Clondalkin

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Tree-mendous festive fare will thrill the family this Christmas

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

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Drivers go parking mad over clamping confusion  SYLVIA POWNALL

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you Drivers had to fork out a €120 release fee to clampers

MO T OR I S T S d r i ve n round the bend over a chaotic parking system which saw countless drivers’ cars clamped in the run up to Christmas are calling for a rethink.

Scores of unsuspecting drivers were forced to fork out a €120 release fee to clampers after paying at a council parking meter and unwittingly parking just yards away in a privately-run zone.

The retail half of the

small car park outside Tuthills is operated by South Dublin County Council, which does not clamp, but the Convent Road side is privately managed by RFC Security Services.

The system is confus-

ing and poorly signposted and has motorists seeing red – with one clamping victim, Patrick Lyons, comparing it to being robbed at gunpoint.

Full Story on Page 4

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HOUSING CRISIS | COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS VOW TO END HOMELESSNESS

‘There are plenty of vacant Nama properties like Apollo House in Lucan & Clondalkin’  SYLVIA POWNALL

Left: Home Sweet Home’s Dean Scurry with Glen Hansard and Eoin O’Broin at Apollo House; Right: Cllr Francis Timmons gives a rousing speech outside the Clondalkin Civic Offices

A GROUP of activists committed to housing the homeless has backed the Home Sweet Home movement – and said it wouldn’t rule out doing the same in south Dublin.

The Clondalkin and Lucan Housing Action Network, which launched on December 10, is committed to providing a homeless hostel in the local area, banning evictions, providing more social housing and ending Direct Provision.

Founder member Sean Phelan said the network already had a significant membership made up of community activists and local politicians across a number of political parties.

He said they were heartened to see Apollo House used to shelter rough sleepers, adding that there were plenty of vacant Nama properties in Clondalkin and Lucan that could be put to the same use.

He told The Gazette: “I think what they’ve done is brilliant. It really points to the fact that Nama is owned by the people and what better way to use these empty buildings. We have over 6,000 homeless, 2,000 of them children.

“I think once the celebrities got on board that

captured the public’s imagination. There are vacant Nama properties, and other vacant properties locally but with regard to doing something similar that would have to be discussed first.”

Protest Cllr Francis Timmons gave a rousing speech at the network’s inaugural protest rally outside the Civic Offices in Clondalkin earlier this month when he pointed to the “epidemic that is the crisis and scandal of housing in this 100 year anniversary of 1916”.

He added: “This Christmas there are 156 families accommodated in hotels and bed and breakfasts placed by South Dublin County Council. There are in addition 64 families based in Tallaght Cross.

“We need an emergency hostel and a women’s refuge in Clondalkin. We need to build council houses and homes where children can have stability and consistency in their daily routine. If we cherish all the children of the nation equally why isn’t the right to a home enshrined in our constitution? Are we as a nation serious about providing children with the right and the best start in life?”

FASTNews

Heritage group seeks to twin Clondalkin with German town

CLONDALKIN could be twinned with German town Karlsruhe if the local heritage group gets the backing of South Dublin County Council.

A fragment of a manuscript created by monks based at Clondalkin’s Round Tower in the 8th century still exists at Karlsruhe library, and the heritage group wants the link formally recognised. Now Cllr Francis Timmons is backing the campaign and has called on the local authority to get behind the venture.

Cllr Timmons said: “Twinning is good for tourism and for a town such as ours that has huge historical landmarks. Anyone I have spoken to so far has shown interest in the twinning proposal.”

Cllr Timmons also supports the heritage group’s quest that recognition be given to the book fragment in Karlsruhe – and that a copy of it could be put on display in the new visitors centre.

SDCC has formal twinning arrangements already in place with the London Borough of Brend and Kreis Segeberg in Germany.

The council also supports the community twinning arrangement between Rathcoole and Ecole Valentine in France. In addition there is a sister cities agreement between South Dublin County and Tampa, Florida in the US.

Cllr Timmons, who set up Clondalkin Helping Homeless in 2014 as a temporary service to feed homeless on a nightly basis, added: “Never in my life did I believe I would see people sleeping rough in our town. Well in 2016 this is reality for some people and it is right on our doorstep.”

Meanwhile Sinn Fein Deputy Eoin O Broin has hit out at Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Fianna Fail TD John Curran for “blocking a crucial Focus Ireland anti-homelessness measure” in the Dail last week.

The measure, an amend-

ment proposed by Focus Ireland to the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Bill, was defeated by a combination of Fine Gael opposition and Fianna Fail abstention.

Deputy O Broin said: “As a result thousands of families and 2,500 children will spend Christmas in hotels and B&Bs. “It is the height of hypocrisy for TDs and ministers to express concern about the homelessness crisis why actively blocking measures in the Dail that would help those at risk of losing the roof over their heads.”

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The Jig is up!

THE first 64 young people have just graduated from Jigsaw Clondalkin’s Peer Education Programme.

The dedicated teenagers – along with their teachers – put a huge amount of effort into their training on youth mental health awareness, and all that hard work paid off when they graduated on  SYLVIA POWNALL December 14.

The 64 are now trained the best way to reach to deliver an important so many other young workshop called ‘It’s Time people, delivering this to Start Talking’ to other workshop to their friends students at their schools. and peers in their own A Jigsaw Clondalkin school.” spokesperson said: “A J i g s aw C l o n d a l k i n great evening was had worked with a number of by all students in Liffey schools this year includValley’s Clarion Hotel, ing Lucan Community where we hosted them College, Adamstow n to say a big thank you for Community College, coming forward for this St Joseph’s College, Colaiste Bride, Moyle training.

“The key messages of Park College, both St this workshop are about Kevin’s Community Colseeking help when you lege, Collinstown Park need it, the importance of Community College and ‘One Good Adult’ in your Pobalscoil Iosolde in life and that no problem Palmerstown.

Schools interested in is too small to share.

“At Jigsaw we believe their transition-year stuthat these are key mes- dents joining the prosages that young peo- gramme should contact ple need to hear and jean.carr@jigsaw.ie for our new trainers are more details.

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

Grinch who clamped Christmas  SYLVIA POWNALL Patrick Lyons returned from a trip to the dentist just days before Christmas only to find his car had been clamped and the management company were demanding a €120 fee to release it.

He told The Gazette: “I paid at the council parking meter and I had one hour and 20 minutes left on my ticket.

“When I was going back to my car I was even looking for someone else to give the ticket to.

“Next of all I saw the clamp.

When I rang they said it would cost €120 to get the clamp off, but

when I explained what had happened he said he would release it for €60.

“I lost my mind on the phone.

I just felt like someone had put a gun to my head and robbed me.”

Mr Lyons said he observed an RFC employee unclamping a car in the council section of the car park.

The Gazette contacted RFC Security Services for a comment but they failed to respond.

Local resident Lynn Byrne set up an online poll and is calling for more clarity around the parking arrangements.

She told The Gazette: “Even

FASTNews

Thugs force new local businesses to close right before Christmas

Patrick Lyons from Clondalkin whose car was clamped

their clamping fee of €120 is ridiculous. I understand the idea of paying for your parking space so people don’t take up spaces all day long.

“But that is not what they are doing. They are like sharks just waiting to try and catch people out. It’s a kick in the teeth when it happens and it’s harsh to get clamped but when you’re over your time you will accept it fair enough.

“But the way they are doing it when people make a genuine mistake, that is sly, that is not one bit nice.”

Cllr Mark Ward (SF) has also

called for clearer signage at the car park and wants the council to provide a disabled parking space.

A council spokesperson said the spaces it operates are along the footpath in front of the shops and relate to meters numbered 122 and 123, adding: “These meters are clearly marked SDCC and allow 30 minutes free parking. SDCC does not clamp.”

Tuthill’s, which part-owns the car park, had not responded to a call from The Gazette requesting a comment at time of going to print.

FASTNews

Overwhelmed charity’s big shout to locals A LOCAL homeless charity has been bowled over with the response to its annual Christmas appeal.

Clondalkin Helping Homeless announced a full week before Christmas it had already seen a huge surge in donations and had enough shoe boxes, food, hampers and gifts to help those in need til New Year.

The charity said on its Facebook page: “So very proud to be living in Clondalkin – a community that helps those less well off. This year’s appeal was such a success, we are able to help over 60 local families in need.”

The charity also gave a shout out to Claire Lynch and all at St Joseph’s Boys NS, who donated an amazing 306 shoe boxes plus loads of food. Also mentioned were Collinstown Park second-year students Anthony Emmet and Andrew Byrne Cullen, who raised E85 between them.

TWO new Clondalkin businesses had to close temporarily just before Christmas after thugs rammed a stolen car repeatedly through the front of the units.

The incident at Chaplain Place saw a stolen car obliterate the front of Artisan Flowers and Peacock Lollipops beauty salon in Neilstown.

No items were stolen but both premises, which had only opened weeks beforehand, sustained serious damage. Gardai in Ronanstown are investigating CCTV images which show a car ramming the shopfronts up to ten times just after 5am. Gardaí are investigating the possibility that a burnt-out car, found in Harelawn soon after, is connected to the incident.

Politician backs ambitious Paddy’s Day party plan for Tallaght Stadium AMBITIOUS plans for a St Patrick’s Day celebration at Tallaght Stadium have received the full backing of Fianna Fail Cllr Charlie O’Connor.

