Fingal 9 2 17

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A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY HAMPER FILLED WITH SCRUMPTIOUS SWIZZELS SWEETIES

February 9 - 15, 2017

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A ROMANTIC NIGHT AWAY FOR TWO INCLUDING DINNER AT THE FOUR-STAR CASTLEKNOCK HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

Enjoy an evening meal at the YOUR L I O P S T R award-winning Park Restaurant HEA T E E W S T THIS SNE’S Bed & Breakfast at the beautiful TI Castleknock Hotel & Country Club VALENAY D

FOOD

Earn some extra brownie points this Valentine’s See P20

Bertie happy to get down and dirty for tree dig-out  SYLVIA POWNALL

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Detai ls on Page 20

Bertie Ahern

FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will don his wellies and do his bit for a charity challenge to plant 500 trees in one day in Malahide this weekend.

The ex-Fianna Fail leader has

promised to muck-in and get his hands dirty along with other volunteers at Malahide allotments on Saturday morning.

The endeavour, a fundraiser for the Epilepsy Care Foundation, is part of a nationwide initiative by the Forestry Founda-

tion and the Woodlands Trust to plant one million trees in one day.

Allotments trustee Brian Geraghty told The Gazette: “Bertie said he’d be down with the family on the day.

“He’s here every week at his

allotment so he said he’d lend a hand. Anyone is welcome to come along on the day, the more the merrier.

“My only advice is to bring a pair of wellies.”

Continued of Page 2

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

MALAHIDE | COPS RECKON BIKE RIDER MAY HAVE SEEN RAIDERS

Jewellery store gardai appeal to cyclist on CCTV BERTIE’S NEW DIG-OUT From Page 1

Malahide Allotments has 320 plots, the largest number in the country, and 75 of these are reserved for those with epilepsy or autism.

The Forestry Foundation will provide the saplings – a mix of oak, cedar, redcurrant, blackcurrant and other species – free of charge.

Brian said: “What we are allowing people to do is if they want to dedicate a tree to a relative or a friend who has passed away they can do that. People can make a donation towards the plaque if they wish.

“Judging by the reaction we’ve had so far we reckon we’ll have 60 to 80 people here on the day.

The weather is supposed to be dry but we’re keeping a close eye on the forecast.”

Planting will start at 11am and organisers hope to complete the task by 3pm. Brian says it’s the biggest single planting ever undertaken in Fingal.

He added: “The trees will enhance the wildlife in the area. They will be planted around the perimeter of the allotments and we will include a small woodland garden at the top of the field. Come along, bring friends and family and join in the fun.”

For more information, visit the Malahide Allotments Facebook page.

 SYLVIA POWNALL

have witnessed something that could help them track down the culprits.

GARDAI have appealed for a cyclist who A short time after the incident, a blackmay have witnessed a terrifying armed raid coloured hatchback car was seen drivat a Malahide jeweller’s to come forward. ing in a dangerous manner in the Yellow Earlier this week investigating officers Walls Road area of the seaside town. Garreleased CCTV footage of the cyclist pass- dai believe the cyclist may have seen the ing Bouchon Jewellery store (inset) at the car or its occupants.

Diamond around the time of the raid on The bike rider (inset) was wearing white January 21. runners, blue jeans and an A female shop assistant anorak-type jacket. was stabbed in the arm and The staff member, who raiders escaped with a numwas stabbed in the forearm, ber of valuable items, includwas taken to hospital and ing watches, in the robbery – Gardai hope the man treated for her injuries, but on the bike may have the second time in three days seen the armed raid was later released. the shop had been targeted.

A garda spokesperson The raiders ran in the direction of St said: “Investigating gardai are appealing Margaret’s Avenue in Malahide after the for witnesses, or anyone who may have knife-point holdup. been cycling or walking in the Yellow The suspects are both male. One of the Walls Road area who may have observed men was described as being 5’9” in height the black hatchback car being driven danand around 50 years of age, wearing glass- gerously, or at any time before or after the es and a yellow jacket. The second man robbery. was wearing a black jacket, white hat and “Following a review of CCTV footage, was much younger than the first. gardai are appealing for a cyclist who may Gardai believe the cyclist who was in have seen the car or suspects involved to the vicinity – who they don’t believe was contact them at Malahide Garda Station in any way connected to the crime – may on 01 6664600.”

FASTNews

Judge approves sale of troubled credit union’s loan book and premises THE High Court on Monday approved the sale of the loan book and offices of bust Rush Credit Union.

Progressive Credit Union – which has bought both credit union premises in Rush and Lusk - will now take over the €9 million worth of loans, which still due to be repaid by around 1,600 people.

The High Court gave it the go-ahead to take over the loan book after liquidators McStay Luby put its sale out to tender.

No sale price for the offices has been disclosed, but they were on the market for around €1 million.

The sale of the loan book reportedly follows complaints to the Central Bank from those paying off loans to Rush CU who complained about what they claimed were threats from the liquidators.

The former members claim they were threatened with poor credit ratings unless they signed up to make repayments through a standing order.

McStay Luby said it was investigating the claims, but denied threats to report people to the Irish Credit Bureau for not setting up standing orders.

Rush CU was placed into liquidation after allegations of mismanagement emerged and a €4.7 million hole in its reserves was discovered.

Gardai are expected to press charges in relation to the allegation of fraud at the lender.

Parents on high alert after two children approached

Sheer joy as local authority is named Council of the Year

PICTURED are just some of the delighted faces from the county’s frontline staff as Fingal County Council was named the Council of the Year at the Local Authority Members Association’s (LAMA) 2017 awards last weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry. LAMA chairperson Cllr Mags Murray (FF) presented the thrilled Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler (right) with the prestigious award. Cllr Butler was joined by several other key and high-ranking council staff, including the county’s chief executive Paul Reid (left), with the mayor paying tribute to the council’s hard-working staff in all departments. He paid tribute to the collective efforts by council staff, which make Fingal a better place to live, work, learn, visit and do business in.

PARENTS in Balbriggan have been warned to be on their guard after two suspected approaches to children last week.

Local schools have reportedly sent notes and text messages to parents urging vigilance.

A warning was also sent out through the Balbriggan.info community page, with one of the incidents understood to have happened early in the morning before school started.

It stated: “Parents are warned to be careful after two suspected child abduction attempts near schools in Balbriggan in the last week.

“Children are vulnerable and trusting, and it is our job as parents to remind them of basic safety rules.”

Anyone with information can contact Balbriggan Garda station on 8020510 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

A Garda spokesman said there was no record of the incidents being reported to gardai.

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

9 February 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

PEOPLE | WOMEN FINISH LATE FRIEND’S QUILT – AND RAISE €2,400 FOR ST FRANCIS HOSPICE

Crafting the perfect tribute  AISLING KENNEDY A GROUP of friends recently completed a beautiful quilt in memory of their friend and craft teacher, Rose Harris, who passed away in 2013.

Following Rose’s death three years ago, a bag with a couple of pieces of the unfinished quilt which Rose was working on was passed to the Blanchardstown Guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) by chance, and the ICA ladies decided to honour their friend’s memory by finishing the quilt.

Maureen Caffrey, from the ICA Blanchardstown Guild, spoke to The Gazette this week about working on the quilt. She said Rose was one of a kind and is missed very much.

“Rose was a very good friend and also our craft teacher within the ICA. We met her more than 20 years ago, and from there we had her as our teacher almost constantly every Monday until a few years ago when she moved to Kilkenny with her hus-

band, Tony.”

Maureen explained that even when Rose (above) moved to Kilkenny, the close-knit craft group still kept in touch and travelled up and down to see each other regularly.

Sadly, in 2013, Rose was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away after a few months.

“When Rose realised that the treatment wasn’t working, she began to give away pieces and fabrics that she was working on and she passed

this bag on to a friend of hers.

“By chance, this friend met a member of our Monday morning craft group, and she passed it on to us. So it was like Rose was on a mission to get this quilt to us! We decided then to take it on.”

Maureen said it took a group of more than eight women from the ICA’s Blanchardstown Guild almost two years to finish the quilt, along with the help of master quilt maker Pat O’Looney, from the Botanic/Glasnevin Guild.

The finished quilt was completed in a traditional American style, called ‘the log cabin design’.

Following the completion of the quilt, the ICA ladies raffled it off, and raised a total of €2,430 to present to the St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown.

Maureen said: “Rose would’ve been over the moon at the finished quilt. I know certainly her husband Tony was. He was delighted, and his words were that ‘Rose would’ve been overly proud of her craftswom-

ICA quilters Marie O’Neill, Pat O’Looney and Maureen Caffrey; (right) Jane Jones, Mary Kenny and Eleanor Hewitt

en in Blanchardstown’.

“We knew that Rose would be proud. This is why her bag came into our possession – for us to do something positive with it in her memory.”

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

ELECTED | TV VIEWERS CALL ON ROOM TO IMPROVE GUEST TO RUN FOR OFFICE OF TAOISEACH

Farmer urged to bring Kenny era to an Enda  SYLVIA POWNALL

Room to Improve’s Dermot Bannon with Enda Weldon (left) Pictures: RTE Player

FARMER Enda Weldon won the hearts of the nation on RTE’s Room to Improve on Sunday night – with a flood of viewers calling on him to run for Taoiseach.

Brussels sprouts grower Enda left architect Dermot Bannon lost for words as he took on an ambitious self-build project in Rush and managed to come in under budget.

Enda and his wife Mags were moving back to his native seaside town from their 55-acre farm in Balheary and he lovingly restored an old fisherman’s house near the harbour that once belonged to his aunt.

Enda said: “I used to stay here from time to time as a boy and there was never a cross word said. They were lovely people. I’m moving back to town because I’d like the privilege of walking for a pint.”

The episode ended with Enda and Dermot doing just that – rambling down to the Carlyan pub in Rush to raise a toast with a pint of lager and a Guinness.

Viewers were blown away by Enda’s enthusiasm. One tweeted: “This is the Enda that should be running the country.”

Another said: “If I win the Lotto, I’m going to get Enda to build me a house.”

Even Operation Transformation’s Dr Eddie Murphy had something to say about part-time boatbuilder Enda’s handiwork.

He said: “Enda needs to be brought in to sort out Ireland’s housing crises… some man.”

The project finished on schedule and – more impressively – €1,000 under budget as Enda decided to manage the

project himself as a selfbuild, leaving a bemused Dermot to adapt the design as he and his crew ploughed ahead.

But by the end of the build, he had nothing but admiration for the farmer, who took him out sailing on a boat he’d built himself. Enda matter-of-factly said: “There’s only one way to do something, and that’s do it.”

Man killed in car crash due to become a dad THE man killed in a twocar collision in Rush last week was due to become a father again in three months’ time.

Valdis Gabranovs, 35, was on his way home when his car crossed to the other side of the road at a tight bend, just yards from his housing estate.

The factory worker collided head-on with an Audi coming in the other direction and died at the scene.00:29 Mr Gabranovs’s partner, Inita Mezaka, 35, has told how their baby boy is due in three months’ time.

She said: “Life is not

Crash victim Valdis Gabranovs, 35

fair. Valdis had been out to see a friend and somehow this crash happened.

Gardaí do not know why yet.

“Somehow he crossed

to the other side of the road and crashed. If he was wearing his seatbelt, he would probably still be alive.”

T he couple had a

21-month-old daughter, and Mr Gabranovs had an older boy from a previous relationship.

Ms Mezaka revealed: “I had to identify his body in hospital. You hope that maybe gardaí had made a mistake, that it will be like in the movies, but no, I saw him there, not breathing.”

She added: “He loved to fish, he would release the fish after he caught them. It was for the sport, it was his passion.”

The Latvian couple had been living in Ireland for 10 years. Ms Mezaka said: “I don’t know what we will do now.”

