Dublin Gazette: City Edition

DublinGazette SEPT 27 - OCT 3, 2018

DUBLINMAGAZINE: Crazy Rich Asians

is playing at cinema s – but is it a glittering addition to RomComs, or fool’s gold? SEE PAGE 22

SPORT

SOCCER: Brilliant

Bohs’ winning run keeps rolling ahead of massive semi-final date SEE P35 & 40

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

CityEdition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL AREA

Flea market hopping mad over rent crisis Slams ‘unliveable’ city for many

RACHEL D’ARCY

ORGANISERS of one of the city’s most prolific markets have slammed the on-going gentrification of the city centre as they, and others like them, struggle to find suitable properties from which to trade.

Dublin Flea Market has been struggling to find a suitable premises for its Sunday market, alongside other members of the Dublin Sunday Market Collective, and has placed blame on the “changing economic landscape” of the capital.

In a lengthy statement updating fans of

the market on its progress, Dublin Flea say that Dublin city on the whole is in danger of becoming an “unliveable and unlovable ... corporate, commercial, tourist attraction”.

It also blasted: “Every street corner has a new hotel or student accommodation, and if it’s not a hotel it’s a damn tourist souvenir shop.”

FULL STORY ON PAGE 13

350,000+ thanks for Paddy RETIREE Paddy Brennan hasn’t thrown in the towel on his fundraising activities – the Templogue man is still going strong, still adding to the whopping €350,000 he’s raised for Crumlin Children’s Hospital over the past two decades. Read all about Paddy’s terrific efforts, with a chance conversation in a gym seeing him exercise his own fundraising skills for SEE PAGE 4 many years.

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

PICK UP YOUR

DublinGazette CITY EDITION

EVERY THURSDAY!

at the following locations: • Ashleaf Shopping Centre • Artane Castle Shopping Cntr • Ballybough Stores • Bank of Ireland – Ranelagh • B&Q Tallaght • Bewleys – Georges St • The Buttery Restaurant – Trinity College • Cafe Parigi – Sir John Rogerson Quay • Centra – Ballsbridge • Centra – Dame street • Centra – Drimnagh • Centra – Fairview • Centra – Portland row • Centra – Thomas street • Centra – Pearse Street • Centra – Rathmines • Centra – Westland row • Centra – Whitehall • Centra – Westland Row • Charlestown Shopping Cntr • Crumlin Shopping Centre • DCC Office – Ballyfermot • DCC Office – Ballymun • DCC Office – Coolock • DCC Office – Crumlin • DCC Office – Marrowbone Ln • DCC Office – Wood quay • Dunnes Stores – St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre • DIT Aungier Street • Drury street car park • Dunnes Stores- Finglas • Fresh – Grand Canal • Georges Street Arcade • Iceland – Ballyfermot • Iceland – Coolock • Ilac Centre • Insomnia – IFSC • Insomnia – CHQ • Insomnia – Liffey St • Insomnia – Millenium Walk • Insomnia Nassau St • Kilbarrack Shopping Centre • Knocklyon Credit Union • Londis – Inchicore • Marks & Spencer – Grafton St • Marks & Spencer – Mary St • Marks & Spencer – Mayor Sq • Mercantile Hotel • Merrion Shopping Centre • Northside Shopping Centre • Tesco – Baggot street • Tesco – Clearwater SC • Tesco – Dame Street • Tesco – Fleet Street • Tesco – Navan road • Tesco – Omni Park SC • Tesco – Prussia street • Tesco – Rathmines • Tesco – Sandymount • Tesco - Terenure • Sandymount Credit Union • Shelbourne Park Dog Track • Spar – Drumcondra • Spar – Capel street • Spar – Longboat quay • Spar – Nassau street • Spar – Patrick street • Spar – Thomas street • SuperValu – Ballymun • SuperValu – Finglas Village • SuperValu – Knocklyon • SuperValu – Northside S.C • SuperValu – Raheny • SuperValu – Ranelagh • SuperValu – Rathgar • SuperValu – Rathgar • SuperValu – Sundrive • SuperValu – Talbot street • SuperValu – Walkinstown • The Swan Centre – Rathmines

For further info

www.dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

DRUG USE, DEALING AND CRIME BESET COMMUNITY

Ballymun cracks as regeneration stalls

Dublin firm wins big in New York

 RACHEL D’ARCY

rdarcy@dublingazette.com

A COUNCILLOR in Ballymun is calling on the Government and its ministers to complete the social and economic regeneration of the locality.

Local residents have remarked that drug use and drug dealing in public have become increasingly rife within the area, with crime also on the up.

Cllr Noeleen Reilly (Ind) wrote to Minister for the National Drug Strategy, Catherine Byrne, in relation to the increase of drugrelated activity.

FASTNews

A quiet Ballymum suburb – but there are mounting fears that the vast majority of decent people in the area are being ignored as crime escalates. Picture: Google Maps

Ministers Charlie Flanagan, Katherine Zappone and Eoghan Murphy have also been contacted, saying that “the issues currently happening in Ballymun encompass a number of departments”.

In the letter, Cllr Reilly wrote: “Over the last two years, crime has been steadily increasing in Bal-

lymun. A lot of young men in particular are getting caught up in criminal behaviour and the community as a whole are suffering.

“Since January/February this year, we have seen an explosion of crack cocaine in the area and with that a lot of related crimes such as open drug

dealing. “[We also see] open drug taking, robberies from person, homes and shops, gun crimes, petrol bomb attacks, and open violence on the street.

“Dublin City Council properties being taken over by drug dealers [who are] turning them into crack houses, and some parts of Ballymun are no-go areas for people.”

The introduction of crack cocaine into the area has been a particular point of concern, as well as the potential that children as young as 13 are being used to ferry drugs around Ballymun and surrounding areas.

Cllr Reilly claims that individuals formerly addicted to drugs are “actively being targeted” by potential drug gangs in the locality.

She said: “The vast majority of decent people in Ballymun are angry, terrified and very frustrated.

They don’t believe anything is being done from any stakeholder to address these issues.

“Ballymun has come so far in the past two decades.

It is a great community that I am proud and happy to live in and represent, but I fear we are slipping back, and I fear we will lose a generation of young people if we do not address the current issues.”

Dublin Gazette contacted Dublin City Council in relation to the matters raised by Cllr Reilly but the council declined to comment.

A SMART-ENERGY company from Dublin has been named as one of the award winners in New York’s 76West Clean Energy competition.

Hub Controls, which create Smart-energy products for the home that empower households to manage their utility bills, won a $500,000 prize as part of the contest.

Founded by Oliver Hynes (above), the Smart thermostat aims to show customers how much they are spending, allowing them to control the heating in their home through a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Hub Controls was one of six winners in the competition, which is one of the largest in the United States that focuses on supporting and growing clean energy businesses and fostering economic development.

Kathy Hochul, Lieutenant Governor of New York, said: “Investing in renewable energy and other clean energy solutions also ensures a cleaner environment and stronger economy for future generations.”

Schools in Drug safety call to seek group to be Amber Flag introduced PRIMARY and secondary schools across Dublin are being urged to embrace the Amber Flag initiative for Pieta House.

The initiative is a programme that encourages schools, as well as colleges, sports clubs and societies to work to bring about and promote a cultural shift in the way we think about mental health.

To be awarded the Pieta House Amber Flag, schools must host a mental health awareness event, a fundraiser, and a mental health initiative.

The Amber Flag is in its fifth year and more than 450 flags have been awarded, to date. Once a school is awarded the flag, it is placed in a prominent position outside the school, flying at full mast to acknowledge the great achievement.

If your school or group is interested in getting involved. of for further information, contact amberflag@pieta.ie.

CONFIRMATION of a commitment that a working group aimed at examining the provision of drug safety at nightclubs and festivals will be introduced has been welcomed.

Senator Fintan Warfield said the introduction of a new group could prevent overdoses at events where this kind of drug use is common.

Minister Catherine Byrne confirmed the commitment at a debate on Tuesday.

The Sinn Fein spokesperson for the Arts, Youth Affairs and LGBT rights said: “According to Eurobarometer poll in 2014, use of psychoactive drugs in this state among 15-24 year olds is the highest in Europe.

“I urge the Government to convene this working group as early as possible in 2019 so that the provision of services may be delivered as a matter of urgency.”

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

PUBLIC’S HOUSING ANGER WORSENS

SCHOOLS

Protestors target Dail for next rally RACHEL D’ARCY

HOUSING activist group Take Back The City held a national day of action last Saturday which saw them attempt to shut down traffic in the city centre.

The group, who were also behind the recent Frederick Street and Belvedere Place occupations, marched across Dublin city centre and various other cities across the country to highlight the ever-worsening homelessness issue.

Huge crowds assembled at the Garden of Remembrance around 1pm on Saturday, before making their way down toward O’Connell Bridge.

Protestors then sat on the bridge in large groups to prevent traffic moving along the main thor-

oughfare to the north side, causing a degree of traffic chaos.

In footage that went viral on social media during the protest, a group of activists had a pigeon’s head thrown at them by angry English tourists, who were seen to be shouting “Scroungers” at the crowds that had gathered.

The national protest saw crowds gather in Limerick, Belfast and other Irish cities, as well as a handful of smaller protests taking place in the suburbs of Dublin.

Housing activists took occupation of Glebe House in Crumlin village on Saturday as part of the movement – a house that has been vacant in the locality for a number of years.

Cllr Tina MacVeigh

(PBP), chair of the National Homeless and Housing Coalition, said: “The housing crisis in an issue for everyone.

“As it spins out of control, the Government play games with blame, spin and number-fudging.

“Housing activists are engaging in direct action to highlight the barbarity of vacant properties lying idle and to articulate demands that a growing majority agrees with: accelerate building of public housing on public land.

Either supply or we will occupy.”

The next protest against the housing crisis will be held on October 3 outside Dail Eireann, beginning at 12:30pm, when there will be a cross-party debate on the current state of housing across Ireland.

Cabra win with Green projects RACHEL D’ARCY

Belles, Ring chime in their support for Festival of History THE dapper Lord Mayor, Nial Ring, was joined by elegantly attired belles Fiona Stout and Tara Deery to help launch the Dublin Festival of History’s 2018 programme, now under way until October 7. Featuring more than 140 events across the city, there are talks, walks, tours and exhibitions on a wide range of topics, with Pulitzer-prize winning author Anne Applebaum, former Monty Python star Michael Palin, and best-selling author Helen Rappaport the headline speakers at the ‘Big Weekend’ series of talks at City Hall and the Printworks, Dublin Castle, from Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

A SCHOOL in Cabra are celebrating after being announced as winners in the school section of the recent North West Area C i t y Ne i g h b o u r h o o d awards.

St Catherine’s Senior School entered after recently building a garden on the school grounds.

The award recognises the hard work put into creating the garden by the Green Schools team in St Catherine’s, who organised Spring CleanUp days, introduced recycling initiatives into the school and more.

One of the initiatives included building a mural out of bottlecaps.

St Catherine’s plan to continue the great work in the upcoming school year.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

PEOPLE: TEMPLEOGUE MAN’S TIRELESS EFFORTS ACROSS TWO DECADES FOR SICK CHILDREN

Selfless Paddy thanked for raising €359K for CMRF Crumlin RACHEL D’ARCY

A RETIREE from Dublin has been praised after raising more than €350,000 for Crumlin Children’s Hospital over the past two decades.

Paddy Brennan (64), who has raised more than €359,000 for CMRF Crumlin over the past 20 years, has been praised by the charity for “going above and beyond”.

He was a former child patient of the hospital, attending regularly for nine years due to an ear condi-

tion, and promised himself that when he could, he’d fundraise for the charity.

Templeogue man Paddy said: “I always said when I was older that I would do something for the hospital because they’d helped me.

“When you have a personal connection with a charity, it makes you want to give back and to help in any way you can.”

Paddy first got involved with fundraising for the hospital when he was in his twenties, after a man

at his gym told him about a fundraising challenge he and others were undertaking for Crumlin in San Diego.

He revealed: “I said I’d give it a go! I fundraised so much that year that I paid for a second person to go on the challenge too.

“The following year, the challenge took place in Grand Canyon and I fundraised well over what I needed for it. That’s how my interest in fundraising kicked off – I’ve been doing it ever since.”

He now helps others in their fundraising efforts for the hospital as well, while continuing his own efforts.

“We collect the donations up over the year, from January to Christmas, and donate it in one sum to CMRF.” As for his favourite fundraising event, Paddy says a head shave he did in 2001 in his local pub was a highlight, raising around €20,000 – Paddy Brennan (centre) is thanked for his tireless just a fraction of the funds so gen- fundraising efforts by Antoinette Kelly and Gerry Cully, both CMRF Crumlin erously raised by the Dubliner.

Are you goin’ to Eoin’s night for Pieta House?

RACHEL D’ARCY

A KILMACUD man has organised an event to raise money for Pieta House, to mark his late brother’s 30th birthday and fifth anniversary.

A Night for Eoin, to suport Pieta House, has been organised by Adam O’Brien, a mental health and autism activist.

He organised the event – a concert in the famous Whelan’s at Wexford Street – to mark his older brother Eoin’s anniversary and birthday on November 4.

“A d a m o r i g i n a l l y booked the smaller room in Whelan’s but managed to sell out the 120 tickets in that room already, so he called them and upgraded to the larger room!

“He really wants to make the event a big success for Pieta House,” his mum, Suzanne, told Dublin Gazette.

“Adam’s dream would be to work in the entertainment industry, to manage a band or something similar, and Eoin was hugely into his music too. We still have five or so guitars of Eoin’s hanging around the house.

“We were only talking this morning about how Eoin would have been interested in going to see Metallica in Slane.

“It was the one thing

they really gelled over, so it was almost natural that Adam would set up a gig to mark the event.”

This isn’t Adam’s first time fundraising for Pieta House, as he has been actively involved with the charity since Eoin’s passing almost five years ago.

Adam is on the autistic spectrum, living with Asperger’s – something which Suzanne says hasn’t stopped him in his quest to honour his brother’s memory and raise awareness of mental health.

Suzanne said: “Eoin pa ssed away in the November, and in the April Adam was gearing up to do [physical challenge] Hell and Back with my two brothers, all to raise money for Pieta House and the work they do.

“He also participated in the Cycle Against Suicide, which would be a huge thing for anyone on the [autistic] spectrum; having a change in scenery and sleeping in a different place every night would cause anyone anxiety, but Adam did it in the name of raising mental health awareness.

“He uses physical exercise to help battle his anxiety, and it’s great he can also use it to raise awareness of something he cares so much about.

Adam O’Brien (inset) has organised the upcoming A Night for Eoin at Whelan’s in the city centre as a way to honour his late brother, Eoin (main), and to fundraise for Pieta House

“Ever since Eoin passed away, Adam’s made it a mission to talk about his anxiety, or to let others know they can talk to him if they need to. He has a lot of time for Pieta House and their work.”

The gig will feature a number of upcoming singer-songwriters from around Dublin, including Amy Naessens, Ryan Cahill, Darce, Luke Clerkin and Cormac Taylor, with magic ian Colm

Dawson acting as MC on the night.

Tickets for A Night For Eoin are available now from WhelansLive.com, priced at €12.50, with all proceeds going toward Pieta House.

For those unable to make it on the night, but who would still like to donate, an online fundraiser has been set up at give.everydayhero. com/ie/eoins-night-forpieta-house.

FASTNews SuperValu in Raheny push to help those with dementia A NEW initiative to introduce a dementia-friendly and inclusive shopping environment in a Raheny supermarket has been praised by a local councillor.

SuperValu in Raheny introduced Getting The Messages, sponsored by Dublin City Council in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, on Wednesday afternoon.

The aim of the initiative is to support those with Alzheimer’s in the community.

Support Cllr Deirdre Heney (FF) said the introduction of a dementia-inclusive shopping environment will better support those in the area caring for loved ones with dementia.

She said: “We must continue to find ways that we can embrace the challenge that dementia presents for those living around us in our communities.

Cllr Heney added: “The Getting The Messages project is an example of how we can help.

“I am so pleased with the willingness of management and staff in Supervalu to support this initiative.

“It marks the beginning of the creation of a dementia-inclusive experience throughout the entire village of Raheny in the near future.”

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

GALLERIES

Orla Broderick and Amelda Maguire

Shauna Walsh and Diarmuid Murphy Cecelia Ahern and Allison Keating

Teresa Daly

Ray Darcy launches Allison Keating’s Book

D

UBRAY Books in Grafton Street was a hive of activity last week when Ray Darcy took to the podium to launch Allison Keating’s book The Secret Lives of Adults. The Secret Lives of Adults has exercises and techniques to help you understand why you behave as you do in each part of your life, allowing you to unlock the secret to less stressful and more meaningful relationships. Also spotted at the launch was author Cecelia Ahern.

