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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE FINGAL AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  NOVEMBER 9-15, 2017

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FIRST HIKE IN ALMOST A DECADE PART OF ‘PROGRESSIVE BUDGET’

Fingal businesses to feel the squeeze as rates to rise

 SYLVIA POWNALL BUSINESSES in north county Dublin will feel the squeeze in 2018 as they face the first hike in commercial rates in almost a decade.

Fingal County Council agreed what it described as a “progressive” €227 million budget on Tuesday – with spending on housing and homelessness up by 11%, to €61 million. Continued on Page 2

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VOTE | OVERWHELMING APPROVAL FOR DRAFT PLAN FOR COUNTY

FFC approves €227.2m spend for 2018 budget Continued from Page 1

The 2% rise in commercial rates follows a decision in September not to avail of the full 15% reduction in the Local Property Tax (LPT) – effectively hiking the LPT by 5%.

The rates rise is the first since 2009 and will bring an additional €2.5 million to the local authority, while the extra €1.9 million LPT revenue will be used to fund library services, community events and the arts.

In total, the council plans to spend €227,268,000 next year – €767 for every man, woman and child living

in Fingal.

The budget targets investment in five key areas – housing, economic development, services, community initiatives and tourism.

Councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of the draft budget (30 for, 4 against) after officials revealed Fingal has the highest compliance of rate payment in Ireland, at 96%, and the lowest rate among the four Dublin local authorities.

A total of €42.7m will be spent on Environment, with €42.5m for Recreation and Amenity. Water Services will receive €20.7m, while €21.1m has been set aside

for Development Incentives and Controls.

Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “This is one of the most progressive budgets adopted by any Irish local authority.

“It allows the council to continue to meet the growing demands of having to cater for a county that has the fastest-growing and youngest population in the country, as well as a rapidly growing local economy.

“The extra funding from the LPT and commercial rates has allowed us to increase our spending by more than 5%, and invest more into key areas of our overall strategy.”

FASTNews

All welcome at Swords meeting on future-proofing community A PUBLIC meeting on “future-proofing our community” will be held in Swords on Thursday, November 16 at 7.30pm.

The event is organised by Green Party representative Mark Henry and speakers include UCD’s Dr Cara Augustenborg, Ruth Buggie of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and Deputy Eamon Ryan.

Mark said: “We will need to make changes to our homes, in transport, in energy, and in the food that we eat. This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to hear from experts in the area and to consider what it means for us in Swords and the surrounding communities.”

St Brigid’s photography group make their art look like a snap

Council chief Paul Reid hailed the budget, highlighting how increased rates would help support the county

ST BRIGID’S Photography Group’s exhibition runs at Blanchardstown Library until November 16.

The display features images from around the world in a wonder of “Light and Life” – objects, places, people and the abstract.

The group has been running for more than 17 years and meets each Tuesday evening at 8pm in the Parish Centre at Blanchardstown Church. New members are welcome.

For further information, see http://stbrigidsphotogroup.blogspot.com, email: saintbrigidsphotogroup@gmail.com or come along any Tuesday.

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PEOPLE | FEMALE FISHMONGER ANGLING TO REEL IN THE TOP PRIZE AT NATIONAL AWARDS

PLAICE YOUR BETS Renee cod land a prawn-tastic victory at the upcoming Bord Iascaigh Mhara bash  SYLVIA POWNALL IT’S a case of brains over PRAWN for fishmonger Renee Tallon who’s been shortlisted for a coveted title in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Renee, of East Coast Seafood in Malahide, is a finalist in the Young Fishmonger Awards and will learn her fate at the annual Bord Iascaigh Mhara bash next week.

She and partner James Kirwan set up shop in Naas, Co Kildare in 2009 – but she’s been making waves since they opened a second outlet in Malahide last June.

BREAMING from ear to ear, Renee told The Gazette: “My interest in seafood was sparked from a young age.

“I grew up in a wee town called Clogherhead in Co Louth, and both my father and grandfather were fishermen who worked on the boats.

“As well as this, I’ve always had an interest in the food and cooking side of things, so a fishmonger seemed like a good fit.”

For the first time since the awards’ introduction there are three female finalists out of four in the independent seafood specialist category this year.

Overall, there is an even gender split, with four female and four male finalists.

Renee said: “I believe this is the first time this has ever happened and it’s a sign of the direction things are going in.

“My partner looks after the buying of the fish and most of the filleting, but I would also do a bit of filleting and trimming on site myself. I would also prepare a good bit of homemade pre-packed products on site which includes prawn scampi, fish goujons and fish pies.”

We wish Renee the best of luck and hope she’s the SOLE survivor on awards night …

Goujon ya good thing!

Fishmonger Renee Tallon outside East Coast Seafood in Malahide

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DONABATE | HERITAGE

Harry Clarke window focus of arts project

AN ICONIC stained glass window in S t P a t r i c k ’s Church in Donabate is the inspiration for a LEADERfunded ar ts project.

H a r r y Clarke – A Window on the Peninsula was put forward by the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival and has been given the go-ahead by the rural funding agency.

The Suffer Little Children stained glass window was designed by artist Harry Clarke and a group of artists have been tasked to produce a piece of work to show what the window means to them.

Media include painting, metal work, photography, jewellery-making, quilt-making and the local guild of the ICA will also be involved.

The works produced will be displayed at an exhibition in the Parish Hall on the weekend of Friday, December 8 to Sunday 10, and will then tour Fingal.

The project has been welcomed locally and is seen as the first step in a heritage trail around the peninsula.

Out and About

Everyone was in great spirits, sharing a fun, upbeat night in the spirit of classic sounds of yesteryear

Getting All Shook Up at the Clonsilla Inn T

O celebrate their latest production All Shook Up, Coolmine Musical Society got All Dressed Up in the Clonsilla Inn and danced the night away to the hits of 50’s, 60’s. 70’s and 80’s.

The night was great fun with Robbie Kennedy on the decks and lots of the cast of All Shook Up were letting their hair down and getting their hips shaking to all the hits.

The whole group were red-dy to share in a great night together

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AIRSIDE CAMPUS | COMPANY DEFENDS CONTROVERSIAL FINES

Driver ‘gobsmacked’ by lurking clampers  SYLVIA POWNALL

CUSTOMERS using parts of the Airside campus in Swords have hit out at new parking rules which have led to countless unsuspecting motorists being clamped.

Drivers parking in the retail park who use services across the road in what is termed the ‘south quarter’ are being targeted and forced to pay a €120 release fee.

Parking at the retail units is managed by National Car Parking Services (NCPS), with signage advising it is for customer use only with a maximum stay of four hours.

But those visiting the

Motorists say they are bing ‘unfairly’ clamped

gym or TGI Fridays restaurant across the road – in an area now managed

by Euro Car Parks – say they are being “unfairly” clamped due to a “confusing” new system.

Trainee videographer James Fagan from Finglas said he was “gobsmacked” after returning from a two-

hour visit to TGI Fridays to find his car clamped at 9.30pm.

He told The Gazette: “The way they are catching people out is very unfair. I had to pay the release fee up front, no questions asked, and was told to appeal – but sure, what’s the point?

“We parked there because the surface car park across the road was full and we didn’t want to be returning to the underground one in the dark.

Most people think it’s all the one, so it’s confusing.

“And how do they decide who has been a customer of the retail units or not? My car was clamped and the guy who released it didn’t ask where I had been or come from.

“That night, there were six or seven other drivers in the same boat, all clamped. This is going to cause massive problems for shoppers in the run up to Christmas.”

Gym user John Timmins said the ‘four hours free parking’ sign in the retail park should apply to both sides of the campus, since they are both accessible from it and there are no barriers.

‘Brick wall’ He told The Gazette: “All efforts to stop this practice have met a brick wall. How do they know someone has not been in one of the retail units?

Are they using the CCTV to track people’s movements?”

Cllr Philip Lynam (SF) said the new parking regime was nothing more than a system for “profiteering [from] customers’ hard-earned money”.

He added: “How can it be right to allow a customer to park, use the shops in the retail park, walk across the road to either shop in some of the other stores, eat in the restaurants or even use the gym then only to be clamped?

“This is scandalous. It cannot be allowed to continue.”

Euro Car Parks, which operates in the South Quarter, said they were brought in three months ago at the request of the management company

acting on behalf of the owners.

A spokesperson told The Gazette: “We were told that people were going on holidays for two weeks and leaving their car there, so obviously some control had to be brought in.

“Everybody has been notified and there is plenty of signage – probably more signage than we would normally provide, in fairness. Some people are not too happy, but the rate in the underground car park is very reasonable – €1 an hour, and €3 all day.”

The Gazette contacted NCPS for comment, but they had not replied by the time of going to press.

FASTNews

Etherson’s Butchers serve up a slice of success at top awards ETHERSON’S Butchers have been named as two of the best shops in Ireland, winning Best High Street Butcher Shop for the shop based at Cabra Road, and Best Shop in a Shopping Centre for the shop based in Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, Castleknock.

The awards were presented at this year’s Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland (ACBI) Star Shop Awards, held recently at ACBI’s national gala dinner and awards ceremony at the K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare.

Seamus Etherson, of Etherson’s Butchers, was delighted to claim the award for Best High street Butcher Shop for his Cabra shop, and Best shop in a Shopping Centre for his Laurel Lodge shop.

The awards were presented by John Hickey, chief executive, ACBI and Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, Andrew Doyle, both pictured here with Seamus Etherson, right.

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COURTS | PERSONAL TRAGEDY; DAMAGES AWARDED AGAINST FCC, IRISH WATER OVER INCIDENT

Inquest hears details of ‘vibrant, talented’ trans man’s last days A TRANSGENDER man described as “vibrant and talented” took his own life at the age of 32, his inquest has heard.

In tributes following his death, Sean Meehan, from Mulhuddart, was described as an accomplished playwright and performer and a vocal advocate for transgender rights.

He was the first transgender participant in Mr Gay Ireland, and a former Alternative Miss Ireland.

Family members had

concerns regarding his medication in the months leading up to his death, Dublin Coroner’s Court heard last week.

Mr Meehan, formerly Iris Meehan, had communicated some personal issues to his friend a few days before his death.

Pal Ben Power said: “He was upset; there were a few things going on for him that he was very worried about.

“He cried a little bit and I consoled him, but as far as I knew he went

away feeling a little bit better.”

On 18 April, 2016, witnesses reported seeing a man going into the River Liffey near the East Link Bridge around 9.30pm.

Mr Meehan was retrieved from the water and rushed to the Mater Hospital, where doctors found he had suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen.

Mr Meehan died nine days later of multi-organ failure due to hypotensive shock caused by near drowning.

Toilet explosion leads to a €20k award for pair A MOTHER and son whose bathroom was splattered in “an explosion of raw sewage” have been awarded €20,000 damages against Fingal County Council and Irish Water.

Counsel for Patricia Powell and her son, Sean, told the Circuit Civil Court that they had both suffered personal injuries as a result of “the explosion”.

B a r r i s t e r A n d r e w Wa l ke r revealed the incident occurred as maintenance works were being carried out to the local drainage and sewage system.

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‘The court heard how an ‘explosion’ in the toilet saw raw sewage flung over the bathroom

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Ms Powell and her son were at home in Hayestown, Rush on August 19, 2015 when the toilet erupted, the court heard.

Judge Comerford was told there had been “an explosion of raw sewage up through the toilet” and that it was spread all over the floor, walls, bath and wash hand basin.

Counsel said Ms Powell and her son had to clean up the mess

as best they could, and then had to arrange for a contract cleaning company to carry out further work.

The judge heard that a very strong smell remained in the Powell’s home, forcing them to move out.

Powell and her son, now living at Hampton Cove, Balbriggan, sued the local authority and the water utility for up to €60,000 damages for psychological distress and trauma, expenses and house relocation charges.

Powell and her son had attended their family doctor, the court heard.

Judge Comerford awarded Powell €12,000 damages and her son €8,000 damages, and their costs.

He said they were entitled to compensation for nuisance as well as a degree of damages for personal injury arising from the incident.

Maths week adds up to Confey College fun STUDENTS from north and west Dublin and even farther afield had a busy week in the Maths department of Confey College, Leixlip as they set out to show fellow students how important it is to have fun with maths.

Maths teacher Ciara Kennedy said: “It’s very important that students enjoy doing maths and see how relevant solving maths problems is in day-to-day life

situations. Students really enjoy working on the maths problems together.”

A maths treasure hunt proved a great success as students worked out the maths problems that led to the next clue and treasure. The first years had a maths quiz which the TY students organised.

The competition included the use of maths games and questions on an iPad, while third-,

fifth- and TY students also took part in the Prism competition – a problem-solving competition for Irish second level maths students held in association with University College Cork.

Principal Mike O’Byrne said: “There is such a good buzz around the school during maths week. The students love all the competitions and I’m delighted to see them engaged in problem solving.”

9 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

Andy and Calvin

CHARITY BLANCH BROTHERS TRYING TO SUPPORT SYRIANS

Sweeney

Cooking up a way to help Syria

 SYLVIA POWNALL A DUBLIN DJ who was smuggled into Syria as an aid worker has teamed up with his sibling to create a world-first charity cookbook.

The publication is the brainchild of Blanchardstown brothers Calvin and Andrew Sweeney, who hope the funds it raises will help displaced children and families in the war-torn region.

The unique illustrated Artists’ Cookbook (right) features favourite recipes from 100 Irish and international artists, and the brothers will launch it at an art expo this weekend.

Aid worker Calvin was a trained medic and ambulance driver in Syria and often had the grim job of collecting body parts from victims blown apart in suicide and truck bombs.

He told The Gazette: “I was smuggled into Syria illegally and I got through 15 checkpoints dressed as a soldier.

“Nothing would prepare me for what I saw. I was taught to mend bones and apply an IV drip to Kurdish fighters, ISIS fighters, civilians ... anyone injured.

We helped everyone.

“We were effectively the

clean-up team after a truck bomb killed 48 people and injured dozens more in July last year. We had the incredibly grim job of collecting body parts.”

Calvin worked in social care for a decade and specialised with young offenders and those with special needs before his first of six trips to Syria in 2012.

He said: “When people think of some Middle Eastern countries, the media would portray them

as dangerous places but it wasn’t the case.

“They’re very normal people, very friendly, just trying to get on with their lives like the rest of us.

“We were working in a rescue centre on standby, so we had a lot of time for training. Some days I’d be teaching them English, and they’d be teaching me to drain a lung.”

