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Council took only 22% of NAMA-offered homes Over-concentration of social housing tenants cited as reason for refusal
SYLVIA POWNALL SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) accepted just 22% of the 592 NAMA homes offered to them to combat the homelessness crisis.
SDCC accepted 128 units, but refused 464 of the NAMA units on the grounds that they would result in an over-concentration of social housing tenants. In all, more than 2,000
homes were offered to the four Dublin local authorities, but only 776 were accepted. South Dublin County Council had the lowest take-up of the NAMA units out of the four councils.
Cllr Mark Ward (SF) said: “We are in the midst of the biggest housing crisis that this country has seen and we need to explore every avenue available to us to alleviate this crisis.” Full Story on Page 2
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COUNCIL | FEARS OF OVER-CONCENTRATION OF SOCIAL HOUSING
Council rejected 446 NAMA-offered homes SYLVIA POWNALL SOUTH Dublin County Council refused 446 Nama homes on the grounds that they would result in an over-concentration of social housing tenants. It has emerged that a total of 592 houses were offered by the agency for social housing, but demand was confirmed for just 128 and 464 were rejected “for sustainable community reasons”. In all more than 2,000 homes were offered to the four Dublin local authorities but only 776 were accepted. South Dublin County Council had the lowest
The council only accepted 128 of 592 homes offered
take-up of the four councils – accepting just 22 per cent 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 rejected housing on the grounds of a lack
of demand, while 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 per cent of the units offered to them. Dublin City Council had the highest take-up acquiring 47 per cent of the 872 homes offered to it. The portfolio of Nama properties included eight units at Rosse Court in Lucan, 507 at Tallaght Cross, 10 at Exchange Hall in Tallaght, eight at Aylmer Heath in Newcastle, 18 at St Edmund’s in Lucan. The debate over Nama properties continues this week as the Home Sweet Home lobby group negotiates with Housing Minis-
ter Simon Coveney. Meanwhile Sinn Fein Cllr Mark Ward has advised those who were refused mortgages to consider the House Purchase Loan Scheme provided by the council. The loan covers up to 97 per cent of the house purchase price and is capped at €200,000. Cllr Ward said: “Since 2015 the council have approved five of these loans and whilst the number may be small it is five families that are now homeowners who otherwise would not be. “We are in the midst of the biggest housing crisis that this country has seen and we need to explore every avenue available to us to alleviate this crisis.” The application form and information booklet are available at www.sdcc. ie.
FASTNews
Plan for unmanned petrol station gets thumbs down A PLANNING application for an unmanned petrol station at Ballyowen Castle Shopping Centre in Lucan has been refused by South Dublin County Council. A number of residents had opposed the development and in particular the removal of 10 parking spaces in the Ballyowen Castle car park. South Dublin County Council rejected the plans on a number of grounds, including issues with traffic congestion, “visually obtrusive” signage and what it termed the overdevelopment of the car park. Fine Gael Cllr William Lavelle welcomed the refusal and said it was “a common sense decision”. An application last year for a health centre and commercial building in the same car park was also turned down.
New 2,195-seat Tallaght stadium stand approved A NEW 2,195-seat stand at Tallaght stadium has been given the go-ahead by councillors. The proposed development was approved after architects for South Dublin County Council presented a report on the Part 8, public consultation stage – which closed before Christmas. The plans, which went on public display in Tallaght Stadium and on the council’s website, received only one formal submission which was from the council’s arts officer. Finance for the new stand at the south end (car park end) of the ground will come from a combination of surplus funds from 2015 and 2016, with the project expected to cost in the region of €1.9 million. The new stand will seat approximately 2,150 people, taking the capacity of the stadium up to 8,000 in total and one step closer to the category four status required to host Champions League qualifiers. Construction is due to begin after the 2017 season ends, with the project being put out to tender over the summer.
