Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette FEBRUARY 13-19, 2020

VALENTINEGIFTS: We’re sharing the love VALENTINE this week with a range of gift ideas that are sure to be a hit with your other half SEE PAGE 19

SINN FEIN TRIGGER A SEISMIC SHIFT IN POLITICS ‘Old guard’ of Irish politics is swept back by a Leftist wave

 CÓILÍN DUFFY

Group Editor

THE political landscape across Dublin, and indeed the country, has suffered its most radical change since the foundation of the state, after Sinn Fein candidates topped the polls in eight of the 11 Dublin

Fingal Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Cometh the hour, cometh the woman ... Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald celebrates the party’s resounding success in General Election 2020. The Sinn Fein surge marks a seismic shift in Irish politics, smashing the dominance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail for the past 90 years. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

constituencies, where they had a total of 10 TDs elected, out of 37 nationally.

Sinn Fein polled 200,000 votes more than any other party across the board, but it looks like a case of same-old, same-old with musings that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are set to go into coalition once again.

Such a scenario would be hugely disap-

Find us on

pointing for Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald – not running more candidates in General Election 2020 may come back Keep reading, to haunt her and her party. keep recycling 2020 has been about the shift to the Left, – thank you but it looks increasingly likely we’ll be ‘left’ with the same government in the 33rd Dail.

SEE PAGES 7-9

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 13 February 2020

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COMMUNITY: LOCALS SLAM A REDUCTION OF SHOPS

Housing plan sees angry Lusk reaction  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

LUSK residents have accused a developer of selling them down the river after the retail element of plans for a 15-acre site appear to have been pared back in favour of more housing.

The €75m Lusk Village Quarter scheme was unveiled to much fanfare last October, with the promise of “traditional family homes and impressive new amenities” including shops, cafes and civic spaces.

But five months later,

The public square featured at https://www.luskvillagequarter.ie/masterplan/

an amended application omitting a commercial block and 850sq m for food and drink use in favour of more apartments and houses has been granted.

Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) said she was “extremely disappointed and dismayed” at the council’s decision to allow

the developer “to reduce the commercial aspect”.

She added: “The much welcomed Lidl has now been moved from the second phase of the development to the fourth phase, meaning it will be the last thing to be built.

“Communities need local facilities and local

businesses to grow and prosper. This is not good planning. I will be supporting the local community in appealing this awful decision.”

More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition calling for developer McGarrell Reilly to be prevented from replacing planned shops with more houses.

It notes that the number of commercial units on the Station Road site has been reduced from 24 to eight, and the planned public square appears to have been scrapped altogether.

It also warns: “The number of shops and facilities has changed very little since it was a village of 700 people; soon there will be over 10,000 people in the town.”

On its website (www. luskvillagequarter.ie), the developer promised a raft of amenities including a public square lined with a “vibrant mix” of shops and cafes.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the developer said the permission granted was just the first of four lodged with the council as part of the overall master plan.

He said the scheme in its entirety provides for 16 commercial units including the new Lidl supermarket, pub, restaurant, cafes, a creche and additional shops, and added: “It provides houses and apartments along with a new village square, green spaces and play spaces.”

FASTNews New coast guard signs added at cliffs NEW signs with contact details for the Coast Guard Emergency 112 have been installed along Howth Cliff Path.

Fingal County Council and the Irish Coast Guard’s Howth unit launched the signage together with representatives from local community groups Howth Pathways and the Howth SAAO committee.

The new signage is located along the Lower Cliff Path from Balscadden car park to Redrock, with locations identified according to the Irish Coast Guard’s mapping of incident ‘hotspots’.

Each sign has a unique number to enable the Irish Coast Guard to locate causalities quickly when they call 112 and provide the location number.

Fergus Cooney, of the Irish Coast Guard’s Howth Unit, said: “In a number of recent incidents the new signage has enabled a quicker response time to reach and treat casualties.”

It is planned to extend the initiative to other areas of Howth and Fingal in the near future.

Appeal for Alone calls information on seniors on mugging to take care GARDAI are appealing for information after a man in his 50s was allegedly mugged and assaulted on a train near the Clonsilla stop during rush hour.

A garda spokesman confirmed the incident on the 18.34 service from Pearse to Maynooth last Monday, February 3, and said that investigations are ongoing.

A spokesman for Irish Rail said: “As the 18.34 service from Pearse to Maynooth was travelling between Coolmine and Clonsilla, there was antisocial behaviour on board by a group of four youths.

“Another customer on board was assaulted. Customers alerted the driver as the train arrived at Clonsilla, and both the driver and station staff assisted ... the victim of the assault.

“Gardai were alerted and attended ... and while the youths involved fled the scene, we are working with gardai to ensure they can be identified via CCTV [footage].”

ALONE is urging older people to take extra care during the unsettled weather in the aftermath of Storm Ciara.

The organisation is advising older people who are concerned about their own wellbeing during the stormy weather to ask for assistance and help, if needed.

ALONE is also calling on members of the public to check in with their older neighbours and relatives and assist them if they need to travel to the local shop, post office or medical appointments during the bad weather.

Sean Moynihan, chief executive of ALONE, said: “With some snow forecast, it is important that older people prioritise spending on heating and stay warm in the coming days.”

Contact ALONE at 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community.

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

HEALTH: FIREFIGHTERS BRING NEW FYRE VENTURE TO THE EXERCISE WORLD

MALAHIDE

Kickboxer and bodybuilder join Valentine ball sure forces to open new Coolmine gym to delight “

SYLVIA POWNALL

TWO Dublin firefighters are about to set the world of exercise on FYRE with their new gym.

Robbie McMenamy a n d N i g e l C ro w l ey, who are both based at Blanchardstown Fire Station, have already had hundreds of people through the doors.

Fyre Gym opened for business earlier this month and according to Robbie, who is a world champion kick boxer, the response has been phenomenal.

He told Dublin Gazette: “The great thing is it’s not just for gym bunnies. We have worked hard at making it a place where everyone feels comfortable and at home.

Robbie McMenamy and Nigel Crowley, of FYRE

“We opened at the end of January and offered people the opportunity to come and train for free and see for themselves what the facilities we have.

“We were blown away with the response, and hundreds ended up turn-

ing up over the two days.

People have been joining in huge numbers and we couldn’t be happier.

“It’s a hard industry to break into, but we believe we can offer something that all the other big name brand gyms can’t.

“We are both passion-

ate about exercise, working out and keeping fit.

I’m a world champion kickboxer and have been involved in sports all my life, while Nigel is a professional bodybuilder.”

Co-owner Nigel stressed that everyone is welcome, from beginners

Our aim is to create a gym environment where training is blended with pleasure, a place where you can be anyone you want to be

up, and the gym offers a wide range of classes including yoga.

He said: “Our aim is to create a gym environment where training is blended with pleasure, a place where you can be anyone you want to be.

“There are no disap-

proving glances, egos, tuts or sighs in our place.”

Fyre, based at Unit 10, Coolmine Industrial Estate, is open from 5.45am to 10pm weekdays and 7.30-7pm at weekends (see www. fyregyms.ie).

THE Malahide-based Catherine Lawlor School of Art is hosting a Valentine’s Ball and art exhibition in association with The Marie Keating Foundation this Saturday, February 15 in the Ballsbridge Hotel.

The event will include a reception, an exhibition of a selection of more than 160 pieces of art work, dinner, grand auction, raffle and spot prizes along with entertainment.

Some of the students’ artwork, in addition to some other artwork donated by professional Irish artists, will be auctioned during the ball.

Catherine, who has held an annual art exhibition for the past 20 years, is also arranging for two other exhibition related events in the Ballsbridge Hotel as part of this busy and exciting weekend.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 13 February 2020

SUPPORT: SWORDS BOXING CLUB COFFEE MORNING IN MEMORY OF JJ HARFORD

Fundraiser set to honour late baby’s life by helping others SYLVIA POWNALL

A GRIEVING mother who lost her baby son to cot death has organised a fundraiser in his memory to mark the first anniversary of his passing.

Grainne Harford and her family will host a coffee morning at Swords Boxing Club on Sunday to celebrate the all-too-short life of baby JJ Harford.

On February 17 last year, baby JJ left his parents Grainne and Joey and sisters Amber and Ava heartbroken after he passed away as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Shortly after his tragic death, his brave siblings joined their mum and dad in organising a fundraiser

for First Light, which supports families affected by SIDS. Now, on his first anniversary, they are planning a second fundraiser for the organisation and its ambassador, Fair City actor Una Crawford O’Brien, will attend along with European boxing gold medallist Niamh Fay. Grainne, who lives in Balbriggan, told Dublin Gazette: “We are trying to keep his memory alive while raising funds for such a worthy cause at the same time.

“The support has been great. I’ve been getting lovely messages from family and friends, and people I haven’t spoken to in years.”

Grainne said nothing could have prepared her

for the heartbreak of losing her precious baby boy at just ten weeks, but his memory would live on.

She said: “Everyone who met JJ fell in love with him and we are devastated he is gone, but he will never be forgotten.

“He was so special to us all and the happiness he brought was incredible.

My heart would just burst every time he smiled. I loved every second being with him.”

She added: “This past year has been the most difficult year of our family’s lives ... We celebrated Christmas morning with our two daughters with the biggest pain in our hearts, wishing our son was here with his family.”

The coffee morning in

The late baby JJ Harford; above: with his big sisters, Amber and Ava

aid of First Light takes place at Swords Boxing Club, Sluagh Hall, Estuary roundabout, this Sunday, February 16.

Suspended sentence for woman who had child porn A WOMAN prosecuted for possession of child pornography after she failed to completely delete a twominute video sent to her on WhatsApp has received a suspended prison sentence.

Judge Pauline Codd said that in January 2018, Omo Delpin Omorouyi (28) was the innocent recipient of

a disturbing video which featured a man and a toddler.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told the defendant did not know what the video was and began watching it. When it became apparent that it was “something sinister”, she stopped playing the video.

She deleted the WhatsApp message but Garda Killian Leyden told the court that the smart phone app automatically downloads images and videos to the phone once they are viewed, so the video remained on the phone.

A month later, gardai carrying out an unrelated investigation went to search a house in Swords where the woman was living. The woman was not the target of this operation, but her phone was seized during the search.

When arrested, Omorouyi, told gardai she believed she had deleted the video and regretted playing it.

The Nigerian woman pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography at her home in Swords on February 2, 2018.

Garda Killian Leyden said that the adult in the video has since being identified as a man in Michigan, America, and has been convicted.

FASTNews Jobless total hits a 14-year low – report DUBLIN’S unemployment rate is now at its lowest level in over 14 years, according to the latest Dublin Economic Monitor (DEM).

The DEM is produced by EY-DKM Economic Advisory on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authorities.

Unemployment of 4.4% (SA) was recorded in Q3 2019 and represents a fall of 9.3% since Q1 2012 when unemployment peaked at 13.7%.

According to the DEM, Dublin now ranks 8th in the world for career opportunities, job security and worklife balance. A total of 243.4 million public transport trips took place in Dublin in 2019.

This represents an increase of 19.5 million journeys (+8.7%) on 2018.

Reflecting on Irish women’s role in history EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is challenging people to reflect on why Irish history has so few accounts of the achievements of women and why there is a remarkable lack of plaques, statues or monuments to celebrate their lives.

