Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette AUGUST 22-28, 2019

LEARNINGCURVE: Now that you’ve had LEARNING

time to consider your results, let us help you to plan for your education future SEE PAGES 15-24

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Help for Zoe A SWORDS family has been overwhelmed by the support shown by the community as they do their best to help their brave little girl fight a rare type of brain tumour.

Little Zoe O’Mahoney (3) will travel to Germany for treatment, with thousands of people raising an incredible €120,000 in just two weeks to help Zoe and her family in her hour of need. SEE PAGE 3

SPORT

LADIES FOOTBALL: Carla Rowe

looks set to deliver for the Dubs in historic Croke Park semi-final SEE P38

RED-DY TO PLAY: The Mayor of Fingal, Eoghan O’Brien, shared a hearty cheer with the Malahide United U-12 team who took part in the 17th Fingal Festival of Football at the AUL complex in Clonshaugh recently. More than 500 girls took part in the initiative, which has developed into a hugely popular landmark event for girls’ football in Fingal, run by Fingal County Council Sports Office. Picture: Orla Murray/SON Photo

travel

THE CENTER PARCS RESORT WOWS IN LONGFORD SEE P30

Poignant tribute to tragic trucker, Nicky Hauliers provide huge guard of honour

SYLVIA POWNALL

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

THE family of a haulier killed in a workplace accident at Dublin Port were left “speechless” when hundreds of truckers formed a guard of honour at his funeral.

Dad-of-four Nicky Collier, from River Val-

ley in Swords, died on Wednesday, August 14, after reportedly being struck by an empty container handler at the docks.

His son, Darragh, issued an emotional appeal on Facebook calling for hauliers to “give him the send-off he deserves” with a convoy of trucks outside the graveyard.

The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of rigs forming a lengthy guard of honour at his burial at Dardistown Cemetery on Saturday.

Darragh said afterwards: “To say me and the family were speechless as we came over the bend in the road to see all them trucks, is an understatement. He would have been so happy to see all of that.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Fears as housing crisis hits students THE president of Technological University Dublin’s student union says students trying to rent a room in Blanchardstown remain at the mercy of the “critically under-supplied” market.

Pierre Yimbog claimed the situation was now at crisis point, impacting on students’ wellbeing and studies as they are also caught up in the city’s worsening crisis.

His remarks come on foot of the latest Daft.ie property report, which details the pitiful lack of housing. PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 August 2019

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ENVIRONMENT: GROUP CALLS FOR ACTION

FASTNews

Circus ‘Toll any motorists World-class Extreme is coming who rat-run the park’ SYLVIA POWNALL spownall@dublingazette.com

AN ENVIRONMENTAL group is calling 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.

An Taisce 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 traffic-free” green space in its formal submission to the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the proposed redevelopment of the 1,752-acre park.

In its response to the

The Phoenix Park: a handy car park for many – or a crucial green lung for the capital? Picture: Google Maps

Draft Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategy Review, the charity urges the OPW to use the stick as well as the carrot to address “the overriding problem of private motor traffic”.

An Taisce said it welcomed plans for a funicular railway, a driverless shuttle-bus, a train station

and a footbridge linking the park with the Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge.

But it added: “The vision for Chesterfield Avenue is of incremental and tentative improvements and studies, modest trafficcalming, visitor centres and the like, but something much more radical is demanded for a straight

4km rat run in the climatechallenged 21st Century.

“The Phoenix Park will be a success when it is virtually traffic-free, like all good parks, and facilitating an array of outdoor activities providing dynamic, sustainable and healthy infrastructure for the citizenry while safeguarding the fragility and pre-eminence of its natural landscape character.”

Citing the hundreds of “commuter” motorists who park for free each day on the main road, the trust warned the park is already at “breaking point”, adding: “It seems reasonable, if public transport is improved ... that they should be tolled.”

It said that for a park of its size and proximity to the city, the Phoenix Park lacks recreational activities and facilities and recommended the provision of a swimming pool and a running track.

Its submission is in line with the Government’s own Smarter Travel initiative, promoting cycling and public transport.

A recent report recommended extending the Dublin Bikes scheme to the 360-year-old park’s Visitor Centre and Dublin Zoo.

CIRCUS fans – and anyone who loves thrilling performances – are in for a treat with a very modern twist on the circus experience that’s coming to Dublin.

Some five years in the making, Circus Extreme pitches up at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Irish Museum of Modern Art from September 5-15, bringing all the thrills of a world-class modern circus to Dublin as part of a world tour.

Created by the renowned producers of The Moscow State Circus, Circus Extreme lives up to its name with some superb, modern circus acts performed by expert entertainers.

Performers will push themselves to the limit of human ability, promising everything from extreme stunt riders to fresh twists on high-wire routines, with troupes of performers and individual entertainers guaranteeing to wow and amaze alike.

Classic circus skills will also be at the heart of the show, with dizzying juggling and, of course, some clowning around sure to entertain audiences.

For further information on what promises to be an entertainment highlight of the year for circus fans of all ages, see www.circusextreme.ie.

Blanch gym reveals great September sign-up offers A BLANCH gym is offering new members the chance to avail of a personalised training plan when they sign up this September.

Aura Leisure is also offering a 50% discount for new members who join up to use the fully equipped gym and 25m swimming pool and choose from more than 40 group exercise classes a week.

Aura offers two bespoke fitness programme options when you sign up – Fit for Life, and Lean 3, which are personalised training plans

tailored to help you achieve your results.

Aura Leisure’s fitness and product development lead Luke Heapes said: “Aura’s programmes are designed to introduce you to the main concepts of a healthy living plan and to help you understand how it can help you to reach your goals.

“Our friendly team of instructors will advise and guide members.”

For further information, see www.auraleisure.ie or contact your local Aura Leisure Centre.

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SWORDS: THOUSANDS DONATE TO SUPPORT BRAVE LITTLE GIRL, 3, AND HER

€120,000 raised to help Zoe battle rare brain tumour SYLVIA POWNALL

A SWORDS family has been bowled over by the level of support for their precious daughter who was last month diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Little Zoe O’Mahoney (3) will travel to Germany for treatment, after doctors discovered an aggressive malignant brain tumour – ATRT – which affects less than 60 people worldwide each year.

An online fund to help cover the family’s expenses during her treatment has raised more than €120,000 in just two weeks, with almost 4,500 donors who were touched by the brave tot’s story.

Zoe underwent emergency surgery after her shock diagnosis on July 15 to

have fluid around her brain drained.

In a matter of weeks she will have undergone five surgeries in Temple Street Hospital to remove the tumour and prepare for the next stage of treatment.

Her devastated parents, Carmel and Alan, who watched over her from her hospital bedside until she was allowed home for a brief sojourn at the weekend, described her as a normal three-year-old.

They revealed: “Zoe is a bright, beautiful and brave three-year-old girl. She loves making her baby sister Holly laugh; her friends; Sylvanian Families; reading storybooks; singing; playgrounds and wearing pretty dresses and hairbands.”

Once her medical team are satisfied, Zoe will transfer to Crumlin

Hospital for chemotherapy and then on to Germany for Proton (radiation) therapy.

The entire family is planning to relocate to Germany for the duration of Zoe’s treatment, with teacher Carmel applying for carer’s leave, while Alan plans to take unpaid time off work.

Updating supporters on Sunday after bringing Zoe back home, they said: “She is loving being with baby Holly again and sleeping in her pink bed. We will meet with the oncology team this week to discuss the plan for treatment. We would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming kindness and generosity.”

To donate to Zoe’s Magic Wand, see https://www.gofundme.com/f/ zoes-magic-wand.

Zoe O’Mahoney (3) and (right) with her baby sister, Holly

FAMILY

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 August 2019

EDUCATION: GRIM HUNT FOR RARE HOMES SLAMMED BY UNION

FASTNews Housing crisis bites as Blanch

students face desperate search SYLVIA POWNALL

THE president of Technological University Dublin’s student union says students trying to rent a room in Blanchardstown remain at the mercy of the “critically under-supplied” market.

Responding to the latest Rental Report from property website Daft.ie, which shows monthly rents in Dublin have breached €2,000 for the first time, Pierre Yimbog claimed the situation was now at crisis point.

He said: “It’s having a negative impact on their [students’] studies, wellbeing and future.

So far this year, we have seen no improvements in the accommodation crisis. No tangible solution has yet materialised.

“That means that this year’s record number of CAO applicants, as well as students progressing to their next year of study, will swap

There are growing concerns about the impact of the now almost impossible search for a home for students

exam anxiety for the stress of a frantic search for accommodation – a basic need.”

There are currently 75,500 students living in Dublin, with just 14,000 bed spaces provided in purpose-built student and university accommodation.

Figures from Daft.ie’s quarterly rental report, published on Tuesday, show that on May 1 there were just 2,700 homes available

to rent nationwide – the lowest number on record since 2006.

Blanchardstown – with a population greater than Limerick city, at 75,000 people – and 10 of the fastest-growing electoral districts in the country – has one of the highest ratios of rental properties nationwide, with demand pushing up prices.

New figures from Daft suggest that the average monthly cost of

renting a home in Dublin is now €2,023, compared to €1,013 in Waterford.

In Blanchardstown, the average cost of renting a room is now €673 per month, with a one-bed studio commanding as much as €1,400 a month.

The capital had just 1,541 properties available to rent on August 1, up from 1,121 two years ago, but well below the average of 4,700 for the preceding decade.

Up to 25,000 new rental homes will be built by 2023, but for some, it can’t come fast enough.

Daft.ie spokeswoman Raychel O’Connell said: “Students, young professionals and families alike continue to have great difficulty in securing rental accommodation.

“With rents at a record high and availability at a record low, it is clear that supply is needed more than ever in the Irish property market.”

Hundreds of truckers line roads to give man killed in docks accident a guard of honour CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Darragh added: “I would like to say thank you to everyone who took part in it, but that just simply wouldn’t be enough.

“The truck community

bond is one that honestly can’t be topped and [you all] are by far the nicest bunch of people I’ve ever met.

“It honestly made me so proud to say he was my

father, hearing all the stories about him.

“Thanks so much everybody, from the Collier and Dunne family, for what you all did – we really appreciated it.”

Nicky, who worked for a family-run transport company, is survived by his wife, Trisha; sons Sean, Conor, Darragh and Cillian; his parents, Mary and Tom; his brothers, Eamonn, Tony and Cathal; and his sister, Selena.

The huge turn-out at his funeral mass in St Finian’s Church in River Valley was testament to his popularity.

Posting on Irish Rigs’s Facebook page, Darragh revealed: “Growing up, that man got me to share the passion for trucks he had and we’d have endless talks about them.

The late Nicky Collier

“Trucks were his life.

My dad was killed down in Dublin Port doing the same thing he used to do for a living every day, driving his truck.”

Nicky’s death is the eighth fatality at the docks this year. Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority have launched two separate investigations into the incident.

SIPTU trade union has also called for safety measures for dock workers, as health and safety changes introduced after Nicky’s death led to major delays at the country’s busiest port earlier this week.

Portrane proposal to use Port Tunnel link THE prospect of a new express bus service from Portrane to the city centre via the Port Tunnel could become a reality, it has emerged.

A private operator has submitted an application to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to provide morning and evening peak services. The NTA said it had “finalised its consideration” for the proposal.

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) has welcomed the revelation, saying: “I have impressed upon the NTA for a sense of urgency to be applied to have this service operational come September.

“When the transport services return to overcapacity levels on bus and rail, [there will be] chronic overcrowding of both the 33D service and many of the rail services departing Donabate at peak times.”

Cllr Henchy added that the 33B service had become “increasingly more unreliable” since Go Ahead took over last December “with passengers left stranded ... on the peninsula and from Swords”.

He encouraged commuters experiencing difficulties to contact https://contactus.nationaltransport.ie/, and/or to email customercomment@ goaheadireland.ie.

Balbriggan Late ‘Lil Red’ to host talk honoured on history with match BALBRIGGAN and District Historical Society is hosting a talk in the Town Hall, Balbriggan, next Wednesday, August 28 at 8pm.

The subject is ‘Creating a Counter-State: Establishing and Building Dail Eireann’, and the talk will be given by Will Murphy on the 100th anniversary of the first Dail.

The lecture will explore the context in which this new representative body was created, asking what those who created it hoped to achieve and how they communicated this.

It will consider how a successful Dail Eireann and its departments was a mechanism for challenging the existing state in Ireland.

Will Murphy is a lecturer in modern Irish history at Dublin City University. His most recent book, co-authored with Anne Dolan, is Michael Collins: The Man and the Revolution (Collins Press, 2018).

