Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2019

DUBLINMAGAZINE: Easter’s now over, but DUBLIN we still have plenty of cracking good content to read in our sunny Magazine section PAGE 15

SPORT

CRICKET: Winning

start for Balbriggan, Malahide and The Hills. SEE P29

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Syringe horror for boy, 3, on Balbriggan beach

‘What’s this, mammy?’ asked child

SYLVIA POWNALL

A MOTHER-of-four has told of her horror after her three-year-old son picked up a used syringe while building sandcastles on the beach on Easter Sunday.

Jayne Robinson (36) said her blood ran

cold when the tot innocently asked her “What’s this, mammy?” as he handed the filthy needle to his 12-year-old brother.

She told Dublin Gazette: “They are just lucky they didn’t get a prick from it because that could have been fatal. I will never bring my kids near that beach again.

“You never think of something like this until it happens to you. I still feel sick thinking how serious it could have been.”

Meanwhile, in a separate incident on the same beach, a group of 13-year-old girls were forced to ring their parents to collect them after a gang threatened to “punch the head off” them on Easter Monday.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

House that for a prize?

BALSCADDEN FC has come up with a smash-hit prize in its upcoming monster draw – a brand-new house.

Tickets for the two-bed townhouse at a Balrothery development may be doing a brisk trade at €100 a pop, with the townhouse – worth €250,000 – the top prize in a wide range of great goodies.

The lucky winner will be revealed in late June.

SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 25 April 2019

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MUM JAYNE HORRIFIED BY FIND AT BALBRIGGAN

Shock as boy finds a syringe at the beach

Rolestown Daybreak is ‘Store of the Year’

 SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Jayne said it was unclear whether the syringe had been used to shoot up heroin or if it was medical waste washed up on the beach in Balbriggan.

But she said either way the consequences could have been very serious and she is urging other parents to be vigilant.

She said: “The top of it was brown and there was some liquid still inside it. We packed up and left straight away.

“The beach was packed.

It was a really hot day and the kids were swimming in the water and running around barefoot on the sand.

“If there’s one used needle, you may be sure there’s more there. Parents need to be careful and keep a very close eye on their kids.

“It’s a beautiful beach

FASTNews

Any parent’s nightmare ... Little Lincoln, 3, innocently asked what this syringe was when he found it at Balbriggan beach.

Mum Jayne says: “I still feel sick thinking how serious it could have been.”

but that is the last time that I will set foot on it.”

There were a number of unprovoked attacks on Balbriggan beach last summer and parents are calling for garda patrols to prevent a repeat this year.

In Monday’s incident, a small group of 13-year-old

girls were approached by a gang of up to 20 females aged 15 and 16 who hurled abuse and threatened them.

The parents who arrived to collect them were also threatened with violence with a girl described as the ringleader reportedly

warning she would get her dad to beat them up.

One parent fumed: “Why should young people have to stay indoors because of these low-lifes?

“This sort of behaviour needs to be tackled because it is getting out of hand.”

New portal to help with voter details A NEW web portal enabling more than one million Dublin residents to check their electoral details has been rolled out by the four local authorities.

Voters can check if they are on the register by entering their full name and address or Eircode on the Voter.ie website.

In addition to the basic search the portal will also allow voters who are registered with mygov.id to add themselves to the register of electors, change their address or other details, and remove themselves from the register.

Check www.voter.ie to ensure that your are eligible to vote in the upcoming European and local elections on May, 24.

DAYBREAK in Rolestown has won Best Neighbourhood Store of the Year. The convenience outlet in the village near Swords emerged as winner ahead of 220 other Daybreak stores nationwide.

All outlets are independently owned by local retailers and Ray Ahearne and his team of friendly staff came out tops from a shortlist of 15.

The award focuses on four key areas – products and services, store environment, communications, and people. During the competition stores were assessed against rigorous criteria, including a series of mystery shopper surveys and audits on store standards.

Musgrave’s head of retail sales, Thomas Morrison, said: “Huge congratulations to Ray Aherne and his hardworking team at Daybreak Rolestown. This win is a testament to the team’s huge effort and commitment to providing a great service to their local community.”

Pictured are Barry Connell (Mondelez), Olga Grundan, Julie Shinkorenko (Daybreak Rolestown), Paul Kerrigan and Noel Keeley, both Musgrave group.

Warning of Road works rats sighting welcomed in estate in Donabate RESIDENTS of an estate in Blanchardstown have been urged not to leave food out for birds and secure bins after multiple sightings of rats in the area.

The rodents have been spotted in the Whitestown estate in Dublin 15 and the community group is asking residents to take prudent precautions.

Whitestown Estate Management posted on Facebook: “There’s been several sightings of a rodent on Whitestown Gardens and Avenue.

Please do not throw food out on the road for the birds.

Keep your bin lids closed and remove litter in the street the kids might have put down.”

Residents are urged to contact local pest control with any sightings of the rodents.

Earlier this month the Whitestown group announced it had been entered into the nationwide Pride of Place competition by Fingal County Council.

LONG-AWAITED road works and a boundary upgrade got under way at Donabate railway bridge earlier this week.

Fingal County Council confirmed to area councillors that it had appointed MEIC Ltd to undertake road improvement, drainage, resurfacing and boundary works along the Hearse Road approach to the bridge.

Work is expected to take 14 weeks and is expected to add to traffic disruption on the peninsula where rush hour gridlock is now a daily occurrence.

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) said he was pleased to hear that the “long overdue and much delayed” road upgrade would commence this week.

“I have asked for a robust traffic plan that minimises delays to motorists and to achieve this the two lanes at Prospect Hill must remain operational especially at busy times. If major disruption is anticipated at any stage these works should be carried out at night.”

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

COMMUNITY: GREAT INTEREST IN TWO-BED TOWNHOUSE PRIZE IN BALROTHERY

North Dublin club raffles new €250k house for €100 a ticket SYLVIA POWNALL

FAIR City star Rebecca Grimes has rallied behind her local football club which is offering one lucky supporter the chance to win a €250k house – for just €100.

Balscadden FC is offering a two-bed townhouse in a brand-new development in Balrothery as the top prize in its monster draw, plus another €10k to furnish it.

Funds raised will go towards a football pitch and sporting facilities which will be used by the club and St Benignus NS, and by the wider community.

Rebecca, who plays Hayley Collins in the RTE soap, said she was delight-

ed to lend a hand to her local club in promoting its Win a Dublin Home draw.

She said: “It’s great to be involved in a worthy cause like this that’s so close to my heart. Balscadden is my local club, so I really hope people can support it.”

Players and volunteers organised a bag pack at Tesco in Millfield, Balbriggan at the weekend to highlight the draw, with the ultimate aim of selling 7,000 tickets.

The top prize is a blockbuilt house which comes with a choice of kitchen, air to water heating system, underfloor heating, landscaped garden and cobblelock drive.

Club secretary Willie Burke revealed: “There’s

House about this for a prize? Actress Rebecca Grimes helps to show off the top prize in a monster draw by her local club, Balscadden FC

been lots of interest and the prize speaks for itself.

“It’s a potentially lifechanging draw and we wish everyone who enters it the very best of luck.

“To win a house right on the commuter belt in a lovely village like Balrothery would be an unbelievable story.”

The lucky winner will

be announced on June 29 in Balscadden Inn where a raft of runner-up prizes including a Mediterranean cruise, a family trip to Lapland and trips to Berlin,

Rome and Barcelona will also be allocated.

To buy tickets online, and for more information, visit www.winadublinhome.ie.

MALAHIDE

FCC set to bin plastic for concerts FINGAL County Council has pledged to work with promoters in a bid to make concerts at Malahide Castle a plastic-free zone.

The local authority agreed to a motion raised at the Howth/Malahide Area Committee meeting calling for a ban on the sale of single-use plastic bottles at the events.

There was widespread support for the request from Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) who also raised the issue of providing free water-filling stations.

Counc il offic ials revealed that free waterfilling stations were provided for concerts at Malahide Demesne in 2018 and would again be in place for this summer’s gigs.

Major concerts lined up for Malahide Castle and Demesne this summer include The Cure and Snow Patrol.

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SUPPORT: FINGAL YOUTH CHOIR TURN THEIR TALENTS TO HELPING PIETA HOUSE

Turning ‘Fade Into Darkness’ into hope SYLVIA POWNALL

FINGAL Youth Choir have released a cover of Avicii’s Fade Into Darkness on the anniversary of the DJ’s death to raise awareness and funds for Pieta House.

The north Dublin academy of musicians paid tribute to the Swedish producer – real name Tim Bergling – in a bid to support the suicide and selfharm charity.

Grammy-nominated Wake Me Up star Avicii

was found dead in a hotel in Muscat, Oman on April 20 last year after taking his own life at the age of 28.

Launching their haunting arrangement of the hit song on Saturday, the youth choir (inset) posted a video on the Fingal Academy of Music page.

Choir soprano Aisling said: “I am so grateful for the work that Pieta House do, they help many people who feel helpless. I hope this project can raise

awareness about a difficult but important issue in many teenagers’ lives.”

The recording was generously supported

by Fingal County Coun-

cil and within 48 hours of the online fund being launched it had raised €477 of its €500 target.

The everydayhero. com page story reads:

“Fingal Academy of Music has created this page because we want to make a difference.

“The singers in Fingal Youth Choir were inspired

by the work of Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide and wanted to support them by raising money.”

The choir commissioned their conductor Eoin Conway to arrange Avicii’s song Fade Into Darkness and the video has been viewed thousands of times.

To donate, see https:// g ive . eve r yd ay h e ro . com/ie/fingal-youthchoir.

Elvis superfan Patsy all shook up over a Blanch exhibition SYLVIA POWNALL

A SERIES of photographs capturing the colourful world of Elvis superfan Patsy Boylan will go on display in Blanchardstown this week.

Welcome to Graceland,

by Suella Holland, opens at Connolly Hospital on Friday, April 26 and is sure to cause a fever for all the right reasons

among staff, patients and visitors.

The work showcases the wonderful world of colour, tribute and humour that is Meath man Patsy’s everyday life, capturing his obsession with gathering madcap collectors’ items.

Elvis Presley died on Suella’s eighth birthday in the summer of 1977, and she vividly remem-

bers how, every year since, radio stations play The King’s timeless classics.

Though his music is not of a genre that the quirky and unique photo artist is naturally drawn to, she feels an affinity to Elvis because they share the date of August 16.

She said the study of widower Patsy’s way of life was a labour of love

and she found a form of beautiful self-expression among what others might dismiss as clutter.

Suella told Dublin Gazette: “He’s an amazing character, a one-off.

This was a lesson in escapism, a total break from the monotony of life.

“I left with a smile on my face that reached my heart as well as my eyes.

A unique and wonderful adventure into someone

else’s world.”

Patsy’s love of all things Elvis has mushroomed from a couple of pieces into a treasure trove of memorabilia which is the envy of superfans the world over.

Suella was drawn to his story and the sense of fun that Patsy exudes from this Elvis shrine he calls home in rural County Meath.

S h e s a i d : “ We a l l have our passions and

Patsy wears his proudly on every surface in his home, and even occasionally in the form of his tight-fitting white Elvis replica jumpsuit.”

A number of the images are named after Elvis’ songs, which Suella feels is a fitting and apt tribute to both Elvis and Patsy.