Cllr O’Connor is calling on South Dublin County Council to support the group organising the festival in Tallaght on March 17. A council spokesperson urged all groups needing assistance to make contact sooner rather than later outlining the size, scope and funding proposals for the event.

Cllr O’Connor said: “It’s important that the Tallaght Festival Group be given as much support as possible because people would welcome a Tallaght Stadium event on St Patrick’s Day.”

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 December 2016

Out and About Sadie and her dad Ronan Scullion at the launch of the new booklet, left.

Niamh Evans, Derval Moore and Pamela Bollard

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Adeshola Kayede and her children

ONANSTOWN Youth Service took a well-deserved bow last week as the teenagers launched a booklet highlighting the link between mental health and substance misuse. The user-friendly booklet, entitled Making the Links, includes advice on recognising the warning signs and symptoms around poor mental health. There is also a stay safe checklist, a page dedicated to mindful colouring, a word search and a LINK checklist – listen to others, get involved, remember you are not alone and know where to go for help. A number of useful contacts are also listed, including www. spunout.ie, www.jigsaw.ie (01 5380087), www.childine.ie (1800 666666) and www. pieta.ie (01 6282111).

One for the books Jennifer Clancy and Elizabeth Fitzsimons

Timmy Keyede, Rachael McCormack, Amy Moore and Callum Bollard

Willy and Carmel Harris

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Frances Tuffery, Gerry Day, Alan McNally and Sinead Breen

Derek McGrath, above, looks gorgeous.

Left: Kathleen McGrath Pictures: John Turner of Clondalkin Camera Club

Enjoying quality comedy in Quinlans C

LONDALKIN Drama Group were in fine form as they performed three, one act comedies in Quinlans. The plays entitled Sorry Satan it Could Have Been Good, The Kennel

Club and Last Tango in Little Grimley were a hit with audiences who can now look forward to the group’s next production Alice in Funderland which takes place from January 27 to 29.

CLONDALKIN | 12-YEAR-OLD SEAN DIED AFTER SULKY CAR COLLIDED WITH TRUCK

Family of tragic pony & trap boy want answers  SYLVIA POWNALL THE family of a 12-year-old boy who died as a result of a collision involving a pony and trap say they want to know what caused the incident.

Relatives of Sean David Doyle of Melrose Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, say they have written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking answers.

The schoolboy, who was due to make his confirmation less than two months later, sustained a traumatic brain injury when the pony and trap he was travelling on collided with a truck on St Cuthbert’s Road in Bawnogue.

Investigating gardai completed a file for the DPP in relation to the case but no prosecution

was directed. The family say the truck driver was not to blame but feel “something” caused the sulky car to swerve into traffic.

A provisional date for a full hearing into the boy’s death was set for next January – but the family told Dublin Coroner’s Court they want answers before the hearing takes place.

Speaking from the public gallery, a relative said they have written to the DPP and do not wish the inquest to go ahead until they’ve received an answer to their query.

Sean died on February 26, 2016, following an incident at around 1.40pm. He was one of three friends travelling on the sulky car. The other two boys on the trap were unharmed.

At a brief inquest hearing last July his grandfather Joseph

The shrine at the spot on St Cuthbert’s Road in Bawnogue where Sean, above, was fatally injured

Doyle gave evidence of how he identified the body of his grandson at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin to Garda Maeve McBride on February 29, 2016. On the same date Inspector Paul Costello of Clondalkin Garda Station told

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane he was seeking a six-month adjournment of the inquest for a Garda file to be completed and submitted to the DPP. A post-mortem carried out by Dr Michael McDermott found that Sean, a pupil of Scoil Talbot

primary school in Bawnogue, died due to extensive cerebral damage.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane set a provisional date for the full inquest hearing to take place on January 25, 2017 and told the family the date could be changed if there were further developments.

FASTNews

Councillor calls for more shows at Civic Theatre ‘THERE have been calls for additional shows to be provided at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght in 2017.

Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF) noted the success of recent shows and said it was vital the civic amenity be used to its full potential.

He raised the matter at a recent Tallaght area committee meeting, where he was told a variety of performances – both home grown and international – were being sourced for the venue.

A council spokesman said: “The Civic has an outstanding record... for its quality of service, engagement and creativity, something the artistic director will be developing further.

“In particular, the Civic will look to grow its local connections and offer opportunities for local artists and groups to gain increased access to its facilities.”

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GazetteGALLERY

| MEAGHERS PHARMACY AND TV3 STARS PARTY IN STYLE

Here come the girls ... Xpose’s Karen Koster, Glenda Melanie Morris

Gilson and Cassie Stokes

Ellen Leonard

Sharon Griffin

Oonagh O’Hagan, Debbie O’Donnell and Bairbre Power. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

An excellent Xpose bash at the Dylan

A

NUMBER of familiar glittering stars came along to the Xpose and Meaghers Pharmacy festive beauty banquet at the Dylan Hotel, where the TV3 stars were happy to bring some Xpose-sure to a number of Irish businesses and products. Fashionistas came from near and far for the event, with treats from Meaghers Pharmacy, The Intercontinental, Lily O’Briens and the Amy Huberman collection from Newbridge Silverwear adding to the festive feeling at the stylish hotel.

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DON’SDUBLIN

Trio had all the write stuff to make Dublin a literary landmark

DUBLIN is famous for many things, and over its thousand-year history its most famous contribution has been to the written word, with its three native-born Nobel Laureates for Literature giving it a unique place in history.

William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was born in Sandymount and is considered one of the foremost writers of the 20th century.

He studied in London and spent summer holidays with his maternal grandparents in Sligo – a place that he often wrote about.

With Lady Augusta Gregory, he established the Abbey Theatre, and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 that cited his “inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation”.

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was born in No 33, Synge Street, and went to London where he worked as a theatre critic.

He is best known as a playwright, with Pygmalion being his most famous piece. In 1938 a film version of Pygmalion was produced in Hollywood, where it won an Oscar for Best Screenplay.

He was the first person to have won both a Nobel Prize for Literature (1925) and an Oscar.

Samuel Beckett (1913-1989) was born in Foxrock and studied in Trinity College.

A keen sportsman, he is the only Nobel Laureate to have played first class cricket, having featured in two matches against Northamptonshire.

During World War Two, he fought with the French Resistance and was awarded the Croix de Guerre and described his efforts, rather humbly, as “boy scout stuff”.

He met James Joyce in Paris in the 1930s and had begun writing before the war began.

In 1949, his bleak absurdist play, Waiting for Godot, was well-received in Paris. When the play was first performed in London in 1955, it was voted “the most significant English language play of the 20th century”.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1969 “for his writing, which – in new forms for the novel and drama – in the destitution of modern man acquires its elevation”.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett – Ireland’s literary giants

Your next GAZETTE

YOUR favourite local paper is taking a Christmas break – but don’t worry, we’ll be back soon! In the meantime, enjoy this special double edition, and your next great Gazette will be out on Thursday, January 5. We’ll see you then, and we wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

GAZETTE

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DUBLINBUSINESS

Three new partners for McEvoy are announced  EMMA NOLAN

Little Learners - Best Service Business 2016

Best Wholesale Manufacturing Business 2016 Creation Station

Coaching and mentoring wins for Dublin businesses TWO Dublin business owners have won awards at the ActionCOACH Business Excellence Awards 2016 last week.

Rathcoole based Business man, Eamonn Elders of Creation Station, picked up an award for Best Wholesale/Manufacturing Business and Nessa McNamara from Little Learners Pre-School and After-School in Drumcondra Best Service Business 2016 for the 2nd year in a row.

Pictured with Eamonn and Nessa is Paul Fagan, MD ActionCOACH Business Coaching and local Business Coach Rory Smyth from ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

Both Nessa and Eamonn picked up these award in recognition of the strong performance and growth of their businesses in 2016 in each of their respective industries.

ActionCOACH Business Coaching is the largest business coaching, mentoring and training organisation in the country.

MCEVOY Partners has announced the appointment of three new partners to its corporate and property divisions.

Susan Noone and Edel Conway have been appointed to the corporate group and John Burke has been announced new partner within the property division.

T he three newly appointed partners have combined experience of over 50 years.

Susan has over 13 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor, specialising in corporate law. Susan’s focus is primarily on corporate reorganisations, mergers and acquisitions, general commercial contracts and corporate governance. She also advises in employment matters covering an extensive range of areas.

Edel has over 15 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor, specialising in corporate finance, with particular experience in public takeovers and mergers, flotations and secondary share issues, demergers and joint ventures. Edel is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

John has over 25 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor, dealing with the full range of commercial property matters, including large scale acquisitions, acting for both landlords and tenants on commercial leases, property aspects of mergers, acquisitions and business re-structuring and all types of property investment.

John has significant experience in acquiring assets from bank-appointed receivers and from vendors and landlords whose borrowings have transferred to NAMA, as well as acting for receivers in disposals of assets.

Speaking about the recent appointments, June Hynes, Partner of McEvoy Partners commented:“We are pleased to appoint Susan, Edel and John as Partners in our corporate and property groups respectively.

Each of these individuals has a wealth of experience and expertise in their areas and will bring a fresh energy as well as the highest standard of service to all clients, big and small.

