Dublin Gazette: City Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 9-15, 2020

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Mourning a legend at Marian Finucane’s funeral JOHN Clarke (centre), the husband of Marian Finucane, led mourners at the funeral mass of the trailblazing broadcaster on Tuesday.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral at St Brigid’s Church in Kill on Tuesday evening, where the legendary late presenter was lovingly remembered as a wife, mother, colleague and voice of a nation.

Her death was one of two that rocked the country this week, with RTE colleague Larry Gogan’s passing also leaving the nation mourning his loss. See full story on Page 4. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

Backlash leads to RIC event deferral Minister Flanagan ‘disappointed’

RACHEL D’ARCY

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 4-10,AREA 2018

A PLANNED commemoration event for the Royal Irish Constabulary that was due to take place at Dublin Castle this month has been deferred, following backlash from citizens and politicians.

The commemoration was scheduled to

take place on January 17, and was organised by the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.

Multiple politicians said they would boycott the event, with Dublin City Councillors voting unanimously last Monday to boycott the event, should it take place.

Following news of the deferral, former Lord Mayor Nial Ring said: “This is a partial

victory for those of us who opposed this event, and I hope that the Taoiseach will now reflect on the weight of public opinion and get Minister Flanagan to do the right thing and cancel the event entirely.

“It has been very gratifying to know that Irish people still treasure and respect the sacrifices made by Irishmen and Irishwomen for our freedom.”

FULL STORY ON PAGE 9

DCC owed €26m in rents DUBLIN City Council is understood to be owed at least €26 million in unpaid rents from social housing tenants, new figures show. Councils around the country are owed €75 million in unpaid rents and a further €153 million in housing loan arrears.

SEE PAGE 2

Planning THE council are moving to reclaim the Iveagh Markets from developer Martin Keane, in the latest twist for the site.

SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 9 January 2020

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FUNDS: SOCIAL HOUSING TENANTS’ DEBT REVEALED

Council owed at least €26m in unpaid rents

Library reopens after €3.5m refurbishment

 RACHEL D’ARCY

rdarcy@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN City Council (DCC) is understood to be owed at least €26 million in unpaid rents from social housing tenants, new figures show.

Councils around the country are owed €75 million in unpaid rents and a further €153 million in housing loan arrears, according to information from the Department of Housing.

At the end of 2018, official figures showed that Dublin City Council was owed €26 million in outstanding rents from social housing tenants – the highest of any of Dublin’s four local councils.

However, more recent

FASTNews

Dublin City Council is understood to be owed at least €26 million in unpaid rents from social housing tenants, according to new figures from the Department of Housing

figures produced by Dublin City Council last November show that that more than €33 million is now owed in unpaid rents.

The council also revealed that it had recently evicted a social housing

“

The council also revealed that it had recently evicted a social housing tenant for the first time

tenant for the first time.

Since that first eviction, DCC has secured four possession orders from the courts, with two of these tenants then paying what they owed, with a third agreeing to pay back their arrears weekly.

The figures from the Department of Housing also showed that €153 million worth of housing loans issued by local authorities were in arrears of more than 90 days in mid-2019, which includes loans allowing social housing tenants to purchase their homes, or to purchase affordable or private housing.

Out of this figure, DCC is owed €42 million, comprising 428 individual loans, with exactly half of these in arrears for more than 720 days.

This news comes as it was revealed by The Irish Times that DCC chief Owen Keegan is understood to want to sell off €100m-worth of land to fund cultural, sporting and recreational projects, rather than using it for social

housing.

It’s understood that there are 14 sites across the capital that Mr Keegan wants to sell, alongside a further 15 council work depots that would be valued at €90m.

Under the plan, five sites – in Ballymun, Ballymount, Dolphin’s Barn and Chapelizod – would be sold before the Summer, which would raise €12.2m.

The rest would be sold before the Summer of 2022, with Shelbourne FC home ground Tolka Park and the College of Music on Chatham Row understood to be on offer.

Mr Keegan told The Irish Times most of the sites have been “idle for many years” and said housing wasn’t “appropriate” for the sites.

A report on the proposal to sell off land was presented to councillors last Monday. However, this report was rejected by councillors.

COOLOCK Library reopened last week, following a major refurbishment project costing €3.5m, funded

by Dublin City Council.

A magnet for library users over the past 40 years, Coolock library reopened on January 2 with 600sq ms of space, and four meeting rooms, including an event area for 80 people.

Attracting children and families has been part of the library service for years and continues with the introduction of a colourful children’s library, with a tree in the centre.

The library boasts its first dedicated Makerspace for Dublin City Libraries, which will encourage patrons to tap into their creative side.

It includes a laser cutter, 3D printer, embroidery and sewing machines, animation facilities with greenscreen, Arduino and Raspberry Pi computing kits, and mountains of Lego.

A neighbour of Colaiste Dhulaigh, the library will continue to support the student and researcher with 24 study spaces, a large choice of e-resources and a stock of 31,000 items.

Sandwich HSE help to board rates finally quit are revealed smoking ONLY one Dublin business has been granted permission for a sandwich board, following regulations introduced on the advertising boards in mid2019.

Base Camp on Jervis Street is the only business to have been given permission by Dublin City Council for the boards, with one other application currently being processed.

Several other applications have been refused.

Dublin City Council introduced new legislation last September for city centre businesses, whereby those who wished to have a sandwich board outside their premises must apply for a licence and pay a €630 annual fee.

More than 145 unlicensed sandwich boards have been seized since the new measures came into effect on September 1, according to The Irish Times.

More than 550 warning notices have been issued to some 130 businesses; out of these, 22 have paid the recovery and storage fees.

THE HSE has launched its latest QUIT Smoking campaign, encouraging people who smoke to #QuitandWin – quit smoking for 28 days, as this will increase their chances of quitting for good by five times.

The campaign features people who smoke, and smokers were also involved in its development.

In the ad, excuses to continue to smoke are contrasted with the harm caused by smoking – the harm to those who smoke themselves, to their families and to their loved ones.

The HSE QUIT service provides free support by phone, email, SMS and live chat.

Smokers can freecall 1800 201 203 or visit www.QUIT. ie for stop smoking tips and resources, a free QUIT Kit, and to create a QUIT Plan or read other people’s stories.

Support is also available at www.facebook.com/ HSEQUIT, or on Twitter at HSE QUIT @HSEQuitTeam.

9 January 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

PLANNING: PATIENCE OVER DERELICT SITE RUNS OUT AS DCC PONDERS LANDMARK’S FUTURE

Council announces move to reclaim Iveagh Markets RACHEL D’ARCY

DU BL I N C i ty Cou ncil (DCC) are moving to reclaim the Iveagh Markets (right) – which have fallen into dereliction over the past 20 years – from developer Martin Keane.

The move was announced to councillors earlier this week, in a report from DCC assistant chief executive Richard Shakespeare.

In the report, Shakespeare said that hotelier Keane has failed to show the council that he has the adequate funding to develop the site, which has been idle for more than 20 years.

Keane was first given a lease to the markets in 1997 to develop the markets, with this renewed in 2004 with the promise that development would begin within 36 months of this lease being agreed upon.

He was granted planning permission in 2007, with this renewed again for five years in 2012, but the site has remained untouched.

Last year, a councilcommissioned report said the markets were in an “advanced state of dereliction”, with repairs to halt any further dereliction on the Edwardian building expected to cost upwards of €13 million, before any

Finglas legend Cyril Chaney, 85, honoured at the Mansion House FINGLAS legend Cyril Chaney (85) was honoured with a reception in the Mansion House last week, with the Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe keen to congratulate Cyril on a remarkable life of achievements. Of particular note was Cyril completing his 64th marathon in 2019, last October – just one of a dizzying range of achievements for the modest pillar of the community. Cyril is also a former All-Ireland boxing champion, a dedicated rower and cyclist, and has also participated in ‘Iron Man’ triathlons throughout the years.

A large gathering of well-wishers joined Cllr McAuliffe to congratulate Cyril at the Mansion House reception, paying tribute to both his personal achievements and his selfless work for the elderly population in Finglas.

Dubliners set for the desert as two Irish bands announced for this year’s Coachella Festival TWO DUBLIN-BASED bands have been announced for Coachella 2020, joining a stellar line up at the world-renowned California festival.

Fontaines DC and The Murder Capital, who have both previously featured in Dublin Gazette, will both play the Saturday of this year’s festival.

Coachella 2020 is headlined by Frank Ocean, Travis Scott and Rage Against The Machine.

Many wished both bands a congratulations on the announcement, saying it was great to see Irish music make its way to a global stage.

Cian Gartland wrote: “Unreal to see

The Murder Capital and Fontaines DC on the lineup for Coachella; bitta representation for Irish music!”

Last year, Dubliner Dermot Kennedy played the festival to a packed crowd, earning him a loyal fanbase both at home and abroad.

If you’re looking to catch Fontaines DC or The Murder Capital on Irish shores, they play the Iveagh Gardens and Vicar Street respectively this year, with more details on both available on Ticketmaster.ie.

Coachella 2020 will take place this April across two weekends, from April 10 to 12, and April 17 to 19.

redevelopment could begin.

The total project is estimated to cost €30 million.

In the letter to councillors, Shakespeare said that Keane advised the council on several occasions that he would lodge a planning application for the future of the markets ‘by the Autumn’.

However, a submission was not made by Keane until December 23, with

Picture: Google Maps

Shakespeare saying “the application was lodged without the council’s consent as land owner”.

Shakespeare said that Keane was requested to provide evidence that he had sufficient funds for

the project, but that the documents provided, to date, do not “satisfy the council” that funding has been secured.

The council has now confirmed that it has broken off negotiations with Keane on the future of the building, and are understood to have said they are willing to defend the repossession of the listed market building in the courts, if necessary.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 9 January 2020

DEATHS: MARIAN FINUCANE AND LARRY GOGAN PASS AWAY DAYS APART FROM EACH OTHER

Glowing tributes paid to late broadcasting legends RACHEL D’ARCY

PEOPLE all across the capital and the country united in grief this week, paying glowing tribute to the late RTE broadcasters Marian Finucane and Larry Gogan, who died within days of each other.

A sea of tributes flowed to both legendary broadcasters, with many people remarking on the beloved pair’s roles at the heart of Irish society and broadcasting for decades.

A common theme saw many saying that the airwaves will miss the hardhitting journalism of Marian, and the dulcet tones of Larry, on the airwaves.

They were both trending topics on social media as many thousands of loyal listeners and fans voiced their sadness over the passing of both veteran broadcasters.

Dublin native Marian Finucane (69) passed away suddenly at her home in Kildare on January 2, whilst Larry Gogan (81) died at home in Kiltipper on January 7, after struggling with an illness in recent years.

In warm tributes paid to two of the station’s biggest names, Dee Forbes, director general of RTE, referred to Marian as “a broadcaster

of immense capability”, and described Larry as “a genuine national institution”.

Marian Finucane

An icon who left a legacy on Irish radio PADRAIG CONLON

“AN ICON of broadcasting who will always be remembered for her outstanding journalistic ability, keen intellect, warmth, wit, thoughtfulness, compassion and kindness.”

The homily for Marian Finucane by Monsignor Ciaran O’Carroll at her funeral on Tuesday said it all.

The much-loved broadcasting legend (69), who died last Thursday, January 2, was laid to rest following a service at St Brigid’s Church in Kill, Co Kildare.

Those attending included An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, and RTE colleagues including Joe Duffy, Miriam O’Callaghan, Clare Byrne, Ryan Tubridy, Brendan O’Connor and RTE’s director general, Dee Forbes.

Born in Dublin in 1950, Finucane studied archi-

“

With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply respected broadcaster

Larry Gogan

“

We are the richer for having known this gentleman of the airwaves tecture in the College of Technology in Bolton Street, but left to join RTE as a continuity announcer in 1974.

She went on to become a major figure in Irish broadcasting, covering the country’s events and social changes for almost half a centenary.

As a big advocate for women’s rights, she presented a radio programme, entitled Women Today, in 1979, for which she won a Jacob’s Award.

In 1980, she won the Prix Italia for a documen-

tary that featured an interview with a woman who was about to have an abortion.

In 1985, she became the first presenter of Liveline, which she continued to present until 1999.

Following Gay Byrne’s retirement in 1999, she took over his early morning radio slot to present The Marian Finucane Show, with Joe Duffy taking over Liveline.

President Michael D Higgins lead the tributes, saying: “With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply

respected, trusted and much loved broadcaster.

“A superb professional, many will remember the wisdom and sensitivity with which Marian Finucane dealt with discussions and confrontations between different voices on what were controversial issues of the day.

