Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

YEARINREVIEW: What a year that YEAR

was – so take a last look back at 2019 with our extended review, inside P6-11

Fingal Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Happy New Year!

SPORT

YEAR IN REVIEW:

Join GazetteSport to look back on another memorable year for local sport, from club to county and beyond. SEE P28-31

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Coming right after our Christmas wishes, we’d like to again say “Thank you” to all of our loyal readers and advertisers for your support last year!

We wish you all the very best for 2020.

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Lusk Lotto win gives gran a 2020 windfall €100,000 win leaves woman shocked

SYLVIA POWNALL

A DUBLIN gran has pledged to give her family a Happy New Year after winning €100,000 on a scratch card on Christmas Day. The lucky woman won one of the top prizes on the National Lottery Christmas

EE FR

DublinGazette JANUARY 2-8, 2020

Countdown after her nephew bought her the winning scratch card as a Christmas present.

Her festive windfall came thanks to a scratch card bought at SuperValu on Station Road in Lusk – and she wasted no time in collecting her winnings.

Sitting in the winners’ room at Lotto

HQ in Abbey Street, she said: “I still cannot believe it. Every Christmas I always get a couple of scratch cards as presents and never won a thing, and then to win this amount!

“The Christmas Countdown card is so big I scratched half of it initially and put it away to finish later, as the house was full of relatives and we were chatting away.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

For Fionn A LITTLE boy who died almost one year ago had his life and legacy honoured by a spectacular fundraising tractor run at the weekend.

Fionn’s Parade of Lights saw 200 Christmas light-decked farm vehicles take to the roads, fundraising for three charities close to Fionn’s family’s heart.

SEE PAGE 3

New bike sharing scheme to roll out A BIKE-sharing scheme that’s already been a hit in parts of Fingal is set to be rolled out in Dublin 15 in the near future.

Fingal County Council wants to extend the BleeperBike service, which allows cyclists to use dockless ‘smart’ bikes with inbuilt GPS technology, to Clonsilla, Blanchardstown and Damastown.

The scheme has already proven a hit with cyclists in Swords, Malahide and Howth.

SEE PAGE 2

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 2 January 2020

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TRANSPORT: BLEEPERBIKE SERVICE TO BE EXTENDED

Bike sharing scheme to roll out over D15  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

A BIKE sharing scheme that has proven a hit with cyclists in Swords, Malahide and Howth will be rolled out across parts of Dublin 15 in the near future.

Fingal County Council wants to extend the BleeperBike service, which allows cyclists to use dockless ‘smart’ bikes with inbuilt GPS technology, to Clonsilla, Blanchardstown and Damastown.

Officials told area councillors they were looking for “suitable locations” to operate the scheme and were open to suggestions.

Cllr Tania Doyle (Ind) welcomed news that Clonsilla was be ing

Pictured launching BleeperBike in Fingal in 2019 are Hugh Cooney (Bleeperbike), Niamh Russell, Fingal County Council (FCC), then Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Anthony Lavin and Andrew Nolan (FCC). Picture: Orla Murray SON Photo

included as it is close to the railway station on a busy route which will take more traffic when apartments and houses come on stream along the Hansfield Strategic Development Zone.

She added: “Is there any talk about Hartstown/ Huntstown, because there is a huge amount of traffic around Hartstown/ Huntstown, in around the schools there as well?

“If we are looking to

encourage less cars, to get people onto bikes ... children could cycle to school.

“A lot of people have said they would love the bike scheme to be in that area so they could cycle down to the station.

“If we could link up Hartstown and Huntstown as well, I think it would be a huge achievement.”

Bleeperbike users can register via a mobile phone app, scan the code

to unlock the bike, park at any cycle stand near their destination and lock the bike manually.

The dockless bike sharing company faced early teething problems with Dublin City Council delaying their launch in 2018 until relevant by-laws were adopted.

They have also suffered losses, with a number of bikes thrown into the canal and the River Liffey, leading to a ban on usage at Goldenbridge and Suir Road.

L a s t ye a r, a p i l o t scheme for 50 bikes across each borough was introduced by South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, with FCC following suit.

Privately owned campuses which also agreed to try out the stationless bikes include Citywest Business Park, UCD and DCU.

Mighty Marty helps do his bit for Dublin Simon THE one and only Marty Morrissey met superfan Noreen Sheehan, from Castleknock, at Grafton Street recently, where the dapper RTE Broadcaster was helping to launch the Dublin Simon Community 24-Hour Carolathon.

The noteworthy event was a festive fundraiser for the charity, with Marty using his dulcet tones to encourage Noreen and everyone else passing by to dig deep to help Simon’s work with many of the most vulnerable people in Fingal and across the city not just at Christmas, but all year round.

Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

FASTNews

Tesco centre sold for a rumoured €160m THE Tesco distribution centre in Donabate (above) has been sold by its South African property fund owners to South Korean investor KTB for a rumoured €160 million.

The 788,000sq ft warehouse, which is Ireland’s largest building, changed hands in what is the biggest single-asset logistics transaction ever to have taken place in the Irish market.

Following its original development by Tesco in 2007, the Donabate distribution centre was sold immediately in a sale-and-leaseback deal to Abatewood, a consortium assembled by the professional services group, KPMG. The warehouse benefits from a lease guaranteed

by Tesco Plc until 2032 with annual upwards-only rent reviews in line with the consumer price index.

Portrane Airport set works in to trial bag focus for FCC drop-offs FINGAL County Council has been urged to meet with the HSE and members of the Portrane Village Renewal group to draw up a plan for improvement works.

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) asked the council’s chief executive and relevant officials to meet with HSE bosses at the St Ita’s campus and local campaigners to work together on “a number of public realm improvements in and around Portrane village”.

The council replied that one of the objectives of the Fingal Development Plan states that an Urban Framework Plan be prepared for the centre of Portrane village, to include the undeveloped residential zoned land, to guide and inform future development.

The report adds: “The Urban Framework Plan will give consideration to promoting a streetscape along the boundary of the undeveloped land facing outwards towards Portrane Green.

“The Urban Framework Plan will include a Public Realm Strategy.

“The Planning Department have recently commenced the preparation of an Urban Framework Plan for Donabate.”

DUBLIN Airport is set to trial a new initiative providing luggage drop-off points across the city, making it easier to check in for flights.

The service would allow passengers to offload their bags at the secure drop-off points before heading to the airport, reducing queues for check-in.

Dublin Airport Authority has issued a notice seeking interested parties to partner with it on the project.

The notice reads: “An opportunity exists to provide a new remote baggage service to Dublin Airport passengers, facilitating them to check-in hold baggage at locations outside of the airport campus.

“To successfully deliver on our business demands and evolving customer needs, DAA is seeking to invite interested firms to meet as part of a market research initiative to understand the opportunity and the potential capability and experience available in the market.”

The meetings will be held until January 20, with the authority estimating the tender project for the project will be issued by the end of March.

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CHARITY: FAMILY PAYS TRIBUTE TO DRIVERS DOING THEIR PART TO HELP OTHER SICK KIDS

Tractor ‘spectacular’ helps honour Fionn’s legacy to help others SYLVIA POWNALL

THE family of a little boy who died of a rare cancer have described as “spectacular” a charity tractor run held in his memory at the weekend.

Fionn’s Parade of Lights saw 200 farm vehicles bedecked with festive lighting take to the roads visiting Lusk, Rusk, Skerries and Balbriggan to raise funds for three charities which helped him during his illness.

Little Fionn was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at three years and eight months and died at the age of five on January 9, 2019.

The parade was organised with the help of Michael Hoey, of Country Crest, and has already raised more than €8,000 for Aoife’s Clown Doc-

Some of the 200 farm vehicles bedecked in festive lighting as they set off on Fionn’s Parade of Lights, in memory of a little boy (right) who died on January 9, 2019. The colourful parade in Fionn’s name is helping to support three charities: Aoife’s Clown Doctors, Blood Bikes Dublin and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice

Talented Clara, 8, turns ‘A Million Dreams’ into one come true online CONGRATULATIONS to eight-yearold Clara Watson from Balbriggan who has recorded a song and released a video on YouTube.

The youngster has been singing since she was an infant and just before Christmas she recorded her own version of ‘A Million Dreams’, from Hugh Jackman’s hit musical, The Greatest Showman.

Clara got to release the video on December 14 thanks to the support of her family and the help of filmmaker Karl Walsh, and her singing teacher Lora Gilbert of Keys & Strings in Skerries.

It has already racked up thousands of views, with more than 100 comments from supporters.

According to her biography on social media written by her parents:

“Clara loves music, singing, learning songs, and recently, playing ukulele.

She wants to share music with others.

“Clara has loved singing since she was just one year old. One day when listening to the song, ‘I Follow Rivers’, by Lykke Li, Clara started singing along.

“Her mum and dad were so surprised, she sang in perfect time, and key, and she was only one.”

Sounds like this could be a name to watch out for in the future. If you want to follow her progress Clara now has her own Facebook page managed by her parents (see below).

Talented young singer, Clara Watson

Watch Clara’s YouTube video at: https://www.facebook. com/109639417129276/photos/a.109641863795698/134523981307486/ ?type=3&theater

tors, Blood Bikes Dublin and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice.

After the event, his family and friends posted on Facebook: “Spectacular, magical, magnificent are only a few words to describe the amazing evening we experienced at Fionn’s Parade of Lights.

“As the sun set beautifully just before we set off, there was an incredible atmosphere in the air, and everyone had little Fionn in their thoughts.

“Yesterday [Sunday] demonstrated the impact that Little Fionn had on so many. It was Fionn’s favourite things that made this

incredible event happen.

His love for Christmas, lights and tractors combined to create this amazing scene.

“Fionn’s story touched so many hearts. Fionn did a lot in his short little life, and we are pretty sure last night’s parade did him proud.”

Speaking about their “gentle” and “mischievous” little boy who loved the outdoors and farm machinery, his parents revealed that he underwent almost two years of “horrific” treatment as a hospital in-patient.

They wrote: “Fionn never once complained. He

was always a beautiful and kind little boy who had an understanding of humanity and the world way beyond his tender years.

“Fionn always spoke of “a doo” and it was only last Christmas that he told us that ‘a doo is a person who makes other people lovely’.

“We got to tell him before he died that he was the ‘ultimate doo’.

“Fionn died in our arms on the ninth of January, 2019. We are heartbroken and miss him so much.”

A GoFundMe page (Fionn’s Parade of Lights) remains open for the next few days to help support the three chosen charities.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 2 January 2020

ENVIRONMENT: FUNICULAR IS OUT – BUT NEW VISITOR FACILITIES A POSSIBILITY LOTTO

OPW mulling over potential changes at the Phoenix Park SYLVIA POWNALL

A FUNICULAR will not be installed in the Phoenix Park – but driverless shuttles, a train station and new visitor facilities are still planned for Dublin’s green lung.

However, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has said it has “no intention” of developing major retail or commercial facilities, following public consultation on the park’s future.

More than 1,500 people made written submissions on the review, with 4,511 more signing a petition drafted by the Green Party.

Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) lodged a detailed submission warning against the “over development” of the park to the detriment of its wildlife and their natural habitat.

The vast majority of submissions were of the same view, urging that the park should be left largely

untouched and no retail facilities built on its environs.

In March, the OPW published a review proposing new visitor attractions including a funicular, the redevelopment of the Ashtown visitor centre and the Magazine Fort, and new parking and retail facilities.

A report on the public consultation concluded: “A high proportion of the submissions expressed a desire for the park to be left largely untouched.”

Almost 20% of submissions felt the proposals would result in “commercialisation” of the park, with some “strong objections to retail opportunities in the park”.

However, the OPW said existing users found the facilities “unsatisfactory” and it was “not an option for OPW to do nothing in relation to the provision of adequate facilities such

Dubliners have made it very clear that they want to keep the beloved park largely as it currently is

as toilets, water stations, cafe facilities ...”

OPW commissioner John McMahon said plans for developments in the park would be subject to the rigours of the planning process.

He added: “There are

approximately 10 toilets in the park for 10 million visitors a year. There are clear deficiencies in facilities.

“The Ashtown Demesne gets 1.9 million visitors a year, but the visitor centre was built 30 years ago when it got

25,000-30,000 people a year, and there are regularly queues out the door of the cafe.”

The OPW will press ahead with developing plans for the Ashtown centre, and the Magazine Fort, and will undertake

a mobility study in 2020, according to the OPW commissioner.

T h i s m ay i n c l u d e restricting car usage on certain routes to encourage more cyclists and pedestrians to use the park.

