DublinGazette JANUARY 10-16, 2019
DUBLINMAGAZINE: As the New Year gets under way, we have plenty of great features to help get 2019 off to a flying start SEE PAGE 13
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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 4-10,AREA 2018
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SPORT SOCCER:
Padraig Amond tells Gazette Sport about his dream goal for Newport to knock out Leicester City in the FA Cup. SEE P32
BEESY BOOKWORMS ALISON Curtis, from Today FM, and Seoighe Bird shared a laugh as they helped launch the Eason Spelling Bee. Thousands of pupils across the country are expected to put their bee-rilliant spelling to the test in a bid to win a prize worth €7,500 for their school. See story on P7
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INDULGE IN A LITTLE STAYCATION LUXURY IN THE COUNTRY P18
Wary welcome for 265-home scheme
Build-to-let proposal for Drimnagh RACHEL D’ARCY
Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you
THERE are mixed feelings from Drimnagh locals as it was revealed a planning application for a new ‘build-to-rent’ apartment scheme on Davitt Road has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala. The scheme will consist of 265 apartments
in four different blocks on the site of the former Dulux factory. Apartments in the new development are built to be rented, as opposed to being sold privately – a move which has become a growing housing trend across Ireland in recent years. A planning application for the apartments
has been made directly to An Bord Pleanala rather than Dublin City Council due to the size of the development, allowing the developer to bypass the local authority level Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF), who is also chairperson for housing in Dublin City Council, told Dublin Gazette that the housing in the locality is much needed as the area becomes home to the new National ChilCONTINUED ON PAGE 2 dren’s Hospital.
Band want U2 like its centre BONO and the boys found their proposed U2 centre for Hanover Quay hit a sour note with neighbouring locals, who echoed Dublin City Council in objecting to the building’s height. It’s now been lowered by more than two metres in a new bid to get planning PAGE 4 approval.
Nazi surprise THERE was widespread anger and condemnation over an idiotic bit of swastika graffiti left on a Terenure synagogue’s entrance wall recently. PAGE 4
2 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 10 January 2019
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BUILD-TO-LET SCHEME PROPOSED FOR DRIMNAGH
Mixed local reaction over 265 homes plan RACHEL D’ARCY
rdarcy@dublingazette.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 However, he is unsure of what the build-to-rent concept will mean for social housing. Cllr Doolan said: “Housing is going to be very in demand in that area in the coming months and years. “You have those working on the new hospital, then once it’s opened, there’ll be nurses and d o c t o r s a n d m ay b e patient families in some cases. “There’ll be a huge need
Architect’s render of part of the proposed development
for housing in that area. “We’re not against housing at all, but there needs to be criteria put in place that housing meets the needs of people in the city. “I’d be concerned that
because this [particular build] doesn’t go through the normal planning process, any concerns about shadowing, infrastructure or similar can’t be handled at a local level as it once would have been,
as it’s gone straight to An Bord Pleanala [to decide upon].” He added: “I would also be concerned that it’s entirely build-to-rent, and we have to question the impact that this would have as the council would normally get 10% for social housing. “Because it’s build-torent, and not being built to sell, I would expect the developer to cooperate fully with the city council to give us that 10% housing for social [housing] to rent. “What we wouldn’t want is for housing to be out of reach for local people, for those who need it most. “I would hope that the rents would be realistic for locals, not exuberant. “We need to build to meet the needs of the city, not the needs of a developer,” said Cllr Doolan. Online, locals in the area appear to have mixed feelings toward the new development, with some saying the site should have been utilised for community facilities. Local reactions Commenting on a local Facebook page, Corina Conlan said: “Just what we need in Drimnagh ... not! “[Such developments are] anything other than some badly needed community amenities, such as a library, a leisure centre, a swimming pool etc. Drimnagh has nothing.” Matthew Cummins said: “Sounds like a nightmare, not building community but totally the opposite.” Grainne Ni Bhriain posted: “Great to see more property [being] built. Sad that it’s all a build to rent scheme – bit disappointing. Would of [sic] thought maybe half would be available to buy.”
FASTNews
Gardai appeal for assault witnesses GARDAI investigating an alleged sexual assault in December have arrested and released a man without charge. The suspect was described as being in his late twenties or early thirties, with a short beard, short dark hair and glasses. A woman told Gardai she was attacked in a taxi on Shelbourne Road, the Merrion Road and Serpentine Avenue areas of Ballsbridge on December 9. A man was arrested last Thursday, but was released from custody without charge after a day of questioning. Gardai investigating the incident have also seized a car in relation to the investigation. Gardai are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have spent time in those D4 areas above between 12:45am and 3:44am, or who may have seen an injured woman in the Mountjoy Square area between 2:14am and 3:44am on December 9. Anyone with relevant dash-cam footage are also being asked to bring said footage to a Garda station, or anyone with information they believe may help the investigation are being asked to contact gardai at Irishtown Garda Station (telephone 01 666 9600), the Garda confidential line (at 180 666 111), or any garda station.
Taxi driver Drimnagh hospitalised may get its after crash new library INVESTIGATIONS are under way after a car collided headon with a taxi in Ballymun earlier this week, before fleeing the scene. The driver of the taxi was hospitalised in Beaumont following the horror smash on Monday, which took place near Belclare Park shortly after lunchtime. His injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening. The taxi driver had no passengers in the car at the time of the crash, with both vehicles ending up on the pavement beside a bus stop. A black car was reportedly speeding down the road, weaving in and out of other cars before the collision occurred. The car is believed to have been stolen, and the driver fled immediately after the crash. Gardai have said that investigations into the crash are ongoing.
LOCALS in Drimnagh have been rejoicing this week as a decades-long battle for a public library may be coming to a close. At a Dublin City Council meeting on Monday evening, the council confirmed that they will be building a new library for the Drimnagh and Crumlin areas. The new library is expected to be located on the former Scoil Eanna site on the Crumlin road, alongside new housing. Drimagh Residents’ Association celebrated the news, saying: “Brendan Teeling, who is the head of the Library service in the city, has said at the monthly meeting of Dublin City Council, that a portion of the Ard Scoil Eanna site WILL be used for a library. “There is still a long way to go ... [but] there is finally light at the end of the tunnel – after a 50-year fight!”
10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 3
MUSIC: DUBLINER SET TO BE THE SOLE IRISH ACT IN LINE-UP AT SMASH-HIT DESERT FESTIVAL
California dreaming a reality for Dermot as Coachella beckons RACHEL D’ARCY
MUSIC lovers were delighted last week as the lineup for this year’s Coachella Festival in California was released, with this year seeing a special Dublin connection. Rising Dublin musician Dermot Kennedy is set to take to the stage in Indio this April alongside the likes of Childish Gambino, Jaden Smith, The 1975, Ariana Grande, Tame Impala and more. Speaking on Twitter as the line-up was announced, Kennedy said: “I’M PLAYING COACHELLA! This is surreal. A dream come true. See you soon, California!” Kennedy has been a rising star on the Dublin
music scene for a number of years, with his most recent hit, Power Over Me, receiving incredible amounts of airplay on Irish radio. He’s the only Irish act on the prestigious bill for this year’s Coachella, which takes place in the California desert across two weekends in April (12-14, 19-20). News of his pending Coachella performance was met with pride from his Irish fans, and excitement from others abroad. On social media, Tayler said: “If I’m being honest, I’d only go to Coachella this year to see Dermot Kennedy!” “So proud of Dermot Kennedy’s success. From an upcoming artist in Dublin to performing at Coachella, he deserves all the success he gets,”
wrote Claire on Twitter. Another fan said: “Coachella will be where your career explodes. You’re swimming fast and furiously up the music industry – so much congratulations for you!” Kennedy began his career busking across Dublin, and has gone on to play shows at both Vicar Street and The Olympia Theatre, counting the likes of Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes as his biggest fans. He will embark on an entirely sold-out UK and Ireland tour this May, including four nights at The Olympia. The most recent single from the Dubliner, For Island Fires and Family, was released earlier Rising star Dermot Kennedy this week.
A new chapter for library users as fines abolished RACHEL D’ARCY
THERE’S some good news for book lovers in the city, as Dublin City Council’s libraries have abolished fines for overdue items and cancelled existing fines. The new initiative was introduced last week, which also saw the announcement that those who had their membership suspended will be allowed to have it reinstated by calling into their local library. Acting Dublin City Librarian, Brendan Teeling, said that the motive behind the move is to remove any barriers that may stop people from making full use of libraries in the city. Teeling said: “Libraries are an invaluable resource for all in the community and we want to remove any barriers that might prevent people making full use of them. “That is why we are eliminating fines and other charges. Libraries are welcoming spaces where all members of the community can access knowledge, ideas and information, and where people can reflect, connect and learn. “Research has shown that people view fines as a barrier to membership and usage of libraries. In
addition, fines disproportionately affect those on lower incomes and can create a negative association with library use for children. “There is evidence that library services which have removed fines see an increase in usage following their removal, and we very much hope that will be reflected now in our library services. “We invite everyone to visit their local library during January and see for themselves all that is on offer there, completely free. “We can promise that a resolution to use your library more is one you will find very easy to keep throughout the year,” he said. Fianna Fail councillor in Dublin North West Paul McAuliffe said he believes the initiative will help attract new members. He said: “Promoting the use of libraries in our community is vitally important. Library services are a massive resource to any area and it is a positive, healthy space in our community. “Library charges have been shown to dissuade people borrowing books altogether while, in fact, doing little to ensure timely returns. “As a parent of two young children, I believe
FASTNews
Actors stage a protest over Abbey work
MORE than 300 Irish creatives, including actors, writers and producers, have sent a protest letter to Culture Minister Josepha Madigan, leading to €300,000 in funding being withheld from the Abbey Theatre. The letter, signed by Aidan Gillen, Sinead Cusack and other well-known names, was drafted over concerns about a lack of opportunities for Irishbased artists at the National Theatre of Ireland. As an example, the letter singled out almost half a year without an Ireland-based actor directly employed by The Abbey. The Arts Council said on Tuesday afternoon that it will be withholding the funding until officials at the theatre could prove that sufficient opportunities were being provided to artists from Ireland.
Disappointed over littering The abolishment of fines for overdue items – and the cancellation of existing fines – has been described as trying to make libraries more accessible to even more people, as well as encouraging greater use of their facilities
“
It’s important that library members still renew items and that materials out for use are returned, but abolishing fines is certainly needed to attract new people to join their local library any measure that has even the slightest potential to encourage people who have never previ-
ously used a library, to nip in and see what it has to offer, is to be welcomed. “It’s important that
library members still renew items and that materials out for use are returned, but abolishing
fines is certainly needed to attract new people to join their local library,” said Cllr McAuliffe.
THE north inner city has been named as the dirtiest area in the country in the latest survey from Business Against Litter, it has been revealed. Blackspots were identified in places such as Oriel Street, Dunne Street, Sherrard Street Lower and Railway Street. Speaking on the results, Fianna Fail general election candidate Mary Fitzpatrick said that it was “bitterly disappointing”, adding: “The north inner city is a wonderful, vibrant place to live and work, and so it’s a real shame that this survey has made such findings.”
