Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

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DublinGazette MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2018

Fingal Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

‘Sex, drug den’ fury Council response demanded to tackle Rush sites

SYLVIA POWNALL REVELLERS using derelict houses in Rush for booze and drugs parties are “having sex in full view of children”, it’s been claimed.

The site of the vacant homes at Palmer Avenue is causing grave concern for locals who say antisocial behaviour is escalating.

Neighbours say the youths who use the houses for loud late-night parties are abusive and intimidating, and some have hurled roof tiles at passers-by.

A petition requesting that the council clean up the sex and drugs den claims the vacant units are “in shameful condition” and pose a serious health and safety risk.

The local authority says it is aware of the situation and hopes to bring the houses back into use.

Last week, Deputy Brendan Ryan (Lab) warned that the antisocial behaviour was making neighbours’ lives a misery and called for the units to be used to help tackle the housing crisis.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Part of the squalid site. Pic: Rush And Lusk Against Crime

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

PICK US UP

EVERY THURSDAY!

You can pick up YOUR GAZETTE

at the following locations

• Applewood Community Centre • Topaz- Swords • SuperValu- Pavillions Shopping Centre • Eurospar- Applewood village • SuperValu – Balbriggan • Fingal County Council offices (Swords & Blanchardtown) • Bracken Court Hotel • St Finians Community Centre • Energie Fitness – Swords • EBS – Swords • Swords Central Shopping Centre • Spar – Airside • Applewood Community Centre • The Clarion Hotel – Airport • SuperValu- Malahide • Spar – Malahide • Centra – Malahide • Malahide RFC • Malahide United FC • Malahide Tennis Club • Esso – Malahide • Kinsealy Garden Centre • Hill Top Stores – Malahide • Malahide Library • M.U Gym (Malahide United) • Tesco -Clarehall • Londis – Malahide • Eurospar – Northern Cross • P.S.L.C – Portmarnock • Golf Links – Portmarnock • Texaco – Portmarnock • Eurospar – Dunboyne • Mulhuddart Community Centre • Day Today- Ongar • Dunnes – Ongar • Ongar Community Centre • Eurospar – Hartstown • Hartstown Community Centre • Centra – Hartstown • XL – Stop “N” Shop – Sheepmoor • Blakestown Community College • Lidl – Blakestown • St Peregrines GAA • Mountview Community Centre • Spar – Mulhuddart • SuperValu – Tyrrellstown • Park Plaza – Tyrrellstown • Tyrrellstown Community Centre • I.T.B • Blanchardstown Shopping Centre • Blanchardstown Library • An Draiocht • Harvey Norman – Blanchardstown • Crowne Plaza – Blanchardstown • Blanchardstown Garda Station • Justin’s – Blanchardstown • SuperValu – Blanchardstown • Mace – Blanchardstown Village • Dillon House – Coolmine • Topaz – Coolmine • Verona FC • Dunboyne Castle Hotel • Coolmine Community College • Woodview Stores – Roselawn • Westmanstown Sport Centre • Castleknock Hotel • Castleknock Golf Club • Castleknock Community Centre • Centra – Laurel Lodge • Castleknock Community College • Macari’s – Carpenterstown • Spar – Carpenterstown • Topaz – Castleknock • Myo’s – Castleknock • Londis – Castleknock • Tesco – Roselawn • Blanchardstown Hospital • Castleknock Community Centre • Spar – Hollystown • Roselawn Newsagents • Castleknock Doctor’s Surgery • Ground Coffeeshop – Westend Retail Park

For further info

www.dublingazette.com

01 60 10 240

SKERRIES: ANGER AS EATERIE PLANNED BESIDE SCHOOL

Locals look set to chip in objections to fast food facility  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

A PUBLIC meeting will be held next week in opposition to plans for a 24-hour fast-food drive-through restaurant beside a school in Skerries.

The proposed twostorey restaurant is adjacent to a busy creche and directly opposite Skerries Educate Together NS, which has 330 pupils.

Marbleside Ltd, whose directors include the wife of former Anglo Irish Bank director Pat Whelan, has applied for permission for the two-storey, 527sq m eaterie at Skerries Point shopping centre.

The centre, which was previously in NAMA, was bought last year for €3.4 million by Massachusetts-based Grand Coast Capital, which also bought Swords Town Centre for €14.5 million.

Joe O’Brien, a member of Skerries Educate Together Parent Teacher Organisation, told Dublin Gazette: “It’s very clear already that a drivethrough restaurant is not wanted in the town.

Concerned parent Joe O’Brien with supporters by the proposed drivethrough’s location (right)

“There will literally be hundreds of young children walking and cycling past this proposed development every day. It is situated in a very young and growing residential area where there are a lot of young families.

“There are a raft of traffic safety reasons why this would also be a bad idea.”

Mr O’Brien said his children’s health was key to his objection, noting that the Fingal Development Plan flags fast-food outlets as damaging to the health and wellbeing of children.

He also said he feared a fast-food drive-through would spoil the “unique character” of the coastal

town and damage its appeal to tourists.

A GoFundMe page to pay for a professional planning consultant to present objectors’ case has raised €2,000 and Skerries Community Association has started a petition.

Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG) describes the proposal as “crazy” and “off the wall”.

He told Dublin Gazette: “One of the conditions is proposed 24-hour opening. This could attract anti-social behaviour.”

Cllr O’Leary warned that increased traffic would pose a serious risk,

adding: “There are no on-site parking spaces, but six dedicated spaces beside a narrow bottleneck junction that is the main entrance to the shopping centre.

“Pedestrians will have to cross this narrow junction which is very busy, with additional traffic from the drive-through exiting at the same junction.

“The school is very close and young impressionable students will be drawn across the road.

This does not comply with our Healthy Ireland policy.”

FASTNews

Framing what’s set to be a pretty colourful event THE hugely popular Inflatable Colour Run will take place at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate on Friday, June 29 at 7pm.

Run Ireland is now the ticket agent for the ultimate colourful day out for the whole family this summer, and Donabate has been added to the list of events.

Appealing to all ages and abilities, the Inflatable Colour Run is entirely focused on fun regardless of fitness levels, with bouncy castles, obstacle courses and liberal showers of coloured powders adding to the experience.

The course covers a fun 3-5k route of invigorating fun, and there are even sneaky shortcuts for anyone wanting to reduce the distance, while not missing out on any colourful bouncing!

There are more detail on dates and timing at www. inflatablecolourrun.com, as well as on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/InflatableColourRun/.

Ticket prices are €25.95 for adults and €12.95 for children, and there are family deals and group discounts available. All tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ie.

O’Brien calls for empty physio posts to be filled THE shortfall in physiotherapy staffing across Fingal must be addressed to tackle waiting lists, it’s been claimed.

Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) warns that unless staff vacancies are filled, those in urgent need of treatment will suffer. The HSE has confirmed that there are two vacancies in the Dublin

North physio team and efforts to recruit have proven unsuccessful.

He said: “The importance of communitybased physiotherapy services cannot be overestimated, particularly for those in rehabilitation following an accident or trauma.

“This cannot be allowed to continue.”

All welcome to join the D15 Toastmasters’ group WOULD you like to improve your communication skills, lose your fears of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path you’ve chosen in life?

Interested adults are invited to Dublin 15 Toastmasters public speaking club’s next meeting on Wednesday, June 6, at 8pm in St Mochta’s Parish Centre, Porterstown.

Jokes, topics, speeches by new and experienced members are just some of the items on the agenda.

Visitors are afforded a warm welcome and are not expected to speak unless they wish to. Admission is free. For further information, contact Tony at 086 822 1274, or just come along on the night.

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

MALAHIDE: LOCAL AUTHOR’S NEW BOOK ON LOST ERA

A 12-year mission to restore 1901 to life SYLVIA POWNALL

Another enterprise victory is delivered to WeBringg team FINGAL company WeBringg has been announced as the Dublin Regional Award Winners at the 2018 National Enterprise Awards. Backed by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal, Alan Hickey and Sean Murray set up the Castleknock company in 2016 to deliver online sales orders – turning the traditional 2-3 day wait time into 90 minutes.

LEO Fingal’s head of enterprise, Oisin Geoghegan, said: “WeBringg are very deserving winners of this award, because of the impact that they have already made on their sector.

This award recognises that their business has international appeal and LEO Fingal is proud to have supported them along their journey to success.”

Pictured are Oisin Geoghegan, LEO Fingal with Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business Pat Breen (second-right) and WeBringg co-founders Alan Hickey and Sean Murray. Also in attendance from Fingal were Integrated Facility Solutions Ltd and Simtech Aviation, both former overall winners of the National Enterprise Awards.

A RETIRED marine radio officer who spent the past 12 years researching Malahide at the turn of the last century will launch a book on the subject this week.

Gerry Kingston’s Malahide Snapshot 1901 is crammed with detailed information about the village and provides a fascinating insight into how our ancestors lived.

He told Dublin Gazette: “I’ve been living in Malahide since 1971 but I knew nothing about it. There were plenty of history books but none about the ordinary people.

“I started taking a closer look at the Census so I could see what sort

Author Gerry Kingston and his great new book, right

of houses and conditions people lived in. A lot of them lived in dreadful houses – thatched roofs, leaking walls, very few windows.

“There was a lot of overcrowding – five people to a room. This was in sharp contrast to the wealthier people who had

eight rooms per person.”

Malahide Castle, still a home to the Talbot family at the time, played a pivotal role along with the railway and the Grand Hotel.

Gerry (79) said: “The population of the village, as opposed to the parish, was around 650 people. It

was defined as nine streets and those nine streets are still there now.”

The book will be launched by Mayor Mary McCamley this Thursday, May 30, and is available from Manor Books in Malahide or local libraries, and Gerry hopes it will provide a template for others to conduct similar studies.

Gerry, who previously wrote about his travels to the Pacific Islands and Arctic Circle in My Hurricanes, Headhunters, Icebergs and More, said: “I’m sure people will be telling me about their relatives who lived in Malahide, and I’m looking forward to it.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

COMMUNITY: MINISTER ROSS REVEALS ADDITIONAL FUNDING MADE AVAILABLE

Cautious optimism as a North Fingal pool plan crawls along SYLVIA POWNALL

A L O N G - AWA I T E D swimming pool for north Fingal could soon become a reality if an application is submitted and approved under a new €100 million capital fund.

Sports Minister Shane Ross told the Seanad last week that the additional funding had been made available under the National Development Plan.

He said officials in his Department were finalising terms and conditions under which the grants can be distributed, which he expects “to be ready in the coming months”.

Minister Ross was responding to a question from Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee (FF) who raised the “urgent” need for a public swimming pool serving north Fingal.

She said: “North Fingal includes Balbriggan, Balrothery, Skerries, The Naul, Lusk, Rush, Garristown, Oldtown, Donabate and Portrane.

The area has a rapidly expanding population and substantial future growth is planned.

“There’s no swimming pool in North Fingal. Children cannot readily avail of something as basic as swimming lessons with-

Wave Regatta ready to wow off Fingal’s coast A HUGE fleet of boats will be racing off the Fingal coast this bank holiday weekend as the inaugural Wave Regatta organised by Howth Yacht Club gets under way. More than 125 boats – including 50 visiting boats from as far away as Hong Kong – will compete, with almost 800 crew expected.

The spectacle is expected to showcase Howth afloat and ashore with a packed programme around the highlight event – Lambay Race, on Saturday morning. The activity continues on Sunday with a fleet of high-speed powerboats racing close to the coast.

Howth Yacht Club commodore Joe McPeake told Dublin Gazette: “Our vision for Wave Regatta is to have an event to showcase the very best that Howth and Fingal has to offer.”

The fleet includes modern racing boats as well as traditional Howth 17-footers. A kite-board race will also be staged from Portrane to The Burrow beach.

For full event details, see www.waveregatta.com.

“

You can’t just pile houses into an area and not provide adequate facilities out having to travel long distances and incur additional costs.

“Children with autism and ADHD particularly benefit from water-based therapies, but unfortunately the distances they have to travel to avail of them would negate any benefit.

“Older people can also derive great health and social benefits from hav-

ing access to a swimming pool in their community.”

Two attempts by Fingal County Council to secure funding under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Plan – which provides up to €3.8million per project – have fallen through.

The first was lodged in 2000 for a pool in Skerries but was withdrawn in 2009 over difficulties

Message in a balloon drifts over to Scotland

with the residential element of the public/private partnership.

The second was lodged in April 2009 for a site in Balrothery, but was withdrawn on advice from the Department in 2016 because it failed to meet strict criteria.

The council is now pursuing that project, in conjunction with Balbriggan Rugby FC, through another grant mechanism which is capped at €500,000.

However, Minister Ross last week revealed that applications under the new Large-Scale Sports In f ra s t r u c t u re Fu n d would be taken as soon

as the terms are finalised.

Cautiously welcoming the news, Senator Clifford-Lee said: “It is absolutely outrageous that a basic sporting facility like a swimming pool has not been provided for such a rapidly expanding area before now.

“You can’t just pile houses into an area and not provide adequate facilities for those communities.”

The recently-formed North Fingal Pool Camp a i g n h a s g a t h e re d almost 2,500 signatures calling for leisure facilities and warns of a “general feeling of anger” among residents.

SYLVIA POWNALL

TWO Balbriggan schoolgirls who sent a message in a balloon were bowled over when they The hand-written note left inside a ba lloon got a reply ... all the way from Glasgow. by two Balbriggan pals (aged 10) wh ich drifted all the way Best pals Emma and Aine wrote a note on over to Glasgow a napkin at a joint Communion/Confirmation party on Saturday, May 19, and sent it up in a balloon. bored at the function in the The 10-year-olds sought a distraction after they got Bracken Court Hotel, so they wrote the note seeking new friends.

The note reads: “Hi. Our names are Aine and Emma, we are 10 years old and live in Balbriggan, County Dublin. We sent this balloon from the Bracken Court Hotel in hope that it makes lots of friends.

If you find this napkin sign your name, the country you are from and the date and let it go for someone else to find. Yours sincerely, Emma and Aine.”

Just two days later a man got in touch on Facebook to say his own little girls – one of whom is also called Emma – had found the note.

The update was posted on the Balbriggan Connected page, advising: “Sisters Emma, 10, and Poppy, 4 spotted a balloon caught in a phone line in Mount Vernon, Glasgow today.

“They could see something inside it, so they made Daddy get it down & this note was inside.

Nuts or What!”

RUSH

‘Stop the anti-social activities’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

One woman who signed the online petition said: “It’s beside where I live and I am sick of the anti-social behaviour that goes on til all hours of the morning … Including drug use and sales and people having sex in full view of children.

“It’s also a safety hazard where kids are playing and debris is being thrown and falling from the roof and walls.”

Another concerned mum gave her reasons for signing as: “This site is causing great concern for ... those with young children who are exposed to drug, drink and sexual behaviour, not to mention the verbal abuse from those using the derelict house who shout and jeer at children and passersby.

“It is high time that authorities take action before a serious incident occurs.”

According to unconfirmed reports on Facebook, some of the youths ca u s i n g t ro u b l e a re believed to be as young as 12, though the late-night revellers are older.

There have also been claims of open drug dealing and violent altercations.

One neighbour who asked not to be named said: “The music is always blaring and they’ve smashed up the place. There’s always broken glass and bottles all over the road after the weekend.”

A spokesperson for FCC said: “Fingal County Council made an application to the Office of Public Works for a Deed of Waiver in relation to these properties at Palmer Road, Rush, in order to acquire them, as the company that owned the properties had been dissolved.

“On foot of this application, FCC was notified this company has been reestablished and a Deed of Waiver can not be granted.

“FCC is attempting to engage with the owners of these properties in order to bring them back into use.”