Calvin helped his broth-

er set up Syrias Vibes after Andrew returned from Cambodia wanting to help schoolchildren there, despite the fact he had been robbed a number of times and drugged while in the country.

He said: “I left the country in tears and a shadow of myself after seeing so many horrible things, but I kept thinking about a school I worked in over there and wanting to help.”

The brothers will share their fascinating stories with visitors at the annual Art Source event at the RDS from Friday, November 10 to Sunday, November 12.

More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the year’s biggest art show, which will give Irish art lovers the unique chance to get their hands on 100 pieces of original artwork for €100 each on a first-come, first-served basis.

The expo will feature more than 130 contemporary artists and 20 Irish and international galleries showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, prints and ceramic art.

This year, the show features interactive oil and resin painting demonstrations and there are free children’s art workshops for under-12s.

The brotehrs pictured giving a presentation on their wish to support Syrians, how their charity cook book could help, and how everyone can get involved

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FASTNews

Government urged not to forget Balbriggan in draft framework

THE Government has been urged not to leave Balbriggan behind after it was excluded from the Draft National Planning Framework.

Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly (right) said the rapidly-expanding town had been stripped of any semblance of power it once had.

She added that as the youngest town in the country (according to Census 2016) it deserved inclusion as an urban centre in the national blueprint.

She said: “Balbriggan has been left out of the draft National Planning Framework, the Spatial Strategy, the Living City Initiative.

“We have been stripped of our borough council status and our town clerk. Balbriggan has a young, well-educated population, high-speed broadband, transport links, proximity to the airport and enormous tourism potential.

“If Balbriggan was included in the National Planning Framework, we would be well-positioned to develop the town so that we are well-placed to deal with Brexit and other challenges down the road.”

Out and About

St Patrick’s NS Diswellstown girls team. Pictures: Niall O’Connell/@KnockPhotos

Playwright David’s bringing My Bedsit Window to Swords Castle FINGAL playwright David Gilna (right) will perform to a home crowd when he brings his inspirational work, My Bedsit Window, to Swords Castle next month.

The council has cleared the way for the play to be staged at the historic venue from Monday, December 4 to Saturday, December 9.

The play is written and performed by Swords talent David and directed by Glen Gannon and tells the tale of wouldbe actor William Blake as he moves between Dublin, London and Hollywood.

Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “Swords Castle is

key in the development of the cultural quarter and performances like these give an idea of the immense potential of the overall project.”

Mayor Cllr Mary McCamley said: “David is an exciting local playwright with a great love and understanding of where he has come from.”

Tickets (from €13) are available at Eventbrite, or mybedsitwindow@ gmail.com.

Donabate Portrane Educate Together players and

Abby McMahon, with cup, and her Donabate Portrane Educate Together team-

captain James Davison celebrate

mates celebrate. Pictures: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

St Patrick’s NS, Diswellstown Boys Team Photo

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Cumann na mBunscol finals in Croke Park C

ROKE Park was thronged last week for the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol finals with hundreds of primary school children from around Dublin enjoying a big day out on the hallowed turf.

The venue played host to two days of finals of the annual primary schools Gaelic football finals with over a dozen titles on the line, all played out in front of fervent support from the children’s schoolmates and their families.

Boys and girls from North Dublin were in action and had huge support for their local community.

Dublin senior football stars Jonny Cooper and Ciaran Kilkenny were also on hand to add to the occasion, taking selfies with groups of fans and players in tandem with the Sam Maguire trophy.

FASTNews

The Strand abandons plans for a 17-metre phone mast THE owner of The Strand bar in Rush has decided not to proceed with plans to allow a 17-metre phone mast on the site, in the face of public opposition.

Joe Sherman posted a notice advising: “As a gesture of respect for the concerns expressed by some of my neighbours and patrons, I have decided NOT to proceed with an application for planning permission for the

erection of a phone mast in the car park of the Strand Bar and Lounge, Main Street, Rush.”

Meanwhile, Charlie Monks – a member of Rush Community Council – has called a public meeting to be held tonight,

Work Matters expo to offer advice, support to a range of jobseekers A “WORK MATTERS” expo will run at Balbriggan and Blanchardstown libraries from November 13-23.

The programme includes a variety of guest speakers, interactive workshops and an exhibition of employment and enterprise support agencies.

Work Matters will offer free advice and support to those who

are looking for a job, a career change or are thinking of starting their own business.

Full details are available by contacting Blanchardstown Library at 01 890 5563 (email: blancharstownlibrary@fingal. ie), or Balbriggan Library at 01 870 4401 (email: balbrigganlibrary@ fingal.ie).

November 9, in Rush Community Centre.

Local politicians have been invited to attend the 8pm gathering and the agenda includes discussions around boosting tourism – Blue Flag status, parking, public toilets and showers and information notices.

There will also be a discussion on roads and access, the upgrade of Main Street, the Mill Bank project, Drumanagh development and underground cables.

All are welcome.

Aslan singer, guitarist set for a gig at Gibney’s ASLAN frontman Christy Dignam and the band’s lead guitarist, Joe Jewell, will perform an intimate gig at Gibney’s in Malahide on November 30 at 9pm. Some Songs and Stories features old and new tracks, while Christy and Joe will also talk about their three decades performing. Tickets cost €20 and can be found at http://www.ticketweb.ie/; serach for ‘Aslan’ and ‘Gibneys’.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

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CRAFTS: TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY A WONDERFUL, RELAXING PASTIME MAKE IT GAME, SET AND MATCH FOR TENNIS BALL-LOVING MARLEY OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Marley. Marley is 6, a female Collie cross. Poor Marley has been given up on so many times by people and it has taken its toll on her. Marley is super sweet and affectionate but as people have abandoned her in the past, she has lost her ability to trust any new people that she meets. Marley is exceptionally clever and would excel in all kinds of training. She needs an adult only home with someone who is home full time to help work on building her confidence and helping her to become used to spending periods of time alone.

If you’re looking to give a very special and very beautiful dog the chance at life that they truly deserve, then Marley could be the lady you’ve been looking for. Marley loves tennis balls, in fact it is probably the way to her heart so make sure to have one if you come to meet her!

Contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000; they are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

Get hooked on knitting CRAFT enthusiasts are gearing up for this year’s Knitting and Stitching Show which is on in the RDS this month.

To get in the mood for the country’s longest running textile event, The Gazette asked Marina Hand of Winnie the Wool Wagon and Winnie’s Craft Cafe in Booterstown for her top tips for those thinking of starting or returning to knitting.

“Knitting is a wonderful, relaxing and practical pastime,” Marina said.

“Here are our tips for those thinking of learning (or revisiting) this skill.”

1. Go for the easy win. Pick a simple project to start with. A scarf or a cowl in chunky wool means that you will quickly see the fruits of your work, which is always encouraging. Even if you knitted complicated patterns years ago, it is good to warm up the knitting muscles gently!

2. Pick colours you love, even if you are knitting for somebody else.

Winnie’s Craft Cafe at the Knitting and Stitching Show

You will be spending quite some time with your knitting, so you want to make sure that you will have a good relationship!

3. Avoid really dark colours.

With the darker evenings, you will only stress yourself trying to see your stitches if you make a mistake. Yes, grey is really on trend

at the moment, but a light or midgrey is just as nice and not half as difficult to work with!

4. Embellishments. A simple garter stitch scarf or hat can be made really stylish with a pompom, button or simple crochet flower.

5. If you can’t make it, fake it!

Craft shops are currently full of

knitted hats and scarves. Buy a plain one and make it your own with buttons, pompoms, felt and crocheted flowers. Let loose your creative side!

6. Winnie’s Theory on the Separation of Knitters – you are never more than two steps away from a knitter! If you are stuck, ask a friend. You would be surprised how many closet crafters there are out there! The community of knitters is also extremely connected and helpful, so, welcome on board!

7. The Knitting and Stitching Show is a great place to get inspiration and meet fellow crafters.

Call a couple of your friends and make a day of it. Comfortable shoes and a big bag are a must.

Winnie’s Craft Cafe is based in Booterstown and has a wide range of yarns for all tastes and budgets.

They will be exhibiting at the Knitting & Stitching Show from November 9 to 12 in the RDS. Stand D34 or check them out on www.WinnieTheWoolWagon. com.

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

Designer, tech entrepreneur and founder of Dress For Success Sonya Lennon with Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee and Dublin City Councillor Claire Byrne (GP) launching the equal pay campaign. Picture: Sam Boal

Addressing the gender pay gap

MANDATORY shared parental leave, more affordable childcare, and initiatives to tackle gender stereotyping are amongst the measures needed to address the gender pay gap, according to Dress for Success Dublin, the charity that supports women to enter the workforce and succeed at work.

The charity has launched a month-long campaign to highlight the gender pay gap and raise funds to support more women back to work.

Launching the Equal Pay campaign, Sonya Lennon, founder of Dress for Success Dublin and a wellknown designer and tech entrepreneur, said women in more precarious jobs and on lower salaries are “often overlooked” in discussions on gender equality.

“Since we held our inaugural Equal Pay campaign last year, there has been a lot of debate on the gender pay gap, and some welcome policy moves to ensure greater equality at work,” she said.

“However, at Dress for Success Dublin, we are concerned that the majority of discourse on this issue focuses on higher-income earners working in corporate settings.

“We believe the experiences of the poorest and most vulnerable women in Irish society are often overlooked.

“Addressing gender inequality in an equitable and sustainable way requires removing barriers to economic independence regardless of income or educational attainment levels.”

Dress for Success Dublin made a submission to the Government’s recent consultation on the gender pay gap, outlining the actions the organisation believes should be taken to effectively tackle the gender pay gap.

Further information is available at www.dressforsuccessdublin.org.

INNOVATION | MAKING SIGNIFICANT SOCIETAL IMPACTS

Funding solutions to our city’s challenges SMART Dublin and Enterprise Ireland have provided funding to 16 Dublin companies as part of a scheme to solve city challenges.

Solutions will be tested to address illegal dumping, to monitor and predict blocked gullies in high risk flooding areas and to design innovative wayfinding solutions across the Dublin region.

The programme is being delivered through Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research programme and is also a key action in the Dublin Action Plan for Jobs.

The challenges announced last May generated almost 200 expressions of interest with 40 proposals submitted and evaluated by industry, academic and

city experts.

Of those, 16 have been awarded phase 1 funding of circa €12,500 alongside supports from Smart Dublin to research and demonstrate the viability of their solution before the end of 2017.

Following this, a number of phase 2 contracts worth €25,000 to €50,000 each will be awarded to prototype the solutions in the city.

“This is an outstanding cohort of companies and we look forward to working with them over the coming months across the four Dublin local authorities,” said Philomena Poole, chair of Smart Dublin.

“We will support them to build new products and services that address our challenges, in turn

creating new job opportunities and supporting the companies to scaleup internationally.”

Maria Gavin, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Small Business Innovation Research is recognised internationally as a proven approach that works for both public bodies and companies.

“It facilitates SMEs with early stage ideas to access public sector procurement opportunities.

“I commend Smart Dublin for expanding their programme to take in three challenges and 16 new companies.

“This new fund has the potential to create in-demand technologies and innovations which can be adopted quickly to make positive and significant societal impacts.”

GAZETTE

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DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

CAMPAIGN: CALLING ON DUBLIN TO ‘BE THE DIFFERENCE’ IN MEN’S HEALTH

Mo Bros unite to kick-start Movember

THIS year, Movember is calling on Dublin to “be the difference” in men’s health and sign up.

John “Coach” Kavanagh and his brother, the king of snapchat James, have teamed up to launch the annual campaign for the world’s largest men’s health charity.

As the only global charity focused solely on men’s health, Movember aims to impact the lives of Irish men by helping them take control of their health.

The Kavanagh Mo Bros were on hand at the launch to add their voices to the campaign in hopes that they will raise awareness for men’s health and what men can do to

take care of their health.

Speaking at the launch John said: “I am getting behind the Movember 2017 campaign because I know men are not talking about their health enough, both physical and mental, and we need to get a big conversation going so men know what they can do to safeguard their future health.”

James added: “Movember is not just about growing a moustache for November! People should log on to Movember. com to register and get involved, and raise funds by hosting your own event or donating online.”

Since launching in Ireland in 2008, Movember has been the primary funder of prostate

Eoin O’Neill, president, British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Alison Cotter BICC, with RNLI volunteers Chris Watson, Damien Payne, Kieran O’Connell, Laura Jackson, Craig Macintosh, Eamon O’Leary at their lifeboat station. Picture: Paul Sherwood

Social media star James Kavanagh and his brother, Irish martial arts coach John “Coach” Kavanagh , who united to launch the annual campaign for the world’s largest men’s health charity, Movember, at Sam’s Barbers in Dublin. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

cancer initiatives in Ireland through a partnership with the Irish Cancer Society. The charity highlights that most cancers are treatable and preventable – through early detection and small lifestyle changes.

To help Movember raise funds for men’s health go to Movember.com to sign up or donate.

GERALDINE GEARS UP TO SHOW OFF HER WORK AN animal-loving ar tist who creates portraits of pets designed to make people smile, will be showing her colourful work at Ireland’s premier art fair Art Source, in the RDS from November 10-12.

Geraldine Murphy creates animal-inspired wall hangings using copper sheeting and colourful vitreous enamel.

“Every single living creature in this world is significant and I love capturing the special qualities each animal has, both physical and emotional,” said Geraldine.

“I try to make something that people can easily relate to, that is uplifting and tells them something about their own life and most importantly that makes them smile.”

Art Source takes place at the RDS, Dublin, from November 10-12, admission is €10 adults,

€8 OAPs. Children under 16 free only if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Opening times: Friday Nov 10: 11am-9pm, Sat Nov 11: 10am-6pm, Sun Nov 12: 10am6pm.

CHARITY LUNCHEON IN AID OF THE RNLI THE British Irish Chamber of Commerce will host a Seasonal Charity Luncheon in aid of RNLI volunteer lifeboat.

This event is open to businesses and organisations across the capital to join in and show their support.

The fundraising event for the RNLI will take place in the Shelbourne Hotel at 12.30pm on Thursday, November 16.

A five-star raffle will be held with many fabulous prizes from RTE, CityJet, the InterContinental Hotel, Applegreen, Nuala Woulfe and many more.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will deliver the keynote address at the event followed by first-hand accounts of the lifesaving work undertaken by the charity provided by volunteer crewmembers from Dun Laoghaire RNLI and closing with guest entertainment from critically acclaimed comedian Colm O’Regan.

