Fingal

Gazette FINGAL

September 21 - 27, 2017

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THOUSANDS JOIN SAM IN SMITHFIELD 10-11

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Homeless dad in freezing caravan pleads for home My life was hell living in hostels ...

I had to get out of there – Patrick

 SYLVIA POWNALL A MAN living in a caravan with no electricity, running water or heating has pleaded with the council to give him a home.

Patrick Reid wants a per-

manent roof over his head so he can get to see his eight-year-old daughter.

The 43 year old returned to his native Skerries to sleep rough after fleeing what he described as the “hell on earth” of home-

less hostels in the centre of Dublin.

While staying at one hostel, Patrick was the subject of a serious assault and he was then moved to another emergency accommodation, where he had a room

of his own. But he told The Gazette: “That was no better. I was constantly being beaten and robbed. I was terrified. My life was hell, I had to get out of there.”

Continued on Page 4

2 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

POLICING | DROP IN NUMBERS POSES ‘ GROWING THREAT’ TO SAFETY

Fingal down to a paltry 12 community guards  SYLVIA POWNALL THE ALARMING decrease in the number of community gardai across Fingal has been described as part of a “growing threat to the safety and protection of the local community”.

Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien (inset) said he was shocked to learn the number of full-time community gardai in Fingal had been slashed to just 12 to serve a population of almost 300,000.

New figures obtained by Deputy O’Brien through a parliamentary question show there are no community gardai in either Malahide or Lusk – and just two in the rapidly-expanding

town of Balbriggan. He said: “Not only is Malahide left without a garda station after 9pm each night, I have now learned that there is not a single community garda assigned to the station which serves Malahide, Portmarnock and Kinsealy.

“In 2014 there were six community gardai in Malahide, but there has been a year-on-year decrease since which has left us with zero in the area. “ T h e p r e s ence of c o m munity gardai

is hugely important and they play a significant role in towns and villages across the county.

“They build up relationships with local people and are involved in crime prevention measures like Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert.”

Figures also show that since 2011 there has been an eight per cent growth in the local population, yet garda numbers have been slashed by more than 20 per cent.

D e p u t y O’Brien said: “Garda numbers

have been cut and further to this is the closure of Rush and the downgrading of Malahide.

“Swords has transformed into the busiest district in the capital yet the area has lost 12 full-time gardai while there has been a marked decrease in the number of community gardai also.

Shocking “The entire Balbriggan area, which has a population of roughly 50,000, is served by just two community gardai. Quite shockingly there are none whatsoever operating in Lusk.”

At a joint policing committee meeting earlier this year it emerged that gardai

in Balbriggan were finding it difficult to maintain the same rates of detection as in 2016 as members were “stretched to work full shifts plus overtime”.

Five new gardai were assigned to the area, but this was cancelled out by the fact that five had either left the force or retired in the same period.

Deputy O’Brien said: “Once the Dáil resumes I will be seeking assurances from Minister that these unacceptable reductions in community gardai will be addressed.

“Fingal must be better protected by garda resources to adequately target crime prevention and rebuild public confidence.”

Former Rush Credit Union manager given prohibition order from Central Bank THE Central Bank has issued its “most serious possible outcome to a fitness and probity investigation” to the former manager of Rush Credit Union, Anne Butterly.

The notice issued to Ms Butterly prohibits her from carrying out any controlled functions, including preapproval controlled functions, in any regulated financial service provider for an indefinite peri-od.

It follows a Central Bank investigation into ms Butterly’s involvement in unauthorised transactions on accounts at Rush Credit Union, which went into liquidation last November.

The High Court stepped in on foot of a garda investigation which found that the lender owed about €2 million more than it had in assets. A partially redacted report by the Central Bank Resolution Division into the credit union was published as part of the liquidation process.

It described the credit union as “a failing institution with poor governance and systems and control issues that it has failed to resolve over many years”.

The report also found that there were irregularities around the car draw and a substantial purport-ed misappropriation regarding its management.

The report was able to uncover payment transactions in relation to the car draw but not the details of winners because “no information is recorded or published on Rush’s website”.

In total, purchase details were found for 15 cars totalling €220,500. In a statement, the Central Bank said its investigation into Ms Butterly has concluded, with “the issue of a prohibition order of indefinite duration”.

FASTNews

Meabh with her piece

Talented young Swords artist’s work on show A SWORDS schoolgirl is among the winners of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition whose work is being displayed at the Royal Hibernian Academy.

Rights in their Eyes is an exhibition of works by the winners of the national art contest reflecting children’s rights as seen by the artists, ranging in age from six to 17.

Meabh Scahill, 14, from Swords is one of those taking part in the event, the first of many planned by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office to mark 25 years since Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon opened the exhibition. The images will be used throughout the year reflecting children’s own views on rights in Ireland today.

Fingal secures €415k for disabled grant scheme FUNDING of €415,800 for the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme has been secured by the council.

The cash provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock such as grab rails, disabled access ramps and wet rooms.

The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.

Welcoming the news Alan Farrell TD (FG) said: “This will greatly improve the housing conditions for those living with disabilities and addresses issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock.

“Improvement works in lieu provide an alternative to social housing for approved social housing applicants currently in private accommodation.”

Gardai appeal after two men stabbed in Swords GARDAI IN SWORDS are appealling for information after two young men were stabbed in the north Dublin suburb last Tuesday night, September 12.

A row between a group of men took place on Main Street in the town. The two victims, aged 19 and 21, were taken to Beaumont Hospital for treatment.

No arrests have been made as yet and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Swords Garda Station 01 666 4700 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

21 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 3

DEALS | HOW TO SAVE YOURSELF €50 & JOIN THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST CAR-SHARING CLUB FOR FREE

GoCarazy

IT’S European Mobility Week, and GoCar have come up with a cracking way to help raise awareness of the campaign – offering Dublin drivers FREE membership until the end of next week (it’s usually €50).

Since 2002, European Mobility Week has sought to influence mobility and urban transport issues, as well as improve public health and quality of life. The campaign also gives people the chance to explore the role of city streets, and to experiment with practical solutions to tackle urban challenges, such as air pollution.

That’s where GoCar comes in. The Dublin-based car-sharing kings have long been champions of sustainability.

Formed in 2008 and currently boasting a fleet of just over 300 cars, GoCar boasts 10,000 members, 170 pick-up points and recently announced that they are expanding their service beyond Dublin and Cork to seventeen further counties.

To celebrate European Mobility Week and its national expansion, GoCar is offering free memberships to all Dublin drivers with a full driving licence until September 29th. To avail of the offer, simply visit www. gocar.ie and follow their instructions.

HOW GOCAR WORKS: Simply sign up online by upload- phone or GoCard; the keys are in ing a scan of your driving licence. the car, with fuel, insurance and Once you receive your GoCard in city parking all included. Rates the post, you’re ready to go. GoCar start from €8 per hour with the users can book cars online or via first 50km of fuel included in each the app, then unlock with their trip. Visit GoCar.ie to find out more.

Families flock toflock fun to fun Families day outday on on thethe green green T Darcy Flanagan and Lara Levins

Luke O’Hara

Isabella Kilty

HERE was something for everyone to enjoy at the Glen HEREand wasSandford something for everyone to enjoy at Fun the Glen Ellan Wood annual Residents Day. Ellan The and Sandford Fun which was Day.filled The green area wasWood taken annual over forResidents the afternoon green area was taken over for the afternoon with fun, games and activities. which was filled with fun, games and activities.

T

Darragh Quinn

Rian Brennan, Sam Bailey and Mia Bailey. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Darragh Quinn

4 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

SKERRIES | HOMELESS DAD TRYING TO KEEP HIS COMMUNITY TIES

‘I need a real home so I can see my daughter’ Continued from Page 1

Patrick said things started to get on top of him after his father died and he suffered a breakdown and split from his partner as a result.

He ended up on the streets and turned to drugs to ease the pain. Patrick has two grownup children and one younger daughter who he hardly sees because of his circumstances.

The dad-of-three, who has been diagnosed as bipolar, said: “I need to be able to have somewhere for her to visit.

It’s hard to get to see her. I do occasionally, but it’s too cold in the caravan – it’s absolutely freezing in the mornings.

“The substance abuse is behind me and I’m trying to get my life together. I was hoping

to make a living working on the fishing boats.

“Friends have been very good to me. They try to help me by bringing me water and whatever, but what I need is a home.”

Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG), who has made representations on Patrick’s behalf, said: “He wants to stay in his own community where his family and friends are. All I can do is keep pushing it with the council and I’m not going to let it go.”

One of Patrick’s friends has challenged Fingal County Council over vacant houses on the Mourne Road in Skerries which he says should be offered to those in need without delay.

Joey Andrews told The Gazette: “I’m also waiting for a

house, but it’s Paddy I’m worried about because it’s getting cold out, and he will die with the cold.”

A Fingal County Council spokesperson said: “The council is not in a position to comment on this case. However, we can state that we are in contact with the citizen in question with respect to his housing need situation and this contact will continue.”

The local authority said that of four vacant dwellings on Mourne Road, pre-let works had been completed on two and these were expected to be occupied within days.

The remaining houses, a two-bed and a three-bed, will be available “shortly”, pending repairs.

native living in an unheated caravan,

spownall@dublingazette.com

and desperate to have a real home

Patrick Reid – the homeless Skerries

SKERRIES

Eco-estate proposal fritz blitzed AMBITIOUS plans to create Ireland’s first upmarket eco-estate of prefabricated timber homes in Skerries have been refused permission by An Bord Pleanala.

The proposed 24-property Baufritz development on a waterfront site was set to mark the German ecohousing giant’s first foray on to Irish soil.

Planning for the project, Holmpatrick Cove, which includes a hotel, was passed

by Fingal County Council earlier in the year, but was appealed to An Bord Pleanála in May. The board’s refusal relates primarily to the hotel, with the board stating that the land in question is zoned for open use and recreational amenities.

The report also cited development regulations requiring visitor accommodation to be located in a town or village. Holmpatrick Cove is located just outside Skerries town.

FASTNews

Mayor weighs in to back axed Swords school cleaners’ protest FINGAL Mayor Mary McCamley last week stood in solidarity with school cleaners in Swords who are protesting the loss of their jobs.

The three cleaners, who between them have 63 years’ service, had their positions at St Cronan’s Senior NS in Brackenstown axed after the summer holidays.

The Labour Cllr and newly-elected mayor showed her support for their campaign as the three women, with the support of their union SIPTU, demand to be reinstated.

Lorraine Reilly, who worked at the school for 18 years, said: Jack O’Connor with Pauline Smyth & Ann Daly “We thank the mayor for joining our protest and lending her voice to the many calls for a just resolution to this dispute. We are receiving super support from family, the community, councillors and local TDs. They’re all dismayed at how we’ve been treated.”

As reported in The Gazette earlier this month, the cleaning contract was given to an outside company, AMF Ireland Ltd, which has refused to employ the women.

Ms Reilly said: “There will be no resolution until the board of management sits down to speak with us..”

On Monday Pauline Smyth and Ann Daly met with SIPTU president Jack O’Connor at Liberty Hall to discuss their dispute.

21 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 5

6 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

Man suffered blunt force trauma to head

A MAN who died followEmergency services had ing an incident outside a been called to the scene nightclub in Swords suf- where Mr Fitzgerald was fered blunt force trauma attended to by nightclub to the head, his inquest staff. He was rushed to heard last week. hospital and the area Christopher outside the Fitzgerald nightclub was right) , who sealed off as was originally gardai carried from Dublin out forensic but living in examinations.