They placed an unmissable empty plinth on O’Connell Street, a street associated with some of Dublin’s most iconic monuments, signifying the lack of historical Irish women recognised in our capital’s public artworks.

While there are 48 statues in Dublin city centre celebrating Irishmen who have made history, there are only six statue artworks dedicated to five Irish women; Constance Marckievicz is remembered in two.

Researching their Blazing A Trail Exhibition and with their involvement in the making of the groundbreaking documentary Herstory: Ireland’s EPIC Women with RTÉ, Herstory and Underground Films, the team at EPIC felt that they could not miss the opportunity to ask why so many trailblazing women have been overlooked by history.

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

COURTS: LUSK MAN ‘HAD LITTLE RECOLLECTION OF THE INCIDENT’ NEXT DAY

Man attacked, bit garda who found him lying in own vomit A MAN attacked and bit a garda who had found him lying in his own vomit on the side of the road and driven him back to his house, a court has heard.

PIC: Collins Courts.

Shane Halpin (25), of Fouillard Lane, Lusk, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Derek Dalton causing him harm at his address on September 2, 2018.

Sergeant John Cannon told the court that Gardai received a call about a person lying unconscious on the side of the road at Blakes Cross, Lusk.

He added that Halpin was intoxicated and appeared to have vomited on himself. Garda Dalton decided to bring him home and called for a Garda van.

Concerned that Haplin might not have given the correct address, Gda Dalton knocked on the door and asked the accused’s mother if Halpin was welcome there.

After she said that he was, Halpin emerged from the Garda van “quite

initially subdued.

However, Halpin managed to free himself and bit Gda Dalton on the knee.

The garda suffered a bone fracture in his hand, along with the two bites and an injury to his groin.

He could not return to duty for six months as a result.

aggressive”, and started grappling with Gda Dalton. He ripped his radio and torch from his person.

Garda Dalton said he raised his arm to shield himself and was bitten by the accused on the hand.

The two men ended up on the ground and Halpin was

The court heard that Halpin had returned from a six-month internship in the US that evening and had met with friends over drinks.

He said Halpin had little recollection of the incident and was horrified by his behaviour as recounted by

“

The garda could not return to duty for six months after the attack

his mother the following morning.

Judge Melanie Greally said this was a very serious incident of assault that left injuries to the unfortunate garda “who was carrying out an act of considerable kindness”.

She imposed a two-year prison sentence, deferred until April 1.

Judge Greally said she would discharge the indictment if Halpin was compliant with a bond to keep the peace until that date.

Judge Greally also directed the defendant, who has no previous convictions, to hand over the sum of €3,000, which he had with him in court, to Little Blue Heroes, a charity that had been nominated by Gda Dalton.

Pupils praised for their ‘thinking outside the box’ PUPILS at Scoil Mhuire in Blakestown have been praised for thinking outside the box during a hands-on engineering project in the classroom.

Senior pupils have surrounded themselves with levers, paper towers and cardboard prosthetics for the past year – but with good reason.

These are just three of the practical projects taught through their partnership with Alexion College Park and STEAM Education’s ‘Engineeringin-a-Box’ programme.

Over the course of ten weeks, employees of Blanch-based biopharm company Alexion have volunteered their expertise and time.

They led the 67 fifthclass students through an apprenticeship-style project, with the aim of inspiring a new generation of engineers.

A school spokesper-

Staff and pupils of Scoil Mhuire Senior School in Blakestown, and biopharmaceutical company, Alexion College Park, at the certificate presentation for the STEAM-in-aBox initiative

son said: “The initiative explores how humans, and particularly engin e e r s, c o n t i n u e t o address challenges in our lives such as the need to create better forms of shelter for families, and designing more efficient and sustainable energy systems.

“In the classroom, this translates to children working on projects where they construct lollypop stick structures

using triangulation, discover load distribution with paper towers, and design water and wind turbines.

“The programme also incorporates team building and self-directed learning projects, giving the kids an opportunity to devise solutions to challenges, to build them, test them, and learn from any mistakes and rectify their models or designs.”

Raymond Hale of Alex-

ion said that after “a fantastic 10 weeks inspiring kids to be curious about the world we live in, the final-day showcase really captured the essence of the STEAM programme and how rewarding it is for us to make a difference to the community in which we operate”.

Alexion employees facilitated the same programme with students of St Francis Xavier SNS in Castleknock last year.

Shane Halpin (25), of Fouillard Lane, Lusk, leaving court after his case. Picture: Collins Courts

CHILDREN

Apply now for €2,000 share of funding GROUPS planning children’s activities this summer are being invited to apply for funding of up to €2,000 through a grant scheme run by Fingal County Council.

The Summer Project Programme 2020 is open to groups that provide recreational and educational services to young people during the summer.

Groups are invited to complete and submit the Summer Project Expression of Interest Form on or before Friday, February 28.

Fo r m s a r e a v a i l able at https://www. surveymonkey.com/ r/5MY27WY. For further information, contact Niamh McCormack at 01 890 6220, or email community@fingal.ie.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 13 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Paul McGuinness, Bill Whelan and John Hughes

Bill Whelan and the band at the album launch. Pictures: Justin Farrelly.

Riverdance - 25th Anniversary Show T

O celebrate its 25th anniversary, global phenomenon Riverdance returned to where it all began – with five performances at the 3Arena, Dublin, from February 6

to 9.

To mark the occasion, Decca Gold launched Bill Whelan’s new album Riverdance 25th Anniversary: Music From The

Caterina Coyne and Mark Alfred

Zoe Conway

Show. Initially starting life as a seven-minute Eurovision interval act, Riverdance was adapted into a full-length stage show, premiering at the Point Theatre in February 1995.

Since then, its been performed over 12,160 times, and has been seen live by a whopping 27.5 million people in 546 venues worldwide.

Cathal Murray and Siobhan Browne

Dave Harris and Amy McGovern

Terence Murphy, Tara Stewart and James Kavanagh

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

GENERAL ELECTION 2020 New dawn ahead after Sinn Féin success CÓILÍN DUFFY cduffy@dublingazette.com

A WEEK is a long time in politics, but when the 33rd Dáil begins next Thursday morning, it will unquestionably be one with a changed spectrum, after one of the most striking elections in the history of the state, which will be remembered for the rise of Sinn Féin, and where the left arose from the ashes.

There will be many new faces in the next Government – both right and leftleaning, but while we know the make up of the 160 TDs in Leinster House after the final counts in Wicklow and CavanMonaghan on Monday night – what about the formation of the next Government? It’s one that poses more questions than answers.

As we went to print on Wednesday afternoon, talks were ongoing between the various parties and Independents at a frantic pace, and by the weekend we should know who will be in power.

There’s certainly some overlap in terms of policy direction between the now ‘big three’ of Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Fine Gael – who look liked unlikely bedfellows coming into this Election – but the reality is that more than likely two of those three will have to join up if they want to be in the next

Election 2020 will be remembered for the rise of Sinn Féin.

Government.

Fine Gael have pretty much ruled out a coalition with Sinn Féin, but over the weekend Micheal Martin began to warm to the possibility of joining up with Mary Lou’s maestros – should that happen and with a few Independents or smaller parties on board – it would be enough to form the next Government.

How did this happen?

The answer is pretty clear – people wanted change – anything other than Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil seemed to be the message – and all of the left-leaning parties certainly benefited as a result.

It might be a bold statement to make, but even some of those who voted No. 1 for a Sinn Féin candidate, might not necessarily support many of the parties aims, including their hopes for a United Ireland; but done so because they wanted something different – or may have just been impressed with the individual work being done by a SF candidate on the ground.

Saturday’s RTÉ/TG4/UCD Exit Poll showed SF, FF and FG pretty much neck and neck, and it wasn’t far from being wrong – although FG did poll worse than the poll suggested in the end, but still held onto third spot.

A changed landscape, a new era ahead – certainly interesting times ahead for Ireland.

Losing a seat is like a bereavement – Owen CÓILÍN DUFFY

LOSING A Dáil seat is like suffering a bereavement according to former Fine Gael Deputy Leader Nora Owen.

Owen was unseated twice over the course of her political career, and was in attendance at the Dublin Fingal count in Swords on Sunday, where she spoke of her concern for those across the political spectrum who were not returned to the 33rd Dáil.

Long standing politicians such as Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher, Shane Ross and Regina Doherty

were among the big losers as the results filtered through.

“On this day I’m very conscious of the people who are losing seats all over the country, having suffered that myself twice,” Owen told Dublin Gazette.

“It’s not a good day for them. It’s a very sad day, many of them worrying about what they will work at. Some will go for the Seanad, and some will simply go out of politics altogether.

“It’s a difficult day for their families as well.

They are human beings, they have feelings. It’s like a bereavement.

“There will be some tears shed tonight, and probably already being shed, but nonetheless that’s democracy.”

Speaking about the change towards left leaning parities and politicians, Owen questioned if it was change for the good.

“Change for what benefit,” she said.

“What does change mean? I’m around a good while now. I saw Labour getting 33% of the national vote with candidates that people didn’t know their names, and then in the next election they were gone! It remains to be seen now what can be done in order to form a Government. My

own view would be that a Government has to be formed. It’s a big decision time for all of the parties – Sinn Féín included.

“They walked away the last time, they could have been in Government and they could have begun to deliver what they have been promising.

“Have they the guts and courage to do it now and do a deal with either a group of Independents or Greens etc, or one of the two slightly bigger parties.- that is the question.

“Too be honest I think the public will punish them if they say they would prefer to be hurling on the ditch and shouting and roaring.”

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 13 February 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

Darragh Butler, Brigid Manton, Darragh O’Brien, Eoghan O’Brien and Adrian Henchy wait for the results

Duncan Smith (centre) with Brendan and Sean Ryan

Five parties win seats from Fingal electorate CÓILÍN DUFFY

IT WAS a bit of a slow burner to start with, but around 7.20pm on Monday evening all five seats were filled in Dublin Fingal.

The failure of James Reilly to be elected resulted in one of the major stories to come out of the count centre at the National Show Centre in Swords over the two-day count, as the Fine Gael man announced his decision to retire from politics.

The second election in a row, in which the Lusk man failed to secure a seat, after previously taking office from May 2007 – February 2016, with four of those years as Minister

break for elevenses, but that Dublin West went on for an Louise O’Reilly (Sinn Fein) hour.

Joe O’Brien (Green Party) A good thing Darragh O’Brien (Fianna Fail) then that the Alan Farrell (Fine Gael) troops had Duncan Smith (Labour) brought supplies, with Gemma for Health.

O’Doherty’s crew and He called on Fine Gael to James Reilly’s henchmen “reflect long and hard” on particularly well stocked Leo Varadkar’s leadership. – the latter consuming a Tallymen, politicians box of Ferreo Rocher at and their supporters, one point. together with media and When eventually the interested observers gath- Returning Officer stood ered from early on Sunday up on the rostrum for the morning at the count cen- first count announcement tre, but it was certainly at 6:50pm there were plena slow burner before the ty of cheers when Sinn first TD to be elected was Féin’s Louise O’Reilly was announced. elected.

After just two hours This was certainly of counting, there was a clear-cut from the early ELECTED CANDIDATES

tallies, and she blazed a trail with 15,792 votes – over 5,000 inside the quota and 24.9% of the first preference vote.

She’s thanked her campaign team, and promised to deliver change in North County Dublin.

“We are having a good election, it’s a good election for Sinn Féin,” she said.