Announcing the event, John McGrane, Director-General

of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, said: “In the RNLI, the Chamber sees an organisation that demonstrates the strong ties between coastal communities across Great Britain and Ireland.

“The lifesaving work undertaken by the RNLI crews is awe-inspiring and speaks to the strength of the bonds across all islands.”

For those wishing to book a ticket to the charity event and demonstrate their support for the work undertaken by the RNLI please contact the Chamber’s event manager alison.cotter@britishirishchamber.com.

Tickets are on sale now at a cost of €150 per seat with all proceeds going directly to the RNLI.

official war artist and Kollwitz who lived through WW1 in Germany, and lost her son in combat early in the conflict.

Aftermath also includes a contemporary piece by Garrett Phelan who has produced new artwork, one in sound, the other in clay, in response to Orpen’s experience in the Somme in 1917.

There will also be a Remembrance concert in the Shaw Room on Sunday, November 12 at 3.30pm, featuring performances from Fionnuala Moynihan, Deirdre Moynihan, Ficino Ensemble.

CHRONICLING THE TERRORS OF WAR THE National Gallery of Ireland have announced a special programme in honour of Remembrance Weekend.

On November 11 and 12, visitors can view two exhibitions chronicling the terrors of war: Aftermath: The War Landscapes of William Orpen and Kathe Kollwitz: Life, Death and War. Both artists had direct experience of the war, Orpen as an

Artist and jewellery maker Geraldine Murphy with her dog Murf. Picture: Rara Photography

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

Out and About

Producer Jamie D’alton and director Gavin Imelda May

Fitzgerald

Conor meets fans

McGregor biopic beats box office

Artem Lobov, Owen Roddy, Conor McGregor and John Kavanagh. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

T

HE new documentary about UFC champion Conor McGregor has knocked out the box office with the biggest opening weekend of any Irish film so far this year. Filmed over the course of four years, Conor McGregor: Notorious observes how the biggest star in MMA rose to the top.

With exclusive access, it includes highlights of McGregor’s career such as winning the UFC championship belt, his shock loss to rival Nate Diaz and his record-breaking Las Vegas bout against Floyd Mayweather. The biopic was given its first public screening at the Savoy Cinema last week and the stars were out in force.

Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin

Glenda Gilson

Owen Roddy and Kellie Roddy

Lisa Cannon

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

Out and About

Roz Purcell

Producer Jamie D’alton, Conor McGregor and director Gavin Fitzgerald

Erin McGregor

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FOOD&DRINK

12 Dublin eateries curry favour at top competition TWELVE Dublin eateries took home gold awards at the Irish Curry Awards at the Crowne Plaze, Belfast.

Indie Spice Grill Swords, Masala, Kathmandu Kitchen, Kasturi, 3 Leaves, Banaras, Veda, Indie Spice Sandymount, Chameleon, Nightmarket, Tamarind and Saba 2 Go were among the winners.

The awards were created

by Belfast-based restaurateur Askir Ali to recognise the contribution made to Ireland’s food scene by hundreds of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and other Asian chefs, restaurant workers and managers.

Speaking on the success of the event, founderAskirAli said: “Curry may have been born in

India, but it has grown and matured across Ireland. The Irish Curry Awards are recognition of that.

“I was really surprised and thrilled to see the level of support that was out there for the Irish Curry Awards and I am delighted that year two has been just as successful as the first.

“Nominations were up this year and the standard was too.

“We had in place a broad mix of judges and food critics onboard again this year.”

A total of 18 Asian eateries in Dublin won either gold or silver on the night.

Plans have already been put in place for next year’s event which will mark the third year of the Irish Curry Awards.

Judge Gillian Nelis presenting Best Restaurant to Nightmarket

WIN! Best Newcomer Banaras

Young Dublin chef reaches semi-finals with delish dish A DUBLIN-BASED chef has reached the semi-final stage of the San Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 competition.

Chef de Partie at The Clayton, Dublin Airport Romuald Bukaty will submit his ‘Hey John Dory’ dish for the competition. He will be joined in the UK and Ireland semi-final

by Killian Crowley, Chef de Partie at Galway’s Anair Restaurant and Michael Tweedie, Head Chef at The Oakroom, Adare Manor They have been selected from thousands of applications submitted by young chefs from over 90 different countries.

These semi-finalists will compete in their local challenge in Aveqia, London on November 20.

Chef Romuald Bukaty’s Hey John Dory’ dish

To celebrate three years in business, we’ve teamed up with Coolock Tile Outlet to offer you the chance to #WIN one of two FDO Bluetooth mirrors (RRP €399 each). Main features of these mirrors are: 1. Demister, your mirror doesn’t fog up when in the shower or bath.

2. Clock display, so you know how long you are spending in the bath/ shower.

3. Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect your phone/ tablet to play all your media.

4. IP44 rated for safety in your electrics.

TWO FAMILY MEMBERS from Coolock are celebrating three successful years in business this month. Sean Hanley and Noel Byrne have 45 years’ experience in the construction industry between them and their company, Coolock Tile Outlet has gone from strength to strength since opening three years ago.

“We opened our doors on 17th November 2014, since then we have been growing and expanding and coming up with new ideas and products bringing quality and diversity to our customers.”

New products available exclusively at

HOW TO ENTER:

Coolock Tile Outlet include Top Ciment and Venta Windows.

“If you are looking to renovate your home, come to us and we along with our resident experts, will help and guide you with your design ideas,” Sean added.

Coolock Tile Outlet pride themselves on the high level of customer care they provide and encourage customers to visit the showroom, have a coffee and discuss their plans and ideas. Coolock Tile Outlet is a one stop shop for all your home renovation needs with more than just tiles on offer.

As well as a vast range of tiles, other types

To be in with a chance of winning one of these great prizes, simply visit the #TileOutletCoolock post on Dublin Gazette Newspapers Facebook page and follow the instructions or email your contact details (name, address & contact number) to competitions@dublingazette.com.

Closing date for entries is Friday 17th November 2017

of flooring, such as solid and semi-solid wood, lino, carpets are also available in store. They also stock various types of furniture, internal doors, staircases, kitchens and tools.

“We started here as a tile and bathroom store but have gone into the renovation market in order to give our customers more choice and value.”

Visit Coolock Tile Outlet at 101 Newtown Ave, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Dublin 17 or find out more on our Facebook page Coolock Tile Outlet.

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

REAL LIFE: CLAIRE’S LIFE HAS GREATLY IMPROVED SINCE USING SMOVEY DEVICE  MARK O’BRIEN WHEN people think of Parkinson’s disease, they usually think of it as a disease that affects the elderly.

But one in 20 people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are actually diagnosed when they are under 40. Claire Connolly (28) is one of those people.

Originally from Clare but now living in Rathmines, Claire told T he Gazette that she began experiencing symptoms 8 years ago when she was still in college.

“I was diagnosed at 24 but I probably had symptoms since I was 20,” she said.

Claire initially went to her doctor after she had a number of falls.

“I went to physios and went to doctors and it was all fine and then this tremor started happening in my foot and I thought ‘that’s not right, I can’t stop that’,” she said.

“It wasn’t a major tremor, it was very slight, so I went to the doctor and I got put on a waiting list for a neurologist

and eventually when I got round to the neurologist he said ‘whatever you have we’ll be able to sort it’.”

But Claire’s symptoms began to get worse and she experienced tremors in her hands, her walking became affected and she suffered from fatigue.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s but there are ways of managing the condition.

--------------------------------

‘I was diagnosed at 24 but I probably had symptoms since I was 20’

--------------------------------

“With Parkinson’s, you need a balance of exercise, diet and medication,” said Claire.

After moving to Dublin two years ago, Claire became involved with Young Parkinson’s Ireland. Through the group, Claire met Irene Treacy from Smovey Health

‘I was diagnosed at 24, but I won’t let Parkinson’s win’ who introduced her to their Smovey device.

The device, which weighs 1lb and includes four metal balls that run freely inside the hollow plastic tubes is designed to stabilise the back and spine while people are working out and has proved to be very beneficial to people with Parkinson’s.

Claire had been falling often and would often experience muscle cramps but she said that since she started using the device, her movement and balance have improved greatly.

“I live in Rathmines, I get the Luas out to Stillorgan

every day and I walk from Stillorgan down the road to work,” she said.

“Ever y day got easier and better. I walked with my knees before I used the Smovey and now I walk with my hips.”

Claire now teaches an exercise class in Harold’s Cross that helps other people with Parkinson’s.

Claire says that becoming involved with Young Parkinson’s Ireland and Smovey Health have had a hugely positive effect on her quality of life but there’s no doubt that her own positive attitude has also played a part.

“I can go one way or the other,” she said.

“I can say ‘right I’ve got this, I’m not going to let it win, I’m going to fight my corner and still do full-time work until as far as I can go’ or I can get upset about it and get annoyed about it and sure that’s no good for my body or my mind.”

For details on S m ove y, p l e a s e visit www.smoveyhealth.com.

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT FROM (kind of) faking his own death to releasing a single album with enough tracks to fill an entire radio show, No Monster Club’s Bobby Aherne recalls a career that’s hard to define.

BOBBY AHERNE doesn’t particularly like convention. As a core member of the wonderful Popical Island collective, a loosely formed Dublin record label that thrives on collaboration, his main outlet No Monster Club has been flirting with the fringes of the Irish music scene for some time, performing lyrically sharp bubblegum pop.

His themes are broad, their coherence, perhaps, coming from the fact that No Monster Club is emphatically not about the conventional pop subjects.

Bursting with colour, Aherne’s tracks explore Africa, wish retirement on an artist he’s sick of hearing, riff on the buzz of charity shops, and happily harmonize on drinking and smoking in parks. In his latest project, he’s releasing a short EP every month for all of 2017.

“I didn’t want to do a whole album again, as it’s such a big project,” Aherne tells us, and as a man who once released a record with over forty tracks on it, an album might be bigger for him than most.

“I just wanted to do songs this year without having to be coherent. There have been songs as a band, as a three-piece, and just solo stuff, as well as longer, more thematic pieces. With this project, I have the freedom to do that.”

The result is - in the best possible way weird. On the latest two-track, Aherne explores the festival of Samhain, but throws an Ace of Base cover as a b-side (“it’s okay, because it’s one of the tracks that isn’t written by the Nazi one in the band”).

Earlier releases - each presented with a kind of abstract, newspaper print EP cover include a cover of Lally Stott’s 70s hit ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’ and a jaunty summer ode to doing things yourself and Factor 50 sunscreen.

Things have been more fantastically odd in the past, though, like the time Aherne released a jokey press release for a track claiming that he’d died. Having taken it seriously, an American publication ultimately released a brief expose ‘revealing’ that the musician - who’d never been less than active on social media in the meantime - was still going strong.

“There was some grief,” he recalls. “Some blog ran a piece on the track, saying that sadly I’m dead now. The PR ‘story’ was that the track was put together from shoeboxes under the bed. The comments section had some mad stuff in it after people realised.

There was one guy who said he couldn’t believe this guy, and that I deserved to be dead, and someone who is dead should get to take my place. Then a Chicago place did an expose that I’m not actually dead. I did find it funny.”

MUSIC

Wonderfully weird

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N EVE

with JAMES HENDICOTT

The World Cup Play Offs

The one big event that’ll have the country’s eyes on Dublin over the coming week sees Ireland take on Denmark in a bid to play in Russia next year. The first leg in Copenhagen is on Saturday (11), the return at the Aviva on Tuesday (14).

the charming 60s-pop world of No Monster Club

Bailey’s Treatyard

The imaginative foodie haven that is Eatyard, a rotating selection of vendors at the Bernard Shaw pub, goes all sugary sweet for one weekend only, with the Baileys-sponsored ‘Treatyard’ running from November 10-12.

THE CORRS RELEASE EIR SEVENTH ALBUM JUPITER CALLTH ING

The Irish Gamelan Orchestra

An unusual Indonesian musical style gets an Irish outing at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire, as the heady, supersized orchestra are joined by special guests including awarding winning opera-pop star Julie Feeney.

Art Source at the RDS

The annual showcase for Ireland’s best artists comes back to the RDS, where you’ll be able to explore the latest in beautiful imagery and exceptionally local talent from November 10-12.

The Killers

American indie’s finest drop in on the 3Arena to perform songs from their latest album ‘Wonderful Wonderful’, as well as plenty of other Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll on November 16.

Awesome Tapes From Africa

The DJ behind the unusual blog - one that uncovers unheralded cassette tapes from across the continent of Africa and unveils them to a wider audience - drops in on The Sugar Club, with support from rapper Super Silly.

November 11.

The routes of much of what Aherne does is very much DIY: recorded in the small hours after grabbing unfashionable slots in studios, with live shows performed in the company of a revolving collective of musicians.

Much of that ethos is taken from Popical Island, a Dublin musical collective with a crosspollinating approach to their music, at which Aherne sits at the very heart. Over the years, that’s often meant being part of several bands at the same time; essentially dedicating a life to producing this beautifully expressive but slightly strungtogether form of guitar-pop music.

Popical Island and their bands never fully broke out of the Dublin underground. Their notoriety peaked with a bit of radioplay, and the occasional nod for various acts at events like the Choice Music Prize, but the label were beloved

Dining in the Dark on the local music scene because whatever they released was sure to be colourful, charismatic and effortlessly charming.

Despite his boisterous stage persona and distinctive pop voice, Aherne is softly spoken as he describes where his career is today.

“Most of my other projects are a bit in the background now. Paddy Hanna is working on his own, so both Ginnels and Grand Pocket Orchestra [two other bands Aherne plays with] are kind of on the backburner for now.”

“Popical Island still exists, but we don’t have a physical address anymore. It’s gone back to being in our hearts, but it’s way less than it was a few years ago. Some people became parents, or got married, or got more serious jobs. There are a lot of great bands doing a similar thing in Dublin right now,” he explains, joking: “I guess we had

our own thing, but we’re past it now.”

The DIY ethos works in a very practical sense for Aherne.

“A lot of bands would be writing for a couple of years, then going into the studio to make this perfect package and stuff. That’s not my thing.

None of my favourite artists have ever prescribed to that sort of thing. I’ve always liked being like that. I just do something and put it out, I don’t have somebody coming to me saying ‘don’t put that online, you should wait a few months and we’ll do a big PR campaign.’”