Christmas Noel helps put Avril’s mind at rest as lost ring found ONE4ALL employee Avril Travers from Kinsealy was paid an unexpected visit by local An Post Officer Noel Cocoman, who returned a very special lost item to her just in time for Christmas.

Avril misplaced her gold and diamond engagement ring of 23 years while packing deliveries and had lost all hope of finding it.

But luckily Noel found it in a box of gift cards – and returned it in person to Avril at the One4All head office in Swords.

Avril said: “The relief that I felt was like nothing before. I have barely slept since I lost my engagement ring, and was worried that I might have lost it forever.

“I want to thank Noel for making my Christmas.”

€100,000 win for a lucky gran in Lusk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

She beamed: “It was only after Christmas dinner I picked it back up and saw I had matched three fireplace symbols and asked my niece to check what that meant.

“She looked at the back and said: ‘You’ve only gone and won €100,000!’.

“I’m going to share this bit of luck with my family and I hope it brings us a lot of joy in the New Year.”

It tops off a phenomenal 2019 for Fingal after Ireland’s biggest ever Euromillions jackpot win came courtesy of Reilly’s Daybreak in The Naul in February.

The €175 million golden ticket was won by a family syndicate of nine brothers and sisters who cashed in cheques for just over €19 million each.

They later revealed they would not be “going mad” with their winnings, with one pledging to buy himself a new bicycle, and another booking a family holiday.

Shop owner Les Reilly admitted he’d “had to puke” when he learned they sold the winning ticket, which carries a €25,000 reward.

Coast Guard warning over water safety THE Coast Guard have repeated a key message in their end of year message.

They are highlighting the importance of never engaging in any boating activity without wearing a fully serviced life jacket or personal flotation device, coupled with a capacity to raise the alarm.

The Coast Guard cautions that mobile phones should not be considered as a suitable substitute or be relied upon as the only means of emergency communication at sea, as coverage at sea is limited and unreliable.

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 2 January 2020

YEAR IN REVIEW

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2019’S TOP STORIES

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Pic 02 JANUARY: School conditions across Fingal continued to

Pic 03 FEBRUARY: There was a well-deserved gran-tastic win

Pic 01 JANUARY: BT Young Scientist of the Year 2019 Award winner

make headlines across 2019, with tendrils of ivy inside the school

for Kathleen McGuinness, who was crowned the Specsavers

Adam Kelly, with the student from Skerries Community College

joining students at St Finian’s Community College as they waited

Grandparent of the Year for the outstanding care and support

named as the overall winner for his quantum computing project

for a long promised, long delayed extension to be built

she gives to her autistic grandson, Anthony Bisset

Fingal faced another year of tragic deaths, and job losses – but shared joy, too, with top awards, community festivals and fun January

FINGAL Dog Owners Group held a protest in January in a bid to have by-laws restricting dog walking off-leash reversed.

A number of dog owners made their voices known outside a council meeting with several councillors backing their call.

The lobby group remains active and is hopeful of success when Fingal County Council publishes its review of the controversial by-laws early this year.

Tributes were paid to a popular Balbriggan teenager who died in a freak accident just days after Christmas 2018.

Jack Kevitt (17), was remembered at his funeral as someone

who “lived life to the full, bringing joy, fun and craic to his family and large circle of friends”.

Talented footballer and musician Jack – who cowrote the school musical at Balbriggan Community College – died after falling from the roof of a building.

A fifth-year student from Skerries Community College was crowned BT Young Scientist of the Year (Pic 01) at the RDS for his quantum computing project.

It marked the start of a

remarkable year for Adam Kelly (17), whose tool that helps to develop super computers also won him the European Young Scientists Award in September.

It also won an international science and engineering award at SciFest in May, which resulted in him having an asteroid named after him. Watch this space ...

S t u d e n t s f ro m S t J o s e p h’s S e c o n d a r y School in Rush staged a protest outside the Dail to highlight a shortage of

school places, after more than 100 local families were told there was no place for their child in September.

Meanwhile, a number of tenants at Riverwood Hall in Castleknock geared up for a battle after receiving notice to quit, as fears of a mass eviction mounted.

February

IN FEBRUARY, a decision by An Bord Pleanala that will extinguish a long-established right of way in Donabate led to “extreme disappointment” locally.

The walkway at The Paddocks had been used for years as a safe pedestrian route to the local schools, but is now set to be closed off for good.

Tributes were

paid to Skerries teenager Finlay Gannon (19), whose body was recovered from the water at Balbriggan Harbour after a night out with friends.

An urgent meeting was sought with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris by Fingal TD Darragh O’Brien to discuss policing and the “fear and frustration” in communities.

The call came in a week when two 12-year-old schoolgirls were viciously beaten by a gang of girls in separate so-

called Snapchat attacks in Balbriggan.

There was also an attempted abduction in Rush, a robbery at knifepoint in Blanchardstown, three cars set on fire in Malahide, and a spate of tyre slashing.

Devoted gran Kathleen McGuinness won an award (Pic 03) for the outstanding care and support she gives to her autistic grandson, Anthony Bisset.

The 82-year-old from Swords was crowned Specsavers Grandparent

of the Year after 11-yearold Anthony nominated her.

She said: “It is so touching to know that my grandchild is proud of my story, and that he cherishes our relationship.”

A study compiled by the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force revealed that children as young as 10 are dealing drugs in Dublin 15.

The trend report also found that kids as young as eight were involved in distribution, acting as ‘runners’ for dealers and enticed by the promise of easy money.

The month ended on a high for a lucky family syndicate.

Continued on Page 8

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 2 January 2020

YEAR IN REVIEW

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2019’S TOP STORIES IN

A look back at 2019

4

Remember these pages?

Here’s a reminder of our terrific features content LAST year, we ran an incredible amount of feature content, covering everything from film to fashion, travel to taxes, music to motors, eating in or going out.

We also brought you many great supplements on old favourites, such as weddings and education, while our innovative exclusive content – such as

our multi-part analysis of vulture funds – were also a big hit with readers.

Here you can see a reminder of just some of our great pages, features and content from 2019 – and we promise, there’s lots more excellent content coming to you this year, right here in Dublin’s best community paper!

Pic 04 MARCH: Hundreds of people applauded the unveiling of a plaque in Skerries dedicated to the heroes of the Rescue 116 Coast Guard crew, who perished in 2017, with the crew now honoured on the Pole Sea Memorial

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Pic 05 APRIL: Swimming star Jack McFadden was congratulated by Colin Farrell on his return from the

Pic 05 MAY: Garristown girl Brea Mullarkey (9) had

Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, where

a dream come true when she became a published

Jack won two gold medals

author, with her book going on sale in Easons

Continued from Page 6

They won the biggest Euromillions jackpot ever sold in Ireland – bought at Daybreak in The Naul.

The nine brothers and sisters each pocketed cheques for €19.4 million – so they’re probably still enjoying very happy New Year celebrations right now ...

March

BALBRIGGAN residents were left shocked in March to learn of the secret burial of a baby found on a local beach in December, 2018.

Baby Belle was laid to rest in the Angel’s Plot at Glasnevin Cemetery without any ceremony or mourners to accompany her tiny coffin on its last journey.

The north Fingal community had taken her to their hearts and held a candlelit vigil ten days after her lifeless body was discovered on Bell’s beach, 10 days before Christ-

mas 2018.

Cllr Grainne Maguire (Ind) said: “She deserved to be buried in a dignified manner.”

The council was urged to reconsider the route for the Royal Canal Greenway amid claims it would destroy wildlife and encourage anti-social behaviour.

A section of the proposed boardwalk-style walkway that would run directly behind houses in Castleknock proved to be a sticking point, and the local authority resolved to take concerns on board.

A plaque in memory of the Rescue 116 Coast Guard crew killed in a helicopter crash in Mayo in 2017 was installed at the Pole Sea Memorial in

Skerries (Pic 04).

The tribute to heroes Ciaran Smith from Oldtown – as well as Dara Fitzpatrick, Mark Duffy and Paul Ormsby – was inscribed by artist and sculptor Shane Holland.

He told Dublin Gazette: “They were a big part of our life, as much as we were of theirs. The crew would have been very familiar with the area and flew overhead every Sunday.”

April

COOLMINE Musical Society had another successful run with ‘It’s a Kinda Magic’ at Draiocht in early April, with the talented trio of Gladys Coyle (director), Eoghan Con-

nolly (chorus master) and Louise Hudson (choreographer).

The show featured songs from Mamma Mia, Singing in the Rain, and Mary Poppins, with some other surprises along the way, from Disney favourites to Queen anthems.

Sw o r d s r e s i d e n t s heaved a collective sigh of relief when transport chiefs published a revised plan for MetroLink that abandoned the idea of an elevated track.

The original route had proposed running the light rail network ‘on stilts’ right through the town centre and prompted a barrage of protests.

Fingal County Council’s chief executive Paul Reid announced his shock departure for pastures new as he took up the role of HSE director general.

He didn’t baulk at the prospect of taking up the post vacated by Tony O’Brien in the wake of the Cervical Check scandal, and hit the ground running from day one.

Gardai condemned

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

YEAR IN REVIEW

THE FINGAL AREA 8

7

A look back at 2019

This was a blast from our past ...

Pic 08 JUNE: There were many tributes to the late ‘Seal Man of Skerries’, Willy Duff, with his devotion to animals and wildlife touching the hearts of many people of all ages across the area

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Pic 07 JUNE: Newly-elected Mayor Cllr Eoghan O’Brien had a day to

Pic 09 JULY: Derelict buildings in the centre of Swords were facing the

remember on the seventh – just hours after being presented with

chop as works continued to pave the way for the new €26 million Swords

his chains of office, his newborn son, Oisin, arrived a month early

Cultural Quarter, with unobstructed views of the castle

a shooting outside Riversdale Community College in Corduff as community leaders called for an end to feud violence in the area.

Teachers blocked doorways and the school went into lockdown after shots were fired at the gates and a man was seen running for cover.

Swimming star Jack McFadden came home to a hero’s welcome (Pic 05) after winning two gold medals in the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

The 17-year-old from Clonee was congratulated by the 1,100 students and 80 staff at Colaiste Pobail Setanta who had backed him on his courageous journey.

May

SA D n ews emerged in May that iconic Swords pub The Lord Mayor’s was to close its doors with the loss of 27 jobs.

The landmark

building, which dates back to 1668, is one of the few thatched roof structures remaining in the county town and has been in the ownership of the Savage family since the 1980s.

An ambitious €20 million plan for the redevelopment of Balbriggan Harbour and town centre was unveiled with plans to also build a greenway and develop Bremore Regional Park.

The blueprint envisages “repurposing” derelict buildings, creating more public spaces, improving access to the Bracken River and revamping the harbour area as a leisure destination.

Brea Mullarkey (9) from Garristown made

national headlines when she became a published author whose book went on sale in Easons (Pic 06).

The brave writer, who is in remission from leukaemia after undergoing years of treatment from the age of three, got her dream thanks to Make-AWish Foundation.

Permission was granted for 88 apartments at the former Phoenix Park racecourse in Castleknock – in four blocks up to six storeys in height.

Meanwhile, protestors gathered at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown calling for the location of bus stops at the campus to be moved. A second protest later in the year was called off after a compromise was reached.

June

TRIBUTES were paid to the ‘Seal man of Skerries’, Willy Duff, who passed away in June. Willy was a familiar character with a long white beard – best known for rescuing a seal and building a sanctuary in his back garden.

The Strand Street resident (Pic 08) also wrote a book about Skerries and ran a printing press, but it was his devotion to animals and wildlife that struck a chord with so many people.

Newly-elected Mayor Cllr Eoghan O’Brien was celebrating on the double after his son Oisin (Pic 07) arrived early – just six hours after he was presented with his chain of office.

Cllr O’Brien (FF) was celebrating his election as mayor on June 7 when he received an urgent phone call and had to rush to the Rotunda Hospital where wife Lynn gave birth four weeks early.

We’re delighted to

report that mother and baby – and mayor – are all healthy and doing well!

The Flavours of Fingal festival at Newbridge House & Demesne in Donabate proved once more to be the highlight of the summer calendar, with an attendance close on 80,000 people over the weekend.

E l s ew h e re, Fi n g a l County Council unveiled ambitious plans for a Fingal Coastal Way which will link towns and villages from Balbriggan through Donabate to Broadmeadow Estuary right across to Portmarnock and Baldoyle.

