Fingal

Gazette FINGAL

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August 3 - 23, 2017

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LOUGH ERNE RESORT

SPORT Hills alive after senior final 32

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SEE PAGE 3 TO ENTER

REPORT’S FINDINGS ARE DESCRIBED AS ‘QUITE WORRYING’

HIQA highlights lack of reviews for foster carers  SYLVIA POWNALL

FOUR out of five foster carers in Fingal have not been reviewed within the required three years while one in seven were not vetted by gardai, a report has found.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) ruled that child and family agency Tusla’s recruitment of foster carers in north Dublin was problematic.

Continued on Page 4

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

DONABATE | RESIDENTS WARN OF SERIOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

 SYLVIA POWNALL FEARS are mounting that builders working on a new housing development in Donabate will be granted access through another estate.

The council sought additional information on the 286-unit scheme adjacent to Beresford estate and now residents are worried it will get the green light.

It comes as local Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) announced he has dedicated an area on his website to planning issues on the peninsula, which is earmarked for 4,000 additional housing units.

Beresford residents’ spokesperson Selene Alford told The Gazette: “We are expecting a decision from the council any day now.

“Judging on the fact that they’ve failed to ask the developer to look at any of our concerns, it seems to be getting the green light.

“We’re at a loss. We know what the next steps should be but we’re just in disbelief that we’ve ended up at this point.”

Beresford residents fear that accessing the building site from their estate will present serious health and safety risks, particularly for

children at the newlyopened creche.

Meanwhile Cllr Henchy has urged the loca l community to exercise vigilance when it comes to planning applications.

He said: “W hile I welcome development, it must be proper sustainable development underpinned by proper infrastructure and carried out on a phased basis to ensure our community remains vibrant and a positive place to both live and visit.”

T he largest public building project this year is about to get

under way at the site of St Ita’s where the new National Forensic Hospital will be located and CCTV is currently being installed to monitor construction traffic.

T h e l o n g - aw a i t e d tender for the widening and realignment of the Hearse Road between the Maxol garage and the railway bridge has also been issued.

C l l r H e n c hy s a i d : “Now, more than ever, we need to work as a community to ensure that all developments for the area benefit the area and enhance our community.”

Meanwhile Senator James Reilly has defended his decision to object to an application by Tilberry Ltd to build 151 apartments and houses and a two-storey creche adjacent to the Links in Donabate.

His is one of several submissions lodged to date.

He said the highdensity proposal was outside the town centre and would be “out of character” for the area as well as posing a health and safety risk for children walking to school as a result of increased traffic.

Beach wheelchair scheme expanded THE free beach wheelchair scheme has been expanded to include Balcarrick in Donabate.

The Waterside Hotel has agreed to manage the service on behalf of the council – bringing to three the number of locations offering the initiative.

Specialist Hippo campe Beach Wheelchairs – which are designed for ease of movement on uneven ground and sand and can be taken into the water – were last year launched at South Strand, Skerries and Velvet Strand, Portmarnock.

The news was welcomed by Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) who as mayor launched the scheme in Portmarnock last year with local woman Joan Lupton.

Darragh Butler and Joan Lupton launch the scheme.

Picture: Kevin Mcfeely

He said: “It was a real honour to launch this last July and I am delighted to see it being extended to Balcarrick Beach in Donabate.”

Cllr Paul Mulville (Ind) said: “I very much welcome confirmation of this. It’s great for beach users with a disability or mobility restrictions to see it coming to fruition.”

The service is free of charge but users are

strongly advised to book in advance. Chairs are available from 11am to 7pm Monday to Sunday during July and August and can be booked in slots of up to four hours at a time.

To book contact: Waterside House Hotel, Donabate (01-8436153), South Strand Skerries (086-8090153), Velvet Strand Portmarnock (086-8222646).

Picture: Dan Sheridan

Residents fear access route through estate will get the green light

FASTNews

On the look-out for kids who proudly wear glasses IRISH international and Connacht rugby player Kieran Marmion, has just launched Specsavers inaugural Kids Spectacle Wearer of the Year awards, with help from six-year-olds Nina Mullins McShea and Trysten Bruen.

Kieran, who worse glasses since he was nine, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate children glasses wearers in Ireland. From my own experience, I know children can feel embarrassed when they first put on a pair, worrying about what people might say or think.”

The competition will also help raise vital funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, with Specsavers donating €1 to the charity for every entry received. The winner will receive a trip for two adults and two children to Legoland Windsor, staying for two nights in the Legoland Hotel.

To enter, see https://www.specsavers.ie/kidsswoty, with a closing date of September 10.

Swords supermarket slashes water prices to help water crisis victims A SWORDS supermarket offered a huge discount to help those affected by the water crisis last week.

A major pipe leak left up to 200,000 people without water in Drogheda, County Louth and the north east area for over a week.

But JC’s Savages unveiled an amazing deal online to aid those left high and dry by the shortage, offering five litres of Celtic spring water for just €1.

The independent trader posted on Facebook: “Celtic Water 5Lt. NOW BACK IN STOCK! “We have reduced our price down to only €1 to facilitate our customers in the surrounding areas affected by the ongoing water outage.”

The pipe was fixed last Wednesday – but it was only fully restored at the weekend to those on high ground and at the edge of the network.

Customers voiced their approval at the move on JC’s Facebook page.

One posted: “Well done, nice to see a business that’s trying to help and not profit from the unforeseen circumstances.”

Another wrote: “Fair play, so many others trying to jump on the band wagon and rip people off.”

A third commented: “This is why I love JC’s - great to see an independent supermarket still thriving.”

We’re on our holidays!

The Gazette, your Number 1 FREE local paper, is closed for the summer holidays - our next edition will be on shelves from August 24th. We want you to enjoy a break too, so be sure to enter our great competition thanks to our friends at Tourism Northern Ireland.

See Page 3 to enter, and good luck folks!

3 - 23 August 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

Out and About

Malahide most definitely Has It

Dan and Fia Stally

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Landlubbers Caitriona Flemming and Ethan Halpin take a closer look at the RNLI’S work with help from its

WIN mascot; left: Ruth and Ella O’Sullivan.

Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Laura and Dave Cunningham with their children Mia and Harry

HE community turned out in style for this year’s Malahide Has It festival, which once again celebrated the spirit of the pretty coastal village. Building on the success of previous festivals, the organisers pulled out all the stops to ensure a great day out for young and old alike, with the family-friendly festival having lots for everyone to enjoy. Whether tucking in to tasty fare at the BBQ on the green, browsing the stalls all around the village centre, or taking part in the fun and games, 2017’s Malahide Has It set a brilliant benchmark that will be hard to beat in coming years.

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LOUGH ERNE RESORT

Visit the magical UNESCO Marble Arch Caves (left) or simply relax in 5* luxury at the splendid Lough Erne resort

TOURISM NORTHERN IRELAND are offering one lucky reader a chance to win a 5* luxury break for two to the Fermanagh Lakelands in Northern Ireland.

The multi-award winning Lough Erne Resort is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Enniskillen, nestled on a 600 acre peninsula with spectacular views of Lower Lough Erne, two Championship Golf Courses and a magnificent accommodation offering.

The prize includes two nights bed and breakfast for two people in a Lakeview room and dinner on one evening in the 3 AA rosette Catalina Restaurant.

Hotel guests can enjoy complimentary use of the Thermal Suite and Infinity Pool at The Thai Spa. County Fermanagh is the ideal short break destination with its breathtaking natural landscape – and a treasure trove of great restaurants, hotels and other hidden gems.

Take in the history of National Trust properties Castle Coole and Florence Court or island hop through the waters of Upper & Lower Lough Erne.

The UNESCO Marble Arch Caves are a short drive away from Enniskillen or blow off the cobwebs with a walk on the Cuilagh Mountain Trail.

For more information on the Fermanagh Lakelands visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

To win this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer the following question:

In what county is the five star Lough Erne Resort?

Email your answer to competitions@dublingazette.com or visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page and simply Like and Share our Lough Erne competition.

Terms & Conditions: Entrants must be over 18. Closing date for receipt of entries is xxxx. Prize is as stated and non-transferable. The prize is valid between Sunday – Thursday and from 1st August 2017 – 23rd December 2017. Travel is the winner’s own responsibility, as is any item, service, or cost not expressly stated to be included in the prize.

This prize is subject to availability, pre-booking is essential and additional charges may occur in high seasons.

See https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/footer/

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

HOUSING | OMBUDSMAN SAYS CHILDREN SEEN AS ‘MERELY AN ADD-ON TO PARENTS’ From Page 1

Gaffe sees mum and kids who fled domestic violence forced to sleep on bloody mattresses  SYLVIA POWNALL

C H I L DR E N f l e e i n g domestic violence were forced to sleep on bloodstained mattresses and were homeless for two years due to a council blunder, a report has found.

The mother and her children were “erroneously” referred to a housing service for new communities

by Fingal County Council

even though she had legal residency and had been on the housing list for seven years.

An investigation by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office found the “bureaucratic nature” of amending applications for social housing following domestic violence represents “undesirable administrative practice”.

OCO director of inves-

tigations Nuala Ward said that the family had become homeless after they took the “brave step” of leaving a situation of domestic violence.

Refuge “They were initially placed in a women’s refuge before living in homeless accommodation, including B&Bs and hotels, which were not at

all suitable for normal family living,” she said.

“They slept on bloodstained mattresses, they were crammed into rooms with four sets of bunkbeds, they were placed in accommodation where they were exposed to the mother’s expartner or his friends, and like every other family living in B&Bs and hotels, the mother could not cook for her children or allow them to have friends over.”

Ms Ward said mistakes were made by Fingal County Council “and while we cannot say for sure that these errors delayed the family being housed, it did cause stress for the family and was not in the children’s best interests”.

The large family left a domestic violence situation in 2013 and they were referred to the new communities’ unit – which was practice at the time across all four Dublin local authorities with anyone who presented as homeless and was not Irish.

Eligible Fingal County Council acknowledged the woman was eligible for social housing and that her application should have been dealt with in the same way as an Irish person’s.

OCO said housing complaints increased from four to five per cent in 2016 with a rise in the number of cases where children’s best interests were ignored.

Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, said: “The housing complaints we receive show clearly that children are not seen as individuals who have rights that must be respected.

“Children are merely an add-on to parents or guardians in housing policy and legislation.”

Sarah, Liam and Sinead

On the ball with promoting Irish

FINGALLIANS GAA continued their sterling work promoting the Irish language within the GAA and wider community last week when they held their family day through Irish.

The day involved families coming to the club and having a picnic on the all weather pitch in amazing sunshine. The children of playing age were organised into teams to practise their football and the younger children played games and races, all through the medium of An Ghaeilge. There were 25 children in attendance with 20 parents.

HIQA raises concerns following foster care inspections It found that garda checks for one in seven foster carers had not been updated for more than three years – and in one case three adults in one household had never been vetted.

There were also inadequate arrangements to ensure that carers who had not been allocated a social worker had received child safeguarding visits.

Fingal TD Louise O’Reilly described the report’s findings as “quite worrying”.

She added: “The welfare of children is of paramount importance and when it comes to vulnerable children in foster care it is even more important.”

Deputy O’Reilly, who is Sinn Fein health spokesperson, said: “The vast majority of foster carers do an incredible job.

“However revelations in the last number of years of both recent and historic abuse scandals involving children in foster care have highlighted the need for Tusla to carry out stringent reviews and vetting.