4 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 10 January 2019
FASTNews
PLANNING: PROPOSED BUILDING’S HEIGHT REDUCED BY 2.34M
Councillor quits People Before Profit A COUNCILLOR with People Before Profit in Dublin City announced his resignation from the party last Monday. Cllr John Lyons, who represents the BeaumontDonaghmede electoral area, took to Facebook on Monday to announce he was resigning from the party “with immediate effect”. Lyons says that he will continue to represent his constituency, and will be running for re-election to Dublin City Council in May’s local and European elections. In his statement, Lyons said: “This decision was not taken lightly nor quickly. I have been a member of [People Before Profit] for a decade, five of those years as an elected representative, but the difficulties I’ve had with the leadership of PBP over the future direction of the party in the Dublin Bay North area over the past six months could ultimately not be resolved.”
This architect’s render of the U2 building’s original design shows a 14.4m height – too high for many nearby residents, who objected
U2 centre could now be the sweetest thing RACHEL D’ARCY
THE height of a proposed visitor centre dedicated to U2 has been significantly reduced after Dublin City Council cited “serious concerns”. In August, the council put plans for the centre on Hanover Quay on hold due to the height of the proposed build, which was originally expected to be 14.4m high. An objection was also lodged by 63 nearby apartment residents, who claimed that the original plans would have resulted in the overshadowing of their
apartments. Now, the band are proposing a 2.34m reduction in the height of the centre in an attempt to “eliminate any potential impact on the quality of natural daylight reaching the buildings directly behind, or any properties within the vicinity”. The architects behind the project, ODAA, say that the reduction in height “has been achieved without undermining the attempt of the original concept”. An independent light analysis of the new height of the building was undertaken by the 3D
Design Bureau, which says that the exhibit centre meets “all the criteria as set out in the BRE guidelines for impact to daylight and sunlight”. The analysis also says: “The proposed development would not result in any significant impact on the level of daylight or sunlight received in the firstfloor windows [of the apartment block] behind the centre.” The development by U2’s MHEC company and Paddy McKillen Snr’s Golden Brook LTD is to include a recreation of the band’s original studio and other various exhibit areas themed around dif-
ferent aspects of the band’s foundation, such as ‘Larry’s Kitchen’. Visitor experience consultants, Real Studios, detailed in findings submitted to Dublin City Council that the centre should expect a peak figure of 3,000 visitors per day, but stresses that this level of foot traffic is “not the norm”. They say that the peak level is usually reached at the highest level “over a few weeks at the height of summer”. There have been seven submissions in favour of the proposal, and 12 objections lodged against. A decision on the application is due in February.
Anger over cowardly graffiti left at synagogue RACHEL D’ARCY
GARDAI are said to be treating the vandalism of a south Dublin synagogue as a criminal damage offence. A swastika was spraypainted onto the outer wall of a synagogue on Rathfarnham Road in Terenure on December 28, in the early hours of the morning. The graffiti has since been removed, with no suspects having yet been identified by Gardaí in Terenure. Investigations are continuing into the offence. It is also believed that in a separate incident, a security guard at the same facility was attacked with an object, though it is thought that that the attacker was not targeting the synagogue specifically and suffered from mental health issues. The synagogue has fallen victim to anti-
Semitic graffiti previously. In 2005, a man from Co Louth was jailed after being caught spray-painting a swastika at the entrance to the synagogue, and had also spray painted the symbol on two other synagogues in Dublin. The graffiti attack has been widely condemned online, with many remarking that there’s “no place for The swastika daubed on an entrance wall at the site this kind of hate” in 2019. One commentator, Erin, wrote: “I just a place sacred to those whom that symbol heard about what happened at Terenure directly targets.” Synagogue. I’m sickened and heartbroken. Cllr Sarah Holland (SF) tweeted, saying: “No matter if it was just ‘drunken vandal- “An absolute disgrace, so upsetting for those ism’ – the perpetrator’s intent was to place who worship there. Hopefully whoever did it a symbol of hate directly onto the walls of is caught.”
10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 5
6 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 10 January 2019
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Intesar Dawod and Dr Safra Alshamari
Orla Treacy and Sharouq Alshayadi
Sara AbdulMajid, MC for the night with singer Farah Elle. Pictures: Rose Comiskey
Laragh Pitman, Rafika Rajab, event director and founder, MC Sara AbdulMajid and Nadette Foley of the Welcome Cafe
Dublin Arabic Language Day Gala at Chester Beatty Library
T
HE Chester Beatty Library hosted an Arabic Language Day 2018 gala evening recently. Guests enjoyed food, music, art and a talk. The event was part of World Arabic Language Day which was established by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010 to celebrate the language and promote its cultural diversity.
Hichem Hidouk, Rayan Elsheikh and Leila Mokhbi
Brother and sister Mohammed and Ruyuf Ibrahim
10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 7
CRISIS: LABOUR CLLR BLASTS LACK OF ‘AFFORDABLE HOUSING’ AS PRICES ROCKET
Average home cost now nears half a million RACHEL D’ARCY
A CO U N C I L LO R fo r Dublin South Central has blasted the lack of affordable housing in the capital, where the average new sale price has risen to more than €435,000. Cllr Rebecca Moynihan (Lab) has called on the Government to work toward introducing homes for ordinary families, saying more ambitious measures need to be taken on, including the compulsory purchasing of vacant sites such as the John Player Wills site at the South Circular Road.
T h e ave ra ge p r i ce in Dublin has risen to €436,787 – a price that’s out of reach for a majority of families in the capital. The average national price is also above the Government’s own affordability threshold. Cllr Moynihan said: “The lack of new social and affordable homes is forcing families to commute or use unsuitable accommodation and will over time destroy communities across Dublin as more and more areas become enclaves for the wealthy. “Action is needed to
ensure homes are within people’s reach. The Labour Party has put forward an ambitious plan to deliver more than 80,000 affordable homes on publicly-owned land over five years. “We know that there are countless numbers of vacant properties and land around the country and so many people are rightly angry at the level of vacant properties, when so many people are without a home and are priced out of the housing and rental market. “Getting access to affordable, secure housing
SCHOOLS
Get Bee-sy and maybe win €7,500
A city paralysed by inaction – Dublin’s housing crisis is growing worse by the week, as the Government continues dragging its heels on taking decisive action
and quality rental accommodation is impossible for too many people in my area, and right across Dublin,” she said. Cllr Moynihan added: “ We k n ow t h a t t h e demand is there for affordable housing, but the State needs to start
acquiring appropriate sites, like the Player Wills [site], and start building housing along with appropriate community facilities. “After years of private market failure, we must provide for a new model to tackle the housing cri-
sis and it is time we took radical action to provide our citizens with homes. “The supply crisis can only be sustainably resolved through longterm State action that delivers affordable housing once and for all,” she said.
REGISTRATION is now open for students to enter the ninth annual Eason’s Annual Spelling Bee. This year, more than 800 schools around Ireland have already registered to take part, and schools yet to register have the opportunity to do so until January 14. To participate, registered schools must host their own in-school Bee among fifth- and sixthclass students to find their school spelling champion. The ultimate winning King or Queen Bee will take home a collection of books for their school library worth €7,500, as well as a personal collection of books worth €500. To register for the Eason Spelling Bee 2019, see https://www.easons. com/spellingbee/registration/.
8 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 10 January 2019
dublin
TRANSPORT: CYCLISTS CALL FOR FASTER DELIVERY OF MEASURES
DIARY Whether you’re into cinema, art of music, there’s something quirky happening this week
ENJOY A WIZARD BIT OF SPORT AT THE IRISH QUIDDITCH CUP THE Irish Quidditch Cup 2018/19 will take place in Trinity College on January 12. The free event will be hosted by Quidditch Ireland and will see three teams from across Ireland competing to take home the trophy in the somewhat more earthbound version of the magical Harry Potter sport. It serves as both a national championship as well as a qualifier to decide which Irish club will take part in the European Quidditch Cup 2019 in Poland in April. The championship is a day-long event, open to members of the public to spectate. Furthermore, if time allows, there will be a fantasy tournament aspect for anyone interested in playing themselves, even if they are not members of any Irish Quidditch clubs.
BRUSH UP ON YOUR ART SKILLS AT A DRINK, TEA & DRAW EVENT AN ART meetup with a difference will take place in The Clockwork Door on Wellington Quay on Sunday, January 13. After a number of sold-out events, Drink Tea & Draw is a non-alcoholic event where you sip tea and paint a canvas. No experience is needed, and you are free to do what you want, with this month’s meetup based on abstract art. Running from 6-9pm, there will be painting with music where participants will be asked to paint something based on the song they are listening to, with prizes on the night. All materials are provided on the night, as well as free tea, coffee and snacks for all who attend. You also get to take your masterpiece home with you at the end of the night! Tickets for the event cost €10 + booking fee, with tickets available on Eventbrite.ie; search for ‘Drink Tea & Draw’.
ENJOY A BOWIE-ILLIANT MARKET IN HONOUR OF YOU-KNOW-WHO AS PART of the fourth edition of the Dublin Bowie Festival this week, The Grand Social will host a Bowie Market on Saturday, January 12. The festival will be a must-see for any fan of Bowie or his work, with lovers of the musician being given the opportunity to pick up some art, vinyl, memorabilia and more. Punters will also have the chance to have a pint while they browse the fine wares of the fest, which will run from noon to 5pm in the northside venue. The Dublin Bowie Festival also has a number of other events on and will run until January 13. The Bowie Market is free to enter, but tickets for the other events – including concerts and more – are available from dublinbowiefestival.ie.
While Danes (above) and many other EU citizens enjoy strong, cycle-focused transport policies, the Irish Government still lags far behind its peers
‘Take the brakes off making bike policies’
RACHEL D’ARCY
CYCLISTS are calling on the Government and Minister for Transport Shane Ross to speed up the delivery of measures to protect cyclists on Dublin’s roads. The calls come as Minister Ross confirmed that the Road Traffic (Minimum Passing Distance of Cyclists) Bill 2017 has been shelved. The Green Party’s Transport Spokesperson, Cllr Ciaran Cuffe, said that the decision to shelve the bill is ”bitterly disappointing”, as similar measures are in place in other countries. Cllr Cuffe said: “This u-turn is bitterly disappointing and is hard to understand, particularly as other countries such as Australia have had minimum pass-
ing laws in place for some time. “In the absence of a minimum passing law, Minister Ross should proceed with the improvements recommended by the Road Safety Authority [RSA] in their recent review of minimum passing distances. “They proposed that An Garda Siochana place a greater emphasis on enforcing unsafe motoristcyclist interactions, and Minister Ross should sit down with the Minister for Justice to make this happen. “Minister Ross should instruct the NTA to fast-track infrastructural solutions to segregate cyclist and motorised traffic, particularly in higher-speed, congested locations.” Echoing Cllr Cuffe’s comments, Fine Gael general elec-
tion candidate Deirdre Duffy has said the hazards faced by cyclists in Dublin city needs to be addressed. Spending on cycling infrastructure dropped from €19m in 2015 to just €7m in 2017. Duffy said: “As someone who cycles in Dublin on a daily basis, I know the city’s cycling infrastructure needs urgent updating. It is clear to anyone who cycles in the city that we need safe and segregated cycle paths. “Just before Christmas, Minister Ross announced he has asked the NTA to establish a new Cycling Office. This is welcome but long overdue – cycling numbers have been increasing dramatically, according to the CSO. “If Dublin is to develop as a city, we need a change in atti-
tude towards cycling safety and that means increased investment for segregated cycling lanes and their maintenance and upkeep. “According to the latest cycling figures from Dublin City Council, the number of daily cyclists is now close to the 100,000 people mark. The number of cyclists in the city has more than doubled in the past six years. “For most cyclists, the daily commute into the city is fraught with people parking in cycle lanes, reckless driving and, of course, the poor condition of the mostly unsegregated lanes themselves. “While traffic and hazards vary on the time of the day, every journey has dangers that can be immediately rectified.”