The project is expected to take several years and a public consultation period on the preferred route

LAST year, we marked a special birthday for the whole Gazette group, as we looked back at the very first issue that started it all off.

A lot has changed since then – although George W Bush still hasn’t visited Lucan, as far as we know – but your Dublin Gazette, by whatever edition, is still bringing you the very best in local, community news all across the city.

opened in December.

July

IN JULY, the streetscape in Swords changed forever as demolition work got under way to pave the way for the new €26 million Swords Cultural Quarter (SCQ).

Consent was sought from the National Monuments Service to knock derelict buildings on North Street (Pic 09) which block views of the castle.

Fingal County Council has set a completion date of mid-2024 for the ambitious SCQ project, that will see a new civic plaza set against the backdrop of Swords Castle.

Four new playgrounds got the nod with two to

be built in Balbriggan and one each for Lusk and Skerries.

The council contracted Creative Play Solutions to deliver the recreational spaces at Quay St and Bandstand Park in Balbriggan, Lusk Recreational Hub and Skerries Town Park.

A proposal for more than 250 homes on the lands of a golf club in west Dublin was dismissed by planners as a “substandard form of development”.

The application from Glenveagh Homes Ltd to build houses and apartments on 162 acres at Hollystown Golf Club was given the thumbs down by An Bord Pleanala.

August

TWO public health doctors wrote to An Bord Pleanala in August objecting to plans for a fast food restaurant in Skerries, warning that it was likely to have an adverse effect on childhood obesity.

Continued on Page 10

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 2 January 2020

YEAR IN REVIEW 10

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2019’S TOP STORIES IN

12

13

14

Pic 10 AUGUST: GAA fans paid tribute to Dubs supporter Pic 14 OCTOBER: Dad-of-two Paul Byrne’s family

Jonathan ‘Jonner’ Egan at the All Ireland final replay in Croke Park, two weeks after the devoted dad and

Pic 13 OCTOBER: Blanch woman Rebekah Burnett

rallied to help when he was knocked down

supporter died in a road smash

had a message of positivity when she was

while hailing a taxi in Alvor, Portugal, suffering

shortlisted as a finalist in Miss Bikini Ireland

serious head injuries

11

15

Pic 12 SEPTEMBER: Environmentalists took the council to task over some controversial beach cleaning methods, Pic 10 SEPTEMBER: The Dixie Micks give it their all at the

with the use of JCBs to ‘scrape’ strands

Pic 15 NOVEMBER: Some of Fingal citizens’ strong community focus was to the fore in this protest,

smash-hit Fingal Fleadh in the heart of Swords town

drawing plenty of criticism

with Rush Tidy Towns supporters calling for action over derelict ‘eyesore’ buildings in the town

Continued from Page 9

Sadly, it became clear one week later that their argument fell on deaf ears when the board granted permission for the development, despite 156 submissions against it.

The Irish Heart Foundation joined the debate, expressing its “dismay” after permission was granted to Marbleside Ltd for the controversial development – against the advice of the board’s own inspector.

GAA fans paid tribute to Dubs supporter Jonathan ‘Jonner’ Egan (Pic 10) at the All Ireland final replay in Croke Park, two weeks after he died in a road smash.

The dad-of-four from Tyrrelstown was killed in a collision in Mulhuddart on September 4 – just days after witnessing his beloved Blues secure a draw against Kerry to keep their dream of five alive.

Fianna Fail Cllr Dar-

ragh Butler, who topped the poll in the local elections, hit out at the party’s decision to overlook him as a candidate to run in the November by election in Dublin Fingal.

Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee was chosen to contest the by-election to fill the seat vacated by MEP Clare Daly, but Cllr Butler said the decision defied logic because it would leave Swords without a TD. Donabate student Steven Webster (23) geared up for his sixth marathon in six months in aid of Mental Health reform, raising thousands of euro for the cause.

Meanwhile, Labour TD

Joan Burton called for a co-living scheme at the site of Brady’s pub to be blocked, and the council agreed to go back to the drawing board on the Royal Canal Greenway, after it received 600 submissions from concerned residents.

September

FLEADH fever took over Swords in September as the Fingal event returned for a third annual outing.

The festival of song and music saw Swords Castle and main street host a four-day free festival of craic and ceol (Pic 11) – as the town prepares to host the Leinster

Fleadh for the first time in 2020.

The application included a shop with off-licence and creche, 20 three-storey houses, a new public plaza and 140 surface car parking spaces.

Planners ruled that the lack of a workable access from the Clonsilla Road “would endanger public safety and cause a serious traffic hazard”.

Fingal County Council was held to account by environmentalists and Clean Coast campaigners for continuing its controversial beach cleaning methods (Pic 12).

The local authority’s use of heavy machinery, including JCBs to “scrape” strands and pile rubbish into mounds, drew sharp criticism from a number of quarters, including An Taisce.

After two months of criticism, the council agreed to unravel mounds of seaweed and rubble and to d e s i s t f ro m t h e potentially harmful

practice in the future.

Ke e p i n g w i t h t h e environment theme, An Taisce also called for a toll on motorists who use the Phoenix Park as a “rat run” in its bid to have the green space ultimately declared a no-car zone.

It wants tariffs introduced to crack down on “uncurtailed and marauding” motorists who use the 1.4km road and abuse parking to facilitate journeys to and from the city.

The heritage trust urges a “virtually trafficfree” green space in its formal submission to the Office of Public Works on the proposed redevelopment of the 1752-acre park.

October

THIS month, the family of a west Dublin man (Pic 14) who suffered a serious head injury while on holidays launched an online appeal to try and get him back home for treatment.

Dad-of-two Paul Byrne (66) was on the second day of his trip away with pals in Alvor, Portugal when he was knocked down while hailing a taxi.

His wife, Liz, and children, Ciaran and Roisin, flew to Faro to be by his bedside, setting up a fundraiser to pay for an air ambulance to fly him home.

Ambitious plans for a memorial park with the

capacity for 11,000 burial plots and 8,300 spaces to inter ashes in Portmarnock were unveiled.

Property firm Palmain Ltd proposed the Lakeside Memorial Park venture on a 24-acre site at Portmarnock Raceway.

Rebekah Burnett from Blanchardstown sent out a message of positivity when she was shortlisted as a finalist in Miss Bikini Ireland.

The fitness instructor (Pic 13) said: “Fitness and wellbeing are very important to me and I’d like to be a role model for women to have a healthy relationship with diet and exercise.”

Elsewhere, a €75 million scheme in Lusk that promises to deliver 150 houses as well as shops, cafes, a playground, village green and public square was also unveiled.

Lusk Vill a ge Q u a r te r has already received plan-

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

YEAR IN REVIEW

THE FINGAL AREA 16

Pic 16 DECEMBER: Coastal erosion reared its ugly head again, with a winter storm’s damage leaving a pressing reminder of the need to take further action to help support worried home and landowners

17

Pic 17 DECEMBER: The Duffs made transatlantic flight history when the captain dad and first officer daughter, Gerry and Aoife, were scheduled together on the same flight, from Dublin to Seattle

ning permission with the first phase of 56 homes on Station Road, 18 of them described as ‘social and affordable’, now on sale.

The month ended on a sour note with Irish Water being called to account over two boil water notices which were issued within the space of a fortnight.

The issue at the old Leixlip water treatment plant affected 300,000 households and businesses in Fingal, and there are no guarantees that it won’t happen again.

November

FINGAL County Council formally appointed its first female chief executive in November as AnnMarie Farrelly was officially appointed to the position she had provisionally filled since Paul Reid left to head up the HSE in May. M s Fa r re l l y

became the sixth person to fill the role of chief executive, formerly known as county manager, of Fingal County Council.

Proposals for a one-way system and no-car zone outside two Malahide primary schools divided opinion locally.

The car ban during peak hours was dubbed the School Streets initiative and is the first of its kind in the country. Once it got up and running, it was widely welcomed as a resounding success, with plans for similar initiatives elsewhere.

Rush Tidy Towns (TT) called for action ( Pic 15) on a row of six derelict

properties which have “destroyed” the charm of the town for more than a decade.

The voluntary organisation gathered 1,197 names on a petition which was sent to the developer who owns the vacant houses, and copied to Fingal County Council.

Rush TT chairperson Brendan O’Reilly said locals were fed up looking at the eyesore – which has become a den for drinking and other anti-social activity.

Meanwhile, campaigners opposing a giant sewage plant approved by An Bord Pleanala vowed to launch a legal challenge before Christmas.

Objectors set about raising the €10,000 needed for a judicial review in the High Court after Irish Water got the nod for the massive plant at Clonshaugh, with an outfall pipe off Ireland’s Eye. S a b r i n a J oyc e, o f Solution not Pollution, warned: “It’s not just our back yard – this is the Irish Sea we are talking about; it’s everyone’s back yard.”

Tesco worker Simas Baukys won Colleague of the Year at the retailer’s national awards for his work at its Donabate distribution centre, going “above and beyond” to help his colleagues.

December

RESIDENTS living along the Burrow in Portrane braced themselves for a winter of destruction after a December storm wreaked havoc along the coastline (Pic 16).

A garden shed was washed into the sea and local councillors called for emergency measures

to protect residents from the raging waves.

Concrete ‘sea bee’ bollards installed along the beach last year have failed to make much impact on coastal erosion – though the council is planning to install more from Piper’s to Seaview Park in the hope that the rock armour might halt the destruction.

The council passed a budget of €269 million to provide services and investment in 2020 – representing an increase of more than 10% on last year’s spend.

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.

The devastated parents of Callum Grimes (28), from Rush, who died seven months after he was knocked down in a hit and run, criticised the driver’s five and a half year sentence.

Firefighter Derek Keane (40), of The Cottage, Loughshinny, admitted having 16 drinks before he knocked Callum down and left him to die.

His heartbroken dad, Mark, told how he came upon the scene of the accident the following morning – and how the family believe if Callum had gotten medical help straight away he would still be alive.

The Duff family from Rush got an early Christmas present when they became the first father and daughter to pilot a transatlantic flight with Aer Lingus (Pic 17).

Captain Gerry Duff (55), and his first officer, Aoife Duff (26), made history as they flew an Airbus A330 from Dublin to Seattle.

Gerry told Dublin Gazette: “I’d always hoped we’d get to fly together before I retired.

It was a proud day.”

A look back at 2019

Last but not least – some of our favourite front covers from last year ...

IT’S been the best of times, the worst of times ... a year of highs and lows – and your Dublin Fingal Gazette has brought you all the stories that matter about communities all across Fingal.

Whether celebrating or mourning, laughing or helping, or simply bringing you the news that matters, our front cov-

ers are a window into the life of the city.

Dublin Fingal Gazette has been a hit with readers (and advertisers), and we can’t wait to keep telling you all about life across Fingal as 2020 unfolds.

For now, last but definitely not least, here’s a look back at some of our own favourite front covers from last year ...

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 January 2020

MOTORS: ROLLING INTO THE NEW YEAR : THIS new year is set

TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2020

IT’S A NEW YEAR: Check out what’s in store as many travel-

MAGAZINE lers and tourists increasingly making eco-conscious choices, as well as Undertourism, Philantourism and Friendmoons. P16-17

DUBLIN



CINEMA: 2020’S GOODBYES P21

to bring a wide variety of new models across the board, as manufacturers reveal brandnew lines or the latest iterations on classic ranges, as well as adapting to emerging trends.

See what’s in store with our overview of what’s going to hit the roads in 2020.

PAGE 22

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

LIVE TOUR | A NEW HOST

It’s Dooley noted that Strictly Come Dancing will take over Dublin CLEAR THE floor and whip out your score cards, because the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is coming to Dublin at the end of the month.

Fans will be delighted to hear that Strictly favourite and 2018 TV show winner Stacey Dooley is returning to host the tour for the first time.

Showcasing all the amazing choreography and live music that Strictly is known for, audiences will get to experience a host of breath taking dance routines.

Preparing to slip out of her dancing shoes and into the role of host, Stacey Dooley couldn’t be more excited.

“I can’t quite believe I’m going to be hosting the 2020 tour,” she says as she gets ready to follow in the footsteps of 2019 tour presenter Ore Oduba.

“Ore was amazing so he’s a tough act to follow.

“But it’ll just be lovely to get back with the dancers and to throw myself back into the world of Strictly.

“I’m so, so looking forward to it. I really can’t wait.”

The 2020 roadshow is set to be even bigger than in previous years, taking in

33 shows across nine venues.

Fans will again be treated to spectacular production numbers and the audience also gets to decide who walks away with the coveted Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show.

