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SEE PAGE 22

POUND EMPLOYEE WAS GRABBED BY THROAT AT MALAHIDE CASTLE

Dog warden attacked in ‘violent’ row over muzzle use  SYLVIA POWNALL

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

DECEMBER 7-13, 2017

GARDAI are investigating an attack on a dog warden in the grounds of Malahide Castle at the weekend after he was targeted by an owner in a row over a muzzle.

The warden was left badly shaken after

he was reportedly grabbed by the throat in the assault which happened in broad daylight on Saturday, December 2. The man, an employee of Ashton Pound contracted by Fingal County Council, reported the incident to gardai and the matter is being investigated. Continues on P10

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

DONABATE | CALL FOR ACTION TO DEAL WITH ANTI-SOCIAL ACTS

Vandals hit cemetery with vile messages  SYLVIA POWNALL GRIEVING families have been left horrified after mindless vandals scrawled obscene messages into wet concrete on freshly-laid footpaths at Donabate Cemetery.

The thugs’ handiwork includes phallic symbols and vile messages and the new pathways – installed after considerable lobbying of Fingal County Council – will have to be redone.

Nurse Karen McQuaid, who regularly visits her dad’s grave in the cemetery, said those responsible should be ashamed of themselves.

She told the Dublin

Gazette: “To draw a picture of a penis like that, it’s just disgusting. I don’t know what’s wrong with these people to feel the need to do that in a place where they should have the utmost respect.”

Karen, whose family have lived on the peninsula since the 1960s, called for action to deal with a spike in anti-social behaviour and admitted she no longer feels safe visiting the graveyard alone.

She said: “There were gangs of up to 30 of them hanging out there during the summer, bringing bags of cans (of beer) and playing loud music.

“I felt intimidated and threatened. You shouldn’t

feel like that when you’re going to visit a loved one’s grave. I grew up here but now it’s ruined, it’s like they’ve no respect.

“My elderly mother still lives in Portrane and she does not feel safe going out to the shops. There are gangs of them deliberately blocking people’s way.

“The graveyard is in off the road and quite isolated so if you were attacked nobody would know or nobody would hear you scream. I won’t visit alone any more.”

Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF), who campaigned long and hard for the paths to be upgraded and repaired, also voiced his disgust.

FASTNews

Man missing since September laid to rest A MAN reported missing in September was laid to rest at the weekend after his body was recovered.

William Gaule (pictured) was living in Malahide when he went missing on September 6. He was laid to rest in his native Kilkenny at the weekend.

His family launched a search for him and prayers were held at St Sylvester’s Church in Malahide on Saturday before his burial.

He is survived by his wife Emma, daughter Marianne, brothers Denis and Pat, sisters Nora, Catherine and Geraldine, extended family and friends.

His family asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Pieta House and the Irish Coastguard.

Vandals scrawled obscene messages into wet concrete

He said: “Donabate Cemetery is a special and sacred place literally located in the very heart of our community.

Every family on the peninsula has some connection with family, relatives and friends who are in their final resting place there.

“Trespassers to the cemetery overnight sabotaged the concrete pours

and also thought it was a smart idea to desecrate the footpaths with some vile and disgusting graffiti. This is disgraceful and totally unacceptable.”

He pleaded with those “hanging out” in the graveyard to stay out of it and show respect for council workers who will re-do the work over the coming weeks at “considerable cost”.

Funding for local shows welcomed by TD FUNDING for the Flavours of Fingal Show, and the Skerries (Irish Association of Welsh Pony and Cob Society) Show has been welcomed by FG TD Alan Farrell.

Up to €7,000 in funding from the Government is being allocated under a nationwide scheme to boost agricultural shows.

Deputy Farrell said: “These two shows contribute greatly and provide an important promotional basis for small Fingal businesses to showcase their produce. It’s not all about livestock; there is entertainment, competitions, craft fairs, cookery and other demonstrations and competitions. These shows are a real celebration of local heritage.”

Capital grant ‘a fantastic achievement’ for club

See off 2017 in style

COOLMINE Musical Society are just recovering from their successful production of All Shook Up which ran in Draiocht in November and as quick as Elvis’s hips they are back in action for their Christmas performances. They are delighted to be preforming at the Christmas Carols in Blanchardstown Library on December 12 at 6.30pm.

Enjoy an evening of carols, stories and some festive cheer in the company of Coolmine MS and Blanchardstown Library.

ST SYLVESTER’S GAA Club has welcomed news of its successful application for a capital grant from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport.

The €150,000 fund awarded is very welcome at a time when members are campaigning heavily for support for its ‘Club For All Seasons 2020’ Development Plan. The initiative aims to improve pitch facilities with an all-weather pitch at its home ground at Broomfield.

Club chairperson Paddy Miskelly said: “This is a fantastic achievement by the club and will bolster our fundraising efforts.”

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

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

MARATHON KIDS | STUDENTS LEARN HUGE AMOUNT ABOUT HEALTH, FITNESS AND NUTRITION

‘I was really impressed by each and every runner’  SYLVIA POWNALL

FINGAL students proved they could go the distance when they ran the final mile of a marathon in Morton Stadium, Santry last week.

A total of 1,700 fifth and sixth pupils from 34 schools took their final steps in the route as part of the Marathon Kids programme organised by Fingal County Council.

They each clocked up 26 miles during group training sessions over an eightweek period and ran the final full mile together at the national athletics track on Friday.

Their efforts were rewarded at the finish line where Olympic athlete David Gillick congratulated each and every one of them and presented them with a medal.

Council sports officer Niall McGuirk said: “This was designed for runners of all abilities. They increased their distances

gradually so it was sustainable and enjoyable.

“Students learned a huge amount about health, fitness and nutrition along the way, and improved their confidence as they saw their fitness levels improve.”

Commenting at the finish line council chief Paul Reid said: “I was really impressed by each and every runner who crossed the finish line today.

“It demonstrates huge dedication and hard work to have run 26 miles over the course of eight weeks and they should be extremely proud of themselves..”

Mayor Mary McCamley said it was a “fantastic achievement for students as young as 11 and 12”.

She added: “I am sure that every runner here today has individual abilities, fitness levels and may or may not be interested in sports but they all seemed to be happy, smiling and proud as they completed the final mile.”

Pictured at the Marathon Kids final mile event held in Morton Stadium, Santry, was Mayor of Fingal, Mary McCamley, Irish international athlete, David Gillick and chief executive of Fingal, Paul Reid, with Sophia Motinga, Simone Tuthille, Emily Windsor, Doireann Carey and Aoibhinn McCooey from St Bridgid’s, Castleknock

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

CLONSILLA | FEARS TREES WILL BE CUT TO CLEAR THE WAY FOR HOUSING UNITS

Huge support for bid to save 104 historic trees  SYLVIA POWNALL A CAMPAIGN to save 104 historic trees in Clonsilla has won huge support with more than 2,000 people adding their name to an online petition.

Locals fear that the mature trees around St Mary’s Church will be cut down to clear the way for 103 housing units and a ‘neighbourhood centre’.

The development was granted planning permission by Fingal County Council but is now the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

Paula Broe, who set up the change.org petition, said: “I would hate to see

these wonderful trees cut down. I’m living in Clonsilla since 1977.

“I walked past these trees with my children when they were small and now with my grandchildren. These mature trees include oak, chestnut and ash as well as willow, which gives our village its name.

“We want to keep our village character and pass this legacy on to future generations as prior generations did for us.”

The petition had 2,027 supporters as of Tuesday with a target of 2,500 and will be presented to Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid.

It asks that the local authority ensures “the integration of natural heritage into the proposed development, to protect what we believe to be our heritage and our combined vision for the future of our village”.

In addition to protecting the trees and hedgerows bordering the Clonsilla Road, it asks that the ancient oaks – believed to be more than 300 years old – be incorporated in the new development.

Paula explained: “The Royal Canal was started in 1790 and our oaks would have witnessed the blasting out of the hard rock.

“Our trees survived the

famine, drought, rebellion and a new beginning for our country. Now we want them to live through this development.”

The planning file under appeal relates to permis-

All welcome to Christmas fair COLAISTE Pobail Setanta in Phibblestown, Clonee, is holding a Christmas market this Thursday, December 7 from 9am to 2pm.

The school’s transition year and fifth year students have created a range of products as part of their LCVP project and these would make ideal stocking fillers.

The event is open to the public and all are welcome.

Christmas run for good cause

The mature trees around St Mary’s Church

Night of the Big Wind, the powerful European windstorm that caused severe damage as it swept across Ireland from the afternoon of January 6, 1839.

“They stood through

FASTNews

sion granted to La Vista Ltd and EP Lynam Properties Ltd for a mixed use development on lands bounded by Clonsilla Road, Clonsilla Link Road and Portersgate.

THE Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown is holding its annual Christmas run in aid of the Irish Cancer Society on Tuesday December 12 at 1pm.

All students and staff are invited to take part in the festive event and choose their level – either a 2km walk or a 4km run.

There will be spot prizes on the day and festive attire is encouraged. Venue is ITB Sports Centre.

Disruptions in water supply BUSINESSES and homeowners in Howth can look forward to an end to disruptions in the water supply as plans to replace 6km of mains pipes move ahead.

Irish Water is proceeding with a Compulsory Purchase Order for lands in Howth, Baldoyle, Burrow, Deerpark and Howth Demesne for the works.

The project – which will result in increased water pressure and a more reliable supply will go to tender next spring and is due to commence before the end of 2018.

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

COUNCIL | PLANS TO INVEST HEAVILY IN TRANSPORT

Historic €70m loan deal ‘a win-win for all concerned’  SYLVIA POWNALL FINGAL County Council will make history today (Thurs) as the first Dublin local authority to unveil a new scheme funded through the European Investment Bank.

EIB president Werner Hoyer and vice president Andrew McDowell will attend the signing of a framework loan agreement at County Hall in Swords.

The deal – co-signed by council chief executive Paul Reid and Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) – will see €70 million drawn down over the next five years.

The capital is repayable over

a term of 25 years, at favourable interest rates, and will be invested in infrastructure enabling an estimated gross spend of €180 million.

The council plans to invest heavily in transport and servicing land for housing as well as new industrial sites, tourism promotion and visitor attractions.

The money will also be used to provide social and cultural amenities including libraries and arts centres, and environmental investment.

Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG), who attended a meeting with EIB officials in Brussels last week with party colleague Cllr Anthony

Lavin, said the deal was a win-win for all concerned.

He told the Dublin Gazette: “One year ago I was in Brussels lobbying for funding with the EIB. It’s great to see this loan facility now organised, with more funding opportunities available.”

Cllr O’Leary said he’d like to see some of the money used for education facilities, a day hospital in Swords and housing.

He added: “EIB will lend one billion euros to Ireland this year at very low interest rates for community infrastructure.

“This is very welcome and Fingal organisations need to engage more and use the EIB facility.”

Colm manages to win himself a special award

COLM Farrell from the Tesco Donabate Distribution Centre was declared Manager of the Year at the 2017 Tesco Ireland Values Awards held recently at a special ceremony in the Clayton Burlington Hotel.

Colm has been working with Tesco for over 32 years in many different roles and was recognised with this award for his great passion for health and safety.

Voted for by Tesco colleagues countrywide, the awards recognise excellence amongst the retailers 13,000 strong workforce across 12 different categories.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

Out and About

Joan Burton with principal Jane O’Connell

Iryna and Samantha

Leja, Alanna, Erin and Sean. Pictures: Rob Kennedy

Coolmine delight

Alfie, Hannah and Conor

Alisha, Alanna and Skyler

S

T PHILIP the Apostle school in Coolmine had a very special visitor for its recent Green Flag ceremony, with former Tanaiste, Deputy Joan Burton, on hand to raise the flag. She congratulated the school’s pupils on all of their hard work to obtain the flag, which is an international symbol of a school’s environmental sustainability. The prestigious Green Flags are awarded to schools for their efforts in reducing waste, conserving water and energy, promoting sustainable travel to school, biodiversity and global citizenship, with the Coolmine kids doing the area proud with their efforts.

Laura, Taylor, Andrius, Katie, Halle and Cara with (back) Rebecca, Andrea and Renee

Deputy Joan Burton with Irene Brennan, Fiona O’Halloran, and the delighted children of the Green Flag Committee

7 December 2017 NORTH ď‚ˆď‚ˆ DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

Santry celebrates as Marks & Spencer arrives H

UNDREDS of local residents gathered in Santry last week for the opening of the new Marks & Spencer Foodhall. Store manager Richie Fahey celebrated the opening with 55 new M&S colleagues - many recruited from the local area - by cutting the ribbon at 10am and welcoming the first customers into store.

He was joined by two long-serving M&S staff members Alison Moore and Brian Conlon. Alison and Brian have worked for M&S for 31 years and 27 years respectively, and both live locally so were delighted to have the opportunity to become part of the new store team.

