Dublin Gazette: Fingal Edition

DublinGazette JANUARY 24-30, 2019

LOVE

MARRIAGE: See our lovely Wedding

Supplement – where we have a great hotel break worth €500 to give away! SEE PAGES 12-15

Fingal Edition FREE

THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

JANUARY 4-10, 2018

SPORT GOLF:

Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell holds his nerve to take down Australian Amateur Championship in Melbourne.

SEE P32

HAVING A WIZARD TIME

W

ITH panto season now at and end, there was just enough time for Elaine O’Shaughnessy with Anna and James McDonnell, to take in The Wizard of Oz at Draiocht recently. The Coolmine Panto Group production proved a hit with audiences from Blanchardstown and all across the city. Picture: Simon Peare

travel

NEW ENGLAND IS THE MAINE PLACE TO BE THIS SEASON ... P20

Jedi do: Chapel has Star Wars wedding

History made at Swords Castle SYLVIA POWNALL

Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

THE Force is with two newlyweds who have just made history by tying the knot at Swords Castle chapel – while embracing their love of Star Wars.

Alan Duffy and Vivian Bom

became the first couple in over 200 years to marry in the medieval castle as they walked up the aisle under a canopy of lightsabers (right).

Star Wars fan Alan (34), who works at Hertz in Swords, honoured the film franchise during

the nuptials but there wasn’t a Stormtrooper or Jedi Knight in sight.

The civil ceremony wedding was the first of its kind ever to take place in the chapel of Swords castle, which was built around 1200 by Archbishop of Dublin John Comyn.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

Shock over man’s murder SWORDS remained in shock this week over the brutal murder of a young local, gunned down as he left a gym. Local shops and businesses paid tribute to barber Zach Parker, with shocked locals condemning the baber’s violent death in the close-knit north DubPAGE 2 lin community.

Pile of rubbish A WHOPPING 43 lorry loads of rubbish were removed from one Mulhuddart park alone, with flytippers’ actions condemned by FCC, park users and locals. PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 24 January 2019

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GARDAI APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO SHOOTING

Swords in shock at man’s brutal murder  SYLVIA POWNALL

spownall@dublingazette.com

THE Swords community is in shock this week after the brutal murder of 23-year-old Zach Parker who was shot dead leaving his local gym in Applewood.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the violent killing last Thursday, January 17, which they believe may be linked to a drugs feud in north Dublin.

An innocent friend who was sitting in the passenger seat of Zach’s BMW X5 was shot in the chest and remains in a serious but stable condition at Beaumont Hospital.

Zach was known to Gardai and led a lavish lifestyle not compatible with his earnings as a barber, but he came from a well-respected Swords family from Seatown.

Cllr Duncan Smith ( L a b) to l d D u b l i n Gazette: “The resounding mood around Swords has been one of sadness,

Zach Parker (23), who was gunned down last Thursday after leaving a gym in Applewood. A number of local shops posted tributes to the well-known young barber.

and of shock. People are very sad that a young man from the town was taken in such a violent fashion.

“He was very well known and some of the local shops posted nice

messages and tributes.

“He had an impact – there was a candle-lit vigil for him attended by lots of friends and family.

“He was only 23, a really young man, and it’s an absolute tragedy

for his family.

“It’s still very raw and the place seems quieter and more solemn. Swords is a big town but it has a village feel and it’s still very close-knit.”

Investigating Gardai issued a detailed description of the “tall, athletically built” gangland killer who fired at least five shots into the car as Zach drove out of a car park.

Swords Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) said: “I’m shocked and appalled.

That someone so young would have lost their life ... shows total disregard for human life and the rule of law.

“I have friends who live in the area and who use that gym. Anyone could have been innocently caught up in this attack.”

Zach was convicted of possession of almost €3,000 of cocaine for sale or supply in April 2018.

His solicitor told the court he turned to drugs as a coping mechanism when his grandmother became terminally ill.

According to neighbours in Jugback Lane, there had been threats on his life and his car was firebombed last year.

FASTNews Department seeking site for Rush school THE Department of Education is actively seeking a suitable site for a new building for St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rush, it has been confirmed.

Senator James Reilly (FG) said he would meet with Education Minister Joe McHugh later this week to push the issue, adding: “This is a long time coming.”

Last October the school wrote to parents of 104 children advising there would be no place for them after 224 applications were lodged for 120 school spaces.

Four prefabs were agreed for September 2019 to cater for first years but staff and students say a permanent new home is the only long-term solution.

24-hour bus HSE and a must for parents airport – FG urged to focus on vaccines DUBLIN Airport should have a dedicated 24-hour bus service to and from the city centre, it has been claimed.

Deputy Noel Rock (FG) is urging the National Transport Authority to prioritise a longawaited link to the busy air hub in north Dublin.

His call comes after the introduction last week of the State’s first 24-hour bus service, which runs daily from Ballincollig to Carrigaline in County Cork.

Deputy Rock said: “How on earth have the NTA prioritised a 24-hour service from Ballincollig to Carrigaline over the much needed and often requested 24-hour service to Dublin Airport?

“More than 30 million passengers used Dublin Airport in 2018, and the number of jobs supported and facilitated is in the region of 120,000.”

THE HSE must work more closely with parents to improve vaccination rates in Fingal, according to Sinn Fein’s health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly.

The Balbriggan-based TD said it was “worrying” that a quarter of north Dublin children are not getting the meningitis C vaccine, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

She added: “Not vaccinating a child not only puts that child at risk, it puts us all at risk. That message needs to be reinforced at every possible juncture.

“We have the mechanisms and medicines to stop and eradicated deadly diseases – but we need to be sensible and proactive and ensure that our children are vaccinated and that we ourselves are vaccinated.”

Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee (FF) also expressed concern at the fall in uptake, adding: “It’s difficult to comprehend ... despite it being provided free as part of the schools immunisation programme.

“If a child has missed an opportunity to get the jab, I urge every parent or guardian to get in touch with our local HSE clinic to arrange for the child to be immunised.”

24 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

CULTURE: MAY THE FORCE BE WITH FIRST NEWLYWEDS TO USE HISTORIC VENUE COURTS

First Swords Castle chapel bride says ‘I R2-D2’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The groom’s proud dad, Ken, told Dublin Gazette: “It’s certainly something to tell the grandkids.

The chapel has undergone extensive reconstruction since 1995 with a new oak-beamed roof, a timber gallery leading to the chamber block, and new windows.

Fingal County Council took the decision to open it up for civil ceremony marriages late last year and the venue caters for up to 70 guests at a time.

Swords man Alan and his Dutch wife Vivian are now honeymooning in Spain – but dad Ken was happy to give the venue its first five-star review online.

Tidy Towns volunteer

Ken said: “They wanted a small venue and I suggested the castle. We were lucky enough to get it because it seems to be getting a fair few bookings.

“It was absolutely fantastic, from the layout of the church to the intimacy and cosiness of the ceremony. The gates of the castle were kept closed and only opened to let the bride’s limo in.

“There was a sense that you were somewhere special. It lent an air of occasion and solemnity to it.”

Alan’s cousin, Sean, who was best man, organised Star Warsthemed music during the vows and he kept one surprise up his sleeve for the end of the ceremony.

Ken revealed: “When they were walking down the aisle the guests all took out their lightsabers and formed an archway for them to walk under. It was super.”

The local authority is now taking bookings for civil ceremonies, which require HSE approval in advance, and says it will happily help couples plan their wedding (email swords.castleevents@ fingal.ie).

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) said: “Swords Castle is an important historical and cultural site for Fingal.

“The chapel is a beautiful setting for a civil ceremony and I would like to congratulate Alan and

Vivian on being the first couple to be married in this unique venue.”

Council chief Paul Reid agreed, adding: “I look forward to the chapel’s continued use as a wedding venue.”

While Alan and Vivian also plumped for traditional photographs, there’s no doubt which photo from the big day – courtesy of their friends’ surprise – will be a talking point for years to come

Man gets five-year sentence for death A MAN who caused the death of a father-of-two when he broke a red light while driving at around twice the speed limit has been jailed for five years.

Roofer Michael Jones (25), from Whitestown Drive, Dublin 15 had denied dangerous driving causing the death of Hong Qing Qu at Blanchardstown Road South on November 17, 2015.

A jury found him guilty in December and last Thursday Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a five-year sentence, backdated to December 19 when Jones first went into custody.

She also disqualified him from driving for life.

Judge Jones extended her sympathy to Mr Qu’s wife, children, parents and extended family.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 24 January 2019

FASTNews

Go Ahead takes on more bus routes SEVERAL west Dublin bus routes switched from Dublin Bus to private operator Go Ahead Ireland on Sunday, January 20.

The hourly 220 from DCU to Ladyswell Road will continue to operate one journey per day via Coolmine Fire Station, which will be renumbered 220A for clarity.

The 236 from Blanchardstown Shopping Centre to Damastown IBM will see the number of departures double from three to six, Monday to Friday.

Services will now be designated distinctly as 236 and 236A, with the 236A operating a more direct route which does not go through Blanchardstown Corporate Park.

