans need to do to meet is get down to the Ilac Centre between 4.30pm and 6pm on Friday, where the trio will be signing LFC merchandise on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meet Babb, Aldo and ‘Trigger’ at the Ilac Centre this Friday

Huff and puff your way around a giant, fun inflatable course for all the family EUROPE’S largest inflatable slide is on its way to Dundrum as the Super Milk Wild Air Run bounces back to Marlay Park.

The Wild Air Run saw more than 20,000 people take part in the inflatable 5K obstacle course last

summer, and the fun run featured 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course.

This year, the event is coming back this Saturday, August 5, with 10 obstacles for both adults and children (aged 7+) to tackle, with

music, games and food and drink available. Full-priced tickets are €32.50 for adults and €18.50 for children; family tickets (€80) and group rates are also available. For further information and to buy tickets, see www.wildairrun.com.

THE Irish Red Cross is calling on everyone to celebrate unpaid carers by nominating them for the 2017 Irish Red Cross Carer of the Year award.

The award is open to any member of the public currently providing voluntary care, with previous winners including men and women who provide care for loved ones that are ill, vulnerable or living with a restrictive disability.

Last year’s winner, Vincent Callaghan from Roscommon, has cared for his two children all their lives; 2015’s winner, Bernie O’Reilly from Cavan, has cared for her son, Damien, who has cerebral palsey for more than 30 years.

‘Selfless’ Pat Carey, chairman of the Irish Red Cross, praised Ireland’s carers, saying: “Unpaid carers offer a standard of living to sick and vulnerable members of the community that would be impossible without their selfless commitment.

“It is essential that both carers and care recipients are recognised and supported members of our communities and of society as a whole.”

Nomination can be made online at www.redcross.ie/ Carer+of+the+ year+ award+2017, where you can also download an application from. Entries should be returned

by Thursday, August 31, with the winner to announced in November.

The 2017 winner will receive a cash prize and a luxury hotel break.

3 - 23 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

Out and About

Conor Murphy and Ella Patchett. Pictures: Robbie Reynolds

Hannah Popham and Niamh Baker

Ruth Power

James Kavanagh, Ali Gibbons and James Butler

Aoife McDonald with Suzanne Cairns and Julie Blakeney

Adam Richardson and Shauna Griffith

Molly Smith and Laura Baldwin

3 - 23 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 7

Grown-ups get to grips with a giant ball pool

James Kavanagh and Matthew Gavin

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AST weekend Innocent drinks invited the adults of Ireland to release their inner child by taking a plunge in a “big kids” only ball pool at Merrion Square.

Guests could relive those long summer days spent hanging out with friends by enjoying a game of rounders, tip the can and fruit pong while waiting for their turn in the massive ball pit, complete with diving board and inflatable fruit.

Rob Gale and Niamh Clohosey

Amy O’Reilly and Isobel Durcan

Emma Nolan and Anne Nuding

Holly Fitzpatrick and Mary Zweifel

8 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

COURTS | DRUG HAUL AND VARIETY OF ROBBERIES ACROSS THE CITY END UP BEFORE THE BENCH

Told landlord gardai picked wrong home

A MAN who told his landlord that gardai had put in the wrong door during a drugs search has received a three-year suspended sentence for possessing 1,500 tablets at the premises.

The gardai who had carried out the raid were later forced to defend a claim for damages after Alan Norman (40) claimed to his landlord that they had targeted the wrong address.

Norman, of Fitzroy Avenue, Drumcondra, was caught with around 1,500 tablets of a controlled substance during the search in August 2015.

Garda Kieran Hickey told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that on foot of confidential information he applied for a warrant to search the flat.

On August 5, gardai forced entry into the premises. During a search they found Xanax and Valium tablets.

Norman was arrested and told gardai that he was storing the drugs to offset a €150 drug debt. The court heard he had a history of drug addiction, but was now on a methadone programme.

After the raid, Norman falsely told his landlord that gardai had put in the wrong door. The landlord then put in a claim for the damaged door.

Garda Hickey said this was difficult to defend, and involved a lot of work by gardai.

Norman pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at Fitzroy Avenue on August 5, 2015.

Judge Gerard Griffin suspended the sentence for three years on condition Norman engages with the Probation Services.

Man assaulted as he was talking to women – then his wallet was robbed A MAN who launched “an utterly unprovoked assault” on a man who was talking to his girlfriend has received a partially suspended sentence.

Noel Colvin (40), with no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm outside a bar on Dame Street on May 16, 2014 .

Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Colvin to two years imprisonment, with the final six months suspended.

Garda Bernard Maguire told Lisa Dempsey BL, prosecuting, that the injured party, Peter Clarke, travelled from Longford to visit Dublin on that date.

Colvin approached Mr Clarke while he was standing outside a bar on Dame St talking to two women, one of who was Colvin’s partner. Colvin punched Mr Clarke several times in the face.

Mr Clarke’s wallet was also taken from him during the incident and money was removed from it. When he requested it

The court heard details of the “utterly unprovoked assault of a completely blameless victim” at Dame Street. Picture: Google Maps

back, the wallet was thrown on the ground by one of the women.

Mr Clarke sustained injuries to his face including a facial bone fracture and lacerations which were closed with paper stitches.

Colvin initially denied assaulting Mr Clarke, and strongly denied that he had taken part in

robbing Mr Clarke of his wallet.

Luigi Rae BL, defending, said that Colvin had a chronic drinking problem and had trouble speaking due to an assault he suffered that left him with a brace in his jaw.

Colvin has 122 previous convictions. These include convic-

tions for criminal damage, damaging property in a garda station, public order offences and road traffic offences.

He has two children and is not in contact with either of them.

Lindsey Kavanagh (29), of Woodfield Terrace, Sarsfield Road, Inchicore, was one of the women involved in the incident and at the time was in a relationship with Colvin.

She pleaded guilty to handling the wallet and received a ninemonth suspended sentence.

Both Colvin and Kavanagh were on bail at the time of the incident and neither had been before the court previously.

Judge Codd described the incident as “an utterly unprovoked assault of a completely blameless victim” and admonished Colvin for expressing no remorse over the attack.

“There seems to be an utter failure on his part to take responsibility for himself,” Judge Codd said.

Drunk cyclist stole phones ‘Vulnerable’ burglar is jailed for two

A “TALENTED underage footballer” who cycled around Dublin snatching phones from women to sell for alcohol has received a partially suspended 18-month sentence.

Brandon Cumberton (19), of Rory O’Connor House, Dublin 1, identified himself on CCTV footage and told gardai he could only vaguely recollect the four thefts because he was drunk each time.

Cumberton pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing a Samsung phone at Blessington Street on February 4, 2017 and on March 7, 2017.

Two further phone theft charges on different dates were taken into

consideration.

Cumberton has eight previous convictions for minor theft offences.

The court heard that Cumberton was a “talented underage footballer” who had played for Belvedere College and was now with Hardwick FC in Dublin.

Judge Karen O’Connor suspended the final nine months of the sentence for one year to allow Cumberton to engage with the probation services and complete any victim awareness work.

Judge O’Connor warned Cumberton that he was now at a stage where he could put his offending behind him or he could spend a considerable amount of time in custody.

years for role in €3,000 scents theft A “VULNERABLE” burglar who stole more than €3,000 in perfume and aftershave from a Boots chemist after a car was reversed into the front doors has been jailed for two years.

Patrick Stokes (36) of Hill Street, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary and criminal damage at Boots chemist, Drimnagh Road on January 14, 2017.

He has 50 previous convictions, including five for burglary and nine for theft offences.

Garda David Hickey told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that he responded to an alarm call at the premises at 5.20am. He found the front door smashed and the store full of smoke, with stock on the floor. CCTV footage revealed a silver Honda Civic had been reversed into the front doors twice.

The perfume and aftershave which included brands such as Dior, Gucci, and Dolce and Gabbana were loaded into a wheelie bin brought along by Stokes’ accomplice.

The stock taken was valued at €3,183, and damage to the door was estimated at €6,969.

Stokes was nominated as one of the two men involved and arrested several days later.

He admitted being involved in the burglary and said he got involved as he was going along with another man. He said the stolen goods had been sold.

Fiona Pekar BL, defending, said Stokes had difficulties in relation to his intellectual capacity which made him vulnerable. She said Stokes mother had said he “simply did not have a chance” after he became addicted to drugs when he was 16.

Ms Pekar said Stokes had been released from prison on a previous sentence last August and had got his life together until he travelled to Dublin to comfort a relative who had suffered a bereavement. She said that while in Dublin he relapsed into drug abuse and things “went pear-shaped”.

Counsel said Stokes was now at a place in his life where he wanted to make a change and knew

he needed help with his addiction. She said due to his underlying difficulties in processing information specialised services may be required in relation to drug counselling.

Ms Pekar submitted Stokes had expressed remorse and had a supportive family.

Judge Pauline Codd noted Stokes had a mild intellectual disability and seemed to be quite vulnerable.

She imposed a three and a half year sentence, but suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions including probation supervision, which was to begin before he left prison.

Battering ram: the court heard how a silver Honda Civic was used to smash into the Boots

3 - 23 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9

FASHION | WINNER’S ADVICE FOR LADIES AT THE RDS The weight is over for people in Drimnagh as new gym opens LOCAL born and bred businessman Ross Norton, from Perrystown, has opened a new state-of-the-art gym in Drimnagh, creating seven jobs in the process and marking a significant investment in the area. in the The 8,500 sqft gym Fit4Less complex in Lansdowne Gate Business Centre has two floors focused on providing a comprehensive mix of fitness solutions, with its two private studios allowing a wide range of classes to run simultaneously.

Fit4Less Drimnagh memberships are available monthly for €24.99, or on annual subscription for €259.

For further information or to sign up, see f4l.com/drimnagh.

