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DublinGazette NORTH EDITION

2017

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SEE INSIDE FOR OUR LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE TOP STORIES ACROSS DUBLIN

SPORT 2017’s year in review 28-31

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MARCH: THE NATION IS SHOCKED AT THE LOSS OF FOUR RESCUE 116 HEROES, WITH TWO OF THE LOST CREW FROM DUBLIN AUGUST: IT’S THE END OF THE ROAD FOR MANY OF TEMPLE BAR’S COBBLES AS THEY FACE REMOVAL TO MAKE THE AREA MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL OCTOBER: CROWDS GATHER AT DUBLIN AIRPORT TO HELP GIVE IBRAHIM HALAWA A WELCOME HOME AS HIS EGYPTIAN PRISON NIGHTMARE FINALLY ENDS

SOLIDARITY PARTY CALL FOR ACTION OVER DAMASTOWN SITE

‘Put 1,135 homes at council-owned land’  SYLVIA POWNALL

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

DO YOU REMEMBER...

Picture: RTE Player

THE YEAR IN REVIEWP6

JANUARY 4-10, 2018

THE Solidarity Party is calling for the last council-owned land bank in Dublin 15 to be used to provide 1,135 social and affordable homes.

The ambitious proposal for 75 acres owned by Fingal County Council at Damastown, Mulhuddart provides for 835 houses and 300 apartments at a cost of €174 million.

The local authority is expected to

reveal its own plans for the land at an upcoming council meeting – but Solidarity fears it will favour a ‘mixed tenure’ scheme which will see up to 80% of it privately developed at market prices.

An online petition calling for the Solidarity-proposed ‘Damastown Village’ has gained almost 500 signatures in the week since it was launched.

Continued on Page 2

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 4 January 2018

HOUSING CRISIS | ‘WE NEED TO DEVELOP DAMASTOWN – NOW’

Councillors slam lack of action on D15 homes Continued from Page 1

In a video presentation supporting the scheme, Deputy Ruth Coppinger said: “Dublin 15 is a homeless[ness] and housing black spot. Public lands need public homes and we need to develop Damastown now.

“Solidarity is demanding that these lands are kept for social and affordable homes.”

Party colleague Cllr Matt Waine added: “The total cost of our proposal is €174 million, half of which will be covered by affordable mortgages and the remainder will come from Fingal’s own capital budget and the Department of

the Environment.

“This is [An Taoiseach] Leo Varadkar’s own constituency and he thinks €315,000 is an affordable mortgage, a three-bed house in Damastown would cost €170,000.

“The Government keep saying that money is not a problem – how then is this ambitious proposal not possible when Apple owes €19bn?”

Under the plan, a total of 835 houses and 300 apartments would be built – half earmarked for social housing and the remainder available on an affordable mortgage scheme.

The council has already engaged a design team to draft plans delivering

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‘Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) revealed that a recent study estimated it would cost almost €23bn more to house people through HAP for the next 30 years than it would to build the social housing needed to clear the waiting list’

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roughly the same number of housing units – but there are growing concerns that most of the land will be sold to private developers.

Separately, councillors have voiced criticism of the HAP rent support scheme which delivered just 385 tenancies in Fingal between March and December 2017.

Cllr Natalie Treacy (SF) said: “It’s only a sticking plaster to the real problem.

I don’t feel it’s working. Is it acceptable to offer HAP and then no other supports?”

Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) revealed that a recent university study estimated it would cost almost €23bn more to house people through HAP for the next

30 years than it would to build the social housing needed to clear the waiting list. “That figure is staggering,” he said.

Cllr Philip Lynam (SF) agreed, adding: “If you want the answer to HAP, just start building social houses and put families in them. Simple. There’s your answer.”

However, Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind) said the issue had less to do with HAP than the shortage of housing stock.

She said: “Stop attacking landlords. It [HAP] worked when there was supply. The reason it’s not working now is because there are not enough houses.”

FASTNews

Picture: Google Maps

The end of a bad bend at Hearse Road could be nigh PLANS for the realignment of a 500m stretch of road at an accident black spot in Donabate are being finalised, according to Fingal County Council.

Work to make safe a dangerous bend on the Hearse Road (above) will get under way in the summer or autumn of 2018, officials have reported.

They were responding to a query from Cllr Adrian Henchy (FF) at an area council meeting who asked that the “notorious accident black spot” be made a top priority and addressed from a traffic safety point of view. Officials said tender documents for the road works are being finalised and talks around the purchase of land needed are ongoing with the landowner.

The report said: “Following agreement on the transfer of lands, the project will be tendered with a commencement date in Q2/Q3 of 2018. Expenditure on this project has been allowed for within the 2018 Capital Works Programme.”

Harassment charge plea to be entered in February A PORTMARNOCK man accused of harassing RTE news reader Sharon Ni Bheolain is due to enter a plea at his next court sitting in February.

Conor O’Hora, 40, from Heather Walk, Portmanock, is charged with harassing the news anchor at various locations between October 2013 and February 2014. He also faces charges of possessing child pornography in text communications and images.

Mr O’Hora was served with a book of evidence at the district court on December 20 and his case was sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court.

At his first appearance the district court heard that in reply to the charge after caution he had nothing to say.

The case is due back before the courts on February 20 when Mr O’Hora will enter his plea on the three charges.

Cheers, Charlie, for supporting charities

THREE cheers for charitable Charlie Humphries, who showed some great community and Christmas spirit when he helped make the annual Portmarnock Christmas Day Swim a success.

Charlie joined lots of other swimmers braving the chilly waters in the popular traditional dip, with everyone keen to support this year’s chosen charities: St Francis Hospice in Raheny, and Aoibheanns Pink Tie, which provides support and care to patients and families.

Starting at 11am, mulled wine was gratefully downed by the adult swimmers after their plunge, but Charlie was happy to get a very well-deserved hug (and warm, dry clothes) from his family.

Support the tractor-ific fundraiser for D15 hospice A TRACTOR run in aid of St Francis Hospice takes place this Sunday, January 7, from the Man O War pub at 12 noon.

The fundraiser – now an annual tradition – is organised by Barney Greene and a team of supporters who raised a staggering €7,085 last year.

All are welcome to come out along the route and show support. For further details see the Facebook page – barneygreenetractorrun.

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

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MALAHIDE: CHARITABLE PRANKSTERS PRAISE THE COMMUNITY FOR HELPING TO SUPPORT LATE LOCAL’S LEGACY

‘Thank yours-Elf for all you did to honour Ross’  SYLVIA POWNALL

In their Facebook video (above), Martin Mills and business partner Duncan McKenzie pay tribute to everyone who helped their Christmas Elf support the foundation set up in honour of the late Ross Nugent (left)

THE team behind the Christmas Elf venture in Malahide have vowed to return next December with an “even better” series of pranks.

Business ow ners Michael Mills and Duncan McKenzie – the brains behind the initiative – have thanked the local community for supporting the Elf in his fundraising endeavours.

Elfie’s madcap capers, which included a garda chase through the town, a Rocky-style gym work-

out, a clamping fiasco and a recreation of the iconic Titanic bow of the ship scene, raised funds and awareness for The Ross Nugent Foundation.

Local teenager Ross died of a rare cancer called Ewings Sarcoma and his parents pledged to continue raising money for the oncology ward at Beaumont Hospital after his tragic death.

Duncan said: “We just want to say thanks so much to everyone who’s opened their doors to us. All the smiles, all the

craic, all the donations we’ve received.

“Everyone has been brilliant and we’ve had great craic doing this for the whole of December.”

Support Donations can still be made by texting ROSS to 50300 (€2 pledge), through the Christmas Elf Facebook page, or via www.rossnugentfoundation.com.

Inviting others to join Team Elf, Martin said: “It’s been great fun and it’s been a perfect matchup between the idea and

The Ross Nugent Foundation.

“Ross was a very creative young man. His mum and dad have told us he would have loved the elf and we hope we’ve done him proud.

“This guy will be back next year bigger and better.

“We’d like to keep this going year after year after year, to promote Malahide, capture Christmas, raise money for charity, do lots of good things in the community and hopefully put smiles on kids’ faces.”

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BALBRIGGAN | PAIN OF DONNA’S LOSS KEEPS NEIL FOCUSED

Late cyclist’s brother vows to continue fight to honour her legacy  SYLVIA POWNALL A MAN whose sister was knocked down and killed as she cycled to work in Dublin city has vowed to continue his campaign to reduce road deaths.

Neil Fox from Balbriggan says he is still haunted by the death of his older sister, Donna (right), who died after she was hit by a truck at a busy junction in September 2016.

And he says that while he is heartened by 2017 figures from the Road Safety Authority which show the lowest number of road deaths since records began, he will continue to push for ‘Vision Zero’.

He told Dublin Gazette: “What must not be overlooked is the increase in cycling fatalities – a 50% rise this year.

“Since my sister Donna’s collision and death, the number of cyclists killed on our roads has doubled. This is beyond alarming.

“It bewilders me that

any time I speak about cycling issues, it is seen as controversial. Why is it controversial? Wanting better safety, infrastructure and awareness to me is very basic.”

Neil is backing an amendment to the Road Traffic Bill which will make safe passing distances mandatory and has met with Transport Minister Shane Ross urging him to support the legislation.

He also opened his heart about spending a second Christmas without his beloved sister and urged all road users to exercise caution and respect one another.

He said: “Councils and governments have spent the past few years encouraging people to take up cycling to work, so they owe a massive duty of care here.

“I am no expert, but what I am an expert on is the reality of a cyclist death. That is something that will be with me every day of my life, and is

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‘We have just had the second Christmas and New Year without Donna – it still feels surreal’

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Neil Fox

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impossible to explain.

“But it has made me determined to never shy away from sharing, as if it saves one other person or family from going through this quiet nightmare then it’s a good thing.

“We have just had the second Christmas and

New Year without Donna – it still feels surreal.

There’s not a minute she isn’t on my mind, if I am honest.

“While I no longer go to the site where she was killed, I love walking down Barrow Street and where she worked.

“Donna loved her work in Meagher’s pharmacy, and it was delightful to see her colleagues raising huge money for The Peter McVerry Trust over the Christmas period – more than €65,000. Donna would be so proud of them.”

Lady Luck rewards Padre’s Quick Pick with €500,000 win A PRIEST who won €500,000 in the Euromillions Plus draw on a ticket he bought in Malahide says he plans to use his winnings to help others.

