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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE FINGAL AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  NOVEMBER 23-29, 2017

From filming big cats to big mammals, Colin Stafford Johnson is having a whale of a time SEE PAGE 17

Get your skates on – we have 16 FAMILY PASSES for Swords On Ice and Dundrum On Ice to give away!

See PAGE 19 SPORT Brilliant Boughal!

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LOCAL GROUPS FAIL IN BID TO BLOCK CONTROVERSIAL SECOND STRIP

€320m 3.1km runway plan gets the go-ahead  SYLVIA POWNALL RESIDENTS opposed to plans for a new €320 million runway at Dublin Airport have until Tuesday to decide whether to appeal a court ruling against them.

Earlier this week, three legal challenges against the proposed 3.1km second landing strip on 261 hectares of land north of the airport terminal were thrown out.

Separate actions brought by St Margaret’s Concerned Residents Group, a group of 22 residents and the Friends of the Environment failed in the High Court.

High Court Judge Max Barrett said “laws matter” but “mistakes happen” and while he respected the fighting spirit of the residents, he was not finding Continued on Page 6 in their favour.

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

COMMUNITY | COUNCILLOR SUGGESTS USING MORE INCLUSIVE FLAGS

Don’t fly the Tricolour over County Hall – SP  SYLVIA POWNALL A FINGAL councillor has warned against flying the Irish flag outside County Hall for fear of offending non-nationals living here.

Blanchardstown-based Cllr Matthew Waine opposed a motion proposed by Cllr Daire Ni Laoi (SF) to hoist the Tricolour at the council’s HQ in Swords.

The Solidarity Party public representative was one of just two who voted against it, suggesting that the red flag of Marxism and Socialism should be flown instead.

He said: “We have one of the most multi-cultural populations in the whole country living in Fingal, and I think we need to consider the sensitivity of this.

“The issue of religion,

The Tricolour – a symbol of identity, or potentially divisive to some

language, nationality ... all of those issues are extremely sensitive and we’ve seen how that can play out to divide people.

“I would prefer to see the flagpoles used to express solidarity, so for example on the week of Pride, we should show the Rainbow flag.

“I think we should

fly the flags of minority groups, like Pavee Point.

“I come from the tradition of the workers’ movement which doesn’t see the country of your birth as being anything significant.

“I would prefer to see the red flag fly outside County Hall, and maybe in the future that will be

the case.”

His view was supported

by Cllr David O’Connor (Ind) who said: “You’re saying what a lot of people think.”

Cllr Brian Dennehy (FF) also said he understood where Cllr Waine was coming from, in that flags can be “used as a wedge to divide people”.

But Fianna Fail’s Cllr Darragh Butler said: “I think it’s staggering that a councillor should say we shouldn’t fly our national flag, or hide our own flag away.”

Independent Cllr Jimmy Guerin said: “I take offence at the comments of Cllr Waine. I’m not surprised at him.”

Cllr Ni Laoi said: “I’d love to see the national flag flying from the turrets of Malahide Castle and Swords Castle and Ardgillen, but for now I’m just proposing that this flag, this symbol of tolerance, inclusion and respect, be flown outside County Hall.”

After a lengthy debate in the council chamber, with the majority of members supporting the proposal, the motion was carried by 34 votes to two.

Continuing delays over Portmarnock and Malahide North Fingal county to gain from secondary school ‘an insult’ to locals, says O’Brien €32k funding boost for Tidy Towns DELAYS in providing a long-awaited secondary school for Portmarnock and Malahide are “an insult” to those who have campaigned for it, a Fingal TD claims.

Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) said the post-primary facility which was due to open this September will now not open until September 2018 – at the earliest.

He said: “The Government has flipflopped on its explanation for yet again deferring the school’s development by 15 months. The Minister [for Education] previously confirmed to me that they would more likely open the school a full 12 months behind schedule due

to a lack of a suitable site, but now it’s claimed that this decision to defer was reached by the patron body ‘in the best interests’.

“This is simply not the case. From my engagement with those involved locally, the delay in fact lay at the Department’s inability to acquire a suitable site for this school. It seems the Minister is attempting to offload any responsibility for this unacceptable delay in development.”

Parents now fear there will be no school place for their children next year and Deputy O’Brien said the latest update will “add more stress”.

TOWNS and villages in the North County are set to benefit from €32,000 in Government funding to mark the 60th anniversary of Tidy Towns.

The scheme will allow each of 12 local committees to apply for a grant of between €1,000 and €4,000 to support the work they do.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said: “I am delighted to see even more funding going to towns and villages here in Dublin Fingal. I have no doubt that the money will be a huge boost to our local communities and will be put to great use.

“This funding is an acknowledgment of the amazing work that has been done by Tidy Towns organisations for the last 60 years. These organisations have played an integral role in our local communities for decades now.”

FASTNews

Still no commitment to reopen Rush Garda Station THE future of Rush Garda Station remains up in the air as the Government has refused to give a definite commitment on its reopening.

A frustrated Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) says he is “beyond disappointed” that four months after it was placed on a list for reopening, no progress has been made.

In reply to a question he submitted, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said that “if a second station is to be reopened in Dublin, the report indicates that the Commissioner is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend that the former station at Rush is to be included in the pilot scheme”.

Deputy O’Brien said it was clear that impetus had been lost, adding: “This is a statement full of multiple caveats that is designed to let the politicians off the hook, and it’s very disappointing to me, but more importantly to the people of Rush.”

Design a decoration for Blanchardstown Library BLANCHARDSTOWN Library is now welcoming entries for a festive competition, which will see the public play a starring role in its Christmas celebrations.

From now until Wednesday, December 6, creative borrowers are invited to design a unique Christmas tree decoration for the library. The decoration can take any form but must be family-friendly and should be of a suitable size to hang on a branch.

Decorations can be submitted at the lending desk or by post to Blanchardstown Library, Civic Centre, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Each entry must be accompanied by the entrant’s name, age and contact details.

Home care firm announce expansion with 50 jobs

A HOME CARE provider has announced it is expanding its work force by 50 people.

The company is holding a recruitment day next Tuesday, November 28 at the Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley for a variety of positions. For further information, email dublinwest@bluebirdcare.ie.

Meath-based Bluebird Care marked its tenth anniversary in 2017, with the company saying its planned further expansion marks an increasing demand for its services. Working in a home setting and in a number of communities for persons of all ages with varying needs, Bluebird Care possesses the Q Mark for Quality, with a focus on high-quality care tailored for clients.

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

APPEARING ON RTE’S THIS CROWDED HOUSE THIS WEEK, LOUISE FROM LUSK DESCRIBES HER RENTAL SEARCH AS LIKE

‘Blind Date with houses’  SYLVIA POWNALL

LUSK house hunter Louise Keeley discovers there’s no place like home as she dabbles in the capital’s competitive rental market.

The 26-year-old featured on RTE’s This Crowded House this week, but after viewing 80 properties with just 13 responses and nine offers, she decides to stay put.

Retail worker Niamh is the only one of four children still living at home with her parents, but she’s fed up of the four-hour round trip daily commute to the city.

She says: “I’m like the little black sheep.

All the others h ave f low n t h e

nest. But living at home can make you lazy. I don’t think I’ve washed my clothes for six months.

“I’ve got to get out on my own and just need a boot in the right d i r e ction.”

Niamh – who forks out €60 a time for taxis home from nights out – dreams of a rustic loft space ten minutes from the city centre, and is hoping to snag it for €550 a month.

First, she’s ordered to follow a strict budget after admitting she spends up to €30 a day on coffees, cigarettes and lunch, and a staggering €3,000 a month on sundries and socialising.

But after weeks of viewings and several rejections, she dubs the experience “Blind Date with houses” and puts her aspirations of independent living on hold.

“I think it’s the world telling me this is not the time to go,” she says. Niamh does take one piece of advice on board, however, and enrols for a part-time marketing course at Dublin Business School.

Louise’s travails to find a home (and cut down on her daily travels) are revealed in This

In the episode, viewers see host Brendan Courtney and Louise explore the capital’s

Crowded House on RTE

rental property scene, looking for a home for the Lusk woman

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

Out and About

Fiona McElroy, Ronda Murnade and Elaine Duncan.

Pictures: ALISON O’HANLON

Zara Dolen and Michelle Jones

Stepping out for Jack The star of the night – Jack Cready

T

Pauline Fitzmorris and Cathy Fitzmorris

Gary Mooney and Susan Lloyd

Deana Heffernan, Fran Stringer (Jack’s mum) and Ursula Heffernan

HERE was a great turn-out for Jack Cready at the Sands Hotel, Portmarnock last weekend when the whole community rallied for the toddler’s cause. Little Jack has a rare genetic condition and has multiple seizures a day, with the Strictly for Jack fundraiser arranged to help support him with special equipment, and to raise awareness of his very rare SCN2a gene mutation. On the night, lots of dancers put their skills to the test, stepping out with lots of fancy moves to help Jack.

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

Out and About

Erica Purdy from Coolock, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social and Community Development; Amy Preston

Georgina O’Neill from Blanchardstown graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

from Castleknock, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care; and Marie O’Connor from

in Applied Social Studies in Social Care, with Hannah Ridgeway from Drumcondra who

Rathfarnham Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education. Pictures: Andres Poveda

graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in early childhood Care and Education

Delight in D15 as ITB students see their hard work pay off T

HE Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) welcomed almost 1,000 students to their 17th graduation ceremony last week with students receiving awards at higher certificate, degree, honours degrees, masters and doctorate level.The awards marked the culmination of years of hard work for the students in a diverse range of fields, with a large crowd of family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to congratulate them on their adademic successes.

Aoife O’Brien, from Knocklyon who graduated with Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education is pictured with Daniel Clayton, from Finglas who received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care, and Gillian O’Brien from Dunboyne who received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

SWORDS | IRELAND V DENMARK MASCOT, 8, HAS BEEN INSPIRATIONAL AND BRAVE FROM PAGE 1

Superfan Daniel is a super son, too  SYLVIA POWNALL SWORDS lad Daniel Bracken had his dream come true last week when he was named as official mascot for the Ireland v Denmark game at the Aviva.

The eight-year-old – who recently lost his footie fanatic grandfather to cancer – was selected after a letter written by his aunt Debbie was read out live on RTE radio.

Daniel, a third-class pupil at Rolestown NS, took the loss of his beloved grandfather hard and then had to deal with the devastating news that his mum, Karen, had been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Debbie wrote: “His little world has changed and he has never once complained. He has thrown himself

into one of his granddad’s passions, football. He plays it, watches it, collects Match Attax and talks about it non-stop.”

Daniel, a valued winger with Swords Manor FC, has shown incredible bravery and supported both his mum Karen and dad Philip through her illness.

Debbie revealed: “His mammy has been in hospital for the last two weeks very ill, and Daniel has been amazing to her and us.

“Giving her his favourite teddy, non-stop cuddles and basically just been an amazing boy. He makes us laugh all the time and reminds us so much of dad.

“His granddad would be so proud. I would love if he could be a mascot for Ireland on Tuesday night for the match against Denmark.

“ I k n ow t h i s would be the most amazing thing to happen to him and my sister would be so proud.”

As soon as Ireland squad sponsors Three mobile heard the broadcast, they got in touch to present Daniel with a signed jersey and make him a mascot.

Ahead of the match, the excited Boys in Green fan said: “When I come back in from holding the players’ hands and singing the Irish anthem, my head’s gonna burst!”

We hope Daniel and his family enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime experience despite the disappointing result...

Daniel shows off his autographed Ireland jersey

Residents have until Tuesday to consider next move

T he St Margaret’s Group are understood to be considering their position. Friends of the Environment issued a statement welcoming in part the landmark ruling.

It said the 300-page document marked the first time the Constitution requires and will protect a right to an environment consistent with human dignity and well-being.

It stated: “Friends of the Environment is consulting with its legal team to consider an appeal in relation to the narrow points of law on which the case was dismissed, but strongly welcomed today’s groundbreaking decision of the High Court.

“This is the first new Constitutional right to be recognised in several decades. Justice Barrett ... recognised that Friends of the Irish Environment had raised ‘profound constitutional issues that affect the entire population’.”

The second runway is deemed vital by the Dublin Airport Authority to turn the airport into an international hub.

The case by St Margaret’s Concerned Residents Group against the DAA claiming pre-construction works last December were in breach of planning was rejected.

The second action by 22 named residents, claiming the development was illegal and that Fingal County Council failed to take their concerns into account, also failed.

Friends of the Irish Environment said the decision to grant planning permission did not comply with the EU Habitats Directive and would result in additional greenhouse gas emissions accelerating the pace of climate change.

T he cases were adjourned for a week to allow all the parties to consider the court’s decisions.

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

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8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

COURTS | BLANCH MAN JAILED FOR BURGLARY

Burglary victim tracked down his own stolen phone

Much hoop-la as basketball club celebrates its fortieth

THE Grand Hotel in Malahide played host to a very grand evening indeed recently as Malahide Basketball Club members celebrated its fortieth anniversary. Current, former and original members of the club were happy to shoot the breeze about shooting hoops, as the members looked back at the club’s many successes down the years, as well as looking to the future with a number of key competitions to aim for. Sandra Crean, Alison Murphy and Louise Young were among the many immaculately dressed guests at the black tie gala event, which was a wonderful way to celebrate one of the historic coastal town’s most popular sporting institutions. (See Gallery next week.) Picture: Alison O’Hanlon

A HAPLESS burglar whose location was pinpointed by the victim using the “locator app” on his stolen mobile phone has been jailed for two years.

John Power (28), of Parlickstown Gardens, Blanchardstown pleaded guilty to burglary and unlawful taking of a car at Baggot Court, Dublin on June 22, 2017.

Garda Enda Dowling told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court the occupiers alerted gardai after waking to find their home had been burgled and car sto-

Dangerous driving charge for fireman A FIREMAN has been charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Callum Grimes, who was found lying injured on the roadside at Loughshinny on December 27, 2016.

Derek Keane, 38, of The Cottage, Loughshinny appeared before Balbriggan District Court on the charge. Sgt Sean Pender told Judge John Cheatle that he replied “No” after arrest and caution.