With Strictly currently in its 17th season on television and the live tour gearing up for its 13th outing, Stacey sees the arena show as a post-Christmas jamboree that keeps the party going.

“There’s a certain element of responsibility but I just want to make sure everyone has the most incredible time.

“People love Strictly and I want it to feel like a huge celebration.

“I just want it to feel like a real fun party. I want everyone to be on great form, I want them to be up dancing, I don’t want it to be reserved or straight or serious.”

“The audience are the best bit.

“They all love Strictly.

“That’s why they’re there and they get behind everyone.”

Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour, 3Arena Dublin, Tuesday 28th January

Stacey Dooley returns to Strictly Come Dancing as its host on the live tour

2 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

PURPLE HOUSE LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME

IN 2020, Purple House Cancer Support Centre will be 30 years old and to help make their need for a permanent centre a reality, they are asking the public to #takethechallenge of running, walking or cycling 30km in January.

A l te r n a t ive l y, t h e organisation is asking people to organise a fundraiser around the number 30 – a great way to get fit after Christmas.

Earlier this year, Purple House received potentially disastrous news: the home they have had for years was no longer fit for purpose and they needed to move out. They had also outgrown the space.

It was time to find somewhere new.

“We need your support to help make our vision of the creation of a permanent Community Based Cancer Support Centre of Excellence, a reality,” said a spokesperson.

“Somewhere for children to play with other k i d s w h o h ave l o s t

mammy or daddy, granny or grandad, or who are living with cancer in their family.

“Somewhere for parents, children and loved ones to attend counselling sessions, sit in a beautiful

your community.”

garden with new friends, enjoy the relaxing therapy of a massage, or simply have a private room where they can grieve in peace.

Luckily, we have found somewhere new to live.

“We can’t share the details just yet as it’s going through the sale process, but it’s bigger, and it will mean we can help more people. Best of all, it means we have a permanent space in the heart of

and recreational area • A dedicated children’s cancer therapeutic and family support area • Dedicated rooms for cancer survivorship and education programmes • A much bigger drop-in space, offering cancer support and information at a time that suits families • A garden where families can spend precious time together making memories

“

The new permanent Centre will provide: • More private rooms for counselling and therapies • A specially-designed cancer rehabilitation gym

We need your support to help make our vision of the creation of a permanent Community Based Cancer Support Centre of Excellence, a reality

John O’Sullivan presents cheque of €3,742 to Veronica O’Leary, founder and Director of Services at Purple House Cancer Support, after running the Chicago Marathon

SEE ENTERTAIMENT PAGE 20

SIX OF THE BEST: These are the acts and gigs to look out for in 2020



Cancer centre urges you to get fit in aid of fundraiser

FEATURE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 January 2020

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

BITS & BOBS

The oddest world news stories of the year…

The quirkiest, funniest, or just downright bizarre stories from the world in 2019

Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com

2019 just wasn’t to be Carlton’s year

IN FEBRUARY, the actor behind the legendary Carlton Dance from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air was told that he can’t copyright the slick moves.

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks, attempted to sue two computer game makers over the dance routine from the 90’s TV show but was been told by the US Copyright Office that the dance routine cannot be copyrighted.

The Copyright Office said that the moves

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

American girl’s message hits Irish shores

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.

– a swinging of the arms and hips – were simply a dance routine, rather than choreography that can be copyrighted. The dance was made popular in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, which starred Will Smith back in the 90’s.

Ribeiro was suing the makers of the basketball game NBA 2K16, and cult war game Fortnite, which allow players to do a ‘victory dance’, similar to the legendary Carlton moves.

Woman claims a 300 year-old pirate ghost possessed her THE SUMMER months also sprung a surprise when in June a woman who claims she married the 300-year-old ghost of a pirate told how he nearly killed her after she broke off the relationship.

Amanda Teague was forced to undergo an exorcism after she says her former soulmate turned nasty and possessed her.

In 2016, she claimed to have married a Haitian pirate called Jack who died in the 1700s after being executed for thieving on the high seas.

But she says her union left her hospitalised after claiming she discovered that her husband was not all he made himself out to be The 47-year-old – who previously worked as a Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator– is now warning people about casually dabbling in spirituality.

I N M A RC H , i t w a s announced that a young American girl’s message in a bottle that travelled 3,500 miles was found by a grandmother walking on an Irish beach.

In October 2017 nineyear old Laura Terry and her science class at Summit School in Winston-Salem in North Carolina sealed mes-

sages inside wine bottles to be released into the ocean for a lesson about ocean currents.

On January 14th this year Irish woman Bridie Patten was walking on Doohoma Beach in Mayo when she came across Laura’s bottle.

Patten sent a letter to Summit School saying she had found the bottle, which

contained a drawing by Laura and a note explaining the project.

“I kind of thought it would sink,” said Terry.

“I didn’t know if it was going to be gone or if someone would find it,” she told her local paper The Winston-Salem Journal.

“I was so happy, like is this really true?”

Police recruit found to be a serial rapist AND IN September, police in the American state of Georgia announced they spent years on the hunt for a serial rapist – without realising they had recruited him as one of their force.

Kenneth Thomas Bowen III was connected to seven rapes and one sexual battery through DNA over the course of more than four years.

He was previously a Clayton County Police Academy Recruit in June, 2018 but was ultimately fired from the force last September for repeatedly showing up late to training, and

lying about where he was.

“Upon arriving, he gave multiple statements that differed as to where he was and who he was with. And I found that to be untruthful and a reason to remove him from our academy,” Clayton County Police Department Chief Kevin Roberts said last Wednesday.

“In actuality, had he not attempted to join the ranks of the Clayton County Police Department, it’s questionable as to when we would have apprehended him.”

2 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

Digestive Delights COMMERCIAL FEATURE

We overeat this time of year and that’s not something to worry about too much. Your body will notice the change though, and it is important to assist it in any way we can as we load up on creamy delights and sugary snacks.

WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING TO EASE THE PRESSURE ON YOUR SYSTEM:

YOU WILL NEED: 2 x slices of wholegrain brown bread. Skip the sliced pan and grab a hearty loaf from your nearest bakery.

The more nuts & seeds the better.

1 x can of butter beans (drained) 1 x can of chopped tomatoes ½ grated red onion ½ clove of garlic 1 x red pepper, chopped finely 1 x handful of parsley, chopped 1 x squeeze of lemon 1 x tsp of smoked paprika 1 x sprinkle of chilli flakes 1 x tsp of coconut oil 1 tsp of agave syrup Sea Salt & pepper to taste

2. JUST BEFORE YOU EAT: Udo’s Choice Digestive Enzymes is a unique blend of 7 plant based digestive enzymes to assist in the breakdown of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fibre.

3. IN BETWEEN MEALS: We tend to eat less wholegrains this time of year with pastries and cakes all around us. Try to ensure you get enough fibre. Homemade fresh smoothies are ideal to up your fruit and veg intake. Another option is Solgar® Psyllium Husks Fibre. This will help maintain regularity.

Take with lots of water.

WHAT TO DO: 1. Heat the oil in a small pan, add the onion, pepper and paprika, and fry gently until soft, about 10-15 mins.

2. Add the lemon along with the tomatoes, beans, agave syrup, chilli and some seasoning.

3. Stir & bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 mins or until slightly reduced and thickened.

4. Serve on top of your brown bread with your parsley – toasted is best.

4. AFTER DINNER: Made with organic aniseed, cardamom, chicory, fennel, ginger and licorice Pukka After Dinner Tea is a wonderfully soothing tea which will aid digestion after your meal.

STORE LOCATIONS

3 2

Fibre-powered breakfast This recipe is full of good fibre to set you up for a good day of digestion!

1. START OFF YOUR DAY WITH: Symprove is a unique bacteria water-based supplement to help support the gut microbiome. Best taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

1

RECIPE CORNER

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DUNDRUM Dundrum Town Centre Dublin 16 Dublin 01 205 1420

HENRY STREET 21 Henry Street Dublin 1 Dublin 01 685 9431 LIFFEY VALLEY Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Dublin 22 01 675 4450 NEWBRIDGE Whitewater Shopping Centre Co. Kildare 045 434 250 STILLORGAN Stillorgan Village Co Dublin 01 210 8608 SWORDS Pavilions Shopping Centre Co Dublin 01 840 4438 TALLAGHT The Square Town Centre Dublin 24 01 4521181

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 January 2020

2 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

latitude&longitude

TAKE A BREAK, AT HOME OR AWAY

TRAVEL

Could 2020 usher in the era of the train again, for tourism? While some countries – such as Switzerland – have excelled at making trains a key part of their overall tourism experience, the rest of us are still making tracks to try and catch up with a more diverse, and environmentally-friendly add-on or alternative for travel and tourism plans ...

Stylish Rosanna Davison will be on the look out for the Best Dressed Lady

Race on over to Naas for a staycation day out with a difference to welcome in 2020 NOW that the New Year is here, race fans are invited to take a staycation day out at Naas Racecourse this Sunday, January 5.

Model and author Rosanna Davison (above) will be the celebrity judge for the Best Dressed Lady competition on the day, which will be sure to have some superb prizes for the winner and the runners-up.

The overall winner’s prizes include a luxurious suite stay at

Westbury on Conde Nast’s new Gold List THE Westbury Hotel had cause to celebrate with the news that it was one of only two hotels in Ireland to make it onto Conde Nast’s Gold List 2020.

Joining Adare Manor in Limerick, the Dublin hotel joined the award-winning editorial teams’ list of alltime favourites.

To be listed is a highly-prestigious achievement in itself, with the Conde Nast team’s international reputation for the best of the best putting the two Irish hotels in with very fine company.

For full information on all the hotels included on the Conde Nast Gold List 2020, see traveller.uk/goldlist, or pick up the Conde Nast Traveller January/February 2020 issue, out now.

Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel, €1,500worth of hairdressing and accessories from Alan Keville for Hair, and a €1,500 voucher from Residence Day Spa in Naas.

However, the main focus of the day is, of course, lots of exciting racing, with the day offering an early look at names to watch in 2020.

The Grade One Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle is the first major race of 2020 and

will have a total prize fund of €90,000, presenting a great indicator of what horses are set to make waves on the racing scene over the remainder of the season.

There are seven races on the card on the day, with the first race going to post at 12:50pm. Admission is €15 for adults, and children under 18 go free.

For further information, see www.naasracecourse.com.

Gran Canaria

A dream early 2020 sun holiday in either Dubai (top) or Miami (above) could be much cheaper than you think

A late deal offer could give you an early dream holiday

Some top travel trends to see in 2020 SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor

Jet off to the New Year sun without breaking the bank GRAB your suitcase and get ready to jet off to Gran Canaria (above) with a last-minute deal from TUI Holidays. The travel experts have a range of budget-friendly breaks on offer this month (correct at the time of writing) for anyone looking to get into 2020 with a bit of sun.

For example, you could head to Gran Canaria, Mirador Maspalomas By Dunas, Maspalomas, for a 3-star, all-inclusive, seven-night from just €559pps, deparing on January 16.

Alternatively, depart on January 17 from Dublin to Tenerife, Hotel Catalonia Las Vegas, Puerto de la Cruz, 3-star-plus, half board, seven nights from €539pps.

You could also depart January 20, Dublin to Lanzarote, Lanzarote Paradise Club, Costa Tequise, 2-star-plus, self-catering, seven nights from €429pps.

For information on these and other deals, call 1850 45 35 45 or see www.tuiholidays.ie.

IT’S a new year – which means a new list of top travel trends to look out for as 2020 gets under way.

We’ve already seen a number of new trends making their presence felt in the travel sector in recent years, with many travellers and tourists increasingly making ecoconscious choices, as well as beginning to avoid politically-sensitive destinations, to name but two.

Here, then, are some new and developing travel trends to look out for in 2020 – how many of these do you think will be affecting your travel choices?

In no particular order ...

Undertourism MASS tourism was once seen as a blessing and a boon, but recent years has brought a greater awareness of the problems and issues that can

also arise – even prompting local protests against too many tourists, or even against any tourism at all.

In 2020, Undertourism – promoting sustainable tourism that truly supports, not overwhelms, cities and communities – is expected to become much more widespread.

Fo r e x a m p l e, t h e ancient, beautiful city of Vienna is developing a vision for the future that, rather than simply trying to increase visitor numbers, is putting sustainable growth first to focus on balancing the needs of visitors and residents alike in its Visitor Economy Strategy 2025 With most Viennese supporting tourism, the strategic planning of better marrying tourism with local development is expected not just to add value to the city, but to help guide similar strategies for other cities and destinations seeking to more sustainably remodel their approach to tourism.

