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RELATIVES DEFIANT AS NEW ENQUIRY INTO 1981 BLAZE REJECTED
‘We’ll never give up on a verdict’ – Stardust families The tragic Stardust site
MARK O’BRIEN THE families of the victims of the Stardust fire have vowed to fight on after they were denied a new enquiry into the cause of the disaster. The February 14 1981 blaze claimed the lives of 48 people and injured more than 100 others.
On Tuesday, a report from Judge Pat McCartan recommended against a new enquiry, branding a dossier of fresh evidence compiled by the Stardust Victims Committee as “rambling, argumentative, disorganised and at times incoherent” – a finding the committee rejected. See Page 9
2 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 9 November 2017
COLLEGE GREEN | DECISION TO SEEK EXTRA PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Plaza plans parked in favour of extra input EMMA NOLAN
THE College Green Plaza plans have been delayed as An Bord Plenala (ABP) decide that another period of public consultation is needed. A decision on whether the €10 million development would be given the go-ahead was due on November 2, but will now not be announced until next April. Now, ABP’s decision may interfere with the beginning of Luas Cross City operations as buses will still run on the roads, and subsequently on the new tracks. The plans, if approved, will see College Green
To be, or not to be – that is the question, as the proposed College Green Plaza plan has been delayed
completely transformed into a pedestrianised area with no traffic at all on Dame Street. Proposals to build the plaza have been in place since May, when Dublin City Council wrote to
ABP requesting permission for its construction. The delay is due to the board’s stance that banning traffic from the area will have “wider city implications”. Some businesses, Dub-
lin Bus and the National Transport Authority have also expressed concern over the plans. In a letter to the council, ABP said the new information in the plans included “significant additional data in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area”. The board has insisted on another period of public consultation in light of the new information, which will be published in the next two weeks. The news comes ahead
of permanent traffic diversions which were put in place on Tuesday to allow for the Luas Cross City to begin next month. As of Tuesday, private cars will not be permitted to drive down half of Dawson Street, and there will be a contra-flow lane introduced for the new Luas line. This means that only trams will be permitted full access to Dawson Street. Buses will have partial access, and all other vehicles will have access between Stephen’s Green and the turn off for Molesworth Street. There will be no access changes for pedestrians.
FASTNews
Halloween chaos sparks a call for more enforcement CALLS for “more robust enforcement” following the chaos of Halloween have been made by Dublin North West TD, Noel Rock. Deputy Rock (FG) said he never had as many complaints in any year as he did last week in relation to fireworks, bangers, antisocial behaviour and dumped materials. Dublin Fire Brigade said they received 1,100 calls on Halloween night. Deputy Rock added: “It’s clear that when it comes to fireworks and antisocial behaviour, we need far more robust enforcement. It’s clear that laws are not being properly enforced here and the overwhelming view of people is that this needs to be more strictly applied.”
Centra Parnell Street wins a top international award A PARNELL Street shop has won an Innovative Store of the Year award from an international group, IGD, which visited more than 700 stores across 50 countries before shortlisting just seven stores for their commitment to innovation. The Dublin outlet scored the highest marks on key criteria including shopper benefits, uniqueness, and the implementation of new thinking in retail brand strategy. Centra Panrell Street owner Noel Dunne said: “To be recognised on the world stage underlines the fact that Ireland is setting the standard globally and I am very humbled that my store has won this award.”
Dublin Chamber welcomes Facebook’s jobs growth
Not Browne-d off at a festival launch LEGENDARY broadcaster Vincent Browne was in fine form at the launch of The Temple Bar Company’s inaugural Festival of Politics. Vincent’s fearsome interrogations were kept to a minimum as the seasoned pundit discussed the upcoming festival, which runs from November 22 to 26 at a number of venues across Temple Bar, and will see everything from Donald Trump to the Middle East up for discussion. For further information, see festivalofpolitics.ie. Picture: Michael Chester
BUSINESS group Dublin Chamber has welcomed a commitment by Facebook to create “hundreds” of new jobs in Ireland over the coming 12 months. The chamber said the announcement is a validation of what Ireland has to offer the best companies in the world, with its chief executive, Mary Rose Burke, saying: “Yet again, we see that the biggest and best companies in the world want to do business in Ireland. “Facebook’s commitment to Ireland sends a message to the rest of the world about our credentials as a business location. We look forward to seeing the company expand its presence here.” Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 3
A CLONDALKIN councillor is hoping to become Ireland’s entry for Eurovision next year. Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) has submitted his new song “Keep You Warm” for consideration for next year’s contest which will be held in Lisbon, Portugal from May 8 to 12. Cllr Gilligan released his debut EP, “My 1st Album” to rave reviews earlier this year. He told The Gazette that music has always been a passion of his. “It’s something that I’m really interested in,” he said. “I love music, I’ve a passion for it and I’m interested in the Eurovision and I think that with the songs from the past, I don’t think they were us putting our best foot forward. “I think I can bring something to the table when it comes to Ireland’s Eurovision entry.” Cllr Gilligan said that he would love to see Ireland return to the glory days of the 1990s when we won four contests in five years. “If we were capable of doing it then, we’re capable of doing it now,” he said. He added that he felt a good song could overcome any obstacles, such as block voting from other nations. “I think if we put our best song forward the music will overcome any country, any kind of favouritism,” he said. “If the song is good and the vocals are good and the performance is good, I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t win or even if we didn’t win, just put in a good showing to give us something to look forward to and hope for in the future.” In spite of his musical ambitions, Cllr Gilligan said that he won’t be leaving the people of Clondalkin any time soon to pursue fame and fortune. “I do love my politics,” he said. “I’m from Clondalkin, I’ve lived here all my life. “I went to Clonburris and Moyle Park and a lot of the people I would deal with would be people I know from the community – friends, family and so on - and I love what I do.”
GILLIGAN’S GOING FOR EUROVISION GLORY
4 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 9 November 2017
Out and About
Gaelscoil Lios na nOg Ranelagh captain Eli Horan lifts the Corn An Cheid Cup with St Aidan’s SNS Brookfield captain Calvin Duffy following their draw. Pictures: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
Schools enjoy big day at Croke Park C
ROKE Park was thronged last week for the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol finals with hundreds of primary school children from around Dublin enjoying a big day out on the hallowed turf. The venue played host to two days of finals of the annual primary schools Gaelic football finals with over a dozen titles on the line, all played out in front of fervent support from the children’s schoolmates and their families. Dublin senior football stars Jonny Cooper and Ciaran Kilkenny were also on hand to add to the occasion, taking selfies with groups of fans and players in tandem with the Sam Maguire trophy.
Croke Park steward Billy
Meadhbh Larkin of Glasnevin Educate Together in action against Ellen Gavigan of Donabate Portrane Educate Together
Dublin footballers Ciaran Kilkenny, left, and Jonny Cooper pose for a photo with fans
Murphy
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 5
Donabate Portrane Educate Together team-mates celebrate their victory over St Patrick’s NS Glencullen
St Laurence O’Tooles CBS players David Byrne, Travis Keogh and Cole Kavanagh, following their side’s victory over Scoil Santain Tamhlacht
Vincent Bell of Donabate Portrane Educate Together in action against Jack Keane of St Patrick’s NS Glencullen
Aoife Brown of St. Patrick’s NS Diswellstown in action against Evie
Ellen Ni Dhrisceoil of Scoil Bhride Raghnallach Ellen Ni
Dowling of Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS Johnstown
Dhrisceoil of Scoil Bhride Raghnallach
6 DUBLIN CITY GAZETTE 9 November 2017
ARTS | KIMMAGE CREATOR SHOWING HER WORK
AT THE RDS
Making animal portraits isn’t ruff work for Ger EMMA NOLAN
AN ANIMAL-loving artist from Kimmage who creates portraits of pets will be showing her work at a national art fair in the RDS this month. Artist and jewellery maker Geraldine Murphy creates animal-inspired wall hangings using copper sheeting and colourful vitreous enamel from her studio in Kimmage, and will be featured at Ireland’s premier art fair, Art Source, from November
10-12. She said: “Every single living creature in this world is significant and I love capturing the special qualities each animal has, both physical and emotional. “I try to make something that people can easily relate to, that is uplifting and tells them something about their own life and, most importantly, that makes them smile.” Geraldine’s work has been described as a cross between art and sculp-
ture, with her wall hanging images of dogs, cats, horses, birds and other animals having an almost threedimensional appearance. As well as her original pieces, Geraldine also offers a portrait service for people’s cats, dogs, horses and other animals if requested. “Pets bring so much joy, laughter and love to people’s lives – I’m very happy to capture that and the love people have for their animals,” she said. As an artist, Geraldine
COURTS | INCIDENT BY BOI BRANCH
87-year-old man robbed of €2,500
A FATHER-of-three who robbed an elderly man of €2,500 has claimed he tries to make up for the crime every day “by doing good things for people”, a court has heard. Alan Behan (26), with an address at Benmadigan Road, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty to one count of robbing cash from then 87-year-old Robert Lynch outside a BOI branch in Walkinstown on August 26, 2016. Behan apologised “face to face” to his octogenarian victim outside Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, defence counsel said. “I wish I could take it back,” Behan wrote in a letter read out in court. “Ever since I committed this crime, I’ve tried to make up for it every day by doing good things for people.” Detective Garda Kevin O’Shaughnessy told Maddie Grant BL, prosecuting, that Mr Lynch visited a Bank of Ireland ATM in Walkinstown on the day in question and withdrew €2,500. As he was walking back to his car, Behan appeared and grabbed hold of him, demanding he hand over the money. As Mr Lynch struggled to protect the cash in his pocket, he fell to the ground
before Behan made off with the cash. Mr Lynch, who is now 88, was in court for the sentence hearing. He was extremely afraid during the incident and suffered a small cut to his arm, but has made a full recovery, the court heard. He did not wish to make a victim impact statement Behan was identified by gardai on CCTV footage and arrested a few months after the offence. He has 17 previous convictions, including for dangerous driving, drink driving, aggravated burglary, criminal damage and assault. The court heard Behan suffers from significant mental health issues, including anxiety and bipolar disorder, defence barrister James Dwyer BL said. Medical records say Behan was suffering a “manic episode” and was “not of sound mind” at the time of the robbery. Judge Karen O’Connor noted Behan had made the choice not to take his medication and despite his mental state, “had the wherewithal to choose his victim carefully”. She adjourned the matter to allow for an updated psychiatric report and a probation report. Behan will be sentenced on December 19.
said she thrives on revealing the special qualities each animal has, both physical and emotional, in her work. “Every single living creature in this world is significant. So often, we let our egos get in the way of seeing animals for who and what they are. “Anyone who loves animals know they occupy another, much better universe, a softer one that brings so much joy and laughter.” Geraldine’s own love of animals extends to providing homes for strayed or abandoned pets. Her animal family includes a border collie, a whippet and three exbattery hens, and her dogs often accompany her to work. “Dogs are amazing employees! I discuss all
FASTNews
New exhibition on show at the Pearse Museum
of my design, marketing and sales ideas with them – their feedback is incredibly valuable; they agree with everything I say, and they think all of my ideas are fantastic,” she joked. Art Source admission is priced at €10 for adults, €8 for OAPs, while chil-
dren under 16 go free, if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Opening times are on Friday, November 10 from 11am to 9pm; Saturday, November 11 from 10am to 6pm; and on Sunday, November 12 from 10am to 6pm.
Hear you go, Francis
THE one and only Francis Brennan was on hand to get to grips with a range of hearing issues at the Specsavers stand at the 50 Plus Expo at the RDS recently. The popular hotelier and TV personality busied himself learning about a range of hearing-related issues that can affect some older people, as well as taking a good look at Specsavers’s services to help in the event of hearing difficulties. One thing that everyone passing by the stall heard loud and clear was Francis’s typically infectious wit and good humour. Picture: Paul Sherwood
THE Space Between – a new art exhibition – is now open at the Pearse Museum, Rathfarnham. The annual joint touring exhibition of artworks is drawn from the collections of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) of Northern Ireland. The exhibition features 38 artworks from public collections, and was chosen by a group of graphic design and illustration students from Ulster University, Belfast School of Art. The title of the exhibition reflects the students’ approach to the process as their discussions and debates on the final selection of artworks reflected “the space between” – the space between the disciplines of graphic design. The exhibition runs until January.
The Beast set to rule Dublin
THE Beast – described as the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course – will set up at the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, from December 15-17. After a sell-out success in London, The Beast will be here for a limited time, and at 272m long, The Beast is described as the ultimate bouncy castle experience – for adults! Organisers invite adults to challenge friends, colleagues or family members to run, bounce and dance their way around 32 obstacles before the clock runs out. DJs, street food, craft beer and whiskey tasting along with a Christmas market, karaoke room, an inflatable photo booth and more will add to the fun.
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 7
8 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 9 November 2017
HERITAGE | DIVE INTO THE STORY OF OUR CITY’S NATURAL TREASURE
New book on Dublin Bay to make a splash A BOOK about the coastal ecosystem that surrounds Dublin was released last week. Co-authored by Rob Goodbody, David Jeffrey and Richard Nairn, Dublin Bay – Nature and History delves into Dublin Bay’s rich historical and natural life as one of the most celebrated shorelines in the literary world, thanks in part to the work of James Joyce. The three tell the fascinating story of Dublin Bay
with the development of Dublin as a port city being mirrored by changes in the coastal environment. Richard Nairn is a writer and ecologist who regularly sails, swims and fishes in Dublin Bay; David Jeffrey is Emeritus Professor of Biology at Trinity College, and lives in Howth, while Rob Goodbody is a Dublin geographer and planner. Joycean scholar, Senator David Norris was on hand to launch the book, which he described “a wonderful-
Senator David Norris with the book’s co-authors, David Jeffrey, Rob Goodbody and Richard Nairin. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.
ly rich repository of facts, references, photographs and immensely interesting
detail about Dublin Bay and our capital city”. He added: “There are
few shorelines in the world that are better celebrated in literature than Dublin Bay. James Joyce set much of the action of his famous novel, Ulysses, in Dublin Bay – it would be fair to call the bay one of its characters.” Co-author Jeffrey said: “The bay is a life support system, an economic asset and an invaluable recreational resource. This new look at a familiar seascape authoritatively explains its importance to the past, present and future of our city and country.” Published by The Collins Press, Dublin Bay – Nature and History is available nationwide now, priced €24.99.