The 9,000 sq ft store, located in Omni Park Shopping Centre offers a 42-seat Cafe for shoppers to enjoy a coffee and cake in.

Pictured cutting the ribbon is Richie Fahey, M&S Omni Park Store Manager, Alison Moore, Brian Conlon and the rest of the M&S Omni team. Pictures: Kieran Harnett

Pictured is first customer Lucy Clifford with members of the Marks & Spencer Omni Team

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

FINGAL’S ENTREPRENEURS | SAME-DAY DELIVERY SERVICE RECOGNISED AS BEST START-UP

Inventor of medical device takes top business award  SYLVIA POWNALL THE inventors of a medical device and a sameday delivery service to rival Amazon have been named among Fingal’s Best Young Entrepreneurs.

Overall winner was Kevin Kelleher from Malahide who co-created Ostoform, a device which protects skin from

ileostomy leakage after surgery.

Patients can of ten suffer from skin complications as a result of output from their stoma, a bag to collect waste products in the abdomen through which the small bowel is diverted.

Kevin, who created the product with Rhona Hunt, explained: “We developed a solution

and did some patient studies in the University of Limerick.

“The patient feedback and clinical outcomes were very encouraging, so Ostoform was set up.

“Our device prevents the output from the ileostomy leaking onto the patient’s skin, keeping their skin healthy and giving the patient confidence.

“Patients have, on average, demonstrated an improvement in their skin condition, and feedback from both clinicians and patients has been very positive.”

Kevin now shares a prize fund of €50,000 with runners-up and the two other category winners, who will represent Fingal at the Dublin regional final in January.

He won the overall title, as well as the Best B usiness Idea , with Suzanne Culleton from Malahide, runner-up for her hair removal product.

Ryan Scott, 26, of food delivery service DropChef in Sutton secured the prize for the Best Established Business award, and Mark Coleman, 34, of The Hot Seat Ltd in Rush took the runner-up title.

There was also joy for Sean Murray, 32, of Castleknock-based WeBringg Ltd who was named winner of the Best Start-Up Business, while Bernard Nolan, 26, of Malahide-based MediMee was runnerup.

Fingal head of enterprise, Oisin Geoghegan, overall winner, Kevin Kelleher, Mayor Mary McCamley, and Fingal council CEO, Paul Reid. Picture: Orla Murray/SON

We B r i n g g o f f e r s delivery within 24 hours to anywhere within a set radius from the retailer for a cost of around €7.

Sean said: “Our system can easily integrate into any e-commerce website and the customer experience aspect is something that differentiates us from regular courier companies.

“When you get something delivered through a courier, you might know that it will be

delivered that day, but you might not know when.

“Using our ser vice you can actually track the package live from the retailer’s store direct to your door and you know exactly to the minute when it will arrive.” had a Judges tough task choosing their winners this year from a record entr y of a ver y high standard.

Oisin Geoghegan,

Head of Enterprise in Fingal said: “We were delighted with the calibre of entries. We received the highest number of applications ever this year, exceeding every other local authority area in Ireland.”

Mayor Cllr Mar y McCamley congratulated finalists, adding: “I have no doubt that you each have a very bright and exciting future ahead of you.”

Alan Hickey and Sean Murray of WeBringg, winner of the ‘Best Start-Up’ category. Picture: Orla Murray/SON

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

COURTS | DRIVER TO SERVE SIX MONTHS

Banned driver sentenced after threats to gardai  SYLVIA POWNALL

ESB Networks present hi-viz vests to Holy Family Junior National School

THE ROAD Safety Authority (RSA) and ESB Networks are calling on parents, guardians and teachers to ensure road safety, with cycle safety on the lesson plan for all children. Free high visibility vests

have been distributed to all children starting school this year.

Cycle Right, the National Standard for Cycle Training has been developed by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport,

the RSA and Cycling Ireland, to provide practical cycle safety and skills training. Picture: Junior Infants

class at Holy Family Junior National School in Swords with class teacher Sarah Kearns and Paddy Mulvey from ESB. Photo: ESB/ Tony Parkes

A DISQUALIFIED driver who threatened to kill three gardai and refused to be breathalysed has been given a sixmonth jail term.

Desmond Collopy, 32, who has 196 previous convictions, was jailed for six and a half years in July 2015 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 50-yearold Eamon Cronin in Swords on 16 August, 2014. He will serve the six months consecutive to his current term.

Collopy made the threats after gardai, who had seen him driving erratically, arrested him. At the time, he was out on bail on the charge of dangerous driving causing death.

Collopy, of Liffey Crescent, Lucan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to failing to give a specimen of breath and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to gardai at Ballymun and Store Street Garda stations on 5 April, 2015.

Garda Michael McCallion said he and a colleague were on mobile patrol

in the Ballymun area when they saw a car driving in an erratic manner.

They signalled the car to stop at about 2.32am and noticed Collopy was slurring his speech and there was “a strong smell of intoxicating liquor”.

Collopy, who began acting in an aggressive manner, told gardai he had not been drinking and they could not prove anything.

At Store Street Garda station he obstructed gardai attempting to search him and began making threats. “I will find out where you live and kill you,” Collopy told gardai. “I will kill you, I won’t be locked up forever.”

Collopy continued to square up to gardai aggressively and said: “Watch yourself, I will do six months on this.”

Collopy’s 196 previous convictions include two for violent disorder, five for driving while intoxicated, and over 50 other road traffic offences.

The court heard from Collopy’s partner of five years who said he had been attending rehab and school while in custody. She said she would remain with him if he remained out of trouble and off alcohol.

FROM PAGE 1

Dog warden assaulted Ashton Pound manager Donal Moroney told Dublin Gazette: “Thankfully he wasn’t harmed physically, but he was grabbed.

It’s a bit of a shock and you don’t expect it when you’re just trying to do your job.”

The dispute arose when the warden asked a man who was walking his Ger-

man Shepherd why the dog was not muzzled, as is required under law.

Mr Moroney said: “The wardens are there to protect the public and to deal with incidents as they arise. They are not in any way aggressive. We view this very seriously because our guys are only

doing their job. When you have a German Shepherd unmuzzled in public, I would expect something to be done about it.

“I’m 14 years in this job and while we’ve had a few incidents, thankfully it doesn’t happen often.

“The warden was back at work on Sunday and he assures me he’ll be back on duty in Malahide Castle again this weekend.”

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “We are extremely concerned about this alarming incident. The dog warden was merely carrying out his duties and seeking adherence to by-laws which have been passed by Council. We would appeal to anybody who may have witnessed this incident to contact Malahide Garda Station.”

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

Out and About

Charlie Coyle, Faye Ludgate and Emma Baldagiu

Enjoying some festive fun at Christmas Fair T

Sarah McCartney and Molly Kingston. Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Penny and Carla McCarthy

HE Old Borough National School in Swords had their Christmas Fair last week. Those who came along enjoyed festive bakes, treats, gifts and prizes to be won. The event, organised by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), is the biggest event of it’s kind for the school and aims to raise vital funds for educational supports for children including a new projector and financial support for after-school activities and school events.

Emma Teskey and Rose Browne

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

Out and About

Evan and Christopher Siung

Sophie and Andrea Criobaney visit Santa with their dad

The Kingston family with Santa

Zara and Dylan Corkery

Denise and Susie Coulter

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

Microenterprise loan fund approved €21m – new report THE latest Microfinance Ireland report shows that €21m of loans have been approved under the Microenterprise Loan Fund, to date, supporting 3,336 jobs in borrowing companies.

The Microenterprise Loan Fund is part funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Minister for Trade, Employment and Business Pat Breen welcomed the publication of the Microfinance Ireland report, saying: “It is now five years since Microfinance Ireland first opened its doors and it continues to show its support for our microenterprises throughout the country through its suite of distinct loan offerings.”

The Microenterprise Loan Fund was established by the Government in 2012.

The reasoning behind the establishment of such a fund and establishing MFI was that access to finance for microenterprises, in particular, was a major issue with the banks at that time continuing to decline loans in the microfinance space.

Promoting cellar safety THE Irish Brewers Association and the Health & Safety Authority have colaunched a programme designed for publicans and bar managers to enhance basic safety practices in cellars, cold rooms and across all areas of bars, restaurants, hotels and pubs around the country.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Jonathan McDade, head of the Irish Brewers Asso-

ciation, said: “This initiative is the first of its kind in Ireland. We’re hoping it will benchmark health and safety standards for all licensed operators in Europe.

“BeSMART.ie is quick and easy to use and will give bar managers an idea of how safe their cellars are and if any safety issues need to be addressed.”

The cellar safety programme aims to improve

safety in the workplace environment for thousands of workers and service providers and for customers of the hospitality sector.

The programme was designed to address safety issues arising from serious accidents in bar cellars across Europe in recent years.

It is aimed at helping bars to protect their staff and meet legal requirements to ensure their

workplace is a safe place to operate in.

The new safety programme can be accessed through the HSA’s existing online risk assessment tool, BeSMART.ie.

Pictured launching the programme are Padraig Cribben, Vintners Federation of Ireland; Donal O’Keeffe, Licensed Vintners Association; Ian Reidy, Heineken and Jonathan McDade, the Irish Brewers Association.

Marks & Spencer arrives in Santry HUNDREDS of local residents gathered in Santry last Thursday (30th November) for the opening of the new Marks & Spencer Foodhall.

Store manager, Richie Fahey, celebrated the opening with 55 new M&S colleagues - many recruited from the local area - by cutting the ribbon at 10am and welcoming the first customers into store.

He said: “I am so proud of the team for their efforts in preparing the store for its opening this morning.

“We are thrilled with the response we have received from customers so far, and we can’t wait to hear more feedback on the range of food and drink products on offer.

“We are looking forward to

working with, and becoming part of, the Santry community over the next few years.”

Richie was joined by two longserving M&S staff members, Alison Moore and Brian Conlon.

Alison and Brian have worked for M&S for 31 years and 27 years respectively, and both live locally so were delighted to have the opportunity to become part of the new store team.

The 9,000 sq ft store, located in Omni Park Shopping Centre offers a 42-seat Cafe for shoppers to enjoy a coffee and cake in.

With over 5,000 delicious products on offer, shoppers filled their baskets with the latest M&S food and drink, including a range of treats for Christmas like the Wob-

bly Santa Tin, filled with chocolate chip shortbread stars and the stunning Chocolate Pine Cones.

The Paddington Bear range also proved a real hit with customers, with the Milk Chocolate Paddington Wellington Boots proving to be a popular choice.

The in-store bakery will provide customers with a range of brand new artisan breads, including M&S’ Signature Sourdough, which is inspired by the traditional sourdoughs of San Francisco, and three new 100% spelt loaves, which are available at M&S for the first time.

Customers can take advantage of the popular Collect in Store service by having orders delivered free of charge. Free parking is also available at the store.

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

STYLE P26

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 P28

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GAZETTE

DIARY P16

VIVIENNE IS SHY, SWEET AND LOVING

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Vivienne, a two-year-old female Pit Bull terrier who is crying out for a perfect home.

This stunning looking dog has gained many friends among staff members since her arrival and it’s easy to see why, as she has such a sweet and affectionate nature.

Vivienne is a sensible soul and she can be worried initially when meeting new people, but given time and space she makes friends easily. She is looking for an adult home because she can be worried by noises and over-handling. She likes a gentle approach and doesn’t like too much fuss around her. Vivienne would prefer to be the only dog in the family.

If you can be her #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.

Cool Runnings stars Doug E Doug (Sanka Coffie) and Rawle D Lewis (Junior Bevil) pictured at the launch of Après Dublin, a giant custom built ski lodge in Dublin’s city centre

LAUNCH: COOL RUNNINGS STARS LEAVE WARM LA FOR THE SLOPES OF DUBLIN

Get on up, it’s bobsled time  EMMA NOLAN and MARK O’BRIEN .

“FEEL the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme!

Get on up, it’s bobsled time!”

Cool Runnings may have come out over 20 years ago, but the classic movie’s many quotable lines are still as recognisable today, as our its stars.

Much to the delight of Dubliners, Rawle D Lewis (who played Junior Bevil) and Doug E Doug (Sanka Coffie) were in Dublin last week for the first time ever to launch Apres Ski at the IFSC with Coors Light.

Rawle and Doug shot to instant fame as stars of the popular film about Jamaica’s unexpected participation in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

“It’s fantastic, beautiful, the people are fantastic!” Doug told Dublin Gazette at Apres Ski. While they were having a great time in the fair city, the two admitted they were shocked to be invited.

Exuberance

“I was like ‘Dublin, really? Alright!’ I live in LA where there’s a lot of tourists and Irish people and I always like your exuberance! So I thought, imagine meeting a whole country of them!” Rawle joked.