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

COMMUNITY: SEVERAL SAFETY CHANGES AFOOT

Manorfields – just one of several Dublin 15 estates now designated as 30km/h zones by the council. Pic: Google Maps

Housing estates set as 30km/h zones SYLVIA POWNALL

A NUMBER of housing estates in Dublin 15 are now 30km/h zones after the local authority reviewed the speed limits in the area.

Roads through Allendale, Ravenswood, Manorfields, Mount Simon, Portersgate, Windermere and Aldemere will now have signs erected advising motorists of the change.

Welcoming the move, Cllr Tania Doyle (Ind) stated: “As a member of the Transportation Strategic Policy Committee I have vociferously lobbied for limit reductions.

“Traffic within the Dublin 15 area has grown and

I have [been] calling for greater provision being made for pedestrian safety within current and future development.”

At an area meeting of Fingal County Council last week, Cllr Doyle asked that a traffic management plan be undertaken on the R121 and side roads in the vicinity of St Mochta’s NS. She warned that student numbers were set to rise and this would exacerbate an already dangerous situation during drop-off and collection times.

Cllr Doyle asked that “special consideration is given for those of the community with additional needs”.

The council agreed

to carry out a survey of the Clonsilla Road at the school to “determine what traffic measures, if any, are needed in the area”.

The local authority also agreed to install a yellow box junction in the northbound lane outside the exit of Scoil Choilm and Luttrellstown Community College onto the Porterstown Road.

The request came from Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) who argued that since there is already a yellow box junction in the southbound lane, one on the other side of the road would facilitate the oneway system and reduce risk.

The council report stat-

ed: “The installation of this yellow box will be included as part of the next lining contract, subject to An Garda Siochana approval.”

Speed ramps will also be considered on the Roselawn Road between the health centre and the Clonsilla Road, at the request of Cllr Matt Waine (SP).

The council stated: “Roselawn Road currently has a number of ramps located on it. The area between the Health Centre and the Clonsilla Road has been assessed.

“Following this, additional ramps will be listed for consideration as part of the 2019 Programme of Works within Fingal County Council.”

Action under way to stop Huntstown bike thieves SYLVIA POWNALL

AN GARDA Siochana is joining forces with the local community in Huntstown in a bid to clamp down on bicycle thefts over the summer months.

Officers will engrave bikes with the owners’ postcode free of charge at Huntstown Community Centre next Tuesday, June 5, from 2.30pm.

A spokesperson for Huntstown CC said: “Bikes have always been an

easy target and even when recovered by the gardai, it has proven difficult to identify the legitimate owner.

“Most recovered stolen items end up in a garda auction. [This engraving move is] to help reduce bicycle theft, by deterring thieves, and to provide a system for returning recovered bikes to their legitimate owners.”

Gardai estimate around 35% of stolen bicycles are recovered, but only 5-10% of these are reunited with their owners. Peak months for

bike thefts are July, August, September and October.

Meanwhile, the council and community garda office in Blanchardstown are appealing for support in clamping down on illegal scrambler bikes causing damage to parks and football pitches.

Anyone with information on where the bikes are stored is asked to call in confidence the Community Garda Office at 01 666 7020, or Fingal County Council at 1800 333 444.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Tom and Olivia LeBlanc

The crowd enjoys Pretty Woman at Movies on the Lawn at Malahide Castle. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Jenny Brereton, Casey Harris and Debra Skelly

A pretty place for a Pretty Woman C

Jan and Dave

ROWDS gathered at Malahide Castle last week for an outdoor screening of the iconic Julia Roberts flick, Pretty Woman. The screening took place on the West lawn of the idyllic castle, with hundreds gathered with blankets, sweets and other treats for the viewing. Pretty Woman is just one of the movies that was screened at Malahide Castle, with the kids

revelling in a screening of Toy Story earlier on in the day. The company behind the screenings, Retro Movies, have returned to Malahide by popular demand, screening both 90’s delights for locals. They also run the ‘Retro Drive In’ movie viewings as well across the city. Both screenings were sold out, and a number of food vendors were also onsight for a great day out.

Eimear McMahon, Katie Cunningham, Amber O’Neill and Louise O’Shea

Gillian Byrne, Maria Lynch, Susan Lambert and Orla Carolan

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

BALBRIGGAN: PLENTY OF FURRY IRATE CUSTOMERS AT SUDDEN MOVE

Howls of disapproval as Paws cafe closed SYLVIA POWNALL

MORE than 25,000 supporters of Paws cafe in Balbriggan have signed a petition claiming its sudden closure is a case of RUFF justice.

The decision to shut the caninefriendly space at Ardgillan Castle has left pet lovers barking mad – and they want the themed eatery reopened for the summer.

The board of Ardgillan Castle made the decision earlier this month amid rumours that the cafe was operating at a loss.

The facility at the castle’s gar-

deners’ house was first opened in July 2016 and was an instant hit with dog walkers and their pooches.

Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG) said he was disappointed with news that staff had now been moved to the main tea rooms at Ardgillan and pledged to raise it with the council.

He said: “I’m told it [the café] was losing money. The catering facilities are to be put out to public tender to upgrade them and bring in more footfall.

“Why can’t they wait a few more months to see how it goes?

I’m going to put a motion down asking council officials to look at the operation.”

The monthly Balbriggan area meeting of the council is on June 14 and in the meantime an online petition demanding that the cafe reopen has almost reached its 30,000-signature target.

One unhappy customer said: “With the summer approaching this decision is crazy.”

The petition states that the cafe was closed “due to circumstances beyond our control” and urges supporters to sign the petition and “contact Fingal County

Council to show your disappointment in their decision”.

It adds: “We need a place where we can bring our doggies and relax and socialise with our twolegged friends.

“In the meantime, we are all still here and we would be delighted to welcome you and your lovely dogs to the castle Tea Rooms, which are dog-friendly.”

A statement from the Board of Ardgillan Castle said: “The decision [to close the cafe] was not taken lightly and we apologise to our loyal customers for the inconvenience this will cause.”

FASTNews

People trying to help tackle erosion along the coast

FCC readying report on Portrane coastal erosion A REPORT into coastal erosion which is putting homes and businesses in Portrane at risk will be completed within weeks, according to the council.

In response to a query from deputy Mayor Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF), officials revealed that the report commissioned on erosion at The Burrow is nearing completion. One family have already been ordered to leave their home in the wake of recent storm damage and others have warned they face a similar fate if preventative action is not taken.

Cllr Henchy asked for a “humanitarian” approach and stressed the urgency of developing a national strategy “to finally address once and for all the issue of coastal erosion”.

The council said once the report is finalised it will arrange a meeting with the Office of Public Works and the National Parks & Wildlife Service to discuss its implications.

An audit report currently with Minister Moran’s department for consideration recommends the introduction of guidelines on coastal defence protocol as well as procedures for dealing with private property at risk from erosion.

‘Do more to help avert housing crisis in Fingal’

High-tech firm sees high-profile guest call for visit A VERY high-profile guest was welcomed to SK biotek Ireland in Swords recently – Lee Nak-yon, the Prime Minister of South Korea. The prestigious guest was delighted to call to the premises as part of his diplomatic trade tour to Ireland, with SK Biotek Ireland the first South Korean contract manufacturing pharmaceutical company to invest in Ireland. Almost 400 scientists, chemists and engineers produce active pharmaceutical ingredients for multiple customers at the plant. The Swords campus is the European base for SK biotek’s global marketing team, with the campus’s ambition is to be a top-five contract manufacturing and development organization for active pharmaceutical ingredients by 2022.

SINN Fein Cllr Malachy Quinn has called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to avert a growing crisis in the rental housing sector in Fingal.

The Balbriggan public rep warns that RAS tenants are facing notices to quit from landlords and then find they have nowhere to go.

He said: “There was an

agreement with Fingal [council] that RAS tenants would be housed in other accommodation should they end up on the street, and this is becoming increasingly difficult for the local authority.

“We have large numbers of families and individuals sitting through these notices to quit with nowhere to go.”

Rivermeade set to get 273 new housing units

A LOCAL Area Plan for Rivermeade will provide for 273 new housing units.

The draft LAP for the 42-hectare area at St Margaret’s was presented to councillors at a full meeting of the local authority and passed by a majority vote.

Most of the new development will take place north of the Ward River and planners also envisage a commercial centre and civic space opposite the national school.

A recreational hub forms part of the blueprint along with recommendations to upgrade existing leisure facilities including the games area and playground. The LAP, which received 39 submissions, will pave the way for the population to more than double.

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

REFERENDUM

THE TURNOUT, THE VOTE, THE IMPACT

Reactions to ‘Yes’

Many of Fingal’s Repeal supporters made their way to Dublin Castle, ready to mark the official Yes verdict from the referendum being returned

It’s an overwelming ‘Yes’ from the people of Fingal FINGAL’S YES VOTE DETAILED Area

%

Balbriggan Balrothery Skerries Ballyboughal Oldtown Rush Lusk Malahide Kinsealy Donabate Portmarnock Swords

74.5 75 79.2 75.7 70 76.7 78.4 76.7 80.6 78.8 74.5 77.6

SYLVIA POWNALL

WITH 77% of voters in favour of Repeal, Fingal – the fastest-growing and youngest constituency in the country – recorded one of the highest referendum Yes votes in the State.

It was third behind Dublin Bay South (78.5%) and Dun Laoghaire (77.1%), and recorded an aboveaverage turnout of 70%.

The final result showed a valid Fingal poll of 67,363 votes, of which 51,840 were cast in favour of Repeal, while 15,529 (23%) voted to retain the Eighth Amendment.

The Fingal area recorded an 8% increase in population in the last Census and encompasses several fastgrowing suburbs including Swords, Balbriggan, Balgriffin, Rush and Skerries.

Some of the newer housing estates returned Yes vote majorities of more than 80%.

A box from Swords Manor returned a 86.9% vote in favour of Repeal, while one from St Colmcille’s NS returned a Yes vote of 85%.

Two boxes in River Valley, Swords, returned Yes votes in excess of 84%.

Several boxes in Skerries

too returned Yes votes in excess of 80%.

In the newest part of Skerries, there were Yes votes from polling booths based at the Skerries community centre of 82.6%, 84.9% and 83%.

A box in Kinsealy from the polling station AT Scoil an Duinninigh Gaelscoil, returned a Yes vote of 84.3%.

Ciaran Moore, of Fingal Together for Yes, said: “There are a huge number of apartment complexes there which all came out in favour of Yes. “ Yo u n g e r h o u s i n g estates with families

came out to a huge extent.

The only places we are seeing below 75% is in old estates. All the ‘new’ people in Dublin Fingal voted Yes.” An Taoi seach Leo Varadkar’s constituency of Dublin West recorded a 74% majority in favour of Repeal.

The turnout was 67% with 33,595 votes (74.02%) for, and 11,794 votes against (25.98%) repeal of the Eighth.

The highest returns were in the suburb of Hartstown where one box had an 82% vote in favour of Repeal.

‘Hard case’ Vivienne wept tears of joy as the result was confirmed A BALBRIGGAN woman who lost three pregnancies cried tears of joy as Saturday’s landslide result was confirmed and beamed: “I did all this for my baby girl.”

Vivienne Knight-Hughes watched in delight as Fingal recorded the secondhighest Yes vote in the country at the Citywest count centre in Saggart.

Carrying her seven-month-old daughter, Meabh Hughes, on her hip she revealed: “I was that ‘hard case’ discussed in the campaign for a Yes vote.

“And that hard case is a lot more common than people may realise. I am proof of that. My daughter had brothers and sisters

I never got to bring home.”

Vivienne canvassed for Fingal Together 4 Yes and brought her beloved baby girl with her as she called door-to-door.

She said: “Meabh was the baby on the Fingal Together 4 Yes flier – she’s been with me the whole time during this campaign.

“I wanted to stop my baby girl standing in the street with a banner in 30 years, so I got out and canvassed for a ‘Yes’ vote for her, and she’s become part of this.

“I want her to be freer than her mother’s generation were. Now, after today, her generation will be free.”

Meabh Hughes, Paul Hughes and Vivienne Knight-Hughes

DUBLIN An Taoiseach Castle, this casts his vote afternoon. A quiet revolution has taken place, a great act of democracy. Today we made history.

We have voted to look reality in the eye and we did not blink ... No more doctors telling their patients there is nothing that can be done for them in their own country.

No more lonely journeys across the Irish Sea. No more stigma. The veil of secrecy is lifted. No more isolation. The burden of shame is gone.

I said in recent days that this was a once-in-a-generation vote. Today, I believe we have voted for the next generation.

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar LEO Varadkar told the world this was a ‘quiet revolution’.

Maybe it was for you, Leo, but not for the women and young people who were out marching to try to get your party to give us a referendum for more than five years and watching as our repeal Bills were voted down.

No, today was the culmination of years of activism and pushing the establishment. Once we got a referendum, I never doubted we could convince ordinary people.

Deputy Ruth Coppinger (SP) WOW! What a day yesterday was ... what a day! Was at the count centre as the doors opened and stood in awe as the thousands of YES votes tumbled out of the ballot boxes.

Couldn’t be prouder of Fingal ... Couldn’t be prouder of the great campaign run by Together4Yes. Deputy Louise O’Reilly (SF) AS A Social Democrat councillor, it was tremendous to see the powerfully strong Yes vote in our area.

It was a great privilege to have been part of the Fingal Together for Yes campaign, and to have worked with so many dedicated activists fighting for change and for the right of all women in this country to access safe and legal abortion services in Ireland.

My own party, the Social Democrats, played a strong and vibrant role in the campaign, both locally and across the country.

There is no question now that following the resounding YES from the people of Ireland, the Government must ensure the passage of the enabling legislation as an urgent priority.

Cllr Paul Mulville (SD) THIS day was a long time coming. We’ve come a long way out of the shadows and we owe so much to those who were willing to stand up to a torrent of abuse and attempts to silence them.

We can’t change the shameful past of this country. And it is a shameful past. We locked up women who became pregnant outside of marriage in institutions where they were subject to gruelling and punishing conditions.

We forced women, who for a variety of reasons felt they could not continue with their pregnancy, to make the lonely journey to England for an abortion, often without any support.

Today is a very positive day for Ireland. We should be proud of our decision to break free from those who for too long held us back in a climate of shame, fear and repression.

Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (SD)

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Students in St Andrew’s NS with their new Friendship Bench, with Mary McNamara, President Malahide Lions and Bernadette Murray, PRO Malahide Lions

Pat McNamara, Chairperson Malahide Tidy Towns, Mary McNamara, President Malahide Lions, David Conlon, Bursary Award Winner and Bernadette Murray PRO Malahide Lions are pictured at Malahide Community School

Lions help out Malahide schools

M

ALAHIDE Lions help many people every year through its fundraising and community activities, and now they’re helping out schools too. Last year, they launched the Service to the Community Award, worth €1000 each year, €250 going to the winners and €750 going to a nominated charity or organisation.

The award is presented to the Transition Year student in Malahide Community School who demonstrates hard work, commitment and a passion to improve their community life and

to help those less fortunate.

The winner for 2018 is David Conlon who continues to do excellent work with Malahide Tidy Towns.

Malahide Lions, together with Swords Mens’ Sheds, also provided Friendship Benches for five Primary Schools in Malahide.

The idea is that no school child would be left out. The children are encouraged to check that anyone sitting on the bench is invited to join a group, so that everyone is included and can enjoy play time in the school yard.

Bernadette Murray,PRO Malahide Lions, Nick Keys, Swords Mens Shed, Mary McNamara, President Malahide Lions, and Sharon Dunne, Principal St Sylvester’s School, pictured with students in St Sylvesters NS

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Naomh Mearnogs Camogie girls from St Marnock’s enjoying their communion day. Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

Communion Day at St Marnock’s T

HE SUN was shining down on the second class kids of St Marnock’s in Portmarnock as they celebrated their first Holy Communion. Grils donned beautiful dresses while the boys looked smart in suits.

