Fingal

DublinGazette ! ! !

N I W

EE FR

FINGAL EDITION

WITH THE LATEST NEWS AND SPORT FROM YOUR FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA 

CINEMA Time for the IFTAs P27

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2018

5X €100 VOUCHERS TO BE WON COURTESY OF

CULTURE Chinese New Year fun P26

MOBILE SHOWROOMS ALL AREAS COVERED

SEE P12 DONABATE FRUSTRATION AT TIPPING POINT OVER CONSTRUCTION

SPORT AFL season starts here!

P38-29

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Find us on

Residents ‘under siege’ have had enough  SYLVIA POWNALL

DONABATE residents under siege from construction traffic say they’ve had enough after a JCB being loaded onto a truck missed hitting a lollipop lady by just metres.

The heavy machinery was moved at 8.45am and forced children walking to the national school onto the busy roadway as it blocked the pavement.

One eye witness told Dublin Gazette: “It’s a wonder nobody was killed. The kids couldn’t access the pedestrian crossing and the lollipop lady was right behind the truck.”

Continued on Page 2

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC | RISING FRUSTRATIONS ON PENINSULA

Works drive locals to say ‘enough is enough’ Continued from Page 1

Fingal County Council said the matter had been investigated and the contractor involved had given written assurance it would not happen again.

The council’s enforcements section has received 181 complaints regarding construction works in Donabate and Portrane in the past year.

The dad-of-two who witnessed the incident, who asked not to be named, said people were now fearful of letting their children walk to school.

He said: “If they just delayed it for another 40 minutes then the children would have been out of

This local’s car dashboard shot shows the impact on local traffic trying to pass by construction works

the way and the rush hour would have been over. It’s not rocket science, but they seem to believe that they can do what they want.”

Cllr Joe Newman (Ind), who put forward a motion calling on the council to

liaise with local residents on traffic issues, said the level of construction traffic on the peninsula’s narrow roads was now posing a serious risk to life.

He said: “What happened near the school was a very serious issue. Resi-

dents have put up with a lot and they are now saying enough is enough.”

Numerous motions have been tabled by councillors over the potholed roads, the level of construction traffic and apparent breaches of planning conditions.

In January, the issue was reported to the Road Safety Authority and gardai were notified of last week’s dangerous incident.

A public meeting hosted by the Supporting Proper Development in Donabate group (SPDD) heard the peninsula’s population will more than double to 21,000 people by 2021.

Under the council’s development plan, there are 3,935 homes planned with more than 1,000 units either under construction or granted permission, in addition to work on the new hospital at St Ita’s.

Alarmingly, another 750 units can be constructed before the distributor road is completed, meaning more heavy construction

vehicles will access the peninsula via a narrow bridge.

An SPDD spokesperson said: “We have no commitment on the safety of children going to school due to narrow footpaths and roads.

“We have no commitments on when the road at the bridge will be widened.

We have no commitments on plans for a slipway to the M1.

“SPDD recognises and fully supports the need for housing. All development needs to be carried out in a sustainable way and appropriate community facilities and infrastructure must be in place to reflect the growing population.”

Statement In a statement, Fingal County Council said: “We immediately contacted the developer and the planning enforcement officer visited the site when the incident was notified to us.

“We have received written assurance from the developer that such an incident will not happen again and they are aware that the council will continue to monitor construction sites in the area to enforce planning compliance.

“The council will also be writing to all developers in the area in the coming days to remind them of their construction management responsibilities.”

FASTNews

€17k funding boost to help tackle Balbriggan littering ALMOST €17,000 has been allocated for CCTV and drones in a bid to tackle illegal dumping at Gardeners Hill, Balbriggan as part a national initiative.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Alan Farrell said covert surveillance and smart technology surveillance – including aerial drones – would help stem the scourge.

The Fine Gael TD added: “Illegal dumping is a blight on our communities. It demonstrates a complete lack of respect for other people and for the environment. This crackdown will see better enforcement of anti-dumping measures and stronger prosecutions being made.”

A total of €16,728 has been to support the work done by local community volunteers, and the Balbriggan Tidy Towns organisation.

Find flashes of brilliance at a ‘Lightning Comedy’ show SWORDS playwright David Gilna launches a new comedy night at the Lord Mayor’s pub next week.

Last year David brought the first play to the restored chapel at Swords Castle – the self-penned My Bedsit Window. The two-hour ‘Lightning Comedy’ show begins on Sunday, February 25 with doors opening at 8pm, with some of the best comic talent around due to take to the mic.

Portmarnock funnyman and impressionist Al Foran will headline the first gig ahead of a national tour. He’s joined on the bill by Gary Lynch, Greg Marks, Margaret McHugh, Aoife Dooley, Ciaran McMahon, Therese Cahill and Orla O’Doherty Brown. There is no cover charge and anyone who enjoys a good laugh is welcome.

TD blasts a ‘disgraceful’ drop in community gardai

FINGAL TD Louise O’Reilly has described as “disgraceful” the drop in the number of community gardai based in North Dublin over the past seven years.

Figures obtained by Sinn Fein through questions to the Department of Justice show that the number of community gardai operating in the Dublin Metropolitan Region North (DMR North) has decreased by 38% since 2011.

The Sinn Fein TD said: “Community gardai can build up relationships and trust with people at risk of offending, particularly young people, and direct them in a more positive direction. They also improve public confidence in policing locally.

“Failing to make these kinds of investments could undo the good work that was built up, particularly in newer communities, over many years.”

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

PEOPLE | PORTMARNOCK MAN WOWS THE JUDGES ON IRELAND’S

Jamie cast a real spell courtesy of magic skills  SYLVIA POWNALL

MAGICIAN Jamie Skelton is conjuring up a big future for himself and says his ultimate goal is “to make the Spire disappear”.

The 24-year-old from Torcaill in Portmarnock spooked all four judges on TV3’s Ireland’s Got Talent with his spellbinding card tricks.

His sleight of hand earned him four yeses and Jamie, a kids’ entertainer with years of experience, shuffled his way into the next round of the competition.

He revealed: “My first magic trick was making my thumb come off, then I moved on to card tricks and mind stuff. It’s been a great journey.”

Jamie, who has a residency at Tayto Park, describes his close-up

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

‘I’ve done a few shows but this was by far the biggest stage. It was daunting.’

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

Jamie Skelton

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

magic and mind reading as a blend of sleight of hand, psychology and misdirection.

He was inspired to take up magic at the tender age of 14 by his uncle Joe and compares himself to David Blaine and Keith Barry.

Jamie says the renowned illusionist purchased a trick from him, gave him a £20 note, and imparted some “great advice”. He’s been dreaming big ever since.

Jamie joked: “If I try to get the Spire to disappear one day, t h a t

will be my aim. I always wanted to do something like Britain’s Got Talent so when the Irish show came along it was perfect.

“I’ve done a few shows but this was by far the biggest stage. It was daunting.”

Jamie is hoping to make it through the selection process to the live semi-finals and is wracking his brains to come up with something spectacular.

He said: “I’m working on it. I specialise in closeup stuff so if I get through I might be doing a big box thing.”

Jamie Skelton: “My first magic trick was making my thumb come off”

GOT TALENT ON TV3

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

WORKS | MIXED REACTION AS LONG-PROMISED INFRSATRUCTURE APPEARS BACK ON TRACK

Full steam ahead for Metro?  SYLVIA POWNALL THE revised plan for Metro North is good news for north Dublin – but it must be delivered by the 2027 deadline promised in Project Ireland 2040.

That’s the message from frustrated public representatives and businesses in Fingal who’ve been forced to wait more than a decade for a firm commitment.

Fingal Dublin Chamber chief executive Anthony Cooney said the delivery of the long-awaited light rail network, first mooted in 2005, will herald a “new era”.

He added: “Fingal is central to the Dublin economy. The metro will provide easier access in

The on-off Metro North link is back – again – in the Government’s latest ambitious big budget framework

and out of the city.”

Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell says the rail link must be delivered now that there’s a commitment in black and white in the 2040 framework document.

He said: “It is understandable that people might be sceptical given the timeframe over which

these projects have been promised. I also find myself frustrated by the ongoing discussion when it hasn’t reached construction stage yet.

“Slippages in the timeframe for delivery of Metro North and DART extension going forward cannot be accepted.”

The revised Metro Link

plan provides for a crosscity commute as far as Sandyford. It will have a stop at Dublin Airport and will also link Swords with the Luas and DART. The €2 billion DART expansion also allows for new stops on the Northern Line from the city to Drogheda which will open up development along the route.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), a long-time advocate of the rail network, said it was “great news for Swords” but cautioned: “We have been here before and all that seems

to happen with each new announcement is the delivery date gets pushed out.”

Paul Reid, chief executive of Fingal County Council, said the metro was “the most crucial piece of infrastructure needed in Ireland” and he awaited specific timeline details.

He added: “This will be a game-changer for Fingal as it will allow for the sustainable growth of Swords in accordance with our development plan.”

Swords is on target to reach its projected popu-

lation of 100,000 people and according to the council “strategic development sites” along the metro route could deliver “significant new housing and employment”.

A second €320 million runway and new control tower at Dublin Airport are also being welcomed; however, Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell warns that residents’“reasonable concerns” must be addressed.

The reaction has been less favourable in Dublin West with Cllr Roderic O’Gorman warning that the omission of Bus Rapid

Transit and a new DART station at Pelletstown leaves uncertainty in D15.

He said: “A 2027 completion date is no use to commuters who will live in the thousands of homes currently being built.”

Fianna Fail TD Jack Chambers accused An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of snubbing the “already weak transport infrastructure” in Dublin West.

However, the Taoiseach said a €2 billion investment to upgrade the bus network would see the delivery of a service “akin to a Luas on wheels”.

FASTNews

Heroin addict who threatened tourist and stole phone was identified by his hand bandage A MAN who threatened a business tourist with a bread knife and stole his mobile phone was caught after an identifying bandage on his hand gave him away to gardai.

Lee Murray (22, with an address in Sheepmore Lawn, Blanchardstown, was arrested a few hours after he robbed the iPhone 7 from his victim at Hanover Street East in Dublin on June 23, 2016.

The victim told gardai the culprit had a bandage on one hand.

Lucky Catherine snaps up her prize

CONGRATULATIONS to delighted Dublin Gazette reader Catherine Garry, who won the Fujifilm Instax wedding camera gift package worth €200 that we were giving away in our recent wedding supplement. Well done, Catherine – and remember to keep reading your Gazette, online and in print, and keep looking out for our regular great giveaways and prizes!

Apologised in person Gardai stopped Murray when they noticed his bandaged hand and he immediately admitted the crime, led gardai to where he had hidden the phone, and apologised in person to his victim.

Murray pleaded guilty to one count of robbery.

Sentencing him to 20 months in prison in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan said there were a number of mitigating circumstances in the case, including Murray’s tragic family background and personal circumstances.

Heroin addict Murray, a dad-of-one, was attacked and suffered stab wounds two months after the robbery.

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

SWORDS | TOWN HEART COULD BE TRANSFORMED BY ‘FANTASTIC’ PROJECT

Ambitious €26m plan to create ‘cultural quarter’  SYLVIA POWNALL A NEW traffic system for Swords town centre could be on the cards as part of a €26 million development to provide a cultural quarter.

A meeting of Fingal County Council earlier this month heard from architect Fionnuala May who revealed that the project was still on target for a 2020 completion date.

Design documents are being drawn up and members of the public will have their say on the draft plans, which could include an underground car park, later this year.

The multi-million euro

cultural ‘hub’ will house the new library and a theatre and will be linked to the civic offices and the restored castle via a pedestrianised plaza.

May revealed the progress made on the castle restoration including works to the chapel, the wall walks, the breach in the entrance fort and the east tower.

Hand rails will be provided along the wall walks to make it safer for public access and it is hoped the prop along the east tower can be removed following repair works.

In researching the project, May said the existing layout, including a “hid-

Still from an architectural video showcasing how the new cultural quarter could look

den” County Hall, was deemed to “reinforce barriers”.

She added: “The town centre is overwhelmed at times by high volumes of traffic. We want to create a distinct urban identity ... to reinforce the castle as both

a focal point and a backdrop to the town.

“The street can expand and become a more significant space to have events. We need to look at traffic issues ... diverting some of it away. Being able to design roads so we

can close access for major events.”

Further demolition work is planned along North Street and once completed it will provide a pedestrianised space linking Swords Castle, the court house, the cultural centre and the civic offices.

Cllr Matt Waine (SP) described the project as “impressive” and “striking” adding: “I’ve no doubt the benefit of this for the community will be a legacy for years to come.”

Cllr Joe Newman (Ind) said the neglect of the castle was the biggest local issue raised on the doorsteps when he canvassed

in the last local elections. He said: “I’m really pleased to see how far it’s advanced.”

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) also heaped praise on what he described as a “fantastic” project. But he cautioned: “Please don’t do anything about closing off the traffic before May next year [local elections] because that is going to be a contentious one.”

Councillors also urged that the castle become a starting point for a heritage trail along the Ward river extending through River Valley to St Margaret’s and back through Mooretown to the Broadmeadow estuary and Lissenhall.

FASTNews

FCC artist grant raised by 50% A GRANT scheme in support of artists through Fingal County Council has increased by 50% this year.

The fund is open to artists at all stages in their professional careers working in music, visual art, drama, literature and dance.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must have been born, have studied, or currently reside in the Fingal administrative area.

The funding is for projects/initiatives which will take place from June 1 to December 31. The closing date for receipt of applications is 4pm, March 23.

A mentoring session on developing a creative proposal takes place on Thursday, March 8 at Malahide Castle Visitors Centre (info from Monica Flynn at monica@ visualartists.ie).

For further information on the grants and application forms see www.fingalarts.ie, email denise.reddy@fingal.ie, or call 01 890 5733.

A spring clean nets dad €500k A LUCKY dad last week collected €500,000 from Lotto HQ after a recent spring clean turned up a winning EuroMillions Plus ticket.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was bought in Dunnes Stores in Portmarnock on Friday, January 26 – the same day of the fateful draw.

Collecting his prize, the man admitted that he only found out about the win after checking a bundle of old lottery tickets that he found in a drawer at home.