FASTNews
Etherson’s Butchers serve up a slice of success at top awards ETHERSON’S Butchers have been named as two of the best shops in Ireland, winning Best High Street Butcher Shop for the shop based at Cabra Road, and Best Shop in a Shopping Centre for the shop based in Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, Castleknock. The awards were presented at this year’s Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland (ACBI) Star Shop Awards, held recently at ACBI’s national gala dinner and awards ceremony at the K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare. Seamus Etherson, of Etherson’s Butchers, was delighted to claim the award for Best High street Butcher Shop for his Cabra shop, and Best shop in a Shopping Centre for his Laurel Lodge shop. The awards were presented by John Hickey, chief executive, ACBI and Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, Andrew Doyle, both pictured here with Seamus Etherson, right.
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 9
REPORT | NEW ENQUIRY INTO 1981 BLAZE TRAGEDY IS REJECTED
Sardines or experienced submariners might care to squash into this bedroom, but for most people, such living conditions are appalling. Screengrab: RTE Player
Council reacts to highlighted housing issues in Prime Time
EMMA NOLAN
DUBLIN City Council (DCC) has responded to last week’s Prime Time Investigates programme on serious issues in rented accommodation in Dublin. The show, which aired on RTE last week showed some of the appalling conditions in a number of properties in the city – with up to 60 tenants crammed into a single property in one extreme case. Local authorities are responsible for the inspection of private rental properties, and the council has since admitted that it “needs to make it easier” for the public to report such conditions. A council spokesperson said: “In relation to criticism of Dublin City Council in the Prime Time Investigates programme, some of this was justified and any weakness/deficiencies identified on how complaints were dealt with will be rectified immediately.” In light of the revelations highlighted in the RTE investigation, Threshold – the national housing charity – has called for an NCT-type certification system for private rented housing, whereby landlords would be obliged to prove compliance with minimum standards before they could rent their properties.
Threshold chair Dr Aideen Hayden said: “The current system, in which local authorities are responsible for the inspection of properties in the private rented sector, is not fit for purpose. “Local authorities do not have the capacity to inspect and effectively enforce minimum standards. “We are calling for a certification system to be put in place where the onus would be on landlords to prove their compliance with minimum standards.
Penalty system “If a certificate does not exist, the penalty for renting should be severe so that there is no excuse for being outside the system. “Inspections would then focus solely on whether the landlord held a certificate of compliance.” DCC has conceded that the current legislation around overcrowding (the 1966 Housing Act) “needs to be updated and strengthened with much greater penalties on property owners who do not comply”. In the meantime, however, DCC have said that they will shortly initiate a major public awareness campaign around the issue of sub-standard and dangerous accommodation in the private rental sector.
Stardust families vow not to give up MARK O’BRIEN THE families of the victims of the Stardust disaster have vowed to fight on after they were denied a new enquiry into the cause of the disaster this week. The fire at the Stardust Ballroom in Artane on February 14, 1981 claimed the lives of 48 people and injured more than 100 others. In January, Deputy Tommy Broughan (Ind) brought a motion to the Dail calling for the establishment of a new Commission of Investigation into the disaster after the Stardust Victims Committee said it had new evidence that would support a new enquiry. T he Government amended the motion, and tasked Judge Pat McCartan with reviewing the new evidence. However, on Tuesday, the Department of Justice released Judge M c C a r t a n ’s r e p o r t , which concluded that a new enquiry was not warranted, calling the dossier of evidence compiled by researcher Geraldine Foy “rambling, argumentative, disorganised and at times incoherent”. Speaking af ter the release of the report, Antoinette Keegan – who lost two sisters in the fire and was injured herself – said she was disappointed with the findings of the enquiry, but vowed to fight on. She said: “Today is actually after making me stronger, much stronger than I ever was before. I was gutted earlier on, but I’m stronger now. I’m not letting them away with it.” This is the third enquiry into the tragedy, with the cause of the fire having never been established.
Antoinette said that she wants the cause of the fire to be a matter of public record: “The 48 that are dead, they don’t even have a verdict. There’s no verdict recorded on the coroner’s certificate.” Deputy Broughan said that he was very disappointed with the outcome of the report. He said: “I feel very sad for Antoinette Keegan and those other families who have fought so hard for justice for their loved ones. “I have always hoped that we would have justice similar to what recently happened with the Hillsborough disaster in Liverpool.
‘Unfinished justice’ “Seeking justice for the relatives and victims of the Stardust disaster still remains unfinished business. It is a sad day for the constituency.” Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan released a statement following the release of the report. He said: “The Stardust fire was undoubtedly one of the greatest tragedies in the history of this country and the Government considered it important to assess all available evidence, including any new material that may have
come to light. “Having carefully considered the two previous independent reports on
the tragedy, and having considered all material made available to him, Judge McCartan con-
cluded that no further new enquiry is warranted. “I want to acknowledge the terrible pain and loss of the relatives of the victims and the fact that the report does not come to the conclusion that they would have wished for. “This report by Judge McCartan is the third independent assessment of the available evidence and, while I understand that the pain of the relatives is compounded by the failure to discover the cause of the fire, this report concludes that no new enquiry is warranted.”
10 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 9 November 2017
Out and About
John McKIbben, Aisling O’Loughlin and Jonothan Sultan
Damien Halpin, Brian McCarthy, John McDonagh and Peter Menton. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Isobel D’Arcy and Marianna Verdes
Karen Jacobson
Fundraising dinner at The Shelbourne O
Susan Tyrrell ,Renee Tyrell and Cathy Tutaj
UTREACH Moldova held their annual charity lunch in the Shelbourne Hotel last week. The lunch raised much-needed funds for the charity, which provides services to children who have been abandoned or orphaned in Moldova. Founded in 2000, the group also provides assistance to children with special needs and terminal illness in the country.
Roz Flanagan
Theresa Gilchrest MacKeogh and John Patton
Emily MacKeogh
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 11
Vichy Dermablend pop-up ‘highcoverage’ masterclass with celebrity makeup artist Lucy Gibson at Tara Bulidings Dublin. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
A first look at some new makeup trends
Imi Dutton and Chloe Hennigan
L
OVERS of makeup gathered at Dublin’s trend Tara Buildings for behind the scenes access to Vichy’s Dermablend Masterclass pop-up event with celebrity makeup artist Lucy Gibson. TV3 star Muireann O’Connell, stylist Cathy O’Connor and RTE presenter Blathnaid Treacy were among the VIPs in attendance, trying the new Dermablend products before they hit the market, getting top tips from Gibson
Melanie Morris and Mark Rogers
Lili Forberg
Debbie Leonard and Marie Cathy O’Connor
Joseph
Carina May
James Patrice and Blathnaid Treacy
Amy Heffernan
12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
MOTORS P22
DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
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CRAFTS: TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY A WONDERFUL, RELAXING PASTIME MAKE IT GAME, SET AND MATCH FOR TENNIS BALL-LOVING MARLEY OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Marley. Marley is 6, a female Collie cross. Poor Marley has been given up on so many times by people and it has taken its toll on her. Marley is super sweet and affectionate but as people have abandoned her in the past, she has lost her ability to trust any new people that she meets. Marley is exceptionally clever and would excel in all kinds of training. She needs an adult only home with someone who is home full time to help work on building her confidence and helping her to become used to spending periods of time alone. If you’re looking to give a very special and very beautiful dog the chance at life that they truly deserve, then Marley could be the lady you’ve been looking for. Marley loves tennis balls, in fact it is probably the way to her heart so make sure to have one if you come to meet her! Contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000; they are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.
Get hooked on knitting CRAFT enthusiasts are gearing up for this year’s Knitting and Stitching Show which is on in the RDS this month. To get in the mood for the country’s longest running textile event, The Gazette asked Marina Hand of Winnie the Wool Wagon and Winnie’s Craft Cafe in Booterstown for her top tips for those thinking of starting or returning to knitting. “Knitting is a wonderful, relaxing and practical pastime,” Marina said. “Here are our tips for those thinking of learning (or revisiting) this skill.” 1. Go for the easy win. Pick a simple project to start with. A scarf or a cowl in chunky wool means that you will quickly see the fruits of your work, which is always encouraging. Even if you knitted complicated patterns years ago, it is good to warm up the knitting muscles gently! 2. Pick colours you love, even if you are knitting for somebody else.
Winnie’s Craft Cafe at the Knitting and Stitching Show
You will be spending quite some time with your knitting, so you want to make sure that you will have a good relationship! 3. Avoid really dark colours. With the darker evenings, you will only stress yourself trying to see your stitches if you make a mistake. Yes, grey is really on trend
at the moment, but a light or midgrey is just as nice and not half as difficult to work with! 4. Embellishments. A simple garter stitch scarf or hat can be made really stylish with a pompom, button or simple crochet flower. 5. If you can’t make it, fake it! Craft shops are currently full of
knitted hats and scarves. Buy a plain one and make it your own with buttons, pompoms, felt and crocheted flowers. Let loose your creative side! 6. Winnie’s Theory on the Separation of Knitters – you are never more than two steps away from a knitter! If you are stuck, ask a friend. You would be surprised how many closet crafters there are out there! The community of knitters is also extremely connected and helpful, so, welcome on board! 7. The Knitting and Stitching Show is a great place to get inspiration and meet fellow crafters. Call a couple of your friends and make a day of it. Comfortable shoes and a big bag are a must. Winnie’s Craft Cafe is based in Booterstown and has a wide range of yarns for all tastes and budgets. They will be exhibiting at the Knitting & Stitching Show from November 9 to 12 in the RDS. Stand D34 or check them out on www.WinnieTheWoolWagon. com.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13
Designer, tech entrepreneur and founder of Dress For Success Sonya Lennon with Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee and Dublin City Councillor Claire Byrne (GP) launching the equal pay campaign. Picture: Sam Boal
Addressing the gender pay gap
MANDATORY shared parental leave, more affordable childcare, and initiatives to tackle gender stereotyping are amongst the measures needed to address the gender pay gap, according to Dress for Success Dublin, the charity that supports women to enter the workforce and succeed at work. The charity has launched a month-long campaign to highlight the gender pay gap and raise funds to support more women back to work. Launching the Equal Pay campaign, Sonya Lennon, founder of Dress for Success Dublin and a wellknown designer and tech entrepreneur, said women in more precarious jobs and on lower salaries are “often overlooked” in discussions on gender equality. “Since we held our inaugural Equal Pay campaign last year, there has been a lot of debate on the gender pay gap, and some welcome policy moves to ensure greater equality at work,” she said.
“However, at Dress for Success Dublin, we are concerned that the majority of discourse on this issue focuses on higher-income earners working in corporate settings. “We believe the experiences of the poorest and most vulnerable women in Irish society are often overlooked. “Addressing gender inequality in an equitable and sustainable way requires removing barriers to economic independence regardless of income or educational attainment levels.” Dress for Success Dublin made a submission to the Government’s recent consultation on the gender pay gap, outlining the actions the organisation believes should be taken to effectively tackle the gender pay gap. Further information is available at www.dressforsuccessdublin.org.
INNOVATION | MAKING SIGNIFICANT SOCIETAL IMPACTS
Funding solutions to our city’s challenges SMART Dublin and Enterprise Ireland have provided funding to 16 Dublin companies as part of a scheme to solve city challenges. Solutions will be tested to address illegal dumping, to monitor and predict blocked gullies in high risk flooding areas and to design innovative wayfinding solutions across the Dublin region. The programme is being delivered through Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research programme and is also a key action in the Dublin Action Plan for Jobs. The challenges announced last May generated almost 200 expressions of interest with 40 proposals submitted and evaluated by industry, academic and
city experts. Of those, 16 have been awarded phase 1 funding of circa €12,500 alongside supports from Smart Dublin to research and demonstrate the viability of their solution before the end of 2017. Following this, a number of phase 2 contracts worth €25,000 to €50,000 each will be awarded to prototype the solutions in the city. “This is an outstanding cohort of companies and we look forward to working with them over the coming months across the four Dublin local authorities,” said Philomena Poole, chair of Smart Dublin. “We will support them to build new products and services that address our challenges, in turn
creating new job opportunities and supporting the companies to scaleup internationally.” Maria Gavin, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Small Business Innovation Research is recognised internationally as a proven approach that works for both public bodies and companies. “It facilitates SMEs with early stage ideas to access public sector procurement opportunities. “I commend Smart Dublin for expanding their programme to take in three challenges and 16 new companies. “This new fund has the potential to create in-demand technologies and innovations which can be adopted quickly to make positive and significant societal impacts.”
GAZETTE
14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
CAMPAIGN: CALLING ON DUBLIN TO ‘BE THE DIFFERENCE’ IN MEN’S HEALTH
Mo Bros unite to kick-start Movember
THIS year, Movember is calling on Dublin to “be the difference” in men’s health and sign up. John “Coach” Kavanagh and his brother, the king of snapchat James, have teamed up to launch the annual campaign for the world’s largest men’s health charity. As the only global charity focused solely on men’s health, Movember aims to impact the lives of Irish men by helping them take control of their health. The Kavanagh Mo Bros were on hand at the launch to add their voices to the campaign in hopes that they will raise awareness for men’s health and what men can do to
take care of their health. Speaking at the launch John said: “I am getting behind the Movember 2017 campaign because I know men are not talking about their health enough, both physical and mental, and we need to get a big conversation going so men know what they can do to safeguard their future health.” James added: “Movember is not just about growing a moustache for November! People should log on to Movember. com to register and get involved, and raise funds by hosting your own event or donating online.” Since launching in Ireland in 2008, Movember has been the primary funder of prostate
Eoin O’Neill, president, British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Alison Cotter BICC, with RNLI volunteers Chris Watson, Damien Payne, Kieran O’Connell, Laura Jackson, Craig Macintosh, Eamon O’Leary at their lifeboat station. Picture: Paul Sherwood
Social media star James Kavanagh and his brother, Irish martial arts coach John “Coach” Kavanagh , who united to launch the annual campaign for the world’s largest men’s health charity, Movember, at Sam’s Barbers in Dublin. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
cancer initiatives in Ireland through a partnership with the Irish Cancer Society. The charity highlights that most cancers are treatable and preventable – through early detection and small lifestyle changes. To help Movember raise funds for men’s health go to Movember.com to sign up or donate.
