Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 3-9, 2019

YEARINREVIEW: The highs, the lows, and everything in between – we look back on some of the top stories from 2018 FROM PAGE 4

Fingal Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

Happy New Year!

SPORT

THE YEAR IN REVIEW: We look back on an incredible year on the local, national and international stage for Dublin’s sport stars SEE P27-31

travel

EXPLORE SOME NEW HORIZONS IN THIS NEW YEAR SEE P18

FIREWORKS WOW The year started with quite a bang in the city centre – and whatever 2019 holds in store, you’ll find it all covered right here in your very own Dublin Gazette! So keep reading, and Happy New Year to everyone!

Shock as teen dies after freak accident SYLVIA POWNALL

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Jack Kevitt (17)

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Balbriggan teenager who died in a freak accident just days after Christmas.

Jack Kevitt (17) was remembered at his funeral as someone who “lived life to the full, bringing joy, fun and

craic to his family and large circle of friends”.

The popular teenager died after falling from the roof of a building on Thursday, December 27 when a stunt with pals went horrifically wrong.

Jack was a talented footballer, musician and writer and during Transition Year he co-wrote the school

musical at Balbriggan Community College Mourners at his funeral mass in St Peter and Paul’s Church on Wednesday were told it was “hard to fathom” what his grieving parents Sue and Sid are going through on the loss of their only son.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Families A NEW club for budding young Special Olympics athletes has opened up in Donabate and Portrane, with huge crowds attending its official launch just before Christmas. Despite being just a few weeks old, the young athlete programme is already proving a huge hit with its delighted participants.

SEE PAGE 3

Siobhan’s helping to Transform Fingal A YOUNG Fingal teacher has made it through to be a leader in the new series of Operation Transformation, bravely using her own story to help spread a positive message of getting fit and losing weight in 2019.

Siobhan O’Brien (30) says she wants to help inspire her students, and the wider community, to also get fit and feel better as she undertakes her own challenge in the popular RTE show.

Tune in to follow Siobhan’s Transformation and her great attitude from next Wednesday, January 9.

SEE PAGE 2

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

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TV: CLONSILLA WOMAN IN OPERATION TRANSFORMATION

Ready to teach some weight loss lessons A TEACHER at Luttrelstown Community College has been chosen as one of the six leaders on RTE’s Operation Transformation, which begins next week.

Siobhan O’Brien (30), who lives in Clonsilla, was selected from hundreds of hopefuls for the reality series which will see her share her weight loss journey with the nation.

Secondary school teacher Siobhan grew up in a close-knit family in Clonshaugh and is the youngest of three girls.

She said she felt like a hypocrite telling students about the importance of healthy living and exercise when she was neglecting her own fitness.

Revealing that the teenagers did not take her seriously, she added: “We’re pushing wellbeing in the school at the minute so I wanted to show how to do it – so the students can be part of the journey as well.

“The students are part of the reason that I

 SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

applied.”

Growing up, Siobhan was always sporty and involved in everything in her community from Irish dancing to football.

She represented Ireland in Taekwondo.

But in the seven years since leaving college her weight fluctuated and she says she wants to get fit again so she can be a good influence on the young adults in her charge.

Her mum Rita, dad Joe and the rest of her family and friends are 100% behind her as she reveals her ambitious target – to run the Dublin City Marathon.

Siobhan, who is the youngest assistant principal in the country, will join four other leaders as they take part in the twelfth series of the show which will be broadcast

Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

Operation Transformation presenter Kathryn Thomas with Clonsilla woman Siobhan O’Brien, who’s all set to help everyone get fitter and lose weight in 2019

for the first time from Bremore Castle in Balbriggan.

Over the course of the eight weeks, OT experts will attempt to get the whole town of Balbriggan moving, with local community leaders reporting back on their success in getting their area active.

A show spokesperson said: “We want Balbriggan to show the nation what can be achieved with the help of a strong community and civic leaders.”

Operation Transformation starts on RTE One next Wednesday, January 9.

Brrrrr-ave swimmers take a Xmas Day Dip off Portmarnock

FASTNews Gardai investigating assault on girl, 14 GARDAI are investigating a vicious assault on a 14-year-old girl in Tyrrelstown on December 27 in which the victim suffered a suspected broken nose.

The teenager was called names before being set upon by two women outside the west Dublin shopping centre who kicked and punched her in an unprovoked attack.

A garda spokesperson said: “The incident occurred on December 27 at approximately 5.20pm at Tyrrelstown Shopping Centre.

“The injured party alleges she was assaulted by two other females who then fled the scene in a car.

Investigations are ongoing.”

DOG walk to protest byelaws

Bank attack sees call for safety review

FINGAL Dog Owners’ Group (DOG) will hold a peaceful protest walk in Malahide this Saturday, January 5 as it ramps up its campaign against new byelaws.

Representatives of the action group met with council officials in mid-December to discuss what it describes as “stringent” byelaws which only permit dogs to be walked off-leash in designated areas.

The issue came to a head shortly before Christmas when fencing was erected in the public park at the Ward River Valley in Swords.

DOG spokesperson Ciara Deery told Dublin Gazette: “We are gaining support due to the awful eyesore and waste of money the council has put into the dog pens at Ward River Valley Park.

“We will be holding a fun walk through the village and invite as many participants as possible and ask that they bring hi-vis jackets, if possible.” The walk will start from the green opposite Starbucks at 11am.

THE union representing workers at KBC Bank has called for a review of staff security procedures following an arson attack on the Swords branch.

A rock was thrown through the window in the early hours of Saturday, December 22 and an accelerant was used to set a fire. The alarm was raised at 5am.

It was the second attack on a Dublin branch of the bank in the space of 48 hours and follows a spate of violence in Roscommon over an eviction involving KBC agents.

The Swords branch was extensively damaged and the action was widely condemned locally. The Financial Services Union is now seeking an urgent review of staff security and welfare.

FSU acting general secretary Gareth Murphy said a number of staff had been left “extremely upset and stressed by these developments”.

Barney’s revving up interest for the twelfth annual Tractor Run

WHILE most of us would shriek loudly if our shower suddenly ran with cold water, hundreds of hardy souls braved the freezing waters at Portmarnock for the traditional Christmas Day dip.

While the weather has been milder than usual for this time of year, the sea was just as icy as usual for Christmas, but with plenty of Ho-ho-hos the swimmers decided to go-go-go into the sea

anyway, watched by a large crowd of warmly dressed onlookers.

Well done to all of the day’s swimmers, and especially to the many people who were fundraising for a cause.

BARNEY Greene will host the 12th annual Tractor Run on Sunday, January 6 in aid of St Francis Hospice.

The tractor run will take place from a new base at Country Crest Foods, leaving at noon sharp.

The Tractor Run will return to Man O’War pub, where refreshments will be served to the accompaniment of music provided by the ever-popular Morning Dew band. There will also be an auction and raffle and Barney is expecting to exceed last year’s impressive total of €9,000.

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

DEATH ASDFDFD

Tributes paid to teen killed after accident CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Jack, from Ashfield Rise in Balbriggan, died from injuries sustained when he fell from the roof of a building on Church Street.

It is believed he was taking part in a Parkour stunt with friends.

The discipline, similar to free running, is developed from military obstacle course training and involves jumping and scaling urban buildings against the clock.

A garda spokesman said: “Gardai in Balbriggan are investigating after a 17-year-old boy fell from the roof of a building on Church Street in Balbriggan on Thursday night.

“He was taken to Beaumont Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The incident is being treated as an accident.”

In May 2018, Jack was singled out for praise during his school’s annual awards for co-writing the school play, entitled, Balbriggan – The Musical, with fellow student Cian Mooney.

The pair were rewarded “for their unbelievable writing, acting and directorial skills in the Transition Year production ...

A very bright future for these two boys.”

‘Great shock’ Jack was also a member of Naul-based GAA club Clann Mhuire CLG. In a Facebook post the club said: “It is with great sadness and shock that we have learnt of the sudden death of juvenile member Jack Kevitt.

“Jack has been a member of Clann Mhuire from a very young age. We extend our deepest sympathies to his parents, extended family and friends.”

Devastated pals held a candle-lit vigil for Jack in the days after his death and friends Lorcan, Sean, Mark and Noah brought symbols of his life to the altar at his packed funeral.

DONABATE/PORTRANE: PROGRAMME A SMASH WITH PARTICIPANTS, FAMILIES

Delight as new Special Olympics Young Athlete club a hit with children SYLVIA POWNALL

A NEW club for budding young athletes has opened up in Donabate and Portrane, with huge crowds attending its official launch just before Christmas.

Special Olympics Young Athlete programme now operates from Donabate Portrane Educate Together NS with 29 eager young sportspeople already signed up.

The programme caters for children with an intellectual disability between the ages of four and 12 and introduces them to a wide range of play activities in a familiar, supportive and fun environment.

S OYA , w h i c h wa s launched nationally last year, also introduces the children to fundamental movement skills such as throwing, catching, jumping and balancing.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Anthony Lavin attended the launch along with DPETNS principal Maeve Corish and Matt English, chief executive of Special Olympics Ireland.

Head coach Deborah McArdle told Dublin Gazette: “This was a great event and huge credit is due to all the ath-

letes involved. It was full of energy and joy as the athletes gave a demonstration to the parents and guests.

“It is clear from the demonstration that the group have already bonded after their few weeks together and progress is already being made in their skills.

“This is all down to the incredible work of the volunteers who make the club such a success.”

The Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club is the eleventh Young Athlete Club in the country and they meet up every Saturday morning.

Due to the large number of children wishing to attend, they run two sessions – one from 12-1pm and one from 1-2pm.

Predominantly led by volunteers, parents and guardians are also encouraged to take part in the sessions.

The club is looking for more volunteers to get involved and no experience is needed.

If you would like to volunteer at the club or become a member you can contact them on Facebook @Donabate Portrane Special Olympics Club, or email dpsoclub@gmail. com.

Pals Anna Kilmartin and Liam Caseiro.

Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Happy to help – volunteers Heather Lloyd and Lynda Drysdale

Louis McCarthy with Deborah McArdle

Selfless Lotto winner to use windfall to help dad

“

This may not be a massive amount of money, but this will make such a huge difference to my father’s quality of life, and means the world to me

A LUCKY Lotto player who bought a winning scratch card at a shop in Fingal says he plans to use his €40,000 windfall to pay for an operation for his dad.

The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought the Money Multiplier 40X Scratch card in Centra at Hampton Wood in St Margaret’s.