“It is now important that the plan submitted to have all reviews up to date by June 2018 is followed through on to the letter and that we can be sure that those vulnerable children in receipt of foster care are safe, healthy, and happy.”

Tusla’s 48-strong team is supported by a private agency which conducts some assessments but it struggles to cope with the 187 foster care households under its remit.

Inspectors judged the service seriously noncompliant with three of the eight standards surveyed. Inspectors say the recruitment of foster carers in the area, which caters for a population of over 300,000, is becoming more challenging and that there are not enough fosterers to meet needs.

3 - 23 August 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

FASTNews Balbriggan’s shop-front revamp scheme extended

THE Balbriggan Town Shop Front Enhancement Grant Scheme has been extended.

The scheme which began in 2016 will now incorporate Chapel Street, Railway Street, Clonard Street, Mill Street, Quay Street and High Street as well as the previous areas of Drogheda Street, Bridge Street, Georges Square and Dublin Street.

Grant funding of up to 75 per cent of eligible costs is available to replace and renovate shop fronts or to paint shop fronts in the town centre.

Business owners should send in their completed forms by email to shopfrontscheme@fingal.ie or to Fearghal McSweeney, Economic Enterprise & Tourism Development Dept, County Hall, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X8Y2 on or before 4pm on Monday, September 4.

Skerries gets ready for a summer spectacular show MUSICAL mania will grip Skerries this month when Magic Carpet Productions present Summertime Musicals in Skerries Harps GAA club.

Hits from shows including ‘Chicago’, ‘Guys & Dolls’ , ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ , ‘Fiddlers on the Roof and ‘Miss Saigon’ are sure to have audiences in high spirits as befits a summer specular like “Summertime Musicals”.

Director Anne Stack has assembled a stellar cast led by the musical expertise of Noreen Gavin.

There is however a very worthwhile purpose to this event. All proceeds will be donated to Nurture Counselling Services.

CEO of Nurture Irene Lowry explains: “Losing a baby is one of the most harrowing and tragic events in any person’s life. Nurture supports a wonderful couple who lost a gorgeous little baby boy in late 2016.

“We now invite everyone to join us for a very special evening of Summertime Musicals to celebrate the short life of their beautiful son.”

The show will be staged on Friday 18 August at 8pm. (Doors open 7.30). Tickets are €10 and are available from Skerries Bookshop. For further information telephone 0877510464.

€10m upgrade putts top Fingal Links to the fore

PEOPLE | NAUL FATHER OF THREE IN SEVEN SUMMIT CHALLENGE  SYLVIA POWNALL A DAD-OF-THREE is hoping to conquer the world’s seven highest summits across seven continents to promote mental health recovery.

Derek Mahon, 55, from the Naul, departed for Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last weekend for the 5,895-metre first leg of his challenge.

Derek – who climbed his first mountain just six years ago – is undertaking the gruelling climb in aid of mental health charity GROW. He said: “The summit success rate is 60 per cent and the climb itself covers a range of climates and terrain from rainforest to moorland, alpine desert and glacier.

“So I am expecting heat, humidity, rain, hail showers and snow.”

Derek has already scaled the world’s third highest peak Everest G dgfkjsgfds dfs fd kljghdfgkljdhlflg hlglfhgds fdsfkj as well as Mount Ebrus in Russia and Mont Blanc in the hgdsf. Picture: Xxxxx Zzzzzz French Alps. This week’s feat will bring him one climb closer to his goal.

He said: “I believe any success is 80 per cent mental and 20 per cent physical. If you believe you can do it, your ability and physicality will add the missing percentage to achieving that goal.

“I believed 100 per cent I could climb Mount Everest. I never doubted myself. I researched the climb, spoke to many other climbers, read books, viewed YouTube videos. I mentally prepared myself for the challenges, the isolation beyond the rescue of Tibet, missing my wife and family, having to make an effort each and every day to acclimatise, to eat as much as I could.

“Physically, I was in the shape of my life. I had one shot at this wonderful mountain and I was giving myself the best chance I could. There were no doubts.”

Dismissing any suggestion of a mid-life crisis, financial adviser Derek said positive mental attitude is the single most important tool we should arm ourselves with.

He added: “Surround yourself with achievers, encouragers and helpers and your dreams will become realities.”

So far Derek has raised €600 of €10,000 needed to fund his challenge. To donate online visit: https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/derek-mahon-adventurer-1.

Derek’s raising mental health awareness to incredible new heights A €10 million investment at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links appears to be paying dividends as the resort recently appointed its first ever professional golfer.

Pro Conor Russell revealed that a four-day festival of golf held to celebrate the anniversary of the course works drew entries from over 400 players whose verdict was a unanimous endorsement of the impact of the works on the Bernhard Langer-designed course which has gained a reputation as “exceptional”.

Research over the four days confirmed that the course has never been in better shape and that it is back to the condition that saw it host two Ladies Irish Opens which attracted all of Europe’s top players in 2008 and 2009.

Feedback Conor said the event was so successful the intention is to make it a regular event.

He added: “It was a terrific four days and the feedback has been so good we have already

started looking at 2018.”

The hotel complex also took the opportunity to announce details of its Winter Series which this year commences two weeks earlier than usual on October 3. The event aimed at low handicap amateurs and professionals runs every Tuesday up until the end of March.

It will host a one-day event on Tuesday 29 August for all competitors who intend to play in the series. The time sheet is now open and bookings can be made by calling 01-8666592.

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

Bike safety push fuels fresh calls for coastal path

NEWS of tourism grants including a cycling safety promotion have prompted fresh calls for a coastal greenway in Fingal.

Senator James Reilly said while the recreation scheme grants for the Martello towers in Howth and Skerries along with Ardgillan Castle were welcome the long-awaited cycling and walking route was urgently needed.

The Fine Gael Senator revealed that walking and cycling tourism generated e1.2billion in 2014 and Fingal must get in on the action sooner rather than later.

He said: “Fingal has great potential for a coast and castle-way cycling and walking route and it will take sustained determined effort to make that a reality.

“The council has already completed the necessary work for the Balbriggan to Barnageeragh Sker-

ries route and I encourage them to focus on the final leg of that route and come up with a comprehensive plan to link Skerries to Ardgillan Castle and onward then to Balbriggan.

“I note progress has been made on the Malahide to Donabate cycling and walking greenway across the estuary via the train tracks and that a planning application to Bord Pleanala is imminent. I welcome the progress on linking up Newbridge Demesne and Malahide Castle.

“Finally I would also support Fingal Co Council in drawing up a feasibility study to link Skerries to Loughshinny, Rush, Lusk to Donabate, completing the link all the way to Malahide, providing a super greenway from Balbriggan to Malahide and onward into Dublin.”

Out and About

Runners get psyched Inmate has jail term extended for the Fingal 10k over headbutt

AN INMATE who head butted a prison officer after complaining his new cell did not have a television has had his time in jail extended by 18 months.

Glen Conroy, 29, is currently ser ving six years for aggravated burglary and had been due for release in January 2018. This new sentence will begin then.

He has 57 previous convictions including seven for assault causing harm, five for burglary, three for robbery, one for false imprisonment as well as public order and road traffic offences.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Conroy, formerly of The Kybe, Skerries, has spent just two and a half years in

total at liberty in the last 15 years.

He was convicted last month by a jury following a three-day trial of assaulting the prison officer causing him harm at Mountjoy Prison on March 20, 2013.

Garda Barry Brennan said Conroy was being transferred from another landing and on reaching the new cell complained that there was no television.

Prison officer Paul Brady told Conroy that he would look into it and organise one, but Conroy lunged towards him, headbutted him and punched him in the face.

Officer Brady sustained facial injuries and was out of work for one month.

Female winners Niamh Devlin, Gladis Ganiel and Denise Lowe. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

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VER 4,000 runners and joggers participated in this year’s Fingal 10k Road Race which took place on the final day of this year’s Summerfest. The course is designed to cater for all abilities, from those

beginning their first marathon journey to the seasoned elite. The Road Race is part of the Dublin Marathon Race Series. John Coughlan was the first man over the line, while Gladys Ganiel was the fastest woman.

3 - 23 August 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

Out and About

A COMMERCIAL development which is expected to breathe new life into the Harbour end of Rush’s main street is due to get under way shortly.

The 3.400sqm scheme applied for by Rushbury Properties Ltd includes a supermarket, off licence, post office, exhibition hall and a number of residential units.

It was first granted planning permission in 2013 and this was upheld following an appeal to An Bord Pleanala but work on the project has stalled since then.

Deputy Darragh O’Brien last week revealed he’d received an email from the council’s director of planning stating that the development “may commence shortly” and “finance has been secured”.

The Fianna Fail TD said: “This development will bring much needed life to the harbour end of Main Street. Both Cllr

Clonliffe Harriers

Lidl’s Portmarnock store opens

T

HE much-anticipated opening of the nation’s newest – and most impressive – Lidl store takes place this morning in Portmarnock.

Store manager Maurice Gallagher told The Gazette he and his 32 staff couldn’t wait to get going.

RTE star Nicky Byrne will officially open the state of the art new store today (August 3) at 8am, and you can check out the grand opening live via the Dublin Gazette Facebook page.

As he and his colleagues put the finishing touches to the impressive supermarket this week, Maurice told us: “We are

Rush harbour development gets underway

delighted to open Lidl’s 152nd Irish store in such a fantastic high profile location. We are right in the heart of a very vibrant community and the whole team is really excited to get to know our new customers over the coming weeks.

“We have a fantastic state of the art new store packed full of fantastic value and quality products at market leading prices.”

Lidl Ireland managing director John Paul Scally added: “Customers are coming through our doors in greater numbers than ever before as they recognise the exceptional value on offer right across our ranges.”

Lidl Portmarnock store manager Maurice Gallagher can’t wait to meet the locals. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Brian Dennehy and I are very pleased that it appears works will commence shortly.

“This development will provide additional shops and parking for Rush.”

A team from Fingal County Council recently visited the seaside town after Rush was one of 10 areas selected to benefit from an urban renewal scheme.

Locals had expressed concern over the number of derelict buildings and members of the tourism committee had warned they could pose a danger to the public.

Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG) wrote to Fingal County Council to formally complain and officials said they would send out inspectors to examine the buildings.

The planned Rushbury development will require the demolition of seven buildings on Upper Main Street and two on Boddum Lane.

Ladtorched BMW afterusingdrugs

A FORMER chemistry student who set fire to a €34k BMW car at a luxury motor dealership while he was on drugs has been sentenced to two and a half years.

Talavs Riekstins, 23, had been deemed unfit for work and sent home earlier in the day when he turned up at Harford Motor Company to look at Ferrari cars.

He moved on when the dealership staff told him to leave but returned with a filled petrol can. He poured the fuel over a BMW parked outside the dealership and used a lighter to set it alight.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Riekstins, a Latvian national with an address at Kelly’s Bay Moorings, Skerries had been under the influence of a substance he’d purchased.

He pleaded guilty to arson at Harford Motor Company, Balbriggan on November 24, 2016. He has

no previous convictions.

Riekstins later told gardaí he wanted to burn a Ferrari because it was “lovely and red”. Asked why, he replied “because there’s no money, no police”. He told gardai he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in five days and added: “I did it because I had no money, no job, no friends, and I couldn’t control my anger any more.”