Top tips to win the Best Dressed title THE best-dressed lady at last year’s Dundrum Town Centre Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show has shared some top tips for winning the coveted prize ahead of this year’s glamorous equestrian event from August 9-13.

Last year, Kerrywoman Claire Murphy walked away as The Best Dressed Lady on the day. Along with the sought after title, Claire scooped €10,000 worth of vouchers for Dundrum Town Centre.

Speaking about her prize, Claire said: “My prize for winning the Best Dressed Lady title at the Dublin Horse Show was a whopping €10,000! My father has a saying: ‘Don’t spend it all in the one shop’, so with that in mind, I spread the 10k around at the centre.

“I took a trip to BT2, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Clarks and Coast, to mention just a few. I

have a teenage daughter so we have had some great days out over the last year.

“On one occasion, we went to Inglot to get her make-up done, followed by a trip to Mac in BT2, Calvin Klein, Hollister, and Urban Outfitters, followed by a fabulous

WIN

meal in Siam Thai.

“It really is the prize that keeps on giving, as I’ve still some of my voucher leftover for my next visit.

Good luck to all the lovely ladies planning to enter this year!”

Claire’s top tips for ladies chasing the Best Dressed Lady title at the RDS Dublin Horse Show this year are: 1. Dress appropriately for the weather. The Dublin Horse Show is in August, but there’s no guarantee of sunshine and blue skies.

2. Wear an outfit that reflects who you are and one that suits your body shape.

3. It’s a long, fun-filled day so wear comfy shoes as you will be walking on grass as well as concrete.

4. For anyone taking part in the fashion stakes, arrive early, have a glass of bubbly with your friends and have a great day out!

Bike safety push fuels fresh calls for coastal path NEWS of tourism grants including a cycling safety promotion have prompted fresh calls for a coastal greenway in Fingal.

Senator James Reilly said while the recreation scheme grants for the Martello towers in Howth and Skerries along with Ardgillan Castle were welcome the long-awaited cycling and walking route was urgently needed.

The Fine Gael Senator revealed that walking and cycling tourism generated e1.2billion in 2014 and Fingal must get in on the action sooner rather than later.

He said: “Fingal has great potential for a coast and castle-way cycling and walking route and it will take

sustained determined effort to make that a reality.

“T he council has already completed the necessary work for the Balbriggan to Barnageeragh Skerries route and I encourage them to focus on the final leg of that route and come up with a comprehensive plan to link Skerries to Ardgillan Castle and onward then to Balbriggan.

“I note progress has been made on the Malahide to Donabate cycling and walking greenway across the estuary via the train tracks and that a planning application to Bord Pleanala is imminent. I welcome the progress on linking up Newbridge Demesne and Malahide Castle.”

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TWO AT THE FIVE STAR

LOUGH ERNE RESORT

Visit the magical UNESCO Marble Arch Caves (left) or simply relax in 5* luxury at the splendid Lough Erne resort

TOURISM NORTHERN IRELAND are offering one lucky reader a chance to win a 5* luxury break for two to the Fermanagh Lakelands in Northern Ireland.

The multi-award winning Lough Erne Resort is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Enniskillen, nestled on a 600 acre peninsula with spectacular views of Lower Lough Erne, two Championship Golf Courses and a magnificent accommodation offering.

The prize includes two nights bed and breakfast for two people in a Lakeview room and dinner on one evening in the 3 AA rosette Catalina Restaurant.

Hotel guests can enjoy complimentary use of the Thermal Suite and Infinity Pool at The Thai Spa. County Fermanagh is the ideal short break destination with its breathtaking natural landscape – and a treasure trove of great restaurants, hotels and other hidden gems.

Take in the history of National Trust properties Castle Coole and Florence Court or island hop through the waters of Upper & Lower Lough Erne.

The UNESCO Marble Arch Caves are a short drive away from Enniskillen or blow off the cobwebs with a walk on the Cuilagh Mountain Trail.

For more information on the Fermanagh Lakelands visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

To win this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer the following question:

In what county is the five star Lough Erne Resort?

Email your answer to competitions@dublingazette.com or visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and simply Like and Share our Lough Erne competition.

Terms & Conditions: Entrants must be over 18. Closing date for receipt of entries is xxxx. Prize is as stated and non-transferable. The prize is valid between Sunday – Thursday and from 1st August 2017 – 23rd December 2017. Travel is the winner’s own responsibility, as is any item, service, or cost not expressly stated to be included in the prize.

This prize is subject to availability, pre-booking is essential and additional charges may occur in high seasons.

See https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/footer/ competition-terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.

10 GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

REAL LIFE | ALONE’S NEW SUPPORT SERVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE IS HELPING HUNDREDS OF ISOLATED

‘I spoke to the girl who gave me my pension last Friday and the next person that I speak to will be that same girl next Friday’ WHAT ALONE STAFF HEAR ALL TOO OFTEN FROM LONELY  SYLVIA POWNALL

A NEW support service for older people is helping hundreds of Dubliners who live alone to remain in their own home.

ALONE launched the scheme in north Dublin in March and its staff go out into the community to work with people over 60 who either make contact themselves or are referred through an agency.

Support co-ordinator Gary Blanchfield told The Gazette: “It’s a very brave thing for people to refer themselves, to pick up the phone and say I’m feeling lonely, I’m having difficulties at home, I’m not managing with the finances.

“We can help with putting supports in place to help them remain living at home for longer.

If they need an adaptation grant for the bathroom we apply to the council on their behalf.

“There is a lot of paperwork – builders’ quotes, occupational therapist’s report, tax clearance, insurance certificate. It’s very daunting for an older person but we can take care of all that.

“In rural north Alone’s Gary Blanchfield Dublin we see a lot of people who have a coal fire and nothing else.

“We can apply for grants for heating, rewiring, and liaise with other agencies to do odd jobs around the house, cut the grass… everything from a needle to an anchor.”

ALONE also helps with applications for medical cards, living alone allowance and winter fuel allowance as well as meals on wheels and other issues such as hoarding.

Gary said: “Only the other day a nurse contacted me who wanted to bring a gentleman home. When she got to his house she said she literally couldn’t get in it was so bad.

“We arranged to have it cleaned, decluttered, for a home help, fridge, microwave. He now has a woman who visits him two or three times a week and reports back on how he’s doing.”

But it’s the befriending service that’s at the core of ALONE’s work and the charity now

OAPs

ALONE has 600 volunteers in a number of activities.

Most are involved in its weekly befriending service for older people

Brendan Crean and Aaron Gilmartin have become great friends since being “matched up” a year ago has hundreds of volunteers across Dublin who “It could be literally somebody having a make weekly social visits. Aftervetting and training cuppa and talking about Eastenders for half an they’re matched to an older person and, according hour that makes the difference to your wellbeto Gary, nine times out of ten they become ing, that means you can cope. friends.

“We often ask the question ‘when The number of did you last speak to somebody?’

He said: “We have 450 older over-65s living in and the reply is ‘I spoke to the people availing of the befriending service and I firmly believe they Ireland is expected girl who gave me my pension last to increase to 1.4M Friday and the next person I will wouldn’t be able to remain at by 2046. In 2015, home without it. speak to is that same girl next that figure stood Friday’.

“Loneliness impacts greatly at 606K. on your wellbeing. Being socially “Community gardai tell us that isolated has the same effect on you as some older people ring and say ‘there’s smoking 15 cigarettes a day. somebody in my back garden’ and they

know there isn’t, but they just want somebody to talk to.

“We have a lady living in rural north county Dublin who was very isolated.

“I brought the person we matched her with to meet her for the first time and when we got there this lady had her hair done, she was wearing a new dress, the house spruced up with a plate of biscuits waiting for us – that is the difference that somebody calling to your house can make.

“I don’t want to underestimate the importance of the physical stuff and the practical stuff, but it goes hand in hand with companionship.”

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 11

DUBLINERS AND ENRICHING THE LIVES OF ITS FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS – BUT THEY NEED YOUR HELP For those with concerns for their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted at 01 679 1032.

To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work visit www.alone.ie

Brendan & Aaron: A friendship that will last the ages BRENDAN Crean, 70, lives in Kilbarrack and looks forward to his weekly visits from Aaron Gilmartin, 32. The pair were ‘matched’ up a year ago – their anniversary was July 26 – and they’ve become firm friends.

Brendan has cerebral palsy, uses a motorised wheelchair and does not have the use of the lefthand side of his body. But he’s not short on energy, humour and optimism.

He told The Gazette: “I read about the service in the local paper and thought it would be a good idea. We get on like a house on fire. He does odd jobs inside and outside the house for me and we have a bit of a laugh.”

ALONE took Brendan to the Grand Hotel in Malahide for his 70th birthday in April and at the Christmas party in the Red Cow last year he won an Eir Silver Surfer award and a Galaxy tablet thanks to a nomination from Aaron.

He is a vocal advocate for disability rights and can regularly be found fundraising at his local shopping centre in Kilbarrack. At one point he had One his own radio show on third of Coolock-based Near FM older people live and he has enrolled with alone and 60% of CLEAR adult education. older people aged Brendan said: “I’ve been over 80 live living on my own all my life. alone I was brought up in institutions, then foster homes, then care homes – but I finally broke out into the big bad world because I was tired of being looked after by nuns.

“I love it because I’m my own boss. Aaron comes every Tuesday after work and we just sit down and have a chat. We’ve become great friends, he has a good sense of humour. I’m easy going and like to have a laugh.”

Aaron couldn’t agree more. He said: “Brendan likes to keep up with articles on disability so he gets me to do a bit of research for him on that. He’ll give you homework – and he’s learning to use the internet so I’ll help him with that.

“We have a bit of craic, I’d be slagging him and he’d be slagging me. I’d make him a cup of tea and he’ll say ‘that’s a crap cup of tea’.

“He hasn’t got family so it’s great for him. I think he does look forward to me calling in on a Tuesday.”

