Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette MAY 16-22, 2019

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

DublinGazette MAY 16-22, 2019

MOTORING: Even in a crowded hatchback

market, Renault stands out with the very impressive new Megane’s features SEE PAGE 28

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Manhunt after shop robbed at gunpoint Gardai in tense stand-off in Skerries SYLVIA POWNALL

ARMED gardai were involved in a tense stand-off with a man at Balbriggan harbour who was suspected of robbing a shop

at gunpoint at the weekend.

The manhunt began at around 4pm on Saturday after a man in his 30s armed with what was described as a gun raided Shankeys menswear shop in Skerries.

He threatened a female member of staff and made off with a small sum of cash.

According to locals the raider fled into a local church to hide but was eventually arrested at the harbour on Sunday after he fled across the sand during low tide.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Eurovision hopeful FINGAL residents will be cheering with the rest of the country tonight (May 16) when Adele Dempsey – who runs Dance LA stage school in Castleknock, Leixlip and Celbridge with her sister Lorna – helps to give the Irish Eurovision 2019 entry a real wow factor.

Don’t miss cheering on the Irish entry, 22, in the second semi-final on RTE tonight SEE PAGE 5 at 8pm!

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PICK UP YOUR

FUNDRAISER TO HELP TODDLER’S CANCER FIGHT

Cyclists to visit four provinces for Tessa SYLVIA POWNALL

A GROUP of cyclists will saddle up this weekend to raise funds for a Castleknock toddler who is battling cancer.

Little Tessa Garry (inset) was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the central nervous system, in December 2018 at just 14 months old.

She started chemo-

therapy in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, in January and faces a long battle with a high risk of relapse according to her family.

This Friday, May 17, a group of 21 cyclists from the Blanch Wheelies will whizz through the four provinces of Ireland to raise money towards the €375,000 needed for Tessa to take part in a clinical

trial in America.

Her parents, Orla and Mark, revealed: “Tessa developed a slight bulge in her left eye last December, and when it didn’t go away we took her to the emergency department in Temple Street.

“We expected to be sent home with an antibiotic, but instead our world was turned upside down when we were told of Tessa’s

diagnosis.

Te s s a h a s received fantastic care and doctors are pleased with her response to treatment.

“However, this is just the beginning of her treatment and with neuroblastoma the huge risk to her life remains.”

Tessa’s uncle, Alan Waters, is a member of the Wheelies club. They will

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embark on their 375km cycle at 5am on Friday and finish in the Straw Hill pub in the Strawberry Beds before last orders for a well-earned drink.

Orla and Mark said: “Tessa is a wonderful, happy little girl, and despite what she has been through she continues to maintain her sunny disposition.”

In addition to the charity cycle, 200 friends of the family will run the women’s mini marathon for the Tessa trust in June.

For more information or to donate, see www. gofundme.com/helptessa-be-cancer-free.

• Westmanstown • Eurospar Dunboyne • Ongar Community Centre • Eurospar Hartstown • Lidl - Blakestown • St Peregrine’s GAA • Mountview Community Centre • Spar - Mulhuddart • Tyrrelstown Community Centre • Blanch Centre • An Draiocht • Blanch Library • Justin’s • SuperValu - Blanch • Centra - Laurel Lodge • Castleknock Community Centre • Fingal County Council • Tesco - Roselawn • Londis - Castleknock • ITB • Blanch Hospital • Hartstown Community Centre • Blakestown Community College • Coolmine Community College • Centra - Estuary Rd • EBS - Swords

• • • •

Energie Fitness Eurospar - Applewood Fingal County Council River Valley Community Centre • Holywell Community Centre • Kinsealy Garden Centre • Londis- Yellow Walls Rd • Malahide Library • Malahide RFC • Hilltop, Malahide • Swords Central SC • Tesco - Clarehall • Texaco - Portmarnock • Portmarnock Leisure Centre • B&Q - Airside • Tesco - Airside • JC’s Supermarket Swords • SuperValu - Balbriggan • Tesco - Balbriggan • SuperValu - Skerries • DCC Office - Bunratty Road • Tesco - Omni Park • SuperValu Swords • Rivervalley Community Centre, Swords • Tesco Rush • Marks & Spencers - Omni • Spar - Littlepace Clonee

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PEOPLE: LOCAL READY TO WOW IN EUROVISION 2019

Turning 30 but focused on 22 – Adele’s ready to dance for Ireland in Israel DANCER Adele Dempsey says she will “never forget” turning 30 – as she celebrated her birthday on a flight to Tel Aviv to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2019.

The backing dancer has been caught up in a whirlwind since arriving in Israel with the rest of the Irish crew taking part in the song contest.

Speaking ahead of rehearsals on Wednesday she told Dublin Gazette: “I turned 30 the night before we flew over, so it’s a birthday I’m not going to forget in a hurry.

“The energy and positivity here is just amazing. The nerves are turning into excitement now and we can’t wait to get on stage.”

Adele, who runs Dance LA stage school in Castleknock, Leixlip and Celbridge with her sister Lorna, will perform with another female dancer, Rihanna Binns, in Thursday’s semi-final.

They will dance on a moving stage set up to look like an Americanstyle diner alongside 25-year-old singer Sarah

 SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

McTernan for Ireland’s entry, 22.

A total of 17 countries are competing for 10 slots in the final including Russia, Malta, Denmark, Sweden and this year’s favourites, The Netherlands.

Choreographer and Zumba instructor Adele said: “It’s very surreal, it all happened so quickly.

It’s even better than I expected. “ T h e f i r s t d ay o f re h e a rs a l s w a s j u s t mind-blowing. The stage is huge, there’s so much going on. The second time I went on stage I just stood there and went, ‘Wow’.”

Adele says as soon as her Dance LA students finish class on Thursday they will gather in the hotel across the road to watch the show together and cheer her on.

She added: “I think the song, 22, and the whole

Adele and Lorna Dempsey

theme of our act is full of colour and fun. We could absolutely win for sure.”

Ireland’s Eurovision

entry performs in the second semi-final on Thursday, May 16 which airs on RTE 2 at 8pm.

‘Scary stuff’ as gardai react to robberies targeting Fingal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

One eyewitness told Dublin Gazette: “This was scary stuff because nobody knew what was going on.

“The helicopter was hovering overhead and there were armed gardai all over the place.”

Meanwhile, gardai in Swords are investigating an armed raid on the Netto shop in Applewood Village just after 3pm last Thursday, May 9.

The masked raider, who was wearing a balaclava and armed with a knife, threatened the two staff members behind the counter

and ordered them to empty the till.

Gardai are examining CCTV footage which shows the robber repeatedly slamming the end of the weapon off the counter as a shop assistant tries to calm him down.

The raider, who is suspected to be local, made off with almost €2,000.

Staff escaped injury but are said to be “badly shaken up”.

However, the female member of staff caught up in Saturday’s raid in Skerries has not yet been able to return to work. She was physically unharmed but was left shocked by the ordeal.

The garda Armed Support Unit and garda helicopter were sent to the scene after Saturday’s raid on Strand Street. On Sunday gardai confronted a man at Balbriggan harbour following reports that he was seen acting suspiciously.

After a stand-off lasting a number of minutes the man – who gardai believe was behind Saturday’s armed raid – jumped into the bay when the tide was out and ran between the boats.

He was surrounded by gardai who talked him into giving himself up.

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Donabate firm scoops a top business award DONABATE business performance advisory company Future State has been named Thought Leader of the Year at the 2019 All Ireland Business Awards. Pictured are Shay Lynch of Future State receiving the All-Ireland Business Award from Mairead McGuinness MEP, vice-president of the European Parliament, and Dr Briga Hynes, of the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick and co-chair of the judging panel. All finalists for the coveted titles were ‘live-judged’ in Croke Park. For more information about the All-Ireland Business Foundation, see businessallstars.ie. Picture: Conor McCabe

RUSH: COLLABORATIVE SHOW WOWS A rousing highlight of the great production

A magical music evening cements community ties TRANSITION Year students from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rush joined forces with Prosper Fingal to stage a magical evening of songs from the musicals recently.

The collaboration between St Joseph’s and Prosper Fingal, which provides services and supports to around 300 adults with an intellectual disability, is now in its seventh year.

Prosper player Therese Fogarty, one of the narrators, told the audience at the Millbank Theatre that the students and Prosper Players are buddied-up at the start of rehearsals.

“It is a great opportunity to get to know the students,” she said, introducing a performance of

You’ve Got A Friend In Me. The ensemble also performed A Thousand Years using the lamh communication tool, which narrator and Prosper Player John Paul McDermott explained was a means of communicating with people who may have difficulties in this regard.

“Lamh is actively used in Prosper Fingal and we wanted to teach the Transition Year students, and no better way than through a song,” he said.

There were many fine performances on a night when everyone was a star, including students Sean O’Dea and Kadem Price who injected great energy into Everybody, by The Blues Brothers.

There were brilliant

vocal performances, including by students Rachel Dillon and Lauren Cullen Browne, while Prosper Player Kim Doyle impressed with her poised ballet dancing.

Prosper Player Stephen Dowdall was sensational, particularly his performance of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables, when candles were brought on stage to remember Prosper Fingal service-users who have passed away.

Transition Year coordinator at St Joseph’s, Ciaran Reade, said: “What I enjoyed most here tonight was seeing the generosity, friendships that have been formed, the enthusiasm, the support, the equality, the kindness between both groups.”

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Mary Locke and Anne McGowan with a pooch pal

Denise Loftus and Elaine Bias

Conor Neylon and Miriam O’Keefe

Sandra, Andrew and Evannah Mahon. Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

Margaret Keogh and Ann Marie Lyons

2019 Darkness Into Light walk at the Phoenix Park

H

UNDREDS of men, women and children got up in the middle of the night to set off on a journey of hope for the annual Darkness Into Light event at the Phoenix Park last week. They were joined by thousands across Ireland and throughout the world who walked together in hope against suicide.

The money raised goes towards keeping Pieta House’s counselling services free of charge for people in suicidal crisis, those affected by suicide or those who self-harm.

Darren Gleeson with his daughter Maia

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DEVELOPMENT: KEY FOCUS ON MAIN STREET, HARBOUR IN SIGNIFICANT REVAMP OF TOWN

Balbriggan’s major transformation revealed with ambitious €20m plan SYLVIA POWNALL

THE redevelopment of Balbriggan Harbour and its main street are the focus of a €20m-plus plan for the town which was launched last week.

Artists’ impressions unveiled as part of the Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan indicate that the town centre and pier look set for a massive transformation.

Fingal County Counc il has allocated €10 million for investment in the town with a further €10 million set aside to build a coastal greenway between Balbriggan and

Skerries, as well as developing Bremore Regional Park.

A community group chaired

by DCU president Brian McCraith and including all three Balbriggan county councillors was set up last May to draft a blueprint for the revamp of the town, which has the youngest population in the country.

Transforming the main street and connecting it to a reimagined harbour area were the top choices across all age groups in the public realm and placemaking pillar of a survey which will become a model for towns around the country.

