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Metro North at least another 10 years away Department dashes hopes for any early delivery of light rail link for Swords

HOPES for a speedy delivery of the Metro North light rail system, which will pave the way for Swords to grow to a population of 100,000 people, have been dashed. The Department of Transport’s strategy for the next

three years renews the Government’s commitment to the rail line, but does not envisage its provision any earlier than 2027. The new transport network is on track to meet its target – but there is no capi-

tal to start the project ahead of schedule. The three-year strategy involves a €3.6 billion investment in a number of major public transport projects including Metro North and the cross-city completion of

the Luas line. The draft development plan for Fingal hinges on delivery of the project with a number of proposed land rezonings which have the potential to further develop Swords.

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COUNCIL | NO REASONS GIVEN FOR REFUSED SOCIAL HOUSING

FASTNews

 SYLVIA POWNALL

Key heritage sites to be managed by a new trust

Fingal rejected 61% of NAMA-offered homes

From 2011 to 2016, Fingal County Council only accepted 776 of more than 2,000 homes offered to it by NAMA

acquiring 47% of the 872 homes offered to it. T he debate over NAMA properties continues this week as the Ho m e Swe e t Ho m e lobby group negotiates with Housing Minister

Simon Coveney. Meanwhile, while Dublin City Council leads the way in terms of rapidbuild modular housing, Fingal is next and has advertised tenders for two schemes – 20 houses

in Dublin 15, and another 25 in Balbriggan. In all, just 22 modular houses for homeless families were completed in 2016, with 130 more under construction despite a commitment from Housing Minister Simon Coveney that 300 rapid-build units would be under way by year-end. T he only modular homes built in the capital, to date, are by the city council in Poppintree, Ballymun, with work on 39 two- and three-bed houses under way at St Helena’s Drive, Finglas. Fingal council’s chief executive, Paul Reid, has vowed that housing will remain the local authority’s top priority this year, insisting it remains on target to deliver over 2,000 social housing units by the end of 2017.

A CHARITABLE trust to manage Fingal’s key heritage sites has been welcomed by councillors. The move would see eight of the county’s heritage buildings managed by a single trust by 2020 in a move that would represent a first in Ireland. The council aims to have eight properties open to the public by then, including Malahide Castle (above), Ardgillan Castle, Newbridge House in Donabate, Skerries Mills, Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Castle, Shackleton Mills in Dublin 15 and the Malahide Casino building. A report prepared by consultants points to the huge tourism potential of the sites, with a combined capability of providing 500 to 700 jobs, attracting 400,000 visitors annually and generating €30 million worth of economic activity each year. The proposal was broadly welcomed by councillors, who supported the notion of a model which creates a revenue stream allowing for further restoration works. Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said he welcomed any proposal that would help Fingal’s heritage properties “stand on their own two feet”.

Time to slam brakes on holidaymakers’ parking CHEEKY motorists are parking their cars for weeks on end in Swords housing estates before jetting on holidays from Dublin Airport, it’s been claimed. Fingal Mayor Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said the practice was getting out of hand and called on the council to put the brakes on stingy holidaymakers hell-bent on avoiding car parking fees. At a Balbriggan/Swords area meeting he asked the council “to investigate options with regard to removing cars that are long-term parked on roads and streets within our estates”. A council spokesperson said vehicles abandoned on a public road should be reported to the gardai, who have the authority to remove them under the Road Traffic Act.

Lucky Laura congratulated for €1,000 DCU scholarship LAURA Monks, a former student of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush, has been presented with a €1,000 academic scholarship to study at DCU. The scholarship was awarded to Laura, currently a first year student in Accounting & Finance, in recognition of receiving more than 550 points in the Leaving Certificate. Pictured congratulating Laura on her success are Professor Anne Sinnott, executive Dean of DCU Business School and Professor Brian MacCraith, president of DCU. Picture: Lafayette Photography

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FINGAL County Council has rejected more than half of the NAMA homes offered for social housing from 2011 to 2016 – but refused to provide a reason. In all, more than 2,000 homes were offered to the four Dublin local authorities but only 776 were accepted. In Fingal, there were a total of 279 units offered, with demand confirmed for 114 of these. South Dublin County Council had the lowest take-up of the four councils – accepting just 22% of the 872 units made available. It rejected 442 apartments in one single development, in the interest of promoting a sustainable community.

None of the Dublin councils cited a lack of demand as grounds for refusal, but a small number of homes in Dublin City, Fingal and Dun Laoghaire – fewer than 40 in total – were rejected as “unsuitable” for social housing. Just under 6,640 homes were offered by NAMA to local authorities across the state between 2011 and mid-2016. Just over one third – 2,500 – have been accepted for social housing use. A number of local authorities – all rural – declined housing because of a lack of demand, but take-up was also low in the capital. The four Dublin authorities accepted just 38% of the units offered to them. Dublin City Council had the highest take-up,

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MUSIC: U2 are coming home to play GAA HQ in July, and locals say there’ll be no Garth Brooks fiasco LOCALS have welcomed this week’s announcement that U2 will play Croke Park this summer. The band announced on Monday that they would celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Joshua Tree’s release with a worldwide stadium tour , which will take in Croker on July 22. In June 1987, Bono and co held two soldout gigs at GAA headquarters, and they have played at the famous old ground several times, most recently in 2009. Since then however, the Dublin 1 ground’s use as a musical venue has been at the centre of controversy, most notably in 2014, when country singer Garth Brooks cancelled all five

gigs he had hoped to play there after he was only granted a licences for three by Dublin City Council. That decision was believed to have

Local Councillor Nial Ring said that U2’s announcement had been “universally welcomed by the local community”.

been influenced by local objections – this time, however, residents are said to be delighted at the news of the Dubliners’ homecoming.

He told the Irish Mirror: “It’s great to see U2 coming back to the northside. . . I know they’ll get a great welcome from their fans, the local

Croke is it

community and local businesses. It’s great that the area is to be in the headlines for positive reasons and we’ll have a chance to show Ballybough in a positive light.” He joked: “We won’t need Enda Kenny, the Mexican Ambassador or Garth Brooks to make any representations this time.” On Monday, U2 bassist Adam Clayton said that the band couldn’t wait to play Croker again. He told RTE’s Ryan Tubridy: “We love it. It feels like home for us.” U2 first played Croker in 1985, and Adam, who is from Malahide but now lives in Rathfarnham, recalled that gig as one of the first big milestones in the band’s 40-year history.

Bono performs on The Vertigo tour at Croke Park in June 2005

be awards The band at The Golden Glo

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DONABATE | RESIDENTS CONCERNED AREA’S INFRASTRUCTURE UNABLE TO COPE

Beresford estate voices fears about neighbours

FASTNews

 SYLVIA POWNALL

DONABATE residents are urging councillors to join them in opposing plans to access a neighbouring housing development through their estate. Homeow ners from Beresford Estate have written to the elected members of Fingal County Council outlining their concerns over a planning application for 286 houses which proposes access

“via the Beresford development”. One of the residents, Selene Alford, told The Gazette: “It seems like a classic case of housing first, infrastructure never. “We don’t object to the development itself, just that there seems to be absolutely no thought given to how they will access it. “To have that many cars forced on to one small road will pose a danger

to residents, children, and the children of the creche they are set to pass by. “It will also create other headaches with traffic attempting to enter and exit the small entrance on Turvey Avenue. “We’ve only moved to Donabate in recent months and we love it. It’s a place we hope to raise our children in, and in safety.” Selene and fellow resident Thomas Kearns

wrote to all members of Fingal County Council drawing their attention to the issue. The 158 three- and four-bed homes at Beresford are still being built and residents believe if the neighbouring site gets permission in its current format it will result in chaos with “both development sites under construction simultaneously”. Traffic and congestion in Donabate and Portrane are already contentious with a large-scale building project for the new Central Mental Hospital at St Ita’s due to get under way in coming months. Senator James Reilly (FG) has called for major capital investment in infrastructure in Donabate – including a new bridge over the railway line – to tackle traffic congestion and service land on the peninsula zoned for housing.

Part of Beresford Estate, where many residents are concerned about the lack of sufficient infrastructure for a second, neighbouring development. Picture: Google Maps

The Beresford residents’ letter warns: “If the development were to be completed, you are looking at upwards of 1,000 times for vehicles passing through the single entrance, on top of Beresford residential traffic. This is simply not sustainable. “We are already dependent on overwhelmed public transport routes. Our main roads to the peninsula are already

heavily trafficked.” Local Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) said he shared the residents’ concerns and planned to raise the issue with planners. He added: “You can’t have two estates coming out onto that narrow road. There is a lack of an overall master plan or vision.” A decision on the planning application, lodged by Oakston Property Services Ltd, is due shortly.

LUSK | FRUSTRATION SPARKS ACTION

Parents to protest over school delay  SYLVIA POWNALL

PARENTS of students at Lusk Community College (LCC) will take to the streets on Saturday in protest at the delays in building a school extension. The second phase of the college building – which will cater for an additional 650 students and includes a sports hall – was supposed to get under way as soon as LCC opened in 2013 but the project remains stalled more than three years later. Tenders were approved a few months ago but there

has been no update since and parents say they are not prepared to wait any longer, since any further delay will result in more prefabs being added to the 1,000-pupil school next September to cope with the 2017/18 enrolment. A spokesperson for the parents’ association said LCC is already overcrowded and lacks communal space that both teachers and students need. They added: “We have seen the plans for phase two and the new school has everything we want in a school building, but the

problem is that we don’t have the new school.” A public meeting will be held on the issue following the street protest this Saturday January 14 to discuss the parents’ next move. Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said he understood the frustration felt within the community at the length of time it has taken for phase 2 of LCC. He told The Gazette: “Provided no issues arise the building contractors who are shortlisted will be invited to officially tender in February.”

