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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE FINGAL AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  JANUARY 25-31, 2018

GAZETTE

Motoring

MICHAEL MORONEY TAKES A LOOK AT THE GROWING POPULARITY OF PICK-UP TRUCKS ACROSS IRELAND

PAGES 28-29

SPORT Flynn set for Armagh flyer

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BALBRIGGAN LOCALS BANDING TOGETHER FOR HEAVENLY MUSIC

Gospel music mum ‘feeling on Cloud 9’  SYLVIA POWNALL

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A MUM-OF-FOUR has told how she’s found new purpose in her life – thanks to singing with a Gospel choir.

Jayne Robinson (35) from Balbriggan was in the depths of depression when the idea of setting up a singing group came to her late last year.

Encouraged by pals she put

out the word seeking members and together with co-founder Sharon Kelly has seen the choir swell in numbers to well over 100 members.

Former soldier Jayne told

Dublin Gazette: “I was feeling very down. I was lost and I didn’t know what to do with myself.

“I’d always loved music because it lifts you up when

you’re feeling low. Three months ago I was so negative I didn’t even want to leave the house. But now the feeling of joy I get is just amazing.”

Continued on Page 3

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NO CHARGES | MOTHER LOST HER TEENAGE SON TO SUICIDE

Calls for new laws to protect children from online predator threat  SYLVIA POWNALL THE mother of a teenager who took his own life after months of cyber bullying has called for new laws to protect children from online predators and trolls.

Elaine Hughes issued the plea after it emerged last week that there will be no criminal prosecution relating to the tragic death of her son Darren Gibson Hughes.

The 17-year-old was found dead at a disused warehouse in Stephen-

stown Industrial Estate, Balbriggan, on August 23, 2012.

He had been reported missing by his mother after he failed to return to the family’s former home at New Haven Bay in the north Dublin town the previous night.

Elaine believes Darren, who was her eldest child, was bullied because of the colour of his skin and because he wore a hearing aid.

The Director of Public Prosecutions revealed to the Coroner’s Court that,

following consideration of a file containing 5,500 pages of online messages, no charges will be brought.

Ms Hughes broke down in tears as Sgt John Cannon of Lusk Garda Station informed the court of the DPP’s decision not to bring charges.

She has now called for a review of the DPP’s decision and says she wants to see the Garda file on her son’s death.

She said: “The law needs to change. There are too many children out there who feel there is no

other option. I think that Darren’s case is being dismissed, that more could be done.”

Elaine said she retrieved deleted text messages on Darren’s phone telling him to kill himself. Information provided by Facebook includes messages with inferences of harassment and bullying.

She said: “Darren was an absolute diamond of a lad. He believed these people were his friends.

He was just broken. This was a sick, sadistic game and that is what cyber bullying is.

“This has affected our entire family, we are all

devastated at losing Darren. I feel let down by the justice system, but I will continue to fight as long as I have breath in my body.

“Politicians need to wake up to the country we’re living in now or they’re going to lose an entire generation.”

A Bill put forward by the Labour Party proposes updating the existing definitions of communication and harassment to outlaw cyberstalking, cyberbullying and revenge porn.

A full hearing of the inquest into Darren’s death is scheduled to take place in May.

FASTNews Final draw for a brand new Seat Ibiza Sport ONE lucky customer will drive away with a brand new Seat Ibiza Sport at Eurospar in Feltrim this Saturday, January 27.

The final draw takes place in the competition which has been running in store for the past two months to celebrate the supermarket’s recent revamp.

There will be free face painting and a DJ on the day to keep kids entertained with the fun event due to get under way at 11am.

Retailer Ger Ralph said: “We are so excited to give away a 181-reg car to one of our nine finalists. We’ll have plenty of tasty treats and samples and we hope to see many new faces join us.”

Eurospar Feltrim is also in the process of fundraising for a defibrillator as part of a wider national initiative by the retail chain.

Rotary Club of Dublin Fingal THE Rotary Club of Dublin Fingal meets for lunch every Monday at 1pm in the Maldron Hotel, Dublin Airport.

The charity has 31 men and women on its membership list and welcomes Rotarians travelling in and out of Ireland as guests to its meetings.

Founded in 1979, the Fingal club has members from all over north Dublin including Drumcondra, Glasnevin, Portmarnock, Swords, Malahide, Clontarf, Killester and Sutton.

The club invites speakers to attend the weekly lunches, has a proud history of running charity projects in Fingal, and participates in Rotary international projects.

For further information see the Facebook page @RotaryClubOf DublinFingal or visit the website at www.rotaryclubofdublinfingal.com.

‘Scrap local property tax’

Teaming up to launch new unit

GUEST of honour Michaela Morley (13) from Mayo is pictured with Ireland rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll at the official opening of the new €5.5m Neurology and Renal outpatients unit in Temple Street Children’s Hospital, entirely funded by public donations.

The two-floor unit will cater to over 6,500 patients who attend the hospital for treatment each year. Picture: Andres Poveda

SINN FEIN TD Louise O’Reilly has called on the Government to scrap the local property tax once and for all.

She said: “The penny has finally dropped with the Finance Minister that having set rates when property prices were low, the property tax will be even more punitive in nature now that house prices have risen significantly.

“We have the ludicrous scenario of a Government desperately trying to wangle itself out of its own policy objectives.

“The local property tax is punitive, and the proposed review framework is a belated public acknowledgment by Government of this fact.

“Home owners in Dublin and across the country steeped in mortgage debt they cannot afford and negative equity simply cannot take a hike on what is in effect is a tax on their debt.”

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

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Balbriggan bliss as locals flock to sing gospel music Continued from Page 1

The newly-formed Balbriggan Gospel Choir is the talk of the town and Jayne says she’s inundated with requests from people looking to join its ranks.

There were well over 100 people at its inaugural rehearsal in the Bracken Court Hotel last week and members are already working towards their first public performance in March.

Dave Flood, who is also involved with the High Hopes Choir for the homeless, is director with support from local

The choir’s founders: Dave Flood, Ciaran Melia, Jonathon Collins, Edel Murray, Jayne Robinson and Sharon Kelly

musicians Ciaran Melia and Edel Murray.

Jayne said: “Members are from all faiths and all communities. We have people coming

down from Laytown in Meath and our drummer travels over from Lucan.

“It’s a great way of socialising but we’re also striving to be the

best we can. People have been telling me they’ve never felt so happy as when they’re in that room.

“I’m on cloud nine. To go from being so unhappy to have found your place in life, it’s like a dream. I used to sing in front of the mirror as a kid but who’d have thought it could lead to this?”

Anyone interested in joining can come along to rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm in the Bracken Court Hotel or visit the Facebook page, Balbriggan Gospel Choir.

JayneRobinson: “I’m on cloud nine. To go from being so unhappy to have found your place in life, it’s like a dream.

I used to sing in front of the mirror as a kid but who’d have thought it could lead to this?”

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Out and About

Annual Tractor Run a success Barney out on the Tractor Run

B

Fingal Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley and Barney Greene. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Jim Gaffney and James Downey

ARNEY Greene has done it again with a well-organised tractor run that has raised €8,000 for the St Francis Hospice. This fundraiser for the hospice is organised every January by Barney whose tireless efforts over the past 11 years, have made a great difference to the hospice. A total of 94 tractors departed from Man O’War Bar and Restaurant on their journey throughout the North County in pleasant weather conditions.

Presenting the cheque at Man O’War Bar and Restaurant Pat O’Grady and Peter Farrell

Pauline Greene, Aidan Daly and Olga Estridge

Aidan Gaffney, Matt Beggs and Tom Whelan

Martin McNulty and Maria Greene

25 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

FASTNews

Builder escapes jail after he ‘loses it’ and attacks teen A DUBLIN builder has escaped jail after he “just lost it” and attacked a teenager by holding him up over his head and slamming him onto the ground with force.

John Paul Byrne (38), of Parnell Green, Parnell Estate, Mulhuddart, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Eoin Healy (17), at a house in Mulhuddart on October 9, 2016.

A garda sergeant told the court that Mr Healy was cycling home on the night when he was confronted by Byrne, who recognised the bike as having been stolen from his son earlier that day.

Mr Healy was unaware that the bike was stolen property, but the defendant presumed he’d taken it.

Counsel for dad-of-three Byrne said he was extremely embarrassed and deeply ashamed of his actions, adding that he accepted what he did was wrong.

Handing Byrne an 18-month suspended sentence, Judge Cormac Quinn said that Mr Healy was lucky to have only received a fractured wrist in the attack.

“It was a reckless and dangerous act and is aggravated by the fact that the injured party was only 16 at the time,” he said.

Investigations continuing after bookmakers robbed GARDAI investigating separate armed robberies at two bookmakers have appealed for information.

In the first raid, three men armed with a knife and a wrench stole around €200 from a bookies at the Racecourse Shopping Centre in Baldoyle at 11.35am on Sunday.

They sped off in a silver BMW car. The incident was reported to Howth Garda Station and investigations are ongoing.

Less than three hours later a man armed with a handgun made off with an undisclosed sum of money from another bookies two miles away.

The robbery from a premises on Strand Road in Portmarnock was reported to Malahide Garda Station and investigations are continuing.

A garda spokesperson said it is “too early at this stage of the investigation” to link the robberies.

WASTE | SINN FEIN CLLR CALLS FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY

Lynam rubbishes bin companies’ charges  SYLVIA POWNALL

SINN Fein Cllr Philip Lynam has called for more transparency around billing by bin companies amid claims they are in breach of competition law.

Some firms operating in the capital have hiked prices and are illegally offering flat-rate fees since pay-by-weight charges were introduced last year, a waste services watchdog has found.

A report due for publication by the Price Monitoring Group will not name and shame waste companies which have increased their prices – but it warns action may be taken if charges continue to rise.

Swords-based Cllr Lynam said he was outraged at the revelations that firms were allegedly colluding to carve up the market across the capital.

He told Dublin Gazette: “I meet hardpressed families on a daily basis in our constituency office in Swords, many who simply have not seen the recovery and who simply cannot afford the price of a bin tag.”

Call to consider a ‘People’s Bank’

FINE Gael Cllr Tom O’Leary has urged Fingal County Council to consider allowing a ‘People’s Bank’ to expand to north county Dublin.

The Sparkasse community bank, which has been hailed as a success story in Germany, wants to expand into Ireland.

The issue was discussed at a council meeting where Cllr O’Leary urged officials to enter into discussions with the lender.

Cllr O’Leary revealed

that he is maintaining “ongoing discussions”with the financial institution and is “very impressed” with their banking model.

He added: “There is a need for serious competition in the retail banking sector. The current players are shrinking services to customers.”

He said the bank would be held in trust by the council but owned by the community and all profits would either be invested in Fingal or ploughed back

into the bank to provide loans at favourable interest rates.

Cllr O’Leary suggested a potential partnership arrangement between the bank and Irish credit unions and said the model could be a “win, win” proposition for both.

The council says it will “investigate this model of banking and invite Sparkasse to meet the councillors and officials” at an upcoming Economic policy committee meeting.

Urging that the decision to privatise waste collection services be reversed, he added: “I am calling for this alleged cartel to be broken up and that all bin services should be under State authority.

“It is a health and safety issue and the only concern of these companies is how to maximise their earnings. This is while taxpayers are left to pick up

the rubbish, and the tab, for illegal dumping while these firms clean up with massive profits.”

Fingal County Council spent almost €700,000 tackling illegal dumping in 2016 and the final figure for 2017 is expected to be significantly higher.

Cllr Lynam tabled a motion last June urging the Environment Minister to consider bringing bin ser-

vices back under the control of local authorities. It has yet to be debated at council due to a backlog.

T he leaked repor t found some operators have reduced their fees since they were forced to offer pay-by-weight. One company’s service charge jumped from €22.75 to €26.50, while another dropped from €17 to €12.

The information was

gathered by ‘mystery shoppers’ who called waste companies posing as new customers.

The watchdog group, led by consumer expert Frank Conway, has the power to make recommendations to Environment Minister Denis Naughten, who in turn can take action against companies in breach of the new laws.

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HOMES | FCC EXCEEDS ITS 2020 TARGET BY 63% MARGIN, DELIVERING 2,241 UNITS

Council powers past its social housing target

 SYLVIA POWNALL FINGAL County Council (FCC) has already exceeded its six-year target for housing by 63% – almost three years ahead of schedule, a report reveals.

The local authority has delivered 2,241 social housing units since April 2015, having been set a target by central government of 1,376 for the period 2015-2020.

The figure represents an investment of €151 million, which is 86% greater than the council’s initial allocation of €81 million from central government.

The figures were presented to elected members at last week’s monthly meeting of Fingal County Council by its director of housing, Margaret Geraghty.

She revealed: “When we were given our target

in April 2015, it looked a daunting task. However, our staff, assisted by councillors and the approved housing bodies we work with, rose to the challenge.

“We are acutely aware that there is still a lot more to be done to reduce the numbers on our housing list, as well as the numbers presenting as homeless, but our performance over the last three years shows

that we are fully committed to doing that and our pipeline for the next three years also reflects this.”

The council has been set a revised target of providing 5,084 social housing units in the six years to 2020, and the RAS and HAP schemes can no longer be used towards meeting it.

This means the local authority will have to supply the remaining 2,833 homes through new builds, leasing and buying properties. It aims to deliver 141 units this year, 388 in 2019 and the remaining 860 in 2020/2021.

