Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette FEB 28 - MAR 6, 2019

FOSTERING: See our spread inside about how you could help to make a difference to a child in need by fostering them P14-15

SPORT LADIES FOOTBALL:

Naomh Mearnog all set to return to adult ranks SEE P31

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Naul shook up ‘We’re the most famous shop in Ireland’ SYLVIA POWNALL

Find us on

Fingal Edition

THE shopkeeper who sold the biggest Euromillions jackpot ever won in Ireland says his store has been besieged by punters playing the Lottery.

Les Reilly revealed customers have come from

Northern Ireland to his Daybreak outlet in The Naul village, hoping to repeat the luck of a local family syndicate.

The nine brothers and sisters are expected at National Lottery HQ this Friday where they will each pocket a €19.4 million share of the mega millions prize pot.

Les told Dublin Gazette: “I basically had to put one person on the Lotto machine all day on Saturday, we were that busy; there’s been a huge increase. It’s attracting a huge crowd from across the border.

“We have people driving up and getting selfies with the big €175m sign. We’re the most famous shop in Ireland! It’s great for the village – long may it continue.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

PICK UP YOUR

DublinGazette FINGAL EDITION

EVERY THURSDAY! at the following locations:

• Westmanstown • Eurospar Dunboyne • Ongar Community Centre • Eurospar Hartstown • Lidl - Blakestown • St Peregrine’s GAA • Mountview Community Centre • Spar - Mulhuddart • Tyrrelstown Community Centre • Blanch Centre • An Draiocht • Blanch Library • Justin’s • SuperValu - Blanch • Centra - Laurel Lodge • Castleknock Community Centre • Fingal County Council • Tesco - Roselawn • Londis - Castleknock • ITB • Blanch Hospital • Hartstown Community Centre • Blakestown Community College • Coolmine Community College • Centra - Estuary Rd • EBS - Swords • Energie Fitness • Eurospar - Applewood • Fingal County Council • River Valley Community Centre • Holywell Community Centre • Kinsealy Garden Centre • Londis- Yellow Walls Rd • Malahide Library • Malahide RFC • Swords Central SC • Tesco - Clarehall • Texaco - Portmarnock • Portmarnock Leisure Centre • B&Q - Airside • Tesco - Airside • JC’s Supermarket Swords • SuperValu - Balbriggan • Tesco - Balbriggan • SuperValu - Skerries • DCC Office - Bunratty Road • Tesco - Omni Park • SuperValu Swords • Hilltop • Tesco Rush • Marks & Spencers - Omni

For further info

www.dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

CLONSHAUGH: NEXT STEP FOR CONTROVERSIAL PLAN

FASTNews

Plans for a monster sewage plant advance to oral hearing stage Gardai ‘focused on crime in Corduff’  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a giant sewage t re a t m e n t p l a n t i n Clonshaugh with an outfall pipe off the Portmarnock coastline will go to an oral hearing next month.

Irish Water last year lodged plans with An Bord Pleanala for a monster plant and sludge treatment centre on a 43-acre plot – with hundreds of objections submitted.

However, residents neighbouring the site on the Fingal border with Dublin City Council fear odour problems and possible devaluation of their properties if it goes ahead.

Portmarnock residents and environmentalists

Map shows the proposed route of works, with an outfall pipe off the Portmarnock coast

are also warning of the potential hazards arising from the route of the outflow pipe which will cut through the scenic B a l d oy l e e s t u a r y, a protected heritage site.

The pipe will pump hundreds of thousands o f l i t re s o f t re a te d wastewater daily into the Irish Sea just 2km off the coast just beyond Ireland’s Eye, near Howth.

Irish Water says the infrastructure, dubbed the

Greater Dublin Drainage Project, is needed to treat waste from half a million people in Dublin as well as parts of Meath and Kildare.

Those who oppose it, including TDs across several political parties, say a series of smaller facilities is preferable – and warn of the potential hazard if the Clonshaugh plant malfunctions.

Irish Water said it welcomes the oral hearing which will commence on

March 20 in the Gresham Hotel and is expected to last ten days.

Subject to planning the project, which includes an orbital sewer from a pumping station near the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown in Blanchardstown, will begin construction in 2020.

Fingal Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF), a vocal critic of the project, raised the issue in the Dail last week and warned that the project had yet to be fully costed.

He warned: “This is a project that, if completed as proposed, would be four times the size of Croke Park and I do not believe that Fingal should have to bear the brunt of that.

“This isn’t a discussion about the difference of a couple of thousand here or there in taxpayers’ money – this project involves hundreds of millions of euro.

“No one, not even t h e M i n i s te r o r h i s Department, is in the position to confirm or even estimate how much public money has been spent on this project, to date.

“I remain absolutely opposed to a development of this sca le a nd I strongly believe that the Government should go back and examine its proposal in closer detail.”

GARDAI in Blanchardstown have assured the Corduff community that extra resources are being deployed to crack down on the activities of a west Dublin crime gang.

Over the past fortnight, weapons including several sawn-off shotguns and a crossbow were seized in a series of searches in the Corduff area. There have been reports of at least seven shootings as tensions rise between feuding factions of a drugs gang.

Speaking at Blanchardstown Garda Station, Superintendent Liam Carolan said: “Adequate Garda resources are being utilised to deal with this investigation and are supported by Garda National Units, including the Armed Support Unit.

“We are very conscious of the needs of the people and the sentiments that are being expressed by people living in the Corduff area. Significant progress has been made regarding this investigation.”

Reilly not to Take action contest EU on recycling elections black plastic

SENATOR James Reilly has decided not to run in the forthcoming European elections and will be concentrating efforts on the next general election.

The former Fine Gael Health Minister revealed on Sunday that despite approaches from a number of supporters, he had elected to sit the MEP vote out.

Outlining his hopes to regain a Dail seat, he said: “I considered it and discussed it with my family.

“Dublin Fingal will be critical to Ireland’s future as it continues to grow and prosper. There are issues that are very important to me, such as providing quality homes and jobs.

“The delivery of Metrolink is critical. A new runway at Dublin Airport will increase economic activity, adding billions to both the Irish and local economy. I am also actively campaigning for a day hospital in Swords.

“I wish Frances Fitzgerald every success in her bid for Europe, she’s an excellent candidate.”

SOCIAL Democrats Cllr Paul Mulville has called on FCC to install special bins for the recycling of black rigid plastics in bring centres.

He said some householders were forced to place black plastics in their rubbish bin because they were advised against putting them in recycling bins, since the sorting system used by waste companies does not recognise them.

He said: “It’s completely unacceptable that perfectly recyclable material should end up in landfill or incineration simply because there is no plan in place to deal with it.”

The council said it was not feasible “due to space limitations” and arrangements in place with contractors.

Cllr Mulville said it “shouldn’t be beyond the organisational capacity” of the council, adding: “People are aware of the enormous damage excess plastic is doing to marine life, and this is a small step that would help ensure such material can end up where it’s supposed to be.”

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

SHOCK AND DELIGHT AT DAYBREAK STORE WHERE WINNING €175M TICKET WAS SOLD

Euromillions of smiles in ‘Dublin’s luckiest village’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Six members of a local family, who are now living in County Meath, played the winning numbers and quickly decided to split it with their other three siblings.

They are expected to collect the monster cheque this Friday once the money has been transferred from the other eight countries participating in the Euro draw.

On Tuesday, a beaming Les said: “It’s fantastic for the family, you couldn’t meet nicer people. We wish them every success, happiness and health with their win.”

The syndicate are understood to have taken legal and financial advice and have indicated that they will officially go public at

a champagne reception this Friday.

They are also reported to be sticking to plans for a humble package holiday to the Mediterranean in May and say they will share their windfall with their children and grandchildren.

Daybreak in The Naul will pocket €25,000 for selling the winning ticket and Les says it’s still the biggest talking point for staff and customers in the village shop.

Posting online after learning of the win last week, he said: “Our wee community of Naul are shocked, stunned, overwhelmed and delighted. We are a small village with very big dreams. A very special thanks to the staff of my store on a very You’d almost think Les Reilly, owner of Reilly’s Daybreak Store, along with his niece Carly, and David Woods, the National Lottery had won the money themselves, rather than being delighted that the shop in the Naul had sold the winning €175m ticket! Picture: Mac Innes Photography happy but tiring day.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

DONABATE: LOCALS ANGRY WITH NEW SCREEN SET UP BY NEWBRIDGE HOUSE AND DEMESNE

1,000 people call on FCC to tear down ‘mean-spirited fence SYLVIA POWNALL

MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition objecting to a newly-erected fence blocking the view of Newbridge House and Demesne in Donabate.

Residents and visitors to the popular farm and heritage site are calling on Fingal County Council to reverse what they describe as the “mean-spirited” move.

The farm, which hosts the hugely popular Flavours of Fingal annual show, charges

a fee for entry but visitors were until now able to see the animals from the public area.

The petition notes: “New screen on the public side of the farm in Newbridge House in Donabate is a big loss of what was a wonderful amenity to the residents. “ L e t ’s g e t i t re m ove d immediately.”

One supporter wrote: “Aw, the kids all love seeing the animals. This is no doubt to make people pay into the farm.

Such a shame.”

Another wrote: “I’m signing because it ruins the park because it closes it off. Why bother walking up that way any more when all you have is a fence to look at?”

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Fingal County Council can confirm that this issue is currently under review and options are being investigated to improve the aesthetics of the screening, while also preventing direct contact between visitors to the park and the animals.”

Nice fence – shame about it totally blocking the view of Newbridge House and Demesne

ASD students in ‘inappropriate’ school setting, say D15 teachers MORE than two-thirds of school principals surveyed

in Dublin 15 believe t h ey h ave s t u d e n t s who are struggling to cope because they are

in an “inappropriate educational setting”.

The system fails to cater for an increasing

number of children with complex needs who are either on reduced hours or excluded from school altogether, according to data compiled by a group campaigning for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Specific School.

A staggering 68% of principals surveyed b e l i eve t h ey h ave students struggling to cope – and at least 54 of these children would be better placed in an ASS. The Autism School D15 committee survey found that 103 of 177 children in ASD classes – 59% – NEVER access mainstream education, which was one of the core aims of ASD classes when they were first established.

S p o ke s p e rs o n S i l e Parsons said: “Units or special classes in mainstream schools are there to support children

with ASD who have the ability to access mainstream class.

“The children with more complex needs are being forced into an educational environment that is not able to cope with their needs and as such – as was confirmed in our survey – up to 20 students are on continually reduced hours, with others being excluded from the school altogether.”

The majority of children with moderate to severe autism are non-verbal, and staff within ASD units are not trained to cope with behavioural issues such as flight risk, selfharm, sensory overload and violent outbursts.

Ms Parsons added: “Parents with children of school-going age and children who have been excluded are faced with no other option but to start the arduous task of applying for the home

tuition grant.”

She added: “The Department insists that this grant is an interim measure, but there are children in Dublin 15 who are in receipt of this grant for up to five years.”

Senior educational psychologist Dr Helen Connaughton agreed, adding: “This means that the educational and developmental needs of some of the most vulnerable children are not being met.”