He said: “I would regularly buy my EuroMillions and Lotto tickets but I’m very guilty of never checking them!”

The family are taking time out before deciding how they’ll spend their win.

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

Here’s your chance to help restore Bremore Castle, and make it a must-see for tourists FINGAL County Council is recruiting for trainee positions at Bremore Castle in Balbriggan.

Applicants for the 50-week course must be aged 16-35 and

Tesco picks Pamela to run a new store PAMELA Maxwell has been appointed as store manager of the new Tesco Express in Malahide, which has its official opening at 8am next Wednesday, February 28.

She began her career with Tesco in 1998 at Tesco Omni Park, Santry, and gained a wealth of experience in a variety of management roles across the store. Pamela then progressed to the role of store manager in 2011, expanding her knowledge of the retail industry, and has since managed seven Tesco Express stores across the retailer’s chain, including at busy city centre express stores such as Pearse Street and Baggot Street Lower.

Pamela, a Finglas native, said: “The new Tesco Express store in Malahide is at the heart of a bustling town centre. Our new store offers the best of fresh and local food to customers, with the community at the heart of the shopping experience.

“We’re delighted to be supporting three local groups as part of the Tesco Community Fund, including Malahide United FC, Malahide Cricket Club and Malahide Community School. We will also be donating our surplus food to local Malahide charities through our surplus food donations programme.

“I’m really looking forward to opening this store in Malahide, meeting new customers and offering real value and great deals to the local community.”

FASTNews

All welcome to come along and improve their speaking abilities with help from the Toastmasters DUBLIN 15 Toastmasters – the public speaking, leadership and confidence-building social club – meets at St Mochta’s Parish Centre in Porterstown on the first and third Wednesday of every month.

All adults 18 years and over are welcome to attend. Just come along on the night and bring a friend or colleague as well, if you wish.

Dublin 15 Toastmasters will be the best way to improve your communication skills, lose your fears of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path you’ve chosen in life.

Meet at 7.45pm for a chat and set-up, followed by the meeting at 8pm, finishing 10pm, with all welcome to chat and socialise afterwards.

may be entitled to a training allowance. Modules include safepass, manual handling, component certs in IT, concreting and paviour laying, stones-

caping and stonecarving.

Bremore Castle is a national monument and the local authority hopes its restoration will put it on the map as a heritage site

on Fingal’s tourist trail.

If you are interested in being considered for a place, call Baldoyle Training Centre at 01 816 7400, or Dermott at 087 688 8900.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

FUNDRAISER | RUSH FAMILY, FRIENDS PAYING TRIBUTE TO LATE YOUNG CHEF

All welcome to celebrate Callum’s life and legacy  SYLVIA POWNALL

The late Callum Grimes, whose organs were donated to five other people following his tragic death shortly after being struck by a car as he walked home

A CELEBRATION of the life of Callum Grimes, who died seven months after he was hit by a car, will take place in his home town of Rush this weekend.

His family is hosting the King Cal Jam at The Strand bar on February 24 – the weekend he would have turned 29 – to raise funds for Beaumont Hospital and Organ Donation Ireland.

Cal, a chef by trade, was

a talented rapper and DJ and there will be performances by acts he played with on the night as well as volunteers being waxed to raise money for the charities.

His proud parents, Mark and Catherine, have revealed that his organs were donated to five people and they want others to join them in a celebration of the lives their brave son saved.

Cal was hit by a car in the early hours of Decem-

ber 27, 2016 as he walked home from a night out.

After 200 days in Beaumont Hospital and 15 operations, his parents had to face the prospect that their only son would not survive his injuries.

His dad Mark revealed: “He was out for a few drinks and he was asked to work the next morning, so he left early.

“He couldn’t get a taxi, he was walking home from Skerries and he was literally yards from the path up to the house when he was hit.”

Callum suffered severe head injuries and within hours he had undergone an operation, the first of many.

Mark said: “Before the last operation I didn’t want anyone else in his room beforehand, it was just me and Catherine.

“He had to get another operation because his brain had started to swell again; it was one of the few times that we walked down to the theatre with him.

“Catherine told him that he could go to sleep, that he had done enough.”

Callum survived the surgery but he suffered a cardiac arrest during recovery and passed away.

This weekend’s fundraiser is billed as a celebration of Cal. It starts at 7pm and tickets cost €10.

To donate to the Beaumont fund, visit www. beaumontfundraising.ie/ donate/in-memory and request to donate in memory of Callum Grimes.

FASTNews

Irish Flag exhibition at GPO THE first ever permanent exhibition of the Irish Flag will be launched tomorrow at the GPO Witness History visitor centre on O’Connell Street.

The exhibition will be launched by the Ceann Comhairle to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish Tricolour.

Launched in partnership with the Thomas F Meagher Foundation, the general manager of GPO Witness History, Aline FitzGerald, said it is ‘poignant’ that the GPO has been chosen for the exhibition.

“I believe it is poignant that this exhibition is located here in GPO Witness History, given that it was at The GPO where the Irish Tricolour first flew in Dublin during the 1916 Easter Rising; adopted as the flag of the Irish Free State in 1922 and formally confirmed as the National Flag of Ireland by the Irish Constitution in 1937.”

Religion set to be optional THE Department of Education have unveiled new regulations which instruct schools to offer alternative subjects to those who don’t wish to study religion.

The new guidelines, detailed that parents and students must be made aware of ‘options available’. The choice between religion and an alternative must also be offered.

Supervised study was previously the only alternative that was offered to a majority of students who opted out of religion. It is understood that the new regulations are effective immediately, however the Department noted that schools may not enforce the new rules until the next school year.

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Building on Lorraine Heskin the living L legacy of the nation’s strong female leaders Maria Lalor Co-founder and MD of Gourmet Food Parlour

ORRAINE opened Gourmet Food Parlour in 2006. Through her ambition, resilience and hard work the brand has developed into a hugely successful business employing over 240 people across 9 locations. Growing by over 400% since opening, GFP have remained true to their ethos of serving healthy homemade food while diversifying the brand to include catering and events. The company work with Dublin GAA providing nutritional meals for the team and this year partnered with the LGFA as the title sponsor of the Ladies College Competitions. This year, Gourmet Food Parlour Swords are celebrating their 10th birthday.

IN THE latter half of the 1800s, there was organised feminist action on various issues related to women, especially in the areas of education and the parliamentary vote.

Nationalist and women’s organisations were formed including Inghínidhe na hÉireann, the Irishwomen’s Franchise League, the Irish Women’s Suffrage Federation, the Irish Women’s Reform League and the Irish Women Worker’s Union.

Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington was a suffragette and Irish nationalist who founded the Irish Women’s Franchise League in 1908 with the aim of obtaining women’s voting rights. She was later a founding member of the Irish Women Workers’ Union.

Cumann na mBan with its main aim to help fund and arm the men of the Irish Volunteers was another important milestone.

Finally in 1918, women aged 30 were granted the right to vote. Some 11 women stood in the 1918 elections with Countess Markievicz being the only woman elected to parliament.

This led to an unstoppable surge in the advance of women’s rights, resulting in women taking up crucial roles in business and commerce. Talented women were now encouraged to break into the business

world, a hitherto bastion of male domination. Women now took up vital roles as business leaders, where they proved themselves more than an equal to the task.

We now see many high street businesses that are run by women and are among the most successful and enduring companies anywhere. Many financial institutions, accountancy firms, solicitors’ practices, retail corporations and many household names in the business world can now boast women at the helm.

Many of the most talented and imaginative politicians are women, with some of them holding ministerial roles. Indeed some of the most influential and prestigious positions in Ireland are now in the safe hands of women and up to recently, the roles of Tanaiste, Garda Commissioner, Attorney General and Chief Justice were simultaneously held by women.

Ireland has certainly come a long way in the 100 years since women first asserted their rights and to take their place alongside their male counterparts. There’s little doubt that the pioneers of a century ago would have been very proud of today’s women and their contribution to Irish society.

T

Pitman Training Swords

he Pitman Training Swords team, headed up by Maria Lalor, have been helping students in North Dublin to reach their career goals since 2007.

Many of the students are looking to gain new additional skills, or re-train in a new area, in order to help them with promotions or career changes. They also help school leavers who want to choose an alternative route to higher education to start their career or college and university leavers looking to boost their employability in the job market.

Pitman Training Swords specialise in training medical secretaries, legal secretaries, office managers, marketing assistants, accounts technicians, executive PAs and administrators to name but a few.

They also run specialised workshops

focused on CV creation using Linkedin to expand networks and more.

Courses include Excel, Powerpoint and Access, either in Pitman Swords or as one day training courses at the client’s premises. The company has a 77% success rate nationwide (and even higher for the Swords branch alone).

Pitman Training Swords is based in the Chamber Buildings, North Street and they can be contacted at: www.pitmantrainingswords.ie www.facebook.com/pitmantrainingswords www.linkedin.com/marialalor 018404075

Vivienne Keavey CEO, Malahide Credit Union

V

IVIENNE Keavey has been CEO of Malahide Credit Union for 10 years, right through the worst of the financial crisis. She got involved with her local credit union as a volunteer and fell in love with the credit union concept, so much so that she now works there full-time.

In that time, the credit union has gone from strength to strength and her enthusiasm and passion for the credit union ideal has been a key driving force.

As well as leading Malahide Credit Union successfully through the crisis, she managed their move to a prominent location on Main Street, radically changing the profile of the business.

It’s interesting to note that uniquely in the financial services sector, almost half

of credit union managers are female – maybe that explains the resilience and popularity of credit unions?

Like lots of women in business, Vivienne began her working life in a bank, in First Active, where she learned the financial services “ropes”.

After that she worked for herself in the family’s O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Bar franchise, taking it from a start-up to a successful business.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

EVENTS No matter what’s happening in your area, Dublin Gazette’s

A MIGHTY MALAHIDE MUSICAL

T

HE Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society presented the opening night of their brand-new production of Sister Act recently.

The well-known musical saw the society put their own unique twist on it, hitting some heavenly high notes during the dols-out run with thanks to the great efforts of the talented cast and crew.

The Malahide Musical and Dramatic Society are due to announce their production for the next season very soon.

1. Musical director Dave McGuaran, director Lynda O’Neill and choreographer Jean Gill 2. The cast of Sister Act 3. Pauline Gargon and Marie Mooney 4. Chloe Speers

1

2

3

4

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

far-ranging photographers have all the events and angles covered

D15 Schools

Stepping up to help support cancer battlers

Alex Connolly, Aarav Verma, Darius Vlad, Deirdre Umayat and Liza Kaciute

Cristina Cojuhari, Darine Umayat, Alice Elizabeth Belmont Gorska, Alicia Francis and Rebecca Evans

CIARA Doherty and Kamal Ibrahim (top), and presenter Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh and Dancing with the Stars backstage reporter, James Patrice (above) are pictured at the launch of the Breast Cancer Ireland Battle of the Stars gala fundraiser supported by Joe Duffy Group.

Each of the participants will spend the next few weeks in a rigorous regime of rehearsals led by a team of professional choreographers and stylists.

Tickets, which include a four-course meal and entertainment, are on sale at €150 per person at www. breastcancerireland.com. All funds raised support Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research and awareness programmes around Ireland.

Pictures: Robbie Reynolds

Grace Moody, Aleksy Juckiewicz, Richard Toby and Tom Antoniraj

Teejay Knie, Ross Kane, Kuba Cieslak and

Centori, Kayla McEntaggart and Eva

Deirdre Umayat. Pictures: Simon Peare

Ramanauskaite

Nixon Scaria, Dawd Pender, Mohamed Sagal and Phu Ngugen

Great lil’ businesses

T

HE pupils of Tyrrelstown Educate Together National School teamed up for the school’s Lil’ Mart Business Day recently. Pupils from Sixth Class took part in the mini-business day, which was part of a six-week project for the class, involving brainstorming business ideas, presenting

them to a “Dragon’s Den” of their teachers, before voting as a class on which business to go with.

The class then decided on a name, logo and slogan, before making posters and advertising. Each student invested €1 in the business as their ‘seed money’.

They made and baked all products and then set up their stalls, which included a nail salon and a raffle booth, featuring some great prizes such as a trip to Jump Zone.

Each group even had managers, advertisers and accountants, making sure that everything ran smoothly.

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

Dublin wins bid to host prestigious Global Retail Council meeting in May DUBLIN has won the world and prothe bid to host the file some of the best prestigious Global retailing standards Retail Council midwe deliver in Ireyear meeting, which land is a significant will see 30 countries oppor tunity and from six continents achievement. meeting at City West “It is uplifting that - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ireland has been Hotel in May. Retail Excellence selected to host the competed against mid-year meeting.”

Canada and AusNational Retail tralia, and will now Federation presihost more than 2,000 dent and chief execretailers congregatutive Matthew Shay ing to learn from said he is delighted and be inspired by that we are hostworld-class speakers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ing this important Fitzsimons and suppliers in the David - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - meeting. industry.

He added: “After Chief executive of Retail Excellence, attending the annual Retail Excellence David Fitzsimons (above), said it is a conference last year, I am deeply aware tremendous achievement for the Irish of Ireland’s thriving retail environment retail industry: “To host so many influ- and I look forward to returning with ential retail executives from around colleagues from around the globe.”

‘To host so many retail executives from around the world is a significant opportunity’

YOUCAPITAL

Meet ‘the dating app for investment’ IRISH investors will be watching closely the success of an innovative new app dreamed up by a Mayo man – YouCapital – with a hook that has seen it described as “like a dating app for investment”.

Mayo man and serial entrepreneur Tom Gaughan believes that his latest venture is on the brink of big things.

“I live in quite an affluent area of West London, and I kept meeting investors who were looking around for the next big thing, or even something viable to invest in, and I thought: ‘Technology has to provide the answer to this’.”

Turning to marrying tech with meeting investors’ needs, Gaughan says: “Although the focus of the UK investor market is starting to shift from

creation to development, there are still loads of people with fantastic, viable business ideas who cannot obtain the capital to start up. Any one of these, with capital, could be the next ‘unicorn’.”

He points out that YouCapital has a focus on providing a deep, valuable relationship, as unlike with crowd funding ventures, “YouCapital aims to match innovators with experienced investors – people who have real experience in growing companies”.

