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FEBRUARY 1-7, 2018

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Dear Mary CABINET APPROVES €320M PLAN – BUT NEIGHBOURS DISAPPROVE

Second runway is cleared to take off  SYLVIA POWNALL THERE was a mixed reaction to the Government’s decision earlier this week to back plans for another runway at Dublin Airport.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet signed off on plans to suppor t the Dublin Airpor t Authority (DAA) in beginning construction of a new 3.1km strip at a cost of €320 million.

An Taoiseach Leo Varad-

kar said he wants to see work get under way within months, adding: “It is very important for our economy, tourism and business that we increase capacity at the airport.”

Fine Gael Senator James Reilly said it signalled a “bright future” for the transport hub, but he urged that restrictive planning conditions attached to the project be lifted.

Continued on Page 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

FINGAL | COUNCIL IS SEEKING THOSE WHO WANT NEW SERVICE

Plans for bike-share scheme are welcomed  SYLVIA POWNALL A BIKE sharing scheme is coming to Fingal and the council is now taking expressions of interest from towns and villages who want the service.

The local authority is planning to introduce a system of ‘dockless’ bikes across various locations, including Dublin 15, on a pilot basis.

T he system allows bikes to be picked up and dropped off within specific areas, unlike the Dublin Bikes scheme which operates in the city centre.

Welcoming the news Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (Green Party) said: “I

Aengus O Maolain welcomed the new bus route

am delighted that Fingal are going ahead with the proposal.

“This has the potential to be hugely useful to residents in the area.

“The bikes will be selflocking, which means

they cannot be taken by anyone who is not a member of the sharing system.

“This system will not require the expensive infrastructure of a docking station and is therefore far more flexible.”

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) said it was a “very positive” development and added that he would be campaigning for a docking station for both Donabate and Portrane.

Cllr Tania Doyle said: “The proposal was recently brought before the Transport Strategic Policy Committee, of which I am a member, and I would be very supportive of such initia-

tives.

“I will be pushing for units to be made available at both Clonsilla and Hansfield Stations.”

She also welcomed the National Transport Authority announcement of a planned new bus route, the 40L , which will link Tyrellstown to the Luas at Broombridge.

She said: “Additional public transport is vital.

Within certain areas it can be gridlock at various times of the day.

Residents in Tyrellstown and Corduff have very limited access to public transport as it is, so I very much welcome the decision.

“I’m looking forward

now to seeing the timetables for this service.

Public Transport must not only be accessible but affordable.”

Aengus O Maolain, Social Democrats representative for Castleknock and Blanchardstown, is also optimistic about the new route.

He said: “This will make commuting in and out of the city centre and the rest of the city much easier for everyone living or working in the area.

“The proposed timetable, supplementing the 40D, will almost double bus services to the area at certain times, and cut significant time off a lot of people’s commutes.”

Central Bank to investigate car prize draws at credit unions THE Central Bank is investigating how credit unions conduct car draws following a probe last year which uncovered at least 15 bogus draws at Rush Credit Union.

Investigators who probed the lender’s accounts last summer were unable to locate the winners of 15 car draws with a spend of more than €220,000 on the vehicles.

At the time there were claims that a staff member, who has since left, may have ‘won’ a car in one of the draws run by the now defunct financial institution.

Allegations were also made that some members of Rush Credit Union were entered into car draws without their knowledge.

Now the Central Bank is carrying out what it calls a ‘thematic review’ of prize draws in a number of credit unions to ensure there is no repeat of the Rush scenario.

A small number of the lenders are selected at random and their procedures then checked.

Entry to credit union draws averages at around €100, with members able to buy a ticket outright or have withdrawals made on a regular basis.

Details of the outcome of the review are due to be released in March.

FASTNews

Swiss Cottage site to be used for apartments A PLANNING application to demolish the Swiss Cottage Bar and Restaurant and build 89 apartments and retail units has been lodged with the council.

The application seeks to construct a five-storey mixed-use development on the site of the landmark pub, comprising two retail outlets, a café and a takeaway at ground floor level.

The application was lodged on January 10 and came after a previous application lodged last month was rejected as council planners deemed it was “insufficient for the information of the public”.

The demolition of the iconic building which has lain vacant will mark the end of an era and pave the way for a new stage of development for Santry.

Dublin Bus has changed a number of its routes DUBLIN Bus has changed a number of its routes including the 33x and 41x in a move it says will improve journey times for commuters.

From this week changes will be implemented in the College Green area to alleviate delays experienced by passengers crossing the city centre.

Routes 25, 25a, 25b, 25d, 37, 39, 39a and 70 travelling northbound/westbound will be rerouted via Tara Street and Burgh Quay. There will be no changes to the bus stops on these routes.

Routes 25x, 27x, 32x, 33x, 39x, 41x, 51x, 66x and 67x travelling inbound in the morning will be rerouted via Hawkins Street, Townsend Street and Westland Row. Some bus stops along these routes will be changed.

Full details of all these changes including route maps are available on www.dublinbus.ie

Creative writing classes CREATIVE writing classes for beginners at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan starts next Tuesday February 6 from 10.30am–12.30pm. Cost is €120 for 10 weeks.

Classes will also be held in Skerries Community Centre on Mondays starting February 12 from 10am-12 noon for eight weeks.

To book please contact Ross on 085 1395320 or email ros1_@hotmail.com

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

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

AIRPORT | LINK GREENLIT PEOPLE | SADNESS AS RETIRED GP FLANN BRENNAN PASSES AWAY

Mixed reaction as runway plan gets approval Continued from Page 1

The DAA also wants the condition limiting the number of night flights – which would see fewer landings and take-offs than at present – scrapped.

But Fingal Organised Residents United Movement (FORUM) expressed dismay at Tuesday’s decision by the Government.

On its Facebook page, the group posted: “As expected! Commercial and financial risk to be used as an argument to overturn the restrictive 2007 planning conditions and implement Reg 598/14 via primary legislation!”

Planning permission for ‘North Runway’ was granted in 2007 but the project was shelved due to the recession.

Last March, Fingal County Council granted a five-year extension to the original planning, extending it until August 2022.

Transport Minister Shane Ross confirmed on Tuesday that it was the Government’s intention to appoint the local authority as the new independent airport noise regulator for Dublin Airport.

His Department stated: “Passenger growth at Dublin airport has rebounded incredibly strongly over the last number of years. As the economy has recovered and grown, the need for additional capacity is

now clear and urgent.”

Fingal County Council issued a short statement saying that it “notes” the decision to appoint it as independent noise regulator.

It added: “The council now awaits publication by the Government of the draft Bill which will set out precisely how the new regulation will operate in accordance with Regulation 598/2014.

“In the meantime, the necessary resources will be put in place to deliver a robust and independent regulatory system.”

Restricted Senator Reilly called for clarity on planning conditions and warned if they are not amended the airport will be restricted to 27 million passengers a year – 3 million fewer than in 2017 – resulting in job losses.

He added: “This is a national asset for both business and employment in Fingal, and if legislation is required I am calling for it to be fast-tracked and prioritised as a matter of urgency.”

Residents of neighbouring St Margaret’s lodged one of three challenges to the runway in the commercial court last year, but their bid to halt construction failed.

The first phase of work, which involved diverting the Naul Road and site clearance, started last December.

The second runway has been cited as key to helping sustain growth in the area

Rush mourns the late ‘Dr Brennan’, who died aged 104

 SYLVIA POWNALL TRIBUTES have been paid to retired GP Flann Brennan who passed away on Sunday at the age of 104.

He died peacefully in the loving care of staff at Rush Nursing Home and surrounded by his devoted family.

Flann – forever known to many in Rush and Lusk as Dr Brennan – was one of 30 centenarians aged 100-113 who featured in the documentary, Older Than Ireland.

In a flashback to the film on Facebook, the production team wrote: “Of all the centenarians we interviewed, none are quite like Flann.

“He is remarkably selfaware and at times it can be very difficult to determine whether he is being very humble or simply hard on himself.”

Flann was born in Dublin on February 1, 1914 and was the eldest of six children. After secondary school he took what was a rare opportunity in those days to study at UCD Medical School.

The late Flann Brennan, known to many simply as ‘Dr Brennan’; above: Flann as a dapper young gentleman

After graduating he began his career as a family GP. He met his future wife, Elsie, while based in Co Laois on one of his first jobs and was impressed by the fact that “she was able to play golf”.

They married in the church on St Stephen’s Green and had their reception in the Hibernian.

Flann recalled: “For the

second half of the honeymoon, we stayed in Dublin in a hotel overlooking St Stephen’s Green on the opposite side from the Shelbourne.

“Ah, they were times that we were full of hopes, joy and everything else.

We were young.”

Shortly afterwards he got his dream job in Dublin but the couple suffered

more than their fair share of tragedy with the loss of three of their six children.

Flann finally retired from the world of medicine at the age of 70 and Elsie passed away in 2005 after a long illness.

Loneliness got the better of him and he moved to a retirement home, where the self-confessed “gadgeteer” kept himself busy reading and listening to classical music.

He revealed: “I can read

a thing called a Kindle.

The print on that is big enough or can be made big enough to read comfortably and it helps pass the time.”

Asked in an interview about the meaning of life, he once replied: “I don’t know. I’d know no more about it now than a babe unborn or just born. I’m no wiser about what we’re doing here and I’ve no words of wisdom to give anybody.”

Awards shortlist includes Fingal community initiatives A TOTAL of eight community initiatives in Fingal have been shortlisted in the national community and council awards across six categories.

The awards, in their 12th year, recognise joint effort projects of councils and community groups.

The winners of each category will be announced at a ceremony in Croke Park on Saturday, February 3.

Dublin Enterprise Zone has been shortlisted in the category for Best Local Authority for attracting foreign direct investment.

In the Best Business Working with the Community Category, BEAT Enterprise Centre in Balbriggan was shortlisted alongside the Donabate-Portrane Community and Leisure Centre, which was also shortlisted in the Best Community Sports Club category.

Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley said: “I’m delighted to see such a variety of projects recognised as it reflects the diversity of initiatives and resources being implemented in Fingal.

“They are a great example of the talent,

ambition, determination and creativity that can be found among citizens of our county.”

Also shortlisted was Active Age for All in the category for Best Community Based Initiative. Bremore Castle Big Dig and Malahide Castle and Garden were shortlisted in the Best Heritage Project.

Space Invaders is an Arts festival for children and took place in Farmleigh, Phoenix Park and is listed alongside the Bleeding Pig Festival in the Best Arts/Culture Initiative Category.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

Out and About

Cllr Jack Chambers, Deirdre Murphy, Bridie O’Neill, Margaret Atkinson and Lauren Magee

Driven to raise funds for Hospice T

HIS week we are bringing you some more fantastic shots from the car draw in Blanchardstown Centre held by St Francis Hospice. The event was attended by Dublin legend Alan Brogan and Lauren Magee and Deirdre Murphy from the Dubs Ladies Team. Over €100,000 was raised from the draw.

Aidan Conaty. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Gerard Dowling

Cllr Eithne Loftus, Deirdre Murphy and Lauren Mihrab Choubhury and Deirdre Murphy

Magee

Alan Brogan with Aifric and Senan White

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

Out and About

Sr Patricia and Sr Margaret Cashman

Mary McCormack from Diesel Blanchardstown Centre making a donation of €1,000 to Fintan Fagan from St Alan and Amy Scanlon

Aaron and Mario Preda

Francis Hospice

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

BLANCHARDSTOWN | SERGEANT HUGH “SONNY” GAYNOR DIED ON A PEACE KEEPING MISSION

Special memorial to Irish soldier set to be unveiled  SYLVIA POWNALL A PLAQUE dedicated to the memory of an Irish soldier killed on a peace keeping mission in the former Belgian Congo will be unveiled in Blanchardstown this weekend.

Sergeant Hugh “Sonny” Gaynor was just 27 when he died along with comrades from the 33rd Infantry Battalion after they were ambushed 13 miles from the village of Niemba by Baluba tribesmen in 1960.

A plaque to his memory will be unveiled by Fingal Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley this Saturday, February 3, close to the family home on Main Street, Blanchardstown.

Sonny attended the local St Brigid’s NS along

with his two sisters Peggy and Clare who later joined the local choir and drama society.

He enlisted in the army in the early 1950s and later moved to Leixlip with his wife and family.

In a letter home sent on Tuesday, August 30 1960 he described the gruelling journey in searing temperatures as he flew in darkness to the north African desert and landed in Tripoli, Libya.

He wrote: “The heat was unbearable, especially in our bull’s wool uniforms.

It’s a beautiful place but it’s not like home.”

Just nine weeks later on November 8 Sonny and eight other platoon members on patrol in UN marked vehicles were ambushed as they inspect-

ed a bridge over the River Luweyeye.

Hundreds of thousands of citizens lined the streets of Dublin when their bodies were brought home for burial in Glasnevin Cemetery.

The mission, known as Operation Sarsfield, marked one of Ireland’s first forays into peace keeping and made international headlines.

Sonny’s only surviving daughter Sara Tallon, 61, will travel from Donegal for Saturday’s ceremony and says she is touched that her father is being honoured in the town where he was born and reared.

She told the Dublin Gazette: “When you go to Glasnevin you hear a lot about Michael Collins but there’s nothing about the UN plot.

Sergeant Gaynor in the former Belgian Congo

“I think their sacrifice has largely been forgotten about and this will help keep his memory alive.

“This is where he grew up, he went to school in

the village and it’s recognition of that. He was both a city boy and a country boy.”

Although she was just three years old when her father died Sara says she has fond memories of spending time with him as a toddler.

She revealed: “I have great memories of being with my father in the shed.

He was mad into motor-

bikes but he hadn’t the money to buy a bike. So every pay packet he used to buy a part.

“I remember sitting in the shed with him and a stove of paraffin oil as he put the bike together, or he’d be repairing a bike for someone else.

“I remember sowing sweet pea at the fence with him – even to this day I sow sweet pea in his

memory.”

Retired Air Cor ps pilot Frank Russell, who served on UN missions in the Middle East, was a childhood neighbour of the Gaynor family and has been one of those who pushed for a memorial.

He told the Dublin Gazette: “When Sonny got married and moved to Leixlip, I used to see him on Saturdays visiting his mother in Tolka View and he in his Cavalry Corps army uniform, an unusual sight in the village in those days.

“I was always aware that there was no formal recognition in Blanchardstown of Sgt Gaynor and his untimely death while on UN peacekeeping duties in the Congo so I resolved to do something about it.

“This rather belated recognition of a very brave man and his eight comrades will be put right on Saturday with the unveiling of the bronze plaque in the village by the Mayor of Fingal.”

Major works planned for Howth harbour MAJOR reinforcement works are planned for Howth Harbour to protect it against structural damage in stormy weather.

The 200-year-old east pier will be built up and a designated walkway installed to improve safety for walkers and tourists.

Funding of €2.3 million has been set aside for the project by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and if the redevelopment gets the go-ahead the pier will be closed for eight months to facilitate the works.

The building works – the first at the harbour since 1982 – will include alterations to the middle pier with the provision of an additional 120m of

trawler berths.

In addition to a new two-metre wide path accessed via steps from the upper tier, the project would add two layers of ‘concrete armour’, a form of block structures, the heavier of which would weigh between nine and 12 tonnes.

These are designed to sap the energy from approaching waves and 2,500 of the larger units would be required.

There was mixed reaction locally to the project at a public information day held earlier this month where some people called for the harbour to be dredged.