(Left) How a reimagined Quay Street and Bracken River green corridor could look after redevelopment, and (right) how the reimagined harbour could look

Almost one-third of the town’s population (28%) were born outside of Ireland, and

72% of the 4,000 locals surveyed said more public spaces for young people were needed

to foster integration.

The plan envisages “repurposing” derelict buildings on

Main Street and improving access to the Bracken River with landscaped green areas, water features, pathways and an event space.

Balbriggan’s Harbour area will be reimagined as a leisure destination which makes the most of its scenic location beside the beach.

It will connect with a rejuvenated Quay Street which will feature a linear park along the bank of the river before joining up with Main Street and a quality civic and meeting space.

• Concerns over urban sprawl at Castlelands, Balbriggan ... See Page 16.

Man convicted of raping two prostitutes at hotels A MAN has been convicted of raping two European women who were working as prostitutes in Ireland.

Gheorghe Goidan (46), with an address at The Plaza Apartments, Tyrrelstown, contacted the women via the escortsireland.ie website and

met them separately in hotel rooms.

He then pulled a knife on them and threatened them before repeatedly assaulting and raping them Goidan had pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault at a hotel in Portlaoise on September 7, 2017. He also denied three

counts of rape of a second woman at the Maldron Hotel in Galway on the same date.

A jury of six men and six women at the Central Criminal Court returned guilty verdicts on all counts. Goidan had previously entered guilty pleas to counts of robbing the two women.

Both women, who identified Goidan on CCTV, told the jury they were afraid he was going to kill them during the attacks.

Gardai used CCTV to track his van to a toll booth on the M6 motorway.

Students showcase their STEM projects HUNDREDS of secondary school students from North Dublin were among those who exhibited their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) projects at Dundalk Institute of Technology recently to compete for the coveted title of SciFest 2019 Regional Finalist.

DkIT president Michael Mulvey said: “We are happy to host this great event because DkIT has a very wide range of programmes in the STEM area, and we have a very good record in terms of individual retention and completion rates.”

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PEOPLE: COUNTY’S FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE MOVES ON TO HEAD UP THE HSE

Vintage car ‘Fingal has been fantastic show fun for me – it’s kind of the place where I found my own values’

FASTNews

SOME rare and expensive cars will be the big attraction at the Malahide Classic and Vintage Motor Show which will take place at the Grand Hotel in Malahide on Sunday, May 26 from 11am.

The showpiece car will be a very rare 1926 Minerva AF Town car, with up to 100 beautiful old motors ranging from Rolls Royce to Jensen, Mustang to Cadillac, Jaguar, Mercedes and Porsche.

Malahide Lions Club are delighted to announce a new sponsorship partner in Axa Insurance. Entry (€5 per adult or €15 for the whole family) proceeds go to Debra Ireland, the charity supporting those with the severe ‘butterfly’ skin condition EB.

Paul Reid talks to Dublin Gazette about his time at Fingal County Council the place where I found my own values. Its counTHEY say a week is a long cillors have played a huge time in politics but for role in terms of working new HSE chief Paul Reid with the executive [council officials]. it’s more a case of what a “I think it’s one of the difference a day makes. strongest and most proOn Monday, the outgoing chief executive of active local authorities Fingal County Council in the country in terms performed his last offiof how members and the cial duties and bid adieu executive work together. to his ‘penthouse’ office “Where I’m heading at its Swords HQ. to, when you’re committed to public Less than 24 service, there’s hours later he no greater place was in Tullamore as the new where you can director general make an impact of the Health than the HSE. Service ExecuAll I can say is I tive, hitting the am looking forward to it.” ground running With a and nailing his rumoured colours to the annual salary mast. of €300,000, Mr The Leeds Reid will be betUnited fan from ter paid than the Finglas wasted chief executive no time in setting about the of the NHS. arduous task of But the Trinity College busiwinning hearts ness graduate and minds as he has already met with frontl i n e h o s p i ta l Paul Reid is presented with a plaque in recspent two years staff along with ognition of his “unwavering support” for the on the board of clinicians and Swords Tidy Towns (STT) group, with STT Slaintecare and secretary Teresa Cosgrave and STT chairman management. has a proven In a tweet, he Ken Duffy thanking him track record. pledged: “I will During his H e t o l d D u b l i n time in the Department set out three early priorities; 1: safe and qual- Gazette: “It is a huge of Public Expenditure he ity services; 2: moving challenge, there is no oversaw reform and delivery in the public service to new models of care; doubt about that.

3: strengthening confi“But the reason I went and later became chief dence and trust.” for it is because it’s a operations officer.

This is no mean feat, challenge. The timing And, as he meets his considering his predeces- was good for me with the new challenge head-on, sor Tony O’Brien stepped council coming to the end he’s confident that Fingal is in capable hands down last May over the of its term.

CervicalCheck scandal “Fingal has been fan- with AnnMarie Farrelly and Health Minister tastic for me. It’s kind of appointed as interim SYLVIA POWNALL

Simon Harris has been embroiled in controversy over the children’s hospital cost over-run.

But where some would see a poisoned chalice, Paul Reid sees a glass half-full; reckoning he is more than up to the job – and that his time at the helm of one of the country’s most progressive councils has honed his skills.

A warning on planning

Fingal’s now former chief executive Paul Reid, who is now the new HSE chief

chief executive.

He said: “Swords Cultural Quarter, Our Balbriggan ... these are not pet projects. They are projects that emerged as being huge requirements for towns.

“In Swords, it’s key to have a theatre, a new library, a civic centre, renovating the castle.

“It’s not my personal project, it’s right for the town. Financial investment has been secured through the European Investment Bank, the leadership team is fully

committed, the local members are fully behind it.

“It has its own momentum now and the same can be said of Our Balbriggan. These things gain great momentum. We have the 2020 Leinster Fleadh, and I hope and expect it to be a steppingstone for the All Ireland Fleadh.”

Mr Reid looks back with pride on his fiveyear term in Fingal where he identified housing, economic development and tourism as three key

priorities.

He would like to see more devolved powers from central government so decisions affecting the county’s future can be made at a grassroots level.

A n d h e s ays t h a t despite his busy schedule he will make time for the odd visit to his old stomping ground.

He vowed: “I’ll be dropping in on the likes of Flavours of Fingal and the Swords Summer Festival.

I will definitely be keeping in touch.”

SWORDS Cllr Joe Newman (Ind) has questioned a planning process which he claims is leaving planners at local authority level with their hands tied regarding large-scale developments.

Cllr Newman said planning powers at local level were “being eroded” via mechanisms which allow developers to go straight to An Bord Pleanala.

He warned that unless the practise was curtailed it would lead to “more and more urban sprawl”.

He added: “We need more local powers. We must fight to ensure that future developers take meaningful account of the health and well-being of our citizens.”

Robbery in Balbriggan

A MAN in his 20s was arrested following an armed robbery on Saturday morning in Balbriggan. A lone male armed with a knife entered a retail premises in a shopping centre just before noon demanding money and made off with a sum of cash.

No injuries were sustained.

Gardai confirmed that the man was arrested a short time later. The garda helicopter was involved in the operation.

Investigations are ongoing.

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PROPOSALS SLAMMED AS ‘OUTRAGEOUS’

ENTERPRISE

Castlelands plans draw objections SYLVIA POWNALL

A STRING of submissions were lodged in opposition to plans to develop Castlelands in Balbriggan within days of the public consultation getting under way.

A draft master plan drawn up by FCC proposes building 1,000 housing units in blocks of up to six storeys in height on 60 acres of land.

Submissions, to date, outline residents’ concerns over the density, scale and height of the housing element and the impact this will have on traffic along Hamilton Road.

One warns: “I think it’s horrendous that not only do you wish to build 1,000 new units but you want to build six-storey buildings. It is absolutely outrageous.”

Referring to the €20 million rejuvenation programme, the objector adds: “It’s no use giving money to improve the town and then destroying it at the other end.”

Another resident cautions against building “a virtual desert of concrete” while a third says the proposed density of up to 20 units per acre should be reserved for city centres where adequate public transport links exist.

In a fresh approach to the infrastructural framework, FCC is proposing that social and community facilities be provided in advance of housing.

According to the local authority this would mean the early delivery of a primary school site and recreational facilities including a swimming pool, as well

as a bridge over the railway line as part of a link road to the Skerries Road.

One objector laments: “Once again Balbriggan has been chosen for a massive development with no concern to how this affects the character of the town.”

Another warns that the welfare and safety of schoolchildren will be put at risk as a result of increased traffic in an already congested area.

A third notes that there is a danger that the development could become “a social housing dumping ground” resulting in Balbriggan becoming a “ghetto”.

A drop-in information evening will take place in Castlelands Community Centre, Balbriggan on Tuesday, May 21 from 4pm to 8pm.

Limerick focus on Fingal fare

Time to tuck in to delicious Fingal food at a prawn festival THE annual Dublin Bay Prawn Festival in Howth takes place from this Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19. Howth’s finest restaurants, bars and cafes will host a variety of amazing food experiences at the Harbour Festival Food Village serving fresh seafood. Howth Yacht Club will host live music while bars and restaurants will offer a special festive menu and entertainment for all. Fingal County Council will host the Howth Village Marquee, and there will be powerboating and water sports demonstrations along the pier, with the vintage funfair on site each day. Praising the event, Fingal’s Mayor, Anthony Lavin (pictured above examining some fine fare at a fishmonger’s), encouraged people to come along for a fun-filled – and very delicious – festival that highlights native Final produce. For more information see www.dublinbayprawnfestival.ie.

NEW innovative products such as Everest Snacks in Blanchardstown, My Apricot Kitchen (D15) and Hope Beer (Howth) will feature at the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) event at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) on Thursday, May 23.

Buyers from Ireland and the UK, representing key supermarket groups and food service sectors, are expected to attend on the day offering small- and medium-sized businesses a great opportunity to spread their message.

Oisin Geoghegan, head of enterprise at LEO Fingal said: “The meet the buyer event will assist these producers to develop new markets and outlets for their produce and will enable them to benchmark their products against the best from all over Ireland.”

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SKERRIES: BIG-HEARTED O’BRIEN HELPS FEED DARKNESS INTO LIGHT WALKERS

Butcher turns sausages into €1,500 to help Pieta House SYLVIA POWNALL

A BIG-HEARTED butcher in Skerries did his bit for Pieta House at the weekend by feeding an army of Darkness into Light walkers after their dawn trek.

Aidan O’Brien kept up a tradition he started several years ago which has now snowballed into an event involving around 1,000 people.

Walkers were invited to meet the butcher and his crew at the Skerries monument after Saturday’s walk to avail of their free cup of tea and sausage in a roll.

Ahead of the 4am event, Aidan ordered extra cups and took in 1,000 fresh

bread rolls and 1,000 sausages first thing on Saturday morning.

His neighbourly chipper stayed open and cooked all the sausages and he was ably assisted by his mother and sister Bernie and Becky on food duty.

Aidan posted an update after the big feed on Facebook, revealing: “The aul saying that ‘I hadn’t a sausage’ rang out to be very true this morning as we got wiped out.

