Gazette LUCAN
Sept 28 - Oct 04, 2017
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MORE THAN 2,000 FURIOUS LOCALS SLAM AMBITIOUS PROPOSAL
Celbridge ‘will be ruined if the town centre plan goes ahead’
THE historic village of Celbridge will be ruined if a new town centre goes ahead, campaigners said yesterday (Sept 27). More than 2,000 residents in the picturesque Co Kildare village are furious at plans to build shops and offices across the River Liffey on lands at Donaghcumper. They say it will destroy their beautiful old village economically and have a devastating effect on their amenity space, local tourism and wildlife. Continued on Page 8
2 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 September 2017
HOUSING | ONLY NINE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE TO RENT IN LUCAN
Continuing rise in rents sparks call for more controls MARK O’BRIEN
THE average cost of renting a home in Lucan is now almost €2,000 as the shortage of housing continues to put huge pressure on renters. On Tuesday (Sept 26), there were just nine properties available to rent in Lucan on Daft.ie, with an average rent of €1,919. As part of South Dublin County Council, Lucan is a designated rent pressure zone, meaning that landlords can only raise rent by a maximum of 4% annually.
But local TD Gino Kenny (SOL) says that this measure does not go far enough and has called for tighter rent controls. Writing in this week’s Lucan Newsletter, Deputy Kenny said: “We need proper rent controls dropped to 2010 rates to prevent homelessness. “Land hoarding must also be stopped and compulsory purchase orders placed on vacant and derelict dwellings. “On top of this the Government must commit to building a mixed development of houses in any
Local TD Gino Kenny
future development. “This mixed development should be a 50% split between affordable housing and social housing.” Deputy Kenny told The Gazette that he felt that
the current rent control measures were “meek” and that there were loopholes that needed to be closed for it to be an effective measure. “The pressure zones, the 4%, there are ways of bypassing that,” he said. “Basically, you tell somebody to leave and then af ter a cer tain amount of time they just give it a lick of paint, throw a few new wardrobes in and then you can put the rent up essentially by any means.” The Government has also been criticised for the slow delivery of the Repair and Lease scheme, which is designed to target vacant private properties in need of renovation capable of being rented for social housing or to those in receipt of housing assistance payments in a bid to increase the number of housing units available. The Government committed to implementing 800 such units across the country by the end of the year but figures obtained by local TD John Curran show that 102 units have been deemed suitable since March, with just eight of those having reached the agreement to lease stage. Commenting on the figures, Deputy Curran said: “An agreement to lease has been signed in the case of eight units across the entire country while only seven have been identified as suitable in the Dublin region. “It is difficult to envisage even these units being ready for tenanting at any stage soon. “Not a single unit has been earmarked in South Dublin or Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.” A spokesperson for the
Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government said that Minister Eoghan Murphy had recently announced that he will make it an offence to implement rent increases that contravene the law and the Residential Tenancies Board will be given the powers to investigate and prosecute landlords who implement such increases. The onus will no longer be exclusively on the tenant. In relation to the delivery of the Repair and Leasing scheme, the spokesperson said: “The Scheme was only introduced nationally at the end of February this year. “The Scheme has completed its first full quarter of operation and the Department is currently gathering data from local authorities in order to report on progress. “ H o w e v e r, i n i t i a l
Road Safety Authority warns against driving ‘the morning after’ THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana launched a new public information campaign last week to help educate drivers about the dangers of driving the morning after drinking alcohol. The push follows an increase in the statistics related to such trends. Pictured at the launch were Superintendent Garda Tom Mullarkey, from the Roads Policing Garda East Region and Moyagh Murdock, chief executive, the RSA, with the pair surrounded by pictures of some of the many victims of drink drivers. Picture: Robbie Reynolds returns indicate that over 300 applications for the Scheme have been received so far. “All local authorities are active in sourcing and identifying potential units and it is expected that significant numbers of
contracts will be entered into once that process is complete. “Once contracts are signed, delivery is estimated at between two and six months, a fraction of the time involved for any other capital acquisition.”
28 September 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 3
YOUR NO1 FREE PAPER | WE’RE GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER – AND YOU’RE ALL COMING WITH US!
THE GAZETTES ...THEY ARE A-CHANGING FROM next week, your favourite free local newspaper will be bigger, better, and more widely available. That’s because we’re relaunching with four bumper editions of the Dublin Gazette: South,West, North and City; and increasing our circulation from 55,000 to 75,000 weekly copies. Since the introduction of our first title – the Lucan Gazette – in March 2004 (right), Dublin Gazette have built a strong foundation across Dublin City and County to deliver high-quality, relevant News, Sports and Entertainment coverage each week – a foundation that’s enabled our brand to maintain and cement its position as Dublin’s Number-One free newspaper group. Next Thursday sees the launch of Dublin Gazette’s four repositioned titles, offering the people living and working across Dublin City and County a source of
high quality, relevant News, Sport and Entertainment FREE every week. Dublin Gazette’s Group EditorAengus O’Hanlon says: “It’s been 12 months since we started looking into repositioning our titles, so next weekwill be exciting for us all here at The Gazette. “Given Dublin’s population and scale, there’s a huge appetite for quality local news, entertainment and sports coverage. “By aligning our titles with the four local authorities in Dublin, we can cater for news on a hyper-local basis like no other title. It makes perfect sense to increase the pagination in our new editions by 25%, which will facilitate a greater range of local stories from ALL areas within each of the four local authorities. “Don’t miss your copy next week, and keep an eye out for some amazing Gazette Giveaways!”
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ADVERTISING | HARRY ‘DELIGHTED TO SEE HIMSELF IN CAMPAIGN’
Lucan boy lands top role in new Tesco ad MARK O’BRIEN
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD Lucan boy has become the face of Tesco’s latest advertising campaign after beating off hundreds of hopefuls to land the role. Harry Thornton is currently appearing in television ads, billboards and in-store promoting Tesco’s 800 range – a range of essential household products. Harry has been attending DAS Academy – a dancing, singing and acting academy in Mount Bellow Way - for the past year and it was through this that he attended the audition. Owner of DAS Academy Thomas Spratt said that he was delighted that Harry had secured the role and that it was a great boost to the school. He said: “He (Harry) was one of lots of hopeful kids that auditioned from all over the country for the commercial and after an audition and then a recall audition he was chosen. “It’s been such a great success for him as not only has he been on television he has now been on billboards, bus stops, side of buses and his picture eating spaghetti is everywhere. “As I’m a new performance academy for kids, this has been a great boost for all
my DAS Academy students.” Harry’s mother Sandra said she was also thrilled to see Harry feature in the ad. “I just brought him along to the audition but I never expected that he’d actually get it,” she said. Sandra said that while Harry can be quite shy at times, he is also a natural performer which is why she enrolled him in DAS Academy last year. “He loves dancing and he performs in the house and puts on his own music,” she said. Being so young, Harry doesn’t quite understand the significance of his achievement but Sandra said he was delighted to see himself in the ad. “He’s not really aware,” she said. “He’s like ‘I’m on the bus, I’m on the billboards, I’m everywhere’.” Sandra said she would love to see Harry continue to perform but ultimately she wants it to be his decision and doesn’t want to force him into doing anything he doesn’t want to do. “If he’d like to, I’d be happy with it but he’s only young yet. I don’t want to push him.” Further information on DAS Academy can be found on their Facebook page (@ dasacademyireland).
FASTNews
Planning permission approved for Lucan swimming pool
THE long-awaited Lucan swimming pool will finally become a reality after planning permission for the project was approved earlier this week. Locals had long campaigned for a pool in the area and their hard work paid off following the news that planning permission had been granted. The #Pool4Lucan group, who have spearheaded the campaign, said they were delighted at the news. In a statement on Facebook they said: “We’ve done it #Pool4Lucan! All of us, working together, from individuals, to groups, to councillors, to TD’s, journalists and organisations - it all added up to bring success.” The pool is expected to be done by early 2019.
Sisters celebrate gold win
Harry is shown on television, billboards and bus stops
Bringing home the bronze THE hard work of Lucan’s Tidy Towns group paid off after the town took home a prestigious bronze award in this year’s Tidy Towns competition. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald extended her congratulations to all groups which had performed well in the competition, and encouraged anyone who feels strongly about their community to get involved with Tidy Towns. Claiming 305 points in Category E, population 5001-10,000, the €400 bronze medal win was testament to the hard work of dedicated locals in all kinds of weather.
AFTER returning from a successful World Street Dance Championships in August, local group Fit Kids/Fit Teens are celebrating gold again. Last weekend, sisters Emily and Molly Fitzgerald from local dance group won first place in the Spectrum Hip Hop Championships. Emily (15) won first place in the 16 and under section while Molly (7), who was competing in her first competition, won first place in the Victorious sisters Emily and 8 and under secMolly Fitzgerald with proud little tion. sister Jody
28 September 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 5
JOBS | MINISTER FITZGERALD SAYS NEWS COULD ONLY BE GOOD FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Employment levels rise in West Dublin MARK O’BRIEN NEW figures from the CSO show that employment is continuing to increase in the West Dublin area. The figures show that 4,959 people were claiming unemployment benefits at the end of Quarter 2 of 2017. This represents an almost 50% drop from the high of over 10,500 signing-on in August 2010. Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, has welcomed the news. “Unemployment is now at the lowest rate since 2008 at 6.1%, with all regions experiencing a boost in the number of people back at work,” she said. “The drop in unemployment rate is also being reflected across Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas also.” Minister Fitzgerald added that she felt the news could only be good for the local community. “These are not just statistics - these are neighbours, friends, family members who are contributing to our local communities and economy as well as providing more money for investment in services. “The continuing decrease in the rate of unemployment, both locally and nationally, has a positive impact on our SMEs
and local employers. “Only a strong economy supporting people at work can pay for the services needed to create a fairer society. “As we know being able to earn a livelihood is all important, allowing people to take charge of their future, to make plans and to have hope and optimism.” Minister Fitzgerald added that she felt the Government must remain vigilant if the economy was to continue to grow. “Today’s figures provide evidence of continual structural change in sectoral employment,” she said. “Employment growth was broadly based in retail and accommodation, industry and ICT and in construction. “We must also ensure that a regional spread of enterprise activity is achieved, within the limits that exist to attracting certain types of businesses to different regions. “The positive results of the latest CSO employment figures are an important contribution to the overall targets the Government has set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government and Action Plan for Jobs. “However, the uncertainty in the external environment and the context of Brexit means that vigilance is needed to sustain the pace of jobs growth and to improve our competitiveness.”