Celebrations were many as the class lined up for pictures in the gorgeous May weather. The Camogie players from Naomh Mearnogs showed off their hurls in style too, a perfect contrast to their communion dresses!

Elizabeth and Declan Crilly with their daughters Chloe, Naomi and Sophie

Dave and Cliodna Gilroy with their children Isla, Oisin and Ailish

Kellie Emmet, Olivia Treitlin Brendan and Cabena Smith with their children Jack, Lorna and Craig

Noah and Brea Phillips

ger, Sara Beed and Lily O’C onn

ell

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

LOVE YOUR DUBLIN: THE BEST OF THE JUNE BANK HOLIDAY FESTIVALS

BLOOM FEATURES AN ECLECTIC MIX OF STUNNING SHOW GARDENS, TANTALISING FOOD FEATURES AND FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Picture Chris Bellew

DUBLIN MADE EASY

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME OF THE CITY’S BEST EVENTS TO BRING YOURSELF (OR OTHER GROWN-UPS)

S

UMMER is a great time for children, and Dublin has plenty of fun things to take the kids to. However, as much as we all love spending time with the kids, there’s plenty going on across town to hire a babysitter for and head off for some quality ‘me time’, too. This week, we take a look at some of the things going on that are perfect for grown-ups (although greenfingered kids will like Bloom).

Come rain (inset) or, hopefully, shine, these different events are well worth going along to.

BLOOM 2018

BULMERS FORBIDDEN FRUIT

GINFUSION 2018

LOCATION: The Phoenix Park HIGHLIGHT: Cookery demonstrations with Ireland’s best loved chefs

LOCATION: The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham HIGHLIGHT: The 100% Irish stage

LOCATION: The Bernard Shaw and The Eatyard HIGHLIGHT: Afternoon G+Tea

DUBLIN city centre’s multi-stage music and arts festival is set to return for its 8th instalment on the June Bank Holiday weekend, June 2-4.

The spectacular grounds of Irish Museum of Modern Art will once again play host to the hotly anticipated three-day festival, which combines music, art, fashion, food and simple good vibes.

Set across six stages offering a wide selection of different styles of music, to suit all tastes, you can expect the usual fruity cocktail of great cutting-edge sound, comedy, art, good food, and festival fun.

Acts include; the War on Drugs, Grizzly Bear, Warpaint, Thundercat, Spoon, Glass Animals, Bonobo, Vincent Stables, Superorganism, Idris Elba and David Kitt.

Tickets on Ticketmaster.

THE Dublin Gin Festival Gin Fusion is back again this year taking over The Bernard Shaw and The Eatyard from May 31 – June 3.

The festival spans across four days and four nights with events, tastings, workshops, pop up markets, classes, cocktail bars, pairings, food, DJs, live music, craic and lots more.

On Saturday, Whitley Neill are hosting a Gin Blending Workshop which will take place in the Eatyard Bunker Kitchen where you can forage for your own botanicals on the roof top and blend your own gin.

Then on Sunday, the hugely popular Afternoon G+Tea will be back as Bloom Gin partner again with The Cupcake Bloke for a decadent gin-based afternoon tea.

See www.thebernardshaw.com/ginfusion/

HAIRY Gardeners, Moving Statues and Climate Change, it’s just another June Bank Holiday weekend at Bord Bia’s Bloom! The festival returns from May 31to June 4.

The five-day event which showcases the best of Ireland’s horticulture and food industry will feature 20 spectacular show gardens and endless garden and floral features.

Bloom offers a great day out for all the family featuring arts, crafts, music, food and drink as well as talks, debates, workshops and live cookery demonstrations with some of Ireland’s best loved chefs.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster and can also be purchased on the gate. Ticket prices vary from €16 - €25 and children under 16 go free. For more information visit www.bloominthepark.com

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

HOME & STYLE

DUBLIN

LATEST START WARS FILM ISN’T QUITE EASTERN DELIGHTS WILL A SOLO HIT P20 CHARM ANY VISITOR P24

Husband-and-wife team House of Hackney team up with chic high street store & Other Stories to launch a unique colab collection.



WHAT’S YOUR FASHION SIGN?

MAGAZINE PAGE 26

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

THE GIFT OF GAZ | SHOCKIN’ STATEMENTS

The world’s in a terrible state of chassis when even Davy makes sense

“YOU’D have to feel sorry for the poor ius’, not ‘Caritas’, ye bleedin’ span- never know. He could save the winGerman lad,” I says to Davy when I ner.” ning peno in the shootout in next met him on Sunday afternoon.

“Well, whatever his name is, I season’s final and be the hero. And We’d normally meet up on a Sat- still feel sorry for the lad. I’ve made sure, doesn’t everybody love an auld urday evening but we knew the pub plenty of mistakes in me time but for- redemption story?” would be bedlam with everything tunately not many people have seen I’m not used to Davy making this going on. them.” much sense with consecutive sen“Ah, yeah,” he says to me. “The He’s not wrong there. I’ve seen tences. poor young fella must be devastated Davy get up to all sorts but he had a “I suppose you’re right,” I says to after that but Jaysus, ye wouldn’t see point – imagine making two massive him. “Still though, yesterday was an it in the Phoenix Park of a Sunday mistakes like that with the whole interesting day all round, wasn’t it?” morning Gaz, would ye?” world watching?

“Ah it was,” he says. “The country’s Davy used to be a goalkeeper “I suppose yer man Klopp will get all changed now from when we were when we played ball when we were rid of him now,” I says. young fellas.” young fellas and he still thinks he’s “Probably,” says Davy. “But you “It has indeed,” I nodded. “And an authority on the subject. that may be no bad thing, Problem is, I remember Davy used to be a goalkeeper really.” him doing almost exactly “Ah yeah,” he says. that. On a Sunday morning. when we played ball when we “So did you vote ‘Yes’ in In the bleedin’ Phoenix Park were young fellas and he still the end then?” I ask him. and all, it was.

“I did, yeah,” he says. “I’m thinks he’s an authority on the I reminded him of this not sure I agree with it all, and he laughs and says: “Oh subject but after what the daughyeah. But there was only ter told me and everything, about seven people watchI figured I had to vote Yes. ing me. There was millions “I may be a bit uneasy watching young Caritas.” with it all but sure I’m never “Karius,” I says, correctgonna have to go through ing him. with it and I suppose they “I couldn’t carry you Gaz, all have their reasons for the bleedin’ size of ye,” he doing it.” says to me.

Three sensible state“Karius!” I roar at him. ments in a row. A new Davy “The keeper’s name is ‘Karrecord!

“

Showing they care for CARI TERRY McCoy and Miriam Ahern were delighted to help support CARI with an annual summer lunch at The Shelbourne Hotel. CARI provides a professional child therapy and counselling service to children and families who have been affected by child sexual abuse. Many well-known faces came along to tuck in, and dish out some support for CARI’s work. See Gallery on Pages 22-23

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

LEGAL EAGLE

BY WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS

It really is best to tackle your bank debt early OVER the past number of years, and particularly since the recession, bank debt has become increasingly common.

If there are significant arrears in respect of this debt, the bank will normally endeavour to recover it which may result in legal proceedings brought by the bank.

It is advisable to deal with this at an early stage and to seek the advice of a professional.

Bank debt can arise out of a number of different scenarios. The most common bank debt is mortgage debt.

It is recommended that the bank or financ ial institution are approached with a view to renegotiating the debt.

This would normally entail changing the repayment structure based on what you can afford to pay.

A write-down of the debt may be considered by selling some assets with a view to paying off the debt at a reduced figure.

You will normally be required to provide the bank with a statement of means which sets out all your assets, income, liabilities, and expenses and will show your net worth.

This assists the parties in ascertaining what a viable payment structure would be.

It is important that you keep up-to-date finan-

cial records including copies of all receipts and invoices and engage an accountant to prepare financial accounts if this is necessary.

If you do not do this, you are potentially in a considerably weaker position and it is important to keep all financial records as you may need to produce these in court at a later stage.

If you can show that efforts are being made to pay the debt, it is advisable to approach an accountant, financial advisor, or a personal insolvency practitioner to advise you in this regard with a view to putting a proposal to the bank.

Restructuring They will advise you as to what the best means are to restructuring the debt, based on what you can afford to pay.

In the event that the debt becomes significant, the bank or financial institution are likely to bring court proceedings against you to recover the debt.

There are a number of courts – the District Court, Circuit Court and High Court.

As to which court the proceedings are brought to, this will depend on the amount of the debt. The bank normally brings two types of proceedings: 1) Debt claim, or 2) Possession

The former is where banks seek to recover the amount due to them and the latter is where they are seeking an Order for Possession of the mortgaged property, with a view to selling the property.

There is a possibility to renegotiate with the bank after court proceedings have been issued, and it is advisable to do so and endeavour to reach an amicable solution.

A judge will not normally give an order unless they believe there is no other option and a complete lack of engagement of cooperation from the borrower.

Judges often stay orders for a number of months in order that you have time to put your affairs in order and sell the property without the necessity of the bank doing so.

There is always a solution to bank debt, and it is best to tackle it early on rather than leaving it to the last moment.

It is recommended that you should get professional advice from a solicitor, accountant, or personal insolvency practitioner to advise you, and to assist in making an approach to the bank regarding restructuring the debt.

In the event that there are court proceedings, you should immediately consult with a solicitor.

WALSH & PARTNERS SOLICITORS specialise in litigation, personal injuries, probate, conveyancing, employment law and family law. Their offices are located at Unit 7E, Nutgrove Office Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. For further information, please call 01 291 0300, email info@walshandpartners.ie, or else visit the site at www.walshandpartners.ie.

DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in this article, Walsh & Partners Solicitors do not accept responsibility for errors or omissions howsoever arising, and you should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

Caroline Huller-Wallace, Alone BNI coordinator (centre) with Lolanda Pearse and Katlin McNamara. Pictures: Arthur Carron

ALONE CONFERENCE BRINGS LIKE-MINDED GROUPS TOGETHER

Volunteers gather to help befriending RACHEL D’ARCY

MORE than 20 organisations from across Ireland attended the Befriending Network Ireland (BNI) conference in Dublin last week, organised by the charity, ALONE. Organisations including Dublin’s Depaul, LGBT Ireland, Elder Homecare and more attended the conference, which was held in the Ashling hotel.

Established by several ‘befriending’ organisations across Ireland in 2015, Befriending Network Ireland (BNI) has grown to a national network of more than 60 organisations.

The seminar comes at the end of a week of celebrating the central role such BNI organisations have in communities across the country.

The seminar was opened by the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community

Caroline Huller-Wallace with Saoirse Sheridan and Lucie Cunningham

Development, Sean Kyne.

It also included an address from Professor Brian Lawlor, consultant psychiatrist at St James’ Hospital.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Kyne said: “I am delighted to be here to open the BNI seminar and to celebrate the role befriending can play in creating friendships and combating loneliness across the country.

“Our ageing demographic and changing society means that initiatives like BNI are more

vital than ever. These befriending organisations, and their volunteers, play a huge role in building stronger communities across Ireland.”

The importance of technology in supporting older people was emphasised as ALONE launched its new befriending app, BFriend, at BNI. The new mobile app will allow volunteers and staff to record their visits to people in the community, feedback any concerns or good news about the older person,

allow them to stay up to date with events such as volunteer socials, and to communicate with other volunteers.

Developed by ALONE in partnership with Netwell CASALA, it is a key element of ALONE’s wider BConnect service for training and technology.

Sean Moynihan, ALONE’s chief executive, said: “Every volunteer will have access to BFriend when they are out on their visits. This will help us to keep our volunteers safe.

“It will also help us to better support older people as we receive important updates from our volunteers in real-time.”

Following a six-month trial period last year, BFriend is now available for befriending organisations as a web application, on Android and iOS platforms.

The aim is to have 15,000 volunteers using the app by 2022.

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

PEOPLE MALAYSIAN MASTER MUSICIANS TO FUSE SOUNDS OF EAST AND WEST TOGETHER AT DRAIOCHT

Lose yourself in the unique melodies of veena strings MARK O’BRIEN

FOR the first time in Ireland, Sri Ragam Fine Arts Music Academy from Malaysia is performing Magical Strings of Veena.

The veena is a traditional classical Indian instrument used to accompany Carnatic music, with this striking musical show set to feature 17 musicians ranging in ages from 11- to 50-year-old students.

The show will include Carnatic fusion, Indian cinema music, Malaysian and other famous hits bringing the music of the East and West together.

The selection of music ranges from the famous Carnatic track, Raghuvamsa Sudha, as well as Six-ties, Seventies and Eighties Indian movie songs, through to legendary hits of Malaysian band Alleycats, famous Michael Jackson songs and many more.

The Indian veena has always been considered as an instrument of the Gods; hence the name, Divine Instrument, has been attributed to it.

The traditional veena has been modified and refined over the centuries, having been used since

ancient times. From the earliest times, the veena has been a guiding star for the development of Indian music.

The instrument has

been developed to keep up with current trends, which has made it possible to be used for cinema songs as well as many other song compositions.

Unfortunately, the veena’s usage is decreasing day by day, with the aim of the show also to motivate veena students and nurture their interest.

The other aim of the show is to help create awareness of this wonderful, nearly forgotten musical instrument, and to delight music lovers and a young generation from modern, multicultural Ireland about the veena’s ancient heritage, helping to support the classical instrument in the future by encouraging people to learn how to play it.

Sri Ragam Fine Arts Music Academy’s vision is to create as many veena artists around the world with certificates, diplomas and degrees, in order to master the art of perform-

ing with the veena.

The school has been conducting veena lessons to students far outside Malaysia through online music lessons, and is working towards achieving its vision with ongoing online lessons from students from Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada.

Magical Strings of Veena takes place on Saturday, June 2 at 7.30pm in Draiocht theatre, Blanchardstown.

Tickets are available via the box office (01 885 2622) or online at https:// draiocht.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173587236.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

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

SOME OF THE LATEST DUBLIN EVENTS

DIARY

Wooderful work, lads

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

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STUART Martin, Niall Carroll, JP Foy and Thomas Whelan were happy to put their handiwork skills to the test when 140 Aer Lingus staff flew over to the grounds of Holy Family School for the Deaf, Cabra. The lads and all the other helpers were delighted to help create a great sensory garden at the school. Picture: Chris Bellew

Showcasing social entrepreneurship HOPEFUL social entrepreneurs were joined by Irish writer and activist Sinead Burke to officially launch the 2018 Enactus Ireland National Competition.

Enactus is a global social entrepreneurship movement which partners students, academics and business leaders to develop socially responsible business models with the potential to benefit people in

need.

The students will present their proposed business models to a panel of judges at the Enactus Ireland National Competition which will take place in The Chartered Accountants House today This year’s winning team will go on to represent Ireland at the Enactus World Cup, in Silicon Valley in October 2018.

Sinead Burke with L-students Dylan Grimes Larkin and Kate Dowling

A captivating show Seeking “The Next Niall Horan” Up and coming production company, Loft Productions Ireland in conjunction with Princess Frannie Productions, is bringing, Arnica Was My Eyecream by Fran Winston to The International Bar this June. This fast-paced performance will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, as you follow the relationship of Nancy and Marcus.

Running from June 5 to 9, the production is a captivating one-woman show, tapping into the psyche of modern audiences. Tickets from Eventbrite, € 10.50 – €12.50.

A noteworthy event

THE Irish International A Cappella Festival returns for the second year taking place across various venues in Dublin city between the 22-24 June 2018.

Modest! Management, the team behind One Direction, Niall Horan, Little Mix and 5 Seconds Of Summer are coming to Dublin to hold an open casting call for male singer / songwriters aged between 15 and 19 to join a brand new international group.