A report by the NCSE assessing the need for an Autism Specific School in Dublin 15 was due for publication in January, but has not yet been released.

Ms Parsons said: “This means parents of children with ASD in Dublin 15 are facing the prospect of another year of stress and uncertainty in attempting to find an appropriate e d u c a t i o n fo r t h e i r vulnerable child.”

TRAVEL, PAGES 20-21

Ye Gods, Greece is too beautiful: Now’s the time to bag a bargain break in the lovely country



SYLVIA POWNALL

FASTNews Humphreys slams drone’s use at airport LABOUR’S transport spokesperson Senator Kevin Humphreys has described as “reckless” the behaviour of those behind the drone incident at Dublin Airport.

Flights were delayed as operations were suspended for 30 minutes due to the sighting of a drone, with one flight diverted to Belfast and one to Shannon in that time.

Senator Humphreys said: “I am hopeful that the Dublin Airport Authority has a strategy in place to deal with this incident and does not just rely on the 5km exclusion zones for drones at airports.

“After the incident at Gatwick [Airport] last year, I would have expected a strategy to be put in place.”

2,000 to take a 26km stroll on Paddy’s Day THE 14th annual Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk will take place on St Patrick’s Day from 10.30am with more than 2,000 walkers taking on the 26km route, starting from either Howth or Dun Laoghaire.

The walk will take people along the scenic Dublin Bay route with a ‘Halfway Hooley’ hosted at Dublin Port Company’s public plaza.

Participants can register now at aware.ie/events (€25 per person). All funds raised will go towards Aware’s nationwide support, education and information services.

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

PORTRANE: TIME RUNS OUT FOR WITS END AS HOUSE ATTACKED BY EROSION IS DEMOLISHED SYLVIA POWNALL

P O RT R A N E w o m a n Grainne Hannigan has told of her “disgust” at having to watch her home of 20 years being demolished by Fingal County Council.

The property, Wits End, was vacated following storm damage last year and last week the back wall of the structure fell onto the beach below.

Grainne said she was “absolutely devastated” watching her house being flattened from her dad’s property where she is staying, and which is just metres away.

She told Dublin Gazette: “I’m disgusted, I’m devastated, I’m heartbroken and I’m angry. The authorities were told of the risks long before this happened and they did nothing.

“We’ve had coastal erosion eating away chunks of land here for years. It’s my house now, but it won’t be the last. This is just the start of it.”

Grainne was forced to leave Wits End last March along with her daughter and granddaughter after Storm Emma battered the coastline.

She was later served with a notice to permanently vacate by Fingal County Council, which deemed the property unsafe. And while her daughter and granddaughter have been rehoused just this month, she is still living with her parents.

She said: “They’ve [the council] said they’ll get me a one-bed tenancy but that does not suit my needs. I have pets, I have a grandchild who comes to stay, and I have a mother with early-onset dementia.

“This is still going on a year later and I think I’ve reached the point where I’ve gone numb from the whole thing.

“The council said they can’t compensate me. The land can never be built on again. I’m left with a

Heartache for Grainne as family home is flattened piece of land that is worthless and nowhere to call home.”

H e av y m a c h i n e r y arrived on site on Monday to begin the demolition of the house on Healy’s Lane, with special equipment to grind down the structure rath-

er than break it up.

Fingal County Council is now planning to re-set the temporary coastal protection concrete blocks known as Seabees, which have sunk and tilted.

A permanent causewaylike structure remains under active consideration and will be

discussed at an upcoming meeting of Fingal Coastal Liaison Group.

Grainne said: “It’s too late for me, but it’s not too late for them to take action to save the other houses here. My father’s house is just a few metres from the water now.

“There’s less than ten feet of bank left in front of the trees.

I’ve been sending photos of the accele r a te d e ro s i o n to Fingal County Council every week.

“The Seabees are not working – they’re creating a vortex, so the water is hitting the shoreline even harder. They need a rethink and they need to act fast.”

How we reported on Grainne’s plight just one year ago

Above: Curtains flap uselessly in the wind as Wits End teeters on the edge of destruction; right: council workers using specialist equipment to demolish the house, with its battle against erosion finally lost

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

GALLERIES OF OFTHE THEWEEK WEEK

Taoiseach takes time out to thank school

T

AOISEACH Leo Varadkar dropped in at Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School earlier this month and was fulsome in his praise for both staff and students.

The Fine Gael leader asked to visit to thank them for hosting pupils from Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS, who were made temporarily homeless last November and December due to

structural issues.

A school spokesperson said: “While here he addressed the whole school during an assembly and discussed some key issues such as pay parity for lower paid teachers and lack of transport and sporting facilities in the Dublin 15 area.

“The visit was a huge success and we were glad to facilitate it.”

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

CONTEST

Fingal finalists set for Enterprise Awards TEN finalists have been shortlisted for a share of a prize fund of €15,000 and to represent Fingal at the National Enterprise Awards in May. The entrants will now face a Dragon’s Den-style grilling from a panel of independent judges briefed by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal.

Finalists include Busterbox, a monthly subscription box service for dogs (Ballycoolin); ecofriendly manufacturer Celtic Candles (Baldoyle); alcohol brand innovator Cult Drinks (Donabate); IT system Frequency (Portmarnock) and English language school Future Learning (Malahide).

Also shortlisted are wound dressing system Hidramed (Castleknock); cloud-based platform Kianda (Blanchardstown); digital patient system myPatientSpace (Malahide); data driven wellbeing firm PepTalk (Lucan); and portable changing mat The Wriggler by Pluxty (Malahide).

The winner will be announced next Thursday, March 7, in the Atrium of County Hall in Swords where finalists will be awarded a €1,000 prize each, with the overall winner securing the top prize of €5,000.

Head of Enterprise in Fingal, Oisin Geoghegan, said: “This competition recognises the accomplishments and contribution of the small business sector to our economy.

Fingal Local Enterprise Office is proud to have supported these finalists along their journey to success.”

Local Enterprise Week takes place from March 4 to March 8 with a range of events taking place across Fingal.

D e t a i l s a t w w w. localenterprise.ie.

WATER BABIES: BRAVERY IN OVERCOMING PHYSICAL CHALLENGES TO LEARN TO SWIM

Little heroes battle odds to make a big splash SYLVIA POWNALL

TWO Fingal toddlers are among 16 inspirational Water Babies from across the country who were honoured with Little Hero awards in Blanchardstown last week.

One-year-old Eloise Lane from Castleknock and Chloe McCabe from Malahide were singled out for their bravery in overcoming physical challenges to learn to swim.

Water Babies selected them for the wonderful stories outlining how being in water has helped them overcome health

issues and supports their development.

Eloise was born with a very special heart… only half of her heart is functioning. At 14 months old she has already battled her way through five key hole surgeries as well as open-heart surgery.

Mum Michaela Duffy said: “Following in her big brother Tiernan’s splashes we started swimming as soon as we could, and Eloise absolutely loves it.

“She has to wear her bubba wetsuit to keep her extra warm in the pool but her cardiac consultant in Crumlin thought it was

great that she had already started swimming and we hope it will be the start of a lifelong love of water for her.”

Chloe McCabe was born with a dislocated hip and her other hip was dysplastic, which meant that before she even left the hospital she was put into a cast.

Chloe’s hip brace kept her knees at right angles to her hips so she was always in a ‘frog’ position which meant that cuddling, hugging and dressing were not an option.

At five months, mum Lynsey McCabe asked

Eloise Lane from Castleknock. Picture: Michael Chester

the nurses about starting Water Babies and they agreed it would benefit Chloe’s hips so they began classes in Roganstown.

Nine months later Chloe developed a massive lump around her airways and had to have emergency surgery to remove it in order for her to breathe. She missed weeks of classes while

recovering and during this time developed another mass on her collar bone – a ‘branchial cyst’ which also had to be removed.

Unfortunately, the operation didn’t remove the full cyst and a few weeks into recovery she ended up in A&E with a lump the size of a golf ball which restricted her breathing again.

Matthew McAleese, Anne McCrudden, Fintan Price, Debbie Donnelly, Mark Kelly, Rush Community Council, with Rush Councillor Brian Dennehy

Shop front scheme now open to applications

GRANTS of up to €4,000 are being made available to shops and businesses on Rush Main Street under a new council scheme which is now open to applications.

The initiative funds up to 50% of the revamp of the front of business premises, including painting, replacement of windows, signage and shop front repairs.

The grant will be available to premises on the Main Street from Whitestown Road to the Harbour, with priority to shops and commercial premises.

An information open evening will be

held on March 6 at the community centre between 5 and 8pm. Applications are being accepted now and forms are available from the council website and at the community centre.

Vice-chair of Rush Community Council Fintan Price said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the community of Rush, and I urge everyone to promote the scheme as much as possible.”

Application forms and more information at http://fingal.ie/planning-and-buildings/ or by email at shopfrontscheme@fingal.ie.

Closing date is Friday, March 22.

Chloe and Lynsey McCabe, Malahide. Picture: Michael Chester

Despite all this, Chloe persevered and according to her mum is now a happy and confident little swimmer.

Water Babies is Ireland’s leading baby and toddler swimming school and celebrates its tenth anniversary this month.

Classes are available across Dublin – visit www. waterbabies.ie for details.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

FASTNews All welcome at Alzheimer group club

Castleknock hotel wows at Weddings Online awards ITS EXCELLENT standards saw Castleknock Hotel once again recognised for its attention to detail, having won the prestigious title of Hotel Venue of the Year (Leinster) at the annual Weddings Online awards.

The accolade is the third award in four months for the hotel, which was named People’s Choice Best Place

to Stay in Leinster and won the Customer Experience Excellence Award at the Fingal Dublin Business Excellence Awards 2018.

The hotel’s general manager, Guy Thompson, said: “I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of all the team here. It is such a special honour to work with brides

and grooms to plan their dream wedding day.”

Pictured at the glittering awards ceremony with the prestigious trophy are Jonathan Bryans, Weddingsonline; Guy Thompson, general manager and Andrew Kavanagh, sales director, Castleknock Hotel; and Caroline Dunne, Weddingsonline.

Council takes legal action over €5m in outstanding levies SYLVIA POWNALL

UNPAID development levies totalling €5.25 million are being pursued through the courts by Fingal County Council.

The local authority confirmed that there are 181 accounts relating to more than €5 million in due payments where legal proceedings have been initiated.

The council clarified its position after reports that its planning department was owed a staggering €62,636,222 in outstanding levies unpaid by developers.

Cllr Paul Mulville (SD) is now calling for the names of developers who are in levies arrears to be published in the interest of transparency.

He told Dublin Gazette: “I took this matter up with council management, given the very high figure involved, and have now received some clarification.

“I have been informed

that the headline figure of €62,636,222 for development levies owed to the council does not reflect the amount of levies actually in arrears.

“This is because the counc il invoices for 100% of the levies due on commencement of a project, and in general, a phasing of payments i s a g re e d w i t h t h e applicant.”

“

approximately €5.25 million, where legal proceedings have been initiated.

“I remain very concerned about the amount of money owed to the council. The residents and traders of Fingal who pay their Local Property Tax and commercial rates deserve to be told the full facts on this.