Route 238 from Ladyswell Road to Tyrrelstown will continue to operate an hourly service seven days a week, while the 239 from Blanchardstown SC to Liffey Valley SC now has hourly departures on week days. The 270 from Dunboyne to Blanchardstown has seen minor timetable changes to integrate with the Dublin Bus route 70 between Dunboyne and Littlepace.

Full details of all the service changes are available from the www.transportforireland.ie, www.dublinbus.ie and www.goaheadireland.ie websites.

Come to a Grand night out and help the Lions COMEDIAN and TV star Paddy Courtney will ask the questions at the Malahide Lions ‘Le Grand Tour Quiz’ on Wednesday, February 6 in the Grand Hotel at 7.45pm.

This is a fun quiz with terrific prizes. Each round of questions will centre on

a different European city, meaning that – if you want to – you can do a little bit of preparing before you go.

All funds raised go to Lions Club charities.

To book your table, at €50, text to 086 608 7120 or just come along on the night.

MULHUDDART: COUNCIL WARNING OVER ILLICIT FLY-TIPPING

43 lorry loads of dumped rubbish cleared from park SYLVIA POWNALL

THE council has issued a warning against illegal dumping after 43 lorry loads of rubbish were collected during a cleanup of Wellview Park in Mulhuddart.

Crews from the local authority’s operations department spent the equivalent of 100 man hours removing waste which had been dumped in the open space.

During the course of the operation on January 12, 43 loads of rubbish were removed from the park – 26 tractor and trailer loads, four lorry loads, and 13 van loads.

Wellview green has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and joyriding and in a bid to curtail this Fingal County Council last year agreed to install a raised kerb.

Operations departm e n t s e n i o r e xe c u tive officer Paul Smyth revealed: “In 2018 the council approved the installation of a stub wall to protect the open space at Wellview.

“On a recent inspection in advance of the installation of the wall, serious amounts of fly-tipping were found around the perimeter

boundary of the open space.”

Crews from the counc il’s Coolmine depot spent a full day cleaning up the area, with 43 trips to the dump as well as two skips being filled on the day.

There is still a “sizable” amount of rubbish left in the yard of the park requiring a third skip and five grab lorry loads of material for disposal.

Mr Smyth said: “Our parks and green spaces are vital parts of the community, so I appeal to everyone to respect the work that goes into maintaining these areas.

Prosecuted “Anyone caught illegally dumping in the county will be prosecuted. If you suspect that any illegal waste activity is taking place at a site or location in Fingal, you should contact the council.”

Dumping can result in a maximum fine of €3,000 if successfully prosecuted in the District Court. Fingal County Council has taken a number of court actions in the past 12 months.

To report illegal dumping in Fingal, freephone 1800 2010 93, or email environment@fingal.ie.

How much illegally dumped rubbish had the council to remove from Wellview Park in Mulhuddart? This much – and much more ...

Call to ban political posters to keep Swords tidy

Helen Dunne volunteering with Swords Tidy Towns

A CANDIDATE in the upcoming local elections is calling for a ban on posters along Swords Main Street in the run up to the May ballot.

Helen Dunne (58) has been selected to bid for a council seat for Fine Gael and she is hoping to lead by example when it comes to protecting the environment.

Helen, who is also a member of Swords Tidy Towns group, says she is backing their campaign to have the town centre kept free of politi-

cal posters during the hustings.

She told Dublin Gazette: “There are seven seats so you are probably talking about a fair few candidates, and that could mean a lot of posters cluttering up Main Street.

“If all candidates agreed to this it could make an enormous difference.

“I would even go so far as to suggest a billboard out of town with each candidate’s poster on it so voters could see them all at a glance, like

they do in France.”

Helen, a former president of Swords Chamber of Commerce, says she is looking forward to her first political outing and feels she can make a difference.

She said: “I love volunteering and getting out there on a Saturday morning to clean the town up. I’d love to educate people more and I think leading by example is the way to do it, to show that we do care.”

24 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 24 January 2019

‘WRONG FOR FCC TO BE REGULATOR’

FUNDING

Row over airport flights ramped up

€111,300 for Fingal sports THREE sports clubs which failed to secure funding last year have been approved for grants under a review of 2017 applications.

Skerries Town FC have been awarded €75,800, Swords Manor FC are to receive €12,500, and Fingal Rowing Club have been granted €23,000.

M i n i s te r o f S t a te Brendan Griffin rubberstamped the funding for the three projects, which were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said: “Sports capital grants for sports clubs and organisations in local communities are essential both in providing recreational facilities for local residents, and in supporting our public health goals.”

SYLVIA POWNALL

Myles of winning appeal for photo by Castleknock mum MIRIAM Myles from Castleknock made the finals of a photo competition inspired by the theme of friendship. Her snap of her mother Maureen and her daughter Muireann, and a description of what the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter means to them, saw her collect a €100 One4All voucher at an exhibition on board a former tender ship, the MV Cill Airne. The overall winner of Ireland’s Greatest Friendship, run by Fisherman’s Friend lozenges, was Claire Duffy from Wicklowgraphy Copyright 2019. Picture: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography

A WATCHDOG group opposed to more night flights at Dublin Airport has urged residents to help stop Fingal County Council being appointed noise regulator.

FORUM (Fingal Organised Residents United Movement) wants people to lobby their local TDs and councillors to take up the fight against the controversial move.

Transport Minister Shane Ross intends to appoint the local authority under the Aircraft Noise Regulations Bill 2018 – but FORUM warns this is “wrong” because the council receives up to one-fifth of its commercial rates from the airport.

Spokesperson David

Kelly told Dublin Gazette: “We believe that the independence of the competent noise authority is paramount to ensuring that residents are treated fairly when the issue of aircraft noise and its effect on local communities is discussed under this new bill.”

FORUM was set up to represent the concerns of local community groups and residents’ associations – in particular, to press for the retention of planning conditions around the new runway restricting flights between 11pm and 7am.

Minister Ross previously indicated that the Irish Aviation Authority would be the “competent authority” for noise

control and his change of direction was last week described as “dodgy” in the Dail.

Fingal TDs Clare Daly (Ind) and Brendan Ryan (Lab) outlined concerns along with Robert Troy (FF) and Imelda Munster (SF).

Deputy Daly said the Environmental Protection Agency had no record of being asked if it was interested in the role, despite currently recording noise levels at the airport.

“Approving Fingal is a pretty dodgy course of action to take,” she said.

Sinn Fe in’s Louise O’Reilly later accused Fianna Fail of “betraying the people of Fingal” in supporting Fingal County Council as the airport noise regulator.

24 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

FASTNews

Men’s Sheds allocated €12k funding

SEVEN Men’s Sheds across Fingal have been allocated €12,397 in funding.

Each group will receive €1,771 from the Department of Community and Rural Affairs for various types of equipment.

Balbriggan Men’s Shed will get funding for a mitre saw, dust extractor, sander, router and router table.

Donabate/Portrane Men’s shed will get money towards the installation of a portacabin or prefab, and Fingal Vintage Society has been granted funding for a power washer.

Men’s Sheds in Portmarnock, Rush, Skerries and Swords are also receiving funding for equipment and furniture.

Welcoming the funding, Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said: “Men’s Sheds offer a safe and inclusive environment for men of all ages to share skills and work on projects which will benefit the local area.

“They are also important in terms of promoting and advancing the health and wellbeing of individual members.”

All welcome at Talent’s grand final MALAHIDE Musical Society are inviting all and sundry along to the toe-tapping finale of Malahide’s Got Talent this weekend.

The Grand Hotel Malahide plays host to the grand final at 7pm this Sunday, January 27, with all welcome to come along and cheer on some of the top talents who’ve made it to the very end.

The musical society isn’t resting on its laurels – its dedicated members are also preparing for their annual musical, which this year is All Shook Up. The musical inspired by Elvis songs is sure to be a hit when it takes place at Malahide Community School next month, where it will run at 8pm from February 19-23.

TRANSPORT: FEARS OVER GRIDLOCK

Calls for D15 infrastructure upgrades as Strumthing lovely going on housing soars

DONABATE girls Lily Bourke and Kate Mulcahy put their burgeoning skills to the test as they joined legendary Dubliner John Sheahan to make music together in Temple Bar. The trio shared a lovely musical moment as they helped promote the 2019 TradFest, which started yesterday (Wednesday, January 23) and runs until this Sunday, January 27. For forther information, see Tradfest.ie. Picture: Mark Stedman

SYLVIA POWNALL

TRAFFIC gridlock in west Dublin is set to reach epic proportions if infrastructure does not keep up with housing developments, it has been claimed.

Several planning applications have been submitted for the Hansfield Strategic Development Zone in Dublin 15, leading to calls for roads to be upgraded.

Cllr Tania Doyle (Ind), who has campaigned for more social and affordable housing, called for a complete overhaul of the public transport network, adding: “What we need is sustainable development.

“We need a complete overhaul of the public transport network or our roads, which are close to capacity as it is, will grind to a halt.