“I actually took a look up at one stage and seen the queue down to Sandy Bank Lane. I have never done the walk but what a morning for it.”

Aidan thanked his tea

and coffee ladies Davie Sheerin and Roisin Schlindwein and his dad for helping out, along with the Armstrong family from Rush who provided the bread rolls.

The gesture raised €1,460 for Pieta House with Aidan pledging to round it up to a €1,500 donation for “a very worthy charity” which is now offering its services via an outreach counselling clinic to be located in Skerries.

He said: “All I can say is look for the best in people and be nice to each other as there is far too much hate and fakeness in the world.

Keep the head up, keep the heart strong.”

Aidan O’Brien’s charitable help was keeping up a tradition he started years ago

SCHOOLS

Fingal kids through to coding final TEAMS of young coders from two Fingal schools are among seven representing Dublin in the national finals of the prestigious Scratch Coding competition this week.

Students from St Cronan’s Senior National School in Swords will hope to impress judges with their ‘Galaxy Quest Heelllpp!’ project.

Coder Dojo Malahide are also in the mix, pitting their ‘Starfighter Extreme’ project against those by the top aspiring digital creators nationwide.

Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy for young people to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music and art, and share their creations.

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POLITICS Even for those who are ‘just’ interested in local politics, the people who are voted in as individuals still collectively help to shape the country, so choose who best represents your views

FRIDAY, MAY 24 IS THE DAY TO MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN

Use your vote to AS WE all know by now the 2019 elections will be held on Friday, May 24.

At these elections, members of the local community will elect councillors to represent their areas within the four Dublin local authorities.

The voting is fine-tuned to incorporate areas called local electoral areas, formerly wards, within each local authority area.

This means that you can vote for candidates who will represent you specifically

on issues pertaining to your immediate local area.

Typically, these can be neighbours who are intimately familiar with issues and will use their voices to represent you at council level.

Dublin City Council will elect 63 councillors from all political parties and none, as well as 40 councillors each from the remaining council areas of Fingal, Dublin South and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) Local elections are held every five years and the polling

date is set by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and is the same day in all of the local authority areas.

The polling period must last at least 12 hours between 7am and 10.30pm.

The local authority returning officer in each local authority is responsible for managing the election in their local authority area. Each local authority pays the cost of running their own election.

On polling day, voters will

16 May 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

help guide our country’s destiny place their votes by secret ballot at their local polling station.

Our electoral system is based on proportional representation by the single transferable vote (STV).

Voters can number the list of candidates 1, 2, 3, and so on, in the order of their preference.

In order to be eligible to cast your vote, there are a number of rules that apply.

Firstly, you do not have to be an Irish citizen to vote in a local election; however, you must be ordinarily resident in the State

“

Whatever your views, be sure to cast your precious vote in the upcoming elections

on September 1, 2018, to be allowed register on the 2019/20 Register of Electors.

You must be over 18 years of age, you must live in the local electoral area, and you must be listed on the Register of Electors, or the Supplement to the Register.

For election candidates, it is

the law that election posters must be removed within seven days of polling day by the candidate or party.

After seven days, an on-thespot fine of €150 can be issued by your local authority for each offence.

If an election poster is causing a hazard to motorists or

pedestrians, you can inform your local authority about these safety concerns.

On election day, you will also vote for candidates for the European elections. Dubliners will elect four candidates, three immediately and a fourth once Britain exits the EU. This vote is much more important than people imagine, especially with the dark threat of populist extreme Right-wing parties beginning to make their presence felt across Europe.

The emergence of anti-EU

parties in countries such as The Netherlands, France and Austria is a cause for concern, with an anti-immigration tinge attached to these parties.

Closer to home, Ireland – the land of a hundred thousand welcomes – is also seeing a hardening of views, with stirrings of anti-immigrant and anti-EU sentiment now appearing on the fringes of political and cultural discourse.

Indeed, the main thrust of Brexit was largely based on the restriction of the free

movement of people based on extreme nationalism.

With 12% of Ireland’s population now from non-Irish backgrounds, caution in this country needs to be to the fore.

Ultimately, the shape and direction of our country comes down to you, with your vote, as ‘just’ voting for your local representative still has an impact on our shared destiny at a local and national level.

So, whatever your views, be sure to cast your precious vote in the upcoming elections ...

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

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND

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Frenchman completes four month Atlantic crossing in barrel C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

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A 72-YEAR old French man has completed a four month long journey across the Atlantic Ocean in a custom made giant barrel.

Jean-Jacques Savin, a former military parachutist and pilot, undertook the quest after being inspired by fellow Frenchman Alain Bombard, who had travelled solo across the Atlantic in a lifeboat in 1952.

Savin’s brightly-coloured barrel measures at about 10 feet long and seven feet wide.

It was custom-built using resin-coated plywood by two French barrel-makers.

In order to survive, Savin brought with him essential goods, such as a fishing rod as well as notso crucial items such as foie gras and wine.

Savin’s main concern was to build a sea home that would withstand the force of orca attacks.

Luckily, his 128 days at sea were mostly uneventful, except for the occasional sleepless night caused by strong waves knocking the barrel around from outside.

Setting off from the Canary Islands in late December, Savin and his trusted barrel landed on the shores of the Dutch island St Eustatius, a month later than expected.

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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 Prince, a big, beautiful nine-month-old male pointer who just loves to play all day long.

As he is only a young dog, Prince is quite a playful and bouncy boy with a fun personality. He absolutely adores going for long walks, so he would be the perfect companion for someone who enjoys the great big outdoors and would like a hiking partner.

Prince can be a little shy when meeting new people, but he comes around pretty quickly, especially with the help of a tasty treat.

He loves to have company, so a home with someone that is there most of the time would be ideal for him. Prince is a fantastic dog that will thrive in an energetic and fun-loving home.

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

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.

prince

DOG OF THE WEEK

16 May 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

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

BITS & BOBS

Man charged with DUI after crashing lawn mower into police cruiser A FLORIDA man is facing charges of driving under the influence after he crashed his riding lawnmower into a police car earlier this month.

The Haines City Police Department said 68-year-old Gary Wayne Anderson crashed into the vehicle while an officer was away from the car, according to the Lakeland Ledger.

The officer walked back to the car after hearing the crash and saw a man on a lawn mower with a trailer.

Anderson admitted hitting the cruiser but insisted there was no damage. The officer noticed minor damage to a rear plastic piece on the vehicle.

Anderson told the officer that he was drunk, according to police.

Officers said Anderson was unable to complete the field sobriety tests and said his demeanour “ranged from laughing to aggressive.”

After Anderson was taken into custody, he reportedly accused the police of poisoning him and asked to be taken to a hospital, according to WPLG-TV. Police said that Anderson’s blood-alcohol content registered .241 ― more than three times the legal limit ― and that he also had cocaine in his system.

However, Anderson insisted the police put the cocaine in his system, making his point with profane language and racial slurs, according to ABC Action News.

Sheep enrol at school to stop classes from closure

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS:

Noel Reid, Kieran Dunne and Dave Kearney were on hand to help launch Bloom, Ireland’s favourite horticulture, food and family festival, which takes place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin from Thursday 30th May – Monday 3rd June. Now in its 13th year, Bloom provides the ultimate day out for those interested in gardening, crafts, design, food, fun and fashion and is one of the highlights of the June Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland. This event attracted over 119,000 visitors last year and this year will feature 22 show gardens, 14 postcard gardens, over 100 Irish food and drink producers, 25 plant nurseries, 25 live cookery demonstrations with some of Ireland’s best-loved chefs and some 100 retailers, all within a 70 acre site. Pictures: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography

FIFTEEN sheep have been registered at a French primary school as part of a novel bid to save classes at risk of closure.

Ju l e s - Fe r r y i n C re t s e n Belledonne, a small town of less than 4,000 people at the foot of the Alps, had been told that it would have to scale back its lessons because of falling pupil numbers.

There are only 261 children at the school - but now they have been joined by more than a dozen sheep in a symbolic

move to tackle what parents have described as a “miserable situation”.

The farm animals were provided by a local herder, Michel Girerd, who with the help of his dog escorted the new pupils along to the school to see them officially signed up with their birth certificates.

Among the names added to the register during a ceremony watched by parents, teachers and children were Baa-bete and Saute-Mouton.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 May 2019

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA AND TV

Another stellar line-up awaits at Leixlip Festival WILD Youth, Hermitage Green and The Riptide Movement are among an exciting line-up of headline acts announced for Leixlip Festival this June Bank Holiday Weekend.

The spectacular open air music festival, staged in the Court Yard Hotel, Leixlip, offers four days of outstanding entertainment with the best of national and local musical talent, including Monday night’s hugely popular main act, Smash Hits.

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the longstanding community festival in Leixlip, and the Court Yard Hotel’s 15th live music festival.

New to Leixlip Festival this year – having sold out their first Irish tour, including a headline at The Olympia – are Wild Youth, who open the festival on the Rock the Yard main stage on Friday, May 31.

The Irish four-piece is enjoying a breakthrough year with their hit single, Can’t Move On, following earlier chart-toppers, All or Nothing, and Lose Control.

Their melodic brand of pop-rock, full of electronic touches, has seen them support artists such as Niall Horan, The Script, Zara Larsson and Kodaline, playing across Ireland and the UK. Saturday, June 1 welcomes Hermitage Green back to Leixlip, following a sold-out international tour covering Ireland, the UK, the Middle East, Australia and the US. The Limerick act boasts a unique arrangement of instruments, delivering a truly original Irish music sound and memorable hits such as Quicksand, Not Your Lover, and Save Your Soul.

The band has a new EP of six progressive sonic masterpieces, Gold & Rust, made with producer Matt Lawrence, known for his Grammy Award-winning work with acts such as Adele, Amy Winehouse and Mumford & Sons.

Also returning to Leixlip Festival on Sunday, June 2, by popular demand are The Riptide Movement, with their soaring guitar rock that’s drawn comparisons with U2, Kings of Leon, The Clash and Oasis.

The four lifelong friends from Lucan are practically locals, with their huge following all set to descend on this year’s Leixlip Festival Sunday night showcase.

The Dublin-based modern rock quartet toured extensively last year on the back of critically acclaimed releases, All Works Out, Elephant in the Room, and Changeling.

Festival goers will enjoy these and more, including the band’s three-part web series, Plastic Oceans, released last November and their latest new EP, I’ll be There, released just this month Bank Holiday Monday in the Court Yard Hotel just would not be the same without Smash Hits.

The unique tribute band to the golden era of 90s dance, pop and R’n’B will close out the open air festival’s weekend line-up with rip-roaring, feel-good boogie and the best of classic 90s tracks.

With support acts still to be announced, tickets for the eagerly awaited open air music weekend are now on sale, with Day Tickets at €10 each plus booking fee, and a Weekend Ticket at just €30, offering four days for the price of three.

More than a dozen amazing live music acts, top bands and DJs are appearing, with main stage music action from Friday evening, May 31, until Monday night’s closing gig with the inimitable Smash Hits, which starts at 9pm.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite and via the Court Yard Hotel website, and will be sold at the gate each day, subject to availability.