Drogheda, Co D a n i e l Louth, died Fitzgerald, on May 8 fol33, from lowing an inciBlancharddent outside the Wright stown has been charged Venue at Airside. with the unlawful killing H i s m o t h e r, A n n of Christopher Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, formally iden- at Airside Business Park tified her son at the Rich- in Swords. mond Unit at Beaumont At Dublin Coroner’s Hospital on May 8.

Court, Detective Inspector Mr Fitzgerald had Kenneth Keeling told Corsuffered a serious head oner Dr Myra Cullinane Mona injury and died as aTreinovska result that the matter is currently of subdural hemorrhage before the courts. due to blunt force trauma Dr Cullinane adjourned to the head, according to the inquest until after an autopsy carried out by criminal proceedings are Professor Marie Cassidy. completed.

Donabate puts local housing fears in focus COUNCILLORS last met to express their conweek called on Fin- cerns around planning gal County Council to and development issues.

Ciara MulroyUnder and Dawn Kelly Area engage with a newlythe Local established watchdog Plan, the peninsula is committee set up in Don- earmarked for upwards abate to address planning of 4,000 new houses and concerns. locals are concerned The council deemed that proper infrastrucan emergency motion ture, and consultation, is calling on its chief execu- adhered to. tive to meet with the SupCllr Paul Mulville (SD) porting Proper Devel- told the packed meeting opment in Donabate SPDD had his full sup(SPDD) campaign group port, adding: “It’s vital out of order – but agreed that the community careit could be resubmitted fully considers and scrufor the October meeting. tinises the planning proThe motion was put cess ... However, we must for ward collectively ensure that we do not just

by Cllrs Paul Mulville, build houses, but that we Adrian Henchy, Duncan build communities.”

Smith, Eugene CoppingCllr Mulville said he er, Joe Newman, Anne shared residents’ conDevitt and Darragh But- cerns over plans for the ler. road realignment which The move follows a deviates from the County mass meeting last week Development Plan – and in Donabate Parish Hall he pledged to take his where a capacity crowd case to An Bord Pleanala.

Out and About

Killian O’Reilly, Ian Sheridan and Ian Martin of The RNLI with Kerryann Aoibhinn Stokes

Sutton shares in store’s goodwill

Sheridan, Allison Saul and Kate Donohoe. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Sonny Kumar

W

Caroline O’Reilly

ITH SuperValu Sutton tracing its links back to the community for many years, and with additional improvements since 2014, the store has long been one of the community’s hubs. With that in mind, manager Owen Doyle was delighted to host a special evening as a thank-you to its loyal customers and the wider community. On the night, visitors were welcomed to enjoy some live music and nibbles, while Owen presented a number of donations to local schools and groups. The highlight of the night for many was the presentation of €13,000 to long-term local partner Howth RNLI – a cause everyone applauded.

Ian Sheridan and Ian Martin of the RNLI with chef Cian Mooney

Manager Owen Doyle presents John Hughes, Sutton Rugby Club, with a voucher for €100 - one of several donations the store made to local groups

Breda Merren

Kerryann Sheridan, Allison Saul and Kate Donohoe

Brigette Houlihan and Orla Elgemayeo

21 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 7

8 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

CSO stands by vacant dwelling figures despite Council claims

Daly dose is just the trick for magic fans SWORDS magician Joe Daly will be making magic on our TV screens this autumn with his new kids’ show abraKIDabra on RTÉjr Balbriggan native Ava Earley is one of the children from around the country to feature on the programme. abraKIDabra gives kids from all over the country the chance to learn and perform magic tricks with Joe who has been hailed as Ireland’s top magician.

Budding magicians at home will also be encouraged to get involved when Joe takes them to his workshop in the ‘Teach a Trick’ segment.

“I had an amazing time making abraKIDabra. The kids involved were fantastic,” said Joe. “I’m delighted that children at home are going to get the chance to see my magic show and learn how the tricks are done. I hope it inspires them to become young magicians!”

DONABATE | MAN DIES BEFORE GAME

Dublin fans lead tributes to late superfan, Trent  SYLVIA POWNALL

THE family of a Donabate man who died last week have issued their heartfelt thanks to the local community for honouring his memory during the All Ireland final.

GAA stalwart and keen Dubs supporter Trent Latham, who passed away at the age of 44, was remembered in the 44th minute of the Dublin v Mayo game at Croke Park.

Hill 16 exploded with applause as thousands stood to pay tribute to the popular dad-of-two – with hundreds more getting to their feet to do the same at their local Keelings lounge.

Trent’s sister-in-law, Pamela Mulcahy, said: “The whole of Donabate stood still for Trent on Saturday and we have no doubt he was the proudest man in Heaven, just as we are the proudest family to have witnessed just how much he was loved.

“On behalf of the Mulcahy and Latham family, we would like to thank each and every member of the Donabate community for the amazing outpouring of support. No words will ever thank you all enough.

“It is at difficult times like these that we stop to realise how fragile and beautiful the gift of life and friendship truly is, and just how important it is to look out for each other.”

Trent was a keen GAA man and Dublin legend Ciaran Whelan helped to carry his coffin at his funeral last Saturday. The sea of green and black at the service – the colours of his beloved St Pat’s GAA

The late Trent Latham, 44, with his sisterin-law Pamela Mulcahy, nephew Owen, wife Hazel and kids Sophia and Cian

Club – was also testament to the love and esteem he was held in.

Trent, also a keen golfer, was mentor to St Pat’s U-10 boys as well as being heavily involved with girls’ squads, juvenile camps, and the club’s development committee.

St Pat’s GAA issued a statement paying glowing tribute to him, and extending members’ sympathies to his wife Hazel, daughter Sophia and son Cian.

The statement included: “It is with disconsolate grief that the club has learned of the passing of one of our dearest friends and members. Trent loved many things. Trent loved life. He loved being a Dub. He loved Dublin. He loved being a northsider but loved being a north county Dubliner just as much.

“Trent will always be our neighbour, our club mate, our colleague, our friend.

Our greatest exponent of the spirit of St Pats in 2017 and beyond.”

THE CSO has stood over its Census 2016 finding that there were more than 183,000 vacant dwellings in the Republic.

It was responding to a study by Fingal County Council which concluded the number of vacant dwellings in its area was 50-60 as opposed to the figure of 3,000 stated on the Census returns.

The CSO said in a statement it was confident its “vacant dwelling figures are robust as a point-in-time record around the 24th of April 2016”.

In a circular sent by the Department of Housing this month to all local authorities a study by FCC – which involved physically checking out 76 houses listed as vacant – showed 63 to be fully occupied.

The CSO said more than 4,600 enumerators were involved in collecting census data from every house in the country, and they recorded vacant dwellings using “detailed methodology applied consistently over the past three consecutive Censuses”.

There is a big discrepancy between last year’s Census figures and those in the June 2017 GeoDirectory, which showed 96,000 dwellings vacant, just over half of the CSO figure.

South Dublin County Council also said early indications were that the “actual figure differs to that of the GeoDirectory” in its area.

Businesses urged to enter awards FINGAL Dublin Chamber is urging businesses to get their entries in for the annual Business Excellence Awards which will be presented at a gala dinner on Friday November 10.

This is the fifteenth year of the awards with 23 categories in all and completed entry forms should be returned no later than September 22.

Application forms and written submissions can be downloaded at www. fingaldublinchamber.ie.

21 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 9

10 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

Out and About

Dublin’s No.1 fan - it’s official, he has a sign – Dylan Mulligan with pals

Mark

Deignan, Conor Andrews and Jack Mulligan

Brittany Porydzy and Mara Scallon

When everyone’s happy being blue Dean Rocks hoists the Sam Maguire aloft for the crowd after the match. Main Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne; others: Simon Peare

Tara Byrne and Alan King

Rebecca Caffrey and Megan Gore

I

T’S often said that “The Wesht is Besht”, but our country cousins were put to shame by the delight of the crowd gathered at Smithfield plaza for the thrilling, deafening, cheering night of celebration as everybody’s favourite Sam – Maguire, that is – came to town a few nights ago, bringing a party and a half along. Not even the efforts of the mighty Mayo men could keep Sam from hanging out with what felt like 10,000 friends in Smithfield, all of whom were gathered together to show that nobody throws a party like Dubliners. The sea of blue-clad supporters gave the legendary Irish trophy – and the hero team of Dubs – a brilliant night to remember.

Patrick and Charlie Brady

Emma O’Hara handles Sam with care

Sally and PJ O’Halloran flag their support

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Were you there? Thousands of people flooded Smithfield in a sea of blue – with the team getting a terrific welcome as they brought the legendary cup out, to the delight of everyone

GAZETTE

12 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS EMPLOYMENT | ONLINE PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING GIANT MOVES IN

The DCU Enactus team head to London next week

DCU’s Enactus six primed & ready to take on the world

LinkedIn’s new EMEA HQ to see 70 jobs created

BUSINESS leaders and third level students from across the country gathered in Grand Canal Square to celebrate the official Enactus Team Ireland Launch ahead of the Enactus World Cup in London later this month.

Enactus Ireland is one of 36 country organisations around the world that operates an Enactus programme, bringing together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to solve challenges in local communities.

Earlier this summer Enactus DCU – which consists of Lucy Mangan, Mairéad McDonough, Daniel Kyne, Matthew Hewston, Margaret Hanlon and Aideen Foley – saw off nine other Irish third level institutions to be crowned 2017 Enactus Ireland National Champions.

They will now go on to compete on the global stage at the Enactus World Cup, taking place in London next week.

At the launch, the DCU team showcased their three projects to be presented at the Enactus World Cup, which include Second Scoop, an ex-prisonerwork programme in partnership with Ben & Jerry’s providing ice-cream for corporate events, festivals and fairs; Well On The Way, a social enterprise providing business apprenticeships to asylum seekers in order to integrate into Irish society; and HeadstARTS, a programme which provides weekly classes in Dance, Drama, Music and Art for people with intellectual disabilities.

See http://enactusireland.org/ to find out more Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Francis Fitzgerald joined LinkedIn Ireland’s Sharon McCooey to launch LinkedIn’s new state-ofthe-art EMEA HQ in Wilton Place earlier this week. The new offices will see the creation of around 70 jobs. Pictures: Connor McKenna

SOME 70 jobs are to be created at tech giant LinkedIn’s new headquarters, which opened in Dublin 2 earlier this week.

The social network for professionals officially opened their Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regional headquarters at Wilton Place on Monday.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Francis Fitzgerald were on hand to unveil the state-of-the-art five-storey building (left), which has been designed to create opportunities for LinkedIn staff and visitors to socialise, collaborate and exchange ideas.

Some of the facilities include a music studio, a highend gym and fitness studio, a restaurant, coffee bar, an expansive roof terrace and a games room.

A number of Irish companies were involved in the building works, and at the height of the construction – which was completed in two years – the project saw 360 workers on site every day.

The new building is the first that LinkedIn has built outside the USA, and is the result of an €85 million investment.

The development was undertaken in order to meet the needs of LinkedIn’s growing

workforce in Ireland, which has increased from three employees to 1,200 in just seven years.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Varadkar said: “When LinkedIn first came to Ireland in 2010 we were in the middle of one of our darkest periods economically.

“But today, thanks to the sacrifices of the Irish people and the policies pursued by the Government, our economy has recovered, and we are now facing the future with renewed confidence.