Children’s book illustrator PJ Lynch with Sally White and Finn McLoughlin
Ready, Set … Colour! LAST year schools from Dublin submitted hundreds of paintings and with entries now open, Sightsavers calls on children across the county to get thinking and create a masterpiece. Open to primary school students of all ages and this year’s theme, Put Us In The Picture, is expected to inspire thousands of imaginative entries.
Every child that enters will receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their artistic efforts. The closing date for entry is December 16. Parents and children can get involved by speaking to their teacher or visit the Sightsavers website www. sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter. Picture: Sasko Lazarov
6 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 September 2017
Webcasting of council meetings is voted down SOUTH Dublin County Council remains the only local authority in the capital not to live stream its meetings after members blocked the move last week. Of the 40 councillors just nine voted in favour of introducing webcasting at a meeting of the Organisation, Procedure and Finance committee – with 15 against and 16 absent. The service, offered by Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council, allows proceedings to either be viewed live or played back via weblink. SDCC Mayor Cllr Paul Gogarty (NP) told The Gazette: “This is very disappointing. People have a right to know what their elected representatives are saying.” The council said it could not give a breakdown of how members voted because, it said, the OPF meeting is closed to both public and media. The Gazette understands that those in favour were Cllrs Paul Gogarty (Ind), Francis Timmons (Ind), Guss O’Connell (Ind), Deirdre O’Donovan (Ind), Dermot Looney (SD), Ronan McMahon (Renua) , Madeleine Johansson (PBP), Enda Fanning (SF) and Martina Genockey (Lab). The matter will not be
Fiona Leavy with Philly
referred back to a full council meeting, meaning live streaming is off the agenda for at least another 12 months. Cllr Gogarty, who made the issue a priority of his term as Mayor, said voters were now getting a “very skewed view” of how some councillors conduct themselves at meetings. He said: “Some people have a lot more resources than others to get their message out, especially the bigger parties. In some cases they are reporting on things when they weren’t even at the meeting to start with. “We’re now the only council in Dublin not doing it. It is shameful.” People Before Profit Cllr Madeleine Johansson said: “The only way of finding out what happens at a council meeting is to physically attend, which can be difficult for many. “With webcasting we could reach more people, especially young people who are regular users of social media.” Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), who tabled a motion proposing the move, called for more transparency and accountability and said the decision was a bad one. He added: “There is a lack of information for the public and I feel webcasting could have bridged this gap.”
Out and About
Lynda McElherron, Rory O’Connor, Ailish O’Connor and Katelyn Byrne . Pictures: Simon Peare
It’s a winning launch for revamped store D
Amy and Darragh Walsh
UBLIN GAA star Philly McMahon had a very special guest with him as he helped Lynch’s Centra in Lucan village celebrate the relaunch of its popular store. The All-Ireland winning player had the Sam Maguire with him to the delight of local Dublin fans who got a chance to see this much coveted prize. The store was extensively revamped over the past few months to help meet the changing need of Lynch’s consumer base. The revamped store focuses more on fresh foods.
Anthony Locke with Philly
Leslie Cullen and Donal Cullen
Ed, Lucy, Mortimer and Clare Mortimer with Robyn Foley, and Dublin star Philly McMahon
28 September 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 7
Out and About
Alan Flanagan, Tommy Lynch, John Manning, Sean Breen, Martin Agarski, Alina Crisan, Chloe Flanagan and Craig Smyth
Ella Groves, Alica Groves
Aaron Walsh
Tom Donnelly
Daragh O’Connor
Trish Hardiman with Philly
8 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 September 2017
CLONBURRIS | ‘SUCCESS DEPENDS ON ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF COMMUNITIES’ FROM PAGE 1
Plan for new suburb open for public consultation MARK O’BRIEN THE public consultation period on the Draft Planning Scheme for the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone is now open. T h e d e ve l o p m e n t , comprising approximately 280 hectares located between the communities of Lucan, Clondalkin and Liffey Valley aims to deliver 8,000 homes but has proved controversial, with many saying that it
will only worsen Lucan’s traffic problems. Speaking at the launch of the Draft Planning Scheme, Mayor Paul Gogarty urged locals to have their say on the SDZ. “The success of the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone depends on the active participation of communities, businesses, residents and members of the public,” he said. “I encourage all inter-
ested parties and the public to engage in this public consultation process, in particular through the dedicated website, where a range of information is available and from which online submissions can be made.” Clondalkin councillor Francis Timmons spoke in favour of the development. He said: “The council have over 8,000 on the
housing list as well as many wanting to buy a home, so the need is great. “Politics needs to be left aside and everyone work together to provide this much needed housing.” Cllr Timmons added that while he was in favour of building more homes, it should not be done without address issues such as facilities and traffic. Local TD John Curran also said that traffic issues should be addressed before construction begins. “The fact that Clonburris is a SDZ and has been identified as a major urban site for housing development is in part good news for our area,” he said. “The development of internal infrastructure and community facilities within Clonburris is very much welcomed and I hope it goes a long way in making an impact on the
Mayor Paul Gogarty urged locals to have their say on the Clonburris SDZ
present housing crisis. “I am however, concerned that the already pressurised transport services will be further crippled once construction begins. “In order for Clonburris SDZ to succeed as a new community it must be integrated into the surrounding communities of
Clondalkin and Lucan by means of public transport links, external road links that service the entire area as a whole and not just an isolated new community.” The public consultation period will remain open until Friday, November 3. Submissions can be made at clonburris.ie.
Celbridge fears for the future
Already local councillors have voted 5-2 against plans to extend the town centre across the river. They want to protect the historic area with its designed landscapes as Strategic Open Space. But now Junior Housing Minister Damien English says he may use his powers to push through with the development, which also includes 150 housing units. There are 3,519 housing units already allocated to other areas of Celbridge. So far 2,300 furious residents have made submissions to the council not to allow the plans go ahead. A spokesperson for Celbridge Action Alliance said: “We want to save and promote our beautiful heritage town, not let it die. “This new town centre is planned to be built across the river from Castletown, Ireland’s finest 18th century house. The landscape would be destroyed. “Castletown is one of the top 5 walking destinations in Ireland and loved by Celbridge residents. Tourists come from all over to walk the historic grounds but that view will be destroyed if these plans come to fruition. “Add in the noise and light pollution and it will spell the end of our wonderful amenity space and our increasing tourism potential.” One long-time resident said: “Celbridge village and Main Street will be ruined. The shops will close down, the houses will go into disrepair and become derelict.” The resident claims wild life – such as otters, bats, foxes, squirrels, hedgehogs, herons, swans, ducks, kingfishers, water hen, rabbits and hares – will simply disappear. The local alliance says the deadline for submissions to Kildare County Council to halt the development is this Friday, Sept. 29 and urges locals to fill in the relevant form. See: http://kildare.ie/ CountyCouncil/PressReleasesAdverts/CelbridgeL APdraftMinisterialDirectionSept2017.html
28 September 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 9
FASTNews
College now has more to offer LUCAN Community College have extended their range of extracurricular activities. Students can now avail of karate, boys and girls rugby, boys and girls gaelic football, hurling and camogie, badminton, traditional music, tin whistle, golf, Green Schools, badminton, computer coding/ scratch club, table tennis and a brand new film club among almost 50 activities. In an effort to make what they offer more accessible, the school are also providing a link the home page of the school website. Students and parents can use the link to find out what day and what teacher is in charge of specific activities.
Witnesses to collision sought GARDAI are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision on the N4 at Lucan on Monday afternoon (September 25). The collision occurred shortly before 1pm on the city bound approach to junction 4a when a car veered from the carriageway and struck a stone wall. The driver of the car, a 32-year-old man, was seriously injured and pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. There was no one else travelling in the car at the time. The scene was attended by emergency services personnel and the man’s body was later removed by ambulance to the mortuary at Connolly Hospital. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station 01-666 7300 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
PRESTIGIOUS TITLE | AWARD FOR WORK TO INTEGRATE MENTAL HEALTH ACTIVITIES
School recognised for positive mental health promotion MARK O’BRIEN ADAMSTOWN Community College have received a prestigious award recognising their work in promoting positive mental health. The school was awarded the status of Ambassador School by Cycle Against Suicide at a special reception held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Tuesday, September 12. T he awards recognised the immense efforts of 89 schools around the island of
Ireland who have completed the Ambassador School Programme, and became actively i nvo l ve d i n m e n t a l health promotion. Adamstown Community College was represented at the event by Link Teacher Eimear Carroll and students Dragos Mamaliga and Tara Lacy. Eimear said that the school were very proud of their achievements. Speaking after being presented with the award by Minister of State for European A ffairs
Helen McEntee, Eimear said: “The Ambassador School Awards ceremony was a great day. “It’s wonder ful to attend such a positive event, and have the efforts of the students recognised. “Our participation in the Ambassador School Programme has had an enormously positive impact on our school community, fostered a school-wide approach to the promotion of positive mental health, and provided incredible opportunities for student leadership.” The Programme is one aspect of a wide range of Cycle Against Suicide initiatives and programmes. T he Programme is school-led, and involves the completion of “Five Gears” over the course of a year, all of which are aimed at raising awareness of the message that “It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to
Minister Helen McEntee with Dragos Mamaliga and Tara Lacy
ask for help”. The Programme provides a framework for schools to integrate mental health activities into the school plan, and rewards schools who go the extra mile. It also aims to recognise innovative and e f f e c t i ve i n i t i a t i ve s , and facilitates schools
to share and showcase good practice. Cycle Against Suicide is an initiative that was started in 2012 to raise awareness of the considerable help and supports that are available for anyone battling depression, self-harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide.
They run a number of events across the country each year with their next main cycle planned to take place between Sunday, April 28 and Monday, May 7 2018. More information on the Ambassador School Programme is available at www.cycleagainstsuicide.com
Engineering a fruitful future Local couple mark golden anniversary EAMONN and Maureen Purcell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in Lucan Golf Club last week, who say their marriage and 50-year anniversary is an inspiration to all of them. Congratulations, Eamonn and Maureen!
A LUCAN student has been awarded a prestigious third level scholarship. Cliona Nic Shuibhne from Colaiste Cois Life was awarded a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth €20,000. Cliona has accepted a place at University College Cork to study engineering. Her school was also presented with a prize of €1,000 towards the school’s science facilities. The ceremony took place
in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin. Supporting academic and innovative excellence in Irish students, the Scholarship Award is an investment in the future of Ireland’s reputation as a country with outstanding graduates. In 2008 the scheme started in three counties and has continued to expand Principal Tomas O’Donnagain, Cliona Nic Shuibhne, annually to become a Martin Naughton, an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the 2017 Naughton Foundation Scholarship awards nationwide program.