We reckon anyone who visits this unique exhibition is bound to be struck

by The Wonder of View ...

Ah, it’s yours-Elvis... Patsy Boylan’s very own ‘Graceland’ is the superfan’s funforgettable tribute to The King, with even Patsy’s own style adding to the fun

SWORDS

Gardai investigate gang attack on boys GARDAI are investigating after a young boy was hit with a hammer by a gang of thugs who mugged him on his way home from the chipper in Swords.

The boy and his friends were set upon by a gang of four who followed them in a red car before cornering them in the Ridgewood area at around 9.30pm on Friday.

After robbing them of their mobile phones and forcing them to return the devices to factory settings, the cheeky thieves also took the takeaway the boys had gone to collect.

The distraught mother of one of the victims warned others to be vigilant and revealed: “My son was robbed out in Swords tonight along with his friends.

“Their phones were taken off them while on the way back from getting food. They even had the cheek to take their food along with their phones and money.

‘Cowards’ “The cowards had a hammer and hit my son, then made them unlock their phones to turn off iCloud.”

She described the gang as being three white males and one black male, with one wearing braces.

Gardai confirmed they were investigating the attack at Rathingle Road on April 18.

A garda spokesperson said: “Three male youths in their mid-teens were approached and confronted by four males, one armed with a hammer.

“They threatened the youths, and struck one on the shoulder with the hammer, before taking their mobile phones.

“The four f led the scene in a car. No arrests have been made, to date, and no one was injured during the incident. The investigation is ongoing.”

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Anna O’Hanlon

Heidi O’Hanlon

Sabrina Delgado

Micah, Casey and james Hayden. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Keelings hosts First Irish Harvest Festival

T

O celebrate Keelings first Irish strawberries of the season, they hosted their annual First Irish Harvest Festival in support of ISPCC Childline last week at the Keelings Farm Shop in St Margarets.

Family, friends and their little growers were invited to attend, learn to plant their first Irish strawberry plant and this year make their very own seed bombs to take home, fostering an appreciation of biodiversity and pollination, which Keelings growers actively implement on their farm.

Akshita Ramesh

Aisling and Donnacha Fagan

Lily Reilly

Tharun Yuvaraj

Sofia Whyte

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 25 April 2019

FASTNews Balbriggan sisters a big hit on TG4 show TWO sisters from Balbriggan featured on the latest edition of TG4’s hit entertainment series, Realta agus Gaolta, which aims to find Ireland’s most talented family.

Niamh and Laura Walsh are now in the running for the coveted title and a cash prize of €3,000 after their impressive performance on Sunday night’s show.

Hosted by Sile Seoige, the series will see more than 70 acts battle it out with performances ranging from Sean Nos to rock ballads.

The overall winner will get to perform with Kila in front of thousands of music fans at their National Stadium concert later this year.

Sunday’s episode also featured Michaela and Jeremy Jenkinson from Santry as well as entrants from Galway, Cork, Kildare, Roscommon, Clare and Mayo.

SWORDS: RETIRED MAN HELPING TO SPREAD POSITIVITY

Small airport fire leads to evacuation A FAULTY washing machine set off the fire alarm at Dublin Airport last Thursday, sparking widespread panic and leading to the evacuation of the terminal.

Staff and passengers were forced to leave an area of Departures shortly after 9am after billowing smoke caused a fire alarm to go off.

A Dublin Airport spokesperson said the incident was dealt with within 15 minutes and no flights were delayed.

They added that upon investigation it became apparent that the smoke “was coming from a washer/dryer containing cleaning cloths belonging to a third-party cleaning operator”.

Lung disease no obstacle for yoga leader Matt Cullen advice was not to go out and about, so I find the yoga very beneficial. I just found it very calming, both for the body and the mind.

“Michael Darragh’s dad passed away from

ing the DVD and thought you’d have to be some sort of contortionist.

“But I found the exercises very do-able and very enjoyable.”

Yoga has been shown to help the health and well-

visual arts in 2009 and is now preparing for his secA RETIRED electrician ond solo exhibition at the from Swords who is living Atrium in County Hall, with a debilitating lung Swords in the autumn. disease is refusing to let He said: “Tiny particles it hold him back as he feaon my lungs showed up on tures in a new yoga DVD. a high-resolution CT scan M a t t Cu l l e n , during my diagwho is in his sixnosis and my art ties, was diagwork is influenced nosed with Idioby that. I paint pathic Pulmonary objects as if you Fibrosis (IPF) in can see the atoms 2010 following through them. recurring chest “IPF makes me infections, fatigue feel frustrated, and breathlessanxious and scared ness. at times.

The father-of“I can’t do as two is on permamuch as I used to nent antibiotics to around the house combat infection, like gardening and as well as having such. But painting to use a nebuliser gives me the drive and inhalers daily. to keep going. It’s But he refuses Matt Cullen, Pamela Martin, Michael Darragh Macauley and Evelyn Cooper a welcome disto let the disease traction. get the better of him and the same illness as I have being of people with lung “My advice to people is Matt appears in a new so he knows and can fibrosis through improved to keep as active as posexercise DVD for people empathise with where breathing, mobility, and sible and make the most with lung fibrosis along- patients are coming from. f lexibility, as well as of every moment. Cherish side Dubs player Michael “People who have this through the relief of ten- it, because life is for living Darragh McAuley. illness are on oxygen. I’m sion and anxiety. after all.”

H e t o l d D u b l i n not on it at the moment, Tidy Towns volunteer The DVD is now availGazette: “I have very thankfully. I had never Matt, from Carlton Court, able to view online or to severe fatigue and the tried yoga before mak- completed a degree in order at www.ilfa.ie.

SYLVIA POWNALL

Call for tighter regulation as insurance costs hit businesses

LOCAL Fine Gael election candidate Emer Currie has called for tighter regulation as local play and activity centres risk closure over sky-rocketing insurance costs.

Premiums have risen by 850% in the past five years and the Fine Gael representative for the Castleknock ward says action is needed to cap charges.

The insurance premium for one business in Dublin 15, which employs up to 60 full- and parttime staff during the summer, has increased by 50% in two years.

Another firm in north Fingal faced increases from €4,000 to €40,000 in ten years according to

‘Play & Activity Centres Ireland’, which represents approximately 90 businesses and organisations nationwide.

Ms Currie said: “For small business that run tight profit margins, these insurance premium hikes are unsustainable. Rising premiums put local playcentre businesses – and lifelines for parents – out of business.

“This is an immediate threat to local employers and entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy.”

She continued: “Having somewhere accessible, affordable and safe to go with your young children

is really important – whether that’s the local playground, playgroup or a treat visit to a play centre.

“I have a four- and a six-year-old and would be lost without these local businesses that are on my doorstep.

“There is a wider threat too, not just for playcentres but any premises or amenity that requires public liability insurance – community playgrounds, playgroups and children’s extra-curricular classes.”

Ms Currie has written to Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance Michael D’Arcy to seek reassurance and she is calling for an interim judicial council to be set up.

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

DUBLIN 15: COMMITTEE EXPECTING LARGE TURNOUT AT SECOND PUBLIC MEETING

Parents lobbying for autism school step up campaign SYLVIA POWNALL

A GROUP of parents seeking an autism school in Dublin 15 will hold a second public meeting next Monday April 29 as they prepare to step up their campaign.

The Autism School Dublin 15 committee is expecting a large turnout at the gathering at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Monday at 8pm.

It is appealing for support from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbours, teachers and special needs assistants who have had autism touch their lives.

The Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board has already committed to providing a

site for an autism specific group and the committee wants local politicians to lobby the Department of Education to fund it.

Sile Parsons, Autism School D15 spokesperson, told Dublin Gazette: “We really need to get as many people as possible to attend.

“We want to show this is a community issue and not just an issue for the parents whose children are not receiving an appropriate education.”

Excluded A report released earlier this month highlighted how hundreds of ‘invisible’ children with autism or special needs are being excluded from school but do not show up in official

statistics.

The D15 group, comprising parents of children with autism and professionals who have worked with children who are on the spectrum, launched its campaign six months ago.

They argue that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) units within mainstream schools are not meeting the needs of children with complex presentations of autism and significant needs.

A survey carried out locally from October to December 2018 found that 103 of 177 children in ASD units (59 per cent) as never accessing mainstream education.

In all 54 students currently in ASD units in Dublin 15 have been iden-

Pictured are Rachael McAllister, Leanne Byrne, Aine Lynch, Nickola Cullen from Beverton Preschool at the award ceremony, with MC Keelin Shanley. Picture: Fennel Photography

Donabate preschools honoured at awards TWO Donabate preschools have been recognised for their contribution to the early years sector at the Early Childhood Ireland national awards.

Beverton Preschool and Roots & Wings were awarded the Partnership with Families Innovation Award 2019.

They took the title for a joint project in which they created a doll to represent a child’s keyworker in a bid to foster communication between home and creche.

The dolls go home with the children, giving the parents and families an opportunity to learn about their day in a gentle way.

Congratulating the winners Teresa Heeney of Early Childhood Ireland said:

“We know that our sector is filled with tremendously passionate people like the teams at Beverton and Roots & Wings.

“As always, their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm are at the heart of the delivery of quality in our sector.”

Beverton Preschool and Roots & Wings collected four awards in total – one for a learning story, two for inspired practice and the overall national award for partnership with parents innovation.

A celebration will take place once children are back after the Easter break.

Early Childhood Ireland represents 3,800 childcare members, who support over 100,000 children and their families through preschool, afterschool, and full day-care provision nationwide.

tified by their principals as requiring placement in Autism Specific Special Schools because mainstream cannot cope with their challenging behav-

iour.

Most are accessing education for no more than an hour a day or being excluded from school completely.

Organisers believe a

photo display of the children they are representing would have a “powerful impact” on politicians attending the public meeting.

They have asked parents affected to email a jpeg image of their child (who will not be identified by name) to: d15asdschool@gmail.

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CHARITY: CALL TO SUPPORT FUNDRAISER FOR LIFE-SAVING SERVICE

RNLI issues ‘Mayday’ appeal for lifeboat kits SYLVIA POWNALL

HOWTH and Skerries RNLI is asking the public to answer their Mayday call for funding as it emerged that the Fingal crews rescued 76 people in 2018.

The volunteer lifeboat team based at Howth RNLI launched 37 times last year, bringing 36 people to safety, while the lifeboat crew in Skerries launched 15 times, rescuing a total of 40 people.

Volunteers in north Dublin are urging people to support their national fundraising campaign which will run for the entire month of May. It coincides with veteran marathon runner Mary Nolan Hickey’s second lap of Ireland challenge as the Wicklow woman who covered the country on foot in 2018 bids to complete the gruelling route by bike.

Dublin comedian PJ Gallagher, who is an RNLI volunteer, is backing the drive encouraging people to sign up at rnli.org/ mayday to hold an event or donate.

He said: “Being a volunteer lifeboat crew mem-

ber, I know first-hand the commitment it takes. Our crews drop everything when their pagers go off to launch the lifeboat and head out to help those in trouble.

“Our lifeboat crew kit gives us the confidence to face all weathers and conditions, day or night. The right kit is vital in helping to make sure we do what we are trained to do and that we bring everyone home safely.”