“I prefer doing things my way, and it’s a common thing now. There’s more DIY music going than ever before. There’s a lot of young kids around 20 in Dublin who have these amazing, fully-formed albums online. I think the technology’s made it possible for us to do the DIY thing

more than ever before. It’s not a competition; it’s great. If you have patience for a big campaign and all that, more power to you. That’s just not who I am. I like messing with people.

“One of my big influences is that TV show ‘Nathan For You’ [An oblique parody of the business consultancy world]. I just like doing this mad stuff.”

Like the return of the 46-track album?

“I love albums, and I definitely want to put another one out,” Aherne tells us, “but we’ve reached a point now where releasing albums doesn’t really work anymore. In a way, I’m going back to that 60s things, where it seems kind of cheesy but it’s always kind of catchy with it. I categorise it as bubblegum pop. It sounds cheesy on the surface, but if you delve deeper, it really has something to it.”

The fantastic charity festival in which diners enter a pitch black room in a restaurant to consume from a secret menu goes into its final days, with the last few Dublin restaurants holding their days over the weekend. A great experience.

Ireland v South Africa

As if one big sporting event for the weekend isn’t enough, Ireland will take a pop at their World Cup hosting rivals South Africa at the Aviva on Saturday night, in the first of the November rugby internationals.

New album of the week

The Corrs - Jupiter Calling The second new release from the Dundalk family pop band since their return after a decade break in 2015. Jupiter Calling gets political with ‘Syria Calling’, and promises a style change.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

New tests show that the Michelin truck tyres provide significant fuel savings

Tests show Michelin truck tyres reduce fuel bills MICHELIN X Line Energy tyres have demonstrated their long distance fuel efficiency after tests revealed a truck and trailer running on the fuelsaving tyres will save an average 1.4 litres per 100km.

According to the manufacturer, that equates to an annual saving of up to €2,000 and a reduction of 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions based on a vehicle covering 130,000 km per year – compared to the average of its five main competitors in the long-haul market, achieved by the superior rolling resistance of the tyres.

Michelin X Line Energy tyres went up against those manufactured by direct competitors on a 200km journey at an average speed of 80km/h on real roads, organised by the DEKRA Test Centre in Germany.

Chris Smith, Michelin’s marketing director North Europe – Truck & Bus, said: “If a typical haulier fitting this profile changed its policy from a regional fitment to Michelin X Line Energy tyres, they could easily save up to 3% in fuel, which in

Stonic aiming high in There’s a rush in the car market to dominate the new growth segment called the B-SUV segment of small SUV’s. Kia is the latest entrant with the new Stonic, just launched in Ireland and it’s offer is impressive as MICHAEL MORONEY reports following his Dublin hillside test drive.

IT’S JUST a week drive over the hills in the showrooms of South Dublin and and already Dublin into the Wicklow Engine 1.2-litre motorists are talking mountains last week Engine Power 84hp about the new Kia to get a feel for what Stonic, the latest comthis new compact 0 – 100km/hr 13.2 seconds pact SUV from the SUV has to offer. The Economy 19km/litre Korean brand. Kia test car was a petrol (5.2/100km or 45mpg) knows that the arrival powered version fitFuel Tank Capacity 45 litres of the Stonic is imported with the 1.4-litre CO2 emissions 118g/km tant and the Kia team four-cylinder engine Road Tax Band A4 €200 in Ireland believes that delivers 100bhp. that the Stonic will Around the city Main Service 20,000km/12 months be an important conenvirons this light Euro NCAP Rating NA quest model for Kia in engine delivers a Warranty 7 years one of the newest and nippy performance Entry Price €18,599 fastest-growing vehiand brings enough cle segments. pace to the car for Small SUVs such as the Stonic ment. sharp exists from the traffic are called B-SUV models in car The Stonic has some creden- lights. On the hillside runs, the industry jargon, and this market tials behind it, not just its seven- obvious lack of torque meant that segment is expected to grow by year warranty. The car is a based gear changing was inevitable as 100% in the next two years as on the well-regarded Kia Rio and we climbed into the higher routes demand for traditional B and C has additional features and more looking down over Dublin city. It segment cars declines, accord- options to give it more road pres- wasn’t the lighter air, more the ing to Kia. And the new Stonic is ence and style. steep hill challenges that faced smack in the middle of the segI took the Stonic for a test the Stonic that put its smooth

Kia Stonic 1.2 - SPECS

The new Kia Stonic is the latest compact SUV to hit the Irish market with entry prices starting at €18,995 and rising to €24,599 for the diesel powered models.

engine under a little pressure.

This led me to consider the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel version of the Stonic or the new smaller 1.0-

some cases could even wipe out their entire tyre bill.”

Michelin X Line Energy tyres enable a 30% increase in mileage performance for the steer axle on 315/60 R 22.5 and 17% for the 295/60 R 22.5 Michelin X Line Energy Z, compared to the previous Michelin XZA2 Energy range.

New car sales dip as Dublin market remains the best THE SOCIETY of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently issued the official October 172 registration statistics which included to movements in the Dublin car market. Car sales in Dublin dropped by 5.24% for the first 10 months of the year, with almost 3,000

Jeep claims that the new and updated Wrangler keeps to the 75 years of legendary Jeep heritage as an authentic and original Jeep SUV

less cars registered this year compared with 2016.

The Dublin market continues to dominate the Irish car market accounting for 41.5% of all new cars sold this year, up from 39.4% last year and recorded the smallest decline in new car sales.

SIMI claims that Brexit-related uncertainty and the weakness of sterling are impacting negatively on car sales. It reports that the increases in used imports are impacting on the residual values of Irish new cars, which increases the cost to change for the consumer looking for a new or newer car. In addition, with an increase in used imports of less than three years old, it is likely that some of these are displacing new car sales.

New Jeep Wrangler stays true to style JEEP claims that its new Wrangler is the most capable SUV ever and that it delivers even more legendary Jeep 4x4 capability.

The new Wrangler comes with a modern design that stays true to the original, advanced fuel-efficient engines, more

open-air options, and is loaded with more safety features and advanced technology than ever before.

The new Wrangler’s unique design includes an instantly recognizable keystone-shaped grille, iconic round headlamps and square tail lamps, improved

aerodynamics, a convenient fold-down windscreen for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom, and dozens of different door, top and windscreen combinations. This latest 2018 Wrangler will be unveiled in the coming weeks at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORING

adds the unique, new small SUV market BMW compact X2 to the range BMW claims that its new X2 SUV

Sport X models. The bi-LED light for

breaks new ground as a unique

low beam and high beam is effective

addition to the BMW X model range.

at illuminating the road, while also

The car’s chassis and xDrive

accentuating the BMW X2’s sporty

intelligent all-wheel-drive sys-

character. The headlights display

tem claims to deliver a balance

precise detailing, achieved in part

between sporting dynamics and

through 3D Icon LED daytime driv-

efficiency.

ing light and laser engraving.

The digital services from BMW

within the BMW X2 range are

nectedDrive Services, both of

impressive. The car’s driving

which are now available in freshly

responses can be adapted by using

updated form, adding further

the Driving Experience Control

to the overall BMW X2 experi-

switch, allowing the driver to

ence, with entry prices starting

choose between default COMFORT

at €50,320. The car is available to

mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO

order from mid-November.

PRO mode and SPORT mode.

The new BMW X2 is two centime-

diesel variant will be available. It

centimetres lower than the BMW

generates maximum output of

X1, yet has the same wheelbase.

190bhp and 400Nm of torque ena-

Featuring short overhangs, it also

bling a zero to 100km/hr time of 7.7

has a stretched, coupe-style roof-

seconds. Official fuel consumption

line and slim window graphic.

is still highly impressive 4.6l/100km

standard on Sport, M Sport and M

for the Stonic, giving Kia buyers some clear options?

Out on the mix of city and country roads the Stonic handles lightly while being precise and easy to drive. It has new front and rear suspension setups which are unique to the car, giving a pleasant driving experience.

There are four specification levels for the new Stonic, K1, K2, K3 and K4.

The entry level models are well equipped with skid plate (front and rear), audio remote, Bluetooth, 3.5 cluster, seven-inch screen, 15inch alloy wheels, leather gear knob and handle, front armrest, spare wheel, privacy glass, rear USB, speed limiter, cruise control, centre console and rear USB

and charger, all as standard.

You need to go to the K3 level to get the seven-inch Sat-nav, DAB radio, rear view camera and ECM interior mirror that was fitted to the test car that I drove. It also came with bigger alloy wheels to give the car great road presence.

The Stonic’s cabin echoes the appearance of the exterior, combining straight lines and smooth surfaces.

The Stonic interior is simple and practical. For a compact SUV, the cabin has plenty of space for driver and passengers, with good front and rear legroom, and reasonable shoulder room.

The modern looking D-cut steering wheel combined with the flat base of the

dashboard creates enough knee room for front passengers.

The Stonic comes with a range of technologies which includes an infotainment system that blends smart phone functionality with the control of key vehicle functions. There is a large seven-inch touch screen at the centre of dashboard.

The new Stonic has yet to receive a Euro NCAP safety rating. It should fare well with six airbags as standard (driver, passenger, side and curtain), as well as ISOFIX child-seat anchor points in the rear.

Entry prices look competitive at €18,599 but you really have to go up the specification ladder to get the better options of bigger wheels and useful kit such as reversing camera and satnav. This is going to be the competitive space in the car market for 2018, Stonic has some style and some value, it’s good to drive and petrol or diesel power, the performance will be smooth and easy.

At launch, the X2 xDrive20d

tres shorter and more than seven

Full-LED headlights are fitted as

litre turbo-petrol engine, to be a more practical choice, if you want to emulate my hillside adventures. The diesel version comes with almost double the torque of the small entry-level petrol models and at lower engine revs, making it an obvious choice and its economy rating is impressive too.

The entry level petrol powered Stonic comes with a fuel economy rating of 19km/litre (5.2/100km or 45mpg). The diesel version almost improves on that performance by 40% and that’s a serious consideration. I not convinced about all of the negative diesel talk, as cars like the new Stonic are impressively clean in terms of CO2 and NOx ratings and equally importantly they use less litres of fuel and that has to be considered as well.

For me the fact that the Stonic is not available with a hybrid drive is a little disappointing as Kia has a hybrid system in its Niro model. Wouldn’t that have been an attractive option

The TwinPower Turbo engines

ConnectedDrive and BMW Con-

(61.4mpg), while CO2 emissions are as low as 121g/km.

The new BMW X2 20d diesel model

Five-seat 4x4’s get axed in Finance Bill THE RECENT publication of the Finance Bill following the October Budget has declared that five seat N1 vehicles (typically 4x4’s with five seats and a commercial tax rating) would be liable for Category A VRT as from April 1 2018.

This means that five-seat 4x4s such as the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser will be classed as a passenger cars for VRT and annual road tax purposes.

Other 4x4s such as the crew cab pick-ups will remain as remain an N1 commercial vehicle. These include models such as the Fiat Fullback, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and the Toyota Hilux.

Over the last few years, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Finance have been advising the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) of their intention to change the taxation status (VRT/VAT/Road Tax) of certain N1 vehicles that have fouror more seats, both new and used imports.

The Finance Bill, states that any N1 vehicle that has four or more seats and does not have the EU Bodycode of “BE”, will be treated as Category A VRT (based on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) and CO2 emissions of the vehicle), and not Category B or C VRT (13.3% or €200). As this is a change in Irish Taxation Legislation, not a Type Approval change, there is no provision in the proposal for any derogation for vehicles remaining in stock and unregistered on April 1, 2018 (or whatever date is in the final Act).

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

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FEATURE DUBLINLIFE Neven’s busy preparing a real cracker of a Christmas fundraiser PEOPLE | POPULAR CHEF HAPPY TO HELP SUPPORT LUNG CANCER GROUP FOR ST JAMES’S

IT’LL BE A CRACKER!

NEVEN wants everyone to help support Target Lung Cancer – the only campaign in Ireland solely dedicated to lung cancer, supported by a multi-disciplinary network at St James’s Hospital – and promises delicious dishes for everyone coming to the Christmas Food Festival!

 MARK O’BRIEN

SINCE Neven Maguire’s parents opened MacNean House & Restaurant in Blacklion, Cavan more than 27 years ago, the restaurant has always closed at Christmas.

The celebrated chef inherited his love of cooking from his parents and since taking over the restaurant in 2001, he has continued with the tradition of closing the restaurant at Christmas to allow him and his staff to focus on family during the festive season.

Talking to The Gazette, he said: “I’m from a family of nine and we all grew up with wonderful memories of food, and Christmas in particular was a special family time.”

Neven sadly lost his mother to lung cancer four years ago, but he still makes sure that the extended family come together to enjoy a traditional family Christmas every year.

He has also become involved with the St James’s Hospital Foundation’s Target Lung Cancer appeal, and will host Neven’s Christmas Food Festival at the Castle-

knock Hotel on Saturday, November 19 in aid of the foundation.

Target Lung Cancer is the only campaign in Ireland solely dedicated to lung cancer. It is supported by a multi-disciplinary network at St James’s Hospital including patients, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, scientists and respiratory physicians.

Neven said he’s delighted to lend his support to their work: “I’m with them two years now and it’s nice to be giving something back in honour of my mother.”

Fantastic prize As well as the cookery demonstration, there will be artisan food and craft stall as well as a chance to win a fantastic prize and Neven said he hopes it will be a fun evening for all while raising some much-needed funds for St James’s.

“It’s nice for me to do something worthwhile and hopefully something good. On the night, there will be lots of people who have lost parents or loved ones to lung cancer, and there’ll be lots of people who maybe are going

through treatment.

“There’s hardly a family who haven’t been touched by some variety or variation of cancer, so on the night I want it to be upbeat, I want it to be good fun and I want to cook some lovely food because Christmas is such a big part of my life!

“To be able to talk about Christmas and cook some lovely recipes – hopefully someone will be in with a chance of winning dinner and bed and breakfast in Blacklion, so that will be a nice treat for someone.”

Having cooked for 37 people on Christmas Day last year, Neven will be taking it relatively easy by ‘only’ cooking for 15 this time around.

When asked for his tips on how to take the stress out of cooking for so many people, Neven had one message: “Keep it simple”.

