Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette DECEMBER 5-11, 2019

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Fingal Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Council to pay €6m to consultants next year

SPORT

GAA: End of an era as

Jim Gavin walks away from the Dublin Senior Footballers.

SEE P31 & 32

SYLVIA POWNALL

travel

THIS STAYCATION IS SURE TO WOW BY NEXT SUMMER P18 Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

SNOW MUCH FUN: Cayden Brennar was one of many local kids having fun at Swords Castle when he joined this snowman and one of Santa’s helpers for the annual Christmas Market and Christmas Lights Extravaganza, which wowed everyone. Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

FINGAL County Council will pay in excess of €6 million for consultants’ services and external “expert advice” next year.

The local authority passed the figure at its budget meeting, where staff wages of €23 million, salaries totalling €43 million, and €13 million in pensions were also agreed.

Councillors adopted a revenue budget of €269 million for 2020 to provide services and investment – an increase of more than 10% on this year’s spend.

Querying consultants’ fees, Cllr Jimmy Guerin (Ind) said: “We employed consultants at great expense to look at the feasibility of reintroducing the tram to

Howth.

“A phone call to a few of the local members would have given them the answer that they came up with.”

Council chief AnnMarie Farrelly said its appointment as the competent authority for aircraft noise led to an additional need for specialist services, with funding to be recouped via an airport levy.

The revenue budget for 2020 is separate to a three-year capital investment programme of €619 million passed in October for 236 projects across Fingal.

The 2020-2022 capital spend provides for more consultants’ fees for a number of projects – including the pressing issue of coastal erosion in Portrane.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 5 December 2019

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TRANSPORT: LOBBY GROUP TARGETS BUSCONNECTS

Bus plans could ‘cut Fingal off from Dublin’

Sack of Balbriggan at heart of calendar

 SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

A LOBBY group is warning that route changes under the BusConnects overhaul of public transport will leave parts of north Fingal “cut off from Dublin”.

The Rush Bus Connects Group says the plan, as it stands, is “unfinished for Fingal” and “largely ignores anywhere north of Swords”, which spells disaster for the commuter towns of Rush, Lusk and Skerries.

A major sticking point for campaigners is the decrease in frequency for the numbers 33, 33A and 33X from 51 daily services to 39 – in particular, a drop in morning services from 17 to 10.

The first bus under the new regime would leave from Rush at 6.25am, compared to the current early departure of 5.13am, with the first express bus

FASTNews

BusConnects map showing how Blanchardstown could be affected by the new plans – just part of changes affecting Fingal’s transport connections and routes

from Rush not departing until 6.50am.

A spokesperson for the group warned: “This is only the start of issues for our area ... the same mistakes are being made again in hastily building thousands of houses without the infrastructure.

“There are currently 65,000 people living along the 33 route – an increase of 160% since 1991.

“Another 3,500 houses are currently in planning

for Rush and Lusk, so expect more than 8,000 new residents within the next 18 months.”

Of the 20,000 submissions received by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the last plan, the highest number related to the 33 route, while the third highest involved the 33X. Some outlying towns which were close to losing their bus service have had them reinstated under

the revised plan. These include Rathcoole, with a population of 4,300 people, and Enniskerry, which is home to 1,900 residents.

The NTA says the sprawling population distribution in north county Dublin prevents it from providing a full service, and refers to the coastal commuter belt as a “carbased society”.

Rush Bus Connects Group is urging locals to have their say before the extended deadline for submissions expires on December 10 (consultations@busconnects.ie).

Meanwhile, public representatives in Dublin 15 are also expressing concerns about the revised plans, which would leave Blanchardstown village and the Clonsilla Road without an all-day direct link to the city centre.

Cllr Emer Currie (FG) warned: “These residents can’t be left behind.”

She suggested upgrading the new 365 from Luttrellstown from peak-only service to run all day, as it travels to the city centre via the Clonsilla Road and Main Street, Blanchardstown.

There are also concerns about the new bus hub at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and how this will impact on roads which are already heavily congested.

BALBRIGGAN & District Historical Society is launching a special Commemorative Calendar on The Sack of Balbriggan – just in time for Christmas.

2020 is a very special year for the society and Balbriggan as preparations to commemorate The Sack of Balbriggan by the Black and Tans in September, 1920.

To prepare for this, and as a momento of the year, the calendar is on sale, priced €10.

They will be on sale in the Bremore Castle Christmas Market this Saturday, December 7 and Sunday 8, and in Supervalu, Balbriggan on Thursday, December 12 from 4-9pm.

You can also get one by contacting the Society at balbrigganhistsoc@gmail.com, particularly May McKeon who can be contacted at 087 785 2644, with the society keen to thank Jim Glennon, who provided treasured photographs from his family collection for this calendar.

For further information on the society’s 2020 plans, see http://balbrigganhistory.com/balbriggan-is-the-place-to-be-in-2020/.

Classrooms Appeal for for Oldtown sex assault welcomed witnesses FINE Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Education that St Mary’s National School, Oldtown has been approved to receive two additional mainstream classrooms, one special education teacher classroom which is a prefab replacement, and two special education needs base classrooms.

He said: “It is vital that we support our local schools and ensure they have the accommodation they require to cater for all children in the local community.

“I am particularly pleased with the resources being provided to St Mary’s National School in relation to the provision of special education.

“We must ensure that every community in the north county has the resources necessary to provide places in special education to every child who requires it.”

GARDAI are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a woman by a man who is believed to have posed as a taxi driver.

The attack happened in the early hours of Saturday, November 23 at Sutton Cross, near Howth. According to local reports, the woman was assaulted by someone acting falsely as a taxi driver.

The area was cordoned off until noon the following day, and gardai have issued a fresh appeal for information.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have information, particularly anyone who may have travelled on the Dublin Road, Sutton, Dublin 13 between 3.30am and 4.10am, who observed any suspicious behaviour.

“Also, any road users in the area who may have camera footage should contact Raheny Garda Station at 01 666 4300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.”

5 December 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CHRISTMAS: THE ENTERTAINING NEW SHOW FOR ALL THE FAMILY IS A WINNER – OH YES IT IS!

‘Aladdin’ flies in to Dublin to help The Gaiety put on no ordinary panto SYLVIA POWNALL

THE magical story of Aladdin is getting a 2019 makeover at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre – and panto audiences are loving it.

Now extended until January 17, the Arabian tale combines genies and flying carpets with an Irish institution in the form of bumbling Garda PC. The Corkman puts manners on the cast as he orders them not to address the audience as ladies and gentlemen (offensive) or boys and girls (ageist).

“Dem’s de rules,” he yells, brandishing a red

hurley at street urchin Aladdin, princess Jasmine, Widow Twankey and her son, Wishee Washee.

Stars at the gala opening included Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, RTE’s Baz Ashmawi, Pat Kenny and Weekend AM hosts Laura Wood and Anna Daly.

Dublin Gazette tagged along just to see what all the fuss was about. Was it worth it, you ask? Oh yes it was.

Hero Aladdin is played

by West End star Julian Capolei, who also led the cast in Disney’s Aladdin The Musical in London’s

West End. The swagger and charisma of his performance are matched by iconic panto dame Joe Conlan, who celebrates 30 years in the industry, in the role of Widow Twankey.

Another veteran of the Christmas panto, Nicholas Grennell, whips his young audience into a frenzy of booing as lampstealing villain, Abanazer.

Meanwhile, Michael Joseph pokes fun at himself – and the audience – at every opportunity as chief mischief-maker Wishee Washee.

This version sticks

Panto fan Leah (right) loved Aladdin at The Gaiety in the city centre – just the latest in the theatre’s excellent pantos

faithfully to the story, but it ditches the Disney tunes, with Abanazer channelling Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’ and princess So Shy twerking away.

The intimate Gaiety

venue, which staged its first panto in 1873, is perfect for witnessing a ‘magic carpet’ flying right over your head as Aladdin and Jasmine sing ‘Rewrite the Stars’ from The Great-

est Showman.

Our critic, Leah (6) was rapt for the entire threehour show.

She concluded: “I don’t want it to be over. Can they do it again?”

As the saying goes, this is no ordinary panto ...

Tickets for Aladdin (from €19.50) are available now at www.gaietytheatre. ie and also at www.ticketmaster.ie.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 5 December 2019

TYRRELSTOWN: COUNCIL WORKING ON ISSUE WITH LE CHEILE SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNCIL

Agreement over all-weather pitch due to be finalised soon SYLVIA POWNALL

AN AGREEMENT which will open up an all-weather pitch in Tyrrelstown for community use is due to be “finalised in the coming weeks” according to Fingal County Council.

The pitch has remained padlocked and off-limits for kids outside of school hours for well over a year – and was used as a dumping ground over the summer months as a result.

Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) last week raised the issue at an area council meeting and requested an up to date report from officials as to “why it is lying idle”.

The local authority stated: “The council has made considerable progress finalising the licence agreement for the Tyrrel-

“

The local authority said it “has made considerable progress finalising the licence agreement for the Tyrrelstown all-weather facility” stown all-weather facility.

“The council recently had a productive meeting with representatives from Le Cheile secondary school regarding a management agreement between the school and

The all-weather pitch at Le Cheile Secondary School

the council for the facility.

“It is the intention to have both the licence agreement and management agreement finalised in the coming weeks, and the anchor tenants

appointed to manage the facility during the community hours and in line with the lease between the Department of Education and Skills and the council.

“Le Cheile secondary school will have use of the pitch during school hours, 8am to 5pm.”

Back in November, 2018, the council reported that the relevant documents to transfer the pitch from the Department of Education to the local authority were with the Chief State Solicitor’s office.

Councillors welcomed the news at the time, but

stressed that the next important step was to decide who manages the facility on behalf of the Tyrrelstown community.

A number of local sports clubs and organisations have been left without a venue since the allweather pitch was closed outside of school hours.

Rush Garda Station works almost done WORKS to reopen Rush Garda Station are now “virtually complete”, according to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Pascal Donohoe.

In answer to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy Louise O’Reilly (SF), Minister Donohoe confirmed that “minor snagging” is currently under way at the station, and that connection to the electricity service supplier is now pending.

Once these measures are finalised over the coming weeks, the reopening of the station will be an operational matter for An Garda Siochana, he said.

Rush Garda Station was one of several nationwide which closed in early 2012 as part of government cutbacks.

The town is now home to more than 10,000 residents, and a vigorous campaign has been ongoing to have the garda station reopened.