All are welcome and admission is €5, members free.

THE second annual Sean Hughes Memorial Cup was played in Erin’s Isle GAA Club in Finglas earlier this month.

The event was organised by pals of the 15-year-old rapper who died of Sepsis and there was a huge turnout on the day.

Sean, aka ‘Lil Red’, was an up and coming musician and his family were left shocked and devastated when he passed away.

His parents, Joe and Karen, who had never heard of Sepsis prior to Sean’s death, started the Lil Red’s Legacy Sepsis Awareness Campaign to spread the word.

Joe told Dublin Gazette: “We want to thank all the players and all Sean’s friends for a great day in Lil Red’s honour.

“It was a huge success and ex-Dublin player Ciaran Whelan arrived to show his support for the awareness campaign.”

Erin’s Isle played Ballymun Kickhams for the second year – narrowly clinching victory by one point.

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Aoibheann Reilly

Ciara McCullagh

Sarah Reilly

Kayla Bailey, Eibhlin Reilly and Ciara McCullagh. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Having a ball at Dance LA’s summer camp H

eld at St Brigid’s Community Centre Castleknock, the Dance LA summer camp was jam-packed with new and exciting material to keep your child entertained for Summer! Dance, Hip-hop, Singing, Drama, Musical Theatre, Arts & Crafts, Games and a performance showcase!

Aoibheann Reilly

Lauren Courtney

Kayla Bailey, Sarah Reilly and Eibhlin Reilly

Lauren Walsh, Molly Kane and Alannah Gill

Eden Owens and Theo Dosunmu

Sam Bailey, Ivy Owens and Lauren Courtney

22 August 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

FASTNews

SF demand ‘urgent action’ over defects STRUCTURAL defects in a number of Fingal schools demand “urgent action” and none should lose school days because of it, according to Deputy Louise O’Reilly.

The Sinn Fein deputy was reacting to the latest disclosure that 17 more schools will require remedial works before they open in September, in addition to 22 others identified late last year following an inspection at Ardgillan CC in Balbriggan.

The schools affected include Rush Lusk Educate Together, Luttrellstown Community College and Scoil Choilm CNS in Porterstown.

Deputy O’Reilly said: “The priority in all of these instances needs to be the safety and welfare of children, staff and the wider school community.

“It is quite extraordinary that some of these schools were completed as recently as 2016 and 2017.

“There are huge questions to answer as to how there are apparent defects in schools which have only just had the ribbon cut.”

The Sinn Fein TD called for an independent review of the Department of Education’s design and procurement model to be published “as soon as possible”.

Anger over On yer bike proposal to to support a close roads great cause LOCALS are up in arms over plans to close a stretch of one of the busiest roads in north Dublin for the first week of September at the start of the new school year.

Fingal County Council intends to close off the Coast Road between Portmarnock and Baldoyle for the installation of the Moyne River Bridge as part of the new greenway.

The council advised that the route will be off limits between the intersection at Moyne Road as far as the junction at Red Arches Road in Baldoyle nightly from 10pm to 7am, from Monday, September 2 to Friday, September 6.

Diversions will be in place for the duration of the works.

Submissions are invited to Administrative Officer, Operations Department, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

SWORDS and District Lions Club will hold a Fingal charity cycle event (not a race) this Saturday, August 24, starting and finishing at the Carnegie Hotel, Swords.

This is an 80km cycle through the lush Fingal countryside. Entry fee is €20 per cyclist, with some 50 or so cyclists expected to take part in the fundraising event.

All funds raised will go to Snowflakes Autism Support and Swords Men’s Shed.

Registration and safety briefing will take place at 8pm, with cyclists heading off at 9am.

Swords Lions would like to thank DHL (main sponsor), the Carnegie Court Hotel and Ptarmigan Aviation Ltd for their support.

ENVIRONMENT: COUNCIL AGREES TO RE-EXAMINE ITS POLICY

Beach cleaning to be reviewed FINGAL County Council has said it will unravel seaweed to remove rubbish and review its beach cleaning policy, on the recommendation of an An Taisce report.

The local authority has faced heavy criticism for using heavy mechanical diggers to clean beaches across 88km of coastline – a practice first exposed in Dublin Gazette three months ago (right).

A v i d e o s h a re d by E a r l Fitzgerald of the Donabate Portrane Clean Coasts group shows mounds of compacted rubbish,

which included plastic, dirty nappies and wet-wipes.

He said: “You can see the JCB marks here. What Fingal County Council are doing is – they’re burying the rubbish here.

“They’re not taking it off the beach ... nobody buries rubbish on a beach for it to float away out to sea.

“For the last three years, we’ve been telling Fingal County Council to stop using JCBs on the beach. You wouldn’t do this in Croke Park or in the Phoenix Park.”

An Taisce recommended

ceasing the practice following meetings with the council in June and July.

Clean Coasts programme manager Sinead McCoy said burying rubbish in sand posed a health risk for children.

She added: “We believed there was a consensus that this material needed to be removed from the beach immediately, and the practice of front-endbucket scraping of the beaches with diggers discontinued.

“This initial step has still not been undertaken, seven weeks after the site visits.”

Donabate locals praise rejection of 174 homes SYLVIA POWNALL

LOCALS in Donabate have welcomed An Bord Pleanala’s decision to refuse permission for 174 apartments in five four-storey blocks at Semple Woods on the Hearse Road.

Glenveagh Homes Ltd’s application to replace 35 houses and 62 apartments with a higher-density alternative was rejected – despite the advice of the board’s own inspector.

Donabate Portrane Community Counc il, which had objected to the application on the grounds that increasing the number of units from 251 to 328 represented “excessive density”, welcomed the news.

The community council said the area was already suffering from over-crowded public transport and a constrained road infrastructure, even when the new Donabate Distributor road is completed.

A n B o rd P l e a n a l a refused the application on design grounds and because it said there were too many parking spaces allocated, noting the fact that the site is close to the train station.

The community council had expressed concern that units would be sold to so-called ‘cuckoo funds’

and would “elbow out” first-time buyers.

It also expressed disappointment that the application was not refused on environmental grounds, given its proximity to the Broadmeadows Special Area of Conservation.

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) also welcomed the board’s decision, but said he was “taken aback” by the planning inspector’s recommendation that permission be granted.

He added: “This is an outrageous recommendation that further heightens my serious lack of confidence in the workings of An Bord Pleanala.

“I am very much relieved on this occasion that the board decided to overturn the recommendation of their own inspector and refuse the application.”

Cllr Henchy added: “Undoubtedly, the board in its deliberations leaned heavily on the comprehensive 60-page submission from the Chief Executive, together with the Strategic & Planning Department of Fingal County Council, which had strongly recommended to ABP that this amended application be refused.”

Cllr Henchy had also lodged an objection to the proposed amendment outlining his concerns, which

included the “blanket approach to the height of the apartments”, campusstyle building layout and dominance of car parking.

He pointed out that the

new greenway linking Newbridge House with Donabate village was not factored into the design, adding that the development would “not provide

for an acceptable level of residential or visual amenity ... and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

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SKERRIES: PUBLIC URGED TO HAVE A LOOK AT AMBITIOUS UPGRADE

Shannon Heritage set to operate Fry Model Railway SHANNON Heritage has been awarded the contract to operate the Fry Model Railway Museum at the restored Casino building in Malahide. The restoration of the striking thatched roof property (above) was completed in April and the museum, which will house the largest model railway collection in Europe, is expected to open before the end of the year.

The Casino had lain vacant since 2004, but has been restored to its former glory thanks to significant investment from Fingal County Council, plus a generous €1.5 million bequest from local resident, Micheal Gaffney. Shannon Heritage has managed Malahide Castle and Gardens since 2012 and took on the management of Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate last year.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, said: “This project is one of the most eagerly anticipated in the Malahide area and I am delighted that it will be open to the general public shortly. I want to also pay particular tribute to the Malahide Group who did a lot of work behind the scenes that helped massively with bringing this project to this point – GV Wright, Colette Smith, Michael Howard, Matt Ryan Jr, Nora Owen, Matt McNulty and Alfie O’Dowd.”

An artist’s render showing how the proposed upgrade of Skerries Library would look

Praise as new €500k library plan goes on public display SYLVIA POWNALL

PLANS to upgrade Skerries Library and extend it to 10,000sq ft are now on public display and have been welcomed by local councillors.

The €500,000 project has now reached the consultation stage with detailed plans and a r t i s t ’s i m p re s s i o n s available to view at the library until September 10.

Included in the refurbishment scheme is an extended library and meeting rooms on three floors, new granite and limestone paving, five new trees and public lighting.

Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG)

said: “This will be a super landmark community facility in Skerries in a very much improved public realm setting. “ T h i s i s a n e xc i ting project for Skerries and represents a major investment in the town

by Fingal County Council.”

Welcomed He also welcomed the “regularisation of the chaotic parking on the footpaths” outside the library at Floraville, having received complaints from concerned parents.

According to Green Party Cllr Joe O’Brien, people-power is behind the new library vision, with a budget which has

increased five-fold.

He said: “As a big fan of the library service, and as someone who has campaigned for greater public involvement in the development of our library, I am encouraging people to get involved again in making this exciting plan even better.”

In 2014, Cllr O’Brien campaigned for a participatory budget, handing out leaflets at the train station and writing to the council’s chief executive.

The budgeting process remained unchanged, but the council agreed to run a public consultation process, with 247 responses, resulting in

more space and more capital funding.

Cllr O’Brien said: “Last week saw a big step in the community’s vision for their library being fulfilled with the publication of planning documents for the refurbished library.

“You can see from the plans that public involvement has been central to creating this vision of the library, which sees much more space for library users.

“I would impress upon people that this current impressive vision can still benefit from the community’s ideas and suggestions, so please have a look and send in your thoughts.”

INVESTMENT: FG SENATOR PRAISES SCHEME’S SCOPE

Reilly welcomes plan to invest €31m in rural Fingal broadband A TOTAL of €31 million will be invested in Rural Fingal under the National Broadband Plan, according to Fine Gael Senator James Reilly.

He said more than 5,000 premises in the “intervention area” would be connected along with new premises built during the lifetime of the plan itself.

Senator Reilly said: “Fingal will benefit from investment of around €31 million under the National Broadband Plan.

“There are 5,058 premises in the intervention area here ... areas such as Garristown, Naul, Oldtown, Bog Of The Ring, Killsallaghan, St Margaret’s, Clonalvy, Ballboughal and rural areas around Rush, Lusk, Balbrigganand Skerries will benefit from this.”

In all, the plan – which has been mired in controversy from the off – will connect 540,000 premises across the country to high-speed broadband.

Senator Reilly said: “This will have a positive impact on one million people and on 56,000 farms, some 68% of our total national farms.

“A further 44,000 businesses and 674 schools will also be connected under the plan.”

The majority of premises will be connected within the first five years, with work due to start “as soon as the Government signs the contract”.

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Anthony Quinn, Gill Haigney, Lauren Clarke and Aoife Hallahan

Ben Watson and Billy Martin

Tony Harnett

David Carroll and Tom Reilly. Pictures: Simon Peare Photography

Albert Pierson.

Keith Sherwin, Dylan McIntosh and David Comiskey

On the ball to support a club P

EOPLE of all ages turned out in force for a recent family fun day at St Peregrines GAA Club, Blanchardstown held in the memory of two club members, Owen Gilhooley and Graeme Woods.

The day featured a seven-a-side football tournament with mixed panels, as well as

Darina Doran, Michelle McGettigan and Luke Duggan-McGettigan

Michelle Kavanagh and Janice Enright

lots of other activities to help keep everyone entertained, from face painting to live music, a BBQ and other fun events.

The day was a great way for current and former club members, and their family members and friends, to come together in celebration of sport, community and the club’s strong ties, with the Owen

Gilhooley Tournament seeing some stiff competition for the Graeme Woods trophy.

Everyone was keen to join in the fun and spirit of the event, which was also held as a fundraiser and awareness event for Suicide Awareness D15, with D15 Taxis sponsoring the day.

Danielle Carberry, Alan Nolan, Chris Reddy and Natalie Martin

22 August 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

GALLERIES GALLERIESOF OFTHE THEWEEK WEEK

Liam Billington with the Under-6s

Andrew Lynch with the Under-6s

Aodhan Hourican with the Under-7s

Some more of the Under-6s

Sam O’Brien with the Under-8s

St Brigid’s camps were a real winner M

Andrew Waldron and the Under-8s

ANY of the up and coming sports stars of tomorrow in Dublin 15 came along to the St Brigid’s summer camp in Castleknock recently, where they were put through their enthusiastic paces in the busy but fun camps.