Grateful “I’m feeling grateful and extremely humbled by the mandate, and also by the level of support.

“I’m grateful to those people who came out and voted for me, because that’s a huge thing, but also to my colleagues and my friends in terms of the

efforts that were made.

“This represents not just three and a half weeks of a campaign, but four years of hard work on the ground.”

And speaking of hard work, the count centre staff were certainly put through their paces – after three more counts it was decided to call it a night around 10.30pm – with just one person elected and still plenty more to come in the A.M. Day 2 kicked off with the fifth count, and plenty of rechecks along the way, with the two O’Brien’s two Smith’s, a Reilly and an O’Reilly confusing matters.

Count 8 arrived around 1.20pm, and finally it

added a second person from the constituency to the 33rd Dáil – in fact two others with Joe O’Brien of the Greens and Fianna Fáil’s Darragh O’Brien elected.

Joe O’Brien was delighted he retained the seat he won in the recent by-election.

“It’s better than the byelection and hopefully this will last a little bit longer,” he said.

“The really good news for us nationally is that there are a lot of seats turning for us across the country as well.”

Darragh O’Brien has ministerial hopes should Fianna Fáil get into Government.

“I think that’s a deci-

sion that my party leader would make,” he said.

“I’m not going to be as presumptuous. Of course anyone who is in politics who says they wouldn’t like to serve in a cabinet would be lying – of course I do, and of course I would!

That’s not my decision.”

It wasn’t the best of days for Fine Gael nationally, but in Fingal Alan Farrell was delighted to retain his seat.

While Duncan Smith was the last over the line with 8,340 on the 12th count, he admitted it wasn’t a great day for the Labour Party.

“It doesn’t seem to be a great day for us. Overall it looks like we’ll come back with one less seat.”

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

SYLVIA POWNALL

TWO Dublin West candidates made history on Sunday as the count to fill four Dail seats got under way and Sinn Fein continued its unprecedented surge.

Leo Varadkar became the first outgoing Taoiseach in the history of the State not to top the poll – and by the same token, Paul Donnelly became the first to outpoll an outgoing Taoiseach.

Ahead of the first official results at the Phibblestown count centre, the Sinn Fein councillor admitted that the best he’d been hoping for was to take the fourth seat.

Instead, the 51-yearold romped home with almost a quota and a half, topping the poll with 12,456 (29%) votes on his sixth attempt to reach Dail Eireann.

He beamed: “We were fairly confident that we were going to be in the mix, but I don’t think we expected that we would be up in the numbers that we have at the moment.”

The popular and hard-working politician thanked his wife, Angela, his family and his army of supporters.

The father-of-four, who lives in Clonsilla, was co-opted to Fingal County Council in 2008 and topped the poll in last year’s local elections.

A project co-ordinator and community outreach worker with child and family agency Tusla, he also coaches and mentors at St Peregrine’s GAA club, home to Dublin star Eric Lowndes.

Mr Donnelly said: “Micheal [Martin] and Leo [Varadkar] need to adjust to the new realities of today. We are here, and we ain’t going away any time soon.

Dublin West votes in history makers

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (top) put a brave face on things as he eventually limped past the post on the fifth count; (above) Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Donnelly (centre) decisively romped home in his sixth attempt to reach Dail

the Green Party’s Roderic O’Gorman was delighted with his poll

Eireann, securing almost a quota and a half from the electorate

success, but also paid tribute to high-profile women who lost

It was a different story for Dublin West the Fine Gael Paul Donnelly (Sinn Fein) l e a d e r, w h o Jack Chambers (Fianna Fail) trailed DonnelLeo Varadkar (Fine Gael) ly on 8,478 first Roderic O’Gorman (Green Party) preference votes and had to wait “This is a victory until the fifth count to for Sinn Fein but it is a get over the line. much bigger victory for M r Va r a d k a r w a s the ordinary men and joined at the count cenwomen of Dublin West. tre by his parents, Ashok and Miriam, and partner, Pledge Matt Barrett.

“My pledge to you all Despite having to wait from this hall today is until after 9pm to exceed that we will deliver for the quota, he denied he you. Sinn Fein are ready was disappointed and for government on both vowed his party would sides of our partitioned “do its duty” in opposiisland.” tion if needs be.

ELECTED CANDIDATES

Mr Varadkar said in such a scenario he would seek to stay on as Fine Gael leader, but added: “That will be a matter for my party.”

Fi a n n a Fa i l ’s Ja c k C h a m b e rs w a s a l s o returned to the Dail, leaving a battle royale for the fourth and final seat, which was won by the Green Party’s Roderic O’Gorman.

He told Dublin Gazette: “It still hasn’t sunk in yet. There were two hours when I accepted it wasn’t going to happen when I looked at the gap between myself and Ruth [Coppinger].

“It was only in the last half hour when it became clear that I was getting substantially more transfers that I dared hope.”

Mr O’Gorman, a lecturer in climate change law at DCU, said he was heartened by his party’s performance in doubling their record, with 12 TDs in the Dail.

Sadness And he said his victory was tinged with sadness for two of the most high-profile women TDs in the country who both lost their seats – Ruth Coppinger (Sol-PBP) and Labour’s Joan Burton.

He said: “I have huge regard for both. We would have our differences, but they have made a very significant impact, both nationally and in Dublin West.”

Ms Coppinger conceded that it was “always going to be tough” for her party, adding: “We will now look at rebuilding so that we can have a socialist voice in the Dail.

“In particular, I was a strong advocate for women’s rights.

“Regardless of what happens, the people have spoken on the economy and the so-called recovery that has seen workers

completely left behind.”

It was quickly apparent from tallies that former Tanaiste and Labour Party leader Joan Burton would lose her seat after a Dail career spanning almost three decades.

The first count confirmed she had a disastrous election, polling only 2,096 first preference votes. Ms Burton did not appear at the Dublin West count.

Her party suffered in the wake of the antiwater charges campaign and Ms Burton herself was targeted during an infamous protest in Jobstown in 2014.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 13 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Miriam and Mirela

Kyle, Alex, Sinead, Jessica, Darryl, Katie, Craig and Sean of St Philips NS Closnilla Bric-a-brac and bakesale for the Australian Bushfires

Bláthnait shows off her cup cakes

A sweet, delicious way to help out Australians UPILS at St Philip’s NS Clonsilla held a bric-a-brac and bake sale recently, doing their part to help fundraise for Australian relief. Moved by the plight of people, animals and the environment that have been devastated by raging bush fires, the pupils decided to fundraise for two Australian charities – one that will be

P

for the animals which have been injured and left homeless, and the other for the people of Australia who have been affected by the fires. The fire crew from Coolmine fire brigade station popped in to help show their solidarity with the event – and to helpfully tuck into a few delicious treats, too.

Kevan, Stefan, Arber and Danny

Sarah and Niagh

Ava and Olivia

Jake and Sean

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Hazel, Taylor, Keila and Mia and Cara with Terry, Conor, Mick and Ben from the Coolmine Firestation

St Philips NS Clonsilla Bric-a-brac and bakesale for the Australian Bushfires

Popa and Aleksander

Tara, Halle, Katie and Bella

Karina, Daisy and Nicole

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 13 February 2020

D15 GROUP DETAILS SCALE OF HELP

SCHOOLS

Suicide support group helped 600 SYLVIA POWNALL

A SUICIDE awareness group in Blanchardstown was contacted by more than 600 people in 2019, with an average of 50 people per month using its phone helpline.

Volunteers with Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 also accompanied ten people to hospital A&E units, according to its annual report, which has just been published.

SAD15 was set up in May 2010 in response to a number of suicides in the Corduff area and its members have all been bereaved through suicide or experienced suicidal thoughts themselves.

The 2019 report reveals that counsellors helped 80 people from January to December of last year – 54

women and 26 men, ranging in age from 19 to 76.

Its volunteers held faceto-face meetings with 112 people who needed support, most of them held in a local cafe which is where people feel most comfortable to talk.

According to the report, the main work of SAD15 is to provide a “local point of contact and a supportive link for people who have been bereaved by suicide or who are thinking of self-harm and to signpost them to available services”.

It notes: “It is not always possible to obtain immediate support as national services such as Pieta House have waiting lists and it may take up to four weeks for a person to be seen.

“This is where Suicide

Awareness D15 use the services of our local counsellor who can support a person until they can get into mainstream counselling.

“Some people who contact the service are in such crisis that they need to go directly to A&E and seek the professional assistance of the psychiatric unit of Connolly Hospital.

“On a number of occasions, our volunteers have accompanied people to the hospital and sat for many hours encouraging them to stay until they are seen and admitted by the on-call psychiatrist.”

The phone service – 085 818 2090 – is manned as much as possible and is generally available from 7am to 12 midnight, seven days a week.

Kids get set for Fit Squad fun

Helping Harvey Norman as it supports Peter McVerry Trust PETER Hearn, chief executive, Harvey Norman Ireland joined Pat Doyle, chief executive, Peter McVerry Trust to launch the the 2020 Making Homes campaign recently.

Harvey Norman’s Making Homes campaign to raise funds for the Peter McVerry Trust aims to bring its total over three years to €450,000, with funds used to kit-out homes for those who need them most.

Support the bake sales and other fun fundraisers at your local Harvey Norman store between now and February 23 and you will be helping the homeless.

All products from the ‘Making Homes’ collection will carry a €5 donation and customers can add a €1 donation at the checkout or online.

Donate to the Peter McVerry Trust at harveynorman.ie/makinghomes.html.

TWO Fingal primary schools – Lusk Junior NS and St Catherine’s NS in Rush – will be amongst the first this year to host the popular children’s fitness initiative, Fit Squad, when it returns for a new season.

Topics covered during each visit will include demonstrations of exercises young people should do, advice on healthy eating, and tips on how to use leisure time to stay physically fit.

The programme is aimed at encouraging a healthy lifestyle and is delivered by Irish fitness expert Tom Dalton, and supported by Swordsbased Fyffes.

Schools and sports clubs interested in receiving a similar visit can find details online at www. fyffesfitsquad.ie.

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

WORKS: HISTORIC STRUCTURE SET FOR NEW LIFE AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Howth to gain as work gets under way to refurbish old courthouse SYLVIA POWNALL

REFURBISHMENT works are under way at the old courthouse in Howth to transform it into a tourist information office and a community space.

The historic structure on the Harbour Road is set to get a new look and the long-awaited works, which began in January, are expected to take six months.

Fingal County Council has appointed Dublinbased Tolmac Construction Ltd – which has a proven track record for this type of project – as the

main contractor.

The building is a protected structure in a prominent site at the junction of Harbour Road and Church Street in the town.

According to the local authority, the refurbishment will allow for greater public use of the building, with improved access for the public.

Fingal Tourism Tourist information office will be relocated from an existing temporary cabin on Harbour Road and the main hall will be retained for community use.

The scheduled relocation and upgrade of the

tourist office, first mooted almost a decade ago, was delayed because of government red tape.

Since 2008, staff at Howth Tourist Office have assisted close to one million visitors, with more than 100,000 people expected to seek its advice this Summer.

Picturesque Howth, which boasts both a medieval village and a working fishing port among its key assets, remains one of Dublin’s busiest tourism hot spots.

Along with information and advice, the office also collects tourism data and

Architect’s render showing how the transformed landmark courthouse should look, upon completion

customer research as well as providing support in organising festivals and other events.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, said: “The refurbishment of the courthouse is welcome

news and is much needed for such an important historic site.