Howth Harbour was built in 1813 and while it is still a working fishing port it is increasingly at risk from adverse weather conditions.

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

PEOPLE | A NOVEL WAY TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO GET FREE CERVICAL CHECKS

Gillian’s going all out to improve women’s health  SYLVIA POWNALL HAIR stylist Gillian Lee has come up with a novel way of encouraging women to take care of their health – by offering a free blow dry for every smear test taken.

The single mum and owner of Mane Envy Hair and Beauty Salon in Baldoyle was spurred into action when she learned of the alarmingly low uptake of free cervical checks.

A report last week revealed that 35 per cent of young women were not turning up for smear tests because they were

‘so embarrassed by their body shape’.

Around 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland each year and it’s the second most common after breast cancer according to the Irish Cancer Society.

Gill told the Dublin Gazette: “When poor Jade Goody died her story was in the media and there was a huge uptake of smear tests.

That was in 2009 but now numbers have dropped dramatically.

“I felt that as a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a woman I had

to do something to try and give others an incentive to make that smear test appointment.”

The salon offers a free professional blow dry to any woman who walks in with proof that she’s booked her smear test – be it a doctor’s note, confirmation email or text.

Gill said: “Once you’ve something to say that you’ve made the call that could potentially save your life we’ll give you a blow dry completely free as a thank you.”

She added: “I’ve got nearly 7,000 women on my social media page and 1,000 on Instagram, so I

Gillian was spurred into action when she learned of the low numbers of women getting smear tests

feel I’ve got an obligation to try to do good and raise awareness when I can.”

The issue is close to home for Gill whose mother underwent an emergency hysterectomy after abnormalities

showed up on her smear tests in 2012.

She said: “I believe she’s here and healthy today because she went for her free routine smear tests.

“Many women are alive today because of

this free service yet some, including myself, don’t make the time to attend for their five-minute life saver.”

To book your free check visit www.cervicalcheck.ie or Freephone 1800 454555.

Retail and residential development to go ahead after ruling THERE has been a mixed reaction to a High Court ruling dismissing objections to a retail and residential development in Castleknock.

The €15 million development, comprising a supermarket, a medical centre, cafe, retail units and eight apartments, was granted permission by Fingal County Council last year.

It was appealed to An Bord Pleanala and a judicial review of the decision was sought. But this was rejected on Friday, paving the way for construction to start in April 2018.

Several local councillors had voiced concerns over the Lidl development’s location and the potential for traffic congestion since there are seven schools in the area.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told an oral hearing at An Bord Pleanala that the

proposed four-storey development over 4,900sqm was at odds with the surrounding area.

However welcoming Friday’s decision Lidl Ireland’s director of property Alan Barry said: “We look forward to commencing construction of the development by April of this year.

“The development has been designed to the highest of standards taking into account the surrounding buildings and local architecture.

“Lidl will appoint a building contractor in the coming weeks and will hold an open evening to showcase the detailed designs where building timelines will be communicated to the local community.

“The development will create 60 new jobs, 30 permanent positions in the Lidl store with the medical centre and retail units expected to employ a further 30.”

FASTNews

Fuel Allowance scheme review welcomed

SINN Fein TD Louise O’Reilly has welcomed the Government’s decision to review the Fuel Allowance scheme.

She said: “Anecdotal evidence suggests that cuts to the fuel allowance have been detrimental for low income households and older people.

“At my weekly clinics across Fingal, the issue of fuel poverty is a constant for people, with one elderly lady choosing between paying for fuel or paying her Local Property Tax. “We know that Ireland currently has the highest levels of excess winter mortality in Europe with an estimated 2,800 excess deaths during each year.

“We also know that 28 per cent of households are experiencing fuel poverty. These are exactly the reasons why we must see this report carried out.”

Supermacs opening in Balbriggan SUPERMACS is opening a new restaurant in Balbriggan as part of a nationwide expansion of the fast food chain.

In all it plans to open six new restaurants this year which will add 400 people to the workforce nationwide.

Supermacs owner Pat McDonagh said: “We will be engaging in a major recruitment drive to get staff for these new openings. We have career opportunities at all levels. We are looking for staff in the area of managers, store managers, assistant managers and catering assistants.

“We have an extensive careers page at www.supermacs.ie/ careers.”

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

Fingal duo reach Best Young Entrepreneur final TWO Fingal entrepreneurs have reached the national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition.

Kevin Kelleher of medical device firm Ostoform in Malahwide and Alan Hickey of delivery app WeBringg in Castleknock clinched places in the best business idea and best start-up categories.

They are two of three young go-getters representing Dublin at the finals on March 4 and are in with a chance to become Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur and share in a €100,000 prize fund.

The local entrepreneurs have been supported on their journey by Fingal Local Enterprise Office.

LEO’s head of enterprise Oisin Geoghegan said: “Our search which started last September has turned up some incredible business talent.

“Our local entrepreneurs are the business leaders of the future and the entrants in the competition have all shown innovation and drive.”

Finalist will have the opportunity to pitch their business plan to the judging panel. They will be assessed on criteria such as the level of innovation, the potential for future job creation and their Minister Pat Breen with Alan Hickey of delivery app WeBringg leadership skills.

LANDMARK | DRUMANAGH PROMONTORY FORT

Plans to safeguard historic site unveiled

 SYLVIA POWNALL PLANS to protect the site of Drumanagh Promontor y Fort between Rush and Loughshinny have gone on public display.

Fingal County Council bought the historical landmark dating back to the Stone Age for around €1 million last year and a draft conservation and management plan has now been drawn up.

The local authority has already taken steps to secure the coastal site and protect it from motorbike scramblers w h i c h h ave c a u s e d extensive damage.

Now the public consultation process is under way with interested parties invited to have their say and make submissions during the six-week period.

Dr umanagh, which is protected under the National Monuments Act, is recognised as a nationally impor tant

The Public Consultation was launched by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley

archaeological site of international significance in tracing Ireland’s links with the Romans.

Launching the draft plan Fingal Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) said: “Visiting this beautiful site today I can see the potential for not just archaeological research and education but also the tourism and recreational opportunities.”

A public information drop-in session will be held in Rush Commu-

nity Centre on Wednesday, February 28 from 4 to 8pm where council staff will be available to answer questions relating to the plan.

Senior parks superintendent Kevin Halpenny urged everyone to have their say on the future of Drumanagh.

He said: “This site is not only a significant national monument it will also become a major open space and form part of the Fingal Coastal Way

used by locals and visitors.”

Community archaeologist Christine Baker added: “The conservation plan will help us to balance all the various uses of the site with the need to protect it for future generations.”

Submissions can be made online at consult. fingal.ie until March 5.

A copy of the plan is available at council offices and local libraries during this period.

Kevin Kelleher of medical device firm Ostoform

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

Out and About

Dave McKittrick, Brendan McGrath and Dave Cleary

Memorable night for all at Fingallians GAA Shannon Murtagh and Naomi Doherty. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

F

INGALLIANS GAA held their annual awards night in the main hall last week. The event saw the presentation of medals to their football and hurling league winners and player of the year awards. The night of celebration was a great way of recognising all the hard work and dedication put in throughout the year. Guests then enjoyed a buffet and music and partied into the early hours.

Danny Campion, David O’Brien and David Killeen

Pauline Dempsey and Gill McManus

Dearbhla Snow and Nicola McKittrick

Maire Fitzgerald and Geraldine Finnegan

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Out and About

Labhaoise Brady, Eve Cribben and Tara Breen

Amy Rickard, Leona Dolan and Ciara Thorburn

Mairead Ni Eafa, Deirdre Murtagh and Jackie Howard

Tom Walsh, Thomas Walsh and Kyran O’Brien

Memebers of the Ladies Minor A’s

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

GAZETTE

DUBLINBUSINESS Springboard expanded to those Providing a personal in full employment and local approach to help Fingal’s SMEs

NEW COMPANY | HR PROFESSIONAL BRINGS BROAD RANGE OF EXPERIENCE

The Government has announced that all Springboard courses are to be available to those in employment for the first time.

Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, issued a call to all higher education institutes to propose courses to be funded under Springboard+ 2018.

Springboard+ is part of the action plan for education, which will aim to ensure that Ireland has the best education and training system in Europe, within the next decade.

Last year, the Springboard+ criteria was expanded to include those in employment who wished to upskill to meet specific needs within the ICT and Biopharma sectors, as well as homemakers. This year, all courses will be extended to be open to anyone irrespective of their employment status.

Level 6 courses will remain free to all Springboard participants. For employed participants on level 7 to 9 courses, the government will cover 90% of the course fee, meaning participants only need to pay 10% of the overall course fee.

“Springboard+ is a key part of the Government’s strategy to ensure we are planning for the future skills needs of our economy, which is critical to delivering on our ambitions as a nation,” said Minister Bruton.

“We need to continue to focus on ways to address skills needs that are arising due to both the changing world of work, and our welcome move towards full employment.”

Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard+ 2018 can find full details on springboardcourses.ie

Increase in browsing activity on mobiles THERE has been a reported 60% increase on mobile browsing activity by consumers in 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

The Retail Excellence dashboard report also details that desktop conversion rates have decreased by 3%.

The average level of browsing across all handsets has fallen by 16% year on year, with the company suggesting that Cyber Week’s success is a reason for the drop.

The pharmacy sector recorded the highest conversion rate of 3% to nearly 2% across mobile devices, with this sector growing strongly online in the last year.

“The data produced by our Dashboard Report gives an excellent insight into the current state of play within the Irish online marketplace and is one of our key supports offered to Irish retailers trading online,” said David Campbell, eCommerce manager at Retail Excellence.

It is expected that over €600bn will be spent by European consumers online in 2018.

HR professional Daniela Kocis set up her own business to offer advice and support to SMEs in Fingal

HR professional Daniela Kocis Fitzgerald is embarking on an exciting challenge as she sets up her own business offering advice and support to SMEs in Fingal.

Based in Clonee, Mrs Kocis Fitzgerald will serve businesses in Malahide, Sutton, Portmarnock, Howth, Rush, Skerries, Donabate, Swords and Dublin Airport through her new company The HR Dept Fingal.

Originally from Romania, she has lived in Ireland for eight years and is married with two children.

An experienced employment law consultant and HR expert, with a CIPD diploma in HR management, she said her new role was aimed at achieving

greater freedom and flexibility.

“I wanted to try and get the best of both worlds,” she said.

“I wanted some freedom in my life and a better work life balance.

“Having children has definitely changed my view on life – if I stayed working in the corporate world I’d never have been around to see them grow up.

“Running my own business enables me to still do what I love, along with the flexibility and freedom of being selfemployed.

“There are quite a few SMEs in the business parks around Fingal and in the seaside towns at the edge of the Irish Sea. “My approach is going to be

very much personal and local, so it’s going to be a real change from the corporate world I was in before.”

Daniela said her broad experience stood her in good stead to face the variety of personnel issues her clients were likely to face.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the companies and businesses in the area and it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on,” she said.

“There are a lot of personnel issues for SMEs to be thinking about at the moment, with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) coming in May and the reviews on equality and the gender pay gap.

“Companies need to be

aware of likely legislation and prepare for it in advance – the landscape is changing and those businesses which aren’t up to speed are going to suffer.

“HR professionals are available for advice so that, rather than having an additional headache to worry about, business owners can pass responsibility for the people issues over to us.

“We allow you to look after your business and take care of your people problems.”

Daniela becomes the third franchise holder to set up The HR Dept in Ireland, with other licensees already operating in Cavan, Monaghan and Louth as well as South Dublin and County Kildare.

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

TRAVEL P25

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

CINEMA P27



GAZETTE

FOOD P24

SPEC COMES READY THEATRE: CELEBRATING THE IRISH EXPLORER’S INSPIRATIONAL SPIRIT FOR A FUN-LOVING ADULT-ONLY HOME

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Spec, a fun-loving one-year-old Labrador cross who is looking for an equally fun-loving family.

Spec is a very social dog that loves human company and struggles with being left on his own for too long.

He loves people so much that he would want to be the only dog in the home so that he can spend lots of quality time with them; he is looking for an adultonly family.

Being a social creature has many benefits as Spec not only loves walking and playing with people but he has a soft spot for cuddles, too. He will be a great companion for someone who likes goofy, bouncy dogs who like to play If you can be Spec’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

Shackleton’s ice tribute TREACHEROUS Antarctic sea ice gripped and slowly destroyed his ship, the Endurance – but nothing could crush Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton’s hunger for adventure.

A great new Irish play, Shackleton, explores the 1914 event – and a lasting legacy of the triumph of the human will, even in the face of such grim adversity ...

SEE

P18

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE Superstars take to the stage for show-stopping performances

DIARY

CONCERTS: ELTON JOHN AND BRITNEY AT THE 3ARENA

DUBLIN is set to see global superThe aim of the series, 101: The available via www.101thepodcast. stars Elton John and Britney Spears Ways We Learn, produced by com. take to the 3Arena stage at two Bureau, is to inform the national show-stopping concerts. conversation in this area by con- LIAM NEESON THANKS CABIN As he announced his retirement, necting big educational ideas with CREW FOR FUNDRAISING Elton John revealed he will embark everyday occurrences like learning AER Lingus cabin crew recently received the ultimate recognition for on a three-year ‘farewell’ world tour. to cycle.

“My priorities have changed. We In each episode hosts, physicist, their on-board fundraising achievehad children and I changed our lives. Dr Share Bergin, UCD School of ments from UNICEF goodwill ambasThat doesn’t mean to say I’m not sador Liam Neeson at a going to be creative. but I’m not UNICEF Goodwill Ambas sador Liam Neeson going to travel,” John said in a thanks Aer Lingus emplo yees. Picture: Jason Clarke livestreamed press conference.

He will take in a stop at the 3Arena on June 12 2019 on his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour.

Tickets will go on sale 9am on February 9th.

Meanwhile, princess of pop Britney Spears will take her ‘Piece of Me’ tour to Dublin this summer. Following the end of her Las Vegas residency after four years, she’s taking her Vegas set on the road.

Spears is due to stop at the 3Arena on August 20th 2018.

Her Dublin show will be one of a limited number of dates she’s preforming globally, and Education and volcanologist, her first Irish gig since 2011. Tickets Dr Jane Chadwick, formerly edu- private event in the Shelbourne Hotel, cation manager, Science Gallery Dublin. are on sale now.

Neeson, an ambassador for the Dublin, follow different people as PODCAST EXPLORES HOW they are guided by a teacher to learn global child rights organisation since PEOPLE LEARN NEW THINGS something new – from swimming 1997, spent the afternoon with seven A NEW 10-episode free podcast to cycling, from coding to cooking Aer Lingus cabin crew, named as UNIseries exploring how people learn and from activism to graphic design CEF ambassadors, thanking them for new things was launched last week – and explore the learning process their work in raising €1m for UNICEF at UCD. in 2017 through the airline’s ‘Change from many differing perspectives.

Like many countries, Ireland is The first two episodes of the free for Good’ initiative. going through a period of reform in podcast series, each of which is In a special video message to Aer its education sector. approximately 30 minutes long, are Lingus guests, Neeson said: “This year

After a 50-year career Elton John is embarking on his final tour, which will take him to five continents over three years

alone Aer Lingus raised €1m, helping children through on-board donations for war-torn Syria as well as Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen, which were ravaged by famine and most-recently children displaced by the Rohingya crisis who had to flee their homes in Myanmar.

“A special thanks to all Aer Lingus guests. It’s with thanks to your generous donations UNICEF has been able to make a big difference to change children’s lives for the better.”

