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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE DCC AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  JANUARY 25-31, 2018

GAZETTE

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MICHAEL MORONEY TAKES A LOOK AT THE GROWING POPULARITY OF PICK-UP TRUCKS ACROSS IRELAND

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COUNCIL TO TAKE BACK POSSESSION OF IVEAGH MARKET SITE

Mixed emotions as Liberties facing major redevelopments

 RACHEL D’ARCY THE Liberties area of the city is currently the subject of major redevelopments, which have been met with mixed feelings by business owners and residents alike.

The council is to take back possession of the Iveagh Market site in the Liberties from current leaseholder Martin Keane.

It is reported that the council has given Keane until the end of this month to surrender the building.

Meanwhile the iconic Tivoli Theatre on Francis Street looks set to be demolished to make way for a new aparthotel development, currently named Tivoli Square, that has angered residents who say there is See page 7 now a glut of hotels in the area.

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2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

MENTAL HEALTH | RAISING AWARENESS OF PEOPLE’S STRUGGLES

Exhibition set to deal with themes of pain  MARK O’BRIEN OVER 50 people, models, photographers, makeup artists and videographers will take part in an exhibition this weekend in aid of Pieta House.

Project Sshhh is the brainchild of photographer Laura McCarthy, who wanted to do something to raise awareness for mental health issues in Ireland.

“The project is themed on pain,” said Laura.

“All the models involved battle with either physical or emotional pain or the pain that comes with mental health issues.

“Some models have been brave enough to tell their stories in depth. We want to break the stigma regarding pain and mental health issues.

“We also want to raise aware-

ness of the struggles people deal with on a daily basis.

“We are trying to raise as much money as possible for Pieta House, so they can continue their vital work to save and change lives.”

Laura received an amazing response when she put the call out for people to tell their story.

“I have chronic pain issues and I have suffered pain because of that so she (Laura) asked me to become involved with it,” said model Tracy Sayers.

“She has some videographers speaking to each model and each model tells their story.

“So we all discuss where we are in relation to how we got to depression, how it affected us and making it normal.

“That’s the whole idea of this project. To give a platform to people to start talking about mental

illness, depression and suicide.”

Trisha McDermott said she also had no hesitation in joining the project.

Trisha suffers from Fibromyalgia syndrome, an illness that affects the muscles and soft tissue and causes chronic muscle pain, fatigue and sleep problems.

She said taking part in the project was one of the most enjoyable experiences she has had.

“This was really putting myself out there,” she said.

“But Laura was amazing. We went to a rural building, a derelict building and it was amazing.

“It was a crowd of people, strangers, nobody knew (each other).

“We basically just met, went in to this derelict building and it was like ‘hi, hi, hi’ and then tell your story and that was that. It was the most far out thing I’ve ever done

FASTNews

Cllr Ray Mc Hugh pictured on front of the tree at Dolphin’s Barn Fire station

Laura McCarthy

in my life.”

Project Sshhh takes place on Saturday, January 27 in Everleigh Garden.

As well as the photo and video installations, there will be live music and a DJ as well as a raffle with all proceeds going to Pieta House.

Tree planted in honour of fallen fire fighters A TREE has been planted opposite the Dolphins Barn Fire station in honour of fire officers and personnel who were injured and gave their lives in the line of duty.

Cllr Ray Mc Hugh had campaigned for some years to have a memorial in the vicinity of the fire station to recognise the sacrifice that these people gave in protecting people and keeping them safe.

Funding for the Tree was included in last year’s discretionary fund and Cllr Mc Hugh said he was delighted that this Tree will go some way in comforting the relatives and friends of Fire personnel who were injured or lost their live in the line of duty.

In the future it is proposed to build on this memorial, and create a permanent place of reflection for all.

Museum launches exhibit dedicated to Irish design

Teaming up to launch new unit

GUEST of honour Michaela Morley (13) from Mayo is pictured with Ireland rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll at the official opening of the new €5.5m Neurology and Renal outpatients unit in Temple Street Children’s Hospital, entirely funded by public donations.

The two-floor unit will cater to over 6,500 patients who attend the hospital for treatment each year. Picture: Andres Poveda

THE Little Museum of Ireland has launched a new exhibit, Ireland’s Fashion Radicals, dedicated to Irish design.

The exhibit is based on Irish fashion designers from the 1950’s, who are credited with putting Irish fashion on the international map.

“With backing from American Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, designers such as Sybil Connolly put Ireland on the fashion map for the first time, making the country a must-visit destination for stylish women everywhere,” the museum said.

Curated by art historian Robert O’Byrne, the exhibition aims to highlight the impact of Irish designers.

“From a ball gown worn in Buckingham Palace to pink lurex bell-bottoms worn at the disco, this show celebrates Irish design at it’s most innovative,” says O’Bryne.

Entrance to the exhibit is included in a standard ticket to the museum, and is on display now.

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25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

COUNCIL | BUILDING SUPPOSED TO BE SOLD TO A LARGE HOTEL

‘Reject plans to sell Magdalene Laundry’  MARK O’BRIEN

Pictured is foundation co-founder Margo Dolan looking at a portrat of herself and her fellow co-founder, her late husband Peter Maxwell.

Picture: Julien Behal Photography

Excellent art goes on show BALLINGLEN Arts Foundation are celebrating their 25th Anniversary with an exhibition at The RHA Gallery Dublin.

A selection from this rich collection of works is being exhibited until March 19. The collection includes works by Nuala Clarke, Lynne Clibanoff, Randall Exon, Martin Gale RHA, Elizabeth Magill, Pat Harris ARHA, Hughie O’Donoghue, Nancy Wynne Jones and Donald Teskey RHA, amongst others.

DUBLIN City Council have been urged to reject plans to sell the last remaining Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street.

Late last year it was revealed that the council had accepted a proposal to sell the building to a large hotel chain.

Fianna Fail General Election candidate in Dublin Central, Mary Fitzpatrick has urged the council to reject the proposal.

“It is five years since the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny delivered a landmark apology to the victims and survivors of the

Magdalene Laundries,” she said.

“Yet they, their families or the local community have not been meaningfully consulted on the future of the last remaining Magdalene laundry.

“Dublin City Council’s proposal fails to appropriately respect those that were incarcerated in the laundry.”

Ms Fitzpatrick said that there was also the housing need of the area to be considered.

“As it stands in this area, there are more than 2,000 applicants on the local authority housing while 350 are currently registered as living in homelessness,” she said.

“If this council understood the depth of the housing crisis, surely they would work to ensure that plans for this site would at very least include a substantial number of social and affordable housing units.

“The development proposal which will be put to councillors for their approval earmarks four social units and not one affordable housing unit.”

She added that she felt that the state should not be selling off prime city centre land.

“Any notion that the State should sell this prime urban, public site reflects a deep lack of commitment from the State to regener-

The Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street

ate this area and must be rejected,” she said.

“We must achieve a better outcome; One that respects and values the Magdalene women, the local community and its distinct history, and also the future strategic importance of this valuable site for Dublin Central.”

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said:

“The former Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street is owned by Dublin City Council and was advertised for sale last year.

“A preferred bidder has now been chosen, but any proposal to sell will ultimately require the approval of city councillors to whom we will be reporting in due course.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

Out and About

A Stella-r evening at a unique new venue Vanessa Kiely and Patrick Kiely

Courtney Mullally and Aoife Gray

T

HE Stella Theatre in Dublin’s Rathmines was full to capacity last week for a special preview screening of Matt Damon’s new film Downsizing. Among those gracing the red carpet on the night were Lorraine Keane and husband Peter Devlin, Vivienne Connolly, Dillon St Paul, TV3 boss Patrick Kiely and his wife Vanessa and Dermot Whelan as well as Siva Kaneswaran and Caroline Shanahan. Guests arrived to a drinks reception prior to the screening at Dublin’s unique new venue.

Lynn Callan and Orla McHugh. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Kieran Clarke and Dillon St Paul

Martha Gilheaney

Rose Brady and Edie Russell

25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

CO-LIVING | ‘NODE LIVING’ TO TARGET DUBLIN’S MILLENNIAL POPULATION COURTS

‘Friends’-style living spaces set to open in the heart of Dublin 2  RACHEL D’ARCY

A NEW style of “co-living” aimed at Dublin’s “millennial” population is set to open in Fitzwilliam Square this March.

Node Living will launch the 51-bedroom building with the aim of targeting young professionals and “creatives”, according to Node Living founder, Anil Khera.

It is aimed at 25 to 35-year olds, both Irish citizens and those who have re-located to Dublin for work.

The development will see residents living in their own one- or two-bedroom apartment, with access to communal areas and a curated activities programme for the building. It has been compared to student living for adults, or like the 90’s show “Friends”.

In the last two years, Node has successfully launched in New York and London.

Dublin is part of their most recent expansion, which will also see residences open in Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto.

It has been credited as a “salve” or somewhat of a resolution to the current rental crisis in Dublin.

Rents for Node Dublin will begin at €1,200 a month per bedroom, with rent dependent on whether you lease a two- or three-bedroom apartment.

Rent will include all bills and amenities, but renters must sign up for a minimum six-month lease.

However, all applicants must fill in an application form through their website and provide access to their social media profiles.

They must detail why they want to live in Node, and will then meet with their “community curator” before a final decision is made.

Each apartment will be fully furnished with SMEG appliances, Hygge accessories, with Nest and Sonos smart systems a basic of each unit. High speed Wi-Fi is also offered throughout the building.

There will be an open-plan kitchen in each unit, and each bedroom will have an en-suite. A large communal lounge and dining area will be at the heart of Node, as well as a rooftop terrace, with views of Dublin 2 on offer.

Khera has also revealed he is looking at a second property in The development is described as living for the modern age Smithfield.

Mary Lou delighted to win SF leadership  RACHEL D’ARCY

DUBLIN Central TD Mary Lou McDonald (SF) has spoken of her delight following her confirmation as the new leader of Sinn Fein, following the announcement of Gerry Adams’ plans to retire, paying tribute to the veteran politician’s contribution to Irish politics.

Deputy McDonald, who was the sole candidate for the leadership, will be elected at a special party conference on February 10, replacing Adams, who has held the

leadership of Sinn Fein since 1983.

Paying tribute to Adams, and also looking ahead, she said: “I know I have big shoes to fill, taking on the role from Gerry Adams, and I know that is impossible, but I have brought my own shoes.

“Together, with all of the party membership, we will walk on a journey that will lead to Irish unity.”

Sinn Fein’s ard comhairle formally ratified McDonald as Adams’ successor at a meeting in Belfast on January 20.

Nominations for the vice-presidency of the party opened on January 21, with the party’s leader in Stormont, Michelle O’Neill, saying that she would be a candidate for the position.

Deputy McDonald, the current deputy leader for Sinn Fein, has regularly defended Adams’ throughout her time as deputy.

She was considered as the favourite to assume the party leadership following Gerry Adams announcing that November that he would be retiring

Man jailed for assaulting golfer A MAN who stole equipment from three men out golfing before threatening them and returning to assault one of them has been jailed for two and a half years.

Michael Maughan (22), of Silloge Green, Ballymun, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft, assault, and making threats to kill at Silloge Golf Club on October 29, 2016.

Garda Mark Leonard told Garrett McCormack BL, prosecuting, that the three golfers were out on the course when they noticed a male cycling and approaching their golf buggy. The man made off with the buggy and one of the golfers gave chase.

As the golfer tried to retrieve the property Maughan lashed out at him, striking him in the chest area. Maughan began shouting threats that he would kill the man and get his brothers to “sort him out”.

Gardai were alerted and two of the golfers left the club. As the third man was leaving in his vehicle, a van pulled up preventing his car leaving the club.

Maughan got out of the van and approached the car.

He opened the car door and began punching and kicking the man inside a number of times. Gardai arrived as this was happening and Maughan was arrested at the scene. All the property taken, including phones and golf clubs, was recovered.

Judge Martin Nolan said it had been a “shameless and arrogant theft” which was aggravated by the threats and further aggravated by Maughan coming back to assault one of the men.

He imposed two and a half years imprisonment and ordered that Maughan be given credit for time in custody.

25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

FASTNews

THE LIBERTIES | COUNCIL THREATENING TO CHANGE LOCKS AT SITE

Pressure growing over fate of Iveagh Market  RACHEL D’ARCY

Funding approved to help commemorate Luke Kelly COUNCILLOR Noeleen Reilly’s (SF) proposal to allocate funds to commemorate the installation of a memorial to Luke Kelly was approved last week by Dublin City Council.

September will mark the 30th anniversary of a monument to him being erected in Larkhill.

Cllr Reilly said: “Luke Kelly and The Dubliners are known throughout the world for their iconic gift of music. They helped put Ireland and Dublin on the map musically, and some of their songs are the most celebrated music ever created in this country.

“I will be working with the council, residents and other musicians to ensure that whatever we organise is a fitting tribute to the legend that was Luke Kelly.”

Passenger numbers soar to new heights at airport THE continuing growth of Dublin Airport has been one of the major factors in the continuing expansion of the local economy.

The airport reached record-breaking passenger numbers in 2017 as 29.6 million people travelled through its gates, exceeding 2016’s record by an impressive 1.7 million people.

According to the latest figures, about 27.8 million passengers started or ended their journey at Dublin last year, while a further 1.8 million passengers used the airport as a hub.

Commenting on the sensational year, Dublin Airport’s managing director Vincent Harrison said: “The continued growth at Dublin Airport is fantastic news for the Irish economy.

“Increased air connectivity boosts tourism, trade and foreign direct investment. Last year’s record performance for visitor numbers across the island of Ireland was underpinned by the growth in passenger numbers at Dublin.”

