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DECEMBER 19-26, 2019
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Air we go ... up on the Santa Express
PILOTS Timo Rebel and Colin O’ Neill welcomed Matthew Sadat into the cabin of their plane when CityJet flew a special Santa Express flight over Dublin. Matthew was one of more than 30 children from Temple Street Children’s Hospital, and their families, for a very special trip above the capital, with everyone treated to seasonal treats, Christmas songs, and all the fun of the very festive season. Picture: Maxwell’s
SPORT
We’d like to thank all of our loyal readers and advertisers for their support this year, and wish each and every one of you a Happy and Peaceful Christmas, with good will to all.
500 women turned away from emergency shelter Group protests over shocking D15 statistic SYLVIA POWNALL
CAMPAIGNERS want urgent resources to support victims of gender violence in west Dublin as overstretched services are forced to turn people away this Christmas. Members of D15 Action Against Gender Violence
(D15AAGV) protested outside An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s office in Ongar on Monday after it emerged that the local Sonas Refuge had to turn away 500 families last year due to a lack of space. Last week, the group delivered 250 letters to the Dail calling for the expansion of the refuge, additional funding and the opening of a Rape Crisis
Centre in Dublin 15. D15AAGV’s Emma Quinn said more than 200 children from the area are already living in emergency accommodation, including hotels and hostels She warned: “We want to ask Leo Varadkar: ‘This Christmas, when families are experiencing gender violence, where will they go?’.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
2 DUBLIN GAZETTE FINGAL 19 December 2019
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HOUSING: GROUP EYES UP AMBITIOUS BUILD FOR SITE
Plans lodged for 500 apartments in Howth
Missing couple are found safe and well
SYLVIA POWNALL
spownall@dublingazette.com
PLANS have been lodged to build more than 500 high-rise apartments on a prime seafront site in Howth that has lain vacant for several years. Locals have nervously awaited the development of the former Techrete site beside the DART station, which was at one stage under consideration by Nama-appointed receivers Grant Thornton. Their options three years ago were to sell it, build it with a joint venture partner, or retain control of the site and contract out the construction project. Now, Atlas GP group – part of Marlet property, which bought the land last August – has earmarked it as part of an ambitious ‘Project Pier’ development for the seaside town. In plans lodged directly with An Bord Pleanala, Atlas is seeking permis-
FASTNews
Part of the former Techrete site in Howth, where it is proposed to build more than 500 high-rise apartments on the derelict prime seafront site. Picture: Google Maps
sion to build 512 homes, a creche and four commercial units on the highprofile site, with a decision due by August 8, 2020. The application, which lists costs of €135 million, is the fourth attempt to redevelop the derelict former Techrete factory site and proposes a higher density than previous applica-
tions. The proposed development includes a gross floor area of 48,252sq m on a 2.68 hectare site. It would include 512 mainly one- and two-bed apartments in blocks totalling eight storeys in height, with 439 parking spaces and 1,335 bike spaces.
The plan also includes a publicly accessible walkway and cycleway to the north of the site, a civic plaza, a landscaped park and communal gardens. The commercial aspect includes a 1,705sq m anchor unit, a restaurant, a retail unit and a cafe. Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (SD) said there was support locally for the development of the derelict site, but it must make a “positive contribution” to the community. He added: “The understandable concerns of the local community about how these latest proposals to intensify development at the site will impact on the village character of Howth and traffic congestion must be addressed.” A spokesman for Marlet said urban development required a “delicate balance” between the required car parking and integration into established traffic flows “while at the same time following national policy towards reducing car-usage and utilising existing public transport”. He added: “We were very conscious of this in making this application.”
A COUPLE who had been missing from their Portmarnock home for more than a week were found safe and well on Monday. Bernard and Carol Devine (above), both 53 and from Woodford Lane in Portmarnock, vanished on Tuesday, December 10 and gardai appealed for help in tracing them. Their BMW car was found abandoned at Carne Beach near Our Lady’s Island, Co Wexford, on Sunday, sparking a largescale search by emergency services. Sniffer dogs were used in the operation and they tracked the couple who were discovered at St Helen’s Bay golf course in Rosslare. The Search and Rescue Dogs Association, Garda Dog Unit, Coast Guard Helicopter R117, Civil Defence and Coast Guard units from Rosslare, Carnsore and Kilmore, were drafted in to help. It’s understood a mobile phone signal linked to the couple was picked up near a mast near Carne beach on Saturday morning, and later that day near Rosslare. Following the discovery, searches were carried out in the area and near Rosslare Harbour, with the help of locals.
Night link A festival for 41 hailed of voices for as a success Balbriggan MORE than 2,800 people used the 41 Dublin Bus route in the first five nights after it began its 24-hour service earlier this month. In excess of 500 passengers each night boarded the northside service, which travels from Lower Abbey Street to Swords in both directions between midnight and 6am. The 41 route from Lower Abbey Street to Swords Manor was used by a total of 2,829 people between December 1 and 5. Heralding the night-time service as a success, Deputy Noel Rock (FG) said: “Dublin has long been a 24-hour city, and it’s good that we finally have a bus service to reflect that. “This is tremendously encouraging and clearly shows that not only is this service necessary, but we should consider expanding it to other routes too.”
SWORDS conductor Michael Dawson will bring music and harmony to Balbriggan next year with the Fingal International Festival of Voices. The event was launched in Swords Castle Chapel by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, and will aim to bring together the best of international musicians and singers to Balbriggan in celebration of the town’s rich cultural diversity. The festival, to be held in March, will see singing groups from the US, Belarus, Canada and the UK arrive in Balbriggan to share in a weekend of cultural exchanges, storytelling and singing in the latest addition to the Fingal calendar. Festival performances will take place at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Balbriggan Community Hall, St George’s Church, The Bracken Court Martello Suite, and cafes and pubs around Balbriggan.
19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 3
LEADERSHIP: SWISS ALPS TRAINING JUST ONE HIGHLIGHT IN SHARING EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS
Guide leader Emily’s delighted to play her part to help girls HOWTH Guide leader Emily Nangle is one of 11 Irish Girl Guides chosen to head up a global leadership event in Switzerland. She has just returned from the international training seminar in the Swiss Alps and is now all set to make a positive impact on her local community. Emily was one of a handful of Irish participants selected for the Juliette Low Seminar, which took place simultaneously in 18 countries around the world. In all, 500 leaders jetted off to
hubs in Switzerland, Poland, Nigeria, Oman, Madagascar, Mexico and New York, while three stayed in Ireland. Emily described taking part in the seminar at Our Chalet Guide World Centre near Adelboden as “a great adventure”. She told Dublin Gazette: “I didn’t know anyone or what to expect. It was nerve-wracking, but exciting. “As everyone arrived, we soon became friends, sharing facts about our countries and our Guiding experiences.”
Emily counts the campfire in the snow as one of her favourite memories of the event, describing it as a “magical moment”. Emily is now looking forward to passing on what she learned about leadership, gender equality and other cultures to other young women in the community. Assuming each participant reaches 200 girls over the next two years, a total of 100,000 girls and young women will be empowered to also lead and bring about positive change in their communities.
Emily Nangle (right), pictured with a fellow Juliette Low Seminar participant, at Our Chalet Guide World Centre in the Swiss Alps
RNLI urges public to splash the cash to help save lives
SYLVIA POWNALL
THE RNLI is issuing its own call for help as Christmas approaches with the launch of its Perfect Storm fundraising appeal. Irish lifeboats launched 1,066 times last year, coming to the aid of 1,441 people and saving 19 lives. Howth RNLI and Skerries RNLI launched 37 times, bringing 76 people to safety. While most of us are thinking about turkey and presents, dedicated RNLI volunteers will have their yellow wellies and lifejackets on standby, ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice to save lives at sea. Howth RNLI volunteers Lorcan Dignam and Darrell Reamsbottom, who recently received their 20-year service award, will both be on call over Christmas. Lorcan said: “I remember hearing stories about the lifeboats when I was younger and, as a lover of water sports and a member of the local yacht club, I couldn’t wait to get involved. “Things have changed in the past two decades, and the training and equipment have got even better. Our kit is designed with the lifeboat volunteer in mind and has got lighter and more userfriendly.
“
Howth RNLI and Skerries RNLI were launched 37 times, bringing 76 people to safety “We are all aware that it is through the generosity of the public that we are able to continue to provide this service, and we are extremely grateful for that.” Dad-of-three Darrell revealed: “I was a sailing instructor at a young age, and I wanted to give something back to the community. “There is a great bond among the crew and no matter what we face, and sometimes that can be challenging or difficult, I know there is a team here who will support each other. “My pager has gone off while I have been sitting down to dinner on Christmas Day, and it ended up being a false alarm with good intent. “Even with that, I’d prefer we get called out, as it spares a family the worry over a missing loved one.” Up the road at Skerries RNLI, the volunteer lifeboat crew have been
Main pic: Santa visiting the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew at Skerries RNLI who will be on call, as always, over Christmas; above: Howth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crewmembers Darrell Reamsbottom and Lorcan Dignam receiving their 20-year service awards
training as they do all year round and are ready to launch if they get the call. Lifeboat operations manager Niall McGrotty
said: “On our crew we have six firefighters, two women and four men, who as well as keeping people safe on land are ready to give their free
time to help save those on trouble on the water. “We also have a doctor, a pilot, two prison officers and publican. It doesn’t matter what you do as
the RNLI will provide the training.” To support the RNLI’s Perfect Storm appeal this Christmas, see RNLI.org/ ThePerfectStorm.
FASTNews Urgent call for a Hearse Road crossing DONABATE resident Corina Johnston has called on the council and a developer to urgently address safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians on the Hearse Road. The Labour Party local area representative said a safe crossing for pedestrians using the footpath from the Semple Woods estate to the village is a must. She said: “The Donabate Local Area Plan stipulated that a continuous footpath to the village from the Semple Woods development on the Hearse Road be constructed prior to any units being sold or occupied. “Residents have been living in this development for many months now and are taking their lives in their hands while trying to cross this road. “While the footpath has been constructed in recent weeks, the toucan crossing which will allow residents cross the road safely, has not been constructed.” The local authority and Glenveagh Properties have advised that revised drawings for the crossing have been submitted and are awaiting approval. Ms Johnston said: “I am now calling on Fingal County Council and Glenveagh Properties to urgently address this issue and to outline a timescale for delivery of this toucan crossing in the interests of the safety of road users in Donabate.”