Mary (65) raised more than €72,000 last year and is now cycling around Ireland counter-clockwise to try and bring her fund over the €100,000 mark.

She will call into the RNLI stations in Skerries and Howth on the final leg of her journey.

During the month of May, the RNLI is hoping to raise €780,000 to fund the kit that more than 1,500 volunteers nationwide rely on, including lifejackets, helmets and the organisation’s signature yellow wellies.

PJ said: “I hope people will answer the RNLI’s Mayday appeal and do something to support the volunteer lifeboat crew in

Volunteer RNLI crewmember and comedian PJ Gallagher helps fundraiser Mary Nolan Hickey on her way as she cycles around Ireland for Mayday, a major fundraiser appeal for the RNLI. Picture: Patrick Browne

Ireland. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is.

“Every piece of kit on a volunteer has been funded through the generosity of people who donated to the charity.”

To get involved, see RNLI.org/Mayday to register for a free Mayday pack which lists a host of fundraising ideas.

The charity is also encouraging people to

show support on their social media, joining the conversation using the hashtag #MaydayEveryDay, or by donating online or buying a yellow welly pin badge.

Rush student gets SciFest judges’ seal of approval for marine exploration project

A RUSH student has won a SciFest Dublin competition for his project on sonar technology and marine exploration.

Daniel O’Brien (right) from St Joseph’s Secondary School came out tops for his project, Sean Whiskers – Bioinspiration for Oceantech, and will now participate in the national final for the chance to represent Ireland in California in May 2020.

Outlining his research which impressed judges ahead of 130 others, Daniel explained: “In the ocean there is difficulty in reliably tracking moving objects underwater, due to poor visibility.

“Sonar is a well-understood technology that has been used for many years, but it does have limitations in the tracking of smaller, elusive

objects in complex seafloor topographies.

“These limitations can include the reflection of surface waves and ‘scattering’ effects.

“My project investigates how an artificial seal whisker sensory system could help future marine robots explore the ocean, in an auto-

mated, computer-controlled manner.”

TU Dublin, Ireland’s first Technological University, will host two further science initiatives on its Tallaght Campus on May 2 and in Blanchardstown on May 8.

Daniel is following in the footsteps of Adam Kelly, a student from Skerries Community College, who won SciFest 2018 for his project on quantum computing.

The teenager developed a prototype combining physics, computing and maths and will represent Ireland at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona later this year.

Adam later went on to win BT Young Scientist of the Year in January 2019 – so watch this space!

FASTNews

Fingal kids win in 65th art contest NINE Fingal students have won top prizes in this year’s 65th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

In the 9-11 years age category, third prize (€150) went to Bora Ozalp (10), a pupil at Rolestown National School, Rolestown, for his work entitled, Battle Through The Broken Window.

In the 7-8 years age category, second prize (€150) went to Eve Aherne (8), a pupil at St Marnock’s National School, Portmarnock, for her work entitled Busy Bee Do Not Disturb right).

Other Fingal winners, all of whom will get a Special Merit Award, are Catherine Ward (18), from Loreto Secondary School , Balbriggan; Cliodhna ColeRigney (17), from Malahide Community School; Eve McCann (14), from Castleknock Community College; Eva McParland (13), from Malahide Community School; John Carlo Ungos (11), from Scoil Bhride Buachailli, Blanchardstown; Patrick McCormack (8), from St Marnock’s Primary School, Portmarnock; and Anna Watson (6), from Scoil An Duinninigh, Swords.

Water main works set for July IRISH Water has confirmed that works to replace the water main on the Brackenstown Road in Swords are scheduled to begin this July.

The existing pipe, which is almost 50 years old, has been subject to frequent bursts over the past three years, disrupting supply.

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said: “This is great news.

Residents are fed up with all the bursts at this stage, so it’s great that this will hopefully be fully resolved, once and for all, by the end of the year.”

The news follows yet another outage earlier this month with Church Road, Rathbeale Road, Murrough Road, St Cronan’s Avenue, Brackenstown Road, Bridge

Street and the Castle Shopping Centre all affected.

Cllr Butler said: “Hopefully there will not be too many more bursts and patch works required between now and the replacement project commencing in July.”

Specialist classrooms for Skerries THE Department of Education has confirmed the delivery of four ASD classrooms for Skerries Educate Together NS. Welcoming the news, Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said it was crucial to ensure children have the supports they need during their years in education.

Funding for the classrooms will be provided via the Department’s additional accommodation programme.

Concern as fund buys 40 homes in Donabate THE sale of blocks of houses to private landlord groups must be curtailed, according to Donabate Portrane Community Council. At its annual general meeting the council condemned the sale of 40 homes in the Semple Woods scheme in Donabate in one transaction to the largest private rental company in the State, Ires Reit. In recent weeks, developer Glenvegh – which is building 305 three-, four- and five-bed units at Semple Woods – sold 40 of them to Ires Reit, meaning they will be rented out.

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Ben, Lucy, James, Conor, Adam, Laura and Ryan from Little Millers Montessori

Erin, Robyn, Lily, Molly and Ciara from Little Millers Montessori Donabate. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Niall O’Callaghan CEO Shannon Heritage

Thomas Laughlin from Dunsany NS

and Fingal Mayor Cllr Anthony Lavin

petting a cow watched by his pals

Newbridge House relaunch

D

UBLIN’S best kept secret and Irelands only intact Georgian Mansion and Estate, Newbridge House and Farm located in Donabate, launched it’s new immer-

sive ‘House and Farm’ experience last week. Local schoolchildren were given an advance preview of the ‘House and Farm Experience’ which was launched just in time for Easter!

Adam Smith, Killian Glennon, Victoria Zebollos, Elodie Allen, Cooper McInerney, Mia

Ryan Tubridy with Niall O’Callaghan, Mary Godwin and David Storey. Picture: Paul Sherwood

Bennett from Dunsany NS

Fun in the Easter sun n O'Hanlon r. Pictures: Aliso and Alana Mahe Kaytlin Campion

Hot local queuing for some ice cream at the kiosk at Portmarnock Beach

Ciara and Niamh Conama enjoying the sun at Portmarnock Beach

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 April 2019

DUBLINERS: THE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO CALL THIS CITY THEIR HOME

Kicking off a new style wave At his new website, www.notforastro.com, Ryan McTernan (top left) explores a new way of looking at and celebrating life in the capital, as well as celebrating football’s fashionable side

Oridginally from Wicklow,Ryan McTernan has made it his mission to celebrate Dubliners’ love of fashion and football MY FIRST real connection to Dublin was when I started college in IADT Dun Laoghaire in 2011.

I was studying English, Media and Cultural Studies, and it was my first real exposure to the capital and the vibrancy I never knew it had; which was amplified, given it was an art college!

I was commuting from Wicklow for the first year, and then lived in Bray for the three remaining years, then in 2016 I moved to Blackrock.

I’ve pretty much been in Dublin for the past nine years in some capacity so it’s a second home, but no Wicklow.

I’ve always loved the vast scenery Dublin offers. From Killiney Hill to Dun Laoghaire pier, as well as the rugged graffiti of the inner city and architecture, it always feels like you’re just a turn off a road into something different.

I just launched [the website] Not For Astro, www.notforastro.com, [which focuses on football, fashion and photography] so that was a huge personal achievement.

In general, I just want to have fun with it and enjoy taking pictures.

I’ve written a lot about football in the past, and I wanted to get back into creating something I loved.

It’s grown from the original idea of just football shirts, as now I want to capture the Irish football scene in all its glory.

Dublin has so much diversity, it’s hard not to get inspired. The people are so intriguing, that when-ever I’ve taken my camera to Dalymount Park or Richmond Park, there’s always something hap-pening.

The League of Ireland Chronicles is focussed on attempting to capture some of the magic of being at a football match on a Friday evening.

It’s a long-term project, and hopefully it drives more people to visit their local football team and get involved because it’s such a wonderful thing to be a part of.

I know people might give stick about supporting either local teams and non-local – primarily English – teams, but football is still a huge part of Dublin’s culture.

Fashion-wise, I think Dubliners generally have it sussed. You can see it in things like athletic stores [becoming popular], athleisure wear becoming a central part of youth culture again.

Mind you, I still see fellow boggers like myself wearing brown work shoes with their local GAA team’s training top. Bit of work to do yet!

I want to showcase football shirts as everyday fashion items; not something you throw on heading to the gym or the pub for a game.

I’ve always loved football kits since I was a kid, and I still appreciate the colours and designs so many jerseys have.

There’s a huge love of football shirts online, and I’ve had messages saying people love what we’re doing, and that they’ve got ideas from the content to wear jerseys on their own.

There isn’t any other sport that captures my heart like football does.

I’d like to think that life will take me outside of Ireland for some time, and if that happens, I’ll explore the football scene of that city or country.

Until then, it’s trips to Phibsborough for a scalding cup of tea and a Twix!

25 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

Canal-side eaterie should make waves P21

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

CINEMA: IT’S NOT GREAT, BUT GRETA WILL PASS THE TIME ... P18

OPEL’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAR P20

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

RUN FOR A LIFE

PICTURED at the launch of Irish Kidney Association’s ‘Run for a Life’ family fun run was dialysis patient Sam Kinahan (age 4) from Baldoyle, Dublin 13 with his parents Ivan and Chloe and sister Ali (age 8).

Sam stepped out with his family the day before his 5th birthday for a photocall to encourage the public to take part in the Irish Kidney Association’s ‘Run for a Life’ family fun run which will take place at Corkagh Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 at 2pm on Saturday 25th May. To register please visit www.runforalife.ie Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 April 2019

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

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND

Pesky piranhas might have killed some Doncaster ducks

THE bodies of two piranhas found dead in Yorkshire have been taken for testing, suspected to have caused a sudden decline in ducks and fish in the area.

Locals in Edlington, near Doncaster, believe the discovery of the two deadly fish in Martinwells Lake could have been responsible for a reduction in the amount of ducks in the popular walking spot.

However, fish experts have said it would be virtually impossible for the piranhas to have lived in the lake due to the chilly Yorkshire temperatures.

The deadly fish are native to South America, rather than the colder temperatures usually found in the north of England.

The lake, which is also known as Brick Pond, is owned

by Doncaster Council, with a representative for the local authority saying they believe the fishes were pets that were placed in the lake, something that they discourage people from doing.

Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com

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

Maggie is a beautiful and bright nineyear-old female Labrador Cross looking for a calm and understanding home to call her own.

She can find the world to be quite scary, so she will need some help to grow her confidence, but once Maggie gets to know you, she will lavish you with love.

Maggie would love a home in a quiet area with a loving family to show her that she doesn’t need to be scared any more.

Despite her fears, Maggie is a very brave dog that just needs time to build up her confidence. She loves nothing more than belly rubs and chasing tennis balls.

If you have room in your heart and home for Maggie 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.)

Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@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.

foal-Ly interesting...

maggie

DOG OF THE WEEK

25 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

D QUIRKY THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

Mystery Mash in Mississippi

RUSSIAN scientists have revealed that they have been able to extract liquid blood from a 42,000-year-old fossil found in Siberian permafrost.

Seven months ago, researchers uncovered the ancient foal found perfectly preserved in the Siberian wilderness – so much so that they could explore the animal’s internal organs, finding similarly pristine conditions.

The scientists intend on using the blood they extracted to try to clone the extinct species back into existence.