Boys and girls were delighted to put their skills to the test under the watchful eyes of older experts, with some good-natured competition adding to the upbeat mood at the camps.

They proved a winner with the kids, who were determined to play well with their friends and siblings, and to get some advice on how they could continue to develop their youthful sporting skills. The St Brigid’s grounds saw lots of teams take to the camp’s challenges with ease, showing that there’s plenty of potential for Castleknock and Dublin 15 to continue fielding some of the capital’s best players, once they come of age.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

FEATURE: START-UP MANAGER ON THE CITY’S TECH GROWTH AND POTENTIAL FOR THE FUTURE

Sutton native draws on some life lessons learned from global work experiences GARY IBBOTSON

Aislinn Mahon, general manager at Huckletree Dublin

T H I S we e k , D u b l i n Gazette spoke to Aislinn Mahon, a Sutton native and general manager at Huckletree Dublin – a start-up company which strives to bring together creative minds from different industries around the globe to discuss ideas and collaborate.

Aislinn said: “I grew up in North Dublin beside the seaside in Sutton.

“During my twenties, I was lucky enough to live all over the world, in incredible cities including London, Paris and Hong Kong.

“My career, to date, has been centred in the start-up world; helping early-stage technology businesses to enter new geographical markets and establish profitable business models.

“Before joining Huckletree I worked with Enterprise Ireland, Web Summit and mobile marketing start-up Brandtone, where I focused on bringing the business to

Asia with our chief commercial officer.”

Aislinn spent a lot of time in countries such as India, Indonesia and China, and says that travelling is an education, as “it truly makes you a more informed, grounded human”.

S h e added: “A f t e r ye a rs o f t r ave l , I now have my f e e t firmly b a c k on the ground in Dublin where I lead the Huckletree business in Ireland.

“Since opening Huckl e t re e i n D u b l i n i n November, 2017, we have been focused on disrupting the vibrant co-working scene in this city.

“We’ve grown to a community of 50-plus tech teams, including ocean freight platform

“

l e a d e rs, Ko n ta i n e rs; MIT-backed behavioural science experts, Cogito; industry supporters, TechIreland, and hightech commercial bank, Silicon Valley Bank.

“The 380 people currently working from Huckletree all bring with them a wealth of d i f fe re n t experiences, ideas, values and customs. “ W e love supporting our members to help them scale their businesses and connect with each other through our programme of events focused on business growth and wellbeing.”

Huckletree Dublin is based in The Academy on Pearse Street and the company currently operates six branches in England, with five based in

Dublin is a multicultural city.

Our population is full of people from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities.

London and one in Manchester.

Aislinn said that she loves her job and is proud of what the “close-knit teams in Dublin and in the UK” have achieved.

She said: “I am most proud of our Fairer Funding Now campaign where we seek to drive awareness of the inequalities within the technology industry, particularly when it comes to raising funds.

“Dublin is a multicultural city. Our population is full of people from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities, with different belief systems.

“We see this every day as we walk around the city, so why does segregation amongst sex, race, sexuality and age still exist in our industry?

“There is a massive opportunity to back under-represented founders and help them to create businesses that are targeted at sectors, markets and populations that are truly global.”

Aislinn praised Dublin’s diverse workforce and development – and also highlighted the capacity to continue to develop growing and emerging sectors, meeting everything from employee to employer needs

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

IT PAYS TO SAVE P19 EXCELLENT ADVICE P20

EDUCATION MINISTER P24

LEARNINGCURVE Whether you’re a first-time student or want to boost your existing qualifications, there’s a lot to learn about college life – luckily, Dublin Gazette has everything you need to know



GAZETTE

NEW COURSES P16

Some useful tips to help you navigate through your third- level educational journey STARTING college for the first time can be one of the most daunting and exciting things you will ever undertake in your lifetime. Even some of the smaller colleges will have thousands more students than your ordinary secondary school.

However, there are plenty of other firstyear students who will feel the exact same way when they start on their third-level journey – so you’ll be in good company.

Many young people go onto to thirdlevel or higher education after they have obtained their Leaving Certificate.

Some people work for a number of years and then go to college as mature students.

That in itself, can also be challenging, given the sensitivities of age differences.

Many students live at home while at college, but you may live too far away to travel there every day. Many colleges have residences for some students, but you may have to rent accommodation near the college.

You may be looking for a house or flat to rent and, if you find one, you should be aware of your rights as a tenant.

This presents real challenges in terms of how to pay for accommodation, and if your parents have to fork out for this, not inconsiderate bill.

You should check whether you have to pay fees for your college course.

Most students doing undergraduate courses do not have to pay the fees. If you do have to pay fees, you may claim tax relief on the fees for most third-level courses.

Dublin Gazette’s super 10-page education supplement is packed with great information that will provide useful tips to help you navigate you through your thirdlevel educational journey.

So, no matter how you did in the Leaving Certificate, there’s an exciting new adventure ahead of you. Good luck!

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

LEARNINGCURVE

A recent addition to the list of courses at Stillorgan College of Further Education is a Level 5 course in Animation

Exciting new courses at Stillorgan College

STILLORGAN College of Further Education has been a specialist centre for further education/ post- Leaving Cert courses since 1986. During this time, it has developed an enviable reputation for its delivery of further education programmes.

They offer a range of practical courses that develop the necessary skills for the workplace, or to progress to further study in institutes of technology or universities.

One of its new courses is a Level 5 course in Illustration and Design, introducing students to the wideranging discipline of illustration and helps them gain an improved understanding of the possibilities of image-making.

A second new course for 2019 is a course in Regional Tour Guiding.

The purpose of this award, devel-

oped in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, is to enable learners to acquire the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to work effectively as a Tourist Guide in the greater Dublin Region and surrounding area, providing learners with the necessary business skills needed to start their own tour guiding business.

Another recent addition to the list of courses is a Level 5 course in Animation. This introductory course prepares students with little or no experience for a third-level course in animation production. With a dual focus on drawing and computer skills, the course covers all the fundamental areas required for a successful portfolio submission.

One of the longest established courses in the college is the Art course. This course provides tuition

in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and combined materials.

The college also offers Level 5 and Level 6 course in Multimedia and Web Development. Also on offer is a Travel and Tourism Course with Airline Studies. This course prepares students for work in all areas of the travel industry.

Courses in Photography, Media Production, Journalism and Level 5 and 6 courses in Computer Skills for Business round off the extensive offering of courses in the college.

The staff of the college have extensive industry experience in their respective fields and are dedicated to ensuring that, whether aiming to move to higher education or entering the employment market, students leave the college with every skill necessary for the future.

CAO 2019 results sees points rise for technology, science and engineering courses

Ten great reasons to choose Inchicore College THINKING about college?

Choose Inchicore College and discover the ten best reasons why you should study with them...

1. What they’re about – their friendly and welcoming atmosphere where students are central to their purpose.

2. What you can study – their exciting range of innovative courses will meet your interests and needs.

3. How you learn – their class sizes allow for greater individual participation and you can learn in ways that suit you.

4. What they provide – their excellent track record in providing quality-assured full and part-time courses for more than 30 years.

5. What you pay – lower fees – courses cost an average of €500 which usually covers all your college requirements for the year.

6. Who they are – highly qualified staff have vast experience in your chosen

THE first round of offers for CAO places were

points needed last year, but the CAO offers

area of study and are com-

published last Thursday, with 53% of the 43,851

this afternoon are official confirmation of their

mitted to you and your suc-

applicants on Level 8 courses being offered

course.

cess.

Points for some degrees have jumped, par-

7. Where you go – the

CAO applicants can check if they received

ticularly in fields like engineering, science and

opportunity to work and

an offer through the ‘My Application’ menu on

technology, with the number of courses looking

study in Europe on an Eras-

CAO.ie.

for over 500 points climbing to a new high.

mus+ programme in coun-

their first preference choice.

Offers must be accepted by applicants before 5:15pm on August 23. Applicants will also have received an email and text. This is the first year that there were no postal offers.

If an applicant has been deemed ineligible for

Courses linked to the environment have also gone up in points.

Business courses have also jumped in points as students select courses with higher job prospects.

tries such as Sweden, The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Finland, Italy and France.

8. How you work – their highly regarded work place-

any offer, they should have received a ‘state-

One course in particular, Economics and

ment programmes enable

ment of application’. This was the first of seven

Finance in UCD, has climbed to 601 points. Points

you to develop your knowl-

rounds of the CAO process.

for degrees in science, technology and engi-

edge and skills in your field

neering have jumped as students flock towards

of study.

There were 77,706 applications to the Central Applications Office this year for university and

courses with strong job prospects.

9. Where you go next – their

college courses, with 47,624 applicants present-

graduates go places – they

ing Leaving Certificate results.

have an outstanding track

There were also 8,943 mature students

record for student progres-

applying for places in university or college

sion to employment and

through the CAO.

higher education.

Out of 30,806 applicants for Level 7 and 6

10. How to get here – they

courses, 89% received their first placement

are easy to get to by bus,

course, and 98% received first, second or third

Luas and train.

preference offers.

Apply now for courses

For those applying for Level 8 courses, 81%

commencing September

are the first, second, or third preference of the

2019 and discover what you

students who applied for them.

can do at Inchicore College.

Students will have had an idea of whether they got their preferred course based on the

www.inchicorecollege.ie.

(01) 453 5358.

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

LEARNINGCURVE

Career-focused education at Sallynoggin College

Yoga and Pilates Teacher training is just one of the newly introduced courses at the popular college

SALLYNOGGIN College of Further Education (SCFE) has a range of courses on offer, including their newly introduced courses in Pre-University Teacher Training, Disability and Special Needs Assistant, Yoga and Pilates Teacher Training and Musical Theatre and Dance, all of which are outside the CAO points system.

In the ever-changing world of learning and work, SCFE have made it their business to ensure that their courses are at the cutting-edge of industry and employment demands, with their determination to stay ahead is paying dividends, as seen by the success of many of their former students.

With PE now being intro-

duced as a Leaving Certificate subject, this is a perfect time to check out some of the many success stories from former SCFE famous Fitness and Personal Training students.

Former Sports, Fitness Instruction and Personal Training students, Aine O’Gorman has had a fantastic international football career having played for 12 years at senior international level, with 100 Caps and 13 goals for Ireland.

Stephen Foley is a former Aston Villa footballer and is currently doing his teaching practice back where he started, in SCFE, as part of his Degree in Education and Training (DCU).

Both athletes are also successful personal trainers.

In addition to their sporting success, for the first time, selected students on the Advanced Hospitality, Travel & Event Management course will complete three weeks of work experience in Tenerife, whilst selected students on the Advanced Early Childhood Education and Care course, will travel to Norway for their placement.

Application to SCFE is free, with no CAO points required for any of the available courses in the college.

The college, located within walking distance from Dun Laoghaire, is well served by public transport with easy access from Bray and Wicklow and free secure parking is available to students.

‘Available Places’ facility open now at CAO THE 2019 CAO Available Places facility opened on August 20. If offers from the first round of CAO offers are unfilled, the course will feature in the Available Places facility.

Griffith College schools liaison of f icer Sinead O’Callaghan explains the process behind the Available Places Facility.

“Third level courses have a capacity number, which is when the course is full.

If round 1 CAO offers are unfilled the course can feature in ‘Available Places’.

Unfilled places are categorised as ‘available’ and distributed accordingly, until the course reaches capacity. Not all educational institutes offer Available Places, as courses can reach capacity through CAO round 1 offers.”

O’Callaghan details that anyone can apply for an Available Place, as it’s not based on Leaving Certificate points.

“You must meet minimum entry requirements for a course, however,” O’Callaghan said.

“For example, a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance at Griffith College has a minimum entry requirement of two H5’s and 4 O6/ H7’s, with a compulsory O6 or above in Mathematics.”

If you hold a CAO account, visit the Available Places tab and enter your course code choice. If you’ve not previously applied through the CAO, you can register at www.cao.ie and a payment of €45 is required.

Add a level 6/7 or 8 Available Place course to your application and follow the instructions online. Always place your choices in order of preference and upon acceptance of a CAO Available Place Course, this will cancel and disqualify any previous course acceptance.

Griffith College offers a range of undergraduate Available Places. For queries call Griffith College admissions on 01 4150415.

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

DUNDRUM College of Further Education pride themselves on being a leader in offering modular and credit-based components in their full time QQI Level 5 and 5 Major Award Courses.