Some heavenly foods on way to St Andrew’s site RACHEL D’ARCY
SUFFOLK Street is set to get a major boost this summer, as plans for a food hall in the old St Andrew’s church have been approved. The new food hall will comprise several outlets, serving food to approximately 400 diners when it opens in the Summer, with an expected June opening date. Renovations will begin on the church this month, as well as an extensive fit-out on the former church after permission was granted
for the development in late 2018. The food hall will be the first of its kind in the capital and is inspired by European and American food halls. The Michael JF Wright Hospitality Group have taken a 25-year lease on the building, which was used as a tourist office until 2014, and they expect to have the food hall open from 8am until 11pm, seven days a week. The group own a number of other establishments across the capital, including bars and restaurants in addition to the Marqette
outlets at Dublin airport. On their website, the group say that St Andrew’s Food Hall will “be a showcase for local authentic Irish foods”. The website also says: “Based on emerging dining trends in urban environments, millennial spending and dining patterns and an established interest in food experiences and food culture, food halls have emerged as the foremost growth area in retail, entertainment, dining and urban development projects for the future.”
10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 9
RINGSEND RESIDENTS ON ALERT
SCHOOLS
Warning on ‘bogus’ electrical collectors
Scientists compete at the RDS
RESIDENTS in Ringsend have been encouraged to be aware of suspected bogus collections of electronics in the locality. A flyer has been circulating throughout the Ringsend area in recent days, advertising a ‘free electrical recycling day’ and detailing different electrical items that will be accepted as part of the initiative. It instructs people to leave the items outside their front door, and anything “that cannot be reused” will be disposed of at a recycling centre. On a popular local Facebook group, a resident has posted that the flyer appears to be bogus, and that items left outside for recycling that cannot be sold on are being illegally dumped in another area.
The post said: “Just to make everyone in the community aware ... the picture of the leaflet is of one that has been circulated around Stella [Gardens] and the new houses; these are bogus collections. “If you leave stuff out for them, they will take what they can sell on and then illegally dump what is of no use to them – please only leave stuff out for official DCC collectors.” In the same post, Ringsend locals are warned that the leaflet may also be “a ruse” to see what activity is in the area as there have also been a number of recent breakins in the area. A Dublin City Council spokesperson told Dublin Gazette: “We do not cir-
culate this type of leaflet, and would urge members of the public to report any advertisements of free waste or junk collections to us to investigate. “Waste given to unauthorised collectors for disposal is an offence and will contribute to illegal dumping ... and lead to environmental damage. “A waste collection permit is required to collect and transport all waste. “For information on our recycling sites, see www. dublincity.ie. “Also see www.weeeireland.ie for information on recycling of unwanted electrical items.” Further information on preventing burglaries and on fraudulent schemes is available from An Garda S i o c h a n a’s we b s i te, garda.ie.
Trent steps in to help Holly keep Dancing with the Stars RTE One has revealed a new dancer to succeed Curtis Pritchard, who sustained serious injuries in an unprovoked attack on St Stephen’s night. Australian choreographer Trent Whiddon steps in to dance with model Holly Carpenter on series three of Dancing with the Stars, helping Holly to keep dancing until Curtis recovers and returns to the show. Picture: Andres Poveda Photography
D U B L I N ’S b r i g h te s t young minds are in the RDS this week, with this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), which is currently running until this Friday, January 11, reflecting issues of ongoing global concern. Dublin is represented by 49 schools from across the county, showcasing 105 projects. A total of 1,137 students from 237 schools across Ireland submitted projects. For the 11th year in a row there are more girls than boys competing, indicating a positive trend in girls engaging in the critical STEM subjects at secondary school level. There is also a 62% increase in girls qualifying for Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences on 2018’s figure.
10 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 10 January 2019
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Bronagh Tierney and Lisa McHugh
Kate Boylan and Shauna Murphy
Aoibhe Devlin and Jenni Grimes Brendan McDowell and MMMMitchell Elisha Stokes, Karla Kallero and Zoe Taylor. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Masterclass for makeup lovers enjoyed
T Katie Anderson and Amy Savage
OP UK MUA and Instagram phenomenon MMMMitchell jetted into Dublin recently to showcase his set out Sub Zero highlighter Palette created in collaboration with B Perfect cosmetics.
James McGuigan, Ema Devir and Michael Campbell
After a Masterclasses at a Pop Up Store in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, the day was continued with a private Masterclass in the Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2, for Irelands Make Up Elite hosted by Mark Rogers.
Kelly Donegan, Simone Cleary and Alanna Gormley
Ellen McVeigh, Ciara Dooley and Kara Nugent
10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 11
Runners getting ready for the Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive Challenge
Kevin O’Toole, Lord Mayor Nial Ring and David O’Brien. Pictures: Philomena Duke
At the starting line
Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive Challenge 2019
Ross Layden of the Trinitones Mackenzie and Georgia Dixon with Chloe Foster. Pictures: Jason Clarke
Fundraising campaign for cancer research
R
TÉ star Aine Lawlor and leading cancer specialist Prof John Crown were among those who launched a unique fundraising campaign for cancer research in Dublin recently. Performers from different traditions took part in Give Us A Song Nationwide Campaign for Cancer Research. The event was an appeal to choirs, groups and friends all around Ireland to put on singing performances over the weekend of 4th February to mark UN designated World Cancer Day. The money raised will go to the Caroline Foundation for Cancer Research.
The Trinitones with Prof John Crown and RTE’s Aine Lawlor
12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019
LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: DELVE INTO THE BEST THAT UNUSUAL DUBLIN HAS TO OFFER
ST MICHAN’S CHURCH CONTAINS FIVE LONG BURIAL VAULTS CONTAINING THE MUMMIFIED REMAINS OF MANY OF DUBLIN’S MOST INFLUENTIAL FAMILIES FROM 1600 TO 1800.
DUBLIN MADE EASY F
Some of the more off beat things to do the next time you have a few hours to kill
OLLOWING the festivities of the past few weeks you probably want to do something that doesn’t involve excessive eating or drinking! If you’re looking for things to do in the city then why not delve into unusual Dublin. As you would expect from somewhere over a thousand years old, the capital has plenty of quirky and wonderful places to excite your imagination. Here, we’ve collected some of the more offbeat things to do the next time you have a few hours to kill. It’s not just visitors to our amazing city who’ll want to explore some of these unusual places, even we Dubliners forget what’s on our doorstep every now and again.
ST MICHAN’S CHURCH
MARSH’S LIBRARY
JEWISH MUSEUM
ST Michan’s Church, which was originally founded in 1095 on the site of a Norse chapel, is noted for what lies beneath it. While the interior boasts fine woodwork, and an organ from 1724 on which Handel is said to have composed his Messiah, the vaults uniquely contain mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential families from 1600 to 1800. Among them are the 400-year-old body of a nun, a six-and-a-half foot man believed to have been a crusader, and a body with its feet and right hand severed. Open to tours on Saturdays, and seasonally on some weekdays, St Michan’s Church is well worth a visit.
FOUNDED in 1707, Marsh’s Library holds some 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts, and is the oldest public library in Ireland. Narcissus Marsh, Archbishop of Dublin, donated many of the books in the library from his personal collection, and is buried nearby on the Cathedral grounds. The library has seen much of Dublin’s history, some of the bookcases are riddled with bullet holes from the Easter Rising, when the hotel next door was occupied. Marsh’s Library is located on St Patrick’s Close, beside St Patrick’s Cathedral, and open to the public everyday apart from Tuesday and Sundays.
THE Irish Jewish Museum is located in the once highly Jewish populated area of Portobello on the site of the former Walworth Road Synagogue, which could accommodate around 150 people, consisting of two adjoining terraced houses. Due to the movement of the Jewish people from the area to the suburbs of Dublin and with the overall decline in their numbers, the Synagogue fell into disuse and ceased to function in the early 70s. The museum contains a collection that includes photographs, paintings, certificates, books and artefacts covering all aspects of Jewish life.
10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13
DUBLIN
REMEMBERING SOME CINEMA LEGENDS AND ACTRESS EVA’S HAPPY TO HELP INDULGE YOURSELF WITH A LAP OF NAMES WE LOST SCOLIOSIS SUFFERERS ... P16 LUXURY STAYCATION HOLIDAY ... P18 IN 2018 ... P20
MAGAZINE
LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY
HAPPY TO HELP PROMOTE A FUN DUBLIN MENTAL HEALTH FESTIVAL THERE were plenty of smiles at the launch of the First Fortnight European mental health art and culture festival 2019 recently. Pictured are (foreground) Tony Mohan and Seve Feathers, Clowns Without Borders; David Keegan, co-founder and chief executive of First Fortnight; State Lights’ Shobsy; artist Emma Sheridan; The Academic’s frontman Craig Gallagher and Cathy Coughlan For further information on the festival and its aims, see overleaf, Page 15. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography
14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin
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C O N TA C T S
Edwina Casey and Richard Bolger
Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com
Pat Shortt and daughter Faye Shortt. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:
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Ernie and Cian Gallagher
Kathy and Cian Gallagher
Preview screening of The Belly of the Whale P AT Shortt joined fellow cast members on the red carpet at a special screening of The Belly of the Whale at the Omniplex Rathmines recently. The Belly of the Whale tells the story of two down on their
luck souls who attempt to rob an amusement arcade to solve their problems. The other cast members in attendance on the night included Love/Hate actor Peter Coonan and Lewis MacDougall.
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Fiona Bonnie
David Heffernan and Orla McHugh
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10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15
FEATURES
Challenging mental health prejudice through the arts PADRAIG CONLON
THE first festival of the year is already underway after First Fortnight began on New Year’s Day. The annual arts and mental health festival, first founded in 2009, returns with a very impressive series of events in Dublin and nationwide over the coming weeks. First Fortnight is an artsbased mental health charity aiming to challenge
mental health stigma and discrimination. The festival sees over 150 events in January with family and child friendly events, music, sports, comedy, theatre, film, panel discussions, workshops and much more. Co-founder and chief executive of First Fortnight, David Keegan, said his motivation for starting the festival was to raise awareness of mental health in Ireland. He said: “In 2009, it
seemed mental health didn’t feature too highly on anyone’s list of priorities despite the suicide epidemic Ireland was experiencing at the time, particularly among my demographic. “My best mate, and First Fortnight co-founder JP and I had personal experience of the devastating impact of mental health stigma. “It was at that age I began to self-harm and JP lost a brother to suicide.