Revel in the marvels of trad and folk festival THE annual Temple Bar Trad Fest takes place this week, with a number of events on around the city as part of the festival.

As well as performances of traditional Irish music, there will be craft events for children, a petting zoo and more.

There are roughly six to seven events a day, with big names such as Jack O’Rourke and Wallis Bird taking part.

Prices range from €10 to €40, with a multievent ticket option available on Tradfest.ie for those who wish to attend multiple events.

TradFest runs from January 24 until January 28.

DUBLIN City Council is to take back possession of the Iveagh Market site in the Liberties from current leaseholder Martin Keane.

It is reported that the council has given Keane until the end of this month to surrender the building.

Following the market’s closure in the early 1990s, Dublin City Council announced in 1996 that it would seek a private developer for the site.

The Iveagh Market site was initially tendered to Keane in 1997.

The council agreed that he would receive the full title of the market once redevelopment of the site was completed.

A lengthy dispute between the council and the Iveagh Trust over the ownership of the land meant that Keane could not apply for planning permission until the issue was resolved in 2004.

He was granted permission

Iveagh Market leaseholder Martin Keane in 2015 with plans for its redevelopment.

Picture: Sorcha McManigan

by An Bord Pleanala in 2007, and in 2012 secured a fiveyear extension of planning permission, which expired in August, 2017.

The council now threaten that if Keane does not voluntarily remove his possessions from the building before the end of the month, they will change the

locks. Keane will be refunded the €2m paid for the lease; however, Keane is reluctant to return ownership of the site.

Keane has vowed he will fight “tooth and nail” and has vowed to take Dublin City Council to court to hang on to the building’s lease. In 2015, Keane was quoted

as saying that that he aimed to have the project completed by early 2018.

He is hoping to build a €100m cultural and commercial hub in the old building, complete with a hotel, pub and apartments.

He has previously cited London’s Covent Garden and Boston’s Quincy Market as his main inspirations for the project.

€25m aparthotel plan to see final curtain for Tivoli  RACHEL D’ARCY

THE Tivoli Theatre on Francis Street (right) looks set to be demolished to make way for a new aparthotel development, currently named Tivoli Square.

Initial plans to demolish the Tivoli were proposed by theatre owner Anthony Byrne, and were initially rejected by Dublin City Council last May. The plans were rejected due to the height of a block on the northern boundary of the site. The €25m plans have now been given the go-ahead following an appeal by Byrne.

Local councillors have slammed the decision

by An Bord Pleanala to

approve the plans, with members of Fianna Fail and Labour saying that the proposed plans will add to an “over-concentration” of hotels in the city.

Designed by consultant firm Douglas Wallace, the scheme is set to include restaurant units, a gym, a shop and a cultural arts venue which will replace the Tivoli.

Alongside this will be a 260-bedroom aparthotel, with an overall floor area of more than 107,000 sq ft.

Some residents are saying that a rising number of developments such as Tivoli Square are “ruining the identity” of the area. Plans were also announced in the last week by US hotel giant Marriott for a €40m ‘digi-

tal’ hotel in the Blackpitts area of The Liberties, set to open this spring.

Many locals are calling for the development of more affordable housing in the area, condemning the rise in hotels, AIRBNB lettings and student accommodation blocks around Dublin 8.

Local Liberties resident Diarmaid Kehoe said: “Once again, a thriving city neighbourhood is starved of what it really needs - homes for local people to keep the community going”.

Another local resident, Brian Tiernan, said: “This surely must be the most hotels in a square kilometre in Dublin now.”

However, not all are

opposed to the new development. Local community group, The Liberties Business Forum, welcomed the redevelopment of the standing Tivoli site, citing it as a “major boost” for the locality.

Speaking to Dublin Gazette, Stephen Coyne from the group said: “The aparthotel will encourage more city visitors to choose The Liberties as their base in Dublin.

That in turn benefits local shops, cafes and venues.

“While it is a shame to see the existing Tivoli Theatre go, the new development includes a performance space and venue and that will only add to the number of attractions in this part of the city.”

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

COURTS | PARTIALLY SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR CENTRE ATTACK

FASTNews

Visiting busker blinded in teen’s violent attack over amp in city centre Future of Israeli embassy

Victim Mark Beltran, from the Philippines, who was viciously assaulted in an unprovoked attack at O’Connell Street. Busker Mr Beltran was blinded in his right eye, which he has since lost. The vile attack made headlines around the world.

A PHIBSBORO man has received a partially suspended sentence of 14 years for a series of knifepoint robberies and an attack on a man which left him blind in one eye.

Luke Byrne (18), of Geraldine St, Phibsboro, smashed a glass into the face of Mark Beltran (30), a magician from the Philippines who travelled the world with his act, in an altercation over a stolen amplifier.

The victim’s injuries left him permanently blind in his right eye. Mr Beltran, who was in court for the hearing, has since lost his eye.

At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan said that he could accept that Byrne did not intend to blind the victim, but that he must have known that serious injuries would result from his actions and he intended to cause these injuries.

He imposed a sentence of nine years for the attack.

He made this sentence consecutive to a sentence of five years for a series of “predatory and coldblooded” knife-point robberies which Byrne carried out on women.

Byrne was on bail for the robbery offences when he carried out the assault, and was a juvenile at the time.

Judge Nolan said by reason of his age and in order to allow hope for Byrne’s reform, he was suspending the last four and a half years of the sentence on condition Byrne kept the peace for the period of the sentence.

He ordered Byrne to comply with the Probation Services for a period of two years after his release.

Byrne pleaded guilty to assault causing serious

harm at O’Connell St, on September 9, 2016.

He also pleaded guilty to carrying out nine robberies in the Phibsboro area over a seven-day period between May 24 and 31, 2016.

Byrne, armed with a knife, would come up from behind the women and threatened them with violence. In some cases Byrne did use violence, kicking and punching victims, the court heard.

Judge Nolan said Byrne’s behaviour was “predatory” and the robberies were “cowardly, aggressive and hostile”.

He said the effects of his attacks on the women would be long-lasting.

Byrne’s attack on Mr Beltan followed a row over a stolen amplifier belonging to the street performer.

The amplifier was recovered by friends of Mr Beltan, but a group of people, including Byrne, followed and attacked them.

Judge Nolan said that in a seeming act of vengeance, Byrne picked up a pint glass and smashed it with force into the victim’s face.

He said that Byrne had “Jekyll and Hyde” characteristics. He was wellbehaved for periods of time, but he had a vicious and cruel streak, which he displayed by putting a knife to the throat of his robbery victims.

He said he accepted that Byrne was genuinely remorseful and said he came from a good family.

He said that it was hoped that Byrne would reform himself and not become a menace to society.

Byrne has 16 previous convictions, including assault, criminal damage, public order and road traffic offences.

in Ireland may be in doubt  RACHEL D’ARCY

IT HAS been revealed that Israel is considering closing its Dublin embassy as part of a cost-cutting plan. The Ballsbridge residence located at Carrisbrook House (above) is one of seven embassies marked by the Israeli government to close its doors. It is the only Western European mission that will be closed.

The Israeli government is currently in negotiations to solidify which embassies will shut, with a committee to submit recommendations before the end of January. Any decisions on closures will then be signed off by the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Projected closures It is being reported in Israeli media that under the new plan, the affected embassies will close over the next three years. Three will close in the first year, with two in each of the two years following. Other embassies earmarked for closure include Belarus and the Dominican Republic.

The embassy opened in Ireland in 1996, ending tensions between the two countries over the fact that Ireland was the only state within the European Union without an Israeli presence. Ireland also opened an embassy in Tel Aviv in 1996.

Bilateral ties between Israel and Ireland have often been strained, particularly as Israel considers Ireland as one of the most pro-Palestinian EU states.

Council agrees a toucan crossing for Rialto Bridge DUBLIN City Council has agreed the provision of a toucan crossing at the Rialto Bridge that will cater for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Cllr Ray McHugh (SF), who brought the motion before the council, said: “The increase of traffic at this junction due to the construction of the new children’s hospital, along with the introduction of extending the 122 bus route onto this location, have contributed to difficulty for pedestrians and cyclists crossing at this junction.

“The location falls within the scope of the Grand Canal Greenway Blackhorse to Portobello [plan]; this scheme will now include the provision of the toucan crossing. The current status is at preliminary design stage.”

Cllr McHugh added that following a study into speeding on Herberton Road, the council have agreed to highlight the road with large 30km markings in an effort to make the road safer for pedestrians.

25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

FASTNews

City mourns Brendan Lynch TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Brendan Lynch, former Lord Mayor of Dublin, who died on Friday.

Mr Lynch served as an Independent councillor from 1974 to 1999, and as the Lord Mayor from 1996-1997.

Ardmheara Micheal Mac Donncha has expressed sadness on hearing of Mr Lynch’s death.

He said: “As Ardmheara, I wish to offer both my own and Dublin City Council’s condolences to his wife, Peggy, and his family.

“Brendan served Dublin City with distinction as a councillor and as Lord Mayor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”

The Swiss set for demolition CLLR Noeleen Reilly (SF) has said that the demolition of the Swiss Cottage pub will mark a new beginning for the Santry area, but many locals will be sorry to see it go.

She said: “Planning permission has been lodged to demolish the Swiss Cottage in Santry and replace it with a mixed-use development comprising a cafe/ restaurant, a take-away and some apartments.

“Any new development and investment in an area is to be welcomed but I’ve no doubt the customers and staff of the Swiss Cottage will be upset at this news.

“Many people will be disappointed at this news as a public house will not appear in the new development.”

EDUCATION | POSSIBLE IMPACT ON COLLEGE IF NEW GUIDELINES NOT ACHIEVED

Gender equality balance a possible DIT funding threat  RACHEL D’ARCY DUBLIN Institute of Technology may face funding cuts under new HEA requirements on gender equality, it has been revealed.

The city centre college will face research funding being cut if they do not meet equality guidelines.

Institutes of Technology in Blanchardstown and Tallaght will also face the same penalty, if they are not awarded the Bronze Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) award by 2020.

The Athena SWAN charter is highly recognised in the UK and Ireland as the quality mark for gender equality.

Both Dublin City University and University

College Dublin received the bronze award in 2017, in addition to Trinity College in 2015, for their work towards gender equality.

However, no institute of technology has been awarded. DIT are the only institution to have applied for the award, in 2016, but they did not meet the required guidelines.

The president of DIT, Dr Brian Norton, has said that DIT is “committed to equality” across all areas of the institute.

He said: “We are working towards achieving accreditation this year and have undertaken a range of initiatives to ensure equal opportunities for career advancement and participation in all areas of the organisation.

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

‘We are working towards DIT achieving [gender equality] accreditation this year ’ --------------------------

Dr Brian Norton, president, DIT

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

“DIT is also on the cusp of some major changes, including the creation of the Technological University for Dublin with our partners in IT Tallaght and IT Blanchardstown.

Incorporating the standards required by the Athena SWAN agenda is a vital step towards achieving our goal to be a gender-balanced, inclu-

sive 21st Century Institution that supports and empowers all colleagues and learners,” Norton told the Dublin Gazette.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) have previously announced plans to make the Athena SWAN charter of gender equality a condition of research funding for HEIs by the end of 2019.

Under these new conditions, all institutions will have to hold the Bronze Award by 2020, and the Silver award by 2023.

This follows a threeyear pilot scheme of the charter in Ireland, in association with the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) . A new grant agreement between the

HEA and the ECU came into effect on May 1, 2017, and will be in place until April 30, 2020.

Being awarded bronze accreditation indicates that an institution has demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equality across all academic disciplines.

The Bronze Award recognises that a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and an inclusive culture that values all staff has been demonstrated.

The HEA’s report into gender balance in higher institutes of technology in 2015 revealed that 81% of professorial position were held by men.

Women represented 62% of non-academic staff, however, while 72% of the highest paid nonacademic staff were male.

CHILDREN | CAPITAL CU CALLING ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO GET INVOLVED

‘Fearless four’ sought for national credit union quiz CAPITAL Credit Union has launched a search for teams of four, fearless schoolchildren who can make it through to the national final of the All Ireland Credit Union Schools Quiz.

The credit union has invited all primary schools in the locality of Ballinteer, Drimnagh, Dundrum, Knocklyon, Sandyford and Sandymount area to register for the 2018 schools quiz, and is urging all school children to put a superheroic effort into preparing for it.

E a c h y e a r, s o m e 25,000 schoolchildren

Last Year’s winning team: delighted pupils from Divine Word National School, Marley Grange, Rathfarnham, Dublin

across Ireland take part in the credit union quiz, which is now in its 27th year.

The quiz begins with a knock-out stage at a local level, organised by Capital Credit Union to take

place at Taney Parish Hall on January 27.

There will be some fantastic prizes for the win-

ning teams, who will also progress to the regional knock-out stage in early March.

The winning teams from that gruelling competition will make it through to the grand final at the RDS on Sunday, April 8.

This year, a total of €4,000 is up for grabs for the winning schools at the national finals.

A Capital Credit Union spokesperson said: “The quiz is an enjoyable and fun way for schools in the local area to nurture a culture of partnership among students, and we really encourage all

schools to register for this event.

“A core focus of the event is to encourage learning in a teamwork setting, and to equip children from a young age with the skills necessary to collaborate with others in the workplace.

“Questions will cover many topics, including geography, history, music, literature and sport, and we have no doubt that all of our budding geniuses in the local area will rise to the challenge.”

For further information contact Capital Credit Union on 01 2990400.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

Out and About

There’s a new nail bar in town Chloe Ormond. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Lawson Mpame and Romena Shretti

T

HERE was a host of faces from the Irish beauty and fashion scene at the launch of CHIPPED Nail Bar at the Powerscourt Centre last week. Founder and creative director Roisin Lawless welcomed guests on the night and invited them into the nail bar to see the industrial-style designed space, complete with custom murals and neon signs. Music on the night came from DJ Mona-Lxsa, who entertained guests with her RnB and hip-hop set.