The auditions will be held on June 8 and 9 at Dublin’s legendary live music

The biggest singing event of the summer, IIACF showcases the best a cappella that Ireland has to offer.

Festival hosts Ardu will launch the festival at the Sugar Club, Dublin with a brand new

venue The Button Factory, Temple Bar. Those interested in auditioning must have strong vocal ability and be able to play guitar or keyboard.

The open auditions will run from 9am to 3pm each day, please arrive early to avoid missing out.

For all enquiries please contact talent@modestmanagement.com

show, launching their first full album in two years on the same night.

Full programme details are available from https://www.irishacappella. com/#programme-section

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

FESTIVAL

The Court Yard getting ready to Rock in style MUSIC fans will be spoilt for choice at an upcoming music festival right on the city’s doorstep, which is going from strength to strength – as this year’s highcalibre line-up again showcases.

Bringing together an eclectic line-up of artists and bands, both home-grown and from farther afield, Rock The Yard at the Leixlip Festival will see The Court Yard Hotel rock out to music to suit all interests across the June bank holiday weekend.

From Friday, June 1, four evenings and nights of great gigs in the heart of Main Street, Leixlip, will see some newcomers join local favourites, as well as several artists who’ve made quite a name for themselves in international festivals.

Below, you can read about just two of the acts, but for the full details of lineups, times and prices, see https://www.courtyard.ie/.

Secret Garden: Naas native Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian writer Rolf Lovland

Raising a Celtic bar Secret Garden’s songwriting legacy

Four-piece band should be a Giant hit SUNDAY, June 3, sees Brave Giant take to the stage. The new single, Dakota, follows last October’s Way To Love.

The Time I Met the Devil single from 2017 has enjoyed almost 100,000 views alone (featuring Irish actor and comedian, Joe Rooney) adding to the band’s impressive overall tally of 1,000,000 online video views. It’s the song that also resulted in a Late Late

Show invite last spring for the boys!

The Longford-based four-piece have an impressive pedigree, having sold out a number of regional headline Irish shows, and a headline show in Rockwood Music Hall, in New York, amongst others. Their love of Irish music is evident in their sound, described as a skilfully achieved blend of Rock, Folk and Alternative influences.

Waves of approval for the Riptide lads ALSO playing on Sunday, The Riptide Movement need little introduction to music fans, with the hard-working band playing The Court Yard and looking ahead to their coast-to-coast tour of Ireland.

The popular four-piece will sweep old and few fans along on some brilliant currents, while also helping to tackle some environmental issues with

the planned summer release of their next single, Plastic Oceans.

With the single recently recorded in London with producer Chris Coady (Future Islands/Slowdive), and having signed a global publishing deal with IMAGEM/CONCORD Music in 2017, The Riptide Movement have certainly started making ripples in the right circles, and should be a big hit on the night.

PERHAPS Ireland’s most famous Eurovision took place in 1994.

As well as an Irish win through Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Kids, a far more lasting legacy came through the first-ever performance of Riverdance at The Point.

At the same event, Secret Garden – Naas native Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian writer and contestant Rolf Lovland – first met.

Following the Irish victory, the contest returned to Dublin in 1995. That particular Eurovision has long been thought a deliberate loss by the ‘home team’, due to the potential cost of hosting yet another finale.

Secret Garden’s Noct u r n e, n o n e t h e l e s s, brought a little Irish glory through winning violinist Sherry.

Some 23 years after forming, and following Sherry’s recovery from two horrendous broken arms back in 2015, the pair are still steaming on.

They’ve just released the first ever version of hit, You Raise Me Up, to feature the vocals of Johnny Logan, who

 JAMES HENDICOTT

had made the original recordings back in the 90s, only to be controversially bumped in favour of Brian Kennedy on the final version.

“It’s like a full circle being back,” Sherry says ahead of the pair’s recent The Late Late Show perfor-mance.

“I’ve actually played in a lot of Eurovisions with the orchestra, as we were having that nice run of wins at the time.

“I don’t think there’s been another song like ours since. We juxtaposed instrumentals with words.

“The vocal part was the introduction to Nocturne, and the outro.

“It was planned for the album, really.

“It was halfway produced, and then it was suggested Norway go with something very different for Eurovision. It was almost an accident.”

In the 90s, Eurovision was more suited to the Secret Garden style.

“There was an orchestra back then. Now, it’s more on the lighting and staging than the music.

Maybe we won because it was the right time for it. There was this ‘Celtic wave’, which helped.”

The result, ultimately, was a career that’s taken the pair around the world.

The new release is a best-of, in essence. “It’s a teaser while we wait for the new album, which is in production,” Sherry explains.

“There are three main things with it, really. One is to release the Johnny Logan [title] track that has never been released.

It’s a big thing to get out.

“There have been all kinds of problems behind it, but I think we have some reconciliation now.

“We’ve sort of landed that conflict, a few years ago, actually. It feels very good.

“Then we have another vocal song that we h ave n’t re a l l y d o n e before, and that’s a new thing for an album, plus lots of bits and pieces, piano solos, stuff like that.”

Lovland adds: “Really, the melody is the story.

You are the ones to add

some pictures of words to it.

“I think that’s true for all instrumental music.

We lead the listener into their own stories, and hope it opens up some pictures and some imagination in them.

“It could be uplifting, or suit you when you’re in a dark mood, or whatever.”

As for those two broken arms? “It was a very big drama at the time,” Sherry recalls. “I’m back play-ing, and nobody would hear the difference.

“I say sometimes it’s like asking a professional golfer to hit the same distance with a shorter club.

“They were very bad breaks. I feel the difference, but you wouldn’t be able to sense the damage that I’ve done to myself.”

Broken bones, living in different countries, and even Johnny Logan’s objections simply couldn’t hold this pair back.

Secret Garden’s new song collection, You Raise Me Up (which includes the first release of the title track to feature Johnny Logan’s vocals) is out now.

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

COMPETITION

ENTERTAINMENT

Taylor’s reputation preceeds her as she heads for Croker AFTER starting her Reputation World Tour earlier this month in Phoenix, Arizona, Taylor Swift will be making her way to Dublin to take over Croker for two nights this June.

She’s set to perform hits from her back catalogue, like ‘Bad Blood’ and ‘Shake It Off’, as well as tracks from her brand-new album ‘Reputation’, like the smash ‘Look What You Made

Taylor’s newest album, Reputation

Me Do’ which went straight to number one on the Irish charts.

The Reputation tour sees Taylor play stadiums across the world, in some countries for the first time including Ireland. A second date had to be added due to demand, showing that we’re still as Swift-obsessed of a country as ever.

Taylor released her newest album Reputation - the sixth in her impressive back catalogue - last November to rave reviews.

It marked a distinct change in direction for the songstress. Her first handful of albums saw her maintain her country-esque roots with twangy guitars a key feature in some of her most legendary tracks, like her breakthrough ‘Love Story’.

While her album ‘1989’ saw her propell onto pop charts across the globe, Reputation solidified her ven-

ture into genres previously unexplored for Taylor.

Reputation features a more R’N’B edge, with rap verses a key feature on some of the album’s heaviest hitters something previously unheard of for the former Disney princess.

Joining her on the night is British ‘Boom Clap’ songstress Charli XCX, and ‘Havana’ hitmaker and former Fifth Harmony starlet Camila Cabello, who will get the party started at Croke Park.

To celebrate Taylor’s return to Ireland next month, the lovely folks at Universal Music Ireland have given us a Taylor Swift prize pack including official Reputation merchandise, a ‘Reputation’ album magazine signed

by Taylor, a copy of the new album, and to top it all off - two standing tickets for her June 15th gig at Croke Park, all for one lucky winner!

To win tickets for Taylor’s June 15 gig at Croke Park, answer the following question: What song from Taylor Swift’s new album, Reputation, went to number-one on the Irish Charts?

Love Story Shake It Off Look What You Made Me Do

To enter, email your answer along with your name, location and contact details to competition@dublingazette.com or visit the Dublin Gazette Facebook page.

Competition terms and conditions apply, visit dublingazette.com/competitions.

XX Month 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

TOP TWEETS

PREQUEL TALE MISFIRES

CINEMA | SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY ISN’T QUITE AS STELLAR AS PERHAPS IT SHOULD BE ...

Yesterday in the park I saw a toddler screaming “BAD DOG” at a goose & I can’t stop thinking about it.

Not the Solo hit that was hoped for THIS actually touched down at cinemas last week, but when you’ve a film as big as Solo: A Star Wars Story (Cert 12A, 135 mins), you need a little bit more room to park a decent-sized review. Et voila.

It is, of course, the latest – and slightly baffling – addition and edition in the long-running Star Wars saga, as the financiallyfriendly franchise continues to get mercilessly milked for every last drop of filthy lucre and lore.

So, another prequel, this time picking up on the eponymous, beloved, titular space rogue, because hey, who doesn’t want to see exactly how Solo got that legendary name and reputation, nabbed the Millennium Falcon, made The Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, and so on?

Well, park it there, Chewie, for an exploratory aside before returning to the film proper.

There’s no doubt that prequels can work as a very effective tool for fleshing out a cinematic universe, filling in key details and conclusively developing a story in perhaps unex-

 SHANE DILLON

pected ways.

For example, I loved the dour, desperate Rogue One a few years ago, which pretty effectively fleshed out exactly how The Rebels got their hands on the plans to the Death Star, turning a rudimentary, throwaway plot device in the first film into an effective, complex prequel.

However, what worked so well in Rogue One can’t be repeated in Solo, as the former film had one key advantage that the latter, later film lacks: the unknown, and the element of uncertainty.

Yes, Solo introduces plenty of new characters and set pieces that are fresh for the franchise, alongside plenty of easter eggs and established canon to stay on track.

However, there’s an inescapable, fatal flaw at the film’s heart: all the core, key characters have to survive, and everyone else is expendable.

As such, whether caught up in troublesome train heists or super space battles, Solo (and non-solo sidekicks) have to scrape by, numbing any narrative tension.

It’s a core problem that has plagued filmmakers since year dot, forced to safely ensure that the heroes/villains will always escape their once literal cliffhangers, and it’s a problem that lingers throughout Solo, with his inevitable (albeit bungled) success assured, sucking a lot of tension from the film.

Still, there’s plenty of space for an enjoyable enough film here, with director Ron Howard doing well to patch up the troubled film shoot he inherited.

The handsomely shot and edited film feels like the more grounded Star Donald Glover clearly had a lot of fun with his role as Lando Calrissian (originally played by “Billy Dee” Williams Jr in the originals)

@fairfairisles Maybe that little kid was just winging it, Sophie Mackintosh

The young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) and Wookie pal, Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo, replacing Peter Mayhew)

Wars films we’ve seen lately, repeating a grungier take on the series that suits this down-at-heel origins story for the man eventually known as Solo.

The film pretty much ticks all the required boxes – that Kessel Run, yadda yadda – that anyone even half familiar with Harrison Ford’s iconic character will know, but it’s fun enough watching the film click its way along to tick off all the legendary lore.

Ford’s a tough, grizzled cookie to follow, but Alden Ehrenreich does his best at picking up on some of the character’s traits, while trying to present his own take.

Does he succeed? Alas, no.

He’s okay, but trying to

fill the space boots of such an established character is a thankless task that would bedevil any actor.

Alden’s aided and abetted by a competent cast here; the likes of Woody Harrelson hams it up in a role he could do in his sleep, while Donald Glover’s slightly flamboyant take on old frienemy Lando Calrissian is pretty fun.

However, barely a wet weekend after its release, there‘s already lots of studio grumbling about the film’s success – or lack of – at the box office, with a

slightly underwhelming take so far that’s come in under, say, even Rogue One’s launch, and that film wasn’t exactly beloved.

With more spin-off films on the way, perhaps there’s a dash of Star Wars fatigue setting in.

Also, Ehrenreich is fine, but he’s far from the kind of marquee name that may have sold the film and character better; and maybe the biggest problem Solo faces is that it’s a film that just didn’t need to be made, and which consequently fans weren’t clamouring for.

In taking the known, legendary aspects of Solo’s lore and then just showing them, warts and all, it’s a look behind the curtain that demystifies and humanises the legend, and turns a hero into a man.

As such, if you’ll excuse the pun, this could yet be the Solo prequel outing we see for this iconic character. (Sorry, Alden...)

Ve r d i c t : 6/10

I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans.

I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me - my joke was in bad taste. @therealroseanne Roseanne – that Roseanne – tucks into a bit of humble pie after her stupid, racist tweet, which saw her rebooted show get axed

Thinking of making a bread reviewing blog called Fantastic Yeasts and Where to Find Them. @TheDonnerKebab You never know, there could be some dough to be made from that, Adam Donnelly

I just got a GDPR email from a company with every single recipient accidentally CCd in.

Great start lads. @b3nfox Tech no notice of those endless emails, Ben – we don’t (but maybe we should)

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

PUZZLES

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

in association with

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS a long while aeons ages centuries decades dotage endless eternity epoch era forever

gigayear life span lifetime mature millenia never-ending old age seasoned time yonks

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Cecelia Ahern, Miriam Ahern and Georgina Byrne

Claudine Keane

Assets Models ahead of the fashion show which was also part of the event. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Megan Connery and Amanda Davitt

Suzanne Jackson

Joan Palmer and Roz Flanagan

Valerie Reilly

Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick

Dining out in style to help fundraise for CARI A HOST of stylish people donned their glad rags for the annual summer lunch in aid of CARI at The Shelbourne Hotel, hosted

by Miriam Ahern. CARI provides a professional child therapy and counselling service to children and families who have been affected by child sexual abuse. Marks & Spencer Ireland were on hand to support the cause, hosting a pre-lunch drinks reception along with wine to accompany a delicious four-course gourmet lunch. Alan Hughes lent his reliable skills to the task as MC, with The Runaways entertaining guests after lunch, with a fun-filled raffle adding to the upbeat mood. Guests included Miriam Ahern and Terry Mc Coy, Cecelia Ahern, Georgina Byrne, Karl Broderick, Norah Casey, Claudine Keane and Suzanne Jackson.

Terry McCoy and Miriam Ahern

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

Snapshots of history W

HILE the final result of the referendum proved divisive for many, there was one overwhelming emotion on show at Dublin Castle courtyard last Saturday when the final, official tally was revealed – one of delight, and joy. Politicians from across the political divide joined An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and a host

Carol Murray, James Brown and Margaret Murray

of activists to mark the historical occasion. However, the moment belonged to the people of Ireland, with thousands of men and women gathered for the result.Here are just a small selection of images from the gathering, as history was made and the way was cleared for the 8th Amendment to be removed from the Constitution.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

latitude&longitude Halong Bay is a vision of ethereal beauty.

Inset: Bangkok and the Imperial Citadel of Hue

St John’s, a city on Newfoundland island off Canada’s Atlantic coast

A colourful Canadian coastal town overflowing with Irish influence IT’S not just European beaches that are on our doorstep - did you know that the stunning Canadian destination St John’s, is just a 4.5 hour flight away?

This colourful coastal town is nestled at the most eastern point of North America.

A culture overflowing with Irish influences and history, it’s no wonder this cousin to the east is a must-see destination for the Irish.

With its perfect blend of city and nature, St John’s offers its visitors a wide array of activities.

From hiking through Terra Nova National Park and sampling the craft beer from the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company to climbing up to enjoy the views at Signal Hill and taking a boat tour out to go whale watching, St John’s is a destination with plenty to see and do.

You can fly direct from Dublin in less than five hours, with fights from only €423pp return. So what are you waiting for?

Book your Canadian adventure today with GoHop and explore North America’s oldest city for yourself.

For more information or to book visit www.

GoHop.ie, or call the experts on 01-2412389.