“Over the last seven years, the LinkedIn workforce here in Dublin has grown from just three staff members to 1,200.

“Indeed, LinkedIn’s belief in Ireland as a location for investment has contributed to our economic recovery.”

LinkedIn Ireland chief Sharon McCooey added: “With our new EMEA HQ in the heart of Dublin, we have an office that we are proud to call home, and we are honoured that An Taoiseach and An Tanaiste were able to join us for this landmark moment for our growth in Ireland.

“The level of our investment reflects our commitment to Ireland and the great work our amazing team in Dublin does every day.”

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 13

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CINEMA P24

DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

SENSITIVE FRANKIE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU IN THE LURCH OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Frankie, a handsome, four-year-old male Lurcher.

He’s a typical Lurcher – bouncy, fast and active out and about, but once he gets his daily exercises he is a happy couch potato.

Frankie is a curious dog who loves to discover new places and really enjoys his walks. He is also a sensitive soul and he finds sudden, loud noises quite scary, so he will need some training that will help to build up his confidence. Training him should be lots of fun as he loves his grub! Frankie would be best living in a quiet household with a sensible adult family. This wonderful dog will thrive in the right environment and will make a great companion for life.

Contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000; they are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook. com/dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

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DIARY P15

ROAR

POWER  EMMA NOLAN

A DAZZLING new winter event is coming to Dublin Zoo soon, with Wild Lights – a magical nighttime event featuring giant, colourful lanterns and illuminated animal sculptures, inspired by wildlife – promising to light up the night in delightful style.

Visitors to this must-see event can follow an enchanted trail, where they can discover a dazzling array of beautifully crafted enormous silk lanterns.

They will then be wowed by Chinese performers and crafts while enjoying Chinese foods and warm drinks. Wild Lights will will feature 12,000 metres of silk, 19,000 bulbs, 5,000 metres of LED lights, 48,000 glass bottles and 215,000 pieces of porcelain, weighing 9.5 tonnes, with the lanterns to include a pride of lions, orangutans, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and much more! Other highlights include a 16 metre-high porcelain elephant tower and a 30-metre long Chinese dragon. Everything will be handmade specifically for Dublin Zoo. Tickets for the event, which runs from the start of November into next January, are on sale now from www.dublinzoo.ie.

Visitors to the zoo’s

special exhibition

will be treated to a beautiful range of ornate, hand-crafted lights and lanterns

14 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE Planting good ideas into young minds on Tetra Pak Tree Day OAK-Y dokey! Tree day is coming up and Dublin primary schools are being encouraged to plant their very own oak tree to mark the occasion.

The Tree Council of Ireland supported by Tetra Pak is calling on primary schools to get involved in Tetra Pak Tree Day 2017 on Thursday, October 5.

The aim of the day is to encourage primary school children across the country to put down their school books for a few hours and get outside to enjoy all that trees and our natural environment have to offer.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Our Planet, Our Choice - Ar bPlaineid, Ar Rogha” to convey that we are all responsible for our environment.

It will see over 1,000 Oak tree saplings being made available for primary schools through the website, www. treeday.ie.

Dublin primar y schools are encouraged to log onto www.treeday. ie where they can apply for an Oak tree sapling which they can plant on their school grounds.

Planting these saplings will help teach children about the importance of planting trees to improve biodiversity on the school grounds. In addition, guided woodland walks will be organised nationwide with locations and details of the local walks on www.treecouncil.ie/tree-day.

GETTING TO KNOW JOSEPHINE K AT THE ABBEY THEATRE COMING to the Abbey Theatre this October, a new play by Stacey Gregg – Josephine K and the Algorithms.

Taking to the Peacock Stage as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival this year from October 11–21, 2017 and

starring Orla Fitzgerald (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, The Guarantee, Pure Mule) plays the lead role of Josephine K alongside Carl Kennedy who is also Sound Designer. Caitríona McLaughlin, Associate Director of the Abbey Theatre, directs.

Writer of Scorch (Best New Play, Irish Times Theatre Awards 2015) and Shibboleth, Stacey Gregg’s newest play is an unsettling foray into the age of big data and tech-intrusion.

A contemporary riff on Kafka’s The Trial, Josephine K is on trial but can’t find out why. Everyone else seems to know something, but they’re all super nice, so it can’t be that bad, right?

Stacey Gregg’s work often highlights advancing technological frontiers – Josephine K and the Algorithms is an experimental interrogation of how everyday life is interrupted and disrupted by the increasing role of technology and data mining in society.

Booking is now open for all dates at abbeytheatre.ie

POP TREASURES ON OFFER AT IRISH ANTIQUE DEALERS FAIR ITEMS owned by David Bowie, Jackie Collins and Lady Gaga will feature alongside the best of Irish antique design classics at the 52nd Irish Antique Dealers Fair at the RDS this weekend (September 22-24.)

And this year, attendees will also get a unique glimpse into the highend treasures of the rock and pop world thanks to Dubliner Laurence Carpenter.

“We will be displaying a collection of signed David Bowie lithographs – including his own charcoal drawing for an album press launch – along-

side rare finds from Rihanna, Noel Gallagher and Lady Gaga,” said Laurence of Irish-based Pop Icons, who deal mostly in London, New York and Los Angeles.

“We will have a mixture of contemporary artists’ costumes such as the headpiece Beyonce wore in the video for Lemonade, Lady Gaga’s graffiti corset and signed guitars from some of the music world’s top icons such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.”

Dublin antique dealer Niall Mullen will be selling a cold-painted bronze by renowned sculpture Josef Lorenzlwhich was bought from international author Jackie Collins’ estate sale at her home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

“Jackie Collins was passionate about collecting, and spent many decades selecting paintings, statuettes and jewellery which brought her joy and creative inspiration, and this bronze, valued at €3,850, is emblematic of her glamorous lifestyle,” said Niall.

Weldon’s will be displaying an important emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring, worth an estimated €150,000, at the Fair.

Admission to the 52nd Irish Antique Dealers Fair at the RDS from September 22-24 is €10, available at the door.

TAKING A LOOK INTO STRIKING IMAGES OF IRISH LIFE A NEW community-sourced Photo Detectives exhibition on in the National Library reveals striking images of Irish life.

Photo Detectives celebrates the NLI’s rich photographic collections and highlights the work of the dedicated global research community which has contributed significantly to

DIARY

Libby Boylan and Eoghan Breene from Stanhope Street Primary School celebrating the launch of National Tree day with Tail Skinner the Tree Man in the Phoenix Park.

Picture: Keith Arkins

uncovering details about the photographs in the Library’s holdings. The exhibition was officially launched by Sabina Higgins.

It shows 26 striking images and stories dating from 1871 to 1970.

They reveal almost a century of changing Irish lives, including weddings in Waterford, family holidays in Donegal, the footing of turf in Antrim, and royal visitors to Kilkenny Castle. One particular highlight is a large-scale image of the shopfront of Mortimer’s shop in Waterford, captured in 1916, from the NLI’s Poole Collection.

Through interactions with online contributors, it was discovered that the Poole Photographic Studio had scratched out reflections in Mortimer’s window – an early form of photoshopping. The exact address of the

shop and the name of the child standing in its doorway were also discovered through online detective work.

Speaking at the launch, Sabina Higgins said: “We photograph and document so many moments of our lives online now, but it is important that we keep alive the stories and traditions of life in Ireland before the digital age. It is a testament to the Library and its staff for always looking for innovative ways to do that. ‘Photo Detectives’ is a wonderful example of using technology to give life to old photos and share their stories.”

Photo Detectives is free to visit, and is open seven days weekly: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and 12noon to 5pm on Sundays. The exhibition runs in the NPA until the end of September.

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Colette Schutz, Noeline Blackwell and Charlotte Bradshaw and Lorraine Keane

Alexis Carey, Jordan Campbell and Mary Hayes Keane

Annie Gallagher

FUNDRAISER: GLAMOUR AND GLITZ AT WOMANKIND CHARITY LUNCH

Cathy O’Donohue, Elaine O’Reilly Ross. Picture: Sasko Lazarov

Carmel Breheny and Stephanie Whisker

and Emma

Hundreds gather to support Rape Crisis Centre MORE than 250 women from across Ireland’s business, media and fashion industries gathered on Friday, September 8 for WomanKind – a charity lunch and fashion show in aid of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

T he annual event, which took place at the Intercontinental Hotel, saw guests enjoy a threecourse lunch, followed by a showcase of 2017 autumn/winter trends in

a fashion show.

The show – which was choreographed by Cathy O’Connor, styled by Irene O’Brien and hosted by Lorraine Keane – featured stores including M&S, Avoca, Frock N Fabulous, JuJu and & Vedoneire, while hair and make-up was provided by Dylan Bradshaw.

On the day, Noeleen Blackwell, the chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, spoke

about the support available to victims of sexual violence, as well as the incredible work carried out by staff at the Dublinbased centre.

All involved donated their time and services free of charge. Along with spot prizes on the day, guests also received a goodie bag featuring brands such as Newbridge Silverware, Paul Costelloe Living, John Freida and more.

Holly White and Sinead Burke

The very pink-ture of support THERE was a sea of pink in the Phoenix Park down the country at Kilkenny Castle Park last weekend with many thousands of people taking part in the Great Pink Run. The event saw Avonmore Slimline Milk raising more than €350,000 to support Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research and awareness programmes, nationally, with these four ladies delighted to help the cause.

TV3’s Elaine Crowley and rugby commentator Shane Byrne led out the Dublin run on Saturday, where more than 6,000 people took part.

On Sunday, Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan set the pace with support from the side-line from hurling legend DJ Carey, with more than 1,500

people taking part in either a 10K challenge or 5K fun.

Many of those who participated wore elaborate pink costumes and painted their faces to show their support for the many thousands of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Ireland.

This is the fifth year that Sonia has taken part. She said: “The Great Pink Run is a great excuse to burn off some energy and have a target to aim for.

“An even better reason to take part is getting together with friends and family to raise much-needed funds for continued research into this disease and to help raise awareness of good breast health.”

Aisling Hurley, chief executive of Breast Cancer Ireland, said: “The Great Pink Run has gone from strength to strength over the past seven years and this year we have exceeded the targets we set in terms of registrations and monies raised online.

“Thanks to the support of our long-time supporters and sponsors we can ensure that 100% of funds raised from entries and individual sponsorship go directly to fund our ongoing efforts.”

Breast Cancer Ireland is planning to extend the hugely successful Great Pink Run to two new locations in 2018, and will announce the locations later in the year.

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

MUSIC

N O S ’ T A H W

 JAMES HENDICOTT

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Culture Night

The city’s busiest evening this side of the Christmas parties, Culture Night allows you to check out anything from the Wax Museum to Trinity Library for free. This year features a televised concert in the grounds of Dublin Castle, too.

September 22.

Canalophonic

The free Dublin music festival returns to its roots in Portobello, as well as expanding into the south of the city in venues like Whelan’s and Rathmines newbie The Bowery. A great way to catch a lot of up-and-coming Dublin acts in a single weekend.

September 22 to 24.

The World’s Biggest Eye Contact Experiment

A kind of antithesis to modern life, this global experiment encourages you to spend time connecting with strangers through a minute of looking straight into their eyes. SepTHE GREAT DUBLIN BIK tember 23 (morning), outside E RIDE the Stephen’s Green shopping centre.