“I am repeating my call

I am repeating my call for council management to make public the names of the developers Development levies are imposed as a condition of planning permission for the cost of providing services and infrastructure and are usually required to be paid before construction begins or on a phased basis during building works.

Cllr Mulville said: “The Planning Department went on to state that there are 181 accounts, representing arrears of

for council management to make public the names of the developers who owe this money and the amount each developer owes.

“Also [I want to see clarified] the number of years each amount is outstanding, and the steps in each case the council has taken to collect these unpaid development levies, with interest.”

THE Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Castleknock Social Club meets at Castleknock Community Centre, Laurel Lodge Road, every Monday from 2-4pm.

The club offers a relaxed and supported environment where people with dementia and their carers or family members can drop in for a chat, access information and support as well as exchange ideas and experiences over a cup of tea.

All people living with dementia are welcome but must be accompanied by a carer or family member for the duration of their stay.

For further details, contact Jamie at 086 044 2964.

Toastmasters group set for next meeting DUBLIN 15 Toastmasters is the latest within the organisation to announce plans to charter with Toastmasters International.

The club is open to adults over 18 and there is an open invitation to its next meeting on Wednesday, March 6 at 7.45pm in St Mochta’s Parish Pastoral Centre, Porterstown.

Visitors are not expected to speak unless they wish to, and admission is free.

For further information, contact Tony at 086 822 1274 or just come along on the night.

FG candidate wants more gardai in Lusk LOCAL election candidate Bob Dowling (FG) has requested that greater policing resources are provided for Lusk.

He said the issue was raised on doorsteps, adding: “It has become very clear that the current level of garda resources is not serving the area well.”

Welcoming news that Rush Garda Station will open this summer, he said Lusk needed more resources to tackle a rise in anti-social behaviour, adding: “the need is there for a fully operational station in Lusk at all times, especially at weekends”.

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

COURTS

HAPLESS CROOK BRANDISHED A BRANCH

Sentence adjourned for a year

Raider held up shop with a piece of wood A SHOP raider who armed himself with a piece of wood was later identified by the pink gloves he was wearing during another hapless attempted robbery.

Scott Grant (31), of Pinewood Green Court, Balbriggan, brandished a piece of timber while demanding money and threatening staff at a Costcutters shop on Hampton Street in Balbriggan.

He ran away when manager Eugene Brown confronted him with a wooden sweeping brush during the raid on December 11, 2016.

Later that month, Grant was spotted trying to get coins from a parking meter to feed his drug habit.

A witness told gardai he was wearing black clothes and pink gloves and an

officer later arrested a man fitting that description.

When lifted, Grant had a hammer down his pants. He was released and was still out on bail on September 26, 2017 when he held up another shop armed with a branch of a tree.

This was his local shop and the shopkeeper, who knew Grant, refused to hand over any money.

Grant then made off after grabbing €100 worth of scratch cards.

He was identified a short time later when he went into a nearby newsagent to cash in the winning scratch cards. He was arrested and told gardai he carried out the raid to get money to clear a drug debt.

Grant pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in December 2016 and

robbery in September 2017. He also admitted an attempted robbery on Clonard Street, Balbriggan on April 17, 2018.

Garda Harry Thompson said that during the last offence Grant tried to pull the handbag from a woman walking home after dark. The victim held on to the bag but fell to the ground during the struggle and was very shaken by the attack.

The court heard that Grant was out on bail for the first two offences when he carried out the mugging. His previous convictions include one for attempted robbery. He got clean of heroin while in jail but relapsed on release.

Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the case to April 10 and ordered a Probation Services report.

Ongar cook hoping for a slice of success as Chef of the Year A TALENTED chef who lives in Ongar is one of eight in the running for the title of Chef of the Year. Farid Derradji has been shortlisted by premier food company Aramark, which does the catering at Croke Park. The winning chef will represent Ireland at the European Chef’s Cup in April. Farid, who is originally from Algeria, says he became a chef 20 years ago “by accident” while studying to become a lawyer, and lists Indian fare as his favourite cuisine.

A MAN who caused pedestrians to run for cover when he sped through Ongar village during a garda chase has had his sentence adjourned for one year.

People ran for cover as the car driven by Dean Craig (21), of Greenfort Crescent, Clondalkin hit a speed ramp and became airborne on a busy main street in Ongar, Dublin 15 on March 2, 2016.

Craig pleaded guilty to endangerment and to possessing a variety of stolen goods at Manorfields Drive, D15.

Judge Melanie Greally imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of two and a half years in prison for possession. She adjourned the sentence for endangerment for 12 months so Craig can engage with the Probation Service.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

FASTNews

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Apply now to help schools share music

FINGAL County Council is inviting expressions of interest from musicians and schools who want to share the wonderful gift of music through its Musician-in-Residence Programme 2019-2021.

The new scheme aims to add value to the music education children receive through the primary school curriculum.

It supports schools to deliver instrumental or choral tuition; and assists teachers build their capacity for music teaching.

Musicians have an opportunity to express their interest in being included on a panel with a view to delivering high-quality music tuition to children in primary schools in Fingal beginning in September.

Schools who wish to partner with other schools in making an application may do so if they can identify a rationale for this approach. Application guidelines, criteria and forms can be downloaded from www.fingal.ie/education by the deadline of March 8.

Eithne Reynolds and Catherine Burke

Neven Maguire and Georgina Campbell pictured as they announced the winners. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Finest food producers are celebrated in style T

Labour names Swords figures for local elections FINGAL County Cllr Duncan Smith will be joined by Yulia Ghumann on the Labour slate for May’s local elections in Swords.

Speaking at last week’s selection convention, Cllr Smith said he was delighted to bid to represent the people of Swords for a second time to fight for housing, improved local amenities and the development of Swords Castle and the cultural quarter.

He added: “We live in a great town, which has an exciting future and I hope to continue to play my part in shaping that.”

Yulia Ghumann said: “We have a lot of work ahead and it is not going to be easy but it is very exciting because it is our home and we want a wonderful and happy future for our children, young people and all local residents.”

Maolisa Connell and Fionnuala Moran

HE five star InterContinental Dublin hotel recently hosted the 2019 Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards in association with Fáilte Ireland. Dublin was well represented by The Fumbally on Merchants Quay who won Best Brunch in Ireland, as nominated by the public.

Now in their third year, the Irish Breakfast Awards celebrate Ireland’s leading hospitality establishments and the people who strive to make the first meal of the day a particularly special experience for visitors and regulars alike.

Dee Laffan

Megan Virgo and Nicky Logue

Nadia El Ferdaoussi and Linda Maher

Iseult Murphy and Brian Murphy

Sinead Hendrick

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Realt Na Mára — Star of the Sea

Scoil Mhuire Howth students celebrate Robert McColgan who designed the sulpture Star of the Sea. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Students on song to help launch new sculpture F

Sean Haughey TD, Cllr Jimmy Guerin, Cllr Daire Ni Laoi and Brian Doyle

IFTH and sixth class children of Scoil Mhuire, Howth, performed last week at an official launch to celebrate the work of artist Robert McColgan and his Realt na Mara sculpture on Howth Pier with Mayor of Fingal Cllr Anthony Lavin and Fingal Council Chief Executive Paul Reid.

The sculpture was created by Robert McColgan, former lecturer in Fine Art Sculpture at DIT. Robert has created many large scale sculptural works, including the Beehives that can be seen on the M1, Balbriggan bypass.

The sculpture created in a marine grade stainless steel, was envisaged as a beacon of light and hope and a compass point to guide all who journey to and from the sea.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Anthony Lavin and Fingal Council Chief Executive Paul Reid with guests at the launch

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 February 2019

DUBLIN

odd choices take gold at the oscars P19

MAGAZINE

GIVE YOUR TASTE BUDS A TREAT... P22

GREECE: A COUNTRY FOR ALL SEASONS P20-21

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

LET’S GET READY TO CRUMBLE

BROADCASTER Karen Koster joined little Temple Street patients Anthony Iannucci (12) from Sallynoggin and Sarah Ni Liathain (5) from Drogheda to launch this year’s Great Irish Bake for Temple Street in Drury Buildings.

Temple Street is calling on you to host your own bake sale on April 5 and raise vital funds to support sick children. To register and get your free party pack, visit www. templestreet.ie/greatirishbake. Picture: Mark Stedman

28 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 February 2019

FOSTERING

Foster Care Ireland explains how hope helps to guide the ethos of fostering

HOPE is a virtue that inspires action – the very idea that the lives of others could be better can have an extraordinary impact on our own lives.

Everyone at Foster Care Ireland sees hope reflected time and again in the tenacity of their foster carers and the lengths they will go to make a difference in a child’s life.

Foster Care Ireland sees these positive differences develop every day; the signs may be physical, emotional and social. Weight gain and sleeping at night can be two physical signs of a child’s recovery and enhanced well-being.

Reaching out, touching and expressing a wish for continuity of the placement are signs of emotional recovery and an affirmation of the success of fostering.

Achieving developmental milestones, making friends and participating in social activities are demonstrations of confidence and social development.

None of these differences appear by accident; they are the result of love, care and attention to the needs of children in foster care.

This care is a collaborative effort by professional social workers, trained foster carers and a government and agency structure that provides supports in a safe and nurturing environment that brings hope and better prospects.

Foster carers are trained and, while they may make use of parenting skills they have developed, their skills need to be augmented to enable them to foster successfully.

They are called upon to respond positively to the effects of trauma that many children in foster care may have experienced.

The training and learned understanding, together with their own resourcefulness, is what makes the difference. A gift to a child for the rest of its life is within the capacity of Foster Care Ireland’s great foster carers.

HELPING CHILDREN THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME

Help Fostering Fortnight spread a very supportive message to communities FOSTERING Fortnight is the annual awareness campaign run by the Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA), taking place this year from March 4-15.

The IFCA aims to bring an awareness of fostering in Ireland and all the valuable work being carried out every day in its fostering families and fostering communities.

Foster care is the backbone of the Irish care system, and we need to recognise and celebrate all those who are involved in foster care in Ireland.

Fostering Fortnight is a chance for all those involved in fostering and the communities that support them to tell their stories and share their experiences.

For many involved in fostering, a simple question comes to mind: “What is your story?”

The answer to this question can take a million different forms, and the story that’s provided will be different depending on who is being asked, their mood at the time, and whether they feel like they are still at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of their most salient story.

We all use stories constantly – to inform, to connect with others, to share our feelings and experi-

Fostering Fortnight is a way to help spread the message of fostering, and to help engage communities across Ireland with the importance of fostering in helping children find a stable, caring home during a difficult period in their life

ences, and even to sort out our own thoughts and feelings.

Stories are used to organise our thoughts, find meaning and purpose, and establish our sense of identity in what can often be a busy and confusing world.

The IFCA chose the theme, Celebrating Foster Care and Fostering Stories, to encourage all involved in foster care to tell their story and in doing so help to raise awareness for foster care in Ireland.

The IFCA believes that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone deserves a chance to tell

his or her story and share their experiences.

How c a n yo u ge t involved in Fostering Fortnight next month?

