Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

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DublinGazette JULY 19-25, 2018

DUBLINMAGAZINE: Grey skies are back

– but they’re not as cool as all the great stuff we have in our magazine section! SEE PAGE 13

SPORT

A CUT ABOVE:

Swords Celtic Saturday side gets major boost for their new campaign. SEE Page 36

Warning as men try to lure 4 kids

Fingal Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

SYLVIA POWNALL GARDAI in Swords are investigating after two men approached a group of four children and tried to lure them into a car on Tuesday. The men, described as white and Irish, pulled up in a small silver hatchback close to the playground in Applewood at around 11.30am. A source told Dublin Gazette: “They asked the children where their dad was and then said, ‘Get in the car and we’ll find your dad’.” Cllr Joe Newman has urged parents to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their kids over the school holidays. He said: “With technology now we can get word out faster so we should use that to safeguard our children.” Gardai confirmed they were investigating the inciCONTINUED ON PAGE 4 dent.

True courage TWO north Dublin men. got the goodwill of the nation as they featured in an RTE documentary this week, with their serious, ongoing health problems laid bare with true candour and bravery. SEE PAGE 2

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2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018

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PEOPLE: INSPIRATIONAL FINGAL MEN IN RTE SHOW

Brave men show their fights to live A dad from The Naul, Billy Reilly and his son  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

TWO brave Fingal men won the support of the nation earlier this week as they laid bare their battles with illness. B r i a n By r n e f ro m Swords, who has an aggressive form of epilepsy, allowed TV cameras into the operating theatre as he went under the knife for complex brain surgery. GAA-mad devoted dadof-three Billy Reilly from The Naul also opened his heart – and his home – to RTE as he came to terms with a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Their stories featured on the documentary My Broken Brain (aired on RTE One on Tuesday), and their courage in facing degenerative neurological conditions won wide praise.

Billy Reilly (47) was diagnosed with MND in August 2015. Deeply involved in GAA all his life, he is now in a wheelchair and has little use of his legs, but can still use his arms and hands. He reveals of his diagnosis: “I remember saying, ‘This is a death sentence’. I knew.” His wife Sharon tells of her devastation at being told there is no cure as her husband’s thoughts turned to their two girls, Lauren and Rebecca, and their son, Billy.

Lavin being at the wheel FINGAL Mayor Anthony Lavin urged people to get themselves out of a sticky situation as he launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s education campaign. The launch marks a newly signed three-year deal between the Government and the chewing gum industry. Derek McKitterick, FCC Environment Division; Paul Reid, chief executive, FCC and Toni Egan look on as Cllr Lavin helps steer the campaign launch.

He makes a series of recordings so he can still communicate through some of his favourite phrases when he no longer has a voice – and so that his kids have something to remember his sense of humour when he is gone. Dishing out tongue-incheek advice, Billy tells them not to worry about school and exams because “There’s always McDonald’s. ‘Do you want fries with that?’ That’s all you have to learn.” The brave dad is seen

watching his son playing football, doing the crossword with the family and taking part in a clinical trial to help with his breathing. B r i a n By r n e f ro m Swords, who has severe intractable epilepsy, agrees to undergo complex and risky surgery after the seizures which have affected him since infancy become more violent and lifethreatening. As he deliberates over the procedure, he says: “It’s scary to think that you could end up losing part of your speech, and it will be a long recovery. But I just want to get back to normality.” After his operation as family surround his bedside, his wife, Michelle O’Connor, tells the cameras: “I don’t think you really, really know what epilepsy is until you’re living with it on a daily basis.” If you missed Tuesday night’s programme, you can watch it back on the RTE player.

FASTNews

Supporting Fingal’s women in business FINGAL’S Local Enterprise Office (LEO) hosted a summer networking event last week attended by 50 women in business at the Waterside Hotel in Donabate. The entrepreneurs were given a customer experience master class and enjoyed a summer barbeque at the seaside hostelry. The Fingal Enterprising Women Network supports female entrepreneurs by offering a networking platform where they can learn, meet like-minded people, explore commercial opportunities and grow a business. Guest speaker was Leza Nulty from Shopper Anonymous who imparted wise words of advice for any-one looking to grow their business and customer base. Also in attendance was Mayor Cllr Anthony Lavin, who advised the gathering to take full advantage of the supports offered by LEO Fingal. Membership of the Fingal Enterprising Women Network is free, with a nominal fee for networking lunches and events. For details of upcoming events, email Enterprisingwomen@leo.fingal.ie.

Teen, 14, to shave head for cancer A SWORDS teen will have her hair shaved off today (Thursday, July 19) in a bid to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Aoife Tierney (14) from Rathbeale is making the brave gesture in memory of her late grandmother, Kathleen O’Sullivan, who died of thyroid cancer. Tanya Gallagher from Hairmaster in Swords will do the honours at the Pavilions Shopping Centre at 4.30pm. To show your support come along this afternoon or donate online at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ aiofe-tierney1.

Warning of groper GARDAI are investigating a possible link between a sexual assault in Hartstown and three similar attacks in recent weeks. A number of women have reported being sexually assaulted by a lone male. In

all instances, the suspect groped the victim before fleeing the scene. On Friday, a young woman reported being groped in the Hartstown area of Blanchardstown at around 11pm. The attacker was described as being in his early to mid20s, tanned and of slim build. After the brief incident, he fled the scene on a bicycle. Gardai are trying to establish whether this is linked to three similar sexual assaults carried out near the Manorfields area of Clonee and reported to gardai in the last two months.

Egypt deal welcomed

AN AIR service agreement with Egypt has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in Fingal, according to local TD Darragh O’Brien. The Fianna Fail deputy, chair of the Ireland-Egypt Friendship Group, welcomed the ratification of the deal which was signed at draft stage in 2014 and passed in the Dail earlier this month. Deputy O’Brien singled out the potential jobs boost Egypt Air could bring the Fingal area.


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DONABATE: MEATH CAR DEALERSHIP BUYS SITE

Hopes for 120 jobs from 11-acre sale SYLVIA POWNALL

THE sale of 11 acres of land in Donabate by Fingal County Council to a Meath-based car dealership has the potential to create 120 new jobs. Harford Motor Company Ltd now owns the land at Lanistown, Turvey which will be used for the construction of two car showrooms, workshops, a DOE test centre, a petrol station and an NCT test centre. Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG),

who supported the council move to dispose of the land, said the local authority’s land activation management policy was reaping rewards for Fingal. He added: “This is assisting the creation of jobs. Forward purchasing of key strategic land resources for employment and residential use is a key part of a council’s remit. “Former councils and executives did that, so we now have key [resi-

FASTNews Coastal works news expected soon – Reilly FINGAL Senator James Reilly has said he expects details of short-term measures to protect the coastline at The Burrow in Portrane to be announced shortly. The Fine Gael representative raised the issue in the Seanad and called on Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, the council and the OPW to bring forward an action plan. He said the good weather should be used to make progress in stemming coastal erosion which has already claimed one family home and threatens several more. Senator Reilly said 13 homes and two businesses are still threatened by the tides at The Burrow, adding that he expects details on how to tackle the issue “very soon”. He said: “I contacted Minister Moran’s office and I expect a positive response from him very soon. “I am calling on the Minister to approve a short-term plan and funding and a longer-term plan and funding so that Fingal County Council can get on with the work and protect these properties.”

Bus changes sees warning from Dowling THERE have been calls to retain the 33X bus route after details of the new BusConnects plan revealed it could be replaced by a non-direct service of 285/282A. This would see both the 33X and 33A service scrapped which campaigners have described as potentially “devastating” for commuters in Lusk, Rush and Skerries. Fine Gael area representative Bob Dowling questioned the planned changes in light of the rapid population expansion in north Fingal. He warned: “It would be a great pity to remove the only direct service to the city centre serving this area.” A public consultation period on the National Transport Authority proposals began on July 16 and runs until September 14. Observations can be submitted to consultations@nationaltransport.ie.

dential] land-banks at Donabate, Skerries, Balbriggan and Mulhuddart, and a landbank of industrial lands in Dublin 15, Balbriggan and Swords.” Warned Fine Gael local area representative Bob Dowling also welcomed the move – but he warned that other facilities and services for Donabate must be provided in tandem with industry and housing.

He told Dublin Gazette: “Donabate has seen a 32% population growth in just over ten years and the area is still rapidly growing. Locals are rightly concerned about the obvious lack of facilities to serve the peninsula.” Mr Dowling said he w a s “c o n t i n u i n g to press” for a garda station and the fast-track delivery of a 16-classroom primary school to cater for the expanded population.

Beach shelters torn down

Picture: Portmarnock Community Association via Facebook

A LANDMARK structure in Portmarnock was torn down last week – but Fingal County Council assures that its loss is only temporary. The Victorian-era beach shelters have been demolished, 100 years after they were first built, to allow for their refurbishment. The shelters on the Velvet Strand have been used by generations as a changing area and a meeting point – and their destruction drew some criticism on social media. Fingal County Council has contracted for the 100m structure to be replaced with a similar structure us-ing the original railings.

A council spokesperson told Dublin Gazette: “Works were due to start in early 2018, but due to delays from the contractor, the works had to be deferred until the summer. “Due to health and safety reasons a decision was taken to proceed with the project when the contrac-tor was made available. The structure has deteriorated over the past few years to such an extent that a partial rebuild is now required. “It was unfortunate the works coincided with good weather. Contractor mobilised on site a few weeks ago and partial demolition of the structure started this week, with an expected completion by mid-September.”


4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018

POLICING

EDUCATION: BOOST FOR BLANCH

Delight as IT merger gets a go-ahead SYLVIA POWNALL

A MERGER involving Blanchardstown, Institute of Technology which will see it become part of the country’s first technological university, was approved on Tuesday. The new university will see Dublin IT merge with Blanchardstown and Tallaght IT, operating across three campuses, and is expected to be created by next January. The three Dublin ITs had submitted a joint application for university status and were in the running along with three other IT groups in Munster, the south east and ConnachtUlster. The announcement earlier this week was given a broad welcome and Blanchardstown IT’s students’ union said it was a sign of great things to come. A spokesperson said: “We are so proud of all the hard work we’ve seen over

the years from everyone involved, but this just means we’re now at the starting line. The hard work begins yesterday. So let’s do this!” An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said: “This is an historic day for the future of higher education in Ireland. Project Ireland 2040 prioritises the expansion and consolidation of Higher Education facilities, to boost economic development across the country. “Technological universities are central to delivering on this core objective and will stimulate a more balanced growth of population and employment across Ireland. “The ambition is simple: to drive regional development and provide more opportunities for individuals, enterprise and the community.” The move was made possible after the Technological Universities Act was passed into law in March. The first graduates of TU

Dublin will receive awards from the new university in 2019. Senior figures in the existing university sector have questioned the move, with some expressing concern that creating more universities may damage their international reputation. But a delighted Prof Tom Collins, chair of the three ITs’ governing bodies, said it was “the historic culmination of seven years of hard work and commitment”. D r M a r y Me a n ey, TU4Dublin Programme Lead, added: “This is a redletter day that is the culmination of a huge effort over many years. “The passion and hard work of staff and students across our three Institutes over the past number of months, in particular, laid the final foundations for this announcement and we’re enthused about the ultimate stage of our journey to designation as TU Dublin.”

Warning as men try to lure kids CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

KARMS

Liers

Band together to help support Fingal groups THREE bands with members from Fingal are among 29 ‘Play the Picnic’ finalists in with a chance of playing a live set at Electric Picnic next month. In the running is four-piece Liers (above) with Ronan O’Hanlon, Stephen Farrell and Ed Scanlan from Rush, and Liz Seaver from Skerries. Also into the shortlist is KARMS (top), which features Colm and Ste O’Loughlin from Swords and Danny Farrelly from Malahide, along with five-piece Sun Mahshene, which includes Darren Hughes and David Murphy from Blanchardstown.

The 10 bands with the highest public vote will all play at the Stradbally music festival and the band with the highest vote gets to play the larger Cosby Stage and win music masterclasses, a studio session and airtime on 2fm. The bands are appealing to their fellow county people to get behind them and vote on www.2fm.ie. The Text to Vote Competition is open until Friday, July 27. Proceeds from the text campaign (numbers for each act online) will fund Jack & Jill home nursing care and respite for sick children in every county in Ireland.

Appeal for info as men rob teen girls GARDAI in Skerries are appealing for information after two teenage girls were robbed by men wielding baseball bats at the weekend. The 19-year-olds were on their way home from the Longitude Festival at around 1.45am on Saturday morning when the men pulled up in a car and robbed them. The girls had taken a bus as far as Skerries and were walking the rest

of the way home after a taxi they had pre-booked failed to turn up. The men threatened them and took a handbag from one of the young women, but were forced to flee without the other girl’s bag after her screams alerted people in the area. A statement from An Garda Síochana said: “Gardai are investigating a robbery from an 18-year-old woman that

occurred near Shenick Grove, Skerries. “A car pulled up in front of the woman and a passenger of the car got out carrying an apparent baseball bat and stole the woman’s bag and phone. There were no injuries sustained in this incident.” One local resident said the girls were “badly shaken but unhurt”. Investigations are continuing.

A garda spokesperson told Dublin Gazette: “Gardai in Swords received a report in relation to an alleged suspicious approach in Applewood on Tuesday, July 17. Investigations are ongoing.” One local woman said: “These men were watching children as they were coming and going to the shops. Be on the lookout and please report to gardai. Shocking carry-on. Please keep your kids safe.” Cllr Newman (Ind) said he was dismayed to learn of the sinister incident and hoped it was a one-off. He added: “Sadly, it is important in this day and age that parents know where their kids are at all times and that they keep an eye on them. “People need to be very alert and on their guard, and to report any unusual activity – no matter how insignificant it might seem. We can’t be too careful where the safety of children is concerned.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Gardai at 01 666 4700, or to call the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

Meeting on bus routes A PUBLIC meeting on the proposed changes to bus routes in north Dublin will be held in Seabury Parish Centre in Malahide next Monday, July 23 at 8pm. Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) is hosting what he describes as the first in a series of public meetings to consider sweeping changes under the Bus Connects plan. He said: “This is an opportunity for the people of Malahide and surrounding communities to air their concerns about proposed changes to bus routes. “It is imperative that people have their say.”


19 July 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5


6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018

GALLERIES

David Branagan and Deirdre King

Pictures: JULIE O’BRIEN

Mary and Ray Meehan

Agata Kusak Thion and Theresa Cahill. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Chamber Summer BBQ 2018

Eileen Murray and Fiona McGinn

F

INGAL Dublin Chamber and The Penthouse @ The Wright Venue hosted the annual Chamber Summer BBQ on July 4 with a special American

Independence Day theme. Food on the evening was prepared by Hogs & Heifers and complimentary wine from California was available.