Enjoy the views from Signal Hill

Kayaking at Terra Nova National Park

GO EAST | CULTURE, BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND WORLD-CLASS CUISINE

A Far East escape will leave you enchanted SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor OFFERING the perfect blend of intoxicating culture, beautiful beaches and world-class cuisine, the Far East is hard to beat.

Aside from boasting some of the world’s best scenery and heritage sites – from China’s Terracotta Army to the stunning Mount Fuji and Vietnam’s ancient ruins – it is also renowned for its amazing service and fantastic value for money.

Multi-destination holidays are popular and with such an array of locations on offer it’s easy to see why.

Vi s i to rs ca n b u i l d t h e i r bespoke holiday of a lifetime and hop from Bangkok to Cambodia – and anywhere in between – to feast their eyes on this beautiful corner of the earth.

Whether it’s a bustling city break you’re after, an idyllic beach escape or a cultural adventure, the captivating Far

East has you covered.

Experts at Hayes & Jarvis Ireland will tailor-make your trip for a magical experience. Feast your eyes on some of the tempting itineraries below: Bali has a rich variety of beaches to wow

Bangkok, Phuket and Phi Phi MultiCentre: The perfect city and beach combination in Thailand from only €2,059pp (travel

November 2018).

Price includes: Return British Airways flights, four nights in Bangkok, five nights in Phuket, and five nights in Phi Phi, transfers, taxes and charges.

A Journey Through Vietnam: Travel from north to south taking in the culture and beauty of Vi e t n a m f ro m only €2,139pp (travel August 2018).

P r i c e includes r e t u r n f lights with Emirates, 10-day tour with nine nights’ accommodation, transfers, English speaking local driver/guide, meals as per itinerary, taxes and charges.

This trip of a lifetime takes in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An

and Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore French and Chinese heritage as well as cultural treasures such as Hoi An town and the Imperial Citadel of Hue. The stunning lakes found within busy cities and powdery beaches along the coastline of this mesmerising country are truly breath-taking.

Experience the rural life of villagers among the Paddy fields and relax on an overnight boat trip in spectacular Halong Bay. Singapore and Bali Multi Centre: Cosmopolitan c ity meets romantic island escape from only €1,939pp (travel October 2018).

Price includes: Return flights with Etihad, three nights B&B in Singapore and eight nights B&B in Bali, taxes and charges.

For more information visit www.hayesandjarvis.ie or call into the office just off Grafton Street - 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 - where expert staff will help you create your dream holiday.

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

TRAVEL & FOOD Hong Kong chefs get an insight into top-quality Irish meats Beaumont House, Dublin – last year’s winner of the Great Carvery Pub of the Year title

Carveries readying to compete for a slice of success at top awards THE 2018 KNORR Great Carvery Competition is now open for entries, with Dubs invited to mull over the best eaterie in the city – or beyond!

Now in its ninth year, the hunt is on to find the best carvery offered by pubs and hotels on the is-land of Ireland.

Launching this year’s competition, Jim Reeves, customer director at Unilever Food Solutions, said: “The core values of the competition are about celebrating and rewarding teams who can make a great car-very and meet the standards of excellence – great quality food and service, cleanliness and value for money.”

Last year, Beaumont House (pictured), Dublin

won the Great Carvery Pub of the Year title.

Dermot Carew, Beaumont House, said: “In 2016 we won the Leinster title, but it’s even better to have won the All-Ireland one.

“As the largest carvery in the country, we pride ourselves on delivering fresh, hearty food to our customers. It’s great to be recognised for that service.”

For the hotels, the Great Carvery Hotel of the Year 2017 went to Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel, Enniskillen.

To enter, simply complete an online form at www.ufs.com/carvery describing why your carvery is the best. Competition entry closes on June 30.

Make time to break out these new KitKats THERE’S one thing in life that many of us find hard to share – chocolate. (Well, two things perhaps – chocolate and ‘chipper’ chips.)

There’s a brand-new chocolate product out that comes in boxes of 20 individually-wrapped bite-size treats, that would simply be too selfish to keep all to yourself.

Nestle have just announced KitKat Senses, which are available in three indulgent flavours: Double Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Hazelnut.

Each has the combination of the classic KitKat chocolate and wafer, and either a layer of indulgent praline and crunchy pieces of hazelnut, salted caramel filling infused with crunchy caramel flakes or rich chocolate ganache and crunchy cocoa nibs. You can get a box with a mix of all three, or a box of each flavour separately.

Prices start from around €5.99, and are available nationwide.

A recipe to pore over ...

AS PART of the Alpro Planquet, which took place in the city centre recently, Alpro teamed up with doctor, personal trainer and food fanatic, Hazel Wallace – AKA ‘The Food Medic’ – to create a delicious Banana and Flax Smoothie.

What’s a planquet, you may ask? It’s any meal that puts plants first; making veggies, fruit, whole grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and seeds the star of the dietary show.

Ingredients: 200ml of Alpro Oat Original 1 frozen banana (Peel the banana and chop into small pieces; place in a sandwich bag or tupperware box and pop in the freezer.)

1 tablespoon of almond butter (or peanut butter) 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed Quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract A drizzle of maple syrup Sprinkle of cinnamon

Preparation: Making the smoothie couldn’t be simpler – all you need to do is blend all of the ingredients to-gether in a blender, then sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

ALPRO has a full range of delicious recipes available over at www.alpro.com to help you put plants first at every meal, helping to create a tasty planquet any time.

ON THE final day of a recent trade mission, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, met with some of Hong Kong’s top chefs at ‘East Meats West’ – a high-end culinary event organised by Bord Bia to promote Irish and European grass-fed beef and lamb.

The initiative involved more than 40 local HK chefs who were required to design a two-course menu with European beef and lamb.

The top six entrants competed in a live cookoff to win the overall title, while all six finalists will travel to Ireland in June.

As part of the trip, the chefs will visit Irish farms, factories and processors to experience EU food safety, quality and sustainability controls first-hand.

The prestigious judging panel included Kwanghi Chan, an award-winning chef born in Hong Kong, and raised in Donegal.

Kwanghi rose to fame representing Ireland in international cooking competitions, and most recently masterminded Dublin’s fusion restaurant, Soder+Ko. Speaking in Hong Kong, Minister Creed said: “We are here to celebrate the very best of EU beef and lamb, to tell you how it is produced and why is the best in the world.

“We in Ireland are very proud of our farm produce. We are also committed members of the European Union, with all of the advantages it brings for investors and traders.”

There’s plenty to chew over in a report on Irish eating habits MORE than a third of Irish people go out for dinner at least once a week, according to new research by Musgrave MarketPlace.

Their survey into dining habits reveals that 36% of Irish people dine

out at least once a week, with dinner the most popular meal to go out for (79%), while one in four people say they go out for lunch once a week.

Unsurprisingly, weekends are the most popular time to go out for some-

thing to eat, with 44% saying they like to dine out at the weekend.

When it comes to splitting the bill, 42% take it in turns to pay with their dining companion, while 30% say they “go Dutch” and split the bill equally.

However, a pet peeve for people is apparently when dining out with a large group of people and companions only paying for what they ordered, with a third of people calling this exacting approach “irritating”.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

HOME | GETTING READY FOR SUMMER

HOME | THE LATEST DESIGN CRAZE

Massed tulips provide a blaze of colour in a teracotta pot

The spiky foliage of an evergreen grass complements the tulips in this border.

Viva la Diva!

DIVA



AQUARIUS



CAPRICORN



ARIES



GEMINI



CANCER



Leo

Anne Byrne Garden Design provides easy to follow garden plans that you can implement right away or in stages.

Her design flair and passion for plants brings a touch of magic to gardens of all sizes.

Anne Byrne Garden Design – Creative Ideas  ANNE BYRNE – Practical Solutions – Stunning Gardens. info@dublingazette.com

AS I WRITE, the tulips are making a wonderful show in the garden and every time I look out the window they lift the spirits. They have to be one of my favourite flowers, both for growing and cutting and I could never have too many. Which is just as well, as in our climate they are the least reliable of spring bulbs – hence the diva reputation.

For every dozen you plant, eleven or twelve will perform beautifully the following spring, but in the year after that you would be lucky if two or three bother to show up.

This is because tulips are natives of the middle east and the bulbs are accustomed, in their native habitat, to a good baking each summer from the sun once the foliage has died down, which they rarely get in Western Europe. You might be inclined to associate them with Holland, which indeed produces vast numbers of the bulbs we plant in our gardens, but actually their natural home is further south and much, much hotter. All of which makes them rather an indulgence to the domestic gardener as the most beautiful and desirable varieties are naturally the most expen-

sive, and can’t be relied on to flower annually like most other spring bulbs.

But what a way to indulge! What other flower give such a spectacular show as spring edges towards summer – although the display might only last three to four weeks, to my mind, they are worth every cent. You’ll see them displayed in serried ranks in municipal flowerbeds and on roundabouts at this time of year, but in a garden, I think a natural approach is better. I like to scatter them amongst perennials and grasses in a more natural way – I think this displays them to best advantage and they look particularly elegant emerging from the fresh new perennial foliage.

They’re a brilliantly colourful way to bridge the gap from the end of the early spring bulbs and the first of the summer flowers. It’s lovely as well to plant them en masse in terracotta pots or glazed containers, which complement them really well. This allows you to move them out of sight when they’ve gone over, and also allows you to enjoy them if garden space is tight. Divas they may be, but they’re worth it!

FOR further information on Anne Byrne Garden Design, call 086 683 8098, or see www.annebyrnegardendesign.com

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

HOME & STYLE

Beauty

BITS

Just a few items on offer in Kat Von D’s new collection

LIBRA



PISCES



Hey, what’s your sign?  RACHEL D’ARCY

KNOWN for taking the beige out of interiors, husband-and-wife team House of Hackney have teamed up with chic high street store & Other Stories to launch a unique co-lab collection.

The collection was launched with the aim of celebrating each individual star sign’s unique style – the feminine, boho collection features effortless dresses, wide trousers and a range of accessories.

The entire zodiac family is decked out in twelve different, decadent looks from & Other Stories’ latest collab, which hit stores last Thursday.

Anna Nyrén, Head of Co-labs at & Other Stories said: “House of Hackney transcends trends and plays in a quirky world of their own.

We wanted to add to the playfulness of the co-lab collection by styling the pieces to fit the personality of each zodiac sign. Horoscopes can be wildly intriguing and so much fun.”

The brand got theirs in interiors, but have since successfully expanded into fashion and lifestyle design, with an emphasis on quality, design and ‘Made in England’.

Irish-born Frieda Gormley, one half of the team behind House of Hackney, said: “We love & Other Stories’ silhouettes, print treatments and how meaningful the brand’s social messaging feels.

“The collection that we created together is a heightened version of nature. We were inspired

by British psychedelia, vibrant fabrics from our local Ridley Road Market, and the bohemian mood of the Bloomsbury Group.”

The concept of the ‘free spirit’ is noted throughout the collection, highlighted by the notion that every woman should feel free to move, play and blossom.

Prices vary from a €59 bustier and a €69 skirt to a €99 blazer and €145 dress.

House of Hackney’s co-lab collection is available at & Other Stories on Grafton Street now.

VIRGO



SAGITTARIUS



SCORPIO



TAURUS



Celebrating Ten years of tattoothemed beauty THIS month saw the launch of Kat Von D’s 10th anniversary collection, celebrating a decade of the tattoo artist being in the beauty business.

To commemorate the occasion, a series of limited edtion gold products were launched; some new, and some redesigns of cult favourites within Kat’s collection.

One of the stand-out products is the 10th Anniversary Eyeshadow Palette. Comprised of 16 shades, each eyeshadow is named after a different one of Kat’s ‘muses’, from her mother, to her husband, to models she has worked with.

Shades in the palette include a dark duo-chrome with a teal shift, a vibrant green as well as more neutral tones.

As well as the palette, she has launched a limited edition gold packaged version of her iconic Tattoo Liner.

There’s also a limited edition Metal Crush highlighter, a gold brush, a gold-coloured ‘Everlasting’ liquid lipstick, and a gold ‘Studded Kiss’ lipstick in Santa Sangre The full collection is currently available from Debenhams, with prices ranging from €20 to €115.

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 31 May 2018

TECH TIME A digital divide – tech’s role in the May 25 referendum SHANE DILLON

sdillon@dublingazette.com

NOW that the big referendum is over, it’s possible to dig into a couple of interesting aspects to how it partially played out, with tech – and social media in particular – playing key roles and raising some serious issues.

As a disclaimer, these are anecdotal, personal, off-the-cuff observations based on what I saw, and also on how a wide variety of international media reports also reported events in Ireland.

First up, and social media proved a key influencer in getting the vote out, with young people in particular enthusiastically embracing and utilising tech to spread their message, spur on others, and create some momentum.

Frankly, the Yes side had this one in the bag – tagged with #HomeToVote (largely aligned to voting Yes), social media platforms were awash with images and posts charting emigrants’ temporary journeys home to vote in Ireland.

The No side had a similar rallying call to prompt equally passionate voters to head home, but – anecdotally – there just wasn’t the same fizz and energy in that side’s clarion call.

Clearly, lessons had been learned after a similar campaign was waged in the Marriage Equality referendum a few years ago, which also saw an affirmative #HomeToVote initiative seize young voters’ imagination, though not quite on this scale.

Whatever the next referendum will be, it’ll be interesting to see if a similar

#HomeToVote, possibly aligned with a Yes viewpoint, will make it three for three with social media ‘wins’.

Secondly, if the Yes side ‘won’ social media, the No side ‘won’ online advertising, with a significant presence of Vote No ads dominating internet sites in Ireland, and even beyond.

As someone who hates online ads of any kind – sorry, advertisers – I do my damndest to leave no digital footholds to drive or direct any kind of advertising, but everywhere I went, I was greeted by No, No, No, No, in a significant online push.

It’s absolutely vital for both (or more) ‘sides’ in any such referendum to make their voices clear, and for people to express themselves and to be able to get their message across.

However, in this case, the No side were perhaps a little too successful – we’ve all read how the tech titans ended up halting externally funded Vote No ads, prompted by concerns over external manipulation of the Irish electorate.

It’s one thing to have social media campaigns asking people to head home to vote Yes or No, but quite another for

external actors to heavily invest in trying to direct a referendum down one path.

Tech watchers, and general news sites around the world, noted the world-first move by the big tech companies as any externally sourced and funded ads were halted, with the move echoing increasing global concerns over data transparency, political interference, and tech’s role as a tool to sway politics.

As a side note, it’s also been reported how a number of international gaming sites are also investigating how graphic Vote No ads ended up linked to their sites, with advertisers sidestepping the bigger tech players’ ban to get their message delivered via such unexpected sources instead.

Ultimately, whether for Yes or No, it’s been made very clear that tech is now a voting tool to be reckoned with, with its success as a message driver being something that all sides, groups and politicians will have to become more adept at using, tuning and even exploiting in future.

It’s also been made clear that tech can be a little too successful, leaving those using it the risk of being hoist by their own petard, but as we’re still in the comparatively early years of this bold new digital and political frontier, there’s a lot still to be worked out.

At least the social media and online ads alike proved yet again one key, inarguable point: every vote counts, so whether you’re a Yes or No person on any given issue, always exercise that vote whenever you can.

When good intentions bring ‘unintended consequences’

BY NOW, the well-intentioned but somewhat annoying EU GDPR

legislation is beginning to take hold, already prompting what might be called ‘unintended consequences’.

We’ve all been under siege from GDPR-related emails from companies all over the place in the past couple of weeks, swearing that they take data protection very seriously, will never sell your data to Martians, and you can opt-in or out to stop or start getting emails and free squirrels etc.

Joking aside, it’s a serious issue – there’s a growing global unease not just at the role that almost completely unaccountable tech giants have in harvesting and exploiting user data, but also in how even generic user profiles can be targeted and exploited by foreign actors for desired political or societal outcomes.

