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Council backs bereaved dad’s road safety push Marsia Lieghio, who was killed in a hit and run at Fonthill Road

 SYLVIA POWNALL A DAD whose teenage girl was killed by a hit and run driver has called on Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to get tough on repeat road offenders.

Leo Lieghio has campaigned tirelessly since his 16-year-old daughter Marsia was mowed down at the pedestrian lights on the Fonthill Road 11 years ago.

The teenager from Kilcronan Grove, Clondalkin, was

crossing the road when she was hit by a car travelling at 80kph on October 16, 2005.

Earlier this week – with the support of Cllr Mark Ward (SF) – the council took up the cause and agreed to lobby the minister.

The council is backing Mr Lieghio’s call for an immediate ban for drink driving, increased fines, confiscation of vehicles and improved advocacy for bereaved families.

Full Story on Page 2

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HIT AND RUN | DAUGHTER WAS MOWED DOWN AT PEDESTRIAN LIGHTS

Father wants Justice Minister to get tough on repeat road offenders

 SYLVIA POWNALL

A DAD whose teenage girl was killed by a hit and run driver has called on Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to get tough on repeat road offenders.

Leo Lieghio has campaigned tirelessly since his 16-year-old daughter Marsia was mowed down at the pedestrian lights on the Fonthill Road 11 years ago.

The popular teenager from Kilcronan Grove, Clondalkin, was crossing the road with friends when she was hit by a car travelling at 80kph at 8pm on October 16, 2005.

Earlier this week – with the support of Sinn Fein Cllr Mark Ward – South Dublin County Council took up the cause and agreed to lobby the minister.

Leo told The Gazette: “I’m sorry it’s taken this long and whether the minister moves on it or not is another matter, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.”

Cllr Ward said it was fitting that the motion was passed at Christmas as he urged revellers to leave the car at home.

He said the horrific hit and run had resonated with a lot of people, adding: “Marsia was struck so hard that she was

lifted straight out of her shoes.

She was well loved by everyone. She loved children and was constantly babysitting. She had started work experience in a creche in her transition year.”

The council is backing Mr Lieghio’s call for an immediate ban for drink driving, increased fines, confiscation of vehicles and improved advocacy for bereaved families.

The driver of the car – later identified as Ciara McAlinden from Dundalk and jailed for 10 months – failed to stop. In court it emerged that she had a conviction for drink driving and had gone out to buy drugs

that night.

Marsia, a fifth-year student at Colaiste Bride who dreamed of becoming a midwife, never regained consciousness and died as a result of her injuries on October 22.

Leo said her loved ones, including her two brothers and her sister Lia who was just 10 months older than her, feel her loss more acutely at Christmas.

He revealed: “This is always a hard time of year for us. It happened in October. She had only turned 16. Every year we miss her because she was one hell of a presence. She always had a smile on her face.”

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FASTNews

Man arrested in connection with Halloween murder of Robert Ellis in Clondalkin

GARDAI arrested a man on Tuesday in connection with the murder of 25-year-old Robert Ellis.

The dad-of-one was killed in the early hours of November 1 after being chased from a Halloween bonfire at St Mark’s estate to a house in Liscarne Gardens in Neilstown.

It’s believed he ran into the garden at the rear of a house and banged on the door, but he was cornered by a group of up to five people and was stabbed a number of times.

On Tuesday morning gardai arrested a man in his 20s. At time of going to press he was being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Lucan Garda Station.

Gardai at Ronanstown are appealing for anyone who was in the general area of St Mark’s, Neilstown Road or Liscarne Gardens between 1am and 3.30am on the morning of November 1 to contact them.

Robert Ellis survived a gun attack last year. He had a number of criminal convictions.

Anyone with information can contact Ronanstown Garda Station at 01 6667700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

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YULE be amazed by these blinging colourful homes

WELL, it’s that time of year again – no, we don’t just mean the season of good will to all, but a time for many people all over the world to show off just how much they love Christmas.

And when we say they love Christmas, we mean they really, really, really love Christmas, judging by their blinged-up homes.

They certainly look dazzling and amazing, as well as probably being visible from space.

And, judging by just some of the homes we’ve seen all around Dublin, plenty of our readers could give these houses a run for their money when it comes to showing Santa exactly where to call. (With these many lights, he could hardly miss their houses!)

WIN!!!

C’MON, readers – we’ve seen lots of great houses all over the city which really get into the spirit of the season, and we’d love to show everyone just how great your house looks! So, send us pics of your dressed-up Christmas house by next Tuesday, December 20, and we’ll have a great spot prize for one lucky reader! Just email competitions@dublingazette.com.

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SPRINGFIELD | A TEARFUL FAREWELL TO BRAVE LITTLE GIRL

Family bids farewell to their ‘angel’ Abbey  SYLVIA POWNALL THE Tallaght community yesterday bid a tearful farewell to little Abbey McGuinness who lost her brave battle with Battens Disease at the weekend.

There was a huge outpouring of grief at her funeral mass in St Mark’s Church, Springfield, yesterday.

She then made her final journey to Newlands Cross Crematorium escorted by her devastated parents John and Linda and her sister Kyla.

Five-year-old Abbey passed away peacefully at home on Saturday after struggling with a viral infection for a number of weeks.

Updates on her Facebook page, Abbey’s Army, confirmed the sad news.

Abbey McGuinness, who passed away at the weekend

Earlier posts had indicated she had not been sleeping and had a high temperature due to the infection.

A heartbreaking update from the family on Saturday broke the sad news that Abbey had

passed away.

The family stated: “Abbey grew her angel wings this morning. After a couple of days fighting pneumonia she lost her battle.

“She did not suffer, she went so peacefully at home, thanks to BUMBLEance for bringing her home, making it such a peaceful time for us and Abbey.

“We cannot thank enough the staff of Tallaght Hospital and LauraLynn who looked after all her needs at home and stayed with her every step of the way.

“She is at peace and with Granda Fran who is five years gone today.”

Abbey’s brave battle with the rare and fatal brain disorder was documented on her Facebook page where the family gained a

large circle of friends.

She was just one of three children in Ireland diagnosed with the neurodegenerative Battens disease, which is passed down through the genes.

Despite suffering from up to 150 seizures a day, brave Abbey attended Early Steps pre-school in Kilnamanagh. Staff at Hickey’s Pharmacy in Springfield recently completed the RunA-Muck charity challenge in Abbey’s name.

The family also got support and respite from Bees for Battens, a charity set up by BUMBLEance couple Tony and Mary Heffernan who sadly lost two children to Battens.

Abbey’s death notice on RIP. ie said she passed away “in her mammy’s and daddy’s arms”.

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Clondalkin Men’s Shed are seeking a permanent home

IT’S a case of plenty of room at the inn but nowhere to locate it for Clondalkin Men’s Shed this Christmas.

The national Men’s Shed Association have offered them a 40ftx12ft container as a permanent home – but they don’t have a site on which to put it.

Clondalkin Men’s Shed opened in a homeowner’s garage at St Patrick’s Park in April, almost two years after organisers first tried to source a location.

Now the council is set to approach the Global Garden Group in Corkagh Park on the Shed’s behalf, at the suggestion of Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind).

He told a recent area meeting of the local authority: “The garden is in front of the allotments, and was set up as an inclusion of different nationalities.

“This would not only sort out the accommodation needs of Clondalkin Men’s Shed, but would provide opportunities for inclusion for both older and intercultural citizens.

“They would also participate in the upkeep of the garden.”

Clondalkin Men’s Shed has volunteered to make 19 buddy benches for local primary schools.

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Unwrapping a winter spectacle Over 200 children, young people and adults from South Dublin County took park in free outdoor winter spectacle, Unwrapped, to mark the beginning of the festive season. Chamber Square beside Tal-

laght County Library was brought to life through dance, colourful lanterns and costumes. Now in its sixth year, Unwrapped is a perfect family-friendly start to the festive season.

FASTNews Railings for park delayed

NEW railings to deter joyriders at Butler/ McKee Park in Tallaght will not be erected until January at the earliest.

Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) was told the project was in train but it would take several weeks for the 250m of iron railings to be fabricated.

A council spokesperson said: “The railing to be installed is decorative in style and will not be a security-type palisade fence. In this regard it is expected that the style of railing will be acceptable to local residents.”

Cllr O’Connor pledged to keep an eye on proceedings but acknowledged that the fencing was needed to prevent further damage to the park.

SAFETY | AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ABOUT VEHICLES LAUNCHED IN RUN-UP TO CHRISTMAS

Quad bike dangers in focus  SYLVIA POWNALL AN AWARENESS campaign about the potential dangers of quad bikes and scramblers has been launched in the run up to Christmas.

An Garda Siochana and Motorcycling Ireland have teamed up with South

Dublin County Council to advise about safe use of the vehicles.

They are asking parents who are considering buying them as Christmas presents to know the law governing them and make sure their children wear a safety helmet.

In October, a man in

his 30s sustained serious head injuries in a collision involving a quad bike in Neilstown.

On Christmas Day 2013, Dublin teenager Leroy Coyle died when his quad bike crashed into a parked car.

The issue was raised at a Joint Policing Commit-

tee (JPC) meeting in south Dublin where members agreed that parents and riders should know the facts about using them responsibly.

JPC chair, Cllr Deirdre O’Sullivan said: “Scramblers and quad bikes are an issue that communities have been struggling with

for a number of years.

“We need to educate parents of the dangers. We have had too many tragedies and parents need to be aware of the legal responsibilities, especially as we approach Christmas.”

A spike in the number of quads and scramblers being used inappropriately has caused several accidents and prompted complaints to the local authority.

A council spokesperson said: “The use of these bikes on public roads, parks and open spaces has been a growing issue with communities feeling threatened and unsafe.

“Unless the bike has been registered, taxed, insured and brought up to the correct standard it is illegal for it to be used on the public road.

“It is also illegal to use these bikes in public parks and open spaces.”

Parents are being urged to ensure their child is wearing the right protection, is trained in how to handle the bike, and is responsible enough to only use it in suitable locations such as official race tracks.

Motocross rider Stuart Edmonds said: “Riders have to know the danger of these machines and that the power they put out can be lethal.”

Quad racer Leon Rogers echoed this and con-

demned their use in housing estates and parks.

He said: “These bikes are designed to be used in controlled environments, not for tearing around parks or housing estates where kids are playing.”

Council road safety officer Gary Walsh said the number of crashes involving reckless riders was “concerning”.

He added: “This behaviour needs to be stopped before more deaths are caused.”

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MENTAL HEALTH | ALL WELCOME AT SUICIDE AWARENESS EVENT

Ceremony to honour all lives lost too soon  SYLVIA POWNALL A TAXI driver who lost his son to suicide will talk about his experience at a special remembrance ceremony in Clondalkin next week.