Marc Lynch, Miriam Ahern, Pol O’Murchu and Terry McCoy

Allan Gannon, Sharon Brown and Stephen Lam

Ian Hunter - Swords Pavillions, Fingal Mayor Cllr Anthony Lavin and Paul Reid, chief executive FCC

Erin Go Bragh GAA Street leagues


19 July 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

SWORDS : MAIN STREET WORKS FORCE VENUE SHIFT

Summer Fest to relocate into castle grounds SYLVIA POWNALL

SWORDS Summer Festival will take place exclusively in the grounds of the castle and the town park this year due to road works on Main Street. A one-way traffic system is in place on the main thoroughfare between Church Road and the Malahide Road junction to facilitate a major water main project. This means for the first time ever, all activities – including the ‘street carnival’ on Saturday – will move off Main Street to Swords Castle and Swords Town Park. Hot House Flowers are the main musical attraction on Saturday, July 21, playing a special 30-year anniversary gig at Swords Castle (tickets at http:// bit.ly/2l4ID24). The weekend of celebrations starts with some Seventies nostalgia with tribute band Abbaesque playing the castle marquee at 7pm on Friday. The event is a Lions Club fundraiser and tick-

Hands-on science fun Locals taking in the great mood on Main Street at last year’s event. Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

ets (€25) are available from Fingal Tourism office or by calling 087 244 0834. Saturday and Sunday will see a wealth of family fun, music, crafts and food in Swords Castle, with loads of free entertainment that would normally take place on Main Street happening instead at Swords Town Park from noon to 6pm. This is the fourth annual festival and it is organised by the same team that puts together the hugely successful Flavours of

Fingal event in Donabate. A spokesperson for the organisers said: “Whether you’re interested in Bosco, bouncing castles or puppet shows, this festival has something for you. “You can try your hand at jiving, or just have a stroll around the food village and craft fair in the beautiful Swords Town Park, while enjoying the sounds from the marquee stage.” The Chandelier Sessions are hosting their third garden party in the

Castle Gardens, Bridge Street as part of the festival on Saturday, July 21 from noon to 6pm. They promise a full day of eclectic tunes and scorching live performances from a great lineup of bands and DJs, with cold beer on tap thanks to the Attic bar. There’ll also be live music from Aidan Clerkin, Marvin & The Grooves and many more. For the kids, there’ll be a puppet show, zip wire, magician, face painting and loads more.

Wood you believe the tree-riffic spread of these roots in Swords? SWORDS residents have been marvelling at the root structure of a mature tree on the town’s Main Street which was removed by Fingal County Council. Some locals expressed anger and concern after the ancient London Plane species tree outside the former Star pub was cut down. However, the local authority has assured that a mature tree will be planted at the same spot in coming weeks that will have a root system compatible with an urban environment. According to the council, paving works and a seating area will also be installed after the replacement tree is planted. Thanks to Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) for the photo and update.

CHRISTINE Young from Swords is pictured at the national workshop for educators hosted by Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre, a Science Foundation Ireland-funded centre and the Department of Chemical Sciences, held in the University of Limerick. The workshop included explosions and

some of the coolest reactions in chemistry, with Christine – a trainee teacher at Loreto College in Swords – getting a hands-on look at some brilliant, engaging ways for educators to explore the richness of science and chemistry with students back at their respective schools. Picture: Oisin McHugh, True Media


8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018

HOUSING CRISIS: LOCAL AUTHORITY’S SHARE OF €1BN NATIONAL SPEND CRITICISED

FCC forked out €120 million for 312 homes in 2011 - 2017 SYLVIA POWNALL

COUNCILS spent almost €1 billion of taxpayers’ money to take private sector homes off the market since 2011 – with

Fingal County Council forking out €120 million. Data released under the Freedom of Information Act reveals that in all, 5,559 private sector units have been pur-

chased nationally from 2011 to 2017. According to figures obtained by Fianna Fail housing spokesman Darragh O’Brien, in Fingal, the local authority spent

a total of €120,172,828 buying up 312 private residences. A breakdown of the statistics gives Fingal an average unit spend of €250,750 in 2011 when just two units were bought, rising to €245,802 per unit in 2017 when 104 were purchased. The Department of Housing’s own figures show that it would have cost €199,000 to have built a new social housing unit in Dublin during the same period. Deputy O’Brien said: “In the midst of the worst housing crisis to have gripped the country, the Right-wing orthodoxy of Fine Gael has prevented the sort of response needed to deal with the crisis. “This data has revealed that [the] government has spent just short of €1bn in taxpayers’ money to purchase 5,559 homes, pricing families trying to buy their own homes out of the market without

Councils’ spend on homes across the city was revealed by Darragh O’Brien’s FOI request, with the Government’s response to tackling the housing crisis drawing criticism

adding to the national stock. “Not only has the Fine Gael plan driven up house prices generally, but in many instances it would have been significantly cheaper for the State to build new social homes. “ Ta ke D u b l i n , fo r

In Dublin it would have been €29 million less expensive to build the same number of units than the Government chose to buy instead example – it would have been €29 million less expensive to build the same number of units than the Government chose to buy instead. “This sad narrative is the very same in every county up and down the country; no vision whatsoever to bring new

housing stock on stream, and a severe overreliance on the private sector. “Affordable housing needs to be at the core of the forthcoming Budget, and we will fight hard to force FG towards adopting a comprehensive affordable housing scheme,” he said.

Brendan Ryan calls on income thresholds to be adjusted in bid to help tackle crisis

LABOUR TD Brendan Ryan has called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to increase income thresholds for social housing, which have not changed since 2011. The Fingal deputy also urged an immediate halt on removing people from the housing list for failing to meet the income thresholds. A single applicant for social housing in Fingal has a threshold set at €35,000 per annum. Beyond this, the threshold varies depending on family size, yet for an average family of two adults and two children the threshold only increases to €38,500 per annum. Deputy Ryan said: “The income threshold as it stands is simply too low and has led to more problems

being created than solved. Many families in the Fingal area have been on the housing list for more than seven years.” Deputy Ryan also expressed his total frustration at the current “disgraceful” situation, claiming it was forcing workers to put themselves into poverty in order to qualify for social housing. He said: “While the Government has consistently delayed reviewing the existing thresholds, housing prices rose by up to 12% last year. “Many people have found themselves being forced to refuse increased working hours or a promotion in order to ensure that they remain on the list and do not rise above the threshold.”


19 July 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

FASTNews

SKERRIES: STUDENTS DRAW AND DABBLE, TO POWERFUL EFFECT

‘Do Not Swim’ ban lifted at Claremont FINGAL County Council lifted the temporary ‘Do Not Swim’ notice which was erected at Claremont Beach, Howth on Friday. The bathing ban was imposed on Tuesday last due to suspected contamination of the water from bird and animal waste. The local authority said further testing took place on July 10, and the results of laboratory analysis were excellent. Members of the public intending to enter the water at any beach in Ireland are advised to check the water quality in advance by accessing the EPA website at www.beaches.ie or by checking the notice board at the entrance to each beach.

Men’s Shed funding hit with 7% cut €15m sale tag for site in Kinsealy

positive impact that they have on our society by limiting their ability to grow and set up in additional locations.”

CLLR Darragh Butler (FF) has expressed dismay at news that Men’s Shed groups around the country are to have their funding cut by 7%. The reduction is due to an overall budget cut of 10% to the grant aid available through Health Promotion and Improvement Services. Swords-based Cllr Butler said: “As someone who has seen the excellent contribution that the Men’s Shed groups are making in Swords, Balbriggan and north County Dublin, reports that their funding is to be cut is very disappointing “A 7% cut to funding to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association will severely hamper the organisation’s ability to support men and will limit the

A SITE in Kinsealy with the potential to deliver 100 new homes is up for sale through Savils auctioneers. The 6.5 hectares of land – the grounds of period dwelling Kinsealy House on the edge of Old Portmarnock – has planning permission for 100 housing units. The plot is now available for offers in excess of €15 million. John Swarbrigg from Savills Ireland said strong demand for housing would likely generate “a significant interest” from both national and international developers.

TRAVEL, PAGES 24-25

Prague Why Czech capital is a delight

Artists from Skerries Community College with an artworks and teacher, Claire Loughran; the Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Grainne Maguire; and Skerries Youth Support Services chairperson, JP Browne

Proudly using art to help spread positive messages SYLVIA POWNALL

YOUNG people in Skerries are sharing a powerful message through art with two inspirational murals launched to promote positive mental health. Skerries Youth Support Services (SYSS) and Skerries Community College recently welcomed Deputy Mayor Cllr Grainne Maguire to launch the second annual ‘Positive Mental Health Promotional Artwork’. The local community group and secondary school teamed up for the first time in 2017 to promote positive mental health and the popular initiative has returned this summer with the resulting artwork on display in Floraville, Strand Street. The project focuses on the area

of mental health and what this means from a young person’s perspective. The colourful paintings highlight some of the challenges that young people face today and that, although it is sometimes forgotten or ignored, it is just as important to take care of our mental health as it is our physical health. One artist from Skerries Community College, Gemma Keogh, told Dublin Gazette: “Our mural is dedicated to teens of the LGBT+ community who are learning to accept themselves for who they are. “The person in the painting is a non-binary teenager waving the Pride flag proudly, whilst standing on a rock which represents their struggle to be where they are today.”

Speaking at the launch, local YSS chair JP Browne said: “We are proud to display the wonderful works of art produced and would like to thank the students for all of their hard work and creativity. “We hope people will drop into Floraville and spend a few minutes taking in these fantastic pieces by young people on mental health.” SYSS founding members recognised the need to support the town’s young people and their families and came together in 2015 to set up the group modelled on the highly-successful volunteer group in Kinsale (KYSS). The organisation operates as a beacon for young people and their families in Skerries and surrounding areas by promoting information and services on positive wellbeing, including mental, physical

and sexual health, and personal safety. Since its launch in 2016, SYSS has produced an information booklet (Myself, My Life) and has circulated more than 15,000 copies in Skerries, Balbriggan, Rush and neighbouring towns. The booklets offer information and service contacts relevant to a range of issues often encountered by teenagers and young people, such as depression, sexuality, and bullying. The group has facilitated a number of public talks, a suicide awareness training programme, and is currently establishing a clinical youth support worker together with the North Dublin Drug and Alcohol Task Force. For further information, see www.SYSS.ie.

Shocked community pays tribute to late teen TRIBUTES have been paid to a tragic student of Castleknock College who died after a cycling accident in Co Kildare. Shane Duggan (16, inset) sustained head injuries after colliding with a car at Oughterard, Straffan on Tuesday evening, July 3. He was rushed to Beaumont Hospital but died from his injuries four days later. The teenager was with his twin brother Conor at the time of the

incident. The driver of the car, a woman in her 40s, was not injured. Shane was a third-year student at St Vincent’s Castleknock College,

which shared an emotional tribute on its website. It read: “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the tragic and untimely death of our brother Shane Duggan, 3rd Year. “Shane was involved in a roadside accident near his home in Ardclough on Tuesday, July 3. His twin brother Conor was with him at the time and was not injured. “Shane put up a brave

fight but died today (Saturday, July 7) at Beaumont Hospital surrounded by his loving family. May he rest in peace.” Gardai have launched a probe into the accident. A former MU Barnhall Minis player, Shane was a member of this year’s Castleknock College Junior Cup Team. In their tribute, MU Barnhall described Shane as a “very promising rugby player”. Shane and his twin

brother Conor also played GAA with Na Fianna Og for several years. Shane will be dearly missed by his loving parents, Derek and Mary; brother Conor; grandparents Frances Duggan and John and Mary Buggle; aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends. He was buried in Donacomper Cemetery in Celbridge after a packed funeral mass at St Anne’s Church in Ardclough.


10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Pictures: Kestutis Gelazis

Students showcase stunning work

P

ROJECT Fashion held their end of year show at Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre last week. Students aged from 7 to 15 showcased their collections which they have been working on since September 2017. The goal of Project Fashion is to teach the younger generation to set the ground work for future fashion designers.


19 July 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Celebrating 10 years with spectacular show L

LEIXLIP-BASED Dance LA put on a spectacular original show in the Helix recently to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Their production, We Can Be Heroes, is a story where science and technology is threatening the survival of planet Earth. This exhilarating storyline questions our overstimulated world of social media, its influence on teenagers today and our interactions with one another.

Fingal Enterprising Women Network Host Summer BBQ Evening

F

ingal’s Local Enterprise Office hosted the Fingal Enterprising Women Summer Network Event which was attended by 50 businesswomen last week at the Waterside Hotel in Donabate. Guest speaker at the barbecue was Leza Nulty (right), customer experience expert who delivered a masterclass on the fundamental considerations for Start Ups and SME’s to ensure that their CX Strategy is accurately meeting the needs and wants of their customers. Also pictued is Tina Fleming, managing director of Boekestijn Transport. Picture: SON Photographic Ltd


12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: MARLAY PARK IS A PICTURESQUE LOCATION IN SOUTH DUBLIN

MARLAY PARK BOASTS BEAUTIFUL TRAILS THROUGH FOREST-LIKE AREAS

DUBLIN MADE EASY

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST ATTRACTIONS MARLAY PARK HAS TO OFFER

N

ESTLED in the heart of South Dublin’s suburbs, Marlay Park has become synonymous with summertime gigs, but there’s much more it has to offer. The park measures a whopping 121 hectares and offers beautiful views of the Dublin Mountains. It has a number of amenities making it a lovely day out for everyone. Massive, luscious green fields are perfect to have a kickabout, or for lounging in the sun with a 99 from one of the ever-popular ice cream trucks. If that’s not your thing, the park offers trails through forest-like areas; so it’s like a walk through country woodland, without ever leaving the county. The 16 bus drops you right outside the door, or there’s also ample parking with two massive car parks. There’s loads on offer in this south suburban gem, but here’s three of our favourite things.

PLAYGROUNDS

THE FAIRY TREE AN illusive landmark of sorts in Marlay, the Fairy Tree is popular with far flung visitors and locals alike. Buried deep in the heart of the wooded area of the park, the hunt for the Fairy Tree is somewhat of a tradition. Families stroll deep into the woodland beyond streams and stone bridges, wandering to find the illusive tree hidden away for the perfect outdoor treasure hunt. The tree itself has a number of twigs and variations of moss decorating the trunk, with growths and carvings on the tree and its top giving a fantastic fairytale illusion. It’s definitely something that needs to be seen with your own eyes to truly appreciate how lovely it is. A favourite with kids and adults alike, it’s worth a wander around Marlay for.