Green Party calls on the Government to tackle city air pollution

CLEAN air zones may be implemented in Dublin as the Green Party has called on the Government to consider limiting certain vehicles from Irish urban centres. There are currently just two measuring points for air pollution in the inner city (Coleraine Street in Dublin 7, and Winetavern Street in Dublin 2) and Cllr Ciaran Cuffe (GP) believes that this is insufficient. He said: “The EPA has previously reported that air pollution is responsible for 1,200 premature deaths every year in Ireland. It is time to take action. “Improved monitoring of fuel suppliers is also required to ensure fuel suppliers are not breaching the existing ban.”

New water mains agreed NEW water mains are in the pipeline for Howth and Baldoyle in a bid to improve the service in the area. Burst pipes resulted in some homes repeatedly having their supply cut off for several hours at a time in November and December. Irish Water admitted that in some instances the leaks occurred underground and “took longer to resolve”. Welcoming news of the new mains, Deputy Tommy Broughan (Ind) has called on Irish Water to ensure that residents in Howth, Sutton, Bayside and Baldoyle be fully informed of repair and upgrade programmes.

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2016 IN PICTURES A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF OUR TOP PICTURES FROM THE YEAR Picture: Rose Cimiskey

Picture: Stephen Fleming

Lucy Maguire, Keeley and Ashton Foy,

rien takes the first Fianna Fail’s Darragh O’B in the exit poll l ga Fin seat in Dublin

Beth Maguire and Ryan Foy at Newbrid ge House

Picture: Stephen Fleming

Malahide’s Got Talent Winner Shauna Byrne Malahide’s Got Talent runner-up Ciara Smith

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Picture: Stephen Fleming

iety Malahide Musical and Dramatic Soc do Mika Hot The ent pres

Picture: Rose Cimiskey

Picture: Stephen Fleming

The whole cast of The Hot Mikado backstage and ready to go

Mia Shaw as a Viking at Heritage Day at Newbridge House

Balbriggan Golf Club captains celebrat e the 1916 Rising at Captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drive 2016

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BOOKS | BEATLE ‘DIVERTED’ HIPPIES AWAY FROM QUIET TOWN

All hail John Lennon – the saviour of Skerries!  SYLVIA POWNALL

BE AT L E J o h n L e n non turned pied piper to drive a commune of hippies from St Patrick’s island and become the saviour of Skerries, a new book claims. The song-writing legend led a group of bohemian drop-outs away from the north Dublin seaside town in 1969, as recounted in the Irish bestseller, Hopscotch and Queenie-i-o. The book, written by Damian Corless, outlines how they arrived in Skerries hoping to buy the island, led by self-styled “King of the Hippies” Sid Rawle after being evicted from their Piccadilly squat. It made headlines worldwide with newspapers as far away as Florida reporting “Hippies Take Option On Island”, and reveals how the free-living group had put a $4,800 deposit on the uninhabited island. C o r l e s s writes: “T he locals went mental, particu-

larly when one spokesman for the hippies was quoted as saying that the commune would offer facilities to the IRA if they wanted them. “What was even more alarming was it looked like the hippies had the $4,800 needed to buy the island with the backing of wealthy sponsors including beat poet Allen Ginsberg.” Skerries resident Sean Rooney said: “I don’t like the idea. Imagine having that big bunch of unwashed wastrels out there.” Opposition grew and the hippies lost heart as they were warned of a lack of drinking water

and an infestation of fearsome rodents. It was the lack of natural water which put pay to the hippies’ dream of owning their own island. However, when Lennon read of their dilemma he offered Sid Rawle the use of the Mayo island of Dornish in Clew Bay, which he had bought two years earlier while the band was recording Sgt Pepper. The group of hippies moved o n t o D o rnish for two years, living in two large army tents – an experience which Rawle later described as “heaven and hell, but mostly hell” before they returned to London.

Zara with Sheila Corabini. Pictures: Alison O’Hanlon

Cinderella sparkles in a Rush panto T HE cast of Cinderella had a ball with their great panto production at the Millbank Theatre in Rush. Their energetic production was a hit with Cinderella fans of all ages, with the collaboration between Rush Musical Society and Rush Dramatic Society seeing the well-rehearsed show being very well received by locals. The Rush show was well worth hurrying to catch in its limited run.

After John Lennon’s death, Yoko Ono sold the island for nearly £30,000 and donated the proceeds to an Irish orphanage.

Hopscotch and Queenie-I-O: A 1960s Irish Childhood, by Damian Corless, is published by The Collins Press.

Ciara O’Rourke as The Fairy Godmother

Hopscotch and Queenie-I-O: A 1960s Irish Childhood explains how

Cody and Barry Moore

Beatle John Lennon ‘saved’ Skerries from hippies in the late Sixties

WORKS | CASINO BUILDING CONVERSION GETS FINAL APPROVAL

Full steam ahead for the Fry Railway’s return to Malahide  SYLVIA POWNALL

THE conversion of the Casino building in Malahide has been given the final go-ahead by councillors. The project – which underwent some design changes following a period of public consultation – will pave the way for the return of the beloved Fry Model Railway to the town.

The amended proposal, which involves the preservation of the original thatched house and a new extension to house the famous railway exhibition, was passed at a full meeting of Fingal County Council on Monday. The project is funded by a bequest from the late Micheal Gaffney of Malahide with additional funds of around €1 mil-

lion coming from Fingal County Council’s own coffers.

Extension The most significant change to the original design is to link the extension and a converted outbuilding known as The Carthouse under a single roof. Planners believe this change will provide better linkage between the buildings and

increase the available exhibition space. The exhibition will have less floor space than the model railway’s previous home in Malahide Castle, but it will still be a substantial display, according to the local authority. Fingal County Council also confirmed the exhibition will be a moving and working display of the model trains.

Aoibhin and Gareth

Cian McLoughlin and

Moynihan

Ailbhe Sheridan

Donal Hurley as Consumpta and Donal Collins as Concepta

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DUBLINGazetteGALLERY |

LOCAL WALKS TAKE PLACE ACROSS THE CITY

Great crowds and enthusiasm on a dark morning in Porterstown Park. Picture: Orla Murray

Fingal chief executive Paul Reid with Labour’s Joan Burton and the Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor getting warmed up for Operation Transformation at Porterstown Park. Picture: Orla Murray

Getting warmed up at Round Towers GAA for Operation Transformation launch night. Picture: Paul O’Rourke

Conor, Patrick, Sarah and Mark O’Reilly from Blackrock. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

Phoebe, Caoimhe and Max Robinson with grandmother Patsy McCann from Dalkey. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

Una, Michael and Ciara Beale from Clare O’Regan, Catriona Cuddihy and Sinead Mount Merrion. Picture: Peter Cavanagh O’Reilly from Booterstown. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

Huge crowds turn out for Operation Transformation Walking Event in Dun Laoghaire. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OPERATION TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME

Operation Transformation events kicked off at Lucan Sarsfields GAA

Enjoying an active and healthy start to 2017 T

HOSE looking to get 2017 off to a healthy and active start were in luck as clubs and groups prepared to take part in the Operation Transformation programme. Free public walks were held across the city to cater for all levels of fitness, but in particular those looking to start exercising again. Trained walking leaders were present on the day for a helping hand and there was a complimentary hot cuppa at the finish line for all. This event was held in conjunction with Sport Ireland and RTE’s Operation Transformation TV programme.

SDCC Mayor Guss O’Connell and his wife Cait with Clondalkin man, Sean Daly

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DUBLINBUSINESS

House prices MEDIA | FIRM PLUGS INTO CHANGING TV VIEWING TRENDS may soar 8% DUBLIN house prices are set to accelerate by 8% or more in 2017. According to the latest house price survey from MyHome.ie, in association with Davy, the combined impact of the Help-to-Buy scheme, and looser lending rules, means that double-digit house price inflation is a distinct possibility in the coming year. The median asking price across all property types rose by 8% year on year in Dublin North to €270K, by 2.7% to €225K in Dublin West, and by 1.5% to €330K in Dublin South, while it remained unchanged at €250K in Dublin South City.

Telco’s customer base rocketed during 2016  IAN BEGLEY

CITYWEST-based company Pure Telecom has surpassed the 40,000 customer mark after adding more than 10,000 new customers in 2016. Pure Telecom, an Irishowned company, has been providing fixed-line, broadband and Cloud telecoms services since 2002 to Irish businesses and consumers. The company now has 42,500 customers and is aiming to more than double its customer base to

100,000 in the next three years. The telco’s growth will be achieved through the acquisition of other telecommunications companies, competitive wins and overall market growth, with the landline becoming the preferred mode of internet communications. Paul Connell, director and co-founder, Pure Telecom, said: “Pure Telecom has become a firm leader in the Irish telecoms and broadband market and as a result, last year was our most successful, to date.