WIN A VISIT FROM THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RUN PRIMARY schools across the country have been invited to enter a competition to win a visit from the Flame of Hope ahead of this summer’s Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics Ireland Law Enforcement Torch Run is a key event which raises funds and awareness of the Special Olympic Ireland Games.

They offer an opportunity for athletes of all ages to become part of a growing community, and to reach their full sporting potential.

The competition will see primary schools fundraise a minimum of €250 to show their support for the Games.

The Flame of Hope will travel the country ahead of the opening ceremony on June 14.

The Ireland Games will take place from the June 14 – 17, and will see 1,600 athletes from all over Ireland come to Dublin to compete in 14 different sports, from football to bowling.

For more information and to register, visit www.irelandgames.ie/schools

IFTA NOMINATED FILM SET FOR IRISH CINEMA RELEASE IFTA nominated feature film, Michael Inside, will be released in Irish cinemas on Friday, April 6.

The film, directed and written by Frank Berry, tells the story of Michael McCrea, an impressionable 18-yearold who gets caught with a bag of his friend’s older brother’s drugs. He is then sentenced to three months in prison.

Last summer, Michael Inside won Best Irish film at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2017. It stars Dafhyd Flynn as Michael, alongside Moe Dunford and Lalor Roddy.

Michael Inside was nominated for four IFTAs – Best Feature, Best Director, Best Scriptwriter (Frank Berry) and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Dafhyd Flynn).

CHANGE OF LOCATION FOR ORCHESTRA’S DUBLIN CONCERT THE Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) has relocated its Dublin concert from St Patrick’s Cathedral to St Stephen’s Church (The Pepper Canister).

The ICO will collaborate with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre for its concerts in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, St Stephen’s Church, Dublin and at the Bayer Erholungshaus, Leverkusen, Germany (15, 16 and 18 February) directed by Jorg Widmann.

The ICO and Fidget Feet will immerse audiences in the richly shaded world of Prokofiev’s ballet music.

Tickets on sale on www.irishchamberorchestra.com.

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

AIB Future Sparks Festival launched

LAUNCHING the AIB Future Sparks Festival, recording artist Soule and Dublin hurler Donal Burke, joined a series of trailblazers across music, sport, food and social entrepreneurship to announce details of the event which is taking place on March 22.

The Festival takes place in the RDS, bringing together leaders in business and young entrepreneurs, to inspire students and show them the power of potential.

Soule, from Balbriggan, just returned from Eurosonic and is one of Ireland’s rising stars.

Soule joined Dublin hurler Donal Burke, who at just 19 years old, has been making waves in the hurling world in the past year. He won the Leinster minor title in 2016, at the age of 16 and has since cemented himself as a started on the Dublin hurling team.

Also at the launch was former Ireland rugby player Gordon D’Arcy, who enjoyed international success when he lined out for Ireland straight after leaving school.

From food, Jack Kirwan, co-founder of Sprout, who recently opened a 5th restaurant in Dublin in late 2017.

From social entrepreneurship, Iseult Ward, co-founder of FoodCloud, the software platform that enables businesses to redistribute surplus food to charities. Since it was established in 2012, in excess of 8,300 tonnes of food, or more than 18 million meals, have been redistributed to charities across Ireland and the UK. Each of them will take to the stage in the RDS on March 22 at the AIB Future Sparks Festival, which will consist of hands-on workshops, inspirational talks and panel discussions with thought leaders from a broad range of industries and disciplines.

For full information, please visit www.aib.ie/events/ future-sparks-festival

Sinead Walsh from Alexandra College; artist Soule; Sprout & Co co-founder Jack Kirwan; Grace Dervan from Wesley College; rugby player Gordon D’Arcy; hurler Donal Burke; Lara Gillespie from Wesley College; FoodCloud co-founder Iseult Ward; Sean Bradshaw from St Paul’s College and Conor McCarthy from CBS James St, Kilkenny.

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

Out and About

Preview screening gets off and running Fiona Mallon and Andrea Field

Bernard Dunne with Pamela Dunne and children Finnian and Caoimhe.

Left: Paddy Smyth.

Pictures: Brian McEvoy

T

HERE were plenty of famous faces at Cineworld Imax last week for a special preview screening of Maze Runner- The Death Cure. The film sees Thomas lead his group of escaped Gladers on their most dangerous mission yet.

To save their friends they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the most deadliest of all.

Emma Hogan and Matt Hogan

Trick Sayto and Sarah Campbell

Gallen Leung and Sarah Kwou

Jenny Leonard and Stephen Cromwell

Chris Kularajain and Anthony Byrne

Shauna Kane and Ali O’Brien

Model Alannah Beirne

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

My best friend and I have fallen out – how can I get our friendship back on track ag?

MY BEST friend and I had a falling out just after Christmas over a fairly trivial matter, and we haven’t spoken since.

We used to meet at least twice a week and enjoyed each other’s company greatly.

I feel she was more in the wrong than I was, but I want to put an end to it before it’s too late.

Last week I spotted her in town, but made sure to avoid her in case she didn’t want to talk to me.

I regret not speaking to her there and then.

How do you think I should go about rekindling our friendship?

Siobhain, Walkinstown

MARY SAYS: Friendship is very important and every single human being on this earth needs a good friend.

If the argument was trivial and you think you were more in the right, does it really matter?

At the end of the day, your friend is your friend and when we argue we should value each other’s opinions and not carry them all to the next day.

You should ring your friend and go for coffee, talk it out and say: “Look, you and me have been friends for a long time.

“This is a silly argument, it doesn’t matter who was right and who was wrong.

Let’s forget it, start over again and just be mates.”

Friends are so important and life is too short to be falling out with them.

I have some health problems, and I’d love to know your secret to help lose some weight...

I WATCHED you on Operation Transformation and admired how you managed to cope so well, even though you seemed to be in a lot of pain.

I suffer with arthritis in my knees and am facing

ADVICE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE two replacement knee operations.

In the meantime, I need to get exercise to lose weight which would help me, but I am too immobile to do proper exercises like walking.

Can you please let me know your secret, as it seems to have worked for you.

Brian, Raheny

MARY SAYS: With Operation Transformation, it was the food that got the weight down for me as much as the exercises.

The food on the Operation Transformation plan really helps the weight come down.

If you are too immobile to walk or do exercises, would it be possible for you to swim? I know walking can be so painful when you’ve arthritis in your knees and I still find it painful to walk sometimes, so swimming really helped me.

If you can’t get to a swimming pool or swimming is too difficult, there are lots of things you can do at home, even if it’s just on your chair.

You could fill plastic bottles with water and try and lift them with your legs from the chair. Stretch your legs and bring them up as close as you can to yourself by just sitting.

If you can get around the house slightly, take two minutes to stand if you can and just do waist exercises, just moving and making sure your heart is pumping.

You don’t have to do anything too physical to start off with. The important thing is you get into a routine of doing the exercises regularly, but be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise or dieting plan.

My grandson and his dad want very different things – how can I help them work it out?

MY YOUNG grandson is starting to show a great interest in song and dance and wants to take up dancing classes.

Is there something on your mind? Mary Byrne is delighted to offer her advice to Dublin Gazette readers; email her today at marybyrne@dublingazette.com His dad (my son) just wants him to pursue a football career and hopefully play for Man Utd some day.

I know you have a wonderful career in singing, and I was wondering what advice you’d give me on how to advise my grandson on the best way to express himself without offending his dad?

Ann, Drumcondra

MARY SAYS: It sounds as if your son wants your grandson to live your son’s dream, not his own dream.

It’s understandable that your daddy or mammy wants you to do something that they wanted to do

many, many moons ago, but at the end of the day, it’s about the child’s dream.

If it lasts, then great; if it doesn’t, at least the child will have tried it. Never stop him from pursuing his dreams.

The football could be his dream in a year or two but in the meantime, the child wants to dance and sing and I think that’s a great career for any kid.

It encourages great discipline, among other things.

You need to say to your son to give your grandson his chance, let him have his own dream. Children chop and change through dreams all through their lives.

We all did – I wanted to be

a nun, I wanted to be a vet, and at the end of the day, I ended up being a singer!

Let your children live their dreams.

I’d feel guilty to go out and socialise like I used to with my late husband; what should I do?

MY HUSBAND and I religiously went dancing at least once a week at our local social club.

We met new friends there, and looked forward to meeting them at the dance every week.

Sadly, my husband passed away last year, and I haven’t gone dancing since.

My friends keep asking me to come, but my heart isn’t in it any more.

I know it would be good for me to get out, but I feel I would be disloyal to my husband.

What do you think I should do?

Angela, Swords

MARY SAYS: I can understand your grief and how you’re feeling. When we lose somebody it’s very hard. We want them to be happy for us.

But at the end of the day, you know that your husband loved the dancing and he knows how you felt when you were there.

He’s still with you in spirit regardless and if he thought

you were sitting at home and not doing what you both loved to do together, he would not be happy.

He would want you so much to continue on, enjoying the company of friends and living your life the way you both wanted to live it.

The f irst steps are always the hardest to take, but if you take that step and then take another few steps, you’ll be a happy woman and he’ll be a happy spirit.

REMINDER Mary needs you to contact her by noon on Monday, so don’t delay – send your problem to Dear Mary at Dublin Gazette today!

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE Celebrating Shackleton

FEATURE

THEATRE: NEW PLAY EXAMINES EXPLORER ERNEST SHACKLETON’S TURNING TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH

 MARK O’BRIEN THE Project Arts Centre is soon to play host to an acclaimed play that tells the story of Irishman Ernest Shackleton’s incredible polar adventure, which saw a disaster at sea turned into a testament to the human spirit.

Shackleton is an original play, presented by Sligo-based thea t r e c o m p a ny, Blue Raincoat, which explores the Irish explorer’s most incredible feat.

County Kildare-born explorer Ernest Shackleton was obsessed with becoming the first person to reach the South Pole.

In 1901, he joined an expedition to the Antarctic, but had to be sent home due to poor health.

He made another attempt in 1907, but fell agonisingly short when brutal weather conditions forced him to turn back.

Four years later, his dream was shattered when Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach

the world’s most southerly point.

Shackleton then set his sights on a new target: crossing the Antarctic via the South Pole.

In 1914, he set out on an expedition that would become the stuff of legend after his ship – the Endurance – became trapped

Shackleton managed to lead his entire team to safety with none of the 28-man party losing their lives.

The Shackleton-led trek and journey by lifeboat to safety cemented

explorers, and those who dare to chase their dream.

Shackleton’s director, Niall Henry, told Dublin Gazette that although there were a number of notable explorers at that time, Shackleton’s story is

very soon and it took him such a length of time to go back, and everyone thought they were long dead because there was no satellites, no mobile phones, there was no way to know where they were.

the story became extraordinary.”

Blue Raincoat’s production is also extraordinarily told by a talented ensemble cast, complemented by original footage and scaled miniatures.

The play, Shackleton, sees the actors make excellent use of models, materials and lighting to portray the still incredible tale of Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew (left), once their ship, the Endurance, sailed into disaster in the Antarctic (right)

in ice, forcing the party to halt.

The ice eventually crushed the Endurance, with the crew forced to camp on the floating ice of the icy Weddell Sea for 497 days – incredibly,

his place in history.

In 1921, Shackleton returned to the Antarctic with another expedition, where he died of a heart attack, but his earlier exploits live on and continue to inspire modern

one that is ripe for a staged retelling.

Niall said: “I suppose Shackleton, strangely enough, became the most famous by not getting there.

“He got into difficulty

“They appeared over the horizon 18 months later and it turned out no one had died.

“Bit by bit they all wrote books, and from the ship’s logs, the information gradually leaked out and

Niall said: “Everyone [actors John Carty, Barry Cullen, Sandra O’Malley and Brian F Devaney] is on the stage all of the time, and what they do is, they tell the

Shackleton story.

“They at times enact scenes and sometimes use scale miniatures, and they use all sorts of material to create the shapes of the ice, so it’s nearly like a moving animation.”

The play has been a remarkable success since it debuted last year, winning Best Set Design in the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards 2017, where it was also nominated in the Best New Play and Best Sound Design.

Niall said the process has been very rewarding, and there are plans to take the show further afield next year. “ I t ’ s going to the States next year. We got an invitation to a festival in Chicago and to a place in Los Angeles, so we’re looking forward to that,” added Niall.

Shackleton runs at the Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar from Monday, February 26 to Saturday, March 10.

Tickets are available from www.projectartscentre.ie, or by calling the box office at 01 881 9613.

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

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 quack

quit

quad

quiz

quake

question

quail

quench

quarter

quicken

quarantine

quarterstaff

quince

quadruple

queue

quarry

quiet

quantity

quilt

Quebec

quirk

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

MUSIC

BAGS OF TALENT  JAMES HENDICOTT RED Hot Chilli Pipers - an awardwinning Scottish bagpipe band, not to be confused with the Los Angeles rockers who inspired their name - are famed for their live show.

With more than a dozen bagpipers and drummers on stage, they cover Avicii and AC/ DC, Coldplay and Journey, whilst exploring trad traditions, and absolutely pulsating with bouncing energy.

It didn’t start like this, though. In fact, the group leapt to prominence as the star of When Will I Be Famous?, a sub-X Factor TV show.

They were a fantastic novelty, but one that was clearly going to have to adapt to survive the usual post-show drop off. And adapt they did.

“When we won the TV show, we didn’t even have a website,” bagpiper Willie Armstrong recalls.

“We got lots of offers to play and it was an incredibly exciting time for us all. Bear in mind most of us had other jobs, so it did get a little stressy.

“The big difference between our band and the many other acts that have been through the same thing is that we are incredibly hard working.

“We realised very quickly that the fan base was really driven by the TV show; people were fans of the TV show and not necessarily fans of the band. We still had to build a fan base.

“If we had nothing to offer, the gigs would have dried up quickly. We had to make sure our product was strong enough that people would come back, and they’d come back with their friends.”

The live show, then, has become the band’s thing. Naturally that leans on a certain amount on the recognisability in their tracks, but also on the unique twist that the bagpipes and drums put on them.

“We have invested a great deal in the production side of our shows,” Armstrong explains.

“Our lighting engineer flies in from Poland, and we have the two best sound engineers in the business. The equipment we use is all top of the range. Every part of the live show is recorded and then dissected after each performance. Nothing is left to chance as we have too much respect for the paying audience.

LETS GO OUT MUSIC

BEST OF THE REST FEBRUARY 1 (Thursday) I Am The Cosmos @ The Bernard Shaw, free Chasing Felix + Heroes in Hiding + Good Strangers @ Whelan’s, €5 Gus Dapperton @ The Workman’s Club, €16 FEBRUARY 2 (Friday) Cult Called Man @ Whelan’s, €8 Ronan O’Snodaigh @ The Purty Kitchen, €14 The Kila man has made a habit of going it alone in recent years, and he’s quite the trad-loving talent. The vocalist and poet has plenty of experience to draw from with his main act, but also played a key role in the late Mic Christopher’s career.

Always worth seeing.

Shed Seven @ The Academy, €28.50

“We have won live act of the year twice now, and I think that’s testament to the time and effort that’s been put in.

“Something else we do that not a lot of other bands in our position do is we come out and meet the audience after each show. It shows humility I think and lets the audiences know that we really appreciate them making the effort to come and see us.”

Naturally, touring as such a large group presents its difficulties, though, and with the Pipers playing regularly all over the world, it’s a notable logistical issue.

“It’s incredibly difficult,” Armstrong admits.

