Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette APRIL 18-24, 2019

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Outrage as centre’s repair fund stolen €500 towards roof work taken in Blanch SYLVIA POWNALL

LOCALS have expressed their outrage and disgust after a heartless thief made off with hundreds of euro collected for a roof repair

fund in Blanchardstown.

A fundraising bottle containing around €500 was stolen from the reception area of Huntstown Community Centre on Saturday afternoon.

The incident was reported to gardai, who have CCTV footage of the suspected culprit helping himself to the cash before legging it.

Over the past year, locals have organised many fundraisers towards the €100,000 needed to repair the centre’s leaking roof.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Help for Christine A BRAVE young mum in Howth is battling terminal cancer and imminent eviction, prompting pals and the community to rally to her cause.

A Gofundme account has been set up to support Christine Rossiter, while she, her partner and their two boys try to maintain a normal life, with an eye on medical trials in the US.

SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

PICK UP YOUR

UP TO 900 JOBS COULD BE CREATED BY OPENING

DublinGazette FINGAL EDITION

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Local representatives and council staff look on as Mayor Anthony Lavin cuts the ribbon to declare the key link road open

Concerns over new Balbriggan plan as key link road opens A CRUCIAL piece of infrastructure which could create 900 jobs was opened in Balbriggan last week as a key master plan to develop another 60 acres at Castlelands was unveiled.

The eagerly-awaited Stephenstown Link Road linking the existing roundabout to a new one on Clonard Street opens up 53 acres of industrial land which is zoned for general employment and hightechnology.

The industrial park is already home to builders merchants EEC Hardware, Tierney Kitchens, Rockabill Shellfish Ltd, Techcrete and Grimme Ireland

 SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

Equipment Ltd. Mayor Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) cut the ribbon declaring the link road open, adding that it “has the potential to bring 900 jobs to the area and will realise social, community, commercial, economic and family benefits for the town of Balbriggan”.

Meanwhile, an area meeting of Fingal County Council has heard details

of the Castlelands master plan which aims to deliver 1,000 housing units on 60 acres along with a public swimming pool and a school.

Development of the state-owned land could see Balbriggan’s population grow by 4,000 people with heavy densities of up to 57 houses per hectare proposed in blocks of up to six stories in height.

The draft plan, which is open for public consultation from May 7 to May 28, allows for a mixed tenure of housing with just 10% allocated for social housing, 30% affordable and the remaining 60%

private.

Social Democrats local election candidate Garrett Mullan called on the public to engage fully during the consultation period.

He said the Castlelands project will bring the town’s population to more than 30,000 people over the next ten years, and “will have an impact in north Fingal for decades to come”.

He added: “The social housing allocation is very low considering the land is state-owned.

“The increased population will mean increased traffic demand but the plan does not indicate any increase in public transport provision, and I am very concerned about that because the town is already clogged up.

“The promise of amenities and housing must be implemented appropriately and mistakes of the past will not be tolerated by the local community. People should engage with the process.

“The level of participation in the initial consultation in August 2018 was significant. Within that participation, the public demand for a swimming pool was very strong. “ T h a t t h e co u n c i l responded to that is a positive indication, so people should definitely make submissions,” he said.

FASTNews

New leadership at D15 training centre BLANCHARDSTOWN Community Training Centre has a new chairperson at the helm following the retirement of Clonsilla man Colm O’Neill.

Maureen Penrose, who also has a long history of community work and volunteering, will bring new insights and her first job was to officially open (above) ‘Techno Zone’, the centre’s technology classroom.

CTC instructor Erin Clifford has a degree in Technology Enhanced Learning. The centre teaches coding and young people can achieve ‘Apple teacher badges’ which they can put on their CV. At his farewell lunch Colm, who was chairperson for seven years, said that he had immensely enjoyed his time as a volunteer director of Blanchardstown CTC. Learners thanked Colm for his dedication to their education and their future while staff and fellow directors said he was a pleasure to work with and served as a guiding star.

Colm will be greatly missed by his colleagues who wish him a long and healthy retirement. He closed the farewell event by passing the mantel of chairperson, along with his best wishes, over to Maureen.

Assault on Call to young mum reconsider investigated hospital site GARDAI in Blanchardstown are investigating reports that a young woman was attacked in a park while she was pushing her baby in a buggy.

The incident is alleged to have happened at around 1pm on Wednesday, April 10 at Waterville Park in Blanchardstown and investigating gardai are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The young woman was strolling in the park when she was approached by a man wearing a grey hoodie who tried to drag her into the bushes. He was unsuccessful and fled the scene on foot in the direction of Edgewood Lawns.

Gardai confirmed they were investigating the sinister incident. Vigilance has been urged following reports that a man has been seen ‘flashing’ members of the public in the same area.

It is not clear if last week’s incident is linked to those of indecent exposure.

LABOUR activist John Walsh has called on the Government to reconsider the site for the National Children’s Hospital.

The Castleknock local representative said the State risked “a financial and medical catastrophe” if the project, now running at an anticipated cost of €1.7billion, at St James’s Hospital was carried through.

He said the Blanchardstown site had several advantages including accessibility, a sizeable green-field site and the potential to achieve co-location with a maternity hospital.

Calling for a feasibility study, Mr Walsh said: “The stakes are enormous in terms of getting this decision wrong – not just in financial terms but in terms of the consequence for the lives and wellbeing of children.

“This is simply too important for the Government to ... dismiss the compelling alternative offered by the Connolly Hospital.

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

BLANCH

Heartless thief nicks €500 for centre roof CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

A bag pack at Dunnes Stores in Blanchardstown is planned for this Friday, April 19.

Centre manager Chris Sullivan told Dublin Gazette: “I’m here ten years and we’ve never lost so much as a bag of crisps.

This is the lowest of the low.”

She added: “The man who took the bottle had been in earlier and saw the cash. He saw the guys were busy out the back and he took his opportunity.

“We just had it out on the counter for people to donate. We’ve been fundraising for a full year now and everyone has rallied around us.

“People have been so good, the support has been phenomenal.”

A variety of fundraisers including a Strictly Come Dancing event have so far raised half of the money needed to fix the leaky roof, which needs replacing in parts.

Huntstown Community Centre first opened its doors in 2001 and is used by youth and voluntary groups including Scouts, Order of Malta and the local football club.

It has a coffee shop and a counsellor on site and is a regular meeting point for community groups including mother and toddler, ladies’ clubs and senior citizens as well as running morning and evening classes and a free breakfast club.

Chris said: “That bottle was for the community, to go back to the community. We’re saddened but it’s one incident and we’ll move on.”

Chris is now calling for volunteers (age 16 or over) to help with Friday’s bag pack so the fund can move closer to its €100,000 target.

She said: “Bear in mind the number of activities such as yoga, art, exercise classes, youth clubs, dancing ... where would they go if we’ve no roof?”

HOWTH: GOFUNDME BID TO HELP SUPPORT FAMILY WITH DEVASTATING PRESSURES

Appeal for a young mum with terminal cancer facing eviction SYLVIA POWNALL

THE Howth community has rallied to support a young mother-of-two with terminal cancer who is facing eviction in a matter of weeks.

An online appeal has been launched to help Christine Rossiter (37), who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2016 which has since spread to her brain, liver and lungs.

The popular graphic designer now faces the prospect of being out on the street along with her partner and their two young boys as the lease on their rental home in Howth will not be renewed when it expires in June.

A group of pals – them-

selves young mums – have set up a fundraising campaign in a bid to help pay for her living expenses and for future medical treatment abroad, including immunotherapy trials in the US.

By Wednesday, the GoFundMe page had raised almost €16,000 of its €25,000 target, with 279 people donating to the worthy cause in the six days since it was set up.

The organisers state: “If the right trial comes up, Christine will have to travel at short notice.

“We want to send her there to give her a chance to benefit from cuttingedge medical treatment and provide for accommodation and other expenses.

“Christine’s terminal

diagnosis ended her career.

“At a time when they would otherwise have been saving for a deposit, Christine and her partner of 19 years were wrestling with a catastrophic diagnosis and unforeseen loss

Humble toothbrush story leads to glory for Hansfield school A SCHOOL project that creatively explores the life cycle of toothbrushes has won a national competition run by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The video entry by Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School students in D15 came out tops in the EPA’s The Story of Your Stuff for 2019, winning €500 for the students and €500 for the school.

In their two-minute video short, Shurooq Azam, Aldiana Hoxha, Kar Cong Leong and Tomi Ayibiowu examine the history and manufacturing process of toothbrushes.

Through animation, the students tell how the first toothbrushes were made 500 years ago in China using animal bones for handles and hog hair for bristles.

In modern times, up to one million plastic toothbrushes are thrown away annually in north America alone – enough to stretch around the earth’s epicentre four times.

The students advocate an eco-friendly alternative; an ISSA toothbrush which is made of recyclable material, needs charging just twice a year, and only needs two replacement heads a year.

Concluding their presentation, the

Hansfield ETSS students Tomi Ayibiowu, Aldiana Hoxha, Shurooq Azam and Kar Cong Leong. Picture: Colm Mahady/Fennells

students note: “If all of us make a small change we can make a big difference.”

The top five shortlisted entries included The Story of T-Shirts from Alex Sullivan and Aoife McLaughlin of Sutton Park school, and The Story of Plastic Bottles from Alex Bacju and Sophia Lawlor from Coolmine Community School.

In all, the EPA initiative saw a record number of entries from students – some 143 submissions from 60 schools.

To view all the winning and shortlisted entries, see www.thestoryofyourstuff.ie.

of earnings.”

The fund aims to give the family some stability and allow them to rent another home close to Howth Primary School where their eldest son is in senior infants.

Christine was given a prognosis of five years when she got the shock diagnosis at the age of just 34.

Conventional t re a t m e n t h a s yielded a limited response, yet her pals say she has demonstrated “characteristic grace and sweetDespite her terminal cancer, young ness” at all times. mum Christine Rossiter is doing her They add: “She best for her little boys, say friends also continues to raise her two It aims “to keep her child boys with love, humour in the school where he is and optimism at a time of surrounded by his buddies huge personal upset and – our children – but also upheaval.” us, the mothers who know To support the fund, see him and can support him https://www.gofundme. while his mother battles com/f/jdfkk-for-christhis cruel disease.” tine.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

ENVIRONMENT: SITE BETWEEN LUSK AND RUSH IS TRANSFORMED

Former landfill dump to reopen as a public park SYLVIA POWNALL

A FORMER landfill dump between Lusk and Rush has been transformed into a public amenity which is set to open before the end of the month.

The first phase of Rogerstown Park, which offers panoramic views of Fingal and overlooks a protected estuary, will be officially launched on Saturday, April 27.

Earlier this week, Fingal County Council shared a video on social media outlining the ground work that was needed to ‘recycle’ the land from a dumping ground to a public amenity.

The project, when completed, will cost in the region of €2 million, with a detailed restoration and aftercare master plan required to bring Balleally Landfill, which ceased operations in 2012, back

into use.

The rehabilitation process required a number of management systems including capping to prevent issues with leachate (liquid waste leakage) and surface water drainage on the 120-acre site.

Rogerstown Park will initially open on a phased basis offering stunning walks with views across the estuary and beyond to Lambay Island, Portrane and Donabate.

