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December 8 - 14, 2016

Maur’s magic: Rush side the All-Ireland junior champions

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Girl, 6, used by crime gang to rob shoppers Youngster employed as a decoy to steal cash, credit cards from Christmas gift hunters

 SYLVIA POWNALL SHOPPERS are being warned to be on the lookout for a gang using a girl as young as six as a distraction to steal cash and credit cards.

An elderly woman had her handbag snatched from the back seat of her car at Airside Retail Park near Swords last week as a result of the scam.

The distraught pensioner’s daughter-in-law took to social media to warn unsus-

pecting shoppers to beware and watch their belongings.

She said: “My mother-inlaw and father-in-law were shopping there at around lunchtime on Monday.

“My father-in-law walks with a limp, so I think some-

body was watching them.”

The woman, who identified herself only as Evelyn, told 98FM: “They got into the car and locked the door.

The car is electronic so everything locks automatically.

Continued on Page 2

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 December 2016

MALAHIDE | COUNCIL LEAVES PLANS IN FACE OF GROWING ISSUES

Treetop adventure centre gets the axe  STAFF REPORTER

THE contentious treetop adventure centre proposed for Malahide Demesne has been given the axe after the council decided against pursuing it further.

The zip-line proposal, which would have seen people get to climb to the canopy, got the chop after sustained opposition from local groups, Fingal County Council has announced.

At its monthly meeting in July, councillors approved plans to construct a forest adventure centre at a five-hectare site near Malahide Castle by a narrow margin of 18 votes to 16.

The idea attracted significant criticism from

opposing councillors and local campaigners, who claimed the project would necessitate the removal of a large number of trees and that it might disturb wildlife.

Malahide resident Noel Mahon had been given leave by the High Court to take a challenge against the proposed adventure centre, but in a statement released on Monday, Fingal County Council said it will not pursue the idea any further.

The decision was taken “following an assessment of the implications of a legal challenge that has been initiated”, it said, citing the length of time and potential costs involved in defending the development.

There’ll be no change to Malahide Demesne trees, now that the controversial zip-line plan has been dropped

According to The Irish Times, the local authority said it will now assess alternative locations across Fingal which may be suitable for a similar adventure centre.

Activists had been engaged in a campaign against the plans over recent months, gathering

more than 3,000 signatures on petitions opposing the adventure centre and hosting gatherings of concerned locals within the park.

Responding to the council’s decision, Cllr David Healy (GP) said it had been taught a “valuable lesson” about the

planning process.

He said: “I welcome the decision not to fight this court case. The basis of the challenge was that the planning law wasn’t fully complied with. Adequate information about the proposal was not made available to the public.

“I believe the council has learned a valuable lesson that it must provide full information and ensure meaningful public participation.”

Plans for the centre were due to include provision for extra parking spaces as part of a reinforced grass area, which has also been shelved.

The council said it will now carry out a review of car parking arrangements in Malahide, which has suffered from congestion problems in recent years, with a view to creating additional spaces.

That’s right babe – we want everybody to support Crumlin

TV3 presenter and CMRF Crumlin ambassador Lucy Kennedy was delighted to help these tiny tots launch CMRF Crumlin’s Tiny Hearts Christmas appeal, to raise money for life-saving new equipment in the cardiology unit, as well as funding vital research and equipment. So have a heart, and help keep tiny hearts beating with a donation of €45, €80 or €250.

Call 1890 5075 08, or see www.cmrf.org.

FASTNews

Fingal to gain from €6.3m fund for rural Dublin areas LEADER funding of €6.4 million has been announced for Dublin’s rural region, including areas of Fingal, which accounts for approximately 70% of the eligible local areas.

The money aims to support a diverse range of projects across various themes, including enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment.

A series of public information events have been held in Balrothery, Rolestown, Rush and Garristown outlining Leader’s application process and inviting expressions of interest.

Of the funding, Fingal County Council’s chief executive, Paul Reid, said: “From a Fingal perspective, it is very much welcome, especially considering the size and importance of the agricultural sector in the county. “Fingal County Council is looking forward to working [with our partners] to ensure that we maximise the benefits that will accrue from this funding.”

Controversial chapter in library service to begin DONABATE has been selected to take part in a controversial pilot project for staff-less libraries.

County Librarian Betty Boardman confirmed to councillors at their latest meeting that Donabate was chosen for the Open Libraries initiative.

The scheme – already piloted in several libraries nationwide – seeks to keep libraries open beyond normal working hours and sometimes without staff being physically present.

Fingal had been asked to put forward one library for consideration, and opted for Donabate.

Boardman said: “We are still looking at the feasibility of going ahead with it. We are looking at the cost, and the health and safety of staff.”

She told councillors that 64% of Fingal’s population were registered members and that a projected 1.15 million visits were made to libraries during 2016.

More than one million items would be borrowed this year, while a total of 130 staff work in the county’s library service, which has an annual budget of €12.3m.

HOUSING ARE you worried about property – whether trying to rent or share a home, sell yours, or buying a new one? Michael Russell writes on how 2017 could see a number of steps begin to help the market. SEE PAGE 12

8 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

Cillian and Anna Whelan with Katie

National Taekwondo champion Maria Rymaszewska, from Malahide, meets her idol. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Charlene Fogarty and Aisling Judge

En garde ... Ballooning talents from musketeers Abby Fitzpatrick with Brody and Ellen Ryan

Katie’s a knockout guest in Malahide T

Mayor Darragh Butler with Mickey Harte and Sinead Mulryan

HE one and only Katie Taylor pulled no punches in talking about her love of boxing when she took part in the Malahide Enterprise Day in the Grand Hotel.

Adding to the heavyweight guest list, Mickey Harte and Eamonn Coughlan were just as popular, with the trio providing great insights into their respective passions. Members

of the local business community showcased their agility in the retail ring, as they networked and investigated a range of available enterprise supports.

Eamonn Coughlan with Tom and Alan Keane, and their parents, James and Marianne

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 December 2016

Families get ready for a fun Christmas

CRIME

Warning over bag thefts as shoppers targeted Continued from Page 1 Rush family Robert, Aiden, Anna, Olga, Philis and Grainne Byrne meet SantaClaus

W

HILE locals in Lusk joined scouts and political dignitaries for the turning on of the Christmas tree lights (far right), festive fun was found further afield for other Final natives. Swapping County Dublin for Kildare, families visited historic Palmerstown House in Johnstown, which has been temporarily transformed into Santa’s House, with lots of Christmas fun for everyone to enjoy.

Lights on in Lusk ... Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) with Cllr Ken Farrell (Lab) and Brendan Ryan (Lab)

Another Rush family, Erin, Keeva, Sarah, Darragh, David Cassie and Layla Molloy. Pictures: Aisling Conway

and Peppina McLoughlin

Santa’s elves, Snowflake and Twinkle

Santa ready to touch down in castle’s first festive market  SYLVIA POWNALL

BOOKINGS are now being taken for the first ever festive market at Swords Castle, which will run for the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, December17 and 18.

As first revealed in this newspaper (right), the fifteenth-century castle will be transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to a joint initiative by Fingal County Council and Irish Village Markets.

Santa and Mrs Claus will take up residence in the newly restored chapel (with

underfloor heating), and the walls of the castle will glow with a vivid array of colour.

Tickets to see the bearded man with the big heart cost €5 plus booking fee – adults go free – and there will be carol singing, Christmas music and a performance from a surprise soprano in a purpose-built heated marquee.

Mayor Darragh Butler – who was keen for the project to proceed – said he’s sure the magical event will be a sellout success.

He told The Gazette: “I am delighted that this is going

ahead and I look forward to opening the market on Saturday, December 17 at noon.

“It is great to see Swords Castle being made available for this and I have no doubt it will be a massive success and a great weekend.

“Everyone loves a Christmas market, so I’m hoping for healthy crowds and a festive atmosphere. Swords Castle looks great now and this is another way of showing it off.”

The market will be open on both days from noon to 9pm with artificial snow, festive lighting and wooden chalets prepared by a team of merry

elves offering an array of Christmas gifts.

Top street food traders will be on hand providing seasonal sustenance, and parents can keep warm with a glass of mulled wine while the kids ride the vintage carousel in the castle grounds.

Entry to the market is free, and bookings for Santa can be made at www.irishvillagemarkets.ie.

You read it here first ...

How we broke the story about the upcoming market in this recent edition of your Gazette

“Next of all, a green jeep pulled up alongside them quite fast and wedged my mother on the driver’s side in.

“A young girl got out of the car, approximately six or seven years old – quite a clean child, well-spoken, and tapped on the window.

“The window on that side of the car didn’t work for some reason, so they had to unlock the door.

It being an electronic car, all the doors unlocked.

“So they opened the door and the young girl just asked a simple question: ‘Do you have to pay for parking here?’ and they responded with obviously no.

“Then, with that, somebody must have opened the back passenger side door and took my mother-in-law’s handbag. The young girl got back in and the jeep sped away.”

Left shaken Evelyn said her mother-in-law was left shaken by the incident and she condemned the use of a young child to commit a crime.

Gardai have studied CCTV camea footage but as yet no arrests have been made. They are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

Eve l y n a d d e d : “ I t was done so quickly. It wasn’t an aggressive or traumatic attack; it’s just somebody used a child to distract and took a handbag, which leaves you quite vulnerable because there’s a lot of personal information in it.”

A spokesperson for JLL management company, with responsibility for the Airside park, was unavailable for comment by the time of going to press.

8 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

You are invited to

Family & Friends

Weekend

This Weekend there will be huge discounts off all accessories including Christmas trees, wreaths, baubles, decorations & dinnerware.

Join us for the opening night this Friday 9th December from 4pm where we will be offering 50% off all Christmas accessories for one night only.

Visit EZ Living Furniture Airside, Blanchardstown & Fonthill, Dublin for an evening of Christmas cheer and live music with complimentary mulled wine, fruit punch, hot chocolate and seasonal bites.

Our special way of saying Thank You!