“Thankfully we have Kevin [MacDonald, fellow bagpiper] who has a brain like a computer and is able to see the logistical big picture. “ T h e r e ’s s o m u c h more to it than meets the eye. Getting all the visas arranged is weeks worth of work alone. Then we have to find decent hotels and the means to transport around 14 people.

“Obviously if we had less people on stage then more money could be made, but its really not about that.

Imagine you went to see the Red Hot Chilli Pipers one year with the massive wall of sound coming at you and you went back to be faced with six guys.

“That’s just not going to work. We share rooms on tour, but we chop and change who shares with who as that way you don’t get stuck with a snorer for five weeks. You may laugh, but these things seriously start to make a difference after a while.”

As such a large group, we’re sure the tours contain some epic stories, though Armstrong is

a little coy on the tour tales when we ask.

Nevertheless he comes out with this gem: “The ambient audience mics have proved problematic a few times. We recently played a show in Scotland and all we could pick up throughout the whole first half was a group of females on a hen night explaining to each other exactly what they wanted to do to us... In a nice way.”

There is the odd name-related mishap, though.

“In America we get some people buying tickets for our shows thinking its the Peppers. Not as many as you would probably think though.

Perhaps ten per year.

“Some realise they’ve made a mistake and come along anyway, because they research it and realise that perhaps we might not be that bad.

“One time we were playing at the Carpenter Centre in Long Beach and I met a couple dressed head to toe in tartan. Like stand out, head to toe including hats.

“It turns out that they thought they had bought Peppers tickets, and although they were offered a full refund they decided to embrace their mistake and get right into it. They’re now our biggest fans.”

Red Hot Chilli Pipers play Vicar Street on February 11.

PICK

OF THE WEEK

FEBRUARY 3 (Saturday) Rat Boy @ The Academy, €19 Leopardstown Racing Festival - Damien Dempsey @ Leopardstown Racecourse €30 The horse racing and music combo in Leopardstown is ever-more popular, and this one features a Dublin icon in Dempsey.

Spread across two days (it’s €50 for the weekend, if you want both), it’s a laidback, day-time event well worth exploring.

Crow Black Chicken @ The Bowery, €10 Pinhole + Sillk @ Whelan’s, €8 The Pale + Sylk + Ruth Mac @ Whelan’s, €15 Lorenzo Senni @ The Button Factory, €11 FEBRUARY 4 (Sunday) Leopardstown Racing Festival - Stockton’s Wing @ Leopardstown Racecourse - €30 Bobov Dol (Bulgarian Folk Ensemble) @ The Helix, €23 PartyNextDoor @ The Olympia Theatre, €30 Beth Orton @ Whelan’s, €26 FEBRUARY 5 (Monday) Bobov Dol (Bulgarian Folk Ensemble) @ The Helix, €23 Yungblud @ Whelan’s, €13 FEBRUARY 6 (Tuesday) Nightmares On Wax @ District 8, €28 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 British Sea Power @ Whelan’s, €17.50 FEBRUARY 7 (Wednesday) The Mavericks @ Vicar Street, €50 Glenn Wool @ Whelan’s, €20 ADHD @ The Grand Social, €13 ConorWard + Ronan Ward @ Whelan’s, €8

KENDRICK LAMAR AT 3ARENA SEVEN-TIME Grammy-winning hip-hop Renaissance man, Kendrick Lamar, stops by in Dublin on February 7 on the European leg of The DAMN Tour.

The DAMN. Tour follows the release of his critically acclaimed fourth album DAMN. with a debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200 – marking his third time at the top spot – selling north of 603,000 album units and having amassed over 340 million streams and features 14 tracks observing the complexities of today’s culture. Tickets €62

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

BEST OF THE REST FEBRUARY 1 (Thursday) I Am The Cosmos @ The Bernard Shaw, free Chasing Felix + Heroes in Hiding + Good Strangers @ Whelan’s, €5 Gus Dapperton @ The Workman’s Club, €16 FEBRUARY 2 (Friday) Cult Called Man @ Whelan’s, €8 Ronan O’Snodaigh @ The Purty Kitchen, €14 The Kila man has made a habit of going it alone in recent years, and he’s quite the trad-loving talent. The vocalist and poet has plenty of experience to draw from with his main act, but also played a key role in the late Mic Christopher’s career.

Always worth seeing.

Shed Seven @ The Academy, €28.50

PICK

OF THE WEEK

FEBRUARY 3 (Saturday) Rat Boy @ The Academy, €19 Leopardstown Racing Festival - Damien Dempsey @ Leopardstown Racecourse €30 The horse racing and music combo in Leopardstown is ever-more popular, and this one features a Dublin icon in Dempsey.

Spread across two days (it’s €50 for the weekend, if you want both), it’s a laidback, day-time event well worth exploring.

Crow Black Chicken @ The Bowery, €10 Pinhole + Sillk @ Whelan’s, €8 The Pale + Sylk + Ruth Mac @ Whelan’s, €15 Lorenzo Senni @ The Button Factory, €11 FEBRUARY 4 (Sunday) Leopardstown Racing Festival - Stockton’s Wing @ Leopardstown Racecourse - €30 Bobov Dol (Bulgarian Folk Ensemble) @ The Helix, €23 PartyNextDoor @ The Olympia Theatre, €30 Beth Orton @ Whelan’s, €26 FEBRUARY 5 (Monday) Bobov Dol (Bulgarian Folk Ensemble) @ The Helix, €23 Yungblud @ Whelan’s, €13 FEBRUARY 6 (Tuesday) Nightmares On Wax @ District 8, €28 The Ruby Sessions @ Doyle’s, €6 British Sea Power @ Whelan’s, €17.50 FEBRUARY 7 (Wednesday) The Mavericks @ Vicar Street, €50 Glenn Wool @ Whelan’s, €20 ADHD @ The Grand Social, €13 ConorWard + Ronan Ward @ Whelan’s, €8

KENDRICK LAMAR AT 3ARENA SEVEN-TIME Grammy-winning hip-hop Renaissance man, Kendrick Lamar, stops by in Dublin on February 7 on the European leg of The DAMN Tour.

The DAMN. Tour follows the release of his critically acclaimed fourth album DAMN. with a debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200 – marking his third time at the top spot – selling north of 603,000 album units and having amassed over 340 million streams and features 14 tracks observing the complexities of today’s culture. Tickets €62

GAZETTE

LETS GO OUT MUSIC

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

Eyes

Delarom Decongesting Hydrating Eye Gel,Boost of instant freshness whilst reducing the coloration of dark circles, soothes the eyes and reduce signs of fatigue with instant brightness RRP €35

La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Levres (7.5ml RRP €6.50) A protective and replenishing treatment in a custom-tailored texture especially for lips

Lip service…

VALENTINE’S DAY is just around the corner so it’s time to say goodbye to those dry, winter lips and get them ready to be perfectly kissable!

Lips

SKINCare

PHYTOPOLLÉINE Botanical Scalp Treatment is a potent blend of essential oils that balances the scalp and deters dandruff.

RRP €30

PAYOT Nutricia Baume Levres Lip Balm is a reparative lip treatment with a slightly pearlescent finish that works to comfort and nourish your lips. The balm will ease lip discomfort and tightness, whilst also protecting from dryness and the many external aggressors that arrive with the cold spring months.

Scalp

Payot Nutricia Baume Lèvres Lip Balm 15 ml - RRP €19 – Available in Pharmacies Nationwide and at http://payot.ie

Irritation La Roche-Posay, Lipikar Stick AP+ (15ml RRP €12.00) Lipikar Stick AP+ (15ml RRP €12) immediate relief for atopic, eczema prone skin

Feet SVR XÉRIAL 50 Extrême Foot Cream (Crème Pieds) with 50% Urea: For hard-skin, corns & callouses

An oasis for winter skin

Gel

Reform Skincare’s Vitamin B5 Gel (59.99€) Enriched with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid See http://reformskincare.ie/

 Jessica Maile, Style Editor

Express

NIVEA Express Hydration lotion, 400ml RRP €7.49 Ultra-light formula that’s enriched with sea minerals

AHHHHHH......winter. That glorious season where it takes a little extra work to keep skin happy and hydrated. The only thing Mother Nature offers are rosy cheeks from the particularly windy weather we’ve been subjected to lately. Luckily, there are many moisturisers, balms and serums to keep skin feeling more tropical and less Arctic. Here is a selection of products to boost skin’s hydration levels from head to toe...

Delarom Rich Lip Balm This nourishing and absorbing lip care will hydrate your lips, preventing them from going dry, whilst also helping them to appear fuller.

Directions for use are to apply several times a day and night in thick layers to repair damaged lips.

Delarom Rich Lip Balm 15ml RRP €18 , is available in pharmacies nationwide and at http:// delarom.ie

Uriage Bariederm Soothing Repair Barrier Lip Balm This is the first barrier lip balm to be formulated with Poly-2p, which is an innovative patented complex that offers a triple action. This lip balm is ideal for anyone who has dry or chapped lips. Phytosterols immediately soothe dry chapped lips, restoring greater comfort. This is a high tolerance and long-lasting formula that is suitable for both professional and personal use.

Uriage Bariederm Soothing Repair Barrier Lip Balm RRP €10 is available in pharmacies nationwide and at http://uriage.ie

Beauty Review

Getting younger overnight with Vichy COMPANY: Vichy PRODUCT: Slow Âge Night Fresh Cream And Mask PURPOSE: Reoxygenate and regenerate skin, fight against premature ageing TEXTURE:  FRAGRANCE:  PERFORMANCE:  PRICE: €€€

many a night cream looking for the balance

grance relaxes

of hydration, comforting relaxing fragrance,

your senses.

as well as a weapon to fight those stubborn wrinkles.

I have some faves like Weleda’s Skin Food and

as a mask. Just apply thin layer over skin and leave it to do its magic for 10 minutes then rinse

Pacifica’s Wake Up Beautiful but then Vichy’s

with water and remove excess with a cotton

Slow Age Nuit entered my life. The gel is a

pad. And, voila! Fresher, softer, happier skin!

I love to pamper myself at night. My days are

natural-looking brown colour and it easily melts

pretty long and my skin takes a real beating.

into the skin (leaving no brown residue BTW!).

Making sure your face is clean and properly

Secondly, one or twice a week it can be used

Slow Age Nuit works in two ways. It can be

moisturised before bed is an important step in

used as a daily night cream to help smooth and

having a fresh face in the morning. I have tried

brighten your skin while the delicate fran-

After a week, I do have happier, more evenlytoned skin and don’t seem to be fighting tight, dry skin during the day.

Slow Âge Night - €32 (50ml) will be available in pharmacies nationwide from March.

Alpha-H Absolute Lip Perfector Lip Balm Absolute Lip Perfector is a multi-tasking lip treatment, a combined serum and balm, infused with refreshing Peppermint, Wild Mint and Honeycomb Extract to nourish, condition and lock in moisture for softer, fuller lips.

In addition to offering long-term hydration benefits and protection from environmental aggressors when applied during the daytime, Absolute Lip Perfector also works as a powerful night-time anti-ageing treatment.

Applied before bedtime you wake up with perfectly supple lips, enhanced moisturisation that lasts all day, and noticeably increased lip volume.

Alpha-H Absolute Lip Perfector RRP €30 – Available in Pharmacies Nationwide

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

STYLE

Thomas Sabo, Sterling Silver Butterfly Necklace, Tropical Collection, €198

Thomas Sabo, Yellow Gold Earrings, Tropical Collection, €98

Get FEBulous

INGLOT has announced the arrival of their FEBulous Collection just in time for spring. This collection includes for new shades of Inglot’s multi-use blush

Getting in the mood THOMAS SABO is getting in the mood for spring/ summer 2018 with their new Tropical series. The Sterling Silver Collection contains lush colours and tropical motifs that will get you excited for warmer weather. “Our Tropical series interprets the contrast between the dark green of the

Thomas Sabo, Sterling Silver Ring, Snake Collection, €179

which can be used on the face, eyes and body. You can use as an eye shadow or take a walk on the wild Thomas Sabo, Sterling Coloured Ring, Tropical Collection, €98

jungle, the colours of the animals and plants and sparkling light reflections in masterfully crafted jewellery creations”, says Susanne Kolbli, creative director at Thomas Sabo. The Tropical series will be available in all Thomas Sabo shops and shop-in-shops and at www.thomassabo.com

Thomas Sabo, Sterling Silver Bracelet, Snake Collection €398

side and add some fabulous colour (or colours) on your cheek bones, temples or anywhere else you fancy some colour. See www.inglot.ie or visit their stores in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dundrum Town Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre, Pavilions Swords, South Anne St and The Square, Tallaght.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

DUBLINLIFE

FOOD&DRINK

That’ll do grande

WITH a real nip in the air lately as spring approaches, we’ve rustled up a tasty treat which you’ll nip, nibble, bite and chown down with gusto – or rather, one which Neven Maguire has rustled up.

The award-winning chef teamed up with Pizza da Piero – source of fresh, artisan pizza in Ireland, handmade in a traditional Italian style across a twoday period – to help create a pizza that’s as good in the tum as it is on the eyes.

His recipe for Pumpkin Pizza with Cashel Blue and Pickled Red Onion uses a Pizza da Piero base, with Neven hailing his recipe-and-pizza-base combination as “a fantastic pizza that will be

better than anything you can order to be delivered”.

Pumpkin Pizza with Cashel Blue and Pickled Red Onion  3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle  450g pumpkin/butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced  1 Grande ready-made Pizza da Piero artisan bases  225g Cashel Blue cheese, broken up  2 handfuls of wild rocket leaves Pickled Red Onion  4 tbsp caster sugar  4 tbsp red wine vinegar  1 red onion, very thinly sliced  Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation  Preheat the oven to 240° (475°F/gas mark 9).  Heat the oil in a heavy based frying pan over medium–high heat.  Saute the pumpkin for 8-10 minutes, until it is cooked through but still holding its shape.  During this, make the pickled red onions by adding sugar and vinegar to a small pan and bringing to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and add the red onion slices. Season and set aside, allowing the flavours to combine.  Put the two Pizza da Piero bases on two large baking sheets and place the sauteed squash and Cashel Blue on top.  Bake for about five min-

Aldi releases lowcalorie wine range ALDI has announced a new addition to its wine collection with the arrival of low calorie Featherweight wines, available in store now.

Available in a choice of Pinot Grigio or White Zinfandel, Featherweight wines are almost ‘guiltfree’, containing around half the calories compared to regular wines.

At only 5.5% ABV, and under 60 calories a glass, each 75cl Featherweight wine is priced €4.49.

The wine is on sale in all 130 Aldi stores now while stocks last.

utes until the base is crisp and blue cheese has melted and remove from the oven.  Add mounds of the sweet pickled red onion, draining any excess liquid.  Serve straight to the table.

Notes Alternatively, if you would prefer a more traditional pizza using Pizza da Piero, drain a good quality can of plum tomatoes (such as Cirio) with a pinch of sea salt, extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of oregano.

Blitz to a puree with a hand blender and spread as a tomato topping on the two grande pizza bases.

Finish off with chunks of raw chorizo and mozzarella, sprinkling pink

Heard the scoop about Ben & Jerry’s new vegan-friendly ice cream?

IT is the very first non-dairy Fairtrade certified ice-cream in Ireland, making it perfect for vegans.

Ben & Jerry’s fans nationwide can now enjoy scoops free from dairy in two classic flavours: Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Chunky Monkey, as well as a Non-Dairy exclusive flavour: Peanut

Butter & Cookies.