9 February 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

GazetteGALLERY

| JUDGES SPOILT FOR CHOICE AS LOTS OF YOUNG SINGERS

Sophie Doyle, Robert Duff, Isabelle Pugh, Valerie Carwood and Malaidh Larkin

Rebecca Cobb and Zoe Blackall

Junior category winners Matthew Nolan (second place), Holly Hoff (third) and Liliana Rosca Pinheiro (first)

Third-place runner-up in the senior

Matthew Nolan, second-place runner-

category, Emma Kearns

up in the junior category

Malahide delights with super talents

T

HE final of Malahide’s Got Talent took place in the Grand Hotel Malahide recently with 27 acts taking to the stage in front of a sell-out audience of 400. This year, the event was divided into two categories: the 8-12 year olds and the 13-16 year olds. The winner on the night was Liliana Pinheiro from the 8-12 year old category, with Sophie Doyle taking first place in the 12-16 year old category. Now in its seventh year, up to 60 children took part in auditions for the competition in November and December. All proceeds from the event go towards Malahide Musical Society’s upcoming production of The Wedding Singer, which will be staged in the Malahide Community School from February 21 to 25.

Thumbs-up from some of the happy performers on the night. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Ciara Nitz

Congratulations, senior category winner Sophie Doyle

Isabelle Pugh

9 February 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

AND PERFORMERS COMPETE IN FINAL OF POPULAR CONTEST AT THE GRAND HOTEL

The evening’s judges: Vivienne Keavey from Malahide Credit Union, and Jonathan McKenny and Michelle O’Hara from Malahide Music Society

Third place runner-up in the senior category, Clodagh Byrne

Senior category winner Sophie Doyle, singing They

Second place winner in the senior category, Emma

Just Keep Moving The Line

Kearns, singing Say you won’t let go

MGT sponsors, Vivienne Keavey and Matthew Nolan wins second place in the junior category

Michael Dowling, Malahide Credit Union

Liliana Rosca Pinheiro wins the junior category, singing Satisfied, from the musical Hamilton

Sean woods playing America (from West Side Story)

Sean Woods and Rory Lawton

Sophie Doyle, Robert Duff and Isabelle Pugh

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

COURTS | HUNTER ASKED JUDGE IF HE COULD KEEP PROTECTED BIRD’S CARCASS TO STUFF IT

Judge cries fowl on wild goose chase Judge Dempsey was

 SYLVIA POWNALL

shown pictures of the Brent goose and a Canada goose (sample bird shown)

AN EXPERIENCED hunter who boasted of his exploits on Facebook was caught with the carcasses of two protected birds in his freezer and fined €200.

Registered gun holder Richard Hanna, 38, told the District Court he had not been aware that the Brent goose and shelduck he shot down were protected species.

He then asked the judge if he could have one of the dead birds back “to have it stuffed”.

Hanna, who is not a licensed wildlife dealer, told the District Court: “I thought all my birthdays had come at once as I killed six birds with two shots.”

He added: “I put photos on Facebook as I was only out hunting for half an hour and thought I had my best day hunting. If I knew I did some-

thing illegal, I wouldn’t have broadcast it to the world.”

Hanna told the court he now accepts two of the six birds he shot were protected, adding that he “genuinely made a mistake that day”.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service was notified of the Facebook photos and three conservation officers searched Hanna’s premises.

They found the Brent goose and shelduck in a freezer in

the back shed and seized and preserved the birds.

Hanna, who has a deer hunting licence, later told officials he believed the birds were Canada geese, which is not a protected species.

The defendant, of Ringsford Close, Balrother y, pleaded guilty to being in possession of the protected wild birds while not being a licensed wildlife dealer.

A conservation ranger told

Judge Dempsey that “The Brent goose is hard to confuse with a Canada goose.”

Judge Dempsey convicted and fined Hanna €100 for each offence.

When he granted a destruction order for the birds, Hanna asked if he could have one of them to have it stuffed.

Refusing, Judge Dempsey said the destruction order stands.

Granny’s uninsured booze cruise earns her a driving ban A GRANNY banned from driving was caught behind the wheel without insurance and with an open can of Budweiser beer in a cup holder.

Sandra Cassidy, who was subject to a 15-year road ban at the time, said she only drove the car because her daughter had been assaulted and needed her help.

The 56-year-old, who has 47 previous convictions, including nine driving bans, was jailed for four months and banned from driving for 20 years.

Judge Dermot Dempsey said he “can’t allow her back on the road”.

Cassidy, of Barnewall Crescent, Donabate, pleaded guilty to driving without insur-ance and a driving licence on

November 17, 2015, at Turvey Avenue in Donabate. She was stopped at a checkpoint where Garda Mark Richardson saw the open can of Budweiser. He said about one to two mouthfuls of beer had been taken from the can.

Defence solicitor Fiona D’Arcy said her client was on her way to her daughter’s house to help her, adding: “Extreme circumstances led her to drive”.

Addressing the court, Cassidy said: “I have bi-polar, and I was drinking to selfmedicate, but I don’t drink anymore.

“I wouldn’t blame you putting me away today. It was a panicky situation at the time, my daughter has a young child and needed my help.”

Man jailed for verbally abusing ‘feud rivals’ A MAN whose uncle was murdered in Balbriggan has been jailed for verbally abusing a group of people he believed were involved in the killing.

Rodney Whitehouse, 25, got involved in a disturbance outside a pub after he claimed the group were “laughing and jeering” at him over the murder of Benny Whitehouse.

The 36-year-old was shot dead in front of his partner in 2014 just moments after dropping his daughter to

school in Balbriggan.

To date, nobody has been charged in connection with the killing.

Whitehouse, of Ringcommons, The Naul, pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour outside the Har vest P ub on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan on June 6, 2016.

Convictions T he father-of-two, who works as a builder’s labourer, has seven previous convictions for public order offences, drugs and being in

possession of knives.

Defence solicitor Fiona D’Arcy said: “It’s a sensitive point for him and the feud has been go-ing on for a long time and his family has been put through the mill.”

Judge Dempsey convicted and sentenced him to two months in prison as, he said, he did not feel community service was appropriate.

Once recognisances were fixed, Whitehouse immediately lodged an appeal.

The Gourmet girls mark a milestone

THE mighty Sam Maguire provided a perfect platter to serve up a tasty treat when Dublin GAA footballer Paul Flynn – and Gourmet Food Parlour ambassador – joined Gourmet Food Parlour owners Lorraine Byrne and Lorraine Heskin at the launch of the group’s newly extended and revitalised restaurant in Swords. Locals Sarah Bathe and Ray Dignam, left, were among the many people who came along to celebrate the opening, which has doubled the space at the popular eaterie, and represents an investment of almost half a million euro in the north Dublin town. The investment comes on foot of Gourmet Food Parlour celebrating an impressive ten years in business. Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

9 February 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

10 GAZETTE 9 February 2017

GazetteGALLERY

| SHOWCASE – IRELAND’S INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE EXPO –

The best of Irish creativity on show Ann Mulcrone, Mairead Whisker and Mary Donohoe. Pictures: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

Luna Young and Nikki O’Callaghan

T

HE best of Irish crafts were on display at Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo – which returned to the RDS last weekend. The event has established itself as a must-see trade show, attracting thousands of buyers from Ireland and more than 20 other countries keen to view the latest collections from 450 Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople across fashion, jewellery and home and giftware. New for this year was TextISLE, an initiative focusing on the creative potential of Irish textiles in fashion and homeware.

Denis Kenny and Fiona Gilboy-Kenny

Sonia Reynolds and Nuala Goodman

Orla Langan and Suzi Coogan

Helen Delany and Brenda Aherne

9 February 2017 GAZETTE 11

FEATURES TOP IRISH DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE

Deirdre McQuillan and Peter O’Brien

Natalie B Coleman and Angela O’Kelly

Halle Steele and Helen Steele

Brenda Aherne, Rebecca Morgan and Jan Brierton

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 9 February 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

OPINION

The Help to Buy Scheme Grant needs to be extended now  MICHAEL RUSSELL

FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED

FIRSTLY the good news….first time buyers have further incentive to go house-hunting.

So how does it work; The scheme will provide a rebate of income tax, paid over four years prior to buying up to a maximum of 5% of the purchase price of the home valued at up to € 400,000.

Houses valued at up to € 600,000 are also included but the maximum benefit is € 20,000. The rebate will apply to First Time Buyers buying newly built homes and people building one-off houses, and no relief will be given to those buying second-hand houses.

This is where we have shared concerns with the market. The question is: Why is the incentive limited to first time buyers and does not currently apply to those who are seeking to trade up or indeed people who previously owned a home – but have since sold.

This latter group are in the exact same position as the first time buyers but find themselves at a distinct disadvantage!

This makes no sense and smacks of a decision which favours only one sector of the market – of course there many reasons why this might be so but it does not take a great leap of faith to suggest that this incentive is primarily in place to encourage developers to fast track starter homes for first time buyers.

The stark reality of Ireland Inc. is that we completed circa 15,000 units during 2016 and it is estimated that we will require in the order of up to 30,000 in 2017 just to meet current demand.

Hence it stands to reason that to meet the pent up demand – which won’t happen overnight - developers need to be encouraged to build new homes and this is a good thing for the overall economy.

We would be advocating that whatever about not extending this deal to ‘second hand homes’ that the deal should be extended to both first time buyers and those who previously sold their principal private residence and are currently in rental accommodation.

So in summary we very much welcome the increase in units being built – people need homes – but let’s not forget the tax payer effectively meets the cost of this rebate so is it not only reasonable to suggest that this initiative is available to the majority of homebuyers than simply limit it to one sector of the housing market.

Alison Miller presents Eimhear Kelly with a €500 voucher

Alison Flaherty presents Anthony and Janet Fitzgerald with a €2,500 voucher

Greg Mitchell presents Phil Armstrong with a €1,500 voucher

Winning thousands was EZ for shoppers ALL good things must come to an end, and EZ Living’s Golden Ticket giveaway was no exception. However, during its month-long run the promotion linked to the furniture chain’s biggest ever sale saw several lucky winners presented with thousands of euro worth of vouchers.

With prizes to give away ranging from €50 right up to €2,500, the

hugely popular giveaway helped to promote the furniture experts’ giant sale at its several outlets.

With more than €10,000 given away each week, the popular ticket helped drive footfall, adding to the already notable consumer interest in the new year bargains during the month-long sale. Pictured are some of the winners and EZ Living staff presenting their respective prizes.

Microfinance making a big business impact

Shakeel Jeeroburkan, Spice Devils

SOME 73 Dublin businesses benefitted from small loans totalling €1,055,000 from the Governmentfunded not-for-profit lender, Microfinance Ireland (MFI), in 2016, new figures show.

One thriving Dublin business that has benefitted from MFI support is Spice Devils – a company set up by Shakeel Jeeroburkan, selling Mauritian-inspired, freshly-milled spice blends.

After selling in farmers’ markets, the feedback was so positive that he decided to make the leap and devote himself to Spice Devils full-time.

Since drawing down the loan, Spice Devils – which is available in more than 30 SuperValu stores – has won multiple artisan food awards.

Shakeel says: “I would not be where I am today without the support I received from MFI and Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Dublin.”

In partnership with the network of LEOs, MFI also launched an expert mentoring assistance to its loanapproved applicants in 2016.

Garrett Stokes, chief executive of MFI, said: “We are delighted that so many businesses are availing of

our loans and our mentoring service. The mentoring our clients can receive through the LEOs in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin City, Fingal and South Dublin is hugely beneficial.

Mr Stokes added: “We look forward to working with many more businesses in Dublin in 2017, and helping to spread the economic recovery.

“We encourage start-ups or small business owners who want to expand to get in touch with us directly, or through the LEOs in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin City, Fingal and South Dublin, to see how we can help.”

