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Locals demand SDCC fix ‘the killing fields’ Fresh reports of animal cruelty at Clonburris as ‘goat chased, set on fire’

 SYLVIA POWNALL

THERE were fresh calls this week for action to curb animal cruelty and joyriding on 80 acres of land in Clonburris known as ‘the killing fields’.

South Dublin County

Council (SDCC) was contacted by several concerned parties – amid sickening reports that a goat had been chased around the fields and set on fire.

The council revealed it was joining forces with other

local authorities in the capital to form a horse welfare working group following a series of cruelty cases.

Members of SDCC have also agreed to form a subcommittee to review byelaws governing the owner-

ship and treatment of horses.

A spokesperson for My Lovely Horse Rescue said: “It’s a nightmare. Robbed cars always racing around it, poor ponies on high alert constantly.

Continued on Page 4

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

HOUSING CRISIS | O BROIN, SF, BLASTS RISING IMPACT ON FAMILIES

 SYLVIA POWNALL DEPUTY Eoin O Broin (SF) has accused the Government of “utterly failing” the homeless as the latest figures show 199 families in South Dublin County Council’s area are living in emergency accommodation.

The Clondalkin-based Sinn Fein housing spokesman said the fact that the number of children sleeping in hostels, hotels and B&Bs nationally rose by 69 to 2,777 shows the crisis is deepening.

He said: “This clearly demonstrates that the Government has not got the number of new families presenting as homeless each month under control. For every family that exits homelessness, another is there to take its place.

“This is down to the

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

‘Deputy O Broin called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to amend the Residential Tenancies Act to block buy-tolet landlords from evicting families when they want to sell’ -----------------------------------

Government failing to get to grips with the scale of the problem and failing to introduce measures aimed at keeping families in their homes.

“Some 70% of homeless families have been in emergency accommodation for more than six months, 40% have been in hostels or hotels for more

than a year, and 200 families have been in emergency accommodation for 18 to 24 months.”

Last month a family of seven who had been homeless for 18 months took a case in the High Court against the state suing for “family-appropriate” accommodation.

The unemployed cou-

ple and five children aged up to seven, including a baby born into homelessness last year, have been in 10 temporary accommodations in four years and their current hotel since February.

The court heard the council had offered them up to €1,950 towards rent payments under the

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, but they were unable to secure either private rented or social housing.

Deputy O Broin called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to amend the Residential Tenancies Act as per Focus Ireland’s recommendation to block buy-to-let landlords from evicting families when they want to sell.

He added: “This should be done in conjunction with a more ambitious and aggressive vacant property purchase programme that would specifically target homeless families.

“Enough is enough.

At what figure does the number of homeless children need to rise to before this government gets serious about providing sustainable solutions to the problem?”

Girls are red-dy to rock at a terrific Punchestown gig YOU’D be smiling too if you’d made it to Punchestown at the weekend, where one of the best festivals of recent years took place. clondalkin locals Amy and Marie Cook posed for a pic as they took in some of the top tunes. This year’s festival saw the likes of Tom Jones, Culture Club, Deacon Blue, Village People, Smokie and many others delight, with the 10,000 fans from all over Dublin and far beyond treated to a terrific range of bands and stars. Picture: Aisling Conway

Picture: Dan Sheridan

‘This Government has utterly failed homeless’

FASTNews

On the look-out for kids who proudly wear glasses IRISH international and Connacht rugby player Kieran Marmion, has just launched Specsavers inaugural Kids Spectacle Wearer of the Year awards, with help from six-year-olds Nina Mullins McShea and Trysten Bruen.

Kieran, who worse glasses since he was nine, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate children glasses wearers in Ireland. From my own experience, I know children can feel embarrassed when they first put on a pair, worrying about what people might say or think.”

The competition will also help raise vital funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, with Specsavers donating €1 to the charity for every entry received. The winner will receive a trip for two adults and two children to Legoland Windsor, staying for two nights in the Legoland Hotel.

To enter, see https://www.specsavers.ie/kidsswoty, with a closing date of September 10.

Centre pays tribute to the late Michael Devitt TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Michael Devitt, who passed away earlier this month.

Mr Devitt’s face was a familiar and friendly one at Newlands Garden Centre and there was an outpouring of grief at his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Phil, and his children, Tomas, Marie, Denise and Micheal.

On its Facebook page, Newlands Home and Garden Centre posted: “It is with deep sadness that we tell you of the death of our dad, Mike Devitt. He passed away peacefully in Phil’s arms on Wednesday morning.

“We would like to thank all of you who enquired about his health every day. Dad fought a great battle. Coming down to the garden centre, whenever he could, meeting friends and customers gave him great moments of fun.

“Thank you. May he rest in peace.”

We’re on our holidays!

The Gazette, your Number 1 FREE local paper, is closed for the summer holidays - our next edition will be on shelves from August 24th. We want you to enjoy a break too, so be sure to enter our great competition thanks to our friends at Tourism Northern Ireland.

See Page 6 to enter, and good luck folks!

3 - 23 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

ARCH AND CRAFTS

CLONDALKIN Men’s Shed group have done a great job rebuilding the historic arch on the grounds of the Presentation Convent.

The original arch was vandalised some years ago after been in situ in the convent grounds for over 80 years .

It was a very popular location for wedding parties and first communion boys and girls to have their photos taken on their big days - and hopefully will be again thanks to the Men at the Shed! Well done all!

Pic and words: TOMMY KEOGH

Clondalkin Men’s Sheds group do a fantastic job rebuilding historic landmark on convent grounds

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DUBLIN MOUNTAINS | CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT NEAR HELLFIRE CLUB ADVANCES

€15m visitor centre build showcased

 SYLVIA POWNALL THIS is what the planned new €15 million visitor centre for the Dublin Mountains will look like if it gets the go-ahead.

South Dublin County Council this week lodged an application with An Bord Pleanala along with artists’ impressions of the controversial project.

The proposed development close to the landmark Hell Fire Club – a 1700s shooting lodge overlooking the city at Montpelier Hill – will provide a tourism ‘gateway’ to the area.

In its submission, SDCC says the centre would be constructed from natural materials and integrated into the landscape “with

extensive panoramic views of Dublin city”.

However, a number of locals have voiced concerns over the project and more than 2,000 people have signed a petition opposing it. A post on the ‘Save the Hellfire’ Facebook page last Friday encouraged people to register their objections.

The project is a joint venture between the council, Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership.

A council spokesperson said: “The Dublin Mountain Visitor Centre development is founded on a vision that the history, landscape, heritage and amenity of the Dublin Mountains should be promoted as a resource for the people of South Dublin

and for visitors to the area from elsewhere in Ireland and abroad.

“The project will also provide long-term economic benefits by increasing tourism, generating additional spend on local goods and services, and creating new employment opportunities.”

Plans lodged provide for a dedicated interpretive and educational centre, a cafe and shop, a ramblers’ lounge and toilets, enhanced access to the site with “increased car parking and road improvements and the construction of a new footpath”, along with a trail of walks.

The planning application can be downloaded from the Bord Pleanala website.

An artist’s impression of how the centre will look, if it goes ahead. Such views were lodged with the council’s application to An Bord Pleanala this week.

Stephen steps up to his 132km walk for the ICS  SYLVIA POWNALL

A CLONDALKIN man is gearing up for a gruelling trek later this month to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.

Stephen Coulahan will walk 132km – more than three marathons combined – in a charity gesture dedicated to the memory of his late grandfather.

He will start his challenge from Marley Park on August 21 and hopes to reach his destination all in one piece five days later.

Stephen said: “My grandfather passed away after a long battle with cancer but thanks to wonderful palliative care team he was put completely at ease and they became friends not only to him but to my family as well.

“So to honour this and my grandfa-

ther’s memory, I will be taking on one of the biggest challenges I will ever undertake and will hike 132km through the Wicklow Way from Marley Park to Carlow in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

“I chose this route as it was a place the oul’ fella brought us as kids on a Sunday afternoon, travelling from the Wicklow Gap and then to the Sally Gap.” Stephen has set up an online page for donations and so far has raised more than €600 of his €1,500 target.

He said: “People who know me will know I’m a very lazy man, so it’s time to get off my ass and do something ... Sure, if a couple of Hobbits can walk to Mordor, I can walk to Carlow, I’ll be grand!”

To donate, see https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stephencoulahan?utm_id=121

The lands known locally as ‘the killing fields’

Calls for the council to do more to tackle cruelty Continued from Page 1

“We have taken out so many sick and dying ponies from these fields and a goat – one goat was chased down and burnt.”

In May, volunteers with MLHR told how they were chased from the fields by joyriders as they tried to bring water to stricken horses during hot weather.

The land is earmarked for a large-scale urban housing development but has been used as a dumping ground for sick and neglected horses – and by joyriders who burn out cars every week.

Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) said urgent action was needed to secure the land which is used for “illegal activity and criminal behaviour”.

