Fingal

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Sept 28 - Oct 04, 2017

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Quick-witted principal saved lad’s life with CPR

Boy (9) now on the mend after shock cardiac arrest collapse at school

 SYLVIA POWNALL A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy who collapsed in a school yard, suffering a cardiac arrest, is now out of hospital and on the mend.

The young lad was saved

thanks to the swift actions of hero principal Tim O Tuachaigh, who performed CPR as a defibrillator was rushed to the scene.

The brave pupil spent the last three weeks recuperating in hospital but

after having an internal defibrillator fitted he was given the all-clear to go home on Monday.

His classmates at Gaelscoil Ros Eo in Rush are now planning a Halloween party for his return

to school in three weeks’ time.

Tim told The Gazette: “We’re hoping he’ll be back in school just in time for all the Halloween nonsense.”

Continued on Page 4

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

DONABATE | HALF MARATHON SNARES THOUSANDS IN CHAOS

Locals fuming after race ‘disaster’ strikes  SYLVIA POWNALL

THE Dublin Half Marathon was branded a “monumental disaster” by athletes and locals on Saturday with motorists reporting delays of more than two hours.

The event was moved from the Phoenix Park to Newbridge Demesne in Donabate, but tailbacks on the Hearse Road and the M1 caused the start of the race to be delayed by a full hour.

Race organisers and Fingal County Council both issued apologies for the chaotic traffic management which resulted in cars being abandoned on the side of the motorway as runners were forced

to make their way to the event on foot.

T h e r e we r e 9 , 2 0 0 entrants registered for the half marathon, but only 6,555 took part – most of them either stuck in traffic gridlock or turning their cars around and heading home in disgust.

At 9.57am, race director Jim Aughney extended his “sincere apologies” via the Donabate Village Facebook page, adding: “A full traffic management review will be under way with all stakeholders post event.”

An hour later, the local authority followed suit and in a statement issued after the event added: “Fingal County Council unreservedly apologises for the disruption and inconve-

nience caused to both participants and residents by the Dublin Half Marathon on Saturday.

“This was the first time this event was held at Newbridge House, Donabate, and there were many months of planning by the Dublin Race Series, who organised the event.”

The council said a full event management safety plan and traffic management plan was prepared and residents were informed by way of a leaflet drop to 11,000 households and via social media.

It added: “The main issue which caused delays was the failure to properly manage the junction at Lissenhall (M1/R132).

“This was despite a

review after similar issues at the 2017 Flavours of Fingal event in June.”

Furious residents took to Facebook to vent their frustration, claiming they had not received a leaflet in the door or seen any updates on social media.

One irate Donabate resident fumed: “When all is said and done, Donabate/Portrane were left in a very vulnerable position needlessly. If someone had become ill in those few hours and died as a result of emergency services being delayed or not able to get through, this would be a very different story.”

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), who took part in the event, said the route was to be commended and the

moral support at Lusk and Man O’War was brilliant.

But he conceded: “I was very disappointed with the traffic management problems and the difficulties that this caused Fingal residents with cars parked anywhere and everywhere.”

Green Party representative Mark Henry, who also ran the race, said: “There must be a thorough review ... It is now an open question as to whether Newbridge Estate is capable of hosting this event in the future.”

Fine Gael representative Bob Dowling said: “What occurred on Saturday was atrocious. The Hearse Road was at a complete standstill for hours.”

FASTNews

Works on Bremore Castle are ‘at an advanced stage’ WORKS on restoring Bremore Castle are at an “advanced stage” according to Fingal County Council.

In response to a question from Cllr Darragh Butler (FG) the local authority said an increasing number of public events would be held at the historic building in coming months and years.

Officials added: “A plan for the regional park including Bremore Castle and incorporating a major active recreational hub is in preparation.”

A feasibility study is also under way to examine the tourism potential of the castle, subject to costs and environmental impact.

Stop-go lane system still in place at Forrest Road THE southern section of the Forrest Road in Swords reopened to traffic last Friday – though a stop-go single lane system remains in place on the Forrest Little Road until Friday, October 6.

Dublin Airport Authority has requested the traffic measure to facilitate final ducting works at the east and west tie-ins of the realigned road.

Works on a new junction at the intersection of both roads are nearing completion, ahead of the planned construction of a new runway.

For further information, call 1800 804 422, or email northrunway@daa.ie.

Community groups urged to seek text alert funding

Road Safety Authority warns against driving ‘the morning after’

THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana launched a new public information campaign last week to help educate drivers about the dangers of driving the morning after drinking alcohol. The push follows an increase in the statistics related to such trends. Pictured at the launch were Superintendent Garda Tom Mullarkey, from the Roads Policing Garda East Region and Moyagh Murdock, chief executive, the RSA, with the pair surrounded by pictures of some of the many victims of drink drivers. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

COMMUNITY text alert groups have been encouraged to apply for Government funding and Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell has urged Fingal not to miss out.

The Department of Justice is providing additional financial support to these groups as the latest measure in its support of crime prevention in rural communities. The Rebate Scheme, which also ran in 2016, will allow text alert groups registered with An Garda Siochana to apply for funding to contribute towards their yearly running costs, with around €100,000 available.

Deputy Farrell said: “I know many communities here in Fingal are very active in using the system for crime prevention. These schemes allow new technologies to fuse with the traditional value of active community engagement to keep communities across Dublin Fingal safe.”

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

28 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

YOUR NO1 FREE PAPER | WE’RE GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER – AND YOU’RE ALL COMING WITH US!

THE GAZETTES ...THEY ARE A-CHANGING FROM next week, your favourite free local newspaper will be bigger, better, and more widely available.

That’s because we’re relaunching with four bumper editions of the Dublin Gazette: South,West, North and City; and increasing our circulation from 55,000 to 75,000 weekly copies.

Since the introduction of our first title – the Lucan Gazette – in March 2004 (right), Dublin Gazette have built a strong foundation across Dublin City and County to deliver high-quality, relevant News, Sports and Entertainment coverage each week – a foundation that’s enabled our brand to maintain and cement its position as Dublin’s Number-One free newspaper group.

Next Thursday sees the launch of Dublin Gazette’s four repositioned titles, offering the people living and working across Dublin City and County a source of

high quality, relevant News, Sport and Entertainment FREE every week.

Dublin Gazette’s Group EditorAengus O’Hanlon says: “It’s been 12 months since we started looking into repositioning our titles, so next weekwill be exciting for us all here at The Gazette.

“Given Dublin’s population and scale, there’s a huge appetite for quality local news, entertainment and sports coverage.

“By aligning our titles with the four local authorities in Dublin, we can cater for news on a hyper-local basis like no other title. It makes perfect sense to increase the pagination in our new editions by 25%, which will facilitate a greater range of local stories from ALL areas within each of the four local authorities.

“Don’t miss your copy next week, and keep an eye out for some amazing Gazette Giveaways!”

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

FAMILIES | REPORT ON KIDS’ ONLINE ACTIVITY PROMPTS FINGAL CALLS FOR A DIGITAL SAFETY COMMISSIONER

The growing issues related to cyberbullying of children and young people has seen calls from Fingal figires for a digital safety commissioner to be set up. Stock pic

Cyberbully issues see calls for a specialist response  SYLVIA POWNALL

about saying things that cause concern or anxiety for others. For example, the A DIGITAL safety commissioner is boy who collapsed in the yard [see front urgently needed to protect children page, and right] was part of a sixth-class online, according to Fingal teachers and WhatsApp group. public representatives.

“That group went mad after it hapCllr Malachy Quinn (SF) has called pened. One of the people in the group for an Office of the Digital Safety Com- put out that when he was on the ground, missioner to be set up after it emerged people started kicking him. That is simthat 22% of kids using chat rooms and ply not true.

“Someone was maybe trying to get apps are in contact with strangers.

He said the findings of the Cyber- gossip going, but that could have been SafeIreland annual report – which very upsetting if it was seen by the boy’s revealed that 70% of teachers do not family and taken the wrong way. feel they have “T hese -----------------------------------------------------the resources are primary to advise on school children, so it’s internet safety not bully– made for ing per se, grim reading. but a group Balbriggancould be crebased Cllr ated and Quinn said: some people “As a father of excluded, three young children, I am - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - either delibvery disturbed Tim O’Tuachaigh, principal, Gaelscoil Ros Eo, Rush erately or not, and that is a type of bullying in itself. by these recent findings.

“You need to let them know how to “With changing technology we are seeing children accessing the internet use social media well,” he said.

Cllr Quinn said: “Online safety is one from an increasingly younger age.

“Online platforms provide benefits of the biggest child protection issues of and resources, but they can also pose this generation. I hope in the upcoming risks, including exposure to inappropri- budget that the Government will take ate or harmful material, and cyberbul- serious action to promote digital safety lying.” and tackle online abuse and harassPrimar y school principal Tim ment.”

Sinn Fein Fingal deputy Louise O’Tuachaigh said while he had not seen evidence of cyberbullying at Gaelscoil O’Reilly will host a series of public inforRos Eo in Rush, he had seen signs of mation evenings on digital safety, with a particular focus on cyberbullying, in what he terms “cyber ineptitude”.

He told The Gazette: “This is more coming weeks.

‘These are primary school children, so it’s not bullying per se, but a group could be created and some people excluded, either deliberately or not, and that is a type of bullying in itself’

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

‘Defibrillators are fantastic.

You open the box and it starts talking to you, with instructions.’

------------------------Continued from Page 1

The schoolboy’s stint as a hospital in-patient was brightened thanks to a visit from some of the Dublin team with the Sam Maguire Cup in tow.

Paramedics who rushed to the scene three weeks ago said the swift actions of Mr O Tuachaigh and colleagues were critical in saving the boy.

T h e d e f i b r i l l a t o r, also known as an AED, had been supplied by Apache Pizza to St Maurs GAA Club and the school is located on the same grounds.

Tim revealed: “I did a first aid course more than ten years ago, but I’d never seen a defibrillator before other than hanging on the wall.

‘Instructions’ “They are fantastic.

You open the box and it starts talking to you, with instructions. It tells you what to do, how to do it and when to do it. It’s timed as well, so you just have to listen to the machine.

“I had to act because the choices were ‘The boy is lying on the ground and things are looking grave and you do nothing’, or you help him as best you can.”

Tim is now urging the Government to equip all schools with defibrillators and provide training for teachers.

He said: “It’s a nobrainer. These things save lives.”

28 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

New school’s opening is set back a month THE opening of Scoil Chormaic’s new school premises in Balbriggan has been delayed by a month due to complications in connecting to the electricity supply.

In the meantime, the school has been forced to accommodate about 100 of its pupils at Colaiste Ghlor na Mara while final works are completed at the Stephenstown building.

The new building is already a year overdue and parents and staff have reacted with dismay to news that it would miss its September deadline.

Principal Deirdre Corcoran wrote to parents advising: “In our previous letter we stated that we expected to be in a position to occupy the new school building by mid-September, at the latest.

“Sadly, for all of us, we

have been informed by the Department of Education and Skills that there will be a further delay.

“The purpose of this further delay is to give the contractors and the ESB time to connect the building to the mains power supply.

“At present, the electrical power is being serviced by a generator.

Such sources of power are not always reliable and it has been decided to connect up to the mains in order to avoid any possible future breakdown in power supply.