“It is also great to see that it will remain an important community space to use for the residents of Howth as well as

a central spot for tourist information.”

A significant element of the work involves forming a new entrance courtyard to the western side to accommodate ramped access and allow for uni-

versal access to the building.

The new landscaped entrance courtyard will provide an elevated amenity space with seating overlooking the harbour area.

Walking footballers on the ball over health PARTICIPANTS from across Fingal took part in the first Walking Football Festival of 2020, that was held in the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown.

Pictured are some of the more than 120 over-50 players who took part in the day-long event, which saw teams from Blanchardstown and Balbriggan among 14 playing off in three groups, with qualifications for semi-finals and finals.

For further information, contact FAI grassroots manager Gerry Reardon at gerry.reardon@fai.ie, or FAI/Fingal Development Officer Paul Breen at paul.breen@fai.ie.

Fingal firms show their wares to global buyers SIX Fingal businesses had the opportunity to meet buyers from all across the world at Showcase 2020 in the RDS in Dublin.

They exhibited at the Local Enterprise Showcase, with more than 2,700 buyers from retailers across the globe attending the four-day event in

Dublin.

Displaying their wares were half a dozen Fingal firms with an artisanal background as diverse as it is colourful.

Jane Darcy is a luxury home fragrance brand specialising in scented soy candles and reed diffusers.

It was founded by Gillian Hal-

pin, who imports the fragrance from an established fragrance house in Paris, and named the brand after her two daughters.

Berry Be Beauty, founded

by Lorna Venton, is a holistic provider of natural beauty and essential oils.

Lorna’s experience as a holistic therapist and reflexologist

led to the creation of the brand, which now boasts a range of more than 40 products.

Other exhibitors included The Wish List Gifts, a dedicated team of personalised gift engravers; Elke Westen, a celebrated glass artist; The Little Paper Mill, which produces personalised greeting cards; and

Love the Mug, which creates fine bone china mugs for the female fashionista.

The Fingal companies were selected by the Local Enterprise Office, which worked with them to optimise marketing materials and stand production.

Speaking ahead of the event,

Oisin Geoghegan, head of enterprise in Fingal, said: “The clients here are the up-andcoming talent of Irish craft and design.

“They have the chance to potentially make business and life-changing deals, so it’s an exciting few days ahead for our clients.”

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 February 2020

POP-UP SHOP: UNIQUE PROJECT IN TEMPLE BAR TO HELP FUND CANCER RESEARCH

Cancer Survivors can do attitude, as shop opens in Temple Bar CÓILÍN DUFFY

cduffy@dublingazette.com CANCER SURVIVORS came together for a unique project, organised by Breakthrough Cancer Research (BCR) in Temple Bar to help fund cancer research.

The charity partnered

with The Library Project to open up a ‘Pop-up Shop’ for the week around World Cancer Day – ‘The Shop that Nearly Wasn’t’, which showcased the many and varied creative contributions those who have survived, or are living with cancer, make to society.

Its name reflects the fact that these achievements have only been made possible due to the result of ground-breaking cancer research.

Art, photography, books, crafts, clothing and protective sports gear, made by cancer survivors of all ages,

from all over the island of Ireland; were among the items in stock.

“We are a research charity, and there’s a lot of emphasis on what hasn’t happened, because of World Cancer Day we decided we wanted to remind people of the distance we have travelled in terms of research,” BCR CEO Orla Dolan told Dublin Gazette.

“In Ireland there’s 190,000 survivors of cancer, which is 4% of the population. They are here because we have made all of this progress.

“There are some cancers like breast, testicular and prostrate which have survival rates in the upper 80’s and early 90’s now.

“That’s because medical advances have meant the treatments are better, and even the protocols for the treatments are better.

“There are other cancers like pancreatic which has a survival rate of 9% for 50 years, so what we wanted to do was make the point that we have made massive progress and lets celebrate that, and then let’s redouble our efforts so that we can work on the other cancers as well.”

Glasnevin native Leonie Fanning came along to volunteer at the shop, after seeing it on RTÉ News on opening day. She says it’s a brilliant idea.

“I literally saw this on the news and I came in,” she told Dublin Gazette.

“As soon as I came into the shop, I just felt ‘oh my Goodness’. Everything was lively and smiley and bright – everything was just fabulous, and then talking to Eoghan (O’Sullivan) and

Shop volunteers Melanie Hand, Leonie Fanning and Nicola Eagles

Orla and hearing about what’s happening in the background all the time is just incredible.

“I have to say I just admire them so much, because it is amazing work!”

For Leonie it was her first time to hear about the work of Breakthrough Cancer Research.

“I hadn’t known much about them because I had breast cancer, so I was dealing more with organisations such as Breast Cancer Ireland.

“When I came across this and they explained about what they do helping to find cures for cancers that have only a 20% chance of survival like pancreatic, it’s just absolutely fantastic.”

Leonie says there’s been a

huge buzz in the shop since its opening.

“It’s been fantastic. Everyone here has been fantastic.

Everyone who comes in has been supportive in helping, and it’s lovely to see it. It has been a really nice experience.

“Everybody that comes through the door has a story.

A lady came in earlier and she worked for CanTeenteenagers with cancer.

“Just to hear her stories was great, but there were positives as well. We are inclined to touch on negatives as Irish people, but everyone has certainly been touched by cancer haven’t they?”

While the shop has now closed at its temporary location of 4 Temple Bar, those involved are keen to reopen

a physical presence shortly in the capital, and have issued a call-out to those who may be able to help them secure a more permanent location.

“We got our temporary location from The Library Project, who are doing it in partnership with us,” Dolan said.

“In Temple Bar there’s a lot of people going by all the time, and it’s a great place to be.”

The Shop That Nearly Wasn’t continues online, where a wide variety of items can be purchased at www.shopthatnearlywasnt. ie.

You can get further information and details about the work of Breakthrough Cancer Research at www.breakthroughcancerresearch.ie

Some of the fantastic creations by cancer survivors of all ages

13 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

MUSIC P17

FOOD & DRINK P20

TRAVEL P21

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

STEPHEN VERNON | CELEBRATE EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP

Green property founder gets philanthropy award PADRAIG CONLON

STEPHEN Vernon was named The Community Foundation for Ireland National Philanthropist of the Year at a recent event in Dublin.

A founder of Green Property and a well-known philanthropist, Stephen was honoured for his work in assisting community groups, helping charitable causes and giving back to society through his charitable giving.

The Community Foundation for Ireland are one of Ireland’s largest philanthropic organisations to recognise and celebrate extraordinary leadership and generosity in the area of philanthropy.

Previous winners of the annual philanthropy awards, which began in 2007, include JP McManus, Brendan O’ Carroll, Feargal Quinn and Maurice Healy.

A Dubliner was crowned Local Philanthropist of the Year, with Malahide native Adrienne Stack deservedly the proud recipient of that award.

Informed by her own family’s experience, Adrienne set up Hugh’s House in memory of her son Hugh

and in support of other families with very sick children; providing a ‘home from home’ for them in the city centre while their children are in hospital.

Hugh’s House provides accommodation 365 days a year to the families of children who are long-term in-patients of Temple Street, Holles Street, the Coombe and Rotunda Hospitals.

She has given significant personal and financial resources to the project.

Speaking about the 2020 awards, Tina Roche, chief executive, The Community Foundation for Ireland, said society should not underestimate the positive role philanthropists play in raising awareness of the value and impact of strategic giving.

“Now in its 12th year, The Community Foundation for Ireland’s Philanthropist of the Year Awards recognises extraordinary leadership in philanthropy,” she said.

“Whilst acknowledging that many people who give back prefer to do so in a low profile and anonymous way, we see the need for positive role models to create a ripple effect of generosity throughout Ireland.”

Pictured are Liam O’Brien, Director of Strategy and External Affairs at Vodafone Ireland with Stephen Vernon who was named The Community Foundation for Ireland National Philanthropist of the Year, with Adrienne Stack, Local Philanthropist of the Year. Picture: Jason Clarke

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 February 2020

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

QUIRKY MATTERS

DUBLIN BITS & BOBS

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

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

FITNESS and fashion enthusiast Niamh Cullen, TV Presenter, Reporter and latest ASI Ambassador, Sinead Kennedy, Nurse/ Fashion and travel blogger, Terrie McEvoy want members of the public to rally behind The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s annual Denim Day for Dementia fundraising campaign on Friday, March 6 to raise funds for vital dementia supports and services.

Denim Day for Dementia campaign is asking everyone from around Ireland to don their denims – to crèche, school or to their place of work – on March 6 and donate just €2 to support the 55,000 people living with dementia and their carers.

To get involved, members of the public are being urged to order their Denim Day for Dementia pack by registering online at www.alzheimer.ie. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/PhotocallIreland

Bid for girlfriend for Tourist board publish Irish soil may hold moon trip scrapped rant mistakenly cure to superbugs JAPANESE fashion billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has pulled out of a TV show where he was looking for a girlfriend for a voyage around the moon.

The 44-year-old recently announced he was seeking single females over 20 willing to become his girlfriend (and join him on Elon Musk’s SpaceX trip) for a documentary to be aired on streaming service AbemaTV. Almost 28,000 people applied but now Maezawa has decided to pull the plug on the TV show saying he has “mixed feelings” about participating.

Apologizing to the applicants and AbemaTV staff in posts on Twitter, he said he is “extremely remorseful” about the decision to pull out.

Maezawa is the founder and former CEO of online fashion retailer Zozo (which he sold last year) and is known for launching big plans which sometimes don’t work out exactly how he expected!

WHEN Brazil’s national tourist agency wants to market Rio de Janeiro they usually focus on the city’s incredible beaches, samba music and exciting night life. A very embarrassing social media mistake this week however from the Brazilian Tourist Board showed the bad side of the city.

Embratur accidentally shared a critical Instagram post from a tourist who had a nightmare time in Rio. “I just spent 3 days in Rio with my family, and in those 3 days my family and I were robbed and my 9-year-old sister witnessed a violent robbery,” Instagram user “withlai” wrote in an Instagram Stories post.

“I can’t recommend a visit to a city where I felt afraid of even leaving the apartment.”

Embratur deleted the post and said in a statement that “sharing (the post) was a mistake.”

A STUDY carried out by Swansea University Medical School found that certain Irish soil many contain a cure of four of the most commonly found superbugs.

Soil taken from the Sacred Heart Church in Enniskillen was found to contain a bacteria strain that can halt the growth of MRSA and three other superbugs that are regularly found in Irish hospitals.

Professor Paul Dyson of Swansea University Medical School said: “Our discovery is an important step forward in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

“Our results show that folklore and traditional medicines are worth investigating in the search for new antibiotics.

“Scientists, historians and archaeologists can all have something to contribute to this task.”

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

This week’s dog of the week is Kelsey, a beautiful four-year-old dog that can be quite shy at first, but has the sweetest nature once she gets to know you.

She would love a family that will be willing to come up here to the centre a few times and build up a bond with her – once that’s done, you will have a friend for life.

Kelsey would love a family where there is another confident dog to help her settle in, and a nice garden to play

in and relax with her doggie pal.

Kelsey is such a cuddly and affectionate dog that will make a wonderful addition to the right family.

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

kelsey

13 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

WELL WORTH A LISTEN

DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT

Cry Monster Cry’s tides of inspiration lead them all the way to the Swiss Alps FOLLOWING the acclaimed release of their sophomore album, Tides, Cry Monster Cry are riding a current.