However, it’s now being reported that EU citizens are being blocked from accessing various American newspaper sites, with warnings that under EU data protection laws they can’t see them

because, basically, of data protection concerns and related issues. Oh-oh...

It’s bad enough that the US-instigated crazy end of net neutrality looms in June (giving internet service providers the right to slow-down internet access speeds for cheapskates who won’t cough up to access ‘better’ packages), but the very real risk of other countries, or companies, deciding to block EU access to all kinds of sites over GDPR concerns is pretty alarming.

We’re already seeing some US news sites going dark, so one can only imagine that ashen-faced mandarins in Brussels are busy scurrying around trying to work out such kinks in the GDPR system, rather than risk the unintended consequence of a suddenly fracturing internet.

Keep an eye out for any more foreign sites suddenly ‘disappearing’ from your view or access – if this happens, at least now you’ll have a pretty good idea why...

MACHINE OF THE WEEK

Arona adds small car charm to SEAT range Small compact crossover cars are the new market growth area and SEAT has joined this space with the new Arona model that capitalises on the technology resources of the giant Volkswagen Group. MICHAEL MORONEY took the Arona on test and came away seeking better economy from a desirable small car.

SEAT’s claim to be one of the fastest growing car brands in Ireland will be further enhanced with the addition of the new small crossover Arona model.

This car is the fourth new model from the Spanish brand that’s wholly owned by the giant Volkswagen Group.

The Arona is named after a town on the sunkissed island of Tenerife.

This car is smaller than the Ateca SUV and will be looking to build on the success which its larger sibling has had in its own class. It adds a new dimension of small car charm to the SEAT range and was recently singled out as Best Product Design 2018 by the prestigious Red Dot Award design competition.

SEAT claims the Arona is the first compact crossover in the Volkswagen Group to use the state-ofthe-art vehicle platform, MQB A0.

This is the same platform used in the new SEAT Ibiza, drawing on the technology expertise of the German car giant.

While the Arona is noticeably smaller than the Ateca, SEAT has fitted it with compact crossover with all of the driving assistance and infotainment systems you would expect, such as front assist,

adaptive cruise control, hill hold control, fatigue detection, rain and headlight sensors and multi-collision brake. But not all that specification is included in the entry models.

Also included were rear traffic alert, blind spot detection and park assistance system, which works for both parallel and angle parking.

T h e ca r wa s we l l equipped in terms of connectivity, with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and

with keyless entry and start/stop system, rear view camera, premium 8” black panel touchscreen.

Out on the road, this Volkswagen Group threecylinder engine was lively and responsive to drive. My test drives normally cover more than 700km and that includes quite a few longer motorway runs.

In the Arona, the driving experience was good, while the easily adjustable seats mirrored the com-

Seat Arona 1.0 TSI Petrol Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price Mirror Link.

I recently drove the petrol powered and turbocharged 1.0 litre TSI version that’s rated at 115bhp.

The specification was the Excellence grade so that meant I was able to sample almost all of the above features along

1.0 litre 115hp 9.3 seconds 20.4km/litre

(4.9l/100km or 56mpg)

40 litres 113g/km A4 €200 20,000km/12 months 5 star (2017) 3 years/90,000km €18,595 pact nature of the car.

This type of driving shows economy differences where the aim is to drive the car at its most economical, while not compromising on performance.

For the 1.0-litre TSI SEAT Arona, the 120km/ hr motorway speed pushed

31 May 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

WHAT’S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY AND ON WHEELS

TECH & MOTORS

Can fashion and driving mix well?

HAVE you ever given some thought about how the clothes your wear can impact the way you drive? For most people, they get ready for the day, get into their car and drive to their destination without thinking about what they’re wearing. It’s worth taking some

The new SEAT Arona is a compact crossover that has the attractive looks of a modern small SUV with a raised platform and distinctive styling. Entry prices for the S models start from €18,595.

time to making sure you’re wearing the right gear when driving.

Choose the right shoes. Never go bare foot as you have to put pressure on the pedals which your shoes can do a lot easier. Don’t wear flip flops or open-toed

the car into a higher and less economical zone.

This meant that over a 1,100km test drive I was overall 20% less economical than the rated figure of 20.4km/litre (4.9l/100km or 56mpg).

For longer distance drivers, this proved once again why we need to re-think our views about diesel engines.

SEAT’s diesel version of the Arona is 20%, with its 1.6-litre clean turbo-diesel engine more economical, even if its €2,300 more expensive to buy.

I don’t think that it’s

time to dispense with modern clean diesel engines when we have to burn more than 25% extra petrol to complete the same journey.

The six-speed gearbox is smooth to use with a light touch feel that makes for easy driving. But the extra ratios were not enough to deliver diesel engine economy for the longer distance, commuter drivers.

For them the economy sweet spot is with the engine at 2000rpm and that will deliver a steady m o to r way s p e e d o f 100km/hr.

The Arona is well equipped on the safety front and its recent Euro NCAP five-star safety rating does confirm its credentials.

However, the slight concern is the recent recall issued by SEAT because of the possibility that in rare situations (e.g. sudden quick lane changes with five passengers on board) and when the rear centre seat and the rear left seat are occupied at the same time, the left seat belt could be unintentionally released.

SEAT has identified a technical solution which will prevent this from happening and advised not to use the middle seat of the new Ibiza and Arona until the car has been equipped with the redesigned belt lock fixture.

The SEAT Arona has been designed to appeal to young and fun generation with lots of colour and specification choices to personalise the car. This is supported by a 3 year warranty deal that’s limited to 90,000km.

Entry prices for the SEAT Arona start at

€18,995 with 16in steel wheels and roof rails to enhance the car’s stance and appeal.

Entry level Arona S models get a good safety package.

The SEAT Arona competes is a compact crossover sector that getting packed with new models by the month.

The Arona styling package is good, the economy features of diesel power need some serious consideration because the 40 litre capacity fuel tank for the petrol model emptied far too quickly for my liking.

New Opel Corsa GSi bring a promise of driving fun

WHEN the new Opel Corsa GSi follows the Insignia GSi onto the market this summer, it will be powered by the brand’s punchy 1.4-litre turbo engine with 110 kW/150 hp and 220 Nm of torque.

This Opel hot hatchback is not only quick off the mark (zero to 100 km/h is covered in only 8.9 seconds), it also impresses with great elasticity, on its way to the maximum speed of 207 km/h, the Corsa GSi takes just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear.

When configuring the engine, which delivers a specific power output of more than 100hp/ litre, Opel engineers claimed to have specifically optimised responsiveness for great driving fun on winding country roads.

The turbo-charged engine with short-ratio, six-speed gearbox is bound to impresses with punch in second and third gears as well as a maximum torque plateau of 3,000 to 4,500 rpm tailor-made for spirited driving.

The Corsa GSi with its sport chassis known from the OPC version and the brakes with red

sandals as they can get caught between the pedals. Wearing a sturdy pair of runners or shoes is the best option when driving; you can always leave your favourite shoes in the boot of your car once you arrive at your destination.

Do you have enough leg room? Your trousers can restrict your movement. For example, skinny jeans are designed to be upright and barely bend. Go for trousers that are loose enough for your legs to move around in.

Following on from skinny jeans, before getting into your car, think about the type of clothes you’re wearing. If they’re tight fitting, then this will limit your movement in your car.

Fashion accessories such as smart watches have the ability to connect to your phone. So even if you’ve put your phone out of sight and on silent, will your watch vibrate when you receive a message or call?

Either change your settings to avoid this or put this away with your phone.

Sometimes a change of clothes may be required at your destination to make the journey more comfortable.

European Commission targets lower road accidents THE European Commission has announced details of its Third Mobility Package.

The package is wide-ranging and includes, a target to reduce deaths and serious injuries on EU roads by 50% between 2020 and 2030 and a proposal that within three years all new models introduced on the market must have 11 advanced safety features, such as advanced emergency braking, lane-keeping system, over-ridable intelligent speed assistance or driver’s distraction

callipers ensure precise athleticism, claims outstanding handling and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with high-grip 215/40 R18 tyres.

From the front, the cheeky Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-

ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of road-clinging athlete.

The vibrant styling is also present at the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

recognition.

Vehicle technology is just one piece of the complex safety puzzle, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. To make progress on the Commission’s new objective of reducing fatalities and serious injuries by half between 2020 and 2030, we need put more emphasis on an integrated road safety strategy.

This is the only way to ensure that safe vehicles are driven by safe drivers on safe roads,” according to the ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

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31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

JAMES’ LONG VIEW P39

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

LATE LATE SHOW: SOCCER: BOHEMIANS maintained

their unbeaten record over fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers thanks to a last-gasp Rob Cornwall equaliser in this week’s League of Ireland derby battle.

Rovers captain Ronan Finn had given the visitors the lead with eight minutes remaining, a goal that looked to have earned Stephen Bradley’s side a second win in four days.



GAZETTE

MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT P34

PAGE 35

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS PENTATHLON | ARTHUR LANIGAN-O’KEEFFE CONQUERS

AOK for Irish star with first world gold  sport@dublingazette.com

DONNYBROOK-based Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe won individual gold at an UIPM competition for the first time after a breakthrough performance at the Pentathlon World Cup in Sofia.

It continued a spectacular week for one of pentathlon’s most progressive nations, coming 24 hours after Natalya Coyle – a former King’s Hospital student – claimed her first individual medal with silver in the Women’s Individual Final.

For Lanigan-O’Keeffe, there was a 14 second gap between gold and silver, and the identity of the silver medallist underlined the quality of the winning performance. It was Jun Woongate of Korea, the world No.1, who secured silver 5sec ahead of Pierre Dejardin of France.

Lanigan-O’Keeffe, the 2015 European champion, said: “I was feeling

pretty beaten up after the semi-final and I was worried my legs wouldn’t hold up but I’m delighted. It’s a bit of an outer-body experience.

“To make things even better my girlfriend medalled yesterday and this is the first time we have won individual medals at the World Cup so it’s a great result all round.

“As you can see I’m pretty red in the face but thankfully my body held up today. We’ve come through some hard times and now the results are starting to show.

“I’ll dust off my legs, get into the plunge pool and get ready for tomorrow’s Mixed Relay because we mean business.”

It was another day of success for Jun, who will be the man to beat at next month’s Pentathlon World Cup Final in Kazakhstan. The world No.1 started the Laser-Run in 3rd place but had too much ground to make up on

Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe celebrates as he won a World Cup event for the first time last weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Lanigan-O’Keeffe.

Jun and Lanigan-O’Keeffe immediately made their intentions clear in the pool with times of 2.01.83 and 2.01.92 respectively.

In the fencing, the Irishman emerged as the main man with 23V/12D in the ranking round plus two points in the Bonus Round.

A series of high-class performances on horseback enabled a number of athletes to get back into contention but Lanigan-O’Keeffe (IRL) protected his overall lead with a clean round (297).

He went into the Laser-Run with an 11 second lead which he maintained and saw off the job on the shooting range.

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 31 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

CASTLEKNOCK WELL done to the Dublin minor hurlers who beat Wexford 0-16 to 1-10 in Round 3 of the Leinster minor hurling championship. The club was was represented fantasically by Conor Murray, Luke Swan and Davey Bohan. Well done lads, the whole club is very proud.

Well done also to Ciaran and the Dubs on a great win over Wicklow.

Two great wins for both our adult ladies teams in their respective leagues. Our Division 6 team beat out Stars of Erin 6-6 to 4-4 while our junior A team won 4-5 to 2-10 against Raheny Big thank you to all our organisers and bag packers who gave up their this weekend. Thanks a mil!

Construction is continuing on our clubhouse with the roof to go on over the next couple of weeks.

Great progress!

No winner of our lotto jackpot with thanks to Rialto Ford. Numbers were 15, 22, 24, 29. No ‘match 3’ winner, €300 will be donated to St Francis Hospice. Lucky dip winner was Mark Farell c/o The Merchant who takes home €30. Our new jackpot is €3,400 with the next draw in deBruns on May 31.

FINGALLIANS BANK Holiday Academy: Next Saturday morning goes ahead as normal.

AFL2: Our Division 2, senior footballers had a great week with three out of four points. A home win v Clontarf and a draw away to Scoil UiChonaill.

U-16: Our division 1 hurlers, moved up to second in the table with a win v St Vincent’s 3-19 to 2-8.

Dublin U-14 Ladies: The Dubs have qualified for their first U-14 All Ireland final since 2011, following their six-point victory over Kerry at the weekend. The club were well represented both on the field and in management. Details on the final to follow.

Siopa an Chlub: The club shop will be closed on bank holiday Saturday. It will reopen on June 9.

Gym summer hours: Monday 1-2pm and 7-8pm, Tuesday to Friday 1-2pm and 6-7pm, Saturday 2-5pm and closed on Sunday. All hours outside these designated hours are booked for teams and not available to individuals.

E-Vetting: There is a step by step guide on the club web site Fingallians.com under documents for any members or new members needing assistance.

U-8 blitz: The club would like to thank O’Toole’s for the hosting of the very successful Friday evening, boys

football blitz.

Summer Camp Program: Adjustment to our camps attached.

Kelloggs Cul Camp: July 9-13, 10am-2pm, €50 members/€70 non members Dual Summer Camp: July 23-27, 10am-2pm. €50 members/€70 non members.

Hurling School of Excellence: July 31 to August 3, 10am-2pm. €50 members/€70 non members.

Football School of Excellence: August 7-10, 10am-2pm. €50 members/€70 non members.

Dual Summer Camp: August 13-17, 10am-2pm. €50 members/€70 non members.

Athletic Section Update: Thank you to Liam Markey for looking after the juvenile section, for all four rounds of the Dublin leagues.

Gaelscoil Bhrian Bóroimhe: Congratulations to the senior girls, on winning the Fingal Division 1 final v Scoil Neasain, last Thursday.

Race Day: Bellewstown on July 7 - funds raised will go towards various projects including upgrading dressing rooms.

Book your ticket/table by contacting Teresa Collins at fingallians@gmail. com. To date, our race days are raised €31,200 towards the club.

BASKETBALL: FORTY TEAMS BATTLE IT OUT AT DUBLIN MASTERS

Portland’s tribute to Dave O’Brien

Emotional victory for American team following brilliant weekend of action at four venues across the city for the annual Masters festival  DECLAN KING

sport@dublingazette.com

THE Dublin Master’s Basketball 2018 Tournament attracted its biggest field ever with 40 men’s and women’s teams from all over the world taking part in four venues in West Dublin.

Teams from the USA, Canada, Slovenia, Spain, Belgium, Croatia, England and Scotland as well as a host of teams from the four corners of Ireland strutted their stuff.

Sunday’s finals day created a cracking atmosphere for the packed arena at the re-furbished Oblate Hall in Inchicore.

The big titles went to the American debutants Portland Old School who beat BNAF in the Tom McLaughlin Over-40s men’s final while Wild Rovers made it five wins in a row with victory over Mustangs in the Joe Kavanagh women’s cup final.

The men’s Over-40s decider was a real dog fight with nothing between the sides throughout as Portland Old School just pipped Brother’s Near and Far 31-30 in a titanic battle on the buzzer.

Portland is a side put together by the former Killester player Kevin McLoughlin who left Ireland in the mid 90’s and joined the US Marines.

The Dubliner was overcome after the final when he spoke to the Dublin Gazette.

“This is an amazing tournament and a credit to the organisers and the venues,” he said.

“When I made contact initially with John Walsh almost a year ago, I never thought firstly that we would be here as a team let alone be winners of the men’s tournament.

“Dave O’Brien and I set things in motion with these wonderful guys and within a few months we

were well on our way to having the trip set up.

“Dave is one of the integral parts of our group but just a couple of months ago he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and unable to make the trip to the homeland.