Tagskryt (train-bragging) P RO N O U N C E D ‘ t a g sturt’, Tagskryt is a Scandinavian term for ‘trainbragging’, marking the new trend for those who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and cut down on air travel, yet still see the world – cue the rise of the humble train ticket.

Travelling by train is becoming increasingly popular each year throughout Europe; while you might be affected by a country’s limited rail lines (I’m sure we can all think of one small, wet country that’s applicable here), you’ll find that many countries have excellent rail links to all corners.

Wherever you roam by rail, you’ll be sure to find rail deals geared for train tourists, while many cities have rail-and-stay deals offers, or have destinations within a stone’s throw of a chain such as the EU-wide Generator hostels.

Reinvented destinations “ONCE bitten, twice shy” very much applies to tourism, with many tourists forever put off revisiting a ‘bad’ city or place – and then telling others not to visit.

Many destinations have started to tackle unwanted, and often unfair, impressions that they may have acquired, with a serious effort to reinvent their reputation and educate their visitors about what else they have on offer.

For example, as a popular backpacker stop, Vang Vieng in Laos used to only be partying; however, the area has slowly been reinventing itself and in 2020 is encouraging travellers to rediscover the destination.

Vang Vieng has grown into a hub for nature lovers and those seeking adventure and a holiday off the beaten track, with the launch of a first international hotel, Amari Vang Vieng, now

giving travellers the perfect base from which to explore.

This shift in focus – away from what may have made an area wellknown, to a newfound fame and reputation – is something we can expect to see more and more destinations embracing.

by reclaiming Puerto Rico’s agricultural and culinary independence.

Every visitor to the likes of Puerto Rico counts, and will be actively helping to rebuild and support the island, and local livelihoods, as well as offering a still stunning destination to visit.

Philantourism BEST described as the act of choosing a holiday or experience in order to support a destination, ‘Philantourism’ invites visitors to eat locally, shop locally and tour locally so that their money is going into local pockets.

For example, a trip to Puerto Rico also offers visitors unique opportunities to support local communities in 2020, as the island seeks to continue rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

The mobilisation of a network of cooks, farmers and restaurateurs is helping to rebuild the island

Friendmoons DESCRIBED as holidays that are taken with close friends to celebrate milestones such as weddings, ‘ f r i e n d ive rs a r i e s ’ o r any other big life event, ‘Friendmoons’ is basically a holiday with emotional, meaningful depth attached.

For example, many newlyweds are beginning to invite their closest friends to join them on their honeymoons to celebrate their next chapter together – a break with your ‘Besties’ could be a great getaway for all involved, adding some more precious memories to the mix.

Despite the clunky

name, Friendmooning offers a whole new sector for travel trends, and is definitely one to watch develop through 2020.

Micro-cations WHY go away on ‘the big trip’ when you can take Micro-cations instead?

These are shorter, more frequent trips that can be taken throughout the year, as opposed to one big annual trip. They require less preparation, therefore alleviating the stress that goes hand in hand with handovers, booking time off and planning one long trip.

Micro-cations can help those who need recharging but without the stress of planning longer leave.

I r i s h to u r i s t s a re already old hands at the micro-cation trend, with shopping trips to New York, or London weekend getaways, perfect examples of the trend for brief but busy holidays.

With a dizzying range of hotel, city and flight offers already aimed at

what we can now call ‘micro-cationers’, this is one travel trend that’s set to run and run.

Edventure EDUCATIONAL adventure, or ‘Edventure’, is designed for those looking for travel experiences that enriches them on numerous levels, combining travel and adventure with education.

2020 will host a remarkable array of Edventures across the globe, offering holidays where travellers can immerse themselves in their destination and learn all about it, and the local culture and people.

By combining your holiday with an educational aspect, you’ll undoubtedly connect with your destination in a deeper way than if you just fly through in a week or a weekend.

Responsible tourism IN ADDITION to more environmentally-friendly tourism, the desire to live and travel in a way that is

more sustainable will be to the fore for many.

In addition to seeing cities and countries tackling their waste and use of plastics in a more targeted, focused manner, tourist planners are expected to continue pushing for Greener holidays, reducing the carbon footprint for tourists as well as reducing the impact on local environments.

Single-use plastics, as but one example, are increasingly being banned by companies and countries alike, with cities that are taking the lead on rebranding over their Green credentials – such as Santa Monica, in America – expected to capitalise on eco-tourism interests.

As pa r t of such a focus, we can expect to see more and more cities and countries promoting public and Greener transport, rather than pushing the private hire model of old, such as hire cars and the like.

IF YOU’RE looking to clear your head after a busy Christmas, why not do so with a blast of clear sea air?

You’ll certainly refresh your mind for the year ahead with a seabound journey, with a range of late offers all set to whisk any would-be travellers off around the world.

Planetcruise.com have put together a number of cruise holidays that are sure to make a splash with anyone looking for a dream holiday to usher in 2020 in style.

For example, why not set sail on January 29 for exotic Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi?

You could enjoy a 10-night cruise and stay onboard Costa Cruises Costa Diadema, from €1,499pp (full board on cruise), flying from Dublin on January 29.

The cruise includes return flights, a two-night pre-cruise 5-star hotel stay in Dubai, an overnight onboard in Abu Dhabi, and stops offs in Khor Al Fakkan and Doha.

You’ll be treated to all the comforts of home –and much more – aboard the stylish Costa Diadema, while bustling Dubai is a wonderfully modern contrast with Khor Al Fakkan and Doha.

Alternatively, steer your holiday in the other direction and head west, with a memorable Miami South Beach stay, with Western Caribbean stopovers.

Setting off on January 17, enjoy a 10-night fly/ cruise onboard MSC Cruises MSC Meraviglia from just €1,549pp (full board on cruise), flying from Dublin on January 17.

The trip includes return flights, a two-night pre-cruise stay in Miami, and stop-offs in Costa Maya, Belize City, Roatan Island and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Vibrant, sun-kissed Miami needs no introduction to Irish holidaymakers, while the Western Caribbean destinations are a delight in themselves – assuming you can tear yourself away from the MSC Meraviglia.

For full details on these and other great cruise offers (available at the time of going to press), see www.planetcruise.com/ie, or call 01 485 4535.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 January 2020

TECH

HOW MANY OF THESE STORIES DO YOU RECALL?

When is an orange smudge (main) not just an orange smudge?

When it’s Mankind’s first photo of a black hole, some 55 million light years away in the M87 galaxy – making this swirling blob one of the most important images, to date, in Man’s history. Above: Samsung made headlines with its new Fold phone’s unexpected problems in April. Right: this video about eyelash curling made global headlines in November – but why?

How black holes and TV streaming wars made tech headlines in 2019 SHANE DILLON

Tech Editor WHAT A year that was for tech news! As with most years, some of the most entertaining tech stories from 2019 involved some of the worst news. As such, here are just some of the highlights – or lowlights – from 2019 …

SAMSUNG was left redfaced in April when its revolutionary Galaxy Fold made headlines for all the wrong reasons all over the world.

The concept sounds cool: fold out or unfold your phone, revealing a much larger screen to use.

Unfortunately, the hardware itself couldn’t quite live up to the concept, with the central fold often developing a bulge, or other issues effectively making the Fold unusable.

Va r i o u s rev i ewe rs reported problems within days, and some within hours, sending Samsung back to the drawing board to tinker with the design.

HUAWEI, the Chinese tech titan that nobody

much in the West had heard of even a year or two ago, was plunged into crisis in May as Sino-US relations soured.

The years 2018 and 2019 saw Huawei leap into Western consumer minds with decent phones, while it also maintained serious tech credentials of interest to corporations, state bodies and governments, but 2019 must have left Huawei wishing it could phone a friend.

At this juncture, as the international political spat continues, Huawei has found itself caught in the crossfire, continuing to promote its pretty decent consumer phone business, but stymied in various business quarters by the continuing trade war and related ‘security concerns’.

FACEBOOK found some spare change down the back of its corporate sofa in July – some $5bn, to you and me – when it was fined by America’s FTC over how it handled user data, as highlighted by the fallout from the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

The hefty sum reflected more than just a record fine by the FTC, as it was just part of a suite of penalties dished out.

Facebook was also mandated with scrutinising a wide range of related security issues, such as third-party apps, how passwords are encrypted, and other such matters.

The fine was just one of a number of critical stories that Facebook found itself making headlines with this year, with the stark issue of what Facebook moderators see, and the support and training they get, also reoccurring throughout the year alongside a raft of ongoing privacy concerns.

THE ‘Dark Web’ – the underbelly of the internet that most users will never directly access – was briefly dragged into the light in August when a notorious message board, 8chan, was shut down.

Repeatedly linked to a number of mass shootings this year, with mass murderers posting manifestos and threats there, 8chan was seen as just too

lawless for even the Dark Web, and effectively shut down for a while.

It’s since bounced back under a new name, but the background battle to keep 8chan shut (or open) provides a sober reminder that, for millions of people, online data and communication is about more than sharing Baby Yoda memes or what’s ‘trending’ that day.

TIKTOK, the viral video creation/sharing platform that hit the popularity stratosphere with youthful users in 2019, drew a little too much attention in November because of a make-up video posted by an American teen.

As far as I know, there’s not usually very much that’s controversial about information on how to curl your eyelashes.

Unless, of course, you simultaneously use your video to criticise the Chinese government over its treatment of Muslims, which drew great global attention – and criticism – in 2019.

The teen’s subsequent account suspension drew

a global outcry and media headlines, leading TikTok to apologise and reinstatement her account.

If nothing else, the affair shed light on how even minor social media ‘infractions’ can have some serious consequences and spark global interest.

NETFLIX’S once iron grasp on viewing habits began to loosen further in November with the launch of rival major streaming platforms, such as Disney Plus, and Apple TV plus, ready to also join the likes of Hulu and Amazon.

While Netflix’s magic bottomless sack of money is unlikely to run out any time soon, the arrival of two further serious streaming players left many analysts wailing that the ‘golden age of streaming’ is either over, or evolving, depending on your point of view.

The departure of all kinds of stalwart content over to the new rivals was a blow to Netflix, with 2020 set to see the streaming wars increase.

Meanwhile, the spectre of an Irish broadcasting charge/tax for every household, in lieu of ye olde TV Licence, was also briefly raised in 2019, particularly with RTE’s wellpublicised balance sheet struggles making domestic headlines.

However, the Government kicked that potentially nasty can down the road, leaving what would arguably amount to an Internet tax for another year.

ALSO in November – what a month that was – Google perplexed gamers the world over with the launch of its Stadia games console.

It’s not a console, per se, but relies on the power of super-duper Google servers to run the game for you, then transmit it to your place for you to play.

Which would be lovely if you happen to have super fast, reliable internet access ... which thus rules out a hell of a lot of Planet Earth from being able to use Stadia properly.

There’s an interesting idea there, but Stadia may

just be tech that’s years ahead of mass appeal or adoption.

Time will tell whether Stadia takes off, or disappears into the black hole of oblivion.

Speaking of which...

FINALLY, one of the world’s most important photos came and went with relatively little fanfare in April, as we were treated to the very first photo of a black hole, courtesy of NASA boffins.

Some imagination was possibly required when regarding the not exactly earth-and-spaceshattering blurry digital image of an orange blob, but the fact such a shot exists was one for the history books, and quietly marked another milestone for Man contemplating his place in the universe.

If you happen to be visiting the centre of the M87 galaxy (about 55 million light years away) any time soon and can take a clearer shot of the black hole there, don’t forget to send it in to us.

You just might win our Photo of the Week title.

2 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Kids of all ages have loved seeing how everything from classic nursery rhymes to Irish legends have been brought to life. Pictures: Shane Dillon

Makes light work of any post-Christmas boredom N

OW that the new year has dawned, time’s almost up for children of all ages to romp on over to Dublin Zoo, where Wild Lights has wowed many thousands since its November opening.

The colourful night-time transformation of the zoo – which draws to a close on Sunday, January 12 – has

From wild plants to truly wild beasts, the lights cover a wide range of things in vibrant style, bursting with colour and sheer imagination

lived up to the high standard set by 2018’s impressive outing, with this year’s experience – Wild Lights – going a step further.

Featuring everything from titans of Irish legend and mythology to more internationally recognised figures drawn from the likes of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Peter

Pan, the Jungle Book and other classic tales, Wild Lights has upped the ante in night-time entertainment for families, with the dead of Winter nights proving the perfect setting to appreciate the starkly striking vibrant colours.