“The Irish telecoms industry is rapidly evolving and we have always made sure that we were at the forefront of that change; allowing us to capitalise on the digital age, rather than lose out. “2017 is going to be another exciting year for the industry and we look forward to celebrating many more successes along the way.” Outlining his plans for 2017, Paul said he hopes to double their customer based by the end of 2019. “This will be achieved by

continuing to have the best competitive offering on the market, while also looking at the selective acquisition of smaller broadband and telecommunications companies, which would allow us the scale to continue to offer the most competitive packages on the market.” Last May, Pure Telecom commissioned a survey, carried out by iReach, into the internet habits of Irish adults. The survey found that of the households currently paying for a TV licence, 9% plan to ditch their licence in the

Paul Connell, director, Pure Telecom

next five years, in favour of streaming and watching TV online. “I expect the arrival of Amazon Prime in Ireland

will intensify that trend. As a result, we will see pressure coming on the TV licence as people ditch their TV sets,” Paul added.

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

BIG, BOUNCY BANE COULD BE PERFECT FOR YOU

Hey babe, see the zoo’s new oryx yet?

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Bane, a a male oneyear-old crossbreed. He’s a big, bouncy bundle of love seeking an active home where

Born in early December at Dublin Zoo, the male scimitarhorned oryx has yet to be named

 EMMA NOLAN DUBLIN Zoo welcomed its newest arrival last week with the birth of a male scimitar-horned oryx. Born on December 8, the newest addition to the herd brings its total to four. Though he hasn’t been named yet, the new baby is said to be getting on well the rest of the herd. Classified as extinct in the wild, the scimitarhorned oryx was once

widespread across northern Africa, but due to overhunting, habitat loss and competition with domestic livestock, they have gradually disappeared from the wild. T h e s p e c i e s h ave now been classified as extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as there has been no definitive evidence of their presence in the wild for more than 15 years. Since 2013, Dublin Zoo

has financially supported the reintroduction programme for the scimitarhorned oryx in Tunisia. Through conservation breeding programmes, zoo-bred oryx have been reintroduced into semiwild areas in four national parks across Tunisia. Currently, there are more than 200 oryx in such semi-wild areas. Speaking on the birth, team leader Helen ClarkeBennet said that zoo staff are “absolutely thrilled”

with the new baby oryx. She said: “We recognise the significance of this birth in the conservation of the scimitar-horned oryx. The calf has shown strong signs of settling into its new surroundings and is mixing extremely well with the rest of the herd.” Dublin Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9.30am to 4.30pm this month. For further information, see www.facebook.com/dublinzoo, or www.dublinzoo.ie.

he will get lots of exercise and an adopter who won’t mind his penchant for rolling in mud. Bane does love showers to remove the mud, so cleaning up after his adventures shouldn’t be too difficult

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– and he also loves to cuddle on the couch! If you can be Bane’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

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DIARY

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DUBLINLIFE

A celebration of six iconic Irish women

Amy De Bhrun at the launch of HerStory. Picture: Andres Poveda

 EMMA NOLAN The one – or two – and only hotelier brothers John and Francis Brennan

Dubliners invited to be at their service in new show HOTEL hotshots John and Francis Brennan are looking for businesses to be featured in the new series of their smash-hit RTE show, At Your Service. The dynamic duo are on the look-out for Dubliners to step forward if they’re looking for a little help to turn their Fawlty Towers into a fabulous getaway, with everyone from hoteliers to B&B owners to campsite owners in or around Dublin invited to bring John and Francis in to work their magic. This series, the Brennans are ready to bring their suite dreams to bear on a range of other businesses, from tearooms to salons or start-ups. If you’re interested, email zoe@waddellmedia.com.

TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR EYESIGHT’S LEVELS

JEAN BUTLER TO STEP LIVELY IN NEW SHOW

DUE an eye test? Opticians Vision Express is bringing its high-tech mobile Vision Van to Dublin as part of Healthy Eyes Awareness Week which runs from January 16 to 22. The Vision Van is open from 9am to 5pm, and free 30-minute appointments can be made from 10am to 4.30pm on the day. In Dublin, the van will visit three locations: Wolftone Square, off Henry Street on Monday, January 16; The Square in Tallaght on Tuesday 17, and then at Blue Bus Lane in Blanchardstown on Wednesday 18. For more information, see www.visionexpress.ie

AN IRISH Dancing show that was hugely successful in the US is coming to Dublin next month. “This is an Irish Dance” features Jean Butler of Riverdance fame and is composed by Belfast-born composer and musician, Neil Martin. This duet for dancer and cellist will take to the stage in the Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar from February 8 to 11. Inspired by the interdependent relationship between traditional music and dance, and the formal spatial relationship between dancer and musician that characterises Butler’s expe-

rience from competition to stage, this is an Irish dance explores the often invisible interplay between dancer and musician in live performance. Tickets can be purchased on projectartscentre.ie.

A CELEBRATION OF 350 YEARS OF SWIFT A NEW exhibition is set to open in Pearse Library to mark the 350th anniversary of the birth of Jonathan Swift. The exhibition will form part of the wider Dublin celebrations of Swift’s anniversary, and is running all through January. It will then go on tour to various Dublin City Council Libraries around the city.

DUBLIN lit up last week in a celebration of HerStory. The Palace Street Offices on Dame Street in the heart of Dublin lit up with images of six iconic Irish women to launch the inaugural Illuminate HerStory festival. Countess Markievicz and Queen Maeve are household names but the truth is there are hundreds if not thousands of life stories that are equally fascinating and remarkable. The four-day event celebrated remarkable women throughout history during Nolliag na mBan (Women’s Little Christmas). Created by illustrator Sean Branigan from Storyboard Workshop, this first illumination told the story of world renowned aviatrix, Lady Mary Heath, astronomer Agnes Clerke, Queen of Paraguay Eliza Lynch, St Brigid, the High Queen of Ireland, Gormlaith and mathematician and world renowned computer programmer, Kay McNulty. The light instillation also featured archival and contemporary photographs along with Celtic art by Jim Fitzpatrick and Courtney Davis. The Christmas lights may have gone out but HerStory brought women’s stories from the shadows into the light, sharing the lost tales of national heroines, women from our own towns, cities and families,

and women admired across the world to the fore. Event organisers say they want to start a new annual event where Ireland inspires the world to celebrate women, just like the global greening on St Patrick’s Day. The objective is to light up homes, town squares, theatres, libraries, museums and iconic buildings. As well as every classroom and boardroom joining in and decorating for the occasion. The event is produced by the HerStory Team and Lesley Tully, head of design thinking at Bank of Ireland and founder of Illuminate Dublin. Founder and director of HerStory, Melanie Lynch said that the festival was a way to start the year with optimism and light. “Nollaig na mBan is a treasured Irish tradition, especially in rural Ireland. “In the dark month of January we chose the theme of light. We want to start the year with optimism and hope, as we strive for equality for all. “The Irish are known as the best storytellers in the world, but until now we have only told half the story. Illuminate Herstory is an event for the people, and it’s really easy to get involved and pay tribute to the women you love.” #IlluminateHerStory

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DUBLIN DUBLINLIFE

Some of the happy couple’s shots from travelling around Ireland

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ERIN GO BRAZIL

IRELAND.

INSIGHT SOUTH AMERICANS GO NUTS FOR IRISH LIFE

BRAZIL

BRAZILIANS have beome a familiar sight all around Dublin, bringing a little Latin flavour to our busy city. Reader Rachel Duarte Larentis tells us all about her life-changing move ...

EVEN after being in Ireland for almost two years, it was necessary to leave the country to understand how important Irish culture is. I was not born in Ireland, and I also have no roots within Irish culture. However, since I arrived at the Emerald Island – in May of 2015 – I have been living as a native’s wife! Despite the fact of being a typical Brazilian woman, with brown eyes and black hair, my marriage has given me some experience of

‘how to be Irish’. This is because my husband looks like an Irishman! He is also Brazilian, with an Italian background, but his eyes are green, his skin is very white, and he has a ginger beard, which makes him easily look like an Irishman! So, it has been always very easy to us start a conversation with a neighbour or a native Irish person at the supermarket, bus stop, public service or anywhere in Ireland. The people just react, and everything happens so naturally. I have told you this to help describe the next scenes that I’m going to tell you about. First of all, it is necessary to say that we decided

to come to Ireland for the same reasons that bring thousands of Brazilians here every single year: to learn English, and to try a new life. I also must tell you how grateful I am for this decision. We were greeted with open arms by an island which never asked for a DNA test to offer us a job, a house or any other opportunity. With a full-time job, and a good effort to save money for 12 months, it was possible to start to travel around Ireland. After being in all the counties of this gorgeous island, we decided to go further and travel all over Europe. The decision was not easy.

We had already left our family in Brazil, and our jobs and friends to come to Ireland, and to do a journey around the continent would be to leave everything behind again. But, we did it, and it was the best decision of our lives. We have travelled around 27 countries in Europe – with our Irish car – and this experience showed us more than beautiful landscapes and good food. We travelled for 72 days, crossing more than 18,000km! It was a great journey, and gave us an amazing collection of pictures and memories of people that we will never forget. Furthermore, we found out how huge is to wear

‘Irish’ shoes around the European community! I think that the Irish spirit got into our souls; ‘let’s live the friendly life’, something as simple as that. And everybody could see this during our travels. I don’t know if it was our Irish car, my husband’s profile, or our souls that felt so Irish during this road trip – but even as we avoided pretending to be actually Irish, everybody received us with a big smile. Some of the positive things we heard about Ireland on our trip included: “Oh, you are from Ireland. Really good people!”; “Amazing country”; or “Where were you, there?”