“This was shattering news for Dave, his family and for us as a group and that is why we wore the ‘David O’Brien’ green warm-up tops to honour our friend.

“When we were told that each team in the final would have an MVP, the guys automatically picked Dave to honour him with us” said McLoughlin as he tried to hold back the tears.

Jerome Westbrooks BNAF or Brother’s Near and Far who included Ed Randolph, Ger Kennedy, Damion Morbley and a host of other players certainly put it up to their American opponents.

The women’s title went to Wild Rovers who beat Siobhan Kilkenny’s Mustangs 62-43 in the decider. This was Wild Rovers fifth year in a row to win the big one.

The team is a who’s who of former SuperLeague players including Caitriona White, Suzanne Maguire, Gillian Hayes, Karen Hennessy and of course the amazing Lindsay Peat who has just finished a gruelling international rugby season with Ireland.

Peat loves her basketball and represented Ireland on many

occasions; she is also a soccer and rugby international while if that isn’t enough she also won an AllIreland football title with the Dublin ladies.

After the final, Peat told the Dublin Gazette what this weekend meant to her. “It was fantastic to put on the basketball boots for the weekend and to play with these amazing girls. This is a fabulous tournament and I am so thrilled that I was able to help the girls,” said the MVP. The Over 50’s Men’s final saw a new name going on the Mick Brew Cup as newcomers DM Ballers just edged out Inchicore 40-31 in a close fought final.

Former NBA player Anthony Bonner was the star attraction with many of the fans as he lined out for Checkmate Knights.

Unfortunately the finals day crowd at the Oblate Hall didn’t get a chance to see Bonner in the flesh as his side didn’t make the finals but he did lead the Knights to a Plate victory and also picked up the MVP award in the final against St Declan’s.

Mayo ladies won the women’s plate beating Maol Oldies in the final.

After the last basket was scored and the final trophies were given out Dublin Masters John Walsh was quick to point out to the Dublin Gazette that the 2019 event is already in the planning stages.

The Wild Rovers, top left, Dublin Masters Mike Murray, and, right, the winning Portland Old School team. Picture: JohN Walsh

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

LEAGUE OF IRELAND: CORNWALL STUNS FORMER CLUB

LOI SHORTS Peamount’s player of the match Claire Walsh receives her prize from Advance Pitstop’s Eddie Ryan

Bohemians Dylan Watts tries to escape a tight spot in their league tie with Shamrock Rovers. Picture: Martin Doherty

All star guest list miss the Hoops and Bohs late show LOI PREMIER DIVISION Bohemians Shamrock Rovers  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

1 1

BOHEMIANS maintained their unbeaten record over fierce rivals Shamrock Rovers thanks to a last-gasp Rob Cornwall equaliser.

Rovers captain Ronan Finn had given the visitors the lead with eight minutes remaining, a goal that looked to have earned Stephen Bradley’s side a second win in four days.

Former Hoop Cornwall had other ideas, however, powering home a header with just over a minute remaining to send the Dalymount Park faithful into raptures.

Martin O’Neill and his backroom staff, as well as several members of the first-team squad including Seamus Coleman and James McClean, were in attendance on the day.

They had come to see two of the latest call-ups to the international side, Rovers striker Graham

Burke and Bohs keeper Shane Supple, face each other in Ireland’s feistiest derby.

All had left, however, by the time Finn broke the deadlock on the counterattack and would miss Cornwall’s dramatic leveller.

The Gypsies scored late in both the sides’ previous meetings this season, at Dalymount and at Tallaght Stadium, with Darragh Leahy netting a winner in the eighth minute of injury last time out.

The home side didn’t leave it quite so late on this occasion, but a draw was a fair result in a game of relatively few chances and little to entertain the guests, including exRovers defender Enda Stevens.

Rovers controlled possession in the first half but were unable to turn the pressure into chances, with a glancing Dave McAllister header, easily gathered by Supple, their sole effort of the opening period.

A Hoops side so dominant at home against

St Patrick’s Athletic on Tuesday were unable to apply the same pressure against their mostintense rivals.

McAllister again went close with a half-cross, half-shot that whistled over the bar with Supple looking somewhat concerned between the home side’s sticks.

Burke was doing his best to impress the watching O’Neill and had a great chance when played through by Finn, but Supple stayed on his feet and managed to bat away the striker’s shot.

Cornwall registered the home side’s first effort on goal ten minutes before the break as he let fly following a half-cleared corner, but his low shot whistled past the post.

Rovers felt they should have had a penalty after the break as Dan Carr was sent through on goal and tumbled under the challenge of Supple, but referee Rob Hennessey wasn’t buying it.

They did get their goal as the clocked ticked into the final minutes, Finn

applying the cool finish after Dylan Watts had given the ball away in midfield.

Finn had given Rovers the lead here on the opening day, while the Hoops also led in Tallaght in April, but once more they let a lead slip in circumstances depressingly familiar for Bradley’s charges.

Their lead lasted just six minutes, however, as

Keith Ward delivered an inviting free kick for Cornwall – who spent three seasons with the Hoops before being released in 2016 – powered a header home.

The result will not particularly suit either team, both of whom remain in the bottom half, Rovers missing a chance to close the gap on the European places and Bohs to move clear of relegation.

Rovers Graham Burke and Bohs Keith Ward tangle.

Picture: Martin Doherty

Shels nick late point ISIBEAL Atkinson’s late goal earned Shelbourne Ladies a point in the Dublin derby against Peamount United at Greenogue on Saturday.

Sarah McKevitt had given the home side the lead early on and, for much of the game, it appeared the Peas were on course for a third win of the season over their title rivals.

McKevitt’s shot cannoned off the crossbar and was deemed to crossed the line, while Áine O’Gorman wasted a chance to extend the lead before the break.

Shels pushed on after the break and equalised with Leanne Kiernan linked up to provide Atkinson with the simplest finish.

PAT’S UN-CORKED BY CITY ST PATRICK’S Athletic conceded three for the second time in four days as they fell to an unfortunate 3-1 defeat to Cork City on Friday night.

Conan Byrne had put the Saints in position to take at least a point when he cancelled out former Ireland Under-21 international Kieran Sadlier’s early opener.

A stunning effort from Jimmy Keohane and an evenmore remarkable third from Sadlier, struck from within his own penalty box, ensured the three points went back to Cork.

There were just 13 seconds on the clock when Sadlier strolled into the box and went to ground under the challenge of Kevin Toner, and he converted the penalty himself.

The Saints were the better side for the next hour, but Cork should have gone into the break 2-0 up as former

Shamrock Rovers man Karl Sheppard headed over with the goal gaping.

Byrne levelled just past the hour mark with a well-taken finish after Mark McNulty could only parry James Doona’s low-struck effort into the winger’s path.

And it was Doona’s low cross that teed up captain Ian Bermingham for an audacious effort that crashed back off the Cork bar.

There was controversy as a foul on Ryan Brennan wasn’t spotted and Cork took full advantage, Keohane curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner of Tyson Farago’s goal.

Sadlier made sure of the win in the fourth minute of injury time when, with Farago up for a corner, he hooked a ball from the edge of his own box that ran all the way into the Saints goal.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN INTERS, juniors and ladies were in action last week with mixed results;two wins and a loss. Ladies beat Man O War away by 5-5 to 2-2 in the championship to qualify for a semi final spot.

Juniors got back to winning ways with a 3-9 to 1-8 result against St Finbarrs in their league tie at Westmanstown.

Intermediates recent run of good form came to an end losing at home to St Brigids in the league by 2-12 to 1-10.

U-16 boys played Dublin U-15s in Westmanstown on Friday night; great workout for everybody with some great talent on display. U-12 footballers drew with Naomh Mearnog in their home league match last Thursday night 1-11 to 2-8.

The club annual golf classic takes place next week on Thursday, June 7.This is an important club fundraiser and all club members are asked to make a big effort this week to support with teams,t boxes and green sponsorship.

NAOMH PEREGRINE OUR U-8s host a football blitz on Saturday, June 2 from 10am. Come and support your future stars and enjoy the atmosphere.

St Peregrine’s GAA Club inaugural golf classic, celebrating 40 years, takes place on Friday, June 1 in Luttrelstown Golf Club. Win a brand new jeep for a hole in one sponsored by Ryans Garage, Blanchardstown and Ssangyong. It’s not too late to book your entry fee of €400 for a team of four.

The time sheet opens from 8:30am. Please contact Vinnie at 087 6753194 or Dave at 086 0462253 for info.

Children between seven and 14 years old can join in

St Peregrine’s 7-a-side Mini All-Ireland Gaelic Football Tournament from June 11-17. The finals are on the Family Funday Sunday, June 17. Registration is open to all children online, by entry forms available in the schools, at the clubhouse or on the day of the first matches. The cost is €6 per child and includes a gumshield which must be worn. Info on www.cnp.ie.

There was no winner of the club lottery, numbers drawn were 9, 19, 24, 26.

Next week’s jackpot is €7,400.

The Jaker Twins perform in the clubhouse of Sunday, June 3.

SKERRIES HARPS WELL done to our senior 2 camogie team who defeated Erins Isle to continue their unbeaten run and to Our Mcmeels sponsored Div 2 footballers on their win over Raheny in the league.

The Moriarty SuperValu sponsored U-14 Division 3 footballers recorded a win over St Maurs and the U-16 Division 2 football team had a good win over Na Fianna.

Congrats to Skerries Community College junior hurlers on their impressive win over Lucan CBS last Thursday in the Div C schools final.

Strong representation from members of our U-13/U-14/U-15 hurling teams so well done all.

Well done to all our juvenile representatives on the various Dublin teams over the past week.

Great to see representation on the Dublin minors and U-16 panels. Hard luck to Aisling Spillane and the Dublin intermediate camogie team on their defeat to Westmeath.

Zingo Result: 1-3-4-5-7-6-2. No winners of Jackpot or dividend. Jackpot now €1,700; next week €1,600 Jackpot Dividend €100. Next Draw will take place on Sunday, June 3 in the clubhouse.

SOCCER: CELTIC BEATEN 3-0 AT TOLKA PARK TO SEASONED SIDE

Fowler undoes Knock’s Polikoff Cup final chances POLIKOFF CUP FINAL Kilbarrack United Castleknock Celtic  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

3 0

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s Polikoff Cup adventure came to an end on Sunday with a 3-0 defeat to Kilbarrack United in the final at Tolka Park.

A brace from Eoin Fowler and a third from Eamonn Mulligan saw an experienced Kilbarrack outfit to their first silverware in several years.

Robbie Arnold’s found their path to trophies blocked by a once-in-ageneration Sheriff YC over the past few years, but last year made the switch from the AUL to the LSL. That decision has proven a good one with the club having already secured intermediate football – with just a win

needed to seal the Sunday Major title – and they exuded confidence in the final.

They came up against a promising Castleknock side who did very well to make it to the final from a division below in Sunday Major 1.

Celtic remain in contention for promotion themselves to the top division of junior football, sitting one place off the promotion spots with four games to play.

There were just 13 minutes played when Fowler got the first of his two goals, powering a header into the top corner from right-back Mark Nolan’s cross.

Four minutes later, Liam Brady strode forward in midfield and unleashed a piledriver from 30 yards Paddy Dunne could only parry.

Defender Shane Dunne

did well to take the ball out of the path of the lurking John Meleady, but couldn’t prevent Fowler from slotting home his, and Kilbarrack’s, second.

Celtic steadied the ship in the second half but couldn’t find the final pass to break down a solid Kilbarrack outfit.

And Robbie Arnold’s side made sure of the win with four minutes remaining when substitute Eamonn Mulligan got on the scoresheet.

The experienced striker got on the end of a long punt from keeper Dylan McNulty and cut in from the right, beating his man and stroking the ball home from the edge of the box.

“It’s great for the lads,” Arnold told the Dublin Gazette.

“It’s seven or eight years since we’ve won anything. At a club like Kilbarrack, it’s been a bit too long to be honest.

“A couple of us have been to FAI Cup finals

and played in Tolka and the Aviva. The experience was there for the lads.

“The last time we played there we were beaten 3-1 by Sheriff so it righted a few wrongs.

It’s never going to be an easy game in a cup final no matter who you’re playing.

“You can’t take any team lightly in a final.

That was the attitude we went in with. Underdogs and favourites never came into our heads.”

North County see off The Hills

North County’s Jamie Grassi

NORTH County took the derby laurels at the Vineyard as they beat The Hills in cricket’s IBI Corporate Finance Leinster Senior Cup in a game reduced to 20 overs a side due to the rain.

Early on, Mark Donegan’s 44 gave the Hills some early impetus in their innings before he was stumped by Jamie Grassi off the bowling of Adam Coughlan.

Tomas Rooney Murphy and Daya Singh injected some pace into the scoreboard to bring them up to 99 before the latter departed.

Naseer Shoukat joined Rooney Murphy and

the pair put on 36 in off 19 balls, ending the innings at 146 for seven In chase, North County opened up with Jamie Grassi and Niall McGovern who went about the bowling like they were in a hurry.

They raced to 72 from 6.1 over before they lost their first wicked Grassi.

McGovern going well himself was joined by Malcolm Nofal who is in great form this season. The pair brought the score to 128 at the start of the 14th over. McGovern exited then for 51 off 42 balls but they eased over the line with no further loss of wicket.

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

FROM KILBARRACK

SOCCER: MANAGER O’LEARY OUTLINES FUTURE VISION

Porto soar in closing stages of LSL season LSL SUNDAY

Portmarnock AFC continue to break new ground in the Leinster Senior League.

 DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

Castleknock Celtic’s side that reached the Polikoff Cup final

MULTI-EVENTS Lusk’s Flynn ends second in Santry LUSK Athletics Club’s Brian Flynn, picturedcompeting in the 100m, finished second in the senior men’s multi-events competition during the Irish Life Health Combined Events at Morton Stadium in Santry.

He finished in 11.37 before jumping 5.41m in the long jump, 1.54m in the high jump, ran 53.72 in the 400m and was the fastest in the 1,500m in 4.54.99.

Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

PORTMARNOCK will finish their first season back at the top level of the Leinster Senior League with a top-half finish following Sunday’s victory over Newbridge Town.

Porto ended the season with three wins from their last four against Metro Cup winners Newbridge, reigning champions St Mochta’s and FAI Intermediate Cup finalists Firhouse Clover.

It was the perfect culmination to a remarkable season that began with a narrow FAI Senior Cup defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic at Paddy’s Hill way back in July.

The final win over a resurgent Newbridge side moved Willie O’Leary’s side up to fifth – a position they will maintain should results on the final day go their way.

Christopher Burgess scored twice – the second a wonderful volley into the top corner – and Raoui Lassoued, while ex-Hibernian trainee Cody Mulhall scored a rocket of a free kick for Newbridge.

It brought to an end a season that’s been full of learning for the young coach O’Leary, who’s brought Porto three successive promotions and an Intermediate Cup semi-final in his five years in charge.

“We were undefeated in 16 of our 26 games, which is good going, and we have a plus goal difference,” O’Leary told the Dublin Gazette.

“By and large, we haven’t really been hammered. We’ve held our own in all games. We were unlucky against [champions] Bluebell out in their place.

“Crumlin, who we’ve a long history with as they beat us in the semi-final of the all-Ireland a couple of years ago, we beat them 1-0 out there which possibly cost them the league.

“We’ve held our own, but it’s a learning process.”

O’Leary, whose five years in charge have coincided with unprecedented success for the north Dublin club, is unsure if he’ll still be at the club come July.

The club have made huge strides off the field with a top-class private facility at Paddy’s Hill

and two all-weather training pitches.

And the manager hopes the club’s ambitions match his own when they sit back down together in the off-season.

“I’ve been there five years now and it’s been five years of non-stop success.

“We’ve won a cup, won a league, had three promotions on the bounce and qualified for the FAI Senior Cup. “We got to the semi-final of the All-Ireland.