Florida-based Monsignor John Delaney (right) was at home on holidays for Christmas when he popped in to Donnybrook Fair in Malahide and entered the draw.

Msgr Delaney, who hails from Mayo, visited the National Lottery offices last Friday to claim his prize which he won on a Quick Pick ticket bought on December 22 – the same date as his niece’s birthday.

The priest said he decided to check his numbers after hearing that one of the winning tickets was sold at the Malahide shop.

He added: “I didn’t get too excited when I heard this first. I went back to the shop and gave the ticket to the same girl I had purchased it from to be checked.

“Lo and behold, there was a message on the system to contact the National Lottery! So I knew at that stage I had won.”

Promising to share his good fortune with those in need, he added:

“I am a big believer that what goes around comes around.

“This is a huge amount of money and I look forward to giving some back. God gave it to me for some reason and I will give it away.”

The lucky padre won IR£15,000 in the old Irish Sweepstakes, replaced by the National Lottery 30 years ago.

Over the years, he also won amounts of $3,000 and $5,000 in US lotteries. More recently, he won €17,000 on the Garrymore GAA club lotto in Co Mayo.

FASTNews

Bill to target thrill seekers who endanger other lives FINGAL TD Darragh O’Brien has followed through on his promise to push for legislation to penalise thrill seekers who endanger the lives of emergency services. The Fianna Fail deputy lodged the Criminal Justice (Endangerment) Bill 2017 with the Bills Office in December.

In the aftermath of Storm Ophelia, Deputy O’Brien was vocal in his criticism of surfers and bathers who chose to ignore a ban on entering the sea – and forced others to risk their lives to rescue them when they got into difficulty.

Under the draft legislation, anyone who flouts a temporary ban in adverse weather will face on-thespot fines or up to 12 months in jail.

Deputy O’Brien said: “Reckless behaviour that puts emergency services at risk during extreme weather should not be tolerated. My Bill will deter this, and also grant the powers needed to Gardai.”

€435,000 approved for diverse range of projects A TOTAL of €435,000 was approved to fund a diverse range of projects across enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment by the Dublin Rural Local Action Group (LAG) in 2017.

Led by the Fingal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), the LAG was established to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme for the period 2016-2021. The €435,000 comes from a fund of €4.83 million for an area which caters for a population of 66,000 people.

Grants ranging from €3,000 to €200,000 were given to 17 projects. Examples include a feasibility study for Ardgillan Castle under the Economic Development theme, as well as expansion of Paws Cafe, under the Social Inclusion theme.

Significant projects include approval of funding of €200,000 awarded for the relocation and fit-out of the Remember Us Special Needs Centre. Approvals began in June 2017 and are projected to rise significantly in 2018 to approximately €1.5million.

Nigel Farage’s upcoming visit sparks FG resistance NIGEL Farage has set his eyes on Ireland and its EU membership, following the vote for Brexit in the UK, a Fine Gael senator has claimed.

The former UKIP leader is involved in an anti-EU conference to be held by the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group in Dublin next month.

Neale Richmond, spokesman on EU Affairs for the Seanad, said the group is spreading misinformation. “We must take on the lies and mistruths being spread; stand up for Ireland and say ‘no thanks, Nigel’,” said Senator Richmond.

4 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5 COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 4 January 2018

GAZETTE

2017 Shock, joy and heartbreak usher in the Spring months

JANUARY Ballyfermot in shock as granny stabbed at door

CITY: LOCALS in Ballyfermot were in shock after a 72-year-old grandmother was attacked on her own doorstep.

Mum-of-five Bridie Smith was repeatedly stabbed when she answered her door to two men as she was preparing to go to mass.

Sinn Fein councillor Daithi Doolan said he was shocked by the attack. “We cannot allow our older folks, our elderly, our neighbours to be held siege by this criminality,” he said.

Council turned down 446 homes from NAMA for social housing

SDCC: South Dublin County Council refused 446 NAMA homes on the

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

grounds that they would result in an over-concentration of social housing tenants.

It emerged that a total of 592 houses were offered by the agency for social housing, but demand was confirmed for just 128 and 446 were rejected “for sustainable community reasons”.

In all, more than 2,000 homes were offered to the four Dublin local authorities, but only 776 were accepted.

South Dublin County Council had the lowest take-up of the four councils – accepting just 22% of the 872 units made available.

Heartless scam stung people for ‘roofing fixes’

SOUTH DUBLIN: Vulnerable south Dublin locals were being targeted in a “nightmare” roofing scam.

There were reports of a group of men offering to repair roofs which they claimed were damaged in the Mount Merrion,

JANUARY TO MARCH

Blackrock and Foxrock areas. Some lost as much as €20,000 in the scam.

Mount Merrion local, Kathleen, told Dublin Gazette that she was threatened by the men who damaged her roof deliberately before trying to extort money from her.

FEBRUARY 90-year-old meets his family for the first time

CLONDALKIN: A 90-yearold Clondalkin man was moved to tears after meeting his two half-sisters for the first time.

John Clarke, from Convent View Cottages on the Boot Road, had two very special visitors from the UK – Bonnie Stanford and Valerie Hipkiss.

John was born in 1926 and was placed in St Kevin’s orphanage and hospital as a child. He was placed in a foster home in Clondalkin in 1932 and never left the area.

He found out he had six half-brothers and half-

The nation shocked by loss of four Rescue 116 heroes off the coast CITY: March saw Dublin and the nation mourn the loss of “unforgettable hero” Captain Dara Fitzpatrick (left) who tragically lost her life while on board the Rescue 116 Coast Guard helicopter.

The Kilternan native was one of four crew on board the rescue helicopter which went down off the coast of Mayo on Tuesday, March 14.

Above: Sheer joy as Clondalkin man John Clarke (90) meets his half-sisters, Bonnie and Valerie, for the very first time in February. Picture: Clondalkin Reunion Facebook page Right: Also a good-news story in February, little Evie Kelly (7) and her cousin, Sophie Kavanagh (4), showed the kindness of children when they lopped off their long, lucious locks at Reba Reborn Hair in Ongar Village. The girls cut off their hair to send it to the Rapunzel Foundation, so that it could be be made into wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness. The 14 inches of hair they gace will make a huge difference to others.

sisters after a genealogist helped trace his family tree.

Fears ‘Shankill Stalker’ back on the prowl again

Pilot and commander, Capt Fitzpatrick (45) had bravely saved lives for more than two decades on search and rescue missions.

The loving mother of a threeyear-old boy Fionn, Capt Fitzpatrick and her heroic crew had been providing top cover for another Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, that was performing a medical evacuation off the coast of Mayo.

Rescue 116 was returning to base when it fell out of contact and a search operation got under way.

The other heroes lost in the tragedy were Paul Ormsby, Mark Duffy and Ciaran Smith, from Oldtown.

SHANKILL: There were fears that the so-called “Shankill Stalker” had struck again in February after a woman in her 40s was sexually assaulted in Killiney by a man descrived as six foot in height.

The woman suffered minor injuries and did not require medical assistance at the scene.

Locals expressed their shock and fear on Facebook following the assault with one saying: “I hope this isn’t the return of the Shankill stalker.”

A spate of sexual assaults occurred in the Shankill area at the same time the previous year.

In each case a lone male approached a lone female and an alleged assault took place.

MARCH ‘Memorialise the Seagull terror at suffering of our seaside setting BALBRIGGAN: Fearless Magdalenes’ seagulls were causing havoc in Balbriggan by attacking children and older people as they fight for scraps of food.

There were calls in the Seanad for lasers to be used to deter the aggressive birds from nesting and scavenging in urban coastal areas.

Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) said: “They are dangerous, dirty ... and they have a tendency to attack and reports locally suggest that they viciously attack for scraps.

“This is potentially quite dangerous for children.”

DUN LAOGHAIRE: Calls were made to memorialise the women who were housed St Patrick’s Refuge operated as a Magdalene Laundry from 1878 to 1963.

Cllr Michael Merrigan (Ind) spoke to Dublin Gazette and said that he believes that the women who were in St Patrick’s Refuge should be memorialised in some way.

He said: “I strongly believe that this town and the county council should erect a memorial in the town centre to recognise these women, their pain and suffering.”

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8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 4 January 2018

GAZETTE

2017 Hero mourned, fairies help to spread goodwill

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

APRIL Missing Rescue 116 hero’s family continue sad vigil Still missing: Rescue 116 hero Ciaran Smith

FINGAL: The family of missing coast guard hero Ciaran Smith (left) spoke of their “living nightmare” as he remained missing

following the crash of the Rescue 116 helicopter off the coast of Mayo.

He had been missing for three weeks at the time and his sister Orla issued a heartfelt plea for help in finding the 38-year-old winch operator from Oldtown.

“We need those boys home now. We really do,” she said.

“We’re doing our best to keep going, to stay as strong as possible and to stay as positive as we can.

But it is tough.

“My parents need them home, my sister-inlaw needs him home. My nieces need him home.

They have to come home now.”

Ciaran Smith’s body has still not been recovered.

Newsie wins his battle against a shopping centre

DUN LAOGHAIRE: There was joy in Dun Laoghaire as local legend and newspaper seller George Davis celebrated his court victory over Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre.

A judge ruled he could continue to sell newspapers from the spot he has held for 38 years in Dun Laoghaire.

The centre bosses said that George was unauthorised to sell from his

stall and that he didn’t pay rent to use the spot.

However, the judge ruled that George could retain his pitch for the rest of his life based on an agreement drawn up between him and the centre in the 1970s.

MAY Thugs caused €10k of damage to harbour boats

SEASIDE: Up to €10k of damage was caused when vandals went on a spree of robbery and destruction on Dun Laoghaire’s West Pier.

The Irish Youth Sailing Club (IYSC), which teaches children, saw one of their junior safety training boats slashed and left floating in the sea nearby. It also had its engine stolen.

The Dun Laoghaire Sea Scouts had an engine stolen off one of its sail training boats and all of the boat’s equipment was thrown into the sea.

A boat belonging to the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club was also ransacked and had its windows and doors smashed.

I YS C b o s s Ky r o n O’Gorman said: “Gardai are doing all they can but it’s a worry where we can put a boat that will be safe.”

APRIL TO JUNE

ABOVE: One of the year’s feel-good

colourful garden complete with fairy

stories came in April courtesy of a

doors, murals, a giant mirror, fantasy

brave little girl, Brooke Dunne (9),

lighting and a ‘fairy mail’ post box.

from Clondalkin.