“Bus Connects and Hansfield Rail Station will not cater for footfall from the addition of new residents.

“We need to take a hard look at how we plan and how we develop lands

within Dublin 15 so the generations to come won’t be left with total gridlock every day.”

In December, Hansfield Investments Ltd lodged an application with the council for 200 units on a site within the SDZ to deliver 117 houses and 83 apartments in four- and five-storey blocks.

Listed landlord Irish Residential Properties (Ires) Reit is bringing more than 90 homes at Hansfield Wood that it bought late last year to the market and it plans further building at Hansfield in 2019.

A third development at Mulhuddart, on the site of Paidi Og’s pub, is earmarked for 46 apartments, 88 car parking spaces and a number of commercial units.

Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) has called for traffic management at the N3/Littlepace slip road which is already at capacity.

He said: “I am concerned that they are again forgetting to put the infrastructure in place before the developments.”

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24 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 24 January 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Transforming Balbriggan S

EVERAL hundred people came along to take part in the first ever Operation Transformation walk in Balbriggan recently, with young and old alike

delighted to help support the show and start getting healthier in the process.

This year, the pretty seaside town has a key role in the popular RTE show, with

the OT studio based inside Brmore Castle.

The historic town and its coastal environs also feature in this, the twelfth series of the hit show.

Above: Deputy Mayor Grainne Maguire helps to lead the way; top: most of the assembled crowd at the beach, happy and eager to set off

Ciaran Russell, Fingal County Council

Bruno takes Liam McGavisk and Suzanne Dalton for some walkies at the beach

Najme, Summer, Stewart, Mya, Holly, Eve, Ella and Caroline with some pooch pals. Pictures: Conor Healy Photography

24 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Erin Hynes

Elaine, Brian, Fionn and Cliona Mulchinock The Powers family were certainly ready for a great panto

Lots of fun with Dorothy in Oz S

John Furlong and Lauryn McLeod. Pictures: Simon Peare

OMEWHERE, over the rainbow – or in Blanchardstown, to be more precise – a lot of people enjoyed the great panto at Draiocht, where a toe-tapping production of The Wizard of Oz kept audiences of all ages entertained. Young and old alike enjoyed the

spirited production, courtesy of the members of the Coolmine Panto Group, who once again used their considerable experience to stage a great show. As a last gasp of the Winter season, the panto was a fun, upbeat way to spring into the new year.

Meabh and Ailbhe Rooney

Lisa Fetherston and Emma Kearney

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

LOVE MARRIAGE

GROOMS can often be overlooked when it comes to the big wedding day, with many people (and more than a few grooms) assuming that they can just slip on a dark suit, and job done!

Thankfully, this kind of that’ll-do mindset has hit the road, and there’s a lot of choice out there to make sure that Himself scrubs up very well for the wedding or civil ceremony, with Remus Uomo are leading the way in presenting a delicate, light yet immaculately tailored touch for grooms to look their best.

With subtle pastel shades always in fashion, we’ve rounded up some Remus Uomo suits for grooms, and their Best Men, to look their very best on the important day ...

See your nearest Remus Uomo store for a wide variety of wedding suits; also see www.remusuomo.com

Dapper’ll do nicely ...

Choose a groom with a view and get married by the sunny Mediterranean As lovely as it is to get married at home – why not get married by the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean? Sunset Beach Club may have the perfect package for your dream wedding in the sun

IF YOU are dreaming of a romantic celebration on the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean, Sunset Beach Club may well be the venue for you.

Their complete wedding packages include every little detail, and will be overseen by your personal planner, to leave you free to enjoy every minute of your special day.

Wedding packages start from €6,400 for 40

guests (2020 prices), and include all your wedding day needs, from bridal hair and make-up, the ceremony itself (church wedding or seafront blessing), flowers, photography, and welcome cocktail reception, to a 4-course banquet with free-flowing wine, beer, soft drinks, wedding cake, DJ and everything in between.

Furthermore, Sunset Beach Club offers the

bride and groom a complimentary two-night pre-wedding stay in the Winter before the wedding, and complimentary accommodation in the honeymoon suite on the wedding night (conditions apply).

Accommodation discounts will also be available to guests of eligible weddings, who can choose from Sunset Beach Club’s ample selection of rooms, from fam-

ily apartments to luxury suites, all with their own balcony and kitchenette.

Sunset Beach Club is only 20 minutes from Malaga Airport, where you can get direct flights from Ireland, the UK and most European cities.

For further information, see www.sunsetbeachclub.com, or contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell, at weddings@sunsetbeachclub.com.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

GAZETTE

Things to remember A premier venue GETTING married is a big decision and is one of the most significant events in someone’s life.

Aside from the excitement involved in planning your big day, there are rules and procedures you must follow in order to marry in Ireland.

There are also rules and procedures if you are ordinarily resident here and choose to marry abroad.

Here, we start at the beginning and guide you through the various things you need to know.

Aside from the rules about how and where you can marry, marriage will immediately affect

lots of areas of your life.

You may not be aware, but your legal status, your inheritance rights, and pensions are just

some things that will change. Many other areas of life will also change.

Today, couples of the same sex or opposite sexes can marry in Ireland.

The minimum age for

getting married in Ireland is 18 years of age.

If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland and

you wish to get married abroad, you must be aged at least 18.

Since November 2007, anyone marrying in Ireland (irrespective of whether they are an Irish citizen or a foreign national) must give three months’ notification before they marry.

You must make this notification in person to any Registrar.

The requirement to give a three-month notice does not apply to civil partners whose civil partnership was registered in Ireland.

If civil partners choose to marry, their civil partnership is automatically dissolved.

Check your list, check it twice WE’VE shared the following countdown checklist in previous wedding supplements and guides – and it’s proven to be one of our most popular little guides, ever!

So, we’re happy to dish out this great advice yet again, in the hopes that we help to make the coming days, weeks, months – but hopefully not years – until your big day that little bit less daunting or stressful.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your special day, so tick off what you have to do as your wedding approaches. And the very best of luck!

12 MONTHS TO GO Set a budget Research, visit and book venue and ceremony locations Book photographer Book videographer Book band Start researching wedding suppliers like florist, makeup artist etc Send save the dates 8-10 MONTHS TO GO Book ceremony music Order wedding dress Think about accommodation for guests Look into honeymoon options 4-8MONTHS TO GO Research and book trials with hair and makeup artists Send notification of intention to marry to the registrar (*this is a legal requirement - you need to give at least three months’ notice) Order bridesmaid dresses Buy wedding shoes and accessories Book DJ Book florist Check passport date and renew if necessary

3 MONTHS TO GO Buy weddings rings Organise wedding favours Get Best Man and Groomsmen’s suits fitted Start collecting addresses of friends and family for the invites and buy stamps Decide on music, ceremony, first dance, reception entrance etc 2 MONTHS TO GO Work on ceremony booklets Send wedding invitations Buy gifts for partner, bridal party, parents 4 WEEKS TO GO Have your final wedding dress fitting Confirm menu and any dietary requirements with the venue Chase any guests who have not yet RSVP’d Finalise guest list 2 WEEKS TO GO Collect wedding dress Organise table plan Write speeches/vows 1 WEEK TO GO Visit venue and go over everything Give reception venue/caterer final guest numbers Attend wedding rehearsal with celebrant

Assign bridesmaid/groomsman as contact person on the day Pack overnight bag Organise envelopes with payments for suppliers – allocate groomsmen to look after on the day 2-3 DAYS TO GO Get nails done Make any last minute changes to table/seating plans Collect groom’s/groomsmen’s suits Confirm time the wedding car will pick you up 1 DAY TO GO Drop off wedding decor, place cards, table names, favours, props, etc. to venue for set up Give list of suppliers/contact numbers to bridesmaid/groomsman/ other contact Have the rings/wedding suppliers payment envelopes ready for the Best Man for the wedding morning DAY OF WEDDING It’s here! Enjoy every single minute of your special day!

For more see weddingsonline.com or join the Facebook conversation on HIGM (Help! I’m getting married) for a great community of people to help with your planning.

just a skip away from the capital THE 4-star Westgrove Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club in Clane village, Co Kildare is one of Kildare’s premier wedding venues.

They offer a superb setting, luxurious accommodation, award-winning cuisine and a personalised and professional service.

Join them on Sunday, February 17 for their wedding fair. You will meet with their dedicated wedding team, who will be delighted to help you with advice and inspiration on every step of the way to your big day.

They will be delighted to go through all of their wedding packages with you on the day, including their amazing all-inclusive package, while you sample delicious canapes and sparkling prosecco.

On the day of the wedding fair, their Alexandra Ballroom will be fully decorated as it would be

for your big day, including their fairylight backdrops, floral arrangements and spectacular table centrepieces.

The O’Connell Suite will be beautifully set for a civil ceremony. The bridal suite will also be on display for viewings, as will all reception rooms including the rooftop terrace bar and private residents’ bar.