“It’s the biggest meal of the year and it’s probably the one day of the year where you cook for people that you wouldn’t normally cook for, and I always say to people to treat the turkey like it’s a

big chicken.

“That’s all you have to do ,and keep it simple and do as much

preparation as you can – that’s crucial.”

Tickets for Neven’s Christmas Food Festival can be purchased online from w w w.supportstjames.ie and cost €25 each. Tickets can also be bought by contacting Suzanne at suzanne@supportstjames.ie (call 01 428 4766), and also through www.eventbrite.ie.

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

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CINEMA ReelReviews

THOR: RAGNAROK

Hammers home laughs WHILE Marvel’s superhero films are arguably facing their own Ragnarok, the film of the same name (Cert 12A, 130 mins) is anything but gloomy. Upping the laughs, the film takes a much lighter tone than recent films released from the Marvel stable, drawing together some big names for a high-stakes clash that threatens the Gods’ very own home – but Thor and the Hulk have other plans ...

GEOSTORM

The Butler to the rescue CONTINUING the loose rule that means any film starring Gerard Butler is doomed to be a flop, Geostorm (Cert 12A, 109 mins) is... a flop. Audiences haven’t flocked to see its CG-heavy disasterama, which sees the world threatened by hijacked weather satellites, and only The Butler can save the day. Unfortunately, even its disasters are dull, and the film hasn’t exactly wowed.

THE SNOWMAN

Ice just not a great film WHEN a serial killer starts making snowmen by using unusual materials – now, what might a missing person have to do with, say, a snowman’s head?

– one man must find The Snowman (Cert 15A, 119 mins) before they strike again. Audiences haven’t warmed to Michael Fassbender’s latest, with chills and thrills in short supply, despite its solid if standard serial killer tale.

There aren’t many laughs to wring from Joseph Stalin’s life – but a terrific cast of highly-skilled ‘whassisname’ character actors turn his death into the great basis for a political satire. With revisionist moves afoot in some quarters to rehabilitate the brutal dictator’s legacy, the film has an extra layer of frisson lurking behind the humour.

THE DEATH OF STALIN: BRUTAL ‘UNCLE JOE’ PROVIDES SOME UNEXPECTED LAUGHS

Worth Russian over to

WHEN one considers the myriad intertwining layers of state bureaucracy and oppression that defined the dark years of Stalin’s rule in Soviet Russia, comedy and satire aren’t exactly the first genres that spring to mind in terms of cinematic representation.

Famine, mass-execution and forced labour aren’t subjects to be treated lightly, and the headache-inducing duplicity of Soviet politics isn’t exactly the kind of material that puts rear-ends in cinema seats these days.

However, just as he tackled the banality of behind-the-scenes politics on both sides of the Atlantic in TV-series, The Thick of It, and Veep,

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

writer-director Armando Iannucci applies his razor-sharp satirical template to the backstabbing government machinery of communist yesteryear in The Death of Stalin (Cert 15A, 106 mins).

Despite the somemight-say torpid nature of the subject matter, this is every bit as biting and belly-achingly funny as his previous efforts, including 2009’s featurefilm, In The Loop.

With a subdued realist aesthetic, set against

the grand and oppressive architecture of the then USSR, and dominated by performances rooted in colloquialism and contemporary wit, this is a stark, incisive and utterly unique comedy – perhaps Iannucci’s finest (which is really saying something, following the darkly comic brilliance of Veep’s sixth season).

A f ter the death in 1953 of a typically tyrannical (though almost pathetically subdued) Stalin ( played by Adrian McLoughlin), the grovelling subordinates that make up his Politburo scheme and conspire to take his place as the leader of the Soviet Union.

Khr ushchev (Steve Buscemi) and Secret Police chief Beria (Simon

Russell Beale) lead the hostility, alongside Jeffrey Tambor’s bumbling, inept Malenkov and Michael Palin’s Molotov – a role to which the actor brings decades of experience as one of the finest comic actors in British media, delivering some of the film’s best lines.

Of course, for such a film so subdued in form (bar the occasional flourish of slow-mo), the genius is in the dialogue.

W h e r e a s i n Ve e p , careers and reputations are on the line, in The Death of Stalin a misstep or a word misspoken can land one in a gulag or an unmarked grave.

Consequently, every conversation is weighted with hilarious urgency and absurd logic – no

one is ever really sure what lie they’re supposed to be telling to whom, and state-sanctioned facts change with the weather.

Iannucci has his actors make no attempt to latch their dialogue or performances to the period setting, instead having them embrace their roots: Buscemi’s Kruschev is a weasely, luck-pushing Brooklynite, while Jason Isaac’s Minister of Defence, Zhukov, speaks with a hardened Scouse accent (and steals half the scenes he’s in).

Given the film’s factual basis, there’s a real sense of darkness underpinning everything here, which takes the fore towards the film’s close.

Murder is carried out

with casual instruction; death lists are altered and executions ordered with all the mundanity of a rota’s update announcement.

Iannucci’s deference to the semi-authenticity of his chosen subjects is as clear here as in any other project he’s undertaken.

Indeed, the bewildering nature of Soviet bureaucracy is the perfect fit for the director’s distinctly bitter brand of political satire – on paper, The Death of Stalin shouldn’t really work, but surprisingly, the facts lend themselves well to farce and absurdity.

Iannucci maintains his flawless track record with the year’s best comedy.

Verdict: 10/10

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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE TOP TIPS TO REMEMBER

SOME people may ask: “Is Bangkok safe?”, as the city has occasionally popped up in the news for negative reasons.

Thailand – and Bangkok – have a long history of complex, troubled politics, with a number of terrorist incidents in the city in recent years further complicating matters.

However, the well-policed city remains full of tourists of all ages, and considering that every flight to the likes of London and Paris are always full – cities which have seen greater amounts of awful attacks in recent years – one should expect a safe, enjoyable visit to Bangkok too.

ALWAYS tip in Bangkok – always. Given that the Thai economy is pegged at about half the price of everything here – or less – your baht is better in your taxi driver, guide or waiter’s pocket than your own, and will be appreciated.

TRANSPORT in Bangkok can be chaotic, with a seeming who-dares-wins attitude towards traffic junctions and crossings leading to what may seem like bedlam – just getting across a main road in one piece can need nerves of steel while you grab Lady Luck’s hand and run for it, run!

However, be sure to hail a metered taxi when going from A to B. Backpackers grab tuk-tuks (below), and can end up paying random fares to travel in something about as safe as a tin can; locals hop on the back of ubiquitous motorbike taxis and ride pillion everywhere, often as not without a crash helmet – so your best bet is to just hail down a metered taxi, with any longish ride typically Tourists love costing just tuk-tuks, but if between 50 to you’re in a hurry 60 baht, or a regular taxi is only about probably better €3 or €4.

WHILE it’s increasingly controversial in many places, there’s no denying that Airbnb could be brilliant for saving a bundle of baht on your Bangkok holiday. With the vast majority of hotels charging Western prices, Airbnb prices are much more in line with the Thai economy – you’ll find a bog-standard hotel room going for €130-150 a night (or more), whereas with Airbnb you could stay in a one-bedroom apartment in a luxury block for €40 a night, or less. One you notice the difference, it’s hard not to feel a bit fleeced by the hotels.

AT THE time of writing, Thais were paying their last respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej (right) at the end of a one-year mourning period after his death last October, with the late king revered similarly to a demigod by many Thais.

However, visitors should remember that Thailand has the world’s harshest lese majeste laws, implemented with an iron fist by the ruling junta. As such, to be respectful to the Thai people, and to ensure an enjoyable holiday, no opinion of the royalty is the best opinion of all ...

Enjoy a spectacular elevated view over Bangkok (with sky-high prices to match) at the State Tower’s Sky Bar

Bangkok’s snaking Chao Phraya is a busy working river

Beautiful

An unforgettable  SHANE DILLON

Y O U know that half-frozen feeling we get after battling through another Irish summer?

This year, I resolved to head off somewhere far-flung for a better, longer, hotter dose of that big yellow thing in the sky, and Bangkok

seemed as good a place as any to do so.

Some time later, and I was getting all the heat that someone who breaks out their trusty, moth-eaten shorts at the first sight of 15C could hope for – and then some.

Sun- and heat-lovers will get more than their fill of both in the capital of Thailand, where temperatures hovered around 36C during my week there, as I got moments of blessed relief from anywhere with some working air-con.

It’s a place and culture that knows all about blessed things – the

sun-kissed city

city is rightfully worldfamous for its spectacularly ornate temples and shrines, and the deeply held religious beliefs that many Thais have.

Buddhism and a Buddhist outlook permeates many aspects of modern Thai culture, making it a tangibly real presence in the city’s life.

You can hardly round a corner or traipse down a sun-baked street without seeing yet another ornate, beautiful Buddhist temple, finding a shrine decorated in flowers and offerings, or spotting a monk drifting about in their

bright orange robes.

Such sights provide much to ref lect on, reminding visitors of a very different outlook in this part of the world.

But back to more earthly matters, and to soaring up, up and away to some of the ‘sky bars’ that Bangkok is famous for – and where better than the aptly-named Sky Bar (in the State Tower, off Silom Road) that many tourists know of, not least for its role in The Hangover 2?

High above the streets below, such sky bars provide a picturesque watering-hole haven for

smartly-dressed locals and tourists alike, as well as affording some terrific views across Bangkok’s sprawl, whether at night or, best of all, as sunset sets in.

Speaking of ‘affording’ – alas, Bangkok’s most famous sky bar sent my spirits crashing back to earth within minutes, as the sky-high bill for my small cocktail was as breathtaking as the view.

Back down on terra firma – and terra cheapa – and Bangkok’s sprawl can be intimidating to take in.

There’s a giant and loosely defined city cen-

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

Part of the Wat Yannawa complex – one of dozens

of

places to see ancient spires rising over Bangkok

even

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

as newer buildings reach for the skies (right)

A small section of the elaborate Temple of

dizzyingly vertical and Dawn temple site

Even ‘just a doorway’ can look beautiful in old Bangkok

The typically elaborate Buddhist temple, Wat Bangmakok Noek, at the gigantic Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan (Temple of Dawn) complex. Pictures: Shane Dillon

tre here, but the city’s arbitrary transport links (and infamous traffic jams) can make getting around a challenge – and that’s without the wall of heat and humidity keeping pace at every step.

Luckily, most of the main attractions are straightforward to reach, whether by (deep breath) Skytrain, metro, taxi, tuk-tuk, bicycle, scooter, motorbike, ferry, speedboat or your trusty old feet. Phew!

Zipping up and down the wide, rolling river on a speeding boat or rolling ferry is a breeze, and they’re also an effective (and cooling) way of easily getting to some of the city’s famous temples, a s we ll

as enjoying a refreshing waterside view of old and new Bangkok.

However you get to them, the city’s main temples and religious sites are absolute must-visits, as Bangkok’s fabulously ornate complexes are a feast for the eyes, and invigorating for the mind.

Whether taking in their banks of Buddhas or scrutinising the intricate carvings and elaborate designs you’ll invariably find, such spots hold a spiritual appeal that overcomes the ebb a n d f low of any gawping tourists and praying locals passing through.

For those who worship at more modern ‘temples’, you’ll be well catered for in Bangkok, which has ultramodern shopping centres scattered about the city.

The biggest of these

– Central World – makes our own giant shopping centres look like corner shops by comparison, with shoppers there treated to a dizzying range of all the biggest Western brands alongside the biggest Thai and Eastern brands, too.

While temples, sightseeing and shopping are just some of the things that Bangkok is famous for, foodies have also been drawn to her busy streets for centuries – not for nothing is the city famed for its street vendors, in particular.

Change is afoot, with the Thai authorities beginning to crack down on the vendors and stalls in key areas, apparently seeking to mimic a little of Singapore’s tightly controlled (but sterile, fun-free) street environments.

However, wherever you roam, you won’t be too far from someone sizzling something under the sun.

If there’s an element of pot luck as to whether

Part of the Jim Thompson House site, home to the One of Wat Pho’s many Buddhas – but its enormous

enigmatic man’s collection of antiques, as well as an

gold Reclining Buddha has to be seen to be believed

oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city

you’ve struck culinary gold or McAverage fare, well, that’s half the fun of reaching out and tucking in on your travels!

As you’d expect, Bangkok is a melting pot of dining delights, presenting a fusion of the best of a wide range of Eastern cuisine – not just Thai – alongside Western staples, with several excellent restaurants all over the city alongside the multitude of small places frequented by locals, as well as the roadside vendors.

Alternatively, you could also tuck in or relax with a cooling drink beside a pool full of orange and

big exporter of them, and then one day went for a walk in the jungle – And that’s the last anyone knows about Jim, as he was never seen or found again. (Sorry, Jim.) Today, decades later, his stunning house and its small but carefully managed grounds are a haven from the surrounding city, with its smart, upmarket gift shop also the perfect place to get a beautiful, authentic Thai silk scarf or purse for yourself (or for the mammy back home).

For those looking to orient themselves with the Orient, Bangkok may be a great introduction.

golden carp over at Jim Thompson House, which again offers diners a great mix of Eastern and Western fare.

JTH is one of Bangkok’s top tourist attractions, and it’s not hard to see why, as the antiquefilled house and setting provides an unexpected oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

Jim was a gentleman who fell in love with Thai culture and heritage, assembled his own western-style house by fusing traditional Thai wooden houses together, helped make beautiful Thai silks famous and became a

She’s a city of contrasts and extremes, but there’s something invigorating and refreshing about a place that’s looking to the future, yet continues to honour her past.

The heat and humidity are a challenge, but I’d challenge you to find somewhere that doesn’t make such a powerful first impression, and to inspire you to look at life a little differently ...

WHEN TO VISIT December to January are the ‘coolest’ months – and thus high tourist season – but they’ll still be more than hot enough for any Western visitors.

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28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Egypt’s diverse environments already look great in Origins – but its top-notch lighting, dust and other atmospheric effects push it into the elite tanks of the best-looking games on current-gen platforms

ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS: ANCIENT EGYPT PROVES A DELIGHT

So pharaoh, so good for prequel WITH the end of the year fast approaching, some of the biggest games of the year are getting released into the wild – and they don’t come much bigger, or wilder, than Assassin’s Creed: Origins (PS4, XBO, PC, Cert 18, c. €60).

It’s a huge game – so huge, this review has to sprawl across two pages – that’s not only one of the biggest games of the year, but also one of the biggest games ever.