John Quinn from Quarryvale, who is closely involved with Pieta House, will attend the event at the Civic Offices to remember those who have taken their own lives or are living with mental health issues.

John’s youngest son, Sean, took his own life at the family home at the age of 17, leaving John, his wife Rene and his two siblings, Vincent and Ciaran, devastated.

John urged early intervention crisis counselling for anyone who is struggling to cope, adding: “They need help right here, right now.”

He is now a key contact for those at risk of suicide in his local community, and he advises those at risk to have at least three ‘phone-a-friend’ contacts in their phone.

In his spare time, he works as a volunteer and fundraiser for Pieta House – the counselling service for those at risk of suicide or self harm – which opened its doors in Lucan two years ago.

Next Wednesday from 8-9pm, the local commu-

Bereaved dad, John Quinn, is urging everyone to seek help and talk if they are struggling to cope

nity will gather outside the civic offices to show solidarity with those struggling to come to terms with loss over the holidays.

Organiser Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) said: “Christmas can be a sad

and lonely time for a lot of people who struggle financially and emotionally over the period.

“We need to keep conversations going and watch out for each other over the festive period.

The message needs to get out there to talk when you need to.

“Mental health is as important as any other aspect of our health. One in four people live with mental health issues – you are not alone.”

The gathering will release balloons to celebrate life and remember those gone too soon, and light a candle to reflect on mental health and spread a message of hope.

Music will be provided

by Russell Lawlor and Co, and all are welcome.

If you need support, you can contact Teenline (1800 833 634), Beacon of Light (01 457 8700), Pieta House (01 601 0000), or the Samaritans (116123).

COURTS | FLED SCENE

Serial burglar did so to repay ‘15 grand’ debt

A 23-YEAR-OLD serial thief who took part in several burglaries in order to repay a debt will be sentenced early next year.

M i c h a e l B ay l e y, o f F o x d e n e D r i ve , Clondalkin, told gardai that he owned “15 grand” to people who picked him up and brought him out to the area of the offences in Sallynoggin and Blackrock.

He fled the area in a stolen car, which crashed following a high-speed garda pursuit which reached a speed of 160 kmph at one stage.

Bayley pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two bur-

glaries in Sallynoggin and dangerous driving on May 12, 2016.

He has 22 previous convictions, including aggravated burglar y, public order and road traffic offences.

In one instance, Bayley was interrupted by the homeowner who later discovered a Samsung Galaxy tablet and an iPad belonging to their seriously ill daughter had been taken.

Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to allow victim impact statements be prepared and ordered that a probation report be prepared for the case before the next hearing next February 1.

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DUBLINGazetteGALLERY |

SANTA CLAUS ARRIVES BY SLEIGH FOR THE OFFICIAL

Amy Redmond and Sinead Byrne

Adela Sedliakopa

Santa is pictured with Loraine Keane and special guest Alex Dickenson and his family Saoirse, Sebastian and Andrew

Senann and Derek Malloy

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SWITCH-ON OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AS ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE CELEBRATE

Santa arrives to the joy of all gathered

Alec Dickenson with mum Saoirse Carr. Pictures: Andres Poveda

Temple Street party goes down a treat S

ANTA Claus arrived by sleigh to Temple Street last week to kick off the festivities as adults and children alike celebrated the official switch-on of the Christmas lights. Temple Street ambassador Lorraine Keane and little patient Alex Carr switched on the lights, which mark the beginning of this magical season in the hospital. The lights will help keep this special magic alive for sick children who won’t get to go home this Christmas. Temple Street was transformed

by Tesco Ireland into a wonderland of Christmas cheer, including a Kiddies’ Zone with Santa Sleigh Ride Experience and Fun Factory.

Emma and Chloe Moran

Hugh and Sean O’Dunlaing

Samantha Saulenaite

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DUBLINBUSINESS

Tobermore are in top form to spread festive cheer CHRISTMAS is a special time of year in bringing people together and staff at local paving and walling manufacturing company, Tobermore, have embraced the spirit of the season and have come together to create an exclusive ‘Merryoke’ rendition of Christmas classic, ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ in a bid to spread some festive cheer.

Staff from Tobermore’s head office and the production team from Tobermore’s 50 acre manufacturing

facility in Tobermore village teamed up with Tobermore’s sales force from across NI, ROI, Scotland, England and Wales to film the funfilled festive video at Tobermore HQ, and the result is simply fantastic!

Managing director David Henderson, believes that staff are the backbone to Tobermore and he has implemented a strong culture of team work at the company.

David commented: “Our people are at the heart of the business and whilst it is essential that

we work hard as a team, we believe it’s important to have fun as a team too.

“The video was fantastic in bringing our nationwide staff together and I am very proud to have such a talented, hardworking and highspirited group of people here at Tobermore.”

You can check out Tobermore’s Merryoke video on the Tobermore website (www.tobermore.co.uk/merryoke) and on the company’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

Give your career a kick start Eve Clowry from Leapordstown is currently Jameson Brand ambassador in Dubai

GRADUATE PROGRAMME | OVER 20 ROLES ON OFFER IRISH Distillers is calling on applicants from Dublin to join the Jameson International Graduate Programme.

Irish Distillers is looking for graduates from Dublin to follow in the footsteps of Conor Timmons and Eve Clowry, who are currently Jameson Brand Ambassadors in Toronto and Dubai respectively.

This year Jameson is looking to recruit over 20 graduates for roles in markets such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan and Russia where they will have a unique opportunity to develop fundamental business leadership skills supported

by Irish Distillers’ and Pernod Ricard’s international network.

At present, there are 75 graduates working in 42 global markets as part of the three-year Jameson International Brand Ambassador programme.

Eve Clowry, from Leopardstown, who is currently Jameson Brand ambassador in Dubai, said: “My experience on the Programme has been amazing.

“I would never have thought that I would be living and working in Dubai for an internationally known brand, like Jameson, straight out of college.

“It is incredible to think that as a new graduate, I am playing a role in driving the success of an Irish brand globally and supporting the global Irish

whiskey success story.

Already I have encountered numerous challenges and in dealing with them, honed skills which will stand to me whatever my next career move may be.

Sinead D’Arcy, Jameson International Graduate programme manager said: “Our programme, established 25 years ago, has played a central role in this phenomenal growth story. We’re proud to offer Ireland’s best young graduates an experience like no other. With graduates in over 40 countries all around the world, the sun never sets on the Jameson International Graduate Programme “What starts in Dublin can take you anywhere

from Berlin to Brussels or Bueno Aries to Boston.

Whether you want experience with an emerging market, or in a developed market, our programme is for you.

“The majority of our graduates have a business, marketing or languages background but we are open to graduates from all disciplines.

“Our graduates come from backgrounds as diverse as law, physiotherapy and psychology.

“What we look for are candidates with a wellrounded college and life experience.”

Online applications are now open at www.jamesongraduateprogramme. com and close at 1pm Monday, January 16 2017.

Dalata completes takeover of The DoubleTree IRELAND’S largest hotel Group, Dalata will now manage operations of the iconic Double Tree Hilton Hotel on Burlington Road in Ballsbridge.

The hotel will operate under their Clayton Hotel Brand and will be known as Clayton Hotel Burlington Road. This landmark hotel is still remembered by many as ‘The Burlington’ (or The Burlo).

Speaking about the announcement Pat McCann, CEO of Dalata Hotel Group, said: “We are excited that Clayton Hotel Burlington Road becomes part of our portfolio from today and look forward to fully integrating this fine property to the Dalata family. This hotel will be integral to our efforts to grow and strengthen our Clayton brand” he said.

The hotel comprises 502 recently renovated guestrooms, state of the art meeting and events facilities including a ballroom with a capacity for 1,400 delegates, an executive lounge, 24-hour fitness suite and an exciting ground floor experience.

The hotel’s unique selling point is its size and many will have availed and enjoyed its products and services over the years.

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DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

Volunteering approval for a new website

CODY’S LOVE AND ENERGY WILL REALLY MOVE YOU

IT TALLAGHT has joined forces with nine other third level colleges to develop studentvolunteer.ie – an online resource matching students’ interests with volunteering opportunities.

The portal is the first of its kind globally and aims to enhance students’ awareness of their role and responsibility in solving challenges such as homelessness, social exclusion and an ageing population.

IT Tallaght student Suzanne Brennan took time out on Christmas Day last year to help out at Tallaght Adventure World. She revealed: “It was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I met so many people who not only shared their life stories with me but also their Christmas Day.” In all, more than 100,000 students and 8,000 registered charities will have access to the new website.

Celebrating the website launch are Suzanne Connolly with Jenessa Scott and Suzanne Brennan, IT Tallaght students and Breffni Gorman, Special Olympics Ireland. Picture: Jason Clarke

COMMUNITY: TERRIFIC THREE-DAY FESTIVAL EVENTS TO USHER IN THE NEW YEAR

Count down to 2017 in town  IAN BEGLEY

DUBLINERS and visitors alike are being encouraged to come in to Dublin city centre over the New Year to embark on a three-day adventure and enjoy the many arts and cultural events taking place as part New Year’s Festival Dublin.

Now in its third year, NYF Dublin will be bigger and better than ever with an amazing programme spanning three days, from December 30 to January 1.

Bringing together some of the country’s best talents, NYF Dublin offers a

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host of arts activities and cultural events guaranteed to engage, entertain and excite for all ages.

They include Re with Tunes in the church on December 30 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Lingo NYF Poetry Slam and Tongue Fu on the same day at Magistorium on South Anne Street, and free family-friendly events taking place over three days across the city.

Other highlights include unusual walking tours, free Sean Nos dancing workshops, a daytime Seisiun in partnership with TRADFEST, a Dub-

lin screening of In Between Silence in Christchurch Cathedral, a life drawing class turned cabaret extravaganza, as well as many other events.

The festival is an initiative by Failte Ireland, in partnership with Dublin City Council.

Speaking at the official announcement of the festival programme, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr said: “I am encouraging everyone to come into the city over the New Year and experience some of the amazing events that are taking place over the three-day

festival, including the spectacular Sky Dance at the Custom House, the New Year’s Day concert at St Stephen’s Green, and the many free arts, cultural and pop-up events taking place all over Dublin.”

Tickets priced €20 including booking fee are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie, with tickets priced €12 for children and OAPs. For further information on all other NYF Dublin events, see www.NYFDublin.com.

OUR Dog of the Week looking for her #SpecialSomeone* is Cody, a male 18-monthold Belgian Shepherd Malinois, who is looking for an adult-only home where he will be the only pet.

He is specifically looking for an adopter who will bring him to force-free, positive reinforcement training classes.

With the right approach, Cody will be an incredible dog and a wonderful friend and companion.

If you’re looking for a hard-working Brainiac, and you have experience of Malinois or high-drive dogs, then Cody could be the dog for you!