For the wedding fair, they invite their most recommended suppliers, who are trusted experts when it comes to all things wed-

dings and who will be happy to discuss any suggestions when it comes to planning your wedding at the 4-star Westgrove Hotel and Spa. The team are always happy to talk about and welcome individual wedding ideas, and their wedding showcases give you the perfect opportunity to discuss that with them.

For further information, see www.westgrovehotel.com, email Niamh at weddings@westgrovehotel.com, or call 045 989 904/045 989 900.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

LOVE MARRIAGE

 DRESSES - REFRESHING A CLASSIC 

Laze Bardot bridal maxi dress €638

Monsoon’s refreshing bridal style FOR anyone going down the traditional wedding route, is there anything more important than the wedding dress?

For a dress that’s only worn and seen once, the wedding dress remains the single most important and memorable item of clothing that most women look back at – and brides-to-be have a lot to look forward to as they look to find the dress.

We’ve turned to Monsoon for a fresh take on a timeless classic, with the high street giant presenting some contemporary wedding styles with a classic twist.

(Left) Devon sequin top €106, Tyra trousers €94;

Suit from €72

(Centre) Jourdan wide left jumpsuit €132, Martha metallic leather pouch €39 (Right) Eugenie embellished bridal corset €169, Jane satin bridal maxi skirt €119

(Left) Satin bow midi dress €169; (right) Satin bow midi dress €169, Doutzen sequin cover-up €94

The Hillgrove will wow with ease in Monaghan MARVEL at every detail of how your wedding day could look at The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa Wedding Showcase, taking place on Sunday, January 27, from 2-5pm.

Voted Ulster’s numberone wedding venue in 2016 and Monaghan’s Best Wedding Venue in 2018, The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa are inviting couples to view their elegant ballrooms and reception spaces, as well as enjoy an exclusive first look at the hotel’s beautiful new wedding garden and stylish honeymoon suite.

The new wedding garden offers couples a dedicated and private space for their wedding photography with a beautiful patio area for post wedding BBQs, and a bespoke built gazebo suitable for outdoor ceremonies and endless photo opportunities.

Another new addition to

The Hillgrove will make an enchanting impression on any couple and their guests

The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa is the recent refurbishment of the venue’s honeymoon suite, which has been totally transformed.

In keeping with the overall style of the hotel, the suite now offers a relaxing space for couples, with delicate watercolourinspired wallpaper adorning the room and a tranquil colour palette throughout.

After enjoying a tour

of the venue and all the exclusive new spaces, it’s then time to focus on the details of your wedding day, with a glass of chilled bubbly and selec-

tion of delicious canapes to savour alongside some great live music.

Find out all about the hotel’s special Your Wedding Your Way package, which caters for 120 guests for just €5,500 and includes lots of memorable touches.

A specially selected edit of the finest wedding suppliers in the region will also be in attendance including Claire Does Cakes, Catherine McAviney Photography, JP Flowers and A n ge l B l o s soms, as well as Sinead O’Brien Wedding Soprano and Blogger.

For further information, telephone 047 81288, email info@hillgrovehotel.com, or alternatively see also www.hillgrovehotel. com.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

 PRECIOUS GEMS 

BEFORE you even think about the big day and its list as long as your arm to sort out, there’s one small thing with great importance to sort out – the engagement ring.

We’ve turned to master jewellers Weir & Sons for some engagement rings to consider. While some of these prices could be a little top-dollar for most of us, there’s no doubt these little lovelies – not actual size – will certainly help to bling out the best in your wedding ensemble ...

18k white gold, pink sapphire and diamond ring €2,220

Platinum and oval-cut diamond-set engagement ring €4,320

18k white gold, pink sapphire and diamond ring €3,380

Marry modern stylings with a charming family-owned hotel RENOWNED for their award-winning wed dings, the 4-star Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar – just 40 minutes from Lucan – presents a spectacular fusion of 17th Century heritage with ultimate modern styling.

L e t t h e m b e yo u r “something old, something new”.

Awa rd e d M i d l a n d s Wedding Venue of the Year in 2018 at the Irish Wedding Awards, the hotel hope to retain their title as they prepare for awards season this month.

As a family-owned hotel, they pride themselves in offering a very personalised service, from the initial booking stage all the way through to your dream day.

Sumptuous food, combined with top-class service, are the main ingredients of any good wedding and the Annebrook House Hotel delivers both

these elements seamlessly.

The ir friendly and approachable service will ensure your wedding day is everything you want it to be and more.

Ciara and the wedding team at the Annebrook constantly strive to keep up to date with current trends to ensure every couple’s day is as memorable and as individual as they are.

They are excited to

Platinum ring with three pear-shaped diamonds €9,460

Three-carat platinum solitaire diamond ring €67,500

Platinum sapphire and diamond cluster ring €34,950

You’ll find pleasing contemporary touches with some traditional stylings at Annebrook House

announce the launch of their newly refurbished ballroom, coming in Spring.

Come along to their

next Wedding Open Days on Sunday, February 3 (1-5pm) and Wednesday, February 20 (5-8pm) to view this wonderful

venue for yourself.

For further information, see www.annebrook.ie, or email Ciara on events@ annebrook.ie.

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

DUBLIN

DISCOVER OLD AMERICA’S CHARMS IN NEW ENGLAND...

P20

The Once bring Newfoundland influences to Dublin P23

MAGAZINE GETTING FIT WITH KAZ P22

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

DUBLIN CHILDREN ADVISED TO GRAB A BOOK IN 2019

THIS spring children in Dublin are urged to keep their eyes peeled for mysterious aliens as Bumpfizzle – the Best on Planet Earth by Patricia Forde, is the chosen book for the 2019 Citywide Reading Campaign for Children.

The Campaign launched last week in the newly refurbished Kevin Street Library, where some enthusiastic young readers of the book got to meet with the author. The 2019 Campaign runs from January to March and details of the many events associated with it can be found at www.dublincityofliterature.ie. Pictured with author Patricia Forde are Nancy Jane Hanlon (7) from Tallaght, Lilwena Le Sommer Rennison (8) from Swords and Matthew Treacy (8) from Sutton. Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennell Photography

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

FEATURES

SLICES OF CONTEMPORARY IRISH LIFE

LIVE MUSIC | IRELAND’S LARGEST FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND BEYOND

Irish singer songwriter Cathy Davey

World class talent at TradFest Lindisfarne come to TradFest

PADRAIG CONLON

TEMPLE Bar will be alive with the sound of bodhrans and fiddles this weekend for one of the country’s unmissable music events.

TradFest, Ireland’s largest festival of trad, folk, and world music, started yesterday (Wednesday 23rd) and

Have a go at playing traditional music

promises five days of world class talent in the city.

Since starting out in 2006 as a small niche traditional music festival it has grown immensely in size and musical range.

Tradfest offers music lovers unique opportunities to experience live music in some of Dublin’s most historic places, from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to City Hall, making it one of the city’s most unmiss-

able events.

As will as the gigs, guests will have the opportunity to take a songwriting workshop with Eleanor McEvoy, explore Sean-Nos singing in a workshop with Oonagh McArdle, catch the premieres of two new documentaries about Irish musicians - Slan leis an gCeol and Starboard Home.

The festival will also include an evening in celebration of Ronnie Drew, The Dubliners and others performed in story and song by Phelim Drew.

Tradfest should get Dublin city

centre hopping and help banish those dreaded winter blues!

Speaking ahead of this year’s festival, Martin Harte of The Temple Bar Company who run TradFest said: “The 2019 lineup is one of our most iconic yet, with a strong international lineup featuring the likes of multi Grammy Award-winner Kathy Mattea, evergreen folk superstars Steeleye Span and Iberian piper Carlos Nunez, whilst celebrating the cream of established Irish talent including Eleanor McEvoy, Andy Irvine, Arty

McGlynn, all the while supporting emerging artists through our headline programme and our showcasing events.

“As usual, the festival strives to ensure that there is a strong female presence across the program.

“We are also delighted to expand and increase the hugely popular front row sessions with more concerts, more days and more fun than ever before”.

Tradfest runs until Sunday, January 27.

DUBLINERS BEING SOUGHT FOR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

“BE Brave, Be Bold” is the theme to this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 which is on the hunt for Dubliners.

Operating in more than 60 countries worldwide, the programme is recognised as the most prestigious business accolade for entrepreneurs.

Now in its 22nd year, the nominations are officially open to all sectors and businesses of all sizes across the island of Ireland and are invited to submit their nominations until February 15.

Dublin’s entrepreneurs are encouraged to put themselves forward to follow in the footsteps of well-known Dublin business people, fashion designer Louise Kennedy and Freshly Chopped’s Brian Lee, who were finalists in

2018 and 2016 respectively.

Kevin McLoughlin, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland said: “This year we are committed to supporting and encouraging our island’s entrepreneurs to be brave and to be bold, whether that means taking a first step with a brilliant idea or taking a calculated risk to drive growth in their business.

“They will be able to take inspiration from and tap into the vast knowledge of Ireland’s most fearless entrepreneurs who have gone through this programme in the past.

“I am really proud that we now have an Alumni network of 500 entrepreneurs who have benefited from the programme and remain connected to it.”