“She was one of the very early exemplars to those who sought a proper representation of women in broadcasting.”

Finucane is survived by her husband, John Clarke, and son, Jack.

A singularly beloved star for millions GARY IBBOTSON

TRIBUTES flowed from across Irish political and broadcasting circles, as well as from the ordinary people of Ireland, to the late, legendary radio DJ and broadcaster, Larry Gogan (81).

With his passing within

mere hours of RTE colleague Marian Finucane’s funeral, many mourned the loss of another deeply esteemed and treasured individual.

As an integral voice in RTE Radio for more than 50 years, Gogan was part of the original Radio 2 lineup in 1979, having begun with RTE in the 1960s.

Born in Fairview, north Dublin, Gogan presented The Golden Hour on 2FM until 2014, and most recently presented for RTE Gold.

Paying tribute, Dee Forbes, RTE’s director general, said: “He transcended generations – whether it was a hilarious moment on the ‘Just a Minute Quiz’, the breakneck countdown of the weekly Top 40, or the first play of a Christmas song – Larry didn’t just preserve these traditions, he created them.

“He returns now to his beloved Florrie – we are the poorer for his loss, but the richer for having known this gentleman of the airwaves.”

Friend and fellow RTE broadcaster Joe Duffy had visited Gogan only 10 days ago, and said that he was in “his usual great form”.

RTE presenter Marty Whelan also described Gogan as “a wonderful man”, and “a dear friend”.

Jon Williams, managing director at RTE News, also paid tribute to the late icon, saying: “Very sorry to learn that Larry Gogan has died.

“Like Gay Byrne and Marian Finucane, Larry not just a giant of RTE, but a titan of Irish radio.”

In a statement published on RIP.ie, Gogan’s family says they “would like to extend their gratitude to Blackrock Clinic, Beacon Renal and the staff at Kiltipper Woods Care Centre for the wonderful care that he received during his final illness”.

Gogan’s funeral mass will take place on Friday, January 10 at 11:30am in the Church of St Pius X in Templeogue, followed by a private burial.

9 January 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 9 January 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Jack Condron pictured with Storm Troopers. Pictures: Andres Poveda

Clay Giles and Kenneth Giles

Laura McNaughton and Stephen Carey

Dermot Whelan and sons Owen and Mathew

David Rawle

Lili Forberg and son Leon

Enjoying Irish premiere screening at Cineworld T Bella Domingues, Megan Loughrey and Leigh Brady

HE ninth installment of the Star Wars series ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ had its premiere recently at Cineworld, Dublin.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the greatest saga in movie history introduced the world to Luke Skywalker and the heroes of the Star Wars universe. Now, the story of a generation comes to an end as the Resistance, broken but

not defeated after the events of The Last Jedi, faces the First Order once more in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga. As the final battle begins, the surviving heroes of the original trilogy will once again fight alongside Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), in the most eagerly anticipated film of the year.

Kevin McGahern and Edwin Sammon

9 January 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

EDENMORE PARK: COMMUNITY SUFFERS AS GREEN SITES RUINED BY THUGS

FASTNews

Smartphone Film Festival to return

Locals took to social media to blast the vandals who struck at Edenmore Park as ‘animals’, with the pitches left in a destroyed state

Fury as ‘animals’ destroy pitches RACHEL D’ARCY

THE vandalism of Edenmore Park has been condemned by locals, after mindless thugs destroyed the playing pitches at the north side park.

It is understood that a vehicle destroyed the green area with tyre marks, with fencing also destroyed, before the vehicle used to carry out the damage was then burnt out close by.

Gardai in Raheny and Coolock are now investigating the incident, which is similar to the destruction caused at Cabinteely FC’s pitches on the south side of the city just after Christmas.

The pitches have now been

rendered unusable.

Councillor for the local area, Daryl Barron (FF) told Dublin Gazette that this isn’t the first time that this has happened in the local area.

Cllr Barron said: “The damage done has caused the two local pitches to be destroyed and isn’t the first time this has happened locally, [and there was] similar damage done over [on] the south side of the city.

“Individuals that destroy parks or public property should have the book thrown at them.

“The car nearly entered the pitch and putt club in the park, which would have destroyed the greens.”

Cllr Barron says he will now be approaching Dublin City Council to seek an upgrade to the fencing surrounding the park.

He said: “I will be seeking an upgrade in the fencing around the park that had begun last year and never finished by Dublin City Council.

“In a time where we are losing green spaces to developments across our city, it’s important that spaces like this are invested to be safe and secure without fear of damage like this caused by idiots.”

Locals called those responsible for the damage “animals” on Twitter, and said that there needs to be an increase in Garda

resources to help to battle wanton destruction such as that seen in Edenmore and Cabinteely.

In a statement to Dublin Gazette, gardai said they “attended the scene of a fire that occurred at approximately 2.40am on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Edenmore Park, Raheny, Dublin 5”.

The statement continued: “It’s understood a vehicle was found on fire in the area and the fire was extinguished by Dublin Fire Brigade.

“No persons were injured. Significant damage was caused to the park. No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Site of housing protest may be a co-living space RACHEL D’ARCY

A PLANNING application has been lodged to turn Number 34, North Frederick Street into what may be a co-living space – the site that activists occupied as part of the Take Back The City protests in 2018.

An application was lodged on December 18 to Dublin City Council by Gracanica LTD for permission to transform the protected building on the northside into a “six-bedroom residential unit”.

The application lodged does not explicitly state it will be used for co-living; however, the information provided as part of the application is similar to what would be seen in a co-living development.

There will also be restoration works undertaken to the building. The site has been vacant for some time, and was most recently used as office space.

Housing activist group Take Back the City occupied the building for several weeks in 2018.

The occupiers of the premises defied a court order to leave the building, with a private security firm going on to enforce this order in news that made headlines around the country.

Co-living developments have come under fire in recent months, with concerns raised by both activists and some politicians over whether tenants of the shared developments would have the same rights as other renters.

The closing date for observations on the planning application is January 30.

DUBLIN Smartphone Film Festival, the country’s only festival dedicated to films made exclusively using mobile devices, will return for its third instalment on January 25.

The festival will screen a selection of short films, documentaries, animations and music videos, along with an educational workshop.

With over 200 entries from more than 25 countries, categories include Best Fiction, Music video, Documentary, Animation, and Best 360/VR film.

The festival was founded by Robert Fitzhugh, a filmmaker who has previously worked for the Reel World Film Festival in Canada and more recently as part of the PR and marketing team for the Fingal Film Festival.

Speaking ahead of the event, Fitzhugh said: “We just could not believe the success of the festival in the past two years. It really demonstrated to us just how popular the notion of Smartphone Filmmaking has become. This year it’s been even bigger.”

The Dublin Smartphone Film Festival will take place in the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in New Market. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 9 January 2020

EAST WALL: HUNDREDS OF EAST WALL NATIVES PAY TRIBUTE TO THE ‘GREAT CHARACTER’

Legendary cobbler and shop owner Paddy May (93) dies RACHEL D’ARCY

TRIBUTES have been paid to Paddy May, who worked as a cobbler in East Wall for many years.

Paddy passed away on December 30, aged 93, surrounded by his family. A local Facebook page, East Wall History Group, paid tribute to Mr May following news of his passing, saying that many locals in the area would have had fond memories of the former cobbler.

A post read: “[Paddy May] served generations of EastWallers well as a cobbler, and

many will have very vivid memories of the sights, sounds and (particularly) the smells of his workshop.

“In this era of disposable commodities, it is easy to forget how important a service was provided to our community in mending boots and shoes.

“Paddy was not just a fine craftsman but also a great character, known to all. May he Rest In Peace.”

Hundreds of East Wall natives paid tribute to May on the Facebook post, saying they had fond memories of visiting him with their parents and grandparents in

years gone by.

Carmel Anderson wrote: “I was only telling my daughter the other day that I had a white handbag and the strap broke. I was about 8, and I brought it around to Paddy May and he fixed it for me. I guess the bag meant a lot to me as I remembered being so happy to get it repaired. Loved going into the shop.”

Collette Skerrit wrote: “Lovely man, always smiling and laughing. I can still smell the leather from his shop. He repaired many shoes for us over the years.”

Mr May was laid to rest on January 3.

The late Paddy May at work in his shop

Number of people who died on Irish roads up 4% in 2019 RACHEL D’ARCY

DEATHS on Irish roads rose by 4% in 2019, according to provisional statistics from the Road Safety Authority (RSA), with 148 people losing their lives in collisions on our roads.

Up to 1pm on December 31, a total of 148 people died on Ireland’s roads as a result of 137 fatal crashes, compared to 142 lives lost in 135 fatal crashes in 2018.

The figures were published by the RSA following an analysis of provisional fatal collision reports by An Garda Siochana.

Casualty figures for 2019 show that while there was a sharp drop in pedestrian deaths (down 36%), and passenger deaths (down 20%), there was a worrying increase in the number of drivers killed, with a 45% increase compared to 2018.

Commenting on the figures, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, said: “Firstly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the families of those who have died on Ireland’s roads in 2019, and not forgetting the many hundreds who have suffered serious injury. “ T h e o n l y way to

respond to these needless deaths and injuries on our roads is through action, not words.

“While families and friends grieve the loss of their loved one, we must as a society all respond with deeds, to prevent it happening to others.

“This means the Government and its agencies continuing to implement life-saving measures contained in the Road Safety Strategy.

“It also means individually, as ordinary road users, that we need to take greater responsibility for our actions when using the road.

“We can do this by slowing down, not driving while impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue, by not driving while using a phone, by wearing a seatbelt and always sharing the road more carefully with pedestrians and cyclists,” he said.

Liz O’Donnell, chairperson of the RSA, said: “After recording the safest year on our roads in 2018, it is deeply saddening that not only have we lost 148 lives on the road in 2019, but that it represents an increase in road deaths.

“We must respond to this increase the same way we have responded to previous setbacks. Rather than being disheartened,

FASTNews

The Republic’s first 2020 baby is little Victoria THE Rotunda was home to the first baby born in the Republic in the new decade, at 12:12am on New Year’s Day. Little Victoria Setuke was born to first-time mother Patience Setuke at the city centre hospital, weighing 3.23kg – just over seven pounds.

A spokesperson for the Rotunda confirmed that both Patience and Victoria were doing well.

They also confirmed that at least seven babies were born at the hospital between midnight and 4am.

€224k lotto win for a Dub

“

Students watch emergency responders attending at a staged car crash scene – however, despite several campaigns targeting people of all ages, last year saw a rise in deaths on Irish roads

Rather than being disheartened, it should spur us and our road safety partners into renewed effort it should spur us and our road safety partners into renewed effort.

“2020 is also the final year of the Government’s eight year road safety strategy. Its primary tar-

get is to reduce deaths to 124 or fewer by the end of 2020.

“Deeper collaboration between all agencies responsible for road safety is already taking place

to ensure everything that can be done is being done, not only to reverse the increase in deaths this year, but to achieve the strategy target.

“It is a target that is

very achievable – put simply, it means saving two more lives a month, every month. “[This is] something we s h o u l d a l l wo r k together to do in 2020.”

ONE lucky Dubliner has had a great start to the new year, after winning €224,421 in last Friday’s Euromillions draw.

EuroMillions players were urged to check their National Lottery accounts and emails as one lucky online participant, who is registered in the capital, struck it lucky.

They matched five numbers and one lucky star number, leaving them one lucky star number short of winning the mind-blowing €64,992,459 EuroMillions jackpot.

A spokesperson for the National Lottery said: “What a nice way to start the year for one online player in Dublin who woke up almost a quarter of a million [euro] richer. “

9 January 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

HERITAGE: MARY LOU MCDONALD SAID DEFERRAL A ‘STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION’

FASTNews

Ten firearms found in major Garda search BALLISTICS examinations will be carried out on ten firearms recovered near Swords to determine if they have been used in any previous shootings or murders.

The cache of weapons, which includes two assault rifles and eight handguns, were recovered in a holdall bag last Friday as part of a major intelligence operation.

Gardai have linked the firearms to the Kinahan cartel and believe the firearms were being stored in the remote location for potential future attacks.

The firearms will be tested for DNA in a bid to link them to any person or persons in the hope of making arrests.

Donors raise a healthy sum to help support the Rotunda A GOFUNDME set up by staff at the Rotunda Hospital to raise money for a vital piece of equipment has now raised enough for a second vital implement for the hospital.

The GoFundMe was set up at the beginning of December to raise money for a special ultrasound machine, with organisers alleging they could not receive government funding for the machine.

It was originally hoped that €76,500 could be raised for the machine, with this target met just before Christmas. The GoFundMe remained open, however, so that any extra funds raised could go towards a special resuscitation table for the ward.