DOZENS of bowls of mashed potatoes are being left in a neighbourhood in Mississippi.

The starchy mystery started in recent weeks in the area of Belhaven, near Jackson in the US state, with bowls of the dinnertime favourite being left on cars, porches and more.

One resident, Jordan Lewis, discovered a bowl of mashed potato placed on her car two weeks ago and posted a quizzical status to Facebook.

“I’ve seen a lot of weird things since moving to Jackson but walking out to my car this morning to find a bowl of what I THINK was potato salad on my windshield definitely ranks in the top 5,” she posted.

Several of her neighbours then commented on the post to say they too found mystery mash in various places on their property, with no explanation.

Residents aren’t believed to have contacted police in the area over the clandestine veg in the area, but there is a fear amongst some locals that the potatoes were laced with poison, with the intention to kill animals.

Others think that it may be a harmless prank, played by members of a local university.

“This neighborhood does a lot of quirky things,” Lewis told a local news station. “We decorate road signs, we put Christmas trees in our potholes, so it’s not surprising at all.

That’s why I love this neighborhood, because they do so many strange things. But it’s definitely one of the weirdest things I’ve seen since living in Jackson.”

Tourists might pay to visit crookedest street in the world PLANNING a trip to San Francisco soon?

You soon might have to pay to visit one of it’s most famous streets.

Widely regarded as the ‘crooked street’, Lombard Street has become the focal point of thousands of holiday snaps, videos and more.

However, local residents have lodged complaints that because of it’s popularity with tourists, the neighbourhood street has become

more like a crowded amusement park.

At the height of the tourist season, up to 6,000 people visit the street a day.

In a bid to keep both locals and tourists happy, city officials have announced a bill that would allow for a toll and reservation system to be installed to reduce crowds.

A fee to use the road could be as much as $10, which would be used to pay for increased police patrols in the area, tourism

ambassadors, the reservations system and traffic control officers.

The city needs approval from the state to charge people to use a public road, but it would ultimately be up to officials in San Francisco to determine what to charge and how to use the funding.

Don’t fret if you’re heading to the golden coast just yet, though, as the toll system isn’t expected to be in place before 2020.

BITS & BOBS TOP TWEETS

Easter just feels like Ordinary Level Christmas. @weekndatfernies

As a woman, I want pictures of Spider Man but would be seen as “too emotional” if I banged my fists on my desk and demanded them @HanaCarpenter

My kid is gaming with friends so I brought him a snack and he says, “Thanks, Love you” then laughter erupts on the headset and he goes, “What? You don’t love your mothers?

I’m sad for you.” So if you need me I’ll just be over here sobbing into my World’s Best Mom ribbon. @ashleymcnamara

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 April 2019

GOINGOUTOUT

PICK WEEK OF THE

APRIL 29 (MONDAY, AND ALSO APRIL 30, TUESDAY) Take That @ 3Arena, €70+ A good boy band never dies, and Take That, like them or not, are a damn fine boy band.

Okay, so they’re mayyyyyybeeeee not quite the big brand that they once were – but who has a better back catalogue that everyone from taxi drivers to your granny knows off by heart? For a guilty pleasure, nab yourself a ticket for either night and treat yourself (or your taxi driver, or your granny) to some of the catchiest choons from recent years.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE Rick Astley @ 3Arena Rick’s gonna roll into town as support for Take That (above), bringing his own smooth pop skills to bear. While Rick may be remembered for these days for his unlikely ‘Rickrolling’ fame on the internet (where people follow an unlikely link to something – only for his classic hit song, Never Gonna Give You Up, to play instead), he has plenty of other tracks to delight in his Take That support gig.

APRIL 25 (THURSDAY)

Galway Street Club @ Whelan’s, €10 Bowling For Soup @ The Academy, SOLD OUT Fun-loving American pop punks drop in on Dublin for a dose of teenage angst, guitar swinging and comedy rock on themes such as love and messing up life.

The Rileys @ The Sugar Club, €28 Josh Gray @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13

APRIL 26 (FRIDAY)

True Tides @ Whelan’s, €17 Rachael Yamagata @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €17 Black Sheep @ The Sugar Club, €20

APRIL 27 (SATURDAY)

The Fureys @ Vicar Street, €31 Ruthanne @ Whelan’s, €15 PAJ @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12

APRIL 28 (SUNDAY)

Token @ The Academy Green Room, SOLD OUT

APRIL 29 (MONDAY)

Richard Ashcroft @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Pablo Vittar @ The Academy, €34

APRIL 30 (TUESDAY)

Take That @ 3Arena, €70+ Catfish and the Bottlemen @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Josh Rouse @ Whelan’s, €25 Con Murphy @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

MAY 1 (WEDNESDAY)

Sticky Fingers @ The Academy, €21 Declan Greene @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 De Temps Atan @ Sugar Club, €10

Irish folk-rock singer-songwriter Davie Furey; (right) his new single, Fire and Gold

Unique Furey in focus FLYING under the radar for much of a career that’s grown from pub shows to international tours, Davie Furey’s brand of distinctly Irish folk-rock has led to an extremely hectic lifestyle.

The man from Meath believes in telling stories through his music, taking a leaf from the likes of Bob Dylan and Billy Bragg, and winning fans such as Christy Moore and Luka Bloom.

He’s toured the US, Germany and Holland in recent months, and his new single, Fire and Gold, shot to the top of the Irish rock charts in early April.

 JAMES HENDICOTT

“For an independent release, it’s a good run,” Furey says. “I find you build up really quickly, in a good way or a bad way.

“Radio is still king,” he says, as a veteran of countless in-studio sessions.

“I know a lot of people do Spotify and streaming services and stuff. Spotify has a ripple effect and gets people coming from gigs, but radio is the big thing for me.

“You can see the figures go up with it. It’s not very romantic to say it, but you’re running your own business doing this, and you have to learn quickly.”

Furey has a long history with those pub cover gigs, but these days he’s far more focused on his own work.

“I love singing other people’s songs as well, though I haven’t recorded any. I play a lot of cover shows, and I’d draw a distinction between my shows and cover gigs.

“One is my sound, the other is a cover set with no set list and me just going

for three hours.

“I tend to play long gigs.

That buzz with music, that thing that pulls you on, I just can’t get that anywhere else.

“The album is written,” he says of future plans.

“The singles will be on the new album, which is driven by the electric, and different sounds, drawn from bands like The War On Drugs.

“I worked with Susan O’Neil and Darren Holden from The High Kings, which was great.

“People come in and shift things to the left of the right a little bit for me,

they influence my sound.

“You don’t get that so much as a solo artist, and I really enjoy it. It’s the best of both worlds, I don’t have to tour with them all year, but we get to work together.

“For the album tours, I’ll be doing some bigger shows, and changing the setlist every night. I don’t like it to be predictable.

“Going number-one is important. It’s important that it’s viewed as being fairly good.”

Fire and Gold is out now.

See the full-length article on our website at www.dublingazette.com

TECHALITTLELOOK...

Concerns over Samsung’s new folding phone’s durability AT THE time of writing, there was a flurry of interest in Samsung’s expensive new folding phone, the Galazy Fold, with reports that the $1,800 phone was failing.

Heavily marketed as the phone with a unfolding screen, thus giving it a big screen that’s not far off being a tablet, there were concerns from many about the durability of the Fold.

However, apart from testers’ phone failures for a variety of reasons, the biggest failures widely reported from people peeling off what was assumed to be just a protective layer of plastic (commonly found in place on any new phone), which turned out to be a crucial component for the Fold’s everyday use. Oops.

With a variety of online social media posts showing that the central folding hinge was intact – but one of the unfolding screens had failed – it’s an unwelcome bit of PR ahead of the phone’s shipping. In fact, at the time of writing, Samsung have just cancelled the Fold’s imminent launch to look into the issues.

Here’s hoping that such initial issues can be easily resolved, and that the Fold isn’t itself quietly folded by Samsung..

EXCLUSIVE! DAYS GONE SHANE DILLON

ONE of 2019’s biggest games, the keenly-awaited Days Gone, releases tomorrow (Friday, April 26) only on the PS4 – and

my full review will be online tomorrow morning at DublinGazette.com.

I’ve had a review copy for two weeks, and you can read my detailed but spoiler-free review, using

my own screenshots.

But is the game about bikers and survivors up in the woods after a zombielike apocalypse any good?

Well, [EMBARGOED]!

See my full review online...

25 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND ONLINE

ENTERTAINMENT

Gripping new documentary on The Troubles

Romance, friendship lead some to tension

THERE’S romance in the air as an obvious attraction forms between Zak and one of the village’s lovely ladies, leaving Tommy slightly worried about it all.

Zak strikes up a friendship with his love interest Charlotte, ignoring Tommy’s advice to stay away from her, but things come to a blow later in the week when Decco catches Zak in the act, leading to dire consequences for the rebel.

Melanie has become determined to stop the rezoning of the park, but rubbishes Tessa’s idea of a celebrity endorsement to save it.

Tessa lashes out at her, leading to Melanie leading to a clash and tensions at a committee meeting to save the park.

Ray is left reeling when Leo realises that he left his phone somewhere he shouldn’t have, leading to the pair hatching a plan to get Leo’s phone back without causing suspicion.

Darragh warns Anto not to tell Sharon the reason he got the job at The Station, but Sharon is suspicious when Carol alludes to helping.

When Eoghan tells Cristiano he’s home alone, Cristiano insists he come to dinner after accidentally injuring him earlier in the week.

Charlotte and Zak

“REMASTERED – The Miami Showband Massacre” now showing on Netflix is a disturbing account of one of the many atrocities of the Troubles.

The powerful documentary is a tribute to the work of one man, Stephen Travers, who has fought to keep the case alive and uncover the truth behind the lies.

In the mid 70’s Stephen was the 24-year-old bass player with the massively popular Miami Showband, one of Ireland’s biggest bands at the time.

For Irish people of a certain age July 31, 1975 was the day the music died.

Heading back to Dublin after a gig in Banbridge, Stephen and

his band mates were stopped by a fake checkpoint seven miles north of Newry at 2.30 am on that fateful morning.

Men in Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) uniforms ordered the band to get out of their van and line up. Stephen noticed a man with a British accent who appeared to be in charge.

He also noticed two men at the back of the band’s open van and, fearing they might damage his guitar, broke from the line-up to warn them but was shoved back into position.

Suddenly, there was an explosion from the back of the van, and everyone in its vicinity was blown in all directions while two

of the “checkpoint” patrol members were blown to bits.

According to Travers, the surviving members of the patrol were then determined to kill all the band members to destroy evidence.

Singer Fran O’Toole, who was lying on the ground, was shot 22 times in the face.

Guitarist Tony Geraghty was shot four times in the back while trumpet player Brian McCoy was shot nine times.

Remarkably, Travers and Des McAlea survived. Travers pretended he was dead, while McAlea managed to run across the fields.

Travers later recalled someone

saying: “Come on, those bastards are dead. I got them with dumdums.”

Travers and McAlea were able to identify two of their attackers in court, both were UVF members also serving in the UDR, and subsequently given life sentences.

But their reports of the British soldier who was there was never investigated. The shocking murders of the three innocent musicians horrified the public.

The Netflix documentary follows Travers on his search for the truth as he tries to uncover evidence of British Government collusion in the murders.