Mum Julie said: “It’ll mean an awful

Brooke suffers from the debilitating

lot to her. Not only have they filled

disorder Rett Syndrome, and the

our lives with hope and joy, they have

charity Make-A-Wish dream saw

made my little girl feel like a child

her back garden transformed into a

again.”

JUNE Vandals costing Residents won’t FCC €60k a year roll over to allow FINGAL: It emerged that Fingal County Council ‘brothels’ spread forks out €60,000 every

CITY: Dorset Street residents vowed to protest against their area being turned into a red-light district amid reports of numerous brothels operating nearby.

Residents said that several complaints have been made to gardai over the last year but that nothing has been done.

“Residents believe that certain buildings are being used as brothels,” said Fianna Fail Dublin Central representative Brian Mohan.

He said that the residents’ claims were not speculative but based on some investigations they carried out themselves.

He also said that a shop on the street shares a back entrance with one of the alleged brothels and it is often littered with “paraphernalia associated with that sort of business”.

year to repair damage to playgrounds caused by

vandals.

A council spokesman told Dublin Gazette: “Apart from the expense, the biggest nuisance is time spent by staff making the area safe, and the time that the equipment is unavailable for use.”

Grandad’s buildings are helping to magic up support for sick children MALAHIDE: In May, a local grandad was happy to be “away with the fairies” after building an enchanting fairy house in his garden.

A carpenter by trade, Ger Lowry built his first fairy house for his grandchildren but the magical creations started attracting children from all over.

“It started up for my grandkids and I had one left over, so Robin said: ‘Why don’t we put it over by the tree?’ “ T h e n I s aw a child out there one day dancing up and down with excitement. Next thing, t h e r e ’s b u t t o n s , soothers, money, all sorts of things being left there.”

Ger decided to donate the money left at his fairy village to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

His daughter Tracey said: “This started out in the back garden for my kids and just grew bigger and bigger. People come from all over to see it now.”

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GAZETTE

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 4 January 2018

2017

GAZETTE REVIEW OF THE YEAR THAT WAS FROM AROUND DUBLIN

At risk: Temple Bar’s cobbles?

Could plans for beloved paving prove a load of cobblers?

CITY: Summer saw the news that Temple Bar is set to lose its famous cobblestones as part of a “major decluttering exercise” by the council.

The popular tourist spot will undergo a redevelopment that will see some of the iconic cobbled streets resurfaced in order to improve accessibility and also make the space more suitable for cultural events.

The proposals reported in August

include the removal of the existing street furniture, trees, licensed outdoor seating terraces and replacement with new street furniture, new tree planting, seating and public lighting.

The council also want to improve the area’s accessibility by removing the likes of excess bins, pub barrels, sandwich boards and street lights, with the square to be extended as a single surface across the adjoining streets of Temple Bar.

JULY TO OCTOBER

Celebrations as beginnings, both JULY D15 native revs up for an exciting job with F1 team

BLANCHARDSTOWN: A Dublin 15 native told Dublin Gazette how he was swapping life in the army for life in the fast lane after securing a job with the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

Eamonn Slattery, from Fortlawn was gearing up for a move to Brixworth – near the famous Silverstone race track – in September to take up a job helping to design engines for the successful racing team.

Eamonn joined the a r my w h e n h e w a s 17-years-old and completed a mechanical apprenticeship during his seven years of service. He then won a place studying engineering in Trinity College which has led to this job at the team’s factory-set mission control.

Goatstown man preparing to sail around the world

GOATSTOWN: Dublin sailor Gregor McGuckin plans to turn back the hands of time next year to compete in a round the world race using only traditional navigation skills.

The 30-year-old will spend nine months at sea taking direction from the sun, moon and stars and armed with just paper charts, a compass, sextant

and a radio.

Gregor is the first ever Irish contender aiming to retrace the record-setting trip of Sr Robin KnoxJohnston in 1968.

More people have been in space than have successfully completed the feat which Gregor is attempting.

He told Dublin Gazette: “I’ve always liked the idea of adventure. I’m an ocean yacht master so as part of my training I’ve used traditional navigation skills.

“The biggest challenge will be to keep myself mentally fit. I will be nine months without my girlfriend; she has been very supportive of my dream.”

Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien commended the action, telling Dublin Gazette: “The waste industry is very lucrative and there are organised criminal gangs involved.

“This is not about people throwing bags of rubbish in the ditch, it’s far more serious and sinister than that.”

AUGUST Armed gardai aim SEPTEMBER to crack down on Floating homes illegal dumping FINGAL: A series of armed housing proposal garda checkpoints were set up across Fingal in to makes waves tackle illegal dumping.

The Armed Response Unit, Traffic Corps and Divisional Crime Task Force were drafted in to man the first of these random checkpoints in Baldoyle.

They assisted Fingal County Council’s environment enforcement unit in a clampdown on fly-tipping which has escalated over the summer months.

A council spokesperson said: “The checkpoints will continue with the aim of identifying unauthorised and bogus refuse collectors.”

DUN LAOGHAIRE: Floating homes in Dun Laoghaire Harbour could be a possible solution to the housing crisis in what local representatives called “a crazy idea”.

The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) proposed that up to 50 new homes could be permanently moored in Dublin Bay as part of an affordable solution to the housing crisis.

DLHC has called for statements of interest to build the homes and is seeking a partner to provide them as part of a new

housing scheme.

Local TD Richard Boyd Barrett condemned the plans, describing them as a “crazy idea”.

However, Gerry Dunne from DLHC said that there had been a positive response to the idea and challenged Deputy Boyd Barrett to come up with a better solution.

Picture: RTE Player

OCTOBER Ibrahim Halawa’s Egyptian prison nightmare ends

CITY: There were emotionally-charged scenes at Dublin Airport as Dubliner Ibrahim Halawa (above) finally returned home, marking one of the biggest Dublin and national stories of 2017.

Emotional scenes saw the now 21-year-old reunited with family and friends, as a large crowd celebrated his return.

Addressing the wellwishers, he said: “This is the moment I’ve waited for, for four years. It’s a dream come true. I didn’t think it would come through any time soon.”

4 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Dubs ready for new at home and abroad NOVEMBER Shock as arson destroys business

DONABATE: An arson attack in Donabate saw renewed calls for a garda station in the area.

Pharmacist Nuala Mac Cinna spoke of her shock after the blaze, which was deliberately started in wheelie bins to the rear

of the property, gutted the shop.

“I can’t believe it,” she said at the time. “The fire spread so rapidly. When I got here last night the fire was in the roof and spreading very fast. I just feel disbelief.”

Fire crews from Swords, Kilbarrack, Finglas and Tara Street battled the blaze until 4am as flames engulfed the one-storey building.

DECEMBER Gay councillor’s home is targeted by thugs – again

CLONDALKIN: The home of a Clondalkin councillor was targeted by vandals just two weeks after he received homophobic letters through the post.

Cllr Francis Timmons woke up to find the windows of his house and his windscreen smashed.

Cllr Timmons told Dublin Gazette that the repeated targeting of his home was “so frustrating”.

“When you get up in the morning and the windows are smashed like that, it’s horrendous,” he said.

Despite the recent incidents, Cllr Timmons paid tribute to his neighbours and the people of Clondalkin who have been supportive of him, with some even offering him money to help pay for the repairs.

“It gives you a bit of faith in people. It’s just a small minority of people [who carry out such attacks],” said Cllr Timmons.

GAZETTE

NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER

Kind-hearted Blanch boy Ben uses his savings to help lots of homeless

CORDUFF: December saw a seven-year-old schoolboy raiding his piggy bank to buy sleeping bags for the homeless.

Ben Armstrong, from Corduff in Blanchardstown, was so concerned about rough sleepers outdoors in harsh weather conditions he decided to use his Christmas savings of €70 to help them. Ben raised even more money through family and friends and then handed over 78 sleeping bags to a homeless charity.

His proud mum Deborah told Dublin Gazette: “After the last storm he came downstairs from his bed extremely upset. He was very concerned for the homeless people.”

Ben raised over €300 to add to his ow n money and after buying up the entire stock in Penneys, he spoke to the manager to request 60 more units.

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINBUSINESS

Top tips for tackling your finances in 2018 €7m development at

LESS than three in ten Irish consumers believe they will be better off financially in 2018.

That’s according to research carried out by independent price comparison and switching service, Switcher.ie, which revealed the extent of consumers’ financial concerns for 2018.

Eoin Clarke, managing director of Switcher.ie, said: “It’s likely many of us could be emerging from the Christmas season with a financial hangover that feels hard to shake.”

Switcher.ie’s top tips for tackling your finances in 2018.

Draw up a monthly budget, including all your income and expenses, and try your best to stick to it. If you can manage to put some money into savings each month, even better.

If you have long-standing credit card debt that you’re finding hard to shift, think about

switching to a card with a 0% balance transfer offer, making sure to pay the balance off within the interest-free period.

Ensure you’re not paying more than you need to for your household essentials. If you haven’t switched your energy, broadband or phone plan in some time, make it one of your new year’s resolutions to take half an hour to do this.

It’s quick and easy and could save you some much-needed cash - switching energy alone could save you up to €335, while savings of up to €432 are available on some broadband packages.

Take time to review all of your monthly payments - be it for the gym, a cinema membership, or a streaming service - and cancel any you no longer use.

Make the most of any tax reliefs or benefits you’re entitled to - for example, you can

claim tax relief on some medical expenses that are not covered by the State or by private health insurance. There’s loads of information on benefits and taxes on the Revenue website, so take some time to check these out at the start of the year.

Take some energy-saving measures around the home. Simple changes, like turning down the heating by just one degree can knock up to 10% off heating bills, while turning appliances off, rather than leaving them on standby, will reduce the appliance’s energy use by around 20%.

See if you can get a discount by switching from monthly to annual payments. The chances are you’re paying extra for the convenience of paying things like gym membership or insurance on a monthly basis, so although paying upfront will be a larger outlay of cash in one go, it will save you in the long run.

Castleknock Hotel done CASTLEKNOCK Hotel has completed a €7 million development, which includes 52 additional bedrooms, a lavish spa and two new restaurants.

Begun in January 2017, the development has increased capacity from 138 rooms to 190. Thirtyeight rooms are ‘deluxe rooms’ with upgraded amenities; three are deluxe executive suites with a four-poster bed and Jacuzzi bath.