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12 GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Osborne announces quadrupled turnover  EMMA NOLAN

Picture: Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography

First Choice Financial Services opens its new Blackrock office FIRST Choice Financial Services has announced the opening of a new office in Blackrock, located in the offices of L’Estrange & Company.

First Choice Financial Services is a professional financial services brokerage with offices in both Limerick and Dublin servicing clients nationwide.

Following continued growth by the company, it now employs a total of 16 people.

First Choice Financial Services works with individuals, families and SME businesses, who want one place where all their financial needs can be managed.

Established in 2000, the company has deep sectoral knowledge of the financial services industry offering services across financial planning, mortgages, debt management, SME financing and personal insolvency.

Barry White, managing director, First Choice Financial Services said: “We are delighted to have opened our second office.

“It gives us a physical presence close to our Dublin customers and is part of continued growth for First Choice Financial Services.

“This is an exciting time in the development of the company. Along with our new office opening, I am happy to announce that we have successfully tendered for a number of roles as external credit reviewers for the credit review office.

“This adds to First Choices SME credit assessment roles with Microfinance Ireland and Grid Finance and is reflective of our expertise in SME lending and debt advice.”

First Choice Financial Services employs a range of experienced management personnel, and can offer a multi-product financial services solution to its clients.

First Choice Financial Services DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

OSBORNE, one of Ireland’s leading recruitment consultancies, celebrated a number of company successes at its quarterly company meeting earlier this month.

C E O a n d o w n e r, Shona McManus, announced that since the change of ownership in 2013, Osborne received a Great Place To Work certification, quadrupled its turnover to €6 million and the company will create 15 new jobs across its three office locations.

Osborne recently received the Great Place To Work certification

by Great Place To Work Institute Ireland.

The certification recognises the achievement of both management and colleagues in building a high trust workplace environment, and the recruitment consultancy will hold the accolade for the next 12 months.

CEO of Great Place To

Osborne received a Great Place To Work certification

Work John Ryan commented: “It is clear that Osborne Recruitment has developed practices that form the essence of the company’s culture, which has resonated positively with employees.

“We were impressed that Osborne Recruitment has focused significantly on the ‘why’ of what they do.

“This is clearly defined in the company’s mission and in ‘The Osborne Way’, and it is

a key driver behind this achievement.”

Adding to this, Shona McManus, CEO and owner of Osborne, said: “At Osborne, our aim as a team is to always have a clear focus, whether that is in developing the company’s culture and ethos, or placing the right person in the right role with no compromise.

“The Great Place To Work certificate is testament to the work we

have done internally, with the help of our colleagues, to build engagement, create opportunities for development and establish a high-trust environment for the team to grow in.

“Looking forward to 2020, we have clear plans in place, not only for the business and the brand, but most importantly, for the team who will get us there.”

Privately owned by Shona McManus, the

growth in Osborne over the past four years has been organic and 100% self-funded.

Invested Since 2013, the consultancy has invested significantly in developing its people and culture, which has resulted in a quadrupled headcount, three office locations, and a new brand to support this change for its candidates and clients.

An Post launches new service that will come in very handy for online shoppers Ever filled up an online shopping cart only to discover, at the final stage of the transaction, that the goods do not ship to Ireland?

It’s a common frustration for half of Irish adults according to new research from An Post as they announce good news for online shoppers.

AddressPal, an online service which allows customers to avail of a proxy address for the delivery of online shopping from the UK, US and beyond, enabling purchases from websites that don’t typically deliver to Ireland.

With both UK and US proxy addresses provided, AddressPal customers can arrange for their international shipping to come via either market.

The UK service offers delivery straight to the home or a nominated Post Office while AddressPal USA accommodates delivery to home addresses.

Such is our love for shopping stateside, almost one in three Irish adults (31%) admit to asking friends and family bound for the US to bring specific goods home for them.

Levi’s denim, makers of the original blue jean, is top of the wish list for one in five,

followed by Apple technology (18%) and Sephora beauty products (7%).

Other items and brands referenced by survey respondents include Kylie Lip Kits, Christmas decorations, a Raiders American Football helmet, Elvis memorabilia and Big Red chewing gum.

AddressPal customers can shop online with ease and have goods delivered to their nominated Post Office or tracked and delivered to their home, work or an alternative address.

For further information and to register, visit at www.addresspal.ie.

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 13

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

TAYTO PARK: SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THE CONSERVATION OF TERRIFIC TIGERS

Tiger Day a roar for urgent action

THE WORLD’S largest cat was celebrated at Tayto Park last week for International Tiger Day. Gara and Kahn are the two resident Amur tigers in Tayto Park.

Amur tigers are listed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Endangered with just over 500 individuals remaining in the wild.

The striking pair arrived in 2013 and have captured the hearts of Tayto Park visitors as well as their keepers. Since their arrival, they have helped to raise over €30,000 for the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA), a charity which supports tiger conservation in the wild.

ALTA sends 100% of the money donated directly to field projects (no administrative costs are deducted).

To help spread the word about the conservation of this magnificent spe-

cies, Tayto Park held a number of fun events last weekend including tiger enrichment workshops, talks with the Tayto Park keepers and a Tiger immersion room.

LITTLE RUBY REALLY HAS A SPARKLING CHARACTER OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone is Ruby, a one-year-old Staffie.

Ruby is full of beans, loves to mess around and

is always ready for fuss and cuddles. She adores people and is happiest when she has company.

Ruby absolutely loves her walks so she is looking for an active, fun-loving adopter.

Ruby will do anything for a piece of chicken, so she will be easy to train, if there’s chicken involved! She will make the perfect companion and is suitable to live with children aged eight

and older.

If you can be Ruby’s #SpecialSomeone*, 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, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

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DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

JUST EAT RETREAT: NEON BODY PAINTING PART OF THE FUN

Have a brush with party’s exotic sights THE JUST Eat Retreat will be returning to Electric Picnic this year and it promises to be bigger than ever, thanks to the Full Moon Party setting it will be installing.

More than 200 tonnes of sand and palm trees will be shipped into Stradbally, bringing the sights and sounds of tropical Thailand, and classic Full Moon Party vibes to Electric Picnic, where people can also enjoy neon body painting (right).

Speaking at the

announcement, Vogue Williams said: “I love travelling and I love going to festivals, so I’m excited about experiencing exotic flavours and partying at Just Eat’s Full Moon Party at Electric Picnic.”

TOP NAMES SET FOR 2017’S METROPOLIS MEANWHILE, another festival – Dublin’s indoor Metropolis – has announced some excellent acts for its upcoming October Bank Holiday extravaganza.

Leftfield, Death In Vegas, and TLC are just some of the top names set to wow music fans and festivalgoers, bringing a blast audio energy to keep autumn rocking along.

Tickets for Metropolis are on sale now.

TIME TO TAKE THE KIDS TO HELL & BACK FOR A good time with all the family, why not take them to Hell & Back?

The striking name marks a new adventure challenge at the stunning

Killruddery Estate in Bray, with a fun 7KM endurance run for families (and kids aged over 10), following a more gruelling challenge for adults only the previous day.

The family adventure playground will see young and old working together to run, climb, crawl, and dunk their way through more than 30 natural and man-made obstacles.

To register, see www. hellandback.ie; prices from €103.50 per family (one adult, two children).

Neon body-painting will add a dash of the exotic which Full Moon Party celebrations are famous for when Just Eat Retreat holds one at Electric Picnic

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GAZETTE

FEATURES MUSIC: RUSH TRIO RELEASING DEBUT ALBUM, FANGCLUB

Punk sound with a distinctive bite  NICK FITZGERALD UP and coming Dublin punk rock band Fangclub are ready to take a bite at the big time, with the trio releasing their self-titled debut album this Friday, August 4.

The lads from Rush – frontman Steven King, bassist Kevin Keane and drummer Dara Coleman – dreamed big, regularly jamming all the way through their teenage

years.

What used to be their dream is quickly becoming a reality as their music spreads – last Christmas, Today FM’s Fergal D’Arcy revealed live on air a tattoo of Fangclub’s logo on his side.

The station was just one of several across Ireland and the UK where Bullet Storm, Fangclub’s opening track, has aired, with it also popping up on Spin 1038 and BBC Radio 1.

For fans of Nirvana, Green Day, Foo Fighters and Biffy Clyro, plus all things punk rock with a 90s feel in the mix, the trio say Fangclub will take listeners on a Grungefuelled rock and roll trip.

On the name of the band, Steven said: “I was watching a documentary about a tribe that basically tattooed fang shapes on their arms. I was also a big fan of Teenage Fanclub as well, so I took the fang

idea from the tribe.”

The band picked Ballyheigue in Co Kerry to record more than 25 tracks, with Kevin explaining: “We heard one band’s demo and we loved the drum sound on it. We chased whoever recorded that down, and then went down to Kerry.”

Dara added: “We stayed for two weeks and then had to go home to save money from our day jobs to be able to go again!”

Snakes alive! These reptiles are terrific SLITHER into Dublin Zoo this August bank holiday weekend for a host of fun and informative reptile-themed activities.

Taking place at Zoorassic World, the Zoo’s brand-new home for reptiles of the past and present, visitors will be able to see reptiles from across the globe and find out about their prehistoric

past by joining special talks led by zookeepers.

Promising something for all the family, themed arts and crafts will take place throughout the weekend, as well as music on the great lawn.

What’s more, young visitors will get the opportunity to test their palaeontology skills with the fos-

sil dig boxes as well as joining in with the fun games.

Children can also enjoy getting their faces painted to look like their favourite reptiles with the help of Dublin Zoo’s talented face painters.

So come along and scale the heights of excitement with some of the coolest creatures at the zoo!

Fangclub frontman Steven King (middle), bassist Kevin Keane (right) and drummer Dara Coleman (left); their eponymous debut

With Fangclub releasing tomorrow, Steven says its sound is “like a slight grunge, punk rock sound; we were big punk rockers – I’m a massive Nirvana fan”.