Mr Grimes, 27, who was from the St Catherine’s estate in Rush, died in Beaumont Hospital in July – six months after he was knocked down on the Skerries to Loughshinny road.

The defendant was granted bail on certain conditions and the case, which will be sent forward to the Circuit Court, was adjourned for three weeks.

len while they slept.

One of the items stolen was a mobile phone which had a “locator app”, giving its position in a laneway off Parnell Street. When gardai went to the location, they found Power sleeping rough, but did not find the phone.

Later, the victim noticed the location of the phone was still in the same place, Chapel Lane, and went there himself.

He saw Power with a Nike bag he recognised as his own and alerted gardai.

Gda Dowling said they

searched the bag and recovered mobile phones, a laptop and tablet as well as other items stolen during the burglary.

Gardai recovered CCTV footage from the Baggot Court and Chapel Lane areas and saw Power open the victim’s car with the key fob and drive off.

The footage also revealed the car pulled up at Chapel Lane where Power hid some items before driving off again in the car. He later returned on a bike and slept rough in the laneway.

Power, who has 75 pre-

vious convictions, made no admissions during garda interview and has been in custody since the date of the offence.

His barrister said he’d had substance abuse issues from the age of 14 and had used heroin, crack cocaine and “anything he could get his hands on”.

Judge Martin Nolan said it seemed Power was attempting to rehabilitate himself in custody.

He imposed a threeyear sentence and suspended the final year on strict conditions “in hope of reform”.

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

RUSH | HOUSING FEARS

‘I feel let down by the council’ A RUSH mum-of-two says she and her young kids are facing homelessness as she claims the council didn’t alert her to changing rent supplements.

Gillian Dunne (inset) says Fingal County Council didn’t inform her they were phasing out supplementary rent allowance to replace it with the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

Under HAP, local authorities will make payments on behalf of households who qualify for support directly to the landlord in respect of rent.

Gillian, who lives with her kids Rhys (13) and Michaela (14), said she received a notice in March informing her that the rented house was being repossessed.

T h e m u m - o f - t wo claims that no -one from FCC responded to her calls or emails for several months – during which she suffered a chronic neuro pain disorder and had to have brain surgery.

Gillian is due to leave her rented house this month, but now faces a delay in securing HAP approval and an uncertain future.

FCC said in some instances short-term rent supplement cases are still dealt with by the Depar tment of Social Protection.

SKERRIES | ‘OVERWHELMED’ DAD ESCAPES GRIM LIFE ON STREETS

Delight as Patrick finally gets a home  SYLVIA POWNALL A DAD-OF-THREE who was facing Christmas in a leaky caravan has told of his joy at finally having a place to call home.

Patrick Reid (43) got the keys to a one-bed apartment in Balbriggan on Friday – two months after he first told his story to The Gazette.

He had been living in a draughty caravan with no electricity or running water in Skerries, having endured a year of hell on the streets and in Dublin city hostels.

But thanks to lobbying from Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG) and sensitive support from Fingal County Council, he now has his own bed and a front door to close at night.

“I’m very happy except that the heating is not working, but there is somebody coming over to look at that tomorrow.”

He first shared his heartbreaking story with The Gazette in September and revealed how he’d been repeatedly robbed and assaulted by drug addicts in hostels – eventually choosing to sleep rough to try and escape the beatings.

He said: “I had to get out of Dublin city because I was so scared. Living in hostels was a Patrick Reid had endured a grim nightmare. life in an unheated caravan (above) “Imagine a mental institution and throw drugs and drink into A delighted Patrick told The the mix, and that is what you Gazette: “It feels great to have a get. You can’t even get to sleep place to call home. I’m so over- because of all the drugs.” whelmed.

One serious assault he suffered

is still under investigation by gardai but, to date, there have been no arrests.

Patrick, who has two grownup kids, is trying to put it behind him and rebuild his life. He is also hoping to spend more time with his eight-year-old daughter, now that he has a place of his own.

Cllr O’Leary, who fought Patrick’s corner every step of the way, thanked the council’s housing department for prioritising the issue.

He said: “I want to acknowledge the help that I got for someone in my home town of Skerries and the very kind and sensitive way in which the case was handled.”

We wish Patrick a very Happy Christmas in his new home.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

FASTNews

EZ Living Furniture gets Retail centres up into the Black Friday spirit for sale for €6m

EZ LIVING Furniture are holding their biggest ever Black Friday sale all this week, offering customers huge savings across all of their furniture and accessories ranges.

There are deals on sofas all this week until Sunday, with three seaters such as the Orion from €549 and corner sofas such as the Copenhagen corner chaise from €749, with sale value extending to a whole range of home essentials including the Canterbury oak bookcase for €149, Turin dark oak extension dining table and four chairs for €899, and the Cashel oak nest of tables for €99, and much more.

In addition to the Black Friday sale in EZ Living Furniture outlets, exclusive to Blanchardstown, Airside Retail Park and Fonthill stores, there are also exclusive offers throughout the week at www.ezlivingfurniture.ie.

TWO neighbourhood retail centres in Swords and Kinsealy have gone on the market with a combined asking price in excess of €6 million.

The commercial centres of Applewood Village in Swords and Drynam Hall in Kinsealy are being sold in one lot of 46 units covering 64,700sq ft.

The collection comprises 15 retail units, five cafe/restaurant/takeaway units, two medical practices, 13 office suites, a public house/office-licence, a creche, an ATM, one one-bed apartment, five two-bed apartments, one three-bed apartment and two three and four bed houses.

Agents Knight Frank are handling the sale.

Celebrating the true volunteering spirit of Fingal’s tireless Lions Club members FINGAL’S six Lions clubs were honoured at a council ceremony last week, marking a centenary of contribution from the worldwide organisation.

Club members from Balbriggan, Castleknock, Howth/Sutton, Portmarnock, Malahide and Swords attended a civic reception hosted by Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley.

“Some of the work done by the Lions club, like the Christmas food appeal, is high-profile,” she

said. “But a lot of what you do in serving the communities you live and work in is low-key. I know that your members are volunteers in the true sense of the word. You do not seek or desire rewards for what you do.”

Swords club president Sean Quigley described various volunteer projects and took the opportunity to highlight the need for volunteer groups in Ireland.

He said: “In this age of modernity and prosperity, it is sad to

see that there are still the havenots in our society.”

The international, secular and non-political Lions Club organisation was founded in Chicago

by Melvin Jones 100 years ago, and has since grown into an international body located in more than 200 countries, with 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members.

The first Lions Club to be formed in Ireland was in Dublin, in November 1955.

St Helen’s JNS gets approval to build a new classroom at Portmarnock educatiob hub A PORTMARNOCK school has been granted funding to build a new classroom.

St Helen’s Junior National School got the go-ahead from the Department of Education last week.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) said: “The provision of additional accommodation to our local schools is of the utmost importance in terms of ensuring the adequate capacity is in place to cater for the needs of children in the local community.”

Short-term pain for Swords as ambitious €9m water pipe replacement works planned

A MAJOR upgrade to the water mains in Swords is to get under way after Irish Water signed a contract with GMC Utilities Group for the €9 million project.

The works will bring traffic disruptions and water shut-offs but these are considered shortterm pain for long-term gain in light of the 5km of leaky ageing pipe that

will be replaced.

Interrupted water supply has caused frustration for residents and traders in the town centre. Now, the 30-inch concrete pipe, which was laid in 1970, will be replaced along the Forest Road, Main Street and North Street as far as the M1 junction.

Work is expected to begin in a matter of

months and the project is expected to deliver a more reliable supply to homes and businesses in Swords, Malahide and Portmarnock.

Irish Water will host a public drop-in information evening to keep the public informed of a number of traffic restrictions and water shut-offs required during the construction works.

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

BALBRIGGAN | SHARE OF €2.9M GRANT FOR DISADVANTAGED AREAS

€70k funding boost to develop a sports hub  SYLVIA POWNALL FINGAL County Council has been awarded €70,000 in funding for the development of a sports hub in Balbriggan.

The grant comes as part of €2.9 million worth of funding for sport and physical activity projects to be distributed nationally by Sport Ireland across disadvantaged areas through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Announcing the spend, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin said: “This will give people with disabilities and those from socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged

The funding will help employ a community sports development officer in Balbriggan

backgrounds the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity.”

The funding will allow for the employment of a community sports development officer in Balbriggan and the remainder of the grant will be used to

provide sports equipment.

Fingal County Council’s principal sports officer, Marion Brown. said: “This grant is hugely valuable to the residents of Balbriggan. I am confident that the development of a sports hub will have

huge benefits on residents’ health, well-being and quality of life.”

Meanwhile, the council says it is “continuing to pursue” the provision of an all-weather facility for Rush and hopes negotiations with a local develop-

er will be “resolved soon”.

In an update to area councillors, officials said: “On designated lands adjoining the existing amenity at St Catherine’s Park, the developer of the Golden Ridge estate is required to provide additional Sports pitches and associated infrastructure (Class 1).

“The council is in discussions with the developer in relation to the resolution of all outstanding open space issues.

“It is hoped that these outstanding issues can be resolved in the near future.

The council will continue to pursue the provision of these outstanding open space requirements.”

LUSK | COUNCIL PLANS

Landfill site to be turned into lush €2m park PLANS to transform a former landfill site in Lusk into a panoramic public park have been unveiled by Fingal County Council.

The ambitious project promises a “unique” green space offering spectacular views of the county and will see what was once Ballealy Landfill renamed Rogerstown Park.

The local authority has set aside €2 million in funding for the scheme and a draft master plan was revealed after an extensive public consultation process.

Senior parks superintendant Kevin Halpenny says the space will give “very dramatic and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape”.

Ballealy dump, near the Rogerstown estuary in Lusk, ceased operations in 2012. Since it was decommissioned the council has invested heavily in restoring the site in preparation for the parkland project.

The master plan provides for woodland walkways and the park will be connected to the Fingal coastal greenway.

Other features include an adventure playground, an adult fitness area and a picnic corner as well as a dedicated birdwatching facility.

The blueprint lists a “rain garden” water feature and a land sculpture among the wow factors as well as a bandstandtype area for holding public events.

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

ASLAN FRONTMAN TO HEADLINE GIG FOR HOWTH WOMAN

Christy to help brave mum to fight ‘the Big C’  SYLVIA POWNALL ASLAN frontman Christy Dignam is set to headline a special benefit night in Howth this weekend in support of a local mother-of-three in her fight against cancer.

The singer – who is himself battling a rare blood cancer – will guest with Dublin band The Guilty Party to headline a “Fight against the Big C”

event in K2 at The Summit Inn in Howth this Friday, November 24.

Single mum Trish Dowd was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two months ago, and is undergoing intensive weekly chemotherapy sessions.

She is now at stage 3c.

She told The Gazette: “Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer has been one of the worst experiences of my life, but it has

also provided many positives. “ I ’ v e b e e n o v e rwhelmed and humbled by the suppor t and encouragement which I have received from so many people.

“The process from my initial appointment with the GP to the diagnosis has been a whirlwind.

This particular form of cancer is genetic, and it means that all the females

in my family will need to be tested.”

T his includes her ten-year-old daughter, Rowan, who along with brother, Caolfhionn (19), are fully reliant on their mother, who worked fulltime until her diagnosis.

Trish is keen to encourage women to be aware of early stage silent symptoms – persistent bloating, a lack of appetite, feeling full quickly, and

Mum-of-three Trish Dowd, who is battling ovarian cancer; right: Aslan frontman Christy Dignam will be headlining a diverse fundraising gig for Trish this weekend

abdominal and pelvic pain, which can be felt on an almost daily basis.

Ireland has one of the highest mortality rates for ovarian cancer in Europe, and it affects 360 women here each year,

on average.

The benefit night – which will feature performances from a host of Dublin bands including Hooligan, Sketch Pistols and Mannheim Rockets – has been organised by

close pals and the wider community in Howth.

Tickets (€15) can be purchased from The Summit Inn, The Country Market or on the night. Doors open from 8.30pm.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS CEREMONY | AWARD-WINNING ENERGY EFFICIENT ORGANISATIONS

FOUNDERS: Matt Majewski, Jacob Wedderburn-Day and Anthony Collias

Luggage storage firm arrives in Dublin A LONDON luggage storage start-up is about to take Dublin by storm.

CityStasher provides a network of city-centre locations (newsagents, hotels, independent retailers) where tourists and day-trippers can drop bags for short periods of time.

The offering is proving particularly popular with day trippers and those checking out of local Airbnb’s. The CityStasher network allows people to make the most of the day without the hassle of dragging around heavy bags or suitcases.

So far, two local businesses have signed-up to the CityStasher network. The ‘StashPoints’, as they are called, are the mailboxes etc shops on James Joyce Street and Upper Rathmines Road. Joining the network is a great opportunity for local business to earn additional revenue as well as drive footfall.

Customers book ahead via the CityStasher website, pay online, then simply drop the bags off. It costs €6 for 24 hours, and €5 for each additional day. visit www.citystasher.com

Dubs win big at Sustainable Energy Awards

Durkan Residential won the Design Award. Pictured are Julie O’Neill, chairperson SEAI,

THREE Dublin companies won big at the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards last week.

Durkan Residential Ltd, a Dublin-based private housing developer who has focused on developing cost effective methods for building energy efficient houses, won the Energy in Design Category.

They have built the largest certified Passive House development in Ireland.

M50 Concession Ltd, a public private partnership company that provides maintenance on the M50 motorway, won the Small Business Award.

It has installed power controllers which reduces the amount of energy used for lighting at set times of the night depending on traffic flows.

The project has delivered 43% energy saving equating to financial savings of just over €300,000 annually.

New to the Awards this year was a €10,000 bursary for the winner of the

Research category.

Exergyn, who are based in DCU, picked up this prize for its research on the development of a zero emissions engine that converts low grade heat into power.

The funding will go towards the next stages of research for the company as it tests the longevity of different materials for its engine.

This is the 14th year of the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards and entrants to the eight categories demonstrated savings of over €27 million.

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) took away the top prize for Energy Team of the Year.