The awards programme is divided into three categories, Emerging, Industry and International, with eight finalists chosen per category.

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges, comprising former winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc.

Last year saw a strong mix of male and female finalists across nine different sectors who collectively employed more than 2,700 people and generated revenues in excess €150m.

Daniel Mackey and Peter Coppinger of Cork-based SaaS company Teamwork emerged as the overall winners at the 2018 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards and will go on to represent Ireland

at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June.

Belfast-based Hospitality group Beannchor took top prize in the Industry category, while biotechnology company Carrick Therapeutics won top prize in the Emerging category.

The finalists will engage in a strategic growth programme over a 10-month period which includes a week-long CEO Retreat to Hong Kong, and they will also gain exclusive access to a prestigious community of over 500 peers known as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni.

The 24 finalists for 2019 will be announced on April 23.

For further information visit www.eoy.ie.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

TRAVEL C O M MCEOR M CM I AELR CC O I ANLT CE O N TN T E N T

Find your dream honeymoon trip with GoHop.ie MOST newlyweds want to start married life together with an unforgettable honeymoon.

But every couple is different, and that’s why Irish travel firm GoHop.ie have a team of honeymoon specialists to ensure every newlywed’s holiday dreams really do come true on their first trip away as husband and wife.

Your honeymoon will most likely be one of the most memorable and most expensive holidays of your life.

That’s why many couples tend to struggle when it comes to deciding on what type of holiday itinerary they want, and which honeymoon destination is the right one for them.

The GoHop.ie honeymoon specialists know exactly what’s involved in planning a couple’s perfect honeymoon.

A qualified member of this travel team meets with the couple, listens to their specific requirements, then matches those wishes to a selection of destinations and itineraries that offers a choice of options that will fulfill their dream honeymoon expectations down to the very last detail.

The GoHop.ie honeymoon specialist team have listed a wonderful selection of thought-provoking honeymoon package ideas to whet your appetite on their website at https://www.gohop.ie/interests/ honeymoons/destinations.

GoHop.ie can tailor-make worldwide honeymoon packages to accommodate both relaxation and actionpacked adventure, elaborate all-inclusive holidays including complimentary enhancements such as room upgrades, candlelit dinners and spa treatments.

As a multi award-winning company and multiple winner of Weddings Online’s Honeymoon Supplier of the Year, both experts and newlyweds agree that GoHop.ie is one of the market leaders when it comes to planning your ultimate honeymoon.

GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland. Irish-owned and managed, the brand continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers, offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market, operating flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

The company boasts more than 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.75.

Consumers can also sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter for unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

For further infromation, see GoHop.ie, or call 01 241 2389; on Facebook see GoHop.ie; on Twitter follow @GoHop_ie; or on Instagram follow #GoHop.ie.

Prestigious Harvard University – set in leafy Cambridge, Massachusetts, just beyond Boston city is just one of the area’s many jewels of note in a welcoming region that celebrates New England’s past while looking to the future, too

Discover old America’s SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor NEW England – the birthplace of America – is filled with rich history, cultural attractions, fascinating cities, scenic villages, and outdoor adventures at every turn.

From the white sandy beaches and lighthouses of Cape Cod to the expansive lakes, panoramic mountain views and dockside restaurants dishing up delicious seafood chowder and lobster, it doesn’t get more inviting than this.

If you fancy discovering a wealth of diverse travel experiences with easy access from major airports in Boston, Providence and New York then read on ...

Travelvalue.ie is offering a mouth-watering five nights in Boston and Salem this February from €759 per person.

Maine is a remarkable destination at any time of the year, with lighthouses and sleepy coastal towns dotting its ragged coastline and islands, while her forests are always a sight to behold

An integral part of the American Revolution, Boston is a history buff’s dream with landmarks including the infamous Boston Tea Party and the site of the first act of defiance against British rule, The Liberty Tree.

Between excursions, relax at the four-star Godfrey Hotel which is perfectly placed in the heart

of downtown Boston.

Spend your last two nights exploring another historical coastal city, Salem.

Hear all the evidence that was presented at the Witch Trials in 1692 and ponder how 19 people were convicted and executed under accusations of black magic.

The town which

inspired Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is no stranger to horror; the headquarters of The Satanic Temple also reside in the Massachusetts municipality.

Price includes return flights from Dublin to Providence Airport with two checked-in bags, three nights in Godfrey Hotel Boston, two nights

in Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (http://itaa. ie/2018/11/26/bostonsalem/).

If it’s a fun family holiday you’re after, then CruiseWorld.ie is offering six nights in Salem this May from €1,299 per person.

This package represents great value as it includes passes to the Witch Dungeon Museum, an arena of terror where haunting tales that make up the history of Spooky Salem are played out.

Paying a visit to the New England Pirate Museum and the Witch History Museum will provide more wild stories for all your clan as well as lively activities for the kids.

The Salem Waterfront Hotel will be your home for the week, where a heated indoor pool and a fitness room will help you to wind down after an

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

(Top) Maine’s Sebasco Resort offers plenty for all the family in its deceptively quiet bayside setting, which is home to a dizzying range of activities; (above) those seeking an urban buzz should check out the Godfrey Hotel, set right in downtown Boston

charms in New England action-packed day.

Described as “cool and casual fare with flair”, the on-site restaurant, The Regatta Pub, specialises in delicious seafood caught locally.

Price includes return flights from Dublin to Boston Providence with No r we g i a n A i r, t wo check-in bags, six-day car hire, six nights at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, passes to The New England Pirate Museum, The Witch History Museum,

and two first-class tickets aboard the Privateer IV. For more information on this offer from CruiseWorld.ie, visit: http:// itaa.ie/2018/11/26/ salem-pirates-witchesand-whales-packagestay-6-nights-at-thesalem-waterfront-hotelsuites/ Another great family deal is the self-drive tour of mountain tops and lobster pots from American Sky holidays which is offering eight nights from

Football deals for fans are kicking off LIVERPOOL fans who want to see their club in action at Anfield and do it in style should consider the hospitality packages on offer from Keith Prowse.

The deal includes one night’s hotel accommodation and seated match tickets with access to hospitality facilities both before and after the game.

Fans can choose from last minute availability for four home games – v Leicester City on January 30

€2,369 per person, including flights.

Begin with an exploration of Boston, then drive into the stunning White Mountains for scenic hikes and home-cooked meals.

Travel to Maine’s beautifully rugged coast to spend three nights at the Sabasco Resort, paddling the calm waters of the bay, biking, golfing and enjoying the harbourside saltwater pool, while the kids have fun in the sum-

mer day camp.

You will get to sample some of Boston’s finest cuisine, take a worldfamous DUCK tour or join a whale watching excursion to view humpbacks, finbacks and other giant whales.

Another highlight is a stay at a wilderness lodge in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, hiking, splashing in waterfall pools and feeding your appetite with tasty homecooked meals.

(from €485pps); v Bournemouth on February 9 (from €568pps); v Watford on February 27 (from €564pps); and v Burnley on March 9 (from €812pps).

For further information and bookings, call 01 878 3500 or see www.keithprowseattractions.com.

Cruise specialists pull into Ireland TAILOR-MADE cruise holiday specialist Planet Cruise has expanded into Ireland.

Coastal Maine’s Sebasco Resort, located right at the water’s edge, is the ideal spot for the kids to have fun at summer day camp while the parents indulge in relaxation and a hive of activities on land and at sea.

If retail therapy is required, visit historic Portsmouth for exceptional tax-free shopping and waterfront dining.

For further information on these offers, check out www.americansky.ie.

The launch incorporates departures from Dublin and other Irish airports while pricing will be in euro.

Chief operating officer Otto Rosenberger said: “We are delighted to be able to give our customers in Ireland the choice of more than 6,000 cruises from all major cruise lines.

“Irish customers booking with Planet Cruise will experience our price guarantee, low deposit and exceptional customer service.”

Planet Cruises’ call centre will be open seven days a week until 11pm, with a price promise to customers that they will not find a cheaper cruise elsewhere.

Even if you’re not at all a fan of all things witch-related, historic Salem, Massachusetts casts a spell over visitors, as one of America’s oldest towns that’s full of character

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 24 January 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS

High on Harmonies GOINGOUTOUT

The Once bring Newfoundland influences to Dublin

 JAMES HENDICOTT

WITH Dublin Tradfest heading into town in the coming week, the chance to explore folk scenes from outside our own borders is one that looms large.

Newfoundland is an unlikely hotbed, and one of their hottest properties, The Once, are one of the acts from outside our own shores that will be dropping into Dublin.

Those Newfoundland origins are at the forefront of the band’s very existence, too.

“Most of the people that came before us are

immigrants that came from France or Ireland to Newfoundland,” Geraldine Hollett, one of the band’s vocal trio, explains.

“They brought the music with them. In the 90s there was a ‘Celtic Revival’ and that music is definitely influenced by the Irish. We even sound like you in certain communities. When we hit Wexford, we can find people that look like us.”