GERALDINE GEARS UP TO SHOW OFF HER WORK AN animal-loving ar tist who creates portraits of pets designed to make people smile, will be showing her colourful work at Ireland’s premier art fair Art Source, in the RDS from November 10-12. Geraldine Murphy creates animal-inspired wall hangings using copper sheeting and colourful vitreous enamel. “Every single living creature in this world is significant and I love capturing the special qualities each animal has, both physical and emotional,” said Geraldine. “I try to make something that people can easily relate to, that is uplifting and tells them something about their own life and most importantly that makes them smile.” Art Source takes place at the RDS, Dublin, from November 10-12, admission is €10 adults,
€8 OAPs. Children under 16 free only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Opening times: Friday Nov 10: 11am-9pm, Sat Nov 11: 10am-6pm, Sun Nov 12: 10am6pm.
CHARITY LUNCHEON IN AID OF THE RNLI THE British Irish Chamber of Commerce will host a Seasonal Charity Luncheon in aid of RNLI volunteer lifeboat. This event is open to businesses and organisations across the capital to join in and show their support. The fundraising event for the RNLI will take place in the Shelbourne Hotel at 12.30pm on Thursday, November 16. A five-star raffle will be held with many fabulous prizes from RTE, CityJet, the InterContinental Hotel, Applegreen, Nuala Woulfe and many more. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will deliver the keynote address at the event followed by first-hand accounts of the lifesaving work undertaken by the charity provided by volunteer crewmembers from Dun Laoghaire RNLI and closing with guest entertainment from critically acclaimed comedian Colm O’Regan. Announcing the event, John McGrane, Director-General
of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, said: “In the RNLI, the Chamber sees an organisation that demonstrates the strong ties between coastal communities across Great Britain and Ireland. “The lifesaving work undertaken by the RNLI crews is awe-inspiring and speaks to the strength of the bonds across all islands.” For those wishing to book a ticket to the charity event and demonstrate their support for the work undertaken by the RNLI please contact the Chamber’s event manager alison.cotter@britishirishchamber.com. Tickets are on sale now at a cost of €150 per seat with all proceeds going directly to the RNLI.
official war artist and Kollwitz who lived through WW1 in Germany, and lost her son in combat early in the conflict. Aftermath also includes a contemporary piece by Garrett Phelan who has produced new artwork, one in sound, the other in clay, in response to Orpen’s experience in the Somme in 1917. There will also be a Remembrance concert in the Shaw Room on Sunday, November 12 at 3.30pm, featuring performances from Fionnuala Moynihan, Deirdre Moynihan, Ficino Ensemble.
CHRONICLING THE TERRORS OF WAR THE National Gallery of Ireland have announced a special programme in honour of Remembrance Weekend. On November 11 and 12, visitors can view two exhibitions chronicling the terrors of war: Aftermath: The War Landscapes of William Orpen and Kathe Kollwitz: Life, Death and War. Both artists had direct experience of the war, Orpen as an
Artist and jewellery maker Geraldine Murphy with her dog Murf. Picture: Rara Photography
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15
16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
Out and About
Producer Jamie D’alton and director Gavin Imelda May
Fitzgerald
Conor meets fans
McGregor biopic beats box office
Artem Lobov, Owen Roddy, Conor McGregor and John Kavanagh. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
T
HE new documentary about UFC champion Conor McGregor has knocked out the box office with the biggest opening weekend of any Irish film so far this year. Filmed over the course of four years, Conor McGregor: Notorious observes how the biggest star in MMA rose to the top. With exclusive access, it includes highlights of McGregor’s career such as winning the UFC championship belt, his shock loss to rival Nate Diaz and his record-breaking Las Vegas bout against Floyd Mayweather. The biopic was given its first public screening at the Savoy Cinema last week and the stars were out in force.
Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin
Glenda Gilson
Owen Roddy and Kellie Roddy
Lisa Cannon
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
Out and About
Roz Purcell
Producer Jamie D’alton, Conor McGregor and director Gavin Fitzgerald
Erin McGregor
GAZETTE
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE
FOOD&DRINK
12 Dublin eateries curry favour at top competition TWELVE Dublin eateries took home gold awards at the Irish Curry Awards at the Crowne Plaze, Belfast. Indie Spice Grill Swords, Masala, Kathmandu Kitchen, Kasturi, 3 Leaves, Banaras, Veda, Indie Spice Sandymount, Chameleon, Nightmarket, Tamarind and Saba 2 Go were among the winners. The awards were created by Belfast-based restaurateur Askir Ali to recognise the contribution made to Ireland’s food scene by hundreds of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and other Asian chefs, restaurant workers and managers. Speaking on the success of the event, founderAskirAli said: “Curry may have been born in
India, but it has grown and matured across Ireland. The Irish Curry Awards are recognition of that. “I was really surprised and thrilled to see the level of support that was out there for the Irish Curry Awards and I am delighted that year two has been just as successful as the first. “Nominations were up this year and the standard was too. “We had in place a broad mix of judges and food critics onboard again this year.” A total of 18 Asian eateries in Dublin won either gold or silver on the night. Plans have already been put in place for next year’s event which will mark the third year of the Irish Curry Awards.
Judge Gillian Nelis presenting Best Restaurant to Nightmarket
WIN! Best Newcomer Banaras
Young Dublin chef reaches semi-finals with delish dish A DUBLIN-BASED chef has reached the semi-final stage of the San Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 competition. Chef de Partie at The Clayton, Dublin Airport Romuald Bukaty will submit his ‘Hey John Dory’ dish for the competition. He will be joined in the UK and Ireland semi-final by Killian Crowley, Chef de Partie at Galway’s Anair Restaurant and Michael Tweedie, Head Chef at The Oakroom, Adare Manor They have been selected from thousands of applications submitted by young chefs from over 90 different countries. These semi-finalists will compete in their local challenge in Aveqia, London on November 20.
Chef Romuald Bukaty’s Hey John Dory’ dish
To celebrate three years in business, we’ve teamed up with Coolock Tile Outlet to offer you the chance to #WIN one of two FDO Bluetooth mirrors (RRP €399 each). Main features of these mirrors are: 1. Demister, your mirror doesn’t fog up when in the shower or bath. 2. Clock display, so you know how long you are spending in the bath/ shower. 3. Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect your phone/ tablet to play all your media. 4. IP44 rated for safety in your electrics. TWO FAMILY MEMBERS from Coolock are celebrating three successful years in business this month. Sean Hanley and Noel Byrne have 45 years’ experience in the construction industry between them and their company, Coolock Tile Outlet has gone from strength to strength since opening three years ago. “We opened our doors on 17th November 2014, since then we have been growing and expanding and coming up with new ideas and products bringing quality and diversity to our customers.” New products available exclusively at
HOW TO ENTER:
Coolock Tile Outlet include Top Ciment and Venta Windows. “If you are looking to renovate your home, come to us and we along with our resident experts, will help and guide you with your design ideas,” Sean added. Coolock Tile Outlet pride themselves on the high level of customer care they provide and encourage customers to visit the showroom, have a coffee and discuss their plans and ideas. Coolock Tile Outlet is a one stop shop for all your home renovation needs with more than just tiles on offer. As well as a vast range of tiles, other types
To be in with a chance of winning one of these great prizes, simply visit the #TileOutletCoolock post on Dublin Gazette Newspapers Facebook page and follow the instructions or email your contact details (name, address & contact number) to competitions@dublingazette.com. Closing date for entries is Friday 17th November 2017
of flooring, such as solid and semi-solid wood, lino, carpets are also available in store. They also stock various types of furniture, internal doors, staircases, kitchens and tools. “We started here as a tile and bathroom store but have gone into the renovation market in order to give our customers more choice and value.” Visit Coolock Tile Outlet at 101 Newtown Ave, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Dublin 17 or find out more on our Facebook page Coolock Tile Outlet.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
REAL LIFE: CLAIRE’S LIFE HAS GREATLY IMPROVED SINCE USING SMOVEY DEVICE MARK O’BRIEN WHEN people think of Parkinson’s disease, they usually think of it as a disease that affects the elderly. But one in 20 people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are actually diagnosed when they are under 40. Claire Connolly (28) is one of those people. Originally from Clare but now living in Rathmines, Claire told T he Gazette that she began experiencing symptoms 8 years ago when she was still in college. “I was diagnosed at 24 but I probably had symptoms since I was 20,” she said. Claire initially went to her doctor after she had a number of falls. “I went to physios and went to doctors and it was all fine and then this tremor started happening in my foot and I thought ‘that’s not right, I can’t stop that’,” she said. “It wasn’t a major tremor, it was very slight, so I went to the doctor and I got put on a waiting list for a neurologist
and eventually when I got round to the neurologist he said ‘whatever you have we’ll be able to sort it’.” But Claire’s symptoms began to get worse and she experienced tremors in her hands, her walking became affected and she suffered from fatigue. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s but there are ways of managing the condition. --------------------------------
‘I was diagnosed at 24 but I probably had symptoms since I was 20’
--------------------------------
“With Parkinson’s, you need a balance of exercise, diet and medication,” said Claire. After moving to Dublin two years ago, Claire became involved with Young Parkinson’s Ireland. Through the group, Claire met Irene Treacy from Smovey Health
‘I was diagnosed at 24, but I won’t let Parkinson’s win’ who introduced her to their Smovey device. The device, which weighs 1lb and includes four metal balls that run freely inside the hollow plastic tubes is designed to stabilise the back and spine while people are working out and has proved to be very beneficial to people with Parkinson’s. Claire had been falling often and would often experience muscle cramps but she said that since she started using the device, her movement and balance have improved greatly. “I live in Rathmines, I get the Luas out to Stillorgan
every day and I walk from Stillorgan down the road to work,” she said. “Ever y day got easier and better. I walked with my knees before I used the Smovey and now I walk with my hips.” Claire now teaches an exercise class in Harold’s Cross that helps other people with Parkinson’s. Claire says that becoming involved with Young Parkinson’s Ireland and Smovey Health have had a hugely positive effect on her quality of life but there’s no doubt that her own positive attitude has also played a part.
“I can go one way or the other,” she said. “I can say ‘right I’ve got this, I’m not going to let it win, I’m going to fight my corner and still do full-time work until as far as I can go’ or I can get upset about it and get annoyed about it and sure that’s no good for my body or my mind.” For details on S m ove y, p l e a s e visit www.smoveyhealth.com.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21
DUBLINLIFE
JAMES HENDICOTT FROM (kind of) faking his own death to releasing a single album with enough tracks to fill an entire radio show, No Monster Club’s Bobby Aherne recalls a career that’s hard to define. BOBBY AHERNE doesn’t particularly like convention. As a core member of the wonderful Popical Island collective, a loosely formed Dublin record label that thrives on collaboration, his main outlet No Monster Club has been flirting with the fringes of the Irish music scene for some time, performing lyrically sharp bubblegum pop. His themes are broad, their coherence, perhaps, coming from the fact that No Monster Club is emphatically not about the conventional pop subjects. Bursting with colour, Aherne’s tracks explore Africa, wish retirement on an artist he’s sick of hearing, riff on the buzz of charity shops, and happily harmonize on drinking and smoking in parks. In his latest project, he’s releasing a short EP every month for all of 2017. “I didn’t want to do a whole album again, as it’s such a big project,” Aherne tells us, and as a man who once released a record with over forty tracks on it, an album might be bigger for him than most. “I just wanted to do songs this year without having to be coherent. There have been songs as a band, as a three-piece, and just solo stuff, as well as longer, more thematic pieces. With this project, I have the freedom to do that.” The result is - in the best possible way weird. On the latest two-track, Aherne explores the festival of Samhain, but throws an Ace of Base cover as a b-side (“it’s okay, because it’s one of the tracks that isn’t written by the Nazi one in the band”). Earlier releases - each presented with a kind of abstract, newspaper print EP cover include a cover of Lally Stott’s 70s hit ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’ and a jaunty summer ode to doing things yourself and Factor 50 sunscreen. Things have been more fantastically odd in the past, though, like the time Aherne released a jokey press release for a track claiming that he’d died. Having taken it seriously, an American publication ultimately released a brief expose ‘revealing’ that the musician - who’d never been less than active on social media in the meantime - was still going strong. “There was some grief,” he recalls. “Some blog ran a piece on the track, saying that sadly I’m dead now. The PR ‘story’ was that the track was put together from shoeboxes under the bed. The comments section had some mad stuff in it after people realised. There was one guy who said he couldn’t believe this guy, and that I deserved to be dead, and someone who is dead should get to take my place. Then a Chicago place did an expose that I’m not actually dead. I did find it funny.”
MUSIC
Wonderfully weird
GAZETTE
GAZETTE
20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N EVE
with JAMES HENDICOTT
The World Cup Play Offs
The one big event that’ll have the country’s eyes on Dublin over the coming week sees Ireland take on Denmark in a bid to play in Russia next year. The first leg in Copenhagen is on Saturday (11), the return at the Aviva on Tuesday (14).
the charming 60s-pop world of No Monster Club
Bailey’s Treatyard
The imaginative foodie haven that is Eatyard, a rotating selection of vendors at the Bernard Shaw pub, goes all sugary sweet for one weekend only, with the Baileys-sponsored ‘Treatyard’ running from November 10-12.
THE CORRS RELEASE EIR SEVENTH ALBUM JUPITER CALLTH ING
The Irish Gamelan Orchestra
An unusual Indonesian musical style gets an Irish outing at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire, as the heady, supersized orchestra are joined by special guests including awarding winning opera-pop star Julie Feeney.
Art Source at the RDS
The annual showcase for Ireland’s best artists comes back to the RDS, where you’ll be able to explore the latest in beautiful imagery and exceptionally local talent from November 10-12.
The Killers
American indie’s finest drop in on the 3Arena to perform songs from their latest album ‘Wonderful Wonderful’, as well as plenty of other Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll on November 16.
Awesome Tapes From Africa
The DJ behind the unusual blog - one that uncovers unheralded cassette tapes from across the continent of Africa and unveils them to a wider audience - drops in on The Sugar Club, with support from rapper Super Silly. November 11.