“When we sat down, our intention was to design a model to start a national mental health conversation. “We’d a shared interest in art and culture. It reflects us societally. “It was my background. JP worked in the mental health services at the time. “Artists have always championed issues of great social importance. “Great art can affect great change. “Ultimately the festi-
First Fortnight helps create a space where people can talk about mental health issues
val is a medium through which we start meaningful conversations, challenge stigma and raise mental health awareness at a challenging time of year for a lot of people.” Highlights this month include shows by Irish actor Emmet Kirwan, British musician Professor
Green, Irish screenwriter and playwright Stefanie Preissner, musicians The Academic and Saint Sister and former athlete David Gillick which aim to challenge mental health stigma in Dublin and throughout Ireland. Events will be held across Dublin in venues
including The Sugar Club, A4 Sounds on St Joseph’s Parade, Smock Alley, The Ark on Eustace Street and The Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin. The festival partners include St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Mental Health Ireland, See Change and SpunOut.
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FEATURES
Rush native Eva Butterly (main) suffered through years of pain and discomfort as a teen, with scoliosis giving her a lot to overcome. However, she worked long and hard – and worked out a lot to strengthen her back muscles – to overcome the condition, going on to appear in Game of Thrones (inset right, Season 6). Today, as ‘The Scoliosis Warrior’, Eva wants to help inspire other scoliosis sufferers to feel better.
HEALTH | ACTRESS WORKED HARD TO HELP PUT YEARS OF BACK PAIN BEHIND HER
Eva’s inspirational Scoliosis Warrior message set to help fellow sufferers REBECCA RYAN
DUBLIN actress Eva Butterly, who was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teen, is now helping others with the condition through fitness. The 27-year-old Rush native – who also had a part in TV hit Game of Thrones, as an actress in a travelling troupe who portrayed canny Margaery Tyrell – was diagnosed with an extreme curvature of the spine at the age of 12, but in recent years she has found that lifting weights has dramatically improved her condition. Eva told Dublin Gazette she discovered she had the condition after her primary school teacher noticed that her shoulder was “slumped to one side”.
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I want people to know that they don’t have to be a slave to their scoliosis and there are lots of things they can do to help themselves manage the condition “She informed my mam, who then brought me to see a chiropractor, where I was diagnosed with scoliosis. “I received chiropractic treatment for six months, but my back got progressively worse to the point where a large hump started to form. “I was sent to see an o r t h o p e d i c su rge o n , who diagnosed me with severe scoliosis and required immediate surgery because my curva-
ture was so aggressive.” Eva then had two spinal fusion operations. The first was to insert metal rods into either side of her spine to prevent the curvature getting worse, but after complications the second operation was to remove the rods as they became infected. “I wore a body cast for a year after that to secure my spine in place, and thankfully there have been no further compli-
cations since.” Growing up with scoliosis was hard for Eva. She remembers: “My body felt very alien to me and I had trouble finding clothes that fit. “The backs of chairs in schools always caused a lot of discomfort, and I felt very different to other girls my age.” Eva started going to the gym at 18 and over the years she has found that weightlifting has helped her manage the scoliosis. She is hoping to inspire others with the condition. “Strengthening the muscles that surround my spine has helped tremendously with pain and also the overall aesthetic appearance of my back. “Through weight lifting, I developed a newfound confidence in
myself, which was very empowering to a previously self-consc ious teenage girl. “I continued to train 4-5 days a week and over the course of a few months my body started to change. I became a lot more symmetrical, and my pain pretty much disappeared. “There are many studies that show lifting weights not only relieves back pain and improves the functionality of the spine, but it also increases your bone density. “Strong muscles have a much easier time holding the spine in place; strong bones help prevent degeneration of the spine as we get older.” She added: “My miss i o n i s to e m p owe r people to take control of their health through
resistance training. I also advocate for the importance of well-balanced nutrition and mental health. “I want people to know that they don’t have to be a slave to their scoliosis and there are lots of things they can do to help themselves manage the condition.” Eva’s message to people with scoliosis is to get support: “Go online and get yourself some support. Don’t be afraid to reach out; be curious about your condition, ask questions about the best treatment options available. “Scoliosis is not only physically difficult, but it is also a struggle mentally, and it is easy to feel very alone on the journey. Reaching out to other people can help
lessen the load. “ T h e re a re p e o p l e out there who relate to your struggles and can empathise with you. You might even make a new friend in the process! “I am always open and willing to chat if anyone ever needs a listening ear.” 2019 is set to be a big year for the inspirational woman. She will be working with people all over the world with the launch of her online coaching service, Scoliosis Warrior, and no doubt she will continue to go from strength to strength in whatever she sets her hand to. To follow Eva Butterly, see The Scoliosis Warrior @evabutterly on Instagram, or on Facebook see www.facebook.com/ evabutterlyfitness/
10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
FOOD & DRINK
Nonna knows best for celeb chef Gennaro REBECCA RYAN
CELEBRITY chef Gennaro Contaldo was in Dublin just before Christmas for an exclusive festive masterclass. The warm, friendly and insanely talented Italian chef and restauranteur is most known for his association with his protégé, Jamie Oliver, teaching him everything he knows about Italian cooking. He is also well known for his partnership with fellow Italian chef, the late Antonio Carluccio and their BBC Two television series Two Greedy Italians. Dublin Gazette caught up with the much-loved chef in Jamie’s Italian in Dundrum for the exclusive masterclass. He was full of praise for the popular Dublin restaurant. “It’s beautiful. The way Gerry looks after this place. All the chefs are so passionate. They’re all on it. Everything is tasty. I went back to show them how to make a fish dish, my God they were better than me! “This is what you want, you want them to do better, because if they do exactly what I do, it is a photocopy. They have to do better. You feel happy.” Gennaro was brought up in Minori, a small fishing village on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
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Their latest project was touring around Italy for two years for the new Jamie Cooks Italy Book. The famous duo were passionate to learn authentic Italian recipes from nonnas [grandmothers] so that the recipes would never be lost. Gennaro said the nonnas are the “real cooks” and meeting them changed the way he cooks today. “[Jamie and I] planned this trip a few years ago. We’d been very busy with the restaurant and filming, we had to find the time to go. We travelled all over Italy from right in the north to the mountains to the last island in Italy. “With the nonna, filming is quite slow. You have to go with the pace of a nonna. Some of the nonna needed a little rest. Some of the nonna can be very cheeky! “When we found the nonna, we said hi, we stayed with them, we talk with them. You fell in love as soon as you see them. “They treat you like a little child because under their eyes we are little children. After a few days with them they become your real nonna. “The most difficult thing was when we had to say goodbye. Because of their age, they are quite old, in the back of your mind you think are you going to see them [again], perhaps it would be the last time.” Gennaro added that the nonnas taught Jamie and himself so much about cooking. “We had to learn how to ‘un-chef’. I think we do everything wrong! You have to be with a nonna to see how to cook! “We learned so much. At my age that’s a privilege. It’s changed the way I cook.” We couldn’t leave without asking Mr Italy himself what his favourite Italian dish is, but it was a very hard choice for him as he likes them all! “Ah! It’s very difficult because I like everything! What I like for myself to have on New Year’s Eve is simplicity. Stock fish, salt bacalao, just boil it, twist of olive oil, a little bit of garlic, parsley and a squeeze of lemon. But I like everything else as well!” Gennaro’s latest book ‘Gennaro’s Fast Cook Italian’ is full of enticing, authentic and quick to prepare recipes which is now available.
We learned so much. At my age that’s a privilege. It’s changed the way I cook
The value of mealtimes He learned from an early childhood the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, the potential of taste and texture and, in true Italian style, the family man knows and values the sheer pleasure of mealtimes. Jamie and Gennaro go way back. When Jamie was a young man, his dream was to make the “best pasta in the world”. His friend told him about Gennaro and gave him the address of his restaurant in Covent Garden. Jamie knocked on Gennaro’s restaurant door looking for a job. Gennaro took him under his wing and quickly realised his potential. He also wanted to have someone he could pass on his knowledge to and Jamie was the perfect candidate. Both Jamie and Gennaro have been heavily involved with Jamie’s Italian.
Gennaro Contaldo (left) cooking up a storm in Dundrum
MORSELS OF NEWS... MORSELS OF NEWS... VAT-driven increase leaves coffee lovers with bitter complaints
McDonald’s serves up its first vegetarian Happy Meal offerings
MCDONALD’S Ireland has introduced the first ever vegetarian Happy Meal, along with a new Spicy Veggie Wrap (above) on the main menu. The two new additions are in response to the growing customer demand for more meat-free meal choices. The two new vegetarian wraps catering to adults and children include: NEW Happy Meal Veggie Wrap (209kcal) made with a red pesto goujon with tomato ketchup and shredded lettuce, wrapped in a soft, toasted tortilla. The other is a new Spicy Veggie Wrap (364kcal) made with two red pesto goujons, a dressing of spicy relish with tomato, lettuce and red onion, all wrapped in a soft, toasted tortilla. The ingredients are all also dairy-free. Duncan Cruttenden, menu director at McDonald’s Ireland and UK, said: “We are really thrilled to be able to give our customers this new choice.”
COMPLAINTS have been heard from coffee lovers in Dublin as the New Year saw the price of a coffee going up. Last October, a hike in VAT rates was announced by the Government in Budget 2019. Rates on the hospitality sector were increased from 9% to 13.5%, which affected cafes, restaurants, hotels and bars. The price jump has been passed onto many customers from businesses. Coffee lovers have been reacting online, with some complaining about the hike and asking was the price reduced when the VAT was cut to 9%? One person asked: “Had you reduced the price when VAT was cut to 9%?” Another said: “Not sure the decrease to 9% was reflected everywhere when the rate was reduced, but companies and businesses are quick to increase.” Others were understanding of the hike, with one person writing: “Some people just don’t seem to understand that things [have] changed since 2009. “You can’t expect a business that’s been running with 9% VAT change to 13.5% and absorb it.” Of the increase in prices, another person wrote: “And rightly justified! Anyone who doesn’t understand this must not be selfemployed or own a business!”
Yum, yum – world’s first lab-grown steak cooked up by start-up
A LANDMARK accomplishment has been achieved in the fake meat industry as the world’s first labgrown steak has been revealed. Israeli start-up Aleph Farms, with a slogan of ‘Leading the slaughterfree meat revolution for a healthier world’, announced it had grown a steak in a lab using cells extracted from a living cow. The firm’s boss, Didier Toubia, said: “The initial products are still relatively thin, but the technology we developed marks a true breakthrough and a great leap forward in producing a cell-grown steak.” Aleph Farms had to find a nutrient combination that would encourage the extracted animal cells to grow into a tissue structure similar to that found in a cow. Toubia said: “Making a patty or a sausage from cells cultured outside the animal is challenging enough – imagine how difficult it is to create a whole-muscle steak.” Scientists say it will be available to buy within two years.