10 GAZETTE 28 September 2017
Out and About
Raptuous welcome for Dublin heroes Above: St Sylvester’s players Niamh, Nicole and Sinead with the cup. Pictures: GAApics.com
T
HERE was a fantastic turnout at Bridgefield last week as St Sylvester’s GAA welcomed the triumphant Dublin Ladies Football team with the Brendan Martin Cup. St Sylvester’s players Sinead, Niamh and Nicole were front and centre to meet and greet fans, with most sporting their Dublin or club colours for the celebration. As is tradition, the cup was paraded over the bridge from the Bridgefield pitches through Malahide village to the club on Church Road, where a large crowd waited to give the heroes a raptuous welcome.
28 September 2017 GAZETTE 11
Out and About
People of all ages turned out to greet the girls, with the large crowd giving them the rousing welcome they deserved. The event was a true celebration of the area’s sporting and community spirit.
GAZETTE
12 GAZETTE 28 September 2017
DUBLINBUSINESS INNOVATION | DIT PROGRAMME TO HELP FOSTER NEW BUSINESS IDEAS
I-Cubed entrepreneurs square off to markets LEGO could help make
training child’s play
LEGO may not be the most obvious choice for developing new business approaches or skillsets, but with the international reach of the brand, and its highlysuccessful transitioning to new business models in recent years, it’s the perfect product to help build up new expertise, particularly around ‘STEM’ subjects. Learnit, in partnership with DCU, has launched a range of Learnit Academy LEGO education workshops for LEGO fans of all ages – adults are also a core target of the workshops. LEGO’s robotics offshoots provide a natural fit for programmes for experienced engineers (over-55). For further information, see https://www.learnit.ie/book-now.
THIS summer, six young entrepreneurs completed I-Cubed – a three-month ‘incubator’ programme for student start-ups designed by DIT Hothouse to nurture young innovators, helping them to turn early-stage concepts into pitch-ready businesses. I-Cubed is described as the opportunity to explore the commercial viability of college projects, with participants receiving equity-free funds to work on their projects and attend diverse workshops and mentoring sessions focusing on a wide range of related areas. The three-month intensive pro-
gramme provides core supports, with the aim of not only helping to create a successful start-up, but to nuture the up and coming entrepreneurs of tomorrow. This year, five I-Cubed participants presented their projects to a group of guests from research, business and academic worlds, with the overall winner of the I-Cubed Start-Up Award named as Darragh Hughes, thanks to his design for ‘the HappyHaler’ (right), a child-friendly asthmatic spacer designed for his final year project in Product Design at DIT. Speaking at the I-Cubed Start up Award ceremony, Darragh
says, “Before I started this programme, I knew HappyHaler was a great business idea, but I didn’t know how to get out there and start talking to people about it. “I-Cubed allowed me to get to the core of my story and get investors as excited as I am about the HappyHaler.” I-Cube leader and director Neal
O’Gorman said: “All our I-Cubed participants have made significant progress. “Watching their final presentations was a testament to the fact that they’re continuing to push beyond their own perceived limits, they’re getting out of their comfort zones and are striving to reach their true potential to achieve success for the businesses they so passionately believe in.” Applications for the 2018 I-Cubed Incubator programme for student start-ups are now open. For further information, see http://www.dit.ie/hothouse/ students/i-cubed.
28 September 2017 GAZETTE 13
DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
IVOR FEELING YOU’LL LOVE THIS FRIENDLY GERMAN SHEPHERD OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Ivor, a four-year-old German Shepherd crossbreed. Ivor is ready to start his life over again and cannot wait to find a loving family. Ivor likes to look his best so he really enjoys being brushed and groomed. He is an energetic boy who loves to keep busy, so he will need plenty of exercise and brain work to keep him happy and in good form. Ivor is quite a nosy dog, so he wants to be included in every activity taking place. He is also very affectionate, who enjoys cuddles and affection; he is basically an oversized lap dog! Ivor likes the company of other playful, similar sized dogs, and should be fine living with another canine companion once he is introduced to the dog successfully. As Ivor is a bouncy and easily excitable dog, he is suited to living with adults. 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 and on Twitter.
CIVIC DUTY P22
GAZETTE
CINEMA P24
HENDICOTT MEETS OTHERKIN P16
CALL of PORT PICTURED at Dublin Port’s Great South Wall is Blackrock man Bruce Watchorn, who happened upon Image Projection Support Structure by artist Fiona McDonald. The stucture forms part of the final installation of Dublin Port Company’s arts commissioning series Port Perspectives. Port | River | City by artists Cliona Harmey, Dan Shipsides, McDonald, Pat Collins, Sharon Woolley and PV. Garrett is a site-specific moving image installation. Port | River | City includes a half-day event in the IFI on Saturday, September 23, which features a rare screening of Peter Hutton’s Time in Tide in 16mm.
GAZETTE
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DUBLINLIFE
DIARY
COMPETITION: YOUNG MUSIC MAESTROS INVITED TO ENTER TOP CONTEST
Take note of €5,000 prize for students CALLING young Dublin musicians! Entries for this year’s Frank Maher Classical Music Competition are now open, with a €5,000 top prize. Students from Malahide Community School were joined by awardwinning concert pianist Maire Carroll from Malahide to launch this year’s competition, with awards Ireland’s biggest classical music competition for secondary schools. Past winners have received national and international recognition for their achievement and used their prize money as a springboard towards a professional career by funding their studies at some of the world’s most renowned music colleges and institutions. The awards are open to sixth year post-primary students of string, woodwind, brass and piano. The €5,000 top prize will be used by the winner to attend a recognised place of tuition, a course of study in Ireland or abroad, or on a purchase necessary for the development of their talent.
The finalists will each receive a €250 bursary. The closing date for entries is Thursday, October 12. For full details see www. topsecurity.ie.
FILMING BEYOND LIMITING BORDERS THE fourth annual investigative documentary filmmaking seminar organised by the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund, Investigations 2017: Beyond Borders, takes place in the Irish Film Institute from on Friday, October 13. The day-long seminar, which is open to the public, will feature screenings, conversations and discussions chaired by leading journalists and broadcasters including Keelin Shanley, Richard Crowley and Tanya Sillem. This year’s seminar will explore the challenges and opportunities which arise for investigative filmmakers when working outside their native culture. For tickets, prices and full event details, see www. ifi.ie/investigations-2017; for further information on the fund, see www. maryrafteryfund.ie.
CELEBRATING POETRY AT NATIONAL LIBRARY THE National Library of Ireland will host a series of poetry events this autumn, with a programme to be headlined by a special celebration to mark ten years of Poetry Aloud, the annual poetry speaking competition for post-primary schools, organised by the library in partnership with Poetry Ireland. Events range from lectures and exhibition tours to a special evening of poetry and music, and all events are free of charge to attend and will take place at the NLI. The next event is Harp, Poetry and Pipes: An evening of poetry and music, at 7pm on Tuesday, October 3. Harpist Kathleen Loughnane will perform newly arranged music from the Patrick O’Neill manuscript collection in the NLI, joined by Cormac Cannon on uileann pipes and Catriona Cannon on harp, with poet Moya Cannon reading a number of poems as part of the performance. For further information, see www.nlie.ie.
Multiple award-winning concert pianist Maire Carroll with Malahide Community School sixth year music students Andrea Jones, Cian Riordan and Nicole Cosgrave. Picture: Peter Houlihan
NEW AWARDS TO HELP CELEBRATE CHARITIES A NEW national award for charities, community and voluntary groups and clubs has been launched at the Mansion House. The Charity Impact Awards was developed by The Wheel, the national association of community, voluntary and charitable organisations, to highlight and celebrate the contribution of Ireland’s 19,352 non-profit organisations, with nominations open in
two categories, as follows. The Community Impact Award celebrates the valuable work community, voluntary and charitable organisations, clubs and associations are doing in communities across Ireland. Organisations are invited to showcase their work by entering “impact stories”, which can include text, video and photos. There are sub-categories for small, medium and large organisations.
Alternatively, Trustee of the Year highlights that all charities are led by dedicated volunteers who share their time and expertise to bring about positive change, and will focus on trustees (also known as board members or directors), who often work behind the scene. A third award – the Community Hero Award – will be made in partnership with the Volunteer Ireland Awards, and presented to an individual
who has made an extraordinary contribution to their community over the course of their lifetime. Five people will be shortlisted for the Community Hero Award from shortlist for the Volunteer Ireland Awards. Nominations can be made at www.charityimpactawards.ie until November 16. The winners will be announced at the Charity Impact Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 13.
28 September 2017 GAZETTE 15
FUNDRAISER: TEAMS IN PADDLE BATTLE
Water way to help support the homeless
THE sounds of frantic splashing and goodnatured shouting and cheers of support echoed around Grand Canal Dock recently as teams of landlubbers took to the water in a bid to help homeless charity Depaul. The homelessness charity’s Raf t Race Against Homelessness tempted a number of
corporate teams out into the normally calm waters, where their somewhat coordinated efforts made quite a splash with amused colleagues and bemused onlookers. Although the teams ended up with more water on them than around them, they took their soakings with good spirits, happy to help
paddle the fundraising total along to the impressive final figure of approximately €20,000 for Depaul. The fourth such annual raft race for Depaul proved a hit with all the corporate teams taking part, with the 500m stretch for races seeing number-crunching skills swapped for paddle-
powered teamwork, all in the name of supporting Depaul’s work with people all around the island of Ireland. The corporate participants to take to the water
this year included Trouble Brewing, BHP, Fresh, Pfizer, Mazars, Codex Office Solutions, Automatic Fire and Integrated Solutions and Bank of Ireland.