9 February 2017 GAZETTE 13

HEALTH: TAKE FIVE STEPS TO A BRAND NEW YOU THIS FEBRUARY SEE P15

MOTORING: THE NEW COROLLA PROVES AN EFFORTLESS DRIVING EXPERIENCE SEE P22

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

PLAYFUL PORKIE IS A DELIGHTFUL HANDFUL OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Porkie, a a male, 10-month old Pit Bull puppy. He is going through his adolescent phase, which means he is a boisterous, playful dog that can become overexcited very easily.

For this reason, Porkie is looking for an adult-only home with experienced owners who can manage his excitability, and who can continue on with his puppy training. He enjoys the company of other dogs, so he could share his home with another confident, playful dog, but he would be equally happy in a home without other pets.

If you can be Porkie’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.



GAZETTE

TRAVEL: EXPLORE THE WILDS OF BEAUTIFUL CONNEMARA SEE P18

Adam Dalton, Evan Darcy, and Shane Curran

Teens have the code to a whole new world  EMMA NOLAN

THE youth of Dublin may become experts in coding thanks to three teen’s and their bright idea.

Three Dublin teenagers have developed an exciting new product to teach children how to code in a fun and innovative way.

Robotify is the brainchild of Dublin City University students, Adam Dalton (18) and Evan Darcy (18),

along with BT Young Scientist winner, Shane Curran (17).

The DIY robotics kit called Robotify Alpha will teach children from the age of eight upwards how distance sensors, motors and microcontrollers work; the basics in programming and how to write their own code.

This, and future products, will be of interest to parents who would like to introduce their children to the

world of coding and to educators who are interested in starting their own Robotify course.

Adam and Evan met in St Paul’s College, Raheny, and inspired by their love of coding they founded Robotify by running a number of courses and summer camps teaching children the basics in coding and robotics.

Now both first year students in DCU - Adam is studying Business Studies and Evan is studying Engi-

neering - their business is being supported by DCU faculty mentors and DCU Alpha, DCU’s Innovation Campus. It is in DCU Alpha where they 3D print using a homebuilt 3D printer, solder boards and package the final product.

The Robotify Alpha kit is currently available to purchase online via www. robotify.net and it will also be available through Makeshop in the Science Gallery Dublin from February.

14 GAZETTE 9 February 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

The hunt is on for the nations best young story makers DO you know a child, or class, with a passion for telling tall tales, writing beautifully creative stories or illustrating?

Imaginosity wants to hear from them, as they launch this year’s hunt for the nation’s best young story makers.

Imaginosity, Dublin’s C h i l d r e n ’s Mu s e u m , joined by their 2017 exper t judging panel is launching its annual 2017 search for Ireland’s best young story makers.

The annual competition, “What’s the Story – A Big Competition for Little Story Makers” celebrating five years of story making this year, is looking for creative young stor y writers, budding poets and young illustrators between the age of three and nine years, to create their very own original stor y using their inspired imaginations, to be in with a chance to win some great prizes.

Winners The competition is open for entries from February 1 and closes on March 31. Winners will be announced at the end of May. Children, parents and schools can find out more about the competition and download an entry pack by going to www.imaginosity.ie.

JOY OF GROWING AND EATING OWN FOOD

SPORTING STARS SET FOR CHARITY EVENT

AT TENTION budding gardeners! Primary schools across Ireland can now apply for free Grow It Yourself (GIY) and Innocent Drinks Sow & Grow packs.

This will be the sixth year of the initiative that will enable 45,000 primary school children across the country to learn how to grow their own food this spring.

Each Sow & Grow pack includes a detailed “how to grow” guide focusing on learning in the classroom, soil, growing pots, seeds and expert food growing kits devised

by GIY and innocent drinks along with details on how to cook and eat the food grown.

Over the last five years this initiative has enabled 100,000 Irish primary school children learn how to grow vegetables in the classroom.

The children not only learn the science of growing, they also experience the joy of growing and eating their own food.

GIY calls this “Food Empathy” a deeper connection with food, which is proven to lead to a healthier life long-term.

Teachers can apply for a free Sow & Grow pack via www.innocentsowandgrow.com.

IRISH sports presenter Darragh Maloney is set to host year’s Annual Sporting Lunch in aid of Fighting Blindness.

Taking place in the Conrad Hotel on Earlsfort Terrace on March 3, this is the 15th year of the popular event which brings legends from horse racing, rugby, football and GAA together to discuss their insights and expertise.

Fighting Blindness is a patient-led charity, working to cure, support and empower the 246,000 people affected by blind-

Helping to launch the national Sow & Grow project at Scoil Thomais in Castleknock are 2nd class students, from left, Georgia Moran, Brian Buie, Kayla O’Gorman, Callum O’Keeffe, Matthew Ryan and Niamh Race with Michael Kelly, Founder of GIY and Blathnaid Mckenna, brand manager innocent drinks Ireland. Picture: Mark Stedman

ness and vision impairment in Ireland.

Special guests Shane Byrne, Stephen Hunt, Nina Carberry, Alan Brogan and David Casey are confirmed to attend on the day.

Funds raised from this event will facilitate research into treatments and cures for blindness, as well as free counselling and peer to peer support service for people and families affected by blind-

ness and vision impairment.

For tickets or more information visit www.

FightingBlindness.ie or call the team on 01 6789004.

APP MAKES PARKING A WHOLE LOT EASIER FINDING parking in the city is being made easier with a new app from DublinTown that provides motorists with the most direct route to

Playwright, screenwriter and director Peter Sheridan helps launch What’s the Story – A Big Competition for Little Story Makers

their chosen carpark or hotel.

The DublinTown parking app is regularly updated with temporary road closures, diversions and roadworks currently happening in the city or due to happen.

The idea behind the app is for commuters to see the available space in carparks and hotels before planning the best route to their destination using the regularly updated built-in maps.

Speaking about the app, Richard Guiney CEO DublinTown said: “Dublin City Centre is currently undergoing significant infrastructural changes.

“The Luas Cross City will be a great addition to the city but it is leading to permanent changes to traffic flow for cars in the city.

“The city is and will remain very much open and accessible to all forms of transport including cars, however, there is a need to educate the public how to get to their chosen destination. “ T h e D u b l i nTow n parking app will do just that. Unlike other traf-

fic aids the DublinTown parking app will be regularly updated to take account of roadworks and diversions and permanent changes such as the College Green bus gate.”

The DublinTown parking app is free to download on both iOS and Android platforms.

GET READY TO RUNAMUCK FOR CHILDLINE AN exhilarating yet messy event will be kicking off this March in aid of ISPCC Childline.

The Runamuck Challenge is a 5.5km (1 lap) or 11k (2 laps) cross-country event over a wet and mucky course with various manmade and natural obstacles like bale “jumps”, net scrambles, super slides, tarzan swings, bridges, ditches, streams, tyres and tunnels.

The event is for walkers, joggers and runners. And not the faint-hearted.

This year’s exhilarating Runamuck event will take place on Saturday, March 11 in the Coolcarrigan Estate in Co Kildare.

You can find more information on ispcc.ie.

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FEATURE

HEALTH: LIFE COACHING, MINDFULNESS, NUTRITION, HOLISTIC THERAPY, STYLING AND FASHION

Take five steps to a new you The new Steps to A-New-U plan is designed to empower people in making positive life choices, and runs in the Green Isle Hotel in west Dublin.

Inspirational speakers and professionals in the fields of life coaching, mindfulness, nutrition, holistic therapy, styling and fashion will guide participants in tapping into their inner resources to find a more positive and fulfilling approach to life.

The aunua team maintains knowledge is key to finding solutions to life’s challenges and to growing as an individual, so for two hours a week, over five weeks, course participants learn vital life skills in a step by step process.

“We’re talking about simple but effective tools that change lives, and motivational speakers that help encourage and inspire people to take that all-important first step to health and happiness”, Karina Murray, co-founder of aunua says. aunua is the creation of two mums, Karina Murray and Emer McGowan, whose combined skills and experience include fashion designer, life coach, fitness trainer and swimming instructor.

“JUST getting through January is enough for anyone”, jokes life coach Emer McGowan on the question of why the latest aunua health and wellbeing programme kicks off in February! aunua presents a uniquely Irish, no-nonsense approach to helping people overcome life’s challenges, with guidance largely based on the personal experience of the professional contributors.

As a single mother of three young children, Emer McGowan faced the challenges of her marriage break-up and overcoming a subsequent struggle with alcohol.

Having completely turned her life around, Emer achieved her dream of becoming a life coach and runs her own life coaching business, as well as working as a fitness instructor and swimming teacher, running boot camps, and raising money and awareness for suicide prevention and mental health groups.

Karina Murray has established and run her own executive maternity wear business and a property management company, before becom-

WIN

SWIZZELS, makers of the iconic Love Hearts brand, want to offer Gazette readers the opportunity to be sweet to themselves this Valentine’s Day. To WIN this s u p e r sw e e t St Valentine’s Day Hamper of goodies – containing favourite Swizzels treats such as Love Hearts (given the day that’s in it!), Refreshers and Drumsticks along with the hugely popular Squashies

range – simply Like and Share the Love Swizzels post on The D u b l i n G a ze t t e ’ s Facebook page.

• Swizzels have been making Love Hearts for 62 years and produce 1.75 billion sweets every year. The brand is famous for featuring a selection of over 150 traditional romantic messages.

New messages include SKYPE ME, TAKE A SELFIE, YOLO and TWEET ME!

ing a stay at home mum, raising two children.

Through their new aunua venture, the friends hope to introduce programme participants to a new way of thinking, simple practical guidance, and the sharing and encouragement that helps individuals achieve their personal goals.

The five inspirational modules of Steps to A-New-U encourage participants to ‘Be Your Best’, which is focussed on goal-setting and motivation; ‘Think Your Best’, which harnesses mindfulness to help alter the mind-set and deal with everyday challenges; ‘Feel Your Best’, a nutrition coach focussed on health and wellbeing; ‘Connect With Your Best’ which looks at holistic wellness; and ‘Look Your Best’ where a team of stylists share fashion advice and tips on looking and feeling great.

Emer says: “We are two ordinary women who

have faced many of life’s challenges and learnt invaluable lessons. The team of people we are bringing together in aunua are expert in generating positivity and possibility out of negativity, and the programme is for everyone who is looking for a path to a happier and healthier lifestyle in 2017.”

The young Dublin mum recently completed her own ‘22 day push-up challenge’ to raise awareness of PTSD and depression. Her 22 pushups in 22 days became a Facebook hit, with over 98,000 viewers, as Emer posted a different video each day, encouraging others to join her.

In videoing the challenge, Emer also talked about her own personal struggles, in particular surviving her marriage break-up abroad and returning home with three small children. She then battled with alcoholism, but has been sober now for six years, turning her life around and becoming a fitness instructor and life coach to help other people.

Find out more about the 5 Steps to A-New-U programme at www.aunua.ie.

9 February 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURES

OPINION | BARRING MUSLIMS IS WRONG

Ireland must press US President to change his discriminatory law DONALD Trump may have only been inaugurated as America’s new president a little over two weeks ago – but in that time he has already caused extreme controversy through several executive orders which he has issued.

President Trump’s executive order entitled Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States has barred entry to the United States of citizens who hold passports from seven predominantly Muslimmajority countries.

It is an order which can clearly be seen to be arbitrary and based on discrimination – not to mention that there have been no terrorist attacks on the USA from the countries chosen.

The executive order’s stated policy is to “protect the United States and its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States”. However, President Trump’s isolationist approach of cutting the United States from the rest of the world and generalising about different Muslim nations will play right into the hands of the jihadists which he claims he is trying to protect Americans from.

The order also stands contrary to many international human rights laws and treaties which prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion and national origin. In particular, it is a breach of the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees which the United States adopted in 1967 – and shows how little regard President Trump is likely to have for these types of treaties over the next four years.