Their ‘HUB’ structure allows students to study core and elective modules, tailoring their qualification to their special interest area, with no point requirement. The unique modular HUB course design meets all national standards, meaning you can adapt the curriculum to your personal preference, making it easier to study subjects you find interesting.

DCFE have established progression links with higher education institutes, and continually review course content to ensure that their students are best placed to progress on to university or continue their studies in the college.

The college offer an Erasmus+ programme, where students can complete a work placement in Estonia, Germany or Norway as part of their course also.

Priding themselves on exceptional standards of training and development, DCFE’s links to the workforce allow them to maintain a first-rate service to students.

For more information, visit cfedundrum.com.

GAZETTE

Find your route to higher education with no CAO point requirement

LEARNINGCURVE

It pays to save in advance ACCORDING to financial advisors HerMoney, the average cost of educating a child from primary school to college is estimated to be over €60,000.

Furthermore, by far the biggest portion of the expense is incurred during a child’s time in third level education.

This is indicated in research done by Technological University (TU) Dublin, which shows that the average cost of going to college for students living away from home is €12,171 for the year. That figure is roughly halved at €6,771 students who continue to live at home.

Karen Goodlife, director of HerMoney has advice for parents who

are thinking about saving for their child’s future in third level education.

She said: “The most important word when it comes to saving for your child’s education is ‘start’.

The earlier you start, the easier it is to manage your finances.

“For example, if your child is starting college in 16 years’ time, and living away from home, you would now need to save €250 per month in order to accumulate €48,000 by 2035.

“Whereas, if your child is starting college in four years’ time, in 2023, you would now need to start saving €1,000 per month,” she said.

HerMoney recommends that if your child

The earlier you start, the easier it is to manage your finances

is starting college within five years time; your best bet is to start a bank or credit union deposit account.

The financial advisor says that this is because there is not enough time to look at investment

options and you are foregoing growth for safety – HerMoney says to save as much as you can afford and shop around the various institutions to try an achieve the highest interest rate possible.

In regards to long-term

plans, HerMoney says: “There are a number of investment vehicles available at all levels of investment risk.

“Our most popular options available are investment and savings policies through the various life companies.

“These policies enable you to invest in a range of funds, from low to medium to high risk and will accept lump sums of money as well as regular monthly savings from as little as €75 per month.

“Many of our clients opt to invest in multi-asset funds within these policies which spread their money across a number of different asset types, such as shares, property, bonds and commodities.”

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

LEARNINGCURVE

IBAT college launch new Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business IBAT College Dublin has launched a brand-

making for an excellent grounding in busi-

new NFQ Level 8 BA (Honours) in Business

ness practice within the industry.

for 2019.

The course, delivered on IBAT College’s

The degree, commencing in October, is

Wellington Quay campus, is open via direct

designed for school-leavers and mature

application to any school-leaver with two H5

students looking to pursue a career in busi-

grades and four O6/H7 grades in the Irish

ness or management.

Leaving Certificate, or to mature applicants

T h e t h r e e -yea r f u l l -t i m e d eg r e e is designed to cover a broad range of business

who are at least 23 years of age on 1st January 2019.

topics from management principles and

For more information about the degree

financial accounting, to organisational man-

or to apply visit www.ibat.ie or by phoning

agement and the role of ICT for business.

the college on +353 1 807 5055.

Modules for the programme were developed with the input of industry stakeholders, to create a degree designed to prepare graduates in a practical sense for a career in business, with the backing of an academic grounding.

In their third year, students can also pursue a research topic of their choice or to engage in professional practice, by working with a company on a real business problem,

Wealth of choices is open to Leaving Cert students BEATRICE DOOLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS, HAS SOME EXCELLENT ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

“

POST-Leaving Cert (PLC) courses, apprenticeships and traineeships are attractive pathways after the Leaving Certificate.

Their graduates are rated highly

by Irish employers as graduates from third-level colleges.

PLCs offer practical/academic work and work experience in areas such as business studies, childcare, computing and more. Log onto fetchcourses.ie, a useful link to research and apply to a variety of courses. Application closing dates vary, applications are accepted until all places are filled.

With a strong emphasis on practical skills and hands on learning, apprenticeships lead to careers, where you can “earn while they learn”. A formal contract usually spans 2–4 years, with a minimum 50 percent on-the-job learning, you’re also paid by your employer.

Qualifications vary from Level 5 to 10 in NVQ’s.

Apprenticeship.ie is the main website with links to specific programmes in different sectors, there is no central application system. Many have deadlines for applications from March/May. Research your eligibility for each programme and how to apply.

There’s currently over 52 apprenticeships available in areas like accounting, insurance, engineering, logistics, construction, electrical, engineering, ICT, hospitality, motor with more in development.

Traineeships combine learning in education and workplace settings and are delivered by Education & Training Boards (ETBs,) with employers.

Traineeships exist in areas identified to have skills shortages, such as business, construction, finance and beauty and offer high employability.

They are ideal for learners not yet ready to commit to a lengthy course or job.

Fetchcourses.ie provides details on programmes currently open for registration, entry requirements and the application process.

Is Studying abroad popular?

Eunicas.ie is an independent application support service which offers advice on the application process for programmes in Europe.

Germany, France, the Nordic countries and more offer free university degrees through the English language. Deadlines for applying vary from country to country, and many programmes are still open for entry in 2019.

Entry requirements are generally lower than the equivalent courses in Ireland, yet nine Dutch universities are higher-ranked than Trinity College, Dublin. They just don’t use points! A group of Dutch univer-

sities are returning to Dublin on October 23 to meet prospective students. Booking is free, at Eventbrite.

If you are looking to study in the UK, UCAS application deadlines were January 15, but now a second opportunity to apply occurs during Clearing.

Research the UCAS website, but first talk to your parents/guardians about the feasibility of funding this option.

While the impact of Brexit is unclear, www.ucas.com/brexit provides information on tuition fees and student finance support for EU nationals hoping to start a course in the 2019/20 academic year. Work experience is an excellent way for students to discover what they are good at and enjoy doing.

Building up work experience, gaining transversal skills, independence and developing as a person are all very valuable outcomes of employment.

The follow-on chances of gaining employment are high, unemployment levels are low right now at 4.5%.

Organisations offering volunteer programmes should be carefully researched as the quality and safety of such programmes can vary significantly.

The Value of Repeating the Leaving Certificate The decision to repeat is not to be taken lightly; it requires reflection and professional advice, preferably from a qualified guidance counsellor. Any student considering repeating a year should ask themselves, what will I do differently next year to guarantee different results?

You can only use Leaving Certificate results from one sitting for points purposes, but you can repeat one subject to satisfy minBeatrice Dooley imum entr y requirements.

’’

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

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22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

LEARNINGCURVE

Experience infinite possibilities at Technological University Dublin

Pictured are members of Team Ireland meeting with TU Dublin president, Professor David FitzPatrick, as they prepared for the WorldSkills 2019 competition taking place in Kazan, Russia from August 22-27. Approximately 1,600 competitors from 60 countries will compete in 56 different skills and disciplines. Picture: Maxwell Photography

WHAT exactly is a Technological University? Although new to Ireland, they are commonplace throughout Europe, New Zealand and Canada catering for students that prefer a more practice-based education.

Technological University Dublin, orTU Dublin, has a long history dating back to 1887 when Arnold Felix Graves started a Technical College in Kevin Street.

More recently in 1992, DIT and IT Tallaght were founded, followed by IT Blanchardstown in 1999.

In 2011, the three founding Institutes agreed to apply for designation as a Technological University.

On January 1, 2019, TU Dublin was born, and are now the largest Higher Education provider in the country with programmes at Higher Certificate, Degree, Masters and PhD Level. They also offer training for a variety of Apprenticeships from Aviation to Telecommunications.

An exciting academic year is about to start for the 28,500-plus students of the new university.

Technological University Dublin aim to introduce students to fascinating theoretical concepts, which they can apply to real-world challenges through problembased learning, projects, work placements and through work with the community.

From first-year, TU Dublin students will start building a successful career through participation in a range of team-based projects to solve real-world challenges.

TU Dublin’s links with employers set them apart from other Universities in Ireland. Students have the opportunity to spend a semester developing key skills in an industry or profession of their choice.

Studying abroad is also an option, with

TU Dublin partnered with educational institutes throughout Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia.

In addition to their new Technological University status, there are visible changes on campus.

In Blanchardstown, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar opened the energy-efficient Connect Building, with its distinctive coloured glass facade, in March, providing a space for student services while complementing existing facilities on the site.

The Grangegorman campus is located in the heart of the city, and in September 2020, will welcome 10,000 students to its new facilities.

Students studying the creative and culinary arts, sciences, health and electrical engineering at TU Dublin will benefit from new lecture halls, labs, performance venues, training restaurants and exhibition spaces.

In Tallaght, two new buildings are due to be completed by 2021, including a Sports Science, Health and Recreation building with new outdoor sporting facilities and a versatile block with teaching space for hospitality and culinary arts programmes as well as engineering and apprenticeship activities.

College is not just about academic learning, and we want you to participate fully in campus life.

One of the best ways to make new friends and enjoy new experiences is by joining a Club or Society; they have over 120 student-led societies and sports clubs with something for everyone, including the arts, fashion, photography, and music.

For more about the Infinite Possibilities at TU Dublin – visit tudublin.ie.

On-campus accommodation UNIVERSITIES and colleges are once again introducing

DCU

price hikes to on-campus

Larkfield €5,665

4.9% increase from 2018

accommodation and univer-

St Pat’s

4.9% increase from 2018

€5,555

sity-owned rooms and dormitories.

According to an Irish

UCD

Independent survey, some

Ashfield

€9,215

2.7% increase from 2018

on-campus accommodation

Merville

€7,514

1.77% increase from 2018

for third-level institutions in

Roebuck Castle

Dublin has risen by nearly

Trinity

6%.

Below you will find a chart outlining some of the univer-

€11,591

2.1% increase from 2018

Goldsmith Hall

€7,554

5.57% increase from 2018

Pearse St

€5,982

1.35% increase from 2018

sity-owned accommodation and the price for a room for

GMB, Front Square, Botany Bay,

this coming academic year.

New Square

€8,226

5.5% increase from 2018

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

University has 120 places available for mature students TECHNOLOGICAL University Dublin has 120 places available for mature students wishing to return to education.

The TU Dublin Access Foundation Programme is a one year full-time preparation for higher education programme at TU Dublin City Campus.

The programme prepares students personally and academically to pursue undergraduate programmes at TU Dublin City Campus.

It is a multi-disciplinary programme preparing students for entry into undergraduate programmes in Science & Health, Engineering & Built Environment, Business and Arts & Tourism.

Students who successfully

THE Open College is Ireland’s largest provider of Distance Learning Courses accredited by QQI. Open all year round, they deliver industry leading flexible part-time programmes and education choices, utilising a variety of delivery methods that include Distance Learning, eLearning & Attendance Learning and provide these QQI courses at market leading prices with courses, star ting from only €229.

The range of courses offer more opportunities than ever before, with a choice of over 90 QQI (formerly FETAC) Certificates and Major Award programmes in a variety of categories.

These include Healthcare Support, Early Childhood Care & Education, Special Needs Assistant (SNA), Business & Finance, Journalism & Writing, Management, Training & Delivery - Train the Trainer, Digital Media, Psychology, Law, Montessori Education, Sports and many more.

Accredited They are fully accredited and approved to offer awards, which are part of the Irish National Framework of Qualif ications, over seen by the Ir ish Department of Education.

The QQI qualifications you can achieve through The Open College are recognised by employers, both nationally and internationally.

For further information contact Leopardstown Business Centre, Dublin 18.

You can reach them at phone number +353 1 206 1834 - Extn 101 Email: jwalsh@theopencollege.com, or see www. theopencollege.com.

GAZETTE

Go the distance with the Open College

LEARNINGCURVE

Courses for Young People aged 16-21 BLANCHARDSTOWN Community Training Centre is now celebrating its tenth year in existence.

charge.

When they finish their course, some of them

The CTC is run by the community to provide

get jobs and some go on to study in further edu-

training courses for young people aged 16 to 21,

cation. They have strong links with other colleges

who have left school early. Learners do courses

and employers, and they help learners to choose

in Digital Media, Catering, IT and Sport. All cours-

and apply for their next course or find a job.

es are free of charge to learners.

They are always welcome to pop back in after

Their approach is very hands on. Every subject

they have left Blanchardstown CTC to get further

is taught through doing the activity. Young people

advice. New students start every month. They

like this approach, as they like to get stuck in and

generally start in groups of 5. They can apply at

move around. There are 10 learners in each class

any time to find out when a place becomes avail-

and a total of 40 learners in the centre.

able.