Collecting his prize purse,

he revealed he planned to use the money to help his father, who lives abroad, get the medical support he needs.

He said: “You have no idea what this win means to me and my family.

“My father has been waiting for an operation and money is tight, so this win means we can speed things up.

“He doesn’t know yet about my win. I will call him as soon as I leave the National Lottery office.

“This may not be a massive amount of money, but this will make such a huge difference to my father’s quality of life, and means the world to me.”

Another lucky Dubliner picked up a big win after her All Cash Spectacular

Scratch Card bought at Eason’s in The Square, Tallaght bagged her €25,000.

T h e d e l i g h te d m u m said: “I bought the scratch card before Christmas and scratched it immediately. I was stunned!

“This certainly helped make our Christmas special and it will ensure life will be a little easier for me and my family in 2019.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2018’S TOP STORIES IN

Remembering 2018 – when a ‘Beast from the East’ bit, abortion block was struck down, and the housing crisis grew even worse by the day ...

January

THE New Year started on a positive note, quite literally, in Balbriggan with the birth of a new gospel choir (Pic 01).

Mother-of-four Jayne Robinson (35) got the ball rolling with co-founder Sharon Kelly and within weeks they had in excess of 100 members.

The newly-formed Balbriggan Gospel Choir, featuring the angelic voice of local Sinn Fein Cllr Malachy Quinn, quickly became the talk of the town and they ended the year on another high, performing with the High Hopes Choir at Christ Church Cathedral.

Spreading more good vibes, hair stylist Gillian Lee came up with a novel way of encouraging women to take care of their health.

The single mum and owner of Mane Envy Hair and Beauty Salon in Baldoyle offered women a free blow dry for every smear test taken – and guaranteed the offer for the entire year.

A bike-sharing scheme came to Fingal with the i n t ro d u c t i o n of ‘dockless’ bicycles across Dublin 15 on a pilot basis.

The initiative was well received and was quickly followed by intensive lobbying for

similar across the rest of the north county.

The annual Barney Greene Tractor Run (Pic 02) braved the winter elements as legend Barney led the procession from the Man O War pub to raise funds for St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown.

There were 94 tractors in all taking part in the eleventh annual run on Sunday, January 7, which has so far yielded well over €80,000 for the hospice.

Tributes f lowed for retired GP Flann Brennan (Pic 03) who passed away at the age of 104.

Flann, forever known to many in Rush and Lusk as Dr Brennan, died peacefully surrounded by his family and in the loving care of staff at Rush Nursing Home.

Born in Dublin on February 1, 1914, he was one of 30 centenarians who featured in the RTE documentary Older Than Ireland.

He and his wife Elsie settled in Rush but they suffered more than their fair share of tragedy with

the loss of three of their six children

February

IN FEBRUARY, Swords playwright and actor David Gilna launched his ‘Lightning Comedy’ stand-up series at the Lord Mayor’s pub in Swords.

Over the course of the year the gigs were packed to the rafters and uncovered a wealth of local talent.

David tells us he has big plans for 2019 – but he’s keeping them under wraps for now.

A soldier killed on one of Ireland’s first UN peacekeeping missions was honoured at a ceremony in Blanchardstown.

Sergeant Hugh ‘Sonny’ Gaynor ( P i c 0 4 ) was just 27 when he was ambushed by Baluba tribesmen in the former Belgian Congo in August 1960.

His only surviving daughter, Sara Tallon (61), travelled from Donegal for the ceremony as a bronze plaque was

unveiled close to where he grew up.

S h e s a i d s h e wa s touched that her father was being honoured in the town where he was born and reared on the 60th anniversary of the first Irish UN peacekeeping mission.

E l s e w h e r e, d a n c e instructor Emma Mahony found herself in demand with women in their 50s and beyond as she launched Silver Swans ( Pic 05 ) at the Odette School of Ballet in Baldoyle.

The Saturday morning classes have gone from strength to strength.

Skerries singer so n g w r i te r Rya n O’Shaughnessy revealed he was “honoured” to be chosen to represent Ireland at the Eurovision song contest in May. His performance of the ballad, Together, earned us a place in the final and backing dancers Alan McGrath and Kevin O’Dwyer were an overnight success.

Residents in Donabate and Portrane called on the council to investigate after heavy construction traffic narrowly missed hitting a lollipop lady during morning rush hour.

It emerged that the local authority’s enforcement section had received 181 complaints about construction works on the

Pic 05 FEBRUARY: Dance instructor Emma Mohony put older women through their paces in Baldoyle with Silver Swans, which proved a big hit with ladies across the area

peninsula in the previous 12 months, and officials vowed to keep a closer eye on things.

March

THE month got off to an arctic start with ‘the Beast from the East’ bringing a chill wind, resulting in heavy snowfalls across the capital.

Dublin Airport ground to a halt and Fingal County Council’s road crews were kept busy.

S t P a t r i c k ’s D a y brightened the mood as towns across the county entered into the spirit of things – though the dip in temperatures meant slightly fewer people lining the streets to cheer on the floats.

An institution on the peninsula of Portrane and Donabate stole the show on RTE’s Room to Improve as she charmed architect Dermot Bannon with her quick wit.

Mary Lynders (82) was

delighted with the transformation of the home she’s lived in for almost 60 years as a series of outbuildings were unified to create a new home for three generations of the family, with a bird’s eye view of Lambay Island.

She told Dublin Gazette she’d had a terrific reaction locally, with the local priest asking her when she was off to Hollywood ...

Elsewhere, dancers from the Fit Kids/Fit Teens club – which has members from Blanchardstown, Swords, Skerries and Balbriggan – made it through to the finals of the first series of Ireland’s Got Talent.

They were

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

YEAR IN REVIEW

THE FINGAL AREA

Top stories of 2018

Pic 03 JANUARY: Retired GP Flann Brennan passed away, aged 104

Pic 01 JANUARY: The New Year saw a new gospel choir rise in Balbriggan, bringing some angelic notes to the town via some well-known faces

Pic 04 FEBRUARY: Fallen hero Sergeant Hugh ‘Sonny’ Gaynor (27), who was killed on UN Peacekeeping duties in 1960, was honoured with a bronze plaque in Blanchardstown

Pic 06 MAY: Huntstown boy Kacper Pic 02 JANUARY: Local legend Barney Greene, leading his annual Tractor Run,

Kacprzak (7), who was killed in a

with then Mayor of Fingal Mary McCamley and Cllr Darragh Butler

plane crash while on a day out

pipped at the post by another dance troupe from Cork, but they blew viewers away with their energy.

Gardai were called in to investigate an arson attack at a house in Swords which destroyed a sensory garden created for four-year-old Ella, who has special needs.

Her mum, Louise O ’Ke e f fe, to l d D u b lin Gazette how she returned to her home in Holywell to find her daughter’s playhouse, toys, b o u n c y castle, sand pit, pool, bike and slides had been deliberately set on fire.

April

I N A P R I L , t h e re

was a lively and colourful exchange of cultures at an integration event in Tyrrelstown where women from more than 20 countries displayed their cooking, costumes, crafts and much more.

Work finally got under way at the Casino building in Malahide, which will house the Fry Model Railway once it’s opened in Spring of 2019.

The project had been stalled for some time and locals were delighted

to see work starting on refurbishing the iconic thatched cottage.

Retired teacher Dermot Higgins cycled home to a rapturous reception after pedalling his way into the record books.

The 55-year-old was mobbed by well-wishers at Murray’s of Lusk and The Strand Bar in his native Rush as he returned victorious from his nine-month challenge to become the oldest person to circumnavigate

the globe by bicycle.

Dermot cycled 31,000km through 21 countries, surviving on €15 a day, and raised more than €20,000 for Trocaire.

A family whose home at The Burrow in Portrane was in danger of being swept into the sea vacated the property on the advice of the council.

Grainne Hannigan was served a dangerous building notice after Storm Emma battered the family home at Healy’s Lane and tore away 12 foot of bank in front of the house.

A row of steel-reinforced concrete pillars, known as sea bees, have now been installed along the seafront in a bid to tackle coastal erosion.

Ireland makes global headlines as electorate okays limited abortion HEADLINES were made all around the world in May when the Irish people voted on permitting limited abortion, with an overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote from the electorate following a bitterly divisive campaign.

Despite a degree of uncertainty over the outcome, the Yes vote soon came in at two-to-one across the country, echoing similar voting patterns across much of the rest of the country.

Nationally, some 66.4% voted on repealing the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, with a high turnout of 64.1% of the electorate.

Dubliners bucked the national trend by voting Yes by three-to-one, at 75.5%; Donegal also bucked the national trend by being the sole constituency to vote No. The referendum marked arguably the fall of the last major societal division in Ireland, with enormous interest from international media and observers notSwords-based Fianna Fail Cllr Darragh Butler lashed out after his party issued a directive that one male and one female candidate be chosen to contest the next general election.

He withdrew his name at a selection convention that saw sitting TD Darragh O’Brien and Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee go forward – but not before he voiced his bitter disappointment over the gender-based decision.

May

PLANS for a 24-hour fast-food drive-through restaurant opposite Skerries Educate Together NS sparked a wave of objections.

The proposed food

A large crowd gathered at Dublin Castle to celebrate and mark the ‘Yes’ outcome of the Repeal referendum

ing the Republic’s further steps away from its Catholic, constrained past – a move that was lauded and mourned in equal measures at home and abroad.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald summed up the mood of the country on both sides of the debate when she said: “This is a momentous day for all the people of Ireland. Ireland is changing. The old certainties [are] being challenged.”

outlet at Skerries Point shopping centre galvanised the community into action.

The application was later withdrawn and a new application, with revised opening hours, was lodged.

Almost 150 submissions outlining concerns from its location to the council’s ‘no-fry zone’ development plan objective were received. A final decision is still pending.

Fingal County Council’s plans to build a new halting site for Travellers who have been living on land owned by Dublin Airport also raised hackles.

The Travellers must vacate the land at Collinstown to facilitate construction of the new

runway.

A challenge to the proposed halting site at Coolquay village was successful in the High Court and the local authority was forced to go back to the drawing board.

Tragedy struck a Huntstown family when little Kacper Kacprzak (Pic 06) died in a plane crash while on a day out with his dad in Clonbullogue, Co Offaly.

A fund to support the family of the seven-yearold, who was remembered by teachers at his school as a “happy smiling boy”, raised thousands of euro.