He added: “I have seen first-hand the dreadful effect of mistreatment of horses on this land. It is not good enough to have this animal cruelty on an ongoing basis.”

SDCC confirmed that in recent months it had “intensified” its actions and removed “a very significant number” of abandoned cars from the fields.

On Monday, Deputy Eoin O Broin (SF) wrote to SDCC and gardai demanding action following yet another weekend of joyriding and the mistreatment of horses.

He said: “The anti-social behaviour on the Clonburris land has a negative impact on the communities of Bawnogue and Balgaddy.

“It is also unacceptable to see horses treated in the way they are at this location. All of us have a role to play in tackling this problem.”

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Out and About

Players Max Deegan and Luke McGrath of Leinster with Thomas Artyom Lyons getting a high-five from Luke

Carter and Oran Murphy

Having a ball at local rugby summer camp

Luke McGrath with Rua McNamara .

Left: The lads have a bit of fun with the kids at the camp.

Pictures: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

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L

OCAL boys and girls learned to play the Leinster way when they attended the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Summer Camp at Clondalkin RFC. Leinster players Max Deegan and Luke McGrath made an appearance to pass on their rugby knowledge and take part in a Q&A session with the kids.

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TWO AT THE FIVE STAR

LOUGH ERNE RESORT

Visit the magical UNESCO Marble Arch Caves (left) or simply relax in 5* luxury at the splendid Lough Erne resort

TOURISM NORTHERN IRELAND are offering one lucky reader a chance to win a 5* luxury break for two to the Fermanagh Lakelands in Northern Ireland.

The multi-award winning Lough Erne Resort is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Enniskillen, nestled on a 600 acre peninsula with spectacular views of Lower Lough Erne, two Championship Golf Courses and a magnificent accommodation offering.

The prize includes two nights bed and breakfast for two people in a Lakeview room and dinner on one evening in the 3 AA rosette Catalina Restaurant.

Hotel guests can enjoy complimentary use of the Thermal Suite and Infinity Pool at The Thai Spa. County Fermanagh is the ideal short break destination with its breathtaking natural landscape – and a treasure trove of great restaurants, hotels and other hidden gems.

Take in the history of National Trust properties Castle Coole and Florence Court or island hop through the waters of Upper & Lower Lough Erne.

The UNESCO Marble Arch Caves are a short drive away from Enniskillen or blow off the cobwebs with a walk on the Cuilagh Mountain Trail.

For more information on the Fermanagh Lakelands visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

To win this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer the following question:

In what county is the five star Lough Erne Resort?

Email your answer to competitions@dublingazette.com or visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and simply Like and Share our Lough Erne competition.

Terms & Conditions: Entrants must be over 18. Closing date for receipt of entries is xxxx. Prize is as stated and non-transferable. The prize is valid between Sunday – Thursday and from 1st August 2017 – 23rd December 2017. Travel is the winner’s own responsibility, as is any item, service, or cost not expressly stated to be included in the prize.

This prize is subject to availability, pre-booking is essential and additional charges may occur in high seasons.

See https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/footer/ competition-terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.

3 - 23 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

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FASTNews

Tributes to Cathal at RTE as he retires TRIBUTES were last week paid to RTE broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille who retired from his Morning Ireland presenter’s role.

Cathal, who hails from the Monastery Road in Clondalkin, was described by co-workers as “kind” and “diligent” – despite having to start his working day at 5.30 in the morning.

Presenter Rachel English said: “It’s been our absolute privilege to work with you and listeners will know your professionalism, your determination, your diligence, your good humour, your fondness of hurling.

“They mightn’t be as familiar with your decency and your kindness. Traits that are always welcome but they’re particularly welcome at half past five in the morning and you have those traits in abundance.

“So, on behalf of your colleagues and on behalf of all of our fantastic loyal listeners, I’d just like to say thanks and my gosh we’re going to miss you.”

Cathal first started working for the public broadcaster in 1974 before joining the Morning Ireland team in 1986.

BAWNOGUE | CALL FOR ACTION OVER INFESTATION

Rats frolic thanks to illegal dumping  SYLOVIA POWNALL THESE photos show an area of Clondalkin on the brink of a rat infestation as a direct result of illegal dumping in the area.

Bawnogue Litter Watch posted the images on its Facebook page on Monday – and warned that the level of rodent activity is clearly on the rise.

Cllr Mark Ward (SF), who has called for the use of aerial drones to clamp down on the scourge, told The Gazette: “I am in no doubt that the increase in illegal dumping is contributing to the number of rat sightings.

“Some of this dumping is on a commercial scale, which suggests that

Rats openly going walkabout in the area

unscrupulous operators are collecting people’s waste for a fee and dumping it in around housing estates.

“There are also a number of residents stockpiling domestic waste out in their back gardens. This behaviour attracts rats into areas that they would normally not venture.”

The HSE dealt with 4,000 infestation call-outs across the capital last year – with accumulation of waste the catalyst for rat problems.

A spokesperson for its environmental health office said: “Waste attracts rats and provides harbourage so land owners should always clear and

remove it to reduce risk of rodents.”

Bawnogue Litter Watch encouraged anyone with evidence of illegal dumping to report it to South Dublin County Council, adding: “All this dumping has rats running on our footpaths.

“A few people that have no respect for where they live can ruin the area for all of us. We will keep doing as we have been and report it as soon as we are aware of it.”

Last month it emerged that SDCC spent more than €420,000 on the removal of waste in the first six months of the year, with 1,604 complaints lodged and 203 fines issued.

FASTNews

Judge adjourns case of girl hurt at Eddie Rockets until October A JUDGE has refused to approve a €19,500 settlement offer to a nine-year-old girl whose right nipple was torn on a jagged piece of metal on a restaurant table, and has called for a plastic surgeon’s report.

Barrister Stephanie O’Connell told Judge James O’Donohoe in the Circuit Civil Court that the girl was with her mother in Eddie Rockets in Liffey Valley, Clondalkin when the incident happened.

The girl, who was aged six at the time, is not being identified to save her from public embarrassment or potential exposure to bullying remarks at her school.

Ms O’Connell said the child “caught her chest on a jagged piece of metal protruding from the edge of the table”. The court heard that the girl was taken to her GP and had received a tetanus injection.

The doctor had noted, in a report for the court, that the girl had suffered a laceration to the areola of her right nipple, leaving a scar that was visible and raised. Counsel said that the defendant had made a settlement offer of €19,500 and legal costs but after seeing pictures of the wound, Judge O’Donohoe said he could not at this stage approve the offer.

Adjourning to October, he asked for a consultant’s report on the possible need for cosmetic surgery. Through her mother the girl had sued Willowgrove Limited, which trades as Eddie Rockets, for damages.

Thugs destroy swing for disabled children at Tymon Park play area

Huff and puff your way around a giant, fun inflatable course for all the family

EUROPE’S largest inflatable slide is on its way to Dublin as the Super Milk Wild Air Run bounces back to Marlay Park.

The Wild Air Run saw more than 20,000 people take part in the inflatable 5K obstacle course last

summer, and the fun run featured 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course.

This year, the event is coming back this Saturday, August 5, with 10 obstacles for both adults and children (aged 7+) to tackle, with

music, games and food and drink available. Full-priced tickets are €32.50 for adults and €18.50 for children; family tickets (€80) and group rates are also available. For further information and to buy tickets, see www.wildairrun.com.

A SWING for disabled kids was destroyed at the new Tymon Park playground in Tallaght after thugs used accelerant to deliberately start a fire.

Charred ground and melted rubber matting is all that remains of the swing set, one of which was designed for use by children with disabilities.

The playground – which opened in April after seven years of lobbying - cost €150,000 to build, and €1,000 will be needed for the repair work.

According to a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council, the structures are made of a “robust material” that is difficult to damage; however, the swing was specially designed and could not be made of a stronger material.

The spokesperson said: “We are obviously very disappointed, but thankfully such vandalism is very rare. Now and then there will be incidents like this, but it will not deter us to ensure children in South Dublin have great opportunities to play and explore close to where they live.”

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REAL LIFE | ALONE’S NEW SUPPORT SERVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE IS HELPING HUNDREDS OF ISOLATED

‘I spoke to the girl who gave me my pension last Friday and the next person that I speak to will be that same girl next Friday’ WHAT ALONE STAFF HEAR ALL TOO OFTEN FROM LONELY  SYLVIA POWNALL

A NEW support service for older people is helping hundreds of Dubliners who live alone to remain in their own home.

ALONE launched the scheme in north Dublin in March and its staff go out into the community to work with people over 60 who either make contact themselves or are referred through an agency.

Support co-ordinator Gary Blanchfield told The Gazette: “It’s a very brave thing for people to refer themselves, to pick up the phone and say I’m feeling lonely, I’m having difficulties at home, I’m not managing with the finances.

“We can help with putting supports in place to help them remain living at home for longer.

If they need an adaptation grant for the bathroom we apply to the council on their behalf.