Learners can spend up to two years in the cen-

To apply to Blanchardstown Community Train-

tre. They can achieve equivalent of Junior Cert

ing Centre, call 01 8035016, email manager@blan-

or equivalent of Leaving Cert Applied. They get

chardstownctc.ie or message us directly from

individual attention in a caring environment. They

our website www.blanchardstownctc.ie or social

also get a nutritious breakfast and lunch free of

media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).

Ballsbridge College enrolling for September BALLSBRIDGE College, a well-established

opment.

college with many years of experience

The college also offers programmes in

delivering full- time Post Leaving Certificate

health sector studies; community develop-

courses, is currently accepting applications

ment; start your own business, business

for courses starting in September 2019.

with Chinese; digital marketing; EFL and

All courses are QQI certified and pro-

TEFL.

vide students with the knowledge and skills

All courses include a work placement

required to work in their chosen employ-

component. Students can also available of

ment sector or to use their qualification to

internships opportunities abroad.

progress to higher education.

In addition, the college offers a two year

P r og r a m m e s c ove r a r e a s s u c h a s

‘earn and learn’ QQI Level 6 Auctioneering

accounting; marketing and adver tising;

and Property Services Apprenticeship pro-

criminology; social studies; auctioneering;

gramme which combines on-the-job training

event management; applied psychology;

with academic study.

web design and multimedia; human resourc-

Student maintenance grants are avail-

es; IT skills; media; law; Fintech - financial

able to eligible students. Applicants are

technology and international aid and devel-

welcome to call to the college each day,

complete the programme, will be offered a place on an appropriate undergraduate course at TU Dublin.

The programme forms part of TU Dublin’s commitment to extending access to education to people and groups from areas and communities where there has not been a strong tradition of participation in third level education.

The course is of particular benefit to adults who have been out of education for a long time, or who did not complete a Leaving Certificate in the past.

Students take six compulsory modules (subjects) and four optional modules (2 each semester) from a menu of modules in areas such as science, engineer-

ing, business, social science, art and computing. Through participation, students will develop the skills necessary to undertake an undergraduate qualification at TU Dublin.

The TU Dublin Access Foundation Programme is full-time commitment with approximately 22 hours of class time per week, and a further 20 hours of independent study.

The programme runs from September to May each year.

The Access Programme is free of charge and students may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance. Applications close on Friday August 23 at 5pm.

Any mature student interested in applying should email johanna.king@dit.ie.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

GAZETTE

LEARNINGCURVE A real commitment to supporting all students ON A recent visit to Dublin Gazette offices, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister of State for Higher Education spoke about the importance of further education and her aspirations for that sector.

“

THE emergence of TU Dublin is very important, as it’s the first technological university in the country and I’m very proud of this, as I was the minister who succeeded in getting the legislation through, one year ago.

What we’re hearing back is that the students are delighted, and my focus is always on the students – everything else is relative. It allows students

to get the best offering in education and be able to walk across that international stage and to compete at the highest levels.

There are other different routes in, for example through apprenticeships, traineeships and working your way right up to whatever level you want to achieve.

We have a lot of upskilling and reskilling, and we’re placing a lot of focus on that, because you now need to be excellent on digital skills.

Solus are providing great traineeships programmes, the new focus is on going out to businesses and looking at what they need, and then they’ll upskill.

STEM subjects have now become fashionable and we need graduates in these subjects, and the Department of Education, with the institutes of education, would be working together to ensure that there will be extra funding invested in STEM subjects, thus encouraging schools and students, especially female ones.

As minister, I’d love to see more funding for further education, but we must live within our means, but I’ll be banging the drum on the cabinet table to make sure we get whatever funding we need for further education.

I want to see our students get the very best out of their education and develop their personal skills.

I believe everyone is entitled to an education and that this is the one thing our country needs to do for us, to ensure that our young people are very well educated, be it a traineeship or an apprenticeship, or whatever they wish. There will be no obstacles in the way.

I am extremely disappointed in the Universities raising the cost of their Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), before they were including in the Rent Pressure Zone legislation on 15th August.

I worked extremely hard on fast tracking that legislation through with my colleague, Minister Eoghan Murphy.

My practical advice to all parents and students who are embarking on a Higher Education path this September, is to get

their SUSI grant application in. You have missed the priority deadline, which was the 11th July, but if you thought you

“

to alleviate the up- coming costs.

It was reported in the papers recently that I expected this grant to

comment. We are in the middle of a housing crisis and unfortunately, students are not immune to it.

I will be doing my utmost in the forthcoming budget negotiations to get continuing support from Minister Paschal Donoghue for our students, our institutions and support services might be eligible, get applying as this assistance will go in some way

cover the whole cost of rising rent costs.

This was a ridiculous

This Student Universal Support is there to help.

Education is expensive,

but as a Government, we have ruled out Student Loans, as we don’t want to shackle our young graduates with debt before they start their careers.

There is a continuing investment in Higher Education, both from a current, and a capital point of view.

I will be doing my utmost in the forthcoming budget negotiations to get continuing support from Minister Paschal Donoghue for our students, our institutions and support services.

’’

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

THE CENTER OF A VERY FUNPACKED FAMILY HOLIDAY PAGES 30-31

TRUMP SULKS AS DANES REFUSE TO SELL GREENLAND P27

DUBLIN

STILL JAM-PLE TIME TO PAGE 29 SERVE A SUMMER TREAT ...

MAGAZINE

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

GET EX-STATIC FOR ELECTRIC PICNIC THE final hurrah of the summer, Electric Picnic, is set to wrap up festival season in true Stradbally style next weekend.

Running from August 30 to September 1 in Laois’ Stradbally Estate, the festival has grown year on year, with over 100 great acts taking to several stages across the weekend.

With so much choice, we’ve narrowed it down to our top five artists who we think will light up Electric Picnic this year. Some of our picks are household names, whilst others are indie darlings – but they’re all sure to get you in the festival spirit.

CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS Christine and the Queens will pack a punch at EP, delivering their signaturer electro-pop beats and gutting lyrics.

Their live performance is not to be missed - get ready for a high-energy set that will ooze fun and individuality.

JAMES BLAKE

Coming off his critically praised record, Assume Form, London native James Blake returns to Ireland after providing support for Kendrick Lamar in 2018.

Blake’s unique blend of hypnotic soul, electronic and R&B soundscapes provide for a surreal live experience and one that should go down a treat for Picnic goers looking for a slightly more subdued setting.

THE 1975 The 1975 are a live powerhouse, and one not to be missed when they hit EP’s main stage as they gear up to release their new album Notes On A Conditional Form in 2020.

World renowned as one of this generation’s greatest bands, their live show sees them put everything into their performances.

THE STROKES

18 years on from their seminal debut album, Is This It, The Strokes are in a strange place in their career.

Five albums in with a sixth (apparently) on its way, it’s never certain how long the legendary band will tour before going on hiatus once again.

CHARLI XCX Cult pop songstress Charli XCX takes to the EP stage just ahead of the release of her new album Charli which is sure to propel her into pop superstardom.

A familiar face on the festival circuit, this is Charli’s first return to Dublin since her mammoth shows alongside Taylor Swift last year. Her high energy set filled with sugary sweet, techno driven tracks is sure to provide a decent dancing session.

For your chance to win two weekend tickets to Electric Picnic to see our top picks and more, check out our competition on this page! For the full Electric Picnic line up, see ElectricPicnic.ie.

WIN

A PAIR OF WEEKEND TICKETS TO ELECTRIC PICNIC 2019 WITH THANKS TO BACARDÍ

The award-winning Casa BACARDÍ will once again welcome music fans to the highly anticipated and sold out Electric Picnic, with top acts taking to the stage including Mark Knight, Jasper James, Heidi, Boots & Kats and Tara Stewart. To celebrate Casa BACARDÍ’s 16th year at the festival, we are giving you a chance to win TWO WEEKEND TICKETS TO ELECTRIC PICNIC. Held in the grounds of Stradbally, Co.Laois from 30th August – 1st September, CASA BACARDÍ at Electric Picnic will be the ultimate destination throughout the weekend, offering festival goers the perfect location to soak up the atmosphere over The Original BACARDÍ Mojito cocktail in between the acts on the main stage.

Throughout the weekend, BACARDÍ bartenders will be on hand to share their top tips on how to make delicious BACARDÍ rum cocktails, with a dedicated Mojito Cart serving The Original BACARDÍ Mojito along with some very exciting new Bacardi flavours including Raspberry and Ginger.

Enjoy an iconic Bacardi mojito, dance like no-one is watching and do what moves you all weekend long.

For more information on Casa BACARDÍ at Electric Picnic and how you can win festival tickets, visit BACARDÍ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @ BacardiIreland.

To enter our competition for TWO Electric Picnic weekend tickets, just fill in the missing word: Enjoy an Original BACARDÍ ________ at Electric Picnic this year. a) Cosmopolitan b) Whiskey Sour c) Mojito To enter, email your name, age, answer and contact details to competitions@dublingazette.com with ‘Bacard-EP’ in the subject line.

Enjoy BACARDÍ sensibly. Visit Drinkaware.ie Terms and Conditions: Open to residents of Ireland aged 18+.

Closing date for entries 27 August 2019. Third party terms and conditions may apply.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

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

Driving home a key message C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com

MARLON Martowirono, Irish Rail; Sydney Mthi, Dublin Bus; Marcin Koriat, Bus Eireann and Paula Carbo Zea, Irish Rail were happy to help deliver a key message of tolerance and respect as part of a new antiracism campaign. Unveiled by Transport for Ireland and the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the public transport campaign is promoting a positive, inclusive and anti-racism look at modern, multicultural and multiethnic Ireland. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com

The chips could be down for seagulls still trying to steal food from humans

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

Alien fest still has to fix some earthly matters A TOWN near ‘Area 51’ – the mysterious American US military base in Nevada long believed to harbour extraterrestrial craft and research – is warning people to stay away from a music festival being organised by the man who wanted to storm the infamous base.

Alienstock is due to take place in the nearby town of Rachel next month. However, the town’s official website says the three-day event will “undoubtedly attract crooks trying to capitalise on the chaos”.

The festival, which grew out of the Storm Area 51: They Can’t Stop All of Us Facebook movement, is planned to take place from September 20-22.

Humans and any passing aliens interested in attending should note that the organisers are still looking for money for all the little things, such as staff, security, emergency medical services and portable toilets.

Rachel currently has 56 Earthling residents, and apart from having a small motel, bar and restaurant (called Little A’Le’Inn), the nearest other buildings are 45 miles away in Ash Springs.

WITH Britain’s seaside towns locked in an ongoing war with seagulls, new research has suggested a way to stop them stealing food off humans.

A team from the University of Exeter say that according to their findings, the best way to deter gulls is by eyeballing them.

The research showed that with a human staring at them, herring gulls took 21 seconds longer to approach a bag of chips than when left apparently unobserved.

Lead author Madeleine Goumas, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, said:

“Gulls are often seen as aggressive and willing to take food from humans, so it was interesting to find that most wouldn’t even come near them during our tests.”

The researchers tried to test 74 gulls, but most flew away or wouldn’t approach. Just 27 approached the food, and 19 completed the “looking at” and “looking away” tests.

Madeleine said: “Of those that did approach, most took longer when they were being watched. Some wouldn’t even touch the food at all, although others didn’t seem to notice that a human was staring at them.”

Man looking to the future of the planet walks 800km backwards AN INDONESIAN man is walking backwards from his home in eastern Java to the capital, Jakarta, to raise awareness of deforestation in a country with one of the highest such rates in the world.

Medi Bastoni hopes that, after taking many thousands of steps, he will have the opportunity to meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo so he can ask him for a symbolic tree seed, which

he intends to plant on the slopes of Mount Wilis.

Bastoni (43) started on July 18 from his village on Mount Wilis, a 2,500 metre-high volcano in East Java province that has been affected by deforestation.

Setting off on his incredible 800km backwards walk last month, he said: “I hope the government will start to care about the environment so the young generation will care too.”

Indonesia has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, with more than 74 million hectares of rainforest – an area nearly twice the size of Japan – logged, burned or degraded in the past half century, according to Greenpeace.

Bastoni has been walking at least 20-30 km a day and uses a rear-view mirror attached to his backpack to help him avoid obstacles.

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

SOME THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

BITS & BOBS

TOP TWEETS ... TOP TWEETS Nowadays, when you die your life flashes before your eyes but first you have to watch an ad.