Eric Fredette, head flavour guru at Ben & Jerry’s said: ‘’When our fans dared us to go free from dairy, we embraced the challenge and the nondairy range is just as funky and chunky as the original Ben & Jerry’s product.

“Now, it’s available at even more retailers in Ireland,

showing the demand for dairy alternative ice-cream and we’re proud to embrace what our vegan flavour fans want.”

The new non-dairy family is available in freezers across the nation now with an RRP of €7.45.n-dairy Fairtradecertified ice-cream also proving perfect for vegans.

peppercorns, or try slices of Milleen’s cheese with pieces of sun-dried tomatoes.

Pizza da Piero bases are widely available in different three sizes: grande (used in Neven’s recipe), medium 12” and mini bases, and are available in SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Avoca, Cavistons Food Emporium, Ardkeen Quality Food and Sheridan’s Cheesemongers.

Found in the fridge section, the bases mostly retail at €5.99 for pizza grande, and €3.99 for two medium 12” or four mini pizza bases.

Each pizza base is vegan-friendly, free from sugar and the 12” medium size contains less than 365 calories.

Guinness goes nonalcoholic with new lager THE Brewers at St James’s Gate have introduced Open Gate Pure Brew a new, full flavoured, nonalcoholic lager.

Lead brewer John Casey said: “We’re extremely proud of this beer. It’s hoppy with lots of fruity aromas and a nice hint of citrus flavour, along with a smooth, malty finish. The overall taste is deliciously refreshing.”

Such is the great taste of the beer, in independent taste tests, over 7 in 10 people were surprised to learn that it was a non-alcoholic beer.

“Whether you’re seeking alcohol or not, we think great-tasting beer is the goal,” said Casey.

“Many non-alcoholic beers are made by taking a conventional beer and boiling away the alcohol which can impact the taste. It has taken two years of experimentation, but we’ve come up with a way to fully brew beer using a special yeast strain that only produces a very limited amount of alcohol.”

See www.guinnessopengate.com for a list of pubs serving ‘Open Gate Pure Brew’.

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

TravelShorts

Learn something new in Costa Dorada

Be adventurous in Mexico

Marketing award for Click&Go

The RIU Lupita Hotel in Mexico

IRISH online travel company Click&Go added another feather to its cap when it walked Try new foods

away with the “Best

in Bulgaria

ITAA Member Digital Marketing Campaign” award at the annual Irish Travel Industry Awards recently.

Click&Go scooped the top award thanks to its highly successful Click&Gone digital campaign, which saw the company utilise

Join the travel revolution for your New Year’s resolution  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

THE turn of the new year is the perfect time for reflection.

Whether you achieved the goals that you set for New Year 2017 or not, decide on some travel-related goals for 2018 now and you’ll be sure to achieve them. After all, what better incentive is there than a holiday?

Learn something new in Costa Dorada Step back in time with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre, where you can walk around the well-preserved, vast ruins like soldiers and gladiators did all those years ago.

You can also head up into the hills to see the Monastery of Montserrat which was built over 1,000 years ago.

Miravet Castle is another

great landmark to visit beside the Ebro River.

This medieval piece of architecture is Arab in origin and houses the Chapel of Sant Miquel. Fans of art will also enjoy a wander around Gaudi Centre Reus – a tribute to the town’s most famous son. There’s a lot of history to uncover and the beautiful sights make it one history lesson that will catch your attention!

DEAL: • 25-May-18, Shannon to Costa Dorada, California Apartments, Salou, 3*, HB, seven nights from €439pps.

Get fit and healthy in Gran Canaria The largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is a year-round destination, so knowing that you can combine eating a healthy Spanish diet, relaxing in the Canarian

sunshine and getting plenty of exercise is the ideal form of inspiration at the start of the year for your 2018 diet plan.

DEALS: • 01-Feb-18, Dublin to Gran Canaria, IFA Interclub Atlantic, San Agustin, 3*, AI, seven nights from €549pps • 19-Apr-18, Dublin to Gran Canaria, Monte Feliz, Bahia Feliz, 3*, SC, seven nights from €409pps.

Try new foods in Bulgaria Expand your foodie knowledge with classic Bulgarian dishes such as banitsa - a crispy cheese pie made with layers of filo pastr y, feta cheese and yogurt.

Sweet fillings, like apples or dates, are also used on special occasions along with another favourite, tarator.

This chilled soup consisting

of cucumber, yogurt and dill is served ice cold during the summer time.

DEALS: • 28-May-18, Dublin to Bulgaria, Hotel Favorit, Bourgas, 3*, SC, seven nights from €389pp (based on four sharing) • 21-May-18, Dublin to Bulgaria, Ivana Palace Hotel, Sunny Beach, 3*, B&B, seven nights from €385pp

Be more adventurous in Mexico Inject some adventure into your 2018 with a Mexican holiday for you and your family.

There are a whole host of activities to get involved in,

from exploring Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá to swimming with dolphins in Cancun.

Why not really challenge yourself by squeezing into a wetsuit and heading down to the depths of the ocean on a deep-sea dive?

T WO WEEKS ALL INCLUSIVE DIRECT TO MEXICO DEALS: • 18-Jun-18, Dublin to Mexico, RIU Lupita, Playacar, 3*, AI, 14 nights from €1,499pps • 18-Jun-18, Dublin to Mexico, Grand Bahia Principe Coba, Riviera Maya, 4*, AI, 14 nights from €1,499pps • 09-Jul-18, Dublin to Mexico, Clubhotel Riu Tequila, Playacar, 3*, AI, 14 nights from €1,729pps.

All deals quoted are from Tui. To book visit www.tuiholidays.ie, call 1850 45 35 45 or visit a TUI store/travel agent.

the new Facebook Live technology to create a buzz and sense of scarcity around exclusive discount codes.

This innovative use of Facebook’s new channel gave Click&Go the opportunity to attract and engage a new audience.

Campaign Spotting a gap in the market, Click&Go devised a campaign that would speak to their new audience’s interest in authentic brand experiences.

Paul Hackett (pictured top, right, with Peter Cullen, chief marketing officer, Click&Go; and Mark Hopper, PortAventura World), chief executive and co-founder of Click&Go, said: “It’s been a great week for Click&Go. “Our staff numbers are at over 50 for the first time since the company was founded in 2010, and now we have won this award, which is a massive recognition of our achievements in digital marketing.”

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE Offering hope and support on the journey out of homelessness  MARK O’BRIEN

AMIDST the hustle and bustle of the busy South Inner City, an oasis of calm is offering hope and support to families who have experienced homelessness.

Almost 20 years ago, Sr Jean Quinn and Eamonn Martin saw a need for a different type of homeless service – one that offered a home for life and a range of holistic supports to help people on their journey out of homelessness.

They founded Sophia and opened their first centre on Cork Street in 1999.

working with people that also need supports,” Sophia CEO Tony O’Riordan tells Dublin Gazette.

“The model that we bring then is a knowledge and awareness of the trauma that people have been through and the need to design services that respond to that.”

The model has proved to be a tremendous success and Sophia have expanded, with other facilities in Donabate, Churchtown, Tallaght Sean McDermott Street, Greystones and Drimnagh, where 29 families moved into homes of their own just before Christmas.

Each resident receives support

level of a high ratio anywhere else in Dublin for a modular build where there’s two staff on the ground but we think that’s needed.

“Anyone that’s moving into a new home and hasn’t had an experience of homelessness, it’s a stressful and challenging thing.

“In Drimnagh we would have seen families having to get connected to utilities, all of that set up. That’s stressful for anyone.

“Then there’s the community orientation and then there’s the whole dealing with the experience of having been homeless and we think that you need support for that, for people to

from highly qualified keyworkers and will have their own support plan designed specifically for them to meet their needs.

“In Drimnagh, what would be quite different there is we have two staff on the ground and they’re only working with the 29 families,” says Tony.

“Now I don’t think there is that

be permanently out of homelessness and not relapse back into homelessness.”

Integrating with the local community forms an important part of Sophia’s ethos.

In Cork Street, this is partially achieved by making the Wisdom Centre available for local groups and

Sophia centre on Cork Street

The facility mainly houses families who have experienced homelessness and, as well as counselling services, families can avail of a range of additional supports, such as aromatherapy and yoga, in the facility’s Wisdom Centre.

“Where Sophia is particularly working with as its niche area is

FEATURE

Denis Doherty, Jean Quinn and Tony O’Riordan at the Sophia SMES Seminar. Picture: MAXWELLS_DUBLIN

businesses to rent out for conferences and training days.

Residents are also given the opportunity to undertake education and training courses.

Service users say that these supports have done wonders for their confidence.

One service user said: “My life was not the best before coming to Sophia.

We had no opportunities or no living space and we were always sick because of the cold.

“I suffer with depression and I haven’t been so happy since before I became homeless because I feel the staff are a lot of help and it’s great getting courses to get us out during the day.”

Another commented: “My life was at a standstill. I was living in emergency accommodation for nine months.

“Living in Sophia makes me feel great. I have my freedom back and my own private space in my flat. I look and feel better. My confidence is growing back and I’m happy.”

Where Sophia differ from other homeless services is that they offer people a home first rather than imposing conditions on people who may have addiction or mental health issues.

In 2015, they opened a service on Sean McDermott Street that specifically caters for couples which has

delivered impressive results.

“The majority of homeless services in Ireland would be configured in a way almost like a staircase where you were rough sleeping, then you got a shelter, then you maybe got a better quality hostel, then you got transitional and then you got, if you were very, very good, you got a home,” says Tony.

“But the reality is that people were falling off that stairs so what Sophia did with Sean McDermott Street, with (the assistance of) the council, they were offered a home straight away.

“There would be a lot of people saying this is not going to work, especially with the housing history that people had when they were presenting and the level of complex needs that they had but of the 36 people that moved into that accommodation in 2015, 32 of them are still in the accommodation. Now that is phenomenal.

“It isn’t that people’s issues vanish.

No one is going to say that or there’s going to be a transformation just like that but you have that sense of rootedness and stability in people’s lives and that really was the vision of Jean Quinn and Eamon Martin when they set up Sophia.”

For fur ther information on Sophia’s services, please visit www. sophia.ie

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

CINEMA ReelReviews

LADY BIRD

It’s awkwardly excellent THE awkwardness of being a teenager – and the fastmoving strife at the heart of some mother-daughter relationships – are to the fore in Lady Bird (Cert 15A, 94mins). Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf are perfectly matched in a deeply personal comingof-age film, with the pair of great female leads driving a universal story that should resonate with pretty much any audience, anywhere.

THREE BILLBOARDS Unrelentingly powerful

SPEAKING of great female performances, Frances McDormand steals Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Cert 15A, 115 mins). Showing some steely resolve, she’s a small town mother out for justice after her daughter’s murder, but her confrontational stance soon puts her at odds with the local police. McDormand excels at the heart of the film, as do Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell.

GREATEST SHOWMAN Ready to razzle-dazzle

THE real PT Barnum wasn’t exactly a wonderful human being, let’s say – but The Greatest Showman (Cert PG, 105 mins) ignores some harsh truths about the world’s ‘greatest showman’, turning in a much more audience-friendly biopic instead. Despite very mixed reviews, Hugh Jackman’s undeniably spirited turn as Barnum impresses, and has helped to turn Showman into a surprise sleeper hit.

Dunkirk

Phantom Thread

Call Me By Your Name

The Shape of Water

2018 AWARDS: THIS YEAR’S BATCH OF NOMINATIONS HAVE SOME SURPRISES

Shaking up the Oscars

.

WITH the Oscars barely a month away, it’s worth noting how the best filmmakers of 2017 really made an effort to shake up the mainstream with this year’s selection of films Critics and audiences alike wolfed down the dy namic cocktail of provocative, profound, off beat and out-there cinema that the year’s finest served up – some of it deeply necessary critique, some of it necessary escapism.

Now, it’s that wonderfully frenzied time of year, when a rapid-fire onslaught of Oscar-contenders from the industry’s big guns hit our screens week after week in search of awards glory.

Sure enough, heavy hitters like Stephen Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson deliver their

 MARTIN

MACNAMARA

recent hopefuls this month, The Post, and Phanto m T h r e a d , respectively.

It’s no shock that each has secured a spot in the Best Picture category at this year’s awards.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – the likely frontrunner following a slew of

The annual Oscars always see some quirky films make the shortlist, but this year’s batch is more unpredictable than usual

successes at the Golden Globes and Screen Actor’s G u i l d awards – has stirred up a bit controversy in the weeks following its general release, with some taking issue with the film’s handling of race.

Whether this hoopla affects its chances come March 4 remains to be seen – it certainly hasn’t affected its odds in the regul a r bett i n g spots.

While Dunkirk Dunkirk may be Christopher Nolan’s first director nomination, the filmmaker is no stranger to Oscar-attention, and Joe Wright may not be a seasoned awards-veteran, but Darkest hour – the other WWII drama nominated – has awards fodder written all over it.

However, following last year’s shake-up, in which the underdog won out over the betting man’s favourite (remember the Moonlight/La La Land on-stage disaster?), this year we should be ready to expect the unexpected.

The rest of the nominated films sit a little deeper on the fringes.

Guillermo Del Toro may have caught some Oscar attention with a number of nominations for Pan’s Labyrinth back in 2006, but it’s hard

to see a film about a romance blossoming between a mute woman and a mutant fish-man in a secret government facility winning the big one – still, The Shape of Water won Del Toro the best director Golden Globe and is topping many writers’ prediction lists.

The lyrical, intimate and sumptuously beautiful Call Me By Your Name moved many audiences upon its release in December and has stolen the number-one spot on many critics’ yearly rundowns. Still, critical acclaim doesn’t always equal awards success.

S i m i l a r l y, Lady Bird may be the bestreviewed movie ever on Rotten Tomatoes, but its chances are less clear cut – it’d be great to see Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut win, and make her the second woman ever to win the Oscar for

Best Picture.

However, as a selfdiagnosed horror addict, it’s in this writer’s hopes to see Get Out take the best picture award – one of the finest, most important and topically necessary films of 2017.

Jordan Peele’s premier feature started a lot of important conversation this year and became the first debut from a black writer/director to make over $100 million at the box office.

On top of all that – it’d just be so completely satisfying to see a horror movie nab the award, the first since 1992’s The Silence of the Lambs.

It’s certainly a tough one to call, but there is one more baffling question: how on earth did Boss Baby, one of the year’s most ridiculed releases, crawl its way into securing a Best Animated Feature nomination?

A question that will be the subject of think pieces for years to come...

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 1 February 2018

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE FASTNews It’s only natural to Hyundai’s new Kona is just one a raft of new smaller SUV’s to hit the market in 2018. MICHAEL MORONEY took the new Kona for a test drive and he was naturally impressed with the performance of what was the highest specification car in the range.

Arnaud Leclerc has been appointed as the new managing director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK & Ireland

Managing changes at Fiat Chrysler ARNAUD Leclerc has been appointed managing director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK & Ireland, and takes up his new role immediately. He succeeds Ashley Andrew, who has left the company.

Mr Leclerc will oversee operations for all FCA functions and brands throughout the UK and Ireland, and reports directly to Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ chief operating officer, EMEA region.

Arnaud Leclerc (43) brings to the UK operation a high level of experience, having previously held a number of senior management roles in Britain and across Europe, including France, Scandinavia and Croatia. He has most recently held the roles of deputy director general PSA Groupe UK, and DS brand development director UK. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics and gained a Master Marketing diploma from University of Paris Dauphine.