MARLAY Park is home to not one, but two playgrounds – one more modern affair complete with giant climbing frame, and an older style, traditional wooden playground. Both are located at the College Road entrance to the park, but are worth the exploration for, especially if you have energetic kids needing some entertainment during the Summer. The main attraction is the playground located across from Marlay’s well-loved tennis courts. There’s something for everyone, even for adults; massive swings, a huge jigsaw, slides and a range of other playground activities – it’ll be hard to make time everything! The wooden playground is smaller, but is always packed with children eager to explore using the different activities on offer. It’s akin to the old Marlay playground that’s long since closed, but a more minute version.

WEEKEND MARKET

THE weekend market in Marlay has long since been a staple attraction for the park, selling a range of foods, accessories, books and beyond. Running every Saturday and Sunday (weather dependent in some cases), there’s a whole range of local fare on offer. Fruit and veg, gluten free items, dog biscuits, cakes and pizza, to name but a few of the stalls that set up outside Marlay House every weekend, with a large amount of seating located nearby in the Courtyard and on the massive field to enjoy your gourmet feast. The market is free to walk through, but the delicious smells will invite you (and your stomach!) in to try some of the food out. There’s often more than just food on sale, with handmade clothes and jewellery regularly available, as well as second-hand books and flowers.


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

CZECH PRAGUE OUT, A TRULY STUNNING CITY P24

MAGAZINE NISSAN LEAF LEADS THE ELECTRIC WAY P28

DUBLIN

The Rock scales silly heights P20

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

THE GIFT OF GAZ | THE FOOTY’S FINISHED

The post World Cup blues have set in but Les Bleus have Davy speaking sense

WELL, that’s the World Cup over Davy was looking fairly glum always loved that about the World now for another four years – four and when I met him this week for our Cup. Remember that mad Coloma half actually because it’s going to a usual catch up. bian keeper and the Cameroon lad country that’s as hot as Hell but the “I don’t know what to be doing who did the funny celebration? Great size of Cork next time. with me evenings now,” he says. “It’s stuff.” Jaysus, there’s a thought now. like post-holiday blues or something “I suppose it’s a way of opening What’s worse, eternity in Hell or with the World Cup over.” our eyes to different cultures and eternity in Cork? Neither sounds “I know what ya mean,” I says to all that,” says Davy. “It goes beyond appealing really. him. football in some ways. And with all Not that this Qatar place sounds “It’s great having football on every the horrible talk these days, wasn’t very appealing and sure what’s the day and seeing fellas you’d never it nice to see a country with such point in even trying to qualify if normally see play. That French a multi-cultural influence win the we can’t have a gargle while we’re young fella looks like a star and there tournament. I’d say that upset a few there? And there’ll be no nuns to were some of the lads playing for people that could do with a bit of sing the Our Father at to prove we’re Japan and Mexico that were great. I upsetting.” the best fans in the world. I have to hand it to him, Shame we didn’t make Rusthat was a fairly profound And with all the horrible sia really because it was a thing to say. At least as far great auld tournament and talk these days, wasn’t it nice as Davy is concerned anyit was a bit of a distraction to see a country with such a way. from some of the other “Still though,” he continmulti-cultural influence win the goings on. ues after he lowers his glass Sure, no sooner was the tournament down to the table. “It was tournament over and the nice to see England do well, mad fella with the funny but not win it. I don’t think I hair from America was could have faced that.” spouting all sorts with “There’s some cultural Putin standing beside him. boundaries you haven’t I think the Croatian hurdled over yet then?” I president was meant to be says to him. there too but she probably “Some things are just caught a cold after Vlad hard-wired,” he fires back wouldn’t share his umbrelat me with a grin and a la with her. wink.

Living it up at Longitude Zoe Deignan, Lauren Rock and Katie Morgan at Three’s #MadeByMusic base at Longitude. Over the weekend a line-up of top Irish DJ collectives celebrated connections Made By Music. Picture: Brian McEvoy See Gallery on Pages 22-23


14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

LEGAL EAGLE

BY WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS

Worried about the cost of help for ageing mum A READER writes: “I don’t want to put my mother in a nursing home. My mother, who is in her 70s, fell and broke her hip last October and it’s brought some things to a head at home, where she’s in a ‘granny flat’ off the main farmhouse. “I’m a single woman in my 40s, with a good job, own my house and get on very well with my mother and brother. Our father passed away a number of years ago and my brother took over the farm from a young age. “When mam broke her hip last year, I had to take time off work to take her to hospital and physio appointments afterwards and ensure she had everything she needed. “I’ve no doubt my brother and his wife do loads for her when I’m not there, but from the outside it doesn’t look like that. “Also, the knock took a lot out of her and she seems to be becoming much more ‘scattered’. “I’m wondering what to do? My brother and his wife don’t seem to want to be any more hands-on, and I don’t have the time, unless I give up work or go part-time, which I’m willing to do. But I’m concerned about the cost. “The main farmhouse is still in her name and I know she has some savings, but I’m not sure how far they would stretch, as nursing homes seem incredibly expensive. “Do we have to pay for

all the home help or could the house be sold if she had to go into a home?” Reading that, of course, I appreciate this is a difficult situation for everyone. The first and most important matter that needs to be addressed is your mother’s health and you should arrange for her to be seen by her medical practitioner. Depending on what the doctor says, it would be important now that your mother ensures her will is up to date and accurately reflects her wishes, or if she has not made one to put one in place. This may all seem like rather morbid advice – however, it is always important to take care of these things in a timely manner to prevent difficulties down the line. Your mother should also give consideration to creating an Enduring Power of Attorney, otherwise known as an EPA. An EPA gives a person chosen by your mother legal authority to make decisions on her behalf about her financial affairs, property and welfare, should she lose the mental capacity to do so. It is crucial, however, that it is created before a person starts to deteriorate mentally, as if you wish to create an EPA you must be of sound mind and have mental capacity. The home help service provides support to people in the community who need help with day-to-day tasks because of illness or

disability. The service assists people to remain in their own home and to avoid going into long-term care. The HSE either provides the home help service directly or contracts non-profit or private providers to supply the service on its behalf. There are a number of arrangements that could be made, but it would be best to contact the HSE directly to see what may work for your circumstances. In relation to the nursing home, I would advise you to consider the relief available with the Fair Deals Scheme. This will involve you making an application for a Care Needs Assessment. There will then be a financial assessment, which takes account of income and assets. If you are an eligible applicant, then you must provide 80% of your assessed income and 7.5% of your assessed assets each year. There is also a three-year cap on payments. As I don’t have the space here to give you sufficient direction on such an important matter, I would again urge you to explore options with the relevant professionals. Finally, I would also urge you to talk to your brother and sister-inlaw. Clear and effective communication with no blame attached goes a long way – it’s clear that you all care for your mum.

WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS specialise in litigation, personal injuries, probate, conveyancing, employment law and family law. Their offices are located at Unit 7E, Nutgrove Office Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. For further information, please call 01 291 0300, email info@walshandpartners.ie, or else visit the site at www.walshandpartners.ie. DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in this article, Walsh & Partners Solicitors do not accept responsibility for errors or omissions howsoever arising, and you should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

One of last year’s winners, Ayesha Taniya, with her original work – and the big billboard it appeared on

COLOURING COMPETITION LOOKING FOR DUBLIN ENTRIES

Pencil this one in for your kids MARK O’BRIEN

A COMPETITION that turns the most vivid scene from a kid’s imagination into a sky-high reality is back and bigger than ever. Returning this summer, the BIC KIDS Young Artist Award is giving proud parents across Dublin the opportunity to see their child’s drawings graduate from the fridge door to a massive public bill-board. Open to all 5 to 11-yearold, entrants are encouraged to flex their creative muscles and draw with complete freedom. Judges will award points for everything from creativity and use of colour to composition and subject matter. An expert judging panel comprising creatives from the marketing, publishing and illustration industries will select the Dublin finalists, whose work will be displayed on billboards from late August. A public vote will then decide the ultimate winner from the 13 regional finalists from across Ireland

Another 2017 winner, Eliana Goodall, proudly shows her work displayed on a billboard

and the UK. Rebecca Huda, BIC UK and Ireland’s Product Manager, Stationery, said: “We’re delighted to be returning with our BIC KIDS Young Artist Award. “Last year’s competition was a great success and we were overwhelmed by the quality of the art-work we received. “We can’t wait for this year’s imaginative entries to start pouring in, ready to be displayed – there’ll be some proud parents for sure.” Carrie Longton, cofounder of competition

partners Mumsnet, said: “Sitting down with a pen and paper is such a formative experience and gives children a chance to let their imaginations run wild. “Seeing something that you’ve created plastered on a massive billboard is a once-in-a-lifetime op-portunity and if the standard is anything like last year, then we’re in for a treat.” As well as the priceless opportunity to have their drawings published, the 13 deserving finalists will win a hamper full of BIC KIDS goodies.

Specifically designed to help children to hone their artistic talent, these hampers will include an ar-ray of exciting stationery products including the BIC Kids Evolution Ecolutions colouring pencils, Kid Couleur felt pens and Plastidecor crayons, to name just a few. Entries are now open, until Sunday, August 5. Once your kids have created their masterpieces, parents can enter by visiting www.bickids.com/uk/ youngartist and uploading the artwork before the deadline.


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

PEOPLE NEW PROGRAMME GIVES TOURISTS A LOCAL VIEW OF CITY

Great Greeters making visitors feel welcome to our fair city RACHEL D’ARCY

HAVE you ever landed in a foreign country, wondering what it would be like to see it through the eyes of someone local, rather than your typical bus tour? Alternatively, have you ever wanted to show Dublin to a tourist through your own eyes, and show off all of our city’s little quirks and secret spots? Dublin Greeters is a new initiative, currently taking on volunteers to welcome people to our Fair City. The Greeter Network is a global programme, available in countries across the globe, but has recently started up in Dublin thanks to Gavin Ow and Kevin Flood. Gavin told Dublin Gazette: “I heard about the programme in other countries and was surprised to see there wasn’t a Greeter programme in Ireland. “I contacted the Global Greeter Network to get an Irish network established a few weeks ago, and it just went from there. “They told me someone else was also interested

Meet the Dublin Greeters – Gavin Ow and Kevin Flood

I’m passionate about Dublin, and I want to help people see the city in a unique way in starting an Irish programme, and that’s how I met Kevin.” Aimed at helping visitors to new cities see their way around, and a completely free initiative, new visitors to Dublin can contact the Dublin Greeters through their website to organise a ‘Greet’ – an experience akin to a walking tour. Kevin and Gavin will then get in touch, and they arrange the best meeting place to ‘greet’ visitors. Gavin said: “Usually we pick our favourite spots in the city to meet, to try and give a personal view of Dublin.

“Kevin has set places he likes to bring people, to show them around. He used to be a tour guide and he’s retired now, but he still loves showing everyone around. He has a really good knowledge of Dublin. “I’m passionate about Dublin, and I want to help people see the city in a unique way.” Kevin told Dublin Gazette that the best way to truly understand the programme is to embark on a ‘Greet’ with either himself or Gavin. The retired former tour guide told us that he has such a passion for sharing his knowledge and love

for Dublin that conducting ‘Greets’ is his hobby. The Global Greeter Network was initially started in the Netherlands in the early 1990s, based on four core values – optimism, diversity, community and fun. Today, there are Greeters in more than 200 cities worldwide, with the programe now growing to 6,000 Greeters globally. In the past year, according to Jon Nusse, the chairman of the Global Greeter Network, there have been more than 75,000 greets across the world. Other cities taking part in the Greeters programme include Los Angeles, London, Berlin and many more. If you’re interested in getting involved with the programme, Dublin Greeters are currently looking for more volunteers who are passionate about Dublin and what it has to offer. For more information, visit dublin.greeters. info, or take a look at globalgreeternetwork. info for a list of cities where you can organise a ‘Greet’ on your next adventure.

If you’re passionate about Dublin, why not become a Dublin Greeter too?


16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

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Casting of the Spear: The new Lord Mayor of Dublin and Honorary Admiral of Dublin

Port, Nial Ring, took to the waters of Dublin Bay to take part in the annual ‘Casting of the Spear’ ceremony. The tradition dates back 530 years and was his first official duty. Also pictured was Lucy McCaffrey, Chairperson Dublin Port Company and Eamonn O’Reilly, chief executive, Dublin Port Company. Photo: Conor McCabe Photography

The Little Prince is coming to dlr Mill Theatre FRESH from its preview at the 2018 GalwayTheatre Festival, Morgan Creative presents a dramatic re-imagining of Antoine de-Saint Exupery’s “The Little Prince”, translated and adapted by Oisín Robbins. The Little Prince is a fantastical adventure that explores growing up and how the imagination we are all born with can save us. Antoine, the narrator of the tale, is spending a few days repairing his airplane engine when he is visited by a boy that comes from another planet.

In his bid to help Antoine survive the lonely days in the dessert, the Little Prince recounts his experiences hopping from one planet to the next, and in doing so, makes some startling revelations on adulthood, and what it means to live in this crazy, wonderful world of ours. The show takes place in the dlr Mill Theatre in Dundrum from August 1 to 4. Tickets priced €12 for adults and €10 for children are available from www. milltheatre.ie.

PUZZLE PAGE, PAGE 21

Challenge your brain Codewords, Word Search and Sudoku

Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

DIARY

Calling Doggy Detectives for unique family fun event HAVE you got a barking good nose for detective work, or consider yourself a Sherlock Bones? On July 21st, Dogs Trust are holding their annual ‘Doggy Detectives’ event, and they need the most talented dog-tectives there are. The event needs an undercover team (you) to take part in a number of mystery and discovery themed workshops. As a ‘doggy detective’, you will head on a behind he scenes tour of the Dogs Trust rehoming facility in Finglas, sniffing out

clues in an educational treasure hunt, focusing in on the theme of responsible dog ownership. Detectives will also be asked to carefully inspect a “Inspector Paws” video and will then try out some experiments to see how good a dog’s senses are. The event takes place from 12 to 2:30pm and is most suitable for children aged 7-13 and their families. Single tickets cost €5, while a family ticket for 4 costs €18. For more information, visit dogstrust.ie.

GAZE LGBT Film Festival launches programme

A cultural feast

THIS year’s Festival of Curiosity kicks off today (July 19) and runs until Sunday. Promised to be jam-packed full of ‘playful days and curious nights’, the Festival of Curiosity promises a feast of events as it celebrates science, design, arts and technology in venues across the city centre. Homegrown in Dublin, the festival takes place annually in July and has become known as one of the most exciting festivals of it’s kind in Europe. For more information, check out festivalofcuriosity.ie.