Budget up to €269m to manage Fingal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ms Farrelly said: “For the most part, in terms of local government work the best experts are the ones that work for us at Fingal County Council.

“Coastal erosion is a worrying issue which is difficult to deliver on time because it is rapidly deteriorating. External experts have been working with us on this and their work is ongoing.”

A breakdown of the €269m provides €73.6m for housing and building, €47.7m for environmental protection, €45.2m for recreation and amenity, €28.6m for road transport and safety, €18.5m for water services, €31m for “miscellaneous services” and €1.1m for agriculture, education, health and welfare.

It is an increase of €32m from 2019 and is the equivalent of €911 per head of population.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, said: “Despite the challenges we faced we have still been able to provide for a modest increase in services, which shows that Fingal County Council is a well-run and prudentlymanaged council.”

Investment Almost €5m has been allocated for additional i nve s t m e n t i n l o c a l services such as street cleaning, parks maintenance and other operational activities, as well as housing and homelessness.

This sum includes the €2m raised by the decision by councillors in September to only reduce the Local Property Tax by 10%, rather than the full 15%.

A capital provision of €2m has been provided towards the funding of the Swords Cultural Quarter, with more funding for heritage properties and expansion of events activities.

5 December 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

POLITICS: DEPUTY JOE O’BRIEN (GP) TAKES UP SEAT

Fingal’s newest TD focuses on ‘justice for 4,000 homeless kids’ SYLVIA POWNALL

NEWLY elected TD Joe O’Brien says he is ready to hit the ground running as he goes to work for the people of Dublin Fingal.

The Skerries-based Green Party representative, who was elected to Fingal County Council in May’s local elections, topped the poll in Friday’s by election to take the seat vacated by Clare Daly.

Deputy O’Brien said he felt “honoured and privileged” to be taking a seat in Dail Eireann and he pledged to waste no time working for those who voted for him.

He said: “I’m very committed to injecting a bit of urgency into a couple of issues. Primary among them for me is the housing situation.

“We have 4,000 children homeless at the moment and the language around it is the language of normality now, it’s not the lan-

Newly elected Deputy Joe O’Brien (GP), from Skerries

guage of emergency or urgency.

“I’d like to light a fire under that issue.”

Deputy O’Brien also said he’d like to bring “a bit of sincerity” to the climate action debate rather than the “waffle and spin” that currently surrounds it.

He joined the Oireachtas on Tuesday where he voted on a late-night, no-confidence motion against under-fire Housing Minister Eoghan

Murphy, which had the potential to trigger a general election.

Speaking ahead of the vote, he said: “We need something different to happen, and we need to do justice to the 4,000 children who are homeless.

“I couldn’t think of a better reason to go back to the polls than the 4,000 kids who are homeless this Christmas.”

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) congratulated Dep-

uty O’Brien but lamented the fact that Swords is now without a sitting TD in Dail Eireann.

He said: “Dublin Fingal is now represented by three TDs from Skerries, two from Malahide, and none from Swords, the largest town.

“I don’t think that is sustainable in General Election 2020 as, whilst people vote for a combination of reasons, issues, party and geography, you’d have to think that the town of Swords will elect at least one TD out of five, if not two.

“I will once again be asking Fianna Fail HQ to add my name to the Fianna Fail general election ticket.”

Earlier this year, FF’s n a t i o n a l exe c u t ive put forward sitting TD Darragh O’Brien from Malahide and Donabatebased Senator LorraineClifford Lee, who came second in Friday’s by election, to contest the next general election.

Pilot community car service is launched in Howth and Skerries A PILOT community car service has been launched in Howth and Skerries under a partnership between Fingal County Council, Local Link and GoCar. The initiative is the first of its kind to be implemented by a local authority in Ireland and is now operational in both coastal towns.

Two electric vehicles have been provided for the pilot scheme, with a positive uptake from volunteer drivers in both Skerries and Howth, who are happy to give up their time to help those in need in their communities.

The service aims to assist those with mobility issues in attending hospital or health appointments and also social activities as well as

The pilot ‘Community Car’ Service by FCC, in partnership with Local Link and GoCar, has been launched on South Strand, Skerries

providing a lifeline for those who do not drive so they can get out and about.

A council spokesperson said: “This very often isn’t an option

for those who live rurally or have no local bus service available to them, or declining mobility may be preventing them from using public transport.

“This new service will be invaluable in meeting their needs and helping to combat social exclusion.”

Louise Edmonds, programme manager for Fingal Age Friendly, said: “Age Friendly Fingal are delighted to work with Skerries Age Friendly Town committee in addressing some of the transportation needs of people in their area.”

To book a seat in the community car, contact Local Link at 046 907 4830, or email flexibus@locallinklmf.ie.

FASTNews

Plush penguin and Tesco Tendering team up to help Temple St begins to widen road TESCO is calling on Fingal shoppers to join in its festive fun days on December 6 and 7 to help raise vital funds for sick children this Christmas.

Seasonal cheer is set to top the shopping list with a Christmassy cake sale, fun face painters, limited edition festive floral bouquets and Jingles the Penguin soft toys (inset), all

in aid of raising much needed funds for Temple Street Hospital.

Tesco customers and colleagues can also support the little heroes of Temple Street by purchasing limited edition festive floral bouquets.

Participating stores include Blanchardstown, Balbriggan, Clarehall, Malahide, Rush, Swords and Swords Express.

The Baldoyle-Portmarnock Greenway project hits a snag

THE Baldoyle-Portmarnock Greenway project has hit a snag and will be delayed for a number of weeks due to flooding.

Construction works were hit after drains overflowed, affecting the timeline for delivery of the new 1.8km coastal cycling route, which was due for completion last month.

An internal Fingal County Council email reveals that “the contractor hit two field drains when putting in the service corridor underneath the pathway”. The mail goes on to say that groundwater “is gathering in the lowest point in the landscape”.

There have been ongoing issues with the project, which may now not open this Winter. The council anticipates that the route will be open by May.

FINGAL County Council has commenced the tendering process for a main contractor to undertake road widening of the Park Road south from St Maur’s GAA Club to the Kenure Lawns residential development in Rush.

Site works, due to start in Spring, will see the construction of footpaths, cycleways, foul and surface water drainage, landscaping, public lighting, a signalised pedestrian crossing, and ancillary services proposed to facilitate further housing developments on the adjoining lands.

Matthew McAleese, director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure, said: “This project is of strategic importance to the town of Rush as it will open adjoining lands to further development.”

The project will improve traffic flows along the Park Road and facilitate further housing and amenities.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 5 December 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Aidan and Emma Green

David, Josh, Kyle and Lynne McGlynn. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Holywell parkrun celebrates

A

LARGE crowd attended the Holywell junior parkrun’s 100th event in Swords last week.

Each Sunday between 9am and 10am, Holywell Park in Swords becomes a

Sarah Wade

hive of activity as dozens of people get together to engage in junior parkrun, a free weekly 2k run which is open to children of all abilities aged between four and 14-years-of-age.

Adam Butler. Gretta Streimikyte, Caitlin O’Neill, Louis Bouvier

Sean, Daniel and Emily Brien

5 December 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

FASTNews

MALAHIDE: BRAVE CLAIRE’S JOURNEY COMES TO SUDDEN END

Illness forces mum to drop out of hit RTE health show SYLVIA POWNALL

Portmarnock Ladybirds thrilled by 25th ‘birthday’ LADYBIRDS, the youngest members of the Girl Guides, celebrated a special ‘birthday’ in Portmarnock recently when they helped celebrate the local Ladybirds’ 25-year anniversary at Blackwood Lane as part of Girl Guides Ireland.

Since its founding

25 years ago, the local Ladybirds group has gone from strength to strength, introducing lots of girls in the area to the ideals and organisation of Guiding, as well as having lots of fun with old and new friends at the weekly meeting.

Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

THE first leader chosen for Operation Transformation 2020 has had to withdraw for “medical reasons”.

Barber Claire Beakhurst from Malahide was given the devastating news last week after routine blood tests pointed to an underlying health condition.

The mum-of-one is now unable to take part in the upcoming series after doctors detected an “anomaly” which was later diagnosed as an overactive thyroid.

Originally from Drimnagh, Claire was the first of five leaders to be announced by RTE and said her five-year-old daughter Ellie inspired her to apply for the show to be a good role model.

The 31-year-old has

Dr Sumi Dunne comforts Claire Beakhurst as she’s advised to discontinue taking part

worked as a barber for 11 years, and has now purchased her own franchise of The Grafton Barber.

After learning that she could not continue her OT journey, Claire revealed her thyroid condition, adding: “I was unaware that I had

any symptoms. Now I’m going to Beaumont Hospital for further tests and scans.”

OT medical expert Dr Sumi Dunne met with Claire and explained why she could no longer take part, as medical manage-

ment of the condition now needs to be her priority.

Dr Sumi said: “Casting for OT is paramount with a rigorous multi-faceted process, which includes detailed online application forms, research calls, house visits and a GP visit

to include blood pressure checks and blood tests.

“Very occasionally, these tests will reveal some results our candidate won’t be aware of. In this instance with Claire, the blood tests indicated a possible anomaly.”

She continued: “The health and well-being of all the leaders is of the utmost importance for me and the team. For Claire, medical management of this condition and appropriate care is now the priority.

“As Claire will need to commence treatment, it is prudent for these medical reasons that Claire steps back from the OT journey of 2020.”

Claire will now be replaced by mum-of-four Tanya Carroll (33), from Glanmire in Cork.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 5 December 2019

PLANNING: LOCAL CONCERN OVER POTENTIAL IMPACT ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES

An Bord Pleanala refuses to deal with Clonsilla high-rise application SYLVIA POWNALL

Artist’s impression of part of the proposed build at Porterstown, Dublin 15

AN BORD Pleanala has refused to deal with an application to build 211 high-rise apartments and an underground car park at a strategic site in Clonsilla.

D u b l i n d eve l o p e rs Kimpton Vale Ltd had applied directly to the board for a Strategic Housing Development on land at Windmill in Porterstown, Dublin 15.

Howeve r, A n B o rd Pleanala wrote to Fingal County Council’s plan-

ning department last week informing it that the application would not be processed and that the developer had been informed.

The site has been the subject of several planning applications and the latest one raised concerns locally over plans to open up an emergency road at St Mochta’s Drive.