All Ireland Ladies Final

Dublin take on Mayo once again in the ladies finale at Croke Park. The contest means long-dominant Cork can say goodbye to their title, but who will be the new holders in front of 30,000 plus at HQ? September 24.

The Great Dublin Bike Ride

Choose between 60km and 100km routes taking you out if the city, along the coast to Malahide, and then back to Smithfield on the popular annual cycle route. September 24.

Dublin Flea Market

The Monthly Newmarket event returns. You can grab anything from coffee and an imaginative bite to furniture, toys, vinyl and crockery. Plenty of bargains to be had, September 24.

Coastal Notes Music Festival

Dun Laoghaire welcomes a weekend long fiesta in which the various venues each host acts in a different genre, meaning the coastal suburb will come to life with varied stylings.

September 22 and 23.

LCD Soundsystem

Having retired in a blaze of glory not all that long ago, LCD Soundsystem are back at the top of the charts, and ready to take back Dublin, a spot they’ve always gone down a storm.

The Olympia, September 27-29.

New album of the week

The Killers - Wonderful Wonderful. Las Vegas stars return with their fifth album, one that’s gone down better critically than the previous two releases. Inspired by Brandon Flowers wife’s battle with mental health.

Pictures: Shay Murphy

THE long running Irish punk act fuse The Dubliners and The Clash in a memorable, brash, political barrage.

Earlier this year, trad-punks Blood or Whiskey spent a month touring the US. Playing 26 shows as a support act for Dropkick Murphys in just 30 days, they added to a growing reputation in American punk circles. Then they came back to Ireland to resume their day jobs.

It’s a strange aspect of the Celtic punk scene - which typically fuses trad tropes, tin whistles, Irish folk and harmonica - that the two biggest acts in the genre have only loose, emigrant links with Ireland. On our shores it’s seen as very much a musical niche.

Dropkick Murphys are Boston Irish, while Flogging Molly - an act Blood Or Whiskey supported in the Olympia Theatre just two weeks ago - are led by Dave King, born in a pre-gentrification Dublin 4 tenement, but very much based out of L.A. In terms of home-brewed Celtic punk stylings, Blood Or Whiskey are as big as they come, and regularly tour with both the rowdy American acts.

They might be heading on their first punk rock cruise this summer, but getting by hasn’t proved so easy back home, as frontman Dugs Mulhooly explains: “we definitely get more offers from the US and central Europe. People don’t see it as a thing here, because it is us [as a nation], it is what we do.”

“We’ve seen Japanese bands play music with an Irish crossover, though, but in general, Irish music is saturated here. People know these songs. We remember when Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys weren’t filling big venues here. They’d be playing 4,000, 5,000 when we went out with them elsewhere, but grinding it out here. That has changed now, but it hasn’t always been like that.”

For Blood Or Whiskey, though, the punk DIY ethos – building it yourself – is important. “To record an even half decent album costs eight or nine thousand quid,” drummer Chris O’Meara, the other remaining original member of a band that formed in 1994, explains.

“It’s a costly adventure. If you have a record label backing you that’s one thing, but we do it ourselves all the time.

We don’t believe in Fundit, in going to the fans. You shouldn’t be begging people to make you a rock star. We all go to work, and do jobs with our hands as well.

The thought of asking someone to give me money to release an album... I don’t believe in fleecing your punters to bring out albums. You do it yourself.”

Mulhooly adds that it can be quite a limitation: Blood Or Whiskey could certainly have more than four albums out under different circumstances. “We have

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JAMES HENDICOTT MEETS FUSION VETERANS BLOOD OR WHISKEY Formed in 1994, Blood Or Whiskey have come a long way since the days of playing sessions in their local GAA club. Pictures: Shay Murphy

Trad to the bone Celtic punk on a wing and a prayer a lot of songs there, but we’re not a great recording band anyway, to be honest,” he admits. “We’re a live act. If we could get a producer who could capture the energy we have live, that’d be perfect. It’s very hard to capture that energy playing to a click track, as you normally do when you’re recording. I’d love to just put mics around each instrument and lash it out, like we do in practise, and then just touch it up.”

There is, undoubtedly, a certain amount of sneering towards trad-fusion acts in corners of Ireland. O’Meara and Mulhooly pick out Clare as a place that’s

particularly superior about the purity of their music, and thank a notable Dublin act for their help on that particular front.

“The Pogues were the Godfathers of all this,” Mulhooly says. “Without The Pogues, we’d be nothing. What we’re trying to do is combine a bit of The Pogues, a bit of Dexys Midnight Runners, a bit of The Clash and a bit of The Specials.

Some punk, some ska, some soul, all put together.”

“When we’re writing songs, we don’t write them because we’re a Celtic punk band. We write as a standard punk band, and then we add in the banjo the whis-

tles, all that. We’ve squeezed banjo into songs that had no business having banjo in them, truth be told. But we’ve learnt from it, and now we’ll do what the hell we want.”

“We used to play trad in our local GAA club, for footballers or hurlers, just basically for a piss up. We’d come up and have a right old session, and play with some trad heads. But they weren’t snobby, we were just playing rebel songs.

The Pogues dealt with the snobbiness around trad music thirty years ago.”

“There’s an interview from RTE with Shane [MacGowan] just being asked

endlessly about it not being Irish. He just laughs it off. It’s a big celebration of being from Ireland, and we’ve nothing but respect for it. You’ll always get snobbiness, we’ve gone through the mill on how we’ve felt about it, but everyone can do what they want. It’s up to us. Music was never meant to have boundaries.”

At one point, though, it was definitely a bit of a party. “Back in the day, we played gigs and treated tours as holidays,” O’Meara says. “We’ve learnt, but we were young. It’s a completely different, more professional setup now. You can drink in your own time; we’ve real-

ised there’s something in it for us now.

It becomes very difficult to play when you’re partying every night.”

As for making some noise in Dublin?

“If you play less regularly, you’ve a better chance of getting a good crowd in. What we’d really like to do is set up a regular Christmas or Easter show. That’s kind of the plan.

“We’re also thinking about bringing it back to the pubs, with more of a party, session kind of vibe. We’d like that to grow into something.”

Maybe it will. Meanwhile, the American tour offers pour in.

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18 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE DUBLIN 2

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FACEPA

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Simone’s steps to make a face

FROM THIS...

SIMONE’S NOT YOUR AVERAGE A 26-YEAR-OLD Crumlin woman is pushing her make-up skills to the limit with incredible facial transformations.

Scary, gory, glam or cute, from well-known TV and movie characters to nostalgic cartoon characters and intricate fantastical creations, – Simone Cleary can do it all.

She sat down with The Gazette to discuss how she honed her skills and where she gets her ideas.

“It all began when I was looking up videos on YouTube on a video game called Until Dawn, and I found a make-up tutorial for one of the characters.

“So, I just started looking at more tutorials and I did a few at home in my bedroom using Halloween face paints that I had, and my mam encouraged

me to pursue it further.”

With encouragement from her family, Simone completed a course in Fashion Media and Theatre Make-Up at Galligan Beauty College, where she honed her skills.

“The course teaches you a lot about certain techniques but a lot of it you have to practice at home – that’s where you refine your skills and your own style by just trying new things.”

A talented artist who always excelled at drawing painting, Simone uses her face as her canvas: “It’s an extension of that – a new medium.”

She also uses her boyfriend’s face to practice on. “He lets me put prosthetics and liquid latex and all sorts on him – he’s a real trooper!”

Some of Simone’s looks have earned her thousands of likes on social media, with her Woody from Toy Story gaining more than 3,000 likes on Instagram.

“It just blew up overnight,”she says. “I had to turn my phone off!”

However, her favourite look, to date, is her version of Jon Snow, from Game of Thrones.

“I actually freaked myself out how much I looked like him – especially when I do his scowly face,” she joked.

Simone’s vast portfolio is thanks to her dedication in consistently coming up with new ideas.

This year, she challenged herself to complete 100

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

FEATURE 8

Emma Nolan talks to a Crumlin make-up artist pushing boundaries and using her face as a canvas

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AINTER days of make-up, where she created a new look every day for 100 days – which was no mean feat, as she was working full time in the pharmaceutical industry at the time.

“I was working from 7am to 4pm every day, then spending two to three hours getting a look done and photographing it, washing it off, then getting to bed to do it all again the next day – but I made it in the end.

“The hardest part is coming up with new

ideas of what do. I usually find inspiration from whatever I’m watching or reading at the time.”

Now, she’s set herself another challenge for her favourite time of year – 31 days of Halloween.

“I’m planning a lot of these looks in advance, so I want them to be more in-depth, with more prosthetics and bigger props.”

Currently on a career break, Simone is dedicating her time to expanding her portfolio of looks.

Having worked as a trainee make-up artist on the TV show,

9

Vikings, and on the film, The Professor and the Madman, she hopes to continue painting faces.

“I want to keep pushing myself to learn new things and not be afraid to try new techniques or to stick fake hair all over my face.

“A lot of make-up artists are all about the pretty side of things, whereas I like the other side of it as well, where you can make yourself look so disgusting that you’re unrecognisable – it’s nice to be able to both.”

For more of her work, see her Instagram feed (@simone_cleary and (@simone_cleary) Facebook page ( (Simone Cleary Up/SFX Make Up/SFX), while you can also email her at simonecleary@ campus.ie campus.ie.

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DID YOU NAME THEM ALL? 1: Jessica Rabbit 2: Freddie Krueger 3: The Godfather 4: Woodie 5: The Beast 6: Jon Snow 7: Lil 8: Wonder Woman 9: Phil 10: Princess Fiona 11: The Mask 12: Mystique

TO THIS!

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20 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STYLE Stradivarius Beret, €10; Forever 21, Jacket, €56; Miss Selfridge Dress €49; Stradivarius Shoes €36; (Right) Topshop Coat, €117; Dress, €64; Stradivarius Bag, €18; M&S Boots, €70

M&S Dress, €47.50; New Look Shoes, €39.99; (Right) New Look Jacket, €60; M&S, Dress, €67; Topshop Boots €80

Catch all the top trends under just one roof at Jervis

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

Topshop Jacket, €110; Miss Selfridge Jumper, €52; (Right) New Look Trousers, €25

Forever 21 Hat, €15; M&S Shirt, €34; Next Skirt, €27; Topshop Boots €85; (Right) Tesco Coat €50, Jumper €20; New Look Skirt, €30; Next bag €50

Vila Coat with faux fur, €95; Dress, €50; Topshop, Shoes, €100; (Right) Berskha Jumper €16; Topshop Skirt €90; Schuh Runners, €44

JERVIS Shopping Centre has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2017 collections with a shoot curated by Dublin stylist Corina Gaffey.

The collection is a showcase of the season’s top style trends handpicked from high-street stores throughout the centre.

Speaking about the collection, Corina said: “Jervis Shopping Centre is such an iconic shopping centre in Dublin and I was thrilled to be asked to pull an Autumn/ Winter collection together for their press preview.

“I had fantastic choice, with 30 retailers housed under one roof, with price and age ranges to suit everyone”.

Touching on a variety of the season’s key trends, Corina chose about four key styles to represent the season’s offering at the centre – Modern Heritage, 70s Bohemian, Vintage Romance and The Witching Hour.

Jervis Shopping Centre turns 21 this September and will be celebrating with a host of birthday activities and events in the centre.

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 21

TravelShorts

GAZETTE

TRAVEL BOYNE VALLEY: A STAY AT DUNBOYNE CASTLE HOTEL & SPA DELIGHTS

Care to try this tempting suite at The Shelbourne?