“There is a lot of paperwork – builders’ quotes, occupational therapist’s report, tax clearance, insurance certificate. It’s very daunting for an older person but we can take care of all that.

“In rural north Alone’s Gary Blanchfield Dublin we see a lot of people who have a coal fire and nothing else.

“We can apply for grants for heating, rewiring, and liaise with other agencies to do odd jobs around the house, cut the grass… everything from a needle to an anchor.”

ALONE also helps with applications for medical cards, living alone allowance and winter fuel allowance as well as meals on wheels and other issues such as hoarding.

Gary said: “Only the other day a nurse contacted me who wanted to bring a gentleman home. When she got to his house she said she literally couldn’t get in it was so bad.

“We arranged to have it cleaned, decluttered, for a home help, fridge, microwave. He now has a woman who visits him two or three times a week and reports back on how he’s doing.”

But it’s the befriending service that’s at the core of ALONE’s work and the charity now

OAPs

ALONE has 600 volunteers in a number of activities.

Most are involved in its weekly befriending service for older people

Brendan Crean and Aaron Gilmartin have become great friends since being “matched up” a year ago has hundreds of volunteers across Dublin who “It could be literally somebody having a make weekly social visits. Aftervetting and training cuppa and talking about Eastenders for half an they’re matched to an older person and, according hour that makes the difference to your wellbeto Gary, nine times out of ten they become ing, that means you can cope. friends.

“We often ask the question ‘when The number of did you last speak to somebody?’

He said: “We have 450 older over-65s living in and the reply is ‘I spoke to the people availing of the befriending service and I firmly believe they Ireland is expected girl who gave me my pension last to increase to 1.4M Friday and the next person I will wouldn’t be able to remain at by 2046. In 2015, home without it. speak to is that same girl next that figure stood Friday’.

“Loneliness impacts greatly at 606K. on your wellbeing. Being socially “Community gardai tell us that isolated has the same effect on you as some older people ring and say ‘there’s smoking 15 cigarettes a day. somebody in my back garden’ and they

know there isn’t, but they just want somebody to talk to.

“We have a lady living in rural north county Dublin who was very isolated.

“I brought the person we matched her with to meet her for the first time and when we got there this lady had her hair done, she was wearing a new dress, the house spruced up with a plate of biscuits waiting for us – that is the difference that somebody calling to your house can make.

“I don’t want to underestimate the importance of the physical stuff and the practical stuff, but it goes hand in hand with companionship.”

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 11

DUBLINERS AND ENRICHING THE LIVES OF ITS FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS – BUT THEY NEED YOUR HELP For those with concerns for their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted at 01 679 1032.

To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work visit www.alone.ie

Brendan & Aaron: A friendship that will last the ages BRENDAN Crean, 70, lives in Kilbarrack and looks forward to his weekly visits from Aaron Gilmartin, 32. The pair were ‘matched’ up a year ago – their anniversary was July 26 – and they’ve become firm friends.

Brendan has cerebral palsy, uses a motorised wheelchair and does not have the use of the lefthand side of his body. But he’s not short on energy, humour and optimism.

He told The Gazette: “I read about the service in the local paper and thought it would be a good idea. We get on like a house on fire. He does odd jobs inside and outside the house for me and we have a bit of a laugh.”

ALONE took Brendan to the Grand Hotel in Malahide for his 70th birthday in April and at the Christmas party in the Red Cow last year he won an Eir Silver Surfer award and a Galaxy tablet thanks to a nomination from Aaron.

He is a vocal advocate for disability rights and can regularly be found fundraising at his local shopping centre in Kilbarrack. At one point he had One his own radio show on third of Coolock-based Near FM older people live and he has enrolled with alone and 60% of CLEAR adult education. older people aged Brendan said: “I’ve been over 80 live living on my own all my life. alone I was brought up in institutions, then foster homes, then care homes – but I finally broke out into the big bad world because I was tired of being looked after by nuns.

“I love it because I’m my own boss. Aaron comes every Tuesday after work and we just sit down and have a chat. We’ve become great friends, he has a good sense of humour. I’m easy going and like to have a laugh.”

Aaron couldn’t agree more. He said: “Brendan likes to keep up with articles on disability so he gets me to do a bit of research for him on that. He’ll give you homework – and he’s learning to use the internet so I’ll help him with that.

“We have a bit of craic, I’d be slagging him and he’d be slagging me. I’d make him a cup of tea and he’ll say ‘that’s a crap cup of tea’.

“He hasn’t got family so it’s great for him. I think he does look forward to me calling in on a Tuesday.”

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Osborne announces quadrupled turnover  EMMA NOLAN

Picture: Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography

First Choice Financial Services opens its new Blackrock office FIRST Choice Financial Services has announced the opening of a new office in Blackrock, located in the offices of L’Estrange & Company.

First Choice Financial Services is a professional financial services brokerage with offices in both Limerick and Dublin servicing clients nationwide.

Following continued growth by the company, it now employs a total of 16 people.

First Choice Financial Services works with individuals, families and SME businesses, who want one place where all their financial needs can be managed.

Established in 2000, the company has deep sectoral knowledge of the financial services industry offering services across financial planning, mortgages, debt management, SME financing and personal insolvency.

Barry White, managing director, First Choice Financial Services said: “We are delighted to have opened our second office.

“It gives us a physical presence close to our Dublin customers and is part of continued growth for First Choice Financial Services.

“This is an exciting time in the development of the company. Along with our new office opening, I am happy to announce that we have successfully tendered for a number of roles as external credit reviewers for the credit review office.

“This adds to First Choices SME credit assessment roles with Microfinance Ireland and Grid Finance and is reflective of our expertise in SME lending and debt advice.”

First Choice Financial Services employs a range of experienced management personnel, and can offer a multi-product financial services solution to its clients.

First Choice Financial Services DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

OSBORNE, one of Ireland’s leading recruitment consultancies, celebrated a number of company successes at its quarterly company meeting earlier this month.

C E O a n d o w n e r, Shona McManus, announced that since the change of ownership in 2013, Osborne received a Great Place To Work certification, quadrupled its turnover to €6 million and the company will create 15 new jobs across its three office locations.

Osborne recently received the Great Place To Work certification

by Great Place To Work Institute Ireland.

The certification recognises the achievement of both management and colleagues in building a high trust workplace environment, and the recruitment consultancy will hold the accolade for the next 12 months.

CEO of Great Place To

Osborne received a Great Place To Work certification

Work John Ryan commented: “It is clear that Osborne Recruitment has developed practices that form the essence of the company’s culture, which has resonated positively with employees.

“We were impressed that Osborne Recruitment has focused significantly on the ‘why’ of what they do.

“This is clearly defined in the company’s mission and in ‘The Osborne Way’, and it is

a key driver behind this achievement.”

Adding to this, Shona McManus, CEO and owner of Osborne, said: “At Osborne, our aim as a team is to always have a clear focus, whether that is in developing the company’s culture and ethos, or placing the right person in the right role with no compromise.

“The Great Place To Work certificate is testament to the work we

have done internally, with the help of our colleagues, to build engagement, create opportunities for development and establish a high-trust environment for the team to grow in.

“Looking forward to 2020, we have clear plans in place, not only for the business and the brand, but most importantly, for the team who will get us there.”

Privately owned by Shona McManus, the

growth in Osborne over the past four years has been organic and 100% self-funded.

Invested Since 2013, the consultancy has invested significantly in developing its people and culture, which has resulted in a quadrupled headcount, three office locations, and a new brand to support this change for its candidates and clients.

An Post launches new service that will come in very handy for online shoppers Ever filled up an online shopping cart only to discover, at the final stage of the transaction, that the goods do not ship to Ireland?

It’s a common frustration for half of Irish adults according to new research from An Post as they announce good news for online shoppers.

AddressPal, an online service which allows customers to avail of a proxy address for the delivery of online shopping from the UK, US and beyond, enabling purchases from websites that don’t typically deliver to Ireland.

With both UK and US proxy addresses provided, AddressPal customers can arrange for their international shipping to come via either market.

The UK service offers delivery straight to the home or a nominated Post Office while AddressPal USA accommodates delivery to home addresses.

Such is our love for shopping stateside, almost one in three Irish adults (31%) admit to asking friends and family bound for the US to bring specific goods home for them.

Levi’s denim, makers of the original blue jean, is top of the wish list for one in five,

followed by Apple technology (18%) and Sephora beauty products (7%).

Other items and brands referenced by survey respondents include Kylie Lip Kits, Christmas decorations, a Raiders American Football helmet, Elvis memorabilia and Big Red chewing gum.

AddressPal customers can shop online with ease and have goods delivered to their nominated Post Office or tracked and delivered to their home, work or an alternative address.

For further information and to register, visit at www.addresspal.ie.

DUBLINLIFE

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GAZETTE

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 13

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

TAYTO PARK: SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THE CONSERVATION OF TERRIFIC TIGERS

Tiger Day a roar for urgent action

THE WORLD’S largest cat was celebrated at Tayto Park last week for International Tiger Day. Gara and Kahn are the two resident Amur tigers in Tayto Park.