Elsewhere, there was uproar when the council closed its dog-friendly cafe in Ardgillan in Balbriggan, claiming it was operating at a loss, and p a re n t s h e l d a peaceful protest in Donabate calling for measures to safeguard their children walking to and from school.

Continued overleaf on Page 6

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2018’S TOP STORIES IN

Top stories of 2018

‘Mikkel D’ romps home as President, but raises questions over expenses POPULAR President Michael D Higgins successfully ran again to be President, largely running rings around his fellow candidates.

He showed some of the shrewd acumen that’s made him a stalwart of the Irish political scene for decades, declaring his interest in running again late in the game, leaving rivals with relatively little time to organise their campaigns – indeed, Sinn Fein were the only party to nominate a candidate to run against him, although their choice only secured 6.3% of the tally.

In the end, Higgins romped past the post in late October with a landslide win

– 55.8% of the vote – far ahead of rivals, although Independent candidate Peter Casey proved the dark horse of the race.

He surged out of nowhere with 23% of the vote, seemingly swept along by controversial comments that drew plenty of criticism in the media – but also earned him plenty of votes at the ballot box.

The effortless victory for President Higgins was soured, however, by rivals’ criticisms over expenses and expenditure incurred by his office, who raised some sharp questions over everything from the cost of feeding his beloved dogs to the use of the government jet to travel to Belfast.

Pic 03 JULY: A gay couple from Baldoyle now living in Canada vowed to fight for their rights after discovering their son, Jake, who was born via surrogacy, could not get an Irish passport

Pic 05 JULY: Portmarnock’s beach shelters were torn down – but the

Pic 04 JULY: Communities across Fingal

council reassured locals that the loss was only a temporary measure

mourned the death of Fr Eoin McCrystal

Continued from Page 5

June

IRISH Water lodged plans for its Greater Dublin Drainage Project in June, which will see Fingal take waste from all of Dublin as well as parts of Meath and Kildare if it gets the go-ahead.

One of the most controversial aspects of the plan is the location of the outflow pipe into the Irish Sea, which will be just off the Portmarnock coast between the protected sites of Baldoyle Estuary and Ireland’s Eye. News of the longawaited upgrade to the Hearse Road in Donabate was given a cautious welcome after the council appointed a contractor.

T h e i l l - fa te d project was temporarily abandoned in December after delays and other

issues with the building firm forced the local authority to abandon the contract.

A group of artists known as the Connolly Collective teamed up with Blanchardstown Hospital Society and opened a permanent gallery in the wards.

Taking centre-stage is an impressive sculpture entitled, Embedded Memories (Pic 01), by Mette Sophie Roche, which is a memorial to the women from the Magdalene Laundries who worked as domestic staff in the hospital when it first opened in 1955.

There was a changing of the guard at Fingal County

Council as Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) took over as Mayor from Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab).

Balbriggan Cllr Grainne Maguire (Ind) was voted in as Deputy Mayor.

The fifth annual Flavours of Fingal drew crowds of more than 50,000 people to Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate as the festival cemented its position as a firm favourite on the summer calendar.

July

RESIDENTS of Phibblestown Woods in west Dublin voiced their anger over balconies on the proper-

ties which were deemed unsafe but had yet to be repaired (Pic 02).

One resident, Yvonne Sheehan, revealed that the wrap-around balcony on her gable-end apartment had been out of commission for more than a year.

Purple Property Management Ltd said its efforts to remediate balconies were “frustrated due to a lack of funding in the management company”.

A gay Irish couple from Baldoyle who are living in Canada vowed to fight for their rights after discovering they could not get an Irish passport for their son, Jake.

Jay O’Callaghan (34), and Aaron O’Brien continue their campaign from Toronto for their one-year old boy (Pic 03), who was born via surrogacy.

Communities across Fingal were left in mourning at the sudden death of popular and well-known priest Fr Eoin McCrystal (Pic

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

YEAR IN REVIEW

THE FINGAL AREA

Pic 01 JUNE: Part of Embedded Memories – a memorial to the women from the Magdalene Laundries who worked as domestic staff in Blanchardstown Hospital when it first opened,

Pic 07 SEPTEMBER: Anne O’Brien marched from her home in Littlepace,

on show as part of a permanent

Clonee to the Dail to hand-deliver a letter to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

gallery at the wards

pleading for more support for children with special needs

SEPTEMBER: People all across Fingal were also very happy to

Pic 02 JULY: Many of the West Dublin residents

Pic 06 AUGUST: Her selfie with him-selfie - Swords girl Alison Nevin nabbed one of 2018’s

be blue when Dublin claimed the All Ireland Senior Football

of Phibblestown Woods were left angry over

most famous selfies when she asked Pope Francis for a pic during his Dublin visit

championship title yet again

balconies deemed unsafe and unable to be used

04). He was fondly remembered for his time at St Cronan’s parish and as a teacher in St Finian’s in Swords in the 1990s, and more recently as parish priest in Lusk.

There was a short-lived sense of panic in Portmarnock when the landmark beach shelters were torn down (Pic 05), before the council reassured that the loss of the Victorian-era structure was only temporary.

Permission was granted for an Islamic centre in Blanchardstown, and former Fine Gael representative Cathal Boland returned to Fingal County Council as an Independent councillor.

build five blocks of highrise apartments on a site at the former Phoenix Park racecourse prompted objections from neighbouring residents.

Fairhaven Residents’ Association has urged Fingal County Council to reject the planning application lodged by Flynn and O’Flaherty Construction for 77 units in four blocks up to seven storeys high.

August

FOOTBALL fans across Ireland and beyond paid tribute to brave Skerries teenager Oran Tully who passed away in August at the age of 19.

Superfan Oran, who supported Ireland, Bohemians and Chelsea, had a bowel condition so rare it remained un-named, but he never let him hold him back.

Chelsea fans honoured the teen dubbed the ‘Ginger Mourinho’ at an away match, and Bohs issued a statement remembering him as “one of, if not the most passionate Bohs/ football fans out there”.

The Swords schoolgirl who managed to take a selfie with Pope Francis at Croke Park (Pic 06) revealed how she’d hidden her mobile phone up her sleeve.

Alison Nevin (12) sent

the crowd into a frenzy as she took the photo with the pontiff. Later, her mother told Dublin Gazette how Alison’s favourite phrase was: “Mammy, I’m famous now.”

The council sought expressions of interest from developers for a land bank at Ballymastone in Donabate where more than 1,100 housing units will be delivered.

Balbriggan resident and acclaimed artist Kevin Sharkey failed to secure a nomination from Fingal County Council in his bid for the presidency, and subsequently withdrew from the race.

Meanwhile, plans to

September

NEWS broke in September that Swords had been chosen as the venue for the 2020 Leinster Fleadh Cheoil, which could lead to it hosting the All-Ireland event at a later date.

The week-long trad music event will take place in July and is expected to generate big business for hotels, pubs and restaurants.

Mum-of-five Lesley Anne O’Brien marched from her home in Littlepace,

Clonee to the Dail (Pic 07) to hand-deliver a letter to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pleading for more support for children with special needs.

Her campaign was inspired by her son, Jamie (8), who has Cerebral Palsy, and she was joined by a swell of supporters including local Cllr Tania Doyle (Ind).

Children at a national school in Balbriggan had to be evacuated after three prefabs were blitzed by gusts of 90km/h in Storm Ali. Renewed calls were made for St Molaga’s, which has almost 500 pupils and has been waiting years for a promised

new building.

More than 30 delighted families were handed the keys to their new home as Co-Operative Housing Ireland delivered 33 units in Clonsilla; talented dancers from Swords-based House of Swag celebrated winning two bronze medals at the World Championships; and Balbriggan martial artist Sifu Keith Fanning smashed his way into the record books by breaking 200 concrete roof tiles with his hands in under 30 seconds.

October

FARMERS warned that they would take the law

into their own hands after a spate of vicious assaults.

A heated meeting in Swords hosted by the Irish Farmers’ Association heard calls for more garda support after an increase in criminal gangs targeting rural landowners.

Thug Anthony Walsh (31) was jailed for life for the murder of innocent dad-of-three Dermot Byrne, who was battered to death as he walked home from a night out in Swords.

The 54-year-old victim’s daughter, Shawna, told the court: “We still have nightmares about what happened that night.

“His life and his dignity were taken in an absolutely savage way.

“Our dad did absolutely everything for us, and the hole in our lives will never go away.”

Continued on Page 10

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

YEAR IN REVIEW

A LOOK BACK AT 2018’S TOP STORIES IN FINGAL

Pic 02 NOVEMBER: Clonee native Taylor Hynes did Ireland proud with his song at Junior Eurovision in Belarus

Pic 01 OCTOBER: Clonsilla mum Louise Byrne and her son, James, were

DECEMBER: Joey, Dave and Issy Harrell – just three of the

hoping to tuck into a slice of the dating business with their new dinner

AUGUST: Skerries teenager Oran Tully (19), whose death saw

hundreds of hardy souls who went for a Christmas Day swim

date venture, Soiree

widespread tributes across the football world (See Page 7)

at Portmarnock, raising funds for St Francis Hospice Raheny

Continued from Page 7

Louise Byrne (65) from Clonsilla teamed up with her son, James (42) for a new dinner date venture called Soiree (Pic 01).

The pair wanted to offer something for those outside the Tinder generation, and have been inundated with interest over at their website, www.soireeireland.ie.

Elsewhere, Rush Clean Coasts won a Fingal C l e a n e r Co m m u n i t y Award just six months after it was set up; there were renewed calls for a promised extension to Skerries Commu nity School; and a new knight-themed playground and games arena in Balrothery moved a step closer as a contractor was appointed to deliver it.

November

THERE was public outrage in November after thugs targeted a wheelchairbound pensioner in Mulhuddart and hit her over the head with a hammer.

D e f i a n t J e n ny Powell (84) later revealed they’d gotten away with just €20 as she vowed they would not drive her from her home.

Residents concerned

at a spike in street crime packed a public meeting in Malahide, demanding garda action.

Communities in the seaside town and neighbouring Portmarnock have been regularly terrorised by a gang of thugs, with 15 assaults and muggings reported in a fortnight.

Talented teen Taylor Hynes from Clonee represented Ireland at Junior Eurovision in Belarus (Pic 02) and did his country proud.

The 14-year-old, who is a student at Scoil Pobail Setanta in Ongar, is a member of Coolmine panto group and looks set for a bright future.

Elsewhere, the Empire Bar in Swords, which closed abruptly in August, reopened as The Betsy; tributes flowed for Donabate postmaster Neil Smith, who retired after 33 years of public service; and Rush mum Marie O’Toole Wyer won a Carer of the Year Award for her

selfless devotion to her son, Karl.