The court heard that three pedestrians were close to the scene.

Judge Karen O’Connor noted that the company was out of pocket €35,000 from the destroyed vehicle.

She accepted that Riekstins had family support in Latvia and wanted to go back to university to complete his chemistry degree.

The judge suspended the final 18 months of the sentence and backdated the term to when he entered custody.

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

3 - 23 August 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

FASTNews How you can help fight meningitis THE Meningitis Research Foundation is looking for volunteers to help raise awareness while raising the buckets during its collection this weekend at the Pavilions.

If you can spare a couple of hours to help raise vital funds for the foundation please contact Ola on 01 8196931 or email ola@meningitisireland.org.

The bucket collection takes place at the Swords shopping centre on Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 August.

SWORDS | COMMUNITY UNITED IN GRIEF AS POPULAR DAD OF THREE LAID TO REST The heartbroken family of Dermot Byrne at his funeral in Swords. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Amy causes stir at courthouse AMY Huberman was spotted in Swords last week as scenes for season two of hit RTE series Striking Out were filmed at the court house.

Mrs BOD stars as solicitor Tara Rafferty in the drama while Neil Morrissey plays the role of her barrister mentor Vincent Pike.

Lighting, cameras and other production equipment caused a stir when it was set up outside Swords Courthouse on North St – so watch out for the on location shots in the upcoming series which airs in September.

Fingal probes Seabanks build THE council has requested additional information in relation to a proposed nursing home development at Seabanks in Balbriggan.

The application prompted a wave of opposition as residents expressed concern over the scale of the development, access, and obstructed sea views.

Last week Fingal requested more information on traffic, building design, noise from trains, boundary treatment and remedial works to the former Sea Mills hosiery factory chimney.

The applicants have six months to respond.

‘A kind & gentle father who was taken too soon’ DERMOT BYRNE’S DAUGHTER’S MOVING TRIBUTE

 SYLVIA POWNALL THE family of a dad-of-three murdered in an act of savagery urged mourners at his funeral in Swords to spread kindness as a way of remembering him.

Dermot Byrne’s brother Paul said his one plea “is for you to do one act of kindness. Maybe visit an elderly neighbour, buy a homeless person a sandwich… and some day soon, somebody will show you an act of kindness.”

Dermot died after being savagely beaten and then stripped on North Street in the early hours of July 16 as he walked home from a night out socialising with pals.

His coffin was led by a lone piper to St Colmcille’s Church where members of the Irish Blackball Association and St Colmcille’s GAA Club provided a guard of honour.

Fr Paul Thornton said the brutal killing was “an annihilation” but he said it was important “to never let darkness have the last word but to always know that the light of [Dermot’s] love, and the light of God’s love, conquers any darkness”.

He added: “As time has gone on, we have come to know Dermot as a kind, gentle man who worked with his brothers assembling and supplying bikes, and who was respected in St Colmcille’s club and also as a world pool player.

“That morning brought to our doorstep the reality of violence in our country, something we hear so much of in the news. But it stops us in our tracks when it happens on a street that we walk down every day.”

His heartbroken daughters Shawna, Rebecca and Emma brought symbols of his life to the altar including his pool cue, cigarettes and his Zippo lighter, a Dublin jersey and match tickets and his favourite Aslan, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin CDs. Eldest daughter Shawna told of her memories and her father’s sometimes eccentric ways – and how he once arrived home with a jet ski on the roof of his car.

The congregation – many of whom followed the service via loudspeakers outside the packed church - also heard how Dermot disappeared at Shaawna’s 21st birthday party when she was about to blow out the candles on her cake and was found downstairs playing a game of pool.

She said: “Dad, we are heartbroken you were taken from us so soon and you will forever be in our hearts.”

Mourners wept openly as Dermot’s remains were shepherded to their final resting place at Dardistown cemetery by the women in his life – his wife of 26 years Geraldine, his three daughters, and his mother Phyllis.

One man has been arrested and charged with his murder and is before the courts.

10 GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

REAL LIFE | ALONE’S NEW SUPPORT SERVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE IS HELPING HUNDREDS OF ISOLATED

‘I spoke to the girl who gave me my pension last Friday and the next person that I speak to will be that same girl next Friday’ WHAT ALONE STAFF HEAR ALL TOO OFTEN FROM LONELY  SYLVIA POWNALL

A NEW support service for older people is helping hundreds of Dubliners who live alone to remain in their own home.

ALONE launched the scheme in north Dublin in March and its staff go out into the community to work with people over 60 who either make contact themselves or are referred through an agency.

Support co-ordinator Gary Blanchfield told The Gazette: “It’s a very brave thing for people to refer themselves, to pick up the phone and say I’m feeling lonely, I’m having difficulties at home, I’m not managing with the finances.

“We can help with putting supports in place to help them remain living at home for longer.

If they need an adaptation grant for the bathroom we apply to the council on their behalf.

“There is a lot of paperwork – builders’ quotes, occupational therapist’s report, tax clearance, insurance certificate. It’s very daunting for an older person but we can take care of all that.

“In rural north Alone’s Gary Blanchfield Dublin we see a lot of people who have a coal fire and nothing else.

“We can apply for grants for heating, rewiring, and liaise with other agencies to do odd jobs around the house, cut the grass… everything from a needle to an anchor.”

ALONE also helps with applications for medical cards, living alone allowance and winter fuel allowance as well as meals on wheels and other issues such as hoarding.

Gary said: “Only the other day a nurse contacted me who wanted to bring a gentleman home. When she got to his house she said she literally couldn’t get in it was so bad.

“We arranged to have it cleaned, decluttered, for a home help, fridge, microwave. He now has a woman who visits him two or three times a week and reports back on how he’s doing.”

But it’s the befriending service that’s at the core of ALONE’s work and the charity now

OAPs

ALONE has 600 volunteers in a number of activities.

Most are involved in its weekly befriending service for older people

Brendan Crean and Aaron Gilmartin have become great friends since being “matched up” a year ago has hundreds of volunteers across Dublin who “It could be literally somebody having a make weekly social visits. Aftervetting and training cuppa and talking about Eastenders for half an they’re matched to an older person and, according hour that makes the difference to your wellbeto Gary, nine times out of ten they become ing, that means you can cope. friends.

“We often ask the question ‘when The number of did you last speak to somebody?’

He said: “We have 450 older over-65s living in and the reply is ‘I spoke to the people availing of the befriending service and I firmly believe they Ireland is expected girl who gave me my pension last to increase to 1.4M Friday and the next person I will wouldn’t be able to remain at by 2046. In 2015, home without it. speak to is that same girl next that figure stood Friday’.

“Loneliness impacts greatly at 606K. on your wellbeing. Being socially “Community gardai tell us that isolated has the same effect on you as some older people ring and say ‘there’s smoking 15 cigarettes a day. somebody in my back garden’ and they

know there isn’t, but they just want somebody to talk to.

“We have a lady living in rural north county Dublin who was very isolated.

“I brought the person we matched her with to meet her for the first time and when we got there this lady had her hair done, she was wearing a new dress, the house spruced up with a plate of biscuits waiting for us – that is the difference that somebody calling to your house can make.

“I don’t want to underestimate the importance of the physical stuff and the practical stuff, but it goes hand in hand with companionship.”

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 11

DUBLINERS AND ENRICHING THE LIVES OF ITS FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS – BUT THEY NEED YOUR HELP For those with concerns for their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted at 01 679 1032.

To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work visit www.alone.ie

Brendan & Aaron: A friendship that will last the ages BRENDAN Crean, 70, lives in Kilbarrack and looks forward to his weekly visits from Aaron Gilmartin, 32. The pair were ‘matched’ up a year ago – their anniversary was July 26 – and they’ve become firm friends.

Brendan has cerebral palsy, uses a motorised wheelchair and does not have the use of the lefthand side of his body. But he’s not short on energy, humour and optimism.

He told The Gazette: “I read about the service in the local paper and thought it would be a good idea. We get on like a house on fire. He does odd jobs inside and outside the house for me and we have a bit of a laugh.”

ALONE took Brendan to the Grand Hotel in Malahide for his 70th birthday in April and at the Christmas party in the Red Cow last year he won an Eir Silver Surfer award and a Galaxy tablet thanks to a nomination from Aaron.

He is a vocal advocate for disability rights and can regularly be found fundraising at his local shopping centre in Kilbarrack. At one point he had One his own radio show on third of Coolock-based Near FM older people live and he has enrolled with alone and 60% of CLEAR adult education. older people aged Brendan said: “I’ve been over 80 live living on my own all my life. alone I was brought up in institutions, then foster homes, then care homes – but I finally broke out into the big bad world because I was tired of being looked after by nuns.

“I love it because I’m my own boss. Aaron comes every Tuesday after work and we just sit down and have a chat. We’ve become great friends, he has a good sense of humour. I’m easy going and like to have a laugh.”

Aaron couldn’t agree more. He said: “Brendan likes to keep up with articles on disability so he gets me to do a bit of research for him on that. He’ll give you homework – and he’s learning to use the internet so I’ll help him with that.

“We have a bit of craic, I’d be slagging him and he’d be slagging me. I’d make him a cup of tea and he’ll say ‘that’s a crap cup of tea’.

“He hasn’t got family so it’s great for him. I think he does look forward to me calling in on a Tuesday.”

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DUBLINBUSINESS

Osborne announces quadrupled turnover  EMMA NOLAN

Picture: Chris Bellew/ Fennell Photography

First Choice Financial Services opens its new Blackrock office FIRST Choice Financial Services has announced the opening of a new office in Blackrock, located in the offices of L’Estrange & Company.

First Choice Financial Services is a professional financial services brokerage with offices in both Limerick and Dublin servicing clients nationwide.

Following continued growth by the company, it now employs a total of 16 people.

First Choice Financial Services works with individuals, families and SME businesses, who want one place where all their financial needs can be managed.

Established in 2000, the company has deep sectoral knowledge of the financial services industry offering services across financial planning, mortgages, debt management, SME financing and personal insolvency.

Barry White, managing director, First Choice Financial Services said: “We are delighted to have opened our second office.

“It gives us a physical presence close to our Dublin customers and is part of continued growth for First Choice Financial Services.

“This is an exciting time in the development of the company. Along with our new office opening, I am happy to announce that we have successfully tendered for a number of roles as external credit reviewers for the credit review office.

“This adds to First Choices SME credit assessment roles with Microfinance Ireland and Grid Finance and is reflective of our expertise in SME lending and debt advice.”

First Choice Financial Services employs a range of experienced management personnel, and can offer a multi-product financial services solution to its clients.

First Choice Financial Services DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

OSBORNE, one of Ireland’s leading recruitment consultancies, celebrated a number of company successes at its quarterly company meeting earlier this month.

C E O a n d o w n e r, Shona McManus, announced that since the change of ownership in 2013, Osborne received a Great Place To Work certification, quadrupled its turnover to €6 million and the company will create 15 new jobs across its three office locations.

Osborne recently received the Great Place To Work certification

by Great Place To Work Institute Ireland.

The certification recognises the achievement of both management and colleagues in building a high trust workplace environment, and the recruitment consultancy will hold the accolade for the next 12 months.

CEO of Great Place To

Osborne received a Great Place To Work certification

Work John Ryan commented: “It is clear that Osborne Recruitment has developed practices that form the essence of the company’s culture, which has resonated positively with employees.