Amur tigers are listed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Endangered with just over 500 individuals remaining in the wild.

The striking pair arrived in 2013 and have captured the hearts of Tayto Park visitors as well as their keepers. Since their arrival, they have helped to raise over €30,000 for the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA), a charity which supports tiger conservation in the wild.

ALTA sends 100% of the money donated directly to field projects (no administrative costs are deducted).

To help spread the word about the conservation of this magnificent spe-

cies, Tayto Park held a number of fun events last weekend including tiger enrichment workshops, talks with the Tayto Park keepers and a Tiger immersion room.

LITTLE RUBY REALLY HAS A SPARKLING CHARACTER OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone is Ruby, a one-year-old Staffie.

Ruby is full of beans, loves to mess around and

is always ready for fuss and cuddles. She adores people and is happiest when she has company.

Ruby absolutely loves her walks so she is looking for an active, fun-loving adopter.

Ruby will do anything for a piece of chicken, so she will be easy to train, if there’s chicken involved! She will make the perfect companion and is suitable to live with children aged eight

and older.

If you can be Ruby’s #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.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

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DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

JUST EAT RETREAT: NEON BODY PAINTING PART OF THE FUN

Have a brush with party’s exotic sights THE JUST Eat Retreat will be returning to Electric Picnic this year and it promises to be bigger than ever, thanks to the Full Moon Party setting it will be installing.

More than 200 tonnes of sand and palm trees will be shipped into Stradbally, bringing the sights and sounds of tropical Thailand, and classic Full Moon Party vibes to Electric Picnic, where people can also enjoy neon body painting (right).

Speaking at the

announcement, Vogue Williams said: “I love travelling and I love going to festivals, so I’m excited about experiencing exotic flavours and partying at Just Eat’s Full Moon Party at Electric Picnic.”

TOP NAMES SET FOR 2017’S METROPOLIS MEANWHILE, another festival – Dublin’s indoor Metropolis – has announced some excellent acts for its upcoming October Bank Holiday extravaganza.

Leftfield, Death In Vegas, and TLC are just some of the top names set to wow music fans and festivalgoers, bringing a blast audio energy to keep autumn rocking along.

Tickets for Metropolis are on sale now.

TIME TO TAKE THE KIDS TO HELL & BACK FOR A good time with all the family, why not take them to Hell & Back?

The striking name marks a new adventure challenge at the stunning

Killruddery Estate in Bray, with a fun 7KM endurance run for families (and kids aged over 10), following a more gruelling challenge for adults only the previous day.

The family adventure playground will see young and old working together to run, climb, crawl, and dunk their way through more than 30 natural and man-made obstacles.

To register, see www. hellandback.ie; prices from €103.50 per family (one adult, two children).

Neon body-painting will add a dash of the exotic which Full Moon Party celebrations are famous for when Just Eat Retreat holds one at Electric Picnic

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FEATURES MUSIC: RUSH TRIO RELEASING DEBUT ALBUM, FANGCLUB

Punk sound with a distinctive bite  NICK FITZGERALD UP and coming Dublin punk rock band Fangclub are ready to take a bite at the big time, with the trio releasing their self-titled debut album this Friday, August 4.

The lads from Rush – frontman Steven King, bassist Kevin Keane and drummer Dara Coleman – dreamed big, regularly jamming all the way through their teenage

years.

What used to be their dream is quickly becoming a reality as their music spreads – last Christmas, Today FM’s Fergal D’Arcy revealed live on air a tattoo of Fangclub’s logo on his side.

The station was just one of several across Ireland and the UK where Bullet Storm, Fangclub’s opening track, has aired, with it also popping up on Spin 1038 and BBC Radio 1.

For fans of Nirvana, Green Day, Foo Fighters and Biffy Clyro, plus all things punk rock with a 90s feel in the mix, the trio say Fangclub will take listeners on a Grungefuelled rock and roll trip.

On the name of the band, Steven said: “I was watching a documentary about a tribe that basically tattooed fang shapes on their arms. I was also a big fan of Teenage Fanclub as well, so I took the fang

idea from the tribe.”

The band picked Ballyheigue in Co Kerry to record more than 25 tracks, with Kevin explaining: “We heard one band’s demo and we loved the drum sound on it. We chased whoever recorded that down, and then went down to Kerry.”

Dara added: “We stayed for two weeks and then had to go home to save money from our day jobs to be able to go again!”

Snakes alive! These reptiles are terrific SLITHER into Dublin Zoo this August bank holiday weekend for a host of fun and informative reptile-themed activities.

Taking place at Zoorassic World, the Zoo’s brand-new home for reptiles of the past and present, visitors will be able to see reptiles from across the globe and find out about their prehistoric

past by joining special talks led by zookeepers.

Promising something for all the family, themed arts and crafts will take place throughout the weekend, as well as music on the great lawn.

What’s more, young visitors will get the opportunity to test their palaeontology skills with the fos-

sil dig boxes as well as joining in with the fun games.

Children can also enjoy getting their faces painted to look like their favourite reptiles with the help of Dublin Zoo’s talented face painters.

So come along and scale the heights of excitement with some of the coolest creatures at the zoo!

Fangclub frontman Steven King (middle), bassist Kevin Keane (right) and drummer Dara Coleman (left); their eponymous debut

With Fangclub releasing tomorrow, Steven says its sound is “like a slight grunge, punk rock sound; we were big punk rockers – I’m a massive Nirvana fan”.

On signing with Universal Music Ireland, Ste-

ven said: “When we got approached by a big label it was exciting, but we were also trying to be careful about it. But they loved what they heard, so the original recordings is the album – it’s unchanged.”

Although the band are

focused on their album’s imminent release, they’re busy with other music projects. Steven said: “We’re supporting Muse and Biffy Clyro. We have another music video ready that will probably drop around that time.”

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DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Beatyard

Dun Laoghaire’s diverse festival offering returns for another summer run, with a highly eclectic line up and plenty of quirky fun. As well as award winning street food and spoken events on and August 5 and 6,, Air, Toots The Maytals, Bananarama, Mark Ronson, Morcheeba and Kila are in town.

Dublin International Tattoo Convention

The RDS continues a tradition dating back to the 1860s in hosting one of the world’s top three equestrian shows. Both competitive show jumping MARK RONSON and growing gatherings dealing with all other aspects of being a horse aficionado will be at the event’s heart from August 9 to 13.

Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao

Another glamour pre-season friendly comes to the Aviva, as the red half of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp do battle with a rising Spanish giant. With the new soccer season across the water getting close, expect a few stars to get run outs on August 5.

Howth Jazz and Blues Festival

Howth’s summer festival calendar seems almost bottomless, but this largely free event - incorporating a pub music trail around the town over the bank holiday weekend - is a charming offering. August 4-7, and ticketless, meaning no planning required.

Slam Sunday

Filmbase welcomes the return of competitive slam poetry on August 6, with poets delivering (typically abrasive) three minute poetic offerings in the style of hip-hop battles, without backing tracks, to try and win over judges and the audience.

National Botanic Gardens Guided Walk

Edible Trees Glasnevin’s National Botanic Gardens offers one of the best spots to spend a quiet Dublin day, and with the latest in their guided walks - themed around edible trees - you’ll discover just a little more of their flowery story. August 5.

Dalkey Vintage and Classic Car Festival

An annual event in the much-loved south Dublin village sees the return of the obvious, as well as a Formula 1 racing simulator, plenty of high-end food, and a fundraising drive in aid of Barnardos. August 7.

New album of the week

The Fall - New Facts Emerge. Mark E. Smith and whatever renegade bunch of (invariably soon to be fired) musicians he currently has assembled around him return with another dose of angry post punk. No less than his 32nd album, and it’ll be as raw as ever.

THE FROSTY EYE MUSIC

 JAMES HENDICOTT

Kieran believes in getting the simple things right for the perfect shot

AT almost every sizeable gig you’re ever likely to attend, there’ll be a small exodus of camera-clutchers from the very front just three songs after things get going.

Popular musicians, you see, typically believe they look their best at the start of a show, and they want to show their good side. Photographers are there, by design, for the sweat free, visually perfect early moments.

Some artists are so tight on their imagery, in fact, they specify the side of the stage photos are to be taken from, or manipulate the lighting early in a show to ensure photographers get a specific type of image.

And then, usually three songs in, photographers are often escorted from the front barrier and out of the premises.

They hold a camera full of photos, but are forbidden from watching the remains of the show to prevent sneaky [less perfect] shots from being grabbed by the professional from the back.

Quite the irony, in today’s cameraphone heavy concerts.

Kieran Frost, a freelance music photographer who works with photo agencies like Getty, and features regularly in the likes of the Irish Times, Q Magazine and on musicians billboards, gave us an insight into the world he occupies night after night.