On signing with Universal Music Ireland, Ste-

ven said: “When we got approached by a big label it was exciting, but we were also trying to be careful about it. But they loved what they heard, so the original recordings is the album – it’s unchanged.”

Although the band are

focused on their album’s imminent release, they’re busy with other music projects. Steven said: “We’re supporting Muse and Biffy Clyro. We have another music video ready that will probably drop around that time.”

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DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Beatyard

Dun Laoghaire’s diverse festival offering returns for another summer run, with a highly eclectic line up and plenty of quirky fun. As well as award winning street food and spoken events on and August 5 and 6,, Air, Toots The Maytals, Bananarama, Mark Ronson, Morcheeba and Kila are in town.

Dublin International Tattoo Convention

The RDS continues a tradition dating back to the 1860s in hosting one of the world’s top three equestrian shows. Both competitive show jumping MARK RONSON and growing gatherings dealing with all other aspects of being a horse aficionado will be at the event’s heart from August 9 to 13.

Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao

Another glamour pre-season friendly comes to the Aviva, as the red half of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp do battle with a rising Spanish giant. With the new soccer season across the water getting close, expect a few stars to get run outs on August 5.

Howth Jazz and Blues Festival

Howth’s summer festival calendar seems almost bottomless, but this largely free event - incorporating a pub music trail around the town over the bank holiday weekend - is a charming offering. August 4-7, and ticketless, meaning no planning required.

Slam Sunday

Filmbase welcomes the return of competitive slam poetry on August 6, with poets delivering (typically abrasive) three minute poetic offerings in the style of hip-hop battles, without backing tracks, to try and win over judges and the audience.

National Botanic Gardens Guided Walk

Edible Trees Glasnevin’s National Botanic Gardens offers one of the best spots to spend a quiet Dublin day, and with the latest in their guided walks - themed around edible trees - you’ll discover just a little more of their flowery story. August 5.

Dalkey Vintage and Classic Car Festival

An annual event in the much-loved south Dublin village sees the return of the obvious, as well as a Formula 1 racing simulator, plenty of high-end food, and a fundraising drive in aid of Barnardos. August 7.

New album of the week

The Fall - New Facts Emerge. Mark E. Smith and whatever renegade bunch of (invariably soon to be fired) musicians he currently has assembled around him return with another dose of angry post punk. No less than his 32nd album, and it’ll be as raw as ever.

THE FROSTY EYE MUSIC

 JAMES HENDICOTT

Kieran believes in getting the simple things right for the perfect shot

AT almost every sizeable gig you’re ever likely to attend, there’ll be a small exodus of camera-clutchers from the very front just three songs after things get going.

Popular musicians, you see, typically believe they look their best at the start of a show, and they want to show their good side. Photographers are there, by design, for the sweat free, visually perfect early moments.

Some artists are so tight on their imagery, in fact, they specify the side of the stage photos are to be taken from, or manipulate the lighting early in a show to ensure photographers get a specific type of image.

And then, usually three songs in, photographers are often escorted from the front barrier and out of the premises.

They hold a camera full of photos, but are forbidden from watching the remains of the show to prevent sneaky [less perfect] shots from being grabbed by the professional from the back.

Quite the irony, in today’s cameraphone heavy concerts.

Kieran Frost, a freelance music photographer who works with photo agencies like Getty, and features regularly in the likes of the Irish Times, Q Magazine and on musicians billboards, gave us an insight into the world he occupies night after night.

“Normally there would be emails between me, my editor and the publicist a few days before a show to arrange access,” he begins, explaining the set up.

“The day of the show, I’d listen to some of the act’s music, and possibly research what other photographers have gotten from previous dates on the tour, to give some idea of what lighting profile the band are using, and what kind of restrictions photographers may face.

“In the evening, I turn up, get my access pass, and head into the venue. If it’s a larger venue, I say hello to security and I sort out my gear. If it’s a smaller venue, I have to hope the front row are going to let me squeeze past them for a song.

“The usual rule is we get the first three songs, then we have to pack our gear, and get out of the way. I’d usually stick around for a bit of the gig, if I’m allowed, then head home, edit 20 to 30 images, and caption and file them that night.”

Frost got into photography after he started taking photos at small shows as a student, as well as through a passion for the imagery found in magazines like NME and Hot Press when he was growing up.

By taking photos in exchange for access at shows in Cork, he eventually worked his way up through a number of volunteer websites, before finding professional work with Getty, Q Magazine

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JAMES HENDICOTT talks to specialist snapper Kieran Frost about the niche world of music photography

Freelance music photographer Kieran Frost and many local publications as his talent and reputation grew over more than a decade.

“Just getting a foot in the door is the trickiest part,” he recalls.

“It’s catch 22, you won’t get access to gigs without a portfolio, and you won’t get a portfolio without access to gigs.

You just have to start out in small venues, and doing photos for your friends’ bands.

“After a while, and with a bit of luck, I started to work with a bunch of clients that give me regular assignments.

“The agency work [with Getty] would be a decent chunk of what I make, then I’d work with some music festivals, promoters and PR as the work arises.

“It’s very difficult to get into publications, especially paid ones,” he continues.

“Irish newspapers have a minimal interest in live music, and the web outlets here don’t pay. I’ve found the best way to actually make any money is to look to the UK and US.” Of course, making that money depends on getting that perfect shot,

something that takes substantial honing.

Frost’s tips are simple, in a sense, but getting the simple things right really is the essence of doing a good job in photography, and takes incredible persistence.

“Framing is incredibly important,” he explains.

“You need to have your composition right. After that everything else will fall into place. Composition is not just stuff like the rule of thirds, but also how you position yourself, for example if a guitarist is right handed, you’re going to get a cleaner image of them if you stay to the

left of house, typically. If you stop for a second and take in what’s happening it helps, too. You need to try and anticipate what’s happening, where people will move, and the lights, that sort of stuff.”

Through it all, Frost has one main gripe with the modern music industry: “The thing that annoys photographers most is being side stepped with a photo release contract on the door when we collect our pass.

“We are, legally, only allowed use our images for editorial and portfolio

use. However, some acts will place all sorts of awful demands on photographers, seizing copyright and gagging usage.”

So with the late nights come champagne, parties and just the odd bit of camera work, yes?

“Ha, no. It’s not glamorous,” Frost admits. “Occasionally you might get invited to a party after a show, or have a beer with a band, but ultimately you’re there to work.”

View more of Kieran’s photos at www.frost.ie

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DUBLINLIFE

TRAVEL TravelShorts

You’re in luck if you want a great US deal

From incredible beaches above to its beautiful caves below, the sunny island of Majorca is full of terrific sights

DON’T worry if you think it’s too late to book a great holiday after summer has faded, as American Holidays have all the best late deals for you and your family.

Imagine spending Hallowe’en in the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, sharing a once-in-alifetime experience of Christmas in Orlando with your family, or diving head-first into American traditions for Thanksgiving in Boston!

SPAIN: ISLAND HAS SOME TERRIFIC YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS TO TEMPT YOU

Make magnificent Majorca a sun-kissed destination  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

IF YOU haven’t booked your sun holiday yet, there’s no need to panic, as there are still last-minute deals to be had.

One of the best options is the Balearic island of Majorca; it’s the largest of the four in the group and spoils visitors with a little bit of everything.

If you look beyond the parties of the Magaluf resort, you’ll find a hub of mountainous skylines, watercolour beaches and cultural landmarks. Temperatures reach a warming 23C from May right through October – and there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Palma Cathedral Towering over the island in its gothic glory, Palma Cathedral is a Catalonian piece of architecture that dates back to the 1300s. It was built by Jaume I of Aragon to celebrate surviving a treacherous storm on a voyage to Majorca with his army. Today, it is a marvel for the eyes and is home to relics, regal tombs and the Royal Chapel.

and includes a short boat trip along the lake. Concerts also take place throughout the day, playing live classical music in this other-worldly setting.

Caves of Drach Take a mystical adventure through the Caves of Drach on the east coast of the island.

Dating back to the Miocene period, they are home to one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world – Lake Martel. A guided tour will fill you in on the fascinating past

Costa Nord In the well-preserved Valldemossa area you will find the Costa Nord, a cultural centre that takes visitors through a journey of the local area.

Hollywood A-lister Michael Douglas is the brains behind this homage to his one-time home.

Thompson flies to Majorca from May til October, and is offering seven nights at the three-star Protur Bahia Azul, Cala Bona, departing August 26, from €569pps.

You’ll even hear him narrating the 15-minute documentary that is shown in the auditorium, before boarding a replica of the Archduke Ludwig Salvador yacht. (Disclaimer: There is no guarantee of seeing a real-life movie star!)

Son Amar Night Show Turn dinner into a major event by having yours at the Son Amar Night Show.

Guests are treated to fierce flamenco, the French can-can and famous Broadway numbers. Kids will also love singing along to live scenes from The Lion King.

You can choose to have a three-course meal or just book tickets for the show; either way, guests are in for a magnificent night.

Pirates adventure Immerse yourself in the world of hidden treasures, shipwrecks and battles by witnessing the nightly event that celebrates all things Jolly Roger. Book yourself a VIP Captain’s Table for the best seats on board, which supplies young scallywags with their very own bandana and provides parents with a bottle of swag (well, wine).

Of course, there’s always the option to take a place on the beach but you’ll probably want to make the absolute most of your holiday by taking advantage of all Majorca has to offer.

Whether you’re a pirate’s best pal or you’re intrigued by what lurks in the caves, get that itinerary planned down to a T.

Hallowe’en in Las Vegas Spend five nights at the 3* Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas, from €655pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, five nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults sharing, travelling this October.

Christmas in Orlando Spend seven nights at the 3* Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, from €859pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults and two children sharing, travelling this December – other dates and durations available.