50% OFF

CHRISTMAS

ACCESSORIES ONE NIGHT ONLY

Exclusive to:

Airside Retail Park, Swords, Dublin Blanchardstown Retail Park, Dublin Fonthill Retail Park, Dublin

www.ezlivingfurniture.ieie Tel: 0818 222272

#EZLivingChristmas

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 December 2016

Out and About

Cayla, Carla and Corey McGrane with Santa and his Elf Susie Snowball

Santa’s House Express

Sidney Moorehouse captures the true magic of Christmas. Palmerstown House Pictures: AISHLING CONWAY

Erin, Keeva, Sarah, Darragh, David and Cassie and Layla Molloy

Peppina McLoughlin

Great local festive fun and frolics T

HERE have been numerous local parties and gathering taking place this week. Great fun was had in Palmerstown with Santa’s express train, transporting the kids to visit Father Christmas.

Swords Tidy Towns committee and volunteers came together to celebrate the season and reminisce all the hard work they have done thoughout the year, while the Swords Mens Shed came together to celebrate with a magical Christmas Concert with an amazing line-up of entertainment including the Celtic Choristers Choir and soloist Aimee Banks.

Rose Brennan with Roman and Irina Pavliukov enjoying the Swords Tidy Towns night out. Tidy Town Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Therese Cosgrave, Braage Maguire, Ken Duffy, Fingal Kristel Meier and Saida Khemira

John and Madeline Harford

Mayor Darragh Butler and Wendy Warrick

Dympna Cassidy, Georgy Hughes and Noel Cosgrave

8 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

Out and About

Ronnie Fallon, Maire O’Sullivan and Sinead Curran

The Celtic Choristers at the Swords Mens Shed Christmas Concert. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Clr Joe Newman and his wife Jean with Ann and Brian Aimee Banks, soloist

Roslyn Fuller and Ake Braedt

John Barry, Dermot Conlon

Donovan

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 December 2016

COURTS | VIOLENCE AGAINST GARDAI, FRAUD AND CORRUPTION DON’T PAY OFF

Local man tells Garda “I’ll bite your face off”  SYLVIA POWNALL

A MAN who told an armed garda he would bite his face off and threatened to kill him has been ordered to raise €2,000 in compensation.

Jordan Joyce, 20, punched Garda James Carolan in the ribs and kicked his colleague in the leg when he was stopped and searched for drugs.

He told Garda Carolan,

who was off work for two weeks after the assault, “I’ll bite your face off, I’ll kill you”, Swords District Court heard.

Joyce continued his tirade of abuse after he was arrested and he warned gardai at the station that if they searched him again he would “knife” them.

Joyce, of Jugback Green in Swords, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €5 worth of cannabis,

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

‘Joyce continued his tirade of abuse after he was arrested and he warned gardai at the station that if they searched him again he would “knife” them’

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

assaulting Garda David Smith and obstruction of Garda James Carolan on August 20, 2015 at St Cronan’s Close in Swords.

A probation report was handed into court and Joyce’s solicitor said the young man has “€400 with him” to help with

compensation, asking for more time to raise the balance.

Judge Dermot Dempsey said if a further €300 was brought to court in late December he would consider adjourning until early next year for the remainder to be paid.

Gda Carolan said he came across a small gathering of youths and after searching Joyce, €5 worth of cannabis and a grinder

were found in his pocket.

Joyce became aggressive and struck out at Gda Carolan punching him twice in the ribs. Garda David Smith came to his assistance and Joyce “swung a kick” at Gda Smith’s leg.

The court heard Joyce has no previous convictions. His solicitor said Joyce started dabbling in drugs after his uncle and grandfather passed away but he is drug-free now.

FASTNews Bomb squad rush to the rescue THE Army Bomb Disposal Team were called to a housing estate in Rush on Friday morning after a suspect device was discovered.

The Defence Forces confirmed that a cordon was established in the surrounding area and a number of houses were evacuated to ensure the safety of residents.

The specialist bomb disposal experts arrived at 9.40am and made the device safe at the scene.

The area was declared safe at 11.30am.

An Army spokesperson said: “The device was then removed to a secure military location for further examination.

Fingal’s 1916 volunteers story now on film ‘Fingal’s Finest’ is the story of the Fifth Battalion, Dublin Brigade of Irish Volunteers, and their role in the 1916 Rising. The narrative for the film is largely driven by the witness statements of those involved, including Irish Volunteers Joseph Lawless (Cal Kenealy) and Richard Mulcahy (Andrew Macklin), Cumann na mBan scout Molly Adrien (Natasha Duffy), and officers William O’Connell (Eoin O’Sullivan) and Eugene Bratton (Tim Casey) of the Royal Irish Constabulary, who act as ‘avatars’ as the events of Easter Week, 1916, unfold.

Pictured is The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid with cast and crew. The docudrama was premiered in the Draíocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown last week.

Future screenings will be announced at a later date.

Brothers face hefty bills TWO brothers are facing hefty legal bills after losing €38,000 damages claims they each made for personal injuries allegedly suffered in a car crash.

Terry Maughan, from Balbriggan, Co Dublin and Patrick Maughan, of Mourne View Park, Newry, Co Down, lost their action in the Circuit Criminal Court.

The pair, both unemployed, had sued Michael Kavanagh and also their brother and driver of the car they were passengers in, John Maughan.

Mr Kavanagh, of the Quarry, Car-

rickhill Road, Portmarnock, was accused of rear ending the van but he told the court he was reversed into at speed.

Patrick and Terry Maughan alleged they were stopped at traffic lights close to Dublin Airport on November 4 2010 in the van they used to transport scrap for sale.

They claimed Mr Kavanagh drove into the back of the van and that they suffered whiplash injuries.

The second defendant, John Maughan, had delivered a full defence denying negligence. His brother Patrick said he was not

present in court because he now “lives in England and he travels a lot, that’s our culture, we are travellers, we travel a lot”.

Mr Justice Raymond Groarke said he preferred Mr Kavanagh’s account of what happened and he was also satisfied that Patrick Maughan had failed to disclose a previous accident.

He added: “If I accept the account given by Mr Kavanagh, which I do, it must follow that the two plaintiffs conspired to mislead the court for the purpose of seeking and obtaining compensation.

8 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

CROSS COUNTY | 2,000 SIXTH CLASS STUDENTS RAN 26.2 MILES IN STAGES

Fitness focused Fingal complete the final mile  SYLVIA POWNALL

THE first batch of ‘graduates’ of a fitness-focused Fingal programme have just completed their final mile.

The MarathonK ids initiative – run in conjunction with the council – aims to get kids active by luring them away from computer games and out into the fresh air.

The first eight-week

On your marks, get set, go

journey involved almost 2,000 sixth class students running the 26.2 miles of a marathon in stages.

Organisers hope to encourage fitness, educate young people on the benefits of sport and exercise and promote increased activity levels among teenagers.

The children, who ran four to five times a week at the 29 participating Fingal schools, complet-

ed their final mile at the National Sports Campus on November 20.

Fingal Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said: “I was delighted to be there to see the Marathon Kids complete their final mile.

“This was a really great event, and it didn’t matter how cold it was last Sunday morning as the joy and delight on the kids’ faces completing this and the pride their families had in their achievements was well worth it.”

Fingal council’s senior sports development officer Niall McGuirk is delighted with the outcome from the first initiative.

He said: “We had 1,000 Fingal kids here out of 1,900 on a cold Sunday

Fingal Mayor Darragh Butler with the Marathon Kids.

morning, which is a credit to the runners, their parents and their teachers.

“This programme has the potential to be in every school in the country. There is no cost to the school or the kids and both teachers and principals agree it’s easy to implement and makes a huge impact regardless of the size of your school or the facilities available.”

James Hayden, a teacher at Balbriggan Educate Together NS, said: “The programme has been a beneficial and enjoyable activity for both myself and our kids. It has highlighted the benefits of sport to us all and it has made such an impact on even the students who wouldn’t normally be overly interested in taking part in sporting activities.”

FASTNews

Donabate Library selected to take part in controversial staffless pilot project DONABATE has been selected to take part in a controversial pilot project for staffless libraries. County Librarian Betty Boardman confirmed to councillors at their latest meeting that Donabate was chosen for the ‘Open Libraries’ initiative.

The scheme – already piloted in several libraries nationwide – seeks to keep libraries open beyond normal working hours and sometimes without staff being physically present.

Fingal had been asked to put forward one library for consideration and opted for Donabate.

Ms Boardman said: “We are still looking at the feasibility of going ahead with it. We are looking at the cost, and the health and safety of staff.”

She told councillors that 64 per cent of Fingal’s population were registered members and that a projected 1.15 million visits were made to libraries during 2016.

Over one million items would be borrowed this year, while a total of 130 staff work in the library service and it has an annual budget of €12.3m.

10 GAZETTE 8 December 2016

GazetteGALLERY

| A MOVIE FULL OF MAGIC AND INTRIGUING IMAGINATION

Brighdin Colper and Catherine Cullen

Lara McDermott

Ace magician Paul Redmond sets the night on fire. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Martha McKenham

Norah Casey

Beauties descend to find the beasts T

HERE was a fantastic atmosphere at the recent Irish premiere of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, which was officially unveiled at Dublin’s Savoy Theatre. A host of stars lined out for the latest (sort of) installment from the much-loved Harry Potter series, with well-known faces showing up to see it first. Even Harry Potter star Devon Murray attended the red-carpet premiere, looking dapper in a grey suit. There was a great range of different age groups present and all seemed to enjoy the movie.

Kate Hughes, Emma Gray and Lisa Corr

Triona McCarthy

Devon Murray and Jenny Moore

Alfie Mc Grehan

8 December 2016 GAZETTE 11

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 8 December 2016

DUBLINBUSINESS OPINION | 2017 COULD SEE INITIATIVES START TO HELP DUBLINERS

Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Simon Hamilton with Tony McAleenan, finance firector of RMS Group Services

Boost for Dublin as Belfast cash management firm is set to deliver 20 jobs here A BELFAST firm is to create 20 jobs in Dublin.

RMS Group Services is creating 300 new jobs over the next five years – 20 of which will be based in Dublin.

RMS is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest independent providers of bespoke cash management.

Established in 2005, its services include cash and

valuables in transit, cash processing, coin and note supply, foreign exchange and ATM services.

Tony McAleenan, finance director, said: “We’ve grown the business steadily over the past 11 years, solidifying our position in Northern Ireland whilst breaking into new markets, particularly Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.”

LASTThursday morning the Mansion House was taken over by students of UCD’s Marketing Smurfit Business School for the bi-annual UCD Business Breakfast, sponsored by Electric Ireland.

Students of the Smurfit Marketing Development Practice Masters course were joined by thought leaders in health and wellness within Irish business.