CINEMA | ONE OF THE LAST STARS OF CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD DIES

A Day to remember as Doris passes away SHANE DILLON

WHEN someone of the rare calibre of Doris Day dies – as the late Hollywood stalwart did on Monday, aged 97 – that trumps any standard cinema news or reviews.

(Sorry about that, Detective Pikachu – pika, pika – but your new film’s review will probably make it onto these pages next week.)

Recent decades saw Day living a quiet life, resolutely avoiding any media press or exposure, with the star determined to live very firmly out of the spotlight – a sharp contrast to her many years as one of America, and Cinema’s, most famous stars, known to countless millions around the world.

Born as Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff, a descendant of German immigrants, the talented young singer had already reached a spectacular level of success by 1946 when she was the world’s highest paid female singer.

That stellar accolade wasn’t enough, however, with Day stepping into cinema in 1948 – marking the start of one of the Twentieth Century’s most successful cinema careers, which was cemented with

ease in the 1950s.

That was a period which saw Day at the height of her reach and success, as she stamped out a singular career as the star of one musical or comedy after another, generally paired with some of cinema’s leading men, but resolutely on an equal footing.

Putting Day on any film’s marketing was a sure-fire way to ensure it was a hit, with Day keeping a firm grip on her role as one of America’s favourite sweethearts, blessed with a singular voice and a light touch that lended itself with ease to comic roles.

Her carefully cultivated ‘sweetheart’ image would prove to be a millstone, however, once the Swinging Sixties began to influence cinema and culture.

The public’s appetite for the kind of wholesome roles so indelibly linked to Day began to fade away, with her films increasingly out of step with a more jaded, cynical audience.

By the 1970s, her star was waning – by no means was Day a dim has-been from Hollywood’s golden era, but her power and box office draw had substantially waned, largely prompting her to retire

The late Doris Day (97); inset: in her glamorous heydey, as one of Cinema’s most popular international stars

from any significant films or roles.

Later years saw Day largely devote herself quietly to animal welfare activism, finding a new passion and focus upon which to leverage her fame and influence.

Still, although Day faded from the public consciousness quite some

time ago, her sheer star power never truly faded away.

Even a cursory examination of her cinema resume – let alone her many musical tracks – reveals a uniquely talented star; someone with

THIS week in Carrigstown, sickness and secrets prove difficult for some locals to deal with. However, there’s good news for some, and some fun to be had, too.

Sickness and secrets affect locals living in Carrigstown

CAROL is troubled when an unwell Robbie doesn’t respond well to her romantic advances, whilst Nora suggests somebody told Robbie about Darragh’s accident.

Robbie is in pain but hides it from Carol.

He’s also left housebound due to his injury, but refuses to rest, causing friction in the house.

Paul has a new venture, but his excitement turns to shock when Fiona finally reveals herself to him, with Fiona testing the waters with a suspicious Paul.

With the poitin in McCoy’s, Jane gets a

Fiona and a suspicious Paul

shock when someone she didn’t expect makes a return. She lies to the unexpected guest to stop him finding the poitin in McCoys, but he eventually uncovers their secret and tries to make them dispose of the poitin.

Eoghan receives sad news in the post and when Killo and Vinny lecture him, his grief turns to anger.

the skill to become a true star, and the quiet humanity to step away from it all when the time came. Rest in peace, Doris Day...

Cristiano and Will show Eoghan their sympathy but Eoghan’s troubles continue when Leo tells him his phone is being used to send spam messages.

Leo unintentionally encourages Eoghan to take matters into his own hands. However, things start to look up for Eoghan later on in the week.

Zak decides to leave Carrigstown again, with Dearbhla organising a send-off before he goes back down the country.

Robbie is left seething when setting up for the charity race night turns chaotic. Cass uses his cunning to increase takings at the race night.

Watch Fair City on RTE One on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

16 May 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

ENTERTAINMENT GOINGOUTOUT

PICK WEEK OF THE

MAY 22 (WEDNESDAY)

Mariah Carey @ 3Arena, €70+ After years of vocally-propelled pop, Mariah Carey finally drops in to headline Dublin for the first time ever. The reception, we suspect, will be rapturous...

MAY 16 (THURSDAY)

Mongoose @ Whelan’s, €19 Mick Flannery @ Vicar Street, €30 Dermot Kennedy @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Shawn James @ Whelan’s (upstairs), €16 Bullet Girl @ Workman’s Club, €10

MAY 17 (FRIDAY)

Tony Law @ Whelan’s, €20 Oh Bryan @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 Kid Trunks @ The Academy Green Room, €20 Sons of East @ Workman’s Club, €20 Louis Cole @ The Sugar Club, €15+

MAY 18 (SATURDAY)

Colm Mac Con Iomaire @ Vicar Street, €28 BEAK @ Whelan’s, €22 Montauk Hotel @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 The Macc Lads @ Workman’s Club, €29 Ed Motta @ The Sugar Club, €20

MAY 19 (SUNDAY)

KERN @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12 Bry @ The Academy Green Room, €14

MAY 20 (MONDAY)

Alice In Chains @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT

MAY 21 (TUESDAY)

LP @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Big Thief @ Vicar Street, €23 Aaron McCann @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

MAY 22 (WEDNESDAY)

Bess Atwell @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €14 Paul Young @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Liniker E Os Caramelows @ The Sugar Club, €20

Anything but ‘just another cover band’

ON THE face of it, Deja Boo are ‘just another covers band’ working the Irish wedding circuit.

That would be a gross oversimplification, though: there’s quite a bit more to the project – propelled forward by boisterous co-stars Niamh Collins and Zamo Riffman – than initially meets the eye.

Zamo Riffman, in a former life, was something of an 80s high-school icon, studying at an edgy Dublin Christian Brother’s school and playing music for fun.

If that sounds familiar, you might have seen the film made by his old bandmate, John Carney, in which those times are recreated.

Riffman (real name Eamon) stars in a colourful form as one of the main characters in the 2016 hit, Sing Street.

A s we l l a s b e i n g portrayed in the film – like Riffman as a kid, his character also loves rabbits – Eamon also has a small walk-on part as a janitor, and provides some of the bass lines for the film’s music.

In his more everyday life in 2019, though, Zamo Riffman plays under his own moniker, and in the aforementioned popular wedding, corporate and party covers band, Deja Boo. “Our aim is to give a

 JAMES HENDICOTT

kind of A-Z of everything for everybody,” Riffman explains of the band.

“It’s hard, fitting all the different songs and genres in there. The first set is usually an hour, and we try and get the ‘oldies and goldies’ in, to keep everyone in the room happy.

“The second half will be all the modern stuff.

At the end, there’s a fullon rave, people hanging off chandeliers and stuff!

It can get very lively, and we’ve seen all sorts at weddings.”

Deja Boo’s current setlist shows that eclectic, playful direction: it features James Brown and George Ezra, Blur and The Specials.

“We play anywhere and everywhere,” Riffman continues. “It’s a great band. We have amazing m u s i c i a n s i n t h e re, through knowing a lot of people on the music scene.”

Previous contributors have included Jake Kearn (now a guitarist with Niall Horan’s touring band) and Rory Doyle (who now plays drums with Hozier).

“We like to think we nurtured them,” Riffman laughs. “We have a lot of

on-stage experience.”

Of the modern music industry, he says: “We live in a really hard scenario now. I play my own stuff, but it’s really difficult to get anywhere.

“I think as artists we deserve a proper percentage of the money b e i n g m a d e. T h e s e corporations are making millions and millions selling these people’s works.

“Spotify is very clever, but not great for artists.

YouTube’s the same. The way round that is playing live and trying to sell merchandise, and to try

and get a bit of advertising, songs in movies, stuff like that.

“I was in my first band in De La Salle, Churchtown with John Carney, as teenagers,” he remembers of those early days.

“We were called ‘The Twilight Zone’, and there’s a photograph of us in the annual in De La Salle.

The Frames “We did that for three or four years, and then John went and played with The Frames, and then became and independent movie maker.”

“He got me involved in

the songwriting team,” Riffman says of the Sing Street role. “It’s quite mindblowing, someone making a movie about you. It’s semi-autobiographical.

I can see all the little t h r o w b a c k s . H e ’s embellished it.”

“Mainly, now, we’re a high-energy covers band.

We try to do everything really intensely, like you’d get with an original band.

“For me that’s what makes Deja Boo special. A lot of wedding bands, they don’t want to be there, they don’t really care.

“We’ve never been that kind of band.”

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 March 2019

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

Meeting Arturo Centore

A journey from Italy to Ireland turns into a love affair with Dublin I’M originally from Italy but I’ve been living in Dublin since 2006 and really feel part of the community here.

I love this country and its wonderful spirit, it’s why I chose to live here, it’s one of the best countries in the world for helping other people.

The community spirit where I live in Blanchardstown is so strong, I have lived in a few other countries and I’ve never experienced such strong spirit as here.

I live with my wife Paola and my daughter,

Alice, who was only four months old when we moved here.

Now she is fluent in Irish and speaks with a strong Dublin accent!

I was only supposed to come here to stay for one year, now I want to stay for life and I’ve applied for citizenship.

My daughter attends a local secondary school, Coolimine Community School, where I also volunteer in the Parent’s Association.

It’s a great school, I really want to congratulate the PA, the teachers and the Principal for the amazing work they

do with the pupils not just in relation to the syllabus but the social inclusion, environment projects, cultural diversity etc.

I am also involved with the De Paul homeless charity too.

I volunteer in one of their busiest homeless hostels in the city centre where we help up to 120 homeless people, distributing food, counselling, doing anything we can to help really.

The experience there is amazing, and it is important to be able to help who have been less lucky then us.

This experience is really changing my life point of view.

I also work in the maritime industry, usually as captain on a vessel, my career at sea started over 20 years ago when I completed a five year study program at the Maritime College in 1996.

I served a year in the Italian

Thousands take part in National Pyjama Day

OVER 300 early childcare services and 16,110 children in Dublin took part in the annual fundraising event, National Pyjama Day, last week. They joined thousands of children nationwide sponsored by their families to wear their pyjamas to preschool.

National Pyjama Day is organised by Early Childhood Ireland, the national representative body for the early years sector. Once participating children arrived at preschool, they took part in activities such as ‘PJ picnics’, denbuilding, pillow fights, bear hunts, and storytelling. All funds raised will be donated to charities that work with children with additional needs.

Pictured at the launch of National Pyjama Day are Mia Bevins and Calvin Smith Hayes from Carr’s Child and Family Service, Ranelagh. Pictures: Marc O’Sullivan

Navy on board the Coast Guard SAR units, then with Grimaldi Lines on board their vessels travelling throughout the major shipping routes of the world North Europe, West Africa and South America.

and much further away than a “few hours” - when we rescue them they’re usually in a very bad way.

The volunteer activists from all over Europe have been involved in the rescue of more than 37,000 people so far.