Hundreds of people were delighted to meet the pair at Apres Ski and they were more than happy to pose for photos and chat with fans.

“The movie came out 20 years ago but they’re acting like it came out yesterday,” Rawle said.

“It still surprises me though, the level of people who are excited about this. It’s amazing how many people have quoted me lines from the movie and how many likes they know. They’re reminding me!”

Doug added: “I love that, seeing people happy and feeling like you’re part of their happiness in some way is the best.”

Asked if they wanted to be known for other projects they’ve worked on since Cool Runnings, the two said they were proud that the film inspired so many people.

“With something like this, that’s done such good, you can’t knock it.”

The Cool Runnings stars with Sorcha Kavanagh at the launch

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINLIFE

BARNADOS: LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT COUNTRY’S NEEDIEST PEOPLE

Appeal to help spread cheer to thousands BARNARDOS, the children’s charity, has launched its Christmas appeal to help give children a happy Christmas.

This year, Barnardos is not asking for toys, but for donations to allow the organisation to provide more practical gifts for the families they work with.

Another way to support Barnardos is by purchasing a Gift For Good – an alternative gift to buy for family or friends in lieu of a present, which will directly benefit a child or family

that Barnardos works with.

The charity’s chief executive Fergus Finlay said: “Following our work with many generous public and corporate suppor ters, and talks with the man in red himself, we know every child we work with will get a toy this Christmas.

“However, we have identified the need for more practical gifts for families such as pyjamas, slippers, books, duvets, pillows, bedding and food vouchers.

“We also know that

this Christmas more than 3,194 children will be homeless. We work to provide supports to many of these families.

“The children will be facing a Christmas of uncertainty, and we want to make them as comfortable as possible this year. Each family has different needs to the next, but your donation will allow us to direct your help how each need it most.”

Yo u c a n d o n a t e online at www.barnardos.ie/christmas, or by calling 1850 216 216.

BEAUTY AND BEAST HELP SICK CHILDREN MAGIC was in the air at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital last week, when the cast of The Helix pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, arrived in character (below) to spread some Christmas cheer this festive season among the young patients, families and staff.

This year, The Helix has teamed up with the hospital as its charity partner, and on Thursday, December 7, The Helix is hosting a designated charity show in aid of the Hospital, with all proceeds going directly to the hospital.

Speaking on the partnership, Claire Tighe, chief executive of TheatreWorkX Productions, said: “We are thrilled

to be teaming up with Temple Street again this year. It’s such a worthy cause and we’re hoping that we’ll have a full house on December 7.”

Tickets for the charity show are priced at of €18.50 per seat (booking fees apply) and are on sale from www.thehelix.ie, and at The Helix’s box office; telephone 01 700 7000.

EXTRA SHOWS SET FOR RAPUNZEL ANOTHER hugely popular panto – The Gaiety Panto – has announced extra performances of Rapunzel as tickets have been snapped up.

Rapunzel opened to sold-out performances on Sunday, November 26. A limited number of tickets for dates up to January 7 are on sale now from €19.50 (including booking fee),

with brand-new extra dates added from January 11-21 also on sale now.

The Gaiety Theatre has hosted the annual Christmas Panto each year since 1873.

Tickets are available in person at Ticketmaster outlets and the Gaiety’s box office, 0818 719 388.

F o r g r o u p b o o kings, call 01 648 6029, or email group.sales@ ticketmaster.ie; see also www.gaietytheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie.

A LOVELY GIG TO HELP CARE FOR HORSES MY LOVELY Neightivity Gig is taking place in Whelan’s main room next Friday, December 15.

The equine-saving bunch got their name from Father Ted – and

Cute as buttons Katie May and Lauren O’Brien, and teddy pals, helping to launch Barnardos’ Gifts For Good Christmas

rightly so, as one of the charity’s founders, Cathy Davey, is the partner of Neil Hannon who wrote the brief but beloved song.

House band T he Love Tailors will keep the par ty moving at a canter, while guests include Cathy Davey, Cry Monster Cry, Roisin O and CC Brez.

My L ove l y Ho r s e Rescue says that 4,000 horses a year are rounded up and euthanised because they are not being properly looked after, with the night set to be a great fundraiser to help horses.

Doors 8pm; tickets priced €15; see www. whelanslive.com.

HOP OVER TO THE BUSY FLEA MARKET THE Dublin Flea Christmas Market returns to The Point Square this weekend, until Sunday, December 10.

After a hugely successful market last year, with almost 30,000 shoppers attending,

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

this year’s free market will once again offer an alternative to Christmas on the main street.

The market will feature up-and-coming Irish contemporary design, art, hand-made craf t and delectable foods alongside T he Dublin Flea Market’s m u c h - l ove d m i x o f antiques, vintage and retro collectibles.

Once again, Dublin City Council are supporting The Dublin Flea Christmas Market this year – the only pop-up retail event in DCC’s Dublin At Christmas Programme for 2017.

A NEW WAY TO HELP ELDERLY PATIENTS THE Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is launching an awareness campaign to encourage patients to Get up, Get dressed, Get moving, Get Well and Get Home.

The campaign is focused on providing high-quality patient care and empowering

patients, with the initiative part of a wider programme of activity, entitled #Last1000days, itself a worldwide social media movement which has spread across the UK, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand.

Ward staff are encouraged to identify those patients who would benefit by getting out of their PJs or gowns and getting out of their rooms at the start of each day, should the patient wish to participate.

The average length of stay for patients aged 85 and older in the Mater is 18.1 days, but evidence shows that patients staying in their pyjamas or gowns reinforces the sick role, and leaves them vulnerable to a higher risk of infection, loss of mobility, fitness and strength, which results in them staying in hospital longer.

For further information, see www.mater.ie or tweet @MaterHospital.

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18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

Out and About

Glenda Gilson with models Sarah McGovern, Vivienne Connolly and Gail Kaneswaran. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

A star studded bash to launch jewellery line

Susan Molloy, Ruth Henshaw and Gillian Langan

T

HERE was a host of famous faces at No 37 Dawson Street last week as Glenda Gilson unveiled her first jewellery line. Glenda opened the evening by thanking all of those involved in bringing the collection to life along with her pr Tara O’Conner.

Guests were treated to bespoke cocktails on the night along with a tastys election of mini burgers and finger foods.

Speaking about her inspiration for the collection Glenda said: “I have always worn jewellery, especially delicate jewellery since my modelling days and I’ve been know for my layering and mixing of metals.”

Don O’Neill and Tracey Moroney

Linda Keating and Edel Selina and Michelle Regazzoli

McCabe

Emily O’Donnell

Vivienne Connolly

Carol Byrne

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

Out and About

Fidelma Breathnach

Christine and Karen Bruton

Lisa Nolan

Actor Liam Cunningham

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT SEVEN years after their last release, Ireland’s favourite indie outliers Super Extra Bonus Party return with a new single. They look back to their blistering best.

IT’S EARLY 2007, and against all the odds, Newbridge band Super Extra Bonus Party are stood on the stage collecting a gong and a large cheque, having taken home the Choice Music Prize for their self-titled debut album.

It’s probably the most controversial decision in the history of the competition. Cathy Davey, Delorentos and Kila are all household names, and all have acclaimed albums up for the award, but it comes as little surprise to those with their ear to the ground of Irish music. An album that’s only touched on the fringes of mainstream consciousness has, in some knowledgeable corners, been hailed as the most inventive Irish album in a decade.

With follow up Night Horses, the hip-hop/ indie fusion act returned with abundant Dublin-scene special guests in 2009, accompanying the searing and memorable release with a series of blistering and beloved live shows, before calling an indefinite hiatus in 2011.

Whispers of a return began as early as 2015, and with November’s new single ‘Switzerland’, the revered six-piece (seventh member Rodrigo Teles has sadly departed Irish shores for his native Brazil) have finally returned to the fray.

“It had been kicking around for a while, but the decision was made out the back of a pub in Dingle in December 2014 as part of a ‘tired and emotional’ chat we all had while on a mate’s stag,” Gavin Elsted tells us. “We felt that we had left things unfinished and without any external pressure, wanted to start working on music just to see if the old spark was still there.”

“It was never about the relationships in the band, because in the intervening years we’d still hang out whenever we could, so when we eventually took the first step into the studio, it was like we never left. There was so much joy at being back where we felt we belonged. I still think in some ways it’s an excuse to hang out a bit more with each other, but at least now we have something to show for it!”

In a sense, with Irish hip-hop currently at by far its highest ever ebb, Super Extra Bonus Party are a more natural fit for today’s scene, with Elsted telling us that current stars Rusangano Family “made me wish Bonus Party were still going every time I saw them.”

“We’ve listened to hip hop forever really and it’s still a very integral part of the band and one of our main influences,” Stephen ‘Fats’ Foley adds. “It’s a very natural part of our arsenal, so we’d be producing tunes with a hip hop influence regardless of the climate for sure.” The climate, though, is very likely to be still more accepting than last time around, and that can only be a positive.

That writing process has come very naturally, with Foley describing the progression as less challenging than last time around, at least so far.

MUSIC

Super Extra Bonus Party

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Santa at the Marsh Library

A magical spot to meet the big man, the centuries-old Marsh Library next to St Patrick’s Cathedral will throw in a tour and a photo with their one-day-only Santa meeting. December 9, book ahead. The gift, naturally, will be a book.

The co-present Pieta House gig

Check out some great local talent and chip in on the launch of The CoPresent’s new compilation, in aid of Pieta House.

Columbia Mills, Session Motts and I Have A Tribe are amongst those playing Drop Dead Twice on December 9.

a glitchy, bleeping melody fused with power chords and fresh, echoey vocals.

“Switzerland was one of the first demos that were floating around when we first started working on music again,” Elsted explains. “As per usual with us, it started off as a totally different song.”

“I think it was meant to be more of a housier track with some guitars added, but we stripped it back and all that was left that we actually liked was the little synth arpeggio, which is essentially the spine of the song.

“It went through various permutations with other members veering between trying to get rid of it altogether (not naming any names!) and adding some valuable constructive criticism or

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

Mrs Brown’s Boys

Love it or loath it (and the comedy certain divides opinion), Mrs Brown’s Boys has become almost as much a part of Christmas as the tinsel and the chocolate binge. The live show drops in on the 3Arena, December 14-16.

Fusion Sundays at the Dublin Food Co-Op

A December global glance from the Food Co-Op in Newmarket, Dublin 8, where you can indulge in beautiful food and gifts from Africa, Asia and South America.

Magical Christmas Cinema

Retro Drive-In will get seasonal and old-school over the weekend, with showings of Elf, Love Actually, Santa Claus and Home Alone, plus the promise of chocolate cake and tunes. Leopardstown Racecourse, December 9-10.

Lankum

An Irish trad band that drew their influences from a spectrum of ancient folk, before evolving their sound into something poignant and current, Lankum are the rising stars of the Irish trad-folk scene. They play Vicar Street on December 9.

Return of the underdogs

“Mostly It feels a lot easier,” he explains, “and I think that’s going to be reflected in the music.

We’ve developed a lot both as people and as musicians. Years ago we avoided difficult conversations. We avoided uncomfortable confrontation and the necessity of critical analysis.”

“Our approach back then tended to be to identify space in a tune and immediately fill it with my amazing part. Now we’re talking so much more about our music and trying create and maintain space, facilitating each others ideas and encouraging each other as much as we can.”

New single Switzerland, naturally, went through a slightly messy, iterative process, as has much of Bonus Party’s work. The result is

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20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi suggestions for the sequencing. We had been rehearsing it for a while before we finally got into gear.”

“The drums were done in Herbert Place Studios in Dublin with our long-suffering producer Sean Corcoran, with the instrumentation and vocals all done in his studio in Rathmines.

“Lots of ‘Ooh I’m not sure about that’ and ‘We are definitely not using that synth it sounds like an arse’ later, we had the bones of the song.

The mixing process was surprisingly easy, but I reckon that was because Sean wouldn’t let us near it. Probably for the best. We’re so delighted with how it turned out.”

Switzerland is not to be a one off. The band are already announcing shows, and an album

- jokingly working-titled ‘Led Zeppelin 4’ - is on the longer-term horizon. “The album is still our yardstick,” Foley tells us.

As for that big moment at Vicar Street all those years ago?

“You have to understand that we were total outsiders,” Elsted recalls.

“We were relatively unknown to critics and bands because we had essentially come from nowhere. I remember being excited to play in Vicar Street, really relishing it.

“Being able to hoof around and have fun with my friends on a national stage was an indescribable feeling. The win was the win. We can’t account for why we were chosen, we were just blown away by it.”

The latest in the Star Wars saga lands on December 15, with tickets expected to be in extremely high demand between the launch date and Christmas. Get booking early to watch Rey begin her training.