We look forward to making more announcements in the near future as our firm continues to expand.”

Newly appointed partners Susan Noone, John Burke and Edel Conway and back (L-R ) founding partner Orlaith O’Brien and June Hynes

Listoke Gin set to conquer New York THE team at Listoke Distillery have spent six months developing and refining Listoke 1777 gin. It’s taste comes from a unique combination of inspiring botanicals growing in the Edwardian walled gardens at Listoke estate. They’ve settled upon a recipe that we hope both gin aficionados and newcomers to the wonderful world of gin will enjoy.

There have always been beguiling barn owls in the stable building at Listoke, which is now the distillery and it is in homage to these owls that we have wrapped one around our bottle of Listoke 1777 gin. Our recommended serve - is a glass full of ice, a fresh twist of orange, and premium tonic and a toast to life.

We have a long history of distilling and brewing within our family going back to 1777 with the Steins in Scotland when the first “white whiskey” was sent to London to make gin.

Already available in many bars and restaurants around the north East and Dublin, Listoke 1777 is destined for the shores of New York early next year.

Listoke distillery boasts the only gin school in Ireland. They have 12 “stations” each with their individual copper pot still for theirparticipants to design, develop and distil their own bottle of gin – in one afternoon ready to bring home!

Commonly-made interview mistakes and top tips to combat them INTERVIEWS are a stressful environment and can cause even the most prepared of candidates to stumble.

Whether it’s an unpredicted question popping up or suffering a mind blank, interviews can catch the best of us out!

Osborne CEO and owner, Shona McManus, explains ‘The majority of candidates find interviews very daunting and as a result I see a number of easily prevented mistakes reoccurring’.

Here’s Osborne’s five commonly made interview mistakes to avoid

1. Being unprepared!

Preparation is key. Confidently knowing the company, the role and your CV inside out is essential. The lack of preparation can plant a seed of doubt in the mind of the interviewer, as the candidate may come across as uninterested in the position.

2. Not anticipating the biggest weakness question! ‘What is your biggest weakness?’

This is a mainstay of the modern job interview. Be ready for it! When interviewees are asked about their weaknesses, they often make the mistake of focusing on the negative as

opposed to talking about something that can be turned into a positive.

The interviewee should identify one aspect of the job spec that they need to improve on and offer a solution on how this can be developed, as well as giving examples of previous similar situations and the new skills they learned as a result.

3. Not knowing the job spec.

It is vital to read the job spec in detail, specifically looking at the professional competencies. Interviewees should take time to research the interviewer and their role within

the company. This can often offer an insight into the direction the interview will take.

4. Not having examples to refer to In preparing for an interview, it is worthwhile devising suitable responses to example-led questions that might be asked to demonstrate suitability and the experience required, as outlined in the job spec. Use the STAR technique (situation, task, action and result) when answering “tell me about a time when you…”. The interviewer will be looking to gauge a number of

attributes, including communication ability, attitude and ability to build relationships.

5. Asking about salary If a candidate asks about what they will be paid at an interview, the interviewer’s thought process will be that they are only interested in money and not the job or the company. It’s a black mark straight away.

If the interviewer does bring up the subject of pay, be realistic. Interviewees should understand their worth in the market and not outprice themselves.

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MOTORING P20

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

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GAZETTE

GIFTS P18

AMAZING ANNIE WILL CHARM YOU

OUR Dog of the Week is Annie, a two-yearold Belgian Shepherd Malinois who has brains as well as beauty and is very clever.

Annie particularly loves clicker training and scent games. She is looking for a home with adopters who can manage her superhigh energy levels and dedicate plenty of time to keeping her busy and entertained.

She would prefer to be the only pet in an adult only-home. If you are into agility, tracking or even doggie dancing, this super smart dog could be your dream pet!

If you can be Annie’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. Dogs Trust are asking members of the public to support their Christmas Campaign, #StopKeepingMum; for full info see www. stopkeepingmum.com.

The production has played to sold-out houses all over the world , from London to Paris and Berlin, from Sydney to Tokyo.

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE: JOEY MCKNEELY’S AWARD-WINNING SHOW

American classic comes to town  IAN BEGLEY

PROVOCATIVE finger snapping of street gangs, Puerto Rican girls’ whirling skirts on New York City’s flat roofs, derelict West Side back yards – just a few notes of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.

Joey McKneely’s award-winning show, comes to Bord Gais Energy Theatre from January 18 to 21 as part of a global tour.

The production has played to soldout houses all over the world, from London to Paris and Berlin, from Sydney to Tokyo. It was nominated for London’s renowned theatre prize, the Laurence Olivier Award, and awarded two Theatregoers’ Choice Awards in 2009.

With ground breaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book

by Arthur Laurents, an unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics

by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre for ever.

The show is packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty, this production of West Side Story has been described as “one of the towering achievements of musical theatre of the last century”.

Now Joey McKneely’s vibrant stage production of the classic dance musical returns to Ireland after international sellout success.

The idea of creating a modernization of the tragic conflicts in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was first conceived by the enterprising dancer, choreographer

and up-and-coming director Jerome Robbins, when he was asked by his friend the actor Montgomery Clift for help in interpreting the role of “Romeo” in a fresh way.

The concept thus engendered, in which he had transformed the original family feud into a teenage gang war in a slum district of New York, took a firm hold upon Robbins. His dream was to collaborate in a team made up of some of the greatest talents in the music and theatre world, to create a new and individual work for the stage which would be as vanguard as it was commercial.

In December, 1958, the curtain was raised on the first European premiere of West Side Story at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End of London. The audience raved, the critics were carried away.

The work was performed 10,39 times. In London, the masterpiece was given the tribute it deserved, and here it was immediately realized that “the musical” would never again be the same as it had been before.

In the legendary film version of West Side Story, too, Jerome Robbins found the perfect setting for his matchless choreography. Awarded ten Oscars in 1961, this movie is among those that have received the most awards in the entire history of Hollywood. Since then, this unique musical has been interpreted and staged innumerable times – and no production has ever been able to equal the original Broadway classic.

Tickets are priced from €20 - €65. For more information, visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 17

BUS Eireann has announced its timetables for Christmas and New Year, confirming enhanced services nationwide over the festive season.

Bus Eireann will operate extra Nightrider late night services from Dublin to Balbriggan, Drogheda, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan, Naas, Newbridge, Sallins and Clane over the Christmas period.

The company will also be operating a 24hr service on our Route 109A: Kells – Navan – Ratoath – Ashbourne – Dublin Airport – City Centre route.

In the Cork area, Bus Eireann will provide late night services at weekends in the run-up to Christmas from Cork city to Carrigaline, Ballincollig, Midleton and Bandon.

The services will operate from Cork city centre on Friday 16 and Saturday 17, Thursday 22 and Friday, December 23.

City services in Cork, Galway and Limerick will operate a Sunday timetable on December 26 and a limited service will operate in Waterford city.

All details can be found at www.buseireann.ie.

BORD GAIS SEEK THEATRE TALENT WITH Christmas just around the corner and school show season in full swing, Bord Gais Energy is encouraging schools and students in Dublin, who have put on a play, concert or musical during the festive season, to enter the Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards.

This is the fourth year of the highly successful Awards which are open to primary and secondary school students around Ireland.

Shortlisted schools will be invited to a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on May 17, 2017. Some schools will even get the chance to perform on Ireland’s largest theatre stage, making it a memorable experience they won’t forget. Winning schools will share a prize fund, and receive a commemorative trophy, picture and plaque for their school.

The deadline for entries in all production catego-

DIARY

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE Getting around for the holidays just got SO much easier ries is January 27 and the deadline for entries in the written categories is February 10. Visit bgesta.ie for more information.

GREEN UP YOUR CHRISTMASSEASON THE Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Office has put together a handy guide to greening your Christmas to help reduce or reuse your waste at Christmas time.

Between food and wrapping paper, household waste increases by about one-third over the festive period.

“Cutting down on waste at Christmas doesn’t have to mean cutting down on enjoyment but a Greener Christmas probably will reduce your costs and possibly make for a less stressful holiday,” said Hugh Coughlan, the Regional Waste Office coordinator, “Having a Green Christmas means you can be both naughty and nice!”

Some tips include: Ensure waste is put in the correct bins – green bin for wrapping paper, paper plates etc; brown bin for any unavoidable

Robyn (2) and Jude (5) pictured with their mum, Sarah McGovern, at the launch of Bus Eireann’s Christmas and New Year timetables. Picture: MAXWELLPHOTOGRAPHY.IE

food waste (including those unwanted Brussels sprouts!)

Instead of Christmas cards, a growing trend is to send e-cards or post a festive greeting on social media then make use of the extra cash by donating to a charity of your choice For more tips on having a Green Christmas, see www.emwr.ie

WIN A PRIZE FOR POSTCARD ARTWORK THE Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is calling for artists to participate in its 2017 arts initiative entitled Incognito.

Artists are being asked to create a postcard-sized piece of art, or two, by the February 1 deadline, to raise funds for the children’s charity.

The plan is that 1,500 postcard-sized works of art will be exhibited at the Solomon Gallery in Dublin in April 2016, for sale for €50 each (following a public viewing online).

The artists’ names, some very well-known, will remain incognito until the card is purchased and the artist’s signature is revealed on the back of the card.