The promotional video notes: “The estuary is made up of saltwater marshes, raised salt marsh, wet meadows and riverine shallows and creeks” with flora and fauna attracting wildlife, resident and migrating birds.

The upper section will be open to the public on Saturdays only from 9.30am to 5pm for the remainder of 2019. Addi-

A Haywire play to entertain with ease The site, which is opening on a phased basis, features stunning views across the estuary

tional pathways will open next year, while phase three will see the park connect with an outer estuary walkway.

Once completed, the park will also include a network of woodland walkways and will link up with the Fingal coastal walkway and cycleway.

An adventure playground is also in the pipeline along with a picnic area, a birdwatching facility.

Other innovative features of the park include a ‘rain garden’ water feature and a land sculpture as well as an area for holding public events.

Welcoming news of its

impending opening, Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) said: “This is huge news for all in Fingal but particularly those of us living in Donabate, Portrane, Rush and Lusk.

“Huge credit goes to those who worked so hard for years to deliver this fantastic public amenity.”

Putting Fingal’s young entrepreneurs to the test FINGAL’S best young entrepreneurs were put to the test at an intensive two-day regional bootcamp last week.

The 18 shortlisted candidates took part in business workshops and networking opportunities,

FASTNews

giving the finalists the chance to prepare their Dragons’ Den-style pitch for the county final.

The Fingal IBYE final will take place on Thursday, May 2 in the Atrium at County Hall, Swords, and is being organised by Local

Enterprise Office, Fingal.

With an IBYE investment fund of €50,000, Fingal LEO will award up to six investments to three category winners and three runnersup at county level.

Category winners will go

forward to represent Fingal in the Dublin regional finals in June, and ultimately the national final in September.

Pictured are attendees at the IBYE workshop event held in Dunboyne Castle Hotel.

DONABATE Portrane Dramatic Society are hitting the boards again with Eric Chappel’s hilarious ‘Haywire’.

The play tells the story of bookseller Alec Firth and his beautiful assistant Liz who have carefully plotted a top-secret trip to Marbella while his wife Maggie is away – but they haven’t reckoned on Alec’s family (including the dog) throwing a spanner in the sangria.

Following the very popular Steel Magnolias last year, and director Noelle Corcoran’s very well received production of another Chappel comedy, Natural Causes, Haywire runs from Wednesday, April 24 to Saturday, April 28 at 8pm in Donabate Community College.

For more information on tickets and booking, contact 086 071 2530.

Jam Park set to open at former Wright Venue site

Enterprise Skillnet launched for Fingal companies

IRELAND’S first adult playground – Jam Park – is set to open its doors at the start of May on the site of the old Wright Venue in Airside, Swords.

The three-floor experience features a main event space with three bars and an outdoor terrace which will host concerts, comedy gigs, screenings, quizzes and parties.

The second floor will feature crazy disco golf, ping pong, shuffleboard, darts, escape rooms, over 50 board games and a revolving choice of carnival, circus and interactive games.

The venue will also boast private rooms for parties and karaoke and a fully heated rooftop terrace food area.

For more information see www.jampark.ie.

FINGAL Dublin Chamber last week launched Skillnet, a new enterprise-led training network for companies in the Fingal region.

The scheme aims to match companies’ training requirements with local training programmes so they can sustain and grow their business.

Chamber chief executive Anthony Cooney said: “Skillnet is an opportunity for companies to drive the training provision in the region.

“We believe that this Skillnet will be a key strategic player in terms of providing upskilling opportunities to the 8,300 companies operating in Fingal.”

For further information on how your company can get involved, contact Noreen Fitzpatrick at skillnet@fingaldublinchamber.ie.

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

COMMUNITY: LOCALS RALLY TO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT AND NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY CRIMINALS

Huge response to Corduff clean-up day after shock shootings setback SYLVIA POWNALL

LOCALS in Corduff have rallied to support a community clean-up day which was threatened with cancellation in the wake of recent shootings in the area.

According to organisers, global tech giant Symantec had agreed to provide €150 worth of flowers and offered volunteers to help plant them to mark Earth Day on April 17.

But the company pulled out of the event after a gunman opened fire near a school in the area just as staff and students were preparing to leave the grounds.

Now residents have answered a call on social media and pledged to plant

the 60 flowers and shrubs donated by the company this Saturday, April 20 instead.

The Clean Up Corduff group revealed on Facebook that the date had been changed to Saturday, April 20 at 11am “due to the amazing response and to accommodate residents”.

It had earlier revealed: “We had planned a volunteering day with Symantec on April 17 in aid of Earth Day. “However, due to and as a direct result of the recent acts of violence within the area, Symantec cannot and will not allow their staff volunteer in our community. They must put their staff first.”

Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) said he was

“

Cllr Donnelly appealed to the wider Dublin 15 community to “show solidarity with the people of Corduff ... Let people power prevail”

disappointed to learn of the turn of events as a direct result of the shots fired outside Riverside Community College on Blanchardstown Road North on Tuesday, April 2.

He added: “Corduff is a wonderful and vibrant community which recently won the Pride of Place national community award. The people of Corduff are the salt of the earth.

“They have been through tough times before and they will once again face down these criminal elements who are terrorising their neighbourhood.”

Cllr Donnelly called on the local neighbourhood to “stand strong” and appealed to the wider Dublin 15 community to “show solidarity with the people of Corduff ... Let people

power prevail.”

Volunteers taking part in Saturday’s event will meet at 11am at the entrance to Corduff Park from Aisling Heights/Edgewood Lawn.

There was widespread condemnation of the school gates shooting incident which is believed to be linked to an ongoing drug feud between criminal gangs in west Dublin.

Deputy Jack Chambers (FF) called for armed garda units to patrol the area in a bid to tackle the recent escalation in violent crime.

He added: “That someone could consciously attempt to cause grave harm by firing gun shots outside a school in broad daylight marks a very alarming precedent.”

Extra gardai agreed for Swords and Malahide EXTRA gardai have been assigned to Swords and Malahide in a bid to crack down on gang crime and anti-social behaviour.

An additional three officers will this week take up duties in Swords with four more to be based at Malahide Garda Station.

The move has been welcomed by Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien, who held a series of public meetings on crime with Eoghan Murphy and met with local Chief Superintendants to outline his concerns.

He said: “I am pleased that a number of gar-

dai have been assigned to Swords and Malahide and I welcome the appointment of our new Garda Inspector, Dermot McKenna, who has been assigned to the Malahide, Portmarnock and Kinsealy area.

“This is particularly positive news as it means that Inspector Ollie Woods, who is responsible for the Swords sub-district, can now be relieved of having to divide his time between Swords and Malahide [garda] stations.

“I have been advised that a substantial number

of additional gardai are to be stationed in the DMR North Division over the next eight months.

“I have detailed the importance of assigning these additional gardai, especially in towns such Donabate and Portrane where the garda presence is still inadequate.”

Deputy O’Brien said he would continue his campaign to have Malahide Garda Station restored to 24/7 service.

Separately, Senator James Reilly (FG) has welcomed news that Rush Garda Station is due to reopen in Summer.

Kids turn cakes into €1,770 for hospital KIND-HEARTED kids at Ladyswell NS took part in The Great Irish Bake-Off recently, with their delicious cakes, buns and treats raising €1,796 for Temple Street Hospital Foundation.

The children, staff and parents baked a wide range of goodies for the day, with the school hall hosting the very popular bake sale.

Adding to the fundraising fun, there were also numer-

ous prizes on the day for the Best Class of Bakers, Best Class with Donations, Best Bakers and raffle prizes, which the children were delighted with.

Cora Moore from the Temple Street Hospital Foundation is pictured collecting a cheque for the funds from pupil representatives, with Cora paying tribute to everyone at Ladyswell NS for their efforts in supporting the busy children’s hospital.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Oliver King

Ellie and Irene Prenderville

Catherine Colmey, Gay Fitzgerald and Myra Dowley. From Disney melodies to Queen anthems, it was a fantastic couple of nights as Coolmine Musical Society presented It’s A Kinda Magic at Draíocht recently.

Pictures: ALISON OHANLON

Amelia O’Brien

Emma Mitchell, Cathal Bury and Grace Burrows

A magical show at Draiocht

Molly McHugh

Tom and Margaret Walsh, Blatnaid Murray, Orna Cummins and Tony Walsh

Sarah McAndrew

Tina McGrath

Eibhin, Riona and Danni

Jade O’Brien

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

ARTS

Campaign for a new arts centre escalates A CAMPAIGN for a new theatre and performing arts centre for north county Dublin to be located in Portmarnock is gathering support.

A committee has been formed and its main fundraiser this month is a gala concert production of Les Miserables at Portmarnock Community School on Saturday, April 27.

The black-tie event will begin with a reception at 6.30pm in the school assembly hall with the concert starting at 8pm.

Amazing raffle prizes to be won on the night include a seven-night holiday to Tenerife and weekend breaks in Donegal, Galway and London.

For tickets (€60) visit w w w . p o r t m a r n o c kcommunityschool. ie/?p=12821.

HERITAGE: LOCAL HERO READY TO BRING AREA’S RICH PAST TO COLOURFUL LIFE

Go Go Dermo puts a new spin on Skerries tours SYLVIA POWNALL

A FORMER teacher who cycled his way into the record books last year has saddled up once again – this time for his dream job as a colourful tour guide in Skerries.

Dermot Higgins retired from Rush and Lusk Educate Together after 35 years’ teaching last year and raised €20,000 for Trocaire by becoming the oldest person to circumnavigate the globe on a bicycle.

Now the 57-year-old, who is also known as ‘Go Go Dermo’, is putting his skills to good use as a guide with Skerries Cycling and Walking Tours which officially

launched last weekend.

Dermot says he’s landed his “dream job” and promised to add “a touch of drama” to each tour “by giving you the opportunity to meet in person some of the characters who have shaped the town”.

He explained: “You’ll meet Sitric McLochlann, the bewildered Viking, Percy French as he struggles with rhyming couplets on Red Island, Thomas Hand on the day he was shot by the infamous Black and Tans and, of course, St Patrick himself.

“These and a host of others will educate, entertain and inform you on the half day or full day walking or cycling tour of Skerries.”

Dermot stresses that the tours – 7km cycling or 5km walking over a half day – are suitable for all

ages and abilities.

For the more adventurous, full-day 40km cycling tours take in the stunning Fingal coastline and its majestic castles and villages.

Dermot said: “A tour with me is very definitely going to be ‘a breath of fresh Skerries air’ and a

n ew spin on the standard cycling or walking tour.

“For those who really are serious gluttons for punishment, there’s always the seven-day cycling tour of Ireland’s Ancient East. Maybe a recipe for a sore bum, and I should know about these

things, but also an experience you’ll never forget.”

The outings cost from as little as €20 with discounts for school tours and large groups.

For further information, see www.skerriescyclingandwalking. com.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

CASTLEKNOCK: COUNCIL DEFENDS POLICIES OVER INSPECTING AND REMOVING TREES

Residents stumped over ‘random’ tree removal SYLVIA POWNALL

RESIDENTS of a Castleknock estate are calling for trees planted outside their properties to be removed before they reach their 40-metre potential height.