WIT impressed judges with its organisation wide approach to saving energy, with staff and students working together it has surpassed its 33% energy efficiency target and is saving an impressive €300,000 per year on energy bills.

For full details on all winning projects, visit www.seai.ie

Barry Durkan and Kevin Durkan of Durkan Residential and Jim Gannon (CEO SEAI).

Minister Bruton seeks Music industry worth more than €700m to economy to boost traineeships MINISTER for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton has called on employers and learners to avail of the opportunities available to them in the area of traineeships.

Launching a new FiveStep Guide at an event in the Teeling Distillery in Dublin last week, Minister Bruton said: “If we want to have the best education and training service in Europe by 2026, we need to provide a range of pathways for people to fulfil their career ambitions.

“I am very keen to grow the number of trainees enrolled, and the number of traineeship programmes available.

“We have seen the success our European counterparts

have had in making traineeships and apprenticeships key to economic growth.

“I want to replicate that success here in Ireland and have set a very ambitious programme of work to achieve just that.”

Previously aimed at unemployed people, traineeships are now open to a wider range of participants, of all ages and background.

Currently 1,500 employers, working with ETBs are offering traineeship opportunities across a range of industries, including business, retail, care, construction, engineering, fashion and beauty, finance, ICT, hospitality, sports and leisure and logistics.

Employers showcased at the event were applauded for their contribution and commitment to the delivery of traineeship provision in Ireland.

Mary-Liz Trant, Executive Director for Skills Development, SOLAS said: “It is clear from our guest speakers today that traineeship offers great opportunities to employers and trainees alike.

“Employers can access a pipeline of talent and learners, and participants get to develop cutting edge skills and knowledge onthe-job, making them more skilled, more employable and enhancing their career options.”

MUSIC contributes more than €700 million to the Irish economy, according to a new report published last week.

The Socio-Economic Value of Music to Ireland, commissioned by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and produced by Deloitte, sets out a number of recommendations to maximise the contribution of music in Ireland, including the development of a National Music Strategy.

The report is an update on a Deloitte/IMRO 2015 analysis of the annual contribution made by the music industry to Ireland’s economy.

The findings indicate a strong and growing music industry, which is contributing significantly to the economy and supporting more than 13,130 jobs.

Based on the latest figures available, the updated report has found that the total contri-

bution of the music industry, directly and indirectly, to the Irish economy is €703 million.

This includes music-related consumer expenditure and supply-chain impacts.

The report suggests there is opportunity for further growth in the sector through the development of a National Music Strategy, rooted in four key action areas.

These areas include coordination and collaboration through the establishment of a cross-Government music grouping to work with a cross sectoral Industr y Advisor y Panel to address barriers to growth in the sector, concentration on copyright to help ensure a fair return for music creators, creative skills development through advanced training and education services and compensation that is adequate to address income uncertainty associated with work in the creative and cultural industries.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

FEATURE P17

CINEMA P22

DUBLINLIFE

As Rapunzel comes to the Gaiety we talk to one its stars

See P20

TRAVEL P26

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

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

CITY CENTRE: CHRISTMAS IS A-COMIN’ – AND THE CAPITAL’S GOT A GREAT PARTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Smithfield to play host to a tree-mendous festive party THE 2017 Smithfield Lights event is back and bigger than ever. This is the main family Christmas event in Dublin, and is a must for all families looking for an evening of fun, festive entertainment, with the Sunday, November 26 event sure to delight Dubs of all ages.

Families can enjoy a wide range of children’s festive entertainment, including face painting, workshops, a vintage carousel and an outdoor screening of the classic Christmas movie, The Snowman.

There will also be market stalls with a range of delicious foods, arts and crafts.

The main tree lighting event will take place at approximately 7.10pm, with VIP guest Santa Claus in attendance, as well as the Lord Mayor and other special guests.

The event will be presented by broadcaster Andrea Hayes and will feature music from the Stanhope Street Girls Choir, and Red Empire, while headliners The Riptide Movement will take

to the stage for a special performance at 7.20pm.

Speaking about the event, Ardmheara Micheal Mac Donncha said: “I invite Dubliners, visitors and all, to come and soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy the entertainment and the special guests.”

ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE REGISTERED TO VOTE? THE National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is urging young people to make sure they have registered to vote before the registration deadline of Saturday, November 25.

A RedC poll conducted for the NYCI earlier this year found that 22% of those aged 18 to 29 were not registered to vote.

Based on the most recent population data from the CSO, this means up to 24,683 young people in Dublin City risk missing out on their right to vote.

James Doorley, NYCI deputy director said: “We know from our work with young people that the vast majority want to

vote, but not all are aware they have to register.

“This is particularly an issue for the more than 61,000 young people who turned 18 and became eligible to vote over in the last 12 months.”

Local authorities are currently preparing the 2018/2019 electoral register. For those unsure whether they are registered or not, the NYCI advises that they check online at www.checktheregister.ie.

Anyone who turns 18 on or before February 15 2018 is eligible to register.

CELEBRATE LOST ONES AT PIETA HOUSE EVENT PIETA House is bringing its second annual Misneach event back to Dublin this year. The event is focussed on creating a space to honour and celebrate lost loved ones.

The Dublin Unitarian Church at St Stephen’s Green plays host to the 5pm event on Sunday, November 26, where singer Deirdre Ni Chinneide will be joined by the AVIVA choir in lending their vocal talents to the occasion.

Pieta House’s chief executive Brian Higgins stressed that the free, non-denominational event is for everyone. He said: “With Misneach, we wanted to create a space for those who have been bereaved by suicide to reflect on and celebrate the lives of those they have lost, but everyone is welcome.

“Misneach is also for those who have come through our services, or for anyone who has overcome or is going through their own struggles, as a celebration of their strength and courage.

“We would like to think that the event will also appeal to anyone who has supported a loved one through a dark time, or indeed anyone who has supported us in our work.”

For further information, email cat.obroin@ pieta.ie, or find Pieta House on Facebook or Twitter.

GET FIT, HAVE FUN AND HELP A GREAT CAUSE FITNESS and health fanatics will be in their element at an upcoming

A glittering Christmas tree, face-painting, live music, stalls, tasty treats and a party atmosphere – all this and more awaits at the 2017 Smithfield Lights party

event, which will focus on optimum nutrition for mental and physical wellness.

As another event in aid of Pieta House (see previous Diary entry), the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght plays host to the Saturday, November 25 gathering, which will see host Shane Rigney – chef, food writer,

blogger and caterer – and Food For Performance delivering an enlightened day full of fun, craic and laughter.

On the day, guests can watch live cooking demos and presentations on food performance and nutrition from guest speakers and health care experts.

On-site trainers will be providing one-on-one personal training sessions, as well as yoga and lessons on relaxation techniques.

Tickets priced €47.64 are available at eventbrite.ie, and cover the cost of lunch of the day – with a number of prizes to be won adding to the fun.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

FEATURE

PEOPLE | COLIN STAFFORD JOHNSON - ‘IRELAND’S DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’ – ON HIS PASSION

Wildlife shows are a roaring hit for Colin  EMMA NOLAN WITH a career that’s spanned more than 30 years across continents, climates, jungles and deserts, it’s no wonder that Colin Stafford Johnson is often called “Dublin’s David Attenborough”.

“Ultimately, we do the same sort of job – we both present wildlife shows,” Colin says of his comparison to the famous wildlife narrator, who was a big influence on him when he was starting out.

A multi-award winner, Colin is the foremost nature and wildlife cinematographer and presenter in Ireland today, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject, as well as having just finished his Irish tour, Living The Wild Life.

Originally from Cabinteely, Colin said it was a night in Maynooth years ago that inspired him to start travelling – he was a student having a drink in a local pub when an Attenborough show came on the television ...

“It was showing The Pacific at the time, and I thought, ‘That place just looks extraordinary – I’m going to go and see it for myself,’ and that’s what I did.

“I got a job washing dishes and got the money t o g e t h e r and set off to

Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and Indonesia. So, he really inspired me to get moving.”

Speaking on his career, to date, Colin says: “The best part about it sometimes is, you find yourself in an incredible place.

I remember one day in the Amazon I was waiting to film in the [jungle] canopy at dawn, and we were waiting for these seed pods to explode, because when they do, parrots come to gobble them up.

“Scarlet macaws were landing in the trees all around me, and a troop of monkeys came through the tree I was in, and a snake came in the window and sat on my lap and then moved out the other side.

“I couldn’t quite believe that someone was paying me to be there!”

It’s those moments that make Colin appreciate the amazing experiences he’s had, despite the career itself being a tough one.

“It’s up and down. Jobs come and go, but if I had to look back, which I don’t like to do that much, I prefer to look forward, but I am very fortunate to have visited some of the most beautiful places in the world.

“I feel very lucky. It’s hard work; it takes up your life, but if animals and wild places do it for you, it’s one way of spending your life in those

places.”

Fresh off his Living The Wild Life tour, Colin says it was all great fun. He travelled around 15 venues nationwide, regaling audiences with tales from the bush, and stories about filming the wild, the weird and the wonderful.

“It’s really nice to get out and meet people and to chat about all the things that go on behind the scenes to make it all happen.”

Just last week, Colin’s BBC2 show, Wild Ireland, won the prestigious Grierson Award for Best Natural History documentary.

Part of Colin Stafford Johnson’s appeal in his shows is his evident delight and wonder, in sync with the viewers

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

OPINION | SOCIAL ACTIVIST SR STAN ON FOCUS IRELAND’S RESPONSE TO THE WORSENING NATIONAL HOUSING CRISIS, WITH CHILDREN PARTICULARLY SUFFERING FROM HOMELESSNESS

‘What kind of country are we creating as thousands go homeless?’

THERE has been a lot of talk about homelessness in the last two weeks, with the Taoiseach claiming the number of homeless men, women and children in Ireland is low by international standards.

The reality is sadly very different. Last Christmas, I wrote in The Gazette about the 2,400 children who were homeless.

This has now shot up by 25% to a record total of 3,124 children homeless. When we include adults, there are now a shocking total of 8,374 people homeless nationwide.

It is clear that the housing and homelessness crisis is getting worse, but we should not be wasting time and energy arguing about comparisons to other countries.

We, in Focus Ireland, put our energy into helping those impacted, and finding practical solutions. We need to end homelessness in Ireland, because it is morally and fundamentally wrong.

It breaks my heart to

know that across Dublin in 2017, more children have been born into homelessness than ever before.

Some of them will spend their first Christmas stuck with their family, forced to live in one little room together.

This is truly awful, and it makes me think back to what Christmas is all

about and to the first Christmas in Bethlehem, when nobody would take in Mary and Joseph, and Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a stable and lay him in a manger.

I am sure this will strike a chord with everyone, no matter what their beliefs are; similarly, these children today have also been turned away and left as

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‘The crisis makes me think back to the first Christmas in Bethlehem, when nobody would take in Mary and Joseph, and Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a stable and lay him in a manger. Similarly, these children today have also been turned away and left as homeless.’

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homeless.

They are our children too, and we have a duty as a society to provide a safe home for them. This is what we are working to do.

Our family team in Dublin helps one family a day to secure a home, in partnership with the Dublin Regional Housing Executive and local authorities, and to escape the nightmare of homelessness.

However, at the same time, at least two more families are still losing their homes and becoming homeless every day.

More single people are also being forced into homelessness due to rising rents, evictions and a critical shortage of affordable housing.

How can we stand by while families and their children who are homeless are forced to live in one hotel room for months at a time?

There is nowhere safe for the children to play, do their homework, or for the family to even cook a meal.

This is causing terrible

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy

damage for these families, and also the many single people who are homeless, stuck in hostels or some even sleeping on the streets.

Focus Ireland continues to put forward realistic policy solutions to help prevent and end homelessness. We do this work through our 70 lifeline services in Dublin and around the country.

While the crisis is still deepening, the situation would be much worse without the lifeline services and housing we provide.

We are there when people need us. We have already supported 600 more people this year compared to the same period in 2016.

Meanwhile, we have also supported 290 fami-

lies and 556 children to secure a home and escape homelessness so far this year.

While the State supports some of our work, Focus Ireland also has to raise 40% (or €2 out of every €5) of what it costs to keep our services and housing running through donations and corporate support.

We work hard to support families and individuals every day – not just at Christmas – but

we depend on donations now more than ever to raise funds so that our services can cope with the constantly rising demand.

I am asking people to please give what they can afford (see panel) to support our urgent Christmas appeal.  SR STAN

Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, founder and life president of Focus Ireland

HELP FOCUS IRELAND TO SUPPORT FAMILIES Focus Ireland always stresses that every euro donated counts in the battle against homelessness, as 89 cent of every euro received goes directly to our services to support people who are homeless and those at risk.

Any donation will support our work challenging homelessness and changing lives as we help over 13,500 people each year who are homeless or at risk. We also provide over 800 homes nationwide.

People can donate at www.focusireland.ie, or by telephoning 1850 204 205. Thank you.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

FEATURE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

SOCIETY: ALONE, AN POST TEAM UP FOR A CHRISTMAS CARD CAMPAIGN TO HELP END LONELINESS

Just Do One Thing – you’ll be helping support older citizens

AN POST has given its stamp of approval to a new campaign that wants to help support lonely older people as Christmas looms.

The Do One Thing campaign, in association with ALONE – the charity that supports older people to age at home – asks everyone to send a personalised An Post card to an older person, helping to end the isolation that many seniours can experience at the special time of year.

TV presenter Baz Ashmawy was delighted to launch the campaign, and called on everyone to support the great initiative.

He said: “We are asking people to ‘Do One Thing’ this Christmas – send a lovely Christmas card to an older person!

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‘We are asking people to ‘Do One Thing’ this Christmas – send a lovely Christmas card to an older person!’

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“For just €5 you can go online, order a card and write a nice message to an older person linked in with ALONE. An Post will then print and post the card, and every card sent will raise money for ALONE, as well as making a huge difference to that older person’s Christmas.” €3.20 from every card sold will go directly to ALONE’s services, helping the organisation to continue providing friendship, support, social

events, and housing to older people, ensuring that older people aren’t left isolated and lonely.