GAZETTE
FEATURE
DUBLINLIFE
N O S ’ T A H W
28 September 2017 GAZETTE 17
MUSIC
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16 GAZETTE 28 September 2017
JAMES HENDICOTT TALKS TO DUBLIN GRUNGE OUTFIT OTHERKIN , HALF OF WHOM LEFT MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS BEHIND TO PURSUE MUSICAL STARDOM Dublin band Otherkin are going places, and fast Picture: Jake Haseldine
E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT
Hard Working Class Heroes The annual event showcasing up and coming Irish acts and a host of music industry discussion panels returns, with more than 50 musical entities performing over five venues and two nights. One to run free and explore. September 29-30. Warehouse Market Newmarket’s monthly fashion-led market comes to the Green Door in Dublin 8, where a mix of vintage clothing outlets, inventive designers and startup businesses gather to display their wares. October 1. Oktoberfest at the Bowery Can’t make it to Munich? The beer-led chaos comes to the slightly more modest venue of The Bowery in Rathmines, where the pirate-shipshaped musical heartland will host a series of gigs and serve a heap of German beer. All week. Otherkin at Tower Records Want to check out the band we’ve featured in this very issue (right)? Rising Irish rock stars otherkin launch their debut album ‘Ok’ in Tower Records, with a free show at 17.30 on Friday, September 29. Robert Harris in Conversation A free event that forms part of Dublin History Festival, the English historical fiction author OTHERKIN will appear in The Printworks (Dublin Castle) to discuss his writing and research, plus latest novel ‘Munich’. 8.30pm, September 29. Dublin Wine Festival Promising to delve into both grapes and spirits, the Dublin Wine Festival comes to the Morrison Hotel on October 1. This year’s focus is Italy. Death Cafe Dublin An event aimed at looking at and discussing mortality, and in doing so encouraging the living of the fullest of lives, the Death Cafe (hosted by Dr Sean O’Carroll, a psychologist) is a chance to explore what’s up with you. September 29. New album of the week Otherkin - Ok. Dublin rockers convert from a pounding live show to a long-overdue debut album. Expect a raucous conversion and plenty of appearances around town to back up the noise.
JAMES HENDICOTT THE COVER of Otherkin’s debut album – much like the band’s borderline maniacal live performances – is one big, bold statement. Ahead of the release of ‘Ok’ this month, two members of the band got the album title tattooed on the inside of their wrists. It fits in with the band’s heady, in-your-face rock vibe (they call themselves ‘grunge-pop’), one that’s made David Anthony, Luke Reilly, Rob Summons and Conor Andrew Wynne famous (in certain quarters) for roughly-hewn pop-rock ditties, but also for crowd surfing and brash, buzzing gigs. The cover, and new symbol of the band, feels symbolic – it’s simply that tattooed arm reaching for the sky. Their story of the album begins with a shot in the dark, and a certain amount of characteristic mayhem. “We decided to take a gamble on an expensive video
The great rock n’ roll gamble
for our first single,” vocalist Reilly tells us of the loveable fury of ‘Ay Ay’. “And we insisted that if a label wanted to sign us, they take the video as part of the deal. It worked out well [the video now has in excess of 100,000 views in its various YouTube guises].” When it came to recording ‘Ok’, it was important to keep a similarly raw vibe. Recording music, typically, requires click tracks, steady hands and carefully constructed ‘perfect’ versions of songs, often layered from individual instrumental set ups. Looking to maintain that live buzz, however, Otherkin’s recording sessions saw Reilly “charging about the place with a bottle of wine in his hand. We built our reputation as a live band, and it was important to capture that on the record,” Summons tells us. “I think it does that,” he continues. “We used to get
this wonderful backhanded compliment a lot: ‘You guys are way better live’. We’re hoping people will hear this album and feel we’ve grabbed hold of what they liked about that.” It’s always been a key part of Otherkin’s philosophy to build a following outside Ireland. Their local following got a serious boost when they stepped out as openers to Guns ‘N’ Roses at Slane this year, but as vibrant as our music scene is, it’s simply too small for a four-piece band to play enough shows to survive just playing here. The exceptions are acts that have become massive cultural entities on our shores, with even the likes of Bell X1, The Coronas, and The Frames never really imitating their Irish success overseas. “We’re still told by a lot of people that America
is the place for our music, because that’s where the kind of music we make is popular,” Wynne tells us, referencing another raucous punk-pop outfit, FIDLAR. “We’re still trying to break England, but America is the golden target. “It’s going in some interesting ways at the moment; we’re playing three dates in Serbia on the album tour, for example. One of our singles got a lot of radio play on MTV over there. Kosovo “There’s one in Kosovo, too, and a couple of others around there to fill it out. We love Ireland, but to survive as a band it’s important to succeed elsewhere. “We’ve had some great experiences out on the road, like the lads that came from Cork to go to the
Leeds show, just to give us a flag.” There’s still a long way to go, though, and Otherkin are painfully aware of the importance of this debut release. “Our record label have made the point to us that the majority of people are never likely to have heard of us before this record comes out,” Summons says. “We have to make sure it’s right, you can only do this once. Music can be quite a cynical, cyclical thing. I think we’re happy to have it out there. We’re definitely happy with it, there’s been a natural build up. To us they’re old songs, but it’s important we get out of our perspective and understand that to most people, these are totally new songs, and they’re hearing them for the first time.” “It’s important you had that build-up, I think,”
Reilly adds. “We did some quite weird, arthousestyle stuff before we really found our sound. It was kind of like rock opera stuff. The album’s quite simple in a way, as eventually we just kind of found our sound collectively. It always landed back on this free-spirited style. We come from really different musical backgrounds, but there are a few shared influences that feed into Otherkin, like Queens of The Stone Age, Blur, Ash, and The Ramones.” “We always wanted to make music as a career, but it was very much a back-of-the-mind kind of thing, it was never the focus,” Summons explains. “A couple of us were studying medicine, so a lot of our friends are off doing 80-hour weeks. I don’t know how many hours we spend making music. We just hang around with each other.”
It’s certainly worked for them so far. “Obviously we’re not bringing in vast amounts of money,” Summons tells us. “We’ve been doing random little bits, like nightclub nights and playing weddings to get by. It has been about balancing making pocket money and making the album, I guess. “But we’re having a really great time. I don’t think any of us regret going down this road. We’re really lucky, in that we really are great friends, and we all have very similar views about what we want from all this. The memories and the experience are worth more than any well-paid job.” Otherkin’s debut album ‘OK’ is released on CD, vinyl and digital download on September 29. Following an extensive European tour, they return to Dublin in December.
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DUBLINLIFE
STYLE Grace: Om Diva (yellow dress) €280 and Yomiko: Om Diva (pink dress) €280
Yomiko: Coco boutique (nude & black gown) €395, Sarah: Pamela Scott (floral gown) €279.99 and Grace: Soho Market (nude, leg split gown) €99
AFASHBASH
EMMA NOLAN Style Editor
DUBLINTOWN hosted their yearly fashion show extravaganza last Friday (Sept 22) in the Mansion House to launch the new A/W season. Titled, Dublin Fashion 2017: The Collective, the event showcased the latest trends, styles and must-buys for the season ahead from leading high
Sarah: Pamela Scott (red silk puffy dress) €330
street, Creative Quarter and high-end retailers from across Dublin city centre. Hosted by Xpose’s Glenda Gilson, the event welcomed 500 of the city’s most stylish personalities. Many of the city’s flagship stores took part on the night, including Brown Thomas, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Powerscourt Centre, Arnotts, Ilac Shopping Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre, Louis Copeland, River Island, Om Diva, New
Look and Penneys, as well as a host of boutiques and vintage stores across the city. Once again, Dublin Fashion Festival celebrated the creme de la creme of Irish design talent with the Dublin Fashion Young Designer of the Year Award, which went to Dublin-based designer Naomi Ajetunmobi. Naomi lives in Fairview and studied design at Grafton Academy of Fashion and Design.
Grace: Soho Market (nude, leg split gown) €99
Sarah: Pamela Scott (white jumpsuit €279.99)
28 September 2017 GAZETTE 19
GAZETTE
FEATURE
Awalk Getting a taste of Heineken H41 Wild Lager in a secret bar
Historian Seamus Hogan from the Irish Georgian Society
Dolphin House
on the
wild side
EMMA NOLAN
Tour guide Danny
MOST Dubliners would never consider going on a walking tour of their own city, but a new walking tour from The Locals explores some of the city’s hidden gems that may have gone unnoticed over the years. This summer, Dublin culture curators The Locals set out on a mission to take Dubliners on a “journey of exploration and discovery”. Having paired up with H41 Wild Lager by Heineken, the Dublin Discovery Tour takes guests around some much-loved spots in Dublin city centre, as well as a few hidden gems; those that are off the beaten track and can’t be found on any maps. The Dublin Gazette went along to see if there were indeed any secret places that managed to pass us by, and to our surprise there was a few! The journey started on South King Street where tour guide Danny brought the gang on a
delightful walk through town, stopping at various locations, both new and old. Danny’s brilliantly insightful commentary had everyone ‘oohing and aahing’ as he explained the history behind the Mercer’s Hospital building on Mercer Street and continued to surprise with his Dublin facts throughout the tour. A highlight was most definitely, a talk from historian Seamus Hogan of the Irish Georgian Society in the society’s bookshop on South William Street. Seamus gave a captivating talk on Dublin’s economic history throughout the ages (hint: not much has changed) and spoke about what our city was like in the Georgian period. Another ‘aha’ moment was a trip to a secret bar (that this Dubliner had never heard of and will keep it a secret to preserve the mystery) where we enjoyed samples of Heineken H41 Wild Lager with some delicious food. One particularly surprising
fact was a building in Temple Bar where the first Irish Coffee was made (not Shannon Airport as many of us thought). You’ll have to get Danny to explain that one to you. Another thing about this tour – go hungry, you will be well fed! Not only did we enjoy food from the secret bar, we also took a trip to Aungier Danger for one of their signature doughnuts, a new Dublin staple. Speaking about the tour, John Mahon, founder of The Locals, said: “There is so much of Dublin that even the city’s inhabitants don’t know about. “There are so many stories to tell and we will bring this to life with six specially curated walking tours around the streets of central Dublin. We’re delighted to partner with H41 Wild Lager by Heineken and look forward to sampling some of this great new beer along the way.” The tour is currently sold out but visit thelocals.ie to join their mailing list for updates.