The theme of the breakfast was, T he Impact of Health and Wellness on Irish Business.

The panel consisted of Niall McGrath, cofounder of Fulfill Nutrition; Dave and Steve Fly nn, founders of Happy Pear; and Aideen

O’Colmain, Corporate Wellness Director at Fitbit.

The theme was discussed from the perspective of their own businesses while also addressing health trends surrounding local and global business in 2017.

Speaking at the event, Steve Flynn discussed the difficulties of starting a health movement and business alike: “It was difficult to start a revolution – we opened a juice bar to get young people involved, and then saw them in the chipper that night.

“It’s all about your perspective and perseverance. They say it takes 10 years to become an overnight success – for us, it took 13.”

With construction cranes popping up again all across the city, Dublin’s housing needs – and the related costs of same, whether for renters or buyers alike – dominate thoughts. Next year could see the city’s need for a more accessible market begin to be achieved, writes Michael Russell.

Taking some steps to tame Bi-annual UCD breakfast Dublin’s property market focuses on health, wellness THE old chestnut of demand exceeding supply is still the hot topic in Dublin this year as we saw activity in the housing market increase steadily.

As a result, prices have increased in the capital by over 6% while doubledigit growth was recorded in the country.

T here is hope for 2017 that initiatives will improve matters, such as: • Help to buy scheme • Central Bank’s modification on the banks’ lending rules • The Government’s Action Plan for housing and homelessness • NAMA’s phased releasing of sites to developers for construction The Help to Buy scheme

introduced - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In Dublin, the in the recent rental budget will market has assist firstbecome a time buyers huge topic to afford for discusto buy new homes in ---------------------------------------------------------- s i o n a s rents soar Dublin, especially as up to now had also allowed individu- while landlords exit the they have had to produce als who do not (now) own market as the incentives such a large deposit for a a home – ie people who to stay continue to diminproperty in the capital (an have since sold properties ish – albeit there has been average 15% of the pur- they owned in the past – some very modest movechase price). the same terms as those ments in the recent Budget The Central Bank’s now applying to first-time (5% increase on tax-relief modification on lend- buyers. limit) which may go some ing rules for banks has T he Government’s way to retaining the curallowed first-time buyers Action Plan is an attempt rent landlord base.

The fast-tracking of to borrow 90% (based on to improve all areas in the income rules) of the pur- property sector, such as planning permission for chase price on any prop- rental, construction and large developments is one erty, removing the cap social housing. measure that should assist originally introduced in It recognises the need in helping demand catch 2015. to tackle all sectors of the up with supply in 2017, but However, we would property market to enable we have a long way to go have been considerably ongoing improvements as our population continues to increase each year. happier if the Government overall.

‘In Dublin, the rental market has become a huge topic as rents soar while landlords exit the market as the incentives to stay diminish’

All the elements for a thriving property market are in place as the economy continues to grow with high employment and consumer confidence increasing.

Hopefully, the banks who are becoming more competitive can start to lend more and help to match the needs of Dublin property buyers.

 MICHAEL RUSSELL Director, Full Circle Financial Services Limited E: Michael@fcfinancial.ie www.fcfinancial.ie

8 December 2016 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 8 December 2016

MOTORING P20 TRAVEL P22

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

STYLE P18

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

TRIGGER IS AIMING TO FIND HIS NEW HOME

OUR Dog of the Week looking for his #SpecialSomeone* is Trigger, a tri-pawed three-year-old male Collie cross.

He loves an active life and doesn’t let the fact he only has three legs stop him from living life to the max. Being a typical clever Collie, he always enjoys new challenges, loves the company of other dogs, and would make a great addition to a family who already have a dog.

He is a sweet and loving, active doggie seeking an active family.

Finding a wonderful new home and starting life over again is so important to Trigger, and to us.

If you can be Trigger’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

MUSIC: SOUL’S RISING STAR TALKS TO THE GAZETTE ABOUT NEW ALBUM NON-FICTION WIN: A signed copy of Brian Deady’s new album Non-Fiction AND a pair of tickets to see him play at the New Year’s Festival in St Stephen’s Green

Deady does it the hard way  MIRIAM DOONA

BRIAN Deady is looking to top off a fantastic year by helping Dubliners ring in the new one on December the 31st.

The up-and-coming soul man, who was recently snapped up by Decca Records, has been making the music industry sit up and take notice with the re-release of his second album, Non-Fiction, last month.

And in three weeks he’ll rub shoulders with Walking On Cars, The Blizzards and Little Hours for a massive live show from the iconic setting of St Stephen’s Green for this year’s 3Countdown Concert.

The talented song-writer took time out to describe the whirlwind last few months to The Gazette, during which he revealed the inspiration for his unique brand of R&B, one of whom is esteemed US record producer Nile Rodgers.

Rodgers, co-founder of disco legends Chic, has collaborated with everyone

from Lady GaGa, David Bowie, Madonna and Pharrell Williams, so for a lad from West Cork to work with such an influential giant of the industry was a dream.

Brian told The Gazette: “Meeting Nile Rogers was great, it was that extra push when you needed it. He is just sound, he has gone past trying to be cool... he’s genuine, he has no agenda to impress.

“The last few months have been so busy and getting caught up with so many different things and so many choices; which manager to choose, which label.

“So, I have gone through that phase and every now and again, I have to say... ‘Hang on, this is really good…enjoy this’.”

On his dream collaborations, he said: “I’ve only recently been introduced to co-writing. I’ve always wanted to work with someone like Pharrell – I think we have similar influences. It’s cool to see how other people work. I was invited to a songwriter retreat where you’re random-

ly put in a room with two or three other people with a guitar and you write a song.

“The talent there was incredible. Nik Kershaw was there, some of the lads from Deacon Blue, some of the lads from Squeeze, Dave Stewart was there too.”

Non-Fiction has been described as both soulful and substantial, but Brian summed up the album with a very different adjective – sparse.

“It is a revealing album. To get the material, I had to work through my own personal stuff and then the songs became boats, guiding me through it. So it was an interesting period but not an easy one.”

He added: “The tone, in a word, I’d say bare. I wanted it to be a lyrical album and that was the overall plan from the start, to be a lyrical album… to be sparse, without it being too sparse.”

Some words of advice for aspiring singer-songwriters?

“Just stick with it,” he says. “It’s about weathering the storms – it sounds a little cliché but sometimes you have to suffer a bit to be fuelled by that drive of wanting to do it.”

WE have a pair of TICKETS to the 3Countdown Concert at St Stephen’s Green on New Year’s Eve AND a SIGNED copy of Non-Fiction to give away to one lucky reader. See our 12 Days of Christmas competition, which s t a r t s t o d a y, to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize.



8 December 2016 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

DIARY

Here come ze Germans which means FUNDERLAND is back!

Visitors to the Santa Experience will be accompanied by elves, reindeer, penguins and polar bears before enjoying an individual meeting with Santa

SANTA EXPERIENCE BACK FOR LOVELY FESTIVE EVENT THE SANTA Experience is back in Dublin and it’s a truly lovely festive family event.

Taking place in Dunnes Stores in the Ilac Centre, visitors will be accompanied by elves, reindeer, penguins and polar bears, and before enjoying an individual meeting with Santa Claus himself.

Each visit includes full engagement with Santa and his elves, as well as every child receiving a gift.

There is also a professional photographer on site to capture the magical moment with Santa for every family.

The Santa Experience supports Temple St Dublin and Mercy Street Cork children’s hospitals, who they also visit each year with Santa and his elves.

Admission is just €10 per child and €3 per adult. Book online at santaexperience.ie.

Dublin beauty Sarah Morrissey sits on the Funderland carousel, which like the Rally Ride (top right) remains a firm favourite for children of all sizes, while the Frisbee (below right) will have the bigger kids and the parents on the edge of their seats...

BEST OF IRISH CREATIVITY COMING TO THE RDS SHOWCASE, Ireland’s international creative expo will take place in the RDS in the new year, showcasing the works of 450 Irish designers to an international market of buyers.

Taking place from January 22 to 25, in the New Year, the trade fair, which was founded by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland 41 years ago, is an international launch pad for the 450 Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, jewellery, home and giftware.

A particular emphasis is placed on new products to market, providing Irish retailers with opportunities to discover and stock up on the latest design-led products, many of which are unique to the show.

Visit showcaseireland.com for more information.

dublin

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Alongside the indoor and outdoor attractions at Winter Funderland, iSkate – at 600 square metres – is Ireland’s largest outdoor ice rink.

The outdoor rink, introduced in 2015 proved hugely popular and returns for this year’s event With spectacular lighting, iSkate creates a winter wonderland atmosphere outside the Simmonscourt Pavillion.

For many patrons an hour on the ice rink along with the thrills of the fairground provides a perfect family day out.

With a Pay-As-You-Go per ride option, or the choice of P.O.P. (Pay- One-Price) wristbands allowing hours of unlimited fun, including the family wristband option, Winter Funderland is a wonderful family day out this Christmas in Dublin. To be in with a chance to WIN a Family Pass to the grand opening of Winter Funderland on Thursday, December 15, see our 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS competition which kicks off today. These exclusive passes will admit 2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children, and all attractions and rides on the day are FREE of charge. See Page 24 for more details.

www.

DECEMBER sees the return to Winter Funderland of top thrill rides from the continent.

This year the star attraction is sure to be “Around the World,” a swing ride from Germany which at 60 metres stands almost twice the height of the traditional Funderland Ferris Wheel.

With spectacular lighting, the “Around the World” ride is sure to be a big hit at this year’s show.

The “Eclipse,” and “Discovery” are top thrill rides from the Continent, while the much loved “Power Wave” makes a welcome return visit from Holland to Dublin.

The sensational “Speed Loop” Rollercoaster, which was introduced to the RDS b a c k i n 2 014 , i s a t h r i l l seekers favourite and will be joined by the “Take Off”, “Ice Jet” and “Waltzer” to name just a few.

With lots of Kiddie Rides and family attractions where parents can accompany children, Winter Funderland will present a huge array of attractions for all ages.

For those who prefer to remain on “terra firma,” lots of games of skill and chance present the chance to win some of Winter Funderland’s famous giant teddies and soft toys.

All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are just a click away

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Order in store or online at marksandspencer.ie Last chance to order food for New Year’s Eve 20 December.