The routes of much of what Aherne does is very much DIY: recorded in the small hours after grabbing unfashionable slots in studios, with live shows performed in the company of a revolving collective of musicians. Much of that ethos is taken from Popical Island, a Dublin musical collective with a crosspollinating approach to their music, at which Aherne sits at the very heart. Over the years, that’s often meant being part of several bands at the same time; essentially dedicating a life to producing this beautifully expressive but slightly strungtogether form of guitar-pop music. Popical Island and their bands never fully broke out of the Dublin underground. Their notoriety peaked with a bit of radioplay, and the occasional nod for various acts at events like the Choice Music Prize, but the label were beloved
Dining in the Dark on the local music scene because whatever they released was sure to be colourful, charismatic and effortlessly charming. Despite his boisterous stage persona and distinctive pop voice, Aherne is softly spoken as he describes where his career is today. “Most of my other projects are a bit in the background now. Paddy Hanna is working on his own, so both Ginnels and Grand Pocket Orchestra [two other bands Aherne plays with] are kind of on the backburner for now.” “Popical Island still exists, but we don’t have a physical address anymore. It’s gone back to being in our hearts, but it’s way less than it was a few years ago. Some people became parents, or got married, or got more serious jobs. There are a lot of great bands doing a similar thing in Dublin right now,” he explains, joking: “I guess we had
our own thing, but we’re past it now.” The DIY ethos works in a very practical sense for Aherne. “A lot of bands would be writing for a couple of years, then going into the studio to make this perfect package and stuff. That’s not my thing. None of my favourite artists have ever prescribed to that sort of thing. I’ve always liked being like that. I just do something and put it out, I don’t have somebody coming to me saying ‘don’t put that online, you should wait a few months and we’ll do a big PR campaign.’” “I prefer doing things my way, and it’s a common thing now. There’s more DIY music going than ever before. There’s a lot of young kids around 20 in Dublin who have these amazing, fully-formed albums online. I think the technology’s made it possible for us to do the DIY thing
more than ever before. It’s not a competition; it’s great. If you have patience for a big campaign and all that, more power to you. That’s just not who I am. I like messing with people. “One of my big influences is that TV show ‘Nathan For You’ [An oblique parody of the business consultancy world]. I just like doing this mad stuff.” Like the return of the 46-track album? “I love albums, and I definitely want to put another one out,” Aherne tells us, “but we’ve reached a point now where releasing albums doesn’t really work anymore. In a way, I’m going back to that 60s things, where it seems kind of cheesy but it’s always kind of catchy with it. I categorise it as bubblegum pop. It sounds cheesy on the surface, but if you delve deeper, it really has something to it.”
The fantastic charity festival in which diners enter a pitch black room in a restaurant to consume from a secret menu goes into its final days, with the last few Dublin restaurants holding their days over the weekend. A great experience.
Ireland v South Africa
As if one big sporting event for the weekend isn’t enough, Ireland will take a pop at their World Cup hosting rivals South Africa at the Aviva on Saturday night, in the first of the November rugby internationals.
New album of the week
The Corrs - Jupiter Calling The second new release from the Dundalk family pop band since their return after a decade break in 2015. Jupiter Calling gets political with ‘Syria Calling’, and promises a style change.
GAZETTE
22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE
FASTNews
New tests show that the Michelin truck tyres provide significant fuel savings
Tests show Michelin truck tyres reduce fuel bills MICHELIN X Line Energy tyres have demonstrated their long distance fuel efficiency after tests revealed a truck and trailer running on the fuelsaving tyres will save an average 1.4 litres per 100km. According to the manufacturer, that equates to an annual saving of up to €2,000 and a reduction of 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions based on a vehicle covering 130,000 km per year – compared to the average of its five main competitors in the long-haul market, achieved by the superior rolling resistance of the tyres. Michelin X Line Energy tyres went up against those manufactured by direct competitors on a 200km journey at an average speed of 80km/h on real roads, organised by the DEKRA Test Centre in Germany. Chris Smith, Michelin’s marketing director North Europe – Truck & Bus, said: “If a typical haulier fitting this profile changed its policy from a regional fitment to Michelin X Line Energy tyres, they could easily save up to 3% in fuel, which in
Stonic aiming high in There’s a rush in the car market to dominate the new growth segment called the B-SUV segment of small SUV’s. Kia is the latest entrant with the new Stonic, just launched in Ireland and it’s offer is impressive as MICHAEL MORONEY reports following his Dublin hillside test drive.
IT’S JUST a week drive over the hills in the showrooms of South Dublin and and already Dublin into the Wicklow Engine 1.2-litre motorists are talking mountains last week Engine Power 84hp about the new Kia to get a feel for what Stonic, the latest comthis new compact 0 – 100km/hr 13.2 seconds pact SUV from the SUV has to offer. The Economy 19km/litre Korean brand. Kia test car was a petrol (5.2/100km or 45mpg) knows that the arrival powered version fitFuel Tank Capacity 45 litres of the Stonic is imported with the 1.4-litre CO2 emissions 118g/km tant and the Kia team four-cylinder engine Road Tax Band A4 €200 in Ireland believes that delivers 100bhp. that the Stonic will Around the city Main Service 20,000km/12 months be an important conenvirons this light Euro NCAP Rating NA quest model for Kia in engine delivers a Warranty 7 years one of the newest and nippy performance Entry Price €18,599 fastest-growing vehiand brings enough cle segments. pace to the car for Small SUVs such as the Stonic ment. sharp exists from the traffic are called B-SUV models in car The Stonic has some creden- lights. On the hillside runs, the industry jargon, and this market tials behind it, not just its seven- obvious lack of torque meant that segment is expected to grow by year warranty. The car is a based gear changing was inevitable as 100% in the next two years as on the well-regarded Kia Rio and we climbed into the higher routes demand for traditional B and C has additional features and more looking down over Dublin city. It segment cars declines, accord- options to give it more road pres- wasn’t the lighter air, more the ing to Kia. And the new Stonic is ence and style. steep hill challenges that faced smack in the middle of the segI took the Stonic for a test the Stonic that put its smooth
Kia Stonic 1.2 - SPECS
The new Kia Stonic is the latest compact SUV to hit the Irish market with entry prices starting at €18,995 and rising to €24,599 for the diesel powered models.
engine under a little pressure. This led me to consider the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel version of the Stonic or the new smaller 1.0-
some cases could even wipe out their entire tyre bill.” Michelin X Line Energy tyres enable a 30% increase in mileage performance for the steer axle on 315/60 R 22.5 and 17% for the 295/60 R 22.5 Michelin X Line Energy Z, compared to the previous Michelin XZA2 Energy range.
New car sales dip as Dublin market remains the best THE SOCIETY of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently issued the official October 172 registration statistics which included to movements in the Dublin car market. Car sales in Dublin dropped by 5.24% for the first 10 months of the year, with almost 3,000
Jeep claims that the new and updated Wrangler keeps to the 75 years of legendary Jeep heritage as an authentic and original Jeep SUV
less cars registered this year compared with 2016. The Dublin market continues to dominate the Irish car market accounting for 41.5% of all new cars sold this year, up from 39.4% last year and recorded the smallest decline in new car sales. SIMI claims that Brexit-related uncertainty and the weakness of sterling are impacting negatively on car sales. It reports that the increases in used imports are impacting on the residual values of Irish new cars, which increases the cost to change for the consumer looking for a new or newer car. In addition, with an increase in used imports of less than three years old, it is likely that some of these are displacing new car sales.
New Jeep Wrangler stays true to style JEEP claims that its new Wrangler is the most capable SUV ever and that it delivers even more legendary Jeep 4x4 capability. The new Wrangler comes with a modern design that stays true to the original, advanced fuel-efficient engines, more
open-air options, and is loaded with more safety features and advanced technology than ever before. The new Wrangler’s unique design includes an instantly recognizable keystone-shaped grille, iconic round headlamps and square tail lamps, improved
aerodynamics, a convenient fold-down windscreen for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom, and dozens of different door, top and windscreen combinations. This latest 2018 Wrangler will be unveiled in the coming weeks at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
GAZETTE
MOTORING
adds the unique, new small SUV market BMW compact X2 to the range BMW claims that its new X2 SUV
Sport X models. The bi-LED light for
breaks new ground as a unique
low beam and high beam is effective
addition to the BMW X model range.
at illuminating the road, while also
The car’s chassis and xDrive
accentuating the BMW X2’s sporty
intelligent all-wheel-drive sys-
character. The headlights display
tem claims to deliver a balance
precise detailing, achieved in part
between sporting dynamics and
through 3D Icon LED daytime driv-
efficiency.
ing light and laser engraving.
The digital services from BMW
within the BMW X2 range are
nectedDrive Services, both of
impressive. The car’s driving
which are now available in freshly
responses can be adapted by using
updated form, adding further
the Driving Experience Control
to the overall BMW X2 experi-
switch, allowing the driver to
ence, with entry prices starting
choose between default COMFORT
at €50,320. The car is available to
mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO
order from mid-November.
PRO mode and SPORT mode.
The new BMW X2 is two centime-
diesel variant will be available. It
centimetres lower than the BMW
generates maximum output of
X1, yet has the same wheelbase.
190bhp and 400Nm of torque ena-
Featuring short overhangs, it also
bling a zero to 100km/hr time of 7.7
has a stretched, coupe-style roof-
seconds. Official fuel consumption
line and slim window graphic.
is still highly impressive 4.6l/100km
standard on Sport, M Sport and M
for the Stonic, giving Kia buyers some clear options? Out on the mix of city and country roads the Stonic handles lightly while being precise and easy to drive. It has new front and rear suspension setups which are unique to the car, giving a pleasant driving experience. There are four specification levels for the new Stonic, K1, K2, K3 and K4. The entry level models are well equipped with skid plate (front and rear), audio remote, Bluetooth, 3.5 cluster, seven-inch screen, 15inch alloy wheels, leather gear knob and handle, front armrest, spare wheel, privacy glass, rear USB, speed limiter, cruise control, centre console and rear USB
and charger, all as standard. You need to go to the K3 level to get the seven-inch Sat-nav, DAB radio, rear view camera and ECM interior mirror that was fitted to the test car that I drove. It also came with bigger alloy wheels to give the car great road presence. The Stonic’s cabin echoes the appearance of the exterior, combining straight lines and smooth surfaces. The Stonic interior is simple and practical. For a compact SUV, the cabin has plenty of space for driver and passengers, with good front and rear legroom, and reasonable shoulder room. The modern looking D-cut steering wheel combined with the flat base of the
dashboard creates enough knee room for front passengers. The Stonic comes with a range of technologies which includes an infotainment system that blends smart phone functionality with the control of key vehicle functions. There is a large seven-inch touch screen at the centre of dashboard. The new Stonic has yet to receive a Euro NCAP safety rating. It should fare well with six airbags as standard (driver, passenger, side and curtain), as well as ISOFIX child-seat anchor points in the rear. Entry prices look competitive at €18,599 but you really have to go up the specification ladder to get the better options of bigger wheels and useful kit such as reversing camera and satnav. This is going to be the competitive space in the car market for 2018, Stonic has some style and some value, it’s good to drive and petrol or diesel power, the performance will be smooth and easy.
At launch, the X2 xDrive20d
tres shorter and more than seven
Full-LED headlights are fitted as
litre turbo-petrol engine, to be a more practical choice, if you want to emulate my hillside adventures. The diesel version comes with almost double the torque of the small entry-level petrol models and at lower engine revs, making it an obvious choice and its economy rating is impressive too. The entry level petrol powered Stonic comes with a fuel economy rating of 19km/litre (5.2/100km or 45mpg). The diesel version almost improves on that performance by 40% and that’s a serious consideration. I not convinced about all of the negative diesel talk, as cars like the new Stonic are impressively clean in terms of CO2 and NOx ratings and equally importantly they use less litres of fuel and that has to be considered as well. For me the fact that the Stonic is not available with a hybrid drive is a little disappointing as Kia has a hybrid system in its Niro model. Wouldn’t that have been an attractive option
The TwinPower Turbo engines
ConnectedDrive and BMW Con-
(61.4mpg), while CO2 emissions are as low as 121g/km.
The new BMW X2 20d diesel model
Five-seat 4x4’s get axed in Finance Bill THE RECENT publication of the Finance Bill following the October Budget has declared that five seat N1 vehicles (typically 4x4’s with five seats and a commercial tax rating) would be liable for Category A VRT as from April 1 2018. This means that five-seat 4x4s such as the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser will be classed as a passenger cars for VRT and annual road tax purposes. Other 4x4s such as the crew cab pick-ups will remain as remain an N1 commercial vehicle. These include models such as the Fiat Fullback, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and the Toyota Hilux. Over the last few years, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Finance have been advising the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) of their intention to change the taxation status (VRT/VAT/Road Tax) of certain N1 vehicles that have fouror more seats, both new and used imports. The Finance Bill, states that any N1 vehicle that has four or more seats and does not have the EU Bodycode of “BE”, will be treated as Category A VRT (based on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) and CO2 emissions of the vehicle), and not Category B or C VRT (13.3% or €200). As this is a change in Irish Taxation Legislation, not a Type Approval change, there is no provision in the proposal for any derogation for vehicles remaining in stock and unregistered on April 1, 2018 (or whatever date is in the final Act).
24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
GAZETTE
FEATURE DUBLINLIFE Neven’s busy preparing a real cracker of a Christmas fundraiser PEOPLE | POPULAR CHEF HAPPY TO HELP SUPPORT LUNG CANCER GROUP FOR ST JAMES’S
IT’LL BE A CRACKER!
NEVEN wants everyone to help support Target Lung Cancer – the only campaign in Ireland solely dedicated to lung cancer, supported by a multi-disciplinary network at St James’s Hospital – and promises delicious dishes for everyone coming to the Christmas Food Festival!
MARK O’BRIEN
SINCE Neven Maguire’s parents opened MacNean House & Restaurant in Blacklion, Cavan more than 27 years ago, the restaurant has always closed at Christmas. The celebrated chef inherited his love of cooking from his parents and since taking over the restaurant in 2001, he has continued with the tradition of closing the restaurant at Christmas to allow him and his staff to focus on family during the festive season. Talking to The Gazette, he said: “I’m from a family of nine and we all grew up with wonderful memories of food, and Christmas in particular was a special family time.” Neven sadly lost his mother to lung cancer four years ago, but he still makes sure that the extended family come together to enjoy a traditional family Christmas every year. He has also become involved with the St James’s Hospital Foundation’s Target Lung Cancer appeal, and will host Neven’s Christmas Food Festival at the Castle-
knock Hotel on Saturday, November 19 in aid of the foundation. Target Lung Cancer is the only campaign in Ireland solely dedicated to lung cancer. It is supported by a multi-disciplinary network at St James’s Hospital including patients, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, scientists and respiratory physicians. Neven said he’s delighted to lend his support to their work: “I’m with them two years now and it’s nice to be giving something back in honour of my mother.”