I’m going to have to sit down and see if the committee are on the same page or not.

“People need to see that the senior team is ultimately the end-game for a lot of the kids at

the club. They have to realise that.

“Most clubs, you have the junior section and the senior section, and sometimes there’s a different outlook and philosophy on things.

“My son plays Under-10s and he loves coming out and watching the senior team. Ultimately, that’s where a lot of these kids will play their adult football.

“If the senior team can lead from the top down and give players ambition to play, then great – job done.

“Once the kids are encouraged, and the good habits are filtered down through the schoolboy section, we’ll be fine.”

Glebe man stars in win over England AMATEUR INTERNATIONAL GLEBE North winger Adam Foley set up the decisive goal as the Ireland Amateur side beat England C 4-2 in Whitehall on Sunday evening.

There were goals from Shane Stritch, Paul Murphy and a brace from Eoin Hayes as Gerry Davis’ side twice let leads slip before pulling away late on.

Dagenham and Redbridge

defender Luke Pennell and Salford City midfielder Tom Walker scored equalisers in either half for a strong English side.

Stritch opened the scoring in comical fashion early on, the Bluebell United striker hitting a hopeful shot with the outside of his right boot that England goalkeeper Tom McHale let slip through his legs.

England levelled six minutes before the break with Pennell’s

brilliantly-taken header from Ky Marsh-Brown’s near-post cross.

Former Wexford Youths striker Paul Murphy put Ireland back in front within a minute of the resumptions as he got on the end of a quick free kick before squeezing the ball into the corner.

England drew level once more in spectacular fashion as the former Bolton Wanderers man

Walker was allowed too much space to stroll forward and pick his spot in the top corner from 25 yards.

Substitute Hayes put Ireland back in the lead, this time for good, when he slotted home following a good run and cross from Glebe North’s Adam Foley.

Hayes added his second and Ireland’s fourth with four minutes to go for a memorable victory.

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 31 May 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

3

ST BRIGID’S THANK you to all who sponsored and took part in our golf classic on Friday, May 25 in great conditions in Royal Tara.

St Brigid’s nursery, sponsored by Sherry Fitzgerald, runs each Saturday from 9.30 to 11am, all four to seven-year-olds are welcome, come down to take a look and get involved.

St Brigid’s annual club mini leagues, sponsored by Brady’s Garages, Castleknock, will run on the week starting June 11, 2018. St Brigid’s Club Summer Camp is due from July 23 to 27, GAA Cúl Camp from August 13 to 17 and GAA Nursery Camp from August 20 to 24. Book your place and keep up with all our news on our website www.stbrigidsgaa.com A limited number of Gaeltacht scholarships are available for St Brigid’s members. See the website or contact 087 6339238 for information and forms.

Well done to Paddy Andrews and the Dublin football team as they opened the season with a good win over Wicklow in the Leinster championship.

Well done to Ciara Trant who received a team of the League award at the weekend and to our representatives on the U-14 ladies football squad who are through to the All-Ireland final following a great win over Kerry.

St Brigids ladies won the Dublin U-14 Division league title this weekend, congratulations to all.

The senior mens football team had a good league win over Lucan during the week with good wins also for AFL3 and AFL5 teams. U-15 boys football continue to do well in the league and U-16B team recorded a good win over Bray Emmets.

ST FINIAN’S IT WAS mixed fortunes for the AFL teams.

The AFL4 team beat St Judes on Wednesday evening in Ridgewood while the AFL8 team were beaten by St Kevins-Killians on Tuesday.

The AHL8 team are at home to Lucan Sarsfields on Thursday, May31 at 7.30pm.

A word of thanks to Club GPO Paul Lyons who ran a Camogie/Hurling Workshop for club coaches Friday in Ridgewood. As always it was conducted in a very professional manner and was a valuable & enjoyable experience for the participants.

A huge thanks to Gary Redmond & Maria Comiskey from Airside Shopping Centre who sponsored a new set of jerseys for the Under 9s, 10s & 11s girls teams. St Finians GAA Club asks it members, parents and supporters to support its sponsors.

Date for your diary – the Club Family

Funday will take place on Saturday, June 23 followed by a social event in Peacocks on that evening. Further details to follow.

Please put vouchers given in store for all purchases over €20 into the St Finians GAA Box in Supervalu Boroimhe for training balls for the club. Please contact GPO Paul Lyons 087 176 1302 or Paul.Lyons.

GPO.Dublin@gaa.ie if you are free to help out as a head coach with the Cúl camp which is taking place Monday 2nd July to Friday 6th (Cúl Camp) and for the club summer camps (sponsored by Sky Handling Partner ) Tuesday August 14th to Friday August 17th and Tuesday August 21st to Friday August 24th respectively. Applicants must be over 18 years of age and must also be fully paid up members. Online payments for all 3 camps are available on the Club Website http:// www.stfinians.com .

NAOMH MAUR CONGRATULTAIONS to Eoghan Conroy who lined out at wing back Saturday v Laois with Dublin U-21s in the Leinster championship where Dublin made a winning start to their summer campaign with this comprehensive 15-point victory in Saturday’s opening round.

The club clean-up, in conjunction with Rush Tidy Towns, got off to a start last night. Thanks to those who helped out especially Peter who braved the ditch. Keep an eye out for the next cleanup date, coming soon.

Some results: New Ireland Assurance Ladies Senior Championship Group A St. Maurs 1-8 Kilmacud Crokes 4-16 U-13 Division 7: ladies football Cuala B 0-5 St. Maurs B 3-5 U-13 Division 2: Beann Eadair 5-8 St Maurs 11-13 We were treated to a fabulous display of camogie Sunday when our U-13 girls faced Division 1 League favourites, Naomh Bríd; Naomh Maur 8-9, Naomh Bríd 1-5. Well done girls. That’s four wins out of four.

St Maurs U-14 Ladies v Whitehall Colmcille (Friday 25th May) League football Final score 4-9 v 2-11.

U15 Football Div.3 League ST BRIGIDS A 3-20 ST MAURS 0-10 u15 Hurling div 3 St Maurs 2-15 whitehall CC 1-8

SOCCER: 25 STUDENTS HONOURED AT YEAR END

Fingal’s unique transtion year group graduate  sport@dublingazette.com

THE country’s only Football and Fitness Course for Transition Year students held its graduation ceremony at the Fingal County Council Civic Offices in Blanchardstown when 25 TY students received their certificates.

This unique course in its second year the run in partnership with the FAI and Fingal County Council with support from Empower, Blanchardstown.

It provides the young students with the opportunity to meet their educational requirements while developing a whole range of football skills and also gaining a full ITEC Fitness Instructor’s qualification from Litton Lane Training.

This football-centred education initiative was run in Corduff Sports Centre over the course of the 2017-18 academic year with all students getting permission from their respective schools to attend.

Participants in the Fingal’s transition year Football and Fitness Course at their graduation ceremony last week

The Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Mary McCamley, Fingal County Council Chief Executive, Paul Re id, Donal Conway, FAI Vice President and Republic of Ireland, Under-21 team manager Noel King, attended the event along with representatives from Empower, and elected members of Fingal County Council.

Speaking at the event, Paul Reid congratulated the 25 students who attended the course and added: “Within Fingal

STAR POWER Owens and Trant honoured in team of league

ST SYLVESTER’S Nicole Owens,

middle, and St Brigid’s Ciara Trant, right, were honoured at this week’s 2018 LIDL team of the ladies national football league following their exploits in the county’s run to a first ever Division One crown.

They are pictured with fellow Dubliner representative, Cuala’s Martha Byrne Picture:Piaras O’Mídheach / SPORTSFILE

County Council we have a ‘can do’ attitude and this is another excellent initiative by our Sports Office.

“We are aware that young people within our community have sporting ambitions and this programme gave the students an excellent opportunity to develop and enhance their sporting skills while staying within the education system and also giving something back to their local communities through the

work experience module of the course.

“It ticks a lot of boxes for us as an organisation which is focused on the development of communities within Fingal.”

The course run in partnership with the Football Association of Ireland and supported

by Empower Blanchardstown was extermely well-attended and recorded an impresssive average attendance rate of 93% throughout the school year.

31 May 2018 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

FOOTBALL: BALLYMUN MAN SAYS O’FARRELL COUNTY HOLD THREAT

FOOTBALL

Brigid’s ruthless in big win over Lucan

McCarthy wary of Leinster Long’ shot LEINSTER SEMI-FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

JAMES McCarthy expects Longford to rattle Dublin in their Leinster semifinal in a novel pairing between the reigning champions and massive underdogs.

The midlanders qualified for a first provincial semi-final since 1988 after beating Meath on Sunday and few will fancy Denis Connerton’s side on June 10 at Croke Park.

When the teams last met during the 2015 championship, a group then managed by Dublin native Jack Sheedy were beaten by Dublin by 27 points.

Longford finished third in Division 3 of the National Football league this term and might well have been promoted had they overcome Armagh.

In fact, many feel that the Leinster side should’ve won the game, and there was controversy as the Orchard County were awarded a questionable free out before Ethan Rafferty’s 68thminute winning point.

“The Leinster championship is always one of the big competitions

we go after every year,” Ballymun Kickhams man McCarthy said at the announcement of AIB’s extension of their five-year Backing Club and County initiative.

“The biggest respect you can give a team is to go out and do your best and play your best out there, and that’s what we try to do every day.

“It will be no different in two weeks’ time and you see Longford had a great win against Meath, and a great league, and should’ve gone up to Division 2.

“They had a controversial loss in one of their games and there was something about a late point in Armagh, I think. They’re a coming team and you can see there’s a buzz about them, so they will definitely give us a good rattle in a few weeks’ time.”

McCarthy has now collected five All-Ireland titles, and the 28-year-old could well add to that tally in the coming seasons.

Despite collecting so much silverware, the Dubs continue to set the tempo in Gaelic football, and McCarthy tries to explain their ravenous hunger.

“When I think back to when we first

started winning All-Irelands with Dublin (in 2011), the following year we came back and lost. Then we came back in ’13 and won, and then the next year we lost.

“We couldn’t figure out how to be more consistent, and how to go back-toback. Once you win one, you want to win two and three, and you’re really hungry and mad for it.

“It’s so enjoyable because you’re playing with guys you’re really close with, and you’re going playing these big games that are going down to the wire, and it’s very hard feeling to describe, those moments.

“It’s such a powerful feeling to play with a team that works so hard together, and it’s a great journey you’re on.

“It goes by in the blink of an eye; I’ve been playing for seven or eight years now and I just can’t believe how fast

“

it’s going. So it’s about enjoying it as much as you can because it will be over soon enough.”

Last weekend, Dublin ran up a 23-point win over Wicklow in the Leinster quarter-final at O’Moore Park.

Dublin had 11 different scorers and the outcome was decided by the break, following late first half goals from Ciarán Kilkenny and Con O’Callaghan, and in the second half Dublin introduced subs with Co n o r Mc Hu g h a n d Colm Basquel both getting on the scoresheet.

Paul Flynn also got championship action under his belt after m i s s i n g t h e e n t i re league campaign following a back operation.

Dublin took a 18-point lead, 4-13 to 1-4, into the half-time interval after concluding the opening half with two late goals in front of an attendance of 11,786.

It goes by in the blink of an eye; I’ve been playing for seven or eight years now and I just can’t believe how fast it’s going.

”

ST BRIGID’S secured their first win of the AFL1 season in ruthless fashion against Lucan Sarsfields at Russell Park this week, bringing a three-game losing streak to an end.

They largely controlled the proceedings throughout.

Philly Ryan and Kevin Callaghan impressed for the Navan Road outfit who also had valuable contributions from Lorcan McCarthy and Mark Donnelly in the opening period.

As a result, they found themselves eight points in front, 0-10 to 0-2, on the half-hour mark.

After Lucan reduced the gap with a brace of points after the restart, they were awarded a penalty at the end of a subsequent attack. The resulting spot-kick was turned away by netminder Stephen Moore, and Brigid’s never looked back from this point.

Ryan, Collie Carr, Donnelly and Cathal Doyle all found the back of the Lucan net - propelling their side towards a 5-14 to 0-9 triumph in the process.

Ballinteer St John’s also claimed their maiden triumph of the 2018 league over Castleknock at Somerton Park (2-16 to 2-11), while St Sylvester’s had seven points to spare over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh at Martin Savage Park - 2-19 to 1-15.

Ballyboden St Enda’s moved up to second with an emphatic 3-11 to 0-10 win against Naomh Maur at Pairc Ui Murchu.

GazetteSPORT MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2018

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 33-39

PORTS BREW UP A STORM

SOCCER: Coastal

club finish league strong to finish in top half of Sunday Senior in first season since promotion to the top tier SEE P37

MCCARTHY’S HIGH BAR FOOTBALL: Dublin star on finding consistency to become the serial winning side on the All-Ireland stage. SEE P39

COUNTY HEAD FOR THE HILLS

CRICKET: North

County cruise to big victory over the Hills in big derby date in the Leinster Senior Cup. SEE P36

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Skerries plays host to incredible Ras finale  sport@dublingazette.com

SKERRIES played host to a highly dramatic finale to the An Ras Tailteann once again with Luuc Bugter (Netherlands Delta Cycling X) snatching the yellow jersey from long-time leader Cyrille Thiery (Switzerland National Team).

Belgium’s Robbe Ghys won the stage off the back of a move he and Bugter made on the second and final lap of a 13.7 kilometre finishing circuit around the north county.

They bridged across to Bugter’s teammate Sjoerd Bax and then drove hard all the way to the line as the rain came down.

Thiery chased and at one point looked like he would defend yellow but finally ended up finishing 12 seconds behind Ghys, 11 behind Bugter and, crucially, one second back from Bugter overall.

“I was in the top five every day. I won a stage, I am in the best form of my life. It went really well,” said Bugter. “I knew there was a chance that I could take the win on the last day, I had to take some seconds on the leader as there are no bonuses at the finish. “ O u r te a m d i d a n amazing job. One rider attacked on the final climb and I was attacking after him and I went to him and we were riding together. And a guy from Belgium came to us and we were three guys.

Robbe Ghys wins the final stage of An Ras Tailteann on Skerries main street, Picture: Bryan Keane/Inpho

“We went full gas to the finish. Then I heard that

I had enough seconds to win – it was a crazy feeling.” - Luuc Bugter We went full gas to the finish. Then I heard that I had enough seconds to win – it was a crazy feeling.”

Thiery was visibly concerned at the finish as he waited for the timekeepers to do their calculations, then rode off when it became less certain that he had hung on. When the decision came through the Dutch riders were elated, cel-

ebrating loudly, while Thiery returned several minutes later looking deflated.

“I don’t know what I can say,” he said. “I knew that nothing was guaranteed before the stage. I lost a teammate.

“And nw I can say that I was sick all the week, I got sick after the second day. I really thought I would have to stop the race. Every day I found

the energy to continue.

“I was thinking it is okay, I will win the race, but today I think I missed a little bit in the tank.

“I am disappointed for the team because they did such an amazing job every day.”

Robert-Jon McCarthy (Ireland National Team) was best Irishman on the stage, winning the bunch sprint for fourth,

while the Italian Matteo Cigala (Westmeath Viner-Caremark - Pactimo) in sixth was best county rider.

Damien Shaw (Holdsworth Pro Racing Team) dropped one place to fourth but was best Irishman, 12 seconds behind Bugter. Mark Dowling (Cycling Leinster) was best county rider overall.

Bugter won the points

classification, Lukas Ru e g g ( Sw i t z e r l a n d National Team) won the mountains competition and Ghys was best young rider. Raymond Cullen (Tipperary Panduit) was best category 2 rider. Netherlands Delta Cycling X won the overall team competition, while Westmeath Viner – Caremark – Pactimo was the best county squad.