Almost entirely set thousands of years ago in the dusty hills and plains of ancient Egypt, it’s a game that presents a complex, brilliantly realised look at some long gone civilisations, with uncertain times ahead as fad-

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com

ing empires make way for newer upstarts.

From the legacy of Egypt’s mighty but fading rule to the slow but steady encroachment of Rome, its a gaming world that’s rich in history, lore, and above all, some of the best visuals I’ve ever seen.

Taking in the sights and exploring the almost incomprehensively big world brings players through a set of starkly realised landscapes.

W h e t h e r w a n d e ring through noisy cities, splashing through river deltas, strolling through f lowering meadows, clambering through cobwebbed tombs or pushing through blinding sandstorms out in the harsh desert, the team behind Origins have created a vast, diverse landscape that’s teeming with life in some places, yet bleak and inhospitable in others – much like modern Egypt.

Origins marks by far the biggest game made by the Creed team yet, with its makers – generally used to releasing a new franchise game per year – taking a couple of years or so to get this one together, and the extra time and polish

shows in most places.

At heart, Origins is a story of revenge, with a main storyline seeing a father, Bayek, tracking down – and killing – the people responsible for his young son’s death, while some (mercifully brief) modern-day sections have echoes of this ancient past.

The main story is something of a McGuffin – while there’s a big overall plot to follow, gamers will ignore it to pursue lots of side quests and optional activities, potentially adding dozens and dozens of extra hours to their runthrough as they goof off.

Just exploring and finding new places is almost a game in itself, let alone

all of the other activities to engage in, from tomb raiding to chariot racing, defeating enemy strongholds to finding lost treasures, helping villagers or even fighting elephants, and all the while trying to level up the character to be able to fight ever stronger, tougher bad guys.

There’s no getting away from it – there’s a lot of violence in Origins, which doesn’t shy away from the assassin aspect of the popular franchise.

For all of the relaxing wandering past flocks of flamingos, or taking in the sights of tumbled, sun-bleached columns at some unmarked desert ruin, or eavesdropping on handmaidens in a cool

The vast open world setting is full of detail, with everything mountains and lush farmlands to find, while dusty secrets

marble palace hall, gamers will spend an awful lot of time fighting, killing and looting people as they roam around.

From assassinating key figures to attacking groups of soldiers, or even just defending themselves

from mercenaries, the threat of sudden, bloody violence is never far away, with sprays of blood constantly soaking the sands and temples as glistening, gleaming blades flash and slice through the air.

Still, it’s a remarkable

9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

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GAMING

Even the world’s most powerful tweeter is at the mercy of IT staff just doing their job professionally

Trump silenced for 11 minutes  SHANE DILLON

IT’S safe to say that I’m not a fan of US president Donald Trump, in what could pass for my entry in the Understatement of the Year contest.

Still, as much as I usually welcome any pause in his stream-ofconsciousness Tweets, the news that a ‘rogue’ Twitter employee briefly disabled Trump’s Twitter account as they left their job isn’t something I’d celebrate.

Their action gave the world a whole 11 minutes of Trump-free boasting, bragging and bullying comments – but even so, their strike against Trump’s tweets can’t be condoned.

Instead, it raises the question about who has access to the social media accounts of some

Don’t try this at home, kids ... Like many top games, Origins comes with a good Photo Mode, letting you pause the action, then mess about with the virtual camera settings to get a shot you want, like these... Screengrabs: Shane Dillon

“What, no sequel?”

No box office killing for this 2016 turkey CONTINUING the time-honoured tradition of Hollywood making pretty awful films based on hit games, 2016 saw a film released based on the broad

Latest iPhone off to X-cellent start

Assassin’s Creed setting.

Star Michael Fassbender took a fair stab at it, but Assassin’s Creed died a thousand deaths at the box office.

Critics thought it was a mess, gamers were turned off by the film being mostly from marble palaces

to bleak

lie scattered in forgotten tombs

game that presents a still largely unique world, with ancient Egypt still a largely untapped and elusive setting for most games (bar endless strategy titles).

The game borrows aspects from many of

centred on “all the boring bits”, and audiences stayed away in droves.

its peers – for example, Bayek’s eagle, Senu, acts like a player-controlled drone to scout the terrain and mark enemies and assets – an imaginative repurposing of modern tech in the game’s setting.

Origins has lived up to

the hope for a new direction for the series, which had grown stale – but choosing an ancient land has given the series a fresh energy and life again.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I still have a couple of chariot races to win...

of the world’s top figures – and what if their intentions were malicious?

Let’s say that the currently unknow n employee had decided to do more than momentarily muzzle Trump, but had hacked in to his profile, and left a malicious post like, say, “Just sent an armed SEAL team to teach Rocket Man a lesson.

MAGA!” It’s not hard to imagine how bad the potential fall-out from such a malicious post could be.

If the most powerful man in the world can be silencecd by an employee’s random act on their way out the door, it raises some uncomfortable issues to consider in a world where social media posts continue getting more and more importance.

Despite being a hit series, the Assassin’s Creed games have also been rather divisive for gamers; happily, this latest iteration addresses a number of constant criticisms, making it more accessible – and fun – to play

APPLE fans slightly surprised analysts by snapping up the new iPhone X on day one, with cities around the world reporting sold-out stock following its release at the end of last week.

A sold-out new Apple phone isn’t exactly news, but many tech watchers had paused, given its eyewatering price point (starting at a wallet-busting $999). However, despite the market uncertainty, massive queues were reported at cities around the world, with more than 55 countries now open to Apple’s latest assault on the mobile phone market.

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SPORT

FastSport CLEIRIGH BUTTNER ON AWARD LIST: DSDAC’S Siofra Cleirigh Buttner has been named on the shortlist for the Athletics Ireland Under-23 athlete year alongside UCD’s Alanna Lally and Crusaders’ Matthew Behan.

Cleirigh Buttner excelled for Villanova University in the US as a junior middledistance runner, being named the Mid-Atlantic Athlete of the Year, running her fastest 800 metre time at the NCAA championships en route to selection in the Irish team for August’s World Championships in London.

Raheny’s Mick Clohisey is up for the endurance athlete of the year award while Clonliffe’s Brian Gregan and UCD’s Mark English will be in the mix for the track and field athlete of the year.

The awards will be announced on December 6.

BASKETBALL: DUBLIN CLUBS BOLSTER THEIR SUPERLEAGUE POSITIONS

DCU show no Mercy to UCC as Killester see of Wildcats

 sport@dublingazette.com

DCU Mercy stomped out a massive win over Ambassador UCC Glanmire in the Women’s Super League on Sunday afternoon, running out 20-point winners in the end.

Mark Ingle’s charges asserted their dominance over the game from the off, with top scoring from Tiffany Corselli and Sarah Woods edging them beyond reach of the Cork side.

“We’re very happy,” said Ingle afterwards. “It’s always been a great battle between us and Glanmire over the last ten years or so, there’s never been much between the teams.

We’re still trying to find out what type of team we are.

“We did a good job today defensively I thought in the first half. We scored 50 points which is not often when you’re playing Glanmire.”

In the other game of the weekend, Pyrobel Killester picked up their third win in a closely contested match against Maxol WIT Wildcats on Saturday evening.

With nothing separating the sides, it was Killester’s Aisling McCann who dug deep

Chantell Alford scored 15 points for Pyrobel Killester. Picture: Martin Doherty

at the end of the third quarter to produce a much-needed three pointer to put her side up 52-50 going into the last, and the home team pushed on from there to win out 72-65.

In the Men’s Super League, UCD Marian bounded their way to the top of the table, leap frogging the challenge of

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in style down in Kerry.

A superb display from UCD’s Mike Garrow and Mike Nedulskis sent the visitors into a 10-point lead at the end of the first, and it was one they wouldn’t relinquish throughout the game, with Barry Drumm and Dan James lead-

ing the team well from the top of the key. Despite a huge third quarter from Tralee, UCD’s sharp shooting just proved to be too much in the last, as they outscored the homeside 23-5 in the fourth quarter to win out 92-63.

“We are delighted to get the win,” said UCD’s Conor

Meany.

“Tralee has the best set up in the country, so to come down and win here is great.”

UCC Demons meanwhile travelled to Colaiste Éanna on Saturday evening, and despite a third quarter run from the home team, Demons looked comfortable throughout to take the win.

“It’s five weeks in a row that we are on the road now - it’s not fun doing it every week so it’s nice to come away with a final victory before we head home next week,” reflected Demons coach, Colin O’Reilly.

Meanwhile, Pyrobel Killester ran out winners over Maree in Clontarf, while DCU Saints clocked another victory with a win over KUBS. Belfast Star just lost out to Black Amber Templeogue at the death, while Moycullen and Griffith College Swords Thunder closed out the weekend.

Swords fell to a 84-74 loss to the Galway side at the Jes despite Isaac Westbrooks, Alex Dolenko and Travis Black all hitting double figures. They trailed 44-34 at half-time and could never quite reel in the deficit.

O’Hanlon belatedly named Irish marathon champion  sport@dublingazette.com

Gary O’Hanlon, left, was initially denied the Irish marathon title last week by Raheny’s Freddie Sittuk.

FOLLOWING a meeting of the Competition Committee of Athletics Ireland, Gary O’Hanlon was declared Irish National Marathon champion three days after he had seen the title seemingly denied him by Raheny Shamrock AC’s Freddie Sittuk.

This follows the receipt of information from Raheny on October 31 that the declared winner of the race, had failed to meet the required criteria for eligibility under the residency rule.

Sittuk was confirmed as eligible by his club prior to the event when, in fact, he had not met all the necessary criteria.

Under the rule agreed by the delegates at the 2016 Athletics Ireland Congress, an athlete with an unbroken six months residency in Ireland immediately prior to the championship, is eligible to compete for the National Championships title and medal positions.

Commenting on the situation, Athletics Ireland’s Competition, Athletics Ireland Committee Chairman John Cronin

said: “the information initially received by the Association indicated that Freddy Sittuk was eligible and therefore he was deemed champion on Sunday.

“Once we received information from the club stating that the athlete had, in fact, not met the criteria, the committee met to discuss the situation and Gary O’Hanlon has been deemed National Marathon Champion,” he added.

“The process for confirming residency eligibility for National Championships has, up to this

event, worked well but the fact that Gary was not awarded this title and his gold medal on Sunday is very regrettable,” Cronin said.

“We do, however, look forward to presenting Gary with his championship title and medal shortly,” he added.

O’Hanlon had crossed the line in 2.18.52 and was initially convinced he was the first Irish runner home but was subsequently told Sittuk - who has run for Raheny for six years - was the champion and took gold on the podium.

9 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FASTSport

Swaine inspires Terenure second half comeback TERENURE College bounced back from last week’s defeat at Clontarf to see off the challenge of 14-man Buccaneers, emerging as 27-21 winners of Saturday’s Ulster Bank League Division 1A tie at Lakelands Park.

Basement side Buccs built a 15-5 half-time lead in pursuit of their first win of the season. However, a Kevin O’Neill try kicked Terenure back into gear and they were able to claim their fifth victory of the season.

The Pirates broke the deadlock after kicking a penalty to touch in the seventh minute with out-half Jack Carty was there to score in clinical fashion. He missed the conversion before Nure increased their attacking threat as the first half developed.

Former Leinster Academy star Sam Coghlan Murray was stopped short at the end of a promising 24th minute move. Nonetheless, with the ball worked into a more central position, hooker and captain Robbie Smyth was in the right place to drive over and make it five points apiece.

The Athlone side, though, rallied before the interval and produced 10 points. A sweeping move across the back-line ended with winger Rory O’Connor sprinting over for a try which was converted by Carty, and the Connacht number 10 also landed an expertly-struck penalty for a 15-5 advantage.

Terenure resumed in better fettle, with replacement Conor Weakliam adding considerable spark to the back-three.

After several phases inside the Buccs 22, it was ‘Nure scrum half O’Neill who squeezed over for a much-needed try, converted by Jake Swaine. Into the final quarter, O’Neill’s half-back partner James Thornton was heavily involved in the build-up to another incisive passage of play which saw lively winger Swaine touch down out on the right.

And when Buccs replacement Eoghan Maher was given a straight red card 13 minutes from the end, Terenure sensed an opportunity to push on.

Their bonus point try arrived just moments later through Maher’s opposite number, Adam Clarkin, and a terrific Swaine kick stretched the lead to nine points.

Swaine and Carty exchanged penalties as Buccs battled to nick a losing bonus point with the latter landing a kick in the closing stages.

McKinley’s sight fully focused on Italy debut Following a glittering youth career with St Columba’s and Leinster, Ian McKinley is finally getting his chance on the international stage after the loss of an eye and retirement  JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com

IAN MCKINLEY, a former Leinster rugby player who was forced to temporarily retire from the sport in 2012, has found a new lease of life with Benetton Treviso after returning to the sport in 2014.

And in the most unlikely of turnarounds, finds himself called up to the Italian national squad.

McK inley attended St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, starring in the schools team before making half a dozen appearances for Leinster.

His early retirement came due to taking a boot in the eyeball in 2010, an injury that took time to have an impact.

In the long term – due to repetitive tackle impacts – it would cost him the sight in his left eye. McKinley has returned to the sport wearing eyewear designed

to protect him, and plays at Pro-14 level despite being totally blind in his left eye.

His return to regular Pro-14 action (he’s made nearly 30 appearance for Benetton Treviso) and the fringes of the Italian squad is nothing less than astonishing.

Talking to ESPN this week, McKinley recalled his period of forced retirement.

“A lot of sports people want to stop on their own merits,” he explained. “If you look at Bjorn Borg, he wanted to stop at 26 and then you have people like Brad Thorn who stop at 41. But at least they get to determine when they stopped. I didn’t want to stop at 21.

“From a professional point of view, it was probably the worst thing that could’ve happened to me. In the general aspect of the world it is not the

worst thing to happen to anyone. I still have vision in my other eye, I still have two functional legs, arms and a brain. I count myself very lucky that I haven’t had other injuries.”

There were certainly painful moments for McKinney when it came to watching his former Leinster team mates go on to achieve great things, especially in the early days, shortly after then Leinster boss Joe Schmidt had praised his character on retirement.

“When you are talking about the darker period [it was when] my brother was over visiting me,” he recalled.