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019
TRAVEL COMMERCIAL CONTENT
Make 2019 the year to visit the Seychelles – just one trending destination to consider
GoHop to it to plan your great escape
IRISH holiday firm GoHop.ie has just launched their 2019 summer holiday sale, entitled Plan your next Escape. The early January booking season is normally littered with holidaymakers seeking out cheap deals, but early trends for 2019 indicate a notable increase in demand for upmarket holidays right across the globe. Trending far-away destinations that currently top the list of the early 2019 popularity ratings include Dubai, South Africa, The Seychelles, Vietnam, Florida, Cuba, Peru and The Galapagos. Whilst value for money is still an important consideration, the recent improvement in the economy, coupled with tempting new flying options, has made many bucket listtype destinations a lot more affordable. GoHop.ie has a wide range of tempting holiday options to satisfy early bookers so, regardless of your budget, there’s no excuse not to Plan your next Escape and book that well-earned trip of a lifetime in 2019. GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland. Irish-owned and managed, the brand continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers, offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market, operating flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports. The company boasts more than 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.75. Consumers can also sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter for unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates. For further infromation, see GoHop.ie, or call 01 241 2389; on Facebook see GoHop.ie; on Twitter follow @GoHop_ie.
Farnham Estate marries classic comfort with contemporary touches to create a singularly relaxing destination
IRELAND | PAMPER YOURSELF WITH A DOMESTIC BREAK
De-stress and unwind here at home with lots of great offers to start the New Year in luxury SYLVIA POWNALL
Travel Editor COME the New Year, everyone’s thoughts turn to holidays – but if your piggy bank is feeling the pinch then a trip abroad just might not be possible. Why not banish the stress of Christmas with a refreshing break closer to home? Whether you opt for a reboot at Inchydoney or a mindfulness massage in Cavan, the options are endless. We’ve chosen some of the best January pamper deals closer to home to ease you into 2019 ... Farnham Estate Golf & Spa Resort Get the new year off
to a mindful start with a luxury overnight escape to Farnham Estate Golf & Spa Resort, at Coras Point, Cavan. Arrive and relax over a light lunch in Cafe Vista overlooking the beautiful countryside surroundings before making your way to Farnham’s world-class health spa. Enjoy time in the infinity swimming pool and experience a journey of the senses in the thermal suite, before unwinding that busy mind with an 80-minute ESPA Mindfulness Massage, which will calm both the mind and the body. Mindfulness Moments at Farnham Estate costs from €149.50 PPS and includes an overnight stay with a buffet
breakfast, light lunch, massage and access to spa (see www.farnhamestate.ie). Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa Start as you mean to continue with a Wellness Break in Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa at Clonakilty, Co Cork. Escape to the sea with a two-night bed and breakfast with beautiful Atlantic views and a treatment in the calming surroundings of The Island Spa. Your Wellness Break also includes a slimming Algo body wrap, and a full body massage in The Island Spa, using Elemis Cellutox body oil, which contains sea buckthorn, sea fennel, lemon and juniper to help cleanse the body. After your treatment you
Set amidst some of Cork’s most
can retire to one of their relaxation areas with stunning ocean views, and enjoy a herbal tea or juice. The two-night Wellness Break, including access to the pool, sauna, steam room and gym, is available from €299 PPS (see www.inchydoneyisland.com). Castlemartyr Resort Weary winter bodies can be revitalised at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort in Co Cork with the Timexpert C+ Face and body envelopment treatment. Designed to give your skin a much-needed boost, it starts with a Vitamin C exfoliation followed by a collagen-boosting body wrap while you are treated to an advanced anti-glycation facial.
In Cork, Castlemartyr guests will to leave any weary body or spirit
Utilising the benefits of Ume extract and Vitamin C, this facial fights against the damaged elastin and collagen fibres, leaving skin feeling revitalised and radiant. Luxurious, tranquil and gorgeous, The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort is a
10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
A celebration of Game of Thrones
breathtaking scenery, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa offers guests a spectacular setting – with superb services and comfort to match
enjoy not only a stunning setting, but a range of treatments feeling refreshed and reinvigorated for the rest of 2019
spectacular centre where the wrap-around glass frontage surrounding the 20-metre swimming pool and water room gives unbeatable views out over this five-star country estate. Treat tired skin to the Timexpert C+ Face and
Body Envelopment for €115 (see www.castlemartyrresort.ie). The K Spa Make time for yourself to unwind and relax at The K Spa in Straffan, Co Kildare. Avoid slipping back into
Long synonymous with luxury, The K Club has mastered the art of pampering guests, with a wide range of therapies to help relax and de-stress anyone
the same old routine by checking in to the luxurious surroundings of The K Club and explore the glorious grounds before treating yourself to a choice of therapies at The K Spa. Loosen any tension with a 50-minute signature massage, combin-
ing the very best Eastern and Western massage techniques but designed just for you, or refresh your skin with a 60-minute Natura Bisse Skin Comfort Facial, followed by enjoying a delightful 25 minutes of complete serenity in the rasul mud
chamber. Enjoy a four-course meal in The K Club’s elegant Byerley Turk restaurant, before a blissful night’s sleep in peaceful surroundings. Nab a January spa deal from €240 per person (see www.kclub.ie).
CALL your bannermen and get mobilised – Game of Thrones, The Touring Exhibition will make its debut visit to these shores at the TEC in Belfast from April to September. The dramatic expo was designed by GES Events in collaboration with show creators HBO and combines costumes, authentic props and majestic settings from all seven seasons. The result is a spectacular interactive and immersive GoT experience like no other – guaranteed to impress even the most devoted of superfans. This is the largest Game of Thrones public display ever put together and it will be located in a 5,000sq m venue, set is in the shadow of the legendary Titanic Studios where scenes for the series were filmed over a ten-year period. The exhibition will give fans the experience of a lifetime with an up-close and personal look at the artistry and craftmanship behind the Emmy awardwinning series. The exhibition runs from April 11 to September 1. Tickets (from £15) are available at www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk, or www.discovernorthernireland.com.
20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019
OBITUARIES | SOME OF THE GREATEST NAMES ON OR OFF THE SILVER SCREEN WHO PASSED AWAY
Those Cinema lost in 2018 WHILE every year sees some notable names joining ‘the obituary club’, 2018 was a particularly harsh year for Cinema lovers. Although many of those SHANE DILLON who passed away last year were elderly figures, plenty were not, with some talents burning out too soon while others are, perhaps, more dimly remembered. However, all of them made their mark in Cinema in one way or another, and deserve to be noted, mourned – and celebrated – for their legacy. And with some of these figures also finding fame on the small screen, with newer technologies also providing renewed access to some of their notable works, here’s hoping that their names and contribution to Cinema will live on long into the future. In no particular order (starting from the top left)... 1) MARGOT KIDDER Actress Oct 17, 1948 – May 13 FOREVER known as Lois Lane, there was a time when the Superman star had the world at her feet, before she crashed to earth, hard, becoming a subject of pity and concern in Hollywood. Margot’s feisty, gutsy turn as Superman’s love interest charmed audiences, but the massive success that those films brought her – despite some notable turns in several other cinema and TV pro-jects – were offset by her personal difficulties. A well-publicised nervous breakdown and mental health issues in later life left her largely sidelined, with Margot appearing in smaller roles and Indie films in later years, showing some of the passion and wit that had never deserted her. 2) NICOLAS ROEG Director, auteur Aug 15, 1928 – Nov 23 IT’S just over a month and a bit since Nicolas Roeg got a nod in your Gazette, but honestly, he’s more than worth returning to – much like his films, which reward repeat viewings. While the 60s and 70s produced many cinema auteurs, few made their mark like Roeg, who regularly turned out one effort-
lessly bizarre, memorable film after another, directing stars who were at or rising to the peak of their cinema fame, such as Mick Jagger, or David Bowie. More than anything else, however, his masterpiece – Don’t Look Now – remains a very singular work that almost defies definition or categorisation, with its funereal Venice setting and creeping horror being something that’s once seen, never forgotten. 3) BURT REYNOLDS Actor, sex symbol Feb 11, 1936 – Sept 6 OFTEN called “the sexiest man on the planet”, Burt Reynolds was a master player in the Hollywood system, channelling natural charisma and appeal into an international AAAlist power in the 70s/80s. If many of his later films and TV roles were poor, audiences largely forgave him, with Burt often playing on his macho-man appeal to take on less serious roles, sending himself up in roles before it became commonplace for many stars to do so. In later years, Burt enjoyed a mini renaissance, popping up in small or cameo roles, and seemingly rarely brooding on the many roles and characters he infamously turned down, including James Bond and Han Solo.
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4) R. LEE ERMEY Actor, benchmark Mar 24, 1944 – Apr 15 THERE are few character actors who can make an impact like R Lee Ermey did, with his 1987 portrayal of the fearsome Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket still the benchmark of on-screen toughness. As a former US Marine Corps drill sergeant himself, Ermey was born to play the terrifying sergeant with a passion that he channelled into similarly authoritarian roles. With a wry grasp of the power of his fearsome image, Ermey popped up as a no-nonsense tough guy in all kinds of unlikely places, voicing characters in everything from the likes of Toy Story to Spongebob Squarepants. 5) PENNY MARSHALL Director, actress Oct 15, 1943 – Dec 17 EFFORTLESSLY able to make audiences laugh
both at her comic acting and her films alike, Penny Marshall made her mark on the small and big screens, delighting millions in TV’s Laverne and Shirley before she turned her hand to directing. Not only was she the first female director to smash the $100m mark, she made Tom Hanks a star with Big – just one of a string of hits that, like her smash film of almost the same name, truly placed her in a league of her own. 6) STAN LEE Writer, publisher, legend Dec 28, 1922 – Nov 12 ALTHOUGH he’s another figure who got a recent nod in the Gazette to lament his passing, there’s still something a little sad about a world without ‘Uncle’ Stan Lee. Once ‘just’ best known as Spider-man’s creator, Stan created, fleshed out and developed a dizzying number of characters and worlds, saying that
coming up with ideas was never a problem, but finding the time to get to them all was. The past couple of decades saw many of his works explode onto cinema screens, creating a vast range of Marvel films, TV shows and spin-off material that largely owes it all to one avuncular old gent. 7) HARLAN ELLISON Author, scriptwriter May 27, 1934 – June 28 YOU could easily fill a page or two just on Harlan alone, such was the dizzying output and reach of the legendary writer. Often found in the midst of one falling out or controversy after another, the prolific – to put it mildly – writer busied himself in many creative media, reaching into cinema, television, radio and other outlets with some of the 20th Century’s finest Science Fiction. His shadow loomed over all manner of pop culture
hits, from Star Trek to lesser works, with many films and entire genres picking up direct influences from his work, while it’s also impossible to disregard his influence on a vast number of TV series. 8) ISAO TAKAHATA Director, screenwriter Oct 29, 1935 – Apr 5 YOU may not know the name ‘Isao Takahata’, but you certainly know his works, as Takahata-san’s arguably most famous accomplishment was as a co-founder of the legendary Studio Ghibli. Together with longtime collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki, and Toshio Suzuki and Yasuyoshi Tokuma, the Japanese director was a driving force behind a number of striking anime, with Ghibli’s singular vision charming global audiences in recent decades. Takahata-san’s last film as director was The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
(2013), nominated for an Academy award, with his typically delicate focus on human connection proving a fine swansong. 9) VERNE TROYER Actor, comedian Jan 1, 1969 – Apr 21 LAST but definitely not least, news of Verne Troyer’s death at 49 shocked people around the world, marking one of the few times they weren’t laughing when the actor and comedian came to mind. As one of the shortest people in the world, the 2’ 8” star channelled his energy into comedy, providing a stalwart foil as Mini-Me alongside Mike Myers’ Dr Evil character – a role which brought Verne his greatest success, putting him on the global map. He would reprise several funnyman-sidekick roles in a number of other films, teaming up with Myers in other projects, as well as proving a staple of several reality TV shows.