It is hoped that this visual arts initiative will raise €75,000 for Jack & Jill, which will be used to fund home nursing-care for children with severe development delay as a result of brain damage, children who may never paint a picture themselves, but precious children who do better at home, where they are well cared for by

their parents with critical support from Jack & Jill nurses.

Details are available now on www.incognito. ie and www.jackandjill.ie.

REACHING OUT TO THE ELDERLY URGED ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, is asking members of the public to reach out to the older members of their community this Christmas and offer support to those who may be lonely or isolated.

The charity say that there are a number of ways that the public can help an older person this Christmas. These include; calling by an older persons house to say hello, ensuring they have enough food, medi-

cation and heat, bringing them out for a drive or to a social event and giving them a hand with their shopping.

As part of this year’s Christmas Campaign, ALONE is also urging older people not to be afraid to ask for the care and support they deserve and are entitled to.

This Christmas Day, ALONE’s volunteers will bring hot Christmas dinners to over 100 older people living on their own.

For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person in their community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032. To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work this Christmastime visit www.alone.ie

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE DEC 27 2016 - JAN 4 2017

ADUBLINCHRISTMAS

Giveaway winners Congratulations to the winners of our 12 Days Of Christmas giveaway. The response was amazing and don’t forgot to keep an eye out for loads more great giveaways in the New Year!

WIN

THE DUBLIN Christmas tradition that is FUNDERLAND kicked off at the RDS earlier this month and as these photos show, kids and adults alike had a blast at the Grand Opening.

If you haven’t been yet, fear not, because we have TEN pairs of FREE passes for Funderland to give away to our readers.

All you have to do is like and Share our Funderland post on our Facebook page. And hurry, folks – the competition closes on Jan 3...

from Blanchardstown.

WINNER: Jacqueline Emmett ing her prize.

Pictured is her son Sean receiv

Get to the ice rink in Dundrum

WINNER: Mary Phelan.

Pictured is her son Sean receiving her prize.

ed is WINNER: Mags O’Brien. Pictur son nd gra her daughter Leona and Paul accepting the prize.

DUNDRUM on Ice is proving a big hit with young and old and what’s not to love!

Get down to the Town Centre and with the famhave some ily, or if you’re winter fun based on the

Northside, visit Swords on Ice at the Pavilions.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Who will pay for driverless car crashes?

AS we move toward the arrival of drive r l e s s c a r, i t h a s become necessar y that cars of the future will need to collect data so that insurers can determine who or what was in control of the vehicle at the time, the driver or the car, according to a new UK report from Thatchem Research, which is the UK’s only insurer funded automotive research centre.

Thatchem claims that one of the key challenges for the future of automated driving will be determining where liability rests in the event of an accident with an automated car. A crucial part of making sure claims are settled fairly will be to understand who was in control of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

British insurers are working on efforts to have a standard set of data agreed at an international level which would be easily accessible in the event of an accident involving a highly automated vehicle.

This would include an indication of whether the vehicle was operating autonomously or not, and what technology was in use.

Thatchem believes that this data would be used to establish liability for anything that had gone wrong, inform emergency ser vices’ investigations, ensure insurance claims could be processed promptly a n d h e l p ve h i cl e manufacturers improve their products.

A Korean cracker The new Kia Niro is Kia’s first hybrid car for the Irish market.

Prices start at €29,095 for the entry model on 16in alloy wheels.

Hybrid cars have been seamlessly slipping into the national car fleet with numbers almost doubling in the last year.

Enter the new Kia Niro with a smart new look and hints of a crossover coupled with a thrifty hybrid drive system.

Michael Moroney gives the low-down on the Korean brand’s first hybrid KIA’S first hybrid, the new Niro gives a hint towards a crossover design even if it’s not intended for anything other than tarmac driving.

This compact estate type car sits proud with a little more roof height than you would expect, while still meeting Kia’s target of being aerodynamic to given good fuel efficiency.

The Niro gives Kia a new model segment in terms of its size being smaller than the new Sportage while having a larger footprint than the cee’d hatchback. These features alone give it identity of its own. Then add Kia’s first hybrid drive system and the Niro becomes a little more special.

I’ve had the Niro out and about with some lengthy country driving in addition to a city commute. The feeling is one of a spacious smaller car with a good level of economy from its petrol/hybrid engine.

Kia uses its existing Kappa 1.6-litre petrol engine as the main power source for the Niro and this is a smooth performer.

This engine uses a new exhaust heat recovery system, which speeds engine warm-up by routing coolant to a heat exchanger in the exhaust system, saving fuel. The hybrid drive system then extends the range of the car without having to pull in to tank up.

When I got into the Niro the car’s range was rated for 783km and I almost achieved that.

The Kia quoted economy figure at 26km/litre (3.8l/100km or 74mpg) is impressive in itself. It’s nearly achievable, while being about 20% off target, which is a better real world economy figure than some of the competing diesel cars.

Out on the road the Niro four driving modes.

When starting out from a stop, the hybrid system is

in the launch mode and relies entirely on power from the electric motor.

This helps reduce fuel use in stop and-go traffic.

As you begin to accelerate mildly the system also uses power exclusively from the electric motor. I found that there was adequate power for the size of the car.

When you press the pedal harder, you enter acceleration mode and here the power of the petrol engine and the electric motor are combined to get you to a more stable cruising speed.

At this steady cruising speed the system goes into power-assist mode. I found that this was close to 80-km/hr and this is where the petrol engine became the main source of power.

Like all hybrid system there is a regenerative mode where power is sent from the specially designed brakes that convert this deceleration

power into electric power to store it in the battery for the starting off mode.

From the driving seat you quickly start to develop new and possibly more environmentally conscious driving habits.

That’s no bad thing and while there is no range anxiety as you would have with a full electric car, you become more aware of how you could drive more economically.

You will notice some of the mode changes as the system is not just as refined as some of the competition, while in economy terms it is very effective. You’ll also notice the power difference when you change from the power to the eco mode on the dash button.

Eco makes sense in a Niro, good sense that is.

On the inside the control are similar to other models in the Kia range with a large centre touch screen that offers a number of functions as well

Kia Niro Hybrid

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy

Fuel Tank Capacity

CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty

as doubles as a screen for the reversing camera. The standard leather seats are firm and long enough to give good support and good adjustment meant that I was quickly comfortable. Storage spaces are a little tight and could be bigger for what is designed to be an economical family commuter car.

The boot is adequate for a car of its size and thankfully Kia are fitting a

1.6 litre 141hp 11.1 seconds 26km/litre (3.8l/100km or 74mpg)

45 litres 88g/km A2 €180 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2009) 7 years (150,000km) Entry Price €29,095

space saver spare wheel in the floor of the boot. Seat folding is easier and gives the boot significantly more load space, while rear legroom is reasonable for a car of this size.

Kia uses a foot operated parking brake in place of handbrake. I found this a little unusual because it seems retro in a car that’s packed with lots of technology. In practice it’s effective and Kia claims

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

MOTORING

BMW boost technology in new 5 Series

The Niro boot is reasonably spacious for a hybrid car, giving a load capacity of 425 litres that extends to 1,425 litres when the rear seats are lowered

that its design means a lighter mechanism that adds to the overall low weight of the Niro, even though its battery pack on its own weighs 33kg.

Kia has loaded on the safety features in the new Niro and they claim that using new high strength steel on 53% of the Niro’s body structure gives more security at lower weight.

Kia is using aluminium for the bonnet, boot door assembly, front bumper back beam and several chassis elements, including front knuckles, front lower arms and brake callipers, all to lower the Niro’s weight.

The Niro comes with seven airbags as it has airbags for driver and front passenger, driver knee, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags. ISOFIX child-seat points are fitted as standard to the second row of seats. Kia expects that the Niro will come through the Euro NCAP crash tests with high marks.

That’s because they are fitting the Kia Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system as standard along with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and electric motor-driven power steering.

Kia is offering a selec-

tion of its DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as options for the Niro. These options include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control (SCC), which automatically adjusts the Niro’s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

Other safety options include Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) to detect the position of the car in relation to lane markings and to correct the steering line, as well as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns against other cars driving behind the Niro in car parks while reversing.

The entr y price is €29,095 rising by €700 to the higher specification ADAS model with the full safety package. This Niro is both economical and going to be competitive in terms of running costs with many equivalent diesel cars. Add the Kia 7 year warranty deal with a packed specification and all of a sudden the Niro Hybrid takes on a new perspective and one that’s worth looking at.

THE new BMW 5 Series is the seventh series of the range that has proved popular among Irish drivers. The new version claims to use the latest technology from within BMW to create a car that’s more refined than ever before, significantly lighter, safer, and more fuel efficient.

Prices start from €52,800 on the road.

Engines for the 5 Series come from a new generation of TwinPower Turbo engines and BMW claims that they provide performance gains while also showing advances in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW has shaved 100kg off the weight of the new 5 Series The cars will be available range for 2017 and boosted power while delivering a with new driver assistance further improvement in fuel economy technologies as the German brand also takes a notable step towards fully autonomous driving. of the 190hp four-cylinder diesel unit, which The new BMW 5 Series will launch with a helps the car to achieve a fuel consumption line-up of engines, from the benchmark 520d to of 72.4mpg, meaning joint best-in-class CO2 the all new flagship 540i. xDrive all-wheel drive emissions of 102g/km. will be offered for the first time on a 5 Series in A plug-in hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series the Irish market and is available from launch Saloon will also be launched in March in the on the 520d, 530d and 540i. form of the BMW 530e iPerformance model.