The IFCA are asking everyone to get involved this year by coming together and sharing their fostering stories.

The association will be hosting coffee mornings across Ireland, offering people a chance to share their fostering story.

It would love people to send in their story, poem or art so that it can share these, anonymously, with a wider audience through social media and its members.

The IFCA believes in the power of words and that sharing your story and your experiences will help bring awareness to fostering in Ireland.

The assoc iation is asking everyone to get involved this year by organising an event or activity or just simply holding a coffee morning which will help highlight Fostering Fortnight, allowing an opportunity for everyone involved in foster care to come together and share their stories.

Whatever event you organise, don’t forget, you can share your foster care stories, poems, art etc

from your events with the IFCA which will be posted (anonymously) on social media to share with the wider fostering community.

You can contact the IFCA office for Fostering Fortnight posters and balloons to help with your event in March or just simply to support Fostering Fortnight.

For further information about Fostering Fortnight, follow the association on Facebook and Twitter, or see www.ifca.ie.

You can contact the IFCA by emailing admin@ ifca.ie, or telephone 01 459 9474.

28 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

How fosterers could be assessed FOSTERING is always in demand, with children of all ages needing to find a home for a wide variety of reasons, some for short-term care, and others for longer-term placements.

Whatever the reasons, there is always a need for fosterers to temporarily take over as guardians of some of the most vulnerable citizens in society.

Such children cannot live with their family family due to a wide range of reasons.

Foster Care Ireland (FCI) has put together

TUSLA will be on hand to offer would-be fosterers plenty of help and support – while keeping the number-one priority of ensuring the child is safe and well cared for

Foster a child with TUSLA’s help and make a real difference TUSLA are looking for foster carers in your area today.

Fostering with TUSLA – the state body working with children and vulnerable families – offers you the chance to change the life of a child It provides a not-for profit fostering service to the public to help change the lives of children for the better.

TUSLA is working in your area and in each community across Ireland.

When a child may need to come into care, the state body tries to keep children in their own community, close to their family and all that is familiar.

You can help TUSLA to make that possible, providing care for children in your community, knowing that fostering will provide a stable family life for a child in need.

TUSLA wants to support people in becoming foster carers, so it will provide many supports to would-be

fosterers on this journey.

T h ey w i l l re c e ive thorough training which will help them to understand what is involved in being a foster parent.

They will have opportunities to meet current foster parents.

There is also a weekly allowance provided to meet the needs of the child, and each child in foster care has a medical card.

Foster carers come from all walks of life – T U S L A we l c o m e s applicant from all ages, genders and cultures. You do not need to be married, o r to h ave c h i l d re n already.

For further information, see fostering.ie or attend the upcoming open information evenings: Red Rua, South Dublin Arts Centre, Tallaght; March 6; 7.30pm.

Co n fe re n c e ro o m , Bridge House, Cherry O rc h a rd Ho s p i ta l , Ballyfermot; March 7; 7.30pm.

their guidelines on what they require to be assessed as a foster parent or foster family, and while these are FCI’s guidelines, you could expect a similar stance from other such bodies.

FCI say: “You do not have to be married in Ireland to be a foster parent. In fact, you could be a single person, civil partners or a cohabiting couple.

“You must be able to provide adequate and appropriate accommodation for the foster child.

“Foster Care Ireland assigns a social worker

to carry out an assessment of suitability. These assessments include meeting all members of the family, particularly the foster parent(s), over a number of months.

“References, Garda clearance and medical examinations will also be required as part of this process.

“Every effort is made to ensure that those selected as foster carers and foster families are suitable. Foster carers are a diverse group of people who come from all walks of life.”

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 February 2019

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND

Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

FUTURE engineers, Flora (age 5) and Gregory (age 5), pictured at the launch of Engineers Week 2019 at St Conleth’s College Junior School.

The week-long annual campaign, now in its 13th year, begins March 2 and aims to excite students about the possibilities a career in engineering can offer. The week is run by Engineers Ireland, which today also announced a new strategic partnership with industry leaders Intel, ESB, Arup and Transport Infrastructure Ireland who have joined forces to inspire future generations of STEM talent In Ireland.

ENGINEERING THE IRELAND OF TOMORROW DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Maggie is a 9 year old Labrador cross. As she has suffered a few knock backs in her time, Maggie needs help to rebuild her confidence as she finds lots about the world quite scary and overwhelming.

Once you get to know her, she’ll lavish you with affection and love.

Maggie is suited to live with older teenagers but would need to be the only dog in the home.

Being an anxious girl, it’s important that her new family have infrequent visitors and the time to commit to helping her grow in confidence day by day and becoming used to

spending periods of time alone.

Maggie is a beautiful, bright little lady who is looking for a calm and understanding home.

Despite needing extra attention and a commitment to her training, investing your time in Maggie is more than worth it.

If you have room in your heart and home for Maggie then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

DOG OF THE WEEK

28 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

D QUIRKY THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

Dead man may Sweet transit: Japan’s become mayor fruit-shaped bus stops A MAN who passed away last December may become the mayor of a city in the US, after making it to the final round of an election.

Charles Lamb finished second behind Dan O’Neil in a three-horse primary in Edmond, Oklahoma. O’Neil described the vote as ‘sort of awkward’.

Lamb had been mayor of Edmond since October 2011 and put his name forward for re-election before he died. It was too late to remove his name from the ballot, or add anyone else, when he passed away.

It’s believed that a Facebook group supporting Lamb have been referring questions to councillor Nick Massey, who also agreed that the situation is awkward as if Lamb had not sought re-election, he was going to run for mayor himself.

Massey said he wouldn’t be calling for people to vote for the late Lamb, but that he would be ‘honoured’ to accept the position in Lamb’s place, if the deceased is voted into office on April 2.

PICTURE the scene – it’s a wet, dreary morning, and you’re standing under an even duller grey bus shelter somewhere in Dublin. It’d be nice to have something to liven things up, wouldn’t it?

If you lived in Konagai in Japan, your morning commute would be so much brighter, as the town has fourteen fruit shaped bus stops along the highway.

The vibrant, fruity stops were originally designed and built for a ‘Travel Expo’ in Osaka in 1990, but now reside in the coastal town of Konagai, in

Nagasaki, along Highway 207.

Still in place after 25 years, the animated shelters look as colourful as ever, lining the main road through the town and drawing in travellers from other parts of Japan and further afield to catch a glimpse.

If you ever find yourself with a minute to spare, see if you can try and spot the fourteen fruit shaped stops on Google Maps by searching for ‘Highway 207, Konagai, Isahaya, 859-0165, Japan’ – there’s a strawberry, orange, melon and much more!

Care provider to host an Open Day recruitment drive BLUEBIRD Care has announced a national recruitment campaign for Registered Nurses and Care Assistants, with Open Days taking place across the country in March.

One such day will be held on March 6 in Dublin 15, from 9am at 37C Main St, Ongar.

Owner JJ Fay says: “There is an increased demand for home care services and independent living support in the local community, as the primary choice for older people – and for people with an illness or a disability – is to be able to stay in their own home.

“With the quality care services available from Bluebird Care, this is now a reality.

“We are excited to not only support people of all ages and all abilities to remain at home but to also provide valuable job opportunities to people in the local community.”

Fay added: “We are a growing business with a broad range of career opportunities. While you may begin working with us as a carer, we have seen staff up-skill and move into other roles within the company.

“So, if you are a kind, caring and compassionate person who either has a QQI qualification or has caring experience and would be interested in gaining a qualification, we would love to meet you.”

Bluebird Care is Q Mark-certified and is also an approved provider of HSE home care packages for older people.

For further information on employment opportunities and their open day, contact Bluebird Care at 01 820 8250, email dublinwest@bluebirdcare.ie, or see www. bluebirdcare.ie.

A couple of the colourful, striking bus shelters

BITS & BOBS TOP My 4 year old has recently taken up cursing.

Yesterday he referred to bedtime as a “f***ing crisis” I saw an article criticising [US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] for renting an affluent apartment because the rent was $1850, if you’re wondering how broken Dublin is.

I still die thinking of the barman in Brooklyn who messaged me on grindr and kept messaging me after I flew home and one day he was like I wanna go to ireland one day and I was like nice where would you go and after reading my bio he said he wanted to go on a holiday to Terenure.

@aoifeeo

@DylanTeeBH

@bentev28

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 February 2019

Dean Friedman: Narrating Every Beat From signing a record deal whilst still a preteen, to getting involved in the video game industry and cinema, Dean Friedman’s musical road has been an unconventional one...  JAMES HENDICOTT

NECESSITY, THEY SAY, is the mother of invention, and it has proved for revitalised singer-songwriter Dean Friedman.

Friedman had huge hit records in the late 70s, charting with his debut release ‘Ariel’ and follow ups ‘Lucky Stars’, ‘Woman of Mine’ and ‘Lydia,’, before a critical mistake - releasing a key single referencing the brand McDonald’s - got the track banned from BBC radio stations, and was a huge contributing factor to his label dropping him.

Having been in music since he was first approached by a label at age nine, however, Friedman simply diversified, and looks back at the period with pride in the direction it led.

“I’ve never had the chance to rest of my laurels,” he jokes.

“My career hasn’t allowed for much rest, I’ve had to keep working.”

Friedman moved into producing early music-

themed video games, as well as working on a heap of movies, writing children’s musicals, and producing the music for the British crime drama ‘Boon’.

Today, having reconnected with his old fanbase around the time the internet became a big resource for music, Friedman is back recording, touring heavily, and exploring what he calls “a natural affinity for storytelling.”

“I think I was the first solo artist - Marillion had done it a year earlier - to crowdfund a record,” Friedman explains.

“I wrote out to my fans asking them to pre-order the album, via an email mailing list. I was a little worried people would tell me to get a real job. Some

did say exactly that, but lots of others backed the idea. I was able to hire musicians and upgrade my studio.”

“This was a few years before the days of Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Since then, I’ve always had a great connection with my fans, and I’ve always done things that way.

“I never liked the aloof thing that musicians were supposed to do back then.

My fans aren’t shy in telling me what they think, but as many of them are connected with what I’m doing now as songs from the 70s,” he says.

“Lots will say their favourite album is one of the newer ones. It’s been a great journey.”

While Friedman’s music is quite intensely diverse, there is a thread, in particular to his lyrics. It’s one that runs through everything from the children’s musicals (“I play them live if the mood is right, they’re good fun,” Friedman laughs) to the more subtle countrypop melodies.

“I like to depict a scene, I’m very influenced by people like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon,” he says.

“I like a cinematic quality to my work.”

Dean Friedman plays two days at Arthur’s Pub, Thomas Street, on May 13 and 14, with tickets expected to sell out well in advance. Details are on www.deanfriedman.com See the full-length article on our website at www. dublingazette.com

WITH A new month comes a whole new range of things to titlate our viewing tastebuds on Netflix.

March sees a couple of hugely requested favourites return to the services, including the fifth series of Brooklyn Nine Nine.

The New York cop comedy has a huge following, with UK and Ireland fans badgering Netflix’s social media team for months for the fifth season to appear on the platform.