“Normally there would be emails between me, my editor and the publicist a few days before a show to arrange access,” he begins, explaining the set up.

“The day of the show, I’d listen to some of the act’s music, and possibly research what other photographers have gotten from previous dates on the tour, to give some idea of what lighting profile the band are using, and what kind of restrictions photographers may face.

“In the evening, I turn up, get my access pass, and head into the venue. If it’s a larger venue, I say hello to security and I sort out my gear. If it’s a smaller venue, I have to hope the front row are going to let me squeeze past them for a song.

“The usual rule is we get the first three songs, then we have to pack our gear, and get out of the way. I’d usually stick around for a bit of the gig, if I’m allowed, then head home, edit 20 to 30 images, and caption and file them that night.”

Frost got into photography after he started taking photos at small shows as a student, as well as through a passion for the imagery found in magazines like NME and Hot Press when he was growing up.

By taking photos in exchange for access at shows in Cork, he eventually worked his way up through a number of volunteer websites, before finding professional work with Getty, Q Magazine

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JAMES HENDICOTT talks to specialist snapper Kieran Frost about the niche world of music photography

Freelance music photographer Kieran Frost and many local publications as his talent and reputation grew over more than a decade.

“Just getting a foot in the door is the trickiest part,” he recalls.

“It’s catch 22, you won’t get access to gigs without a portfolio, and you won’t get a portfolio without access to gigs.

You just have to start out in small venues, and doing photos for your friends’ bands.

“After a while, and with a bit of luck, I started to work with a bunch of clients that give me regular assignments.

“The agency work [with Getty] would be a decent chunk of what I make, then I’d work with some music festivals, promoters and PR as the work arises.

“It’s very difficult to get into publications, especially paid ones,” he continues.

“Irish newspapers have a minimal interest in live music, and the web outlets here don’t pay. I’ve found the best way to actually make any money is to look to the UK and US.” Of course, making that money depends on getting that perfect shot,

something that takes substantial honing.

Frost’s tips are simple, in a sense, but getting the simple things right really is the essence of doing a good job in photography, and takes incredible persistence.

“Framing is incredibly important,” he explains.

“You need to have your composition right. After that everything else will fall into place. Composition is not just stuff like the rule of thirds, but also how you position yourself, for example if a guitarist is right handed, you’re going to get a cleaner image of them if you stay to the

left of house, typically. If you stop for a second and take in what’s happening it helps, too. You need to try and anticipate what’s happening, where people will move, and the lights, that sort of stuff.”

Through it all, Frost has one main gripe with the modern music industry: “The thing that annoys photographers most is being side stepped with a photo release contract on the door when we collect our pass.

“We are, legally, only allowed use our images for editorial and portfolio

use. However, some acts will place all sorts of awful demands on photographers, seizing copyright and gagging usage.”

So with the late nights come champagne, parties and just the odd bit of camera work, yes?

“Ha, no. It’s not glamorous,” Frost admits. “Occasionally you might get invited to a party after a show, or have a beer with a band, but ultimately you’re there to work.”

View more of Kieran’s photos at www.frost.ie

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DUBLINLIFE

TRAVEL TravelShorts

You’re in luck if you want a great US deal

From incredible beaches above to its beautiful caves below, the sunny island of Majorca is full of terrific sights

DON’T worry if you think it’s too late to book a great holiday after summer has faded, as American Holidays have all the best late deals for you and your family.

Imagine spending Hallowe’en in the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, sharing a once-in-alifetime experience of Christmas in Orlando with your family, or diving head-first into American traditions for Thanksgiving in Boston!

SPAIN: ISLAND HAS SOME TERRIFIC YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS TO TEMPT YOU

Make magnificent Majorca a sun-kissed destination  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

IF YOU haven’t booked your sun holiday yet, there’s no need to panic, as there are still last-minute deals to be had.

One of the best options is the Balearic island of Majorca; it’s the largest of the four in the group and spoils visitors with a little bit of everything.

If you look beyond the parties of the Magaluf resort, you’ll find a hub of mountainous skylines, watercolour beaches and cultural landmarks. Temperatures reach a warming 23C from May right through October – and there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Palma Cathedral Towering over the island in its gothic glory, Palma Cathedral is a Catalonian piece of architecture that dates back to the 1300s. It was built by Jaume I of Aragon to celebrate surviving a treacherous storm on a voyage to Majorca with his army. Today, it is a marvel for the eyes and is home to relics, regal tombs and the Royal Chapel.

and includes a short boat trip along the lake. Concerts also take place throughout the day, playing live classical music in this other-worldly setting.

Caves of Drach Take a mystical adventure through the Caves of Drach on the east coast of the island.

Dating back to the Miocene period, they are home to one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world – Lake Martel. A guided tour will fill you in on the fascinating past

Costa Nord In the well-preserved Valldemossa area you will find the Costa Nord, a cultural centre that takes visitors through a journey of the local area.

Hollywood A-lister Michael Douglas is the brains behind this homage to his one-time home.

Thompson flies to Majorca from May til October, and is offering seven nights at the three-star Protur Bahia Azul, Cala Bona, departing August 26, from €569pps.

You’ll even hear him narrating the 15-minute documentary that is shown in the auditorium, before boarding a replica of the Archduke Ludwig Salvador yacht. (Disclaimer: There is no guarantee of seeing a real-life movie star!)

Son Amar Night Show Turn dinner into a major event by having yours at the Son Amar Night Show.

Guests are treated to fierce flamenco, the French can-can and famous Broadway numbers. Kids will also love singing along to live scenes from The Lion King.

You can choose to have a three-course meal or just book tickets for the show; either way, guests are in for a magnificent night.

Pirates adventure Immerse yourself in the world of hidden treasures, shipwrecks and battles by witnessing the nightly event that celebrates all things Jolly Roger. Book yourself a VIP Captain’s Table for the best seats on board, which supplies young scallywags with their very own bandana and provides parents with a bottle of swag (well, wine).

Of course, there’s always the option to take a place on the beach but you’ll probably want to make the absolute most of your holiday by taking advantage of all Majorca has to offer.

Whether you’re a pirate’s best pal or you’re intrigued by what lurks in the caves, get that itinerary planned down to a T.

Hallowe’en in Las Vegas Spend five nights at the 3* Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas, from €655pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, five nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults sharing, travelling this October.

Christmas in Orlando Spend seven nights at the 3* Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, from €859pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults and two children sharing, travelling this December – other dates and durations available.

Thanksgiving in Boston Spend four nights at the 3* Boston Park Plaza, from €675pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, four nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults sharing, travelling this November – other dates and durations available.

CALL American Holidays at 01 673 3804 to book, or call into their office just off Grafton Street, at 18- 19 Duke Street, Dublin 2, where the expert staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime. For further information, see www.americanholidays.com.

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 19

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GAZETTE

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DUBLINLIFE

W

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 21

inter is Wcoming  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

I KNOW it’s still summer and we have all winter to worry about warm layers and coats – but Zara has revealed a look at their Autumn/Winter collection, and it’s to die for!

So, here’s what to expect from the high street favourite in the coming months.

The campaigns for men, women and children’s wear feature an abundance of bulky yet stylish staples; the puffa trend of last year continues along with chunky knits, faux fur, military tailoring and smart prints to see us through the darker months.

ZARA’S NEW COLLECTION IMPRESSES

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DUBLINLIFE

Audi’s Q2 proves Could Ireland face diesel and petrol car bans? a real head turner In the Fast Lane

FOLLOWING the moves by the French government to ban the use of diesel and petrol cars by 2040

and more recently announcements in Britain to do

the same, there is increasing pressure on the Irish Government to make a similar pledge.

The British announcement comes as a result of reports of increasingly poorer air quality in the

Audi has a new entry-level SUV called the Q2 which brings updated styling to the range – making the car an instant head turner, as MICHAEL MORONEY found when he took it for a lengthy test drive.

country and especially in urban regions, especially London.

Norway has set more ambitious goals of having no diesel and petrol cars on the country’s roads by 2025.

The French and British governments are actually talking about a government enforced “ban” on new car sales that are not “zero emission vehicles” like electric vehicles.

The Irish government’s Climate Change Advisory Council believes that Ireland should phase out diesel and petrol vehicles but that the government needs to inform people of the costs involved in the change.

It has also warned that the government will lose up to €6 billion in revenue if electric cars become the norm with the loss of income such as excise on petrol and diesel and lower car taxes.

Its chairman, Professor John FitzGerald said at the launch of the independent statutory body’s 2017 interim report, that the council had not considered congestion charges but this would seem to be the way to go.

Joe Duffy Group buys 10 acre site at Airside THE Joe Duffy Group is set to further continue its growth strategy with the purchase of a tenacre development site at Airside in Swords, North County Dublin.

The Group’s extensive expansion plan began in July last year with the development of two construction projects at Airside Retail Park in Swords with the opening of their flagship Jaguar Land Rover facility last December, a new state-of-theart Volvo and Kia Dealership together with the refurbishment of their VW dealership in Navan.