Geraghty said: “It is another massive challenge but it reflects the demand for social housing within Fingal.”

Separately, there has also been a broad welcome for the affordable housing measures that were announced by Housing Minister Eoghan

The council has said that its performance backs up its commitment to meeting housing needs in the county

Murphy on Monday.

T h e G ove r n m e n tbacked mortgage scheme for first-time buyers, which offers competitive rates lower than most banks, will be available in Fingal from Thursday, February 1.

Senator James Reilly told Dublin Gazette: “I’m delighted; this guarantees that homes will be affordable for both buyer

and renter. The loan can be used for both new and second-hand properties, or to buy your own home.”

A person earning €40,000 a year could afford to buy a house worth €224,920, paying a 10% deposit and borrowing €198,000 from their local authority, with monthly repay ments in the region of €858 a month.

FACILITY | PUMPING STATION PRAISED

€3m investment boost to help Loughshinny tackle its waste water

THE announcement by Irish Water of a €3 million investment in a waste water treatment plant at Loughshinny has been given a broad welcome.

The new pumping station will address pollution issues and lift the ban on building in the area, according to Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG).

He said: “This is long overdue and will enable local families to now plan for homes on family plots and sites adjacent to their homes in the area.

“The waste water system was overloaded and there was a restriction or cessation of local building due to lack of compliant waste water facilities.

“I have had many representations from local residents frustrated that they could not build for family members.

This new pumping station will address that issue.”

Irish Water expects the plant to be operational in 2019, and it’s expected to address the issue of raw sewage being pumped into the sea at Loughshinny.

Cllr O’Leary said: “There is potential for suitable commercial investment in the area, particularly down at the beautiful harbour area which is zoned local town centre commercial under the current development plan.”

Irish Water revealed it had submitted a compulsory purchase order to An Bord Pleanala for the lands needed and the project would see the existing septic tank decommissioned with a new plant linking to the pumping station at Skerries.

FASTNews

All welcome at Toastmaster’s upcoming evening SWORDS Toastmasters are holding their next open evening at the Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords, on January 29, with all once again welcome to come along to the free event.

Taking place from 8.15pm, with registration at 7.45pm, the Toastmasters look forward to meeting anyone who’d like to help develop leadership, communication or presentation skills, build their confidence and develop their speaking ability, and meet friendly, like-minded people.

For further information, see info@swordstoastmasters.ie, or see www.toastmasters.ie.

Malahide Lions’ upcoming charity night set to be a roaring success LET Malahide Lions help banish the winter blues with Le Grand Tour Quiz in the Grand Hotel on Thursday, February 1 at 7.45pm.

This novel travelthemed quiz will bring a ray of springtime sunshine to you all.

Paddy Courtney, the well-known actor, writer and Radio Nova host will guide you on your travels and test your knowledge with his inimitable mix of sharp wit, spice and plain, good fun.

Every single cent raised goes to Malahide Lions’ charities.

These include St Francis Hospice, Hugh’s House, St Michael’s House, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Parkinsons Association of Ireland.

They work tirelessly to raise much needed funds for these very worthy causes.

A table of four will cost you €50; there are great prizes to be won, so make sure to join them on this exciting trip.

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FASTNews

Teenagers face a spate of taxi robbery charges TWO teenage boys have been charged with a spate of robberies of taxi drivers in Tyrellstown.

The pair, aged 14 and 16, appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court and were remanded on bail with strict conditions. They were charged with three counts of robberies of taxi drivers on December 10, 12, and 17 last.

It is alleged a phone worth €400 was taken from a taxi driver at Curragh Hall on the first date, another driver was allegedly robbed of a phone worth €600 along with €200 in cash during the second incident, and that €150 was taken during the third alleged robbery.

The younger boy is also facing a further charge for failing to pay a taxi for a journey, in Balbriggan, and trespassing at a building site there following a chase on December 12.

They have not yet indicated how they will plead and were ordered to abide by bail conditions including a curfew, an order to go to school and not to associate with each other.

SCHOOLS | FG DEPUTY’S PAMPHLET BLASTED BY IRATE MUM ON LIVELINE

Internet safety info is a step too Farrell for some  SYLVIA POWNALL

FINE Gael Deputy Alan Farrell has defended a pamphlet on internet safety distributed to primary schools in Fingal after one mother labelled it offensive.

The booklet (right), which includes a graphic glossary of sexting terms, such as TDTM (talk dirty to me) , CU4S (see you for sex), and KYS (kill yourself), was given to the woman’s nine-year-old daughter in school.

Speaking to Joe Duffy’s Liveline, the Dublin mum – herself a teacher

– said she was “absolutely appalled” to come home from work and find the document on the kitchen table.

She said: “I had been informed via an email the

The 20-page booklet is entitled, Cyber Safety for Parents and Guardians, and was produced by Deputy Farrell, who chairs the Children and Youth Affairs committee, to offer advice on social media apps and the dangers of cyber bullying.

Deputy Farrell said he decided to produce these booklets and distribute them to the principals of schools in his constituency.

He added: “It is completely targeted for parents and guardians. It is not a document that has been produced to be handed to a child, particularly a young child. It is produced for parents, guardians and as a teaching aid.”

Some of the pages of the pamphlet on internet safety put together by Deputy Alan Farrell (FG). Screengrabs: Issuu.com

Deputy Farrell said he considered distributing the booklet in an envelope to be “appropriate”, though some schools had decided to make it available to parents in the office.

He said he had been “surprised” at the level of interest, adding: “Whether we like it or not, children and young people are being exposed to far worse things online on a daily basis.”

ENTERPRISE | FORMAL APPOINTMENT OF RUSH MAN

Jock Jordan named as new Fingal Dublin Chamber President

Lusk site bought for new school A SITE has been purchased in Lusk for a new school building for Hedgestown NS. St Laurence O’Toole Diocesan Trust bought the land on behalf of the board of management, paving the way for a new primary school building.

The news was welcomed by Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) who revealed that officials from the Department of Education are working on plans for the facility.

He said he would work closely with Education Minister Richard Bruton to ensure speedy delivery of the facility.

day before that it would sent home in the schoolbags in an envelope. Obviously, I didn’t know the content of the booklet.

“By the time I got home from work, my daughter had taken it out of her bag, left it on the table. It had been opened and she had read some of the material, including some of the items on page 15 which were absolutely horrendous.

“Why was this handed to her in school and not sent directly to parents?

I think it is an absolute disgrace. I have had a sick feeling since my child had access to it.”

Jock Jordan, the new president of Fingal Dublin Chamber

RUSH native Jock Jordan has been appointed as the new president of Fingal Dublin Chamber.

Jock, group sales director with One4all gift cards, was formally given the role at a recent Chamber meeting with Bill Kearney from Mulhuddart appointed vicepresident.

Accepting the chain of office, he said: “I want to thank Guy Thompson [outgoing president] for his personal commitment, dedication and service to the Chamber over the past two years.

“With serious issues such as Brexit and Metro North on

our horizon, and the continued importance of Dublin Airport and its economic impact for the region, it is imperative we have a strong and growing Chamber.”

Strategy C h a m b e r c h i e f e xe c u t i ve Anthony Cooney said he was looking forward to working with the new president in implementing the organisation’s strategy for the coming year.

He said: “As the economy continues to grow we need to build resilience and prepare for key challenges facing our business.”

As group sales director, Jock oversees sales of the One4all multi-store gift cards through post offices, PostPoint outlets, online and through the corporate sales team.

Jock is married to Aedeen: they have two adult children, and live in Rogerstown, Rush. He is a member of Rush Community First Responders, and a member of St John’s Ambulance.

Fingal Dublin Chamber, which was founded in 1994, is the region’s largest business organisation, representing more than 350 members and growing.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 25 January 2018

Out and About

GAA legend is on the ball for car draw Father Eugene Kennedy, Lauren Magee, Deirdre Murphy and Alan Brogan

Mia Sommerville and Anna Duffy. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

S

T Francis Hospice held their annual Car Draw in Blanchardstown Centre recently.

Dublin legend Alan Brogan was there with the Sam Maguire, while Lauren Magee and Deirdre Murphy from the Dubs Ladies Team brought the Brendan Martin Cup. It was a great chance for fans to meet their heros and great a great photograph opportunity.

The main prize was a Ford Fiesta ZETEC and there were plenty of cash prizes on offer also.

Diesel Blanchardstown donated €1,000 to the Hospice. Over €100,000 was raised from the draw.

Father Dan Joe, Fintan Fagan, Fingal Mayor Mary McCamley, Sr Patricia, Father Eugene Kennedy, Sr Margaret Mihrab Choubhury

Willie Fleming

and Joe Gavin

25 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Daniela Cooke and Suzanne Murphy

Alan Brogan with Aifric and Senan White

Lisa Maughan and Joe Joyce

John Todd, Donal Glennon and Kathleen Glennon

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

Over 950 jobs saved through examinership

OVER 950 jobs in Ireland were saved through examinership last year according to a new report.

The latest Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Examinership Index shows that 957 jobs were saved, with 22 companies successfully emerging from the examinership process.

Despite the fact that the economy continues to recover with unemployment expected to dip below 5.5% this year and economists across the board forecasting GDP to grow by around 4%, there continues to be a number of businesses in counties across the country that are struggling with debt or structural issues that arise from the previous boom.

The principal cases involved companies in all corners of Ireland, including well-known brands such as The G, The Eye Cinema, The Meyrick, The Golden Pages and The Regency (since rebranded as The Bonnington Hotel Dublin).

More information about the Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Examinership Index is available at www.bakertillyhb.ie.

Review into codes on workplace bullying THERE have been calls for the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the HSA to review their codes on bullying in the workplace.

Minister Pat Breen has called for a review of the codes, with WRC’s code dating back to 2002, and the HSA code last being updated in 2007.

Breen said: “It is timely to have a review carried out.

I have asked the WRC and the HSA to work together to examine the possibility of developing a single Code of Practice for Bullying in the Workplace”.

This initiative has been brought to the fore as it has become evident that case law surrounding workplace bullying is constantly evolving.

The calls for review follow the enactment of a new code of practice on Longer Working in December.

REPORT | THREEFOLD INCREASE IN ENQUIRIES FROM MORTGAGE HOLDERS

A flurry of activity reported in mortgage switcher market EXPERTS at MyMortgages.ie have reported a flurry of activity in the mortgage switcher market since the beginning of the year.

The brokers forecast the switcher market alone will experience double digit growth in the first six months of the year, as an increasing number of mortgage holders learn of the option which could potentially save them anywhere in the region of €311 per month and €112,000 over the lifetime of an average €350,000 mortgage.

Joey Sheahan, head of credit at MyMortgages.ie believes a number of factors that have led to the influx in enquires they have experienced in the last two weeks.

“We have experienced a threefold increase in the volume of enquiries received

since January 2 from mortgage holders all over the country wondering if they might be eligible to switch lender and avail of cheaper rates,” he said.

“We put this down to a number of factors.

As a result of recent media reports, anecdotal evidence suggests that an increasing number of mortgage holders seem to now be aware of the fact that switching lenders to avail of a better rate might be a viable option for them.”

Experts at MyMortgages.ie predict that recent proposals put forward by Fianna Fail to ban bank incentives to switch will lead to an even greater level of activity as people try to “get in” before any such legislation is introduced.

Mortgage holders are looking to avail of cheaper rates

Dealz to launch Pep&Co clothing line DEALZ has announced it will open 30 PEP&CO ‘shop-inshop’ fashion outlets in its stores creating over 120 Irish jobs.

The first 10 of the 30 Irish PEP&CO concessions will open on the same day.

The first ten shop-in-shops will appear in Dealz f lagship store in Blanchardstown, K ilkenny, Dundr um, Naas, N e w b r i d g e , G o r e y, A t hy,

Finglas, Ballina and Castlebar.

In Ireland, prices at PEP&CO start at €1.50 with almost 60 per cent of items at €5.00 or less.

The news comes as part of a wider announcement made by parent company Poundland, as they unveiled plans to open over 150 PEP&CO ‘shop-inshop’ fashion outlets over the next 12 months in Ireland, the

UK and France.

Managing director at PEP&CO, Adrian Mountford, said: “We are very excited to bring our fashion and brand to Irish consumers. “ We a l r e a d y r u n 17 0 PEP&CO stores in the UK, most of them located inside Poundland stores, so introducing PEP&CO to the Irish marketplace via Dealz has always

been a priority.

“This Christmas we sold over a million more items than we did in our whole first year of trading in 2015.

“Thanks to our partnership with Poundland – and now Dealz in the Republic of Ireland - we’re set to double in size over the coming year, helping us to drive economies of scale to keep prices low .”

DUBLINLIFE

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GAZETTE

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

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

DOG OF THE WEEK: CAN YOU GIVE ONE OF THESE CANINE COMPANIONS THE HOME THEY DESERVE?

Either of these boys will charm DUBLIN Gazette has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week, we’re highlighting two delightful dogs for your consideration – just two of the many canines that Dogs Trust is trying to find a loving home for.

First up, and Sid (right) is a lovely, three-year-old crossbreed that’s hugely people-focused.

Sid will literally give you a hug when he sees you, and adores cuddles. He is

playful with his doggy pals and as he can be a bouncy boy, Sid is best suited to a home with children who are 10 years old or older (so he doesn’t bowl them over with his affections).

He’s an energetic dog who will require plenty of exercise on a daily basis, so an active adopter will be best for him.