4 DUBLIN GAZETTE FINGAL 19 December 2019
CAPACITY: CALL COMES AS PRODUCTION REDUCED, BUT DEMAND SOARING
VIOLENCE
Public urged to help conserve water as sharp rise recorded Plight of
Some of the protesters outside Dail Eireann
SYLVIA POWNALL
IRISH Water (IW) is urging householders in Fingal to conserve water over the festive period as demand reaches record levels. The authority says a sharp rise in demand means it is required to supply an additional 10 million litres a day – warning this may lead to issues over Christmas. Wa t e r p r o d u c t i o n capacity has been reduced as upgrading work continues on the old Leixlip plant and IW is asking customers to do their bit in helping to manage demand. Spokesman John O’Donoghue said: “Irish Water is appealing to the public to conserve water where possible, and to only use what
they need. We’ve seen demand creeping up in recent weeks and there is currently no headroom in the system. “During the drought last year, the conservation measures that people were taking in their homes and businesses helped to significantly reduce demand. “However, when the urgency of a drought passes, and in the middle of Winter, it is easy to lose focus on how precious water is. “Our priority is to maintain the water supply and to avoid placing restrictions, and in order to do this we need the public’s support.” Fingal county councillors held a closed meeting with Irish Water representatives last week to discuss the recent boil
water notices, which affected supply across north Dublin. IW head of asset operations, Michael O’Leary, briefed councillors and assured that an action plan was in place to deal with future system failures. Leixlip supplies 30% of the water supply for the Greater Dublin Region, including the majority of the 300,000 citizens living in Fingal. Around one-third of the water it produces comes from the new plant, which was constructed in 2014, with the remaining two thirds of the supply being produced by the older plant. Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “I am pleased that Irish Water attended the meeting ... although I and
women at heart of protest CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Householders are urged to help minimise their water usage across the Chrismas period
other councillors were disappointed that Irish Water declined to attend the publicly broadcast county council meeting. “The two incidents had a significant impact on Fingal residents and it
was important that councillors were able to outline their concerns and seek answers on behalf of their constituents.” Irish Water is urging households to check that their taps and cisterns are
leak-free, to avoid brushing teeth with the tap running, shower rather than bathe, and ensure washing machines and dishwashers are fully loaded before running a cycle.
Hayley delighted to have won an Irish books competition THE team at Specsavers Blanchardstown is delighted to announce Hayley Quinn McEvoy (10), from Blanchardstown, as the junior winner of the Specsavers Irish Book Awards competition. Hayley overcame stiff rivalry to win a hamper of the shortlisted books featured
in the recent Irish Books Awards children’s category, and was also awarded €1,000 for her school library. Pictured at the prize-giving presentation in Specsavers Blanchardstown is the chairman of Specsavers Ireland, and Specsavers Blanchardstown store director, Kerril
Hickey; winner Hayley Quinn McEvoy, and her teacher, Katie Donoher, from St Francis Xavier Senior School. Hayley was extremely grateful for the hamper of books that was presented to her at Specsavers Blanchardstown, saying: “I really enjoyed writing The Story of the New
House and using my imagination. I can’t wait to read all of these amazing books!” Teacher Katie Donoher said: “We are so proud of Hayley at SFX Senior School. Entering the competition was her own idea, and she was as modest as ever when we found out she had won.” Picture: Andres Poveda
Ms Quinn explained: “D15 Action Against Gender Violence was set up by women who live in Blanchardstown, Hartstown and Mulhuddart. “All over the country, refuges are generally massively underfunded – they’re turning away three times the amount of people that they’re able to help. “We want to raise the issue in the context of Christmas because at Christmas you have a spike in gender violence.” Under the campaign slogan, Not One More Turned Away, the group presented 250 letters “as a stepping stone” to the 500 they will deliver in total – representative of the 500 families who could not get the help they needed locally last year. Reluctance They highlighted the Government’s reluctance to intervene in the private rental market, forcing women to remain in dangerous living situations due to the high cost of accommodation. The average rental cost of a three-bed semi in D15 now stands at €2,000. The Blanchardstown campaign was launched as Safe Ireland highlighted the shortfall in accommodation nationwide with 3,256 not met in 2018. Safe Ireland’s annual statistics show that 10,782 women and 2,572 children received support from a domestic violence support service last year. In addition, 53,627 h e l p l i n e c a l l s we re answered by domestic violence support services, an average of 147 calls every day.
19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 5
RUSH: AVIATION IS VERY MUCH A FAMILY AFFAIR AS DAD AND DAUGHTER PILOT SAME FLIGHT
Duff at the top: Rush pilot duo take to the skies, making history SYLVIA POWNALL
A RUSH family have made history by becoming the first father and daughter to pilot a transatlantic flight with Aer Lingus. Captain Gerry Duff and First Officer Aoife Duff forged a special bond at 35,000 feet when they flew their milestone first flight together from Dublin to Seattle. The pair were coincidentally rostered to copilot Aer Lingus flight EI143, operating an Airbus A330 aircraft on its transatlantic journey on December 7. Gerry (55), who recently celebrated 30 years with Aer Lingus, told Dublin Gazette: “I grew up with aviation people
around me and I always wanted to be a pilot. It was a proud day. “When Aoife first got the job, I thought we might get to fly together before I retire in five years’ time. But we got the opportunity much quicker because she completed her Airbus training so fast.”
‘Thrilled’ Aoife (26) admitted she was “thrilled” when she saw the roster and realised the pair were scheduled on the same transatlantic flight. She said: “It was very surreal, but it was a fun day. I was a bit nervous, but it was very relaxed. Dad made an announcement at the start and I made one half-way
through.” The Duffs have aviation in their blood, with Aoife’s sister, Aisling, training as an air traffic controller in Shannon Airport while her younger brother Ronan (21) is a first officer, flying with British Airways. She revealed: “I was surrounded by it since I was a tot. Dad used to bring us to work and we got to see the inside of the operation.” Gerry added: “My wife, Patricia, is our rock. She’s the one constant in the whole family; we’re all away a lot of the time and she’s at home keeping the show on the road.” The proud dad said he’d love to fly with his daughter again, to which Aoife quipped: “Well, maybe not every day.”
Captain Gerry Duff and his daughter, First Officer Aoife, found themselves rostered on the same flight. Picture: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography
6 DUBLIN GAZETTE FINGAL 19 December 2019
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
The magnificent tree in the village
Santa Claus with Michael Smith, Leah O’Sullivan and Santa’s helper, Amy Reilly. Pictures: Simon Peare
Light work for T Santa in Blanch
HERE was a great buzz in the heart of Blanchardstown village recently as locals eagerly awaited the turning on of the Christmas lights – and the arrival of a certain jolly man in red. Children were excited when Santa Claus eventually arrived, while everyone also appreciated the Christmas lights being turned on, with the giant Christmas tree, and the colourful lights, adding a final touch of cheer and fun as the festive season gets into high gear. It was a great community-focused event to help everyone living in, and visiting, Blanchardstown get into the spirit of goodwill to all as Christmas fast approaches.
Cara and Jessie Phillips with Riona McGlanaghy
Gareth Dargle and Deputy Lord Mayor Tom Kitt
Suzanne, Daniel, Katie and James Egan
Mark, Aoife, Grace and Harrison Hall
Sarah, Alex and Zara Dillon and Ruby Kelly
19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 7
CHARITY: PRESTIGIOUS WIN FOR FACILITY AT THE HEART OF SEVERAL COMMUNITIES
Praise for St Francis Hospice as it scoops a national award ST FRANCIS Hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny has won a National Charity Impact award. T h e l o c a l c h a r i t y, which serves north Dublin city and county, provides a specialist palliative care service on a voluntary basis. The prestigious award via The Wheel – the national association of charities, community and voluntary organisa-
tions and social enterprises – celebrates the positive impact of Ireland’s top charities and promotes best practice in the non-profit sector. This year saw the hospice claim the 2019 Charity Impact Award (Large Organisation category) at a glittering ceremony at the Mansion House on December 10, where the hospice was praised for its outstanding work and role in the community.
Under the care of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, the hospice provides a range of services including community palliative care, hospital day care, inpatient care, outpatient services and bereavement care. Last year, the St Franc is fac ility cared for more than 1,700 patients and their families – both in their own homes and also at the two hospice
facilties. In all, some 99 charities from across Ireland were nominated for the Charity Impact Awards, and St Francis Hospice Dublin were among just 25 shortlisted for an award in one of six categories. The public also had a role to nominate the winners, with St Francis Hospice drawing plenty of support from the public.
Society celebrates over at Draiocht COOLMINE Musical Society were delighted to provide the musical entertainment at Draiocht’s festive night earlier this month. It’s always a most wonderful event of the year and certainly starts off the festive season in style. The night rounded off a wonderful year for Coolmine
Musical Society after the successful staging of Made in Dagenham. The society is now taking a festive break and will be back in action in January for its upcoming variety show, which takes place next April.
‘Replace roundabout to fight centre gridlock’ SYLVIA POWNALL
AN ACTION plan including replacing a roundabout at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre with traffic lights is urgently needed to address the “horrendous” gridlock, according to councillors. An area meeting of Fingal County Council heard that residents of Sheepmore, Whitestown, Fortlawn and other surrounding areas were suffering severe knock-on effects from the congestion. Cllr Natalie Treacy (SF) said the roundabout at the entrance to the busy retail hub should be replaced with lights, and a traffic management survey was needed before the BusConnects plan to use the centre as a terminus goes ahead. She warned: “If these are the problems we are enduring now, it’s only going to increase once BusConnects
puts its hub in there, because that is going to be the main entrance and exit for all buses to come in and out of the centre. “Can we carry out a traffic survey and maybe come up with some suggestions before BusConnects comes into play? I think we could have some sort of meeting or negotiations with the owners of the shopping centre.” Cllr Treacy also said that the centre staff directing traffic to flow in a one-way system during busy times were “actually making the problem worse”, adding: “I understand that they’re there to try and keep traffic free-flowing, but on days when they’re not there, the traffic flows better.” She warned: “Friday nights are absolutely diabolical – it’s not just Christmas. “It’s horrendous, trying to get in
and out of there and it’s only going to get worse.” Cllr Tania Doyle (Ind) said the problem seemed to have been “going on forever” and the heavy traffic was “choking up the roads” around the area. She said she had raised concerns in her submissions to BusConnects because “the chaos at that roundabout is backlogging all the way up to the other roundabouts”. She added: “I won’t drive down there, you can’t get around the roundabout. When the staff are guiding the traffic, it is actually worse. It’s chaotic, I don’t know how there hasn’t been an accident.” Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) revealed that he avoided using that road from late November to January and travelled via Ongar to access the N3 because it is “just a nightmare, impossible to get past”.