Recently, the Joe Duffy Group acquired another development site at Airside Retail Park in Swords.

Joe Duffy Group is Ireland’s leading Motor retail group and currently has 12 dealerships representing 15 brands.

With a brand portfolio including, Audi, BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, BMWi, Mazda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Kia, Ford, Volkswagen, Porsche and dealerships in Dublin, Meath, and Limerick, they claim to also be Ireland’s fastest growing motor group.

The company says that it now employs 410 people, having increased by over 50% over the past three years.

The Joe Duffy Group is now enjoying its eighth consecutive year of growth in employee numbers, profitability and turnover.

I’VE waited patiently to get my hands on the new Audi Q2 because of its niche and compact place in the Audi range and because of its obvious impressive good looks.

I wasn’t the only one impressed by the design of the car – just about everyone I met instantly commented on it in a positive light.

That confirmed for me that Audi has scored highly in terms of the design, which is making an impression even in their entry level Q2 SUV. Audi offers a range of engine options for the Q2 and I had the base 1.0 litre, three-cylinder version on test. The engine is smooth and impressive.

It comes with a large 50-litre capacity fuel tank and for the 1.0-litre petrol version it’s there for good reason. While the official fuel economy figure is rated at 22.7km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg), I found that over my test drive, I was well off that mark, getting a 25% lower economy rating. Part of the reason for this was that even with the car’s six-speed gearbox, the engine was running at almost 3,000rpm when smoothly cruising at the top 120km/hr motorway speed.

The test car came packed with specification so it was a little difficult to decipher what the entry level buyer would get for the starting price of €30,950.

You will get style and a good driving feel; you will get an element of pres-

phone’s features such as music streaming, contact lists, podcasts, maps and SPECIFICATIONS messages from the multiEngine 1.0 litre function steering wheel with ease.

Engine power 116hp This also allows Google 0 – 100km/hr 10.1 seconds Maps to be used as a naviEconomy 22.7km/litre gation guide, which was

(4.4/100km or 64mpg) probably a bit of over-kill Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres in this car as it came with CO2 emissions 131g/km its own impressive navigation system.

Road Tax Band A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months The navigation system was part of the tech packEuro NCAP Rating 5 star (2016) age for the car that gives Warranty 3 years the driver extra features Entry Price €30,950 such as virtual cockpit, phone box, three years tige from the Audi badge. eyes on the road. The Audi Audi connect subscripYou’ll also get some solid MMI system allows easy tion, the Audi MMI naviAudi features that make integration of your smart gation plus system and the Audi enhanced sound this small car a comfort phone. drive in the sense of good Just connect your smart system.

These give great driver road holding with some phone to the car via a USB great stopping power. cable and it’s ready to go. I features to the car; the bad On the inside the layout was quickly engaged with news is that the tech packis very Audi in charac- Apple Car Play to trans- age adds €2,450 extra to ter. The steering wheel is fer all of the smart phone the price of the car. compact and has a good functions to the screen Like all drivers, I picked feel to it with multi-func- in the centre of the dash. the bits that suited my tion features to keep your You can access all of the driving style and other

Audi Q2 1.0 TFSi

than for research purposes used very little of the full package of infotainment features.

The Audi Side Assist system which includes park assist is also on the extras list, adding €746 to the price of the car. The extras listing is impressive in terms of delivering a great specification car, but you’ll pay for the extras.

All this means that to get a well specified car in the Q2 range that delivers the features that match its impressive styling, you’ll have to pay well in excess of the base €30,950 price.

There are plenty of smaller SUV options out there from the Honda HR-V to the Toyota C-HR and the Opel Mokka, all better priced but none have the stand-out design style that makes the new Audi Q2 so appealing; for me it’s just a matter of affordability to meet your desire.

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 23

Ibiza gets impressive safety rating IN July, Euro NCAP published its latest safety ratings of six new cars. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Hyundai i30, Opel Insignia, Seat Ibiza and VW Arteon were all awarded a maximum five-star rating, while Honda’s new Civic got four stars and Ford’s muscle-car, the Ford Mustang, got a three star rating in its latest form.

The luxurious VW Arteon performed well in all areas of assessment, becoming the highestscoring executive vehicle for pedestrian protection to date.

Alfa Romeo’s new off-roader, the Stelvio, did exceptionally well in adult occupant protection, with a near-perfect 97 percent score, matching competitors like the Volvo XC90, assessed in 2015.

The Seat Ibiza stood out for its high level of standard safety equipment. Other cars in this category often have autonomous braking as an option but the Ibiza’s system, which includes pedestrian detection, is standard equipment, helping it to a well-deserved five-star rating.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen, said: “The greater the extent to which these new technologies are fitted, the better and faster will be the progress in safety on our roads, to the benefit of all. It is to Seat’s credit that

GAZETTE

MOTORING

New, state-of-the-art Mutec truck showrooms open on Long Mile Road MERCEDES-BENZ commercial vehicles dealership MUTEC has brought its all-new, state-of-the-art showrooms into operation on Dublin’s Long Mile Road.

The new truck building is one of the most modern commercial vehicle sales centres in Europe at this time.

The building has enough indoor space to display a truck alongside other vehicles in a glassfronted 400 sq meter showroom that presents an impressive front on to the Long Mile Road.

The new sales showrooms create a highprofile presence for the brand at what is one of Dublin’s busiest road intersections. The original

The new Seat Ibiza stood out in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings

building opened in June 1996 within the adjacent Mercedes-Benz complex.

they have made a sophisticated AEB standard on a supermini like the Ibiza, and we commend them for it.”

In the small family car category, Hyundai’s new i30 gets five stars with good performance across the board.

The Honda Civic is let down by lower-thanexpected protection offered to children, but is still rated as a solid four star car.

Michiel van Ratingen said: “It is good to see that after 20 years Euro NCAP’s call for safety improvement still strikes a chord with responsible companies like Ford.

“While a three star rating is unexceptional, the updates Ford have introduced have not only made Mustang’s safety better in key areas but also show that the company cares about its customers and safety reputation.”

Mercedes-Benz chief executive Stephen Byrne said: “The new MUTEC showroom at Long Mile Road is a further indication of our commitment to Mercedes-Benz and of our willingness to support the brand at all levels.

“This is reflected elsewhere within our organisation through new sales appointments and in dealership developments that are currently in the pipeline.”

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3 August 2017

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SHOP LOCAL | THE GAZETTE FOCUSES ON INDEPENDENT AND FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES

It’s business as usual in Clondalkin Village CLONDALKIN has a bountyof independent and family owned businesses with many starting to feel an increase in revenue as the Irish economy is improving.

The Factory Outlet on Orchard Road specialises in the supply and fitting of tiles, bathrooms, kitchens and wardrobes.

One local business that has also survived the testament of time is Becker Tansey & Co Solicitors, which has been providing legal services in Clondalkin for more than 30 years.

Clondalkin Nurseries, premium horticultural specialists in Dublin is conveniently located Green Isle Road near Corkagh Park, and cater for trade and landscape contractors from Dublin and the surrounding counties.

Property Partners O’Brien Swaine, Clondalkin and Dundrum are part of Property Partners real estate group, which is an independently-owned auctioneering group with more than 25 offices nationwide.

The local company specialises in sales, rentals, property management and valuation of all types of residential and commercial properties across all corners of Dublin City and further afield.

Cash In Rags, based at Watery lane, are now going into their sixth year in business. Donna who runs the company, says that there are a lot of people these days interested in recycling their old clothes with them.

She addad: “People like the idea of clearing out their house of old clothes and bringing it in to us in exchange for money.”

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GAZETTE

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3 - 24 August 2017

SPORT

Proud sponsors of the DLGFA adult championships

LADIES FOOTBALL: NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE DLGFA STAR OF JULY

MONTHLYStars Thorne in

a Rush for more top July brings the best out to shine on top club stage level glory JULY’S New Ireland Assurance DLGFA Player of the Month proved a hotly contested one with the semi-finals at intermediate and senior level providing some marquee performances.

While St Maur’s Gemma Thorne took the monthly gong, a number of players are worthy of mention, coming close to the title.

St Sylvester’s Ciara Lynch recovered from a serious knee injury this season, showing her ongoing commitment and dedication in both her training and mentoring of younger players as the Malahide club reached the senior semi-finals.

Clontarf’s Carrie O’Connor was put forward as she captained their inter side to the county final for a third year in succession having been part of the team for almost 20 years. A commanding presence in midfield, she has shown tremendous loyalty to the cause despite the final setbacks in recent years. A true leader.

O’Dwyer’s Shauna O’Hara was another to come close as she helped the Balbriggan to three wins from three in a fine group stage showing.

Send in your nominations for August’s awards to sport@dublingazette.com by Monday, September 4, including the player’s name, club and a couple of lines about why you feel they should be up for the honour. We will announce the winner in our edition that comes out on September 7, 2017.