Survey shows Irish drivers would consider hybrid or electric

THER E’S a new somewhat related batch of small SUV’s Kia Stonic. hitting the market The Kia option Engine 1.6 litre for 2018 with comprovides the most Engine Power 177hp pact features, attracobvious comparison tive styling and fresh for me, while there 0 – 100km/hr 7.9 seconds emphasis on petrol are some specificaEconomy 12.5km/litre power. For reasons tion differences. Kia (8l/100km or 35mpg) of diesel bad press, offers a wider choice Fuel Tank Capacity 50 litres this new sector of the of engines, including CO2 emissions 153g/km market seems to be three petrol options Road Tax Band C €390 abandoning any merand one diesel one. its in diesel power, There are enough Main Service 20,000km/12 months and there are some, in styling differences to Euro NCAP Rating 5-Star 2017 favour of new generagive both the HyunWarranty 5 years tion petrol engines. dai Kona and the Kia Entry Price €28,995 The new Hyundai Stonic their individuKona is one of these al identities.

SUV arrivals and the Hyundai the Kona later this year.

I took the Hyundai Kona for price list for early 2018 remarkWith more limited choice of a lengthy test drive. The test car ably shows no diesel options. All engines on offer, it seems that was the top-of-the-range version of the Kona models are petrol Hyundai believes that its time to that was powered by the new powered and there are now just ditch diesel power. Despite this generation 1.6-litre turbo-petrol two options, either a 1.0-litre, the new Kona still has plenty to engine matched to a seven-speed three-cylinder version or the offer. This is a compact SUV that automatic gearbox. The specifihigher power 1.6-litre turbo- Hyundai claim is a totally new cation included the Hyundai oncharged engine. Diesel and elec- car, while it has some similarities demand all-wheel-drive system tric power options will come for to the recently introduced and and a host of premium car fea-

Hyundai Kona 1.6 GT-D Petrol

IRELAND’S New research by the Carzone website reveals that 70% of Irish drivers would consider pur-

tures, while sitting on 18in alloy wheels.

The entire package gave this Kona a bigger car feel; both in terms of its stance on the road and its power. Out on the road, the Kona performed well with no power or torque hesitancy. The automatic gearbox meant smooth petrol driving with a really good acceleration pace of 6.7 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race.

chasing a hybrid or electric vehicle in the near future.

Carzone believes that this moderate increase in

Fuel economy

interest is directly in line with three factors that Irish

This additional pace some with lower economy levels and I just wonder does diesel power come into its own at this point.

The rated fuel economy figure is 12.5km/litre (8l/100km or 35mpg), but I failed to come near that, with careful driving over longer journeys as I rarely nudged the rev counter over the 2000rpm mark and opted for the Eco mode. Even then, I was well off this rated fuel economy figure, so there’s an obvious price for pace when opting for more Kona power, not to mention higher road tax levels.

This four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is powerful, but it won’t be the choice of many city drivers who will opt for a Kona. For them, the engine choice will be the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that’s sure to be more economical, while deliver-

motorists now take in to consideration. The top three incentives for Irish drivers considering purchasing an electrical vehicle are environmental, fuel efficiency and financial incentives.

What’s even more interesting is that the survey showed that just under half are aware of Irelands electric grant scheme (44%). Over half of Irish drivers know where their closet charging station is located (58%) and 82% have no access to a charging point at work.

The Carzone report reveals that 69% of Irish drivers believe it will be more than 10 years before electric cars make up more than half of cars sold in Ireland. This could be due to the fact that 82% do not have charging points near their work place and that charging points seem to be more widely available in urban areas (76%) compared to rural areas (30%).

A sizeable portion of respondents (54%) revealed that they were more inclined to purchase a hybrid vehicle, this decision is helped by the new cost incentive BIK (Benefit - in – Kind) grant, which is an attractive incentive, especially for businesses who rely on and operate using multiple vehicles.

Taxi driver, James Foley of Leighlinbridge, Carlow, with his 2007 7-seater Ford Tourneo Connect taxi

1,000,000Km taxi and still going strong TAXI DRIVER, James Foley of Leighlinbridge, Carlow, is the proud owner of a 2007 7-seater Ford Tourneo Connect taxi which has done an incredible one million kilometres and is still going strong.

James works as a taxi-driver in the Carlow-Kilkenny area with the occasional longer run up to Dublin. James has been astounded by the reliability of his Tourneo Connect which he bought secondhand in 2008. The Tourneo Connect has a standard 1.8-litre TDCi diesel engine which James says has not given an ounce of trouble. “In my business, regular servicing of your vehicle is an absolute must and I religiously stick to the service schedule, never more than 12,000km between service actions. No reason why she won’t be good for another million!”

1 February 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

The new Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that offers new styling and higher seating position.

Entry prices start at €20,995 for the base 1.0 litre Comfort models, while rising to €28,995 for the top-of-the-range versions with all-wheeldrive and automatic gearbox.

GoCar expands Dublin fleet with Renault Zoe CAR SHARING company, GoCar has

scription charges. The system is

expanded its fleet of electric cars

ideal for people who only occa-

by adding five new Renault Zoe Z.E.

sionally need access to a car but

40 electric to its Dublin fleet.

don’t want to own one, accord-

The addition of the Renault Zoe

allowing multiple people to use the

drive the new car with a battery

same car at different times, each

that now provides a 400km range

GoCar replaces 15 private cars,”

in summer and 300km in winter

says Colm Brady, “reducing car

from a single full charge.

ownership and car dependency, and freeing up land traditionally

Budget 2018 and the recent pledge

used for car-parking spaces.” be located near public charge

is growing interest in the use of

points. This ensures that the cars

electric cars, especially for city

are fully charged. The GoElectric

driving.

Renault Zoe cars are charged at

in 2016 and they claim that since then over 800 customers have

the rear seat area. The larger 18in wheels on the test car gave it good road composure and coupled with good comfort.

The Kia Stonic entry prices look very competitive, while the Hyundai five-year unlimited mileage warranty has its own attractions over the Kia seven-year option.

2018 Superb receives tech and spec upgrades SINCE its introduction in its current guise the Skoda Superb has shot to second place on the sales leader board for large saloon / hatchback vehicles. Last year alone, 1,745 Superb vehicles were delivered in Ireland, overtaking some bigger and more traditional household brand names.

For 2018 Skoda has upgraded the Superb with some new safety, technological and specification features now available across the range. With motorway driving featuring more and more as an occupation, radar operated Lane Assist and Blind Spot Detection will provide increased safety and security for Skoda Superb drivers and other road users.

Connected Services such as E-Call and Care Connect introduced in the Skoda Kodiaq in March 2017 and are now provided as standard across the Superb Range.

The new 2018 Superb features a built in SIM card, enabling calls to the Skoda Customers Service Team, Skoda Recovery Services and also the Emergency Services in the event of an accident. The Skoda Connect mobile App gives owners’ access to see where their Superb is located and the exact vehicle status at any time.

Skoda Superb Style and luxury Laurin and Klement models receive a host of standard equipment. A new 9.2” colour touch screen with Gesture Control for swiping between menus without Skoda Superb

having to even make contact with the screen takes centre stage in the cockpit. It also provides access to connected services such as Infotainment Online.

Infotainment Online is provided free of charge for one year and provides users with access to news, weather and Google Earth overlays for the navigation system. Wireless phone or mobile device charging is now provided as standard.

New seven-speed DSG automatic transmissions are offered across the range and replace the older six-speed versions available up to now.

The Superb SportLine model was introduced in 2017 and also receives an enhancement, with a Panoramic Sunroof and 19” Vega alloy wheels as standard for a nominal price increase of €250. These latest improvements to the Superb are combined with a Skoda Finance 0% PCP offers which have been extended into February.

The GoCar electric vehicles will

will be on sale from 2030, there

GoCar launched its electric fleet

features include 7in touchscreen system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play and a rear view reversing camera for a price jump of €2,000.

The car has an excellent safety rating from the latest and more stringent Euro NCAP rating system, with two Iso-Fix couplings in

congestion, noise and air pollution

its commitment to electric cars in that only zero emission vehicles

Comfort versions costing €20,995 come with 16 in alloy wheels, air conditioning, roof rails, cruise control, a 5in chrome screen, LED running lights, a lane keep assist and driver fatigue warning systems.

As you move up the specification grades to the next level Executive versions the

ing to Colm Brady of GoCar. “By

models allows GoCar members to

With the Government showing

ing less power. This choice will deliver at least 30% better economy and who needs all-wheel-drive in the city anyway?

The Kona deal feels slightly higher specification than that of Kia. The car feels solid, although it was the highest grade model, so it should. The entry level

GAZETTE

love the Kona

MOTORING

€10 per hour with a 50km driving trip included in each hire.

Renault claims that the Zoe

chosen an electric vehicle to drive

ZE40 is the only electric car that

to take more than 2,500 trips. The

can charge 22km at all 1,200 ESB

GoCar range is now available in 18

eCars standard charging points in

counties in Ireland at locations in

Ireland. This allows the Zoe to add

25 cities and towns.

75km of summer driving range in

The GoCar system is a pay as you go driving deal with no sub-

30 minutes or a full charge in 2.5 hours.

Audi has extended its EcoGrant offer until March 31, 2018

Audi extends EcoGrant offer until the end of March AUDI finished 2017 as Ireland’s number one premium car brand for

9th consecutive year. On top of the introduction of new service plan products for new and used cars this year, Audi has decided to extend its EcoGrant offer until March 31, 2018.

The Audi Scrappage EcoGrant is open to cars of any make, provided it is Euro 1-4 emissions-standard. By trading in an eligible car, you can receive up to €6,500 towards a new Audi with a more positive impact on the environment. The Audi Scrappage EcoGrant offer is also available with Audi’s attractive PCP finance rates that are available across the Audi range.

Henning Dohrn, managing director of Audi Ireland, said: “We are extending the EcoGrant offer into March 2018. Audi finished 2017 as the number one premium brand in the market. The success of the EcoGrant offer will allow customers, new and old, to upgrade to one of our new, lower emission models across our range.

Not only will this appeal to customers of one of our Euro 6 petrol and diesel cars, these incentives apply to our range of plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles too such as the Audi A3 e-tron where customers can gain a total of €4,500 off the full price of the car”.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  CITY 1 February 2018

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GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

SPORT

FastSport ST MARY’S TOO HOT TO HANDLE FOR KILLESTER: PYROBEL Killester missed out on the Hula Hoops NICC Women’s National Cup basketball title as they were undone by a dominant St Mary’s Castleisland performance, winning out 71-54 last weekend.

A super highscoring display from Denise Dunlea was one of the big differences between the sides as she dominated at both ends of the court, but had a strong and talented support network around her.

She helped build-up a 21-10 lead in the first quarter and they extended that margin out to 41-24. Caitriona White and Niamh O’Donovan led the resistance for Killester but they were unable to hold back the St Mary’s tie and were ultimately unstuck in a 17-point defeat.

BASKETBALL: CONTROVERSIAL LATE CALL DERAILS UCD’S LAST DITCH CHANCE

Templeogue’s Murphy magic powers dramatic cup glory

MEN’S NATIONAL CUP FINAL Black Amber Templeogue UCD Marian  sport@dublingazette.com

68 62

“THIS is all I wanted and everything I dreamed of,” said an overcome Black Amber Templeogue star, Lawrence “Puff” Summers this evening as his side were crowned Hula Hoops National Cup champions with a 68-62 point win over UCD Marian at the National Basketball Arena on Saturday evening.

“I lost a final with Kilkenny here four years ago,” he continued, “and I have a photo of my daughter crying because Daddy lost. I can’t wait to go home and put this medal around her.”

Indeed, the huge win for Templeogue over their south Dublin rivals this evening saw them complete a memorable double of Cup wins in one day, with their Under-18s overcoming Neptune in their decider earlier in the day.

I n t h e b i g s h owd ow n this evening though, UCD threatened to take the lead with less than a minute remaining but a controversial late call with

Templeogue celebrate their National Cup glory. Picture: Martin Doherty

15 seconds to go and two vital steals from Michael Bonaparte saw them close out the contest.

Marian did threaten to get back on terms as they burst forward for one last attack with a chance to draw level. But coach Ioannis Lapiakis was called for a technical foul for encroaching on the pitch, just stepping over the line as he encouraged his

side into their final hurrah.

I t l e f t C o n o r M e a ny dumbfounded, saying afterwards: “Basketball is a game of emotion and all Ioannis was doing was encouraging our players to dribble the ball up court. There is no guarantee we would have levelled the game but don’t sicken a team in the manner we have been treated in

the final possession.”

E a r l y o n , Te m p l e o g u e controlled the early stages, building a 7-2 lead before UCD found their flow with a couple of Meany baskets reducing the gap while Dan James put the minimum between the sides at 17-16.

Scoring was low, though, with the shooting percentages

remaining low, making it nip and tuck. Lorcan Murphy – who had a game high 23 points – was one man who was finding his range, helping his side eke out a 32-30 half-time lead.

It advanced to 35 each and then on to 50-45 in favour of Templeogue at the threequarter mark, the west Dublin side etching out the narrow lead each time with UCD trying to come back.

Into the last two minutes, the gap was back at one before Murphy laid up to make 65-62 with 47 seconds to go. Thirty seconds ground down before UCD had possession and a final chance before Lapiakis’s unfortunate incursion.

Te m p l e o g u e h a d t h e breathing space and could get the party started in earnest.

Templeogue coach Mark Keenan said: “I am delighted for the guys and although I still think we would have won that late decision has put a little stain on our win.

“UCD defeated us by 19 points a fortnight ago and we needed to tweak a few things and yes I got the response expected from this fabulous group of players.”

Arcilla inspiration strikes down Neptune Under-18s BOYS U-18 NATIONAL CUP FINAL  sport@dublingazette.com

The Templeogue Under-18 side that beat Neptune in their National Cup final. Picture: Martin Doherty

TEMPLEOGUE’S Under-18 men’s team stormed home to National Cup glory this af ternoon as they closed out a thriller at the National Basketball Arena, beating Neptune 72-69.

The game was in the melting pot right up until the closing seconds as Neptune came back from a 10-point deficit at the end of the third quarter to tie the game level at 64 points apiece.

Leadership from Templeogue’s Kris Arcilla in the final five seconds saw him keep cool to widen the gap out to four and they hung on in the face of everything in Neptune’s armoury to win out.

It was a gritty opening quarter in front of a large crowd.

A wide spread of scoring from Neptune’s Scott Hannigan and Darragh O’Sullivan was matched at the other end by the tenacious and talented Arcilla who kept his side in touch with nine well-taken points.

O’Sullivan was in flying form

for Neptune to put them in the lead 16-11 at the end of the first.

Templeogue soon found their range with Iarla McKeon finding the mark and Matthew Harper chipping in with eight points for a slim 31-28 point lead at the half following brilliant defence from Finn McKeon and Aston Kisuka in particular.

Arcilla inspired the third quar ter with McKeon and Harper continuing to cause trouble for the Neptune defence. For their side, Darragh O’Sullivan was firing on all cylinders, and some superb

scoring from James Hannigan kept Neptune in touch in the face of the Arcilla dazzle, as they headed into the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead (56-46).

Despite the deficit though Neptune were not going down without a fight and they got back on terms.

No sooner had they done so, however, than McKeon responded for Templeogue and another two big scores from the Dubliners less than 30 seconds later widened the gap back to six and it proved the game-winning salvo.