“It is estimated that this work will be completed by mid-October. We are all eagerly looking forward to taking possession of our beautiful new school building and this further delay is a source of great disappointment to all of us.”

Out and About

Artists serve up a terrific art show at a tennis club

4FM’s Robbie Kane, Catherine Lawlor and Audrey Dunphy. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Fingal is now home to 47,000 non-nationals FINGAL has one of the for the largest group, highest numbers of non- with 122,515 people, national residents in the followed by 103,113 UK country, accordingCiara to theMulroy nationals and 36,552 and Dawn Kelly latest census data.

Lithuanians.

Figures released last A senior statistician week show Fingal has at the CSO said the the second largest non- increase in the numnational population, at ber of households with 46,909 people, ahead of both Irish and non-Irish Cork County at 42,002 members showed more and behind Dublin City immigrants were putting at 91,876. Leitrim (3,526) down roots here.

Deirdre Cullen said and Sligo (5,892) had the the numbers classifylowest such figure.

O ve r a l l s t a t i s t i c s ing themselves as havshowed a slight decrease ing dual Irish and other in the number of non- nationality had almost nationals living here, doubled since Census although the figures 2011 – up from 55,905 to do not include around 104,784.

She said: “The popu100,000 people granted Irish citizenship since lations are slowly ageing. The average age of the census was taken.

The Migration and Polish in Ireland has Diversity Study shows increased by 3.6 years in there are 535,475 non- just five years, whereas Irish living here – down the average age of Irish 1.6% on 2011 figures. nationals has increased Polish nationals account by just a year.”

A

Lavinia and Karen O’Leary with Belle O’Sullivan

Peter McGuiness, Judy McGuiness and Dave Wakefield

RTISTS put their impressive works on display at the Catherine Lawlor School of Art exhibition in Malahide Tennis Club last week. All the paintings on show were of a very high standard, including works in oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, pen and wash, showcasing their terrific skills and also helping to raise some muchneeded funds for The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

Frances and Bernadette Murtagh

28 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

Out and About Celebrations as airy atrium opened at FCC

Gerard McEvoy and artist Helen McEvoy

MINISTER John Paul Phelan joined Fingal’s Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley and Fingal County Council’s chief executive Paul Reid in the opening of Fingal County Council’s newly renovated reception area on Thursday night.

The Minister for Local Government and Electoral Reform attended the opening of The Atrium, which was designed to cater for greater engagement between Fingal County Council and its citizens.

Roisin McGrane and Polly Carla O’Mahony and Sandra Clarke

McGettigan

Kate, Alex and Eve Lawor

Minister Phelan said: “The changes which have been made to this important area will allow Fingal to continue evolving positively and cater for the economic and social requirements of citizens.”

The space has also been shortlisted for theFit-Out of the Year award in an interior design competition.

Pictured are FCC chief executive Paul Reid with Minister John Paul Phelan, county architect Fionnuala May, and Mayor Mary McCamley.

Praise as new cycleway route pushed ahead Paul O’Hare and his daughter Taylor

Jack and Sam Higgins

Frankie Heeney

Enjoying a great time on the green T

Patrick Quinn was having sumo-ch fun at the green

HIS week we’re delighted to share some more shots of local people who enjoyed the Glen Ellan and Sandford Wood annual Residents Fun Day recently. The green area was taken over for the afternoon which was filled with fun, games and activities for young and old alike, with the neighbourhood’s kids having a particularly great day, as their happy smiles show.

The great community spirit was certainly to the fore on the day.

Milly, Millie and Sadhbh. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

PROGRESS on the Cllr Eoghan O’Brien in Broadmeadows Way has Malahide and Cllr Adribeen warmly welcomed an Henchy in Donabate Ciara andFF) Dawn Kelly both (both have following revelations thatMulroy Fingal County Council is pushed for the project to submit an application and also welcomed news to An Bord Pleanala to that it was progressing, as move forward with the did Senator James Reilly (FG). cycleway.

Funding for the BalThe application is expected to be lodged doyle to Portmarnock this week to move for- section of the project has ward the long-awaited now been secured and Newbridge Demesne work on this element of walkway/cycleway to the coastal walkway is Malahide on the inner expected to begin shortly. e s t u a r y, o t h e r w i s e Vowing to keep up known as the Broad- the pressure, Deputy meadows Way. O’Brien said: “While this D e p u t y D a r r a g h is significant progress, O’Brien (FF) said: “This the Government must will be a coastal green- now commit to providing way that is unlike any- the funding to complete thing previously seen in the whole project.

Ireland and has been a “I will continue to priority of mine for the pursue the Government past 10 years. It has the to grant the funding potential to be a magnifi- required to deliver this cent amenity for locals project, and the next and tourists alike.” phase of the cycleway.”

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

Glory for Swords Tidy Towns group as they win national Diversity award and cash boost SWORDS Tidy Towns’ members saw all their hard work justly rewarded when the group was named winner of the national Diversity award on Monday.

The committee was recognised for its efforts to include all of the community, on an inter-generational and inter-cultural basis, in the work that they do to enhance the town.

The hard-working committee, who have for several years been knocking on the door but narrowly missing out on a title, were over the moon as they accepted the trophy at The Helix on Monday.

They scooped both a silver medal and were overall national winners of the Diversity Award – meaning a boost of more than €2,700 to the coffers in all.

On their Facebook page they posted: “We did it, all our hard work paid off. Well done everyone, onwards and upwards.”

Also paying tribute to fellow Swords Tidy Towns members, Ken Duffy said: “A fantastic result for all our members, and a recognition of all their

hard work over the past few years.

“We won the Diversity award and a silver medal, with a jump of 21 points on last year’s results. The financial award which also came with our success will be ploughed back into the town of Swords.”

SuperValu managing director Martin Kelleher said: “The Diversity award, now in its third year, demonstrates the competition’s clear capacity to grow, attracting all age groups and embracing all cultures with our communities.

“The tireless dedication of volunteers young and old is truly inspiring. This is a great achievement for Swords Tidy Towns and we would like to extend our congratulations to the committee on a well-deserved win.”

Swords’s success was echoed by medal winners Malahide, with the town scooping a gold medal in the Category G - Population 15,001-25,000 section, scoring 313 points.

Full details of all this year’s winners in the national contest are available at www.tidytowns.ie, and also over at www.supervalu.ie.

FASTNews Renewed appeal over suspected hit and run GARDAI have renewed their appeal for witnesses to a suspected hit and run which left a man seriously injured.

The incident occurred near the road works on the L3132 at St Margaret’s Road in Swords in the early hours of Sunday, September 10, between 3am and 4am.

The motorcyclist remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Gardai have revealed that their investigations suggest another vehicle – which did not remain at the scene – may have been involved.

Anyone with information should contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, or any garda station.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring with Ken Duffy, Swords Tidy Towns, and Martin Kelleher, managing director at the SuperValu Tidy Towns awards at the Helix, DCU; right: the Swords

COURTS | JUDGE DISCONTINUES ACTION AGAINST FIRM – PREFERRED ITS EVIDENCE

Public process for civic centre expected in 2018

THE High Court last we e k t h r e w o u t a n injunction against a firm owned by two billionaires after hearing two farmers were “trying to extort” money.

The injunction had been granted days earlier to Rory Bridgette and Albert Murphy who claimed they were being “bullied, intimidated and threatened” by agents of businessmen brothers Luke and Brian Comer.

Bridgette and Murphy said they had used lands at Cloghran, Swords, near Dublin Airport for grazing their horses and ponies since they went into occupation of the

A PUBLIC planning process for the new civic centre in Swords will get under way in early 2018, according to Fingal County Council.

The multi-millioneuro project is set to deliver a theatre and exhibition space, new library, tourist office and pedestrian plaza on North Street beside the castle.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) asked for an update on the project and was told a design team was being sought and site investigation works had been commissioned.

Council officials revealed that a “public planning process” is “anticipated early in 2018”.

Works to open up the battlement wall walks around Swords Castle are continuing and stabilisation works on the east tower will be undertaken next spring.

contingent taking in the excitement at the venue

Injunction over farmers ‘being bullied’ is removed property in 2003.

In late August and early September of this year, the two farmers say they were contacted by a man called ‘Paul’ who said he was “from the Comer brothers” and told them to remove the animals.

Mr Bridgette, from Sandy Hill Way, Ballymun, and Mr Murphy, from Furry Park, Cloghran, told ‘Paul’ the lands were theirs and they were not going anywhere.

T he farmers say a large mound of soil was dumped in the laneway leading to the lands, preventing access; fence

The High Court heard how lands used for grazing horses near the airport were at the heart of a dispute. Stock photo

posts were cut and a horse was taken and put in the pound.

The court was told the matter was reported to gardai, who were inves-

tigating, and the farmers brought High Court proceedings against Leixlip-based firm Sainfoin Property Company, of which Luke and Brian

Comer are directors.

Just days later ,the decision to grant an injunction was reversed when counsel for Sainfoin Property Company argued that there was no evidence to support the claims made by the two farmers.

Counsel said the farmers were trying to extort money from the company. He said Bridgette had told the company’s representative that he wanted substantial compensation before moving off the land as he had rights to the field.

Ms Justice Eileen Creedon was told the two farmers had no

rights or interest in the land, which the company had purchased as part of a deal for 230 acres in 2014.

He said the company refuted all allegations that it or any of its representatives had acted in a threatening manner.

Judge Creedon said she was discontinuing the injunction on the basis that she preferred the evidence tendered on behalf of the company.

Barrister Michael Ronayne, counsel for the farmers, said a conflict in fact existed between the parties. The proceedings taken out by the farmers now await a date for trial.

28 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

SWORDS | MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS START IN JANUARY

Town faces 21 months of water disruptions  SYLVIA POWNALL Graphic shows

SWORDS is facing up to 21 months of water and traffic disruption from next January as a major project gets under way.

A compulsory purchase order has been approved

by An Bord Pleanala for private lands relating to the construction of a new water network.

Irish Water is working in partnership with Fingal County Council to deliver the Swords Water Main Rehabilitation Project – but it will mean shortterm pain for households.

The utilities company – already under fire over road closures between Rush and Skerries – is advising that there will be some interruption to service during the lengthy works.

It warns of road closures, restricted parking,

existing Swords water main and associated leaks and bursts

occasional evening or weekend works and that the water supply will be temporarily shut off to enable new connections.

It stated: “The project team will strive to ensure that businesses and residents are not adversely affected more than is necessary.

“Local residents and businesses will be advised

of works in advance and will be given 48 hours prior notice of any planned water shut-offs.

“Every effort will be made to avoid unplanned interruptions to the water supply. The project team will also work to ensure that the impact on other local services such as transportation and emergency services is mini-

mised.”

The project involves repla cing the wa ter main from the junction between Cooks Road and Forrest Road, to the junction with Main Street, along North Street and onwards to Lissenhall as far as the M1 junction.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) admitted the project would cause considerable disruption but he said in light of the interruptions already being experienced because of burst and leaky pipes, it was worth it.

He told The Gazette: “Unfortunately, this is one of those jobs that is badly needed and has to be done but in itself will cause major disruption for Swords residents.

“Living off the Forrest Road, I’m well aware of the continuous and ad-hoc [pipe] bursts, so

POLICING | GARDAI TRYING TO SOLVE BRUTAL MURDER

Fresh appeal to help trace Michel’s killers GARDAI have renewed their appeal for information on the death of Michel Kurek and have yet to locate the crime scene where he was viciously knifed to death.