Shortly after the new 5 Series Saloon is The BMW eDrive system and a four-cylinder launched, BMW will add a further two engines petrol engine work in unison to achieve ultrato the line-up. Under the bonnet of the BMW low CO2 emissions of just 49g/km, while 520d SE EfficientDynamics model lies what generating overall output of 252hp. Fuel conBMW claims is the most efficient incarnation

sumption is claimed to be 2.1l/100km and the electric system on its own has a of up to 46 kilometres.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has a host of drier supports system including Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) as standard and as options; Active Cruise Control (ACC), Speed Limit Info, Driving Assistant Plus safety package includes the Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Departure Warning system, Lane Change Warning along with Driving Assist Plus (an evasion aid up to 155kph).

NISSAN has re-invented the Micra, one of Ireland’s favourite city cars. The new fifth generation Micra looks different than before and is claimed to have grown up in terms of size and specifications.

Nissan will be offering its Intelligent mobility system in the new small car and that brings with it intelligent emergency braking and lane departure prevention.

This new Micra has a very different design style as Nissan tried to get away from the predictable driver profile of the Micra. The design includes the distinctive V-motion grille, rear door handles hidden in the C-pillars and an extended roofline that incorporates a spoiler. Driver comfort gets more attention, with a lower driving position for what Nissan claims is a more secure driving feel. The seat adjustment has been improved and the new Micra will come with a fully adjustable steering wheel. The new Micra will feel bigger because it sits on a longer wheelbase and with

Nissan re-invents the Micra for 2017

extra internal space Nissan claims that the interior space will be among the best in class.

One exclusive feature of the Micra will be the new six-speaker Bose personal sound system, developed through close collaboration with Nissan. The novel sound system is optimised for the driver as some speakers are built into the driver seat headrest for a remarkably immersive listening experience.

The Micra will be available with a choice of a 0.9litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90hp.

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

DUBLINLIFE

RECIPETOTRY Siucra Fondant Salted Caramel Chews

M&S 3 Bird Roast Sausage Roll

Enjoy some ‘me’ time this weekend, preparing Siucra’s Fondant Salted Caramel Chews. These soft and chewy sweets are ideal as a homemade Christmas gift for your nearest and dearest, packaged in little gift boxes or simply some brown parchment tied with Christmas string. Using Siucra’s Roll Out Icing in this recipe allows you to create delicious fondant in a matter of minutes. Makes 24.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD 1. Line a large Swiss roll tin with parchment paper so that it hangs over the sides of the tin. Coat well with cooking spray.

2. Combine the Siúcra Caster Sugar, cream of tartar and water in a saucepan over a low heat. Whisk constantly for 5-8 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns to a clear syrup. If sugar crystals appear above the surface of the syrup, wipe down the sides of the saucepan with a damp pastry brush.

3. Raise the temperature to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking until bubbles form. As soon as bubbles appear, stop stirring and leave the mixture to cook for 10-15 minutes until it turns a deep caramel colour. Keep an eye on the mixture to make sure it doesn’t burn; if it looks darker in some spots than in others, give the pan a gentle swirl to redistribute the caramel.

4. When the mixture is a rich caramel colour and a candy thermometer reaches 175˚C, remove it immediately from the heat and carefully add the cream and butter. The mixture should foam slightly.

5. When the mixture settles, stir with a silicone spatula until smooth. Return the saucepan to the heat for one minute to soften slightly.

6. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and leave to set at room temperature for at least two hours, or overnight if possible.

7. Knead the Siucra Roll Out Icing with the Siucra Icing Sugar and vanilla until soft. Roll out on a worktop dusted with icing sugar until thin.

8. Carefully lift the parchment and caramel out of the dish and place on the worktop.

9. Use a knife to trim the rollout icing so that it is the same size as the caramel slab. Lift the roll out icing and place on top of the caramels. Using the parchment paper as a guide, carefully begin rolling one side of the caramels over the icing, as with a Swiss roll.

Wrap the log in cling film and refrigerate for at least two hours.

10. Unwrap the log and slice into swirls.

TREATYOURSELF with M&S gourmet goodies

A chilled starter is easy to serve and frees up time in the kitchen.

Try these delicate new Scottish Smoked Salmon Souffles, €7.50 for two (200g), with triangles of brown toast to scoop out every bit. Make the toast special by spreading it with herby butter made in advance - beat chopped fresh dill into softened unsalted butter, roll up in greaseproof paper and chill.

Sugar and spice at Aldi

ALDI GINGERBREAD ICE CREAM €2.49

FOR THE FONDANT FILLING: • 1 x 454g pack of Siucra Roll Out Icing • 4 tbsp Siúcra Icing Sugar, plus extra for dusting • 1 tsp vanilla paste or vanilla extract

These creamy chocolate mousses with a chocolate truffle centre are dusted with edible gold lustre and shaped into wintery pine cones. Simply serve with a jug of cream for drizzling. (€19 for 6)

ALDI MINCE PIE ICE CREAM €2.49

FOR THE CARAMEL: • 400g Siucra Caster Sugar • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar • 250ml water • 80ml double cream, at room temperature • 45g unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp flaked sea salt

ALDI 12 MONTH MATURED CHRISTMAS PUDDING €4.99

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FOOD Celebrity & Friends cookbook to raise much needed funds for RESPECT CELEBRITY & FRIENDS a charity cook book in aid of RESPECT launched today, containing a superb collection of starters, main courses and desserts. From An Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s Black Pudding Salad to Neil Jordan’s Scallops, ‘Celebrity & Friends’ has a host of varied recipes to suit all taste buds.

The cookbook will raise much needed funds for RESPECT, the organisation responsible for fundraising for capital projects and ground-breaking research within The Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services. The book was edited by well-known food writer, Myles McWeeney, Food and Wine Editor for Social and Personal Magazine, designed by Aidan O’Connor and Jenni Hedderman and printed by Paul Bolger, PB Print.

Recipes are from a cross section of familiar Irish faces, from Irish TV and sports stars to personali-

ties from the silver screen and literature – including; Liam Neeson, Cathy Kelly, Kathryn Thomas and Devin Toner, to name but a few. The charity recipe book will make the perfect stocking filler this Christmas while helping raise much needed funds for the charity.

The recipe book, is available to purchase now for just €10 via RESPECT’s website, www.respect.ie or from the RESPECT Offices by calling 01 685 6502.

All funds raised from sales of the recipe book will go directly towards RESPECT’s Building Projects and Research. All the team at RESPECT work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of all their service users. The service is ultimately about helping people improve their quality of life and reach their full potential.

For more information, log onto www.respect.ie

Sr Zoe Killeen, Director of RESPECT, with Biddy McLaughlin, Writer and Chef, Joan Burton TD, Aonghus McAnally, Broadcaster and Entertainer and Naomi Gillespie, head chef at Donnybrook Fair. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Iceland chorizo and chicken cups

Iceland Luxury Salmon and Prawn Terrines

Time for a little get-together  EMMA NOLAN Iceland Salmon and Champagne Crown

THE Irish have a bit of a siege mentality when it comes to food shopping for Christmas.

This harks back to the days when all shops would be closed for a few days over festive period. And even though some shops are open on Christmas Day for any brussel sprout related emergencies, I’m sure most of us would prefer to avoid going near any supermarkets when we want to have our feet up watching black and white movies with a box of Roses within arm’s reach.

That being said, this time of year can see a lot of impromptu gettogethers and gatherings so it’s a good idea to have some festive treats

on standby for entertaining.

That’s where Iceland comes in – their frozen party food options are perfect for popping in the oven at a moment’s notice.

Top picks include the Kanikama Luxury Sushi Platter (€12 for 800g), the Chicken Skewers with Sesame Seeds (€3.50 for 16 pack), the Mediterranean inspired Chicken and Chorizo Cups (€3.50 for €3.50) and Chinese Duck Trees (€3.50 for 12 Pack).

Sweet treats like the Twelve Mini Melt in the Middle Puddings (12 pack for €4.50) are also great and ready after a quick bing in the microwave.

So take a trip to Iceland in locations all over Dublin to have some tasty festive bits in the freezer ready to go for those unexpected guests.

GAZETTE

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

DUBLINLIFE

TRAVEL

Go wild in Alaska Whales at play in Juneau, Alaska

 IAN BEGLEY

RELAX on the stunning Norwegian Sun cruise liner as you sail by the beautiful mountains and glaciers of Alaska on a 12-night holiday, including a seven-night, full-board cruise.

With a four-night stay before the cruise in Vancouver, you can explore this cosmopolitan city with a half-day guided tour and plenty of free time to spend at your leisure.

You will also take a ferry to Victoria, which is located on Vancouver Island, and enjoy an overnight stay in the city.

Here you can explore Victoria’s architecture, nature, gastronomy and heritage.

On board your cruise,

t h e N o r we g i a n S u n offers hot tubs, a pool, casino, a spa and much, much more.

Optional excursions at ports of call are also available to book in advance (for an extra charge) or on board the ship.

Sailing past waterfalls, thick forests and glacier tongues, you will experience the beauty of nature along some of the 24,000km-long Inside Passage, see the amazing wildlife of Juneau which is accessible only by water and air, and learn about the historical gold mining town of Skagway.