@myqkaplan

Trump sulks as Danes refuse to sell Greenland

WE ALL love the great Danes – most of us anyway, but Donald Trump seems to have fallen out with our Scandinavian friends.

The country’s resounding “Nej tak” (no thank you) to the American president’s off the wall interest in buying Greenland – yes, that Greenland (above) – has displeased him so much that Mr Tump cancelled his planned visit to Denmark as part of his upcoming European visit.

Things weren’t helped, perhaps, when the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, described the idea of selling Greenland – part of Denmark’s overseas territory – as “absurd”, adding drolly: “I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously”.

The cancellation of the Danish leg of the POTUS’s trip appears to have conclusively answered her. Perhaps Mr Trump’s wandering attention might next land upon Iceland – the country, not the supermarket chain ...

Sorry I’m late! I was at home sitting down.

@jpbrammer

Modern dating: Well, I liked 5 of their photos.

The rest is up to them. @fahimanwar

I was delayed coming to the door and told the delivery man why. “Sorry, I was watering my garden”. He winked at me and said, “Bet you were”, and headed off laughing away to himself. I really wish I hadn’t taken the spout off the watering can I was holding, it didn’t help my case. @WeeMissBea

My young fella is dressed like he sits at the bar in Fibbers drinking pints of Bulmers. @nelly187

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

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22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND DRINKS

Still jam-ple time to serve a Summer treat SUMMER looks ready to pack up and ship out, based on the weather we’ve had recently – but there’s still time to create a tasty summer treat with a delicious Blueberry and Lavender Jam, courtesy of Siucra and Catherine Fulvio.

This recipe embraces the classic blueberry jam with an exciting touch of lavender to give it extra flavour, creating a perfect summer brunch accessory that makes two jars (approx.

400g).

Ingredients • 400g blueberries, washed and crushed • 350g Siucra Sure Set Jam Sugar • 5 organic fresh lavender buds/flowers • A generous grating of nutmeg • Half vanilla pod • 1 lemon, zest and juice Preparation

• Place the blueberries in a saucepan with the

Siucra Sure Set Jam Sugar, lavender, nutmeg and vanilla pod as well as the lemon zest and juice.

• Bring to the boil, ensuring that the sugar dissolves first and reduce the heat, simmer gently until soft, stirring from time to time.

• Boil until setting point is reached (104°C).

If you do not have a jam thermometer, place a saucer in the freezer. Check the setting point every 10 minutes, but it may take up to half an hour. Take the saucer out of the freezer, place a teaspoon of jam onto the saucer, leave it for a few seconds and then push it with your finger, if it wrinkles then it has reached setting point.

• Leave to cool slightly, remove the vanilla pod and ladle into sterilised jars.

• Seal, label and store in a dark cool place.

• Catherine’s tip: For a lighter lavender flavour, place the lavender in a muslin bag and remove before potting the jam

People turning away more from meat – survey A NEW survey shows how people in Ireland are planning to consume more meat-free meals in the next 12 months than ever before.

Some one in four people surveyed said they are going to try and make the effort to eat more vegetarian meals.

Accordin g to the new SuperValu survey, some 59% of people are currently cooking meat-free meals at least once a week.

Of particular note was the worrying result showing that only 4% of respondents said they ate the recommended seven portions of fruit and

vegetables every day, while more than one third said they eat less than two such portions each day Aveen Bannon, consultant dietician, said: “It is very disappointing and worrying to see only 4% of people are getting their seven portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

“Fruits and vegetables contain natural compounds called phytochemicals which give them their characteristic colour, flavour, smell or texture.

“These compounds, together with vitamins, minerals and fibre, can really help reduce the

risk of many diseases.

“People should challenge themselves to include colour at every meal to reap these benefits and to boost their immune system.”

Supporting the push to eat more healthily, SuperValu is

encouraging shoppers to #LoveFruitandVeg by e at i n g i n-s e a s o n produce, as only 14% of those surveyed said it was something they looked for when shopping.

Gillian McGowan, fruit and vegetable category m a n a g e r, S u p e r Va l u said: “In-season fruit and vegetables are tastier, more nutritious and incur less food miles.

“We highlight and promote our in-season produce in stores to help consumers identify the freshest and best-quality local produce for the best value.”

FOOD COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Free workshop offers SMEs advice on food safety Do you work in a small to medium sized Dublin food business? Maybe you’re a local food producer or processor, or a catering company? If so, your work will require you to keep up to date and informed on a number of food safety issues.

THAT’S why safefood, in partnership with Teagasc, are hosting a free workshop specifically for SME food businesses, to provide practical advice on how to produce and handle food safely. Our experts will be there to address all your food safety questions, with topics including: • Food allergens in a nutshell – Dr James McIntosh, safefood • Food labelling: What you need to know – FSAI • The role of packaging in food safety – Edward O’ Neill, Teagasc • Food hygiene essentials: A clean regime – Edward O Neill, Teagasc • Controlling food-poisoning bacteria – Dr Kieran Jordan, Teagasc One previous attendee – a Leinster-based soft drink SME – “found the true-life experience of participants helpful and informative,” and “enjoyed the relaxed and open atmosphere generated by the speakers.” Similarly, a Dublin-based food SME described the workshop as offering “lots of good information and practical advice” with “excellent topics covered and explained in simple terms rather than heavy detail.”

We’re coming to Dublin on Wednesday 4th September 2019, 9:15am – 1.00pm, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. The workshop is FREE, but places are limited so make sure to register at safefood.eu/events.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 August 2019

latitude&longitude

Caution urged if you’re travelling to Hong Kong WITH pro-democracy protests still in full swing in Hong Kong, the Department of Foreign Affairs are advising people to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to the Chinese city.

Hong Kong has become an increasingly popular destination for Irish holidaymakers in recent years, with the addition of direct flights to the bustling city further opening up the tourism market in a two-way tourism boost.

However, with the current disruption and high degree of public unrest in the city, many Irish tourists – who will have made plans long ago and are financially committed to going – will be anticipating any visit with trepidation.

The Department is urging Irish people to exercise great caution if visiting, with the likelihood of disruption and potential for fast-changing protests and riot police deployment hanging over any visit.

With much of the city operating as normal despite the protests, any Irish visitors are advised to carefully monitor protests, planned mass rallies or protest points, and to avoid any such potential flash points as the situation continues.

Norwegian Airlines pain as airline cancels routes ONE week on from the shock news that Norwegian Airlines’s announcement that it is cancelling transatlantic routes from Ireland and there’s still travel misery in the air for thousands of travellers.

There’s now less than one month to go until the airline scraps its Irish routes to the States on September 15, plunging many into a search for new flights.

While refunds will be winging their way to many Irish customers who’d booked their flights, others will have the option to travel to the States via London or, indeed, from Scandinavia.

Norwegian had been operating the routes from Ireland for barely two years, launching in July 2017, but has been among many airlines globally affected by the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet following fatal crashes.

While thousands of people are affected, other airlines could offer a lifeline, of sorts, for any potential holidays or travel dates affected by the airline’s move. For example, Aer Lingus have moved quickly to offer special Autumn transatlantic fares to North America.

The Center of a very fun-packed family holiday in rural Ireland Building a brand-new €233m giant resort in the depths of Longford sounded like a mad idea – luckily, Center Parcs turned out brilliantly SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor IT’S now approaching a month since Center Parcs at Longford Forest opened in a blaze of publicity, but interest in the resort has not abated.

The celebrities who were out in force for the launch have long since returned home and the resort is now bedding in for the winter.

People have many questions about what Center Parcs is like – is it expensive, and why would you go there in rainy old Ireland?

Well, the truth is, having paid a visit with members of my family – nephews Jamie (14) and Joel (12) and niece Ava (8) – there any number of reasons to go there.

Many parents, particularly those with young kids, find flying to be a complete chore thanks to endless queues, having to be at airports hours in advance and the general hanging around.

What a gift it is to load up the car and just head off with no fuss or bother! It’s even possible to bring the

family dog on holidays, if kids and adults, many of the grounds. We liked the you book a dog-friendly whom – like myself – were electronic wristbands that lodge. a little rusty in the saddle, acted as keys for the front Let’s face it – eyebrows to whizz around in. door instead of bulky keys. were raised when we The cars are left in desOf course, it’s a comheard that the mercial enterprise, well-established and there are clothes brand Center Parcs shops, a gift shop, were going to build a sweet shop and a shop selling toys a €233m holiday which we converesort in Longford. niently ‘forgot’ to We may not tell the eight-yearhave been that old with us until it familiar with the was time to go.

Center Parcs brand (established in the As for the rain, Netherlands in among the facili1968) in Ireland, but ties Center Parcs it is very popular in boasts is a subthe UK. tropical waterpark However, it turns complex which out that the Longis heated to 29.5 degrees all year ford opening was a round, and its use genius idea, with comes at no extra Center Parcs carving out what is, in charge. effect, an entire vilThere are also any lage in Newcastle number of indoor Forest near Balactivities that can be lymahon. booked as well as the Restaurants and outdoor ones, with shops are built in Joel and Ava (top) praised the sheer up to 100 activities the ‘town’ centre range of fun things to do, as did big on offer. and the lodges are brother Jamie (above), who also liked all There is somea short bike ride the activities for families and older kids thing for every age away. group. The AdvenIt’s a car-free zone ignated car parks when ture Golf on the waterfront which means that it’s you check in and then it’s was fun with nine holes. a safe environment for off you go, time to explore The price for those aged

While Stuart, Effie, Hugo and Shari Wilson (above) got to grips with navigating the lovely park’s sprawling grounds, other visitors will welcome navigating its many thoughtfully designed spaces to relax, wine and dine in (right)

over 12 was €8, and €6.75 for those under 12, with the course taking around half an hour to complete.

Not surprisingly, planners have made good use of the surrounding landscape with target archery, laser combat, and a treasure trail on offer.

Jamie, Joel and Ava opted for a number of highrise activities including the indoor climbing wall.

There was great fun on the zip wire activity in the forest, and we all enjoyed hiring a pedalo for the

22 August 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

QUITE POSSIBLY THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION

TRAVEL

Picture: Naoise Culhane

Inside and out, guests are always close to nature and relaxing spaces

outdoor lake. The price for a four-seater was €15 for half an hour.

Many of the restaurants included play areas for children, which is of course welcome, but for those without toddlers or young kids, perhaps a seat further away from the play area is a handy tip.

But what impressed was that in every venue we ate in, we were asked at the beginning whether anybody had an allergy.

We told them that one of the children had a peanut

allergy, and they checked for us that what we were ordering was suitable.

The kind of food on offer was what you would expect – for instance, there is an Italian called Bella Italia, a Pancake House, a sports cafe, Cara’s Kitchen and bar, Huck’s American Bar and Grill, and an Indian- and Asian fare-inspired restaurant called Rajinda Pradesh.

Be sure and try the ‘Freakshakes’ if you drop into Huck’s.

Prices vary, but there

is value to be had. For instance, the kids’ menu in Bella Italia offered a ‘grande’ menu for €8.95 aimed at 7 to 11-year-olds, which included a decent starter, main course, dessert and drink.

Many of the restaurants also included colouring materials and paper. An obvious distraction activity for younger kids, yes, but it’s surprising not many restaurants in Ireland do this.

In a nice touch, you can order take-out to be deliv-

ered to your lodge between 3-10pm.

This will no doubt prove extremely welcome when it’s lashing outside and people want to sit in front of a nice fire.

The spa on site is luxurious and offers a wide range of treatments – so this will see the resort’s appeal stretch beyond solely the family market.

But on to the issue that seems to interest most people – how much Center Parcs costs.

The prices vary, as with

all holidays. At the time to eight guests completes own bikes and towels to of writing, Center Parcs the experience. cut costs. were advertising WinBut for couples or It’s a big operation. ter breaks from With so many activi€299, excluding ties available on site, school holidays. there is a huge and All details about dedicated workforce. pricing are availWe spoke to staff able on the webfrom east Galway and site at www.cenOffaly and from much terparcs.ie. further afield than Clearly, there just the local Longare different types ford community. of accommodaIt’s a huge boost for tion and prices go the local economy, and for the country, up depending on and we hope Center the type booked Parcs does very well and the duration of stay. in Ireland.

The woodland We immensely lodges, complete enjoyed our stay in with log burners, Younger kids and teens alike will find a a little bit of parasleep up to eight huge range of fun activities to try out dise in Longford, guests, while the and we are already executive lodges come smaller families, there are planning our return trip! complete with en-suite also apartments built by bedrooms and televi- the lakeside with a twin or sions in all the bedrooms, double bed. and some have a sauna.