Here in Ireland, there have been calls during the past week from many different politicians and journalists for An

Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, to break with tradition and refuse to attend the White House on St Patrick’s Day as a means of protesting against the policies which President Trump is now pursuing.

While not without merit, I firmly believe that the annual White House visit on St Patrick’s day is something we must continue to partake in, so as to serve the interests of both of our peoples.

Ireland and the US have long enjoyed a special relationship throughout our history, and this special relationship is also one which will long outlive the current policies of the Trump administration. The annual St Patrick’s Day visit is our one opportunity as a small nation to use our influence to further the Government’s objectives for Irish people and our diaspora, face-to-face with the American president.

In particular, it also lets us represent Irish businesses abroad, as well as obtaining relief for the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish migrants in the US – a matter of upmost importance given President Trump’s current rhetoric surrounding immigration.

In this context, it is also the opportunity for An Taoiseach to have a frank and forthright discussion with President Trump about his current policy objectives, and why he disagrees with them – something which will not be achieved by refusing to communicate, and dampening our relationship with America’s president for the next four years to come. A snub can be ignored, but a confrontation can not.

BALLINTEER-based Senator Neale Richmond (FG) is the Government spokesman on EU Affairs in Seanad Eireann

President Donald Trump’s actions and language have sparked furious political and public condemnation, as well as protests in every corner of the world

MAKE A DATE FOR GREAT TV ONE DUB PULLED ON THE NATION’S HEART STRINGS AS HE TOOK HIS SEARCH FOR MR RIGHT TO RTE’S SMASH-HIT, MUST WATCH SHOW, FIRST DATES

Viewers were treated to some real chemistry between Corkonian David and Dub Paddy.

Screengrabs: RTE Player

 EMMA NOLAN IF EVER there was someone who managed to pull on the entire heartstrings of a nation, it was one Dubliner on RTE’s First Dates last week.

Paddy Smy th from Sutton had us all laughing and crying as we witnessed his blind date with David from Cork.

The two hit it off and the audiences’ joy was palpable. The date was so moving that Paddy’s name was trending on Twitter as it aired.

“I can’t believe it – the amount of coverage I got is insane,” he says.

“I almost cried; I was so

overwhelmed.”

The 28-year-old disability campaigner is well known for his hilarious Snapchat account based around his tag, #MyDisabledLife.

Having been born with Cerebral Palsy in his legs, Paddy uses crutches to walk and uses social media to provide a “noholds barred look into how [he lives his] life and deal with having this condition”.

Official date After the official date in The Gibson, the pair went to The George, where there was “some kissing” according to

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

‘Paddy says that he is using the exposure he’s gained from being on First Dates to shed light on disability awareness’

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

Paddy. “Then it kind of fizzled after that,” he said.

While the two are still texting, the fact that David lives in Cork has been a hindrance.

Paddy says: “We’re both at different stages in our lives. He lives in Cork, I live in Dublin, and any time we arrange to meet up it doesn’t work out, so it almost feels like just a friendship now.

“I need to see him again to see if there’s anything there.”

Having watched the show when it aired last Thursday, Paddy says he was reminded of just how great a time he had with Dave.

“I thought, ‘Oh God, I actually do really like him’, and I think I just forgot a bit.”

U l t i m a t e l y, P a d d y

wants to be with someone who can totally look past his disability and who can have a bit of banter with.

“David was lovely and I really want to see him again but I want to be with someone who’s able to slag me and not be on a pedestal of inspiration to them.”

Highs and lows Having proven to be such a hit with viewers on First Dates, Paddy has now gotten another gig off the back of it, appearing on TV3’s Six O’Clock show every Tuesday to discuss the highs and lows of Irish Celebrity

Masterchef.

“I try to cook some of the dishes from the show, too.”

Paddy says that he is using the exposure he’s gained from being on First Dates to shed light on disability awareness.

“I’m using it to give my own confidence a boost as well. For the first time in ages, I feel attractive.

“But the biggest thing is breaking boundaries.

I’ve never seen, especially in Ireland, a person with a disability talk about it in a really open, honest and funny way.”

First Dates Ireland airs every Thursdays at 9:30pm on RTE2.

For more highlights of Paddy’s social life, see his Instagram feed

To follow Paddy’s story, see https:// www.instagram.com/paddyysmyth/

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DUBLINLOVE

Enjoy rosemantic getaways for two around Ireland

 SYLVIA POWNALL

THE four-star Delphi Resort in Connemara is offering a two-night break with exciting outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way, sensational food and relaxing spa treatments.

The package includes breakfast, a romantic three-course evening meal, a half-day of adventure activities plus a 30-minute spa treatment and an organic seaweed bath per person.

Offers start at €320PPS – see delphiresort.com or phone 095 42208 for more.

Alternatively, why not melt hearts at the Ice House Hotel in Ballina, Co Mayo? Here, contemporary chic meets traditional elegance on the banks of the River Moy. A one night’s stay in a luxurious river view room with chilled bubbles and chocolate treats on arrival, leisurely breakfast and romantic Table D’Hote dinner, starts from €337 based on two sharing.

Add an in-room Voya seaweed bath for a touch of real indulgence. For further information, call

096 23500 or see www. icehousehotel.ie.

Rediscover romance in the heart of the Kingdom at The Rose Hotel. The charming Valentine’s package gives the option of one or two nights with a specially designed fivecourse his & hers candlelit dinner.

With the option of late check-out, this deal is priced from €144 per room. See www.therosehotel.com or call 066 7199100.

Love is definitely in the air at Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa where the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean provide the perfect backdrop. Who can say no to a guestroom with your own private sea-view balcony, a candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream restaurant overlooking the beach, and your choice of Elemis facial or massage?

This two-night break costs from €648 per couple – see www.inchydoneyisland.com.

Snuggle time Head to Waterford for a spot of snuggle time at Faithlegg House Hotel.

Relish the look on your other half’s face as you make your way up the

meandering drive and catch a first glimpe of the 18th century country house in its fairytale setting.

Little touches will make it all the more special – you’ll always remember the rose petals on your bed, tempting handmade chocolates and decadent chocolatedipped strawberries prepared by the hotel’s pastry chef.

This Leisurely Lovers’ Valentine’s package includes one or two nights’ bed and breakfast, one dinner with a glass of bubbles in the two AA Rosettes award winning Roseville Rooms Restaurant, starting from €100PPS. Visit www. faithlegg.com or call 051 382000.

Finally, if you don’t fancy travelling too far, why not explore love in the city at the stylish Radisson Blu Royal Hotel here in Dublin?

This chic overnight package includes dinner and buffet breakfast with a world of entertainment on your doorstep.

The Valentine’s offer starts from €275 per couple – see www.radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin or call 01 898 2900.

Enjoy some cool views and a heartwarming time at The Ice House Hotel, Ballina

From meeting locals, curious goats or soon-to-be delicious lobsters, Ballynahinch Castle’s Connemara setting

BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE: HISTORIC STONES AND ROCKY

Lovely Connemara best for a Valentine  AISLING KENNEDY

BALLYNAHINCH Castle is a rarity in Ireland, with a uniqueness that I have never found in any other hotel I have stayed at before.

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, it’s hard to think of a better place to escape to for a truly magical, romantic break.

For starters, the hotel is a four-star Victorian castle that is nestled in the most immense natural beauty I have ever seen.

If you have visited Connemara you will understand but if, like me, you have never been, it will quite simply take your breath away, whether at Valentine’s or, indeed, any time of the year.

Ballynahinch Castle is situated on the banks of the Owenmore River

between Clifden and Glynsk, close to Recess.

The castle dates back to 1756 and when you arrive into the reception you immediately feel the deep history of the hotel, with its high ceilings, beautiful paintings on the walls, fishing rods and warm log fires.

The hotel has a country feel while still remaining elegant and luxurious.

My partner and I met with sales and marketing manager Carol Hinch, who warmly welcomed us and offered us tea or one of the many aged whiskeys the hotel proudly display in their Ranji room next to reception.

We were shown to our room in the River Wing part of the hotel, and while walking through the newly refurbished corridors, Carol explained the history of Ballynahinch

and the many intriguing visitors they have had over the years.

Our room was spectacular, with a four poster bed, a walk-in wardrobe, a very large bathroom and a view from our window of the Owenmore River, which was a beautiful sight to behold.

After we had settled ourselves in, we met with Noel Joyce, the hotel’s walking guide, and he brought us on the 3km riverside and railway walk around the grounds of Ballynahinch Castle.

He taught us about foraging in the local area, the history of the castle, and the types of fish to be caught in the river during different seasons.

The walk took about two hours and we had the pleasure of taking in the scenery all around the castle, culminating in

a walk along the banks of the Owenmore River where we could see Ballynahinch Castle in the distance, nestled in front of the Connemara mountains.

It was a view I will never forget, as the colours of the sky and the mountains against the backdrop of the castle was simply stunning.

Noel ended our tour by bringing us to a little lodge that fishermen use along the banks of the river, where wine and canapes were waiting for us.

Later that day we met with Cyril Biggins, the hotel’s famed fly fisherman. He taught us how to fly fish, initially on the grounds of the castle before we got to try the real thing at the river.

I hoped for a little nibble on my rod but my luck wasn’t in that day. It was,

9 February 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

provides a wild and dramatic, yet charming and friendly, setting for all. Pictures: Aisling Kennedy

SHORES WILL CAPTURE YOUR HEART

proves the west is getaway to delight ---------------------------------------------------------

‘Seamus Heaney was a regular visitor to Ballynahinch over the years. As a result, Heaney wrote a book – Captivating Brightness – specifically for Ballynahinch Castle, containing only original works dedicated to the beautiful scenery and charm of the castle and its surroundings’ ---------------------------------------------------------

however, a great experience and Cyril was a very patient teacher as it was my first time fly fishing and I wasn’t quite a natural at it!

Later that night we dined in the Owenmore restaurant run by head chef Ultan Cooke, who previously won a Michelin Star for his cooking at Aniar in Galway.

He explained that the

menu uses the freshest ingredients and is regularly changed to reflect the seasons.

Our dinner was beautiful and every course was paired with a particular wine to suit the dish. A particular mention has to go to the duck heart starter, as it was a gorgeous example of a dish well executed. The service was excellent and very

attentive too.

Throughout the meal, the general manager of Ballynahinch, Patrick O’Flaherty, entertained us with stories of the many poets, playwrights and authors who regularly visited and stayed in Ballynahinch over the years.

One of the most notable people that Patrick knew well was poet Seamus Heaney, who was a regular visitor to Ballynahinch over the years.

It was clear that he had a strong bond with the poet.

As a result, Heaney wrote a book – Captivating Brightness – specifically for Ballynahinch Castle, containing only original works dedicated to the beautiful scenery and charm of the castle and its surroundings.

That book was on our coffee table in our room when we arrived at Bal-

lynahinch. It is a beautiful read, and one that I will treasure forever.

The following day, before we departed back to reality, we were treated to a boat trip out to Inis Lacken.

If, like me, you have never heard of Inis Lacken, it is a little island that lies off the coast of Roundstone in Connemara.

Our boat brought us along the beautiful coastline of Connemara to the island and while on our journey we tried out some sea fishing.

Luckily the weather was very calm that day but still, I couldn’t quite manage to hook that elusive fish!

We did, however, pull in a lobster pot from the sea on our way across to the island where there was a beautiful lobster that we kept and were treated to

The rugged setting’s ruins and waters are offset by the cosy comfort and style back at historic Ballynahinch Castle

later on the island.

Inis Lacken itself used to be inhabited by people who have long since departed, as it is so remote. It is now a gorgeous little island surrounded by small sandy beaches, with lots of old, crumbling cottages dotted around the land.

Goats and donkeys wander the island, and they will happily come up to investigate who you are when they see you.

We walked most of the island, as it is not very big, and then retreated to an

old schoolhouse. There we had our cooked lobster, enjoyed some sun and learned about the history of the island.