Neven Maguire and Mary Kennedy. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

The Launch of Neven Maguire’s new cookbook C

Karen Smith Sarah Reynolds and Sarah Liddy

Ray Darcy.

Pictures: Brian McEvoy Photography

Mercedes Buesa and Sandra Tyrrell

Barbara Nolan with her daughter Amelia

Damien Brennan

Marty Whelan and Nicki Howard

HEF Neven Maguire launched his latest cookbook, Neven Maguire’s Home Economics for Life, last week in the beautiful location of the Dunnes Stores head office.

Marty Whelan was the MC for the night, other speakers included Nicki Howard,

Director of Gill Books, Also present on the night were Gay Byrne and Kathleen Watkins, Holly White, Mary Kennedy and Diarmuid Gavin .

Guests were treated to fresh and local food from the award winning Dunnes Stores Simply Better range.

Anne Kavanagh, Barry Egan and Leslie Ann Horgan

Dee Laffan and Johan Van Der Merwe

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

CRISIS : CROSS-PARTY PUSH FOR BUDGET 2019 TO INCREASE SPEND

dublin

DIARY

Wave Summer goodbye with a family-friendly picnic atmosphere, join the job hunt at Career Zoo, or tuck into all things vegetarian

SEEYA, SUMMER – IT’S THE LAST PICNIC AT MOUNTJOY SQUARE

North, south, east or west – the entire city is being strangled by the housing crisis, with DCC councillors to push for decisive support in Budget 2019 with at least a €2.3bn capital spend agreed for housing

Council to demand €2.3bn for housing

RACHEL D’ARCY

SEVERAL Dublin City councillors voted on Monday evening to support a motion demanding increased capital spending on housing in the upcoming 2019 Budget.

The cross-party motion received overwhelming support, with only two councillors voting against the proposition.

In the motion, it demands that at least an extra €2.3 billion is allocated to housing in the upcoming budget, which is expected to be announced on October 9.

Members of several parties, including Sinn Fein, Fianna Fail and Labour, all voted in favour of the motion.

Dublin City Council is set to debate a housing motion demanding increased capital spending on

housing to at least €2.3bn in Budget 2019.

The cross-party motion will be debated at tomorrow’s extraordinary Dublin City Council meeting.

The chairperson of Dublin City Council’s housing committee, Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF), told Dublin Gazette: “What happens now is that the motion will be debated in Leinster House on October 3; there will be a full Dail vote on it.

“The important, significant part of the vote is that Fianna Fail, who voted for it at DCC, will find it difficult to vote against it in the Dail.

“As their councillors voted for the motion in the biggest local authority on the island, it would be hard for them to vote against it in Leinster House.”

Cllr Doolan also said that Lord Mayor Nial Ring, will contact the Minister for Housing now in regard

to the motion, and communicate that support was overwhelming.

Cllr Ring will also request that the council be permitted to make a presentation in front of the Dail committee for housing about the effects of the housing crisis in Dublin.

Cllr Doolan said: “This has never happened before – there’s never been a city council presentation to that Dail committee. It will be very big to get to make this presentation.

“The motion was cross-party, which was quite significant, as it’s usually party-political. [Cllr Ring] supported it as well, which was great, so I’m very happy with it.”

News of the progress of the motion comes in the days after a major protest was held across the city to highlight the housing crisis Cllr Doolan added: “[Protes-

tors] are highlighting the fact that there’s buildings lying idle in Dublin, and bringing attention to the fact they could be used for homeless families, which is a positive action.

“I think buildings lying idle in the city in the wake of the homeless crisis is a travesty, and I think the way that the State responded was unacceptable; very sinister.

“If you contrast that with the lack of intervention when families are being evicted, suffering from an illegal eviction, the Gardai won’t get involved. They’ll say it’s a civil matter, but they’ll support the bully-boy tactics of some landlords.”

There will also be a protest by a number of groups held outside the Dail on October 3, as housing – and the DCC motion – are debated in the chamber.

Diverse range of 24th Fringe winners revealed RACHEL D’ARCY

AS THIS year’s Dublin Fringe fest ends, winners of the 24th edition of the city-wide festival were announced at a ceremony last Sunday.

This year’s awards were presented in 11 different categories, including Best Production, Spirit Of Wit, and Best Ensemble.

Dublin Fringe’s awards aims to recognise, reward and celebrate the talent displayed throughout the festival fortnight each year.

This year, the festival hosted a staggering 80 productions and 554 performances, with 55 world premieres, all of which ran in 26 venues

across Dublin city.

Winners included My Dad’s Blind by Anna Sheils McNamee for Best Production, and I N F I N I T Y by Eoghan Carrick and Neasa Matthews, who scored Best Design and the First Fortnight awards.

This year’s best performers were Fionn Foley for Brendan Galileo for Europe, who also won the Bewley’s Cafe Theatre Little Gem award, and Zoe Ni Riordan for Everything I Do (One Two, One Two).

Best Ensemble went to DREAMGUN FILM READS: The Fringe Binge.

Judges’ Choice for this year’s Fringe was

awarded to Black Jam: Cure by Fried Plantains Collective, and Fianna Fellatio Party Launch by Glitter Hole.

Other winners included Overfired by Stefan Fae and Lady K for the Outburst Queer Fringe award, Caged by Femme Bizarre for Best Duo, The Cat’s Mother by Ericka Murray for the Fishamble New Writing Award, The Sound of Phoenix by Shana May Breen for the Next Stage Wild Card award, and Reckless Ross from SPIT winning the Spirit Of Wit award.

For more on any of the award-winning acts, and details on the festival, see fringefest.com.

MOUNTJOY Square is hosting The Last Picnic on Sunday, September 30 from 1-5pm as a last blast of summer fun.

This event offers free entertainment all day long and is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon with family and friends and experience the beauty of Mountjoy Square Park.

The Last Picnic promises a host of activities for all ages live music, children’s entertainment, fencing, rock climbing and historical exhibitions guarantee that no one will be left out.

The family-friendly event will invite young sports enthusiasts to try their hand at basketball, practice their aim at archery and test their skills at football targets.

There will be food on offer, as well as live music from the Dublin Concert Band, St George’s Brass Band and the Artane Senior Band.

PROWL THE LATEST TOP JOBS ON OFFER OVER AT CAREER ZOO CAREER Zoo, an innovative jobs fair, will hold their next event on September 29 at CHQ. Billed as “where the world’s most innovative employers meet Ireland’s smartest talent”, the event will run from 10am until 4:30pm on Saturday for all those on the job hunt.

Those attending are invited to meet leading employers hiring for professional jobs in Ireland in areas such as IT, engineering, finance, biotech, sales and professional services.

There will also be panel discussions with industry leaders in technology, life sciences, finance, sales and professional services.

For further information on the event, and its ‘digital badge’ CV system, see Facebook.com/careerzooevents.

LETTUCE BE THANKFUL FOR THIS UPCOMING VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE this year’s World Vegetarian Day, the Vegetarian Society of Ireland are holding a festival at St Andrew’s Resource centre this Sunday.

The society promise a “bigger and better” event than last year’s, and deem it a “must-mark” for your diary if you’re interested in vegetarianism, or just a fun day out.

A number of stalls will be around on the day, focusing on vegetarian and vegan food, animal rights, environmental affairs and more.

The organisers aim to show that not only is vegetarianism a delicious and nutritious way to eat well and stay well with an alternative to a meat-supported diet, but that it can also be a fun and fascinating dietary life choice, too.

Admission to the event is free, with more information available on the event and the society at vegetarian.ie.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

EXCLUSIVE : DEPUTY JOHN LAHART (FF) OFFERS HIS OPINION ON THE BIG TRANSPORT PLANS

‘BusConnects will just end up separating city communities’ A RELIABLE, efficient public bus network is of strategic importance to any major capital city and Dublin is no different.

Earlier this summer, the National Transport Authority unveiled its plan to radically restructure the Dublin Bus network.

Much of the public were justifiably dubious, asking: “Who exactly are

the NTA and who are they answerable to?”

This proposed level of investment is of course to be welcomed but the widespread and wholesale changes that have been proposed to traditionally well-established routes are a source of worry for many Dubliners.

These are the services that they rely on to connect them with work,

school, college, hospital appointments, shops, motor tax or social welfare offices, to name just a few.

My Fianna Fail colleagues and I have held a substantial number of public information meetings across the city and county on the proposals.

To my mind, this plan has exercised Dublin residents more than any

other issue I have known to be raised on the doors.

The overarching concern is that BusConnects could disconnect their communities; disconnect them from direct and reliable access in and around the city.

After all, it’s one thing to be forced to move to a high-frequency route; it’s another matter entirely for those that will now have to travel on a lowfrequency service.

There are ongoing issues with Dublin Bus services that commuters have been eager to see properly addressed and would have preferred for funding to be spent on – a clampdown on anti-social behaviour, increased capacity at peak times, dedicated school buses and more consistent realtime information.

While there are a number of aspects of the BusConnects plan that have merit, including the 90-minute Leap card, the idea of multiple spines and orbital routes – the fact is, BusConnects will disconnect passengers from their destination.

Forcing people to now make multiple connections on a route that once operated directly without a bus change will simply push more people to travel by car on our already busy roads. It’s a regressive move.

For example, under BusConnects, passengers that have travelled on routes such as the 33, 123 and the 15A in one seamless journey will be required to disembark, re-queue and

A detail of part of the proposed BusConnects plan, showing a network of mid- and high-frequency bus routes and changeover spots within the city centre

board a feeder bus.

In Blanchardstown, for example, there are 2,000 people employed in IBM, yet they will have a bus axed, leaving them to travel to the city centre first and then on to West Dublin to simply get to work.

“

their mobility or whose independence could be compromised by forcing them to take a connecting bus.

Not to mention, the maps are a real challenge for even the most able navigator.

Parents too are fearful

There are ongoing issues with services that commuters would have preferred for funding to be spent on Other essential, welloperating bus routes such as the 142, the 46A and the 15B are to be scrapped, leaving whole communities isolated and passengers discommoded.

This makes travelling by bus far more problematic and inconvenient for commuters, particularly during the winter months.

T h e c u r re n t p ro j ect plan punishes and penalises those with any degree of difficulty with

for what the BusConnects changes will mean for their children who have travelled to school by bus but will now be in a more tricky scenario, moving from one bus to another.

As Thomas O’Connor of the National Bus and Rail Union has said: “All communities around Dublin are being hit in some fashion.”

Fianna Fail has used its Private Members Business in Dail Eireann this week, the first week back following the sum-

mer recess, to call for the review of this plan, in light of the complexities raised in the communities we represent.

The future of Dublin’s bus network largely depends on members of the public offering their unique insight into what is working well, but what precisely could be better.

The existing challenge to strike a balance between transforming the city’s bus network and strengthening connectivity, reliability and frequency lies in the ability to consult with those that know Dublin Bus services the best – its passengers.

DEPUTY JOHN LAHART, FF Dublin South West, Front Bench Dublin spokesperson

ADVERTORIAL

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

THE MERRION INN: POPULAR BALLSBRIDGE PUB ON WHY IT’S BECOME A BELOVED VENUE

Interesting times at The Merrion Inn REBECCA RYAN

THE MERRION INN, one of Dublin’s most iconic family run pubs, is certainly giving their customers something to smile about! Not only have they recently launched this season’s exciting new menu which is already getting rave reviews, but they have recently launched a series of other new exciting initiatives to delight their customers.

Some of these initiatives include a new early bird menu, a season discount for Leinster Rugby Season Ticket holders, upgraded TV screens, preorder lunch facilities for time pressed executives and two customer events - Whiskey Wednesdays & Steak Nights with complimentary wine on Thursday & Saturday.

June 2012 marked the end of an era for the leafy suburb of Dublin 4 when the pub fell victim to a major fire that swept through the building. The Merrion Inn underwent a total transformation and redesign and today presents itself as a top notch eatery with a strong focus on food as well an impressive selection of craft beers, spirits and world wines. Five years on this November, The Merrion Inn is a buzzing hub of activity providing local businesses as well as families and locals with a friendly and professional environment to meet up for chats, drink and food.

Dublin Gazette caught up with third-generation owner Fearghus McCormack to chat about the new menu and what else is happening with this iconic Dublin pub.

Fearghus, can you tell me a bit about how you started out in the family business?

“My grandfather started the business in the 1940s in what’s now called Peter’s Pub in the City Centre. We then moved to premises in Monkstown called McCormacks & Sons which my uncle Paddy Mc Cormack still owns and run, and my father purchased this premises here in Ballsbridge in the early 90s.

“I’ve grown up living on top of a pub and working in it since I was 12. While I have a master’s degree in engineering, I always stayed in touch with the business. I suppose you could say that it’s in my blood. “ W h e n I wa s a younger man, I worked all over the world doing lots of things, including hospitality, so I’ve been able to bring that kind of experience back to The Merrion Inn.” What do you love most about working at The Merrion Inn? “Getting to look after my customers and making sure that they leave happier than when they walked in. I know most of our customers by name and that’s because I enjoy doing what I do.”

You’re known as a rugby pub and a great

“quality gastro food in a relaxed pub setting

It’s a family-run business with restaurant

without paying restaurant prices

place to go to before or after the game. You’ve just painted the pub front a shade of green – is that a nod towards your strong rugby links?

The pub has always had a strong link with both Irish and Leinster rugby as we are located quite near both the RDS and the Aviva Stadium.

“Even one of the most famous rugby players never to play for Leinster, Ross O’Carroll Kelly, has popped in once or twice over the years!

“Recently, we’ve upgraded our TV screens for our customers – they’re now even bigger and brighter so our customers won’t miss a kick of the ball.

“We’ve also launched a

special offer to all Leinster rugby season ticket holders – they can now receive 10% off their food and wine bill throughout the rugby season.

“It’s our way of saying thank-you for their custom and support over the years.”

You’ve some great fun nights at The Mer-

rion Inn. Can you tell us about your Whiskey Wednesdays and Steak Nights?

“We introduced Whiskey Wednesday evenings to try to support and promote premium Irish whiskey.

“All our whiskeys are labelled on the back bar so there is no embarrassment in asking us the price and no surprises then on the bill. Every Wednesday we discount all our 50 premium Irish whiskeys by 15 to 20%.

“Every Thursday and Saturday we have the very popular Steak Night customer evenings.

“We have a deliciously juicy premium 12oz Hereford Irish rib eye steak with chargrilled prawns which is served with chunky chips, a herb-baked beef tomato, pepper corn sauce and tempura onions with a complimentary glass of Zagalia or Costa Cruz wine for just €28.50.”

There are mumblings of Christmas already!

I hear it’s a very busy time for you.

“We’ve already had several bookings for work parties and Christmas Eve. This year we have a three-course Christmas menu with a glass of prosecco on arrival for €38 in our downstairs restaurant.

“Our Horse Shoe Room Bar on the first floor accommodates up to 150 people, which is perfect for staff nights out or big parties all year round, but it is especially busy over the Christmas period.

“We also have a long tradition of family gatherings on Christmas Eve. It’s always a fun day and is booked out early.”

You’ve just launched a brand-new menu. I hear your new fish dish is a huge hit!

“We try to change our menu seasonally, so we can keep it in line with seasonal favourites as well as making sure the menu is fresh and interesting.

“Fish dishes are continually firm favourites amongst our customers.

“One of our new fish dishes, a stuffed fillet of hake with a prawn and black pudding stuffing, roast celeriac and carrot, saute prawns with an orange and caraway cream is going particularly well, and our seafood skillet is also one of the top dishes that customers rave about.”

The Merrion Inn is a very loved place. What do you think sets you apart?

“I’m proud to say that we have a great team in place here – some have been with us for years and know the needs of our customers so well. They are our most important asset. It’s because of their skills and exceptional customer engagement that people come back to us again and again.

“I also think because we are a family-run business which serves restaurant-quality food in a relaxed setting, people feel at ease with us.

“Apart from our steaks, we make a point of keeping of our dishes under €20, because we want to ensure our customers get a good-value experience with us without paying restaurant prices.

“We have 33 world wines by the glass, which is one of the largest selections of pouring wines in Ireland.

“There really is something for everybody. To call us to make a reservation, ring 01 269 3816.”

For menu details and bookings: www.themerrioninn.com

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Margaret Dalton and Valarie Johnston

Vincent Browne and Lynn Ruane at Trinity College, Dublin. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Lee Ann Moloney and Eva Maxwell

Sharon Maxwell and Natalie Mulhall

Sharing an extraordinary life story

A

T a special sold out ticketed event in The Burke Theatre at Trinity College last week, Vincent Browne joined Lynn Ruane to celebrate the launch of her powerful and inspiring new memoir, People Like Me. Intimate and

Richie Sadler and Ronan O’Dalaigh

brave, People Like Me is the exhilarating story of one woman’s journey to the brink and back, emerging as a leading light for change in Ireland and an inspiration to women everywhere.