Fred Holroyd and Colin Wal-

lace, two former British intelligence officers who also appear in the documentary, speak of their suspicions of collusion.

Travers is now pursuing a court case against the Ministry of Defence.

In 2017, Belfast’s High Court ordered police and the Ministry of Defence to release more documents relating to the Miami Showband murders.

Travers says the documentary will give a powerful boost to his quest for the truth.

“I want to show that we can learn from history,” he tells viewers. And I want to remind people that we are not going away anywhere in our search for justice.”

CINEMA | BE CAREFUL WHO YOU MEET

It’s not great, but Greta will pass the time

SHANE DILLON

WHILE the cinema chains clear the deck before the imminent arrival of the latest Avengers juggernaut, there’s a brief window of opportunity for much smaller films to nab some punters before they’re largely ignored for the next month or so.

One such film is director Neil Jordan’s latest, the rather unhinged Greta (Cert 15A, 99 mins), which eventually goes off the rails as much as its eponymous main character.

A lonely young woman in New York, Frances (Chloe Grace Moretz), finds an expensive handbag on the subway with the owner’s address inside.

Being an honest person, Frances brings the bag back to its owner, Greta (Isabelle Huppert), a nice, lonely widow whose daughter is away in France.

Cue a growing friendship, and – as seen in the

trailers – the discovery of a whole load of identical expensive bags; lures, in other words, for Greta to pull people towards her.

As the trailers also reveal, the mild-mannered piano teacher is actually nuttier than a bag of peanuts, with unnerved Frances the new target of an increasingly unhinged Greta.

Other characters, such as Frances’s roomie, Erica (Maika Monroe) get drawn into things, as she and Frances’s dad tell her to ignore Greta.

That’s easier said than done, however, as a determined Greta is as good at stalking as she is at piano teaching, and she won’t be ignored by her new young friend/target of her obsession...

That’s a little more detail than I’d normally go into with a review, as I dislike spoilers or revealing major twists.

However, as Greta’s

trailers throw practically everything but the ending credits into the mix, giving away more of the plot than usual (or advisable, arguably), it’s no surprise that I followed suit.

Grace Moretz is her usual likeable, doe-eyed self, and despite her explosively violent, foul-mouthed debut as Hit Girl in Kick Ass, she can play these sweet, nice characters in her sleep.

However, the star is, of course, Huppert, who’s stuck with playing Ze Crazy Foreigner, but at least gets to flex some acting muscle and variation with her character, fleshing Greta out as a resolutely driven person.

Ultimately, it’s very much a ‘Ronseal’ film: Jordan’s latest delivers exactly what the trailers promise, as a B-movie with a vengeful lead, which may suit those looking to avoid Avengers instead.

Verdict: 6/10

Greta’s (Isabelle Huppert) friendship with Frances (Chloe Grace Moretz) goes from sweet and fun to obsessive and creepy

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 April 2019

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE

STYLE

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 MARTHA GILHEANEY Want to look lovelier in one swift, simple, free move? Silly question, right!

All you’ve got to do is wear the right colours. This can transform your look from tired, blotchy and sickly to sparkly, glowy and gorgeous!

But what are YOUR right colours? On a basic level they are the ones which mimic your natural colouring and create harmony, ones too dissimilar look jarring. Using the Seasonal Colour Analysis (which is not totally inclusive, but a good place to start) is really quite simple. Still it took me years of denial and misspent money to finally accept that as a Winter I could never pull off posh in camel and beige or military cool in khaki, but boy can I do bright and cheery!

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To find out which season you are all you have to do is answer these two questions.

1. Is your undertone COOL or WARM? 2. Are your features LIGHT or DARK? If your skin leans towards being pinky, you find it difficult or impossible to tan, your veins are blue and you suit silver jewellery more than gold you have a COOL undertone.

If your skin is slightly yellow, olive or sallow, you tan easily, your veins are green and you suit gold jewellery more than silver you have a WARM undertone.

Once you have worked out your undertone you have automatically narrowed the four seasons down to two, as Spring and Autumn are warm, Summer and Winter are cool.

For the next step examine your hair and eyes and decide whether collectively they are DARK e.g. Brown, black, hazel, or LIGHT e.g. blonde, ash brown, blue, light grey.

Then combine your two findings.

If you are warm toned and light you are Spring.

Warm toned and dark you are Autumn.

Cool toned and light is Summer.

Cool toned and dark is Winter.

Once you have figured out your season a quick online search will bring up an extensive colour palette for you. While it might seem restrictive to limit yourself to a palette, you will find that your suggested colours blend with each other beautifully, giving you a much more mix/matchable wardrobe.

And remember rules are meant to be broken, especially when it comes to fashion. As a Winter with Autumn envy I often choose colours from its rich, golden toned palette but I know I won’t look as well when I do. A handy tip to counteract this is to wear your better colours on the top half or even a lipstick in a colour that suits you because it’s the shade closet to your face that matters most.

Colour analysis shouldn’t be about limiting your fashion choices but about arming you with valuable knowledge so when you’re in the mood to really shine you know how to swiftly, simply and freely go about it!

Martha is a Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. To find out more visit www.marthaslookingglass.com or follow Martha on Facebook/Instagram @Martha’sLookingGlass

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the sun!

Here comes

River Island zip up stri pe

bikini €45

 Jessica Maile, Style Editor

THE WEATHER over the bank holiday weekend REALLY got me in the mood for summer! All thoughts turned to a new swimsuit, how to protect my pale winter skin and turn it into sun-kissed skin and how to keep my make-up fresh and on my face no matter how toasty it gets!

River Island has a fab assortment of suits in array of styles in soft colours to vibrant patterns while Avene has got you covered in keeping skin protected. wet n wild will give skin a sexy summer glow while keeping your make-up in place! Now let’s hope this lovely weather sticks around!

Avene SPF30 Spray €22

Preparing for the BIG day A LUXURY HOTEL just outside of Dublin will

will be decorated as if being used for a

be holding their wedding showcase this

wedding, including fairy light backdrops,

Sunday.

floral arrangements and more. If plan-

The Westgrove Hotel, a four star hotel

ning a civil ceremony, the O’Connell suite

located in Clane village in Kildare, will

in the hotel will also be beautifully set.

have their dedicated wedding team on

The Bridal suite will also be on display for

hand on the day, ready and able to help

viewings, as well as all reception rooms

with brides and grooms to be preparing

in the hotel.

for their big day. There will be canapes

There will also be suppliers available

to sample on the day, in addition to some

to have a chat with on the day, who are

delicious prosecco to get you in wedding

experts in all things wedding!

mode.

In the hotel, the Alexandra Ballroom

For more information, visit WestgroveHotel.com.

25 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FARE REVIEW | THE LOCKSIDE BAR/SOCIAL AT THE CLAYTON HOTEL

Canal-side eaterie should make waves GARY IBBOTSON

THE recently opened Lockside Bar/Social at The Clayton Hotel on Charlemont Street is, in fairness, just as advertised.

“Chic and stylish eatery,” the website reads.

“Boasting this distinctively bustling bar, in an area that is all about atmosphere, a meeting point, a place to relax and be sociable.”

It wasn’t exactly bustling when my colleague and I arrived on a Friday evening, but with a large party chatting and laughing away in the back room, atmosphere was not lacking.

The space is clean and stylish with contemporary decor and retro 1960s-esque leather shell chairs.

Thankfully, music volume is kept to a minimum.

Large, wall-height windows allow for ample natural light and views of the walkway running parallel to the Grand Canal.

Some tasty fare from the Lockside Bar/Social at The Clayton Hotel, Charlemont St

It’s a rather calm and relaxing place to be, meanderingly watching people bustle up and down the canal as the sun sets over the city.

The bar offers only five cocktails, which were priced slightly over the Dublin city average of about €9/€10, at €13 a pop.

My colleague’s Solero tasted, well, like a Solero ice-cream. Citrus and vanilla, sweet and tangy, it was a smooth and easydrinking cocktail that would accompany a cream-based dessert perfectly.

A slightly better-suited

starter cocktail was the Old Fashioned Twist; a play on the classic Old Fashioned, but made with rum instead of whiskey, the cocktail was herbal and slightly sweet with a mellow alcohol after-taste.

Seasoned, battered cauliflower with pomegranate and masala aioli was the starter of choice.

Crispy and crunchy, the batter was well seasoned but not overly spicy, allowing the palette to recleanse before the main course.

Helping ourselves to the last of our cocktails while waiting for the mains, business began to pick up.

Hotel guests and evening loungers started to emerge from their rooms and tourist duties and by 8pm, The Lockside began to adopt the feel of a natural restaurant, rather than a bar that also serves food.

Main meal After a short wait, our main meal arrived. My colleague’s Black Angus Burger was as expected – a tasty piece of meat with all of the classic trimmings.

Any restaurant worth their salt should be able to rustle up a decent burger so, thankfully, the Lockside Bar/Social didn’t disappoint.

Unusually, the server never asked how I like my sirloin steak – a policy or mistake, I do not know.

However, it arrived perfectly cooked to raremedium-rare and simply seasoned with salt and pepper.

Now, I for one enjoy a good steak and chunky chips. However, the patatas bravas served with the steak were small in size and offered little to overall enjoyability of the meal.

They were missing something, but something I can’t quite put my finger on.

The shallot puree, mushroom tapenade, however, were the perfect accompaniment and complemented the meat perfectly.

After a couple of glasses of wine and truly delicious apricot cheesecake, we were unquestionably satisfied. The Lockside Bar/Social tows the line between up-market eatery and casual bar, but it does so admirably.

In an excellent location with good food and great staff, the restaurant/bar/ social (whatever you want to call it) is an excellent destination to dine in.

A cosy bar, but Guinness

lacked a certain something

A SMALL, old-skool bar and lounge located at No 1, Ballyroan Road in Rathfarnham, the Blue Haven is worth pulling into for a pint.

The small, cosy front bar is something I’d love to replicate in my own home. The patrons are as friendly as they come – all locals loyal to the Blue, complete with the customary stare you get when you first walk in.

The usual bonus ball and golf society sign-up sheets dot the timber bar; there’s a real sense of community here.

The pint was good, plenty of cream and volume, but there was a bit of flatness to the taste and a lack of flavour. A good pint, but missing that certain something for a higher rating.

The Blue Haven, 1 Ballyroan Road, Rathfarnham @guinnessadvisor

FOOD & DRINK CRAFTBEERCORNER

Westport Red Tripel Mescan Brewery, Co Mayo  PALE MAILE, Beer Aficionado THEY SAY that great things come in small packages and this could be true of this Belgian strong ale from the Mescan Brewery in Westport, Co Mayo. These small bottles pack a punch with a 8.0% ABV, so you will need to savour every drop. This orange/amber coloured ale is sweet but with a medium body and you will detect a whole range of other flavours coming through – a very nice ale indeed.

Talbot Hotel Stillorgan wins top Leinster award

THERE were smiles and celebrations all round for the team of the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan following last week’s Irish Hotel Awards.

They emerged from the glamorous event with the status of Leinster’s Business & Conference Hotel of the year under their belt. The awards ceremony, a yearly event that showcases the standout hotel venues and teams across the country, took place at the exclusive Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway.

The Dublin-based hotel joined two of its sister properties under The Talbot Collection umbrella – Oriel House Hotel, Cork and Talbot Wexford – as they were awarded for their outstanding contribution to the industry.