Aware Christmas Run

Another chance to postpone the season’s crash weight gain with a pre-emptive strike against the food monster, whilst raising some funds for charity, too. The Aware Christmas Run (5km or 10km) is on December 9 in Phoenix Park.

New album of the week

The Co-Present Pieta House charity album. Available around Dublin, this showcase of local Irish talent will raise money for those struggling in life. It serves as a great intro to the Irish music scene, too.

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

Ready, Set...Colour!

Laureate na nOg and children’s book illustrator PJ Lynch pictured with Pippa Smullen, Sally White and Finn McLoughlin at the launch. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

WIN We’ve teamed up with Motivation Weight Management to offer one lucky reader the chance to WIN an all-inclusive weight loss programme with Ireland’s leading weight loss clinic network.

MEMORIES of past Christmases may well be ones of too much food and feeling bloated and depressed. Well now is the time to give yourself a great Christmas, one to remember! For close on 25 years we have been helping Irish men and women to eat healthily and happily over the Christmas and New Year season while losing weight at the same time.

We provide all the support, tools and meal plans you need to lose weight in private one-to-one consultations. Join over 250,000 Irish people that have walked through our nationwide clinic network to a better, happier and ‘lighter’ future.

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, email your contact details (address & contact number) to competitions@dublingazette.com or visit Dublin Gazette Facebook page and follow the instructions.

Closing date for entries is FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER. Competition terms and conditions are available on dublingazette.com

AN ALL-INCLUSIVE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME WITH

MOTIVATION

CHILDREN across Dublin have been working hard, practicing their painting skills and perfecting their masterpieces as the deadline for the Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards approaches. Completed works of art need to be submitted by Friday, December 16.

Each year thousands of budding artists across Ireland create colourful artworks in the hope of being named the overall winner at next spring’s award ceremony.

Embracing creativity and education are the core objectives of the competition which is open to primary school students of all ages and this year’s theme, ‘Put Us in the Picture’, has been inspiring thousands of thoughtful and imaginative entries over the past number of weeks.

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22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

Don’t be afraid to go crazy and use vibrant colours are tips given by the judges for this year’s Junior PainterAwards and of course, don’t miss the closing date!

15 regional winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to see their work displayed at a Awards Day in 2018 where three overall national winners will be announced.

Every child that enters will receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their artistic efforts. The closing date for entry is Friday, December 16.

Parents and children still wishing to get involved can do so by speaking to their school teacher or by visiting the Sightsavers website to request entry forms: www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter

New Zealand Pop Up for cold weather ailments KIWI Country Clothing will “The secret is in the possum, “A blended product of merino make a return visit to Dublin for and it is medically recognised as wool and possum fibre, possum the month of December (until being able to significantly reduce merino, is the ultimate in super 24th). pain as a result of the cold. warm knitwear... 35% warmer Not only do they carry a range “We make hand wear and foot than cashmere and 55% warmer of premium, yet practical solu- wear to order and carry regular than merino lambswool. tions for all cold and wet weath- stock of the amazing possum “Typically, a pair of socks er complaints, including diabe- fur insoles, which give instant should only be washed every 4-6 tes, Raynaud’s, arthritis and weeks. poor circulation issues, but “T he possum naturally they also stock an extensive sanitises the foot. No smell, range of high quality excelno sweat, and warm beyond lent Christmas and Winter belief. gifts.

“We also make a specific Elizabeth McGuinness, sock for diabetes, which is originally from Monaghan, seamless, low tension, soft returned to Ireland from top and gets the bloodflow New Zealand five years ago to tips of the toes, whilst proon a mission to dress people tecting the fragile skin. for cold and wet weather.

“This Pop Up will be our She initially began in the last outing, as we move excluequestrian and farming secsively online after Christmas, tor, but increasingly is workso be sure to call in to see ing a lot more now in the touch and feel the range of health sector. products while you can.”

“I am now getting regu- Proprietor Elizabeth McGuinness with They are located at First lar referrals from various Taoiseach Leo Varadkar checking out some Floor, 18 South Anne Street hospitals both north and of the products (over Tinnakeenly Leathsouth, and from dozens of ers) and can be contacted at GPs everywhere for people who warmth and comfort to cold feet. 0868931953. suffer intolerance to cold in their “The possum insoles are the Further info at www.kiwichands or feet. greatest joy to cold feet ever. ountryclothing.ie

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7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

DUBLINFITNESS

Forget the myth: Lifting weights does not make women bulky...

Ladies!

Lets smash some really frustrating myths that have been floating around!

Lifting heavy weights will NOT, I repeat NOT make you look bulky.

If you’ve ever come across a woman on the internet with extremely big muscles there’s 100% chance that she takes performance enhancing steroids because a woman’s body cannot just build muscle like that without them.

Absolutely almost every woman we have introduced to weight lifting has asked at the beginning, “are you sure about this?

I don’t want to get bulky. I just want to tone up.”

Toning Up…

Well, let’s just explain what toning up actually means. Firstly, we can’t tone a muscle into a specific shape, we can only make it bigger or smaller.

Toned: This means well built glutes, legs and good definition in the arms and back and also having a thin layer of fat around the muscles that keep you from having that too lean or shredded look. To do this, we must build muscle in these areas by lifting weights and we don’t mean lifting light weights for lots of reps; we mean lifting heavier weights over

 GARETH FRANCIS

info@dublingazette.com

need to do. To do this, you must create a calorie deficit (burning more or eating less calories than your body is using for fuel) by taking in less calories or burning up more.

Cardio

time to keep the muscle getting stronger and to grow.

“But what happens if the muscle gets too big and I start to look bulky?”

Well this is where your fat and calorie control comes in. Having that bulky look usually means you’re carrying too much fat around the muscles and not that the muscle has actually gotten bigger. No matter how many times a week you’re lifting or whatever training you do if you’re eating more calories than you need to fuel your body and training, then you’re going to gain fat around your muscles and look bulky.

So if you’re trying to prevent the bulky look while making gains in the weights room, then you need to control your calorie intake and eat at a maintenance level (eating the same amount of calories than your body is burning). If it’s that leaner look with more definition in your muscles that you’re going for, then decreasing the amount of fat around the muscles is what you

Cardio is a great tool for burning up those extra calories and keeping body fat down, but if too much cardio is done it can have a negative effect on your goal to look toned. As explained earlier, to have a toned body we must have well built legs, glutes and back etc but cardio alone can’t do this for you. Only weight training can. Too much cardio can actually send you in the opposite direction and you can lose muscle gains.

You’ve heard the saying ‘if you don’t use it you lose it’ well that goes for your muscle too. If you’re not lifting weights and just doing cardio, there’s a good chance you’re burning through your muscles to fuel your cardio and losing your muscle mass and after time that can leave you looking thin or “skinny”.

The ultimate guide to looking lean and toned!

Firstly, get yourself to the weights room, as scary as it may seem. Now let building strength be the

Myth busted: Lifting weights does not make women look “bulky”

goal and keep trying to lift heavier weights over time.

Focus most of your workouts on the body parts you want to grow or maintain like glutes and legs, but don’t neglect those other muscle groups and hit those weekly too.

If you’re not happy with the amount of fat around your muscles, this doesn’t mean you need to drop the weights and get on the thread mill. It just means you need to create a small deficit in your calorie intake but keep lifting to maintain your muscle while losing the fat.

If you hate cutting calories because you love food, then you could add in some cardio or more activities throughout the day to help burn some of those calories but just don’t let it get in the way of your weight lifting.

TAKE HOME POINTS 1. Lifting weights does not make you “bulky”.

2. Being bulky means you’re carrying too much fat not muscle.

3. Muscle won’t grow if you’re not feeding it enough calories to do so.

CHECK OUT www.kickstartfitness.ie

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24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINMOTORING

Mercedes-Benz refreshes its compact SUV

FASTNews

The new generation Volkswagen Amarok

VW Amarok wins International Pick-up Award VOLKSWAGEN’S Amarok has won the International Pick-up Award 2018. Like its predecessor

in association with

Mercedes Benz has refreshed the GLA compact SUV for 2017 and MICHAEL MORONEY has taken it for a test drive to appreciate the step up to luxury end motoring.

Here he gives his appraisal.

in 2010, the new Amarok, now with high-torque V6 engines, has succeeded in winning over the jury of transport journalists. The Volkswagen Amarok becomes the only pick-up to win this accolade for a second time.

The jury rated the Amarok as the epitome of ‘work hard, play hard’, a core element of the entire pick-up segment and described the Amarok as a ‘top pedigree workhorse’. The clear design, the fantastic feel and the finish, in short the workmanship, were specifically cited by the jury as being key factors in their decision.

The size of the double cab with room for five people, the benchmark in the segment, also impressed with its modern design. The ergoComfort seats for driver and front-seat passenger, adorned with the AGR logo of the ‘German Healthy Backs Society’, also won over the jury, who in addition highlighted the unique eight-speed automatic transmission and broad V6 engine specification in the segment.

Performance is not a challenge for the Volkswagen Amarok V6. Its wide selection of 3-litre TDI engines, which range from 120 to 190 kW, fulfils the power and torque desires of all customer groups. The second-generation Amarok with its V6 engine is a hit with customers. This year, to the end of October, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has already supplied customers with 65,200 vehicles from the Amarok range compared with 57,600 vehicles for the same period in 2016, an increase of 13.2%.

THE Mercedes-Benz entry level SUV is the GLA, a compact car that’s been upgraded for 2017 from the original one first introduced back in 2013.

The GLA is pitched at the upper end of the compact SUV market, putting it into a price bracket that’s well north of the best-selling competition in the sector.

That always begs the question about why spend more? Why opt for a more luxury end SUV when one of the volume makes will do the very same job? Or will they?

After spending some days behind the wheel of the new generation GLA, which is improved for 2017, it becomes clearer as to why this SUV has some special appeal. I took the car across the country, through Dublin and Limerick cities and the longer that I drove the GLA to

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Warranty Entry Price

cover over 950km, the more the appeal of the car grew on me.

The GLA never claims to be a big SUV; it credentials are firmly in the compact SUV sector. It’s a car that you easily feel comfortable in, there’s a good driving position, strong seats and a clear instrument arrangement.

2.1 litre 136hp 9.1 seconds 24km/litre (4.2l/100km or 67mpg) 56 litres 108g/km A3 €190 30,000km/12 months 5 star (2014) 2 years €35,400

The interior design is uncluttered and easy to become familiar with. That means that you quickly get down to feeling comfortable behind the wheel and you start to appraise the car for what it’s worth.

The test car came with the off-road comfort suspension which raises the car body an extra 30 milli-

metres higher. This claims to give improved off-road capability thanks to higher ground clearance and a higher seat position.

In styling terms this latest GLA has new lightalloy wheels. The previous optional bi-xenon headlamps have been replaced

by LED headlights and they are impressive for night vision.

With its 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, the GLA 200d’s 136bhp output means that this car is a lively performer. The car is among the heavier of the compact SUV’s on the market, while it still achieves an acceleration figure of 9.1 seconds in a 0 to 100km/ hr race.

That compares well with all contenders, while the new generation and lighter Nissan Qashqai with which it shares some architecture, is marginally

New Jaguar just in time for Christmas THE new Jaguar E-PACE is making its Dublin debut in Jaguar Land Rover showrooms in early December. The E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family following the F-PACE, Jaguar’s performance SUV and winner of World Car of the Year 2017.

To celebrate its arrival, Jaguar Land Rover Ireland announced a limited edition introductory launch price of €36,000 for the E-PACE 2.0D i4 150PS Manual model. This represents a €2,000 saving.

The Jaguar E-PACE is a five-seat com-

pact SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheeldrive vehicle.

The exterior design is characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches while optional 21-inch alloy wheels give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance.

The E-PACE is one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class. The nextgeneration touchscreen infotainment system

connects customers to their favourite apps, such as Spotify through Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl apps.

Under the bonnet, E-PACE is available engine options from the Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The 300bhp Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers E-PACE from 0-100km/ hr in just 6.4 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 243km/hr.

The new E-Pace has just received a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, in the week that it hits the Dublin market.

The new Jaguar E-PACE

The newly upgraded Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with some enhanced features, especially in the area of safety, in a very comfortable and solid compact SUV.

faster off the blocks.

The GLA is a thrifty performer with a rated economy figure of 24km/ litre (4.2l/100km or 67mpg). While in reality that’s difficult to achieve, this comparison figure is still close to being the best in this class, well ahead of most of the competition, apart from the new Nissan Qashqai.

I drove the automatic version of the GLA and quite honestly this is the best format to appreciate the car’s driving style. The seven-speed automatic gearbox design is where Mercedes-Benz excels and in the GLA this gives driving options to choose

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

in association with

Ho Ho Ho! Plan your Christmas shopping spree CHRISTMAS shopping signals the really

do watch for this sort of thing. Leav-

festive start to the season. Despite the

ing valuables in a car is never a good

parking charges on the streets or in car

idea especially after you spent all that

parks across Dublin City, if you plan well

time and effort in choosing the right

you can get everything done without

presents.

breaking the bank on parking.