Thanksgiving in Boston Spend four nights at the 3* Boston Park Plaza, from €675pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, four nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults sharing, travelling this November – other dates and durations available.

CALL American Holidays at 01 673 3804 to book, or call into their office just off Grafton Street, at 18- 19 Duke Street, Dublin 2, where the expert staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime. For further information, see www.americanholidays.com.

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 19

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DUBLINLIFE

W

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 21

inter is Wcoming  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

I KNOW it’s still summer and we have all winter to worry about warm layers and coats – but Zara has revealed a look at their Autumn/Winter collection, and it’s to die for!

So, here’s what to expect from the high street favourite in the coming months.

The campaigns for men, women and children’s wear feature an abundance of bulky yet stylish staples; the puffa trend of last year continues along with chunky knits, faux fur, military tailoring and smart prints to see us through the darker months.

ZARA’S NEW COLLECTION IMPRESSES

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STYLE

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DUBLINLIFE

Audi’s Q2 proves Could Ireland face diesel and petrol car bans? a real head turner In the Fast Lane

FOLLOWING the moves by the French government to ban the use of diesel and petrol cars by 2040

and more recently announcements in Britain to do

the same, there is increasing pressure on the Irish Government to make a similar pledge.

The British announcement comes as a result of reports of increasingly poorer air quality in the

Audi has a new entry-level SUV called the Q2 which brings updated styling to the range – making the car an instant head turner, as MICHAEL MORONEY found when he took it for a lengthy test drive.

country and especially in urban regions, especially London.

Norway has set more ambitious goals of having no diesel and petrol cars on the country’s roads by 2025.

The French and British governments are actually talking about a government enforced “ban” on new car sales that are not “zero emission vehicles” like electric vehicles.

The Irish government’s Climate Change Advisory Council believes that Ireland should phase out diesel and petrol vehicles but that the government needs to inform people of the costs involved in the change.

It has also warned that the government will lose up to €6 billion in revenue if electric cars become the norm with the loss of income such as excise on petrol and diesel and lower car taxes.

Its chairman, Professor John FitzGerald said at the launch of the independent statutory body’s 2017 interim report, that the council had not considered congestion charges but this would seem to be the way to go.

Joe Duffy Group buys 10 acre site at Airside THE Joe Duffy Group is set to further continue its growth strategy with the purchase of a tenacre development site at Airside in Swords, North County Dublin.

The Group’s extensive expansion plan began in July last year with the development of two construction projects at Airside Retail Park in Swords with the opening of their flagship Jaguar Land Rover facility last December, a new state-of-theart Volvo and Kia Dealership together with the refurbishment of their VW dealership in Navan.

Recently, the Joe Duffy Group acquired another development site at Airside Retail Park in Swords.

Joe Duffy Group is Ireland’s leading Motor retail group and currently has 12 dealerships representing 15 brands.

With a brand portfolio including, Audi, BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, BMWi, Mazda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Kia, Ford, Volkswagen, Porsche and dealerships in Dublin, Meath, and Limerick, they claim to also be Ireland’s fastest growing motor group.

The company says that it now employs 410 people, having increased by over 50% over the past three years.

The Joe Duffy Group is now enjoying its eighth consecutive year of growth in employee numbers, profitability and turnover.

I’VE waited patiently to get my hands on the new Audi Q2 because of its niche and compact place in the Audi range and because of its obvious impressive good looks.

I wasn’t the only one impressed by the design of the car – just about everyone I met instantly commented on it in a positive light.

That confirmed for me that Audi has scored highly in terms of the design, which is making an impression even in their entry level Q2 SUV. Audi offers a range of engine options for the Q2 and I had the base 1.0 litre, three-cylinder version on test. The engine is smooth and impressive.

It comes with a large 50-litre capacity fuel tank and for the 1.0-litre petrol version it’s there for good reason. While the official fuel economy figure is rated at 22.7km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg), I found that over my test drive, I was well off that mark, getting a 25% lower economy rating. Part of the reason for this was that even with the car’s six-speed gearbox, the engine was running at almost 3,000rpm when smoothly cruising at the top 120km/hr motorway speed.

The test car came packed with specification so it was a little difficult to decipher what the entry level buyer would get for the starting price of €30,950.

You will get style and a good driving feel; you will get an element of pres-

phone’s features such as music streaming, contact lists, podcasts, maps and SPECIFICATIONS messages from the multiEngine 1.0 litre function steering wheel with ease.

Engine power 116hp This also allows Google 0 – 100km/hr 10.1 seconds Maps to be used as a naviEconomy 22.7km/litre gation guide, which was

(4.4/100km or 64mpg) probably a bit of over-kill Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres in this car as it came with CO2 emissions 131g/km its own impressive navigation system.

Road Tax Band A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months The navigation system was part of the tech packEuro NCAP Rating 5 star (2016) age for the car that gives Warranty 3 years the driver extra features Entry Price €30,950 such as virtual cockpit, phone box, three years tige from the Audi badge. eyes on the road. The Audi Audi connect subscripYou’ll also get some solid MMI system allows easy tion, the Audi MMI naviAudi features that make integration of your smart gation plus system and the Audi enhanced sound this small car a comfort phone. drive in the sense of good Just connect your smart system.

These give great driver road holding with some phone to the car via a USB great stopping power. cable and it’s ready to go. I features to the car; the bad On the inside the layout was quickly engaged with news is that the tech packis very Audi in charac- Apple Car Play to trans- age adds €2,450 extra to ter. The steering wheel is fer all of the smart phone the price of the car. compact and has a good functions to the screen Like all drivers, I picked feel to it with multi-func- in the centre of the dash. the bits that suited my tion features to keep your You can access all of the driving style and other

Audi Q2 1.0 TFSi

than for research purposes used very little of the full package of infotainment features.

The Audi Side Assist system which includes park assist is also on the extras list, adding €746 to the price of the car. The extras listing is impressive in terms of delivering a great specification car, but you’ll pay for the extras.

All this means that to get a well specified car in the Q2 range that delivers the features that match its impressive styling, you’ll have to pay well in excess of the base €30,950 price.

There are plenty of smaller SUV options out there from the Honda HR-V to the Toyota C-HR and the Opel Mokka, all better priced but none have the stand-out design style that makes the new Audi Q2 so appealing; for me it’s just a matter of affordability to meet your desire.

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 23

Ibiza gets impressive safety rating IN July, Euro NCAP published its latest safety ratings of six new cars. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Hyundai i30, Opel Insignia, Seat Ibiza and VW Arteon were all awarded a maximum five-star rating, while Honda’s new Civic got four stars and Ford’s muscle-car, the Ford Mustang, got a three star rating in its latest form.

The luxurious VW Arteon performed well in all areas of assessment, becoming the highestscoring executive vehicle for pedestrian protection to date.

Alfa Romeo’s new off-roader, the Stelvio, did exceptionally well in adult occupant protection, with a near-perfect 97 percent score, matching competitors like the Volvo XC90, assessed in 2015.

The Seat Ibiza stood out for its high level of standard safety equipment. Other cars in this category often have autonomous braking as an option but the Ibiza’s system, which includes pedestrian detection, is standard equipment, helping it to a well-deserved five-star rating.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen, said: “The greater the extent to which these new technologies are fitted, the better and faster will be the progress in safety on our roads, to the benefit of all. It is to Seat’s credit that

GAZETTE

MOTORING

New, state-of-the-art Mutec truck showrooms open on Long Mile Road MERCEDES-BENZ commercial vehicles dealership MUTEC has brought its all-new, state-of-the-art showrooms into operation on Dublin’s Long Mile Road.

The new truck building is one of the most modern commercial vehicle sales centres in Europe at this time.

The building has enough indoor space to display a truck alongside other vehicles in a glassfronted 400 sq meter showroom that presents an impressive front on to the Long Mile Road.

The new sales showrooms create a highprofile presence for the brand at what is one of Dublin’s busiest road intersections. The original

The new Seat Ibiza stood out in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings

building opened in June 1996 within the adjacent Mercedes-Benz complex.

they have made a sophisticated AEB standard on a supermini like the Ibiza, and we commend them for it.”

In the small family car category, Hyundai’s new i30 gets five stars with good performance across the board.

The Honda Civic is let down by lower-thanexpected protection offered to children, but is still rated as a solid four star car.

Michiel van Ratingen said: “It is good to see that after 20 years Euro NCAP’s call for safety improvement still strikes a chord with responsible companies like Ford.

“While a three star rating is unexceptional, the updates Ford have introduced have not only made Mustang’s safety better in key areas but also show that the company cares about its customers and safety reputation.”

Mercedes-Benz chief executive Stephen Byrne said: “The new MUTEC showroom at Long Mile Road is a further indication of our commitment to Mercedes-Benz and of our willingness to support the brand at all levels.

“This is reflected elsewhere within our organisation through new sales appointments and in dealership developments that are currently in the pipeline.”

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

REAL CRACKERS: NO CHEESE OR FILLER – JUST SOME OF THE TOP RELEASES OF 2017, 20 FAR

Celebrating the best films in the (half-ish)Year In Review CINEMAGOERS have been treated to some terrific blockbusters (Apes) and not-so-great (Transformers) in recent months, but as summer nears its end there’s little but the utter, utter dregs (The Emoji Movie) to look forward to.

So, what better time than to look back on some of the best films of the year, to date? In no particular order ...

Jackie (Director: Pablo Larrain) Those who came expecting historical drama may have left disappointed, Jackie was a character study woven through a series of disorganised moments, bringing a career-best performance for Natalie Portman, and another triumph for director Larrain.

Baby Driver (Dir: Edgar Wright) A welcome return to form for Wright, this action-comedy-musicalheist mix-tape

a young girl and her best friend, a genetically mutated pig-like animal, Okja was wonderfully endearing – an occasionally heartrending tale that undoubtedly made vegetarians of many.

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

delivered the most fun you could have in a cinema in years. What it lacked in an original plot, Baby Driver made up for in spades with its genuinely original blend of music, image and action.