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

THERE’S A WHIFF of familiarity of St Maur’s powerful progress in the New Ireland Assurance Dublin Intermediate Ladies’ Football Championship this season, as the Rush ladies have put together another charge.

The maroon-clad side took the Junior All Ireland last time around, and have carried the momentum from that tournament straight into the new season, recently qualifying for an Intermediate final for the first time in the club’s history.

Gemma Thorne, already an eight year veteran of the St Maur’s senior panel at only 24 years of age, is very much at the heart of that progression. Her performances have seen her land the New Ireland Assurance

DLGFA Player of the Month for July, leading the side to the inter county final.

Running the side from midfield this season, she’s faced off defensively against Dublin star Carla Rowe, and put in a sterling attacking derby performance to see Maur’s past local rivals Skerries and into the intermediate finale.

“We got a shock with the level, definitely, in coming up to intermediate level,” Thorne told GazetteSpor t of the club’s new standing. “We started well but then went through a rough spell in the summer when a few players were away.

“We’re a really young team, a lot of the players are under 20 so things like J1s mean summers can be difficult. But we’ve gelled really well as a team now, and things are

Naomh Maur’s Gemma Thorne in action this week. Picture: GAAPics.com

going great recently, it’s looking really positive.”

Speaking of her player of the month award, T horne admits she’s playing as well as she can remember, but is careful to emphasise the team element of Maur’s progress, as well as talking up the role of the team’s four coaches.

“It’s not an individual sport,” she laughs. “We played as well as we have all year as a team against Skerries. Those games have the extra bite of a local derby, and we really enjoy playing them.

We’re delighted with how far we’ve come.”

Maur’s have developed a reputation for hitting the net, with goals – sometimes four, five or six of them – a feature of their wins this year. Their only championship loss has come to table-topping Clontarf, but while Thorne won’t think of Senior Championship football at this point, she says the team are stronger than they were during that early season defeat.

“We can’t look that far forward, we’re really just concentrating on

Clontarf,” she says when we ask about the possibility of senior football.

“It’s been a whirlwind, last year was incredible and we thought it might be difficult to stay as ‘up’ afterwards. It hasn’t been.”

Whatever the result of St Maur’s second consecutive Dublin final contest, this season has been the best in their history, in that it’s really highlighted the club’s potential to go still further.

Come the final, Thorne, the midfield powerhouse, will be instrumental.

3 - 24 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Baker laments League of Ireland financial fall

Shelbourne legend went through monetary collapses at both the Tolka Park club and Drogheda but feels the governing FAI body is not doing enough to avoid these instances continuing

Karate Ireland kick off new indoor arena in style THE new National Indoor Arena in Dublin 15 played host to a spectacular launch event by Karate Ireland.

The event showcased the best of Irish karate with the elite junior and senior squad treating spectators to an exciting demonstration of their skills. The aim of the event was to highlight the quality of athletes and introduce a wider audience to the new branding and goals of Karate Ireland.

The launch was attended by representatives from Sport Ireland and the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI), with a special presentation and speech by three-time Olympian and former world champion, Eamonn Coghlan.

With the introduction of karate to the sports programme for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Karate Ireland have a strategic plan to develop their athletes in the hope of qualifying for the 2020 Games.

Included in their plans is a vision to inspire people to participate in karate and share a culture of excellence.

Karate Ireland list their core values as “humility, excellence and inclusion” were evident in the uplifting demonstration by the iKarate Ireland squad.

Karate Ireland (formerly known as ONAKAI) is the only Irish Karate body affiliated to the World Karate Federation (WKF) and therefore recognised by the OCI. It represents many varied karate styles in Ireland as one umbrella group with Shotokan, Wado-Ryu, Shito-Ryu and Kenpo falling under their remit.

The World Karate Federation is the largest international governing body of karate with over 130-member countries.

It is the only karate federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee and has more than ten million members. Karate Ireland is delighted to be part of this worldwide network of karateka and hope to build on their previous successes and develop their athletes in the hope of qualifying for Tokyo 2020.

Above, Aaron McLoughlin and Conor O’Sullivan are pictured during an exhibition match.

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

RICHIE Baker is one of the most decorated players in League of Ireland history with five titles to his name but, while he could undoubtedly bring a lot to the division in a coaching capacity, he says he has no intention of doing so due to how the league is being run.

The former Shelbourne star won four titles with the inner-city club between 1999 and 2006, before adding a fifth at Drogheda United in 2008.

He is also still the only player to have won two PFAI Young Player of the

Year awards.

H o w e v e r, d e s p i t e many of his former colleagues now involved in the league in a coaching or managing role, Baker chose a path towards helping kids with special needs and coaching youth teams.

“I’m after taking over a team for Rosemount out in Dundrum so I’m out there this year,” Baker told GazetteSport. “Over the last couple years, I have been helping out with training and coaching for a couple of clubs in preseason. I’ve always wanted to stay involved in the soccer side of things but not too high up.

“I wouldn’t like to go back into the League of Ireland with the way things are run at the moment; it’s just not the way I like it.

“There are too many downfalls at clubs and I have been involved in the downfalls as well.”

Baker spent five years at Shelbourne before a brief stint in America playing for the New England Revolution. He returned to Shelbourne after a year stateside but his second spell at the Dublin club ended in financial meltdown two years later.

“Shelbourne will always be the best club I have been at; that will

Picture: James Crombie/Inpho Richie Baker says Shelbourne remains the best club he has ever played at.

never change. The best times I had were there and, in fairness, the year that we had the bad times we got back every bit of money that the club owed us. I will always be a Shelbourne fan so it is hard to see where they are now compared to back when I played during the good days,” said Baker.

T h e 37- y e a r- o l d plumped for a move to Drogheda United and it was initially successful with the Louth side lifting the title in his first season at the club. However, the club struggled financially during the following season and Baker was left out of pocket.

“Drogheda was a terrible situation, where 12% of the wages owed for months was offered to players. Then two or three months later, after a big meeting with the FAI officials and the club, we were paid off not even half of what we were owed.

“To then be allowed stay in the league two months later and sign new players – I just don’t understand how they get away with it. You had people from the club crying at the table saying the club is going under and we can’t afford this or to do that.

“Then the league starts back two months later and they’re still involved in the premier side of things and signing new players. It was difficult.”

Teams are still experiencing the same problems as Shelbourne and Drogheda have in the

past, and Baker is not impressed.

“The people who run the league have just gone down and down, as we’ve seen this year again with Bray Wanderers and the likes of the things that are happening there with the players.

“Letting down players is not what I want to be getting into. If I was involved I wouldn’t be able to look at the players face to face and explain why they are not getting wages.

“For the same silly mistakes to be made and for clubs to be able to fold up before suddenly coming back into the league with no stiff rules on how to deal with them is terrible,” Baker concluded. ** Baker will soon pull on his football boots once again when he takes part in a charity event for youth mental health organisation JIGSAW on August 27.

He will form part of a team of ex-professionals in one team with a homeless street league side, a Bohs legends team, an Irish musicians side – The Coronas and Picture This – a celebrity team and a “Joe Soaps” team.

In addition, there will be entertainment from the mini Messi and Empire dance and fitness with football-darts and football-pool side events, all sponsored by Renault Belgard.

Search “Charity Vinny” on Facebook for info.

GAZETTE

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

Clondalkin Gymnastics win World Champs silver CLONDALKIN Gymnastics Club produced a series of brilliant performances as they represented Ireland at the GFA World Championships in Norway, coming home with the silver medal.

This is the first time ever an Irish team has won a medal of this kind from this event, ending up as the highest ranking Irish team at this world championships.

The team is coached by Yvonne Kavanagh and managed by Julia Toomey. It consisted of 12 gymnasts, all from Clondalkin Gymnastics Club, who flew out to Norway last Tuesday to take part in this prestigious event that only takes place every four years.

The competition is of an extremely high standard and was attended by 22 countries from around the world who all spent five days living and competing in an Olympic style village which was an amazing experience for all involved.

The team range in age from 11 years to 22 years and have been working towards this World Championship event for the last four years by successfully attending and winning international competitions in countries such as France and the UK to gain experience and be ready to compete at this event.

The squad is made up Sophie Toomey, Fiona Tapley, Emma O’Brien, Katie Cowzer, Evana Downey, Laura Brophy, Zara O’Reilly, Hannah Brennan, Leah Newman, Leia Scales, Daisy Smith and Orna Lamon.

Super Saints star in NI cup ST FRANCIS’S young stars enjoyed impressive weeks ast the Northern Ireland Super Cup. The club’s Dylan Duffy, from the 2002 team, shone in the

jersey of Southampton with whom he was one of the standout players during their campaign up north.

Kian Leavy, meanwhile, was called in to represent Manchester United in their opening 3-0 win in the competition.