YouCapital’s execution and concept is simple: with the app downloaded to their smartphone, users simply register as an investor or an entrepreneur.

When a budding businessperson adds their project to the YouCapital marketplace, they

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

Tom Gaughan

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

are invited to define the opportunity by certain criteria – including the amount of investment sought, equity offered, area served, and so on.

They can also upload supporting documents, such as an outline business plan, messaging portfolio, or core marketing projections.

On the other side, backers registered on the app set their preferred investment profile – using similar criteria – and get

a notification when a suitable opportunity is added to the marketplace.

“YouCapital started as an idea nearly eight years ago. Now technology and our understanding of the market have converged.

“We have put a lot of consideration into this, and we are really pleased to be able to launch the YouCapital app to the world.”

Although YouCapital is being rolled out in the UK, Mayo man Gaughan hasn’t forgotten his roots – indeed, he views the potential to capitalise on the Irish market as being a key move for YouCapital, with Irish investors and projects firmly in his sights.

He says: “YouCapital want to launch in Ireland as it’s a great test market, having a good mix of entrepreneurs and private individual investors/ HNW, and if their product stands up the word will spread fast.

“We also see Ireland as a stepping stone to the American market now that Ireland is the European hub for American tech companies.

“YouCapital are also considering having their headquarters based in Ireland early next year.”

So watch this space – and the available business apps for your phone – as YouCapital turns its attention to the Irish market ...

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

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

LET FUN LOVING BUSTER BRING JOY TO YOUR HOME

DUBLIN Gazette has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

Buster is a cute 7-year-old terrier cross looking for a home that he can call his own.

He is a real clever clogs who is perfectly housetrained and very clean too. Buster can be shy with new people and overwhelmed by busier situations and young children, for this reason he would like a quiet adult only home so he can settle in at a gentle pace.

If you are looking for a fun loving, sparky little dog to join your quiet home he could be just the friend you seek!.

If you think you can offer Buster a loving home, contact Dogs Trust at 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 over on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

DIARY P14 MUSIC P20 TRAVEL P23

CHILDREN: WINNERS REVEALED IN NATIONWIDE ART COMPETITION

Young artists are a credit THE winners of one of the nation’s largest and longest-running art competitions were announced at Croke Park last week.

Some 30,000 entries were received for the annual Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) All Ireland Art Competition, which is now in its 34th year.

The 11 category winners received cash prizes from broadcaster Marty Whelan.

Set Your Imagination Free was the theme of this year’s competition,

Keisha McCann, winner in the 11-13 years category, shares a laugh with Marty Whelan. Picture: Julien Behal

designed to give a wideranging scope to entrants to express their creativity and individuality.

In addition to the ten individual winners and one group winner, there were 22 runner-up and

merit awards, with a number of age categories and a category for artists with learning difficulties.

The competition is facilitated by credit unions across the island of Ireland.

Winning entries featured such imaginative interpretations of the theme as underwater scenes, space oddities, mythical creatures and city skylines.

The winners hailed from corners of Ireland stretching from Westport to Wexford and

Irvinestown in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, ILCU president Charles Murphy said: “Our annual art event is just one example of the great work credit unions do in their communities to ensure that both young and old have an outlet for their creative skills.

“I extend a huge congratulations to each and every artist that participated in this competition and I look forward to seeing even more artistic creations in the future.”

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

Brilliant kids all ready for an Oscar

LITTLE Natalia was dressed to impress with some red-carpet style at the launch of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice upcoming third annual Oscars ceremony.

Taking place on March 3, the evening will involve LauraLynn children, their siblings, and their parents writing, producing and starring in their very own short films with the help of industry professionals. The movies are then screened for the first time at an exclusive cinematic gala event in front of family and friends.

Shot on location in various counties around Ireland, the eight films span a range of genres, including com-

edy, action, animation and drama, and each film was edited and produced by Windmill Lane Studios.

This year the awards will be hosted by Marissa Carter (pictured with Natalia), entrepreneur and owner of Cocoa Brown. Marissa said: “The LauraLynn Oscars is shaping up to be an amazing evening. The children and their families have put so much work into the films, and we can’t wait to see them all for the first time!

“It’s going to be such a fun event, with limos, a red carpet, celebs, screaming fans, and the full VIP premiere treatment – it’s going to be an absolute ball.”

WHILE some people are looking forward to their own exciting Oscars (see panel, left), others are turning from the big screen excitement to the buzz of the theatre, with next month seeing the world premiere of The Unmanageable Sisters.

Play wright Deirdre Kinahan presents a new version of Michel Tremblay’s acclaimed Quebecois comedy, Les Belles Soeurs, at the Abbey Theatre.

Running from February 26 to April 7, the play is set in Ballymun in 1974, where Ger Lawless has won a million GreenShield stamps and happiness is at her fingertips.

But when 15 friends and family gather to help her claim her winnings, all bets are off.

Over one fateful stampsticking party, these determined women bring the audience into their lives in the ferociously funny The Unmanageable Sisters.

The play is part of the Abbey’s Free First Preview initiative, where audiences are invited to attend the first night of Abbey productions at no charge.

STEP UP FOR A FUN ANNUAL 26KM WALK

SOME 2,000 people are expected to walk from Howth Harbour to Dun Laoghaire Harbour (or reverse) this St Patrick’s Day. The 13th annual Harbour2Harbour Walk raises vital funds for mental health organisation, Aware.

The 26km trek is suitable for most fitness levels and the walk will take participants along the scenic Dublin Bay route with a “halfway hooley” hosted at Dublin Port Company’s newly opened public plaza.

All funds raised will go towards Aware’s nationwide support, education and information services.

Gerry O’Brien, head of fundraising at Aware said: “The walk offers the perfect excuse to get friends and family together to mark St Patrick’s Day in a fun and healthy way, while also raising money for a great cause.

“As a result of this and other fundraising efforts, Aware is able to provide support services for individuals and families impacted by depression

or bipolar disorder, as well as delivering free mental health education programmes to adults and senior cycle students throughout the country.”

You can register now at aware.ie/events, at a cost of €25 per person.

CIRCUS FANS’LL GO BERSERK FOR THIS FRESH from London’s West End, a contemporary cirque-style production will be tumbling into the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this week.

Cirque Berserk! has had a run of sold-out seasons in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and the West End in London, and will come to Ireland for the first time for a limited run.

From February 27 until March 4, Cirque Berserk! is described as a “dangerfilled spectacle” that’s suitable for audiences of all ages.

Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster, priced from €15 to €30, with a special family ticket available for €80.

HELP SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD SHOW Racism the Red

Card are calling on primar y and secondar y schools, youth organisations, children and young people in Dublin to enter their annual Anti-Racism Creative Competition 2018.

The international antiracism and education charity’s competition encourages young people to develop creative antiracism messages using written, visual and audiovisual means, before the deadline of March 30.

Schools, organisations and individuals can get involved by registering online at www.theredcard.ie/competition.

The competition is open to entries in the following categories: Primary School, Secondary School, Youthreach, Youth services and Individual.

Entries can be submitted in the form of written articles, comment pieces, opinion pieces, reports, poems, sculpture, mural, mosaic, artworks, video, film or animation.

For further information on the competition, contact info@theredcard.ie.

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

Clowning about before their upcoming run to help support Aoife’s Clown Doctors ... What the group of Dublin runners lack in experience, they make up for with their determination to support the legacy of little Aoife (5), who died in 2012.

Today, ‘her’ clowns help to allay the nerves and fears of sick children in hospital.

CHARITY: DUBS GOING FUNDRAISING FOR KIND CLOWNS IS NO LAUGHING MATTER

Running off to London to help cheer up sick kids here  MARK O’BRIEN

A GROUP of ladies from Dublin – and one of their husbands – are set to travel to London on March 4 to take part in a race to raise funds for a bunch of clowns.

The group mainly comprise players from the Malahide-based St Sylvester’s Gaelic4Mothers & Others (G4M&O) team.

They will be travelling to London to participate in The Big Half, a half marathon starting at Tower Bridge and finishing in Greenwich.

One of the runners, Dee Roche, said: “The women travelling from our club all have different running standards, from beginners to the more experienced, but what they all do have in common is the charity which they have chosen to run for: Aoife’s Clown Doctors.

“Their fellow G4M&O

teammate Aine Hendrick and her family suffered the horrific loss of their daughter Aoife in 2012. St Sylvester’s G4M&O are choosing to fundraise for their amazing cause.”

Five-year-old Aoife attended Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin from May to August 2012 for treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Tragically, Aoife lost her short battle and died that summer only four months after being diagnosed.

“In 2014, as part of Aoife’s legacy, her parents Aine and Adrian set up Aoife’s Clown Doctors Ireland as entertainers who go into the children’s wards of Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin twice a week, to bring some fun and smiles to the families there,” said Dee. Aoife’s Clown Doctors are a team of professional

performers trained to work in hospitals.

They help create fun, laughter and creativity on the wards by parodying medical procedures and hospital jargon, helping to ease the fear and stress for children and parents.

Oversized medical equipment, ‘red-nose’ transplants, ‘cat’ scans and funny bone examinations are just a few examples of what might take place during a visit from a Clown Doctor.

Dee added: “Aoife’s Clown Doctors bring smiles and laughter to so many sick children in Crumlin and hopefully in the very near future they will be spreading the smiles in Temple Street Children’s Hospital and Tallaght Hospital too.”

To make a donation to Aoife’s Running Clowns, please visit https://www. gofundme.com/AoifesRunningClowns.

GAZETTE

FEATURE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

EVENTS No matter what’s happening around the city, The Gazette’s

Miriam O’Callaghan, Cyril Byrne and Robbie Reynolds. Pictures: SON Photographic

Andres Poveda with his highly commended images. Pictures: Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic

Billy and Hillary Higgins, Joanne Smith and Johnny Bambury

Celebrating some amazing shots T

HE annual awards of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland took place in Croke Park last week, with photographers from across the island of Ireland in attendance. This year marks 40 years since the founding of The Press Photographers Association of Ireland. The overall award of ‘Press Photographer of the Year’ 2018 was presented to Cyril Byrne, of The Irish Times. The judging panel was chaired by Dermot O’Shea and the judges were internationally renowned photographers Tom Stoddart and Eamonn McCabe.

2nd Sports Feature: Alun Wyn Jones, Iain Henderson, Ross Moriarty and Sam Warburton in the dressing room after the Lions vs New Zealand Provincial Barbarians game.

Pictures: Dan Sheridan / Inpho Photography

1st Reportage: UFC fighter Conor McGregor and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pictures: Stephen McCarthy

Michael Chester with his highly commended images. Pictures: Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

far-ranging photographers have all the events and angles covered

1st News: A tired and extremely gaunt looking Martin McGuinness leaving Stormont after handing in his resignation.

Picture: Justin Kernoghan

Group shot of all the winning photographers. Pictures: Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic

1st Daily Life and People: Children in Bulunkutu village, Maiduguri, 1st Sports Action: Seamus Coleman is tackled by Neil

Nigeria, one of many villages paralysed over the past eight years as

Taylor, of Wales, resulting in a broken leg.

Picture: Ryan Byrne

Pete Taylor. Picture: Gerry Mooney

Barbara Scully and Paul

Boko Harram attacked abducted and raped its women.

Sherwood

Picture: Steve Humpheries

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

PUZZLE PAGE SUDOKU

CODEWORDS EASY

TOUGH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

HOW TO SOLVE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WORD SEARCH

Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues!

Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

SCRIBBLE BOX

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE FOLLOWING HIDDEN WORDS baseball cap

homburg

beanie

kepi

beret

mortarboard

boater

Panama

bowler

skullcap

crown

stetson

deerstalker

straw

derby

sunhat

fedora

top hat

fez

tricorne

forage cap

trilby

turban

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

My life feels like it’s over – my kids and husband don’t seem to notice ‘me’ I’M SO down at the moment, I just don’t know where to turn.

I’ve been married for almost 15 years, we have two lovely kids, but I feel my life is over.

My husband is a good man and provides for me and the kids, but he takes me for granted – there is no intimacy any more, and provided he has a clean shirt and a meal on the table he seems happy.

The kids are constantly demanding, to the point I dread waking up in the morning knowing it will be just the same as yesterday and the day before.

What can I do?

Anne, Templeogue

MARY SAYS: THIS sounds to me like a classic case of being ‘stuck in a rut’ and I can

GAZETTE

ADVICE REMINDER Mary needs you to contact her by noon on Monday, so don’t delay – send your problem to Dear Mary at Dublin Gazette today!

“I dread waking up in the morning knowing it will be just the same as yesterday and the day before”

empathise with how you are feeling.

It’s very debilitating to feel that you are simply living your life for other people and you feel that you have become lost as an individual and as a human being.

The good news is that you can do something about it.

It’s time to take back some control.

You need to talk to your husband about this. This won’t be easy and you need to pick the right time to do it, maybe when you have some quiet time without the kids.

The chances are he will have no idea how you are feeling and, as he sounds like a decent man to me, will want to help.

You have to remember, Anne, that some men find it hard to communicate on an emotional level. As he provides for you and the kids, he probably feels he is sticking to his part of the bargain.

You need to be honest with him, expect some resistance, expect him to justify his behaviour and don’t expect to sort it out in one conversation, but you need to start

communicating again.

If the prospect scares you, then suggest a third-party mediator to him – a mediator can often provide that first step to bridge the communication barrier.

I think once you start to communicate then you can start to take back control of your life, find time for yourself and put things into perspective. I wish you well ...

Is there something on your mind? Mary is delighted to offer her advice to Dublin Gazette readers; email her at marybyrne@dublingazette.com

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT

in the way the duo perform, too, and even feature in the touring style, which will see them DJ ACCESSIBLE London house act com- on one tour and head out live on the next. bine beats and an intelligent approach “It is very different,” Gibbon admits. “We do to building their business in an effort to the live shows more in festival season, stuff like take over the world of chart dance, and that. They are full on live shows, with lots of flit into the underground, too. instrumentation on stage, and we bring two difIn a world where some of music’s biggest art- ferent vocalists to perform the various different ists are commercialising their work in - from a special guest slots. fan’s perspective, at least - all the wrong ways, “That’s a difficult job, given there are so many it’s refreshing to see more of an ethos-driven, different vocal styles on our tracks, but they do hard-working and multi-faceted approach to it really well. But the DJ sets (such as the one slipping seamlessly into the big time. planned for Dublin) are far more underground London house music duo Gorgon City are than the live shows, and a good chance to presnot quite a household name yet, and a far cry ent a load of the music we haven’t released.” from the growing world of high-cost VIP meet and greets or ticket sales linked in with buying a small heap of merchandise.