Several householders in Bramley Wood estate have made representations to Fingal County Council with concerns over the Tilia Cordata (small leaved lime) trees.

The species was included in the council’s 2010 tree strategy, which was voted in by councillors

“

There have also been claims that some tree stumps were left ‘in a dangerous state’ and is due to be reviewed shortly.

But some Bramley Wood residents argue that when fully matured they will reach a height of 40m, or 131 feet, which they say is “unsuitable” for outside their properties.

One resident, who asked not to be named,

told Dublin Gazette: “Our concerns are being dismissed by the council on the grounds that they are implementing their tree strategy.

“But there are plenty of examples in the estate which confirms they are ignoring their own byelaws.”

The resident said sev-

eral “random” trees had been removed on request but calls for others to be dug up had been ignored.

There have also been claims that some tree stumps were left “in a dangerous state”.

Calling for a clear plan of action, the resident added: “This is required in the interest and welfare of the residents’ wellbeing and the overall long-term aesthetics and visual look of Bramley Wood.”

A report to area councillors acknowledged that although Tilia Cordata

was included under the council’s 2010 strategy no more of that species would be planted, however there was no programme for their removal if they were healthy.

In a reply to Dublin Gazette, Fingal County Council said a number of trees in Bramley Wood estate were inspected and recorded as healthy following requests from some residents to remove them.

It added: “A small number of other trees in the estate had been identified by council staff for

removal and these works were completed earlier in the year.

“The council’s policy is to remove all tree stumps, which have been left in a safe condition, at the

same time.

“The majority of trees that were removed were within five metres of a lamp stand, which is in line with the council’s tree strategy.”

Foroige fun ahead at a Fingal FitFest Debaters pictured with Adrienne Darby (principal) and Marie Reidy (teacher)

Delight as D15 pupils take national debating crown SYLVIA POWNALL

ST FRANCIS Xavier senior primary school are celebrating after winning the coveted title of Dublin Schools’ Debating Champions 2019.

The team comprising Suhani Bhagat, Conrad Whelan and Iria Cordoba were selected from the school’s panel of debaters and researchers which also included Jessica Beagan, Michael Becker, Ava

Dixon, Emmet Rogers and Lucy Sweeney.

The Sixth Class pupils debated several challenging motions en route to securing a place in the final on a range of emotive issues, including climate change, genetically modified food, and recycling.

The motion for the final, ‘Food waste should be made illegal’, was keenly contested between St Kevin’s of Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, and the D15 school, with St Francis Xavier’s SNS emerging as 2019’s champion debaters.

Concern primary school debating was established in Ireland in 2011 to encourage the use of debating as a learning tool for senior primary school classes.

NORTH Dublin Foroige will host its Fingal FitFest this Thursday, April 18, at TU Blanchardstown with up to 200 young people expected to take part.

Youth officer Amy Harrison said the aim of the event is “to empower young people to get fit and healthy while learning new skills along the way”.

She added: “Easter Thursday has been documented as a day when young people are at a higher risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.

“One of the objectives of the event is to provide an alternative to these activities while focusing on promoting the importance of holistic health and well-being”.

A 2km walk/run along with a range of activities including Gaelic games, yoga, boxing, circuits, jiu-jitsu, wellbeing workshops and much more are lined up.

Special guests include pro boxer Victor Rabei and Operation Transformation leader Siobhan O’Brien.

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

YOUTH MUSIC AWARDS: FOCUS ON THE UP AND COMING STARS AND TALENTS OF TOMORROW

A noteworthy event for young musicians RACHEL D’ARCY

ONE of Ireland’s leading youth events is set to return to Croke Park on May 11, which also celebrates the launch of Youth Work Ireland Week.

The Irish Youth Music Awards, also known as the IYMAs, will see performances from several young musicians aged from 12 to 19, performing across two stages on the day in what promises to be a highlight of the year for those involved in Youth Work Ireland.

The winner of the Irish Youth Music Awards will

win recording time in a professional recording studio, a recording session in RTE 2FM’s legendary Studio 8 and a full backline provided

by Music Maker Dublin.

They will also produce an album of their own original tracks released on physical CD with a professional design.

Last year’s IYMAs album stormed the Irish c o m p i l a t i o n c h a r t s, entering at Number 3.

Education hub On the day, there will also be an education hub, featuring workshops and master class-

es from a wide range of Irish musical experts.

Award-winning director Lochlainn McKenna will be teaming up with music producer Daithi to look at how to make a music video, whilst RTE 2FM’s Mo K and MathMan will host a scratch and DJ workshop.

BIMM Institute Dublin will host workshops a ro u n d p e r fo r m a n ce and songwriting with members of Villagers, James Vincent McMorrow and Heathers, plus much more.

The Riptide Movement and The Academic will both also perform

Young musicians from all across Dublin and beyond are expected to attend the upcoming event at Croke Park, which will help celebrate and nuture young musicians’ talents. Pictures: Ruth Medjber

some exclusive tracks on the day in Croker.

Barry Lennon, director of the Irish Youth Mu s i c awa rd s, s a i d : “We are super excited to announce our education hub line-up for 2019 and to create a space for young people to get hands-on advice, skills and knowledge about

the creative and music industries by some of Ireland’s best acts.

“We believe it’s so important to support and develop the music and creative industries in Ireland and provide pathways for our future cultural entrepreneurs to develop.

“We are honoured to

be a part of this through the work we do in our IYMAs hubs across the island of Ireland and at our national day in Croke Park.

Tickets for the Irish Youth Music Awards National Day are available from Eventbrite for €20. The event is an allages, alcohol- and drugs-

free event.

G ro u p t i c ke t s a re also available for youth clubs, projects or schools priced €120 (including booking fee) allowing admission for five young people and two youth leaders or adults on the day.

Group tickets must be booked by April 29.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

DONABATE: NEW IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE AT NEWBRIDGE HOUSE

Stately home stakes a claim on tourism map SYLVIA POWNALL

NEWBRIDGE House and Farm in Donabate launched its new immersive experience last week in a move set to put it firmly on the tourist map.

The stately home is now under the management of Shannon Heritage, whose latest venture signifies a new era for Ireland’s only intact Georgian mansion set on 365 acres.

The Donabate estate brings to eight Shannon Heritage’s portfolio of day visitor attractions as well as four evening entertainment experiences which includes Bunratty Castle, GPO Witness History and King John’s Castle.

Visitors to the Donabate site can now bring its unique upstairs-downstairs story to life while

Pupils getting to grips with farm life. See gallery in next week’s Gazette . Picture: Paul Sherwood

touring the stately grandeur of the mansion with a guide who will take them on a journey through three centuries of Irish history.

The house, built for Archbishop of Dublin Charles Cobbe and completed in 1747, provided the filming location for The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.

Its Museum of Curiosities, created in 1790, is

bursting with antiquities and oddities, including Captain Cook memorabilia, fossils, taxidermy, exotic shells and a collection of 19th Century Indian souvenirs collected by the family.

The 30-acre traditional working farm aims to preserve traditional breeds including Shetland and Connemara ponies along with pigs, goats, rabbits

and birds.

The farm is brimming with new life with birthing season in full swing, and the farmyard hatchery where baby chicks are born daily all year round, is described as a “must-see experience”.

Ambitious plans to transform the visitor interpretation areas in the basement of Newbridge House have just been approved

for funding from Failte Ireland.

Ireland’s largest commercial operator of tourist attractions signed a five-year deal with Fingal County Council in July 2018 to manage Newbridge House and Farm along with Malahide Castle and Gardens.

S h a n n o n He r i ta ge managing director Niall O’Callaghan said: “We genuinely believe this is going to be a star attraction on the itineraries for north county Dublin and look forward to welcoming visitors from all over Ireland, and the world.”

Separately, Tesco has just been announced as the main sponsor of the council’s flagship summer event, Flavours of Fingal, at Newbridge House and Farm Demesne on June 29-30.

BALROTHERY

Mayor Anthony Lavin gets help from Balrothery NS pupils to officially launch the new trail. Picture: SON Photography

Native tree trail at Glebe Park A NATIVE tree trail was launched in Glebe Park in Balrothery earlier this month as part of National Tree Week.

The trail is a collaboration between Fingal County Council, Balrothery Tidy Towns and the enthusiastic children from Balrothery National School.

Glebe Park is the first park in Fingal to participate in the Tree Council of Ireland’s trail initiative with a scheme that includes the full 16 varieties of native Irish trees and one variety of naturalised tree – in this case, beech.

Together with their teacher Ms Whyte, fifth-class pupils from Balrothery NS researched each of the 17 species and the result of their studies form the information on the signs on the Tree Trail.

Launching the initiative, Mayor Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) said it was encouraging to see the council collaborating with the Balrothery community.

He added: “Planting native trees will have a positive effect on the environment for the future benefit of the children involved here today.”

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Victoria Herbert

1st place Jasmine Herbert

Jacob, Dylan and Amber Lipman. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Daniel Fullam

Eggs-traordinary Easter Bake Sale

Méabh Compton

R

Tegan McDonald

USH National School held an Easter themed bake sale last week. All the children brought in a cake/bun/ bake good to be entered into a competition.

Two guest judges, Sharon Hayden, owner of Skinny Batch Rush and Skinny Studio Lusk and Gareth Skelton, executive head chef of the newly-refurbished Shoreline Hotel, Donabate, were on hand to narrow down the winners.

There were amazing prizes for all the winners and rosettes for a further 50 amazing creations. Not only is this a major fundraiser for the school but it creates such an atmosphere in the school right before the children split for Easter Break.

Oisin and Ava McDonnell with judges Gareth Skelton and Avril Bewley

Cora Leonard Long and Victoria Berg

Georgia Kenny, Olivia Leonard, Alana Kirk and Liliana Quinoes

Nessa and Tadhg Brady

Gabriella and Janis Kugrens

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

Heidi O’Hanlon

Grace Regan

St Marnock’s National School 4th class students Grace Plunkett, Amelie Kenny and Ellen O’Mahony show off their fantastic Easter Bonnets. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Aisling Bernard Caitlin Breen

Aimee Loftus

Grace Plunkett

Chelsea Camerino

St Marnock’s NS pupils get creative Hayden Callery

Davide Scaringella

C

REATIVITY was on display as 4th class students from St Marnocks NS in Portmarknock showed off their fantastic Easter bonnets. You could only describe the Easter bonnets on display this year as egg-stravagant. Towering hats clustered with bows and bunnies, or with eggs dangling from the brim, made for a colourful display.

Finn Morrisey, Adam Kerr and Sam McGarr

Christian O’Connor

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 April 2019

CAMPAIGN

THE FINAL PART IN OUR SERIES ON CYCLING SAFETY

While high-vis clothing and cycling helmets are absolute must-haves to maximise safety and visibility, another key aspect of cycling safely is infrastructure.

For example, Utrecht, in the Netherlands (right), is one of the busiest places in Europe for cyclists, yet thanks to responsible cyclists, coupled with many cycle lanes and extensive cyclist-focused infrastructure, the city is far safer to cycle in than Dublin.

Cycling is safe in many other countries – so why not here?

NIALL SWEENEY

IN LAST week’s second part of this series, we highlighted the Department of Transport’s stance on helmet laws – namely, that there are no immediate plans for the implementation of helmet laws here.