“There was a particular Leinster game where they walloped Wasps in the Challenge Cup. I just remember loads of my mates were playing that day. “ I n e ve r a c t u a l l y watched rugby when I

Ian McKinley during his school days with St Columba’s. Picture: GazetteSport

stopped playing. I didn’t watch anything but I would read reports. I just remember reading the report and seeing all the names of the guys I played with and it hit me really, really hard.

“I am always happy to

initially to get away from home and coach in a new environment before getting his new lease of life on the field.

“I am humbled. But the thing I am most happy with is that it is not a sympathy pick. I wanted to be

--------------------------------------------------------

‘At least other got to determine when they stopped. I didn’t want to stop at 21’- Ian McKinley

--------------------------------------------------------

see my mates who I grew up with do well, but it was really difficult when I wasn’t playing. From a selfish point of view, looking at them and their successes, it was quite difficult for me to take. They are doing unbelievably well, with Leinster or Ireland, but I wanted that.”

Life in Italy has worked out well, though, moving

picked on merit. I think people are progressively getting away from that image of Ian as the guy with the goggles.

“Now it is just Ian McKinley. That has been a big challenge for me but I think people are starting to say that which is good.

“Italy has given me a new lease of life. It has given me my professional career back. They were the first nation to sign up for the goggles [allowing use on the field]. I can only ever be grateful because they have given me so much.”

His adopted nation might yet give McKinley a World Cup appearance.

“It would be amazing to be part of a World Cup because that would be a full 10-years circle on being with the Irish Under20s at the World Cup, but again it is such a long way away.” He concludes: “This experience has taught me not to think too far ahead.”

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 9 November 2017

SPORT

FASTSport

RUGBY: HOLMPATRICK SIDE SWEPT ASIDE IN TABLE-TOPPING CLASH

Tridents raid Rebel land in big Inter Cup victory TRIDENTS Division 1 team made the long journey to Ballincollig in Cork to land an impressive National Intermediate Cup victory.

The game turned out to be a close affair from the start. Tridents were up by 10 points after the first quarter thanks to some great outside shooting from Eilis O’Meara and strong rebounding from Grainne McGlade.

Ballincollig fought back and levelled the game at 46 midway through the third quarter. Point guard Niamh Doherty hit nine free throws in the last quarter and, when O’Meara banked her final three pointer, it was game over with Tridents prevailing by a score of 68-57. .

In other Tridents action, the Senior 2 team, coming off a tremendous first round victory in the Senior Cup, began their league campaign with a two-point overtime victory over Mael Og of Clondalkin.

Tridents were down by eight points in the third quarter but fought back to tie the score at the final buzzer with a clutch jump shot by Treasa Madigan. The overtime period went back and forth with Tridents grabbing the victory with scoring by Alannah McGurk and Laura O’Hare.

Tridents’ Senior 5 team continued its winning ways with a 57-26 victory over Central Bank Greenbacks. The team was led by Blathnaid Ni Creachain and Mary Bourke in scoring while Helena O’Connell led the team in rebounding.

Tridents’ Under-18 team ran its league record to two wins and no losses with a comprehensive home win over Kilcock. Tridents used effective fast breaks to take the lead early and never looked back. They were led by Niamh Kelly in scoring.

Dominating rebounding by their post players allowed Tridents to get plenty of scoring opportunities finishing on a score line of 49-20 The Blanch club finished off a nice week with an upset victory by their Under-13 team at previously unbeaten and league leaders Ongar Chasers.

The game ended in double overtime. With the game tied after regulation play, both teams hit the floor to produce tremendous basketball.

Ongar’s Grace Lurascu hit a buzzer beater to tie the game for an additional overtime period. Tridents leading scorers Aisling Mulligan (13 points), Alannah O’Connell (8) and Mei Mei Sun (5) kept the pressure on to grasp the 35-33 win in double overtime.

Old Crescent rise highest to take line-out ball. Picture: Niall O’Reilly

Crescent crush Skerries UBL DIVISION 2B

Old Crescent 45 Skerries 0  sport@dublingazette.com

SKERRIES UBL Division 2B table-topping clash with Old Crescent did not go to plan for the Fingal side as the Rosbrien hosts showed a clean pair of heels to the visitors.

The beautiful autumnal weather in the early half of the day brought a large home crowd but also a loyal Skerries contingent made the trip to get behind their boys.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, i t turned into a gruelling encounter for Skerries

RFC due to the neverending pressure of Old Crescent who remained dominant for the full 80 minutes.

After seven minutes, Skerries fell behind after Old Crescent’s Larry Hanly crossed over the line for five and converted by number Ronan Mc Kenna. Another converted try by Cathal Monaghan at 20 minutes into the game saw Skerries 14 points behind.

They tried to get a foothold in the match but, due to conceding possession, the Limerick side took advantage and scored two tries in four minutes. Left winger Val

RACE TO 59 SERIES Record-setter Staunton shines at Corballis Links MARK Staunton, the PGA Professional from

Delgany Golf Club, leads the way in the Race to 59 Winter Series at Corballis Links Golf Club as he carded a winning score of 61, a new professional record.

Staunton carded four birdies and an eagle on the par five 12th hole on his way to shooting 61 in last Thursday’s event. This was enough to take pole position over Shane Jenkinson who took the pole position in the Gross Category with 63.

McDermot got the first of those before Hanly crossed for his second, both of which were converted.

Skerries put real pressure on the Old Crescent line for the last ten minutes of the half by using a strong maul and were unlucky that the halftime whistle stopped this positive momentum without a score to reflect their efforts.

The second half started with a full rainbow over the pitch but any thoughts that a crock of gold would be found by Skerries RFC team soon dissipated. Conditions deteriorated with squalls

of rain and wind as the Skerries players battled on and very nearly opened their account with surges by Jim Mulvany, who had replaced his brother Tom who had retired with an injury, supported by Joe Glennon and Tom O’Hare.

On the 68th minute mark, McDermot broke through once again to score his second tr y following some stern defence in the face of a wave of attacks.

This was followed by another Crescent tr y scored by Monaghan.

Skerries tackled feverishly for the early part of the second half, led by

captain Michael Sherlock, Ciaran Leonard and Joe Glennon. McKenna, however, closed out the win with yet another try.

Despite the scoreline, the Skerries heads never dropped and the whole team continued to work hard right to the final whistle.

The result saw them drop to third place in the division with Crescent extending their run to six wins from six while Skerries have four wins to their name. They look forward to a home floodlit league match on Friday against Navan RFC.

9 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: CELTIC UNDER-11S ENJOY CRACKING TOURNAMENT

AFL2Final

Swords Celtic with Brazilian club ES Juventude following their meeting in Barcelona

Swords cut a dash at Barcelona Cup

BARCELONA CUP

 KARL GRAHAM sport@dublingazette.com

SWORDS Celtic’s Under11 side have returned to Dublin having taken part in the 2017 Barcelona Cup – playing no other than local rivals Balbriggan FC in their final playoff game.

Nine kids and eight adults from Swords made the journey to the currently politically-disputed region to take part in a tournament that has grown in stature year on year.

The Fingal side tested themselves against teams from Brazil, Finland, England, Wales and a local side, before taking on the much more familiar setup of Balbriggan.

Robbie Coyle, who manages Swords alongside Stephen Dixon, spoke to GazetteSport about what took them to Barcelona.

“We were looking at entering a European tournament so I had a look at what was on and what facilities and accommodation were like,” said Coyle.

“A couple of guys from

work had been over there with their families and they told me that the park was absolutely superb and the facilities looked really, really good.

“I was in contact with the organisers and the concern I had was are we going over just to play in a tournament were the standard might not be that good. I wanted a bit of a workout for the kids as well, but the guy who organises it assured me the standard is usually quite high.”

Usually taking to rain sodden pitches at this time of year, the kids enjoyed having the opportunity to strut their stuff in the envious Catalan climate.

“The kids absolutely thrived on it,” Coyle continued. “The week beforehand we played in an SFAI cup game and it rained from the minute we kicked off until the end of the game; the kids were drenched. We went over there and they were out in the sun. It was a great environment for them to go and enjoy their football.”

As you would expect, there was great excitement

amongst the kids when the news broke that they would be going to Barcelona, but Coyle explained how the coaches also took a lot away from the experience.

“It was in planning for six or seven months and once we said we were going to Barcelona, that’s all they [players] were talking about for ages and ages.

“There were obviously different styles of play.

The Finnish teams were a little bit more physical than what we thought we would be up against but, at the same time, they sort of played with an extra man in midfield.

“They didn’t play with an out and out forward like we would have here in Ireland. The Barcelona team were really good footballers; very small kids but really good technically.

The English team were very defensive, so there were different problems for us to try and solve.”

Coyle also spoke about the odds of travelling nearly 1,000 miles to end up playing a local side.

“We are basically five miles apart and we go all the way to Spain and end up playing against each other. It was a good game and the kids all got on grand afterwards!” Coyle concluded.

Balbriggan and Rivervalley lock horns for Over-35s AFL Division 2 laurels TITLE Fever will hit Balbriggan FC on Friday night as the over-35s team take on Rivervalley Rangers, pictured, in a playoff to decide the destination of the AFL Seniors Division 2 North trophy.

The two sides take to the pitch at Bremore sitting on 49 points apiece after 20 games, with both set to play Division 1 football next season. However, only one will do so with a league title in their trophy cabinet.

“It’s [a tie between] two good sides,” Balbriggan manager Keith Curtin told GazetteSport. “We’ve both only been beaten once so that’s a testament to how good the teams are.”

Balbriggan have a few knocks going into the game but Curtin hopes he will have a full squad to choose from come match day “It will be tight. I think we are struggling with a few injuries but hopefully we will be up and ready for it on Friday night. We are just waiting on the lads to come back to us but hopefully we will have a full strength squad. Other than that, the team will probably pick itself.”

The AFL may be for players who have come to the end of their football life cycle but Curtin explains how competitive it is right through the league.

“I know it’s over 35s football but it’s very competitive from the top division right down. Raheny [United] were very unlucky as well because they were there or thereabouts. They were in it until we beat them then Rivervalley beat them a few weeks ago.”

Balbriggan have picked up four points against Rivervalley this season but Curtin doesn’t believe that will hand his side a mental edge over their opponents.

“I don’t think there will be a mental edge. In fairness to them, they should have beaten us at home. We were lucky to get a goal against them in the last two minutes. We got a draw out of it when it looked like we were staring defeat in the face, and that kind of pushed us on and we won every game after that.”

Balbriggan were awarded home advantage for the game but Curtin would have preferred a neutral venue.

“We weren’t really happy with it. We would have preferred a neutral venue and so would Rivervalley, but unfortunately it came down to a toss of a coin or whatever way they did it. [Although] It’s a great facility and a credit to the town to have something like that that we can play on.

“We’re a bunch of lads out of a pub here in Balbriggan. We just asked them if we could use their name and they obliged us. They’ve been great to us.”

Regardless of the outcome of Friday’s game, Balbriggan will be promoted to Division 1 and Curtin hopes they are now better equipped to compete at that level than they were last time.

“We were in the division above us but we decided to take a step back and see if we could rally the troops and try to get a few players in, and that is what we have done.”

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 9 November 2017

SPORT

FOOTBALL: GARRISTOWN NATIVE’S SECOND AWARD

BREAKTHRUOGH AWARDS

Dean Rock is presented with his PwC All Star award by Aogán Ó Fearghail, in the company of Feargal O’Rourke, left, and David Collins, GPA President. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Aoife Bugler, second from left, presented her All-Star with Aoife Lane, Catherine Neary and Deirdre Ashe. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Maher and Bugler land All-Stars DUBLIN forward Aisling Maher rewarded for her key role in the

capital’s run to the All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final by being selected at full-forward in the All-Star team for 2017 at the Citywest Hotel last Saturday.

The Naomh Uinsionn woman became Dublin’s first All-Star since 2007 when Eimear Brannigan was honoured.

St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh’s Aoife Bugler, meanwhile, was awarded a 2017 Soaring Star for her performances with the Dublin Premier Junior side.

To make matters even better, she was named the Players’ Player of the Year - the first time a Dublin player has received this award at any level.

This year’s Awards were extra significant as all of the winning Senior All-Stars will also be invited on the inaugural Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars Tour to Madrid later this month to take part in an exhibition match against their 2016 counterparts.

Rock an All-Star again  sport@dublingazette.com

GARRISTOWN man Dean Rock was among the seven Dubs honoured last Friday evening at the 2017 All-Star awards, landing his second award.

It follows another AllIreland medal, landing the vital score against Mayo deep into injury time for the defining image of the senior football championship.

Rock was joined in the

All-Star team by six team mates with Ballymun K ickhams club mate James McCarthy lining up alongside defenders Mick Fitzsimons, Cian O’Sullivan and Jack McCaffrey and forwards Con O’Callaghan and Paul Mannion.

Rock kicked a massive 3-79 over the course of the 2017 season, landing 2-11 in the Leinster championship and 1-20 in the three matches in the All-

Ireland series, crucially scoring 0-7 in the onepoint final victory.

That win secured Rock’s fourth All-Ireland title since making his first championship appearance for the sky blues in 2013, amassing an incredible eight goals and 132 points in 31 championship games while he has been similarly prolific in league action.

In addition to the Dubs fine representation in

the team, O’Callaghan was named as the Young Player of the Year.

All-Ireland runners-up Mayo were honoured in six positions while both Kerry (Paul Geaney) and Tyrone (Colm Cavanagh) got one each.

Mayo forward Andy Moran was voted Footballer of the Year, an award which was named from a players’ text vote via the Gaelic Players Association.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers Childcare, is on every Saturday morning at Tir na nOg/Somerton. New members always welcome.

Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@gmail.com.

Hard luck to the AHL6 and AFL9 teams, both beaten, also to the adult Division 2 ladies footballers.

Well done to the U-21 footballers, all the U-15 boys football teams and the U-14 camogie team on great wins over weekend.

Fantastic night in store at Lipsync Battle is this Saturday, November 11.

The groups have all been practising really hard over the past few weeks and are nearly word perfect.

For those concerned, the Ireland v Denmark showing on the big screen both before the show and at the interval.

Tickets available at the nursery on Saturday morning, from contestants or from the committee. Visit the club website to sponsor a group and make sure to get

out and support.

No winner of our lotto jackpot with thanks to Rialto Ford. Three match 3 winners, winning €100 each. Lucky dip winner was Jimmy Farmer c/o The Bell who takes home €30. Our new jackpot is €3,000 with the next draw in Kavanagh’s on November 9.