“We were impressed that Osborne Recruitment has focused significantly on the ‘why’ of what they do.

“This is clearly defined in the company’s mission and in ‘The Osborne Way’, and it is

a key driver behind this achievement.”

Adding to this, Shona McManus, CEO and owner of Osborne, said: “At Osborne, our aim as a team is to always have a clear focus, whether that is in developing the company’s culture and ethos, or placing the right person in the right role with no compromise.

“The Great Place To Work certificate is testament to the work we

have done internally, with the help of our colleagues, to build engagement, create opportunities for development and establish a high-trust environment for the team to grow in.

“Looking forward to 2020, we have clear plans in place, not only for the business and the brand, but most importantly, for the team who will get us there.”

Privately owned by Shona McManus, the

growth in Osborne over the past four years has been organic and 100% self-funded.

Invested Since 2013, the consultancy has invested significantly in developing its people and culture, which has resulted in a quadrupled headcount, three office locations, and a new brand to support this change for its candidates and clients.

An Post launches new service that will come in very handy for online shoppers Ever filled up an online shopping cart only to discover, at the final stage of the transaction, that the goods do not ship to Ireland?

It’s a common frustration for half of Irish adults according to new research from An Post as they announce good news for online shoppers.

AddressPal, an online service which allows customers to avail of a proxy address for the delivery of online shopping from the UK, US and beyond, enabling purchases from websites that don’t typically deliver to Ireland.

With both UK and US proxy addresses provided, AddressPal customers can arrange for their international shipping to come via either market.

The UK service offers delivery straight to the home or a nominated Post Office while AddressPal USA accommodates delivery to home addresses.

Such is our love for shopping stateside, almost one in three Irish adults (31%) admit to asking friends and family bound for the US to bring specific goods home for them.

Levi’s denim, makers of the original blue jean, is top of the wish list for one in five,

followed by Apple technology (18%) and Sephora beauty products (7%).

Other items and brands referenced by survey respondents include Kylie Lip Kits, Christmas decorations, a Raiders American Football helmet, Elvis memorabilia and Big Red chewing gum.

AddressPal customers can shop online with ease and have goods delivered to their nominated Post Office or tracked and delivered to their home, work or an alternative address.

For further information and to register, visit at www.addresspal.ie.

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 13

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

TAYTO PARK: SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THE CONSERVATION OF TERRIFIC TIGERS

Tiger Day a roar for urgent action

THE WORLD’S largest cat was celebrated at Tayto Park last week for International Tiger Day. Gara and Kahn are the two resident Amur tigers in Tayto Park.

Amur tigers are listed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Endangered with just over 500 individuals remaining in the wild.

The striking pair arrived in 2013 and have captured the hearts of Tayto Park visitors as well as their keepers. Since their arrival, they have helped to raise over €30,000 for the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA), a charity which supports tiger conservation in the wild.

ALTA sends 100% of the money donated directly to field projects (no administrative costs are deducted).

To help spread the word about the conservation of this magnificent spe-

cies, Tayto Park held a number of fun events last weekend including tiger enrichment workshops, talks with the Tayto Park keepers and a Tiger immersion room.

LITTLE RUBY REALLY HAS A SPARKLING CHARACTER OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone is Ruby, a one-year-old Staffie.

Ruby is full of beans, loves to mess around and

is always ready for fuss and cuddles. She adores people and is happiest when she has company.

Ruby absolutely loves her walks so she is looking for an active, fun-loving adopter.

Ruby will do anything for a piece of chicken, so she will be easy to train, if there’s chicken involved! She will make the perfect companion and is suitable to live with children aged eight

and older.

If you can be Ruby’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.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

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14 GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

JUST EAT RETREAT: NEON BODY PAINTING PART OF THE FUN

Have a brush with party’s exotic sights THE JUST Eat Retreat will be returning to Electric Picnic this year and it promises to be bigger than ever, thanks to the Full Moon Party setting it will be installing.

More than 200 tonnes of sand and palm trees will be shipped into Stradbally, bringing the sights and sounds of tropical Thailand, and classic Full Moon Party vibes to Electric Picnic, where people can also enjoy neon body painting (right).

Speaking at the

announcement, Vogue Williams said: “I love travelling and I love going to festivals, so I’m excited about experiencing exotic flavours and partying at Just Eat’s Full Moon Party at Electric Picnic.”

TOP NAMES SET FOR 2017’S METROPOLIS MEANWHILE, another festival – Dublin’s indoor Metropolis – has announced some excellent acts for its upcoming October Bank Holiday extravaganza.

Leftfield, Death In Vegas, and TLC are just some of the top names set to wow music fans and festivalgoers, bringing a blast audio energy to keep autumn rocking along.

Tickets for Metropolis are on sale now.

TIME TO TAKE THE KIDS TO HELL & BACK FOR A good time with all the family, why not take them to Hell & Back?

The striking name marks a new adventure challenge at the stunning

Killruddery Estate in Bray, with a fun 7KM endurance run for families (and kids aged over 10), following a more gruelling challenge for adults only the previous day.

The family adventure playground will see young and old working together to run, climb, crawl, and dunk their way through more than 30 natural and man-made obstacles.

To register, see www. hellandback.ie; prices from €103.50 per family (one adult, two children).

Neon body-painting will add a dash of the exotic which Full Moon Party celebrations are famous for when Just Eat Retreat holds one at Electric Picnic

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GAZETTE

FEATURES MUSIC: RUSH TRIO RELEASING DEBUT ALBUM, FANGCLUB

Punk sound with a distinctive bite  NICK FITZGERALD UP and coming Dublin punk rock band Fangclub are ready to take a bite at the big time, with the trio releasing their self-titled debut album this Friday, August 4.

The lads from Rush – frontman Steven King, bassist Kevin Keane and drummer Dara Coleman – dreamed big, regularly jamming all the way through their teenage

years.

What used to be their dream is quickly becoming a reality as their music spreads – last Christmas, Today FM’s Fergal D’Arcy revealed live on air a tattoo of Fangclub’s logo on his side.

The station was just one of several across Ireland and the UK where Bullet Storm, Fangclub’s opening track, has aired, with it also popping up on Spin 1038 and BBC Radio 1.

For fans of Nirvana, Green Day, Foo Fighters and Biffy Clyro, plus all things punk rock with a 90s feel in the mix, the trio say Fangclub will take listeners on a Grungefuelled rock and roll trip.

On the name of the band, Steven said: “I was watching a documentary about a tribe that basically tattooed fang shapes on their arms. I was also a big fan of Teenage Fanclub as well, so I took the fang

idea from the tribe.”

The band picked Ballyheigue in Co Kerry to record more than 25 tracks, with Kevin explaining: “We heard one band’s demo and we loved the drum sound on it. We chased whoever recorded that down, and then went down to Kerry.”

Dara added: “We stayed for two weeks and then had to go home to save money from our day jobs to be able to go again!”

Snakes alive! These reptiles are terrific SLITHER into Dublin Zoo this August bank holiday weekend for a host of fun and informative reptile-themed activities.

Taking place at Zoorassic World, the Zoo’s brand-new home for reptiles of the past and present, visitors will be able to see reptiles from across the globe and find out about their prehistoric

past by joining special talks led by zookeepers.

Promising something for all the family, themed arts and crafts will take place throughout the weekend, as well as music on the great lawn.

What’s more, young visitors will get the opportunity to test their palaeontology skills with the fos-

sil dig boxes as well as joining in with the fun games.

Children can also enjoy getting their faces painted to look like their favourite reptiles with the help of Dublin Zoo’s talented face painters.

So come along and scale the heights of excitement with some of the coolest creatures at the zoo!

Fangclub frontman Steven King (middle), bassist Kevin Keane (right) and drummer Dara Coleman (left); their eponymous debut

With Fangclub releasing tomorrow, Steven says its sound is “like a slight grunge, punk rock sound; we were big punk rockers – I’m a massive Nirvana fan”.

On signing with Universal Music Ireland, Ste-

ven said: “When we got approached by a big label it was exciting, but we were also trying to be careful about it. But they loved what they heard, so the original recordings is the album – it’s unchanged.”

Although the band are

focused on their album’s imminent release, they’re busy with other music projects. Steven said: “We’re supporting Muse and Biffy Clyro. We have another music video ready that will probably drop around that time.”

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DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

Beatyard

Dun Laoghaire’s diverse festival offering returns for another summer run, with a highly eclectic line up and plenty of quirky fun. As well as award winning street food and spoken events on and August 5 and 6,, Air, Toots The Maytals, Bananarama, Mark Ronson, Morcheeba and Kila are in town.

Dublin International Tattoo Convention

The RDS continues a tradition dating back to the 1860s in hosting one of the world’s top three equestrian shows. Both competitive show jumping MARK RONSON and growing gatherings dealing with all other aspects of being a horse aficionado will be at the event’s heart from August 9 to 13.

Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao

Another glamour pre-season friendly comes to the Aviva, as the red half of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp do battle with a rising Spanish giant. With the new soccer season across the water getting close, expect a few stars to get run outs on August 5.

Howth Jazz and Blues Festival

Howth’s summer festival calendar seems almost bottomless, but this largely free event - incorporating a pub music trail around the town over the bank holiday weekend - is a charming offering. August 4-7, and ticketless, meaning no planning required.

Slam Sunday

Filmbase welcomes the return of competitive slam poetry on August 6, with poets delivering (typically abrasive) three minute poetic offerings in the style of hip-hop battles, without backing tracks, to try and win over judges and the audience.

National Botanic Gardens Guided Walk

Edible Trees Glasnevin’s National Botanic Gardens offers one of the best spots to spend a quiet Dublin day, and with the latest in their guided walks - themed around edible trees - you’ll discover just a little more of their flowery story. August 5.

Dalkey Vintage and Classic Car Festival

An annual event in the much-loved south Dublin village sees the return of the obvious, as well as a Formula 1 racing simulator, plenty of high-end food, and a fundraising drive in aid of Barnardos. August 7.

New album of the week

The Fall - New Facts Emerge. Mark E. Smith and whatever renegade bunch of (invariably soon to be fired) musicians he currently has assembled around him return with another dose of angry post punk. No less than his 32nd album, and it’ll be as raw as ever.

THE FROSTY EYE MUSIC

 JAMES HENDICOTT

Kieran believes in getting the simple things right for the perfect shot

AT almost every sizeable gig you’re ever likely to attend, there’ll be a small exodus of camera-clutchers from the very front just three songs after things get going.

Popular musicians, you see, typically believe they look their best at the start of a show, and they want to show their good side. Photographers are there, by design, for the sweat free, visually perfect early moments.

Some artists are so tight on their imagery, in fact, they specify the side of the stage photos are to be taken from, or manipulate the lighting early in a show to ensure photographers get a specific type of image.

And then, usually three songs in, photographers are often escorted from the front barrier and out of the premises.

They hold a camera full of photos, but are forbidden from watching the remains of the show to prevent sneaky [less perfect] shots from being grabbed by the professional from the back.

Quite the irony, in today’s cameraphone heavy concerts.

Kieran Frost, a freelance music photographer who works with photo agencies like Getty, and features regularly in the likes of the Irish Times, Q Magazine and on musicians billboards, gave us an insight into the world he occupies night after night.

“Normally there would be emails between me, my editor and the publicist a few days before a show to arrange access,” he begins, explaining the set up.