December

THE Balbriggan community rowed in behind an ambitious €22 million plan to revamp the town with thousands completing a survey within a week of the project going to public consultation.

A former charity chief who admitted stealing more than €1 million from a voluntary organisation and friends and family received a partially suspended sentence.

Greg Walsh (70), of Woodbrook Crescent, Castleknock, was jailed for four years with the final two-and-a-half years suspended after pleading guilty to 119 thefts totalling €998,476.

He stole €280,000 from Carline Learning Centre for disadvantaged young people in Balgaddy by writing cheques to pay the charity’s tax bill but lodging the money

into his own personal account.

An unspeakable tragedy unfolded in Balbriggan when the body of a stillborn baby was found on the beach.

The infant girl was later named Belle because she was found on Bell’s beach, and the community held a vigil to reach out to her mother.

Elsewhere, students at a Tyrrelstown school partially closed due to structural concerns were reunited just in time for Christmas, with news that a ne ighbouring school will reopen in January.

On a less positive note, it emerged that issues at Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan will cost €3million to remediate – almost as much as it cost to build the structure in the first place.

Skerries-based Girl Guide leader Helen Concannon was named Trustee of the Year at the annual Charity Impact Awards; there was news of a €22 million water upgrade for Howth, Malahide and Balbriggan; and there was news of a new sports hub for the Tyrellstown and Mulhuddart area.

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11 COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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with Westend Shopping Park

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LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BREAKDOWN OF SOME OF THE SUMMER’S HOTTEST FESTIVALS

GET OVER THE WINTER BLUES

BY LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME SUMMER SUN WITH 2019’S BEST FESTIVALS

DUBLIN MADE EASY W

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S BEST FESTIVALS

E KNOW what you’re thinking – we’re barely five minutes into the New Year, only just recovering from Christmas – but it’s time to look forward to warmer weather spent surrounded by music, friends and more.

Think forward to the Summer, when several festivals and hundreds of music acts will grace the capital and beyond.

The sun is shining, you’re out of this cold dreary weather and post-Christmas haze, and everything is calm and relaxing just for a moment!

There’s something for everyone this festival season, from the more electronic tones of Forbidden Fruit to the hip-hop edge of Longitude.

We’ve picked our best of the festival bunch to give you a look at what festivals we’re most looking forward to, giving you an insight into the line-up and what you can expect at each.

Be sure to pick up your tickets for these soon – we’re sure they’ll be sold out!

FORBIDDEN FRUIT WHERE: ROYAL HOSPITAL, KILMAINHAM BULMERS Forbidden Fruit Festival marks the start of the summer festival season., running from June 1-3. The Irish Museum of Modern Art will once again play host to this hotly anticipated three-day festival, which features a line-up for everyone.

Friday will be headlined by Skepta and Danny Brown, while Saturday sees Mura Masa take to the stage. The Sunday of the festival will be closed by First Aid Kit and Elbow, catering to all kinds of musical tastes.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster, but be aware that this is a strictly over-18s event.

LONGITUDE WHERE: MARLAY PARK, RATHFARNHAM NOW known as one of the capital’s best festivals, Longitude returns in 2019 with a stellar line-up.

Following the hip-hop and R’N’B edge of the last few years, this year’s line up is jam packed with the cream of the crop – Chance The Rapper, A$AP Rocky, Brockhampton, Rae Sremmurd, Amine and Future will all take to various stages across the south side’s Marlay Park This is only the first round of acts, with the second promising to be just as exciting when it drops soon.

Running from July 5- 7, weekend tickets are available now from Ticketmaster.

ALL TOGETHER NOW WHERE: CURRAGHMORE ESTATE, WICKLOW FOR anyone looking to escape the capital, Wicklow’s All Together Now is only an hour and a half from Dublin, headlined this year

by The National.

It will be set across 16 stages, featuring natural amphitheatres, secret woodland stages, and more. The flow of the festival will means the grounds will be easily navigable, intimate but with many quirky gems to enjoy at this 3,000-acre site.

Tickets are on sale now priced at €208.

The festival is family-friendly, and runs from August 2-4.

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

TRAVEL... P18 MUSIC... P20

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

FEATURE... P14

THANKS, 2018 – IT WAS QUITE A BLAST!

WERE you there? Were you one of the delighted thousands taking in the spectacular New Year’s Eve views by Custom House on Monday night?

If not – but even if you were – we’re delighted to share one last, spectacular shot from the thrilling evening. It’s our last action shot from 2018, but don’t worry – we’ll keep bringing you lots of great content all through 2019!

Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

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

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

FEATURES RETAIL: NEW CAFFE NERO OUTLET ADDS TO EXPANSION OF DINING SELECTION AT BUSY HUB

Food choices take off at the airport REBECCA RYAN

IF YOU are flying out of Dublin Airport in the near future, you have another food and beverage outlet to choose from to tickle your taste buds as Caffe Nero has just opened in the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 2.

The new cafe offers a range of coffee, food and drinks to have in store or to take away.

Food options include fresh sandwiches, wraps and rolls as well as sweet treats such as pastries, cakes, muffins, oat bars and fruit.

Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison welcomed the new arrival, saying: “Caffe Nero is a great addition to Terminal 2 and is ideally

DAA senior project manager Terminals, Parool Rajput; Emma McCusker, Caffe Nero and DAA programme manager Emmet Murphy

located for arriving passengers and those waiting to welcome friends and family.

“The new outlet is part of an overall revamp of both the land-side and airside areas of Terminal 2.

“We are constantly reviewing and refreshing our food and beverage offering so we are delight-

ed to have this new brand at Dublin Airport.”

The design of the new outlet in Dublin Airport

has a lot of interesting features which connects with different parts of Ireland.

The bar has been handmade by an Irish company, Wilson’s Yard, while the farmhouse tables in the outlet were all made by a local joinery company, DC Joinery in Lusk.

The external wall was hand-painted by local artist Colin O’Connell. The store also features a large graphic of Grattan Bridge, and pictures of Temple Bar and Crow Street in Dublin city centre.

Speaking on the Irish tone at the café, Harrison said: “We’re really pleased that the new store has a distinctly Irish feel with its customised decor and design.

“I’ve no doubt that Caffe Nero will be popular for

both passengers and airport staff.”

The new outlet will employ nine people. The family-owned business operates more than 800 coffee houses across Europe.

Its new outlet in Terminal 2 means the chain now has 12 cafes in Dublin and 15 in total across Ireland.

The new spot will be welcomed for the busy airport. Dublin Airport welcomed more than 29.2 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2018, which was a 6% increase over the same period in 2017 year.

More than 1.8 million extra passengers travelled through the airport between January and November in the year just gone.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: SET REALISTIC, FAIR GOALS

Resolutions can be great – just don’t go crazy with them PADRAIG CONLON

ANOTHER year is about to end and a lot of people are wondering how to make next year better than the one just gone – and many of us will be making a New Year’s Resolution or two.

They will be trying to change old habits, create new ones, work harder, find ‘the one’, spend more time with family, earn more money, quit smoking, lose weight, and focus on other aims that will prob-

ably be forgotten before the first month is over.

Most experts say if you set resolutions like this you are setting yourself up for failure.

Maybe you don’t really

want to achieve them, but you just feel guilty that you should do them for personal reasons.

There is a danger with going down the negative road of lists of ‘shoulds’ that can end up making you feel deprived and unhappy.

Instead, ask yourself: “What makes me feel happy and fulfilled; am I living the life I want; what would enrich me and feel rewarding?”

This year, why not be unusual and make your New Year’s Resolution a living resolution that

remains a part of your life for longer than January.

Why not decide to do voluntary work, or anything that may enrich your life or the lives of other people?

Use this New Year as an opportunity to make an impact in the community or environment.

Now that it’s January, sit and think about what you want to achieve this year.

When you know this, then you can spend some time working out a plan to help you achieve it.

Creating something new in your life takes effort and positive action, but if you are truly committed to

Once the New Year celebrations are over, feel happy that you’ve set achievable New Year Resolutions that are genuinely helpful for you personally to aim for

achieving your New Year’s Resolution you will forget about calling it a ‘New Year’s Resolution’!

If it’s a living resolution that you are committed to achieving, it won’t fade after January finishes, because it will be a part of your life that doesn’t need a yearly review to survive.

Why not look outward instead of inward when

making your declarations? Maybe then you will be able to complete a year feeling satisfied, rather than angry, with yourself.

If you want a life that is truly fulfilling in every aspect, it is time to seek out the right answers. Make your New Year’s Resolution a success story – create a life you love.

As final words of encouragement to resolution makers: remember the words of Howard Thurman, African-American philosopher and activist: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs.

“Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

FEATURES OPINION: SR STAN ON THE EVER-WORSENING HOMELESS CRISIS, WHICH HITS CHILDREN HARDEST

Thousands of children are still homeless – but you can help to make a difference to a family IN THIS Opinion piece, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, Life President and founder of Focus Ireland, writes on the ever worsening homeless crisis and its impact on families, as well as the failure to undertake a sufficient response to tackle it. However, she also adds a note of hope, with the support that you can give to Focus Ireland to help it work with families and children in need.

‘‘

C H R I ST M A S is a special time of year for many reasons. It is a time we all think of our home and family.

However, as most of us look forward to this time of year, many people dread it, and none more so than the nearly 10,000 people who are homeless.

The harsh reality is that one family becomes homeless every eight hours in Ireland. Some individuals also lose their homes every day.

I have never seen it so bad. These people live under terrible stress and it’s the children who suffer the most.

There are nearly 4,000 children homeless.

It really breaks my heart to know that some of these children have been born into homelessness.

Some of them will spend their first Christmas with their family, all forced to live in one little room together.

They are our children too and we have a duty as a society to provide a safe home for them.

We have a duty to protect the childhoods of these children and to make sure they do not suffer from being homeless for long periods of time.

Focus Ireland’s Family Team work hard to support families in this situation, in partnership with the

Dublin Region Homeless Executive, and the support includes specific childcare workers.

Each family has a case manager who assesses their needs, provides support and works towards helping them to secure a home.

In recent months, the Focus Ireland coffee shop on Eustace Street in Dublin city took the step of extending its opening hours until 9pm so that families can have somewhere to be and somewhere for their children to play, as they face the stressful scramble of finding a hotel room for the night.