‘From France to Kosovo, people in every single country that we have been to opened their arms to us. We have met people who dream about going to Ireland.’ It was impossible not to correct this ‘Irish misunderstanding’ on our travel! We had fun driving our car with the steering wheel on the different side, and a leprechaun at the front screen.

We found out that the love for Irish people is something even bigger than anything we could have expected. From France to Kosovo, people in every single country that we have been

to opened their arms to us. We have met people who dream about going to Ireland, and others who have relatives or good friends on the island of Ireland, and others who have a natural love for the

country. In Serbia, a local very proudly told us that the Serbs and Irish have similar Celtic genes. In Scotland, people invited us to say which whiskey is best: Scotch or Irish. Of course, we assumed that it was ‘our’ Irish whiskey! And, when we were in Amsterdam, we asked locals to forgive us because, as ‘good Irish people’, we voted for black Guinness instead of their Heineken. Our lucky leprechaun protected us and collected smiles wherever we were. Children from Portugal, and a police officer at the UK border, made some jokes about it. In Germany, we felt the yearning of a father whose

daughter lives in Kilkenny. After recognising us as coming from the country where his daughter is, he remained for a long time watching us and our Irish car. It was a bittersweet moment. Finally, we have never felt so happy at not being ‘Brazilian’ when travelling out of Brazil. Let me explain: we are always, always very proud of being friendly people from Brazil, in South America – but to be a friendly person in Europe means you must come from Ireland! Being very honest, during our three months on the road, we missed Ireland more than Brazil. When we arrived in Ireland, it was like coming

home again. From our experiences, we proved how much the island of Ireland is loved, and we found a second meaning for the expression, Cead mile failte. After all, it’s the traditional Irish way to say ‘Welcome’ to people coming to the country, but it could also describe the friendly way that Irish people behave when they’re out of it. Before coming here, we has one big question on our minds: Why so much love for Ireland, and the Irish? But now, we know! HAVE you got a life story you’d like to tell us? We’d love to share it! Email us: news@dublingazette.com

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DUBLINLIFE fast

TRAVEL

Like a chance to land your dream job? THE only question you’ll have at the end of this is “where do I sign up?” Royal Caribbean Cruises is offering one lucky candidate the chance to land their dream job – travelling the world on a cruise ship and getting paid for it. Got your attention? We thought so… The cruise firm is looking for an “extraordinary explorer” to be part of their team and manage their Instagram account. The job is for three weeks on an internship basis – but they are still willing to pay €3,500 with flights, accommodation and expenses thrown in. During your time on their award-winning boats – floating five-star villages would be more accurate – you’ll get to enjoy what’s on offer and highlight the best bits on social media. According to Royal Caribbean the successful candidate will be “responsible for finding and documenting the extraordinary on a daily basis via Instagram”. To enter you need to share photos on Instagram, showing Royal Caribbean what you can offer. You must be over 21 to apply and the closing date is January 31. Sabbatical, anyone?

The Canary Islands really has it all with stunning beaches, rugged mountain terrain and the Jardin de Cactus just some of the highlights

THE CANARY ISLANDS: GREAT OFFERS FOR THOSE FEELING A LITTLE SUN-DEPRIVED

Some winter warmers to beat the January blues

 SYLVIA POWNALL

WE MAY have been spared a white Christmas but odds are most of us are feeling pretty sun-deprived right about now. The good news for those who crave a bit of heat on their bones is that there are plenty of lastminute deals to warmer climes to be had. The Canary Islands ticks all the boxes when it comes to a lazy winter warmer break – traditional cuisine, outdoor markets, duty free shopping and, of course, sunshine. Lanzarote is the perfect destination for foodies who want to try something new. Try their famous wrinkled potatoes (cooked in salt with their skins left on and served with a variety of delicious sauces) before walking it off around the

Jardin de Cactus. The manmade cactus garden with truly spectacular scenery was the last work of famous artist Cesar Manrique and features more than 1,100 species of the prickly plants. If that’s not laid back enough for you how about a film under the stars at Europe’s only permanent outdoor cinema on Gran Canaria? The Moonlight Cinema is just 40 minutes by car from the popular resort of Playa del Ingles and is bang up to date with the latest blockbusters. Waiting staff will serve you at your seat and there are duvets for snuggling under on chillier nights. Tenerife is known for its rugged mountain terrain – and there’s no better way to explore it than on horseback. But if you don’t fancy saddling up you can

spend an afternoon at one of the island’s many local markets. Whether you want to find special trinkets or experience the buzz of outdoor Spanish food stalls, La Recova is full of treasures from local produce to freshly cut flowers and a flea market. The market – an hour by bus from Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos – is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Not forgetting the lesserknown member of the archipelago off the north western coast of Africa, Fuerteventura. It may be small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm. The entire island was designated a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 2009 and a local goats cheese (queso Majorero) is a delicacy which has gained

protected DOP status. It’s the perfect spot for perfume shopping, but check dutyfree allowances on Revenue’s website to make sure you don’t get caught out. Spoil yourself with a cocktail at the El Mirador bar at the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real, after all it won best mixology bar in Canary Islands at the Coaster Awards 2016. And if you fancy a boat trip, the nature reserve on Lobos Island is a short hop across the water and features a 200-yearold dwelling built from volcanic rock which is home to the island’s last remaining inhabitant. Thomson are offering seven nights Dublin to Lanzarote from February 12, staying at the Hotel Natura Palace, Playa Blanca, half board from €669pps.

Seven nights at Sensimar Los Gigantes, Los Gigantes (ex Dublin flying out on February 3) is from €689pps half board, also with Thompson. Their last-minute deals include seven nights at the Barcelo Santiago in Tenerife, half board from €459pps. Meanwhile Sunway Holidays are offering winter sun package holidays to the five-star Grand Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real in Fuerteventura starting from €1026pp. Packages include flights from Dublin, seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis, transfers, 20kg baggage and services of a Sunway representative. Further information on Thomson deals via Falcon Holidays (www.falconholidays. ie) and for Sunway see www. sunway.ie.

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DUBLINLIFE FASTNews The sky is the limit with the latest Mazda3 Volvo’s new XC60 will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show and on sale in Ireland by for the 172 registration period in July

Volvo Car reports best Irish sales since 2008 VOLVO Car Ireland reported a 28.3% increase in

retail sales for 2016, selling 2004 cars, which repre-

sents Volvo Car Ireland’s best sales year since 2008.

Volvo Car Ireland is targeting further sales increase for 2017 as Volvo continue to release its planned

product line up for the next three years. The V40 and XC60 were the best-selling Volvo models in Ireland,

while growth was driven mainly by the XC90 model,

which became the brands third bestselling car last year. Adrian Yeates, managing director of Volvo Car Ireland, said: “2017 is set to be equally as exciting with the arrival of the new XC60 and XC40. The XC60 is a very important car for Volvo. The consistently popular XC60 is Volvo’s five-seat, mid-size premium SUV and has been Volvo’s best-selling model since 2009. It is the only car in its segment that has seen year on year growth since it first launched. The new XC60 is due to be available in Ireland in time for the 172 registration period.”

Toyota remains sceptical about self-driving hype TOYOTA says that it plans to continue to produce cars in which humans retain a large measure of control. It believes that the idea of turning all driving decisions over to computers seems too dangerous for now. “None of us in the automobile or IT industries are close to achieving true Level 5 autonomy,” said Gill Pratt, CEO of the Toyota Research Institute, referring to the ability of a car to drive itself without any human intervention. “It will take many years of machine learning and many more miles than anyone has logged of both simulated and real-world testing to achieve the perfection required,” Pratt said in a speech at CES, previously known as the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas. Pratt said he didn’t know for sure or when Toyota and other car makers may skip directly to driving autonomy. At this level, computers retain control of all driving decisions, but only on roadways specifically designed and approved for this purpose, he added. Toyota is focussing on Level 2 autonomy where computers have some control over steering, braking and acceleration, with humans remaining in overall command.