Sid is quite good on his walks, and isn’t bothered by common distractions like cars and bikes.

Apart from his love of walks, Sid is also a big lover of food, which makes

Meet Sid

him ideal to train as he can be easily motivated with his favourite treats.

Next up, and we have Ralph, an extremely

Hi, Ralph

handsome one-year-old Belgian Shepard (above) who steals the hearts of everyone he meets.

Since his arrival at the

centre, Ralph has made lots of friends and really enjoys his daily cuddles and play sessions. Ralph also loves going on walks

and is happy walking beside his doggy pals.

Ralph is still a very young dog that will require plenty of training, but taking into consideration his love for food and intelligence, working with him should be lots of fun and definitely a positive experience.

Ralph is such a social creature and enjoys spending time with people. He should be more than happy living with sensible and gentle kids, but he will need to be walked by adults, as he is

a very strong dog!

He will make a very special addition to a family looking for an active and loyal companion.

If you think you can offer either Sid or Ralph a loving home, then please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50.

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

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINLIFE

Hundreds to rock with Trinity music PUPILS from in and around Dublin will have the opportunity to experience life as a rock star when Trinity College London presents its Trinity on Tour Rock & Pop experience this weekend.

Over 200 students aged between 6 and 16 will take part in the initiative, which takes place at Dublin’s Firhouse Educate Together School on Saturday, January 27 The aim of Trinity on Tour is to introduce children to the rewards of learning a musical instrument.

Through its newly launched Rock & Pop 2018 graded exam syllabus, Trinity College London encourages pupils to experience musical education, learning from new song lists with hundreds of well- known songs by artists ranging

from Adele to David Bowie, AC/DC to Taylor Swift and Daft Punk, adapted by education experts for grades one through to eight.

Children along with their music teachers are invited to attend the free half day event, which offers the opportunity to meet and play alongside real session musicians.

Instruments including keyboard, guitar, bass and drums are provided and the day is split according to age with workshops that cater for those with no experience up to accomplished singers and players.

For further information or to book places on the forthcoming Trinity on Tour experience visit www.trinityontour.com

Great news...

MARY BYRNE

joins Dublin Gazette Dublin Gazette is delighted to announce that the ever-popular, quintessential Dubliner Mary Byrne, is joining Dublin’s Number 1 local newspaper, to provide a weekly advice and guidance column for our readers, starting in our next edition on February 1.

Readers can contact Mary at marybyrne@ dublingazette.com, so make sure to get your questions in as soon as possible.

Mary shot to fame in 2010 when she appeared on the hugely popular X-Factor TV talent show.

The gregarious check out assistant at Tesco in Ballyfermot charmed audiences, not only in Ireland, but also in Britain, as she reached the semifinal of the show.

When asked to provide advice to readers of Dublin Gazette, who may be suffering with mental and physical issues similar to hers, Mary had no hesitation in becoming part of our team to help people.

She said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of a paper that goes out everywhere, that people can pick up and sit down, get some information and read great local stories.”

Mary became the darling of the nation during celebrity Operation Transformation last year, where she revealed her vulnerable self.

She spoke openly about her battle with depression, weight problems and how, by recognising her trigger points, she was able to address her demons and deal with them.

“They saw warts and all and I knew that when I agreed to do that programme, there was an onus on me to be totally and utterly honest.

“I would class myself as someone who knows how to listen and if I can help people with problems that I have, and that I know other people have, but are afraid to talk about them – well that’s great.

“I’m no doctor – I have no medical experience, but what I can do is talk to people about how I feel and hopefully reach out to people who are going through what I’m going through.

“I’m just like you - I suffer like you and you can talk to me about it and let’s see if we can sort something out and get you back on the right track and getting you the help you need. I’m looking forward to this tremendously.”

“Operation Transformation opened a different door and gave the public a glimpse at the real and honest ‘Byrner’ from Ballyfermot, with all the problems that everybody goes through on a daily basis. Being honest with yourself is so important.

“I believe that I can help readers of Dublin Gazette who write in to me and tell me they feel really bad and don’t know what to do about it.

“Don’t be afraid to go out and change you life and I look forward to hearing from you at marybyrne@dublingazette.com every week and helping you get over the obstacles that are holding you back.”

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

GAZETTE

FEATURE DUBLINLIFE Sharing the magic of quidditch for Harry Potter’s sporty fans

HOBBIES: FIRST EVER IRISH TOURNAMENT BEWITCHES ONLOOKERS IN A NORTH DUBLIN PARK

 QUINN KANNER DESPITE the cold, rainy morning of Saturday, January 20, spectators crowded along one side of a field in Fairview Park, bundled in jackets and rain coats, to watch the first ever Irish Quidditch Cup. With the popularity of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, people around the world have started

adapting its magical game of quidditch (see panel) into a real-life sport.

Eamon O’Keeffe, assistant tournament director and player for the Dublin Draichta Dragons, said: “In real-life quidditch – as opposed to the version in Harry Potter – to differentiate the positions and to help the refs know who’s-who, seekers wear

yellow headbands, beaters wear black headbands, chasers wear white headbands, and ke e p e r s we a r g r e e n headbands, so they’re able to tell who’s who.”

Additionally, all the players run around riding ‘brooms’ or pieces of plumbing pipe that are about a metre long.

Eamon said: “I think, in the early days of quidditch – very early – they

actually used brooms, like those you’d see in the Harry Potter films (see Harry, lower right), but when the sport took a more serious turn and people started to take it a bit more seriously, the wood was swapped out for pipes.

“Wood can splinter very easily and was not a safe thing to be using out on the pitch.”

Ireland’s first quidditch club team, the Dublin Draichta Dragons, was founded in 2016 by Stefan Scheurer and Martina Brazdova, who had both played quidditch abroad before moving to Ireland.

Stef a n s a i d : “ We b o t h didn’t know anybody except for each other, so we started this club together.

“We went to the unis and a lot of groups on the internet where people were in similar situations to us – people who’d moved to the city and didn’t know anyone, but wanted to get to know some people, and who wanted to do something in the afternoon or something at the weekend.”

Now, almost three years later, Ireland had enough teams to host their own Quidditch Cup. Last Saturday saw three teams competing: the Dublin Draichta Dragons, the Northern Wyverns Belfast, and “Galweinster” – a com-

WHAT IS QUIDDITCH? JUST as in the books and films, each team has seven players who play on the field at a time – three chasers (who try and score points with the quaffle, a slightly deflated volleyball); one keeper (who guards the team’s three goalposts from score attempts); two beaters (who peg the opposite team’s players with bludgers – slightly deflated dodgeballs – forcing them to run to their goalpost and tag back in); and a seeker (who catches the snitch – a tennis ball inside a sock attached with velcro to a special referee who acts a snitch runner, and who tries to keep the seekers from catching the snitch).

Catching the snitch ends the game and awards that team 30 points, as opposed to the 10 points earned by a quaffle score. A gender quota comes into play: of the team’s seven members on the field, there can be no more than four of either gender.

binat i o n team of the Galw ay G r i n dylows, the Mid-Leinster Moontrimers, and international mercenary players.

Stefan said: “I think it’s very important that

these smaller teams get their first [tournament] experience. “ I f you play your first tournament, it can be ver y encouraging, and it creates a lot of enthusiasm in the players.”

The day got off to a rough start when the rain waterlogged the field at Trinity College, where the cup was sup-

posed to take place.

Eamon O’Keeffe said: “We had been planning the event for half a year, and 15 minutes before the opening ceremony we were told we couldn’t play in front of Trinity.

“So, it was frustrating, but it’s rain – there’s nothing we can do about rain!”

However, the cup was moved to Fairview Park, where they managed to play two of the three scheduled matches.

Eamon added: “It was very, very mucky – very wet. The park rangers sort of said, when they saw the state of the pitch after two games of quidditch, he said that we had to move somewhere else, so we ended up having to cancel the last game.”

Since the Dublin Draichta Dragons won the first two games, they won the cup and a spot in the European Quidditch Cup in Germany in April.

Stefan said: “We’re gonna play against the 32 best teams in Europe.

It’s gonna be really exciting!”

Dublin Draichta Dragons scoring despite the muddy conditions. Picture: Mark Hill

GAZETTE

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

To Have to Hold N I W WEDDEDBLISS BLISS We have a great range of wedding features to cover everyone from die-hard traditionalists to contemporary couples, and help meet your needs for the big day.

SEE INSIDE

WORTH

€200

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT PACK See Page 23

SUITED AND BOOTED:

Classic style at Remus Uomo to ensure gentlemen look their very best Page 20

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE

Check your list, list, list...

FOR most couples, deciding to tie the knot and get hitched is the easy part, as the big day itself marks the end of months (and sometimes even years) of meticulous marital planning.

To help ensure that the day passes off without a hitch, you’ll undoubtedly refer to The List a lot – the endless to-dos to get through before your I-Dos can start.

Here are just some of the main pointers to note and tick off as you prepare for a wonderful wedding – yours!

12 MONTHS TO GO

3 MONTHS TO GO

1 WEEK TO GO

• Set yourself a budget

• Three months out is pretty

• Print or do up place cards

• Start researching venue/ ceremony locations

much your last chance to tell

• Look in to wedding insurance

• Compile your wedding gift

• Decide how many guests you

list (if you’re having one)

want and make a rough list

• Start collecting addresses

• Think about the style of venue you’d like • Start researching wedding suppliers and services such as wedding photographers, entertainment, florists, etc

and do up table plan • Organise envelopes with

everyone

of friends and family for the invites and buy stamps • Decide on your song choi es: first dance, reception etc • Arrange food tasting and decide on menu

payments for suppliers – allocate groomsmen to look after them on the day • Give reception venue/caterer final guest numbers • Attend wedding rehearsal with celebrant • Pack your honeymoon bag (don’t forget your passport)

If you’re having your marriage ceremony abroad, make sure you’re organised before heading off

Mini boys stripe blazer €37, Grandad shirt €13, chino shorts €24 , Girls white 3D flower tulle skirt dress lace €87 and boys blue blazer €56, all available at River Island

The Cuteness

FACTOR PAGE BOYS & FLOWER GIRLS

CHILDREN can bring a sense of fun and lighthearted-

fabulous sense of style. Soft baby pinks and pretty

ness to a wedding and they deserve comfortable

laces will delight any young fashionista and comfortable

and fun outfits for the special day. River Island has

brushed cotton suits in hazy hues will keep the youngest

created the Flower Girl and Summer Suits Collection

of men happy and stylish. The range suits ages 6-months

s o your

to 12 years. See www.riverisland.com

littlest guests can show off their

Getting married abroad?

WITH travel becoming every more affordable, and many modern couples turning away from traditional weddings, or ‘a big do’, it’s understandable that lots of people are looking to get married in a far-flung destination.

Apart from the attraction of getting married somewhere exotic, many romantically-minded (yet also practically-headed) couples like to make a foreign wedding something extra-special, typically by making it an immediate-familyand-very-best-friends-only affair.

Rather than getting married with your milkman’s cousin and your third-cousin Susan who you haven’t seen in 20 years in tow, there’s something magical about getting married with ‘just’ 20-30 or so people in tow, knowing that your big day is being shared with the most important people in your life – and that they’re also having a fun holiday, too.

However, just as with getting married at home, there are some important

things to keep in mind, with getting married abroad presenting its own unique things to note.

1. Check that you are not paying for any extra legal requirements while in the resort – always check before committing to any deal.

2. Always ask how many weddings a day your chosen hotel will have – you don’t want to be part of a ‘conveyor belt’ wedding just churning them out.

3. Always ask if you need to leave the hotel to complete formalities that could involve a visit to the local Licence Office or Registrar’s Office while on your holiday/honeymoon.

4. Go easy on the sunbathing – you definitely don’t want to get sunburnt before your wedding.

5. Finally, always, always travel with your original documents and paperwork, regardless if you’ve sent copies beforehand – your wedding won’t take place unless you have these.

Mini girls pink floral lace dress €60, Mini girls pink metallic bow plimsols €17, girls rose gold bow hairband

Boys pink blazer €56, boys pink suit trousers €33, boys

€6 and Mini boys grey check 4 piece suit set €55, Mini

pink oxford shirt €16, pink and navy striped bow tie €6,

boys tan tassel loafers €29.

white trainers €21.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

 FIND BLISS IN BALBRIGGAN THANKS TO THE BRACKEN COURT 

A bespoke venue to help create the day you’ve dreamed of THE Bracken Cour t Hotel is a well-established 4 -star lu xur y hotel, exceptional in design and character.

From the moment you step on to the red carpet, you will experience the true dedication of a friendly and professional team with a single focus in mind – the success of the most memorable day in your life.

Whether it’s to be a grand affair or an inti-

mate reception, the style of your wedding is entirely up to you.

With the perfect stylish suites to choose from, the Bracken Court Hotel is a premier venue in North County Dublin.

The bespoke wedding venue is also registered to host civil ceremonies, and there is a variety of large and small spaces w i t h i n t h e B r a c ke n Court to host everything

from the most intimate wedding celebrations to the most lavish occasions.

Excellent value wedding packages at the Bracken Court Hotel start from €39.95 per person, with a premium all-inclusive package priced at €79.95 per guest The hotel also offers perks for the bride and groom to choose from, adding the extra touches

to a perfect wedding day.