An extra €20,000 was donated, meaning that the specialist table can now be purchased in addition to the ultrasound machine.

In total, the fundraising page has now raised €97,587.

Commemoration event for Black and Tans deferred RACHEL D’ARCY

A PLANNED event to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) later this month has been deferred, following intense backlash.

The event was scheduled to take place on January 17 at Dublin Castle, commemorating those who served in the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police prior to Irish Independence.

The RIC are also known as ‘the Black and Tans’, a specialist body of crownforces constables during the Irish War of Independence.

Both the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) were disbanded in 1922 following the signing of the AngloIrish Treaty.

However, following calls for the event to be cancelled by politicians and citizens alike, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan announced on Tuesday night that the event would be deferred.

In a statement, Minister Flanagan said: “Given the disappointing response of some to the planned event on 17 January, I do not believe that the event, as planned, can now take place in an atmosphere that meets the goals and guiding principles of the overall commemorative programme”.

A group of ‘Black and Tans’ constables are put through their training paces. The crown-forces constables would go on to be linked to several infamous incidents and attacks on the Irish populace in a bid to quash the growing push for Irish independence from Britain, with several civilian deaths and assaults making the Black and Tans an increasingly feared and hated body for many citizens.

Following the announcement of the deferral of the commemoration, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “For any Irish government for advocate commemorating these organisations is shameful and it has rightly drawn much criticism.

“Deferral of this planned commemoration is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough.

This event needs to be cancelled.”

Sinn Fein spokesper-

son on Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Aengus O Snodaigh, has said that plans for the commemoration were an insult to those who fought for Irish freedom.

Deputy O Snodaigh also claims that the AllParty Consultation Group on Commemorations were not consulted about the plans.

He said: “The role of the RIC, and the DMP, were not merely to act as police forces, but they had a specific role to instil

terror in the populace in an attempt to break the democratic will of the Irish people for independence.

“In no other state that has emerged from [an] anti-colonial struggle would they celebrate the deeds of the oppressors.”

There was outrage on social media as news of the plans came to the fore, with questions raised over why the Government has decided to ‘celebrate’ the notorious body.

Catherine Dolan wrote: “A relative of ours, Michael Hogan, a Tipperary GAA player, was shot dead in Croke Park by the Black and Tans on Bloody Sunday [November 21] 1920.

“He was 24. The Hogan Stand is named in his memory ... So, tell me Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, why you are celebrating these parasites?”

A Twitter user also pointed out the insensitivity of using Dublin Castle as the site for the

commemoration.

They wrote: “What is embarrassing about the Black and Tans commemoration being in Dublin Castle is that it’s like licking the boot in the same spot that it cracked your skull.

“Irish people were killed there in the pursuit of Irish sovereignty.”

M i n i s te r Fl a n a ga n said that an “alternative commemoration” will be planned in the coming months instead of the original event.

North Inner City rubbished by its IBAL litter ranking RACHEL D’ARCY

THE North Inner City has recorded its worst scores in years in the final litter survey for 2019, with the survey showing the locality to be “seriously littered”.

Whilst the North Inner City suffered in the survey, conducted by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), the city centre was deemed clean, and Ballymun improved on previous rankings but was still listed as

“littered”.

The report for the North Inner City said: “The dearth of clean sites in this area was striking.

“Dumping was evident in the worst sites, among them Aldborough Place, Crinian Strand, Great Clarence Street, North and the Railway line, North Strand Road.”

An Taisce, which conduct the surveys on behalf of IBAL, praised attractions such as Christchurch Cathedral, Trinity

College, Guinness Storehouse, the Garden of Remembrance and Dublin’s main shopping streets as “excellent”, saying the city centre scored “exceptionally well”.

It said: “Helped by the presence of just one litter blackspot, Dublin city centre scored exceptionally well in 2019.

“The popular tourist attractions were excellent with regard to both presentation and cleanliness, while the main shopping streets were very much

deserving of the top litter grade.

“Some of the poorer-ranking states, such as the ESB station at Francis Street and basketball court at Vicar Street, were poor on many previous occasions.

“Loftus Lane wasn’t just a littered site, but subject to dumping. Examples of items included microwaves, mattresses and domestic rubbish.”

Kilkenny topped the IBAL litter rankings for a record fourth time, having previously scaled the list in 2014.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 9 January 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Roisin Coulter and Aisling Wallace

Miriam Russell and Louise Whelan

Roisin Coulter and Emer Mullins

Tanya Airey, Mari Frisby, Barbara Stack and Angela Bennett. Pictures: Robbie Reynolds

Festive fashion fun for Fashion Relief T

HE five-star InterContinental Dublin was the place to be when fashion guru Lorraine Keane hosted an exclusive Festive Afternoon Tea in aid of Fashion Relief with Oxfam Ireland.

Over the past two years Fashion Relief has raised over €175,000, which has been used to help those affected by poverty and disaster in areas such as Yemen, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

Nigel Doolin and Roisin O’Hea

Norah and Taryn Casey

Marie Chawke with Deirdre O’Dwyer and Jackie Lavin

Sarah Woods with Megan Fellner and Renata Fitzpatrick Sheridan

Dee and Colin Meagle

Ciaragh Morton with Gillian Reynolds and Karen

9 January 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES GALLERIESOF OFTHE THEWEEK WEEK

Denise McCormack and Bernadette O’Halloran with Harry Gammell, Zoe O’Halloran and Sidney Gammell

Aidan Glover, Aoife Glover, Pat Glover and Ryan Hayles. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Maggie Keating, Lily Nolan and Carley Nolan

Moss Pinder and Hazel Glover

Vic Kumar, Sonny Kumar and Skye Kumar

Deirdre Molomby and Ivan Baburin

Maria, Dan, Rachel and Daniel Fynes

Erin Fitzgerald and Tammy Daly

Carrie Williams with children Harriet and Lili Mae

Special preview screening of Playing with Fire at The Savoy

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 January 2020

St Stephen’s Green, 1952. Picture: Fondation HCB Paris/ Magnum Photos

A chance to see Dublin in the rare auld times PADRAIG CONLON

IF YOU ARE a fan of all things historical then a photo exhibition featuring Dublin in the rare auld times should be right up your street.

‘Ireland in Focus: Photographing Ireland in the 1950s’ features striking images of Dublin in the 1950s taken by professional photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson and Dorothea Lange.

Since opening in November at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks, the exhibition has proved very popular with visitors.

Featuring several photos from various locations across Dublin, including St Stephen’s Green and Custom House, the exhibition looks at images from three photographic collections created during what is generally regarded as one of the most challenging decades in 20th-century Ireland.

The exhibition features 50 images by Henri Cartier-Bresson, considered the most important photographer of the 20th century, of which 30 have never been exhibited previously.

There are also 20 images by renowned American photographer Dorothea Lange, taken in Dublin and Co Clare in 1954, and 30 by Robert Cresswell, an American anthropologist who was based in Paris, who lived in Kinvara, Co Galway, during 1955 and 1956 and took over 400 photographs in the area.

Henri Cartier-Bresson was considered the most important photographer of the 20th century.

A pioneer of street photography and photojournalism, he was on assignment from Harper’s Bazaar magazine when he visited Dublin in June 1952.

He returned later for a holiday in October 1962 and travelled throughout the country during both visits.

His images include landscapes, street scenes, portraits and public events, and this is the largest number of his images to have been displayed in Ireland.

Dorothea Lange is a renowned American documentary photographer whose portraits of displaced farmers during the Great Depression greatly influenced later documentary and journalistic photography in the United States.

Dr Audrey Whitty, head of collections and learning at the National Museum of Ireland, said the exhibition provides a rare insight in the Ireland of the 1950’s.

“Ireland in Focus: Photographing Ireland in the 1950s” is open to the public in the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks until the end of April.

ARTS: ANNUAL FESTIVAL CHALLENGES MENTAL HEALTH STIGMAS

Fab First Fortnight Arts Fest underway PADRAIG CONLON

FIRST FORTNIGHT, the annual Mental Health Art & Culture Festival, kicked off last week for another month of thought-provoking events.

The Festival utilises arts and culture to challenge mental health stigma while supporting some of Ireland’s most vulnerable people through creative therapies.

In Ireland, one in four people are predicted to struggle with their mental health at some point in their lives.

The themes for this year’s Festival are loneliness, isolation and community.

First Fortnight began as a kitchen conversation 10 years ago and has grown from one event in 2010 to 119 events in 17 counties, across 62 venues this year.

Some of the contributors at this year’s Festival include: The Blindboy Podcast, Ham Sandwich’s Therapy Sessions, Richie Sadlier, Pat Kinevane’s Silent, a world premiere

by Stephen James Smith with the Irish National Opera and many more family and child-friendly events, music, sports, comedy, theatre, film, panel discussions, listening events and workshops.

In addition, comedian, writer and broadcaster Colm O’Regan, former athlete David Gillick, i n te r n a t i o n a l r u g by p l aye r Ha n n a h Ty rrell, actor Tadhg Hickey (CCCahoots), musician

Launching First Fortnight Mental Health Art and Culture Festival 2020 in the beautiful Botantic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin one of the 62 venues featuring in #FFFest20 is Paul Timoney from Batman Needs a Break!.

“

Through community driven initiatives like First Fortnight, the opportunity is created to extend an invitation for connection to address feelings of loneliness and isolation.

John Spillane and actor John Connors with further special guests to be announced.

“We have always seen First Fortnight as the antidote to the themes we decided to focus on within this year’s festival programme,” David Ke e g a n , C E O, Fi r s t Fortnight told Dublin

Gazette.

“It’s through community driven initiatives like First Fortnight, the opportunity is created to extend an invitation for connection to address feelings of loneliness and isolation, which we all experience but also heavily stigmatised just like mental health.”

Edel Doran, First Fortnight Programme Coordinator, extended an invitation for everyone to get involved.

“It is through consistent changes in our community, society as a whole can be changed,” she said.

“We invite you to attend our festival and

leave feeling part of our ever-growing community, empowered to be part of the change.

“One person can always make a difference and as one community, we can make a profound impact.”

More information about First Fortnight on www.firstfortnight.ie

MOTORING, PAGE 20

Declan Glynn on the new Toyota Hybrid



PHOTO EXHIBITION

9 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

MAGAZINE

TOYOTA’S COROLLA HYBRID HATCHBACK SHOULD SPARK GREAT INTEREST P20

DUBLIN

STYLE P20

SOULÉ: URBAN POP SET TO TAKE OFF IN BOTANICAL BLISS: IT’S A NEW YEAR, SO BREATHE NEW 2020: P18 LIFE INTO A ROOM WITH FRESH FLORAL DESIGNS P19

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

GRANTS | APPLICATIONS SOUGHT

Dublin Airport funds are ready to support local communities RACHEL D’ARCY

DUBLIN AIRPORT’S Community Fund has reopened for applications, until February 12, 2020.

The airport’s €10 million Community Fund was launched in 2017, with an annual investment of €400,000 over 25 years. The fund supports projects in the neighbouring communities around Dublin Airport with 44 local groups receiving €122,358 in funding before Christmas.

Dublin Airport Community Liaison Manager, Maura Cassidy, said: “Since the fund was opened in June 2017, more than €1 million has been granted to community groups based within the eligibility area.

Support is focused on areas such as environment and sustainability, sports and recreation, social inclusion and community development, health and well-being, and culture and heritage.

“This will be the sixth round of funding from the Community Fund and we’re delighted to, once again, invite local community groups to apply for funding and encourage all eligible groups to apply.”

The fund supports applications from Ballymun, Cloghran, Forrest Little, Greater Baskin, Hollystown, Malahide, Portmarnock, Rolestown, Santry, St Margarets, Swords, The Ward and Tyrrelstown.

Among the groups who received fund-

ing in November 2019 were Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna in Ballymun, who put the funding towards their school library. Other beneficiaries included Anew Support Services in Swords, who used the funding received for a community gardening project. The Community First Responders in both Malahide and Portmarnock also received vital funding towards defibrillators.

The Community Fund also supports up to 10 students a year from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to enable them to attend Dublin City University (DCU) through the university’s Access Programme.

The fund makes a call for applications twice a year – on January 1 and September 1. Once open, applications are accepted for up to six weeks, with two types of grants on offer. There are minor grants for less than €5,000, or major grants for more than €5,000.

Applications are reviewed and assessed by an independently chaired Grant Making Panel comprising of four representatives, with Major Grant applicants required to engage in a second stage process.

Those who wish to apply for funding can find an easy how-to-apply guide along with an application form on the airport’s website www.dublinairport.com/community-fund.