Fintan Fagan, chief executive of St Francis Hospice (centre) with Liam Hynes, Medtronic, and Deirdre Garvey, chief executive of The Wheel
8 DUBLIN GAZETTE FINGAL 19 December 2019
19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 9
10 DUBLIN GAZETTE FINGAL 19 December 2019
EDUCATION: DARRAGH O’BRIEN ADDRESSES DAIL
FASTNews Dublin Bus signs a five-year NTA deal
DUBLIN Bus has signed a new five-year direct award contract with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to provide Public Service Obligation bus routes for five years. This contract took effect from December 1, and runs until November 30, 2024, allowing Dublin Bus to operate all of the current services they operate at present, subject to meeting quality performance standards. Speaking about the new contract, Dublin Bus’s chief executive, Ray Coyne, said: “All aspects of this contract are quite rightly focused on meeting our customers’ needs. Over the next five years, public transport in Dublin is going to be transformed. “We in Dublin Bus are being trusted to lead this transformation. The demand for high-quality, sustainable and accessible public transport is increasing. “Contract 2019-2024 sets out a clear roadmap towards the continued growth of Dublin Bus and we look forward to working in partnership with the NTA to continue the success of public transport and the city as a whole.”
Donabate may get skate park A SKATE park will be provided on the site of the old Balleally Landfill as part of the brief for the development of Rogerstown Regional Park. Fingal County Council confirmed the move at an area meeting where Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) asked about the provision of a skate park in Donabate, asking the local authority to carry out a feasibility study at “appropriate sites” within the Donabate area. The council stated: “The design and construction of a skate park will be included in the brief for the Rogerstown Regional Park which is being developed on the site of the former Balleally Landfill. “The brief will be finalised shortly.
Warning over school places crisis in Fingal SYLVIA POWNALL
MORE secondary school places are urgently needed in north Dublin, which is heading for an education crisis without them, according to Deputy Darragh O’Brien (inset). The Fianna Fail spokesman on housing raised the issue in the Dail last week and warned that concern among parents was mounting over the severe shortfall. He called on Education Minister Joe McHugh to carry out a full review of schools in Fingal, warning that Skerries, Swords, Rush, Lusk, Malahide and Portmarnock were all oversubscribed. Deputy O’Brien said: “The Minister recently paid a visit to Skerries Community College in advance of polling in the by-election. There is a more fundamental issue in North Dublin. “Dublin-Fingal is the fastest growing and youngest constituency in the country, and a great
deal of work has been done by successive governments to provide additional places at primary school level ... Parents and students are now facing serious problems with securing secondary school places for pupils. “For the first time in years, Malahide Community School has a waiting list of people in its catchment area that it can’t offer places to. It’s the same story at Portmar-
nock Community School. “The Minister visited Skerries Community College, where parents are concerned about places for their sons and daughters. More than 100 people who applied to St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rush could not get a place. “Families in Swords have also been in contact with me raising concerns.” Deputy O’Brien said he had raised the issue directly with Minister McHugh
and urged him to come up with a plan of action to tackle the lack of secondary school places. He added: “The situation has reached crisis point in north Dublin. The delivery of the promised new schools needs to be expedited. “I have spent the past couple of weeks speaking to parents and they are very worried that their kids won’t get a school place next year. “The Department needs urgently to review the number of students who have not been able to secure a place for September, 2020. “The Minister needs to intervene and find a solution to this problem – if the Government had planned properly for the demographic needs of our area, we wouldn’t be in this situation.” Minister McHugh said he was aware of the “pressures” in the area and the requirement for new schools would be kept under “ongoing review”.
Kids impress at Big Sports Quiz 2019 CHILDREN from third class in Balbriggan Educate Together NS and Bracken Educate Together NS took part in the annual Big Sports Quiz in Balbriggan Library on Wednesday, December 11. The Big Sports Quiz is the culmination of a programme run by Fingal Country Council’s Sports Office and Fingal Libraries, which promotes children’s literacy and encour-
ages them to be physically active. Authors Alan Nolan and Rod Smith (pictured) were the quizmasters on the day in Balbriggan Library. Teams answered questions on their books and on the ‘Sporting Facts’ workbook from the Sports Office, which looks at the physical, social and mental benefits of sport. Picture: SON Photographic
19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 11
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Finn Dorgan and Eden O’Herlihy
Joanna Stapleton with Yarrow, in training for Irish Guide Dogs. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon
Anna and Heidi O’Hanlon
No better place than Bremore Castle for fun T
HE striking landmark of Bremore Castle provided a perfect backdrop to a Christmas market recently, with a wide range of seasonal stalls presented before its historic stalls. Everything from delicious festive fare to Christmas trees were to be found, while Santa Claus found some time to call over to join in the celebrations and fun, with carol singing, live music and children’s entertainment adding to the great atmosphere.
Hugo and Ava Callen with Erion and Darragh Healy
The historic setting of the castle
Eva and Florence Reavley
Sharon and Sean Murtagh
Jaanika Linde and Eve Leppik, from Eve’s Cakes
12 DUBLIN GAZETTE FINGAL 19 December 2019
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Jamie and Mary Kelly
Shannen and Catriona Cox
Mick Devine, Peter Aiken and Maurice Cassidy
Sadhbh McCoy, Claire Teare and Felicity Caffyn. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
Mamma Mia! There show’s fans go again M
USICAL and Abba fans were out in force at Bord Gais Energy Theatre for the opening of Mamma Mia! recently. Running at the popular theatre until January 5 as part of its international
tour, the smash-hit musical is currently celebrating 20 years since first premiering in London in 1999, and has previously been a huge hit on Dublin visits – bringing fans back for the latest production.
Judy Craymer’s vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with a sunny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads unfolding on a Greek island idyll has wowed audiences all over the world.
19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 13
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Mary Black and husband Joe O’Reilly
Fans Caroline Duffy, Catherine McCarthy, Catherine Birch, Anne Durran and Lorraine Browne
Niamh and Shona Doyle with Orla Perkins
Sarah and Frances Hyland
Susan and Ellie Heaney
Ellen and Lorna Walsh
Kris Turnbull, Miriam Doherty, Mary Aiken and Christophe Aertssen
14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 December 2019
DUBLIN GAZETTE EXCLUSIVE EXPOSE ON VULTURE FUNDS: PART 7 OF 7
Your New Year’s Resolution News for county You might win the right to stay in your home, they registrars do not have all the cards
Part 3 of 3 such articles drafted for us by a panel of legal and debt advocacy experts
THE unhappy news for County Registrars is that, even if it’s only an Application to Renew (after a year) an Exemption Order made under the old Law, the new Act will have to be considered (and it will have to be on notice to the Defendant). The happy news for the County
Registrar is that he/she cannot make the decision under the new Act (including a decision to Renew): he/she must place the matter on the Judge’s List. Also, the County Registrar can’t just presume the loan contract was fair: after Grant he/she has to read it. And if there’s any query – off to the Judge’s List!
‘Proportionality’ – so what’s new? THE fact is, most judges a p p l y p ro p o r t i o n a l ity in these cases through Adjournments and Stays. Is the new Act a new ball game? And if so, how? Navigating the Act is quite difficult. Expect argument. It speaks of “appropriate” matters to be considered when making “appropriate” Orders. Not spelt out. Not very clear! The central theme is the settlement proposal to enable you to remain. That’s what’s new! Until now, judges have presumed that repossession is the only proportionate outcome but now they’re on a learning curve: it’s not just proportionality in the area of ECHR, it’s proportionality in the sense of justice, having regard to real interests and conduct of both parties. We have clear references in the Act to the circumstances of the Borrowers, but the position of the Lenders is not specifically listed. Interference with the Plaintiff’s Constitutional right to private property will not be disproportionate if it is fully justified for the Common Good. The private property rights of a secured creditor are already diluted by the Insolvency Legislation,
“
and borrowers should aim to offer a settlement proposal which, all in all, is no worse for the creditor than with a court-approved Personal Insolvency Arrangement. Where the Act refers to “the total amount that remains to be paid,” the court should look for a Present Value of that stream of payments, and the rate of interest used to discount same. And the court should note that the loan originator has already recovered
the court should examine “in detail” relevant arguments on interference with your Article 8 rights (“of central importance”) and then “provide adequate reasons” (Yordanova v Bulgaria). Of course, the Fund might try to load the dice by providing a draft Judgement for the judge. Would they dare? What do you think? Proportionality cuts both ways. It may be that the Fund which is refused an Order for Possession
98% of the nominal value from the ECB, and doesn’t have to pay that back (this was ‘the bailout’). Somebody’s making an unconscionable gain! So you’ve actually got two sets of Rights: your Rights under Boxer Moran’s Bill, and your Rights under the ECHR (Article 8). You may not get a reasoned judgement regarding the judge’s “discretion” under Boxer’s Bill, but you are entitled to insist that
will immediately attack the decision as a disproportionate interference with their Rights and assert that it was not necessary to bring about the policy objective set out in the 2009 Act (as amended). And they could be right (these are uncharted waters): it all depends on the circumstances in the test case(s). So, please don’t let the side down. Make sure your Affidavit sets out all the circumstances.
Until now, judges have presumed that repossession is the only proportionate outcome but now they’re on a learning curve ... it’s proportionality in the sense of justice, having regard to real interests and conduct of both parties
Even when a Vulture Fund has you in its grasp, there’s still a lot you can do to present your case fairly and honestly, with your rights also of the upmost importance to consider
If it’s not on affidavit: forget it!
BUT please do not include your legal points in the Affidavit or ANYTHING YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND (‘mumbo jumbo’). “In your own words: do not copy someone else’s.” Your Affidavit (true facts only) is your answer to the Plaintiff’s case. All facts which are part of any “matter” which you say should be taken into account should be in the Affidavit(s). Including the “details of any proposal” you make. Don’t be lazy: work out your own
proposal – the sample proposals set out here are just a few of many. Be creative. You might be surprised at how receptive the judge might be. You’re helping him/her to decide “proportionality”. But if you want to cross-examine the other sides’ witnesses (or they want to cross-examine you) in the witness box, the judge can (probably, in due process terms must), set the case down for a full hearing (not just Affidavits).
19 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15
for 2020 should be ‘Engage’ PTD – The Portable Your ‘Circumstances’ Trade Down YOU can afford to pay the mortgage now, but not the arrears? Carry the loan (and a mortgage to secure it) to a trade-down home. Happy days: you do not need to fit in with Central Bank guidelines because the Vulture Fund is not a bank! Go to over 100% LTV if necessary. Build in an equity
release to cover other creditors (if any). A fresh start! Bring into court the exact plan: “This is the house we could move to, and we can do this if the court agrees.” Your winning argument should be: This gets the Vulture Fund a better
deal than in an Insolvency Arrangement. Difficult to prove, but also difficult to disprove. If the Vulture Fund tries, argue back: the current arrears will be paid, and the mortgage payments will resume.