“The day of the show, I’d listen to some of the act’s music, and possibly research what other photographers have gotten from previous dates on the tour, to give some idea of what lighting profile the band are using, and what kind of restrictions photographers may face.

“In the evening, I turn up, get my access pass, and head into the venue. If it’s a larger venue, I say hello to security and I sort out my gear. If it’s a smaller venue, I have to hope the front row are going to let me squeeze past them for a song.

“The usual rule is we get the first three songs, then we have to pack our gear, and get out of the way. I’d usually stick around for a bit of the gig, if I’m allowed, then head home, edit 20 to 30 images, and caption and file them that night.”

Frost got into photography after he started taking photos at small shows as a student, as well as through a passion for the imagery found in magazines like NME and Hot Press when he was growing up.

By taking photos in exchange for access at shows in Cork, he eventually worked his way up through a number of volunteer websites, before finding professional work with Getty, Q Magazine

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JAMES HENDICOTT talks to specialist snapper Kieran Frost about the niche world of music photography

Freelance music photographer Kieran Frost and many local publications as his talent and reputation grew over more than a decade.

“Just getting a foot in the door is the trickiest part,” he recalls.

“It’s catch 22, you won’t get access to gigs without a portfolio, and you won’t get a portfolio without access to gigs.

You just have to start out in small venues, and doing photos for your friends’ bands.

“After a while, and with a bit of luck, I started to work with a bunch of clients that give me regular assignments.

“The agency work [with Getty] would be a decent chunk of what I make, then I’d work with some music festivals, promoters and PR as the work arises.

“It’s very difficult to get into publications, especially paid ones,” he continues.

“Irish newspapers have a minimal interest in live music, and the web outlets here don’t pay. I’ve found the best way to actually make any money is to look to the UK and US.” Of course, making that money depends on getting that perfect shot,

something that takes substantial honing.

Frost’s tips are simple, in a sense, but getting the simple things right really is the essence of doing a good job in photography, and takes incredible persistence.

“Framing is incredibly important,” he explains.

“You need to have your composition right. After that everything else will fall into place. Composition is not just stuff like the rule of thirds, but also how you position yourself, for example if a guitarist is right handed, you’re going to get a cleaner image of them if you stay to the

left of house, typically. If you stop for a second and take in what’s happening it helps, too. You need to try and anticipate what’s happening, where people will move, and the lights, that sort of stuff.”

Through it all, Frost has one main gripe with the modern music industry: “The thing that annoys photographers most is being side stepped with a photo release contract on the door when we collect our pass.

“We are, legally, only allowed use our images for editorial and portfolio

use. However, some acts will place all sorts of awful demands on photographers, seizing copyright and gagging usage.”

So with the late nights come champagne, parties and just the odd bit of camera work, yes?

“Ha, no. It’s not glamorous,” Frost admits. “Occasionally you might get invited to a party after a show, or have a beer with a band, but ultimately you’re there to work.”

View more of Kieran’s photos at www.frost.ie

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DUBLINLIFE

TRAVEL TravelShorts

You’re in luck if you want a great US deal

From incredible beaches above to its beautiful caves below, the sunny island of Majorca is full of terrific sights

DON’T worry if you think it’s too late to book a great holiday after summer has faded, as American Holidays have all the best late deals for you and your family.

Imagine spending Hallowe’en in the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, sharing a once-in-alifetime experience of Christmas in Orlando with your family, or diving head-first into American traditions for Thanksgiving in Boston!

SPAIN: ISLAND HAS SOME TERRIFIC YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS TO TEMPT YOU

Make magnificent Majorca a sun-kissed destination  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

IF YOU haven’t booked your sun holiday yet, there’s no need to panic, as there are still last-minute deals to be had.

One of the best options is the Balearic island of Majorca; it’s the largest of the four in the group and spoils visitors with a little bit of everything.

If you look beyond the parties of the Magaluf resort, you’ll find a hub of mountainous skylines, watercolour beaches and cultural landmarks. Temperatures reach a warming 23C from May right through October – and there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Palma Cathedral Towering over the island in its gothic glory, Palma Cathedral is a Catalonian piece of architecture that dates back to the 1300s. It was built by Jaume I of Aragon to celebrate surviving a treacherous storm on a voyage to Majorca with his army. Today, it is a marvel for the eyes and is home to relics, regal tombs and the Royal Chapel.

and includes a short boat trip along the lake. Concerts also take place throughout the day, playing live classical music in this other-worldly setting.

Caves of Drach Take a mystical adventure through the Caves of Drach on the east coast of the island.

Dating back to the Miocene period, they are home to one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world – Lake Martel. A guided tour will fill you in on the fascinating past

Costa Nord In the well-preserved Valldemossa area you will find the Costa Nord, a cultural centre that takes visitors through a journey of the local area.

Hollywood A-lister Michael Douglas is the brains behind this homage to his one-time home.

Thompson flies to Majorca from May til October, and is offering seven nights at the three-star Protur Bahia Azul, Cala Bona, departing August 26, from €569pps.

You’ll even hear him narrating the 15-minute documentary that is shown in the auditorium, before boarding a replica of the Archduke Ludwig Salvador yacht. (Disclaimer: There is no guarantee of seeing a real-life movie star!)

Son Amar Night Show Turn dinner into a major event by having yours at the Son Amar Night Show.

Guests are treated to fierce flamenco, the French can-can and famous Broadway numbers. Kids will also love singing along to live scenes from The Lion King.

You can choose to have a three-course meal or just book tickets for the show; either way, guests are in for a magnificent night.

Pirates adventure Immerse yourself in the world of hidden treasures, shipwrecks and battles by witnessing the nightly event that celebrates all things Jolly Roger. Book yourself a VIP Captain’s Table for the best seats on board, which supplies young scallywags with their very own bandana and provides parents with a bottle of swag (well, wine).

Of course, there’s always the option to take a place on the beach but you’ll probably want to make the absolute most of your holiday by taking advantage of all Majorca has to offer.

Whether you’re a pirate’s best pal or you’re intrigued by what lurks in the caves, get that itinerary planned down to a T.

Hallowe’en in Las Vegas Spend five nights at the 3* Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas, from €655pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, five nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults sharing, travelling this October.

Christmas in Orlando Spend seven nights at the 3* Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, from €859pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults and two children sharing, travelling this December – other dates and durations available.

Thanksgiving in Boston Spend four nights at the 3* Boston Park Plaza, from €675pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, four nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges; based on two adults sharing, travelling this November – other dates and durations available.

CALL American Holidays at 01 673 3804 to book, or call into their office just off Grafton Street, at 18- 19 Duke Street, Dublin 2, where the expert staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime. For further information, see www.americanholidays.com.

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 19

Merrion Fertility Clinic attached to the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street is a leading fertility centre, providing reproductive medicine and surgery with state of the art technology and record pregnancy rates.

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DUBLINLIFE

W

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 21

inter is Wcoming  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

I KNOW it’s still summer and we have all winter to worry about warm layers and coats – but Zara has revealed a look at their Autumn/Winter collection, and it’s to die for!

So, here’s what to expect from the high street favourite in the coming months.

The campaigns for men, women and children’s wear feature an abundance of bulky yet stylish staples; the puffa trend of last year continues along with chunky knits, faux fur, military tailoring and smart prints to see us through the darker months.

ZARA’S NEW COLLECTION IMPRESSES

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STYLE

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DUBLINLIFE

Audi’s Q2 proves Could Ireland face diesel and petrol car bans? a real head turner In the Fast Lane

FOLLOWING the moves by the French government to ban the use of diesel and petrol cars by 2040

and more recently announcements in Britain to do

the same, there is increasing pressure on the Irish Government to make a similar pledge.

The British announcement comes as a result of reports of increasingly poorer air quality in the

Audi has a new entry-level SUV called the Q2 which brings updated styling to the range – making the car an instant head turner, as MICHAEL MORONEY found when he took it for a lengthy test drive.

country and especially in urban regions, especially London.

Norway has set more ambitious goals of having no diesel and petrol cars on the country’s roads by 2025.

The French and British governments are actually talking about a government enforced “ban” on new car sales that are not “zero emission vehicles” like electric vehicles.

The Irish government’s Climate Change Advisory Council believes that Ireland should phase out diesel and petrol vehicles but that the government needs to inform people of the costs involved in the change.

It has also warned that the government will lose up to €6 billion in revenue if electric cars become the norm with the loss of income such as excise on petrol and diesel and lower car taxes.

Its chairman, Professor John FitzGerald said at the launch of the independent statutory body’s 2017 interim report, that the council had not considered congestion charges but this would seem to be the way to go.

Joe Duffy Group buys 10 acre site at Airside THE Joe Duffy Group is set to further continue its growth strategy with the purchase of a tenacre development site at Airside in Swords, North County Dublin.

The Group’s extensive expansion plan began in July last year with the development of two construction projects at Airside Retail Park in Swords with the opening of their flagship Jaguar Land Rover facility last December, a new state-of-theart Volvo and Kia Dealership together with the refurbishment of their VW dealership in Navan.

Recently, the Joe Duffy Group acquired another development site at Airside Retail Park in Swords.

Joe Duffy Group is Ireland’s leading Motor retail group and currently has 12 dealerships representing 15 brands.

With a brand portfolio including, Audi, BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, BMWi, Mazda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Kia, Ford, Volkswagen, Porsche and dealerships in Dublin, Meath, and Limerick, they claim to also be Ireland’s fastest growing motor group.

The company says that it now employs 410 people, having increased by over 50% over the past three years.

The Joe Duffy Group is now enjoying its eighth consecutive year of growth in employee numbers, profitability and turnover.

I’VE waited patiently to get my hands on the new Audi Q2 because of its niche and compact place in the Audi range and because of its obvious impressive good looks.

I wasn’t the only one impressed by the design of the car – just about everyone I met instantly commented on it in a positive light.

That confirmed for me that Audi has scored highly in terms of the design, which is making an impression even in their entry level Q2 SUV. Audi offers a range of engine options for the Q2 and I had the base 1.0 litre, three-cylinder version on test. The engine is smooth and impressive.

It comes with a large 50-litre capacity fuel tank and for the 1.0-litre petrol version it’s there for good reason. While the official fuel economy figure is rated at 22.7km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg), I found that over my test drive, I was well off that mark, getting a 25% lower economy rating. Part of the reason for this was that even with the car’s six-speed gearbox, the engine was running at almost 3,000rpm when smoothly cruising at the top 120km/hr motorway speed.

The test car came packed with specification so it was a little difficult to decipher what the entry level buyer would get for the starting price of €30,950.

You will get style and a good driving feel; you will get an element of pres-

phone’s features such as music streaming, contact lists, podcasts, maps and SPECIFICATIONS messages from the multiEngine 1.0 litre function steering wheel with ease.

Engine power 116hp This also allows Google 0 – 100km/hr 10.1 seconds Maps to be used as a naviEconomy 22.7km/litre gation guide, which was

(4.4/100km or 64mpg) probably a bit of over-kill Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres in this car as it came with CO2 emissions 131g/km its own impressive navigation system.

Road Tax Band A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months The navigation system was part of the tech packEuro NCAP Rating 5 star (2016) age for the car that gives Warranty 3 years the driver extra features Entry Price €30,950 such as virtual cockpit, phone box, three years tige from the Audi badge. eyes on the road. The Audi Audi connect subscripYou’ll also get some solid MMI system allows easy tion, the Audi MMI naviAudi features that make integration of your smart gation plus system and the Audi enhanced sound this small car a comfort phone. drive in the sense of good Just connect your smart system.