In their world, though, they’re edging close to the summit, and the story of their rise is about far more than 2014 hit single ‘Ready For Your Love’.

The duos sound is always beat-driven, taking much of its inspiration from the deep house and garage scenes, but adds chart colour with a series of special guest vocalists.

In the past, their tracks have incorporated anyone from MNET to Klaxons, Wyclef Jean to Jennifer Hudson.

Performing both live and as DJs, and perhaps most importantly as part of a heavily franchised, multinational radio show, the pair have developed their music in a series of directions, also splitting their sound into what they see as their chart-ready, accessible angle and a more underground, edgy buzz that comes out in DJ sets and in their popular, franchised radio show.

“The radio show still feels new,” Kye ‘Foamo’ Gibbon tells us ahead of their return to Dublin club District 8.

“It’s been exciting to have a radio show in a lot of countries where we’ve never actually played. It’s led to a lot of new bookings coming from places like South America, Asia and Eastern Europe.

“It’s also a really cool project,” he continues.

“It really keeps us on top of new music, and helps us work towards the development of our own label.

“We hope to be releasing stuff from other people before too long, and we’re keeping a close eye on quite a few up and coming producers.

“The radio, the club night, they all contribute towards the brand,” Gibbon explains.

“That’s building towards Kingdom, which is now both a brand and an album; it’s become part of our identity as a band as well as being a record, as linked in with the radio show as well.”

The album version of Kingdom, in fact, has been on the horizon for quite some time, but it is now just around the corner.

“It’ll be out this year, probably late summer,” Gibbon tells us.

“It’s almost a ‘best of’ compilation with some new bits, and it’s more song based, like our first album. We’ll also be putting out more underground and club-friendly bits separately.”

Those two different identities shine through

MUSIC Dance music is currently in an interesting place generally, as Gibbon is not afraid to admit.

The progressive closing of clubs in London is mirrored in Dublin. While our capital has never been a particularly outstanding clubbing heartland, for reasons varying from restrictive licensing laws to the dominance of competing pubs, gentrification around nightlife venues is a growing factor in our scene and London’s.

“It seems like it’s dying all over the country,” Gibbon says of UK clubbing.

“We love Printworks [a new 6000 capacity London super-club], but too many clubs are turning into things like luxury apartments. A lot

LET’S GO OUT MUSIC

of places have closed over the last few years and that’s a real shame.”

As for the band’s future?

“We’ll keep moving between the mainstream and the underground,” Gibbon says.

“We’ll be back in Amnesia [Ibiza] this summer for another residence, and looking to release a load of different stuff, ours and other people’s.

“We’re in America, then around Europe in the next couple of months, and wé’re just back from Australia. It’s non-stop.”

Gorgon City play District 8 on Friday, March 28, with album ‘Kingdom’ due in the summer.

You can listen to their regular radio slot at gorgoncity.com

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

PICKWEEK OF THE

Gorgon City

FEBRUARY 25 (SUNDAY) SEAL @ Olympia Theatre, €59.50 Backed by a big band, the multi-award winning British soul legend Seal will be performing songs from the new album, alongside his classic hits ‘Killer’ and ‘Kiss from a Rose’.

Building a Dance Dynasty

BEST OF THE REST FEBRUARY 22 (Thursday) I Dermot Kennedy @ Olympia Theatre, €22 Katie Laffan @ Whelan’s, €13 Budding urban pop star Katie Laffan is one of a growing avalanche of top-class hip-hop infused artists from around Dublin.

Kygo @ 3Arena, €51 Hothouse Flowers @ Vicar Street, €30 Brona Keogh + Jane Willow + Ryan Cahill + Crome Yellow + Lauryn Keating @ Purty Kitchen, €5

SEAL of approval

FEBRUARY 23 (Friday) King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard @ Olympia Theatre, €25.50 Don’t be put off my the mad name, these Aussie rockers are a class act.

Mary Black sings Jimmy Mac @ Pavilion Theatre, €35 Luke Clerkin @ The Sound House, €10 Jiggy @ Whelan’s, €16 Paul Draper @ Workman’s Club, €18.50 Wyvern Lingo @ Button Factory, €19.50 Cory Wong @ The Sugar Club, €15 Fredo @ The Academy, €17.35 Sun Mahshene + My Pilot

@ Whelan’s (Upstairs), late show FEBRUARY 24 (Saturday) Elbow @ 3Arena, €59.50 Marlon Williams @ Whelan’s, €22 Duke Special @ Unitarian Church, €22 A truly creative songwriter who pointedly refuses to conform to any kind of fashion, Belfast musician Duke Special riffs on literature and aging photographs in his gorgeous melodies.

Mystic Tears + Robert Delaney + Jack Spoke @ The Underground, €8 Karms @ W helan’s (Upstairs), €10 FEBRUARY 25 (Sunday) Seal @ Olympia Theatre, €59.50 The Bootleg Beatles + UCD Symphony Orchestra @ Bord Gais Energy Theatre, €45 Rickie Lee Jones @ Vicar Street, €40.

FEBRUARY 26 (Monday) Imagine Dragons @ 3 Arena, €41 FEBRUARY 27 (Tuesday) The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURES

RADIO: SPIN1038’S BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN READY TO (HOPEFULLY) HELP FOUR DUBS FIND LOVE

Helping Cupid find his mark  REBECCA RYAN

ARE you looking for love and fed up scrolling through apps looking for Mr or Ms Right?

Well, you can say goodbye to apps and hello to a whole new kind of dating with SPIN1038!

As recently revealed in Du bl in Ga z ette, S PI N 10 3 8 ’s F u l l y Charged Breakfast duo, Graham and Nathan – now dubbed the ‘Cupids of Dublin’ – are launching a new dating concept that will see the faces of four Dublin singles featured on billboards around the city.

In an Irish radio first, Fully Charged’s Billboard Singles campaign will see

four Dublin singles get their very own billboard dating ad for two weeks from next Monday, February 26.

Prospective daters who want the chance to date one of the Billboard Singles just need to send in a WhatsApp voice message on why they’d like a date with them and the Billboard Single will get to pick their perfect match on air.

Dublin Gazette caught up with Graham and Nathan, who told us why they decided it was time to flex their matchmaking muscles and shake up the dating scene for Dubliners.

Graham said: “It all

What a luvverly bunch of people ... Nathan O’Reilly, Graham O’Toole, Doireann Garrihy and Martin Guilfoyle, launching SPIN 1038’s Fully Charged’s Billboard Singles campaign

started a couple of weeks ago. Nathan has a friend and we call him ‘Rusty Rupert’ to hide his identity because he doesn’t want us talking about him on the radio.

“Well, Rusty was out of the dating game for about two years. He got back into it and went on a date and it didn’t go too well at all.

“He didn’t really like the whole online dating thing, and he was just talk-

ing to Nathan about it, so we brought it onto the show and we said to ourselves, ‘We would love to find a new way for Rusty

Rupert and people like him to find love, a new way that didn’t involve dating apps or having to go up to someone in

GARDENING: YOU MAY NOT HAVE NOTICED, BUT LIFE IS RETURNING

It’s time to reconnect with the spring garden ALTHOUGH it may seem as though winter still has us in its grip, it’s getting weaker by the day and spring is around the corner.

As we gear up for another growing season, I’d like to encourage you to reconnect with your garden whenever you have a chance.

It’s been a particularly wet and dirty winter in these parts, with more than the usual amount of mud and last year’s brown leaves still lingering in corners.

However, when you venture outside and really look at what’s happening, you can see that the garden has been busy – even though all but the hardiest gardeners have probably not been doing much in the way of gardening for the past few months.

Spring bulbs are already

Anne Byrne Garden Design provides easy to follow garden plans that you can implement right away or in stages.

Her design flair and passion for plants brings a touch of magic to gardens of all sizes.

Anne Byrne Garden Design – Creative Ideas  ANNE BYRNE – Practical Solutions – Stunning Gardens. info@dublingazette.com

Small narcissi can bloom as early as this month

poking their sturdy little tips through the soil, with snowdrops already in full swing.

Crocuses won’t be long and very soon the earliest narcissi, in particular the little golden “Tete a Tete” and “February

G o l d ”, will be scattering sunshine w h e r ever they bloom.

Catkins are unfurling o n a l d e r, birch and hazel.

It’s still very early days and we could be in for several more weeks of freezing weather, not to mention hail, rain and sleet, but these tiny signs of life serve to remind us that the

year is turning, days are getting longer – even though you may not quite notice it yet – and we have a fresh, new year ahead of us, with all the possibilities that brings.

Whenever you can, wrap up warmly and head into the garden – even if it’s just for five or ten minutes on a Saturday morning.

Bring a hot mug of tea with you if that helps, and work the whole way around your plot from one corner to another, looking, noticing and really seeing the tiny little signs that life is still going on.

Let the early birdsong gladden your heart. Come outside and reconnect!

FOR further information on Anne Byrne Garden Design, call 086 683 8098, or see www. annebyrnegardendesign.com

public’. So, we decided to set up billboards around Dublin!”

It’s been a huge success so far, and the lads told Dublin Gazette the four singles are being revealed on air this week on Fully Charged.

Nathan added: “More than 350 people applied for this and we managed to whittle it down to just four people. They’re all different sort of people, in age and sexual orientation, and we’re very happy.”

Graham and Nathan feel it is time for something new, and the ‘Cupids of Dublin’ are hoping to spice up the Dublin dating scene: Nathan said: “I think some people think that, in Ireland, we’re quite conservative in terms of dating.

“If you go to America, I know a lot of my friends

would say, ‘Oh my God, it’s so easy to get a date’; you can literally ask someone out at the supermarket.

“But if you went up to someone on Grafton Street, I’d be scared that they’d call the gardai or spray you with pepper spray! I had to learn that the hard way; my eyes are extremely sensitive!” he joked.

Graham said: “I hope this changes the dating scene and it makes people a little more confident and outgoing. Because, as Nathan said, it’s so different in Ireland to America in the way you go about dating. Hey, imagine this changes the dating scene for ever!”

Billboard Nathan added: “Could you imagine if a grandfather was surrounded by his grandchildren and they asked, ‘Hey grandad, where did you meet granny?’ ‘Well I met her on a billboard’. That’s my vision!”

Lastly, Graham said: “I’m going to do my damned hardest to help these people find love because I’m a softie at heart.”

You can follow the Billboard Singles journey every morning on the Fully Charged Breakfast Show and potential daters can keep their eyes peeled for the Singes Billboards from February 26.

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: ACKNOWLEDGING AND CELEBRATING THOSE WITHIN FOSTERING COMMUNITY

Fostering Changes Lives THE Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) is the representative body for foster care in Ireland that promotes excellence in foster care for all those involved.

Their membership is broad based and includes foster and relative carers, social workers, child care workers, academics and others with an interest in or who are involved in foster care.

Fostering Fortnight is the IFCA’s annual awareness campaign to promote awareness of foster care and the incredible work being done by so many people in support of the most vulnerable of our children, that are being raised in

foster care in Ireland.

It is a chance to acknowledge and celebrate all those within the fostering community who play an important role in supporting children in foster care; foster families, related professionals, the wider community and others working to ensure that children in foster care are supported to reach their full potential.

Fostering fortnight acknowledges the team effort that goes into promoting excellence in foster care.

The theme this year is ‘Fostering Changes Lives’ and #bepartofit

Foster Care can change lives; for both the child in foster care, their birth family and the foster family

The IFCA Helpline is available five days per week from 11am - 3pm Telephone: 01 458 5123 Email: support@ifca.ie

How to get involved THEY are asking everyone to come together during Fostering Fortnight and support one another with coffee mornings, bake sales, family baking and fun get-togethers.

IFCA offers a dedicated Support Service to members and anyone involved or interested in foster care in Ireland.

This service provides practical information and advice regarding any aspect of fostering as well as a supportive listening ear.

IFCA regularly meets with Tusla and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and other stakeholders to communicate the issues and experiences of our members and propose positive solutions to inform best practice in foster care in Ireland.

The Importance of Foster Care Foster care is the backbone of the alternative care system in Ireland.

The number of children in care at the end of November 2017 was 6,182; of these, 92% are in foster care (65% in general foster care and 27% in relative foster care.)

This means that the majority of children in care, are supported in a family setting and can grow and develop in a secure environment while remaining connected to their birth family.

There are different types of foster care in Ireland; short term and long-term placements, emergency care and respite care. All of these offer support to a child in need and we should be proud

that in Ireland the majority of children in care are cared for in this environment.

The Irish Foster Care Association carried out research amongst its members in 2017* and what was clear to see from the research was the enthusiasm of foster families for the children in their care.

A total of 95% of foster carer respondents reported that knowing they have helped a child or family in need as being a reward.

It was clear from the survey that foster carers saw fostering as a vocation rather than as a career or a profession.

Membership of the Association is open to all those who have an interest in foster care.

You can join by visiting www. ifca.ie or by contacting the Office Tel: 01 459 9474.

Remember the first year’s membership is free.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

BeautyBITS

Mint Velvet La Vie En Rose Tee €55

Penneys Michigan cropped sweatshirt €14

Going to Great Lengths for beautiful hair GREAT Lengths has teamed up with celebrity hairdresser, Angelo Seminara for the third year

Penneys Made in the 90’s Nickelodeon T-shirt €6

running for their stunning campaign Mirage. Seminara, international creative director and fourtime winner of the British Hairdresser of the Year Award, looked to the heat, sand and indescribable colours of the breathtaking Namibian desert as the inspiration behind the collaboration. Seminara said: “This gives me the opportunity to work with, what is in my opinion, is the best quality hair extensions on the market, and to breathe life into my creative visions. Great Lengths Extensions provide endless opportunities in the creative process, and also in the real world.” To find a Great Lengths certified salon or stylist, please visit: http://www. greatlengthshair.co.uk/salon-locator/

Get some seriously satiny soft lips INGLOT’S new Lip Satin

Satin focuses on a

collection is a range

satin- velvet finish and

of six new lipsticks

makes your lips look

with a creamy, soft

fuller with a clear con-

formula that provides

tour. The composition

a perfect coverage

of vitamin E, cherry

and softens delicate

seed, argan, apricot

lips leaving them

seed and coconut

with a feeling of

oils smooth’s lips and

nourishment and

improves elasticity,

regeneration.

moisture and protects

Rich in emol-

from external factors.

lients and

Inglot’s Lip Satin’s are

special

launching in all Inglot

pig-

stores nationwide and

ments

online on March 12 and

Inglot’s

will be priced at €15

Lip

each.