The ‘MTR’ Put Option BET you didn’t know that you’re a ‘receivable’! Every (net) cent the Vulture Fund hopes to generate from your situation is, for them, a ‘receivable’. The issue for the court is that in order to assess ‘proportionality’, it needs to know what figure the Vulture Fund has pencilled in. If they expect say, 100, from the sale, with the then unsecured deficit written off, (and can prove it), then you may be able to meet that by offering to pay a rent which, as a stream of future payments discounted to its Present Value
(PV), at a specified and reasonable rate of interest, is equivalent to 100. You can do this by offering to pay annual rent to the Vulture Fund as your landlord, and you get to remain in your home as a long-term tenant. That Landlord/Tenant deal has a capital value of 100, which the Vulture Fund can sell on. And the put option? Pay a little extra to buy the right to buy your home back, whenever (within 21 years). Rent unpaid? Lose the house, lose the option.
BCF – The Bailout Carried Forward MOST of us remember the crazy junior bondholder decision (pay them 100%). It is a fact that your mortgage loan has been securitised, collateralised, sold on, reinsured and assigned by subrogation and so forth, again and again, to the point where its core asset value, resting
finally in some balance sheet, has shrunk to the grade of junk bond. Discounted many times, losses absorbed and risks priced in, the ultimate owner is the “junior bondholder” of this transaction. Ask the court to presume (unless it’s proved otherwise) that the beneficial owner is
offshore, not Irish. Offer a full and final 50% to buy out the nominal debt. That’s TWICE the asset value in the owner’s balance sheet, and HALF what you owe. That’s proportionality.(And an offshore owner doesn’t have Constitutional rights here.)
CMR – The Court Managed Receivership NOMINATE a trusted but independent third party to be a Court Supervised Receiver of the home, pending further Order. To conduct a sale by public auction (“with vacant possession” but with the option of renting to you), and in the meantime (until completion) to allow your continued occupation as a licensee.(Pay a market rent to the Receiver). Court directions to place a reserve on it, namely the sum which you, or your VBF or PRF, are able to raise to
buy it. Do not attempt to rig the auction: stay well away (this isn’t John B Keane’s The Field). If you don’t get to buy, offer the new owner to rent the place from him even if only on a temporary convenience basis. Knowing how keen you are to stay, he may realise you’ll be a long-term and paying tenant, with or without HAP. Just the sort of tenant an investor will appreciate.
‘YOUR circumstances’ are not just the history, not just where you’re at now, but ALSO, what the future holds. What’s your plan for after retirement if you can’t pay off a “warehoused” lump sum then?
And your dependants after you die? Will you be able to afford a nursing home “fair deal”? Or will you transfer the house to one of the children, and stay there with a right of residence?
16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 December 2019
DUBLIN
TRAVEL P21
MAGAZINE AUDI’S NEW A4 OFFERS A GREAT MIX OF CLASS, COMFORT AND FEATURES P21
SENIORS P22
LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY
Run, two. three, Go! A RECORD number of Dubliners are expected to take part in one of Ireland’s favourite festive fundraisers, the GOAL Mile, over the Christmas period. Three Irish stars and GOAL ambassadors, Rugby international, Jenny Murphy; middle distance running champion, Ciara Mageean; and writer, and Ross O’Carroll Kelly creator, Paul Howard, began their warm GOAL Mile warm-ups as they launched this year’s event in the iconic Irishtown Stadium in Dublin, with help from siblings Saoirse and Rossa Moore. Now in its 38th year, the GOAL Mile is one of Ireland’s largest and longestrunning annual fundraising events and people can choose to walk, run or jog the mile. Last year, GOAL reached more than 5.5 million people in need, helped by the €250,000 raised from the 2018 GOAL Mile. All GOAL Miles are listed over at goalmile.org with dates and times.
Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
19 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 December 2019
ONE UNIVERSAL tradition over the Christmas season is the annual television binge. There’s nothing like sitting down in front of the television on a particularly cold December evening, with a mince pie and a mulled wine in tow, or even sitting down after a hefty Christmas
dinner to decompress while watching one of the dozens of films on offer. With so much choice, it can be difficult to narrow it don’t - but fear not, we’ve got you covered. We’ve picked our favourite shows on offer across the big six channels - RTE, Virgin Media, TG4, Channel 4 / E4, ITV and BBC - over Christmas week, and up to New Years Eve.
mas Letter, starring a host of Irish actors and narrated by Kate Winslet. The Irish 3D animation tells the story of eightyear-old Henry’s attempt to bring Christm a s
cheer to a lonely old lady, Mrs Broom. It premieres at 6:30pm on December 23. RTE’s Christmas Day film highlight is the live action remake of the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson. The movie will premiere at 4:45pm on Christmas Day on RTE One – just in time for a
THIS year, Virgin Media TV has a host of to p e n te rtainment on the way, from movies to quizzes and festive
specials too. Movies on offer this year include a Christmas Day showing of the iconic Wizard of Oz, as well as a traditional viewing of The Snapper on Stephen’s Day. Die Hard 4 and the Pursuit of Happiness will both show on Christmas Eve, with Furious 7 and John Wick both set
to be screened on Virgin Media TV over Christmas week. There’s a whopping 19 movies set to be showcased on Virgin Media across the festive season, ensuring that there will truly be something for everyone and every taste, but if that’s not enough, be sure to take a look at Virgin Media’s On Demand service.
ITV has a stocking full of Christmas and New Year treats for viewers this year, including more drama on the Cobbles, gossip from the Woolpack, entertainment shows, returning Dramas, Christmas specials of viewer favourites and some fantastic films for all the family. In the run up to Christmas Gordon Ramsay, Gino
D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix head to Morocco in Gordon, Gino and Fred: A Christmas Roadtrip as they take on more food challenges on this new road trip. There will be festive specials of Celebrity Catchphrase, The Sara Cox Show at Christmas, James Martin’s Saturday Morning at Christmas, John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, Tenable All
Stars Christmas Special, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? Celebrity Special, Jonathan Ross, In For A Christmas Penny and Tipping Point: Lucky Stars Christmas Special. It will be an eventful Christmas in ITV’s soaps this year, for Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Christmas is all about family and in Emmerdale it’s no difONCE again, the BBC brings a bumper box of yuletide treats featuring a whole host of much-loved performers and presenters which will delight and enchant audiences this Christmas. Making a welcome return to BBC One on Christmas Day is Gavin & Stacey, showcasing what’s been going on in the
epic Scorcse movie The Irishman, the brand new Ryan Reynolds flick 6 Underground, fantasyfilm The Witche r, r o m a n tic drama and award nomined Marriage Story and much, much more. For those looking for a view into the modern world, there’s also new documentary series Broken, looking at everything from counterfeit cosmetics, to what’s in vaping products.
Ch 4/E4
snow and all things Christmassy. There’s the
THIS year on Channel 4 there’s something for everyone – whether you’re partial to Kirstie being Crafty, Jamie revealing his go-to Christmas tips, a double portion of festive themed Great British Bake Off, or some heart-warming romance courtesy of The Undateables, they have Christmas wrapped up. Some famous faces make
TG4
THERE IS more choice than ever over the festive period, thanks to streaming services like Netflix. An abundance of TV shows and films are on offer on the streaming giant this Christmas, including several new additions and special Christmas content, too. Highlights to get us in the festive spirit this year include Jack Whitehall: Christmas With My Father, Merry Happy Whatever, Klaus, Let It Snow, the Christmas Prince Tr i l o g y , The Knight B e f o r e Christmas and much more. If you’ve had too much Christmas contet for one festive season - fear not. Netflix has a host of new films on offer that stray far away from
THERE are several movie premiere highlights on RTE this Christmas, alongside a host of special shows looking back on 2019, and those Irish legends we have lost this year in special productions for the national broadcaster. One of the main highlights of the Christmas season this year is the animated tale The Christ-
BBC
Other streaming services have started to bite, but for most of us, Netflix is still king – for now – of streaming content. Here are some highlights to enjoy...
VIRGIN
RACHEL D’ARCY
ITV
What’s on the TV this Christmas?
RTE
HO-HO-HERE’S YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF WHAT TO
Fear Darb Ainm Harris
a reappearance on Channel 4 this year, between Jamie Oliver’s Easy Christmas Countdown and Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, there’s something for those that like to get to work with their hands over the holiday season. There will be special editions of some of E4 and Channel 4’s best loved programmes this
Christmas, including a Child Genius vs Celebrities Christmas Special starring Jo Brand and Richard Bacon, as well as Made In Chelsea: Buenos Aires, with the north London gang jetting off to Argentina for a festive fling. Channel 4 will also deliver one of their signature documentaries this Christmas, tak-
IF you’re a documentary buff or a movie fanatic, TG4 is the place for you this Christmas. The Irish language station will be debuting three fantastic new documentaries on Christmas week – Phil Coulter – Mo Shaol, Ar Thoir na Crown Jewels and Fear Darb Ainm Harris. Premiering at 9:30pm on Christmas Day, Phil Coulter –
Mo Shaol will take a look at the life of the prolific songwriter/ producer at 9:30pm. On December 28, Ar Thoir na Crown Jewels will take a look at one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in Irish history – Mary O’Farrell discovering the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels in Dublin Castle in 1907. New Year’s Day sees the
19 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
O WATCH, WHETHER ON YOUR TV OR STREAMING post-dinner relaxation session. Also,on Christmas Day is the delightful Paddington 2, which showcases Paddington happily settled with the Brown Family and searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. Paddington 2 will premiere at 7pm on Christmas Day. They have the likes of Frozen and Love Actually ready to watch at any time to get you in the festive spirit, and to keep you entertained over the Christmas season. There’s also old episodes of Love Island, if you’re in the mood for a re-watch of the antics in the villa, or Living
lives of the Shipmans and the Wests in the last ten years. The nuns of Nonnatus House return for a Call the Midwife Christmas Special as well, while the residents of Albert Square have to cope with secrets and lies in what promises to be an explosive festive episode of EastEnders. Doctor Who will also return
Children and adults alike are catered to on St Stephen’s Day when it comes to movies. Storks will premiere at 2:10pm on December 26, while Bridget Jones’s Baby has its Irish television debut at 9pm on the same night. Apart from films, RTE also has a host of great television content on the way this Christ-
The Big Soap Quiz of 2019
some of Ireland’s best loved musical artists, including Mary Black, Colm Willkinson, Sonny Knowles, Elvis Costello and more. There will also be a more poignant show on offer this festive season from RTE, as they show Brendan Grace: Thanks for the Memories concert, in remembrance of the man who brought
so much love and joy to the nation. The Big Christmas Rewind will also premiere on Christmas Eve, with Irish celebrities and their real-life or TV families sitting down together to rewind through a nostalgic, heartwarming and hilarious mix of the best of Irish Christmas telly from years gone by.