Echoing Baz’s message, Garrett Bridgeman, managing director of Mails and Parcels at An Post, said: “A personal message is really powerful, particularly at Christmas.

“We are appealing to members of the public to order one of the An Post personalised Christmas cards and share a few kind words with an older person who may be isolated

TV presenter and Do One Thing campaign supporter Baz Ashmawy (centre) with ALONE service users Michael McCarthy and Sheila Collins. Picture: Jason Clarke

or lonely this Christmas.

“It is our hope that this campaign will make Christmas less lonely for many older people, and raise significant funds for ALONE.” ALONE’s chief executive, Sean Moynihan, said: “We are delighted to partner with An Post this year for Christmas. ALONE offers friendship, support, and housing, all aimed at ensuring no older person is left lonely or without

the care and support they need.

“It is our hope that the funds raised through this campaign can bring a little Christmas magic back into the lives of older people and that the money raised will be used to spread that magic throughout the year.”

As well as the individual support that anyone can give, companies can also support the campaign, with special packs of the

ALONE Christmas cards available to purchase.

By purchasing a pack of 100 or 500 Christmas cards online, companies can make a donation to ALONE while ordering their high-quality Christmas cards, which can be personalised with a logo or personal message inside.

To order your Christmas Cards and help ALONE, see www.alone.ie/Christmas; cards for older people linked in with ALONE

cost €5, with 64% of the cost donated to ALONE. Packs of company cards are priced at €250 for 100 personalised Christmas cards, including postage and a €120 donation to ALONE, and €1,250 for 500 personalised Christmas cards, including postage and a €650 donation to ALONE. Companies will receive their stock of cards within three working days, delivered by An Post.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT HAVING STARTED OUT way back in 1873, the Gaiety Panto is a Dublin Christmas institution, a classically playful comedy returning night after night with plenty of stories... ahem... behind them.

This year, the age-old performance on offer is a stage adaptation of Rapunzel, featuring the return of Ireland’s most famous pantomime dame for the 28th time, as well as Ciara Lyons in the hair-y title role, and former Love/ Hate man Johnny Ward fitting right in as Johnny B. Goode.

For all the throwaway, sporadic feel of panto, though, the Gaiety offering is a serious undertaking, at least internally. For the cast, Christmas starts the morning after Halloween, with rehearsals underway in earnest.

“There are three days off scheduled for the entire run,” Ward tells us, as he returns to the Gaiety following his earlier appearances in Cinderella (2012) and Peter Pan (2014).

“It’s hectic, but I remember it as a child and it means a lot, it’s a real Christmas tradition. You have to be aware of that when you’re performing in it. I met my girlfriend through my part in the panto in 2012, so it has great memories for me more recently, too.”

Ward is better known for his role as Pauley in Love/Hate, with his character dying by falling from a balcony. He also stars in Fair City as Ciaran Holloway, so despite his earlier experiences, the panto is far from his usual style.

“Panto is frowned upon by some, especially those actors who only do film and theatre,” he admits.

“But I think it’s important to do. There are some great people here. Joe Conlan [the dame] has been doing this forever and doesn’t do anything else as an actor. He specialises because he’s just really good at what he does. Panto isn’t like film and TV, and it’s his forte. He’s a real gentleman, but absolutely nuts with it.”

There are technical challenges that come with the role, however, in particular as it continues night after night.

“There’s a part of the script that I read and just thought ‘that’s impossible’, looking at the stage set up, but I had the same experience last time, and it came off, so I’m sure we’ll do it,” Ward explains.

“The whole thing is really physically demanding, because it plays every day, sometimes twice a day. You end the run exhausted. You wake up at half 8, have sound check at half 9 or 10 o’clock. Then there might be a kids show or schools show at 11.

“At 2pm I’ll get a couple of hours to just wander around town a bit, get some food, and then we do it all again. It’s a challenge, but it’s really rewarding. I love watching the kids react.”

The noise, in fact, is part of the experience.

“It’s an interactive thing, and that really adds to the experience. It’s full of young kids, ones

‘IT’S A CHALLENGE, BUT IT’S REALLY REWARDING’ Actor Johnny Ward talks to us as he gets set to take to the stage for the Gaiety Panto

MUSIC

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N EVE

with JAMES HENDICOTT

Smithfield Christmas Lights Event

The square will be turning the arrival of their Christmas lighting into a kind of mini festival on November 26, with food, music, movies and high-end hot chocolate promised to accompany the flicking of the switch on Sunday.

FROST - Fumbally Christmas Shop

The creative Dame Lane institution opens up for stocking fillers and special Christmas craft gifts, with the seasonal stalls unveiled QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE WI on November 23, and 3ARENA ON NOVEMBERLL PLAY THE 24 staying open until four days before Christmas. It’s shopping time!

Thanksgiving at Token

Smithfield’s video games-loving corner takes on the American tradition of thanksgiving, promising a beast of a three course meal, American style drinks, an no doubt plenty of gaming goodness along the way. November 23.

Games Expo Ireland

From the same people who brought Comicon to Ireland, the RDS’ Games Expo promises large scale gaming, both serious and casual, as well as the chance to meet the people behind some of the games. Nintendo are on board. November 25-26.

Ireland v Argentina

This year’s Autumn internationals at the Aviva started with a bang, with Ireland swatting aside South Africa.

Argentina close off the run of matches, and present a more athletic, inventive challenge. November 25.

Whiskey Live 2017 Ciara Lyons as “Rapunzel”, Joe Conlon as “Nanny Ninny Noonah”, Johnny Ward as “Johnny B Goode” and Nicholas Grennell as the King “Larry Lilly Loolah”, pictured on stage at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin as they help launch this years Gaiety pantomime Rapunzel. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

who shouldn’t really be watching things like Love/Hate, but they all seem to know me as Pauley. Once, I was standing on the balcony in a Peter Pan scene a little after that Love/Hate episode ran, and one of the kids yells out ‘don’t jump’. I still get approached by kids calling me Pauley.”

With the Tivoli panto having made its way onto TV on recent years, Ward also feels the in-person side of the Gaiety (which has never been televised) is something special, something to be protected.

“Personally I don’t want it on TV,” he explains.

“It’s not about the cameras, it’s about the

screaming and the interaction, about the tradition and the experience. You can’t capture that on television.”

Ward should know. There’s quite a step between the darkness of Pauley’s like and the lightness of a fairytale story like Rapunzel, but as we head towards December, that lightness just seems like a natural adjustment. It’s the spirit of Christmas represented in the business of the actor, a fun-filled slog that’s ultimately about handing their holidays over for the kids.

Expect a little bit of magic.

Rapunzel runs in the Gaiety Theatre from November 26 to January 7, with tickets from €19.50, available now.

One for the connoisseurs, The Printworks in Dublin Castle hosts a heady event for those who like their tipple a little fiery and traditional. There are two sessions, afternoon and evening, as well as masterclasses. November 25.

Sing Along Social

The most entertaining night out in Dublin returns with ‘girl bands v boy bands’ at MVP, Portobello. The concept is simple: they bring the music, you grab a beer and sing along at the top of your voice. November 26.

Queens of the Stone Age

A chance to get blown away by one of America’s most powerful rock bands, as Queens of the Stone Age bring you glorious guitar-driven angst and abrasive riffs. The 3Arena. November 24.

New album of the week

Paloma Faith - The Architect The enigmatic and soulful pop singer returns with what’s certain to be a powerful yet subtle record, exploring ‘politics from the perspective of the average man or woman’. Expect melodic beauty.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

THE FLORIDA PROJECT: COMPLEX LIVES AND TERRIFIC PERFORMANCES ON SHOW

ReelReviews

Projects a wilder side of family life in the States THE Florida Project (Cert 15A, 111 mins) takes a look at all the wonder, innocence and irrepressible curiosity of childhood with an honesty rarely seen on screen.

Director Sean Baker tackles his chosen subject with the same blend of glee and gloom we saw in his previous effort, 2015’s excellent Tangerine, delivering what is easily one of this year’s best comedies – and most troubling, moving dramas.

Six-year-old Moonee, played by Brooklynn Prince (one of the cast’s many newcomers), lives with her mother, Halley (Bria Vinai) in an extended-stay motel managed by Bobby (Willem Dafoe), located on a tourist-trap strip of road that leads to Disney World.

Moonee’s world is populated with unfortunate outcasts of society, the downtrodden and the violent.

Despite these surroundings, Moonee – along with friends Scooty and Jancey – turns the everyday into an adventure, exploring the weird, wild world that naturally

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

manifests on the fringes of commercial wonderlands like Disney.

Moonee raises hell with all the irresistible wonder of a precocious child, unaware of the increasingly dangerous lengths to which her young, rebellious mother must go to provide for her.

Dafoe turns in a careerbest performance here as the motel’s cautious, observant and compassionate hotel manager, falling into a heedful father-figure position and even finding himself having to provide from time to time.

Dafoe has never before enraptured us with a character so completely and utterly human – Bobby is a man fully aware of what he can do to help, yet resistant of becoming too involved in such a broken, sad story.

As with all of The Flor-

ida Project’s characters, there’s clearly a darkness to his past – one only barely hinted at, but everlurking underneath.

A brief conversation with his son, played by Caleb Landry Jones (in an uncharacteristically subdued performance), reveals a sadness essential to his character, but never directly commented on.

The rebellious Halley clearly comes from misfortune, though – again – the past is never commented on, just left to linger beneath a thin surface.

Halley shows concern for nothing other than the wellbeing of her daughter, but this is a concern that can only be stretched so far when faced with the reality of survival on the fringes of society.

Bria Vinai communicates a compassion for her daughter that is hidden behind abrasive, rough edges but is all the more endearing in its subtlety.

It’s Moonee, however, that guides us through this world of misfortune, turning what should be a

THE DEATH OF STALIN

It’s a killer dark comedy AS BRUTAL dictators go, ‘Uncle Joe’ Stalin didn’t give many people much to laugh about when he was alive – but The Death of Stalin (Cert 15A, 107 mins) turns the Soviet leader’s death into a deliciously dark comedy. A cast of terrific, well-known character actors plot and panic once brutal Stalin dies, with the Kremlin thrown into chaotic, murderous (and very funny) disarray.

ORIENT EXPRESS

Takes a stab at murder

Daniel Dafoe playing a good guy? It’s just one of the features of The Florida Project – but its younger actors steal the show in a terrific film that captures the spirit of untamed youth alongside some more adult concerns.

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‘Dafoe turns in a career-best performance here as the motel’s cautious, observant and compassionate hotel manager, falling into a heedful father-figure position and even finding himself having to provide from time to time’ ---------------------------------------------------------

very sad story into a joyous, celebratory experience.

Brooklynn Prince’s breakout performance has to be seen to be believed, bursting with all of the honesty, curiosity and compassion that is innate to a six-year-old, but rarely (if ever) communicated by one on

screen.

It’s Sean Beaker’s deft, controlled direction here that brings all the joy, anger and sadness together into a wonderfully coherent and naturally told story.

While Baker’s a p p r o a c h i s s l o w, methodical and subdued, each and every frame is

bursting with life, ready to explode with all the pastel colours, clear blues and deep greens of postcard Florida.

The Florida Project will pick you up just before it throws you down, always coupling joy with sorrow, yet ensuring the former filters through just that little bit more, so that we’re left in high spirits despite many traumatic turns.

This is empathetic filmmaking at its best, raising critical questions about modern America but keeping us entertained – a light in a time of darkness that serves us to illuminate the problems, just as much as it guides us through them.

Verdict: 10/10

TO USE its full title, Murder on the Orient Express (Cert 12A, 114 mins) sees a cast of top-tier talents gathered on the titular train. When a murder most foul is disovered, brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot must choo-choose who the killer on board is ... It’s a great cast, but there’s a bit too much of Poirot (Kenneth Branagh, abive) at their expense in this opulent whodunnit.

LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE Some bricks and misses

THE LEGO movie was indeed awesome, and the LEGO Batman movie was batty fun – but the LEGO Ninjago movie (Cert G, 101 mins) is ... well, not so much. A host of well-known voices gamely try their best, but there’s something muddled at the heart of the latest LEGO film. Ninjago certainly looks the part, but despite plenty of great animation, it never builds up to any greatness.

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FEATURE YOU MAY have noticed large rather mysterious paw prints dotted around the streets of Dublin last week with the hashtag #PawsForThought.

Dogs Trust revealed it was behind the paw prints by putting their stamp under some of the oversized paw prints.

To remind people of their Christmas message that “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, the charity is urging people to “pause” and think about the lifelong commitment and responsibility that comes with owning a dog and then wait until after Christmas to consider taking on a new addition to the family.

The clever stunt was created using clean graffiti to represent the owners that wash their hands of the responsibility and commitment that comes with owning a dog.

The charity revealed that 756 people contacted Dogs Trust within the first three months after Christmas last year to relinquish their dogs, compared to 479 in the same period the previous year.

This equates to an alarming 58% increase in the number of owners looking to surrender their dogs. The charity recorded that the most common reason for someone wanting to give up their dog was that they didn’t have enough time anymore.

An example of this is Bella (right), who came to Dogs Trust as a young pup and the charity suspect that she was given to someone as a Christmas present.

Bella arrived with an eye infection, which she had been suffering with for a long time.

However tragically, in Bella’s case, her right eye was left untreated for so long that it had swollen completely shut and had to be removed.

If she had been brought to a vet at an earlier stage, this could have been prevented.

Luckily, she ended up in Dogs Trust, where she was nursed back to health, she was given lots of love and they found her, her forever home. But for some dogs there isn’t such a happy ending.

Unfortunately, with over 1,000 abandoned dogs per year coming through the charity’s doors, and thousands more the charity cannot possibly take in, people are still taking on the responsibility of dog ownership without enough consideration of what it really entails.

The charity is urging Dubliners to give the gift of life this Christmas by Sponsoring a Dog instead.

“You can save lives and give abandoned dogs the second chance that they deserve.”

To help spread their message this Christmas, Dogs Trust want people to #PawsForThought by posting their Paws or Pause Pose on social media, with pictures of them or their furry friends pausing for thought!