Vowing to raise the issue at council level before the board rejected the application, Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) said it was

ringing alarm bells.

He stated: “I’m not sure what would constitute an emergency, how this road would be opened up in an ‘emergency’?

Guarantees “ W h a t g u a r a n te e s would be given that this would not be opened up on a permanent basis?”

He added: “This is the second major development for the Clonsilla Road, with the Clonsilla link road works starting this week.

“There is a concern for traffic and the capacity for the existing road infrastructure.

“I certainly welcome sustainable and affordable developments. We need housing units as soon as possible; however, ‘sustainable’ is a key aspect of all future developments.”

An Bord Pleanala said it had “decided not to deal with the application” in accordance with Section 8 (3) of the 2016 Planning Act. On its website, Kimp-

ton Vale had outlined its plans to build 211 apartments in four high-rise blocks, one to be “part eight-storey”, on a site adjacent to existing housing at Windmill.

It stated: “Vehicular access will be via the existing access roads serving the Windmill development, an emergency access is proposed to St Mochta’s estate ... and pedestrian/cycle connections are proposed to Diswellstown Road and Sheepmoor Lane.”

IT boost for busy Baldoyle Library SOPHIE O’Reilly gets to grips with one of the new tablets at Baldoyle Library as Fingal County Council enhances its digital IT infrastructure throughout its library network.

An injection of capital from the Department of Rural and Community Development paved the way for enhanced services with new meeting spaces, tablet lending devices and ‘magic table’ software which can display interactive games designed for people with dementia and children with sensory issues, to cater for library users of all ages.

Be Entangled by a Rush group’s great new panto FOLLOWING on from the success of last year’s sell-out panto, Aladdin, Rush Panto Group are delighted to take to the stage over Christmas with the superb show, Entangled.

It tells the well-known story of long-haired beauty Rapunzel with a nice variety of song and dance – and plenty of the usual audience banter.

Audiences can look forward to some quirky plot twists along with some customary one-liners, love-

able panto characters and evil baddies.

Director Barry Kavanagh said: “The swell of excitement in the area is palpable again this year with locals delighted once again not to have to trek to the city for a panto experience, with all of the entertainment available right on their doorsteps.”

Family tickets are available online at www.millbanktheatre.com, or by calling 01 843 7475.

5 December 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

EROSION: FRUSTRATION OVER INACTION AS WINTER BITES COAST

Every storm seems to take a piece of Portrane with it – locals SYLVIA POWNALL

RESIDENTS living along The Burrow in Portrane are bracing themselves for a Winter of destruction after the latest storm wreaked havoc along the coastline.

Cllrs Paul Mulville (SD) and Adrian Henchy (FF) raised the matter at the council’s annual budgetary meeting, calling for emergency measures to protect householders.

The local authority is finalising a report proposing long-term solutions – but funding from the OPW and the National Parks and Wildlife Services is crucial.

Cllr Henchy told Dublin Gazette: “I was absolutely shocked following the overnight high tide and rapid deterioration along the Portrane coastline.

Now, every high tide and every storm seems to take

another piece of Portrane with it.

“I have spoken with residents of The Burrow and I can only say that I am equally as frustrated and exasperated with the slow and total lack of progress in properly addressing this issue once and for all.

“My thoughts go out to the residents living along The Burrow who now, at every high tide, are left in the distressed situation of not knowing what further damage has occurred.”

One house along the dunes, which was deemed unsafe and evacuated in 2017, was demolished earlier this year and residents are worried that their homes will suffer the same fate.

Concrete ‘sea bee’ bollards installed along the beach last year have failed to make much impact on

coastal erosion.

The council carried out an on-site inspection last week and has agreed to install the sea bees at their current location, and to install further rock armour between Piper’s restaurant and Seaview Park.

Fingal County Council has also allocated €500,000 in its budget for 2020 to spend on coastal erosion measures, but Cllr Henchy fears it is not enough to stem the “horrific” invasion.

He warned: “We are now well past the time for further inspections or more visits from government ministers. It’s action that is urgently required, and a lot less talking.

“The patient and tolerant people of Portrane have now had enough and they deserve so much better than this.”

Mantas Ambraziejus and Gerard Strong

Blanch CTC students have successes at ESB awards

TWO students from Blanchardstown Community Training Centre (right) tasted success at the ESB Creative Tech Awards 2019. Craig Kinch scooped the top prize in the Best Design category and Sarah Nkenge was shortlisted in the same group.

ESB Creative Tech Fest is a nationwide initiative that allows young people to experience and share new digital

technologies.

Craig, Sarah and their colleagues also took part in workshops to develop their digital skills.

This helps them to build links with the digital industry, which will increase their chances of getting a job when they finish their course in Blanchardstown CTC. Craig said, “I’d like to thank everyone involved especially Gavin, my Blanch CTC tutor.”

Donabate getting ready for a Christmas Lights Festival

Heartbreak as erosion strikes at another coastal home

St Mary’s praises Applegreen, Baldoyle school partnership ST MARY’S Secondary School is delighted to announce its partnership with Applegreen, Baldoyle.

The retailer’s partnership with St Mary’s began in May, 2018 with sponsorship of the annual sports day and a close working relationship has been built with teachers Mr Fennell and Mr Burke from the school’s sports department.

The partnership was strengthened at the recent unveiling of new honour boards in the school foyer.

Listing the ‘head girls’ and ‘deputy head girls’ from the past couple of decades, the display is an invaluable memorial

FASTNews

to the long tradition of St Mary’s in providing second level education to Baldoyle and its surrounding areas.

The display was unveiled by outgoing Applegreen Baldoyle manager Mantas Ambraziejus, and new current manager, Gerard Strong.

School principal Dr Edel Greene spoke on how the honour boards were a wonderful addition to the school building and thanked Applegreen for its generous sponsorship.

She added that the display will in years to come be an invaluable testimony of the links between St Mary’s and the local community.

PREPARATIONS are well under way for the Donabate Christmas Lights Festival this Saturday, December 7.

Festivities start at noon in Donabate Parish Hall with the Christmas Craft Fair. Santa Claus will arrive to the hall at 2.30pm, and he will have a quiet, Autism-friendly half-hour until 3pm. All the other kids are invited to visit Santa and his workshop in the hall from 3pm.

Donabate Town Centre will host a market of local businesses in the afternoon, with raffles, prizes, food-tastings and much more. The Christmas lights event itself will start at 4.30pm in the car park of St Patrick’s RC Church.

The festive lights are sponsored by Karl Harte and CP Electrical & Security, which has been installing the display for more than 25 years. This year, the proceeds of the charity collection will go to Temple Street Childrens’ Hospital, and Action Aid Ireland.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 5 December 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Engr Kennedy Amaech and Laura Ikeobi

Performers

Rebecca Omokaro and Susanna Komolafe

Vire Komolafe and John O Hwhumiakpor

Josephine Agukwe and Esther Onolememen

Annual Nigerian Diaspora event T

HE annual Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation Europe - Ireland (NIDOE) Conference and Gala Night took place at Lutrellstown Castle Hotel Resort, Castleknock last week.

The event discussed issues of concern to Nigerians abroad

Abidemi and Ololade Adeniyi

Jennifer Ogedegbe and Tolu Olaniyan

Prince Niyil Oyewole, Chairman Dotun Adegbesan and Adeeyo

The Hadiza and NiNiona Families. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

as well as those surrounding the Diaspora role in national development.

The occasion, tagged “Our Fabrics of Tomorrow”, will also feature cultural displays and the celebration of Nigerian home-grown fashion industry.

5 December 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Rachel and Millie Tierney Cutting the ribbon

Iceland opens 27th store in Blanch T HE opening of Iceland Ireland’s 27th store took place at Mountview Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown bringing 38 new, jobs to the area. Just in time for Christmas, the new flagship store at just over 11,000 sq. ft., will stock hundreds of big brands as well as festive favourites such as traditional party foods, the perfect Turkey Crown; delicious sprouts and indulgent seasonal desserts. The new store also offers a convenient free home delivery service.

Maeve Clarke and Phoebe Boylan

Santa and Mrs Claus arriving at the Pavilions. Pictures: Fintan Clarke

Alison Farrelly and Claire Foley

Santa Claus arriving at the Pavilions

Jacinta Lynch and Michelle Norton

T Ollie Cundill and Suri Cochrane

Helen Berney from Blanchardstown who was first through the checkout pictured with Iceland Blanchardstown Manager Candice Lee and staff member Donna Morgan. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Corrina Cunnane and Arleigh Clarke

HE Pavilions in Swords kicked off the festive season in style with the arrival of Santa last week.

Santa boarded a train taking him around the lower mall before heading off to his

newly-appointed grotto where he’s set to be in residence for the season to meet and greet children from Swords and beyond to find out what is on their Christmas wish list, this year.

Katie Sherwin, Ellis, Daisy and Dermot Carpenter

Lawrence Laffan

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

DUBLIN GAZETTE EXCLUSIVE EXPOSE ON VULTURES FUNDS: PART 5 OF 7

Dealing with vulture funds This week we give you advice on all you need to know when dealing with Vulture Funds.

In researching this piece, Padraig Conlon spoke with several legal and property experts, among them Edmund Honohan, Master of the High Court.

Here is what we’ve learned…

DUE PROCESS All you ever need to know ...

Three important reminders: 1. Have you done an Affidavit?

2. Have you done an Affidavit?

3. Where is your Affidavit?

It’s a fast track process.

You will not be allowed to give sworn evidence in person unless you’ve filed an Affidavit.

If you don’t file an Affidavit, it could be game over.

The County Registrar can order an Eviction.

But if an Affidavit is filed, the case must be transferred as a “defended” case, to a Judge.

You can appeal the Registrar’s Order (10 days).

Ask the Registrar for a Witness Summons returnable for the Hearing before the Judge; naming the MABS official you have dealt with up until now.

You will probably get a letter from the solicitor telling you not to attend Court, and isn’t that strange?

Following the crash, they changed the Rules of Court so that you wouldn’t be allowed to give evidence from the

(Ironically, you do not need a new Affidavit to do so!)

TENANTS witness box.

Nice one! Happily, some judges choose to ignore those changes.

But don’t expect the judge to do your work.

That’s not their job.

Even if it’s obvious that you need an Adjournment, for instance to read a new Affidavit just handed to you, you must ask, and he will not prompt you.

He, or she, may not even give you the reasons you’ve lost the case though failure to do so means he/she’s in breach of your entitlement under the European Convention on Human Rights.