Selected stores only. Serving suggestions shown. See online for full terms and conditions. Products and collection times are subject to availability. Orders can only be collected at participating ROI stores. Products containing alcohol can be sold to over 18s only, please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.ie. See in store for details. Š Marks and Spencer (IRL) Ltd.

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DUBLINLIFE

International Wella Platinum Colour award winner Darren Lacken and his model, Jennifer

Colourist’s top award is worth crowing about  EMMA NOLAN

A DUBLIN hairdresser has won the hugely coveted Platinum prize at Wella’s 2016 International TrendVision Award in Barcelona.

Darren Lacken, of Crow Street Collective in Temple Bar, was awarded the top prize of the night and crowned Platinum Colour Award Winner.

Darren’s look interpreted the A/W trend, Bronde Luxe, and his beautiful model, Jennifer, captivat-ed the eye of the judges.

He showcased the quality of hairdressing in Ireland to be amongst the best in the world, leading the way with exceptional colour creativity and flair.

Speaking about his win, Darren said: “It is

a huge honour for me as the Wella Professionals TrendVision Award is widely respected so I am thrilled to have won the Platinum prize.

“There was strong competition from amazing hairdressers across the world, so it’s a fantastic achievement and I’m really delighted to be part of it.”

Lead judge Josh Wood praised the Platinum winner, saying: “Every year, I’m totally amazed by the quality, but this year all these people are winners.

“Darren showcased an incredible use of the Wella colour portfolio and an understanding of strong technique. All of that technical knowledge was blended into something that I thought was really beautiful.”

Arnotts’ excitement at Charlotte Tillbury lines MAKE-UP lovers rejoice – Charlotte Tillbury has arrived at Arnotts. Known for some cult products, Charlotte is now bringing her make-up revolution to Arnotts. She said: “Dublin is a make-up mecca and the women here really understand the power of make-up, so it’s incredibly exciting for me to launch my first Arnott’s counter.”

Donald McDonald, managing director of Arnotts, said: “We are delighted to welcome Charlotte Tilbury into the beauty hall at Arnotts.

Charlotte has been at the forefront of the makeup industry for over 20 years and we are looking forward to having such an exciting brand join our beauty offer.

“Our ambition at Arnotts is to continue to deliver exceptional service and quality products, and to cre-ate new and exciting experiences for existing and new customers.”

Tabea Weyrauch and Yomiko Chen wearing looks from Irish designers, Jill De Burca, Helen Steele and Manley

SITE SET ON SHOWCASING IRISH DESIGNERS  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

THE Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) has launched DesignIreland.ie – a new web platform dedicated to showcasing the work of Ireland’s leading designers and craftspeople.

The site aims to provide consumers the world over with inspiration, images and stories about

talented Irish designers and their work.

Visitors can browse Irish products across three categories – Home & Gift, Fashion & Accessories and Jewellery – and then link directly to purchase from maker websites or approved stockists such as Arnotts, the Kilkenny Group, Brown Thomas, Irish Design Shop, Makers & Brothers and Stonechat, as well as interna-

tional retailers including Heal’s, The New Craftsmen and Wolf & Badger in the UK, The Citizenry in the US, and Stor in Tokyo.

Karen Hennessy, chief executive of DCCoI, said: “This new site forms part of DCCoI’s strategic goal to increase awareness of Irish design and craft at home and abroad, capitalising on the growing international reputation of the sector in recent years.

“Design Ireland has been developed as a premium brand to celebrate and champion the wonderful contemporary work being produced all over the island of Ireland.

“We hope consumers will be inspired to seek out and purchase unique Irish-designed and made work throughout the year, but particularly over the coming weeks as they shop for gifts this Christmas.”

8 December 2016 GAZETTE 19

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STYLE Red sequins dress with choker €89.90

Champagne sequin dress €89.90

Black & Pink Floral sequins dress €69.90

Red knee-length lace dress €59.90

Julian Boutique is a hidden treasure JULIAN BOUTIQUE, Cookstown, is a new, stylish boutique with dresses for all occasions, offering truly unexpected elegance and beauty in the midst of an industrial estate.

Since opening in May, the boutique has been fulfilling a lifelong dream for its owners, Donna Mills and Oonagh Doyle, while manager Aislin Maxwell is bringing her industry experience from working with top suppliers in London and Paris to bear on the business.

Aislin’s fashion experience applies across the board, with the boutique’s superb range covering a full range of party, debs,

bridesmaids and cocktail dresses, and catering for sizes from 6 to 26.

Julian Boutique offers a warm ambiance to all, with both the courteous staff and the boutique’s layout impressing. There’s an air of a grande ballroom about the premises, with the spacious fitting rooms offering comfort that’s just a dress away.

Located just five minutes off the M50 (Tallaght), Julian Boutique is a must-see for anyone wanting to find their perfect dress. Located at Unit A13, Second Avenue, Cookstown Industrial Estate, the boutique can be contacted at 01 451 3950.

Peach lace knee-length dress €59.90

Deep teal long dress €149.90

Rose gold and black bodysuit €44.90

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FASTNews

Major car companies have combined their efforts to create a more effective electric car charging network of stations across Europe for faster and more efficient charging

Electric car charging network to get a boost BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the highest-powered electric car charging network in Europe. The car companies intend to make substantial investments to create the network, underscoring each company’s belief in the future of electric mobility.

The goal is the quick build-up of a sizable number of electric charging stations across Europe in order to enable long-range travel for battery electric vehicle drivers. Their combined belief is that this will be an important step towards facilitating massmarket electric vehicle adoption.

The projected ultra-fast high-powered charging network with power levels up to 350kW will be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system deployed today. The build-up is planned to start in 2017. An initial target of about 400 sites in Europe is planned.

By 2020 the customers should have access to thousands of high-powered charging points. The goal is to enable long-distance travel through opennetwork charging stations along highways and major thoroughfares, which has not been feasible for most electric car drivers to date. The charging

Crossing over comfortably with Peugeot’s 2008

During 2016 Peugeot started a more serious foray into the crossover market.

Here, MICHAEL MORONEY reports on his test drive of the new 2008 which has started a trend – and you can expect to see more in terms of SUV dynamics from Peugeot in 2017.

THE crossover is the new motoring term to describe a car that can be as comfortable and agile on the road as it is in moderate off-road conditions. Car companies are selling the concept as one that fits with people’s active outdoor lifestyles and isn’t being outdoor, healthy and active something that we all aspire to.

The fact that Peugeot does off-road is surprising for many car buyers and up until I took the new Peugeot 2008 it was a claim that I was also a little sceptical about.

This compact estate car is not a heavy-duty offroad vehicle although it is surprising how effec-

tive it can be in muddy North Dublin stubble fields. Peugeot has developed what is called a Grip Control system to allow their cars to have enough extra traction on the front wheels to cope with difficult driving conditions.

Take a car to the Ploughing and you will test those conditions.

North county Dublin is the home of potato growing and I took the car across some potato fields and into some greening stubbles to check its offroad credentials. I was well impressed with the small car’s ability to travel across ground, coping with ruts and soft spots

that would be suspect for a normal car.

T his small crosso ver SUV comes with unique ability to make it a worthwhile car option for those who want to explore beyond the tarmac. It’s compact and tidy on the road, gives good confidence to tackle the muddy road conditions and modest field ruts with some degree of surety.

The 2008 is one of Peugeot’s best sellers. I’ve driven both the thrifty 1.2 litre turbo-petrol version and the diesel version powered by a 1.6 litre HDi engine. Engine the performance is good across both models, with

experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refuelling at conventional petrol and diesel stations.

PSA has pick-up plans for 2018 IT seems that almost every car maker has plans to offer a 4x4 pick-up as the market keeps growing for these versatile vehicle, especially in developing countries. The French PSA Group with owns the Citroen and Peugeot brands has announced that it plans to start building a pick-up in mid-2018 in North Africa to meet demand in the Tunisian market. PSA said the factory will build 1,200 Peugeot branded vehicles annually.

It is believed that PSA may use the Toyota Hilux pick-up for its model in a similar way that Nissan, Renault and soon Mercedes Benz are sharing pick-up technology. Toyota and PSA already co-operate to build vans.

The new Peugeot 2008 GT is powered by an impressive 110bhp three-cylinder 1.2 litre petrol engine that’s powerful and very smooth to drive

Peugeot 2008 SUV 1.2 PureTech

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 1.2 litre Engine power 110hp 0 – 100km/hr 10.3 seconds Economy 20.8km/litre (4.8l/100km or 59mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres CO2 emissions 110g/km Road Tax Band C €190 Main Service 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2013) Warranty 5 years Entry Price €19,400

Peugeot has a new i-Cockpit dash design that’s both modern and function without dashboard clutter.

the diesel version being modestly more economical while the petrol powered car is lively and only modestly more expensive to run.

For me the 1.2 litre turbo-petrol version has so much to offer both in terms of keener pricing and a great driving feel.

The slightly more expensive diesel version has better torque and that can be called upon of the going gets sticky.

The top of the range diesel version is rated at 120bhp versus 110bhp for the 1.2 petrol, and it comes with significantly more torque. Despite that its towing rating is not much better. There is a significant up to 30% advantage in terms of

fuel economy when you take the diesel option. So while the petrol version that I drove is a very lively and smooth car to drive with its award-winning engine, the diesel version makes more sense in terms of running costs, even if it is priced a little higher.

Peugeot has a new GT line for the 2008, adding a higher level of style and fittings and giving the car a stronger more off-road look. The test car was fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox that was easy to use and worked well with the Grip Control system when called into duty.

The 1.2 litre turbo-petrol version takes the form of an award winning

8 December 2016 GAZETTE 21

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MOTORING

Audi A5 and Q2 receive Euro NCAP five star safety awards

The upgraded Peugeot 2008 with GT styling has impressive off-road ability using the Peugeot Grip Control system. The entry price for the 2008 is €19,400 and if you want the GT pack you need to go to €24,800.

THE new Audi A5 and Q2 have each been awarded top grades in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) test. The cars scored highly in the both the adult and child safety ratings, as well as for pedestrian protection and other safety systems.

Emergency braking systems were introduced to the evaluation procedure in 2016. As standard, the Audi Q2 is equipped with an emergency braking assistant as part of Audi pre sense front. The system looks out for other vehicles or pedestrians in the path of the vehicle and if a collision is eminent, it warns the driver and if necessary initiates automatic emergency braking.