From the elegant red carpet and champagne on arrival, to a sumptuous champagne breakfast for the happy couple the following morning in their bridal suite, the Bracken Court in Balbriggan has a single focus on creating memorable weddings.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding co-ordinators will ensure everything, from the style of the

The Martello Suite at the Bracken Court Hotel – just one of a number of spaces that can be tailor-customed to suit your wedding’s needs, from the grand to the intimate

wedding suite, to the meal, fresh flowers, and entertainment is tailored to the bridal party’s exact requirements.

Wedding guests can take advantage of special guest rates, and personalised booking forms can be mailed out with wedding invitations.

Recently engaged or looking for the ideal wedding venue?

J o i n t h e B r a c ke n Court Hotel on Sunday, February 18 for their upcoming Spring Wedding Fair from 2pm6pm and meet with the hotel’s wedding co-ordinators and exclusive

preferred partners who will have everything you need for your special day.

The Bracken Court Hotel can be contacted at 01 841 3333, with weddings and other special occasion details available at www.brackencourt.ie.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

LOVE MARRIAGE

Dark grey tr

ousers €1

05

Dinner Suit Jacket €235 Dinner Suit Waistcoat €80 Dinner Suit Trousers €110 Shirt €45

Grey blazer €220 Grey waistcoat €75

ge Trousers with

ometric print

€115

Navy blaze r€ Navy wais 220 tcoat €75

Penrose-London.com

Classically

GROOMED BRIDES tend to hog the limelight at weddings – but dashing

grooms have almost as much pressure to look their best. (Well, almost.) Thankfully, men have plenty of options to dress to impress – after all, it’s their big day too – with a dash of dapper tailoring and attention to detail helping men to look their best.

There are a wide range of gentlemen’s outfitters out there catering for grooms, but we’ve pulled out some items from Remus Uomo to help be a cut above, with ties from Penrose London completing the look.

Penrose-London.com

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

 OFFERING OLD-WORLD CHARM CLOSE TO THE CITY'S EDGE 

A unique, tranquil wedding setting to delight everyone THE Court Yard Hotel is a unique, intimate and bespoke wedding venue in Kildare, offering the perfect wedding location for couples who are looking for that little something extra.

Built on the original site where Arthur Guinness created his brewing empire, the hotel offers old-world charm and beautiful original stonework with contemporary design in a setting that is as picturesque as a pint settling. The Court Yard Hotel truly is Kildare’s best kept secret.

From its humble beginnings back in 1756, the hotel has become a popular choice with a unique space for weddings and events.

Renowned for its ability to capture the true essence of the day, its staff firmly believe that each wedding should truly reflect the bride and groom’s own personal style.

It is ideal for intimate

offers its own private terrace for pre-drinks reception and evening party room with an exclusive piano bar.

The Court Yard Hotel’s exclusive Store House package, aptly named after its Guinness heritage, includes all the finer details for €89 per person to bespoke inspired packages such as the Boat House package starting from as little as €49 per person.

The charm of the historic hotel, coupled with its magnificent riverside setting, make the Court Yard Hotel a truly superb wedding venue

gatherings, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate with up to 100 cherished family and friends in the stunning R iverBank reception

room – a truly beautiful wedding room with captivating views of the River Liffey and Leixlip Castle Boat House.

The RiverBank room

Recently Engaged?

An upcoming Spring Wedding Showcase takes place at the Court Yard Hotel on Thursday, February 22 from 6pm-9pm.

Meet with their dedicated wedding team and enjoy prosecco and canapes as you experience all the Court Yard Hotel has to offer you on your special day.

The Court Yard Hotel can be contacted on (01) 629 5100; see also www. courtyard.ie

Research your photographer carefully, and getting the best shots of your all-important day should be a snap NO MATTER who you are, who you’re marrying or where you’re getting hitched, and how, there’s one thing everyone wants to have: great wedding photos.

The importance of hiring a professional wedding photographer cannot be over-emphasised – turning to a friend with a good camera do it, leaving it to your guests, or hiring a non-wedding photographer is almost certainly a bad idea.

Any of these groups or people can give you some more photos to treasure, but they can’t compete with the skills and experience of an experienced professional who specialises in capturing couples’ dream shots.

It’s never too soon to start thinking

about the photos of your big day, with a good photographer being something that you should research just as carefully, and as far in advance, as any other key part of the day.

Hiring a professional photographer is a part of the wedding that is crucial to get right. Remember: your photos will form some of the most important and lasting memories you’ll have of the day, and if they don’t

turn out as you want, then your memories will be ruined.

The same applies to those who choose a videographer, with your wedding or ceremony video also needing a skilled professional to get right; many photographers and videographers work as a team, or can recommend someone to work with to get your still and moving images just right.

Apart from word of mouth, and being able to turn to friends and family for direct recommendations, be sure to also check online portfolios of photographers’ work, with most now offering subtle digital retouching and polishing to enhance your shots, with copies often included in their packages and wedding deals.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE

Sojourn in stunning Sorrento – just one of the pearls scattered along Italy’s jaw-dropping Amalfi coast, and a perfect destination for honeymooners

So many options to find your heavenly honeymoon break  RACHEL D’ARCY

YOU’VE sur vived the stresses and joys of your big day – now, it’s time to get away!

The honeymoon is your first step into wedded bliss, and there’s nothing like a top-class travel agent to organise the perfect getaway for you and your partner.

For those looking to venture a little further afield, Tour America has some great packages available.

From a ten-night break to Cancun and Las Vegas, to a Carribean cruise with a New York stopover, they have something to cater to all tastes.

They even have a Universal Studios package for the more thrill-seeking newlyweds! Prices start from €1,449 per person.

E s c a p e 2 o n Lowe r

Abbey Street offer tailormade luxury honeymoon packages to exotic destinations such as Bali, the Dominican Republic and Paradise Island.

Fo r a s e v e n - n i g h t break in Punta Cana, prices begin at €1,289 per person, with a week in Mexico costing €2,419 per person.

Fancy staying a little closer to home? Look no further than Sunway Holidays. From five-star hotels in the Algarve to seven nights in opulence in luxurious Lanzarote, they’ve got you covered.

All their honeymoon offerings range from fourto five-stars for the break you deserve.

Prices start at €1,458 f o r s e ve n n i g h t s o f f i ve - s t a r g l a m o u r i n the Algarve, ranging to €2,669 for a Sorrento siesta.

Don’t be afraid to hand over some control (and stress) to your planner MANY couples never even consider hiring a professional wedding planner, not realising that having outside, additional help can save both of them time, aggravation, and even money.

Whether you and your future spouse are behind in your wedding planning, or are just looking for some general guidance, a wedding planner for the big day could be a great option to avail of.

It’s only natural that you both want to take control of your big day, but there’s a lot to be said for having help from a skilled wedding professional, and for leaving them to deal with many of the logistics, problems and stresses involved – after all, that’s their job!

For those looking for a dash of decadence and a beautiful way to add something special to the wedding dining, gold cutlery is sure to be a hut

Try gold cutlery to be a cut above with the meal

FOR couples looking to add an extra-special touch to their big day, one Dublin woman has something to help be a cut, jab and scoop above – gold cutlery.

When Churchtown native Amy McGovern got married in Italy in 2016, she picked gold cutlery for the reception, with the luxurious splurge elevating the table settings and proving a hit with impressed guests.

A fter the wedding, however, Amy realised

she had a 750-piece set of gold cutlery and no use for it.

Instead of letting the

beautiful collection of cutlery gather dust up in a box in the attic, Amy now rents the lovely set out for

use at other weddings and big events, and says she’s delighted to be helping make any other couple’s big day even better.

Talking to Dublin Gazette, she says: “I really wanted the set for my own wedding. It was my one extravagant buy, and I looked in to hiring this type of cutlery in Ireland and I couldn’t find any option that was in any way reasonably priced.

“So, when I researched it, it made sense for me to actually purchase gold cutlery outright.”

Amy shipped the cutlery in from China and, as part of her own beautiful wedding, says the cutlery really added a special touch of decadence to the reception, as well as being a fun talking point with guests.

She has since set up an Instagram profile showcasing the cutlery in all its glory – search for #goldcutleryforhire on Instagram.

Alternatively, you can also email Amy at goldcutleryforhire@outlook. ie for a quote.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

 TALBOT HOTEL STILLORGAN HELPS TO TAKE CARE OF EVERY LITTLE DETAIL 

Offering the warmest of welcomes for your big day

YOUR wedding day is the most special day of your life, and staff at the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan are determined to ensure that every detail is perfect.

As part of the familyow ned Talbot Hotel Group, the hotel’s staff understand tradition and offer the warmest of welcomes to couples and their guests.

Offering a selection of wedding suites which can be individually tailored to let the bride and groom create and celebrate their dream day, the Talbot Hotel Stillor-

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan promises to help create the perfect mood for your big day

gan provides the ideal setting for the perfect South Dublin wedding venue.

From intimate gatherings to formal receptions, the hotel’s wedding coordinators will

WI€N200 WORTH

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Instax 300 Instant Camera • Three packs of 20 photos (total 60 wide-format shots) • Pen, bespoke wedding album and adhesive pads

work with the bride and groom to create a uniquely special day.

W hen it comes to their wedding day, every detail is paramount. The staff are on hand to help guide couples through

their special day, with ever y detail being thoughtfully considered from the beginning to end.

T h e Ta l b o t Ho t e l Stillorgan’s exquisite French courtyard and

FUJIFILM INSTAX 300 WEDDING GIFT BUNDLE THANKS to our friends at Fujifilm, we have a Fujifilm Instax 300 Wedding Gift Bundle (worth €200) to give away to a lucky reader.

This wonderful all-in-one pack would make a perfect gift for the happy couple – or be a terrific way to capture some onthe-go moments of their special day, with the easy-to-use cam-

era making it a cinch for everyone to capture and share the memories of the wonderful day.

TO WIN, email your details to competitions@dublingazette. com (name, address, contact number); alternatively, visit our Dublin Gazette Facebook page before 5pm on Friday, February 2, and follow the instructions there. Best of luck!

garden oasis creates a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing guests to unwind during the drinks reception and throughout the special day.

The Talbot Stillorgan is also licensed for civil ceremonies, with tailored packages on offer, and a choice of two ceremony suites which can cater for groups of 25-250 guests.

For further information, see www.talbothotelstillorgan.com, email weddings@talbotstillorgan.com, or call 01 200 1800.

Lots for couples to think of and get organised about before the big day arrives

COUPLES have lots of options to consider for their big day. For example, for their wedding ceremony, do you want to have a church ceremony or a civil ceremony? If it’s to be a church ceremony, are you both of the same religion?

The majority of church weddings in the Republic of Ireland are still Catholic ceremonies, but as society and culture changes, this too is changing, with the evolving state of marriage in Ireland giving couples more choice than ever before.

As most couples are still traditionalists looking to get married in a church or similar religious venue, the process can be quite bureaucratic, so it’s important to check with your local

religious figure, and venue, as to what you have to do.

If you’re thinking about a civil ceremony, are you thinking of a registry office or would you like to get married at a venue? Do you want separate venues for your ceremony and reception or would you like them in the same place?

As for those who’d like to get married outdoors, it can be a bit tricky to get married outdoors in Ireland (only Humanist ceremonies and particular religions – not for civil ceremonies or Catholic ones).

However, lots of couples choose to have a civil ceremony for the legal bit, and then plan their own ceremony in the location of their choice.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

LOVE MARRIAGE  TRANSFORMED VENUE SURE TO DELIGHT 

Red Cow Moran will tick all your wedding boxes Rose open ring with red cubic zirconia €59

Heart padlock silver ring €39

Heart-shaped rose spacer with red cubic zirconia €35

Floating locket heart key silver pendant with clear cubic zirconia and necklace €119

Two hearts silver charm with clear cubic zirconia €49

Bling it on! nice, sweet way to say thank-you

OKAY, so you’ve got the rings and

Pandora have some great gifts

the bling sorted out – well, you’d

that would go down a treat with

to your bridesmaids and helpers

hope so, with your big day looming

bridesmairds, or to some other

– and if any of them aren’t hitched

on the horizon - but what about

close pals who’ve also been a trea-

yet, they might even bring them

adding a sparkling touch to the

sure with organising everything.

a little luck as they stand by your

They’re simple gifts, but they’ll a

memories of your helpers?

side on your own special day!

Prismatic Shadow 15

NO SELF-RESPECTING bride would dream or

The unexpected hues and tones will add

dare of getting married without “some-

as vivid (or subtle) a shade of blue, cyan,

thing blue” – enter NYX Professional Make-

and everything in between you could hope

Up, offering some unexpected and daring

for, creating a contemporary dash of

shades that will leave any bride looking

colour that could be a wonderful addition to

blue-ming beautiful.

all the rest of the day’s traditional stylings.

Jumbo Baby Blue eye pencil €5

Something blue…

Water elements blue-based palette

THE TRANSFORMED Red Cow Moran Hotel has been transformed by the recent addition of an extension that has added 152 luxury guestrooms, 14 new event spaces, Link lounge with wine bar and coffee dock, a fitness suite, gorgeous new courtyard garden and Tom’s Table restaurant, making it the perfect choice for your wedding reception.

Offering complete wedding packages and catering for up to 450 guests and more intimate weddings, along with extensive menu options and drinks packages, couples can rest assured that their wedding day will be unique as they are.

The Red Cow Moran’s dedicated wedding coordinators always go the extra mile to make the big day truly unforgettable.

The hotel is ideal for weddings of any size.