The two Sutton brothers, Jamie and Richie Martin, are fresh from a tour of Germany, and awaiting the release of a new documentary that features their adventures playing their music up a mountain in the Swiss Alps. Music has taken life to an interesting place.

I caught up with Jamie, an English-major who converts his studies into carefully constructed lyrics, fresh from what’s been an exhausting tour and a special time on the continent.

“I think Irish music is a bit exotic over there,” he laughed. “We find ourselves selling out places that we’ve never been.

“People see that we’re playing and, in real German fashion, they’ll go to YouTube, do some research into us and if they like it, they go and buy tickets.

It’s great. I think that’s something that’s fading in Ireland.”

What music fans can uncover when they do such research is delicate and subtle, and in the case of Tides, a deeply emo-

 JAMES HENDICOTT

tional piece of work that’s mostly quite slow-paced and poetic, but bursts into wall-of-sound angst in late track, The Last Dance.

“I’ve been trying really hard to be in the moment when I perform, and I’ve found when you do that, when you really put everything in, you feel it coming back to you,” Jamie said of the tour.

“It’s emotionally draining, but I think it makes for an honest performance. I really wanted to approach it in that way, to see if there was any difference in the reaction. I thought there was.”

Tides, as an album title, is a reference to the flow of the brother’s lives: sometimes turbulent and sometimes smooth and calm, a reflection of something, really.

A touch ironically, it’s taken them to the mountains.

“We went on a trip to the Swiss Alps and there’s a 30 minute documentary of it waiting to be released,” Jamie said.

Cry Monster Cry – brothers Richie and Jamie Martin

“It’s about the climb and the gig, but it’s more about this guy called Rene Reusser, who brings musicians over there. He’s incredible – a complete music fan.

“He runs a carpentry school, but the documentary is about telling this guy’s story, why he’s so passionate about music and craft, and the lengths people go to so that they feel they’ve done something a bit different. It should be out in about two weeks.

“We’ve been lucky.

We’ve always loved taking on weird stuff, like a gig in the Alps, or living room concerts in Germany.

“It’s just what keeps up amused and entertained.

Hopefully, the documentary will get a good reaction.

“It’s called, When The Snow Calls I’ll Be Gone, which is the English title of an old Swiss folk song.”

Back within the band, things are coming to a peak, too, with the brothers having had their time “living” ahead of the release of the second record.

They’re on a songwriting high, and enjoying the moment.

“What I really love about music is storytell-

ing,” Jamie said. “I like to share a bit of myself, like reading a diary on a stage.

It’s a great way to make something collective.

“It’s had a huge, huge impact on me that I can chart right back to my childhood. Reading, for me, is like going to the gym

for storytelling. I have to stay on top of it.”

Cry Monster Cry play the Pepper Canister Church, Dublin on March

27, with tickets priced at €23.

The show concludes a 13-date Irish tour spanning February and March.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 February 2020

Delight in digital

Get in touch with YOUR local paper on our newly improved website www.dublingazette.com, Facebook and Twitter

DublinGazette Wherever you are, we’ve got you covered

For all digital enquiries contact JPMontgomery@dublingazette.com

13 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

DUBLIN STYLE

ROSE-MANTIC GIFTS COMMERCIAL CONTENT

THOMAS SABO Sterling silver and rose gold double chain necklace €149

Trust Trim Castle Hotel with your wedding WITH Valentine’s Day tomorrow, February 14, inevitably seeing ‘the big question’ getting popped, congratulations to any reader who gets asked ‘the big one’!

And, if thoughts of weddings – particularly your own – are on your mind, or about to be, why not consider Trim Castle Hotel for your special day?

Trim Castle Hotel is a historic landmark wedding location, situated in the ancient walled town of Trim.

The hotel offers a choice of three glorious celebration suites overlooking the medieval walls of Trim Castle, located amidst the rolling hills of Meath’s oldest natural landscape.

Guests can witness the 12th Century castle ruins transformed by a kaleidoscope of projected lights as the sun sets, with the memorable panorama matched by the hotel’s own warm hospitality and exceptional service.

And, once Valentine’s Day is behind us all, the hotel is looking to the future needs of couples with its upcoming Wedding Fair on Sunday, February 23, from 2.30-5pm.

The hotel’s refurbished celebration suites will be dressed to impress on the day, while the hotel’s wedding team will be on hand to share their experiences and help guide wedding plans, along with a number of recommended wedding suppliers.

And, for those unable to attend the wedding fair and who wish to view the hotel before the fair, you can even contact the hotel directly to arrange a private viewing.

For further information, you can contact the wedding team at 046 948 3000, email info@trimcastlehotel.com, or see www.trimcastleweddings.com orwww.trimcastlehotel.com.

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lovely gifts for the 14th

EMINENCE Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque €58 OH L’AMOUR ... It’s that time of year again

the way home or – even worse – gifting

– a time to express your love, affection

some new socks or a new iron!

and appreciation of your ‘other half’ tomorrow, St Valentine’s Day. And, while it’s certainly true that “it’s

Instead, if you’re stuck for some lastminute ideas, why not try any of these great Valentine’s gift ideas?

the thought that counts”, we’d hope that

They’re sure to put a smile on the face

you can do better than grabbing a bunch

of your loved one. So share the love, and

of wilting flowers at a petrol station on

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20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 February 2020

DUBLIN FOOD & DRINK

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FARE

Refurbished Milano branch is reopened

PIZZERIA Milano has re-opened the doors at its Longboat Quay, Grand Canal branch.

Situated at the basin of Grand Canal, Milano has re-opened with a complete interior refurbishment.

Kathy Limbeck, manager of the restaurant, said: “Our refurbished pizzeria – which showcases the kitchen at its heart – is designed to allow our customers watch our talented pizzaiolos freshly handmake their pizza to order.”

The opening of the branch comes 24 years after Milano set up shop in Ireland.

Grace Binchy, Bord Bia consumer insight specialist: “When it comes to evening meals, this comprehensive study captures a clear intent to make healthy and socially responsible food choices”

Food for thought in new study of our eating habits GARY IBBOTSON

BORD Bia, the Irish food board, has released the results of an in-depth national study into the evening meal consumption habits of the people of Ireland.

Carried out in partnership with Red C Research, the study was designed to better understand the changing dynamics of people’s evening mealtime habits.

The study involved a nationally representative online survey of more than 1,000 Irish consumers who charted their evening eating habits, resulting in a sample of 5,925 adult and 1,841 child evening meals collected over seven consecutive days.

The research captures consumer intentions to live more healthily and sustainably versus their daily choices when it comes to evening meals.

According to the poll, more than 80% of people put a high level of importance on eating a balanced diet, with four in 10 adults saying that their

evening meal choice is based on what foods impact their physical and mental health.

Ethical considerations are also influencing consumer behaviour, as almost three in 10 people feel making choices that are more positive for the environment has a great deal of influence on evening meals.

Commenting on the growing influence of health and wellness trends on dietary choices, Grace Binchy, Bord Bia consumer insight specialist, said: “When it comes to evening meals, this comprehensive study captures a clear intent to make healthy and socially responsible food choices, and people believe they are regularly doing so.

“However, as a growing ‘time poor’ nation, life gets in the way.

“There is a tendency for people to remember the choices they make as being better than they were, and their original intention is not always reflected in their actions.”

Key findings of the study: • The classic ‘meat and two veg’ meal staple is the number-one evening meal type eaten by adults in 2019, accounting for 11% of all adult evening meals across the seven days.

Chicken dishes and pasta with sauce meals, such as spaghetti bolognese, were in second and third place, at 10%.

• Pasta with sauce meals, such as spaghetti bolognese, was the number-one meal type eaten by children, accounting for 14% of all evening meals.

• 29% of all adult meals include red meat, although chicken follows closely behind at 21%.

• The presence of fish within all meals is at 7%, increasing to 11% on Fridays.

• Dairy is a key part of evening meals among Irish consumers, with 17% of all meals containing cheese.

Top 10 adult meal types: 1. Meat and two vegetables 2. Chicken dish (for example, roast chicken) 3. Pasta with sauce (for example, spaghetti bolognese)

4. Italian foods (for example, pizza and lasagne) 5. Diner style favourites (for example, burger or steak and chips) 6. Fish dish (for example, fish bake or fish and chips) 7. Light meal (for example, toasted sandwich or beans on toast) 8. Chinese/Oriental meal 9. Stew or casserole 10. Indian dish (for example, chicken tikka marsala, korma, curry) Top 10 children’s meal types:: 1. Pasta with sauce (for example, spaghetti bolognaise) 2. Chicken dish (for example, roast chicken) 3. Meat and two vegetables 4. Italian foods (for example, pizza and lasagne) 5. Diner-style favourites (for example, burger or steak and chips) 6. Stew or casserole 7. Fish dish (for example, a fish bake or fish and chips) 8. Chinese/oriental meal 9. Indian dish (for example, chicken tikka marsala, korma, curry) 10. Light meal (for example, toasted sandwich or beans on toast)

Tag along to Dublin’s very first Taco Battle FOOD festival organisers Eatyard has announced a string of events for early 2020, including a battle between Dublin’s finest taco makers.

Taco Battle – Dublin’s inaugural taco cook-off – will take place later this month on Saturday, February 22, in Jam Park.

Hosted by taco super fan Marcus O’Laoire, attendees will try tacos from La Cocina Cuevas, The Taco Truck, Fuppin Delish, Orale, Eatery Park and Tacos Don

Ron, and vote for their favourite.

Tickets are €40 per person and entry will get you six tacos, one drink token and the responsibility to decide who has perfected the Top Taco.

On the day, there will also be other tacoinspired events such as eating contests, sombrero throwing, pinata competitions, a limbo and Mexican bean race.

This is a child-friendly event with children up to the age of 12 allowed free entry.

Meat firm launches same-day delivery

THE family-owned Dublin Meat Company has announced a same-day delivery option for its range of health lunch and snack options.

The range of Fit Foods include soups such as potato and leek, as well as tomato and basil, and protein pots such as low-calorie chicken tikka and cajun chicken with a BBQ dip.

Dublin Meat Company also offers fully proportioned meals which include wholewheat penne bolognese, Thai red chicken curry with brown rice, a turkey burrito bowl with brown rice, and many more.

The company has also announced new vending machines which will be distributed around the county in offices, factories and hospitals.

The meals are microwaveable in four minutes, made from fresh ingredients each day, and the vending machines are freshly restocked each day.

13 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

TAKE A BREAK, AT HOME OR AWAY

DUBLIN TRAVEL

Coronavirus makes its impact felt in travel industries around the world

The River Lee offers a very stylish base from which to explore Cork

Cork getaway will be a love-Lee trip unexpectedly calm and beautiful oasis in the bustling city NOW that the centre. lengthening eveAs part of The nings are putting River Lee’s Slice a spring in our of the City packstep, why not age, guests enjoy hit the road for a an overnight stay staycation by the along with a pribanks of the love- The collaboration with Nano Nagle Place vate tour of Nano (above) offers a very authentic experience ly Lee, in Cork?

Nagle Place with In fact, the picexclusive access to turesque waterway offers getaway, complete with a buildings not open to the a perfect riverside setting behind the scenes private general public. for the hotel of the same tour of one of Cork’s most After a day exploring, name – The River Lee – beloved historic settings. return to the hotel and which has been attracting Previously the buildings enjoy complimentary appreciative guests to its of the South Presentation access to the on-site NRG comfy setting for a long Convent before it closed fitness centre and swimtime, drawn to a relaxing its doors in 2006, Nano ming pool, or relax in the stay in the Rebel county.