The 33-year-old Polish national was stabbed in a frenzied attack before his body was dumped along an isolated laneway in Ballyboughal.

His bloody remains were found by the side of a road in Grange on August 4 at 10.40am, but investigating officers believe he was murdered elsewhere.

Crimestoppers launched an appeal on Monday for anyone who may have come across a bloodstained location, car or clothing around that time to contact them.

Mr Kurek had lived and worked in Ireland for a number of years,

but at the time of his death he was homeless.

He was known to frequent Ongar in Dublin 15 and his last known location was Clonsilla Railway Station at 8.51pm on August 3 – a little over 24 hours before his body was discovered.

Detective Inspector Eddie Carroll said: “Based on Michel’s last known movements, we are particularly keen to hear from people residing in the areas of Ongar, Clonsilla, Coolmine, Hartstown and Huntstown.”

Crimestoppers posters in Polish have been issued to assist any members of the Polish community who may know something.

Information can be given to Balbriggan Garda Station at 01 666 4500, or Crimestoppers at 1800 250 025.

Murdered: Polish national Michel Kurek

even with the disruption I think residents will simply be glad to see the job done once and for all.”

Irish Water has committed to keeping the community updated and a public drop-in information evening, business information meeting and elected representatives briefing will be arranged ahead of the planned works.

FASTNews

Companies invited to help the council devise a skills strategy AN ADVISORY group has been established to help Fingal County Council put together a skills strategy.

Local companies are being encouraged to take part by sharing their experiences in relation to skills supply and demand.

The online survey is available at http://www. smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Fingal-SkillsStrategy/.

A draw will be open to all companies who return a completed survey, with the council providing an away day in Malahide Castle for up to 20 people, including free access to a training room for a day, a tour of the castle, tea/coffee, pastries on arrival and lunch.

The council is arranging four breakfast workshops in venues as follows: Tuesday, October 3, Balbriggan Town Hall; Thursday, October 5, Blanchardstown Civic Centre; Tuesday, October 10, Malahide Castle; Thursday, October 12, County Hall Swords.

To register, email fingalskillsstrategy@rsmireland. ie, or call Niall O’Doherty at 01 526 7440.

10 GAZETTE 28 September 2017

Out and About

Raptuous welcome for Dublin heroes Above: St Sylvester’s players Niamh, Nicole and Sinead with the cup. Pictures: GAApics.com

T

HERE was a fantastic turnout at Bridgefield last week as St Sylvester’s GAA welcomed the triumphant Dublin Ladies Football team with the Brendan Martin Cup. St Sylvester’s players Sinead, Niamh and Nicole were front and centre to meet and greet fans, with most sporting their Dublin or club colours for the celebration. As is tradition, the cup was paraded over the bridge from the Bridgefield pitches through Malahide village to the club on Church Road, where a large crowd waited to give the heroes a raptuous welcome.

28 September 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About

People of all ages turned out to greet the girls, with the large crowd giving them the rousing welcome they deserved. The event was a true celebration of the area’s sporting and community spirit.

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 28 September 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS INNOVATION | DIT PROGRAMME TO HELP FOSTER NEW BUSINESS IDEAS

I-Cubed entrepreneurs square off to markets LEGO could help make

training child’s play

LEGO may not be the most obvious choice for developing new business approaches or skillsets, but with the international reach of the brand, and its highlysuccessful transitioning to new business models in recent years, it’s the perfect product to help build up new expertise, particularly around ‘STEM’ subjects.

Learnit, in partnership with DCU, has launched a range of Learnit Academy LEGO education workshops for LEGO fans of all ages – adults are also a core target of the workshops. LEGO’s robotics offshoots provide a natural fit for programmes for experienced engineers (over-55). For further information, see https://www.learnit.ie/book-now.

THIS summer, six young entrepreneurs completed I-Cubed – a three-month ‘incubator’ programme for student start-ups designed by DIT Hothouse to nurture young innovators, helping them to turn early-stage concepts into pitch-ready businesses.

I-Cubed is described as the opportunity to explore the commercial viability of college projects, with participants receiving equity-free funds to work on their projects and attend diverse workshops and mentoring sessions focusing on a wide range of related areas.

The three-month intensive pro-

gramme provides core supports, with the aim of not only helping to create a successful start-up, but to nuture the up and coming entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

This year, five I-Cubed participants presented their projects to a group of guests from research, business and academic worlds, with the overall winner of the I-Cubed Start-Up Award named as Darragh Hughes, thanks to his design for ‘the HappyHaler’ (right), a child-friendly asthmatic spacer designed for his final year project in Product Design at DIT. Speaking at the I-Cubed Start up Award ceremony, Darragh

says, “Before I started this programme, I knew HappyHaler was a great business idea, but I didn’t know how to get out there and start talking to people about it.

“I-Cubed allowed me to get to the core of my story and get investors as excited as I am about the HappyHaler.”

I-Cube leader and director Neal

O’Gorman said: “All our I-Cubed participants have made significant progress.

“Watching their final presentations was a testament to the fact that they’re continuing to push beyond their own perceived limits, they’re getting out of their comfort zones and are striving to reach their true potential to achieve success for the businesses they so passionately believe in.”

Applications for the 2018 I-Cubed Incubator programme for student start-ups are now open. For further information, see http://www.dit.ie/hothouse/ students/i-cubed.

28 September 2017 GAZETTE 13

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

IVOR FEELING YOU’LL LOVE THIS FRIENDLY GERMAN SHEPHERD OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Ivor, a four-year-old German Shepherd crossbreed.

Ivor is ready to start his life over again and cannot wait to find a loving family.

Ivor likes to look his best so he really enjoys being brushed and groomed.

He is an energetic boy who loves to keep busy, so he will need plenty of exercise and brain work to keep him happy and in good form. Ivor is quite a nosy dog, so he wants to be included in every activity taking place. He is also very affectionate, who enjoys cuddles and affection; he is basically an oversized lap dog!

Ivor likes the company of other playful, similar sized dogs, and should be fine living with another canine companion once he is introduced to the dog successfully. As Ivor is a bouncy and easily excitable dog, he is suited to living with adults.

Contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000; they are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook and on Twitter.

CIVIC DUTY P22



GAZETTE

CINEMA P24

HENDICOTT MEETS OTHERKIN P16

CALL of PORT PICTURED at Dublin Port’s Great South Wall is Blackrock man Bruce Watchorn, who happened upon Image Projection Support Structure by artist Fiona McDonald.

The stucture forms part of the final installation of Dublin Port Company’s arts commissioning series Port Perspectives.

Port | River | City by artists Cliona Harmey, Dan Shipsides, McDonald, Pat Collins, Sharon Woolley and PV. Garrett is a site-specific moving image installation.

Port | River | City includes a half-day event in the IFI on Saturday, September 23, which features a rare screening of Peter Hutton’s Time in Tide in 16mm.

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DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

COMPETITION: YOUNG MUSIC MAESTROS INVITED TO ENTER TOP CONTEST

Take note of €5,000 prize for students CALLING young Dublin musicians! Entries for this year’s Frank Maher Classical Music Competition are now open, with a €5,000 top prize.

Students from Malahide Community School were joined by awardwinning concert pianist Maire Carroll from Malahide to launch this year’s competition, with awards Ireland’s biggest classical music competition for secondary schools.

Past winners have received national and international recognition for their achievement and used their prize money as a springboard towards a professional career by funding their studies at some of the world’s most renowned music colleges and institutions.

The awards are open to sixth year post-primary students of string, woodwind, brass and piano.

The €5,000 top prize will be used by the winner to attend a recognised place of tuition, a course of study in Ireland or abroad, or on a purchase necessary for the development of their talent.

The finalists will each receive a €250 bursary.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, October 12.

For full details see www. topsecurity.ie.

FILMING BEYOND LIMITING BORDERS THE fourth annual investigative documentary filmmaking seminar organised by the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund, Investigations 2017: Beyond Borders, takes place in the Irish Film Institute from on Friday, October 13.

The day-long seminar, which is open to the public, will feature screenings, conversations and discussions chaired by leading journalists and broadcasters including Keelin Shanley, Richard Crowley and Tanya Sillem.

This year’s seminar will explore the challenges and opportunities which arise for investigative filmmakers when working outside their native culture.

For tickets, prices and full event details, see www. ifi.ie/investigations-2017; for further information on the fund, see www. maryrafteryfund.ie.

CELEBRATING POETRY AT NATIONAL LIBRARY THE National Library of Ireland will host a series of poetry events this autumn, with a programme to be headlined by a special celebration to mark ten years of Poetry Aloud, the annual poetry speaking competition for post-primary schools, organised by the library in partnership with Poetry Ireland.

Events range from lectures and exhibition tours to a special evening of poetry and music, and all events are free of charge to attend and will take place at the NLI. The next event is Harp, Poetry and Pipes: An evening of poetry and music, at 7pm on Tuesday, October 3. Harpist Kathleen Loughnane will perform newly arranged music from the Patrick O’Neill manuscript collection in the NLI, joined by Cormac Cannon on uileann pipes and Catriona Cannon on harp, with poet Moya Cannon reading a number of poems as part of the performance.

For further information, see www.nlie.ie.

Multiple award-winning concert pianist Maire Carroll with Malahide Community School sixth year music students Andrea Jones, Cian Riordan and Nicole Cosgrave. Picture: Peter Houlihan

NEW AWARDS TO HELP CELEBRATE CHARITIES A NEW national award for charities, community and voluntary groups and clubs has been launched at the Mansion House.

The Charity Impact Awards was developed by The Wheel, the national association of community, voluntary and charitable organisations, to highlight and celebrate the contribution of Ireland’s 19,352 non-profit organisations, with nominations open in

two categories, as follows.

The Community Impact Award celebrates the valuable work community, voluntary and charitable organisations, clubs and associations are doing in communities across Ireland.

Organisations are invited to showcase their work by entering “impact stories”, which can include text, video and photos.

There are sub-categories for small, medium and large organisations.

Alternatively, Trustee of the Year highlights that all charities are led by dedicated volunteers who share their time and expertise to bring about positive change, and will focus on trustees (also known as board members or directors), who often work behind the scene.

A third award – the Community Hero Award – will be made in partnership with the Volunteer Ireland Awards, and presented to an individual

who has made an extraordinary contribution to their community over the course of their lifetime.

Five people will be shortlisted for the Community Hero Award from shortlist for the Volunteer Ireland Awards.

Nominations can be made at www.charityimpactawards.ie until November 16. The winners will be announced at the Charity Impact Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 13.

28 September 2017 GAZETTE 15

FUNDRAISER: TEAMS IN PADDLE BATTLE

Water way to help support the homeless

THE sounds of frantic splashing and goodnatured shouting and cheers of support echoed around Grand Canal Dock recently as teams of landlubbers took to the water in a bid to help homeless charity Depaul.

The homelessness charity’s Raf t Race Against Homelessness tempted a number of

corporate teams out into the normally calm waters, where their somewhat coordinated efforts made quite a splash with amused colleagues and bemused onlookers.

Although the teams ended up with more water on them than around them, they took their soakings with good spirits, happy to help

paddle the fundraising total along to the impressive final figure of approximately €20,000 for Depaul.

The fourth such annual raft race for Depaul proved a hit with all the corporate teams taking part, with the 500m stretch for races seeing number-crunching skills swapped for paddle-

powered teamwork, all in the name of supporting Depaul’s work with people all around the island of Ireland.