The GAZE LGBT Film Festival has officially launched the programme for the 26th edition. The launch took place at The Dock – Accenture’s multi-disciplinary research and incubation hub at 7 Hanover Quay – and was attended by special guests and filmmakers. Major titles announced include Disobedience, which stars Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams. A woman returns to her Orthodox Jewish community that shunned her for her attraction to a female childhood friend. Once back, their pas-

sions reignite as they explore the boundaries of faith and sexuality. Also confirmed to screen at the festival is The Miseducation of Cameron Post, starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Jennifer Ehle. Based on the book of the same name by Emily M Danforth, the film tells of Cameron Post, a 12-yearold Montana girl, who is sent to a ‘de-gaying’ conversion camp after her parents die in a car crash and she is sent to live with her conservative aunt. Full details of all the events are available at www.gaze.ie , where

tickets are also on sale. The GAZE 2018 Film Festival takes place at Light House Cinema, Smithfield, from August 2nd to 6th, 2018. Rachel Weisz stars in Disobedience

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers have teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Maisie is a beautiful and very intelligent four-yearold female Collie crossbreed. She is an active dog and loves her daily walks and activities. She is really good at doggie brain games such as scent games, agility, obedience training and her favourite game is fetch. Maisie likes to make new friends on her walks out and about but she can become a little worried by loud noises or when unfamiliar people or dogs come too close. She is a typical Collie and is full of beans, so she would suit an active household where she will have lots of company. Maisie really has huge potential and will make the perfect agility or flyball partner and a very loyal companion! If you have room in your heart for Maisie, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @ DogsTrust.


18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

GOINGOUTOUT

PICKWEEK OF THE

JULY 23 (MONDAY)

Grace Jones @ Trinity College, €60 Singer, songwriter, supermodel, producer, actress and icon Grace Jones brings her vivacious and highly charged live show to the Summer Series at Trinity College. A pioneer of the expansive vocal range and inspiration for modern legends like Rihanna and Lady Gaga, Grace Jones’ live concerts are always a delight.

Keywest

Gutsy Dublin Buskers Hit the Big Time

JULY 19 (THURSDAY) Paul Young @ Bulmer’s Live @ Leopardstown, €17 Glenn & Ronan @ The Sugar Club, €23 Dublin Quays Festival @ The Workman’s Club, free Anna Burch @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15

JULY 20 (FRIDAY) The Academic @ Iveagh Gardens, €35 Iron Sky @ The Bowery, free Niall McGuigan @ The Workman’s Club, €10 Summer Watch Festival Whelan’s, free Whelan’s summer festival tends to announce its line-up late, but is usually crammed full of three days worth of up and coming local talent, and with free entry, you can hardly go wrong.

JULY 21 (SATURDAY) The Coronas @ 3Arena, €42 Local heroes play another huge show, having relocated back to Ireland following a relocation to London. Aslan @ The Iveagh Gardens, €40 Pillow Queens @ Workman’s Club, free Summer Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, free

JULY 22 (SUNDAY) Summer Watch Festival @ Whelan’s, free Dublin Blues Cartel @ Whelan’s, free

JULY 23 (MONDAY) Grace Jones @ Trinity College, €60 The Gaslight Anthem @ Vicar Street, €36.50

JULY 24 (TUESDAY) Il Divo @ Trinity College, €55 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €7 Steve Earle & The Dukes @ Vicar Street, €42

JULY 25 (WEDNESDAY) Rag N’ Bone Man @ Trinity College, €45 Galway Street Club @ Whelan’s, €10

A FEW YEARS ago, you’d have been hard pressed to walk the streets of Dublin without stumbling across four-piece pop-rockers Keywest, often found plying their trade around Grafton Street or Temple Bar. They’re following a well-trodden road: there have been a number of successful Irish acts that first unveiled their skills on the footpaths of Dublin, from The Hothouse Flowers to Ryan Sheridan, The Riptide Movement to Glen Hansard. Keywest used to draw a substantial crowd to the main shopping streets as they struggled by in a shared house, perfecting their sound and living from meagre takings. These days, they’ve quit the streets, and find themselves propping up the charts instead. Drummer Harry Sullivan, in fact, was a late arrival in the band. “It never felt that awkward,”, the late draft pick from the UK said. “It was a strange existence, but they were so welcoming. We were all crammed in this house and we had to go out and

 JAMES HENDICOTT

busk to make the money to get food in. We used to go over to the supermarket at the time they reduced the prices. But it was great fun. “It always felt like it was going to work out to me, though,” Sullivan explains. Keywest were modestly established by the time he arrived, at least in terms of the local scene, he was leaving behind his native London to join an up and coming band, a move his family were surprisingly positive about. “They knew it was a dream, a good fit,” he explains. “They’ve always been supportive.”

While it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, Keywest’s rise to the top of the Irish charts has been swift. They hit the peak with 2015 release ‘Joyland’, with this year’s follow up ‘True North’ also hitting number three locally. “We don’t really busk a ny m o r e, ” S u l l iv a n admits following the chart success, “but it taught us a lot about grabbing a crowd and connecting with people. “You have the time it takes someone to walk by to get their attention. It’s a real learning process. Anything that didn’t work in that environment kind of feels like it wouldn’t work as a song to us, so I guess that’s a measure of what goes on the album.” True North has solidified a bond with fans that first formed on the city’s streets. “The album is us moving on a little bit,” Sullivan says. “It’s a lot about our experiences, what’s happened in the last few years, and about reflect-

ing on that. It’s about finding out what’s real.” “We see a lot of stuff these days with social media and the internet, where people don’t really reveal their true selves, but what they think other people want to see. It can be really difficult,

ers its message through the medium of accessible melodic pop rock, and does so with real heart. Keywest’s dedicated audience have followed them from the streets to sell outs at the Olympia Theatre, making them a poster-act for success in

it’s a bit disconnected from reality. “We wanted to look into that a little on this album, and also make it clear to people that it’s not always straightforward. “Life can be hard. I don’t think we should be afraid to say that, and to talk about our problems and our challenges.” The title track, ‘True North’, an exploration of mental health, deliv-

the harsh world of Irish music. Their voices highlighting the dark side as they enjoy the ride might just be their bravest and smartest move yet. Keywest play Bulmers’ Live at Leopardstown on Thursday, July 26. Tickets cost €20, and include pregig horse racing. The band will also support Imelda May at her Trinity College show on July 29.

Life can be hard. I don’t think we should be afraid to say that, and to talk about our problems and our challenges


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

ENTERTAINMENT EXCITING WORKS AT THIS YEAR’S THEATRE FESTIVAL

Programme to turn Fringe on its head Seahorse. Picture: Engin Akyurt Epoch. Picture: Ayesha Ahmad

A Holy Show. Picture: Ste Murray

MARK O’BRIEN

DUBLIN Fringe Festival has announced the line-up for its 24th edition, with a programme that is sure to turn the city on its head this September. Some of the hottest new talent will perform across 23 venues in the city – from a vintage bus trav-elling around the Phoenix Park to City Hall; from Stephen’s Green to outside the GPO; inside your earphones and on the heads of iconic Dublin statues. Dublin Fringe is Ireland’s largest multidisciplinary arts festival, and home to the bold and brave showcasing brand-new ideas for the first time – this year, the festival will run for 16 days and nights, stage an impressive 80 productions, 554 performanc-

Ruth McGowan, Fringe festival 2018 artistic director

es, with 55 world premieres. Fringe introduces the hottest new talent and connects artists with audiences. As a year-round or-ganisation, it sources and develops talent. Artists such as Alison Spittle,

Rusangano Family, and the hit play, Dublin Oldschool – which has been adapted into a critically successful film – all started at Dublin Fringe. “This programme is pulsing with energy, adventure and joy,” said Ruth McGowan, Dublin Fringe Festival’s new artistic director. “It’s a festival of firsts – each of the 80 events are brand-new and happening in Dublin for the very first time at Fringe. “We’re introducing the essential voices you need to hear from. I can’t wait for you to meet them.” This year’s festival highlights include The Money by Kaleider Productions – a cross between a game and a theatrical performance. Choose to be either a Silent

Witness or a Player and take a seat in City Hall as the audience have one hour to decide unanimously how to spend a pot of real cash. A Holy Show by Janet Moran and presented by Mermaid Arts Centre is a new comedy about the 1981 hijacking of an Aer Lingus plane by an ex-Trappist monk with a bottle of water as his weapon, the Pope as his nemesis, and a burning desire to know the third secret of Fátima. This year’s festival also boasts 10 free shows across the programme. Dublin Fringe Festival runs city-wide from September 8-23. All 2018 Fringe events are now on sale at fringefest.com, or by calling 1850 FRINGE (1850 374 643) from August 29.

Twenty One Pilots all set to fly in to Dublin for a 3Arena gig (but it’s not until next March) RACHEL D’ARCY

AFTER dropping two new songs last week after a year of silence, ‘Stressed Out’ stars Twenty One Pilots have announced a gig at the 3Arena next March. Best known for Stressed Out, and Heathens, the American duo have previously played Ireland a handful of times, gracing the stages of the Academy 2 and Academy Main Room before graduating to take on the 3Arena next March 1 as part of their Bandito world tour. Multi-instrumentalist Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun announced the release of the band’s new album, Trench, with the debut of two new tracks – Jumpsuit, and Nico and the Niners.

Trench is the follow-up to the Grammy Awardwinning duo’s 2015 release, Blurryface, which sold more than 6.5 million copies globally. The new album is due for release on October 5, giving fans plenty of time to learn the new tracks before Tyler and Josh hit Irish shores next year. The Bandito world tour will begin on October 16, and will cross three continents before reaching Dublin and Belfast. Tickets for Twenty One Pilots’ show next March are priced from €49.90, and are on sale from Ticketmaster now.

For Saoirse. Picture: Babs Daly


20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

TOP TWEETS

CINEMA | CAN SKYSCRAPER CLAIM THE DIE HARD CROWN? My word of the day is ‘quockerwodger’: a 19th century wooden toy puppet whose limbs jerk about at the whim of the puppet master. It soon became used for a politician whose strings are pulled entirely by someone else. @susie_dent So... close... Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson jumps for it, tackling a tower of terror in his latest entertaining but ultimately forgettable action film

The Rock scales silly heights SHANE DILLON

AN OLD friend recently moved home to Hong Kong for good, but before

he went, we went ambling about through Dublin city centre, ending up near whatever The Point is called these days.

There’s plenty of industrial construction going on over there, and I nodded over at the rising towers across the river, saying

StillShowing... THE FIRST PURGE

A devilishly relevant origins story for the franchise WITH the current wave of ‘dark’ politics currently sweeping through American life, The First Purge (Cert 18, 97 mins) gains an underlying subtext that works in the film’s favour, just about elevating it beyond its B-Movie status. If you ever wanted to learn how The Purge – an annual 12-hour night of murder, chaos and terror, when anything is legal – came about, this origins story is for you, tapping into Purging’s tropes and lore, with echoes of contemporary divisions and political divides.

SICARIO 2

Mines the failing war on drugs for dramatic tension WE RETURN to the ongoing ‘war against drugs’ with Sicario 2 (Cert 15A, 122 mins) picking up more or less after where the first film had left off. In an attempt to disrupt violent drug cartels along the southern US border, ‘the good guys’ (largely in name only) try to kidnap a drug kingpin’s daughter, with events soon spiralling out of control. It’s an interesting film, and handsomely shot with many visual nods to the first film, but it’s just a wholly unecessary sequel that’s not as good as Sicario.

JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM Getting ready to stomp off over the horizon

IT’S probably our last nod at Jurassic World (Cert 12A, 128 mins), which looks set to go stomping off over the cinema horizon to make room for newer blockbuster beasties. These dinos stomped all over the summer charts, with the tale of a mass dino rescue from their exploding island home – just the start to a nefarious tale of corporate shenanigans – proving a hit with audiences. However, at this stage even dinosaurs are a bit boring, so some fresh storytelling blood would be welcome .

HEREDITARY

Another great addition to the modern social horror genre SOMETHING of a curate’s egg, Hereditary (Cert 16, 127mins), has wowed most critics and audiences, and has proved a welcome addition to the newly resurgent modern social horror genre. It doesn’t mine the creeping horror that a film like, say, Get Out does, but its slowly burning dread is still fairly gripping. Toni Colette excels as an artist mum trying to cope with her own ‘difficult’ mother’s recent death – but her own family life begins to fracture as awful, creepy things start happening to them all.

how tall they were. This sent Mok into fits of giggles, as he gasped: “They... they are not ‘tall’!” Maybe Mok was right – it’s hard to impress any Hong Konger with a ‘tall’ building or skyscraper – yet that was a challenge for writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber to achieve with his new HKset film, Skyscraper (Cert 12A, 102 mins). The titular tower here is The Pearl – a vast building that dwarfs everything else in HK, and filled with enough super-duper new tech that it might as well be a new Hogwarts extension, such are the almost magical aspects of some of its impossible tech. Speaking of super-duper, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson rocks up as Will Sawyer; the brand-new tower’s security risk-assessing veteran who was formerly a top FBI agent. Will’s an amputee, having had one leg part amputated in the line of action, but that’s just part of his character – although inevitably this returns as a character point when things go pyrotechnically wrong at The Pearl. Long, slightly messy gangsters-and-moneylaundering backstory short, it’s not long before The Pearl is attacked by terrorists and mercenar-

ies, with half of the building set ablaze, Will’s wife and family trapped, and Will framed for the spreading fire. What’s an ordinary dad with the body of a Greek god and a burning need to save his family from a blazing tower gonna do? The Rock’s gotta roll into action to get into the tower, climb the superstructure and – well, you can work out the rest. Long before this point, and if you’ve seen any of the trailers, you’ll have already been thinking of two films, which loom large – even larger than The Pearl – over the film: Die Hard, and The Towering Inferno. It’s inevitable that either such classic film returns as a mental reference again and again, but especially Die Hard, given how masterfully that unlikely Christmas film went on to definitively rule the ‘tower of terror’ genre. That film’s towering success still casts a long, long shadow over similar films today and, in short, this ain’t no Die Hard, although it certainly tries hard to build on that 1988 film’s strengths. The Rock rarely puts a foot wrong, as he’s such a naturally charismatic, likeable lead that even when saddled with an absolute-

ly awful turkey like Doom (2005), he’s watchable, and Skyscraper very much plays to his strengths. Team him up with his latest screen wife, Neve Campbell, and their standardly cute twin kids to save, and you have a fine, fun family in peril at the heart of the film. However, it’s hard not to think of an uncomfortable darkness cast over all the spectacle by last year’s horrific Grenfell Tower blaze, giving this dumb-but-spectacular film a patina of peril that I’m sure the studio never intended. More than that, despite some decent action set pieces and the best burning real or digital sets that money can buy or render, Skyscraper simply can’t reach the lofty, silly heights of Die Hard, playing things a little too earnestly. Local Chinese talents do their best with their roles, but without a core villain as hammily enjoyable as Alan Rickman’s unforgettable Hans Gruber to cheer on, Skyscraper comes up short, delivering little more than a fun but forgettable action film. It reaches for the skies, but you won’t come away with many stories about this particular tall tale. Verdict: 6/10

It’d be hard to trump that word dug up by wordsmith Susie – not without puttin’ in some serious effort first

Elderly lady on the 39 bus - “My Brendan’s really frustrated not being able to use his hosepipe.” @OverheardDublin She’s talking about the ongoing ban. We hope.