Overall, my experience at Ballynahinch is one that will always stay with me and I will be back again in the future. That is a definite.

It is a place filled with character, history and something special that is hard to put into words.

For me, it is probably the most beautiful and undiscovered part of Ireland that before now I

never had the pleasure of experiencing, but I’m very grateful to all at Ballynahinch for opening my eyes to the beauty that exists in our fair little island.

I f y o u ’r e u n l u c k y enough not to be able to visit Ballynahinch Castle for a wonderful Valentine treat, the hotel is running a mid-week deal in March, which includes a two-night break with dinner for €215pp.

For further information, see www.ballynahinchcastle.com or call 095 31006.

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R1

DUBLINLOVE

VALENTINEBITES

Bank on a romantic meal over at the IFSC

Make Lily O’Brien’s chocs even sweeter by adding your face IF YOU’RE looking to make your better half smile this Valentine’s Day, then you can’t go wrong with a box of chocolates – in particular, a box of chocolates with your loving face on it For Valentine’s Day, Lily O’Brien’s Chocolates are going all-out by offering a personalised chocolate photo box (30 chocolates for €19.99) which combines the signature Lily O’Brien’s chocolates accompanied with your own romantic and personal image.

All you have to do is upload your image to the Lily O’Brien website and they will frame it on your chocolate box lid for you. For further information, see www.lilyobriens.ie, or their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LilyOBriens.

ELY Bar and Brasserie in the IFSC is running a four-course Valentine’s Day menu created by executive chef Ryan Stringer on February 14. On the night, award-winning sommelier Ian Brosnan will also be on hand to guide diners through the selection of white, red and dessert wines from the Ely cellars.

Ely Bar and Brasserie features beautifully restored wine vaults dating back to 1821, along with a dramatic waterside atrium bar, a climate-controlled fine wine cellar, and wonderful 200-year-old wine and whiskey vaults. The Valentine’s dinner costs from €99 per couple. For bookings, see www.elywinebar.ie.

FOOD

Roses are red, violets blue, but for brownie points, this is for you!

Mix and match your perfect M&S meal M&S are running a Valentine’s dinner menu this week for €25 that offers shoppers a choice between four starters, four main courses, three sides, four desserts, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a box of chocolates. The offer is running from February 9 to 14; shoppers simply have to mix and match the courses they want along with their preferred sparkling wine.

Just Li Shar ke & eo Cast lekno ur c Face k Hotel book post

The stunningly beautiful Castleknock Hotel & Country Club is an award-winning 4 star hotel set in beautiful grounds with its own golf course, right on the doorstep of Dublin city.

The hotel is just 15 minutes from the city but feels a world away from the bustle of Dublin with its tranquil countryside setting.

With an 18-hole golf course, deluxe day spa, award-winning restaurants and welcoming bars Castleknock Hotel is everything you could want from a great resort hotel, all under one roof and within easy reach

of everything Dublin has to offer. We have a fantastic prize on offer for this beautiful hotel – a romantic overnight stay for two including breakfast and an evening meal in the awardwinning Park Restaurant (above). All you have to do is go to the Dublin Gazette’s Facebook page and Like and Share our Castleknock Hotel Valentine’s Day post.

Castleknock Hotel & Country Club is the perfect place to spoil your sweetheart this February! *Terms & Conditions apply - Subject to availability and non-transferable.

Castleknock Hotel & Country Club, Porterstown Rd, Castleknock, D15 +353 (0) 1 640 6300 castleknockhotel.com

IF YOU’RE one of the many people taking a more socially-minded approach to Valentine’s Day, why not rustle up these adorable Raspberry Brownies instead?

Your friends will love you if you whip these up, with this recipe serving 12-16.

This recipe is courtesy of Flogas Ireland; for further information and more recipes see www. flogastronomy.

INGREDIENTS

125g butter 50g dark cocoa (but drinking chocolate powder will work fine here)  200g caster sugar  3 medium eggs  200g plain flour  1 teaspoon baking powder  100g whole blackberries  

PREPARATION  Preheat your (fan) oven to 180C. Line a square baking dish well.  In a large, microwaveable bowl, melt the but-

ter in the microwave.

It should only take 30 seconds x 2 on the high setting. Stir in the cocoa powder until blended with the melted butter.  In a second large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until creamy and frothy.

While whisking, pour in the butter & cocoa powder mixture. Keep on whisking until completely combined.  Stop whisking and fold in the flour and baking powder. Once all the flour and bak-

ing powder has been combined, pour half the mixture into the lined baking dish. Stud the mixture with the whole blackberries then pour the remaining mixture on top.  Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the brownie from the oven, then return to the oven for a further 5 minutes to intensify the flavours.  Turn off the oven, remove the brownie and leave to cool completely before serving.

9 February 2017 GAZETTE 21

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STYLE

Cheeky gifts

IF, like me you don’t take Valentine’s very seriously but enjoy marking the day in a humorous way, then please enjoy this selection of tongue in cheek (oh go on) gifts to annoy your significant other, friends and colleagues.

M&S Handmade Prosecco Mallows €6

Brown Thomas Jo Malone London Men’s Cologne Collection €98

Dea a Bo lz Mess a ttle €1.5 ge in 0 OVE EIL AUS M C E Ani B E CHAR and C Alex NECKLA , €31 s YOU & Son r Wei Tho mas Sab o st erli ng s ilve r br ace let € 159

Asos Jolly Awesome card €4

Aldi Valentines novelty apron €4.99

Passeport Rose d’Anjou €14.99

Arnotts Ale Walsh Emma Clutch in pink €225

ear Ohh D Asos €4.75 r e coast

Aldi Chocolate Fountain €19.99

Heart balloon kit, €20, Moss Cottage, www. moss.ie

Bro Eto wn T nD ot T homa ie € s 85

I Only Have Fries For You Card, €6,Moss Cottage, www. moss.ie

FOR the more romantically inclined here’s a selection of gifts to indulge your inner Casanova.

Whether your other half will be enamoured with a bottle of prosecco and some chocolates or something a little fancier – from good old chocolates and cuddly toys to something a little more considered take a look at our more lovey dovey choices.

Lovey Dovey

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DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

The Hyundai Tucson remains the top-selling car on the Irish market as we start 2017

Dublin sales grows as new-car purchases dip NEW car sales figures produced by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) for the month of January show that 171 registrations were down by 1.7% (39,019) compared to January 2016 (39,722). New car sales in the Dublin region accounted for 34% of the total Irish market in January, up marginally from 33% in 2016 as 13,358 new cars were registered in Dublin, in January of this year.

With the value of sterling staying low, used car imports from Britain continue to rise on the back of perceived value. Used car imports for January 2017 were 7,558 compared with 4,509 in January 2016, a massive 67% increase. Sales of new Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV’s) dropped by 2.4% (6,394) compared to January last year (6,555), while Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations dropped by 6.3% (456) for January in comparison to the same time last year (487).

The best-selling car in for the month of January was the Hyundai Tucson. The success of the Hyundai Tucson put the Hyundai brand as the overall car brand market leader for the first time ever, ahead of Toyota with Ford in third place.

Top Five Models Jan 2017 1 Hyundai Tucson 2 Ford Focus Range 3 Ford Fiesta Range 4 Nissan Qashqai 5 VW Golf Range

Units 1,899 1,550 1,421 1,349 1,273

Ford marks centenary with leading position FORD marked 100 years in Ireland with the leading position in the combined car and light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

According to figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Ford sold the highest number of vehicles with a total of 6,043 units (4,381 cars and 1,662 vans) ahead of Toyota with a combined total of 5,096 and VW in third place with a combined total of 4,893.

This is the third year in a row that Ford has been the top seller during the January sales period.

Ford’s Transit range was again the undisputed leader in van sales with some 1,293 Transit and Transit Connect models sold during the month. The Ford Focus and the Ford Fiesta were both placed in the top-five best-selling models in second and third place respectively.

Corolla proves an effortless driving challenge

Toyota’s Corolla has been their best-selling car in Ireland and across the world since it launched 50 years ago. Today’s Corolla is so much more modern, economical and practical while retaining that reliability in a car that Michael Moroney found is just easy to drive.

FOR 2017, Toyota has a new Corolla, the Japanese brand’s best-selling car on the Irish market.

The Corolla appeals to those who want a safe and reliable car with plenty of rear legroom and spacious concealed boot space.

The new-look Corolla remains identifiable as a Toyota and now it’s been tweaked to give it a more modern look.

This is a car that’s g r ow n i n s i z e ove r recent years as it edges into the bigger car sector of the market.

Ireland is still a market where saloon cars sell in high numbers.

The Corolla has been a popular choice and has been the best-selling car in this segment of the Irish market so far in 2017 after more than 3,750 were sold in 2016.

For 2017 it leads its

segment of the market.

The boot design is still preferred by many over the hatchback option, giving a great level of load security as well as additional carrying capacity.

Skoda offers a similar option in the Octavia with both a boot and a hatchback feel, while the Volkswagen Jetta is seen as one of the other obvious competitors along with the saloon or fourdoor version of the Ford Focus. Overall, it’s a narrow competition zone as the Corolla and Octavia battle it out for the top slot.

I ’ ve h a d t h e n e w Corolla powered by the modest 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine out in test in recent weeks. The car is instantly impressive in terms of styling both inside and out.

The dash layout has

been improved to give a cleaner more modern look topped off with an impressive 7 inch touch screen system.

I found that the car provides great interior space. Seat adjustment is good with up to 60mm (3in) sliding movement and 16 levels of height adjustment. The steering wheel angle has extra adjustment and when I was in my most comfortable driving position there was impressive rear legroom.

Toyota claims that the new Corolla has 85mm (3.5in) more rear knee room than the best of the competitors.

You’ll be impressed with the engine smoothness rather than the power. For some abouttown driving the new Corolla is so smooth that sometimes you wonder if it’s a diesel or not.

The new-look Toyota Corolla comes with styling change inside and out, more space and improved safety features. Prices start from €22,995 for the entry level diesel models

Toyota Corolla 1.4 D4D

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 1.4 litre Engine power 90hp 0 – 100km/hr 12.5 seconds Economy 25km/litre

(4.0/100km or 70mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 55 litres CO2 emissions 119g/km Road Tax Band A3 €190 Main Service 15,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2015) Warranty 3 years/100,000km Entry Price €22,995 The dash has been re-designed to deliver a cleaner and less cluttered look, while the large 7-inch touch screen system is clear and easy to use

Out on the motorways and over longer journeys the engine feels under powered forcing you to drive at over 2200rpm and pushing your driving style into a less economical zone.

Overall, with over 1200km driven in the Corolla I found that

the economy figures were about 20% off the rated one of 25km/litre (4.0/100km or 70mpg).

T h a t ’s a r e a s o n a b l e return for a car that has good space capacity.

This Corolla is lighter than some of the competition and that feature was noticeable on the

9 February 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Car share club celebrates clocking up 10k members

The boot is big at 452 litres

The Corolla is powered by an upgraded 1.4 turbodiesel engine that delivers 90bhp and 205Nm of torque but it’s a shade sluggish in action

open road. Cross winds are noticeable as is the impact of passing heavy trucks on motorways.

This confirms for me why the Corolla is an easy and impressive car to drive as long as you drive easily.

Keep within the 100km/hr range and you’ll find the car is economical as well as being comfortable to drive.

This Corolla comes with lots of new features

safety features that add to this ease of driving appeal. This is what Toyota calls its Safety Sense system and includes a lane departure warning system that’s effortless to disengage.

Hill Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Trailer Stability Control and Active Traction Control are also included.

Other features include rear view parking camera, dusk sensors and an auto-

matic headlight system.

I especially liked the auto dimming headlights system and despite the lengthy test drive in what were poor driving conditions, the system worked very well.

It gave a clear warning in the panel between the dials when it needed an extra cleaning and that also helped with the automatic stop warning system, both of which are very effective and need

just a little regular care.