Corinne Hasson and Susan Tierney

Yvonne Goulding and Niamh Goulding

Gemma O’Brien and Natasha Daly

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11 COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Fall in love with fitness on National Fitness Day with Iconic Health Clubs ICON HEALTH CLUBS (winners of National Gym Club Operators of the Year), have joined forces again this year with Ireland Active in a bid to get as many people active as possible on Thursday 27th September which marks the third National Fitness Day in Ireland.

In 2016, Iconic Health Clubs kick started the first National Fitness Day hosting the largest Fit Ball Class in the world with over 433 participants from far and wide. They even claimed the Guinness World Record for the event and put the Irish fitness industry firmly on the map.

The Guinness World Record holding team from Iconic Health Clubs will be taking to the stage once again this year in Dublin’s Grand Canal Docks as part of a full day of free fitness classes open to everyone of all fitness levels.

“We are so excited to be involved

in National Fitness Day again this year.

Many of us find getting fit a challenge and it shouldn’t be – that is why our team are so excited about getting involved on National Fitness Day. We hope it will give people the platform to try out our clubs and to pledge to get fitter.

If y ou ’re around give it a try and make that commitment to yourself”, Ciara Lefroy, Director of Iconic Health Clubs.

The purpose of the event is to give people the opportunity to try new activities and possibly kick start a fitness habit that they will continue after National Fitness Day. According to the World Health Organisation, this type of initiative is imperative to counter act the lack of physical activity both in Ireland and Europe. The Fitness industry is now con-

sidered by the European Institutions as one of the most recognised sectors to help in the fight against physical inactivity.

In addition, Iconic Health Clubs will be opening their doors on National Fitness Day, to the community so they can try out their facilities including group classes, free swims and other free sessions. Their award-winning gyms based in Dublin are namely; Icon Health Club on Camden Street, The Dartry Health Club on Palmerston Gardens, Dublin 6 and 1escape Health Club in Smithfield, Dublin7.

If you want to get involved contact Iconic Health Clubs for further details or book your free space at Grand Canal Docklands via Eventbrite. Alternatively, why not organise a lunchtime walking group, walk or cycle to work, or if you commute by bus or rail why not get off at an earlier stop and enjoy some fresh air. Get your workplace involved by organising a work place challenge or charity event, or maybe you have space outside your office. Activities could include 5-a-side football, rounders, plank challenge or a dance marathon.

For more information on Icon Health Club and their facilities visit their website www.iconhealthclub.ie

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

CLONEE WOMAN WALKS TO DAIL TO PROTEST ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORTS

Mum blasts An Taoiseach over response to kids’ health SYLVIA POWNALL

A DUBLIN mum of five who wrote to the Taoiseach pleading for help for her son and other children with special needs, says his reply is “not worth the paper it’s written on”.

Lesley Anne O’Brien (34), from Littlepace in Clonee, walked to the Dail last week to hand-deliver a letter, passing Leo Varadkar’s constituency office in Ongar on the way.

Her eight-year-old son, Jamie, has Cerebral Palsy, but the family had to wait for several years for a proper diagnosis and, to date, he’s had no speech or occupational therapy.

Now she fears her eightm o n t h - o l d d a u g h te r Sienna suffers from the same muscular disorder – but Lesley Anne was told she’ll have to wait at least seven months for a hospital appointment.

She received a reply via email signed by Mr Varadkar’s constituency office secretary last Friday acknowledging receipt of her letter.

It stated: “The Taoiseach has asked me to thank you for your further correspondence and petition in respect of the delays in providing occupational

therapy for children.

“He has again taken the issue up with the Chief Executive of the HSE and with Mr Finian McGrath TD, Minister for Disabilities. He will contact you on the matter as soon as he receives further responses.”

Lesley Anne says she is “bitterly disappointed” with the Taoiseach’s response and has vowed to keep up her Help Our Children Facebook campaign.

‘A wider problem’ She told Dublin Gazette: “It’s not for Finian McGrath to address this. I know he’s Minister for Disabilities, but this is a wider problem than that – it’s about the whole health service.

“I feel fobbed off. The Government really don’t care. He probably read my letter and thought, ‘Yeah, we’ve bigger fish to fry’ and hopes we won’t come back.

“I’m actually in awe at the lack of empathy, not just with my story, [but] with others I’ve been in contact with since I started this.

“The health service, particularly in Dublin, seems to be in tatters. Our health system is so broken

Determined mum Lesley Anne O’Brien rallies her supporters as she kneels in front of their banner outside Dail Eireann

that these kids are falling through the cracks.”

Cllr Tania Doyle (Ind), who supported Lesley Anne on her walk to the Dail, said their slogan of “The banks got bailed out, our children got sold out” rang true for the huge crowd who joined them.

She said: “While all the banking institutions were bailed out during the crisis, the most vulnerable, those who rely on others to speak for them – our children – were forgotten

about.

“Their health service supports almost disappeared as a result of resources being allocated elsewhere.”

Lesley Anne says her heart is breaking for her baby girl who is showing all the same signs as her older brother but who won’t be assessed in Temple Street Hospital until next year.

Red flags She revealed: “All the

red flags are there; she’s not reaching her milestones. She is crying in pain because of her muscles and they told me to

give her Nurofen and Calpol to keep her quiet.

“Where’s the early intervention there? We’ve been badly let down. I’m

going to keep going with this.

“If I don’t get a response, then I will kick it up to the next level.”

Donna Fox anniversary sees impassioned plea for cyclists CAMPAIGNER Neil Fox made an impassioned plea at the launch of the Dublin Cycling Campaign last week – just days after the second anniversary of his sister Donna’s death.

Donna died after being knocked down as she cycled to work and her younger brother Neil has been campaigning in her memory ever since.

He said: “Two years have passed since my sister, Donna Fox, was killed by a lorry as she cycled to work in Dublin.

“The junction where she breathed her last bore a couple of floral tributes last week, but more telling were the 13 plastic bollards damaged by motorists hitting them.”

Since Donna’s death, 23 cyclists have been killed and Neil said this

was “especially frightening” considering there is more public awareness around the issue.

He added: “This is not even looking at the number of cyclists injured and the vitriolic abuse some are subjected to.”

Neil also appeared on RTE’s Primetime calling for 10% of our transport budget to go to cycling.

He reiterated his appeal for the safe passing distance legislation which is “stuck in red tape” to be passed into law.

Speaking of his sister, from Balbriggan, he said: “Donna will one day be remembered more for being the catalyst for change in attitudes to cycling and less for the horrendous way she died.”

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

SPORT

Isa legacy honoured LAST Wednesday, a testimonial dinner was held in honour of Leinster Rugby legend Isa Nacewa in the Mansion House.

Held in association with Gore & Grimes Solicitors, the Isa Nacewa Testimonial Dinner celebrated the career of the former Leinster Rugby captain, who retired at the end of last season having made 185 appearances in blue.Nacewa was in attendance on the night, alongside many of his former teammates and coaches.

Proceeds from the event are set to be donated to two charities: LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and CMRF Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Compered by RTE Sports’ Darragh Maloney, the event gave Isa’s supporters a chance to say ‘thank-you’ whilst also raising valuable funds.

CULTURE: HOMELESS FLEA MARKET LAMBASTS DUBLIN’S CORPORATE TAKEOVER

‘An unliveable and unlovable city for many’ RACHEL D’ARCY

ONE of the city’s most prolific markets has hit out at the changing economic landscape of Dublin, remarking that there is increasing difficulty with securing a permanent space.

The Dublin Flea Market was previously hosted at Newmarket alongside a host of other markets, before they were forced to move out of their longrunning premises earlier this year due to a redevelopment of the locality.

Dublin Flea, alongside a range of other Sunday markets – including Fusion

Sundays, Brocante, Newmarket Collective and Pure Vintage Fair – were seeking to rent a space, having recently been in discussion to rent a warehouse in Inchicore on a ten-year lease.

However, in a post on Facebook, Dublin Flea said: “We could see the future – community centre, coworking spaces, event space, cafe and a market hub at the weekend.

“After six weeks of playing the estate agent bidding game, we lost it to another party who had better credit history than us. A safer option.”

One of Dublin’s most

popular and well-known markets, Dublin Flea criticised a “lack of support” from Dublin City Council, the OPW and local community organisations in the post, saying they “have been turned away by all”.

They also slammed the changing landscape of the city centre, and the ever-increasing number of hotels, making it difficult for local, community-based operations to continue surviving in the capital.

“We really have tried, and we will continue to try, but the economic landscape of this city is changing fast.

A stall at Dublin Flea Market’s former home – now just one more casualty in a cityscape being consumed by hotels and office buildings, as homelessness rises and venues close

“Dublin – our muchloved vibrant cultural capital – is in serious danger of turning into a corporate, commercial, tourist attraction.

“Every street corner has a new hotel or student accommodation – which operate as hotels in the summer months, so are basically the same thing.

And if it’s not a hotel, it’s a damn tourist souvenir shop.”

In the lengthy state-

ment, Dublin Flea also remarked that a number of other notable, major Dublin markets have been forced to close their doors in recent months.

The market has also said that the lack of housing in the city is forcing the capital to become “unliveable and unlovable”.

Dublin Flea said: “In Dublin we have seen the closure of seven weekend markets this summer [including] Rumble in the

Jumble, The New Market Collective and the Grand Social’s Hapenny Market.

“This is unacceptable. A city with no housing and no markets is not a city.

Dublin is becoming unliveable and unlovable.

“There is a housing crisis, but all that is being built is accommodation for tourists. We need accommodation and we need culture.

“We need housing and we need markets.”

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BREAKDOWN OF WHAT THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS HAS TO OFFER

A WIDE VARIETY OF ORCHIDS ARE ON DISPLAY DURING THE ANNUAL ORCHID FAIR, HELD IN THE TEAK HOUSE

DUBLIN MADE EASY AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

T

HE National Botanic Gardens of Ireland is an oasis of calm and beauty, and the best thing is entry is free.

A premier scientific institution, the gardens contain important collections of plant species and cultivars from all over the world.

The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are located in Glasnevin and are famous for the exquisitely restored historic glasshouses.

The National Botanic Gardens are open every day from 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.

Tickets for guided tours are available for purchase.

If you fancy something to eat with a view, The Garden Tearoom offers a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and cakes, as well as full hot lunches, all served with a panoramic view over the nearby gardens.

GLASSHOUSES BEST FEATURE: STUNNING THE National Botanic Gardens is famous for its beautifully restored and planted glasshouses.

The Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House are both recipients of the Europa Nostra Award for excellence in conservation architecture.

The glasshouses are open every day throughout the year except for Christmas Day and are completely free to enter and explore.

Interpretative guided tours are available Monday to Saturday for a small fee and are free on Sundays.

GARDEN FEATURES BEST FEATURE: THE CHAINTENT BEHIND every turn in the path at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin lies a fascinating feature.

Two sundials are in the gardens. One in front of the Palm House is the more familiar horizontal dial, which was made in the mid eighteenth century by Lynch of 26 Capel Street, Dublin.

The Bandstand was built in 1894 and is no more than a shelter which would never have accommodated a band.

The Chaintent is definitely one to see.

It is a remarkable circular pergola erected sometime after 1834 by the then head gardener Ninian Niven.

THE ART ARCHIVE BEST FEATURE: LYDIA SHACKLETON ART SOME of the paintings were originally held, along with the Herbarium collection, in the Science and Art Museum (now the National Museum). These collections were transferred to Glasnevin in 1970. Other works came to the gardens through bequests by the artists themselves or their families.

The collection represents over twenty artists, both Irish and foreign.

Among the larger collections are Lydia Shackleton (1828-1914), Charlotte Wheeler Cuffe (1867-1967), and George Victor du Noyer (1817-1869).

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

DUBLIN

SABRINA REBOOT COULD BE DEVILISHLY GOOD P23

MAGAZINE GREAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING CITIES STATESIDE P26

Ford has given a new shape to the Focus P29

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

THE GIFT OF GAZ | DAVY’S LATEST RANT IS A ‘SCANDALOUS’ AFFAIR

‘You’re like an internet troll made flesh’ YOU’D need a stepladder to get Davy down off the high horse he gets himself up on sometimes.

Ranting away to Paschal he was when I walked in to the pub.

And sure wasn’t that eejit Paschal agreeing with him.

He’d jumped off the stool and was jumping around like a yappy little terrier by the time I got to the bar.

“A scandal!” he roars. “A bleedin’ scandal and we just let it happen.

Standing idly by, as usual. This country’s crumbling all together.

An utter shambles.”

“How many has he had?” I says to Paschal.

“Just the one,” says Paschal.

“Jaysus! Would you ever sit down and relax yourself,” I says to Davy.

“Sorry Gaz,” he says. “It just winds me up. The shenanigans they all get up to. I thought he was one of the good ones.”

I still had no idea what he was on about and I was starting to lose interest so I just picked up the paper on the bar and started leafing through it.

“Do ye not want to know who I’m on about?” he asks me.

I let out a long gasp and then said to him: “Go on then. What are ye banging on about this time?”

“Himself in the Aras,” he says.

“Getting all that money – and no one is allowed even audit it. I can’t believe it.”

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Davy really is some tulip.

“Right Davy,” I says to him. “For starters, that money goes to the office of the President – for functions and the like. It’s not going in to some Caymans account or something like that. I thought it said that in most of the stories. Did ye not read the whole thing?”

“Sure I saw the headlines – that’s enough,” he says and I started roaring laughing. “What are ye laughing at?” he says, sounding like he’s in the height of it with me.

“You’re like an internet troll made flesh,” I says, still laughing. “Banging on about something when

“

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Davy really is some tulip

you’ve not actually read the full story. This payment has been in for years, it’s not Michael D up to some sort of fiddle.”

“Bu..”

I cut him off before he could finish. Sure, I knew what he was going to say.

“Yeah, it should be scrutinised but do ye not think the timing of this is all a bit off? Why now a few weeks from an election and not some other time in the last seven years? Or the fourteen years before that?”

Davy’s shoulders had slowly slumped from attack mode back to his usual slouch.

“I suppose you’re right,” he says.

“Ah yeah,” I says, taking a long sup of me pint.

“Who’s gonna calm ye down in a few weeks?”

“What do ye mean?” he says.

“I’m heading off,” I says.

“What do ye mean?” he says, looking crestfallen.

“To Brittas Bay,” I says. “The cousin owns a little caravan park down there and he’s not well at the moment so he’s asked me to come down and manage it for a while.”

“Brittas Bay! Caravan park!” he yelps at me. “But it’s nearly winter.”

“I know,” I says. “There’ll be no one around. Handy money.”

“Ah here,” says Davy. “Can’t believe you’re springing that on me.

When will ye be back?”

“Dunno,” I says. “I might not be back. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Jasysu…” he says, tailing off and staring up at the wall for about 30 seconds, before turning to me and saying: “Better get me in a pint then if you’re heading off.”

Never change, me auld mucker.

Never change.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

PEOPLE

LEGAL EAGLE

BY WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS

What to do if a tenant suddenly stops their rent UNDER the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004 tenants are required to pay their rent when it falls due and their tenancy may be terminated for non-payment of rent.

W h e re a l a n d l o rd seeks to terminate a tenancy of duration longer than six months because the tenant has failed to pay rent, the following three-step procedure must be followed.

Give the tenant notice that they have breached their obligation to pay rent. This should be done in writing.

The landlord must notify that the tenant is in arrears of rent, the tenant is allowed a reasonable time to remedy that breach of obligation, and the landlord is entitled to terminate the tenancy if the tenant fails to remedy that breach of obligation within the period specified.

Serve a 14-day warning notice for failure to pay rent. The landlord must serve a written notice on the tenant informing him or her of the amount of rent that is due.

T h e l a n d l o rd w i l l then give the tenant 14 days to pay those rent arrears.

Serve a 28-day notice of termination of the tenancy. If the tenant fails to pay the rent due within 14 days of receipt of the written notice, the landlord may

Karen Walsh

POPULAR COMEDIAN TALKS ABOUT FINDING HIS MOJO AGAIN

proceed to terminate the tenancy by serving a 28-day notice of termination.

Registered landlords should apply to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution in cases where the tenant fails to vacate the rental dwelling after the expiry of valid notices of rent arrears and termination.

The PRTB may then make a determination order requiring the tenant to vacate the property if validly served notices have expired.

The landlord or other a g e n t s m u s t n eve r remove a tenant or their property from a rental dwelling themselves or interfere with their utilities.

The Act spec ifies the precise format for such notices and PRTB

adjudicators will only uphold the validity of notices that are in the correct format.

It is essential that you give adequate notice periods and that they are in the prescribed format.