Clubs urged to avail of share of sports grants SPORTS clubs are being urged to register to avail of their share of the €30 million in Capital Sports Grants available nationwide in 2017. Applications must be lodged by February 24 and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald is among those encouraging groups in Clondalkin, Lucan, Newcastle, Palmerstown, Rathcoole and Saggart to apply. She said: “I am delighted that sports capital funding will be provided to clubs and local organisations around the country in the coming year.” There are two steps to the application process – with clubs required to register online first and then submit a written application. See www.gov. ie for further details. Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers
12 January 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 3
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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New budgeting system gives strength to locals SYLVIA POWNALL
THE LUCAN electoral area is the first South Dublin region to take part in a pilot scheme for a new process of participatory budgeting. South Dublin County Council will assign a budget of €300,000 with local input into how it is spent in Lucan/Palmerstown after councillors backed the move at an
area meeting. The council’s management agreed to pilot one area for participatory budgeting for 2017 in mid2016, with an initial allocation of €300,000 which could increase in coming years if the scheme proves successful. Independent Cllr Paul Gogarty welcomed the decision adding: “It is fitting that the Lucan Electoral Area was selected.
“All three Independent Community Alliance Councillors for Lucan/ Palmerstown have long been strong campaigners for giving people a direct say on how funds are raised through rates and how taxpayers’ money is spent at a local level.” The monies will not be accessible to community groups which are already benefiting from the extra funding secured by SDCC
for community projects. Instead it will cover roads, parks, playgrounds, traffic calming and other schemes in need of cash. SDCC Mayor Guss O’Connell, who represents the Lucan electoral area, described the budget as “a small start”. He added: “I welcome that participatory budgeting is now being implemented in South Dublin. I am especially delighted that having led the way on behalf of our constituents, Palmerstown and Lucan will now get to lead the way in this new and more progressive way of looking at budgeting. “It is something I have supported over many years since I was first elected to the council.”
Man to face trial A MAN accused of a serious assault and other charges in a pub in Clondalkin four years ago will face trial in the Circuit Court. Patrick Farrelly, aged 30, with an address at Mill Race Avenue, Saggart, is charged with assaulting a man causing him harm at the Village Inn, Clondalkin, on September 30, 2012. He is also charged with damaging bottles of vodka and a picture frame and with damaging Perspex and a heat lamp at the Village Inn on the same date. Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court that the DPP had directed trial on indictment. Judge McHugh remanded Farrelly on continuing bail to a date in February for service of the book of evidence.
Lucky congratulated for €1,000 DCU scholarship Sean Murtagh, a former student of Lucan Community College, has been presented with a €1,000 academic scholarship to study at DCU. The scholarship was awarded to Sean, currently a first year student in Physical Education with Biology, in recognition of receiving more than 550 points in the Leaving Certificate. Pictured with Sean are Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU and Professor Colette McDonagh, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health. Picture: Lafayette Photography
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2016 IN PICTURES A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF OUR TOP PICTURES FROM THE YEAR ST.MARY’S LUCAN FUN DAY
Picture: trendphotography.ie
Picture: Aishling Conway
day at school Lucy Osborne on her first and Vinny with her parents Sharon
Picture: Don MacMonagle
Westside Stage School stars perform at the Helix
Award winners Leixlip Mu sical Society at the AIMS Awards INEC Killarney
s Leixlip Music teacher get g rin du ge sta on to ed propos school Musical
Operation Transformation 5k walk at Lucan Sarsfields
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25B ROUTE | ISSUE NEEDS ATTENTION ‘AS A MATTER OF URGENCY’
Call for more buses to sort out overcrowding AISLING KENNEDY PARENTS are worried about the safety of students who access the 25B bus outside Adamstown Community College each day as there have been reports of serious overcrowding on the bus route. Many concerned parents have contacted Dublin Bus and local politicians on the matter and called for additional buses to be put in place to alleviate the problem. Dublin Bus currently
operates a 30-minute service on the 25B route with an additional school time service on the 25D route. John Curran TD (FF) told the Gazette: “During the school term, Dublin Bus provides an extra service to cater for demand. “This service operates around the finishing times of the community school. “However, these extra services are not alleviating the overcrowding issue and in the interest
of health and safety and the provision of a quality bus service something must be done to alleviate overcrowding on the 25B route.” Over the past few weeks, Dublin Bus has agreed to meet with the principal of Adamstown Community College, Des Newton, along with the South Dublin County Council engineer to come up with a solution to the problem. Deputy Curran said he welcomed the decision of Dublin Bus to
meet the principal of the school and said that this issue needs to be sorted out “as a matter of urgency”. The meeting between the three groups is in the process of being arranged according to a spokesperson for Dublin Bus.