WHETHER or not you’re a princess or ‘just’ another commoner, there’s nothing to stop you enjoying royally luxurious treatment at the grand old lady of St Stephen’s Green, The Shelbourne Hotel.

As part of the multimillioneuro refurbishment of the iconic hotel, the stunning Princess Grace suite has been completely refurbished to offer an experience fit for a princess, or for anyone who appreciates the truly luxurious side of life.

Guy Oliver – of Oliver Laws, a leading London design company – has created a scheme that reflects the traditional nature of The Shelbourne, and quietly develops the five-star hotel’s national and historical importance.

As the hotel’s elite presidential suite, the Princess Grace Suite is available for up to four guests to avail of its two double bedrooms, which feature a level of detail and service to delight.

As you’d expect, there’s champagne on arrival, a butler service, luggage packing and unpacking, a lavish breakfast for all guests, complimentary return Dublin Airport transfers, complimentary newspapers, valet parking, internet access and daily amenities – all while admiring the tastefully appointed antique furniture, artworks, and other touches to add a pinch of perfection to your princess-tastic stayover.

Before you decide that it could do for a quick getaway, you might need to raid the piggybank first – the plush package costs €7,500 per night for up to four guests ...

There’s fine cuisine at the hotel’s 2AA Rosette-winning Ivy restaurant, as well as plenty of nearby activities to indulge in

River activity helps make a splash at superb hotel  AISLING CONWAY WHOEVER would have guessed that discovering the Boyne Valley from the water could be so much fun?

An itinerary of wild water activities coupled with some serious pampering at the hotel spa might not sound like the ideal combination – but it was just that.

Our weekend started the way every weekend should, with afternoon tea washed down with a few glasses of Prosecco!

Then, after checking into our very plush and impressive room, it was down to the Boyne Valley activity centre to don our, ahem, very attractive wet suits.

The instructor talked us

through the safety aspects before it was time to hit the water. Myself and my fiance, Shane, were in one double kayak and we did ourselves proud for the most part, managing to stand up on the kayak, spinning around ...

However, I will admit that the final challenge on a rapid proved one manoeuvre too far for us and our boat capsized, dumping us spluttering into the river.

Talk about a wake-up call – but we enjoyed every minute of it.

With our feet back on terra firma at the hotel it was time to take in our blissful surroundings. Dunboyne Castle is nestled in 21 acres of lush countryside which would put even the most

Enjoy bed and breakfast at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa from €130 per room per night. Kayaking with Boyne Valley Activities costs €40pp for a two-hour experience.

For further information, email reservations@dunboynecastlehotel.com, or see www.dunboynecastlehotel.com.

stressed-out workaholic at their ease.

The Georgian house’s restoration has been cleverly done and marries sleek sophistication effortlessly with its period charm.

You could lose yourself exploring the gardens, meander through the contemporary wings or just lounge for hours on end in front of the

magnificent open fires.

Wise owls that we are, we decided to warm our sodden bones with a few more glasses of Prosecco before dinner.

Staying as guests of Host & Co, we were delighted that the chef at the 2AA Rosettewinning Ivy restaurant had preparwwed a special taster menu exclusively for us and it all looked so tempting it was hard to choose.

I opted for steak (melt in the mouth good), and the scallops starter was literally to die for. With our stomachs full to the brim we went into the bar for a night cap and the live music helped lighten everyone’s mood.

I found myself wishing we could stay longer to explore Ireland’s heritage capital a

bit further. The hotel is ideally situated for visiting nearby Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, majestic Newgrange or the Bru na Boinne UNESCO world heritage site.

But all too soon it was over ... Breakfast the next morning was a buffet affair in a private room off reception and one last surprise – a visit to the spa.

From the moment we walked through the doors we felt uber-relaxed. The outdoor tub was the highlight and even though the weather wasn’t great it didn’t take away from anything.

Dunboyne rates highly with its extremely friendly staff and top-quality rooms, but the spa was definitely the cherry on the top.

22 GAZETTE 21 September 2017

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE FASTNews Kia packs more space into Picanto

The group’s lower emission cars can save money too

Volkswagen Group Ireland launches Ecogrant offer VOLKSWAGEN Group Ireland brands, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen passenger cars and Volkswagen commercial vehicles are encouraging the uptake of its latest generation, lower-emission new cars, hand-in-hand with the removal, of older, Euro 1-4 emissions standard vehicles from the Irish car market, by launching a new EcoGrant offer.

Owners of any diesel vehicle that complies with Euro 1-4 emissions legislation qualify for the EcoGrant offer.

They can benefit from cash grant incentives that range from €800 to €6,500, when trading in against a range of Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen passenger cars and Volkswagen commercial vehicles, if the vehicle is ordered by December 31, 2017. The trade-in vehicle needs to have been owned by the customer for at least six months.

The deal applies to new petrol/diesel and plug-in hybrid/fully electric models from Volkswagen Group vehicles. When combined with SEAI and VRT grants, Volkswagen claims that electric car customers can benefit from €14,000 off the price of a new e-Golf electric car. All new Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen petrol and diesel vehicles meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards.

Irish drivers confident of passing driving test again OUTSIDE of school exams the driving test is regarded as one of the most daunting test you can take.

Despite that, it seems that Irish motorists are confident they could pass their driving test with flying colours second time around.

According to new research from Carzone, one of Ireland’s websites where you can buy and sell new and used cars, 91% of Irish motorists believe that they would pass their driving test if they had to take it again.

The research was carried out among motorists as part of the Carzone Motoring Report. The research reveals that 41% of those questioned learned to drive between the age of 17-20 with ‘parent pressure’ being the reason why 1-in-5 got behind the wheel in the first place. A further 46% say they were inspired to learn to drive because they wanted independence.

According to the Carzone Motoring report 59% of men claim to have passed their test first time compared to 51% of women. For men and women who had to take it a second time, the pass results were relatively even. Thirty per cent of men say they passed on a second attempt compared to 29% of women.

City drivers like comfort and manoeuvrability and now they are also getting more room in a tight package. Kia’s new Picanto offers more in terms of space and features in a car that has been modernised and up-styled as MICHAEL MORONEY experienced during his recent test drive.

SMALL cars that are designed for city driving don’t seem to get bigger; they just seem to have become more spacious.

As we live in tighter spaces, the car designers have responded with vehicles that maintain a smaller footprint on the road, are more economical, yet more spacious.

All of those features are noticeably obvious in Kia’s upgraded Picanto, which has been refreshed with some modern features and more internal space. The car retains the same overall length as the previous mini car from the Korean brand, but now packs in more space in all areas of the car.

There’s more legroom and knee room in the front by subtle repositioning of the dash area. In the rear, the positions of the wheels have been moved to give a slightly longer wheelbase. More importantly, this gives extra boot space that’s valuable to city drivers.

The other benefit of the longer wheelbase is that the wheels have been pushed further out to the corners of the car. This means that there is less overhang and that should make tight parking spots easier to manoeuvre into.

The new Picanto is also an economical small car. I’ve compared it with other city cars such as the Hyundai i10, Volkswagen up! and the Toyota Aygo where Picanto’s threecylinder petrol engine is a match in terms of economy performance.

The new Kia Picanto offers an impressive small car package with additional space and modern features with its 7 year warranty and impressive safety credentials. Entry prices start at €13,295.

Kia Picanto SPECIFICATIONS

ambitions. And that delivers predicable poorer fuel economy results.

Engine 1.0 litre So much of this new Engine power 67hp car is about its packaging 0 – 100km/hr 14.3 seconds for more space, while not Economy 23m/litre compromising on safety.

(4.4/100km or 53mpg) On the inside the dashFuel Tank Capacity 35 litres board layout is now more centrally aligned, with a CO2 emissions 101g/km large 7.0-inch ‘floating’ Road Tax Band A3 €190 touchscreen sitting in the Main Service 15,000km/12 months centre of the console. This Euro NCAP Rating 4 star 2017 design moves many of the Warranty 7 years /150,000km car’s controls further up Entry Price €13,295 into the driver’s line of sight.

My city driving was Picanto can hold its own.

The large floating 7.0more limited than unu- The three-cylinder petrol inch HMI touchscreen sual making it difficult engine is lively and for at the centre of the dashto achieve the rated those with a passion for board also houses a fuel economy figure of pace a new turbo-charged navigation system with 23m/litre (4.4/100km or version of the engine in on 3D map, and is available with Apple CarPlay and 53mpg). With regular city the way for later this year. driving, I expect that the Kia’s five-speed gear- Android Auto for full Picanto can come close to box is light to use, while smart phone integration.

20% off that figure, which the modest engine per- It also converts to a screen makes it still a cost-effec- formance does push the for the rear-view parking tive small car to own. rev counter into the higher camera to make parking Out on the larger and less economical zone for manoeuvres much easier. faster road, this new those with higher speed There is an optional wire-

less smart phone charger and USB port at the base of the centre console to keep mobile devices charged on the move.

For the Picanto the larger boot area is a key selling point. Kia claims that it has best-in-class packaging efficiency, with improved versatility resulting from its larger cabin and boot capacity. And a comparison with the competition proves that point, although it’s very near in capacity to its related and slightly cheaper Hyundai i10.

Kia’s new Picanto adds extra features to a more spacious small car that’s versatile, while priced at €13,295 it’s marginally more expensive than its nearest competition. Kia’s 7 year warranty is part of the appeal, its safety standing is recognised and its space makes this compact city car a little special.

21 September 2017 GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORING Three new Fords rolled out at 2017 Frankfurt Show

FORD used the opportunity of last week’s annual Frankfurt Motor Show to deliver the European public debuts of THREE new models – the more powerful new Ford Mustang sports car, a more capable EcoSport sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a more premium Tourneo Custom people mover.

They were joined by a new Ranger Black Edi-

tion pickup, limited to just 2,500 examples, which was also on display for the first time. Ford also unveiled a new GT version of the new Fiesta, which will also be limited to just 1,000 vehicles across Europe.

Ford claims that the new Mustang is sleeker, faster and more technologically-advanced, with engine and suspension upgrades as well as advanced driver assistance features.

Ford has sold almost 30,000 Mustangs in Europe since the iconic sports car first went on sale across the region for the first time in more than 50 years, in early 2015.

Alfa Romeo claims to have found the perfect balance between driving experience and safety with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV which was recently awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Prices start from €47,295.

Ford’s new EcoSport compact SUV claims to delivers enhanced versatility and capability, more refined styling and sophisticated technologies. Ford’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) is now offered for the first time, combined with an advanced new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering up to 125bhp and optimised CO2 emissions. Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine also will be offered with three power outputs up to 140bhp.

Ford has upgraded the EcoSport compact SUV to deliver a more comfortable and self-assured driving experience than ever at the wheel

Alfa Romeo unveils its new Stelvio SUV offer

ALFA ROMEO has revealed pricing and specification details for its first ever SUV, the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio, with prices starting from €47,295.

The new SUV is built around the latest Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive architecture, and claims best in class power-to-weight ratios and new engine and driver technologies.

Alfa Romeo claims that the Stelvio can boast at being the lightest mid-size SUV in the sector thanks to its lightweight body structure and carbon fibre driveshaft. The entry level 2.2-litre 180bhp diesel version weighs in at just

1,604kg, while the 2.0-litre petrol 280hp Q4 AWD weighs 1,660kg, only adding an extra 56kg for the all-wheel- drive system (AWD).