Weddings can start from an intimate party of 10 people right up to 450 dinner guests in the ballroom, up to 200 guests in Tom’s Table, or up to 70 guests in a private suite.

Wedding packages are based on a minimum of 80 guests, so smaller weddings are each individually tailored to suit.

The Red Cow Moran’s

wedding packages offer a “One wedding a day” promise, and its experienced wedding coordinators will ensure that couples enjoy their special day every step of the way, with their arrangements carried out with the individual attention and personal service that the Red Cow Moran Hotel is renowned for.

Location Occupying one of the best locations in the country and with 275 luxurious bedrooms, the Red Cow Moran Hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to accommodating guests who have to travel from all corners of the country, or who are coming in from abroad.

Located just off the N7/M50, the hotel offers speedy access to all parts of the country, in addition to Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport, and Heuston and Connolly train stations.

The Red Cow Moran Hotel is also a popular choice for those seeking a civil ceremony or an informal blessing in Dublin. Its beautiful new courtyard garden offers brides- and grooms-to-be the opportunity to have their ceremony outdoors

in a chic urban oasis.

Exchanging vows at a hotel allows couples to enjoy their wedding celebrations all under one roof, meaning less to worry about on their special day.

Couples have the option of using the hotel’s civil ceremony venue for gatherings from two to 200 guests.

Its courtyard garden provides the perfect backdrop for engagement parties, cocktail receptions and even post-wedding day BBQs. This hidden gem can be decorated in a variety of ways to make the special day truly unique.

For beautiful wedding photographs, the courtyard garden and dramatic sweeping staircase, with Murano glass chandelier, provide amazing backdrops.

Whether planning a celebration that’s traditional or trendy, festive or formal, intimate or grand scale, the Red Cow Moran guarantees that you’ll be saying YES to holding your wedding there.

Contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator by emailing weddings@redcowmoranhotel.com, or call 01 459 3650.

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

PUZZLE PAGE SUDOKU

CODEWORDS EASY

TOUGH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

HOW TO SOLVE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

WORD SEARCH

Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues!

Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

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

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

SCRIBBLE BOX

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE FOLLOWING HIDDEN WORDS affliction

pang

anguish

pound

cramp

smart

grief

sore

hankering

spasm

heartache

suffer

hunger

throb

hurt

torment

insufferable

twinge

longing

woe

misery

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE PICK OF THE WEEK

LET’S GO OUT MUSIC

ERASURE

@ THE OLYMPIA THEATRE SYNTH pop duo Erasure play the Olympia Theatre on January 29, 30 and 31.

Since releasing their first single in 1985, Erasure have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.

For 32 years, without a break or break-up, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have mined a rich seam of creativity

that has led to chart-conquering singles, a string of immaculate albums, a BRIT, an Ivor Novello Award and now World Be Gone, their seventeenth studio album.

Tickets for their Olympia Theatre shows, priced from €54.50, are on sale now from Ticketmaster .

BEST OF THE REST JANUARY 25 (Thursday) Elder Island @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free Andy Irvine + Donal Lunny @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €30 Jarlath Henderson Band @ St Michan’s Church, €25 The Fureys @ Porterhouse (Temple Bar), €3 Jack O’Rourke + Sounds of Sirens @ St Werburgh’s Church, €20 Stockton’s Wing @ The Merchant’s Arch The 4 Of Us @ Whelan’s, €25 JANUARY 26 (Friday) The Spitfires @ Workman’s Club, €15 Moon Duo @ The Button Factory, €16 Lord Huron @ Vicar Street, €25 The Frankenstein Bolts @ Graphic Studio Gallery Judy Collins @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €38 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free JANUARY 27 (Saturday) Rosborough @ Whelan’s, €13 Heavily touted as a soon-to-be superstar, Rosborough - a youngster from Derry - plays charming and memorable ditties inspired by anyone from Bruce Springsteen to The Ramones and Muse. His newfound solo career shows all the hallmarks of years fronting fast-gigging bands.

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes @ Tivoli Theatre, €22 Sofi Tukker @ The Button Factory, €18 Huxley + Mele @ District 8, €17 Martha Wainwright @ St Patrick’s Cathedral, €32

The Legend of Luke Kelly Show @ Vicar Street, €30 Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free JANUARY 28 (Sunday) The Weather Station @ The Grand Social Tradfest Music Trail @ Temple Bar (Various), free The Menzingers + Pup + Cayetana @ Whelan’s, €22 Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes @ Tivoli Theatre, €22 Folk Gala featuring Shelby Lynne + Allison Moorer @ Dublin Castle, €40 JANUARY 29 (Monday) Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, €40-50 A man who needs no introduction, a Monday night spent watching Christy light up Vicar Street is a night well spent. Pure sonic poetry.

JANUARY 30 (Tuesday) Jeff Tweedy @ Vicar Street, €40 Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55 Revel in camp sing-alongs from this wonderful pop act, as they bring their over-the-top tunes to the Olympia and lead a chorus on respect.

Hayseed Dixie @ Whelan’s, €20 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 Visions of Floyd @ The National Concert Hall, €22-32.

JANUARY 31 (Wednesday) Pale Waves @ The Grand Social, €13 Ulaid + Duke Special @ Whelan’s, €22 Erasure @ Olympia Theatre, €55

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

THREE BILLBOARDS Unrelentingly powerful

FRANCES McDormand is a raw force of nature in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Cert 15A, 115 mins). Here, her daughter was murdered and she’s out for justice, with three unused billboards proving perfect for her ads to pile pressure on the local police in their small town. Things soon escalate in a dark direction, but her steely character remains sympathetic throughout.

Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf turn in equally memorable roles, bouncing off each other with an intensity that rings true for many parent-child relationships

LADY BIRD: FILM HAS REAL HEART, WITH EMOTIONS THAT TURN ON A DIME

THE POST

A press worth opening THE Post (Cert 12A, 115 mins) is director Spielberg’s love letter to journalistic integrity, given some intentional topicality by the strange embrace of ‘fake news’ mantras by far too many people today. Stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep excel as The Washington Post’s editor and publisher respectively, as they mull over tough choices in what they can can – and should – publish in the paper as they expose Nixon’s wrongdoing.

THE LAST JEDI

Still a Forceful franchise AFTER a certain scene in The Last Jedi (Cert 12A, 155 mins), you’d be forgiven for thinking the late Carrie Fisher (as General Leia, above) in her final film was the last Jedi. But, no, despite her spinetingling swansong, the film very much belongs to Mark Hamill’s startling turn as the eponymous Jedi, with his jaded, guilt-ridden Luke Skywalker helping the series move on, thematically.

Awkwardly wonderful ANYONE who spent their formative years navigating the awkward fashions and questionable music of the early millennium will find some instant kinship in Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut.

For tunately, Lady Bird (Cert 15A, 94 mins) is such an utterly endearing coming-of-age tale, anybody who’s outmanoeuvred the choppy waters of adolescence will find something to love in this charming comedic drama.

That something, above all else, is “Lady Bird” herself – the Sacramento, California high school student whose story is based on Gerwig’s own teenage years, brought to life with the magnetism and burgeoning talent of Saoirse Ronan.

Gerwig’s first effort is a lovingly crafted film, bearing all the notes of her co-writing work with director Noah Baumbach

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

– hard evidence of an auteur at work.

Christine McPherson, senior student at a Catholic high school, prefers to go by “Lady Bird” - her ‘given’ name (“she gave it to herself”).

Struggling to maintain a strained relationship with her headstrong mother (Laurie Metcalf), Lady Bird navigates her first romantic relationship, the tribulations of her high school’s social hierarchy and stages optimistic plans for her future – plans her mother considers unrealistic and, given her father’s (Tracy Letts) recent redundancy, unaffordable.

Lady Bird takes its cues from the same cinematic

pool as most American coming-of-age stories: Christine wanders from phase to phase, learns who her friends are, gets in trouble, drinks, smokes, fights and falls in and out of love.

These are tropes and plot points we’ve seen time and time again, but instead of feeling tired, the narrative in Lady Bird oozes a comfortable, homespun familiarity.

Ger wig documents the era perfectly, rendering each familiar beat remarkably fresh.

She creates a world both personal and universal, and Ronan pulls us right into it.

Everything about adolescence is awful for Lady Bird – she doesn’t have the ‘right’ friends, can’t find the ‘right’ guy and doesn’t seem set to go to the ‘right’ colleges.

Ye t w i t h R o n a n ’s vibrant, wonderfully natural performance, Lady Bird’s story breathes out

a tremendous optimism.

In and around all her highs and lows, Ronan’s performance has a loveably awkward warmth and precise comedic timing that brings to mind Gerwig’s own turns in front of the camera.

Gerwig juxtaposes the very real (at the time) dramas of adolescence with moments of heartfelt comedy and R o n a n ties it all together with a c o m mand of the craft that even n ow, a decade into her c a r e e r, is pro found for an actor her age.

O u t wardly

confident and yet utterly vulnerable; heedless, irrational and yet wise beyond her years, Lady Bird radiates a warmth we can’t help but cling to.

However, it’d be unfair to insinuate that Ronan carries Lady Bird. Metcalfe delivers a superb per formance as Christine’s mother; the scenes in which they cl a s h a r e some of the film’s m o s t devastating a n d p o i gnant.

Relat i v e n e w comer Lucas

Hedges builds on all the promise and natural aptitude he demonstrated in last year’s Manchester by the Sea and, as her best friend, newcomer Beanie Feldstein delivers one hell of a break-out performance.

Speaking of break-outs, Gerwig’s first turn behind the camera further cements her as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary cinema.

At its heart, Lady Bird is her story, and there isn’t a frame here that doesn’t feel deeply personal.

Lady Bird may hit familiar beats, but there’s nothing trite about Gerwig’s film – a short, sweet story that flows naturally, feels effortless and provides the perfect space for its burgeoning star to demonstrate her skill.

Verdict: 9/10

Ronan does a great job at capturing some of the highs and horrors of our adolescent years

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25 January 2018

DUBLINMOTORING

Style, comfort and power ensures Ranger leads pick-up market

There is a big feeling to the good looking Ford Ranger while the price is competitive at €44,175, incl. VAT

Pick-up trucks are no longer just functional machines and they now come with features and comfort levels that were unimaginable just five years ago.

These are unique vehicles that are growing in popularity across Ireland and the world. MICHAEL MORONEY took the 2017 market leader, the Ford Ranger on test and justifies its popularity.

PICK-UPS are fashionable once again with hints that Irish drivers are following those in America in their quest for a weekend motor that’s stylish, functional and attractive, with the capacity to work for the rest of the week.

No 4x4 pick-up meets these demands better than the Ford Ranger and the market has proven that desire as the Ranger topped the 4x4 sales in 2017.

Ford has a pick-up truck heritage that’s the envy of other brands.

For years, Fords F150 pick-up has been America’s best-seller, across any car make and model.

Ford has built a new reputation in Europe and Ireland for the Ranger series, a more compact pick-up than what’s available in North America.

The new generation

Ford Ranger 3.2 Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Towing rating Warranty Entry Price

3.2 litre 200hp 10.9 seconds 12km/litre (8.4l/100km or 34mpg) 80 litres 221g/km Commercial €333 20,000km/12 months 5 stars 2012 3500kgs 2 years unlimited €44,175

Ranger has some styling lines from the American market that add to its appeal.

My test version was a blackWildtrak Ranger and the chrome was replaced by an all-black Titanium front that gave it even more appeal.

Ford uniquely offers

two engine and power bands for the Ranger pick-up. The entry model is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. My test Ranger was the more powerful, five-cylinder version that’s rated at 3.2-litres and pumps out 200bhp from this throaty sound-

ing engine.

The big solid engine feel and sound is more than superficial. Everything about the Ranger has a big and strong feel to it, helped by the high torque figure of 400Nm that ensures that it can tow a 3.5 tonne load at low revs and with ease.

Out on the road the six speed gearbox allows the Ranger to cruise on the motorways at 120km/hr at just about 2,250rpm, even with a full load on board.

Hitching up a trailer is easy with the impressive reversing camera and when towing the load is barely noticeable because of the Ranger power.

That bigger engine delivers power and takes a little more fuel than some of the competition.

Over a test drive of almost 700km, I found

that the Ranger was very near true to its economy claims of 12km/litre (8.4l/100km or 34mpg), helped by its start/stop system when driving in heavy traffic.

That’s marginally less economical than the new V6 Volkswagen Amarok pick-up.

The Ranger wins out on acceleration, but only marginally so over the higher power versions of the Nissan Navara and the Volkswagen Amarok.

While the Amarok tops the league in terms of engine power and torque, all three are rated at the top towing figure of 3.5 tonnes.

Driving off road is effortless by just engaging the four-wheel-drive system in high or low range by means of a dial beside the gear lever.

This can be done on

the move at slower speeds, allowing the driver to deal with frost and snow conditions on the road, as well as the more serious mud plugging adventures.

I took the Ranger across some seriously waterlogged fields and with care and steady driving, my route was never compromised.

The high engine torque meant that at low revs, we pushed through the mud and water with a steady pace, with little hint of wheel spin or slippage.

The Wildtrak version comes with lots of specification on board, including larger 18 wheel, an off-road pack, as well as a leather trimmed steering wheel, and a full range of safety features that are the now available on higherend standard road cars.

While the Ranger has

not had a recent Euro NCAP test result, the overall safety package is equivalent to that available on those that have.

Sales of the Ford Ranger just by 26% in 2017 based on an impressive specification and competitive entry price that starts at €44,175 for this high powered version.