10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21
WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS
ENTERTAINMENT
QUIKFLIX FLIX Streaming the latest news
Albert Square may be set for its first ever gay bar IN A BID to reflect a more diverse London, the new executive producer of EastEnders has said that a gay bar may open on the legendary Albert Square in the next year. New senior executive producer Kate Oates joined the much loved soap recently from Coronation Street. Oates said that she’s ‘really interested’ in introducing more LGBT characters into EastEnders, adding that “maybe we will have a new precinct for [the LGBT characters] as well”. In a view posted to the official EastEnders Twitter account, Oates said: “We are looking at opening a gay bar on the square which will be a super-cool precinct where gay and straight characters can just hang out and loads of stories can cross. “It should just be something really exciting, really fun, really visual and feel really true to multicultural London. Hopefully that will be something exciting for the next year.”
RTE launch revamped online streaming service THE RTE PLAYER has received a facelift recently, with a number of original shows and favourites being added to the platform. Taking on other streaming giants with the new-look layout, there’s a number of original programmes on offer on the player that can’t be seen elsewhere. These include the likes of Capsule, a fashion series following six Irish fashion bloggers as they create their perfect wardrobe, and ‘One Day You’ll Understand’, a stand-up special with Des Bishop exclusive to the player. RTE have also added cult favourite, the American series Dawson’s Creek to their online line-up, in addition to former RTE reality show Fade Street.
Stranger Summer
Three of the main cast of Bandersnatch- Asim Chaudhry (Mohan) , Will Poulter (Colin), and Fionn Whitehead (Stefan)
New Black Mirror special Bandersnatching attention RACHEL D’ARCY
IF YOU’VE seen the name Bandersnatch on social media and scrunched your nose in confusion recently, you’re not alone. The latest Black Mirror installment has been garnering a ton of hype, namely as it’s Netflix’s first interactive movie. That’s right - you get to choose what happens next, reflecting the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ game created in the hour and a half long special. Starring Fionn White-
head as game designer Stefan, it’s set in the 80’s as he attempts to recreate the book Bandersnatch in video game format. Fans of Black Mirror will be familiar with the ‘altered reality’ concept of the show, taking a dark viewpoint on life and scenarios, and Bandersnatch is no different. The opportunity to choose Stefan’s fate is enticing, but one was left wondering when it would take a turn for the worse for our protagonist, the mundane part of the spe-
cial seemingly dragging on, perhaps to acquaint the viewer with the concept of choice on offer. The whole adventure is billed to only last an hour and a half, but ultimately it requires much more of your time and attention. It’s not something you can put on and half watch after work - you need to be focused on why you’re making your choices, otherwise you may be forced to ‘go back’ or ‘start again’ if you choose incorrectly, leading to an increased viewing time too. There’s ten endings to
Cult favourite to return to screens in July RACHEL D’ARCY
ONE OF Netflix’s biggest hits, Stranger Things, will return for it’s highly anticipated third season on July 4. Making the announcement on New Year’s Eve, the supernatural show is expected to take place during the summer
break from school for the main cast. The third season has been teased for months, with eager fans desperate for a release date for months, since the first teaser released in July 2018 let fans know a third season was definitely on the way. It was confirmed in
2017 that there would be a third season, leaving fans waiting over 18 months for the third installment. Speculation is rife as to what the third season will involve, with some key guesses hinting at the involvement of technology, ‘demo-rats’ and perhaps some Russian
involvement too. This is all based off the video confirming the release date, with fans of the show knowing that hints and clues frequently appear in trailers and posters for the show. Season three will see the main cast returning, including Millie Bobby
Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Caleb McLoughlin as Lucas, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, Noah Schnapp as Will and more recurring characters. There will also be a new cast member – Robin, played by Maya Hawke.
Bandersnatch, with a number of them tragic, or slightly confusing. It’s not for the faint of heart when it comes to some aspects, and could potentially be upsetting to some viewers, though it comes with a content warning so it really is at your own risk. Stefan also becomes seemingly self aware of the viewer’s control at one point, providing a slight sadistic form of entertainment when you realise you’re ultimately in control of his destiny. It’s an exciting concept, the interactive element,
but it’s difficult to foresee how Netflix will implement it on something outside of Black Mirror, or indeed outside of this particular plot. Finding myself growing a little weary at times - having to stop and start once or twice - it’s your typical Black Mirror episode once you’re willing to put the work in. Not one of Black Mirror’s finest, but it still provides that spinetingling shudder that the show is famous for. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is available now on Netflix.
22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 10 January 2019
ENTERTAINMENT GOING OUTOUT
GET TUNED IN WITH WHAT’S ON
PUNK AND
CIRCUMSTANCE
PICK
OF THE WEEK
JANUARY 14 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €49 The closing shows of an extended residency at Vicar Street for the trad legend take place this week, with Christy plays the last of eight nights in the iconic Dublin 8 venue.
JANUARY 10 (THURSDAY) The 1975 + Pale Waves @ 3Arena, €41 Samarkand @ Whelan’s, €17 Fergus Daly @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10
JANUARY 11 (FRIDAY) David Keenan @ Whelan’s, sold out
JANUARY 12 (SATURDAY) 2 Many DJs @ Tivoli Theatre (late), €25 As the Liberties venue begins its wind-down before being turned into another hotel, ‘DIstrict 8’ begins its last hurrah. The Belgian duo 2 Many DJs are certain to get the place bouncing. Rebel Rebel - the David Bowie Experience @ The Academy, €28 David Keenan @ Whelan’s, sold out JC Stewart @ Whelan’s Upstairs, sold out
JANUARY 14 (MONDAY) Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €49
JANUARY 15 (TUESDAY) Mastodon @ The Olympia Theatre, €37 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €49 Chris Leonard @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10
JANUARY 16 (WEDNESDAY) Neil and Liam FInn @ The Olympia Theatre, €40 One To Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, €5
DUBLIN’S CURRENT penchant for vibrant, pulsating rock bands is one that’s grabbed headlines across Europe, a pattern that looks set to continue. Silverbacks, a five-piece punk outfit centred around brothers Daniel and Kilian O’Kelly, are a band inspired by grit, a DIY ethos and a fraught social conscience, and the latest to look all set for breakout. Having already formed a label, PK Miami (though it’s solely for their own music), and settled on a distinctive style of swirling, deeply layered guitar, there are big plans in place for Silverbacks in 2019, including releasing a debut album, and touring as much as humanly possible. Their roots have stood to them. “Doing it DIY was initially a necessity and eventually became a natural progression that made sense for the band,” frontman Daniel O’Kelly explains of the act’s
JAMES HENDICOTT
progression. “We’ve never really known anything else and it’s been fun, but it’s not necessarily and ethos we’re married to. “A good few of our favourite bands started out this way, such as Yo La Tengo and Sonic Youth. I think it often stands to a band if they’ve been doing things for themselves and writing songs for a number of years before they get picked up by a wider audience. “Moving to a full band and a proper studio has allowed us to be more adventurous and have much more freedom with what we can write and record. “The likes of [singles] ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Just In The Band’ would have never worked if we had tried to
record them in our bedroom.” “We got compared to The Wire last week,” O’Kelly says of the recent attention the band have gained in the media. “I enjoyed that one. I take the ‘Pavement’ and ‘Television’ comparisons as a compliment, we definitely ‘borrow’ a few of their tricks. Both bands had their own unique sound and I’d like to think that we do too.” The band’s recording link
most recent single, ‘Just In The Band’. The result is a glorious parade of distortion, headspinning and titillating, and not afraid to take a swipe in the lyrics, including, somewhat comically, at the idea that they might succeed in early melody ‘Not Ones To Watch’. The tracks kind of tighten in an intense coil of jarring guitar, before unleashing into explosive, frantic chorus
in naturally with one of the scene’s biggest success stories, Girl Band, and even feature Daniel Fox from that act on production duties for
lines. In ‘Just In The Band’, things reach peak intensity, in a setcentring track that seems to flow at breakneck speed from
“
Moving to a full band and a proper studio has allowed us to be more adventurous and have much more freedom with what we can write and record
start to fiery finish. Despite the punk-ethos, the band jokingly insist their key aim for the coming year is to get a track on a popular TV show, or write a hit Christmas song. “Kilian and I have found that the best way we write songs is for one of us to start with an idea and the other to finish it,” Daniel O’Kelly says. “Thinking of guitar hooks is something that comes naturally enough to us so what often happens is that a demo will eventually have too many guitar layers. “We’ll then restructure the demo and strip it back so that there are three or four layers. We then take the song to the band and between Peadar, Kilian and myself we work out the best way to play the guitar parts. “Peadar and Kilian have their own distinct guitar styles and the two of them work together like a dynamic football partnership, Henry and Bergkamp. I’m more of a Mathieu Flamini.”
10 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!
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10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 27
RUGBY P28-29
THE BEST IN DUBLIN
SPORT
BLUE TARGET: LADIES FOOTBALL: DUBLIN footballer Noelle Healy says she’s glad to have a target on her back after a remarkable 2018 campaign that saw the Girls in Blue lift a championship and league double. And the Beaumont Hospital anaesthetist says the pressure both from within the Dublin panel and from other counties looking to knock them off their perch is just what she wants.
GAZETTE
SOCCER P30
PAGE 31
LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BASKETBALL | SUPER LEAGUE
Templeogue riding high in Star showing sport@dublingazette.com
TEMPLEOGUE lead the way at the top of the men’s Super League after a thrilling 83-81 point victory over Belfast Star. It was Star’s second game of the weekend having overcome Pyrobel Killester in nail-biting (92-88) fashion on Saturday evening as part of an action-packed two days of top of the table action. Sunday’s game saw them stage a late comeback against the Dubliners to see the game in the melting pot right up until the final buzzer. Neil Randolph and Stephen James got some crucial scores at the death for Templeogue to send them home to victory. Templeogue’s American, Dee Proby, was also one of the standouts on the day, finishing the clash with 21 points. Speaking afterwards, Templeogue head coach Mark Keenan said: “It
was such an intense battle. It went right to the wire when it looked like, with five minutes to go, that we got a 10-point lead and would go home happy. “But you can never count Star out and they fought until the end and I’m just relieved that we came out on the right side because it could very easily have gone the other way. “At different parts, people made different big plays. Neil Randolph’s three was massive after they had hit a number of threes. Stephen [James] making that free throw gave us that little extra buffer.” Elsewhere, DBS Éanna are now the only unbeaten team remaining in the Men’s Division One after they defeated Limerick Celtics 58-90. Neil Lynch scored 27 points for the Dubliners in a huge winning effort. Indeed, it was wins all round for the Dublin teams in this opening weekend of cross conference games with Abbey Seals Dublin Lions recording
Neil Randolph (33) landed a crucial three-pointer for Templeogue to send them top of the table. Picture: Martin Doherty
a big 66-91 point victory over LIT on Saturday with Igor Markiewicz dropping 25 points on the night. Bad Bobs Tolka Rovers were also victorious, running out 72-89 point winners over UL Sport Eagles in Limerick. Despite a whopping 39-point display from Tarchee Brown, it was not enough to get them to victory.