Dublin Airport’s Community Fund, which supports local communities around Dublin Airport, has reopened for applications for 2020

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 January 2020

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

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND QUIRKY THINGS

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 Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Cóilín Duffy cduffy@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

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

FIRST Year CBS Synge Street student Aditya Joshi was joined by Shay Walsh, managing director of BT Ireland, to help launch the 56th annual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. Taking place at the RDS and open to the public from today (Thursday, January 9) to this Saturday, January 11, the exhibition promises to showcase some fascinating and brilliant projects by students.

Urine a lot of trouble if Man hiding from his you try to trick police girlfriend is arrested A WOMAN in Kentucky was arrested after she tried to pass off dog urine as her own to her probation officer, police have said.

The 40-year-old woman was asked to provide a urine sample for a drug test as part of a scheduled probation visit, but police said she ‘snuck in a sample’ of her dog’s urine to pass as her own.

Officials determined that the urine didn’t belong to the

woman and confronted her about the sample.

She told officers that she brought urine from her dog because she knew that she would fail the drug test, admitting to using methamphetamine and the painkiller, Suboxone.

The woman was subsequently arrested and now faces charges for trafficking in a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.

A MAN was arrested after trying to avoid having sex with his girlfriend, by hiding in her car and refusing to leave.

Khrystian Collins locked himself inside his girlfriend’s Kia Optima and refused to get out.

Police in Warren, Ohio then arrived and found Collins hiding inside the car with the window cracked open.

Collins told police his girlfriend always wants to have sex and it was too hot in their apartment – an account that his girlfriend confirmed.

An officer was eventually able to open the door and had to pull Collins out of the car after he refused to exit the vehicle.

Collins was charged with obstructing official business, resisting arrest and trespass.

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

This week’s dog of the week is Bella, a gorgeous three-year-old American Bulldog with a big heart and an even bigger personality.

She is desperately looking for a family who have the time and commitment to come up to our Rehoming Centre over a period of time to meet her and then to help her settle into her new home.

Bella would love a home with people who are around a lot of the day as she struggles when left on her own – she just loves giving her humans attention.

She would also prefer to be the only pet in the house and would love a secure garden to roam around in, as she can be a really giddy girl when the notion takes her!

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

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

bella

9 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

TOP TWEETS

SOME unlucky drivers in Washington spent the first few hours of 2020 trapped in a massive pile of tumbleweeds that closed down a highway for 10 hours – until 4.30am on New Year’s Day. Five ca rs a n d o n e 18-wheel semi-truck were trapped in the tumbleweeds on New Year’s

Sing us a song, you’re baby piano man. @griffski I think it’s pretty cool that we can all agree on the most f-d up thing of the past decade.

It wasn’t ebola, it wasn’t Trump, it wasn’t even Blake Shelton getting ‘Sexiest man of the year’ – it was that damn U2 album that Apple decided to just download to everyone’s iPhone. @chunkyfila If Netflix doesn’t release a five-part series on the disappearance of Rizzle Kicks, then I’ll start booting down doors (mainly in Tesco’s public toilets). @StephenTries Why do airplane tickets have to be so expensive?! Having separate continents is so dumb – retweet if you miss Pangaea. @JbKnockout In 2010 so many lads I met in UCD told me they were doing Business and Chinese because China was going to become the biggest superpower and they’d be ahead of the curve.

That didn’t quite happen, and now there are lads working in finance in Dublin who randomly know Mandarin. @BigPaulieDoyle I never told my mom this, but one time I threw a party in high school and someone peed in the cat’s litter box, so when she got back there was a giant petrified human pee brick and she cried while taking the cat to the vet – all while I watched and said nothing to avoid being caught. @crocodilethumbs

DUBLIN BITS & BOBS Weeds force road ‘Jesus to be closed down Christ’ is Eve, with State Route 240 being closed in both directions as transportation workers moved to clear the tumbleweeds with a snow plough.

Wa s h i n g to n S t a te Trooper Chris Torson said the tumbleweeds were piled 20 to 30 feet in places, with the road closed for over 12 miles, or just over 19km.

Chill with Snoop’s Surprise as £20k binned ... lullabies album?

SNOOP Dogg, famed for epic rap hits such as Drop It Like It’s Hot, has released a lullaby album.

Yes, songs to help babies get to sleep.

Snoop Dogg, or as he was known for a time, Snoop Lion, released a children’s album on December 6, entitled, Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Snoop Dogg, with a special vinyl version released for Record Store Day. The album contains his greatest hits, including Gin and Juice, and Sensual Seduction.

Many of Snoop’s fans online praised the move, saying they couldn’t wait to give it a pre-bedtime spin.

The unusual bedtime album is available to stream on all music services now.

Present sparks a problem in Texas THINGS got a little heated at Christmas for a Texas family whose 12-year-old son decided to use a magnifying glass for something other than reading.

Nissa-Lynn Parson, an interior designer, shared online how her family’s Christmas Day was “memorable to say the least” after her son, Cayden, used the magnifying glass he received as a present to light their front lawn on fire.

“Cayden asked for a magnifying glass for Christmas,” Parson said in a video posted to Facebook.

“We thought, ‘Oh, he wants to magnify something’. No, he wanted to see if he can make fire with it, and did.”

Cayden’s father, Justin Parson, told Fox News that

when his son opened the magnifying glass he said: “Yay, magnifying glass!”

“The other son in the background says, ‘Yay, now we can light stuff on fire’. And we’re like, ‘Oh dear’,” he told the channel.

On Christmas morning, t h e t wo brothers went out to the garden and burnt a couple of holes in pieces of newspaper.

However, after one of them dropped the now burning paper, the flame ended up spreading throughout the grass – scorching the lawn.

Luckily, nobody was injured in the incident and the fire was extinguished quickly, before it could spread further.

RECYCLING centre workers in England were in for a surprise when they found nearly £20,000 cash in a box dropped off at the depot in Midsomer Norton.

Investigators were later able to identify the car that had dropped off the box – along with several others – earlier in the day and contacted the people involved.

Avon and Somerset police spoke with the owners of the vehicle and learned that they were cleaning out the home of a recently deceased relative.

“Despite the fact they mentioned that the relative was known to hide money around the house in unusual places, they were aghast to hear the details of the find,” police said in a Facebook post.

The money was turned over to the couple.

jailed for animal cruelty A MAN in the US has been sentenced to more than five months in jail for killing his dog, after claiming he was Jesus Christ.

Police in Maryland said that Joseph Cryer pleaded guilty in late December to aggravated animal cruelty, after the accused hit his dog over the head with a hammer until it died.

Cryer told police that he was Jesus Christ, and that he was sending his dog to heaven, and that the dog was happy that he was in heaven with his brother.

The man had already served 104 days in jail before he received his sentence late last week.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 January 2020

DUBLIN FOOD & DRINK

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FARE

Fallon & Byrne shuts its FSA ordered three Dublin food outlets to close last December branch in Rathmines FALLON & BYRNE has announced the closure of its Rathmines branch, with immediate effect.

The food hall, wine bar and restaurant, which was located in the Swan Centre in Rathmines, revealed the news to its staff on New Year’s Eve, with the establishment shutting for good on Thursday, January 2.

The company released a statement online saying the closure was for financial reasons: “Unfortunately,

the location was loss-making and, while the decision was a very difficult one, we believe that acting decisively is what’s best for the business overall.”

The store, which opened in 2017, was the biggest of the group’s three outlets, at almost 10,000sq ft.

According to the chain, the closure will not affect its branches on Exchequer Street in the city centre, and at Park Road, Dun Laoghaire.

THREE food establishments in Dublin were forced to close in December due to safety concerns.

All three were issued with closure orders by the Food Safety Authority (FSA), but have since reopened.

Circle K Service Station at Belgard Road, Tallaght was issued with a closure

order on December 6, but the order was lifted on December 9.

Beef and Lobster at Parliament Street, Dublin 2, was closed on December 11, but the closure order was lifted on December 12.

Finally, The Carrot’s Tail at Lower Rathmines Road was issued with a closure order on Decem-

ber 17, but the order was lifted three days later.

In total, six food businesses were forced to close in Ireland in December.

It is currently unknown at the time of writing why the businesses were forced to close, with the FSA’s reasons for their closure expected to be revealed imminently.

The KFC Vegan Burger

Just Eat and KFC team up for burger

Get ready for a year in which (clockwise from top left) pancakes, Nashville hot chicken, Korean cuisine and cauliflower could become a bigger part of Dubliners’ diets

Tuck into Yelp’s insights on the top food trends to note for 2020 GARY IBBOTSON

AS WITH all trends, food fads come and go. From designer donuts to artisan burgers, Dublin’s food scene has been evolving in the past few years.

In an attempt to predict what’s going to gain popularity this year, review website Yelp has conducted some research to find what food item – or style – is due to make a splash in 2020.

Here are the potential trends that came out on top ...

risen to 156.2% in the past year alone.

appearing on chicken-centric restaurants soon.

Elevated breakfast Hearty and colourful breakfasts have been making waves over the past couple of years and, this year, it’s looking like that’ll continue.

An ‘elevated breakfast’ has come out as a top trend and includes souffle pancakes as well as cinnamon swirl pancakes.

Reviews for both dishes have

Nashville hot chicken Chicken wings and fried chicken are consistently popular among Dubliners and this year Yelp predicts that Nashville hot chicken will be sizzling our taste-buds.

Deep-fried, hot and spicy, it certainly has all the ingredients to be a hit in the coming year, so expect it to see it

Healthy-swap comfort food Tuck into cauliflower pizza, cauliflower mash, cheesy cauliflower, etc. Yes, cauliflower is the healthy alternative for 2020, according to Yelp.

Searches for the white root vegetable have risen over the past year, with many people looking for a comforting meal but without the added calories.

Korean cuisine Korean cuisine and Korean BBQ fare became big in 2019 and it looks like they’re not going anywhere in 2020.

With Dubs showing an ever greater appetite for delicious foreign fare, dishes such as tteok-bokki (Korean fried rice cakes), sundubu-jjigae (tofu stew) and kimchi, should encourage more and more Korean restaurants to pop up over the coming year.

JUST Eat has confirmed it has partnered with KFC to deliver the first-ever KFC Vegan Burger.

It’s now available to order on the Just Eat app.

Exclusive to Just Eat customers for January, the vegan offering is based on KFC’s Chicken Fillet burger, consisting of the same herbs and spices while the usual chicken breast is replaced with a bespoke Quorn fillet.

The burger is served with vegan mayonnaise and iceberg lettuce, all within a soft-glazed bun.

Speaking on the announcement, Amanda Roche Kelly, managing director at Just Eat Ireland, said: “Innovations like this one from KFC are changing the food game, so we’re thrilled to be exclusively delivering this great-tasting, original recipe vegan burger to homes and offices right across Ireland.”

Ira Dubinsky, innovation director at KFC UK and Ireland, added: “We’ve worked hard to perfect the flavour and make a vegan burger the [KFC] Colonel would be proud of.

“It’s the flavour of KFC, just with zero chicken.”

9 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

PLANT YOURSELF IN A COSY ENVIRONMENT

Oliver Bonas

DUBLIN STYLE

Very.co.uk

Argos Home

Oliver Bonas Iro Collection

DFS Iconica Chord Three Seater

BOTANICAL Bliss A NEW YEAR can be a new opportunity to breathe new life into a room.

Botanicals and all things floral inspired are the vibe going into 2020,

Iggy Ladder Shelves, Oliver Bonas

Winter Winner EZ LIVING FURNITURE will be running their “Winter Winner” campaign for the month of January where they are giving their customers a chance to win their furniture for free with over €8,000 worth of prizes!

Guidelines for the Winter Winner Campaign: • Customers must fill out an application form.

• Each week a winner will be chosen from each of

our stores (including our website) and they will receive a €50 voucher.

• From this original draw above the 14 weekly winners will go forward to a draw where one of the 14 €50 winners will be chosen and they will receive an extra €100 voucher.

This person will then go forward to the final draw at the end of the Winter Sale. They are

now in with a chance of winning a minimum of a €500 voucher or the overall prize of a €2,000 voucher.

• Chosen winners must participate in promotional video and photography for social media to claim their prize.

The Winter Winner Campaign is exclusive to the following EZ Living Furniture stores in Dublin, and online at

EZLivingFurniture.ie: • Blanchardstown – Unit 403, Blanchardstown Retail Park, Blanchardstown Centre • Swords – Unit 9, Airside Retail Park, Swords • Fonthill – Unit 3, Fonthill Retail Park, Fonthill Rd • Tallaght – Unit 4, Tallaght Retail Centre, Abberley Square, Tallaght • Naas Road – 12 Nangor Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

with many high street stores hopping on the naturistic trend.