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20 GAZETTE 28 September 2017
DUBLINLIFE
Enchanted Forest Cake INTRODUCE kids to baking with this imaginative Enchanted Forest Cake designed by Siúcra and Catherine Fulvio. Whether you’re baking this show stopping cake for a magical birthday celebration or for a chocolatey treat, this easy step by step method is designed to help children develop a love of baking early on. Serves 10 to 12 slices INGREDIENTS
FOR DECORATION
For the cake
100g strawberries,
170g softened butter
hulled and sliced
200g Siúcra Caster Sugar
150g Siúcra rollout icing
5 eggs
Siúcra royal icing
350g plain flour, sifted
Yellow colour paste, for
2 tsp baking powder
the flowers
60g cocoa powder
Red colour paste, for the mushrooms
FOR THE BUTTERCREAM
Green colour paste, for
200g softened butter
the leaves
400g Siúcra Icing Sugar
Light brown colour
60g cocoa powder
paste, for the door
60g melted chocolate 40ml milk METHOD To prepare the cake 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Line 2 x 18cm cake tins with baking parchment. 2. Place the butter into a large mixing bowl and whisk with an electric beater. Gradually add the sugar and whisk until fluffy and pale. 3. Add the eggs, one at a time. Fold in the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. 4. Divide the cake mix between the 2 lined cake tins and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check that the cake is cooked, insert a skewer in the centre and if it comes out clean the cake is done. 5. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. TO PREPARE THE BUTTERCREAM & DECORATIONS 1. Whisk the sugar and butter together until fluffy, add the cocoa powder and melted chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate into the butter cream and whisk again until soft. 2. Add enough colour paste into the roll out icing to create red mushrooms. Shape a small cap and a small cylindrical shape and glue them together with a stroke of egg white. Make white dots on the top with royal icing. 3. Add enough colour paste to the roll out icing to form a brown door, shape out with a knife and add a door knob. 4. Add enough colour paste to the roll out icing to form green leaves, shape out with a cutter. Choose any colour and add the colour paste to the roll out icing for the flowers and use a cutter to shape. TO ASSEMBLE 1. Trim the cake evenly and reserve that piece to create “steps” to the fairy door. Place a cake layer on the cake stand, spread some chocolate butter cream and arrange the sliced strawberries over. Cover with the other layer of cake. 2. Using a large spatula cover the sides of the cake, the “steps” as well as the top of the cake with buttercream. Dip the spatula in hot water for a smooth finish for the top while drawing stroke upwards to form a “bark” effect on the sides. 3. Place the door on the side of the cake near the “steps” and arrange the mushrooms beside the door and on the top of the cake. Place the flowers and leaves on the sides and top. 4. Serve up & enjoy!
FOOD
Top pizza place rolls out a tasty Calabrese
EMMA NOLAN
DUBLIN Pizza Company has introduced a special Calabrese pizza to its menu, inspired by its owner, Michael Ryan’s food journey through Naples. First presented at The House of Peroni residency in Dublin in May, where Dublin Pizza Company popped up for a two-week stint, the Calabrese pizza combines high quality Irish and Italian produce to create an authentically Neapolitan pizza.
Fresh, handmade dough is topped with Toonsbridge mozzarella from West Cork, nduja from Calabria in Southern Italy, tomato, rocket and basil pesto, before being cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The Italian nduja, a spicy, spreadable sausage, was brought to Dublin Pizza Company by Michael’s House of Peroni collaborator, Francesco Mazzei, who sourced it from his native Calabria. Mazzei was one of the first chefs to champion nduja
Dublin Pizza Company welcomes the Calabrese
on the London restaurant scene in the mid 2000s, and he frequently uses it in his cooking. The Calabrese pizza
is €11 for medium and €13 for large at Dublin Pizza Company, 32 Aungier Street, Dublin 2 until the end of Septem-
ber. Open Monday to Sunday from 5pm until 12pm. Call 01 561 1714 or order online at www. dublinpizzacompany.ie.
Top chicken spot gets added craic EMMA NOLAN
Crackbird has taken over its sister restaurant Bear’s premises on South William Street
POPULAR chicken spot Crackbird has taken over its sister restaurant Bear’s premises on South William Street. Bear is going into hibernation to await a new premises, while their pizza franchise, Skinflint, has moved to Crackbird’s former perch on Dame Street. Crackbird South William will feature all the favourites including Buttermilk Chicken and Soy Garlic Chicken, half or full, Wings by the Dozen, Crunches and Grilled Thighs with all the usual pecks, salads, sides and sauces. “This is Crackbird with added craic”, said Joe Macken, proud papa of Jo’burger, Skinflint, and Crackbird. “Expect tunes, pitchers, fizz, cocktails and more. The location is choice, with a front bar and terrace, so we’re going to tweak the menu and vibe to suit.” Crackbird South William is open from noon daily; closes 11pm Thursday to Saturday, 10pm Monday to Wednesday, and 9pm on Sunday.
28 September 2017 GAZETTE 21
TravelShorts
GAZETTE
TRAVEL CHRISTMAS: ALL ACROSS EUROPE, DAZZLING DESTINATIONS AWAIT
Fantastic deals for mid-term break getaways WITH some schools now back in full swing, we don’t blame you for looking forward to the mid-term break and GoHop.ie have some fantastic deals on offer. Whether you want to take a city break to Prague, or get the last of the sun in Faro, GoHop.ie have something for everything. All you need to do is decide where you want to go! Spend four nights in the three-star Studio 17 by Atlantic Hotels, Faro, from
Already a dazzling city in its own right, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (above) is just one of a number
only €148pp. Price includes: Return
of truly incredible Christmas markets held in Germany. Not to be outdone, Prague’s Christmas
flights ex. Cork, four nights’ accommo-
market (right) is another unforgettable destination for the very special time of year.
dation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on two adults and two children sharing. Travel: 16th October 2017 Spend five nights in the three-star Sun and Sands Hotel, Dubai, from only €548pp.Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, five nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on
In the market for festive fun? SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor
two adults and two children sharing. Travel: 17th October 2017 Spend five nights in the three-star Pension Hotel, Prague, from only €203pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, five nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on two adults and two children sharing. Travel: 21st October 2017 Spend three nights in the three-star Royal Costa Hotel, Torremolinos, from only €222pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Cork, three nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Travel: 23rd October 2017 Spend three nights in the fourstar Residhome Val D’Europe, Paris, from only €206pp. Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, three nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Based on two adults and two children sharing. Travel: 27th October 2017 Prices are subject to dates and availability. For more information or to book visit www.GoHop.ie or call the experts on 01-2412389.
IT MIGHT sound premature to be talking about Christmas markets but when it comes to bargains the early bird catches the worm – and the stocking fillers. The festive tradition started in Europe and Germany still leads the field when it comes to delighting the senses with tempting aromas and yuletide treats. It has more than 150 markets whose beautifully decorated stalls celebrate seasonal customs and traditions in historical settings – while choirs and brass bands provide the musical accompaniment to create the perfect atmosphere. Particularly popular are the Berlin market, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt and the Striezelmarkt in Dresden. The Stollenfest makes for an unusual highlight of the Dresden market. Every year, members of the Dresdner
Stollen protection association (indeed) bake a huge stolen – a traditional Christmas cake – which weighs a ton. The Frankfurt Römerberg is another ideal location to experience a truly magical and original German Christmas market. Held from November 27 right up to December 22, the market’s beautifully decorated stalls offer a wide variety of local and regional specialities such as gingerbread, “Bethmännchen” or hot apple wine, sweets and pottery. And then there’s the unique honey shop on St. Paul’s Square, one of the market’s unusual attractions. At home in a 300-year-old halftimbered house erected for the duration of the Christmas market, the two-storey shop sells honey, mead,
candles and many other honey-based products that may be tasted or tested in the cosy first floor lounge. The traditional Munich Christmas market invites you to the Marienplatz with its historic town hall. It’s just a few steps to Germany’s biggest ‘Kripperlmarkt’, where you can find everything that belongs at a Christmas market. When the live music rings out daily from the town hall’s balcony you find yourself completely immersed in Advent. T he market square with its historical buildings is the perfect setting for Bremen’s enchanting Christmas market. Visitors come from far and wide to browse around the craft stalls and exhibitions in
the town hall (lower hall) and in Böttcherstrasse. Christmas concerts add to the festive mood. Of course the markets are not exclusive to Germany. Other top destinations include Poland’s Krakow and Prague, where the two main Christmas markets are just a short 10 minute stroll from each other. Set in the city’s grandest squares, you can feast on smoky barbecued sausages (Kolbása), sugar coated pastry (Trdelní¬k) or dripping hunks of roasted ham. The traditional wooden stalls hold an array of trinkets to take home, such as Czech crystal figurines, wooden toys and brightly painted puppets. In Vienna the smell of gluhwein, sausage and nutmeg lingers in the air. Carols can be heard at many of the markets but the most dazzling performances can be heard at the Christmas Market at Rathauspark and the magnificent City Hall.
Other favourites include Budapest, Zurich, Amsterdam, Bruges and, closer to home, Edinburgh. Now’s the time to bag a deal and here are some of our favourites: Spend two nights in the four-star Hotel Aida in Prague, on a B&B basis, from only €140 per person, based on two sharing. Price includes flights, accommodation, taxes and charges. Travel date: November 29 (www. GoHop.ie). Click&Go is offering fourstar Christmas market getaways from as little as e195 per person sharing (www.clickandgo.com). You can get a three-night stay in Bruges from e399 per person sharing, or Berlin from e359, with the Travel Department (www.traveldepartment.ie). Or how about two nights in the four-star Triple M Hotel from just €166 per person sharing, travelling on November 18 (www.GoHop.ie).
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22 GAZETTE 28 September 2017
DUBLINLIFE
A tale of two Civics Honda has unveiled its new Civic – a car that’s grown in size, stature and reputation over its 40-year history. MICHAEL MORONEY drove the two versions of the new Civic, both turbo-petrol powered, and he explains why making that choice will be important.
TEN GENERATIONS on and Honda has produced a new and distinctive Civic, the company’s best-selling car in Ireland. As the Civic celebrates 40 years of production, it has emerged as a more modern and bigger car than ever before. This latest Civic has retained its distinctive style, while it’s obviously sportier in design and feels more spacious. There is so much new in the latest generation Honda Civic and I must start with the new petrol engine options. There are two new engines for the Civic, a new three-cylinder 1.0-litre version and the new 1.5-litre option, both of which are turbocharged. Over a period of a week, I took my turn at driving both models with my longer driving time spent in the smaller 1.0litre version. The new three-cylinder 1.0-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine is more impressive to drive than you expect. The sixspeed manual gearbox gets the best out of the engine, which needs to rev into the higher speed zone for motorway driving. This will impact to some extent on the fuel economy figures which are rated at 21m/litre (4.8/100km or 59mpg). When I moved to the larger 1.5-litre VTEC turbo, it was matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox and the performance improved as too did the fuel economy. That was because the bigger engine with more power and torque required less revs to deliver of its best. It is also faster in terms of acceleration as you would expect given its additional 53bhp and
FASTNews
The new Volvo XC40
Small but mighty New VC40 launched VOLVO has expanded
its line-up of SUVs with the launch of its new XC40 small SUV. The new XC40 is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series including fully electrified vehicles. Co-developed within Geely, CMA claims to provide the company with the necessary economies of scale for this segment.