T h e D e p a r t m e n t ’s stance lies in stark contrast with the attitudes of some other countries.

In the likes of Australia, Argentina and Canada, cycling without a helmet will incur a fine.

However, only two countries – Australia and New Zealand – currently require and enforce universal use of helmets by cyclists.

In some other jurisdictions, partial rules apply – for children, in certain states or sub-national areas, or under other limited conditions.

Deputy John Lahart (FF) drew comparisons of cultural cycling norms

between Ireland and The Netherlands.

He said: “I’m in two minds about it. About 99 times out of 100, I wear a helmet when cycling. I think it’s prudent.

“But I was abroad in Utrecht on a cycle study, where cycling is embedded in the culture, and I noticed that nobody wore a cycling jacket or helmet.

“They’ve very much got to a place where cyclists are a recognised part of the public realm.

“Then you look at us here, where cycling [safety] equipment is very much part of [the cycling experience].

“In an ideal world, nobody would have to wear hi-vis [clothing] or helmets because road users would be aware of others.

“We all share the road space, so we need to be on the lookout for each other – we’re a billion miles from that.

“I was struck in Utrecht

“

Whilst the wearing of helmets does not have universal approval, there is a huge responsibility on cyclists to look after their own personal safety by how safe they felt on the roads to not wear the protective gear. The study recorded a sufficient amount of space given to them.

“Of the thousands of people I saw, not one had a crash. Here, particularly in city areas, it’s prudent to take precautions when cycling.”

On matters closer to home, Deputy Lahart said: “There’s a couple of issues.

In the city bike scheme, a lot of the users don’t wear helmets, yet those who own their own bikes do.

“I’d love us to get to where Utrecht is, but now people need to exercise judgement, particularly in city traffic.

“In using the city bike scheme, cyclists may feel that because they’re using the likes of the tracks across the canal, they’ll be safer. Personal responsibility is key.”

Dublin Gazette also contacted St James’s Hospital where frontline staff witness some of the horrendous injuries suffered by cyclists in accidents.

A hospital spokesperson said: “In general, the wearing or non-wearing of a helmet would be recorded on an individual basis; however, getting the data would not be easily accessible and would require a lot of work.

“There is currently an on-going audit in the

department on cyclingrelated presentations and in particular those caused by the Luas track lines.”

Whilst the wearing of helmets does not have universal approval, there is undoubtedly a huge responsibility on cyclists to look after their own personal safety.

This is not helped by some cyclists who show scant respect for the rules of the road.

Motorists often complain about cyclists flaunting the rules by breaking traffic lights.

Pedestrians who have the green crossing light in their favour are often in grave danger of being mown down by cyclists who seem hell-bent on breaking the law to get to their destinations, with scant respect for other people.

The consequences of a collision between a cyclist and a motor vehicle, be it a car, bus or truck, is completely predictable.

They always result in major injuries and, tragically, can occur in death, but almost always only for the cyclist in either event.

When a cyclist is thrown from their bike, the risks of catastrophic head injuries are very high.

Imagine slamming into a lamp post or a tree head-first. At least wearing a helmet offers some chance of avoiding serious head injuries.

In a 2015 UCD paper

by Michael Gilchrist, forwarded to Dublin Gazette by the RSA, it was found that helmets offer “significant” protection against collisions up to 50kph.

It concluded that head injuries, regardless of velocity, were always greater without helmets.

That’s something to remember the next time – and every time – you decide to take to two wheels without wearing your potentially life-saving helmet ...

Let’s create a safety legacy THIS series started with a focus on cyclist Donna Fox, and it’s appropriate to come full circle and to finish with her, too.

While Donna’s death was a terrible tragedy, movingly voiced by her brother, Neil, we must not forget that there’s a Donna Fox in every community in Dublin and all over Ireland, with cyclists of all ages continuing to be killed or seriously injured on our roads.

It’s long overdue that we all create a lasting legacy of cyclist safety.

Working together, we can achieve this for them – and for Donna ...

18 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

CAPTURE A TASTE OF EASTER WITH LAMB... P21

A JEWEL IN THE KINGDOM’S CROWN P20

Better the devil we knew... P19

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

TAKING THE LEAD TO ANNOUNCE GUIDE DOG DAY ON MAY 10 TAKING the lead to announce Guide Dog Day on Friday, May 10, are puppy raiser Patricia Lee with 12-week-old Puppy-in-Training, Oonagh; Guide Dog Owner and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind board member Martin Gordon and 3-year-old Guide Dog Juno with Laura Curtin and 1-year old Puppy-in-Training Gaston.

Guide Dog Day will focus on the organisation’s clients, their families and volunteers sharing their stories about the difference Guide and Assistance Dogs have had in their lives and community. The public can help by giving 2 hours of their time on May 10th, buy a Guide Dog Day pin or donate online at www.guidedogs.ie/donate. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 April 2019

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

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND

Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

The man was driving erratically because of a pig in his lap. Chisago Co Sheriff/ Twitter

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com

Man caught driving with huge pig… on his lap A MINNESOTA sheriff’s office encountered a couple of true road hogs earlier this month.

A driver who was pulled over for having trouble staying in his lane turned out to be operating the vehicle with a 250pound pig on his lap, Sgt Jason Foster told Minneapolis news station KMSPTV. He also had a smaller pig with him.

Both pigs can be seen in a photo posted to social media by the Chisago County

Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com

egg-citing DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Bliss is a stunning seven-year-old Greyhound with a heart of gold.

He is a chilled-out and calm boy who loves cuddles, meeting new people, food and a comfy bed to snooze on.

Bliss is looking for a family who can give him all the rubs and cuddles he deserves.

He is such a gentle dog that can live with young children and doesn’t mind sharing his castle with another dog.

Bliss has partially impaired vision, but our Training and Behaviour advisors will be happy to assist his new family with training or concerns they may have about this.

If you’re looking for a relaxed couch potato, Bliss is the right dog for you!

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

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

Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

Sheriff’s Office. The smaller pig appears to be standing next to the driver’s seat, behind the larger pig’s leg.

The man’s erratic driving was apparently caused by the larger pig leaning against the steering wheel.

Foster told the TV station that the man had his pigs on his lap because he was moving to another part of the state and didn’t want the pigs to get cold on the journey. The sergeant let the driver off with a warning.

bliss

DOG OF THE WEEK

18 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

D QUIRKY THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

BITS & BOBS TOP TWEETS

PICTURED is Ella May (8) from Kinsealy as Tayto Park has now reopened for the season and the team have put together some egg-citing activities for the little ones and the family to enjoy!

Visit Tayto Park on Easter Sunday, for the ultimate egg hunt with the whole family while enjoying Easter themed arts and crafts and enjoy complimentary face painting, before taking in all of the attractions and zoo! In a first, returning customers in 2019 will receive 25% off their second visit. For more see www.taytopark.ie Pictures: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

activities this easter

The woman who doesn’t feel pain

A 71-year-old Scottish woman has recently found out she in incapable of feeling pain – physical or emotional.

When Jo Cameron went in for a double-hand operation a few years ago, she left her doctor baffled as to why the normally excruciating surgery didn’t seem to affect her at all.

Knowing something wasn’t quite right, Dr Devjit Srivastava had Cameron’s DNA checked. Sure enough, it was found that due to a gene mutation, she is practically unable to feel any sort of distress or pain.

A paper published in The British Journal of Anaesthesia, announced the discovery of the previously unidentified mutation.

@dvidmaguire

If a church burned down in Dublin you’d probably wake up the next day to see a hotel being built. @PrayForPatrick

Trying to stay off Twitter because I want to avoid FAI statement spoilers til I’m home from work.

Man accused of shoplifting days after buying island for $8m A FLORIDA man who purchased an island for $8m earlier this month, is accused of stealing $300 worth of goods from a Kmart the very next week.

Officers at the Key West Police Department arrested Andrew Lippi, 59, after he bought the items but tried to return the original boxes with different items inside.

For instance, one box that was supposed to hold a $165 Keurig coffeemaker had a basketball inside, while a used coffee maker replaced a new Hamilton Beach model in another box, according to The Smoking Gun. Lippi denied the allegations and blamed the incident on a “commercial dispute.” The arrest came a week after Lippi purchased Thompson Island off Key West for $8m.

Imagine if one of Dublin’s great landmarks burnt down like Notre Dame, we’d be lost as a city, our identity gone ... We must protect Dr Quirkey’s at all costs.

@RobOHanrahan

Who needs Coachella when you have the ploughing [championships]. @Marthaoreillyx

Yabba dabba don’t NEARLY 20,000 people have signed an online petition in a bid to save a “Flintstone” home at the centre of a planning row.

The house, an architectural homage to 1960s cartoon The Flintstones, has been a landmark in Hillsborough, California, since it was built in 1976.

However, the addition of colourful mushroom ornaments and dinosaur sculptures by new owner Florence Fang last year irked planning officials, who say the property is a public nuisance and landscaping was added without permits.

NBC Bay Area reported that a lawsuit had been filed “because the landscaping improvements create a highly visible eyesore and are out of keeping with community standards” and that an order “required that they be removed”.

“Removing the statues would devastate many of our childhood memories we have of this beautiful home,” says Helen Garcia, the woman who started the petition.

There ought to be a special place in heaven for cafés that give you a little helping of crinkled crisps with your sandwich. @amyohconnor

Just remembered the time my da sent me a card thanking me ‘for attending Anne’s funeral’ ... Anne being my granny. @Eoin_OF

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 April 2019

GOINGOUTOUT WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA AND TV Camille O’Sullivan

Pushing Irish radio to play ‘our’ music

PICK WEEK OF THE

APRIL 23 (TUESDAY)

Rock Against Homelessness @ Olympia Theatre, €35 A COLLECTION of Irish stars (including some secret guests) play a charity show in the beautiful Olympia. Camille O’Sullivan, Jerry Fish and Aidan Gillen already confirmed..

APRIL 18 (THURSDAY)

Dropkick Murphys @ Vicar Street, €40 Mark Geary @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15 Gavin James @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Brian Deady @ The Sugar Club, €19

APRIL 19 (FRIDAY)

Gavin James @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Chewing On Tinfoil @ The Workman’s Club, €10 Jamie Adam @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

APRIL 20 (SATURDAY)

Vulpynes @ The Academy 2, €14 One of Ireland’s fastest-rising Heavy Rock bands play their biggest headline show, to date. A real ‘I was there’ for five years down the line...

E.B The Younger @ Whelan’s, €20 Kean Kavanagh @ The Workman’s Club, SOLD OUT Liam Geddes @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12 Ali Shaheed Muhammad + Adrian Younge @ The Sugar Club, €23 (late show)

APRIL 21 (SUNDAY)

Rodrigo Y Gabriela @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Hoodman Blind @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

APRIL 23 (TUESDAY)

Kryan @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €8

APRIL 24 (WEDNESDAY)

Belo @ Vicar Street, €34 Haley Heynderickx @ Whelan’s, €14 Paul McKenna Band @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12 Mark Guiliana @ The Sugar Club, €23

Vulpynes! See more about their April 20 gig, above

IRISH musicians are arguably as successful today as they’ve ever been.

Hozier recently topped the Billboard Top 100 in the US – only the fourth Irish act ever to do so.