I told a customer good morning and he said “Time means nothing to me”. He’s the only person I’ve ever respected. @pants_leg And Vienna means nothing to me. Oh, Vienna...

So football is not coming home but extending its gap year to learn French. @WeeMissBea Sounds like the best thing to do if you’re overconfident about your team but then get a oui bit disappointed


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

PUZZLES

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

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SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

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

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HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS amaranthus aster chrysanthemum clematis cosmos dahlia fuschia geranium

malope marigold pansy prunella rose sweet pea viola wallflower zinnia

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22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

They’re lovin’ Longitude ‘18

O

NCE the rumours that someone as old as 30 had been spotted at this year’s Longitude faded away, the exuberant crowd of young people got on with the serious business of enjoying this year’s line-up at the popular Marlay Park festival in Rathfarnham. People came from all over the country to the popular festival, which this year saw a dizzying line-up, which included the likes of Post Malone, Diplo, Sza and Sigrid, to name but a few. Pictures: INPHO/Ryan Byrne; facing page at Three’s #MadeByMusic base: Brian McEvoy

Senator James Reilly and Mia Raftery approve of the ice cream party

Deputy Roisin Shortall and Harry Brassel

Laura Furlong and Minister of State Mary Mitchell O’Connor

Senator John Dolan has some fun with Alisha Harrington and Lola Duff

Deputy Sean Canney with Odhran Yeates

Eve McHale and Emily Rosenkranz

Sorcha Maguire with Deputy Jan O’Sullivan. Pictures: Robbie Reynolds

A lickle bit of fun P UBLIC representatives from across the political divide set aside their differences to join a new party at Leinster House recently – an ice cream party, arranged by Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI). The HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Party was hosted by Senator John Dolan, with senators and TDs joining several DSI guests and their families for a tasty treat, tucking in to a delicious way to support HB’s fundraising for the national organisation. Over the past 17 years, the partnership has helped to raise €3.2 million, with the politicians urging the public to host their own Ice Cream Fundays Party to help support DSI.

Caitlin Hanlon and Jack McNally

Jenny Creavy, Rebecca Dooley and Carragh Sweeney


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

Rapper Jafaris

Lucy Kilbride, Shane Gillen and Etaoin Corr

Jack Grealish and Lauren Walsh

Stevie G performing on stage

Katie White and Emily Leahy

Haley Cassidy and Rosin Kelly

Wes Quirke and Rosanna Davison

Dearbhla Melia, Gerard Keevers and Roseanne Melia


24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

THE CZECH REPUBLIC: BOHEMIAN BEAUTY ABOUNDS

Czech Prague out if you want to find a truly stunning city SHANE DILLON

IF, LIKE me, you’ve always wanted to visit the 14thlargest city in the EU (Prague, of course), you’ll find it’s very easy to Czech out. That’s a terrible pun that was good enough to use twice, in this headline and intro alike, but you’ll soon find that the Czech Republic’s astounding capital is a place where seemingly everything repeats, over and over and over again, and in a good way. Cobbled streets, many mosaics, churches, archways, cafes, trams, towers, turrets, bridges, bars, bikes, spikes and spires – you can Czech them all off, again and again, as the Bohemian city is a place that reinforces its sights over and over, creating a singularly striking setting. It’s a place that many of us have sitting on our bucket list as a dreamy, rosemantic and historical city that we’d all love to see – and, with a less prosaic view, it’s also one of Europe’s beer capitals – so a quick hop on a 2.5-hour flight will soon whisk lovers, families or beer-lovers alike over to the Czech Republic’s capital. This ancient city has been home to all kinds of rulers, visitors and victors down the centuries – from Bohemian kings to Nazis to Communists to Velvet

Revolutionaries to modern ‘invaders’ (groups of Irish and British gentlemen stuffed into Anto’s/Kev’s Stag Do t-shirts) – but Prague’s patient citizens are well used to dealing with burghers and burgers alike, offering cultural and popular attractions for all kinds of tourists and budgets, today.

Town quarter, which is home to a huge amount of historical and cultural sights alike, and surrounded by endless eateries, bars and boozers. The quarter’s rambling streets are perfect to go ambling along, with most roads, byways and alleys eventually leading to Old Town Square, the wide

OLD Town Square is a repeat must-visit area, with its 14th Century Town Hall giving the best views of the city from its tall Clock Tower (main picture), while those at ground level can admire the striking Church of Our Lady before Tyn (above) on the other side of the square. Before – and after – you’ve made the ascent to the top of the tower, grab some cool ice cream (or a beer) at one of the many smart restaurants or casual bars dotted all around the square’s edge.

Dubs, in particular, should feel at home here, as our capital is comparable in some ways to theirs – with just about 1.3 million citizens, and a sprawling city footprint that yet has a compact, easily walkable town centre, Prague is a very approachable city (with Metro lines, to boot). Most visitors are drawn with the rest of the throng to the beating historical heart of Prague – its Old

heart of historical Prague, and set along the edge of the city’s moving, thoughtful old Jewish quarter. The square is a place to die for – quite literally, centuries ago, as it’s where all manner of the city’s very best (and worst) people were variously beheaded, burnt at the stake, and otherwise executed. These days, the only killings going on are plenty of hours at the many pretty

bars and cafes all around the square’s sides and side streets. However, with such a marvellous setting in which to watch the world go by, you could happily stake an entire evening’s time and budget on hanging out here, staring up at the stark silhouettes rising above you. Two things dominate the square – the stout, dark towers of the Church of Our Lady before Tyn to the east, and the Town Hall to the west, which is home to Prague’s legendary 600-year-old astronomical clock, the third-oldest in the world. Alas, the landmark clock is currently hidden away for refurbishment, but there’s plenty of time to set aside your disappointment to go up to the top of the Clock Tower (which offers the very best views over the entire city), before descending to grab a signature ice cream or drink at one of the many neighbouring bars. The Clock Tower (admission: 250Kr) is just one of many things to climb up, up and away from the bustle of the city’s streets – there are towers and other things to climb dotted all over the city centre and beyond, with plenty of smooth stone staircases, clanging metal steps, lifts, spiral ramps and even steep hills to give you ele-

From warring Bohemian kings of old to more recent occupations by Nazis and Communists, Prague’s history has been a long, complex and often violent one, but the city has survived and flourished. Today, tourists flock to it from all over the world, with everything from its old Jewish quarter to its fantastical architecture to its appeal to beer lovers providing something for all tastes and budgets, making it a perfect destination for a weekend break or a longer stay.

vated views over this city’s antiquity. Most such towers and landmarks charge 250 Czech Koruna (or Crowns, which is close to €10) or less for admission, making that 25-to-1 ratio also something that’s easy to keep in mind when paying for anything. Away from the endless sights of the Old Town quarter, the main drag in town is Wenceslas Square – and a drag it may be, if traipsing past such traditional Czech outlets like Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, Marks and Spencer’s, and signs for the likes of Rocky O’Reilly’s Irish Bar or, erm, Hooters isn’t quite your

thing either. Wenceslas Square is actually a very long street rising into a gentle hill – personally, I don’t think I could

class a very long, narrow rectangle as a square, but the Czechs seem to have managed to square that particular circle. (They could probably manage that feat, too.) Dotted with all kinds of high- and low-budget shops, stores, hotels, bars, clubs and boozers, Wenceslas Square is the retail and nightlife heart of Prague; a little like Grafton Street, Temple Bar and Henry Street all rolled into one. You might have to look around almost as much as Head of Franz Kafka (by David Cerny) to find this kinetic sculpture on the edge of Old Town, but this, gleaming, shifting, twisting, giant tribute to the hugely influential Bohemian writer is well worth looking out for. Pictures: Shane Dillon


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

TRAVEL

For one of the best views of the River Vltava’s gentle bends, many bridges and the sprawl of historic old Prague, just walk over Cechuv most (north of Old Town) and head left up the hill, to Hanavsky Pavilon – then take in the view

Charles Bridge (Karluv most) is a truly iconic landmark, and somewhere you almost expect to see in black and white – but unless you go to it at the crack of dawn (top), expect to find it swarming with tourists (above)

Full in the daytime with Prague locals, Czech grannies (doing their ‘Clery’s run’), teenagers and tourists, Wenceslas Square turns into a nightlife hub once the sun goes down, with strip clubs and the like dotted off the street – just one more reason there are so many Antos and Kevs (and their Hen counterparts) wandering about at all hours. However, you’ll still find plenty of cultural highlights dotted around here, too, with the smallish but brilliantly-staged New National Museum (200Kr, 340Kr family) just off the very southern end of Wenceslas Square just one of many places that are great for kids. Of course, no trip to Prague would be complete without crossing Charles Bridge (Karluv most). Still arguably the defini-

tive Prague landmark, it’s a particularly lovely bit of architecture to stroll across, passing by the statues of many saints and scholars lining its sides, rubbing the ‘lucky’ brass plaques at the base of some, glancing over at nearby Prague Castle’s dramatic turrets and spires sweeping up into the sky... That’s assuming that you arrive at dawn or soon afterwards, however, as the bridge very, very quickly turns into an absolutely jam-packed crush of heaving masses for the day. Luckily, early birds – and I do mean early – can find the bridge largely empty, save for specks of fluttering white every 100 yards or so, as a range of canny bridal photographers nudge sleepy charges into place to get the perfect wedding shots before the

The Powder Tower, a key landmark that’s a short stroll to the east from the Old Town Square, is just one of many worth visiting to take in some superb views (inset)

In many of Prague’s churches, they seemingly ran out of wall before they ran out of gold and marble, such as at St Nicholas Church, at Mala Strana on the Vltava’s west bank

The black, spindly silhouette of Prague Castle dominates the city’s skyline (right), enticing visitors to come over to explore its vast complex of beautiful palaces and chambers

hordes arrive. Seeing Charles Bridge during a summer sunrise (5.30am or so, sleepyheads), is definitely a bucket list experience to savour. That’s only a flavour of Prague – I haven’t even touched on her jaw-droppingly elaborate churches

mucking about in swanshaped pedalos on the river; or about the beer tankard-bearing skills of Prague waiting staff. Nor have I talked about walking through crab apple groves in Petrin Park; standing in the shadow of the world’s largest metronome overlooking

and cathedrals; the fantastic fusion of Gothic, Baroque and even Brutalist architectural styles all around; the complexities of the vast Prague Castle complex; simpler delights like the world’s only Cubist streetlight; the everspinning monument to Franz Kafka; family fun

the city; or grabbing an ice-cold drink near John Lennon busker/graffiti wall. I haven’t even talked about picking up blue glass souvenirs; feeling like a Harry Potter extra in the empty viewing deck of Henry Tower, or accidentally photobombing a

Chinese couple’s wedding shots at Charles Bridge ... But that’s the thing about this city – once you’ve been, it’s clear that your first trip won’t be your last. It may not be the most Prague-tical thing to be thinking about, but I can’t wait to go back...


26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

FOOD & DRINK

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD Pictures: Barry McCall

Veteran Olympia barmaid Maureen Grant (92) has served enough stars and legends down the years to have become one herself

Irish actor Barry Keoghan has wowed in the likes of Dunkirk, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, as well as being a Dior ambassador

A former Miss Ireland, model Aoife Walsh has carved out a successful career, with a popular blog that also proudly celebrates redheads

Ivy’s Irish roots growing RACHEL D’ARCY

TO COMMEMORATE its opening next week, The Ivy Dawson Street invited acclaimed Irish photographer Barry McCall to capture portraits of some of Ireland’s best loved people. T h e p o r t r a i t s a re intended to highlight the diversity of Dublin – some-

thing The Ivy hopes to champion by catering for all occasions and tastes. Recognisable faces in the campaign include musician and mental health advocate Bressie, actor Barry Keoghan, The Olympia’s bestknown barmaid Maureen Grant, and Rala (Patrick O’Reilly). Jamie Belton, general

manager of The Ivy Dawson Street said: “By collaborating with Barry McCall, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed photographers, The Ivy Dawson Street is staying true to The Ivy Collection’s ethos of celebrating the local area, people and neighbourhoods. “I think this portrait series of 12 people with

There’s Sam-thing delicious at Camile RACHEL D’ARCY

THAI restaurant Camile have teamed up with one of Ireland’s best-known exports for a dish of her own creation. Singer, actress and former contestant of Celebrity Master Chef, Samantha Mumba, has teamed up with the restaurant to act as ‘guest chef’ on a brand-new dish. Samantha created a vegetarian version of one of Camile’s best loved dishes, bringing to life a Chickpea Massaman Curry that’s available from Camile now for a limited time, priced €12.95. House-made daily, the ‘Gotta Tell You’ singer’s dish is packed full of chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and good old Irish potatoes,

fragranced with Thai holy basil. Served with steamed brown and wild rice, it’s sure to be an irresistible dish for all the family. Talking about the collaboration, Samantha said: “I genuinely love to cook for my family at home and I am excited to be collaborating with Camile and being able to share this recipe. “As a food lover, I enjoy cooking and eating healthy dishes that are both flavorsome and filling – giving me lots of energy that I need as a busy working mum. “I am delighted that this guilt-free dish will be conveniently available for those with a craving for something wholesome but deliciously satisfying.”

very different stories helps highlight the amazing di-versity of Ireland, all captured beautifully by Barry on the streets of Dublin and in his studio.” Barry said: “I’ve always loved The Ivy in London, so it’s good to see The Ivy Collection making its way over here. Dublin is in a great position for developing its own take

on the restaurant, and I loved working with all the great people chosen for the portrait campaign. Looking forward to enjoying many an evening out there!” Located on Dawson Street, the brasserie-style restaurant and bar will accommodate up to 200 guests with a range of menus on offer.