The new Honda Civic is a larger, lighter and more spacious car, with two new petrol engines under the bonnet and a complete interior design change
From start of production, the XC40 will be available with a
ing style and demands. In every aspect, this new Civic is different. Engine 1.0 litre Honda claims that this Engine power 129hp new Civic is lighter, yet 0 – 100km/hr 10.6 seconds stronger than in the past due to the use of new genEconomy 21m/litre (4.8/100km or 59mpg) eration steel in its structure. The car sits lower on Fuel Tank Capacity 46 litres the road and on a longer CO2 emissions 110g/km wheelbase, for greater Road Tax Band A3 €190 stability, adding to that Main Service 15,000km/12 months sporty driving feel. Existing Civic drivers Euro NCAP Rating 4 star (2017) will Warranty 3 years/100,000km notice that the interior of the car is totally Entry Price €23,750 new, with a new easier 40Nm of engine torque. have less of an impact to use layout, lots of new That extra power shaves than some of the other technologies included about 2.5 seconds off the useful specifications in coupled with a lower seat0 to 100km/hr accelera- the car. That’s why the ing position. tion pace. Switch cars as new 1.0-litre version is The layout is easy to use I did and you’ll quickly attracting more attention. and I quickly got familiar notice the change in pace This engine is smooth with the controls and the as the 1.5-litre version will and quiet, with power on Honda Connect system. power ahead, while not demand when needed. The new instrument disadding significantly to the The price point differ- play layout includes a ences are not very large, new seven-inch colour running costs. For those car owners so the engine choice, both TFT-LCD Driver Inforwho are mostly city driv- of which are impressive, mation Interface (DII) ers the engine choice will will depend on your driv- display with a large digital
SPECS: Honda Civic 1.0
tachometer and speedometer readout. The driver can switch between a variety of infotainment screens, including navigation instructions, SMS and email text display, smart phone contacts, journey trip information, and smart vehicle maintenance information. The Civic has achieved a four-star safety rating in a recent Euro NCAP crash testing programme, which includes improved pedestrian impact results, helped by the car’s new collision mitigation systems. The new 2017 Civic incorporates the secondgeneration of Honda’s infotainment and connectivity system, called Honda Connect which now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system allows the driver to bring iPhone functionality,
delivering the interface through the Civic’s display. Drivers can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music from the touch-screen or by voice using Apple’s Siri commands. The entry price point for the new Honda Civic at €23,750 is about 6% higher than the outgoing model but this is a radically changed car with impressive performance and economy improvements. The jump in price to the higher specification models is significant adding more than €2,500 when you choose the next step up, Plus versions that come with some additional useful kit and bigger alloy wheels. The bigger engine car for longer haul drivers adds a further €5,000 to the entry price, so choose carefully.
D4 diesel or a T5 petrol four-cylinder Drive-E engine. Further engine options, including a hybridised as well as a pure electric version, will be added later. The XC40 will also be the first Volvo model to be available with Volvo Cars’ new 3-cylinder engine. Volvo claims that the XC40 is one of the best-equipped small premium SUVs on the market. Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360 degree Camera that helps drivers manoeuvre their car into tight parking spaces.
28 September 2017 GAZETTE 23
2017 Range Rover Velar
2017 Peugeot 5008
2017 Tesla
2017 Seat Arona
Motoring debuts at the Ploughing Championships The motor companies also used the occasion to test the
IRISH MOTOR car distributors flocked in big numbers to test
industry braved the muck and heavy rain to show their latest
the appetite for new cars among the huge audience at this
models, some of which were seen by an Irish audience for the
market appetite for electric, hybrid and petrol cars. There
year’s National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore. The
first time ever. While some of the cars may have looked out
were plenty of offers on view to tempt drivers away from the
huge attendance, almost 300,000 people over three days, and
of place in terms of the muddy field background, the interest
diesel option, the rural market that dominates events such
not all rural folk, gives the motor companies an opportunity
among car enthusiasts was huge.
as the ploughing championships will take some persuading to
to gauge reaction to new models. While the international motor industry was focused on the comforts of the vast Frankfurt Motor Show, the Irish motor
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 7 seat
The ploughing event has become Ireland’s biggest motor show in terms of stands, ranges of cars on view and, of course, that huge national audience.
abandon diesel power, in the short term at least. Here we look at some of the new cars that appeared at the impressive national event.
2017 Renault Alaskan
GAZETTE
MOTORING
GAZETTE
24 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 September 2017
DUBLINLIFE
CINEMA
WIND RIVER: FILM’S SNOWBOUND SETTING EMPHASISES SOME ICY OBSERVATIONS
A chill runs through it FOLLOWING a relatively unremarkable career as an actor in television series such as Walker, Texas Ranger, Veronica Mars, and (slightly more notably) Sons of Anarchy, Taylor Sheridan made the transition to screenwriting and a name for himself as a chronicler of crime in the midst of dying Americana. Sheridan’s intelligent, lyrical and brutal screenplay for 2015’s Sicario followed drug-cartel crime along the Mexican-American border, hailed as much for its script as for Denis Villeneuve’s direction. Last year’s Hell or High Water, directed by David McKenzie, showed clearer signs of what’s evidently become Sheridan’s signature style and thematic fixation; the slowly dying American dream, manifested in shuttered businesses and vast western expanses of moral grey area. Hell or High Water was applauded for revitalising and modernising the western genre, resting comfortably at the top of many critics’ yearly lists (including this one). With his directorial debut, Wind River (Cert 16, 107 mins), Sheridan continues to play with those themes. However, for the characters of this harrowing thriller, the American dream was
ReelReviews
IT
Not clowning about here THE latest spin on the classic Stephen King tale from way, wayyy back when he was still great sees It (Cert 16, 134 mins) come to life. A group of kids band together when ‘It’ – an evil force that usually appears as a clown – starts preying on their small town. It might unsettle any coulrophobiacs out there (yes, we looked that one up, too), but the film has a decent ‘Stranger Things’ feel.
MARTIN MACNAMARA
never a possibility to begin with, denied them by the people that dreamt it up. Taking place on a Native American reservation on the plains and hills of snowy Wyoming, Wind River begins ominously, as a young girl runs for her life – and dies – in the cold of night. Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) is the reservation wildlife officer who discovers the body. FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) is brought in to investigate and when the autopsy reveals that the girl was raped, she teams up with Lambert to track down those responsible. Wind River is a lean, mean and expertly crafted thriller – a commendable job for Sheridan’s first directorial effort. The storytelling here is economic; often meditative but never painfully so. Despite the foggy nature of the crime, this is a story driven by emotion, rather than mystery. Wind River isn’t fraught with twists and turns – just the sudden, unsettling and graphic realisation
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Still feels otherwordly
A Native American reservation plays host to this tale of a murder and its investigation – but the death of the American dream also permeates the film’s frames
of inhumanity and deeprooted inequality. As with Hell or High Water, the emphasis on family ties leaves space for plenty of melodrama; Sheridan certainly has a penchant for the overtlytragic and doesn’t shy away from a helping of good old, American-style cheese. However, it’s never long before reality rears its ugly head – in Sheridan’s America, light only ever serves to illuminate the
darkness, to draw it out and give the bad prominence over the good. The vast expanses of white snow that dominate Wind River’s aesthetic may give the film a light, almost heavenly quality, but against that angelic canvass, bloodstains and dirt have nowhere to hide. Sheridan successfully juxtaposes darkness and light, the bad and the good, in everything from storytelling to style, to create another land of moral
grey area. The events unfold in a world not outside the word of law, but one largely forgotten by wider society, where crime can go unchecked, unpunished and where violence can flourish. The ultimate sadness here, then, is not in the tragic story we’re told, but the realistic depiction of a culture left by the wayside. Unfortunately, Wind River’s lead characters, played by Renner and
Olsen, are the story’s least interesting, and are less developed than the antiheroes of Hell or High Water. With a little more subtlety of message and a little more time spent developing these leads, Wind River would be a real winner. Still, there’s plenty here to have us leave the cinema both enthralled, angered and anticipating what Sheridan gives us next..
Verdict: 8/10
CINEMA fans are in for a treat with the 4K restoration of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Cert PG, 145 mins), which has briefly returned to earth for a limited run showing. The 1978 release has never looked or sounded so good, and still holds up well as a timeless masterpiece, as a group of disparate people are drawn together to answer one of Mankind’s greatest questions: are we alone?
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28 September 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 25
26 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 September 2017
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GAZETTE
28 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 September 2017
SPORT
Proud sponsors of the DLGFA adult championships
LADIES FOOTBALL: SEPTEMBER’S PLAYER OF THE MONTH WINNER
MONTHLYStars McCluskey
Club season reaches its crescendo in Fingallians SUNDAY sees the culmination of the New Ireland Assurance Championship season with Foxrock Cabinteely and Ballyboden St Enda’s battling it out for the senior championship crown at Lawless Park at 4pm. The final comes hot on the heels of Dublin’s second All-Ireland county success with plenty of the stars from Croke Park getting straight back into competitive action with Foxrock’s Sinead Goldrick, Hannah O’Neill, Tarah O’Sullivan and Niamh Collins all set to feature while Boden’s Emily Flanagan and key defender Rachel Ruddy the stars to watch. It forms the second half of a double header with the Junior B championship getting underway at 2pm with O’Dwyer’s making the short trip down from Balbriggan to the Swords venue to take on Raheny. It promises to be a cracking end to the 2017 New Ireland Assurance DLGFA club championship season. GazetteSport will be seeking your nominations for the October Star of the Month from these two ties to help us honour the finest performers on the club stage. Send in your nominations for October’s Player of the Month to sport@dublingazette.com by Monday, October 9, including the player’s name, club and a couple of lines about why you feel they should be up for the honour.
loving the dual sided lifestyle JAMES HENDICOTT
sport@dublingazette.com
ERIN’S ISLE full-forward Gillian McCluskey - the star of her side’s Dublin Junior C Final victory against Naomh Olaf earlier in September - is the New Ireland Assurance Ladies Football player of the month. McCluskey is a former Dublin camogie star, and still turns out for Erin’s Isle at the top end of competitive camogie at club level, meaning GAA is a real lifestyle for her. “ I ’m t r a i n i n g f i ve nights a week, and I’ve been playing since I was 12” she tells GazetteSport. “The football team at Erin’s Isle only started three years ago after one of the player’s husbands agreed to take it on, so it’s been an interesting journey. “We had a lot of play-
ers who had retired from camogie who came back for that first year, and we told the association we thought we were strong but we were put in Division 9. “That first year involved a lot of games where we scored ten or so goals. It’s been a bit tougher since then! But we’re star ting to see young players coming through more and more. The aim is to keep going year after year.” It took until this month, in fact, for Erin’s Isle to lose their first game of their 2017 season. They were defeated in the cup with a team weakened by holidays against Tomas Davis they but are set to add another promotion to a championship that saw them deal with some demons.