This week we give some advice tips to all those planning on making a day of

lights on and give your eyes time to

getting all the Christmas shopping done.

adjust to the different light level. Keep a

1. Deciding where to park can have a

look out for pedestrians thinking more

huge impact on cost, we’ve experience

about their shopping list than their

a shopping spree where the parking

safety, especially excited children.

charges cost more than some presents

between pace and economy at the press of a button.

That’s the part of the Mercedes-Benz driving appeal that I especially liked about the GLA. It’s small and compact while being great to drive.

There’s a solid feel to the car and the comfort of sure footed handling that puts you at ease.

That driving experience is helped by the large 18in wheels that give the car some presence as well as contributing to that solid driving feel.

That solid feel permeates throughout the GLA;

it’s not a badge thing, even though that extra appeal is obvious. Both inside and outside the MercedesBenz presence is obvious.

An electronic handbrake takes over from the traditional foot operated one for other larger cars in the Mercedes-Benz range.

The entire dash area is uncluttered. The column shift control lever for the automatic gearbox leaves the centre console area clear for use of the multifunction control dial.

This dial operates all of the functions on the larger floating infotainment

screen.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a Smartphone Integration function which allows iPhones and Android smart-phones to be integrated into the vehicle using Apple CarPlayTM or Android Auto respectively.

There is a raft of safety features included and that’s why the GLA received a five star rating in the Euro NCAP test programme when the previous model was tested three years ago.

If anything, the current GLA should excel with

attention assist, active brake assist to warn of cars or obstacles ahead. This system is able to trigger autonomous braking if a rear-end collision appears imminent and the driver fails to react, so preventing an accident or at least minimising the consequences.

This upgraded GLA is a car that’s crafted for downsizing. If you want to downsize with comfort, good economy and low running costs, then include it in the shopping list for a compact SUV. At €35,400 its more expensive than an Audi Q2, has better driving comfort and presence, suppor ted on bigger wheels.

You’ll need to move up the specification ladder to get the benefits of the smooth sever-speed automatic gearbox, and it’s worth it.

5. Some car parks are not as well-lit as others so it’s a good idea to put your

6. Choose your parking neighbours

themselves. Have a look and see if your

and space carefully as a car which is

town have special offers on parking

looked after and in good condition is less

around the festive season some car

likely to have a door open into yours.

parks in the city have reduced rates on

Also, although never on purpose, a car

certain days and for late night shop-

with child seats in it might have children

ping, while some shopping centres offer

who are not quite as careful in charge of

free parking.

the door.

2. Think about where you leave your

7. Reverse park or drive in? Use the

vehicle in a multi-story car park. Always

option which suits you best; if you need

choose your space on when you plan to

to put your shopping in the boot when

return, it is never nice to return to the

you return consider driving into the

only car left on the top floor of a now

space, reverse parking is not always the

relatively empty car park.

best solution.

3. At any one time, hundreds of driv-

8. Avoid leaving your ticket in the car

ers on Dublin roads are in city centres

and make sure you put it somewhere

searching for a parking space, on

safe, if you are a regular at losing tick-

average it takes 10-15 minutes to find

ets, take a quick photo of it so you have

somewhere to park and during busy

all the details to hand just in case it is

periods that time frame gets bigger! So

not your day again.

make sure you add the time it will take to get parked up into your time plan for the day.

4. Try to avoid returning to your

9. If you have used a pay and display, set an alarm on your phone to remind you what time it runs out, it can be

vehicle to leave your presents while

very easy to let time slip by without you

you continue on, unfortunately thieves

noticing.

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE STYLE

 The special limited edition gold Hope pendant (€65) and Hope keyring (below, €25)in support of Pieta House

HOPE

IS THE KEY

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

DUBLIN jewellery designer, MoMuse, has brought back the Hope pendant with 100% of its proceeds go to Pieta House.

She also introduced the new limited edition leather Hope keyring.

All proceeds generated from each piece will be donated to Irish suicide and self-harm prevention charity, Pieta House, to aid in its efforts to help people feel hopeful about the future, while continuing to tackle the grave issue of suicide and self-harm in Ireland today.

I n S e p t e m b e r 2 015 , MoMuse founder and designer, Margaret O’Rourke introduced the special limited edition gold Hope pendant in support of Pieta House.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of the public, with purchases from home soil and as far afield as Australia, the Hope pendant sold out in just four weeks, resulting in over €18,265 in funds being raised for Pieta House.

Mo Mu s e i s d e l i g h t e d t o

announce the return of the Hope pendant for a limited period of time, again with 100% proceeds going to the good work of Pieta House.

“Pieta House empowers people through generating hope and through creating acceptance – my own wish is that this keyring and pendant can in-turn inspire hope in others too. Be it a symbol, a special reminder or a sign of support, you can carry Hope with you everywhere you go,” Margaret said.

“I was so moved by t h e ove r-

whelming response to our first collaboration and the positivity shared by those who supported the project. With every purchase, a real-life story came with it, which inspired me to design a new piece, to bring this message of hope to a wider audience. Hope is the key.”

Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta

House said: “Whilst these items are limited edition, hope is not. This simple message of wearing hope and letting others see its beauty, holding onto hope and indeed giving hope to others is so simple yet so powerful. We are so grateful to MoMuse and the people who will support this wonderful concept for helping us move closer to seeing our vision realised of ‘a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced with hope, self-care and acceptance.”

Hand finished by Margaret O’Rourke, the Hope pendant will retail at €65.00 and the Hope keyring will retail at €25.00, w i t h 10 0 % o f proceeds donated to Pieta House.

The Hope pendant and keyring are available now in store in MoMuse, Ground Floor, Powerscourt Town Centre and online at http://www.momuse.ie/

 Irish jewellery designer Margaret O’Rourke and Brian Higgins, Pieta House CEO, pictured at the MoMuse launch of a specialedition Hope pendant in support of Pieta House

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

A cut above the rest at Boca Cafe

Go loca for Boca – quality coffee and homemade sandwiches elevate the IFSC’s café offering  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

BOCA Cafe strives for quality, and in a sea of generic IFSC coffee chains, this is a place where you can get a proper sandwich.

“I was sick of walking over that bridge,” owner Keith Ryan tells Dublin Gazette.

Having lived in Spencer Dock for seven years and having to constantly walk across the Samuel Beckett for a decent sandwich and coffee, he decided three years ago he was going to take matters into his own hands.

“I love a good sandwich and there was nothing over this side of the bridge, so the idea was to bring quality sandwiches here. People I know who work around here were saying the same thing, they were fed up walking over the bridge and that was the eureka moment.

“We were originally going to call it Bocadillo, [Boc-a-dee-yo] which means sandwich

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK

The modern yet comfy Boca Cafe and (right) barista Juliet McBain, barista Natalia Grabowska, owner Keith Ryan and chef Kevin Byrne

in Spanish but nobody could pronounce it,” he jokes.

So the name was shortened to Boca, which means ‘taste’ or ‘mouth’ – perfectly fitting for a cafe dedicated to excellent coffee and sandwiches, which are a meal in themselves.

Homemade

With choices like the Chicken and Chorizo (which contains roast lemon chicken with chorizo, mozzarella, carrot and fennel slaw and pesto mayo on sourdough) or the Roast Beef (with caramelised onion, vintage cheddar, tomato, celeriac slaw and horseradish mayo) the menu has been carefully thought out by Keith, manager Niamh Barry, and head chef Kevin Byrne.

Formerly of Green Bench cafe on Montague Street, Byrne’s reputation for crafting a whopper sandwich precedes him.

“We’re striving for quality here,” he says.

“All the meat is slow-roasted and all of A velvety smooth flat white the sauces are scratch made in house. It takes longer, but it’s worth it, and we try to get better and better every week.”

All the sandwich ingredients, down to the pesto and the ketchup, are made in Boca’s kitchen.

“Absolutely no corners are cut and it tastes better this way.”

Breakfast is also an event here, with the star of the show being the Avo and Eggs on Toast – a crisp slice of sourdough topped with avocado, bacon, feta, tomatoes and two soft poached eggs. The perfect feed before a busy day in the IFSC. Avo and Eggs on Toast Anything not made in house is provided

One of Boca’s signature sandwiches

by quality Irish suppliers; Baker Street Bakery provide the breads and the baked goods and sweet treats come from nearby Camerino Bakery.

As for the coffee, Boca uses Full Circle Coffee Roasters, and head barista Natalia explains they use single origin beans from Altos de Erapuca in Honduras, roasted by Full Circle founder Brian Birdy.

The flat white is velvety smooth, naturally sweet and made with care. It’s up there with the best of Dublin’s top coffee spots and will no doubt become a must try destination for connoisseurs and caffeine lovers alike.

Bold and Bright

Located on Spencer Dock, behind the Convention Centre, Boca is a comfortable spot for group and solo dining.

Spacious and high ceilinged, the decor is clean, bold and bright. And while Keith says there are a few finishing touches to be added, its vibe is modern yet welcoming, and there’s plenty of room to sit in and enjoy lunch without having to rush back to the office.

They also deliver to offices in the area.

Boca have been open for just a few months but are quickly establishing themselves as a one of Dublin’s best new cafes.

“I used to walk around the block here with my daughter Holly and if you had have told me three years ago, that I would have a cafe here up and running, I would have said you were mental.”

Keith’s business partner Marco Garbinesi had always wanted to open and cafe and with encouragement from both him and Keith’s wife Orla, Boca was born.

“It’s been hard work but I feel like this is a place I could happily sit in and have a coffee, it’ll be a nice moment when I get a chance to do that.”

Boca Café is located at Unit C5 Ground Floor, Kilmore House, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1.

Open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm.

Check them out on Facebook @BocaCafe and Instagram @bocacafespencerdock.

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 7 December 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

THE DISASTER ARTIST: THE FILM OF THE BOOK ABOUT MAKING ‘THE ROOM’ – A MOVIE SO BAD, IT’S LOVED BY MILLIONS

ReelReviews

A hilarious tribute to a notoriously awful film YOU’D be forgiven for any ignorance of James Franco’s filmmaking career.

Given themostly negative responses his directorial efforts have received, much of Franco’s work has flown under the radar.

The actor has demonstrated a taste for projects based on work by literary giants, adapting two of William Faulkner’s most famous books and directing a film version of Cormac McCarthy’s violent andperverse novel, Child of God. With The DisasterArtist, Franco undertakes another literary adaptation, this time tackling Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell’s nonfiction book of the same name – an account of the making of writer-producer-director-actor Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 film The Room, a modern cult classic beloved by hordes and widely considered to be one of the worst films ever made.

W hile the critical responses to Franco’s aforementioned adapta-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

tions were sweepingly negative, The Disaster Artist received a standing ovation at its South By Southwest festival premiere. One can’t help but feel like Franco was born to play Tommy, effusing all that same chaotic mystery that anyone familiar with The Room can’t quite explain or understand – and can’t help but love.

Franco moulds a story of resounding failure into an inspirational movie-abouta-movie; through Franco, Tommy becomes a chaotic force, inspiring change whether he intends it or not.

Of course, it’ll help if you’ve actually seen The Room before witnessing the bizarre circumstances of its production and the mad, often mystifying man behind it – Franco’s

performance may come across just as baffling otherwise.

Tommy Wiseau has to be seen to be believed, so do yourself a favour and check out any of the many interviews with him before purchasing a ticket.

Dave Franco (brother of James) plays Greg Sistero, an aspiring actor living in San Francisco in the late-90s. After meeting the bizarre, infectious and completely uninhibited Tommy in an acting class, the pair decides to chase success in Los Angeles. When fame seems completely out of reach, Tommy writes, directs and stars in his own movie and Greg agrees to act in it. Completely funded

by Tommy, “The Room” seems sets for disaster, driving Tommy into further delusion and infecting Greg’s professional and personal life.

The Disaster Artist also features Seth Rogen and Paul Scheer as the film’s script-supervisor and DOP – at times the only people

BATTLE OF THE SEXES Game for a good movie

A REAL-life sports feud carries a serious message behind its breezy facade, with The Battle of the Sexes (Cert 12A, 121 mins) serving up an entertaining but also thoughtful film. Emma Stone and Steve Carell are great as tennis champs Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, whose 1973 grudge match put gender equality in the centre court, as each took their best shots at defending their differences.

SUBURBICON

Nasty neighbours galore THE FILM poster has lots of multi-star praise – but many film critics have slated this misfiring dud from director George Clooney. Suburbicon (Cert 15A, 104 mins) takes a look at the darkness behind idyllic suburbia in late 1950s America, but the lurking violence and latent racism the film portrays aren’t exactly shocking, with the current climate in America hurting the film’s narratives.