Pictured are Talbot Hotel Stillorgan’s general manager Daragh O’ Neill, and Sales & Marketing Manager Michelle Campion.

McDonald’s serves up 13 new jobs at Mary St

MCDONALD’S Ireland has reopened its Mary Street restaurant following a major refurbishment. The investment of €650,000 will create an additional 13 jobs for the city centre establishment.

The Mary Street restaurant is operated by franchisee Sean Quirke and employs more than 45 people, with the refurbishment to see employment at the restaurant go up to 58 people.

The revamped outlet will now feature a host of new digital facilities, including table service, an in-door kids digital play table with Samsung Galaxy tablets, and touch screen self-order kiosks.

McDonald’s Mary Street will operate from 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week and offers a McDelivery service.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 April 2019

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Opel’s Combo Life has it all for a family-friendly car DECLAN GLYNN

WHETHER you are looking for flexibility, spaciousness, cutting-edge technology, luxurious perks, or innovative safety features, the new Opel Combo Life has it all.

Available with five or seven seats, the new Combo Life – with its countless clever storage solutions and smart safety features – is designed to meet the every need of the modern-day family.

The new Opel Combo Life is available in a standard, or extra large (XL) wheelbase, and is capable of towing a braked trailer weight of between 1,150kg and 1,500kg, depending on the model chosen.

The only specification level available is entitled Energy, and comes very generously equipped in terms of on-baord technology, safety, security and convenience features.

A comprehensive options list allows each customer to spec ify their Opel Combo Life to their own personal taste, with extras such as roof rails (€275), advanced park assist (€985), towbar (€650), a full-length panoramic glass roof (€1,250), and a €250 allweather pack (Intelligrip system with all-weather tyres and five driving modes – ESP on, ESP off, Mud, Snow and Sand) available.

The engine line-up in the new Opel Combo Life consists of a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol unit with 109bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 4-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-diesel unit producing either 99bhp and 250Nm, or 128bhp and 300Nm of torque.

The lower-powered version gets a five-speed gearbox, while the high-

er-powered unit comes with a six-speed manual, but it can also be ordered with an eight-speed automatic.

My review car was a new Opel Combo Life Energy 1.5-litre Turbo Diesel (100PS) sevenseat, finished in stylish Moonstone Grey metallic paint.

S t a n d a rd fe a t u re s include a digital radio with six speakers, 8” touchscreen infotainment system, Smartphone projection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB ports, 16” alloy wheels, auto wipers, electric door mirrors, front fog lights and automatic high beam assist.

Other features Other features include nearside and offside sliding side access doors with opening windows, air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control with speed limiter, speed sign recognition, forward collision alert, daytime running lights, lane keep assist with lane departure warning.

There’s even more, such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness system, side blind spot alert, automatic lighting control, ESP with traction control, and front and rear parking sensors.

The two rear-most sliding seats can be easily removed, while the middle row seats (all individual, with three ISOFIX anchorage points) can be

Nissan Leaf sparks great interest in choosing EVs THE Nissan LEAF is Ireland’s best-selling electric vehicle and the undisputed leader in its segment with 532 new car buyers making it their car of choice during the first three months of the 191 sales period.

The result underlines a huge surge in demand for the Nissan LEAF at a time when the number of electric car registrations in Ireland this year have already surpassed the total number of EVs registered for the whole of 2018.

Nissan has now sold four times as many Nissan LEAF cars as it did during the same sales period last year, with sales increasing from 105 units to 532 units year-on-year to account for a staggering 406% increase in sales.

The popularity of the Nissan LEAF is also underscored by the fact that is now the best-selling electric vehicle across 16 counties here.

folded flat in seconds.

The engine in my review car is capable of completing the 0-100km/ h sprint in 13.1-seconds, consumes as little as 4.0-litres of diesel for every 100kms driven on an extra-urban driving cycle, and can reach a top speed of 172kmph.

Thanks to standard Start/Stop technology, annual road tax is just

FACT BOX

1) Practical and spacious MPV 2) Two wheelbase options 3) Petrol or diesel engines 4) Manual or automatic 5) Priced from just €21,800

The soon to be

€200, making the new Opel Combo Life a pleasurable financial proposition.

With boot space ranging from 597-litres to 2,126-litres (2,700-litres in the XL model), it is certainly one of the most practical cars on the market too.

Precision On the road, the new Opel Combo Life steers with precision, tackles bends in the road with confidence, and possesses great ability in smoothing out road imperfections along the way.

The Combo Life is very easy to live with on a

launched new 62kWh Nissan LEAF is certain to attract even more attention from consumers with the new model delivering up to 385 kilometres of zero-emissions-driving on a single charge.

The success of the Nissan LEAF mirrors the sales trajectory and success of the Nissan

A spacious and versatile cabin are just part of the attractive features of the impressive Combo Life

daily basis, thanks to its car-like driving characteristics, while the large glass area provides excellent visibility.

Prices for the new Opel Combo Life start at just €21,800 (on the road) for the 1.2-litre, petrol-

engine five-seat car.

Overall, the Combo Life’s sleekly confident looks, premium interior design, smart innovations and outright practicality make it the ideal travel companion for up to seven people.

Qashqai as Ireland’s best-selling cross-over of all time, having sold more than 50,000 units since its launch just over 10 years ago.

The Nissan Qashqai sales success continues, with 2,460 new buyers making it their car of choice in Q1, 2019.

25 April 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

PUZZLES

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

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LEVELS LIEN LOST MEANEST MICHELLE MOTEL MULL NEITHER OUTPUT ROTE SIBERIA STRONG TEND VIRGO WEAN

To advertise here please contact sales@dublingazette.com or call 01 6010240

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 25 April 2019

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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 25 April 2019

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

SOCCER P28

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

MINORITY REPORT: FOOTBALL: A SOLID second half

display helped Dublin Minor Footballers get their Electric Ireland Leinster MFC off to a cracking start, in a highly entertaining contest at Parnell Park on Tuesday night.

Second half goals from Ballyboden St Enda’s clubman Ryan O’Dwyer and substitute Luke Swan proved key for the hosts



GAZETTE

CRICKET P29

PAGE 30

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS LADIES FOOTBALL | DUBLIN DETHRONED AS CORK ADVANCE

Heartbreak for Dubs in ET LIDL DIVISION 1 LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL Cork Dublin (AFTER EXTRA-TIME) sport@dublingazette.com

1-18 2-14

DUBLIN Ladies Footballers suffered extra-time heartbreak, as they relinquished their Division 1 League crown, first annexed last May, in a brave battle against Cork at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny on Sunday.

In an absorbing game that went from end-to-end and lasted for over 86 minutes, Cork had just enough to secure their second win in as many games over their arch rivals.

Cork manager Ephie Fitzgerald held Doireann O’Sullivan, Eimear Scally and Saoirse Noonan in reserve, while Dublin had to do without the injured Sinead Goldrick.

But it was Orla Finn who shone in the opening half and she scored six frees to move her side into contention before Melissa Duggan blasted a goal.

Finn pointed from a free first and then the reigning TG4 All-Ireland

and league champions got up and running, and their first score was goal when Niamh McEvoy finished Noelle Healy’s pass low to the net in the fourth minute.

Finn hit back with a couple of frees either side of Sinéad Aherne’s first point from a free, and two more Finn frees had Cork back in front by the 22nd minute.

Aherne doubled her tally and then in the 26th minute she scored the second Dublin goal. McEvoy was through when she was brought down by Eimear Kiely. Aherne kept her cool and converted the penalty into the bottom right corner of Martina O’Brien’s goal.

Finn reduced the arrears again, and in the 31st minute Duggan struck for a crucial score. Ciara O’Sullivan delivered the killer hand pass and the St Colum’s ace hit the net. Aherne scored just before halftime and the sides were level 2-3 to 1-6 at the break.

Healy scored first on the resumption and Cork took control with four points in a row. Niamh Cotter point-

Dublin’s Lauren Magee looks ahead during Sunday’s Lidl NFL Division 1 semi-final at Nowlan Park.

Picture: Piaras Ó Midheach/SPORTSFILE

edthe last of those four scores and Cork led by 1-10 to 2-4, only for Dublin to charge back with points from Lauren Magee, McEvoy and Siobhán Killeen.

The teams were level and points from Orlagh Farmer and Ciara O’Sullivan looked to have secured the win. However, McEvoy and a wonderful Nicole Owens point brought the game to extra-time.

Owens was awarded a yellow card before the end while Aine O’Sullivan

picked up a straight red card for dissent immediately after she was shown a yellow card for a similar offence.

Dublin held a narrow 2-13 to 1-15 lead at half-time in extra-time.

Aherne scored just before the break, but a couple of Finn frees had Cork back in charge in the second half.

Duggan put Cork 1-18 to 2-13 in front with a driving score and Dublin couldn’t peg them back on this occasion.

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 25 April 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2 1

SOCCER: PORTERSTOWN CLUB BOW OUT ON FRIDAY NIGHT

CASTLEKNOCK LUCAN SARSFIELDS DUBLIN football star Brian Howard made a welcome Easter Camptoappearance.

WELL done the Junior A la Double delight – two fine camogie victories over St Vincent’s. Senior 2 League Castleknock 1-10 St. Vincent’s 1-07 and Junior 2 League Castleknock 2-04 St. Vincent’s 0-02 to make it five wins in-arow.

The Ladies Football ‘B’ team made it two league wins from two by beating Ballymun Kickhams away 3-13 3-9 in the Adult League Div.5.

Our deepest sympathy to Jenny, Danny and Conor Kelly on the death of Jenny’s mother Anne Marie Benson. Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

April 18 –Final day of another a hugely successful Easter Camp all thanks to GPO Maria Bergin, her 28 Coaches and the many inspirational guests who dropped in.

U-15 Div.1 Hurling League – Clinical Castleknock record massive 3-25 2-05 win over St. Jude’s (Adam Kelly 3-4 Neil Hogan 0-11).

No Lotto Jackpot winner - €3,200 next week – Match 3 winners JP Lee Cheong, Patricia Mooney and Ruth Holmes receive €100 each.

Thanks to everyone for helping out with the Annual Somerton Spring Clean.

Big day in Kilmacud at the Camogie Féile Skillstar event for Alison Callinan, Eimear Sutton and Sarah McMenamin. Making us all proud.

On April 27, Ann Carolan leads a team of 10 up Carrauntoohil in Kerry to raise funds for The Mater Foundation. All contributions gratefully received at any time. A date for the Diary – the Annual Golf Classic takes place in Westmanstown Golf Club on Friday June 21st. The Golf Classic Committee would like to thank all sponsors and returning teams for their continuing support. For further information contact Mick Lynch 086-2531600 Charlie Spillane 085-1101008.

FINGALLIANS ACADEMY: The Academy is back again on Saturday, April 27.

Dublin Senior ladies: A tough battle in Nowlan Park on Sunday in the Div 1 Ladies League Semi Final between Dublin and Cork with Cork getting the upper hand by a single point in the end, well done to our own Sinead Finnegan and the Dublin Ladies.

Bar Vacancy: There is a full time position going in the club.This is primarily a Full Time Bar/Facilities role.

There is also some Part Time positions available.