If you can be his #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie.

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

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DUBLINLIFE

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Get ready for a magical carpet ride to panto land THE wonderful Aladdin is set for a magical box office record run at Dublin’s The Helix Theatre until Sunday, January 22.

The Helix, who extended the show by popular demand last year, are set to have their best panto year yet with some shows already sold out and demand for tickets at an alltime high.

Starring singing sensation Tom Moran and packed full of stunning special effects including a real flying carpet, the panto, set in the magical city of Agrabah, is destined to amaze, amuse, and truly enchant audiences.

The hugely popular and wickedly funny Eoin Cannon plays panto villain Jafaah, with the lovely Danielle Williamson, winner of Irish musical societies best female vocalist award, brightening the stage as Princess Jasmine.

All that talent is combined in Aladdin at The Helix to create a truly magical piece of heartwarming, laugh out loud family entertainment.

Tickets are from €19.50 Bookings: www.thehelix.ie or call 01 700 7000.

A RIP-ROARING CAPER COMES TO THE PAVILION GET ready to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear as the modern classic, Elf, comes to the Pavilion Theatre on December 17.

Revel in the childish charm of Will Ferrell as Buddy the elf, a regular-sized man who was raised by elves, after climbing into Santa Claus’s sack from his orphanage cot while just a baby. When Buddy discovers that he’s not quite the authentic elf he believed himself to be; he goes in search of his biological father in the place of his birth - New York City.

A rip-roaring caper with a stellar cast of James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner,

Celine Byrne will perform loved operatic arias along with some seasonal favourites at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Picture: Iain White/Fennell Photography

Zooey Deschanel, and Bob Newhart, this is one festive flick that never fails to raise a smile, whether you’re a big kid or a little one.

Tickets for this event are priced from €5 - €7.50. Family admission €20 For more information visit paviliontheatre.ie.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH THE PRICE OF A PINT PIETA House has partnered with Pint Aid for a fundraising campaign this December.

Pint Aid is a crowdfunding movement for charities and causes. Every month they raise funds for a different charity by encouraging the public to drink responsibly. Potential donors are asked to have one less pint per week and donate the value of that pint (€5) to their charity partners, so people will donate €20 for the month.

For the December campaign, Pieta House and Pint Aid are working with some of Ireland’s most recognised corporate brands to support their fundraising target of €12,000.

Every €1,000 raised for Pieta House can provide support

and life-saving therapy for someone experiencing suicidal ideation. The proposed target would equate to 12 lives saved this Christmas.

Pint Aid director; Tony Fernandez commented “Please think of the difference you can make with the price of a pint and help us save 12 lives this Christmas.”

ENJOY A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS WITH BOSCO LAMBERT Puppet Theatre will be bringing Bosco’s Magical Christmas to life at the Pavilion Theatre this festive season on Sunday, December 18.

If you’re a parent, guardian,

auntie, uncle or friend who wants to cash in your nostalgia credit, introduce the little people in your life to the red haired clownish boy, Bosco, who lives in a box, spending his time singing, crafting, and making excursions to places like Dublin Zoo. Popular on Irish TV in the 70s and 80s, he’s now back to send you into a time warp as you revisit a time when jumpers were woolly and colourful, and people wallpapered every available surface in their homes. Expect some of Bosco’s classic songs and stories, as he takes to the stage along with his friends, Hansel and Gretel.

Tickets for this event are €8/ Family €30. For information visit www.paviliontheatre.ie.

SOPRANO CELINE IS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS I N T E R N A T I O N A L LYacclaimed soprano Celine Byrne will perform her Christmas gala concert Celine Byrne

NATIONWIDE SEARCH ON FOR TALENTED STUDENTS BANK of Ireland and Athletics Ireland have joined forces to launch a nationwide search amongst secondary schools to identify talented students.

The programme, which aims to encourage greater participation amongst secondary school students in athletics, will culminate in an athletics Mater Class with 200 top students with advice and tips from Ireland’s top sports psychologists, nutritionists and athletes including former European Indoor Championship gold medallist David Gillick.

To nominate your school to participate in the Athletics Programme see www.boi.com/ athletics.

Aladdin stars singing sensation Tom Moran at The Helix Theatre.

Picture: Jass Foley

Home for Christmas at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

Taking place on December 18, Celine will perform popular songs from the world of opera and operetta such as O Mio Babbino Caro, Un bel Di from Madame Butterfly and Villia from The Merry Widow along with festive favourites such as the haunting In The Bleak Mid-Winter, O Holy Night and White Christmas.

She will be joined on stage by her festive orchestra conducted by David Brophy.

Tickets are from €28 - €75 on sale now from www.ticketmaster.ie 0818 719 377 (ROI).

GET SOME HELP HANGING THOSE DECORATIONS TO help celebrate Christmas Age Action has announced that its care and repair volunteers…sorr y…elves in Dublin will help decorate the homes of older people who find it a little difficult to get the house ready for Christmas.

Jennifer Connolly, Age Action Dublin’s head elf, said: “We’re delighted to be able to give a hand to older people who needs just a little bit of help getting themselves ready. Our garda-vetted elves will drop out to your home, at no charge, help you decorate the house and then they’ll even come around again in January to help you tidy everything away.”

Age Action’s Care and Repair volunteers carried out more than 30,000 small DIY jobs or home visits in 2016 to support older people no longer able to do small tasks around the house.

The service is entirely free of charge. If you would like assistance putting up your Christmas decorations or with any other tasks around the home, simply call Age Action’s Care & Repair team on 01-475 6989.

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 15

Off to the races The Leopardstown Christmas Festival offers an exhilarating day out  IAN BEGLEY

IF you’ve got a passion for horse racing, you’re in luck, because at Leopardstown, the winter is host to National Hunt race days that are not to be missed.

National Hunt racing comprises steeplechase, hurdles and point-topoints, which are races held on farmland where young jumping horses start to learn the ropes and prepare for racing.

The day after Christmas, join the horserace-loving public and assemble at Leopardstown to blow the cobwebs away with a week of sports that promises to thrill.

There will be seven Grade 1 races occurring, allowing you to see

some of the world’s finest jockeys and horses do what they do best engage in fierce competition.

Get your pencils and racecards ready for four days of splendid equestrian fun.

Ireland’s most popular St Stephen’s Day outing attracts a huge range of personalities, celebrities and stars, as well as friends, families and of course horse racing fans.

Arrive early and head over to the expert panel, who might just help guide you to a winner.

The Winning Line will take place from 11 a m i n t h e Marquee.

View the

contending horses in the Parade Ring from the premium enclosure area.

Pop into the Christmas Festival Marquee where you can enjoy festive food and drink and soak up the atmosphere.

Witness titanic encounters on the race track and see who will join the Hall of Fame, which features amongst others, Lord Windermere, Bobs Worth, Hurricane Fly, Tidal Bay, Istabraq and Sizing Europe.

A not-to-be-missed traditional highlight of the Irish horse racing calendar (not to mention the social calendar!), the annual Leopardstow n Christmas Festival offers National Hunt racing at its best over four spectacular days.

Running since 1888, the Festival attracts people from all over the world who love an exciting day at the races combined with the magic of Christmas.

There’s plenty to do in addition to watching the races. With its famously seasonal, fun atmosphere, the Festival always attracts celebrities and stars from across the music, sporting, corporate and political worlds, as well as racing fans from near and far.

If you’re still hungry after Christmas dinner, you can head down to the premium enclo sure area to study the horses, complete with the Christmas Festival Marquee. Peruse your race card to see who you fancy, or pick up some hot tips from our Expert panel.

Tickets are from €20 €60. For more information, visit www.leopardstown.com.

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Save on your energy costs this festive season AS the festive season sets in – bringing with it colder days, longer nights and lots of entertaining – it can be extremely easy to let energy costs rise. Bord Gais Energy has some helpful tips for householders to save on energy costs.

1. Lower your thermostat by 1°C and save up to 10% on your heating bill.

2. Use automatic timers to turn off luminous Santas and Christmas lights during the night 3. Consider using LED lights to decorate your home. They last 30-50 times longer than incandescent bulbs and a 50,0000 hour running life.

4. Keep curtains closed at night, even in empty rooms to avoid heat loss through windows.

5. Turn off appliances when not in use and save up to 20%[1] on energy use.

6. Don’t leave Christmas gifts such as tablets or mobile devices on charge for longer than necessary.

7. Don’t be tempted to peek into the oven when cooking the festive roast. Opening the door will allow the heat to escape and it will cost more to reheat the oven.

8. Make sure the Christmas tree and any other decorations aren’t blocking any radiators.

They will absorb a lot of the heat and prevent the radiators from warming up the rest of the house.

9. Be careful when discarding of Christmas wrapping paper in open fires, as paper can get stuck up the chimney and cause a build up of carbon monoxide in the air. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.

For a longer term energy management solution, consider installing smart energy controls, such as hive active heating, which allows total control of home heating and hot water from a smartphone, laptop or tablet. Users can control their energy whether they are at home, work or on the go and can help customers save you up to €120 per year on their energy bills.

Householders should also ensure their boiler is serviced annually. As well as improved safety, well maintained boilers can save up to €150 a year.

Gary Griffin, service delivery manager at Bord Gais Energy said: “The Christmas holiday season can be an expensive time, with budgets being stretched on all fronts. The last thing consumers need is an unnecessarily high energy bill, and there are lots of things that Irish householders can do to help keep costs down.

“Switching off lights and appliances when not in use, lowering thermostats by 1°C or simply keeping the oven closed while cooking can save a considerable amount on energy bills.”

Bord Gais Energy’s HomeCare team offers a range of oil and gas boiler servicing packages and its service engineers can install carbon monoxide alarms while in your home.

For more information, visit bordgaisenergy. ie/homecare or call 1850 427 434.

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

86% would approve of Ireland as their destination to study SOME 30% of international students say they have experienced some form of racial discrimination in Ireland.

According to a new sur vey conducted by SEDA College, 86% would still recommend Ireland as a study destination despite some experiencing some racism here.

The survey was carried out to obtain insights into why international students choose Ireland as a destination to learn and what they really think about studying and living in Ireland.

T his year the college welcomed pupils from over 40 different

nationalities, including Brazil, Spain, Italy, Panama, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea, Malawi, Japan, Taiwan and South Africa.

When asked what was the most important factor in choosing Ireland as a destination to learn English, the main reason is because they’ve had friends here in the past.

The second most popular reason was due to Ireland’s close proximity to the UK and other European countries.

Asked if they would stay in Ireland if the Irish Government introduced an incentive to students to remain here after their studies, 66% said they

would stay, 24% said they would consider it while 9% said they wouldn’t stay.