JP pours all his energy into new Heineken dishes HEINEKEN Ireland has announced the launch of its next limited edition Wild Lager: Wild Lager Himalayas, which is now available in selected bars around Dublin. Wild Lager Himalayas (H32), a lager with fresh hints of citrus and a full malt character, is the second limited edition Wild Lager released in Ireland, following the success of Wild Lager Patagonia (H41), which was released in Dublin last year. To celebrate the launch of the new lager, Heineken Ireland partnered with Michelin Star winner JP McMahon to create The Wild Lager Menu – a four-dish tasting menu inspired by each lager’s coun-try of origin. The menu, created using wild and foraged Irish produce and ingredients, can be enjoyed during events across Ireland this summer, including The Galway Arts Festival and The Big Grill in Dublin. To accompany Wild Lager Himalayas, JP made monkfish with asparagus and woodroof, as well as goat’s curd with nettles and dandelion oil. To pair with Wild Lager Patagonia, JP created a ribeye steak with wild garlic pesto and roasted ha-zelnuts dish, as well as wild Irish mussels from Galway Bay with dillisk. Speaking on the partnership, JP said: “Wild Lager by Heineken is a totally new beer style with unique flavours that pair perfectly with the wild flavours of real Irish produce. “Creating The Wild Lager Menu was a journey of discovery; a culinary adventure, of sorts. “I’m looking forward to sharing the dishes and both Wild Lagers with the Irish public throughout the summer. It’s going to be wild.”


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

HOME & STYLE

GIDDY GIDDY UP! UP! Dundrum to sponsor Horse Show Ladies’ Day

 Seoulista Instant Facials - €14.95

sponsorship of

Get radiant skin even in the hotter weather

Ladies’ Day at

RACHEL D’ARCY

Dundrum Town Centre have announced their

the ‘Longines FEI

Summer weather can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you’re planning on taking a flight to even warmer climes than our own currently is. Just in time to tackle potential issues with a range of benefits, Seoulista Beauty have launched a new premium Advanced Clinic Formulation range. The range includes their Diamond Radiance Instant Facial, and a Gold Glow Instant Facial. Seoulista combine Korean skincare formulations with bio-cellulose to deliver ‘salon-quality skincare’ in 20 minutes. Both Diamond and Gold masks contain Vitamin B3 to tackle fine lines and dullness, Adenosine with proven anti-wrinkle benefits and Vitamin C to address uneven skin tone and dark spots. Seoulista Beauty Advanced Clinic masks will be available from July in Arnotts & Harvey Nichols Dundrum and can also be purchased online www. seoulistabeauty.com

Jumping Nations Cup™ at the Stena Line Dublin Horse Show’ for the fourth year running. Taking place on Thursday 9th August, Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day is a key date in Ireland’s fashion calendar, showcasing the glamour, originality and elegance of Irish style. TV & Radio personality Doireann Garrihy will be the Dundrum Town Centre MC for Ladies’ Day. Speaking at the announcement Doireann said: “Being one of three [sisters], fashion has always been important in my house, so I jumped at the chance to be part of this gorgeous day. I can’t wait to see what this year’s trends will be and to be inspired! I love getting a sense of how other women put together their look, finding out who inspires them and how style makes them feel.” Doireann will also be joined on the day by the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day judging panel; Blogger ‘Retro Flame’ aka Erika Fox, and Irish

 COS Layered open-back dress €89

Independent Fashion Editor, Bairbre Power. This year Dundrum Town Centre will go one step further in support of Irish style as they open their first Irish Design Pop-Up shop stocked only with Irish designers. Margaret O’Connor has even created an exclusive collection especially for Ladies’ Day that will only be available at the Irish Design Pop-Up in Dundrum Town Centre. The pop up will open from 21st-24th July on Town Square in Dundrum Town Centre.

BACK Details COS backs are sexy The latest collection from COS is focusing on one overlooked aspect of clothing - back details. Timeless pieces are reinvented in simple ways, exploring clean lines with elegant back detailing. The pieces, which all feature in the high street store’s Spring/ Summer ‘18 collection, all cater to getting your shoulders out in the sun with pride. The details are minute, but still manage to pack a punch. From delicate tank tops and beyond, the pieces are versatile for any occasion. All products are available now in stores and online at cosstores. com.

Penneys’ sizing scheme set for a shake up Penneys have announced that their whole in-store sizing scheme is changing to a new, more inclusive system. Slowly beginning to appear in Penneys stores across Dublin, the new sizes will see numbers eradicated and replaced with letters. Gone are the days of searching for a size 12 or 16 – sizes will now range from 2XS to an 2XL, extending their size range and promising a better quality fit for gals

of all shapes and sizes. The new size guide includes new sizes also. A 2XS will cater for sizes 4 and 6, and for curvier ladies, sizes 22 and 24 will fall in under 2XL. The new sizing only applies to certain items for now, but each store has a guide to the new sizes on display too. In a statement, Penneys said that they have made the change to fall in line with other high street retailers, and following customer research.


28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19 July 2018

TECH TIME

Will apology go Nissan Leaf Elon way to make leads the up for odd insult? electric way SHANE DILLON

Musk Tweets

sdillon@dublingazette.com

LITERALLY at the time of going to print, one of the biggest tech stories of the week out saw a possible end to an ongoing bizarre row that sprang up around the Thai cave rescue and the controversy-prone boss of Tesla, Elon Musk. Musk has made a name for himself in recent years with his significant investment and research into self-driving cars, as just one of many prominent tech projects he’s been attached to. However, he also regularly generates negative press over spats and personal attacks on critics and journalists, with the past week and a bit providing some prime, juicy Musk headlines. With the world’s attention focused on the Thai cave where that awful situation of the trapped boys and their coach was playing out, Musk volunteered his company’s services, setting engineers on the task of creating a mini-submarine/tech that could help with the rescue. Eyebrows were raised a little by his sulky stance when his offer of help was rejected, as he basically dismissed the person leading the rescue efforts as not a particular expert anyway. However, his subsequent actions earlier this week saw explosive media attention from around the world, with Tesla backers and investors angrily calling for a public apology from Musk. In case you missed this unsavoury story, Musk made some bizarre tweets, since deleted (but inevitably seen by many, and saved for posterity – and detailed, right) in which he personally attacked one of the cave’s rescue divers, British diver Vern Unsworth. After Unsworth dismissed Musk’s offer of experimental submarine help as a PR stunt, Musk responded with an angry tweet saying he’d make a video showing his mini-sub working, which included: “Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it”. As if publicly attacking a critic and

MACHINE OF THE WEEK

Original tweet, responding to diver rubbishing Musk’s offer of a sub device to help in Thai cave rescue: You know what, don’t bother showing the video. We will make one of the mini-sub/pod going all the way to Cave 5 no problemo. Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it. Followed by this reaction to someone querying Musk’s calling diver a ‘pedo’: Bet ya a signed dollar it’s true.

Elon Musk

bizarrely accusing them of being a paedophile wasn’t bad enough, Musk made matters even worse by following with another Tweet backing up his outlandish insult, saying: “Bet ya a signed dollar it’s true.” Both tweets were soon deleted – but the damage was done, with Unsworth (at the time of writing) still considering his legal options after such an outlandish insult was made in front of millions. Even more pressing, a loud chorus of disapproval from many of Tesla’s investors was very vocal in slamming the comments and the figurehead’s behaviour alike. A common theme from their responses was ‘frustration’ that Tesla’s efforts to create potentially revolutionary tech constantly get overshadowed by negative press related to Musk himself. One investor made the point that constant negative press because of Musk’s behaviour could impact on securing access to capital, as the man, rather than the brand, is often the focus of critical media attention. At the time of writing, the elusive Musk finally upped periscope to resurface with an apology, also detailed right.

Followed eventually by this apology: As this well-written article suggests, my words were spoken in anger after Mr. Unsworth said several untruths & suggested I engage in a sexual act with the mini-sub, which had been built as an act of kindness & according to specifications from the dive team leader. Nonetheless, his actions against me do not justify my actions against him, and for that I apologize to Mr. Unsworth and to the companies I represent as leader. The fault is mine and mine alone. It’s reported that Unsworth has told Reuters he’s aware of Musk’s apology, but has made no further comment on a possible settlement or legal action. Apart from the tragic death of hero diver Saman Kunan in the rescue attempt, the bizarre row cast seemingly the only negative press and headlines on a tale that was seized upon by the world as a good-news story that the planet could cheer on, with tech also playing a crucial role in helping to map and execute the rescue of all involved. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next, and whether Musk’s public apology will be enough to bring an end to this odd, negative story tacked on to the end of that nervewracking crisis. Recovering well: The rescued Thai children, and their coach, with a portrait of diver Saman Kunan, still in hospital

The Nissan Leaf challenge was taken to the ultimate this week as Michael Moroney brought the new generation electric car on a nationwide tour where despite initial range anxiety and a scarcity of charging points, he’s clearly impressed There is a great community of knowledge and friendliness emerging around the electric car world as public charging points have become places of warm discussion, helped no doubt by the good weather. This new community of sharing was so evident when I took the new Nissan Leaf on my usual lengthy test drives. Everywhere I stopped for a charging boost I met either other Leaf drivers or people who were fascinated by the electric car concept. And I learned so much about the car that I was driving, mainly from existing Leaf owners, all of whom were delighted to enthusiastically share their electric car driving experiences. And not a bad word among them. After over 1,000km of driving, not your typical electric car driving profile, I have developed a new confidence in the car. Driving an electric car in Ireland is about changing your

Nissan Leaf 40kW Electric Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Driving range max CO2 emissions Full charging time Fast charge time Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price mindset; you need to plan your journeys with charging at the other end or in between, always in mind. My journeys to Cork, Portlaoise and Kells, Co Meath all required strategic planning. Fast charging and top charging gives you new opportunities to become a coffee expert and I found I quickly created work opportunities during these charging intervals. The charging network still needs more work, while the ESB app to locate the charging points is good, there are not enough

Electric 150hp 7.9 seconds 0 km/litre (0 l/100km) 378km 0g/km 6 hours 40 minutes for 80% 5 star (2018) 5 years/150,000km €28,690 (after €5k grant) of them out there. The Nissan Leaf electric car is great, but the network lets you down a little. Even with careful planning and while you can travel the country comfortably, the range anxiety still takes some time to ease, and it will as you become better at planning your journeys. This Leaf is a very impressive car. Firstly, it’s an attractive new car, with real car looks, a car that you would be proud to own. On the inside, the Leaf comes with an improved 7 inch, full-colour (TFT)

Spirit Motor Group appointments THE Dublin-based Spirit Motor Group has appointed Alan Moore as the new managing director of Spirit Motor Group. Alan has worked with the OHM Group, owners of Spirit Motor Group, for the past fifteen years. Jim Ryan will assume responsibility as dealer principal for the recently renovated Spirit Jaguar Land Rover flagship dealership in Sandyford. Spirit Motor Group operates ten sites across South Dublin, West Dublin and North Wicklow, employing in excess of 180 staff. Total employAlan Moore ment in the OHM Group now exceeds 350.

Jim Ryan


19 July 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

TECH & MOTORS

Audi upgrades the A1 LAST month, Audi unveiled the second generation of its compact model A1 model which will be available in Ireland later this year. The car retains its overall look from the past in a design style that’s very evolutionary. The car retains its wide track and short overhangs on the new Audi A1 Sportback. Audi claims that the new model has grown significantly in length, with an additional 56 millimetres now measuring the car at 4.03 metres while the width has remained almost the same at 1.74 metres. The new-

The new Nissan Leaf entry prices are from €28,690 (after €5,000 Government grant), and the car is attractive and spacious and great to drive despite a shortage of charging points, with the extra bonus of significant BIK savings for company car drivers

display to highlight key features, including information from the audio and navigation systems. The standard navigation features also includes real-time information on the nearest charge points of which there are not enough, just yet. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available through the system. The car has its own app to allow drivers to remotely get information about the charging level of the car. It also allows you to adjust the climate control while the car is being charged, saving battery capacity, so that on these warm days it is possible to have your car cooled down in advance of returning to

it, after a day at the seaside. The car’s performance has also been significantly improved as the new electric drive system delivers 150bhp (110kW) of power and 320Nm of torque, a match for most cars in this size category. With this comes improved acceleration performance where you get a 7.9 second from 0 to 100 km/hr acceleration, making this is the fastest car to accelerate in the c-segment of the market where the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus dominate the sales. The new Leaf is the first electric vehicle to undergo Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Pro-

cedure (WLTP) and delivers a range of up to 378 kilometres on the Combined Cycle, or higher in city conditions, on a single charge. This is claimed to be a 50% increase over the previous generation Leaf. The WLTP test is designed to reflect real life situations more accurately. This means that you can enjoy longer journeys, by using the interconnected by the extended European CHAdeMO Quick-Charging network which is well catered for on the Irish motorway network. Charging time from alert to 80% (quick charging – 50kw) takes 40 to 60 minutes at one of the stops, while it’s around 7.5 hours from alert to 100% with a

generation model stands only 1.43 metres in height, including aerial. Audi claims that the A1 Sportback is fit for the digital future. Even the basic version comes standard

7Kw wall box, one of which I have at home. Longer driving demands that you use the car’s adaptive cruise control to maximise its efficiency. I quickly came to terms with the new Nissan Leaf’s revolutionary e-Pedal technology. This allows acceleration, deceleration and full stop with the simple increase or decrease of the pressure applied to the accelerator. With a deceleration rate of up to 0.2G, the e-Pedal eliminates the need for drivers to constantly move their foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal to slow down or stop.

I found that this helps reduce fatigue and stress in daily city driving, and it meant that I was using the brake pedal way less than I would in a conventional car. The entry prices start at €28,690 after the Government grant of €5,000. This is a real car with good comfort, great handling and a decent boot. Running costs are minimal as public charging remains free and an overnight home charge is rated to cost you not more than €3. So it was safe to say that my 1,000km driving week cost me less than €20. Do you need any more convincing?