In the Women’s Super League, DCU Mercy also continued their impressive winning streak, defeating IT Carlow Basketball 39-65 on the road on Saturday to keep the pressure on Liffey Celtics at the top of the table. Sarah Woods top-scored for the Dubliners with 19 points as they controlled the game from start to finish.
SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com
For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240
28 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 10 January 2019
GOLF
Padraig Harrington at Monday’s announcement. Picture: Getty images
Stackstown hero to add to Ryder history STACKSTOWN’S Padraig Harrington was named as the European captain on Monday for the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The three-time major champion has a storied Ryder Cup career, having represented Europe six times as a player – including four triumphs – while latterly he has brought his extensive experience to the role of vice-captain in the past three editions of the biennial contest. The 47-year-old joins Grange man Paul McGinley (2014) and Darren Clarke (2016) as professionals from the island of Ireland to lead Europe. He will be hoping to emulate the last European triumph on American soil – at Medinah in 2012 – as Europe defend the trophy won memorably at Le Golf National last September. Harrington was chosen as Europe’s 2020 Ryder Cup captain by a five-man selection panel comprising the three most recent European Ryder Cup Captains – Bjørn, Clarke and McGinley – as well as the Chief Executive of the European Tour, Keith Pelley, and European Tour Tournament Committee representative Edoardo Molinari. Harrington said: “It is a tremendous honour to be named Ryder Cup Captain and I am relishing the next 20 months as we work towards Whistling Straits and Europe’s defence of the trophy. “I have played under, and been involved with, many wonderful European captains since I made my debut in the contest 20 years ago and I would like to think that my captaincy will be a mix of all of them. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role.” The Irishman claimed a total of 10 1/2 points over his six Ryder Cup appearances, starting at Brookline in 1999, when he teamed up with Miguel Ángel Jiménez in the day one foursomes to halve with Davis Love III and Payne Stewart before claiming his maiden singles victory, defeating Mark O’Meara by one hole. His first experience of a European victory came at The Belfry in 2002 where he took two points from his four matches. Harrington’s greatest single match points haul of four from five matches came in Europe’s recordbreaking 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 victory at Oakland Hills in 2004. He resumed his partnership with Montgomerie to defeat Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in the fourballs and Davis Love III and Fred Funk in the foursomes, before teaming up with McGinley to beat Love III and Woods in the foursomes, before rounding off with a singles win over Jay Haas. He was part of another stunning win by the same scoreline two years later, this time on home soil at The K Club, before rounding off his playing career in the contest as part of Europe’s dramatic 14 1/2 - 13 1/2 triumph at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010.
RUGBY: DONNYBROOK CLUB SECURE LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE
Ruthless Wesley show gap in quality over 2B’s ’Stones LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE Old Wesley Greystones KEN BROWNE sport@dublingazette.com
41 5
OLD Wesley showed up the divisional gaps between the sides as they led from start to finish to win Division 2 of the Leinster Senior League at Energia Park. For Greystones, it was a tough outing against a side who play their AllIreland League rugby two divisions higher in Division 1B. Right from the kick off the action was in the Greystones half and in the opening play Tommy O’Callaghan was nearly in for a try following a deft chip ahead, only to be dragged into touch short of the line by a defender. But shortly after from a line out, the ball was swung out the Wesley back line where Tom Kiersey exposed a weakness in
the opposition defence to run in for a try under the posts. Rory Stynes converted. It was nearly 10 minutes into the game before Greystones got any foothold in the Wesley half but solid defence ensured that the scoreboard was not affected. Wesley were once again asking questions and, following some good carries and a neat offload by Darren Horan, JJ O’Dea found himself in the clear to trot in from 20 metres out for the second try. Stynes again converted. Good handling saw captain Paul Harte look to be clear for a third try only to lose control of the ball. Greystones eventually had a scoring opportunity with a penalty 35 metres out, but the kick was pushed wide. Then, just short of half time, Paul Derham found himself with some open space. He made good
Paul Harte accepts the trophy from Leinster vice president Robert Deacon. Picture: Deryck Vincent
ground before passing to winger O’Callaghan who made further yardage before offloading to James O’Donovan who dotted down in the corner. Half time and Old Wesley held a comfortable 19-0 lead. And they continued that dominance into the second half when Stynes converted a shortrange penalty and a break by the elusive Josh Miller had Wesley back up to the Greystones 22. He passed to Harte who,
still with some work to do, finished off the move with a try near the corner. Greystones were trying hard with limited possession but once the home side regained possession they were lethal with strong carried from far out. A turnover near halfway line saw Charlie O’Regan make a probing run down the blind side before passing to Conor Barry who crossed with ease to score under the
posts. The Wicklow men did however score a consolation try following some good carries following a scrum and penalty, which they wisely opted to run, with Killian Marmion claiming the honours. Approaching full time, Stones threw caution to the wind with long passes near their own line, but an intercept by Miller allowed him to stroll in for the last score of the match.
Kellie the 2018 star of year
Kellie Harrington with her award. Picture: Nick Bradshaw
KELLIE Harrington was crowned The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year for 2018. The 29-year-old Dubliner’s lightweight division victory at the world boxing championships in India in November, made her the first Irish boxer to win world medals in two different weight categories. She is also just the third Irish boxer - after Katie Taylor and Michael Conlan - to become an amateur world boxing champion. At a triumphant homecoming event on Sean
McDermott Street, Harrington, who’s from nearby Portland Row, described how boxing had helped her. “I got into boxing to keep me out of trouble, to go down a different path. You can choose roads to go down, I was on one road, I took a turn and got onto the right road and this is where I am today. “And trust me, if I can do it anybody can do it… to finally reach my goal is amazing, but I’m not hanging up my gloves yet. I have Tokyo in my sights.”
10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 29
DIVISION TWO Old Wesley’s Padraig Cullen, with Josh Miller and Tommy O’Callaghan in support. Picture: Ken Richardson.
RUGBY: YOUNG GUN FORCES COACH TO TAKE NOTICE
O’Brien takes up Leo’s challenge brilliantly PRO14 DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
INDOOR BOWLS
St Canice’s welcoming new 2019 members ST CANICE’S Indoor Bowls Club on Church Street in Finglas are looking for new members to join the club. They are welcoming players with any level of experience, from beginners all the way up, to take part in their club nights which are on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm. Phone 086 160 8940 for more information.
LEINSTER head coach Leo Cullen has backed Conor O’Brien to make the step up to Champions Cup rugby if required for the pivotal Pool 1 clash on Saturday afternoon. The Clontarf centre scored a scintillating try and was rewarded with the man of the match honour as the blue province eviscerated Ulster at the RDS last weekend. Sean Cronin touched down twice, while Andrew Porter and Jamison Gibson-Park also crossed the whitewash as Cullen’s side cruised to a 40-7 bonus point win. However, it was the performance of O’Brien that really caught the eye, and the Mullingar native is a candidate to line up alongside Garry Ringrose against the French outfit. Ringrose’s regular partner Robbie Henshaw has returned to training ‘under medical supervision’ this week after injuring his hamstring during the November internationals. Rory O’Loughlin and Noel Reid deputised for Henshaw in home and away wins over Bath respectively, but O’Brien offers a more off-thecuff threat with ball in hand. “We have been talking quite a bit about it – Conor is definitely a live option for us,” Cullen said in the aftermath of the Ulster win. “He’s a very strong ball carrier and he’s got a big left foot as well. He’s getting better all the time and learning and understanding what is required of him. “We’re trying to test him out again and in the training environment [and] we hope it pays off when they get their opportunity. “It’s something we will consider for sure ahead of the Tuesday deadline. I saw a lot of Conor when he was with the Ireland under-20s and thought he was one of the standouts then. “He needs to understand that we have confidence, so when we put him in there, we think he is ready.
Conor O’Brien makes a break for Leinster against Ulster. Picture: Martin Doherty
“He just needs to back himself now because he has lots of ability and we have got a lot of confidence in him.” The 23-year-old, who represented Westmeath up to minor level in Gaelic football, has had to be patient while Ireland under-20 teammates James Ryan and Porter have kicked on. And he revealed that he took matters into his own hands at the beginning of the season to ensure management were paying him his due attention. “I went into Leo at the start of the year and was like, ‘What do I have to do here to get some opportunities?’ “There was one day when I was training
with all the first-year players. I was in the academy so maybe it was a bit big of me to do. “I was kind of like, ‘I deserve to be training with the big guys here’. I went up after and went, ‘Something needs to change here’. “I can either lie down and accept that’s going to be the way — or if you don’t like the situation, you have to change what you are doing. “Leo told me, ‘Stay involved in the games and take your opportunities when they come and build on a good Celtic Cup’. “Leo’s given me the opportunities and has full confidence in me. I appreciate that an awful lot.”