These give great driver road holding with some phone to the car via a USB great stopping power. cable and it’s ready to go. I features to the car; the bad On the inside the layout was quickly engaged with news is that the tech packis very Audi in charac- Apple Car Play to trans- age adds €2,450 extra to ter. The steering wheel is fer all of the smart phone the price of the car. compact and has a good functions to the screen Like all drivers, I picked feel to it with multi-func- in the centre of the dash. the bits that suited my tion features to keep your You can access all of the driving style and other

Audi Q2 1.0 TFSi

than for research purposes used very little of the full package of infotainment features.

The Audi Side Assist system which includes park assist is also on the extras list, adding €746 to the price of the car. The extras listing is impressive in terms of delivering a great specification car, but you’ll pay for the extras.

All this means that to get a well specified car in the Q2 range that delivers the features that match its impressive styling, you’ll have to pay well in excess of the base €30,950 price.

There are plenty of smaller SUV options out there from the Honda HR-V to the Toyota C-HR and the Opel Mokka, all better priced but none have the stand-out design style that makes the new Audi Q2 so appealing; for me it’s just a matter of affordability to meet your desire.

3 - 23 August 2017 GAZETTE 23

Ibiza gets impressive safety rating IN July, Euro NCAP published its latest safety ratings of six new cars. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Hyundai i30, Opel Insignia, Seat Ibiza and VW Arteon were all awarded a maximum five-star rating, while Honda’s new Civic got four stars and Ford’s muscle-car, the Ford Mustang, got a three star rating in its latest form.

The luxurious VW Arteon performed well in all areas of assessment, becoming the highestscoring executive vehicle for pedestrian protection to date.

Alfa Romeo’s new off-roader, the Stelvio, did exceptionally well in adult occupant protection, with a near-perfect 97 percent score, matching competitors like the Volvo XC90, assessed in 2015.

The Seat Ibiza stood out for its high level of standard safety equipment. Other cars in this category often have autonomous braking as an option but the Ibiza’s system, which includes pedestrian detection, is standard equipment, helping it to a well-deserved five-star rating.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen, said: “The greater the extent to which these new technologies are fitted, the better and faster will be the progress in safety on our roads, to the benefit of all. It is to Seat’s credit that

GAZETTE

MOTORING

New, state-of-the-art Mutec truck showrooms open on Long Mile Road MERCEDES-BENZ commercial vehicles dealership MUTEC has brought its all-new, state-of-the-art showrooms into operation on Dublin’s Long Mile Road.

The new truck building is one of the most modern commercial vehicle sales centres in Europe at this time.

The building has enough indoor space to display a truck alongside other vehicles in a glassfronted 400 sq meter showroom that presents an impressive front on to the Long Mile Road.

The new sales showrooms create a highprofile presence for the brand at what is one of Dublin’s busiest road intersections. The original

The new Seat Ibiza stood out in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings

building opened in June 1996 within the adjacent Mercedes-Benz complex.

they have made a sophisticated AEB standard on a supermini like the Ibiza, and we commend them for it.”

In the small family car category, Hyundai’s new i30 gets five stars with good performance across the board.

The Honda Civic is let down by lower-thanexpected protection offered to children, but is still rated as a solid four star car.

Michiel van Ratingen said: “It is good to see that after 20 years Euro NCAP’s call for safety improvement still strikes a chord with responsible companies like Ford.

“While a three star rating is unexceptional, the updates Ford have introduced have not only made Mustang’s safety better in key areas but also show that the company cares about its customers and safety reputation.”

Mercedes-Benz chief executive Stephen Byrne said: “The new MUTEC showroom at Long Mile Road is a further indication of our commitment to Mercedes-Benz and of our willingness to support the brand at all levels.

“This is reflected elsewhere within our organisation through new sales appointments and in dealership developments that are currently in the pipeline.”

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

REAL CRACKERS: NO CHEESE OR FILLER – JUST SOME OF THE TOP RELEASES OF 2017, 20 FAR

Celebrating the best films in the (half-ish)Year In Review CINEMAGOERS have been treated to some terrific blockbusters (Apes) and not-so-great (Transformers) in recent months, but as summer nears its end there’s little but the utter, utter dregs (The Emoji Movie) to look forward to.

So, what better time than to look back on some of the best films of the year, to date? In no particular order ...

Jackie (Director: Pablo Larrain) Those who came expecting historical drama may have left disappointed, Jackie was a character study woven through a series of disorganised moments, bringing a career-best performance for Natalie Portman, and another triumph for director Larrain.

Baby Driver (Dir: Edgar Wright) A welcome return to form for Wright, this action-comedy-musicalheist mix-tape

a young girl and her best friend, a genetically mutated pig-like animal, Okja was wonderfully endearing – an occasionally heartrending tale that undoubtedly made vegetarians of many.

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

delivered the most fun you could have in a cinema in years. What it lacked in an original plot, Baby Driver made up for in spades with its genuinely original blend of music, image and action.

Get Out (Dir: Jordan Peele) Peele’s first foray into feature filmmaking was a horror movie with purpose, wearing its genremovie influences on its sleeve for all to see while making sure to inflect everything with humorous social and political commentary. Wickedly entertaining, and wildly thought-provoking.

Manchester by the Sea (Dir: Kenneth Lonergan) Delivering what was

Just a girl and her genetically engineered superpig in Okja – a Netflix film with a simultaneous big-screen release, and one of the best films of the year so far

easily the most emotionally devastating moment in cinema this year, Lonergan told us a story about profound, unshakeable grief and the arduous road to recovery.

Casey Affleck captivated audiences with a deeply, tragically human performance that was well rewarded last awards season. The film will likely lead many best-of lists in another six months’ time.

The Handmaiden (Dir: Park Chan-wook) Korean director Park Chan-wook made his first foray into romance with this multi-layered suspense-thriller, maintaining all the masterful framing, bleak humour and brutal violence that has gained his work critical acclaim and cult status alike.

While not for the squeamish, The Handmaiden is a stunningly beautiful tale

that mesmerises and devastates in equal measure, encapsulating everything so incredibly unique about its creator, and marks a delicately crafted, intimate epic from a master of modern filmmaking.

Okja (Dir: Bong Joon-ho) This blend of science fiction and fairy tale from Korean director Bong Joon-ho was anything but a kid’s movie. The story of

War for the Planet of the Apes (Dir: Matt Reeves) Rounding out one of the most consistent franchises in recent years, this decidedly grim sci-fi adventure lived up to its title, evoking epic WWII movies like The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Great Escape. A sweeping adventure, it had more to say about man’s inhumanity to man than most modern war films.

Moonlight (Dir: Barry Jenkins) This rich and nuanced character study in three acts shone light on the experience of LGBT people of colour, an area rarely accessible on screen for wider audiences.

Superb performances

Legends with a legacy to celebrate CINEMA said goodbye to two legends in the past few weeks with the deaths of actor Martin Landau and director George A Romero.

First up, and Martin Landau (89, left) starred in more than 200 films and TV shows over his six-decade career.

He was famous for his role as Rollin Hand in the Sixties TV show Mission: Impossible, and was Oscar-nominated for his performances in Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) and Woody Allen’s Crimes and Mis-

demeanors (1989). Landau finally won the award for his performance in Tim Burton’s absurdly entertaining biopic Ed Wood, bringing a quiet dignity to his turn as horror legend Bela Lugosi.

The Gazette already paid tribute to real-life horror movie legend George A Romero (77, right), who also had a huge influence on gaming.

Of course, the late director is best known for reviving and revolutionising the zombie movie, along with the world of low-budget filmmaking, with 1968’s Night of the Liv-

ing Dead, following it with a series of sequels including the legendary Dawn...

(1978), and Day of the Dead (1985).

Admired for injecting his work with biting social and political satire, Romero questioned the state of modern America while working within yet thinking outside the limits of the genre.

It’s safe to say that without Romero, the world of horror would be a very different place.

from its three leads made for a uniquely human, often devastating cinematic experience that was well-recognised last award season.

20th Century Women (Dir: Mike Mills) Mike Mills wove a unique, moving and often deeply funny story around a small, incredibly talented cast; a subtle coming of age narrative that connected with each of its characters, regardless of age.

Dunkirk (Dir: Christopher Nolan) Both bombastic and lyrical, sweeping and intimate, Dunkirk is a WWII epic that will stand alongside the classics of the genre.

Nolan brought his unconventional storytelling approach to one of the war’s most decisive events, weaving a rich tapestry of multiple narratives and timelines that remains taut, visceral and affecting throughout.

3 - 23 August 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMES

The island is not without occasional danger, but as the sun and moon wheel overhead, there’s no denying the beauty of its Aegean-like setting

RIME: GREAT GAME BECOMES MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS FAMILIAR PARTS

A dreamlike journey with a unique vision  SHANE DILLON

A BOY wakes up on the shoreline of an unknown island covered in ruins, and sets off to discover where he is, as a tall tower draws him ever forward.

So begins what I’d hail as one of the best games of the year so far, as well as being a title I can easily recommend.

In fact, Rime (PC, PS4, XBO; Switch to follow; Cert 7; c. €25) came out a couple of months ago, but I wanted to hold off on reviewing it until the right moment came along – and as The Gazette’s closing for its summer holidays until mid-August, now seems like the right time for its review. Rime and reason, you might say!

In some ways, Rime’s a curious game. Obstensibly a short (but not too short) game that’s a mix of standard tropes – exploring, platforming, occasional logic and spatial puzzles – there’s nothing here that’s particularly fresh or unique by itself.

However, while the ingredients are all old-hat, the end result is an unexpectedly accomplished game; one that gave me goosebumps in a

few places – and how many games can you say that about?

There’s not much to the game’s narrative, and I can’t say anything without giving away its light plot.

However, while the essentially mute Boy (right) is the only character, there are some narrative hints here and there to piece together an overall story of sorts, one which packs an emotional punch that belies the game’s visuals.

And what visuals!

Running with the theme ‘less is more’, Spanish developer Tequilla Works have gone for a deceptively simple yet beautiful smoothed-out, low-detail look.

The end result is a painterly world with a unique visual signature, and environments that sing with atmosphere

and subtlety.

Less welcome are the game’s occasional framerate issues – Rime trips up and stutters here and there, which you wouldn’t expect from its gorgeous but not particularly complex visuals. It’s not a huge issue or a game-breaking problem, but it’s fair to mention.

Moving on, and Rime is ultimately an accomplished game with its own identity, but it’s hard not to think of some classic games and other notable external influences that echo and resonate throughout.

Its mysterious, overgrown ruins may prompt you to think of the peaceful desolation of Ico, or Shadow of the Colossus; its gloomy underwater caverns and swirling fish echo Abzu; the introspective journey forward is like, well, Journey – a

game which also has a similar but more refined art style.

Away from gaming, there’s also something very much like the classic manga and anime Princess Mononoke in its character and environmental designs, with Mononoke’s genius animator and designer Hayao Miyazaki’s distinct art style strongly echoed here.

Continuing with some unexpected Japanese influences, the rich, complex soundtrack also brings the work of composer Joe Hisaichi to mind.

The soundtrack is an absolute treat for the ears, and easily one of the best game scores I’ve heard in a long time.