Fantastic prize As well as the cookery demonstration, there will be artisan food and craft stall as well as a chance to win a fantastic prize and Neven said he hopes it will be a fun evening for all while raising some much-needed funds for St James’s. “It’s nice for me to do something worthwhile and hopefully something good. On the night, there will be lots of people who have lost parents or loved ones to lung cancer, and there’ll be lots of people who maybe are going
through treatment. “There’s hardly a family who haven’t been touched by some variety or variation of cancer, so on the night I want it to be upbeat, I want it to be good fun and I want to cook some lovely food because Christmas is such a big part of my life! “To be able to talk about Christmas and cook some lovely recipes – hopefully someone will be in with a chance of winning dinner and bed and breakfast in Blacklion, so that will be a nice treat for someone.” Having cooked for 37 people on Christmas Day last year, Neven will be taking it relatively easy by ‘only’ cooking for 15 this time around. When asked for his tips on how to take the stress out of cooking for so many people, Neven had one message: “Keep it simple”. “It’s the biggest meal of the year and it’s probably the one day of the year where you cook for people that you wouldn’t normally cook for, and I always say to people to treat the turkey like it’s a
big chicken. “That’s all you have to do ,and keep it simple and do as much
preparation as you can – that’s crucial.” Tickets for Neven’s Christmas Food Festival can be purchased online from w w w.supportstjames.ie and cost €25 each. Tickets can also be bought by contacting Suzanne at suzanne@supportstjames.ie (call 01 428 4766), and also through www.eventbrite.ie.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
CINEMA ReelReviews
THOR: RAGNAROK
Hammers home laughs WHILE Marvel’s superhero films are arguably facing their own Ragnarok, the film of the same name (Cert 12A, 130 mins) is anything but gloomy. Upping the laughs, the film takes a much lighter tone than recent films released from the Marvel stable, drawing together some big names for a high-stakes clash that threatens the Gods’ very own home – but Thor and the Hulk have other plans ...
GEOSTORM
The Butler to the rescue CONTINUING the loose rule that means any film starring Gerard Butler is doomed to be a flop, Geostorm (Cert 12A, 109 mins) is... a flop. Audiences haven’t flocked to see its CG-heavy disasterama, which sees the world threatened by hijacked weather satellites, and only The Butler can save the day. Unfortunately, even its disasters are dull, and the film hasn’t exactly wowed.
THE SNOWMAN
Ice just not a great film WHEN a serial killer starts making snowmen by using unusual materials – now, what might a missing person have to do with, say, a snowman’s head? – one man must find The Snowman (Cert 15A, 119 mins) before they strike again. Audiences haven’t warmed to Michael Fassbender’s latest, with chills and thrills in short supply, despite its solid if standard serial killer tale.
There aren’t many laughs to wring from Joseph Stalin’s life – but a terrific cast of highly-skilled ‘whassisname’ character actors turn his death into the great basis for a political satire. With revisionist moves afoot in some quarters to rehabilitate the brutal dictator’s legacy, the film has an extra layer of frisson lurking behind the humour.
THE DEATH OF STALIN: BRUTAL ‘UNCLE JOE’ PROVIDES SOME UNEXPECTED LAUGHS
Worth Russian over to
WHEN one considers the myriad intertwining layers of state bureaucracy and oppression that defined the dark years of Stalin’s rule in Soviet Russia, comedy and satire aren’t exactly the first genres that spring to mind in terms of cinematic representation. Famine, mass-execution and forced labour aren’t subjects to be treated lightly, and the headache-inducing duplicity of Soviet politics isn’t exactly the kind of material that puts rear-ends in cinema seats these days. However, just as he tackled the banality of behind-the-scenes politics on both sides of the Atlantic in TV-series, The Thick of It, and Veep,
MARTIN MACNAMARA
writer-director Armando Iannucci applies his razor-sharp satirical template to the backstabbing government machinery of communist yesteryear in The Death of Stalin (Cert 15A, 106 mins). Despite the somemight-say torpid nature of the subject matter, this is every bit as biting and belly-achingly funny as his previous efforts, including 2009’s featurefilm, In The Loop. With a subdued realist aesthetic, set against
the grand and oppressive architecture of the then USSR, and dominated by performances rooted in colloquialism and contemporary wit, this is a stark, incisive and utterly unique comedy – perhaps Iannucci’s finest (which is really saying something, following the darkly comic brilliance of Veep’s sixth season). A f ter the death in 1953 of a typically tyrannical (though almost pathetically subdued) Stalin ( played by Adrian McLoughlin), the grovelling subordinates that make up his Politburo scheme and conspire to take his place as the leader of the Soviet Union. Khr ushchev (Steve Buscemi) and Secret Police chief Beria (Simon
Russell Beale) lead the hostility, alongside Jeffrey Tambor’s bumbling, inept Malenkov and Michael Palin’s Molotov – a role to which the actor brings decades of experience as one of the finest comic actors in British media, delivering some of the film’s best lines. Of course, for such a film so subdued in form (bar the occasional flourish of slow-mo), the genius is in the dialogue. W h e r e a s i n Ve e p , careers and reputations are on the line, in The Death of Stalin a misstep or a word misspoken can land one in a gulag or an unmarked grave. Consequently, every conversation is weighted with hilarious urgency and absurd logic – no
one is ever really sure what lie they’re supposed to be telling to whom, and state-sanctioned facts change with the weather. Iannucci has his actors make no attempt to latch their dialogue or performances to the period setting, instead having them embrace their roots: Buscemi’s Kruschev is a weasely, luck-pushing Brooklynite, while Jason Isaac’s Minister of Defence, Zhukov, speaks with a hardened Scouse accent (and steals half the scenes he’s in). Given the film’s factual basis, there’s a real sense of darkness underpinning everything here, which takes the fore towards the film’s close. Murder is carried out
with casual instruction; death lists are altered and executions ordered with all the mundanity of a rota’s update announcement. Iannucci’s deference to the semi-authenticity of his chosen subjects is as clear here as in any other project he’s undertaken. Indeed, the bewildering nature of Soviet bureaucracy is the perfect fit for the director’s distinctly bitter brand of political satire – on paper, The Death of Stalin shouldn’t really work, but surprisingly, the facts lend themselves well to farce and absurdity. Iannucci maintains his flawless track record with the year’s best comedy. Verdict: 10/10
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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE TOP TIPS TO REMEMBER
SOME people may ask: “Is Bangkok safe?”, as the city has occasionally popped up in the news for negative reasons. Thailand – and Bangkok – have a long history of complex, troubled politics, with a number of terrorist incidents in the city in recent years further complicating matters. However, the well-policed city remains full of tourists of all ages, and considering that every flight to the likes of London and Paris are always full – cities which have seen greater amounts of awful attacks in recent years – one should expect a safe, enjoyable visit to Bangkok too. ALWAYS tip in Bangkok – always. Given that the Thai economy is pegged at about half the price of everything here – or less – your baht is better in your taxi driver, guide or waiter’s pocket than your own, and will be appreciated. TRANSPORT in Bangkok can be chaotic, with a seeming who-dares-wins attitude towards traffic junctions and crossings leading to what may seem like bedlam – just getting across a main road in one piece can need nerves of steel while you grab Lady Luck’s hand and run for it, run! However, be sure to hail a metered taxi when going from A to B. Backpackers grab tuk-tuks (below), and can end up paying random fares to travel in something about as safe as a tin can; locals hop on the back of ubiquitous motorbike taxis and ride pillion everywhere, often as not without a crash helmet – so your best bet is to just hail down a metered taxi, with any longish ride typically Tourists love costing just tuk-tuks, but if between 50 to you’re in a hurry 60 baht, or a regular taxi is only about probably better €3 or €4. WHILE it’s increasingly controversial in many places, there’s no denying that Airbnb could be brilliant for saving a bundle of baht on your Bangkok holiday. With the vast majority of hotels charging Western prices, Airbnb prices are much more in line with the Thai economy – you’ll find a bog-standard hotel room going for €130-150 a night (or more), whereas with Airbnb you could stay in a one-bedroom apartment in a luxury block for €40 a night, or less. One you notice the difference, it’s hard not to feel a bit fleeced by the hotels. AT THE time of writing, Thais were paying their last respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej (right) at the end of a one-year mourning period after his death last October, with the late king revered similarly to a demigod by many Thais. However, visitors should remember that Thailand has the world’s harshest lese majeste laws, implemented with an iron fist by the ruling junta. As such, to be respectful to the Thai people, and to ensure an enjoyable holiday, no opinion of the royalty is the best opinion of all ...
Enjoy a spectacular elevated view over Bangkok (with sky-high prices to match) at the State Tower’s Sky Bar
Bangkok’s snaking Chao Phraya is a busy working river
Beautiful
An unforgettable SHANE DILLON
Y O U know that half-frozen feeling we get after battling through another Irish summer? This year, I resolved to head off somewhere far-flung for a better, longer, hotter dose of that big yellow thing in the sky, and Bangkok
seemed as good a place as any to do so. Some time later, and I was getting all the heat that someone who breaks out their trusty, moth-eaten shorts at the first sight of 15C could hope for – and then some. Sun- and heat-lovers will get more than their fill of both in the capital of Thailand, where temperatures hovered around 36C during my week there, as I got moments of blessed relief from anywhere with some working air-con. It’s a place and culture that knows all about blessed things – the
sun-kissed city
city is rightfully worldfamous for its spectacularly ornate temples and shrines, and the deeply held religious beliefs that many Thais have. Buddhism and a Buddhist outlook permeates many aspects of modern Thai culture, making it a tangibly real presence in the city’s life. You can hardly round a corner or traipse down a sun-baked street without seeing yet another ornate, beautiful Buddhist temple, finding a shrine decorated in flowers and offerings, or spotting a monk drifting about in their
bright orange robes. Such sights provide much to ref lect on, reminding visitors of a very different outlook in this part of the world. But back to more earthly matters, and to soaring up, up and away to some of the ‘sky bars’ that Bangkok is famous for – and where better than the aptly-named Sky Bar (in the State Tower, off Silom Road) that many tourists know of, not least for its role in The Hangover 2? High above the streets below, such sky bars provide a picturesque watering-hole haven for
smartly-dressed locals and tourists alike, as well as affording some terrific views across Bangkok’s sprawl, whether at night or, best of all, as sunset sets in. Speaking of ‘affording’ – alas, Bangkok’s most famous sky bar sent my spirits crashing back to earth within minutes, as the sky-high bill for my small cocktail was as breathtaking as the view. Back down on terra firma – and terra cheapa – and Bangkok’s sprawl can be intimidating to take in. There’s a giant and loosely defined city cen-
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27
Part of the Wat Yannawa complex – one of dozens
of
places to see ancient spires rising over Bangkok
even
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
as newer buildings reach for the skies (right)
A small section of the elaborate Temple of
dizzyingly vertical and Dawn temple site
Even ‘just a doorway’ can look beautiful in old Bangkok
The typically elaborate Buddhist temple, Wat Bangmakok Noek, at the gigantic Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan (Temple of Dawn) complex. Pictures: Shane Dillon
tre here, but the city’s arbitrary transport links (and infamous traffic jams) can make getting around a challenge – and that’s without the wall of heat and humidity keeping pace at every step. Luckily, most of the main attractions are straightforward to reach, whether by (deep breath) Skytrain, metro, taxi, tuk-tuk, bicycle, scooter, motorbike, ferry, speedboat or your trusty old feet. Phew! Zipping up and down the wide, rolling river a on speeding boat or rolling ferry is a breeze, and they’re also an effective (and cooling) way of easily getting to some of the city’s famous temples, a s we ll
as enjoying a refreshing waterside view of old and new Bangkok. However you get to them, the city’s main temples and religious sites are absolute must-visits, as Bangkok’s fabulously ornate complexes are a feast for the eyes, and invigorating for the mind. Whether taking in their banks of Buddhas or scrutinising the intricate carvings and elaborate designs you’ll invariably find, such spots hold a spiritual appeal that overcomes the ebb a n d f low of any gawping tourists and praying locals passing through. For those who worship at more modern ‘temples’, you’ll be well catered for in Bangkok, which has ultramodern shopping centres scattered about the city. The biggest of these
– Central World – makes our own giant shopping centres look like corner shops by comparison, with shoppers there treated to a dizzying range of all the biggest Western brands alongside the biggest Thai and Eastern brands, too. While temples, sightseeing and shopping are just some of the things that Bangkok is famous for, foodies have also been drawn to her busy streets for centuries – not for nothing is the city famed for its street vendors, in particular. Change is afoot, with the Thai authorities beginning to crack down on the vendors and stalls in key areas, apparently seeking to mimic a little of Singapore’s tightly controlled (but sterile, fun-free) street environments. However, wherever you roam, you won’t be too far from someone sizzling something under the sun. If there’s an element of pot luck as to whether
Part of the Jim Thompson House site, home to the One of Wat Pho’s many Buddhas – but its enormous
enigmatic man’s collection of antiques, as well as an
gold Reclining Buddha has to be seen to be believed
oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city
you’ve struck culinary gold or McAverage fare, well, that’s half the fun of reaching out and tucking in on your travels! As you’d expect, Bangkok is a melting pot of dining delights, presenting a fusion of the best of a wide range of Eastern cuisine – not just Thai – alongside Western staples, with several excellent restaurants all over the city alongside the multitude of small places frequented by locals, as well as the roadside vendors. Alternatively, you could also tuck in or relax with a cooling drink beside a pool full of orange and
big exporter of them, and then one day went for a walk in the jungle – And that’s the last anyone knows about Jim, as he was never seen or found again. (Sorry, Jim.) Today, decades later, his stunning house and its small but carefully managed grounds are a haven from the surrounding city, with its smart, upmarket gift shop also the perfect place to get a beautiful, authentic Thai silk scarf or purse for yourself (or for the mammy back home). For those looking to orient themselves with the Orient, Bangkok may be a great introduction.
golden carp over at Jim Thompson House, which again offers diners a great mix of Eastern and Western fare. JTH is one of Bangkok’s top tourist attractions, and it’s not hard to see why, as the antiquefilled house and setting provides an unexpected oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Jim was a gentleman who fell in love with Thai culture and heritage, assembled his own western-style house by fusing traditional Thai wooden houses together, helped make beautiful Thai silks famous and became a
She’s a city of contrasts and extremes, but there’s something invigorating and refreshing about a place that’s looking to the future, yet continues to honour her past. The heat and humidity are a challenge, but I’d challenge you to find somewhere that doesn’t make such a powerful first impression, and to inspire you to look at life a little differently ... WHEN TO VISIT December to January are the ‘coolest’ months – and thus high tourist season – but they’ll still be more than hot enough for any Western visitors.