Get Out (Dir: Jordan Peele) Peele’s first foray into feature filmmaking was a horror movie with purpose, wearing its genremovie influences on its sleeve for all to see while making sure to inflect everything with humorous social and political commentary. Wickedly entertaining, and wildly thought-provoking.

Manchester by the Sea (Dir: Kenneth Lonergan) Delivering what was

Just a girl and her genetically engineered superpig in Okja – a Netflix film with a simultaneous big-screen release, and one of the best films of the year so far

easily the most emotionally devastating moment in cinema this year, Lonergan told us a story about profound, unshakeable grief and the arduous road to recovery.

Casey Affleck captivated audiences with a deeply, tragically human performance that was well rewarded last awards season. The film will likely lead many best-of lists in another six months’ time.

The Handmaiden (Dir: Park Chan-wook) Korean director Park Chan-wook made his first foray into romance with this multi-layered suspense-thriller, maintaining all the masterful framing, bleak humour and brutal violence that has gained his work critical acclaim and cult status alike.

While not for the squeamish, The Handmaiden is a stunningly beautiful tale

that mesmerises and devastates in equal measure, encapsulating everything so incredibly unique about its creator, and marks a delicately crafted, intimate epic from a master of modern filmmaking.

Okja (Dir: Bong Joon-ho) This blend of science fiction and fairy tale from Korean director Bong Joon-ho was anything but a kid’s movie. The story of

War for the Planet of the Apes (Dir: Matt Reeves) Rounding out one of the most consistent franchises in recent years, this decidedly grim sci-fi adventure lived up to its title, evoking epic WWII movies like The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Great Escape. A sweeping adventure, it had more to say about man’s inhumanity to man than most modern war films.

Moonlight (Dir: Barry Jenkins) This rich and nuanced character study in three acts shone light on the experience of LGBT people of colour, an area rarely accessible on screen for wider audiences.

Superb performances

Legends with a legacy to celebrate CINEMA said goodbye to two legends in the past few weeks with the deaths of actor Martin Landau and director George A Romero.

First up, and Martin Landau (89, left) starred in more than 200 films and TV shows over his six-decade career.

He was famous for his role as Rollin Hand in the Sixties TV show Mission: Impossible, and was Oscar-nominated for his performances in Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) and Woody Allen’s Crimes and Mis-

demeanors (1989). Landau finally won the award for his performance in Tim Burton’s absurdly entertaining biopic Ed Wood, bringing a quiet dignity to his turn as horror legend Bela Lugosi.

The Gazette already paid tribute to real-life horror movie legend George A Romero (77, right), who also had a huge influence on gaming.

Of course, the late director is best known for reviving and revolutionising the zombie movie, along with the world of low-budget filmmaking, with 1968’s Night of the Liv-

ing Dead, following it with a series of sequels including the legendary Dawn...

(1978), and Day of the Dead (1985).

Admired for injecting his work with biting social and political satire, Romero questioned the state of modern America while working within yet thinking outside the limits of the genre.

It’s safe to say that without Romero, the world of horror would be a very different place.

from its three leads made for a uniquely human, often devastating cinematic experience that was well-recognised last award season.

20th Century Women (Dir: Mike Mills) Mike Mills wove a unique, moving and often deeply funny story around a small, incredibly talented cast; a subtle coming of age narrative that connected with each of its characters, regardless of age.

Dunkirk (Dir: Christopher Nolan) Both bombastic and lyrical, sweeping and intimate, Dunkirk is a WWII epic that will stand alongside the classics of the genre.

Nolan brought his unconventional storytelling approach to one of the war’s most decisive events, weaving a rich tapestry of multiple narratives and timelines that remains taut, visceral and affecting throughout.

3 - 23 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMES

The island is not without occasional danger, but as the sun and moon wheel overhead, there’s no denying the beauty of its Aegean-like setting

RIME: GREAT GAME BECOMES MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS FAMILIAR PARTS

A dreamlike journey with a unique vision  SHANE DILLON A BOY wakes up on the shoreline of an unknown island covered in ruins, and sets off to discover where he is, as a tall tower draws him ever forward.

So begins what I’d hail as one of the best games of the year so far, as well as being a title I can easily recommend.

In fact, Rime (PC, PS4, XBO; Switch to follow; Cert 7; c. €25) came out a couple of months ago, but I wanted to hold off on reviewing it until the right moment came along – and as The Gazette’s closing for its summer holidays until mid-August, now seems like the right time for its review. Rime and reason, you might say!

In some ways, Rime’s a curious game. Obstensibly a short (but not too short) game that’s a mix of standard tropes – exploring, platforming, occasional logic and spatial puzzles – there’s nothing here that’s particularly fresh or unique by itself.

However, while the ingredients are all old-hat, the end result is an unexpectedly accomplished game; one that gave me goosebumps in a

few places – and how many games can you say that about?

There’s not much to the game’s narrative, and I can’t say anything without giving away its light plot.

However, while the essentially mute Boy (right) is the only character, there are some narrative hints here and there to piece together an overall story of sorts, one which packs an emotional punch that belies the game’s visuals.

And what visuals!

Running with the theme ‘less is more’, Spanish developer Tequilla Works have gone for a deceptively simple yet beautiful smoothed-out, low-detail look.

The end result is a painterly world with a unique visual signature, and environments that sing with atmosphere

and subtlety.

Less welcome are the game’s occasional framerate issues – Rime trips up and stutters here and there, which you wouldn’t expect from its gorgeous but not particularly complex visuals. It’s not a huge issue or a game-breaking problem, but it’s fair to mention.

Moving on, and Rime is ultimately an accomplished game with its own identity, but it’s hard not to think of some classic games and other notable external influences that echo and resonate throughout.

Its mysterious, overgrown ruins may prompt you to think of the peaceful desolation of Ico, or Shadow of the Colossus; its gloomy underwater caverns and swirling fish echo Abzu; the introspective journey forward is like, well, Journey – a

game which also has a similar but more refined art style.

Away from gaming, there’s also something very much like the classic manga and anime Princess Mononoke in its character and environmental designs, with Mononoke’s genius animator and designer Hayao Miyazaki’s distinct art style strongly echoed here.

Continuing with some unexpected Japanese influences, the rich, complex soundtrack also brings the work of composer Joe Hisaichi to mind.

The soundtrack is an absolute treat for the ears, and easily one of the best game scores I’ve heard in a long time.

Ultimately, despite its initially light and sunny appearance, there’s something deeper, possibly even profound, under Rime’s surface.

While it has some technical faults to patch and iron out, its beautiful settings, melancholy narrative and striking score make it a delight.

Not everyone will like Rime, but even at its worst it’s a game that you’ll remember for a long time after you’ve finish it. There aren’t that many games you can say that about, making it reason enough to get Rime.

There aren’t many levels in Rime, but each one is strikingly realised

26 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

DUBLIN CITYCLASSIFIEDS PEST CONTROL

ALARMS

WINDOWS

PLANNING NOTICE Dublin City Council I, Kirsi Kukkumaki wish to apply for planning permission For development at this site, 113 Melvin Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W, D6W TW82. The development will consist of New vehicular access with new gates & Piers (supports), Permission to dish existing footpath to proposed access and associated site works.

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

29706

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PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

Dublin City Council We, Selton Media, intend to apply for permission for development at this site, 129 Nephin Road, Cabra, Dublin 7. The development will consist of the erection of a new two story semi-detached residential unit, alterations to existing vehicular access and all associated ancillary site works.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

29731

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL Permission is sought by Fintan Costello and Angela Cotter for construction of new single storey rear extension, demolition and partial reconstruction of existing two storey rear return, internal and external alterations to existing two storey house, single storey garden store and ancillary works at 5,Wellington Gardens, Oakley Road,Ranelagh, Dublin 6, which is Protected Structure RPS no :5949.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

29729

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL I Kelly O Rourke Intend to apply for permission for development at this site 1 Woodside Clontarf Dublin 3. The development will consist/consists of: Planning Permission is sought for Montessori school to rear, side of existing family home, approx 40m2 and opening hours 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

29724

3 - 23 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 27

DUBLIN CITYCLASSIFIEDS PLANNING NOTICE

PLANNING NOTICE

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL I Patricia Murphy of 28 Glentow Road ,Whitehall ,Dublin 9 intend to apply for retention permission for single storey extensions to front, side and rear and single storey porch to front and all associated site works. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

29725

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL SITE NOTICE I PAUL & AUDREY O’NEILL INTEND TO APPLY FOR PLANNING PERMISSION For development at this site 28 TEMPLEVIEW WALK, CLAREHALL, DUBLIN 13. The development will consist of a proposed dormer roof to the side & rear of the existing house roof and all associated work. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

29728

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PLANNING NOTICE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL SITE NOTICE I CORA HOLLAND INTEND TO APPLY FOR PLANNING PERMISSION For development at this site 30 GREENCASTLE PARK, COOLOCK, DUBLIN 17. The development will consist of demolishing an existing ground floor extension to the rear of the existing house and replacing it with a proposed new ground & first floor extension. There will also be 5No. new windows to the side of the existing & proposed house 2No. at ground level & 2No. at first floor level & 1No. at attic level.

There will also be a proposed new ground floor only detached building to the rear of the existing site to be used as a games room/gym area. The existing chimney will be demolished to allow a proposed new dormer roof to the rear of the existing house roof and a proposed ground floor only extension to the front of the existing house.

The existing vehicular entrance to be moved from the side of its existing position and centred at the front of the existing site and all ancillary works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

29727

RECRUITMENT

PLANNING NOTICE

RECRUITMENT

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL We, Alex McKenzie and Greg Spooner, intend to apply for planning permission for development at 147 Rafters Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12. The development will consist of a two-storey extension to the rear of the property, a dormer and roof-light windows in the attic to the rear of the property, a garden room in the rear garden and all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

29730

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GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 24 August 2017

SPORT

Proud sponsors of the DLGFA adult championships

LADIES FOOTBALL: NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE DLGFA STAR OF JULY

MONTHLYStars Thorne in

a Rush for more top July brings the best out to shine on top club stage level glory JULY’S New Ireland Assurance DLGFA Player of the Month proved a hotly contested one with the semi-finals at intermediate and senior level providing some marquee performances.