The new Audi A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback models were also awarded the top grade of five stars. Both models offer high levels of safety for adults and children, as well as good pedestrian protection.

The standard Audi pre-sense city helps the A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback to avoid accidents. At

three-cylinder engine.

These engines are rarely as smooth in terms of acceleration as this Peugeot engine is and the three-cylinder feel is normally very noticeable from behind the wheel.

This is the best three-cylinder petrol engine that I have driven and it adds to the driving enjoyment of the car when it’s matched with the automatic gearbox.

Petrol running costs can be more significant than diesel ones, especially for the higher use driver. The GT version test car that I drove delivered an impressive fuel economy rating of 20.8km/litre (4.8l/100km or 59mpg) over a 1,100km lengthy driving experi-

ence. The CO2 emission level is low at 110g/km (road tax €190) for the automatic petrol version, just €10/year more expensive than the diesel model.

The use of the Grip Control system in the fields probably added to my fuel usage. The system is controlled by a dial located on the centre console. It allows you to choose from five driving modes. These are standard ESP, Snow Mode, Mud Mode, Sand Mode and ESP off mode.

Most of my driving was in standard mode and I switched on the move to Mud Mode once I crossed into field conditions. There was no clunk of a gear, just a new image

on the dash to tell me that I was in Mud Mode and confidence to tackle the soft field conditions.

The system doesn’t add to the car’s towing ability, it is designed more to boost traction in poor ground conditions. Peugeot claims that it uses electronic components rather than mechanical systems that are already installed in the car. The Goodyear 205/50R17 Vector 4Seasons tyres added no extra weight so there is no excessive fuel consumption, unlike a traditional 4x4’s.

The GT version of the 2008 is also more attractive to look at but more expensive to buy than the base model. The addi-

tional GT features make it look more like an SUV taking away any notion of a softer car look.

The dash design is new with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design and that included sat-nav on the test car. There is the option to plug in your phone and run Google Maps through the system that operates by touch control and very easy to get a handle on.

The steering wheel is small and sporty in design, with a good level of control. There is good seat and wheel adjustment but you need to get it right in order to see all of the dials clearly.

This crossover is considered compact so don’t expect a big car feel to the

2008 even its ambitious in its off-road ability. The front driver space is good while the seat base may be a bit on the short side for larger adults.

Seat adjustment is good and the rear seats fold easily to give more load space. The boot opens high for clearance and there’s a proper space wheel included.

The entry price for the face-lifted Peugeot 2008 is €19,400 for the base 1.2 litre petrol engine model, while the test car with its GT badging and automatic gearbox pushed that price to €24,835.

The diesel GT version, while not available with the automatic gearbox is marginally more expensive.

speeds of up to 85 km/h, the system scans the road for other vehicles and pedestrians using a windshield-mounted front camera with a range of over 100 metres. If it detects an impending collision, the driver receives a series of warnings, and if necessary the car initiates maximum braking. At speeds up to 40 km/h, Audi claims that accidents can be avoided completely within the system limits. At higher speeds (up to 85 km/h); warnings and brake intervention reduce the impact velocity.

The Audi A5 also features an extensive range of other assistance systems, like collision avoidance assist or turn assist. While collision avoidance assist helps the driver to drive around an obstacle, turn assist monitors oncoming traffic when turning across the flow of traffic at low speed. In a dangerous situation, it brakes the vehicle to a complete stop, if necessary, to prevent a turn when there is oncoming traffic.

The Euro NCAP has been investigating the crash performance of new car models since it was established in 1997. In order to simulate real-life accident conditions better, the consortium continually tightens crash safety requirements.

Welcome for insurance report reform THERE has been welcome in some quarter for the publication of the report on the rising cost of motor insurance by the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform.

Car hire firm Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland has said that it fully support the Committee’s call for more transparency in the insurance sector. George O’Connor, MD of Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland said that they also broadly support the many individual recommendations put forward as a means of reforming the

motor insurance sector. He believes that the rising cost of insurance is already beginning to impact on Ireland’s tourist sector, of which car rental is an integral element.

“We particularly support recommendation 32, says George and he quotes, “The Committee recommends that personal injury awards be benchmarked internationally and indexed against EU average awards. Such a process would require the cost of healthcare and other Irish specific factors to be taken

into account.”

He believes that this measure, if implemented in tandem with other recommendations, would address the fundamental problems in the claims/awards system: - Too much money in the insurance claims system - Insufficient scrutiny of claims - A claims process that is too expensive and lacking certainty

The new Audi A5 and Q2 have each come out with a top crash safety rating in the recent Euro NCAP crash testing programme.

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DUBLINLIFE fast

TRAVEL

TRAVEL Discover Donegal too!

Donegal now cooler than Peru – fact!  SHANE DILLON

LOOKS like my home county will soon be famous for other things than Wee Daniel, truly terrible WiFi and ‘Fundoran’ – National Geographic Traveller (UK) has just picked Donegal as number-one on The Cool List: 17 For 2017.

Described by the magazine as “off-radar and hard to access”, the county nevertheless scooped top place on the annual list thanks in part to its “world-class wilderness”, pushing it – and Ireland – ahead of must-see places such as Peru, Greenland and South Africa.

With a growing international awareness of superb Wild Atlantic Way spots along Donegal’s coast, and tourism numbers rising there, it’s another welcome accolade for the ruggedly beautiful county.

Low-cost US flights are go THE dream of low-cost flights to America taxied a little closer a few days ago with the granting of a US-Ireland licence to Norwegian Air International. The low-cost airline can now offer Cork-Boston flights a few times each week from next Summer, with hopes that it will eventually expand its service to include flights to New York.

Offering frequent and first-time London visitors something a little different, Christmas markets and lights present a seasonal twist on familiar sights. Pictures: Shane Dillon

BRITAIN: BUSTLING CITY HAS PLENTY OF CHRISTMAS FARE TO BUY AND BROWSE

Yule find plenty of treats when shopping in London

 SHANE DILLON

IT’S not too late to get your Christmas shopping in, and to browse some special seasonal markets – I don’t mean here, but in London!

Britain’s Brexit worries haven’t quite brought about the favourable currency rates many shoppers and tourists have been hoping for, but it’s still pretty possible to get the Christmas parity going with Sterling, as there are definitely bargains to bag ‘next door’ for any shoppers visiting the bustling city.

Just as here in Dublin, London retailers are welcoming throngs of shoppers through the doors at present, with upmarket shopping hub Regent

Street proving as crowded as Grafton Street on any Christmas Eve during my recent visit there.

From the iconic street to all of London’s main shopping areas, retailers have definitely pulled out all the stops to entice people through the doors this December, with many of the biggest High Street retailers who’ve been spooked by Brexit uncertainties doing their best to try and compensate with a bumper Christmas.

However, for those looking to take a lighter approach to shopping, while still staying in the festive spirit, there are lots of Christmas markets to be explored, too – markets which are easier on the pocket, but none the poorer for it.

Two of the most popular Christmas markets are also among the easiest to reach, with the park at bustling Leicester Square transformed into a winter wonderland, while a much larger market can be found along Embankment, with rows of chalet-style wooden huts presenting presents for all tastes and budgets, and set within easy reach of the London Eye. Such markets offer more than enough Christmas-themed gifts – as well as global cuisines and seasonal food – to sate any appetite, providing a more budget-friendly way to pick up a cute, cool or quirky Christmas gift to remember your London visit.

All that shopping and

Explore new art at Tate Modern’s impressive extension

browsing can prove tiring work, so why not give those aching feet a rest with a visit to The Savoy hotel, a stroll away from Trafalgar Square? Swap the mulled wine for an actual wine, tea or other refreshment in a landmark setting.

Unlike similar ‘six-star’ hotels and watering holes, The Savoy is perfectly accommodating to ‘walk-

ins’, and while drinks at its American Bar are pricey (your wine will set you back at least about £10 or £12, for example), you’ll be made to feel just as welcome as any of the hotel’s well-heeled guests.

If you’ve had a busy time taking in the Christmas shopping, or meandering the markets, there should be enough time to take in the sights. Culture

vultures should wing it to Tate modern, and its massive Switch House extension that finally opened a few months ago.

The imposing structure will give you a great way to have a break and brush up on modern art developments, while less highbrow ‘attractions’ at the gallery include peering into the luxury apartment buildings alongside, and the goldfish therein.

Ultimately, whether looking to visit England’s bustling capital as a simple weekend getaway or a pre-Christmas shopping treat, you’ll find plenty to keep you going, whether that’s from shop to shop or attraction to attraction.

Either way, season’s greetings, and happy shopping!

8 December 2016 GAZETTE 23

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FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS Grilled Halloumi burger with sweet chilli ketchup and tahini mayonnaise The World of the Happy Pear by Stephen and David Flynn recently won the Avonmore Cookbook of the Year at this year’s Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards. Here’s a delicious recipe for a fantastic burger.

INGREDIENTS: SERVES 2 to 4 1 courgette 1 aubergine 1 red pepper 5 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 x 200g pack of halloumi cheese 4 burger buns or wholemeal pittas homemade ketchup homemade Happy Pear mayo 50g rocket or similar greens

METHOD: Start by preparing your veg. Cut the courgette in half and then into thin strips lengthwise.

Slice the aubergines lengthwise into thin strips.

Chop the pepper vertically into four large sections, discarding the core with the seeds.

Chop the halloumi into four thin rectangular slices.

Put the cut veg into a large bowl with 4 tablespoons of the oil and the salt.

Mix until they all have a nice even coating.

Start to grill the prepared veg on a hot barbecue, turning regularly – you want them nicely charred but also soft and tender.

Remove your cooked veg from the grill and

set aside while you cook the halloumi – it will cook very quickly!

Put it on the barbie until it has nice grill marks on each side, about five minutes.

Toast the buns on the barbecue, then layer them up with some homemade ketchup on the bottom bun, Happy Pear mayo on the top bun, grilled courgettes, aubergine, halloumi, roasted peppers and some rocket in between.

A l t e r n a t i ve l y y o u can spread the inside of your toasted pitta pocket with ketchup and mayo on either side and fill with your h a l l o u m i , ve g a n d greens.

Take the first bite . . . epic, and oh so tasty!

DUBLIN’S first ever BYOC (Bring your own cocktail) bar is up and running on Francis Street.