The ir connections, especially on their most re c e n t a l b u m , Ti m e Enough, come not just from the music, but from a haunting, minimalist approach to lyrics.

“It’s a conscious choice, especially for this album,” Hollett says of the toneddown approach.

PICKWEEK OF THE

JANUARY 24 (THURSDAY) Boyzone @ 3Arena, €69+ THE lads need no introduction – the critic-proof quartet will no doubt pack ’em in with some beloved choons that pretty much all of us can sing along to.

Picture: Chris LeDrew

“We wanted to make an intimate album. We wanted the meaning of the words to get into your

head to haunt and then to comfort.”

“Mostly they were written for anyone who has experienced love, loss, anxiety, low self-worth and apathy. So, everyone.

“It was difficult, yes.

Stripping things bare leaves us so exposed. We aren’t that comfortable running around naked these days! But we know how important it is to be real.

“You do really question if it’s good enough.

You have to trust that if it comes from a real and honest place, it will reach those it was intended for and not be hurt by the ones it wasn’t.

“The older we get the deeper we delve and the more comfortable we get with it,” she continues.

“We fear it less and we welcome it more. We are also aware of what is going on past our own minds and we are able to think of the big picture and how others might perhaps feel the same in their own little worlds.

We depend on it.”

The long-standing vocal mix between the trio has become a real signature, though, one that stands tall on Time Enough, and helps their songs to soar.

“It’s the crux of what

we do,” Hollett says of the band’s complex and uplifting harmonies.

“Everything can change musically, but our signature three-part harmony has to stay.”

“We don’t think about harmonies while we write. When we come to the table with our new songs, we do everything in our power to maintain it and we will change the song as much as needed to make it work.

“We manage to keep everything we want to resonate intact. We like to think we hold back sometimes to intensify the harmony at the proper moments, so we don’t bore the pants off our audience. We love choosing our moments.

“Heading outside our Canadian borders, where we know we make sense as a band – and trying our new material in Ireland, England and Europe where we have only visited a handful of times – is pretty exciting and nervewracking.

“It’s important as artists to jump straight out of our comfort zones and into the arms of something unknown. It keeps us on our toes,” she said.

The Once play the Pepper Canister Church, Dublin, on January 25.

JANUARY 24 (THURSDAY) Death Cab For Cutie @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Heart-hitting cult indie band bring their morose but memorable sense of impending doom in to the Olympia for a big, dingy singalong.

David Kitt @ Inni-K @ The Workman’s Club, €20 John Paul White @ Whelan’s, €19 Stefan Murphy @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 Lil’ Mosey @ The Academy, €25

JANUARY 25 (FRIDAY) Ben Howard @ 3Arena, €47 Stockton’s Wing @ The Workman’s Club, €7 The Innocent Bystander @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €14

JANUARY 26 (SATURDAY) The Spitfires @ The Workman’s Club, €20 Oscar Blue @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Grainne Cotter @ The Vintage Room, €10

JANUARY 27 (SUNDAY) Bastille @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Jarrod Dickenson @ Whelan’s, €12 Marie Keane @ The Sugar Club, €10

JANUARY 29 (TUESDAY) Hayley Kiyoko @ Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT

JANUARY 30 (WEDNESDAY) The Dead South @ The Button Factory, €20 Hayley Kiyoko @ Olympia Theatre, €24 Ozzy Osbourne + Judas Priest @ 3Arena, €72+ Gigs-wise, it’s still relatively quiet as the year gets under way – but sure to be one of the biggest Metal shows in 2019, the loud, tattooed character that is Ozzy (right) returns to the big stage at the 3Arena.

While Boyzone (top) might be a safer choice for some music fans, good ol’ Ozzy should liven things up for everyone else.

24 January 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

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

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

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

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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BASKETBALL P29

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

FAI CUP THRILLER: SOCCER: KILLESTER Donnycarney

came out the better side of a seven-goal FAI Intermediate Cup thriller as they edged past St Mochta’s at Hadden Park to book a spot in the quarter-final draw.

The two LSL Sunday Senior heavyweights faced off in what looked, from the initial draw, the most evenly-matched of the last 16 ties and that was borne out on Sunday.



GAZETTE

GAELIC GAMES P31

PAGE 28

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS AWARDS | DUBLINERS ON THE SHORTLIST FOR ANNUAL GONGS

Outsider hail extraordinary achievements  sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLINERS Dermot Higgins, Don Hannon and Neil Hoey are all on the long list of 51 nominees for Outsider magazine’s annual People of the Year Awards.

These awards celebrate ordinary but extraordinary people that have achieved amazing feats on the Irish outdoor and adventure scene in 2018.

The 56-year-old Higgins set off from his hometown of Skerries to pedal around the planet. That’s right, he became the oldest man on record to cycle the whole way around the world – a whopping 30,000k over nine months.

Beamount’s Hannon, 45, ran the Ireland Way from Cork to the Causeway Coast this year. That’s more than 1,000km over 14 mountain ranges in 15 days.

His aim? To encourage people to become organ donors. This follows

from his experience of donating half of his own liver to his sister in 2016.

Hoey, who is 18, lost his leg to cancer when he was a child but recently completed the challenging and very mucky obstacle course Hell & Back.

Not only did he become the first amputee to complete the 7km long course, which includes everything from large walls to be climbed over to nets that must be scrambled under.

He also won the Hang Tough Challenge. This is where participants attempt to hang for as long as possible from a set of monkey bars.

Hoey obliterated the record, hanging for more than eight minutes; he completed the event to raise money for his Irish amputee football team.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of achievements. For the list, go to www.outsider.ie/outsiderawards/.

Indeed, the list includes six-yearold Joshua Davison who became the youngest person ever to climb

Don Hannon.

Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan

Neil Hoey at the finish line of Hell & Back

north Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal (4,167m).

Nine-year-old Molly Marshall from Cork competed her first triathlon in 2018 despite the challenges she faces with cerebral palsy.

Hillwalker Dillon Lynch, 11, has probably spent more time in the mountains in 2018 than many adults

do in their whole lives.

Raising funds for Barretstown as he hiked, he has climbed more than 30,000m and aims to have climbed to the 25 highest points and peaks in Ireland by the end of the year.

The awards are supported by joint title sponsors Just Eat, Active Iron and Columbia Sportswear.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 24 January 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

SOCCER: KILLESTER SUMMON REMARKABLE SECOND HALF SHOW

FINGALLIANS STPATRICK’S DAY: We’ll hold a brain-storming session for the club’s St.Patrick’s Day celebrations in the club Pool Room on Tuesday 29th Jan at 8pm.

We want to involve as many people as possible and we want to hear any ideas you may have. Fáilte mór roimh ghach duine.

Annual Awards Night:The Annual Awards night takes place on Saturday Night next January 26.

Tickets are priced at €10 and are available at the Bar this included supper.Its a great night to celebrate the Adult side of the club over the past year. Could anybody with the Perpetual Player of the Year Trophies please return to the Bar before the big night?

The annual membership is now due , the club have introduced Two new methods of payment one is an App for Smart Phones called Myclubfinance and can be found on Android and Apple App stores ,when you open the App look for Fingallians in the Club search also its a great way to play the club Lotto on line as you can play the same numbers for given amount of weeks.

The other method is in the Desktop log on to https://clubforce.com and follow the same process as the App.We are trying to get members to pay online more so than the Bar it is a quicker and easier way to pay your membership.

The Lotto numbers for last week were 4,12,20,26,33.There was two winners: Leo and Claire. Next weeks Jackpot is € 2,234. Try playing online through the club force website you can play multiple weeks from the comfort of your armchair.

U-16 Ladies Team: The club are looking for Mentors for the U16 Ladies Football Team anybody interested contact Nicky Fitzgerald in the Club the ladies Chairwoman.

The club are running a new initiative to re-use any Hurling Helmets and Hurls that are lying around your home. Anybody wishing to donate Hurls or Helmets drop them in to the bar. This is part of an initiative that Fingal County Council are heading up to be more Eco Friendly also has a cash prize for the club.WE also plan to introduce clean up days of our Fingal County Council Pitches on a regular basis. We ask that players start using reusable water bottles and not the single use ones and also be aware of litter on our pitches we are actually liable for litter on the pitches.

NAOMH MEARNOG ALL membership fees are now due and must be paid immediately. Please be aware that you get an additional 5% back on your Loyalty Card if you pay in full by the end of January.

In order to help fund the refurbishing work on Pitch 1, the club is offering a limited number of 5 year memberships at a very attractive rate. Please contact Michael Hannon for details.

The numbers drawn in this weeks Club Lotto are 4, 5, 17 and 25. There was no winner and the jackpot is now €7,150.

Our adult hurlers shook

off the cobwebs at the weekend with a very useful friendly against Raheny.

Our minor hurlers played an entertaining challenge game against Naomh Baróg while the U-14 camogie girls had a game against Naomh Bríd.

Thank you to all our opponents.

Our reformed adult ladies football team is up and running.

They train on a Monday night on our All Weather pitch from 8 to 9pm. New players are always welcome.

Please contact Cliodhna O’Connor.