While St Maur’s Gemma Thorne took the monthly gong, a number of players are worthy of mention, coming close to the title.

St Sylvester’s Ciara Lynch recovered from a serious knee injury this season, showing her ongoing commitment and dedication in both her training and mentoring of younger players as the Malahide club reached the senior semi-finals.

Clontarf’s Carrie O’Connor was put forward as she captained their inter side to the county final for a third year in succession having been part of the team for almost 20 years. A commanding presence in midfield, she has shown tremendous loyalty to the cause despite the final setbacks in recent years. A true leader.

O’Dwyer’s Shauna O’Hara was another to come close as she helped the Balbriggan to three wins from three in a fine group stage showing.

Send in your nominations for August’s awards to sport@dublingazette.com by Monday, September 4, including the player’s name, club and a couple of lines about why you feel they should be up for the honour. We will announce the winner in our edition that comes out on September 7, 2017.

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

THERE’S A WHIFF of familiarity of St Maur’s powerful progress in the New Ireland Assurance Dublin Intermediate Ladies’ Football Championship this season, as the Rush ladies have put together another charge.

The maroon-clad side took the Junior All Ireland last time around, and have carried the momentum from that tournament straight into the new season, recently qualifying for an Intermediate final for the first time in the club’s history.

Gemma Thorne, already an eight year veteran of the St Maur’s senior panel at only 24 years of age, is very much at the heart of that progression. Her performances have seen her land the New Ireland Assurance

DLGFA Player of the Month for July, leading the side to the inter county final.

Running the side from midfield this season, she’s faced off defensively against Dublin star Carla Rowe, and put in a sterling attacking derby performance to see Maur’s past local rivals Skerries and into the intermediate finale.

“We got a shock with the level, definitely, in coming up to intermediate level,” Thorne told GazetteSpor t of the club’s new standing. “We started well but then went through a rough spell in the summer when a few players were away.

“We’re a really young team, a lot of the players are under 20 so things like J1s mean summers can be difficult. But we’ve gelled really well as a team now, and things are

Naomh Maur’s Gemma Thorne in action this week. Picture: GAAPics.com

going great recently, it’s looking really positive.”

Speaking of her player of the month award, T horne admits she’s playing as well as she can remember, but is careful to emphasise the team element of Maur’s progress, as well as talking up the role of the team’s four coaches.

“It’s not an individual sport,” she laughs. “We played as well as we have all year as a team against Skerries. Those games have the extra bite of a local derby, and we really enjoy playing them.

We’re delighted with how far we’ve come.”

Maur’s have developed a reputation for hitting the net, with goals – sometimes four, five or six of them – a feature of their wins this year. Their only championship loss has come to table-topping Clontarf, but while Thorne won’t think of Senior Championship football at this point, she says the team are stronger than they were during that early season defeat.

“We can’t look that far forward, we’re really just concentrating on

Clontarf,” she says when we ask about the possibility of senior football.

“It’s been a whirlwind, last year was incredible and we thought it might be difficult to stay as ‘up’ afterwards. It hasn’t been.”

Whatever the result of St Maur’s second consecutive Dublin final contest, this season has been the best in their history, in that it’s really highlighted the club’s potential to go still further.

Come the final, Thorne, the midfield powerhouse, will be instrumental.

3 - 24 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Baker laments League of Ireland financial fall

Shelbourne legend went through monetary collapses at both the Tolka Park club and Drogheda but feels the governing FAI body is not doing enough to avoid these instances continuing

Karate Ireland kick off new indoor arena in style THE new National Indoor Arena in Dublin 15 played host to a spectacular launch event by Karate Ireland.

The event showcased the best of Irish karate with the elite junior and senior squad treating spectators to an exciting demonstration of their skills. The aim of the event was to highlight the quality of athletes and introduce a wider audience to the new branding and goals of Karate Ireland.

The launch was attended by representatives from Sport Ireland and the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI), with a special presentation and speech by three-time Olympian and former world champion, Eamonn Coghlan.

With the introduction of karate to the sports programme for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Karate Ireland have a strategic plan to develop their athletes in the hope of qualifying for the 2020 Games.

Included in their plans is a vision to inspire people to participate in karate and share a culture of excellence.

Karate Ireland list their core values as “humility, excellence and inclusion” were evident in the uplifting demonstration by the iKarate Ireland squad.

Karate Ireland (formerly known as ONAKAI) is the only Irish Karate body affiliated to the World Karate Federation (WKF) and therefore recognised by the OCI. It represents many varied karate styles in Ireland as one umbrella group with Shotokan, Wado-Ryu, Shito-Ryu and Kenpo falling under their remit.

The World Karate Federation is the largest international governing body of karate with over 130-member countries.

It is the only karate federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee and has more than ten million members. Karate Ireland is delighted to be part of this worldwide network of karateka and hope to build on their previous successes and develop their athletes in the hope of qualifying for Tokyo 2020.

Above, Aaron McLoughlin and Conor O’Sullivan are pictured during an exhibition match.

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

RICHIE Baker is one of the most decorated players in League of Ireland history with five titles to his name but, while he could undoubtedly bring a lot to the division in a coaching capacity, he says he has no intention of doing so due to how the league is being run.

The former Shelbourne star won four titles with the inner-city club between 1999 and 2006, before adding a fifth at Drogheda United in 2008.

He is also still the only player to have won two PFAI Young Player of the

Year awards.

H o w e v e r, d e s p i t e many of his former colleagues now involved in the league in a coaching or managing role, Baker chose a path towards helping kids with special needs and coaching youth teams.

“I’m after taking over a team for Rosemount out in Dundrum so I’m out there this year,” Baker told GazetteSport. “Over the last couple years, I have been helping out with training and coaching for a couple of clubs in preseason. I’ve always wanted to stay involved in the soccer side of things but not too high up.

“I wouldn’t like to go back into the League of Ireland with the way things are run at the moment; it’s just not the way I like it.

“There are too many downfalls at clubs and I have been involved in the downfalls as well.”

Baker spent five years at Shelbourne before a brief stint in America playing for the New England Revolution. He returned to Shelbourne after a year stateside but his second spell at the Dublin club ended in financial meltdown two years later.

“Shelbourne will always be the best club I have been at; that will

Picture: James Crombie/Inpho Richie Baker says Shelbourne remains the best club he has ever played at.

never change. The best times I had were there and, in fairness, the year that we had the bad times we got back every bit of money that the club owed us. I will always be a Shelbourne fan so it is hard to see where they are now compared to back when I played during the good days,” said Baker.

T h e 37- y e a r- o l d plumped for a move to Drogheda United and it was initially successful with the Louth side lifting the title in his first season at the club. However, the club struggled financially during the following season and Baker was left out of pocket.

“Drogheda was a terrible situation, where 12% of the wages owed for months was offered to players. Then two or three months later, after a big meeting with the FAI officials and the club, we were paid off not even half of what we were owed.

“To then be allowed stay in the league two months later and sign new players – I just don’t understand how they get away with it. You had people from the club crying at the table saying the club is going under and we can’t afford this or to do that.

“Then the league starts back two months later and they’re still involved in the premier side of things and signing new players. It was difficult.”

Teams are still experiencing the same problems as Shelbourne and Drogheda have in the

past, and Baker is not impressed.

“The people who run the league have just gone down and down, as we’ve seen this year again with Bray Wanderers and the likes of the things that are happening there with the players.

“Letting down players is not what I want to be getting into. If I was involved I wouldn’t be able to look at the players face to face and explain why they are not getting wages.

“For the same silly mistakes to be made and for clubs to be able to fold up before suddenly coming back into the league with no stiff rules on how to deal with them is terrible,” Baker concluded. ** Baker will soon pull on his football boots once again when he takes part in a charity event for youth mental health organisation JIGSAW on August 27.

He will form part of a team of ex-professionals in one team with a homeless street league side, a Bohs legends team, an Irish musicians side – The Coronas and Picture This – a celebrity team and a “Joe Soaps” team.

In addition, there will be entertainment from the mini Messi and Empire dance and fitness with football-darts and football-pool side events, all sponsored by Renault Belgard.

Search “Charity Vinny” on Facebook for info.

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

EURO YOUTH OLYMPICS: DUBLIN’S YOUTH STARS MAKE MARK IN GYOR

Dublin quartet take on top quality VW event BALLYMUN United, Belvedere, Bohemians and Crumlin United will be taking part in this year’s Volkswagen Junior Masters when the tournament kicks off on Saturday, August 12 at the AUL Complex at Dublin Airport.

The Volkswagen Group announced the four Dublin clubs would be competing in one of the most prestigious underage soccer tournaments in Ireland, along with 15 other teams from around the country.

Now in its fourth year, the tournament has grown significantly in terms of its recognition and importance amongst the Irish grassroots soccer community.

The stakes are high with the winning team to benefit with a €2,500 grant for their club, while all competing teams will receive an Umbro team kit for the competition.

There are 16 teams participating in this year’s 11-a-side tournament, hailing from 10 different counties with Galway’s Knocknacarra and Limerick’s Aisling Annacotty travelling up for the event.

The group stages, in which there are four groups of four teams, will be played on Saturday 12th August with the semi-finals and finals taking place on Sunday, August 13.

The Grand Final will take place at 2.45pm on the Sunday.

Niamh Gaffney, Communications Manager, Volkswagen Group Ireland said: “We are delighted to be involved, in what is our fourth year, with one of Ireland’s most prestigious underage soccer tournaments, the Volkswagen Junior Masters.