Lifeline services While the crisis is still deepening – with a record total of nearly 10,000 people now homeless – the situation would be much worse without the lifeline services and more than 1,100 homes provided by Focus Ireland.

It is heartening to hear that we have supported well over 350 families to secure a home and escape homelessness so far this year.

We rely heavily on donations from the public to ensure we are able to carry out the full extent of this life-changing work.

While Focus Ireland does receive State funding, we have to raise 50%

Putting a human face on an emergency – Sr Stan with Karen Ciesielski and her son, Lugh, at the launch of Focus Ireland’s urgent Christmas appeal. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

of our budget to ensure our frontline staff are always able to be there when people need help.

Focus Ireland has been running an urgent Christmas appeal with a hardhitting campaign that highlights nearly 4,000 children are homeless nationwide.

We really do depend on donations, now more than ever, to raise funds so our services can cope with the constantly rising demand.

I am asking people to please give what they can afford to support our urgent Christmas appeal.

Any donation will help us to directly support these families and also help fund our work to pre-

vent other families and individuals from becoming homeless in the first place.

People can donate at www.focusireland.ie or by phoning 1850 204 205.

One family who are homeless and living in hotel emergency accommodation feature in our Christmas appeal. The mother, Fiona, wrote in a letter about how the family are struggling but Focus Ireland’s help has made a big difference.

She said: “We have our case manager from Focus Ireland and I don’t think we could have coped with it all without her and Focus Ireland. They help us a lot.”

She added: “Sometimes, I lie awake at night and I can’t cope. I can’t believe we are still in this situation.

“But I know I can talk to our case manager at any time for a shoulder to cry on. My children love all the Focus Ireland staff.

They almost feel like family now.”

To me, this shows the real value of our work.

Our staff are there to help people in their darkest hour. To keep them going.

To provide vital support and also hope. To remind them this will pass. They will find a way home.

I would stress that every euro donated counts in the battle against homeless-

ness, as 89 cent of every euro received by Focus Ireland goes directly on services to support people who are homeless and those at risk.

The right decisions It is vital our society does not lose sight of the fact that homelessness can be prevented – and ended – if the right decisions are taken.

We need more homes to end this crisis, not more hotel rooms. The Government appears to be just accepting this as a natural phenomenon it can do nothing about.

But, in fact, it can take several meaningful steps to make people more

secure in their homes.

Much more can – and must – be done if we are to end this terrible human crisis and protect the childhoods of nearly 4,000 children left homeless.

We also need a massive rise in the numbers of social homes being built.

The Government must also implement a specific family homelessness strategy that includes a commitment that no family will be left without shelter and a cast-iron deadline that no family will be homeless for more than six months.

This needs to be done now.

We cannot wait any longer.

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

One of ‘Ava’s’ pics from her @avavanroseofficial account

PEOPLE | DUB ON HIT SHOW

Nothing that’s Botched about ‘Ava’s’ rise to the top on TV

REBECCA RYAN

A DUBLIN glamour model has revealed her goal is to be “the most memorable Irish celebrity possible” as she appeared on a hit US cosmetic surgery show, Botched.

Ava Van Rose (28), whose real name is Bridget Byrne, features in the show where doctors Paul Paul Nassif and Terry Dubrow treat patients with extreme surgery requirements, or correct former surgery mistakes.

Ava Van Rose told the medical duo that she wants another breast e n l a rge m e n t a s s h e “wants to go larger”, despite telling them that the skin is so stretched that it is starting to ripple.

She told the surgeons that she has had two breast jobs, two buttock augmentations, liposuction on her stomach and back and a procedure on her vagina.

She said: “It’s a big deal for my body to look on point, because I take pictures. I still want to go

larger – that’s my dream goal.

“I don’t want to look like a mom; I don’t want to look like I’ve had a baby; I don’t find ‘the mom bod’ attractive.

“I’m not frumpy – I’m fit and fabulous, and that’s the way it’s going to stay,” she said.

The Clondalkin native added: “I went to [the] Czech Republic and I had liposuction to my stomach, liposuction to my back and my ass redone as well. I had them over the space of a year.”

Her goal, she said, is to be the most memorable Irish celebrity possible as she does not want to look “average”.

Ava Van Rose said she was contacted by the producers last year to appear on the TV show.

The reality TV star personality, who has more than 150,000 Instagram followers, has also previously starred in another reality show, Infectious.

Botched is available to watch now on E! and ITVBe.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

TRAVEL COMMERCIAL CONTENT

‘Plan your next Escape’ with GoHop

IRISH holiday firm GoHop.ie has just launched their 2019 summer holiday sale, entitled Plan your next Escape.

Booking early is key to securing the best possible value and availability, particularly for families with school-going children who are tied to the peak season dates of June, July and August.

GoHop.ie all-inclusive packages continue to prove a popular option for many families as they make overseas spend a lot easier to plan.

European sun holiday destinations that are sure to prove popular in 2019 include The Algarve, Lanzarote, Majorca, Salou, Costa del Sol, Italy and Turkey.

A good choice of short-haul flights from all Irish airports and a wide selection of good-value accommodation are still proving to be the key factors in most holiday consumers’ decision-making processes.

Consumers whose main consideration is price have nothing to fear – GoHop.ie has a wide range of tempting lead in offers to satisfy the early bookers including exclusive sale offers and great family deals.

Regardless of your budget, there’s no excuse not to ‘Plan your next Escape’ and book that well-earned 2019 summer holiday now.

But be warned, early booking is the key to securing the best possible value.

GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland.

Irish-owned and managed, the brand 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, operating flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

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

Consumers can also sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter for unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

For further information, see GoHop.ie, or call 01 241 2389; on Facebook see GoHop. ie; on Twitter follow @GoHop_ie.

Wonderful long

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor THE travel industry is on the crest of a wave right now with a whole heap of far-flung destinations emerging as hot trends for 2019.

Dublin Airport has introduced a number of longhaul services with direct flights to Calgary in Canada and a number of Asian cities.

Ryanair has also introduced 15 new routes, nine of them from Dublin, including Dubrovnik and Split on the stunning coastline of Croatia.

The hotspots are too many to explore here but they include Sri Lanka,

Croatia, China, Dominican Republic, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand.

According to industry experts, most travellers are now seeking a bit more than sun, sea and sand and active, solo and retreat holidays are all on the increase.

Here are some of our favourites for 2019 ...

South Africa Enjoy a South African road trip, for 12 nights this May/June, from €1,695pp including car rental.

Spice up your summer and uncover one of the most stunning corners of the world with this offer from Travalue.ie.

This trip is the perfect

way to uncover all the beauty, cuisine and landscape that South Africa has to offer.

Your journey will begin in Cape Town, home to jaw-dropping scenery, a stunning coastline and sandy beaches.

Travel down to the Cape of Good Hope or venture by cable car to the top of Table Mountain.

Or stay local around the harbour area and take the boat to Robin Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

After two nights in the idyllic Winelands, you will move along to the Garden Route and spend four nights marvelling at the outstanding beauty lit-

tered across the area.

The trip concludes with a spell-binding safari with two nights on a full board basis in Eastern Cape Safari Addo Elephant National Park, with game drives included.

Price includes all accommodation and nine days’ car rental.

For more information on this offer from Travalue.ie, see: http://itaa. ie/2018/12/12/south-africa-6/ America’s Deep South Have you dreamt of visiting the vibrant Deep South? American Holidays have released fantastic offers that can turn your dream into reality, from

€1,218pp.

The southern United States are unlike anywhere else you will ever go. Hot weather, warm smiles, rich history, and arguably, some of the best food in the US – not to mention being a mecca for music lovers.

Fro m t h e Na s hv i l l e home of Country music, to the Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll of Memphis and the Jazz of New Orleans – you will hear it all.

You can combine up to three destinations on multi-centre trips or choose an escorted holiday – the choice is yours.

For the following three offers, call American Holidays to book on 01 673

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

haul

Some of Travel’s main trends to look for in 2019

Make 2019 the year you branch out and avail of great deals for stunning places

THE luxury travel market is booming – but the sun is also shining for other segments of the industry.

Here are some of the main trends for 2019.

Solo Travel Whether it’s for the sense of adventure and new experiences, to make new friends or simply for the freedom of planning what to do and where to go, solo travel is on the rise.

In Ireland and the UK, the number of people travelling alone has increased by a third since 2011 – and the trend is set to continue.

Green Travel The biggest issue in travel next year will undoubtedly be the impact of over-tourism.

As widespread concern for the environment increases in everyday life, so does the window of opportunity for sustainable travel, and the options are quite varied.

Searches for wildlife refuges and natural areas outside big cities is increasing, and so is the interest for “hidden” tourism in regional communities and local farms to discover organic products (Leitrim is ahead of the field on this one).

Here are just three of the unforgettable long haul destinations you could strike out for this year – Seattle and Mount Rainier (main), Torres del Paine (top) and Victoria (above)

3804, drop into their office at 18- 19 Duke Street (just off Grafton Street), or visit www. americanholidays.com.

Nashville & Memphis Spend four nights at the three-star Clarion Downtown Nashville, followed by three nights at the three-star Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis, from only €1,289pp.

Price includes return f lights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation, one day compact car hire, taxes and charges.

Based on two adults s h a r i n g ; t rave l t h i s March, American Holidays ref no: 51458553.

New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville Spend three nights at the three-star Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter, two nights at the Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis, followed by three nights at the three-star Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville, from only €1,218pp.

Travel this February, American Holidays ref no: 51451764.

Tastes and Sounds of the South Take this escorted tour from €3,159pp; the nine-night tour will take you to Nashville, Memphis, Natchez and

New Orleans, with dates available from March to November.

The price includes return flights, accommodation, nine full breakfasts, five dinners, luxury transport, a professional tour guide and transfers.

American Holidays ref no: 51351243.

Amazing Alaska Cruise Explore the truly stunning Alaskan scenery on this fantastic cruise holiday, including Seattle from €3,499, taking in visits to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan, as well as a stop in the Canadian city of Victoria on the return journey.

Relax on board the stunning Norwegian Pearl as you sail past majestic mountains, glistening glaciers and, if you’re lucky, some of the incredible wildlife that calls Alaska home.

With a two-night stay before the cruise in Seattle, including a city tour, you’ll have time to visit some of the city’s many museums, shops and restaurants, see its bustling waterfront, the historic Pioneer Square and, of course, the iconic Space Needle.

On board, the Norwegian Pearl features include hot tubs, a pool, casino, a spa and much more.

Optional excursions at ports of call are also available to book in advance or on board the ship.