You have only 10 days to appeal the Judge’s Order to the High Court.

This affects you too.

So, if your Landlord mortgaged the house as a “buy-to-let” investment, he may be in arrears.

Even if you’ve paid the rent, you may get a letter from a “Receiver” giving a deadline to leave.

Do you have any rights?

Think of it this way: the Bank or Vulture Fund is your new Landlord.

They must follow the Law and deal with you under the supervision of the PRT. And guess what: 70% of these “Notices to Quit” have been found to be in breach of the rules.

So, if you get a “Notice to Quit” don’t just hand back the keys - talk to THRESHOLD.

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

What to do - Where to go - Who to talk to Some tenants may not be confident that in Ireland a Landlord cannot just throw you out and change the locks.

It’s true, they can’t, and there are plenty of NGO’s who will be happy to help you.

Only time will tell if you must vacate. In the meantime, sit tight.

EVICTION Could it be your turn?

The small print says: “if you fail to make your payments when due your home is at risk.”

That was true then, and it’s true now.

Whoever owns your loan, owns your home.

That’s the law. If you can pay off the loan, you get back your home.

But, you’re in arrears and you’re still there: how come?

It’s simple: nobody wanted to evict you.

The banks didn’t, the building societies didn’t, the Government didn’t, and even (sometimes) the Judges don’t.

Until now the lenders (“mortgagees”) followed guidelines (a “code of conduct”) set by the Central Bank and many agreed a “restructure” of payments.

Sometimes the borrowers (“mortgagors”) agreed a voluntary surrender of the house, or just walked away.

The Government rewrote the Insolvency Laws, and a few borrowers have done “arrangements”.

Even when the lenders objected the Court has the final say as to whether you get to keep the house, and on what terms.

(You will need a Personal Insolvency Practitioner for this.)

Another option suitable for some was the Government’s Mortgage-to-Rent scheme, but it hasn’t worked, as planned.

WARNING

A Vulture Fund has bought your Loan.

There’s the new problem, the Vulture Fund now actually wants to evict you.

It owns your house and wants you out so it can be sold on to someone else, at a handsome profit.

Best offer they’ll make to you is: “Give us the keys and we’ll write off your debt.”

If you can do that, fine, but you may be refused public housing afterwards.

If you are in need of further advice please contact MABS, the State’s money advice service, who will help guide you through dealing with problem debt. MABS is free, confidential and independent and can

be reached MABS Helpline 0761 07 2000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) For a call back from the helpline, email: helpline@mabs.ie

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

DUBLIN

STYLE P20

NEW HONDA CIVIC PACKS IN A VERY IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF FEATURES P21

MAGAZINE

MUSIC P19

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

Water spectacle!

DUBLIN Port’s Harbour Master, Captain Michael McKenna, and his daughter, Bella, were delighted to help welcome DPC Tolka – Dublin Port Company’s new pilot boat – as she arrived at the port recently. The state-of-the-art vessel (in orange, top left) will be able to reach larger vessels in all kinds of weather conditions at Dublin Bay, helping to guide them safely in. With the DPC Tolka’s importance to both the port and the capital alike, she was given a superb welcome by a flotilla of vessels as she made her confident way across the bay to the port.

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

ROSCOMMON: LIVE – OR STAY – LIKE A KING OR QUEEN IN AN IDYLLIC COUNTRY RETREAT

Cloontykilla Castle set to offer the ultimate dream staycation in 2020 PADRAIG CONLON

THE popularity of shows like Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey make many of us dream of being king or queen of a castle.

Roscommon native Sean Simon also had a head full of those dreams – and he’s working on making that dream a reality for guests at Cloontykilla Castle, Roscommon, from the middle of next year.

A successful acting career in musicals and theatre productions in London’s West End, as well as appearances in several major movies, gave Sean the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream in the place where he grew up.

Talking to Dublin Gazette, he said: “When I was a child, I told my parents that one day I’d have the money to buy the two castles, known as Cloontykilla Castle and McDermott’s Castle, in Lough Key Forest Park.”

Originally from nearby Boyle, he had played among the ruins of Cloon-

tykilla Castle, known locally as Rockingham Castle, when he was a small child.

Built in 1839, the castle was designed by famous architect John Nash, who also designed Buckingham Palace, and was built

by Lord Stafford King Harman.

The Stafford King Harmans left Ireland in 1957 after a fire destroyed the living quarters in Rockingham Castle.

Sean bought the two castles from the Irish Forestry Board in 1997 with the dream of restoring the once great buildings to their former glory.

So began two decades of hard graft, which have pushed Sean to the very limits.

He said: “It has been a very interesting and challenging project as both castles had been abandoned and neglected and were in ruins.

“I’m currently turning Cloontykilla Castle into a magnificent five-star luxury retreat that will be a completely authentic

There has been lots of interest in the ambitious project, driven by Sean Simon (seen above, right, with Kevin McCloud, the presenter of Channel 4’s Grand Designs on its initial focus on the project some years ago). Such was the enormous interest in that episode, Grand Designs is returning for a follow-up episode next Summer. Screengrabs: YouTube

experience.

“If you’ve ever wanted to have your own castle for a week, then it will be the place for you!

“When I open in the Summer [2020], guests will be able to rent the castle and experience what life was like in the 13th Century, but with 21st Century luxury touches such as underfloor heating, and so on.

“It will be a fantastic venue for small private weddings, and parties, set among the most beautiful countryside, that is abundant with wildlife.

“There’ll also be horse riding available, and wonderful country walks, as

well as a private harbour with access to the Shannon.

“It’s a great concept. It’s not a hotel, there’s no bar, and no restaurant – it’s a private castle you can rent out.

“If you need anything

from a chef to a driver, we can organise all that, no problem at all. There’ll be a phone number for guests to call if need be.”

His work on Cloontykilla Castle has even featured on the hit Channel 4 show, Grand Designs, in 2012.

Sean proudly said: “That show had the highest-grossing viewership in the history of the programme, and the production team are coming back for a return show next Summer.

“It’s a massive deal – that episode is available on US Netflix, and was watched by 107 million people, coast to coast, in the USA! “I can’t wait for people to come and experience Cloontykilla Castle. It is going to be something they have never, ever experienced before.

“This historical experience is not something currently available anywhere else in Ireland, and will leave guests with unforgettable memories.”

Cloontykilla Castle is due to open next Summer.

For further information, see https://cloontykillacastle.com/.

Architectural render showing how the magnificent project should look upon its completion: Picture: NYD

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

TAKE A BREAK, AT HOME OR AWAY Celebrating the best of the best in the travel sector THE Irish travel industry’s prestigious ‘Oscars’ took place recently, with the 28th annual Irish Travel Trade News (ITTN) awards celebrating the best movers, shakers, airlines and agencies and much more at work in the Irish travel industry. Pictured are Ciara Foley, Austin Carroll, Paula Cross, Michael Coffey, of Platinum Travel (with Neil Steedman, ITTN, secondright) – members of Platinum Travel, which scooped the 2019 ITTN Travel Agency of the Year award at the black tie event at the Clayton Hotel. Picture: Paul Sherwood

You could stay at a Generator hostel in Barcelona (above), London, Copenhagen, Paris, Rome – or even right here in Dublin, in Smithfield – with a 20% discount

Hostels generate a cool 20% discount SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor ‘BLACK Friday’ has been and gone, with the American-influenced shopping day casting a spell over travel, too, with many agencies and operators offering a range of Black Friday deals recently.

However, not to be outdone, all kinds of postBlack Friday travel deals are also available at the moment, and for those

looking for something that could be a bargain break – especially for anyone coming up from down the country – Generator hostels are currently offering 20% off stays, both here and internationally.

With Generator Smithfield already proving particularly popular for ‘staycationers’ on a budget – as well as for people jetting off to the Generators scattered across many of Europe’s capital cities – it’s

hard to argue with a cool 20% discount, especially as pre-Christmas shopping trips loom.

The sale promotion is live with bookable dates up to March 28 next, and applied automatically at check-out; reservations must be made at least three days prior to arrival date, for a minimum stay of two nights, and is subject to availability.

For further information, see staygenerator.com.

American Holidays celebrates a move over to new setting at Exchequer Street AMERICAN Holidays recently officially celebrated the formal opening of its new offices in Exchequer Street, following its move earlier this year from its long-established offices just off Grafton Street.

Now located at No 16, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, the new American Holidays offices builds on the expertise built up by the company’s travel experts from many years of presenting some of the best deals and destinations for Irish visitors to America.

Bladhana Richardson, head of marketing with American Holidays, said, “With this new store, we really wanted to create a unique experience for our customers.

“Every member of our team, throughout the entire business, has

collectively visited every part of the United States – so, it’s safe to say that there isn’t anyone on our team who can’t provide you with a tailormade getaway to America.”

With the major office move behind them, the American Holidays team are busy at work focusing on the dream trips available in its recently launched 2020 brochure.

For further information on the office and the 2020 deals, just see www. americanholidays.com.

TRAVEL

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

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

COOL AND QUIRKY THINGS

BITS & BOBS

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

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@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.

RTE presenter Blathnaid Tracy and RTE 2FM presenter Tracy Clifford joined Craig Fitzgerald and Matthew Murtagh, of Irish band (and previous nominees) The Academic, to help launch the RTE Choice Music Prize 2019. The RTE Choice Music Prize Live Event will take place on Thursday, March 5 next in Vicar Street, where it will continue to champion Irish music. Picture: Maxwell Photography

Unlucky crook targets Viking treasure leads two Bikers gather to elderly bodybuilder’s men straight to ... prison smash a record A HARLEY Davidson enthusiast home – big mistake! TWO Englocal corogathered 3,497 motorcyclists in A HOME invader in Rochester, New York got more than he bargained for when he tried to burgle an 82-year-old bodybuilder’s house..

According to a local news station, Willie Murphy was enjoying a quiet night in when a man showed up at her front porch.

The man told Murphy that he was injured and asked her to ring an ambulance. Murphy picked up the phone to ring 999 but smartly didn’t let the man into her house.

While on the phone, Murphy heard a loud smash and returned to her sitting room to see the man trying to break in.

Unlike many 82-year-old women, Murphy is well able to handle herself in a physical altercation and proceeded to beat the man with a wooden table, forcing the robber out of her home with bruises and a broken ego.

lish metal detectorists are facing jail time after uncovering Viking t re a su re – believed to be more than 1,000 years old – but tried to keep their find (inset) for themselves.