ERIN GO BRAGH

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

Please support as these funds are vital for the running of our club. Numbers drawn were 7, 18, 21 and 28.

Congratulations to our U-16 hurlers on winning the shield final against O’Toole’s on Saturday. Hard luck to our U-15 footballers who lost out to Whitehall in the semifinals of the championship.

We would like to thank the management of both teams for all their hard work over the year and the pure dedication they have shown to these teams.

Huge thanks to everybody who came out in such large

numbers to support the boys . Hard luck to our U-14 boys who lost to Westmanstown.

Well done to our U-12 hurlers on beating Raheny and finishing off their league on a high.

Our end of season Christmas party is on Saturday, November 25 and tickets are now on sale for €10. It has been a very successful season so it is time to celebrate these achievements.

Please note our AGM will take place in our clubhouse on Wednesday, November 29; all club members are asked to attend, this is your club and this is your opportunity to get involved and help the club to grow and prosper.

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

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

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

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

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

Huge thanks to Vinny Grehan on behalf of The Gas Man who sponsored the new jerseys for the girls U-13 football team, and to Corona Electrical who sponsored a new set of jerseys for the under 8 boys.

All your support is greatly appreciated.

FINGALLIANS

NEW GPO: The club are delight to announce Colm Riddell from Ballinasloe will take up this role immediately.

Colm is a decorated dual player with a degree in Sport

Management. He also has experience in management and coaching. Please give him a warm welcome and let us help him find his feet.

U-16C hurling championship winners: Well done to the lads on beating St Peregrine’s on Saturday afternoon, 4-10 to 0-5 in the final.

Minor ladies: After beating Parnells, our girls are through to the Division 1 league final.

Own Your Skills Camp: Halloween week saw 60 kids participate in our first ever multi-sport camp. It was a great success and the skills will now transfer to the kids football and hurling.

The club shop will close on December 9. Last orders for Christmas stock will be November 25 (Saturday morning).

AGM: This year, the hall will host our AGM on Thursday, November 16 at 9pm. The accounts will be available this Tuesday from 8-9pm in the company of our treasurer, Feargal O’Hanrahan.

GYM – November 2017: The opening times for the month are as follows outside of the 11 scheduled classes each week: Monday: 7-8.30pm, Tuesday: 5.30-7.30pm, Wednesday: 6-9.30pm, Thursday: 6-7pm, Friday: 5.30-7.30pm, Saturday: 2-5pm and closed on Sunday.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 4, 6, 10, 15 and 21. We have seven winners, each receiving €524. The jackpot this Tuesday is €2,270.

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN

THE minors are the only adult team left with games still to play, starting with a championship shield final at home in Westmanstown next Sunday morning against St Pat’s, Palmerstown; throw in at 11am.

Lots of juvenile activity last weekend with the U-15 boys losing by a single point to St Peters in their championship semi-final in Westmanstown on Sunday morning; final score 3-10 to

2-12; disappointing to lose by such a narrow margin but the boys will learn from this defeat. Well done to all on an excellent season.

The U-14 boys beat Erin go Bragh, the U-12 boys hosted neighbours Castleknock, the U-11 boys travelled to Naomh Barrog, the U-8 boys hosted Crumlin, the U-9 girls hosted a blitz with Lucan Sarsfields and Raheny and the U-11 girls welcomed St Vincent’s and Templeogue.

The club AGM takes place on Monday, November 20 in Westmanstown at 8pm; all club members are asked to attend as this is your opportunity to have your say in how the club is run and electing the officers to do it-bi ann gan teip.

The club annual gala and awards night is on Friday, December 1 at Westmanstown Sports Centre. Tickets are €35 and selling fast; make sure you get yours in good time from Janet Mitten and her organising team.

Deadline for club notes is Sunday evening at

9 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: EMO SALVAGE IFC DRAW WITH LAST KICK

Boughal’s replay LEINSTER IFC QUARTER Emo 2-17 Ballyboughal 3-14  sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBOUGHAL and Emo must meet all over again after they played out a pulsating 3-14 to 2-17 draw after extra-time in their Leinster IFC quarterfinal in Emo last Saturday.

A Paul Lawlor free two minutes into injury time in extra-time forced a replay for the hosts with the winners progressing to meet Meath champions Curragha in the provincial semifinal.

Emo started better and moved into an early 1-2 to 0-1 lead early the goal coming from a Lawlor penalty.

Ciaran Wynne converted a free for Boughal but Darren Strong and Lawlor added frees to see Emo move five ahead.

But Ballyboughal battled back with impressive centre-back Cormac Flynn

scoring from play before Richie Downey scored an excellent goal. Tony Roone and Wynne added points to see Boughal move in front.

A David Gorman levelled things up and then the same player put fed Finbar Crowley who finished to the net past David Downey.

Another Ciaran Wynne free and a second Richie Downey however helped Ballyboughal to a 2-6 to 2-5 lead at half time.

Emo restarted in clinical fashion, scoring four points in quick succession – two from Strong and one each from Lawlor and Nigel Murphy.

Emo were three up again but Ballyboughal were level when Ben Callinan’s shot for a point dropped into the net.

Gerry Seaver’s pointed free edged Ballyboughal back in front with just over 20 minutes to play.

The visitors moved three

8pm. Results, team news, fundraising etc to PRO Eugene O Sullivan at 086 3791359 or eugosullivan@ eircom.net.

SKERRIES HARPS

WELL done to the U-21 footballers on their championship win over St Marys in Saggart on Saturday. Hard luck to the minor camogie team who were defeated by Oliver Plunkett’s/ER on Sunday in the minor championship.

Congratulations to the Moriarty SuperValu sponsored U-14 team on their win over Ballyboden in the last league match of the season on Saturday, finishing second place in the U-14 Division 1 league.

Congrats to our GPO Louise and her club Corduff, Monaghan on winning their All-Ireland LGFA junior championship quarter-final in Ruislip on Saturday and now move on to face Cuala in the semi-final.

Upcoming fixtures: Sunday, November 12 - minor

clear with Seaver to the fore but then Emo hit the next four scores.

In the final minutes a Seaver free forced extratime, Emo 2-13 Emo 2-13 Ballyboughal 3-10.

Lawlor and Strong tagged on points in the first period of extra-time but scores from Seaver and Wynne had sides level

at half-time in extra-time.

Strong’s eighth point pushed Emo ahead but Ballyboughal got two in-arow, both from Seaver.

Ballyboughal led by a point in the dying embers before Emo were awarded a late, late free that was brought forward which Lawlor converted to force a replay.

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL

St Patrick’s Croke Park cracker ST PATRICK’S, Diswellstown’s boys and girls enjoyed a cracking

day out at Croke Park as they took part in the annual Cumann na mBunscol finals.

In the Corn Na nGearaltach, the Dublin 15 school’s senior boy’s took on Bishop Galvin’s NS from Templeogue.

Both teams were very evenly matched and the action was end to end and, at half time, the teams could not be separated. In a keenly fought contest Galvin’s came out on top by the narrowest of margins. All the very best skills were on show including free-taking from the ground. Future Dublin stars on show no doubt.

In the Corn Comhar Linn, the school’s girls faced Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS. The games started at a very fast pace and both teams exchanged chances. Slowly, Our Lady’s took control and started to pull away just before half time.

They continued to dominate with the St. Patrick’s digging deep all the while.

Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS went on to claim the title though the Pat’s girls can be extremely proud of their efforts. The legendary Mícheál ó Muircheartaigh was on hand to present medal to the teams on the day.

Picture: Nial O’Connell - full gallery on pages 10 and 11

Picture: Ballyboughal GFC Flickr

CLUB NOTICEBOARD B football championship shield semi-final vs Erin’s Isle, home at 11am. Minor camogie championship vs Naomh Jude, away at 11am. See full fixture details on www. skerriesharps.ie/fixtures.

Zingo Result: 5-7-3-1-4-62. We had no jackpot winner.

Jackpot now a fantastic €6,700. Draw next Sunday at 6pm. How do you win? You buy a ticket. You can play on line at skerriesharps.ie and follow the links. Envelopes only €2 or three for €5.

Academy next Saturday at the usual time of 10-11.30am.

Tea/coffee will be available upstairs in the clubhouse and club shop will be open.

Reminder to all that the club car park is closed during the academy for health and safety reasons. Drop off only.

The club shop is taking prepaid Christmas orders again this year. All orders must be placed by Saturday to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for shop opening times for the week ahead.

Upcoming diary dates:

Friday, November 17, 8pm, music night in aid of 2018 Feile - Promises to be a great night with an eclectic mix of musicians, not to be missed.

Entry €5. Friday, November 24 - Abba Night - fancy Dress optional; tickets €10 available from Chris on 087 9725519; Sunday, December 3 juvenile presentation evening in the Community Centre; Thursday, December 7 - club AGM 2017, 8pm; Saturday, December 16 - Christmas draw and music night.

Skerries Community College Parents Association are hosting an evening event on Wednesday, November 22 with Mr Enda Murphy, Clinical Psychotherapist, one of Irelands best known Clinical Behavioural Therapists at 8pm. Tickets available from Skerries Bookshop.

Are you looking for somewhere to hold your Christmas Party? The clubhouse is available for functions – contact Pat on 087-2505479 or Joanne on 086-4058523.

The club extends its deepest sympathies to the

Forde Family on the recent passing of Tony Forde RIP.

ST BRIGID’S

WELL done to the minor hurlers on their quarterfinal win over Naomh Fionnbarra. Congratulations to the U-16 ladies football team who won their league playoff against Clanna Gael Fontenoy.

St Brigid’s U-8 to U-12 ladies football squads all had end of season blitzes scheduled over the last weekend. Well done to Julie Deignan, Keith Keane and Keith Creedon who each hosted the blitzes in Russell Park.

The U-21 football team went out to Castleknock in their quarter-final. The U-21 hurlers are due to play on the coming weekend.

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

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

There was no lotto jackpot winner last week and the lotto draw this week will be on Thursday, November 9 in The Greyhound. The jackpot will be €6,400. Thank you very much to everyone who supports St Brigid’s club lotto and to our great lotto committee.

This year’s AGM will be on December 3 at 6.30pm in Russell Park. Closing date for nominations and motions is November 11.

The trustees and members of St. Brigid’s GAA Club wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Duffy family on the passing of Paddy Duffy. Paddy had a long association with club teams and looked after the pitches in Russell Park for very many years. Paddy also served as club and county club delegate and board officer. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

ST FINIAN’S

CONGRATULATIONS to the AHL9 team who beat Whitehall Colmcille in the

league semi-final in River Valley on Sunday with a goal from Ian Fahey and a Canning-esque sideline cut from Conor Halpin among the vital scores and also some heroic Grobbelaar style goalkeeping from Gene Griffin near the end proving to be decisive.

Hard luck to the U-15 boys footballrtd who battled very hard and were only narrowly beaten in the C championship semi-final on Sunday versus Castleknock in Porterstown.

Well done to Rachel Church, Rachel Fagan, Emma Howe and Teegan Comber from the U-15 LGFA team who represented the club on the Dublin U-14 and U-15 development squads in the Leinster blitz last weekend.

A number of reminders: There will be a clothing recycling collection on Saturday, November 11 at 1pm to raise funds for the club.

Please donate all clean, unwanted clothes (in any condition), bed linen, towels, curtains, (no duvets please), shoes, handbags, belts and

soft toys; no household brica-brac. Please drop bags to the clubhouse on Thursday, November 9 from 7.30pm to 9pm and Saturday, November 11 from 11am to 1pm. Thank you for your support.

Applications are invited for team managers/ management for the 2018 season, for the following St Finian’s adults teams: intermediate men’s football, junior men’s football, junior A hurling, junior B hurling, senior ladies football, senior camogie. All expressions of interests should be forwarded to the club secretary at: secratary. stfiniansswords.dublin@ gaa.ie.

The club AGM will take place on Thursday, November 16 at 9pm in the clubhouse.

This is the members chance to have their say in how the club is run and managed.

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

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

GAZETTESPORT

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

BARCA BOYS: Swords Celtic Under-11s cut a dash with series of fine performances in Catalonia P37

NOVEMBER 9-15, 2017

CRESCENT CRACKDOWN: Skerries find going tough at table-topper in Limerick P36

The Ballyboughal side prior to their Leinster IFC quarter-final against Emo last weekend

Second chance Saturday Ballyboughal were denied a Leinster IFC semi-final spot with the very last kick by Emo but will look to make home advantage count this time

 KARL GRAHAM

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBOUGHAL will have another crack at reaching the semi-finals of the Leinster club intermediate football championship on Saturday after their first game with Emo ended in a draw last weekend.

The Fingal side made the trip to Laois on Saturday but the two teams finished level after extra time in blustery conditions with a final score line of 2-17 to 3-14. “[It was] a good game; a very competitive game involving two even sides,” Ballyboughal manager Lar Lynch told GazetteSport.

“We scored a couple of goals at the right

times to keep us in touch and then were probably unlucky in the end not to win it. We were in front going into injury time of extra-time then we conceded a free that would have been soft from our point of view in terms of it being a simple turnover of ball.

“Then a little bit of indiscipline saw the referee move the ball up, which made it kickable for them.

“It was a very open game with two very good attacks I would have said. The defenders obviously played their part as well but it was very open, it was very end to end.”

Some good news for Ballyboughal came in the form of confirmation from Dublin GAA that the game could take place at their home ground.

“Glad to be able to play the game in Ballyboughal because there was a doubt as to whether our facilities would have been suitable,” Lynch continued.

“If you look back at our home record all season, it would be extremely impressive. That’s not going to win you a game or anything but we would be, historically, quite strong at home and in particular this season. Hopefully that will tip the balance in our favour but we still have to go out and do it.”

Other than corner-forward Ben Callinan, who was sent off late in the first tie, Lynch hopes he will have a fully fit squad to choose from come Saturday.

“The squad is looking good. We had a player

sent off last week who will now obviously be unavailable unfortunately, but we have got another couple of players to come into the squad that were unavailable last week. We have no injury concerns ahead of the weekend.”

There is sometimes a temptation to tinker with tactics and personnel when it comes to replays, but Lynch didn’t want to reveal too much when asked if he would be considering making some changes himself.

“We will change it slightly; wouldn’t obviously say too much. I had seen them playing the previous week in Hollywood and then we saw them last week. We will make slight changes and, I suppose, introduce a couple of plans for their key players.”