36% said they would like to return to live in Ireland at some stage in the future, while 22% have no ambition in returning to Ireland once their studies are complete.

Many of the results portray Ireland in an extremely positive light, with 76% saying they found Irish people to be pleasant, welcoming and friendly.

However 15% say they had encountered some negativity from Irish people while only 8% said they did not feel welcomed at all.

FEATURE

Irish get the lick of love  EMMA NOLAN

SOME 72% of Irish people have said that having a dog completes the family.

We’re a nation truly in love with man’s best friend it seems with 60% of us admitting that we use a silly voice when talking to our dog.

A survey by iReach for PURINA as part of their support for DSPCA’s on-going Pet Adoption Drive has revealed the extent that Irish life is centred on our furry friends.

A massive 84% of all participants consider “having a dog” as a great way to teach children responsibility.

82% also strongly agree or agree that dogs contribute greatly to children’s development and growth while 72% of survey respondents stated that “having a dog completes the family”.

An impressive and surprising amount of people, 97% of all dogowners, admit they talk to their dogs.

Having a hound is a great way to increase a person’s pulling power when it comes to dat-

ing, with the majority of all participants (68%) thinking “that a person with a dog can often be more attractive as a potential date or partner”.

When it comes to selecting a name for a dog, 51% of people chose a human name for their furry friend with 49% preferred using a traditional dog name for their pet.

25% of respondents named their dog after its character (Sparky, Spot etc).

An equal percentage of dog-owners (25%) let their children pick a name. Dog TV and Movie appearances have been an inspiration in selecting a dog’s name for 13% of all survey participants.

A whopping 74% of all dog-owners admit they have images of their dog that they carry around with them and 15% admit that their dog is more welcome in the bed than their partner – interestingly slightly more females (17%) than males (14%) prefer to have their dog sleep in bed with them rather than their partner.

Pictured launching Purina’s support for the DSPCA’s Pet Adoption Drive is Holly Brady with Marlo and Lacey.

PIC: MAXWELLPHOTOGRAPHY.IE

FEATURE

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16 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

Dublin families offered a chance to make history DUBLIN families have been offered the chance to make history through a unique new service called Histories In The Making.

Did any of your ancestors live through or take part when the Four Courts was occupied and then attacked during the Civil War? Maybe one of your relatives fired the artillery guns which turned much of the building to rubble.

Or perhaps you have family who recall the terrible night of May 1941 when Nazi bombs rained down on Dublin, devastating the North Strand, killing 28 people and injuring a further 90.

Histories In The Making aims to make the past a present for future generations with a revolutionary new way of compiling family histories.

It presents people’s family research in a readable and informative way, putting that information into a wider historical context and delivering it in a way that is readable for all the family.

They also deliver that research in more techfriendly way by offering their clients updatable, interactive web pages that can be sent to family members all around the globe.

Most families have an amateur historian – the one person who provides information on the family tree if a milestone celebration or gathering is planned.

However, with the oral tradition dying, and many families now connected digitally around the world, there is a fear that this information will become stagnant or lost.

David Lawlor, of Histories In The Making said: “We want to package the past for families. Very often, people will either have scraps of information about an ancestor or they might have a vast tome of genealogical research that is difficult to read.

“We knit their stories together and package what people have discovered, putting it into a broader historical context. We produce printed posters and brochures, and also offer clients a secure digital file, which is easily updated to the entire family network in real time, allowing the family history to grow organically as time moves on.

“Once you have sent the file to family members, any subsequent additions to it will automatically update on the original file received by relatives.

“I want families’ ancestral stories to be personal and not dry pieces of information that people struggle to relate to,” said David.

Email historiesinthemaking@gmail.com with your own stories.

Maybe somebody in your family recalls when the Nazis bombed Dublin in 1941?

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18 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

DUBLINLIFE

For wearing at your desk where nobody will notice Accessorise Supersoft slippers €15.90

For all your favourite biz-speak, going forward River Island Speech bubble light box €33 For intensive team-building exercises Accessorise Christmas crackers €7.90

For when you’re studying rival products Lidl Dart set €3.99

For when it’s time to take your new corporate shots River Island Insta photo booth €10 For subtle petty cash reminders about staff dietary requirements Accessorise Chocoholic purse €12.90

For networking and brainstorming at the back door Accessorise Rosalie insulated floral cup €9.90

Office-ly good Christmas gifts  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

For taking your new corporate shots/office Christmas Party blackmail Fujifilm Instax Mini8 camera €85

KRIS Kringles at the office are a fun part of the Christmas ritual, but they can be awkward if you select someone you’ve only ever com-

municated with via email.

So, here are a selection of gifts to give you some inspiration for your Secret Santa, whether they turn out to be your best work buddy or someone you’ve never even had a coffee with!

While you usually can’t go wrong with a bottle of booze, they can come in over budget, so here are a few ideas for your Kris Kindle whether you work in a pub, shop or office (or even in a local newspaper)!

Best of all, most of these are very pocket- and budget-friendly – so, no need to slip IOU notes in the petty cash box – while a couple of pricier products could go down a treat if you’re trying to impress!

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 19

For a clean cup to be able to hand to any office visitors Dealz Teacup €1.50

GAZETTE

GIFT GUIDE For escaping from reality/the office grind Easons Waterford Whispers €16.99

For leaving beside the canteen microwave Easons Lean in 15 – Joe Wicks €20.99

For whoever’s stuck sitting near the office door Aldi Faux-fur stole €9.99

For holding your paper on the way to work Lidl Leather gloves €14.99

For the unsung hero who tidies the canteen Accessorise Superman mug €9.90 For listening to stock market updates or Kanye AppliancesDelivered.ie Akai AM/FM retro radio €29.95

For the office’s Me-Too Hipster Topman Paisley tie €14

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Volvo gives hints to

There are some impressive big cars on the market loaded up with technology features that we could only have dreamt about a few years ago. Auto driving features are just around the corner and the new Volvo S90 which MICHAEL MORONEY has been driving is just a stage in a process that leading to autonomous driving, but in style.

Land Rover will build the new Discovery model in Slovakia when its new modern factory opens there in 2018

New Discovery for Slovakia build in 201 JAGUAR Land Rover recently announced that it will build its next-generation Land Rover Discovery in Slovakia. This is the first Land Rover model to be chosen for the new modern car factory which is due to open in 2018.

Last year Tata Motors, the owners of Jaguar Land Rover picked Slovakia as the location for the new factory that will have an annual output of up to 300,000 vehicles. The huge factory will be one of Slovakia’s biggest foreign direct investment programmes.

Jaguar Land Rover currently builds the Discovery at its factory in Solihull in central England. The company said that production of the Discovery will continue in the UK after the Slovakia plant comes on line. Jaguar Land Rover has boosted its model range and the company plans to produce 1 million cars per year by 2020 as it has opened new factories in China and Brazil.

Tyre industry takes to Dublin to protest high recycling costs AS TYRE companies took to Dublin streets in protest at the cost of recycling used car and truck tyres, the organisation established to operate a national tyre recycling scheme, Repak ELT has responded to claims of high recycling costs.

Repak ELT CEO Seamus Clancy said: “Repak ELT, in progressing the establishment of this critically important scheme, has consulted with the tyre industry in an effort to ensure all interested parties have the opportunity to put forward their positions and we welcome the fact that some 839 members of the tyre industry, representing 1,045 outlets, have already registered with the scheme.”

“Inevitably there will be differences of opinion as to how this major environmental issue should be managed. To that end Repak ELT is finalising a full submission to Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment and his Department for approval. It will be an effective, cost efficient and equitable scheme which will benefit the entire population of this country. It is expected that the scheme will launch in Quarter 1, 2017. Ultimately, the final shape and charges for the scheme will rest with the Minister and his Department.”

VOLVO has a big statement to make with the new S90 as it’s a car that carries forward a fresh brand design style with a host of new safety features. The S90 looks and feels a big car, with big car comfort and the latest in new technology features.

Drive the S90 around the streets of Dublin and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of second looks that you get from Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz drivers.

The glances ranged from envy to arrogance, but they all took note of Volvo’s new offering because you simply can’t hide that modern Volvo style.

The key feature of the new S90 is the level of driving automation included. Pilot Assist is what Volvo calls its semiautonomous driving feature which is a standard feature on every S90. The system automatically keeps you at a set speed or distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating with the flow of traffic, and gives gentle

steering inputs to keep the car within lane markings at motorway speeds up to 130km/hr.

Volvo claims that Pilot Assist is another step towards fully autonomous driving. You quickly feel confident with the system especially on a longer motorway drive and it makes the drive more relaxing once you get your head around its function.

A series of cameras detect the road markings or any objects including one neatly incorporated into the Volvo logo on the front grille. Unlike previous versions of the system, the system no longer needs to follow another car, and that’s the autonomous part.

Volvo safety heritage is highlighted in the S90 where the latest version of City Safety comes as standard in every S90.

This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and the worldfirst application of largeanimal detection. This feature helps to avoid or

Volvo S90 D4 SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power Engine torque 0 – 100km/hr Braking Distance (100km to 0) Economy

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

2.0 litre 190hp 400Nm 8.2 seconds 35 metres

22.7km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) 55 litres 116g/km A4 €200 20,000km/12 months 5 Star 2016 2 years €48,400

The internal layout is understated with Swedish styling, where all of the functions are easy to use and logical in their control, along with big comfort seats

limit the severity of collisions with large animals such as Phoenix Park deer and horses both at night and during the day.

There are two engine versions of the S90 model on the market and I drove the entry level engine version that’s powered

by a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine. The engine has more Volvo input than in the past and that means smoother performance coupled with a quiet and comfortable drive.

The engine power is rated at 200bhp with an impressive level of torque that’s a match for the competition. This is a big car and it’s a heavy one so the acceleration performance is marginally behind some of the impressive competition.

At 8.2 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr acceleration race, the S90 is no slouch, while still only very marginally slower relative to the BMW or Mercedes Benz equivalent.

Despite that Volvo has worked some magic because the car comes with an impressive official economy rating of 22.7km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) that can almost be reached with strategic driving. To get a big car like the S90 to come in with such an impressive economy figure is amazing; just don’t

Fiat adds saloon version to Tipo offering FIAT in Ireland will launch a saloon version of the recently introduced Tipo mid-range car for the early New Year market. The new saloon model completes the expanded Fiat Tipo range with saloon version car prices starting from just €16,745.

Fiat will be offering a full range, hatchback, saloon and estate version of the Tipo in their effort to get back lost market share in this important segment of the car market. Fiat claims to offer exceptional roominess, high specification, robust quality and outstanding efficiency, not to mention an affordable price across all models in the updated range.