Speaking about the campaign, executive director, Dogs Trust, Suzie Carley said: “We hope that by spreading the message that ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas,’, we will encourage people to wait and consider adding a dog to their family in the New Year instead, when the festivities die down.”

Think before getting a pooch for Christmas HOLLY HAS HER HEART SET ON A LOVING FAMILY HOME OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Holly, a five-yearold female terrier cross who is still looking for a loving family.

This sweet lady enjoys human company and gets worried when there is nobody by her side.

On the other hand when Holly feels safe and comfortable she shows quite an independent spirit and is happy to do her own thing.

Holly would love a furry friend in the home to help her settle in, but ideally her companion would be gentle and calm.

Holly is deaf and partially blind; therefore she is looking for a sensible, understanding and patient family that is going to be able to give her all she needs. Holly will blossom living with someone who is home for most of the time, ideally someone home all day.

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.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE H&M Metallic midi shirt €50

River Island Velvet jumpsuit €95

Topshop Bonded velvet blazer €70 Arnotts Caroline Kilkenny Taylor sequin top €150

Zara Sequin dress €50

Zara Sparkle mini dress €59

SILLY SEASON STYLIN’

Mango Knot metallic skirt €36

Penneys Bag €8

Style Editor

’TIS the season of a million nights out – which means a million outfits to plan. As usual, it’s all about sparkles, metallic and velvets. And, you know what? Who cares?

Embrace the seasonal dalliance with sequins – there’s no getting away from them.

With the influx of Christmas decorations everywhere come November 1, they’re followed by the inevitable Christmas party wear in every single shop.

Infused with the usual styles this year are some of 2017’s biggest trends: statement sleeves, one shoulder, Eighties, suits ...

So, take inspiration from the year when planning outfits and don’t be afraid to get adventurous.

It is the silly season, after all ...

New Look Silver plisse jumpsuit €25

 EMMA NOLAN

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

Penneys One shoulder sequin top €15

GAZETTE

STYLE

PARIS DUBLIN

Penneys Tulle dress €17 boots €28 body suit €10

FROM

TO

SPEAKING of party wear, Dublin’s latest fashion fix, & Other Stories, has launched their celebration collection for the festive season.

Inspired by French singer/songwriter, artist, actress, model and all-around fashion muse Lou Doillion, the collection is a reflection of her wardrobe. The ultimate French It Girl, Lou is the daughter of another style icon – Jane Birkin – and the director, Jacques Doillon, and is a half-sister of Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Of the Doillion-inspired collection, designer Georgine Le Toqueux said: “I wanted to create a collection that captures the iconic sense of style associated with French women.

“Influenced by the past but reinvented for the modern woman, this collection has a touch of elegance merged with rock’n’roll, and Lou helps to tell that story beautifully with her style and attitude.”

The collection will be available in the Grafton Street store and online from the end of this month.

Prices range from a €99 velvet blazer, a €89 pair of velvet trousers and a €69 shirt to a €125 dress, a €295 pair of leather trousers and a €79 sheer blouse.

Topshop

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Captivating Croatia

From tourists on the popular Game of Thrones trail around Dubrovnik to fine cuisine off the beaten track, the Adriatic Coast is home to your next unforgettable holiday getaway

 SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

THE Adriatic Coast has long been a draw for the more discerning traveller, and one glimpse of its sparkling turquoise waters will have you completely hooked.

On a 12-day trip to Dubrovnik last month, I made the mistake of asking our tour guide what time of year is best to visit – “All year round, of course” came the bemused reply.

Croats are fiercely patriotic, and while they come across as a bit stern at first, they have a wicked sense of humour and a quick wit, and they love the Irish

banter.

The summer months are in fact the busiest – but the sunny weather comes at a price, with swarms of tourists disembarking cruise ships daily to throng the city’s Old Town.

Shoulder season (April and October) is favoured by those in the know as temperatures still climb into the 20s and tourist attractions are open, but you can avoid the crowds and higher prices of peak season.

Whilst I was expecting breathtaking scenery along the coastline, it’s no exaggeration to say I was blown away by the endless vistas with a picture-post-

card view at every turn.

We stayed in Cavtat, a charming harbour resort just ten minutes’ drive from the airport, and 45 minutes from Dubrovnik by water taxi (less by bus).

The five-star Hotel Croatia was the perfect base for exploring. It’s tucked into the hillside with com-

manding sea views and sunsets you feel you can almost reach out and touch.

The only downside is the steps leading down to the resort, but they’re well worth negotiating and can shave 10 minutes off the journey.

Despite a luxurious sun deck on the fifth floor (complete with heated indoor pool, sauna, spa and gym), it’s hard to resist the urge to explore the coastline.

W e took four trips into

A PLACE FIT FOR A KING (OR MURDEROUS QUEEN) As one of TV’s most popular dynasties, the Lannisters (including scheming Cersei, played by Lena Headey, right) have played a big part in making Game of Thrones the global hit it is – and

needing just a little CG trickery

Dubrovnik is a big star within the show. The

(above) to help create the city

city’s Old Town district has played a key role

of ‘King’s Landing’, attracting

in the show all along, with several locations

thousands of fans to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik but could easily have doubled that. And while we packed a lot in, we’d gladly have done a lot more if time permitted.

The Old Town – better known to Game of Thrones (GoT) fans as King’s Landing – is all white limestone, cobbled streets and red terracotta roofs.

Being a GoT fan, I enrolled on a half-day guided tour taking in some of the series’ b e s t known filming locations, includ-

ing Flea Bottom, the Red Keep, Little Finger’s brothel, Black Water Bay and the steps used for Cersei’s Walk of Shame.

The GoT team playfully shout “Shame!” as they pass each other in the street – and our guide, Tea (who played Peasant Number 346 in one episode) gave us the inside track on the actors with Peter Dinklage her undisputed favourite.

Things to do in Dubrovnik are many and varied – and probably too lengthy to list here – but our highlights included walking the historic city walls (be prepared for a 60-step climb, but it’s worth it) and a panoramic tour to the fortress of Mount Srd, which can also be accessed via cable car.

The city takes on a different feel after dark with restaurant tables spilling out onto the cobbled streets. If you’re undertaking the climb for the cable car, stop off at Lady Pi Pi for lunch (and look out for the interesting statue outside).

Eating a traditional Peka dish (typically lamb or beef, slow-cooked under a hot iron bell for three hours) is also a must

23 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

FOOD

GAZETTE

TRAVEL Easily accessible day trips can whisk you away to even more beautiful, striking destinations and sights – such as Mostar, in nearby Bosnia Herzegovina

Escape to the sparkling waters at laid-back Lokrum Island

Get ready for Twelve Treats as the Dylan reveals luxurious new menu

Croatia’s beaches are world-famous – and Cavtat’s have plenty to delight visitors

for all foodies – but be warned, you have to order it in advance.

As the richest city in Croatia, Dubrovnik is not cheap – but its prices are not a million miles away from what we pay here.

There is a heavy Venetian influence, which is good news for all coffee lovers. Expect to pay around €2.50 for an ice cream or a coffee, €7 for a glass of wine and €20 for a main course.

A 15-minute ferry trip to Lokrum Island is also worthwhile. Here you will find botanical gardens, an old monastery and an army of roaming peacocks, who show no hesitation in wandering right up to you and posing for a photo.

The fishing town of Mali Ston is less than an hour away and is famed for its oysters. Closer to home, the waters off Dubrovnik are speckled with more than 1,000 islands.

Daily cruises to the Elafiti group of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan are popular – as is D’Vino’s Bar as a top destination for sampling Croatian wine, which offers three locally produced vintages on its taster menu.

If you find you’re running out of cash, you can dine on the cheap at Buffet Skola, where the prsut (similar to prosciutto) sandwich is a top cheap dish.

We took a full-day tour to Montenegro with our own private driver, Bozo Crvik (www.perfect-travel-croatia.com).

It was the perfect way to travel and Bozo (pronounced Borzh) tailored the day to our needs and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the surroundings.

We stopped off for countless photo opps before spending two hours in the Old Town of Kotor. Then it was on to Buddva – a beach resort popular with the likes of Madonna and Sting just a stone’s throw from St Stephen’s Island, where parts of Casino Royale were filmed.

A day trip to Mostar in Bosnia Herzegovina was a real eye-opener. This one we did by coach, and once we’d crossed the border after a 30-minute delay, the change in the landscape was immediately apparent.

Mostar is the largest city in the Herzegovina

Dubrovnik’s architecture and streets seeped in history combine to create a breathtaking destination

region and suffered the worst damage during the war. After a tour through the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) with an English-speaking guide, we got free time to shop and eat.

Unexpected bonuses were seeing a plucky s w i m m e r t a ke t h e 24-metre dive off the Stari Most Bridge and the Aladdin’s Cave of souvenir shops stuffed with handcrafted copper, silver, stained glass, jewellery, silk and tapestries.

All too soon it was time to depart. Our Aer Lingus flight home was populated with pilgrims returning from a visit to the shrine at Medjugorje. Two women shared their experience in the perfume aisle of the duty free.

“I cried all day Thursday,” said one. The other replied: “There was one day I started crying and I literally couldn’t stop.”

I was close to tears myself, but for an entirely different reason – having to say goodbye to the imposing mountains and majestic coastline of the Croatian Riviera. Well, maybe not goodbye, more like au revoir ...

GETTING THERE Aer Lingus fly direct to Dubrovnik and several tour companies provide package deals to Cavtat. Click & Go (www.clickandgo.com) will tailor your trip, while Croatia Tours (Croatia.ie) offer multidestination holidays allowing you to split your time between Croatia and neighbouring Montenegro.

THE Dylan Hotel has launched its new Twelve Treats of Christmas Afternoon Tea menu, with the luxurious menu – created by head chef Mark Bodie – running for a limited period, until January 7.

The menu includes a lavish array of carefully crafted sweet and savoury delicacies inspired by the Christmas season, such as slow-roasted Irish turkey breast sandwiches, accompanied by Ballymaloe cranberry relish for a Christmas twist, Irish smoked salmon on soda bread with creme fresh and pomegranate, and duck liver parfait on homemade brioche.

The menu also includes freshly-baked

raisin and cinnamon scones served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and a selection of sweet treats such as the Dylan homemade Christmas pudding, served with confit ginger for a festive feel, and the Dylan’s Mini Mince Pie Lollipop, made with luxurious Cocoa Barry.

A selection of organic teas, infusion coffees and quality hot chocolate completes the Twelve Treats of Christmas, with the afternoon tea experience costing €45PP. Available seven days a week, reservations can be made through reservations@dylan.ie or by calling 01 660 3000.

Triggerfish Cookshop angles for customers looking for top quality

THE Triggerfish Cookshop has just opened its doors in Blackrock village, offering a space dedicated to cookware, kitchenware and tableware.

Owner Bob Toal says he didn’t want to call his new cookshop something bland, but he was inspired by the name of the tropical triggerfish he ate on a trip to Florida’s northwestern ‘Panhandle’ area.

His adventures in the culinary hotspots of Japan, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Lebanon and Peru

coloured his thinking for the cookshop, inspiring The Triggerfish Cookshop to focus on quality, function and design, says Bob. There will be a revolving range of products from around the culinary globe, to match each season.

Customers will also find kitchen staples including pots and pans,

bakeware, glassware, storage, cooks tools, gadgets, cook books and chef knives.

Many of the brands – including Mauviel’s copper cookware sets, Kai Shun’s Damascus steel knives from Japan, and Skagerak’s beautiful Danish wood-cutting boards – are not available anywhere else in Ireland.

The knife section, which is a real focal point of the store, will display sets of both German and Japanese knives.

For further information, see triggerfishcookshop.ie.

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Arteon and A5 go Volkswagen has a new five-door sports coupe with the Arteon that’s now also the flagship in the range. MICHAEL MORONEY has driven both the Arteon and Audi’s A5 in recent weeks and here he compares both German offerings.

Volvo XC40 gets Grafton Street pop-up shop VOLVO Car Ireland has opened Ireland’s first high street car pop up shop at 32 Grafton Street.

The new shop, which is open for a limited time, provides visitors with a chance to see Volvo’s new XC40 compact SUV, in the Scandinavian inspired shop.

The XC40 is Volvo’s first ever entry in the small premium SUV segment.

Volvo’s new XC40 D4 Momentum Pro in fusion red is housed within the unit.

Customers will be able to browse the different

Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI

Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TDI

Engine 2.0 litre 2.0 litre Engine power 150hp 150hp 0 – 100km/hr 8.9 seconds 9.1 seconds Economy 22.7km/litre 22.2km/litre (4.4/100km or 64mpg) (4.5/100km or 63mpg) Fuel Tank Capacity 40 litres 66 litres CO2 emissions 113g/km 116g/km Road Tax Band A4 €200 A4 €200 Main Service 20,000km/12 months 20,000km/12 months Euro NCAP Rating 5 star (2015) 5 star (2017) Warranty 3 years (100,000km) 3 years (100,000km) Entry Price €52,600 €49,325

paint and fabric choices on display and experience the car in ‘showroom mode’ which showcases the cars’ technology at its best.

Customers can test out the cars’ top of the range Karmon Hardin sounds system and interact with the Sensus Connect system all while enjoying some Swedish Fika in a relaxed environment.

Fika is considered a social institution in Sweden; it means having a break, most often a coffee and sweet treats, with one’s colleagues, friends or family.

It’s more than your usual coffee break – it’s a cultural institution.

Patricia Greene, Head of Communications at Volvo Car Ireland, said: “We’re very excited to bring Volvo to Grafton Street for the countdown to Christmas.

“As Ireland’s premium shopping street we feel Grafton Street is a great fit for the Volvo brand and allows us to give shoppers a truly unique experience and reach a new demographic of shoppers who may not have been overly familiar with the Volvo brand before.’

Finance focus on Alfa Romeo’s 181 offers

ALFA Romeo’s 181 offers, which are available until December 31, 2017, include Personal Contract Plan (PCP) finance, with an APR rate of just 2.9%, as well as a low rate Hire Purchase (HP) finance rate from 0%.

The most recent addition to the Alfa Romeo, the new Stelvio SUV embodies everything a true Alfa Romeo should.