Think palm leaf inspired prints, the introduction of fake (and real!) plants into living spaces, and the

beauty of incorporating the outdoors into a bright, airy space in the home.

Retailers such as Argos and the newly opened Oliver Bonas on Exchequer Street are fully embrac-

ing the trends in their new offerings this spring.

If you love all things beautiful and botanic and are in the market for a room revamp, take a look at our fave bits on offer.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 January 2020

CHECK OUT WHAT IS

Something for Bowie fans of all ages at a fun festival THIS week sees the third instalment of the Dublin Bowie festival taking place in venues across the capital, with something for everyone on offer at the fourday event.

Following on from two successful years, the Dublin Bowie Festival pays tribute to all things Bowie that you could imagine.

From his illustrious musical career, to his turn in acting, even discussions of sexuality and gender all appear on the line-up of this week’s events.

T h e fe s t iva l this year celebrates 50 years of ‘the man who sold the world’, with particular focus being paid to the anniversary of the legendary album.

Highlights of the festival include a gig from Rebel Rebel at The Academy, a screening of the iconic Bowie film Labyrinth at The Lighthouse Cinema, and a drag show – The Woman Who

Sold The World – at The George on January 10.

Saturday, January 11 sees the festival continue with a Bowie Brunch at The Church Bar and Restaurant, a family-friendly event in the form of a reading of the children’s book, Heroes – Little People Big Dreams at Hodges Figgis, Holy Holy playing The Olympia Theatre, and a LGBT+ club night, Holy Mother, at Lost Lane.

Festivities continue into January 12, the last day of the festival, with An Audience with Tony Visconti and Woody Woodmansey at the Royal College of Surgeons, Between The Eyes of Bowie – a live conversation with Bowie’s lifelong friend Sarah-Rena Hine at the 5 Lamps Brewery, and an iconic festival closing party at Whelan’s.

For further info on the Dublin Bowie Festival, see dublinbowiefestival.ie.

Soulé: Urban Pop Set to Take Off in 2020 FOR those in the know, London-born Balbriggan native Soulé - Samantha Kay to her parents - has been threatening to become a very major artist for sometime.

Hit single ‘Love Tonight’, launched early last year, has millions of streams and is a regular on almost every major Irish radio station. She’s appeared at the 3Arena and her social media does serious numbers.

Perhaps most of all, though, her song appeared alongside every Love Island episode for a huge chunk of last summer, gathering hours of prime time play as part of a fashion advert.

“The Love Island placement really did a lot for me,” she remembers.

“It was on every ad break for two or three months, and it definitely boosted the track. People were hearing it, but a lot of people assumed it was an American artist. I thought it was amazing. It doubled the number of streams, with radio boosting it too.”

“The dream was to have

 JAMES HENDICOTT

the song actually on Love Island, but that would be once. To have it on an ad every ad break was much better. At first it was cringey, but after a while I just got so excited about it, with the tweets going crazy all the time.”

Soulé might be flying now, but she finds some of her roots in the local Foroige club, where she spent a lot of her time collaborating with Farah Elle, who has also gone on to be something of a local rising star.

“We were in Foroige Balbriggan, there wasn’t a sort of music thing that they had, and my friends and I were very into that kind of thing, drums, guitar, dancing, singing,” Soulé recalls.

“Our mentor there was an Irish rapper called Messiah J, an amazing guy, and he gave us loads of advice on recording, stuff like that.

“They got in Mac computers and we’d sit in and do lessons on how to record on a program called Garage Band. We got gigs, too, as they learnt how much we loved music and started bringing it in as part of what they did.

“I really got my first experience of doing gigs really young as part of Foroige. I’m not sure I even processed what I was doing, but I’m very grateful. I learnt a lot about collaboration, about being a musician, and about getting on stage. It was an amazing experience.”

Yet to launch an album, but expected to make a huge impact when she does, Soulé is mostly enjoying the ride at the moment.

“It’s the craziest thing for me,” she says. “Being independent and being able to reach these numbers, I never expected it to happen. When I started in 2016 with stuff like ‘Love No More’, it was a really big thing to break 5,000 streams.

“To be on seven figures now just seems so far

fetched, as an independent Irish artist. I never processed it in my head until someone said it recently, but it adds up to every person in Ireland.

“It’s not about the numbers, of course, but it is something that keeps me going, the idea that people are listening and love my music. It’s why I look at those numbers and shout them out on my social media.”

“I love adding different sounds and different people into my stuff, or my genre into their stuff. It’s great when completely different styles of artists can come together and make things work. It’s been a great part of my journey, and then there’s the friendship, too. It’s really important.”

It might be a little while before Soulé moves past her infectious, hook-laden singles, but watch this space.

Soulé has been widely earmarked as likely to be one of the key rising Irish artists of 2020. She recently played the 2FM Christmas Ball at the 3Arena.

9 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WELL WORTH A LISTEN AND A LOOK

DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT Some of the main winners at the 2020 Golden Globes BEST FILM – DRAMA Winner: 1917 The Irishman Joker Marriage Story The Two Popes BEST ACTRESS IN A FILM – DRAMA Winner: Renee Zellweger, Judy Cynthia Erivo, Harriet Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story Saoirse Ronan, Little Women Charlize Theron, Bombshell

It was a good night for Reg Dwight – AKA Elton John – with the beloved, bespectacled superstar winning Best Original Song – Motion Picture for ‘I’m Gonna Love Me Again’, from the hit biopic about him, ‘Rocketman’

Few surprises at this year’s Golden Globes AS THE first major awards ceremony of the year, this year’s Golden Globes held few surprises.

While eyebrows may have been raised by some of the more, ah, interesting fashion choices on show on the night, the actual winners were a much more straightforward matter.

Irish eyes flitted briefly to Saoirse Ronan, who was up for Best Actress – Drama with her role in Little Women (losing out to Renee Zellweger’s win for Judy), but that was the most high-profile directly Irish link to this year’s awards.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect to the awards was the growing impact of streaming content, increasingly muscling in on awards.

Like a slowly rising tide that’s hardly noticed, there were several nods at content which still currently sits in an uneasy halfway house between conventional cinema and TV content.

And who better to embody this increasingly

 SHANE DILLON

relevant form than Martin Scorsese?

Marty’s latest, The Irishman, had nods in lots of categories, with the film’s cinema and streaming releases straddling market reach that’s incrementally reshaping how audiences can engage with viewing content.

However, if there was an overall winner on the night, it was arguably Sam Mendez.

Scooping wins for Best Picture – Drama, and Best Picture, his World War One epic, 1917, was facing down the Joker juggernaut, and critical darling The Irishman, yet still seized victory.

That’s always the way with such awards ceremonies; there’s always an outside win that upsets the expected outcome.

Still, there were few other surprises in a largely

conventional list of winners.

For example, it could only have been Joaquin Phoenix picking up the Best Actor – Drama award for his bravura titular turn in Joker.

Tarantino – the Quentin is superfluous at this stage – nabbed Best Screenplay for Once Upon a Time ... In Hollywood.

The startling South Korean tale, Parasite, seemingly inevitably claimed Best Foreign Language Film.

Chernobyl bulldozed its way to Best Limited Series, with its creeping horror on the small screen having transfixed audiences all around the world.

It also nabbed a Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series win for Stellan Skarsgard.

Finally, in the Expected Winners Wot Actually Won list – not yet an actual category, although it should be – Olivia Coleman nabbed Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in The Crown.

Buried deep in the

awards categories was a lone nod at Game of Thrones, with Kit Harington up for Best Actor in a Drama Series (losing to Brian Cox, for Succession), marking an ignoble awards whimper for the once allconquering show.

There were plenty of other winners in other categories, of course (see panel, right), but overall few genuine surprises in this year’s winners’ list.

Arch commentators might snidely comment that seeing Ricky Gervais back as the evening’s MC was the most unlikely event of the evening, given how dim his star has waned of late, but I’d never be so cruel, of course.

As an early nod at the year’s full-blown awards ceremonies – such as a certain O***rs event looming on the horizon – it’ll be interesting to see if the 2020 Globes successes translate across to 2020’s other awards lists.

For the full list of nominations and winners in all categories, see www.goldenglobes.com.

BEST ACTOR IN A FILM – DRAMA Winner: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker Christian Bale, Ford v Ferrari Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory Adam Driver, Marriage Story Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes BEST DIRECTOR – FILM Winner: Sam Mendes, 1917 Bong Joon Ho, Parasite Todd Phillips, Joker Martin Scorsese, The Irishman Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood BEST SCREENPLAY – FILM Winner: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Marriage Story Parasite The Two Popes The Irishman BEST FILM – FOREIGN LANGUAGE Winner: Parasite The Farewell Les Misérables Pain and Glory Portrait of a Lady on Fire BEST TV SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY Winner: Fleabag Barry The Kominsky Method The Marvelous Mrs Maisel The Politician

BEST LIMITED SERIES OR TV FILM Winner: Chernobyl Catch-22 Fosse/Verdon The Loudest Voice Unbelievable BEST TV SERIES – DRAMA Winner: Succession Big Little Lies The Crown Killing Eve The Morning Show BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A FILM Winner: Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes Al Pacino, The Irishman Joe Pesci, The Irishman BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES – DRAMA Winner: Brian Cox, Succession Kit Harington, Game of Thrones Rami Malek, Mr Robot Tobias Menzies, The Crown Billy Porter, Pose BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES – DRAMA Winner: Olivia Colman, The Crown Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show Jodie Comer, Killing Eve Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 January 2020

DUBLIN MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

With a great mix of power and comfort, as well as maximising its petrol-electric hybrid potential, Toyota’s Corolla Hybrid Hatchback is a great car to face your future driving needs with

Ready for a new motoring world FACT BOX

DECLAN GLYNN

THE all-new Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatchback’s low bonnet, striking wide grille and distinctive headlamps give it a sleek profile, which is enhanced by sporty alloy wheels.

B u i l t o n Toyo t a’s advanced new TNGA platform, the Corolla Hybrid Hatchback delivers a truly satisfying drive, while a rigid body and low centre of gravity come together to reduce body roll when cornering.

Additionally, a double wishbone suspension absorbs shocks more effectively for a noticably smoother ride quality.

1) Striking new design 2) Petrol-electric hybrid 3) Five trim levels 4) Standard CVT transmission 5) Priced from just €26,390 (ex-delivery) It will come as no surprise then that the new Toyota Corolla has been voted the ‘Continental Tyres Irish Medium Car of the Year for 2020’.

Five trim levels are available in the New Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatchback – Aura, Luna, Luna Sport, Sol, and range-topping GR Sport.

The only powertrain in the new Toyota Corolla

range is a petrol-electric Hybrid, which is now available in a choice of two capacities: a 1.8-litre with 122bhp, and a 2.0litre with 178bhp.

While the 1.8-litre engine is available is all spec ification grades, the 2.0-litre is exclusively available in just Luna Sport and GR Sport grades.

The fact that the new

Corolla Hatchback is a self-charging Hybrid, effectively means that there will be no cost to the driver when operating in full electric mode.

With annual road tax from just €170, low maintenance costs, and regenerative braking helping tyres and brakes last longer, the new Corolla Hatchback Hybrid should prove itself to be an excellent financial proposition.

Additionally, there is no clutch to wear out, due to the car’s standard electronically-controlled CVT (single-speed automatic) gearbox.

My review car was a Corolla Hybrid Hatchback in Luna Sport specifica-

Skoda Ireland reflects on some key industry changes from the past year SKODA Ireland is looking to the future, with 2019 data underlining some trends that it, and other main manufacturers, reported across the industry last year.

For Skoda, the total number of new cars sold in 2019 fell by 6.8%, to 117,031 units, but Skoda Ireland is projecting a slightly more optimistic result in 2020, with 120,000 passenger vehicle sales forecasted.

According to Skoda Ireland, the biggest challenge for the industry

over the past three years were the 307,900 used imports that indirectly affected the new car market.

However, with the introduction of the new government NOx tax from January 1, used imports will not be seen as quite as advantageous, with the new NOx tax expected to significantly affect the cost of many imported used vehicles.

Looking back on 2019, the sale of electric vehicles increased nearly threefold, with 3,443 Battery Elec-

tric Vehicles (BEVs) delivered in 2019, compared to 1,233 in the same period for the previous year.

The demand for BEVs will only increase in line with consumer awareness of climate change and new model introductions from various brands.

With electric vehicle technologies still in development, petrol and diesel vehicles will likely account for 85% of new vehicle sales in the coming year.

tion, and it looked stunning in bi-tone Pearl Red and Night Sky Black pearlescent paint.