James Franco (above) is great as Tommy Wiseau, with Franco, and the film, nailing both Wiseau (right) and the source film’s sheer oddness, right down to The Room’s terrible, cheap sets

holding the production together.

Alison Brie stars as Greg’s girlfriend Amber and Josh Hutcherson as one of “The Room’s” illfated actors. However, despite commendable turns from its supporting cast, and cameos from Sharon Stone, Zac Efron and Brian Cranston, The Disaster Artist is all about Tommy.

James’s performance is pitch-perfect and avoids stumbling into imperson-

ation territory, a trap that would have been all too easy to fall into.

Franco becomes Tommy Wiseau and, in the process, turns in one of the most enigmatic and bafflingly inspirational performances we’ve seen this year.

Despite Franco’s directorial fumbles in the past, his fervour and determination as a director is commendable and somewhat mirrors Tommy’s own mad conviction. It’s a real

treat, then, to see Franco succeed in that area. The Disaster Artist often stumbles in terms of narrative coherence, yet remains enlightening, moving, downright hilarious and – one can’t help but feel – a deeply personal project for Franco.

Most significantly, however, it does the impossible – it actually leaves you wanting to watch The Room again.

Verdict: 8/10

JUSTICE LEAGUE

Underwhelming heroes SUPERHERO fatigue seems to be setting in, with Justice League (Cert 12A, 120 mins) on track to be an underwhelming flop. While Marvel’s latest Thor was warmly received, Justice League has been getting the cold shoulder from many, with its slightly mismatched – and not in a good way – group of superheroes stuck with some ugly visuals, a forgettable villain, and an unsuccessful franchise entry.

7 December 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Seasonal specials for some festive luxury

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

TravelShorts

The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff

Tis the Season for Giving GET Christmas wrapped up early this year and start ticking people off your gift list with a voucher from Eccles Hotel.

The hotel – located in Glengarriff Harbour – offers spectacular views second to none and won’t be beaten when it comes to a winter break in West Cork.

Trinity City Hotel Christmas Entrance Lobby

Choose one of their experiences from an  SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

WE’VE all dreamed of a Christmas dinner that doesn’t involve slaving over a hot stove or mountains of washing up – so this year why not check in and relax in festive luxury?

There are a variety of seasonal specials on offer which mean you don’t have to break the bank and you won’t have to drive for hours to reach your destination either.

The holiday season at The Shelbourne is when the hotel looks at its very best, full of glitter and magic, where centuries of Dubliners meet to celebrate Christmas and where fun, style and delicious food and festive drinks are the order of the day.

Celebrate the ringing out of the old and in of the new in the magnificent Saddle Room Restaurant.

T hen move to the glamour and the buzz of No. 27 Bar & Lounge to ring in the New Year.

Including one nights accommodation in one of The Shelbourne’s gor-

geous Deluxe rooms, and traditional Irish breakfast on New Year’s Day, New Year’s packages at The Shelbourne cost from €295 per person sharing per night, with upgrades to Park View rooms from €100 (01 6634500).

If you want to prolong that festive feeling with a post-Christmas break it’s a wonderful life at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa this ‘Twixmas’.

Mulled wine & mince pies, fun board games by the fire, your favourite classic Christmas movies, a relaxing Festive back massage in The Island Spa, beach walks and more will ensure that the joy and magic of Christmas lingers well into the New Year.

Beach walks

A t wo - n i g h t s t ay including breakfast, spa treatment and all the festive trimmings – with bracing beach walks on your doorstep – costs from €310 per person sharing (w w w.inchydoneyisland.com).

For a bit of festive fizz and the best of city cen-

overnight stay to afternoon tea or give the gift of choice and select an Eccles Hotel monetary voucher for friends and family this Christmas.

The hotel has earned a deserved reputation for its full Irish breakfast and

Treat yourself to a two-night break at Brooks Hotel

friendly service – and the home-baked brown bread is the best you’ll taste.

AFTERNOON TEA FOR 2 Treat someone special to sumptuous afternoon tea lovingly prepared by the hotel’s head chef. Relish three tiers of heavenly delicacies – perfect to be savoured together

Enjoy a post-Christmas break at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

tre shopping why not hole up at Trinity City Hotel.

They say good things come in threes and that’s cer tainly tr ue here. Urban, vibrant and smart it’s the perfect base for shopping, lunch and a retail blitz with an extra 10% at the Kilkenny store exclusive to guests.

The shop and drop package includes overnight accommodation for two with breakfast the following morning,

Enjoy the holiday season at The Shelbourne

a glass of Prosecco on arrival and 10% off at in store at Kilkenny on Nassau Street from €175 per room per night (trinitycityhotel.com).

If it’s spectacular surroundings you’re after Fota Island Resor t’s Christmas experience takes some beating.

The gorgeous woodlands are transformed into a winter wonderland and family packages ensure there’s a bit of yuletide cheer for young and old alike.

Prices range from €250 for an overnight stay with B&B for two adults and one child sharing a classic king hotel room to €595 for two nights in one of Fota Island Resort’s selfcatering lodges (www. fotaisland.ie).

Alternatively, treat yourself to a decadent two-night break on your doorstep at the stylish four-star Brooks Hotel on Drury Street.

Arrive on Christmas Eve to bubbly and festive

canapes by the fire and on Christmas morning, after unwrapping your personally selected gift, enjoy a full Irish either in your room or in the dining room.

Five-course Christmas lunch is served at 1pm and afterwards relax in the Jasmine Bar to the sound of resident pianist.

This exquisite package is priced from €300 per night (01 670 4000 or visit www.brookshotel. ie).

overlooking the bay…

ONE NIGHT ESCAPE Give the gift of relaxation… Leave the world behind and enjoy a night away in a classic double or twin room, with threecourse dinner for two and full Irish breakfast.

Between now and Christmas the Eccles Hotel is offering 10% off the price of all gift vouchers bought over the phone on FRIDAYS. Call 027 63093 to avail of this offer.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

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GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

SPORT

FastSport CLARKE HAT TRICK OF TRIES POWERS BLUES: LEINSTER’s women’s rugby team began the defence of their Interprovincial title with a solid and deserved 34-10 bonus point win over Ulster in Dromore.

Adam Griggs’ side are a very impressive outfit and were made work hard for their victory by a gallant Ulster team.

Leinster led 10-0 at the break following tries from Aimee Clarke and Lindsey Peat out wide on the right.

Ulster had been tight and controlled in that first half and tried to limit Leinster’s opportunities but they were being tested to the limit by the probing Leinster side.

Michelle Claffey added another try before Ulster bounced back but a fourth Leinster try from Railway Union full-back Susan Vaughan put the blues out of sight before Clarke cross twice more.

BASKETBALL: LIFFEY CELTIC STAR COMBINING ELITE SPORT WITH STUDIES

Tiernan’s Ireland ambition powered by family support

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

LIFFEY Celtics is something of a family affair for rising star Sorcha Tiernan.

Her father is the chairman of the club and her sister plays alongside her on the team but its not something they were born into.

“My sister started off in the academy when she was seven or eight and then I just sort of naturally followed her at Liffey Celtics,” Tiernan told the Gazette after the launch of the Subway All-Ireland Schools Cup basketball season.

“Neither of my parents played basketball but it just happened that we fell in love with it and we both still play a lot. My younger brother plays as well. We tried every sport when we were younger, but it just happened to be the one we all stuck with.”

Tiernan has been kept busy both on and off court this year as she prepares to sit her Leaving Certificate next June, while playing basketball for her school, club and country.

She will compete for her school Colaiste Chiarain

Lauren D’Arcy, Our Lady’s Terenure, Sorcha Tiernan, Colaiste Chiaran, Leixlip and Lynn Tunnah, St Louis Rathmines at the launch of the Subway All-Ireland Schools Cup. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho

Leixlip in the Under-19 A semi-final come January and lines out for the Celtics’ Super League and Under-20 sides, as well as donning the green jersey at both senior and Under18 level.

“It can be hard at times to juggle but you just have to make sure that you are pre-

pared for everything; like you have your homework done on time. Most of the time, my teachers are quite understanding if I am going to matches and stuff like that.

“You just know that school is very important this year but basketball is obviously very important to me too so I just

have to make sure that I am prepared for both of them,” said Tiernan.

The world is still at the feet of the 18-year-old but college is something high on her agenda.

“I want to go to college so I’m kind of in the process of trying to decide what I want

to do at the moment. I really like maths so I’m thinking actuarial or engineering or something along those lines.

Obviously, that is pointsdependent so I’ll see how I get on throughout the year.”

W here she will attend college is still up in the air but one thing for sure is that she wants it to be in Ireland.

“I was talking to a few schools at the start of the year but I’m unsure if I really want to go away. I think I would probably like to stay at home and go to school in Ireland so that’s where my head is at the moment.”

Tiernan was involved as Celtics’ won the women’s super league for the first time in their 14-year history last season.

“We are quite a young club so it is great to see how well we are doing especially at senior level. At underage level, our teams are generally near the top of the Dublin leagues every year.

“It’s great to be able to play for your club team at such a high level with so many players who have come up through the club,” Tiernan concluded.

DCU show no Mercy in classic Hula Hoops cup tie  sport@dublingazette.com

Close encounters between DCU Mercy and Liffey Celtics.

Picture: Martin Doherty

“IF ANYBODY is going to watch a women’s sport, they need to come and watch women’s basketball,” stated DCU Mercy head coach, Mark Ingle on Friday evening as his side kept their cool in the dying seconds of their Hula Hoops Women’s quarter-final showdown against Courtyard Liffey Celtics to win out 81-76.

In one of the games of the season so far, the top two sides on the Women’s Super League table dished up an absolutely superb

game of basketball in front of a packed gym and, by the end of the first quarter, it was already clear that a nail-biting finish was in the pipeline.

DCU stormed into an early ten-point lead midway through the first, with Alex Masaquel and Tiffany Corselli carving holes in the Liffey Celtics defence to give them a 5-15 cushion.

The home team regrouped quickly though, and an in-form Aine O’Connor and Jazmen Boone closed the gap back to just two points at the end of the first, and it was officially game on.

A huge second quarter display from both sides kept the scoreline neck-in-neck, with Liffey drawing level midway through and taking a narrow 40-37 point lead into the dressing room at half time.

But the battle was far from over, with DCU edging ahead (56-59) by the end of the third teeing up a nerve-wracking finale.

Brilliant displays at both ends of the court saw an absolute showcase of basketball put on for the crowd, with Aisling Sullivan, Corselli and Masaquel wowing for DCU, while O’Connor, Boone and Devon Brookshire had the

home crowd on their feet.

It wasn’t to be for last year’s finalists though, as with seven seconds on the clock, Liffey tried in vain to bag the much-needed three-pointer to send the game to overtime, but DCU’s Rachel Huijsdens had other ideas, and finished off a fast break in style to put her team up by five and send them through to the Hula Hoops National Cup semi-finals in Cork in January.

“It was a great game,” said DCU coach, Mark Ingle.

“We’re on a pretty good run and we’ve started to play well.”

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

Season of Sundays paints picture of memorable 2017

FASTSport

Sportsfile photographer Brendan Moran speaks about what makes their annual GAA album such a special project each year  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

ICONIC GAA photobook A Season Of Sundays has returned in its 2017 form with a beautiful visual summary of the year in the association.

Brendan Moran, a senior photographer at the agency that created the book, Sportsfile, tells us that as well as being a nice look back, the book is a chance to contextualise another year in the sports.

With Dublin having clocked three in a row and Cuala taken a senior hurling title, it’s been a good year for the county.

But there have also been interesting developments elsewhere, too, from the outstanding Slaughtneil

(Derry)’s breathtaking cross-code success to events in Boston and Singapore, and, of course, Galway ending their long wait to get their hands on Liam McCarthy.

“The book is great from a photography point of view,” Moran explains.

“It’s a chance to use pictures that might not be in demand for newspaper publication. The book is about historical context as well as what’s happened this year.

“We might have captured someone who’s retired back when they were playing as a kid, for example.

“The crowds become a historical record of Ireland at that time, with the fashion and the hairstyles and all that,

and the development of grounds, some of which have changed a lot over the years.

Helicopter “This year, we went up in a helicopter to capture the first day of the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It doesn’t really make sense to do that for one game until you think about the historical context of it.

“It’s a moment in the GAA’s history that will never happen again and you’ll only have one chance to do it.”

Like the professionalism and growing commercialisation of the GAA, the progress of Sportsfile’s photography – evident through the ‘Season of Sunday’ books over the years – is some-

Capturing the emotion of championship action as Aidan Devaney shouts out during Sligo’s Connacht senior championship tie against New York. Picture: Sportsfile

thing that’s resulted in heavy adaptation.

“It’s logistically far more difficult today. The game has got far more professional,” Moran explains.