Sarah Magliocco and Talissa Walsh

Emma Costello and Amy O’Sullivan

Roisn Lawless and Aoife Lawless

25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Kate Kelly

Fiona Molloy and Zoe Whelan

Kendra Becker

Lisa Nolan and Gareth Downey

Chloe Townsend

Karen Miano

Rebecca Rose Quigley

Zoe Palmer

Lorna Weightman

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

Over 950 jobs saved through examinership

OVER 950 jobs in Ireland were saved through examinership last year according to a new report.

The latest Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Examinership Index shows that 957 jobs were saved, with 22 companies successfully emerging from the examinership process.

Despite the fact that the economy continues to recover with unemployment expected to dip below 5.5% this year and economists across the board forecasting GDP to grow by around 4%, there continues to be a number of businesses in counties across the country that are struggling with debt or structural issues that arise from the previous boom.

The principal cases involved companies in all corners of Ireland, including well-known brands such as The G, The Eye Cinema, The Meyrick, The Golden Pages and The Regency (since rebranded as The Bonnington Hotel Dublin).

More information about the Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Examinership Index is available at www.bakertillyhb.ie.

Review into codes on workplace bullying THERE have been calls for the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the HSA to review their codes on bullying in the workplace.

Minister Pat Breen has called for a review of the codes, with WRC’s code dating back to 2002, and the HSA code last being updated in 2007.

Breen said: “It is timely to have a review carried out.

I have asked the WRC and the HSA to work together to examine the possibility of developing a single Code of Practice for Bullying in the Workplace”.

This initiative has been brought to the fore as it has become evident that case law surrounding workplace bullying is constantly evolving.

The calls for review follow the enactment of a new code of practice on Longer Working in December.

REPORT | THREEFOLD INCREASE IN ENQUIRIES FROM MORTGAGE HOLDERS

A flurry of activity reported in mortgage switcher market EXPERTS at MyMortgages.ie have reported a flurry of activity in the mortgage switcher market since the beginning of the year.

The brokers forecast the switcher market alone will experience double digit growth in the first six months of the year, as an increasing number of mortgage holders learn of the option which could potentially save them anywhere in the region of €311 per month and €112,000 over the lifetime of an average €350,000 mortgage.

Joey Sheahan, head of credit at MyMortgages.ie believes a number of factors that have led to the influx in enquires they have experienced in the last two weeks.

“We have experienced a threefold increase in the volume of enquiries received

since January 2 from mortgage holders all over the country wondering if they might be eligible to switch lender and avail of cheaper rates,” he said.

“We put this down to a number of factors.

As a result of recent media reports, anecdotal evidence suggests that an increasing number of mortgage holders seem to now be aware of the fact that switching lenders to avail of a better rate might be a viable option for them.”

Experts at MyMortgages.ie predict that recent proposals put forward by Fianna Fail to ban bank incentives to switch will lead to an even greater level of activity as people try to “get in” before any such legislation is introduced.

Mortgage holders are looking to avail of cheaper rates

Dealz to launch Pep&Co clothing line DEALZ has announced it will open 30 PEP&CO ‘shop-inshop’ fashion outlets in its stores creating over 120 Irish jobs.

The first 10 of the 30 Irish PEP&CO concessions will open on the same day.

The first ten shop-in-shops will appear in Dealz f lagship store in Blanchardstown, K ilkenny, Dundr um, Naas, N e w b r i d g e , G o r e y, A t hy,

Finglas, Ballina and Castlebar.

In Ireland, prices at PEP&CO start at €1.50 with almost 60 per cent of items at €5.00 or less.

The news comes as part of a wider announcement made by parent company Poundland, as they unveiled plans to open over 150 PEP&CO ‘shop-inshop’ fashion outlets over the next 12 months in Ireland, the

UK and France.

Managing director at PEP&CO, Adrian Mountford, said: “We are very excited to bring our fashion and brand to Irish consumers. “ We a l r e a d y r u n 17 0 PEP&CO stores in the UK, most of them located inside Poundland stores, so introducing PEP&CO to the Irish marketplace via Dealz has always

been a priority.

“This Christmas we sold over a million more items than we did in our whole first year of trading in 2015.

“Thanks to our partnership with Poundland – and now Dealz in the Republic of Ireland - we’re set to double in size over the coming year, helping us to drive economies of scale to keep prices low .”

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

25 January 2018 DUBLIN 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

DOG OF THE WEEK: CAN YOU GIVE ONE OF THESE CANINE COMPANIONS THE HOME THEY DESERVE?

Either of these boys will charm DUBLIN Gazette has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week, we’re highlighting two delightful dogs for your consideration – just two of the many canines that Dogs Trust is trying to find a loving home for.

First up, and Sid (right) is a lovely, three-year-old crossbreed that’s hugely people-focused.

Sid will literally give you a hug when he sees you, and adores cuddles. He is

playful with his doggy pals and as he can be a bouncy boy, Sid is best suited to a home with children who are 10 years old or older (so he doesn’t bowl them over with his affections).

He’s an energetic dog who will require plenty of exercise on a daily basis, so an active adopter will be best for him.

Sid is quite good on his walks, and isn’t bothered by common distractions like cars and bikes.

Apart from his love of walks, Sid is also a big lover of food, which makes

Meet Sid

him ideal to train as he can be easily motivated with his favourite treats.

Next up, and we have Ralph, an extremely

Hi, Ralph

handsome one-year-old Belgian Shepard (above) who steals the hearts of everyone he meets.

Since his arrival at the

centre, Ralph has made lots of friends and really enjoys his daily cuddles and play sessions. Ralph also loves going on walks

and is happy walking beside his doggy pals.

Ralph is still a very young dog that will require plenty of training, but taking into consideration his love for food and intelligence, working with him should be lots of fun and definitely a positive experience.

Ralph is such a social creature and enjoys spending time with people. He should be more than happy living with sensible and gentle kids, but he will need to be walked by adults, as he is

a very strong dog!

He will make a very special addition to a family looking for an active and loyal companion.

If you think you can offer either Sid or Ralph a loving home, then please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions can be found at www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINLIFE

Hundreds to rock with Trinity music PUPILS from in and around Dublin will have the opportunity to experience life as a rock star when Trinity College London presents its Trinity on Tour Rock & Pop experience this weekend.

Over 200 students aged between 6 and 16 will take part in the initiative, which takes place at Dublin’s Firhouse Educate Together School on Saturday, January 27 The aim of Trinity on Tour is to introduce children to the rewards of learning a musical instrument.

Through its newly launched Rock & Pop 2018 graded exam syllabus, Trinity College London encourages pupils to experience musical education, learning from new song lists with hundreds of well- known songs by artists ranging

from Adele to David Bowie, AC/DC to Taylor Swift and Daft Punk, adapted by education experts for grades one through to eight.

Children along with their music teachers are invited to attend the free half day event, which offers the opportunity to meet and play alongside real session musicians.

Instruments including keyboard, guitar, bass and drums are provided and the day is split according to age with workshops that cater for those with no experience up to accomplished singers and players.

For further information or to book places on the forthcoming Trinity on Tour experience visit www.trinityontour.com

Great news...

MARY BYRNE

joins Dublin Gazette Dublin Gazette is delighted to announce that the ever-popular, quintessential Dubliner Mary Byrne, is joining Dublin’s Number 1 local newspaper, to provide a weekly advice and guidance column for our readers, starting in our next edition on February 1.

Readers can contact Mary at marybyrne@ dublingazette.com, so make sure to get your questions in as soon as possible.

Mary shot to fame in 2010 when she appeared on the hugely popular X-Factor TV talent show.

The gregarious check out assistant at Tesco in Ballyfermot charmed audiences, not only in Ireland, but also in Britain, as she reached the semifinal of the show.

When asked to provide advice to readers of Dublin Gazette, who may be suffering with mental and physical issues similar to hers, Mary had no hesitation in becoming part of our team to help people.

She said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of a paper that goes out everywhere, that people can pick up and sit down, get some information and read great local stories.”

Mary became the darling of the nation during celebrity Operation Transformation last year, where she revealed her vulnerable self.

She spoke openly about her battle with depression, weight problems and how, by recognising her trigger points, she was able to address her demons and deal with them.

“They saw warts and all and I knew that when I agreed to do that programme, there was an onus on me to be totally and utterly honest.

“I would class myself as someone who knows how to listen and if I can help people with problems that I have, and that I know other people have, but are afraid to talk about them – well that’s great.

“I’m no doctor – I have no medical experience, but what I can do is talk to people about how I feel and hopefully reach out to people who are going through what I’m going through.

“I’m just like you - I suffer like you and you can talk to me about it and let’s see if we can sort something out and get you back on the right track and getting you the help you need. I’m looking forward to this tremendously.”

“Operation Transformation opened a different door and gave the public a glimpse at the real and honest ‘Byrner’ from Ballyfermot, with all the problems that everybody goes through on a daily basis. Being honest with yourself is so important.

“I believe that I can help readers of Dublin Gazette who write in to me and tell me they feel really bad and don’t know what to do about it.

“Don’t be afraid to go out and change you life and I look forward to hearing from you at marybyrne@dublingazette.com every week and helping you get over the obstacles that are holding you back.”

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

GAZETTE

FEATURE DUBLINLIFE Sharing the magic of quidditch for Harry Potter’s sporty fans

HOBBIES: FIRST EVER IRISH TOURNAMENT BEWITCHES ONLOOKERS IN A NORTH DUBLIN PARK

 QUINN KANNER DESPITE the cold, rainy morning of Saturday, January 20, spectators crowded along one side of a field in Fairview Park, bundled in jackets and rain coats, to watch the first ever Irish Quidditch Cup. With the popularity of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, people around the world have started

adapting its magical game of quidditch (see panel) into a real-life sport.

Eamon O’Keeffe, assistant tournament director and player for the Dublin Draichta Dragons, said: “In real-life quidditch – as opposed to the version in Harry Potter – to differentiate the positions and to help the refs know who’s-who, seekers wear

yellow headbands, beaters wear black headbands, chasers wear white headbands, and ke e p e r s we a r g r e e n headbands, so they’re able to tell who’s who.”

Additionally, all the players run around riding ‘brooms’ or pieces of plumbing pipe that are about a metre long.

Eamon said: “I think, in the early days of quidditch – very early – they

actually used brooms, like those you’d see in the Harry Potter films (see Harry, lower right), but when the sport took a more serious turn and people started to take it a bit more seriously, the wood was swapped out for pipes.

“Wood can splinter very easily and was not a safe thing to be using out on the pitch.”

Ireland’s first quidditch club team, the Dublin Draichta Dragons, was founded in 2016 by Stefan Scheurer and Martina Brazdova, who had both played quidditch abroad before moving to Ireland.

Stef a n s a i d : “ We b o t h didn’t know anybody except for each other, so we started this club together.

“We went to the unis and a lot of groups on the internet where people were in similar situations to us – people who’d moved to the city and didn’t know anyone, but wanted to get to know some people, and who wanted to do something in the afternoon or something at the weekend.”

Now, almost three years later, Ireland had enough teams to host their own Quidditch Cup. Last Saturday saw three teams competing: the Dublin Draichta Dragons, the Northern Wyverns Belfast, and “Galweinster” – a com-

WHAT IS QUIDDITCH? JUST as in the books and films, each team has seven players who play on the field at a time – three chasers (who try and score points with the quaffle, a slightly deflated volleyball); one keeper (who guards the team’s three goalposts from score attempts); two beaters (who peg the opposite team’s players with bludgers – slightly deflated dodgeballs – forcing them to run to their goalpost and tag back in); and a seeker (who catches the snitch – a tennis ball inside a sock attached with velcro to a special referee who acts a snitch runner, and who tries to keep the seekers from catching the snitch).

Catching the snitch ends the game and awards that team 30 points, as opposed to the 10 points earned by a quaffle score. A gender quota comes into play: of the team’s seven members on the field, there can be no more than four of either gender.

binat i o n team of the Galw ay G r i n dylows, the Mid-Leinster Moontrimers, and international mercenary players.

Stefan said: “I think it’s very important that

these smaller teams get their first [tournament] experience. “ I f you play your first tournament, it can be ver y encouraging, and it creates a lot of enthusiasm in the players.”

The day got off to a rough start when the rain waterlogged the field at Trinity College, where the cup was sup-

posed to take place.

Eamon O’Keeffe said: “We had been planning the event for half a year, and 15 minutes before the opening ceremony we were told we couldn’t play in front of Trinity.

“So, it was frustrating, but it’s rain – there’s nothing we can do about rain!”

However, the cup was moved to Fairview Park, where they managed to play two of the three scheduled matches.

Eamon added: “It was very, very mucky – very wet. The park rangers sort of said, when they saw the state of the pitch after two games of quidditch, he said that we had to move somewhere else, so we ended up having to cancel the last game.”

Since the Dublin Draichta Dragons won the first two games, they won the cup and a spot in the European Quidditch Cup in Germany in April.

Stefan said: “We’re gonna play against the 32 best teams in Europe.

It’s gonna be really exciting!”

Dublin Draichta Dragons scoring despite the muddy conditions. Picture: Mark Hill

GAZETTE

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

To Have to Hold N I W WEDDEDBLISS BLISS We have a great range of wedding features to cover everyone from die-hard traditionalists to contemporary couples, and help meet your needs for the big day.

SEE INSIDE

WORTH

€200

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT PACK See Page 23

SUITED AND BOOTED:

Classic style at Remus Uomo to ensure gentlemen look their very best Page 20

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE

Check your list, list, list...