The hotel has added two new restaurants. Under the guidance of celebrity chef Neil Kearns, Earth & Vine follows a farm-to-fork ethos, serving a contemporary menu of artisanal food sourced directly from local farms and producers.

For more informal occasions, guests can enjoy Italian and Sicilian favourites, with a Castleknock twist at 22 Bar + Restaurant.

ASDFASFD | IASDF SDAFDSF SDF DSF DSAFDSAF DASFSDAF

asdf asdf asdf dsaf dsaf asdf dsafasdfsd THE Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City Women in Business Network awards saw Anita Donoghue, of The Hair Cafe Salon in Smithfield, and Rita

DUBLINLIFE



GAZETTE

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

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

PROJECT: PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE FOR CHILDREN WHO MIGHT BE FEELING LONELY

Fostering friendships with buddy benches  MARK O’BRIEN LONELINESS can have a long-lasting effect on children.

Studies have shown that children who feel lonely are more likely to develop low self-esteem, are less likely to take positive risks and are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, such as smoking and abusing drugs, when they get older.

In recent years, schools around the world have come up with a way to prevent children from feeling lonely.

Buddy benches have gained popularity in the US, Canada and mainland Europe and many schools in Ireland have now adopted the idea.

The idea behind buddy benches is a simple one.

A child who is feeling lonely or has no one to play with at school sits on the bench.

This tells other children that the child is in need of a buddy.

T he benches have proved very effective in teaching children to recognise and respond to their own feelings.

Holy Spirit Senior School in Greenhills recently installed two buddy benches in their school yard.

T he benches were donated by Greenhills & District Credit Union.

The Credit Union’s youth liaison officer Marion King told Dublin Gazette that they were very keen to get involved in the project.

“No child should be on their own,” she said. “We all need a friend.”

Marion thanked all of the staff of the Credit Union who supported her

The new Buddy Bench at Holy Spirit Senior School in Greenhills

in raising funds for the buddy bench.

“The buddy bench will be a special place in the school yard where a child

can go and sit if they feel sad, lonely, isolated or just need someone to talk to or play with,” she said.

“Mental Health starts at

a young age and we want to combat this.

“Our aim is to give a child the confidence to talk and make new friends

and also to let them know it is okay to have a bad day.

“The buddy bench is not just for kids feeling sad, or lonely it is for all children.

Everyone needs a buddy.”

One of the benches is dedicated to Sinead Pugh, an SNA at the school who sadly passed away recently.

Marion cut two pink balloons in memory of Sinead at the opening ceremony.

“Ms Murray, the principal, said the balloons were going up to our friend Sinead Pugh in heaven,” said Marion.

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

FUNDING: CALLING ON PEOPLE TO GET GROWING THEIR OWN FOOD IN 2018

Teaming up to ‘Get Ireland Growing’ IT’S TIME for Ireland to get growing as funding for community food growing groups will be available next year.

GIY and Energia are calling on people across the country to get growing their own food in 2018 and are offering all budding growers the opportunity to apply for funding from the “Energia Get Ireland Growing” €75,000 funding pool.

Grants from the fund will be split across three categories “Sow”, “Grow” and “Harvest”with awards ranging from €500 to €2,000 plus one very special group will receive a massive €5,000 grant for their project.

Together GIY and Energia will support at least 85 community food growing groups in 2018 and enable food growing by community and voluntary organisations all across Ireland including Northern Ireland.

The projects should all have an element of

outreach, promotion and inclusivity and should have some plan to encourage more people to grow their own food.

The successful applicants will be celebrated at a gala event, which will be held at the home of GIY, GROW HQ in Waterford, in March 2018. For further details and to submit an application see GIY.ie.

The application period is open until January 19.

You can drop unwanted gifts into any one of the shops, safe in the knowledge that its sale will make someone else happy and at the same time raise money for Barnardos’ work.

The children’s charity works with more than 14,100 children and families across its 40 centres nationwide, and campaigns for the rights of all children in Ireland.

BARNARDOS LOOKING FOR THE CHRISTMAS GIFTS YOU WON’T USE

GELDOF DONATES BAND AID MEMORABILIA TO LIBRARY

DID you get any unwanted gifts this Christmas?

Well, whether it’s a jumper that’s two sizes too small, a book that’s already sitting on your shelf at home or another scented candle, there’s a home for it in a Barnardos shop.

Barnardos has seven shops around the country, located in Carlow, Cork, Wexford and Dublin (Rathmines, Clondalkin, K ilbarrack and Dun Laoghaire).

THE National Library of Ireland (NLI) is to bring the Band Aid archive to a worldwide audience with plans to digitise a vast collection of letters, photographs and charity records from the iconic 1984 fundraiser.

Band Aid was a worldwide phenomenon in the mid-1980s.

The supergroup, formed

by Bob Geldof, brought together more than 40 of the top musical artists

Pictured are Nathan Cullen-Delsol, Carla Cullen-Delsol, Aisling Rohan, Erin Rohan, Daisy Dubois and Ultan Rohal at the launch of the ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’ fund. Picture: Patrick Browne

of the 1980s, including U2, Ultravox, Bananarama, Duran Duran and Geldof’s own band, The Boomtown Rats.

IRELAND’S ANCIENT KINGS AND QUEENS BROUGHT TO LIFE H I S T OR I A N S f r o m the National Museum of Ireland, Trinity College, Dublin and Queen’s University, Belfast, have worked together to help Expedia create a fascinating account of the kings and queens who reigned in Ireland thousands of years ago.

Their new website, Kings and Queens That Shaped Ireland includes a wonderful display of illustrations depicting the different kings and queens, as well as a series of connecting timelines and stories dating back some thousands of years ago.

Those that enter the site can expect to be taken on a journey through the lives of some of Ireland’s most notable kings and queens as they battle for power, marry numerous times, and eventually relinquish or pass on their throne.

From the likes of Brian Boru, arguably one of Ireland’s greatest kings, to the lesser-known thrice married Queen Gormlaith and King Conchobar mac Nessa, once a High King of Ulster.

Discover more at blog. expedia.ie/irish-kingsqueens

GET ACTIVE FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WITH 2018 TREKS MULTIPLE Sclerosis Ireland is encouraging people to sign up for a 2018 MS trek and raise funds

for vital services for those living with MS. MS Ireland has been organising treks around the world since 1989.

The 2018 treks include climbing the world’s highest mountain to Everest Base Camp, trekking the Via Francigena to St Peter’s Square in Rome and making the Biblical journey into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The treks are suitable for all levels of fitness providing a great opportunity to take part in active trips as an individual or group.

Funds raised will help provide one-to-one and family support including newly diagnosed sessions, physiotherapy and symptom management programmes through ten Regional Offices across the country, operate the MS Information Line and deliver specialised services in the MS Care Centre, Ireland’s only respite and therapy centre for people with MS. Register today at www. ms-society.ie or call (01) 678 1600 to receive more information.

Take a journey back in time and follow in the footsteps of the kings and queens that shaped Ireland for centuries

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

DUBLINLIFE

A REMARKABLE REMAKE WHEN THE STELLA THEATRE IN RATHMINES CLOSED ITS DOORS IN 2004, DUBLIN LOST ONE OF ITS MOST ICONIC AND ENDURING CINEMAS.  MARK O’BRIEN ORIGINALLY opening its doors in 1923, the theatre - affectionately named The Stella – once accommodated 1,283 patrons, making it Ireland’s largest cinema at the time.

It also boasted a ballroom that was once a hub of Dublin’s social scene.

In 1981, the cinema was divided into two smaller cinemas but by the early part of the last decade, the theatre was not what it once was and finally closed its doors 14 years ago.

But in October of last year, The Stella finally opened its doors once again, having been lovingly restored to its 1920s grandeur.

General manager of the reopened theatre, Dave O’Keeffe, told Dublin Gazette that the reaction from locals has been overwhelmingly positive since they opened their doors on

October 31.

“It’s been fantastic,” he said.

“The feedback from the public has been wonderful and the interest and support from Rathmines in general has been excellent.

“It’s very much a case, I think, of people happy to see it back and restored to what it once was.”

During the restoration, some beautiful original 1920s features such as the original facade were uncovered.

These include a typical art deco handrail which guides patrons up to the first-floor balcony, detailed mosaic tiling of the original Stella logo and original ceiling mouldings.

These can be seen kindly restored and dotted throughout the theatre.

“From the restoration p e r s p e c t i ve , e ve r y t h i n g was done with a significant amount of respect for the actual period that it opened,”

said Dave.

“It’s been very important to us that it does have that art deco feel and has all that sort of style that goes with that period, so it’s all been very thoughtfully done.”

The painstaking 18-month renovation process has certainly proved worthwhile.

Today, the Stella Theatre comprises one eye-catching large auditorium with a large balcony bedecked with a beautifully ornate ceiling, The Stella Cocktail Club – where the ballroom once stood – and the Refreshments Bar in the foyer.

All three elements combine to create a cinematic experience like no other in Ireland.

“It is totally one of a kind in Ireland, not just Dublin,” said Dave.

“Nationally, there wouldn’t be anything that would be of the same sort of calibre or the same sort of offering.”

There are also some unique seating options on offer.

“We have three different seat types primarily,” said Dave.

“A lovely luxurious red leather armchair would be your standard admission and then for people maybe out on a date night or somebody who is out celebrating a special occasion, we’ve got won-

derful couches on the ground floor and on the balcony as well and then what’s very unique to us is there’s five king-size lie flat beds.

“Where traditionally in the front row of a movie theatre you would sit upright craning towards the movie screen, we have very comfortable lie flat beds where you lie back and watch the movie from there.”

Even if you don’t fancy catching a movie, you’re welcome to pay a visit to The Stella.

“Guests are definitely welcome to join us for a cocktail before or after the movie or even just to pop in and have a bite to eat and a few drinks without ever going to catch a show,” said Dave.

The Stella Theatre is open for business seven days a week screening the newest movies, along with some classics that people may have missed the first time around.

“It’s very important to us that we do actually present the blockbuster of the time plus a selection of classic movies that people would have come to during their childhood here or just those cinema greats that you really want to have the cinema experience for,” said Dave.