“As a photographer, you go to a game having an idea what the picture might be.

“We rotate photographers at venues as, after a while, it’s very difficult to get a new angle on a venue.

“We all love it when somewhere new opens as, for a couple of years, you’ll still be working out how to get the best pictures from it.

“But you have to take into account the commercial use of a photo. Sometimes, they might want a particular player with a sponsor’s sign in the background, for example.

“You have to know the game, know who’s likely to do what, how a team plays, and where you’re likely to get the best pictures.

“Obviously you can’t control what happens on the pitch, but you can stack the odds in your favour.

“What’s great about a Season of Sundays, though, is that you can forget all of that for a moment and just ask yourself what the best picture is, and what it says.

“It’s become a lot harder over the years, as we have a vast number of pictures to choose from, but you can look back over the book and really picture the moments.

“It can become more difficult when the same

team keeps winning.

There wasn’t the same sheer joy after wards when Kilkenny kept winning the hurling over and over, and having the same faces lifting the trophy isn’t great for the photographer.

“I’ll never forget in 1995, one of my first All Ireland’s, when Clare first won [Liam McCarthy] after so many years. You could just see it meant everything.”

Murphy set for Ulster JORDI Murphy is bound for Ulster next season, making the switch from Leinster after 95 appearances and 17 tries since his debut in September 2011.

A graduate of Blackrock College, he captained Leinster A to the British & Irish Cup and was also part of the 2013/14 PRO12 winning side, starting 18 times that season. He has also played 18 times for Ireland “I’ve loved my time at Leinster and have made friendships that will last a lifetime,” Murphy said.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

BOXING: BALBRIGGAN YOUNGSTER SUCCUMBS TO FOURTH ROUND KO

Staunton stars at Corballis Race to 59 DELGANY PGA Professional Mark Staunton was just home from winning the international team Championship in Greece when he carded another winner score in the weekly Race to 59 at Corballis Links Golf Club.

It was a card that included six birdies and an eagle two on the par four 11th, leading the way on the day as he signed off for a round of 62, four under par.

Nearest to Staunton was fellow professional Roy O’Neill who posted four birdies on 2, 9, 11 and 12. The Galway Golf Club professional took the spoils in the Gross Division with an excellent back nine of 32.

The division runners up were Irish PGA Champion Tim Rice with +1, 67 and Leo Hynes of Killiney with +5, 70. With over €600 in the pot this week, the prizes fund will grow again in week 10 with all welcome to Corballis this Thursday.

Malahide secure first UBL away win in Omagh MALAHIDE Rugby Club’s bonus point win over Omagh moved them up to third place in the Ulster Bank League Division 2C, marking their first away win in the competition.

It took the Estuary Road club 15 minutes to break into the Ulster club’s half and, after a sharp Ciaran Clifford counter-attack, crossed for a try which Conal Keane converted.

A further Keane penalty after 25 minutes put the visitors 10-0 ahead. Omagh had been the dominant side for much

of the half but some superb Malahide defending kept them scoreless.

And they broke out for another try when wing Marcus McAllister picked off what would have been a tryscoring pass and went the length of the field to leave Malahide 15-0 ahead at the break.

Omagh did get a try back but Malahide moved out of sight when John O’Brien’s pass found Marcus McAllister and he outmuscled the defence to get over in the corner.

Thoughts turned to a bonus point and Keane stepped inside the defence for the game’s final score with his own conversion.

Jay Byrne, left, and Gerard Whitehouse go toe-to-toe last Saturday evening at the National Stadium. Picture: Alan Finn

Crank unhinged by Byrne  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

GERARD ‘Crank’ Whitehouse left the National Stadium last Saturday disappointed after he was beaten by Jay Byrne in the battle for the vacant BUI Celtic welterweight title.

Fighting as the co-main event on the Celtic Clash 4 card, the result came as a shock to many who had predicted the younger man would have too much in the locker for Byrne.

However, Byrne showed the determination and spirit he has shown since he first stepped into the ring in a professional capacity 18 months ago,

to win after a fourth-round stoppage.

Hailing from opposites ends of the county, both fighters brought strong support with them to the South Circular Road venue, but only one group left happy.

The first round got off to a cagey start with both men wary of the threat posed by the other, and looking to get control of the fight by working the jab. However, Whitehouse was the man who seemed to be landing the cleaner punches.

The second round was a more open affair and came with the kind of spice expected going into

THUNDER STRUCK Killester win northside derby over Swords PYROBEL Killester dished up a superb finish in the ALSAA this afternoon to run out threepoint winners over Griffith College Swords Thunder in men’s basketball’s Super League, winning out 76-73.

“It was a really intense game,” said Killester’s Brian O’Malley. “It came down to missed shots here and key stops, key rebounds there. Any time a game finishes so close there’s always an element of fortune involved, but credit to both teams, it was a fantastic display.”

Picture: Martin Doherty

the fight. Again, it was Whitehouse who was having more joy, with a clearly riled up Byrne looking to taunt his opponent at every opportunity.

Despite Whitehouse looking comfortable, Byrne was not going away and started to look dangerous as the much bigger man. He used his clear size advantage to smother Whitehouse and stalked the Balbriggan boxer around the ring as he started to land shots more frequently.

Byrne dominated the third round and landed several uppercuts that clearly left their mark on Whitehouse. The fourth

round was more of the same and Whitehouse seemed to be struggling.

Evidently buoyed by his dominance, Byrne sensed blood and upped the tempo; rocking Whitehouse with a big right hand. Loughlinstown man Byrne then landed another powerful right that saw the two men end up in a tangle and Whitehouse hit the canvas.

Byrne knew Whitehouse was in trouble and continued to fire off big shots, confident that his opponent had little in way of response. One of them, a shot to the body, proved too much and Whitehouse eventually crumpled to the

floor.

The 22-year-old managed to get back to his feet before the count but he clearly had no interest in continuing and the referee judged he had seen enough.

The bout was one of the most eagerly anticipated in Irish boxing after a long-running war of words between the two men over Facebook, started after both men fought Sergio Abad. Red Corner promotions hosted both bouts and released a statement afterwards claiming Byrne handled the Spaniard better than Whiethouse, kicking off a back and forth between the two fighters.

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: GOALKEEPER RESCUES A POINT AGAINST CIE

FASTSoccer

St Kevin’s and Bohs align for top class player pathway to League of Ireland  KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

St Mochta’s LSL Saturday Major 1b side

Sheridan saves the day for St Mochta’s LSL SATURDAY MAJOR 1B CIE Ranch St Mochta’s  sport@dublingazette.com

1 1

S T M O C H TA’ S F C made it three league games unbeaten after they grabbed an 80th minute equaliser against CIE Ranch FC, to draw 1-1 in the LSL Saturday Major 1B in Inchicore last weekend.

Mark Sheridan proved the hero for the Saints when the midfielder found the bottom corner with a magnificent finish ten minutes from time.

The visitors got off to a slow start and found themselves trailing after just four minutes after Jason Walsh fired a powerful shot off the inside of the post and past Adam Kmet in the Mochta’s goal.

T hat goal shocked the Clonsilla club into

action and Sheridan went close to equalising four minutes later, before Brian Ly nam was gifted two chances at goal after his initial effort was cleared off the line.

The game was flowing from end to end, but Mochta’s had Kmet to thank for keeping them in the game after CIE were awarded a penalty on 14 minutes.

Reckless The game remained scoreless during the remainder of the half, but the Dublin 15 clubs were provided a lifeline when CIE were reduced to ten men for a reckless challenge on Conor Grogan two minutes before the interval.

Despite being down a man, the home side started the second half well and could have doubled their advantage

when they had an effort on the half volley flash across the face of goal two minutes after the restart.

Mochta’s took advantage of the extra man to dominate large spells of the half, with Aaron O’Brien going close on a couple of occasions.

The Saints believed they should have had a penalty of their own on 77 minutes when Grogan appeared to be pulled back but the referee waved play on.

They wouldn’t have to wait much longer for their goal, however, as Sheridan struck.

The final period of the game saw the most action as both teams looked to grab the winning goal.

Tested Both keepers were tested but it was the save from Kmet with three

minutes remaining to keep out a header from point blank range that will stick in the memories of those present. back, Looking Mochta’s will be slightly disappointed not to have come away with a much-needed win but a point away to third in the league is a very good result. The Saints have endured a slow start to the season after promotion from 1C last season, losing three games in a row after opening with a 4-2 win over St James Gate.

T hey have since played out a 0-0 draw away to Kilnamanagh A F C b e f o r e l e av i n g Beggsboro AFC with a credible 1-0 victory.

T heir recent point sees them sit in eighth position af ter seven games, but with games in hand over some of those ahead of them.

ST KEVIN’S Boys are celebrating after finally striking a deal with Bohemians that allows them to compete in the SSE Airtricity underage leagues.

Under the deal, the two clubs will compete as one in the Under-15 League of Ireland division next season and the Under-13 league when it gets underway in March 2019. They will play in the iconic red and black colours of Bohs while adopting tangerine for away games.

Kevin’s were allowed temporary access to the SSE Airtricity Under-15 league after they struggled to strike a deal with another club, despite holding talks with many League of Ireland sides.

This decision was not met kindly by other schoolboy clubs, who threatened legal action, and the FAI were forced to insist they would only be allowed to compete in the league without a link-up for one season.

“We were lucky enough to get in for the year on our own to experience it,” St Kevin’s PRO Neil Fox told the Dublin Gazette. “We knew we weren’t going to get a second term so it’s a massive coup for the club to get in with such a big club like Bohemians. We want to be a part of the elite League of Ireland and this is what we want to do so we are delighted.

“They are a community club and we are a community club so there are a lot of similarities between us.”

Some believe Kevin’s struggled to strike a deal with other clubs because they were afraid the Shanowen Road side would try to take over but Fox has always insisted that is not the case.

“It was out there that people thought we were trying to take over. We don’t want to take over a League of Ireland club; we are very happy where we are. We just want to be part of it. We are delighted we have our own setup, Bohs have their own setup, and now that the two of us are merged we will work on that.”

Fox also believes that the new link will help Kevin’s grow even further as a club.

“We will definitely attract a lot more players now that we have a big link with a League of Ireland club and a lot of players will look for that when they are going to clubs. What kind of pathway have they got? We now have a clear pathway for players that come into Kevin’s at, say, seven years of age and if they are good enough, they’ll go all the way through our schoolboy section.”

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GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017

SPORT

CAMOGIE: VINCENT’S STAR PLAYS HER PART IN MADRID SHOOT-OUT

FASTGAA

Maher’s Star turn CAMOGIE ALL-STARS 2016 All-Stars 10-13 2017 All-Stars 7-8  sport@dublingazette.com

O’Sullivan named 2017 EGB player of the year ERIN Go Bragh’s Aoife O’Sullivan is pictured with All-Ireland winning Dublin ladies footballer Lauren Magee and club stalwary Cecil Stephens.

O’Sullivan was presented with the Robert Stephens memorial cup for Erin Go Bragh sports person of the year. O’Sullivan is currently on both the Dublin Under-14 football and camogie development squads and was part of the Under-14 football side that became Leinster champions earlier this year.

IT WAS Camogie with a difference at the XV Hortaleza Rugby Club in chilly Madrid but entertainment value remained high for those in attendance, as the 2016 AllStars came out on top of an old-fashioned shootout.

It was the first tour of its kind and featured St Vincent’s Aisling Maher, the first Dublin All-Star in over a decade.

The class of 2016 fired 10 goals in the 11-a-side exhibition game with rolling subs and would have had more but for the agility of Aoife Murray between the posts.

The Cork netminder made one spectacular

full-length save from a penalty taken by fellow Leesider Orla Cotter that took the breath away in what was the focal point of the inaugural Liberty Insurance Camogie AllStars Tour.

Cotter was one of the game’s standout players with her distribution and point-scoring, along with Chloe Morey, Sarah Dervan, Niamh Mulcahy and Kate Kelly, but it was Anne Dalton that shone brightest in a much more advanced role than in recent years.

Ann Downey might have been using the opportunity to scout the midfielder-cum-centreback’s suitability up front and while space was more available than would be case in the heart of the summer, she certainly demonstrated

Niamh Mulcahy, Aisling Maher and Michaela Markan after the game. Picture: Inpho

her acumen for finding the net with regularity.

T he victors led by 6-5 to 4-4 at the break despite Morey hitting three goal Paudie Murray’s 2017 squad early on. Miriam Walsh and Mulcahy kept the scoreboard ticking for the 2016s however to build up that seven-point advantage.

The scoring rate slowed considerably in the second half before picking up again in the last 10 minutes.

D a l t o n , M u l c a h y, Shelly Kehoe, Kelly and Rebecca Hennelly took some fine scores to ensure Downey’s outfit were never in danger of being caught.