Ultimately, despite its initially light and sunny appearance, there’s something deeper, possibly even profound, under Rime’s surface.

While it has some technical faults to patch and iron out, its beautiful settings, melancholy narrative and striking score make it a delight.

Not everyone will like Rime, but even at its worst it’s a game that you’ll remember for a long time after you’ve finish it. There aren’t that many games you can say that about, making it reason enough to get Rime.

There aren’t many levels in Rime, but each one is strikingly realised

26 FINGAL GAZETTE

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GAZETTE

28 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 - 24 August 2017

SPORT

Proud sponsors of the DLGFA adult championships

LADIES FOOTBALL: NEW IRELAND ASSURANCE DLGFA STAR OF JULY

MONTHLYStars Thorne in

a Rush for more top July brings the best out to shine on top club stage level glory JULY’S New Ireland Assurance DLGFA Player of the Month proved a hotly contested one with the semi-finals at intermediate and senior level providing some marquee performances.

While St Maur’s Gemma Thorne took the monthly gong, a number of players are worthy of mention, coming close to the title.

St Sylvester’s Ciara Lynch recovered from a serious knee injury this season, showing her ongoing commitment and dedication in both her training and mentoring of younger players as the Malahide club reached the senior semi-finals.

Clontarf’s Carrie O’Connor was put forward as she captained their inter side to the county final for a third year in succession having been part of the team for almost 20 years. A commanding presence in midfield, she has shown tremendous loyalty to the cause despite the final setbacks in recent years. A true leader.

O’Dwyer’s Shauna O’Hara was another to come close as she helped the Balbriggan to three wins from three in a fine group stage showing.

Send in your nominations for August’s awards to sport@dublingazette.com by Monday, September 4, including the player’s name, club and a couple of lines about why you feel they should be up for the honour. We will announce the winner in our edition that comes out on September 7, 2017.

 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

THERE’S A WHIFF of familiarity of St Maur’s powerful progress in the New Ireland Assurance Dublin Intermediate Ladies’ Football Championship this season, as the Rush ladies have put together another charge.

The maroon-clad side took the Junior All Ireland last time around, and have carried the momentum from that tournament straight into the new season, recently qualifying for an Intermediate final for the first time in the club’s history.

Gemma Thorne, already an eight year veteran of the St Maur’s senior panel at only 24 years of age, is very much at the heart of that progression. Her performances have seen her land the New Ireland Assurance

DLGFA Player of the Month for July, leading the side to the inter county final.

Running the side from midfield this season, she’s faced off defensively against Dublin star Carla Rowe, and put in a sterling attacking derby performance to see Maur’s past local rivals Skerries and into the intermediate finale.

“We got a shock with the level, definitely, in coming up to intermediate level,” Thorne told GazetteSpor t of the club’s new standing. “We started well but then went through a rough spell in the summer when a few players were away.

“We’re a really young team, a lot of the players are under 20 so things like J1s mean summers can be difficult. But we’ve gelled really well as a team now, and things are

Naomh Maur’s Gemma Thorne in action this week. Picture: GAAPics.com

going great recently, it’s looking really positive.”

Speaking of her player of the month award, T horne admits she’s playing as well as she can remember, but is careful to emphasise the team element of Maur’s progress, as well as talking up the role of the team’s four coaches.

“It’s not an individual sport,” she laughs. “We played as well as we have all year as a team against Skerries. Those games have the extra bite of a local derby, and we really enjoy playing them.

We’re delighted with how far we’ve come.”

Maur’s have developed a reputation for hitting the net, with goals – sometimes four, five or six of them – a feature of their wins this year. Their only championship loss has come to table-topping Clontarf, but while Thorne won’t think of Senior Championship football at this point, she says the team are stronger than they were during that early season defeat.

“We can’t look that far forward, we’re really just concentrating on

Clontarf,” she says when we ask about the possibility of senior football.

“It’s been a whirlwind, last year was incredible and we thought it might be difficult to stay as ‘up’ afterwards. It hasn’t been.”

Whatever the result of St Maur’s second consecutive Dublin final contest, this season has been the best in their history, in that it’s really highlighted the club’s potential to go still further.

Come the final, Thorne, the midfield powerhouse, will be instrumental.

3 - 24 August 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Baker laments League of Ireland financial fall

Shelbourne legend went through monetary collapses at both the Tolka Park club and Drogheda but feels the governing FAI body is not doing enough to avoid these instances continuing

Karate Ireland kick off new indoor arena in style THE new National Indoor Arena in Dublin 15 played host to a spectacular launch event by Karate Ireland.

The event showcased the best of Irish karate with the elite junior and senior squad treating spectators to an exciting demonstration of their skills. The aim of the event was to highlight the quality of athletes and introduce a wider audience to the new branding and goals of Karate Ireland.

The launch was attended by representatives from Sport Ireland and the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI), with a special presentation and speech by three-time Olympian and former world champion, Eamonn Coghlan.

With the introduction of karate to the sports programme for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Karate Ireland have a strategic plan to develop their athletes in the hope of qualifying for the 2020 Games.

Included in their plans is a vision to inspire people to participate in karate and share a culture of excellence.

Karate Ireland list their core values as “humility, excellence and inclusion” were evident in the uplifting demonstration by the iKarate Ireland squad.

Karate Ireland (formerly known as ONAKAI) is the only Irish Karate body affiliated to the World Karate Federation (WKF) and therefore recognised by the OCI. It represents many varied karate styles in Ireland as one umbrella group with Shotokan, Wado-Ryu, Shito-Ryu and Kenpo falling under their remit.

The World Karate Federation is the largest international governing body of karate with over 130-member countries.

It is the only karate federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee and has more than ten million members. Karate Ireland is delighted to be part of this worldwide network of karateka and hope to build on their previous successes and develop their athletes in the hope of qualifying for Tokyo 2020.

Above, Aaron McLoughlin and Conor O’Sullivan are pictured during an exhibition match.

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

RICHIE Baker is one of the most decorated players in League of Ireland history with five titles to his name but, while he could undoubtedly bring a lot to the division in a coaching capacity, he says he has no intention of doing so due to how the league is being run.

The former Shelbourne star won four titles with the inner-city club between 1999 and 2006, before adding a fifth at Drogheda United in 2008.

He is also still the only player to have won two PFAI Young Player of the

Year awards.

H o w e v e r, d e s p i t e many of his former colleagues now involved in the league in a coaching or managing role, Baker chose a path towards helping kids with special needs and coaching youth teams.

“I’m after taking over a team for Rosemount out in Dundrum so I’m out there this year,” Baker told GazetteSport. “Over the last couple years, I have been helping out with training and coaching for a couple of clubs in preseason. I’ve always wanted to stay involved in the soccer side of things but not too high up.

“I wouldn’t like to go back into the League of Ireland with the way things are run at the moment; it’s just not the way I like it.

“There are too many downfalls at clubs and I have been involved in the downfalls as well.”

Baker spent five years at Shelbourne before a brief stint in America playing for the New England Revolution. He returned to Shelbourne after a year stateside but his second spell at the Dublin club ended in financial meltdown two years later.

“Shelbourne will always be the best club I have been at; that will

Picture: James Crombie/Inpho Richie Baker says Shelbourne remains the best club he has ever played at.

never change. The best times I had were there and, in fairness, the year that we had the bad times we got back every bit of money that the club owed us. I will always be a Shelbourne fan so it is hard to see where they are now compared to back when I played during the good days,” said Baker.

T h e 37- y e a r- o l d plumped for a move to Drogheda United and it was initially successful with the Louth side lifting the title in his first season at the club. However, the club struggled financially during the following season and Baker was left out of pocket.

“Drogheda was a terrible situation, where 12% of the wages owed for months was offered to players. Then two or three months later, after a big meeting with the FAI officials and the club, we were paid off not even half of what we were owed.

“To then be allowed stay in the league two months later and sign new players – I just don’t understand how they get away with it. You had people from the club crying at the table saying the club is going under and we can’t afford this or to do that.

“Then the league starts back two months later and they’re still involved in the premier side of things and signing new players. It was difficult.”

Teams are still experiencing the same problems as Shelbourne and Drogheda have in the

past, and Baker is not impressed.

“The people who run the league have just gone down and down, as we’ve seen this year again with Bray Wanderers and the likes of the things that are happening there with the players.

“Letting down players is not what I want to be getting into. If I was involved I wouldn’t be able to look at the players face to face and explain why they are not getting wages.

“For the same silly mistakes to be made and for clubs to be able to fold up before suddenly coming back into the league with no stiff rules on how to deal with them is terrible,” Baker concluded. ** Baker will soon pull on his football boots once again when he takes part in a charity event for youth mental health organisation JIGSAW on August 27.

He will form part of a team of ex-professionals in one team with a homeless street league side, a Bohs legends team, an Irish musicians side – The Coronas and Picture This – a celebrity team and a “Joe Soaps” team.

In addition, there will be entertainment from the mini Messi and Empire dance and fitness with football-darts and football-pool side events, all sponsored by Renault Belgard.

Search “Charity Vinny” on Facebook for info.

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 3 - 23 August 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

McBride impresses on European Tour debut PAUL McBride made his European debut via invitation at the Porsche European Open in Hamburg last weekend and finished two under to tie for 47th.

The amateur golfer, who plays out of The Island golf club in Donabate but is now based in the US, fitted in well amongst the professionals and found himself four off the lead on day one after an opening two under score of 70.

The 21-year-old from Malahide started on the tenth and parred that before sinking his first bogey on the next hole. He parred the next two before registering bogeys on the 14th and 16th. However, two successive birdies on the last two holes of the back nine saw him surge up the leader board. McBride then birdied the final whole of the round to leave him in a position he would have been delighted with after day one.

In comparison, his compatriot Paul Dunne from Greystones could only get around in a two over score of 74 after recording three bogeys and one double bogey.

McBride impressed again in round two by sitting one under after his first 13 holes before play was suspended due to fading light.

That left him three under overall as he was forced to wait until 7am the next day to resume his round – where a disappointing double bogey on the 18th ruined his run and saw him finish level par. Dunne failed to make the cut at this point despite getting around in a score of 70 in round two.

Round three saw McBride register three birdies but a bogey and a double bogey – yet again on the 18th – saw him finish level par for the second time.

McBride went into the final round of the tournament knowing a good round could really open up doors for him in the future. He notched up another four birdies but he also hit bogeys in the 3rd and 6th and a double bogey in the 11th to finish level par.

CRICKET: IRELAND UNDER-19S PRODUCE DRAMATIC WIN OVER SCOTS

The successful Irish Under-19 side that qualified for the World Cup

Fingal trio aid World Cup bid sport@dublingazette.com

NORTH County’s James Grassi, The Hill’s Mark Donegan and Rush’s Neil Rock were all part of the Ireland Under-19 cricket squad that landed a place at the 2018 World Cup via their exploits last week.

It concluded with an absolutely stunning win against Scotland at Grainville in Jersey on Monday.

Both sides went into the contest knowing victory would book them a trip to the Antipodes this winter and it was to be no place for the

faint-hearted in the final stages.

Ireland had been bowled out for just 108 earlier in the day as they batted first while the Scots looked home for all money when their reply had reached 94 for 5 and needing only 15 runs from there to win the competition themselves.

Just two wickets had separated the teams when they met last week so perhaps it was no surprise that it went down to the wire again, however credit the Irish lads who refused to lie down.