St Mochta’s were unable to hold onto a 2-0 half-time lead.

Picture: Martin Doherty

Mochta’s cup luck runs out FAI INTERMEDIATE CUP Killester Donnycarney St Mochta’s  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

4 3

ST MOCHTA’S flawless cup form finally faltered as the Blanch side came out the wrong side of a seven-goal thriller in the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup. The two LSL Sunday Senior heavyweights faced off in what looked, from the initial draw, the most evenly-matched of the last 16 ties and that was borne out on Sunday afternoon.

A brace from Dean Gibbons and a goal each for

John Brophy and Lennie McMillian saw Gary Howlett’s side to victory after fighting back from 2-0 down at half time.

Kenny Carr and Philly Hughes had put the Blanch side in a commanding position at the break, but they wouldn’t score again until David Somers netted a consolation four minutes from time.

Killester have enjoyed the stronger opening to the season and remain within touching distance of leaders Crumlin United, while Mochta’s are seventh but have a string of games in hand.

Both sides had chances in the opening exchanges,

with Killester midfielder Steven Chambers clipping a free kick inches wide of the post when any touch would have resulted in the opening goal.

Evan Whelan then did well to deny Mochta’s striker Dean Kelly, before Chambers shaved the edge of the post with a wellstruck shot from distance.

St Mochta’s took the lead ten minutes before half time when former Newbridge Town winger Carr latched onto Karl Somers’ through-ball and lifted his shot over the advancing Whelan.

Noel Murray was denied by the busy Whelan before Hughes doubled the

advantage a minute from half time as she showed poise to evade a tackler and find the net.

The game was turned on its head after the break and Killester needed just five minutes to halve the deficit as Brophy beat Mochta’s keeper Craig Hyland.

Six minutes later, they were level as full-back Gibbons scored the first of his two goals, a spectacular effort from outside the box into the top corner that left Hyland with no chance.

Killester led for the first time in the game just past the hour mark as former Irish junior international McMillian was first to

a loose ball and slotted home.

And Gibbons doubled his tally, and his tally of spectacular goals, as he once again beat Hyland from distance to put Killester 4-2 in front.

The drama wasn’t finished as David Somers got in on the action for minutes from time but, despite pushing hard in the final moments, they could not find the fourth goal to take the tie back to Blanch.

Mochta’s will now turn their attention back to the league and Friday night lights at Porterstown Road against St Pats CY, victory in which could see them as high as fifth.

Rivervalley and Garda draw

The Rivervalley Rangers LSL Sunday Major side

RIVERVALLEY Rangers gained a hard-earned point last Sunday in Swords against a strong Garda side in the LSL Sunday Major division.

Valley started the better and played some nice football in the first albeit while not really testing the visiting goalkeeper.

It was then a tale of two efforts cleared off the line, one for each side from corners. Rivervalley’s effort came courtesy of a Paulie Ryan header.

As the game got stretched, Garda had two runs at the hosts goal and, but for a couple

of quality last ditch tackles by Paul Currivan, Garda could well have nicked the full set of points.

As such, the laurels were shared and Rivervally make it four points out of six - with two clean sheets - since the turn of the year.

They sit seventh in the Sunday Major table with a couple of games in hand on most of the clubs directly above them.

Next on their agenda is an away date with Blackrock College AFC at Rockfield Park on Sunday morning.

24 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

BASKETBALL: WILLIAMSON PUSHES DUBLIN 15 SIDE CLOSE TO ALL-IRELAND GLORY

Setanta battle all the way but Pres prevail in national final SCHOOLS UNDER-19B GIRLS FINAL Presentation Thurles Colaiste Pobail Setanta  sport@dublingazette.com

76 65

COLAISTE Pobail Setanta’s Subway Schools Under-19B girls cup final dreams came up just short at the National Basketball Arena on Monday morning as they fell to an 11-point defeat in the decider.

It was Presentation SS that were the first to get points on the board with a fast break lay-up from Anna Dunne in the opening seconds of the game.

MVP Marie Creedon followed suit, and it was her drives to the basket which ultimately proved to be the thorn in the side for

Coláiste Pobail Setanta’s defence.

Setanta’s Irish international player Katie Williamson responded with scores of her own to keep the Phibblestown team within reach at the end of the first quarter but Thurles were up five, 14-19.

It was an explosive second quarter start for Setanta with back-toback threes from both Williamson and Milica Stankovic seeing them turn around a nine-point deficit.

As both sides were tied up at 23 apiece, the tactical introduction of Laura Daly for Pres saw her edge her side out in front once more with a huge three-pointer.

Anna Dunne proved crucial for Presentation as she netted bas-

kets under the board while Marie Creedon’s strong drives to the basket proved troublesome for Setanta.

Despite the huge intensity and energy both sides brought to the quarter, Presentation held a 15-point lead at the end of the third.

Credit is due to Setanta as they never once gave up the fight, scores from Katie Williamson and Teodora Kutijevac saw them claw it back to just eight-points in the final minutes.

However, thanks to the superb offensive display from Creedon and Dunne, Presentation Thurles were crowned winners, 65-76 in the final reckoning.

Colaiste Pobail Setanta coach Michelle Allen rallies her players during a time-out.

Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Brian McMahon battles for possession ahead of UCD’s Peter Lynch. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Portrane give UCD big scare LEINSTER DIVISION ONE  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

PORTRANE gave unbeaten league leaders an almighty scare in Leinster hockey’s men’s Division One on Sunday but ultimately fell 4-3 at Belfield.

The Fingal side had built a 3-1 lead midway through the second half as they sought their second win of the campaign but a late winner for the students saw them end up emptyhanded.

Peter Lynch put UCD in front following good work down the right wing and along the baseline but the Fingal side responded in kind with Brian McMahon finishing off a short corner after a Chris Neville drag flick.

Neville was next on the score sheet, again from a short corner, deflecting an Imran Khan goal bound effort on his reverse.

UCD were expected to come out of the traps quickly in the second half, but it was Portrane again

who took advantage. This time, it was Khan with the goal for 3-1.

The students woke up after this and the dynamic of the game changed, particularly when Mukhtar Ahmed was yellow carded with 20 minutes remaining.

While he was off the pitch UCD managed to score twice and equalise and, with three minutes remaining, they won a short corner, scoring to win the game.

Portrane has chances

to equalise in the last few moments of the game, but it wasn’t their day despite fine performances from Riley Shoebridge and McMahon while Colin Neville worked tirelessly and Ronan McGeehan was impressive in goal.

E l sew h e re, D u b l i n North got their first goal since October when Shane Dempsey scored twice in the closing minutes in Kilkenny to snatch a lively 4-4 draw. It completed his hat trick after a Liam Metcalfe strike early on.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  FINGAL 24 January 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

SKERRIES HARPS

CONGRATULATIONS to Lyndsey Davey on winning the 2018 Fingal independent Sport Star award - many thanks to all who voted. Great news that Lyndsey has committed to another year at Inter county for 2019 , here’s to continued success.

Hard luck to Stephen Smith and the Dublin footballers on their defeat to Westmeath in the O’Byrne Cup Final last Friday. Well done to Hannah McGinnis who played with the Dublin U14 Ladies Football team vs Cavan on Sat 19th.

Zingo Result: 2-1-5-4-3-6-7; we had no winners of Jackpot or Dividend.

Next week’s Jackpot €3400, Dividend €250. Next draw will take place on Sunday, January 27 at 6.30pm in the clubhouse. How do you win? You buy a ticket! You can also play on line at skerriesharps.ie and follow the links. Entries only €2 each or 3 for €5.

Reminder Skerries Harps annual membership fees are now due and are available for renewal online at www.skerriesharps.ie/club-membership. All players (adult and juvenile) must have membership and injury fund fees paid up to date before commencement of the 2019 season.

Academy continues Saturday, January 26: 10am -11am. Club shop open during Academy, tea/coffee available in the clubhouse. We are seeking more volunteers to help out in the club shop or with refreshments for an hour on a Saturday morning - contact Joanne 086 4048523 if you can help.

Gormanston indoor hurling/camogie tournament continues Sunday, January 27.

Community Walk every Thursday up to February 21 as part of the “Ireland Lights up” initiative in partnership with Operation Transformation. Meet 6.30pm for walk at 7 , wear High Vis Jacket if possible!

Skerries Harps are seeking additional DLGF referees for the “Grab Your Whistle” course to referee U8-U11 non competitive games. Applicants must be 16 years or older; if interested, please contact Eddie McCarthy (Referee Coordinator) at mcceddie@eircom.net Clubhouse available for Functions/Parties: Contact Pat on 087-2505479 for details, or email bookings.skerriesharps@gmail.com.

Skerries Harps’ Lyndsey Davey helped launch the 30th edition of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidi Ó Sé 2019 GAA Football Festival.

Picture: Thomas White

ST BRIGID’S OUR club nursery will continues this Saturday morning and every Saturday morning from 9.30am. All 4-7 year old boys and girls are welcome to come down and join in the fun!