That’s marginally more competitive than the slightly higher power Volkswagen Amarok and more expensive than Nissan’s Navara.

The Ranger package is very complete, the vehicle is strong and workmanlike while delivering a level of comfort for the weekend, complimented by styling good looks. The Ranger deserves its market leading place and it demands a test drive if you’re in the pick-up market in 2018.

Fiat offers choice of three for 181 FIAT Ireland has announced three 181 offers available to customers until 31 January 2018.

Customers trading in an older Euro 1 to Euro 4 car (petrol or diesel of any brand) will be able to avail of scrappage bonuses of up to €5,000 on selected Fiat models.

Customers that do not qualify for the Fiat Scrappage

The Fiat offer applies only to any passenger car with preEuro 5 emissions standards (petrol or diesel) registered before 31st December 2009 and where the car has been in the owner’s name for more than 180 days.

The scrappage bonuses available by model are; Model

Scrappage Bonus up to

bonuses will be able to avail of either low rate finance or

Fiat Punto

€1,500

cash savings offers, with 0% APR Personal Contract Plan

Fiat 500

€2,000

(PCP) & Hire Purchase (HP) available across selected Fiat

Fiat 500X

€3,000

500, Fiat 500X, Fiat Tipo, Fiat 500L and Fiat 124 Spider models

Fiat Tipo

€3,500

or cash savings of up to €3,000 available across the Fiat

Fiat 500L

€4,000

range.

Fiat 124 Spider

€5,000

Fiat is offering a new scrappage option across many models

25 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Ford fits a five-cylinder turbo-diesel to power the Range 3.2 and its has a powerful sound backing up its 200bhp rating

VOLVO Cars’ XC60 has been crowned the best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance of 2017 in the prestigious Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards.

The XC60 scored a near-perfect 98% in the Adult Occupant category and in its Large Off-Road class, showed a clear advantage in Safety Assist with a score of 95 per cent – 20 percentage points higher than the nearest Large Off-Road competitor – underlining Volvo Cars’ position as a leader in automotive safety.

The Euro NCAP award for the XC60 follows in the tracks of Volvo Cars’ XC90, which in 2015 was also named the best performing large off-roader, and the car with the best overall performance that year.

Volvo Cars’ V40 is another previous Euro NCAP winner, in the Small Family class.

The XC60 also joins the S90 and V90 in making history for Volvo Cars as the first manufacturer to hold all top three car rankings in Euro NCAP’s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests – AEB City, AEB InterUrban and AEB Pedestrian. The three Volvo cars are the only cars to have achieved perfect scores in all three AEB categories.

“The new XC60 is one of the safest Volvo cars ever made,” said Malin Ekholm, Vice President, Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

“It is fully loaded with new technology designed to assist drivers, to help protect vehicle occupants and other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, plus mitigate collision risks.

We are proud that our ongoing commitment to innovating new safety features has been recognised with another Euro NCAP Best in Class award for Volvo Cars.”

GAZETTE

Volvo XC60 is rated as safest car in Euro NCAP testing

FASTNews

Slow down in diesel forecast in 2018

DIESEL engines, once the favoured options across Europe, have been in decline due to a number of factors, and now industry experts claim that the diesel engine should not be counted out just yet.

Diesel car and van sales will continue to be important in 2018 because car companies still need to keep a high percentage of diesels in their ranges to meet carbon emissions requirements, currently 130 grams per km of CO2 for the European fleet.

Car companies are now working hard to come up with an engine mix that will allow them to meet the next big emissions cut, that takes full effect in 2021, to a fleet average of 95g/km of CO2.

This figure will mean significant numbers of electric and electrified cars in the fleets of the car companies. This means there will still be plenty of diesels available at dealerships, with car companies strongly motivated to sell them at competitive prices.

Record year at Skoda SKODA Ireland claims that despite the Irish new car market decreasing by 10% in 2017 compared to 2016, Skoda increased its new car turnover figure by 1% to €146 million in 2017 and increased turnover from parts and accessories by 8% to €9.6 million.

Skoda claims that a growing number of customers are also availing of the competitive Skoda finance offers, with the brand loaning over €112 million to customers over the past twelve months, an increase of 5% on 2016.

Skoda Ireland have also recorded market share of 6.9% which is the highest ever share recorded by the brand in Ireland.

Skoda delivered 9,056 new vehicles to customers in 2017, making it the sixth bestselling car brand in the country for the third year in a row, as the brand now sets its sights on a top five finish in 2018.

John Donegan, brand director at Skoda Ireland, said: “There’s no doubt that the new car market has been impacted by the level of imports in 2017.

Brexit and sterling values pose big threats to the industry but Skoda has remained strong based

The drop leaf tailgate on the Ford Ranger 3.2 is strong and solid enough to add to the load carrying ability and

The Volvo XC60, S90 and V90 are the only cars to have achieved perfect scores in all

on our extensive range, strong dealer network

when shut it can be securely locked.

three Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) tests categories Euro NCAP’s tests.

and competitive offers.

“Just over 53% of the cars sold by Skoda in Ire-

Drivers still want to be able to drive even if self-driving cars TWO out of three European drivers want to be able to drive even if self-driving cars become commonplace, according to a major new piece of research launched by Mazda.

The Ipsos research, which was commissioned as part of Mazda polled 11,008 people across key European markets and revealed that an average of 66% of drivers wanted to remain behind the wheel even if self-driving cars become widely available.

That figure is as high as 71% in the UK, Germany, Austria and Poland and only in

Italy does it dip below 60% (59%).

Coupled with this, the study also found that only 33% of drivers “welcome the advent of self-driving cars” with the number dropping as low as 25% in France and the Netherlands and reaching only 29% in the UK. Interestingly, there is virtually no evidence of greater support for self-driving cars in younger age groups across Europe – in fact, 18-24 year olds (33%) were no more likely to welcome self-driving cars than 25-34 year olds (36%) and 35-44 year olds (34%).

The research also reveals that 69% of drivers “hope that future generations will continue to have the option to drive cars”.

The figure is as high as 74% in Poland and 70% or higher in the UK, Germany, France and Sweden.

In addition, 36% of those who enjoy driving see their car and the act of driving as an “extension of my personality” with the number rising to 56% in Poland and 46% in Italy.

And 34% agree driving is in danger of becoming a “forgotten pleasure” – in France, Italy and Poland the figure is 40% or higher.

land were financed by Skoda Finance and we’re looking forward to growing that number further in 2018,” said John Donegan.

Skoda has reported a record year in 2017 with sales of over 9,000 cars and turnover of more than €146 million

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 25 January 2018

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25 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

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GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 25 January 2018

SPORT

FastSport NAC WORLD RECORD GETS RATIFICATION: ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, 100 Irish swimmers celebrated National Swimming Day by breaking the Guinness world record 100 x 50m relay at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, Dublin.

The swimmers collectively set a time of 46 minutes 38.04 seconds breaking the previous record by over nine minutes.

The time has now been ratified as an official Guinness world record.

Ireland’s fastest ever female swimmer Danielle Hill led off the relay with Bangor swimmer Jack McMillan bringing it home. The team of swimmers, aged from 15 to 60, included national squad members, club, masters, open water swimmers and water polo players coming together from all four regions.

SOCCER: DALYMOUNT CLUB SPREADING OUT FURTHER INTO LOCAL COMMUNITY

Bohs launch their ambitious More than a Club programme

 sport@dublingazette.com

BOHEMIANS More Than A Club programme was launched at Dalymount Park by the Football Association of Ireland, the club and the Bohemian Foundation.

The programme is a par tnership between Bohemian FC and the FAI with the objective of creating a sustainable social enterprise in our community, which will develop and deliver life sciences and sporting programmes to promote social inclusion.

This programme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund’s IrelandWales Programme and will be rolled out by two League of Ireland clubs in Ireland (Bohemian FC and Cork City FC) as well as two clubs in Wales (Conwy Borough FC and Haverfordwest County AFC), for an initial 18 months.

Each club will be provided with two full-time and one parttime staff for the duration of the project with Carina O’Brien and Shane Fox working full-time with Bos, while Ger Coughlan has taken up the part-time role.

Programmes which will be

Shane Fox, Carina O’Brien, Oscar Brennan and Ger Coughlan at the More Than A Club launch Picture: Sportsfile

delivered from February 2018 will engage with all age groups in our diverse community including: numeracy through football with primary school children; run the Club with young people aged 16-24; sporting memories with older people; walking football with people with disabilities and football playing and coaching in Mountjoy Prison.

It is envisaged that the More

than a Club Programme will build on the success of the Bohemian Foundation and enable it to expand its reach throughout our community.

Bohemian FC President Chris Brien said: “We are proud of what we do in the area. We have been involved with the northside community for 128 years and as a members-owned club, we are very aware of our responsibilities to that community.

“The Bohemian Foundation has carried out a lot of work with minimal resources in terms of finance and people.

“We’ve carried out weekly walking football sessions in Cabra with children with autism and adults with mental health issues, we have walking football in Ballymun for unemployed and retired people.

“In Mountjoy Prison, we run football coaching and

competitions as well as comedy workshops with the prisoners.

We’ve also run the comedy workshops for homeless people with Focus Ireland.

“We visit schools regularly to advise children of healthy eating habits among other things.

“We don’t do this to feel good about ourselves. We as a club are in and of the north Dublin community and we have a duty to contribute to that community.

“We have a duty to help improve the situations of those people living in the area from which we garner our support. “ We h o p e t h a t t h i s partnership will allow us to move to another level so we can expand and build upon the work we’ve already been doing.”

FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin said: “We expect that the project will empower football clubs to recognise and utilise the powerful attraction of football and the value of their own club brand locally to promote social good.

“It will encourage them to work in partnerships with key agencies and groups with an interest in community d e ve l o p m e n t t o d e l i ve r important social programmes.”

Railway Union’s double delight in Leinster indoors  sport@dublingazette.com

Railway Union’s indoor hockey side with the Leinster Cup. Picture: Tristan Stedham

R AILWAY Union won the Leinster indoor hockey double as both their men and women prevailed last Sunday night at St Columba’s College.

For the women, it was a comfortable affair as they ran up a 4-0 win over Glenanne.

Hannah de Burgh Whyte got them off to a flying start when she burst forward from the back to slot home from the right edge of the circle.

Kate McKenna popped home the second in the 10th minute,

picking up breaking ball after two Glenanne players collided in midfield. McKenna – a cricket international who was also on the Dublin ladies football team that won the All-Ireland in 2017 – scored her second after half-time from Ruth Clifford’s delightful backhand slipped pass.

Kate Dillon hit the bar from a penalty stroke but Anna-May Whelan capped the win in the last play when she took a free quickly, racing into the circle and scoring.

In the men’s final, Jeremy Duncan was the returning

hero as he scored five times in Railway’s 7-4 win over Three Rock Rovers.

Rovers lead 1-0 and 2-1 through Daragh Walsh and Ross Canning but Duncan – who plays his outdoor hockey professionally in Belgium – equalised both times and then pushed his side 4-2 up at halftime.

Richard Pautz and Canning tied the game up for a third time at 4-4 early in the second half and it remained that way until a couple of minutes from time.

Duncan, though, was unstop-

pable as he broke forward and flicked in a fifth goal to restored the lead.

He set up Fiachra Maher to make it 6-4 a minute later and, for good measure, Duncan’s shot fell was saved by Conor Quinn but fell only as far Maher who nudged in the rebound.

All the finalists will now advance to next Sunday’s AllIreland stages with Ulster’s Queen’s competing on the men’s side while, in the women’s competition, Connacht’s Galway and Ulster’s Ards are also involved.

25 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

RUGBY

Robbie Henshaw scored a key try. Picture: Martin Doherty

Cullen wary of favourites tag for European journey LEINSTER head coach Leo Cullen says the “challenge doesn’t get any easier” despite his side reaching the knock-out stage of the European Cup as the number one seed, guaranteeing them a home quarter-final and - should they get there - a home semi-final as well.

They will meet Saracens in the last eight of the competition on the Easter weekend in the Aviva Stadium following their narrow 23-14 win over Montpellier in southern France last Saturday, making it six wins out of six in the group stages.

Cullen, though, was keen to downplay any suggestions of a favourites tag despite the breathtaking run through the preliminary phase of the competition.

“Our focus all along was to just get out of our pool given that we were drawn against three teams at the top of their respective domestic competitions,” Cullen said.

“The players and the backroom staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve that goal and to achieve the home quarter-final in the Aviva Stadium on Easter weekend.

“The challenge doesn’t get any easier against a Saracens team looking for three Champions Cup titles in a row. They’re well coached under Mark McCall and have an array of English and foreign talent at their disposal and they’re showing good form in Europe and in the Premiership.

“They’re the top try scorers in both competitions so we’re under no illusions as to the task ahead.

“It’s a while away yet but great to know who we have and we can start planning. It’s a challenge that we very much look forward to and I know the Leinster supporters will respond in kind to make it a brilliant occasion at the Aviva.”

Against Montpellier, Leinster trailed 14-8 at half-time but Robbie Henshaw managed to dive over in the right corner to get them right back in the mix before a Ross Byrne penalty - en route to a total of 13 points - put them in front with half an hour to go.

Sean Cronin bundled his way over from an excellent rolling maul to complete the victory in the 51st minute.

Next on the Leinster agenda is a February 9 date away to Edinburgh at Myreside.