Under British law, any treasure found by detectorists that is believed to be more than 300 years old must be reported to a

ner to be processed and valued.

However, George P o w e l l a n d L ayton Davies aroused suspicion with the valuations on the “old treasure” that they found, with Herefordshire police soon detecting the detectorists’ true haul.

Powell and Davies were sentenced to 10 years and eight years respectively.

Texas last week to break the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Harley motorcycles.

Adam Sandoval said he started trying to break the record in 2010 and ended up with three failed attempts before Saturday’s event, which involved the help of Paris HarleyDavidson in Paris, Texas.

Sandoval said he wanted to bring the record back to the United States after learning the previous record was set in Greece.

A Guinness adjudicator was present at the Cox Field airport tarmac, the location of the gathering, to count the bikes participating in the parade.

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog of the week is MaxMali, a very intelligent and handsome seven-year-old Belgian Shepherd.

He loves cuddles and pets as well as a game of fetch! He is looking for a quiet home with no other pets so he can lap up all the attention for himself.

Max-Mali would love his future family to be quite active so they can bring him on adventurous walks to sniff out new places.

He also loves keeping himself busy with brain games and putting his clever

brain to use by doing basic training and learning new tricks. Max-Mali will make an amazing companion and will be a very loyal friend to his future human best friend.

If you have room in your heart and home for Max-Mali 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.)

max-mali

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WELL WORTH A LISTEN

ENTERTAINMENT

A slow act of musical poetry JAMES HENDICOTT

PERHAPS the strangest thing about David Keenan’s wild developmental story – still unfolding slowly after years of slow-building to the heights of an Olympia Theatre headline slow – is how long it’s taken the Dundalk man to release an album.

Keenan (right) is an intense character; his words flowing with the considered, poetic bent of someone who’s spent a lot of time thinking about what the world means, and his own place in it.

Talking to him about his music is a strange experience, uncomfortably intimate at times, having a top-class songwriter look you in the eye and talk off the cuff in a way that isn’t

all that dissimilar to the way he delivers his lyrics.

The album, A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery, is now just around the corner, being due just after Christmas, and is very much a long-term project.

“It’s a consequence of living,” Keenan says of his record. “It’s a kind of bookmarking of a certain period.

“There are songs on the record from four years ago, and others I wrote this year.

“They’re a by-product of my own individuality, so in a way they’ve been developing since I was a child.

“A collection of things have aligned. I’ve been releasing EPs for a couple of years, with the intention of getting a body of songs that tell a story.

“There’s a lineage between each song, but they have to have their

own personality, too. It’s the story of my evolution, moving to Dublin, finding a stride, the emotional journeys.

“It’s also been about getting the right band, and recordings that I was happy with. That was a

lot about getting people I trusted into the band.

“I did it live, and that was important to me. Life isn’t click-tracked.”

The product is a brave, coherent album that’s a certain early contender for 2020 Album of the Year

consideration.

It’s been a long time coming, but Keenan is a good bet for 2020’s great Irish breakthrough.

David Keenan plays The Olympia Theatre on January 13, with tickets priced at €25.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

HOME & STYLE

Keep your home looking cool this christmas WHILE DECORATING your Christmas tree each year is a major tradition, the way we are decorating it today has become anything but!

People are saying goodbye to their flimsy tinsel, and multicoloured lights and instead, giving a big warm welcome to bold and often themed décor.

People are creatures of habit and don’t like change but guess what – your interior does!

It’s okay to be afraid of change, but sometimes change might be exactly what your interior both needs and deserves!

Lucky for you, EZ Living Furniture are giving us their top tips to make the most out of our themed Christmas decorations.

Ready for some themed tips? Let’s get started!

1. Start the season off right!

In order to make the most of your theme, it is important to invest in a tree that’s durable and will withstand the festive season (and the surprisingly heavy baubles!).

Whether you invest in a green tree or a frosted white one, your tree will set the tone for your theme!

2. Theme your Tree!

Before you start decorating, pick one central theme that everything can be tied to. Themes

don’t have to come from a colour, they can also have many different sources such as shapes, patterns, symbols, and even moods. Pick a theme and stick to it!

3. Light it Up! Start with the lights first.

Whether you decide on warm yellow hues, multicoloured lights, or sparkling whites. Weave your lights from the top of the tree right down to the bottom and work your way back up. Make sure to test the lights before you start on your baubles as lights will be the most intricate part to redo.

4. Balance your Baubles!

In order to create the most aesthetic look, EZ Living Furniture are suggesting you invest in 3 different sized baubles.

This will add flair to your tree!

5. Theme it with a Topper!

In order to really perfect your theme, your tree topper should be the perfect finishing touch!

Invest in a show stopper that you will be proud of!

After all, it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation!

For more information simply log onto ezlivingfurniture.ie , or call into any of EZ Living Furniture’s Christmas departments Nationwide!

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE

(L-R) A Nu meet-up in London, humble beginnings in Trinity College, and founder Aisling Byrne

Become a Nu you with this innovative new app  Rachel D’Arcy IRELAND’S FIRST clothes sharing app launched in Dublin this month, taking a step in the sustainable direction.

Fo l l ow i n g a n e x te n s ive amount of testing during the Summer, the app – Nu – brings the model of clothes sharing to Ireland for the first time.

Billed as a social network for women looking for an unlimited revolving wardrobe, the app was created by Dubliners Aisling Byrne and Ali Kelly.

Speaking about the app, Aisling Byrne, said: “Creating a sharing economy for clothing means that pieces that might have gathered dust at the back of Dubliner’s wardrobes get to see the light of day.

“As Irish women ourselves,

we’re guilty of keeping our ‘good’ clothes for special occasions and then never wearing them. We want to take the stress out of finding nice outfits for special occasions and to encourage our members to get the most out of their wardrobes.”

Back in 2014, Aisling and Ali went to India on the Suas volunteer programme and saw first-hand the reality of the fastfashion industry. When they returned to Dublin, they struggled to find affordable alternatives to fast-fashion brands.

Both feeling isolated in their efforts to make more conscious fashion choices, they decided they needed to make a change.

What began as an idea became a reality from late 2017.

Building a Squarespace website for women at Trinity College, the site allowed students to share ball

BeautyBITS

Penneys launch their own shopping Monopoly game with Hasbro What does a thimble, a dog and a brown shopping bag all have in common? They’re all included in the Penneys MONOPOLY game, released just in time for Christmas!

Penneys MONOPOLY sees players take a shopping trip, as they buy and build Penneys stores. Fill your baskets with amazing fashion at amazing prices, and race through the changing rooms.

The game is available for €22 from Penneys stores across Dublin.

gowns ahead of Trinity ball.

Roaming the Trinity lecture theatres, Aisling asked for photos of outfits that students would be willing to share for the upcoming ball. Up they went on the Squarespace – with students coordinating swaps over WhatsApp. With 350 sign-ups and 60 swaps in three weeks, Nu had proved that the model could work.

The web platform launched in September 2017 and people outside of Trinity could now upload and share their clothes online with the growing Nu Community. Nu recruited brand ambassadors and began to build student communities across the UK and Ireland.

Aisling said: “We want to offer Irish women an alternative to fast-fashion. Nu encourages friendship, sharing and actually wearing our clothes with a goal to extend the life-cycle of our

favourite pieces. Looking good doesn’t have to cost the earth.”

The app aims to create communities of women across the country who can share their much-loved, but little-worn, items of clothing. Women of all ages and sizes can use the app to share clothing for upcoming events such as weddings, Christmas parties and work events as well as day-to-day and streetstyle fashion.

To track the environmental impact of the Nu app, Aisling worked with the London Waste and Recycling Board to develop a detailed impact calculator allowing members to track their carbon, waste and water offset each time they borrow and lend pieces on the platform.

Find out more about Nu: https://www.thenuwardrobe. com/ or follow Nu on Instagram.

Ireland’s First Cannabidiol Massage Treatments launched in Dublin spa The Buff Day Spa in Dublin will became Ireland’s first spa to offer cannabidiol massage treatments this week.

The CBD oil is mixed with massage oil, allowing it to absorb quicker as part of the therapeutic massage process. Minor aches and injuries respond well to the new technique, as does chronic pain like arthritis, according to Heidi Grimwood of CBD Spa. CBD Spa works in conjunction with CBD Ireland Online, more information can be found on https://www. cbdspa.ie/.

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

MOTORS

REVIEW: NEW VERSION IS A PROUD ADDITION TO A 40-YEAR HERITAGE OF QUALITY CARS

Honda Civic Sedan 1.0-Litre VTEC impresses with ease DECLAN GLYNN

BUILDING on its 40-year heritage, the all-new Honda Civic Four-Door Sedan stays true to the original Civic concept of “a car for all people, a car for the world”.

The new car is a marriage of distinctive design, sporty styling and versatile practicality – with a renewed focus on rewarding driving dynamics.

The all-new Civic has been engineered from the ground up to fulfil the promise of agility on the road, while also having the ability to turn heads with its striking design language.

A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell complements the car’s lower centre of gravity, while a sophisticated new suspension system contributes to an engaging and fun driving experience.

The new Honda Civic Four-Door Sedan stays true to its roots, but the revamped model also packs in innovative features alongside its power and comfort

FACT BOX

1) 126bhp 2) 0-100km/h in 10.6-seconds 3) Dynamic performance 4) Low fuel consumption 5) Annual road tax just €190 The new Civic debuts an all-new 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine that has been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience,

and a comprehensively revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which delivers outstanding real-world efficiency and refinement.

The new Honda Civic Sedan is available in two

lavishly equipped trim levels – Smart Plus and Premium, while all models come with Honda Sensing as standard.

Featuring a collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, intelligent speed limiter, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition, this innovative suite of advanced safety and driver assis-

Advice to maximise your EV’s battery life DECLAN GLYNN

FOR the growing number of Electric Vehicle (EV) owners in Ireland, the good news is that there are a raft of techniques, and technology, to increase how long your battery lasts.

This guide should help you to achieve more distance per charge from your battery.

Intelligent braking Electric cars come with ‘regenerative braking’ technology. This is where the electric motor is used to slow a car down, and in the process, this recharges its battery a little.

However, EVs also come with traditional braking systems which use normal brake pads pressing against brake discs to slow you down – which wastes energy as heat, due to the friction involved.