Duo Picture This, a homegrown pop-rock act, headlined an incredible five consecutive nights at the 3Arena earlier this month, in front of nearly 70,000 punters.

A stunning and internationally acclaimed HipHop scene has emerged, seemingly from nowhere.

From an industry perspective, though, Ireland does still struggle. There’s a lack of joined-up thinking.

Irish radio plays a disappointingly small amount of homegrown tracks, and even the PR link-ups between musicians and journalists are convoluted and could use some simplicity, joined-up thinking, and targeting.

Sinead Troy, one of the founders of PlayIrish, knows all about the issues.

Troy runs the Irish arm of Yangaroo, a PR concept aimed at delivering new music digitally.

She manages singersongwriter Cathy Davey, and also manages IASCA, an organisation focused on increasing Irish radio play.

PlayIrish is her team’s attempt to push the radio-

play agenda forward.

“There’s a bottleneck in artists getting out there,” the extremely enthusiastic Troy tells Dublin Gazette over the phone.

Her passion for her work immediately jumps out: the names of Irish acts to explore drip from the conversation, from the obvious – Kodaline, and Picture This – to lesser-known acts such as Nina Hynes and Conor Walsh.

“We’ll be playing the big acts and the little acts.

The playlist is very much dictated by quality,” Troy tells us.

“We love seeing anyone doing well. A lot of thwe big acts bring Irish support acts on tour, and that really helps everyone along.

“One of the tracks we have on the current playlist is a debut single. I think it says a lot about the quality of the scene that we can have a really varied playlist.

“I was listening earlier and I Shazamed a couple of tracks as I just had to know who they were.

“I hope that’s the effect we’ll have – the quality is really high.”

The primary issues with

Guilt and blame strike at the heart of Carrigstown

THERE’S some heavy tension between Doug and Sean this week, with Ray feeling a little compromised over Sean asserting his role.

Will the pair pull together and cooperate for Wayne’s sake?

As Orla and Sash get ready to head to Prague, Orla struggles with the thought of being away from Junior, with the pair sharing an emotional farewell at the airport.

However, Decco’s words of encouragement as Sash leaves for Prague leave her feeling guilty.

Sharon invests her money in cryptocurrency, with her investment soon paying off lucratively. Anto urges caution but it falls on stunned Sharon’s deaf ears.

This week, there’s talk of rezoning the local

 JAMES HENDICOTT

The Picture This lads – just one small part of our modern, diverse Irish music scene that’s long since left ‘the usual suspects’ behind. Picture: Caroline Torri

the industry Troy identifies are largely financial, but PlayIrish is part of an attempt to find solutions, rather than dwell too much on the problems.

“Take managers,” she says, “not many bands have the money to pay them, and it’s a lot of work.

“Nobody is going to work for years for no money, so you don’t have the quality of managers you might find in the UK, for example.

“Then there are issues such as DJs receiving tracks in the wrong format, so they can’t play them.

“It’s hard to get a spot on

Radio Player, and we have been offered that to do this with PlayIrish.

“It has to be managed well. We’ll really be focusing on just the music, not on mixing it with talk or anything else.

“I hope, down the line, we’ll have shows for different genres, for example.

We’d love to have a classical hour highlighting Irish classical music. There are a lot of possibilities.

“We’re at the point where we really need to push ourselves forward.

“I won’t name the station, but we’ve already had another Irish station

Junior and Wayne

park for development. Tessa reveals to Eoghan she’s had an offer on the flat but is worried about Melanie, leading to some inner conflict over telling her about her plans for the flat.

Decco buys Charlotte an expensive gift in return for help minding Samantha, leading to a jealous Melanie.

However, it isn’t long before someone in

put a couple of tracks from the PlayIrish playlist onto their playlist.

“That’s the kind of thing that matters, and a great result when we’ve only been streaming a couple of weeks. It shows people are listening.

“We’ve been making a point of saying to the artists that if they aren’t tuning in, why would anyone else?

“For the Irish music scene, this is about taking our power back. It could be something really special.”

To listen to PlayIrish, visit the website at playIrish.ie.

the village damages Charlotte’s car, leaving her adamant to find out who the culprit is, with someone innocent eventually taking the blame.

The stress of lying is getting to Wayne and his heart breaks when Junior tells him what he wants to be when he grows up.

Tommy and Wayne attempt to keep the peace as Zak clashes with Decco and Charlotte.

Tommy fails to stop Zak rubbing Decco up the wrong way but Charlotte is warming to him.

Anto and Sharon prevent Lee from backing out of his new job, but Anto is left fuming when he discovers that he may have been too late.

Fair City fans take note – there’s no broadcast on RTE One this Easter Sunday

18 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

ENTERTAINMENT

Daniel Dae Kim, David Harbour and Sasha Lane go looking for trouble in Hellboy’s underwhelming 2019 reboot

CINEMA | REBOOT BEGS THE SIMPLE QUESTION: WHY?

Better the devil we knew in the earlier films about Hellboy SHANE DILLON

I CAN’T call myself a Hellboy expert, but I’d liked the relatively recent films (2004, 2008), as well as being vaguely familiar with the character even before director Guillermo del Toro brought his singular touch to Hellboy’s universe back then.

So the news that Hellboy was getting a total reboot, sans del Toro or Ron Perlman back as ‘Big Red’ again, promoted a “Hell, no!” response from lots of Hellboy fans, including me.

In loosely adapting a number of the cult comic’s base stories and characters, stirring in lots of Arthurian legend and then ramping up gory elements, the end result is something of a hellish mess.

In this Hellboy (Cert 16, 121 mins), the titular character (gamely played

by Stranger Things’ David Harbour) is a grumpy but very powerful supernatural asset at a secret agency that itself fights paranormal beings and events.

Hellboy has a poor relationship with

his human ‘dad’, agency leader Bruttenholm (Ian McShane, in a largely thankless expositiondump role), with his own origins and life as a demon raised by humans who slaughters other demons putting Hellboy in an uncomfortable zone.

However, Hellboy has to set aside his own inner demons to help tackle the film’s ‘big bad’: Nimue, an ancient witch that the film sets up early on as a supremely powerful, evil being.

Thanks to a whole mishmash of Arthurian legend bits and bobs, Nimue was defeated back then, then dismembered and her bits and bobs scattered across England before she could succeed at her game of kill-all-thehumans.

In the present wo r l d

however, with the news that someone’s been gathering Nimue’s remains, the race is on to find and stop them before Nimue is resurrected and literal Hell is unleashed on earth.

Now, if only Hellboy wasn’t torn between his feelings of saving all the humans, or feeling “To hell with them all” – a feeling that Nimue’s keen to exploit ...

There’s a lot more than that going on here, with the film throwing everything but the blood-soaked kitchen sink into this frequently gory reboot.

It’s also saddled with a busy plot – so much so that Hellboy’s supporting characters and actors d o n ’ t quite get the attention they should.

How-

ever, there are more pressing, issues that hamper the film throughout, such as occasionally ropey effects, clumsy editing and an underwhelming script and muddled plot.

To be fair, there are things to like here, too.

Some of the monster designs and settings are great, some of the gorier moments are very effective, there’s good support from Milla Jovovich as Nimue and Daniel Dae Kim as Hellboy’s M11 agent partner, and Harbour – while no Perlman – is okay as everyone’s favourite grumpy demon hero.

However, damning Hellboy with faint praise just can’t save this reboot, and it’s hard not to think “What a bloody mess” after seeing this.

Maybe Hellboy should just have stayed in production hell...

Verdict: 3/10

“Whaddya mean, Ron Perlman was better in the other Hellboy films?”

As the titular Big Red himself, David Harbour gamely does his best, but the film fizzes rather than pops

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 April 2019

The Rose Hotel offers a relaxing respite from the hussle and bussle of the capital

KERRY | RELAX AND UNWIND IN THE BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS OF TERRIFIC TRALEE

A jewel in the kingdom’s crown RACHEL D’ARCY

SELF-CARE is one of the most important things you can do for your health, in addition to taking a break from the stresses of daily life.

So why not combine the two?

The Rose Hotel in Tralee have recently introduced a new boosting facial at their Serenity Spa, which promises to leave you brighter, lighter and glowing – so naturally, we had to try it out for ourselves.

Upon arrival at the fourstar Rose Hotel, the welcoming surrounds immediately felt like home.

Modern, but with the right hint of comfort, a double room at the hotel is packed with all the amenities needed for two people, delivered with a luxury that’s second to none.

Luxurious furniture in divine fabrics and a bed like a cloud were two of the perks to our room for the weekend, alongside complimentary wifi and

parking.

Location-wise, the hotel is perfect for those on a quick trip to the Kingdom, or for families looking for a slightly longer break as it’s located just beside the Aquadome.

The hotel is located near the Tralee Golf Club too, complete with Arnold Palmer-designed course, so it’s also a great spot for golf enthusiasts looking to unwind after a round or two.

The hotel promises easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry and more.

T h e s u r ro u n d s o f the hotel are gorgeous, too – we took a walk through the wilds of the south-west around the unspoilt, natural beauty of the locality that would be enough to encourage a return visit.

After a rejuvenating hike through some of the best scenery the country has to offer, a trip to the spa to relax, and to experience The Elemis Super-

The hotel promises easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry and more

food Pro Radiance Facial (€85).

The facial is packed full of essential minerals and superfoods, applied with a gentle care and light touch.

It’s such a delectable, relaxing experience, that you must be careful not to succumb to sleep

whilst being pampered!

It leaves the skin feeling supple and refined for days after, delivering a glow as if one had just returned from a week in the sun.

Delivered in the surrounds of the beautifully designed Serenity Spa, each room at the

spa has several features intended to help create the most tranquil experience possible.

Incredible design features – such as a mix of colours and soft textures teamed with mood lighting – provide a sanctuary, that allows you to forget the woes of a

busy, daily life.

To round off a perfect, relaxing day, the newly renovated Rose Room delivers an á la carte menu with a difference, with Vegan and Vegetarian menus also on offer.

Subtle flavours pack a punch, in a surrounding that puts you totally at

ease, the best finale to a relaxing break from the city.

The Rose Hotel offers a relaxing respite from the hussle and bussle of the capital, with reasonable rates.

For more, be sure to check out therosehotel. com.

18 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS RECIPE | THIS VARIATION ON TRADITIONAL LAMB WILL GO DOWN A TREAT

Capture a taste of Easter with lamb GARY IBBOTSON

FOR those of you looking to celebrate Easter with a wonderful lamb recipe, you’re in luck!

This Bord Bia recipe for Roast Spiced Leg of Lamb with Coriander Yogurt dish serves 8-10 people, takes about one and three-quarter hours to cook, and is ideally served with sauteed spinach and potatoes roasted with ground coriander. Enjoy!

Ingredients • 1 leg of lamb, approx.

2.5kgs • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Spice Mix • 1 bunch fresh mint, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ras-el-hanout paste • 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt • 2 tbs tomato puree • Zest and juice of two

To make the coriander yoghurt: • While the lamb is cooking, combine all the ingredients for the coriander yoghurt. Taste and season with a little salt and black pepper.

lemons • 2 tbs rapeseed oil

Coriander Yogurt • 150ml natural/Greekstyle yogurt • 1 tbs tahini • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 tbs lemon juice • 2 tbs fresh coriander leaves, chopped

To serve: • Boil up the juices in the roasting tin along with a little water or wine, the reserved spice mix and a squeeze of lemon juice.