Irish Stelvio buyers will be able to choose between two engine versions, 2.2-litre 210hp diesel Q4 AWD and 2.0-litre 280hp petrol Q4 AWD, combined with an ZF eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. From October the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will also be available to order with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 180hp and available in both Q4 all-wheel- drive or rear-wheel- drive, and a 2.0-litre petrol engine, with 200hp and Q4

all-wheel- drive.

The 2.0-litre 280hp petrol Q4 AWD engine claims best in class acceleration, going from 0-100kmh in just 5.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 230kmh. This is while returning 7.0l/100km (40.4mpg) on the combined cycle and emitting just 161g/km CO2.

The 2.2-litre 210hp diesel Q4 AWD meanwhile, gives out 127g/km Co2 and returns 4.8l/100km (58.9mpg) on the combined cycle, while still registering a top speed of 215kmh and accelerating from 0-100kmh in 6.6 seconds.

Honda commits to extensive electric car technology by 2025 HONDA has confirmed that electrified technology will now feature in every new car model launched in Europe. The announcement was made by Honda Motor Co president and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during last week’s 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

At a global level, Honda aims to have electrified technology in two-thirds of its new car sales by 2030. In Europe, the target year is 2025, as interest is particularly strong.

Honda unveiled its new Urban EV concept electric vehicle at the show. It will be available in Europe in 2019. The new Honda Urban EV Concept will be built on a completely new platform, and showcases advanced technology within a simple and sophisticated design.

Honda also unveiled its new CR-V Hybrid, due in the summer of 2018, which uses a new i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode

Drive) two-motor system which does not need a conventional transmission. Honda instead uses a more compact multimode unit with a single fixed-gear ratio to deliver torque to the wheels.

Honda unveiled a new Power Manager Concept, a fully integrated energy transfer system that can distribute electricity to and from the main grid, as well as directing power flow from renewable sources and managing the interaction of an electric vehicle battery connected to the home. Honda claims that the Power Manager can draw on energy from the EV battery to power the home, and minimise the demand from the main grid.

It even allows energy stored in the EV to be sold back to the grid to generate an income for the owner, according to Philip Ross, senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe.

Honda’s new hybrid version of the CR-V, which is expected to be available in Ireland in 2018

GAZETTE

24 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

IT: LATEST TAKE ON CLASSIC STEPHEN KING TALE RAMPS UP THE TERROR

No laughing matter CONTEMPORARY culture’s most infamous evil clown – Pennywise – was first introduced into the common lexicon with Stephen’s 1986 novel, It, arguably his best work.

Of course, there’s a younger generation who grew up suffering lost sleep thanks to the 1990 madefor-TV adaptation starring Tim Curry, a corny but creepy enough affair that has defined It in popular culture for more than two decades.

Now, more than 30 years since the publication of the original novel, yet another generation has been introduced to Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

Following a recordbreaking opening weekend for the film – the highest grossing for a horror film in the UK and Ireland – it seems certain that director Andres Muschietti’s effort will become the definitive adaptation of King’s vision; indeed, the writer’s already given it his seal of approval.

Set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, IT (Cert 16, 134 mins) tells of seven young social outcasts who face off against an ancient evil – one that takes the form of their innermost fears, most often as a bloodthirsty clown.

Over the course of their summer vacation, the

LOGAN LUCKY

Hillbilly hijinks abound EVERYBODY loves hillbilly films – well, when they’re lovable losers like the guys in Logan Lucky (Cert 12A, 119 mins), who decide to team up with an explosives expert to rob a big Nascar racing event. Inevitably, things don’t go to plan ...

The film’s likeable cast clearly had a blast with their roles, and even the film’s choppy editing and cuts can’t stop it from being daftly entertaining.

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

group must band together, face their fears and confront ‘It’.

Certainly, It is worthy of King’s praise. Perhaps the most ‘Stephen-Kingy’ of the legion of adaptations of his work that have proliferated mainstream media ever since Brian DePalma’s Carrie in 1976, It replicates the small town Americana of King’s novels and the darkness that lurks just beneath its surface with a visual language ripped straight from the writer’s pages.

It’s easy to see why a writer that despised the creative liberties taken

by Kubrick’s The Shining (1980) would delight in the rigid adherence to his storytelling and style to be found here.

Still, what works on the page doesn’t always translate to the silver screen; while there’s plenty to delight and disturb in It, the lengthy film often feels overly-fragmented.

Following a genuinely disturbing introduction and a pitch-perfect setup in the era-defining style

ReelReviews

A classic pose for Pennywise and his red balloon, with the evil clown – or whatever he really is – popping up as a malevolent, bloodthirsty spirit in many places

of Joe Dante or Richard Donner, in which we meet our heroes on the final day of school in 1989, the story in It plays out in a series of vignette-like segments.

Here, each of the friends encounter the monster in their own waking nightmare. Certainly, these segments are bursting at the seams with disturbing imagery, distorted figures replicated wonderfully from paper to screen.

However, while this episodic structure works well on a chapter-by-chapter basis, in a two-hour and

15-minute movie, it leaves things a little narrativelydisjointed. It lacks a certain fluidity; while never hard to follow, it often feels like things aren’t really going anywhere.

To its credit, it’s in these segments where It is most disturbing. We feel the fragility of our heroes, mere children facing off against an ancient evil in a world where adults are ineffectual and uncaring.

With a cast of young actors, including Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard (a TV series relied on heav-

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Cosy up to a true classic

ily here, just as it relied on King’s work – the cycle continues), it’s quite an achievement that It tells its story with considered emotion and admirable performances.

Bill Skarsgard lays it on suitably heavy as Pennywise, though he rarely disturbs in his (un)natural form.

It becomes increasingly less prolific on scares as Pennywise’s presence becomes more dominant and the danger moves away from the town itself.

The most disturbing

qualities of It exist in the layers of evil, anger, abuse and prejudice underlying small-town America; travesties that are touched on but rarely embraced for genuinely lingering scares.

There’s a high-quality horror movie here, though perhaps not the classic that King’s novel deserves – the scares are unlikely to follow you out of the cinema. Still, this is just chapter one. Perhaps, taken as a whole, It will do justice to King’s modern classic.

Verdict: 7/10

CINEMA fans are in for a treat with the 4K restoration of Stephen Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Cert PG, 145 mins).

What can you say about this classic that hasn’t been said before since its 1978 release, other than to say that it’s never looked so good? The tale of ordinary Joes caught up in an extraordinary tale of alien visitation still stirs with its visuals, plot and one of cinema’s defining scores.

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21 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

GAMING

There aren’t many levels, but they’re all packed full of rich textures, details and lighting. Screengrabs: Shane Dillon

DEATH OF THE OUTSIDER: NO ‘U’ IN THE TITLE, BUT YOU SHOULD GET IT

Hit series ends in an honorable way DISHONORED – no ‘u’ – has quietly carved out a name for itself in the small but crowded stealthaction genre in recent years, marrying snooping, spying and sudden flurries of intense violence together with memorably striking effect.

The series has featured here in The Gazette before – despite being something of a cult classic, the Dishonored games have always enjoyed great critical acclaim, and have been well worth reviewing.

However, with DisAs the tough, driven protaganist, Billie Lurk (always present at the core of the game, yet only ever glimpsed in cut scenes or pause menus) is a welcome addition to the roster of strong, complex female characters that are thankfully becoming more commonplace in gaming

honored – Death of The Outsider (PS4, XBO, PC;

c. €30; Cert 18) we’ve reached the end for the short but memorable franchise with this spin-

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

off tale, pitched somewhere between a full game and standalone content (hence the lower price).

Here, a minor series character – Billie Lurk – gets elevated to star status as a master assassin, either silently flitting through the gloom and shadows of a decrepit cityscape, or rampaging about with a flashing blade and all guns blazing, depending on your play style.

The end result is the

same – Billie’s on a mission to avenge her former mentor while also attempting to kill The Outsider, an ambiguous supernatural being and series stalwart – but, in classic Dishonored style, the way you do so is entirely up to you.

There’s little else to say about Dishonored that hasn’t been said before, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

While the game has a new protaganist with slightly tweaked supernatural powers and abilities, the end result is the same – a largely stealth-driven title that forever teeters on the edge of sudden bouts of bloody violence, set in one of gaming’s most detailed worlds.

I don’t just mean the elaborate lore and snippets of info scattered all around to find and read or eavesdrop on, but the world itself – just look at how striking it all looks!

It’s a lived-in, worn-out world that’s full of dusty woods, polished brass, smooth leather, damp tiles and gleaming metal; surfaces that creak and crack, glisten and shatter, giving it all a visual weight and sheen that’s still rare in gaming.

Add in a series of characters that continue the games’ striking art direction of ‘ugly-beautiful’ – full of character and brute strength, as though inspired by Francis Bacon’s art – and it’s a game that Dishonored

fans will revel in.

It’s not a very large game, with just a few levels to follow the plot through which, at first, could seem a little underwhelming.

However, once you begin to understand the multitude of ways through these levels, explore secret trails and go off the beaten path, and start tinkering with different game styles – and that’s before you unlock New Game Plus to really let you tinker with the core gameplay – you’ll find an awful lot to enjoy.

As a way to round off the Dishonored franchise, Billie’s adventure is a brief but brilliant swansong, and a very honourable – ‘u’ included – way to wrap things up.

26 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

SPORT

FastSport RUGBY: LANSDOWNE SEE OFF CHALLENGE OF NEWLY PROMOTED BUCCS WESTON THE UNLIKELY EARLY SEASON STARS: WESTON Hockey Club were an unlikely headline act on the opening weekend of the Leinster season as the Lucan club beat Kilkenny 2-1 in the only game to be played.

The national EY Hockey League saw a blanket set of postponements due to a dispute between the Irish Hockey Umpires Association and Hockey Ireland relating to expenses and development support structures which left no officials appointed for fixtures.

Weston and Kilkenny’s tie was the sole one on the agenda that did not fall under the jurisdiction of the IHUA and so took centre stage.

Ben Epstein opened the scoring for Weston from a clever move, created

by Tom Cole’s spin.

Emmett Hughes equalised for the Cats but Regan Turnbull grabbed what proved to be the winning goal in the second half. The rest of the league starts in the coming week.

Nure teach Trinity a lesson as UBL Division 1A returns

 sport@dublingazette.com

TERENURE College kicked off the new Ulster Bank League Division 1A eason in style with an eye-catching 24-0 bonus point victory over Dublin University at College Park.

Trinity’s dramatic 27-25 win over the same opponents at the end of last term saved their Division 1A status but Terenure exacted revenge today with unanswered tries from Oisin Heffernan, Michael Melia, Sam Coghlan Murray and Stephen O’Neill.

The students were up against it almost straight from the off, flanker Sam Pim seeing yellow for a tackle in the air in the third minute. Although they held out initially, the home defence gave when when Leinster-capped prop Heffernan powered over from a maul.

Out-half Mark O’Neill converted brilliantly from a tight angle in the tenth minute. Following Pim’s return, the Terenure pack continued to look dangerous deep in Trinity territory.

Another drive towards the posts was finished off by lock Melia.

As the first half developed, heavy rainfall made life diffi-

Representatives from the UBL Division 1A clubs at the season launch

cult for both sets of players and clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. Toby Boyd and out-half James Fennelly broke for Trinity to get them into scoring range, but the half ended with ‘Nure still with a 12-point cushion.