The new Toyota Touch multimedia system is easy to use and comes with a larger 7 inch screen and a smaller 4.2 inch screen between the dials within the dash display. The information on the car’s performance and settings is easy to use.

So too was the BlueTo o t h s e t u p b u t I found that the system was erratic in terms

of the phone connection and many callers complained about poor reception so calls were dropped.

I failed to connect a second phone user to the system, which would be a useful advantage.

Entry prices for the new Corolla diesel start at €22,995 in Terra specification, while you need to add €2,000 to your spend if you opt for the higher specification

Luna versions.

Overall, the car is competitive and well specified with lots of space and comfort.

T his is a car that drives easily but not in a challenging way. Corolla has been the hallmark of motoring reliability and that bit you can depend on with the new model, plus it has lots of modern driver features that are presented well and new Toyota style.

Volvos top for pedestrian safety ratings

Volvo’s new S90 and V90 have set a new safety standard

VOLVO has cemented its position amongst the leaders of automotive safety innovation with its new S90 sedan and V90 wagon by being the first car maker to score a full six points in the Autonomous Emergency Braking for Pedestrians (AEB Pedestrian) test procedure and an overall 5 Star rating for both cars in the recent Euro NCAP system.

Volvo Cars has a long held vision that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020.

The S90 and V90 results surpass the best overall score of any model tested last year and now make Euro NCAP’s

top-3 best performing cars ever all Volvos. The result follows in the footsteps of the XC90, which was the first car from any manufacturer to score full points in the Euro NCAP Autonomous Emergency Braking Car to Car rear-end tests (AEB City and AEB Interurban). The S90 and V90 performed as expected in the 2017 testing cycle, achieving the full 5 stars, thanks in large part to the high level of standard safety equipment in the new cars.

The AEB Pedestrian tests by Euro NCAP are designed to check performance of pedestrian detection systems using three road crossing scenarios, all of which would result

in a fatal collision if the AEB system did not intervene. The tests represent common and critical situations that frequently result in pedestrian casualties in the real world: An adult runs into the road from the driver side of the vehicle An adult walks into the road from the passenger side of the vehicle (two tests are carried out for this scenario) A child runs from between two parked cars into the road from the passenger side of the vehicle Volvo has a long held vision that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020.

IRELAND’S largest car sharing club GoCar has reached 10,000 sign-ups since it was launched in 2008 and now plans to operate a fleet of 300 cars and vans.

To celebrate this milestone and make car sharing accessible to more drivers across Dublin, GoCar is offering new memberships to the public at just €10 for a limited period (a reduction of 80% on the usual sign-up fee of €50) in addition to new, payas-you-go pricing.

GoCar’s new payas-you-go pricing will eliminate monthly subscription fees for drivers and allow them to drive a GoCar vehicle from €8 per hour, with 50km of driving included on every trip at no additional cost.

Drivers will also enjoy free parking at any Dublin City payand-display parking space across the city and incur no expense for fuel, NCT testing, vehicle servicing, motor tax or insurance premiums.

Anyone aged 21 or over with a full driver license can avail of the service and have access to over 160 cars and vans across Dublin and Cork.

The reduced sign-up fee and pay-as-yougo pricing is part of its aim to provide a convenient and costeffective alternative to car ownership for more drivers across Dublin, from regular everyday users and those who occasionally need a second family car, to small and large businesses.

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

ReelReviews

SING

Musical funfest LOVE animals? Love cartoons? Love music? Then feast your eyes on Sing. Sing, directed and written by Garth Jennings, is an animated musical comedy about a down-on-his-luck koala that holds a singing competition in hopes it will save his theatre. The film includes 60 songs and features the voices of top stars such as Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane and Scarlett Johansson.

LION

A truly engaging film BASED on a non-fiction book, Dev Patel impresses in Lion (Cert PG, 118 mins).

Despite having been raised by a good family (with Nicoloe Kidman as his mum), a man adopted as a child is compelled to discover his past, and driven to find out what happened to his birth family in India.

So begins an epic journey across a continent and cultures, with a compelling emotional narrative driving it forward.

LA LA LAND

Last - definitely not least LA LA Land (Cert PG, 128 mins) is as good as its multiple awards, award nods and audience reaction say it is. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone sing and dance theuir way through a slightly melancholy musical that pays tribute to Los Angeles, Jazz, Cinema, Romance, and more. Its terrific visuals, some striking editing and punchy music make it a delight, and one to watch out for at the Oscars.

Saving grace: Jean (Mahershala Ali) tries to help Chiron (Travante Rhodes) through his lonely, isolated and abusive life as a gay man in America

MOONLIGHT: ARTFULLY CRAFTED STORY EXPLORES GAY BLACK MALE LIVES IN THE US

Showing true colours

BASED on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, director Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight (Cert 15A, 111 mins) is a story told in three parts, interacting with the main character Chiron at three vital junctures in his life – as a young boy (Alex Hibbert), a teenager (Ashton Sanders) and a grown man (Travante Rhodes).

T he experience of LGBT people of colour is a cinematic subject rarely explored, and in the current social climate of America, one that is deeply necessary this awards season.

Negotiating life in the poor, black neighbour-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

hoods of Miami, the young Chiron is helped out by drug dealer Jean (Mahershala Ali) and his girlfriend Teresa (Janelle Monae).

Their home becomes a kind of sanctuary for Chiron when his mother (Naomie Harris) spirals into a devastating crack addiction.

Chiron first confronts his sexuality with the help of Jean and Teresa, but as he grows older he

learns to hide inside a hardened exterior.

Here, life as a gay boy is solitary, violent and abusive; ultimately, Chiron begins to feel that the only one to help him through it is himself.

The subject matter is deeply affecting and absolutely necessary; Jenkins expertly crafts a narrative around the mostly ignored experience of the gay black male in America.

Mo o n l i g h t i s q u i etly moving throughout and never treats its themes with bombastic or explosive melodrama – the tension and emotion build softly, leading toward a deeply affecting, open-ended climax.

Yes, there are bursts of violence, but they are poetically in step with Moonlight’s overall, subdued atmosphere.

Jenkins often approaches the drama with a lingering camera, and deliberate, penetrating long takes that concentrate the hypnotic weight of their attention on facial expression.

Bodies, faces, in particular, are tightly framed – faces that speak, faces that listen, and faces that betray nothing of their bearer, demonstrating only the private enigma of human experience.

Indeed, the proximity the camera shares with the audience offers us a closeness to Chiron that

no one in his life can attain. At times, the result is intimate; at others, it’s deeply claustrophobic.

Throughout, however, Jenkins’ expert direction affords the film and its complex subject a unique, lyrical ambience that we rarely catch onscreen – one that evokes the cinema of Wong Kar-Wai. Much like the work of that renowned Hong Kong filmmaker, particularly his 2000 film In the Mood for Love, Moonlight incorporates repetitive and deeply moving musical themes to add a consistent, unifying texture to a story that takes massive leaps forward in time.

As both a deeply personal film and one that touches on subjects close to many hearts – subjects that rarely appear in mainstream cinema – Moonlight offers no simple answers and no universal truths.

Jenkins has crafted a unique, profound film that is wholeheartedly deserving of every accolade aimed in its direction.

Led with three superb performances and a fantastic cast of supporting players, Moonlight exhibits the entire pantheon of human emotion – beautiful, devastating and completely necessary viewing.

Verdict: 10/10

9 February 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TECH CLASH: GLOBAL TECH AND US POLITICS COLLIDE

IT giants stir in an unexpected battle for soul of the industry

BY NOW, you’ll have seen outrage around the world against a certain someone’s travel bans and general behaviour, language, tone and intent, although closer to home political and business dissent has been more muted.

Some pundits and commentators have speculated that Ireland’s reliance on heavy-hitting IT firms has, partly at least, led to a reluctance to sharply criticise The Donald’s decisions, lest offence be caused to international IT firms based here.

However, the IT giants themselves have stirred against President Trump, sharing a rare collective rapprochement to rap his actions firmly across the knuckles.

A variety of collective statements, letters and actions have seen the likes of – deep breath – Microsoft, Facebook, Google,

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

Netflix, Uber, SquareSpace, GoPro, LinkedIn, Reddit, Dropbox, Twitter, Intel, Kickstarter, and many, many others enter the fray, all united in opposition to the travel ban that, at best, is viewed as stifling innovation, and at worst, as naked bigotry, depending on who you talk to.

After all, a great many of America’s Fortune 500 companies are IT companies, and immigrants, with their constant influx of new ideas and bold entrepreneurial streaks, have provided a lifeblood for the sector (as well as making many people and

companies very, very rich).

With more than 200 of America’s Fortune 500 firms founded by immigrants, or their children, the sector is acutely aware of the power, progress and prosperity that immigrants have played in the country’s and the wider tech sector’s fortunes.

Whether you’re from Somalia or Iraq, Singapore or Ireland, America’s tech sector welcomes you, and it’s no exaggeration to say that immigrants to America have fundamentally shaped and guided technology’s progress, and thus the world.

Any chilling effect on the sector – even if ‘just’ a ‘temporary ban’ on a few countries – thus rattles the entire IT world. The soul of the sector is at stake, with more than mere money promoting big and small IT companies and names to rush to the frontlines to

fight against such a ban.

Perhaps more cynically, the experiences of those on the ‘wrong’ side of popular anti-Trump sentiment has also been noted as a potential driving force for resisting the travel bans.

Take, for instance, Travis Kalanick, the chief executive of Uber, the taxi-hailing firm. He was one of a number of high-profile tech heads sitting on a Trump advisory committee who soon felt the sharp heat of public anger.

Despite publicly saying that he opposed President Trump’s actions, but that he felt it was better to engage with the political process to try and bring about a positive change in American policy, many Uber customers reacted badly, saying they wouldn’t use Uber again as long as the firm was involved with President Trump in any capacity.

US President Donald Trump’s executive order banning immigrants from several predominantly Muslim countries has drawn vociferous criticism from the IT world

With the risk of whitehot public anger spilling over into a financial cost to the company, Kalanick stepped down from the committee, with his experience echoed by other leaders now finding themselves on the unexpected front line of an international, public battle.

And so, from the depths of Silicon Valley to the heights of Wall Street, the IT sector’s war drums are

beating, as one global tech giant after another lines up its lieutenants and letters to oppose President Trump’s actions.

This marks a rare clash between politics and tech as a whole. Such flagship companies are used to occasional scraps and scuffles with the powers that be, but such collective cohesion beyond individual disputes is a rarity.

So far, the reaction from

President Trump to the rebellious IT sector has been muted.

However, for a man who has constantly shown a strong familiarity with tech – his infamous Tweets, and comments regarding alleged Russian hacking spring to mind – it’s very unlikely that The Donald can, or will, ignore the IT sector’s keyboard warriors gathering for battle for very long ...

Gamers cry ‘Wii will miss U’ as Nintendo kills off ailing console THE gaming community paid its respects following a long expected death in the Nintendo family last week, as the Wii U finally officially ceased production.

Announced late last year, the console’s end wasn’t a shock, as it just didn’t have the success that rivals achieved over the past decade.

After all, the Wii U, with its large GamePad controller and its idiosyncratic second screen, left developers cold from the start – titles couldn’t be easily ported over to the console, and

despite the impact of its popular predecessor console (the Wii), the Wii U always struggled from launch.

Indeed, its final sales figures were somewhere around the 13.5 million mark – a poor figure marking five years of underwhelming sales.

Still, despite its failings, the Wii U may have failed, but it failed wonder-

fully, showing a company experimenting and taking risks.

The Wii U’s quirky features showed Nintendo continuing to carve out its own niche in gaming, paving the way for the upcoming Switch console – of which more anon – and ensuring the Wii U has a small but respected place in gaming history.