It is important that landlords obtain tenant’s details at the commencement of the tenancy such as PPS numbers and contact details, register your tenancy with the PRTB and maintain detailed records prior to referring a Dispute Application to the PRTB to avoid delays in processing their case.

Even when the RTB reaches a determination, the order can only be enforced through the Circuit Court if the tenant does not vacate the property.

WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS specialise in litigation, personal injuries, probate, conveyancing, employment law and family law. Their offices are located at Unit 7E, Nutgrove Office Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. For further information, please call 01 291 0300, email info@walshandpartners.ie, or else visit the site at www.walshandpartners.ie.

DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in this article, Walsh & Partners Solicitors do not accept responsibility for errors or omissions howsoever arising, and you should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

It’s all just clicked again for Colin MARK O’BRIEN

NO MATTER what your job is, if you’ve been doing it for 25 years there are bound to be times when you get stuck in a rut.

Comedian Colin Murphy found himself in such a rut in recent years.

“Everybody thinks it’s possibly a glamorous job but it’s just a job and the same as every single job you get a little bit jaded with it after a while,” he tells Dublin Gazette.

“But then I was doing this gig one night and I was in the middle of one of those phases and it was just brilliant.

“Just something happened, I didn’t do anything differently. I don’t know what I did, something happened and it all sort of clicked again and I started to enjoy myself.”

He’s enjoying himself so much that he’s about to embark on his first nationwide tour in eight years.

The Bald Ambition tour covers a diverse range of topics, including Murphy’s distaste for a certain Conor McGregor.

“I’m not a fan of the attitude, that’s what I’m not a fan of,” he explains.

“It’s not really becoming is it?

There’s no class about it.”

Sex and dating in the 21st century also leaves Murphy slightly baffled.

“I’m eternally thankful that I’m not single,” he says.

“It’s just horrendous. It’s perfectly normal for millennials who have grown up in this world but for me it’s horrendous.

“I talk about that a bit – not in a nostalgia ‘oh, the olden days’ - not that sort of Brennan’s Bread sh*t.

“It was sh*t then, it’s good now.

But there are certain aspects of it that are terrifying and are just weird that we’ve sort of gotten used to and take as normal with sex and the way we find people.”

Murphy is still a regular on The Blame Game and is currently filming a new series, Colin Murphy’s Panic Room, for the BBC. But he’s still fondly remembered by some people for the cult hit The Blizzard of Odd – including people who maybe shouldn’t have been watching.

“I still get people coming up and mentioning it – people who are way younger than I think should have been watching it but apparently they were watching it,” he says.

“There was a whole other group of people I didn’t know about that were school kids, because there were flashes of diddies and things like that and a bit of porn stuff that we used to take the piss out of.”

Murphy was also an integral mem-

ber of The Panel on RTE, a show that attracted a high calibre of guest.

Richard Dawkins tuned out to be a disappointment.

“We just thought ‘this is all just showbusiness for you’ it was all about selling books basically.”

Suzi Quatro made a much better impression.

“She was amazing,” he says.

“Somebody you had a crush on when you were a kid and then she’s there and she’s great fun.”

Murphy still lives in the North and – curiously for someone so closely associated with topical panel shows – he has some interesting advice on how to stay happy while living there.

“As long as you don’t listen to anything any of the politicians say, you’re alright. Your blood pressure stays down.

“Just don’t read the paper, don’t look at the gay marriage thing and don’t look at the abortion referendum. Don’t look at any of those things and it’s fine.”

The Bald Ambition Tour includes Dublin dates at Dundrum Mill Theatre (October 5), Draiocht, Blanchardstown (October 3) and Whelan’s (November 18).

Tickets are on sale now; visit www. thatcolinmurphy.com/dates for tour listings and bookings.

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

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

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

ORNUA is calling on Dublin graduates to apply for its 2019 graduate programme, which will see the dairy exporter recruit up to 15 graduates to join the Ornua team around the world who will bring the best of Irish dairy, on behalf of dairy farming families in Ireland, to 110 markets globally. The 18-month programme will see candidates receive formal training from the Irish Management Institute, while successful candidates will also undertake two placements, which includes time overseas for most participants. The application deadline is October 18; see www.earlycareers.ornua.com/graduateprogramme/. Pictured promoting the programme are John Jordan (centre), Ornua chief executive with John Wall and Conor Merrick. Photo: Marc O’Sullivan

A tree-mendous day for children THE Tree Council of Ireland, supported by Tetra Pak, is calling on primary school children across Dublin to get involved in Tetra Pak Tree Day on Thursday, October 4. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Be nature nice! (Bi doighiuil don dulra!)”.

The campaign’s mascot Sammy Squirrel will feature on Avonmore school milk cartons with simple messages on how to help the environment.

As part of Tetra Pak Tree Day,

up to 1,000 native tree saplings will be made available through the Tree Day website for primary school children to plant on their school grounds.

There is also an opportunity for children and teachers to win an iPad for their class.

More details about the campaign including guided woodland walks, class lessons, videos, fun tree facts, activities and more can be found over at www.treeday.ie.

Singing out for support

SARA Ryan has been receiving praise and support from all the right people for the tracks on her Glitter Skies EP. Now, she’s preparing to record her debut album and is asking for some help to raise the funds for the recording and manufacturing.

“This project is helping me to fund recording my debut album,” said Sara.

“My vocal style is a mixture of Folk, Blues and Soul and I will be working with a brilliant producer and band to help to fully convey the songs written for this album.

I love to push the boundaries within genres and create a style that no one has ever heard before.”

To support the campaign, see www.fundit.ie/project/sara-ryan---debutalbum.

PUZZLE PAGE, PAGE 28

Challenge your brain Codewords, Word Search and Sudoku



Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

DIARY

Glimpse a wedding venue with a MEET OSCAR – OUR Georgian difference in Dublin 2 DOG OF THE WEEK NO 25 Fitzwiliam Place welcomes couples looking for the perfect city wedding to experience the venue at its Autumn Wedding open evening on Wednesday, October 3.

After the success of the January event and a recent revamp, No 25 Fitzwilliam Place is once again opening its Georgian doors to new and recently engaged couples o n c e again.

The scene will be set to give couples a taste of what their day could

look like.

The venue’s expert events team will be on hand to answer any questions about hosting the perfect

wedding day, from menu selection to set up.

A range of top wedding suppliers from florists to photographers, musicians to celebrants will also be present to lend some inspiration to guests, who can drop in between 5-8pm to enjoy some light nibbles and drinks and soak in the unique atmosphere.

For further information on the suppliers in attendance, see https://25fitzwilliamplace.ie/ recommendations/

Companies called to enter award DELOITTE is calling on ambitious Dublin companies to apply for the 2019 Best Managed Companies Awards before tomorrow’s deadline, Friday, September 25.

The awards programme showcases the success of indigenous companies and acknowledges the contribution they make to the Irish economy.

Last year, 54 Dublin

companies were among the winners, including Ace Express Freight, Clontarf Castle and KDD, who each marked their tenth years as Best Managed Companies.

For further information and details of how to enter the awards, see www.deloittebestmanaged.ie, with successfully shortlisted companies to be announced next March.

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog of the week is Oscar – a hilarious three-year-old male Husky who has won the hearts of all the carers looking after him.

He is a mischievous scamp, with the funniest personality shining through. His awkward sleeping positions and cheekiness keep everybody entertained!

He is a typical husky: clever, independent, playful and of course extremely handsome too (aren’t his eyes just amazing?).

He loves his toys and could play all day long. Oscar’s doggie social skills are improving but he would prefer to be the only pet at home.

If you have room in your heart and home for Oscar, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be

found on their website www. dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

John McKibbin and Jonathan Sultan

Rosanna Davison, Roz Flanagan, Amanda Brunker and Lorraine Keane at the Shiseido International Charity Lunch and Fashion Show. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Award-winning Irish born fashion designer Catriona Hanly with model Taylor Odigie and Qichen Hu.

Miss Candy

Shiseido International Charity Lunch and Fashion Show

I

NTERNATIONALLY renowned make-up and skincare brand Sheshido brought their signature Asian-inspired glam to Dublin for one day only. The international charity lunch and fashion show was hosted by Amanda Brunker and Miss Candy at the Westin Hotel in the city centre.

The event kicked off with a champagne reception followed by a

five-course lunch in the Banking Hall of the hotel.

The event was held in benefit of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, and saw Rosanna Davison, along with models Alannah Beirne, Taylor Odigie and Qichen Hu take part in the fashion show. Entertainment at the event was provided by Lyn Brooks, and by Paul Harrington and his Big Band.

Aileen O’Meara

Megan O’Connell and Shane Burke

Aileen Ennis

Cathy McKiernan

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW | JOHN OATES (OF HALL AND OATES) ON PASSIONS

Educating fans on his solo skill JAMES HENDICOTT

JOHN OATES is a soft-rock, pop and blues legend: a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee twice, in his own right, and alongside his long-time collaborator Daryl Hall.

The duo are famed for pop smashes such as You Make My Dreams Come true, Adult Education and Maneater, but at 70, with the partnership going strong, Oates is more than happy to forge his own path, too.

His current solo incarnation – and in particular, the album Arkansas – is a throwback for Oates, a nod to his roots in the days even before he ever met his famed collaborator in Hall.

“This album has a lot to do with me moving to Nashville years ago and being embraced into Americana.

It was kind of a return to my earliest musical instruments.

“I kind of felt at home in that style, after I tested the water in a few different solo albums,” Oates told Dublin Gazette.

“I got locked into a groove with musicians that seem to have the same sensibilities as me.

I didn’t really intend to make this album.

“I’d planned to make a tribute to Mississippi John Hurt – one of my childhood heroes. I recorded a couple of his songs w i t h acoustic guitar and vocals, in a very traditional manor, and it left me a little bit ...

“Well, it wasn’t better than the original, and it never will be.

“Instead, I assembled this really eclectic band, and I had this idea that there’d be a certain tonality to what we’d make.

“From the very first song, my producer looked at me, and he said: ‘John, I don’t know what this is, but just keep doing it, because it’s really cool’.”

There’s a definite sense of recapturing youth to what Oates is doing solo, then, and much of it is drawn from the inspiration found in writing his recent autobiography, Changing Seasons.

In the book, Oates tells the story of his early life, from taking a degree in journalism simply to connect with writing in any form, to growing up in suburban

Philadelphia.

Largely, he makes a point of leaving Daryl Hall’s tale for his lifelong musical partner to tell his own.

“I don’t think I’d have gone this way with the music if I hadn’t done the memoir,” Oates admits.

“It was about things people don’t know about me. They know about Hall and Oates, the hits, the pop stardom.

“I didn’t really want to emphasise that in the memoir; I wanted to talk about the early days. Having gone up into the memory banks, I opened up these channels of memory that led to the record.

“I do the ‘me’ of 20 or 30 years ago, backed with 40 or 50 years of professionalism, skill and experience.

“It’s tapping into these great old inf luences that turned me on as a kid and

made me who I am, but through the lens of being a better player, producer and performer.

“I’m playing mostly solo stuff and roots music on the solo tour.

I’ll do all sorts of things, with a couple of older songs, but I want to put this stuff in a context.

“I’ll do a version of Maneater from before I ever played it with Daryl, that has a totally different vibe.

“People can shout out things, too. I may do them, I may not.

This is much more unplanned.

“It’s loosey-goosey, and I’ll talk a lot, tell a lot of backstories.

I hope people won’t expect half of a Hall and Oates show!

“

GOINGOUTOUT

PICKWEEK OF THE

SEPTEMBER 27 (THURSDAY)

Shania Twain @ 3Arena, €63 HER recent flip-flopping over Donald Trump (saying she’d have voted for him, then apologising) made headlines, but that’s as close as you can put ‘flop’ near Shania, who’s had one hit after another around the world. If you’re lucky enough to be going to her gig, no doubt you’ll be left impressed, much.

SEPTEMBER 27 (THURSDAY) “What I’ve found is that the quality of music and playing seems to win people over. I think you’re going to like it.”

John Oates p l ays Vi ca r Street, Dublin on October 15, with tickets on sale at €30 plus booking fees.

I’m playing mostly solo stuff and roots music on the solo tour. People can shout out things, too.

This is much more unplanned.

Hard Working Class Heroes Festival @ Various venues, from €10-45 Up and coming music festival and industry conference combo, Hard Working Class Heroes has seen most of Ireland’s big acts pass through its doors over the years.

Get in first...

Chasing Abbey @ The Academy, €20 Julien Baker @ Vicar Street, €22 Pecking Party @ East Side Tavern, €5 Under Starling @ Whelan’s, €6

SEPTEMBER 28 (FRIDAY) Hard Working Class Heroes Festival @ Various venues, from €10-45 Wyvern Lingo @ The Academy, €20 Local folk-pop act Wyvern Lingo play one of their biggest headline shows – drop in and see what all the fuss is about Anna Calvi @ Tivoli Theatre, €25 Sick Love + Wynonna Bleach @ Whelan’s Upstairs, free (late show) Patrick Davis @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €20 Half Waif @ Whelan’s, €13

SEPTEMBER 29 (SATURDAY) Hard Working Class Heroes Festival @ various venues, from €10-45 Cliff Richard @ 3 Arena, €86+ These Charming Men (a tribute to The Smiths) @ Whelan’s, €14

SEPTEMBER 30 (SUNDAY) Classic Deep Purple @ The Olympia, €40 Rex Orange County @ Vicar Street, €23 Izumi Kimura @ The Workman’s Club, €10 Aslan @ Sandyford House, €22 Brona Keogh @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €8 Joshua Radin + William Fitzsimmons @ Whelan’s, €25

OCTOBER 1 (MONDAY) Vulfpeck @ Olympia Theatre, €42

OCTOBER 2 (TUESDAY) Vulfpeck @ Olympia Theatre, €42 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €7 Toshin @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €5

OCTOBER 3 (WEDNESDAY) Fatherson @ Whelan’s, €14 Bakar @ The Academy, €15

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

StillShowing...

THE PREDATOR

Lacks the original’s bite THE original Predator film is dated, and a bit trashy with things you’d never say or find in a film today – but it’s still an action and sci-fi classic. However, its rebooted version, The Predator (Cert 16, 107 mins) ... not so much. This version lacks the bite of the original, largely turning in a derivative flick that’s fine, at best, but does nothing much to build on the strengths of the iconic character.

A regal Michelle Yeoh (left) holds court as a suspicious Singaporean matriarch at the heart of much of Crazy Rich Asians

CINEMA | SMASH HIT CRAZY RICH ASIANS TURNS EVERYTHING UP TO 11

It’s excessively entertaining THE NUN

A holy unoriginal horror A POPULAR side character in the Conjuring films gets its own origins prequel story in The Nun (Cert 16, 96mins).

We love a good horror film – which is why we don’t love this one, as it’s pretty derivative fare that wastes a striking character on a film stuffed full of jump scares and pretty standard horror tropes. The end result is far from a spooktacular hit, much less very scary. Nun thank you.

SEARCHING

Looking into online lives A WIDOWER frantically tries to track down his missing teen daughter in Searching (Cert 12A, 102mins), which is perhaps a little more style than substance but is decent enough. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but at least its exploration of social media personas versus our actual lives – and how little parents and grown-ups may know about their kids’ online lives – provides some food for thought beyond the onscreen electronic sleuthing.

SO AT last the chartstorming Crazy Rich Asians (Cert 12A, 121 mins) reaches Ireland, and release in this part of the world.

Actually, that’s a little bit misleading – the ‘at last’ part, as the film’s release date got moved forward once the buzz about the film really began to take off, with its US take at the box office crushing all and sundry around it.

One thing that’s not misleading is the title – here we have a whole group of people who are supremely, incomprehensibly, crazy rich, as well as a couple of characters who seem crazy and rich.

If you ever wanted a ‘Ronseal’ film, this is it, because you get exactly what the title promises, with the film having a central premise that sounds straight out of the Big Book O’ RomCom Cliches, but plays with such tropes like a virtuoso.

Rachel (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend, Nick (Henry Golding) are a couple of young, reasonably well to do professors in New York, with Rachel

 SHANE DILLON

knowing little about Nick’s family other that most of them are in Singapore, where they’re ‘comfortably’ well off.

As things are getting serious between them, and with an important best friend’s wedding back home to go to, Rachel agrees to go along with him as Nick’s plus-one.

Cue the title’s relevance – their flight to and arrival at the tiny city nation state very quickly makes it clear that Nick’s rich.

Actually, he’s not just rich – he’s rrrrrrrrich, with his extended family fabulously, insanely, jaw-droppingly wealthy (meriting chucking on as many Rs as you’d like onto revealing their vast riches).