Prices start from €3,499 including return f lights from Dublin, transfers, pre and postcruise B&B hotel accommodation in Seattle, seven-night all-inclusive cruise with Ultimate Beverage Package and guided Seattle city tour, departing September 6.

For details, see www. traveldepartment.ie.

All prices and details correct at time of going to press; check with individual travel operators per deal.

Transformational Travel More than ticking boxes in traditional locations, modern travellers look for new experiences – and this includes meaningful, personal development and deeper connection with culture and nature.

It’s a bit more serious-minded than just yoga retreats.

A complete transformative trip usually combines a mix of physical, cultural and spiritual experiences – and, of course, plenty of time for personal reflection and meditation.

Interest for the segment has been growing in the past couple of years, and the movement is set to continue.

Cruises for Millennials Once synonymous with holidays for older generations, cruising is now finally reaching the millennial market.

For many, it’s an opportunity to discover new experiences and visit different places with friends, while others like the idea of travelling solo while still being part of a community.

The cost is also a factor: for a generation that’s constantly worried about prices, an all-inclusive trip with accommodation, entertainment and nightlife sounds like a no-brainer.

Some companies already realised the increased demand and developed packages with good value for millennials, but this new market can be explored further.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

GET TUNED IN

THE ONES TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE COMING YEAR

The Irish acts set to breakthrough in 2019

2018 was another great year for Irish music, but there’s plenty more of talent just about to emerge from the bars and backrooms of a Dublin music scene recently shown to have more shows than its far larger compatriots in Birmingham and Manchester, and make their own attempts to conquer one of the toughest industries out there.

It’s always hard to call who might succeed in the next cycle, but some contenders stand out above the crowd. Here are our top tips to make a bang in 2019...

Silverbacks A boisterous Dublin rock band who have already found themselves highlighted by NME as they take a brutal stab at the country’s social problems in a complex whirl of guitars.

The Irish rock scene has had a hell of a 2018, and Silverbacks are about to add their name more firmly to the list of bands emerging from this city recently, purveying wonderfully abrupt, jagged guitar melodies.

A natural accompaniment to Girl Band, Fontaines D.C and The Murder Capital.

CARRON Tw o s i s t e r s f r o m Ranelagh singing heartfelt melodies strung together through turmoil and some truly stunning harmonies.

Carron’s career has been stop-start so far, but with a studio now set up at home to help them along, and live shows become a more frequent thing, they look all set to lift off in 2019.

It’s those twisting dual vocals and the delicate depth to the songwriting that really stand out here.

Rocstrong Andre JP Banagla’s act Rocstrong had a flying start to their career, after they were picked up by the Coen Brothers to fea-

ture on the soundtrack to the movie ‘Hail Caesar’.

Unsurprisingly, progress

 JAMES HENDICOTT

has been a little slower since, but the Congo-born Dubliner’s funk has taken on a new dimension recently that lifts him far beyond the role of good time guy.

He gets deeply and profoundly personal in exploring his upbringing on newly released EP ‘All On Black’, easily his best moment yet.

Spies Another stonking guitar band, Spies disappeared from our radar for quite some time after forming way back in 2011.

They already had three great early EPs, but the break - spent in part sitting on a newly recorded album and contemplating whether they wanted to run with it - has done them the world of good.

Debut album ‘Constancy’ is a huge contender for the Choice Music Prize next year, featuring a newfound electronic twist and some slow-burn self-analysis alongside their previous thrashing

guitars.

Topso Reggae is not a genre you’d immediately associate with Ireland, but for a long time, The Barley Mob did an excellent job of holding up a tiny rootsy scene in their own right.

They all but disappeared in 2014, though, as band members faced different lives.

Frontman Adam Daly was always the Kildare act’s star man, and he announced a return in late 2018, revealing some serious mental health issues and, thankfully, a full recovery along the way.

His previous band always wore their hearts charmingly close to their sleeves; his new one is likely to be just as good.

Zaska One of those men who’s been known on the scene for quite some time, Max Zaska has collaborated with anyone who’s anyone in Dublin in the creation of his debut album, set for release in February.

If the participation of BARQ, Wyvern Lingo, Little Green Cars, Super Silly and Loah aren’t a sure sign of the quality that’s about to emerge, his distinctive playing style and vibrant approach to crafting a deeply personalised sound should do the job.

Huge, huge potential.

Silverbacks

Carron

Rocstrong

Spies

Zaska

3 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

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

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22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 3 January 2019

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Opel Grandland X – an Xceptional SUV

New Audi Q3 officially launched

DECLAN GLYNN

AUDI Ireland has

THE Opel Grandland X SUV is based on the same platform as the multi award-winning Peugeot 3008 SUV. Thanks to Opel’s recent takeover by the PSA Group (Peugeot’s parent company) the Grandland X shares many parts with the French SUV, and comes with a similar range of engines and gearboxes.

Powerful & Elegant Stance Modern, dynamic lines, and a cool off-road look with elevated seating position give the new Opel Grandland X a powerful and elegant stance on the open-road.

With good all-round visibility, along with cuttingedge technology and plenty of space and comfort for up to five passengers – this is Opel at its best.

The new Grandland X side views echo the attractive combination of rugged SUV appeal and elegant lines.

Muscular, sculpted wheel arches and protective cladding on the lower body give the Grandland X real beauty and genuine off-road appeal.

In contrast, clear lines and the refined blade on the lower doors identify the new Grandland X as a member of the Opel family.

Optional two-tone finish with the roof in contrasting black adds an extra touch of personalisation.

Its smooth flow into the rest of the body is emphasised by the ‘breakthrough’ C pillar, which also creates a dynamic bond to the rear.

The rear view of the Grandland X possesses real SUV character thanks to a wide stance, silver

under-ride protection (with integrated tailpipes on the left and right), protective cladding and slim LED tail-lights.

Excellent Interior Ergonomics The cabin of the new Grandland X is equally as impressive as the exterior thanks to clever use of space and excellent ergonomics.

The instrument panel and centre stack with touchscreen are clearly laid out and horizontally aligned to the driver.

The centre stack has three horizontal rows of controls for fast and intuitive access to infotainment, climate control and chassis functions.

The interior surfaces have a high-quality look and feel, providing the occupants with a feeling of supreme comfort in all seats.

They benefit from the SUV-typical elevated seating position that facilitates access and ensures good visibility.

The optional panoramic glass sunroof floods the interior with light and provides excellent skyward visibility.

Typical first-class Opel comfort is ensured by the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified ergonomic seats as well as a heated steering wheel and seat heating front and rear, which is standard on Elite and Ultimate models.

Specification Levels, Engines & Transmissions Four trim levels are available in the new Grandland X – SC, SRi, Elite and Ultimate, while engine options consist of a 1.2-litre turbo-charged petrol with 130PS, a 1.6litre turbo-diesel with 130PS and a 2.0-litre tur-

announced the launch of the all-new Audi Q3.

A second-generation model, the new Audi Q3 is a family SUV, which boasts unparalleled style, versatility and space for enhanced comfort.

The SUV earned the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. The new Audi Q3 starts at an on-theroad price of €39,600 and is available to order now.

The new Audi Q3 is built with safety in mind. The family SUV comes with a number of active safety systems as standard and received five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.

Audi pre-sense basic and Audi pre-sense

bo-diesel with 177PS. Transmission options consist of a slick six-speed manual or a smooth eightspeed automatic.

Test Car ON test this week was a Grandland X Ultimate 2.0litre turbo-diesel, eightspeed automatic, finished in stunning Quartz Grey metallic paint.

With 400Nm of torque available from this fourcylinder engine, the 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 9.5-seconds while leading to a top speed of 211km/h (where permitted).

Opel claim fuel consumption as low as 4.6l/100km is possible on an extra-urban driving cycle.

Standard specification across the entire Opel Grandland X range is impressive, with the range-topping ‘Ultimate’ model equipped with Navi 5.0 IntelliLink sat-

ellite navigation with fully integrated European satellite navigation, an 8-inch colour touchscreen, Smartphone projection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone portal, ‘Denon’ Premium Sound System, 19” alloy wheels.

Also electric wing mirrors with puddle lights, auto wipers, auto lights with high beam assist, front fog lights, power tailgate, black roof and door mirrors, rear privacy glass, chrome side window trim, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone electronic climate control, 60/40 split folding

rear seats, flex floor, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, traffic sign recognition camera.

As well as LED daytime running lights, Premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Pack, emergency braking system, hill start assist, ESP with traction control, side blind spot alert, parking sensors front and rear, leather seat trim, internal front seat cooling fans, heated front & outer rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

All trim levels come with Opel’s excellent OnStar concierge package, which can help you get to your destination, or call the emergency ser-

FACT BOX

1) Stunning, Family-Sized SUV 2) Four Specification Levels 3) Petrol or Diesel Engines 4) Manual or Automatic 5) Priced From €28,395 (ex-works)

vices in the event of an accident.

On The Road DRIVING the new Opel Grandland X is a real pleasure, with the car providing a soft and composed ride quality, while the precise steering is well weighted and confidence inspiring.

Uneven road surfaces are tackled with ease, and the car exudes an overall feeling of solidity – in true German fashion.

Pricing EX-WORKS prices for the new Opel Grandland X start at just €28,395, while the range-topping ‘Ultimate’ model is priced from €41,595.

I was extremely impressed by the new Opel Grandland X, and I think you will be too. Now is the time to recapture the magic of driving with the Opel Grandland X. It offers a true ‘German SUV feeling for everyone’.

front, for example, provide the driver with a visual, audible and haptic warning when critical situations involving pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles are detected.

Also included as standard equipment is Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes, as well as Audi active lane assist which helps ensure the SUV remains safely in its lane. If required, the car can even deploy automatic emergency braking.

The new Audi Q3 is available in both petrol and diesel units - in combination with either front-wheel or Quattro (4WD) drive. Progressive steering comes as standard.

Visit your local Audi dealer today for further information on the all-new Audi Q3 or visit www.audi.ie

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

REVIEW OF 2018: LOOKING BACK: THE year gone by was a spectacular one across the board with world level medals across a range of sports - from hockey to pentathlon to para swimming and para athletics and beyond.

The men’s and women’s county footballers also shone, making for a sparkling 12 months to be involved in Dublin sport.