It was announced last week to huge excitement that Season 5 will premiere on March 8th.

As Detective Jake Piralta would say, it’s set to be ‘cool, cool, cool’.

Something else that’s long awaited also makes it’s way onto Netflix this month, as the second half of Arrested Development’s fifth series premieres on March 15.

:

A quirky comedy for fans of the slightly irreverent, it stars a number of big names - Michael Cera, Will Arnett to name a few - and is sure to go down a treat.

Another series returning in March is the Drew Barrymore series, Santa

OSCARS | BETTER THAN LAST YEAR’S AWARDS – JUST

Surprise wins for some as this year saw odd choices take gold

28 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS

ENTERTAINMENT

What’s coming to your screens in March

Season 5 of the cult hit Brooklyn Nine Nine is finally coming to Netflix in March, while Amy Schumer (above) will star in a stand-up special on the service.

Clarita Diet (March 29).

The series has been one that’s received mixed reviews, so it’ll be interesting to see the reception to the third season when it debuts at the end of the month.

Comedy fans are in for something great this

 SHANE DILLON

ANOTHER year, another group of occasionally head-scratching decisions courtesy of The Oscars.

By now, we’ve all seen the lists of who-won-what (and for those so inclined, w h o -wo re -w h a t ) a t Oscars 2019, with a number of surprises lobbed in there – not just Billy Porter’s tuxedo dress.

While I’m not delving into all the winners – and don’t have room to – here’re a few thoughts on some of the headline outcomes from the night ...

Biggest surprise (and the source of a lot of postOscars bickering) came from Green Book nabbing Best Picture ahead of the likes of The Favourite, Black Panther or Roma.

T h e f i l m ’s unlikely win

month as well, as the Trailer Park Boys animated series picks up where the real-life series left off on March 31.

There’s some great films coming to Netflix this month too, for those looking for a quick watch rather than a full-on binge

this March.

A highlight looks to be The Dirt, a dramatisation of glam rockers Motley Crue’s autobiography that premieres on the service on March 22. Expect a load of drink, drugs and rock and roll in this one.

Another movie based

promoted a lot of unimpressed variants of “Green Book? Really?!” reactions, with grumbling and muttering in various corners of the internet about the film – a period tale of American racial tensions – being little more than another variation of the ‘whitesaviour’ trope.

And, with the likes of the majestic Roma lurking in the same small Best Picture pool, it’s hard not to feel It Wuz Robbed

when you look at that film getting snubbed for a decent but average film instead.

That wasn’t the only upset on the night.

Bohemian Rhapsody continued its somewhat inexplicable awards grab, with Rami Malek grabbing another Best Actor prize.

Everyone likes Rami, who’s a super nice guy by all accounts, and is certainly a very talented actor – but considering the powerhouse performances given by Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper and Willem Dafoe (in Vice, A Star is Born and At Eternity’s Gate, respectively), They Wuz Robbed springs to mind.

No such controversy over Olivia Colman, with everyone lauding her win as Best Actress for her somewhat monstrous yet sympathetic turn in The Favourite, and her charming acceptance speech.

In another strong

on a true story - albeit a bit more tame - is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, based on the book written

by William Kamkwamba.

It’s about a 13-yearold William who builds a wind turbine to save his Malawian village from famine, and will stream from March 1.

The Highwaymen, starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as two former Texas Rangers, is a must see as well. It’s a representation of the big budget movies that are being created for the service with A list actors and productions.

From director John Lee Hancock, The Highwaymen follows the untold true story of the legendary detectives who brought down Bonnie and Clyde.

When the full force of the FBI and the latest forensic technology aren’t enough to capture the

nation’s most notorious criminals, the two former Texas Rangers must rely on their gut instincts and old school skills to get the job done.

In terms of comedy, Amy Schumer’s stand-up special Growing will debut on March 19.

Filmed in front of a packed house in Chicago, the comedian talks about

the joys of womanhood, settling into marital bliss, and much more.

Jimmy Carr also has a new special coming to Netflix (March 12), filmed in none other than Dublin’s own Olympia Theatre.

For all these and more, be sure to keep an eye on Netflix as new content drops on the site weekly.

Our top Netflix picks TURN UP CHARLIE

A down-and-out DJ plots to rebuild his music career while working as a nanny for his famous best friend’s wild 11-year-old daughter.

ON MY BLOCK - SEASON 2

On My Block follows a quartet of bright, street-savvy friends who are navigating their way through high school - a must watch at any age.

TURN UP CHARLIE

A down-and-out DJ plots to rebuild his music career while working as a nanny for his famous best friend’s wild 11-year-old daughter.

JANE THE VIRGIN - SEASON 5

The series, revolving around a modern Virgin Mary trying to navigate life, returns after a mysterious event left Jane questioning everything in Season 4.

Some of this year’s Oscar winners for their acting – Rami Malek, Olivia Colman, Regina King and Mahershala Ali

category, the win was perhaps something of a toss-up between her, Lady Gaga (A Star is Born), Yalitza Aparicio (Roma) and Melissa McCarthy (Can you ever forgive me?), but proved a solid, well deserved win nonetheless.

And, whatever about Roma battling against some bigger-name, higher-profile rivals, at least it nabbed Best Director as one of a number of its wins, with Alfonso Cuaron wowing with a deeply per-

sonal, highly humane tale ahead of some of the snappier, showier films in the same category.

Those are pretty much the top-four banner awards that nab the headlines and are the marquee points to hang an article on.

Overall, despite the behind the scenes bedlam and hamfisted organisation in recent months as the Oscars’ organisers pinballed from one blunder to another, things proceeded

smoothly enough.

Of note was the fact that the viewership figures were actually up on last year’s figure – but the 2019 figure was still the second-lowest for the Oscars, following last year’s historic low point.

While the winners (and runner-ups) all deserve to be lauded, it’s hard not to think that the Oscars are way past their prime, with some serious soul-searching to undertake.

Roll on Oscars 2020...

Wayne and Orla still at odds over his jealousy YOU love Fair City, and we love Fair City – so look out for our great new preview column every week giving you the low-down on what’s happening over in Carrigstown ‘somewhere on the north side’ ...

THIS week, things are hotting up for Orla and Wayne, who’s warned by Orla to get over his jealousy of Tommy, but his humiliation grows as Tommy overhears Orla berating him about his insecurities.

Orla and Wayne’s moment of fun with junior is interrupted by Tommy’s arrival.

Wayne and Doug fail to agree on the terms of Doug’s employment – in order to get Doug to cut Wayne some slack, she tells him about the IVF treatment.

Wayne rips into Orla for making him look weak to Doug, and questions the solidity of his marriage as Orla becomes increasingly angry at his attitude.

Dolores gets involved in trying to help the situation.

Elsewhere, Melanie finds the atmosphere grim as Paul fires Callum in front of Ruth.

Callum warns Melanie she’ll soon find out how Paul treats women, and she’s concerned about Paul’s motives as he interferes in her family...

Watch Fair City on RTE One on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Orla and Tommy are just good friends – but will jealous Wayne see it that way?

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 February 2019

TRAVEL Greece is not just for the summer - there is lots to do, see and enjoy all year round

Custom design your very own dream holiday to Italy

ITALIAN holiday specialist Italy.ie have a spectacular range of tailormade holidays for the summer 2019 season.

Italy is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent holiday destinations in the world.

Famous for its romance, culture and breathtaking scenery, it is the ideal destination for fun filled family holidays, stylish beach getaways, two centre tours, spa and wellness, wine tasting and wonderful city breaks.

Well known resorts such as the Adriatic Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, Lido di Jesolo, Puglia, Tuscany and of course Sicily offer holiday makers a truly magical mix of holiday activity that are sure to linger long in the memory.

Choose from a marvellous selection of family, honeymoon, beach, lake, city break or wellness and spa holidays.

The experienced specialist team in Italy.ie can also put together individual tailor-made itineraries to include return flights, accommodation of your choice, event tickets, tours, spa treatments, wine tasting trips, private transfers, car hire and internal rail travel.

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor For starters, did you know you can ski in Greece?

Then there are the countless islands beyond the tourist hotspots of Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos and Santorini.

If you fancy getting to grips with the Greeks but don’t want to travel in high season then here are some suggestions on where to go and what to do…

new hotel opening

Villa Vager Mani, Peloponnese, boasts four stylish and luxurious suites

A small selection of the fabulous range of holidays on Italy.ie include: Apr 28 – Sorrento – 4* Hotel Bristol – From €1,150pp – 7 nights May 11– Lake Garda - 4* Majestic Palace – From €899 – 7 nights May 17 – Puglia – 3* Hotel Boston – From €427 – 3 nights May-Oct – Italian Lakes & St. Moritz Tour – From €1,099 – 7 nights May-Sep – Sorrento, Amalfi, Pompeii & Vesuvius Tour – From €1,077 – 7 nights All the above prices are subject to availability and include return flights from Dublin, taxes and accommodation as specified. Baggage and transfers not included.

Italy.ie is part of the GoHop.ie Travel Group who are considered one of the most popular travel brands in Ireland.

Irish owned and managed, the group continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers’ offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market with flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

The company boasts over 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.75.

Consumers can sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter to ensure they are kept up to date with unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

For further information check out Italy.ie or call (01) – 611 1047.

Villa Vager Mani, Peloponnese – www.villavagermani.gr - is the newest boutique hotel opening in the southern Peloponnese, Greece.

Owners Marina and Nikolas Vager have put the emphasis on style and luxury and the hotel has four suites - all individually decorated reflecting Marina’s individual style which developed through her travels and her work as an interior designer.

Choose one of the suites which can sleep up to four this summer and autumn from €275 per night which includes homemade breakfast, complimentary mini bar, apperitivos on the courtyard terrace and all taxes. Book at www.villavagermani.gr.

Discover a new island

Astypalea is not as well-known as its more famous neighbours like Santorini, Paros or even Mykonos, and that is key to its charm.

Astypalaia – Chrysallis Boutique Hotel From £65 per night – www.chrysallishotel.eu - Astypalaia is not as well-known as its more famous neighbours like Santorini, Paros or even Mykonos, and that is key to its charm.

This is a place where you can truly connect with the local culture: festivals are celebrated with traditional music and dance.

The local cuisine – the freshest of fish, exotic local specialties like biscuits of local saffron – is a delight, sophisticated in its simplicity.

This gorgeous butterflyshaped island offers over 120km of gorgeous coastline just made for exploring. Boutique accommodations with a sense of local style give your stay a sense of elegance and authenticity.

Stay at the newly renovated Chrysalis Boutique Hotel for adults only from €80 per night for a superior room including breakfast (available from May 15 to June 10, chrysalishotel.eu/en/).

Discover Mt Mainalo

The Peloponnese is one of those areas in Greece that are easily accessible.

Villa Vager (www.hotelvager.gr) is just a short drive from Athens International Airport.

It’s a listed building with only nine suites with working fireplaces adding to the whole ambience of the place. It is open all year round as it can combine a variety of different types of holidays, from exploring the ancient sites of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Olympia to skiing at Mainalo Mountain Ski Resort which is only 10 km away.