And as you might expect, this group of uberelites (‘the 1% of the 1%’) aren’t often presented with a mere mortal of more earthly means suddenly on the loose within their

gilded, diamonds-encrusted circle, with Nick’s mother, Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh) particularly wary of some – pah – American girlfriend-slash-gold digger in their midst.

The scene is thus set for all kinds of culture clashes, with East-West divides colliding with a fish-outof-water main scenario, as Rachel has to navigate these unfamiliar waters with an extended family watching her every move.

And in the meantime, there’s the all-important big wedding rumbling away in the background...

M u c h of the plot will be familiar t o a ny one who’s seen even a few RomComs, and it’s hard not to find some parts and characters cliched, from

a disapproving mother (with her own quiet traumas) to a wise granny to similar standard characters and conventions.

However, the film certainly crafts its own identity, frequently turning the excess up to 11-plus and reveling in truly ostentatious wealth, and all its trappings, on display in much of the film.

That in itself presents a certain potential problem, given the general dis-

dain that rich people are regarded with on this side of the world, these days – tasking Rachel’s character as the key to not just bring the audience into an alien cultural and economic landscape, but to also humanise the kind of people who’d casually blow a million bucks on just another pair of earrings.

In this, the film succeeds, with the staggering wealth present in much of the film eventually taking a back seat to the characters inhabiting this gilded world, with director Jon M Chu succeeding in establishing relata b l e, accessible characters.

Their wealth is undeniably a huge part of their lives, but

Chu, and the actors, manage to ultimately present them as people and characters you could relate to and root for even if you stripped all the bling away.

Without wanting to patronise the film, it’s also about damn time that Asian characters took centre stage in a big-budget Western film, rather than being relegated to the usual thankless, cliched characters and rote roles that Asians are typically given in most American and similar films (although there’s a pinch of that here, too).

And with the penny dropping in Hollywood that there’s a market for this kind of fare and a more diverse casting approach, it’s likely that we’ll get More Crazy Rich Asians down the road.

Ultimately, the film hits some great romcom highs, has an identity that’s somewhat unique, and is well worth investing your time and interest in.

Verdict: 8/10

Many of the characters are ludicrously rich, but most are ultimately relatable, with some very ordinary problems

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Sabrina reboot could be devilishly good QUIKFLIX FLIX RACHEL D’ARCY

EVERY Nineties baby with Nickelodeon will remember Sabrina The Teenage Witch with a fond nostalgia – but all that’s about to change.

Netflix’s take on the Archie comics classic will see Sabrina take on a darker edge, releasing just in time for Halloween.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina will take on a more occult look at the world of witchcraft, with a dark shadow being cast over the life of half-witch, halfmortal Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) and a host of familiar characters.

Described as being in the

same vein as Rosemary’s Baby and the Exorcist, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comes from the executive producers of recent TV hit, Riverdale, so it promises to be a devilish delight.

Similarly to the Nickelodeon classic, Sabrina’s aunts, Hilda (Lucy Davis) and Zelda (Miranda Otto) make an appearance.

Zelda is the sterner aunt, devoted to witchcraft and the Church of Night, whereas Hilda is a more maternal figure, although she has a wicked streak to her.

Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch) is Sabri-

na’s mortal boyfriend, described as “a dreamer and a dreamboat”, but of course things can’t be too easy for the resident heartthrob.

In addition to the usual suspects, a whole host of new supernatural characters (and mortals) feature in the new adaption of the Sabrina story.

Her cousin, Ambrose Spellman (Chance Perdomo) is noted as Sabrina’s partner in crime in the witching world, while her mortal BFFs, Rosalind Walker (Jaz Sinclair) and Susie Putnam (Lachlan Watson) keep her linked to the human world.

The series is already highly anticipated, with horror fans, teen TV aficionados and those looking for a slight kick of nostalgia all certain to be enthralled by Netflix’s latest original offering.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Meet half-mortal, halfstarts on October 26, streamed across witch teenager Sabrina Netflix globally as a celebration of Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) Sabrina’s “satanic sweet 16”.

CHANNEL 4 | THE CIRCLE ROUNDS UP SOCIAL MEDIA TROPES

It’s hard to square this show’s future appeal RACHEL D’ARCY

MARKETED as ‘the ultimate popularity contest’, Channel 4’s newest reality show made its debut last week.

The Circle sees a number of contestants - usually eight - living in separate apartments, all in the same building, and only communicating through an in-house social media service.

It’s all about who can get the most notoriety, the most popular of the gang gaining the ability to ‘block’ those they don’t like from the service, and getting the chance to win £50,000, as well as numerous other privileges whilst inside the game.

Appearances, however, aren’t always what they seem. A show like The Circle paints the true reality of social media, focusing in on the way people portray themselves online.

Three of the contestants are actively attempting to ‘catfish’ their fellow ‘Circlers’, one of them

attempting to cover up his sexuality, whilst another two are playing a completely different person to who they really are.

You can watch as the contestants curate the ‘perfect’ profile for The Circle, some of them with motives purer than others.

One intentionally covers up the fact she has a child, whilst a male contestant is adamantly pursuing romance.

The competitors can rate each other on a scale of one to five stars, based on their opinion of one another. Alliances are formed, as are rivalries, as some get a little paranoid that not all is as it seems There’s an app to accompany the show, attempting to get the public engaging with the format in a new way, rather than by traditional phone-in votes.

It has a news feed (not dissimilar to Facebook’s), profiles of all the Circlers past and present, as well as a playlist of videos. There’s also the opportunity to register to vote for who the

Streaming highlights on the way

Sky, Netflix team up to offer Ultimate package SKY and Netflix are joining forces to launch a new subscription pack in November.

Ultimate On Demand is being billed as the UK and Ireland’s biggest on-demand TV service, bringing together Sky box sets and the full Netflix service.

In one package, customers will be able to access Sky original productions such as Patrick Melrose, Save Me and Tin Star, and US hits such as HBO’s Game of Thrones and Showtime’s Billions, alongside Netflix’s original dramas, films, comedies and documentaries (which include The Crown, Stranger Things, The Kissing Booth, Making A Murderer and Queer Eye).

Ultimate On Demand will cost €16 a month for all new and existing customers alongside their Sky Q subscription, with a 31-day rolling contract available.

Existing Sky Q customers with Netflix will be able to easily move their account to the new pack or sign in to the Netflix app on Sky Q using their existing Netflix account details.

Stephen van Rooyen, chief executive officer, Sky UK and Ireland, said: “We want Sky Q to be the number-one destination for TV fans.

“Partnering with Netflix means we will have all the best TV in one great-value pack, making it even easier for you to watch all of your favourite shows.”

Chris Whiteley, director business development UK/IE, Netflix, said: “Innovation is at the core of Netflix.

“We are delighted to partner with Sky to offer fans a new and exciting way to access the best of entertainment from around the world.”

Customers can pre-register their interest in the Ultimate On Demand pack at sky.com/Netflix.

The Circle’s hosts, Alice Levine and Maya Jama

public want to leave, when the time for voting comes.

In general, The Circle is an interesting concept, playing on the current obsession with social media and all that entails.

It paints the perils that can come with the likes of Facebook and Instagram,

showing how people can fabricate their existence to an extent.

It’s a slightly depressing view, but there’s also a look at the positives of creating online friendships and meeting people that you mightn’t encounter otherwise.

The show makes you think, in a way that social media numbs an amount of the time.

The Circle has a long way to come to develop the same grip as other reality shows, but it’s an interesting social experiment, if nothing else.

Many of the most popular TV shows from the past several years will finally come together in one broadcasting ecosystem, thanks to Ultimate On Demand

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

MUSIC

EXPLORING THE POPULARITY OF VERY DIFFERENT ARTISTS INTERVIEW | FINNISH SUPERSTAR ON HER WAY

Prepare for Aalto-rrific show ahead

RACHEL D’ARCY

IF YOU’RE a fan of the X-Factor or the Eurovision, chances are you’ve heard of the fabulous Finnish superstar Saara Aalto.

Saara has represented her native Finland three times in the Eurovision, most recently with Monsters in this year’s competition, and kickstarted her English singing career with a rousing appearance on the X-Factor in 2016.

“The X-Factor was so crazy for me. The Eurovision was insane, but the X Factor was almost like a boot camp.

“It tests your strengths as an artist, and it was so wonderful to connect with my fans and make new ones through the X-Factor,” Saara told Dublin Gazette.

As well as her musical television career, Saara also has an affluent past in the world of theatre too.

She’s starred in the Finnish production of Wicked, and in High School Musical On Stage!, as well as Jesus Christ Superstar.

Saara also played the role of Anna in the Finnish version of the Disney smash hit, Frozen.

Now, she’ll be performing for one night only at the Academy’s Green Room on October 11 as part of her

Saara Aalto

Wild Wild Wonderland tour.

This won’t be Saara’s first time in the capital, with Saara saying that she can’t wait to return to Dublin.

“I performed in Dublin as part of the X-Factor tour, and it was so lovely. I’m really excited to perform my headlining show for my Irish fans,” she said.

Saara is currently touring to promote the release of her album, Wild Wild Wonderland (above), which was released earlier this year.

The album shot to the top of the charts in her native Finland, and also charted highly across the rest of the continent.

A perfect blend of Saara’s talents, she said that the live show is going to reflect the album in a way she’s

never particularly done before.

“My concert will have a lot of theatrics. There will be a lot of costume changes, and I’ll have some others with me on stage.

“It’s going to be intimate – when I play arenas, people are so far away.

Now, I’ll be right there with them, right in front of them.

“There will also be a more acoustic portion to the evening I hope, where I can showcase my vocal range and such.

“I’m a classically trained singer and pianist, so I look forward to showing that part of myself.

“I’ll also be performing some X-Factor songs, and Monsters [her 2017 Eurovision single], as everyone seems to love them!”

As for a special treat for the Dublin crowd, she spoke fondly of growing up listening to one of Ireland’s greatest exports, and mentioned the potential of getting to cover one of their hits on October 11.

“I used to listen to The Corrs a lot when I was younger. Their music is so important to me, I really loved them and I still do. They had such an impact on me. We’ll see if I’ll perform one of their songs,” Saara laughed.

Tickets for Saara’s Dublin show are available now from Ticketmaster, priced €17.50.

Shining a light on Amy’s singular talent RACHEL D’ARCY

A BRAND-NEW documentary focusing on the making of Amy Winehouse’s seminal record, Back to Black, is set to be released this November.

Due to debut on November 2, the release will also feature a recently unearthed performance from the tragic songstress from more than a decade ago, where Winehouse will perform several highlights

from the album, in addition to a handful of select covers.

Amy Winehouse – Back to Black will show how her bestknown, and most celebrated work, came to fruition.

It will look at the creative process behind the record, as well as featuring previously unseen footage of the vocalist, interviews with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, and fresh insight into Amy’s gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician

and performer.

The material in the documentary, which will be released by Eagle Vision on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, has never been seen before now.

As Amy herself explains in the opening moments of the documentary, with a degree of the typical understatement that was usual for the starlet: “I wrote an album that I’m really proud of about a bad situation that I got through ... that’s pret-

ty much where it begins and ends for me.”

This compelling film focuses on Amy’s passion for music, her craft and her artistry, stripping away the “circus of madness” that often surrounded her.

The new release will also include An Intimate Evening in London, comprising footage from a private show Amy hosted in February, 2008 at Riverside Studios, in West London.

It’s a rare glimpse at Amy

performing, with the footage only recently discovered after being in an archive for a decade, showing Amy playing to a small and select group of family, friends and record company execs on the evening she won five Grammy awards.

Her warmth and sheer exuberance, not to mention her legendary voice, is a stark reminder of what might have been.

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

HOME & STYLE

BeautyBITS

Holly Carpenter

Kaz, Alexandra and Kendall join boohoo

Aoife Walsh

Skin… it’s all about

RADIANCE

DOYOURTHING campaign,

retailer BooHoo have

with more special projects to

announced that this year’s

be announced.

Light-hearted, fun and

Love Island Stars Kaz Crossley, Alexandra Cane & Kendall

flirty, each girl will reflect

Knight will be their new UK

their strong personalities

brand ambassadors.

across social media and

Boasting over three million

 Jessica Maile, Style Editor

FRENCH skincare brand, Eau Thermale Avene, celebrated the launch of its new Radiance Range this week with a relaxing Radiance Retreat at Studio 10, Wicklow St. Guests were welcomed into a veritable oasis within the city and were introduced to the new lotions (or serum, to be exact) and potions.

The wellness-themed event celebrated some of the brand’s most exciting innovations including a Radiance Serum, Refreshing Eye Contour Cream and an Intense Eye make-up remover. Guests enjoyed practicing yoga, meditation and breathing techniques with yogi and wellness expert Molly McKeever before spending quality time with Jennifer Rock, The Skin Nerd and one of her ‘Nerdettes’, who demonstrated the new Avène products before providing relaxing facial massages.

Orla Walsh, Ireland’s top nutritionist, was also on hand to talk through the importance of feeding the skin, mind and body from within. Guests were treated to a nutritionist-approved breakfast by Black Sheep Foods and left with a goodie bag packed with all the new Avène products.

GLOBAL online fashion

boohoo capsule collections.

followers combined, the trio

The ambassadors are a big

will work with the brand on

hit in the pop-culture and

their own individual projects

social media world, just like

over the next six months.

BooHoo’s clothing, making them perfect partners!

Firstly, the threesome will hand-pick their own Autumn/ Winter edits as part of the

All items are available now on www.boohoo.com.

Get silky with nourishing new bar soap Judy Gilroy at the Avene Radiance Skincare launch.

Pictures: Karen Morgan

& Other Stories have introduced a new bar soap to their Paris Bath and Body range – Savon Veloute.

Savon Veloute provides a nourishing silky lather, moisturising the skin with almond oil sourced in France. The bar soap has a spicy and woody scent, with top notes of lemon, black pepper and wild fig.

The heart notes inlcude lush green, violet and incense, and

Radiance Serum RRP €30 THE Radiance Serum promises to illuminate sensitive skin, leaving a revived and visibly rested complexion, glowing with radiance and beauty!

Natural Red-Fruit extract is the star ingredient of the product, stimulating cellular activity and strengthening the skin’s barrier function.

Refreshing Eye Contour Care RRP €20 MORE than any other area of the face, the sensitive eye contour needs pampering!

The Refreshing Eye Contour Care leaves the eye contour radiant, luminous and energised – eyes aren’t just refreshed, they’re revitalised!

Aside from the three primary active ingredients –Pre-tocopheryl, Refinyl and Avene Thermal Spring Water, the Refreshing Eye Contour Care also decongests, calms puffiness and reduces dark circles.

Intense Eye Make-Up Remover RRP €14 ANOTHER addition to the Avene range is the Intense Eye Make-Up Remover, complementing the new Radiance Range.

The new Intense Eye Make-up Remover is perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers and gently removes impurities and even the most resistant make-up.

The bi-phase formula combines gentle care and unbeatable efficacy to remove resistant mascara and eye shadow, even waterproof and long-wear make-up.

Result: eyelashes are protected, with four times less eyelash loss after two weeks of use (so they say!) and are gradually strengthened one day at a time with repeated make-up removal.

leather. The soap is priced at €9 from & Other Stories.

PANDORA Shine Floating Grains Bangle €199

Get ready to revitalise

base notes bring depth with patchouli, white birch and Tuscan

Harvest time at Pandora HARVEST a new lease of life with Pandora’s latest collection Grains of Life.

Classic elements of craftsmanship are combined with wheat-inspired designs, and create the luxurious Limited-Edition Circle of Seeds pieces.

The collection is available in Pandora stores nationwide and online at www.pandora.net.

PANDORA Circle of Seeds Necklace €249

Soraiya Ryan and Jessica Fagan

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

latitude& longitude Deals to tempt even the thriftiest travellers €89pp: Bargain Berlin Cassidy Travel has a two-night package to Berlin’s Christmas markets from just €89, departing Dublin on Tuesday, November 27 (prices are cheaper midweek).

Accommodation is 3-star. 01 873-5000; cassidytravel.ie. €399pp: Lanzarote in December Click and Go has a seven night deal based on two sharing at the four-star Sands Beach Resort Apartments.

Studio, on self-catering basis, departing Dublin in December. See www. clickandgo.com €234pp: Lovely Lisbon ITAA member Dawson Travel has flights from Dublin plus seven nights at the 3-star Hotel Genesis in Lisbon from €234pp (room only) departing December 12. Not bad for a week in Portugal. 021 427-4397; dawsontravel.ie; itaa.ie/offers. €260pp: Festive Budapest GoHop is offering two nights in the fabulous five-star Sofitel Budapest on a B&B basis, departing December 6 from Dublin. 01 2412389, www.GoHop.ie €376pp: Winter sun in Morocco Sunway has late winter sun offers for Agadir, with 2-star prices from €376pp, 4-star from €549pp and a week at the five-star Atlantic Palace from €599pp, departing October 3 from Dublin. 01 2311800; sunway.ie.