The corporate participants to take to the water

this year included Trouble Brewing, BHP, Fresh, Pfizer, Mazars, Codex Office Solutions, Automatic Fire and Integrated Solutions and Bank of Ireland.

GAZETTE

FEATURE

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

28 September 2017 GAZETTE 17

MUSIC

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JAMES HENDICOTT TALKS TO DUBLIN GRUNGE OUTFIT OTHERKIN , HALF OF WHOM LEFT MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS BEHIND TO PURSUE MUSICAL STARDOM Dublin band Otherkin are going places, and fast Picture: Jake Haseldine

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Hard Working Class Heroes The annual event showcasing up and coming Irish acts and a host of music industry discussion panels returns, with more than 50 musical entities performing over five venues and two nights. One to run free and explore. September 29-30.

Warehouse Market Newmarket’s monthly fashion-led market comes to the Green Door in Dublin 8, where a mix of vintage clothing outlets, inventive designers and startup businesses gather to display their wares.

October 1.

Oktoberfest at the Bowery Can’t make it to Munich? The beer-led chaos comes to the slightly more modest venue of The Bowery in Rathmines, where the pirate-shipshaped musical heartland will host a series of gigs and serve a heap of German beer. All week.

Otherkin at Tower Records Want to check out the band we’ve featured in this very issue (right)? Rising Irish rock stars otherkin launch their debut album ‘Ok’ in Tower Records, with a free show at 17.30 on Friday, September 29.

Robert Harris in Conversation A free event that forms part of Dublin History Festival, the English historical fiction author OTHERKIN will appear in The Printworks (Dublin Castle) to discuss his writing and research, plus latest novel ‘Munich’. 8.30pm, September 29.

Dublin Wine Festival Promising to delve into both grapes and spirits, the Dublin Wine Festival comes to the Morrison Hotel on October 1. This year’s focus is Italy.

Death Cafe Dublin An event aimed at looking at and discussing mortality, and in doing so encouraging the living of the fullest of lives, the Death Cafe (hosted by Dr Sean O’Carroll, a psychologist) is a chance to explore what’s up with you. September 29.

New album of the week Otherkin - Ok. Dublin rockers convert from a pounding live show to a long-overdue debut album. Expect a raucous conversion and plenty of appearances around town to back up the noise.

 JAMES HENDICOTT THE COVER of Otherkin’s debut album – much like the band’s borderline maniacal live performances – is one big, bold statement.

Ahead of the release of ‘Ok’ this month, two members of the band got the album title tattooed on the inside of their wrists.

It fits in with the band’s heady, in-your-face rock vibe (they call themselves ‘grunge-pop’), one that’s made David Anthony, Luke Reilly, Rob Summons and Conor Andrew Wynne famous (in certain quarters) for roughly-hewn pop-rock ditties, but also for crowd surfing and brash, buzzing gigs.

The cover, and new symbol of the band, feels symbolic – it’s simply that tattooed arm reaching for the sky.

Their story of the album begins with a shot in the dark, and a certain amount of characteristic mayhem.

“We decided to take a gamble on an expensive video

The great rock n’ roll gamble

for our first single,” vocalist Reilly tells us of the loveable fury of ‘Ay Ay’.

“And we insisted that if a label wanted to sign us, they take the video as part of the deal. It worked out well [the video now has in excess of 100,000 views in its various YouTube guises].”

When it came to recording ‘Ok’, it was important to keep a similarly raw vibe.

Recording music, typically, requires click tracks, steady hands and carefully constructed ‘perfect’ versions of songs, often layered from individual instrumental set ups. Looking to maintain that live buzz, however, Otherkin’s recording sessions saw Reilly “charging about the place with a bottle of wine in his hand. We built our reputation as a live band, and it was important to capture that on the record,” Summons tells us.

“I think it does that,” he continues. “We used to get

this wonderful backhanded compliment a lot: ‘You guys are way better live’. We’re hoping people will hear this album and feel we’ve grabbed hold of what they liked about that.”

It’s always been a key part of Otherkin’s philosophy to build a following outside Ireland.

Their local following got a serious boost when they stepped out as openers to Guns ‘N’ Roses at Slane this year, but as vibrant as our music scene is, it’s simply too small for a four-piece band to play enough shows to survive just playing here.

The exceptions are acts that have become massive cultural entities on our shores, with even the likes of Bell X1, The Coronas, and The Frames never really imitating their Irish success overseas.

“We’re still told by a lot of people that America

is the place for our music, because that’s where the kind of music we make is popular,” Wynne tells us, referencing another raucous punk-pop outfit, FIDLAR. “We’re still trying to break England, but America is the golden target.

“It’s going in some interesting ways at the moment; we’re playing three dates in Serbia on the album tour, for example. One of our singles got a lot of radio play on MTV over there.

Kosovo “There’s one in Kosovo, too, and a couple of others around there to fill it out. We love Ireland, but to survive as a band it’s important to succeed elsewhere.

“We’ve had some great experiences out on the road, like the lads that came from Cork to go to the

Leeds show, just to give us a flag.”

There’s still a long way to go, though, and Otherkin are painfully aware of the importance of this debut release. “Our record label have made the point to us that the majority of people are never likely to have heard of us before this record comes out,” Summons says.

“We have to make sure it’s right, you can only do this once. Music can be quite a cynical, cyclical thing. I think we’re happy to have it out there. We’re definitely happy with it, there’s been a natural build up. To us they’re old songs, but it’s important we get out of our perspective and understand that to most people, these are totally new songs, and they’re hearing them for the first time.”

“It’s important you had that build-up, I think,”

Reilly adds. “We did some quite weird, arthousestyle stuff before we really found our sound. It was kind of like rock opera stuff. The album’s quite simple in a way, as eventually we just kind of found our sound collectively. It always landed back on this free-spirited style. We come from really different musical backgrounds, but there are a few shared influences that feed into Otherkin, like Queens of The Stone Age, Blur, Ash, and The Ramones.”

“We always wanted to make music as a career, but it was very much a back-of-the-mind kind of thing, it was never the focus,” Summons explains.

“A couple of us were studying medicine, so a lot of our friends are off doing 80-hour weeks. I don’t know how many hours we spend making music.

We just hang around with each other.”

It’s certainly worked for them so far. “Obviously we’re not bringing in vast amounts of money,” Summons tells us. “We’ve been doing random little bits, like nightclub nights and playing weddings to get by. It has been about balancing making pocket money and making the album, I guess.

“But we’re having a really great time. I don’t think any of us regret going down this road. We’re really lucky, in that we really are great friends, and we all have very similar views about what we want from all this. The memories and the experience are worth more than any well-paid job.”  Otherkin’s debut album ‘OK’ is released on CD, vinyl and digital download on September 29. Following an extensive European tour, they return to Dublin in December.

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DUBLINLIFE

STYLE Grace: Om Diva (yellow dress) €280 and Yomiko: Om Diva (pink dress) €280

Yomiko: Coco boutique (nude & black gown) €395, Sarah: Pamela Scott (floral gown) €279.99 and Grace: Soho Market (nude, leg split gown) €99

AFASHBASH

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

DUBLINTOWN hosted their yearly fashion show extravaganza last Friday (Sept 22) in the Mansion House to launch the new A/W season.

Titled, Dublin Fashion 2017: The Collective, the event showcased the latest trends, styles and must-buys for the season ahead from leading high

Sarah: Pamela Scott (red silk puffy dress) €330

street, Creative Quarter and high-end retailers from across Dublin city centre.

Hosted by Xpose’s Glenda Gilson, the event welcomed 500 of the city’s most stylish personalities.

Many of the city’s flagship stores took part on the night, including Brown Thomas, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Powerscourt Centre, Arnotts, Ilac Shopping Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre, Louis Copeland, River Island, Om Diva, New

Look and Penneys, as well as a host of boutiques and vintage stores across the city.

Once again, Dublin Fashion Festival celebrated the creme de la creme of Irish design talent with the Dublin Fashion Young Designer of the Year Award, which went to Dublin-based designer Naomi Ajetunmobi. Naomi lives in Fairview and studied design at Grafton Academy of Fashion and Design.

Grace: Soho Market (nude, leg split gown) €99

Sarah: Pamela Scott (white jumpsuit €279.99)

28 September 2017 GAZETTE 19

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FEATURE

Awalk Getting a taste of Heineken H41 Wild Lager in a secret bar

Historian Seamus Hogan from the Irish Georgian Society

Dolphin House

on the

wild side

 EMMA NOLAN

Tour guide Danny

MOST Dubliners would never consider going on a walking tour of their own city, but a new walking tour from The Locals explores some of the city’s hidden gems that may have gone unnoticed over the years.

This summer, Dublin culture curators The Locals set out on a mission to take Dubliners on a “journey of exploration and discovery”.

Having paired up with H41 Wild Lager by Heineken, the Dublin Discovery Tour takes guests around some much-loved spots in Dublin city centre, as well as a few hidden gems; those that are off the beaten track and can’t be found on any maps.

The Dublin Gazette went along to see if there were indeed any secret places that managed to pass us by, and to our surprise there was a few!

The journey started on South King Street where tour guide Danny brought the gang on a

delightful walk through town, stopping at various locations, both new and old.

Danny’s brilliantly insightful commentary had everyone ‘oohing and aahing’ as he explained the history behind the Mercer’s Hospital building on Mercer Street and continued to surprise with his Dublin facts throughout the tour.

A highlight was most definitely, a talk from historian Seamus Hogan of the Irish Georgian Society in the society’s bookshop on South William Street. Seamus gave a captivating talk on Dublin’s economic history throughout the ages (hint: not much has changed) and spoke about what our city was like in the Georgian period.

Another ‘aha’ moment was a trip to a secret bar (that this Dubliner had never heard of and will keep it a secret to preserve the mystery) where we enjoyed samples of Heineken H41 Wild Lager with some delicious food.

One particularly surprising

fact was a building in Temple Bar where the first Irish Coffee was made (not Shannon Airport as many of us thought). You’ll have to get Danny to explain that one to you.

Another thing about this tour – go hungry, you will be well fed!

Not only did we enjoy food from the secret bar, we also took a trip to Aungier Danger for one of their signature doughnuts, a new Dublin staple.

Speaking about the tour, John Mahon, founder of The Locals, said: “There is so much of Dublin that even the city’s inhabitants don’t know about.

“There are so many stories to tell and we will bring this to life with six specially curated walking tours around the streets of central Dublin. We’re delighted to partner with H41 Wild Lager

by Heineken and look forward to sampling some of this great new beer along the way.”

The tour is currently sold out but visit thelocals.ie to join their mailing list for updates.

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DUBLINLIFE

Enchanted Forest Cake INTRODUCE kids to baking with this imaginative Enchanted Forest Cake designed by Siúcra and Catherine Fulvio. Whether you’re baking this show stopping cake for a magical birthday celebration or for a chocolatey treat, this easy step by step method is designed to help children develop a love of baking early on.

Serves 10 to 12 slices INGREDIENTS

FOR DECORATION

For the cake

100g strawberries,

170g softened butter

hulled and sliced

200g Siúcra Caster Sugar

150g Siúcra rollout icing

5 eggs

Siúcra royal icing

350g plain flour, sifted

Yellow colour paste, for

2 tsp baking powder

the flowers

60g cocoa powder

Red colour paste, for the mushrooms

FOR THE BUTTERCREAM

Green colour paste, for

200g softened butter

the leaves

400g Siúcra Icing Sugar

Light brown colour

60g cocoa powder

paste, for the door

60g melted chocolate 40ml milk METHOD To prepare the cake 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Line 2 x 18cm cake tins with baking parchment.