• Slice the lamb and serve with the strained pan juices, the coriander yoghurt, sauteed spinach and some spicy potatoes.

Preparation There’s a bit of work to get through here, but tackle these parts in order and you’ll have a delish lamb dish before you know it.

To prepare the spice mix: • Mix together all the ingredients.

• Set aside 1 tbs of the mix to add to the gravy, then rub the remainder all over the lamb.

(If possible, do this the day before and leave the lamb in the fridge overnight.)

To cook the lamb: • Heat the oven to Gas Mark 5, 190°C (375°F).

• Take the lamb out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to get to room temperature.

• Place the lamb in a roasting tin and place in

the oven, uncovered, for one and a quarter hours.

(The lamb will be cooked to medium at this stage.)

• Remove from the oven, cover loosely in foil and allow to rest for up to 30 minutes. Reserve the juices in the pan.

To cook the potatoes: • Toss some parboiled chopped potatoes in a little oil and a mixture of finely chopped onion which has been sauteed along with chopped garlic, a pinch of cayenne pepper and a quarter tsp ground coriander.

• Roast in the oven with the lamb for 20 minutes.

• Just before serving, stir through a handful of chopped coriander leaves and the juice of half a lime.

• Tuck in, and enjoy!

Cross town to an old bar

with many names and fans

BANG in the middle of Harold’s Cross is a pub that has a host of different owners and names.

On the site where there has always been a bar, what is now McGarry’s was previously the CrossBar; before that, it was Quinns, sold by the now Notorious Sean Quinn in 2005; before that, it was The Leinster; and, before all that, it was Healy’s.

Having been through so many incarnations, McGarry’s has surprisingly kept an old-skool feel, with small coves opposite a long bar all built around a large fire. The space in the pub means it’s a fine place to watch matches, and next door in the lounge/restaurant is the home of the Liverpool supporters’ club in Dublin. It’s also a place where you can get a good pizza and play pool.

Arguably the best part of McGarry’s though is its beer garden.

The pint in McGarry’s doesn’t do too much wrong. Could definitely have held the cream longer, but the taste and temperature were just about right. The pint itself was fine, served in an engaging venue @guinnessadvisor

FOOD & TRAVEL CRAFTBEERCORNER Go To IPA - Stone Brewing Session IPA 4.5% ABV  PALE MAILE, Beer Aficionado THIS BEER originates from one of the forefathers of craft beer in the US but now can be found on our shores. A nice session IPA which will allow you to enjoy that great hoppy flavour and still be able to walk afterwards. This IPA does have a more piney, fruity flavour than others, but you will certainly notice the hops.

There are a range of US beers appearing on our supermarket shelves but this would be a good place to start for those wanting to try that Californian West Coast IPA taste.

Lindt campaign your support for Temple St

LINDT Chocolate Ireland are once again planning to “Make Easter Sweet for Temple Street”.

This year, they are spreading the magic of Easter to the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords as well as to Dundrum Town Centre, which has been home to the initiative for the past two years.

The Lindt Gold Bunny Personalisation Station is setting up at both locations this year, with something extra special in store for customers.

Running until this Saturday, April 20, customers at both centres can personalise their very own Lindt Gold Bunny (200g) for just €6, with funds raised going to Temple Street Children’s University Hospital Top comic Jason Byrne was a real sweetie when he popped over to Temple Street to help launch the initiative, where staff Edel Farrell, Ciara O’Reilly and Heather Lehane were happy to help.

Changing culture hits Easter traditional fare

A SURVEY conducted by JustEat.ie has found that while publicans celebrated the opening of their premises on Good Friday last year, more people than ever chose to uphold Easter tradition and order in, with the demand for fish and chips up by 67% in 2018. The study also predicts a further order increase in 2019, as 50% of people asked plan on hosting the obligatory house party.

Unlike the main event at Christmas, the traditional Easter Sunday roast continues to lose momentum, with customers in Dublin and Cork city in particular now more likely to feast on a spice bag than a roast lamb.

Promising a four-day weekend for many, 20% of customers on Good Friday will be stuck in the office but 30% of these unlucky souls will head to the local pub “for the novelty factor”.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 18 April 2019

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18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

SOCCER P28

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

END OF AN ERA SOCCER: LIFFEY WANDERERS duo

John Young and Scott Foley will bring an end to their long involvedment as the management of the Pearse Street club in the coming weeks. Wanderers have enjoyed a meteoric rise in the past six years after rising from the ashes after the original club went bust in the early 2000s with five successive promotions.



GAZETTE

CRICKET P30

PAGE 29

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS LADIES FOOTBALL | LEAGUE FINAL 60 MINS AWAY FOR DUBS

Dublin look for revenge against Cork  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

A LITTLE over 120 minutes of football could see Dublin retain the Lidl Division 1 Ladies Football League title for the first time in their history, but before then a stiff test awaits against Cork in the semi-final this Sunday at 2pm in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny.

Mick Bohan’s side captured Division 1 league silverware for the first time last May, with a 3-15 to 1-10 win over Mayo in the decider. Leinster and All-Ireland success followed - the latter following victory over Cork in the decider to take a two in a row of Brendan Martin Cup successes.

Five points separated the sides last September, and just short of a fortnight ago in the final Round of the group stages the margin was similar - but this time the swing was in Cork’s favour in Mallow.

Both sides already advanced to the last-four, but semi-final placings were

still at stake. That 2-13 to 2-8 win will give Cork huge confidence ahead of Sunday’s battle according to Dublin manager Mick Bohan.

“It was a good chance for some of our players to test themselves against one of the top sides in the country,” he said.

“We don’t like to lose any game and it always hurts when you do so yea we are hurting a bit now.”

It was just Dublin’s second loss of the league, after an opening day defeat to Donegal they recorded five wins on the bounce.

Goals from Niamh Cotter and Marie O’Callaghan were key as Cork gained some revenge for their All-Ireland final loss to Dublin.

After the game Cork manager Ephie Fitzgerald urged caution.

“They were missing a number of players, but I am delighted with the performance of our younger girls and this league has been very good for us in finding a number of new players. We

Castleknock’s Rachel Fleming made her Senior Dublin debut between the posts against Tipperary, and featured strongly against Cork last time out.

Picture: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE

know the semi-final will be a totally different affair and they will be far stronger next day out.”

Five points separated the sides last time, but Cork have delivered some big wins in the group stages, and prior to beating Dublin they accounted for Donegal (21) and Mayo (16).

Dublin’s previous two games saw a

10-point win over Monaghan, followed up with a four-point win over Galway.

The Westerners subsequently finished on top of the group with six wins - their only loss coming against the Metropolitans.

There’s no doubt a tight encounter is in prospect again this weekend, with the winners to face Donegal or Galway.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

SOCCER: SECOND ISN’T BEYOND US SAYS MOCHTA’S BOSS

FINGALLIANS OUR Senior footballers kicked off their Senior B Championship group games on Sunday with a game against Cuala losing by 2-16 to 0-9 at O’Toole Park. The Seconds beat St Brigids by 2-5 to 0-6.

The Thirds lost by 3-10 to 1-6 against Clann Mhuire.

The Academy is on a break for Easter and will return on Saturday April 27th.

The management of the Adult Hurling teams would like to thank all who supported their Quiz night in the Bar last Friday.

A great evening was had at Lawless Park on Friday, with Fingallians hosting St. Vincent’s v St.Brigids in the Dublin SFC. Well done to all who helped out on the night and showed the club and its facilities at their best.

The Bar and Clubhouse are Closed on Good Friday. Opening times this weekend: Sat 20th: 6pm -12.30am; Sun 21st 3pm-12.30am; Mon 22nd 6-11pm.

There is a Full Time position going in the club in primarily a Full Time Bar/Facilities role. There are also some Part Time positions available. Anyone interested can forward ther CV to feidhlim@ fingallians.com This years Easter Camp has been confirmed for Tue 23th to Fri 26th of April 9am-1pm. Please note this is a slight change to previous years .Applications forms will be available shortly from the bar.

Summer and Kellogg’s Cup Camp dates will be confirmed in the next few weeks.

Well done to the U14 Boys and their Mentors who took part in the Feile on Saturday, just missing out on a Semi Final place.

The Minor Hurlers gave a super display in Balheary on Sunday beating close rivals Naomh Mearnog.

Well done to Niamh Crowley who helped the Dublin U16 Camogie team to beat Wexford in the U16A Championship. Kilkenny are next in the final.

Our Under 8 Hurling and Football Teams played in Croke Park on Sunday in the Leinster Go Games Under 8 Event. Well done to all involved.

Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for Leinster SHC: Dublin v Kilkenny in Nowlan Park Sat 11th May can order through the bar. Stand €20 Terrace €15 Juvenilles €5. List will close 10pm Sun 5th May. Sligo man Brian Jordan will start as the new club Games Promotion Officer in the coming weeks LOTTO: 7, 17, 22, 34, 35 - No Winner. Next Weeks Jackpot: €3,940.

ST BRIGID’S OUR Senior hurlers face Ballinteer St. John’s in Round 2 of the Dublin SHC ‘A’ at 5pm in O’Toole Park on Friday.

Good news on the Camogie front in the past few days with a win for St. Brigid’s in the Junior 2 League, thanks to a 2-8 to 2-4 victory over Cuala.

Well done also to our Under 16 B team who recorded a great win over Kilmacud Crokes at the weekend!

Goals were key for Fingallians in their Junior Football Championship 1 2-7 to 0-8 win over St. Brigid’s.

Brigid’s were goal hungry

in the JFC 5 Group 4, with a 9-8 to 0-8 victory over Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels.

Mixed results in the Minor Hurling Leagur, with the Minor A’s narrowly losing by 0-12 to 1-8 against St Sylvesters, while there was a 1-9 to 2-5 win over Castleknock.

Our Féile Hurlers were desperately unlucky to lose 3-4 to 3-3 against Craobh Chiarain to miss out on a semi-final place. We are very proud of everyone, and thanks to our mentors, parents and sponsors and to St Maurs for being great hosts!

Action from St. Mochta’s against Cherry Orchard in the Leinster Senior League on Sunday.

Picture: Martin Doherty

Mochta’s upbeat, despite losing to Cherry Orchard LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

ST. MOCHTA’S manager Brian McCarthy says second spot isn’t beyond his side despite falling to a 3-2 home loss to LSL Sunday Senior rivals Cherry Orchard..

Glenn Shannon and Anto Murphy were both shown straight reds inside seven second-half minutes but, despite a late flurry of chances, the Blanch side couldn’t draw level Jack O’Connor (2) and Dean Murphy netted, as

Orchard cut the gap on Mochta’s to three points with six games to play.

Karl Somers and Dean Kelly scored for Mochta’s, who will take a break from league action, to face Collinstown in the FAI Senior Cup on Friday.

Orchard led inside three minutes as O’Connor rose highest to connect with Yuta Sasaki’s cross before planting a powerful header into the net.

And one quickly became two as Murphy nodded home from close range on 15 minutes after Mochta’s keeper Craig Hyland had done brilliantly to tip a previous

effort onto the bar.