Nothing beats New York at Christmas.

Right: Chicago’s Magnificent Mile

CHRISTMAS | STOCK UP FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Great shopping cities Stateside SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor IT may sound premature but savvy shoppers are already turning their thoughts to a trip Stateside to stock up for the festive season.

Christmas shopping can be a chore – so why not look on the bright side by snapping up some great US deals and exploring one of its most famous cities?

Nothing beats New York at Christmas. Shopping on Fifth Avenue, taking in the extra festive lights of Times Square, ice-skating at Rockefeller Center.

Add in the amazing postThanksgiving bargains and it’s a no-brainer! This is the perfect choice for a girls’ weekend away - shop til you drop by day, take in a Broadway show by night and be dazzled by the incredible NYC nightlife!

A perfect pre-Christmas treat.

rest assured is aptly named.

By contrast Boston is a city With a wealth of both interthat is beautiful year-round national and national brands but seeing it under snow real- on offer you’ll be spoiled for ly is something special.

Out in the crisp air, wrapped up warm in a down jacket as you meander your way through the streets, the city just feels like Christmas.

Wi t h m a ny shopping outlets to choose from that transform into festive hives where you’ll not only make your purchases but also enjoy the extensive decor, displays and Washington DC possibly even a touch of snow along the way.

Serious shopping If you’re looking for some serious shopping then look no further than Chicago’s Magnificent Mile - which you can

choice. If you want something more authentic then be sure to check out the markets further downtown

where you’ll pick up some truly special handmade gifts.

If you want to add a bit of culture to your trip, or if you’re a bit of a politics buff, then combine your shopping break with a trip to the centre of political power, history and activity in America - Washington DC. Wa s h i n g t o n D C ’s u n f o r g e t table skyline is marked by some o f t h e wo r l d ’s most iconic landmarks including the White House, Capitol Hill and the National Mall.

Looking for a gift that will remind you of your time in the nation’s capital? Look no further than the White House Historical Association for their annual Christmas ornament.

American Holidays is offering four nights in New York

from €609 per person sharing (based on four adults). Price includes three-star Beacon Hotel, return flights, taxes and charges. Ref No: 1582238.

Alternatively, spend four nights at the three-star Midtown Hotel in Boston from €690 per person sharing.

Based on two adults, including return flights, taxes and charges. Ref No: 1576863 If you prefer the windy city then four nights at the threestar Felix Hotel, based on two adults sharing, is from €699pp including return flights, taxes and charges. Ref No: 51228823 Four nights at the three-star Fairfax in Washington is available from €671 per person, ref no: 2007647893 To book call American Holidays on 01 673 3804 or drop into their office at 18- 19 Duke Street - just off Grafton Street - where the expert staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime.

For more information visit www. americanholidays.com.

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

TRAVEL & FOOD

Rum brand rolls out its Freaky Tiki pop up bar

Trustes founder Goran Prodanovic. Pic: Eugene Langan

New Irish tea brand debuts A BRAND new Irish tea brand from a Dublin family has hit the market.

TrusTEA is an Irish business founded in 2018, by two enthusiastic tea lovers, Goran & Lana Prodanovic, who are a young family from Dublin, and parents of a seven-year-old daughter, who started developing and mixing new specialty tea blends.

The Prodanovic’s said: “We are tea lovers and while studying and travelling were drinking teas from all over the world, so decided to bring new tea blends to the Irish market. We named our brand trusTEA - The One You Can Trust.”

Their most popular selection so far is a special herbal tea blend, ‘Four Thieves Tea.’ It is made up of mix of four herbs, Sage, Thyme, Lavender and Rosemary, and winning rave reviews online and off.

In addition to the massively in-

demand ‘Four Thieves Tea’, other trusTEA favorites include ‘Morning Delight’ (black tea with vanilla flavor) and ‘Green Harmony’ (green tea with strawberry flavour).

The goal of the company is to quickly have ten plus specialty tea blends covering all aspects of “tea life”, to deliver their growing customer-base a tea to meet nearly any tea-appropriate situation.

The herbal teas are equally delicious both hot or cold and come as loose leaves. Enough tea leaves are in each package to make 30 hot cups of three litres of cold tea for €3.49 in shops or online.

The Prodanovic family said: “We are beyond excited to see our launch and the incredible reception that our tea blends are receiving. We are a family of tea lovers and now with trusTEA we can share that passion with the world.”

Founder Goran Prodanovic’s daughter Lorena gives the tea the thumbs up

REBECCA RYAN

A COOL new pop up bar is coming to the city at the end of the month to start the Halloween season.

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is once again inviting Dubliners to step into the darkness of the Kraken underworld at Freaky Tiki.

The exclusive event will pop up for two nights on September 28th and 29th, taking over Lock Six on Canal Road.

Patrons will be able to experience all the thrills that the darkness has to offer while feasting on

dishes and sipping terrifyingly tempting Kraken Rum cocktails.

Guests will be treated to music by live DJs and a few other devilishly dark surprises throughout the night.

Tickets cost €20 and include exclusive access to The Kraken Freaky Tiki Bar, three cocktails, including Kraken Rum’s signature cocktail, The Perfect Storm, and food.

There will be three sessions each evening and tickets can be found at Ticket Tailor with limited allocation available.

CALL FOR HIGH RATE OF TAX ON FAST FOOD THE Irish Heart Foundation has called for take-away fast food to be taxed at the highest rate of VAT in a bid to tackle our growing obesity crisis.

A recent RTE This Week programme highlighted that hot takeaway food benefits from a special 9% VAT rate introduced in 2011, with permission from the EU, being introduced to boost the Irish hospitality sector.

Head of advocacy at the Irish Heart Foundation, Chris Macey, said it is hypocritical to tax sugar-sweetened drinks for health reasons while keeping another measure that makes unhealthy food cheaper.

Mr Macey told RTE: “We would say that this rate should not just go back to 13.5% for hot take away food. It should be taxed

at the highest rate.”

“Defibrillators that save people’s lives are taxed at the highest rate, yet we have a situation where hot takeaway food that is contributing to the biggest health crisis in the history of the State is taxed at a low rate.”

The HSE’s lead on obesity, Dr Donal O’Shea said the tax incentive is “completely counterproductive”.

Speaking on the same programme, he said that one in four Irish adults were now obese, and in some disadvantaged areas 12% of three-yearolds were obese.

Dr O’Shea said the consumption of fast food was directly linked to the over-weight and obesity statistics.

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 September 2018

PUZZLES

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS cream crumpet drop scone Dundee eclair fruit fudge hot cross bun madeleine muffin petit four

pound rock scone seed sponge stollen tart tea turnover

To advertise here please contact sales@dublingazette.com or call 01 6010240

27 September 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

TECHMOTORS & MOTORS

Toyota plans Corolla Hybrid in early 2019

MACHINE OF THE WEEK

TOYOTA has confirmed that Corolla Hybrid will hit Irish shores in February 2019, as the fourth model in the 2019 Toyota self-charging hybrid range.

This first ever Corolla hybrid, will be powered by a 1.8 hybrid petrol engine.

It will also be available with a

1.6 petrol engine, but Toyota Ireland predicts that 90% of Saloon sales in 2019 will be hybrid.

The current Auris will in future revert to being a Corolla hatchback so that this new Corolla range will include saloon, hatchback and estate car or touring sport models.

All three models will be available with hybrid drive systems.

The introduction of the Corolla Hybrid as well as the expansion of the Corolla family follows the March 2018 decision from Toyota to cease the production of diesel passenger cars.

Ford to offer plug-in hybrid vans

FORD unveiled a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of Transit Custom van plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) last week.

Ford claims that this new drive system targets 50 km (31 mile) zero-emissions range, or 500 km (310 mile) total range using Ford’s

1.0-litre EcoBoost engine as a range extender.

Ford claims to be the first volume manufacturer to offer PHEV technology in this segment of the van market.

The technology enables the vehicle to be charged with mains

electricity for zero-emission journeys, contributing to reduced local emissions and allowing the vehicle to enter low-emissions zones.

The PHEV model will enter volume production in the second half of 2019.

SEAT offers third SUV in big Terraco THE new Terraco is SEAT’s third SUV as it joins the existing Arona and Ateca SUV’s in the Spanish brand range.

The Terraco, which will be manufactured by Volkswagen in Germany, will be available from February

2019 in 5 and 7-seat versions.

The new Terraco will be available with two petrol engine options.

These include a four-cylinder 1.5 litre TSI unit that produces 150bhp and is linked to a six-speed man-

ual transmission powering the front wheels.

A larger 2.0 litre, 190bhp version will be offered mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Drive total traction system.

There are two diesel options, both 2.0 litre

TDI’s, with power outputs of 150bhp and 190bhp respectively.

The 150bhp variant can be connected to either a front-wheel drive, sixspeed manual or sevenspeed DSG with 4Drive system.

Focus grows space in new style package MICHAEL MORONEY

FORD has given a new shape to the Focus, its best-selling car on the Irish market.

The new car is claimed to be more spacious than before coupled with a more modern interior design, to reflect a significant upgrade in both style and comfort.

The designers at Ford have been cautious in terms of changes to exterior design of the new car. In reality, it’s marginally longer on the outside, with a longer wheelbase, that allowed them to add a little more interior space. And you’ll probably notice it.

Ford claims that the additional length between the front and rear wheels allows better knee clearance for rear seat passengers. It also says that there’s 6cm more shoulder room in the rear. And there’s extra boot space included in the new model even with a space saver spare wheel included.

On the inside, the more modern dash design stands out clearly. The large central infotainment screen stands proudly high and is very easy to use and see for the driver. This gives a cleaner design to the dash area, adding to the spaciousness feel in the front of the car.

The more open design makes it easy to get into a comfortable driving position.

There is good visibility all-round and the controls are well place for easy driving. I was surprised that the car did not have a reversing camera, rather than sensors, which are in themselves effective.

There are two engine options available for the new Focus, with some more to follow. I had the 1.5 litre turbo-diesel in Titanium specification on the road, rated at 120bhp, which is one step above the entry model.

This car was fitted with Ford’s impressive new 8-speed automatic gearbox that can be well recommended. The automatic gearbox control is by means of a rotary dial. It took a little time to get used to its

location while out on the road it meant easier driving.

Ford claims a marginal improvement in fuel economy in the new Focus. The engine is slightly loud at low start up revs and then purrs noticeably smoother as you move on.

The fuel economy rating for this Focus is 28km/litre (3.6/100km or 78mpg), which is impressive as it should convert to a driving range of over 1,000km on a full tank. I was well impressed by my test drive experience as I came close to 900km before a re-fill. This is despite the fact that the Focus tank capacity is marginally lower than before.

This car comes with lots of safety equipment and a top performing Euro NCAP safety rating. The driver technology features include a new Stop & Go system for driving in stop start traffic, a new speed sign recognition system and a lane departure warning system.

Entry prices for the diesel engine versions start at €26,800. Moving from a manual gearbox to this new 8-speed Ford automatic requires about a €2,000 price jump that’s probably more competitive than some other brands.

FORD FOCUS 1.5 TDCI AUTO Engine Engine Power 0 – 100km/hr Economy

Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

1.5 litre 120hp 10.6 seconds 28km/litre (3.6/100km or 78mpg) 47 litres 98g/km A2 €180 20,000km/ 12 months 5 star 2018 2 years €26,800

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  CITY DVD TRANSFERS

PAINTING

RECRUITMENT

RECRUITMENT

ROOFING

CLEANING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

INSURANCE CLAIMS

GOT A MATCH REPORT? Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@dublingazette.com

KEEP IT GREEN

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

CITY  DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS ROOFING

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

GOT A STORY?

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2; you can email news@dublingazette.com



32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

HURLING P39

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

TEENAGE DREAM: SOCCER: SEVENTEEN-year-old Ali

Reghba scored twice on his full league debut as a young Bohemians side stunned St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park on Saturday night.

Former Ireland Under-19 international Robbie McCourt also marked his debut with a goal as the Saints were stunned on home turf by the rampant Gypsies.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P36

PAGE 35

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS ATHLETICS | CLONLIFFE MAN KEEPS WINNING STREAK GOING

Flying Flynn hits heights in the Park  sport@dublingazette.com

CLONLIFFE Harriers Athletics Club’s David Flynn claimed first place in this year’s SSE Airtricity Dublin Half Marathon in a time of 1.06.21.

He led home a field of 9,000 runners in the Phoenix Park, coming home over three minutes ahead of Star of the Sea Athletic Club’s Eoin Callaghan.

He made it back onto the podium this year, finishing in second place in a time of 1.09.41 and he was followed by Italo Giancaterina who crossed the line in 1.12.06.

Speaking after the race, Flynn said; “I took off at a good pace; there were some downhills and some nice flat parts so I really pushed the pace from the beginning, held it until about ten miles and then let loose for the last three miles.

“That is a personal best time for me so I am happy with that. My debut marathon will be the Dublin Marathon which is coming up, I couldn’t be happier with how today went and my preparation [for the marathon] so far.”

Flynn has recently completed 16-days in Morocco doing some altitude training, learning his craft for the longer distances as he looks forward to testing himself further in the coming months. ““I really felt strong going up the last hill which I had been worried about and finished strong.

“For the marathon, I really can’t tell you waht my target is but I want to be competitive in a national championship and run a good time.

In the women’s race, Dunboyne Athletic Club’s Emilia Dan crossed the finish line first place with a time of 1.24.10, followed closely by

Clonliffe Harriers David Flynn crosses the finish line at the SSE Airtricity Dublin Race Series half marathon in the Phoenix Park

Shirley Coyle in second with a time of 1.24.12 and Jill Horan in third with a time of 1.25.01.

The SSE Airtricity Half Marathon is always an important fixture as it marks the end to the SSE Airtricity Race Series and brings us close to the main event, the 2018 Dublin Marathon on October 28.

This year, it will mark and celebrate female participation, linking with the nationwide commemoration of Vótáil 100.

Constance Markievicz, a key campaigner for Irish women’s voting rights, will appear on the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon finishers medal.

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

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLYMUN KICKHAMS OUR seniors will play St Judes on Saturday at 4pm in the quarter final of championship. The same day in Pairc Ciceam, our intermediates are due to play Ballyboden at 5pm in their quarter-final, but this is subject to change due to the clash with the senior game. Please keep an eye for confirmation of this on our social media. On Sunday, our junior A team play their quarter final in Pairc Ciceam at 11am against Clontarf while our junior B team play their quarter final at 3pm in Pairc Ciceam against Naomh Barróg. Most remarkable that all our men’s teams have reached the last 8 of their respective championship competitions.

Congratulations to our U-12 girls on a fabulous win over Bray Emmets to continue their great run since the season resumed. Special mention must go to Alicia for not only playing, but doing so brilliantly. The club would like to extend deepest sympathies to Alicia and her family on the passing of her dad Paul last week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Congratulations also to our U-14 girls who had a fabulous championship victory on Sunday with a terrifically spirited team performance. No stand out players, but a brilliant group effort.

Huge congrats also to our U-16 boys, who defeated a brilliant Cuala team away in the A championship by four points. Brilliant goals by Harry Hughes and Darragh Hosey and great battling from Charlie Moore and Sean Parnell saw the team over the line. This is all the more remarkable considering the tough day out the lads had in round 1. Well done Lenny and team. Onwards we go!

The committee of the club, on behalf of all our members and friends, would like to express deepest sympathies to Gerry Black and his family on their recent bereavement. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

CLONTARF A BIG championship weekend for the club started on Friday night, where our Intermediate Peil na mBan team put in a massive performance in the last 10 minutes to secure a 2-20 to 3-13 win over Clann Mhuire in Intermediate Championship semi-final.

A large crowd were down on P35 to watch an enthralling finish, as ladies came from behind to finish strongly.

Saturday evening saw another cliffhanger, as our intermediate hurlers secured a 3-18 to 2-16 win after extra-time against St Vincent’s in Páirc Naomh Uinsionn. They will also face Cuala in semi-final.

Sunday afternoon saw our Junior A hurlers record a strong win over Ballyboden in JHCD quarter-final to secure another semi-final for club. Win, lose or draw.

Our minor buachaillí recorded one of each on Sunday morning, with As

winning by two points away to Naomh Jude. Bs had a high-scoring 3-11 to 4-8 draw on P35 against Peregrine’s, with Alex Cooke playing well and Luke Hempenstall ghosting in for two crucial scores in a swirling wind.

Cs were caught at the end, as Whitehall Colmcille scored 1-2 without reply to finish winners; 2-14 to 2-9.

U-15 buachaillí were narrowly edged out by Fingallians, who won by two points in Roinn Two iomaint clash on P34.