Fiat claims that the Tipo saloon can accommodate three six-feet-plus adult passengers in the rear due to its 4.53m length, 1.79m width and 1.49m tall dimensions. Its boot capacity is one of the best in this class

The new Fiat Tipo saloon

with a volume of 520 litres. Loads of up to 1.8m in length can be carried courtesy of its flipand-fold 60/40 split rear seats that provide a completely flat load floor.

Like the hatchback versions, the saloon model will be offered in three trim levels, Pop, Easy and Lounge. The entry Pop trim level is equipped with air conditioning, remote central

locking, front and rear electric windows, bodycoloured door mirrors with electric adjustment, six airbags, chrome door handles, split rear seats, a front seat centre arm rest, full size spare wheel, USB and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel remote controls.

There are four engine options, two petrol engines, a 1.4-litre 16v producing 95bhp and 127Nm and the 1.6-litre e-TorQ engine producing 110bhp and 152Nm and two turbo diesel engines – a 1.3-litre MultiJet II producing 95bhp and 200Nm and a 1.6-litre MultiJet II with an output of 120bhp and 320Nm. Fiat claims that the entry-level 1.4-litre 95bhp version is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds. Fiat is quoting an official combined cycle fuel economy figure is 17.5km/litre (5.7 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are 133g/km.

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

autonomy in new S90

MOTORING

Great deals on offer at SEAT SEAT dealer Brady’s Dublin has announced a host of sensational offers as part of SEAT’s outstanding 171 campaign, just in time for Christmas.

Until December 31st, motorists are invited to visit the dealership located at Old Navan Road, Castleknock to view the latest range from SEAT and make fantastic savings.

Customers can avail of 0% finance on selected Ibiza and Leon models, 1.9%

The new Volvo S90 is a very impressive luxury end saloon car that combines comfort with traditional Volvo safety features now supported by safety technology that brings the car closer to autonomous driving. Prices start from €48,400 before delivery charges.

finance available on the SEAT Ibiza Sport and SEAT Leon SE Select AND a staggering 2.9% finance

expect to repeat it in preChristmas Dublin City stop start driving.

The new S90 comes with a low CO2 rating of just 116g/km and that means low running costs in terms of road tax, just €200 annually. This figure also gives an indication about the car’s economy performance and it lives up to some of its economy

claims. While the 55 litre capacity fuel tank is probably smaller than most of the competition, meaning more stops.

Volvo’s most logical gearbox option is the 8 speed automatic version and it was a good match for the high torque diesel engine. There are three driving modes available EC0, Comfort and

Dynamic where you will quickly notice the difference in driving performance. For city driving the ECO option is compulsory while for longer motor way r uns, the Comfort setting gives a more relaxing drive.

The car’s start stop system is smooth and comforting; you won’t need to think much about it

as you are enveloped in a bright leather comfort zone. The layout of the dash and controls are typically understated, while being very functional. I liked the starting switch which is more tactile than the start button used by other car brands; it’s just that you feel that you are engaging with the car’s system more.

Within minutes I was comfortable in the Volvo S90; seat adjustment was logical and so too was setting up the mobile phone Bluetooth connection. The heating adjustment is logical and easy to use with a large centre mounted nineinch touch screen.

Cars like the S90 can take that extra length in

their stride; it adds to the big car image. The wheelbase is stretched slightly longer than most of the competition to give the S90 a new comfort zone.

Entr y prices start at €48,400, but adding the extra comfort and style features will quickly bring you over the €60,000 limit and then it becomes a more expensive option.

available on the all new SEAT Ateca, SEAT’s first ever SUV model.

In addition to the attractive finance offers available at Brady’s Dublin, SEAT have introduced a scrappage offer of up to €4,000 on the Leon range and up to €2,500 on the Ibiza range.

A Busy Mercedes Benz year ahead

The launch of SEAT’s 171 finance offers comes at a particularly exciting time for SEAT as the brand has welcomed new, high

MERCEDES-BENZ in Ireland is planning a busy 171 with a

profile dealers to the

host of new cars on the way for Dublin drivers. The new

network, all featur-

S-Class Cabriolet is scheduled to arrive in the January-

ing the marques new

March period. This new ‘dream car’ will bring the joys of

look showrooms and

open-top motoring to the premier S-Class range.

forecourt signage.

Mercedes Benz will be adding an E-Class Coupé early

In addition, SEAT

in 2017, followed in mid-year by an E-Class Cabriolet. Also

has just launched the

arriving in that period will be a new E-Class All-Terrain

all new SEAT Ateca

model and a revamped GLA entry-level SUV.

in the Irish market which is already

As 2017 progresses, it is expected that MercedesBenz will advance developments already in the pipeline,

performing well and

one being their entry into electric-powered motoring

generating strong

discussed at the recent Paris Motor Show. It is expected also that autumn will see the arrival of some top end models with two especially exotic AMG models due, the GTR and GTC.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GTR is one of the exotic introductions planned for 2017

interest.

For more information see www.bradys dublin.ie/

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22 GAZETTE 15 December 2016

DUBLINLIFE 1

TECH IN REVIEW

Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, joined the Government in rejecting criticisms of the tech giant’s tax arrangements with the Republic of Ireland

Stories worth taking a bite at next year, too  SHANE DILLON

AS ALWAYS, the year brought plenty of tech changes and some fascinating news stories, both good and bad. Here are just a few of the tech trends, stories and developments from 2016. In no particular order ...

W hile there were lots of IT sector gains in Ireland, particularly with research and pharma firms, the likes of Dell and Intel each announced job cuts.

The giants’ job losses here echo the wider malaise in the global computing market – on the whole, consumer sales have slowed right down, with high-end tablets also underperforming, although phablets are doing okay.

While some tech may be faltering, this year saw several impressive virtual reality headsets hit the market, typically for use with consumer games and media browsing content, but also offering some burgeoning business, training and development applications.

Several VR headsets wowed consumers in 2016, and look set to refine their tech in coming years. Their success is virtually certain ...

It’s fair to say that one person dominated the Tweetosphere this year: The Donald.

America’s incoming president, Donald Trump, commanded headlines around the world all year round, seemingly running much of his election campaign through random Tweets.

Whatever else can be said about the man, his musings as America’s president in the coming years should be ... memorable.

The continuing trend for consumers to swap bricksand-mortar for clicks-and-order

saw HMV finally close its remaining stores in the Republic – again – with the retailer retreating to an online-only presence in the Republic.

The severing of the chain’s physical presence in Dublin marks a blow for the city’s gaming and media consumers.

However, the biggest Irish tech story of the year was, of course, Apple’s tax arrangements with Ireland, with the Government garnering a lot of uncomfortable headlines all around the world.

Apple has been completely and fully compliant with all of our laws, in every way, as both they and the Government have pointed out to all and sundry.

However, this didn’t impress the European Commission’s mandarins, who concluded in late summer that Ireland granted undue tax benefits to Apple of up to €13bn – a charge which both the Government and Apple reject.

2017 will almost certainly see similar stories and complex issues pushed back into the spotlight once again.

Donald Trump’s often bizarre Tweets were a mainstay of 2016 on the global stage

1

Uncharted 4 A spectacular gaming highlight, and a technical wonder

2

Firewatch Presented the most thoughtful narrative of 2016

YEAR IN REVIEW: A TOP-TEN LIST OF THIS YEAR’S MOST

2016’s best WHILE every year presents plenty of great (and terrible) games, 2016 stood out as a bumper year for gamers.

While mobile gaming continued to quietly make an awful, awful lot of money from people who’d never call themselves a gamer (and yet who still play the likes of Candy Crush Saga on the Luas), console gaming – the most readily identifiable form of gaming for many people – enjoyed a stellar year.

As such, here’s my list of 2016’s best games. Some were critically acclaimed, others were runaway financial successes, and others were quietly fantastic – but they’re all worthy of the list. In order...

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

1) Unchar ted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4, Cert 16).

Even in a year with some superb titles, Uncharted 4 stood head and shoulders above pretty much everything else, setting one benchmark after another in everything from character development and scripting through to level design and environmental detail, and all kinds of technical bells and whistles, too.

Developer Naughty Dog pulled out all the

stops – and then some – to deliver a true tour de force in gaming, setting storytelling and gameplay high points that haven’t been surpassed since.

2) Firewatch (PS4/ XBO, Cert 16). Another high ranker on many critics’ lists, Firewatch was a narrative-heavy game that greatly impressed..

The tale of a 1980s everyman working for a summer in a national park doesn’t sound like much on paper, but it had a witty, engaging and very human tale to spin, wrapped up with mellow graphics.

3) Pokemon GO (IOS, Android, Cert 9+). Even those of you living under rocks know about Pokemon GO, so I don’t need to say much about Nin-

tendo’s foray into mobile gaming. The global craze provided yet another smash hit for the gaming giant, as millions took to the world’s streets in search of rare Pokemon.

4) Virginia (PS4/XBO/ PC, Cert 12). Without a single word of dialogue or narrative to its brief length, this quirky game still wowed, providing a masterclass in storytelling.

Like a curious mashup of Twin Peaks and The X-Files, its basic characters and simplistic art style, still managed to present a complex tale with a range of human emotion – with its classy soundtrack also impressing.

5) Inside (PS4/XBO/ PC, Cert 18). There were a hundred different ways

15 December 2016 GAZETTE 23

2

GAZETTE

GAMING 5

3

6

4

3

Pokemon GO Caused near mass hysteria around the world

4

Virginia Had no dialogue, but was a masterclass of storytelling

ACCLAIMED OR SUCCESSFUL TITLES

7

5 Inside Gothic touches created a compelling side-scrolling platformer 6 Overwatch Fired a rocket of inclusive fun into the Boys-Own shooting genre, delivering a payload of upbeat mayhem

8

games ...

to accidentally guide this game’s little character to his doom in this, but exploring this near-monochrome sidescrolling platformer was a treat.

With humourous touches as dark as its palette, and a slowly revealed narrative, Inside impressed with its pure game design as much as its stark visuals.

6) Overwatch (PS4/ XBO/PC, Cert 12). To the surprise of many, Overwatch dominated what I’ll call ‘shooter’ games for much of the year, with a strong focus on the fun, rather than the gun.

Popular with everyone from hardcore gamers to casual players to LGBT gaymers and many more, Overwatch’s colourful graphics, zany characters, quirky powers and other atypical traits saw it reclaim territory from more traditionally grim shooter games. Speaking of which ...

7) Battlefield 1 (PS4/ XBO/PC, Cert 18). Settings don’t come much grimmer than World War One’s l a n d scapes –

Congratulations, Nathan Drake – your game, Uncharted 4, is officially The Gazette’s Game of the Year 2016! Well done!

yet Battlefield 1’s take on The Great War outgunned rival shooters.

Dumping the techheavy nonsense that has smothered rival shooters, B1’s purist back-to-basics approach, coupled with very impressive graphics and levels, saw it hit the target with gamers.