Refugees I should finish my law degree Last year I was contacted by a this year or next, and specialise group called Sea Watch e.V. in International Law and a non-profit organisaHuman Rights. tion that carries out And apart from I love this c ivil search and my professional country and its rescue operations b a ckground wonderful spirit, it’s of refugees in the this is one of why I chose to live here, Central Mediterthe reasons I it’s one of the best ranean. am involved countries in the world Sea-Watch prowith Sea for helping vide emergency Watch and their other people re l i e f ca p a c i t i e s, cause. demands and pushes Apart from some for rescue operations by the contribution when on European institutions and stands board the Sea Watch, I am a small up publicly for legal escape routes entrepreneur and I have a packaging business based in Dublin 15. for refugees.

I created a brand a few years According to the Law of the Sea, if you see someone drowning it is ago which provides packaging for your duty to save them, so we are businesses now we mainly have online customers. there to help refugees.

Sometimes volunteer work is Sometimes we get stopped by navies from European countries, perceived by many as not a real we’ve also had attacks on our job, but I must say sometimes it is even more satisfying, at least for boat.

It’s such a heart-breaking situ- the soul. ation at the moment with people By the time this is published I risking their lives trying to flee will be aboard Sea Watch 3 for the war torn countries. next mission.

The people they pay to help “assist” them reach Europe give  What’s your story? Do you them a little rubber boat and tell have an interesting connection them Europe is only a few hours to Dublin and why you call it away. home? Please email your story The Mediterranean is massive to news@dublingazette.com

16 May 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

STYLE

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE

Beauty Bits

 V By Very

 Topshop

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

eys

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n Pen

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F F&

 F&F

THIS SUMMER, Regatta Great Outdoors have launched a brand-new footwear collection.

Their footwear range works for every forecast, even unpredictable Irish summer weather.

The Marine II (RRP €80) and the Marine Lady (RRP €70) are a modern take on a classic boat shoe, with kids also able to get in on the action with the Marine Sport Junior (RRP €55).

For bootlovers, The Samaris II Mid (RRP €130.00) and the Lady Samaris II Mid (RRP €120.00) come in stunning bright colours. Get the kids booted up too

with the Samaris Mid Jnr (RRP €70).

Sporty sandals with robust soles and all the appropriate adventureready trimmings were a hit with leading fashion houses this SS19, and Regatta have their own take on the style in the brand-new collection.

Especially on-trend are the Holcombe Vent (RRP €60.00) and the Lady Holcombe Vent (RRP €55.00). For Kids, the Kota Drift Jnr is an excellent choice perfect for playing on the beach.

For a full list of products please visit your nearest Regatta store, or www.regatta.ie.

GOLDEN  HOUR   ASOS

 Rachel D’Arcy

TIME TO grab your cowboy boots and saddle up, because western styling is back with a bang.

Thanks to the resurgence of country music thanks to the likes of Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves, and the likes of Miley Cyrus rocking a more Nashville-style ensemble, the country look is back in fashion.

The style calls for floaty, light fabric in neutral colouring with a more sturdy shoe.



 NEXT

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 GUESS

 NEXT

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RIVER ISLAND BURSARY | DUBLINER WINS ANNUAL NCAD PRIZE RIVER ISLAND have announced the winner of their annual River Island National College of Art and Design fashion design bursary.

This year, Una King from Dublin was chosen to receive a €3,500 bursary and 3 month paid internship at River Island’s London design studio.

The bursary provides graduates with an invaluable first step into

the commercial fashion world, with past winners having designs sold in River Island stores and online.

This is the sixteenth year of the River Island bursary which offers final year fashion design students in N.C.A.D the chance to win.

The students were judged by River Island’s Head of Womens-

wear Design, Lucy Moller. Una’s winning entry is a collection of functional clothing that acknowledges Ireland’s ever-changing climate. The collection is adaptable, with garments providing protection for the wearer - city survival style.

Many past winners have gone on to become full time members of the design team at River Island.

 V By Very

Feel footloose and fancy-free this summer

 Penneys

 Penneys

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 May 2019

FOOD & DRINK

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FARE

RECIPE | GET IN THE MOOD FOR THE DUBLIN BAY PRAWN FESTIVAL

A tasty celebration of Dublin prawns GARY IBBOTSON

WITH the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival set to take place between May 17-19 in Howth, we bring you a delicious but simple recipe for a prawn omelette, courtesy of Bord Bia. Combining locally caught Dublin Bay prawns and a fluffy, classic omelette recipe, this take on the staple dish (which serves two, with a cooking time of just about 10 minutes) is best served immediately with a lightly dressed rocket salad and fresh, crusty bread.

Ingredients • Approx 12 140g locally c a u g h t , u n c o o ke d , Dublin Bay prawns • A little olive oil • A knob of butter • A little salt and freshly ground black pepper • 6 large eggs • 1 tablesp. cold water • 2 tablesp. chives, chopped • 50g peas, defrosted Picture: Bord Bia

It takes just about ten minutes to whip up this delicious prawn omelette fare for two

Preparation • Heat a non-stick frying pan, with a base that’s

about 20cm in diameter.

Add a little oil and a little butter. Once the butter is foaming, add the prawns.

• Season and then saute gently for 2-3 minutes.

Remove to a plate and keep warm.

• Break the eggs into a bowl and add the water, chives and a little salt and black pepper and lightly beat.

• Add a little more oil and then a little butter to the pan, swirling it around so that the base and sides get coated.

• While the butter is still foaming, pour in half the egg mixture, tilting the pan from side to side.

• Stir gently with a fork or wooden spatula, drawing the mixture from the sides to the centre as it sets.

• When the eggs have almost set, scatter over half the peas and prawns.

• Cook for another minute or two, then tilt the pan away from you slightly and use a palette knife to fold over the omelette.

• Slide on to a warmed plate; repeat to make the second omelette.

•

A terrific pint and great

pub make this a must-visit

ARGUABLY a pub that is one of the most talked about in Dublin while remaining a well-kept secret of sorts, the Strawberry Hall deserves the plaudits it receives.

Despite being as isolated as a Dublin pub really can be, tucked away alongside the Liffey and under the huge Westlink toll bridge, this place has relied on its authenticity and high standards of customer service to bring in the trade, and you can see that it’s working.

The pub is one of the capital’s oldest, dating back to the 1800s, and just outside the M50, has a feeling of being the only watering hole for miles around.

The pint was as enjoyable as the rest of the pub, so good even the novelty strawberries on the walls started to look tasty. Plenty of cream, volume and taste on point until the last drop, you can see why the locals might not be shouting about this gem of a pub – they’re keeping it all for themselves.

The Strawberry Hall, near the city edge, deserves the trip @guinnessadvisor

Delicious Skerries crisps should make a packet AN ARTISAN crisp brand based in Skerries, Clinton’s Crisps, has now rolled out their product nationwide.

Made by brothers Sean and Martin Clinton, the snack will be stocked at supermarkets and convenience stores across the country from this week.

The brothers set up Loughbarn Farms in 2017 with the aim of producing the flavour-packed Clinton’s Crisps. The company began trading last August, and has since gone from strength to strength.

The crisps come in three flavours – seared steak, mature cheddar and red onion, as well as classic sea salt and vinegar. The crisps are also gluten-free, with no preservatives or artificial flavourings.

Available in both individual packs and sharing packs, they will be available at €1.30 and €2.60 respectively.

Indie brewers from all over the country celebrate the launch of Independent Craft Beer Week

A week to support local independent breweries

IRISH Independent Craft Beer Week starts on Wednesday, May 22 and features a series of nationwide celebrations across the country.

The launch event took place on Wednesday, May 8 at Lost Lane with more than 30 breweries providing the opportunity for guests to sample some of the best beer Ireland has to offer.

Peter Mosley, chairperson of the Independent Craft Brewers of Ireland, said: “The launch starts a series of celebrations to encourage visitors to discover their local independent breweries and to taste and explore particular beers very unique to their area.

“It is important for the association to raise awareness about microbreweries in Ireland that employ talented young professionals and produce quality and genuinely independent beers.”

This year’s Independent Beer Week will see local breweries collaborate with pubs, restaurants, and offlicenses for tastings, live music and food-pairing events.

16 May 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

A STUNNING STAYCATION JUST A SKIP AWAY

TRAVEL

Powerscourt’s perfection makes it so easy to praise Some stunning interior and exterior images of Powerscourt Hotel & Spa

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor THE mere mention of Powerscourt Hotel & Spa conjures up images of opulence and luxury on a grand scale.

The spectacular five-star hotel on the Powerscourt Estate in Co Wicklow is set in beautifully manicured gardens overlooking the magnificent Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Hotel manager Ian Wynne and the rest of the team pride themselves on giving guests staying at the 200-room hotel a level of customer service second to none.

T h e r e f o r e i t ’s n o surprise that it was awarded the title of Ireland’s Leading Luxury Spa Hotel in 2019 in the Global Luxury Hotel & Spa Awards.

Powerscou r t Ho te l Resort & Spa was also voted Resort Hotel of

“

It is undoubtedly the spa that is Powerscourt’s top asset – the ESPA mecca of relaxation is vast the Year at the Irish Hospitality Awards in March of this year.

But enough of the CV – we decided to take up an offer of a visit with dinner and spa treatment to find out first-hand what an overnight stay has to offer.

First off there’s the location.

It really is a superb setting with the sweeping mountains acting as a backdrop, Powerscourt House and Gardens a short stroll to the west and the charming village of Enniskerry a mere 10-minute walk downhill.

Not forgetting the breathtaking Powerscourt waterfall

(inset, right), which is just a few minutes’ drive away – and all this is literally on Dublin’s doorstep.

As you’d expect, the hotel itself is all high ceilings, chandeliers, wide sweeping staircases and sumptuous carpets – but despite the grandeur of style there’s not a hint of stuffiness and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

Guests seem more than happy to languish by the open fire and staff are friendly and helpful, without being in any way obtrusive or, perish the thought, conspicuously over-attentive.

The hotel was lavishly developed at the tail end of the last economic

boom by a consortium which included Johnny Ronan, originally opening as a Ritz Carlton.

Pa r t s o f t h e 2 0 0 2 remake of The Count of Monte Cristo were filmed in the grounds and there’s a humorous nod to this in the hot-air balloon motif running through the property.

To describe the rooms as spacious is a gross understatement – deluxe rooms all boast a separate dressing room and suites are bigger than your average apartment.

Little touches make all the difference, such as the top-of-the-range coffee machines, touch controls for lighting and air-conditioning, and the integrated TV in the bathroom mirror.

H o w e v e r, i t i s undoubtedly the spa that is Powerscourt’s top asset.

The ESPA mecca of relaxation is vast; it stretches over two floors and opens onto the hotel gardens, with a gym, pool, hammam suite, spa cafe and state-of-the-art

relaxation room.

I was in safe hands with Hannah who administered a 90-minute natural facelift otherwise known as the age-defying ESPA ultra Lifestage facial.

The treatment m i n i m i se s w r i n k l e s, b o o s t s hyd r a t i o n , and helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation, large pores and redness.

The lifting facial massage techniques were bracing at times, but the results were spectacular.

Dinner at Sika restaurant was another memorable experience.

My rabbit croquette starter was outdone by my companion’s smoked duck.

We both opted for fillet of Irish Hereford prime beef with burnt onion puree, confit potatoes and pepper sauce for mains, and tried our damnedest to finish

every morsel on the plate.