Featuring 50/50 weight distribution, Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive architecture, best in class power-toweight ratios and new engine and driver technologies, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is available with 2.9% APR PCP finance or from 0% APR HP finance.

Alfa Romeo’s super-mini and hot-hatch, the gor-

geous MiTo and Giulietta are offered with PCP finance rates of 2.9% APR or HP finance starting from 0% APR.

The arrival of Volkswagen’s new Arteon provides another attractive choice for those drivers who want to combine some luxury and sporty motoring with practical family transport.

It takes the position of being the flagship of the Volkswagen range, with a new style that’s more impressive than the Passat CC of the past.

Volkswagen claims that the Arteon combines the spaciousness of a saloon

with the driving dynamics and design of a sports car and some of that I have to agree with.

I’ve had the Arteon on the road in recent weeks and followed that drive with a run in Audi’s new A5 Sportback.

Both cars have similar target markets, and that encouraged me to compare these impressive cars in terms of driving style, space and the value on offer.

The Arteon is instantly recognisable as a large car. The overall length is longer than the Audi A5 and there is significantly a feeling of spaciousness.

The rear seat passengers get a great deal in the Arteon, with the type of legroom that is characteristic of the big Skoda Superb. The fact that the Arteon is overall a marginally longer car has allowed Volkswagen to deliver more rear legroom.

The boot space is also impressive and both cars offer electric boot opening, which is a noticeable help for a boot that stretches as long as they both do. The Arteon wins out on boot space coming in at 563 litres compared with 480 litres for the A5.

The rear end styling of the Arteon is clearly new and distinctive, while that of the Audi A5 shows the signs of an upgrade, that’s still a classic. They are

Michelin gets motorists to grip for winter driving AS winter temperatures start to plummet into single figures, tyre specialists Michelin is advising motorists to fit tyres designed specifically for winter conditions with compounds that remain flexible to improve grip and braking.

The French tyre company recently launched their CrossClimate+ fitments, which are tyres built to offer improved traction on snow-covered or wet and cold roads as well as year-round performance.

These new tyres are designed to counter the changeable weather that constantly

afflicts Irish roads. Michelin claims that the new range offers the benefits of a summer tyre for dry and wet braking, energy efficiency and total mileage, while also boasting the braking performance and traction of a winter tyre on cold and snow-covered roads, with little difference in performance as the tyre tread wears down.

Following a series of UK independent tests, Michelin’s CrossClimate+ range, currently available in 15 to 18-inch sizes, has recently been named as the ‘best all-season tyre’ by magazine Auto Express.

both very attractive cars from either end; front or back.

Both the Audi A5 Sportback and the Volkswagen Arteon that I drove were powered by similar Volkswagen Group 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. They both deliver 150bhp, while the Arteon comes with marginally more engine torque.

Maybe that’s needed as the Arteon is a heavier car. Audi has shaved 85kg from the weight of the A5 compared with the model of the past, while the Arteon is more of a heavyweight.

With similar engines you can expect some performance differences between both cars, but

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Arona delivers top head-to-head SEAT Euro NCAP safety result SEAT’s new compact crossover car, the Arona has joined SEAT’s Leon and the Ibiza in achieving

tests, the new SEAT Arona has

five stars in the latest Euro NCAP

achieved excellent results, stand-

safety tests.

ing out for occupant and pedesArona driver assistance

NCAP’s demanding safety tests.

systems are also outstanding.

The efficiency of the Autonomous

NCAP prestigious and independ-

Emergency Braking (AEB) and

ent safety tests carries more

Front Assist stand out in particu-

merit each time, as they have

lar in this area.

recent months.

similar engines and performance data, and with only marginal differences in prices.

Adding any additional features might complicate a comparison, but the truth is that both cars have a lot to offer.

Making the choice between them will hardly be about performance or style, because in my view they both stand out in these features.

Your choice will be about the best deal on offer, so negotiate hard, with either the Audi A5 or the Volkswagen Arteon; you’ll be getting a stylish car that combines economy with a wow factor.

trian protection.

highest possible scores in Euro

become much more demanding in

tionality, a dedicated smartphone interface for iOS and Android devices.

The A5 comes with some new driver assistance systems, like Audi pre-sense city, and front and rear parking sensors.

The test car was the Audi A5 Sportback S-Line version and had some additional premium features, such as LED headlights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-upholstered seats, 18-inch alloys running on Pirelli Centurauto P7 245/40 R18 tyres and the sports suspension.

These impressive sport coupe cars come with the latest safety features,

In each of the sections that make up the Euro NCAP safety

Achieving five stars in Euro

Both cars come packed with the latest safety and driver technology features.

On the Volkswagen side, all Arteon models come with 18” alloy wheels, ErgoComfort seats, 8” ‘Discover Media’ Sat Nav system, predictive cruise control, park distance control, app connect, rain sensing wipers, security and service subscription and 3-zone Climatronic A/C with controls in the rear.

From the Audi side, the A5 has Audi’s latest infotainment features. These include the Audi MMI navigation system with 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging func-

the most objective way.

three flagship models, Ateca,

The Arona has achieved the

they are very marginal.

The lighter Audi A5 is marginally faster and more economical, but I doubt that you’ll notice these differences in real driving conditions.

What’s interesting is that Volkswagen fits a 60% larger capacity fuel tank as standard, meaning that you can get significant range from Arteon if you are a long distance driver.

My test drive indicated a range of over 1,100km on a full tank and the extra range makes for more pleasant longer journeys. The smaller fuel tank of the Audi may be marginally more economical, but require more frequent fuel stops.

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Through the use of its radar technology together with the

Euro NCAP puts vehicles that

latest versions of ABS and ESC, it

come onto the market through a

not only senses and acts when it

number of tests, more and more

detects other vehicles but also

rigorous each time.

pedestrians.

For example, in order to test

Taking all of this into account,

child safety protection in a reli-

it allows the car to brake in the

able way, crash test dummies are

safest and quickest way.

used to simulate for children aged between six and ten years old.

Front impact tests or side

The new SEAT Arona is another new member of the SEAT range that is part of the biggest prod-

impact tests against a Pole at 75

uct offensive ever carried out

degrees are also more severe.

by the Spanish brand in which

As well as these criteria, the

the Leon stands out with its new

range of dummies used in these

facelift, as well as the new Ibiza,

tests has increased and their

the Ateca and the soon-to-be-

biofidelity adapted in order to

seen large SUV, which will be

reflect real accident conditions in

launched in 2018.

Nissan upgrades flagship X-Trail NISSAN’S flagship crossover, the X-Trail and the brand’s best-selling model worldwide has been upgraded.

The changes include a new exterior design, enhanced cabin refinement, more practicality for owners and some additional and useful technology features.

The X-Trail will be available with ProPILOT which gives autonomous driving capability. Nissan is now also offering the SV Premium grade for the first time on the X-Trail.

It will be available with the option of a 2.0-litre diesel engine or 1.6-litre petrol engines for the first time in Ireland.

Entry prices will start from €32,150, that’s unchanged from earlier this year.

Nissan Ireland has launched the new X-Trail with a new 2.0-litre 177bhp turbo-diesel engine, which claims to have broadened the range to meet the needs

of consumers who require a higher-output engine. For the first time in Ireland the X-Trail is now also available in with a 1.6-litre 163bhp petrol engine.

The front parking sensors have been revised and they now sit completely flush to the bumper surface.

The rear bumper has been redesigned to give it a more robust look with new chrome detailing. The rear lamp signature has been upgraded to become full LED, while the parking sensors are improved, as at the front of the car.

The biggest change to the profile of the new X-Trail is the addition of a chrome side moulding across the base of the two doors. On the inside

there is a new D-shaped steering wheel with a smaller central hub than before and the three spokes are slimmer for improved instrument visibility.

Other interior upgrades add to the higher-quality ambience and increased refinement of the new X-Trail. A new leather knee pad on both sides of the centre console has been added. The air vents now feature a new gloss black surface.

The new SEAT Arona

Nissan’s two for one 181 offer NISSAN Ireland has launched a new 181 consumer offer that enables customers to buy a new Nissan Micra, Pulsar, Juke or Qashqai now and they can exchange it for the equivalent model in 2019 free of charge.

Nissan claims that this unique offer provides customers with the opportunity to purchase two new cars for the price of one and therefore benefit from an extended four-year Nissan manufacturer’s warranty, four years RAC membership.

The deal also means that you get a 191 car at 181 prices and with lower maintenance costs it will be at least two years before customers are likely to have to pay for a service.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

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LEGAL & PLANNING APPLICATION

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32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

NORTH  DUBLINGAZETTERECRUITMENT

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GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

SPORT

FastSport CAMPBELL RULED OUT OF QUALIFIERS: FORMER St Francis player Megan Campbell is likely to miss the rest of the Republic of Ireland women’s FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign after rupturing her ACL. The 24-year old suffered the injury in her right knee during Manchester City’s 2-1 UEFA Women’s Champions League victory over LSK Kvinner on Thursday night.

Campbell suffered the injury in the 54th minute of the game and is now likely to miss the rest of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ireland are set to face the Netherlands, the reigning European Champions, on Tuesday, November 28 with kick-off at 7pm (8pm local time) as they look to continue their unbeaten campaign.

BASKETBALL: ALSAA CLUB WIN CRUCIAL TABLE-TOPPING TUSSLE WITH UCD

Baker cooking up a storm with Swords Thunder win

SUPER LEAGUE ROUND-UP  sport@dublingazette.com

GRIFFITH College Swords T hunder cause an upset against UCD Marian to close the gap at the top of the men’s basketball Super League, r unning out 93-86 point winners after a superb second half performance.

A blistering fourth quarter from the home team saw Isaac Westbrooks and Travis Black impress at both ends of the court to take the win.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Swords’ Dave Baker. “We knew coming into the game how good UCD are, but we felt that if we could keep it tight going into the fourth quarter that maybe we would start asking UCD some questions that they haven’t been asked this year – and that’s what we did.”

Black Amber Templeogue meanwhile secured a big win on the road against Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, dishing up an 80-71 point victory over the hosts. A huge third quarter from Templeogue’s Mike Bonaparte paved their road

Swords Thunder coach Dave Baker

to glory and, coupled with a brilliant display from Lorcan Murphy, they just had too much for Tralee.

“It was a huge second half for us,” admitted Templeogue head coach Mark Keenan.

“We never really got going in the first half but we were still in the game.

“We keep showing a bit of character when we get down

– it’s great. Tralee is a hard place to come and get a win as everybody knows, so we’ll take it any day we get it. “ Elsewhere, Éanna overcame Pyrobel Killester in a thrilling Dublin derby – a superb second half comeback helping them to a two-point win, while a buzzer beating score from Emmet Donnelly saw DCU Saints pip UCC Demons to the

win, 80-78.

In the Women’s Super League, Cour tyard Liffey Celtics remain unbeaten at the top of the table, after a superb 66-60 win over Ambassador UCC Glanmire in Cork on Sunday afternoon.

A dazzling display from Liffey’s Jazmen Boone sent them into the lead by the end of the second quarter, and they

kept their cool to close out the win.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” said head coach Mark Byrne.

“I think this is the first time that Liffey Celtics have beaten Glanmire in Glanmire.

“You know you are always going to get a super tough game when you come down here.

“We weren’t at full strength and we didn’t play amazing, so I’m very happy we came out the right side.”

Elsewhere DCU Mercy showed no mercy as they ran out 101-37 point winners over Portlaoise Panthers.

Meanwhile, it took overtime to separate Maxol WIT Wildcats and Singleton S u p e r Va l u B r u n e l l o n Saturday evening as, despite trailing by 10 points at half time, a superb second half display saw Brunell level matters by full time (64-64) and pushed on to win 74-71 in the end.

“I was delighted to get the win in overtime, I thought we had left it behind us when we were 13 down in the fourth quarter,” said Brunell’s Francis O’Sullivan.

All roads lead of Odyssey for Sport Changes Life gig  DECLAN KING sport@dublingazette.com

Sport Change Life founder Gareth Maguire.

BA S K E T BA L L f a n s f r o m Dublin and beyond and will be heading to the Odyssey Arena in Belfast for the “Naismith Hall of Fame Basketball Classic” on December 1 and 2.

The dream of the classic is three years in the making for Sport Changes Life founder and organiser Gareth Maguire and comes to fruition in a few weeks’ time with four NCAA colleges arriving in the city.

The colleges for this year’s

first classic are Holy Cross, La Salle, Manhattan and Towson in a tournament that will be televised live by CBS Television to over 60 million in the States.

The action gets underway on Friday, December 1 at 4.30pm with Manhattan playing Holy Cross while Towson face La Salle in the second game at 7pm.

Speaking about the venture, Maguire explained the concept of the tournament and where the funds go.

“This has been three years of solid work to get things ready

but the icing on the cake was the recent announcement that CBS was on board.

“Because of the nature of our organisation Sport Changes Life, we wanted to get as much coverage as possible in America where our scholars come from. We bring scholars over each year to study, work in the organisation and play basketball throughout the country.

“When we started a number of years ago, it was a Northern based project but my wife Deirdre and I thought that we should move south as well and

we have scholars in Dublin, Carlow, Water ford, Cork, Limerick and Galway in an allIreland strategy.

“As well as studying for quality Masters Degrees, the scholars work in disadvantaged communities throughout the country” “Our philosophy is ver y simple, it doesn’t matter if the kids are Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Jew or Athiest we want to help each and every one of them to improve their lives and to give them something to look forward to.”

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Picture: Terence McCann Photography

Panthers on the prowl for new blood for 2018  JAMES HENDICOTT

SOUTH DUBLIN PANTHERS coach Steve McConnell is looking to add to his squad as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing minority sports, American football, goes through its off season.

The Panthers (formerly the Dublin Dragons) have been running since 2001, making them one of the oldest sides in Ireland, but the sport has grown to surprising local strength in recent years, with a total of around 20 different sides competing across three divisions.

McConnell is keen to invite potential players along to sessions, and those with an interest in the sport can be encouraged by the diverse types of athlete that can fit into the game.