Most electric cars use regenerative braking as much as possible, but will also use the traditional brakes under heavy braking.

To recapture as much energy as possible, you should avoid pressing too often, and too hard, on the brake pedal – unless you have to avoid an unexpected obstacle, of course.

Stop stopping This doesn’t mean flying across every T-junction and ignoring red lights.

It means trying to avoid coming to a complete standstill as much as possible, because getting an electric motor turning from rest puts strain on the batteries.

In reality, this means keeping the car moving if you’re approaching a roundabout and can see no one is coming, or keeping moving when joining another road – provided you can see no other cars are there – rather than stopping on a slope and having to do a hill start.

Drive in someone else’s slipstream When driving along, your car is faced by a wall of air which,

depending on speed, can put up quite the fight to be moved out of the way, limiting your range in the process.

However, when driving on motorways, if you can stay relatively close to the vehicle in front (preferably a larger one), albeit far enough back that you can have enough space to slow down if that vehicle slams on the brakes, you can let the vehicle in front do all the work of pushing stationary air out of the way.

This leaves you with ‘clean’ air, which is much easier to drive through, therefore helping to boost your range as your car faces less wind resistance.

Windows up Aerodynamics are a large influencer in how efficient a car is at turning energy into distance travelled. A good general rule to boost your range is to drop the windows down at low speeds to cool the cabin down, and use air-conditioning briefly at higher speeds.

tance technologies ensure the new Civic is among the very safest cars in its class.

My review car was a Honda Civic Sedan 1.0litre Turbo (petrol) Smart Plus model which looked amazing in stylish Lunar Silver metallic paint.

Key equipment in this model includes a leather multi-function steering wheel, 17” alloy wheels,

climate control automatic air-conditioning, auto wipers, electrically retractable door mirrors, driver seat lumbar support and front and rear parking sensors.

Other features included Honda CONNECT with GARMIN Navigation, two USB/HDMI inlets, front fog lights, alarm system, Bluetooth, and Low Speed Following (CVT/9AT

transmissions only).

Honda’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is optional in petrol engine guise, while Honda’s wonderfully smooth 9AT (9-speed automatic transmission) is available as an option with the diesel engine.

Pricing for the most sophisticated Civic sports sedan ever starts at just €27,750

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 December 2019

DUBLIN SENIORS

This week, we look at housing aid, the grants for physical activity and the dangers of falls and fractures

Housing Aid for Older People Scheme

Sports grants to promote physical activity in older people The Go for Life National Grant Scheme is celebrating a momentous allocation of funding for sporting activities in older age-groups.

The grants scheme, a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland, will distribute over €300,000 across 1,084 groups.

This allocation brings the total grant fund allocated to date to over €6 million.

The National Grant Scheme provides an accessible and enjoyable means for older people in communities nationwide to reap the health rewards from doing physical activity.

Brendan Griffin, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, said: “I am delighted to see that almost €300,000 has been allocated by Sport Ireland to the Go for Life grants to over one thousand groups this year. This means that 33,000 older people will take part in sport and physical activity as a direct result of this grant scheme.

“Over the last eighteen years, the National Grant Scheme funding has supported and empowered thousands of groups of older people to get more active more often and the record number of applications this year shows the continued importance of the scheme for groups throughout the country. Go for Life is doing a wonderful job of providing opportunities for older people to enjoy all the benefits that participation can bring.”

Karen Smyth, CEO of Age & Opportunity, said: “Today’s grant funding is helping us create an Ireland, where all older people are more active and more connected and the allocation of grants ensured clubs and groups from all walks of life could benefit from the scheme.”

Of the successful funding allocations, 243 grants were awarded to Active Retirement Associations, 278 grants were awarded to Irish Countrywomen’s Associations and 21 applications were made

by Local Sports Partnerships.

Other funding allocations included: 33 Men’s Sheds’ groups; 2 Women’s Shed’s groups (for the first time); 11 Arthritis Ireland initiatives; 16 Irish Wheelchair Association groups; and activities for 22 Family Resource Centres.

The Grant Scheme is part of Age & Opportunity’s ‘Go for Life’ programme, funded by Sport Ireland, and delivered nationwide with the support of Local Sports Partnerships and the HSE.

THE HOUSING Aid for Older People Scheme is used to improve the condition of an older person’s home.

In general, it is aimed at people 66 years of age and older, who are living in poor housing conditions. However, in cases of genuine hardship the local authority may assist people under age 66.

If you have a disability and your home needs to be adapted to make it more accessible, the Ho u s i n g Ad a p ta t i o n Grant for People with a

Disability or the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme may be more suitable for you.

VAT refunds are available on aids and appliances used by people with disabilities. This refund scheme also applies to the cost of installation work.

Rules Local authorities have been instructed that only essential repairs should be undertaken to make the property habitable for the applicant.

Local authorities vary as regards what type of work they will grant aid

under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme. You should check with your own local authority to see which types of work its scheme will cover.

The type of work that is grant aided can include some or all of the following: n Structural repairs or improvements n Dry-lining n Repair or replacement of windows and doors n The provision of water, sanitary services and heating

n

ing

Cleaning and paint-

n Radon remediation n Re-wiring

n Any other repair or improvement work considered necessary.

Many older people may be eligible for the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme. However, priority will be given to people on the basis of financial need.

Means Test Your total household income is assessed to find out if you qualify for the grant and at what level of

assistance.

When applying for the grant, you must provide evidence of ownership of the property and evidence that the Local Property Tax on it has been paid.

How to apply Download an application form from your local authority’s website or ask for one to be posted to you. Contact the Housing Section of your local authority for information about the eligibility rules in your area, which may differ from those in other local authority areas.

NATIONAL FALLS AND BONE HEALTH PROJECT FALLS ARE a challenge for older people and a significant and costly cause of injury. The original AFFINITY project commenced in 2013, to deliver the vision described in the National Strategy for Prevention of Falls and Fractures in Ireland’s Ageing Population.

The senior stakeholders agreed in the latter half of 2016 that the project needed to be re-focused in light of changes in HSE structures, and the need to significantly scale up implementation of falls and fracture prevention.

AFFINITY 2018-2023 has been set up to bring renewed focus, coordination and clear direction to the spectrum of falls and fracture prevention service

improvement initiatives currently underway in the community, and within acute services across the country.

Aim Reducing harm from falls requires not just a single discipline or service, but rather a whole community and a range of services including health services.

The aim of the AFFINITY

National Falls and Bone Health Project (2018-2023) is to coordinate the development of a comprehensive falls and fracture prevention system.

Such a system involves all parties focusing on a common agenda of reducing falls and fractures and their impacts, by bringing together and integrating primary prevention, secondary prevention and rehabilitation

as well as measuring outcomes collectively.

The intent is to increase awareness of the preventable nature of falls and to enable older people, communities and health and social care providers to reduce the risk and rate of falling where possible, to reduce the severity of injuries and to promote the best possible outcomes for people who have suffered a fall-related injury.

Further information on AFFINITY 2018 - 2023 is available from: Eileen Moriarty, HSE Lead on Affinity National Falls and Bone Health Project Telephone: 021 4923194 Mobile: 086 7871707 Email: Eileen.Moriarty@hse.ie

5 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

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Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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SOCCER P29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

PICTURE THIS: FOOTBALL: GAZETTE SPORT looks

back and salutes Jim Gavin’s remarkable reign as Dublin senior football manager from the early days through to a sixth All-Ireland senior title in seven attempts in the spring.

Not only an incredible success on the field, the Round Tower, Clondalkin man’s tenure will be defined by doing so with quiet dignity.



GAZETTE

HOCKEY P28

PAGE 31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | LEINSTER MAKE IT SEVENS PRO14 WINS IN A ROW

Cullen hails Byrne as Warriors tamed by changed fifteen  sport@dublingazette.com

CIAN Kelleher and Ross Byrne combined to do all of Leinster’s scoring as they quashed Glasgow Warriors’ lightning-quick start to record a 23-10 result in their first Guinness PRO14 win at Scotstoun Stadium in seven years.

It made it seven wins from seven for the province in the Pro 14, building an eight-point gap at the head of Conference A over Ulster.

Byrne converted Kelleher’s 30th and 34th minute tries and fired over three penalties, including a vital second half brace of kicks, as Leo Cullen’s youthful side – showing a full 15 personnel changes from their Lyon trip – recovered impressively from some early setbacks.

Glasgow full-back Ruaridh Jackson scored two tries of his own, the first while Leinster’s Hugo Keenan was in the sin-bin. Yet, the Warriors lost their grip on a 10-3 lead as Kelleher’s snappily-finished efforts moved the

visitors seven points clear.

Coach Leo Cullen picked out Byrne for special praise for his performance in the overhauled Leinster side.

“Ross Byrne was a bit unlucky in playing in that [World Cup warm-up] match against England at Twickenham,” Cullen said. “It was a tough day for him but he’s come back and he’s been outstanding for us. I can’t speak highly enough about him. He’s one that will push on.

“We’ve got a very competitive group of players. We picked guys who were highly motivated to come over here and do a job for the team. And they were excellent today. It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means but they each showed a lot of character.

They dug in well for each other.”

Plenty more changes are in the pipeline for the next fixture as the Heineken Champions Cup returns against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

For that tie, there have been a number of injury updates. Fergus McFad-

Leinster rugby coach Leo Cullen. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

den (elbow) was a replacement in the win over Glasgow Warriors on Saturday and trained as normal after coming through with no issues.

Josh Murphy (head) and Peter Dooley (knee) were withdrawn in the same game.

Murphy will now follow the graduated return to play protocols under the supervision of team medics while prop

Dooley will be further.

Joe Tomane has recovered from his hamstring injury and has returned to full training ahead of the back-to-back games against Northampton Saints.

Rory O’Loughlin (shoulder) will again increase his training load and will be further assessed while Seán Cronin remains unavailable for selection as he also increases his training

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 5 December 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

CASTLEKNOCK Nov.29 – Congrats to Senior Footballer James Sherry MISPC on opening Somerton Physiotherapy in the new Clubhouse. This is a great new service for Club members and the local community in general. Appointments 085-2455600.

Nov.30 – New Club Chairman Kevin O’Shaughnessy’s first official function sees the launch of our new Juvenile jerseys sponsored by DNG Castleknock.