Tickets for the Stella Theatre can be booked at stellatheatre.ie

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

Out and About

John O’Dwyer, CEO, Vhi; Sabina Cotter, Irish Youth Foundation; Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon with local

Promoting fitness and inclusivity children Braxton Rice and Elliot Toale. Pictures: JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY

D

Philly watches on as children exercise

UBLIN GAA star, Philly McMahon joined The Irish Youth Foundation and Vhi as they announced details of ‘Run for Fun’, a new initiative developed to encourage young people from disadvantaged communities in Ireland to embrace the benefits offered through running. The initiative has been created to encourage more young people to get involved in running both for fitness and for recreation.

Pictured at the launch in Bradog, Dublin, were Philly with youth participants Sarah Bardon; Casey Nolan; Shannon Delahunty; Saoirse Glennon; Holly Bardon and Abbie Dyer.

GAZETTE

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

DUBLINFITNESS

CHECK OUT

www.kickstartfitness.ie

Recover well, stay injury free and keep progressing in 2018 Gareth Francis is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach with over eight years experience in the fitness industry.

He now works as head coach in Kickstart Fitness.

THIS January a lot of us will run back to the gym with the mindset of smashing as many workouts as possible.

Although some of us might not have been to the gym for some time so our bodies will be in for a shock.

Here are six ways to deal with DOMS and help with your recovery after your workouts.

Delayed onset muscle soreness is also known as

 GARETH FRANCIS info@dublingazette.com

DOMS. This is a common sensation felt after lifting weights.

Most trainees actually base the success or effectiveness of their training sessions on how sore they get.

However, this is not a good way to judge your workouts.

Typically DOMS is characterised by muscle tenderness, stiffness and soreness and can actually slow down your pro-

STEP 1 SLEEP Sleep is the number one factor to recovery. It’s your body’s only chance to completely shut down and rest.

So get your 8 hours in guys. Try to “switch off” about 30 mins before you go to bed. Get into the habit of leaving the phone downstairs, make sure the room is dark and even try to read an enjoyable book before you fall asleep.

Give your brain some down time, time away from the internet and the mundaneness of social media. Allow yourself to switch off before actually going to bed and you will be amazed in how different you sleep and how much better you actually feel the next day!

gression in the gym if they occur too often due to being too sore to train again the next day.

Most of us like that feeling of waking up the next day a bit stiff after working out just enough to remind us that we’ve put in some good work however nobody likes that excruciating muscle pain when you can’t even sit on the toilet! (ouch!)

This level of DOMS is usually caused by training something completely new or just over training in general and can last up to seven days.

Here are some tips on how you can help reduce and prevent DOMS and recover well after your workouts.

STEP 5 ACTIVE RECOVERY

Call it hair of the dog if you like! While you may want to become a hermit until the muscle pain passes, a better strategy for the body is some activity!

Your body wants to move

STEP 2 HYDRATION Exercising while dehydrated can cause greater damage to muscles and reduce the body’s ability to repair itself.

So keeping your body hydrated throughout the day with a minmum of three litres of water and an extra litre when exercising will help in a speedy recovery.

STEP 3 NUTRITION

STEP 4 SMR

Follow a nutrition plan that is complete in all macronutrients. A well nourished body will be better equipped to fuel your workout and recover efficiently!

Protein plays a crucial role in the recovery of broken down muscle fibres after resistance training. For someone resistance training on a regular basis the recommended amount of protein daily is 1.0g - 1.5g per pound of body weight Meal timing is also important, consume a well balanced meal within two hours of training.

Self-myofascial release is performed in a sports massage or by using a foam roller. This technique has been proven to reduce stiffness and release tenderness in a muscle. Be careful with foam rolling if you have never done it before. Check out some Youtube videos on how to foam roll certain parts of the body.

so after suitable rest jump straight back in...

STEP 6 YOGA REGULAR yoga sessions can help loosen or reduce DOMS by maintaining the elasticity in the muscle fibres and release the myofascial surrounding the muscle tissue which in turn will reduce the risk of scar tissue and reduce your recovery time.

Adding at least one yoga session into your training week will not only help with the pain of DOMS, it will also reduce the risk of injury! Win Win!

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINLIFE

N O S ’ T A H W

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

Dinosaurs Around

The World A chunky collection of life-scale mechanical dinosaurs comes to the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin, where they’ll roar, shimmy and teach you a little of their history.

There are even a couple for the kiddies to ride on. All week.

The Science Gallery - Economic Collapse

How about this for an optimistic Jimmy White will return to start to the New Year? The Science Gallery (Trinity)’s latest class is on eco- the Irish Masters Seniors nomic collapse, with a six-person panel Snooker discussing a kind of ‘what happens next’ for any further financial disaster. January 10.

University Open Days

Thinking of starting something big in 2018? University Open Days are a great way to get a taster, and most of the big universities are hosting something this week with UCD, Dublin Business School, DIT and Maynooth amongst them.

David Bowie Festival

A celebration of the great man and his evolution takes place with lively musical tributes across Dublin, from cover acts to well established scene stars. The Bowie love in takes place across various venues from January 4 to 10.

First Fortnight

A festival to get you through the long winter, First Fortnight involves itself in mental health, aiming to both light up your days and get mental health issues into the national conversation. Check out a host of events on firstfortnight.ie, all week.

Irish Masters Seniors Snooker

The likes of Jimmy White and Stephen Henry return to the legendary Goff’s venue in Naas, Kildare, where they’ll compete over two days in a tournament also including two highclass local qualifiers, as part of a new world seniors tour.

Leinster v Ulster

The third and final Christmas inter-provincial derby for Leinster boys sees them take on their northern counterparts at the RDS on January 6, with more of the fireworks that have featured in the earlier clashes to be expected. It’s gearing up to be a classic.

Urban Retreat

The ultimate New Year detox? Lifecleanse are running a day of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, health tips, juice, nutrition work and lifestyle adjustment at their South William Street Office on January 7.

The Red Shoes at the Gate Theatre Hans Christian Andersen’s work (adjusted for stage by Nancy Harris) comes to the Gate Theatre in a winter production of the classic fairytale, which is part theatre, part dance. It runs until January 27.

Future “As we edge into another year, we can’t help but look ahead to 2018 in Irish music, casting a glance the way of the country’s great hopes. There’s plenty to be excited about,from a rising hiphop scene to plenty of impressive and lairy rockers, but we’ve narrowed it down to just seven rising stars. Here are our picks for Ireland’s most likely breakthrough artists for the next twelve months,” says James Hendicott.

Jafaris IRELAND’S hip-hop scene seems to get better by the day, and while Rusangano Family are the much-acclaimed kings, Jafaris - who played Ngig in Sing Street - is coming up fast on the outside.

With a quick quip constantly to the ready and a live show that seems to wow everyone before him, the Diffusion Labs rapper is working on a 2018 album as a follow up to the sensational Velvet Cake EP. Add the man to your ‘must see’ list before he starts playing anywhere bigger: when a vocalist delivers this kind of cuttingly intense honesty together with the boisterous on-stage persona that Jafaris has made his own, the result is certain to fly.

Bitch Falcon AFTER a patchy 2017 that saw the three-piece undergo a personnel change, this grungy Dublin outfit are all set to fly once again.

They seemed to be everywhere for a little while, with their pounding, intense live show backed up with an early single nodding to obscure parts of the body (TMJ) amongst a sprinkling of lairy, crafted riff-laden tracks.

They have a cult-like following on the Irish guitar scene, and November’s new single ‘Of Heart’ created some buzz in the UK music press, too. And who wouldn’t want band merch with that particular band named blazened all over it. In a word, ferocious. Brilliantly so.

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

Blending folk, jazz and her own distinctive vocal, Limerick singer Emma Langford is all about memorable melody and soul-exploring lyrics, and showed it with a gorgeously eloquent 2017 debut album in ‘Quiet Giant’.

She’s been around for a little while, but Langford felt like she came into her own in the last 12 months, and with her sharp takes on modern life and cleverly ‘less is more’ production, she’s the kind of artist who has the potential to wriggle quickly into the forefront of minds.

A space to watch.

Thumper

Emma Langford

THEY might share a name with a Disney character, but these guys are no soppy cartoon: Thumper’s blaring and manic live show was ably backed up with a surprisingly brilliant 2017 EP in ‘Pop Goes The Weasel’.

The EP’s surprising mainly because Thumper sound like the kind of band that excel live, and this third release was a marked step up on its predecessors, and had the feel of a coming of age. Seemingly inspired by their compatriots Girl Band, Thumper say they play pop music.

What they mean is they roar their melodies through a dank filter at high volume. All kinds of excellent.

2018’s Most Likely in Irish Music

Vulpynes

THE new darling of the Dublin punk scene, this powerful young two-piece are abstract, grungy and very, very loud.

Nodding heavily to an abundance of late 80s and early 90s influences, they make more noise than should be feasible for a just two, and have won the love of their punk peers as they’ve gigged relentlessly through 2017, slowly edging into Dublin muso’s consciousness as they bounce from venue to venue.

Think snarlingly aggressive tunes kicked firmly into the 21st Century, formed with the most modern of twists (via a shoutout on Boards.ie), and delivering gorgeously raw tones.

The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock

Siobhra Quinlan A HIGHLY creative soprano composer who’s making waves on the opera scene, Siobhra Quinlan is perhaps the most likely classical crossover artist of the coming year, combining vocals that will please to casual listener and the technically minded, and going fiercely creative in the abstract and imaginative styles that make up her work.

Over the course of 2017 she released several powerful offerings from her awesomely ambitious Sfiiinx project, as well as work examining George Bernard Shaw, and taking on a 24-hour project that saw her producing and performing an opera as part of a talented team. Inventive, and memorable.

GAZETTE

Stars?

MUSIC

BLENDING folky-trad roots with some louder and more modern rock licks, The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock have been relatively mute for years.

They formed way back in 2005 and released their self-titled debut in 2008, with memorable follow-up album ‘The Brutal Here and Now’ arriving back in 2012.

It turns out they’ve spent the last few years

doing something huge. ‘Lockout’ is the product of five years worth of work, and will look at the 1913 Lockout workers protests in Dublin, as well as glancing at the impact of Constance Markievicz and the women’s rights movement in Ireland.

History fused with nuanced and intelligent trad-rock music: expect them to return with a bang come the album launch in March.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA

Dunkirk managed to be both sweeping and intimate, a WWII epic that will likely stand alongside the classics

LOOKING BACK: YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO LOOK TOO HARD TO FIND AMAZING MOVIES IN 2017

Movies of 2017 - 10 of the best IT’S been a great year for cinema - mainstream, independent and everywhere in-between. Here are our picks for the best of 2017.