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

SCHOOL’SFinal

Loreto hold off Ulidia’s big U-19B final comeback LORETO Stephen’s Green (Dublin) scooped the Subway Schools All-Ireland Under-19B girls Cup glory with victory over Ulidia Integrated (Antrim), 69-54.

It formed part of an amazing week for Loreto coach Sarah Woods who would follow up with an MVP award on Sunday evening in the women’s National Senior Cup final. A superb all-round performance from the Dublin school saw Lauren Devitt, Laura Furlong and Clodagh Cullen all impress hugely as the pressure mounted, while the Maguire dynamic duo of Erin and Enya at the other end were the big difference for Ulidia, and after trailing by 12 points at one stage, worked hard to close the gap to just one point midway through the fourth quarter.

Loreto dominated most of the first two quarters, with Devitt and Sarah Coase leading the way on the scoring to send them into an early 17-8 point lead at the end of the first.

Super scoring from Enya Maguire from Ulidia kept their scoreboard ticking over, as she linked in with her sister Erin and Grace Kennedy to try and close the margin, but Loreto were still firmly in control, 31-19 at the half.

A brilliant third quarter followed as Ulidia came out all guns blazing, with Erin opening the scoring, before Enya added a superb three pointer and it was game on. Scores rained in from the two Maguires, with Kennedy chipping in for Ulidia as well, and suddenly the gap was back to 32-29e.

Respond they did and do so in style, with Laura Furlong, Coase and Clodagh Cullen leading the charge, but the dynamic Maguire duo were unstoppable, and as the buzzer sounded, Loreto had just three to spare, 45-42.

The fourth quarter continued at the same frantic pace, and by the midway point, there was just a point between the sides (51-50).

Up stepped Devitt, Furlong, Sorcha McCahill and Cullen for Loreto Stephens Green and in front of an enormous crowd of supporters from their school began to battle hard, and started to edge the Dublin side in front. As the clock ticked down, they kept their cool and managed to get through the Ulidia defence for some vital scores, and despite a late score from Enya Maguire, it was just too late.

Woods inspirational in merciless DCU treble North Dublin club wins three out of three on basketball’s national cup final weekend, scoring a dramatic senior final win over UCC to go with underage victories over Brunell WOMEN’S NAT CUP FINAL DCU Mercy UCC Glanmire  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU dominance

72 71

A GAME of last-gasp shots, of closing seconds, of passion, sheer grit, determination and glory.

Those are just some of the words that can sum up an absolutely incredible finale to the 2018 Hula Hoops National Cup finals weekend as DCU Mercy completed an incredible treble of wins at the National Basketball Arena when they overcame Ambassador UCC Glanmire by just one point, 72-71 “Am I dreaming? To win by a point?! Nobody even imagines that in Cup finals,” said a dazed and emotional captain and MVP Sarah Woods after she put in a superb 21-point performance.

“We’ll never forget this

DCU Mercy’s fight for three Hula Hoops National Cup titles in a single weekend got off to a dream start as the Under-20s retained their trophy in overpowering Brunell 73-54.

They raced into a 14-1 lead early on to set the tone and they never really looked back with underage internationals Bronagh Power-Cassidy, Rachel Huijsdens and Maeve O Seaghdha all to the fore. It was 35-18 at half-time and Nicole Clancy locked in her MVP performance in the second half as they moved 25-points clear. DCU also won the Under-18 title with a 74-42 win over Brunell. Picture: Martin Doherty

moment. It’s been a while for the likes of myself and Aisling Sullivan – and for us to lift the cup together was extra special.”

A while indeed, as it was 2011 when DCU Mercy last lifted the Women’s National Cup but now, in 2018, they have not only lifted it following an absolutely thrilling game against a five in-a-row chasing Glanmire, adding to Under-18 and Under-20

women’s Cup titles.

The game dished up everything a fan could hope for in a final on the marquee weekend of the Irish basketball calendar.

T he lead changed hands 12 times over the 40 minutes with the Dubliners edging clear in the dying minutes.

Ashley Primm’s threepoint attempt on the buzzer would have given Glanmire their fifth title in

a row and the story we tell now could have been oh so different. “ T h a t c o u l d h ave gone in,” agreed winning coach, Mark Ingle. “In fact, I thought the game was level and then they all started shouting and screaming and I looked up at the board and realised we had won! I had been planning the next play, telling the players where to go!”

DCU Mercy co-captains Aisling Sullivan, left, and Sarah Woods celebrate. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Indeed, the intensity was there right from tip-off and it was obvious by the end of a close and tense first quarter that this game was going to live up to and exceed all expectations as DCU took a 19-16 lead at the end of the first.

Woods, Tiffany Corselli, Alex Masaquel and Rachel Huijsdens were all hugely instrumental in a win that will last in the memory for a long time, and it was the defensive intensity of all three Mercy teams this weekend that was truly the hallmark.

Glanmire served up their own magic, with Claire Rockall and Primm lighting the fuse at the end of the second quarter, and the bomb went off when Casey Grace drained a 20-footer for her first basket of the game. It capped a 13-0 run and a 37-35 lead at half time.

Mark Ingle had ten minutes to let the smoke clear and DCU went back to work in the third but Glanmire’s lead was still 59-54 heading into the fourth - Puerto Rican international Adily Martucci had chipped in a seven-point quarter while Dwyer locked up her double-double.

D C U M e r c y we r e behind twice in the last five minutes and it was Under 20 captain Aoife Maguire who got the vital baskets to swing momentum.

Defeat and glory in basketball are millimetres apart. On Sunday it was DCU Mercy’s turn to get their measurements right.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

SPORT

SCHOOL’SFinal

Williamson puts Setanta on course for U-19C win KATIE WILLIAMSON powered Colaiste Pobail Setanta home to a superb victory in the Under 19 C girls schools All-Ireland basketball final as they won out 49-60 over Carrick On Shannon Community School at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

Williamson, who starred for the Ireland U-16 women’s team last summer, was certainly the star of the show for the Dublin school today as she put in a superb performance that included a whopping 30 points for her side.

Strong displays all round from Setanta including Milicia Stankovic on the point and Mary Jane Obijuru in particular, found Williamson inside time and time again, and Carrick On Shannon were just unable to stop her.

For their part, Carrick put on a brilliant display of basketball, with Sara Crowe the leading light for her side, netting 21 points on the day and leading a superb comeback in the third and fourth quarters to almost steal the game from Colaiste Pobail.

A strong start to the game though was eventually what would keep victory assured for Setanta, as a 10-point quarter from Williamson saw them lead 10-19 at the end of the first.

Despite brilliant basketball from Carrick’s Crowe, Clodagh Sheerin and Vivienne Egan at the other end, Setanta had opened the gap to 21-36 by half time.

The third quarter continued at frantic pace with Carrick’s Crowe, Aisling Leahy and Egan putting the game to Setanta at every turn, and Crowe dug deep as the clock ticked down and added three vital baskets to close the gap to 37-44 at the end of the third.

The game was far from over as a nervy fourth quarter ensued, and with just a minute gone, a superb score from Crowe narrowed the margin to just four points and it was officially game on.

Williamson showed her style here though, and stepped up to the challenge in style, adding two quick baskets to settle Setanta’s nerves, and despite Egan’s and Crowe’s best efforts, Setanta held on to win out by 11 points.

SOCCER: PORTMARNOCK SHARE SPOILS WITH CHERRY ORCHARD

Portmarnock are taking on the best in Leinster intermediate football following promotion last year

Lassoued’s instant impact LSL SUNDAY SENIOR Cherry Orchard Portmarnock AFC  DAVE DONNELLY

2 2

sport@dublingazette.com

PORTMARNOCK earned a third away point on the bounce as they held Cherry Orchard to a 2-2 draw at the all-weather facility in Elmview Crescent on Sunday.

It was a game neither side could afford to lose, both hovering precariously above the drop zone, and so it turned out as a thoroughly competitive and end-to-end game finished two-apiece.

The home side led took the lead twice either side

of half time courtesy of Ciaran Byrne and Mark Sandford, but goals from Raoui Lassoued and Graham Rusk earned a point for Porto.

The visitors had chances to take the lead early on before Orchard hit the front against the run of play, frontman Byrne capitalising on a mistake to steal in and to slot past goalkeeper Brian Kane.

Portmarnock boss Willie O’Leary made changes at half-time, handing a debut to the French striker Lassoued, and they paid immediate dividends.

Within five minutes, Lassoued had his first

NATIONAL CUP RUN Corduff advance to last 16 at Under-13 level CORDUFF’S Under-13 side saw off Corbally United in the SFAI Skechers National Cup to book their place in the last 16, running out 5-1 winners.

They also have a regional semi-final to look forward to where they will take on Kingscourt Harps.

Josh Clark, Darragh Hoey, Anthony Mihutescu, Pierce Dunne and Prince Fomauki all hit the back of the net, and Corduff will now look ahead to the next round.

goal for the club, coming in from the right and beating the challenges of three players before placing the ball in the far corner of the net.

Almost directly from the kick-off, Orchard regained the lead as they marched straight up the field with the wind at their backs and ex-Shamrock Rovers striker Sandford applied the finish. Lassoued wasn’t finished, however, and it was his run down the left and subsequent cross that saw the elder Rusk brother earn a deserved point for the Fingal side.

“It was a gale force wind blowing, allegedly,

in our favour in the first half,” O’Leary told the Dublin Gazette.

“I’m not sure how much that’s true, but it was difficult for both teams to get it down. Both sides had chances to win it but 2-2 is fair enough.”

Having kicked the season off with a narrow FAI Cup defeat to pro side St Patrick’s Athletic, Porto have found their first year back at the top level of amateur football challenging on the field.

“It’s our first season in the Senior division and it’s always tough. You can essentially win and lose every game – it’s that competitive. You really

have to turn up on the day.

“You can win two games and all of a sudden you’re up in the top four; you can lose two and you’re down in the bottom four. It’s a really open league, like it is most seasons. It’s not as if we’re playing poorly and scraping results – we’re actually playing pretty well so we’ll keep it positive.

“We’re used to fighting for the three promotion places.

“This is our first season in Senior so you’re looking over your shoulder.

It’s a mad league, but it’s great. Every game is a cup final.”

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: ATHLETIC RAID PORTERSTOWN TO ADVANCE

FASTSport

Westmanstown make it four from four Rush Athletic’s Robert Stone scores the first goal for his side against Castleknock Celtic

Rush Knock Castle out of cup in a hurry MOORE CUP FIRST ROUND Castleknock Celtic Rush Athletic  sport@dublingazette.com

1 3

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic bowed out of the Moore Cup at the hands of Rush Athletic at Porterstown Park as the north county outfit eventually prevailed 3-1.

Both clubs had comfortable wins in their respective league games building up to the tie while their encounter before Christmas ended in a draw.

Indeed, the sides are neck and neck in the Leinster Senior League Division 3 Saturday in mid-season, all suggesting a close contest in this cup game.

It was Celtic who hit the front first when Brian Whelan’s free kick hit the back of the net after five minutes. The lead was short lived when the ball ricocheted into the path of Robert Stone and he was able to lob the Celtic keeper, Alex Bradean, bringing the sides level.

The rest of the half saw both sides have their

chances though Rush were slicker with their passing and looked the more threatening but Alex Bradean was equal to the challenge.

Next, it was Celtic’s turn to go very close when, approaching half time, Mikey Aherne sped forward along the left wing before shooting past the Rush keeper, Nicky Whelan, but the ball drifted just wide.

The Celtic striker, who for long spells was his team’s only front man, had another shot well saved by keeper Whelan.

There was also a great chance for the home side when Abidemi Dare won the ball on the right, raced forward and whipped in a brilliant cross that unfortunately zipped out of the reach of the Celtic strikers.

The second half saw more of the same with Rush again looking the better side and they got their reward when Conor McGuire delivered a glorious pass inside the defender for Jimmy Bermingham who thumped a splendid shot

into the roof of the net inside the near post, giving Bradean no chance.

Celtic did go close in the final quarter when Dare raced in on goal on the right hand side but Whelan in goal was again on top as he made an excellent stop.

Rush looked like they would make it 3-1 with 10 minutes remaining but they were only denied by a fantastic sliding tackle intervention that prevented the ball going over the line.

However, the game was formally put to bed when

Barry Neville in midfield

the ball was swept wide to Dean Farrell and he delivered a marvellous cross that was met beautifully by Alex Neary who headed home from close range.

Rush duly booked their place in the second round while Celtic have to concentrate on the league. ** Castleknock Celtic’s Children’s academy for 4-7 year old boys and girls starts back on Saturday, February 10 at 10am in Porterstown Park. New members especially welcome.

WESTMANSTOWN RFC’s Under-16 girls claimed the spoils at the Curragh last Saturday with a narrow 25-17 win over Cill Dara in overcast, breezy conditions.

From the kick off, the Dublin 15 side’s forwards battered their way like cannonballs to cross the try line between the posts. Cill Dara took full advantage of the following wind with a kicking game that sent their opposition scrambling to recover and resulted in a try.

Undaunted, Westmanstown’s back’s displayed great skill with ball in hand with looping runners keeping steady momentum toward the try line. At times the game became a stop start war of attrition as slippy conditions underfoot resulted in mistakes on both sides.

By the time the half time whistle sounded both sides were level with ten points each. On return, Westmanstown now had the breeze at their backs and they pressed home their advantage with superb teamwork and organisation to score again.

However, with 15 minutes left, the hosts were camped on the opposition lines which resulted in a converted try and a slender lead of two points.

Emotions ran faster with tackles becoming faster and harder. Westmanstown’s forwards ran a pick and go game which proved an unstoppable momentum forcing a desperate bunched defense on the left side of the try line - at which point the Dublin 15 side spotted the gap and passed the ball from the left corner flag all the way to the right for the wing to the land the crucial try.

With four victories in a row, the Westmanstown girls march on to confront Mullingar at home this Saturday with the Leinster Division 1 title all to play for.

Hartstown Hansfield karate’s big new deal SENSEI Jason Smith and Paul Maher of Hartstown Hansfield Shotokan Karate Club welcomed the sponsorship from Captain Americas Blanchardstown this week.

Paddy McKillen, of Captain Americas, Blanchardstown, was on hand to sponsor the tracksuit tops for all the members of the club.

Senior Sensei Jason Smith commented that the new tops will give the club a more professional image when the members are attending competitions and courses. They will be competing all over the country and in international events throughout 2018.

All members are enthusiastic with the new tops and are looking forward to the upcoming events.

New members, of all ages, are always welcome.

Training times are Monday and Thursday in Hansfield Educate Together National School from 6pm to 7pm and in Hartstown Community Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm.

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 1 February 2018

SPORT

LADIES FOOTBALL: FRESH-FACED ALL-IRELAND CHAMPS NOT RESTING

FASTGAA

McDonnell and McEvoy LIDL NATIONAL LEAGUE

Donegal 0-7 Dublin 2-5  sport@dublingazette.com

Holy Family crew savour Croke Park experience HOLY Family Senior National School (picturedprovided the half time entertainment at the Dublin and Offaly National Hurling League Division 1B match in Croke Park on Saturday evening for Cumann na mBunscol.

The side was made up of boys and girls from the St Finian’s Under-12 teams and they got to take in the first round of the league which saw Offaly record a 2-25 to 1-15 win over Pat Gilroy’s side.

The side featured St Brigid’s Alan Nolan in goal and Paul Winters in the forward line, Naomh Mearnog’s Cian Hendricken.

Next on their agenda is a second date with Antrim in 2018 already having beaten the Ulster side in the Walsh Cup 4-17 to 0-17 in Parnell Park.