MOTIF Madness  Rachel D’Arcy

STYLE is constantly changing, but there’s one thing that’s always steadfast – a slogan or motif print t-shirt. Easy to dress up or dress down, there’s a style to suit all styles and ages. A simple tee can be worn with jeans and a blazer for a casual cool in work, or dressed down for a relaxing day off.

High street and designer brands alike are fully embracing the trend, with their latest launches featuring everything from 90’s cartoons to a celestial star print.

Mint Velvet Granite Scattered Star knit €95 TK Maxx Navy and Grey Lemon print striped jumper €24.99

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

STYLE

Avene Launch two new products

TK Maxx Navy Striped Bonjour jumper dress €24.99

at

h rain

THANKS

.ie nd ela & sir Lip od tint 50 wo sie 4. tle Po €3 lit efit tain n Be eek S Ch

Top

p Sho

ANTIROUGEURS SOOTHING MASK,€20

€25

to harsh weather conditions our skin is often prone to redness and sensitivity, which can manifest as Rosacea.

The latest addition to Eau Thermale Avène’s bestselling Antirougeurs range contains patented ingredi-

nd Isla incoat r e v Ri pink ra i Min €26

Crystal CLEAR

 Jessica Maile, Style Editor

LET ME be crystal clear. Even though the weather has been a bit wet and dreary, there are many ways to brighten your day. Add a bit of fun to your wardrobe with a clear raincoat in a bright neon colour or protect your crown with a funky

see-through hat. On less cloudier days, barely-there sunglasses will keep things rosy and bright. Continue the glow with a cheek tint like Benefit’s posie tint or a dab of NYX Professional Makeup’s Away We Glow liquid highlighter.

NYX Professional Makeup Away We Glow liquid highlighter €10.50

ent TRP-Regulin to instantly reduce and soothe redness. The CALM Redness Relief Soothing Mask has proven to reduce tightness and burning by 70%, and reduces the appearance of redness.

Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream, €23 As well as the CALM Redness Relief Soothing mask, Avene have also introduced the Hydrance RICH Hydrating Cream, which contains their Cohederm complex to provide intense hydration and nourishment.

Skin will benefit from intense hydration through the creamy moisturiser, which expertly restores comfort to the skin with a gentle

River Is lan Pink Sung d lasses €9

scent of rose and jasmine and a light, velvet finish. 98% of women who tested the moisturiser. Available from

New Look Ciao slogan tshirt €14.99

Beauty Review COMPANY: Payot PRODUCT: Nutricia Baume Lèvres Lip Balm PURPOSE: Nourish and comfort dry lips TEXTURE:  FRAGRANCE:  PERFORMANCE:  PRICE: 

Boots stores and Boots.ie

Nourishing and protecting your pout COMMUTING on several forms of transport and then sitting in an office all day can really do a number on my lips. My lips are constantly parched but French brand, Payot, has come to the rescue.

Their Nutricia Baume Levres is a nourishing lip balm to help sooth and protect lip’s delecate skin It uses sweet almond virgin

oil to soothe irritated skin, raspberry seed oil to protect the skins barrier function and meadowfoam oil to improve hydration.

It feels super soft and gives your lips a soft sheen while keeping them super comfy and hydrated. What more can you ask for?

Payot Nutricia Baume Levres, (RRP €18.50 ) is available in pharmacies nationwide

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

COMMUNITY: LOTS OF GREAT ACTIVITIES FOR ALL DURING POPULAR FESTIVITIES

Join in the fun across the city as the Chinese celebrate The Year of the Dog  JORDAN UPSHAW

towards 12-17-year-olds later in the day; tickets for these are €10 each.

For Mandarin speakers, learners, and lovers there will be special Mandarin guided tours at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum on February 24 and 25 all day long; ticket prices vary.

On February 24 and 25, the museum is offering a free children’s Chinese lantern painting workshop with any regular family ticket purchase; family tickets include admission for two adults and two children, and are priced €35 each.

There are also plenty of free events coming up.

The CHQ Building will host the Spring Festival Fair on February Opera singer Neria Wang (9) in traditional costume Pic: Leon Farrell

Yu Ying Yang (8), Kai Xin Zheng (5) and Lin Jia Zheng (6) help to launch this year’s Chinese New Year Festival.

Picture: Sasko Lazarov

24 and 25. This year’s programming is completely caninethemed and will feature performances, demonstrations, and games.

There will be lots of fun family-friendly activities such as Chinese calligraphy, Chinese paper cutting, Chinese tea ceremonies, red-envelope workshops, ping pong, face-painting, dog figuremaking workshops and fairground rides.

Artist Barbara O’Connell will be teaching a Year of the Dog family-orientated stamp and print workshop on February 24 at the Dublin City Gallery. The event is free and no booking is required.

The Chester Beatty Library will host Professor Yan Yi Blake, from the Irish Chinese Cultural Society, who will give a free talk about the origins and significance of various Chinese new year tra-

ditions on February 24.

The library will also host a special screening of the classic 1948 Chinese film, Spring in a Small Town, on February 25.

will be awarded. This is a free event but booking is required.

The Chester Beatty Library will also host Tai Chi workshops for teenagers on March 3.

Picture: Sasko Lazarov

THE annual Dublin Chinese New Year Festival started last week (on Friday, February 16) and is featuring fun, educational events for the whole family until March 4.

To welcome and help usher in the Year of the Dog, Asia Market []outlets?] served up a tasty variety of free dumplings all day, with a ‘dumpling day’ event.

There were also stalls that taught patrons how to make their o w n dumplings and a talk about the history of the iconic food.

Asia Market, Dr ur y Street is continuing to host food-related events over the coming weeks, with food-tasting tours today (Thursday, February 22) and on March 1 which promise to be both tasty and educational; tickets are priced €20 each.

Asia Market will also host Friday Lunchtime Culture Talks tomorrow (Friday, February 23) and on March 2, with themes of Chinese New Year Traditions and Chinese Food as Medicine, respectively; tickets are priced €15 each.

There will be a Chinese Comic Book Workshop for children aged 4-12 on February 24, while for older children, there will be a workshop geared

FEATURE

Yu Ying Yang and Lin Jia Zheng with Rupert

The film is in Mandarin with English subtitles and no booking is required for this free event.

February 25 will see the Year of the Dog Sports Tournament. There will be soccer, basketball and badminton and prizes

There will be one for 12-15-year-olds and another for 15-17-yearolds; booking is required.

This is the eleventh year of the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival put on by the City Arts Office, part of the Culture, Com-

munity and Recreation Department of Dublin City Council. The festival aims to strengthen understanding of the Sino-Irish relationship.

Of the festival, President Michael D Higgins said: “In the Chinese zodiac the dog symbolises honesty and loyalty, reminding us of the need to place high standards of integrity and a genuine spirit of inclusion at the heart of our society.

It is my sincere hope that, working together, we can craft such a society.

“The Chinese community in Ireland have played a critical role in the crafting of a more diverse and multicultural Ireland; one in which all our citizens can have a voice and be enabled to realise all of their possibilities.”

For further information on all of the programme events and to purchase tickets, see www.dublinchinesenewyear.com.

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

IFTA 2018

Awards Some of this year’s key categories included the following winners ...

FEATURE FILM Michael Inside Cardboard Gangsters Handsome Devil The Killing of a Sacred Deer Maudie Song of Granite ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE – FILM John Connors, Cardboard Gangsters Colin Farrell, The Killing of a Sacred Deer Dafhyd Flynn, Michael Inside Fionn O Shea, Handsome Devil Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Maze ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – FILM Barry Keoghan, The Killing of a Sacred Deer Jacob McCarthy, The Drummer and The Keeper Andrew Scott, Handsome Devil Fionn Walton, Cardboard Gangsters Barry Ward, Maze ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE – FILM Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird Sarah Bolger, Halal Daddy Ann Skelly, Kissing Candice ACTRESS SUPPORTING ROLE – FILM Victoria Smurfit, The Lears Niamh Algar, The Drummer and The Keeper Sarah Carroll, The Limit Of Deirdre O Kane, Halal Daddy Fionna Hewitt Twamley, Cardboard Gangsters DIRECTOR FILM Aisling Walsh, Maudie Frank Berry, Michael Inside John Butler, Handsome Devil Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Mark O Connor, Cardboard Gangsters SCRIPTWRITER FILM Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Frank Berry, Michael Inside Stephen Burke, Maze John Butler, Handsome Devil Nick Kelly, The Drummer and The Keeper

GAZETTE

CINEMA 2018 IFTAS: INDUSTRY NODS TO THE BEST ACTORS AND CREATIVES MAKING A MARK

A glittering celebration of our top TV, film talents  SHANE DILLON

ANOTHER year, and another round of IFTAs, (Irish Film and Television Academy awards), with the glittering celebration late last week highlighting some of the many big and small-screen stars hailing from our small island.

While there used to be a usual-suspects feel to the IFTAs for rather a few too many years, the whole shebang has evolved in recent times, with the industry as a whole noticing that, actually, the Irish really are pretty widespread in ‘the biz’.

While the public constantly sees the likes of (aforementioned usual suspects) Saoirse Ronan and Colin Farrell now flying the flag for Ire-

land, many lesser-known names have been quietly editing, writing, designing and filming their way to international kudos and acclaim.

As such, the IFTAs give a rare but very welcome public glimpse at just some of the terrific talents hailing from a small, rainlashed island on the edge of Europe.

And no, I don’t mean ‘Craggy Island’.

First up, and despite some tough competition John Connors had a very well deserved Actor in a Leading Role win for his striking role in Cardboard Gangsters.

The tale of Darndale wannabes drifting closer to the big time in the drugs trade – and ever closer to acrimonious disaster – was

a grittily powerful look at a slice of Irish life that’s normally hidden, but Connors made the film and role his own with a searing performance, making him one to watch.

Moving on, and despite some tough competition, nobody could begrudge Saoirse Ronan’s Actress in a Leading Role win, thanks to Lady Bird.

The film (and her role) has been wowing with ease, striking a chord in virtually every release territory it’s popped up in, with Ronan (and ‘mom’, Laurie

Above: Many of the great and the good of Irish film and TV gathered for the awards; right: President Michael D Higgins presented the one and only Gabriel Byrne with the Lifetime Achievement Award

Metcalf) nailing the nature of often fraught mother-daughter relationships with aplomb.

A n o t h e r largely expected Scriptwriter Film win came for M a r t i n McDonagh, with his no-nons e n s e work on Three

Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri wowing.

His naturalistic, often uncomfortable approach to dialogue and character proved a real winner, with ‘Billboards’ seeing him on top form.

Of course, these are only the low-handing fruit; the headline awards of a particularly eclectic gathering of nominees and sectors within our small but busy film and

TV sector.

It’s clear that, despite some quiet years, the Irish industry is plugging away, with an impressive crop of actors, directors and industry talents crafting and creating some superb work to look out for. Roll on the 2019 IFTAs ...

For all the awards and winners, see www.ifta.ie/ awards.

MeanwhileInBritain...

GIVEN the focus on our own busy industry with the IFTAs, it’s no surprise that the BAFTAs ‘next door’ – held last weekend – didn’t particularly mirror many of the names shortlisted at our own ceremony.

Even so, there were several parallels in both high-profile, glittering ceremonies, with many of the same people and titles popping up as one winner or nominee or other in the award ceremonies.

However, unlike the IFTAs, most years sees the BAFTAs scrutinised as a bellwether

for the Oscars (which come trotting along in their wake the following month), but this year it seems that the Oscars could go any which way, thanks to a particularly eclectic field of films, stars and crew in the running.

Box office slugger Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri scooped Best Film, Best Actress and best Original Screenplay awards, as expected, alongside Outstanding British Film, and Best Supporting Actor (for Sam Rockell, who faced co-star Woody Harrelson in the same category).

Many had expected The Shape of Water

to make a bigger splash (sorry) at the awards, but in the end it ‘just’ had to make do with wins for Best Original Music, Best Production Design, and Best Director.

As for the likes of Get Out, Lady Bird, and Call Me by Your Name (which at least nabbed Best Adapted Screenplay), their expected wins failed to materialise – but that wasn’t the surprise it might have been, given the particularly high calibre of nominees.

With such surprising results repeated at film ceremonies all around the world, the Oscar wins next month are anything but certain ...

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 22 February 2018

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE FASTNews Volvo XC40: appeal

Call to action for motorists during 181 registration period IRELAND’S only electronic parking and tolling tag provider, easytrip is urging its customers to update their easytrip account details if buying or selling a vehicle to avoid incurring any unnecessary toll charges.

Possible scenarios that can lead to paying unexpected toll charges include: · Selling your old vehicle: if you’ve sold your old vehicle and inadvertently left your tag in the vehicle and haven’t updated your toll tag account, the new owner may continue to use your tag at most barrier toll plazas, racking up a bill connected to your account. · Buying a new vehicle: if you’ve bought a new vehicle and transferred your existing tag to it but forgot to update your account details, you’ll risk receiving a toll bill (billed at the higher rate) and penalty charge if you’ve travelled through the M50 toll plaza as your new vehicle registration is not connected to your toll tag account.

Easytrip customers can update their vehicle details through their online account at www.easytrip.ie or by contacting easytrip on 1890 67 67 68. Signing up to an easytrip tag account means that you save €1 on M50 toll fees and avoid incurring M50 toll fines for nonpayment within the specified period.