Orchard took that twogoal lead into the break but Mochta’s halved the deficit eight minutes into the second half when Somers found the net with a spectacular effort.

They were reduced to 10 men on 60 minutes, however, as Shannon was judged to have denied a goalscoring chance as the last man and shown a straight red.

That was compounded shortly afterwards when former Bohemians man Murphy was shown a red following a scuffle in the middle of the field.

O’Connor looked to have made sure of the

points ten minutes from time when he converted his second, and Orchard’s third, from the spot.

Kelly did manage to get his goal three minutes later with a good finish but, despite a volley from Noel Murphy in injury time, they couldn’t find the equaliser.

“We’re five points behind Killester and we still have to play them and obviously Bluebell are still in the mix,” McCarthy told the Dublin Gazette.

“At the end of the day, Crumlin are after having an exceptional season – they’re unbeaten in the season up to this point.

“I don’t think in my time it’s happened for anyone to go unbeaten, so hats off to them.

Hopefully we can finish as high up the table as we can and we’re going to aim for second.

“We’ve got to the semis of the Charlie Cahill, the last 16 of the Intermediate, we’re in the first round of the FAI Senior on Friday and we’re in the quarter finals of the Metro next Wednesday.

“All in all, we’ve been competing on most fronts. Obviously we’re disappointed with where we’re at and we had a few more expectations, but it’s a tough league.”

St Ciaran’s Fingal double

St Ciaran’s NS with their Fingal Athletics League’s trophies

FIFTY-TWO schools from all over North Dublin came together for the final event and the last leg of the Fingal Athletics league at Morton Stadium.

Since September, schools have been training hard and competing in cross country competitions held in the Dublin 15 and Dublin North County district.

Each league had three race days held in their respective districts and children gained points for their school every time a child finished in the top 15 of their race.

Forty-eight children from St Ciarán’s NS, Hartstown competed in this competition, training hard since since September regardless of the sometimes difficult weather conditions.

They were over the moon when they won two awards on Finals Day. St Ciarán’s boys took home the trophy for overall winners in Group C and the girls took home the trophy for the winning girls team in the Dublin 15 league. The school is looking forward to next year’s event following this year’s successes.

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: LEINSTER SUCCESS FOR DDSL FOLLOWING IMPRESSIVE WIN OVER WEXFORD

Castleknock trio key to DDSL win LEINSTER UNDER 16 INTERLEAGUE  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

AN unprecedented achievement for Castleknock Celtic saw three of their young talents line out for the DDSL side that were crowned Leinster under-16 interleague champions last week.

Zeke Okirkpo, Ciaran Eccles and Elih Ozmen played 45 minutes each as the DDSL side beat Wexford 2-0 at FAI headquarters in Abbotstown.

Crumlin United pair Jack Warren and Joey Reynolds netted as DDSL took the regional honours and booked an All-Ireland semi-final against the Galway League.

Eccles, who is the son

of former Ireland international Peter Eccles, was on target in the group stages victory over the North East Counties and was rewarded with another start.

Ozmen, whose father Ruih is a coach with Castleknock and played at a high level at underage in his native Turkey, and Okirkpo were both second half subs It’s a huge achievement for the Dublin 15 club who, under the guidance of manager Damien Hunter, have put together back-to-back promotions to the top level of DDSL football.

It’s the first time within recent memory that three players from the same Castleknock team have been selected for representative sides reflecting

strongly on their on and off the field progress.

“This team has come through two consecutive promotions from Major to Premier 1 to Premier 2,” Hunter tells the Dublin Gazette.

“The guys now are playing at a level where the spotlight is on them.

You can see the rise in standard.

“It would be rare for any team in Dublin 15 to have representatives in the DDSL squad, and to have three of them is most unusual. I’m not sure the last time it happened.”

As well as Hunter and Ruih Ozmen, the club have recently brought in former Barnsley, UCD and Athlone Town stopper Conor Mackey as goalkeeper coach.

Mackey’s guidance

has already had a visible impact on Elih’s development.

The goalkeeper had the hearts of players and coaches on both sides in mouths when he pulled off an effortless Cruijff turn in his own box during the win over Wexford.

“We brought in Conor and that’s been a major benefit to Elih to have dedicated one-to-one goalkeeping coaching.

“There’s a lot of pedigree in the coaching.

We’ve a lot of top people involved with the team at the minute.

“This year we’re looking at maybe getting to Istanbul. Ruih still has connections to Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. The hope is that later in the year, in August, we’ll get to go Turkey.”

Aidan Grzan’s corner kick floats into the net to earn Castleknock Celtic a 2-2 draw against Mark’s Celtic in Porterstown Park

Celtic battle’s honours even DDSL U-16 PREMIER

Castleknock Celtic 2 Mark’s Celtic 2  sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s Under-16 faced their stiffest challenge thus far this season in the DDSL Premier division. when they met Mark’s Celtic in Porterstown.

Both sides had been promoted from the Premier 2 division at the end of 2018 but it was Mark’s who had a comfortable win over the home side early in the season.

And they must have fancied their chances of doing the double over their rivals but it was Castleknock who drew first blood when Klevis Malaj provided the assist for Scott Daly who stabbed the ball home.

Mark’s kept their focus and were only denied an equaliser when DDSL representative keeper, Ruhi Ozmen, prevented the visitors gaining parity from the penalty spot.

Castleknock did go close to a second only for the opposition keep-

er, Matthew Meade, to punch clear. Mark’s stuck to their task and got their noses in front with two fine strikes by JJ Bingham and led 2-1 at half time.

C a s t l e k n o c k we re much more on the front foot in the second half and Aidan Grzan was posing a huge threat to the Mark’s defence. The home side won a corner 15 minutes from time, and it was Grzan’s trusted left foot that swung in a vicious cross that eluded attackers and defend-

ers alike above the excellent Nathan Melia in the Mark’s goal.

Lots of celebrations among the hosts as they finally got a reward for much second half pressure. They had the momentum and could have snatched victory in the end but Danny Ursu’s effort was again well saved by Meade.

Castleknock were good value for their share of the points that keeps them among the chasing pack in this very close Premier division.

Zeke Okirkpo, Ciaran Eccles and Elih Ozmen Asdf were the pride of Castleknock Celtic following Leinster U16 Interleague win with DDSL

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 18 April 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

ST. FINIANS’ SWORDS THE big news this week is of course that our fantastic U13/U14 Hurling Team Fingal Gaels hosted a Hurling Feile with four other teams taking part, Clontarf, Erins Isle, Whitehall Colmcille and St. James Gaels/An Caislean. Our own boys made it through to the final in Tallaght Stadium to compete against O’Dwyers, Balbriggan claiming a win.

The Club members came out in force to support our boys and we would like to say a big thank you to Fergus O’Neill for having the pitches and Clubhouse decked out with flags and bunting.

Thank you also to the members who provided sandwiches and cakes for the Feile, this is an important task for our younger teams to assist with as it will be your turn soon!!

Our Ladies are rocking the news this week, with wins across all their Dublin fixtures : Jules McDonald and Ciara Buchanan had a win against Carlow in the Dublin Intermediate Div 2 Camogie League. We were also represented in the U16 Camogie Leinster Championship with Ellie Kane, Grace Murray and Annable Timothy playing against Wexford. They are now through to the Leinster Final v Kilkenny on May 5th.

Teagan Comber and Emma Howe won with Dublin against Kildare in the final round of the Leinster U16 LGFA Championship.

Our Senior Adult Mens Team Div 4 also had their first Intermediate Championship match against Good Counsel GAA & Camogie Club.

Our U15 Girls Football Team had a well deserved win over O’ Tooles by 6-5 to 3-5. Well done girls. A complete performance from the whole squad with Emily Jane Fallon standing out and Player of the match award to Ava Kiernan.

Well done also to our U16 Camogie Girls who are amalgamated to Naomh Mearnog and who took part in the U16 Div. 2 League match against Round Towers and had a great win. The final score was 9-9 to 1-3 We also had two of our U15’s

SKERRIES HARPS

Camogie players, Lorna and Anna referee their first Camogie match for the U8 Girls. They completed their Camogie First Whistle Referee Course which enables the girls to referee Camogie go games matches.

Great performance by the U12s Camogie team who were away to St Oliver Plunketts. It was a tough, fast, skillful match with St Finians losing narrowly by 1 score in a very competitive game! Dorieann Mc Manus was player of the week and Freya Cahill meet Bernard Brogan before hand!

Our U11 girls put in a great team performance again in camogie. They battled to the very end against a very strong Whitehall side.

Another savage performance by the U10 Camogie team away to Na Fianna, winning plenty of praise from Na Fianna coaches for skills and determination. We also had our team’s first ever broken hurley today via the brilliant Alex Keogh, thats one for the mantlepiece!

Our U9 boys showed great effort and fantastic football this morning.

Coaches on all 3 teams were very happy with the relentless tackling and attitude that the boys showed today. All we ask for each week is committed performance and then the results will follow, so it is very satisfying when both come together.

Under 8 boys played against Castleknock. We had great numbers out and great performances.

Our U8 girls again showing the effort put in at training paying off with super performances against Faughs GAA. Strong, competitive matches. First broken hurley too for the team, proudly achieved by Sofia O Keefe!

Our Easter Camp is filling up fast, places are limited so please get your booking done as soon as possible.

Please use the link from our website to complete your booking. Please note that there will be NO facility to register on the first day of Camp.

Online bookings close on Friday at 8pm.

CONGRATS to our Moriarty Supervalu sponsored Minor Hurlers on their League win over Clanna Gael Fontenoy and to the McMeels Pharmacy sponsored Junior Footballers on their Championship win against St Anne’s.

Well done to both U14 Hurling teams in the Feile representing the club, their coaches parents and themselves so well during the competition.

Congrats to Robyn Buckley, Sarah Smith & Rachel O’Brien who represented the club on the Dublin U16 Camogie team on Sun 14th in the Leinster Championship & to Alix Buckley with the Dublin Intermediate Camogie team. James Casey played with the Dublin Minors vs Armagh & Ronan Geoghegan with the Dublin u15 Hurlers against Westmeath over the weekend. Well done all!

The G4M&O played their first fixture versus Walterstown to great home support! A brilliant match from both teams! New members always welcome contact Chris on 087 9725519.

Zingo result 2-1-3-5-4-5-7 - No winners. Next weeksJackpot: €4600.

Next Draw: Sunday 21st - 6.30pm - Play online at: skerriesharps.ie

CRICKET: VILLAGERS ADD KEY SIGNINGS FOR 2019

Malahide build for big year in Leinster  sport@dublingazette.com

MALAHIDE Cricket Club are gearing up for the start of the new Cricket Leinster season as they look to back up their superb 2018 campaign, going unbeaten en route to Division 2 success.

And, according to skipper Fintan McAllister, they are well placed to compete at the top table this season: “We’ve wintered well and made some very astute signings to strengthen the squad.

Hopefully we can take last year’s momentum into a successful 2019.”

The Villagers have recruited top order batsman Damien Mortimer from Sydney, Australia, as well as quick paced Irish-born South African Kelvin Donnelly.

“I feel when you’re winning is often the best time to review and strengthen.