Pat Shortt, Music from D’Telly
With Lucy as well if that’s more up your alley. Entertainment is also on the cards in abundance this festive season, with the Jonathan Ross Christmas Special on Christmas Eve expected to be a highlight. Graham Norton will also host a New Year’s Eve special on Virgin Media One
this year. Quizzes are also on the table – the Big Soap Quiz of 2019 will take a look back at the year that was, whilst the Celebrity Chase Christmas Day Special is sure to provide some great post-Turkey-andham entertainment for the whole family.
Lest not forget the major soaps shown on Virgin Media either, who’ll also have bumper packed Christmas specials on offer. Coronation Street and Emmerdale will both suffer major blows in their respective villages, which always proves to be explosive watching on Christmas Day.
senting a one-off special, Pride of Britain: Celebrating 20 Years, this Christmas, reliving many of her favourite memories spanning over the last 20 years. Paul O’Grady is back with the heart-warming Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs at Christmas. Paul once again brings his unique blend of heartfelt warmth and humour to the
waifs and strays of Battersea as he tries to give the dogs the best Christmas present possible, a new home. Dancing on Ice fans are in for a treat with Dancing on Ice at Christmas where all the celebrity and professional skaters for the 2020 series will be seen on the ice for the first time.
ferent this Yuletide as The Tates gather to carve the turkey at Home Farm, there is pandemonium when Gra-
ham walks in and delivers a devastating revelation, shattering relationships. In Coronation Street the residents are dreaming of a White Christmas, but dreams can all too easily turn to nightmares, and this will be one festive season they will never forget. ITV will also take a look back at some of Corrie’s nostalgic
festive moments in Coronation Street at Christmas. Alan Carr is hosting a games night that will see six celebrities take seats on his sofas for a show that looks back at the good, the cringe and the unbelievable events of the year in Alan Carr’s Celebrity Re-Play 2019. Carol Vorderman will be pre-
for it’s 12th season this Christmas period. Mary Berry caters for a very special party for charity volunteers in A Berry Royal Christmas, and following another glittering series, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special returns for an all-star episode with six of the most-loved Strictly stars.
On BBC Two, there’ll be an in-depth look at Hugh Grant’s career in new documentary ‘Hugh Grant: A Life On Screen’. A Merry Tudor Christmas With Lucy Worsley will take a look back at how Christmas was celebrated during the reign of Henry VIII whilst Frankie Boyle will reflect on 2019 in Frankie Boyle’s New World Order.
One of the nation’s favourite children’s books, Paddington, is to be the subject of a special heart-warming programme on BBC Two. A Bear Called Paddington & A Man Called Michael will take a look at how author Michael Bond created an international phenomenon with a little bear from Peru.
ing a look Inside the Toy Factory in an hour-long look inside different toy factories around the world. Fresh from her legendary slot at Glastonbury this Summer, Kylie Minogue will host Kylie’s Secret night, allowing her fans to see her like never before on Channel 4. A real Christmas treat this
year will be hand-drawn animated special, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, debuting on Christmas Eve. Based on the best-selling book, the Channel 4 version will also be replayed on Christmas Day. This year, there will also be The Great Festive Bake Off
comedy As Good As It Gets. Angels & Demons gets a showing on TG4, as well as Catch-22, Apollo 13 and the crime drama Fargo on December 28. There’s plenty for the whole family on the station as well this Christmas, including the Irish language version of cult classic Shrek on Christmas
day, and the Irish version of Happy Feet Two, which sees penguins Mumble and Gloria return to our screens with a son of their own. For those not as fluent in our native tongue, they will also be showing Dr Seuss’ The Lorax on Christmas Eve, starring Zac Efron, Danny DeVito and singer Taylor Swift.
The Great Festive Bake Off with the Derry Girls cast
debut of Fear Darb Ainm Harris, celebrating the colourful life of Richard Harris, one of the last great hellraisers of Hollywood. Showing at 9:30pm, the movie features exclusive interviews with Clint Eastwood, Daniel Radcliffe, Ridley Scott, Jim Sheridan and Stephen Rea. For those looking for something a little different, TG4 are
mas. Finglas is turned into a festive wonderland as Mrs Brown’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of an angel in the first of two festive specials from the ‘queen of Dublin Town’. Pat Shortt will also have an in-depth look at Music from D’Telly this Christmas, featuring festive favourites and rarely seen performances from
showing older films such as Around the World in 90 Days, Into The West, Rear Window and Flight of the Doves – something a little different from the other more festive offerings on other channels. Other movies on TG4 this Christmas include the original A Star Is Born starring Janey Gaynor, as well as the 1997
CHRISTMAS TV
Call the Midwife Christmas Special
sees Noel, Sandi, Prue and Paul welcoming brand-new bakers to the festive tent for the first time, in the form of the Derry Girls star cast. Competing for the coveted Star Baker title are SaoirseMonica Jackson (Erin), Nicola Coughlan (Clare), Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (Michelle), Dylan Llewellyn (James, the Wee
Flight of the Doves
English Fella) and Siobhan McSweeney (St Michael). To celebrate the dawn of another year, Jimmy Carr returns with the Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Putting a panel of celebrity teams to test as he presents his fiendishly difficult quiz. He’ll also host the Big Fat Quiz of the Decade, to round off the 2010s.
20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 December 2019
DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N
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PICTURED at the launch of the safefood Christmas campaign are Chef, JP McMahon alongside Matei Balasca and Grace Dalton. New research from safefood reveals that one quarter of us are cooking Christmas dinner for the first time this year and 22% are nervous about the task ahead. The food safety campaign aims to prove that cooking Christmas dinner can be child’s play with the help of safefood.eu, which is a helpful source of practical tips and advice, as well as recipe inspiration for the all-important Christmas leftovers. Picture: Julien Behal Photography
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Unpeeling Art Basel ART Basel took place last weekend, with one artwork catching slightly more attention than the others - a banana duct taped to a wall. The banana, slightly past the ripe stage, was stuck to a wall with duct tape at the annual exhibition in Miami Beach by artist Maurizio Cattelan. The ‘artwork’ sold to an art collector for $120,000, in news that peaked the world’s interest. However, just a day later, a random man - who was later revealed to be a performance artist took the banana off the wall and ate it, rendering the art virtually non-existent. Then, on Sunday, a passer-by entered the gallery, and spotted a man scrawling a controversial message on the wall that previously held the banana, forcing organisers to cover the wall with white cardboard. Sacha Medici spotted a man live streaming himself writing the phrase ‘Epstein didn’t kill himself’ in red lipstick on the now infamous wall of the gallery. The message was in reference to the death of former financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is reported to have died by suicide in his jail cell earlier this year.
Raccoon drinks too much wine
Pigeons in tiny cowboy hats are a mystery
THE rodeo must have rolled into Las Vegas last week, as dozens of pigeons were spotted wearing tiny red cowboy hats. Locals noticed the birds with the tiny hats, posting videos and images to social media. However, nobody is sure who is giving the pigeons these hats, or how they’re managing to get the tiny cowboy hats to stay on the birds’ ever bobbing heads. A pigeon advocacy group in Las Vegas, Lofty Hopes, have raised concerns about the tiny hats and how they managed to find themselves on the pigeons’ heads. There is still no word on who is making the hats, or putting them on the pigeons’ heads.
A RACCOON in Germany got a little too into the festive spirit recently, after sipping too much mulled wine from abandoned glasses around a Christmas Market. The raccoon eventually passed out in the middle of the market, after staggering through groups of people for a short period beforehand. He is believed to have toyed with a woman’s shoes and taken a rest on the steps of a nearby building. A police spokesperson from the city of Erfurt, in central Gemany, said that the raccoon was ‘obviously intoxicated’, but that no breathalyzer tests were carried out on the animal. Sadly, although German media initially reported that the raccoon had been taken to a nearby animal shelter, it was revealed that the animal was handed over to a local hunter, who sadly shot the raccoon.
DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. This week’s dog of the week is Biddy, a beautiful seven-year-old female Alaskan Malamute who loves to say ‘Hi’ to everyone she meets, but can be a little unsure about being handled by new people. Once she decides she likes you, she will approach and seek rubs and affection on her own terms. Biddy is looking for an adult family who will allow her time to settle in. She will need someone who is always home, at least for the first while. As she settles into her new home,
time spent alone can be built up gradually. Biddy can be quite vocal when meeting dogs on walks, but she just wants to play. She could share a home with a dog of similar size. If you have room in your heart and home for Biddy then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)
biddy
19 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21
latitude&longitude
TAKE A BREAK, AT HOME OR AWAY
TRAVEL
Catch the Winter Sun
SHANE DILLON Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights
A 2020 holiday in Iceland could be one of the coolest destinations you’ll ever see FOR those looking for an unforgettable trip once the New Year is well under way, Travel Department are offering the trip of a lifetime to the land of fire and ice – Iceland. The March 2020, fully-guided holiday will bring you to a wide range of the famously rugged, beautiful island, where you’ll discover firsthand its unique character and natural wonders. With its ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ moniker, there aren’t many places in the world which have such contrasting dramatic landscapes. From the Blue Lagoon to spouting geysers, glaciers and fjords, Iceland is an enchanting country just waiting to be explored. It is one of few places in the world where it is possible to see the amazing Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) rippling in eerily beautiful waves overhead. On terra firma, the unusual and versatile landscape, with its black volcanic beaches, waterfalls, bird cliffs, volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and more, will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. On this fully-guided holiday with Travel Department, enjoy a visit to the world famous Blue Lagoon, take a guided tour of Europe’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik; hunt for the incredible Northern Lights, and embark on a full-day tour of the Golden Circle – a route that is home to some of Iceland’s most wonderful natural attractions, including Gullfoss Waterfall. There will also be a full day of leisure time to further explore this beautiful region or relax at your own pace. This trip and a half is priced from €929pp for four nights including return flights, transfers, three-star or four-star B&B hotel accommodation, and excursions with expert local guides. To book, see www.traveldepartment.ie, or call 01 637 1600.