While all trim levels in the Corolla range come well equipped, key Luna Sport features include 17” bi-tone black machinedfa ce 1 0 - s p o ke a l l oy wheels, rear privacy glass, rear-view camera, black rear spoiler, full bi-tone exterior look, bi-beam LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and LED daytime running lights, along with many other standard features, and a comprehensive suite of safety features for ultimate driving confidence.

Capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in just

10.9-seconds, the Corolla Hybrid Hatchback can reach a top speed of 180kmph, and can return a fuel consumption figure as low as 3.3l/100km (up to 84mpg).

The Corolla Hatchback has excellent space in the front for two adults, while passengers in the rear are provided with good head, elbow and legroom, too.

My review car performed admirably well on a variety of road surfaces, with very little wind noise from around the door mirrors.

At a steady motorway speed, the car’s engine tone is hardly noticable at all, while excellent driving dynamics ensure that

the car remains composed when faced with a twisty country road, too.

Pricing for the new Toyota Corolla Saloon Hybrid starts at a very reasonable €26,390 (ex-delivery).

While all Toyota vehicles are built to exceptional standards, a threeyear/100,000km warranty comes as standard.

However, Hybrid vehicles have fewer parts that require servicing, and those that do are inherently durable to extend service intervals.

Hybrid components within the drivetrain system have a fiveyear/100,000km warranty for peace-of-mind motoring.

A Skoda Vision – the company’s striking electric concept car, finished in Ultra Yellow

9 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

TAKE A BREAK, AT HOME OR AWAY

DUBLIN TRAVEL

Some of the travel trends from 2019 AS A last look back at 2019, it’s interesting to note the changes and trends that emerged and developed over the past year.

Online travel agent Click&Go has released its Travel Barometer for 2019, providing some great insights on the top travel trends and destinations for Irish consumers in the past year.

In 2019, sales of sun holidays saw an overall increase of 7%, with the Algarve and Lanzarote remaining the top-selling destinations booked throughout the year.

The top-five sun destinations in 2019 were the Algarve, Lanzarote, Costa del Sol, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, cementing their popularity with sun-starved Irish holidaymakers.

However, city breaks were another popular choice for Irish consumers in 2019, with an overall increase of 15%.

The top-five city break destinations were Rome, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, and Lisbon.

The biggest growth for city breaks were Lisbon, which increased by 67%; Venice (up 58%); Vienna (up 55%) and Porto (up 15%).

In 2019, sales of cruise holidays saw a 23% increase, with the most popular cruise destinations being Barcelona, Palma and Copenhagen.

For 2019, Click&Go saw an overall increase of 11% in holiday bookings; camping holidays increased by 12%; and holidays in the USA and Canada increased by 5%.

A new list of EU-wide holiday destinations has pegged Madrid (above), Lisbon (upper right) and Athens (right) as the most affordable, offering value for money and great features

Find an early 2020 holiday that needn’t break the bank SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor FEELING more than a bit broke after all those Christmas and New Year celebrations?

Well, you and me both – at this time of year, most of us can feel like our funds have packed their bags and gone on holiday, leaving moths fluttering around in their wake.

Well, not to worry – even the most cash-strapped of us can still look ahead to some affordable holidays, with a new list (by UK credit experts TotallyMoney) showing some of Europe’s most affordable destinations.

Pulling in data from a wide variety of sources, the list considered factors such as the cost of accommodation, flights, eating out, average temperatures, and the number of free tours on offer, giving each city a score out of ten.

If you’re thinking of an early 2020 getaway this New Year, this list could help save you time and money.

There were some interesting results from the list, with the results pegging marvellous Madrid as Europe’s best holiday destination, with an overall score of 7.6.

Istanbul ranked highest for eating on a budget, scoring an impressive 8.1.

A little further afield, and Russia had two of the highest-ranking cities in Europe (with St Petersburg and Moscow), respectively scoring 7.8 and 7.7 for eating out and drinking costs.

Unsurprisingly, Scandinavian cities dropped to the bottom of the list for affordability, with Oslo only scoring a lowly 2.7 due to costly day-to-day expenditure Going back to the best-value destinations, Madrid topped the list with ease.

Spain’s capital is often overlooked in favour of her second city, Barcelona; however, Madrid is increasingly getting more and more attention, due to its cheap flights, soaring temperatures, and affordable wining and dining.

Madrid also benefits from the country’s rich and fascinating past, boasting beautiful palaces, museums, and the gorgeous El Retiro Park.

Coming in at second place is Lisbon, with its treasures and attractions drawing more and more interest from tourists looking to see more of Portugal’s culture.

While Portugal has a well-deserved reputation for the sandy beaches and golf courses of the Algarve, the colourful hillside harbour city of Lisbon will wow.

Popular The city has become increasingly popular thanks to its hot climate, affordable accommodation, and unintimidating size, which makes it incredibly walkable.

The Portuguese capital is also a food and drink hotspot, with pasteis de nata (custard tarts) its culinary signature dish.

Claiming a very respectable third place on the list is the capital of Greece,

Athens.

The Greek capital offers high average daily temperatures (18.5C), great hotel prices (€40 per night), and affordable wine (€7 per bottle).

You can immerse yourself in the history of the birthplace of democracy at The Acropolis, see an ancient Greek play at The theatre of Dionysus, and visit the roaring epicentre of classical Europe at the hustling markets of The Monastiraki If you’re looking for an affordable foodie break, Eastern European countries are hard to beat, offering a delectable mix of rich culture – and cheap grub – that are easy on the pocket and the palate, too.

For example, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) in Turkey is a culinary capital. With a healthy selection of restaurants, you can sample the full array of Turkish cuisine — at a low cost, too.

In fact, Istanbul boasts the most affordable food in the continent, costing

you just under €6 a day.

And, picking a drink to match your meal won’t cost much either, with wine averaging at just €6 per bottle.

So, whether you want to eat, drink and relax, or enjoy the fast-paced markets at the Grand Bazaar and the nightlife at Taksim Square, there’s something for everyone.

That’s just one of the tempting cities to visit – you won’t go wrong with a trip to Kiev, Ukraine; St Petersburg or Moscow, Russia; or Prague, in the Czech Republic.

While Prague is a destination that’s a little more familiar to Irish holidaymakers, this group of cities are all largely similar in terms of offering greatvalue breaks in cities that are overflowing with history and culture, as well as some superb dining experiences that are surprisingly affordable.

As with any city, these destinations have their fair share of high-end eateries that serve up some eye-watering prices, but

you’ll also find a vast range of superb restaurants and dining options that are very affordable.

At the other end of the scale, Scandinavian cities still have an awful lot to offer — but at a high cost.

The notorious costs of the beautiful Scandinavian cities and countries have unfortunately not improved, with a hefty chunk of change still needed to get the most from the lovely countries (which can sting with often high costs) Oslo and Copenhagen plummet to the bottom of the table for cheap eating. The Danish capital will set you back about €49 for daily dining, while The Tiger City (Oslo) will charge you €7 for a pint and more than €15 for a bottle of wine.

Irish holidaymakers often rave about these great cities, but look set to rant about their costs for some time yet.

For more on the list of rankings, see https:// www.totallymoney. com/exploring-europe/.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 January 2020

DUBLIN SENIORS Home Support Service for Older People THE HSE Home Support Service (formerly called the Home Help Service or Home Care Package Scheme) aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to support informal carers.

The Home Support Service provides you with support for everyday tasks including: • getting in and out of bed • dressing and undressing • personal care such as showering and shaving The support you will receive depends on your individual needs. These supports will be provided by the HSE or by an external provider, approved by the HSE. Costs The Home Support Service is free. You do not need a medical card to apply and your income will not be assessed. However, if you arrange additional home supports, over and above the level funded by the HSE, you will have to pay for these.

Who can apply?

The Home Support Service is available to people aged 65 or over who may need support to continue living at home or to return home following a hospital stay. Sometimes exceptions are made for people younger than 65 who may need support. For example, people with early onset dementia or a disability.

Read more about how to apply for a Home Support Service Read the Home Support Service for Older People Information Booklet Consumer Directed Home Support Consumer Directed Home Support (CDHS) is another way your home support can be delivered by an Approved Provider.

If you are approved for a Home Support Service and HSE staff are not available to deliver the service, then a provider who has been approved by the HSE, will deliver the home support to you.

You will deal directly with the HSE Approved Provider(s) of your choice to arrange days and times of services that meet your essential care needs. These will be identified during your care needs assessment.

You can choose to be considered for CDHS when you are completing your application form. If you apply for, and are approved for CDHS, after your care needs assessment, you will receive a letter from the HSE approving a weekly amount of funding. You can use this to arrange home support from the approved providers you choose.

Further information on CDHS is available in the Home Support Service for Older People Information Booklet.

This week, we look at Home Support Service for Older People, Volunteering and making sense of your cholesterol

Making sense of your cholesterol CHOLESTEROL is a fatty substance which is essential for a healthy nervous system, good digestion and the production of hormones.

Your body produces cholesterol and you also get it from your diet, but too much cholesterol in your blood can be dangerous as it builds up on the walls of your blood vessels and leads to narrowing or hardening of the arteries.

There are two main forms of cholesterol: • LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) - known as ‘bad’ cholesterol • HDL cholesterol (high density lipoproteins) known as ‘good’ cholesterol.

Bad cholesterol This attaches to the wall of the arteries and causes narrowing, which may contribute to angina, heart attack or stroke.

Good cholesterol This cholesterol collects extra, unwanted cholesterol and carries it to the liver where it can be broken down.

High cholesterol There are no symptoms to indicate if you have high cholesterol, but a simple blood test at your doctor’s surgery will show your overall level of cholesterol.

Depending on the results

of this test, your doctor may arrange for you to have a further test that will breakdown the HDL (good) cholesterol from the LDL (bad) and it may be necessary to fast before this test.

Check with your doctor. Remember, one raised reading does not mean you have high cholesterol, as levels may vary from day to day.

Causes of high cholesterol Many factors contribute to high cholesterol. These include: • Not taking enough regular exercise • Too much fat in the diet • Being overweight • Family history of the condition.

Treatment for high cholesterol Simple lifestyle changes may help lower cholesterol levels, including: • Diet – your doctor may refer you to a dietician • Exercise – decreases ‘bad’ cholesterol and increases ‘good’ cholesterol • Weight loss –healthy eating and exercise will help control your weight • Medication – your doctor may prescribe drug treatment.

Irish Heart Foundation www.irishheart.ie

VOLUNTEER WITH FRIENDS OF THE ELDERLY THERE are many opportunities to volunteer with Friends of the Elderly, depending on the amount of time you can commit to and the type of volunteering you are interested in.

Their mission is to bring friendship and companionship to lonely and isolated older people, so if you would like to meet new older friends you can volunteer as a Visiting Volunteer or at one of their social events.

Opportunities also exist for volunteers to share their skills, talents and expertise with our organisation in other areas – marketing, social media, filming, office work and fundraising.

Their future depends on continual and increased involvement of dedicated volunteers. Whether you are available for a few

hours a week, a month or a year, you can make a difference!

Types of Volunteer Opportunities at Friends of the Elderly.

• Visiting Volunteer: Visit an older friend for half-an-hour once a week.

• Social Club Volunteer: Volunteer at their social club for 2 hours per week. All clubs take place at 25 Bolton Street, Dublin 1.

• Friendly Call Volunteer: Volunteer on the Friendly Call line for 2 hours per week, also at Bolton Street • Social Events/Day Trips: Volunteer occasionally and help out at one of their events or day trips.

• Friendly Helper: Be an “on-call volunteer” to help with urgent members’ needs, bring

them to the hospital or taking them shopping.

• Charity Shop: Volunteer 3 hours per week in our Charity shop Ritzy Rags based at 25 Bolton Street • Office Volunteer: Need a flexible volunteer role, help in the office or fundraising Drivers: Transport is a big problem for some older people, you could help bring older members to events or parties. Must hold a valid driver’s license, NCT & insurance.

Friends of the Elderly are constantly looking for new volunteer opportunities to bring friendship and companionship to their older friends and the roles available may vary from those listed above.

Please contact: info@friendsoftheelderly.ie Telephone: 01-8731855.

9 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS ACHIEVABLE ADELAIDE ALRIGHT ARITHMETIC BABBLE CHARM CONRAD FEATURING HEELED HICK MELT

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BASKETBALL P29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

BROTHERS IN ARMS: HURLING: DUBLIN’S senior hurlers got 2020 off to a strong start, with goals key to their victory as they accounted for Carlow by 11 points at Parnell Park on Sunday last.