FOR most couples, deciding to tie the knot and get hitched is the easy part, as the big day itself marks the end of months (and sometimes even years) of meticulous marital planning.

To help ensure that the day passes off without a hitch, you’ll undoubtedly refer to The List a lot – the endless to-dos to get through before your I-Dos can start.

Here are just some of the main pointers to note and tick off as you prepare for a wonderful wedding – yours!

12 MONTHS TO GO

3 MONTHS TO GO

1 WEEK TO GO

• Set yourself a budget

• Three months out is pretty

• Print or do up place cards

• Start researching venue/ ceremony locations

much your last chance to tell

• Look in to wedding insurance

• Compile your wedding gift

• Decide how many guests you

list (if you’re having one)

want and make a rough list

• Start collecting addresses

• Think about the style of venue you’d like • Start researching wedding suppliers and services such as wedding photographers, entertainment, florists, etc

and do up table plan • Organise envelopes with

everyone

of friends and family for the invites and buy stamps • Decide on your song choi es: first dance, reception etc • Arrange food tasting and decide on menu

payments for suppliers – allocate groomsmen to look after them on the day • Give reception venue/caterer final guest numbers • Attend wedding rehearsal with celebrant • Pack your honeymoon bag (don’t forget your passport)

If you’re having your marriage ceremony abroad, make sure you’re organised before heading off

Mini boys stripe blazer €37, Grandad shirt €13, chino shorts €24 , Girls white 3D flower tulle skirt dress lace €87 and boys blue blazer €56, all available at River Island

The Cuteness

FACTOR PAGE BOYS & FLOWER GIRLS

CHILDREN can bring a sense of fun and lighthearted-

fabulous sense of style. Soft baby pinks and pretty

ness to a wedding and they deserve comfortable

laces will delight any young fashionista and comfortable

and fun outfits for the special day. River Island has

brushed cotton suits in hazy hues will keep the youngest

created the Flower Girl and Summer Suits Collection

of men happy and stylish. The range suits ages 6-months

s o your

to 12 years. See www.riverisland.com

littlest guests can show off their

Getting married abroad?

WITH travel becoming every more affordable, and many modern couples turning away from traditional weddings, or ‘a big do’, it’s understandable that lots of people are looking to get married in a far-flung destination.

Apart from the attraction of getting married somewhere exotic, many romantically-minded (yet also practically-headed) couples like to make a foreign wedding something extra-special, typically by making it an immediate-familyand-very-best-friends-only affair.

Rather than getting married with your milkman’s cousin and your third-cousin Susan who you haven’t seen in 20 years in tow, there’s something magical about getting married with ‘just’ 20-30 or so people in tow, knowing that your big day is being shared with the most important people in your life – and that they’re also having a fun holiday, too.

However, just as with getting married at home, there are some important

things to keep in mind, with getting married abroad presenting its own unique things to note.

1. Check that you are not paying for any extra legal requirements while in the resort – always check before committing to any deal.

2. Always ask how many weddings a day your chosen hotel will have – you don’t want to be part of a ‘conveyor belt’ wedding just churning them out.

3. Always ask if you need to leave the hotel to complete formalities that could involve a visit to the local Licence Office or Registrar’s Office while on your holiday/honeymoon.

4. Go easy on the sunbathing – you definitely don’t want to get sunburnt before your wedding.

5. Finally, always, always travel with your original documents and paperwork, regardless if you’ve sent copies beforehand – your wedding won’t take place unless you have these.

Mini girls pink floral lace dress €60, Mini girls pink metallic bow plimsols €17, girls rose gold bow hairband

Boys pink blazer €56, boys pink suit trousers €33, boys

€6 and Mini boys grey check 4 piece suit set €55, Mini

pink oxford shirt €16, pink and navy striped bow tie €6,

boys tan tassel loafers €29.

white trainers €21.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

 FIND BLISS IN BALBRIGGAN THANKS TO THE BRACKEN COURT 

A bespoke venue to help create the day you’ve dreamed of THE Bracken Cour t Hotel is a well-established 4 -star lu xur y hotel, exceptional in design and character.

From the moment you step on to the red carpet, you will experience the true dedication of a friendly and professional team with a single focus in mind – the success of the most memorable day in your life.

Whether it’s to be a grand affair or an inti-

mate reception, the style of your wedding is entirely up to you.

With the perfect stylish suites to choose from, the Bracken Court Hotel is a premier venue in North County Dublin.

The bespoke wedding venue is also registered to host civil ceremonies, and there is a variety of large and small spaces w i t h i n t h e B r a c ke n Court to host everything

from the most intimate wedding celebrations to the most lavish occasions.

Excellent value wedding packages at the Bracken Court Hotel start from €39.95 per person, with a premium all-inclusive package priced at €79.95 per guest The hotel also offers perks for the bride and groom to choose from, adding the extra touches

to a perfect wedding day.

From the elegant red carpet and champagne on arrival, to a sumptuous champagne breakfast for the happy couple the following morning in their bridal suite, the Bracken Court in Balbriggan has a single focus on creating memorable weddings.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding co-ordinators will ensure everything, from the style of the

The Martello Suite at the Bracken Court Hotel – just one of a number of spaces that can be tailor-customed to suit your wedding’s needs, from the grand to the intimate

wedding suite, to the meal, fresh flowers, and entertainment is tailored to the bridal party’s exact requirements.

Wedding guests can take advantage of special guest rates, and personalised booking forms can be mailed out with wedding invitations.

Recently engaged or looking for the ideal wedding venue?

J o i n t h e B r a c ke n Court Hotel on Sunday, February 18 for their upcoming Spring Wedding Fair from 2pm6pm and meet with the hotel’s wedding co-ordinators and exclusive

preferred partners who will have everything you need for your special day.

The Bracken Court Hotel can be contacted at 01 841 3333, with weddings and other special occasion details available at www.brackencourt.ie.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

LOVE MARRIAGE

Dark grey tr

ousers €1

05

Dinner Suit Jacket €235 Dinner Suit Waistcoat €80 Dinner Suit Trousers €110 Shirt €45

Grey blazer €220 Grey waistcoat €75

ge Trousers with

ometric print

€115

Navy blaze r€ Navy wais 220 tcoat €75

Penrose-London.com

Classically

GROOMED BRIDES tend to hog the limelight at weddings – but dashing

grooms have almost as much pressure to look their best. (Well, almost.) Thankfully, men have plenty of options to dress to impress – after all, it’s their big day too – with a dash of dapper tailoring and attention to detail helping men to look their best.

There are a wide range of gentlemen’s outfitters out there catering for grooms, but we’ve pulled out some items from Remus Uomo to help be a cut above, with ties from Penrose London completing the look.

Penrose-London.com

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

 OFFERING OLD-WORLD CHARM CLOSE TO THE CITY'S EDGE 

A unique, tranquil wedding setting to delight everyone THE Court Yard Hotel is a unique, intimate and bespoke wedding venue in Kildare, offering the perfect wedding location for couples who are looking for that little something extra.

Built on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, the hotel offers old-world charm and beautiful original stonework with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling. The Court Yard Hotel truly is Kildare’s best kept secret.

From its humble beginnings back in 1756, the hotel has become a popular choice with a unique space for weddings and events.

Renowned for its ability to capture the true essence of the day, its staff firmly believe that each wedding should truly reflect the bride and groom’s own personal style.

It is ideal for intimate

offers its own private terrace for pre-drinks reception and evening party room with an exclusive piano bar.

The Court Yard Hotel’s exclusive Store House package, aptly named after its Guinness heritage, includes all the finer details for €89 per person to bespoke inspired packages such as the Boat House package starting from as little as €49 per person.

The charm of the historic hotel, coupled with its magnificent riverside setting, make the Court Yard Hotel a truly superb wedding venue

gatherings, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate with up to 100 cherished family and friends in the stunning R iverBank reception

room – a truly beautiful wedding room with captivating views of the River Liffey and Leixlip Castle Boat House.

The RiverBank room

Recently Engaged?

An upcoming Spring Wedding Showcase takes place at the Court Yard Hotel on Thursday, February 22 from 6pm-9pm.

Meet with their dedicated wedding team and enjoy prosecco and canapes as you experience all the Court Yard Hotel has to offer you on your special day.

The Court Yard Hotel can be contacted on (01) 629 5100; see also www. courtyard.ie

Research your photographer carefully, and getting the best shots of your all-important day should be a snap NO MATTER who you are, who you’re marrying or where you’re getting hitched, and how, there’s one thing everyone wants to have: great wedding photos.

The importance of hiring a professional wedding photographer cannot be over-emphasised – turning to a friend with a good camera do it, leaving it to your guests, or hiring a non-wedding photographer is almost certainly a bad idea.

Any of these groups or people can give you some more photos to treasure, but they can’t compete with the skills and experience of an experienced professional who specialises in capturing couples’ dream shots.

It’s never too soon to start thinking

about the photos of your big day, with a good photographer being something that you should research just as carefully, and as far in advance, as any other key part of the day.

Hiring a professional photographer is a part of the wedding that is crucial to get right. Remember: your photos will form some of the most important and lasting memories you’ll have of the day, and if they don’t

turn out as you want, then your memories will be ruined.

The same applies to those who choose a videographer, with your wedding or ceremony video also needing a skilled professional to get right; many photographers and videographers work as a team, or can recommend someone to work with to get your still and moving images just right.

Apart from word of mouth, and being able to turn to friends and family for direct recommendations, be sure to also check online portfolios of photographers’ work, with most now offering subtle digital retouching and polishing to enhance your shots, with copies often included in their packages and wedding deals.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE

Sojourn in stunning Sorrento – just one of the pearls scattered along Italy’s jaw-dropping Amalfi coast, and a perfect destination for honeymooners

So many options to find your heavenly honeymoon break  RACHEL D’ARCY

YOU’VE sur vived the stresses and joys of your big day – now, it’s time to get away!

The honeymoon is your first step into wedded bliss, and there’s nothing like a top-class travel agent to organise the perfect getaway for you and your partner.

For those looking to venture a little further afield, Tour America has some great packages available.

From a ten-night break to Cancun and Las Vegas, to a Carribean cruise with a New York stopover, they have something to cater to all tastes.

They even have a Universal Studios package for the more thrill-seeking newlyweds! Prices start from €1,449 per person.

E s c a p e 2 o n Lowe r

Abbey Street offer tailormade luxury honeymoon packages to exotic destinations such as Bali, the Dominican Republic and Paradise Island.

Fo r a s e v e n - n i g h t break in Punta Cana, prices begin at €1,289 per person, with a week in Mexico costing €2,419 per person.

Fancy staying a little closer to home? Look no further than Sunway Holidays. From five-star hotels in the Algarve to seven nights in opulence in luxurious Lanzarote, they’ve got you covered.

All their honeymoon offerings range from fourto five-stars for the break you deserve.

Prices start at €1,458 f o r s e ve n n i g h t s o f f i ve - s t a r g l a m o u r i n the Algarve, ranging to €2,669 for a Sorrento siesta.

Don’t be afraid to hand over some control (and stress) to your planner MANY couples never even consider hiring a professional wedding planner, not realising that having outside, additional help can save both of them time, aggravation, and even money.

Whether you and your future spouse are behind in your wedding planning, or are just looking for some general guidance, a wedding planner for the big day could be a great option to avail of.

It’s only natural that you both want to take control of your big day, but there’s a lot to be said for having help from a skilled wedding professional, and for leaving them to deal with many of the logistics, problems and stresses involved – after all, that’s their job!

For those looking for a dash of decadence and a beautiful way to add something special to the wedding dining, gold cutlery is sure to be a hut

Try gold cutlery to be a cut above with the meal

FOR couples looking to add an extra-special touch to their big day, one Dublin woman has something to help be a cut, jab and scoop above – gold cutlery.

When Churchtown native Amy McGovern got married in Italy in 2016, she picked gold cutlery for the reception, with the luxurious splurge elevating the table settings and proving a hit with impressed guests.

A fter the wedding, however, Amy realised

she had a 750-piece set of gold cutlery and no use for it.

Instead of letting the

beautiful collection of cutlery gather dust up in a box in the attic, Amy now rents the lovely set out for

use at other weddings and big events, and says she’s delighted to be helping make any other couple’s big day even better.

Talking to Dublin Gazette, she says: “I really wanted the set for my own wedding. It was my one extravagant buy, and I looked in to hiring this type of cutlery in Ireland and I couldn’t find any option that was in any way reasonably priced.

“So, when I researched it, it made sense for me to actually purchase gold cutlery outright.”

Amy shipped the cutlery in from China and, as part of her own beautiful wedding, says the cutlery really added a special touch of decadence to the reception, as well as being a fun talking point with guests.

She has since set up an Instagram profile showcasing the cutlery in all its glory – search for #goldcutleryforhire on Instagram.

Alternatively, you can also email Amy at goldcutleryforhire@outlook. ie for a quote.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

 TALBOT HOTEL STILLORGAN HELPS TO TAKE CARE OF EVERY LITTLE DETAIL 

Offering the warmest of welcomes for your big day

YOUR wedding day is the most special day of your life, and staff at the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan are determined to ensure that every detail is perfect.

As part of the familyow ned Talbot Hotel Group, the hotel’s staff understand tradition and offer the warmest of welcomes to couples and their guests.

Offering a selection of wedding suites which can be individually tailored to let the bride and groom create and celebrate their dream day, the Talbot Hotel Stillor-

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan promises to help create the perfect mood for your big day

gan provides the ideal setting for the perfect South Dublin wedding venue.

From intimate gatherings to formal receptions, the hotel’s wedding coordinators will

WI€N200 WORTH

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Instax 300 Instant Camera • Three packs of 20 photos (total 60 wide-format shots) • Pen, bespoke wedding album and adhesive pads

work with the bride and groom to create a uniquely special day.