Gillian McCluskey, wearing 14, celebrates championship success. Picture: GAAPics.com
“We lost of Parnell’s in the semi-final last time around and beat them in the semi-final this time, which was obviously nice,” McCluskey recalls. “In the final [against Naomh Olaf], we felt like we should probably have won the game in the first half, we were a bit disappointed. “But we went in level after they got a late goal. We were really strong at the start of the second half, and they came back
a little bit towards the end.” McCluskey herself got two of the goals in a 4-7 to 2-10 win. “We have tended to score a few goals because we play in a way that creates space at the front,” she said. “I think a lot of the credit has to go to the defence, though, as they’re very good, and the platform they give us gives us real freedom in attack.” As for the crossover
into camogie? “I’ve found my eye is a lot better for the football from camogie,” she explains. “And the fitness level requirements for football are high, so that’s helped my camogie game. “I do a lot, it’s definitely a lifestyle, but I love it,” McCluskey jokes, “sure, it takes over sometimes but we have girls playing for us who have kids. At least I get to go home and get to look after myself!”
28 September 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 29
GAZETTE
FASTSport
Player of the match Healy hails “phenomenal” team JAMES HENDICOTT
Dublin scratch seven year All-Ireland itch
Heartache and pain of trio of successive senior ladies football final defeats laid to rest as Dublin breakdown Mayo resolve with breathtaking late show in front of a bumper crowd ALL-IRELAND FINAL Dublin 4-11 Mayo 0-11 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
A TEARFUL Noelle Healy. pictured, credited a “phenomenal” team effort as she was awarded player of the match in the All Ireland Ladies’ Final, as the Jackies swatted aside Mayo to bring home a long awaited Brendan Martin Cup. “It’s unbelievable,” Healy said as she picked up the award. “The last few years have obviously been very difficult to take. It’s such a great group of girls, we love playing football, we love playing with each other and we love playing for Dublin. This is just beyond words. “We’ve been working really hard on just doing the simply things, and playing the brand of football we like to play. Coming into the year, that’s all that Mick [Bohan] and all the management team were relaying, just do the simple things, just go out there and play your style of football.” “That’s what we did,” she explained. “We just stuck to it. We probably missed a few opportunities that we’d have been disappointed with, but it was just ‘next ball, next ball’. I think our bench was phenomenal. We were unfortunate to lose Sinead Finnegan [injured, in the first half], who’s been a stand out player for us this year. “Dee Murphy, who’s been pushing our standards so hard in training, she came on and just drove us on. The same with Fiona Hudson, and as for Sarah McCaffrey [who came off the bench to score two goals], what can you say. Phenomenal.” Captain Sinead Aherne lifted the Brendan Martin Cup after the game, and credited Mayo in her post match speech, saying they’d “brought so much to this final.” Aherne, who was a dominant attacking figure in the contest despite seeing her first half penalty saved, continued by thanking the county board, the supporters and the team. “The support of our clubs has been critical,” the Sylvester’s woman added. “To Mayo, we can only say that we’ve been where you are now. “We know the pain of defeat, but we also know that it can be overcome. We expected a massive battle today and you challenged us at every step. We know that we’ll see you back here soon.” “A special thank you for those who’ve been with us throughout, bringing us back from painful defeats as well as celebrating victory. It means more than we can ever express.”
DUBLIN scratched a seven-year itch to put their senior football final demons to bed as they confidently dismissed Mayo 4-11 to 0-10 in front of a huge record crowd of 46,286 at Croke Park on Sunday. Sinead Aherne and Cora Staunton exchanged early points with the game opening at an absolutely frantic pace. Staunton’s chances kept coming, in fact, but arguably the stand out star of ladies football showed a certain fallibility under huge pressure early on. She launched a couple of decent chances, including a free, wide of the Dublin posts.
The opening period was nip and tuck, a manic yet tactical contest from both sides, physical and fluid. Captain Aherne was clearly the key for Dublin, scoring the Jackies’ opening five points while the persistent Staunton clocked four in response at the other end. The first major turning point came with 20 minutes on the clock. Noelle Healy broke from midfield and charged unchallenged for forty metres, before neatly playing in Niamh McEvoy. McEvoy found just enough space in a crowded box to roll the ball into the back of the Mayo net and put the Dubs on top, 1-5 to 0-5. Then came another big moment. Six minutes before half time, Aherne broke into the Mayo box only to be clipped around
the ankle in a diving challenge by Mayo goalkeeper Yvonne Byrne, who was promptly sent from the pitch for 10 minutes. Aisling Tarpey stepped up and – already a couple of metres off her line as Aherne struck the penalty – pulled off a sharp save with her first touch of the match. Rachel Kearns joined Byrne in the sin bin and, with Mayo finishing the half with only 13 players, Noelle Healy hit the inside base of the Mayo post, only to see her effort bounce back out. Come the whistle, Dublin led 1-6 to 0-6, but Mayo could take plenty of comfort in the margin: the Jackies could – and probably should – have been out of sight. Lauren Magee almost got the Dubs off to the per-
The Dublin ladies footballers celebrate their All-Ireland success. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
fect second half start, with Aherne eventually scoring a free after the game was pulled back. Shortly before, Magee found herself clean through on the Mayo goal, but Aherne’s point gave Dublin a lead in excess of a single score for the first time. The Connacht side were slowly being restored to full strength following the dual sin binnings, though, and having racked up 10 wides to Dublin’s four, it was really the westerners finishing that was costing them most. A wide from Nicole Owens with Carla Rowe begging for the ball and free on goal on the far post was a poor move, while Healy’s mishit wide while similarly placed two minutes later looked like decisions the Jackies could regret, marking four
clear goal scoring chances missed for the girls in blue. As Aherne and Staunton kept the scoreboard ticking over, though, with 15 minutes remaining the gap was fluctuating only very slightly. Lauren Magee’s desperate block in defense was typical of an energetic Dubs side, and the space it created won Aherne another free from close in, giving the Dubs a 1-9 to 0-8 lead. Carla Rowe grinned as she knocked over her first point of the game with 12 minutes to go, some compensation for last year’s critical ‘wide’ score, which was called off target when it clearly split the posts in a single point final defeat. Dublin were running the clock down on forgetting recent woes, though, and it the final punch was still to come. Sarah McCaffrey, sister of Jack, lashed home from the edge of the square into the roof of the Mayo net, and suddenly the heartache looked over. From then on, it was easy street, as Dublin rammed home their advantage. Fiona Hudson’s brave block epitomised the spirit, and when Carla Rowe bashed home with three minutes remaining, there was a sense of destiny to it all. Seconds later, McCaffrey palmed in her second to really put things to bed, the final margin an emphatic 12 points. After a seven year break, and for the second time ever, Brendan Martin is back in the capital.
GAZETTE
30 LUCAN GAZETTE 28 September 2017
SPORT
FASTSport
SOCCER: GREENOGUE CLUB DENIED CUP TITLE IN DRAMATIC FASHION
Garda nabbed a second win. Picture: Martin Doherty
Chamberlain pair of tries lands fine win
GARDA Westmanstown RFC saw off Wicklow 18-5 to land a fine win from their second Leinster League Division 2 game of the season, making it two wins from two. Wicklow were first to put points on the board as they got a try within the first 10 minutes. Garda regrouped and came back strong with Ciara McDonnell converting two penalties, bringing the game to half time at 6-5 in Garda’s favour. Ciara McDonnell’s impressive boot and decisive decision-making skills found touch in the Wicklow half throughout the second half and allowed a strong Garda line out to play to their strengths. The second half saw two well executed tries with winger Emma Chamberlain getting on the end of both moves. Garda stretched the Wicklow defence with some impressive hands out to the wings by the back line. Garda kept the pressure on by breaking down the Wicklow defence with their forwards keeping the ball in hand and going from phase to phase. After the 60 minute mark, Garda made a few substitutions that added a greater level of intensity to the game, showing the depth of their squad to pull well clear. Garda’s first game had been away against Gorey which ended 13-12 to Garda, a very physical game where Gorey led the first half 12-8. Garda came back in the second half and applied a lot of pressure to end the game in front by the narrowest of margins. Ciara McDonnell put the first points on the board with a well-executed penalty. Tries were scored by the impressive number 8 Siobhan O’Neill and the agile winger Chamberlain. Despite the good start, Garda aren’t getting complacent on their opening two games as they’ve a long season ahead of them, staying hungry is Garda’s main priority. Their next game is on October 1 away to Suttonians, kick off 1pm.
Shelbourne’s Gloria Douglas chased by Peamount’s Chloe Maloney. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Penalty pain for Peamount WNL LEAGUE CUP FINAL Peamount United 1 Shelbourne 1 Shels win 5-4 on penalties sport@dublingazette.com
PEAMOUNT United suffered penalty agony as they found Shelbourne g o a l ke e p e r A m a n d a McQuillan in heroic form to see the city centre side retain the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup at Greenogue. McQuillan saved Niamh Barnes’ third spot kick for Peamount after 120 minutes of fitful football at the windswept Newcastle venue. Amber Barrett, Claire
Kinsella, Chloe Moloney and Eleanor Ryan-Doyle did score from 12 yards for Peamount who finished with 10 players after substitute Sarah McKevitt had been sent off. But Shels proved just a little more clinical from the spot as skipper Pearl Slattery, Gloria Douglas, Roma McLaughlin and Jamie Finn all scored before Rachel Graham slotted home the final kick to cue the celebrations. Starting the better, Reds carved the first real chance on four minutes. A surging run from Niamh Prior got her in behind down the inside left channel to feed McLaughlin who set up
WORLD ROAD RACE Celbridge man in Irish cycling team in Norway CELBRIDGE cyclist Adam Stenson competed in the Irish jersey at the 2017 World road race championships in Bergen Norway this week in the Under-23 race. While he didn’t finish the gruelling race, the call-up to the Irish team was a fine reward for a fine season, punctuated by doing his Leaving Cert. He won a series of races on the domestic circuit before doing likewise in Belgium to earn his spot.