Two of the visitors’ summer signings, front rowers Schalk Jooste (South Africa) and Giorgi Turabelidze(Portugal via Georgia), were having a notice-

able impact. The latter was involved in a sweeping 57thminute move which ended with winger Coghlan Murray scoring out on the left.

Trinity, who were missing some of their frontline players from the 2016/17 campaign, kept plugging away but they struggled to create try-scoring opportunities.

Terenure, on the other hand, had a bonus point in their

sights, and it finally arrived six minutes from the end. Impressive centre Stephen O’Neill intercepted a pass and sprinted over to seal the maximum for James Blaney’s side, who top the table after round 1.

E l s e w h e r e , L a n s d ow n ensured there was no dream return to the top flight for Buccaneers who were promoted following a 10-year absence as they were downed 19-10 at

Dubarry Park.

The Pirates gave as good as they got in the first half, only trailing 3-0 to an 18th minute penalty from Lansdowne’s lynchpin out-half Scott Deasy.

His opposite number Alan Gaughan missed two efforts in the difficult wet conditions.

Deasy doubled the visitors’ lead in the 51st minute before Jack Carty’s teenage brother Luke, a new addition to the Connacht Academy, hit back for Buccs with a well-taken drop goal.

The scores were now coming thick and fast, the sides swapping tries just before the hour mark as provincially-capped replacement scrum halves Charlie Rock and Conor McKeon touched down at either end.

Today was Rock’s league debut for Lansdowne.

The gap remained at three points – 13-10 – until the pressure off the back of a Buccs yellow card led to Deasy landing his third penalty success.

His fourth, coming from a 73rd-minute scrum penalty, sealed the hosts’ fate and gave Mike Ruddock’s men a winning start to their Division 1A campaign.

Nine Dubliners get golden Soccer Sisters chance  sport@dublingazette.com

Allanah Ferrari, age 9, from Irishtown, Dublin, enjoying the Aviva Soccer Sisters Golden Camp. Picture: Sportsfile

NINE girls from Dublin were given the opportunity of a lifetime this week when they were selected from over 4,000 budding footballers from the Aviva Soccer Sisters initiative, to take part in a special training session alongside the Republic of Ireland women’s senior team.

The Aviva Soccer Sisters programme has been running since 2010 and is aimed at engaging young girls in physical exercise and attracting them to the game of football. Over 30,000 girls have

taken part in the programme since it first kicked off.

Eight-year-old Ava Palmer of Portmarnock 11-year-old Rebecca Caswell of St Ita’s AFC, Jessica Cox (9) from Balbriggan FC, Jade Flannery (12) of Home Farm, Allanah Ferrari (9) from Irishtown, Katie Law (12), Aoife Sheridan (9), Erin O’Hare (7), and Ella Hevey (12) travelled to the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin for the special session which was rolled out as part of the 2017 Aviva Soccer Sisters Golden Camp.

The camp saw the girls sit in

on a full Irish team training session, before getting to take the field with the team ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Northern Ireland.

Sue Ronan, Head of Women’s Football with the FAI, said: “The programme has been vital for the development of girls’ football in Ireland. It is an ideal opportunity for young girls from Dublin and around the country to experience football in a fun, safe environment with their peer group and friends.

“For many young girls, it’s their first step on the football ladder.

Lots of these girls have stayed in

the game, some going on to great heights like playing for their country at underage level, while others continue to enjoy the game at club-level, making life-long friends along the way.

“We’re delighted to have Aviva as a sponsor. Their support in providing an opportunity such as the Aviva Soccer Sisters Golden Camp to 40 lucky young girls is invaluable.

“These girls will get the chance to train and meet with some of our women’s national team players, a once in a lifetime experience for these young girls.”

21 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Beach volleyball reflects on productive summer  BERNARD DUFF

AS THE 2017 Beach Volleyball season in Ireland draws to an autumnal close, it was a year of development by the BVI. It was a year in which the Irish team bolstered by the hiring of international coach Jorge RodriguezPerez. Speaking about what he brings to the side, he said: “I play the Danish national tour and have been coaching in across Europe for two years. I’ve shadowed some of the best coaches which has helped me to create my own style. I also organise training camps, so far we’ve been in Austria, Ireland, Denmark and Spain.”

When asked about the standard of the current Irish players, Rodriguez-Perez responded: “They are doing a good job but with no permanent facilities so it’s difficult for players to play international level unless they go abroad.

“BVI is on the right track sending their players to training camps in Tenerife, bringing coaches over and working from the ground up. The men are probably ahead of the women in performance but both of them would need more technical training as well as more international exposure.”

And as for his involvement moving forward with the Irish set up? “I hope so. They are a very enthusiastic group of people. Regarding the [recent] CEV tournament in Liechtenstein, the guys got a good fifth place fighting and both women teams performed at a really good level. They all need more to become used to the pressure and mental aspect of the game.”

The plan is for the Ireland team is to next meet with the coach in December.

The summer-long BVI season ended with Edyta Jozwiak-McMullen winning the women’s competition just ahead of Giedre Guobyte with UCD’s Ernesta Gruzdaite and Ivett Simon-Byrne in joint third. Northern Ireland’s Jeff Scott won the men’s just ahead of his countryman Johnny Workman with both Pietrek Piecek and Anthony Nguyen sharing third.

The mixed tournament table was decided after a catch up on Dollymount at the start of September.

The seasonal winner was the pairing of Ernesta Gruzdaite and Naas Eagles’ Pawel Kalaga. Alex Graves and Irish international Miriam Gormally came third and fourth respectively, both had differing male team partners during the season.

Thunder strike first big blow in season opener

Baker content with first showing from new-look team as his Swords side get the better of Dublin rivals Pyrobel Killester in Clontarf, kicking off their campaign in strong fashion  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS Thunder made an important statement on the opening weekend of the men’s basketball season as they beat Pyrobel Killester 90-72 in Clontarf.

The ALSAA based club have been the runners-up in the Super League in two of the last three seasons and manager Dave Baker would love to land the title as the country’s most consistent side to go with the National Cup title they won earlier in 2017.

He saw his side succeed despite the heroics of Royce Williams who landed 32 points for Killester. From a Swords perspective, they had a wider spread of shooters which ultimately saw them home with Conroy Baltimore (18), Alex Dolenko and Isaac Westbrooks (both with 12 points) leading the way.

“Obviously, coming to Killester is daunting for any side,” Baker reflected of the win. “We met them in the cup last year. They are a quality side and are always in the top four or five teams so it was one we couldn’t be complacent on, we had to be smart.

“It was a very, very tight game during the first half. The third quarter we stepped in and won 33-17 and I think that was it. I spoke during half-time about upping our defence and just getting some composure.”

His side has undergone a number of changes during the summer due to the nature of the club.

Their link-up with Griffith College means they are beholden to the lifespan of a college course.

That brings the huge benefits of scholarships and means the club do not have to pay professional players to bolster their ranks but it does mean

that players will move on at the end of their studies.

To that end, Jose Maria Gil Narbon has returned to his native Spain following his masters while Alex Calvexe is taking a year out. On the flip side, Travis Black is back with the club while Oisin Kerlin links up with the team following a year playing in Germany.

Antonio Na Dunga played with Swords through his youth career before switching to Tolka but he is another one back in the fold for this campaign.

“We are still all getting to know each other. The season is a little bit early this year, as I keep saying, but, all in all, everybody got in and did well. It is one to move on from,” Baker said of the opening fixture and he is hopeful they will gel further when they play another Dublin side next weekend.

“Eanna are a mixed bag. Last year they strug-

gled slightly and were right down near the bottom of the table but I think they’ve set the gauntlet in transfers this year, the seemed to have brought in a lot of talent.

“Paddy Glover has taken over there. He was a superb player in his day and I’m sure that will cross over into coaching so they will be well drilled and I’m sure they are going to be a different side this year that nobody can take lightly.”

Elsewhere, reigning League champions Black Amber Templeogue overcame DCU Saints in style at the University complex on Saturday evening, with Lorcan Murphy back to his old ways, dunking his team home to glory. A big

talking point for home fans was the return of veteran Emmet Donnelly into the Saints’ side.

Belfast Star travelled back home on Friday evening with a big win over KUBS under their belts, as they ran out 40-point winners in the end.

Day two of the campaign sees KUBS on the road to face Garveys Tralee Warriors at 8pm on Saturday evening while Black Amber Templeogue and Pyrobel Killester have a derby date in the Oblate Hall in Inchicore.

UCD Marian open their campaign with a tie in Belfield against UCC Demons at 7pm on Saturday evening.

Isaac Wetsbrooks will once again be a key figure for Griffith Swords Thunder in their men’s

Pyrobel Killetser’s Royce Williams scored a game high 31 points

basketball Super League campaign . Picture: Martin Doherty

despite his side’s defeat. Picture: Martin Doherty

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 21 September 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

RUGBY: ESTUARY ROAD CLUB SUFFER NO TEETHING PROBLEMS ON DEBUT

Swords duo denied in American Golf playoff SWORDS golfers Orla McGuiness and Kay Farrell put in a fantastic performance across three days at the national American Golf Ladies Championships, taking on qualifiers from all over the UK and Ireland to finish as runners-up for the title.

Despite their best efforts, nothing was going to stop eventual winners Lisa Black and Michelle Duffy from Rochdale, England.

The Rochdale pair’s semi final had been a real tussle needing three extra play-off holes to separate them, which McGuiness thought would work in their favour.

“We thought we’d have the advantage as the other pair had played three playoff holes but they played very well and we didn’t.”

Roganstown Golf Club member, Farrell, was equally humble in her assessment of the final, “We didn’t really give them a game. We’re not a bit disappointed, though as we can’t believe we’ve got this far.”

After seeing the championship come to a close, American Golf’s Daniel Gathercole: “Every pair that went out over the past 3 days did so with a smile on their face and Lisa and Michelle were clearly having a fantastic time.”

Like many of the competitors Farrell delivered high praise of the event: “it has been absolutely fabulous from beginning to end.

The food, the organisation was smooth, everyone was friendly, everything was done for us. It was perfect.” A sentiment echoed by Swords Golf Club member McGuiness who added, “We’ll be definitely trying to get back here again!”

All of the championship finals will be shown on Sky Sports across October and November. The American Golf Events series is a vital part of American Golf’s drive to get more people out playing golf more often.

In its fourth year, the championships go from strength to strength and with the quality of golf and personality on show through this year’s qualifiers and finals, golf with American Golf has a very bright future.

Malahide claim clean lineout ball last Friday evening at Estuary Road

Historic first win for Malahide UBL DIVISION 2C

Malahide 55 Bectve Rangers 7  sport@dublingazette.com

MALAHIDE RFC enjoyed the dream debut on the national stage as they ran up a half century against Bective Rangers last Friday night in their first ever Ulster Bank AllIreland League tie.

In front of a healthy crowd at Estuary Road, the side ran in a glut of tries while the crowd also got to see former Irish senior international prop Mike Ross don the black and gold for the first time in league action.

It followed their sweep

through the Leinster leagues in recent years and they showed little fear of the new stage they find themselves on.

In the tense opening encounters, both sides probed each other without really landing a punch. As the half wore on Malahide finally managed to establish some dominance and worked their way down the left touchline.

On 20 minutes, a wonderful lineout take from Dave Nolan five metres out allowed the pack to establish a strong maul and hooker Damian Butler forced his way over for the opening score. Conal

FIVE-STAR Rangers on a run with big win over Sheridan CHRIS Burke’s double saw Rivervalley Rangers ease their way to two wins in-a-row in AUL Premier B for the Swords club as they beat Sheridan FC 5-1.