Our dessert was an event in itself with our server triumphantly pouring warm chocolate sauce over a chocolate sphere, which melted to reveal vanilla ice cream inside.

The salted caramel cheesecake – a deconstructed plate with chocolate soil, a dulcey sponge, salted popcorn and fresh mango – was a party for the palette.

After a blissful night’s sleep in our comfy queensized beds we returned to Sika for an abundant buffet breakfast, before a stroll down to the river walk reserved for hotel guests only.

• E n j oy o n e - n i g h t accommodation, dinner at SIKA restaurant plus 20% discount off any 50-min ESPA treatment, prices from €320.

For more contact 01 274 8888, or visit www. powerscourthotel.com.

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 May 2019

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Plenty of comfort and class in Renault Megane DECLAN GLYNN

WITH its sculpted shoulders, tight curves, an imposing front grille, and distinctive LED lighting signature, the dynamic design of the Renault Megane Hatchback promises powerful sensations from every angle.

The C-shaped front headlights, and rear signature lighting, attracts everyone’s attention, and makes the Renault Megane instantly recognisable from afar.

There are three specification levels in the standard Renault Megane 5-Door Hatchback – Play, Iconic, and GT Line, while performance car buyers can choose from a 280bhp Megane RS, or a 300bhp Megane RS Trophy.

Thanks to the acknowledged expertise of Renault’s engine specialists, cutting-edge technology and up-tothe-minute engine innovations are employed across the Megane range.

Petrol and diesel engines are available in the new Renault Megane Hatchback, with the new 1.33-litre (TCe) petrol engine coming in two states of tune, 100bhp or 140bhp (with 200Nm and 240Nm of torque respectively).

However, the lowerpowered engine is only available in the entrylevel Play specification model.

The 1.5-litre (Blue dCi) diesel engine is offered with 115bhp and 260Nm of torque, and is available across the entire model range.

Transmission options consist of a six-speed manual gearbox, or a dual-clutch (EDC) sevenspeed automatic (Iconic and GT Line models

Overall car registrations still down on 2018 figures THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) have issued the new vehicle registrations statistics for April, along with their Quarterly Motor Industry Review (Q1 of 2019).

New car registrations for the month of April were up 10.8% (8,923) when compared to April 2018 (8,053), while new cars’ registrations in the year, to date, are 8.5% (73,044) down on the same period last year (79,813).

New Light Commercial Vehicle registrations were slightly up by 1.12%

With a dizzying range of specifications as standard, the Renault Megane offers terrific value for money. Away from the impressive features, the range also offers decent power and range, and all in a range that’s thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials.

only).

My review car was a Renault Megane Hatchback GT Line TCe 140 GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) in stylish F l a m e Re d m e t a l l i c paintwork.

Thanks to the cars’

standard six-speed manual gearbox, and 240Nm of torque, the 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 9.5-seconds, with a claimed top speed of 205km/h achievable.

S ta n d a rd G T L i n e equipment includes 18”

FACT BOX

1) Stylish French design flair 2) Technologically-advanced petrol engine 3) Frugal diesel engine 4) Three trim levels 5) Priced from €22,140

alloy wheels, an 8.7” touchscreen with TomTom LIVE services (complete with Western European mapping), FM/AM/ DAB tuner, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calls.

Other features include USB and AUX sockets, voice control, rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, Visio system (including lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic high/low beam), sports seats with integrated headrests, chrome door sill plates – and much, much more.

In fact, the list of standard specification is so comprehensive, that the only optional extra on my review car was metallic paint (at €675)!

Moving on from a dizzying range of standard specs, five different driving modes are available in the Renault

Megane, offering five unique driving experiences.

With Renault’s MULTI-SENSE system, you can choose between Neutral, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Personal driving modes, which will configure the car to meet the driver’s command.

Fuel economy Fuel economy across the entire Renault Megane Hatchback range is excellent.

On a combined driving cycle, Blue dCi (diesel) engines consume as little as 4.5-litres of diesel per 100kms driven, with TCe (petrol) engines consuming as little as 6.2l/100km.

Annual road tax will cost between €180 and €390, depending on the engine and model chosen.

The thoughtful layout of the dashboard and driving controls in the

Renault Megane makes the car very pleasura b l e to d r ive, w h i l e high-quality materials are used throughout the cabin.

A l a rge c e n t ra l l ymounted portrait-style infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, while heating controls are, thankfully, still dial-controlled.

B o o t s p a ce i n t h e Renault Megane Hatchback is very impressive, with 434-litres available with the rear seats in place, or up to 1,409-litres on offer when the rear seat backs are folded.

All new Renault passenger cars are supplied with a comprehensive 5-Year/200,000km warranty, and a spare wheel comes as standard too.

Priced from just €22,140, the Renault Megane Hatchback represents terrific value for money.

(1,812) on April 2018 (1,792), and in the year, to date, down 9.95% (12,892).

New Heavy Commercial Vehicles have increased 27.27% for the month of April (308) compared to the same month last year (242), and are up 3.11% (1,194) in the year, to date.

Imported Used Cars increased by 2.8% for April 2019 (8,886) when compared to April 2018 (8,644), and year to date are 2.75% (35,717) ahead of 2018 (34,761).

The SIMI report shows that while the Irish economy is still positive, both new cars and commercial registrations declined in the first quarter of 2019, with the exception of both electric cars and used car imports.

Interestingly, while overall car registrations this year, to date, are down by 8.5%, registrations in Dublin are down by a lesser margin, at 4.68%.

16 May 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

PUZZLES

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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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16 May 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

RUGBY P35

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

FIVE-STAR:

FOOTBALL: ST SYLVESTER’S continued their winning streak in AFL2 as they saw off both Castleknock and Raheny in a five days spell, keeping them clear at the top of the table.

St Brigid’s finally registered their first AFL Division One win of the season at home to Naomh Maur as the Dublin football leagues returned to action in hectic fashion.



GAZETTE

DIVING P36

PAGE 37

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS DIVING | RED BULL EVENT SEES TOWN PACKED LAST WEEKEND

Dun Laoghaire thronged for cliffhanger  sport@dublingazette.com

THE first-ever Red Bull Cliff Diving event in the Irish Capital saw divers leap from 27m at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, in front of the highestever spectator turnout in the World Series’ 10-year history.

Huge crowds filled the east pier in the town, taking in the spectacle over two days with an estimate of 100,000 people enjoyed the event which moved from Inis Mor where it was based for the past few years.

It was the second stop on this year’s world series following April’s event in the Philippines with further events coming up in Italy, Portugal, Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina and finishing in Spain.

The Irish stop saw a new name on the top step of the men’s podium, whilst reigning women’s champion, Rhiannan Iffland continued her winning streak on the Irish shores.

Romania’s Constantin Popovici

won in only his second event. He had placed second in his debut event at the 2019 season opener in El Nido in the Philippines.

Popovici, winning men’s diver, said: “I was hoping for a podium place, and wanted to come first, but I wasn’t sure I was going to get it.

“Some of the athletes went for easier dives today because of the windy conditions, but I went full on and managed to perform better than everyone. Gary [Hunt] is one of the best divers in the world, so I’m really happy with my result.”

His victory ended Gary Hunt’s five-event winning streak.

He beat the British seven-time champion by just 1.85 points; one of the closest winning margins in World Series history.

American David Colturi placed third in the men’s competition, over 75 points behind Hunt.

There was a more predictable result in the women’s event, with

Michal Navratin of the Czech Republic dives from the 27 metre platform at Dun Laoghaire Harbour . Picture: Sebastian Marko/Red Bull Content Pool

reigning champion Rhiannan Iffland of Australia claiming the win by a dominant 30-point margin.

Canada’s Lysanne Richard placed second, with Mexico’s Adriana Jimenez a further 30 point back in third.

Iffland was delighted with her success, saying: “Each competi-

tion brings new challenges. There are always ups and downs.

“Today went really well. I was scoring straight nines, which is what we all hope for.

“I went in cold [with no practice dive] to save my body a bit from the cold water and that really worked for me.”

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

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

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 16 May 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

SOCCER: CELTIC FIGHT BACK AS MCDONNELL HITS WINNER

CASTLEKNOCK

A GREAT camogie double to start the week with a Senior 2 League win over Cuala by 2-13 0-8 and the Junior 2 League team beat St.Brigid’s to make it 7 wins out of 7 in Cup and League.

A thrilling Ladies Football Intermediate Championship debut for Castleknock ends in a 3-9 3-9 draw with Clann Mhuire – Ciara Murray grabs all three Castleknock goals. In the Ladies Junior ‘C’ Championship Ballyboden edge a well fought game, 5-8 2-13 while Castleknock’s Senior Footballers lose a competitive game for the first time in 2019 going down by 0-9 0-14 to St. Sylvester’s in Malahide. The AFL Div.4 side lose by a point 0-11 1-9 to Cuala.

The AFL Div 9 Footballers maintained their unbeaten league run with a 1-16 0-10 win over Sylvester’s in Broomfield. The U-13 Div.2 hurlers defeat Naomh Barrog but the U-13 Div.5 team lose to Lucan.

No Jackpot Lotto winner – next week’s Jackpot €3,800 – one Match 3 Winner €300 – Barbara Devlin.

FINGALLIANS DARKNESS into Light :There was a great turn out early on Saturday morning in Malahide Castle for the Annual Darkness into Light 5km Walk in aid of Pieta House well done to all who made the effort to support such a great cause.

Hurling Championship : The Hurlers are up next in the Championship with the First team playing away to Ballyboden on Tue Night and the Second Hurling Team away to St Sylvesters.

The Senior Ladies Div 1 Team kicked off their Championship run with an away game to Kilmacud Crokes, losing out on a

scoreline of 4.17 to 3.11.

Adult Football : The Div 1 team played away to Ballinteer st Johns on Sunday morning loosing out on a scoreline of 2.16 to 2.08 .The Div 6 team also lost out on Sunday to Lucan on a scoreline of 4.14 to 1.13.The Div 11 Team had a great win away to Social Ui Chonaill 2.06 to 0.14.

Well done to Sarah Power who played with the Dublin U14 Ladies Football team at the Leinster Blitz in Kinegad on Saturday and then helped the Dublin U14 Camogie team to win the Leinster Blitz along with Aoife Kenny.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN BUSY weekend coming up when we host Girls Football Feile Division 3A at Westmanstown.

We welcome the teams,parents and supporters of Templeogue Synge St,St Oliver Plunketts and Naomh Barrog and hope everyone enjoys the Feile-all club members are asked to come out and support our own girls who play their first game at 10.00.AM on Saturday morning.

The week past was also a busy one for our juveniles with U15 Girls beating St Sylvesters to finish third in their league,U11 Girls had two Camogie outings away to St Marks,U11 Boys hosted Round Towers in Beechpark,and U 10 Boys travelled to O Tooles coming away with two wins.

Ladies had their first championship outing of the season away to Raheny losing by 4 points.

Minor ladies are at home to St Judes on May 20th in final fixture.