On Saturday, U-12Bs had a good win against St Vincent’s in Fairview Park, that had felt the effects of Storm Ali with one goal completely demolished by a tree. U13Bs recorded a 2-4 to 1-4 win over Fingallians on P21.

Earlier in the morning, our U-9 buachaillí hosted Na Fianna & Castleknock for some great games of hurling in a Blitz on DCC.

HOCKEY: GROUND-BREAKING CAPTAIN REFLECTS ON CAREER

Legendary Gormley hangs up his stick A veteran of over 250 international caps, captaining 121 of them, Dubliner Ronan Gormley formally retires following an immaculate career, crowned by European bronze and and Olympic appearance  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

RONAN Gormley has formally retired from international hockey, bringing to an end one of the most influential careers on Ireland’s journey to the world’s top ten.

He was the first Irish player to reach the 250-cap mark in 2016 - ending with 256 in total - and captained the side 121 times but, if possible, his importance to the sport went far beyond just playing for the Green Machine.

The teak-tough defender, now 35, was a central figure in pushing the boundaries off the field, working tirelessly to push the envelope with the Irish Hockey Association – now Hockey Ireland – on behalf of the team to secure top class coaches and greater funding.

It is something he made a nod to in his retirement message: “We have battled for everything we have achieved, on and off the pitch. The more we continue to

achieve, the more funding and support we need. Please keep taking note.”

Originally born in Ireland, he subsequently moved to England before returning to live in Clonskeagh in his mid-teens where he played in Sandford Park in Ranelagh – helping them win the school’s only Leinster senior league title in in the past 40 years.

At Pembroke, he won everything in the game, including a quadruple in the 2008/09 season while he also helped Spanish-side Madrid reach the final of the Euro Hockey League in 2011.

With Ireland, he made his debut in 2004 in a 6-2 loss to India at a time when Ireland were ranked outside the world’s top 20. During his time, the side embarked on a remarkable rise, culminating in European bronze in 2015 and a first Olympic qualification for over a century in 2016.

Looking back on his career, he felt it was an element of fortune

paved the path.

“To some extent, there is a lot of luck in sport and I was lucky to be playing during a time of immense

“

Those involved went above and beyond to do things no one expected of them and achieved things most said they couldn’t.

”

talent in Irish hockey. Not only that, but those involved went above and beyond to do things no one expected of them and achieved things most said they couldn’t.”

He hailed coaches for pushing the agenda in an era when hockey

Ronan Gormley in action in 2016 in the build-up to the Olympic Games. Picture: Adrian Boehm

has undergone a seismic shift toward professionalisation with Dave Passmore starting the ball rolling to raise standards with Paul Revington carrying on the progression.

Gormley – along with his father Frank – was a key figure in bringing Craig Fulton to Ireland in the first place at club level with Pembroke, something which led to the South African’s stellar time as national coach, finally reaching the Holy Grail.

While he has many playing highlights, Gormley did pick out playing in the 2012 Champions Challenge as “one never to be forgotten”. Hockey Ireland had withdrawn the national side from the competition only for the Irish public to raise €65,000 within a week to fund their journey to Argentina; their support was rewarded by a bronze medal.

Team mates were quick to pay tribute to his impact with Andy McConnell describing him as “without doubt the greatest leader I was lucky to share a pitch with, an inspirational to all and somebody who changed Irish hockey forever”.

David Harte added: “Leader, team mate, friend and legend.

Thank you for your incredible service and all you did for me personally. Inspired a generation and leaving behind a legacy”.

His formal retirement was not overly surprising. He last played in green in March 2017 when Fulton was keen to use his experience at World League Round 2 in a transitioning side following the Olympics.

With increasing work commitments at his base in Germany and a growing young family, it became difficult to stay involved in the setup though Fulton was keen to keep the door open as long as possible. He is looking forward to supporting from afar, something he particularly enjoyed last month when watching the Irish women’s “heroic feats” from his vantage point on the sofa.

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LEAGUE OF IRELAND: DALYMOUNT CLUB KEEP ON WINNING

LOI SHORTS Ayman’s African hopes

Bohemians’ Ali Reghba enjoyed a dream debut with two goals last weekend. Picture: Martin Doherty

Bohs’ Reghba relishes incredible LOI debut LOI PREMIER DIVISION St Patrick’s Athletic Bohemians  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

1 3

SEVENTEEN-year-old Ali Reghba scored twice on his full league debut as a young Bohemians side stunned St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park on Saturday night.

Former Ireland Under19 international Robbie McCourt also marked his debut with a goal as the Saints were stunned on home turf by the rampant Gypsies.

The result saw Keith Long’s side jump above the Saints into fifth position – which could still potentially be enough to get them into Europe even if they fail to win the FAI Cup. It had all started so well for the home side when Achille Campion

headed them into the lead after just three minutes.

Dan Byrne fouled Jake Keegan 25 yards out and Ryan Brennan lobbed in a free kick that, with goalkeeper Colin McCabe overcommitted, Campion was able to nod into an empty net.

Bohs boss Long made 11 changes from the side that sealed passage to the Cup semis with a 2-1 win away to Derry City on Wednesday night.

In c a m e Mc Co u r t, Reghba and Ryan Graydon for their first league starts, the latter pair having starred in the Under19s recent Enda McGuill Cup win over Pats at the same venue.

Reghba scored twice as the Gypsies overcame the concession of an early goal, and it was a case of history repeating itself on a grander scale

for the young striker.

He had already shown hints of what he could do early on as he held his own against the Saints’ three-man defence, and he made no mistake when presented the chance to level.

Wingers Graydon and Danny Grant were beginning to find space outside that back three and it was no surprise the leveller came from those areas.

Graydon found room on the left and zipped a ball across goal that reached Grant, and the former Bangor Celtic man unselfishly teed up Reghba for an easy finish.

McCourt was inches away with a curling shot just before the break, but he got his name on the scoresheet early in the second half following more good work from

Reghba.

The striker skipped a couple of challenges before playing in Grant, whose low shot was wellsaved by Brendan Clarke, and the former West Brom man side-footed home the loose ball.

Reghba made it three as Pats pushed for an equaliser with a fine finish following a fine piece of skill from his Under19 teammate, on as a sub for his debut, sent him through.

“It’s great because we made 11 changes to the side that won in Derry on Wednesday night,” Long told the Dublin Gazette.

“It was a bad start to the game and after 15 or 20 minutes we’ve grown into the game and started to play with a little bit more composure and we started to pass the ball a bit better. “That’s only natural with the amount

of young players we have in the team. When we got the equaliser, I thought we were in control of the game. “ We l o o ke d re a l l y threatening on the counter-attack, but our buildup play was good also.”

On the youngsters, he added: “The players that have come in today have done well.

“That’s the strength of your squad – you’re only as good as your weakest link.

“Every player today came in and showed they were capable and showed their value to the squad.

It’s been built up over the past few seasons – it hasn’t just happened today.

“Our 19s have been the best team in the country for the past two seasons, and they’ll participate in Europe over the next few weeks as well.”

DUBLIN will be represented in the semi-finals of the African Champions League after Ayman Ben Mohamed helped Espérance de Tunis to a 3-1 aggregate win over Étoile du Sahel.

The former St Benildus’ College pupil played 90 minutes at left back in both games as the Tunisian champions beat their compatriots home and away to book a spot in the last four.

The 23-year-old Ben Mohamed joined Espérance two years ago from Bohemians, shortly after receiving his first call-up for Tunisia, whom he qualifies for through his father.

Ben Mohamed, who broke through at UCD before joining Longford Town, had previously been named in a home-based Under-21 squad for Ireland in 2015 but readily accepted the invitation to link up with Tunisia at senior level.

Espérance face Angolan side Premeira de Agosto over two legs next month, beginning with the first leg in Luanda on October 2.

CARR DRIVES ROVERS TO ANOTHER KEY WIN SHAMROCK Rovers remain

it ten points from a possible 12

on course to qualify for next

this season against a Derry side

season’s Europa League follow-

who had become something of

ing a hard-fought 1-0 win over

a bogey team for them in recent

Derry City at the Brandywell on

seasons.

Saturday evening.

With Waterford having

The Trinidadian striker tapped home Roberto Lopes’

passed out the Hoops with a win

cross six minutes after his intro-

over Sligo Rovers the previous

duction just before the hour to

evening, the pressure was

take Rovers back up to third.

on Stephen Bradley’s side to

The Hoops are two points ahead

deliver in Derry and substi-

of Waterford with a mere four

tute Dan Carr’s second-half

games to play – including what

strike was the tonic the Hoops

could be a winner-takes-all

needed.

date with the Blues at Tallaght

Stephen Bradley’s side made

Stadium next month.

St Pat’s Athletic and Buckley part company ST PATRICK’S Athletic and manager Liam Buckley parted ways on Tuesday afternoon by mutual consent in the wake of the club’s loss to Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

In a statement from St Pat’s, club chairman Garrett Kelleher thanked Buckley “for his numerous successes during his time here over the past number of years and, in particular, for bringing his brand of free-flowing and passing football to St Pat’s, which has brought much entertainment and enjoyment to those who witnessed it”.

For his part, Buckley thanked all involved with St Pat’s for the support given to him during his seven year reign and wished the club the best of luck in the future.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

CRAOBH CHIARAIN NO winner of the lotto jackpot of €11,000 on September 17. Seven Match 3 winners each receive €86. Numbers were: 2, 19, 20 and 21.

Tickets are €2 each and the draw takes place every Monday at 11pm in the Club Lounge. Senior hurlers are looking for a new management team.

Interested parties should contact Club Secretary Mary Derwin on 0851060652 or Games Committee Chairman Francis Byrne on 0879818905 immediately. We hope to have a new appointment well in advance of the new season.

Junior hurlers had a great win in the quarterfinal of the Championship away to Kilmacud Crokes. They will now play Cuala in the semi-final on Sunday, October 7. Time and venue will be decided later in the week. Our adult footballers play their championship quarter-final on Sunday, at 11am in St Catherine’s Park against Na Gaeil Oga. Best of luck to all our teams.

CRUMLIN OUR junior footballers will play Geraldine Morans in their quarter final on Sunday morning in the park at 11am.

Our camogie team were in championship action on Sunday but due to an injury the match was not completed. They play again this weekend keep an eye on facebook for time and venue.

Our juvenile section had a superb weekend with almost all teams picking up wins as their championship seasons continue.

Crumlin GAA are going

to the dogs on Saturday, October 13 in Shelbourne Park. Cost is €15 which includes transport to and from the club, entry, drink and food. Bus will be departing from the club house, O’Toole Park at 6.30pm sharp. Tickets available behind the bar in the next few days or contact Will Smyth on 087620 3471.

Lotto was not won; numbers drawn were 3,15,22,27. There was two match 3 winners and next weeks winning jackpot will be €7,900.

ERIN’S ISLE THE junior camogie team had an outstanding win on Sunday morning over Wild Geese in their first Championship match. Cathy was by far the standout performance in the battle of the Connaghan sisters. Hopefully Lorraine can improve this week.

The girls will look to continue their good start against Ballyboden on Sunday coming. Unfortunately, the senior and junior A hurlers both crashed out of their championships at the quarter-final stage.

The Junior B team will play their quarter-final in two weeks time, after progressing from the group stage. Grasshoppers is now back in full swing and any members of the community wishing to get their child/children involved in GAA are encouraged to join.

Set-Dancing will take place on Wednesday 8.30pm in the juvenile room. New group starting and everyone welcome. Absolutely no experience necessary. Will be great fun. Contact Siobhán Clerkin on 0876199497 or Lorraine Fitzgerald 0851584247.

The Classic Couples Night takes place on September 28. If you would like to take part, please get in touch with Brenda Barnes or Dave Higgins. For anyone retired, on summer holidays, or with some spare time between 8.30am-4.30pm from Monday to Friday, there are some much-needed duties that need fulfilling within the CE scheme

SOCCER: COOLOCK CLUB CLOSING ITS DOORS FOLLOWING 68

Villa Celtic looking to go out with a bang for club hero Byrne  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

COOLOCK club Villa Celtic will close their doors for the final time next week, bringing to an end a 68-year history of amateur football in the area.

Villa will host a dinner at Parnell’s GAA club – where they’ve played their home games in recent years – to honour the work of a man who has come to embody the club.

The amateur game has seen countless clubs go to the wall in recent times but where Villa differ is they are determined to go out with a bang rather than a whimper.

The club has, since the 50s, been sustained by the work of club secretary Dermot Byrne and his wife Marie.

Byrne turned 80 earlier this month and, rather than step back and see the club gradually fall into disrepair, the club have decided it’s the ideal

time to bow out gracefully.

“Like any club nowadays, money is tight,” said Colm Kavanagh, who is organising the event.

“We’re going for 68 years and we’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve seen a lot of clubs go by the wayside in the last few years.

“We’re one of the clubs that’s been with the AUL since the first day and we wanted to go out with a bang rather than just fizzling away.

“The man himself has been with the club since day one, so it’s as much to recognise himself and the service he’s provided to the club as well as everything else.

“I was down with them a couple of weeks ago and they still have books of records of the incomings and outgoings from the 50s and 60s.

“The behind the scenes work they put in that nobody realises is unreal

considering they haven’t got a penny out of it.”

Villa, who finished fifth in the AUL’s third tier last season, have had some notable names pass through the club in recent years.

Fair City actor David O’Sullivan, who plays Deco Bishop, is a former player, as is Romanian futsal international Emanuel Moldoveanu who had two stints with the club.

And given their loca-

tion in the heart of Dublin’s GAA hinterland, it’s no surprise that a few intercounty players covertly lined out when the ban on ‘foreign sports’ was bitterly enforced.

Byrne himself will be honoured by the FAI at their Festival of Football next year in recognition of his outstanding work over more than half a century.

“I was in touch with John Delaney and explained what the club

was all about and Dermot himself, how long he’s been with the club and what he’s done.

“It came as a surprise – it was a shot in the dark more than anything else, but it’s good to see they recognise people like that even if they’re not from the biggest of clubs.”

The farewell dinner takes place on Sunday, September 30 at Parnell’s GAA Club. Tickets cost €10 and are available on the door from 7pm.

McAuley magic for Leinster

Leinster’s Under-18 and 16s celebrate.

Picture:Adrian Boehm

MUCKROSS Park’s Sarah McAuley fired home a beautiful upright reverse-stick shot with nine seconds put Leinster’s Under-18 hockey girls on course for interprovincial glory, nicking the title from Ulster via a shoot-out.

It meant a blue double with the Under16s storming to four wins from four without conceding throughout, Zoe Watterson’s single goal against Ulster providing the crucial moment.

At the higher age group, the tournament

looked set for an Ulster-Leinster showdown on Sunday afternoon from early enough in the tournament following some strong wins.

Both won three out of three to set up a final showdown. There, Ulster took an early lead and held sway until seconds from the end when McAuley popped up with her equaliser.

It led to a shoot-out which the blues won 3-2, Railway Union’s Martha McCready putting them in front before Ellie McLoughlin made the final save.

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

YEAR HISTORY

Villa Celtic’s senior team has decided to call tim; club stalwart Dermot Byrne (inset)

RUGBY: BLUES BOSS WARY OF BIG PRO14 CHALLENGES AHEAD

Leinster blow away 14-man Edinburgh GUINNESS PRO14 Leinster Edinburgh  sport@dublingazette.com

JUNIOR PARKRUN

Raheny blowing bubbles for special Vhi event JUNIOR parkrun participants Emily Keogh, age 10, left, and Cara Coll, nine, from Raheny, enjoyed the St Anne’s junior parkrun where Vhi hosted a special event to celebrate their partnership with parkrun Ireland.

Crossing the finish line was a special experience as children were showered with bubbles and streamers to celebrate their achievement and each child received a gift following the 2km run.

Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Former St Mary’s man Jonny Sexton on the attack for Leinster. Picture: Martin Doherty

31 7

LEINSTER swept aside Edinburgh 31-7 at the RDS on Saturday to move to the top of Guinness PRO14 Conference B with something to spare.

There was little to separate the sides in the opening stages until Devin Toner’s brilliant block down paved the way for Fergus McFadden to score the game’s opening try.

A sustained spell of pressure followed from the visitors, but after almost 40 phases they couldn’t find a way through a determined Leinster defence.

Leo Cullen’s men pounced again just before half-time through James Lowe following a flowing team move.

Edinburgh struck first in the second half when Magnus Bradbury reached for the whitewash, but Leinster moved 12 points ahead when Jordan Larmour side-stepped his way under the posts.

Johnny Sexton was making his 150th Leinster Rugby appearance on Saturday and he celebrated with a try of his own to add to his six points from the boot.

A red card with 10 minutes to go for Pierre Schoeman meant Edinburgh finished with 14 men.

Just before the final whistle Garry Ringrose completed the scoring at the end of Fergus McFadden’s break down the right.