That tie takes place on Sunday at 2pm in Corrigan Park in Belfast.

FIRST half goals by Niamh McEvoy and Rebecca McDonnell fired All-Ireland champions Dublin to an opening Lidl National League win over Donegal in Letterkenny.

It was a Dublin side that rang the changes from 2017, trying out plenty of new faces like Clann Mhuire’s Oonagh Whyte, Kilmacud Crokes’ Eabha Rutledge and Clontar f ’s Katie Murray in the full-back line.

As such, combined with windy conditions in the north west, there we r e e l e m e n t s t h a t missed the mark according to Dublin coach Ken Robinson: “We’ve only just come back after Christmas, but that was sloppy.

“We didn’t play too

well. it was maybe a five out of ten by us.”

Clanna Gael Fon t e n o y ’s M c D o n n e l l , meanwhile, said it is a blank slate for the new campaign with no intentions of resting on any laruels.

“We’ve seen a lot of new girls coming in and they are all blending well together. We are always s ay i n g we a r e 2 017 champions. It’s something completely new to fight for in 2018 and we have nothing going into this new year and getting the competition in the squad again.”

In a fierce O’Donnell Park gale, scoring was at a premium, but the Dubs left with the loot thanks to a pair of majors from which the hosts never recovered.

There was a stroke of good fortune around Dublin’s opening goal with Donegal ‘keeper Laura Gallagher caught out by a dropping ball

in from McEvoy that landed in the Tir Chonaill net.

Before Donegal had time to really shake their heads clear, the Dubs – fielding seven of their All-Ireland winning side – were in for a second goal.

Again, Donegal’s rearguard will have had questions to answer and Rebecca McDonnell slotted into the net after a scramble on the edge of the square.

Donegal had been in for an early goal chance of their own, but Sarah

Jane McDonald just missed out on a connection to a low delivery from Karen Guthrie.

Two Guthrie frees were the sum total of the Donegal efforts in the opening period, but Yvonne Bonner narrowed the margin with

Carla Rowe, left, on the attack for Dublin against Donegal; Muireann ni Scanaill, right,

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK

WELL done to all the club’s Dublin representatives in action over the weekend: Conor Chawke, Conor Murray, Alex Watson, Ben Harding, Luke Swan, Senan Faulkner and Davy Bohan.

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Jack Ryan, RIP, father of Ger O’Reilly, Fatherin-Law of Joe O’Reilly and grandfather of Tara, Conor and Aoife, longstanding members of Castleknock Hurling and Football Club. As dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

Great progress being made on the clubhouse construction with floor concrete now complete.

Block laying starting next week. Please note no entry allowed onto the site.

Congrats to club stalwart David Leydon who married Yvonne Barrett in Kilronan Castle last Friday.

ERIN GO BRAGH

ALL of our teams are back

training and we wish them huge success for the coming season.

Best of luck to all our members who are doing their mock exams in the coming weeks.No winner of our lotto jackpot which is now €5,100.

Numbers drawn were 4, 5, 17 and 21.

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

Our nursery ( Little Green Machine) has restarted training in Hansfield on Saturday mornings at 9.3010.30am and in Phibblestown on Tuesdays at 6-7pm and on a Saturdays from 11.30am to 12.45pm.

Our G4M&O team are also looking for new players, its 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

MEMBERHSIP due: annual club membership is now due.

It can be paid at the club bar or forms can be downloaded from www.fingallians.com and returned by email to the club.

JC Savages: The club were delighted to announce on Friday evening a three year partnership with local supermarket JC’s and our senior hurlers (please check out FB page for all the pictures on the night).

Vetting of members: Every person involved with a team must be vetting. A person who is not vetted is no longer be allowed on a sideline, interact with children, transport players to games or tra Silver medal: The club were awarded of a silver medal from the Joe McDonagh foundation for our efforts in promoting the Irish language within the GAA. We are looking to harness the momentum and build on our success in 2018. De bharr sin, táimid

ag lorg baill nua chun páirt a ghlacadh ar ár gCoiste na Gaeilge. Má tá suim agat sa Ghaeilge, cláraigh do shuim le Liam ag 086 3814422 National Football Leagues: Both codes recorded victories. The ladies had Muireann NíScanaill on the team in their win over Donegal.

Social football: Every Friday night at 8pm on the Astro pitch. New players welcome.

New sponsors: The club are always looking for new sponsors for both the club and individual teams.

If you have any ideas or wish to approach any company/individual, please contact Paul Webster at fingallianssponsorship@ gmail.com.

Dancing on Mondays: 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: Last week’s numbers were 2, 5, 8, 26 and

32. We had three winners, each receiving €686. Rose Wilders, Sharon Cullen and Valerie McKinney. The jackpot this Tuesday will be €2,054.

Fingallians extends deepest sympathy to the Caul family on the death of Evelyn Caul (mother to members Matt, Dominic, Brendan & Peter). Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam dilís.

NAOMH PEREGRINE

MEMBERSHIP fees for 2018 are now due and are also payable on-line via the club website at www.cnp.ie.

Also, a registration morning takes place in the clubhouse on Saturday, February 10 from 9.30-11am.

Manager required for the minor hurlers - contact Paul Beecher.

A table quiz fundraiser takes place in the clubhouse this Saturday, February 3. Tables of four are €50, entertainment afterwards.

The lottery was not won

this week. Numbers drawn were 2, 5, 6 and 28. Next week’s jackpot is €4,000.

Please support the development of players by buying and selling lottery tickets at €2 each.

Best wishes to Eric Lowndes and Dublin in their league campaign this year.

Congratulations to Sam Beirnes on the award of his 2017 Leinster U-17 hurling championship medal.

Good luck to our U-10 Lewis White representing Ireland in Taekwon-Do this weekend.

Best wishes to all the juvenile teams taking part in the Gormanstown indoor hurling tournament each weekend up to the end of February.

SKERRIES HARPS CONGRATULATIONS to Lyndsey Davey and the Dublin senior ladies on their league win over Donegal on Sunday.

Well done to Adam Fearon who played with the Dublin

Minors vs Monaghan on Sunday and Megen Frazer who was part of the U-14 ladies panel vs Monaghan on Saturday.

Congratulations also to Loreto Balbriggan on their victory in the Dublin Division 2 camogie final on Friday.

Well done to Leah Beggs who was presented with an award during the Dublin / Kildare game for Player of the match in the 2017 Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie final as part of the St Patricks SNS team.

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 and juvenile) must have paid membership and injury fund fees paid up to date before commencement of the 2018 season.

Adult and juvenile games weekly meetings continue this coming Thursday in the Clubhouse at 09.30pm and 9pm respectively - all those

1 February 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

ON THEIR LAURELS AS NEWCOMERS MAKE THEIR CASE

power solid start

an early second-half score.

Without Geraldine McLaughlin, Donegal certainly lacked a punch in the front division, while Yvonne Bonner spent a lot of time out the field.

Donegal included sev-

eral new and returned faces among their ranks with Republic of Ireland internationals Ciara Grant and teenager Amy Boyle-Carr given game time for this one.

But Donegal were kept at arm’s length as Carla Rowe, Eabha

Rutledge and Oonagh Whyte maintained Dublin’s advantage.

Although Guthrie kept the home side in check, Donegal – in their first game under the management of Maxi Curran and Damian Devaney – couldn’t

SCHOOLS CAMOGIE

quite get close enough to raise a panic.

Next up in the league on Sunday, February 4, Dublin take on Westmeath in a repeat of the 2016 and 2017 Leinster finals. Throw in time in St Lomans GAA club, Mullingar is 12.30pm.

Balbriggan land Junior B crown LORETO Balbriggan won the Dublin Junior B championship title

last Friday at Clanna Gael Fontenoy when they got the best of Knocklyon’s St Colmcilles in the final.

Playing with their shirts inside-out due to a clash of colours, they produced a superb final performance to advance to the AllIreland semi-finals as a result, winning out by three points.

It continues an excellent run of results for the school with the senior Gaelic football team reaching the Leinster league semifinal where they were just beaten by Trim.

Loreto Swords also had a good run in the camogie competitions, reaching the final four of the Senior C championship before bowing out at the hands of Loreto Beaufort.

battles to disrupt Donegal’s NiamH Hegarty. Picture: Oliver McVeigh

involved asked to attend Zingo Result: 6-5-1-7-24-3.

We had no jackpot or dividend winner this week.

Jackpot is now a fantastic €7,900. Dividend €200.

The next draw will take place on Sunday in the clubhouse at 6.30pm.

How do you win? You buy a ticket! You can play on line at www.skerriesharps.ie .

Academy continues on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11am/ Term 1 runs from January 20 to March 24.

For details contact our GPO Louise on 085-1465673.

Win a VIP GAA experience for a team in the -U8-U-16 age group with AIB - pick up an entry from in the clubhouse or in the local AIB branch for your chance to win tickets and hospitality for your team (25 players and 5 mentors) to one of the Dublin home games at Croke Park in the Allianz League.

Completed Entries can be returned to Ciara in AIB Skerries.

If you would like to get more involved in our club

CLUB NOTICEBOARD and volunteer your time across any of the areas from helping with a team, in our club shop or on a Saturday morning coffees during academy, contact Joanne on 086 4058523 - all help greatly appreciated as our club continues to grow!

Clubhouse available for functions/parties: contact Pat on 087 2505479 for details, or email bookings. skerriesharps@gmail.com.

ST BRIGID’S

OUR club nursery continues every Saturday from 9.30 to 11am for all 4 to 7 year olds.

New families and members are always welcome. We are delighted to welcome SherryFitzgerald as our nursery sponsors.

Foundation hurling and football coaching award - Friday, February 2 from 7-10pm and Saturday from 11-1pm 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.

Contact Tim O’Mahony for sponsorship opportunities on 086 8282016.

GAA National Draw tickets must be returned by January 31.

St Brigid’s are delighted to offer a limited number of Gaeltacht Scholarships for this coming July and August.

Contact Stiofán on 087 6339238.

Interested in playing camogie in 2018? Contact Aodh at 086 852 4527 or email naomhbridcamogie@ gmail.com Thankyou to Blanchardstown Credit Union for their continued sponsorship of our camogie section.

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

To avoid overcrowding, please do not use the gym on Monday evenings from 8pm - 9pm for the month of January and February.

Our AFL3/AFL5 Footballers

are looking for selectors and coaches, Contact Cormac Kelly on 087 9573925.

There was no jackpot winner on January 18 and next week’s draw will be in Russell Park on Thursday, February 1.

The jackpot will be €1,400.

Make sure to have your envelopes in the draw.

Thank you to everyone for their support for our lotto and to our brilliant lotto committee.

The annual Club Mass to mark St Brigid’s Day, to remember past members and friends and to look forward to the season ahead will be held in Russell Park on Thursday, February 1 at 7.45pm; all are welcome.

The trustees and members of St Brigid’s GAA Club wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Des Whyte who passed away last week.

Des was involved for many years with St Brigid’s, and was a very generous supporter of all our endeavours.

ST FINIAN’S

CONGRATULATIONS to the boys and girls from Holy Family Senior National School from the U-12 teams within the club, who provided the half time entertainment at the Dublin v Offaly National Hurling League match in Croke Park on Saturday evening.

Credit is also to due to the teachers who arranged the event. Check out the club facebook page for some photos of the occasion. Well done all.

St Finian’s GAA Club field two adult hurling teams and two adult football teams with training and preparation underway for the 2018 season. Any players new to the Swords area are welcome to join. Contact details: adult men hurling - Gene 086 6063757, adult men football Stephen 087 2409962.

Please return all sold (preferably) and unsold National Club Draw tickets to the clubhouse office by Wednesday, January 31 at the latest in order to give the

club adequate time to submit their returns to the county board. Remember all monies raised will be retained by the club.

Membership subscriptions for 2018 are now due. Payments can be made online under Club Membership on the homepage of the club website www.stfinians.com.

Some minor changes have been made to membership categories and rates for 2018.

The club has introduced a family membership which would be the most cost effective for most families.

Membership can be paid over three months online After the initial amount is paid, the subsequent two monthly payments come out automatically.

As a substantial element of the club’s outlay comes at the start of the year, all memberships should be paid as soon as possible.

There are aerobics and fitness classes taking place in the clubhouse activity room on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. For further

details, please contact Bernie at 085 135 9766.

The club lotto jackpot on January 26 was €1,800 and the numbers drawn were 4, 7, 18, 25. There was no winner.

Lucky dip winners of €40 were Lorraine May, S Davis, Fiona Farrell, AT Casey. Next week’s jackpot is €1,900.

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

The club shop is open from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and from 7pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday evenings.

The coffee shop is open this and every Saturday from 10am to 1pm. All are welcome for a cuppa and a chat.

Please submit news items, fixtures/results to be included in the club notes to pro.stfiniansswords.dublin@ gaa.ie by 6pm on Sunday evenings.

If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest news from St Finians GAA Club, please send your email address topro. stfiniansswords.dublin@ gaa.ie .

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR NORTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 34-39

RUSHING ON: Athletic battle Castleknock in a lively LSL Moore Cup showdown at Porterstown Park P37

Rock’s blank slate Garristown man Dean says there is no time to dwell on 2017’s glories with all eyes focused solely on the challenges facing the Dubs in 2018  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

GARRISTOWN man Dean Rock insists that past glories count for little as triple All-Ireland winners Dublin look ahead to a fresh season of football.

Jim Gavin’s history-makers opened their league campaign on Saturday with a hardfought Division 1 win over Kildare.

Rock helped himself to a goal and four points as the Boys in Blue emerged from a hard-fought encounter with a win.

And the 27-year-old, who kicked the winning point in the final against Mayo at Croke Park in August, says the Boys in Blue have started the

calendar year with a clean slate.

“I certainly wasn’t thinking about it the other night when I missed my first kick,” he laughs, referring to the free that sealed the three-in-arow triumph.

“It’s in the history books now. It was a kick that helped us to win an All-Ireland and accomplish our goal that year.

“You take a lot from it and you move into a new year and that’s pretty much it. You use that and hopefully draw on that experience in the future.

“You don’t dwell on those things. You might look back on them when your career is over but now it’s all eyes on 2018.”

It’s a fresh start, too, for last season’s semi-

FEBRUARY 1-7, 2018

SETANTA’S LEGENDARY WIN: Blanch school conquer AllIreland basketball cup P36

Dean Rock with young Dublin fan Christian Kelly, age 7, in Parnell Park to kick off the 2018 Dublin GAA season with team sponsors AIG Insurance. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

final opponents Tyrone, who Rock feels will have a point to prove as the Dubs make a rare trip to the Red Hand County.

Tyrone failed to do themselves justice in Croke Park last year as the fifteen set up to contain failed to keep a handle on the rampant, Con O’Callaghan-inspired Dubs.

“I’ve never played in Omagh, so a first game up there for me personally is something I’m looking forward to.

“The league games we’ve played with Tyrone over the last couple of years have all been tight and either a draw or a one-point win for us, so I’m expecting a big game.

“We would have been very happy with how we played in that first half of football, but I’m

sure Tyrone will have been disappointed with how they played.

“It’s a bit of both – you never played as well as you think you did and you were never as bad as you think you were either. It will completely different at the start of the match on Saturday.”

One thing that won’t be different is the Dubs’ gameplan, which in keeping with Gavin’s philosophy will be focused on outscoring the opposition no matter what.

“Everyone’s got gameplans, everyone’s got structures against different opposition and different teams.

“We like to play football in an attractive way and score as much as we can. We like to play offensive football and attacking football.”