Wherever you stand as you cruise through G l a c i e r B ay, y o u ’r e guaranteed a front row view as bald eagles soar past, humpback whales

emerge above the water, mountain goats scale the steep slopes and brown bears go about their business on the shore.

You can also hear the sound of breaking ice before glaciers plunge thunderously into the sea.

An extra departure date has been added for this holiday due to demand.

Prices start from €2,789pp for 12 nights including return flights from Dublin to Vancouver (return via Heathrow), seven nights’ full board cruise, transfers and taxes and charges, with flights departing September 7, 2017 and September 14, 2017.

To book, visit www. traveldepartment.ie or call 01-6371600.

AUGUST 2017 marks 40 years since the death of Elvis Presley and what better way to pay tribute to the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ than visiting his iconic home in Memphis during ‘Elvis Week’, between August 11 to 19, 2017.

Since his death, Graceland has become like a place of worship for Elvis fans and the 14-acre estate will be hosting a week of events celebrating his life and legacy, including panel discussions, tribute artists, concerts and a candlelight vigil at the gates of Graceland. American Sky offer a number of holidays which feature an opportunity to visit Graceland, including the 12-night Southern Explorer trip.

This costs from €2,329 per person based on two sharing, departing on August 11 and includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation throughout on roomonly basis, transfers and the services of a tour guide.

Graceland has become like a place of worship for Elvis fans

50th anniversary of the Summer of Love

DUST-OFF your flower headbands and tie-dye t-shirts because San Francisco is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Summer Of Love with a year of events and festivals in 2017. In 1967, nearly 100,000 free-spirited adventurers gathered in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood The Norwegian Sun offers hot tubs, a pool, casino, a spa and much, much more

Celebrating the life and legacy of The King

to join what would become one of the most significant cultural revolutions in modern history.

Throughout 2017, the city will be hosting a number of events to pay tribute to the anniversary, such as the Haight-Ashbury Street Festival, Folsom Street Fair, Tulipmania on Pier 39 and a number of crea-

tive exhibitions. American Sky can offer a three-night stay at the three star plus Triton Hotel from €819 per person, departing in 2017. This is based on two sharing on roomonly basis and includes return flights from Dublin.

For more information and to book, visit www.americansky.ie.

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

ROGUE ONE

Stars sparkle in prequel JUST how did the Rebels get the plans to the Death Star? That’s a question that’s kept Star Wars fans wondering for decades – now, Rogue One (Cert 12A, 95 mins) reveals the daring tale. This prequel film to the classic film will be a hit with fanboys and casual fans of the franchise alike, as the interesting side mission does the series proud. A stellar cast and decent plot make it roguishly charming.

Liam Neeson provides an enigmatic figure at the heart of the film, which despite dragging a little in parts still reaffirms director Martin Scorcese’s singular talents

SILENCE: MARTIN SCORCESE’S LATEST WILL BE WHOLLY ENGAGING FOR SOME

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.

Quietly sing its praises A PASSION project in the works for 25 years, Silence evokes much of the thematic feeling of Scorsese’s other religious epic, The Last Temptation of Christ – and not just for its ecclesiastical subject.

Silence (Cert 12A, 161 mins), based on the 1966 novel of the same name

by Shusaku Endo, is very much preoccupied with themes of conviction and temptation and clocks in at about the same run time as the director’s controversial 1988 film, at an often arduous 161 minutes.

Still, Silence is a rewarding experience – a beautifully crafted and boldly acted story that incorporates its simple title into an integrated visual and aural aesthetic.

Silence is the dominant motif here and pertains to many aspects of the film

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

– God’s silent response to the suffering of martyrs, the silent prayers of those persecuted for their faith, the silence of priests forced to denounce their beliefs. Heavy subjects indeed; Silence is not a film for everybody.

Set in 17th Century Japan, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver play two Por tuguese Jesuit priests, Sebastiao Rodrigues and Francisco Garrpe, who have travelled to the foreign land hoping to locate their mentor, Father Ferreira (Liam Neeson).

It is rumoured that Ferreira has denounced his

faith after facing persecution and torture.

Upon arriving in Japan, the two priests discover communities of “Hidden Christians,” forced to disguise their religion to avoid severe punishment, or death.

Rodrigues and Garrpe become near-Christ like figures to the suffering Christians, but have their own piety tested in the process.

Scorsese and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto bring an almost chiaroscuro aesthetic to Silence – the coastal environments of Japan are heavily clouded with a dense, obscuring mist that adds a distinct sense of confusion to the “high danger” of the land and gives the film a deeply sensuous and visually satisfying sensation.

Scorsese approaches the lush greens, dark

ocean blues and “black soil” of Japan with a painterly quality that evokes Akira Kurosawa.

The film is photographed with a cold, rigid symmetry and balanced, theatrical set-up; the great Japanese director’s influence is impossible to miss here.

Kim Allen Kluge’s brilliant score often gives way to enormous passages of profound silence – the sounds of insects, wind moving through grass, heavy breathing.

Accordingly, the environment commands an overwhelming, dominating presence; throughout, there is a sense of predetermined tragedy and danger.

For all of its sumptuous visuals, Silence is often punishingly slow – particularly so once Rodrigues is set on a path of trial and temptation.

However, these lengthy passages correspond brilliantly with the film’s central themes of silence and doubt and, accordingly, there is a distinct feeling of purpose throughout.

Still, Silence can occasionally be a bit of a slog.

Silence’s more grievous elements are offset with occasional moments of quiet, sombre humour – par ticularly from Yosuku Kubozuka.

Unortunately, the film’s

later acts are let down by some often-cartoonish villainy in the form of the Japanese “Inquisitor” (Issey Ogata) – a charming performance, but one that jars awkwardly at times with the film’s predominant atmosphere.

Overall, the acting here is focused and intense – although, Driver, the better performer, is regrettably underused.

Silence will not suit all audiences, it offers no simple answers to the questions it poses and requires a certain amount of discipline. Regardless, this a truly fulfilling cinematic experience – Scorsese’s best work in a decade.

Verdict: 9/10

Co-star Adam Driver adds to his quietly impressive range of work with his role here as a Jesuit priest. Driver’s natural charisma fleshes out a reticent character in a strange land.

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

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GAZETTE

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

SPORT

FastSport PARALYMPIC EXPO COMES TO SPORTS CAMPUS: PARALYMPICS Ireland, in partnership with Mondelez International, will host the Irish Paralympic Sport Expo on Saturday, January 14 2017 at the new National Indoor Arena on the National Sports Campus.

This free of charge day-long event will showcase a wide range of Paralympic sports in a bid to attract new people and potential talent into the sports, with the vast majority of Ireland’s 2016 Paralympic team set to be in attendance also.

2016 Paralympians cyclist Peter Ryan, and discus thrower Niamh McCarthy who won silver in Rio, were on hand at the National Indoor Arena to mark the announcement.

Both athletes attended a similar event held

by Paralympics Ireland post London 2012 and essentially their careers in their respective Para sports began from there.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register and doors will open at 10.30am with the event running until 4.30pm.

CYCLING: GARDA CLUB MEMBER WAS FIRST TO MEDAL ON WORLD STAGE IN 100 YEARS

Caroline to retire after epic career

 sport@dublingazette.com

GARDA cycling club’s Caroline Ryan has announced her retirement from the sport following a glittering career, representing Ireland on the international stage since 2008.

Among her highlights,

she became Ireland’s first cyclist to win a world track medal in over a century in 2012 in Melbourne, taking bronze in the points race.

She also came third at the track cycling World Cup in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in 2013. The multiple-national cham-

pion won a silver medal as a pilot for Catherine Walsh at the 2009 Paracycling Track World Championships, being the first bike to win a medal for Ireland at Paracycling world level.

Ref lecting on her career, the 37-year-old – who was formerly

Caroline Ryan has retired following a glittering career on the track

an international rower before switching to cycling – said it was the right time to step away from the international scene.

“Stepping back from a sport I love that has given me so much was always going to be a tough decision to make,” she said. “Cycling, and indeed rowing before it, became such a big part of my life and I consider myself lucky to have had a successful international sporting career in both.

“It will be hard to step away from competitive cycling and that buzz and adrenaline kick it gives you, and I will miss that, but I know that now is the right time and I leave with no regrets.

“I committed fully to sport and gave it everything while I was com-

peting. I am very proud of what I achieved and I feel that I was part of a great team that has helped forge a path for Irish track cyclists who are now continuing to compete and medal on the world stage.”

She moved into cycling from rowing as part of the talent transfer programme which opened up a new realm for her.

She also credited her coach Brian Nugent, Cycling Ireland, the Irish Institute of Sport and SINI to help her achieve the highest levels.

“It is not just the racing and results themselves but the people you get the opportunity to meet and work and compete alongside on the journey, which makes the experience of being an athlete so special.

“I couldn’t have achieved all that I have without their help. My Dad has always been a major inspiration and driving force behind my career as an elite athlete and I would like to say a special thanks to him for that.”

And Ryan adds that she will continue to play a role in the sport into the future.

“I feel that my involvement with the sport of cycling has not ended and that in the future I will be able to contribute to its advancement and success in some way.