“American Football really is the sport for everyone,” he tells us. “The bigger stronger guys, the smaller, faster guys and everyone in between.

Since the positions can be so specific there really is a fit for most people.

“Obviously, we’re looking for the best athletes we can find, guys with previous experience in rugby or GAA make the transition really well, as there are a lot of transferable skills.

“The Panthers are in the unique position of having a large enough squad to field two teams.

We have a development team which will play in the lower division in 2018. So while we’re looking for the best athletes we can, we also have an eye on the future for guys getting back to fitness or guys who might not have played an organised sport before. We can invest the time to develop those guys too which is a real positive for us,“ he explains.

As well as training twice a week, the Panthers also have classroom and online sessions to teach tactics. Between them, the club’s coaches have over 100 years of experience in the sport, but there’s also a heavy social element to the club.

While the Panther’s will keep sessions going right through the winter, the competitive season gets back underway in the New Year, making this the perfect time to experience a more casual offseason take on the sport and decide if it’s for you.

No experience required.

To get in touch with the South Dublin Panthers, visit their website at southdublinpanthers. com.

Boucher pouches over - time winner for Glens

Tallaght club lead the way in men’s EY Hockey Legaue with unbeaten run rolling into seventh week; Three Rock keep their winning streak going but Monkstown stunned by Dale  STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com

SHANNON Boucher smashed home a 68th minute goal to continue Glenanne’s brilliant start to the men’s EY Hockey League season, ensuring that Banbridge’s woes also carry on with just two wins from nine games this term.

Boucher’s mid-circle finish completed the Glens’ second comeback from 2-0 down this season to keep their lead at the top of the rankings.

Bann, meanwhile, suffered five green cards and two yellows in the last five minutes to finish the game with nine players.

Fraser Mills put Bann in front 10 minutes in when he snapped up a rebound created by Neil Gilmore’s shot. Zach McClelland and Bruce McCandless went close to second goals before Mark Barlow scored his first senior goal in the 29th minute with

another rebound for 2-0.

Boucher pulled one back before half-time from close range to put the game back in the mix and they started the second half with a couple of corners that Bann did well to charge down.

Gareth Lennox made a superb double save to keep out another to keep it at 2-1 going into the final quarter but a stroke a minute into the last stanza got Glenanne on terms, Shane O’Donoghue scoring.

Two more Glens corners were denied while Bann had a couple of great chances to go back in front, the biggest one from an Alexander Tinney break. Jamie Wright and Mills, though, both were shown yellow in the last four minutes with Boucher scoring the winner.

It keeps the Tallaght club at the top of the table by three points, ahead of 2016 champions Lisnagarvey.

Rathfarnham’s Three Rock Rovers remain in third place thanks to their 4-1 win over Cookstown.

Three Rock comfortably made it three wins in succession despite the absence of six first team regulars – Daragh Walsh, Ross Canning, Harry Morris, Richard Pautz, David Kane and James Walker.

Mitch Darling started the scoring in the 21st minute before Conor Empey added the second six minutes before halftime.

A Darling deflection made it three in the third quarter and Ben McCrea scored his first for Rovers since his return from UCD, getting on the end of a good counter-attacking move. Stu Smyth pulled one back from a corner with eight minutes to go for scant consolation for the Co Tyrone club.

Monkstown, however, were unable to keep the

good run going for Dublin clubs as they were stunned by Annadale who recorded their biggest win of the campaign to date, winning 2-0 at the Merrion Fleet Arena, bumping Dale up two places to seventh spot.

The Carryduff side showed their hunger for the battle with two early circle incursions leading to corners which David Fitzgerald repelled.

Aaron Bailey, in reply, made two brilliant runs that brought former Town keeper Nick Holman into play, saving at the feet of Shane Nolan.

Annadale went in front in the 18th minute when Peter Caruth – against his former club – made a superb run that ended up with Fitzgerald saving.

Monkstown goalkeeper Dave Fitzgerald makes a save, left; Stephen Cole, right, launches an overhead pass . Picture: Deryck Vincent

Caruth recovered the ball and slapped to the back post where former Kilkeel man David Tremlett was on hand to tap in.

They held that lead into the big break courtesy of a Holman save from a Guy Sarratt drag-flick.

The lead was extended to 2-0 13 minutes into the second half following a slightly fractious start to the second half in which David Cole got a green and then a yellow card, the latter leading to a corner which Rhiley Carr flicked into the bottom right corner.

From there, Dale frustrated Monkstown who piled forward, winning a couple of corners, one of which was saved off the line but could not break through.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

ICE HOCKEY: BLANCH CLUB BACK ON ICE FOR THE WINTER MONTHS

Tridents in action against Tolka. Picture: Martin Doherty

Tridents flying high on all fronts with senior wins TRIDENTS Basketball Club’s two senior teams in the Dublin ladies league continued their successful seasons last week.

First up, the Division One side welcomed DCU Mercy to ITB on Tuesday night for a league game. Mercy started well with Niamh Kelly hitting some big baskets to give the away team a 10-point lead at half time.

Captain Sarah Cusack led the fight back in the second half with some crucial baskets.

Leanne Kessi, Grainne McGlade and Niamh Doherty contributed some great scores to cap off a great fight back and a victory on a score of 59-51.

In Senior 2 action, Tridents’ team continued its winning ways with a 50-26 win over Dublin Lions in Clondalkin. Tridents used an 18-1 third quarter to pull away from the Lions.

It was a well-balanced attack with every player on Tridents scoring.

The team was led by Carol McDaid with 17 points, Treasa Madigan with seven, and Sarah Breathnach with six. Alannah McGurk continued her fine rebounding with 9 rebounds.

The team has won their first four games this season.

Elsewhere, the club’s Under-18 team gave a fine performance vs. first place and unbeaten Tolka Rovers.

Trailing by 15 points, the team fought with a fine comeback but came up seven points short, losing by a score of 49-42. Ciara Mulligan led Tridents with 24 points while Ciara McDermott contributed with eight points.

The Flying Ducks during a recent challenge match

A day in the life of a Flying Duck  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

THE FLYING Ducks ice hockey team have outlined a “weekend in the life” of the side, as they continue a campaign to bring a permanent ice rink to the country.

The Blanchardstown based side train largely on inline skates, and travel to Belfast to compete on ice, presenting a host of logistical problems. The sport is growing in Ireland, however. A national side has grown into international competition, though in the absence of a home venue, they compete entirely with other countries with no access to appropriate facilities, meeting annually for a tournament.

Will Fitzgerald, the club’s vice president, outlined a typical problem weekend, explaining the issues faced by their passionate players. The first Ducks set off for a training session from Athlone at 4am. They’ll be playing in Ice Skating Blanchardstown, their temporary home (open November to January), starting at 7am, and have to complete all their training before 10am when the rink opens to the general public.

The Under-10s start early, with fitness training with Under-12s following, and then skills development with the under-18s.

Many pay to return to the ice with the public following the training sessions.

Later on the same Saturday afternoon, sev-

eral players head over to Longford to try out for the Irish squad, squeezing in a double training day in a bid to get an international look in.

Sunday is game day, though there’s also the pre-public trip to the ice to be enjoyed. This time it’s off to the Tallaght Stadium as children as young as three join the Under-12 and Under-18 sides in occupying the ice until the 10am general opening once again.

Meanwhile, the Flying Ducks women’s team are taking part in a first ladies tournament, but it’s not on ice. The ladies league has begun with inline hockey, and hopes to move to ice shortly.

The start of the new league is the result of

what Fitzgerald describes as “a number of highly motivated people that want to see ladies hockey take off”.

The club have been trying to get the attention of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, pointing out that Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau made time for the club when they visited Canada, but Varadkar has yet to do so.

Irish ice hockey advocates around the men’s league have identified several possible locations for a permanent rink and believe that, with investment, there is the desire in the city for a facility to take off fast, and setup could be affordable and profitable.

For now, though, the Flying Ducks are one of

several groups running a club that has a three hour round trip for ice approximately nine months of the year. It’s hard work, but at least there’s local facilities for now.

“I’ve been skating and playing hockey since the early 80s, I’m hitting 50 this year, still no rink in Ireland,” Fitzgerald says.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we were able to do what we did this special weekend, every weekend?”

“If we had only one ice rink, just one, that would be lovely santa. We survive and keep our sport alive against huge odds.

Our kids travel thousands of kilometres each year for hockey. Some even leave home to chase their dream. One day it will happen.”

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: THREE WINS IN A ROW IN LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1

FASTSoccer GIRLSSoccer

Xxxx

Leonard and Ring make their mark in Leinster’s interpro challenge Swords Celtic have been storming through the leagues in recent years

Kennedy plotting the rise of Swords Celts LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1 Home Farm Swords Celtic  KARL GRAHAM

2 4

sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS Celtic made it three wins from three in the LSL Senior 1 Sunday with a 4-2 victory over Home Farm in Whitehall last weekend – dragging themselves back into promotion contention.

Shaun O’Brien gave Swords the lead when he intercepted a back pass, but Bradley Hand equalised for the home side 10 minutes before the break.

O’Brien restored his side’s lead in the second half after he latched onto Andrew Timmons’ sublime through ball, before Sean Kelly gave them a two-goal cushion from the spot after Calvin Dooney was pushed over in the box.

Home farm pulled one back with 10 minutes remaining but Niall Tormey wrapped up the win late on.

“In fairness to Home Farm, they are a young side and they battle hard,” Swords manager Brendan Kennedy told GazetteSport. “They give you a game but we are on the back of a couple of good results so we are going there confident in terms of looking to get the three points.

“It was an even enough first half, not many chances in it. To be fair, we came out in the second half and felt we needed to press on a little harder. I thought we could have played better and we upped it in the second half. I think we deserved to win the game in the end.”

When asked if his side was finally starting to find

their rhythm after a slow start to the season, Kennedy was quick to point out there is still a lot of work to do.

“We are not there yet, we still have a couple of lads out injured. We had a lot of guys away on holiday and college trips during pre-season. Really, the first five to six weeks of the league, for us, was like our pre-season.

“I went in for the first time this year and I have introduced a different system and a totally different training program that the lads wouldn’t be used to so the main objective was to make sure that we finished comfortable in the league without having any last days jitters of relegation. Once we achieve that goal, the next one is to be in the top half of the table or top six come Christmas. After

that, we will see what happens.”

Kennedy also spoke about the long-term plan the club put in place when he took the reigns in June.

“When I sat down with the committee, we worked out a project and a plan. We wanted to stabilise the Sunday section of the club. A lot of players have come and gone and they have had a lot of manager changes as well so we are looking to utilise the very, very strong schoolboy section and schoolboy committee who are doing a fantastic job.

“The main aim would be was to try and stabilise what we are doing and push forward. Put a football programme in place that will enable us to go from strength to strength.”

TWO local players represented Leinster as they lost out to Connacht in the final of the Under-15 Girls Interprovincial championship at the AUL Complex last weekend.

Emma Ring from Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan and Zoe Leonard from Hartstown Community School were present as Connacht ran out 2-0 winners to deny Leinster their sixth title in a row.

Connacht went into the game knowing a draw with suffice – while Dublin required a win - to see them lift the trophy, but they hit the ground running and took the lead after seven minutes.

Dubliner Rugile Askainyte showed bravery to keep out the initial effort from Anna Fahey but there was nothing she could do to prevent Kate O’Dowd’s follow-up finding the net at the far post.

The westerners then went 2-0 up six minutes before the break when Abbie Callanan gave Akainyte no chance with a tidy finish. They could have been three down early into the second half was it not for Akainyte denying Fahey from a one-on-one situation.

Leinster fought hard in search of a route back into the game but, despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the second period, they struggled to trouble the Connacht defence and time eventually ran out for them.

The reigning champions had gotten their tournament off to a good start with a 1-0 win over Munster last Friday, with Rathcoole student Rachel McGrath grabbing the winner early in the second half.

The following day Leinster secured their second win with two late goals against Ulster. Maria Reynolds opened the scoring nine minutes from time before Della Doherty found the net with a magnificent strike from 30 yards six minutes later.

Ring and Leonard will now be hoping to be named in the international squad when the management team get together to construct a panel from the four provinces. New international manager Richard Berkeley will select a squad of 30 players for the first phase of trials at Abbotstown this weekend.

The final team will then be picked for the Bob Docherty Cup due to take place in March of next year.

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GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017

SPORT

FOOTBALL: NORTH COUNTY CLUB THROUGH TO LEINSTER INTER FINAL

FASTGAA

Boughal brilliance LEINSTER IFC SEMI-FINAL Ballyboughal 3-7 Curraha 0-15  sport@dublingazette.com

St Maur’s on the attack. Picture: Steven Dagg

Maur’s hopes dashed ST MAUR’S hopes of landing the Dublin AFL Division 1 title were dashed 2-14 to 0-12 at Parnell Park as two Aidan Jones goals did the damage in the second half.

The sides were level at the break, 0-7 each, before Jones’ goals put Crokes on the road to victory. Kilmacud started the better with both Paul Mannion and Mark Vaughan picking off a brace of points and with ten minutes to go to half-time, the Stillorgan side were 0-7 to 0-3 to the good. Maur’s battled back over the conclusion of the half with Chris Carthy kicking four unanswered points to bring the sides level by the interval.

Callum Pearson edged Crokes back in front early in the second period before then setting Jones up for his opening goal. When Pat Burke added a point Crokes were five clear but back came Maur’s again with scores from Carthy and Ciarán Reddin.

With 20 minutes to play wing-back Jones fired to the net again and effectively seal victory.

B A L LY B O U G H A L reached the Leinster club intermediate football championship final after beating Curraha by 3-7 to 0-15 on home turf last weekend.

Curraha enjoyed the lion’s share of chances but Ballyboughal’s clinical attitude in front of goal saw them through.

The north county side suffered a blow early on in the first half when they lost midfielder Cathal Flynn to injury, but the influence of Richie Downey and Keith Lynch ensured they didn’t suffer too much from his absence.

Curraha looked to use the skill of James McAntee up front but Jonathon

Rooney was giving the task of man-marking the county senior, and did so to great effect.