Douglas to crash a shot off the crossbar. And Shels’ bright beginning brought its reward with the lead goal five minutes later. McLaughlin did well to nod down Alex Kavanagh’s deep free kick for Leanne Kiernan to shoot past Naoise McAloon. Peamount looked for a response and came close on 12 minutes, Heather Payne heading wide after good work by Barrett. Encouraged by that, the west Dublin side were level three minutes later as Payne got free to round McQuillan and tap home. Barrett then thought she’d put Peamount ahead on 19 minutes, but
McQuillan clawed her chip out at the second attempt. Shels played their way back into the game with Finn having a header cleared off the Peamount line from Siobhan Killeen’s corner. Playing with the wind at their backs in the second half, Peamount had an early goal disallowed for offside before they needed McAloon to rescue them with a terrific save from McLoughlan’s stinging drive. And there followed another let off for Peamount on 62 minutes. Killeen was put away by Douglas on the right to cross for Kiernan who
planted her header wide. Peamount remained dangerous on the break and Barrett should have done better than volley straight at McQuillan from Payne’s through ball three minutes later. The main incident in extra-time came 14 minutes in when Peamount’s McKevitt was dismissed for a bad challenge Both sides had chances to win it in the second period. Peamount’s RyanDoyle robbed Slattery only to see her chip sail wide. McAloon then produced the save of the game to tip over a thumping shot from Douglas, sending the game to penalties.
28 September 2017 LUCAN GAZETTE 31
GAZETTE
SENIOR HURLING
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
Lucan set up Ballyboden championship date
LUCAN SARSFIELDS CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin ladies
dinner. The dinner will be followed by
LUCAN Sarsfields booked their place in the
football on a superb All-Ireland final
music and song. Even if you can’t make
win. Bus-loads of players, mentors and
the golf or don’t play golf, why not join us
parents departed Lucan Sarsfields for a
at the Captain’s Dinner. All are welcome.
superb day out in Croke Park along with
To book golf and/or dinner, please text
a bus-load from Knockmore, Mayo who
John at 086 0412953.
quarter-finals of the Dublin senior A hurling championship with a fine 0-23 to 0-12 win over Ballinteer St John’s last weekend. The result meant they moved above Naomh Fionnbarra on goal difference who dropped out of the running altogether due to their loss to St Brigid’s. Lucan will next meet old nemesis Ballyboden St Enda’s in thequarter-finals.
FOOTBALL: DUBS MANAGER DELIGHTS HOME CROWD
played a challenge game in the morning.
The Cupla Focal Club is back on Mon-
One Lucan team are already looking for-
days from 8-9pm. Beginners welcome.
ward to a return visit to Mayo over the
If your Irish is rusty or you want to be
October Bank Holiday.
able to help your child with his/her
AGP0 is the latest addition to our
homework or you want to be able to
pitches; many will have noticed the goal-
have a basic conservation with a friend.
posts went up there at the weekend.
Learn to speak Irish in a fun way. Learn
The senior hurlers had a 0-23 to 0-12
50 new words and 20 new phrases each
point win over Ballinteer in the cham-
night. You will be surprised how fast you
pionship, giving them a Ballyboden
will take to it. Cost is just a donation to
encounter in the next round.
Nagarhope.
Senior camogie had a two-point loss
Music is starting in the club bar every
to Na Fianna in round three of the cham-
Saturday night next and every Saturday
pionship which was enough to see them
until Christmas.
through to a semi-final against St Vincent’s. The Lucan Sarsfields golf society cap-
Bingo is on Wednesdays at 8.30pm where the jackpot is growing and attracting a lot more players.
tain John Clancy’s Day takes place on
The club shop is back in action and
Saturday, October 7 in Moyvalley Golf
is scheduled to open on Thursdays
Club. Tee-time: 11.45am to 1pm followed
from 7.30-8.30pm and Saturdays from
that evening by the Captain’s Dinner at
10.30am to 1pm.
8pm in the Lucan Spa Hotel. The cost for the golf is €35 and €25 for
The Lucan District Credit Union Academy is back on Saturdays.
ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN Dublin manager Jim Gavin, selector Frank Roebuck and Round Tower Iar Cathaoirleach Ed O’Malley paid a visit to long-time Towers club servant Eugene Garrigan with the Sam Maguire Trophy
Grounded Gavin hails Round Tower network KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com
CRITICISING a manager who has just delivered a historic three AllIreland championships seems to be flavour of the week with the likes of Paul Kimmage and Eamon Dunphy taking to the airwaves with Jim Gavin in the crosshairs. In the wake of Dublin’s incredible three ina-row victory last week, edging out Mayo in a Croke Park classic, plenty has been said about the Round Tower man’s media presence with the focus far away from tac-
tics or the boys in blue’s unparalleled preparation to reach new heights. In true Gavin fashion, however, he let all the criticism fly over his head when he returned to his home club in Clondalkin with the Sam Maguire in tow to deliver a passionate speech praising the influence his parents and Round Tower coaches had on his success. “Not only were they a big influence upon my life but what I picked up off my mum and dad were their capacity for hard work,” said Gavin. “I always remember my Mum, a primar y
school teacher in Inchicore, way ahead of her time, working for the family. That capacity for hard work is something that has stood to me for a long time, so thanks Mum and Dad. “A lot of what I have picked up along the way comes from my time in Clondalkin. “It all came from him here growing up with such great coaches down the years – too many to mention. I picked up a little from each and put it in a pot and mixed it around. They had a big influence on my life.” Gavin also took time
to embarrass his two children – who stood next to him throughout his speech – as he recalled dancing with their mother on that exact spot over three decades earlier. “I was here 31 years ago dancing with your mammy on this exact spot, chasing her around the tables. She was ducking and diving.” Gavin’s children may not have liked that little trip down memory lane but the crowd certainly did as they witnessed a true, unguarded version of one of the county’s all-time great managers.
GREAT win for the senior hurlers on Sat-
out for all as they watched Dublin take
urday against Oliver Plunkett’s at home
the title win. Well done to all involved in
in Glenaulin; well done to the managers
organising the tickets for the club and
and players.
the trip.
The U-14 hurlers had a big win on Sat-
Thank you to Palmerstown Commu-
urday also with final score 2-13 to 0-3
nity Association and Duffys circus for
against Ballinteer, well done to all the
their generosity in giving tickets for a
lads.
group of our eight to 12-year-olds to
Senior camogie played a great game against Portobello on Sunday morning, coming away with a win. Hard luck to our minor hurlers and the U-15s in their games away on Sunday. A bus left Palmerstown on Sunday
attend the local circus on Wednesday . Our lotto numbers this week were 5, 17 ,19 and 27. There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot is €4,400. Thanks for all your continued support of our lotto.
with an enthusiastic group of young St
Tickets are available from Supervalu,
Pat’s players to attend the ladies Gaelic
Manor Hair Studios and Palmerstown
football final in Croke Park. A great day
House.
GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN THE juniors finished their season at
the Dublin ladies beat Mayo in the All-
home in the league on Sunday morn-
Ireland final and got to meet Dean Rock
ing, losing to Round Towers of Lusk in
and Kevin McManamon. Thanks to team
their final Division 8 match. Well done to
mentors and managers for organising
the management and players for their
the event.
efforts during the year.
Lots of juvenile playing activity last
The intermediates take on St Jude’s
week with the U-11 hurlers hosting
next Sunday in the championship quar-
St Vincent’s, the U8- hurlers hosting
ter-final at O’Toole Park; throw in at
Thomas Davis, the U-9 hurlers away to
2.30pm.
Good Counsel, the U-14 hurlers at Erin go
The minors beat St Margaret’s away in a challenge match last Friday even-
Bragh and the U-12 hurlers at home to Bray Emmetts.
ing and play the final group champion-
Next Saturday is the Family Fun Day
ship match next Sunday away at Good
and Stubborn Mule Cycling Sportive.
Counsel.
There is something for everybody, juve-
Many of our juveniles had a great day out at Croke Park last Sunday to see
nile and adults, so please come out and support your club.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR LUCAN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
SHELLING PEAS: Greenogue club find WNL League Cup title just out of reach as Shelbourne win on penalties P30
SEPT 28 - OCT 4, 2017
ALL-IRELAND DREAM AT LAST: After three harrowing finals, Dubs reach promised land P28-29
St Francis Under-15’s Frank Cox Cup final success
Super Saints’ Cox Cup glory Baldonnel boys edge out Broadford Rovers in a thrilling decider at the AUL Complex, bringing home the DDSL title thanks O’Mahony’s strike KARL GRAHAM
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SEAN O’Mahony scored with the last kick of the game to help St Francis to a 2-1 win over Broadford Rovers in the final of the Under-15 DDSLFrank Cox Cup at the AUL Complex last weekend. In a physical encounter, St Francis took a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to another O’Mahony strike before Zack Lecheheb equalised from a cracking strike with just 14 minutes left on the clock. With extra-time looming and little to separate the two sides, O’Mahony popped up to find the back of the net for the second time and
hand his team the trophy. “He’s an excellent centre forward,” St Francis manager David Farrell told GazetteSport. “It was a hard fought game. It was very physical but fair. I really thought it was going to go to extra-time and penalties but, like all good centre forwards, he pulled it out of the bag. Despite the close score line, Farrell maintains his side were on top for the majority of the tie. “We were well on top. We missed one or two good chances and we were defending well but we got caught out at the back post in the second half. “They were on top for 15 minutes, as in all games they’ll get their quota of [time] being on
top.” St Francis are currently in the process of regrouping after the introduction of the FAI’s Under-15 league saw their two Under-15 sides become one after players from the premier team dispersed to join the League of Ireland. “It is a great achievement for the lads. The premier side went all together but we are second in the league and with four games remaining have a chance of winning the title. “I am their manager since they were Under8s and there is a core group of four or five lads who have always been with me, and other lads have come and gone. “We’ve brought a few lads in from Knockmitten this year and they are doing very well.
They’ve brought the group up.” With many football clubs across the country now boasting astro pitches allowing them to train in all weathers, Farrell believes the development of his players has been held back due to the club’s inability to acquire funding to build one of their own due to being based beside the isolated Baldonnell Airbase. “The facilities are there. They only thing we haven’t got is an astro pitch. We can’t get our hands on funding for it at the moment because we are classed as a rural area even though all the lads are from Clondalkin. “You really have to be in a housing area. We pay out nearly €20,000 every year hiring out astro pitches for the teams.”