With illuminations dancing all around, Wild Lights has definitely made light work of enthralling Dubliners.

At every turn, from large sights to walk through, to more intimately scaled exhibits to admire, there’s something to wow and impress

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 January 2020

Six of the best acts and gigs to look out for in 2020 IN THE ever-changing environs of Dublin’s lively music scene, it can be hard to stop and take stock of what’s coming up on the outside, especially amid the broader trends of venue difficulties, an increasingly outstanding Rock scene, and the growth in domestic Hip-Hop. At the risk of playing Nostradamus, we thought we’d have a go at earmarking what are likely to be the highest ebbs in another  JAMES HENDICOTT year of aural culture. Here are our six ‘best bets’...

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Fontaines DC (Pic A) Already one of Dublin’s most-hyped bands for quite some time, Liberties act Fontaines DC are fresh from two absolutely pulsating shows at Vicar Street, both of which had ‘gold dust’ level ticket issues.So much so that next summer’s Iveagh Gardens show is sold out already, too.

They just get better: fronted by the enigmatic Grian Chattan, the next album is alleged to have unlikely influences from the Beach Boys.

Given their previous, largely quite abrasive style, that seems unlikely.

Whatever they do, though, it is likely to evoke modern-day Dublin in spades, and we can’t get enough of it.

Joy Crookes (Pic B) Another rising star of the increasingly compelling Irish modern Soul scene, Joy Crookes was recently listed on YouTube’s prestigious ‘ones to watch’ UK and Ireland for next year.

She’s already worked with classy rapper Jafaris and released three introductory EPs, sneaking into young consciousness in spreading her sparkling sounds via her various heavily-followed social media accounts.

Check out Don’t Let Me Down in particular – we’re expecting big things.

Longitude (Pic C) Sure, this festival in Marlay Park has been going a while now, and is very far from universally popular locally.

That said, it is the main offering, bringing worldclass Hip-Hop into Ireland at a time when the genre is the most prominent it has ever been in terms of its overall musical footprint on this side of the pond.

This year’s line-up is particularly strong, with superstar headliners in the poignantly political Kendrick Lamar and snappy, bitter Tyler, The Creator (shown).

By the time you read this, the festival will already be on sale.

Sunstroke (Pic D) The return of a festival that spent a few all-tooshort years in Dalymount and the RDS a quarter of a century ago is a big one for Irish rock fans, who are poorly catered for on the modern-day Irish festival scene, especially those with heavier leanings.

The festival’s return lands in mid-June in Punchestown, and features the likes of Faith No More (shown), Killing Joke, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Deftones, and some of the very best on the modernday Irish guitar scene.

For Indie fans, the new Irish version of legendary Brighton festival The

Great Escape looks pretty hot, too.

Sia Babez (Pic E) Wa t c h t h i s f u t u r e megastar fly. Sia Babez (or Seorsia Leagh, to her family) has stuck her head above the parapet this year and the Portlaoisebased fusion artist – who explores Pop with a blend of Soul and R&B on the side – looks all set to make a big impact with tracks such as recent single Hit My Line.

She recently grabbed Simon Cowell’s attention on X-Factor: The Band, appearing with Little Mix, but – forgive us, X Factor fans – has far more depth to her enticing music than such an association would suggest.

David Keenan (Pic F) Dundalk man David Keenan has made an impressive impact for a man yet to release a record, a journey that includes headlining The Olympia recently.

He’s quite the poet, a subtle, delicate songwriter whose melodies are absolutely loaded with a young life daringly lived, including running away from home to search out the frontman of The Las, and busking for a living in Liverpool as a teenager.

His debut album comes out in January, and is expected to see him fly.

2 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS WORTH NOTING

ENTERTAINMENT

OBITUARIES | SOME OF THE GREATEST NAMES ON OR OFF THE SILVER SCREEN WHO PASSED AWAY

Those Cinema lost in 2019

LAST year saw some very notable Cinema legends pass away, but 2019 kept pace with even 2018’s sharp losses.

Women fared noticeably  SHANE DILLON better than men in 2019, with leading female actors, writers, directors and instrumental figures outliving their male counterparts in a year that was markedly skewed more than usual towards male deaths.

However, all these men and women made their mark in Cinema alongside their peers; some as leading stars, others as cult figures, and others more indirectly.

Without further ado, here are some of the sad Cinema losses for 2019, presented in no particular order.

Despite their very different roles and careers, they all deserve to be remembered, and will certainly be missed in the years to come ...

1) BRUNO GANZ Actor March 22, 1931 – February 16, 2019 IF NOTHING else, Ganz was prolific, with the Swiss actor long associated with German films, but also finding a string of international directors who could find any human experience effortlessly portrayed by the complex, brilliant actor.

As such, international directors also regularly called on him to play startling characters, with Ganz a true everyman actor.

Whether playing the best or worst of humanity with equal passion, Ganz moved people with such roles as a contemplative angel in Wings of Desire, unnerved with an eerie turn as Adolf Hitler in Downfall, and otherwise made unforgettable roles of even forgettable parts.

2) DORIS DAY Actress April 3, 1922 – May 13, 2019 FETED as the leading lady of the 1950s, and one of the most recognisable stars in the world for many years, Day would turn out to be perhaps her own harshest critic, retiring prematurely from acting.

Blessed with a honeyed voice that was as good as her acting, Day was one

of the last true stars at the end of Hollywood’s golden era, as hit after hit after hit rolled out – On Moonlight Bay, Pillow Talk, Calamity Jane, and many more.

With the darker mood of the 1960s, Day felt that her sweetheart roles were out of step with changing appetites, and effectively retired, with occasional studio albums following.

Today, a new appreciation of her acting, and singing skills, has seen her once again regarded very warmly as a classic, inimitable Hollywood star.

3) ALBERT FINNEY Actor May 9, 1936 – Feb 7 A ONE-MAN powerhouse, Finney dominated English theatre and television for many years.

With a veritable who’swho of leading co-stars working alongside him, Finney was often at the centre of legendary productions, and while he could chew the scenery in the likes of Annie, more nuanced turns, as seen in Erin Brockovich, earned awards and nominations.

Despite his often leading roles as powerful figures, Finney often delighted in playing ‘ordinary’ roles, giving voice and power to working class heroes just as much as the larger-thanlife roles he also excelled in.

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4) TONI MORRISON Novelist Feb 18, 1931 – Aug 5 ALTHOUGH she was primarily known as an acclaimed novelist, essayist and professor, among many talents, Morrison also made her mark in Cinema – just one more cultural field that mourned her loss.

As the subject of endless films and documentaries, Morrison’s direct cinematic legacy was 1998’s Beloved, which performed poorly at the box office yet had a cross-cultural interest for blending political and social realism with more fantastical elements.

Morrison’s works were also cited by many actors and directors as being an influence on their work.

5) NIALL TOIBIN Actor Nov 21, 1929 – Nov 13 THANKS to his wide-ranging roles, Toibin was able to pull off everything from the very definition of the

archetypal ‘cute hoor’ to cold authority figures, and everything in between.

The Corkonian was able to delight audiences with his wit and comedy as much as his impressive acting prowess, proving a natural for all kinds of light-hearted comic roles, and also proving a natural at roles which required a much colder, harder edge.

A staple of Irish television and theatre for many years, his many film roles included the likes of Ryan’s Daughter, The Ballroom of Romance, Eat the Peach and Far and Away.

6) PETER FONDA Actor Feb 23, 1940 – Aug 16 FEW rode the cultural zeitgeist like Peter Fonda, who found fame at the helm of the counterculture wave of the mid to late 1960s, most famously with Easy Rider.

For many, Fonda became the face of resistance to the conventional order of

things, seeing him take on roles that often saw him playing against authority.

The 1980s saw him drift with many of his peers into ‘zany’ star vehicles like The Cannonball Run, leading to increasingly unworthy film roles.

Still, few actors could claim to be the face of a counterculture, with Fonda cementing an acting clan that still holds power in Hollywood today.

7) RIP TORN Actor Feb 6, 1931 – July 9 THERE are hellraisers – and then there’s Rip Torn, a one-man force of nature who was as famous for hindering his own career as he was for being stubbornly admired, despite his rowdy nature.

Famously volatile, Torn was attached to all kinds of leading roles and projects which made A-list stars of others, yet which he either passed on – or got kicked off – earning notoriety.

Still, he retained a lot of respect in Hollywood, with his gravelly voice, bulldog face and brusque persona making him an inimitable comic foil in later years, seeing him taking on scene-stealing roles in everything from Men in Black to Dodgeball.

8) PETER MAYHEW Actor May 19, 1944 – Apr 30 WITH only one role of note – that of Chewbacca, the Wookie, in the Star Wars franchise – Mayhew’s Cinema legacy was slight, yet far-reaching.

Hundreds of millions of people around the world, across some decades, saw the 7’2” actor lumber about in the films, grunting his way through one Star Wars film and setpiece after another.

Significant later health issues greatly affected him, yet Mayhew still toured conventions and met as many fans as possible, proving to be a decent,

caring individual behind the Wookie mask.

9) RUTGER HAUER Actor Jan 23, 1944 – July 19 FAMILIAR to many Irish viewers as the face of Guinness in a popular series of ads, Dutch actor Hauer would prove to be one of Cinema’s most charismatic actors.

Blessed with piercing eyes and raw charisma, Hauer often made brilliant parts out of bad roles in terrible films.

He earned his place in Cinema history with his role as a replicant in Blade Runner, delivering a part-improvised soliloquy now regarded as one of Cinema’s most famous speeches.

It was a singular role, with Hauer never scaling such impressive heights again as he slipped through successive years in lesser films. Still, even at his worst, Hauer was a mesmerising presence.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 2 January 2020

MOTORS

NEW VEHICLES AND LINES ON THE WAY THIS YEAR

Roll along with our preview of new motors on the way in 2020 DECLAN GLYNN

THIS new year is set to bring a wide variety of new models across the board, as manufacturers reveal brand-new lines or the latest iterations on classic ranges, as well as adapting to emerging trends.

We’re sure to see a number of feature ALFA ROMEO Regarded as being one of the most important cars from the Italian car manufacturer, the Tonale will joins its Stelvio big brother in Alfa Romeo’s SUV lineup.

AUDI Having had a busy 2019 in terms of new car launches, the German premium car manufacturer is set for yet another busy year in 2020.

The new A4 Saloon and Avant (estate) are on sale now, as is the sleek new Q3 Sportback (coupeSUV), with Q5, Q7, A7 and A8 plug-in hybrids on the way.

A refreshed A5 Sportback and A5 Coupe will be available in early 2020, while a subtle redesign for the Q7 will keep this large & luxurious SUV fresh in the face of some talented competitors.

BMW New models from BMW include a new X6, a secondgeneration X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, a new 2-Series Gran Coupe, an all-electric X3, and an X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid too.

CITROEN On the way from Citroen for 2020 is their first plug-

sets continuing to make their mark, with the sure and certain rise of EVs (electric vehicles), and increasing efforts to be more environmentally-friendly, just two of the trends to continue watching.

Here, however, are what some of the main manufacturers are bringing us in 2020, in alphabetical order ...

in hybrid. The C5 Aircross PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will use an 80kWh petrol engine paired to an electric motor and a 13.2kW lithium-ion battery.

DACIA Known for their no-nonsense approach to affordability, the spacious Duster SUV will benefit from a new, more fuel-efficient TCe100 petrol engine.

FIAT Following a relatively serene year in 2019 for the Italian manufacturing giant, the big news for 2020 will be the launch of a fully-electric version of the iconic FIAT 500.

FORD New models due from Ford for 2020 include the all-new Puma mild-hybrid compact SUV, a new Kuga petrol plug-in hybrid, and an all-electric performance SUV, which will be marketed as a Mustang Mach E. HONDA Due to launch this Spring is a hybrid-only Jazz supermini, while an all-new, all-electric Honda-e will follow later in the year.

HYUNDAI New launches from the

Korean motor manufacturing giant include a new hybrid version of the wonderful Kona, a refreshed all-electric Ioniq, and a new i10 compact city car, which promises to be more stylish on the outside, and smarter on the inside.

JAGUAR The only announcement for the iconic British sports car manufacturer for 2020 is the launch of a heavily-revised F-Type in the spring.

KIA New launches from KIA include a PHEV version of the recently-launched XCeed, a facelifted version of the all-electric e-Niro SUV, and a Sportage 1.6D with mild-hybrid technology.