The win ensures that Dublin are in a good position heading into their final group stages game against Laois. The tie saw two sets of brothers line out for Dublin.

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GAZETTE

SOCCER P28

PAGE 31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS TENNIS | DONNYBROOK MAN RECEIVES FINAL WALKOVER

Osgar starts big year with indoor title  sport@dublingazette.com

DONNYBROOK’S Osgar ó hOisín landed his fourth men’s Shared Access national indoor senior championship last weekend following a final walkover against Mullingar’s Ammar Elamin. Ó hOisín swept through the early stages of the competition, not conceding a game in his 6-0, 6-0 win over Mark Griffin in the second round. He was pushed harder in the quarterfinal by Daniel O’Neill but prevailed 6-3, 6-3 before securing yet another straight sets win in the semi-final against Peter Corrie, 6-1, 6-3.

It set up the final date with Elamin but he duly found out half an hour before the final his opponent was not fit to play due to a shoulder injury.

It meant the 23-year-old picked up the title for a third successive year, kickstarting a big 2020 on the front foot as he embarks on life on the professional circuit following four years

at the University of Wisconsin.

He will depart for Mexico next week for three ITF Futures events with the first of them in Cancun.

Speaking after the final, ó hOisín said: “I was very satisfied with the way I had played in the tournament so it was disappointing for me that Ammar was unable to play in the final.

“I was out on court warming up when Ammar came over to me and gave me the news about his physical condition.

“But still it’s very encouragement to win the indoors four times and it sets me up nicely for the start of my professional career in a few weeks since graduating.

“I am really looking forward to playing on the pro tour and it’s an additional boost that other Irish players such as Simon Carr and Julian Bradley will be playing in the same Mexican tournaments as myself.” Ó hOisín, playing with David Gar-

Tennis Ireland President Shane Cooke presents Osgar O hOisin with his prize for winning the national indoor championships.

diner, was denied a double by Matthew Earle and Conor Gannon in the doubles final 7-5, 7-6.

In the women’s competition, Castleknock’s Caragh Courtney reached the final. She saw off Breda Brennan in round two and Kate Gardiner – both in three sets – in the early rounds before winning against Sol

O’Lideadha 6-1, 7-6.

Third seed Karola Bejenaru, however, prevailed in the final 6-4, 6-4 with Belfast-based Romanian travelling up and down to Dublin for each round of the competition.

The women’s doubles final was won by second seeds Tanya Murtagh and Grainne O’Neill 7-6, 6-1.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 9 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

LUCAN SARSFIELDS BALLYMUN KICKHAMS GREAT WELL done NEWS: to theOur Junior nurseries A la return on Saturday the 18th January at both venues at the usual times.

Time for the children to run off the selection boxes and get back into their Saturday morning fun routine.

Congratulations to Kevin Leahy and his beautiful bride on their recent marriage over the Christmas break, we wish you a long, healthy and happy life together.

The executive committee would like to express our condolences to Eamon Hill and family on their recent bereavement.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Our AGM is an important date of note.

It takes place on Friday 10th January at 8pm in St Kevin’s school library. All members urged to attend.

Our artificial pitch replacement has started, and we advise all juvenile teams that during this process, Pairc Ciceam will essentially be a building site and therefor out of bounds for safety reasons.

We ask all juvenile teams to please comply with this rule.

It’s envisaged that the pitch will be completed by start of February.

Our annual day at the races in Leopardstaown was a huge success, if not in the wallet!

Huge thank you to David Quinlivan and Dermot McMahon for spearheading the event.

Congratulations also to Linda Parnell on her award as ‘club person of the year’.

Most absolutely deserved.

O’TOOLE’S An Cumann Uí Thuathail wish a very Happy New Year to our players, mentors, volunteers, customers, FAS workers, the greater community and everyone associated with the club.

A reminder that for those teams not already back training, it will be very soon.

Our Nursery recommences on Saturday 18th January at 9:30am We’re always looking for players to get involved and become part of the O’Toole’s family. We will be delighted to welcome all children from the age of 4 upwards.

A couple of forthcoming workshops that mentors might be interested in:

Skill based training – football – 24th Jan @ 19:30 – in Ballyboden St Endasclub – with Mick Bohan Moving well, Being well – 29th Jan @19:30 – in Erins Isle club – with Stephen Behan Beginner Goalkeeping Training – football – 21st Feb @19:39 – in Round Towers Clondalkin – with Gary Matthews Entertainment this weekend in our lounge. Saturday night ‘Inner-city’ and Sunday ’Phil Haliday’.

Our ‘Find the Joker’ jackpot is €200 this week.

There was no ‘Club Lotto’ for the last two weeks.

This week the jackpot is €3,600. Just nice after the Christmas spend rush.

SOCCER: DOUBLE PENALTY SAVE ENOUGH FOR COOLOCK CLUB

Whelan’s heroics sends Ayrfield through LEINSTER SENIOR CUP Willow Park 0 Ayrfield United 0 Ayrfield win 4-3 on penalties  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

GOALKEEPER Stephen Whelan saved twice in the penalty shoot-out as Ayrfield United advanced to the third round of the Leinster Senior Cup with victory over Willow Park in Athlone.

Conor Young netted the winning spot-kick after Alex Barry’s spectacular free-kick in extra time had been cancelled out by a Stephen Mullen wonderstrike at the death.

It was Whelan who would have the biggest say, however, stopping Willow Park twice from 12 yards as well as seeing two more saves chalked off for stepping off his line.

Luckless Willow had lost on penalties to Inchicore Athletic in the Lummy O’Reilly Cup two days earlier, but it was Ayrfield’s first game in almost a

month.

The rustiness showed with neither side creating much of note for the majority of the 90 minutes, until Ayrfield winger Keith McCormack was twice denied late on.

Whelan was forced into a terrific stop himself at the death, but it was in the final ten minutes of extra time that the game burst to life.

Barry won a free kick on the edge of the box and curled a wonderful strike up and over the wall and into the top corner past a helpless goalkeeper.

Manager Ciaran McLoughlin, though unofficially retired, had to sub himself on due to injuries and had a perfect view of Mullen’s stunning volley with two minutes remaining.

Whelan was beaten all ends up but he wasn’t to be denied in the shootout, and Alan Connor, Rhys Higgins, Dylan Byrne all scored before Young set up a third round tie with Kilk-

Ayrfield United goalkeeper Stephen Whelan

enny’s Evergreen.

“In your first game back after Christmas, lads are going to be blowing a bit and I don’t think the pitch was great,” says McLoughlin.

“I don’t think we played particularly well but we grinded out a result. For the first one after Christmas, the main thing was making sure we got into the hat for the next round.

“I’ve been there before where a team scores in the

last minute of extra time and they’ve got their tails up and you’d think there’ll be only one winner but we kept positive.”

It’s been a season of change for Ayrfield as they lost their keeper, both full-backs and their two top scorers in the summer, and Whelan was among nine new signings in the off-season.

The arrival of defender Ryan Scully from top-tier Killester Donnycarney is

a boost ahead of a mustwin game against promotion rivals Ardmore Rovers next week.

“We lost the nucleus of our team. We knew we had to rejig and get players in. We got nine new players in. It hasn’t worked out as planned to get them all together with injuries.

“It’s been really stopstart. We’ve played 14 games and we couldn’t name the same starting 11 once all season.”

Shelbourne snap up Deegan

Shelbourne returnee Gary Deegan

SHELBOURNE have bolstered their panel for their League of Ireland Premier Division assault with the signing of midfielder Gary Deegan from Cambridge United.

Having began his career at Shels in 2006, Deegan went on to play for Hibernian, Coventry City and Northampton Town since 2010.

The 32-year-old played in the UEFA Intertoto Cup for the Reds as well as the UEFA Champions League for neighbours Bohemian FC. Deegan won the League of Ireland and FAI Cup double with Bohs in 2008 and also won the English Football League Two Play-Offs with

Southend United in 2015.

Deegan played 41 times for Cambridge United in the 2018/2019 season and 42 times the season previous in the EFL League Two. The Dubliner was also voted onto the 2009 League of Ireland PFAI Team of the Season before being signed by Chris Coleman’s Coventry City.

Shels boss Ian Morris said Deegan arrives set to “help drive us on.”

“I’m really pleased, he’s the one that I’ve been keeping an eye on for quite a while. He brings a wealth of experience to us with attitude, mentality and ability as well.”

9 January 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

TO ADVANCE

BASKETBALL: CLONTARF SIDE THREE POINTS OFF PLAYOFF SPOTS

Killester back in range after win over Celtics WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE  sport@dublingazette.com

HALL OF FAME

Kinlan gets top honour OLD WESLEY’S Stuart Kinlan was honoured with the Leinster Junior Rugby Sean O’Brien Hall of Fame Award.

It comes in recognition of a successful playing career at senior and junior levels over a period of 25 years, his role as a top coach and manager of junior sides and, in particular, a remarkable job as Director of Junior Rugby.

He joined Old Wesley in the 1990/1991 season and went on to play 25 years uninterrupted for the club before taking on the director role in 2013. Since then, the club reached 21 junior finals and won 15 titles.

PYROBEL Killester produced a terrific second half performance to secure a big home victory against Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics on Saturday evening, 69-55.

Liffey welcomed back Sorcha Tiernan from injury while 2018/19 American, Briana Green, has also returned to the side for the remainder of the season, bolstering their ranks.

It made for a close affair between the sides throughout the first half, with the second quarter turning into a shoot out in Clontarf, with Tiernan for Liffey and Aisling McCann for Killester getting 10 points apiece at either end.

Killester just had the edge at the break, 38-34.

Adella Randle El began to assert her authority more for Killester in the second half, combining well with Mimi Clarke for some key scores while Green, Tiernan and Ailbhe O’Connor replied at the other end.

It left Killester in front 58-50 before ahuge fourth quarter from the hosts followed, with Randle El dominant throughout. Scores from McCann, Rebecca Nagle and a solid drive from Christa Reed gave the Dubliners some breathing room, and they pushed on from there to win out 69-55 in the end.

Speaking afterwards, Killester coach Karl Kilbride said: “I’m delighted with the result - the performance is what you expect with it being the first game after Christmas.

“It was pretty sloppy in the first half; we couldn’t buy a basket in the first few minutes, we got a bunch of open looks and it wouldn’t go down.

“Once we got going, so did Liffey Celtics, which made it a very back and forth first half.

We were a bit annoyed that there were times we were excellent defensively and then times we were giving up easy ones.

“We talked about taking away the easy ones at half time and did a much better job in the second half.

Killester’s Adella Randle El takes on Brianna Green. Picture: Michelle La Grue photography

“Credit to Liffey Celtics; they’ve had a couple of changes and injuries and they kept working, Sorcha was excellent and having Briana back will probably put the league on notice again.

“Overall, we played well enough to get a relatively comfortable win in the end, which is a good sign heading into next week.”

Elsewhere, DCU Mercy were clinical in their dominant away win over Marble City Hawks, winning out 49-78 in the end.

A terrific team performance from the visitors

saw them command the lead from the start and they set the pace on defence making it very difficult for Hawks, to drive into a 26-43 point half time lead.

Elaine Kennington tried to produce some magic for the home side in the second half but the scoring from DCU’s Hannah Thornton, Meredith Burkhall and Sarah Woods helped Mercy extend their lead further going into the last, and drove on from there to win and remain at the top of the table.

Rooney races to Dub Masters title DUBLIN MASTERS CROSS COUNTRY  sport@dublingazette.com

CLONLIFFE Harriers’ Colm Rooney took the men’s overall title at the Dublin Masters Cross Country championships in St Anne’s Park, He traversed the 6km, four lap course, taking up the pace from the start and he built an imposing lead, finishing in 20.10, 48 seconds ahead of Liffey Valley’s Pierce Geoghegan.

Metro St Brigid’s Kate O’Neill led home the women’s field of over 200 women. The race was run over 3k and consisted of two laps of 1,500m.

The short distance made this a very competitive and tight race throughout the field with O’Neill, in the Over-35s category, taking to the front as

soon as the gun went.

She ran a very controlled race with her second lap quicker than her first showing how she managed this race extremely well, finishing in a time of 11.55, two seconds ahead of Raheny’s Kate Purcell with Malahide woman Annette Kealy – the leading Over-50s athlete – finished in third place.

There were Masters team results with Sportsworld, Raheny and Donore Harriers taking the Women’s over 35 team prizes. The top three over 50 teams for women were Raheny, Blackrock and Sportsworld. The men’s over 35 team winners were Raheny, Rathfarnham and Sportsworld while Raheny also won the over 50 teams Colm Rooney takes off. Picture: Deryck Vincent ahead of Donore Harriers and Rathfarnham.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 9 January 2020

RUGBY

CAMOGIE: COUNTY SIDE WIN UP TEMPO CONTEST

Dublin win All-Star Christmas cracker ANNUAL DUB STARS Dublin 1-14 All-Stars 0-7  sport@dublingazette.com

Lansdowne have a shot at silverware in April.