Ford’s new and BEST EVER Focus is here FORD’S new Focus, introduced last week, claims to deliver more style, space and advanced driving technologies for mid-size family car customers than ever before. The car is noticeably different in terms of styling, with a longer bonnet and new body curves and an overall more sporty and faster look. Ford claims that the car is the most aerodynamic in its class. Ford also claims that the new Focus also introduces a comprehensive range of advanced driving technologies that can help drivers make light work of stop-start traffic; see more clearly when driving in the dark; park simply by holding down a button; and avoid accidents. These new advanced driver assistance technologies make driving a Ford Focus on motorways, in stop-start traffic and in town

easier than ever before; and they are designed to make the driving experience more comfortable, less demanding and safer. This Focus introduces FordPass Connect onboard modem technology for customers in Europe, turning the vehicle into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. FordPass Connect also enables Live Traffic

updates for the navigation system, and using the FordPass mobile app drivers can easily locate their car in sprawling shopping mall car parks, check fuel levels, remotely lock and unlock their car, and even start it remotely. FordPass Connect is an optional extra which will be connected at the time of vehicle delivery. The Live Traffic access feature is complimentary for the first 2 years following the purchase of a new Ford featuring SYNC 3 with navigation and after that a licence fee is payable. The new Focus arrives into Ireland this month and will be priced from €24,900, which is about €500 more expensive than the current equivalent model. The car will initially be available in 4 series in Ireland; Zetec, STLine, Titanium and Vignale. The Active Series will arrive in Ireland in 2019.

with a fully integrated digital 10.25-inch display and a multifunction steering wheel. Audi claims that the interior of the new Audi A1 has been designed to be driver-focused. All of the controls and the optional MMI touch display are strongly driver-oriented, with the eye being naturally drawn to the sporty compact unit of air vent nozzles, hood and the digital display. Audi claims more luggage space capacity by an extra 65 litres extending the capacity to 1,090 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Opel packs more load space into new Combo OPEL has just introduced the 5th generation of its compact Combo van range to the Irish market, which will be available here from September. This new van has been developed on a completely new architecture within Groupe PSA Citroen Peugeot, the undisputed European leader in the commercial vehicle business. The new Combo offers a wide range of variants to choose from including a short version with 4.40 metres length, a long version with 4.75 metres. Both models come with cabins that feature two or three front seats, and a spacious five-seat crew cab. Opel claims that the new Combo outshines most of its main competitors with a load volume of up to 4.4m3, a payload of up to 1,000 kg and a loading length of up to 3,440 mm for objects and work material. This new Opel van comes with up to 19 assistance systems, some optional, that claim to make driving, manoeuvring, transporting goods or a crew easier, safer and more comfortable.


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GAELIC GAMES P39

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

TRIPLE THREAT: HOCKEY/MOTORSPORT: NICCI Daly is gearing up for a massive month as she leads the line for the Irish women’s hockey squad at the World Cup in London before switching her focus to her Formula Female motor-racing team. The former Dublin footballer will take to the track for the first time in a predominantly male field to raise funds in honour of her father.

GAZETTE

SOCCER P37

PAGE 34

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS SWIMMING| NATIONAL CENTRE STAR SHINES IN HELSINKI

Coyne edged out of Euro medal places  sport@dublingazette.com

NIAMH Coyne came agonisingly close to a medal in the 100m Breaststroke on the final night of racing at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Helsinki, Finland last week. The National Centre Dublin swimmer had progressed across heats and semi-finals in second place, swimming a lifetime best in the semi-final of 1.08.56. In the final, the 17-year-old swam her second fastest time in the event ever to come within five hundredths of a second of a medal; Germany’s Elena Brandt getting her finger to the wall in 1.08.68, just ahead of Coyne’s 1:08.73. Lithuania’s Kotryna Teterevkova claimed the gold medal in 1:08.03 with Russia’s Anastasia Makarova in the silver in 1.08.46.

Coyne returns to action at the Irish Summer Nations at the end of July and is one of four swimmers nominated to the Olympic Council of Ireland for selection to the World Youth Olympics Team in Argentina in October. Also in action was Robbie Powell raced the 50m Freestyle Semi-Final. The Athlone swimmer bettered his time from this morning touching in 23.30 to place 13th overall. Speaking at the conclusion of the event, team leader Andy Reid commented: “The European Junior Championships always provides our up and coming athletes a very real taste of international swimming ahead of what is hoped to be a successful senior international career. “As in recent years, the standards have been exceptionally high and yet our young team has achieved

National Centre Dublin swimmer Niamh Coyne came within a few inches of landing a medal at the European Junior Swimming Championships

much and learnt even more. “We return from Helsinki with ten individual swims seeing us progress into semi-finals or finals, a relay final and three Irish Junior Records. “The staff are very proud of the teams’ professional approach to racing and how they have present-

ed themselves in the arena and we look forward to working with their home programme coaches to ensure even further progress next season.” Next up for Team Ireland will be Glasgow 2018 where 12 swimmers and three divers will compete at the European Championships from August 3 to 10.

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

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


34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

CASTLEKNOCK CONGRATULATIONS to Ciara Golden & Rebecca Cassidy who were part of the Dublin Minor B Leinster championship semi-final win over Kilkenny. Well done to our Division 3 adult hurlers who had a great two point win over Thomas Davis in their League (Castleknock 1-15 Thomas Davis 1-13) and also to our Division 6 ladies footballers who kicked off their championship campaign with a great win over Craobh Ciaran. Well done also to Ciaran and the Dubs on their win over Donegal in the Super 8’s. Club Fit out Appeal - our new clubhouse building programme is making great progress and with your help we’re looking to make our house in Somerton our home. The club is asking members to help out in a number of ways- by contributing finanically through our donation appeal or bond scheme, by donating or sponsoring material or by volunteering your time and skills to the fit-out or maintaining of our new clubhouse. If you are interested or, please contact any member of the club executive committee.

FINGALLIANS Raffle winners - 1st. Prize: ADULT footballers: Both Division 2 and 6 teams won on Sunday morning in the league. Pictures: The summer holidays are back. We will post on our Facebook page any pictures of kids wearing their club colours from around the world. Please let us know the team they play with. Please send to Fingallians@gmail.com . For the adult members, we will retweet any pictures you forward from the four continents showing off your holiday destination with the club colours. Kelloggs Cúl Camp: Thanks to all who helped run a very successful camp last week. Remaining Camps: Applications at the club bar - dual Summer Camp: July 23-27, 9am-1pm. €50 members/€70 non members; Hurling School of Excellence: July 31 to August 3, 10am-2pm. €60 members/€80 non members Paul Flynn Football School of Excellence: August 7-10, 10am-2pm. €60 members/€80 non members Dual Summer Camp: August 13-17, 9am-1pm. €50 members/€70 non members. Race Day Update:

Tracey and Paul Shanahan, 2nd. Prize Cormac Mulroy, 3rd.Prize Leyna Rodgers, 4th. Prize Lynn Hardy , 5th. Liam Ryan, 6th. Michael Pathek, 7th. Derek Farrell & 8th . Jarleth Lennon. Thank you to our Race Day Sponsors: J.C.’s, The Cock Tavern, Jones Garden Centre, Dermot O’Malley & Co., Acumen & Trust, Halpenny Golf, Spar, Keelings, Levins Print, Abco Kovex, David Rodgers, Purple Property Management, Midair Aviation, Hitachi Vantara, Fields Jewellers, Cross Hire, OSG Vericlaim, CityJet, Mick O’Reilly Motors, M & L Manufacturing, CityJet, Beech Tree Nursing Home, The Wear Group and Counterpoint. New Morning Gym Class with Meredith: New Bootcamp class over the summer holidays suitable for anyone aged 13 and upwards. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am in the gym. €8 drop-in or €10 for both classes. Na hUimhreacha Buaiteach Lotó: 11, 13, 15, 16 & 33. We had one winner, R Redmond. The jackpot on Tuesday evening will be €2,224.

HOCKEY/MOTORSPORT: MULTI-TALENTED WAYS OF NICCI DALY

World Cup driving Daly’s dual passion  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

A LIFETIME in the making, the multiple sporting strands of Nicci Daly’s life reach an incredible crescendo this month. On Saturday, she lines out against USA as part of the groundbreaking Irish hockey team that will play in their first World Cup for 16 years. It follows eight years – and over 150 caps – of graft, including two devastating Olympic qualifying campaigns. Then, on August 18 and 18, along with Emma Dempsey, she will get behind the wheel of a racing car for the first time in earnest at Mondello Park at the Historical Racing Festival as part of the Formula Females Race against Cancer. Her father Vivion was a celebrated figure in Irish motorsport before he passed away from cancer. Her uncle Derek drove in Formula One and so it will be very much in the family tradition when she hits the track in her 1.8L 160Bhp Rover 25 saloon in a “future classics” class. They will be the only two women in the field of 20, adding to the challenge with all funds raised from the venture going to the Irish Cancer Society, making it a tumultuous month for the Dubliner after a lifetime around the sport. “Since the day I was born, every Sunday I was at the race track with my family. My dad, the brothers and sisters, it was always a family

affair. “That was how I spent my weekends from when I was four until I was 13. My brother and I always pestered him to see if we could get more involved. “I think if he was still around, we probably would have got into karting as his career was about to wind down, he would have enjoyed helping us out.” But his passing ruled out that avenue. It meant she redirected her sporting passions in other directions to incredible effect but the fire still burned to do something in motorsport. “It’s such an expensive sport, if you don’t have the finances and at the age we were, we didn’t have the experience to take it on ourselves. The opportunity never came around. “In the last few years, it weighed heavy on my mind that I wanted to get back involved and that’s where the Formula Female thing came in.” Dempsey was another who grew up around the paddock with her father, an arch rival of the Daly clan in their younger years and was “mad to get me into a car” and eventually it got the green light. “I just asked ‘can we do this for the Irish Cancer Society and in memory of my dad?’ and it’s just taken off since there.” Many of her father’s former sponsors and crew have come on board getting her to the brink of this moment.

First though, the full focus is on hockey and the World Cup. Again, it was not an obvious journey to this point. She was initially a Gaelic footballer primarily until she went to High School in Rathgar where she started to make representative teams. A bout of shin splints, though, saw her put hockey on hold for

Since the day I was born, every Sunday I was at the race track with my family. It was always a family affair.

three years before being coaxed back by the current Irish coach Graham Shaw to play with Tallaght club Glenanne in 2008. It was pretty meteoric from there, getting a call into the Leinster Under-21s within six months and an invitation to the Irish senior team trials just a few month

Nicci Daly in action for Ireland against Chile last week (Picture: Adrian Boehm) and, right, with her new racing helmet.

later in April 2009. Big decisions arrived almost immediately, the tough nature of county or country showing itself when Dublin won their first AllIreland ladies football title in 2011. “I had only just got called into the Dublin senior team the same year I got into the Irish team. I had been with the Senior B team. There’s always that ‘ah, should I have stayed on?’ but then again would I have had my opportunity with the Irish team? You just don’t know. It was hard to take when they did win eventually but I chose hockey and it has been good ever since!” There have been low points, most painfully missing out on the Rio Olympics by the width of a post in a shoot-out in Valencia. But the side produced a series of superb results in 2017 to qualify for this week’s World Cup. “It’s the biggest tournament we have played in, the first time since 2002. “There’s hype around family and friends, it’s just something we have worked so hard for, been disappointed with not making the major tournaments. Getting there, feeling really good about it, I just can’t wait.”


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CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN MIXED league fortunes last week for Intermediates with a win and a loss.They beat Ballyboden St Endas at home but lost away to Trinity Gaels on Sunday morning. Minors turned in a great performance to Na Fianna coming from 10 points down at half time and seven points down with 10 minutes left to win by four and top their league group-well done to all. Very little juvenile activity during the holiday period but off field fundraising continues with Tesco Roselawn via their Blue a Token Campaign.All club members are asked if they shop in Tesco to place tokens in Westmanstown Gaels container. A date for club members diaries is Friday, November 23 which is the Club Annual Dinner and Awards night.This year the club celebrates two significant milestones in the 50th Anniversary of the relaunching of the Garda GAA Club.

NAOMH PEREGRINE THERE was a record attendance of over 150 children at last week’s Cul Camp. Well done to all those who attended and a special thanks and congratulations to Amanda and all the coaches, mentors, parents and special guests who made the week such a success. Maith sibh go léir. Registration for the second summer camp taking place from August 13-17 is already available online at www.cnp.ie. Well done to Aoife and Niamh Heffernan and the Dublin Camogie minors on reaching the Leinster Final, beating Kilkenny by 10 points. Well done to our inter hurlers on their win and the minors on reaching the

playoffs in the league and our juniors on their recent drawn matches. Well done to Eric Lowndes and the Dubs on overcoming their first hurdle in the Super8’s. There was no winner of the club lottery, numbers drawn were 1-2-4-6. Next week’s jackpot is €8,800. Anyone lucky enough to get a ticket for the Tyrone v Dublin Super8s match should contact Dave McEneany to see if there’s enough interest to organise a bus to travel to Omagh and back from the clubhouse. While the club’s “No Pay – No Play” rule applies, overdue membership fees can be paid online on www. cnp.ie.

NAOMH MEARNOG WELL done to our adult hurlers who enjoyed an impressive win over league leaders Round Towers Clondalkin during the week. The team and management have put in a great effort throughout the year and this is certainly starting to pay off. Our junior footballers defeated St Vincent’s in a very entertaining game last week. A special word of thanks to the management of both our junior footballers and hurlers who, despite several players being unavailable, continue to field teams. Our U-16 hurlers have enjoyed a good run and sit proudly near the top of their league. Our camogie girls continue to do us proud. Laura and Miriam Twomey helped Dublin defeat Wexford and the team is now in with a great chance of reaching the championship quarter final. 19 year old Aoibhe Dillon created some sort of record on Sunday when she scored 15 points for the Dublin Premier junior team.

CRICKET: RUN FEST AT JACK HARPER MEMORIAL PARK AS RUSH

Doheny in a Rush to chase Briggan down in Division 2 LEINSTER DIVISION 2 Balbriggan 326 all out Rush 327 for four Rush win by six wickets  sport@dublingazette.com

RUSH produced a cracking run chase to reel in north county rivals Balbriggan at Jack Harper Memorial Park, closing the gap at the top end of Leinster cricket’s Division 2 after a run-fest last Saturday. Balbriggan batted first with Conor Fletcher and Adrian Harper opened up and reached 15 in the third over before the latter was caught behind by Neill Rock off the bowling of Allan Eastwood. But the hosts recovered from the setback with Farooq Nasr joining Fletcher for a 62 run partnership, 48 of which were scored by Nasr with nine fours before he fell lbw to Neary. Neary also bowled Fletcher for 21, pegging

them back to 92 for three. Adam Keefe and Tim Maruma batted steadily for about ten overs, bringing the score to 141 where Keefe was bowled by Aaron Maguire. It brought Nathan Rooney to the crease and it brought about a brilliant partnership of 126 in 16 overs with Rooney scoring 63 off just 50 balls to up the rate massively with five sixes thrown in. When he departed, Ehtesham Ahmed joined Maruma and the runs continued to flow. A partnership of 51 in six overs ended when Ahmed was caught and bowled by Stephen Doheny with Balbriggan on 318 for six after 46 overs. Three runs later Timcen Maruma eventually fell for a brilliant 125 in 117 balls. After that Balbriggan lost their way and added just eight further runs to end on 326 all out, a little short of what

they would have hoped for late in the innings. With a fast outfield and a good wicket Balbriggan’s total was gettable. Conor Armstrong and Stephen Doheny opened the batting for Rush and immediately went about their job with vigour. They reached 113 in the 20th over when Armstrong was stumped by Adam Keefe from the bowling of Aidan Murray. Conor Mullen joined Doheny and the pair put

on 80 in 11 overs taking the score to 193 when Mullen was caught by Adam Keefe off the bowling of Syed Harris. It had Rush right on top of the run rate though and Neil Rock joined Doheny who was batting brilliantly for the biggest partnership of the innings. The pair put on 126 in 15 overs. Rock was caught by Keefe from the bowling of Aidan Murray but Doheny had serenely passed his century by

this time. He was joined by Shahid Iqbal to seemingly knock off the winning runs. When the score was 323, Doheny was bowled by Ehtesham Ahmed for a magnificent 142 hitting 11 fours and fouir maximums. It was a late glitch as Rush passed the total with 17 balls to spare. The win moves Rush into third place with Malahide top and Balbriggan in second.