Nagle Place has been lov- sophisticated surroundAlready a welcome des- ingly refurbished to house ings of The River Club over tination all year round, the a fascinating heritage a glass of something local luxurious Cork hotel has centre, cafe, gardens and and delicious. recently collaborated with shop, where visitors can Complete with an overNano Nagle Place to cre- experience the story of life night stay for two adults, a ate an exclusive one-night in 18th Century Cork in an private tour of Nano Nagle SHANE DILLON

Travel Editor

Place and breakfast in The Mirror Room the following morning, Slice of the City at The River Lee is available from €239, and offers a charming cultural break in the country’s second city.

The cultural and cosy stay is just part of the reason to hit down the road to Cork, of course, thanks to a city that has so much to offer, it’s no wonder many Corkonians never leave.

The city offers a fine range of attractions and things to see and do, coupled with many superb restaurants and wining and dining options that have firmly put Cork on the map in recent decades.

For further information or to make a booking, call 021 493 7772, or see https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/theriver-lee-hotel.

Millennials reveal their holiday must-have points A NEW survey from our friends next door on the travel interests of 2,000 young British millennials is likely to be strongly mirrored by their Irish peers.

While an Irish study would undoubtedly be a tad different – such as a listing for ‘Being able to watch Dublin V Mayo in the All Ireland’ – the research by Virgin Holidays is sure to be very close to the Irish millennial’s holiday wishlist must-haves, as follows ...

40% – A white sandy beach 34% – Balcony with a sea view 33% – Crystal clear waters 33% – The perfect sunset 31% – Palm trees 29% – Local wildlife 28% – Beautiful picture chances 26% – Iconic landmarks 25% – Lakes 25% – A vibrant local culture 24% – An infinity pool or jacuzzi/ hot tub 24% – Mountains

22% – Historic ruins 22% – A spa 21% – Interesting architecture 19% – A coral reef 18% – Glamorous bars 18% – Local delicacies 16% – Bustling street markets 16% – Safari 14% – A clifftop 13% – Beautiful people 13% – Temples 12% – A hammock 11% – Designer shops/boutiques

WHILE ‘Wuhan Flu’ continues to cause alarm all around the world, particularly in the Asia Basin countries, tourism, travel and holiday firms and organisations are monitoring the situation closely.

Understandably, Airbnb has found itself at the front line in the global grasp of the dreadful coronavirus, with a significant amount of properties in the countries that Airbnb operates in.

With Irish holidaymakers also facing having to amend or even cancel travel plans to a range of countries, an Airbnb statement on its stance is likely to be of great interest.

An official Airbnb media statement reads: “Airbnb is closely monitoring official news and guidance about the novel coronavirus outbreak in order to support our community of hosts, guests and employees in China and around the world — we are prioritising their safety and wellbeing.

“In accordance with guidance and recommendations from the World

Health Organisation, the Chinese government, and other local and health authorities, we have activated our extenuating circumstances policy to offer impacted hosts and guests the option of a cancellation of their reservations without charges.

“As the situation evolves, we will be continuously evaluating and updating this policy, in line with official guidance. Airbnb is also working to support authorities who are responding to this global health emergency.”

For those facing changes to travel plans in one of a number of countries currently facing coronavirus illness – including but not limited to China, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan – Airbnb has an ‘extenuating circumstances policy for the novel coronavirus outbreak’, which may facilitate cancellation without charge of any planned trip in an affected country.

You should be able to find this policy, or contact Airbnb directly, though its app or website.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13 February 2020

DUBLIN MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

New Ranger Raptor commands respect

Ford are old hands at delivering impressive pick-ups – and the Ranger Raptor is another singular vehicle, thanks to power and presence alone

DECLAN GLYNN

FORD has launched the new Ranger Raptor – the toughest and most high-performing version ever of Europe’s bestselling pick-up.

The new Ranger Raptor is powered by a Biturbo version of Ford’s 2.0 litre EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque, and is mated to Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The commanding presence delivered by the ultimate Ranger’s imposing dimensions and extreme styling is supported by a unique Ford Performance chassis, optimised for highspeed off-road driving and go-anywhere capability.

Built to withstand

high-impact off-road eve n t s, t h e R a n g e r Raptor’s unique, superstrong reinforced chassis frame uses highs t re n g t h , l o w- a l l oy steels to endure the punishment delivered by offroad racing.

All-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tyres have been specially developed for the Ranger Raptor, and really contribute greatly to the Raptor’s go-anywhere ability.

Ford Performance DNA is present throughout the interior, which delivers quality craftsmanship, harmonious colours and durable materials for driving scenarios from the high street to high altitude.

The premium leather and suede bolstered s e a t s a re s p e c i a l l y

FACT BOX

1) Imposing dimensions 2) Terrific on and off-road 3) Impressive power and torque 4) Six driving modes 5) On sale now designed for enhanced grip and off-road highspeed support, with a dual-firmness cushion for ultimate comfort.

My test vehicle was a new Ranger Raptor, which was finished in striking Ford Performance Blue metallic paintwork for maximum visual impact.

Drivers can select from six Terrain Management System modes to tackle a wide range of terrain and driving scenarios, including Normal, Sport, Grass/ Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand,

Rock, and Baja mode.

While the first five modes are self explanatory, the Baja mode tunes responses for high-speed off-road performance, just like drivers need in the famous Baja desert rally.

The one thing that really grabs attention with the Ranger Raptor is its sheer size.

Park a Raptor on the street and it will dwarf a standard Ranger by a considerable amount, as it is the Raptor’s bodywork that really makes

it stand out from the crowd.

The Raptor’s standard BiTurbo 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine allows for swift acceleration for this type of off-roader, with the 0-100kmph sprint achievable in just 10 seconds, while fuel economy of up to 31.7mpg is possible on a combined driving cycle.

The Ford Ranger Raptor has carved itself a unique place in the market simply because it’s like no other pick-up currently on sale.

The engineering modifications have turned the already likeable Ranger into a seriously impressive vehicle – both on and off-road.

The Ranger Raptor is priced at €63,950 (exdelivery), and is on sale now.

Electric Elves plug into training demand ELVES, the End-of-Life Vehicle compliance scheme www.elves.ie hosted a training programme for Authorised Treatment Facilities (Permitted scrapyards) in the safe handling of end-of-life hybrid, electric and mild hybrid vehicles at Plunket College for Further Education in Whitehall recently. The Electric ELVES programme is the first classroom based course of its kind in Ireland and is free of charge to attendees.

As the compliance scheme for the End-of-Life Vehicle sector, ELVES saw the need to develop the Electric ELVES programme in response to the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid cars, from full electric vehicles to mild-hybrids. The course content addresses new health and safety risks which vehicle dismantlers face in handling electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as helping to provide solutions to the challenging environmental reuse, recycling and recovery targets set out in End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations.

The Electric ELVES training programme was launched in September 2019 and is being facilitated

by ELVES with the support of the IMVRA. The training programme is open to all ATFs in Ireland, not just those in the ELVES ATF Network.

Programme availability will develop nationwide as awareness of and demand for the course dictates.

Allowing all Irish ATFs to access the training programme will expand critical knowledge and expertise across the country, supporting all ATFs in developing competence in the handling of this new technology.

The course is provided free of charge to ATFs. Interested ATFs should contact ELVES www.elves.ie to register their interest for future training days.

The course is taught by leading industry professionals Salvage Wire. Salvage Wire recently won Best Automotive Recycling Consultancy 2019 in the UK Build Recycling and Waste Management Awards for achievements and innovations made within the industry. Salvage Wire also recently won the US Automotive Recyclers Association, 2019 President’s Award.

Plunket College of Further Education, Whitehall, Dublin, is part of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board, CDETB. The college offers the QQI Level 5 Pre Apprenticeship - Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Motor Technology course which is supported and funded by SOLAS. The new motor vehicle workshop facility at the college is ideally suited for the practical element of the Electric ELVES training programme.

ELVES Environmental Compliance Manager Elena Wrelton said, “This Electric ELVES course is of immense value to ATFs. ELVES is providing this second series of training workshops in response to significant industry demand. When the course launched in September, ELVES had a huge number of new requests for training from vehicle recyclers.

It is of critical importance that those working in the industry are equipped with the resources available to be fully confident and competent in dealing with the correct reuse and recycling of all types of vehicles.”

13 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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SOCCER P29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

SHARED SPOILS: SOCCER: ST MOCHTA’S remain on top of the LSL Sunday Senior table after picking up a precious away point at Gannon Park in a 2-2 draw with Malahide United.

The result means the Clonsilla club sit in top spot on 29 points after 14 games with Malahide one point back.

Bangor GG FC are waiting in the wings, also on 28 points, with a game in hand.



GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL P31

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS BOXING | HARRINGTON LIVING IN THE MOMENT FOR BIG 2020

Kellie Harrington offers coaching advice at UCD this week. Picture: Michael Chester

Kellie’s short term focus  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

WHILE the first set of Olympic boxing qualifiers are just over a month away, you might expect the ins and outs of the tournament to be all-consuming for Kellie Harrington.

But the Dubliner admits she doesn’t “have a clue” about the format and is not the least bit concerned for the time being.

“I don’t even look at who is in my weight or how the qualifier works,” she told Dublin Gazette at the National Dairy Council’s Everything Starts with Milk campaign.

“The coaches will just tell me who is up next and that’s it. I am not looking at anything else or who is on the same side of the draw as me, who is seeded one or two. I don’t care.

“When you start doing that, your focus is shifted from what is in front of you. I focus literally on what is on in that moment. There’s no point worrying about it now because it wastes all your energy. That’s energy I need to be putting into my training sessions and my sleeping. I am not saying the Olym-

pics isn’t the [big] thing but that is how I break it down.”

For the record, her first chance for the 2018 lightweight champion to qualify for Tokyo is in mid-March in London where six places are on offer.

Failing that, another three or four spots will be on the line at the final qualifier in Paris in May. Harrington had spent the back end of 2019 out of action with a hand injury but she hails an increase in her dairy intake as key to her recovery.

Any worries it would linger into this year were appeased with her silver medal at the Standja multi-nations tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria.

“It was just good to get away and test myself and my hand. It was a multi nation tournament, a really high standard which has been going on 71 years so I was delighted to box in it!

“Mainly, though, it was about sussing out my hand, seeing what it was like in a tournament, throwing it out at all kinds of angles and landing it in different ways.”

The hand came through with no ill effects, giving her confidence going into a four-week training block before

she, eventually, zones in on the specifics of the Olympic qualifiers.

And she hopes she can give her community another reason to celebrate.

“Growing up in the innercity is fantastic – you get to see all walks of life. There are hidden agendas or mollycoddling. You grow up a lot quicker.

It’s made me the person I am today and also made me want to do well for my

community.

“When I do well – or anyone from the community like Troy Parrott or Wes Hoolahan or Olivia O’Toole – everyone jumps up and gives them the credit they deserve and it lifts the whole place.”

“It’s amazing to see that spirit lifted from one person and giving happiness to so many.”