2. Place the butter into a large mixing bowl and whisk with an electric beater. Gradually add the sugar and whisk until fluffy and pale.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time. Fold in the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder.

4. Divide the cake mix between the 2 lined cake tins and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check that the cake is cooked, insert a skewer in the centre and if it comes out clean the cake is done.

5. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.

TO PREPARE THE BUTTERCREAM & DECORATIONS 1. Whisk the sugar and butter together until fluffy, add the cocoa powder and melted chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate into the butter cream and whisk again until soft.

2. Add enough colour paste into the roll out icing to create red mushrooms. Shape a small cap and a small cylindrical shape and glue them together with a stroke of egg white.

Make white dots on the top with royal icing.

3. Add enough colour paste to the roll out icing to form a brown door, shape out with a knife and add a door knob.

4. Add enough colour paste to the roll out icing to form green leaves, shape out with a cutter. Choose any colour and add the colour paste to the roll out icing for the flowers and use a cutter to shape.

TO ASSEMBLE 1. Trim the cake evenly and reserve that piece to create “steps” to the fairy door. Place a cake layer on the cake stand, spread some chocolate butter cream and arrange the sliced strawberries over. Cover with the other layer of cake.

2. Using a large spatula cover the sides of the cake, the “steps” as well as the top of the cake with buttercream. Dip the spatula in hot water for a smooth finish for the top while drawing stroke upwards to form a “bark” effect on the sides.

3. Place the door on the side of the cake near the “steps” and arrange the mushrooms beside the door and on the top of the cake. Place the flowers and leaves on the sides and top.

4. Serve up & enjoy!

FOOD

Top pizza place rolls out a tasty Calabrese

 EMMA NOLAN

DUBLIN Pizza Company has introduced a special Calabrese pizza to its menu, inspired by its owner, Michael Ryan’s food journey through Naples.

First presented at The House of Peroni residency in Dublin in May, where Dublin Pizza Company popped up for a two-week stint, the Calabrese pizza combines high quality Irish and Italian produce to create an authentically Neapolitan pizza.

Fresh, handmade dough is topped with Toonsbridge mozzarella from West Cork, nduja from Calabria in Southern Italy, tomato, rocket and basil pesto, before being cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.

The Italian nduja, a spicy, spreadable sausage, was brought to Dublin Pizza Company by Michael’s House of Peroni collaborator, Francesco Mazzei, who sourced it from his native Calabria.

Mazzei was one of the first chefs to champion nduja

Dublin Pizza Company welcomes the Calabrese

on the London restaurant scene in the mid 2000s, and he frequently uses it in his cooking.

The Calabrese pizza

is €11 for medium and €13 for large at Dublin Pizza Company, 32 Aungier Street, Dublin 2 until the end of Septem-

ber. Open Monday to Sunday from 5pm until 12pm. Call 01 561 1714 or order online at www. dublinpizzacompany.ie.

Top chicken spot gets added craic  EMMA NOLAN

Crackbird has taken over its sister restaurant Bear’s premises on South William Street

POPULAR chicken spot Crackbird has taken over its sister restaurant Bear’s premises on South William Street.

Bear is going into hibernation to await a new premises, while their pizza franchise, Skinflint, has moved to Crackbird’s former perch on Dame Street.

Crackbird South William will feature all the favourites including Buttermilk Chicken and Soy Garlic Chicken, half or full, Wings by the Dozen, Crunches and Grilled Thighs with all the usual pecks, salads, sides and sauces.

“This is Crackbird with added craic”, said Joe Macken, proud papa of Jo’burger, Skinflint, and Crackbird. “Expect tunes, pitchers, fizz, cocktails and more. The location is choice, with a front bar and terrace, so we’re going to tweak the menu and vibe to suit.”

Crackbird South William is open from noon daily; closes 11pm Thursday to Saturday, 10pm Monday to Wednesday, and 9pm on Sunday.

28 September 2017 GAZETTE 21

TravelShorts

GAZETTE

TRAVEL CHRISTMAS: ALL ACROSS EUROPE, DAZZLING DESTINATIONS AWAIT

Fantastic deals for mid-term break getaways WITH some schools now back in full swing, we don’t blame you for looking forward to the mid-term break and GoHop.ie have some fantastic deals on offer.

Whether you want to take a city break to Prague, or get the last of the sun in Faro, GoHop.ie have something for everything.

All you need to do is decide where you want to go!

Spend four nights in the three-star Studio 17 by Atlantic Hotels, Faro, from

Already a dazzling city in its own right, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (above) is just one of a number

only €148pp. Price includes: Return

of truly incredible Christmas markets held in Germany. Not to be outdone, Prague’s Christmas

flights ex. Cork, four nights’ accommo-

market (right) is another unforgettable destination for the very special time of year.

dation as stated, taxes and charges.

Based on two adults and two children sharing. Travel: 16th October 2017 Spend five nights in the three-star Sun and Sands Hotel, Dubai, from only €548pp.Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, five nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on

In the market for festive fun?  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

two adults and two children sharing.

Travel: 17th October 2017 Spend five nights in the three-star Pension Hotel, Prague, from only €203pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, five nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on two adults and two children sharing.

Travel: 21st October 2017 Spend three nights in the three-star Royal Costa Hotel, Torremolinos, from only €222pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Cork, three nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Travel: 23rd October 2017 Spend three nights in the fourstar Residhome Val D’Europe, Paris, from only €206pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, three nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on two adults and two children sharing. Travel: 27th October 2017 Prices are subject to dates and availability.

For more information or to book visit www.GoHop.ie or call the experts on 01-2412389.

IT MIGHT sound premature to be talking about Christmas markets but when it comes to bargains the early bird catches the worm – and the stocking fillers.

The festive tradition started in Europe and Germany still leads the field when it comes to delighting the senses with tempting aromas and yuletide treats.

It has more than 150 markets whose beautifully decorated stalls celebrate seasonal customs and traditions in historical settings – while choirs and brass bands provide the musical accompaniment to create the perfect atmosphere.

Particularly popular are the Berlin market, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt and the Striezelmarkt in Dresden.

The Stollenfest makes for an unusual highlight of the Dresden market. Every year, members of the Dresdner

Stollen protection association (indeed) bake a huge stolen – a traditional Christmas cake – which weighs a ton.

The Frankfurt Römerberg is another ideal location to experience a truly magical and original German Christmas market.

Held from November 27 right up to December 22, the market’s beautifully decorated stalls offer a wide variety of local and regional specialities such as gingerbread, “Bethmännchen” or hot apple wine, sweets and pottery.

And then there’s the unique honey shop on St. Paul’s Square, one of the market’s unusual attractions.

At home in a 300-year-old halftimbered house erected for the duration of the Christmas market, the two-storey shop sells honey, mead,

candles and many other honey-based products that may be tasted or tested in the cosy first floor lounge.

The traditional Munich Christmas market invites you to the Marienplatz with its historic town hall. It’s just a few steps to Germany’s biggest ‘Kripperlmarkt’, where you can find everything that belongs at a Christmas market.

When the live music rings out daily from the town hall’s balcony you find yourself completely immersed in Advent.

T he market square with its historical buildings is the perfect setting for Bremen’s enchanting Christmas market. Visitors come from far and wide to browse around the craft stalls and exhibitions in

the town hall (lower hall) and in Böttcherstrasse. Christmas concerts add to the festive mood.

Of course the markets are not exclusive to Germany. Other top destinations include Poland’s Krakow and Prague, where the two main Christmas markets are just a short 10 minute stroll from each other.

Set in the city’s grandest squares, you can feast on smoky barbecued sausages (Kolbása), sugar coated pastry (Trdelní¬k) or dripping hunks of roasted ham. The traditional wooden stalls hold an array of trinkets to take home, such as Czech crystal figurines, wooden toys and brightly painted puppets.

In Vienna the smell of gluhwein, sausage and nutmeg lingers in the air. Carols can be heard at many of the markets but the most dazzling performances can be heard at the Christmas Market at Rathauspark and the magnificent City Hall.

Other favourites include Budapest, Zurich, Amsterdam, Bruges and, closer to home, Edinburgh.

Now’s the time to bag a deal and here are some of our favourites: Spend two nights in the four-star Hotel Aida in Prague, on a B&B basis, from only €140 per person, based on two sharing. Price includes flights, accommodation, taxes and charges. Travel date: November 29 (www.

GoHop.ie).

Click&Go is offering fourstar Christmas market getaways from as little as e195 per person sharing (www.clickandgo.com).

You can get a three-night stay in Bruges from e399 per person sharing, or Berlin from e359, with the Travel Department (www.traveldepartment.ie).

Or how about two nights in the four-star Triple M Hotel from just €166 per person sharing, travelling on November 18 (www.GoHop.ie).

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22 GAZETTE 28 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

A tale of two Civics Honda has unveiled its new Civic – a car that’s grown in size, stature and reputation over its 40-year history. MICHAEL MORONEY drove the two versions of the new Civic, both turbo-petrol powered, and he explains why making that choice will be important.

TEN GENERATIONS on and Honda has produced a new and distinctive Civic, the company’s best-selling car in Ireland.

As the Civic celebrates 40 years of production, it has emerged as a more modern and bigger car than ever before. This latest Civic has retained its distinctive style, while it’s obviously sportier in design and feels more spacious.

There is so much new in the latest generation Honda Civic and I must start with the new petrol engine options. There are two new engines for the Civic, a new three-cylinder 1.0-litre version and the new 1.5-litre option, both of which are turbocharged. Over a period of a week, I took my turn at driving both models with my longer driving time spent in the smaller 1.0litre version.

The new three-cylinder 1.0-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine is more impressive to drive than you expect. The sixspeed manual gearbox gets the best out of the engine, which needs to rev into the higher speed zone for motorway driving. This will impact to some extent on the fuel economy figures which are rated at 21m/litre (4.8/100km or 59mpg).

When I moved to the larger 1.5-litre VTEC turbo, it was matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox and the performance improved as too did the fuel economy. That was because the bigger engine with more power and torque required less revs to deliver of its best.

It is also faster in terms of acceleration as you would expect given its additional 53bhp and

FASTNews

The new Volvo XC40

Small but mighty New VC40 launched VOLVO has expanded

its line-up of SUVs with the launch of its new XC40 small SUV. The new XC40 is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series including fully electrified vehicles.

Co-developed within Geely, CMA claims to provide the company with the necessary economies of scale for this segment.

The new Honda Civic is a larger, lighter and more spacious car, with two new petrol engines under the bonnet and a complete interior design change

From start of production, the XC40 will be available with a

ing style and demands.

In every aspect, this new Civic is different.

Engine 1.0 litre Honda claims that this Engine power 129hp new Civic is lighter, yet 0 – 100km/hr 10.6 seconds stronger than in the past due to the use of new genEconomy 21m/litre

(4.8/100km or 59mpg) eration steel in its structure. The car sits lower on Fuel Tank Capacity 46 litres the road and on a longer CO2 emissions 110g/km wheelbase, for greater Road Tax Band A3 €190 stability, adding to that Main Service 15,000km/12 months sporty driving feel.