Well done to everyone involved in the U-13 footballers Charity Match in aid of the Gavin Glynn Foundation in Somerton. Special thanks to referee Luke McCann and the team mentors Ben Harding, Luke Swan, Daniel Murphy and Conor Murray from our Championship winning Minor team. Giving back.

Best wishes from everyone in Castleknock to Jim Gavin on his retirement as Dublin Senior Football team Manager. Jim’s contribution to Dublin football has been immense and we are indebted to him for all that he has done for the game in Dublin in recent years.

Dec.1 – In spite of a real battling display Castleknock’s U-18 Camogie team lose the Div.1 Shield Final 2-6 2-16 to St. Vincent’s to bring down the curtain on what was otherwise a terrific year for Camogie in the Club. Please note: All Club pitches are closed for matches and training from Dec.1 until Jan.13 at the earliest. Looking forward to seeing you all back playing again in the New Year.

FINGALLIANS AGM 2019: A big thank you to the outgoing committee, who did not go forward Tony Gordon, Brendan McGrath, Aidan Scully, Paul Webster, Paul Carney and Nicola Fitzgerald. Tony put his life on hold over the last 4 years bringing the club to a new level, leaving a proud legacy of stability and success, both on and off the field.

New Chairman: The club will be chaired by Colin Foley. Colin who hails from Co Offaly, has been a club member for the last 25 years. He has previously been involved with teams at juvenile (both boys & girls) and the adult section.

To contact Colin please email chairperson.fingallians.dublin@gaa.ie U16 Hurlers: We tasted victory last weekend in the D championship v Cuala in Abbotstown. These players have a phenomenal team spirit and attitude and have continued to work hard despite setbacks along the way. Beaten finalists in last year’s championship and runners up to Cuala by the narrowest of margins in the league this year they

kept to their task and finally got their due rewards in an impressive 3-12 to 0-9 win. A combined panel of 25 players competed throughout the competition with great support from the U15s.

Squad Graduation: To cap a great year off, our U16’s were honoured in the club, on Saturday evening. The 2003 squad with 43 active players will now start their adult careers. This is the first time, U16’s played both Division 1 hurling and football. A big thank you to the team of coaches led by Paul O’Neill.

Jim Gavin: The club would like to wish Jim all the best, in retirement after stepping away from the 5 in a row winners, on Saturday morning.

GAA Draw: The draw was officially launched at the AGM on Thursday evening.

All tickets are € 10 each and are available from team managers & the club bar.

All funds will stay in the club. For any additional information please contact the draw co-ordinator derrydmurphy@gmail.com The club is hosting a Valentine’s Ball on February 14, 2020 in the Carlton Hotel.

SOCCER: PORTERSTOWN CLUB GET BACK WITHIN RANGE OF

Knock storm to fourstar win against Cabo DDSL UNDER-15 MAJOR Cabinteely FC 1 Castleknock Celtic 4  sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic raided Kilbogget Park to land their second win of the DDSL Under-15 Major season, lifting them back into range of the leading sides in the division.

The sides had shared their last meeting 2-2 and, playing away on the southside astro pitch, it meant Cabo fancied their chances against the visiting Knock.

With 20 minutes gone, Sam Dunne’s throw-in resulted in a cross into the box which was met by James Browne whose deft touch lifted the ball over the keeper and into the roof of the net.

With the lead, Celtic pushed for a second resulting in the Cabo keeper making a number of good stops, most notably from a shot by Harry O’Reilly

Warren O’Callaghan’s free kick finds the net for Castleknock Celtic’s Under-17 side.

following Ryan Sherlock’s defence splitting pass.

Concerned that Celtic’s habit of fading in games could be an issue, the coaches urged their charges to stay focused and build on their first half performance.

It was evident a goal for either team could be game changing. Sherlock saw a header hit the crossbar before Celtic got the allimportant goal courtesy of Keane Tiernan.

And what a goal it was.

Taking the ball on halfway, he eluded a tackle before, from the edge of the box, placing the ball with absolute precision into the bottom right hand corner with his trusty left foot.

Phelim Scott, who had come out of goal for the first time in two months to play in his favoured striking position, burst through soon after following another fine ball by Luke Hughes and was only

denied by a magnificent last ditch tackle.

Moments later, Tiernan on another mazy run, was taken down inside the box but the referee awarded a free for an earlier infringement. Up stepped Scott whose shot hit the crossbar but Sam Dunne had followed up to volley home.

Another goal was inevitable and Browne duly delivered with his second and Celtic’s fourth with a

screamer from 20 yards.

Celtic were in dream land but with everyone going forward they were caught on the counter allowing Cabinteely the opportunity to score with a well taken and well deserved consolation goal.

In the Under-17 Premier DDSL division, Celtic put five past a plucky Leixlip United in Porterstown Park. Zeke Okirikpo, Daniel Clejan, Ciaran Eccles,

Scott Daly and Warren O’Callaghan goals earned the points for Celtic.

Warren’s free kick was one of the highlights of the game as he curled his shot over the wall and into the corner of the net.

Castleknock Celtic holds its Academy for 4-7 year olds in Porterstown Park beside the clubhouse on Saturday mornings at 10am; new members welcome.

Sweeney the North Star

Dublin North’s Adrian Sweeney. Picture Adrian Boehm

ADRIAN Sweeney’s hat trick gave Dublin North their second win of the men’s Leinster hockey Division One season as they got one over Weston 3-1.

His deflection put them 1-0 up in the 10th minute and he followed up with a sweet reverse past Dave Carroll. A third came just after half-time before the Lucan side got into gear and pressed high up the field.

They forced a number of penalty corners and Conor Murphy scored off a switch; they continued to make most of

the play but North kept them out to keep it at 3-1.

Elsewhere, Portrane were too strong for Bray with a 5-1 success that lifts them up to fourth place in the table.

Mukhtar Ahmad netted twice with Imran Khan, Stephen Rogan and Sean Graham weighing in with the other goals.

Having struggled last term, the purples are flying high in their centenary year and they could potentially move into the top three on Saturday should they get the better of fifth placed Rathgar.

5 December 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

MAJOR LEADERS

SOCCER: HHFC, PORTMARNOCK AND SKERRIES BOW OUT

Glebe North’s senior side. Picture Bernie Farrell

Glebe and Swords into Metro sweet 16

METROPOLITAN CUP  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Mulhuddart get Spar boost for Academy MULHUDDART FC’s academy received their new sponsored jerseys from Spar, The Crescent, Mulhuddart.

A representative from Spar, The Crescent, commented: “We were delighted to be able to support Mulhuddart FC who are such an integral part of the local community. The smiles on the children’s faces said it all when they received their new tops! We are a local, community store and are thrilled to have been able to give back to the community.”

Members of the academy, coaches and mentors are pictured with Spar’s Luke Mooney.

GLEBE North and Swords Celtic progressed to the last 16 while Hartstown Huntstown, Portmarnock, and Skerries Town bowed out in a mixed week of Metropolitan Cup action for Fingal sides.

Glebe scored nine goals in succession – seven of them in the second half – to see off the challenge of HHFC at the Market Green on Friday night.

The Blanch side had actually taken an early lead but two goals in as many minutes swung it back into Glebe’s favour by half time.

And Ian Foley’s side ran riot in the second half, putting another seven past a beleaguered Hartstown Huntstown backline to run up an impressive 9-1 scoreline.

There was no shortage of drama in Swords, either, as the home progressed thanks to a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over St Kevin’s Boys.

With the tie scoreless at the break, it was Kevin’s who took the lead five minutes into the second half when Eden Burke profited from some tidy build-up play to slot home.

Swords hit back 13 minutes later when Andy Bermingham curled a spectacular shot into the net from outside a box, and it remained level following extra time.

The sides scored their first two penalties apiece, and it was Kevin’s who blinked first, missing two of their spot-kicks to bow out.

Portmarnock were comfortably beaten by fellow Sunday Senior side Maynooth University Town as goals from Conor Foley and Cillian Duffy saw the students through.

And Skerries Town were dispatched by reigning champions Crumlin United as Jake Donnel-

ly scored twice to see the away team to victory.

Meanwhile, the draw for the FAI Intermediate Cup last 16 has pitted high-flying Malahide United away to Sunday Senior 1 side Home Farm.

St Mochta’s face a trip to Collinstown of Clondalkin should they see their way past Ballymun in the rescheduled game at the weekend after the initial fixture was rained off.

Likewise, Castleknock Celtic will have to overcome Sunday Senior leaders Bangor GG in their rescheduled tie if they are to set up a trip to Cork and Ringmahon Rangers.

The tie had been originally scheduled to go ahead two weeks ago but an issue with a double-booked pitch meant it had to be deferred. Verona will face a home replay against Leeds of Cork, after the initial tie finished 1-1 on Leeside.

Dickson and Waddilove in contention

49ER WORLD CHAMPS  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

WORLD Under-23 bronze medallists Robert Dickson (Howth YC) and Sean Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) got their Olympic qualifying campaign off to the perfect start in New Zealand as they won race one of the 49er world championships.

The pair are at the start of the ir senior

careers together and so getting a strong overall finish in the top half of the 89-strong fleet is the initial goal.

But they started in dream-like fashion when they recorded that race win on Auckland Harbour after high winds delayed the schedule initially.

The pair went on to place 12th in the second race and they also landed a third place fin-

ish on Wednesday afternoon which helped them to sit on the edge of the gold medal fleet and still in the mix to win one of the four nations places to Tokyo 2020.

Sailing conintues on Thursday with three more races to be contested from which the gold, silver and bronze medal fleets will be determined.

“For Rob and Sean, chipping in top three results confirms their

potential and augurs well at this early stage of their senior level career,” said

Sailing Ireland high performance director James O’Callaghan.

The two Irish 49er boats on practice day in Auckland

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 5 December 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

SKERRIES HARPS

CONGRATS to our Minor Camogie team on their B Shield win over Ballinteer SJ 1st December! Well done to the team and mentors on a great achievement.

ZINGO RESULT Sun 1st Dec: Zingo result 6-7-2-4-3-5-1; No winners of Jackpot.or Dividend. Next draw Sunday 8th Dec Jackpot will be a fantastic €7900, Dividend €200. In house draw every week in the build up to Christmas! Envelopes still €2 or 3 for a fiver. Thanks to all who support the Zingo every week. Play online www.skerriesharps.ie/zingo.

A great day was had at our last Academy for 2019 last Sat 30 Nov when we enjoyed a special visit from Santa for all the boys and girls !!