Berlingo Multispace updated THE arrival of the new Citroen Berlingo Multispace heralds an update for the iconic ‘Leisure Activity Vehicle’ (LAV) which it created 22 years ago. The new model, to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March, claims a fresh combination of design, comfort

Volvo’s XC40 has to be the head-turning car for early 2018 with stand-out style that links traditional Volvo safety credentials with modern SUV styling.

MICHAEL MORONEY took it on test and the appeal of the car just grew and grew.

I’VE been waiting to needed. The engine get behind the wheel choice seemed a of the Volvo XC40 natural one, deliverEngine 2.0 litre ing power and pace because it’s such a Engine Power 190 bhp to the car, with a new car in the Volvo smooth flow through range, with stand-out 0 – 100km/hr 5.3 seconds the gears. design lines that from Economy 20km/litre Volvo claims that the outset give it a very (5/100km or 56mpg) this XC40 is the first special appeal for me.

Fuel Tank Capacity 54 litres car on Volvo Cars’ Before Christmas I CO2 emissions 131g/km new modular vehicle sat into the XC40 in Road Tax Band B2 €280 architecture, which Volvo’s Grafton Street they claim will underpop-up shop and all Main Service 20,000km/12 months pin all other upcomthat did was fuel my Euro NCAP Rating NA ing cars in the 40 driving desire even Warranty 3 years (100,000km) series, including fully more.

Entry Price €38,900 electrified vehicles.

I just wonder how This diesel engine many others felt the same way? the V40 makes the XC40 look so option is clean in terms of emisThis new small Volvo compact much more robust. That combi- sions and gives reasonable econSUV ticks so many boxes for the nation included large 20in wheels omy.

The 54 litre capacity fuel tank brand that it’s sure to be building to add to the composure on the that also demands the use of up waiting lists across Europe, not road.

The car was powered by a 2.0 AdBlue additive in a separated to mention Dublin. Out on the road the appeal of the car grew litre turbo-diesel engine linked to nozzle, gave me ample range an eight-speed automatic gearbox of almost 800km, which is very more as I drove it.

The compact car design and and a seamless all-wheel-drive acceptable for a car of this size.

The fuel economy perforraised structure compared with system that works only when it’s

Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design

and ease of use.

It features three independent and easily folding rear seats (row two), a flat floor through to the folding front passenger seat, 19 driving assistance technologies, four connectivity technologies and latest-generation engines.

The entry model will be powered by the new BlueHDi 130 1.5 diesel unit and a new EAT8 (8-speed) automatic gearbox. The new Berlingo will be available in two

Land Rover returns with Discovery commercial

sizes, M and XL, measuring 4.40m and 4.75m in length respectively, with five and seven seats. The Berlingo has new body styling with a more forward-set windscreen and a higher and shorter front end, achieved through the use of the EMP2 platform.

AFTER a period of absence, Land Rover is now offering a new commercial version of the Land Rover Discovery in Ireland.

This new commercial Discovery is priced from €52,695 ex-delivery (VAT at €9,737) in Ireland, and is available in SE and HSE specifications across the 3.0 TD6 model.

Featuring 1,856 litres of load space replacing the second and third row seats, the new Discovery claims driver and passenger premium levels of comfort and entertainment.

Available with Land Rover’s 3.0D TD6 258bhp engine, Discovery Commercial shares the

fundamental underpinnings of the Discovery, from its wide-spaced double-wishbone design at the front to its advanced multi-link layout at the rear.

Discovery Commercial comes exclusively with four-wheel-drive, automatic transmission, twin-speed transfer box and air suspension.

Fitted solely with Discovery’s front row seating, the HSE models feature heated seats and a cold climate pack as standard which includes, heated windscreen, heated washer jets and heated steering wheel.

mance is marginally better from the smaller engine Audi Q2, while a match for BMW’s X1, both of which I would consider to be XC40’s obvious competitors.

The XC40 is a better power performer and proves itself very capable on the road, where the automatic gearbox has to be the obvious choice, but be prepared for the extra price.

The compact nature of the XC40 means that it’s comfortable in city driving as well as the more adventurous off-road locations.

The all-wheel-drive system fitted to the test car will kick in on demand as wheel-slip and wheelspin signal the need for more traction.

It feels more spacious than some of the competition and it’s marginally longer. The wheelbase also extends longer than that of the Audi Q2 and the BMWX1, for added road comfort.

With Volvo’s heritage, it’s no surprise that this car comes with all of Volvo’s safety technology that we have experienced in the 90 and 60 series cars.

Volvo claims that these technologies make the XC40 one of the best-equipped small premium SUVs on the market.

Safety and driver-assistance features on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road Protection

22 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Skoda gives Fabia a styling update SKODA’S Fabia gets redesigned

charged with direct petrol injec-

front and rear end including LED

tion, enabling them to generate

lights front and rear for its launch

95bhp and 110bhp.

at the Geneva Motor Show.

of driver assistance systems,

lights are now being offered for

including Blind Spot Detection

the Fabia for the first time.

feature alerts the driver to the

space for phones (including inductive charging), a foldout hook for small bags and a removable waste bin in the tunnel console.

And like all things Swedish design, these spaces need a mindset to be effective, because while they are present, they don’t allow for bulky storage.

This new XC40 is available with a D4 diesel or a T5 petrol four-cylinder Drive-E engine option.

Volvo will be offering a hybridised version of the car later this year, along with a pure electric version.

Entry prices look temptingly attractive at €38,900 but that’s where the fun

begins and cars such as the R-Design version that I had on test, complete with the full package of extra’s will add over €20,000 to the base price.

Make your Volvo XC40 choices with judicious care and you will end up with a car that’s stylish, distinctive and great to drive.

presence of vehicles in the blind

been extended too, including the

spot or approaching rapidly

addition of 18-inch wheels for the

from behind when driving on

hatchback while the redesigned

multi-lane highways.

instrument cluster, new trim

The Rear Traffic Alert system

strips for the dashboard and

monitors what is going on behind

two-tone finishes for the seats

the vehicle and warns of a risk of

update the interior.

collision when reversing.

The new line-up of engines for

and Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support.

The 360° camera helps drivers manoeuvre their car into tight parking spaces.

The XC40 claims to offer a radical new approach to storage inside the car. True, there is more functional storage space in the doors and under the seats, a special

The new Fabia gets a choice

LED headlights and LED rear

The choice of alloy wheels has

Volvo’s new XC40 is a very impressive looking and stylish compact SUV. The entry price looks competitive at €38,900 while the extra’s including the R-Design styling add significantly to the price and also the pleasure

GAZETTE

keeps growing

MOTORING

Another newly available

the Skoda Fabia will consist of

feature is Light Assist, which

four petrol versions, each with

automatically switches to low

three cylinders and a capacity

beam as soon as the system

of 1.0 litre and claims of diesel

detects oncoming traffic or vehi-

engine efficiency.

cles ahead.

The lower powered MPI engines

The Fabia infotainment system

feature indirect injection and

‘Swing’ now offers a 6.5-inch

produce outputs of 60bhp and

display and also allows drivers to

75bhp respectively.

use the full range of mobile online

The two TSI engines are turbo-

services from Skoda Connect.

Mercedes-Benz plans Sprinter vans for June MERCEDES-BENZ commercial vehicles division in Ireland confirmed that the new generation of Sprinter panel vans will arrive in Ireland in June.

The Sprinter was first introduced in 1995 and the model has since sold in excess of 3.4 million units worldwide.

The designers of the new Sprinter set out to create a van that would surpass its two illustrious predecessors.

In practical terms, this meant the new Sprinter comes with a larger load volume and lowering of the rear floor height to make for easier loading and greater ease-of-access for drivers.

This has also brought

improved cab comfort and driver access because of the option of front-wheel-drive within the engine mix.

The Sprinter comes with a new networked, online connectivity system that gives operators control over the fleet.

These easy-to-operate additions, Mercedes PRO Connect and new MBUX multimedia system, all mean easier fleet management, whether of a large, multi vehicle business or a small company fleet.

Functions monitored include vehicle operation and supervision, fleet communication, maintenance management and a digital driver’s logbook.

Mercedes PRO Connect provides eight connectivity packages that make for greater efficiency, lower operating costs, improved vehicle availability and optimised communication within the fleet.

The system is designed to relieve the workload of managers, fleet manage-

ment, controllers, dispatchers and drivers.

It works by linking the fleet manager to vehicles and driver, allowing assignments to be managed online, and vehicle information such as location, fuel level or maintenance intervals to be retrieved in real time.

Renault’s new offers extended to end of March RENAULT Group Ireland’s network has new offers on models ordered and registered by 31 March 2018 across its Renault and Dacia passenger car and LCV ranges.

The Renault passenger car offer includes 3% APR, three years’ servicing and €1,000 cash back, while Renault is also offering 0% HP and three years’ servicing on the stylish Kadjar.

With the recent Government Budget announcement on EVs and 0% Benefit-in-Kind (B.I.K.), Renault is ‘matching the zeros’ on the zero emissions electric ZOE with a 0% HP offer.

Dacia is offering 0% APR on Sandero Stepway Alternative 1.5 dCi diesel and 4.9% APR across the refreshed range which includes Duster, Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Logan and Logan Stepway.

On Renault’s award-winning LCV range which includes Master, Trafic and Kangoo, customers can avail of 3% APR HP over 60 months with a reduced deposit.

These offers are available through Renault’s very own bank, Renault Bank, where they claim that they can offer two-hour decision times and approval rates of 80%.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  FINGAL DVD TRANSFERS

INSURANCE CLAIMS

ROOFING

FIREWOOD

PAVING & LANDSCAPING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

STAIRLIFTS

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

GOT A PHOTO? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31



WINDOWS

LOCAL

MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL

GOT A STORY?

6010240

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

TELL YOUR GAZETTE NEWS facebook

twitter

www.dublingazette.com

info@dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

DUBLINGAZETTE RECRUITMENT

32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

DUBLINGAZETTENOTICEBOARD IN MEMORIAM OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si. Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

LE P M A S PHOTO

IN MEMORIAM PARA control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50. em dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore d el dipis nonulla feugiam et

IN MEMORIAM

PHOTO

LE P M

SA

IN MEMORIAM OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim

LE P M

SA

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si. Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

LE

P AM

S

The Dublin Gazette is proud to be now offering a NOTICEBOARD page for Deaths, Births, Prayers, Anniversaries & Marriages WE DO IT ALL !

Contact KEVIN Today on 01-6010240 to find out more and book your place in next week’s edition.

NAME HERE

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim

LE

P AM

S

TO POST YOUR

IN MEMORIAM OR DEATH NOTICE CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM ON

01 601 0240

LE P M A S PHOTO IN MEMORIAM

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si. Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

E L P M SA PHOTO

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si. Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

E L P M SA PHOTO

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si. Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

E L P M SA PHOTO

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si. Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

E L P M SA PHOTO

WEDDINGS/ANIVERSARIES

NAME HERE

SA

OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si. Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

IN MEMORIAM

DEATH NOTICES

LE P M

IN MEMORIAM

NAME HERE & NAME HERE OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

LE P M

SA

PHOTO

NAME HERE & NAME HERE OPENING para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis nonulla feugiam et iliquis alis nonsequ pismolortio dit iustrud digna faciduis digna feugueratue min henim iliquisl iurem dolore mod nody control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat. 50.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper sim nulla facilit accum ip eril digna feu Body control 5 il dolor sequism dolore dolore dolortie veliquat, veliquis am, si.

Lor aut am, cor sis euguerci ea feugait, quat, quissisl exeros el illaortin henisisim volorper. 100

LE P M

SA

PHOTO

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

FINGAL  DUBLINGAZETTEPLANNING

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

SPORT

FastSport DUBLINERS ABOUND IN IRISH CLUB SIDE: NINETEEN of the 31-player Ireland Club XV panel hail from Dublin clubs for their games against their Scottish counterparts on February 23 in Dubarry Park and then for a game in Netherdale in the Scottish borders on March 16.

Clontarf’s Matt D’Arcy is in for his fourth stint with the side and his clubmate Michael Noone is also included.

Division 1A league leaders Lansdowne have 4 players selected, with full-back Eamonn Mills looking to win his second club international cap, having featured last season against England Counties.

Terenure, who are currently third in Division 1A have five players included, all of whom will be looking to pull on the green club international jersey for the first time.

WALKING FOOTBALL: OVER-50S ENCOURAGED TO TRY NEW SPORTING INITIATIVE

Fingal gives new lease of life to keep sporting buzz going

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

A NEW FAI and Fingal County Council Initiative is seeking to encourage those over 50 to continue playing soccer, through a version of the game known as walking football.

The chilled-out alternative to regular soccer is aimed at preventing people from walking away from the game when they feel the pace is getting too much for them, but also to encourage a social aspect to the competition alongside the buzz of continuing with a slowed-down form of the game.

The contests will be informal, open to men and women, and hosted for free, with tea, coffee and biscuits supplied.

Organiser Mick Pender, who works as a Development Officer within the FAI, has praised the positive approach of the progressive local council in pushing forward such concepts.

“It’s popular in the UK,” he said of the campaign, “and Fingal County Council have always been very good about listening to and trying out

South Dublin County Council are already running walking football in Palmerstown, Clondalkin and Esker

ideas like this.

“They were immediately keen on the idea. We hope to be able to roll this out more broadly, but I’ve been in touch with people like Men’s Shed Swords to get this one underway first, as well as reaching out to local people with posters and other information. We’ll see who comes

out and go from there.

Casual “There are a lot of people who play football for as long as possible but get to the point where they feel like they have to stop, having dropped down to more casual things like five and seven-a-side,” Pender explains.

“There does come an age where a lot of people say to themselves ‘I’m finished’, and this is a way to keep people active and to build in a real social activity. It’ll be very casual.

“If people want to play, wander off for a cup of tea and then come back and play some more, that’s totally fine.”

The game itself is exactly what it sounds like: “The only new rule is that you get sent off if you run,” Pender says.

“It’ll be about staying involved, about accounting for people who might have reduced mobility and keeping them part of a game they might have played all their lives.”

Initially, the games will be very informal, but as the concept grows, Pender anticipates that their may be different agreements about rules, with both competition and casual games taking place to suit different people keen to get involved.

To start with, though, he’s simply keen to get the concept underway.

If you’d like to play walking football, the first of a series of games will take place at the Rivervalley Community Centre (Swords) indoor hall, from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesday, March 7.