8) The Witness (PS4/ XBO/PC, Cer t 3+) .

Released at the start of the year, The Witness could be played by anyone – anyone from Mensa, perhaps, as its beautifuly realised island was full of real headscratcher puzzles to unlock as you explored.

Something of a cult hit, its laidback p a c e

9

10

7 Battlefield 1 Stripped-back gameplay subtly added depth to its chaotic World War One setting 8 The Witness Beautiful island setting and lush graphics hid head-scratcher puzzles galore 9 Dishonored 2 Late 2016 release wowed with singular and superb art style and open-ended gameplay 10 Hitman Its initially derided but soon acclaimed episodic release proved naysayers wrong

and variety of puzzles give it a timeless appeal – though I’m probably not the only person who resorted to YouTube walkthroughs to solve some of its trickier bits.

9) Dishonored 2 (PS4/ X B O / P C , C e r t 18 ) .

Although a very late

2016 release – last week’s review, you’ll recall – Dishonored 2 greatly impressed with one of the most singularly realised games of the year.

Its wonderful art direction, intricately designed levels and the ability to complete it as peacefully/

violently as you wish give it lots of replayability.

10) Hitman (PS4/XBO/ PC, Cert 18). The latest in the long-running franchise (starring everyone’s favourite bald assassin) was initially derided when its developer decided to release the game serially,

releasing a new level every month or so.

Despite this unusual approach, and a number of flaws, gamers loved its vast, elabourate levels that were packed full of silly, inventive or practical ways to eliminate a shifty group of very bad people.

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 15 December 2016

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE fast TRAVEL Destination moon!

The sky’s (not) the limit for an ambitious new destination  IAN BEGLEY

WITHIN 10 years, holidaymakers could be literally flying to the moon – that’s according to a private firm that wants to set up lunar travel.

Moon Express is hopeful that their ambitious endeavour will occur in the near future, thanks to a ruling by the US government that has made the company the first private business to be given the green light to land on the moon.

America’s Federal Aviation Administration gave the go-ahead late this year, and now Moon Express is planning its first trip to the moon next year, with the aim of sending human holidaymakers by 2026.

Moon Express cofounder and chairman Naveen Jain has said tickets for the trip will cost around $10,000 (£9,200).

He said: “The sky is not the limit for Moon Express – it is the launchpad. This breakthrough ruling is another giant leap for humanity.

“Space travel is our only path forward to ensure our survival and create a limitless future for our children. In the immediate future, we envision bringing precious resources, metals and moon rocks back to Earth.”

TRAVEL

CINQUE TERRE: STEP OVER TO THIS WALKING ROUTE THROUGH A STUNNING AREA

Italian adventure offers so much ‘amore’ of all you need to feel relaxed I RAN away to explore the world at the tender age of 18, and even though I’ve yet to come across a country that owns my heart like Ireland does, I always feel at home when I’m in Italy.

Italy is a country that I adore. She has it all: coast, mountains, skiing, sunbathing, great food, art, history, culture, showstopping architecture and the Italians know how to party!

So, at just a two-hour flight away from Dublin, I’m never one to refuse the opportunity to get my backside to Italy.

Lately, I’ve become a fan of the walking holiday; after my pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago earlier this year I researched other famous walking routes across Europe and came across Cinque Terre – a UNESCO world heritage site on the north-east coast of Italy, between Genoa and Pisa.

Cinque Terre literally translates to ‘five lands’ and that’s exactly what it is. The rugged coastline draws a u-shape with five darling towns dotted along the edge, looking as though one little shake and they’d topple over in to the Ligurian Sea. Arriving in Monterosso, I got my first view of the sea and took a few moments to deeply inhale the fresh sea air and absorb the views.

The streets were cobblestoned, buildings painted bright pastel colours with smiling locals, and even

 GERALDINE O’CALLAGHAN

Reality TV star

in November the sun was glorious.

Enjoying a coffee while sitting at a boardwalk out on the seaside, I felt a million miles away from the stress of work. Life moves at a different pace in Italy – and even a step slower in Cinque Terre.

Taking the local train from Monterosso – which is the most northerly of the five towns to Riomaggiore – I arrived to walk through a tunnel along the Via dell’Amore (The Way of Love).

Beautiful You have to give it to the Italians – they love an aul’ bit of romance. It’s one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world, so they named it aptly, don’t you think?

After a long day travelling, I was a little disheartened to realise that Riomaggiore is embedded into the hills and my hotel was – yes, you’ve guessed it – up at the very top.

Anyway, soldiering on up, I got myself to the top.

The climb – awful as it was – was so worth it. The views from my hotel balcony were so perfect it was

like staring at a postcard.

Up and out early the next morning, I had plans of walking the full boardwalk from Riomaggiore through Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and finish off having lunch in Monterosso before getting the local train back to my hotel in Riomaggiore.

It didn’t quite go according to plan ... the stretch of the Via dell’Amore boardwalk between Riomaggiore and Manarola is closed off for repair work, so it was up and over the hills with me.

The hills are steep enough and the climb is physically challenging, but every time you look over your shoulder, the views get better and better and the sense of achievement gets stronger and stronger.

The climb down from the peak into Manarola is steep. Although all five towns look alike, they each have their own distinct character. Manarola has tiny winding streets – if you stretch out your arms, you can reach the houses on both sides!

Although there is a small beach in Monterosso, Cinque Terre isn’t a beach holiday. It’s purely all about the walking routes and views and wine – definitely about the wine.

All the locals grow grapes in their gardens, so every shop, restaurant and hotel sell wines produced with their very own hands.

There’s something very beautiful about that.

There’s a lot to be said for the walking holiday versus a beach or partying holiday (or maybe it’s just that I’m getting old).

The thing about a walking holiday is when you get home you feel completely fresh and revitalised.

It’s almost like being out in the fresh air all

The Cinque Terre (‘five lands) walking route in northeastern Italy offers lots of stunning sights, with charming towns cascading down the ancient hillsides to the gentle waters of the Ligurian Sea

day scrubs out the brain of clutter and stress and every step you take is a step further from your troubles. Something that gives you that result is certainly worth trying.

My holiday was a week long, booked through

OneFootABroad.com who supplied me with all maps and walking notes and advice on which walk to choose on certain days.

They also gave me an emergency helpline number. I flew in to Milan with Ryanair.

15 December 2016 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

SULLY

Hanks for an okay biopic DIRECTOR Clint Eastwood delivers a solid biopic with Sully (Cert 12A, 95 mins). Telling of the famous incident about a plane crash landing safely on a Noo Yawk river, Tom Hanks stars as the titular captain of the troubled flight, with ‘Sully’ hailed as a hero – at least, until a number of investigators started to question his actions. Still, it’s a likeable film about the interesting incident.

Rebel fighter Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) finds herself deep in Star Wars territory: in a desperate fight against the evil Empire, facing suicidal odds

ROGUE ONE: EXPERTLY SPUN TALE IS A FINE PREQUEL TO CLASSIC STAR WARS LORE

MOANA

Surfing on great reviews DISNEY makes quite a splash with Moana (Cert PG, 113 mins), with its plucky Polynesian princess (oh, and demigod sidekick) ignoring the usual tropes for the genre. Likeable vocal work take a back seat to some stellar graphics and animation, and while Moana and friends don’t sail completely clear of some familiar themes, it’s a fresh, vibrant and welcome film for all the family.

FANTASTIC BEASTS As the title says ...

WHILE MANY are calling it ‘the new Harry Potter film’, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (Cert 12A, 133 mins), set earlier in the same universe as the worldconquering wizardry series, is a decent addition to the franchise. Stepping across the pond to America, its new characters and setting will reinvigorate fans, while bringing in new ones to see our ordinary world and its magical undertones.

Makes a Force-ful impact IT’S not until those first words appear across the screen, in blue and black, that its hits you – you are, in fact, watching a second Star Wars movie in as many years.

How time has flown since 2015’s The Force Awakens. Some condemned Disney’s eagerness to release another Star Wars movie so soon (and each consecutive year, from the looks of things), anticipating a rush that would damage the franchise after the critical success of JJ Abram’s Episode VII. When word of production troubles and reshoots hit the Internet, many fans’ worst fears appeared to be confirmed. Thankfully, any worries about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Cert 12A, 133 mins) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story are entirely unwarranted.

Director Gareth Edwards has produced a spectacular, satisfying

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

and genuinely moving Star Wars experience – its existence justified with a style and tone that is refreshingly different, yet so completely and perfectly Star Wars.

Rogue One’s eagerness to separate itself from the main series is rigidly clear from the very beginning – for the first time, a Star Wars movie starts proceedings without the signature text ‘crawl’, or John Williams’ beloved theme music.

Furthermore, the events of the opening sequence are far darker than any the series has previously offered.

Prior to the events of A New Hope, the newly formed Galactic Empire is working on a space sta-

tion capable of destroying entire planets – even the most casual viewer should recognise the infamous Death Star.

In response, a group of unlikely heroes, led by the young Jyn Orso (Felicity Jones), work together to steal the plans to the superweapon and deliver them to the Rebel Alliance.

Almost any Star Wars fan will have a rough idea going in to Rogue One of how events are going to transpire – it is a prequel, after all. Consequently, Rogue One has an inherent, inevitable sense of tragedy.

Accordingly, the story’s power lies in its characters and how they develop, rather than the narrative itself.

When we first meet her, Jyn is a different kind of Star Wars hero: brooding, broken and apathetic, she’s a far cry from the wide-eyed optimism of Luke, Finn, Rey or – dare I say it – the young Ana-

As usual, it’s a bad day to be a Rebel against the Empire in the Star Wars galaxy

kin Skywalker.

Those central themes throughout the franchise – sacrifice and hope – take a while to manifest in this story’s hero, but her arc, when it develops, feels completely natural.

The rest of the courageous team is played with undeniably Star War-sy heartfelt enthusiasm by Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen, with Alan Tudyk as occasional comic relief, droid K-2SO. Ben Mendelsohn is delightfully nasty as Orson Krennic, the director of the Death Star programme and Rogue One’s

key villain.

The cast of characters packs a number of wonderful, fan-targeted surprises, both big and small.

Visually, Rogue One is a special effects masterpiece and throws plenty of nods to the series’ past and future. The spot-on 1970s Sci-Fi aesthetic extends from sets and vehicles to haircuts and facial hair. Watching a real x-wing dogfight, complete with cockpit conversations and call signs, is a wonderful, nostalgic thrill.

To point out Rogue One’s later narrative missteps would be to spoil

the film entirely. However, these issues are more so inevitabilities, given the overall storyline, and they are rendered almost insignificant by the film’s s p e c t a c u l a r, a c t i o n packed climax.

While maintaining an indeterminate, yet thoroughly franchise-perfect sensation, Rogue One sets itself apart from instalments gone by.