However, once you get They, too, sleep up to eight there, you can spend as guests. little or as much as you For those pushing the like. The plush and spaboat out, there are exclu- cious 4-bed lodge we were Shane and his guests stayed courtesy of Center Parcs for sive lodges, with a games in had two fridges. room and pool tables and Many people will just its special media preview games console. load up the car and bring weekend ahead of the offiA sauna, steam room food to cook on the barbe- cial opening to the general and outdoor hot tub for up cue. Others will bring their public on July 29.

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THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

MURPHY MINDFUL CAMOGIE: SKERRIES HARPS manager

Denis Murphy is mindful of the huge task ahead for his side as they face into a newlook ‘We Are Dublin’ Senior 1 Camogie Club Championship this weekend, when they take on beaten finalists of the last two years, Na Fianna.

Denis has been speaking to the Dublin Gazette’s Cóilín Duffy about the tough challenge ahead.



GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL P38

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LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BASKETBALL | IRISH MASTERS MAKE THEIR MARK OVERSEAS

DEBUT FOR WOMEN’S MASTERS  sport@dublingazette.com

THE first ever Irish Women’s Masters team finished their FIMBA World Championships in Finland in 9th place with 3 wins out of 5 games.

In very demanding playing conditions Ireland lost their first two games to Mexico and Finland with the Mexican game being a very physical and bruising encounter.

Mexico led by five points halfway through the first quarter, Ireland responded through Marla Candon who hit three big shots to ensure a 15-11 lead after the first quarter.

After a very physical second quarter, the sides were tied 30-all at the break.

Mexico started to show their physical presence even more with some big hits, however Ireland held on and battled through ensuring the sides were tied 45-all going into the last quarter.

This game looked like it was going to go down to the wire, however Mexico picked up their defence and got some

nice scores to stretch the lead to 7 with five minutes to play. Ireland reacted with free throws from the twinsGrainne & Dee Tomlinson and a pair of free throws from Eileen Bradley but it wasn’t enough.

In the next game Finland made the better start with some impressive shooting but Ireland dug deep with baskets from Candon & Bradley.

The second quarter was better for Ireland with some outside shots while O’Keeffe, Bradley, Troy and Boylans efforts were also yielding dividends.

The half ended 21- 31 to Finland.

Finland stepped up a gear and the defensive pressure caused Ireland to turnover the ball .

Traynor and Lakes all saw the floor in this quarter and they acquitted themselves well. Finland’s shooting percentages were very high and this paid off as they increased their lead to 55 -31 at the end of the third quarter.

Ireland pressed the Finns and this paid off causing numerous turnovers.

The Irish Women’s Masters Basketball team who made history by becoming the first Irish team to take part in the World Maxibasketball Championships in Helsinki, Finland, including Dublin Gazette’s Siobhain Monerawela (front row- right).

The Tomlinson sisters, Grogan, Candon and Troy worked tirelessly up front and Bradley, O’Keeffe & Boylan pulled some big rebounds on both ends of the floor. The Finns had the work done though and despite this, Ireland won the last quarter 18- 16 , but Finland ran out 71-49 winners.

Columbia were next for the Irish and also seeking their first win.

The game was very tight in the first three quarters with Ireland leading by two points at the end of the first.

Both teams traded baskets but Ireland edged a 32 -30 interval score.

In the third quarter Ireland stepped up their defence to a big 3/2 zone which paid off and they ended the third quarter with a five point advantage going into the last quarter.

Ireland emptied their bench with everybody seeing court time and closing out a physical Colombian side by a

margin of 10 points to take their first win in Irish history for a women’s masters basketball team at international level.

Ireland started the GB game by claiming a quick 7 -0 lead with Bradley cleaning up on the offensive boards and Candon clinical from the floor.

GB rallied slightly, but with Dee Tomlinson running the fast break very well the first quarter ended 19- 7 in Ireland’s favour. The second saw more of the same and Ireland used their bench with Traynor, Lakes, O’Keeffe and Grainne Tomlinson entering.

Ireland hit a big percentage from the floor with Candon in fine form.

Defensively Ireland had their best outing and at the half GB trailed 34-15.

The 3rd was more of the same with Dee Tomlinson , Grogan and Troy combining well and Candon unstoppable.

Monerawela, Traynor and Ber-

mingham all contributed well and Ireland despite a small rally from a spirited GB side, ended the third 46- 26 in front. Ireland continued to use its bench and Boylan, O’Keeffe and Bradley were excellent on the boards both ends of the floor. GB had no match for Candon and the Tomlinson’s who worked tirelessly throughout.

Monerawela,Traynor and Bermingham again contributed to the success eventually Ireland ran out convincing winners.

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

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 August 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

CASTLEKNOCK DESPITE Castleknock’s AHL9 Hurlers losing by 3-14 to 1-10 to Clontarf the team remains in third place in Division 9.

An amazing 13-point comeback against Ballyboden ending in a 5-10 4-13 draw, helps Castleknock’s Ladies ‘B’ Footballers maintain their unbeaten 7 game record in the Adult League Div.5.

A high scoring Castleknock win by 8-9 to 1-9, also against Ballyboden, in the Minor Hurling League Div.3.

The AFL2 against Na Fianna is unfinished due to an injury to Castleknock’s Graham Hannigan. The great news since is that Graham is once again up and moving. Castleknock led 0-4 0-1 when the game was stopped.

Our AFL4 footballers lost in the Naul, Castleknock 1-10 Clann Mhuire 2-14. Congrats to St. Jude’s on winning Div.4.

Well done to our U-14 players, Dylan Clark, Callum Sheridan, Sean Doyle and Bobby Lynch all part of the Dublin U-14 Football Panel who beat Meath, Westmeath and Offaly before losing the Leinster Competition Final to Wexford.

The AFL9 footballers lost by 2-10 to 1-17 to Clann Mhuire. The team is now a point behind 4th placed Cuala with two games in hand in search of a Promotion Playoff place.

Commiserations to Rob O’Shea and the Dublin U-16 footballers on losing the Gerry Reilly Memorial Cup Final to Meath, 2-10 2-11, the slimmest possible margin, in Oldcastle, Co. Meath (a competition Stephen Cluxton among other Dublin stars once played in). Proud of you Rob. The Club Camp finishes this Friday (Aug.23). The Nursery returns after its Summer break this Saturday (Aug.24) and the raffle for All-Ireland Football Final Tickets is in the Carpenter on August 31st.

Final preparations are now underway for Saturday, September 7th our Family Fun Day and the official opening of the Clubhouse in Somerton. All welcome.

No Lotto Jackpot Winner. Jackpot now €6,600.

Match 3 winners, Eilish Andrews, Helen Dempsey, Niamh Greene, Hagit Yogev and Tommy Monaghan each receive €60. Lucky Dip winner Vivian Peelo €30.

SOCCER: NO PERMANENT BELL REPLACEMENT AS IRELAND HEAD

Ireland Women can kick on under temp boss WOMEN’S SOCCER  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

IRELAND captain Katie McCabe isn’t worried that her side will head into the qualifying campaign for Euro 2021 in England next month, without a permanent manager.

Colin Bell departed for Huddersfield Town’s men team last month and left the Irish team without a coach at the helm on the eve of their opening qualifier at home to Montenegro.

The FAI have held two rounds of interviews for the vacant position, but the lead candidates, former England boss Hope Powell and Maren Meinert, dropped out.

T h a t l e f t To m O’Connor, Bell’s assistant, in charge for the 3-0 friendly defeat to World Cup champions the United States in California last month.

O’Connor will once again take the re ins ,when Ireland welcome a Montenegro side they’d ordinarily be expected to beat comfortably to Tallaght on September 5th.

Mc C a b e, w h o w a s made captain at the age of 21 upon Bell’s accession two years ago, knows the value of a good coach having thrived in the past year under Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro.

The Kilnamanagh native feels it’s more important the authorities take their time and make the right appointment, rather than rush-

ing into action ahead of the qualifiers.

“I think the FAI are taking the right amount of time needed to find the best person for us to take us forward,” said McCabe.

“I would be happy for it to take an extra two weeks, rather than rushing it and getting someone in a week.

“Before Colin came in, that was a long process as well. And this will be a long process too, because they want to find the right guy.

“You need to look at all aspects, how the new manager wants to take the team forward, the style of play, everything has to come into consideration.

“How we can build the game, not just at international level but grassroots level, Women’s National League, everything is important, so I am happy they didn’t just rush in and appoint someone.”

McCabe is glad to see the return of international football as Ireland, like all nations, look to capitalise on the interest generated by the summer’s World Cup. The opportunity to play at the Rose Bowl in California, where the final of the 1994 men’s World Cup was played, against the US was a major opportunity despite a negative scoreline.

“That was my third time playing them and each time I’ve seen an improvement. The first two times I played them, we’ve fallen short in

physicality.

“I know the result maybe says otherwise, but we matched them for the whole 90 minutes, comparing them to the Netherlands game.

“We’re more capable of getting a result against Germany and Ukraine, we’ve every opportunity to go to England in 2021.”

Coinciding with Pride in June, McCabe revealed she’s in a relationship with her Ireland teammate Ruesha Littlejohn and she hasn’t received any blowback or bigotry as a result.

“I think Ireland has definitely moved since where it was back in the day, obviously the referendum and that. It was a great day and I was proud to be part of it.

“I didn’t scream and s h o u t a b o u t b e fo re, didn’t feel the need to, before the launch. It’s all positive, I guess.”

VOLUNTEERS KEY

Nominees for ‘Sports Volunteer of the Year’ sought by Sports Fed’

The Federation of Irish Sport is calling for nominations for Dublin’s ‘Sports Volunteer of the Year’. Nominations are sought from individuals, clubs and sports associations, for individuals who have made a real difference to their club, community or county. The awards were created to recognise the contributions, commitment and dedication of the 450,000 volunteers who give their time to Irish sport every year.

Nominations can be made online at www.volunteerinsport.ie before Friday Sept 27th.

22 August 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

INTO EURO QUALIFERS Republic of Ireland Captain Katie McCabe was in Tallaght Football Stadium to announce Boots Ireland’s three-year sponsorship with the FAI as partner of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team.

Katie was joined by her sister Lauryn McCabe (11) and Holly Gobbet (11).

GAELIC GAMES: TWO BIG FUNDRAISERS FOR ST. BRIGID’S

Brigid’s set for ‘Up for the match’ and 5k ST BRIGID’S GAA CLUB FUNDRAISERS  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

ST. BRIGID’s GAA Club are in fundraising overdrive at the moment, with two big events coming up over the next three weeks.

On this Friday night (August 23rd), the club host an ‘Up for the Match’ event previewing the upcoming All-Ireland Senior Football Football, which is sponsored by McGowans, while on September 15th the Annual 5km Run, sponsored by Jones Engineering takes place.

Club stalwart Barry Cahill will be part of the panel for Friday’s All-Ireland Preview, alongside Colm O’Rourke, Ciaran Whelan, Tomás O’Sé, Bernard Flynn, Conor McManus, Martin McHugh and Paul ‘Pillar’ Caffrey.

Cahill says the fundraisers are hugely important to help raise vital funds for the club.

“Every club in Ireland has its struggles and challenges and ourselves in St. Brigid’s are no different,” Cahill told the Dublin Gazette.

“I think over the last couple of years ,clubs are trying to be more creative and more innovative about how they can raise funds, rather than your traditional race night or going after local businesses on a regular basis. You can only go back to them so many times.

“Within each club there are fundraising

and organising committees to try and come up with ways of trying to generate a bit of revenue to help all of a number of different teams that the club might have.

“Whether it’s Ladies Football and Camogie; or Mens Football and Hurling and all the way down to Juvenile and Nursery teams as well.”

Cahill gives a bit of the background to the 5k run which takes place on the morning of the All-Ireland Ladies Football finals in Croke Park.

500 girls take part in Fingal Football Festival in AUL MORE than 500 girls descended on the AUL complex in Clonshaugh for the 17th edition of the Fingal Festival of Football.

Now an annual event run by Fingal County Council Sports Office in collaboration with FAI/ Fi n ga l D eve l o p m e n t Officers Paul Keogh and Sharon Boyle, it provides opportunities for some girls to put on a club jersey for the very first time and also acts as pre-season warm up for the more established teams. Teams from Dublin, Meath, Louth took part.