Discussions T h e s p o ke s p e r s o n for Dublin Bus told the Gazette that they are also in discussions with the contracted operator regarding the bus ser-
vice to the community school. He added: “Dublin Bus constantly monitors the performance of services across our route network. “As such, we have introduced an additional departure on route 25B to help meet customer demand during school times.” The Gazette contacted Adamstown Community College for a comment but did not receive a response by the time of going to print.
One of Europe’s biggest parks grows in Dublin
View from ‘the Featherbeds’ into Glenasmole Valley . Some 5,000 acres in the area have just been bought by the Government, helping to create a huge natioal park. Picture: Skinnyword.blogspot.ie
AISLING KENNEDY ALMOST 5,000 acres of mountainous land at the Glenasmole Valley in South County Dublin has been bought by the Government in a landmark deal that will see Ireland boast one of the largest national parks in Europe. The acquisition of the land in the Dublin Mountains brings the total size of the national park to 22,000 hectares. The 5,000 acres are located in an upland area known as The
Featherbeds, and will now come into public ownership. It had been owned by Liam Maye, the late developer of Dundrum Town Centre, before it was taken into the control of NAMA. The land, which was initially for sale by NAMA at €2.5m, was sold to the Government for the lesser price of €800,000 at the end of December. Prior to the sale of the land, local people were concerned it could be used to erect wind farms, and a number of offers to
purchase the land were previously made. Following the completed purchase of the land by the State last month, Deputy John Lahart (FF) said: “Having met with locals, I shared their concerns regarding the future use of the area which straddles the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains and is classified as moorland and mountain land. “I am acutely aware of how vital this land is as an amenity to local people and visitors alike, due to its vast expanse and
unspoiled habitat. “I am pleased that the Department has seized the opportunity to expand the Wicklow Mountains National Park into some of the picturesque lands in my constituency. “This is hugely beneficial for the preservation of our natural heritage, and will now become an area of conservation and amenity. The area also has huge tourist potential and the capacity to attract significant tourist numbers.”
FASTNews
Bank of Ireland staff are pictured at the single biggest Give Together Volunteer Day
Bank of Ireland staff raise €630k for charities OVER €630,000 was raised for Irish charities in Dublin through Bank of Ireland’s Give Together initiative last year. The charity programme gives Bank of Ireland staff throughout Ireland the chance to lend support to their chosen charities or causes through fundraising and volunteering. Four flagship charities; St Vincent de Paul, Barnardos, Irish Cancer Society and Pieta House were supported in 2016 alongside over 880 community groups and local charities. In total, just over €2 million was raised by bank staff across the country and over 1,000 days were volunteered this year. Quiz nights, balls, charity cycles and sponsored walks were just some of the charitable initiatives that helped Bank of Ireland staff raise just over €638k this year for local and national charity initiatives.
Call 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.”
Zanzibar pub set for €45m, 100-bed ‘aparthotel’ revamp ZANZIBAR, which was one of Dublin’s first socalled superpubs, could be the site of a new 100-bed ‘aparthotel’ if the Luxembourg-based group that bought it last month gets its way. Lockeliving.com acquired the property in December for more than €10m – more than twice the asking price – after a fierce bidding war which saw estate agent CBRE receive more than 20 offers for the former pub on Dublin’s Lower Ormond Quay. The Irish Times reported that the property would employ between 80 and 120 people, depending on the size of the final development. The site was sold with planning permission for 89 rooms but Eric Jafari of SACO Property Group, which owns Locke, said the company would make a new application to DCC to develop the site. He added: “Ideally, we’d like to get a lot more rooms.”