Mainalon has eight ski runs and four lifts.

Prices at Villa Vager start from €140 per room per night to include homecooked breakfast and all relevant taxes.

28 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

GREECE: A COUNTRY FOR ALL SEASONS

Icelandair expands flights between Dublin and Reykjavik SUMMER frequency is being expanded by Icelandair on flights between Dublin and Reykjavik.

The current daily service will increase to ten flights a week between May 16 and September 7.

The three new flights will run on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with a 2.40pm departure from the Irish capital. These will be in addition to existing 11.45am flights which were introduced last year.

The airline provides connections via Reykjavik to 21 points in the US and Canada including Anchorage, New York, Boston, Toronto and Vancouver.

Icelandair UK, Ireland and Continental Europe director Andrés Jonsson said: “Our Dublin route has been operating for nearly a year now and our service is proving to be very well received, as such we are delighted to be able to increase frequencies on this route.”

Reykjavik

Visit a turtle resort

Lesante Blu in Zakynthos offers a seven night break from €1,008 per person (www.sovereign. com). This is an adultsonly hotel with its own private stretch on the beach.

May is a great month to visit Zakynthos as you can visit the turtle sanctuary, take a boat trip to the Navagio and generally explore the island.

Alternatively, Sovereign Luxury Travel has a seven-night holiday to The Lesante Beach Resort on a half-board basis from just over €3,000 per family, based on departures on 26 May.

Villa Vager hotel is open all year round as it can combine a variety of different types of holidays, from exploring the ancient sites of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Olympia to skiing at Mainalo Mountain Ski Resort

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 February 2019

FOOD&DRINK

MORSELS OF NEWS IN THE CAPITAL

Fusion fare delights diners in the centre REBECCA RYAN

LA SOUL FOOD, drawing on traditional tastes from Central America fused with Asian f lavours, has come onto the food scene right in the heart of Dublin city.

Juanitos, located at no 35 Drury Street, offers a truly unique and tasty culinary experience.

Howth-born chef Johnnie Cooke opened the doors of Juanitos last December and it has been thriving ever since.

Lee Doyle, Juanitos’ head chef (formerly of The Exchequer) has a wealth of experience under his belt, having worked in Michelin star kitchens.

Lee describes the menu as: “healthy, fresh, vibrant and tasty”.

When you walk through the doors you are greeted with a warm, relaxed ambiance. The staff are extremely welcoming, with great passion and

recommendations on the menu.

The menu has plenty of interesting options to choose from – so much so, I wished I had two stomachs to try everything ... there’s always next time!

The prices are very reasonable for a city centre location, with mains starting at €8.50.

Juanitos sure know how to do tacos very well.

Bursting with flavours, you can get Mexican beer-battered shrimp tacos with salsa fresca, guacamole, shredded cabbage, lime aioli and yellow corn tortillas.

There’s also an all-day taco special served daily where you get three for €9.

Fo r s o m e g u i l t y pleasure, there’s plenty of Asian cuisine to try.

The Sticky Korean Popcorn Chicken with grilled pineapple, spring onion, sesame, toasted cashews, jasmine rice is a must, along with the Korean ‘dry-fried’ crispy chicken wings with a n i n t e re s t i n g sauce of soy, honey, sesame and choice of

sauce – yes, I did eat both in one sitting!

T h e re i s a l s o t h e popular Rotisserie Chicken Arepas with ye l l o w c o r n c a ke s, chicken, guacamole, salsa fresca, cotija cheese marinated and coated with the special house glaze and choice of sauce.

To t r y s o m e t h i n g different as a side, there are yummy avocado fries served with chilli flakes cilantro pesto, and sea salt. Deep-fried fruit is technically still ‘healthy’, right?

To top it off, if you still have room, there are delicious very homely house-baked pastries to choose from and Costa Rican coffee to wash it down.

Juanitos’ signature coffee from McCabes Coffee, named ‘Pura Vida’ (meaning ‘simple life’) has a backbone of mild roasted Costa Rican coffee from H a c i e n d a Aq u i a re s, delicately balanced with a little Brazil, Indian and Sumatran Arabica.

The c ity centre restaurant certainly delivers on taste. I heard their food described as

Perfect pancakes WITH Pancake Tuesday filling heads with thoughts of perfect pancakes (with our tums looking to get their fill soon, too), why not make some yummy Buttermilk Pancakes (to serve two) with a difference? These are glutenfree, so perfect for coeliacs ...

Ingredients 1 cup GF self-raising flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 cup buttermilk (don’t forget to shake it up) 1 medium free-range egg 2 tbsp butter 1 tsp cinnamon (optional) 1 ripe banana or half cup blueberries (optional)

Give your taste buds a treat – Juanitos offers a surprising variety of dishes and flavours, unexpectedly mixing Central America fare with a dash of Asian fusion. Best of all, the delish dishes that it serves up come at a very reasonable price, too, adding to its appeal in the city centre

a “party in your mouth” and when observing customers in the packed restaurant, there were a lot of pleasure-imbued “mmm” sounds coming from punters as they dived into their dishes.

Juanitos is perfect for a quick tasty bite from b re a k fa s t to d i nn e r, pre-shows bites, or just as equally also perfect spending a longer time chilling out with family and friends with great

food.

(Tip – If you get a chance, sit by the window seats; they’re perfect for people-watching.)

For further information about the restaurant, see juanitos.ie.

Preparation • Add all ingredients to a large bowl or pouring jug and blend. If you’re not using the banana, you can also just do this with a whisk or fork.

• Put a pan on a medium-high heat and once hot, melt the butter. Add the butter to the pancake and mix and stir.

Ensure enough butter remains to evenly coat the pan.

• The pan usually fits about three little pancakes – they’ll be the puffy, stackable American-style ones.

• They should take about 30 seconds or so either side until golden brown; you can keep a plate warm in the oven for pancakes while you use up all the batter.

• These pancakes last well and sometimes you can just pop them in the toaster the next day too.

CRAFTBEERCORNER

Going old school

The Goose Tavern

THE GOOSE TAVERN, which began its career as the “Green Goose” and then “The Pilot” certainly hasn’t lost its charm despite its name changes. The small front double doors open into a bar and lounge in one. The brass fittings and carpeted floor certainly lend themselves to the old school bar feeling.

The Goose Tavern might not win any awards for how it looks from the outside, but once inside, the pint was a completely different story. Smooth, consistent and with the taste on point, the Goose is definitely worth a visit. @guinnessadvisor

The Goose Tavern, Sion Hill Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9

Sabotage IPA Trouble Brewing Kill, Co Kildare  PALE MAILE, Beer Aficionado IF YOU come across any of the beers from Trouble Brewing Company they will stand out just because of their wonderful label designs but they taste just as good too.

This IPA is perfectly balanced between the bitterness and the taste of hops. This is not as hoppy as some IPAs and has a medium body, so Trouble’s Sabotage IPA is not overpowering if you prefer less of a bite.The drink has a lovely amber colour and 5.5% ABV. Another super tasty pint from this local brewery.

28 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

PUZZLES

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS CONFLICT DILIGENCE ELEGANTLY ESTEEMED GORGEOUS HALO HOTEL INFLATE LUNCHES NONFOOD PAKISTAN

PARRY PERVERTED PLUNGING POWDER SCRAMBLED SCRAP SECRECY SUBMARINE TASKS WEDDED

To advertise here please contact sales@dublingazette.com or call 01 6010240

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  FINGAL CARPET CLEANING

PAINTING

ROOFING

DVD TRANSFERS

RECRUITMENT GARDEN SERVICES

ROOFING

PAINTING

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@dublingazette.com



28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

FINGAL  DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS ROOFING

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

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

CONTACT SHAUNA BURKE AT SBURKE@DUBLINGAZETTE.COM OR ON 60 10 240

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

LADIES FOOTBALL P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

LASER SHOW: SOCCER: DINNY Corcoran’s eyes lit up

when the opportunity was presented to decide the Dublin Derby at Dalymount Park – but not in the way he may have anticipated.

The Portrane man condemned the Hoops to their fifth defeat in six games against their greatest rivals as he sent Alan Mannus the wrong way from the penalty spot.



GAZETTE

TENNIS P29

PAGE 32

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BASKETBALL | MEN’S SUPER LEAGUE REMAINS UP FOR GRABS

Templeogue fell Saints to lead the way  sport@dublingazette.com

THE TWISTS and turns at the top of the men’s basketball Super League table continue apace with league leaders, Templeogue keeping their spot at the top intact thanks to a 67-89 point win over Dublin neighbours, DCU Saints on Saturday evening.

Templeogue built a 43-33 lead at the interval and continued to push the boat out as Dee Proby and Lorcan Murphy both landed 18 points with good support from Jason Killeen.

Mike Bonaparte tallied 27 for DCU but he could not find enough support from around the court to close the gap.

Templeogue now lead the way with 36 points from 16 outings, six clear but Tralee Warriors are hot on their heels following an 80-68 win on Saturday over Belfast Star. They have two games in hand, though,

which could wipe out Templeogue’s lead.

UCD Marian are still in the chase for league honours thanks to a high-scoring 76-101 point win over Keane’s SuperValu Killorglin in the kingdom on Saturday evening. Mike Garrow, Conor Meany and Elijah Mays led the way for the visitors and despite good displays from Daniel Jokubaitis, Daragh Jones and Declan Wall.

UCD put in a huge 40-point third quarter to help see home victory.

Moycullen succumbed 64-89 to cup champions, Pyrobel Killester on Saturday evening meanwhile.

Isaiah Harris-Winn top scored for Moycullen with 22 points.

But Killester’s Royce Williams bagged himself 26 points on the way to leading his team to victory.

Moycullen remain in a three-way tie at the bottom of the Men’s Super League.

In Division One, Northern Confer-

Templeogue’s Lorcan Murphy on the attack in their victory over the DCU Saints. Picture: Martin Doherty

ence leaders and currently unbeaten DBS Éanna gave Scotts Lakers St Paul’s Killarney a tough outing.

A superb first half performance from Sean O’Brien and Papito Hersisia looked to have Killarney comfortable at stages but Éanna kept chipping away at the lead and by the half time break, had the margin cut

to three points.

A stunning third quarter from the hosts’ Stefan Zecevic and Joshua Wilson began to show why the Dubliners are still unbeaten after 20 league games, and with Conor Gallagher making his presence known under the boards, Éanna drove home to a 103-87 point win in the end.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

SOCCER: NEW BOSS SEEKING CONSISTENCY AFTER BIG WIN

CASTLEKNOCK WELL done to all our enthusiastic cyclists and helpers at Saturday’s Féile 2019 Cyclethon!

Thanks for all the generous donations and thanks also to Spar Carpenterstown and Centra Laurel Lodge. Special mention to Mick Daly who kindly supplied the bikes. Upcoming Féile fundraisers include Table Quiz on Friday, March 9 and Cake Sale on March 24. Details to follow, save the dates!

Our Div 3 hurlers had a great start to their season beating St.Peregrine’s (Castleknock: 1-18(21) St Peregrines : 2-12(18), while our Div 6 lads had a great win over Raheney (Castleknock: 1-14(17) Raheny : 1-10(13).