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 13 February 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

CASTLEKNOCK EXCITING times for camogie in the club, as first Aoife Whelan joined the Dublin Senior team and now the news that Aisling Andrews has joined the Dublin Intermediate team. Congrats to Mollie Turner on St. Dominic’s Cabra winning the Camogie Senior ‘C’ All-Ireland Post Primary Schools SemiFinal beating St. Annes, Killaloe 4-9 2-7. Congrats also to the Castleknock girls on the recently successful CCC and Mount Sackville teams.

Feb.4 – Thanks to senior footballer, James Sherry of Somerton Physiotherapy Clinic, for his very informative Clubhouse talk on Injury Prevention.

Thanks also to the many parents and mentors who turned up and engaged in some great discussions.

Feb.8 – Congrats to Luke Swan (0-3), full-forward on the Dublin U-20 team which beat Wicklow 1-17 1-07 in the Leinster U-20 Championship First Round in Aughrim. Great to see Senan Forker named among the subs as well. Dublin now play Longford in the Quarter-Final next Saturday (Feb.15) in Parnell Park at 2pm. Hats off to Ciarán Kilkenny and his Dublin colleagues on a miraculous comeback against Monaghan to gain a draw.

Castleknock U-16 Footballers lose by 1-7 2-10 to Thomas Davis in the league but victories for Castleknock’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams in the U-13 Grading Football Leagues beating Fingal Ravens and St. Sylvesters although the ‘C’ team loses out to Good Counsel Liffey Gaels.

Feb.9 – The U-14 (2006) Boys enjoy their first visit to the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown led by Senior Footballer James Sherry.

Upcoming: The 2020 Adult Football Leagues begin next weekend. The Senior Footballers mark their return to Div.1 with a home match in Somerton against neighbours St. Brigid’s on Sunday morning (Feb.16) at 10.30am followed at midday in Somerton by a Div.8 AFL game against Kilmacud Crokes.

The Div.4 AFL side play St. Sylvester’s away and the Div.11N team travel to St. Maur’s in the afternoon.

The three Minor Hurling teams also begin their League campaigns on Sunday morning.

The Club’s Easter Camp which will be held from April 6th-9th in Tir na nOg is now Sold Out. If you want to claim a place on the Waiting List contact our Games Promotion Officer Maria Bergin on 0877563654 or maria.bergin.gpo.dublin@gaa.ie .

Any coaches who are interested in coaching during any of this year’s camps i.e. Easter Camp April 6th-9th, Cúl Camps June 29th-July 3rd and July 6th-10th or Club Camp August 17th-21st email Maria Bergin requesting an application form. In your email you should specify which camp/camps you are applying for. Applicants must be 16 years.

SOCCER: NORTHSIDE UNIVERSITY WIN FIRST COLLINGWOOD

DCU show higher learning as they end long wait for silverware COLLINGWOOD CUP DCU 0 UU 0 DCU won 4-1 on penalties  sport@dublingazette.com

H I STO RY wa s m a d e at Dalymount Park on We d n e s d ay eve n i n g w h e n D C U ca p t u re d the Irish Universities Collingwood Cup for the first time in the 100th staging of the competition.

The Dubliners came

out on top 4-1 in the penalty shootout when a tense decider against Ulster University that failed to produce a single goal following 20-minutes of extra time.

Neither side who were playing their third game in as many days managed to end the stalemate with chances few and far between.

DCU striker Jack O’Connor had the best of them in the closing

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN MOST fixtures fell by the wayside last weekend with the arrival of storm Ciara.

Well done to our facilities group who keep our pitches available despite the inclement weather.

Intermediates and Juniors kick off the league season next Sunday with two home fixtures.Inters host Ballymun Kickhams at 10.30.AM and Juniors welcome Raheny at 12.00.

Midday.

Ladies preseason training continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.30.

PM.This years Easter Camp takes place from April 14-17 and is open to all children aged 5-13 years of age.Cost per child is €50 and online registration will be available shortly.

Club membership is now due for all members and can be paid online at https:// payments.gardawestmanstowngaels.com.

minutes of the first half after he got past Nathan Best and Stephen Cairns and cut into the box from the left but after he rounded goalkeeper Matty McClurg his goal bound effort was taken off the line by full back Owen McConville.

Earlier, Dylan Connolly might have put DCU in front but after he was set up by Sean McCarthy’s low cross his finish was well off target.

The northern side

looked stronger in midfield with Marc McKenna and Niall McGinley impressive while a couple of Craig Taylor free kicks tested DCU ‘keeper Imrich Toth but he did well to keep them out and McKenna was inches past the post with a cracking drive.

The pace noticeably slackened after the break and apart from another Connolly effort that cleared McClurg’s crossbar and a Taylor

free neither side looked likely to come up with a winner.

Even extra time remained scoreless and DCU proved the more accurate from the penalty spot with David Mugulu, Tristan Noach Hofmann, Sean McCarthy and Jack O’Connor all beating McClurg to finally take the famous trophy to the Glasnevin university for the first time ever.

Mochta’s and Malahide draw

St Mochta’s celebrate their opening goal against Malahide last Friday night.

ST MOCHTA’S remain on top of the LSL Sunday Senior table after picking up a precious away point at Gannon Park in a 2-2 draw with Malahide United.

Malahide United opened the scoring when Darren Craven’s free kick found the back of the net on 44 minutes.

The lead lasted just over a minute as Mick Daly’s powerful header on the stroke of half time found the back of the net.

The Saints started the brighter in the second half and took the lead on 51 minutes

when Jason Marks’ corner was inadvertently turned into the net by Craven.

But Malahide United equalised in the 76th minute when Youri Jordi headed home at the back post.

The result means the Clonsilla club sit in top spot on 29 points after 14 games with Malahide one point back.

Bangor GG FC are waiting in the wins, also on 28 points, with a game in hand which could yet prove pivotal. Malahide remain unbeaten in the league since August.

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SOCCER: TOWN BOUNCE BACK IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY

CROWN DCU celebrate their success. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Skerries the Leinster Kings with tidy victory SFAI U-14 LEINSTER FINAL Skerries Town Kingscourt  sport@dublingazette.com

MASTERCLASS

Harrington puts Fingal class through their paces FINGAL Community College students enjoyed a special masterclass with boxing world champion Kellie Harrington this week at UCD as part of the National Dairy Council’s “Everything Starts With Milk” campaign.

Harrington is an ambassador for the campaign along with rugby sevens star and 2019 Love Island winner Greg O’Shea as well as Irish hockey stars Lena Tice and Nikki Evans.

Picture: Michael Chester

3 0

SKERRIES Town’s Under-14s bounced back from their SFAI All-Ireland Cup round of 32 exit in the best possible fashion to win the SFAI Leinster final instead last week.

They bowed out of the initial competition 1-0 to Limerick’s Aisling Annacotty but duly showed extra momentum against a Kingscourt side they had previously lost 2-1 to.

Skerries started the game in the ascendency and never let up from the first whistle, causing immediate threats down both flanks with Sean Keogh and Stephen Finn beating their opposition time and again.

Midfield options James Lawless and Ben Walsh and the centre forward pairing of Reece Price and Gavin Sutton constantly maded themselves available to progress play.

Initially, Kingscourt weathered the early onslaught, having nearly conceded multiple times within the opening 10 minutes as the woodwork came to their aide.

The deadlock was finally broken by the 20 minute mark when Aaron Downes rose highest in the Kingscourt box to steer home a perfectly weighted ball, floating in from the right wing for 1-0.

From the restart, Skerries wasted no time in recovering the ball from an over-run opposition and again exerted pressure on the Kingscourt box.

A sublime volley from Nathan Burns was no less than what Skerries deserved from their movement and chances created, 2-0 and really in their rhythm now.

Kingscourt did not let their heads drop and continued playing their game, pushing

Skerries Town’s Under-14 side

forward for a goal to get back in the game.

On occasion, they manged to release balls to their pacy forwards.

But between the Skerries centre backs, Ben Miller and Callum Doyle and goalkeeper/captain Michael Smith managed to quell the threat.

Breeze Skerries faced into a stiff second half breeze that saw the opposition create chances with long balls deep into the Fingal side’s half but again the treat was repelled.

Fresh wingers Darragh Payne and Sean

Macken-Burke, along with Harvey Lowe as an attacking midfielder, were introduced.

Skerries intelligently and skillfully stuck to their style of playing their way out from the back and continued to attack Kingscourt.

They duly got in for their third goal when Aidan Russell deftly chipped the Kingscourt keeper who had drifted a few yards off his line; 3-0 and job done.

Elsewhere, Skerries also reached the Leinster final of the Under-12 North Leinster competition where they were undone

by Baldoyle United.

Adeokun signs Dundalk contract LEAGUE OF IRELAND  sport@dublingazette.com

RIVERVALLEY Rangers and Malahide United graduate Val Adedokun has signed his first professional contract with Dundalk FC. The 16-year-old, who is Leaving Cert year at Colaiste Choilm in Swords, flourished for the club’s academy teams since arriving from Malahide in 2017.

His form with the young Lilywhites earned him a place in the Republic of Ireland Under-15 squad for their friendly games against Cyprus in 2018 and he is currently on the standby list for the upcoming U17 double-header with Switzerland next month.

He signed his new contract on Monday night and speaking to DundalkFC.com, Lilywhites manager Vinny Perth said that Adedokun’s progression was an indication of the work being done at underage level at Oriel Park.

“I’m very happy that Val has signed his first professional contract with the club,” said Perth. “He is a young player who has been with us for a couple of years now and it shows you the value of our Academy set up.

“The coaches we have in charge of our underage teams are excellent. They deserve massive credit for bringing a player like Val through to the professional ranks and we hope there are many more like him to follow.”

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 13 February 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

FINGALLIANS ADULT Football League Games – Opening Rounds (Sunday, 16th Feb): Div 2 v Templeogue @ home, 10.30am; Div 6 v Wanderers @ home, 12.00 and Div 11 away v Naomh Mearnog @ 3pm. Minor Hurling: Div 1, away v Kilmacud Crokes and Div 5, home v St Kevins @ 11am (Balheary).

Club Shop New Opening Times: Every Thursday`s 7.00pm – 8.30pm and Saturday`s 9.30am – 1.00pm.

Valentines Ball: This takes place on Friday @ the Carlton Hotel. Please contact fingalliansfundraising@gmail.com for any further information.

Membership 2020: Membership can now be paid on line. www.fingallians. com for all further details.

Adult Training Times for New Players: AFL2 & AFL6 – Tuesday & Thursday 8pm. Hurlers @ 8.30pm in the club on Monday & Wednesday. AFL11 Tuesday 9 -10pm.

Gym Opening Hours: This week the gym facility will open as normal. For further information or team bookings, please contact noel.cowman40@ gmail.com Grúpa Comhrá / Irish Language Conversation Group: Our Grúpa Comhrá starts back on Wednesday 8th Jan at 9pm. Relaxed, non-classroom environment suitable for all levels. Fun and free. Fáilte roimh chách. Tuilleadh eolas ó Liam: 086 3814422 Dublin County Board: There is position of County Children’s Officer and County Development Officer. Any member interested should email Secretary.fingallians.dublin@gaa.ie Full training will be provided and administrative support will also be provided.

Dublin Senior Scór: The Leinster semi finals of Scór Sinsir (adults) will be held on 7th March. If anyone is interested in representing Dublin please contact Liam at liamoculbaird@gmail.com /086 3814422 before 15 February.