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28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE
Egypt’s diverse environments already look great in Origins – but its top-notch lighting, dust and other atmospheric effects push it into the elite tanks of the best-looking games on current-gen platforms
ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS: ANCIENT EGYPT PROVES A DELIGHT
So pharaoh, so good for prequel WITH the end of the year fast approaching, some of the biggest games of the year are getting released into the wild – and they don’t come much bigger, or wilder, than Assassin’s Creed: Origins (PS4, XBO, PC, Cert 18, c. €60). It’s a huge game – so huge, this review has to sprawl across two pages – that’s not only one of the biggest games of the year, but also one of the biggest games ever. Almost entirely set thousands of years ago in the dusty hills and plains of ancient Egypt, it’s a game that presents a complex, brilliantly realised look at some long gone civilisations, with uncertain times ahead as fad-
SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com
ing empires make way for newer upstarts. From the legacy of Egypt’s mighty but fading rule to the slow but steady encroachment of Rome, its a gaming world that’s rich in history, lore, and above all, some of the best visuals I’ve ever seen. Taking in the sights and exploring the almost incomprehensively big world brings players through a set of starkly realised landscapes.
W h e t h e r w a n d e ring through noisy cities, splashing through river deltas, strolling through f lowering meadows, clambering through cobwebbed tombs or pushing through blinding sandstorms out in the harsh desert, the team behind Origins have created a vast, diverse landscape that’s teeming with life in some places, yet bleak and inhospitable in others – much like modern Egypt. Origins marks by far the biggest game made by the Creed team yet, with its makers – generally used to releasing a new franchise game per year – taking a couple of years or so to get this one together, and the extra time and polish
shows in most places. At heart, Origins is a story of revenge, with a main storyline seeing a father, Bayek, tracking down – and killing – the people responsible for his young son’s death, while some (mercifully brief) modern-day sections have echoes of this ancient past. The main story is something of a McGuffin – while there’s a big overall plot to follow, gamers will ignore it to pursue lots of side quests and optional activities, potentially adding dozens and dozens of extra hours to their runthrough as they goof off. Just exploring and finding new places is almost a game in itself, let alone
all of the other activities to engage in, from tomb raiding to chariot racing, defeating enemy strongholds to finding lost treasures, helping villagers or even fighting elephants, and all the while trying to level up the character to be able to fight ever stronger, tougher bad guys. There’s no getting away from it – there’s a lot of violence in Origins, which doesn’t shy away from the assassin aspect of the popular franchise. For all of the relaxing wandering past flocks of flamingos, or taking in the sights of tumbled, sun-bleached columns at some unmarked desert ruin, or eavesdropping on handmaidens in a cool
The vast open world setting is full of detail, with everything mountains and lush farmlands to find, while dusty secrets
marble palace hall, gamers will spend an awful lot of time fighting, killing and looting people as they roam around. From assassinating key figures to attacking groups of soldiers, or even just defending themselves
from mercenaries, the threat of sudden, bloody violence is never far away, with sprays of blood constantly soaking the sands and temples as glistening, gleaming blades flash and slice through the air. Still, it’s a remarkable
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
GAMING
Even the world’s most powerful tweeter is at the mercy of IT staff just doing their job professionally
Trump silenced for 11 minutes SHANE DILLON
IT’S safe to say that I’m not a fan of US president Donald Trump, in what could pass for my entry in the Understatement of the Year contest. Still, as much as I usually welcome any pause in his stream-ofconsciousness Tweets, the news that a ‘rogue’ Twitter employee briefly disabled Trump’s Twitter account as they left their job isn’t something I’d celebrate. Their action gave the world a whole 11 minutes of Trump-free boasting, bragging and bullying comments – but even so, their strike against Trump’s tweets can’t be condoned. Instead, it raises the question about who has access to the social media accounts of some
Don’t try this at home, kids ... Like many top games, Origins comes with a good Photo Mode, letting you pause the action, then mess about with the virtual camera settings to get a shot you want, like these... Screengrabs: Shane Dillon
“What, no sequel?”
No box office killing for this 2016 turkey CONTINUING the time-honoured tradition of Hollywood making pretty awful films based on hit games, 2016 saw a film released based on the broad
Latest iPhone off to X-cellent start
Assassin’s Creed setting. Star Michael Fassbender took a fair stab at it, but Assassin’s Creed died a thousand deaths at the box office. Critics thought it was a mess, gamers were turned off by the film being mostly from marble palaces
to bleak
lie scattered in forgotten tombs
game that presents a still largely unique world, with ancient Egypt still a largely untapped and elusive setting for most games (bar endless strategy titles). The game borrows aspects from many of
centred on “all the boring bits”, and audiences stayed away in droves.
its peers – for example, Bayek’s eagle, Senu, acts like a player-controlled drone to scout the terrain and mark enemies and assets – an imaginative repurposing of modern tech in the game’s setting. Origins has lived up to
the hope for a new direction for the series, which had grown stale – but choosing an ancient land has given the series a fresh energy and life again. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I still have a couple of chariot races to win...
of the world’s top figures – and what if their intentions were malicious? Let’s say that the currently unknow n employee had decided to do more than momentarily muzzle Trump, but had hacked in to his profile, and left a malicious post like, say, “Just sent an armed SEAL team to teach Rocket Man a lesson. MAGA!” It’s not hard to imagine how bad the potential fall-out from such a malicious post could be. If the most powerful man in the world can be silencecd by an employee’s random act on their way out the door, it raises some uncomfortable issues to consider in a world where social media posts continue getting more and more importance.
Despite being a hit series, the Assassin’s Creed games have also been rather divisive for gamers; happily, this latest iteration addresses a number of constant criticisms, making it more accessible – and fun – to play
APPLE fans slightly surprised analysts by snapping up the new iPhone X on day one, with cities around the world reporting sold-out stock following its release at the end of last week. A sold-out new Apple phone isn’t exactly news, but many tech watchers had paused, given its eyewatering price point (starting at a wallet-busting $999). However, despite the market uncertainty, massive queues were reported at cities around the world, with more than 55 countries now open to Apple’s latest assault on the mobile phone market.
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SPORT
FastSport CLEIRIGH BUTTNER ON AWARD LIST: DSDAC’S Siofra Cleirigh Buttner has been named on the shortlist for the Athletics Ireland Under-23 athlete year alongside UCD’s Alanna Lally and Crusaders’ Matthew Behan. Cleirigh Buttner excelled for Villanova University in the US as a junior middledistance runner, being named the Mid-Atlantic Athlete of the Year, running her fastest 800 metre time at the NCAA championships en route to selection in the Irish team for August’s World Championships in London. Raheny’s Mick Clohisey is up for the endurance athlete of the year award while Clonliffe’s Brian Gregan and UCD’s Mark English will be in the mix for the track and field athlete of the year. The awards will be announced on December 6.
BASKETBALL: DUBLIN CLUBS BOLSTER THEIR SUPERLEAGUE POSITIONS
DCU show no Mercy to UCC as Killester see of Wildcats
sport@dublingazette.com
DCU Mercy stomped out a massive win over Ambassador UCC Glanmire in the Women’s Super League on Sunday afternoon, running out 20-point winners in the end. Mark Ingle’s charges asserted their dominance over the game from the off, with top scoring from Tiffany Corselli and Sarah Woods edging them beyond reach of the Cork side. “We’re very happy,” said Ingle afterwards. “It’s always been a great battle between us and Glanmire over the last ten years or so, there’s never been much between the teams. We’re still trying to find out what type of team we are. “We did a good job today defensively I thought in the first half. We scored 50 points which is not often when you’re playing Glanmire.” In the other game of the weekend, Pyrobel Killester picked up their third win in a closely contested match against Maxol WIT Wildcats on Saturday evening. With nothing separating the sides, it was Killester’s Aisling McCann who dug deep
Chantell Alford scored 15 points for Pyrobel Killester. Picture: Martin Doherty
at the end of the third quarter to produce a much-needed three pointer to put her side up 52-50 going into the last, and the home team pushed on from there to win out 72-65. In the Men’s Super League, UCD Marian bounded their way to the top of the table, leap frogging the challenge of
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in style down in Kerry. A superb display from UCD’s Mike Garrow and Mike Nedulskis sent the visitors into a 10-point lead at the end of the first, and it was one they wouldn’t relinquish throughout the game, with Barry Drumm and Dan James lead-
ing the team well from the top of the key. Despite a huge third quarter from Tralee, UCD’s sharp shooting just proved to be too much in the last, as they outscored the homeside 23-5 in the fourth quarter to win out 92-63. “We are delighted to get the win,” said UCD’s Conor
Meany. “Tralee has the best set up in the country, so to come down and win here is great.” UCC Demons meanwhile travelled to Colaiste Éanna on Saturday evening, and despite a third quarter run from the home team, Demons looked comfortable throughout to take the win. “It’s five weeks in a row that we are on the road now - it’s not fun doing it every week so it’s nice to come away with a final victory before we head home next week,” reflected Demons coach, Colin O’Reilly. Meanwhile, Pyrobel Killester ran out winners over Maree in Clontarf, while DCU Saints clocked another victory with a win over KUBS. Belfast Star just lost out to Black Amber Templeogue at the death, while Moycullen and Griffith College Swords Thunder closed out the weekend. Swords fell to a 84-74 loss to the Galway side at the Jes despite Isaac Westbrooks, Alex Dolenko and Travis Black all hitting double figures. They trailed 44-34 at half-time and could never quite reel in the deficit.
O’Hanlon belatedly named Irish marathon champion sport@dublingazette.com
Gary O’Hanlon, left, was initially denied the Irish marathon title last week by Raheny’s Freddie Sittuk.
FOLLOWING a meeting of the Competition Committee of Athletics Ireland, Gary O’Hanlon was declared Irish National Marathon champion three days after he had seen the title seemingly denied him by Raheny Shamrock AC’s Freddie Sittuk. This follows the receipt of information from Raheny on October 31 that the declared winner of the race, had failed to meet the required criteria for eligibility under the residency rule.
Sittuk was confirmed as eligible by his club prior to the event when, in fact, he had not met all the necessary criteria. Under the rule agreed by the delegates at the 2016 Athletics Ireland Congress, an athlete with an unbroken six months residency in Ireland immediately prior to the championship, is eligible to compete for the National Championships title and medal positions. Commenting on the situation, Athletics Ireland’s Competition, Athletics Ireland Committee Chairman John Cronin
said: “the information initially received by the Association indicated that Freddy Sittuk was eligible and therefore he was deemed champion on Sunday. “Once we received information from the club stating that the athlete had, in fact, not met the criteria, the committee met to discuss the situation and Gary O’Hanlon has been deemed National Marathon Champion,” he added. “The process for confirming residency eligibility for National Championships has, up to this
event, worked well but the fact that Gary was not awarded this title and his gold medal on Sunday is very regrettable,” Cronin said. “We do, however, look forward to presenting Gary with his championship title and medal shortly,” he added. O’Hanlon had crossed the line in 2.18.52 and was initially convinced he was the first Irish runner home but was subsequently told Sittuk - who has run for Raheny for six years - was the champion and took gold on the podium.
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 35
GAZETTE
FASTSport
Swaine inspires Terenure second half comeback TERENURE College bounced back from last week’s defeat at Clontarf to see off the challenge of 14-man Buccaneers, emerging as 27-21 winners of Saturday’s Ulster Bank League Division 1A tie at Lakelands Park. Basement side Buccs built a 15-5 half-time lead in pursuit of their first win of the season. However, a Kevin O’Neill try kicked Terenure back into gear and they were able to claim their fifth victory of the season. The Pirates broke the deadlock after kicking a penalty to touch in the seventh minute with out-half Jack Carty was there to score in clinical fashion. He missed the conversion before Nure increased their attacking threat as the first half developed. Former Leinster Academy star Sam Coghlan Murray was stopped short at the end of a promising 24th minute move. Nonetheless, with the ball worked into a more central position, hooker and captain Robbie Smyth was in the right place to drive over and make it five points apiece. The Athlone side, though, rallied before the interval and produced 10 points. A sweeping move across the back-line ended with winger Rory O’Connor sprinting over for a try which was converted by Carty, and the Connacht number 10 also landed an expertly-struck penalty for a 15-5 advantage. Terenure resumed in better fettle, with replacement Conor Weakliam adding considerable spark to the back-three. After several phases inside the Buccs 22, it was ‘Nure scrum half O’Neill who squeezed over for a much-needed try, converted by Jake Swaine. Into the final quarter, O’Neill’s half-back partner James Thornton was heavily involved in the build-up to another incisive passage of play which saw lively winger Swaine touch down out on the right. And when Buccs replacement Eoghan Maher was given a straight red card 13 minutes from the end, Terenure sensed an opportunity to push on. Their bonus point try arrived just moments later through Maher’s opposite number, Adam Clarkin, and a terrific Swaine kick stretched the lead to nine points. Swaine and Carty exchanged penalties as Buccs battled to nick a losing bonus point with the latter landing a kick in the closing stages.