Well done also to our Juvenile players from u8-u16 who were recognised for their achievements during 2019, and a special congrats to the players from u13 to u16 teams who received Player of the Year and Most improved players awards! Many thanks to all those who helped organise, set up and tidy up after the event.

This was followed by our Mentors and Volunteer Appreciation night, another great event on the club calendar , thanks to the organising committee for all their effort and hard work in putting together a great social event!

Christmas Draw takes place 22 December in the Clubhouse - tickets available from Joanne, Fergal or any committee member - cash prizes and hampers up for grabs for only €5 !

Thanks to those who attended the 2019 AGM last Thurs 28th - details of the incoming executive committee will be available via our social media platforms this week. Many thanks to those who have stepped forward for 2020.

The club extends its deepest sympathy to the Fay family, on the sad passing of Raymond this weekend. May he rest in peace.

ST BRIGID’S OUR ANNUAL Club AGM for 2019 will be held this Sunday evening at 6.30pm (8th December, 2019) in Russell Park and all members are asked to attend. Another date for your diary is 14th February, 2020 - Our Club Dinner Dance in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown and tickets are now on sale from Yvonne McCormack (0868548282), Paula Jackson (0872858574) and Elaine Curtin (0872025129). It promises to be a great club night!

Hard luck to our Minor B Camogie team who lost out to St Kevins in the Shield Final last Sunday!

Congrats to our 7 Senior Hurlers who won Dublin Bus/Evening Herald Blue Stars after a fine season.

Try our new St Brigids Clothing range this Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm in Russell Park with O’Reilly’s! Orders placed at the weekend will arrive in time for Christmas! The latest time for Christmas orders is December 9th at 11pm.

Any items ordered via the Club Shop by then will be available for collection on Saturday (21st) and Sunday (22nd) of December in Russell Park between 10am and 12noon.

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot last week. Our next Jackpot rises to €7,600 and will take place this Friday, 6th December in Myos. Get your tickets from our usual sellers, in the club bar on play online via our website!

Our Club Nursery, in association with Sherry Fitzgerald continues this Saturday

morning INDOORS in our Club Hall from 9.30am with our GPO Colm Schwer. This will be our last Nursery before the Christmas break when we return on January 11th. All boys and girls aged between 4 and 7 are welcome, especially new families! Just arrive down and speak to any of our friendly coaches or email us at; Pro.stbrigids. dublin@gaa.ie for more information.

Last week saw current Dublin football star Ciara Trant and All-Ireland winner Elaine Kelly bring the Brendan Martin Cup to the club for a girls juvenile section evening of celebration.

Juvenile Handball Training, which is open to current and new juvenile players, continues every Wednesday evening at 7pm in Russell Park! We’ll have our Handball Coaches on hand to support all new players and introduce them to the game! Everyone is welcome! Contact Enda on 086 8288308.

St Brigids Christmas Tree Sale continues this Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm with stands, wreaths and lights also on sale!

Check out all the details on our website and social media pages!

Our Annual ‘Married vs Singles’ St Stephen’s Day Football Match will take place this St Stephen’s Day at 12noon in Russell Park! Contact Bren Farrell (0877547962) to confirm your place!

Keep up with all our news on our website www.stbrigidsgaa.com, our free to download Club App and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

LADIES FOOTBALL : THIRD LEVEL DIVISION 1 FINAL

DCU retention hopes dashed HEC DIVISION ONE FINAL UL 3-10 DCU 1-7  CÓILÍN DUFFY sport@dublingazette.com

DCU failed to make it back-to-back wins over UL, as the Limerick University impressed throughout to deliver Gourmet Food Parlour Higher Education Ladies Football League Division 1 honours in Stradbally, Co Laois on Tuesday night.

In dry, but cold conditions, UL blazed a trail from the off, and led by 1-1 to 0-0 after just four minutes, with Kerry’s Hannah O’Donoghue netting a goal, before her Kingdom colleague Niamh O’Connor pushed UL four points clear.

DCU weren’t without their early scoring chances, but the usually accurate Aishling Moloney mis-fired in the opening minutes, before claiming DCU’s first score, with an eighth minute pointed free.

The Tipperary ace finished with five of DCU’s points, including three of their four first half scores, with Cuala’s Jennifer Dunne also on target, scoring a 25th minute point.

UL’s Eimear Scally finds the net despite the best efforts of DCU’s Jennifer Duffy.

Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

‘Gourmet Food Parlour Player of the Match’ Eimear Scally netted UL’s second goal before the break, as they claimed a 2-6 to 0-4 interval lead.

UL captain Shauna Howley grabbed her side’s third goal on the restart, and despite DCU’s best efforts they never fully

NEW SPONSOR Castleknock’s big DNG boost

CASTLEKNOCK unveiled their

new juvenile boys jerseys this week at Somerton Park as they look forward to a smart start to 2020.

The youngsters from the club showed off their skills in the new blue and gold kit with DNG coming on board as marquee sponsors for the section of the club as they look to continue their growth as a major player in the county’s upper echelons.

Picture: shay hogan

got to grips with this game.

DCU grabbed a 61st minute goal from substitute Roisin McGovern of Foxrock-Cabinteely, but it came too late.

Along with Dunne and McGovern, other Dubs to feature for DCU on the night included Naomh

Barróg’s Laura McGinley; Hannah Hegarty of St. Jude’s; Clontarf’s Niamh Hetherton and Aisling Mu r p hy o f Fox ro c kCabinteely. Cuala’s Rachel Hartnett and Grainne O’Driscoll, along with Foxrock-Cabinteely’s Katie McNally were also part of the DCU squad.

5 December 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: JIM GAVIN CALLS TIME ON HISTORIC REIGN AS DUBLIN SENIOR MANAGER

Meeting with fans at his homecoming in Clondalkin in 2013

Dublin manager Jim Gavin celebrates the 2017 success with his children Jude and Jasmine. Pictures: James Crombie/ Inpho

The Dream-maker S

Dublin Gazette Sports Editor Stephen Findlater conducts the first one-on-one interview with Jim Gavin following his appointment in November 2012.

Gavin celebrates with Brian Fenton after the 2019 final. Picture: Oisin Keniry/Inpho

ELF sacrifice, commitment, respect, perserverance, hard work. These are the things I have always believed in.”

Jim Gavin’s words to the Dublin Gazette just two weeks into his tenure as Dublin senior football manager would be the underlying principles that guided his incredible reign, culminating in their five in-a-row success earlier this year.

In total, he would bring six All-Irelands, five national leagues and seven Leinster titles to the capital. More than the trophies, the Round Tower, Clondalkin man did so with a quiet dignity, deflecting the spotlight to the players that so delighted the Hill, always showing respect and integrity toward the opposition.

2018 final celebrations.

Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

He was also a man who gave prominence to the essence of Dublin as a city, something for the marquee team to reflect in the way they played, to pay tribute to Molly Malone and the rare auld times. Stories abound of taking the squad to the top of the Guinness Storehouse to survey their city; or, at the start of the 2019 campaign, when the players were brought to the Clonturk Road scene in Drumcondra of Dublin’s very first All-Ireland win in 1892.

IT gave the team an inherent sense of place, a sense of purpose, a commitment to be part of greatness of what it means to be a Dub.

Hill 16 salutes their heroes in 2013

Gavin applauds the support after the 2013 final

Gazette SPORT DECEMBER 5-11, 2019

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Dublin toasts Jim Gavin’s legendary reign as boss  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Jim Gavin, after he called time on his involvement as Dublin senior football manager on Saturday, following a meeting with Dublin GAA CEO John Costello.

In a statement on the shock move, Dublin GAA Chairman Sean Shanley paid tribute to the “five-ina-row” All-Ireland winning manager.

“Dublin GAA will be forever grateful to Jim Gavin for his dedication, commitment and contribution as a player and, since 2003, leading the next generation of players at Under-21 and Senior level,” Shanley said. “I regret his departure but appreciate the huge sacrifices he has made over this period.”

The statistics are staggering. In 107 competitive games across the All-Ireland and Leinster Championships, and the Allianz Football League, 86 wins were produced, resulting in 18 titles out of a possible 21.

In addition to the five-ina-row, under Gavin’s tenure, Dublin also claimed Sam Maguire in 2013.

They went unbeaten under his stewardship in Leinster, picking up seven provincial titles in-a-row – along with five Allianz Football League Division 1 titles including a four-ina-row between 2013 and 2016; and a further success in 2018.

Gaelic Players Association CEO and former Dublin player Paul Flynn, who

Jim Gavin steps away leaving a remarkable legacy of five All-Ireland titles in a row.

Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

“He has not only driven the standards for

Dublin GAA, but also intercounty teams all over the country“ retired from inter-county football last May, was among those to pay tribute.

“He has not only driven the standards for Dublin GAA, but also intercounty teams all over the country,” he said.

These were sentiments echoed by Barry Cahill.

“He was so meticulous about his preparations and how he went about his business. “ He l e f t n o s to n e unturned in how he approached things, and

he was very meticulous in how he went about it.

“The results speak for themselves, not just what he has done in the past seven years, but the previous four years with the Under-21s also.”

Jim’s home club Round Towers Clondalkin will host a special “members only” event to pay tribute to him this Saturday.

The club toasted Jim and fellow club member Frank Roebuck, who has also been involved with Dublin under Gavin.

“What has been achieved by Jim is unprecedented. This is testament to the huge responsibility he has undertaken to meticulously prepare the team for each of the challenges it has faced and to ensure players receive the best preparation and support.

“For the past decade, Jim has been keenly involved in preparing Dublin teams.

We are forever grateful to Jim for the role he’s fulfilled in promoting our club and the Clondalkin com-

munity with great honour.

“We also take this opportunity to pay tribute to our very own Frank Roebuck, who has been an integral part of Jim’s backroom team and has undertaken huge personal sacrifices to support Jim and the team.”

Meanwhile, Dublin GAA have already begun the process to seek Gavin’s successor.

It’s expected that the new manager will be announced next week, on or before December 12 - the date of the annual

Dublin GAA Convention.

On Monday night at a meeting in Parnell Park, a sub-committee to interview potential candidates was proposed, and it is likely that committee will be rubber-stamped by the County Committee tonight (Thursday).

Interviews with potential candidates are set to take place this weekend with former All-Ireland Under 21, and Minor winning manager, and ex-GPA CEO Dessie Farrell among the forerunners.