Drop Dead Twice allows customers to bring a shoulder of their favourite spirit, and one of the award-winning Drop Dead mixologists will match it with some homemade mixers of their own.

Located upstairs in the Tivoli Backstage, the Drop Dead Twice bartenders use quality ingredients, from fresh herbs to homemade mixers and real fruit purees, to create bespoke cocktails, which complement each guest’s taste preference.

To book their two-hour slot, guests reserve a table online, pay a small entry fee of €20 on arrival, and then put their wallet away. It won’t be needed for the rest of the night!

Inspired by the BYOC model in London and New York, four friends combined to bring this original concept to Dublin. Together they have a shared vision of encouraging Irish cocktail lovers to step out of their comfort zone and get experimental with new flavours and concoctions.

Situated in the heart of Dublin, ‘Upstairs’ @ The Tivoli Backstage, Dublin 8, Drop Dead Twice is open every week from Thursday to Saturdays from 5pm and on Sunday’s for Afternoon Tea. Visit dropdeadtwice.com to book.

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GAZETTE

CINEMA DUBLINLIFE Disney heroine to make waves

EVER since 2010’s Tangled, the creative minds at Walt Disney Animation Studios have surfed a wave of charming nostalgia and knowing nods to the past – a strategy that’s worked extremely well for them and elevated some of the studio’s subsequent efforts even above the recent output of the mighty Pixar.

While Monoa (Cert PG, 113 mins) carefully follows the familiar Disney beats, it does so with a wonderfully original visual aesthetic and a selfreferential script that frequently winks and nods to seasoned Disney fans, without alienating younger spectators.

Consequently, Moana builds on a tradition established by Disney decades

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

ago, but – more so than Frozen, and Tangled – pushes that tradition forward with a thoroughly modern, empowering storyline.

Newcomer Auli’I Cravalho plays the latest Disney princess; the daughter of the chief of a Polynesian tribe who, like many of her House-of-Mouse predecessors, dreams of nothing but escaping her home life and proving herself in the world.

Chosen by the ocean

itself to deliver a mystical stone to its owner, the goddess Te Fiti, Moana defies her father and sets out on the open sea, with the help of the once-powerful demi-god Maui (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson).

The mythical background that Moana’s adventure is built on is occasionally convoluted and, without a real significant villain, the overall narrative threat is perhaps a little vague.

Regardless, Moana isn’t really about that threat. Its central themes – destiny, choice and tradition – are familiar Disney subjects, but in Moana’s Polynesian context, the results are more progressive and empowering than anything Disney has done before.

Disney’s Moana presents a very likeable lead, with its courageous character Moana

However, it is not just the cultural context that gives Moana its strength.

Moana is the hero here, not the damsel – and especially not “the princess”.

Many modern Disney movies have pushed things forward with strong female leads; Moana is the first to rigidly comment on it, with tongue firmly in cheek.

Dismissing her ability to

carry out the quest, Maui mocks Moana: “If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you are a princess.” With little nods like this, Moana constantly pokes fun at a legacy of Disney heroines that operate as little more than damsels in distress.

Moana is quick to prove Maui wrong at every turn, and only steps aside to let

him to some butt-kicking when she herself has successfully given him the strength to do so.

Of course, any Disney classic can only be a good as its songs, and Moana succeeds in that area more so than any Disney movie since the early 90s – the music here, from Hamilton songwriter LinManuel Miranda, is rife

with rampant nostalgia, running the gamut from catchy to impassioned and back again.

Visually, Moana is unlike anything Disney had done before, maintaining a vibrant, expressive colour-palette packed with natural neon pinks, greens and blues – every frame is bursting with life.

One dynamic sequence in a realm beneath the ocean has Disney’s creature workshop on creative overload; another big chase scene takes visual notes from Mad Max: Fury Road. Despite a tendency to crawl along, Moana is a compelling, progressive, original and often-hilarious movie that will hopefully establish a legacy to rival Frozen.

Verdict: 8/10

8 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

From docks stinking of fish under the midday sun to dark alleys strung with washing lines of drying clothes, Dishonored 2’s downbeat cities provide great levels to explore. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon

DISHONORED 2: EXCELLENT SEQUEL OFFERS A COMPELLING WORLD

Streets ahead of its stealth game rivals WHAT if a young Queen Victoria had to flee a violent coup, hiding out in Rhodesia whilst attempting to retake the throne by eliminating her enemies from the shadows using stealth, planning and guile, or by charging about as a sword-swinging, bomb-chucking queen?

That’s not quite the plot of Dishonored 2 (Cert 18, c. €60, PC/PS4/XBO), but it’s a pretty damn close parallel to this sequel to one of 2012’s best games, which has proven to be a late gaming highlight of the year.

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

Largely set in a decrepit southern sun-kissed city, the game tasks you with taking charge of young empress, Emily – or as her father-protector, Corvo, the protagonist of the first game – and then working to reclaim the throne from an usurping aunt.

Ireland isn’t exactly overflowing with Royalists, but it’s hard not to root for this vengeful Victorian (a disclaimer: the developers, Arkane Studios, studied the world of 1851 for much of the game’s lush looks and linguistic lore, so that’s Victorian enough for me).

Both potential protagonists have wildly different powers and abilities to draw upon, giving the option to play through the densely detailed levels how you want to.

You’re free to skulk through the shadows and

dart over the rooftops, or pursue open assault against the goons, lopping off limbs like a maniac monarch – either way, the choice is yours.

Your play style subtly alters the game, as well as the ending, giving you an incentive to replay and take a different style – perhaps less of the Rambo Royal next time, to be more of a mysterious monarch ghosting past the harried henchmen sweating in the sunny streets below.

And what henchmen (see panel below), and

what streets!

The developers have followed an ‘ugly-beautiful’ aesthetic, with the impressive game engine creating a singularly striking world, one that’s full of detail and rich in atmosphere.

Coming out so late in the day, and with the lastminute pre-Christmas big releases, there’s a danger that Dishonored 2 will be overlooked at retail.

However, while there’s a ‘u’ missing in the title, you shouldn’t miss this title if you enjoy challenging, richly realised worlds to explore.

Quirky design fleshes out the world A SPECIAL mention must go to Dishonored 2’s superb art style, which apart from creating intricately designed levels has created very interesting characters.

From wrinkled aristocrats to mumbling ginsoaks to dashing young blades, the spud-nosed, blotchy-skinned, jug-eared and hopelessly lined characters found

throughout tend to be individually odd looking, but collectively they create an interesting cast of characters.

Indeed, there’s something a little charming about them – even though many of them are charmless goons – as they fit right in to their dilapidated cities, further grounding the look and tone of the game.

Aesthetically, they go against

the general grain of trying to create hyper-realistic characters, with their caricatures and lopsided looks having, perhaps, faint echoes of the work of artists such as Francis Bacon and similar unconventional portraitists.

At least you could never accuse Dishonored’s diverse characters of being blandly beautiful or following cookie-cutter designs ...

The game has many secrets to find hidden around its sprawling levels

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SPORT

FastSport BAREFOOT RUNNING UNDER SDSP SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH Dublin Sports Partnership and IT Tallaght’s next sports science seminar will take place on Monday, December 12 on the topic of Barefoot Running (training footwear and avoiding injury).

The presenter is Joe Warne, Lecturer in the Sports Science course in IT Tallaght.

The seminar will look at the footwear debate and ask can minimalist shoes really improve performance?

Registration will begin at 6.30pm with the seminar due to start at 7pm in lecture hall 001. There will be a Q&A session at the end. Those wishing to register are asked to send their name, organisation, position and mobile number to info@sdcsp.ie.

A recent interest in barefoot running has resulted in the development of a new footwear type, principally running shoes and football boots, which incorporates minimal cushioning and structural properties, in contrast with conventional running shoes/ football boots.

RUGBY: CASTLE AVENUE SIDE RUN UP BONUS POINT WIN IN UBL DIVISION 1A

Tarf teach Students a big lesson

UBL DIVISION 1A Clontarf 33 Dublin University 0  sport@dublingazette.com

CLONTARF put together their most complete performance of the season so far to record a comprehensive 33-0 win over a below-par Dublin University at Castle Avenue.

Very little went right for Trinity on the day as defending champions Tarf made it two victories on the bounce, climbing back into the top half of the table ahead of the Christmas break.

Hooker Bryan Byrne has not played for Leinster since September and he will hope his provin-

cial coaches take note of his performance here.

He had two excellent first half breaks, the second of which led to a 25th minute try for centre Matt D’Arcy which broke the deadlock.

Byrne was also a big part of Tarf’s dominant scrum but they were unable to press that advan-

Clontarf winger Rob Keogh on the attack. Picture: Deryck Vincent

tage home as the first half ended 7-0 in their favour.

Trinity had a missed penalty attempt by out-half James Fennelly and a yellow card for winger Bryan Mollen.

Resolute defending from the students kept them very much in contention, a brilliant move involving D’Arcy and Mick McGrath almost seeing Tarf score on the stroke of half-time before the students covered the danger.

However, the visitors blundered when knocking on straight from the restart and the hosts quickly broke through, feeding winger Rob Keogh for a well-finished five-

pointer wide on the right.

Trinity’s resistance lessened after Michael Brown joined his centre partner D’Arcy on the scoresheet, giving the north Dubliners a 19-point buffer in damp and muddy conditions.

The bonus point try followed when scrum half Peter du Toit outfoxed the cover at a close-in ruck, sniping through in impressive fashion with the students down to 14 men.

The Tarf pack’s scrummaging power earned them a penalty try with Keogh adding his fourth successful conversion, and Brown went close to scoring his second of the

day late on.

This chastening defeat – their third in four games – will linger for Trinity before they get a chance to gain revenge on Andy Wood’s men in the January 28 rematch.

Elsewhere, winger David Brandon helped himself to two tries as Old Belvedere ended a threematch losing streak with a 15-0 home win over St. Mary’s College on Saturday afternoon.

Recent Munster recruit Steve Crosbie kicked the other five points as ‘Belvo moved six points clear of second-from-bottom St Mary’s, ahead of a long winter break in Division 1A action.

Corinthian leave Glenanne seeing red in Senior Cup  sport@dublingazette.com

Corinthian’s Jonny Bruton and Glenanne’s Shane O’Donoghue. Picture: Adrian Boehm

WHITECHURCH club Corinthian produced one of the performances of the second round of the men’s Irish Senior Cup as the Leinster league side eliminated national league team Glenanne last Saturday.