W hen it comes to their wedding day, every detail is paramount. The staff are on hand to help guide couples through

their special day, with ever y detail being thoughtfully considered from the beginning to end.

T h e Ta l b o t Ho t e l Stillorgan’s exquisite French courtyard and

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT BUNDLE THANKS to our friends at Fujifilm, we have a Fujifilm Instax 300 Wedding Gift Bundle (worth €200) to give away to a lucky reader.

This wonderful all-in-one pack would make a perfect gift for the happy couple – or be a terrific way to capture some onthe-go moments of their special day, with the easy-to-use cam-

era making it a cinch for everyone to capture and share the memories of the wonderful day.

TO WIN, email your details to competitions@dublingazette. com (name, address, contact number); alternatively, visit our Dublin Gazette Facebook page before 5pm on Friday, February 2, and follow the instructions there. Best of luck!

garden oasis creates a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing guests to unwind during the drinks reception and throughout the special day.

The Talbot Stillorgan is also licensed for civil ceremonies, with tailored packages on offer, and a choice of two ceremony suites which can cater for groups of 25-250 guests.

For further information, see www.talbothotelstillorgan.com, email weddings@talbotstillorgan.com, or call 01 200 1800.

Lots for couples to think of and get organised about before the big day arrives

COUPLES have lots of options to consider for their big day. For example, for their wedding ceremony, do you want to have a church ceremony or a civil ceremony? If it’s to be a church ceremony, are you both of the same religion?

The majority of church weddings in the Republic of Ireland are still Catholic ceremonies, but as society and culture changes, this too is changing, with the evolving state of marriage in Ireland giving couples more choice than ever before.

As most couples are still traditionalists looking to get married in a church or similar religious venue, the process can be quite bureaucratic, so it’s important to check with your local

religious figure, and venue, as to what you have to do.

If you’re thinking about a civil ceremony, are you thinking of a registry office or would you like to get married at a venue? Do you want separate venues for your ceremony and reception or would you like them in the same place?

As for those who’d like to get married outdoors, it can be a bit tricky to get married outdoors in Ireland (only Humanist ceremonies and particular religions – not for civil ceremonies or Catholic ones).

However, lots of couples choose to have a civil ceremony for the legal bit, and then plan their own ceremony in the location of their choice.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE  TRANSFORMED VENUE SURE TO DELIGHT 

Red Cow Moran will tick all your wedding boxes Rose open ring with red cubic zirconia €59

Heart padlock silver ring €39

Heart-shaped rose spacer with red cubic zirconia €35

Floating locket heart key silver pendant with clear cubic zirconia and necklace €119

Two hearts silver charm with clear cubic zirconia €49

Bling it on! nice, sweet way to say thank-you

OKAY, so you’ve got the rings and

Pandora have some great gifts

the bling sorted out – well, you’d

that would go down a treat with

to your bridesmaids and helpers

hope so, with your big day looming

bridesmairds, or to some other

– and if any of them aren’t hitched

on the horizon - but what about

close pals who’ve also been a trea-

yet, they might even bring them

adding a sparkling touch to the

sure with organising everything.

a little luck as they stand by your

They’re simple gifts, but they’ll a

memories of your helpers?

side on your own special day!

Prismatic Shadow 15

NO SELF-RESPECTING bride would dream or

The unexpected hues and tones will add

dare of getting married without “some-

as vivid (or subtle) a shade of blue, cyan,

thing blue” – enter NYX Professional Make-

and everything in between you could hope

Up, offering some unexpected and daring

for, creating a contemporary dash of

shades that will leave any bride looking

colour that could be a wonderful addition to

blue-ming beautiful.

all the rest of the day’s traditional stylings.

Jumbo Baby Blue eye pencil €5

Something blue…

Water elements blue-based palette

THE TRANSFORMED Red Cow Moran Hotel has been transformed by the recent addition of an extension that has added 152 luxury guestrooms, 14 new event spaces, Link lounge with wine bar and coffee dock, a fitness suite, gorgeous new courtyard garden and Tom’s Table restaurant, making it the perfect choice for your wedding reception.

Offering complete wedding packages and catering for up to 450 guests and more intimate weddings, along with extensive menu options and drinks packages, couples can rest assured that their wedding day will be unique as they are.

The Red Cow Moran’s dedicated wedding coordinators always go the extra mile to make the big day truly unforgettable.

The hotel is ideal for weddings of any size.

Weddings can start from an intimate party of 10 people right up to 450 dinner guests in the ballroom, up to 200 guests in Tom’s Table, or up to 70 guests in a private suite.

Wedding packages are based on a minimum of 80 guests, so smaller weddings are each individually tailored to suit.

The Red Cow Moran’s

wedding packages offer a “One wedding a day” promise, and its experienced wedding coordinators will ensure that couples enjoy their special day every step of the way, with their arrangements carried out with the individual attention and personal service that the Red Cow Moran Hotel is renowned for.

Location Occupying one of the best locations in the country and with 275 luxurious bedrooms, the Red Cow Moran Hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to accommodating guests who have to travel from all corners of the country, or who are coming in from abroad.

Located just off the N7/M50, the hotel offers speedy access to all parts of the country, in addition to Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport, and Heuston and Connolly train stations.

The Red Cow Moran Hotel is also a popular choice for those seeking a civil ceremony or an informal blessing in Dublin. Its beautiful new courtyard garden offers brides- and grooms-to-be the opportunity to have their ceremony outdoors

in a chic urban oasis.

Exchanging vows at a hotel allows couples to enjoy their wedding celebrations all under one roof, meaning less to worry about on their special day.

Couples have the option of using the hotel’s civil ceremony venue for gatherings from two to 200 guests.

Its courtyard garden provides the perfect backdrop for engagement parties, cocktail receptions and even post-wedding day BBQs. This hidden gem can be decorated in a variety of ways to make the special day truly unique.

For beautiful wedding photographs, the courtyard garden and dramatic sweeping staircase, with Murano glass chandelier, provide amazing backdrops.

Whether planning a celebration that’s traditional or trendy, festive or formal, intimate or grand scale, the Red Cow Moran guarantees that you’ll be saying YES to holding your wedding there.

Contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator by emailing weddings@redcowmoranhotel.com, or call 01 459 3650.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

PUZZLE PAGE SUDOKU

CODEWORDS EASY

TOUGH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

HOW TO SOLVE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WORD SEARCH

Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues!

Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

SCRIBBLE BOX

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

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE FOLLOWING HIDDEN WORDS affliction

pang

anguish

pound

cramp

smart

grief

sore

hankering

spasm

heartache

suffer

hunger

throb

hurt

torment

insufferable

twinge

longing

woe

misery

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE PICK OF THE WEEK

LET’S GO OUT MUSIC

ERASURE

@ THE OLYMPIA THEATRE SYNTH pop duo Erasure play the Olympia Theatre on January 29, 30 and 31.

Since releasing their first single in 1985, Erasure have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.

For 32 years, without a break or break-up, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have mined a rich seam of creativity

that has led to chart-conquering singles, a string of immaculate albums, a BRIT, an Ivor Novello Award and now World Be Gone, their seventeenth studio album.

Tickets for their Olympia Theatre shows, priced from €54.50, are on sale now from Ticketmaster .

BEST OF THE REST JANUARY 25 (Thursday) Elder Island @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free Andy Irvine + Donal Lunny @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €30 Jarlath Henderson Band @ St Michan’s Church, €25 The Fureys @ Porterhouse (Temple Bar), €3 Jack O’Rourke + Sounds of Sirens @ St Werburgh’s Church, €20 Stockton’s Wing @ The Merchant’s Arch The 4 Of Us @ Whelan’s, €25 JANUARY 26 (Friday) The Spitfires @ Workman’s Club, €15 Moon Duo @ The Button Factory, €16 Lord Huron @ Vicar Street, €25 The Frankenstein Bolts @ Graphic Studio Gallery Judy Collins @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €38 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free JANUARY 27 (Saturday) Rosborough @ Whelan’s, €13 Heavily touted as a soon-to-be superstar, Rosborough - a youngster from Derry - plays charming and memorable ditties inspired by anyone from Bruce Springsteen to The Ramones and Muse. His newfound solo career shows all the hallmarks of years fronting fast-gigging bands.

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes @ Tivoli Theatre, €22 Sofi Tukker @ The Button Factory, €18 Huxley + Mele @ District 8, €17 Martha Wainwright @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €32

The Legend of Luke Kelly Show @ Vicar Street, €30 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free JANUARY 28 (Sunday) The Weather Station @ The Grand Social Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free The Menzingers + Pup + Cayetana @ Whelan’s, €22 Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes @ Tivoli Theatre, €22 Folk Gala featuring Shelby Lynne + Allison Moorer @ Dublin Castle, €40 JANUARY 29 (Monday) Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €40-50 A man who needs no introduction, a Monday night spent watching Christy light up Vicar Street is a night well spent. Pure sonic poetry.

JANUARY 30 (Tuesday) Jeff Tweedy @ Vicar Street, €40 Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Revel in camp sing-alongs from this wonderful pop act, as they bring their over-the-top tunes to the Olympia and lead a chorus on respect.

Hayseed Dixie @ Whelan’s, €20 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 Visions of Floyd @ The National Concert Hall, €22-32.

JANUARY 31 (Wednesday) Pale Waves @ The Grand Social, €13 Ulaid + Duke Special @ Whelan’s, €22 Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

THREE BILLBOARDS Unrelentingly powerful

FRANCES McDormand is a raw force of nature in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Cert 15A, 115 mins). Here, her daughter was murdered and she’s out for justice, with three unused billboards proving perfect for her ads to pile pressure on the local police in their small town. Things soon escalate in a dark direction, but her steely character remains sympathetic throughout.

Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf turn in equally memorable roles, bouncing off each other with an intensity that rings true for many parent-child relationships

LADY BIRD: FILM HAS REAL HEART, WITH EMOTIONS THAT TURN ON A DIME

THE POST

A press worth opening THE Post (Cert 12A, 115 mins) is director Spielberg’s love letter to journalistic integrity, given some intentional topicality by the strange embrace of ‘fake news’ mantras by far too many people today. Stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep excel as The Washington Post’s editor and publisher respectively, as they mull over tough choices in what they can can – and should – publish in the paper as they expose Nixon’s wrongdoing.

THE LAST JEDI

Still a Forceful franchise AFTER a certain scene in The Last Jedi (Cert 12A, 155 mins), you’d be forgiven for thinking the late Carrie Fisher (as General Leia, above) in her final film was the last Jedi. But, no, despite her spinetingling swansong, the film very much belongs to Mark Hamill’s startling turn as the eponymous Jedi, with his jaded, guilt-ridden Luke Skywalker helping the series move on, thematically.

Awkwardly wonderful ANYONE who spent their formative years navigating the awkward fashions and questionable music of the early millennium will find some instant kinship in Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut.

For tunately, Lady Bird (Cert 15A, 94 mins) is such an utterly endearing coming-of-age tale, anybody who’s outmanoeuvred the choppy waters of adolescence will find something to love in this charming comedic drama.

That something, above all else, is “Lady Bird” herself – the Sacramento, California high school student whose story is based on Gerwig’s own teenage years, brought to life with the magnetism and burgeoning talent of Saoirse Ronan.

Gerwig’s first effort is a lovingly crafted film, bearing all the notes of her co-writing work with director Noah Baumbach

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

– hard evidence of an auteur at work.

Christine McPherson, senior student at a Catholic high school, prefers to go by “Lady Bird” - her ‘given’ name (“she gave it to herself”).

Struggling to maintain a strained relationship with her headstrong mother (Laurie Metcalf), Lady Bird navigates her first romantic relationship, the tribulations of her high school’s social hierarchy and stages optimistic plans for her future – plans her mother considers unrealistic and, given her father’s (Tracy Letts) recent redundancy, unaffordable.

Lady Bird takes its cues from the same cinematic

pool as most American coming-of-age stories: Christine wanders from phase to phase, learns who her friends are, gets in trouble, drinks, smokes, fights and falls in and out of love.

These are tropes and plot points we’ve seen time and time again, but instead of feeling tired, the narrative in Lady Bird oozes a comfortable, homespun familiarity.

Ger wig documents the era perfectly, rendering each familiar beat remarkably fresh.

She creates a world both personal and universal, and Ronan pulls us right into it.

Everything about adolescence is awful for Lady Bird – she doesn’t have the ‘right’ friends, can’t find the ‘right’ guy and doesn’t seem set to go to the ‘right’ colleges.

Ye t w i t h R o n a n ’s vibrant, wonderfully natural performance, Lady Bird’s story breathes out

a tremendous optimism.

In and around all her highs and lows, Ronan’s performance has a loveably awkward warmth and precise comedic timing that brings to mind Gerwig’s own turns in front of the camera.

Gerwig juxtaposes the very real (at the time) dramas of adolescence with moments of heartfelt comedy and R o n a n ties it all together with a c o m mand of the craft that even n ow, a decade into her c a r e e r, is pro found for an actor her age.

O u t wardly

confident and yet utterly vulnerable; heedless, irrational and yet wise beyond her years, Lady Bird radiates a warmth we can’t help but cling to.

However, it’d be unfair to insinuate that Ronan carries Lady Bird. Metcalfe delivers a superb per formance as Christine’s mother; the scenes in which they cl a s h a r e some of the film’s m o s t devastating a n d p o i gnant.

Relat i v e n e w comer Lucas

Hedges builds on all the promise and natural aptitude he demonstrated in last year’s Manchester by the Sea and, as her best friend, newcomer Beanie Feldstein delivers one hell of a break-out performance.