We identified a couple areas we need to improve upon and, thanks to team manager John Pryor Jnr, we’ve managed to bring in two good lads.”

Malahide will again look to Matt Ford to lead the way after he plundered over a 1,000 runs last season and picked up 20 economical wickets.

Malahide CC’s James Newland, Stephen McConnell (Branch Manager PTSB) and the Malahide captain Fintan McAllister

With paceman James Newland also delivering devastating spells of seam bowling the outlook is bright. It makes for exciting times for the club who are hungry for success across the spectrum.

“Our Junior section is growing year on year as well plus we have huge international matches coming up quick. There’s a lot going on and we

U-16 RUGBY Skerries Premier class shows SKERRIES RFC were crowned

Leinster U16’s Youth/School Premier League champions last weekend after a thriller of a final against Clontarf in Greystones Rugby Club.

They won out in the final 24-22 in their decider. They had won through their group in second place to Athy and then got the better of Coolmine in the semi-finals before this final success.

Picture: Hughie Lynch Photography

couldn’t do it without our partners such as Permanent TSB who are one of our main club sponsors again as well as The Grand Hotel, Malahide, who sponsor our youth section.”

Those International matches will see England, led by former Malahide player Eoin Morgan, visiting Fingal on May 3 and the West Indies, driven by the self dubbed

‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, joining in later in the month to take on the Irish National Team.

Summer Camps and Friday night Fundamental classes led by the Club’s full time Cricket Development Manager, Michael Hingston, compliment a large schools programme and junior section, meaning there’s something for everyone in 2019.

18 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

GAELIC FOOTBALL: NA FIANNA TOO STRONG FOR MALAHIDE SIDE

Poor start costs Syl’s DUBLIN SFC ROUND 1 Na Fianna St. Sylvesters sport@dublingazette.com

3-14 0-9

ST. SYLVESTER’s began what has been widely touted as a ‘group of death’ in the Dublin Senior Football Championship with a heavy loss to a dangerous looking Na Fianna side at Parnell Park on Saturday evening.

Sylvester’s got off to the worst possible start when an attempted point for Na Fianna rebounded off the upright, presenting Conor McHugh with a tough goal chance shooting across the angle of the box. The Dublin fringe man hammered home from the angle.

Na Fianna dominated the early stages, scoring 1-2 before Sylvester’s seriously threatened, David Lacey looking

particularly effective. Sylvester’s look a more composed outfit under Paul Clarke, however, and were composed on the ball, if somewhat blunted in the final third against an efficient defensive unit.

Three frees from Michael McCarthy got Syls back in the game, but only briefly, as Aaron Byrne broke down the middle and blasted into the Malahide club’s net, a second three point concession with just 13 minutes on the clock.

It took an exceptional stop from Mick Shiel after a break from Byrne to stop Na Fianna running away with the game very early, but there followed a relatively fallow period, Na Fianna picking off points as Sylvester’s struggled to feed their forward line, conceding a succession of intercepted link up balls.

McHugh and Lacey were doing much of

the damage.

A winding run from the byline by Byrne almost further punished Syls, but Na Fianna were now calmly in control, the frantic early feel to the game mellowing as the Mobhi Road side went in a very comfortable 2-8 to 0-5 in front.

The game was over as a contest three minutes into the second half, as the impressive Lacey broke through the Syls defence again and a hand from Shiel couldn’t keep his finish through a crowd from trickling over the line.

Pressure relieved, in a sense, Sylvester’s enjoyed a strong period. David O’Hanlon in the Na Fianna goal produced a flying save to deny Andrew Hartnett. In their strongest period, though, Sylvester’s only really succeeded in turning the game into a stalemate, with over 15 minutes of no score for

either side in the middle of the second period, culminating in a sending off for Syls forward Mark Hazley that looked largely born out of frustration.

Na Fianna had the better of the contest both at the front and the back, with their forwards gritty and efficient, and a backline minus Dublin star Jonny Cooper committed, pulling off a succession of blocks and late challenges. Syl’s bad day was topped off by a late second red card, for Jack Hazley.

A final score of 3-14 to 0-9 was, perhaps, reflective of the gap between a team who are challenging at the top end of Dublin football ,and a secondtier league club.

Na Fianna were firmly on form, and St. Sylvester’s simply lacked the necessary cutting edge.

Castleknock take Féile title CASTLEKNOCK powered their way to Division 2 Féile na nGael hurling success with a 2-5 to 0-2 win over Erin’s Isle in Blakestown Road on Sunday morning.

A cracking first half goal from Cian Doyle set Castleknock on the road to victory.

Points followed from Dylan Clark, Adam Nagle, Conor Roche, Matthew Coughlan and Sean Doyle with Callum McKinley netting a second half goal.

Castleknock managed to regroup after an injury to their tenacious defender CiIllian Clark forced him off the field.

However, dominant displays from Dylan Clark, Matthew Coughlan and

Callum Sheridan saw them take control of the game.

David Strappe had a fantastic display at wing back nullifying the Erin’s Isle dangermen.

Erins Isle never got into their stride but kept hurling right through the match.

All the squad played their part over the two days and the 2006 boys who played up did their group proud on and off the field.

It was Castleknock’s second win over Erin’s Isle, having already beaten them in the group stages by 2-5 to 0-8.

Castleknock beat St. Sylvester’s in the semi-final on their way to the decider, having won all of their group games.

The Malahide club had two teams involved in Féile over the weekend, with the ‘A’ team competing in Division 2, hosted in Raheny GAA Club, while the ‘B’ side travelled to Thomastown in Division 6.

In Raheny, Sylvesters lost their opening two games against St. Vincent’s and Na Fianna, but bounced back to beat Raheny convincingly and earn crucial points.

This win saw them advance to the semi-finals against Castleknock later in the afternoon at Erin’s Isle GAA Club in Finglas.

Sylvesters began this game strongly and led by 1-4 to 1-1 at half-time, but the second half saw Castleknock use a

strong wind assistance, while managing to out-manoeuver the Syls defence winning the match, where their goal threat proved key to help them advance to the finals.

Castleknock Division 2 Féile Hurling Panel: Ciarán Braddish; Lenny Cahill; Cillian Clarke; Dylan Clarke; Matthew Coughlan; Sean Dempsey; Cian Doyle; Sean Doyle; Conan Feeney; Ben Foley; Hugh Golden; Oscar Horgan; Anthony Kelly; Bobby Lynch; Calum McKinley; Adam Nagle; Conor Roche; Callum Sheridan; David Strappe; Oisín Tolan; Louie Woodger; Stephen Kane; Charlie Canny; Matthew Mullen.

The St. Sylvesters ‘A’ squad which took part in the Under 14 Hurling Feile na nGael at the weekend.

GAA

Knock get keys to their new Castle FRIDAY, April 12 2019 will long be remembered as the day Castleknock Hurling and Football Club’s new clubhouse was officially handed over to the club by the Contractor, to be the kings of their own Castle and home away from home.

There is still an amount of interior work to be done before the Clubhouse will be fully operational so the club are asking members to be patient as it will be another few weeks before they will have an opportunity to fully appreciate the impressive new facilities.

“Taking possession represents a huge milestone,” said a club statement about the handover.

“It is only right that at this very significant moment in the history of our club we acknowledge the enormous effort of the Sub-Committee behind the entire Clubhouse Project: Noel Dillon (Chair); Martina Finn; John Conway; Liam Ó Flannagáin and Niall Tutty.

“Our thanks too to everyone who supported us over the past 20 years in getting to this stage. The future beckons.”

The club are planning to officially open the clubhouse in May. Castleknock opened their Dublin SFC1 Group 4 campaign with an impressive seven-point victory over Ballinteer St John’s at Monastery Road.

A scoring surge just at the three-quarter marker put the Dublin 15 side on the road to victory when they kicked six points without reply.

GazetteSPORT APRIL 18-24, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

MOCHTA’S UPBEAT

SOCCER: ST.

MOCHTA’S are remaining upbeat despite losing to Cherry Orchard by 3-2 in the Leinster Senior league SEE P28

BIG 2019 FOR MALAHIDE CRICKET: MALA-

HIDE are gearing up for the start of the new season aiming for back-to-back wins SEE P30

DUBS AIM FOR LEAGUE FINAL

LADIES FOOTBALL: Dublin’s

Ladies Footballers are aiming for revenge against Cork and a League Final place this Sunday in Kilkenny SEE P27

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Skerries face Malahide in AIL Battle of Fingal  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

A MOUTH watering clash awaits in the All-Ireland League this weekend as Skerries face Malahide in a Division 2B Promotion/Relegation Play-off at 2.30pm in Holmpatrick on Saturday.

Both sides come into this game off the back of losses last weekend, with Skerries suffering a 22-24 home defeat to Dungannon in Division 2B and Malahide the wrong side of a 25-19 scoreline away to Bangor at Upritchard Park.

If Malahide had accounted for Bangor last weekend, they would have been taking on Middleton in the last-four, but some consolation is a tasty encounter with Skerries this weekend for Brendan Guilfoyle’s charges, who had already secured a play-off spot.

It’s been an incredible run so far for Malahide in Division 2C, with 12 wins from 14 games.

Last weekend Malahide started poorly with Bangor going over for the first try after just three minutes, as David Bradford went in under the posts, before Oscar Yandall landed the conversion and then a long range penalty to push 10-0 ahead inside the opening 10 minutes.

Wind assisted Bangor pushed 20 points clear with their second try and conversion in the 32nd minute.

Malahide pushed hard before half-time, when

The Fingallians team and mentors who took part in the Littlewoods Go Games Activity Day at Croke Park on Sunday. PHOTO: Sportsfile

“It has been an incredible run so far for

Malahide this season in Division 2C with 12 wins from 14 games Daniel Hayes delivered their opening try, but the conversion failed to come, and the score stood at 20-5 at the interval.

Malahide managed to cut the gap to the minimum in the 65th minute, after going over for two quick tries on the restart.

Bangor bounced back when Dave Caughey went over the line, and despite Malahide pressure the hosts defended well right up to the end to stay in the division for

the coming year.

Skerries also came close to delivering a win, with a disappointing two-point home loss to Dungannon.

The final kick earned the Tyrone side victory in Holmpatrick, which sent Skerries into the Playoff ’s on an afternoon which began with five sides battling for survival.

Skerries began well and held a 10-0 lead with wind playing havoc

throughout.

Despite playing against the wind Skerries emerged strongly on the restart, with Ross Halligan, Cann Marrey and Tom Mulvey looking good in the forwards.

Following strong pressure Kev McGrath went under between the posts, with Paul Devitt landing the conversion to move 17-0 clear.

Ben Jenkinson made a bursting run of 50 metres to land another Skerries

try, before a missed conversion.

Skerries looked good for victory at this stage, but the visitors never gave up.

Two tries handed the blue and white clad side a life-line, and they cut the gap to eight points on a 22-14 score-line with 20 minutes left on the clock.

An injury to a Skerries player ensured a long stoppage, before Dungannon landed a penalty

with 10 minutes remaining.

A testing finish followied, with Dungannon managing to squeeze the ball over to tie the game at 22-points apiece, before they landed a match winning conversion.

This was certainly a dramatic end to proceedings in Holmpatrick and no doubt there will be plenty more drama to come in Saturday’s North Dublin Derby.