The reds have been flying high in the Leinster league side with six wins from six and they produced a memorable success to go with their run of results.

Jonny Bruton and David Howard had combined for 28 goals already this term and they were

both on the mark to make it 2-0 early in the second half. Bruton netted from a turnover before Howard nailed a drag-flick.

Stu Ronan pulled one back before Stephen Reid put the reds 3-1 up. Two set piece goals from Shane O’Donoghue offered the Glens the reprieve of a penalty shoot-out with a stroke and a corner goal but Corinthian held their nerve to win 4-2 on strokes.

They are one of three regional sides still involved in the competition along with Mossley who eliminated Sandymount’s Railway Union and Cookstown who

knocked out Dublin University.

Of the big guns, Monkstown and Banbridge produced the marquee results. Town scored twice in the first three minutes against Lisnagarvey en route to a 3-2 win in a repeat of last year’s final.

Gareth Watkins and Sam Hyland got Town off to a brilliant start before Garvey fought back via strikes from Neal Glassey and Ryan Getty. But a penalty stroke just before the break proved the defining moment, Stephen Cole converting for a half-time lead and some fine goalkeeping from

Max Maguire meant it stayed that way to the final whistle.

At Havelock Park, Banbridge proved too strong for Three Rock Rovers, eventually breaking down the Dublin side’s dogged defence with goals from Dane Ward, Matthew Bell and Hugh McShane in a 3-1 success.

Harry Morris put Rovers 1-0 up in the 20th minute, turning away from his reverse to score on his open side. Ward equalised by the break for 1-1 with a cool finish from mid-circle after an even opening period and they struck twice in the second half.

8 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Con and Cuala crackle in brilliant Leinster win LEINSTER SHC FINAL Cuala 3-19 O’Loughlin’s Gaels 1-16  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

CON O’Callaghan starred as Cuala won their first ever Leinster title, beating favourites O’Loughlin Gaels, from Kilkenny, in O’Moore Park on Sunday to end a 37-year drought for Dublin clubs in Leinster.

David Treacy was his usual reliable self from the frees – he scored 0-11, with 0-10 from placed balls – but it was O’Callaghan’s stint up front that stood out, as the dual-code man’s interplay with Colm Cronin proved O’Loughlin’s undoing.

Cuala, though, sparkled throughout.

Much of the damage was done early on. The O’Callaghan-Cronin axis brought about the first goal with the latter finishing a fine O’Callaghan run to establish a lead that was

never to tumble.

Mark Schutte played a key role as Cuala found the net for the second time after 22 minutes with O’Callaghan providing the final touch.

While O’Loughlin’s hung on within reach through a series of frees, Cuala looked by far the more threatening, going in at the break with a 2-8 to 0-9 lead that perhaps should have been more.

Treacy’s frees kept Cuala in charge as the Kilkenny champions enjoyed their best period after the break. They narrowed the gap several times as they found their range, though never came within a score, as they consistently found the Dalkey club able to reestablish a margin, with Treacy showing lethal accuracy from distance.

Indeed, it was Cuala who had the major sights on goal, seeing a couple of dramatic spells of pinball in front of the Gaels’ goal go unconverted.

Danny Loughnane briefly worried Cuala as he struck a goal in the final few minutes, with O’Loughlin’s left with little choice but to go all out and try and drag themselves back into the contest. As Cuala absorbed the late pressure, though, they never looked like slacking, and Mark Schutte’s goal in injury time finally put the tie conclusively to bed.

The 3-19 to 1-16 scoreline didn’t particularly flatter Cuala, who looked as sharp as they have all year and gloried in securing a title they missed out on a defeat to Wexford side Oulart-the-Ballagh this time last year.

There have been no less than 16 Kilkenny club hurling victories in Leinster since Crumlin last brought the title back to Dublin before Christmas in 1979. Dublin sides – including Cuala, twice – had lost seven finals in the same period, four of them to Kilkenny clubs.

Cuala captain Oisin Gough, left, celebrates with David Treacy, centre, and Paul Schutte

Next on the agenda is a February 4 date with Derry’s Slaughtneil in their All-Ireland club semi-final.

And Cuala manager Mattie Kenny said it has been a superb show from the club to bounce back from Leinster final devastation to win the provincial crown.

“Last year was a great journey until the Leinster final,” he said after the final. “We came back this time with the aim of winning the Dublin championship and then to have another crack at Leinster.

Leinster championship.”

David Treacy, meanwhile, hailed the goals that kept Cuala out of range.

“The goals gave us a buffer and we managed to see it out towards the end,” he said.

“We had a five-point lead at the break and then at times had to sit deep to see it out. We knew O’Loughlin’s, like any other Kilkenny team, were going to come at us.

“They did, but we were able to keep tapping over the points. We weren’t forcing goals like we did

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

‘The novelty of getting to the final in 2015 was no longer a novelty. Every game had to be won.’ - Mattie Kenny

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

The novelty of getting to the final in 2015 was no longer a novelty. Every game had to be won and that brought its own pressure.

“To win it was a great relief and a great honour.

It’s a privilege to be with these guys and win the

David Treacy lands a free

in last year’s final against Oulart.”

Looking at the New Year, Cuala will hope they can get O’Callaghan available from the Dublin footballers for their All-Ireland push but, for now, they can revel in this huge achievement for the club.

FASTSport

Oliver and Ellen the Swim Ireland stars of 2016 NAC diver Oliver Dingley and swimmer Ellen Keane have been announced as the Swim Ireland Performance Athletes of the Year following their outstanding achievements at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dingley became Ireland’s first diver in 68 years to qualify for an Olympic Games last February.

At the Games, the 23-year-old cruised through the preliminary round of the 3M springboard to advance to the semi-final in 13th place.

He produced another exceptional performance in the semi-final where he finished ninth, to qualify as Ireland’s first ever diving finalist at an Olympic Games.

A lifetime best score in the final then secured him an eighth place finish overall and a spot in the 2017 World Diving Series.

Clontarf’s Keane, competing at her third Paralympic Games, deservedly collects the female Performance Athlete of the Year award following her bronze medal win at the Games. Already a world medallist, Keane collected SB8 100m breaststroke bronze in September, her first Paralympic medal.

Keane was also a finalist in the 100m Backstroke and 100m Butterfly at the Games.

16-year-old Mona McSharry was named junior Performance Athlete of the Year following her performances at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Hungary in July. The Marlins SC swimmer collected silver in the 100m and bronze in the 50m breaststroke at the championships as well as finishing sixth in the final of the 200m event. McSharry had also set Irish junior records in the 100m and 200m breaststroke earlier in the year, collected five titles at the national championships in April and qualified for and competed at the European Senior Championships in May. Dingley’s coach Damian Ball collected the 2016 honour of Performance Coach of the Year.

Ball was instrumental in leading Dingley’s rise through the international ranks this year and is intrinsic in the building and developing of the up and coming divers at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin 15.

The awards were announced at this weekend’s Irish Open Short Course Championships taking place in Lisburn.

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 8 December 2016

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: DORAN LOOKING TO BUILD ON CUP MOMENTUM FOR AUL PUSH

Malahide’s league lead cut after DLSP defeat MALAHIDE RFC’s first team fell to their first defeat of the Leinster league Division 1A season against a strong De La Salle Palmerston outfit last Saturday, ending their perfect start to the campaign.

DLSP were quick out of the blocks and took a first minute lead with a penalty. Malahide responded well and were back on level terms in the 10th minute.

Another DLSP penalty put them back in front and a converted try on 25 minutes moved them to a 13-3 lead.

Malahide responded with a converted try of their own in the 33rd minute however a further penalty moved the visitors into a 16-10 lead at the break.

Malahide moved themselves back to within three on 45 minutes but the key score of the game came in the 60th minute with a second DLSP converted try giving them a 23-13 lead.

A Conal Keane penalty brought Malahide back to within a score but DLSP finished stronger adding a further try to run out 28-16 winners.

The result sees Malahide’s lead at the top of Leinster League Division 1A cut to just three points to Enniscorthy going into the Christmas break.

Nonetheless, it has been an incredibly fruitful start to lift in the top tier in province, running up eight wins from nine outings to look in great shape to contest for silverware and potential promotion to the All-Ireland leagues in the second half of the campaign.

The seconds faced an under-strength DLSP team who showed up with 13 players and no recognised front row players. Malahide were forced to match numbers, however DLSP were no match for Malahide.

Although the hosts sometimes struggled to impose ourselves on a scrappy game, they ran out 52-5 winners with plenty of yards being made in the wide channels following good build up phase play.

Sterner tests will come in the new year as the second team head into the Christmas break nine-points clear at the top of their league.

Rivervalley Rangers are through to the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup

Valley get the best of West FAI JUNIOR CUP Rivervalley Rangers Westport United  KARL GRAHAM

4 1

sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers has reached the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup after a comprehensive 4-1 win over Westport United at the AUL Complex in another famous performance in the competition from the Swords club.

Rangers manager Stephen Doran spoke to GazetteSport about his delight at progressing to the next round of the cup at the expense of a fancied side.

“Delighted to get

through because I think it was a potential banana skin,” he said. “Westport has been a decent force over that side of the country because they score goals and concede very little.

“We were going into the unknown to a certain extent because we didn’t know a whole lot about them so delighted to get into the next stage.”

Westport has a decent record in the cup having won it in 2005 and put 10 past Conn Rangers in the previous round.

“We were a little bit cautious going into the game but the result speaks for itself, we were

THUNDERSTRUCK Swords keep strong run going in Super League GRIFFITH Swords Thunder ran up an 87-80 win over Tralee Warriors in the men’s basketball Super League last weekend to maintain their place in second in the division.

Alex Calvin landed 25 points with Isaac Westbrooks and Jose Maria Gil Narbon weighing in heavily as they built a 44-33 lead at half-time.

It starts a busy spell for the Swords club with a midweek cup game followed by a Friday night league tie against UCD Marian at Belfield a 7pm.

absolutely dominant on Sunday,” said Doran.

A little over a month ago, Rangers secured their first league win of the season but they have only played cup games since.

Many managers might find not being able to build on that win frustrating but their exceptional cup form has put paid to any such notion.

“What is frustrating is not having players,” said Doran “We’ve had an awful start to the season with injuries but in the last seven weeks we’ve had seven wins, which is evidence that we are getting our players back fit.