Sheehan’s late try pins down final spot for Lansdowne BATEMAN CUP Lansdowne 20 City of Armagh 17  sport@dublingazette.com

THE BATEMAN Cup final, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, will be a Division 1A derby as Lansdowne edged out City of Armagh 20-17 in a thrilling contest, setting up a final date with Cork Constitution.

Armagh were runners-up last year and came within a couple of minutes of a famous victory on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch.

It took a late Sheehan try and some last-gasp defending to get Lansdowne over the finish line. Despite an early shot at the posts and the bulk of first half possession, the home side could not punch holes in the Armagh defence.

Indeed, it was Willie Faloon’s charges who took a 14th minute lead when out-half Cormac Fox’s penalty punished a high tackle. Yet, Lansdowne hit back in the second quarter with Peter Hastie levelling from the tee before Leinster Academy hooker Dan Sheehan’s opening try in the 24th minute.

A strong lineout drive and a flick out wide saw Sheehan cross in the corner, and with Philip Fletcher paying the price for Armagh’s indiscipline with a 32nd-minute yellow card, Sheehan’s second try arrived from another maul to make it 13-3 at the interval.

Armagh had nothing to lose in the second half and played like it. Following Darragh Murphy’s sin-binning, they pressed for a try and just when a turnover looked costly, a charged-down kick prompted a madcap few seconds and the quick-thinking JJ Scheepers cross unchallenged from a tapped penalty.

Buoyed by their stout defending at the other end, Armagh deservedly went ahead in the 74th minute. Gerard Treanor was fed from the back of a maul and stepped inside the cover to touch down, with his half-back partner Fox’s touchline conversion putting four points between them – 17-13.

Lansdowne needed something special in response, and they got it in the 80th minute. An inch-perfect cross-field kick stretched Armagh to the left, and when the ball was whipped back to the right, once again it was Sheehan who popped up to finish.

Replacement Tim Foley converted and it was necessary as there was still time for Armagh to retake the lead. The final whistle was blown with the ball only inches short of Lansdowne’s line. Armagh had fired their final shot but the hosts had hung on in gritty fashion.

Mark McHugh’s men will meet Cork Con in a repeat of the 2018 decider which Lansdowne won 32-12 to lift the Bateman Cup for the first time since 1931. The headquarters club will host Con before then in the league on Saturday, March 21.

THE Dublin senior selection won a festive, uptempo challenge against the Dublin Camogie Stars of the 2019 championship just before the turn of the year at Abbotstown.

T h e m i l d -we a t h e r made for a lively affair to shake off the cobwebs and look forward to the new year with gusto with the pick of the club season facing a county squad overseen by new manager John Treacy.

A f t e r a t e n t a t ive start, the Stars Caragh Dawson, from St Jude’s, opened the scoring before Cuala’s Sinead Wylde evened things up.

Na Fianna’s Roisin Baker hit the upright for Dublin soon after but Plunkett’s Gaby Couch pounced to drive the sliotar into the net for the game’s only goal. Their side was forced to defend stoutly, only conceding to a Beth Whyte drive over the bar.

Jude’s Aoife Walsh, C a s t l e k n o c k ’s Ao i fe Whelan, Naomh Mearnog’s Laura Twomey and Wylde augmented their lead while a penalty was missed as Dublin looked set to race clear with Whyte getting a second reply.

Jody Couch did surface with a free to keep the Stars in the game at 0-4 to 1-7 down at half-time.

It laid the base for a spectacular second half.

Baker did add another the Dublin tally but the Stars matched the point for point with Whyte cracking over her third score.

Leah Butler, another from Jude’s, retaliated with a mighty thump of the sliotar over the bar only for Niamh Gannon

Dublin’s senior selection, above, the Stars team, below, that took part in the annual challenge match. Picture: ilivephotos.com

to roar up the right wing and land a point for the Stars.

Dawson plucked an impressive sliotar from the air and continued its journey over the bar with a firm strike. Wylde, in one solo action, blocked down a strike, won ball off the ground and pointed in one glorious intervention.

Butler put a stop to the opposition scoring spree and added a point of her own and Beth Whyte rebounded for another point for the Dub Stars.

Not to be outdone, the seniors went into over-

drive for three successive points of their own: Kerrie Finnegan’s sublime pass to Wylde opened up for a point.

Wylde then hit arguably the best score of the game with a catch, run and strike sequence of elegance which was unstoppable.

Lucan Sarsfields’ Mairi Moynihan put in her customary display of tenacity as the tie closed out with both sides scoring seven quality second half points.

Happy players, satisfied coaches, proud families, inspired younger

players. An exhibition and celebration of camogie.

Jenny Byrne, Chairperson of the Camogie Board, did the honours in the after match presentations stating that this game marks the beginning of the camogie year.

Player of the Match went to Caragh Dawson.

The trophy was presented to Dublin senior player Sinead Wylde, who graciously accepted with some fine words ‘as gaeilge’.

Dub Star Aisling Carolan accepted the runner up medals.

9 January 2020 CITY  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

HURLING: NAOMH FIONNBARRA MAN STRIKES TWICE IN BIG WALSH CUP WIN

Dillon double destroys Carlow’s chances WALSH CUP

Dublin 3-20 Carlow 0-18  CÓILÍN DUFFY sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN’S senior hurlers got 2020 off to a strong start, with goals key to their victory as they accounted for Carlow by 11 points at Parnell Park on Sunday last.

The win ensures that Dublin are in a good position heading into their final group stages game t o n i g h t ( T h u r s d ay) against Laois at Parnell Park at 7.45pm; with a win or a draw guaranteeing Mattie Kenny’s side a place in the semi-finals against Galway.

Kenny was happy to have his side back in action after they took a break for the Christmas period but are now ready to build-up for the Allianz League, which begins later this month.

“We gave the guys Christmas off, so it was good to get back on the pitch today,” he said after the game.

“We are blessed with the weather. It’s early January and, weath-

erwise, you could get anything at this time of the year. Parnell Park is in good shape, and the weather is good, so it was a good run out for everybody.

“Mostly, I’m happy with getting the lads out on the park, and getting them playing again.

“When you are training this time of the year, it’s nice to have a game to see where you are at, and get feedback from that match, and also get game-time into the guys.”

Two early goals from Eamonn Dillon set the tone for this contest, with Na Fianna’s Donal Burke also finding the net, on the way to a 12-point interval lead.

Carlow welcomed back their St Mullins contingent, including sharp-shooter Martin Kavanagh (0-8), who helped keep them ticking over from placed balls.

Dillon was goal hungry early on, and found the net twice within 11 minutes of the throw-in.

He made it 2-1 to 0-3 with back-to-back goals

after Carlow had made the initial running, leading by a couple of points before the Naomh Fionnbarra man rattled the net.

Dublin drove on and, w i t h T h o m a s D av i s clubman Davy Keogh; Ballyboden St Enda’s Paul Ryan (2), debutant Andrew Dunphy (from St Brigid’s) and Cuala’s Mark Schutte on target, Kenny’s charges moved 2-6 to 0-3 ahead.

It was an excellent response by Dublin to Carlow’s early burst, firing 2-5 without reply and causing the Barrowsiders strong problems in defence.

Carlow however didn’t lie down, and hit a purple patch of their own, with eight unanswered points, including some Kava n a g h s c o re s to reduce the gap to the minimum by the 31st minute.

Dublin rallied again before the break, with Schutte slotting over a fine point from play, before Burke’s goal, and an Oisin O’Rorke (0-5) point ensured a 3-8 to 0-12 interval lead.

FOOTBALL

U-20s fall to Meath

Na Fianna siblings Kevin and Donal Burke made club history as the first brothers to represent the club together on a senior county hurling team.

Dublin outscored their opponents by doublescores (0-12 to 0-6) in the closing period.

With the aid of unlimited subs, they utilised the bench well with brothers getting in on the act, as Kevin Burke (sibling of Donal) and Enda O’Donnell, brother of Eoghan, handed their first senior appearances.

In all, Dublin made 11 substitutions, with 12 players getting their n a m e o n t h e s c o re s h e e t , w i t h L o rc a n McMullan (0-2), James Madden, Fergal Whitely, Alex O’Neill and Cian Boland (0-1 each), also on target.

For Carlow, it was their second defeat having already fallen 3-19 to 0-22 to Laois which Dublin proved too strong for Westmeath in their tie on December 15, coming out with a 1-22 to 0-17 success.

Westmeath’s win over Laois last Sunday means Dublin are the only side remaining with a perfect record and a large points d i f fe re n t i a l i n t h e i r favour over their rivals in the group.

DUBLIN’S Under-20 footballers opened their John Kerins Development League with a narrow defeat to Meath in Dunganny on Saturday, 2-13 to 2-11..

First half goals from Ciarán McKeown and Ciarán Murphy helped Dublin to a 2-8 to 1-4 lead with Jordan Morris hitting the Royal County goal.

The Dubs made several changes for the second half and made some alterations later in the period as Meath took control in the final 15 minutes.

Dylan Keating’s 59th minute goal helped Meath to victory. Dublin face Kildare, victors over Laois on Saturday, in their next game in Hawkfield, Kildare (2pm).

GazetteSPORT JANUARY 9-15, 2020

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

OSGAR’S TOP CLASS START

TENNIS: Fourth

national indoor title for Donnybrook club man to start his maiden year on the professional tennis circuit. SEE P27

EX MASTERS ATHLETICS:

Clonliffe and Raheny runners shine at Dublin masters in St Anne’s Park. SEE P28

BROTHERS IN BLUE ARMS HURLING: Dublin field two sets of brothers as they move into a strong position in the Walsh Cup group stages.

SEE P31

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Mercy and Killester on brink of national final NATIONAL CUP SEMIS

 sport@dublingazette.com

DCU MERCY and Pyrobel Killester are both on the road to Cork this weekend looking to swoop in on a Hula Hoops National final berth from their respective semi-finals.

T h ey w i l l ta ke o n Singleton SuperValu Brunell and Ambassador UCC Glanmire, respectively, hoping to advance their hopes of Paudie O’Connor Cup glory.

The 2018 champions, DCU, face off against the 2019 cup finalists from Brunell at 6pm on Saturday. DCU will be hoping they can make their way back to the National Basketball Arena this year after losing out in the semis last year to eventual winners, Le ixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics.

Mark Ingle’s charges currently sit top of the league with just one loss to date this season and boast a hugely talented Irish core, along with two strong Americans in Meredith Burkhall and Ashley Russell.

Brunell are sitting eighth in the league but have been playing better than their record suggests. Although they are without the services of Amy Waters this season, Sinead O’Reilly has been a welcome addition, while Danielle O’Leary, Katie Walshe and Treyanna Clay have been key for them.

Looking ahead to the game, DCU’s Mark Ingle said: “We’re feeling great going in, but it doesn’t

DCU Mercy’s Sarah Woods is hoping to add another national cup title to their 2018 crown.

Picture: Martin Doherty

“We’re feeling great going in, but it doesn’t

matter how we feel. It’s whether the players are ready and prepared“ matter how we feel. It’s whether the players are ready and prepared and are in good shape – that’s what matters when it comes to big games.

“We’re looking forward to the game and I’d imagine Brunell will be fancying their chances, so it’ll come down to the day and hopefully we’ll have the work done.”

The first semi sees Killester face Glanmire

in a hugely-anticipated battle at 2pm on Saturday. Both teams come into the game in strong league form, with Killester on a three-game winning streak, while Glanmire have dropped just one game in their last five.

Glanmire had the better of the exchanges in their last encounter in Cork in November, winning out 95-75 in an

assured and clinical display.

Killester have regrouped well since then though and, with Irish stars Aisling McCann and Rebecca Nagle consistently shooting well, coupled with the threat of Americans, Adella Randle El and Christa Reed, they will be hoping that they can do enough this time around.

Glanmire also have many weapons in their ranks, with Shrita Parker one of the standout performers throughout the league at the moment, while fellow American Tatum Neubert has also been causing problems for other teams.

Killester boss Karl Kilbride cannot wait for the contest: “We’re obviously very excited. It’s been four frustrating years

since we’ve been here and we’re looking forward to the opportunity.

“Glanmire will obviously be going into the game as hot favourites for a number of reasons, but while we may be underdogs, we certainly won’t lack confidence and a desire to win. We truly believe the best version of us is capable of beating any team on any day.”