Intermediates had mixed fortunes in the league last week beating Lucan Sarsfields at home by five points but lost to Raheny away by the same margin. Juniors lost by a point in their league tie away to Sons of Erin in Glencullen.

Castleknock Celtic celebrate during their win over Templeogue United

Castleknock through to O’Leary Cup final decider CHARLIE O’LEARY CUP  sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic Under-19s came from 1-0 down to seal a spot in the Leinster Football League Charlie O’Leary Cup final with victory over Templeogue United on Tuesday evening.

The visitors hit the front with just ten minutes on the clock thanks to a 25-yard free kick that sailed past goalkeeper Oisin O’Donoghue and into the net.

Casteknock regained their composure but were forced to defend diligently against their south Dublin opponents.

O’Donoghue was forced

into a string of good saves during the first half to ensure Castleknock went into the break trailing by just a goal.

Alex Regan took sole control of the side in the absence of Bob Fagan, and his half-time teamtalk appeared to have the desired effect.

Celtic equalised within three minutes of the re su m p t i o n t h ro u g h David Onitiu, who continued his hot vein of goalscoring form.

Onitiu curled a shot from the edge of the box that left the Templeogue stopper with little chance as the ball nestled in the top corner.

Castleknock came into

their own after the goal and dominated much of the rest of the play on their own turf.

However they had to wait until just five minutes from the end of the 90 minutes before they got their noses in front.

Luke Danaher broke free on the left wing and he crossed low into the box for Thomas McDonnell to drive through and plant the ball in the net.

Templeogue had to go for broke in the minutes that remained in an effort to preserve their chances of reaching the final and committed players forward to attack It was Castleknock who got the all-impor-

tant goal to clinch the final berth, however, and again it was the striker McDonnell who came up with the goods.

A defensive error presented McDonnell with the opportunity as the ball skidded off the goalkeeper’s head and into his path, and the striker applied the finishing touch.

Castleknock advance to the final where they will face GMFC in the final at Transport Club in Crumlin on May 31.

At senior level, Castleknock Celtic’s senior side remain in with a shout of lifting the Sunday Major title after sealing their second promotion in as

many years since moving from AUL. A hard-fought 2-1 win over Ratoath Harps leaves Celtic and Ayrfield United neck and neck on 44 points heading into their final fixture, although Ayrfield have an extra game.

Both sides were promoted to the league 12 months ago and will be playing intermediate football next season regardless.

Celtic bowed out of their final cup competition when they were defeated 4-1 on penalties

by Rivervalley Rangers in the Polikoff Cup after being held 2-2 after extra time.

River Valley end with victory

The River Valley Rangers LSL Sunday Major 1 side

RIVER VALLEY Rangers completed their LSL Sunday Major 1 season on a high with a 2-1 win over Finglas United, likely leaving them in the top half of the table for their efforts.

They did so with a last minute winner, finally moving in front at the death after dominating most of the game.

They missed a host of chances in the first half with Lee Murray a constant threat down the right flank and Paulie Gavin from the left in a man of the match performance.

They kept probing and were rewarded when

lively substitute Shane Brady skipped down the touchline and crossed for Cole to finish on 75 minutes. As 90 mins approached though, Finglas won the ball in the middle of the pitch and fed through for a strike from the edge of the box.

The Swords club, however, love a late goal and with seconds left of injury time, sub Darren Doyle raced through to get on the end of a long ball forward.

They now have to wait until their Polikoff Cup final date with either Ratoath or CYM Beechwood the opposition.

16 May 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

RUGBY: HOLMPATRICK CLUB UNDER-15 AND 16 SIDES BOTH COMPLETE TRIO OF TITLES

Skerries rugby’s treble-makers LEINSTER YOUTHS RUGBY  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

SKERRIES Rugby Club’s youth sides enjoyed a remarkable finals day last week as they landed Under-16 and 15 crowns, both securing trebles of Leinster Premier, Youth Cup and North East victories.

For the Under-15s, the trio of titles was made all the more impressive by the size of their squad.

The squad of 22 played their first final of the week against Barnhall, with the game moved at late notice from Donnybrook to Barnhall’s home ground. Despite effectively playing the Leinster S/Y Premier League finale at their oppositions ground, the north county side won out by 33-21.

Their second final fell midweek, with the Leinster North East final also heading back to Skerries, with a comprehensive 45-7 victory over Navan.

The last leg was to prove the most challenging and the most intense for Skerries, as they faced Greystones at Donnybrook in the Leinster Cup Final.

Skerries scored first, but then fell 5-12 and 10-17 behind as Greystones piled the pressure on the tired team.

Skerries came back with two converted tries to lead 24-17, before a late Greystones try leveled up the tie and set up a tight finish.

In a strange quirk of Leinster Cup rules, Skerries scoring first gave them the victory in the event of the draw.

They controlled possession for much of the final nine

minutes, but having been turned over, were forced to win a penalty in their own 22. They kicked for touch in time added on to take the title on the ‘scored first’ rule, their players aware that the game-opening try had handed them the title.

There were plenty of heroes in the side, Skerries man Richie Joyce explained. Full back Eoghan O’Connor Flanagan scored three tries in the Greystones final, with Ronan Winters adding the fourth. Peter Groome, unknowingly playing with a broken hand from earlier in the week, was exceptional in the Skerries back.

“We’re a small club,” Joyce said, “but things are going really well at junior level. We’re developing a new pitch this summer, as their are a lot of players playing on just two pitches at the moment, so training is difficult.”

“The Under-15s and Under-16s both won the treble on the same weekend. We don’t even have an Under17s side, because of numbers, so they play with the under-18s, playing up a year.

“Playing against sides the size of Barnhall, who have a lot of schools players to pick from, it’s really satisfying to get these kind of wins.

“The senior team have been relegated to division 2C this year, which is disappointing, but the young sides are really doing well. It’s been a great season for them, they did a fantastic job coming through a week of finals like that.”

The Under-16s matched their feats with a final win over Barnhall 22-19, completing a run of cup wins that saw them see off Ardee, Seapoint and Cill Dara – all away – amassing 162 points across their four games.

Skerries Under-16s in action against Barnhall. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Skerries Under-15s celebrate the success. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

The Hills alive at top of Section A CRICKET SEN LEAGUE CUP  sport@dublingazette.com

ALTHOUGH The Hills have won all five of their matches to date, there is still all to play for at the top of Section A with any two from them, Malahide and Phoenix set to advance to the final four of cricket’s Leinster Senior League Cup. T h e S ke r r i e s c l u b proved too strong for Dublin University last

weekend, bowling them over for just 129, a total that would have been ever lower but for some late hitting from Matthew Strong.

Coming in at number eight, he struck 53 but the total was always too low as Daya Singh took 4 for 41 and Thomas Rooney Murphy ended with a hugely impressive 3 for 10 from eight overs.

T h e c h a s e p rove d slightly problematic

with the students taking five wickets. Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin, though, held his nerve at the top of the order to score a measured 52 from 127 balls with good support from Daya Singh (34).

It helped overcome a wobble that saw them reduced to 38 for 3.

Malahide sit second in the group with four wins four so far and they secured an impressive

35 run win over Railway Union at Park Avenue.

Contributions from Gregory Ford (38), Matthew Ford (35), Arjun Muntha (36) and Fintan McAllister (47) built a total of 242 from their 50 overs.

Railway’s chase was stymied by the likes of Anish Desai taking four wickets.

Phoenix beat North County to remain lurking in third place.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 16 May 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

SKERRIES HARPS A BUSY week on the field of play with midweek fixtures in full swing our AFL1 team recorded a draw against Cuala away from home on Wed 8th, and a win at home on Sun 12th against OP ER. AFL4 had a good win over Clontarf in the midweek fixture but lost out by the narrowest of margins on Sun to Cuala. AFL9 were defeated by St Finians Swords.

The Senior Ladies lost out by 1pt to Parnells in the Intermediate Championship.

The club had plenty of representatives on Dublin panels over the weekend, Hannah McGinnis with u14 ladies Football, Alex Ward U14 Camogie, Ronan Geoghegan U15 hurling, Eoin Wilde U16 Hurling/Celtic Challenge, Emma Parker & Megan Carroll Intermediate Camogie & Alix Buckley Senior Camogie. Well done to all! Great to see the Harps so well represented!

U14 Girls host the Div 10 LGFA Feile on Sat 18th May at the Club , all support for our girls and visiting teams appreciated. Matches start 10.30am.

Upcoming Events /Diary Dates@ Sat 18th May: Live music in the Club with BrandeD , no cover charge all welcome! Sat 1st June Elvis Extravanganza in the Clubhouse Tickets €20 available now from clubhouse bar (Limited availability) Last few tickets now available.

ST BRIGID’S OUR Club Nursery, in association with Sherry Fitzgerald continues as normal this Saturday for 4-7 year old boys and girls from 9.30am - 11.00am on our All-Weather pitch in Russell Park! New families always welcome! Just arrive down and speak to any of our friendly coaches!

Well done to our Senior Ladies Footballers who beat Na Fianna in their opening Championship game on Wednesday. There were great wins also last week for our Senior Footballers against St Maurs in AFL 1 and both our Minor A Hurlers and our AFL10 Footballers in the league!

Our hugely popular annual Golf Classic takes place on 24th May in Royal Tara Golf Club. Two Shot Gun starts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Cost is €400 per team of 4 which includes a 3 course meal. Tee boxes can also be sponsored from €100. Please contact Paddy for

more info 0868229312.

There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot last week. Our next Jackpot rises to €2,800 and will take place in the Greyhound Inn on Thursday evening, May 16th.

Online Booking for our Kelloggs GAA Cúl Camp in August is now open on our website! Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment! Each child receives FREE Kellogg’s GAA gear and a backpack!

Online booking for all our Club Summer Camps are now open, visit the link on our Club Website!

All our Summer Camp dates are as follows: June Primary School Camp (For schools closed that week) - 4th June to 7th June; St Brigids Club Summer Camp - 15th - 19th July; St Brigid’s Cúl Camp - 12th - 16th August; St Brigids Club Nursery Camp - 19th - 23rd August.

NAOMH MEARNOG WELL done to our adult ladies football team who recorded a fantastic win over Ballymun in the championship. Congratulations also to our under 14s who defeated Parnells to become league champions.

Good luck to the girls in the ladies football Féile next weekend. We are still endeavouring to recruit new players for our adult team. Please contact Cliodhna O’Connor.

Well done to Aoibhe Dillon, Laura Twomey, Grainne Power and Laura Walsh who were all in action for Dublin camogie teams over the weekend. Good to see Laura Twomey back after her recent injury.

It was a busy week for the men’s football teams also where we had 6 league games. We got an excellent return of 5 wins and 1 draw. The seniors defeated Naomh Fionnbarra and St Pat’s Palmerstown, the Junior As drew with Ballinteer and defeated Naomh Baróg while our Junior B lads defeated O’Dwyers and St. Oliver Plunkett’s. A very satisfactory week indeed. The under 16 hurlers remain second in the league as a result of their win.

The intermediate team travel to Castleknock on Saturday evening for a league game. Our Junior hurlers are away to Thomas Davis on Sunday.