Manchester by the Sea Manchester by the Sea kicked off 2017 with what was easily the most emotionally ruinous moment in cinema this year.

Director Kenneth Lonergan told us a story about profound, unshakeable grief and the arduous road to recovery, featuring a quietly captivating central performance from Casey Affleck. Not an easy watch; not to be missed.

Moonlight This rich and nuanced character study in three acts from director Barry Jenkins shone a light on the experience of LGBTQ people of colour - territory rarely visited in mainstream cinemas.

Intimate camerawork, an emotive score and superb performances from its three leads made for a uniquely human, often

 DAVE PHILLIPS

devastating cinematic experience.

The Handmaiden Fresh territory for Korean director Park Chanwook, this multi-layered period drama maintained all the masterful framing, bleak humour and brutal violence that has gained his work critical acclaim and cult status.

W hile not for the squeamish, The Handmaiden is a stunning Hitchcockian suspense tale that mesmerises and devastates in equal measure.

Get Out Fiendishly entertaining, sinister, shocking and deeply necessary, director Jordan Peele’s Get Out was a social and politically conscious horror movie

with purpose.

Balancing bitterly dark humour with thoughtprovoking social commentary, it wore its genremovie influences on its sleeve, setting box office records and seizing nearuniversal praise.

Dunkirk Christopher Nolan brought his idiosyncratic

Get Out was a social and politically conscious horror movie with purpose

storytelling approach to one of the war’s most decisive battles in the summer’s biggest cinematic event.

Weaving together a rich tapestry of narratives and timelines, visceral and affecting throughout,

that was deservedly shortlisted for the Palme D’or at this year’s Cannes.

Dunkirk managed to be both sweeping and intimate, a WWII epic that will likely stand alongside the classics.

The Death of Stalin The bewildering nature of Soviet bureaucracy is the perfect fit for director Armando Iannucci’s uniquely bitter brand of political satire in the hilarious The Death of Stalin.

Despite hefty subject matter, the grim facts lend themselves well to farce and absurdity. Great comedic performances from Steve Buscemi, Jason Isaacs and Michael Palin.

The Florida Project The Florida Project takes a look at all the irrepressible curiosity of childhood with an honesty rarely seen on screen.

Director Sean Baker couples joy with sorrow, always lifting us in high spirits just before he throws us down.

This is empathetic filmmaking at its best, raising critical questions about modern America while

The Florida Project entertained with incredible performances from its young cast

keeping us entertained with incredible performances from its young cast and a career-best from Willem Dafoe.

Good Time This stunning crime thriller from auteur directing duo Ben and Josh Safdie gave Robert Pattinson plenty of room to demonstrate his skills, further cementing his post-teen idol status as an actor to be reckoned with.

Evoking early Scorsese and Michael Mann, Good Time is an exhilarating, often disturbing and emotionally complex drama

The Disaster Artist Finally, a great piece of filmmaking from occasional-director James Franco.

The Disaster Artist tells the stranger-than-fiction true story of Tommy Wiseau and the making of The Room, commonly considered the worst film of all time.

Often moving and dow nright hilarious throughout, a deeply per-

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Perhaps the most unpredictable instalment since the series-defining Empire Strikes Back, director Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi garnered a great deal of critical praise.

Diehard fans, however, found plenty to complain about - Episode VIII is perhaps the least “Star Warsy” Star Wars yet.

Regardless, Johnson’s personal touch cuts through decades of convention; a forward think-

The Last Jedi garnered a great deal of critical praise

sonal project that actually makes one want to revisit the awful source material.

ing sci-fi epic that feels both exhilaratingly fresh and comfortably familiar.

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

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GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 4 January 2018

DUBLINMOTORING

Compact SUV offers dominate new cars

for 2018

As 2018 heralds a brand new motoring year there are new cars on the way for Dublin motorists across almost every brand. There are more options than ever in terms of power source and while petrol and diesel power is still dominant, the electric and hybrid car options are expanding at a phenomenal rate. MICHAEL MORONEY takes a look at some of the new cars on offer for 2018.

LOOK across any of the new car offerings across the brands for 2018 and you’ll find they offer a new compact SUV. The market for smaller cars with SUV styling and a higher driving position has mushroomed across Europe and Dublin drivers are certainly following that trend.

Car buyers are moving with another trend and that is petrol power after the issues around diesel emission cheating were further exposed. Governments across Europe have reacted with tougher

regulations for engine emissions and diesel sales have taken a hit, but not as much in Ireland, just yet.

Promise

Petrol engine design has improved at the same time, lowering emissions and raising performance at the same time. The generation three-cylinder petrol engines are showing promise and growing in driver acceptance as well as being economical.

More significant engine chang-

es are looming further down the line. The era of the electric car is coming closer to us so expect to see larger numbers of electric cars on Dublin roads in 2018.

The news that Governments in some European countries are to ban the sale of new cars with any form of internal combustion engine, be it petrol or diesel from 2030 onwards, puts the electric car into a whole new perspective.

That’s just about 12 years away, or two car changes for many families.

And that prospect will force a sig-

nificant re-think for new car buyers in Dublin, who need to plan their motoring investment carefully, after all the cost of owning a car comes second behind the cost of buying and running a home in the Dublin region.

In the meantime, its compact SUV time for many Dublin car buyers in 2018, and here we look at some of the options. These will be among the best-selling cars for Dublin 2018 and some of these new generation models will stand out for their sheer design style.

New E-Pace joins the Jaguar range THE new Jaguar E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family. This five-seat SUV packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle. The exterior design has the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches while optional 21-inch alloy wheels give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance.

The E-PACE claims to be one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class. The next-generation touchscreen infotainment system connects customers to their favourite apps, such as Spotify through Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl apps.

BMW adds new sporty compact X2 to the range

Under the bonnet, E-PACE is available engine options from the Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The 300bhp Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers E-PACE from 0-100km/hr in just

BMW aims to break new ground with the new X2 SUV addi-

6.4 seconds before reaching an electronically-

tion to the BMW X model range. The car’s chassis and xDrive

limited top speed of 243km/hr. For customers

intelligent all-wheel-drive system claims to deliver a balance

who want greater efficiency, the front-wheel

between sporting dynamics and efficiency and entry prices

drive 150bhp Ingenium diesel delivers CO2 emis-

start at €50,320.

sions of 124g/km and annual road tax of €270.

The new Jaguar E-PACE comes with a limited

The new BMW X2 is two centimetres shorter and more than seven centimetres lower than the BMW X1, yet has the same

edition introductory launch price of €36,000 for

wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched,

the E-PACE 2.0D i4 150PS Manual model.

coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic.

The car’s driving responses can be adapted by using the Driving Experience Control switch, allowing the driver to choose

The 20d diesel model comes equipped with xDrive intelligent all-

between default COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO

wheel drive as standard. The integral Hill Descent Control feature

mode and SPORT mode. The pre-programmed set-up available via

enables the BMW X2 to automatically maintain a desired speed on

SPORT mode claims to give the car even more dynamic steering

steep descents by taking care of brake control for the driver, who

and engine responses.

can then devote their attention to the task of steering.

From January, the X2 xDrive20d diesel variant will be available.

The car is equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW Con-

It generates maximum output of 190bhp and 400Nm of torque

nectedDrive Services, both of which are now available in updated

enabling a zero to 100km/hr time of 7.7 seconds. Official fuel con-

form. Further variants of the BMW X2 will be added to the Sports

sumption is still highly impressive 4.6l/100km (61.4mpg), while CO2

Activity Coupe’s line-up in early 2018 in the shape of the four-cylin-

emissions are as low as 121g/km.

der X2 sDrive20i, X2 sDrive18d and X2 xDrive18d.

4 January 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

Citroen launches new C3 Aircross CITROEN launched its new C3 Aircross compact SUV at Dublin Citroën dealerships in advance of the January registration period with entry prices starting at €20,695.

This new generation SUV has been influenced by the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme and uses the latest in grip control technology with hill descent assist for added driver control. It comes with a new continuous connectivity system that includes wireless smart phone charging.

Citroen claims that technology continues as a core theme in new C3 Aircross with 12 different technologies that assist your journey, including voice controlled 3D navigation, keyless entry and start, 60/40 sliding rear bench, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Citroën claims that the new C3 Aircross offers best-in-class space for maximum passenger comfort, with generous legroom in

The car is available in three specified trim levels Touch, Feel and Flair. The new

Volkswagen T-Roc to turn heads in 2018

SUV offers a choice of five different interior ambiences comprising of special seat

VOLKSWAGEN’S new T-Roc crossover model is going

upholstery, a range of dashboard textures, door panel designs, and touches of

to attract a lot of attention when it takes to Dublin

colour on the central console surround, steering wheel, air vents and seat backs.

roads in 2018. This new mid-size crossover comes

The car has a practical interior with a split sliding and folding rear bench, 60/40

with a starting price of €24,750, which in itself will

split-folding and adjustable seat backs.

attract enough attention.

the front and rear, as well as an exceptional modular boot space with a volume of up to 520 litres. The new C3 Aircross also scored maximum 5 Euro NCAP rating for car safety for models fitted with either Safety Pack 1 or Safety Pack 2.

The new Citroen C3 Aircross is available with either PureTech petrol and BlueHDi

The entry-level T-Roc specification is offered with

diesel engines, as well as the latest generation EAT6 fully automatic gearbox as a

Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine putting

further option.

out 115bhp. Standard specification on this grade includes Climatronic 2-Zone air conditioning, USB interfaces, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch

Subaru delivers redesign in new XV SUBARU’S XV crossover for

Volvo Popped Up on Grafton Street

2018 is claimed to be totally

‘Composition Colour’ radio system. All T-Roc models come with Front Assist and Lane assist systems.

Volkswagen will be offering a range of packs around the T-Roc model. These include the T-Roc Design version which also features the 1.0-litre TSI 115bhp petrol engine and adds 16” Chester alloy wheels, a larger Composition Media radio system featuring an 8-inch glass touchscreen, a chrome package, Voice Control and App Connect amongst others for slightly higher price of €26,995.

Volkswagen will also offer a number of Technol-

new from the ground up, inside and out and from top to bottom. The changes

ogy Upgrade Packs for the T-Roc. With these Option

include a new platform with a new suspension system, a new Subaru Boxer

Packs, customers can make savings on a number of

engine and a new transmission. The car has a redesigned exterior and claims a

popular optional extras.

more spacious, more comfortable and more connected passenger cabin.