Well done to our U-10s who hurled well out in the Gormanstown Indoor Hurling Tournament. Great win for the Dublin Minor Camogie Team in their first round championship match against Wexford and well done to Castleknock’s Caitlin Coffey who was a part of the starting line-up. No Jackpot winner of our Lotto with thanks to Rialto Fiord. Numbers drawn were 5, 14, 23, 24. 7 ‘match 3’ winners.

FINGALLIANS THIS year’s Easter Camp has been confirmed for April 23 to 26, 9am til 1pm.

Please note this is a slight change to previous years .Applications forms will be available shortly from the bar .Summer and Kellogg’s Cup Camp dates will be confirmed in the next few weeks.

The Blood Bank will make a visit to the club on Thursday, February 28 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm each day.

This is something that costs nothing only your time and can help to save somebody life.

Junior Ladies : Many thank to Breaffy Ladies

Team who dropped in to Play a return game with our Junior Ladies Team on their way to Croke Park for the Double Header.

Social Dancing: There is a full list of the upcoming dates for the social dancing on our Facebook Page.

Gormanston Indoor Tournament : A big well done to all the Fingallians Camogie and Hurling Teams who took part in the Annual Gormanston Indoor Hurling and Camogie Tournament ,it a great start o the year for the younger teams and is organised very well by Skerries man Denis Forde.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN HISTORIC occasion on Sunday last with a club team playing a competitive Camogie match for the first time in our almost 100 year history.

Congratulations to our U-13 Girls in a superb performance against Erin’s Isle in Westmanstown in perfect conditions scoring eight goals in the process-well done to all.

League action returns next Sunday with Intermediates at home to Clann Mhuire at 10.30am and Juniors away at St Pats Donabate at 12pm. Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm.

Ladies pre season training continueSaturday morning and Monday evening at Westmanstown.

U-13 Boys had good win over Ballinteer St Johns in their grading match on Saturday by 7-15 to 5-12. U-15s got better of Cuala in their tie winning 5-9 to 5-5. Nursery continues every Saturday at 10am and all the children of the locality are welcome to enjoy Gaelic Games in a fun and safe environment under Geraldine Culloty and Declan Jennings.

Casting night for the Oskars is Monday, March 4 from 7-10pm in Westmanstown.

The Rivervalley Rangers Sunday Major 1 team

River Valley rollercoaster continues as they hit six LSL SUNDAY MAJOR 1 River Valley Rangers FC Transylvania  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

6 0

RIVER VALLEY Rangers bounced back from last week’s 5-4 defeat in Enniskerry with a thumping 6-0 win over FC Transylvania at Sportslink.

A brace from Cole Enocks plus goals from Paul Currivan, Conor Fowler, James Rock and Lee Murray saw the Swords side to their fourth victory of the season.

Remarkably, it’s the second time the LSL Sunday Major 1 side have won 6-0 since new manager Declan Eivers took over in January.

Eivers was assistant to Patsy O’Neill, who left to take over Malahide United’s Saturday side, but has been frustrated by his team’s

lack of consistency.

He was without a recognised keeper for the defeat to Enniskerry and was missing others due to work and travel against Transylvania, but the young side eventually won in style.

The home side took until ten minutes before the break to open the scoring as Currivan got on the end of Fowler’s corner and headed home.

Enocks got his first on the stroke of half time as he eased past a defender and slotted the ball into the corner, and turned home Ruairi Deasy’s cross shortly after the restart.

Fowler scored the fourth direct from a free kick as he left the visiting keeper with no chance, before Enocks won the penalty that Rock converted to make it five.

Darren Doyle made his long-

awaited return from the bench following a spell with Malahide United but it was another sub, Lee Murray, who finished the rout late on.

“You can just tell with our team, sometimes, in the warmup whether they’re going to start good or not,” Eivers tells the Dublin Gazette.

“The warm-up was rubbish.

They started slow, and we were playing FC Transylvania, who are renowned as a futsal team. They’re all technically very good footballers.

“We just couldn’t get the ball off them for half an hour. But we knew that we would have chances because we have a young, fast, fit side and eventually it would pay off.

“I noticed they let in an average of three goals a game, so once we

got one we’d probably break their will, and that’s what happened. It could have ended up around ten.”

River Valley sit ten points off the promotion spots with just nine games to play, which Eivers admits is most likely beyond them, but a run at the Polikoff Cup remains a possibility.

“We’ve played three games on an astro and we’ve won 6-0, 6-0 and 3-0. On grass, we just haven’t got the consistency.

“We’re a good footballing team and on an astro I’d fancy us against anyone. We’ll maybe had to work on adapting our game to pitches that aren’t as good.

“If I could get a consistent team on the pitch, that might help as well.

“On our day, we should be up in the top three, if we had our full team, but it is what it is.”

Mochta’s on form in the cups

ST MOCHTA’S enjoyed a pair of 4-0 successes in the cups in the past week as they advanced in both the Charlie Cahill and the Lanigan competitions.

The first team saw off Cherry Orchard with Denis Moran and Karl Somers scoring in the first half before Luke Kelly’s penalty and a Mick Daly effort completed the win.

A Dean Maguire hat trick and a Graham Hughes strike sent Mochta’s into the semi-final St Mochta’s celebrate a goal in their win over of the Lanigan Cup. Maguire broke the deadlock Cherry Orchard. on 22 minutes, firing home into the roof of the

net. Maguire slotted home his second on 53 minutes before Hughes made it 3-0 with a beautiful low finish.

Maguire capped a magnificent performance dispatching a penalty on 73 minutes, continuing the Clonsilla club’s excellent run in the competition. It adds to a 3-0 second round success against Glebe North and a 2-1 home win against Tolka Rovers. They are now in the semi-final line-up where they are joined so far by Colepark United and Ballymun United with one place to be confirmed.

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

TENNIS: SWORDS MAN DELIGHTED TO PLAY HIS PART IN SPECIAL FUNDRAISER CHALLENGE

Cluskey’s doubles crew reach Guinness record 60-hour mark GUINNESS WORLD RECORD  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

FOUR DUBLIN tennis players have been formally entered into the Guinness book of world records for an astonishingly overlength men’s doubles match, which they completed for charity at the Fitzwilliam Tennis Club during the summer of last year.

The game, which lasted 60 hours, 24 minutes and 19 seconds, finished with a scoreline of 73 games to 70, and raised five figures in sponsorship for Enjoy Tennis, a charity aiming to give access to the sport to disabled players.

The teams were made up of former Irish Davis Cup men James Cluskey – from Swords – and David Mullins, and Trinity tennis club players Luke Maguire and Dan O’Neill.

The players allowed five minutes of time off the court for every hour they played, and had their

match verified by two independent observers from the Guinness book.

The players saved this time, and took a 40 minute break in a block every eight hours, to nap and eat.

The game started on the 13 July, and concluded on the 15, taking in periods of heat and of rain.

“It makes me very proud to be a part of this world record. There were four guys on the court but it was a huge team effort.

“I’m so proud of the Irish tennis community for all their support,” former pro international Cluskey said of the record.

“We were struggling Sunday morning but we had people to keep us going and push us through. It was heartening on Sunday evening when we were about to finish in the pouring rain and yet there was still lots of people cheering us on.

“A personal highlight for me was having some of the Enjoy Tennis groups playing on the court beside us to see how the money we raise is going to such a worthy cause.”

O’Neill added “I can’t believe I played for 60 hours with virtually no sleep.

“Even at my lowest point from 12am to 4am on Sunday morning when I was physically at rock bottom, all I was thinking about was hanging in there.

“It is an amazing feeling that our reward is not only the personal satisfaction of breaking a world record but knowing that the funds raised will create so many more opportunities for people with disabilities to play tennis all over the country.”

The range of disabilities covered by the Enjoy Tennis programme includes intellectual disability, autism, blind and visual impairment, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and wheelchair users.

The funds raised will also allow the group to bring Enjoy Tennis to those providing services to people experiencing mental health issues.

The charity currently has over 1,000 players involved spread across 70 different tennis clubs.

The joint SS Lazio and Coolmine teams

Coolmine gladiators on tour COOLMINE RUGBY  sport@dublingazette.com

COOLMINE rugby club’s boy’s Under-11s made the epic trip to Rome last weekend with a total of 31 players travelling to play against S.S. Lazio Rugby 1927.

On Friday, the group had a fascinating walking tour of the city taking in the culture and history of Rome. On Saturday, a visit to

the Colosseum was followed by an evening in Gladiator school which was enjoyed by all.

The boys did themselves proud in the three-match tournament on Sunday morning.

The team spirit of the trip had obviously bonded the boys well and although a little tired from the holiday excitement, they played well together against very organised Italian teams.

Following the match, SS Lazio showed their Italian hospitality with a fantastic an al fresco buffet.

The two teams had further time to get to know each other, organising another impromptu match themselves.

Next and final stop from a memorable weekend, the Stadio Olimpico to watch Ireland’s Six Nation’s encounter with Italy.

James Cluskey, left, with David Mullins, Luke Maguire and Dan O’Neill

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 28 February 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

NAOMH MEARNOG OUR adult hurlers (AHL 3) got their league season off to a fantastic start with an impressive win over St. Marks. Our AHL 8 team also got off to a positive start with a hard fought victory over Erin Go Bragh.

Our minor footballers were involved in a high scoring game against an accomplished St Pats (Donabate) team losing out by 3 points in the end.

Our under 8 boys played their first Go Games hurling game on Saturday.

Their level of skill was very impressive. The under 9 boys travelled to Tyrellstown and Balbriggan and reigned supreme at both venues. The under 10, 13 and 14 boys enjoyed wins also with the under 10s receiving lavish compliments from opponents Lucan.

It was a busy weekend for our girls also. Our Under 13, 14, 15 and 16 camogie teams were in action and all feel a little short. Better days ahead I can assure you. Our under 12 ladies foootball team challenged our neighbours St. Sylvester’s to a friendly and beat them. Well done to all teams and mentors.

Our adult footballers are back in action next weekend with our 3 teams at home on Sunday. Our AFL2 team play Raheny at 10-30, the AFL7 lads take on St. Vincents at 12 while our AFL11N play Ballymun at 3pm. Our minor hurlers are away to Ballinteer at 11am. Let’s get out and support all our teams.

NAOMH PEREGRINE PEREGRINE’S are on a mission this year to get as fit and active as possible. To help us with our goal we have teamed up with Ger Conroy Fitness, Mulhuddart to give us a taste of what they do best. This Saturday, March 2, we are inviting our members and friends to join us in their top of the range facility in Mulhuddart and get active in one of three classes available exclusively to St Peregrines.

There are promotions on the day including the chance to win 1 months free membership to this fantastic gym facility and access to all their classes. Full details are on our Clubs Facebook page or contact PRO Janice Kavanagh on: 087 292 7058 or by email: pro. stperegrines.dublin@gaa.ie to register your interest. Places are limited so booking is essential.

It’s that time of year again when one of the Clubs favourite and much anticipated fundraisers takes place. Our Annual Fantasy Cheltenham 2019 tickets are now on sale from any of our Adult Hurlers and also available from behind the bar, alternatively you can contact 089 4906961.