“We have a league

game on Friday so our attentions will be firmly stuck on Usher Celtic.”

In the cup tie, it didn’t take long for Rangers to take the lead when John Cosgrove nodded home Tomo Cooney’s clever dink to the back post.

However, the visitors from Mayo drew level just five minutes later from the penalty spot.

There was still time for another goal before halftime and it once more came via the boot of Cosgrove – if a little less intended than the first.

Cosgrove took possession of Ciaran Lattin’s pass to swing in a cross cum shot towards Ronan

Murtagh that evaded the intended target, as well as the keeper, and bounced into the corner of the net.

Rangers clearly spoke at half-time about putting the game to bed and did so 40 seconds into the second half.

Mark O’Brien played a lovely through ball into the path of Cooney who bore down on goal, waited for the keeper to come towards him, sidestepped, and finished into the back of an empty net.

Cosgrove spurned a couple of chances to nab his hat-trick before Murtagh sealed the win with a header from John O’Donoghue’s deep cross.

8 December 2016 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: RUSH CLUB THE JUNIOR CHAMPIONS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS COMMITTEE 2017: Thank you to all the

The club shop will close on December

members who attended and contributed

10 – all orders must be collected by then

at the AGM on Thursday night.

– and it will re-open when the academy

The members elected the following to the executive for the next 12 months: chairman -Tony Gordon; vice chair-

Leonard and Maur’s land All-Ireland glory ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR St Maur’s 2-13 Kinsale 3-8  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

S T M AU R ’ S l a d i e s returned to Dublin with the junior All-Ireland title in their clutches after coming out on top of a pulsating game with Kinsale 2-13 to 3-8 at Netwatch Dr Cullen Park in Carlow.

Dublin star Olivia Leonard produced a player of the match performance from midfield with an excellent personal tally of 1-5 as they showed precious little stage fright in their first All-Ireland final.

Maur’s started brightly despite needing extra time to beat Latton in the semi-final after a replay as Laura Carthy combined with Leonard and her sister Niamh to score the first goal of the game after nine minutes.

Their opponents, who are Cork and Munster champions, soon hit back with a goal of their own to leave the score line at 1-3 apiece with 20 minutes gone.

Maur’s then stepped it up and scored an unanswered 1-5 to take a healthy lead, the goal coming from a powerful midfield run by Leonard.

There was only one more score before halftime in the form of a Kinsale free, to leave a sevenpoint gap at the break.

Indeed, the score line could have been greater as both sides notched up numerous wides during the first half.

Leonard struck first in the second half but Kinsale refused to roll over easily and dragged themselves back into contention with two goals – one from the penalty line, the other an error in judgement from goalkeeper Francesca Towers.

Kinsale pointed again to leave a two-point gap between the teams before Aine Pyne and Leonard struck to give the Dubliners a bit of breathing space again.

The Corkonians scored a further two points but their tough task was made even harder when they had a player sin-binned as the game drew to a close.

The referee finally blew his whistle after a nervy end to the game, allowing Maur’s captain Eadaoin McGuiness to lift the trophy in front of a delighted travelling support, including her near 90-year-old grandmother, for the first time in the club’s history.

McGuinness spoke after the game about how delighted she was to lift the trophy for her side.

“I wouldn’t even have dreamed of it before because I didn’t even contemplate it so it is incredible to lift the trophy in

the end,” she said after the game.

She also spoke glowingly of teammate Leonard after she was presented with the player of the match award.

“She’s just amazing; she’s the backbone of the team.

“She’s been on the Dublin panel the last couple of years and been beating by Cork two years in a row so it is brilliant for her to get woman of the match against a Cork team. Nobody deserves it more.”

Juvenile Christmas parties: Our

- John McGee; assistant secretary

nursery section (U-4 to 7s) will hold their

- Cait Ni Cheallaigh; treasurer - Fear-

party next Saturday, December 10 from

gal O’Hanrahan; assistant treasurer

10am to 12 noon.

- Aidan Scully; PRO - Paul Gormley; reg-

The U-8 to U-11 boys and girls (football

ister - Caroline Whelan; U-21 players

and camogie) will have their party from

representative -Ryan Groves and play-

1-3pm, also in the club hall. Santa will be

ers representative - Nicola Fitzgerald.

dropping by and there will be plenty of fun, games and a disco.

superb publication of the highest qual-

Lotto numbers were 1, 8, 31, 35 and 36.

ity. The calendars are available in the

There was no winner. The jackpot this

club shop and bar at €10 each.

Tuesday will be €3,773.

ST FINIAN’S

HARD luck to the AFL4 team who, despite

urges those planning team fundraising

a strong first half performance were

events in 2017 to use Peacocks as their

narrowly beaten by St Mark’s by 2-9

choice of venue where possible.

to 0-11 in the Division 4 playoff final in

Check out the club Facebook page for

McGee Park, which concludes a rela-

photos of the club appreciation night.

tively successful season for the team.

The following players were awarded

Hard luck also to the AHL9 hurling team who were beaten in their playoff final away to Round Tower, Lusk.

player of the year in their respective categories: Ellen Dunne – camogie; Nicola Mann

Well done to the U-11 boys football

- Gaelic for mothers and others; Fin-

team who beat neighbours Fingallians in

tan Merriman - junior football; Shane

River Valley on Saturday morning.

O’Brien - junior hurling; Dave Lennon

St Finian’s are pleased to announce Peacocks Lounge and Bar as the official club sponsor for 2017.

- intermediate football; Fiona Walshe LGFA. The nursery and academy Christ-

Peacocks have always been great

mas party will take place on Saturday

suppor ters of the club and this

December 10 and Santa will in attend-

announcement is a formal recognition

ance. The nursery and academy will

and acknowledgement of their ongoing

resume on Saturday, January 14 at

support.

10am and 11.30am respectively after the

A jersey presentation took place at the club appreciation night on Saturday, December 3 to mark this partnership.

The executive committee strongly

FINGAL RAVENS

Christmas break.

A special word of thanks to all of our nursery and academy coaches and helpers throughout the year.

OUR annual race day was an outstand-

lie Redmond on the passing of this wife

ing success, greatly enjoyed by all. The

Grainne. We also extend sympathies to

occasion could not have happened with-

their daughters and extended family,

out our generous sponsors, those who

especially Grainne’s sister Liz Deegan

donated items for the auction and raffle

who is a special friend of our club.

and, of course, all who attended.

We want to congratulate St Maur’s

We send a major thanks to MC Paddy

junior ladies team on becoming All-

Joe Moran and to the fantastic commit-

Ireland champions. We are running a

tee who worked so hard to arrange this

Christmas ticket draw so please sup-

great event.

port it.

Thanks to Alan Manning, Joe Kettle,

Tickets are available from Audrey Daly

Glin Donnelly, Mark Farrell, Brian Sneyd,

(087 9753782) or Bernadette Kavanagh

Ivan Donoghue and Brian Horan. You

(087 9397642).

have all worked so hard to arrange this

Don’t forget to check out our club

event and we all want you to know how

gear which would make great Christmas

much we appreciate all you have done.

presents. Contact Ann Fox (086 1771027)

A big congratulations to our U-21s who beat St Brigid’s in their championship game. Well done to all involved.

We send sincere sympathies to CharOlivia Leonard was in top form. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Nursery 2017: It will resume in the new year on January 7 at 10am.

man - Brendan McGrath; secretary

Club Calendar 2016: Check out this

St Maur’s celebrate their All-Ireland junior football championship success

starts back in January.

to make your orders.

Lotto numbers drawn were 11, 26, 36 and 20. No winner; €25 to Alan Gallagher, Steve Madigan and Tom Eagers.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

FROM RUSH WITH LOVE: St Maur’s beat Kinsale in All-Ireland junior ladies football championship P31

DECEMBER 8-14, 2016

BRILLIANT BULLS ON PARADE: Clontarf batter past challenge of Trinity in Division 1A P28

Fingallians found Naomh Olaf too hard to break down in the closing minutes on Tuesday night. Picture: Kyran O’Brien/KOBpix

Senior status denied Fingallians’ long season comes to an end as Naomh Olaf win playoff final replay with second half counter-strike, blocking a route back to AFL2

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER over two hours of gut-wrenching action, Fingallians eventually succumbed to Naomh Olaf in their AFL3 playoff on Tuesday evening, missing out on a return to senior league football to go with their intermediate championship success in 2016.

Friday night’s initial tie had ended in a cracking 1-20 a piece draw, Tuesday’s replay in Lawless Park provided more thrills and spills but Olaf’s ultimately prevailed 3-7 to 2-8.

In the first tie, Olaf’s had led by a goal at half time in a game that saw a huge amount of flamboyant attacking play from both sides before

Fingallians levelled things up with around 15 minutes left through a penalty.

The Swords club then edged in front as they went into the last quarter only for their hosts to force their way back into the game in the dying minutes and snatch an extra time reprieve.

Neither side was able to gain control in extra time either, with a high-scoring game finishing 1-20 each as both sides began to feel the pace of a lengthy AFL3 finale and a long season.

Forced to go again on Tuesday night, Fins might have felt home advantage would work in their favour, but found a resilient second half Naomh Olaf performance take the prize away from them.

Donal Farrell got the Swords men off the

mark with a goal just three minutes in and they stretched their lead to as much as five points approaching half time, as the teams dug in, showing their knowledge of each other’s approach in much a less high-scoring replay.

They had a four-point lead at half-time but Olaf’s had saved the best until last and hit back hard.

Two goals in the first six minutes of the second half levelled things up for the visitors, only for Dylan Staunton to put the Swords side a promising 2-7 to 2-4 ahead with a quarter of the match remaining.

The Sandyford side took control from then on, however, and scored six unanswered points including another goal in the following 10 min-

utes to take the tie away from them.

Fins were only able to dig up a single point in response as the game petered out with a desperate, driving final ten minutes from the hosts seeing neither side affect the scoreboard.

Reflecting on the tie, a club spokesman said: “Fair play to Olaf’s for taking their chances at the right time during second half.

“It’s just a pity the clock ran out before we could gather the momentum again to see the game into extra time.

“Tonight wasn’t to be but the pain will disappear and, like a phoenix from the ashes, we will rise again and prove to all that we can and will be playing senior football league in Dublin this time next year.”