For the entry level T-Roc specification the Technology Upgrade Pack includes; adaptive cruise

IF YOU’VE been on Dublin’s Grafton Street in the

SE models are equipped as standard with Eyesight, adaptive cruise control,

weeks before Christmas you’ll have seen Volvo

hi-beam assist, Subaru rear vehicle rear detection, automatic LED headlamps

control, front fog lamps and 16-inch Chester alloy

Car Ireland’s car pop-up shop. The new shop

and headlamp washers, alloy wheels (1.6 litre models – 17-inch alloy and 2.0-litre

wheels for €599, a claimed saving of €639 over the

provided visitors with a chance to see Volvo’s

models – 18-inch alloy), heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button

items individually.

new XC40 compact SUV, Volvo’s first ever entry in

start, and privacy glass, as well as a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment sys-

the small premium SUV segment.

tem, incorporating audio, smart phone connectivity and a rear view parking

specification, which comes with a choice of 1.5-litre

At the top of the T-Roc range will be the Sport

camera. The system also incorporates Subaru STARLINK and is Apple CarPlay

150bhp petrol engines or the 2.0-litre 150bhp TDI

much of the advanced connectivity, entertain-

and Android Auto compatible. SE Premium models add leather seats, satellite

diesel, with the latter available in either six-speed

ment and safety technology from Volvo’s newest

navigation, sunroof, and electrically-adjustable driver’s seat for added func-

manual or seven-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre TSI Sport

60- and 90 series cars, the XC60, S90, V90 and

tionality. Subaru SV prices start at €33,495 for the new 1.6i SE Lineartronic CVT

starts from €29,750 and the 2.0-litre TDI 4Motion

XC90. It is also powered by Volvo’s efficient

automatic, rising to €38,495 for the range topping 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic

starts from €34,795.

Drive-E engines, and is offered with front- or

CVT automatic.

Designed primarily for the city, it features

all-wheel drive, and with manual and automatic gearboxes. be available, with power ranging from 150 to

Kona joins Hyundai SUV range

250bhp. All these engines are 2.0-litre, four-

HYUNDAI buyers will have had a peek of the new Kona SUV from November and

cylinder units; there are 156hp T3, 190 hp T4 and

now have a opportunity to take on to the road. The new Kona is smaller than

247bhp T5 petrol engines, and 150bhp D3 and

the best-selling Tucson and claims to offer a completely new compact SUV

190 hp D4 diesels. The T3 is available exclusively

platform.

Three petrol and two diesel engines will initially

with front-wheel drive, while the D3 is offered

The early edition models will be offered with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine

in front- or all-wheel-drive form. The T4, T5 and

rated at 120bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox with starting prices from

D4 come with all-wheel drive and an automatic

€20,995. Hyundai will be offering the Kona with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine

gearbox. An automatic gearbox is also avail-

later in 2018 followed by a full electric version in 2019.

able on D3 versions. Full technical details of

This new Kona will be available in four trim levels, Comfort, Executive, and

these engines will be released at a later date.

two Premium versions, a manual and automatic gearbox version. All cars

Other engines will be offered later in the XC40’s

come on 16-inch alloy wheels and include a lane keep assist and a driver

lifecycle.

fatigue warning system.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 4 January 2018

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SPORT2017

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOKING BACK: JANUARY TO JUNE

Fingal stars spring into action with glory galore January

SKERRIES Harps’ Stephen Smith and St Maur’s Ciaran Reddin were among the Fingal men to take the stage on New Year’s Day at Parnell Park as part of the annual Dub Stars battles.

The Stars lost out to Dublin – as they do far more often than not in these encounters – but put up a brave second half battle, with Vincent’s Mossy Quinn proving a dominant asset as he scored 3-4 against the run of play.

February DISTANCE swimmer Rachael Lee won the Outsider Magazine Woman of the Year Award, after she broke her own boyfriend’s Irish record for the fastest

English channel swim last year, crossing from Dover to Calais in a time of nine hours and 40 minutes.

The Malahide woman’s achievement is all the more impressive given she trained for the swim around caring for young twin boys, often waking in the early hours for strenuous training sessions, alongside jobs as a firefighter and a nurse.

Mulhuddart Boxing Academy added another trophy to their ever growing cabinet as Dervla Duffy defeated Moira McElligott at the 2017 National Elite Championships at the National Stadium to become the 57kg champion.

Duffy made the move to the Blanchardstown club at the end of 2015 and has improved hugely under the tutelage of owner and

coach Gerard McDaid with this victory marking a new pinnacle.

March LORETO Swords secured their first Leinster title as their Under-16 side clocked up a 4-10 to 1-7 win over Gaelcholaiste Reachrann at Parnell GAA grounds.

Despite a 12-point win for Loreto, the game was closely fought throughout and, on another day, could have been much closer on the score board. However, after they were denied in the Under-14 final last year, this group of players were determined to hold their nerve through a second half onslaught from their Donaghmede counterparts, and write their names in the school’s history books.

Mulhuddart boxing’s Dervla Duffy jumps for joy following her national senior boxing victory.

Loughshinny’s Oisin van Gelderen made an attempt on the world speed

Rob Barrable made an excellent return to

windsurfing record during a week

the Irish tarmac championships with fine

long spell in France.

performances in the spring.

Swords Thunder’s Isaac

Portmarnock’s Adrian Goalmouth scramble in St Sylvester’s tie with Skerries Harps. Picture: GAAPics.com

the Leinster seniors open

Balbriggan native Jordan Doherty was celebrating as he walked away from the FAI International Football Awards at Donnybrook with the Under-16 player of the year gong in his hands.

over the Faroe Islands.

They followed up with a 1-0 win over Slovakia before beating Cyprus 2-0 to make it a perfect series.

Corduff reached new heights before the summer season even started

The youngster, who togs out for Home Farm FC, was up for the award alongside Aaron Bolger from Shamrock Rovers and Manchester United star Lee O’Connor, but beat both after making a

successful step up to the Ireland Under-17 squad.

He missed the awards ceremony as he was playing in the UEFA Under17 Championship Elite Round qualifiers where he scored in a 4-0 win

4 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES

St Mochta’s celebrate their first ever LSL Sunday Senior success

“It’s dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

“All your warm blood goes to your core, around your heart, and your extremities get very cold.”

- Ice swimmer Conor Turner, from Whitehall, on his sub zero sport Westbrooks celebrates the club’s break-out national senior cup victory with his daughter Eabha. Picture: Inpho

Skerries once again witnessed the climax of the An Post Ras. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Morrow tees off en route to title. Picture: Pat Cashman

after an extended run in the SFAI All-Ireland competitions and the LFA over 35 provisional competition, racking up four Leinster titles in 10 days.

The Dublin 15 club won at Under-12, 14 and 16 level in the SFAI Leinster regional competitions before adding an Over-35 LFA title for good measure.

Castleknock Community College created history when they overcame St Patricks, Armagh 2-7 to 0-4 to capture the school’s first ever AllIreland senior camogie title. Played out in front of large crowd at Innis-

Fun and games at the St Brigid’s academy

keen, Monaghan, the win was a defining moment for camogie in the college.

St Brigid’s senior hurlers claimed the first trophy of the 2017 hurling season as they defeated O’Tooles 1-15 to 0-11 under the floodlights in a rainy soaked Russell Park.

April MALAHIDE Rugby Club created another piece of history for themselves by gaining promotion to the Ulster Bank League for the first time after an excellent season courtesy of a bonus point win over

Clonmel.

The Fingal side were only promoted to the Leinster league division 1A last year but took it in their stride as they added some All-Ireland league experience to the squad that saw them win 13 of their 14 league games in the province.

They subsequently won the provincial round-robin championship ahead of fellow provincial winners Ballina, Omagh and Clonmel.

May BRIAN McCarthy said St Mochta’s abundant char-

acter, particularly in the LSL Sunday Senior season’s dying days, was crucial as his side won their first ever title at this level.

“If you don’t believe you can compete, you shouldn’t do it. But I don’t think we really expected to win. It’s been a really topsy turvy season.”

Their victor y was crowned on an incredible final day of action with Bluebell and Crumlin United also in the hunt for the title until the final whistle.

Portmarnock secured promotion to the LSL Sunday Senior division

in style with a 6-0 win away to St John Bosco – a victory manager Willie O’Leary dedicated to the late Brian Gregan.

Assistant manager Gregan, who spent his life playing for or managing a Portmarnock side, died suddenly in March so promotion for the man who helped the side reach this stage was a fitting tribute.

Skerries Golf Club’s Maria Dunne led from wire to wire to claim the 2017 Irish Women’s Open Stroke Play Championship at Baltray in Co Louth.

With a record opening 66 (nine under par) on the Friday, Dunne took a one-shot lead from playing partner Gemma Clews of England into the second round and

she duly carried the lead through the tournament.

June SWORDS Rugby Club launched their first women’s team as part of their plans to regenerate the club by providing equal opportunities to both men and women from the area.

“It is something that has been on our minds for the last couple of seasons but we were trying to restructure the men’s team after we lost a lot of players to immigration and injury,” PRO Liam Linnane said.

Malahide United star Val Adeedokun put in a fine performance for the DDSL side to help them walk away from the University of Limerick as Kennedy Cup champions for the 31st time.

“T here’s a sense of loss.

It’s a big part of your life just taken away. It’s a little ironic, as I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the sport’s safety.”

- Drimnagh’s Aisling Daly on coming to terms with enforced retirement from MMA

“This is LA, your face is your calling card, but she never seemed worried about it.”

- Dubliner Kerrie Christie on the perils of training former beauty queen Whitney Miller

GAZETTE

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 4 January 2018

SPORT2017

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

LOOK BACKING: JULY TO DECEMBER

Blue boys and girls provide the defining 2017 colour July OVER 700 of Ireland’s top swimmers descended on the National Aquatic Centre for the Swim Ireland Irish Age Group Championships and Summer Open with NAC the host club who ran up a wealth of medals.

Paralympic swimmers Ailbhe Kelly, Ellen Keane and Nicole Turner joined their teammates following a successful IPC World Series finishing in Berlin the previous week and they would combine to win 22 individual and seven relay medals.