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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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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
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
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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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22 GAZETTE 12 January 2017
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 LUCAN 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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28 LUCAN 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 LUCAN 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 LUCAN GAZETTE 12 January 2017
SPORT
FASTSport
BASKETBALL: CELTICS THROUGH TO NATIONAL FINAL FOR FIRST TIME
Weston awake with first senior league victory WESTON created history with their first ever league win in Leinster hockey’s Division 1 in their third year playing in the provincial top tier as they ran out 3-1 winners in Kilkenny on Sunday. All the damage was done in the first half as the visitors raced into a three goal lead courtesy of some good counter-attacking play. After surviving the early Kilkenny onslaught, Tadgh Donnelly broke free and squared to Kings Hospital student Liam Gleuck to fire in the opener. This was closely followed by a second as Donnelly himself found some room in the circle before shooting home. The visitors rode their luck somewhat as a number of Kilkenny penalty corners were repelled, before veteran Shane O’Hare, pictured, secured the third. Donnelly was involved again, a turnover on the Kilkenny 23-metre line led to another circle penetration, squaring to O’Hare for a 3-0 half time lead. The home side threw the kitchen sink at Weston during a very tense second period, but keeper Sean Butler was in fine form, defending 15 penalty corners, standing strong to anything the Cats threw at him. That defence was eventually breached 15 minutes from time, as Tom Manning snuck in at the back post to make it 3-1 after Emmett Hughes’ quickly taken long corner. Kilkenny skipper Hughes took the decision to withdraw his keeper playing with 11 outfield players but the Reds were not to be denied a first ever league win at this level. Weston coach Simon Filgas will be delighted with the timing of this win leading into a league tie with YMCA before his side travel to Villiers school to take on Limerick in the Irish Hockey Trophy quarter final in a fortnight’s time. The result lifts them to seventh in the table, moving ahead of both Kilkenny and Fingal following a couple of draws in the first half of the season. The side previously were relegated from Division One in 2011 without a win but returned to the top flight in the province following a reshuffle due to the introduction of the Irish Hockey League last season.
Courtyard Liffey Celtics celebrate after their win over DCU Mercy. Picture: Tommy Dickson/Inpho
Liffey hold Court in Cork NATIONAL CUP SEMI Liffey Celtics DCU Mercy sport@dublingazette.com
83 72
COURT YARD Liffey Celtics led from start to finish as they produced an excellent performance to beat DCU Mercy 83-72 in the semi-final of the women’s Hula Hoops national cup at the Neptune Stadium, Cork, booking their place in the final for the first time. Jazmen Boone was undoubtedly the stand out performer in the game as she netted an outstanding 26 points, with Emma O’Connor and Karen Mealy, playing as point
guard, also hitting double figures. Liffey Celtics finished the first quarter ahead 21-16 and had managed to stretch their lead to 40-32 by the halfway point. DCU tried valiantly to keep pace with the Celtics, with Sarah Fairbanks in particular putting in another impressive performance as she scored 19 points, but it proved in vain as Boone continued to net scores at important junctures of the game. Liffey Celtics looked composed throughout the game until the closing stages of the game saw them concede some unnecessary fouls. It
FIT4LIFE Harriers training group welcomes new members LUCAN Harriers fit4life are welcoming new members to join their group at an open night on Monday, January 16 at 7pm at the club’s track on the Newcastle Road (opposite SupverValu). Fit4life training is held every Monday and Thursday night at 7pm. Annual membership is €110 but the club are offering a free trial period from January 16 to 26. If you have any queries, contact Ceara Kerrigan at cearakerrigan@gmail.com.