McKinley’s sight fully focused on Italy debut Following a glittering youth career with St Columba’s and Leinster, Ian McKinley is finally getting his chance on the international stage after the loss of an eye and retirement JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
IAN MCKINLEY, a former Leinster rugby player who was forced to temporarily retire from the sport in 2012, has found a new lease of life with Benetton Treviso after returning to the sport in 2014. And in the most unlikely of turnarounds, finds himself called up to the Italian national squad. McK inley attended St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, starring in the schools team before making half a dozen appearances for Leinster. His early retirement came due to taking a boot in the eyeball in 2010, an injury that took time to have an impact. In the long term – due to repetitive tackle impacts – it would cost him the sight in his left eye. McKinley has returned to the sport wearing eyewear designed
to protect him, and plays at Pro-14 level despite being totally blind in his left eye. His return to regular Pro-14 action (he’s made nearly 30 appearance for Benetton Treviso) and the fringes of the Italian squad is nothing less than astonishing. Talking to ESPN this week, McKinley recalled his period of forced retirement. “A lot of sports people want to stop on their own merits,” he explained. “If you look at Bjorn Borg, he wanted to stop at 26 and then you have people like Brad Thorn who stop at 41. But at least they get to determine when they stopped. I didn’t want to stop at 21. “From a professional point of view, it was probably the worst thing that could’ve happened to me. In the general aspect of the world it is not the
worst thing to happen to anyone. I still have vision in my other eye, I still have two functional legs, arms and a brain. I count myself very lucky that I haven’t had other injuries.” There were certainly painful moments for McKinney when it came to watching his former Leinster team mates go on to achieve great things, especially in the early days, shortly after then Leinster boss Joe Schmidt had praised his character on retirement. “When you are talking about the darker period [it was when] my brother was over visiting me,” he recalled. “There was a particular Leinster game where they walloped Wasps in the Challenge Cup. I just remember loads of my mates were playing that day. “ I n e ve r a c t u a l l y watched rugby when I
Ian McKinley during his school days with St Columba’s. Picture: GazetteSport
stopped playing. I didn’t watch anything but I would read reports. I just remember reading the report and seeing all the names of the guys I played with and it hit me really, really hard. “I am always happy to
initially to get away from home and coach in a new environment before getting his new lease of life on the field. “I am humbled. But the thing I am most happy with is that it is not a sympathy pick. I wanted to be
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‘At least other got to determine when they stopped. I didn’t want to stop at 21’- Ian McKinley
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see my mates who I grew up with do well, but it was really difficult when I wasn’t playing. From a selfish point of view, looking at them and their successes, it was quite difficult for me to take. They are doing unbelievably well, with Leinster or Ireland, but I wanted that.” Life in Italy has worked out well, though, moving
picked on merit. I think people are progressively getting away from that image of Ian as the guy with the goggles. “Now it is just Ian McKinley. That has been a big challenge for me but I think people are starting to say that which is good. “Italy has given me a new lease of life. It has given me my professional career back. They were the first nation to sign up for the goggles [allowing use on the field]. I can only ever be grateful because they have given me so much.” His adopted nation might yet give McKinley a World Cup appearance. “It would be amazing to be part of a World Cup because that would be a full 10-years circle on being with the Irish Under20s at the World Cup, but again it is such a long way away.” He concludes: “This experience has taught me not to think too far ahead.”
GAZETTE
36 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 9 November 2017
SPORT
EYHockey
BOXING: DOCUMENTARY FOCUS ON CRAIG’S ROAD TO REDEMPTION
Pembroke open new pitch in perfect style ALAN Sothern’s hat trick powered Pembroke to a 3-1 win over Banbridge as the hosts celebrated the formal opening of their new astroturf pitch in the best possible fashion, lifting them into the top four of the men’s EY Hockey League.. It continued the Dublin 4 club’s productive start to the season, a contrast to last term when they earned only one point against the top five. They fell behind when Philip Brown continued his scoring start to the season since taking on the drag-flicking duties, making it 1-0 in the 14th minute. Sothern levelled in the 22nd minute following a well-taken effort and put Pembroke in front early in the second half with another goal from play. And he made the points safe when he nicked in a Jack Ryan shot on the line from a break-out with four minutes to go for a 3-1 win. Later last Sunday as part of a double-header, Pembroke’s women survived a second half onslaught to secure a point against reigning champions UCD, moving the hosts up to seventh place with UCD dropping off top and into third at the end of round four. Indeed, they almost came out the end of that spell of pressure to nick the win when Erica Hinkson’s shot shaved the line in the last few seconds. Katie Mullan and Sarah Twomey had chances repelled by Iseult Cambay in the first quarter and an end-to-end first half saw the scoreboard remained blank. The ante was upped in the third quarter with Twomey and Duke having further openings while the Russell sisters Emma and Abbie combined well but Cambay continued to keep them at bay, particularly from a Lena Tice corner shot. Pembroke finished strong with Laura Noble and Hinkson making incursions but they did not stick, leaving the honours even. Elsewhere, Kate Lloyd’s hat trick propelled Railway Union to the first win of the season, adding to three draws, to launch them up to fourth place in the division as Hermes-Monkstown’s woes continue. Railway went in front from the penalty spot when Emma Smyth was fouled, Sarah Canning completing the job. Zara Delany tapped in the second and Niamh Carey made it 3-0 at half-time, getting the final touch after a Nina Heisterkamp initial shot. Lloyd fired home three in the second half.
Craig O’Brien was honoured at Dalymount Park recently following his recent BUI Celtic title
O’Brien on the right path KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com
CR AIG O’Brien was honoured at the Mansion House last weekend after the boxer turned his life around to land his first boxing belt at the National Stadium last month. Light middleweight O’Brien was knocked down in the first round of that fight with Alain Alfred but got back to his feet and eventually came out on top to claim the BUI Celtic title. The 28-year-old was also honoured by Bohemians FC having played for the club as a young-
ster, and had a minidocumentary on his life released at the Mansion House. From Henrietta Street flats in Dublin’s north inner-city, life hasn’t always gone so smoothly for O’Brien having turned his back on boxing at a young age for a life of petty crime to feed a growing drug habit. “When you become a teenager you think you know everything,” said O’Brien while speaking in the documentary produced by FightStore Media. “I got to the stage then where I drifted away from it [boxing] completely for years; I
POOLBEG PARKRUN Gillick warms up masses at city centre 5km run PARKRUN participants pictured at the Pool-
beg parkrun where Vhi hosted a special event to celebrate their partnership with parkrun Ireland. Olympian David Gillick was on hand to lead the warm up for parkrun participants before completing the 5km course alongside newcomers and seasoned parkrunners alike. Vhi provided walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers at Poolbeg parkrun with a variety of refreshments in the Vhi Relaxation Area. Picture: Cody Glen/Sportsfile
gave it up. I was messing around on the streets a n d s m o k i n g b l ow. Doing things I shouldn’t have been doing and getting arrested. Picking up stupid charge sheets and not listening to people.
Hiding “Obviously, I went down the wrong path for a while. I remember my Da used to come around looking for me and I’d be in the flats hiding. “I’m not going to lie, there were some good days there at that age but we started off smoking cigarettes and joints and got to the stage where we started taking sleeping
tablets. Before you know it, it’s an everyday thing and to feed that habit you need money. “There is only so much money out there so eventually we would do whatever, go into buildings and rob or break into a car. We got away with it for so long and then you get your first charge sheet. If you get one and it doesn’t bother you, then obviously you are going to keep getting them.” O’Brien eventually spent a year in prison after running up a long list of charges. “ I w a s l o c ke d u p for a full year. [During
that time] my youngest daughter, who is seven now, was born. That was the stage where I thought ‘it’s not worth it, cop on here and better yourself’. “The suppor t from my family has been brilliant. Even now, fighting, they’d do anything for me so without them god knows where I’d be.” Having turned his life around, O’Brien is now looking forward to seeing what the future holds for him. “T he future looks good at the moment. I’m a strong believer that hard work pays off so the more I train, the more doors will open.”
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 37
GAZETTE
SOCCER: DALYMOUNT DELIGHT LANDS O’NEILL TROPHY
FASTSoccer
Bohemians Paddy Kirk is presented with the trophy by SSE Airtricity’s Ruth Ryan . Pictures: Deryck Vincent
Nolan lifts brilliant Bohs to U-19 glory
SSE U-19 LEAGUE FINAL
Bohemians 1 St Patrick’s Athletic 0 sport@dublingazette.com
BOHEMIANS lifted the SSE Airtricity Under-19 League title after a narrow 1-0 win over Dublin rivals St. Patrick’s Athletic in the final at Dalymount Park. Steven Nolan scored the only goal just after the break as keeper Kian Clarke made a number of late saves to keep a crucial clean sheet. The home side welcomed Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Warren O’Hora to the starting line-up for the final but it was the away side who had the best first half chances. Just before the halfhour, Luke Heeney’s rightsided free-kick found Callum Keane in the area but he couldn’t direct his flick goal-wards from six yards out. Two minutes before the break, Pat’s should have gone ahead when Michael Creggan turned his defender on the left to cut-back across the goal but he couldn’t find the on-rushing Heeney as the two teams went in level at
the interval. Six minutes after the break, Bohemians took the lead. Substitute Cian Fay beat his defender to get to the bye-line and his low cross was fired home by Steven Nolan from six yards out. Nolan almost added a second with 25 minutes remaining when Pats failed to clear a left-sided corner and it dropped for the Bohs man but he saw his shot well-blocked by Ciaran Kelly before keeper Eric Donnelly claimed. Pat’s piled on the pressure in the last 20 minutes and really should have levelled the tie through substitute Jason Grouse. A long-ball cleared upfield saw Grouse get to the ball before keeper Clarke but Andrew Lyons was back on the line to block the striker’s effort. Clarke was at the centre of the action once again in the 78th minute as Pat’s forward Creggan won the ball on the edge of the area, turned and his powerful effort forced a one-handed save out of the Bohs keeper. The home side should have sealed the tie with three minutes remain-
ing as Fay directed his header over from three yards before keeper Clarke ensured Bohemians would lift the SSE Airtricity Under-19 League title. Substitute Clinton Apos, who had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds, climbed highest to direct his header towards the top corner but Clarke somehow clawed it away with just a minute remaining. Bohemians Under-19 manager Graham Lawlor said of the victory: “It was a tough victory in the end, a real Bohemians-style win where we had to grind it out and work really hard towards the end.
“Pat’s are a really good side and had a few chances towards the end but we defended really well, and when we created the chance to score, we took it and ultimately, that wins us the title. “I think it is a great reward for the entire club. The Under-17s were unlucky in their final and the first-team have had a great season so to claim that bit of silverware right at the end of the season caps off a really special year for the club. We’ve now got to look after this group of players and make sure they continue to develop.”
Crumlin toast half-century in hearty style with big win over Templeogue CRUMLIN United celebrated their 50th anniversary by reaching the third round of the Metropolitan Cup after a late comeback saw them seal a 5-3 win over Templeogue United at Pearse Park Astro last weekend. The home team were heavy favourites going into the game against a side two divisions below them but they were made to work hard for their victory. Martin Loughran’s men fell behind early on but then took the lead thanks to goals from Sean Harding and Gary Murphy. Templeogue levelled the tie just before the break but once again found themselves trailing midway through the second half after Jake Donnelly found the back of the net. The visitors managed to get back on terms but Curtis Murphy had the final say with a late brace to see his team through to the next round. The visiting team set their stall out early as they looked to show they were not intimidated travelling to one of the country’s biggest names in amateur football, and their bright start was rewarded when they took the lead after just four minutes. Sean Harding equalised for Crumlin from close range to round off a good team move in the 22nd minute. The home side then found themselves in front eight minutes later when defender Gary Murphy headed home a corner into the box. With the half drawing to a close, Templeogue levelled with a strike from the top drawer. Neither side started the second half on top but Crumlin retook the lead 14 minutes after the restart when Donnelly scored with a trade mark free kick from the edge of the box that split the wall and found the back of the net. Crumlin were looking to use that goal as a basis for taking charge of the tie but a sloppy back pass ruined their efforts and allowed Templeogue to get themselves back into contention with 24 minutes still to play. Entering the final 10 minutes, it looked as if we had seen the last of the game’s goals. Step forward former Middlesbrough youth star Murphy who gave his side the lead in the 80th minute before securing their passage to the next round four minutes later.
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GAZETTE
38 DUBLIN GAZETTE CITY 9 November 2017
SPORT
FOOTBALL: GOOD COUNSEL THANKFUL TO DEAN’S BIG 1-8 HAUL
FASTGAA
Na Fianna four in a row NA FIANNA are the Dublin minor hurling ‘A’ champions for the fourth year in-a-row following their 5-15 to 3-9 victory over Lucan Sarsfields in Sunday’s decider at O’Toole Park. Towering full-forward Paddy Gleeson was the scoring hero for the St Mobhi Road side as his first half hat-trick, all three goals coming in a six-minute spell, propelled them to victory. The first of the trio of goals was from a goalmouth scramble while the other two came from overhead flicks to the net from long deliveries by Dublin minor Kevin Burke, younger brother of Dublin senior Donal.Those goals paved the way for a 3-11 to 1-6 interval lead with Alan Murphy scoring the Lucan goal in the early stages of the half.
The Good Counsel side that won their playoff tie last weekend
Blood brothers move on up AFL DIVISION 4 PLAYOFF Good Counsel St Jude’s sport@dublingazette.com
1-14 1-11
DEAN Blood’s 1-8 haul helped propel Good Counsel into AFL3 for next season as they got the result they needed against St Jude’s to earn promo-
tion, winning out by three points at Galtymore Road. It was a tense match from start to finish with both teams fully committed from the start. There were plenty of crunching tackles in a very competitive game and, at the end of the first half St Jude’s, took a good lead into the
second half with Paul Maguire, Danny Sutcliffe – recently returned to the Dublin hurling fold – and Darran Gallagher weighing in while Eoin Walsh grabbed a goal. The Drimnagh side regrouped at half time and got themselves back into the game. Word from
the line was patience and they started to work the ball up the pitch and took their scores, many of them coming from placed balls, Blood’s total including 1-6 from frees. Crucially he scored a penalty and his side pushed on from there with further scores from
former Dublin player John O’Brien, Alex and Adam Quinn and Jake Fitzgerald. Jude’s threw everything into the closing stages of the tie, forcing some scrambled defence and a few hair moments but Counsel held on to secure their place up the leagues in 2018
CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYMUN KICKHAMS
A VERY disappointing week in the club but every cloud has most certainly a silver lining. Our U-15 footballers beat Naomh Mearnog handsomely and now are in the county final with a superb team display. Congratulations to John Leonard and his team on a superb season. Here’s to going one better and hopefully winning the final against Whitehall. Please try attend and support next Sunday at 11am in Parnell park. To wish you all the best, you have been named as this week’s Laoch Na Seachtaine. Well done lads, take a bow! More good news and our Halloween camp was a huge success last week when our numbers were up again on last year. Well done Gerry and all the coaches on helping our kids burn off all the Halloween calories. Thanks yet again to Louise on running the registration of all the kids for the camp, making it run as smooth as it does.