Purcell in GB&I Trophy team

Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell. Picture: Phil Inglis/Golffile

PORTMARNOCK’S Conor Purcell is one of three players from Ireland named in golf’s Great Britain and Ireland team for the 2018 St Andrews Trophy. The 21-year-old from Portmarnock, a son of PGA professional Joey, reached the semi-finals of The Amateur Championship to help secure his place in the team. He joins Flogas Irish Amateur Open champion Robin Dawson from Tramore and St Andrews Links Trophy winner John Murphy from Kinsale in the side.

Dawson, Murphy and Purcell have come through the High Performance programme run by the Golfing Union of Ireland, which is supported by Sport Ireland and Sport NI, and are members of the GUI National Panel. Scotland’s Craig Watson will continue as Captain of GB&I following the 12.5-12.5 tie in the last match played at Prince’s in Kent in 2016. “We have selected a talented and exciting team for this match knowing that the Continent of Europe players will be extremely strong,” said Watson.


19 July 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

WIN DERBY DATE Rush are bidding for more success in the coming season following a big win over Balbriggan

SOCCER: FORMER LOI PLAYER A HIGH PROFILE APPOINTMENT

Farrell hoping to be cut above at Swords LSL SATURDAY SENIOR

Robbie Farrell in action for Swords Celtic

 DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

MCCRYSTAL SHINES Garda cyclist sparkles yet again in race series GARDA cycling club’s Eve McCrystal continued her winning ways as she swept to victory at the Mullingar GP in Multyfarnham last weekend in the latest race of the national road series. She was winning for the first time in the Irish National Road Race Champion’s jersey and for the third successive round in the series - having already won the Donamon GP in Roscommon, and the Donal Crowley Memorial in Blarney prior to the nationals.

THERE’S a new man in charge of the Swords Celtic LSL Saturday Senior side after the club announced Robbie Farrell as first team manager. The veteran League of Ireland player hung up his boots after helping the Sunday side to the top tier of intermediate football at the end of last season and has immediately moved upstairs. 40-year-old Farrell, who will be assisted by Anthony White, decided Sunday Senior would be one step too far at this stage of his career at the resurgent north Dublin club. And ,after the Saturday side finished ninth in Major Saturday last year, the club decided a new focus was required to forge closer links between the two sides in the top tiers of their respective pyramids. “I was playing up until the season just gone and I decided to call it a day at the end of the season,” Farrell told the Dublin Gazette. “We had a great season last year, getting promoted with the first team to Senior Sunday top division. It’s probably time for me to pull the plug on that. “The legs aren’t getting any younger – I’m 40 now. I’ll leave that to the younger lads to be getting on and take this step into the management side of things.” It isn’t the first time Farrell has stepped into the hotseat at Swords – he previously took over as caretaker player-manager of the Sunday side and got promoted. “The manager that was there was let go. I took over for the second half of the season and got us promoted, but at the time “I was still heavily involved in playing and I couldn’t juggle the two, so I stepped back for a couple of years, but it gave me a taste.”

Former Dublin City and Dundalk man Farrell, who doubles as the club’s physio, will work closely with Sunday manager Brendan Kennedy on a pathway between under-19s, Saturday and Sunday. “Down the years, you pick things up as

you go along, and last year with Brendan coming in the training techniques he has are top notch. “You can’t help but learn things every training session with Brendan. He brought the lads on leaps and bounds.”

Sammon leaps into Motherwell move  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

MALAHIDE native Conor Sammon’s adventures in the Scottish Premier League continue as he signed a season-long loan with Motherwell this week. The former Cherry Orchard schoolboy signed a three-year deal with Hearts in 2016 but has spent most of his time on loan with Kilmarnock and

Partick Thistle. And now the former Irish underage international will see out his Hearts contract with the Fir Park club, who are based just outside of Glasgow. Sammon was nominated for PFAI Young Player of the Year while at UCD in 2007 and had a spell with Derry City before joining Kilmarnock for the first time the following year.

His goalscoring exploits earned a move to Wigan Athletic in 2011, and he bagged his first Premier League goal in a 3-2 win over West Ham, helping the club beat relegation. He spent four years w i t h D e r by Co u n t y, spending time on loan with Ipswich Town, Rotherham United and Sheffield United, before returning to Scotland with Hearts.

Conor Sammon during a previous stint with Kilmarnock


38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

3

SKERRIES HARPS

WELL done to the Blue Bar sponsored AHL5 Hurlers on an impressive win over Faughs. The juvenile section again had strong representation across the various Dublin Development Squads over the weekend - with representatives on U-14 and 15 camogie squads and U-16 boys football - well done to all our young players (see Facebook for details). See www.skerriesharps.ie/fixtures for details of all upcoming games. Juvenile games weekly meetings are now on summer break! Adult games meeting continues each Thursday in the clubhouse. Zingo Result: 7-1-4-3-2-6-5, We had no winners of jackpot or dividend. Next weels Jackpot €2400. Dividend €500. Next draw will take place on Sunday, July 22 in the clubhouse. How do you win? You buy a ticket! You can also play on line at skerriesharps.ie and follow the links. Envelopes only €2 or 3 for €5. Friday, August 4 - annual golf classic at Skerries Golf Club. Limited tee times now available, €200 entry for team of 4 includes meal. Presentation that night in clubhouse. Contact Jackie on 087 2121418 to register your team or sponsor a tee. Summer Camps: Cul Camp 1 : July 23-27; Nursery Camp : August 7-10; Cul Camp 2: August 13- 17 Very limited spaces available in the Nursery & MultiSport Camps - both Cul Camps are now fully booked and no further registrations can be accepted. For more information contact Louise on 085 1465673 Clubhouse available for Functions/Parties - Contact Pat on 087-2505479 for details, or email bookings.skerriesharps@gmail.com.

ST FINIAN’S, SWORDS A HUGE congratulations to the seven players from St Finians members on the Thomas Ashe Minor Team who with eleven wins from eleven matches were crowned Division 3 minor champions during the week. The U-16 boys football league concluded last week. Having gone throughout the entire campaign losing only once, with results elsewhere going their way, there is an unprecedented three-way tie for the league title. St Finians, Na Fianna, Man O War all finish with identical records eight wins, one loss. There will be play offs to take place mid August to decide the league winners. Details to be confirmed. Well done to Annabel Timothy from the U-14 camogie team who was on the victorious Dublin team who beat Kilkenny B in the Shield final in Waterford on Sunday. It was mixed fortunes for the AFL teams. The AFL4 team beat St Oliver Plunketts on Thursday to stay in contention for a playoff place. The AFL8 team were beaten by Kilmacud Crokes on Sunday. The AHL4 team are away to Ballyboden St Endas on Thursday, July 19 at 7.30pm in Sancta Maria All Weather pitch instead of Sunday as originally scheduled. All support welcome and appreciated. A big thanks to all of the coaches and helpers who contributed to the success of the Advanced Club camp last week. Please check the club Facebook page and club website http://st.finians.com over the coming days for ticketing arrangements and prices for the Dublin senior football Super 8 fixtures. Only fully paid up adult members and juvenile members playing on adult teams are eligible to purchase tickets through the club. Online payments for the two August club

camps (sponsored by Sky Handling Partner) on Tuesday, August 14 to Friday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 21 to Friday, August 24 are available on the club website http:// www.stfinians.com . St Finians GAA Club Golf Classic will be held on Friday, August 31 in Forrest Little Golf Club. The cost is €240 per team of four or €60 per player. For further information or to book a tee time please contact the following: Alan McGrath - 087 6529429, Shay Collins - 086 3556833, Shay Leatham - 087 2172215 or Fergus O’Neill - 087 9676725. There are Aerobics & Fitness classes taking place in the Clubhouse Activity on Monday and Wednesday evenings. For further details, please contact Bernie at 085 135 9766. The club lotto jackpot on July 13 was €4,000 and the numbers drawn were 12, 16, 21, 22. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners of €40 were Bridget McGill, Jennifer Masterson, S. Davis, Aaron & James Caul. Next week’s jackpot is €4,100. The club bingo takes place this and every Friday upstairs in Peacocks at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €1,150. Please note that the Club Shop is open Saturday mornings only from 11am to 1pm during July & August. Check out the latest price list on the club website http://www. stfinians.com/content_page/10025579/ If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest news from St Finians GAA Club, please send your email address to pro.stfiniansswords.dublin@gaa.ie . Please submit news items, fixtures/ results to be included in the club notes to pro.stfiniansswords.dublin@gaa.ie.

ATHLETICS: CODD AND MCNALLY SOAR

Lusk flying high with top four pole vault finishers  sport@dublingazette.com

LUSK AC club members are riding the crest of an Irish athletics and, in particular, pole vault wave following their superb performances at the national juvenile track and field championships in Tullamore. It is into this cauldron of competition that the Lusk AC athletes of Éabha McNally and Grace Codd enter at national level. They were following up previous performances from Maeve Flynn and Sarah Derham as they battled against each other and the best in Ireland. In heavy rain, they performed excellently to finish in third and fourth position. With almost the season over, this pair of warriors have made great progress and will build on this in the coming months. It was a great weekend for the club’s juveniles in Tullamore. For some, it was the first time competing at national level

Lusk AC’s Grace Codd and Eabha McNally at the national juvenile track and field championships last weekend.

and with the high level of competition on show. On Saturday, Finn Corcoran took part in Under15 boys 80m hurdles and jumped well in his heat on his first time at this level. Codd has qualified for nationals consistently over the last few years and she qualified for the final in the Under-17 girls 100m hurdles, coming sixth overall in the

THE RIVALRY Vialli takes the reins at Isles

ERIN’S ISLE will avail of the ser-

vices of Gianluca Vialli as they recreate their rivalry with west Cork’s Castlehaven GAA Club for the new AIB mini-series, “The Toughest Rivalry” to be broadcast this summer. “The Toughest Rivalry” will showcase GAA rivalry with Vialli being immersed into the back-room team of the Finglas team before taking charge ahead of a re-match of their infamous 1998 All-Ireland Club semi-final.

first of her events. Juliette Kodia was delighted with her personal best and sixth place in Under14 girls hammer throw. There was another best for Kevin Halpin in Under-18 long jump. On Sunday, Roisin Webster was another first timer at nationals, competing really well in the Under-13 girls javelin, narrowly missing the final.

Grace Kodia joined her sister in achieving a best in the hammer, this time in the U-15 girls event. Thomas Lara ran well in his heat in the U-17 boys 400m, his first time qualifying for this distance. The day was rounded off with a brilliant bronze medal for Grace Codd and a fourth place for Eabha McNally in Under-17 girls pole vault.


19 July 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

CAMOGIE: DUBLIN SAVOUR RARE WIN OVER WEXFORD IN BELLEFIELD

FOOTBALL

Skerries fall back after eight goal classic

Emma Flanagan takes on Wexford’s Shelly Kehoe. Picture: ilivephotos.com

Beagan brilliance leads win in Wex SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP Wexford Dublin  sport@dublingazette.com

0-13 1-14

DUBLIN’S camogie stars continue their strong run in Group B of the Dublin senior camogie championship as they beat Wexford by four points, making it three wins out of four. The sky blues would ordinarily go into the tie as underdogs but strong wins over Offaly and Meath had them in good shape while Wexford have been off colour in the competition, losing all of their games to date. They did, however, win the first half battle, reading the game exceptionally well and taking some fine long range scores from the speedy Chloe Fox. Despite being behind by three points, Dublin continued to push forward with

some brilliant high catches and lovely side steps and pace shown by Ali Twomey and Orla Beagan. It was Naomh Mearnog’s Laura Twomey in the back line who, once again, displayed incredible sheer grit, breaking two hurls in tackles and showing her accuracy through some excellently delivered diagonal balls. There were moments of play where the crowd were reminded that Wexford where in fact three in-a-row All-Ireland champions in the past. But Dublin were still yet to increase the tempo, intensity and skill level. The first half ended with Dublin trailing by a marginal three points. The second half commenced with Dublin dominating from the 30th to the 60th minute with excellent scores taken from goal scoring machine Emma Flanagan, free taker Orla Beagan,

workhorse Ali Twomey, flawless Faye McCarthy and Speedy Gonzalez, Siobhán Kehoe. Gráinne Quinn and young Niamh Gannon were introduced after a fine display last weekend against Meath. Frustration was seen on both the Wexford players and management faces due to the support play shown from Dublin which was pure bliss. The opposition struggled to keep up with the blue jersey resulting in fouls left right and centre. Stacey Kehoe and Linda Bolger made it a game of tit for tat and it was sensed that what would break the two sides would indeed be a goal. Luck found it’s way to the girls in blue when, in the 42nd minute, the green flag was raised after a long rage

free from Beagan skimmed past the keepers hurl and found the back of the net. The score now stood Dublin 1-8 Wexford 9 points. Dublin would need to keep their tally up and with two vital points pinged over the bar from the half way line from goalkeeper Faye McCarthy and they would continue to strive forward. Kehoe slotted two fine points over the bar during pivotal times in the game along with Ali Twomey, who was exceptional throughout. To ensure a convincing win, manager David Herity called upon Leah Butler and Sile Ní Coitir to finish the game off. Dublin now close out their group stage with a big battle against Tipperary with the winner set to finish second behind Cork.

SKERRIES lost out in an eight-goal thriller at Dolphin Park to Templeogue Synge Street hold onto top spot in Division Two of the Adult Football League, falling 4-12 to 4-8. With only score difference separating the two sides prior to the proceedings, it had all the makings of a crunch second-tier encounter. There was little to separate them during a keenly-contested opening period - played out in testing conditions. Despite conceding a goal to in-form TSS attacker Ger Vickery, Skerries entered the break on level terms with the hosts, 1-5 apiece. While Skerries displayed a ruthless streak of their own, it was Templeogue who ultimately held the edge in a wide open second half. In addition to an Alex O’Toole three-pointer, Vickery completed a hat-trick of goals to bring his final tally up to 3-3. Killian O’Gara (younger brother of Dublin footballer Eoghan) kept the scoreboard ticking over with four points and there was also impressive contributions from Luke O’Brien and Kevin Hughes.


40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 19 July 2018


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