GAZETTE

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

PAGE 28-31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS CURLING | OLYMPIC SPORT AIM TO EXPAND FURTHER IN IRELAND

Sliding stones exhibition set for Tallaght  sport@dublingazette.com

THE IRISH curling association are using their January trip to Tallaght Stadium to demonstrate their sport as a dual opportunity, hoping to extol the possibilities of a first Irish curling rink to potential business investors as well as promote the sport itself.

There is no permanent ice rink in the Republic, though quite a few pop up over the winter season.

Those temporary spots give the surprisingly wide array of ice hockey teams – who usually play in Belfast – the chance to compete on home ‘turf’.

Curling requires a smaller area of ice, however, and the Irish association, largely based in Scotland, see an opportunity to learn from the successful Scottish model.

Across the water, the sport is far bigger, and there are a number of privately owned rinks.

They do not cost a vast amount to set up, and are often run as part small private entreprises, even in locations like barns.

With the world governing body working hard on expansion, advice and financial support are both possibilities for early adopters in Ireland.

“It doesn’t need to be a big deal,” Irish curler David Whyte, a senior European medalist, told the Dublin Gazette.

“Some of the smaller rinks really wouldn’t be expensive to set up.

We’d love to talk with anyone who’d be interested in doing something in Ireland, as it’s a huge opportunity for someone, we think, and for the sport.”

The World Curling Federation are currently working hard on expanding the sport – which involves sliding rocks down a rink at a target – into a greater international market.

As part of the process, they’ll be

James Russell in action for Ireland at the 2018 World Mixed Curling Championships. Picture: Jeffrey Au/WCF

holding events for both children (through schools) and interested parties on the temporary ice skating rink at Tallaght Stadium on January 16 and 17, including demonstrations by guest Olympians.

“People get quite excited when they see the pros, and see what’s possible,” Whyte says of the game,

which is popular in Canada in particular, and traditionally gets a huge boost on the back of Winter Olympic coverage.

“It has elements of chess and golf. It’s for people who like a combination of a team sport with some exercise, a physical challenge and some strategy.”

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

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

SPORT2018

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JANUARY TO JUNE

Fantastic Fingal clubs flourish in the spring January O’DWYERS GAA struck a deal with Fingal County Council that will see the Balbriggan club move to a new facility at Bremore Regional Park, agreeing to enter into a long-term lease.

The agreement will see O’Dwyers take up residency on the northern boundary of the 100 acre site with the club set to develop a new clubhouse, sports pitch, parking and training areas. A 3G allweather pitch already exists which O’Dwyers share with Balbriggan FC. As part of the agreement, the Council will also purchase O’Dwyer’s current facility at Hamlet Lane to provide the community with new housing and better roads.

Fittingly, the announcement comes in the year O’Dwyers are celebrating their centenary.

Swords Rugby Club’s women’s section continued to make their mark following the introduction of the new section.

“The team has been going brilliantly since it was set up, there is a fantastic core group of players who have really gelled as a team both on and off

the pitch,” club PRO Liam Linnane said.

“We plan on pushing the team in terms of recruitment over the next few months to build on a great first year and hopefully have an even larger pool of players in the 2018/19 season.”

February BALBRIGGAN Community College’s William O’Connor named an 18-strong Republic of Ireland Schools panel for the Centenary Shield crusade.

It features Balbriggan’s Lido Lofeta along with Peter Adigun from Riversdale Community College in Corduff and Chanel’s Ali Reghba in the northside contingent, following an eight-day assessment period with over 40 players observed.

Malahide Cricket Club announced Michael Hingston has been appointed as the club’s new Cricket Development Manager.

Na Fianna club chairman Cormac Ó Donchú spoke of the club’s pride at John Horan’s inauguration as Úachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael at the GAA annual

congress.

Sheriff YC were celebrating a long-awaited return to their home grounds after an insurance problem locked them out of their facilities in the north inner city.

“There were 300 kids being left on the street,” Sheriff PRO Hugo Richardson told the Dublin Gazette.

My ball! Westmanstown Gaels’ Aoife Connolly holds off her opponent en route to Feile Division 4 glory for the club. Picture: GAAPics.com

Lily Russell, from DP Gymnastics Club in Balbriggan, competing in the Beam during

Balbriggan RFC’s Dearbhla

the National Series Super. Picture: David

Sheridan in action. Picture: Ramsey

Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Cardy/Sportsfile

St Patrick’s Diswellstown

March SKERRIES man Ciaran Frawley took home the man of the match award on his starting debut for the Leinster rugby team as they saw off the Southern Kings 64-7.

It followed hot on the heels of a good performance from the bench against the Scarlets.

Against the Kings, he landed seven conversions to go with a 33rd minute try that keeps Leinster clear at the top of their Pro14 conference.

“It was a huge honour for me once I found out early in the week,” he said afterwards before hailing the help he received from his team mates, giving him a platform to play his game.

For a school just four years in existence, few

St Finian’s camogie team Portmarnock Raceway in full flow. Picture: Deryck Vincent

would have predicted this school year could get any better for Coláiste Ghlór na Mara.

The Balbriggan postprimary school picked up its first ever football title when their first year boys were crowned Tom Quinlan plate winners in November 2017 and the school claimed their second footballing crown as they overcame St Tiernan’s, Balally, in Abbotstown in the Juvenile Section 2 football final.

Swords man Matt Doherty was hoping to translate his superb form with Wolves as he earned

his maiden Republic of Ireland international cap in Martin O’Neill’s squad who took on Turkey.

He had previously been called into the Irish squad for matches against Slovakia and Switzerland but has yet to get pitch time in green since lining out for the Republic’s Under-21s.

The Dubliner was one of eight uncapped players in O’Neill’s panel as they look to stake their claim to be included in his selection on an ongoing basis for the upcoming 2020 Euros qualification campaign.

The 26-year-old ended

adult games, winning the

the year with four caps to his name.

April ZETA Hemeryck produced an outstanding individual display at IT Blanchardstown to help Westmanstown Gaels land the AIG Dublin Feile Division Five title at the expense of Ballyboden St Enda’s ‘B’.

She amassed a personal haul of 2-4 from centreforward.

NAC’s Brendan Hyland was one of the stars of the Irish Open swimming champion-

ships at the National Aquatic Centre with double gold, winning the 100m and 200m butterfly golds.

Hyland was the star of the show when he cracked the 1.58 mark in the 200m Butterfly Final. Hyland broke his own record of 1:58.08 by over half a second in 1:57.44 and won his sixth consecutive 200m Butterfly title.

The delighted 23-yearold commented: “Usually, I’m quite excited by something like this but today I’m just so relieved.”

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES

Lusk AC’s Colm Donoghue at the masters indoor athletics championships. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

“I will miss Friday nights in Dalymount the most! The flares, banners and Johnny Logan’s Hold Me now. Nothing will replace that!”

- Shane Supple on retiring from Bohs “Nine titles or ten, my legacy doesn’t really change.

That’s not what I am here for. As long as I enjoy it, then I am going to play.”

celebrate their Cumann na mBunscol Atha Cliath Corn Marinowin at Croke Park. Picture: Niall O’Connell

- St Brigid’s Eoin 2018 was the year Garda Cycling Club’s Eve McCrystal finally made the breakthrough, winning her first national road title in some style.

made a super return to

Rivervalley Rangers prior to the RPD Cup final against St Michael’s

league.

May DUBLIN blew away Mayo to take their first ever ladies football national league title at Parnell Park.

The Jackies, in the early-season decider for the first time since 2014, started strongly against the side they beat to an All-Ireland title last year, and always looked in control as they strolled to a 3-15 to 1-10 win.

Portmarnock finished their first season back at the top level of the Leinster Senior League with a top-half finish following

victory over Newbridge Town.

Porto ended the season with three wins from their last four against Metro Cup winners Newbridge, reigning champions St Mochta’s and FAI Intermediate Cup finalists Firhouse Clover.

It was the perfect culmination to a remarkable season that began with a narrow FAI Senior Cup defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic at Paddy’s Hill way back in July 2017.

Howth side Beann Eadair overcame St Vincent’s to win the feile division two at Blanchardstown IT as their fitness

and determination saw them through extra time in a tight contest.

Rush Athletic sealed a historic league and cup double in emphatic fashion as they beat Kilnamanagh 4-0 to take the LSL Saturday Major 1B title.

June ERIN Go Bragh’s junior footballers made it a Father’s Day to remember as they hammered O’Dwyer’s in the Mooney Cup final in St Catherine’s Park.

They took the silverware in front of a decent

turn out of supporters from both sides, creating a strong atmosphere. It was their first piece of silverware since 1945.

Rivervalley Rangers put a shine on a difficult season on and off the pitch with cup success as they beat St Michael’s 3-1 in the RPD Cup final.

Soon after, the Swords club confirmed they were one of four clubs who had confirmed their intentions on switching from the AUL to the Leinster Senior League .

T he other clubs were East Wall Rovers, Columbas Rovers and St Michael’s.

Kennedy on his pursuit of more AllIreland titles

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 3 January 2019

SPORT2018

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JULY TO DECEMBER

County stars paint Croker blue on the double again July ON his 57th attempt, Oliver O’Farrell, who celebrates his 87th birthday on July 9, won Jim McMahon’s Captain’s Prize at Malahide Golf Club.

Playing off a handicap of 32, ‘Ollie’, who was Club President in 1991 now plays in a buggy, having had two hips and one knee replaced.

Having shot 38 in the qualifier and another 38 on the final day, and playing in the second last three-ball, Oliver’s 76 was hailed the winning score once the day’s action was complete.

It was Eve McCrystal’s moment to shine at the Cycling Ireland Road National Championships in Sligo when the Garda Cycling Club powerhouse seized her first National Title in the Elite Women’s Road Racing event.

“I have been waiting for this for so long, and I will wear my jersey with pride,” said and emotional McCrystal after the race. “It’s amazing – it’s a long time coming. I just can’t believe it.”

“It was really hard – the climb, I just had to dig in on the third lap. I had to really hang in and do what I could do. At the end I had to see if I could go over the top with them

and play to my strengths and go for the sprint.”

Westmanstown Gaels stormed to the Division 4 national Feile shield final with a series of heroic performances in Louth and Meath.

It followed their Division 5 success in Dublin in April, representing the county in a group alongside St Patrick’s Stamullen, St Brigids Longford and St Fechin’s of Termonfeckin.

August DAVE Flynn won the Dublin Rock N’ Roll halfmarathon ahead of a field of 14,000 runners through the streets of the capital with the Clonliffe Harriers athlete showing his strength as he continues to step up towards marathon distance.