Existing Civic drivers Euro NCAP Rating 4 star (2017) will Warranty 3 years/100,000km notice that the interior of the car is totally Entry Price €23,750 new, with a new easier 40Nm of engine torque. have less of an impact to use layout, lots of new That extra power shaves than some of the other technologies included about 2.5 seconds off the useful specifications in coupled with a lower seat0 to 100km/hr accelera- the car. That’s why the ing position. tion pace. Switch cars as new 1.0-litre version is The layout is easy to use I did and you’ll quickly attracting more attention. and I quickly got familiar notice the change in pace This engine is smooth with the controls and the as the 1.5-litre version will and quiet, with power on Honda Connect system. power ahead, while not demand when needed. The new instrument disadding significantly to the The price point differ- play layout includes a ences are not very large, new seven-inch colour running costs.

For those car owners so the engine choice, both TFT-LCD Driver Inforwho are mostly city driv- of which are impressive, mation Interface (DII) ers the engine choice will will depend on your driv- display with a large digital

SPECS: Honda Civic 1.0

tachometer and speedometer readout.

The driver can switch between a variety of infotainment screens, including navigation instructions, SMS and email text display, smart phone contacts, journey trip information, and smart vehicle maintenance information.

The Civic has achieved a four-star safety rating in a recent Euro NCAP crash testing programme, which includes improved pedestrian impact results, helped by the car’s new collision mitigation systems.

The new 2017 Civic incorporates the secondgeneration of Honda’s infotainment and connectivity system, called Honda Connect which now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system allows the driver to bring iPhone functionality,

delivering the interface through the Civic’s display. Drivers can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music from the touch-screen or by voice using Apple’s Siri commands.

The entry price point for the new Honda Civic at €23,750 is about 6% higher than the outgoing model but this is a radically changed car with impressive performance and economy improvements. The jump in price to the higher specification models is significant adding more than €2,500 when you choose the next step up, Plus versions that come with some additional useful kit and bigger alloy wheels.

The bigger engine car for longer haul drivers adds a further €5,000 to the entry price, so choose carefully.

D4 diesel or a T5 petrol four-cylinder Drive-E engine. Further engine options, including a hybridised as well as a pure electric version, will be added later. The XC40 will also be the first Volvo model to be available with Volvo Cars’ new 3-cylinder engine.

Volvo claims that the XC40 is 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 and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360 degree Camera that helps drivers manoeuvre their car into tight parking spaces.

28 September 2017 GAZETTE 23

2017 Range Rover Velar

2017 Peugeot 5008

2017 Tesla

2017 Seat Arona

Motoring debuts at the Ploughing Championships The motor companies also used the occasion to test the

IRISH MOTOR car distributors flocked in big numbers to test

industry braved the muck and heavy rain to show their latest

the appetite for new cars among the huge audience at this

models, some of which were seen by an Irish audience for the

market appetite for electric, hybrid and petrol cars. There

year’s National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore. The

first time ever. While some of the cars may have looked out

were plenty of offers on view to tempt drivers away from the

huge attendance, almost 300,000 people over three days, and

of place in terms of the muddy field background, the interest

diesel option, the rural market that dominates events such

not all rural folk, gives the motor companies an opportunity

among car enthusiasts was huge.

as the ploughing championships will take some persuading to

to gauge reaction to new models.

While the international motor industry was focused on the comforts of the vast Frankfurt Motor Show, the Irish motor

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 7 seat

The ploughing event has become Ireland’s biggest motor show in terms of stands, ranges of cars on view and, of course, that huge national audience.

abandon diesel power, in the short term at least.

Here we look at some of the new cars that appeared at the impressive national event.

2017 Renault Alaskan

GAZETTE

MOTORING

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

WIND RIVER: FILM’S SNOWBOUND SETTING EMPHASISES SOME ICY OBSERVATIONS

ReelReviews

IT

Not clowning about here THE latest spin on the classic Stephen King tale from way, wayyy back when he was still great sees It (Cert 16, 134 mins) come to life. A group of kids band together when ‘It’ – an evil force that usually appears as a clown – starts preying on their small town. It might unsettle any coulrophobiacs out there (yes, we looked that one up, too), but the film has a decent ‘Stranger Things’ feel.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Still feels otherwordly

A chill runs through it

A Native American reservation plays host to this tale of a murder and its investigation – but the death of the American dream also permeates the film’s frames

FOLLOWING a relatively unremarkable career as an actor in television series such as Walker, Texas Ranger, Veronica Mars, and (slightly more notably) Sons of Anarchy, Taylor Sheridan made the transition to screenwriting and a name for himself as a chronicler of crime in the midst of dying Americana.

Sheridan’s intelligent, lyrical and brutal screenplay for 2015’s Sicario followed dr ug-car tel crime along the MexicanAmerican border, hailed as much for its script as for Denis Villeneuve’s direction.

Last year’s Hell or High Water, directed by David McKenzie, showed clearer signs of what’s evidently become Sheridan’s signature style and thematic

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

fixation; the slowly dying American dream, manifested in shuttered businesses and vast western expanses of moral grey area.

Hell or High Water was applauded for revitalising and modernising the western genre, resting comfortably at the top of many critics’ yearly lists (including this one).

With his directorial debut, Wind River (Cert 16, 107 mins), Sheridan continues to play with those themes. However,

for the characters of this harrowing thriller, the American dream was never a possibility to begin with, denied them by the people that dreamt it up.

Taking place on a Native American reservation on the plains and hills of snowy Wyoming, Wind River begins ominously, as a young girl runs for her life – and dies – in the cold of night.

Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) is the reservation wildlife officer who discovers the body. FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) is brought in to investigate and when the autopsy reveals that the girl was raped, she teams up with Lambert to track down those responsible.

Wind River is a lean, mean and expertly crafted

thriller – a commendable job for Sheridan’s first directorial effort. The storytelling here is economic; often meditative but never painfully so.

Despite the foggy nature of the crime, this is a story driven by emotion, rather than mystery.

Wind River isn’t fraught with twists and turns – just the sudden, unsettling and graphic realisation of inhumanity and deeprooted inequality.

As with Hell or High Water, the emphasis on family ties leaves space for plenty of melodrama; Sheridan certainly has a penchant for the overtlytragic and doesn’t shy away from a helping of good old, American-style cheese.

However, it’s never long

before reality rears its ugly head – in Sheridan’s America, light only ever serves to illuminate the darkness, to draw it out and give the bad prominence over the good.

The vast expanses of white snow that dominate Wind River’s aesthetic may give the film a light, almost heavenly quality, but against that angelic canvass, bloodstains and dirt have nowhere to hide.

Sheridan successfully juxtaposes darkness and light, the bad and the good, in everything from storytelling to style, to create another land of moral grey area.

The events unfold in a world not outside the word of law, but one largely forgotten by wider society, where crime can go

unchecked, unpunished and where violence can flourish.

The ultimate sadness here, then, is not in the tragic story we’re told, but the realistic depiction of a culture left by the wayside.

Unfortunately, Wind River’s lead characters, played by Renner and Olsen, are the story’s least interesting, and are less developed than the antiheroes of Hell or High Water.

With a little more subtlety of message and a little more time spent developing these leads, Wind River would be a real winner.

Still, there’s plenty here to have us leave the cinema both enthralled, angered and anticipating what Sheridan gives us next..

Verdict: 8/10

CINEMA fans are in for a treat with the 4K restoration of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Cert PG, 145 mins), which has briefly returned to earth for a limited run showing. The 1978 release has never looked or sounded so good, and still holds up well as a timeless masterpiece, as a group of disparate people are drawn together to answer one of Mankind’s greatest questions: are we alone?

DEATH NOTE

No write stuff here ...

THIS is probably our last nod at Death Note on Netflix, which is continuing its trend of producing some quirky content that competes with the big screen. Sadly, unlike recent masterpiece Okja, Death Note is a badly botched Netflix original. A high school student ends up with a supernatural notebook that can kill anyone, and sets off on an increasingly deranged murder spree. One to avoid.

28 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING

One of these games is about rambling around an island, solving puzzles as you go – the other is about battling unspeakable, ancient horrors beneath a crumbling, ruined house. Can you tell which is which?

TIME-SINKS: TWO NEW IPAD TITLES TO WATCH THE HOURS FLY BY ON ANY LONG JOURNEY

Sun above, dread below FACING an imminent long-distance holiday – and that’s a subtle hint I’ll be AWOL for the next couple of editions – I thought I’d highlight two very recently released iPad games. They’re as different as night and day, but they’re both real-time sinks that are perfect for losing a few, or several, hours at a time on long journeys.

Whether you choose to explore a relaxed, sun-kissed island, or flee for your wailing life from unspeakable, ancient horrors, they’re both well-executed iPad ports of great games which came out on console, first, but have translated very well to touchscreen gaming...

THE WITNESS

SOME readers may recall a review of the console original of this title, some time back, which has made the leap to small screen very much intact – and is even better, in some respects.

Set on a small but densely detailed island, The Witness is hope to literally hundreds and hundreds of swiping puzzles, mostly in small, connected batches, as well as a sparsely scattered plot, of sorts.

Improving on the console original, you simply tap on screen where you want to move to, and if

possible, the game walks – or more like drifts – to that spot, as you look around as you go.

Repeat, and you’ll soon be gliding peacefully all around the island, from its snowbound top to quiet caverns, facing locked doors, mysterious sights and obstructive puzzles all around.

You’ll occasionally find audio logs, which offer unusual commentaries – what has an astronaut’s perspective of the meaningless of border lines and Mankind’s self-imposed divisions have to do with puzzles on an island, you may wonder?

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

Moving on, and despite the weak, jagged shadow maps and slightly ragged graphics, it’s an accomplished port that really nails the quiet, calm beauty of The Witness.

As for its multitude of puzzles, they’re all variants of drawing a line from point A to B – but they all have their own sets of rules to work out.

For example, you might have to trace around seemingly scattered white dots on a grid – but without clear instructions, it could take a while to work out that each white dot can only be passed by the line you trace along two of

its sides, so how can you trace a line to the finish in the right order?

That’s only a small flavour of the game, but the literally hundreds of puzzles scattered about the deserted, enigmatic island quickly range from the blindingly easy to the bafflingly obscure, making it very much a pick-up-andplay game.

After all, if a puzzle is too hard – you can just walk away, perhaps to the beach, or through the orchard, or past the waterfalls, or around the bamboo trees, settling in to a holiday state of mind – but one that doesn’t involve tracing more lines around more tiles ...

DARKEST DUNGEON

FOR all of the many Lovecraftian influences found in a variety of pop culture sources, it’s hard to pin down many gaming titles

that actively single out the type of dread, creeping horror that was once popular in certain rarefied literary circles.

While Lovecraft is perhaps a bit old-hat to most modern readers, the spirit of his particular style of unsettling, ancient horrors beyond Man’s comprehension was particularly well captured in the 2000 smash-hit debut book by author Mark Z Danielewski: House of Leaves.

However, gaming – although packed to the brim with many types of horror genres – hasn’t quite capitalised on the old-world charms of truly old-skool nightmares.

Enter Darkest Dungeon, the touchscreen port of the cult (pun intended) console game, which brings all the pitchblack Gothic horror, and difficulty, of its ‘big brother’ to the small screen,

ready to kill hours of your time as you desperately try to keep your heroes alive.