The nursery resumes again next Saturday in the usual times and venues. More info if needed from Gerry, our coach, on 087 4116544. On the subject, best wishes to Gerry and his Ballyboughal team in the Leinster intermediate championship campaign. Well done also to our U-8s team who had fantastic performances from all the children in our games against NaFianna last Saturday morning. Some super individual displays but overall brilliant team performances. Finally, tickets are selling fast for our Best Dubs 15 event in Croke Park on November 25. Full details are available on all our social media and website www. ballymunkickhams.com.
CLONTARF
FOIREANN na seachtaine are Faoi13B buachaillí who defeated Round Towers 8-14 to 2-10 away to confirm their promotion to Roinn 5 in 2018. As their division included six A or one club teams this was a great achievement. Our Faoi14A buachaillí finished their Roinn 2 season in style away to Ciceam Baile
Munna, winning 10-20 to 1-5 to confirm the runners up spot for the second season in a row. The 14B buachaillí had the novelty of playing under Saturday night lights, coming from behind to beat Castleknock 2-13 to 3-5 to make it 11 wins out of 12. Good performances from our Faoi10 buachaillí away to TSS and Round Towers Lusk and our Faoi8 buachaillí who hosted Naomh Maur in St Pauls while our Faoi11 buachaillí hosted some very competitive cluichí against Cuala. Hard luck to our Faoi16 hurlers who lost to Thomas Davis in the B Championship Final in Peregrines on Saturday. The junior hurlers are in AHL7 playoff final away to Naomh Jude this Sunday at 11am. Gaelic football coaching workshop on utilising space on the astro on Thursday, November 16 from 7.30-9pm. Any mentors interested please confirm attendance with Gerard Dinan. The club would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the family of club dual player Bill Perryman, to his
friends and many team mates on his sad passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
CRUMLIN
THE junior footballers retained their Division 6 status with a hard fought win on Thursday night away to St Brigid’s. Our U-14 camogie girls lost their U14 championship final after extra time. The AGM will be held in the club rooms at 7.35pm on Thursday, November 16; we are hoping all members can attend on the night. This Saturday night we will be showing the Ireland match live on the big screen so make sure you get down early to support the boys in green. A reminder that the club shop is fully stocked with Crumlin GAA club wear and with Christmas just around the corner, be sure to get down and check it out, opens Thursday at 8.30pm. Lotto was not won; numbers drawn were 1, 14, 19 and 29. There were two match 3 winners and next weeks winning jackpot will be €7,050. Winners of the monthly draw for October were €1,000 Catherine Boyle; €200 Chris
and Keela O’Donovan; €100 Liz Hennebry; €50 Paul Devlin and €50 Phil Gough. Anyone looking to join, please contact James Comerford on 087 6769885.
ERIN’S ISLE
PLEASE don’t forget to complete the online questionnaire/survey. It should take less than 15 minutes to complete; this is the membership’s opportunity to help in the future decision making process. Attention all sixth year students: our education programme presents another workshop with Susan Hawkins and Fiona Hudson (All-Ireland football winner) next Monday at 7.15pm in the juvenile room. Parents and students are encouraged to attend. Our journey came to an end in the Leinster junior championship semi-final against St Mogue’s Fethard from Wexford, our third game within a week. They were just too much for our lads but they have to be proud of a league and championship double. Well done to our U-10 girls in their football blitz victory on Saturday.
Also the U-14 boys won the football league for a second year in a row, beating Plunketts, heading in the right direction. The U-13 hurlers are in a league final versus Brigid’s next Saturday in the club at 2.30pm. The Juvenile AGM will be held on Wednesday, November 15 at 8pm. All support welcome. Centenary Ball tickets can be collected in the club bar on Friday between 8pm and 10pm. Tickets sold out so only those who have reserved and paid for tickets will be able to collect. The dress code on the night is formal/smart. We now have physical and electronic copies for the sponsorship brochure; anyone who either knows someone that may provide sponsorship or anyone who wants to get involved please let me know. Thursday’s lotto numbers were 5, 13, 20, 22; bonus was 6; next week’s prize money is €6,000. If you have anything for club notes, please contact Paul Campbell at 087-7585019 or send to cambod11@hotmail. com before Sunday evening.
9 November 2017 CITY DUBLIN GAZETTE 39
GAZETTE
HURLING: SUTCLIFFE SET TO RETURN TO THE PANEL
Dotsy retires sport@dublingazette.com
DAV I D “Dotsy” O’Callaghan announced his retirement from the Dublin senior hurling team on Monday afternoon, ending a lengthy spell of service for the county. After a number of years with minor Dublin teams, the then St Mark’s man – he would later play with Ballyboden St Enda’s – made his senior intercounty debut in the Walsh cup nearly 15 years ago, and even enjoyed a stint as a dual-star for Dublin in the mid 2000s, before focusing on hurling from 2008. During that time, he enjoyed great success with Dublin, winning the National Hurling League in 2011 and the Leinster
championship in 2013. Speaking about the decision to step back, he said: “It’s been a great honour and dream come true for me to represent Dublin over the last 15 years. I would simply like to thank and pay tribute to all my teachers, everyone in St Mark’s GAA club, the Dublin supporters, Dublin development squad mentors right up to the senior management, backroom and medical teams for all their help and encouragement and to all the great players past and present I’ve been lucky to soldier alongside. “A special mention to my family for putting up with my mood swings before big games! To all the staff in Parnell Park and the GPA I also thank you for all your assistance
NA FIANNA
CONGRATS to our inter hurlers on winning Sunday’s league semifinal against Ballyboden in Mobhi Road. Congrats also to our minor A hurlers on their impressive championship final win over Lucan in O’Toole Park, achieving a four in a row of minor championship titles for the club. Well done also to the minor Bs on their semifinal win against Rialto Gaels. Our camogie minor A team drew with Balinteer in the championship. Hard luck to our U-21B footballers in Saturday’s rescheduled championship match against Erin’s Isle. A great fighting performance by the lads going down by a single point. Both U-21 hurling teams play in the championship next Saturday at 2.30pm, the As play St Vincents in a semi final in Mobhi Road and the Bs play Naomh Mearnóg in the quarter
throughout. Finally, I would like to wish Pat Gilroy, his management team and all the players the best of luck for 2018 in what are exciting times for Dublin hurling.” St Jude’s Danny Sutcliffe is one player set to return
to the Dublin panel following a stint in the US. He opted out of the panel in 2016, lining out for the New York footballers in the Connacht championship this year. The 25-yearold was a key player in the Dubs’ 2013 Leinster win.
BREAKTHRUOGH AWARDS
Aoife Bugler, second from left, presented her All-Star with Aoife Lane, Catherine Neary and Deirdre Ashe. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Maher and Bugler land All-Stars DUBLIN forward Aisling Maher rewarded for her key role in the
Dotsy O’Callaghan in Dublin action
capital’s run to the All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final by being selected at full-forward in the All-Star team for 2017 at the Citywest Hotel last Saturday. The Naomh Uinsionn woman became Dublin’s first All-Star since 2007 when Eimear Brannigan was honoured. St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh’s Aoife Bugler, meanwhile, was awarded a 2017 Soaring Star for her performances with the Dublin Premier Junior side. To make matters even better, she was named the Players’ Player of the Year - the first time a Dublin player has received this award at any level. This year’s Awards were extra significant as all of the winning Senior All-Stars will also be invited on the inaugural Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars Tour to Madrid later this month to take part in an exhibition match against their 2016 counterparts.
CLUB NOTICEBOARD final in Collinstown. Sunday sees our Minor A footballers play Thomas Davis in the championship final in O’Toole Park at 12pm. Also on Sunday at 11am, our minor A Camogie team play Lucan in Collinstown in the Championship and our junior A hurlers play St Finbarrs in the league final in Mobhi Road. Good luck to all teams, support welcome, full fixture list on the website. DCU’s Alumni Affairs office will host an evening in the Mobhi Suite on Thursday, November 16 at 8pm to celebrate our long standing connection and continuing relationship. All with DCU/St Pat’s connections, past or present, are invited. Facilities Committee continuing their usual routine maintenance around the club and appeal to all members to respect Na Fianna property. Basic spoken Irish class for beginners
continues in the club on Thursday from 7.308.30pm. Ciorcal comhrá sa bhear sa chlub gach oíche Déardaoin 8.30-9.30. Seisiún ceoil ina dhiaidh sin, fáilte roimh chách. 25 Card session on Friday nights in the club, all welcome. Members’ subscriptions due since the AGM, can be paid in the club office from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm or online www.clgnafianna.ie.
O’TOOLE’S
WELL done our U-14A football team that had a great away win over locals Trinity Gaels in the league on Sunday. It was such hard luck on our U15 footballers that were beaten by a mere point in their championship challenge. Calling all female footballers over the age of 15. If you enjoy the game, love spending time with ‘The Girls’ then O’Toole’s
is the place for you. On Friday, November 10 at 7pm, we’re having a 5-a-side tournament for our adult ladies, so come on all past, present and if you have some experience, future players too. There will be a presentation and gettogether afterwards in our lounge. For details contact John on 087 2958398. This coming Saturday, November 11, our U-13 girls play in the final of the championship at 2pm on home turf. Please show your support as the girls love to hear the crowd roar in their favour. Our U-12 and U-14 boys had a great time in Funtasia on Sunday afternoon. Kelly thanks all the parents for ferrying the boys there and back. Don’t forget our annual mass for deceased members and friends is this Sunday at 5pm. Everyone is welcome to join us and have refreshments after.
In our lounge this weekend it’s Friday night fun and games, Saturday sport from 5.30pm followed by John Dixon and Sunday 6 to 8pm with ‘The Foggy Duo’. There was no winner of our club lotto. The numbers were 5, 9, 15, 16. The jackpot this week is €4,100
RAHENY
THE very best of luck to our former GPO Dotsy O’Callaghan in his retirement from Dublin Hurling, he was a great addition to our club. Hard luck to our senior footballers in their bid for promotion on Sunday morning v Naomh Olaf. Raheny minor camogie team started strong with a slight breeze at their backs and shooting into the sun. A few great scores from Anna Murphy and Lauren Robinson saw Raheny with a healthy lead at the half time break 4-4 to 1-2. Naomh Barrog started well in the second half,
but an inspirational score from Raheny’s Carragh Downey brought the girls back to life. An overall great performance, with a finishing score of 6-10 to 2-8. Raheny will play Erin’s Isle at home next Sunday and would welcome your support. The minor hurlers lost in their semi-final to a strong Plunkett’s side. Raheny 1-6 to 2-13 Oliver Plunketts. Our U-16 Hurlers had a great win on Saturday in their shield final; well done lads. Raheny All Stars have a pub quiz on Thursday, November 16 at 8pm in the club lounge. The Raheny all stars are a team of children with special needs in Raheny GAA Club, this is promoting inclusion in the community and providing a fantastic balls skills programme in a safe and fun environment. This years’ Annual General Meeting of Raheny GAA Club will take place on Monday,
December 4 in the club hall at 8pm. Only paid up full members are permitted to attend. Nominations and/or Motions/ Recommendations should be with the Club secretary no later than Sunday, November 12. Please be informed that a summary of the Clubs’ audited accounts can be viewed by appointment with a club officer in attendance from Monday, November 20. It is important for the effective running of the club that all positions are filled. Our annual Christmas craft fair will be held on Novmeber 26 from 11am to 6pm in the club hall; proceeds from this will go to ‘Raheny GAA Lift Fund” and “Raheny All Stars”. Club shop is now open every Saturday from 9.30am - 12pm. Do you know our club shop is now online, you can order and pay online and collect behind the bar?
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR DUBLIN CITY SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 34-39
BOUYANT BOHS: Dalymount delight as Under-19 side nick only goal in final victory over St Pat’s Athletic P37
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2017
IAN MCKINLEY’S ITALIAN JOB: After retirment and the loss of an eye, an unlikely debut! P36
The trophies for this year’s FAI Schools competition on display at Bank of Ireland’s launch of the 2017/18 season
Dubs’ Interpro intensity Capital schools provide vast majority of Leinster side to take on the FAI Schools inteprovincial series at the AUL Complex this weekend sport@dublingazette.com
DUBLIN players abound in the Leinster Under-18 FAI Schools squad for the interprovincial tournament which gets under way this Friday at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh. The three-day event sees Leinster going for a 13th title in 17 years, starting off with a Friday game with Munster at 5.30pm. It means a short trip for Chanel College’s Ali Regbha and Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Donaghmede’s Sean Bohan who are among 11 Dubliners named in Ian Ryan and Fintan Sheridan’s panel. Templeogue’s Jack Ryan, Moyle Park’s Kian Clarke and Mitch Byrne, Riversdale CC’s Peter Adigun, Cabinteely’s Dylan Thornton,
St Kevin’s Clondalkin’s Sonny Conway and Jake Walker, Balbriggan CC’s Lido Lotafa and Blackrock College’s Michael O’Keane make up the line-up. The interprovincial series will be the first step in the process of selecting the FAI Schools International 18-man squad which will compete in the Centenary Shield competition. The 2017/18 campaign will see the Irish away to Wales and England in their opening fixtures and home to their counterparts Northern Ireland and Scotland. Across the provinces, an impressive thirteen players will make a welcome return from last season with one from Leinster, three from Ulster, four from Munster and five from Connacht all starring.
Two of these players have already been capped for the Republic of Ireland Schools select in the Centenary Shield in 2016 with Ronan Manning (Yeats College and formerly of Calasanctius College, Oranmore) and Darryl Walsh (St. Declan’s College, Waterford) featuring extensively for Paddy O’Reilly’s charges. Leinster have a phenomenal record in this tournament, having captured the title 12 times in 16 years. Their latest victory came in 2015 when they snatched a win at the death to take the title from Munster but only by goal difference, the slightest of margins in that campaign. Ryan (St Kevin’s Community School, Clondalkin) takes over the managerial baton from
Albert Sugg (St Kilian’s DSD). Continuing alongside Ryan will be school colleague Fintan Sheridan and newbie Davey Cullen who applies his trade in Woodbrook College, Bray. Following the tournament on Sunday evening, a training squad will be selected by the Irish Schools’ management team with their first session scheduled for Saturday, November 25 in Abbotstown. The final squad will be announced after Christmas for the first International fixture on February 15 away to Wales. In keeping with the long-standing tradition of maintaining the interest in the competition until the final matches on Sunday, the draw for Saturday’s and Sunday’s matches will be made following the games on Friday evening.