Accordingly, in a postForce Awakens world of entertainment, Rogue One gives us a genuine reason to eagerly anticipate a new Star Wars movie every year.

Verdict: 9/10

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 15 December 2016

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GAZETTE

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 15 December 2016

SPORT

FastSport LEINSTER SET UP TITLE DECIDER: LEINSTER’S women rugby team set up an interprovincial championship decider with Munster next Saturday in Donnybrook at 2.30pm following their impressive 46-0 win over Ulster.

They did so with two tries from number eight Paul Fitzpatrick and winger Katie Fitzhenry while Alisa Hughes, Hannah Tyrrell and Niamh Byrne also crossed for tries against the northern province.

Jenny Murphy augmented the win with 11 points with the boot.

Murphy started the scoring in the 19th minute from a penalty when scrum-half Hughes was taken out at a ruck.

Leinster built the lead with accurate passing from deep for full-back Kim Flood to put Fitzhenry over on the left. Hughes’s try helped to make it 17-0 at the break.

And they duly scored a bonus point when Fitzhenry scored her second try in the 50th minute before Fitzpatrick touched down off the back of a line-out maul.

HOCKEY: UCD AND EY LEAGUE LEADERS PLAY OUT HIGH OCTANE DRAW AT BELFIELD

Students halt Hermes’ run of victories

 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

UCD ended HermesMonkstown’s perfect record in the women’s EY Hockey League but the visitors to Belfield last Sunday remain four points clear at the head of the table at the halfway stage.

The meeting of the division’s top two sides proved a cracker, flow-

ing from end to end, with both sides having their chance to claim all three points.

Fortunes swung dramatically from end to end with both teams having their moments but a draw was probably a fair result.

The first half was helterskelter with big chances at either end right from the start.

Hermes-Monkstown’s first corner saw Clodagh

Cassin save well from Chloe Watkins while UCD fluffed a three-onone counter-attack.

Suzie Kelly then swept a Lena Tice corner shot off the line before the visitors took the lead on the first quarter hooter.

Watkins’s disguised pass was smart, picking out Rosie Carrigan who slid onto the ball for 1-0.

UCD, though, had a string of corners of their own

Railway Union’s Kate McKenna. Picture: Adrian Boehm

UCD’s Lena Tice was a star performer. Picture: Adrian Boehm

with Katie Mullan playing a key role along with the immaculate Tice.

The sweeper created the opening for the equaliser when she beat a couple of players before laying off to Gillian Pinder.

Her cracking shot was saved by Liz Murphy but only as far as Sorcha Clarke who popped home from close range.

It remained 1-1 through the third quarter in spite of a concerted HermesMonkstow n spell of attacking with Anna O’Flanagan and Nikki Evans going close.

UCD had the best of the early stages of the final quarter but were almost caught at the death when Evans won a corner. O’Flanagan worked

an opening to shoot but Mullan charged it down, meaning it was honours even.

In the chasing pack, Railway Union picked off a significant 3-1 victory over Cork Harlequins at Farmer’s Cross to move back into the top five of the division.

The visitors were the dominant force in the opening stages in terms of territory and possession, winning a corner inside a minute as Emma Smyth made her presence felt.

The Dubliners went into the lead in the 29th minute from a penalty corner with Anna May Whelan getting the final touch from a penalty corner. The lead didn’t last long however.

Yvonne O’Byrne broke through a few tackles before shooting on her reverse into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1 at the break.

But final quarter goals from Sinead Dooley and Kate McKenna saw Railway pull clear as the moved back into the top half of the table.

Loreto strengthened their position in fourth place as the McDermott sisters Freya and Hannah helped score a 2-0 win over Belfast Harlequins.

Pembroke finally got off the mark in the women’s EY Hockey League as they drew 2-2 at fellow strugglers Ulster Elks in Jordanstown, keeping it very tight at the bottom of the table.

Oldtown’s ASK racing to launch stars of the future  sport@dublingazette.com

ASKRacing have launched big plans for 2016

ASK RACING have announced big plans for 2017, joining what they call “the largest and most competitive field to date” in the newly rebranded Pirelli Supercar Championship, and hoping to use the position to promote young Irish drivers.

Based in Oldtown in the north county, ASK is one of Ireland’s most successful racing teams.

Much of the Supercar Championship takes place in the UK, at iconic circuits such as Brands

Hatch – added to the championship for the coming season – but ASK will link in with the more local Ginetta offering, which takes place in part at Kildare’s popular Mondello Park circuit.

The team have partnered with the Junior Ireland competition for the coming season, and will offer the top driver in the championship a race in the Pirelli Supercar Championship at the final round in Brands Hatch as a reward for their effort.

The top three drivers in the championship will get a test

drive for ASK following its conclusion next year, with the Ginetta winner put forward for the Brands Hatch event, a potentially decisive part of the Supercar calendar.

The team hope that the initiative will give drivers between the age of 14 and 17 the chance to step up to supercar racing, and give an opportunity for a young Irish driver to launch a career.

As well as running events and offering driving experiences, ASK also provide race support and build track-ready cars to sell on to drivers, includ-

ing cars aimed at competing in the supercar championship for other drivers.

They also train at Mondello Park, using specialised data collection to help racing drivers or potential racing drivers identify areas for improvement.

The team have asked any 14-17 year olds interested in competing in the Ginetta Junior Ireland Championship to contact the team, via their website w w w.askracing.com, where contact information for Class Principal Ann Stevens is available.

15 December 2016 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Capturing the mood of a Season of Sundays Sportsfile supremo Ray McManus reflects on what makes the annual pictorial book from his company on the GAA season gone by such an enduring companion to the year  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

RAY MCMANUS is celebrating 20 years of what he jokingly calls “Sportsfile’s Business Card,” A Season Of Sundays which came out last month The annual photo book looks at the world of GAA through the photographer’s lens, a pictorial view of the highs and lows of 2016 from some of the best in the game.

The book was borne from inauspicious beginnings. An anonymous journalist made a comment that appeared to undervalue McManus’s work back in the mid-90s.

“I remember a journalist – who has passed away now – calling me up and asking me if I have any photos lying around. I told him I don’t have pho-

tos ‘lying around’. I like to think I’m a bit better, a bit more professional than that!” McManus told GazetteSport. “That gave me the idea, and it’s really become a calling card for Sportsfile.”

Enda Kenny agrees, saying at the launch of the book – which is already close to selling out in what would be a first ahead of Christmas – that the team’s work “inevitably transports back to a magic and memorable sporting moment.”

The annual release has taken the same format since it first appeared: a 168-page hardback presented in chronological order, exploring the GAA’s various different sports and competitionss, but also their settings and the people involved in them.

McManus has a pen-

chant for the unusual in a sports photos. “You never quite know what you’re going to find,” he tells us.

“A few things have changed over the years – the haircuts and the clothing, but most of it hasn’t changed that much.

I like going to the more quaint grounds, places like Aughrim in Wicklow, and Ennis in Clare. This year I turned up in Aughrim and they were renovating a stand, so the little tea hut had moved around the back. Little things like that can make for the best photos.”

This year, those photos feature Dublin’s fourth consecutive national league title, and second consecutive All-Ireland, as well as Tipperary’s hurling win, action from St Patrick’s Day’s All-Ireland club finals – includ-

Not even the travelling legion of Dubs in Nowlan Park can suck Diarmuid Connolly’s penalty into the net as Laois’s Graham Brody saves. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

ing Ballyboden St Enda’s footballing glory – and a story that’s stretched well beyond the lifespan of even this long-running journal, Mayo and the now 66-year curse.

“It’s about capturing atmosphere,” McManus explains. “It’s not really designed to follow the narrative of a season – though being in date order, and

about at Sportsfile. There are some incredible photographers generally, as good as anywhere.

“I think getting the image is a mix of luck, skill and anticipation, when it comes to sport. In some, like boxing, you almost have to know a boxer is going to throw a punch before he knows he will.

“You’ve got to concen-

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

‘It’s about the most representative images, whether it’s a cup of tea in the crowd or a trophy being lifted.’

- Sportsfile’s Ray McManus --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

with the scores and key moments more heavily featured, you certainly can follow Dublin orTipperary through the year.

“But it’s not all about reporting anyone’s progress. It’s about the most representative images, whether that’s a cup of tea in the crowd or a trophy being lifted.

“You don’t really go to the game as a fan because you’re looking at it all through a viewfinder. It’s very much about focusing on the image.

“In sports photography, that can mean capturing something that exists only for a split second. If you miss if, it’s gone, and you just have to move on.”

And McManus says the sports photography scene in Ireland is up there with the best in the world.

“I’m not just talking

trate, as – no disrespect to wedding photographers or those shooting promotional images in St Stephen’s Green – this has no replays, and you can forget about whatever you miss.

You’ll never catch everything, but it’s like they say about golf, the more you practise, the luckier you get.”

A Season Of Sundays – which also features photo annotations by GAA Head of Communications Alan Milton – puts the best of those “lucky” moments in a book.

It’s available from major bookshops now, and via the books section of the Sportsfile website at www. sportsfile.com. ** McManus wishes to thank sponsor Carroll’s of Tullamore, who he says “keep the book affordable!”

FASTSport

Liam O’Riain, Cllr Darragh Butler and Paul Reid at the announcement. Picture: Kevin McFeely

Newbridge House to host Dublin half marathon NEWBRIDGE House and Farm in Donabate will host the 2017 Dublin Half Marathon which will take place on Sunday, September 24 with up to 10,000 runners taking part in the race around the peninsula.

The formal announcement was made by Dublin Marathon race director, Jim Aughney, and a special reception in County Hall, Swords, on Monday evening to mark the occasion with Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler, Fingal County Council Chief Executive Paul Reid, the Chairman of Dublin Marathon, Liam Ó Riain, members of the Council and representatives of local athletics clubs in attendance The event, which is the biggest half marathon run in Ireland, had previously been staged in the Phoenix Park but the number of participants had to be capped at 8,000.

The move to Fingal will allow race organisers to cater for the growing demand from athletes at home and abroad to participate in the race.

“The half marathon has huge potential to grow and, with the commitment of FingalCounty Council, we believe it will rapidly reach over 10,000 participants. Fingal offers a unique venue in Newbridge House and also some of the most scenic areas for our athletes,” Aughney said at the launch. The actual route will be announced in due course. Cllr Butler added that the event would be a major boost to the area.

“An event like this will certainly help to promote Fingal and the prospect of 10,000 runners together with their families and supporters coming to the area will certainly generate extra revenue for local businesses.

“I’ve taken part in all the Fingal10ks and I’m not sure if I’ll be up for the half marathon but I might give it a go,” he said.