In a suitably Lovecraftian setup, the ruin of a fallen house of once noble name sits above a shabby, craven village.

A stagecoach regularly dispatches eager adventurers seeking to plunder the depths of the ruins, hallways, caves and other avenues of ancient antiquity beneath that imposing shell.

Loosely pegged as ‘a Roguelike’ game – that is, a game with complex rules, challenging difficulty and gaming’s greatest terror: permadeath (so that if your character dies, autosave kicks in and they’re lost forever) – Darkest Dungeon is a demanding, generally rock-hard game.

As if trying to juggle resources and defeat tough foes alike wasn’t

enough of a challenge, your characters’ sanity also comes into play, as they can be driven mad, with potentially fatal results, by the horrors they face, affecting their gameplay and your team, too.

The HUD is a little too small and fiddly for my liking, making it sometimes a bit tricky to organise what you’re doing, but the beautifully dark art style and animation, and the wryly arch running commentary you constantly hear, create an enjoyable atmospheric title.

And, as you watch your heroes’ health dwindle, their food run out and torches sputter and fad,e with a sudden ambush snaring your not-sococky-now group and permadeath lurking in the shadows, you’ll find that Darkest Dungeon has sunk its teeth very firmly into you.

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

SPORT

Proud sponsors of the DLGFA adult championships

LADIES FOOTBALL: SEPTEMBER’S PLAYER OF THE MONTH WINNER

MONTHLYStars McCluskey

Club season reaches its crescendo in Fingallians SUNDAY sees the culmination of the New Ireland Assurance Championship season with Foxrock Cabinteely and Ballyboden St Enda’s battling it out for the senior championship crown at Lawless Park at 4pm.

The final comes hot on the heels of Dublin’s second All-Ireland county success with plenty of the stars from Croke Park getting straight back into competitive action with Foxrock’s Sinead Goldrick, Hannah O’Neill, Tarah O’Sullivan and Niamh Collins all set to feature while Boden’s Emily Flanagan and key defender Rachel Ruddy the stars to watch.

It forms the second half of a double header with the Junior B championship getting underway at 2pm with O’Dwyer’s making the short trip down from Balbriggan to the Swords venue to take on Raheny.

It promises to be a cracking end to the 2017 New Ireland Assurance DLGFA club championship season.

GazetteSport will be seeking your nominations for the October Star of the Month from these two ties to help us honour the finest performers on the club stage.

Send in your nominations for October’s Player of the Month to sport@dublingazette.com

by Monday, October 9, including the player’s name, club and a couple of lines about why you feel they should be up for the honour.

loving the dual sided lifestyle  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

ERIN’S ISLE full-forward Gillian McCluskey - the star of her side’s Dublin Junior C Final victory against Naomh Olaf earlier in September - is the New Ireland Assurance Ladies Football player of the month.

McCluskey is a former Dublin camogie star, and still turns out for Erin’s Isle at the top end of competitive camogie at club level, meaning GAA is a real lifestyle for her. “ I ’m t r a i n i n g f i ve nights a week, and I’ve been playing since I was 12” she tells GazetteSport. “The football team at Erin’s Isle only started three years ago after one of the player’s husbands agreed to take it on, so it’s been an interesting journey.

“We had a lot of play-

ers who had retired from camogie who came back for that first year, and we told the association we thought we were strong but we were put in Division 9.

“That first year involved a lot of games where we scored ten or so goals. It’s been a bit tougher since then! But we’re star ting to see young players coming through more and more.

The aim is to keep going year after year.”

It took until this month, in fact, for Erin’s Isle to lose their first game of their 2017 season.

They were defeated in the cup with a team weakened by holidays against Tomas Davis they but are set to add another promotion to a championship that saw them deal with some demons.

Gillian McCluskey, wearing 14, celebrates championship success. Picture: GAAPics.com

“We lost of Parnell’s in the semi-final last time around and beat them in the semi-final this time, which was obviously nice,” McCluskey recalls. “In the final [against Naomh Olaf], we felt like we should probably have won the game in the first half, we were a bit disappointed.

“But we went in level after they got a late goal.

We were really strong at the start of the second half, and they came back

a little bit towards the end.”

McCluskey herself got two of the goals in a 4-7 to 2-10 win. “We have tended to score a few goals because we play in a way that creates space at the front,” she said.

“I think a lot of the credit has to go to the defence, though, as they’re very good, and the platform they give us gives us real freedom in attack.”

As for the crossover

into camogie? “I’ve found my eye is a lot better for the football from camogie,” she explains.

“And the fitness level requirements for football are high, so that’s helped my camogie game.

“I do a lot, it’s definitely a lifestyle, but I love it,” McCluskey jokes, “sure, it takes over sometimes but we have girls playing for us who have kids. At least I get to go home and get to look after myself!”

28 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Player of the match Healy hails “phenomenal” team  JAMES HENDICOTT

Dublin scratch seven year All-Ireland itch

Heartache and pain of trio of successive senior ladies football final defeats laid to rest as Dublin breakdown Mayo resolve with breathtaking late show in front of a bumper crowd ALL-IRELAND FINAL Dublin 4-11 Mayo 0-11  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

A TEARFUL Noelle Healy. pictured, credited a “phenomenal” team effort as she was awarded player of the match in the All Ireland Ladies’ Final, as the Jackies swatted aside Mayo to bring home a long awaited Brendan Martin Cup. “It’s unbelievable,” Healy said as she picked up the award. “The last few years have obviously been very difficult to take. It’s such a great group of girls, we love playing football, we love playing with each other and we love playing for Dublin. This is just beyond words.

“We’ve been working really hard on just doing the simply things, and playing the brand of football we like to play. Coming into the year, that’s all that Mick [Bohan] and all the management team were relaying, just do the simple things, just go out there and play your style of football.”

“That’s what we did,” she explained. “We just stuck to it. We probably missed a few opportunities that we’d have been disappointed with, but it was just ‘next ball, next ball’. I think our bench was phenomenal. We were unfortunate to lose Sinead Finnegan [injured, in the first half], who’s been a stand out player for us this year.

“Dee Murphy, who’s been pushing our standards so hard in training, she came on and just drove us on. The same with Fiona Hudson, and as for Sarah McCaffrey [who came off the bench to score two goals], what can you say. Phenomenal.”

Captain Sinead Aherne lifted the Brendan Martin Cup after the game, and credited Mayo in her post match speech, saying they’d “brought so much to this final.”

Aherne, who was a dominant attacking figure in the contest despite seeing her first half penalty saved, continued by thanking the county board, the supporters and the team.

“The support of our clubs has been critical,” the Sylvester’s woman added. “To Mayo, we can only say that we’ve been where you are now.

“We know the pain of defeat, but we also know that it can be overcome. We expected a massive battle today and you challenged us at every step.

We know that we’ll see you back here soon.”

“A special thank you for those who’ve been with us throughout, bringing us back from painful defeats as well as celebrating victory. It means more than we can ever express.”

DUBLIN scratched a seven-year itch to put their senior football final demons to bed as they confidently dismissed Mayo 4-11 to 0-10 in front of a huge record crowd of 46,286 at Croke Park on Sunday.

Sinead Aherne and Cora Staunton exchanged early points with the game opening at an absolutely frantic pace. Staunton’s chances kept coming, in fact, but arguably the stand out star of ladies football showed a certain fallibility under huge pressure early on. She launched a couple of decent chances, including a free, wide of the Dublin posts.

The opening period was nip and tuck, a manic yet tactical contest from both sides, physical and fluid. Captain Aherne was clearly the key for Dublin, scoring the Jackies’ opening five points while the persistent Staunton clocked four in response at the other end.

The first major turning point came with 20 minutes on the clock. Noelle Healy broke from midfield and charged unchallenged for forty metres, before neatly playing in Niamh McEvoy. McEvoy found just enough space in a crowded box to roll the ball into the back of the Mayo net and put the Dubs on top, 1-5 to 0-5.

Then came another big moment. Six minutes before half time, Aherne broke into the Mayo box only to be clipped around

the ankle in a diving challenge by Mayo goalkeeper Yvonne Byrne, who was promptly sent from the pitch for 10 minutes.

Aisling Tarpey stepped up and – already a couple of metres off her line as Aherne struck the penalty – pulled off a sharp save with her first touch of the match.

Rachel Kearns joined Byrne in the sin bin and, with Mayo finishing the half with only 13 players, Noelle Healy hit the inside base of the Mayo post, only to see her effort bounce back out.

Come the whistle, Dublin led 1-6 to 0-6, but Mayo could take plenty of comfort in the margin: the Jackies could – and probably should – have been out of sight.

Lauren Magee almost got the Dubs off to the per-

The Dublin ladies footballers celebrate their All-Ireland success. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

fect second half start, with Aherne eventually scoring a free after the game was pulled back. Shortly before, Magee found herself clean through on the Mayo goal, but Aherne’s point gave Dublin a lead in excess of a single score for the first time.

The Connacht side were slowly being restored to full strength following the dual sin binnings, though, and having racked up 10 wides to Dublin’s four, it was really the westerners finishing that was costing them most.

A wide from Nicole Owens with Carla Rowe begging for the ball and free on goal on the far post was a poor move, while Healy’s mishit wide while similarly placed two minutes later looked like decisions the Jackies could regret, marking four

clear goal scoring chances missed for the girls in blue.

As Aherne and Staunton kept the scoreboard ticking over, though, with 15 minutes remaining the gap was fluctuating only very slightly. Lauren Magee’s desperate block in defense was typical of an energetic Dubs side, and the space it created won Aherne another free from close in, giving the Dubs a 1-9 to 0-8 lead.

Carla Rowe grinned as she knocked over her first point of the game with 12 minutes to go, some compensation for last year’s critical ‘wide’ score, which was called off target when it clearly split the posts in a single point final defeat.

Dublin were running the clock down on forgetting recent woes, though, and it the final punch was still to come. Sarah McCaffrey, sister of Jack, lashed home from the edge of the square into the roof of the Mayo net, and suddenly the heartache looked over.

From then on, it was easy street, as Dublin rammed home their advantage. Fiona Hudson’s brave block epitomised the spirit, and when Carla Rowe bashed home with three minutes remaining, there was a sense of destiny to it all.

Seconds later, McCaffrey palmed in her second to really put things to bed, the final margin an emphatic 12 points. After a seven year break, and for the second time ever, Brendan Martin is back in the capital.

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 28 September 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: NORTH COUNTY SIDE TOO STRONG FOR PRIORSWOOD

Baltimore cuts loose yet again for Swords GRIFFITH Swords Thunder kept their winning start to the season intact this weekend as they overcame Eanna respectively at ALSAA. “We are very happy to get the win,” said Thunder, head coach, Dave Baker. “The league is tough though and we still have a lot of work to do.”

His side built a strong 44-31 lead at half-time to their south Dublin rivals in their meeting before eventually racing out to a 91-66 victory with something to spare.

Conroy Baltimore put in a second strong performance of the campaign, landing 18 points with 11 rebounds and an assist thrown in for good measure.

Travis Black had 13 points to his name while Charlie Coombes netted 12. Justin Goldsborough and Alex Dolemnko also made valuable contributions as they added to their opening weekend win over Pyrobel Killester.

Next on their agenda is a first trip outside of Dublin for the season on Sunday when they go down to Cork to face UCC Demons.