Paul Keogh, FAI/Fingal County Council Development Officer, said: “We

are delighted to assist Fingal’s Sports Office with this great event. It provides for a fun- filled day and helps harness the great work of the volunteers, who put in hours of work to ensure girls have regular football, as without them there is no girls’ football.

“We have seen great growth in girls’ football over the last few years, especially in the Fingal area and events like this are encouraging clubs to provide opportunities for girls to play on teams with their peers.”

Niall McGuirk, Fingal County Council Senior Sports Officer, added: “We made a conscious

effort to include girls in the Festival of Football nine years ago and it has grown from four U13 girls teams to a girl’s only event with almost 60 teams and over 500 players from U18-U14 taking

part in 2019. We hope that this event, combined with the work being carried out by the FAI, MGL and volunteers in clubs around Fingal, encourages girls to stay involved in football for many years.”

Swords Celtic players having a ball at the Fingal Festival of Football in Clonshaugh

“This is third year of the 5k run, and really it’s just more of a fun event. You certainly don’t have to be an Olympic 5k runner to take part!”

Entry for the 5K costs €11 with further details on www.stbrigidsgaa.com, while a limited amount of tickets at a cost of 20 Euro are available for the ‘Up for the Match’ event.

Attendees on the night will be entered into a draw for 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Final tickets.

Contact 0868229312 for more information.

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38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 August 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

LADIES FOOTBALL : ROWE READY TO DELIVER

SKERRIES HARPS WELL done to the McMeels Pharmacy/Supervalu sponsored AFL1 team on their league win over neighbours St Maurs on Saturday. Great support for the lads and a good win!

Well done also to the AFL9 team on their win over Erins isle on Sunday 18th. The Adult ladies Footballers recorded a midweek Div 6 league win over Na Fianna, well done ladies!

Congrats to Lauren Bryce who lined out with the Dublin U13 football team in the Eugene Egan Memorial Competition winning the Shield. Well done also to Eoghan O’Connor Flanagan & Greg McEneaney who won the Brian McLernon Shield with the Dublin U15’s. Hard luck to Eoin Wilde, Joe May & the Dublin U16 Footballers who lost to Meath by a point in the Gerry Reilly tournament.

Congratulations to all our members who received their Leaving Cert Results and College offers last week - the world is now your oyster.

On the eve of the All Ireland Football final we have Live Music from Branded in the clubhouse from 9pm (no cover charge). Always a great night in the club! Jersey Night Fundraiser for 2020 Feile Teams also.

Major Club Fundraiser “The Chaser” will take place in City North Hotel, Gormanston on October 27th. Sponsorship options are now available.

Contact Joanne on 0864058523.

Monies raised will be allocated to development of All- Weather pitch and Ball wall.

ZINGO RESULT Sun 18th, 7-6-21-3-5-4, no winner of the Jackpot or dividend. Next week: Jackpot €6400.

Play online at www.skerriesharps.ie/ zingo, entry €2 or 3 for€5. Next draw on Sunday 25th at 7pm.

Ahead of the All-Ireland Final, we are advising and reminding members to keep an eye on Club social media and also their emails for information regarding the ticket process. Emails will be issued by the Club secretary.

The LGFA Semi Final between Dublin & Cork takes place next Sunday in Croke Park - tickets are now available at lgfa.tickets.ie, and Supervalu stores. All support for Lyndsey & her Dublin teammates appreciated.

As the Summer camp season has drawn to a close, many thanks to our Club GPO Louise & Club Coach Johnny along with our many young coaches (all players across our u16, Minor & adult teams) who have again ensured that across all 4 camps and in excess of 700 kids participating, an enjoyable time was had by all. A huge amount of effort goes in behind the scenes to organise and plan each week to ensure maximum fun is had by all, and again in 2019, we acknowledge that effort! Academy will resume on Sat 14th September.

ST. BRIGID’S LIMITED tickets remain for our All Ireland Football Final Preview ‘Up for the Match’ sponsored

by McGowans this Friday evening, August 23rd in Russell Park!

We have some brilliant guests lined up including Colm O’Rourke, Ciaran Whelan, Tomás O’Sé, Bernard Flynn, Conor McManus, Barry Cahill, Martin McHugh, Pillar Caffery hosted by Damien O’Reilly!

The panel will review the 2019 Football Championship and give their verdicts on who will become 2019 All Ireland Champions! This is a night not to be missed by all GAA fans!

Tickets are on sale now @ €20 each, which includes entry into a draw for 2 All Ireland Football tickets.

Tickets can be purchased from any of our Adult Football Managers or via 0868229312.

Please purchase your tickets early as they are limited.

Well done to our AFL3, AFL5 and AFL10 Footballers on brilliant league wins over the weekend. There’s a full round of Adult Hurling League fixtures this weekend with our Inter Hurlers in action on Saturday evening and our Juniors on Sunday.

Our AFL10 Footballers also play in the league on Thursday evening at home. All the details are on our website and twitter page! New or returning players are always welcome. Just contact pro.stbrigids.dublin@gaa.ie for info.

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot last week. Our next Jackpot rises to €5,000 and will take place after the August Summer Break on September 5th in The Greyhound.

We are looking for part-time bartenders for evening and weekend work in our Club Bar. If you would like to apply for the positions please send your CV to; pro.stbrigids.dublin@gaa.ie or call 0868229312 for more information!

Our Annual 5km Run kindly sponsored by Jones Engineering takes place on September 15th, 2019. Booking link now open on our Club Website. It’s only €11 to enter with great prizes on offer as well as the option of a team race! As part of our build up, we are running a free ‘Couch to 5K’ which is open to everyone, walkers joggers or those looking to run the 5K! It’ll run every Tuesday and Thursday for 45 mins at 7.30pm from this Tuesday! Make sure to sign up now for this brilliant community event!

Our Club Nursery, in association with Sherry Fitzgerald, is now on its summer break and will return in early September.

Keep up with all our news on our website www.stbrigidsgaa.com our Club App and our Facebook and Twitter pages. Our Club Shop with O’Neills is also on our website.

Dublin star Carla Rowe is aiming to rise high once more for her county this weekend at Croke Park, as they face Cork in the All-Ireland SemiFinals.

Picture: David Fitzgerald/ SPORTSFILE

Clann Mhuire’s Rowe set for historic A-I Semi Dublin’s double goalscoring hero in the 2018 TG4 All-Ireland Senior final, Carla Rowe, is hoping to repeat her ‘dream come true’ performance when Dublin and Cork do battle again next Sunday at Croke Park.

Rowe played in three losing All-Ireland finals against Cork before last year’s big win for Mick Bohan’s side, but facing a smarting Cork in Sunday’s All-Ireland semifinal is another huge challenge.

D e fe a t i n g Co r k i n Croke Park was a sweet victory for Dublin after all their failings against the Rebels, and Rowe is keen to add a second win against them at the venue this weekend.

“We played Cork three years in a row, in 2014, 2015 and 2016 – and lost all three. I was involved in all three years,” said Rowe, who plays her club football with Clann Mhuire.

“It just makes it that bit sweeter. It makes you really appreciate it.

It makes you realise it

doesn’t come that easily. You do have to work hard. Once we won, and the final whistle sounds, you just have to be in the moment and celebrate as much as you can.

“That is what you dream of and you play for and train for. Personally, to score two goals in Croke Park and get player of the match was a dream come true.”

One of the toughest days for Rowe in the Dublin shirt came in the 2016 final defeat to Cork. She was centrally involved in the game’s big talking point, a shot that looked good was waved wide, while the newly installed HawkEye was not in operation that day. Rowe says she would react differently if it happened again.

“It was hard when I gave my reaction straight after the game. I think I said it was a disgrace. “I wouldn’t like to react like that now. It was just in the moment.

“HawkEye had been brought in for the men’s game, but not for the

women’s at that stage.

We lost the game by a point. It would have been a draw. But on those days when you are very disappointed you turn to any little thing you can hold onto.

“A lot of people would have said it to me after.

You just have to move on and learn from these things. We just trained hard the next year. The LGFA are always improving, so the following year Hawk-Eye was in place and it’s there now. It’s brilliant.”

A childcare worker by trade, Rowe is a native of Lusk in Co Dublin, but she later moved to Naul, where she is still based.

Her job means she is in touch with the community and its next generation, while she has been named as one of ten mentors who form part of the #SeriousSupport Schools Programme, which has seen Lidl Ireland invest over €125,000 to reduce the drop-off rate in sport participation among girls in their early teenage years.

“It is a brilliant initiative and programme that is hoping to increase and maintain the number of women playing sport.

It is just a lot of girls, by the age of 13, they give up sport. That transition between primary and secondary school is tough.

“I was in the pilot programme last year to see if the programme would be run full-time this year.

I did some schools in Ashbourne and Lucan. It went really, really well.

“I think for any person who enjoys being around children, you just love to be able to see children and students enjoying themselves and having fun.

“There is just so much pressure on young girls these days. It’s great when you see them at the start of the day, they are less confident and by the end of the day they are enjoying themselves, and going home with a smile on their face. That is what I love about it. You can see such a change.”

22 August 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

Gazette SPORT AUGUST 22-28, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 35-40

ROWE PRIMED FOR ACTION LADIES FOOTBALL: Clubwoman

Carla Rowe is ready for a historic AllIreland LGFA semifinal at Croke Park, as Dublin take on Cork on Sunday SEE P38

IRISH MASTERS BASKETBALL:

Ireland Women’s Masters team do us proud in first International event SEE P35

MCCABE FOCUSSED SOCCER: Ireland

captain Katie McCabe isn’t worried that her side will head into the Euro qualifiers without a permanent manager. SEE P36

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Murphy set for 23rd year as Skerries Harps Camogie boss  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

ONE of the most familiar faces on the sidelines in the Dublin Camogie circuit, Denis Murphy is back for a 23rd year as manager of the Skerries Harps team, taking part in the ‘We Are Dublin Senior 1 Camogie Championship’, which begins in earnest this Sunday at 10am, as Harps face a trip to Mobhí Road in Glasnevin to face Na Fianna.

Murphy recognises that the task at hand is far from an easy one, as his side are handed one of the toughest openers – a game against a team who are very much on the upward curve, having contested the last two finals.

“You can look at it a number of ways, you can say that it will give us matches, but like a lot of ‘First Division’ competitions, there is nearly two divisions in the top Division really. We would struggle against the top three or four teams,” he told the Dublin Gazette.

“We are playing Na Fianna on Sunday morning and that is going to be a struggle for us.

We played the likes of Faughs, Ballinteer and Lucan in the league, and we had a good game against them, so there’s three or four teams that we would give a good bit of a rattle.

“I’m not saying we would beat them, but at least we would be competitive, but against the Na Fianna’s and Vincents

Tom Murphy with Clodagh McGeough and Rachel Noctor during his time as Dublin Senior Camogie manager

“Of all years our injury-list is high. Alex Buckley

who was on the Dublin squad will struggle to make any of these matches after a knee injury. of this world, we would struggle badly.

“To an extent the seven-game Championship format gives us a chance to get three or four decent matches, and then we’ll try our best to be competitive in the others.”

For a club like Skerries Harps, an overall Championship win this year would be beyond their wildest dreams. Murphy would be happy if his side delivered a brace of wins

in the group-stages.

“Realistically for us our hope would be to win two games,” he said.

“We played in Division 2 last year, so it’s only really our first year being up fully in Division 1.

“I’m not playing the poor-mouth, but of all years our injury-list is high. Alex Buckley who was on the Dublin squad picked up a knee injury a couple of weeks ago, and will struggle to make any of these matches.

“Our free-taker Nicola Thorne got a cracked skull in a freak-accident away from camogie, and then our corner-back went over on her ankle ligaments in a challenge, and she will be out for two or three weeks.

“Where you are normally tight on numbers, when you are up at Senior level you really need all of your players. That’s where we will struggle a bit, because once you go past our first 15, after

that we don’t have great depth.”

Na Fianna are one of two clubs from the City area chasing Senior silverware, with near neighbours St. Vincent’s a l s o c o n te s t i n g t h e Championship, and hosting Ballyboden St. Enda’s this Sunday.

The Marino outfit claimed a three-in-arow of Dublin titles from 2015-2017, breaking Ballyboden St. Enda’s run of five-in-a-row, and seven

in nine years from 20062014.

Vincent’s also reached a Leinster final in 2016, losing to Thomastown at Parnell Park, after a dramatic last-minute goal by the Kilkenny side.

St Jude’s are the reigning Senior champions in Dublin and begin their campaign at home to Faugh’s/Celtic on Sunday, with Ballinteer St. John’s hosting Lucan Sarsfields in the other game.