For coach Leo Cullen, he said that while the final result was simple enough, there is no room for complacency for such games.

“So much comes down to the day, so you have to make sure you do everything in your power to be ready on the day in terms of preparation,” Cullen said afterwards.

“Any of the teams are capable of delivering performances.

“There’s lots of bits of our performance

that we can get better at now, so we’ll try and pull that apart now. We’re still a work in progress, so we’ll just try and get better every week.

“Next week is going to be a he step up again [against Connacht], particularly after what happened to us down there last year [a 47-10 defeat],” said Cullen.

“We know Connacht and the intent that they come with.

“They’ve a lot of players that have come

through the Leinster system at different stages, so we know that they’re always very, very motivated when they play against us.

We understand what that’s like so it’s going to be a good challenge.”

Leinster will be aiming to hold on to top spot in Conference B when they travel to face Connacht in Galway on Saturday.

The Western province are currently third in Conference A after a convincing win over Scarlets at the Sportsground.

Eanna and Tolka on collision course

BASKETBALL

 sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN sides DBS Éanna and Bad Bobs Tolka Rovers continue to dominate the Northern Conference with both sides maintaining their unbeaten runs in men’s basketball’s Division One. It ensures that next weekend’s showdown between the two teams in Éanna is set to be a cracker. Éanna had the better of Ej Sligo All Stars on the road 80-55, while Tolka won out 72-61 against visit-

ing side, LYIT Donegal.

“We are delighted with that win,” said Éanna head coach, Darren McGovern. “We came to Sligo without five of the squad from last week’s win, so to pick up all the points and put on a great performance was brilliant. Josh controlled the game all the way through, making it easy for the guys to score. Neil had a great offensive game, while Stefan set the tone with 11 first quarter points. We now look forward to a big crowd in Éanna against a very good Tolka side next week. I think

it’ll be a cracker as both teams match up well.”

Stefan Zecevic continued his high scoring start to the season with 20 points, a tally matched

by Neil Lynch while Josh Wilson landed 19 points for the Ballyboden-based club.

For Tolka after their win over Limerick, head coach Emmet Geoghegan stated: “We’re delighted to get the win this week and keep our roll going, particularly when we were missing a couple of players and nursing a few knocks from least week.

“We’ve been slow starters in our opening games, which is something we need to rectify, but the team have shown great determination and togetherness in the closing quarters, which is a huge positive.”

Alex Dolenko added 23 points to their total along with seven assists and over 22 rebounds.

There were also strong influences coming from Conor Liston and Oisin O’Reilly.

It leaves them with three wins from three heading into their tie with their Dublin rivals

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 27 September 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

3

NA FIANNA GOOD championship wins at weekend for Junior A hurlers and Minor A and B footballers. Congrats also to our Senior 1 Camogie team on Sunday’s Championship win and great to see Eve O’Brien back after injury. Hard luck to our Senior and Inter Hurlers in Championship at the weekend. Also to our Inter and Junior Camogie teams Next weekend’s fixtures sees our Senior Footballers in Championship Quarter Final on Saturday at 5.45 in Parnell Park against Ballyboden. Senior 2 Footballers away against Raheny also on Saturday at 5pm. Camogie Championship at 10.30 on Sunday sees Seniors against Lucan in Mobhi Road, Inters on back pitch against Commercials and Juniors in Collinstown against Balinteer. Junior A and B football teams in Championship quarter finals on Sunday. A against Raheny at 12 and B against St Pats Donabate at 3pm, both in Mobhi Road. Both Minor Hurling teams in Championship at 11 on Sunday, A away against Whitehall and B in Collinstown against Ballyboden. Best of luck to all teams, all support welcome, full fixture list on website.

Thanks to all members who made it to club last Thursday night for AGM. Members’ subscriptions now due and payable.

Spoken Irish Classes for Adults in Na Fianna starting Thursday, October 4. Registration Night Thursday 27th September in the Na Fianna Hall 7.30 – 8.30pm, all welcome.

Na Fianna 2009 Boys Fundraiser in Club Hall Saturday, September 29 from 9pm features live music from Just Biscuits, entry on door €10.

RAHENY OUR Ogra is going from strength to strength, to cater for the massive numbers we are getting we need more adult coaches, adult help with the registration and adults to chop the fruit on Saturday morning.

Remember registration is 9.45am so we can start Ogra at 9am sharp.

Thank you to Liam Dunne (Dublin minor footballer and hurler) who brought the Hanrahan Cup to Ogra last Saturday, hard to believe a short 12 years ago he was at Ogra himself.

A great win for the senior two camogie girls 1-13 to 1-7 v Erins Isles; final group game of the championship next week at home.

Looking for big support. Hard luck to our Senior 5 Camogie who lost away to Faughs GAA on Sunday afternoon.

Well done to our minor footballers who had a good win over St Pat’s of Donabate

and also to our Junior Hurlers, Raheny 5-12 to 4-07 Trinity Gaels.

Our annual Christmas Craft Market takes place on Sunday, November 25 from 11am-6pm, places are filling up fast. If interested please email pro.raheny.dublin@ gaa.ie with details of your craft.

First Aid courses will be run in the club 3rd Oct - introductory/sports first Aid. 10th Oct - CPR & AED 16th Oct - introductory/ sports first Aid. Courses are run by Jeff Kennedy (paramedic), he is running these courses as a fundraiser for Raheny GAA Ogra FREE Hurley scheme. Check out our club notes or facebook page for details of how to book courses.

Our Senior Footballers are playing at home on Saturday 4pm (Please note time change) v Na Fianna pitch 9. All support very welcome.

SCOIL UI CHONAILL WELL done to our adult hurlers who are now just 60 mins away from a return to senior championship hurling with their six-point win over St Kevin’s in the intermediate championship quarter final in Dolphin ‘s Park on Saturday; they face St Mark’s in the semi-final on the weekend of October 6/7 (date & venue TBC).

Our adult footballers will look to follow the hurlers into their own Intermediate championship semi-final as they face O’Tooles on September 29 at 5pm in Scoil in the quarter final.

But it was the Oneness events in Chicago that stole the show this week, as the club hosted a number of incredibly impressive events in the Windy City.

Full update on how it went can be found in this Wednesday’s issue of The Stag;s Voice newsletter which can, as always, be found on ScoilGAA.com.

Many thanks to Scoil volunteers who braved a brisk early Sunday morning to steward the Great Dublin Bike Ride route which ran past the Club.

Adult hurling and football teams train in Scoil Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm. Ladies training is in Scoil on Mondays at 8pm. Mothers and Others training takes place on Tuesdays at 7pm. Juvenile training takes place in Scoil at 9:30am on Saturday mornings. New members welcome, as always. For any news or enquiries please contact scoil.pro.eoc@gmail.com.

SOCCER: BAZUNU, FUNGE AND DELANEY SHINE

Leicester trio rise up to Ireland call IRELAND UNDER-17S  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

IT WAS a proud week for Leicester Celtic when three former schoolboy players were named in the Ireland Under-17 squad for the friendly double-header with Turkey.

Gavin Bazunu started both games and Zak Delaney played once, while Zak Funge was also involved as Ireland comfortably won both games at Tallaght Stadium.

One particularly interested spectator was Mick O’Brien who was the three boys’ coach up to Under11 level at the Loreto club before they went their separate ways.

Bazunu returned to Shamrock Rovers, where he has now broken into the first team, Funge to St Kevin’s Boys, while Delaney went to St Francis before moving over to West Brom.

Bazunu will conclude a half-million euro transfer to Manchester City shortly, and O’Brien is not surprised in the least to see all three 16-year-olds progress so far in their young careers.

“From the first day I saw him, Gavin was just an

Gavin Bazunu, back row, third from left, Jack Funge and Zak Delaney, back row, first and second from right. Picture: Paul Lundy

astonishing keeper. You’d never seen anything like it,” O’Brien told the Dublin Gazette.

“I was telling all my friends and family about this kid Gavin – just wait until you see this kid. I’ve never seen reflexes like it in my life, and he has really good feet.

“That’s probably why he’s attracted so much attention from England because the modern-day goalkeeper has to be able to play with the ball at his feet. From a very early age, you could see that Gavin had something special.”

Ballinteer native Funge and Delaney, from Ballycullen, are both athletic,

ALL-STARS Na Fianna’s Leah on the shortlist FOURTEEN of the Dublin ladies

footballers have been noiminated for a potential All-Star following another record-breaking year for the sport as they claimed back-to-back titles in front of a 50,141 attendance at Croke Park on September 16 Na Fianna’s Leah Caffrey, right, is included on the shortlist for the left corner-back slot where she competition from Galway’s Sinead Burke and Cork’s Melissa Duggan

Picture: brendan moran/ SPORTSFILE

ball-playing defenders in the modern mould – Funge at centre-half and Delaney at left-back.

“Zak is probably your modern-day full back in that he’d spend more time attacking than defending.

“He’s at West Brom now – that shows it all. He’s six foot plus and can run the 100 metres in no time – he’s the modern footballer.”

Key to the development of all three for O’Brien – who now manages the club’s Under-19s – is the support of families who never pushed them.

“There’s parents out there that will just push and push their kid and want them to be the super-

star. That wasn’t the case with the lads – their parents were really supportive. I would have dealt with Zack’s father Aidan, who would have played with Leicester Celtic all his life, and his grandfather was Brian Delaney who was one of the chairmen.

“Gavin’s parents were really supportive and never put him under pressure. From what I hear now, they’ve put a huge emphasis on his education.

“There are so many parents now who will chase the glory. The fact the boys have two good parents each is the reason they’ve gone so far, and it’s why they’ll go further.”

27 September 2018 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

HURLING: DERBY WIN FOR MARINO MEN AS CROKES POWER PAST JUDE’S

CAMOGIE

Herity steps down as Dublin manager

Kilmacud on the attack against St Jude’s in the Dublin SHC Picture: Steven Dagg

Vincent’s and Crokes advance to semi-final DUBLIN SHC QUARTER-FINAL St Vincent’s Na Fianna  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

1-14 1-12

THE CLASH between St Vincent’s and Na Fianna proved the most competitive of the Dublin senior hurling championship quarter finals, as the Marino side edged out their young Glasnevin rivals by two points at Parnell Park on Friday night.

A certain Diarmuid Connolly was the talk of Parnell Park, having returned to Vincent’s after a summer in Boston but the former Dublin forward didn’t cross codes on this occasion.

Colin Currie was the key man for Na Fianna, hitting 1-7 including six frees, while St Vincent’s spread their scoring through the side.

Things were nip and tuck in the early stages, though, and Vincent’s went in with a 0-6 to 0-5 lead over their local rivals, in a half in which neither side created much more than point opportunities, nor made a convincing claim for the win.

Cian McBride had the best chance of the opening half hour, playing in on

goal by John Hetherton, only to see Na Fianna ‘keeper Jonathan Treacy parry his shot clear just after the midpoint of the half.

Currie hit back for Na Fianna midway through the second half, beating the Vincent’s goalkeeper Dare de Poire from 12 metres out to give the Glasnevin side the lead with less than 20 minutes left on the clock, 1-8 to 0-8, and looking like that recent underage promise was to come to fruition.

Vincent’s, though, had the strength to see the game through. Both sides upped their point scoring rates late in the half, but Vincent’s were on the front foot, and substitute Alan Moore’s goal from a tight angle leveled things up.

From there, the contest was all about efficient shooting and Vincent’s got the better of it, maintaining a narrow lead through to a full time gap of 1-14 to 1-12, despite Na Fianna pressure.

The Marino men go on to play Ballyboden St Enda’s in the semi-final, with the winners of All Ireland champions Cuala v Kilmacud Crokes awaiting the victors in the final.

Crokes secured their semi-final spot with a 0-19 to 0-14 win over St Jude’s, an impressive result considering they

had to play the entire second half a man down.

Crokes had led 0-9 to 0-6 going into halftime, but saw Jamie Clinton given a straight red card right before half-time.

Jude’s were unable to make numerical advantage count, however, and Crokes came out on the attack, making good use of a wind advantage.

They established a nine-point lead in the early stages of the second half, with

Picture: Steven Dagg

full forward Fergal Whitely in particularly impressive form as Jude’s missed the chance to take that game to their illustrious opponents, Crokes being a man down did start to play into things late on, as St Jude’s closed the gap to five point, but they never looked likely to overturn a Crokes side that tends to do the job at this stage.

The final tally was 0-19 to 0-14 in Crokes favour.

DAVID Herity has stepped down as Dublin senior camogie manager following two years of development with the county, reaching the All-Ireland semifinal in 2017 for the first time since 1990.

Speaking about his decision, Herity said this week: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with this exceptional group of players who have, from the moment I was appointed, worked so hard and shown dedication, energy and enthusiasm.

“The County Board deserves considerable praise for placing its faith in me and offering me the opportunity to work with the players and management team.

“The future of Dublin camogie is considerably bright. It has been my great honour to contribute to the development of this wonderful group of players, who are bound for even greater glories in the years to come.”

For county chairperson Jenny Byrne, she added: “Each one of the management panel have given their time selflessly over the last two years for the greater good of not only the Senior team but Dublin Camogie as a whole.

“As a County Board Executive, we couldn’t have asked more from him and we wish David every success with his future endeavours.

“David has brought Dublin camogie to new heights in terms of professionalism and profile which we hope we can maintain going forward.”

GazetteSPORT SEPT 27 - OCT 3, 2018

ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 33-39

SEMI LINE-UP CONFIRMED

HURLING: St Vin-

cent’s hard-fought win over Na Fianna sees them take place in semis with Crokes, Cuala and Ballyboden St Enda’s. SEE P39

FOND FAREWELL SOCCER: Villa Celt-

ic looking to bow out with a bang rather than a whimper after 68 seasons as a tribute to club hero SEE P36

GORMLEY HANGS UP HIS STICK

HOCKEY: After over 250 caps and 121 games as captain, Clonskeagh man formally retires from the Irish men’s international team following a groundbreaking season. SEE P35

Find us on

PICK US UP

EVERY THURSDAY!

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Dalymount set to rock as winning run rolls on  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

THE ‘SOLD OUT’ signs are set to hang outside Dalymount Park on Sunday evening as high-flying Bohemians welcome the holders Cork City for their FAI Cup semi final.

Though Cork have challenged to retain their league title all year and Bohs have f lirted with the relegation playoff, their form couldn’t be more starkly contrasted going into the game.

A 3-1 win away to St Patrick’s Athletic, having made 11 changes to the starting line-up, made it nine wins on the bounce in all competitions for Keith Long’s Gypsies.

Co r k , by co n t ra s t, are without a win in the league since early August and have lost five times since then, including a shock 4-2 defeat at Dalymount two weeks ago.

Daniel Kelly scored twice and Derek Pender once, to add to a Damien Delaney own goal, as Bohs stunned the champions with four goals before half time.

They followed that up five days later with a gutsy 3-1 win away to Derry City in the Cup quarter final, the game having been delayed due to their IRN Bru Cup adventures in Scotland.

Dinny Corcoran scored twice following Dan Casey’s headed opener at the Brandywell to set up the biggest game the club’s seen since

Bohemians have been in incredible form leading into the FAI Cup semi-final. Picture: Martin Doherty

“Sunday is going to be a massive game;

hopefully the place will be sold out and we can give our supporters something to shout about” they challenged for the league title in 2010.

“It’s the semi-final of the FAI Cup. It’s where we want to be,” Long told the Dublin Gazette following the win over Pats.

“It’s great that we’ve won today and it’ll keep the positive run we’re on, and the momentum we’ve built up over the nine-game winning run.

That’s our best record in years, and we’d like to go one step further in the

cup.

“We’ve got the massive challenge of Cork at home next week, so we’re under no illusion that is going to be a very difficult game.

“But we can go into the week in a positive frame of mind, knowing the health of the club is in a good condition.”

Bohs’ comfortable 3-1 win over the Saints – despite falling behind as early as the third minute – showcased the embar-

rassment of riches at Long’s disposal.

Three members of the club’s league and cupwinning under-19 squad were on the field – three making the ir league debuts – while a fourth, Promise Omochere, featured off the bench.

17-year-old striker Ali Reghba marked his debut with a brace, while 20-year-old Robbie McCourt also scored in his first league game.

The performance pre-

sents some welcome – if unexpected – selection headaches for Long ahead of the semi-final as Reghba in particular pressed his claim.

“We’re in a confident state of mind because we’re winning games.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge next week against Cork because they’re the champions and they won the Cup the last two years. They won’t want to relinquish that easily.

“We know it will be a tough game, but we go into the week with a confident frame of mind.

“Winning breeds confidence and we’re in a good vein of form and a good moment for the club.

“Sunday is going to be a massive game, a big game for the club, and hopefully the place will be sold out and we can give our supporters something to shout about.”