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

SPORT

International Soccer Boys in Green bounce back to earn respect of Dutch counterparts THE REPUBLIC’S Under-15 side bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Netherlands by drawing 1-1 against them two days later in Zeist.

The 18-man squad contained 10 players from four Dublin sides, namely St Francis FC, St Joseph’s Boys, St Kevin’s Boys and Belvedere FC. Ireland conceded five goals to the Dutch in the first game but did manage to get on the scoresheet themselves through Belvedere superstar Troy Parrott.

In the second game, Manchester United youngster Ayodeji Sotona put the Irish in front after just five minutes when Parrott made a powerful run down the right before sending the ball across the box for the Dubliner to slot home.

Ireland keeper Aaron Davis was then forced into a decent save to keep out a Dutch header in the 15th minute before the Netherlands eventually levelled two minutes later with a fortunate effort that saw a right wing cross end up in the Irish net via the upright.

Cian Leavy had a chance to restore Ireland’s lead in the 37th minute after connecting with a cut back from Parrott but his effort was cleared off the line.

Ireland pushed hard for an equaliser and were given a boost when the home side had a player dismissed for a foul on substitute Festy Ebosele with nine minutes left.

Parrott almost snatched a victory for Ireland during but manager Jason Donohue was pleased with what he saw from his players “We reflected on the first game and spoke about not making the same basic defensive errors so we defended a little deeper. After we took the lead it was tight enough and were unlucky not to go ahead. When we looked back on Tuesday we weren’t actually that bad but you can’t get away with the errors we made.

“We created more chances in the first game but we looked a stronger unit in the second game and overall I feel we met our objectives here this week. We’ll look forward to our next fixtures against the Czech Republic in April.”

Ireland Under-19 manager Tom Mohan

GAA: VINCENT’S TO LET PERFORMANCE DO THE TALKING

Townies all set for club semis  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ST VINCENT’S head into their All-Ireland club football semi-final against Derry’s Slaughtneil on Sunday off the back of a record seventh Leinster title, and as hot favourites.

The Derry side excelled themselves in 2016 and while they’re expected to be more competitive against Vincent’s than against the Dublin hurling champions, the Marino side are heavily odds-on.

The Vincent’s players have been preparing in private - with none of the player’s involved in Dublin’s 0-18 to 0-11 opening league win against Cavan on Sunday. In fact, it’s difficult to gauge form ahead of such a key game with few turning out in O’Byrne Cup action.

Vincent’s have initiated a media shut down ahead of the game, preferring to focus on the action, and plan to talk about their progress publicly again should they make the final.

Selector Niall Curran spoke regularly with GazetteSport throughout the Leinster championship, however, and did emphasize that the club are enjoying their away trips, and the buzz that comes with them. At the time, some felt that Vincent’s success came despite some less than impressive performances, and were hoping for progress on that front.

“We’re yet to really play at the level we did in 2013,” Curran said of their

St Vincent’s after winning their seventh Leinster club title last year

Dublin progress in November, adding “trips are a bit special, they’re a bit like kids going on a school trip.

They love going away all day on the bus, out all day.”

Slaughtneil are still on target for an unlikely All-Ireland treble, with their achievements all the more notable in the context of a small, rural community club.

Having won the football and hurling double in Ulster for three years in a row, player Chrissy McKaigue told RTE of the deeper sentiments behind the club’s progress ahead of the game, saying: “We’ve lost a lot of people in our club through tragic circumstances

the last number of years and when them kind of things happen you get a wider sense of what’s important and an appreciation of what Slaughtneil is as a community.

Ultimately it’s who we are as people off the field as much as it is on it that defines us.”

Vincent’s, meanwhile, are adding a storyboard to their Marino ground that will feature the team’s various successes over the years.

The project will also include a new all weather juvenile pitch expected to open in the coming couple of months, as well as further developments to the grass pitch at Ard Scoil Ris.

BASKETBALL:

NATIONAL SIDE CALLS ON MARION ACE IOANNIS IOANNIS Liapakis has been recognised for his good work with UCD Marian by being appointed as assistant coach of the Irish men’s senior basketball squad by new head coach Pete Strickland.

Liapakis, pictured above, brings with him a wealth of experience in coaching over the last number of years both in Ireland and abroad.

He said: “It’s a great honour to be part of the men’s national team set-up and to work alongside legendary coach Pete Strickland.

“It’s a big responsibility to represent Ireland and we will definitely work our hardest to do our best and deliver.

“I would like to thank Coach Strickland and Basketball Ireland for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Mohan’s men hit La Manga ahead of crucial q ualifiers TOM Mohan’s Under 19s face Norway tomorrow night in the first of three friendlies which should provide useful preparation ahead of the UEFA U19 Championships Elite Qualifying Round in March.

Ireland are in La Manga for an invitational comp that will also see them take on Portugal (Sunday) and Slovakia (Tuesday) ahead of next month’s crunch Elite Phase, when they, hosts Belgium, Italy and Sweden will scrap it out for a single spot in the finals in Georgia this summer.

“This is another good opportunity for us to get the players together and help our prepara-

tions for the UEFA Elite Phase in March,” said Mohan. “A couple of players were unavailable due to club commitments but we’ve brought in some players who’ve done well recently and it’s a chance to stake their claim for involvement in the Elite Phase.

“We held a home-based assessment game against the ETB squad prior to Christmas and some of those players have earned their place in this squad. We have watched them in preseason games and it will be good to bring them in with the other players.

“The games we’ll play will all be good tests and the tournament format will also be very

beneficial ahead of what’s a testing Elite Phase.

This is a good group of players and we’re looking forward to working with them in Spain.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U19 SQUAD: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool); Lee McCarron (Finn Harps); Corey O’Keefe (Birmingham City); Canice Carroll (Oxford Utd); Conor Masterson (Liverpool); Conor Kane (Drogheda Utd) Barry Cotter (Limerick); Darragh Leahy (Coventry City); Tyreke Wilson (Manchester City); JJ Lunney (St Patrick’s Athletic); Jayson Molumby (Brighton); Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers); Dan McKenna (Wolves); Conor Levingston (Wolves); Steven Kinsella (Dundalk); Anthony Scully (West Ham); Zach Elbouzedi (WBA); Dan Mandroiu (Brighton); Michael O’Connor (Shamrock Rovers); Ronan Hale (Birmingham City); Josh Barrett (Reading).

9 February 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

DUBLIN KIDS HAVE SKATE EXPECTATIONS FOR NEW SPORT  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN can now boast a second region with a roller hockey club, as local Liam Buckley continues his impressive push to promote the sport in Ireland.

Originally from Ballyfermot, Buckey intro-

duced the sport with a slow-building club at the Ballyfermot Sports Centre two years ago, and now runs senior and kids sessions at the venue, taking place on Wednesday and Friday nights respectively.

Roller Hockey has a long history and Buckley’s efforts with

The Green Machine did themselves proud over in Spain

Ireland draw hope after holding their own against Spain HOCKEY: SPAIN 3 - 3 IRELAND IRELAND were unlucky to only draw with much-fancied hosts Spain in the final game of the Tri Nations Tournament.

This enthralling match came just a day after Craig Fulton’s charges convincingly beat France 3-1.

The opening 10 minutes of the tie saw the Green Machine create more chances than their hosts as Neal Glassey drew an early save from Mario Fernandez while Shane O’Donoghue’s penalty corner drag forced another fine save.

The ever-reliable Eugene Magee was the instigator for Ireland’s opener, which was calmly deflected in by Matthew Nelson for his first senior international goal.

Ireland were denied a second from a well worked penalty corner when the ball was cleared off the line by the post man.

The game settled down until the final five minutes of the half, when Ricardo Santana drew the game level for Spain, but minutes later Nelson got his second goal as he was quickest to a loose ball in the circle.

It wasn’t long into the second half before Ireland furthered their lead. Johnny McKee won Ireland a penalty corner and O’Donoghue made no mistake the second time of asking as he drag flicked the ball high into the goal.

Higher-ranked Spain pushed to claw their way back into the game but excellent penalty-corner running by Jeremy Duncan closed down an early chance in the third quarter.

However, in the final minute of the third, the momentum began to shift as French flyer Xavi Lleonart scored from a penalty corner.

Moments into the final quarter he got his second goal to draw Spain level at 3-3.

Speaking about the series, head coach Craig Fulton said: “There have been improvements in every game and that was the main objective coming to Spain with this squad.

“We have made some really good progress as a team and there were some strong performances from the younger players.”

Kids enjoy new way to have fun on roller skates

the sport are in part a tribute to his late father, who played from the age of 12 right up until his passing at 86, but also clearly motivated by his own interest of more than two decades.

“I decided to do something to get hockey noticed around Ireland, as a lot of people don’t know what it is,” Buckley told GazetteSport. “I tried to carry it on in part in his [Buckley’s father’s] name, because he was so into it.”

To the untrained eye, the game looks a little like ice hockey, though played on a gym floor in skates, and using a more traditional hockey ball. Buckley summarises the differences by explaining that a closer ‘bridging game’ - inline hockey - exists.

“We use a quad skate, and they wear a lot more protection than we do. We just wear from the waist down, while they wear full body, more like an ice hockey player would do, and play with a puck and much longer stick. We use a hard ball.”

“Roller hockey is well known in Spain, Italy and Germany. We pretty much have to play abroad. My wife, son and daughter all play.

They have to fly, but if they’re not getting the gameplay over here, they have to go abroad.”

Competition is a key reason for Buckley’s move to Lucan, where a small group is currently in the early stages, with some players so keen on the sport that they already turn up to training in both venues. Buckley’s wife, Trish, who has been playing the game since the 80s, trains the kids to skate, while Liam works on the hockey itself.

Hockey’s cool cousin steamrolls the capital “We need to get some goalkeepers,” Buckley admits. “Eventually, though, we hope we can play games between them, and the players can talk about Lucan playing Ballyfermot.”

“We have three Spanish players and an Argentinian training with our [Ballyfermot] side on a Wednesday. They’re incredible. Our downfall is we don’t have much competition over here. We need proper coaching. I’m teaching kids what was taught to me from memory.”

As for the future? “We’ll get Lucan set up for now. Two years down the line, if I can have as many kids in Lucan as I have here, I’ll try and open something in Tallaght, or Clondalkin, and have a third club. The game’s been around a long time, it’s great getting people to notice it,” he concludes.

Buckley’s sessions cost €10, and are open to anyone, though the clubs are not always able to provide appropriate roller

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 9 February 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

FOOTBALL: AHERNE STARS AS LADIES SECURE LEAGUE WIN OVER KERRY

Dubs topple Kingdom sport@dublingazette.com

Fire fighter swims her way to Outsider award MALAHIDE woman Rachael Lee beat off some stiff competition to pick up 2016’s Outsider Woman of the Year award for her record breaking swim across the English Channel last year.

Lee, who is a Dublin fire fighter, became the fastest Irish person to cross the channel when she completed the gruelling swim from Dover to Calais in 9 hours and 40 minutes – beating the previous record by 11 minutes which was, ironically, set by her partner and fellow fire fighter Tom Healy.

She was presented with the award, alongside many others in different categories, by Anton Savage at a ceremony in the Sugar Club on Dublin’s Leeson Street last week.

The awards celebrate people who are doing amazing things outside mainstream sport on the Irish outdoor and adventure scene – with most being regular people who are quietly taking on extraordinary challenges.

Lee first hit the headlines the week before her remarkable achievement when she jumped into the River Liffey to rescue a man in trouble last August. The 37-year-old, a specialist swift-water rescue technician at the Dublin Fire Brigade, tended to the man until her colleagues arrived in a boat to pick him up.

The brave mum-of-two’s achievement was also recognised with by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler presenting her with an award at a ceremony last month.

In preparation for her swim, the former nurse spent three years rising at 4am in order to swim 16km a day and still leave time to look after her young twin sons Bruce and Lex. She spoke in the past about how she couldn’t have completed her feat were it not for the support of her family.