Anyone interested can forward ther CV to feidhlim@ fingallians.com Easter Camp :This years Easter Camp runs until Friday April 26 from 9am til 1pm.Summer and Kellogg’s Cup Camp dates will be confirmed in the next few weeks.

Camogie Feile Stillstar: Well done to Sarah Power

who was joint winner of the Dublin Camogie Feile skill star with St Maurs Kerri Austin in Silver Park ,we were also represented

by Hannah Griffith. Sarah goes on now to represent Dublin in the Leinster skill star.

Hurling Tickets :Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for the LSHC Dublin v Kilkenny in Nowlan Park Sat 11th May can order through the bar. Stand €20 Terrace €15 Juvenilles €5.

List will close 10pm Sun 5th May. Club GPO : Our club GPO Brian Jordan will be present at the Easter Camp over the week .

Lotto : The Lotto numbers for last week were 12,14,17,23,31 there were four winners,Vincent Nolan,Barbara Delaney, Barry Woods and Emmet Byrne each received €985 ,next weeks Jackpot is a whopping €2,706.

St Mochta’s LSL Sunday Senior side bowed out of the FAI Cup at the first hurdle

Collinstown’s rising force undoes Mochta’s in FAI Cup FAI CUP PRELIM ROUND St Mochta’s Collinstown  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

0 1

ST MOCHTA’S fell at the first hurdle of the FAI Cup as they were edged out 1-0 at home to Collinstown in the qualifying round on Friday night.

The 2016/17 Leinster Senior League winners went into the game heavy favourites against a side three leagues below them but were outmatched by the highly-motivated Neilstown outfit.

Ian McNeill’s first-half goal led Kevin Carroll’s side to a historic victory over the Blanch club, who had something to celebrate as

their Saturday side won promotion to Major 1 on Tuesday night.

LSL Sunday Senior 1B Collinstown belied their position three leagues below Mochta’s, taking the game to Mochta’s on their own turf and defending stoutly as the hosts pressed for a leveller.

The home side had the better of the early chances as David Somers headed across goal and Mick Daly volleyed narrowly wide, but it was Collinstown who took the lead just before the half-hour.

Mochta’s had already had a let off moments earlier when Dean Carpenter’s whipped free kick was centimetres away from connecting with an attacking

player at the back post.

It was a moment of class from the winger that opened the tie up as took Dano Matthews’ pass, cut in on his weaker right foot and curled the ball into the bottom corner of Craig Hyland’s net.

Hyland must have wondered quite what Collinstown have against him – the firefighter was between the sticks three years ago when they beat Shamrock Rovers in the Leinster Senior Cup in Tallaght.

If Hyland was unsighted for the goal, he was on top form to deny striker Gerard Shortt’s, batting away a volley that surely would have settled the tie.

Collinstown sat back

and invited Mochta’s to break them down, but it was the home side’s discipline that deserted them when Dean Kelly was shown two yellow cards in succession in injury time.

“We matched them all around the pitch and there was nothing between the two sides,” a delighted Collinstown boss Kevin Carroll told the Dublin Gazette.

“If a neutral person had been watching the game they would have thought we were the senior side.

We took the game to them.

“We were strong down both channels because they were sort of playing a narrow three.

“There was a lot of space down by their two full-

backs that we exploited in the first half.”

Collinstown will have to wait until July to find out their opponents in the next round. In the meantime, they’re seven points off the final promotion place with two games in hand.

Carroll fully expects them to achieve their third successive promotion, but there’s something extra special about a cup game that will have them looking forward to the summer.

“There’s that little buzz that goes around when we enter cup competitions, especially against big teams.

“When we play a big team on a good pitch we usually rise to the occasion.”

Westmanstown Bowls open day THE BOWLING Green at Westmanstown Bowling Club opened for the new season this month with the unfurling of the club flag with lady captain Carmel Kearns and men’s captain Oliver Meyler getting ready to raise the Flag.

And the club are hoping to welcome more new members to the fold in the coming week as they host their open day on Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 5pm.

“Bowls is a great sport for all ages,” said club Westmanstown Bowling club’s Oliver Meyler PRO Gerry Flynn. “It is one of the most social and Carmel Kearns unfurl their club flag and competitive sports you can play. The club

has over 130 members and we are always keen to welcome new members.

“Just turn up and have fun. Free coaching and equipment is provided for your pleasure, and a nice cuppa afterwards. The club is renowned for its friendly and social atmosphere with many social events organized during the year.”

For more information, contact Westmanstown Bowling Club captains to find out more: Oliver Meyler on 087 4101616 or Carmel Kearns on 087 9039255.

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

CRICKET: OPENING DAY PRODUCES SERIES OF WINS FOR FINGAL’S LEADING CLUBS

Balbriggan cause shock as Malahide and Hills also win LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE CUP  sport@dublingazette.com

BALBRIGGAN produced the shock on the first full day of the Leinster cricket season as they beat a fancied Clontarf side by 32 runs in the new IBI Corporate Finance Senior League Cup. On another occasion Balbriggan’s 228/7 might not have seemed a particularly daunting total but, on the first day of the season, it was always going to be a challenge.

However, with Clontarf on 150/2 with 12 overs to go the visitors seemed well in control. But the combination of Farooq Nasr [4/38] and Ehtesham Ahmed [3/37] engineered a collapse that saw Clontarf fall well short in the end.

Earlier in the day Dean Carlisle had made 79 to provide the foundation for the Balbriggan innings. The victory was the first for Balbriggan in a senior match against Clontarf

in four attempts.

A strong looking Malahide batting line-up delivered in their Fingal derby against North County with Damien Mortimer [52], Matt Ford [39] and Peter Chase [37] all in the runs.

Their total of 235/7 was going to be challenging so early in the season. And so it proved as County lost early wickets and were soon chasing the game.

Eddie Richardson [52] led a fight back but Malahide always looked to be in control. Wickets for Kelvin Donnelly [3/42] and two each for Chase [2/25], James Newland [2/38] and Matt Ford [2/35] saw Malahide winners by 42 runs.

The accolade for the most exciting match of the day must go to YMCA and Skerries side The Hills.

YMCA started disastrously and were 69/6 after 16 overs.

That the game went beyond tea was down to the efforts of Tim Tec-

tor who made 53 before being run out, his maiden half-century in senior cricket.

With some late support from James Parkinson, YMCA were able to post a score of 156, though they left 10 overs unused, that was at least defendable.

As it turned out, none of the top five batsmen for The Hills made it to 20 and at 88 for 7, it looked like YMCA might be able to force a win that looked very unlikely earlier in the day.

But they didn’t account for the efforts of Daya Singh who saw the visitors home with 68 not out, ably supported by Cian Nulty and Mark Dwyer.

Victory in the end came in the last over and by a margin of two wickets.

Rory Anders did well in his first game for YMCA, taking 3/19, and Joe Carroll likewise for The Hills in taking 3/43.

Peregrine’s come together to support Sinead Lowndes FUNDRAISER  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

ST PEREGRINE’S hosted an ‘all comers’ fundraiser on behalf on Sinead Lowndes on Easter Friday, with the Clonsilla club welcoming more than 40 players and plenty of fans to the unofficial game, which was played at a high pace and in competitive spirits.

The fundraiser was held in aid of the young mother, wife of Stuart Lowndes, under the heading ‘support Sinead’.

Stuart Lowndes is the brother of Dublin senior footballer and St Peregrine’s band Eric Lowndes and a long-time member of the club’s senior panel.

The couple have had an extremely rough few months, having had to postpone their wedding at short notice late in 2018, after it was dis-

covered that Sinead had a very rare liver condition named Budd Chiari Syndrome. The condition affects one in a million adults.

This, she was informed, is a result of a genetic mutation of her blood called Jak2 which means she is now prone to blood clots.

Unfortunately what had been discovered is that clots formed both in and out of Sinead’s liver and, in December 2018, she was given news that she would need a liver transplant.

The couple did marry in February of this year and also have a young daughter. However Sinead became seriously ill again only four weeks after the wedding. She now needs specialised treatment that will involve spending an extended period in the UK, and the relocation of the young family’s

lives. Sinead is currently awaiting a bed in Cambridge, and is being cared for in St Vincent’s hospital.

Following the fundraising game in Clonsilla, Sinead’s dad Sean Hosford said a few words, thanking the community, St Peregrine’s and all involved in the game, particularly Jenny Judge, Doireann Mackey, Nadine Talbot and Ciara Malone.

Sinead’s brother Paul Hosford, a former journalist at the Dublin Gazette, has been instrumental in highlighting the campaign, which already has in place the funds to set Stuart and Sinead up in Cambridge.

It’s not clear, however, how long they might need the money to last once they arrive.

Hosford said of the situation: “My sister is the kindest, bravest and most amazing person.

“She’s been dealt a really awful situation but is handling it incredibly.

“She needs a little help, though, so if you can spare anything, I would be unendingly grateful.”

Any money Sinead and Stuart don’t use in their forthcoming struggles will be donated to the charitable wings of St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin and Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

If you wish to support Sinead and Stuart, you can find their online donations page - as well as a more detailed explanation of the issues they face - by searching ‘Go Fund Me Sinead Lowndes’ Following the game, St Peregrine’s wished Sinead, Stuart and their family the best of luck, adding, “we would like to thank everyone who played in the match and supported the fundraising.”

North County lost their Fingal derby against Malahide. Picture: Bernie O’Farrell

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 25 April 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

FOOTBALL: MINORS WIN FREE-FLOWING AFFAIR

SKERRIES HARPS WELL done to all the boys and girls who participated in our Gourmet Food Parlour sponsored Easter Hurling & Camogie Camp last week , the weather on the last day was amazing and great fun was had by all!

Congrats to Leah Matthew’s who won the Jane Dardis award & Thomas Killian who win the Tomas Bourke award. Thanks also to Aishling Spillane, Martin Fogarty & Eoghan ODonnell who presented the prizes to our winning teams and players!

The advanced camps were also a huge success and again thanks to all involved - Alun Cullinane, Bryan Cullen, Aishling Spillane, Martin Fogarty, Lyndsey Davey,,Dave Aston & Orlaith Durkan.

Hard luck to Lyndsey, Eve and the Dublin Senior Ladies on their defeat to Cork in Easter Sunday in the league by a 1pt margin!

Upcoming Fixtures: Thurs 25 Apr Senior Football Championship vs Clontarf Parnell Park 6.45pm. Junior Camogie vs Good Counsel Home 7.15pm Upcoming Events /Diary Dates.

• Sat 27 Apr: G4M&O Glitz & Glam Table Quiz, contact Jean 083 8541806 to book yr table (€40 for table of 4!)

•Skerries Harps golf society first outing 2019 will take place in Balbriggan G.C. on Friday the 10th of May. Timesheet is from 12-40pm to.1.40pm. Golf will be followed by meal and prize presentation in Harps clubhouse from 8pm.

To reserve your tee time contact Paul Murray on 0851740474.

• Sat 18th May: Live music in the Club with BrandeD , no cover charge all welcome.!

• Sat 1st June Elvis Extravanganza in the Clubhouse Tickets €20 available now from clubhouse bar (Limited availability) Zingo result 1-7-5-3-2-4-6. No winners.of Jackpot or Dividend Next week’s draw Sun 28th 6.30pm..Jackpot now a fantastic €4700. See you there! Play on line at skerriesharps.ie.