They will then continue at the same time on Wednesdays from then on, with plans in place to move outdoors for fresh air once the weather improves.

Marian bounce back with pair of Super League wins MEN’S SUPER LEAGUE  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD Marian bounced back immediately from their loss to Pyrobel Killester. Picture: Martin Doherty

UCD Marian stormed back from last weekend’s loss to Pyrobel Killester in style, winning out in convincing fashion (72-46) against Dublin neighbours Éanna on T hursday evening in men’s basketball’s Super League.

They followed up with a cracking game against Tralee in a top of the table clash on Saturday evening. Huge displays on the night from Tralee’s Goran Pantovic and Trae Pem-

berton were just not enough in the face of sharp shooting from UCD’s Dan James, Barry Drumm and Conor Meany, which saw them eke out an 86-83 point win in the closing minute.

“It was a really, really difficult game,” UCD’s Ioannis Liapakis said afterwards. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to prepare the team for it as we had a game Thursday but the main thing we needed to remember was what happened last year, where we were 25 points ahead and we lost the

game.

“It doesn’t matter if you play 39 minutes really well, you have to play 40 minutes really well and that’s what happened today. They played well, we played well and it was great game for everybody to watch, but in the end, I think we wanted it a little bit more.

“There is no safety net unfortunately, we lost that a few weeks ago. Now, every loss counts. We’re still really far away from winning the league so we have to go step by step.

The only thing we care about

right now is the next practice on Monday.”

Griffith College Swords Thunder, meanwhile, maintained their second place spot on the table with a 20-point victory over Moycullen at the ALSAA on Saturday evening.

Sheer grit won out for Black Amber Templeogue to see them win out 74-70 against Belfast Star.

They are now in fifth place on points difference with Pyrobel Killester just above them in fourth after winning out 79-72 over Maree in Galway.

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Shamrock divers plunge to win string of silverware SHAMROCK Diving Club picked up a wealth of medals in recent weeks with success at the British National Championships in Plymouth before also succeeding at the Senet Cup in Eindhoven.

For the former competition, the Abbotstown-based club sent three divers to the competition which has Britain’s best competing for the top places and trying to achieve standard scores to qualify for this season’s major events like the Commonwealth Games, World Cup and Senior European Championships.

Shamrock’s Oliver Dingley was crowned champion in the men’s 3m, scoring 447.10 – a personal best and a new Irish record – qualifying himself for the Word Cup in China in June.

He also competed on the 1m board, scoring 390.60, securing silver and only missing gold by 1.80 points.

Jack Ffrench placed 10th and scored 319.15 in men’s 3m, just 10 points off his European Championship standard score. On the 1m board, Ffrench scored 299.35, placing ninth and, again, just missing out on the final. Clare Cryan took women’s 1m bronze, scoring 250.05.

Soon after, Shamrock had four seniors and three juniors in Eindhoven to compete in Europe’s biggest club event. Dingley (pictured), who was eighth at the 2016 Olympics, once again was in superb form, winning both the 1m and 3m competitions while also getting gold in the 3m synchro with Ffrench, also taking first place.

Ffrench, 21, finished in ninth place in the 1m and a personal best in the 3m with a fifth position.

Cryan backed up her Plymouth performances with fourth place at both heights while Francesca Doran’s best performance came on the platform, the 18-year-old ending eight overall.

In the 14/15 age group, Anna Power is hoping to make the junior European team this year and backed up those claims with bronze in two of her events.

Ciara McGing also won a bronze with an Irish record in platform competition for girls aged 16 and over.

Teenage sensation Sarah in record-breaking form Blackrock AC’s 17-year-old distance runner smashes both the Irish Youth and Under-20 national records to beat Olympian Kerry O’Flaherty to win senior Irish 3,000m  sport@dublingazette.com

BL AC K R O C K AC ’ S Sarah Healy provided the performance of the Irish Life Health National Indoor Championships when she smashed both the Irish Under-20 and Youth 3,000m records.

It was the teenager – who has just turned 17 – win her her first national senior title in 9.10.43 at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown last Satuday.

Healy was simply outstanding as she left Rio 2016 Olympian Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) firmly in her wake. A rare talent was on display and the Blackrock teenager surpassed the Under-20 record of 9.28.67, previously held by Rose Anne Galligan, and the Youth record of 9.35.1 of Amy Rose Farrell.

Reacting to the news,

Healy said she “was really surprised” before adding that she “didn’t think it was that fast”.

O’Flaherty led the first kilometre in roughly 3.10 and then Healy took over, winding it up sublimely to 3.05 and finishing off with a swift 2.55 final kilometre for a comprehensive victory.

“I wasn’t thinking about records and I didn’t really know what was going to happen so it was just about running fast. I felt good following Kerry at the start and thought I could give it a go. Hopefully, I have plenty more senior championships ahead of me!”

Meghan Ryan (DSD) got up for bronze in 9.43.35. She has been one of the most consistent team performers for DSD over the past ten years, on track and cross-country, winning many team med-

als at national level.

The smile on her face as she sprinted to a bronze individual medal showed how much it meant to her to be on the medal podium. She is now focused on the outdoor season with renewed vigour, as she seeks that elusive gold but will have her hands full with rising star Healy.

Elsewhere, on the first day of action, MidSutton’s Sarah McCarthy bagged the women’s national long jump title with a leap of 5.90m.

On day two, it was a bittersweet day for Crusaders Adam McMullen who was supreme in the men’s long jump winning with a monster jump of 7.99m, It was a mere centimetre off the magical 8m mark and the national indoor record of Ciaran McDonagh.

Phil Healy took a com-

Sarah Healy crosses the line to smash two national records in one . Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

manding victory in the women’s 400m in 53.10 which was another world indoor standard with Catherine McManus (Dublin City Harriers) running another personal best in second in 53.81.

DSD’s Sinead Denny took third in 54.31.

Andrew Mellon, another Crusaders AC man, impressed in the men’s 400m to win in 47.32.

His club mate Matthew Behan also caused a stir in the men’s 60m hurdles to win his first national senior title in a big personal best of 7.84 seconds ahead of the fancied Ben Reynolds (North Down AC) in second in 7.88.

Shane Aston (Trim AC) took third in 8.33.

Donore Harriers’ John Travers has been building on his tactical acumen and he won the 3,000m in 8.25.21 from defending champion Eoin Everard (Kilkenny City Harriers) in 8.25.74.

He sat in third at the 200m bell and sprinted past his rivals with 150m to go for a hard-fought victory A great walking performance at 5,000m by DSD’s Jerome Caprice saw him pick up bronze, in a time of 20.39.24. He will represent Mauritius in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Long jump champ Adam McMullen. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

SPORT

FUTSAL

RUGBY: BONUS POINT WIN KEEPS GARDA MATCH VERY MUCH IN FOCUS

Over 1,000 children take in Fingal Futsal festival LAST Sunday saw the culmination of a sixweek FAI/Fingal County Council indoor Futsal module in Gormanston Park, Holywell CC, Applewood CC and the Liam Rogers Centre.

It guaranteed over 1,000, 100 club teams games in the winter months when matches often fall foul of the weather.

Futsal is the recognised as the official 5 aside version of the beautiful game and is a fantastic game for young and old.

This module was delivered by FAI/FCC Development officer Paul Keogh and Mick Pender focused on Under-8 to Under-12 age groups.

Commenting on the module, Keogh said: “The past six weeks saw fantastic skills on display, plenty of smiles and goals galore.

“Futsal is a fast-paced game that has aided the development of players such as Messi and Ronaldo and the hope is that teams will continue to use futsal as a training tool going forward.

“There was fantastic support from all the coaches who really embraced it as well as great support from Final County Council’s Sports department who saw the huge benefits in ensuring sport continues all year round.

“Mick Pender and myself would like to thank all teams involved for the module ran so smoothly and to thank the coaches who give so much voluntary time for the young players on their teams.”

Deputy Mayor of Fingal Adrian Henchy is pictured with players from St Ita’s.

Swords Rugby kept their mathematical chance of promotion alive

Swords perfect tribute to Ivan LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 3 Swords Athboy  sport@dublingazette.com

22 8

SWORDS Rugby Club kept their Leinster Division 3 play-off hopes alive with a stirring bonus point victory over Athboy at the ALSAA Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.

It was a day laced with emotion for the Swords players as they held a minute’s silence beforehand in memory of club member and coach Ivan O’Kelly, who passed away suddenly earlier this month.

The home side got the bonus-point win

they required in order to ensure they retain a mathematical chance of finishing in the top two, with second-place Garda to visit on the final day on March 11.

In wet and windy conditions, it was Athboy who struck first with a welltaken try in the corner midway through the first half. The resulting conversion attempt was missed.

Eight minutes later, Swords were level as Carl Reilly burst through an attempted tackle and crossed the whitewash.

Again, the extras were missed and the game was tied 5-5.

Athboy were soon back

in front thanks to a penalty conceded in front of the posts, and the Meath side could have been forgiven for thinking they’d take that lead to the break.

However, a good take from Charles Butler on the wing on the stroke of half time saw him run clear and touch down in the corner, but kicker Collie Ryan couldn’t execute the tricky conversion.

Tr y number three arrived early in the second half as Butler bagged his second, gathering a kick through following a turnover, and Ryan added the extras to make it 17-8.

The bonus point was secured in the dying

moments of the game as Ryan crashed through to leave the final score 22-8.

“Ivan O’Kelly passed away there the week before last,” Swords captain Paul Orr told the Dublin Gazette.

“This game was supposed to be last Sunday but Ivan’s funeral was on the Saturday so it was rescheduled to this weekend.

“He was the forwards coach for a number of years, but he had been back this year to do specialist scrum and lineout work with us.”

Much now depends on the outcome of secondplace Garda’s visit to

RCSI next week – a draw or win for Garda there will seal their spot in the playoffs at Swords’ expense.

All Swords can do is concentrate on their own game and hope the College of Surgeons can do them a favour and keep their interest alive.

“It’s out of our hands,” said the prop. “The only game we have left is against the Gards so all we can do is focus on what we have to do and whatever else happens, happens.

“With any luck, something might go our way and things could change and it could be back in our hands.”

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: SUPER START TO NEW DDSL U-14 MAJOR CAMPAIGN

Verona make hay at Farm DDSL U-14 MAJOR Home Farm Verona  sport@dublingazette.com

1 7

VERONA kicked off their new season in impressive fashion as they cruised to victory against Home Farm at Mobhi Road.

Fresh from their recent trip to Fleetwood Town, it was the Blanch side who set the early pace with some exciting football and took an early lead when Filip Ilas powered home a rasping shot from just inside the box following some excellent work from Mark Hughes.

Home Farm fought back and were unlucky not to equalise when a

cross shot came back off the woodwork with Alex Arkins smothering the rebound.

Following that scare, Verona took control and doubled their lead when Keith Obaseki unselfishly squared the ball when through on goal to Emmanuel Osas who tapped into an empty net.

Soon after, Obaseki found space on the edge of the box and placed a beautiful strike into the bottom corner as a reward for his earlier selflessness.

The highlight arrived just before half time when Gary Whelan scored the pick of the bunch with a stunning long range effort which nestled in the top

FASTSport

Picture: Martin Doherty

Tridents path blocked corner to ensure Verona had a comfortable cushion.

T he hosts never stopped playing football and kept pushing but were up against a solid defence comprising of Samuel Bumbu, Brian Carolan, Ross Mullen and

Jeffery Nsoedo backed up by a clinical and faultless display from Conor Duke.

Captain Ben Hilliard converted a penalty to compliment his dominant performance. Osas rounded the keeper to double his tally.

Following a wonderful

link up between Daniel Hardy and Calum Lawless, Alex Pop completed the rout from close range with minutes remaining.

Home Farm scored a consolation goal in the dying seconds with a beautifully placed free kick.

TRIDENTS succumbed 64-41 to Templeogue on Monday evening in their league tie, leaving the Blanch club in seventh place in the Dublin Ladies Basketball League Senior Division One after 13 rounds of matches.

Templeogue, meanwhile, are in the top two currently but have played four more games than the two Killester sides who are first and third going into the latter stages of the competition.

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018

SPORT

FOOTBALL: HARPS STRING TOGETHER EXCELLENT OPENING WIN FOR 2018

FASTGAA

Skerries get off to flyer Maur’s in a Rush to make up for lost camogie time

NAOMH Maur’s picked up a victory on their return to adult camogie for the first time since 2013 as they won their adult Division 5-6 cup match against St Finian’s at Rivervalley.

The team is formed of a number of players from that vintage along with players who have risen through the youth ranks at the Rush-based club.

Goals from Nicola Gaffney and former Dublin intercounty star Ciara Kirk (nee Lucey) - with a cracking strike into the top corner - saw them run up a 2-6 to 1-3 win over their Fingal rivals.

The adult team disbanded five years ago with not enough numbers available, leading to amalgamation of sorts with Skerries Harps and O’Dwyer’s at adult level.

But they look well stocked for the new season with a blend of youth and experience with over 25 players taking part in their initial preseason training to date.

AFL DIVISION 2

O’Toole’s Skerries Harps  sport@dublingazette.com

0-8 2-13

SKERRIES Harps marked their return to Division 2 with a clear-cut win away over O’Tooles on a damp, grey Sunday morning at Blunden Drive.

Skerries showed five changes from the playoff defeat by Cuala and had their defence anchored

by Bryan Cullen – who chipped in with two points – with Donal McIlgorm leading the attack and Eoin McGinley stationed at midfield.

Corner forward Ste-

phen Smith opened and closed the scoring and finished top scorer with sixpoints.

Skerries were leading 0-2 to 0-1 when a goal in 12th minute from a penalty by Harry Dawson – after McIlgorm was taken down in the square – set them up for a commanding performance and they went on to lead 1 -9 to 0 -3 at the break.

The only blot on the first half was an injury to Eoin Smith who was replaced by Kevin Coyne, while Dawson was forced to retire midway through the second half following a heavy

Skerries Harps first team won well on their return to AFL Division 2

tackle.

McIlgorm, who was causing mayhem at full for ward, was finally rewarded in the 38th min when he flicked a Gilmore cross to the net.