Travel Editor IT’S beginning to look a lot like ... the perfect time to plan a New year break. As much as we all love you-know-what, the thought of stretching our legs by the pool under some Christmas sun – or at least enjoying a warmer clime – is sure to give would-be holidaymakers a sunny disposition, even as the Winter chill bites. Holiday experts TUI have rounded up a range of New Year and early 2020 breaks that won’t bust the post-Christmas bank, but which you can surely bank on to be a great holiday in a sunnier, warmer spot. After all, Irish holidaymakers need no introduction to the likes of old favourites Lanzarote, Gran Canaria (main image) or Tenerife (inset), none of which will be exactly scorching hot in January or February, but all of which can be relied upon to have much better, warmer weather than dear old Dublin. From Blue Flag beaches for family fun, to busy nightlife options, to strong cultures and friendly locals, these and
similar destinations have it all for anyone looking for a post-Christmas holiday. Here are just a few of the holiday deals that could give a perfect, wallet-friendly break in the coming months ...
• January 9, Dublin to Gran Canaria, Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas, Maspalomas, three-star, all inclusive, seven nights from €569pps. • January 17, Dublin to Tenerife, Hotel Catalonia Las Vegas, Puerto de la Cruz, three-star-plus, half board, seven nights from €599pps. • January 20, Dublin to Lanzarote, Paradise Island, Playa Blanca, three-star-plus, all inclusive, seven nights from €559pps. • February 7, Dublin to Tenerife, Las Piramides resort, Playa de las Americas, two-star, self catering, seven nights from €529pps. • February 20, Dublin to Gran Canaria, Monte Feliz, Bahia Feliz, threestar, self catering, seven
nights from €449pps. • February 24, Dublin to Lanzarote, Cinco Plazas, Puerto del Carmen, three-star-plus, self catering, seven nights from €509pps.
And, if you’re thinking of a mid-term family (2+1) break, why not plump for February 13, Dublin to Gran Canaria, Castillo de Sol, Puerto Rico, threestar, self-catering, seven
nights from €1,329pps. All holidays are subject to change and availability. For further information on these and other offers, see www.tuiholidays.ie, or call 1850 45 35 45.
22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 December 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
WELL WORTH A LISTEN AND A LOOK
Moncrieff: The Alt-Pop star on the rise London-Irish experiences have helped the Waterford native really find his voice
THERE were plenty of barriers to Moncrieff pursuing a life in his colourful, emotive brand of pop music, from social pressures at school to a gut feeling that it wouldn’t work as a career at home. He’s jovial and outgoing, though, and prepared to spill his life into his heartfelt, poetic melodies. A move to London to commit fully was the kickstart he needed. “There were no avenues really to pursue modern music, just the choir,” Moncrieff says of his upbringing in a small town outside Waterford. “The choir was social suicide, really. I did love singing, I probably would have enjoyed it, and the occasional musicals, but growing up I didn’t want to stick out. I was a sportsperson. “I didn’t start doing things publicly until I was 18, in a band, and played local school shows. It snowballed for me – I became obsessed. “As soon as I decided I was
JAMES HENDICOTT
going to make music, I realised that it was what I wanted to do, a dream to chase, and that it could be done. It’s been done before, so why not?” He continues: “I knew London would make the learning curve steeper. Difficult, but worthwhile. “There are a lot of people that succeed in Ireland but never achieve anything in the UK. “Sometimes, the quality in Ireland isn’t in the spotlight elsewhere, and there is so much quality. “I knew I’d learn a lot more and get a lot further outside of my comfort zone in London.” Since arriving across the water, Moncrieff’s Irish success has seen a massive uptick, with his show at The Soundhouse selling out extremely quickly, and his forthcoming Academy main room date showing his progression.
“
“For the first few months I couldn’t get on at open mic nights over there,” he laughs. “Later, I figured out when to get on for my time of music, how to get my name down, stuff like that. “I did so many nights, and I learnt so much. I learnt so quickly, and that’s what London represented to me. It made it much easier to perform live, which is everything to me. “One thing that’s very important to me is that what I do is genuine. I don’t think it’s possible to do anything else without people seeing through you,” he says of the tracks that appear on his EP, The Early Hearts. “It’s the story of the early days, of everyone who impacted me as an artist, a collection of personal stories. “You want to give so m e t h i n g ge nu i n e, something that is real, but you don’t want to dictate to the audience how they should see it.
“Ultimately, the power lies in being able to see yourself in the song, and evoking a feeling the listener has. It sounds a bit airy-fairy, but it is about that connection. “Some of my songs are very close to the bone. I wrote one of them about trying to get back with my ex, and leaving it way, way too late. “That song has to come out and tell that story, and I spoke to her about it, and told her I didn’t think she should listen to it. Obviously, she did. “You never really know what the reaction is going to be, but it was ok. “I think as long as you go into it with a positive heart, I hope people I sing about can’t be too offended! “For the average person, it can be about whatever they want it to be about. It’s not really ‘my’ song once it’s done.” Moncrieff plays the Soundhouse (sold out) on December 19, and The Academy on April 26.
There are a lot of people that succeed in Ireland but never achieve anything in the UK. Sometimes, the quality in Ireland isn’t in the spotlight elsewhere, and there is so much quality.
19 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT
MOTORS
Renault Captur earns max safety The new Audi A4 saloon offers a very attractive mix of comfort and class, with a rich set of features
New Audi A4 delights DECLAN GLYNN
THANKS to a new design language, and an almost completely new body (everything except the bonnet, roof and boot lid), the sporty character of the new Audi A4 saloon comes into play more than ever – it appears dynamic and powerful, while attractive and aesthetic at the same time. A 2. 0- li tre pe tro lpowered engine (badged TFSI) is available with a power output of 150bhp or190bhp, while the diesel-powered 2.0 TDI engines produce 136bhp, 163bhp or 190bhp. The latter variant features quattro all-wheel drive, ensuring optimum traction and driving dynamics. Some of these engine
variants feature a 12-volt mild hybrid system with a belt-starter generator and a Lithium-ion battery. This technology allows, for example, a shutdown of the engine while driving, which
reduces fuel consumption. Two ge n e ro u s l yequipped trim levels are available in the new Audi A4 – SE, and S Line, while a 7-speed automatic (S-tronic) is standard across the engine
and model range – with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox reserved exclusively for the 150bhp petrol engine. Standard SE specification includes items such as front and rear seats in leather, heated front seats, three-zone deluxe automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors and rear view camera. Other features include Audi drive select, cruise control with speed limiter, Audi Smartphone Interface, LED interior lighting package, and electric folding exterior mirrors, which are also heated and auto-dimming. Additionally, S Line specification includes 19” Audi Sport Alloy Wheels, S line front and rear bumpers, headlining
in black cloth, decorative inserts in Matte Brushed Aluminium, black gloss look (area surrounding gear knob), scuff plates with aluminium inserts in front, illuminated, with ‘S’ logo, leather/Alcantara sports seats with ‘S’ embossing, and sports suspension. The cabin of the new A4 remains simple, intuitive to use and stylish, while the Audi’s numerous aluminium and soft-plastic trims look classy and feel absolutely bulletproof. No other car this size is quite as well built as the Audi A4, and the car feels like it will last for generations to come. Pricing for the new Audi A4 starts at €40,520 (ex-delivery), and is available to test-drive and order now.
THE new Renault Captur has been awarded the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety test rating. T h e n ew C a p t u r passed the Euro NCAP safety test with 5 stars with its latest generation, proving its qualities in terms of safety and wide range of driving aids. The Captur now joins the all-new Clio (also 5 stars) on the list of the safest vehicles, and benefits from an optimised body structure, revised seat structures and seat belt fasteners designed to provide optimal support for all occupants with pyrotechnic pre-tensions and force limiters. New features on the Captur include the option of a 360° camera and active emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, which are both firsts in the Renault range. The highlight is the Highway and Traffic Jam Companion, which
is rare in the small SUV class and provides significantly improved comfort and tranquillity when driving. This advanced driver assistance system constitutes a first step towards autonomous vehicles. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) available on the all-new Captur fall into three categories: Driving, Parking and Safety. Together, they form t h e Re n a u l t E A SY DRIVE system. Their settings are easy to adjust from the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system touchscreen. With its renewed design, improved technology features and all its innovations, the new Renault Captur opens a new era in Groupe Renault’s product strategy and offers the best in safety for the marketleading urban SUV. For further information on the new Captur, see www.renault.ie.
It’s nearly the end of the road for the manual handbrake DECLAN GLYNN
Now you see it ... but manual handbrakes are going the way of the dodo in new cars
THE manual handbrake is quickly becoming a thing of the past in the new car market, with 70% of current models coming only with an electronic parking brake with no manual option. Indeed, some manufacturers – namely, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes and Porsche – have discarded the mechanical handbrake across their entire
model line-up, meaning it’s electronic or nothing if you want a car from these brands. The trend for replacing manual handbrakes with electronic ones is increasing, too. In 2018, 37% of cars had a manual handbrake, with just 30% having one today. Dacia and Suzuki are among the car makers to continue to offer a manual handbrake across their ranges, but with seven out
of 10 new cars coming as standard with an electronic handbrake, the familiar ratchet sound of a brake being applied is set to be consigned to the history books. Advancements in car technology are happening at a rate never seen before, so it is logical that electronic systems will take over from their mechanical counterparts. A major advantage of the electronic handbrake is the assistance
they give for hill starts, and this can be a huge benefit to learner drivers and fully qualified drivers who have a fear of their car rolling backwards on an incline. However, one drawback the demise of the mechanical parking brake brings, is the fact that the handbrake turn – performed safely in track conditions, of course – may become an unachievable prospect for the latest generation of drivers.
24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 December 2019
DUBLIN SENIORS
This week we speak to CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan
Public urged to be mindful of vulnerable seniors this Christmas ALONE is a national organisation that supports and empowers older people to age happily and securely at home. They support individuals and their families, work with other organisations, and campaign nationwide to improve the lives of older people. They work with all older people, including those who are lonely, isolated, homeless, living in poverty, or are experiencing other difficulties. ALONE supports them through these challenges to help them find long-term solutions.
CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan
CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan (pictured) spoke to Dublin Gazette and appeals to our readers to be extra mindful of our vulnerable senior citizens over the festive season. “With the festive season well and truly upon us, it is a wonderful time of year for families, friends and communities to come together and connect. For many of us it is the only time of year that we meet up with some family members and neighbours, and the Christmas season is one which is full of reunions and reminiscences. However, the winter season is not
without its challenges, particularly for older people who are experiencing loneliness, living in poor housing conditions, or experiencing financial difficulties – and unfortunately through our work in ALONE, we work with more and more people facing these challenges every year. At ALONE, we support older people to age happily and securely at home. This year we have supported more than 5,000 older people who are experiencing loneliness, housing and health challenges, difficulties accessing services, fuel poverty and other difficulties. We work with all older people, from those who are most vulnerable to those who are most active and independent. Even though Christmas is a time for connection, there are many older people we work with who will be spending Christmas alone, not by their preference. There are thousands of older people across Ireland who struggle with loneliness, and Christmas is just one of many long nights throughout the winter months which can be particularly difficult. One in ten people over 75 feel lonely a lot of the time. This year, ALONE will deliver Christmas dinners to older people spending Christmas Day by themselves. However, loneliness isn’t just an issue on the day itself; for many older people it is an issue all year round. Many of us don’t realise the impact that loneliness can have on your physical as well as your mental health. Not only has loneliness been associated with mental ill-health, it is also linked to adverse outcomes including premature nursing home admission.
Sean Moynihan is pictured with staff and service users of ALONE. Picture: Jason Clarke Alone
And most troublingly, older people experiencing high levels of loneliness are almost twice as likely to die within six years as those who are not lonely. We can all be guilty of getting caught up in the build up to Christmas. But we must remember that for older people, challenges including loneliness, the increased difficulty of getting out and about, the cost of fuel and heat-
to have to rely on charity. Many of the people we serve at ALONE have worked or in some cases struggled all their lives. For many, things have changed as they have gotten older and they need support. Most never thought they would be using our services in their old age. But until we fully acknowledge the challenges experienced by older people
ing, and associated challenges relating to mobility, finance, and health, can all prove a struggle at this time of the year. We are working with increasing numbers of older people who are experiencing challenges such as notices to quit from rented accommodation, substandard housing conditions, and many who are struggling to manage on the State pension. The important thing to remember is that there are solutions to these challenges. But we need to ensure that every older person knows that support is available. Getting older can and should be a positive experience, and if not already that way, we can help to support and make it so. At ALONE, we don’t want anyone
and resource the solutions, NGOs like ALONE must step up to fill the gaps.
“
Our volunteers always emphasise the impact that volunteering has had on them and how much benefit it brings to their lives. In helping someone else, you can actually help yourself.
This year we have welcomed the launch by Government of a €3 million funding scheme for organisations that combat loneliness, and the release of a Joint Policy Statement on Housing Options for our Ageing Population. However, we need to do more, and as a community we need to respond too. Our volunteers always emphasise the impact that volunteering has had on them and how much benefit it brings to their lives. In helping someone else, you can actually help yourself. If you are among the lucky people looking forward to the festive season, I encourage you to spread it forward in your community. During winter we all value connection. It only takes a few minutes to make a difference this Christmas. If you need support from ALONE, or are interested in volunteering, find more details on www.alone.ie or call ALONE on 0818 222 024.
ALONE service users Paul Hynes and Don Johnson. Picture: Jason Clarke Alone
19 December 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25
CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!
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19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 29
FOOTBALL: ANNUAL FOUNDATION EVENT AIMED AT DE-STIGMATISING PEOPLE IN CUSTODY
Boh’s Mountjoy Xmas dinner BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION RYAN CLARKE
sport@dublingazette.com
THE BOHEMIAN Foundation put on its annual senior citizens Christmas dinner in Mountjoy Prison recently to great success. The event is aimed at bringing senior citizens inside Mountjoy to help de-stigmatise people in custody who have shown a desire to rehabilitate themselves before they are released. The Christmas dinner was made and served entirely by a team of people in custody who work in the Mountjoy kitchens. The Bohemian Foundation is the volunteer community organisation from Bohemian Football club. Along with its work inside Mountjoy, it has a number of other programmes helping children and adults with learning disabilities. This is the seventh year that the Bohemian Foundation has put on
the event, and the numbers attending have steadily grown over the years. Initially, it was just a small group from Cabra who attended the dinner but, now, they are joined by groups from Finglas and Phibsborough and they now number 70 in total. The atmosphere in the dining room was laid back, with conversation flowing everywhere you looked – the prisoners laughing and joking with the senior citizens the whole time. However, the usual singsong after dinner was brought to another level when award-winning opera singer, David Scott, stunned the room with some traditional Christmas tunes. His performance inspired both Governors of Mountjoy to take to the stage and they were in fine voice alongside Cllr Larry O’Toole, who was deputising as Lord Mayor. Governor Eddie Mullins outlined the importance
of being able to show senior citizens that the prisoners are capable of turning their lives around. “This event is about bringing everyone from the community in to show the good work going on here,” he said. “The fun that people are having tonight is fantastic, and to be able to show them we’re not all monsters in here is brilliant. This is true rehabilitation.” With the evening coming to an end, Theresa Walsh is crowned the singer of the night by David Scott. She praised the behaviour of the prisoners throughout the evening and said that the food was lovely. She added, “We look forward to this every year and it’s brilliant to meet new people and the singsong we have is great. I didn’t expect to win tonight.” The work of the Bohemian Foundation is vital to Dublin according to Cllr O’Toole. He said that
Deputy Governor of Mountjoy Donnacha Walsh, Cllr Larry O’Toole, Thresa Walsh, Governor Eddie Mullins and Bohemian Foundation President Thomas Hynes.
he was privileged to represent the Lord Mayor at the event and praised the prisoners and the staff of Mountjoy. Dr Ian Marder, who lectures Criminology in Maynooth University and Dr Laura Booi, a research fellow at Trinity College Dublin’s Institute of Neuroscience also
Elbouzedi snapped up by Lincoln DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
SWORDS native Zack Elbouzedi has completed a move to English League One side Lincoln City following a breakthrough year at Waterford. The 21-year-old had been linked with moves to champions Dundalk and FAI Cup winners Shamrock Rovers after impressing in his first season in the League of Ireland. Former Malahide United schoolboy Elbouzedi returned to Ireland last year following spells with West Bromwich Albion and Inverness Caledonian Thistle and hit the ground running. The winger scored six goals in 29 league appearances as the Blues finished sixth in the table
and he became a regular in Stephen Kenny’s Ireland under-21 side. He scored the only goal in a Euro 2021 qualifier away to Armenia before bagging a goal and an assist in a stunning 4-1 victory over Sweden last month. “I’m delighted,” said Elbouzedi. “I came over two weeks ago and looked at the place and I really liked it. I spoke the manager and all and there’s a good vision for the club, so I’m just delighted to get it over the line. “I was in West Brom and it’s tough to break through there. I ended up going home and playing in Ireland, but it was always the goal to come back and test myself. “It had to be the right club, and I feel like Lincoln is the right club
for me to progress and take the next step in my career. The season was brilliant for me and I have to thank Waterford for giving me the platform to end up making the move here and playing for the
national team. “The manager, Alan Reynolds, when I went there, told me I was going to play games and be back enjoying my football, which was important. I ended up flying.”
Zack Elbouzedi in his new Lincoln City kit
attended the dinner. Dr Marder stressed that the most important thing the Bohemian Foundation does is bring the outside community inside the prison walls. Dr Booi, whose work focuses on dementia, said: “It is terrific seeing the interaction between the people in custody and
the senior citizens. The Bohemian Foundation is a valuable asset to Dublin and I look forward to collaborating with them in the future.” Bohemian Foundation President, Thomas Hynes, explained he was honoured to host such distinguished guests and the Foundation is excited
to work with them in the future. “Tonight’s dinner was a huge success once again. It’s great to see the senior citizens and prisoners being able to chat and joke with one another. “It shows the huge potential of rehabilitation when done correctly,” Hynes said.
30 DUBLIN GAZETTE FINGAL 19 December 2019
CLUB NOTES FINGALLIANS MEMBERSHIP 2020: Good news – It has been decided that there will be no increase in the premium for the coming year. Christmas Party: The annual mentors night will be held in the club on Saturday 21st December from 8pm. Committee Update: The position of Vice Chairman will be filled by Carl Jones and Ladies representative by Michael Duffy. Football Vacancies: The club is currently recruiting a manager for our senior ladies & men’s teams. Application details are available on social media with further information available via email chairperson.fingallians.dublin@gaa.ie GAA Draw: Tickets are € 10 each and are available from team managers & the club bar. All funds will stay in the club. For any additional information please contact the draw co-ordinator derrydmurphy@gmail.com .
ST BRIGID’S OUR CLUB Dinner Dance takes place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown on 14th February, 2020 and tickets are now on sale from Yvonne McCormack (0868548282), Paula Jackson (0872858574) and Elaine Curtin (0872025129). It promises to be a great club night with Aidan Tierney from ‘Tierney Talks’ performing LIVE also! Our new St Brigids Clothing range and Online Shop is now LIVE on our website! Check it out by visiting our club website! Our Annual ‘Married vs Singles’ St Stephen’s Day Football Match will take place this St Stephen’s
Day at 12noon in Russell Park! Contact Bren Farrell (0877547962) to confirm your place! There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot last week. Our next Jackpot rises to €8,000 and will take place on January 16th in the Roselawn Inn. Get your tickets from our usual sellers, in the club bar on play online via our club website! Our Club Nursery, in association with Sherry Fitzgerald is now on its Christmas Break and will return on January 11th. All boys and girls aged between 4 and 7 are welcome, especially new families! Just arrive down.
SKERRIES HARPS ZINGO RESULT Sun 15th Dec: Zingo result 2-7-56-3-4-1. No winners of Jackpot , dividend winner €250 Eric & Ger C/O the Snug. Jackpot now a fantastic €8100. Next draw Sunday 22nd Dec. Envelopes still €2 or 3 for a fiver. Thanks to all who support the Zingo every week. Play online www. skerriesharps.ie/zingo. Christmas Draw also takes place 22 December in the Clubhouse at 8pm- tickets available from Joanne, Fergal or any committee member - cash prizes and hampers up for grabs for only €5 ! This year we are hosting a family friendly evening , so come down to the club with the kids, wear your Christmas Jumper, join us to watch a family friendly Christmas movie from 5pm - enjoy the festivities and get Christmas week off to a great start! Christmas Tree tags are now available from our 2020 Feile teams - on sale at Skerries Hardware, Mow plus/Chris Tree @ the Monument and Skerries Christmas Trees opposite Gerrys. For only €5 our team of volunteers will collect and dispose of your tree on Jan 5th! Well done to Hannah McGinnis who played with the Dublin u14 ladies vs Limerick last Sat.