Competition is always fierce and tickets are limited so get yours early to avoid disappointment. Big thank you to our St Peregrines Ladies Darts Team who hosted

ST BRIGID’S

the singles and doubles finals for North Dublin, last Thursday. Well done to our very own Violet and Phylis who were unlucky in the doubles final but played brilliantly throughout the evening. Thank you to all participants and supporters who brought a fantastic atmosphere on the night.

Come out and support the ladies this Thursday Night in the Clubhouse.

We would also like to mention Audrey Byrne & Violet Maloney who represented Dublin at last weekends Championship in Clare. This is a massive achievement and we are delighted to have them as members of St. Peregrines Ladies Darts. Keep your eye on the Bullseye Ladies!

Well done to all our Penguins who received their medals and certificates from another successful year in the Gormanstown Indoor Hurling Competition. We had Penguins in U8, U9 and U10 take part in this Annual Competition which spans for 6 weeks. This event is a firmfavorite with the kids and they are already looking forward to next years.

Music in the Clubhouse this weekend: Saturday, March 2 – Liaison & Sunday 3rdMarch DJ Richie. Our Christmas Hamper was unclaimed so the Bar are giving out free tickets all this week, no purchase necessary.

RACE night on Friday 8th March, be sure to support and join in the fun.

Easter Camp will run from April 15-18, 10am to 2pm, more details to follow.

Great start to the season for Division 1 and 4 Hurlers and both Minor Football teams last weekend.

2019 Memberships are now due and can be paid online via our club Website.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports St Brigid’s Club Lotto and thanks to our great Lotto Committee. There was no Lotto Jackpot last week and this week’s draw is in Myo’s on the 1st March with Jackpot €10,600.

St Brigid’s Club Nursery continues each Saturday morning from 9.30am to 11.00. All 4-7 year old boys and girls are welcome to come and join the fun.

New or returning players are always welcome. Just contact pro.stbrigids. dublin@gaa.ie for info.

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

LADIES FOOTBALL : DUBLIN SHOW THEIR SPIRIT

McEvoy inspires blue comeback LGFA DIVISION ONE Dublin 1-17 Mayo 3-9  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN stormed back to defeat Mayo and give their league hopes a big boost as they won a thriller in Croke Park on Saturday evening.

M i c k B o h a n’s s i d e started poorly against a strong Mayo side, and had conceded five points before they got out of the blocks.

Niamh and Grace Kelly’s points were followed by a goal from Rachel Kearns for the visitors, Kearns emphatic strike sending up a warning signal to the Jackies.

It was to get worse before it got better, too. St Sylvester’s Niamh McEvoy scored a terrific goal, but rather than rallying the Dubs, Bohan’s charges continued to struggle to deal with Kearns, who broke again, rattled Ciara Trant’s post and then lashed in the rebound, to re-establish and ominous looking Mayo lead.

Fiona Doherty had added a third for the visitors inside twenty minutes, finishing from a tight angle, and Dublin

Lyndsey Davey on the charge for Dublin. Picture: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

found themselves 3-2 to 1-2 behind with a third of the contest gone.

From there, though, Dublin found their composure, taking control of the middle and increasingly utilising the space that seems to appear in HQ. Siobhan Killeen and Jennifer Dunne are two relatively new additions to the Dublin side but their introduction made an impact, narrowing the margin by two points,

CLUB SPONSORS Westmanstown new shirts arrive

WESTMANSTOWN Rugby Club’s Under-16 boys were presented with their new jerseys sponsored by ADSL Group, Thai Garden Restaurant, Sea Nymph Ireland and Top Traders guide last Sunday.

“The team and club would like to thank all the sponsors for their contributions,” the club said of their arrival.

“There are lots of sponsorship opportunities within the club, from jerseys to pitch side signs and if you are interested please get in touch.”

For more information email gardarfcpro@gmail.com.

with Mayo going in leading by four.

Kearns was to have an opportunity to complete a hattrick just after the break, but blazed a penalty the wrong side of the Dublin crossbar, and from then on in it was the Jackies who looked more likely.

Lindsey Davey, Niamh McEvoy (who finished with 1-5) and the late introduction of the ever dangerous player of the year Sinead Aherne saw

Dublin frequently split the uprights as they ultimately pushed their west coast rivals aside in a dominant closing 20 minutes.

The win pushes Dublin to the top of the Lidl National Football League table for the first time this season, a solid piece of progress for a team that have been flagged as something of a side in transition, but seem to be building considerable momentum.

28 February 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

LADIES FOOTBALL: PORTMARNOCK CLUB READY FOR ADULT COMEBACK

HURLING

Brigid’s off to a flying start in league

Cliodhna O’Connor, right, makes a save for Naomh Mearnog in 2009. Picture: Martin King

O’Connor planning Mearnogs’ return LADIES FOOTBALL

 JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

FORMER DUBLIN football star Cliona O’Connor has announced plans to relaunch the Naomh Mearnog adult ladies team over the coming months as the Portmarnock club look to build on a flourishing youth section.

O’Connor hopes to revitalise the section following the absence of a side in Portmarnock in recent years. In part, she wants to pay forward the work of some of the coaches who helped her to reach county level earlier in her career.

“The club folded because we simply didn’t have enough adult players to field a team,” O’Connor explains.

“We had very successful adult teams in the past and probably took it for granted that there would always be players, and therefore didn’t take enough time to ensure we had strong development structures. That caught up with us in the end and there was a gap for a few years where we didn’t have enough to transition to adult games.

“Over the last number of years, there has been a huge amount of work done

with the underage teams in the club.

From nursery to under-16 level we have great participation in the female side of the club.

“For ladies football it was important for us to have an adult team so that our Under-16s would have something to transition into when the time comes.

“My main goal for the team is that we can field an adult team with adult players for the 2019 season. We want it to be a player-driven team, so that everyone feels welcome and enjoys their time in the club.

“That is the most crucial part of the experience for players, being part of a team should bring positivity to people’s lives and should not be a cause of stress.

Players should come because they want to as opposed to feeling obliged to turn up.

“Facilities are one of the things that Naomh Mearnog are very good at. We have a great clubhouse and pitches and there is never an issue with getting access to facilities when we need them.

“But when the team folded some players guested with other clubs and other just stopped playing.”

It is unclear as of yet the level at

which Naomh Mearnog will reenter the Dublin league structure, but they intend to provide football for all levels, including their ongoing Gaelic4Mothers program, to allow access for anyone who wants to play.

The players who are working towards the senior team, meanwhile, have begun training and played their first

challenge match.

“We have attracted a wide variety of players,” O’Connor concludes. “Some people that haven’t played in years, one or two that have never played and others who have come up through the ranks in the club and were playing with other clubs. Really we are open to anyone who wants to join.”

Naomh Mearnog in action against Na Fianna in the 2009 SFC final. Picture: GAAPics.com

ST BRIGID’S breadth of scoring options proved a big factor as they won big on the opening day of AHL Division One as they saw off St Jude’s 0-20 to 0-11.

The National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown was the venue on Sunday afternoon for the clash and, with Cian O’Sullivan and Eoghan Dunne combining effectively in midfield, it was Brigid’s who took control of the proceedings.

Courtesy of strong defensive displays

by Sean Brady, Ciaran Dolan, Mark Kavanagh and David Fraine, they largely kept the Jude’s attack at bay. Having led 0-8 to 0-4 at the midway point, Brigid’s were in an ideal position at the beginning of the second period.

Jude’s had suffered a major set-back in the sixth-minute, when they found themselves reduced to 14 men. Coupled with the absence of inter-county star Danny Sutcliffe, this left them with too much of a mountain to climb.

As ever, Brigid’s marksman Paul Winters was on song amassing a nine-point haul over the course of the hour.

They had nine scorers in total on the day, including Cathal Doyle (three), Johnny McGuirk, Dunne and O’Sullivan, as they reigned supreme.

Next on their schedule is a March 10 date with Cuala, pencilled in for Russell Park.

GazetteSPORT FEB 28-MAR 6, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

MEARNOGS COMEBACK LADIES FOOTBALL: Portmarnock club legend O’Connor looking to get adult section back in full flow after number of years absence SEE P31

VALLEY’S SIX OF THE BEST SOCCER: Rangers revel in big win as new boss urges for more consistency SEE P28

RECORD BREAKER

TENNIS: Swords man James Cluskey part of Guinness World Record attempt for longest ever doubles match.

SEE P29

Find us on

PICK US UP

EVERY THURSDAY!

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Portrane’s Dinny keeps Bohs on top in Dublin  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

DINNY Corcoran’s eyes lit up when the opportunity was presented to decide the Dublin Derby at Dalymount Park – but not in the way he may have anticipated.

T h e Po r t ra n e m a n condemned the Hoops to their fifth defeat in six games against their greatest rivals as he sent Alan Mannus the wrong way from the penalty spot.

S o m e Rove rs f a n s in the Des Kelly Stand behind the goal shone lasers in his eyes in an attempt to put him off, but the big striker kept his calm to score the only goal of the game.

That made it three in three for the 30-year-old, who was the Gypsies’ top scorer with 11 goals last year and is already more than a quarter of the way to reaching that tally.

“They were shining lasers in my eyes and all, but I just had to keep my focus,” Corcoran told the Dublin Gazette.

“I was always going there and I said I’ll see what happens, if it goes in it goes in, and thankfully it did. It’s never [happened before].

“It was actually right before I took it, the ball was placed and all, and these green things coming across my face surprised me! There’s no point in arguing – just get on with it. “ Corcoran’s penalty settled the tie with a deserved win for Keith

Bohemians Derek Pender holds off Shamrock Rovers’ Ronan Finn.

Picture: Andrew O’’Connell/ Shamrock Rovers

“The ball was placed [on the penalty spot]

and these green things coming across my face surprised me!“ Long’s side, who dominated the game following Aaron Greene’s 29thminute red card.

The former Bohs striker was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Keith Ward, a decision that left manager Stephen Bradley bewildered after the game.

“Anyone who knows Aaron knows he doesn’t

make tackles like that,” said Bradley.

“It was right in front of me. He puts his body over the ball to shield the ball. He doesn’t go near the player. It was a poor decision.

“The yellow was out and he was about to put it in the air and the fourth official said red card, which is unbeliev-

able. It’s the only decision he got involved in all night.”

Wa r d w a s h e a v ily involved again in the creation of the goal, ghosting past substitute Ronan Finn and drawing the foul for the penalty.

He could have capped off an outstanding individual display late on with a goal but was

denied first by Joey O’Brien, before blazing his shot over the bar. “ T h ey ’re a l ways tough, tense affairs, both teams afraid to go for it, afraid to lose,” said Corcoran, “When they went down to ten men we had a bit more space and time on the ball. We had to be patient because they

put everyone behind the ball and it’s hard to play against and break down.

“But Wardy popped up with a bit of magic to win the peno and thankfully I slotted it away.

“It’s all about getting the result tonight and the clean sheet – we’ve three clean sheets now a n d t h re e go a l s fo r myself.”