Scór Sinsir Átha Cliath: Beidh leathchraobh Laighean de Scór Sinsir (daoine fásta) ar siúil ar an 7 Márta. Má tá spéis ag aon duine páirt a glacadh ar son Áth Cliath ba chóir Liam a chur ar an eolas ag liamoculbaird@gmail.com/086 3814422 roimh an 15 Feabhra; Categories / Ranna - Rince Foirne - Figure/ Céilí Dancing, Amhránaíocht Aonair/Solo Singing. Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht - Recitation/Storytelling, Bailéad-Ghrúpa/Ballad Groups, Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird/Table Quiz, Nuachleas/Novelty Act, Ceol Uirlise/Instrumental Music, Rince Seit/Set Dancing Dublin GAA will host Scór na bPáistí at Fingallians GAA clubhouse on Sunday 1st March 3-5pm. Scór na bPáistí is for children of primary school age and follows the format and rules of the normal Scór competitions.

ST BRIGID’S ST BRIGID’S Club Dinner Dance takes place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown on Friday 14th February, 2020 just a few tickets left. Contact Yvonne McCormack (0868548282), Paula Jackson (0872858574) or Elaine Curtin (0872025129). A great night is in store and Aidan Tierney from ‘Tierney Talks’ will entertain on the night.

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot last week. Our next Jackpot rises to €8,800 and will take place on Thursday evening in The Greyhound. Tickets are available from our usual sellers, in the club bar on play online via our club website.

A full fixtures programme for CCC1, CCC2 and adult GAA games is in store for the coming weekend. Wishing all our players from U8 to adult a great 2020 season.

Due to demand, our Club Shop with @oreillyssports opening hours are now Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Saturday - 9.30am to 1.00pm.

Group bookings and fittings are facilitated outside these times. Please email: stbrigidsgaaclubshop@gmail.com for further information. Click on the button on

the website to view the clothing range.

Our Club Nursery, in association with Sherry Fitzgerald is taking a break this Saturday 15th and will be back on 22nd from 9.30am to 11am when it will be indoors in Russell Park. All boys and girls aged between 4 and 6 are welcome, especially new families! Just arrive down and speak to any of our friendly coaches or email us at; Pro.stbrigids. dublin@gaa.ie for more information.

Our Club Bar is available for functions and Birthdays (21st parties and older). Ring 018202484 after 8.30pm any evening or call in and speak to Paddy.

Any outstanding tickets for the GAA’s National Club Draw must be returned immediately to club bar.

Juvenile Handball Training, which is open to current and new juvenile players, continues every Wednesday evening at 7pm in Russell Park. All are welcome.

Contact Enda on 086 8288308.

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

RUGBY: VITAL LATE PENALTY PUTS KNOCK THROUGH

Castle’s King Louis SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP St Vincent’s Castleknock 15 Belvedere College 14  sport@dublingazette.com

ST VINCENT’S Castleknock College became the first team into the last four of the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup after a one-point victory over Belvedere College.

A 64th-minute penalty from their captain and out half, Louis McDonough, kicked into a swirling Energia Park breeze, was the crucial score to clinch the win.

It had been an excellent start for Castleknock, number eight Ian Birmingham carried strongly into a good position early on after a smartly worked lineout, something that would become a theme of the day.

He was held short of the line but they recycled well and tighthead Ben Griffin managed to get close enough that a big outstretched arm opened the scoring for the afternoon.

Indiscipline from Belvo allowed McDonough to continuously pin them into the corners and Birmingham nearly added a try of his own with the exact same move off the lineout in the 11th minute.

Belvedere recovered well to hold him up but Castleknock kept the pressure on and finally Griffin scored a second, almost identical to his

Castleknock’s seniors celebrate their one-point win over Belvedere College

first, another great show of strength from the prop to barge over the line.

It took just under 20 minutes for Belvedere to really threaten starting with a break from Eoin MacAdaimh that eventually came to nothing. But, it was a start.

Jonathan Sargent also took flight through the Castleknock defence but he was taken down by full back Conor Delaney.

MacAdaimh had another chance in the closing minutes of the half but a combination of Alex Watson and Conor Duggan managed to bundle him into touch. Again, Birmingham was the

PITCH OPENING Maur’s launch new year with camogie ties

NAOMH MAUR opened their new full size 3G all-weather pitch with two fantastic camogie games last week.

The club’s minors played Commercials of Rathcoole and, two days later, the adults took on the Louth minor team.

The new pitch was laid by Pattersons and was opened for training and matches in late January.

Picture: alison quinn

receiver at the front of the resulting lineout and drove Castleknock up the field to ease any danger.

The Great Denmark Street boys started the second half with more intent, testing Castleknock a lot more in the trenches.

This new hunger was deservedly rewarded with a try in the 42nd minute for centre Peter O’Farrell after a powerful burst for the line from Darragh Coan had got them into position.

As waves of attack came at the Castleknock defence throughout the second half, they managed to hold firm, albeit with some penalty con-

cessions.

Losing try-scorer Griffin to the bin just before the hour mark was a hammer blow and soon after, Sargent found himself as part of an overlap out wide and was able to dot down for Belvo, compounding Castleknock’s misery.

Tormey’s conversion put them 14-12 in the lead.

Castleknock were soon given the opportunity to regain the lead when Belvo were penalised for going off their feet at the ruck.

McDonough nailed the kick and a single point advantage was restored as was their place in the final four.

13 February 2020 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

LADIES FOOTBALL: CLANN MHUIRE’S ROWE LEADS DUBLIN CHARGE AT HQ

FOOTBALL

Archer, Swan and Fearon lead way for U-20s

Dublin’s Carla Rowe holds off Cork’s Laura O’Mahony. Picture: Ray McManus

Dublin unable to quell Rebel rising LIDL NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIV 1 Cork Dublin  DAIRE WALSH sport@dublingazette.com

0-8 1-4

CLANN Mhuire’s Carla Rowe continued her impressive league form but it was not enough to overhaul Cork at Croke Park as the Rebelettes strengthened their grip at the top of the LIDL National Football League Division One. On a rain and wind-swept evening, the ever-dependable Orla Finn kicked five points for the visitors, while Hannah Looney also chipped with 0-2 during an industrious display in very difficult conditions.

Rowe led the way with 1-2 for Dublin but despite enjoying a late flourish, they fell to their first loss of the campaign.

Manager Mick Bohan was left to ponder what might have been as his side lost for the first time this season.

“It’s probably not the result that’s frustrating for us, rather the number of opportunities they had that they just squandered. Very disappointing, really poor execution and an awful lot of the basics of the game just not executed.

That becomes a huge source of frustra-

tion.”

Cork, after dropping some early shots into the hands of Dublin goalkeeper Ciara Trant, took the lead through centre-back Melissa Duggan’s fifth minute point.

While they didn’t always capitalise on the opportunities that fell their way, a brace from the reliable Finn extended the lead for Ephie Fitzgerald’s charges.

Rowe kicked the hosts into gear with a two-point salvo, but Cork subsequently reinforced their authority.

Finn registered 0-13 when the Munster side overcame Dublin in last year’s league semi-final and she split the posts at the end of an intricate attacking move before adding a routine free on 24 minutes to make it 0-5 to 0-2 for Cork at the break.

Maire O’Callaghan and Looney were combining to good effect in midfield, and it was the latter who took the charge when the action resumed.

The Aghada star landed points from play with side of another Finn free to give Cork a firm control of the proceedings.

Dublin, despite struggling to impose their attacking game against a watertight Cork defence, received a lifeline midway in the third quarter when Rowe slotted home a penalty into the bottom

right corner of the net after a foul on her club mate Oonagh Whyte.

Five-time All Star Lyndsey Davey was simultaneously introduced off the bench for her seasonal return as Mick Bohan’s side, who secured their sole league title in 2018, looked set for a big finish to the contest.

And they certainly ramped up the pressure on the league champions in a frenetic finish with Hannah O’Neill and Davey shooting points.

But they were unable to draw level with a free from Rowe in the dying moments drifting wide as Cork held on for victory.

Fingallians’ Muireann ni Scanaill closes in on Cork’s Libby Coppinger. Picture: Ray McManus

ST MAUR’s Ciaran Archer (0-4), Castleknock’s Luke Swan (0-3) and a goal from Skerries Harps’ Aaron Fearon provided the key scores as Dublin’s Under-20s got by the challenge of Wicklow in their opening Leinster football championship tie.

Tom Gray’s side won out by 1-17 to 0-7 at Joule Park in Aughrim on Saturday, setting up a date with Longford next Saturday in Parnell Park in the quarter-final (2pm).

They did fall behind early on to an Eoin Darcy goal in the third minute and while Dublin lead by three points at half-time, it took a while to fully shake off the hosts’ challenge.

They scored the last six points despite suffering black cards to Pádraig Purcell and Archer in the 54th and 55th minute respectively.

Dublin had extended their half-time advantage with points from Archer, Alan Murphy and Purcell on the restart as Wicklow only managed two second half points, both from Matthew Ging.

Dublin led 1-11 to 1-7 with ten minutes, plus six added, to play and they finished strongly with points from Purcell, a fine Luke Swan effort, Kieran McKeon, Rory Dwyer, Swan and sub Ciarán O’Reilly.

Wicklow, backed by the strong wind, made a dream start with an Eoin Darcy goal in the three minute but Dublin replied shortly after with Fearon raising a green flag as Dublin quickly fought back to draw the game level at 1-4 each.

Gazette SPORT FEBRUARY 13-19, 2020

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

Mun target strong league campaign  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYMUN KICKHAMS senior football manager Brendan Hackett says his side are in a difficult situation as they begin their Division 1 League title defence this Sunday morning when they host beaten championship finalists Thomas Davis (10.30am).

Hackett is unsure if county players such as Philly McMahon, James McCarthy and Dean Rock will be available for the tie, as the northside club face into their first competitive game of the year.

“It’s a difficult situation, because obviously with talented players they will get selected by Dublin,” he told Dublin Gazette.

“There’s six of them with

Dublin at the moment, and that causes a difficulty obviously for the club because we don’t see them, and we don’t have them for league, and then we see them for a very short period of time for the Championship.

“That’s a huge challenge because they are very talented.

But you are trying to come back and play with essentially a group of people that you aren’t playing with the whole time and that’s a difficulty.

“Ballymun always look strong on paper, and are always up at the top of favourites.

“But, as you have seen in the last while, Ballymun have only won one championship since the 1980s.

“So that’s the reality on the

ground; it’s quite a challenge with so many talented players off with Dublin because you only get to see them for four sessions before you play your first championship match.

“Last year was encouraging; it was a step forward because the remaining players had a good league campaign,” he continued.

“I think that is imperative for the development of the rest of the players, no doubt.

“You prove yourself in the league first and I think that it’s no accident that most of the teams who have won the championship in the last few years, always have good league campaigns.”

Hackett says his side will be setting their stall out as strongly as they can in the quest for back-

to-back titles.

“We take the league seriously,” he said. “We set out a target last year to try and win at least 10 of the 15 games.

“That was our target last year, and that comes down to a level of consistency, and so we’ll be hoping to do similar again in the league.”

And what of Ballymun’s opponents Thomas Davis?

“One of the reasons Thomas Davis have been so successful is that their manager has worked with them for a number of years,” Hackett said.

“They’ve got a consistency now – the sum of the parts would make them a very strong team, and that’s what they have thrived on.”

Ballymun Kickhams celebrating their AFL1 success last December