As well as the physical stamina such an accomplishment requires, it also hits the pocket hard. Lee reckons she spent around €8,000 in total, with the swim itself costing €3,000 as well as costs for training abroad, flights, accommodation and hiring a crew to support her.

However, she now has a place in the record books, with all the other men and women who have completed the channel, to show for all her effort.

ST SYLVESTER’S Sinead Aherne put in a superb performance to help the Dublin ladies secure a second league win of the season with a 1-8 to 0-8 point win over Kerry in the LIDL Ladies division 1 at Castleisland Desmonds.

The forward was only playing in her second game as captain but is already showing why she was chosen in the first place.

The home side started the brighter and went two points up from Laura Rogers and Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh, before Dublin snatched the lead with a goal from Kate McKenna after their first attack.

Aherne then got herself on the scoresheet with a free from 30 metres before following up with two more points to stretch Dublin’s lead to four points after just 10 minutes.

With the weather rapidly deteriorating, the good opening to the game vanished as both sides struggled to point. Indeed, there be only two more points for each team during the first half - Ni Mhuircheartaigh and Nicole Owens both scoring braces - as Dublin went into the break having clocked up four wides, and Kerry kicking twice as many.

Changes Dublin manager Mick Bohan rang the changes going into the second half, with Sarah McCaffrey, Olivia Leonard and Aoife Kane making way for Lauren McGee, Amy Conroy and Leah Caffrey.

Three changes were not enough for long, however, as Lyndsey Davey and Hannah O’Neill were also brought on early into the second half as they struggled to get a foothold on the game.

Kerry were the team to start better once again and bagged the first point of the game through Lorraine Scanlon, before Ni Mhuircheartaigh kicked twice from play to reduce the deficit to one point in the 38th minute.

Sinead Aherne in action for the Dublin ladies senior football team

The Kingdom took heart from their comeback and through attack after attack at Dublin. Aherne hit another free to stem the tide of Kerry points but were dealt a blow when McGee was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.

However, Dublin remained strong while playing with 14, and increased their lead with two more Aherne frees to go ahead by four with just five minutes left.

Ciara Trant had to look sharp with a

COMMUNITY GAMES Organisation looking to expand into other areas to give kids an outlet LORD Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr launched the Community

Games’ 50th Jubilee and 2017 calendar of events in the Mansion House recently.

The Games were are active from Balbriggan to Shankhill, Stillorgan to Rush, Finglas to Foxrock and many more areas, and provides opportunities for children from 6-16 to participate in a wide variety of sporting and cultural activities.

And don’t worry, if you’re over 16, you can get involved with the youth section and help out at local and county events.

You can get in contact with them on 01-8728203 or at dublin@ communitygames.ie.

block on Jackie Horgan in the dying minutes before Ni Mhuircheartaigh would score her sixth point of the afternoon on the stroke of full-time.

The full-time whistle eventually came after a long, hard-fought battle that saw Dublin leave as winners, but both sides – Dublin in particular - will know that they were far from their best and have a lot to work on if they are to enjoy successful campaigns.

9 February 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

DUBLIN SPRING SERIES Dublin and Mayo set for another Croker replay

FINGALLIANS

THE Dublin Spring Series is almost back

upon us, meaning four mouth-watering clashes will soon hit Croke Park.

February 11th sees Dublin’s hurlers and footballers take to the field against AllIreland champions Kilkenny, and Tyrone respectively.

Then on March 4th the hurlers will take on Waterford before the footballers meet Mayo. Tickets on sale now.

FOOTBALL: BOYS IN BLUE DEFEAT CAVAN TO GO TOP

Capital cruise to seven-point win in Lakelands Allianz Football League Round 1 Cavan 0-11 Dublin 0-18  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN go into their Spring Series game against Tyrone in Croke Park this weekend in high spirits after an opening round 0-11 to 0-18 win over Cavan in the Allianz Football League at Kingspan Breffni Park.

A crowd of 16,331 turned out to watch Division 1 newbies Cavan take on the two in a row All-Ireland winners who are looking to make it five league titles in five years.

Impressive per formances in the victorious O’Byrne Cup campaign saw Niall Scully and Jason Whelan rewarded with a place in Jim Gavin’s side.

Former footballer of the year Jack McCaffrey also took his place in the side after his sabbatical last year – a return that

went down extremely well with the visiting fans.

Neither team could stamp their authority on the game during an opening quarter that saw the game swing from end to end.

Dublin then managed to score five unanswered points as they looked to move their game up a gear. Both teams managed to get some points on the board as Dublin took a 0-10 to 0-7 lead into the break.

The second half saw the boys in blue, sporting a darker than usual jersey, kick on with Dean Rock continuing his free form from last year.

Cavan struggled to get close to Dublin, with the visiting side comfortably keeping their opponents at least three points adrift.

Their dominance of the game in the second also allowed Gavin to empty his bench, a situation which probably helped lead to their wastefulness in front of

CLUB NOTICEBOARD DIVISION 4 Hurling Relegation Playoff:

girls & boys aged 4 – 13 years. It will take

Fingallians v Erins Isle @ 2pm next Sun-

place from Monday 10th April – Thurs-

day afternoon on the main pitch.

day 13th April from 10am – 2pm.

Fundamental Coaching Course:

St Patrick’s Day Parade: Más maith

The LGFA will host this course for

le héinne cabhraigh linn leis an bparáid

new coaches or coaches looking for a

Lá Fhéile Pádraig, téigh i dteagmháil

refresher. It will take place in the club

le Liam ar 086 381422. If anyone would

on Saturday 11th Feb from 10am – 4pm.

like to help with the St. Patrick’s day

To register please contact the LGFA.

parade, contact Liam at 086 3814422.

Dublin Spring Series @ Croke Park:

New Members – Athletics: Any new

Sat 11th Feb - Dublin Hurlers v Tipperary

juvenile members wishing to join the

@ 5pm, Dublin Footballers v Tyrone @

athletic section should contact Joe

7pm; Saturday 4th March - Dublin Hurl-

Evans on jdevansathletics@hotmail.

ers v Waterford @ 5pm, Dublin Football

com Training times are Monday on the

v Mayo @ 7pm; Saturday 25th March -

club track @ 6pm, Wednesday in Bal-

Dublin Football v Roscommon @ 7pm

heary @ 6pm and Sunday @ Colmcilles

Pricing: Buy in advance 20% Discount, Adults: €12– Stand & Terrace, Juveniles: €5 - Stand Only.

Ladies & Mens – Well done to the

5 GAA clubs in the country regarding followers. As all leagues will shortly

codes on Sunday afternoon.

commence for 2017, this is the best

Dublin Senior Ladies: All their remaining home league fixtures will be

& abroad.

Lotto: The numbers were 4, 8, 13, 19 &

gal, 19th March v Armagh & 26th March

25. There was 1 winner Eugene Clarke

v Mayo.

getting €2,132. The jackpot on Tuesday

Easter Camp detail: This is open to

ST FINIANS THE club bingo takes place this and every the winner of the €1500 jackpot on Friday night.

Hard Luck to the AFL4 team who were

will be €2,148.

11th February from 10am to 2pm.

Membership subscriptions for 2017 are now due.

AIB will donate €50 to St Finians GAA Club for all new home insurance customers.

beaten by St Marks in Nevinstown. Con-

We would like to wish our Under-11

gratulations to the Under 15 LGFA team

boys Hurling team the very best of luck

who had a great win over Castleknock in

as they take part in the half-time match

a fantastic team performance.

at Dublin v Tipperary in Croke Park on

All adult & juvenile teams coaching positions have now been filled by the executive committee.

The contact details for the coaches and their respective teams are available under the team info menu on the club website.

The club registration day which will take place in the clubhouse on Saturday

ST SYLVESTER’S

champions Kilkenny.

It will be the first time Dublin and Tyrone have met each other since the 2015 league campaign when the sides had to settle for a draw.

medium for staying in touch both home

in Parnell Park @ 2pm. 25th Feb v Done-

Congratulations to Eimear Harmon was

the posts during the second period.

Dublin’s upcoming clash with Tyrone is part of a double header, with the capital’s senior hurlers taking on All-Ireland

Twitter: @fingallians has now over 4,000 followers. We are still in the top

Dubs who had away victories in both

Friday upstairs in Peacocks at 8.30pm.

Dublin star Jack McCaffrey hopes to take a spot in Jim Gavin’s team

Grounds @ 11am.

Saturday.

Congratulations to Annabelle Timothy from our Under-13 Camogie team who has made the Under-14 Dublin Camogie Academy Panel for 2017.

The club lotto jackpot on the 3rd February was €2300 and the numbers drawn were 5, 10, 11, 23. There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot is €2400.

HEROES of the week this week are our

busy week lies ahead as we play Na Fian-

group of members and friends who

na Pairc Ciceam at 20:45 Wednesday

took the first steps into the wonderful

and Bs play Na Fianna Sunday 11:00 also

world of ‘BK has stars in their eyes’. The

in Pairc Ciceam.

work of practicing has just begun and

Great opening NFL win for Dublin on

our team of singers have committed to

Sunday, but club pride was again boost-

helping the club and creating an evening

ed, this time by us having five members

we will all remember. Keep an eye out for

starting and finishing the game and all

ticket sales now, the date of March 16th

instrumental in the victory.

should already be etched in your diaries.

Important notice about the nurseries

Busy week for both A and B minor

this weekend. Both nurseries are on at

panels with challenge games against

9:30am this Saturday. Please note the

Raheny, Clane and Peregrins. Standout

unusual start time for the Comprehen-

performances in games were from Ryan

sive nursery is for one week only and will

Murphy, Josh Mulhall, David Drumgoole,

revert to normal time of 11am the follow-

Jack Byrne and Adam Thorpe. Another

ing week. Please spread the word.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

FEBRUARY 9-15, 2017

ROLLER HOCKEY: Kids get excited as new sport set to take the capital by storm with second club P29

GAA: McCaffrey back in action for Dubs as he aims to impress boss Gavin P31

Alsie fires Ayrfield to fifth in AUL  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

AYRFIELD United gained ground on the leading pack at the top of the AUL Premier A thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over local rivals Baldoyle Grange United at the AUL Complex on Sunday.

With Hardwicke and Kilbarrack United both losing, Ayrfield took advantage of the opportunity to move up to fifth place and within three points of second-placed Usher Celtic.

The Coolock side had the league’s top scorer Alsie Ray to thank as the striker’s brace sent

them on their way to a victory that also takes them five points clear of their opponents on the day.

Ray opened the scoring early on before Kyle O’Riordan struck the sides level shortly afterward.

The game’s turning point arrived before half time as Baldoyle’s Alan Courtney was shown a red card and the striker quickly took advantage of the extra man to fire Ayrfield in front.

It was Ray’s fifteenth goal of the season – he now sits level with Usher’s Stephen Donnelly after he bagged four in the 5-4 win over Kilbarrack – and it sent Ayrfield in at the break 2-1 to the good.

Don’t strike out this Valentine’s!

The game appeared to be all but over midway through the second period as Conor Young found his way through on goal and finished emphatically to stretch the lead out to two.

Howe ve r B a l d o y l e s h owe d impressive resolve to fight their way back into the game and got what they deserved when Panch Murphy reduced the deficit back to one in the closing stages.

It was all set up for a nervy finish between the relatively evenlymatched teams, but the hosts held on to take all three points.

The win leaves Ayrfield in fifth, behind East Wall Bessborough

thanks to their negative goal difference, while Baldoyle remain in seventh position, a point above safety.

Ayrfield have been in good form of late, clocking up away wins to Kilbarrack and Rivervalley.

Ayrfield United in action against Sheriff YC

Couples enjoy a game of bowlin g for only

€11

Live life, love

Tuesday 14th February from 7pm til late!

Available in Leisureplex Charlestown