was too little too later for DCU, however, as the deficit proved insurmountable. Speaking after the game, head coach Mark Byrne struggled to hide his delight at an excellent win for his team: “It feels fantastic. I don’t really know what to say, everybody played their part. “We had an injury early on to Emma [O’Connor], who has been fantastic for us all year, and Aine [O’Connor] doing an exam this morning, so to come through all that and show great composure, especially after losing to them three weeks ago, I’m really delighted with
the girls.” The two sides had met in the league before Christmas as they battle it out for second place behind runaway leaders Ambassador UCC Glanmire but it was their fellow Dubs who got the better of them on that particular day. “We were really smart today, we were composed. One of the things that happened to us three weeks ago was we settled for poor shots but, today, we were super smart and super patient. We also did a great job defensively,” said Byrne. Liffey Celtics will now go up against defending
champions UCC Glanmire in the final at the end of the month as reward for their heroics – the latter having blown away their opponents Singleton Supervalu Brunell 84-47 in the other semi-final at the same venue. Boone also spoke after the game but she was already looking forward to trying to help her team create even more club history. Speaking about the final she said: “I’m fired up. I think that we are going to give Glanmire a good run and I’m so proud of this club because it is the first time in their history to make it to a cup final [at this level].”
12 January 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
LADIES FOOTBALL: FORMER LUCAN BOSS BACK IN BLUE
CLUB NOTICEBOARD LUCAN SARSFIELDS DRONES and more Drones appeared
complimentary buses to/from the race-
over Lucan Sarsfields and around the
course. A great way for your company to
canal on Saturday morning. No, it was
entertain clients or else get your friends
not the set of a new Chariots of Fire
together at a table for a special day out
remake! Just RTE’s Operation Transfor-
and for what promises to be another
mation.
social event to remember.
Several hundred turned out for the
Contact Eoin Dunne (086 273 4114), Jim
initial 5k walk on Saturday, hosted by
Mulqueen (086 238 7585), Joe Lavin or
South Dublin County Council in associa-
Ciaran Dunne to book your place now.
tion with Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club. Training activity is gradually returning with more and more activity on the all weather pitch every night. The annual awards night is on Saturday, February 4. The volunteers night will be on SaturThe 2016 Dub Stars who lined out at DCU last Sunday. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAApics.com
Bohan sees the Stars as new tenure begins 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 Lauren Magee and goalkeeper Emer Ni Eafa making particularly strong cases for inclusion. Former Lucan Sarsfields boss Bohan is returning for his second spell in charge of the Dublin ladies, and will have seen plenty of reasons for positivity going into the new season, despite the county’s successive All Ireland final defeats to a dominant Cork panel in recent years. 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 netted 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.
day, January 28. Following its spectacular launch last year, the 2017 Lucan Sarsfields Race Day
The set dancing also returns on Wednesday next at 8.30pm in the function room. Seamus Clandillon is organising a charity table quiz for January 27; tables of four for €20, all donations of spot prizes gratefully accepted. The full list of Christmas draw win-
ing place again on Sunday, January 22.
ners, including Hugh Collander to whom
Tables of 10 for €1,000 or individual tick-
Gerry McAndrew sold the €2,000 winning
ets are €100 each.
ticket, are available online or at the club;
This includes admission to the racecourse, race card, four course gourmet lunch including wine, professional tipster, and a great day’s jumps racing. A roaring success last year, a superb
do check as many prizes are yet to be collected. There was no winner of the €19,000 lotto where the numbers were 8, 14, 20 and 25.
day was had by all who attended and it
The sponsor was Newcastle Golf Cen-
was the talk of the club for weeks after.
tre and next week’s €19,500 draw will be
All proceeds from the race day going
managed by Team Diarmuid Dawson.
towards the club’s development. Prosecco reception in clubhouse beforehand to get you in the mood with
Tickets can be purchased online, at the club, in Carey’s Newsagents or in Vesey Arms or Kenny’s Bar.
ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN MEMBERSHIP for 2017 is now due. Paying
at the Round Tower follows Operations
your membership is a formal recognition
Transformation Facebook page.
of your involvement/participation in the
Round Tower Gaelic for Mothers are
club and as such all players, including
looking for players for the season ahead.
social Gaelic footballers, team men-
If you are interested in joining this team
tors and committee members must pay
focused on fun and fitness contact Anne
membership.
at 086 2608280.