“The tournament provides us with a fantastic opportunity to support soccer communities throughout the country, as represented by the wide range of local Volkswagen dealerships displayed on team kits.

“We are proud to support the development of soccer players of the future and their future careers. It is with great pleasure that I will welcome all our teams, managements, referees, media, parents and supporters to the A.U.L Complex for the 2017 Volkswagen Junior Masters Ireland competition.”

Monkstown’s Sarah Healy leads home the field in Gyor, Hungary last weekend. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Healy the Irish golden girl sport@dublingazette.com

SARAH Healy was the standout performer during a successful 2017 European Youth Olympics for several Dubliners – as 40 athletes from across the country returned home to a fine reception.

The runner from Monkstown won Ireland’s first gold medal at the tournament in Hungary when she crossed the line in a personal best time of 4.19.85 to take victory in the 1500m.

Even more impressive was the fact second placed Kazimierska Klaudia from Poland

finished three and a half seconds behind the 16-year-old – with Austria’s Anna Baumgartner just behind in third.

Healy, a student at Holy Child secondary school in Killiney, kept close to the leading back from the beginning before hitting the front shortly before the bell for the final lap. She then powered away from her rivals on the back straight and left them with no hope of catching her as she crossed the line a full 30m ahead of anyone else.

Rhasidat Adekele from Terenure left Hungary with a medal of her own

FORMULA FORD Murray notches pair of big wins at Kirkistown MULTIPLE Formula Ford 1600 champion Niall Murray scored his fifth and sixth wins this year at Kirkistown over the weekend, increasing his lead in the Dawson WAM FF1600 Championship.

In the opening race, the Dubliner finished a fraction of a second in front of Kildare’s Kevin O’Hara, and went on to take a three second victory over David McCullough in race two.

“What a fantastic weekend up in Kirkistown!” he said. “Another two tough races but thankfully I came out on top both times.”

after she finished second in the women’s 200m final to take silver. The Tallaght AC runner is still only 14-years-old but she didn’t let that stop her cross the line in a personal best time of 23.81 seconds.

Adekele was also part of the Irish 4x100m relay team who finished behind Belgium and the Netherlands to take bronze with a time of 46.38 seconds. She was joined on the team by Blackrock AC athlete Patience Jumbo-Gula a n d Mu n s t e r l a d i e s Niamh Foley and Miriam Daly.

Earlier in the week,

Lara Gillespie won silver in the 10km TT cycling time trial after clocking a time of 15.20 to give Ireland its first ever cycling medal at the European Youth Olympics. The 16-year-old - a member of the Scott-Orwell club - put in an impressive performance to finish just three seconds behind Swiss cyclist Ronja Blochlinger and three seconds ahead of Brit Elynor Backstedt.

Gillespie was one of 70 riders to take part in the event that was made all the harder by the presence of a strong crosswind.

“It was easy at the start,

but when I turned the corner the wind hit so I pushed on,” Gillespie said after the race.

“In the last few kilometres I wobbled from side to side but I knew I was going well because I passed the Hungarian.

But I didn’t know I was going that well.”

Donore Harriers star Louis Loughlin finished seventh in the 800m final after crossing the line in a very respectable time of 1.56.98.

In total, Ireland can consider the tournament a success having returned home to a great reception at Dublin Airport with six medals in the bag.

3 - 23 August 2017 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

SUMMER CAMPS St Vincent’s stars bank on club’s future success

CAMOGIEQuarters

THE Bank of Ireland and St Vincent’s GAA summer camps were held during this week with over 100 kids taking part.

St Vincent’s stars Shane Carthy and Ger Brennan were on hand to teach the new generation of GAA players. Earlier this year Bank of Ireland announced a five-year sponsorship with the Marinobased club.

Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

FOOTBALL: LYNSKEY’S 0-5 POWERS WIN OVER CLONTARF

Dublin looking to build on progressive season St Jude’s senior footballers lead the way in AFL Division 1. Picture: Niall O’Connell

Jude’s take initiative in AFL1 closing stages AFL DIVISION ONE  sport@dublingazette.com

ST JUDE’S took advantage of Kilmacud Crokes’ inactivity to move two points clear at the top of the AFL Division One table with a seven-point, 0-13 to 0-7, win over basement side Clontarf last Saturday at St Anne’s Park.

The visitors led throughout as they built a comfortable 0-8 to 0-1 lead at the half-time break with Brendan Lynskey leading the way; he ended with 0-5 to his name.

While Clontarf fought

back in the second half with a more concerted charge, additional points

by Diarmuid McLoughlin, King, Ronan Joyce and K ieran Doher ty propelled Jude’s towards their 10th league win of the season.

The win puts the ball back in Kilmacud’s court and they will look to get back on level terms with Jude’s when they play their game in hand against St Maur’s on August 16 before the full league kicks back into gear a week later after the summer hiatus.

St Brigid’s remain in third place in the top-tier

table, despite suffering a set-back away to St Sylvester’s. The Malahide outfit secured a 1-13 to 0-9 win at Broomfield, and are just two points off the top-four themselves with a game in hand.

T hey are level on points with St Maur’s, who were on the receiving end of agonising defeat to Cuala in Rush.

An early goal helped the Dalkey men to settle into their 11th league outing of the term.

This was an early setback for Maur’s, but with the reliable Chris Carthy in fine form, they remained in contention.

Carthy finished the half with five points to his name, but a determined C u a l a n e ve r t h e l e s s ensured that the sides were on level terms at the break (1-3 to 0-6).

Maur’s were aiming to make home advantage count, and they moved back into the ascendancy after the restart with scores from Carthy and Eoin Fletcher.

Maur’s looked to be in the driving seat when a 55th-minute Chris Moore effort gave them a four-point cushion, but a late rally from Cuala enabled them to secure a dramatic 2-8 to 0-13 win.

DUBLIN will look to continue their recent rise this weekend as they look to take down a fancied Wexford in the All-Ireland senior camogie championships at 5pm in Semple Stadium next Saturday.

The capital side have been threatening to step up for a while. Shane O’Brien brought about significant organisation and improvement. He also introduced David Herity to the set-up last year and the former Kilkenny All-Ireland-winning hurler took over the reins this year.

Faye McCarthy’s long-range freetaking has been a feature of the campaign, while Aisling Maher is very accurate with placed balls closer to goals. Ali Maguire is back after an arm injury while Mairi Moynihan, Gráinne Quinn and Ali Twomey have of plenty experience too.

Wexford will be favourites but Dublin beat them in the league and this is one that could go down to the wire.

Many were writing off Wexford’s chances of overall glory at the beginning of the campaign and plenty thought they might be vulnerable in a hugely competitive group.

In the end, they won three out of four games and though on the wrong end of an 18-point drubbing by Cork, were just that bit better than Offaly, Tipperary and Limerick, ultimately making it through to the last six with plenty to spare.

They have lost three hugely important players this year in the legendary Kate Kelly (retired), Mags D’Arcy (taking time out) and Katrina Parrock (soccer), and placed alongside the departure in recent years of some of the other greats of the golden era that yielded four All-Irelands, these were monumental blows.

But no-one can play forever and John Kelly and Matty Flynn O’Connor have given some of the younger players their heads, with Chloe Foxe and Joanne Dillon among those to prosper, while the Leacy and Kehoe siblings still provide plenty of leadership.

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

GOLDEN MOMENT: Sarah Healy the hero in Hungary as she lands first at Euro Youth Olympic Festival P30

AUGUST 3 - 23, 2017

PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Maur’s leading light in a Rush to make inter mark P29

Georgie Poynton’s peanlty earned Bohemians victory over Cork City, the first defeat they have suffered this season. Picture: Martin Doherty

Bohs put Cork in unbeaten run Champions-elect see their unblemished record finally punctured at the 23rd attempt as the Gypsies raid Turner’s Cross for a vital league win

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

KEITH Long heaped praise on his team after Bohemians ended Cork City’s unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Turners Cross - giving their own survival hopes a massive shot in the arm in the process.

Teams have made the trip south this season and been steamrollered by the champions-elect but Bohs showed great spirit and organisation to grab a win that sees them rise to sixth position in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

“Shane Supple had to make saves coming to Cork,” Long said after the game. “They’re league leaders for a reason and that is their first defeat

of the season, so your goalkeeper has to perform coming to Turner’s Cross.

“But, to a man, we were excellent. The boys have put in a really strong effort tonight. It’s a reward for our players and for the effort that they have put in.”

Cork put huge pressure on the visitors during the opening half hour but they failed to find an opening and it was in fact the Gypsies who nearly the lead when Ciaran O’Connor nearly took advantage of a mistake by Conor McCarthy. His strike on goal was well kept out by Mark McNulty.

Soon after, it was the Bohs keeper Shane Supple who was called in action to keep out Gary Buckley’s goal bound header.

The home side were dominating possession but Bohs always looked dangerous on the break. Cork looked like they would finally get past Supple when Stephen Dooley looked set to get a strike on gaol under George Poynton superbly intervened.

Bohs finally broke the deadlock on 62 minutes when Izzy Akinade was fouled in the box by McCarthy, and Poynton finished from the spot.

Cork pushed for an equaliser but the visitors took strong to secure a massive three points.

The win is even more impressive considering it came just three days after their 2-1 win in the Dublin derby with Shamrock Rovers.

“It’s another big win for us,” said Long. “The attitude and the application of players has been

first class again tonight after the quick turnaround from Friday’s win over Rovers and to come to the runaway leaders, Cork City, and turn them over in their own patch is really pleasing.

“It was a backs-to-the-wall performance at times, but we also showed good quality and we had the two most clear-cut chances in the first half. And we should have gone in ahead at halftime.

“In the second half, we weathered the storm, then got the goal that our counter-attacking play merited and hung on in for a win.

“We have Bray on Friday and it’s a huge game for us so we have to turn our focus and attention to that.”