The win, the Coolmine man’s first national title, comes as he prepared for the Dublin Marathon and saw him get the better of national marathon champion Gary O’Hanlon and national medalist David Mansfield in the process.

Greta Streimikyte landed Ireland’s first gold of the European Paralympic athletics championships as she stormed home in the 1,500m in Berlin with

plenty to spare.

The Swords-based runner took off on the second lap, building a 15-metre gap back to Spain’s Izaskun Oses Ayucar and she powered on from there, eventually finishing a good 40-metres away from her nearest rival in a time of 4.48.54.

St Sylvester’s confirmed return to senior hurling after a three year absence a game ahead of schedule as they defeated Ballyboden St Enda’s in their penultimate AHL3 contest to guarantee promotion and another hard-won shot at the second tier.

The Malahide club had gone close to promotion last year and will now look to retain their spot in AHL2 having gone straight back down on their last stint in the division.

This year has gone far better, though, as a youthful side has built on a failed promotion playoff in 2017 and come back stronger.

September A FINGAL powered forward unit propelled Dublin’s ladies footballers to All-Ireland glory once again as St Sylvester’s Sinead Aherne and Clann Mhuire’s Carla Rowe made telling impacts in

Lusk woman Miranda Tcheutchoua throws the hammer at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Former Castleknock College man Devin Toner passed the 200-cap mark for

Castleknock - the DLGFA junior

Leinster in a remarkable career for the

championship winners. Picture:

province. Picture: Martin Doherty

GAAPics.com

Dublin’s ladies footballers

Naomh Mearnog’s Gaelic 4 Mothers and Loughshinny’s Oisin van Gelderen en route to breaking the Irish

Others enjoy a blitz in Malahide.

windsurfing speed record in Namibia.

Picture: GAAPics.com

Croke Park.

Aherne – as part of an all-Syl’s full-forward line – was joined in hitting maximums by half forward Rowe, who struck the net twice against fierce rivals Cork with a trademark cut inside.

Aherne, a near everpresent around the Dublin panel since Mick Bohan’s first period in charge in 2003, had a wry smile when the questions about the well-publicised Dublin/ Cork rivalry came in post match, joking: “we’ve tried to ignore it, but we’ve just been asked about it so much”.

NAC Masters Swimming Club’s men were celebrating winning a

historic tenth Leinster Open Sea title in-a-row, making for an extra special celebration in the club’s 30th anniversary year.

Shannon Richardson produced a star performance at Lawless Park to help O’Dwyer’s claim the New Ireland Assurance Junior B ladies football championship title.

Richardson contributed 0-8 as the Balbriggan side overcame the challenge of Ballyboughal.

While there was little to separate the sides initially, a stunning Amy Gibbons goal gave O’Dwyers a decisive edge at the midway point in the contest.

October IT WAS a case of deja-vu for Geoff Lenehan and Portmarnock as seven years after their last success, they captured the prestigious AIG Senior Cup in Thurles on Sunday.

The Munster Interprovincial player claimed the winning putt, as he had done in Portmarnock’s last success, with a 4-1 win over Royal Portrush.

“It always seems to turn out that way,” Lenehan said of his habit of clinching winning points in team matches. “It’s scary winning in tight situations.”

Eoin Kennedy pushed Robbie McCarthy strongly, but it wasn’t enough

as the Westmeath ace retained his MyClubShop.ie All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles title at Croke Park on Saturday.

McCarthy claimed his seventh title in this competition, maintaining his composure to pull off a 21-19, 21-14 win over the St. Brigids clubman.

St Brigid’s wait for a Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association senior championship title goes on as their nemesis Foxrock Cabinteely proved too strong at St Margaret’s.

It was the fourth time they had lost in the final, the last three coming at the hands of the Foxes.

Fingallians returned

3 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTES OF

THE YEAR

Stephen Cluxton raises the Sam Maguire trophy.

Picture: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

“For anyone trying to promote women’s sport, it was brave, honest, relentless.

“The rules went out of the window and rightly so.”

- Dublin ladies football boss Mick Bohan

celebrate their All-Ireland senior success in Croke Park. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

“I have been waiting for this for so long, and I will wear my jersey with pride. I just can’t believe it.”

Dublin 15 man Sean Hoare enjoys

North County wicketkeeper Jamie Grassi takes a catch

Portmarnock GC with golf’s Irish Senior Cup following their win in Thurles.

his goal in the FAI Cup final. Picture:

in the Leinster Senior Cup final against Clontarf.

Picture: Pat Cashman

Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

Picture: Bernie O’Farrell

to Dublin’s AFL1 after a nine-year absence as they sealed second spot in Division Two with a win over Na Fianna.

The Swords club ran out comfortable 2-10 to 0-8 points to edge out Round Towers and take the second promotion spot behind Templeogue Synge Street.

It’s Fingallians’ second promotion in as many seasons as their revival continues under manager Wayne Knight.

November T WENT Y-seven time national windsurfing champion Oisín van Gelderen became the first ever

Irish sailor to break the 50 knot speed barrier, during his final week competing at the Luderitz World Speed Sailing Challenge in Namibia, Africa.

Van Gelderen - who hails from Loughshinny joined the fastest sailors in the world for the last three weeks in Luderitz, with the aim of increasing his Irish Sailing Speed record (measured over 500m), and trying to break the elusive 50 knot barrier.

The conclusion of the women’s Cricket World Cup brought the curtain down on four incredible careers as Merrion twins Cecelia and Isobel Joyce and Pembroke’s Ciara Metcalfe and Clare Shil-

lington bade farewell to the international stage.

Gavin Moy nihan secured another year on golf’s European Tour by the narrowest of margins over the weekend, as he knocked home an essential five-foot putt on the final green of Q-School to remain amongst the continent’s elite.

Moynihan’s exploits at Q-School in 2017 were also memorable: needing a birdie at the final hole – effectively meaning his level in the golfing world for the coming year hung on a single shot - Moynihan pulled it off with a 20 foot two-putt.

Led by a player of the match performance by

captain Leah Chambers, Beann Eadair ended a 30 year drought when they beat a gallant CBC team to secure the Under-16 Division 4 Championship.

T he win marks a remarkable renaissance for camogie in Howth.

Back in the 1980s, the club had a string of successes including a Junior B Championship title in 1986, an Under-14 league in 1987 and were runnersup in the JuniorA Championship, also in 1987.

December AISLING Haughey was among the star turns at the Irish Short Course

National Championships in Lisburn at a gala that featured 18 national records being broken.

Her run of success started in the 200m freestyle relays where her team – along with Lisa Cooke, Catriona Finlay and Hannah McMenamin – took gold in a time of 1.46.43, beating Ards’ Irish best which was set only three weeks earlier.

She followed up with gold in the 50m breaststroke with over a second to spare over Waterford’s Eimear Doyle.

The 23-year-old subsequently dominated the 200m freestyle from start to finish posting a time

of 2:24.93 for gold It was confirmed, meanwhile, the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown is set to become the new training centre for the Irish senior hockey teams following news a new water-based hockey pitch will be laid there.

Spor t Ireland has commenced the replacement of the current sand-based hockey pitch on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus with a new Polytan Polygras Toyko GT surface.

This is the same surface that will be used at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2022 World Cup.

- Garda cycling club’s Eve McCrystal after her elite women’s cycling road race success.

“We’ve tried to ignore it, but we’ve just been asked about it so much.”

- Dublin captain Sinead Aherne on whether facing nemesis Cork was playing on her mind

GazetteSPORT JANUARY 3-9, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

Mochta’s relishing the return to LSL action  DAVE DONNELLY

sfindlater@dublingazette.com

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

BEST OF 2018: We look back on a truly remarkable year for Dublin sport with medals galore on the world stage across a range of sports to go with All-Ireland success in front of some of the biggest crowds in Ireland.

SEE P28-31

CURLING SET FOR DEMO DAY CURLING: Winter

Olympic sport keen to expand in Ireland with Tallaght hosting an introduction day.

SEE P27

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ST MOCHTA’S manager Brian McCarthy says his side are eager to get back to business after being starved of competitive action over Christmas.

The LSL Sunday Senior side haven’t played a meaningful game of football since the end of November, when they beat Dunboyne to secure a spot in the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup. That result earned the Blanch side a spot in the first round of the FAI Senior Cup and means they went through the first half of the season with just a single defeat.

McCarthy says the attitude of his side has been first-class as they’ve trained well week-in, week-out over Christmas without the carrot of a game to come at the weekend.

That all changes on Friday as the 2016/17 champions make the short trip into the city centre to face Drumcondra/Stella Maris in the first round of the Charlie Cahill Cup. The sides are familiar with one another, having faced each other many times in the top tier over the last few seasons, but Drums are struggling in Senior 1 having finished bottom of the pile last year.

McCarthy knows better than to underestimate any game in the Leinster Senior League, eve n a ga i n s t a s i d e who’ve only won once

St Mochta’s in action before Christmas against Hartstown/Huntstown. Picture: Martin Doherty

“We’ve just got to perform. You can find

yourself losing a game very easily in the LSL but, on our day, we can beat anyone.“ all season.

“We’re looking forward to getting back playing games,” McCarthy tells the Dublin Gazette.

“We’ve played three friendlies in the period of Christmas. The attitude has been very good from the lads, in fairness, but we’re just looking forward to getting back playing.

“We’re very confident going into any game. On our day, we’re as good a team in the Leinster

Senior League as there is. We’ve just got to perform.

“You can find yourself losing a game very easily in the Leinster Senior League, but on our day we can beat anyone.

“Hopefully we can start on Friday, have the right attitude and begin the second half of the season with the right mentality.”

One factor that will help Mochta’s guard against complacency

has been their cup form – they’re still in all three cups, having been knocked out in the first round of the Cahill and Metro last year.

League form has been more mixed, with four draws from their nine games so far, but they have four games in hand over the sides at the top which could take them right back into contention.

Mc C a r t hy b ro u g h t in ex-League of Ireland

players Mick Daly and Craig Hyland, as well as UEFA Regions Cup winner Noel Murray, during the summer, while Gavin Kearney returned from injury.

And, while he won’t stand in any player’s way if they get an offer of league football, the manager is hoping to keep the whole squad together for the rest of the season.

“We went through a bit of a spell where we

had seven or eight players out missing with injury.

“We managed that well and a lot of them players are back now.”

“There are a couple of League of Ireland clubs i n te re s te d a n d t h a t could change things, but there’s nobody coming in that I’ve talked to.

“But if the lads get an opportunity, they have to take it. It’s a step up.

I don’t know where that is.”