Elsewhere Pyrobel Killester upset reigning league champions, Black Amber Templeogue, in a thrilling Dublin derby at Oblate Hall on Saturday evening, running out 96-82 point winners on the night.

“It’s a big win for us, Templeogue are an outstanding team, we lost to them twice last year and if you go down through the players on their roster, it’s like a who’s who of Irish basketball,” admitted Killester head coach, Brian O’Malley.

“We played with that little bit of desperation today that maybe Templeogue didn’t have. We had a tough start this year and last year, Thunder and Templeogue, so a baptism of fire.”

Lusk United Under-14 D side celebrate their Monday night success

Hoffmann’s Lusk heroics U-14 DB SPORTS FINAL Lusk United 4 Priorswood 0  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

LUSK United can celebrate in style having landed the Under-14 DB Sports Tours Cup with a 4-0 win over Priorswood FC on Monday.

Both sides suffered a nervy start to the game with the opening 15 minutes resembling a game of tennis more than a soccer match.

Lusk were the side to settle quickest and some good passages of play saw them take a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to a goal from Jacub Hoff-

mann.

The second half saw Lusk get firmly on top of their opponents, restricting the Coolock side to the odd chance on the counter.

Hoffman found the back of the net twice more to complete his hattrick, before Ben Farrelly rounded up the scoring.

“It was a great win.

We played some lovely football,” Lusk manager Christy Kavanagh told GazetteSport.

“We got them to get the ball on the ground and start playing football – passing and moving like we do in training and in other matches.

Asked what the difference was between the first and second half, Kavanagh explained how they had lost their composure due to stature of the game and needed to be reminded to play their own game during the half-time team talk.

Time-out “I was saying to the lads last night, I wish it was American football because we would have called a timeout after 15 minutes just to get a two-minute chat to calm them down.

“Once they calmed down they played some lovely football. The second half we really went

at them and found the spaces that we needed.

Really, there was only one team in it during the second half.”

Hoffmann may have been the name on the lips of many with a hattrick on the score board but football is a team game – a philosophy that is well-regarded at Lusk United.

“Ever ybody in the team did their job on the pitch – as you have to do to win a final.

“We had some super support from the club, the parents, grandparents, sisters, cousins, everybody.”

Lusk are in a great position to follow up this

victory by completing the league and couple double if they win their remaining two games.

They currently sit top of the NDSL table, five points ahead of closest rivals Rivervalley Rangers.

The latter have a game in hand, however, and the two sides still need to face each other in what could be a last day of the season decider.

“I assume the league is going to have it as the last game,” Kavanagh added. “It could be that we will be two points ahead going into the last game if they win their two games and we win our game.”

28 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: ALL-IRELAND VICTORY REACTION

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS BRENDAN Martin Cup: Congratulations

sary milestone there is a reunion night

to our Dublin ladies on winning the All-

on Saturday, October 14.

Ireland in style, on Sunday afternoon

All players who played at any stage for

in front of 46,286. We look forward to

the junior or intermediate hurling teams

our quartet of Fiona, Emer, Denise and

are invited back on the night to meet and

Sinead bringing the cup to the club in the

socialise and share memories with old

near future. The feat came on the back of

teammates.

three final defeats.

any team managers, mentors or Fingal-

Raheny in St Anne’s park on Saturday at

lians hurling supporters. Colm Crowley

5pm (September 30).

- crowleycolm@eircom.net - would like

U-15s: After securing the league title last week at football, the hurlers beat Cuala in the division 1 hurling shield.

St Sylvester’s trio Nicole Owens, Niamh McEvoy and Sinead Aherne at the homecoming in Malahide. Picture: GAAPics.com

McEvoy magic paves way for senior glory ALL-IRELAND FINAL  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

NIAMH McEvoy played a crucial role as Dublin ended three years of heartbreak as a 4-11 to 0-11 win over Mayo at Croke Park saw them lift the All-Ireland senior ladies football title for the second time in their history.

McEvoy was a part of the Dublin side who lost the previous the previous three finals – all to Cork – but the St Sylvester’s star now has two All-Ireland medals to her name having also been a member of the 2010 winning team as a freshfaced 19-year-old. Now 26, McEvoy admits this victory will mean more to her after probably taken the previous one for granted.

“It’s a ver y proud moment for us as a group,” McEvoy said afterwards “We’ve been waiting a long time. I was very young in 2010 when we won that first one and I probably took it for granted.

“I thought that this was the norm and we would continue but it has been a long struggle back and I’m just very proud of the group, and the management have done an outstanding job. It’s just a special moment.”

The game was still in the balance with 10 minutes remaining as only three points separated the sides but as Mayo went for the game, they left themselves open at the back and Dublin took advantage with some late goals.

McEvoy made a key impact at a significant point as she fired low into the back of the net to give her side a threepoint advantage at the break.

T h e S y l ’s wo m a n believes that their experience playing in the last three finals helped the team settle quicker than their opponents in Croke Park as a record crowd of over 46,000 watched on.

“We’re used to playing in Croke Park now as a group. We’ve played in

the last three All-Ireland finals and we were lucky enough to play in the National League this year.

“The LGFA and the GAA gave us that opportunity so thankfully we were just able to take it in our stride and just concentrate on ourselves and what we needed to do to get over the line.

“I think in previous years, probably our first year back here in 2014, there was a bit of jitters but this year it felt completely different. I just think we’ve grown so

much as a panel,” said McEvoy.

The forward also took time to praise Mick Bohan who has led to the All-Ireland title during his first year in charge of the team.

“Obviously the progress we’ve made under [previous coach] Gregory McGonigle was phenomenal – we couldn’t get past the quarter-final stages until he came on board.

“Mick really concentrated on skills and I feel as though he put a lot of trust in the players.”

The same invitation is extended to

Senior B championship: We take on

to hear from people who can attend on the night.

Gym update: Our new Sluagh Hall gym

Irish Conversation Group: Our Grupa

now has a timetable for yoga, pilates,

Comhra starts back after the summer

tabata and bootcamp. Please see our

break in the clubhouse every Wednesday

Facebook page for the current itinerary.

at 9pm. This is a great free service that

Dance Classes: Every Monday from

helps people learn and use the Irish they

8-11pm in the main hall. Cost €10. (Begin-

have in a relaxed, non-classroom envi-

ners social dance - foxtrot, waltz, line

ronment. Failte roimh chach.

dancing and more).

Hurling reunion: In October 1997, Fin-

Lotto: 7, 8, 11, 19 and 26. We had six win-

gallians fielded an adult hurling team for

ners each receiving €305. The jackpot

the first time. To mark this 20th anniver-

this week is €2,058.

ST FINIAN’S

CONGRATULATIONS to the U-13 camogie

sorship of a new set of jerseys for our

team who have topped their Division 3

U-13 camogie team. St Finian’s camogie

championship group with three wins

section really appreciates The Carlton

out of three after a great win over Bally-

Hotels continuous support over the past

boden St Enda’s reaching the semi-final

couple of years.

of the championship.

St Finian’s GAA Club extends deepest

Well done to the U-15 hurlers who put

sympathies to the Tighe family on the

in a battling performance to beat St

untimely passing of Gerry Tighe. Gerry

Vincent’s to progress to the shield semi-

was an active supporter of the club tak-

final.

ing part in the recent golf classic and

The AHL4 team were beaten by Clon-

other events.

tarf on Saturday despite great saves

There was a great turnout at the Sat-

from Kevin Hammond and good forward

urday 6.30pm mass in St Finian’s Parish

play from Adam O’Shaughnessy. The

church in memory of Niamh Pierce who

AHL9 were narrowly defeated by league

sadly passed away over the summer.

leaders St Joseph’s OCB in a cracking

Niamh was a coach with the 2010 girls

game on Sunday. Peter O’Connor, War-

and her three children play with differ-

ren, Conor Halpin and Luke McBride

ent teams in the club. Niamh was also a

were prominent for St Finian’s.

teacher in Holy Family Junior school.

The AFL8 team are playing Ballyboden

The annual Irish Cancer Society walk

St Enda’s away on Sunday, October 1 at

will take place on Saturday, October 7 at

11am. All support welcome and appreci-

2pm. Meet at Peacocks at 1pm. There will

ated.

be refreshments afterwards upstairs in

Congratulations to the Dublin ladies

Peacocks. There are sponsorship cards

football team who have won the All-Ire-

available or donations can be made on

land senior title for the first time since

the day.

There are aerobics and fitness class-

2010.

A big thank you to The Carlton Hotel

es taking place in the clubhouse activity

Dublin Airport for their very kind spon-

room on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! The All-Ireland celebrations with the Brendan Martin Cup in Croke Park. Picture: Cody Glenn Sportsfile

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

LUSK FOR LIFE: Hoffmann powers United to DB Sports Tours Cup success with win over Priorswood FC P30

SEPT 28 - OCT 4, 2017

ALL-IRELAND DREAM AT LAST: After three harrowing finals, Dubs reach promised land P28-29

Fingal-powered Dubs Dublin captain Sinead Aherne lifts the Brendan Martin Cup at Croke Park. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

St Sylvester’s Sinead Aherne raises the All-Ireland trophy on behalf of a Dublin ladies footbal team packed with players from the north county

 sport@dublingazette.com

FINGAL’s Flyers abounded for the Dublin ladies football team as they produced a storming finish to beat Mayo last Sunday in Croke Park, putting an end to a painful run of three successive AllIreland final defeats.

At the end, it was fittingly left to St Sylvester’s Sinead Aherne to raise the Brendan Martin Cup as she landed nine points in the decider. She had previously been part of the 2003 Dublin side that came unstuck against Mayo but was able to put those memories to rest in a thrilling final performance in front of a bumper crowd of over 46,000.

“For everybody who’s been involved with us over the last few years, it’s been a journey,”Aherne

said in the aftermath. “To get to this point, I’m just absolutely delighted.

“It’s a massive sense of achievement. I don’t think (the scoreline) reflected the game at all.

Maybe when we got on top at the end they got a bit deflated.

“I know from the past experiences that it’s tough to take for Mayo but I’ve no doubt they’ll be back.”

She was joined in the starting line-up by club mates Nicole Owens and Niamh McEvoy – who scored 1-1 – as well as by Skerries Harps Lyndsey Davey, Fingallians Sinead Finnegan and Clann Mhuire’s Carla Rowe.

The local representation stretched further with Fins’ Fiona Hudson coming off the bench in the

second half. Emer ni hEafa and Denisa McKenna also represented Fingallians on the panel along with Skerries Sinead O’Mahony and O’Dwyer’s Aoife Curran, making for a huge north county contingent.

While Dublin were largely in the ascendancy, they took their time before eventually putting the game out of sight with a flurry of late goals.

“We just tried to emphasise that we’d go back to doing the basics and we could open them up and get width when they were at a numerical disadvantage.

“We settled down in the second half and despite the fact that we probably had a few poor wides we persisted and got there in the end.

“While we missed a few chances, we kept plug-

ging away and once we got that goal we hammered it home.

“The girls that came off the bench for us, Sarah McCaffrey with that goal, and we just pressed on from there, it was brilliant to see. I suppose in the end, a bit of experience probably told in the second half when the game was there to be won.

“We’ve had some tough defeats over the years but you could never fault the team for work rate and determination to get there; just delighted with the performance and the result.

“You could really hear the noise and the energy from the crowd and it certainly contributed to the atmosphere on the day and the battle.” ** More on pages 29 and 31