Speaking of break-outs, Gerwig’s first turn behind the camera further cements her as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary cinema.

At its heart, Lady Bird is her story, and there isn’t a frame here that doesn’t feel deeply personal.

Lady Bird may hit familiar beats, but there’s nothing trite about Gerwig’s film – a short, sweet story that flows naturally, feels effortless and provides the perfect space for its burgeoning star to demonstrate her skill.

Verdict: 9/10

Ronan does a great job at capturing some of the highs and horrors of our adolescent years

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINMOTORING

Style, comfort and power ensures Ranger leads pick-up market

There is a big feeling to the good looking Ford Ranger while the price is competitive at €44,175, incl. VAT

Pick-up trucks are no longer just functional machines and they now come with features and comfort levels that were unimaginable just five years ago.

These are unique vehicles that are growing in popularity across Ireland and the world. MICHAEL MORONEY took the 2017 market leader, the Ford Ranger on test and justifies its popularity.

PICK-UPS are fashionable once again with hints that Irish drivers are following those in America in their quest for a weekend motor that’s stylish, functional and attractive, with the capacity to work for the rest of the week.

No 4x4 pick-up meets these demands better than the Ford Ranger and the market has proven that desire as the Ranger topped the 4x4 sales in 2017.

Ford has a pick-up truck heritage that’s the envy of other brands.

For years, Fords F150 pick-up has been America’s best-seller, across any car make and model.

Ford has built a new reputation in Europe and Ireland for the Ranger series, a more compact pick-up than what’s available in North America.

The new generation

Ford Ranger 3.2 Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Towing rating Warranty Entry Price

3.2 litre 200hp 10.9 seconds 12km/litre (8.4l/100km or 34mpg) 80 litres 221g/km Commercial €333 20,000km/12 months 5 stars 2012 3500kgs 2 years unlimited €44,175

Ranger has some styling lines from the American market that add to its appeal.

My test version was a blackWildtrak Ranger and the chrome was replaced by an all-black Titanium front that gave it even more appeal.

Ford uniquely offers

two engine and power bands for the Ranger pick-up. The entry model is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. My test Ranger was the more powerful, five-cylinder version that’s rated at 3.2-litres and pumps out 200bhp from this throaty sound-

ing engine.

The big solid engine feel and sound is more than superficial. Everything about the Ranger has a big and strong feel to it, helped by the high torque figure of 400Nm that ensures that it can tow a 3.5 tonne load at low revs and with ease.

Out on the road the six speed gearbox allows the Ranger to cruise on the motorways at 120km/hr at just about 2,250rpm, even with a full load on board.

Hitching up a trailer is easy with the impressive reversing camera and when towing the load is barely noticeable because of the Ranger power.

That bigger engine delivers power and takes a little more fuel than some of the competition.

Over a test drive of almost 700km, I found

that the Ranger was very near true to its economy claims of 12km/litre (8.4l/100km or 34mpg), helped by its start/stop system when driving in heavy traffic.

That’s marginally less economical than the new V6 Volkswagen Amarok pick-up.

The Ranger wins out on acceleration, but only marginally so over the higher power versions of the Nissan Navara and the Volkswagen Amarok.

While the Amarok tops the league in terms of engine power and torque, all three are rated at the top towing figure of 3.5 tonnes.

Driving off road is effortless by just engaging the four-wheel-drive system in high or low range by means of a dial beside the gear lever.

This can be done on

the move at slower speeds, allowing the driver to deal with frost and snow conditions on the road, as well as the more serious mud plugging adventures.

I took the Ranger across some seriously waterlogged fields and with care and steady driving, my route was never compromised.

The high engine torque meant that at low revs, we pushed through the mud and water with a steady pace, with little hint of wheel spin or slippage.

The Wildtrak version comes with lots of specification on board, including larger 18 wheel, an off-road pack, as well as a leather trimmed steering wheel, and a full range of safety features that are the now available on higherend standard road cars.

While the Ranger has

not had a recent Euro NCAP test result, the overall safety package is equivalent to that available on those that have.

Sales of the Ford Ranger just by 26% in 2017 based on an impressive specification and competitive entry price that starts at €44,175 for this high powered version.

That’s marginally more competitive than the slightly higher power Volkswagen Amarok and more expensive than Nissan’s Navara.

The Ranger package is very complete, the vehicle is strong and workmanlike while delivering a level of comfort for the weekend, complimented by styling good looks. The Ranger deserves its market leading place and it demands a test drive if you’re in the pick-up market in 2018.

Fiat offers choice of three for 181 FIAT Ireland has announced three 181 offers available to customers until 31 January 2018.

Customers trading in an older Euro 1 to Euro 4 car (petrol or diesel of any brand) will be able to avail of scrappage bonuses of up to €5,000 on selected Fiat models.

Customers that do not qualify for the Fiat Scrappage

The Fiat offer applies only to any passenger car with preEuro 5 emissions standards (petrol or diesel) registered before 31st December 2009 and where the car has been in the owner’s name for more than 180 days.

The scrappage bonuses available by model are; Model

Scrappage Bonus up to

bonuses will be able to avail of either low rate finance or

Fiat Punto

€1,500

cash savings offers, with 0% APR Personal Contract Plan

Fiat 500

€2,000

(PCP) & Hire Purchase (HP) available across selected Fiat

Fiat 500X

€3,000

500, Fiat 500X, Fiat Tipo, Fiat 500L and Fiat 124 Spider models

Fiat Tipo

€3,500

or cash savings of up to €3,000 available across the Fiat

Fiat 500L

€4,000

range.

Fiat 124 Spider

€5,000

Fiat is offering a new scrappage option across many models

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Ford fits a five-cylinder turbo-diesel to power the Range 3.2 and its has a powerful sound backing up its 200bhp rating

VOLVO Cars’ XC60 has been crowned the best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance of 2017 in the prestigious Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards.

The XC60 scored a near-perfect 98% in the Adult Occupant category and in its Large Off-Road class, showed a clear advantage in Safety Assist with a score of 95 per cent – 20 percentage points higher than the nearest Large Off-Road competitor – underlining Volvo Cars’ position as a leader in automotive safety.

The Euro NCAP award for the XC60 follows in the tracks of Volvo Cars’ XC90, which in 2015 was also named the best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance that year.

Volvo Cars’ V40 is another previous Euro NCAP winner, in the Small Family class.

The XC60 also joins the S90 and V90 in making history for Volvo Cars as the first manufacturer to hold all top three car rankings in Euro NCAP’s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests – AEB City, AEB InterUrban and AEB Pedestrian. The three Volvo cars are the only cars to have achieved perfect scores in all three AEB categories.

“The new XC60 is one of the safest Volvo cars ever made,” said Malin Ekholm, Vice President, Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

“It is fully loaded with new technology designed to assist drivers, to help protect vehicle occupants and other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, plus mitigate collision risks.

We are proud that our ongoing commitment to innovating new safety features has been recognised with another Euro NCAP Best in Class award for Volvo Cars.”

GAZETTE

Volvo XC60 is rated as safest car in Euro NCAP testing

FASTNews

Slow down in diesel forecast in 2018

DIESEL engines, once the favoured options across Europe, have been in decline due to a number of factors, and now industry experts claim that the diesel engine should not be counted out just yet.

Diesel car and van sales will continue to be important in 2018 because car companies still need to keep a high percentage of diesels in their ranges to meet carbon emissions requirements, currently 130 grams per km of CO2 for the European fleet.

Car companies are now working hard to come up with an engine mix that will allow them to meet the next big emissions cut, that takes full effect in 2021, to a fleet average of 95g/km of CO2.

This figure will mean significant numbers of electric and electrified cars in the fleets of the car companies. This means there will still be plenty of diesels available at dealerships, with car companies strongly motivated to sell them at competitive prices.

Record year at Skoda SKODA Ireland claims that despite the Irish new car market decreasing by 10% in 2017 compared to 2016, Skoda increased its new car turnover figure by 1% to €146 million in 2017 and increased turnover from parts and accessories by 8% to €9.6 million.

Skoda claims that a growing number of customers are also availing of the competitive Skoda finance offers, with the brand loaning over €112 million to customers over the past twelve months, an increase of 5% on 2016.

Skoda Ireland have also recorded market share of 6.9% which is the highest ever share recorded by the brand in Ireland.

Skoda delivered 9,056 new vehicles to customers in 2017, making it the sixth bestselling car brand in the country for the third year in a row, as the brand now sets its sights on a top five finish in 2018.

John Donegan, brand director at Skoda Ireland, said: “There’s no doubt that the new car market has been impacted by the level of imports in 2017.

Brexit and sterling values pose big threats to the industry but Skoda has remained strong based

The drop leaf tailgate on the Ford Ranger 3.2 is strong and solid enough to add to the load carrying ability and

The Volvo XC60, S90 and V90 are the only cars to have achieved perfect scores in all

on our extensive range, strong dealer network

when shut it can be securely locked.

three Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests categories Euro NCAP’s tests.

and competitive offers.

“Just over 53% of the cars sold by Skoda in Ire-

Drivers still want to be able to drive even if self-driving cars TWO out of three European drivers want to be able to drive even if self-driving cars become commonplace, according to a major new piece of research launched by Mazda.

The Ipsos research, which was commissioned as part of Mazda polled 11,008 people across key European markets and revealed that an average of 66% of drivers wanted to remain behind the wheel even if self-driving cars become widely available.

That figure is as high as 71% in the UK, Germany, Austria and Poland and only in

Italy does it dip below 60% (59%).

Coupled with this, the study also found that only 33% of drivers “welcome the advent of self-driving cars” with the number dropping as low as 25% in France and the Netherlands and reaching only 29% in the UK. Interestingly, there is virtually no evidence of greater support for self-driving cars in younger age groups across Europe – in fact, 18-24 year olds (33%) were no more likely to welcome self-driving cars than 25-34 year olds (36%) and 35-44 year olds (34%).

The research also reveals that 69% of drivers “hope that future generations will continue to have the option to drive cars”.

The figure is as high as 74% in Poland and 70% or higher in the UK, Germany, France and Sweden.

In addition, 36% of those who enjoy driving see their car and the act of driving as an “extension of my personality” with the number rising to 56% in Poland and 46% in Italy.

And 34% agree driving is in danger of becoming a “forgotten pleasure” – in France, Italy and Poland the figure is 40% or higher.

land were financed by Skoda Finance and we’re looking forward to growing that number further in 2018,” said John Donegan.

Skoda has reported a record year in 2017 with sales of over 9,000 cars and turnover of more than €146 million

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

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32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

SPORT

FastSport NAC WORLD RECORD GETS RATIFICATION: ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, 100 Irish swimmers celebrated National Swimming Day by breaking the Guinness world record 100 x 50m relay at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, Dublin.

The swimmers collectively set a time of 46 minutes 38.04 seconds breaking the previous record by over nine minutes.

The time has now been ratified as an official Guinness world record.

Ireland’s fastest ever female swimmer Danielle Hill led off the relay with Bangor swimmer Jack McMillan bringing it home. The team of swimmers, aged from 15 to 60, included national squad members, club, masters, open water swimmers and water polo players coming together from all four regions.

SOCCER: DALYMOUNT CLUB SPREADING OUT FURTHER INTO LOCAL COMMUNITY

Bohs launch their ambitious More than a Club programme

 sport@dublingazette.com

BOHEMIANS More Than A Club programme was launched at Dalymount Park by the Football Association of Ireland, the club and the Bohemian Foundation.

The programme is a par tnership between Bohemian FC and the FAI with the objective of creating a sustainable social enterprise in our community, which will develop and deliver life sciences and sporting programmes to promote social inclusion.

This programme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund’s IrelandWales Programme and will be rolled out by two League of Ireland clubs in Ireland (Bohemian FC and Cork City FC) as well as two clubs in Wales (Conwy Borough FC and Haverfordwest County AFC), for an initial 18 months.

Each club will be provided with two full-time and one parttime staff for the duration of the project with Carina O’Brien and Shane Fox working full-time with Bos, while Ger Coughlan has taken up the part-time role.

Programmes which will be

Shane Fox, Carina O’Brien, Oscar Brennan and Ger Coughlan at the More Than A Club launch Picture: Sportsfile

delivered from February 2018 will engage with all age groups in our diverse community including: numeracy through football with primary school children; run the Club with young people aged 16-24; sporting memories with older people; walking football with people with disabilities and football playing and coaching in Mountjoy Prison.

It is envisaged that the More

than a Club Programme will build on the success of the Bohemian Foundation and enable it to expand its reach throughout our community.

Bohemian FC President Chris Brien said: “We are proud of what we do in the area. We have been involved with the northside community for 128 years and as a members-owned club, we are very aware of our responsibilities to that community.

“The Bohemian Foundation has carried out a lot of work with minimal resources in terms of finance and people.

“We’ve carried out weekly walking football sessions in Cabra with children with autism and adults with mental health issues, we have walking football in Ballymun for unemployed and retired people.

“In Mountjoy Prison, we run football coaching and

competitions as well as comedy workshops with the prisoners.

We’ve also run the comedy workshops for homeless people with Focus Ireland.

“We visit schools regularly to advise children of healthy eating habits among other things.

“We don’t do this to feel good about ourselves. We as a club are in and of the north Dublin community and we have a duty to contribute to that community.

“We have a duty to help improve the situations of those people living in the area from which we garner our support. “ We h o p e t h a t t h i s partnership will allow us to move to another level so we can expand and build upon the work we’ve already been doing.”

FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin said: “We expect that the project will empower football clubs to recognise and utilise the powerful attraction of football and the value of their own club brand locally to promote social good.

“It will encourage them to work in partnerships with key agencies and groups with an interest in community d e ve l o p m e n t t o d e l i ve r important social programmes.”