Kenilworth’s rich history looking to next chapter Idyllic Rathmines bowling club now open for league action on a year-round basis with top quality artificial green in place to keep them sustained through the winter months  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

KENILWORTH Bowling Club has an extensive history dating back almost 130 years. Bowling became a thing in the gardens of houses around Kenilworth Square in Rathgar back in 1890 when Charles Eason (of the book-selling family) began the game in his back garden.

By 1892, a formal club had been formed, and bowling moved to Kenilworth Square itself, before later moving to Grosvenor Square in Rathmines, where they reside today.

Honorar y Secretary Eamonn Murray described the modern club, one which has switched to an all year round activity as a result

of the club’s all-weather pitch.

The winter league runs distinct from an unrelated indoor league which also exists in the capital with the main events in the height of the summer.

Murray is keen to extend involvement year round.

“We’re the only club in the country with two greens,” he explains. “We play summer on grass.

The two leagues, for men and women, finish in August or September.

A lot of other clubs have grass only so the winter league is less games and a smaller competition, maybe groups of five or six teams.

“Some clubs that play on grass come and use the artificial surfaces. There are about 20-25 clubs in Dublin and the winter

A general view of Kenilworth Bowling Club

league has taken on a life of its own.”

Despite the year round leagues, however, Murray feels lawn bowls in Dublin lags behind where it should be.

“You might find one club in every small town here,” he explains. “In Northern Ireland, you’d find three or four. It’s a cultural difference. I think people in Ireland see it as a game to play when you stop playing another game.

“That’s a real shame.

It’s a bit like cricket, for example. It can be quite a hard sell for young people as it’s a slow game but once people start to play they tend to love it and stick to it.

“Some people are very naturally strong, and those who are can go a

long way very quickly.”

Kenilworth, in fact, played out much of its early history in modern day Northern Ireland due to the absence of competition in the Republic.

At the turn of the 20th Century, league games i nvo l ve d c o m p e t i n g against eleven different sides, all of which were from Ulster.

In 1908, the club moved to Grosvenor Square in Rathmines, keeping the name Kenilworth, and later bought the square outright, moving in a tennis club and hosting international matches.

“We gain a lot of our members as we’re in the middle of a public square with people out walking, and quite often they just want to find out what’s going on,” Murray says.

“You’d learn quickly that the weight and is very important, and the weather conditions can have a big impact on a game.

Naturally good players learn fast, and it can be advantage to have a background in other sports.”

Kenilworth are very open to new members, then, whether they’re retiring from a more physical sport, those who’ve simply taken an interest, or teenagers looking to expand their sporting horizons. The only thing you need is a pair of flat shoes so as not to mark the greens.

“We have a lot of equipment, as quite often when members die, the families have no use for it and leave it to the club,” Murray explains.

“That’s ver y useful because ever y player needs to work out the correct weight and size of their ball, and there’s huge variety in what suits each player.

“A larger ball could weigh up to five or six times a smaller one, and people have the chance to work out what suits them. If people are curious, they can come down on a Sunday and see what it’s all about.”

If you’re interesting in attending one of their regular open days, or bowling with Kenilworth Bowling Club, you can contact them via the league website irishlawnbowls.ie, or by emailing Eamonn directly at murrayste@ yahoo.co.uk.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 25 January 2018

SPORT

FASTSport

ATHLETICS: BLANCH MAN SET FOR FAST PACED ARMAGH 5KM RACE

Tridents return with a bang at Under-18 level TRIDENTS basketball club’s Under-18s have enjoyed a winning streak since the turn of the year with back to back wins in the past two weeks, moving them up third place in their league table.

Last week, they travelled to Kilcock and had a great defensive effort with only six players available. Having each player put in 100 percent out on the court, they came out with a 17-point victory.

This weekend was a tough test for them as they travelled to Tolka Rovers on Saturday.

Having lost to Tolka by seven points before Christmas at home, Tridents were eager to level the score.

With a great team effort with numerous rebounds won both offensively and defensively Tridents came away with a comprehensive 41-23 win. Patience on the offensive end saw Tridents get some fantastic scores. They play again at home on Saturday at 12.30pm and are hoping to continue their winning streak against Malahide.

In Senior 1 action, Tridents followed up on their pre-Christmas road victory over Liffey Celtics with a thrilling overtime win at home at ITB. The game was close from the opening tap and regulation time ended with the team tied at 54-54. After an exciting and high scoring five minute overtime period, Tridents came away with the victory by a score of 70-67.

Verona lift DDSL U-15 league title VERONA were presented with the DDSL Under-15 B trophy last weekend

following their run to the title in 2017. They finished their league a point ahead of Wayside Celtic but with two games in hand, keeping them out of range of the pack.

Coolmine man Dave Flynn has been called into an Irish team for the Armagh international 5km road race

Flynn flying the Irish flag  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

CLONLIFFE Harriers’ Dave Flynn has been called up to the Irish team to compete in the Armagh International 5km road race in February, despite his current focus being very much on moving up to substantially longer distances.

Flynn will join John Travers (Donore Harriers AC), Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) and Matt Bergin (DSD AC) in the Irish four set to compete at what is an iconic regular race on the Ulster sporting calendar.

The Armagh Interna-

tional will be running for the 28th time, and featured an astonishing 80 runners going under the international class 15 minute cut off at last year’s event. It is run around the Armagh Mall, in 1,000 metres loops that are fast, flat and spectator friendly.

Flynn, while more comfortable traditionally over the shorter distance, is ramping up to that full marathon over the coming months via some extended middle-distance races, making the 5k something of a step away from his more recent training.

“This race fits in nicely into my marathon training as it helps keep some leg

OPEN DAY Coolmine welcomes girls of all ages on Saturday COOLMINE rugby club are holding a girls rugby muster on Saturday, January 27 at 1pm. It is open to all ages and is aimed at kick-starting girls rugby in the club.

Anyone interested in getting their daughter involved or is interested in being a mentor or coach is welcome to attend. Focus will be on enjoyment, making friends, learning the basics with the aim of joining in organised blitzes towards the end of the season. For more information, contact Corin Bridson 087 052 2328 or Oliver Clarke 087992 6404

speed in my legs,” he told Dublin Gazette. “When you’re doing long runs and long workouts week in week out, that leg speed you’ve had previously can start to fade.”

There have been a host of stars competing over the years, with triathlete Jonathan Brownlee hitting 14 minutes flat in 2015, and said to be a fan of the event. The winning time last year came from Englishman Ben Connor, at a swift 13 minutes 58, beating out American visitor Brandon Doughty (same time) at the tape. The general depth in quality of the field is renowned.

“I’ll be hoping to run

under 14.20 in the race,” Flynn said. “It is a very fast and competitive race and I’ll be trying to pick off people in the second part of the race as I am very strong at the moment.”

“I just got back from a 12 day training camp in Fuerteventura, Spain with Athletics Ireland, which went very well. It was great to be training with some of the best athletes in the country and of course the nice weather made it a lot easier.”

While it’s not his core aim for 2018, Flynn – who also regularly trains in America and Morocco amongst a group of worldclass middle and long dis-

tance runners – is always proud to be in green.

“Representing Ireland is always an honour and it’s a great boost of moral for me personally as It shows the hard work is paying off and being recognised

by Athletics Ireland,” he explains. “We also have a very strong team for the Armagh international 5k and we will be well able to compete with any other countries entered.”

The races – which also include a series of youth and 3km contests – take place on the evening of February 15, and are reputedly the fasted races of their kind in the UK or Ireland.

25 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: MOCHTA’S ADVANCE IN THE LEINSTER SENIOR

RUGBY

St Moichta’s bundle in a goal from a corner

McCarthy thrilled at Rovers showdown LEINSTER SENIOR CUP North End United St Mochta’s  KARL GRAHAM

1 2

sport@dublingazette.com

ST MOCHTA’S will play Shamrock Rovers in the fourth round of the Leinster Senior Cup after securing a 2-1 victory over North End United at Ferrycarrig Park last weekend.

The home side started well and took the lead after just four minutes when Jason Murphy found the back of the net. The width of the post was all that kept North End from doubling their advantage three minutes later.

Mochta’s were given a boost shortly before half time when Kyle Dempsey was given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card for dissent.

The visitors were boosted by their man advantage and came out in the second half looking to dominate. They succeeded in their goal and equalised just after the hour mark when David Somers headed home Philip Hughes’

corner.

Eight minutes later, Denis Moran thought he had put Mochta’s in front when he lobbed the keeper, only to see the ball land on the roof of the net.

They didn’t have to wait long to take the lead, however, when Jason Marks ensured it would be a debut to remember, scoring via a deflection.

Somers struck the post on 72 minutes as the Saints looked to secure passage to the next round, while Moran saw a fine save keep out his effort two minutes later.

North End pushed hard for an equaliser late on but Mochta’s managed to hold on for a big victory.

Saints manager Brian McCarthy spoke to the Dublin Gazette about his side’s victory. “I’m delighted with it. At the minute, it is great to go anywhere and get the victory.”

W hile McCar thy acknowledges the sending off had a bearing on the game, he believes the Saints were the better side throughout the tie.

“To be honest with you, I thought we were the bet-

ter side even with the 11.

They got a goal early doors but I thought we were the better side. We were on the front foot for most of the first half.

“Any sending off changes the game; it made it tougher for them but it also made it tougher for us because they had something to hold onto. It was easy to put 10 men behind the ball so we had to be patient.”

McCarthy also expressed his joy at land-

ing Rovers in the next round.

“Playing Shamrock Rovers out in Tallaght Stadium is going to be huge for the club. It is something we will look forward to and all we can do is give it our best shot and see what happens.

“A lot of our players have played at a high level so have been there and done that. For the younger lads, it will be a great occasion for them to go out and play.”

Howth’s Aungier in Irish U-20 panel HOWTH man Jack Aungier has been named in the Irish Under-20 rugby squad for the upcoming Under-20 Six Nations Championship.

The 32-man squad features 11 players who were capped across last season’s Under-20 Six Nations tournament and World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

In the forwards, prop Jordan Duggan, hookers Ronan Kelleher and Diarmuid Barron, along with back rower Sean Masterson, all featured last season, as did seven of the backs selected - scrum half Jonny Stewart, out-half Conor Dean, centres Angus Curtis, David McCarthy and Tommy O’Brien along with back-three players Mark Keane and Michael Silvester. UCD and Leinster ‘A’ regular O’Brien will captain the side.

Commenting on the squad selection, new Ireland Under-20 head coach Noel McNamara said: “It’s an exciting time for the players and the coaching team. There have been some tight calls across the board and it’s great to see that competition for places.

“Also, with 11 players who were involved last season, there is some good experience across the squad. The players have all been working hard over the past number of months and we’re confident in the ability of the squad that we have selected.”

The campaign begins for Ireland away to France in Brive on Friday, February 2.

After the opening clash with France at Stade Amedee Domenech, the Ireland U-20s will play three successive home games against Italy, Wales and Scotland on Friday nights at Donnybrook, with the series of home fixtures again being sponsored by Electric Ireland.

Their championship run will conclude with a trip to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry to face England on Friday, March 16, in a double header with the Ireland and England women’s teams.

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GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 25 January 2018

SPORT

CAMOGIE: SECOND HALF MASTERCLASS DOES THE DAMAGE FOR HERITY’S

FASTGAA

Dublin succumb as the NAT LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Dublin 3-5 Kilkenny 3-17  sport@dublingazette.com

Syl’s Cleere view of beautiful Malahide

FOLLOWING the tremendous success of his ‘Malahide is Cleerely Beautiful’ 2018 Calendar, Nicky Cleere has kindly made a very generous donation from the calendar proceeds to St Sylvester’s GAA club’s development fund.

The calendar captured beautiful pictures of the sights of Malahide, all photographed by Cleere himself. Nicky also designed and produced the calendar which was very well received by the Malahide community. It quickly sold out in the run up to Christmas, many sent as gifts to loved ones abroad also.

Club Chairperson, Paddy Miskelly accepted the cheque for €2,000 which will go towards Phase 1 of Syl’s Club for All Seasons 2020 Development Plan - the construction of a state of the art all-weather facility at Broomfield.Cleere mentored the U-15 boys football team for many years, and we look forward to see him train the team on the new facility.

Picture: GAAPics.com

DUBLIN’S date with Kilkenny was the only L i t t l e wo o d s I r e l a n d Camogie League Division 1 game to survive last weekend’s deluge of rain that played havoc with spor ting events throughout the country.

It was the cats that benefited with a secondhalf master class to overcome Dublin by 3-17 to 3-5, making the best use of the conditions at the Parnells astro in Coolock.

Both sets of players produced a wonderful hour of camogie despite the difficult, attritional circumstances in what was a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland semi-final.

The champions got off to a very quick start with points from Danielle Morrissey (free) and Anne Dalton inside the

opening minute.

Ballyboden St Enda’s Eimear McCar thy opened the scoring for Dublin but it was the visitors that were dominant in the initial phases and they stretched their advantage to five after 11 minutes thanks to a flurry of points from play by Miriam Walsh and Katie Power, who landed two apiece.

A key member of the Dublin team that reached last year’s premier junior All-Ireland final, Roisin Baker stopped the rot and that was the genesis a brilliant run of a goal and four points that rocked Kilkenny back on their heels, albeit momentarily.

N a F i a n n a ’s Z o e O’Donoghue continued the early impression she has made this term with her second goal in a week, the exWaterford player being given her opportunity in the absence of All-Star

attacker Aisling Maher.