Academy resumes Sat 27th 10am.

Many thanks to all who helped at our Club Bagpack Fundraiser over Easter weekend, players mentors & parents! Also many thanks to all those who so generously contributed to this important fundraiser for our club , Your support is much appreciated We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of lifelong Club Member Joe Coleman. From a young age Joe first became involved in Skerries Harps as a player, later taking on the role of team mentor. Joe was also heavily involved behind the scenes both in fundraising and club development, and was the former Lord Mayor of Skerries.

A familiar face to our members, he will be missed by many, not least his family to whom we extend our support and deepest sympathy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. May he rest in peace.

ST BRIGID’S OUR club nursery, in association with Sherry Fitzgerald returns as normal this Saturday (April 27th) for 4-7 year old boys and girls from 9.30am - 11.00am on our All-Weather pitch in Russell Park!

New families always welcome! Just arrive down and speak to any of our friendly coaches!

Well done to our Senior Hurlers who recorded a fine Championship win over Ballinteer on Good Friday.

Plenty of other Championship and League fixtures this week, follow our Twitter page for results and scores! Your support is much appreciated.

2019 Memberships are now overdue (Deadline was March 31st) and should be paid online via www.stbrigidsgaa.com without delay.

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot last week. Our next Jackpot rises to €2,400 and will take place in The Roselawn Inn next Thursday evening, May 2nd.

Online Booking for our Kelloggs GAA Cúl Camp in August is also now open on our website! Places are limited so please

book early to avoid disappointment! Each child receives FREE Kellogg’s GAA gear and a backpack!

Online booking for our Club Summer Camps will open very soon!

All our Summer Camp dates are as follows: St Brigids Club Summer Camp - 22nd - 26th July St Brigid’s Cúl Camp - 12th - 16th August St Brigids Club Nursery Camp - 19th 23rd August.

New or returning players are always welcome. Just contact pro.stbrigids. dublin@gaa.ie for info.

Our Annual 5km Run takes place on September 15th, 2019. Booking link to open soon.

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

Our Club Shop with O’Neills is also on our website.

Deepest sympathies to the Kane, McKay and Poynton families on their recent losses.

The Dublin minor squad prior to their tie with Meath. Picture: Paul Lundy

O’Dwyer and Swan lead way to fine win LEINSTER MINOR FC

Dublin 4-10 Meath 2-10  CÓILÍN DUFFY sport@dublingazette.com

A SOLID second half display helped Dublin Minor Footballers get their Electric Ireland Leinster MFC off to a cracking start, in a highly entertaining contest at Parnell Park on Tuesday night.

Second half goals from Ballyboden St Enda’s clubman Ryan O’Dwyer and substitute Luke Swan proved key for the hosts, against a Meath side who claimed provincial success last Summer.

A goal from defender Aaron Chinchilla got Meath off to a perfect start inside the opening minute.

O’Dwyer opened Dub-

lin’s account in the third minute free, and although this was quickly cancelled out by Niall Finnerty, it wasn’t long before the hosts found the net.

Seán Kinsella caused a lapse in the Meath rearguard, before the Fingal Ravens clubman levelled the tie at 1-1 apiece after four minutes.

This was exciting, open and entertaining football throughout; not punctuated by blanket defences or cyncial tactics, and it was a joy to watch.

O ’ D w ye r p u t D u b lin ahead, after a good burst forward by David O’Dowd, before Barry Thompson equalised, but Meath failed to make the most of their chances after this.

Alex Rogers put Dublin back ahead, before a 13th

SKILL STAR All-Ireland Feile spot for Austin after playoff NAOMH Maur’s Kerri Austin won an exciting playoff as she sent three frees over the bar to win Dublin Féile Skillstar 2019.

She will now represent Dublin in the National Skillstar competition in June and Sarah Power, Fingallians and Aoibheann Stokes, Lucan Sarsfields will represent Dublin in the Leinster competition.

Picture: ilivephotos.com

minute Robbie Bolger goal after a misdirected pass from Meath outfield, ensured a 2-3 to 1-2 lead.

Fionn Murray pushed Dublin into a doublescores lead entering the second quarter.

Niall Finnerty grabbed Meath’s first score in s eve n m i n u t e s a n d although this was cancelled out by a Murray free, Meath came good.

David Bell sent the Dubs net ringing with a fine effort, before Finnerty cut the gap to the minimum.

Thompson levelled, before Eoghan Frayne put the Royals ahead with a well struck free.

O’Dwyer and Dublin were eager for a goal, but Harry Corscadden marshalled well, before Kinsella levelled matters 2-6 apiece at the break.

Senan Forker ran at Meath’s defence from the throw-in, but Dean Plunk delivered a fine save, before points from Bell and Frayne helped Meath into a two-point lead.

A Murray misfired free off the upright, saw Dublin react quickest, with O’Dwyer on hand to fire home.

Dublin wouldn’t trail after this with Murray’s placed ball efforts and Swan’s goal prowess keeping them in front.

Meath kept in touch through the likes of Pearse Sheridan, but Dublin were more accurate, and not even the reintroduction of Evan Corrigan and Barry Thompson could help the Royals.

An away trip to Wexford is next up for Dublin on May 8.

25 April 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

HURLING: RUSSELL PARK MEN BACK IN THE MIX FOR SHC QUARTER-FINALS

Craobh Chiarain show their SHC sparkle

St Brigid’s Daire Plunkett

Brigid’s bounce back to beat Ballinteer DUBLIN SHC GROUP 2 St Brigid’s Ballinteer St John’s  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

HURLING

0-26 1-10

ST BRIGID’S insured continued interest in the Senior Hurling Championship until the late summer’s final group contests, emphatically defeating Ballinteer St John’s at O’Toole Park this week after their opening Group 2 loss to Cuala.

Brigid’s burst out of the blocks in the contest and never looked in any real danger of losing out once they’d established their early lead. Johnny McGuirk’s side saw their points flying

over from Dara Doyle, Mark Kavanagh and Luke Allen in particular, and established a convincing 0-15 to 0-5 margin by half time.

Brigid’s only seemed to pull away as the contest progressed, their gap over Ballinteer improving consistently over the course of the first half, with a four point lead at the midway stage growing to a seven point lead after 20 minutes, and then ten at the break.

That free-scoring flow to Brigid’s play continued into the second half: while Ballinteer were briefly able to live with them, they needed Aodhan Clabby’s points to stay even remotely in the contest.

He hit the only goal of the game

midway through the second half, an academic achievement given it only narrowed the gap to 10 points between the sides. He scored 1-7 over the course of the contest, with 0-6 of them coming from frees, and St Brigid’s highly effective in shutting most of their other opponents out as Ballinteer floundered.

The goal did signal a period of improved performance for Ballinteer as they improved defensively and spent ten minutes matching their opponents, with the clock starting to run down.

Only some late hustle from Brigid’s saw the scoreline expand to a 14 point margin. Ballinteer were outclassed and

Brigid’s can use the game as a confidence builder as they face into tougher challenges if they are to make a mark in the championship this year.

The group – which also saw powerhouse Cuala see off St Jude’s in the second round – will now see Cuala qualify, and Ballinteer St John’s eliminated regardless of the final group stage outcome.

Who joins Cuala in the knockout stages will depend on the St Jude’s vs St Brigid’s game, with St Jude’s holding a minor advantage going in.

The Tymon Park side have a slightly superior points difference to St Brigid’s after this round of matches, so a draw will see them through.

CRAOBH Chiarain showed their championship sparkle when outclassing St Vincent’s in this Dublin SHC ‘A’ Group 3 encounter at Parnell Park on Friday evening.

The Donnycarney men were full value for their 11-point victory as their more economical style and precision use of possession was too much for their Marino neighbours.

Craobh had most of their evening’s work done by the half-time interval as they had opened up a 0-14 to 0-5 advantage.

Their work-rate and attitude was summed up three minutes into added time when Conor Ryan put in a brave block on Alan Moore as he set his sights on goal.

Billy Ryan and Paul Kelly had influential opening halves with Ryan hitting four points from play and Kelly three as both exhibited terrific accuracy.

Further out the field Cian Derwin gave another very encouraging display while Alan McCrabbe helped to pull the strings for a vibrant Craobh.

Vinnies were not allowed settle into any game-plan while their shooting was below par compared to their opponents.

Two Derwin points, one a free from inside his own ‘65’, extended Craobh’s lead to 0-16 to 0-5 by the third minute of the second half.

He capped his performance with a stylish point from 60 metres in the 40th minute following great defensive work from the influential Gary Kelly and Kevin Hetherton.

GazetteSPORT APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SWEET START FOR FINGAL SIDES CRICKET: Balbriggan cause major shock as Malahide and The Hills also win on big opening day of Leinster league SEE P29

MINOR MAGIC FOOTBALL: Dub-

lin minors start campaign in style, scoring four goals in victory. SEE P30

ASDF ASASDF SDFASDF LADIES FOOTBALL: Dublin hopes of retaining the league crown broken by Cork with extra time defeat. SEE P27

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Malahide too good for Skerries in AIL playoff  sport@dublingazette.com

MALAHIDE RFC are one win away from a place in Division 2B of the AllIreland League following their impressive away win over near neighbours Skerries 34-22 in their promotion/relegation playoff tussle at Holmpatrick.

It means they face a playoff final against Bruff with a ticket to the fourth tier on the line, continuing their rapid ascent out of the Leinster leagues into the national competitions with Skerries potentially going the other way.

In front of a big crowd in Skerries, the hosts started well when Kevin McGrath raced through to score under the posts and Robbie Jenkinson tacked on the conversion for a 7-0 lead in the early stages.

Jenkinson added a p e n a l t y to co n t i nu e their strong start to the tie with Malahide struggling to get their hands on the ball for much of the first quarter.

But they soon started to grab some possessions and make a few line breaks to give Skerries plenty to think about.

They got on the board when Danie Poolman cut through and Shane O’Brien was successful with the conversion to significantly reduce the deficit and it was level before the break with O’Brien clearing the bar with a tricky penalty effort for 10 points each.

Malahide on the attack in their All-Ireland League Division 2B/2C playoff tie. Picture: Bernie O’Farrell

The Estuary Road club carried that momentum through to the second half when they produced a dominant scrum and, off the back of it, it unlocked the door for Barry Holland to get through for his side’s second try.

Again, O’Brien cleared the bar for a telling 17-10

lead and it got even better for Malahide when he scored his fourth successful kick, a penalty to make it double scores.

And they were virtually out of sight when Holland crossed wide on the right wing for their third try. With O’Brien’s immaculate boot adding another two points, it

made it 27 unanswered points for Malahide, putting them on the brink of victory.

Skerries finally forged a response via McGrath’s excellent work, weaving his way through for a try which he converted himself to set a few nerves jangling.

But the Malahide

response was perfect, killing off any outside hopes of a comeback when Dan Hayes crossed t h e w h i tew a s h a n d O’Brien was accurate once more for a 34-17 lead with precious little time remaining.

Skerries did get a third try in the dying minutes but the glory was Mala-

hide’s and they now march on for a date with Bruff.

They will meet the Limerick side on Saturday in Kilballyowen Park, a venue where they lost 32-17 earlier in the season but they did win their first meeting 17-14 and so will anticipate a close-run battle.