“For now, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends. The next chapter in my life is just beginning and I’m excited about what that has to bring.”

VHI and parkrun Ireland link up in five-year deal  sport@dublingazette.com

parkrun Ireland hosts around 5,000 runners every week

VHI and parkr un Ireland announced details of a new fiveyear partnership this week that will see former become the presenting partner for the initiative.

Parkrun Ireland supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5k runs every Saturday morning at more than 55 venues all over Ireland, with around 5,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week.

The events are organised by more than 600 volunteers every weekend across the country.

Almost 80,000 registered participants have run more than 2.5 million kilometres at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012.

Originally launched in the UK in 2004, parkrun is the single biggest participation running event globally with nearly three million registered participants and an average of 165,000 weekly participants.

The agreement will see Vhi become the first presenting partner for parkrun Ireland, with the aim of enabling the communitybased running events to further

develop and grow.

The new partnership will also support the continued growth of new parkrun events around the country and the development of junior parkrun, which are 2k runs for four to 14-year-olds.

There are currently four junior parkrun events in Ireland and it is hoped that 2017 will see junior parkrun spread to every corner of Ireland to enhance family centred physical activity and encourage participation amongst young children.

Speaking at the partnership announcement, Declan Moran,

Director Marketing and Business Development, Vhi said, “Both organisations have strong similarities that will lead to an excellent working relationship.

“We are both committed to helping our members live longer, healthier, more positive lives and this partnership will enable us to do just that. There is no other movement like parkrun in Ireland and Vhi is very proud to be supporting this wonderful initiative encouraging people of all levels and abilities to take part in a free 5k run in a fun and positive environment.”

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Naglis powering toward Florida’s 2017 World Cup

FASTSport

Balrothery teenager is looking to play his part in memorable trip to the US with Ireland; he tells GazetteSport about how he got into Powerchair football and the fundraising required  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

FOR Balrothery-based Naglis Montvilas, powerchair football has been life-changing. Born in Lithuania, the 15-yearold moved to Ireland as a toddler. Powerchair football came into his life six years ago and, initially, he wasn’t enthusiastic, but was quickly won around by his experiences playing the game.

At the turn of 2016 into 2017, he is looking forward to a big New Year with a World Cup on the horizon in Florida next July.

Powerchair football is a version of soccer that sees people who use motorised wheelchairs in their day-to-day life compete on an indoor pitch.

Ireland already has an eight-team league and a full-length season underway, promoted by the FAI. In a fast, actionpacked sport the national squad currently rank third in the world.

“It’s a little bit about exercise, but also about meeting people and just a way to do something,” Montvilas, who trains in Greystones, explained to GazetteSport.

“I learnt about it through Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, who organise the events including trips to football matches.

“When I first watched the sport, I didn’t really like it but when I started to play I changed my opinion; it’s exciting. That was six years ago. It’s been great for meeting people; a lot of the people who

play have the same traits and the same problems as I do, so it’s really useful to talk about that as well as just playing the sport.”

Looking at the progression of the sport, the 15-year-old has recently upgraded his wheelchair to a “strike force chair” which is lower to the ground and doesn’t easily tip over in a collision – an all-important part of the game.

“I love the new chair, it’s everything I wanted and it has really improved my play. I plan to travel in it to Florida, as it means only one chair needs to travel, which will make things easier. I’m quite comfortable in it.”

It’s hard to predict the winner of the sport’s third world cup, with Montvilas suggesting “the USA

Naglis Montvilas is looking forward to the 2017 World Cup. Picture: john Owens Photography

or Spain” might be the favourites, but seeing it as really hard to call as the teams rarely meet. “There are a lot of other sides to the tournament as well as the football, though,” he explains. “We’ll stay for a week, and meeting all the other players is a really big part of it.”

The trip to Florida represents Montvilas’ first

World Cup will feature sides from as far afield as Argentina, Japan and Denmark travelling for the 10-team tournament.

The Irish team are fundraising through PledgeSports, a company that works to help athletes get together the funds necessary to achieve a variety of sporting goals, recently including Dublin

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

‘It’s been great for meeting people who have the same traits and the same problems as I do’ - Naglis Montvilas

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international tournament, but will mark the third Powerchair World Cup. Team USA have taken home both of the previous two titles, but Ireland are seen as serious competitors this time around.

The game is the first competitive sport ever designed specifically for sportspeople in powered wheelchairs, allowing access to sport for a lot of people who may not otherwise be able to take part.

With the big trip in the pipeline, the Irish team have begun a major fundraising campaign aimed at raising some of the money required.

With the added expenses of travel to another continent together with the equipment necessary to play the game, international fixtures are rare, and the four-a-side teams play mostly locally. The

Skeleton athlete Brendan Doyle and his campaign to make the 2018 South Korean Winter Olympics.

The Powerchair Ireland football team estimate their total necessary funds to reach the Florida contest at €50,000, which includes the costs of accommodation, transport of chairs, travel for carers and coaches as well as players, medical and insurance costs.

Their PledgeSports fundraising targets a total of €10,000, while the team would also be interested in hearing from businesses who might consider sponsorship.

The fundraising page can be found here: www. pledgesports.org/projects/powering-teamireland-to-florida, and will remain live until early January.

Learn more about the sport at www.aipf.ie.

Finn a marquee addition to new Rovers recruits SHAMROCK Rovers made a series of eyecatching signings in the run-up to Christmas with Ronan Finn following hot on the heels of the addition of a couple of goalkeepers for the 2017 season.

Finn, pictured above with the SWAI player of the month award for April, was confirmed on December 20, switching from Dundalk after a stellar spell with the club that culminated in their run to the Europa League group stages and the retention of the League of Ireland premier division crown.

The Dubliner started in 11 of their 12 games in the Champions League and Europa League this season. His campaign concluded with a man-ofthe-match display in the FAI Cup final defeat to Cork City.

Earlier in the week, Rovers announced the signing of two new goalkeepers - Tomer Chencinski and Kevin Horgan.

Chencinski was born in Israel but grew up in Canada, earning one cap for the Canadian national team in March 2013. He played in a 2-0 defeat to Belarus in a friendly game held in Qatar.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper began his senior career with MLS side Toronto FC in 2007 without making an appearance. He had spells with two American sides, Newark Ironbound and Express Harrisburg City Islanders, either side of a short stint with Moldovan outfit Nistru Otaci.

He has also played in Finland, Sweden and Israel.

Speaking about their signings, Rovers’ Head Coach Stephen Bradley said that: “We’re delighted to sign Tomer Chencinski, we’ve been working hard on this one for the past few weeks now, and he’s a player that we’ve been really keen to get.

“He has played in a lot of good leagues and he has a lot of experience which is something we’re delighted about. He’s an international goalkeeper and a very good goalkeeper all round. He’s very comfortable on the ball at his feet, which is good. He’s a really great addition and he’ll bring a calm influence to the back four.”

GAZETTE

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: BALDONNEL CLUB COMEBACK FROM TWO GOALS DOWN TO WIN

Leinster set up another move. Picture: Martin Doherty

Tyrrell plays key role in interprovincial win CLONDALKIN’S Hannah Tyrrell started at out-half for Leinster women’s rugby team, playing a key role as they won their interprovincial championship in Donnybrook last Saturday.

Three teams went into the weekend with a chance of claiming the title, so tight was the situation at the top of the table but, with a 21-12 success, the blues took down the title.

They got off to a great start when Hannah Tyrrell’s kick for the corner lead to a line-out off which Katie Fitzhenry’s mazy run made room for centre Jenny Murphy to touch down for a try.

Murphy duly converted herself.

Having been held up during an earlier attack, Murphy’s midfield partner Michelle Claffey made sure she got the ball down for Leinster’s second try in the 32nd minute, with Ailsa Hughes’ quick distribution from a scrum proving crucial. Murphy converted to leave it 14-0 at the break.

Seven minutes into second half, they were back within striking distance when strongrunning centre Niamh Kavanagh broke through and linked with Edel Murphy who sent her back-three colleague Deirbhile Nic A Bhaird over for a timely try.

Suddenly, the defending champions were exerting more control and Jenny Murphy’s red card for an off-the-ball incident left Leinster down to 14 players for the last 30 minutes.

However, Adam Griggs’ side really stood up to the task. Teenage winger Eimear Corri did really well on two occasions to keep out Eimear Considine and the equally dangerous Nic A Bhaird, while Ireland loosehead Lindsay Peat grew in influence with her ball-carrying.

At the end of one of Peat’s powerful surges, her international colleague and Munster replacement Zoe Grattage was sin-binned by referee Dan Carson. It was Leinster’s turn to attack and they did so in clinical fashion, speedy half-backs Hughes and Tyrrell stretching their legs to bring their province back into the Munster 22.

After a 71st minute penalty was kicked to touch, Caoimhe Molloy crashed over from the ensuing lineout maul for what turned out to be the clinching score.

Tyrrell tagged on the extras for a 21-7 advantage and while Munster got a consolation try, the blues were the ones left to lift the trophy.

St Francis celebrate their victory over St Joseph’s Boys

Super Saints stun Joeys DDSL U-15 PREMIER St Francis St Joseph’s Boys  KARL GRAHAM

4 2

sport@dublingazette.com

ST FR ANCIS got the festive cheer underway nice and early as they produced an excellent comeback against a strong St Joseph’s side in the final of the DDSL Under-15s Premier 1 in Baldonnel.