A seven-point contributor last week, Naomh Fionnbarra’s Siobhan Kehoe hit three consecu-

tive points, including two from play and David Herity’s charges were a couple ahead.

Kilkenny are full of

experience but it was minor, Aoife Doyle who provided the riposte they needed with a goal just before the interval and

Dublin on the attack against Kilkenny in their league tie last weekend. Picture: ilivephotos.com

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tiger Childcare, is back in full swing in CCC every Saturday.

New members always welcome. Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@gmail.com.

It’s that time of year again where memberships are overdue; club memberships run from November to October each year, members on direct payment need to notify the registrar if there are any new additions (new children at nursery) or changes in address, contact numbers etc. Email registrar@Castleknock.net.

Volunteers still required for slots inside the exit of SuperValu to do a bucket collection and sell national draw tickets on February 8, 9 and 10. Please consider helping or asking extended family to give a dig out. Text hours you can volunteer to Breda Griffin, 086 8416431 No winner of our lotto jackpot with thanks to Rialto Ford. Numbers were 1,6, 20, 29. Two match three winners; winning €150

each. Lucky dip winner was Annette Balfe who takes home €30. Our new jackpot is €4,800 with the next draw in the Myo’s on January 25.

ERIN GO BRAGH

ALL of our teams are back training and we wish them huge success for the coming season.

No winner of our lotto jackpot which is now €5,000.

Numbers drawn were 5, 8, 14 and 15.

Congratulations to Conor Gorman who has been selected for the Dublin U-16 hurling panel for 2018. A huge achievement and well done from all at the club.

Erin Go Bragh hurlers are looking for new player; if interested, please contact Karl on 087 2352074.

Our nursery (Little Green Machine) has restarted training in Hansfield on Saturday mornings from 9.30-10.30am and in Phibblestown on Tuesdays from 6-7pm and on a Saturday from 11.30am to 12.45pm.

Our G4M&O team are also looking for new players, it’s a great way of meeting new people in your community while also having some fun and getting fit. No experience necessary. Please call Ciara on 087 914 7154 for further details. Please note our membership can now be paid online.

FINGALLIANS

AWARDS night: Thank you to all the members who made the night a very successful one. Well done to Nicola Fitzgerald on winning the club person of the year for 2017. Check out all the picture on our Facebook page.

Player of the year winners - football: senior – Oisin Lynch, second team – Cian O’Brady, junior team – Seán Ó Fionnaláin, social football – Paul Webster. Ladies: senior - Emer Ní Éafa, junior – Elisha Duffy.

Garda vetting: Thank you to all who have completed their e-vetting applications.

Remember as per step one of the process a copy

of a photo Id a and proof of address must be sent to the club’s CPOs (Paul@ chambersengineering.ie and aoifeoreilly21@gmail.com).

History Project: Fingallians GAA are now in our 134th year. There is a requirement to have our history researched, compiled, recorded and potentially published.

The longer it is left undocumented the more of our story will be lost.

We are appealing to our membership to see if anyone would be interested in undertaking the task.

It would be a substantial undertaking involving considerable research and interviewing. It is a project that needs to be done properly and professionally.

Interested parties can contact Liam Ó Culbáird- 086 3814422.

Social Dancing: Friday 26th January in the club hall.

Music with John Molloy and Andy Feery. Dance class 8 – 9.30 and Band from 10 – 12.30pm.

Irish Group: Tosóidh ár

ngrúpa comhrá arais ar an gCéadaoin 17ú Éanair ag a 9 sa chlub. Fáilte roimh gach duine. Saor agus spraoiúil.

Tuilleadh eolas ó Liam ag 086 3814422. Our Irish group will start back on Wed 17th Jan at 9 in the club. Everybody is welcome. Fun and free.

Further info from Liam @ 086-3814422.

Dancing on Monday’s: Every Monday from 8 – 11pm in the main hall social dancing takes place. (Jive, Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot & Line Dancing). It is €10 per night and new members are welcome to join the fun.

Lotto: Numbers – 4, 24, 25, 34 and 36. We had one winner, Veronica Farrell. The jackpot this Tuesday will be €2,056.

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN INTERMEDIATES and juniors continue with preseason training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm in Westmanstown but last Sunday’s challenge with Duleek had to be postponed

because of unplayable pitch.

Ladies training begins on January 31 with a fitness assessment in Blanchardstown.

Fundraising table quiz on February 23 at Westmanstown.

Juvenile activity was limited last weekend because of the poor weather conditions but the U-12 boys hosted St Vincent’s at Westmanstown with two competitive games taking place.

Great week for club stalwart Davy Cryan, losing over a stone in his first week on Operation Transformation. All club members are reminded they can “Walk For Davy” every Monday night at 7pm for the next six weeks at Westmanstown where the lights will be turned on to facilitate.

Online membership is now up and running and club members are reminded that payment must be completed before the end of February.

Players, in particular, need to be fully registered

and paid up in order to be compliant with insurance regulations in the event of a playing or training injury.

For online payment, go to payments. gardawestmanstown.com.

Cash or cheques will still be taken by the club registrar.

Tickets are now available for the National Club Draw from committee members.

All members are asked to purchase same; remember all money raised is retained by the club.

Condolences to Anne Egan on the death of her mother Mary. May she Rest in Peace.

NAOMH PEREGRINE

CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to the incoming executive committee: chairman Paul Hart, vicechairman Noel McNally, Runai Paul Beecher, treasurer Tom Kitt, registrar Elaine Forde, players’ rep Gareth Walsh, PRO Ray Smyth, assistant treasurer Seamus Dolan and children’s officer Paul

25 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

SIDE IN THEIR SECOND LEAGUE BATTLE

Cats hit form a point in injury time to put her side back in front by 1-7 to 1-5 at half time.

Dublin resumed in ideal fashion with a goal

from Lucan Sarsfields’ Emma Flanagan, who like O’Donoghue, also raised a green flag in last week’s draw with Lim-

Donnelly.

Thanks to all the members of the outgoing committee for all their efforts and hard work during the year. We wish all our teams every success in the new season and look forward to another great year of growth and development.

The lotto jackpot of €3,600 was not won. Numbers drawn were 13, 19, 23 and 25. Next week’s jackpot goes to €3,800.

Items for the club notes should be addressed to the PRO at NPCLGPRO@gmail. com by 6pm on Sunday.

SKERRIES HARPS

SKERRIES Harps annual membership fees are now due and are available for renewal online at www. skerriesharps.ie/clubmembership.

Forms are also available in the clubhouse. All Players (Adult & Juvenile) must have paid membership and injury fund fees paid up to date before commencement of the 2018 season.

erick but the Noresiders found another two gears and the hosts were unable to respond.

They shot two goals and eight points by the time the Sky Blues added to their tally with Na Fianna’s Alex Griffin’s goal five minutes from time but by then, the destination of the three points for the win was beyond doubt.

Morrissey provided three of the points and Dalton two, with the other minors provided by Walsh and Doyle.

It was Malone that made the killer contributions with a brace of goals in three minutes at the beginning of the final quarter to put her side out of reach.

It was left to Morrissey, who finished with five points and Walsh, who brought her tally to four from play, to complete the scoring and stretch the margin to 12 at the final whistle.

TOP CLASS ADDITION

Dublin ladies football manager Mick Bohan. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Bohan adds Casey to Dublin ladies backroom team DUBLIN ladies senior football team manager Mick Bohan is hoping that 2011 All-Ireland winner Paul Casey will be part of his coaching team for the forthcoming season.

Subject to ratification at a Dublin LGFA meeting next month, Casey could come on board as defence coach with the reigning TG4 All-Ireland senior champions.

Already involved with an underage intercounty development squad, the Lucan Sarsfields clubman has indicated that he would be willing to commit to the Dublin ladies’ setup on a part-time basis for the Lidl National League Division 1 campaign.

If his appointment is rubber-stamped, Casey would work closely with Sorcha Farrelly and Paul Gilheaney, and he’s no stranger to former Clare senior football coach Bohan.

The two are friendly, and have worked together with both Dublin City University (DCU) and Lucan in the past.

“Paul would have been one of our heroes

on that quest for Sam in 2011,” Bohan told the media at the announcement of Gourmet Food Parlour as the new sponsor of the Higher Education Committee (HEC) third-level championships.

“When you see guys at that level wanting to get involved in the women’s game, I think it’s really good for the game. I think anyone coming in from the men’s game to women’s football brings that extra little bit of savvy and nuance and whatever else.”

In terms of the panel of players, there’s been some movement. With 14 new panellists in an extended 43-woman squad, Bohan aims to hold that for the league and cut it after.

It’s understood that Siobhan McGrath – a key defender when the Sky Blues landed their first senior All-Ireland in 2010 – has returned to the set-up after some time in Australia. Former minor star Muireann Ni Scanaill and Na Fianna’s Lucy Collins are among others to return.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD Adult Games Weekly Meetings continue this coming Thursday 25th in the Clubhouse - all those involved in Adults Games asked to attend as we resume normal Club activities after the Christmas break.

Juvenile Games meetings also recommence this Thursday 25th Jan at 9pm. A representative mentor from each age group is required to attend.

Zingo Result: 2-5-1-4-37-6. We had No jackpot or Dividend winner this week.

Jackpot now a fantastic €7,800. Dividend €150.

Next Draw will take place on Sunday the 28th of January in the Clubhouse at 6.30pm!

How do you win! You buy a ticket! You can play on line at www.skerriesharps.ie and follow the links. Envelopes only €2 or 3 for €5. Free raffle for spot prizes on night for all those present at Zingo draw. Our club Zingo allows us to accomplish so much as a Club, Thanks to all those who play every week.

Diary dates:

• Academy continues on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11am. Term 1 runs from Sat 20th Jan to Sat 24th March • Gormanston indoor hurling /Camogie Tournament continues next Sunday 28th January running for 6 weeks and is suitable for Academy to U12 age groups.

Cost just €15 for 6 weeks to include a T-shirt. Contact your team mentor for details of registration .

ST BRIGID’S

OUR club nursery continues every Saturday from 9.30 to 11am for all four to seven year olds. If weather is bad, the nursery moves into the hall. New families are always especially welcome. Just arrive down and speak to any of our coaches.

Club membership for 2018 is now due and can be paid online via our club website or via the usual means.

As always, March 31 is the deadline for payment. Gym membership is now also due for renewal. Limited

availability on Monday evenings from 8-9pm for the months of January and February for the gym.

Make sure to keep up with all our latest news on our club app, Facebook and Twitter pages or via the website www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

Interested in playing camogie in 2018? We are looking for new and or returning players of all levels for both our Senior 2 and Senior 5 teams. If interested, please contact Aodh at 086 852 4527 or email naomhbridcamogie@gmail. com.

Our AFL3/AFL5 footballers are looking for selectors and coaches to assist the team managers, contact Cormac Kelly on 087 9573925.

Foundation Hurling and Football Coaching Award - Friday, February 2 from 7-10pm and Saturday, February 3 from 11am to 1pm in Russell Park. To book, contact our GPO Barry Mullane at barry.mullane. gpo.dublin@gaa.ie.

Our club race night takes place in Russell Park

on February 23, 2018. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim O’Mahony on 086 8282016.

GAA National Draw tickets for a new Renault Clio are now on sale from players, mentors and from behind the club bar priced at €10. All tickets must be returned to Paddy Davey or to your club contact by January 31.

St Brigid’s are delighted to offer a limited number of Gaeltacht Scholarships for this coming summer in July and August. The scholarships are available to paid-up 2018 St Brigid’s juvenile members between the ages 12 and 18 in secondary school. Contact Stiofán on 0876 339238.

The lotto draw resumed on January 18 following our Christmas break. There was no jackpot winner and this week’s draw will be in the Roselawn Inn on Thursday, January 25. The jackpot will be €1,200. Thank you to everyone for their support for our lotto and to our great lotto committee.

The club would like to extend sympathy to the

Hegarty family following the recent passing of Kathleen Clarke, mother of Ann Hegarty.

ST FINIAN’S

ST FINIAN’S GAA Club would like to announce that Paula Deegan has been appointed as an additional Children’s Officer with responsibility for the LGFA and camogie side of things.

Paula’s contact details can be found on the club website: http//www.stfinians.com.

Congratulations to Laurie Baxter from the adult LGFA team who was on the winning Navy Team in the Dubs Stars challenge.

Sincere sympathies are extended to the Lynch family on the passing of Jacqui Lynch. Jacqui was wife to Alan who played both juvenile and adult football for the club and mother to Brian who plays on our minor football team. Jacqui was also a good supporter of the club and worked in the local SuperValu in Boroimhe. Ar dheis Dé go

raibh a h-anam dílis.

Ticket information for the upcoming Dublin Spring Series 2018 is available on the club website and club Facebook page.

The club shop is back open from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. Please note that the club shop will now be open on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9:30pm instead of Thursday.

There are Boxercise classes taking place in the clubhouse activity room every Monday evening and Sunday afternoons.

For further details, please contact Karen at 087 776 5165.

The club lotto jackpot on January 19 was €1,700 and the numbers drawn were 6, 9, 16 and 25. There was no winner.

Lucky dip winners of €40 were Con Murphy, Jackie Caul, Thomas Cahill, D Daniels. Next week’s jackpot is €1,800.

The club bingo takes place this and every Friday upstairs in Peacocks at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €850.

The coffee shop is open this and every Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 25 January 2018