Minor star Leading 2-11 to 0-5, Harps then rang the changes. It was good to see former Dublin minor

player Shane Hickey making a welcome return to football after serious injury in addition to last year’s minors Fionnan O’Sullivan and Liam Woodcock.

Skerries make their home debut for 2018 on March 4 when they host a fancied Whitehall Colmcilles side.

They got the better of Fingal Ravens on a nar-

row 0-12 to 0-9 scoreline.

Elsewhere, Naomh Mearnog won their Fingal derby against Fingallians with a 2-13 to 0-16 victory.

Ballyboughal lost 1-6 to 3-12 to Raheny, making for a tough Sunday for many of the sides from the north county on the opening weekend of action for the year,

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tiger Childcare, is back in full swing in CCC every Saturday.

New members always welcome. Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@gmail.com.

Busy weekend for our adult men footballers. First outing for our new Division 1 manager Colm Nally and his team with a great win over Naomh Olaf (1-15 to 0-15). Strong win for our AFL4 team over Kilmacud 1-13 to 0-4. Hard luck to our Division 9 team who lost out to Skerries.

This year, over 75 boys and girls will represent us in the annual Feile competition.

To make this a very special memory, both on and off the pitch, the Feile fundraising team will be arranging some social events in the coming weeks.

Our Feile parents are organising a table quiz in the Carpenter on Friday, March 16. Always a Feile favourite, tables of four are €40. The Plough and the Stars is this year’s Feile play.

For one night only on Thursday, March 22. Tickets on sale soon. It’s springtime, so get your old clothes down to Somerton for Cash for Clobber. Proceeds to Feile fundraising.

The club is asking all members to stay vigilant and take care of valuables when in Somerton after a player’s car was broken into. All GAA clubs are being targeted according to Gardaí No winner of our lotto jackpot with thanks to Rialto Ford. Numbers were 9, 22, 25, 30. One match 3 winners, winning €300 each. Lucky dip winner was Amy Stedman who takes home €30. Our new jackpot is €5,600 with the next draw in the Bell on February 22.

ERIN GO BRAGH

NO WINNER of our lotto jackpot which is now €5,400.

Numbers drawn were 1, 2, 23 and 28.

Membership subscription for 2018 is now due and, for your convenience,

membership can now be paid online.

Please keep Saturday, April 14 free as we are hosting the 20k drop fundraiser in Westmanstown. It is guaranteed to be an amazing night’s entertainment so please support this event, more details to follow.

Congratulations to both Jack Carroll and John McLeod who were both selected for the Dublin U-16 football development squad and to Aoife O’ Sullivan who was selected for both the Dublin U-15 camogie and football panels. Well done from all in the club and best of luck for the coming season.

Our U-8s did us proud in their first football match in Hazelbury on Saturday morning.

We are running a hurling workshop on March 9 at 7.30pm in Phibblestown Astro. We are asking all parents and mentors to attend this. Please contact our GPO Michael McWeeney on 086 2674299 for further details.

Our U-9 boys did us proud

in their first football match against Erin’s Isle as did our Under-11 boys who played St Patrick’s of Palmerstown.

A foundation course for all parents and mentors will take place in our clubhouse at 7pm on the following dates: February 28, March 7 and 14.

We would encourage as many as possible to attend this course; for further details, please contact Michael McWeeney on 086 2674299.

Our Easter camp will take place from March 26 to 29; more details to follow.

Well done to our U-16s who won their second league game against Naomh Mearnog.

Hard luck to our U-15s who just lost out by a point to Trinity Gaels.

Our nursery (Little Green Machine) continues in Hansfield on Saturday morning from 9.30-10.30am and in Phibblestown on Tuesdays from 6-7pm and on a Saturday from 11.30am to 12.45pm. New members are always welcome.

FINGALLIANS

LOTTO: No winner again last week – monster jackpot on Tuesday Night: €5,164.

Membership: The cost of membership will increase from March 1. Forms are available in the clubhouse or on the club website - www. fingallians.com.

AFL2 – Naomh Mearnog 2-13 Fingallians 0-16; AFL6 – Plunketts 2-12 Fingallians 3-11.

Hurling League Opening Round: AHL3 - next Sunday Fingallians v Naomh Mearnog at 10.15am in Lawless Park.

Athletics update: Congratulations to Sarah Murray on her invite to the university 60m international.

Easter Camp dates: Monday, March 26 to Thursday, March 29. Each day from 10am - 2pm. It will cost €40 for members and €60 for nonmembers. It is for girls and boys aged four to 13 years.

Vetting of members: This is a legal requirement.

Every person involved with a team must be vetting. A

person who is not vetted is no longer be allowed on a side line, interact with children, transport players to games or training or be near any team. If you are not registered, please click on the link on the GAA website or contact a team manager.

Junior and Leaving Cert: We will be hosting a supervised Irish language conversation group for déagóirí in the clubhouse gach oíche Máirt, 8-9pm, running until the oral exams are críochnaithe.

Suitable for daltaí preparing for Junior & Leaving Cert.

Saor in aisce agus fáilte roimh chách. Tuilleadh eolas ó Liam, 086 3814422 Irish Conversation Group: Our adult grúpa comhrá meets as usual at 9pm each Wednesday.

March 3 Parade: Fingallians GAA will participate in the BEO parade and festival in Dublin city centre on March 3. This is a festival to celebrate the Irish language and will be a central part of Bliain na Gaeilge. Further details to follow.

Diary Date: Our big

fundraiser of the year, Race Day at Bellewstown will take place on Saturday, July 7.

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN

MIXED fortunes for our adult men’s teams last weekend in the opening league fixtures with the inters losing to St Pat’s in Donabate and the juniors having an excellent win away to Ranelagh Gaels in Bushy Park.

Next fixtures have both squads at home on Sunday, March 4 when the inters play Ballymun Kickhams and the juniors meet Round Towers.

Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm in Westmanstown.

The minors Have their first league fixture of the season when they host St Pauls at Westmanstown next Sunday, February 25 at 11am.

The ladies are holding a fundraising quiz in Westmanstown this Friday, February 23; table of four €40. All welcome.

22 February 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: BRIGID’S AND KILMACUD INSEPARABLE

AFL DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP

Castleknocke got the better of Naomh Olaf. Picture: Martin Doherty St Brigid’s Paddy Andrews. Picture: Martin Doherty

Saints AFL1 stalemate

AFL DIVISION ONE

St Brigid’s Kilmacud Crokes  sport@dublingazette.com

1-9 1-9

ST BRIGID’S and Kilmacud Crokes proved inseparable on the opening day of AFL Division 1 in Russell Park as they started their season with a competitive battle on Sunday morning.

A tight opening 10 minutes saw the sides level at 0-2 each with Lorcan McCarthy on

target for the home side.

Brigids soon upped the tempo and four points in a row from Paddy Andrews, Colly Carr and McCarthy saw the Russell Park men move 0-6 to 0-2 clear.

Crokes remained a threat going forward, although a slice of fortune played a large part in their goal. A Pat Burke effort for a point rebounded off the post into the hands the waiting full for ward who

blasted past Stephen Moore in the Brigid’s goal.

Brigids responded well to the setback and replied with another McCarthy free moving them 0-7 to 1-3 ahead at half time.

While Brigid’s dominated the first period, Crokes grew in the game in the second period and with Mark Vaughan now on the frees, they would move a point up before an expertly taken

Philly Ryan penalty saw Brigid’s ahead again.

With Jack Mullins keeping Dubs Star Paul Mannion scoreless from play, Crokes free taking kept the scoreboard ticking.

As the clock drew to a close, both sides will feel they had their chances to claim the two league points.

As it was, the points were shared after an entertaining opening round battle.

Kilkenny proves the difference CIARAN Kilkenny’s goal proved the difference as Castleknock saw

off newly promoted Naomh Olaf 1-15 to 0-15 at Somerton Park last Sunday morning.

It gave the Sandyford outfit a taste of what to expect in the top tier following their back-to-back moves up the league from AFL3, taking their place in AFL1 for the first time in over a decade.

He was among a wealth of Dublin stars who were released to play on Sunday morning in the first round of league matches.

St Sylvester’s succumbed to St Vincent’s in a high quality tie at Broomfield, the Marino side grabbing a 3-10 to 0-14 win.

They had plenty of big stars on display with Diarmuid Connolly lining out among them. Former Dublin stars Eamonn Fennell and Mossie Quinn, along with Jarlath Curley, all got among the goals for a five-point success in the final reckoning.

Naomh Maur went down 2-12 to 1-11 to St Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh at Martin Savage Park.

Ballymun Kickhams, however, were unable to make full use of their half-dozen county stars as they were beaten by 12 points by Ballyboden St Enda’s 3-12 to 0-9 at Pairc ui Murchu despite Collie Basquel being out injured and Michael Darragh Macauley only playing the second half.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD The U-16s and U-14s had challenge games against Lucan Sarsfields and Scoil Ui Chonail as they prepare for the opening league ties next weekend.

Both teams are at home against Man O War with the U-14s starting at 1pm and the U-16s at 4.30pm. Best of luck to Zeta with the Dublin U-14s and Heather with the Dublin senior squad in upcoming fixtures.

U-16 boys had good win in their second league game away at Naomh Mearnog, 3-10 to 2-10; U-13s narrowly lost their grading match away to St Maurs.

Both U-12 teams had grading matches away with the As beating Fingal Ravens and the Bs losing out to Fingallians.

Easter not too far away and we are having our usual very popular Easter Camp from Tuesday, April 3 to Friday, April 6 at a cost of €50 per child payable on the day. To book, go to https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ WMTGaelsEaster2018.

Davy Cryan continues

his great performance on Operation Transformation and don’t forget you can Walk For Davy every Monday night at Westmanstown at 7pm.

All team mentors and managers are reminded that all requests for training and playing slots must be done through pitch coordinator Alan Egan; no exceptions.

NAOMH PEREGRINE

MEMBERSHIP fees for 2018 are now due and payable.

Check cnp.ie for the easy online way to pay. Details of all memberships available are included.

The CNP Coaching the Coaches Course was much appreciated and well attended last week. Many thanks to Vinny Murphy for an excellent talk and to Amanda Scallon for the fun warm ups. Further sessions will be announced when scheduled.

Best wishes to all the CCC1 teams and mentors who began their league season on

Saturday last. Best wishes also to all the juvenile teams who have been taking part in the Gormanstown Indoor Hurling Tournament which finishes on Sunday, February 25. We especially thank all the parents and mentors involved in making this participation a success.

Well done to the U-15 footballers who continue their winning ways.

A table quiz in aid of the Feile teams takes place in the clubhouse on Friday, March 9 from 7pm. This is specifically aimed at our younger members though adults can join in as well.

The cost per table of four is €20 and there will be prizes for the winners and plenty of spot prizes also. As it is part of our Seachtan Na Gaelige celebrations, we will have a few questions “as gaeilge” too.

Pop up Gaeltacht - Naomh Peregrine CLG. Mar chuid de Sheachtain na Gaeilge, beidh pop-up Gaeltacht á eagrú ar an Máirt, 6 Márta 2018 sa chlubtheach. Beidh fáilte roimh chách ó chian is

ó chóngar teacht agus cúpla focal a úsáid. Tá alán suim as an ocháid seo cheanna féin.

All are welcome, members and non-members alike.

Tuilleadh eolas le teacht.

There was no winner of the club lottery. The numbers drawn were 5, 8, 10 and 11.

Next week’s jackpot rises to €4,600 with the usual 10 consolation prize draws of €40 each. Support your club’s and players’ development by entering the draw at €2 per entry.

ST BRIGID’S

ST BRIGID’S race night takes place in Russell Park on February 23, start time at 8.30pm. A great evening’s entertainment for all is guaranteed, make sure to come along.

Our club nursery continues every Saturday from 9.30 to 11am; for all four to sevenyear-olds. New families and members are always welcome. Last Saturday was the first day outdoors, hoping the good weather is

here to stay.

Easter GAA Camp, takes place from March 26 to March 29 (inclusive) and runs from 10am to 2pm each day with games, activities and sports and are open for all boys and girls between the ages of five and 13.

For further information and to book your place, email our GPO Barry at: eventsbrigids@gmail.com.

St Brigid’s are delighted to offer a limited number of Gaeltacht scholarships for this coming July and August.

Contact Stiofán on 087 6339238.

There was no lotto jackpot winner this week. Next week’s draw will be on Thursday, February 22 in Russell Park. The jackpot will be €2,000. Many thanks to our committee and to everyone who supports our St Brigid’s weekly lotto.

A busy day in Russell Park on Sunday as AFL1 drew with Kilmacud Crokes in the first league round of the season with scores 1-9 apiece.

The AFL7 and AFL10 teams and minor MHL2 hurlers

recorded wins to start their year, AFL3, AFL5 and MHL3 teams also opened their season at the weekend.

Keep an eye on our Twitter, Facebook and the website for scores, match reports and info.

St Brigids would like to extend sincere sympathy to the Carolan family following the passing of Philomena Folan, mother of Breege Carolan.

ST FINIAN’S

IT WAS mixed results for the adult football teams on Sunday. The AFL4 team beat Thomas Davis in Ridgewood while the AFL8 team were beaten by Naomh Fhionnbarra also in Ridgewood.

Well done to the U-14 Thomas Ashe team who beat Whitehall Colmcilles in a very strong performance in their Division 2 clash on Saturday.

The AHL4 team are away to Cuala at 10.15am on Sunday, February 25 while the AHL8 team are at home to Whitehall Colmcille at 2.15pm. Come out and show your support for

the adult hurling teams.

A big thank you to Eve O’Brien from the Dublin senior camogie team who took the U-16 camogie training session last weekend in Baltic conditions.

The U-11 ladies Gaelic football team are looking for extra players. Girls born in 2007 are suitable for the team. Please text Keith Cahill on 087 2300972 for further details.

St Finian’s GAA club extends best wishes to former player Liam Ryan and his bride to be Denise Walsh on their wedding in Wexford.

AIB will donate €50 to St Finian’s GAA Club for all new home insurance customers.

When you get your policy number click on the link https://aib.ie/personalforms/AIB-Insurance-GAAOffer-Donate-eur50 to fill in the online form and choose St Finians Swords in the Club Drop down box.

Membership subscriptions for 2018 are now due. Payments can be made online under Club Membership.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 22 February 2018