Things got off to a bad start for St Francis who went 2-0 down but a Conor Power goal just before half-time got them back into the match.

Conor Carthy then grabbed a brace early in

the second half, either side of a Scott Darcy goal, to stun Joeys and score a memorable comeback victory.

St Francis manager Mark Connolly spoke to GazetteSport about his delight at winning the league their switch to summer football from 2017.

“I am delighted for the kids, who have been brilliant all year. They went 2-0 behind in the game but scored late on in the first half to give us a bit of momentum going into the second half.

We changed a couple of things around which obviously helped us.

HONOURS EVEN Clondalkin youngesters draw with Portlaoise A COMBINED Clondalkin Under-13 and

Under-14 side came away with a hard-fought draw from Portlaoise on Saturday, December 17 after an excellent team performance.

They fell behind 5-0 on the stroke of halftime before bouncing back with Louis Lavin storming over following several phases of great link-up play. Conor Branigan sprinted away to score a second try and swapped the lead. Despite some ferocious Clon tackling, Portlaoise breached the line in the corner to tie the game up.

“We were probably unlucky not to score more in the end but overall absolutely delighted because Joeys are a very, very good team.

“They had not been beaten in just under two years so it was a big achievement for our boys to go from mid-table last season to where they are now.”

The league had been split into two groups for a half season as it now switches to summer football from early next year.

This will see it fall in line with the country’s top divisions but Connolly doesn’t believe that the switch will impact the

ability of his players.

“I don’t think it will make any difference really. They are still going to train the same amount of times and play when pitches are available.

“It’s not as if we live in Spain and we know the sun is going to shine during the summer months.

“We could go two or three months where it is raining all the time and we have been involved in teams where the start of season game has been called off because the weather has been bad.

“It is obviously to help the kids integrate into the League of Ireland much easier. When our

season finishes, the LOI starts up and, obviously, all the boys will be hoping to head to whatever clubs they can get positions in.”

Either way, next season should be a cracking one with St Francis, Joeys and St Kevin’s all vying for the title in their age group, and Connolly is looking forward to the challenge.

“The way we explain it to the lads is they are the teams to be knocked off their perch now so it will be another tough season but we have a good group of players there who are getting better all the time.”

27 DEC 2016 - 4 JAN 2017 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: WARD ON BOARD WITH SARS SENIOR SIDE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE senior footballers are to get a new

to Laura Quinn on receiving Player Of The

manager for 2017. Gordon Ward, whose

Year for Dublin Camogie 2016.

home club is St Kevin’s Kildare, takes on the role.

Gordon has extensive coaching experience with DIT, St Peregrine’s and, most recently, with Wolf Tones, and comes well qualified with a degree in strength and conditioning.

LUCAN Sarsfields have named former St Peregrine’s boss Gordon Ward as the new manager of its senior football team for the 2017 campaign.

Kildare native Ward – who also has qualifications in strength and conditioning training – was in charge of Meath side Wolfe Tones last season, winning the Under-21 Meath championship just last month.

Ward’s home club is St Kevin’s of Kildare where he made his debut for the senior side aged just 17 and also lined out for Erin’s Isle before going on to enjoy coaching spells at a string of clubs.

W hile speaking to

GazetteSport, it became quite clear that Ward was very happy with his new position and looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“I’m delighted. I see them as being a real contender in Dublin.

They are a huge club with a serious tradition.”

Focus Ward openly admits that he was more focused on other things to see much of Sars during its fourth from bottom finish in AFL Division 1 this year after gaining promotion the year before, but he knows that the team are capable of beating the best on its day. “ To b e h o n e s t , I haven’t seen much of them recently but I’ve had a good luck at the results and they’ve been

up and down but capable of getting big results.

“What I’ll be hoping for is to get a bit more consistency r unning through that.

“A lot of the same players will be there again next year with maybe one or two additions a nd hopef ully there will be a bit of continuity in terms of coaching staff as well.

I will certainly be talking to Sean McCaffrey, a man who I have a lot of respect for.”

Conditioning When asked about the qualities Ward believes he will bring to table at Sarsfields, he was quick to point to his impressive CV. “I have a strong background in strength and conditioning so I would hope to bring that to

bear on the team.

“Not that it wasn’t there previously but I should be able to integrate that into our sessions so that will probably be a positive thing.”

One place that everyone at Sarsfields will hope Ward can make a key difference is the side’s championship run.

“They have exited the competition at the quarter final stage for the last three years, with the last two coming at the hands of current champions St Vincent’s, the other to Ballyboden St Enda’s. “[The championship] will certainly be an aim because if you are not moving forward you are stagnating.

“I will be certainly looking at us getting to the last four of the championship this year.”

The Cupla Focal club is in action on Monday nights 8pm.

Set Dancing is back on Wednesday

growth within the club. We are delighted

Wednesday evening at 8:30pm with free

that Paul Quinn has agreed to take over

tea/coffee.

the senior ladies football team. Hopefully

The club shop is closed on until the

we will be able to transition so much suc-

end of January. Any pre-orders not col-

cess at juvenile level through to senior

lected by then will be put back on the

and keep players active in the game. We

shop floor on the Long Mile Road. Note

wish Paul and the teams every success.

that, despite demand, there are no 13-14

Interested in hurling with Lucan

year-old skinny track suits available until February.

to Dublin and particularly the Lucan or

There was no winner of this week’s

surrounding area or do you know anyone

€17,500 lotto where the numbers were

who has? Are you looking to transfer/

2, 5, 11 and 13. This week’s sponsor was

play hurling with a top hurling club?

O’Grady Hearing Care and next weeks

If so, we would love to hear from

€18,000 draw will be managed by Team

you? We field teams in Division 2, 4 and

Hugh McGonigle. Tickets can be pur-

8. Please contact the clubs hurling co-

chased online, at the club, in Carey’s

ordinator Joe Whyte on 086 8062480. I

Newsagents or in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s

can help with the transfer process.

Bar.

South Dublin County Council wishes to

The online process for purchasing

advise that pitches will re-open week-

lotto tickets is now much simplified and

end of January 14/15, 2017.

can be accessed from www.lucansars-

On the camogie front, congratulations

sport@dublingazette.com

Under-16 for 2017.

nights while the Bingo continues every

Ward aiming to lift Lucan to final four FASTGAA  KARL GRAHAM

being selected to represent Dublin

Ladies football is enjoying huge

Sarsfields? Have you recently moved

Lucan Sarsfields senior footballers will have new management for the 2017 season

Ladies football is showing its strength with both Katie Wisdom and Laura Quinn

fields.ie.

Round Tower’s U-14 stars ROUND Tower honoured their Under-14 stars of 2016 in the club rooms following a fine season.

On the football side, the Players Player of the Year was Sean Sheridan while the Most Improved Player award went to Darragh Henderson.

Ciaran Courtney landed the Player of the Year gong.

In hurling, Ben English was the Players Player of the Year. Most Improved Player went to Liam O’Suilleabhain while Stephen Barry got the Player of the Year award.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

DEC 27, 2016 - JAN 4, 2017

SUPER SAINTS: Francis Under-15s close out 2016 with HISTORY-MAKER RYAN RETIRES: Caroline ended a century’s memorable victory over St Joseph’s to land trophy P30 wait for Irish track medal P29

McGregor the Sports Person of the Year  KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

CONOR McGregor topped off an excellent year for the MMA star by landing the RTE Sports Person of the Year award for the first time, a significant moment for his sport in its battle for mainstream acceptance.

The Crumlin native becomes just the seventh Dubliner to win the award since its inauguration in 1985, although the decision has not come without its critics.

Indeed, the eligibility of MMA to be included on such a list has been questioned, given it is not currently recognised by the Irish

Sports Council.

The award is run in association with Sport Ireland and sees the public vote for the winner from a shortlist constructed by selected RTE journalists and editorial staff.

McGregor made UFC history when he defeated Eddie Alvarez via a second round knockout last month to claim the lightweight championship, and become the organisation’s first fighter to hold titles at two different weights. He has since, due to inactivity, been stripped of the featherweight title that he held previously.

Some quarters had criticised the decision to include McGregor ahead of sports star they per-

ceived to be more deserving but their objection is likely to matter little to McGregor.

Speaking in Los Angeles about the award, the soon-to-be father was in buoyant mood.

“Thank you so much to the fans for voting for me for RTE’s Sports Person of the Year,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful and extremely blessed to have the support of my home country.

“Thank you RTE as well. I’m sorry I couldn’t make the awards ceremony. You know I love to stick on a good suit and roll into these awards ceremonies and collect an award so I’m a little bit upset about that. Thank you to the

fans, it’s been a hell of a year and I look forward to 2017.”

With recent proclamations that the Dubliner is hoping to lure Floyd Mayweather out of retirement intensifying after he was granted a boxing licence in California, McGregor also took the opportunity to once again insist that moving into the boxing ring is something he fully intends to do.

“I’ve got the boxing licence.

His last pay-per-view was 350,000 buys. The fight was a flop, it was a dud. His last two fights have been duds. I certainly don’t need him.

“Of course, the Floyd fight is the fight the public want to see but we’ll see. These things take time.”

Conor McGregor became the first MMA athlete to win the RTE Sports Person of the Year