At the reception a special presentation of cheques for €3,000 was made by the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon Race Series to representatives of Metro St Brigid’s, Clonliffe Harriers and Fingallians Athletic Club in appreciation of each club providing stewards and volunteers for the events. Entries for the Dublin Half Marathon and the Fingal 10K, which takes place on Sunday, July 23, in Swords, are now being taken at www. sseairtricitydublinmarathon.ie

GAZETTE

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 15 December 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: LUCAN CLUB HONOURED FOR THEIR INCLUSIVE APPROACH

Bluebell’s upsurge in LSL form continues HOLDERS Bluebell United have cemented an upturn in form and guaranteed the Christmas number one spot in the LSL Sunday Senior table with a 2-0 win away to struggling Tolka Rovers on Friday.

Until recently, the Red Cow club were considered to have made a fairly indifferent start to their defence of the title by their high standards. But Andy Noonan, pictured above, has seen his side pick up three wins in their last four outings has seen them make a move toward the top spot, building a three-point lead.

Both Bluebell and last year’s title rivals Crumlin United haven’t set the league alight this year, with both struggling to convert chances. Relative newcomers Cherry Orchard and St Mochta’s have led the table for much of Leinster top-tier’s proceedings to date.

The Red Cow club were stripped of some of their main stars over the course of the summer, with key forward Greg Moorhouse even heading for Europa League football with Glenavon up north, but are slowly returning to their fluid best, with a win away to recent strugglers Tolka Rovers on Friday night.

Tony Griffiths put Bluebell in front at Frank Cooke Park just before half time in a game in which United were generally in control, with Shane Stritch putting the game to bed early in the second half, and struggling Tolka unable to offer much in response.

The rescuing of a late draw against Tolka in mid-November, in fact, was a rare recent misstep for the club, who have lost only once since Cherry Orchard scored the first league away win at Red Cow in more than a year back in September.

United’s win gives them a three point margin over second place Cherry Orchard (who have a game in hand) and a five point head start on St Mochta’s, who have two games in hand.

While it will do well to match last year’s final day title play off, yet again the Sunday Senior season looks likely to come down to the finest of margins.

Members of Esker Celtic’s Football for All and Frame Football group

Esker’s football for all  KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

ESKER Celtic are still a relatively new team compared to many others across Dublin but when it comes to inclusion for all there are few teams who can match the advances they have made.

Football For All is a programme launched by the FAI to cater for the needs of footballers with disabilities. Esker, who are one of only five Dublin teams who currently take part in the programme, have been involved since 2013.

The programme gives kids with disabilities,

between the ages of six and 14, the opportunity to play the game they love through regular training, from qualified FAI coaches, and competitive matches.

For its part in growing the programme, Esker was recently acknowledged by finishing as runners-up in the CARA national inclusion awards. On top of that, the club was also honoured by South County Dublin by being presented with a special recognition award at its community endeavours awards ceremony.

The latter award was for the club’s Frame Foot-

MEDAL HAUL O’Loughlin adds Under-17 title to list of victories CLONDALKIN’S Louis O’Loughlin’s (Donore

Harriers) treasure chest of medals was added to with gold in the Under-17 boys race at the Irish Life Health National Novice and Uneven Age Cross Country Championships in Dundalk IT last Sunday.

It comes just a fortnight after he won the national Under-16 crown in Abbotstown as he led home Mayo’s Keelan Kilrehill and north Cork’s Damien Madigan in another strong showing.

Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

ball programme, a venture that was established just this year to help kids who may need the assistance of a walker or frame to play football.

Head coach of Football For All and Frame Football at Esker Keith Nolan spoke to GazetteSport about how proud the whole club is at being recognised for their achievements.

“The FAI has been trying to get it introduced into different clubs in the last while so Esker got involved,” he said.

“Winning the special recognition award is great. It’s nice to get recognised for the work eve-

rybody in the club is putting into the programme.”

Esker put a lot of time and effort into producing youth coaches and getting them involved in the two programmes is a large part of that production.

“The awards are nice especially for the youth coaches as it keeps them interested in the programme.

“We have a set of youth coaches who have been with us since the ages of 12 or 13 on different teams with in Esker so we do try and encourage older players to get involved with younger teams,” said Nolan

Esker’s Football For All saw seven players turn up on its first day and the number of players participating in the programmes has grown year on year but there is always space available for anybody who wants to join in.

“The numbers have grown year on year, it might only be by one or two but they are growing,” Nolan concluded.

Football is usually referred to as the beautiful game and the more clubs who follow the example set by Esker Celtic, the more people with disabilities can experience this beauty first hand.

15 December 2016 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: MURPHY HAILS BIG LATE SEASON VICTORIES

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN WE URGE all our members and sup-

The training course will be held on

porters to support our Christmas 2016

nine Tuesdays from January 17 to March

Bumper Draw which will take place in the

28, 2017 (with a mid-term break and a

clubhouse next Monday, December 19.

study week) and one Saturday (date to

First prize is €1,000, second is €500, third €250 and there are seven more cash prizes.

Tickets are priced at €5 or a book of five for €20. This is an important annual fundraiser and we appreciate all support given towards it.

If you require tickets please contact Frank Cosgrove at 086 3786356.

Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Group has been awarded a grant by

Round Tower’s in action against St Mary’s during the 2016 campaign

Tower’s shaky start leads to strong end SENIOR FOOTBALL  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

ROUND Tower’s senior football campaign may have come to a disappointing end in a playoff final defeat to Clontarf last month, but they can still look back fondly on another strong AFL Division 2 season that almost ended in promotion.

They have finished third in the last two seasons but, while they lost out in the playoff semi-finals last season, they got one step further this year to reach the final.

They subsequently kept their senior championship status with a win over Erin’s Isle 3-11 to 1-9 to close out their year.

It was a 2016 that started in turmoil for the Clondalkin side with a managerial reshuffle taking place just a few games in the season. The result of this was a three-man management team of Pat Murphy, Paul Lanigan and Tony Delaney.

It was a rocky start for Tower’s but the changes

made brought a stability that eventually transferred onto the pitch. The result was a string of decent wins that was only halted by a disappointing loss to Lucan Sarsfields in the championship.

GazetteSport spoke to Murphy about his personal highs and lows of another rollercoaster season for Tower’s senior men.

“We started off a bit rocky, losing two out of the first three games and losing badly in the championship but, when we changed over, we steadied the ship and went on a decent run.

“We had a couple of really good wins but I suppose the highlight would be easy enough because we were the only team to beat Skerries Harps and we had to beat them to stand a chance of getting into the playoffs.”

Tower’s put many teams to the sword during the season, with only Skerries outscoring them by one point but, for Murphy, there is one game that really stands out for him.

“Our best performance of the year was probably

in the semi-finals of the playoffs against Naomh Mearnog. We were beaten well by Clontarf but, in fairness, they were better on the day and probably far better equipped to go to division one than we are at the moment.”

With Tower’s coming so close to promotion on a regular basis, it is surely only a matter of time until it happens for them and Murphy is already looking toward next season and hoping that will be their year especially after seeing the commitment of players hold.

“They trained five nights a week in January and again in February, which was incredible to see.

“Hopefully we get a couple of minors up next year. We will definitely be pushing for the promotion because when you are the one that lost out in the final you become nearly the favourites to go up automatically the following year.

“The young lads that we blooded this year gave us a big surprise by showing us something that we probably didn’t know was there at the time.”

be arranged with course participants).

The venue will be Aras Chronain. If you are interested visit the news section of our website for details re registering your interest.

Round Tower lotto (December 5) jackpot of €10,000; numbers drawn were 4, 7, 16 and 30; the bonus ball was 27.

No overall winner and no bonus ball winner. Three €100 winners: Oliver McCabe, D Gallagher, Betty Farrell.

South Dublin County Council’s Com-

Six €50 Christmas bonus vouchers:

munity Initiative Fund to run a training

Kathleen Byrne x2, Mazie Molloy, Liz Car-

course for volunteer tour guides who

roll, Clena Cogavin, Tom Corrigan.

will be available to give guided tours of

We thank all who support the lotto and

Clondalkin and, in particular, the Round

advise you can play it online for as little

Tower area in their spare time.

as €2.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN THE lotto numbers for this week were

with so many brilliant games during the

6, 20, 24 and 26. There was no winner so

year.

next week, the jackpot will be €1,800.

The draw takes place in Palmerstown House every Sunday night at 10pm and

We are all looking forward to 2017 already with some new teams taking to the fields for the first time.

tickets cost €2. Thank you to all our sell-

New players are always welcome in St

ers and to all that support our lotto

Pat’s as are new mentors and helpers,

every week.

if you want to join the team please con-

Tickets available from all the usual sellers including Moriarty’s SuperValu,

tact secretary.stpatrickspalmerstown. dublin@gaa.ie.

Palmerstown House and Manor Hair

We would like to wish all our members,

Studios. There will be no lotto draw on

mentors, players, helpers and volun-

Sunday, December 25.

teers a very Merry Christmas and a

Most of our teams are now enjoying a well-earned break until the New Year.

Thank you to all our mentors, helpers, parents and players for a great season

LUCAN SARSFIELDS

very Happy New Year; we hope to see you all on December 26 for our 5k walk and on December 27 for our annual Golden Oldies match.

THE CHRISTMAS draw is well underway

If so we would love to hear from you.

and thanks to those who answered the

We field teams in Division 2, 4 and 8.

call for early sales. Tickets should now be

Please contact the club’s hurling co-

widely distributed.

ordinator Joe Whyte on 086 8062480. I

This year’s draw has a €2,000 first

can help with the the transfer process.

prize and we need maximum support.

South Dublin County Council wishes to

The draw takes place on Thursday,

advise all clubs that last games before

December 22.

Christmas are scheduled to take place

Santa visited the academy on Saturday last; hundreds of our youngest members enjoyed their visits and early

weekend of December 17 and 18.

Pitches will re-open weekend of January 14 and 15, 2017.

gifts. Parents were able to enjoy the new

On the camogie front, congratula-

coffee facility at the club and hopefully

tions to Emer Keenan and Emma O’Flynn

that will be as exercised as our players.

on making the Dublin Premier junior

Plans are still being finalised for

national league panel for 2017.

events on St Stephen’s day; full details to

Last week, we put out an appeal for

follow but it will include some games and

winter clothes in association with the

entertainment in the coming months.

Inner City Helping Homeless Collection.

Interested in hurling with Lucan

A big thank you to all who contributed

Sarsfields? Have you recently moved

to a fantastic cause, a huge success on

to Dublin and particularly the Lucan or

behalf of the club.

surrounding area or do you know anyone

The 25 card drive is on Friday night

who has? Are you looking to transfer/

9pm. The Cupla Focal club is in action on

play hurling with a top hurling club?

Monday nights 8pm.

32 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 15 December 2016