Much of the damage had been done early on. Jimmy Rock got them on the board early on before Darren Doyle flicked the ball beyond the goalkeeper and despite taking a blow, stayed on his feet to score. Mark Doyle got the third before Sheridan pulled one back by half-time but two second half strikes from Burke put the game beyond doubt.

Keane’s conversion saw Malahide to a 7-0 lead.

It settled the home side and a sustained spell of pressure gave Keane the opportunity to land two penalty attempts and stretch the lead to 13-0.

Then, on 32 minutes, Marcus McAllister intercepted a stray Bective pass deep in his own half and sprinted the length of the pitch to move the home team further ahead.

K e a n e ’s c o nve r s i o n brought the score to 20-0.

Malahide were soon back on the front foot and when Damian Butler pounced on a loose ball in the Bective 22 and the path to the posts just

seemed to open up for his second try.

The hosts found time for the bonus point try just before the break when a loose Bective clearance gave Daragh Sweeney the opportunity to show his pace and cross under the posts; Keane’s extras made it 34-0 at the break.

After such an actionpacked finish to the first period the opening encounters of the second half were slightly calmer.

Malahide were back at it 15 minutes in after a Ross carry led to a sweeping backline move that saw replacement winger Gary Robb cross for the

try of the evening.

Bective, to their credit, kept on probing and they got their reward with a well worked try just after the hour mark to leave the score. But the Donnybrook side were again the architects of their own downfall when another intercepted pass was picked off by centre Rory Kavanagh for a further converted try.

Malahide found time for one more try before the full-time whistle when a Bective turnover was punished with Kavanagh finding Gary Robb wide on the left wing for his second try and leaving the closing score at 55-7.

21 September 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: SYL’S STAR EYES SECOND TITLE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS THREE in a row: Congratulations to Paul

Dublin captain Sinead Aherne, centre, at a meet and greet with fans. Picture: GAAPics.com

Aherne and Bohan go full cycle for Mayo tie ALL-IRELAND FINAL  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

AFTER A long career with Dublin that started out almost half a lifetime ago, Dubs captain Sinead Aherne is very close to being back where she started.

One of the few remaining members of the senior panel who experienced Dublin’s sole All Ireland win in 2010, Aherne was given her debut under returning boss Mick Bohan and the same man has the lethal forward installed as captain for the big day next Sunday.

Indeed, Bohan was at the helm for the 2003 final when the St Sylvester’s woman was also part of the panel.

Then, they met Mayo, the same opposition they will meet on Sunday in Croke Park at 4pm.

Aherne attributes some of this year’s success to renewed club rivalries, with her Malahide-based club having a strong year.

“There’s been great competition in terms of the club scene, it’s

been very tight,” she tells GazetteSport.

“There’s been a lot of – I won’t say tension – but very competitive characters going around the changing room, especially when we had those few weeks of championships.

“I think it was a really interesting aspect to it, and I think how close the championship has helped.

We don’t take ourselves too seriously at Sylvesters but we’re quietly confident, and I think we probably had a few people put out a bit,” she laughs.

Coming out of the league, ahead of those championship matches, Aherne admits that the Dubs weren’t too happy with how the season was going.

“I guess we were a bit frustrated with results, and the time between then and the beginning of the championship was the time to go in and work on what needed to be done. There was a lot of trial and error in there.

“It seemed to come together during Leinster, and we carried that through to the All Ireland

series,” Aherne recalls.

Speaking of the new boss, Aherne praised Bohan’s different approach, explaining “I suppose for the last few years his background has been very skills based, and he’s brought that with him to our set up.

“Getting up to speed in terms of the style of play has taken a while, and the freshness, the new set of eyes on things has given players a chance to go back and reassess the way they play their own game.

“With Kerry, there were

certain periods where we were great, and some things we need to work on.” Aherne recalls of the semi-final. “There are things to think about with Mayo, obviously they’re a great team. It’s not a surprise to see them beat Cork [who’ve won the last six All Ireland titles].

“We’ve put a focus on not relying on any one player this year, and it’s been important that anyone is capable of stepping up and showing leadership, including the younger girls that come through.”

as seo a heagru duinn.

and the Dublin squad on a remark-

U-15 boys: Well done to the squad on

able feat of three in a row. This was last

winning the Division 2 league on Sunday

achieved by Kerry in 1986.

morning.

Coaching Vision: This Friday, Septem-

Hurling reunion: In October 1997, Fin-

ber 22, all mentors are being invited to

gallians fielded an adult hurling team for

attend an information evening where the

the first time. To mark this 20th anniver-

Coaching Committee plan for 2017/2018

sary milestone, there is a reunion night

will be rolled out. There will also be a

on Saturday, October 14. All players who

presentation by Noel Cowman on the

played at any stage for the junior or

benefits of strength and conditioning

intermediate hurling teams are invited

training and how teams can avail of the

back on the night to meet and socialise

new gym and his expertise to supple-

and share memories with old team-

ment existing training routines.

mates.

It’s a great opportunity to meet other

The same invitation is extended to

mentors, share and discuss common

any team managers, mentors or Fingal-

issues. The session is scheduled from

lians hurling supporters. Colm Crowley

7-9pm in the hall. Light refreshments

– crowleycolm@eircom.net – would like

will be provided after the presentation.

to hear from people who can attend on

This Sunday - ladies Final: We have

the night.

four of our senior ladies on the panel;

Gym update: Our new Sluagh Hall gym

September 24 at 4pm: Dublin v Mayo.

now has a timetable for yoga, pilates,

Tickets are available to purchase from

tabata and bootcamp. Please see our

www.tickets.ie, adults €25, students/

Facebook page for the current itinerary.

seniors €10 and U-14 €8. Good luck to Sinead, Fiona, Emer and Denise.

Irish Conversation Group: Our Grupa Comhra is back in the clubhouse each

U-14s in Croker: Best of luck to our

Wednesday at 9pm. This is a great free

U-14 girls who will be umpires and line-

service that helps people learn and use

swomen for the half time exhibition

the Irish they have in a relaxed, non-

games. Ta na cailini ag eiri reidh don

classroom environment.

Teastas Soisearach i mbliana agus beidh

Lotto: Numbers – 1, 3, 16, 21 and 31. We

siad ag deanamh a gcuid cumarsaid ar

had three winners. The jackpot on Tues-

feadh an lae tri Ghaeilge. Grma an LGFA

day night will be €2,130.

ST FINIAN’S WELL done to the AFL4 who reached the

where he was previously assigned.

final of the club Intermediate All-Ireland

Paul is also senior hurling manager

7s in St Jude’s in Templeogue on Satur-

with St Peregrine’s and is also involved

day.

with the Dublin hurling development

The AHL4 team are away to Clontarf

squads. Paul will also work in Holy Family

on Saturday, September 23 at 5pm. The

Junior and Senior schools and Educate

AHL9 team are at home to St Joseph’s

Together Holywell and will co-ordinate

OCB on Sunday, September 24 at 3pm.

the nursery and academy on Saturday

The adult camogie team are away to

mornings continuing the good work of

Crumlin in the Senior 7s Championship

his predecessor James Devlin in the role.

Group 2 on Sunday, September 24 at

The executive committee would like

11am. All support welcome and appreci-

to extend a special word of thanks to

ated.

the fundraising committee and all those

Congratulations to the Dublin sen-

who were involved with arranging the

ior football team who have completed

successful Pre-All Ireland Football Final

the three in a row of All-Ireland titles in

Race Night in Peacocks on Saturday

another epic battle with Mayo, a feat not

night.

achieved since 1923.

Dog fouling on the pitches in River

Congratulations to Michael Freeman

Valley can often present a disgusting

from Finglas who won the pair of All Ire-

and hazardous headache for players,

land football stand tickets at the club

coaches and parents who have to clean

race night on Saturday in Peacocks. The

footwear, gear and equipment after-

winning ticket was sold by James Free-

wards. To that end, St Finians GAA Club

man. Well done also to James Sullivan

has teamed up with Fingal County Coun-

who won the ticket kindly donated to the

cil to make doggie bags and armbands

club by adult hurler and U-10 boys coach

available to members, supporters and

Ian Fahey.

their families.

St Finian’s GAA Club are pleased to

A word of thanks to U-11 girls coach

announce Paul Lyons as its new Games

Tony Egan who arranged this initiative

Promotion Officer. Paul brings a wealth

on behalf of the Council which should

Dublin’s ladies footballers celebrate their semi-final

of experience to the club joining us from

benefit the community of River Valley

success against Kerry. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Erin’s Isle and Setanta Hurling Club

and the surrounding area.

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2017

DREAM DEBUT: Malahide enter the All-Ireland rugby ranks with immaculate first victory over Bective P30

Mighty Flynn’s fifth All Ireland  KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

PAUL Flynn came off the bench to land his fifth senior All-Ireland medal by helping Dublin to a 1-17 to 1-16 victory over Mayo at Croke Park last Sunday.

Some expected Flynn to potentially start on Sunday after putting in an impressive display to bag three points when he came on at half-time against Tyrone in the previous round. However, manager Jim Gavin elected to make just one change with Eoghan O’Gara replacing Niall Scully.

Flynn wouldn’t have to wait long to make his entrance, however, as Jack McCaffrey’s game

was brought to a premature end when he picked him a knee injury after nine minutes.

The Fingallians’ clubman took his place in the forward line, with Ciaran Kilkenny dropping back to fill in for McCaffrey.

It meant he played a role in adding to previous victories in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 with his brother-in-law Darren Daly – from Fingal Ravens – alongside him in the panel throughout. St Maur’s Ciaran Reddin, meanwhile, was part of the panel for a first All-Ireland medal.

In the end, the tie was settled by an injury time free by Dean Rock – who grew up in Garris-

town – for a 1-17 to 1-16 victory, making it three in a row for Dublin.

“Composure has been the hallmark of these g u y s ,” m a n a g e r J i m Gavin said afterwards.

“They work so hard at their game and are very disciplined in what they do. The sacrifices they make to play Gaelic games is phenomenal.

“That composure when they went two points ahead and had the crowd behind them – there is a perception Mayo had the momentum but in the last quarter we probably outscored them four points to one.

“Recent Dublin [versus] Mayo games have been nip and tuck so I don’t think it was a sur-

THUNDEROUS BEGINNING: New basketball season fired up by early Dublin derby date P29

Paul Flynn and Bernard Brogan celebrate on Sunday in Croke Park, Picture: James Crombie/Inpho

prise to our players that there was very little in it going into the last few minutes. I thought our boys showed good composure when the game was there to be won.

“That shows how present the Dublin players were in the game. For them to turn it around and finish so strongly was satisf ying,” said

Gavin.

T h e t wo f i n a l i s t s appear to have moved clear of the chasing pack with plenty of talk of splitting Dublin due to their power in recent years.

But Gavin believes t h e r e i s ve r y l i t t l e between many of the big teams and it inevitably comes down to the

work put in by the layers throughout the year.

“One of the biggest strengths of this squad is their attitude and what they bring to the Dublin team from their clubs.

“In terms of the future, there are so many good teams out there. If you put any of the top teams head to head in championship football in an

All-Ireland final there is not going to be much in it.

“That is what we have experienced over the last few years. All this is down to the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that the players have put in over the last number of years and that is what they are going to have to do again.”