Railway Union’s double delight in Leinster indoors  sport@dublingazette.com

Railway Union’s indoor hockey side with the Leinster Cup. Picture: Tristan Stedham

R AILWAY Union won the Leinster indoor hockey double as both their men and women prevailed last Sunday night at St Columba’s College.

For the women, it was a comfortable affair as they ran up a 4-0 win over Glenanne.

Hannah de Burgh Whyte got them off to a flying start when she burst forward from the back to slot home from the right edge of the circle.

Kate McKenna popped home the second in the 10th minute,

picking up breaking ball after two Glenanne players collided in midfield. McKenna – a cricket international who was also on the Dublin ladies football team that won the All-Ireland in 2017 – scored her second after half-time from Ruth Clifford’s delightful backhand slipped pass.

Kate Dillon hit the bar from a penalty stroke but Anna-May Whelan capped the win in the last play when she took a free quickly, racing into the circle and scoring.

In the men’s final, Jeremy Duncan was the returning

hero as he scored five times in Railway’s 7-4 win over Three Rock Rovers.

Rovers lead 1-0 and 2-1 through Daragh Walsh and Ross Canning but Duncan – who plays his outdoor hockey professionally in Belgium – equalised both times and then pushed his side 4-2 up at halftime.

Richard Pautz and Canning tied the game up for a third time at 4-4 early in the second half and it remained that way until a couple of minutes from time.

Duncan, though, was unstop-

pable as he broke forward and flicked in a fifth goal to restored the lead.

He set up Fiachra Maher to make it 6-4 a minute later and, for good measure, Duncan’s shot fell was saved by Conor Quinn but fell only as far Maher who nudged in the rebound.

All the finalists will now advance to next Sunday’s AllIreland stages with Ulster’s Queen’s competing on the men’s side while, in the women’s competition, Connacht’s Galway and Ulster’s Ards are also involved.

25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

RUGBY

Robbie Henshaw scored a key try. Picture: Martin Doherty

Cullen wary of favourites tag for European journey LEINSTER head coach Leo Cullen says the “challenge doesn’t get any easier” despite his side reaching the knock-out stage of the European Cup as the number one seed, guaranteeing them a home quarter-final and - should they get there - a home semi-final as well.

They will meet Saracens in the last eight of the competition on the Easter weekend in the Aviva Stadium following their narrow 23-14 win over Montpellier in southern France last Saturday, making it six wins out of six in the group stages.

Cullen, though, was keen to downplay any suggestions of a favourites tag despite the breathtaking run through the preliminary phase of the competition.

“Our focus all along was to just get out of our pool given that we were drawn against three teams at the top of their respective domestic competitions,” Cullen said.

“The players and the backroom staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve that goal and to achieve the home quarter-final in the Aviva Stadium on Easter weekend.

“The challenge doesn’t get any easier against a Saracens team looking for three Champions Cup titles in a row. They’re well coached under Mark McCall and have an array of English and foreign talent at their disposal and they’re showing good form in Europe and in the Premiership.

“They’re the top try scorers in both competitions so we’re under no illusions as to the task ahead.

“It’s a while away yet but great to know who we have and we can start planning. It’s a challenge that we very much look forward to and I know the Leinster supporters will respond in kind to make it a brilliant occasion at the Aviva.”

Against Montpellier, Leinster trailed 14-8 at half-time but Robbie Henshaw managed to dive over in the right corner to get them right back in the mix before a Ross Byrne penalty - en route to a total of 13 points - put them in front with half an hour to go.

Sean Cronin bundled his way over from an excellent rolling maul to complete the victory in the 51st minute.

Next on the Leinster agenda is a February 9 date away to Edinburgh at Myreside.

Kenilworth’s rich history looking to next chapter Idyllic Rathmines bowling club now open for league action on a year-round basis with top quality artificial green in place to keep them sustained through the winter months  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

KENILWORTH Bowling Club has an extensive history dating back almost 130 years. Bowling became a thing in the gardens of houses around Kenilworth Square in Rathgar back in 1890 when Charles Eason (of the book-selling family) began the game in his back garden.

By 1892, a formal club had been formed, and bowling moved to Kenilworth Square itself, before later moving to Grosvenor Square in Rathmines, where they reside today.

Honorar y Secretary Eamonn Murray described the modern club, one which has switched to an all year round activity as a result

of the club’s all-weather pitch.

The winter league runs distinct from an unrelated indoor league which also exists in the capital with the main events in the height of the summer.

Murray is keen to extend involvement year round.

“We’re the only club in the country with two greens,” he explains. “We play summer on grass.

The two leagues, for men and women, finish in August or September.

A lot of other clubs have grass only so the winter league is less games and a smaller competition, maybe groups of five or six teams.

“Some clubs that play on grass come and use the artificial surfaces. There are about 20-25 clubs in Dublin and the winter

A general view of Kenilworth Bowling Club

league has taken on a life of its own.”

Despite the year round leagues, however, Murray feels lawn bowls in Dublin lags behind where it should be.

“You might find one club in every small town here,” he explains. “In Northern Ireland, you’d find three or four. It’s a cultural difference. I think people in Ireland see it as a game to play when you stop playing another game.

“That’s a real shame.

It’s a bit like cricket, for example. It can be quite a hard sell for young people as it’s a slow game but once people start to play they tend to love it and stick to it.

“Some people are very naturally strong, and those who are can go a

long way very quickly.”

Kenilworth, in fact, played out much of its early history in modern day Northern Ireland due to the absence of competition in the Republic.

At the turn of the 20th Century, league games i nvo l ve d c o m p e t i n g against eleven different sides, all of which were from Ulster.

In 1908, the club moved to Grosvenor Square in Rathmines, keeping the name Kenilworth, and later bought the square outright, moving in a tennis club and hosting international matches.

“We gain a lot of our members as we’re in the middle of a public square with people out walking, and quite often they just want to find out what’s going on,” Murray says.

“You’d learn quickly that the weight and is very important, and the weather conditions can have a big impact on a game.

Naturally good players learn fast, and it can be advantage to have a background in other sports.”

Kenilworth are very open to new members, then, whether they’re retiring from a more physical sport, those who’ve simply taken an interest, or teenagers looking to expand their sporting horizons. The only thing you need is a pair of flat shoes so as not to mark the greens.

“We have a lot of equipment, as quite often when members die, the families have no use for it and leave it to the club,” Murray explains.

“That’s ver y useful because ever y player needs to work out the correct weight and size of their ball, and there’s huge variety in what suits each player.

“A larger ball could weigh up to five or six times a smaller one, and people have the chance to work out what suits them. If people are curious, they can come down on a Sunday and see what it’s all about.”

If you’re interesting in attending one of their regular open days, or bowling with Kenilworth Bowling Club, you can contact them via the league website irishlawnbowls.ie, or by emailing Eamonn directly at murrayste@ yahoo.co.uk.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

SPORT

RUGBY

ATHLETICS: CLONLIFFE MAN SET FOR FAST PACED ARMAGH 5KM RACE

Michael’s quartet get call-up for Six Nations FORMER St Michael’s College students Harry Byrne, Michael Silvester, Jack Dunne and Ronan Kelleher, along with Belvedere’s Max Kearney and Hugh O’Sullivan have all been named in the Irish Under-20 rugby squad for the upcoming Under-20 Six Nations Championship.

The 32-man squad features 11 players who were capped across last season’s Under-20 Six Nations tournament and World Rugby Under20 Championship.

In the forwards, prop Jordan Duggan, hookers Kelleher and Diarmuid Barron, along with back rower Sean Masterson, all featured last season, as did seven of the backs selected - scrum half Jonny Stewart, out-half Conor Dean, centres Angus Curtis, David McCarthy and Tommy O’Brien along with back-three players Mark Keane and Silvester. UCD and Leinster ‘A’ regular O’Brien will captain the side.

Commenting on the squad selection, new Ireland Under-20 head coach Noel McNamara said: “It’s an exciting time for the players and the coaching team. There have been some tight calls across the board and it’s great to see that competition for places.

“Also, with 11 players who were involved last season, there is some good experience across the squad. The players have all been working hard over the past number of months and we’re confident in the ability of the squad that we have selected.”

The campaign begins for Ireland away to France in Brive on Friday, February 2. After the opening clash with France at Stade Amedee Domenech, the Ireland U-20s will play three successive home games against Italy, Wales and Scotland on Friday nights at Donnybrook, with the series of home fixtures again being sponsored by Electric Ireland.

Their championship run will conclude with a trip to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry to face England on Friday, March 16, in a double header with the Ireland and England women’s teams.

Tickets for the Ireland Under-20s’ home games at Donnybrook are available from www.ticketmaster.ie.

Dave Flynn has been called into an Irish team for the Armagh international 5km road race

Flynn flying the Irish flag  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

CLONLIFFE Harriers’ Dave Flynn has been called up to the Irish team to compete in the Armagh International 5km road race in February, despite his current focus being very much on moving up to substantially longer distances.

Flynn will join John Travers (Donore Harriers AC), Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) and Matt Bergin (DSD AC) in the Irish four set to compete at what is an iconic regular race on the Ulster sporting calendar.

The Armagh Interna-

tional will be running for the 28th time, and featured an astonishing 80 runners going under the international class 15 minute cut off at last year’s event. It is run around the Armagh Mall, in 1,000 metres loops that are fast, flat and spectator friendly.

Flynn, while more comfortable traditionally over the shorter distance, is ramping up to that full marathon over the coming months via some extended middle-distance races, making the 5k something of a step away from his more recent training.

“This race fits in nicely into my marathon training as it helps keep some leg

MUD-BATH Garda beat Railway and conditions in semi-final GARDA advanced to the final of the J4 Mad-

den Cup as they battled past both Railway Union and the conditions at Westmanstown to record a 34-10 victory amid a mudbath last Saturday afternoon.

Who they play in the final, though, remains to be seen as Guinness and CYM’s game was one of a number around the province that was called off to the heavy rains. Their semi-final has been refixed for February 10.

Picture: Martin Doherty

speed in my legs,” he told Dublin Gazette. “When you’re doing long runs and long workouts week in week out, that leg speed you’ve had previously can start to fade.”

There have been a host of stars competing over the years, with triathlete Jonathan Brownlee hitting 14 minutes flat in 2015, and said to be a fan of the event. The winning time last year came from Englishman Ben Connor, at a swift 13 minutes 58, beating out American visitor Brandon Doughty (same time) at the tape. The general depth in quality of the field is renowned.

“I’ll be hoping to run

under 14.20 in the race,” Flynn said. “It is a very fast and competitive race and I’ll be trying to pick off people in the second part of the race as I am very strong at the moment.”

“I just got back from a 12 day training camp in Fuerteventura, Spain with Athletics Ireland, which went very well. It was great to be training with some of the best athletes in the country and of course the nice weather made it a lot easier.”

While it’s not his core aim for 2018, Flynn – who also regularly trains in America and Morocco amongst a group of worldclass middle and long dis-

tance runners – is always proud to be in green.

“Representing Ireland is always an honour and it’s a great boost of moral for me personally as It shows the hard work is paying off and being recognised

by Athletics Ireland,” he explains. “We also have a very strong team for the Armagh international 5k and we will be well able to compete with any other countries entered.”

The races – which also include a series of youth and 3km contests – take place on the evening of February 15, and are reputedly the fasted races of their kind in the UK or Ireland.

25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: PEARSE PARK SIDE EDGE OUT KILNAMANAGH

Crumlin line up prior to their FAI intermediate cup match against Kilnamanagh

Donnelly delight for Crumlin’s Inter hopes

FAI INTER CUP

Crumlin United Kilnamanagh AFC  sport@dublingazette.com

2 1

CRUMLIN United progressed to the quarter-finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup after coming out on top of a close encounter with Kilnamanagh AFC at Pearse Park Astro last weekend.

For the last three seasons, Crumlin have finished third in the LSL Senior Sunday since lifting the trophy during the 2013/14 campaign. They are still in with a chance of picking up more league silverware this season as they sit six points off the top with games in hand over some of the sides ahead of them.

However, the cups could prove to be the best route to silverware for Crumlin and they are one step further after the weekend’s ties.

The bad weather had a huge impact on the game as strong winds and heavy rain caused difficulty to both sides.

Crumlin took the lead

after 25 minutes when Sean Harding’s free kick into the box landed in the path of Conor Murphy, and he produced an excellent touch to send it back across goal and into corner of the net.

The home side held their lead for 13 minutes before a defensive error allowed Kilnamanagh to draw level when Adam Walsh scored with a fine finish.

Harding almost restored Crumlin’s lead when he let fly from 25 yards, but his effort struck the post and the two sides went into the half-time break on level terms.

Cr umlin came out fighting in the second half as they looked to show their dominance on the pitch, and they got their reward almost instantly as Jake Donnelly found the net with a powerful strike from just inside the area that the Kilnamanagh keeper had little chance of keeping out.

As the game wore on, any hope that the weather would improve were dashed, with the conditions getting worse

if anything. However, it didn’t stop both teams giving it their all and Kilnamanagh thought they had equalised shortly afterwards only for Mikey Quinn to tip an effort over the bar with a brilliant onehanded save.

Elsewhere, Crumlin’s LSL Senior Saturday Major side remained top of the table with a 3-1 win over Sacred Heart / Killinarden FC. The victory is their 12th of the league campaign in the opening 13 games,

and they look firmly on course to win their fifth league title in a row since 2013/14, as they now sit 10 points ahead of Bluebell United in second place – albeit having played two games more than some of their rivals.

The goals came from Ger Rowe, Noel Cummins and Tayem Mercer to secure the team’s fifth league win on the bounce, with the only blip coming in the 3-2 loss at home to third-placed Malahide United back in October.