SOCCER: GREENOGUE CLUB THREE POINTS ADRIFT OF LEADERS WEXFORD

Peamount’s Lucy McCartan won the WNL Player of the Month Award for June; she is pictured with Continental Tyres’ Tom Dennigan, and the FAI’s Eamonn Breen. Picture: Cody Glenn

Waves wipe out Peas lead WOMEN’S NAT. LEAGUE UCD Waves Peamount United  sport@dublingazette.com

2 2

PEAMOUNT United threw away a 2-0 lead at half-time to draw 2-2 with UCD Waves on the College’s astro pitch, leaving them three points adrift of Wexford Youths FC at the top of the Continental Women’s National League.

Both sides struggled to adapt to playing on the foreign surface – the main pitch at Jackson Park having been deemed unplayable – but it was the visitors who looked mostly likely to establish a foot-

hold in the game.

As the first half wore on, Peamount were the team in the ascendancy as they reduced their opponents to the odd half chance from a corner. They eventually took the lead on the half hour mark when Niamh Barnes’ long range hoof up the field wasn’t dealt with by Claire Walsh and Amber Barrett raced onto it.

The Donegal native left Emily Cahill in her wake before producing an excellent finish over the head of Brooke Dunne in the UCD goal.

UCD were punished yet again for a defensive error 11 minutes later when

YOUTH OLYMPIAN King Louis of Moyle Park ends eighth in Europe MOYLE Park student Louis O’Loughlin fin-

ished seventh in the 800m final of the European Youth Olympics last weekend after crossing the line in a very respectable time of 1.56.98 in Gyor, Hungary.

The Clondalkin athlete, who runs for the Donore Harriers club, is pictured following his successful semi-final run. was part of a strong Irish team that returned to Dublin airport last Sunday with six medals for their efforts.

Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Cahill’s attempted clearance of Heather Payne’s corner into the box only made it as far as Eleanor Ryan-Doyle. The former Waves striker reacted quickly from inside the box to hook the ball into the top corner.

Peamount took a 2-0 lead into the break but they would have been war y going into the second half after Carla McManus picked up an injury, and the team k n ow i n g t h e y h ave already thrown away leads this season.

Whatever Noel Kealy said to his players during the interval seemed to have worked because

they started the second half with a new sense of purpose. Their change in attitude didn’t take long to pay dividends as Aine O’Gorman pulled one back for the home side 15 minutes after the restart.

The Republic of Ireland star saw a clearance from Chelsea Snell’s ball forward fall nicely into her path and she curled home.

Barrett had a chance to restore her sides two goal advantage shortly afterwards but she could only find the side netting with an effort from a tight angle.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, UCD

were looking like the side most likely to score again, and that is exactly what happened when Kerri Letmon was left free in the area. She took advantage of the slack defending from Peamount to coolly head home Orlagh Nolan’s corner.

UCD had their tails up at this point and found themselves with two late chances to nick all three points. However, Cahill and Nolan could only put their respective efforts over the bar and the game ended in a draw.

Next up for Peamount is a trip to Kilkenny as they look to keep up the pressure on Wexford.

3 - 23 August 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: RAHENY STRIKE VITAL LAST MINUTE GOAL

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN AN INJURY time goal condemned our

are bringing to Croke Park on Friday,

senior footballers to defeat against

September 15. Join us in the players’

Raheny at St Anne’s Park on Saturday

lounge for a day of fun and analysis.

evening. Our lads lie fifth in the table

It is €100 per head and a table of

with two games to play. Our junior B

ten costs €1,000. We are limited to 14

footballers were defeated by Kilma-

tables so book early to avoid disap-

cud Crokes.

pointment. For further information,

Six to 14-year-old girls are invited to participate in a one-day camo-

Towers AHL2 playoff bid dealt major blow AHL DIVISION 2 Raheny 3-13 Round Tower 2-14  MICK MCGLYNN sport@dublingazette.com

AN INJURY-time Raheny goal saw Round Tower suffer a big setback in their AHL2 promotion chase, dropping below their north Dublin rivals into fifth place.

Two big points were on the line with the carrot of a home tie in a potential play-off on the line. The points were within the Clondalkin club’s grasp as stoppage time was entered.

But a goal arrived for the visitors with a fisted pass across the edge of the square palmed to the net, to see Towers leave St Anne’s Park on a low note.

It was not what Towers deserved. Both sides had gone toe-to-toe throughout the 60 minutes. Towers faced into the second period trailing by a point and facing into a pitch gradient that was against them.

Three minutes into the second half, they trailed by two when Trevor Clendenning was fouled and James

Kelly converted the free to leave one in it, 2-8 to 2-7.

The equaliser arrived moments later when Thomas Galvin was the fouled party and Conor L’Estrange punished with a point. A third consecutive point arrived; an excellent block by Sean O’Donnagain enabled Mick Hallows carry from defence into attack and Galvin controlled well and turned his marker to convert.

Ian Ward broke through on goal but his strike hit the post. Raheny responded with a converted free.

A Brian Costello interception set up a Towers’ attack that brought excellent interplay between Kelly, Galvin and Hallows.

It led to a foul on Kelly and he kicked successfully.

The advantage became two when great pressure

by Ward and Hallows led to an over-carry and L’Estrange kicked the free from distance.

Substitute Jason Joyce followed it up with a long-range score. But two points from Raheny left just a score between the sides coming into the final

ten minutes. Ward carried beyond two defenders and was tugged back, leaving Kelly kick the placed ball and restore the advantage to two.

Again, Raheny responded with a point. A minute into injury time they struck the winning goal.

They gained possession from the resulting kick and kept possession to see the game out.

The first half was played in a similar pattern. Raheny made a strong start to lead 1-3 to 0-1.

But swift movement between Ward, Kelly and Clendenning saw Kelly in

on goal and he was pulled back when striking for goal.

He picked himself up to dispatch the penalty to the keepers right. Galvin kicked a great score from range but the game was drawn level when Raheny worked a quick free and the full forward found space to finish to the net.

Ward kicked two excellent scores from distance but Raheny responded to both and a fisted Kelly point drew the sides level.

The home side edged into the break a point clear to set up the drama of the second half.

8073391 or Alan at 087 9299488.

gie camp we are hosting on Friday,

Bingo takes place every Tuesday

August 11 from 10am to 2pm. Girls who

in the club with first call at 8.30pm.

have not previously played camogie

Jackpot this week of €1,000 if checked

are very welcome.

within 47 numbers. Otherwise, €20 for

Registration on Thursday, August 3

Raheny moved a place above Round Tower with two games to go in the regular league season.

contact Niall at 087 6290870, Ed at 087

a full house. All welcome.

from 7.30-8.30pm, with the cost being

Round Tower Lotto (July 24): the

€15 per child and €10 for the second

jackpot is €10,000. Numbers drawn

child. For further information, con-

were 1, 4, 18, 27; bonus ball 18. No over-

tact Angela at 087 2453775.

all winner and no bonus ball winner.

We are urging members and sup-

Three €100 winners: J M Cullen, Mary

porters to support a very special

Quirke, Jessica O’Malley. Thank you to

All-Ireland football final dinner we

all who supported.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS AUGUST 26 is turning out to be a busy

playoff yet.

day for the club. The junior footballers

Following a win over Naomh Bar-

are in a championship final in Parnell

rog, the ladies football are through to

Park at 4pm against St Brigid’s while

their championship final. This game

the senior footballers have a critical

is scheduled for August 30 against

league game against St Maur’s. The

either Castleknock or Cuala.

inter footballers are due to be away

The senior hurlers are off duty until

to St Monica’s while Aslan play at

August 19 when they are away to Ball-

RockTheLock and we have a car to give

inteer St John’s.

away. Logistics support required!

Dublin U-16 camogie topped their

Tickets are available for the car

All-Ireland series group with a win

draw (at the club) and for Aslan

over Kilkenny; Lucan was well rep-

(ticketmaster.ie) at the club and our

resented on the A and B teams while

thanks to the many volunteers who

Aoife Mahon and Laura Quinn both

have taken to the streets of Lucan

had a strong influence on the score-

selling car draw tickets.

board.

Last week, there was no winner of

The club bar will be closed on Mon-

the €7,800 lotto and the numbers were

day, Tuesday and Friday nights until

7, 21, 22 and 27. This week’s €8,200

the end of August.

draw will be managed by Team Mary

Other days remain unaffected. If

Flannery and is sponsored by Fer-

anyone requires the bar or function

gal McCarthy, Painter & Decorator.

room for any event, just contact the

Tickets can be purchased online, at

bar staff on Thursday night.

the club, in Carey’s Newsagents or in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar.

Bingo continues on Wednesdays at 8pm in the club bar.

The senior footballers lost to Bal-

The club shop is closed for its sum-

lyboden on Saturday evening, leav-

mer break. Items can still be pur-

ing them on nine points in division

chased online or in the O’Neill’s shop

one, level with Na Fianna and above

on the Long Mile Road.

Cuala and Clontarf. It’s a few points

Lucan District Credit Union Acad-

shy from being safe from a relegation

emy are also on their summer break.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

32 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017