Mazda is using its Skyactive engine technology to boost the performance and economy from its mid-range Mazda3 hatchback. Michael Moroney has been driving the new 2.0-litre engine version of Mazda petrol offering and remains to be convinced THERE has a been a very slight upwards movement towards petrol engine cars in recent years and the latest motor industry figures show that petrol car sales increasing by 0.6% in 2016 compared with 2015. Petrol car sales are also being boosted by the arrival of efficient hybrid petrol cars, which are also helping to bring petrol engines back into favour. Mazda gave me a petrol surprise towards the end of 2016 when I took the new Mazda3 with its equally new 2.0-litre petrol engine for a test drive in wintery Irish conditions. The Mazda3 is the Japanese brand’s most popular car in Ireland and up to now was dominated by diesel sales. What a surprise it was for me to get behind the wheel of a new Mazda3 with a 2.0-litre petrol

engine under the bonnet. This size petrol engine would be rare in some respects as car companies strive to downsize their petrol engine offerings by using new turbocharging and fuel injection technology. T his bigger petrol engine uses what Mazda calls its Skyactive engine technology with claims to give new levels of fuel efficiency for mid-range family cars. This engine option is only available in the GT versions of the car, so it’s aimed at particular and niche market. The Mazda3 is one of the more attractive midrange hatchback cars on the market. Mazda has an enviable reputation in terms of paint quality and many older Mazda cars retain their good looks longer after others are displaying fading shades. The Mazda3 in Soul Red

colour stood out, while externally at least, the GT specification was understated. Out on the road the Mazda3 was lively and petrol engine was smooth in terms of acceleration. The six-speed gearbox and light clutch pedal made for easy driving. The engine push button start and start/stop system for city driving were both impressively smooth. While I was driving I was trying to access the value of the petrol over Mazda’s new 1.5-litre turbo -diesel version. This latter car is much more economical, even if slower in terms of acceleration. But it was the fuel economy performance that made me think deeper. While this petrol engine car is smooth and sweet to drive, it’s still

The Mazda3 hatchback has a modern and sporty look with relatively low seating position that delivers good comfort for the GT version on test. All Mazdas are now manufactured in Japan and there is a reliable and quality feel to the car. Entry prices start at €23,295 before delivery charges

Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv petrol

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 2.0 litre Engine power 120hp 0 – 100km/hr 8.8 seconds Economy 19.6km/litre (5.1/100km or 55mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 51 litres CO2 emissions 119g/km Road Tax Band A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 mon Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2015) Warranty 3 years/100,000km Entry Price €23,295 The dash layout on the Mazda3 is relatively simple if not too understated and includes a push button keyless start and multifunction steering wheel

not real world competition for the diesel version, which in truth I had expected to be driving. Mazda’s diesel engine performance is that good that I expect my preference would not sway me to petrol power. While the Mazda message is that the Mazda3

with the 2.0-litre petrol engine is economical, the numbers simply don’t add up when you compare it with the diesel option. The officially rated economy figure is 19.6km/litre (5.1/100km or 55mpg), while in practice I found this very difficult to match. With a mix

12 January 2017 GAZETTE 21

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MOTORING

Expansion for Citroen is on the cards

The front doors have a wider opening feel to the rear ones and rear headroom can be a little compromised for larger passengers

Mazda claims that the 2.0 litre Skyactive petrol engine is economical and rated to deliver 19.6km/litre (5.1/100km or 55mpg), which is impressive for such an engine

of city and longer national drives my performance was off by 40% relative to the quoted figure. Modern family cars need to deliver a range on a full tank that’s close to 1,000km; that won’t be possible with this petrol engine Mazda3. Mazda’s other petrol engine option; the entry-level 1.5-litre car is no better in terms of economy so for me Mazda’s diesels are still the most practical option. Rather than dwell sole-

ly on the Mazda3’s economy performance, even though that’s critically important, the car has some other very attractive driving features. There is an improved Active Driving Display in full-colour display that makes for easier driving and improved steering wheel ergonomics. I liked the Multi-Media Commander system with its large centre console display and neat controlled placed between the front seats. I found it

was easy to get comfortable with the system and setting my mobile phone to Bluetooth was also fast and logical. The car scores well in terms of safety and it has two ISO-Fix couplings in the rear seats. The new Mazda3 marks the world debut of what Mazda calls G-Vectoring Control (GVC). This is an automated system that provides integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis and body. GVC claims to vary the engine

torque to optimise the load on each wheel, providing more precise handling as well as a smoother ride under virtually any driving conditions. Mazda is fitting an advanced active and pre-crash safety system that includes Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) to the new Mazda3. With this a forward-sensing camera expands the speed range for detecting other vehicles and adds pedestrian detection capabilities.

The new versions of the Mazda3 come with LED Headlights and an adaptive front lighting system that adjusts the angle of the headlights when cornering. The Mazda3 is a midrange family hatchback that compares well in space terms with the likes of the popular Ford Focus. The boot space is almost identical, but lacks a space saver spare wheel, which I consider a must have feature. The Mazda3 is marginally

longer while narrower. Entry prices for the Mazda3 range start at €23,295 and that’s more expensive than Ford’s entry price on the more economical 1.0-litre petrol powered Ecoboost model. For me the diesel option is the only choice with all of the style and most of the safety and driver comfort features of the GT model in a package that remains one of the most attractive in terms of hatchback style for the mid-range market.

The history behind Ford Motor Company

Ciaran McMahon, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland with an early Model T Ford and the latest Ford Mustang at the ancestral home of the Ford family at Ballinascarty in Co Cork

THE Ford Motor Company was set up in Michigan by Henry Ford in 1903. True to his roots, just 14 years later Henry opened the first purpose-built Ford factory to be located outside of North America at the Marina in Cork. In his own words, he hoped that the new Ford plant ‘would start Ireland along the road to industry’. The setting up of the Ford plant in Cork was the first example of foreign direct investment in Ireland, many decades before the term

was even coined. Henry Ford’s father, William Ford, emigrated from Ballinascarty in Co. Cork (50km from Cork City) with his parents and siblings in 1847 during the Famine; Henry was born in Michigan in 1863. Growing up on the family farm, Henry developed a strong interest in mechanics. At first, he concentrated his efforts on making work easier for farmers but he soon came to realise the potential of the motor car as a

force for good for the development of societies across the globe. Although he cannot be credited with inventing the motor car, Henry Ford was the man who brought motoring to the masses thanks to the affordable yet rugged vehicles he produced through his newly-invented production-line manufacturing technique, which has since been copied by practically every vehicle and machinery manufacturer across the globe.

IM Group, the importer of Citroen in Ireland, has announced a network expansion project for 2017, as it seeks to appoint up to seven new dealerships to its expanding network. Currently, the group has a network of 20 authorised sales dealerships and a further six authorised repairers across the country for Citroen. The initial focus for new dealer appointments will be aimed at South Dublin, Cork East and Wicklow, with the group seeking to secure partners also in South Tipperary; Cavan/ Monaghan; Longford/ Roscommon and Sligo/Leitrim. The announcement of this network expansion project comes in the wake of the major launch of its new C3, the new eight-seater Spacetourer, alongside the new Dispatch van.

The late Doug McCoy LAST week the motor industry lost one of its true and knowledgeable gentlemen with the passing of Doug McCoy of the OHM Group. Doug McCoy worked throughout the motor industry over the past 40 years. Doug passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at his Dublin home. He will be greatly missed by his wife Judy, his children, Graeme and Amy, and his immediate family as well as his many friends who had the great privilege of working with him over four decades in the motor industry.

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DUBLINLIFE

& Other Stories  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

WELL, it’s finally here – & Other Stories opened the doors to its Grafton Street store in December and Dublin shoppers can’t get enough of it. With its refined yet fun aesthetic, the brand – which is owned by fashion giant H&M – brings a much-needed new clothes shop to Grafton Street and, indeed, Dublin. Managing director Samuel Fernstrom said: “We’re very happy to reach Dublin, and find new inspiration from the innovative and creative atmosphere here. We feel right at home already and can’t wait to get to know more of our Irish fashionloving customers.”

With a three-storey location of approximately 650 square metres, customers can browse through endless styling choices including accessories, bags, jewellery, beauty products, shoes and ready-to-wear. Ateliers in Paris and Stockholm design the diversified fashion and beauty collections with great attention to detail and quality at an affordable price point. & Other Stories is a little pricier than the likes of H&M and Zara, but it’s worth it for the quality and interesting pieces they stock – think Cos with more personality and prints. And, with the recent closure of American Apparel (sob!) on Grafton Street, this shop is definitely filling the void – and more!

The exteri or of the & Other S slap bang tories sto in the mid re dle of Gra fton Stre et

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STYLE

Top €5, Leggings €7, Crop top €4, Jacket €15

A new wardrobe to help inspire you to shape up for 2017  EMMA NOLAN

inside THE new STORE

AN ONSLAUGHT of New Year’s resolution articles are inevitable at this time of year, of course, but that’s not going to stop me from adding this one! If you managed to stick to your gym routine over the Christmas period, then fair play to you – but, if like me, you haven’t even seen your gym gear since long before December 1, then now feels like the right time to go back. Fresh start, and all that. Fitness Instagrammers and bloggers say it all the time: new gym gear can give you the motivation to get up

and go. And it’s true – your old leggings and sports bra probably look very unappealing in the drawer right now, so maybe buying yourself a new set is just what you need to get motivated. If you look forward to putting it on, then that’s the first step; sure, once you’re wearing the damned things, you might as well do some exercise! But as it’s January and we’re all broke, here are some inexpensive ideas from Penneys to update your gym wardrobe. The hard work now is worth being back in shape in a few months’ time ... No, really, it is!

T-Shirt €4.50, Cuffed joggers €18, Hoodie €18

Crop top €6, Zip top €14, Shorts €5, Bag €12

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24 FINGAL GAZETTE 12 January 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

ReelReviews

A MONSTER CALLS Fantastical fare

(Cert 12A, 109 mins) A visually spectacular drama from acclaimed director Juan Antonio Bayona (“The Impossible”), based on the award-winning children’s fantasy novel. 12-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall) attempts to deal with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) illness and the bullying of his classmates by escaping into a fantastical world of monsters and fairy tales that explore courage, loss, and faith.

LA LA LAND

Magical musical (Cert PG, 128 mins), Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a jazz musician, scrapes by playing cocktail party gigs in dingy bars, but as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.

THE BYE BYE MAN Horrific goings on

(Cert 16, 94 mins), When three college friends stumble upon the horrific origins of the Bye Bye Man, they discover that there is only one way to avoid his curse: don’t think it, don’t say it. But once the Bye Bye Man gets inside your head, he takes control. Is there a way to survive his possession?

Ben Affleck plays ambitious young gangster Joe Coughlin in this Boston-set mob drama which explores the fight for territory – and profits – between Irish and Italian gangs

LIVE BY NIGHT: THE WORLD OF ORGANISED CRIME SET IN THE PROHIBITION ERA

Could be a little darker LIVE By Night (Cert 15A, 128 mins) sees director Ben A ff leck return to Boston and the work of writer Dennis Lehane, who Affleck also worked with on his adaptation of Lehane’s Gone Baby Gone. This time, however, the drama unfolds in the time of Prohibition. While it retains Affleck’s solid, structured direction and a picture-perfect surface aesthetic, Live by Night lacks the substance of his previous work. A f f l e c k p l ay s J o e Coughlan, the son of a Boston police captain (Brendan Gleeson). Returning from the First World War, Joe resolves to “never

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

take orders again” and instead makes a living as a petty criminal on the outskirts of a “tit for tat” war between the Italian and Irish mobs. W hen a risky love affair leads to tragedy, Joe begins working with the Italians and is sent to work in Tampa, Florida. T here, he puts his mind to cornering the rum market for the mob and, in the process, aims to settle an old score. As a film about bad

men doing dirty work, Live By Night would greatly benefit from a little more grit under the fingernails and a little less polish on top. Certainly, Affleck has crafted a sumptuous, wonderful looking film – a vintage dream of prohibition America. Unfortunately, all that dreamy Americana spawns an impossibly perfect, postcard vision of the past: it all looks great, but very little of it feels real. Still, Live By Night is a pleasure to behold. Of particular note is a high-speed car chase/ shoot out in gorgeous 1920’s Fords through the streets of Boston. Bursts of light ring the muzzles of tommy guns

while shotgun shells fly out of car windows – the whole affair thrills and delights the eye in equal measure. Outside these thrilling set pieces, Live By Night rarely takes the time to slow down. Affleck packs a huge amount into the film’s two-hour run time. With varying scope, the director’s previous works told relatively concise stories – this one spans a lifetime. Consequently, things move very fast, too fast for the viewer to grab a hold of anything concrete. Joe tells us that he went to war a soldier, but “came home an outlaw,” one willing to be “cruel”

when necessary. However, we never really catch Joe’s dark side; in an underworld populated by gangsters dressed in black, he’s always the knight in the shiny white suit. We hear about Joe’s duality, but rarely get a glimpse of it. As a character then, Joe is nearly impossible to nail down. First he broods, then he jokes; one minute he’s humble, the next he gloats. It’s easy watching Joe rise through the ranks, but without any real consistency or concrete motivation, it’s occasionally hard to care what happens to him. It’s unlikely that Live By Night will garner the awards season atten-

tion of Argo; it’s missing that endearing human element that has surprised and delighted in A ff leck’s previous works. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy here: bar a few weak accents, Live By Night packs an incredible cast, which also features Zoe Saldana, Chris Cooper, Elle Fanning and Sienna Miller. Affleck strives to craft a deeply human gangster epic – with a slightly more concise scope and a little less sheen, Live by Night could have been that film. Lavish, wonderfully acted and often thrilling; it’s a shame it never truly manages to engage. Verdict: 7/10

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FINGALCLASSIFIEDS CONTRUCTION & CARPENTRY

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28 FINGAL GAZETTE 12 January 2017

SPORT

FastSport SHELS DOMINATE AWARD SHORTLIST: SHELBOURNE dominate the nominations for the Women’s National League prizes – which will be confirmed on Thursday, January 12 at the Guinness Storehouse – following their superb season. Leanne Kiernan scored a hat trick in the Continental FAI Women’s Senior Cup final against Wexford Youths and takes her place next to teammate Noelle Murray and Republic of Ireland international Karen Duggan for the prestigious award. Galway WFC’s Sadhbh Doyle and Peamount United’s Roma McLaughlin go up against Kiernan for the Young Player of the Year award, whilst Peamount striker Amber Barrett will be presented with the Irish Daily Mail Golden Boot award after scoring 16 goals during the 2016 campaign. The 2016 Team of the Year features five Shelbourne players, as well as three UCD Waves players along with Roma McLaughlin and Amber Barrett from Peamount.

HOCKEY: THREE ROCK AND MONKSTOWN AMONG FIVE SIDES IN TITLE CONTENTION

Rovers end Bann’s run in EY league

 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

THREE Rock Rovers became the first side to beat Banbridge this season as the Rathfarnham took advantage of an understrength visiting side to Grange Road. The result saw Rovers stay in fifth place in the men’s EY Hockey League but they are now within two points of the leaders with a game in hand on some of their rivals – a back match against bottom side Instonians. Rovers took the lead inside three minutes when Ravin Nair’s ball into the circle where Jody Hosking got a slight touch off Gareth Lennox’s pads for an early advantage. Bann, for the most part, held more of the possession and territory

but found many of their attacks stymied down the flanks by a compact Rovers defence. When they did break in, they won plenty of corners but Jamie Carr produced a fine game in goals, keeping out Eugene Magee on a number of occasions. Rovers countered to go 2-0 up by the half-time break with an excellent team goal, working the ball from right to left where Conor Empey picked out Ben Walker who beautifully lifted the ball into the goal. From there, the hosts were in strong shape for the most part until the closing ten minutes when Garry Ringwood was shown a yellow card. Within 13 seconds, Jonny McKee punished the indiscretion with a sweet

action on the top of the circle before shooting home. Ross Canning and Eugene Magee were both shown yellow while Bann pushed forward in the closing stages, winning a number of corners – including one on the final hooter – but Carr kept them all out to preserve the home side’s win. Monkstown missed out on the chance to go top as they fell 4-3 to Cork C of I in an entertaining fare at Garryduff. In a thrilling first quarter, the hosts took the lead when a powerful right-wing run and cross from Andrew Power was turned in by a Monkstown defender. Philip Brownlow had a second chalked off for crossing soon after before Richard Sykes got the

TRR’s James Walker on the attack. Picture: Adrian Boehm

first of his two goals from Town’s second corner in the 17th minute. The relentless pace continued in the second quarter. C of I went back in front from their first corner – won by Simon Wolfe – with John Jermyn flicking home. Monkstown hit back when they robbed possession on the 23m line and Davy Carson was on hand at the back post to knock the second equaliser. But the hosts were in front for a third time

before half-time from the stand-out moment of the game. Wolfe picked the ball up wide on the left and, thanks to a combination of great skills and even greater determination, he managed to force a shot under the on-rushing Max Maguire for a 3-2 lead. The third quarter provided some room to take a breath with Monkstown surviving a spell down to nine players. They did fall further behind with 15 minutes to go when Jer-

myn making no mistake from another corner for 4-2. The tie was not dead yet, though, as former C of I man Jason Lynch won a corner which also drew a yellow card for Philip Smith. Sykes beat Billy Lynch to reduce the deficit to the minimum and set up a big closing phase. The Dubliners had another corner on the final whistle but Sykes’ high flick was deflected away to safety. C of I stay in fourth while Town dropped to third.

St Pat’s bring in trio of top signings for 2017 league  sport@dublingazette.com

St Pat’s Athletic won the EA Sports Cup last season

ST PATRICK’S Athletic confirmed the signings of goalkeeper Barry Murphy, Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Alex O’Hanlon and attacker Kurtis Byrne this week ahead of the 2017 SSE Airtricity League season. The trio join Gavin Peers and Patrick Cregg as new signings for the Saints ahead of the new league season which the Inchicore side get underway with a home fixture against Bray Wanderers on February 24. “I’m delighted to add the three

lads to our squad as we continue our preparations for the news season and our opening fixture against Bray,” Saints’ manager Liam Buckley confirmed. “We’ve retained a large amount of our squad from last season and coupled with our new signings and talented players from our underage sides, we’re looking forward to the year ahead.” Murphy joins the club for a second spell having spent time at Shamrock Rovers while Byrne joins the Saints after spending a season at Bohemian FC in which he scored 10 league goals.

20-year-old O’Hanlon is a former St Kevins Boys youth and joins the club having spent five years at English Premier League side Liverpool. The Dubliner featured in the club’s underage sides before being released last year and has previously starred for the Republic of Ireland Under-19 side. Commenting on each of the new signings, Buckley admitted his delight at getting each of their signatures and believes each player can play a big part in the Saints’ season ahead. “Barry will be a great signing for the club. We know Barry well

from his time with us previously and it’s great to have him back. He’s a terrific keeper and will be a great addition to our group. “Kurtis is technically one of the best players in the league so to add him to our squad is a huge plus. He is another player our supporters will know well as he has a reputation of scoring some superb goals over the past few seasons and we hope that he can continue that trend with us. “Alex is a hugely talented player, with an excellent left foot that our supporters can look forward to seeing in the colours of St Pat’s.”