Eviston leads Shamrock’s challenge MASTERS CROSS COUNTRY sport@dublingazette.com
RAHENY Shamrock’s Siobhan Eviston landed the Dublin masters cross country title, leading the team to gold were the club took home six gold, three silver and four bronze. Eviston won the outright women’s race also, taking gold in St Anne’s Park in the Over-35s with Kate Purcell taking Over-35 bronze having taken fourth in the overall race. Orla Lambe finished 26th. Annette Kealy won the Over-
50 category having finished sixth overall while in the Over-55s, Fiona Kirwan collected bronze with Jean Dunne fifth. Bernie Kearns collected bronze in the Over-55 category and there was gold for Mary Lynch in the over 65s. Those results laid the base for a series of team wins with the team of Eviston, Purcell, Zoe Quinn and Sarah Quigley leading the way with a total of 28 points, four clear of Sportsworld and Rathfarnham WSAF took bronze. The Over 50s team of Kealy,
Adrienne Atkins, Kirwan and Jean Dunne followed suit with a total of 314 points, well clear of Blackrock and Sportsworld. In the men’s races, Des Kennedy took the Over-45 silver medal with Ciaran McCarthy collecting bronze. Don Quinn took silver in the Over-50 group. Michael McMahon led the Over35 team to gold with Des Kennedy, Ian Conroy and Ciaran McCarthy, scoring 26 points, 15 points clear of Sportsworld with Rathfarnham Raheny’s Siobhan Eviston (117) WSAF taking bronze. leads Noreen Brouder. Picture: The men’s Over-50s took silver. Deryck Vincent
30 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 10 January 2019
BASKETBALL
SOCCER: COOKE SET FOR IRISH SENIOR DEBUT
UCD Marian’s Conor Meany in action during the 2018 National Cup final. Picture: Martin Doherty
Shels quartet lead way in Bell’s squad DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
Marian looking for Mean streak NATIONAL CUP SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
CONOR Meany admits his side will be underdogs when they take on Belfast Star in the semi-finals of the National Cup in Cork this weekend. The south Dublin side were beaten finalists last year and bounced back to seal the league title in May, but this season hasn’t quite gone according to plan. UCD sit just inside the top half of the table in sixth position having won just six of their 11 games so far and sit nine points adrift of leaders Templeogue with a game in hand. Their preparation for Sunday’s game hasn’t quite gone according to plan either after they fell to a 76-71 defeat to DCU Saints last week saw their Dublin rivals leapfrog them in the table. After losing just five games in the league in all of last season, Marian have already lost five this year, and that inconsistency has dogged them all season. Part of that has been down to injuries, but Meany also feels they may have temporarily lost the drive that got them to both major finals in 2018. “It’s been a combination of a number of different things,” point guard Meany tells the Dublin Gazette. “We’ve had a lot of injuries. We haven’t had our whole team together for many games this year and been missing key players at different stages. “I think after the season we had last year in the league, it’s been difficult to replicate that sort of drive we had to finally get over the hump. “That’s the thing that was maybe missing at the start of the year but we definitely have the hunger now to right those wrongs in the second half of the season, and the cup is the first opportunity to do that.” Motivation isn’t something that was lacking going into the final months of the 2017-18 season after they were edged out by Templeogue in the National Cup final. They used the disappointment – and possibly a sense of injustice after coach Ioannis Liapakis was called for a harsh technical foul late on – to spur them onto a first league title in 40 years. “We parked the cup pretty quickly last year because we were still chasing the league at that stage. I think we felt we redeemed ourselves when we won the league. “We haven’t won the cup since 2011 and we’ve lost two finals since then, so we’re keen to get back there and try to win it again.” Meany was one of four players in the current squad (Cathal Finn, Matthew Kelly and Neil Baynes) who were around when Marian stunned Killester in the final eight years ago. And they’ll need every ounce of experience against a side featuring American standout Mike Davis, Slovenian Mark Berlic and Spanish Sergio Vidal. “They’re an incredibly talented team. This year they’ve got four professional players. We know it’s going to be very difficult and we’re up against it, but hopefully we’ll be able to give them a good game.” UCD celebrating their league victory last March. Picture: Martin Doherty
SHELBOURNE contribute the largest contingent to the latest Republic of Ireland senior squad with four attacking players named in Colin Bell’s panel to face Belgium in Murcia, Spain. Teenagers Isibeal Atkinson, Jessica Ziu and Emily Whelan have all been retained, while Rebecca Cooke receives her first call-up after impressing with the Under-17s. Ziu, Whelan and Cooke were all part of the Shels side who lifted the inaugural Under-17 National League this year after beating Galway in the final. Former red Katie McCabe captains the side once more while Peamount United pair Amber Barrett and Niamh Farrelly are also selected. There’s a strong emphasis on youth in the panel as 16-year-old Emily Kraft of Frankfiurt, the Germanborn striker who qualifies through her Dublin mother, included for the first time. Kraft scored four times on her debut for the Under17s in a 14-0 demolition of Albania in European
Shelbourne’s Emily Whelan in action in 2017. Picture: Stephen McMahon/Sportsfile
Championship qualifying in Serbia in October. Former Peamount United defenders Louise Quinn and Heather Payne are included as they continue to impress in England with Arsenal and Bristol City respectively. There’s no room for exShelbourne striker Leanne Kiernan, who missed West Ham United’s meeting with Arsenal on the weekend with injury. Nor is there any player from the domestic treble champions Wexford Youths after Rianna Jar-
CRICKET Peter Chasing Sri Lankan glory PETER Chase has been called
into the Ireland Wolves cricket team for their ongoing tour to Sri Lanka following an injury to Pembroke man Barry McCarthy. The 25-year-old paceman from Dublin comes in with the potential to play a part first off against Sri Lanka on January 13 for a four-day match. The tour will encompass five one day international matches after that. Picture: seb daly / sportsfile
rett was also ruled out. “The first game of a new year always represents a great opportunity to build momentum in what is an important 12 months for the team,” said manager Bell. “We’re delighted to welcome back Megan Connolly after winning the National Championship with Florida State University and she’ll be a valuable asset for the team in the future. “Harriet Scott and Tyler Toland also come back into the squad, which is
a big boost for the squad ahead of what should be a difficult test against an excellent Belgium team. “I’ve named Emily Kraft and Rebecca Cooke in the squad who did really well in our November training camp and another week with the team should benefit their development. “We want to test ourselves against the very best teams to make sure we’re fully prepared to qualify for our first-ever major international tournament.”
10 January 2019 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 31
LADIES FOOTBALL: ST BRIGID’S WOMAN LOOKING TO RETAIN STAR STATUS
CAMOGIE
Baker aiming to cook up a Dublin storm
Noelle Healy at the launch of Future Proof Media on Tuesday morning. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Dubs Healy happy to be target to catch LADIES FOOTBALL DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
DUBLIN footballer Noelle Healy says she’s glad to have a target on her back after a remarkable 2018 campaign that saw the Girls in Blue lift a championship and league double. Healy was a star performer as Mick Bohan’s secured back-to-back AllIrelands with a five-point victory over Cork at Croke Park in September. That followed victory over Mayo in the Division One final in May, in which the St Brigid’s woman scored a goal and a point to lead Dublin to their firstever league title. And the Beaumont Hospital anaesthetist says the pressure both from within the Dublin panel and from other counties looking to knock them off their perch is just what she wants. “You always want to be looking behind your shoulder and seeing who’s coming up to you,” Healy tells the Dublin Gazette. “If you rest on your laurels, they’ll overtake you and it’s hard to get started again. I’ve learned an awful lot of
lessons from both 2010 and 2011. “In 2010 we got relegated from Division One into Division Two after being in an All-Ireland final. “In 2011, we won the Division Two title but we got knocked out in the first round of Leinster and then got beaten in the [All-Ireland] quarter-final as well. There’s no guarantees, and if you look too far ahead, you’ll get tripped up.” Healy was speaking shortly in advance of Sunday’s Dub Stars event, in which a selection from Dublin club football will take on the All-Ireland champions at DCU. “Dublin club football is very strong at the moment and the Dub Stars kind of stands on its own as there’d be a lot of intercounty players who play their club football in Dublin. “You’ll see that in the Dub Stars – you’ve got Emma Sherwood who plays with Kerry, Ciara Murphy who also plays with Kerry, Sinead Burke who plays with Galway. “They all play their club football here. It’s just funny to see some of them have to wear Dublin gear.” Next month sees Dublin, for the first
time, enter the league as defending champion, with Donegal the opponents in round one on February 2. Healy hopes to see the league gain the same popular appeal as the championship has in the past few years “That’s one of the goals ladies’ football should have this year, not just trying to get those record numbers at [AllIreland] finals and trying to get those numbers attending league games and provincial finals. “I think a matter of that is just get-
ting people who play the sport into the habit of going to watch these games live rather than just flicking them on if they happen to be at home. “Double-headers do that because people give priority to go to the men’s. There’s more of a crowd going so it’s more of a social thing they’re used to. It’s more in the fabric of the GAA. “Hopefully there’s things we can do to change that, including coming on that platform as well and being exposed to them.”
St Brigid’s Noelle Healy - pictured with Brian Sullivan - is one of the top players likely to line out in the annual Dub Stars match this Saturday. Picture: GAAPics.com
NA FIANNA’S Roisin Baker has been named as the new Dublin senior camogie captain with support from vice-captain Aisling Carolan. It follows Frank Browne’s confirmation of his 28-player panel for 2019 ahead of their upcoming Littlewoods national league Division One campaign which gets under way on January 26 with an away date against Kilkenny. Dublin are in a group that also features Clare, Limerick and Offaly as they look to carry on the good work carried out by David Herity in the last couple of years. Baker – who can be deployed in numerous different lines – is among six Na Fianna players named in the panel and will reprise the role she held with the club. She is joined by club mates Orla Gray, Eve O’Brien, Alex Griffin, Emma Gray and Niamh Rock. Carolan is one of two St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh stars in the squad and she will look to continue her form which has seen her regarded as one of the squad’s most consistent performers. St Vincent’s provide seven of Browne’s selection with Aisling Maher, Deirdre Johnstone, Ellen McGovern, Evelyn Twomey, Grainne Quinn, Muireann Kelleher and Ali Maguire intent on making their mark when the games start to come thick and fast.
GazetteSPORT JANUARY 10-16, 2019
ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
O’BRIEN BID FOR BLUES RUGBY: Leinster
young gun makes his case for greater role in the province’s first team following impressive showing against Ulster SEE P29
SHAMROCKS SHINE ATHLETICS:
Raheny produce outstanding series of results at Dublin Masters Cross Country at St Anne’s Park. SEE P29
HEALY HAPPY TO BE TARGET LADIES FOOTBALL: Noelle Healy
embracing Dublin being the side to catch in the sport now following their groundbreaking league and championship winning 2018. SEE P31
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FA Cup hero Amond’s dream moment arrives DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
PADRAIG Amond had opportunities to return to Ireland a couple of years ago when he found himself dropping down the leagues in England. The former Shamrock Rovers striker had contact with league champions Dundalk and Linfield up north, while the Hoops had also enquired about his availability. He had spells with Home Farm and Crumlin United in his teens, teams that broke up due to players going to England while he stayed in Ireland with Rovers. Having finally got there, he chose to slug it out with non-league side Grimsby Town and work his way back up the ladder, first with Hartlepool United and, now, Newport County. That decision has been vindicated more than once and, after coming desperately close against Tottenham last year, he fired his side to victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup on Sunday. It was Amond’s penalty five minutes from time, after the 2015-16 Premier League champions had equalised three minutes before, that sealed a deserved 2-1 win for the League Two side. T h e fo r m e r Ho m e Fa r m a n d C r u m l i n United schoolboy must have thought ‘here we go again’ three minutes earlier when their early opener was cancelled out by Rachid Ghezzal’s
Padraig Amond extended his term with Newport County this season. He is pictured with CEO Alex Tunbridge (left) and manager Michael Flynn
“That’s the type of moment you dream about
growing up. To score the winner was a fantastic feeling.“ rocket. Harry Kane had forced home a leveller in the same minute – the 82nd – 12 months earlier after Amond had opened the scoring, and Spurs won the replay at White Hart Lane. This time there would be no late reprieve for the Premier League side and, for a lower-league striker like Amond, scoring the winner in a cup tie is as big as it gets. “That’s the type of
moment you dream about growing up,” a beaming Amond tells the Dublin Gazette. “You practice those penalties. It’s the same with anything, with Gaelic football or hurling or whatever, you practice the free in the last minute to win the All-Ireland final. “You would have practice penalties for the FA Cup final. Granted, it wasn’t the FA Cup final, but Sunday night was like
our FA Cup final. “You’re playing the Premier League champions from a couple of years ago, who have Premier League winners all over and England internationals. “To score the winner was a fantastic feeling, and it was just brilliant to win the game after the disappointment of not beating Tottenham last year.” Amond recently triggered a year’s extension to his deal in south Wales,
and he couldn’t be happier with the decision-making that led him to Rodney Parade. “It was the right decision to stay over here. You want to play full-time football and, unfortunately, back in Ireland there’s only a couple of teams that can guarantee that. “If it doesn’t go right there, you’re back to parttime. “I want to be involved in football as long as I can, and I want to play at the
highest level possible. “And I still dream I can play at a higher level – I still think I can. “It’s just about getting that chance, or whether that chance might be w i t h New p o r t, w h o knows? “Between now and the end of the season it’s about keeping the head down and trying to score as many goals as possible, get to 20 goals as quick as possible and see where that takes you.”