Ror y Johnston and

UP THE MANOR Superb Phil Fitzpatrick event lights up Swords SWORDS Manor hosted an excellent Phil Fitzpatrick Cup series last week across a series of age groups from Under-9 up to Under-14 level.

The home club won both the Under-9 and Under-12 editions of the competition with victory in the final against Sandyhill in the latter.

Kinsealy were Under-10 shield victors while Dunboyne also won a shield title while Ratoath among other winners in the cup competitions.

Angus Beattie seemed to have matters in hand for the Scots as they posted a 27-run stand for the sixth wicket, however once Varun Chopra split them up, by dismissing Beattie for 10, Ireland moved in for the kill.

Lower order Aaron Cawley picked up the big scalp of Johnston for 30 soon after and he and Josh Little then combined to close out a huge win as Ireland swarmed all over the Scots’ lower order.

The final five wickets fell for just nine runs, leaving the reply closed

on 103, an agonising five short.

Cawley fared best with the ball for the Irish with 3-21 followed closely by Little (3-23), while Max Neville chipped in with a valuable 2-12.

Scoring had proven difficult all day and Ireland’s 108 was pretty much the work of one man, skipper Tector.

The YMCA teenager battled ferociously to make a priceless 55, his knock coming off 139 balls and including just one boundary.

No other batsman made it to double figures with Oliver Brown

claiming the bowling honours for Scotland with an excellent 4-15 and Angus Beattie adding 2-13.

It wasn’t to be enough h owe ve r a s I r e l a n d staged their superb late rally and man-of-thematch Tector can now prepare his charges for their winter adventure.

It was their sixth win from six at the tournament as they got the best of Jersey first up before beating Denmark and Scotland in the first series of games before repeating the feat in the return games for a perfect week.

3 - 23 August 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

ON THE CHARGE

Maur’s set up another championship final date

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS

ST MAUR’S Olivia Leonard on the attack during their New Ireland Assurance Dublin Ladies Football Association intermediate championship semi-final date with Skerries Harps.

Maur’s continued their excellent form over the last few seasons, running up a 1-14 to 0-7 win in Rush to reach the final where they will take on Clontarf in the decider Picture: GAAPics.com

LADIES FOOTBALL: MALAHIDE CLUB’S RUN ENDED IN SEMIS

THE HURLING and Camogie School of

you to Kieran and Paddy and their team

Excellence took place last week. This

of helpers on a very successful day.

was a massive success this year with 72

Camp Update: Well done to all the boys

participants taking part, which included

and girls who took part in the football

players from U-12 to minor in both hurl-

and hurling camp 2017. Once again, the

ing and camogie. A huge effort was put in

camps were a massive success. Big

this year by our GPO Wayne Hutchinson,

thank you to all our coaches who made

Shane Howard and Sean Hickey to make

both weeks such a success, also a big

it such a great success.

thanks to Dublin hurler Chris Crummy

Big thank you to all our coaches Chris

and Dublin footballer Ciaran Kilkenny

Crummy, Shane Barrett, Donal Bourke,

for visiting both camps throughout the

Shane Nolan, Shane Howard and Sean

two weeks.

Hickey for their expertise throughout

The gym will be back open this week.

the week. A massive thank You to All-

Please check with your manager if you

Star hurler Colm Galvin who visited the

require access.

camp to talk to the players.

flung Fingallians: We are getting a good

league wins this week to remain unbeat-

response to our Far-flung Fingallians

en in the league (v St Peregrine’s and Kil-

series. Remember when going on holiday

macud Crokes). With two league games

to pack your Fins gear and send a photo

remaining they are not one point from

to fingallians@gmail.com We’ll try to get

automatic promotion. The next league

it on the FB page.

game will be v Naomh Fionnbarra, away

Summer Hurling: Join the fun with

in Pope John Paul II Park at 6.30pm on

summer hurling for all our U-8, U-9 and

Saturday, August 26.

U-10 players. It takes place every Mon-

Paul Flynn Football Camp: The next

day and Thursday night from 6.15pm

advanced camp to take place will be the

to 7.15pm in Holywell. New players and

Paul Flynn Football School of Excellence.

members are welcome to join in.

This Camp takes place between August

Bootcamp is back this week: Every

8-11. To book a place, call into the bar any

Tuesday morning @ 9.30am & Thursday

time after 6pm.

evening @ 8pm on the all-weather pitch.

Our U-12s hosted a 13-a-side hurling tournament on Saturday. A big thank St Sylvester’s Niamh McEvoy battles for possession in midfield. Picture: GAAPics.com

Syl’s foiled by Boden and first half treble DLGFA SFC SEMI-FINAL St Sylvester’s Ballyboden St Enda’s  sport@dublingazette.com

0-12 3-11

SIMMONE Reilly’s brilliant 1-5 salvo saw Ballyboden St Enda’s advanced to their first senior ladies football county final since 2011 as three first half goals proved vital in seeing off St Sylvester’s.

Despite testing conditions, Boden played into a very strong wind in the opening half but made a superb start. Playing very controlled football, they led 0-5 to 0-3 after the opening ten minutes before rattling the Sylvest-

ers net for one of three first half goals with Reilly, Doireann Mullany and Dee Lawless weighed in with goals.

Reilly started the run, getting on the end of a driving run from Sinead Burke and they scarcely looked back.

As the half time whistle sounded, they had extended out the lead to 3-6 to 0-8 at the interval.

The second half was a cagier affair as Sylvester’s pushed forward, trying to score the goal, which they hoped would kick start their revival.

County captain Sinead Aherne was proving a

constant thorn in their side and she chipped in with five points, adding to scores from Nicole Owens, Kate Sullivan, Danielle Lawless and Niamh McEvoy.

Ciara Lynch was a rock in the centre of the Syl’s defence supported by Aimee Hazley at full back and Orla Moynihan in goal. But they were unable to find the big breakthrough as the Boden rearguard held firm and they ran out winners in the end, 3-11 to 0-12.

Who their final opponent will be remains to be seen. The semifinal between Foxrock-

Cabinteely and Kilmacud Crokes was abandoned with 15 minutes to go.

Foxrock’s Anne-Marie Murphy hit her head off the ground and was knocked out for a long time, meaning she could not be moved without further professional help, leading to the referee calling a halt to proceedings.

The updates the next day on Murphy’s health were positive though she had sustained concussion.

Foxrock had led 1-6 to 1-4 at half-time but the scores will be reset for the rematch when the sides meet again for a September 1 county final berth.

Check it out on Facebook - Far-

AFL3: Our footballers had another two

Classes are €5 per session (open to non members).

ST FINIAN’S WELL done to the AFL4 team beat St

0324, Shay Leathem on 087 217 2215, Alan

Brigid’s away on Wednesday. It was

McGrath on 087 652 9429, or John Moore

mixed fortunes for the AFL8 team who

on 086 064 3626 to reserve a tee or spon-

beat Round Tower, Clondalkin away but

sor a hole/tee or box.

were beaten by Naomh Olaf on Sunday morning.

Please note that the cut-off date for accepting online payments for the sec-

Well done to the adult camogie team

ond and third summer camps which are

who won two out of their three games

taking place Tuesday, August 15 to Fri-

in their 7s tournament in Castleknock,

day, August 18 and Tuesday, August 22 to

great wins against Castleknock and

Friday, August 25 has been extended to

Erin’s Isle. The LGFA adult team drew at

Friday, August 11 at 6.30pm.

home with Clanna Gael Fontenoy in the championship.

Online payments can be made on the club website http://www.stfinians.com/

A word of thanks to Fingallians for

content_page/220269/. Payments can

their invitation to the U-12 hurling tour-

still be made in the club office after the

nament on Saturday. Congratulations to

online cut-off date. Forms can also be

Senan Crosbie for winning the Long Puc

downloaded from the club website and

at the tournament.

are available in the club office.

Well done to Ciara Buchanan from the

St Finian’s GAA Club extends best

adult camogie team who was on the Dub-

wishes to Club Secretary Paul Burke and

lin Premier junior camogie team versus

his bride to be Aindrea who are tying the

Westmeath on Saturday. Well done also

knot on Friday, August 4.

to Rachel Fagan and Rachel Church from

There are Boxercise classes taking

the U-15 LGFA team who were on the

place in the clubhouse activity room

Dublin team who played against Kildare

every Monday evening. For further

on Sunday.

details, please contact Karen at 087 776

A final reminder that the annual

5165.

golf classic, proudly sponsored by Sky

The club lotto jackpot on July 28 was

Handling Partner, will be held in For-

€2,200 and the numbers drawn were 3, 8,

est Little Golf Club on Friday, August 4,

18 and 26. There was no winner. Lucky dip

€240 per team, the price also includes a

winners of €40 were Rose Joyce, John F

meal. Contact James Devlin on 086 400

Bourke, Eamon Murphy, J K M Ryan.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

SEMI SHOWDOWN: St Sylvester’s battle it out with Ballyboden St Enda’s for championship final spot P31

AUGUST 3 - 23, 2017

PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Maur’s leading light in a Rush to make inter mark P29

The Hills celebrate their Leinster Senior Cup success

Sorensen heads for Hills Former Irish international signs off memorable week with huge hitting to and land the Leinster Senior Cup title for Skerries-based cricket club

 sport@dublingazette.com

THE HILLS landed the 2017 IBI Corporate Finance Leinster Senior Cup as a late flurry of runs from Max Sorensen saw the Skerries side claim the title from a dramatic final at the Vineyard last weekend.

In pursuit of Merrion’s 186, the run chase touched on 10 an over at times but the former Irish international – who confirmed his retirement during the week – bashed a series of sixes to see The Hills with 14 balls to spare.

The Fingal side had inserted Merrion to bat and the decision was soon vindicated as in the first half of the innings with Nazeer Shoukat [2/10] and then Luke Clinton

[2/26] ensuring the home team had the clear advantage.

But, as he has done throughout the competition, John Anderson [80] accumulated runs steadily and Merrion fought their way back into the game.

Michael Lewis [22] and Patrick Tice [41] provided excellent support and, with five overs to go Merrion looked well on the way to posting a 200 plus total.

But then the game took another, and what in the end may have proved decisive, twist as Ryan Cartwright [4/30] returned to the attack and in short order accounted for Anderson and Rice and wrapped up the tail.

A total of 186 all out was a lot better than

Merrion might have expected half-way through their innings and it was certainly competitive. Scores have not been all that high in the Vineyard throughout this competition but it did not feel like enough.

There had been a momentum shift in the last five overs and Merrion certainly leaving 15 to 20 runs on the field.

The Hills started steadily and put on 30 runs without loss in the first ten overs. In the 12th over, Merrion skipper Dom Joyce brought back Tyrone Kane [3/29] into the attack.

This immediately produced results and two wickets fell. A sort of cat and mouse game followed with Cormac MacLoughlin-Gavin

[38] and Hamid Shah [25] gradually reducing the required number of runs but, at the same time, never really got on top of the bowling.

There was a sense that the critical phase of the match was still to come when the big hitters from The Hills took to the stage.

Having got the score past the 100 mark and with eight overs to go, The Hills still needed 10 per over.

But once Sorensen [64*], Albert van der Merwe [17] and Cartwright [16*] got going there was no way to stop the flood of runs.

There was a flurry of sixes from Sorensen [5] and the game was all over with over two overs to spare.