12 January 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

Doherty delivers as Wolves devour Stoke Swords man produces one of the highlights of the FA Cup third round with delicious free kick for Wolverhampton as they beat Premier League side with something to spare SWORDS man Matt Doherty admitted he surprised even himself when he scored a spectacular free-kick for Wolves to beat Premier League side Stoke City 2-0 in the 3rd round of the Emirates FA Cup. It was the former Bohemians’ defenders first time on free-kicks in the last six years but he whipped home a venomous rightfooted effort into the top left corner in the 80th minute to hand the midlands club the win. “I haven’t been on free kicks for years,” Doherty said about the moment. “We did some set-pieces in training and I said I’ll take one, I put it right in the top corner. I went over there trying to get it but I didn’t expecting the boys to actually give it to me.

“I wasn’t meant to be on free-kicks but I just ran over and asked to take it. When I took it, I was just thinking I’m going to put it in and then the keeper made a step and once they’ve made a step they’ve got no chance.” He added that his celebration is something that will live with him for a long time. Stoke’s stadium was far from full except for the away end behind the goal which Doherty scored into and he duly stormed toward the enraptured fans. “As a defender scoring a goal is the best feeling ever and yeah it felt pretty good. It was a pretty good celebration, I was already halfway through my knee slide before the ball went in. “I think the whole

team was on top of me, I couldn’t breathe!” Doherty was quick to praise the travelling support of the Wolves fans as over 4,600 made the trip. “They’ve travelled in numbers, it’s the least they deserve. They’ve stuck with us all season even though our form hasn’t been great, they always travel with us. “At home, they’ve been superb, fair play to them.” Wolves are currently sitting in 16th place in the championship and so went into the tie against Stoke as serious underdogs but proved to be worthy winners of the tie. “We didn’t take the chances early on but we didn’t concede which was the important thing as we have made a habit of conceding goals early in the

Swords man Matt Doherty produced a stunning free-kick for Wolves

Championship. “Conceding early doors against a Premier League side wouldn’t have been the best. We deserved the goal in the first half and I thought we deserved to get the second goal and keep a clean sheet. “The result was what we wanted.” The 24-year-old praised the strength in depth of the

Liverpool or Plymouth in the next round. “It just goes to show the strength in depth of our squad,” explained Doherty before adding: “The FA Cup is pretty special. “Look at the support we took for the third round so it will be the same again – we want to go as far as we can no doubt.” Chris Forrester was

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‘I haven’t been on free kicks in years. I didn’t expect the boys to actually give the free kick to me.’ - Matt Doherty

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Wolves squad and believes that the win has given the team confidence that they could now beat anyone in the next round. They will face the winner of either

another Dubliner to use the FA Cup stage to bring his skills to a wider audience in Peterborough’s tie with Chelsea. Despite a 4-1 loss, the former St Pat’s man looked assured on the ball in midfield and his club chairman Darragh MacAnthony believes he can go on to better things. “Chris Forrester is the best midfielder by a mile in League One and plenty of big clubs are after him right now” MacAnthony told the Independent. “Against a Scunthorpe team that was sitting at the top of League One, he basically ran the show from midfield on his own. “He was that good and I’m sure he would dominate games if he was playing in the Championship as well. Chris will go on and be sold for millions and millions and good luck to him.”

FASTSport

Crumlin club trio win big at Wado Ryu world event THREE members of the Irish Wado Ryu Federation produced powerful performances at the WKC Karate and Kickboxing world championships that were held in Albufeira, Portugal. Daniel Donohue Jr, Dane Walton – who both hail from Crumlin – and Jake Jackson, from Rialto, have being training with each other for the last 20 years under the watchful eye of Sensei Dan Donohue Sr at St Bernadette’s parish centre in Crumlin. The trio were training seven days a week after and before work coming in to the championships and were in great shape for the intense competition. After three gruelling days of action, the longawaited world titles started to flow in. First in was Walton, stepping up in weight to take the -90kg kickboxing world title. He subsequently dropped down to his own weight of -85 kg to win the Kumite world title. If that wasn’t enough, he then fought in the unified Kumite weight class and took a third world title in that section. Next up was Jackson who fought his way to the kickboxing world finals for the third year in a row. He faced the five time world champion from England, Alex Barrowman, narrowly losing out on a split decision to take the silver. Donohue Jr also fought his way to the kickboxing final, only missing out on a split decision to his opponent from Northern Ireland. Donohue also fought in the unified Kumite weight class taking gold in that section. Those results boded well for the three-man team Kata. Led by Jackson, they were looking to defend the world title they won last year. They took on teams from Scotland, Germany, England and Spain and once again took the world title back to Ireland, bringing their tally to seven world titles along with five silver and a number of bronze. The trio have started training for 2017’s world championships. Jackson has his eye on Barrowman and feels he will get the win over him. The not for profit club is also welcoming anyone who would like to join them in training on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9.30pm and Friday from 7.30 to 9.30pm at our(Dojo)club in Crumlin.For further information go to www.irishwadoryufederation.jimdo.com.

GAZETTE

30 FINGAL GAZETTE 12 January 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: STARK DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUP AND LEAGUE RUN FOR RVR

Legendary Drumcondra athlete passes away THE IRISH athletics community was saddened this week as legendary athlete Frank Murphy passwed away. The two-time Olympian, who was inducted into the Athletics Ireland Hall of Fame in 2014, had been fighting Parkinson’s disease for the last number of years. Murphy will be fondly remembered for his deeds on and off the track. The engaging Dubliner starred for Villanova as part of the pipeline of top Irish milers in the University. In 1969, Murphy beat John Whetton over 1,500m in the British AAA Championships only for the roles to be narrowly reversed at the European Athletics Championships in Athens. His finishing time of 3.39.51 was a then Irish record. The Drumcondra native added another silver to his collection a year later in the 1500m at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Vienna and represented Ireland at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and again in Munich in 1972.

Six Howth YC members on award shortlist SIX Howth Yacht Club are on the shortlists for the Volvo Irish Sailing Association awards following superb 2016 campaigns. Conor Fogarty, Ewan McMahon, Colin O’Sullivan, Doug Elmes and Dave Cullen are all up for the Sailor of the Year gong, Aoife Hopkins, meanwhile, is nominated for the Volvo Youth Sailor of the

Year for the third year in a row. The winners are set to be announced at the RDS Concert Hall on Friday, January 27. It is part of the Irish Sailing Awards for 2016 which celebrates the heroes of the sport following a marquee year. There will be four awards, including the ISA President’s Awards, the Volvo ISA Training Centre of the Year, the Volvo Youth Sailor of the Year, and the Volvo Sailor of the Year in association with Afloat magazine.

Rivervalley Rangers senior team. Picture: Bryan Daly

Valley’s cup form runs on LEINSTER JUNIOR CUP Bridge Rovers Rivervalley Rangers  sport@dublingazette.com

0 3

RIVERVALLEY Rangers are through to the last 32 of the Leinster junior cup after defeating Bridge Rovers 3-0 on penalties in Wexford. T h e AU L P r e m i e r A side had been leading their opponents but paid the price for wasteful finishing when the hosts equalised to take the game to extra time. B o t h ke e p e r s c a n come away from this game happy but Ian Doran more so after

making two fine saves during the shoot-out. The match started at a frantic pace with both sides having chances to score, only to find themselves thwarted by the opposition goalkeeper. Rivervalley eventually did break the deadlock after Paul Ryan dropped deep to pick up the ball. He showed great vision to find the run of Mark O’Brien, who in turn did well to set up Daniel Murphy for the finish. The visitors pushed for a second that never came and the teams were level through a set

SHOOT-OUT Carroll the hero as Fingal reach Mills Cup semi final FINGAL hockey club advanced to the semi-

finals of the Leinster senior Mills Cup last Saturday when they edged out Kilkenny in a shoot-out at the National Sports Campus. Normal time had ended 1-1 with Fingal’s Shane Dempsey, pictured, on the mark, cancelling out an effort from David McClure. From there, Luke Carroll took on the role of hero with a number of saves in the shootout. It earns them a semi-final date with either Three Rock Rovers or Monkstown.

piece that was headed home from six yards out. Rivervalley threw everything except the kitchen sink forward in a bid to find a winner but they couldn’t find another way past the excellent home keeper. T he tie eventually went to extra time but both keepers continued to be on top, forcing the game to penalties. Both keepers would have been confident going into the decider having performed heroics during open play but only one could progress. Doran saved the first two Rovers penalties

to pile the pressure on to the third taker, who responded in kind by missing the target. Rivervalley have been beset by injuries so far this season which has left them bottom of the table after just one win and one draw in their first eight games. Playing their first season in the top division after gaining promotion, they will be hoping a cup run can ignite a run of games that will see them climb the league table. They will now take on Donnycarney FC in the next round who

competes two divisions below them. Elsewhere, Malahide United returned to action for the new year in the LSL Sunday Senior but were unable to breakdown Drumcondra in a no-score draw on Tuesday night. The hosts missed a late penalty to deny them the spoils. Both sides stay in the relegation zone following the blank at Gannon Park with Malahide second bottom on 13 points while Drums move up to 15, level with Greystones who are fourth from bottom.

12 January 2017 FINGAL GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

LADIES FOOTBALL: NI EAFA WINS PLAYER OF THE MATCH

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS AWARDS Night: After a successful 2016

documentary “Club na mBan” that airs

on the field, the club will host the annu-

on Thursday, January 12 at 9.30pm on

al prize giving ceremony on January 21.