Thank you to all the parents and organisers of the trip by our Nursery members to Croke Park. A fantastic time was had by all.

Thank you to the management of local restaurant Koba who have come on board as a sponsor for our Govan Jolliffe Byrne tournament which takes place on the 1st of June. As with all sponsors, we ask all members to support them when the opportunity arises.

DIVING: DUBLIN 15 BASED TRIO IN IRISH SQUAD

Dingley, Cryan and McGing all on Road to Tokyo  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

ABBOTSTOWN based divers Oliver Dingley, Clare Cryan and Ciara Mc G i n g h ave b e e n named in the Irish team for this summer’s series of competitions.

FINA Grand Prix medallist Clare Cryan will be joined on the Korea bound team by Rio 2016 Finalist Oliver Dingley, also a FINA Grand Prix medallist this season as well as World Youth Olympic Games finalist Tanya Watson who will also joining them in Gwangju.

The nine days of diving in Korea are the first opportunity for nations to qualify places for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Cryan and Dingley will both compete in the 1m and 3m Springboard individual events, whilst Southampton Watson will feature in the 10m Platform.

On the back of Ireland’s first ever international synchronised

diving medal at the FINA Grand Prix in Calgary in April, Swim Ireland will request a slot for Cryan and Dingley to jointly pit their abilities against the best in the world in the Mixed 3m Synchro event.

For the LEN European Junior Championships in Kazan, Ciara McGing – a product of Dublin 15’s Shamrock Diving Club, will be the sole representative at the event.

McGing will feature in the 10m Platform in Russia.

All four athletes will return to the pool in August in Kiev to compete at the LEN European Championships, with a guaranteed 2020 Olympic birth available to gold medallists in Olympic events at this competition.

National Performance Director Jon Rudd said, “It is great for Irish diving to now have such a significant number of athletes competing at this level and for us to be able to confidently send three such athletes into the World Champi-

EXPRESS LANE Fingallians driving forward FINGALLIANS senior ladies football team launched their new sponsorship with Swords Express this week as the championship which kicks up a gear in May. Sinead Kavanagh (Managing Director of Eirebus/ Swords Express) and Jeff Clarke (Operations Director Eirebus/ Swords Express), Fins captain Fiona Hudson and player Aoife O’Reilly are pictured at the launch. All three of their senior championship group games take place this month.

Rio Olympian Oliver Dingley is in the Irish diving team for this summer’s world championships.

Picture: Sportsfile

onships this summer is excellent.

“We’re all mindful that the World Championships is a major event in itself but we’ve also got one eye firmly placed on the Olympic Games next year and the fact that this event is one of

only three possible entry routes into the Games.

“We can yet again all feel and see our progress and the summer of 2019 will be yet another important step for those of us seeking international success from Irish diving”.

16 May 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

FOOTBALL: MALAHIDE MEN SEE OFF BOTH CASTLEKNOCK AND RAHENY

Syl’s sublime start to AFL2 continues with double win delight AFL DIVISION 2

 sport@dublingazette.com

ST SYLVESTER’S continued their winning streak in AFL2 as they saw off both Castleknock and Raheny in a five days spell, keeping them clear at the top of the table.

They opened up with a 0-14 to 0-9 success against Knock on a damp, breezy night in Broomfield.

With very contrasting fortunes in the recent senior championship, both teams were looking to maintain winning records in AFL2 and Castleknock, with 11 of the team who recently beat St Vincent’s, starting as favourites.

Their bright start justified this tag and they had two points on the board within the first two minutes.

Syl’s, missing six of their championship panel owing to injury and exams, came back into the match via a Micheál McCarthy point. However, the Somerton side took over the game again and went 0-4 to 0-1 ahead.

Five points from the Malahide men from the 15th minute onward to half time ensured that the home team had parity at half-time with the score reading 0-6 a

piece.

With McCarthy and Alex Wright prominent from a scoring perspective, they were ably assisted by the Sylvester’s midfield pairing and younger players like Sean Daly and Daniel Deneher.

Castleknock scored the first point of the second half and from here the scoreboard see-sawed with both teams swapping points until the 12th minute of the second half.

A good save from reserve keeper Kevin Morris spurred the home side into a higher gear.

From here, the industry of Conor Meaney and Mark Finnerty up front along with strong showings from Andrew Cunningham, Conor Quinn and Deneher at the back saw St Sylvester’s take the lead and they never looked back, building a fivepoint lead.

On Sunday morning, thanks to their accomplished 2-9 to 0-9 win over Raheny in St Anne’s Park, they made it five wins from five.

McCarthy was in fine form again and they found themselves in the ascendancy.

This was until Raheny staged a late rally towards the end of the opening round which ensured they were on level terms

Rowe denies Knock debut win

St Sylvester’s Micheál McCarthy in action against Castleknock. Picture: Elaine Rooney

(0-6 apiece) just in time for the interval.

Syl’s regained momentum on the resumption, though, thanks in no small part to excellent approach work from Dan Deneher, Karl Archibald and Alex Wright.

Substitute Dan Brennan was also making a sizeable impact and the pressure eventually told on the under siege Raheny defence.

A Mark Finnerty goal created some daylight for Syls and they remained in front for the remainder of the contest.

Wright subsequently released the impressive McCarthy for another major and with the former Dublin senior panellist amassing a final tally of 1-7, the visitors were thoroughly deserving victors in the end.

Brigid’s up and running in AFL1 AFL DIVISION 1  sport@dublingazette.com

St Brigid’s recorded their first win of the season with a success against Naomh Maur. Picture: Martin Doherty

FOOTBALL

ST BRIGID’S finally registered their first AFL Division One win of the season at home to Naomh Maur.

Philip Ryan has been a fulcrum in the Brigid’s attack for a number of seasons and he bagged an outstanding haul of 2-3 in the first half at Russell Park.

Collie Carr, Sean Murray, Lorcan McCarthy, Cian Mullins and Alan Daly also found the range to give the hosts a 2-8 to 0-8 interval buffer.

Whilst Maur’s persisted with their challenge when the play resumed, Jack Mullins and Sean Clarke largely stood firm in defence. McCarthy and Ryan continued to enhance their personal tallies, before Carr’s clinical goal in the closingquarter helped Brigid’s to claim a 3-13 to 1-13 success.

That was in midweek but Brigid’s were unable to back that up in their second tie of the week as Lucan Sarsfields got past their challenge on Sunday morning 2-15 to 1-11.

Maur’s, for their part, fell in their second game too, undone 4-14 to 3-13 to unbeaten Ballyboden St Enda’s in Rush, a pair of results that dropped Maur’s down to sixth place in the table.

Skerries made it three points out of four for their week’s work as they got the best of St Oli-

ver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh 1-13 to 0-12.

Thanks to Stephen Smith’s four-point haul, Skerries entered the interval 0-9 to 0-3 in front.

The reliable Ciaran Murphy registered a brace of frees to edge them further into the ascendancy on the resumption.

Plunkett’s dramatically reduced their deficit as the action wore on but with Colin Daly in outstanding form at midfield, Skerries remained on top. A Murphy goal opened up an unassailable lead, though Plunkett’s fired over three unanswered points to add a fairer reflection to the final outcome.

Smith increased his tally with a second period score - supplementing Murphy’s impressive 1-5 contribution. That followed a 1-10 apiece draw with Cuala in midweek, moving Harps into ninth place in the division.

Fingallians were undone 2-16 to 2-8 by leaders Ballinteer St John’s who recorded their fifth win on the spin.

They struggled to build attacking momentum against the in-form Ballinteer - who created daylight courtesy of points from Aodhan Clabby, Donncha Carey and Robbie Gaughan.

A Fingallians goal turned up the heat on John’s, before the hosts re-established their superiority on the restart.

Luke Naughton and Aaron Bradshaw both shook the Fingallians net to keep the Ballinteer challenge on the right track.

A POINTED free by Clann Mhuire’s Dublin star Carla Rowe in the sixth minute of injury time deprived Castleknock of an historic Intermediate Championship debut victory in a tense battle in bitterly cold conditions in Somerton.

Two Ciara Burgess points from play as the game ticked over into time-added-on looked as if they had won it for Castleknock but given the evenness of the struggle neither side really deserved to lose.

Aisling O’Connor grabbed Castleknock’s first point before a bizarre five-minute spell between the seventh and 12th minutes produced four goals, two for each side, both Castleknock’s goals coming from Ciara Murray. Some great Hannah Hanlon running produced another two home points and a Ciara Burgess score left Castleknock trailing by just two points at the break (2-4 to 3-3).

In spite of further Castleknock points from Hannah Hanlon, Ciara Murray and substitute Eimear Griffin and some great Castleknock defending, the Naul outfit continued to edge the game until five minutes from the end of normal time when Ciara Murray’s third goal levelled it up at 3-7 apiece.

Clann Mhuire went a point clear again before Ciara Burgess looked to have won it with those late points.

Rowe who tormented the Castleknock defence throughout then held her nerve to score the equalising point from a free with the last kick of the game, making it 3-9 each.

GazetteSPORT MAY 16-22, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 33-37

McCarthy’s full focus on Louth tie  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYMUN Kickhams man James McCarthy says Dublin are taking nothing for granted as their pursuit of a 14th Leinster senior football championship title in 15 years comes into view.

They now know they will meet Louth on May 25 in O’Moore Park at 7pm after the wee county saw off Wexford last weekend.

Asked whether the provincial title still holds much weight for him, McCarthy has never lost a game in Leinster but insists it remains a priority.

“We are very much focused on the Leinster championship, we always are,” he said. “It has always served us well and we

were waiting and watching closely to who our opponents would be and now we know it’s Louth.

All our training is for that and we never look further ahead than the next game.

“I’d have played against a few good Louth guys over the years.

I played college football against Andy McDonnell and Jim McEneaney so I know Louth have good footballers.

“It’s a hugely exciting time of year getting ready for the championship. We had a break with the club for a few weeks so it’s good then to get back with the lads. It’s always a good time of year, like you’re getting ready for summer.”

For the first time in a while, Dublin come into the summer series without the league title in

the bag. Their later return to training than other counties has been well documented with suggestions they were using the competition as their preseason.

In the face of that suggestion, McCarthy said there was some experimentation but the focus to win every game is always the same.

“This year’s league was a bit of a mixed bag, we lost a few games but we learnt a lot from it as well and got a few new players tried out and stuff and got back up to speed.

“A lot of our more experienced guys were out as well so we’re happy enough.

“We go out to try and win every game we go out to play, it’s no different in the league, Leinster

Championship or All-Ireland series. We didn’t achieve that in the league so obviously that was disappointing.

“But we took plenty of things from that into the championship, like trying out younger guys and playing against top class competition.

“So there are positives going into the championship.”

Talk of the five in-a-row is never far away but McCarthy says that remains out of his side’s control.

“Look, we’ve never looked at ‘anything in-a-row’ before and won’t be doing it now.

“Championships are hard enough to win at any time so we’re just working hard, getting our heads down, training hard and just focusing game-by-game.”

James McCarthy at AIB’s launch of the All Ireland championship. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportfile