Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

JANUARY 4-10, 2018

Plant workers angry as their pickets to continue

SPORT ALL-STAR DELIGHT:

Fingal Edition

SYLVIA POWNALL ROUND-THE-CLOCK pickets are continuing at a Swords pharmaceutical plant where 150 workers have been laid off just weeks before Christmas.

Trade union SIPTU said its members at the SK Biotek plant on Watery Lane were last week

locked out and informed they were being put on “protective notice”.

Industrial action began in October over what the union says is a “failure to respect the terms of a collective agreement” struck with new management in 2017.

Brian Keating, who has worked at the former Squibbs plant for

more than 40 years, said: “To lock out a workforce which has provided such loyal long-term service is a disgrace.”

Cllr Duncan Smith (Lab) said: “Christmas is fast approaching and the fact that this dispute hasn’t yet been resolved is extremely distressing for workers and their CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 The SK Biotek plant at Watery Lane. Picture: Google Maps families.”

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2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

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POLITICS: CANDIDATES HUSTLE FOR BY-ELECTION

A wide open field as canvassing heats up  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

THE countdown is on for the Dublin Fingal byelection to fill the seat vacated by MEP Clare Daly, as voters prepare to go to the polls next Friday, November 29.

Fianna Fail were first to declare their candidate – but Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons over offensive historic tweets.

The party’s Seanad spokesperson on Justice and Equality, who

Senator James Reilly and An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, met Noah Tighe while they canvassed Swords Pavilions ahead of the upcoming by-election. Picture: Douglas O’Connor

lists public transport as a key issue, met with Pavee Point last week to apologise amid harsh criticism.

She has been tipped as front runner, but unpredictable transfers will

be key.

Green Party candidate Cllr Joe O’Brien, whose key focus is climate change, is hoping to make history as the first Green Party candidate to win a Dail by-election.

He topped the poll in May, benefitting from the ‘Green surge’ which shaped those elections.

Swords Cllr Duncan Smith is the Labour candidate and affordable housing is to the forefront of his campaign. He is chair of the council’s housing SPC, and has a solid track record.

Many have overlooked Cllr Dean Mulligan because of his youth and inexperience – but he polled second behind Darragh Butler in Swords in May’s local elections.

And, as Clare Daly’s endorsed candidate under the Independents4Change banner, he could spring a surprise.

Cllr Mulligan says he is running “a campaign for the next generation”, adding: “Keep a fighter in Dublin Fingal.”

Senator James Reilly is running for Fine Gael.

Minister Richard Bruton was appointed his director of elections after An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admitted winning byelections is difficult for Government parties.

The Social Democrats’ candidate, Tracey Carey, has a professional interest in employment rights, support for working parents and affordable childcare, which she brings to her campaign.

Newly-elected Sinn Fein Cllr Ann Graves will go to the polls for her party, hoping that the party’s poor performance at the local elections will encourage Sinn Fein supporters to come out and vote.

Other declared Indep e n d e n t c a n d i d a te s include Peadar O’Kelly from Balbriggan, Wicklow-based plumber Charlie Keddy, social care worker Glenn Brady from Portrane, failed presidential candidate Gemma O’Doherty, and Cormac McKay.

FASTNews

35 solar-powered bins now at Howth FINGAL County Council has launched 35 solarpowered compactible bins in Howth on foot of a successful pilot scheme. The bins feature sensors which alert council staff when they are full, as well as pedals for hands-free opening and flaps that keep out seagulls and rodents.

The 35 ‘smart bins’ supplied by Irish firm PEL Waste Reduction Equipment replace the 70 conventional bins which had serviced the Howth area.

David Storey, FCC director of services, said: “The technology alerts us when the bins need to be emptied, so this will put an end to any overflowing bins and the associated expensive clean-ups.”

According to council staff, there has been a substantial reduction in cigarette butts outside the DART station in Howth since the new bins were installed. Fingal County Council says it is committed to rolling out the solar compactible bins to other urban areas within the county.

Pictured are Niamh Russell, Barbara Ryan, Margaret Muldoon, Anne Thornton, Siobhan Clifford, Helen Lahert, Eamon Lynch, Alan Devine, Tommy Griffith, Cllr Aobhinn Tormey, Joe Rock, Cllr Jimmy Guerin, Cllr David Healy, Caroline Power, Pearce Gibbons, Dave Storey and Mayor Cllr Eoghan O’Brien.

All welcome Teenager at a photo mugged in exhibition Castleknock MALAHIDE Camera Club are holding a Photographic Exhibition from November 23 until December 8 in St Sylvester’s Parish Centre. All are welcome.

The club launched its much-anticipated photo book, Malahide People and Places, in the Grand Hotel on Tuesday night (November 19).

The book portrays the village of Malahide, its people and its environs at its best and most beautiful, generating an enduring sense of environment, community and belonging.

All profits from the sale of the book will go to St Francis Hospice, the Ross Nugent Foundation and the Laura Brennan Charitable Trust.

The book features more than 900 images and would make an ideal Christmas gift.

You can secure your copy at the exhibition, or at various outlets in the village.

A TEENAGE boy was held at knifepoint and mugged in Castleknock earlier this month in what is suspected to be the latest in a spate of terrifying attacks.

The incident took place near the vacant Brady’s pub site on the Old Navan Road on Thursday, November 7 at around 8pm.

The vicious mugger took the teen’s jacket, phone and schoolwork before making his getaway in a white van.

There have been reports of similar incidents happening in the same area with the muggers seen driving away in a white van.

A garda spokeswoman said: “Gardai are investigating a robbery from a person aged in his late teens, which took place on November 7 at the Old Navan Road at approximately 8pm.”

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

PEOPLE: SKERRIES MAN AND BALBRIGGAN WOMAN’S TRAIN STATION SONG LEADS TO SONG ON RTE

Strangers’ impromptu Say Something duet lands them on TV SYLVIA POWNALL

TWO strangers whose paths crossed at a piano in Connolly Station were reunited on the Ray D’Arcy show on RTE earlier this month.

Darragh Smith, from Skerries, and Stephanie Sarpong, from Balbriggan, wowed the internet with their impromptu rendition of Say Something.

And the pair were reunited to finish their duet on national television – much to the delight

of the audience and viewers.

Darragh was playing the piano at the train station when a girl walked up to him to sing the harmony of the song, by A Great Big World.

But the blushing teen ran off with her friends before he could even learn her name. As the video went viral, the young girl was eventually revealed to be Stephanie Sarpong.

Appearing on the Ray D’Arcy Show, the pair appear to have become firm friends since that

first chance meeting, and they shared a hug after their performance.

“I loved every bit of that,” D a r ra g h s a i d , b e fo re Ray revealed that the show had organised for them to go and professionally record the ir cover of the track.

Darragh and Stephanie will lay down their vocals at Temple Lane Studios, which has hosted the likes of Rihanna, Kanye West and James Vincent McMorrow.

Stephanie Sarpong and Darragh Smith teamed up for a duo on RTE. Picture: RTE Player HD

Mas are on a mission to help spread some Christmas joy

SYLVIA POWNALL

A GROUP of Dublin mothers are playing their part in helping to collect 20,000 toys to distribute so less fortunate little ones can have a bit of festive sparkle.

The ‘Mas on a Mission’ group was set up just ten months ago, but it is on target to meet its goal of providing Christmas presents for disadvantaged kids nationwide.

Volunteers were literally snowed under with donations at the weekend with drop-off points in Blanchardstown, the Phoenix Park and Liffey Valley doing brisk business.

Now, organiser Suzanne Carroll is urging those who want to give a gift to get their toy in on time before the November 28 deadline.

She told Dublin Gazette: “There were Santas, face painting, parties for the kids, and this took place across the 26 counties. All the toys are in storage and we have a ton of volunteers to count and sort them.

“It’s hard to tell if we’ve hit the 20,000 mark, because they’re in six different units. I couldn’t put a number on it, but we were bowled over with the response.”

Suzanne set up the Mas on a Mission Facebook

page in February and it’s proven so successful that she had to cap membership at 100,000 followers.

She also had to take on six women to help her moderate the site, which receives over 2,000 messages a day. The Christmas Toy Appeal has been a runaway success.

The toys will be distributed via charities including Ronald McDonald House, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and Focus Ireland to disadvantaged, sick and homeless children.

Worth €20 Gifts to the value of €20 are being collected and, as of Tuesday, there was a shortfall in the number of toys or presents for teenagers.

Suzanne said: “We are hearing these stories all the time – women terrified how they’re going to afford Christmas. We have families living in B&Bs; there is a lot of hardship out there.

“This is a way for people to help out and spread a bit of cheer, which is what Christmas is all about at the end of the day.”

Toys can be donated to any Homesavers store nationwide, or to any Nesta Storage outlet in Dublin.

Gifts and vouchers can also be posted to Nesta Storage, DMG House, Deansgrange, D18.

“

This is a way for people to help out and spread a bit of cheer, which is what Christmas is all about at the end of the day

Organiser Suzanne Carroll (right, with Santa) and the rest of these mums and Mas on a Mission supporters are definitely on Santa’s Nice List

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

SKERRIES: ALMOST 70 CHILDREN HAVE NO SECONDARY PLACE FOR THEM NEXT YEAR

Dail hears of parents’ anguish as schools place crisis grows SYLVIA POWNALL

ALMOST 70 children due to start secondary school in Skerries next September have been told there is no place for them, the Dail heard last week.

The growing schools overcrowding crisis in north Fingal was raised by both Labour TD Brend a n Ry a n and Sinn Fein’s Louise O’Reilly.

The Dail heard that Skerries Community College, which is already operating over capacity, had 257 applicants but can only take in 180 students in September 2020.

Deputy Ryan said: “As of Monday, there were 68 children on a waiting list.

But there is no alternative school in this designated planning area.

“There are many families in Skerries on the waiting list, they are not

“

in the catchment for any other area. What are they to do, where are they to go to?”

D e p u t y Ry a n w a s informed that the country is divided into 314 school areas and Skerries is one of them.

He said: “There is no evidence of any planning

There are many families in Skerries on the waiting list.

What are they to do, where are they to go to?

going on. Government plans for new schools for 2019 to 2022 does not include a new second level school for Skerries.”

Deputy O’Reilly said she had been contacted by the parents of one child who said it was “a source of great and ongoing concern” that their son had no place in the local school.

She continued: “They

Skerries Community College – one of the facilities caught up in Fingal’s growing schools places crisis. The Dail heard the school had 257 applicants but can only take in 180 students in September 2020. Picture: Google Maps

have tried to secure an alternative place in other schools but in Ardgillan in Balbriggan the waiting list is 190-plus, and in St Joseph’s in Rush the waiting list is 70-plus.”

She added: “Another parent says when the first [school places] lottery

was done, she got a letter to say her child was seventeenth on the waiting list. He has since moved to seventh, but still they are gravely concerned.”

An online petition calling for an immediate extension to Skerries Community College

– which was built as a 900-pupil school, but has an enrolment of 975 – has garnered 1,300 signatures.

It says: “The present environment of overcrowding is not conducive to education. Storage closets and the school hall are being used as makeshift

classrooms.”

A public meeting is being planned for early in the New Year and campaigners will invite Education Minister Joe McHugh and council chief executive AnnMarie Farrelly to attend so they can plead their case directly.

Happy to help Fingal nurture a stronger, inclusive county TINA Nwachukwu, The Variety Show Group; Anthony Onwuka, IGBO Union Dublin; and Mojisola Mabogate, Balbriggan were among the many people happy to take part in the inaugural Fingal Inclusion Week recently. With more than 100 events taking place across the county of Fingal, the week – co-ordinated by the Fingal Public Participation Network and Fingal County Council’s Community Office – helped to highlight the positive work that communities, agencies and other organisations are involved in to reduce social exclusion and poverty in Fingal. Picture: Johnny Bambury/SON Photo

PROTEST

SK Biotek defends its stance as pickets stay CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In a statement, SK Biotek said it was forced to close down its core manufacturing operations for safety reasons in light of the strike action.

But Mr Keating fumed: “We are calling on the company to immediately end the lockout and allow us to return to work.

“Management must also engage with SIPTU and other union representatives to resolve the ongoing dispute.”

Echoing the call for talks between both sides of the dispute, Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said workers had “the full support of their local communities”.

SIPTU organiser Jim Fuery (SIC) said the 24/7 picket outside the pharma plant as a result of the lockout by management would continue indefinitely.

He added: “In a gesture of goodwill to the company, our members suspended industrial action which began in October.

In response the company has, in effect, locked them out of their workplace.

“This is completely unacceptable behaviour by management.”

The issue was raised with the Taoiseach in the Dail by Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly and Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien.

Deputy O’Brien said: “I am extremely concerned for the workers who have been laid off. It’s a very big concern for the workers and their families in the run up to Christmas.

“I firmly believe the company should agree to enter talks, without precondition, with workers to resolve this issue and prevent it from escalating.”

SK Biotek bought the plant from Bristol-Meyers Squibb and signed an agreement protecting staff terms and conditions of employment until 2022.

The company says it has implemented a number of changes to remain competitive within the industry.

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

CLLRS SAY COMMUNITY HUBS AT RISK

Council funds ‘not enough for centres’ JONATHON LYNAM

FINGAL County Council’s latest funding proposal will not be enough to save local community centrism, according to Sinn Fein Cllr Paul Donnelly.

The Ongar ward councillor expressed his delight at the local authority’s proposal for a new €200,000 fund for community centres which are not under the direct control of the council.

However, Cllr Donnelly believes that the scheme is too little to help the Hartstown and Huntstown community centres, which don’t have the capital to secure loans as they are “running on an absolute shoestring”.

He warned: “These community centres can be promised €20,000 for the next ten years, but they will not be open if they don’t get the money upfront.

“If they don’t get the

money for the health and safety, and the fire issues that have been identified, then the potential for them to close is very, very significant.”

A major funding drive is under way to save both centres, which need significant upgrade works to meet safety standards.

The council’s proposal follows a suggestion from Cllr Donnelly to use the €70 million European Investment Bank loan secured last year to help fund repairs of community centres in the Fingal area.

He pointed out that though the loan was taken out for infrastructural projects, it also includes “arts, cultural and community facilities”.

A recent council meeting saw the executive reject his proposal, claiming it was outside the terms of the contract.

Local Green Party councillor Daniel Whooley believes that the council

has stumbled unknowingly on to a national crisis and that continued longterm funding from central government is needed for centres across the country, not just in the Fingal area.

He said: “I was talking to some of my colleagues in Clare, and they’re having the same issue as well as across the Dublin region.”

Both community centres in Dublin West are in need of funding after failing TUSLA checks earlier this year.

Hartstown Community centre was quoted €100,000 for the work needed, while Huntstown needs €200,000 worth of renovations.

Since then, both community centres have been fundraising to try and reach the amount needed and have both undergone emergency works, with €25,000 worth of work being carried out in Hartstown.

So fleadh, so good as Swords learns more about top event SHOPPERS were treated to a musical feast at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords at the weekend as Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann members performed. In all, 28 musicians took part to welcome the coming of the Leinster Fleadh to Swords next July. While the focus was on traditional Irish music, the talented adults and children, like this pair above, expanded their repertoire to include some Christmas tunes. The week-long Fleadh will run from July 5-12 next year, attracting thousands of visitors from across Leinster and generating millions for the local economy. There will be music sessions daily and concerts at Swords Castle, with street closures adding to the atmosphere at the weekend.

FASTNews

Mary Coughlan set to wow at the Bracken Court Hotel INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed Blues and Jazz singer Mary Coughlan is set to perform in the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan on Sunday, December 1.

Mary (left) will appear with special guests The Hampton Trio in a concert organised by Balbriggan Autumn Jazz and supported by Our Balbriggan and Fingal

County Council.

Mary is one of Ireland’s greatest female Jazz and Blues singers, and has carved out a highlyregarded career and a legion of fans worldwide.

Whether you are into Folk, Blues or Jazz, no one can fail to be moved by the emotional depth, expression and power in her voice, forged from an extraordinary life and

her struggle to overcome childhood trauma and alcoholism.

Also appearing on the evening are special guests John Graham and his band, The Hampton Trio.

Tickets, priced €18 plus booking fee, will be available from the Bracken Court Hotel and SuperValu Balbriggan, as well as online via Eventbrite.

Doors open at 7.15pm.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Lillian Parker, Susan Phillips and Breda Hanaphy

Donna Tynan, Andrea Shaw, Danielle Banks and Chelsea Shaw. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Mar Ogunleye and Rene Clarke

Jessica Reid and Vanessa Keegan

Rose Kelly and Irene Reid

Robert and Derek Keegan

C

Irene Reid, Breda Hanaphy, Jackie Tunnah and Maragret Kelly

ORDUFF Community Resource Centre held a charity coffee morning “cups against breast cancer coffee morning” last week and it was a great success.

The event raised over €250 in donations which will go to The Irish Cancer Society.

Thanks to the Cups Against Breast Cancer campaign, no woman in Ireland will have to face breast cancer alone.

Strong support for Charity Coffee Morning in Corduff

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

ENVIRONMENT: AN BORD PLEANALA CLONSHAUGH PLANT DECISION CRITICISED

Campaigners to challenge sewage plant’s approval SYLVIA POWNALL

CAMPAIGNERS opposing a giant sewage plant which was approved by An Bord Pleanala last week are set to legally challenge the decision before Christmas.

Objectors have already raised almost half of the €10,000 needed to launch a judicial review and papers will be lodged in the High Court within the next five weeks.

The Bord’s decision to grant Irish Water permission has met with harsh criticism from locals who fear the massive project will have a “catastrophic” effect on Dublin Bay. The ‘Greater Dublin Drainage Project’ (GDD) includes a monster sewage plant in Clonshaugh, a biosolids storage facility

in Kilshane, pumping station in Abbotstown and outfall pipe discharging off Ireland’s Eye into the Irish Sea. Sabrina Joyce-Kemper, founder of ‘Solution not Pollution’, told Dublin Gazette: “The decision wasn’t really a surprise for us ... once we read the conditions we were able to fine-tune our legal argument.

“There’s massive support out there; people are very worried. It will affect hospitals, hospices, schools nearby, they’re all concerned about it.

“We can’t put the two biggest waste water treatment plants pumping into the Irish Sea 20km apart – particularly into a marine environment that is protected.

“It’s essentially like

Map showing the proposed sewage plant and orbital sewer pipe in Fingal

someone pouring buckets of poo into the bath while you’re in it.”

Among the “compelling arguments” objectors will bring to the High Court are those of marine experts and microbiologists who warn that the GDD project will kill sea life.

Sabrina said: “It’s not just our back yard – this is the Irish Sea we are talking about, it’s everyone’s back yard.

“The sea is a finite resource and deliberate pollution not only impacts habitats and marine life, but tourism, fishing and

human health.”

Fingal County Council last week welcomed the Bord’s ruling and Irish Water described it as a “landmark decision”.

A water spec ialist warned on Monday that delays in building the plant would put added pressure

on the overloaded Ringsend facility, leading to “more failures”.

Jenny Lawler, of DCU Water Institute, said this would likely cause more discharges into Dublin Bay during periods of heavy rain.

Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien estimated the scheme could cost in the region of €1.2 billion, rather than the €500 million price tag it was originally given.

FF TD for Dublin Bay North, Sean Haughey, said: “Sewage should be treated as close as possible to the source of its production.

“Irish Water should instead plan for a number of smaller treatment plants around the Greater Dublin Area which would be a more environmentally sustainable policy.”

BROADBAND

Reilly (FG) praises EU funding SENATOR James Reilly says the “landmark” rollout of broadband is now a step closer following an EU decision to grant state aid.

The Fine Gael Senator said the move would allow the Government to sign a contract for the National Broadband Plan. He said: “This is an extremely welcome development and will bring the long-awaited rollout of high-speed rural broadband to 1.1 million people a step closer.

“This will be the most significant investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification and will transform communities, attracting investment, creating jobs and changing the way people access services, including health and education.”

He said the national plan, which has come in for severe criticism over costings, will benefit 1.1 million people.

St Francis Hospice is shortlisted for a top charity award ST FRANCIS Hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny has been shortlisted for a National Charity Impact Award.

The local charity, which serves north Dublin city and county, provides a specialist palliative care service on a voluntary basis.

The prestigious award via the national association of charities celebrates the positive impact of Ireland’s top charities and promotes best practice in the non-profit sector.

Under the care of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, the hospice provides a range of services including community palliative care, hospital day care, inpatients care, outpatient services and bereavement care.

Last year, the St Fran-

cis facility cared for more than 1,700 patients and their families – both in their own homes and at the two hospice facilities.

In all, 99 charities from across Ireland were nominated for the Charity Impact Awards, and St Francis Hospice Dublin are among just 25 shortlisted for an award in one of six categories.

The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin on December 10.

You can show your support for St Francis Hospice Dublin by voting for their entry at www.charityimpactawards.ie, or visiting the hospice’s web site (www.sfh.ie) until November 29.

See also #CharityImpactAwards content on social media.

MarathonKids delighted with inclusive project MORE than 5,500 fifth and sixth class students from 87 Dublin schools completed the last mile of their MarathonKids challenge at Morton Stadium in Santry last week.

The children completed 25.2 miles over

eight weeks as part of the sports and wellbeing programme.

Fingal’s director of services, David Storey, praised the inclusive nature of the programme as being beneficial to children who

don’t have an interest in sports but want to be active.

He said: “MarathonKids is open to everyone regardless of their ability and a fantastic opportunity for kids to get active.”

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

HOUSING

Co-living letter row

THE general manager of Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown has defended writing a letter in support of a co-living scheme planned for Castleknock.

Margaret Boland wrote a letter to Bartra Capital Property Group last year saying she “welcomed” the company’s plans for a shared living scheme on the site of Brady’s pub.

The letter was written on the teaching hospital’s headed notepaper, but Ms Boland said it was done “in a private capacity”.

Bartra has submitted plans to build 182 sharedliving units in a five-storey block. A number of objections have been lodged with An Bord Pleanala.

CULTURE: GEORGE FITZGERALD TALKS TO US ABOUT THE PROMISE MAKER

Musician’s new book is in tune with writing compelling sequels A DUBLIN music ian turned radio producer and author has just published the sequel to his acclaimed novel, The Secret Life of Ashley Brown.

George Fitzgerald’s The Promise Maker is already garnering praise from critics, who have been impressed with his skills as a writer.

George (55) is a broadcaster on Phoenix FM in Blanchardstown and one of the founder members of the D11 Runners, whose demos were recorded in the 1980s and 1990s by

“

Frankie’s tale is filled with colourful characters that have also been described as Dickensian Aslan’s Christy Dignam.

George played saxophone, his brother Joe was the singer, and his future wife Sharon was also a member.

The band inspired the Roddy Doyle book, The Commitments – later a blockbuster movie directed by Alan Parker.

His new book is the

sequel to The Secret Life of Ashley Brown, which tells the tale of a beautiful but troubled artist who flees her privileged upbringing in Dublin to pursue a publishing career in London.

Described as a story “of love, crime and obsession”, it follows her story after she falls for a gangster called Alfie and gets drawn into a dangerous underworld.

George told Dublin Gazette: “In the sequel, Ashley is found at the funeral of a friend accompanied by her elder pal, Frankie.

“Later Frankie tells his story. The book switches narrative from the softspoken Ashley to the rough Dublin voice of Frankie.

“Frankie’s tale is filled

with colourful characters that have also been described as Dickensian. It is gripping, portraying the Dublin slums of the early part of the last century.”

He added: “It’s an eyeopener. It’s all about a boyhood of hunger, violence and an overcoming will to live.”

George also penned the acclaimed novel, Somebody Up There Likes Me Too, which opens on the banks of the Ward river in Swords.

The book describes how he and his pals decided to form a band after a UB40 concert in Dublin, before any of them even owned a musical instrument.

Aside from his music success, books and radio career, he is also an awardwinning artist. He was a successful boxer in his teenage years and counts pro champ Katie Taylor among his “good friends”.

The Promise Maker is on sale at Bargain Books on Abbey Street in Dublin.

Right: Author George Fitzgerald and (above) his latest book, The Promise Maker, the sequel to his acclaimed novel, The Secret Life of Ashley Brown

Lucky Leo misses jam by key Portrane road AN TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar was on site for a progress report on the Donabate Distributor Road on Thursday – unaware that the mother of all traffic jams had caused gridlock in Portrane just hours earlier.

Mayor Eoghan O’Brien and council chief executive AnnMarie Farrelly gave the Fine Gael leader an update on the 4km project during a site visit, indicating that the link road over the railway line is expected to open in eight weeks.

It is a key piece of infrastructure in serving land which will deliver 1,200 homes at Ballymastone

Mayor Cllr Eoghan O’Brien and council chief AnnMarie Farrelly give An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar an update on the Donabate Distributor Road. Picture: SON Photo

in the medium-term, and a total of 2,200 housing units in the long-term.

While the Taoiseach

was wearing a hard hat, he couldn’t have imagined the chaos that had unfolded just one kilome-

tre down the road earlier in the day.

Fingal County Council was forced to apologise for the disruption on the Portrane Road, which caused countless commuters to be late for work.

It said it was caused by “a malfunction of the radar-controlled traffic lights” and that pointsmen would now operate a manual stop-go system at peak hours to avoid a repeat of the gridlock.

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) said he was inundated with calls from irate residents, adding: “This was totally and utterly unacceptable.”

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

SUPPORT: ALL WELCOME TO GET HELP WITH A RANGE OF ISSUES BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Free meetings to help people with eating disorders AN EATING disorders support group is offering free meetings in the run-up to Christmas to help those affected and their families.

Lois Bridges Eating Disorders Support & Self Care Groups offer a space for people to talk openly about their eating disorder and co-existing conditions such as low mood, depression, anxiety,

OCD and their impact on the person’s life.

Peers share their experience and understanding and offer an exchange of thoughts and techniques around self-care and resilience in a supportive, confidential and proactive environment.

The group will meet on Satur-

days (November 23 and 30), and in December (7 and 14), from 11am to 1pm, at the Lois Bridges centre in Sutton.

The centre’s director of services, Carla Johnston, said: “These groups will be facilitated by our experienced eating disorders staff, including psychologists, therapists and a clinical nurse

specialist.

“This would be a great opportunity to help people with an eating disorder and their families as we have found Christmas time and the lead-up can be a particularly anxiety-provoking time for someone with an eating disorder.”

The family and friends sup-

port group aims to help families coping with a loved one affected by an eating disorder by giving them the space to talk and listen to others.

Groups start promptly and are free of charge. If you are interested in attending, confirm with your name and mobile number to info@loisbridges.ie.

Family’s joy as brave little Zoe, 3, passes key milestone in cancer fight SYLVIA POWNALL

A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl battling a rare form of cancer will mark the end of a significant chapter in her treatment journey this week.

Little Zoe O’Mahoney from Swords gets to ring the bell at the hospital in Essen, Germany where she has been undergoing Proton radiation therapy.

The brave tot was diagnosed with an ATRT – an aggressive form of malignant brain tumour which affects less than 60 people worldwide each year – in July.

Zoe underwent emergency surgery to have fluid around her brain drained before having four more operations in a matter of weeks at Temple Street Hospital.

Now, her doting parents – Carmel and Alan – have issued an update to let supporters know how Zoe is doing on her journey.

In a post on the Zoe’s Magic Wand Facebook page, they said: “This

“

As she passes each step, we are one closer to the finishing line and ultimately the successful outcome that we all want weekend was meant to be a chemotherapy weekend for Zoe but after discussions with the oncologist it was decided to postpone it until Zoe gets back to Dublin.

“She would only be getting 50% because of the radiotherapy, so would need to catch up at home anyway so it seemed in her best interest to hold on and fotr her to get the full chemotherapy back in Crumlin.”

The entire family, including Zoe’s sister, Holly, relocated to Germany for Zoe’s hospital treatment there and they are now preparing to fly home.

They said: “It feels quite surreal for next week to be our final week in Essen. It has become our home for the past

six weeks so it will be strange to be leaving. We have become used to our daily routines and our own little bubble.

“Also, it will mean that this vital chapter of Zoe’s treatment will have come to an end, but she still has a long road ahead with more rounds of tough chemotherapy to get through at home.

“So, when Zoe get to ring the bell next Friday, it won’t mark the end of all her treatment – merely another step on that road.

“However, as she passes each step, we are one closer to the finishing line and ultimately the successful outcome that we all want.”

To donate to Zoe’s Magic Wand, see www. gofundme.com/f/zoesmagic-wand.

FASTNews 41 bus to go 24-hour from December 1 DAYTIME frequency on the No 41 bus from Swords to the city centre will improve from December 1 as the route becomes a 24-hour service.

Both the 41 and the 15 (Ballycullen Rd to Clongriffin) will operate on an around-the-clock basis from that date as part of the Transport for Ireland public transport network.

Up to now, these services have run from early morning to late evening Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours of operation on Sunday.

From December 1, daytime frequency on the 15 and the 41 will improve, and they will run at a 30-minute frequency throughout the night, from midnight to 5am.

The fare structure will remain unchanged according to the NTA, which means there will be no additional charge to the customer for travelling late at night.

Leap cards, the Free Travel card and cash will all continue to be accepted as payment by drivers.

€40k drug haul found in house search

Zoe O’Mahoney and her family, from Swords, have been living in Essen, Germany for a short while as Zoe undergoes specialist treatment for her very rare cancer – treatment that comes to an end very soon, marking the end of a significant chapter in her battles

A NIGERIAN man in his 40s was arrested and questioned after almost €40,000 worth of cocaine was found during a raid on a house last week.

Revenue officers seized more than 540 grams of the potentially lethal drug during a search of a property in Ashtown near Blanchardtown on Thursday, November 14.

Revenue’s Customs Service, along with the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Gardai from the Drugs Unit in Finglas, carried out the raid.

Revenue said in a statement: “As part of an intelligence-led operation, Revenue officers seized more than 540 grams of cocaine, with an estimated value of €38,200 following a search, under warrant, of a house in the Rathborne area of Dublin.

“A 43-year-old Nigerian man was arrested by Gardai.

Investigations are ongoing.”

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Christopher Brown wins the Intermediate Section and received his award from Noel Butler, President of St Brigid’s Photo Group

Noel Butler, President of St Brigid’s Photo Group, presenting Paul Redmond winner of the Advanced Section and Photographer of the Year 2019

Exhibition W of Wonder and Reality

HERE’S there’s creative vision there will be a multitude of ideas and images and this is particularly true of the recent photography exhibition of St Brigids’ Photo Group at the Blanchardstown Library.

The exhibition hoped to inspire and encourage everyone who appreciates the amazing aspects of everyday life captured by the Group.

The official launch was at Blanchardstown Library, by Dominic Reddin, President of the Irish Photographic Association. St Brigid’s Photo Group has been in existence for over 19 years. The Group meet every Tuesday evening at 8pm in the Parish Centre at Blanchardstown Church. It is a volunteer group with a passion of ‘capturing life in all its forms” in photography.

Noel Butler, President of St Brigid’s Photo Group, presenting Gretta Boyle, overall winner of the Novice Section with her award

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Shay Burke and Donal Dougan

Jo Collins and Ken O’Grady

Tracey Power, Fergas McGrath and Brendan Rogers

Alison Brady, Enda Conefrey and Caitriona Coyne. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

The Business Speed Networking Event was a major success

Business Speed Networking Event a huge success B

Fiona Pepper, Rebecca Wall and Lisa Slevin

RADYS SEAT Castleknock recently hosted a Business Speed Networking Event in partnership with Fingal Dublin Chamber.

The event was a huge success with over 40 businesses participating from the Fingal region representing a range of industries from Hospitality to IT to Manufacturing.

The morning started off with breakfast supplied by local business Suzys Deli followed by a presentation by the Bradys Dublin’s Dealer Principal Enda Conefrey & Communications & Events Manager David Branagan – leading into a positive and dynamic event where businesses moved from table to table to introduce themselves, their products and services.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

RUSH TIDY TOWNS GROUP AND COMMUNITY RALLY TO SEE ‘EYESORE’ BUILDINGS FIXED

Locals demand ‘nothing less than action’ over six derelict properties SYLVIA POWNALL

Rush Tidy Towns protestors help to highlight the visual impact of the block of derelict buildings

RUSH Tidy Towns (TT) is calling for action on a row of six derelict properties which have “destroyed” the charm of the town for more than a decade.

The voluntary organisation gathered 1,197 names on a petition which has been sent to the developer who owns

the vacant houses, and copied to Fingal County Council.

Rush TT chairperson Brendan O’Reilly said locals were fed up looking at the eyesore – which has become a den for drinking and other anti-social activity.

He told Dublin Gazette: “The row of six derelict houses on Rush Main Street are in a disgraceful and dilapidated state.

“For over a decade, they have destroyed the charm of our town for residents and visitors alike.

“They have attracted anti-social behaviour and caused untold damage to commercial businesses on the Main Street.”

Rushbury Properties Limited was granted

planning permission several years ago for a mixed-use development to include a supermarket as anchor tenant.

But the project has stalled and the vacant houses have fallen into a serious state of disrepair.

The petition states: “We, the undersigned, demand that Rushbury Properties Limited take immediate action to reinstate the frontage of the six derelict houses to a condition in character with the rest of the Main Street.

“Or alternatively that the development of the derelict site be commenced as per the planning permission granted for the site.”

It continues: “The

sense of frustration and despair in the town of Rush directly associated with this row of derelict buildings is palpable on a daily basis.

“We accept nothing less than action.”

An update posted on the group’s Facebook page advises that a phone call has been received from the developer to say contracts are in the process of being signed with “an anchor tenant who is a large supermarket operator”.

The developer has also advised that a start date for the project should be agreed in “a month or so”.

Rush Tidy Towns has given the news a cautious welcome, vowing to “keep the pressure on”.

100 kids at St Maur’s learn all about keeping safe from harm PUPILS from three primary schools attended a ‘Keep Safe’ event at St Maur’s GAA Club in Rush last week. A total of 100 children from Loughshinny NS, Scoil Chormaic, Rush and Rush NS took part in the Health and Safety Authority initiative. The fifth and sixth class students were given advice from state agencies and emergency services on how to manage a number of scenarios. These included how to become aware of personal and home safety, how to react to dangerous situations, how to foster good citizenship as well as road, fire and site safety. Agencies involved included the HSA, ESB Networks, Gardai, Dublin Fire Service, Bus Eireann, Water Safety Ireland, Teagasc and the Irish Coast Guard.

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

OPINION: PUBLIC CALLED TO SUPPORT FOCUS IRELAND’S ANNUAL, URGENT CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Together, we can help to end the horror of homelessness Sr Stan: “I believe that, as a country, we have a duty to look after all our citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable”

SR STANISLAUS KENNEDY, Focus Ireland’s Life President and founder, writes about the deepening housing and homelessness crisis and asks readers to support Focus Ireland’s urgent Christmas appeal.

WE CAN take home for granted a lot of the time.

But deep down, we all know what it means. Our home is the foundation stone of our personal and family life.

It is where we can relax after a long day. It’s where we belong and feel safe.

Sadly, not everyone has this security. The harsh reality is that three families will lose their home in Ireland today. It is truly shocking there’s now a record total of 10,397 people homeless.

Nearly 4,000 of these people are children.

While this is a national crisis, the problem is worst in Dublin, where 7,242 people are homeless – nearly 3,000 of these are children.

T h e G ove r n m e n t ’s response has been that it takes time to end this crisis. These children don’t have time. They are damaged every day while homeless.

Focus Ireland does not stand on the side-lines, we make a difference.

In partnership with the State and our supporters, we helped more than 1,200 families to escape from homelessness and to secure a home in the past two years.

However, the sheer scale of the housing and homelessness crisis means that the number of homeless people continues to rise despite this great work.

I did not ever think that things could get worse, but they sadly have done.

It is truly awful that we are now seeing more babies being born into homelessness.

One young mother told me recently how she was homeless when her baby boy was born earlier this year.

The woman, Louise, explained: “I had just found out I was pregnant when our landlord told us he was selling the house we were renting. Our world fell apart.

“We were desperate – searching day and night for somewhere new to stay.”

But there were no affordable houses or apartments available, and Louise and her family became homeless.

Louise, her partner and two children were all sleeping in one small and cold room in a B&B the night she had to go in to hospital to have her baby.

She said: “My little

“

No family should ever have to go through the trauma of losing their home and being homeless. No child should ever be born into homelessness, but it is happening.

Luke was born at 5.02am.

But the first call I made wasn’t to family, it was to Focus Ireland.”

I am glad to say we were able to help Louise and her family as we at least got them into proper emergency accommodation. They were still homeless for a while, but we worked with them and the great news is they now have a home where they will be spending Christmas.

While Louise’s story has a happy ending, no family should ever have to go through the trauma of losing their home and being homeless. No child should ever be born into

homelessness, but it is happening.

Families and individuals are losing their homes as they can’t afford to pay the rent, or the house is being sold or repossessed.

They have been called ‘The New Homeless’.

That is, the people who become homeless for purely economic reasons.

Many families who are homeless are squeezed into hotel rooms – five or six people in one room, nowhere to cook or for children to play. It would break your heart to see where these children are forced to live.

I believe that, as a country, we have a duty

to look after all our citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable.

We must cherish all of our children equally and ensure that no child suffers from being homeless.

Focus Ireland works hard to do this as we continue to develop realistic policy solutions to help end homelessness.

We also work through more than 80 frontline services in Dublin and across the country so we are there when people need us the most.

This amazing work is done in partnership with the State, as well as through kind support from our generous

donors.

The current situation is that we have to raise more than 40% of our annual budget through fundraising and donations to keep our services going.

This means we really need public support now more than ever so we can be there when families and individuals need help the most.

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

A total of 89 cents from every euro is spent directly on our vital work to combat and prevent homelessness.

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

Our work will continue with your kind support, because this crisis must b e e n d e d . Eve r yo n e deserves to have a place that they can call home.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 November 2019

GIFT GUIDE: BAUBLE-ING OVER WITH IDEAS: ‘Tis the season to start

DUBLIN

thinking of presents for loved ones (or maybe even for yourself).

We’ve put together a great twopage spread with an awful lot of ideas – you’re sure to see a perfect gift for the special people in your life inside... Pages 18-19

MOTORING:

FESTIVE FARE AND FUN P21

MAGAZINE IMPRESSIVE: Volkswagen’s e-Golf takes the popular model and brings it bang up to date with some impressive features, with its e-features wowing even our experienced reviewer P21

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

A boost for all visuallyimpaired students ...

REBECCA RYAN

FOR the first time ever, students with a visual impairment and print disabilities will have access to more than 500,000 books and other materials, in the student’s preferred format.

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) has launched Bookshare Ireland, which is the country’s largest digital accessible library.

It will massively help students in higher and further education who have a visual impairment or print disabilities, and guarantees equity of access to the curriculum with their sighted peers.

Aoife Watson, a recent NUIM graduate with sight loss, explained how frustrating it was that the books she needed to study were not available in an accessible format, and what this new launch means to her.

She said: “I absolutely loved my time in university but it was extra challenging for me as the books I needed were simply not in an accessible format.

“It was so frustrating seeing how easy it was for other students to access the books that I couldn’t.

“I know if I had access to the books I needed when I needed them, I would have achieved a higher overall mark in my degree.

“Having Bookshare.ie will now revolutionise a student with visual impairment’s experience of third level, as being able to access a book at the same time as your classmates is essential to creating an inclusive experience.

“I am envious of them, yet feel I will return to do a master’s sooner than planned now because of Bookshare.ie.”

To register students for this new service, sign up at Bookshare.ie.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 November 2019

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

BITS & BOBS

COOL AND QUIRKY THINGS

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

Santa-stic fun!

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

AOIBHIN, Ailbhe and Doireann Garrihy are pictured unveiling An Post’s 2019 Christmas Stamp collection, with this year’s designs showing the charitable activities that mean the most to Irish people. The trio braved the chilly waters of Dublin Bay to help highlight Christmas Day swims – just one of the many ways people help charities, with funds from the Christmas stamps’ sales helping to support homeless services around the country. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Anyone for a lovely Ice cream thief ‘Unicorn tail puppy’ isn’t gin and dung-ic? No? makes his cool a bit of a shaggy dog story A SOUTH African gin is being infused with elephant dung. The creators of Indlovu Gin, Les and Paula Ansley, came across the idea a year ago when they learnt that elephants eat a variety of fruits and flowers but digest less than a third of it.

Paula wife came up with the idea when she was on safari and learnt about how elephants digest. The couple, who are both scientists, said they’d give it a go and got to work figuring out the gin-making process.

The gin is named Indlovu, which means ‘elephant’ in the Zulu language

getaway on TV

A MAN attending a sports game was caught red-handed stealing an ice cream during a news report.

Fox Sports were reporting on Carolina Hurricanes’ 8-2 win over the Ottawa Senators in ice hockey.

As the reporter delivered his piece, a man in the background can be seen getting distracted, looking at his friend’s phone, while a fellow Hurricanes fan carefully lifts the ice-cream from his hands and gets stuck into the tasty treat.

The owner of the ice cream looked around to catch the thief, who fled into the crowd.

A LITTLE puppy – with a tail growing in the middle of his forehead – has become a viral sensation.

Rescue organisation Mac’s Mission in the States found the abandoned puppy, who was left out in the freezing cold and had a foot injury.

Named ‘Narwhal the Little Magical Furry Unicorn’ by the staff, he quickly gained a lot of fans when videos were uploaded onto Facebook.

The Missouri-based centre answered the question everybody wanted to know: “Does his tail wag

when he gets excited?”, and the answer was no!

The centre wrote: “The extra tail is not connected to anything and has no real use other than making him the COOLEST PUPPY EVER! “There is no real reason at this time for the unicorn tail to be removed (and we all wish it wagged).”

The staff will monitor the tail to make sure it doesn’t become a problem, and there will definitely be a long queue of people wanted to adopt Little Narwhal when he’s ready.

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog of the week is Kenneth, a very clever and playful twoyear-old Pit Bull Terrier boy who forms a strong bond with understanding and patient people.

He needs some time to build his trust and confidence so he is looking for an experienced adopter who will be willing to meet him multiple times.

Kenneth would love his ‘forever home’ to have a nicely sized and secure garden to frolic and play in.

Kenneth is a very smart boy and loves playing with interactive toys that put his clever mind to work. He loves food so he is happiest when doing food enrichment challenges and sniffing out treats.

If you have room in your heart and home for Kenneth then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

Kenneth

 Q by Quiz bodysuit €33 and high-waisted vinyl trousers €33

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

  ned sequin Green s from dres H&M €39.99

No. 1 Jenny Packha m, Sequin Mini Wrap Dress from Debenhams €150

Ilac Centre  gets the Party Started!

 

HUNDREDS OF FABULOUS designer brands and high-street fashion favourites mean the serious style mavens are making a beeline for Dublin’s Ilac Centre, right now, ahead of the festive party season.

Plenty of sequins, satin and lace, in stunning seasonal colours, is set to dazzle shoppers, with party dresses, jumpsuits, sparkly bodies and slinky separates adding the glitz and glamour.

Fabulous footwear includes the essential strappy sandals and sling-backs in festive silver, gold and bronze metallic, while gorgeous accessories cover a spectrum from funky fun to seriously sophisticated!

All on one floor, in the heart of the city, Dublin’s Ilac Centre is a mecca for Christmas shoppers.

And now, the fabulous Christmas lights and tree animations add to the special seasonal feel.

Designer style at Debenhams includes highend labels such as Julien Macdonald, Jenny Packham, Jasper Conran and Phase Eight, with dazzling occasion-wear collections, and fabulous jewellery pieces by the likes of Jon Richard.

Quiz Clothing has also just launched a fabulous new collection that has every occasion covered for the party season and casual festive wear.

The gift of style this Christmas comes from River Island, with luxe dresses, the coolest co-ords and statement bags and shoes.

TKMaxx is the destination to bag a bargain in

amazing designer styles right across dresses, separates, jewellery, footwear and bags.

Dunnes Stores has all the family’s fashion needs covered including covetable new collections from Savida, Peter O’Brien, Lennon Courtney and Paul Costelloe, as well as ‘affordable embellishment’ with the all-new Gallery collection for Christmas.

Wearable on-trend style is the buzz at Gerard ladies fashion, where a phenomenal selection of dresses, separates and accessories in sizes 10-22 ensures something for all ages and personalities.

Catch Clothing has Christmas wrapped up for younger shoppers with teddy bear jumper dresses, funky satin bodysuits, faux fur and wetlook leggings, as well as luscious body-con party dresses and separates.

Desirable delights from Angel Paris include tops and dresses in metallic sequins, leather trousers and eye-catching festive footwear and accessories that are temptingly affordable.

From fabulous festive knits and cuddly nightwear for all the family, to backless lace dresses, H&M again delivers party wear to sizzle in as well as cosy comforts for casual Christmas wear.

Need advice from some of the Ilac Centre’s top stylists and sales assistants?

‘You can never go wrong with a sequined dress at Christmas time, and the classic little



black dress is always in fashion!’

‘Jumpsuits are the ultimate sassy party style this year!’

‘Mixing and matching glittery tops and skirts creates a new look every time, especially for budget conscious style mavens!’

‘A subtle but slinky slip midi dress; just add metallic heels and glitz accessories for the perfect Christmas party outfit.’

Party season is well and truly on and, whatever your style, the Ilac Centre in Dublin’s hottest Christmas shopping district has the look you’re after!

With entrances on Parnell Street, Henry Street and Moore Street, the Ilac Centre offers 70 great stores to browse this Christmas and over a dozen dining destinations.

The Centre is home to international retail brands for amazing fashion and gifting options like River Island, H&M and Argos, as well as Regatta, Diesel and Liverpool FC. It also has Dunnes Stores, Debenhams and TKMaxx as its biggest department stores.

 Q by Quiz Polka Dot Mini Dress €39

In the heart of the city, Dublin’s Ilac Centre is a mecca for Christmas shoppers. And now, the fabulous Christmas lights and tree animations add to the special seasonal feel.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 November 2019

Celestial Stars bracelet, €79, Pandora Chupi Stars in the Sky disc necklace, €699, Powerscourt centre Wet n Wild Midnight Goddess Collection €14.95, pharmacies

Forever Livin

g Sonya skin

Tropical hair treatment, €24.99, The Kind Co

Vanity case, €19.99, Aldi

GADGETS

€96.87

Avene Hydrance kit, €34.50, pharmacies

Duet Diamond ring, €2950, Stonechat Jewellers

Sparking Wishbone bangle, €99, Pandora

(L-R) iFrogz Ear Bugs, Amazon.co.uk Braven BRV-Mini, Amazon.co.uk Mophie powerstation, €99, zagg.com Instax Mini 9, €80, Harvey Norman 2 in 1 Rotary shaver, €29.99, Aldi Instax SQ6, €115.99, Littlewoods Ireland Nespresso Vertuo Machine, €127.99, Littlewoods Ireland

care range,

Chill y The s wate rb Cons mas ciou ottle, € s Ch Stor rist 30, e -

E M O H R FO

FOR HOME (L-R): Caulfield country boards cheese paddle, €26.95, Kilkenny LEON Friends and Family cookbook, LEON Temple Bar Lindt Gold Selection Box, €15, supermarkets Cafetiere and coffee giftset, €30, Debenhams Butlers Chocolate Cookbook, €20, booksellers English Tea Shop ultimate tea collection, €17, Debenhams

Charlotte Tilbury Gift of Pillow Talk set, €32, department stores

21 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

OUR TOP PRESENT PICKS THIS CHRISTMAS

Tropical Cacao Detox Mask, €22.50, The Conscious Christmas Store

GIFT GUIDE

Vichy Neovadiol gift set, €38, pharmacies Silver and rose gold pendant, €370, Stonechat Jewellers Chupi solid gold huggies earrings, €739, Powerscourt Centre

Aromatherapy room spray, €15.50, The Kind Co

Light up mirror, €22.50, Penneys Rainbow stainless steel straws, €4, The Conscious Christmas Store

Drop earrings, Weir & Sons, €8220

GET READY FOR

gifting THEY’LL BE TICKLED PINK!  Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor

ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE... the busiest shopping period of the year!

It can be tough to know what to buy for those you love the most, which is why we’ve compiled our Gazette gift guide full of items your loved ones will adore.

From sustainable gifts to gadgets and beyond, there’s something for everyone on offer in our guide.

Make Up Brush Cleaner Giftset, €26.99, Aldi

Essence Epic Sunset Palette, €11.99, pharmacies

Pocket Cup, €15.50, The Conscious Christmas Store

Soy Wax Candle €25, The Conscious Christmas Store

Chopard Happy Hearts bangle, €2695, Weir & Sons

21 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 November 2019

PART 3 OF 7

What is happening exactly with distressed loan sales at Irish Banks?

PADRAIG CONLON

IRISH banks have sold billions of euro in nonperforming debt in recent years, most of it secured on buy-to-lets or business debt.

AIB, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, BoI and KBC have all sold off non-performing loans to vulture funds for massive write downs not offered to borrowers.

Recent loan portfolio sales by AIB and Ulster Bank worth €700m and €800m, and Permanent TSB’s €3.7bn ‘Project Glas’ sale last year caught the attention of the public.

Now state-owned AIB is getting ready to offload thousands of distressed mortgages secured on family homes in a loan sale code named Project Birch.

This sale, which is being planned for early next year, is likely to be met with fierce opposition due to the fact that thousands of family homes will be at stake, a new departure for AIB which is 71% owned by the taxpayer.

They will be following in the footsteps of Ulster Bank and Permanent TSB who have already sold owner-occupier loans to investment funds earlier this year.

In a statement released recently AIB said they have “reduced non-performing exposures from €31 billion in 2013 to €4.7 billion.”

“The vast majority of the reduction in (non-performing exposures) has been achieved through working with customers,” they said.

“We remain focused on reducing non-performing exposures to more normalised levels.”

Just last week however the Central Bank criticised the countries five main lenders for being too quick to sell distressed mortgages to vulture funds instead of ‘putting customers first’ and restructuring the debts.

Speaking at the Banking and Payments Federation (BFPI) annual conference in Dublin, Deputy Central Bank Governor Ed Sibley said the financial regulator has had to put pressure on the banks to treat their customers fairly.

“On too many serious issues, be it tracker mortgages or to a limited extent in terms of Brexit prepara-

AIB is getting ready to offload thousands of distressed mortgages secured on family homes in a loan sale code named Project Birch

Deputy Central Bank Governor Ed Sibley

tions,” he said.

“The Central Bank has had to push retail banks and other financial institutions too hard over too long on too many of these issues in order for you to really put your customers first and make sure you continue to deliver.”

“Sustainable resolution of mortgage arrears has required determined and ongoing Central Bank

intervention to protect consumers’ interests.

“Your commitment to delivering for your customers must continue to extend to those that are in difficulty if you truly want to be considered trustworthy.

‘Banks need to engage with their customers in a sensible and proactive manner with a view to finding long-term solutions that work for both parties.

He criticised AIB, Bank of Ireland, KBC, Permanent TSB and Ulster Bank, saying good customer service ‘requires more than branding and marketing slogans’.

“The Central Bank does not have a preference for loan sales,” Sibley said.

“We have a preference

for sustainably reducing non-performing loans.

“There are multiple tools available, including: reengaging with borrowers, restructures, accounting write downs, mortgage to rent, engaging through the Insolvency Service, sales and securitisations and the legal process.

“Your commitment to delivering for your customers must continue to extend to those that are in difficulty if you truly want to be considered trustworthy.”

Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty, speaking in the Dail last week, also criticised the behaviour of Irish banks.

“Speaking at the Banking and Payments Federation, the deputy governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Ed

Sibley, said that Irish bankers were displaying echoes of pre-crisis arrogance,” Deputy Doherty said.

“My view is that it never left them and I am glad that the penny is dropping in the Central Bank.

“He went on to say the banks were hitting mortgage holders with double the interest rates needed for them to make a profit, that they were charging new customers between 2% and 3%, while in some cases existing and loyal customers were being charged almost double these rates, at 4.5%.

“It is complete discrimination.”

According to the Central Bank’s latest data, the number of mortgage accounts for principal dwelling houses (PDHs)

in arrears over 90 days was mainly unchanged in the second quarter of this year (Q2 2019) with a minor decline of 340 accounts.

This is the twentythird consecutive quarter of a fall in the number of accounts in this category.

“At the end-June 2019, there were 723,280 private residential mortgage accounts for principal dwellings held in the Republic of Ireland, with a value of €97.6 billion,” the report states.

“Of this total stock, 61,901 accounts were in arrears, representing a decrease of 933 accounts or 1.5 per cent over the quarter.

“Some 43,303 accounts (6.0 percent) were in arrears of more than 90 days.”

With regard to repossessions, the report reveals that during the second quarter of this year the Courts granted an order for repossession or sale of the property on 120 accounts.

221 properties were taken into possession by lenders during this time, up from 127 in the previous quarter.

233 properties were disposed of by lenders and as a result, lenders were in possession of 1,407 PDH properties at the end of June 2019.

Vulture funds are expected to acquire another €9bn worth of distressed Irish mortgages before this year is out.

The implications this will have for our society are frightening, both morally and economically.

21 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FARE

FOOD & DRINK

Rebel Whopper makes the big jump over to Ireland from the US FOLLOWING the popularity of their plantbased Impossible whopper in the US, Burger King have announced that Irish customers can now get a taste for themselves.

The Rebel Whopper – the Irish version of the US favourite – has been launched on Deliveroo.

The patty contains no beef whatsoever and is entirely plant-based.

Unlike the US version, the patty won’t be provided by plant food startup Impossible Burger, but the patties are under-

stood to be provided by food giant Unilever’s The Vegetarian Butcher.

Made from sustainable soy, wheat, vegetable oil, herbs and onion, the burger is flame-grilled in the traditional Burger King way.

It’s then topped with tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles and onion on a sesame seed bun.

The burgers will be available in over 2,500 outlets across Europe, including Ireland.

Skerries deli scoops Just Ask Restaurant of the Month award

Yule love this taste of Dublin delicious festive fare and fun REBECCA RYAN

THE cold weather is setting in and, dare I say it, Christmas is just around the corner.

There’s nothing like a good food festival to get the festivities under way.

Taste of Dublin has announced its Festive Edition, which will make its mark as Ireland’s ultimate winter food festival right on our doorstep.

The four-day festival takes place in the RDS from November 28 to December 1, and the event includes celebrity chefs, Ireland’s best restaurants, cooking and baking demos, master-

classes, live entertainment and so much more to feast your eyes and taste buds on.

Taste of Dublin has truly contributed to the city’s flourishing food scene.

For 14 years, the festival has played a vital role in progressing Dublin’s food revolution, showcasing the range of eclectic restaurants, producers and chefs that make up the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

A truly unmissable Taste experience is the DID Electrical Chef ’s Theatre. Here, you’ll find Ireland’s top culinary talent as they slice and dice

their way through all our favourite festive recipes.

Ballymaloe favourites Rachel Allen and Rory O’Connell will chat with Erica Drum on how you can prep smartly for the festive season. Their tips and tricks will leave you stress-free and ready to relax in the festivities.

The incredible line up at The DID Electrical Chef’s Theatre also includes Adrian Martin, JR Ryall, Shane Smith, Nicola Curran, Brian McDermott, Patrick Ryan, Erica Drum, Sharon Hearne Smith, Paul Kelly, Jeeny Maltese, Aoife Noonan, Edward Hayden, Mark Moriarty, Graham Herterich, Holly

White, Lizzy L yons, Ciara Brennan, Alberto Rossi, Karan Mittal, Edward Hayden, Jack O’Keeffe and Ludovic Lantier.

For bread lovers, Patrick Ryan (Firehouse Bakery) will show you how to make your own sourdough.

Other things to enjoy are learning how to dress your table for the festivities, the best of Irish cheesemakers, tips about festive meats from craft butchers, learning about wine and learn how to make zero-waste this Christmas.

Tickets are now available at www.tasteofdub lin.ie.

OLIVE Deli & Cafe, Skerries, Co Dublin has been awarded Just Ask Restaurant of the Month for November.

Selected by renowned food writer Georgina Campbell and Bord Bia, the awards rewards eateries across Ireland that exhibit best practices in showing transparency in the sourcing of the food on their menus.

Established in the fishing port of Skerries in 2005, Peter and Deirdre Dorrit’’s specialist food shop and cafe has always showcased a carefully selected range of artisan produce from Ireland.

Georgina said: “Olive set the bar high

when opening in 2005 and, true to its original mission, it’s still championing artisan foods – and remains a must-visit daytime destination for food lovers visiting this charming seaside town today.”

Dunnes Stores scoops 34 awards with Simply Better DUNNES Stores scooped some more international kudos with wins at the prestigious 2019 International Great Taste Awards recently.

Established in 1994 and regarded as the Oscars of the food industry, the top awards saw the Dunnes Stores Simply Better collection win 34 awards.

This year almost 13,000 products were blind-tasted by a panel of more than 500 industry experts, including acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs and food critics.

Winning a 2-Star award for Simply Better was the exclusive 28 Day Matured Irish Angus Rib Roast on the Bone, produced by Tendermeats, based in Clondalkin.

The Simply Better Collection, which is Dunnes Stores’ premium food brand, is one of the most celebrated food labels in Ireland and has been awarded 135 Great Taste Awards since it was established in 2013.

Of that win, Diarmuid Murphy, Simply Better brand manager, said: “We are thrilled for this fan-

tastic product to be recognised internationally through these awards.

“Many of our award winners are new to the collection and this is really exciting for us. Feedback on these new additions from our customers throughout the country has been phenomenal and we are thrilled that the Great Taste judges agree.”

The award-winning products which are part of the Simply Better Collection are available in selected Dunnes Stores nationwide.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21 November 2019

DUBLIN SENIORS

This week, we look at positive ageing, travelling for free in CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN! Northern Ireland and protective factors for dementia

What does positive ageing mean?

Towards a Dementia Friendly Ireland ACCORDING to figures from the HSE, nearly 50,000 people in Ireland are living with dementia, and every year another 4,000 are diagnosed – 11 new people every day.

There are also more than 50,000 people in Ireland who are caring for someone with dementia – and a great multiple of that when counting all of their wider family and social networks.

By 2036, the number of people living with dementia will have increased to over 100,000.

While the experience of Dementia as a progressive illness is a challenge which must be faced by many, we know that developing a greater sensitivity in our communities and society to the needs and challenges of people with dementia and their loved ones can act as a support, in what is a very difficult and often isolating time.

Increased knowledge and understanding could also support people to feel less fear of diagnosis, seek advice and help at an earlier stage, improving their experience and increasing inclusion.

In our community, the lack of understanding and information, combined with stigma, leads to: Avoidance of people with dementia and their families, Assumptions about lack of ability to take part in normal life, Exclusion from community living and diminished quality of life for people with dementia and their family.

In our own lives, there are many steps that can be taken to help maintain our health and wellbeing, including helping to prevent the development of dementia.

The following are protective factors for dementia, but also many other debilitating chronic illnesses: Self-care, Being physically active, Keeping a healthy weight, Maintaining good mental health and wellbeing, Not smoking, Good brain health and lifelong learning.

POSITIVE ageing refers to a holistic individual, community and ‘wholeof-government’ approach to changing attitudes towards ageing.

Particular emphasis is based on the life course approach, highlighting that ageing policy and practice is an issue for all ages and sectors of society.

In order to help better inform policy responses to population ageing in Ireland, the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) has been established.

The HaPAI is a collaborative partnership involving the HSE Health and Wellbeing Division, the Department of Health, the Atlantic Philanthropies and Age Friendly Ireland, with all partners recognisng the value of undertaking research to improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of older people.

The Health Service Executive (HSE), Health and Wellbeing Division has published a ‘Healthy and Positive Ageing for All’ Research Strategy. The purpose of the Research Strategy is to support and promote research that

aims to improve people’s lives as they age.

The HSE has awarded a multidisciplinary team of researchers, practitioners and policy makers led by Professor Catherine Woods from the University of Limerick just under half a million euros to undertake a community-based research study

aimed at increasing levels of physical activity in adults over 50 years of age in Ireland.

The funding was awarded under the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI), which is a co-funded programme between The Atlantic Philanthropies, the HSE and the Department of Health

to support the development and use of evidence informed decision making at all levels of planning, to deliver the objectives of the National Positive Ageing Strategy.

The team’s vision is that adults over 50 years in Ireland will live a more active and healthy lifestyle as a result of being part of the

study entitled “‘Move For Life’: An evaluation of a peer mentoring intervention designed to cascade and consequently up-scale existing programmes to help inactive people over 50 years old become more active”.

Please visit the Move For Life website at www. moveforlife.ie.

Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland WE all know that people over the age of 66 can avail of the free travel pass in the Republic of Ireland, but what about travelling to Northern Ireland?

The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows a Free Travel cardholder (those aged 66 and older) to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior Smartpass card.

Similarly, Northern Ireland Senior Smartpass holders are entitled to travel for free on services in Ireland using their existing Senior Smartpass.

If your Free Travel Card allows you to be accompanied by a spouse, civil partner or

cohabitant or companion, they may continue to travel with you for free on cross-border journeys, but they cannot accompany you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

Free Travel cardholders wishing to avail of the All Ireland Free Travel scheme within Northern Ireland must first get a Senior SmartPass card.

To get a Senior SmartPass card you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). It is not possible to get this form online.

To get a form you must contact your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

The application form must be filled in with

black ink only and returned in person (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

You must bring the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office: • Your current Free Travel Pass/Public Services Card and • Evidence of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement) • Evidence of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification) and • A recent passport standard colour photograph.

21 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

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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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21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAELIC FOOTBALL P30

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

SEVENTH HEAVEN LADIES FOOTBALL: DUBLIN picked up seven All-Stars at the TG4 Ladies Football All-Stars at the Citywest Hotel on Saturday, including Fingal trio Carla Rowe, Niamh McEvoy and Lyndsay Davey - all of whom picked up awards on the half-forward line.

Midfielder Siobhan McGrath was also named as ‘Senior Players Player of the Year’ on the night.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P29

PAGE 31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | LEINSTER UP AND RUNNING WITH BONUS POINT

Blue brigade coming back to full strength  sport@dublingazette.com

GARRY Ringrose helped himself to a hat-trick in Leinster Rugby’s fivetry 33-19 Heineken Champions Cup win over Benetton Rugby at the RDS Arena.

The Ireland star touched down twice inside the first 14 minutes, sandwiching a Dean Budd effort, and Ronan Kelleher marked his European debut with a try on the half-hour mark as last season’s runners-up opened up a 19-7 interval lead.

A crowd of 15,080 watched Leinster captain Johnny Sexton convert his own bonus point try, but Hame Faiva hit back to keep the pressure on. Man-of-the-match Ringrose cut inside a 68th-minute tackle to notch his first career hat-trick, before Luca Sperandio claimed a late consolation score.

For Leinster coach Leo Cullen, he was well aware it was far from a flawless performance, but that is to

be expected given this was the first appearance of the season for many of the World Cup players.

“Off the back of what those guys have been through, it’s like starting their season all over again,” he said after the victory. “It’s round one for us as an entire squad and we do have a couple more guys still to appear.

Overall, we are pleased. We knew it wouldn’t be perfect; it was far from it but we got the job done.”

His side will now travel to Lyon to try and back up the result. It is a similar schedule to last season when Leinster won their first group game before losing in France at Toulouse.

“Can we be better than this time last year? That’s the kind of question we ask ourselves. That’s the challenge because we are not fully up and running with this group yet.

“There was good intent from the players. We started the game well and knew Treviso would give us a good physical challenge and they

Leinster’s James Ryan tackled by Benetton’s Pierre Brousset. Picture: Martin Doherty

did it well. Our guys fought back well and took our chances late on in the first half. We had a decent lead and Jonny scored that brilliant try early in the second half.

“Maybe we thought the job was done at that stage with the four tries, but we knew Treviso would come back – we have seen it on numerous

occasions.

“So, you have to give them a lot of credit for the way they fight on in games and they made life very difficult for us.

“Overall, we got the win, the bonus point and we move on to a totally different challenge next week against Lyon.”

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

SOCCER: LOCAL TRIO TASTE GLORY WITH PROVINCIAL TEAM The Leinster Under-15 schoolgirls side

CASTLEKNOCK NO LOTTO Jackpot Winner. Next week’s Jackpot €2,200. There were 11 Match 3’s who win €30 each – Maria Carroll, Noel Daly, Jen Dolan, Barry Egan, Michael Feehily, Ben Mulcahy, Finbarr Murphy, Mick Neville, Nadiya Ostapiv, James Sherry and Kelvin Watson. Lucky Dip €30 goes to Paddy Morris.

A third match in five days proves just too much for the Minor Camogie team who go down to St. Vincent’s, 2-4 5-14. The scorers on the night were Ebha Mooney (1-0), Aisling Kenny (1-0), Cara Feeney (0-2), Rebecca Cassidy (0-1) and Sophie Browne (0-1). Congrats to the U-12 Boys Hurlers on winning the Div.10 League Play-off against Thomas Davis coming back from two goals down to win by 3-4 2-3.

Well done to the players, mentors and parents on a terrific success. Congrats too to the U-16 Footballers on beating Thomas Davis 4-8 1-7 to reach the ‘B’ Shield Final against Parnells next Saturday Nov.23.

Time and Venue TBC. Heroes all on a wonderful morning in O’Toole Park as our Minor ‘A’ Footballers become 2019 Dublin Minor Football Champions beating Thomas Davis 2-16 0-16 in a pulsating Final. Not such a lucky morning however for the U-16 Girls Footballers who lost the Div.1 Shield Semi-Final to St. Vincent’s or the U-15 Camogie team who went down to Erin’s Isle in the Div.2 Championship Final in St. Anne’s Park.

The DEFIB Presentations take place in the Castleknock Hotel, 7-9pm on Thursday Nov.21. All the clubs who participated will be present.

The Club AGM is being held on Monday, Nov.25 in the Clubhouse in Somerton.

The Castleknock HFC, in conjunction with Castleknock Cycling Club, is holding a Pieta House Mental Health talk in the Clubhouse on Thursday Nov.28 from 7-8.30pm. Alan Farrell’s talk will include information about maintaining our own mental health and wellbeing through self-care and stress management. The talk is free but you need to register at https://www.facebook.com/ events/399799554306988/.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN EXCELLENT week for the club with the announcement of the 2020 Sports Capital Grants and the allocation of over €60,000 to help with upgrading of facilities at Westmanstown.

This funding will allow the club to further develop for the benefit of both Garda Siochana members and the local community in the Westmanstown area.We now field teams from nursery to adult in football,hurling,ladies football and camogie and we look forward to welcoming new members of all ages and grades for the new season in 2020.

Some excellent results on the playing field last weekend with three of our teams reaching finals as the season draws to a close.

U21s beat Good Counsel

6-18 to 0-06 to get to their championship final,U16 Boys beat Na Fianna by a point 1-15 to 3-08 to also get to their championship final,and Minor Ladies qualified for their Shield Final beating O Tooles by 6-14 to 1-06.U14 Boys lost away to Scoil Ui Chonaill but have a chance to make amends next weekend against St Anne’s.U11 Girls played their last match of the season against Skerries Harps last Saturday.

Well done to the 36 girls involved, their coaches and parents on a great season.

Two important dates coming up are the Club AGM on Monday November 25th in Westmanstown at 8.00.PM and the Club Annual Dinner and Awards Night also in Westmanstown on Saturday December 7th.

Fingal trio play their part in Leinster U-15 success

U-15 GIRLS INTERPROS

 sport@dublingazette.com

SANTA Sabina’s Kate Skillington, Castleknock Community College’s Tara O’Hanlon and St Joseph’s Rush’s Ruby Atkinson were all part of the Leinster Under15 schoolgirls side that maintained their phenomenal record in the U-15 interpros with a stunning performance in the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh.

On match day one, Larkin CC’s Leah Tighe’s rocket nine minutes from time set up the defending champions nicely against Connacht, win-

ning out 1-0 to Dom Coll’s crew.

Ringsend College’s Abbie Larkin was named player for the match her performance in a really enjoyable test for both teams which may have merited a draw over the 60 minutes.

It was honours even in the second game of the evening with Munster and Ulster finishing one apiece.

The Saturday afternoon fixtures saw Leinster claim the two points over Ulster. Tighe had her initial strike hit off the crossbar but Larkin was on hand to tap in at the far post on 17 minutes.

Their lead was doubled ten minutes from time when an audaciously high ball in the box was deemed to have crossed the line from an Eve O’Brien attack. Castleknock CC’s Tara O’Hanlon was the recipient of the player of the match following her dynamic performance.

It meant the side only required a draw in the tie to see them victorious.

A goal in each half was enough to see off title contenders Munster in a really entertaining contest.

Larkin hit the back of the net with 11 minutes played when Aoife Kelly

played a lovely ball to the feet of the Ringsend grad, who latched onto it from outside the box.

Daniel Ellison’s side extended their lead nine minutes into the restart with O’Brien showing some fancy footwork with both feet to slot past the diving Munster shotstopper from distance.

Munster were plagued with injuries but kept looking for an elusive goal to bring them back into contention. However, Leinster’s defence were alert to the challenge and smartly saw the game out to ensure a worthy victory in the end.

As well as provincial honours this weekend, there could be more celebrations for the players involved.

T h e i n te r n a t i o n a l management staff use this tournament as the key recruiting tool for their Republic of Ireland Schools selection.

Following the tournament, an extended panel will be invited back for trial on Saturday, November 30 in FAI HQ, Abbotstown.

The 68 players lined out this weekend will be hoping for a call-up in a fortnight’s time as Berkeley’s title defence will be on the line.

U21’s deliver against Swedes

FORMER Malahide United youth Zack Elbouzedi (pictured left), scored one and made another as Ireland under-21s came from behind to beat Sweden 4-1 at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday.

Lee O’Connor, Adam Idah and Troy Parrott also scored as Stephen Kenny’s side maintained their three-point lead ahead of Italy at the top of their Euro 2021 qualifying group.

Viktor Gyokeres had given Sweden an early late with an expertly-taken strike and the Swedes led at the break.

Ireland rallied in the second half and O’Connor

finished well before Elbouzedi put the second on a plate for Adam Idah.

Parrott notched his fourth goal in four under21 internationals to extend the lead before Elbouzedi tapped home Connor Ronan’s cross to seal it.

“It was a bit of a roller coaster,” said Elbouzedi.

“In the first-half we didn’t really get our game going, but the gaffer switched it at half-time and I just ran at my man. He couldn’t really handle it so I kept going.”

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: PLAYOFF NEEDED FOR REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TO BOOK HOME EUROS IN 2020

Doherty disappointed Ireland didn’t take direct Euros route INTERNATIONAL SOCCER  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

THERE was pain etched visibly across Matt Doherty’s face as he discussed what should have been one of the biggest days in his professional career.

The Swords native had just scored his first international goal – on his tenth appearance – to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Denmark, but it was in vain as it was win or bust for Mick McCarthy’s side.

Doherty stole in at the back post to nod home fellow Dubliner Enda Steven’s deep cross with five minutes remaining to set up a grandstand finish.

Denmark winger Martin Braithwaite had 12 minutes earlier put the Danes in front against the run of play when he stabbed home a Pierre Hojbjerg cross.

It was a harsh lesson in the ruthlessness of international football for the Boys in Green, who had been on top for large parts of the game only to concede to Denmark’s one and only chance.

Ireland, without being outstanding, had controlled most of the game and passed the ball well, particularly when the Danes began to retreat in the second half.

Doherty himself was central to what had become an increasingly confident and assured performance from a side who have struggled at times in the campaign.

He was less conspicuous during the first half, but Ireland created a succession of chances late in the half after the Danes had lost Thomas Delaney and Andreas Cornelius to injury.

Conor Hourihane missed the best chance of the half for Ireland after he was played through on goal, while Alan Browne and David McGoldrick also went close.

Disaster struck when Braithwaite stole a march on Doherty and was played onside by Duffy to touch home the opening goal.

Ireland rocked back and deservedly found their leveller when Doherty pounced, but it wasn’t enough as a March play-off awaits.

“It’s sickening, to be honest,” said Doherty following the final whistle.

“I thought we played well and

definitely deserved to win the game. They had one chance and managed to score.

“We were probably the better team and played some really good stuff. It’s pretty flat [in the dressing room]. Not much is being said. We know we still have March to go.”

He added: “You want to stay in the game as long as possible and pile the pressure on towards the end. Unfortunately we did that when we were 1-0 down.

“We were pretty comfortable, played out from the back, our shape was good and our movement was good. We were definitely in the ascendancy and the momentum was with us.

“We have good players. Everybody’s in form and confident we can play out from the back like we did in the first half especially. In the second half, there was no real panic.

“They were playing long balls and even heading them down to our players. I don’t know how it looked but I thought we were playing pretty good and were composed.

“It felt good and it felt like everything would fall into place but it wasn’t our night.”

GAELSCOIL DOUBLE DELIGHT IN CROKE PARK FINALS Captains honoured at GAA Headquarters WINNING Captains from the recent Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Dublin Finals were brought together at Croke Park last week for a special photocall.

Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóiroimhe from Swords claimed a fabulous double, winning the Corn Chumann na nGael and Corn Irish Rubies finals.

Pictured are winning captains Cara Ní Chonaill and Odhrán Ó Conaill of Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóiroimhe.

Picture:David Fitzgerald / SPORTSFILE

Matt Doherty and his Republic of Ireland colleagues now face a Playoff in March if they are to qualify for Euro 2020.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 21 November 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

ST. BRIGID’S THE Annual Club AGM for 2019 will be held on the 8th December, 2019 in Russell Park. Another date for your diary is 14th February, 2020 - Our Club Dinner Dance in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown! Tickets to go on sale soon!

Well done to our Minor A Camogie team on their Championship win on Sunday, hard luck to our Minor B Camogie team who lost out in their Championship game.

Well done to our Senior Hurlers who were nominated for 11 Blue Star Hurling Awards following a great season.

Our AFL1 Footballers face St. Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh in the AFL1 Relegation playoff at 8.15pm in Somerton this Wednesday evening, all support for the lads appreciated. This weeks other fixture details and times on our website and Twitter pages!

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot last week. Our next Jackpot rises to €7,200 and will take place this Thursday, 21st November in The Roselawn Inn. Get your tickets from our usual sellers, in the club bar on play online via our website!

Our Club Nursery, in association with Sherry Fitzgerald continues this Saturday morning INDOORS in our Club Hall from 9.30am with our GPO Colm Schwer.

All boys and girls aged between 4 and 7 are welcome, especially new families! Just arrive down and speak to any of our friendly coaches or email us at; Pro.stbrigids.dublin@gaa.ie for more information.

Juvenile Handball Training, which is open to current and new juvenile players, continues every Wednesday evening at 7pm in Russell Park! We’ll have our Handball Coaches on hand to support all new players and introduce them to the game! Everyone is welcome! Contact Enda on 086 8288308.

Keep up with all our news on our website www.stbrigidsgaa.com, our free to download Club App and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

FINGALLIANS Fingallians GAA Club would like to extend our Gratitude and thanks to Packie Barnwall & Gerry Greene for their years of continued service with the Senior Ladies Team. This culminating in League and Dublin Club Senior Championship success. This was the platform for many of our players playing county football at present and in future years.

The year end accounts, will be available for qualifying members to view on Monday 18th November 7.30 – 8pm and Wednesday 20th November 7.30 – 8pm, in the club bar.

Valentines Ball: The club is hosting a Ball on 14th February 2020 in the Carlton Hotel. Tickets are €65 per person and will be available very soon. Funds raised will go towards regeneration of the area beside the ball wall.

AGM 2019: This will take place in the Main Hall, on Thursday 28th November @ 8.30pm.

Gaelic Voices for Change – Youth Workshop: The club was represented on Saturday, in Croke Park by 3 players, Jude Lennon, Ben Stears and Seán O’Neill. The club would like to thank the GPA. Clubhouse: Winter opening hours, Mon – Wed 6-11pm, Thursday 6-11.30pm, Friday 6-12am, Saturday 5pm-12.30am and Sunday 2pm-11pm.

Pool League: Congratulations to the pool team on their first victory beating The Pigeon Club Blue 9 – 5, next up is an away match versus Parnells Div1.

GAELIC FOOTBALL : GOALS KEY FOR ‘KNOCK

Minor football silverware for Castleknock Castleknock Minor Footballers celebrate their ‘A’ Dublin Championship success at O’Toole Park.

MINOR A FOOTBALL FINAL Scór na nÓg: The county final on Sunday 1st Dec at 3pm in our club. Eolas breise ó Liam ag 086 3814422.

All Adult fixtures are finished for the season.

Academy: Saturday 30th November will be the last training session of the year for the kids.

Juvenile Christmas Party: This will be held Saturday 7th December 10am – 1pm in the main hall.

Social Dancing: Friday Night Dancing 9pm 22nd November with Aidan Clerkin.

Diary Date from the Blood Bank: Just after Christmas the mobile unit will be in the club on the 2nd & 3rd January 2020. (times to follow).

Club Notes: Over the last few weeks, we have had some technical issues with the club notes. We are currently addressing this. If there is anybody who wishes to be included in the circular or has changed their email address, please contact the club on fingallians.acc@gmail.com Na hUimhreacha Buaiteach Lotó: 9,12,27,30 agus 31. We had two winners, Graham Smith and Kathleen Sweetman.

The jackpot this Tuesday is € 2444.

Déanaimid comhbhrón le clann Campbell agus Tindley faoi a méala. Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.

We extend our sympathies to the Campbell & Tindley families on their recent bereavement.

Castleknock 2-16 Thomas Davis 0-16  KEVIN MALLON

sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK came good by a deceptively c o m fo r t a b l e m a rg i n against Thomas Davis in an enthralling Minor ‘A’ Football Championship Final on Sunday.

Having led by eight points at one stage, Castleknock then went two in arrears before winning by six with the icing on the cake coming seven minutes into injury time when the unselfish Conor Chawke expertly set up Senan Forker for the clinching goal.

Castleknock started slowly and but for a superb Conor Kelly save after only 60 seconds, would have suffered a crushing early blow. As it was Thomas Davis poured forward to score the first three points.

It was all of nine minutes before Castleknock really came alive when a

Davy Bohan pass found Conor Chawke who set up Conor Murray for a terrific point off the outside of his right boot.

Conor Murray added a second while Rob O’Shea made a brilliant block to deny Thomas Davis a second goal chance.

After 13 minutes Thomas Davis led 0-4 0-2, but Castleknock then hit a real blue and yellow patch scoring 1-7 in 12 minutes to go eight points clear at 1-9 0-4. Luke Swan fisted the goal from a Conor Chawke free while the points came from seven different players, Conor Murray, Cian Boyle (who came close to goaling as well), Evan McSherry, Co n o r C h aw ke, Ro b O’Shea, Luke Swan and Fionn Gibbons.

H o weve r, T h o m a s Davis put in a strong finish to the half with three points in three minutes closing the gap to five at the break, 1-9 0-7.

Thomas Davis got off to another flying start after the interval, scor-

ing five points in a row to level the match at 1-9 0-12 and it took a huge Ronan McCann point for Castleknock 13 minutes into the half to stem the tide. Even so, Thomas Davis scored the next three points to complete an amazing 10-point turnaround.

It was then Castleknock’s enormous character came to the fore.

Helped by some outstanding Luke Swan catches around the middle of the field Castleknock virtually dominated possession in the final quarter.

Points from Luke Swan and Conor Chawke levelled it up again with just 10 minutes to go. A mazy Conor Chawke run led to the point that regained the lead. Ronan McCann tapped over a free and then Conor Murray coming in from the right hit an incredible point to put a goal between the sides 1-15 0-15.

A Conor Chawke pointed free put Castleknock four clear, but as the

game headed for TimeAdded-On a Thomas Davis point made it a one score game once again. In the nine minutes of stoppage time Thomas Davis did everything possible to create an equalising goal, but some heroic defending kept them out until a breakaway Castleknock move left Conor Chawke one-onone with the Thomas Davis goalkeeper and his inch perfect pass set up Senan Forker for the decisive goal.

Castleknock Captain Conor Chawke received the Minor ‘A’ Cup from Denis Molony of the Dublin County Board. In his acceptance speech he thanked Thomas Davis for their contribution to such an amazing match and he went on to thank the Castleknock Managers, Declan Hannigan and Gerry Kindlon and the many others (including John Kilkenny, Mick Marren, Anton O’Céirigh and Tommy Griffin) who helped bring the Cup back to Castleknock.

21 November 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

LADIES FOOTBALL: DUBLIN DELIVER RECORD EQUALLING SEVEN ALL-STARS FOOTBALL Carla Rowe is presented with her TG4 All Star by Árd Stiúrthóir TG4, Alan Esslemont and LGFA President Marie Hickey during the awards banquet, in association with Lidl, at the Citywest Hotel Picture: Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE

All-Fingal half-forward line on Ladies Football All-Stars TG4 LADIES FOOTBALL ALL-STARS  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

FINGAL claimed three TG4 Ladies Football All-Stars, on a night where All-Ireland Senior Champions Dublin picked up a record equalling seven gongs at the Citywest Hotel on Saturday night.

All three awards came on the halfforward line with Clann Mhuire’s Carla Rowe; Niamh McEvoy from St. Sylvester’s and Skerries Harps player Lyndsay Davey picking up awards.

28-year old McEvoy was honoured with an All-Star for the first time, but wasn’t present on the night due to her Aussie Rules committments.

Davey picked up her fifth All-Star, following awards in ‘05, ‘14, ‘15 and ‘18.

Niamh Collins, Sinead Goldrick and Olwen Carey also claimed awards in defence, with midfielder Siobhan McGrath taking both an All-Star and the ‘Senior Players’ Player of the Year’.

13 Dublin players were shortlisted for awards , with St. Brigid’s goalkeeper Ciara Trant; Kilmacud Crokes trio Éabha Rutledge, Aoife Kane and Lauren Magee; along with Cuala’s Martha Byrne in contention.

Rowe delivered her third All-Star award, and was delighted to pick up an All-Star on the night.

“Absolutely it’s a fantastic night for all the ladies nominated,” she told Dublin Gazette at the awards ceremony.

“Everyone is a brilliant player. I suppose at the end of the day we would still swap any of our All-Stars for an All-Ireland, but we are delighted this year.

“We got seven All-Stars for the team and we also got the All-Ireland which is the end goal. It’s just an honour to be given this.”

After picking up All-Stars in both 2015 and 2016, it was Rowe’s first time to pick up both an All-Star and an AllIreland title in the same year.

Once again she had tremendous support from her Clann Mhuire club colleagues on the night, with members travelling in large numbers to Citywest.

“The girls are here no matter when you win one or you don’t. They are out there and they support you every day - rain, hail, sun or shine. They make tonight special whether you win one or you don’t get one.

“It is just fantastic to have that support and I really appreciate it. I think they girls do know that so it’s brilliant.

“I’m just so lucky to be a part of the club, and I’m so lucky to have the friends and the family that you could call the whole village, around me and supporting me, and Una Whyte also who is coming up. It’s just an honour to be representing the club and everyone behind us.”

2020 is a big year for Women in Sport, and Rowe says it’s hard to believe that it’s almost around the corner - she’s been making the most of enjoying the ‘off-season’ though firstly!

“I was trying to get exercising again before the All-Star’s, but I couldn’t get myself to do it, so I said after this weekend I may get back on the horse and start doing a little bit of something anyway!,” she said.

“We’ll enjoy this weekend and then I might look at it after that!”

“I would have played with Dundalk IT a couple of years ago and that was brilliant keeping you involved during the Winter.

“Our club last year got a bit further than this year. This year we didn’t get as far as we had hoped, so we were out quite early.

“We’ve been finished now since the middle of October, so I’ve had a good

break, which in some ways is good. You do need that break to rest and recover and be ready for the next year and the seasons don’t get easier.

“Every year you have to keep pushing the standards to keep trying to stay on top or even chase that position.”

One of the keys for Dublin will be a strong league start, but Rowe says there hasn’t been much talk of that for now.

“We haven’t talked about it yet. I know every year it is about putting out the strongest team that we can and go out with the aim of winning it. That is one of the things you have to aim for, but you just have to see how the year goes.”

“We would never say that we aren’t chasing a medal in the league. Dublin have only ever won one, and that was two or three years ago, so we would be definitely running after that. I think this year it did show that we needed that massive panel and that strong panel pushing us in finishing the games, and even in training - the competition was so fierce.

“At the end of the day that won us the All-Ireland - the 35 players we have!”

It was announced on the night that Texas hosts the All-Stars tour in March.

Dubs Stars nominees revealed CASTLEKNOCK and Round Tower Lusk players are included among the nominees for the Dublin Bus Dubs Stars Football selection for 2019.

Five players from the Fingal area in total are among the 60 nominees, with Castleknock’s Rob Shaw, Tom Quinn, Ciaran Kilkenny and Tommy McDaniel all nominated, along with Round Tower Lusk clubman Cormac Howley.

Shaw is among 12 players nominated on the full-back line. Tom Quinn is shortlisted in the half-back line, with the other nominations coming up-front.

Ciaran Kilkenny is shortlisted in the halfforward line, with both McDaniel and Howley among 12 players shortlisted in the fullforward line.

2019 Dublin Senior 1 Football champions Ballyboden St. Enda’s understandably dominate the short-list.

The Firhouse Road side have been unbeaten through league and Championship this year, and will aim to keep that streak going this Sunday in the Leinster Club semifinal in Mullingar.

Others to feature strongly in the shortlist include Thomas Davis, who progressed to their first Senior 1 Championship final since 1991 earlier this month.

Na Fianna, Ballymun Kickhams, Kilmacud Crokes, St. Jude’s, Clontarf, St. Vincent’s, Ballinteer St. John’s, Raheny, St. Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh, Lucan Sarsfields, Whitehall Colmcille, are others among the 15 clubs to have players shortlisted.

The 22 Dubs Stars will be revealed in a fortnight.

Gazette SPORT NOVEMBER 21-27, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

ALL-STARS FOR FINGAL TRIO LADIES FOOTBALL: Three TG4

Ladies Football AllStars, went to Fingal, as Dublin picked up seven gongs, and also Senior Players Player of the Year SEE P31

DOHERTY DISAPPOINTED SOCCER: There

was pain etched visibly across Matt Doherty’s face after Ireland’s 1-all draw with Denmark on Monday night SEE P29

‘KNOCK TAKE MINOR TITLE

GAELIC FOOTBALL: Goals were

key as Castleknock claimed the Minor A Football Championship title, beating Thomas Davis on Sunday. SEE P30

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Swords native Finn has eye on pro football INTERNATIONAL SOCCER  DAVE DONNELLY

Jamie Finn has been delighted with the reception she has got from her new Republic of Ireland team-mates, since the 21-year old got the call-up to the Senior squad.

sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS native Jamie Finn has set her sights on one day playing professional football after making her senior international bow in the 1-1 draw away to Greece last week.

The versatile Shelbourne star played all 90 minutes as Vera Pauw’s side were denied victory by an equaliser deep into injury time, and surrendered their 100% record in Euro 2021 qualifying.

Fo r m e r Pe a m o u n t United and current FC Koln striker, Amanda Barrett had given the visitors the lead midway through the first half with a delightfullyimprovised dink over the Greece keeper.

Barrett’s second international goal looked set to be enough for Ireland to make it three wins from three in qualifying, but Anastasia Spyridonidou struck in the third added minute to snatch a point.

The disappointment was at least tempered by the trust placed in her by the newly-installed Pauw, who liked what she saw from the Shels midfielder in her first c a m p t o t h ro w h e r straight in.

“It was my first callup to a camp, and I didn’t even expect to get on the pitch, so to start the game and to play 90 minutes was unreal,” Finn tells Dublin Gazette.

“I was surprised but

“People keep coming up to me and saying ‘well

done’ and it’s just surreal. Playing with senior girls, the pros that play with Arsenal etc. the older girls were welcoming and were like ‘you’re well able for this so just go and do what you’ve been doing for the past while’.

“People keep coming up to me and saying ‘well done’ and it’s just surreal.

Playing with senior girls, the pros that play with Arsenal and Liverpool, it was a great feeling.”

Finn had been involved in a couple of homebased training camps

under previous manager Colin Bell, who now manages South Korea.

The 21-year-old, who played underage with Swo rd s M a n o r b oys before joining Shels, saw her impressive form in Shelbourne’s title challenge attract much attention.

Though Shelbourne came up just short, losing out on the title by two points as Peamount beat Cork City on the final

day, Finn was named in team of the season and nominated for player of the year.

Her upward trajectory was confirmed by her selection to start in Athens and, while the result didn’t go the way she’d have liked, the experience has been universally positive.

Coming up against players who train five and six days a week – Shels are amateur and

train three days – showed h e r t h e l eve l t h a t ’s attainable.

Her former Shels teammate Leanne Kiernan got the opportunity to go pro with West Ham United, while Barrett moved in the summer to the Bundesliga, and Finn would one day like to follow suit.

“You can see the ir sharpness because they’re training every day of the week and com-

ing into camp they’re no different,” says Finn.

“I’d love to go professional. I think it’s just a case of when and where and really sitting down and thinking about it, but I’d love to go play.

“Even just for the international set-up, I’d like to get better for myself and the team.

Going pro would mean training every day and me improving, so hopefully [it happens].”