TG4. It focuses on women within the

Tickets and further information avail-

GAA.

able from team managers.

players taking part in the annual Gor-

sented at the Dublin LGFA annual

manston Indoor hurling tournament

Dublin v Dubstars charity game on

starting on Sunday, January 15.

Sunday, January 8. Sarah McManus

Coaching workshop: Titled player

played in the junior game with Emer Ni

performance coaching with Philip Kerr.

Eafa and Niamh Ward playing senior.

It will take place in the main hall, on Fri-

Special congratulations to Emer who

day, January 13 from 7-9pm.

deservedly won Player of the Match. Our Derek McKittrick was also on the umpire team. Membership: Applications are availClann Mhuire’s Carla Rowe holds off St Maur’s Eadaoin McGuinness. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAApics.com

Fingal Stars shine in bid to impress Bohan DLGFA DUB STARS Dublin 3-12 Dub Stars 2016 3-11  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

A PACEY and entertaining Dub Stars ladies senior football match at DCU on Sunday displayed none of the usual early season jitters, as two strong sides went all-out to impress new senior boss Mick Bohan. A swathe of last year’s All Ireland final panel were present across the Dublin and Stars sides, and several made early assertions on their roles for the coming year, with a strong north Dublin contingent excelling. JuniorAll-Ireland champions St Maur’s were well represented with Olivia Leonard a key player for the Stars and Naomi Clare making a strong box-tobox impact for the Dubs. Eadaoin McGuinness also did well but Fingallians Emer Ni Eafa – a strong figure in the Stars goal despite conceding three – arguably made the best case for future involvement with some stunning saves.

Skerries Harps’ Lyndsey Davey was also her usual impressive self up front, playing a role in most of the Dubs better forward play. The challenging Stars looked off the pace in the very early stages, but came into the game rapidly midway through the first half, with Lauren Magee playing a key role in both the quick-fire goals that saw them briefly take charge. Magee first fed Niamh McGoldrick after a winding run from midfield for the opening goal, then played in Olivia Leonard just a minute later, to have the Stars five points clear early in the game. Dublin were more consistent over the bar, however, and grew into the second half. The evergreen Davey hit their first with a composed finish on 18 minutes, and the goal glut continued in first half injury time, as the Dubs added two more, giving them a 3-9 to 2-4 half time lead. The first came through Clann Mhuire’s Carla Rowe, who made the most of a run by Hannah O’Neill to slot into an empty net at the back post,

before Kelli Taite lashed in a third against a Stars side that suddenly looked overrun, deep into added on time.That particular period was to prove crucial: Ciara Trant in the Dublin goal had twice denied the Stars at the other end, both with a double save from Leonard at point blank range, and from Siobhan Kennedy. The second half was slightly less exciting: the accuracy of St Sylvester’s Sinead Aherne and ability of players like Clare and Noelle Healy to push forward drove Dublin’s score up, while McGoldrick net-

ted a second goal for the Dub Stars, and narrowly missed out on a third. A cameo by Kate McKenna on top of McGoldrick’s late goal wasn’t quite enough, as the Dubs beat the Stars by 3-12 to 3-11. What was abundantly clear, however, was that both sides were out to make some noise before Bohan names his first official Dublin squad. The new boss – who might be expected to experiment after a succession of All-Ireland nearlys under Greg McGonigle – will have plenty of food for thought.

Indoor Hurling: Good luck to all our

Dubstars: Fins were well repre-

The club shop re-opens this Saturday, January 14 at 10am. Lotto numbers drawn were 12, 15, 22, 25 and 32.

able from the club bar each evening

There were two winners: Robert

from 6pm or on the club web site www.

Mooney and Bridget Larkin winning

fingallians.com.

€1,152 each. The jackpot on Tuesday

TG4: Fingallians will feature in a new

evening is €2,080.

ST FINIAN’S THE club bingo takes place this and every

funds raised will be retained by the club.

Friday upstairs in Peacocks at 8.30pm.

Details of prizes are on www.gaa.ie/

Imagine what you could do with the jack-

nationalclubdraw .

pot of €1,500 to start the New Year.

Please note that River Valley and

The nursery (4-5 year-old boys and

Ridgewood pitches will be closed until

girls) and academy (6-7 year old boys

Sunday, January 15. The first match of

and girls) sponsored by Sky Handling

2017 will be played on Saturday, January

Partner will resume on Saturday, Janu-

21.

ary 14 at 10am and 11.30am respectively

AIB will donate €50 to St Finian’s GAA

after the Christmas break as we look

Club for all new home insurance cus-

forward to using our new equipment.

tomers. When you get your policy num-

New members are always welcome.

ber click on the link on the club Facebook

We are always looking for parents to

page to fill in the online form and choose

become involved in coaching also.

St Finian’s Swords in the club drop-down

The club is running a Foundation Level

box.

(football and hurling) coaching course

Membership subscriptions for 2017

on Tuesday, January 17 and Thursday,

are now due. Payments can be made

January 19 from 7pm to 10.30pm both

directly online under the club member-

evenings in St Margaret’s GAA club.

ship menu on the club website www.

The course is free to St Finian’s GAA

stfinians.com.

members/coaches/helpers. Please

Payments can also be made in the club

wear comfortable clothes and runners

office Monday to Thursday from 7pm or

and bring a pen and notebook. Contact

Saturday morning from 10am to 1pm by

GPO James Devlin on 086 4000324 to reg-

cash or credit/debit card.

ister your interest. Registration will open soon for the annual Haul D’ Naul cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland which will take place on Sunday, March 12. The club lotto jackpot on January 6 was €1,900 and the numbers drawn were 9, 15, 22 and 23. There was no win-

Membership forms can also be downloaded from the Downloads menu on the club website. The coffee shop will reopen Saturday, January 14 at 10am, all are welcome for a cuppa and a chat. The club shop will reopen Thursday, January 12 from 7pm to 10pm.

ner. Lucky dip winners of €25 were Jac-

If you want to be kept up to date with

qui Lynch, Ann Day, Emer Harmon. Next

the latest club news, please send your

week’s jackpot is €2,000.

email address to pro.stfiniansswords.

A big thanks to all the hardy annuals who played married v singles match on St Stephen’s Day and who donated the proceeds to the Irish Cancer Society.

dublin@gaa.ie or check out the club Facebook page St Finian’s Swords. Please send news items, fixtures or results to be included in the Club Notes

Please support the national club

to pro.stfiniansswords.dublin@gaa.ie by

draw; €10 per ticket. Tickets are avail-

6pm at the latest on Sunday evenings as

Emer Ní Eafa (Fingallians) is presented with her Player

able from team mentors or any mem-

that’s the deadline for publishing in the

of the Match Award from Brian Sullivan of New Ireland

ber of the executive committee and all

newspapers.

Assurance. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAApics.com

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

SUPER STARS: Fingallians woman the stand-out at annual ladies football challenge tie at St Claire’s P31

JANUARY 12-18, 2017

HUNGRY LIKE A WOLF: Doherty steps up to deliver rare but brilliant goal P29

Moycullen’s Paul Freeman with Justin Goldsborough of Swords battle for possession. Picture: Gary Carr/Inpho

Swords turn out Moy lights Despite having a National Cup final spot in the bag, Thunder coach Dave Baker says his side must improve on their semi-final win over Moycullen

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

GRIFFITH Swords Thunder held SSE Airtricity Moycullen at bay 85-77 at the Neptune Stadium, Cork to put themselves within touching distance of all-Ireland glory, putting them through to the National Cup final. Isaac Westbrooks, Jose Maria Gil Narbon and Conroy Baltimore all hit double figures to help Thunder reach the final for the second year in a row. Westbrooks, the game’s top scorer, netted 10 of his 19 points in the first quarter to give his team a commanding 25-17 lead. They continued to put scores on the board but Phillip Lawrence-Ricks and James Loug-

nane were having impressive games to keep Moycullen within touching distance as the half-time score sat at 43-39. Swords continued to keep the score ticking over; however, the Galwegians began to throw everything at their opponents during the second half and managed to score several times from turnovers. That being said, their fightback proved too little too late, leaving Swords as the team to battle it out with Pyrobel Killester in the final after the latter defeated UCD Marian in the cup’s other semi-final. Head coach Dave Baker probably left the stadium a relieved man but he didn’t let that mask his excitement at reaching another final. “It’s exciting. I’m really proud and happy for

the team and the club itself. Fair dues to Moycullen, they didn’t back down and came at us. It was a tough game.” On the game itself, Baker was much less enthusiastic: “For me, it was frustrating because we didn’t play well. “We looked tired, stagnant and I hope there was no complacency within the group. I hope it was more tiredness than complacency.” Swords went into the game as strong favourites but their inability to show that on the scoreboard, and allow Moycullen to get themselves back into the game was disappointing for Baker. “It is obviously frustrating more than anything else. “Obviously, a doubt comes into your head

about are we going to do it but we had enough experience there and enough good quality players on the floor to close out a game. “Unfortunately, Moycullen proved if you don’t close those types of games out, teams can come back at you.” As well as a cup final to look forward to, Swords are also battling to win the Super League in 2017 as they try to keep pace with Templeogue at the top of the table. Baker hopes that his team can recover in time to continue fighting on both fronts. “We’ve a lot to do now; we can’t let our league form drop either so we’re looking forward to the cup final,” Baker concluded. The final is due to take place at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on January 28.