BASKETBALL: CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE ASSURED FOR MERCY
DCU Mercy and Saints Super wins SUPER LEAGUE DAVE DONNELLY
sport@dublingazette.com
DCU Mercy will occupy pole position in the Women’s Super League over Christmas as they ran out handsome 76-33 winners over Liffey Celtics on Sunday afternoon. A dominant performance against last season’s double winners made it nine wins from ten for the season and maintained the buffer of six points between them and the chasing pack. Mercy went into the half-time break with a 31-point advantage, having restricted the Celtics to a miserly eight points in the first two quartets. DCU pulled further ahead as they spread points evenly around the team, with Meredith Burkhall leading the charts with 16, Sarah Woods posting 11 and Ashley Russell 10. Pyrobel Killester came out the right side of an epic battle with Brunell in Cork as the emerged 95-93 winners following overtime. The two sides were inseparable at the end of normal time, at 81 points
DCU Saints’ Marcus Black drives toward the basket. Picture: Martin Doherty
apiece, with Christa Reed and Adella Randle El particularly impressive. Reed finished with 28 points, Randle El with 26 and Aisling McCann 20 after overtime – an incredible 74 of the 95 points between the three players. The result leaves Killester on 18 points after ten games, just three points off WIT, Maree and Glanmire in the top four.
CROSS COUNTRY Murphy the star at Cow Park challenge
DUBLIN CITY Harriers’ Cliona Murphy (pictured) produced one of the highlights at the Irish Life Health National Novice and Uneven Age Cross Country Championships at the Cow Park in Dunboyne last Sunday. She delivered a blue-chip performance to run away a comfortable winner in the women’s novice 4,000m, navigating a twisty course comfortably. Her club mate Nadia Power ended fourth, helping them to a team title. Metro St Brigid’s Scott Fagan, meanwhile, had to dig deep for a good win over Dean Casey (Ennis Track) in the boys’ Under17 5,000m. Picture: harry murphy / SPORTSFILE
In the men’s Super League, DCU Saints picked up a big derby win over Pyrobel Killester as they ran out 95-89 winners in Clontarf. Veteran Mike Bonaparte top-scored with a stunning 36 points, while Graham Brannelly managed 18 to draw the Saints level on points with their hosts. Saints coach Mark Kiernan said: “I’m extremely
happy tonight with that win after a tough few weeks. We’ve kept positive in training and worked hard and that showed there tonight. “We moved the ball ex t re m e l y we l l a n d knocked down our shots. Credit to Killester who fought until the buzzer, but we’re very happy to be going into the Christmas break with a win.”
Griffith College Templeogue slipped two places to fourth following their 90-79 home defeat to Belfast Star, who replaced them in second position as a result. The sides were separated by just a point going into the final quarter but two three-pointers from Connor Johnston helped the Antrim side to inch clear in the latter stages.
19 December 2019 FINGAL DUBLIN GAZETTE 31
HURLING: NEW BOSS TEST HIS OPTIONS AS SCHUTTE RETURNS TO THE FOLD
FOOTBALL
Dubs and Gavin get RTE gong for 2019 heroics
Kenny content as Dublin reign begins WALSH CUP Dublin Westmeath CÓILÍN DUFFY sport@dublingazette.com
1-22 0-17
DUBLIN’S senior hurlers began their Walsh Cup 2020 campaign on a strong note, delivering an eight-point win over Westmeath at TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar on Sunday afternoon last. Manager Mattie Kenny was pretty pleased with his side’s performance, fielding a largely experimental side, handing Dublin Senior debuts to five players. Among the newcomers was Belfast native Lorcan McMullan who put in an incredible shift over the 70 minutes plus, and scored three points from play for the Metropolitans from midfield. McMullan, who has played for Kilmacud Crokes in recent years, really grasped his chance with aplomb. The returning Donal Burke also made a strong contribution, with the Na Fian-
na clubman having missed out on the 2019 championship. Cuala’s Mark Schutte also made a welcome return after a three-year layoff through a mix of being involved with the Dublin footballers and also injury in the past 12 months. “Mark did really well,” Kenny said after the game. “He got 70 minutes under his belt. Mark was anxious to get out there today and get some game time. “Over the past few seasons he’s had a number of injuries and a number of issues that were unfortunate. “He’s back training away now and he’s getting strong and fitter, and his hurling will be coming on with every game and every training session. We are hopeful that Mark will have a really good season for us next year.” It was Westmeath who got off to the stronger start in this contest, as the hosts led by by 0-5 to 0-2 after nine minutes, with Niall Mitchell and Eoin Price hitting two points each, before Darragh
Clinton ensured a three-point lead, after converting a free. Dublin levelled the tie by the 13th minute, following scores from Kilmacud Crokes clubman Oisín O’Rorke (2) and Na Fianna’s Burke. Kenny’s charges kept up the momentum and claimed a lead they wouldn’t relinquish after Aidan Mellett grabbed the only goal of the game a minute later. The Ballyboden St Enda’s clubman finished to the net after some great support play. These scores came in a brilliant spell for the visitors, where they grabbed 1-7 unanswered, with Schutte, Thomas Davis clubman Davy Keogh, McMullan and Burke all adding fine points, to ensure a seven-point lead. That advantage was extended to double scores at the break, as O’Rorke, Burke and McMullan continued to add scores, to ensure a 1-15 to 0-9 advantage. Westmeath battled hard on the restart, with the likes of half-time substitute Derek McNicholas and Price tak-
ing scores, but the 53rd minute dismissal of Joe Boyle on a second yellow card proved costly. Dublin continued to register some fine scores after this, with Davy Keogh landing a fine sideline cut, and Donal Burke and Mark Schutte also on target on the way to a richly deserved victory. Boss Kenny was, overall, pleased with his sides display. “This time of the year is about the preseason. A lot of the lads are doing heavy gym programmes, and a little bit of running. “Obviously their hurling would be a little bit off at this time of the year. One thing is always constant, and that’s guys attitude and work-rate. “The guys put in a good shift out there today, and I suppose that’s all we can ask of them. “It’s like a training session, you come down and work hard for 70 minutes. In fairness to them they put some nice passages of play together, and got some nice scores, and they did pretty well.”
DUBLIN’S men’s senior footballers were honoured with the prestigious ‘Team of the Year’ award at the RTÉ Sport Awards on a live TV show from RTÉ Studios in Donnybrook on Saturday night. The ‘five-in-a-row’ All-Ireland winners became the first Dublin GAA team to take the award, and the first Gaelic Games team to be honoured since the Cork Ladies Footballers picked up the award in 2014. “Credit to the lads, eventhough a lot of them are still young, these are lads I looked up too in 2011, seeing Ciaran Kilkenny out there (in the Minor All-Ireland), and Brian (Fenton) - getting the opportunity to play with him also with Raheny,” Dublin forward Brian Howard said. “It’s special when you get to play with your friends and the lads you looked up too, on the pitch on the special days in September.” The team were nominated alongside the Dublin Ladies Footballers; Dundalk FC; Galway’s Senior Camogie team; the Irish women’s hockey team; the Irish showjumping team; Rowers Gary O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy; Team Tiger Roll, and the Tipperary senior hurlers. Earlier, Jim Gavin picked up the ‘Manager of the Year’ award for the first time, a fitting accolade after the Clondalkin native stepped down recently, having guided Dublin to the ‘five-in-a-row’ He received the award from Dublin legend Tony Hanahoe.
Gazette SPORT DECEMBER 19-26, 2019
ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 29-31
BOHS BRING THE ’JOY SOCCER:
Bohemian Foundation run annual Christmas event in Mountjoy Prison SEE P29
DCU GET SUPER DOUBLE WIN BASKETBALL: DCU Mercy and Saints both land impressives league wins. SEE P30
KENNY OFF TO WINNING START HURLING: New blues boss gets up and running with an experimental side seeing off Westmeath. SEE P31
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Farrell brings perfect pedigree for Dubs role CÓILÍN DUFFY
sport@dublingazette.com
DESSIE Farrell will lead the Dublin senior footballers in 2020, taking over the mantle from Jim Gavin as manager with confirmation coming at the Dublin GAA convention on Thursday night. The Na Fianna clubman’s appointment was announced by outgoing Dublin GAA chairman Sean Shanley to delegates. Farrell will set about appointing his selectors in the coming days, although it is likely that there will be little change in the back-room setup, according to new chairman Michael Seavers. “We’ve had discussions with Dessie about what he wants in the background,” Seavers said. “We have offered our expertise. We aren’t going to be, and we never have been, a county that puts restrictions on somebody. We trust him to do the job. “We have a lot of the p ro fe s s i o n a l i s m a n d methodology in place from Jim’s time, and we don’t see a need to break it up. “From talking to Dessie, he doesn’t see too either. We take all of the things that are going to make us better, and I don’t think there will be much alteration to what is already there - if it’s not broken why fix it?!” The former Ga elic Players Association chief executive brings a wealth of experience to his new
Dessie Farrell is the new Dublin manager. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
“We have also identified that we have to create
the ‘culture of Dublin’ - the love of the jersey and what it stands for. role, having guided Dublin minor and Under-21 teams to All-Ireland successes. Farrell won an All-Ireland senior football title alongside Gavin in 1995, and is seen by many as his natural successor as senior manager. Seavers says Gavin’s boots will be tough to fill. “It’s a hard act to follow, that page is now closed. Dessie followed the same apprenticeship that Jim followed, with
All-Irelands at Under-21 level. “He told us in our discussions with him the pain of losing the minor final to Tipperary in 2011 is as good a learning curve as it was for the senior footballers with Donegal. “Dessie is well qualified. With him, it will be a case of man managing, because of the ability of the guys. “He does recognise that they are super ath-
letes, and they are so humble. He’ll just build on that culture Jim and his backroom team have. “We have full confidence in Dessie that the team will still be there or thereabouts [challenging for All-Irelands].” Seavers says that it is important for the progression of the team, that Farrell has worked with many of the current Dublin senior players in the past at underage levels. “It’s very important for
Dublin; we tended to be ‘gung-ho’ over the years, a manager stepped down and everything went,” he said. “As a county board, we were conscious that we had a role in the background, that we had professional people medical people, S&C and nutrition; that we took on board, and they now are our backroom team, and they are the people we can offer to the likes of Dessie and Mattie
[Kenny]. “It takes a lot of pressure off that they don’t have to go searching for these things, that they are inherent within Dublin GAA. “We have also identified that we have to create the ‘culture of Dublin’ - the love of the jersey and what it stands for.” Dublin face an O’Byrne Cup semi in mid January, before an Allianz League opener against Kerry on January 25 at Croke Park.