LEXUS The Lexus RX large SUV will benefit from a new front design and interior when it is launched in early 2020.

MAZDA New for 2020 comes Mazda’s third model in their impressive SUV line-up, the all-new CX-30.

A new Mazda 2 launched in January, and a new CX-5 is expected in the middle of the year.

MERCEDES-BENZ Following on from a very busy 2019, the German premium car manufacturer is set for another busy year in 2020.

Models due include a new GLS (SUV), GLB (SUV), GLE Coupe, GLA (Compact SUV), and a new S-Class.

MINI Due in March is an all-electric MINI to commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary.

MITSUBISHI Early 2020 will see the launch of a new Space Star, with a new Eclipse Cross PHEV due in October.

NISSAN The big news from Nissan for 2020 is the launch of the much-anticipated second-generation Juke Crossover/SUV which is available to order now.

OPEL An important arrival from Opel for 2020 is their new Corsa (internal combustion engines, and an electric e-Corsa too), while a hybrid Grandland X will join Opel’s passenger car range in the spring.

An all-new Mokka X will launch later in the year, along with an electric version of Opel’s big-selling Vivaro van.

PEUGEOT Straight off the blocks in January is the all-new 208 (petrol and diesel powered), and an all-electric e-208, along with plug-in

From top: New Opel Corsa; Subaru Forester and XV e-Boxer; new Peugeot 2018

hybrid editions of the 508 Fastback and SW. Also due in 2020 are the 2008 and 3008 Hybrid4 models.

RENAULT Quoted as being one of the world’s most successful cars, the Clio MK4 has been replaced by a new fifth-generation model, which is lighter, more spacious and more efficient than ever before.

Also due is a revised Captur, extended range ZOE R (52kWh battery), and a revised Koleos.

SEAT The Spanish manufacturer’s first all-electric model, the el-Born, is due in 2020, alongside a new-genera-

tion Leon (petrol, diesel & plug-in hybrid), and a plugin hybrid Tarraco too.

SKODA The recently launched Kamiq (small SUV) is based on its SEAT Arona, and VW T-Cross cousins, and is available in petrol and diesel engine guises.

Also due is a plug-in hybrid version of the superspacious Superb, and a fourth-generation of the big-selling Octavia.

SUBARU New technology from the iconic Japanese brand will be a mild-hybrid petrol-electic system called e-Boxer, which will feature in their XV Crossover, and the all-new Forester SUV.

TOYOTA The ultra-popular C-HR crossover benefits from styling revisions along with a new 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain in quarter one of 2020.

VOLVO L a s t a l p h a b e t i c a l l y, but by no means least, the Swedish brand will launch their XC40 plugin hybrid in March, while plug-in hybrid versions of the S60 & V60 are also expected in 2020.

March will also see the release of a V60 Cross Country D4 AWD Auto with 190bhp (priced from €52,500), while a new V40, and an all-electric XC40 are coming down the line too.

2 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

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THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

REVIEW OF THE YEAR: LOOKING BACK: GAZETTESPORT looks back on an another incredible year for local sport stars from county glory to Olympic qualification and club success across the sporting spectrum.

It culminated in one spectacular weekend in September with the All-Ireland football double painting the capital blue.

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GAZETTE

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

PAGE 28-31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS HOCKEY| FIRST EVER SENIOR CUP TITLE FOR NORTHSIDERS

Tarf trio come back to haunt Three Rock  sport@dublingazette.com

CLONTARF’S former Three Rock contingent served up the northside club’s first ever senior title as they ended Rovers’ reign as Neville Cup champions at Grange Road on St Stephen’s Day. At 2-2 with seven minutes to go, the tie was well poised but the Bulls gorged on the Rovers’ carcass with three late goals seeing them exit the arena victorious, making for a day to savour for the north Dublin club.

Player-assistant coach Gareth Borland had been Rovers’ sideline coach for the last two finals before returning to his roots along with the Mullins brothers John and Kevin during the summer.

“Of the 17 in our squad, including our coach Dave Bane, 15 have been involved with Mount Temple and the club for the thousands of sessions we have done over the years,” Borland surmised.

“For every one of those guys, the club is part of their identity which is unique in Leinster circles. To see all the people from the different generations, from the first team back in 1981 there on the sideline, it was a special day.”

He joked about having a “little local knowledge” when it came to corner time as Tarf nailed three from their four set pieces with Rovers netting one from six.

Kevin Mullins netted in the tenth minute when he took on corner duties in the absence of Davyn Keuter for 1-0.

Rovers equalised from a well measured move, James Walker cutting in from the left and slipping to Mick Maguire.

His first time cross left Luke Adams with an open goal which he coolly flicked into for 1-1 at half-time.

Dylan Shirley ripped one off the inside of the post from turnover – while Blakeney was on a yellow – as things got fractious and a few physical tackles reduced both sides’ numbers.

Lawless also parried Luke McSharry’s

Clontarf celebrate their first ever senior hockey title. Picture: Deryck Vincent

drive as it remained tight at 1-1 into the final quarter.

John Mullins put Tarf back in front with 13 minutes to go only for Peter Blakeney to tie things up.

But Tarf kept coming and Borland was the man pulling the strings at the head of the D for their killer third goal.

He slipped under his arm into the path

of John’s slide – attempting a carbon copy of his Irish Senior Cup final goal from May – but a defensive touch got there first for 3-2.

Kevin Mullins then whipped home the killer fourth goal with three minutes left and he completed his hat trick with the last play to, personally, win his 10th trophy in three seasons.

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

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 2 January 2020

SPORT2019

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JANUARY TO JUNE

Fingal flying high with pride on all fronts January

IN A proud few weeks for Coolmine RFC, the Ashbrook club saw their first Olympian followed up by their first player called up to the senior Ireland rugby team.

The club’s progress saw clubman David Hawkshaw named Ireland Under-20s captain, while Connacht centre Tom Farrell was named in Joe Schmidt’s panel for the Six Nations.

Perhaps the most distinguished sporting feat by a club member won’t come on a rugby field, however, but on the basketball courts of Abu Dhabi. Stephen Lee, from Ashington was selected to represent Ireland in basketball at the Special Olympics in the emirates in March.

Lee was part of the Eastern Region side that won gold at the national games at the National Sports Campus.

Le Cheile, Tyrrelstown won an Under-16 C Boys Subway Schools basketball cup final thriller at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght as Mount St Michael battled right down to the wire, 50-47.

Colaiste Pobail Setanta’s Subway Schools

Under-19B girls cup final dreams came up just short, however, as they fell to an 11-point defeat in the decider 76-65.

Por tmarnock Golf Club’s Conor Purcell held his nerve in an epic, nailbiting final to beat Nathan Barbieri on the first extra hole of the Australian Amateur championship.

The match had ebbed and flowed with some largely wonderful golf on the pristine Woodlands layout.

Coolmine man Dave Flynn earned a call up to the Irish team when he ran a time of 64:30 at the Marrakech Half Marathon, the first European home.

It saw the Crusaders man clock the third fastest time by a European at that stage of 2019.

February FOUR DUBLIN tennis players, led by Swords man James Cluskey, formally entered into the Guinness book of world records for an astonishingly overlength men’s doubles match, which they completed for charity at the Fitzwilliam Tennis Club.

The game, which lasted 60 hours, 24 minutes and 19 seconds, finished with

a scoreline of 73 games to 70, and raised five figures in sponsorship for Enjoy Tennis, a charity aiming to give access to the sport to disabled players.

The teams were made up of former Irish Davis Cup men Cluskey and David Mullins, and Trinity tennis club players Luke Maguire and Dan O’Neill.

NAC swimmer James Scully announced his retirement from Paralympic Swimming following a groundbreaking career.

The two-time Paralympian competed on the world stage for eight years, winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2013 and added two European bronze medals in 2014.

March BORN and raised in Hartstown, the freshly crowned EFC Lightweight MMA Champion Joe Cummins credits his early days in Dublin 15 as formative in his MMA career.

Cummins defeated Martin Van Staden by decision in Johannesburg to claim the previously vacant belt in only his seventh fight, defeating the experienced Van Staden dressed in Irish colours.

St Mochta’s and Cherry Orchard get to grips with each other in the LSL. Picture: Martin Doherty

Fingallians Anne-Marie Tornsey competing

Ageless wonder Naseer Shoukat won

in the Irish Life Health Under-23 weight for

cricket’s Leinster Senior League Cup

distance championships in Athlone. Picture:

for The Hills with a bowling spell of 7

Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

for 20

Balbriggan score a try against Cill Dara during the Leinster Rugby U14 Division 2

MSB’s Callum Olipant

Fingallians Paul Flynn

Final. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

He told the Dublin Gazette: “Growing up in Dublin was something that made me the man I am today,” he remembers.

“We used to go to a club on Friday night in Verona where I got my taste for how the years to come were going to be tough which made me realise quickly I needed to learn to defend myself. Boxing was the beginning.”

Balbriggan’s Emily Whelan was named the FAI’s Women’s International Under 17s Player of the Year following her excellent 2018.

Tyrrelstown’s Dub-

lin Sonics battled past the previously unbeaten Templeogue BC 51-59 in Oblates Hall to win a famous DMBB Cup final.

A tense but fantastic game for all and a wonderful moment for the Sonics, who were without a court after their community centre was shut down at the beginning of the season.

April MALAHIDE RFC moved one win away from a place in Division 2B of the AllIreland League following and impressive away win over near neighbours

Skerries 34-22 in their promotion/relegation playoff tussle at Holmpatrick.

They duly went on to beat Bruff in the playoff final, replacing Skerries in the fourth tier on the national stage.

Phoenix Flyers’ Edel Armstrong secured two podium finishes with the Irish Special Olympic team at the world championships in the UAE. The Ashtown-based youngster competes in category one, for those with mild learning disabilities.

Levi Boardman was the hero for Malahide United as he equalised before net-

ting the decisive penalty in the shootout as they lifted the Charlie Cahill Cup with victory over Crumlin United. The north Dublin side became the first team to beat Crumlin in any competition during this season as Martin Loughran’s side had seen off all challengers in the league and three cups.

The LSL Sunday Senior pacesetters had won this trophy in each of the last two years and were looking to make it a third successive success in Home Farm’s Whitehall Stadium. But Malahide held them scoreless in normal

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES

Castleknock’s hurlers fight their way through a tussle with Thomas Davis. Picture: Niall O’Connell/KnockPhotos

“I’ve paid the entry, paid for flights and accommodation.

If we can’t compete, I guess I’ll just take a Sound of Music tour or something.”

- Caradh O’Donovan on her Olympic hopes being in limbo.

celebrates winning the under-17 boys 4x200m relay event. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Bryan Valenzuela of Le Chéile Tyrrelstown with his MVP award after the Subway All-Ireland Schools Cup U16 C boys final. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

retired from Dublin duty

time and then to 1-1 in extra time.

May RIVER Valley Rangers marked the end of their first season in the Leinster Senior League by lifting the Polikoff Cup following a 2-1 victory over CYM Beechwood.

The Swords club signed out of the AUL last year by lifting the RPD Cup and they continued their good form in knockout competitions by coming from behind to win.

St Maurs brought plenty of excitement to Blakestown as their AIG Dublin

- Jim Gavin on Dublin’s five in a row character

St Maur’s - Division 3 Feile winners. Picture: Warren Matthews

Under 14 Ladies Football Feile Division 3 success, earned them a place in the All-Ireland Feile in Connacht thanks to an eightpoint win over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh.

The Rush outfit led throughout in a memorable final, with their Navan Road counterparts not making it easy.

It was an historic month at Balbriggan RFC as the sod was turned for their new clubhouse as the builders moved on-site.

It will be the first time in the club’s 94 years that they will have a clubhouse of their own. Two children from the club,

Daniel Cumisky and Tara Hickey, had the honour of turning the sod. Daniel is the fourth generation of Cumisky to have played with Balbriggan RFC. Daniel’s great-grandfather Willie Cumisky was one of the founding members of the club which was founded in 1925.

Dublin legend Paul Flynn announced his decision to retire from the Dublin senior footballers following one of the most decorated careers in skyblue.

In a career spanning 12 years with the Dubs, Flynn earned four All-Star awards, five national foot-

ball league titles, 10 Leinster championship titles and six All-Ireland titles.

June STEPHEN Cluxton lifted the Leinster senior football championship title once again as Dublin cruised to the title with a 1-17 to 0-4 win over Meath in the final.

It continued the county’s dominance in the competition, going unbeaten since 2010.