IRISHStar

Kiernan’s rise continues at pace LEANNE Kiernan was in fine form for the Republic of Ireland last weekend as she scored in her country’s 3-1 friendly win over Portugal in the Azores.

The Shelbourne striker was one of two changes made by Ireland Head Coach Colin Bell after being left on the bench as Ireland lost 1-0 to their hosts in the first friendly between the squads last Thursday. However, she has given Bell something to think about going forward after being heavily involved in two of the three goals The 18-year-old is tipped to have a big future in the game and found the net nine times during her first campaign with Shelbourne last season.

Ireland hit the front just past the half hour mark when Heather Payne pounced on a loose ball and played in Kiernan down the right, who produced a brilliant cross into the box that was headed home by captain Katie McCabe.

The visitors took their slender lead into the break before doubling their advantage three minutes into the second half when Kiernan won the race to Niamh Fahey’s long ball forward before showing great composure to lob over the keeper.

It was almost 3-0 two minutes later when McCabe unleashed a long range strike on goal that needed to be tipped over the bar.

Ireland secured the win ten minutes from time when McCabe moved into the box and drilled a shot across the box that was brilliantly headed back across goal and into the back of the net via the post by defender Louise Quinn.

Portugal netted a consolation soon afterwards through Diana Silva’s strike, but Ireland were clear and deserved winners over a team who have qualified for the European Championships set to take place this summer.

“It was a deserved victory,” Bell said after the game. “We were much better today. I thought we were very sluggish on Thursday, maybe the long journey had an effect but that was much improved.

“We made a couple of changes and put two up front, and I think we created plenty of problems for Portugal. They’re a very good side but as soon as we scored the first goal, we were in control of the game and got the result.

“They were fantastic goals and I’m delighted for Leanne Kiernan who performed to the levels we know she’s capable of today. She’s trained really well over the past two days and got a deserved goal, I’m delighted for her.

“They were plenty of great performances and it’s been another important week as we continue to prepare for the qualifiers in April. This is a great result to keep that momentum going and we can take plenty of confidence from this.”

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GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 25 January 2018

SPORT

FASTSport

BASKETBALL: BELFAST OPPONENTS FELLED IN FINAL QUARTER

Lapiakis in bouyant mood for national Cup final IOANNIS Lapiakis is looking forward to an epic battle this weekend as his UCD Marian side prepare to take on Templeogue in the final of the Men’s National Cup at the National Basketball Arena.

UCD have been in excellent for this season and also sit top of the Men’s Super League, having won 12 of their opening 14 games.

“We are really looking forward to the game.

We are trying to prepare as best we can so we will be able to play well on Saturday,” Lapiakis told the Dublin Gazette.

“From the beginning of the season, we have treated every game as a final so we are not going to do anything special for this game.

“We have some small injuries, but as always with a final they are going to sacrifice their bodies for the team in games like that.”

UCD go into this game on the back of six straight wins, putting them in confident mood.

“The players are confident. We have had the best year so far, probably in the history of the club. We are at the top of the league since the beginning of the season until now. We have lost only two games until now and we have beaten Templeogue twice so, definitely, the confidence is really high. The only thing is we need to be focused and stay healthy for Saturday’s game.”

Despite having beaten Templeogue twice already this season, Lapiakis does that believe those victories will have any bearing on the final.

“In a final, I don’t think so. It is going to be like we start from scratch. History means nothing; that is in the past so every week is a completely different game.

“It is going to be a really tough game and I think it is going to be a really close game.

“They know how we play and we know how they play. Both of us have been playing the same for the last two or three years. You are not going to change anything dramatically in a period of one week.

“It is going to be the passion, the extra energy, and all the small things that the players put into the final. I think whoever wants it more is going to be the one who wins the game.”

Templeogue College celebrate their success. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Harper’s Temple of Boom U-19A BOYS FINAL Templeogue College St Malachy’s, Belfast  sport@dublingazette.com

74 65

TEMPLEOGUE College dished up an absolute thriller at a packed Arena in Tallaght as they saw got the best of St Malachy’s College in the Under-19A Boys SUBWAY Schools Cup final on Tuesday.

Templeogue’s Matthew Harper was crowned MVP of a game that had absolutely everything but had a huge supporting cast around him in the form of Iarla McKeon, Sam and Jack

Walsh to name but a few.

St Malachy’s were dominant across the floor too, with CJ Fulton one of the stars on the court for the Belfast team Templeogue started the game the brightest, driving into an 0-5 lead early on, but Malachy’s soon settled and by the end of the first – which saw Templeogue leading by just 8-11 – it was obvious to all in attendance that this was going to be a ding-dong battle.

Big scores from Templeogue captain Sam Walsh, McKeon and Adam Riordan in the

FUTSAL FIENDS DCU storm to CUFL shield title in Waterford IT DCU captain Aisling Frawley holds the shield alongside her team-mates after the CUFL Women’s Futsal Final shield tournament at Waterford IT Arena.

They won out against GMIT Galway, UCD and Limerick IT on Tuesday afternoon.

Frawley and Aoibhin Webb were the chief protagonists on the day as they scored 23 goals across their three games, conceding just eight.

Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

second quar ter were answered at the other end in style by Niall Hurson, Niall McGinnity and Matthew Mulholland and it was neckin-neck throughout, with Malachy’s just holding a slim lead at the half, 34-32.

An absorbing third quarter followed, as within the first 40 seconds, the games were tied at 35 points apiece, and two huge scores from Harper followed to edge Templeogue back into the lead moments later.

A fantastic move inside from St Malachy’s Hurson saw the games back

at level pegging second laster though, but this was responded to almost immediately at the other end with a massive three from Iarla McKeon.

End-to -end action it remained, as Conor Cooke responded for Malachy’s, but again, a huge score from Jack Walsh from Templeogue kept them just ahead, before two final free throws of the quarter from St Malachy’s put the bare minimum between the sides going into the last, 50-51.

Another extremely close quarter followed, with Malachy’s taking

the lead (60-59) midway through thanks to super work from McGinnity.

But a super steal from Walsh saw him find Harper inside under the boards, and Templeogue went up by four, 60-64.

With their tails now up as they could see the clock counting down, Templeogue began to push on. A huge defensive display from the Dubliners in the closing minutes set them up for some fantastic scores at the other end and they ran out 65-74 point winners in the end after an absolutely classic game of basketball.

25 January 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

CAMOGIE: LITTLEWOODS NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1

LADIESFootball

Dublin ladies football manager Mick Bohan. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Bohan adds Casey to backroom team Dublin on the attack against Kilkenny in their league tie last weekend. Picture: ilivephotos.com

Cats stunning second half does for Dublin

NAT LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Dublin 3-5 Kilkenny 3-17  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN’S date with Kilkenny was the only L i t t l e wo o d s I r e l a n d Camogie League Division 1 game to survive last weekend’s deluge of rain that played havoc with spor ting events throughout the country.

It was the cats that benefited with a secondhalf master class to overcome Dublin by 3-17 to 3-5, making the best use of the conditions at the Parnells astro in Coolock.

Both sets of players produced a wonderful hour of camogie despite the difficult, attritional circumstances in what was a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland semifinal.

The champions got off to a very quick start with points from Danielle

Morrissey (free) and Anne Dalton inside the opening minute.

Ballyboden St Enda’s Eimear McCar thy opened the scoring for Dublin but it was the visitors that were dominant in the initial phases and they stretched their advantage to five after 11 minutes thanks to a flurry of points from play by Miriam Walsh and Katie Power, who landed two apiece.

Genesis A ke y m e m b e r o f the Dublin team that reached last year’s premier junior All-Ireland f i n a l , R o i s i n B a ke r stopped the rot and that was the genesis a brilliant run of a goal and four points that rocked Kilkenny back on their heels, albeit momentarily.

Na Fianna’s Zoe O’Donoghue continued the early impres-

sion she has made this term with her second goal in a week, the exWaterford player being given her opportunity in the absence of All-Star attacker Aisling Maher.

A seven-point contributor last week, Naomh Fionnbarra’s Siobhan Kehoe hit three consecutive points, including two from play and David Herity’s charges were a couple ahead.

Kilkenny are full of experience but it was minor, Aoife Doyle who provided the riposte they needed with a goal just before the interval and a point in injury time to put her side back in front by 1-7 to 1-5 at half time.

Dublin resumed in ideal fashion with a goal from Lucan Sarsfields’ Emma Flanagan, who like O’Donoghue, also raised a green flag in last week’s draw with Limerick but the Noresiders

found another two gears and the hosts were unable to respond.

They shot two goals and eight points by the time the Sky Blues added to their tally with Na Fianna’s Alex Griffin’s goal five minutes from time but by then, the destination of the three points for the win was beyond doubt.

Morrissey provided three of the points and Dalton two, with the other minors provided

by Walsh and Doyle.

It was Malone that made the killer contributions with a brace of goals in three minutes at the beginning of the final quarter to put her side out of reach.

It was left to Morrissey, who finished with five points and Walsh, who brought her tally to four from play, to complete the scoring and stretch the margin to 12 at the final whistle.

DUBLIN ladies senior football team manager Mick Bohan is hoping that 2011 All-Ireland winner Paul Casey will be part of his coaching team for the forthcoming season.

Subject to ratification at a Dublin LGFA meeting next month, Casey could come on board as defence coach with the reigning TG4 AllIreland senior champions.

Already involved with an underage inter-county development squad, the Lucan Sarsfields clubman has indicated that he would be willing to commit to the Dublin ladies’ set-up on a part-time basis for the Lidl National League Division 1 campaign.

If his appointment is rubberstamped, Casey would work closely with Sorcha Farrelly and Paul Gilheaney, and he’s no stranger to former Clare senior football coach Bohan.The two are friendly, and have worked together with both Dublin City University (DCU) and Lucan in the past.

“Paul would have been one of our heroes on that quest for Sam in 2011,” Bohan told the media at the announcement of Gourmet Food Parlour as the new sponsor of the Higher Education Committee (HEC) third-level championships.

“When you see guys at that level wanting to get involved in the women’s game, I think it’s really good for the game. I think anyone coming in from the men’s game to women’s football brings that extra little bit of savvy and nuance and whatever else.”

In terms of the panel of players, there’s been some movement. With 14 new panellists in an extended 43-woman squad, Bohan aims to hold that for the league and cut it after.

It’s understood that Siobhan McGrath – a key defender when the Sky Blues landed their first senior All-Ireland in 2010 – has returned to the set-up after some time in Australia. Former minor star Muireann Ni Scanaill and Na Fianna’s Lucy Collins are among others to return.

On the contrary, Dublin look set to be without the services of twotime All-Ireland and All-Star winner Rachel Ruddy for 2018, as she heads travelling.

Sub-goalkeeper Emer Ni Eafa and fellow panellist Aoife Curran have also stepped away.

While acknowledging the losses – Ruddy in particular who started in last year’s All-Ireland final win over Mayo – Bohan expressed that his charges are relishing the challenge.

“It’s great and it’s fresh. But look, it goes back into the pot. “Everyone gets those opportunities again.

“We’ll use the National League like we did last year. We’ll chase it but with a view to seeing as many of them (players) as we can.

“September’s gone. We’ve enjoyed our time but it’s a new season. There’s a queue of people waiting for us I’d say.”

Dublin kick off their 2018 season with a tough test away against last year’s beaten Lidl Division 1 finalists Donegal on January 28.

GAZETTESPORT

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DCU Mercy Rachel Huijsdens in semi-final action against the NUIG Mystics. Picture: Brendan Moran

Mercy’s full cup focus

DCU coach Mark Ingle says league defeat likely to have little bearing on his side as they look forward to a repeat of the 2011’s National Cup final

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

DCU Mercy are preparing for their biggest game of the season this weekend when they will take on UCC Glanmire in the final of the Women’s National Cup at the National Basketball Arena.

The two teams are meeting in the cup final for the first time since DCU came out on top in 2011 but their final build-up tie proved not ideal.

Mercy lost to Killester in the Super League last weekend but have generally been in good form and remain top of the division after 10 games. Head coach Mark Ingle is confident his players have put that disappointment behind them and will be raring to go come Sunday.

“They are in good shape,” Ingle told the Dublin Gazette. “They have been playing well up until probably last week. That wasn’t our best game by any means but I don’t think the Christmas break has really done them any good.

“They had one game over five weeks so they were a bit out of sorts but they trained well last night and a couple of injuries have healed up.

We should be ready to go by the weekend.”

Ingle also believes the loss to Killester will not have damaged the confidence of his players.

“I’m not looking for excuses but two of them did exams on the day of the Killester game and three of them had masters exams Wednesday, Thursday, Friday so I’d say their minds were a little bit elsewhere.

“That’s never mind the fact that you probably have the biggest game of the season coming up.

For whatever reason, they weren’t as focused as they could’ve been so it wasn’t really the way they had been playing.”

With DCU’s Under-18 and Under-20 sides competing in cup finals this weekend, Ingle’s team are left at a disadvantage as four of his players will have to play three games in three days, and two players will have to play two.

“Glanmire also have a couple of players playing on the Saturday but they have a lot of experience and their girls are a bit older on average age, so they’ve been there and done that.”

Whether Mercy leave Tallaght victorious or not this weekend, Ingle believes it will have lit-

tle bearing on the title race.

“You go game by game trying to get yourself into the best position but at the end of the day it comes down to a playoff and it ends up in another cup final. Losing a game or two is never the end of the world if it does come down to a playoff, which it does. Come March, you are down to a semi-final, final situation again.

“The league this year, if you look at the table, has nothing in it. Two months ago we lost our first game to Liffey Celtics and everybody was writing us off.

“I know we’ve a young team but we’ve a young, exciting team. They are quick and they are good defensively when they are totally focused.”