All members involved directly in our
Round Tower GAA Club Dinner Dance
games are reminded that the GAA injury
2017 will be hosted Friday, February 24
scheme only extends to fully paid up GAA
at the Red Cow Moran Hotel.
members. Please be aware of notice
Club favourite Laurie Hartz is lined up
issued by the executive with regard to
to perform on the night. Further detail
membership – featured on our website.
will follow and for now we ask you note
Membership can be paid online in-full or
this date in your diary. Bingo takes place in the clubhouse
Monday, January 9 saw the com-
every Tuesday. First call is 8.30pm; €20
mencement of Round Tower follows
for a full house and game prize money is
Operation Transformation 2017; 3km
usually €90 - €150. All in to buy is €2 and
and 5km walks will take place around
prizes are available in the weekly raffle.
Clondalkin village every Monday and
All welcome for a fun night.
Wednesday evenings. Options to run will also be available.
The January 2 lotto jackpot was €10,000. Numbers drawn were 9, 12, 20
Leaders are available to follow and a
and 23; the bonus ball was 21. No overall
range of motivational speakers and fit-
winner and no bonus ball winner. Three
ness professionals will provide short,
€100 winners: Hilda Hetherington, John
sharp talks on their area of expertise.
D & K Paul x 2. Thanks to all who partici-
You can also register online for €20 – all
pated.
participants must be registered. Picture: Piaras O Midheach
returns on Mondays.
at Leopardstown Racecourse is tak-
in instalments.
New Dublin ladies football manager Mick Bohan.
The 25 card drive returns to the club on Fridays and the Cupla Focal Club
We wish the leaders and all participating the very best. Find out full detail
The lotto committee would like to apologise for late delivery of this week’s tickets due to a family bereavement.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
HOOP DREAMS: Courtyard Liffey Celtics reach their first national cup final following semi win in Cork P30
JANUARY 12-18, 2017
HUNGRY LIKE A WOLF: Doherty steps up to deliver rare but brilliant goal P29
Rovers set for Molly O’Toole Memorial STEPHEN FINDLATER
sport@dublingazette.com
LUCAN United are looking forward to playing Shamrock Rovers for the Molly O’Toole Memorial Cup on Friday, January 20 at Peamount’s Greenogue grounds in what manager John Doyle says is a “big deal for the club”. The event will honour Molly O’Toole who was part of the Lucan Under-14 team before her untimely death in January 2015. The tie came about through United’s links with Stephen Bradley who previously played with the club before taking up the managerial reins with Rovers.
“We have the anniversary of Molly O’toole coming up and we wanted to run a special memorial for her,” Doyle told GazetteSport. “I mentioned it to Stephen would they play us to give it a profile and hopefully raise some money for the charity of her father Kevin’s choice. He said straightaway yes. “It’s a big deal for us because he is not bringing the Under-19s or anything like that. He is bringing the full team.” In addition to the match, Lucan’s Under-9s will face the Shamrock Rovers Under-9s during the half-time interval while Molly’s parents will also be part of pro-
ceedings. It is part of the growing connection between the two clubs. “Rovers are trying to build links with the clubs around them and their community relations. “This is part of that; we are going to get our kids to their games, playing at half-time and that kind of thing. “Their community officer Graham Gartland also played for us. It’s a good link and we have kept ties since they left the club. Graham Barrett – who used to play with Arsenal – is there too.” Doyle was also thankful to Peamount for making their pitch available for the tie. Rovers were only available to play on the Friday
evening and so required a venue with floodlights. The venue has the additional benefit that if the weather puts the grass pitch out of action, the astroturf will be available, guaranteeing the game gets played. For Doyle’s side, he hopes it can kick-start a strong 2017 after a middling first half of the LSL Sunday Senior 1B season. “It’s a very young side and we’re inconsistent. But, potentially, if we can keep the same team together as they grow.” To this end, Doyle has brought in the experienced Sean Nolan and 2014 player of the year Martin Cramer from Crumlin.
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has agreed a big friendly with Lucan United