Mulhuddart Boxing Academy celebrated their latest milestone when Chloe Gabriel took home gold from the European

“We’ve always looked for the players to express themselves and be the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field of play.”

NAC swimmer James Scully retired after an incredible career. Picture: Diarmuid Greene

Junior Championships in Romania.

The Blanch native, who fights in the 50kg weight class, beat Russia’s Valeria Linkova to claim the ultimate prize in Galati, one of nine medals Team Ireland claimed at the championships.

Gabriel was one of two Irish fighters, alongside Athy’s Mickey Donoghue, to claim gold, while Ireland also took one silver

and six bronzes to place third in the final medals tally.

Meanwhile, Corduff teenager Ryan Djoussa, who was named in the 12-man Ireland Under-16 basketball panel for the European Championships in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The Blakestown Community School student only took up basketball at the age of 14.

“We said we wouldn’t go there again, we wouldn’t do it to ourselves but we did it and got through it.”

- Hockey star Anna O’Flanagan on enduring a shoot-out to decide her Olympic fate

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 2 January 2020

SPORT2019

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JULY TO DECEMBER

Dubs paint the country blue for yet another year July CLARE Cryan, from the National Centre in Dublin 15, finished in 11th place at the 1M Springboard Final at the FINA World Diving Championships in Gwangju, South Korea.

Both Fingallians and Metro St Brigid’s came home with medals from the Irish Life Health National Senior Track & Field Championships 2019 last weekend in Santry.

August THE 2019 Best Cup was won by Malahide Golf Club who defeated Powerscourt GC over the two legs in the final.

Malahide took a lead of 4 to 1 from their home first leg on August 11 having already defeated Greystones, Ballinascorney, Balbriggan and Ashbourne to reach the final.

Powerscourt won the first four matches and when, in match five, Malahide lost the 16th to go one down, it looked like Powerscourt had victory in sight.

The Malahide pairing of Oliver Sheedy and Robert Doyle won the 17th and the 18th,

sending the match up the 19th in falling daylight.

Robert Doyle played a superb chip from the back of the green to leave himself a short putt to award Malahide victory.

September EOIN Murchan’s goal provided the springboard as Dublin’s men’s footballers delivered an historic fifth All-Ireland Senior Championship title in-a-row, at the second attempt, in Saturday’s final replay at a packed Croke Park.

The Na Fianna clubman produced a cracking individual goal that will live long in the memory, as Dublin went from being dead-locked at 0-10 apiece at the break, to claiming a three-point advantage just nine seconds after the restart – placing them into a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Dublin ladies footballers delivered their third TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship title in tough weather conditions a day later in front of a record breaking 56,114 crowd at Croke Park.

Wet conditions certainly made it tough for both sides, in what was the lowest combined score

in a decider since 2003, Dublin prevailed 2-3 to 0-4 against Galway.

St Brigid’s Eoin Kennedy rolled back the years on an emotional night at Handball HQ as he captured his tenth Myclubshop.ie Senior Singles title in what surely must rank as one of, if not his sweetest ever victory.

The 40-year-old legend produced a sensational performance to defeat the five in-a-row chasing Robbie McCarthy 21-20, 21-18 to win his 10th Singles AllIreland, and the last to be played in the historic Croke Park venue.

Castleknock GAA Club hosted one of the biggest days in its 21-year history on Saturday, with the opening of their new clubhouse on Somerton Road

by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as part of the club’s annual family fun day.

Swords Boxing Club bantamweight Niamh Fay says family rivalry drove her on to win the European Youth title in Bulgaria this month.

The Ballyboughal native saw off the challenge of Croatia’s Nikolina Cacic on a split decision to lift the 54kg crown at the European Championships in Sofia.

The 17-year-old comes from good boxing stock – her dad, Gary Fay, is her

The Island’s Barton Cup winning team. Picture: Pat Cashman

Man O War captain Dearbhla Sheridan

Round Tower, Lusk go into party

lifts the DLGFA Junior A trophy after

mode following theif DLGFA Junior F

their final success. Picture: GAAPics.com

title. Picture: GAAPics.com

Stephen Cluxton lifts the

Tyrrelstown’s Efrem Gidey with his NAC’S Clare Cryan finished in 11th place at the 1M Springboard

European Under-20 cross country bronze

Final at the FINA World Diving Championships in South Korea.

medal. Picture: Piaras O’Midheach/Sportsfile

trainer and a former Irish title-holder, while younger brother John won bronze at the Europeans last year.

Man O’War recorded an historic triumph in the Dublin Junior ‘A’ Ladies Football Championship final at Lawless Park.

Thanks in no small part to the scoring prowess of Lisa Prout and Megan McAuley – as well as the strong leadership of team captain Dearbhla Sheridan – they were crowned champions at this grade for the very first time.

Family and friends of Detective Jerome Twomey were in attendance in Westmanstown to witness the renaming of the Garda GAA club grounds

in honour of its longtime caretaker.

Twomey, a Garda of 32 years before taking up a full-time role maintaining the club’s extensive grounds, tragically passed away in December of 2018.

Sons Jerome and Mark and daughter Elaine were among the esteemed guests at the Garda club to witness the renaming of the grounds in honour of their late father.

October AMBITIOUS Blanchardstown club Corduff FC installed Daniel English as their first-ever Director of Football as they set

out to develop on the field and in the community.

The forward-thinking club, who run teams from Under-8 to senior level, cater for all levels of ability, but have designs on becoming one of Dublin’s elite schoolboy clubs.

Hartstown Huntstown FC called on Fingal County Councillors to back up their words with action following the latest act of vandalism committed on club’s pitches in Hartstown Park.

A custom-built goalpost was destroyed and fire damage left on the artificial pitch, while drug paraphernalia was also left behind, leading the club to cancel training

sessions.

November A DONNACHA Ryan point two minutes into time-added-on ensured top flight league football for St Brigid’s following a tense, low-scoring AFL Division 1 relegation playoff against St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh at a windy Somerton Park.

Noelle Healy was on cloud-nine with her Mourneabbey colleagues as she added club AllIreland glory to Dublin’s three county titles in success.

The St Brigid’s woman relocated to Cork this year for work and she

2 January 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTES OF

THE YEAR

Howth’s Sean Waddilove and Skerries’ Robert Dickson in action in their Olympic pursuit. Picture: Treasa Cox

Sam Maguire trophy for the fifth successive season. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho

Sinead Aherne on seeing the huge homecoming for the Dublin ladies footballers

“The ball was placed on the penalty spot and these green things started to come across my face and it surprised me!”

- Portrane man

xxx.

Picture: xxx

Rush man Eoin Morgan captained England to the OID

The Dublin ladies footballers’ homecoming on Merrion Square. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

cricket World Cup crown

duly helped the side to a slender 2-9 to 0-14 win over first-time finalists Kilkerrin-Clonberne from Galway in the LIT Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Saturday.

Swords native Jamie Finn set her sights on one day playing professional football after making her senior international bow in the 1-1 draw away to Greece.

The versatile Shelbourne star played all 90 minutes as Vera Pauw’s side were denied victory by an equaliser deep into injury time, and surrendered their 100% record in Euro 2021 qualifying.

Fingal claimed three TG4 Ladies Football All-

50m backstroke.

Ryan, world bronze medallist in the event in 2018, produced an outstanding performance to again finish in third place in 23.12.

The 25-year-old joined a growing list of Irish medallists in the history of these championships which includes Mona McSharry, Grainne Murphy, Andrew Bree and Barry Murphy.

Efrem Gidey played a starring role as the Irish cross countr y teams went medal crazy with two individual and two team awards from the European Championships in Bela Vista Park in Lisbon.

Stars, with Carla Rowe, Niamh McEvoy and Lyndsay Davey honoured on a night where All-Ireland senior champions Dublin picked up a record equalling seven gongs at the Citywest Hotel.

Castleknock’s ladies footballers ensured a 2019 to remember, as they delivered a treble of league, cup and championship successes, culminating in a Division 3 Championship win, thanks to a 14-point win over neighbours St Brigid’s at Sports Campus Ireland in Abbotstown.

The rise and rise of Round Tower, Lusk continued at Parnell Park

“To even compare that day in 2010 to what we see here today is a huge change in how things have shifted.”

- St Sylvester’s

when they added the Dublin SFC2 title to their roll of honour.

Last year’s Dublin intermediate champions, who secured the Dublin junior A title as recently as 2015, gave a brilliant display in deservedly defeating Whitehall Colmcille.

December TRIBUTES poured in for Jim Gavin, after he called time on his involvement as Dublin senior football manager, 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-

in-a-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.”

Dessie Farrell was appointed his replacement.

NAC Swim Club’s Shane Ryan claimed a medal at the LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships in Glasgow in the

The Tyrrelstown man got the haul underway with a fine individual bronze in the men’s Under-20 6,225m race that was won for the fourth time by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Rush Athletic chairman Adrian Kelly declared their LSL Sunday Major 3-2 win over Sheriff YC as “probably the biggest result in the club’s history” as they extended their lead at the top of the table.

The Fingal club suffered a 4-0 reverse when the sides met in Clontarf in September in what remains Declan Whyte’s side’s sole league defeat of the season.

Dinny Corcoran gets some lasereye treatment from Shamrock Rovers fans for Bohs.

“Tom would always look out for Stephen, pass him the ball and make sure he was protected in the ruck” - Jennifer Lee on how Irish international Chris Farrell always involved her son - now a Special Olympian - at Coolmine RFC.

Gazette SPORT JANUARY 2-8, 2020

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

Perfect record survives Munster’s onslaught  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

LOOKING BACK ON THE YEAR 2019 HIGHLIGHTS: Relive the best moments in Dublin sport as we reflect on the county’s glory days from the highest level to the big moments for our local clubs.

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LEINSTER’S perfect season continued as Leo Cullen’s youthful charges came out the right side of a 13-6 armwrestle with provincial rivals Munster.

E d By r n e ’s n i n t h minute try proved the decisive score as the two sides exchanged two penalties apiece in an attritional, low-scoring game at Thomond Park.

Munster hadn’t lost in 22 games in all competitions at the famous Limerick venue and they ran out convincing winners when the sides met at the same point 12 months ago.

An unfortunate red card for James Lowe on that occasion scuppered Leinster’s best-laid plans and the home side ran out convincing winners.

There would be no repeats on a miserable evening by the Shannon as Leinster were never any less than a converted try ahead from the moment the prop dotted down.

A well-worked move off the back -of a driving maul was enough to put wing Lowe into space and, though he was hauled down before the line, Leinster recycled to put Byrne over.

Quick passes between debutant scrum-half Rowan Osborne – a late re p l a ce m e n t fo r t h e injured Jamison GibsonPark – and Ross Byrne released Lowe.

He couldn’t make the line, as he has done so

Ed Byrne’s try was vital in seeing Leinster preserve their winning run in all competitions. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

“It was chaotic last year and we don’t really deal

with that chaos particularly well. It was a much more disciplined performance.“

often in the blue of Leinster, but he was on hand to paw the ball into the hands of Ed Byrne a couple of phases down the line.

Ross Byrne tapped the conversion over the bar and would add two additional penalties before Munster belatedly began to tick the scoreboard over.

It was 13-3 at the interval as JJ Hanrahan landed a penalty for Munster, and the Kerryman’s sec-

ond five minutes into the second half seemed to signal a revival from the red province.

That would be the final scoring of the day, however, as a strong wind and slippery ball ensured little in the way of silky a t t a c k i n g p l ay w a s attempted by either side.

Munster dominated possession and territory for the remaining halfhour but rarely threatened until the final moments, when Leinster

were forced to back their defence when stretched.

A pilfered line-out, courtesy of lock Ross Moloney, allowed the blue province to run down the clock and celebrate a big four points ahead of this week’s visit of Connacht.

“It was tough conditions out there and the wind played a big part,” said Cullen.

“It was very difficult for both attacking teams when they had position,

but we’re delighted with the great spirit at the end to hold Munster out on our try-line.

“It’s a much better feeling than this time last year. It was fairly chaotic last year and we don’t really deal with that chaos particularly well. It was a much more disciplined performance.

“We’re back to the RDS next year for another week of interpros so hopefully we’ll have a big crowd for Connacht

on Saturday.

“We struggled in the game against Connacht this time last year – we scored a try right at the death. Hopefully we won’t leave it as late this year.

“We’ve a number of guys coming back into the team next week.

We’ve had to manage a lot of guys coming back from the World Cup and it’s important they get a proper break at this time of the year.”