2019 Club Memberships are now due and can be paid online via our Club Website. As always, the deadline is March 31, after which players will not be permitted to play or train.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports St Brigid’s club lotto and thanks to our hard-working Lotto Committee.

Our next lotto draw is in The Roselawn Inn when the Jackpot will be €9,600 this Thursday, January 24.

A few places are still available on our First Aid course in Russell Park this Saturday, January 26. The course runs from 11am to 5pm includes use of AED. If you would like to book a place contact Philip 087 2473864 by text!

All our grass pitches in Russell Park and Collegefort are now out of use to allow for

maintenance and recovery.

The club are delighted to be part of the GAA’s National Club Draw again this year with a top prize of a new Renault Car up for grabs. Closing date for return of tickets was this Wednesday, January 23.

Managers, mentors and coaches are needed for adult football for 2019 and for our Senior Ladies Footballers - if you are willing to come forward or have somebody to recommend please contact pro. stbrigids.dublin@gaa.ie or phone 086 8229312.

All our adult teams are back training!

New or returning players are always welcome! Just contact; pro.stbrigids.dublin@ gaa.ie for info!

Championship 2019 Regrading forms are now available! Completed forms should be left behind the bar for Mary O’Connor before January 28.

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

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: DUBLIN 15 MAN GETS IRISH CALL

McFadden set for Abu Dhabi  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

DUBLIN 15 resident Jack McFadden will represent Ireland in the pool in Abu Dhabi in March at the 15th Special Olympics, the first to take place in the middle east, from March 14 to 21.

He will be one of 91 Irish athletes who were announced this week to take part in the marquee event.

In total, 7,000 athletes from 170 countries are expected to take part in the games, which is run in Ireland by Special Olympics Ireland, a charity supporting adults and children with learning disabilities.

Special Olympics Ireland has called on individual and business assistance needs to raise a total of €445,000 to cover the cost of sending Team Ireland (€5,000 per athlete).

Head of the Irish delegation, Emma McMenamin, said: “These athletes are extremely focused and determined and like any athlete facing into a major competition, they are putting 100% into their training.

The entire Dublin contingent that will travel to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics in March. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

“It was great to see how excited the athletes are to be part of this huge event.

“To represent Team Ireland and compete on the World Stage in Abu Dhabi is a big honour and one these Special Olympics athletes are not taking lightly.”

President Michael D Higgins sent a message of support for the team, stating: “Being chosen to represent your country on the international stage is a great honour indeed.

“It is a tribute, not only to your great talent as

athletes, but also to your dedication, hard work and perseverance; qualities which make you inspirational role models and admirable ambassadors for Ireland.

“I have no doubt that Ireland’s great reputation at the World Summer Games will be further enhanced by Team Ireland’s performance in Abu Dhabi, and that you will make us very proud indeed.”

Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland, concluded: “2019 is shap-

ing up to be a huge year for our athletes having worked so hard over the past three years to qualify for these Games.

“Companies large and small can show their support for Team Ireland by visiting www.specialolympics.ie and getting involved in our support an athlete campaign.

“The Irish community have been so generous towards us and we are calling on you again to play your part and help make the dreams of our athletes come true.”

SANTA SABINA CAMOGIE SUCCESS

SANTA Sabina defeated Pobailscoil Setanta in the Dublin Senior C School Championship Final on a tremendous scoreline of 4-11 to 1-2 last Friday in Naomh Mearnog.

En route to the final, they defeated St Joseph’s, Rush and Holy Faith Clontarf, earning them a place in the All-Ireland quarter-final where they will come up against Munster division champions, Cholaiste Mhuire of Ennis.

That tie will take place on January 30. The side is managed by Ursula Murphy, James Grannell and Ciaran Flynn.

24 January 2019 FINGAL  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

GAELIC GAMES: CASTLEKNOCK CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE

FOOTBALL

Dubs denied O’Byrne final glory

The editorial team of John Conway, Kevin Mallon, Rob Wiley, Ger Doyle and Shay Hogan.

Club founders Johnny Corcoran, Fergus Hamill and John Conway

Castleknock at 20

C

ASTLEKNOCK celebrated their short but already storied history with the launch of a beautifully produced 20th anniversary book, covering all aspects of the growing Somerton club from 1998 up to 2018. It tracks the origins of the club from humble beginnings through their incredible rise up the ranks to compete at senior level in a number of The book itself. Pictures: Shay Hogan codes, famously reaching the Dublin SFC final and numerous other successes from All-Ireland Feiles to camogie and ladies football championship wins and beyond. It is a fitting tribute to the club and the volunteers who have developed it from nothing into one of the biggest clubs in the county with enviable facilities developing all the time.

Looking back on the club’s meteoric rise to the senior ranks from the bottom rungs of the Dublin leagues

Castleknock’s first chairman Fergus Hamill presents current chairman Charlie Spillane with his copy of the book.

DUBLIN fell to a 1-12 to 0-10 defeat to Westmeath in the O’Byrne Cup final at Parnell Park as the midlanders’ forward Ger Egan played the starring role.

His goal deep into the second half effectively sealed the game for Westmeath when the hop of the ball from a delivery from midfield fooled the Dublin defence.

The Dubs did not create many goalscoring opportunities but were left to reflect on a squareball call in the fourth minute of the secondhalf when sub Colm Basquel flicked a Cormac Howley shot, dropping short, to the net.

It took Dublin 18 minutes to open their account in the firsthalf when the impressive Seán Bugler swung over off the left foot.

A minute later a well weighted pass by Bugler invited Aaron Byrne to make it 0-2 to 0-1 to Paul Clarke’s men. Byrne was one of Dublin’s best operators in the opening half as his footwork, change of angles and pace prised open a well-organized Westmeath defence on a few occasions.

By the interval, Westmeath were 0-5 to 0-4 up and Dublin keeper Bunyan had done well to stop a goal attempt from Noel Mulligan.

They got on top again with points from Egan and Tommy McDaniel to move 0-10 to 0-5 clear.

Egan’s goal left Dublin with far too much to do.

GazetteSPORT JANUARY 24-30, 2019

ALL OF YOUR FINGAL SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

CASTLEKNOCK AT 20 YEARS GAELIC GAMES:

Somerton club toasts their 20th anniversary in style with the release of a specially produced commemorative book. SEE P31

CUP CLASSIC SOCCER: St

Mochta’s and Killester Donnycarney play out an FAI Cup thriller at Hadden Park SEE P13

SETANTA ON THE BIG STAGE BASKETBALL:

Colaiste Pobal Setanta attempt to take down All-Ireland schools glory at the National Basketball Arena on Monday.

SEE P29

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Porto’s Purcell cleans up at Australian Amateur  sport@dublingazette.com

PORTMARNOCK Golf Club’s Conor Purcell held his nerve in an epic, nail-biting final to beat Nathan Barbieri on the first extra hole of the Australian Amateur championship last weekend.

The match had ebbed and flowed with some largely wonderful golf on the pristine Woodlands layout.

“The last few holes were a bit edgy, but to cap it off on the playoff hole was nice,” said Purcell, who had his brother Gary on the bag for the final and later had his t ro p hy p re s e n ta t i o n played live via Facetime to his parents in Dublin.

“Credit to Nathan, he made a couple of great shots when he needed to today and it was pretty tense that last few minutes.

“Funnily enough I was more nervous on the first tee this morning than I was going down the playoff hole – I felt quite comfortable still because I’d been playing well all week.”

The final produced a combined 17 birdies but the match really came to life in the final hour when Barbieri fought back from four down with 10 holes to play to force an extra hole.

The home favourite, who played extra holes in the Round of 32 and won his semi-final after being three down with five to play, again showed incredible pluck.

Conor Purcell with the trophy after his win at the Australian Amateur in Royal Melbourne. Picture: Golf Australia

“Funnily enough I was more nervous on the

first tee this morning than I was going down the playoff hole“ Barbieri’s fight was typified when, still two down as he walked to the 35th, drilled his tee shot to within 1.5m, then roared as he walked his birdie putt to keep the match alive.

The drama then intensified when, from the right rough, Purcell’s second to the par-five 36thhole raced across

the fairway and up the path next to the clubhouse.

Scramble Barbieri suddenly h a d n e w l i fe w h e n the Irishman couldn’t scramble par and when he pumped his tee shot down the middle of the 37th, looked as though momentum could carry

him home.

But he tugged a 122m approach left and his subsequent bump shot down the hill past the pin simply wouldn’t stop in time for an easy return par attempt.

Me a nw h i l e, P u rcell, with composure regained, lagged his birdie putt to kick-in range and was conceded

his par.

Barbieri stood over his putt, ultimately going to the well once too often for even the cliffhanger gods, and blocked his par try narrowly right.

Purcell was politely mobbed by a horde of Irish fans who’d come to watch him play, becoming the country’s first Au s t ra l i a n A m a te u r

champion in the tournament’s storied 125-year history.

And as the prize of exemptions into the Australian Open and Vic Open fields – plus the surprise honorary membership later bestowed on him by the host club – became a reality, the humble youngster was still shocked.