Elsewhere, Paralympic athlete Greta Streimikyte excelled herself at the World Championship in London with the T-13 category (for athlete categorised as of ‘moderate visual impairment) runner achieving a big season’s best to finish fourth in the 1,500 metre final.

The finish might have shades of the Rio Olympics for the Swords woman where she also clocked fourth place.

August THE HILLS landed the 2017 IBI Corporate Finance Leinster Senior Cup as a late flurry of runs from Max Sorensen saw the Skerries side

claim the title from a dramatic final at the Vineyard.

In pursuit of Merrion’s 186, the run chase touched on 10 an over at times but the former Irish international – who confirmed his retirement during the same week – bashed a series of sixes to see The Hills with 14 balls to spare.

Eoin Kennedy added yet another trophy to his cabinet by winning the 2017 60×30 handball national singles title with a win over Wexford’s Gavin Buggy – the first time he has won this particular title.

The St Brigid’s legend did so despite going through the pain barrier, adding to the remarkable achievement.

In golf, Paul McBride made his European tour debut via invitation at the Porsche European Open in Hamburg and finished two under to tie for 47th.

September A TEARFUL Noelle Healy credited a “phenomenal” team effort as she was awarded player of the match in the All Ireland Ladies’ Final, as the Jackies swatted aside Mayo to bring home a long awaited Brendan

Martin Cup. “It’s unbelievable,” Healy said as she picked up the award. “The last few years have obviously been very difficult to take. It’s such a great group of girls, we love playing football, we love playing with each other and we love playing for Dublin. This is just beyond words.”

At the end, it was fittingly left to St Sylvester’s Sinead Aherne to raise the Brendan Martin Cup as she landed nine points in the decider.

She had previously been part of the 2003 Dublin side that came unstuck against Mayo, but was able to put those memories to rest in a thrilling final performance in front of a bumper crowd of over 46,000.

Corduff announced they will play their schoolboy underage football under the auspices of the DDSL from season 2018 onward.

Boasting 27 schoolboy teams on top of their five adult squads and nursery academy for the youngest of players, the club has been punching above its weight in recent years and feel their future belongs in the DDSL which is now located in Dublin 15 at nearby Abbottsown.

Fans of St Patrick’s NS, Diswellstown show their passion at the Cumann na mBunscol finals. Picture: Niall O’Connell

Metro St Brigid’s Aoife Brown on her way to Malahide GC toast their victory in the

winning the girls U-13 2,500m cross country

AIG Ladies Challenge Cup. Picture: Pat

championship title in Waterford. Picture: Matt

Cashman

Browne/Sportsfile

The Dublin ladies football

The West Dublin Rhinos get to grips with Dublin’s Ciaran Kilkenny. Picture: James Crombie/Sportsfile

F i n g a l s t a r s C i a ra n K ilkenny, Pa ddy Andrews, Paul Flynn, Eric Lowndes and Bernard Brogan added to their huge All-Ireland senior football championship titles, bringing it to 23 between them by helping Dublin to a 1-17 to 1-16 victory over Mayo at Croke Park.

Former Castleknock College man Devin Toner joined an elite club of six as he led Leinster onto the field against Cardiff Blues for their first PRO14 tie of the season.

It was the 31-year-old’s 200th appearance for the province, making his debut in 2006, a career in

which he has been part of their three European Cup successes as well as winning 50 international caps since his 2010 debut.

Reflecting on reaching the milestone, the giant 6’10’’ second row said: “It kind of crept up on me. I made my debut in 2006; it seems like only yesterday but on paper, it’s a bit longer!

Fingallians finished their season unbeaten to land the AFL Division 3 title with a 0-17 to 1-11 win over Garda at Lawless Park, returning to the senior ranks in style.

After coming agonisingly close last year, the Swords men will now

the Louth Mavericks. Picture: Martin Doherty

finally make the return to senior football next season and stalwar t Danny Campion believes achieving their goal by remaining unbeaten this time round made it extra special.

October THE new Sport Ireland National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown will play host to the 2018 Special Olympics Ireland Games, it was confirmed this month.

The Games will take place over four days from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 17. In what will be one of the largest sporting events to take

place in Ireland next year, 1,600 Special Olympics athletes from throughoutIreland will travel to Dublin.

They will be accompanied by 600 coaches and official delegates and 3,000 family members and supporters. The Games will be supported by a team of 2,500 volunteers who will be recruited from Dublin and beyond over the coming months.

St Maur’s incredible run of ladies football championship success came to an end as they lost 3-12 to 1-11 to Dunboyne in the provincial intermediate final.

It was a unique pair-

4 January 2018 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTES OF

THE YEAR “A lot of people would argue I didn’t play football at the top level either.” - Pat

Kinsealy Boys with the Under-12 Keelings Cup following their NDSL victory. Picture: Peter Hickey

Gilroy on whether his hurling credentials match up to what to his football background.

“The last few years have obviously been very difficult to take. It’s such a great group of girls, we love playing football, we love playing with each other and we love playing for Dublin. This is just beyond words.”

team celebrate their famous All-Ireland senior victory in Croke Park. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

- Dublin ladies footballer Noelle Healy

Jack Mansfield, age six from Rolestown,

Former Castleknock College man Devin Toner joined

Castleknock Celtic’s Dino Dervisic finds a route to goal despite the best intentions of

celebrates finishing the

the 200 club with Leinster when he lined out for the

two Mountview Boys defenders

Holywell park run

province against the Cardiff Blues. Picture: Laszlo Geczo

good late on. Boughal were awarded a late penalty but Ciaran Wynne’s effort clipped the crossbar on the way over for a point as the Wexford champions sur vived without extra-time.

house in 2018 with proceeds going to long-time club charity, the St Francis Hospice. The working title is ‘The Castleknock GAA Story’.

“It’s not a traditional club history book,” PRO Paddy Hewson, part of a team of seven curating the text, told the Dublin Gazette.

Swords Celtic’s Under14 side celebrated an excellent season, winning their NDSL Premier division as well as going deep into a prestigious tournament in Britain.

For team manager Joe Gannon, he put progress down to the twin contributions of UEFA A licensed coach Daire

ing of Dunboyne and St. Maurs, 2015 and 2016 All Ireland Junior Club Champions respectively.

Two early goals from Fiona O’Neill and Player of the Match Emma Duggan put the Meath Champions into a lead they never relinquished.

Olivia Leonard was tireless in her running for St Maurs and contributed two points to the scoreboard herself, but it was Dunboyne who took a four-point lead into half time; 2-05 to 0-07.

November GAVIN Moynihan won his ‘Category 17’ European Golf tour card for

2018, after a great performance and a tense wait at the Q-School tournament at the Lumine Golf Club near Tarragona, Spain.

A birdie on the 18th hole of his final round proved critical for the 23-year-old Island club man who needed to finish in the top 25 to earn his spot for next year.

He then had to wait for almost an hour for Swedish player Christofer Blomstrand to ultimately miss a 25 foot putt that ensured Moynihan finished high enough in qualifying school to win his place. The former Malahide CS student tied for the 25th with a

number of other players, 33 of whom made the ultimate cut.

Fingal County Council and the FAI of Ireland have launched the second year of the Transition Year Football Development Course which gives participants an opportunity to meet their educational requirements while developing football skills.

Ballyboughal were edged out, 0-13 to 0-11,

by Wexford’s Kilanerin in the AIB Leinster Club IFC final at Wexford Park.

Two pointed frees from Wexford legend Mattie Forde had the Slaneysiders three points to the

December CASTLEKNOCK will mark their relatively short but eventful 20-year history in the new year as they put pen to paper to chronicle the remarkable rise of the Somerton club in a new book, it was announced this month.

It will be released to coincide with the opening of their new club-

Doyle – who also coaches at Longford Town – and an innovative fitness regime.

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

The club was awarded €150,000 from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport which will go a long to support their ‘Club For All Seasons 2020’ development Plan. The initiative aims to improve pitch facilities with an all-weather pitch at it’s home ground at Broomfield in Malahide.

“Letting down players is not what I want to be getting into. If I was involved I wouldn’t be able to look at the players face to face and explain why they are not getting wages.”

- Shelbourne legend Richie Baker on why he has no interest in taking up management in the League of Ireland and prefers it in the amateur game

GAZETTESPORT

ALL OF YOUR NORTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

JANUARY 4-10, 2018

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF LOCAL SPORT: Gazette Sport looks back on an exceptional 2017 with glory galore for Fingal clubs and individuals P28-31

Swords strong start Swords rugby club’s women team in a huddle

Fingal rugby club already seeing major growth following introduction of women’s team for the first time in 2017 with plans to expand it further

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS Rugby Club’s women’s section is looking to make their mark following the introduction of the new section in the club during the summer.

“The team has been going brilliantly since it was set up, there is a fantastic core group of players who have really gelled as a team both on and off the pitch,” club PRO Liam Linnane said.

“There has been a lot of interest in the new team, which is evident from the response in followers on their standalone Facebook and Instagram social media, as well as the amount of interested players we have contacting the main

page.

“We plan on pushing the team in terms of recruitment over the next few months to build on a great first year and hopefully have an even larger pool of players in the 2018/19 season.”

A nice boost came to the team during Leinster’s victory over Connacht in the Pro14 at the RDS on New Year’s Day, when they were the subject of a feature piece in the match day programme.

“It was brilliant to have been featured in the Leinster v Connacht programme as we are such a young team. The exposure was excellent and hopefully we will see a lot of new faces down as the ladies get back training after the Christmas break.”

After much consideration, it was decided the team would compete in the Leinster Women’s Divison 4A, where they have won one of their three games to date and Linnane is confident the right decision was made.

“With relatively few games so far, it is hard to gauge the right level and there has been a mix of results so far. For the minute I would say it is the right choice as it gives the newer players the experience they need to grow and the team the chance to test themselves.

“It is frustrating that there aren’t more women’s teams around as you can only really grow with game time, and I know the ladies would love to get out on the pitch week in week out.

“Hopefully with the growth of the game and

the drive by the IRFU to get more women into the game we will see other clubs starting up and giving us more opportunities to get out there and grow.”

Linnane is also confident the team can avoid the pitfalls experienced by other female teams in the area.

“With the group that we have at the minute, it is hard to believe that the team won’t succeed and last. The ladies really enjoy the game and have been bonding throughout the season.

“They will stick it out through the hard times and the good, and hopefully with the exposure we are getting and the women’s drive to succeed, they will grow their numbers and be challenging for silverware in no time.”