The home side led by 1-4 to 0-5 going into the break with the goal coming from the boot of Ben Callanan after getting through one-on-one with keeper Luke McCarthy 30 minutes in. It came at the perfect time for Ballyboughal as Curraha were looking to dominate the game.

The second half started with neither side able to take control, but Curraha’s desire to use the short kick-out came back to bite them when they lost the ball and the in-form Gary Seaver punished them by finding the back of the net.

Curraha kicked themselves back into the game to trail by just a point but Ballyboughal once again

Ballyboughal in action against Curraha last weekend

hit a three pointer at the perfect time thanks to a fine team move.

Wing-forward Ciaran Wynne started it off when he picked up the ball from deep in his own half before finding Seaver with a long pass forward. Seaver went past his marker with ease and played an inch-perfect ball into the path of Jack Ryan, who finished past McCarthy.

Time was now running out for Curraha and John

Rogers made their task more difficult when he split the posts from distance.

Curraha were not about to give up, however, and produced an excellent spell of high pressure to bring themselves back to within one point with two minutes of injury time still to play.

Despite their opponents putting them under intense pressure, Ballyboughal kept their nerve

and chose to hold onto possession rather than needlessly kick it away.

The winners will now face Wexford champions Kilanerin in the final at Gorey’s Pairc Ui Shiochain this Saturday after they got the better of St Mary’s.

If Ballyboughal secure victory they will become the first Dublin side to do win at this level since neighbours Fingal Ravens in 2007.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers Childcare, has moved indoors to Castleknock Community College for the winter.

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

Congratulations to our minor hurlers who won the C championship final against Na Fianna (Castleknock 0-18, Na Fianna 0-13).

Well done to our minor ladies who overcame neighbours St Brigid’s in their camogie championship semi-final, 4-5 to 1-5. Great performances from all the girls.

Their final will be this Sunday, November 26 at 12.30pm in Parnells GAA. Good luck girls.

The club’s AGM will take place on Monday, November 27 at 8pm in the Castleknock Hotel. All registered adult full members are eligible to attend, participate and vote at the AGM. No winner of our lotto jackpot with thanks to Rialto

Ford. Numbers were 4, 14, 27 and 29. No match three winners. Lucky dip winner was Laura Materson who takes home €30. Our new jackpot is €3,400 with the next draw in the Carpenter on November 23.

ERIN GO BRAGH

NO WINNER of our lotto jackpot which is €10,000.

Please support as these funds are vital for the running of our club. Numbers drawn were 6, 12, 15 and 26.

Congrats to Sean Byrne and Lara McGuinness on both winning our €50 bonus this week.

To celebrate our end of season party, we are giving away a guaranteed €1,000 plus a chance to win our jackpot. Tickets can be bought in the Spar and Paddocks and at the clubhosue at 8.50pm on Friday morning. Tickets are only €2 each or three for €5. Draw will take place on Saturday night.

Our end of season

Christmas party is on Saturday, November 25 and tickets are now on sale for €10. It has been a very successful season, so it is time to celebrate these achievements. Tickets can be bought from Margaret McGrath on 087 77871935 or on Tuesday and Thursday evening in Ongar astro from 6-7pm from Maria Hayes.

Please note our AGM will take place in our clubhouse on Wednesday, November 29 at 8pm sharp.

All club members are asked to attend, this is your club and this is your opportunity to get involved and help the club to grow and prosper.

Well done to our U-16 footballers who beat Crumlin and this result copper fastened third place in Division 5 for Erin go Bragh in a division that was tightly contested throughout the year.

Please note all tickets for the mational club draw have to be returned no later than November 30.

Our end of season party

for our younger members will take place on Sunday, December 3. Nursery children can visit Santa in his grotto between 12 to 1pm and U-8 to U-11 teams between 1 and 2pm. End of season awards for all our juvenile teams from U-8s upwards will take place between 2-4pm in Castaheany Community Centre.

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 hurlers are looking for a manger; if you are interested, please contact pro.eringobragh. dublin@gaa.ie.

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 in from 11.30am - 12.45pm, and Tuesday evening from 6-7pm in Phibblestown hall. Please contact Donal Quinn on 086 380 1621 for further details.

FINGALLIANS

AGM: Our meeting took place on Thursday night.

The following is the elected and re-elected committee: Tony Gordon, chairman; Brendan McGrath, vice chairman; John McGee, secretary; Aidan Scully, treasurer; Cáit NíCheallaigh, assistant secretary; Feargal O’Hanrahan, assistant treasurer; Derry Murphy, adult games chairman; Paul Carney, juvenile games chairman; Nicola Fitzgerald, ladies games chairperson and Paul Gormley, PRO. New adult camogie team: Our camogie section will register an adult team for the 2018 season. If interested, please drop an email to camogiefingllians@

gmail.com for more information or come down to our training sessions on Tuesday nights at 8pm on the ball wall.

Siopa an Chlub: The club shop will open this Tuesday from 7-8pm and on Saturday morning from 10am to 12pm (these are the final date from Xmas orders).

U-14 girls in Belfast.

Thanks to Naomh Gall GAA for hosting our U-14 girls on a fantastic day out. We look forward to returning the courtesy asap.

Cailíní fé 14 i mBéal Feirste.

GRM ag CLG Naomh Gall as lá den scoth a thabhairt dúinn.

Ag súil go mór le bhúr gcuairt orainn comh luath is féidir.

2018 Membership: A new facility has been created on the club’s SmartCard system that allows you to start putting money aside for 2018 membership. If you wish to build up a fund, you can ask the bar staff to top up the ‘Membership Purse’ on your card.

The money placed on the ‘Membership Purse’ cannot be used for bar purchases

but only against membership in January 2018. If you need any more details, please talk to Feidhlim or one of the committee members.

Winter Bar Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 6-11pm, Thursday 6-11.30pm, Friday 6pm to 12am, Saturday 3pm to 12.30am and Sunday 1-11pm. the winter timetable will run until Monday, March 5 2018. Kids must be off the premises by 9pm.

The main pitch is now closed until February 2018.

During the closure, remedial works repairs will take place.

An Phríomh Pháirc: Tá an phríomh pháirc dúnta anois go dtí Mí Feabhra 2018. Idir an dá linn beimid ag déanamh deisiú agus athchóiriú uirthi.

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-11 will follow from 1-3pm in the main hall.

Our Irish language group: Each Wednesday at 9pm in the club bar and it is suitable for all levels. Great free service open to everyone.

23 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

HURLING: CASTLEKNOCK WIN BLUE AND GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDER

Castleknock take flight MINOR C HURLING FINAL Castleknock 0-18 Na Fianna 0-13  PADDY HEWSON sport@dublingazette.com

CASTLEKNOCK seized the minor C hurling championship title with a 0-18 to 0-13 win over north Dublin rivals Na Fianna last Sunday.

Played out only yards from the Dublin airport runway at Collinstown, C a s t l e k n o c k ’s f l i g h t plan brought them to their destination of a championship title in some style.

With the odour of jet fuel hanging heavy in the air, the match got underway for what was a high octane first half.

The Somer ton club’s title hopes soon ran into some turbulence as Na Fianna marksman Eamonn Potter scored the first of his 10 scores after five minutes to set the Mobhi Road side on

their way.

P o t t e r ’s f i r s t f e w points from frees went without reply and it fell to Cian Corcoran to set up Robert McCormack for Castleknock’s first score.

McCormack in turn set up Sam Ryan for Knock’s second point.

With Na Fianna finding scores from play hard to come by, Potter continued to punish Castleknock with accurate free taking.

Equaliser Castleknock’s Conor M a g e e ’s f i r s t s c o r e , though, brought the s i d e s l e ve l a t t h r e e apiece and both sides saw out the half with a fur ther three each i n cl u d i n g o n e f r o m Knock’s Ciaran Murphy, who was surely man of the match, to leave the sides at 0-6 each at the break.

The second half

Further info from Liam on 086 381442. Tagann ár nGrúpa Comhrá le chéile gach oíche Céadaoin sa bhéar ag a 9.

Oiriúnach do chách. Saor in aisce. Tuilleadh eolas ó Liam086 3814422 Bloodbank diary date: The mobile blood bank will be in the club on Saturday.

December 23. Times to follow.

Dublin ladies U-14 team: Following a very successful year with the Dublin ladies football U-13 development panel, Shay O’Reilly and Sandra O’Brien have been ratified as part of the management team for the 2018 Dublin team.

Dublin ladies minor team: Pauline Dempsey has also been ratified as FLO (Female Liaison Officer) for the 2018 Dublin ladies football minor intercounty team working alongside Bobby McNulty and Greg McGonigle. This follows her excellent work as FLO for this year’s Dublin ladies football U-17 development panel.

Heffernan McCool Irish Dance Academy: Each Saturday in the club from

saw the blue and yellow championship title project take off as they reversed a wide count concern from the first half and scored three points from frees before Na Fianna got up to match tempo.

Brian O’Leary scored

first for Na Fianna and Potter soon added to his tally but a string of Castleknock frees from Conor McGee put the Somerton side in the driving seat.

Now cr uising, the Dublin 15 outfit pulled away with two points

from Cian Corcoran and a nice point from distance for Darragh Warnock. A tenacious Na Fianna side stuck to their task until the end but Knock were able to navigate their way to a win and another championship title.

MINOR B SHIELD

Brigid’s power through ST BRIGID’S minor hurlers beat Naomh

Mearnog 3-9 to 1-9 in the B championship shield semi-final, setting up a final showdown with Faughs next Sunday at 11am in Tymon North.

Faughs won out in their semi-final at Pairc ui Bhriain when they ran up a 1-14 to 0-11 victory over Naomh Olaf.

Pictures: Martin Doherty

Castleknock’s James Tolan on the charge. Picture: Shay Hogan

CLUB NOTICEBOARD 12.30pm – 1.30pm dancing for boys and girls aged 4+ (main hall). For further detail, please contact Sinead on 085 1394509 or sineadmccool@ gmail.com.

Lotto: Numbers 10, 19, 28, 32 and 33. We had no winner.

The jackpot this Tuesday will be €3,771.

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN

ALL quiet on the playing fields for our adult teams as the year draws to a close.

However we are already looking forward to next season and we welcome those who have joined for 2018 and, of course, membership is open to all both Garda and civilian for all our teams.

The next big event is the gala dinner and awards night on Friday, December 1 at Westmanstown Sports Centre. There are still some tickets available from Janet Mitten and her organising sub committee - don’t be disappointed, get yours now.

The U-9s kept the blue flag flying on Saturday with two teams taking part in The St Kevin’s November Cup giving some great displays.

Well done to all concerned players, coaches and parent.

Don’t forget the club shop when thinking of Christmas presents. Lots of nice club gear for all to make a suitable stocking filler-open on Saturdays from 10-11.30am.

NAOMH PEREGRINE

WHAT a fantastic morning in St Peregrine’s on Saturday with 128 kids in attendance for training and fun as Gaeilge with our Guest Dublin players; Emmett ó Conghaile, Emer Ní Éafa, Liam Rush and Eric Lowndes.

The event was another success this year in the club and the kids had a ball as always and had the opportunity to learn and use their cúpla focail as gaeilge!

Well done and thank you to our organisers and volunteers.

The Social, Community and Culture Committees put in a great deal of work in organising the morning.

Special mention to 65 Hurls for their prize donations for spot prizes. Their equipment is top quality and available in our Club Shop. Pictures and Videos are on our Facebook page.

Well done to our Minor Camogie team who had an impressive win against Maurs away from home on Sunday.

Reminder: AGM November 27 in the main hall.

Our annual Mass for deceased members will take place on December 4 in the clubhouse at 8pm.

There was no winner of last nights’ lotto. Numbers drawn were 4, 14, 21 and 23.

Next week’s jackpot is €2,400.

ST BRIGID’S

NURSERY is on Saturday from 9.30 to 11am with all four to seven-year-olds very welcome. Christmas

party for the nursery is on December 10.

The minor hurlers have progressed to their final and are due to meet Faughs in the final, no details as yet. Keep an eye out on the web.

There was no lotto jackpot winner last week and the lotto draw this week will be on Thursday, November 23 in The Roselawn Inn. The jackpot will be €6,800. Thank you to our brilliant lotto committee and to all who support St Brigid’s lotto.

All players from the junior football team who won Division 4 in 1991/92 (mentors Patsy Phelan, Sean O’Carroll and Paddy Duffy) are invited to a reunion evening in Russell Park on Friday, November 24.

Music and food provided. Any queries, ring Donal Smyth on 085 1743853 or Liam Keating on 087 2512096.

Award 1 coaching course continues this weekend.

GAA National Draw tickets are now available. All funds generated from the draw will be for club facilities and equipment.

All team mentors will have

tickets for members and players over the next few weeks while there will also be tickets for sale behind the bar.

This year’s AGM will be on December 3 at 6.30pm in Russell Park.

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

ST FINIAN’S

THE AGM took place on Thursday evening and the following officers were elected to serve on the executive committee for 2018: Chairperson – Jim Conway, Secretary – Paul Burke, Treasurer – Shay Collins, Vice Chair – Ian Fahey, PRO – James Freeman, Registrar – Ciaran Donohoe, Assistant Treasurer – Paul Dever, Children’s Officer – Sharon Callinan, Players Representative – Vinny Foley. Barry Shelly, Nuala Halpin and Fiona Cronin were also elected to serve on the executive.

The Juvenile Chair, LGFA/ Camogie Chair & Irish Language and Cultural Officer will be nominated by the incoming committee.

Congratulations to those elected and best wishes to the Executive for 2018.

Congratulations to the U-7 2010 girls who played their first camogie match as a new team versus Naomh Mearnog on Saturday. The girls were assisted in their coaching

by Zoe Galligan, Ellie Kane and Grace Murray from the U-15 camogie championship winning team and this was shown in the skill levels which were on display by the U-7s.

In fact, all members from the U-15 camogie team are currently busy coaching other underage camogie teams in the club.

There will be a CPSA (Child Protection in Sport Awareness) course taking place in the clubhouse on Tuesday, December 12. It is essential for all coaches working with children to complete this course. Please contact Paul Lyons 087 176 1302 to book a place.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 23 November 2017