The current All-Stars

showed plenty of pride but the loss of Gemma O’Connor, who was reduced to cheerleading as she continues to rehab her knee was significant.

Liberty Insurance AllIreland Senior Camogie Final referee Owen Elliott aided the consistent pace of the game with his unfussy whistling.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK

WE RECEIVED a welcome boost last week with the announcement of a capital sports grant for the training area project. Thanks to Pearse Tolan and Noel Dillon for their work. This will help us enhance the facilities we offer to our members.

There was a well-attended AGM last Monday when “The Castleknock GAA Story” project was launched. Look out for Castleknock photo and memorabilia open night in January. Have a story you think should be told? Email Knockgaastory@hotmail. com.

Thanks to the executive members stepping down for all their work and good look to the new members.

Congrats to the U-16B boys who successfully rounded off their season with a league win.

Last nursery is on at CCC on December 9. The club shop will be open; it will be the last chance to get stocking fillers for Christmas. Remember, we take cards now.

Start off the festive season in the Carpenter on Thursday, December 7 with the Wine Fair in aid of the Hospice and the club. Just €10 at the door.

For the younger ones, the Castleknock Kids Christmas party is on Saturday, December 9 at Castleknock Community College between 2-4 pm. Goodies and entertainment; €5 entry at the door.

We are looking to appoint management teams to the men’s minor section for 2018.

To express interest or for further details, just email cknockagc@gmail.com.

Club condolences go to long time club members Dympna and Kevin Hogan on the death of Dympna’s mother, Rose Connolly.

ERIN GO BRAGH

NO WINNER of our lotto jackpot which is €4,800.

Numbers drawn were 11, 18, 25 and 28. Congratulations to Brian Parker and Hannah Garvey who both won €50.

Hard luck to our U-16 hurlers who lost to Fingallians in a league match for runner up position. The lads played fantastic and did their club proud.

Please note all tickets for the national club draw have to be returned to mentors asap.

Thanks to all who attended our AGM during the week.

Your support is very much appreciated. Thanks to all who stepped forward and took up officer positions for the coming season. We wish them all the best for 2018.

Our juvenile end of season party took place on Sunday with a special visit from Santa. Thank you Santa for coming to visit us. Thanks to Dublin Fire Brigade who helped deliver Santa to our grotto. Thanks to all who helped out in preparing for the day and to those who also helped on the day to make it such a tremendous success.

Thanks to the M50 Christmas shop who helped us out with decorations for Santa’s grotto.

Congratulations to all our

teams this year; you all put in amazing performances and have done the club so proud.

Well done to all who received awards.

Huge congratulations to Aoife O’Sullivan who was presented the Robert Stephens memorial cup for Erin Go Bragh sports person of the year.

Last but not least, huge thanks to All-Ireland winning footballer Lauren Magee who presented certificates and trophies on the day and all our players were thrilled to meet her.

For anyone wishing to order personalised helmets, please contact Finbarr Barrett on 086 383 7411.

The good work continues at juvenile level with all our teams continuing to thrive.

New members are always welcome to any of our teams, no experience necessary.

Our adult football team and 2017 championship semifinalists are now looking for new players for the 2018 season. All newcomers welcome. Contact George Burke at 087 9709795 or email

georgejburke@eircom.net.

Our nursery (Little Green Machine) continues every Saturday morning from 11.30am to 12.45pm and Tuesday evening from 6-7pm in Phibblestown hall. Please contact Donal Quinn on 086 380 1621 for further details.

FINGALLIANS

CAPITAL Sports Program: The club has been successfully granted €53,209 under the sports program.

This grant will part fund the replacement of the ball wall surface and also help us convert the area beside the running track into an allweather training facility.

Membership: Forms for 2018 are now available to download on the club website www.fingallians.com Club shop: For Christmas collections, the shop will be open on Saturday morning from 10am-12pm. It will reopen in January. Siopa an Chlub: Beidh bronntanais Nollaig le bailiú ón siopa maidin Sathairn (9ú) idir 10

‘is meánlae. Osclóimid arís i mí Éanair.

Athletic section: The annual club awards will take place, next Wednesday, December 13 from 7-9pm in the club hall. An-mhaith to nine of the athletic coaches on their emergency first aid training.

Hurling puck around: Every Friday (and this will continue up to Chritmas) on our all-weather pitch from 6-7pm. For further detail, please contactklawton1@ hotmail.com.

Any players wishing to join our club must contact a club manager or the club direct on Fingallians@gmail. com. The closing date is this Friday, December 8.

Cuala GAA Club: Well done to Dublin champions on their back-to-back Leinster club senior hurling championship, on Sunday afternoon.

Christmas Parties: On Saturday, December 9, the academy party for U-4 to U-7 will take place from 10am to 12pm. The U-8 to U-11s will follow from 1-3pm in the main hall.

Bloodbank diary date: The mobile blood bank will be in the club on Saturday, December 23. Times to follow.

Bingo: We are constantly looking for volunteers to help with the running of our Tuesday night bingo. If interested in helping, please make contact.

Club bar: Our bar has updated our coffee facility and now serves freshly ground coffee. Personal training vouchers for Christmas: Please contact Noel if you are looking to purchase a voucher: Noel. cowman40@gmail.com.

Dub Zone registration: Any members wishing to join Dublin GAA’s largest online community can register on www.dublingaa.ie/dubzone.

Lotto: numbers drawn out were 13, 19, 23, 33 and 36.

We had one winner, Brian Whelahan. The jackpot this week will be €2,216.

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN SUPER night on Friday night

7 December 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

FUNNDING: SYL’S AMONG THE BIG WINNERS FROM SPORTS CAPITAL GRANTS

AFL3 PLAYOFF FINAL

Boughal moving on up The proposed new All-Weather pitch at Broomfield, Malahide.

Broomfield plan’s big boost SENIOR FOOTBALL  sport@dublingazette.com

ST SYLVESTER’S were among a series of local clubs to get a big fundraising boost as they were awarded a sports capital grant to support their Broomfield Development Plan.

The club was €150,000 from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport which will go a long to support their ‘Club For All

Seasons 2020’ development Plan.

The initiative aims to improve pitch facilities with an all-weather pitch at it’s home ground at Broomfield in Malahide.

Previous fundraising efforts at the Club has financed floodlights at the pitch which is already paying dividends for teams who can now schedule evening matches and training thanks to the welllit pitch. The All-Weather Pitch will allow year-round training

last with over 200 attending the annual gala and awards night at Westmanstown Sports Centre.

The event was a great success and a big thank you to Janet Mitten and her organising committee on a job well done.

Congratulations to all the award winners who were honoured over the evening.

The following were this season’s recipients: Club Person of the Year - Jenny Fagan, Intermediate menPadraig Syron; Junior men - Ger Reddy; Ladies - Keri Harmon; Minor - Peter McNamara; Minor Ladies Heather Smith. Well done to Heather on her recent call up to the Dublin ladies denior panel.

Another big event for our younger members was the arrival of Santa Claus with lots of gifts on Sunday, December 3. Thanks to Geraldine Culloty for organising and negotiating with Santa to travel from the North Pole at his busiest time of the year.

Very little playing activity

and further scheduling of matches throughout the wet weather months.

Paddy Miskelly, St Sylvester’s chairperson said: “This is a fantastic achievement by the club and will bolster our fundraising efforts. Our pitch plan is already doing very well since it began in the summer months. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Shane Ross, the Department ofTransport,Tourism

& Sport and locally, to Alan Farrell TD, Senator James Reilly, Cllr Anthony Lavin, Darragh O’Brien TD & Cllr Eoghan O’Brien for their support.”

Clann Mhuire, Fingal Ravens, Fingallians, Naomh Mearnog, O’Dwyer’s, Skerries Harps, St Finian’s, Saint Maur’s and Wild Geese were among other GAA clubs in the north county who received funding allocations as part of the programme.

BALLYBOUGHAL’S dramatic season came to an end in upbeat fashion as they claimed promotion to senior league football last Sunday with a 1-9 to 0-6 win over Naomh Barrog in their AFL Division 3 playoff final.

It came just a week after the heartbreak of their Leinster intermediate championship final defeat at the hands of Kilanerin.

That level of match practice was evident against a Kilbarrack side who have been waiting for this tie for a while and the difference in preparation showed.

Gerry Seaver kicked three early points to held them build an early four point lead, ensuring there was no hangover from the Leinster defeat. They led 0-5 to 0-1 at the half-time break and a goal from Cormac Flynn put them pretty much out of sight in the second half.

Seaver added another couple of points with John Rodgers and Jack Ryan also clearing the bar.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD as 2017 draws to a close but the U-13 girls had a good win over Kilmacud Crokes recently, winning 7-6 to 4-0.

Great performance on a full size pitch with special mention of Emma Fay and Aibhilin who started their first game.

We are already looking forward to next season and we welcome those new club members who have joined us for 2018.

Membership is open to all both Garda and civilian and we field teams in football, hurling, camogie and ladies football from nursery to adult.

Don’t forget the club shop when thinking of your Christmas shopping; great club gear for all the family with a full list of items available on the club website.

SKERRIES HARPS HARD Luck to our U-21 footballers on their defeat to Round Towers, Lusk in the U-21B championship final on

Saturday, bringing the 2017 season for both adult and juvenile teams to a close.

Thanks to all who attend our hugely popular and successful juvenile presentation evening on Sunday and to all the award winners.

2017 has been a fantastic year for the juvenile section of the club with a lot of silverware added to the trophy cabinet and club history made.

Here’s to another successful 2018 for all our teams on both the adult and juvenile side!

Also thanks to all who helped on the evening, setting up the area, tidying up afterwards etc. All very much appreciated by the committee.

Many thanks to our Juvenile Sponsor Luke Moriarty of Moriarty’s Supervalu Skerries for taking the time to attend the event, and congratulations to Luke on being awarded the JC Savage Fingal Business Person of the year award for 2017.

The club very much appreciates the support of all our sponsors and wish all continued success in 2018.

This week’s Zingo Result: 7-4-2-5-6-1-3. No jackpot winner. Jackpot now a fantastic €7,100, dividend €550. Draw next Sunday at 6pm in the clubhouse.

How do you win? You buy a ticket! You can play on line at skerriesharps.ie and follow the links.

Academy for 2017 ended on Saturday with a visit from Santa Claus for all our young players,

ST BRIGID’S

ST BRIGID’S children’s Party is on Sunday, December 10 from 2 to 5pm, all nursery members and young players are invited.

Nursery has finished for this year and will resume on January 13 from 9.30 to 11am for all four to seven-yearolds.

Thank you to everyone involved in organising the

social evening last Saturday, it was a lovely occasion and enjoyed by all.

There was no lotto jackpot winner last week and the lotto draw this week will be on Thursday, December 7 in Russell Park.

The jackpot will be €7,200.

Thank you to everyone who supports St Brigid’s lotto and to our great lotto committee.

Make sure to keep up with all our news on our club app or via the website www. stbrigidsgaa.com.

ST FINIAN’S

PLEASE note that River Valley and Ridgewood pitches will be closed from Saturday, December 16 until Sunday, January 15, 2018 inclusive.

Last matches to be played on Sunday, December 10 and the first match of 2018 will be played on Saturday, January 20.

The nursery and academy Christmas party will take place in the Community Centre Hall on Saturday, December 9 at 10.30am for

both groups where Santa will visit the boys and girls.

The nursery and academy, sponsored by Sky Handling Partner, will then resume on Saturday, January 6, 2018 after the Christmas break.

Sam Maguire paid a visit to Holy Family and Holywell Educate Together School last Thursday for the third year in a row, courtesy of GPO Paul.

Please support the national club draw, €10 per ticket. Tickets are available in the club office or any member of the executive committee and all funds raised will be retained by the club.

Tickets will be issued to team mentors over the coming days.

A few reminders, the club appreciation night is taking place on Saturday, December 9 in Peacocks at 8.30pm with music by Abbeyfolk.

The event is being run in conjunction with the adult teams’ appreciation night on what is always a great social occasion for the club to kick off the Christmas season.

The club is holding a CPSA (Child Protection in Sport

Awareness) course on Tuesday December 12 in the clubhouse. It is essential for all coaches working with children to complete this course. Please contact Paul Lyons on 087 176 1302 to book a place.

There are yoga classes taking place in the clubhouse activity room every Thursday evening.

For further details, please contact Jacquie at 087 786 8363.

The club lotto jackpot on December 1 was €4,000 and the numbers drawn were 1, 4 14 and 27. There was no winner. Lucky dip winners of €40 were Marie O’Donoghue, Linda Farrell, Gavin Moore and Stephen King. Next week’s jackpot is €4,100.

The club bingo takes place this and every Friday upstairs in Peacocks at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €550.

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, to pro.stfiniansswords. dublin@gaa.ie.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 7 December 2017