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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE FINGAL AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  NOVEMBER 16-22, 2017

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COUNCIL IS FIRST IN IRELAND TO SEEK EU LOAN BEFORE GROWTH SPUR

FCC puts horse before cart in bold loan move  SYLVIA POWNALL FINGAL County Council is aiming to borrow €70 million before the end of the year to put infrastructure in place AHEAD of projected growth.

The local authority will become the first in Ireland to enter a loan agreement with the European Investment Bank so it can provide roads and amenities to service development.

The capital will translate to a staggering €180 million, which the council plans to plough into roads, buying landbanks, and providing greenways, swimming pools, community centres, parks

and playgrounds. At its monthly meeting on Monday, council chief Paul Reid said finances were stretched to the max as a result of “phenomenal” growth in Continued on Page 6 Fingal.

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

OBERSTOWN | HANDCUFFS, SEPARATION HIGHLIGHTED BY SF CLLR

Fresh concerns over treatment of youths  SYLVIA POWNALL

THE use of handcuffs and single separation at Oberstown detention centre in Lusk is a cause for deep concern, according to Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF).

He said the findings of a recent HIQA inspection – which found that some teenage residents were held in isolation for more than a week – raises serious issues.

The inspection also noted serious risks in relation to the administration of prescribed medication to a detainee and around the secure storage of drugs.

Oberstown director Pat Bergin last week admitted

Oberstown detention centre’s gates. Picture: Google Maps

before an Oireachtas committee that handcuffs were used on young offenders at the campus, but the number of instances was “very rare” and in “exceptional circumstances”.

The director said they were not used when a

volatile situation flared, but on a planned basis for moving high-risk young people from one place to another.

O ve r t h e p a s t 18 months, there have been a number of violent outbreaks at Oberstown

including a riot where detainees took to the roof and set a section of the campus on fire.

Repeated escapes led neighbouring residents concerned for their safety to meet with Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone, and staff were involved in an industrial dispute, also over safety concerns.

Balbriggan-based Cllr Quinn said the HIQA report’s findings were worrying. In one incident, records show that the first time a young resident was allowed out for exercise in the fresh air was on the eighth day after initial separation.

He said: “The welfare

FASTNews

All welcome at suicide support talk in Blanch ST MOCHTA’S Bethany Bereavement Support Group in Blanchardstown is hosting a public talk this Thursday, November 16, entitled Grief as a result of Suicide.

Members of the community will share their experiences and all are welcome to St Mochta’s Pastoral Centre for the free 8pm talk, with refreshments to be served afterwards.

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of these young people and staff alike are paramount.

This report is worrying in the context of the fact that this is another development in a series of issues of concern to the local community.”

Oberstown has a capacity for 54 residents and is due to expand in the near future. It accommodates those aged 13-17 who are before the courts on remand, as well as convicted offenders.

The report found over one-third of the young people detained have a “mental health need”, almost half are at risk of abuse or neglect, and almost half have been in care prior to detention.

FASTNews

€1,000 funding set for Donabate Portrane community centre DONABATE Portrane community centre has been allocated €1,000 from the Fingal Community Development Committee.

Welcoming the news, Fine Gael area rep Bob Dowling said: “While it may not seem like a huge sum of money to many, it will help the community centre to continue to develop and to keep offering their great services to local people.”

The wider Fingal area has received €65,000 in this scheme, and Dowling is eager for the funding to be continued in the future.

Malahide nursing home earns an international gold seal of approval TALBOT Lodge Nursing Home in Malahide has earned the international Gold Seal of Approval for long-term patient care.

The facility at Kinsealy Lane underwent a rigorous on-site survey in September from a team of Joint Commission International expert surveyors.

Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath, and Laverne McGuinness, chief executive of the Talbot Group (above), unveiled the Gold Seal at the nursing home to a round of applause.

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FASTNews

No plans for second exit from Ridgewood Estate, says council THERE are no plans for a second exit from Ridgewood Estate in Swords onto the Forest Road, council officials have revealed.

When queried on the issue by Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), who also mooted a separate entrance to the sports fields as part of an outer ring road plan, the council said it was not on the horizon.

Fingal County Council said the 2013 Rathingle local area plan deemed the Forest Road capable of coping with current and projected traffic volumes, but a link on the western or southern side of Ridgewood “can be considered in the context of the future design of the Swords Western Distributor Link Road”.

Superdrug set to open its seventh Republic store at the Pavilions SC SUPERDRUG will open its seventh store in the Republic at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords next Friday, November 24. It follows close on the heels of the launch of a Liffey Valley outlet, with an eighth store earmarked for Arklow in Co Wicklow before Christmas.

The brand’s property director, Nigel Duxbury, said: “We’re very excited to bring our offering to the north of Dublin for the first time. We are actively looking for prime sites in which to offer our unique mix of beauty and wellbeing to Irish customers.”

Strictly delighted to help brave boy, Jack  SYLVIA POWNALL A COMMUNITY is stepping out this weekend to raise funds for a brave boy with a rare genetic condition.

Little Jack Cready was just 18 months old when he was diagnosed with the SCN2a gene mutation, which causes multiple seizures a day and can lead to brain damage.

Now a posse of Portmarnock prancers are ready to take to the stage at the Sands Hotel this weekend as part of a Strictly for Jack ballroom bonanza.

The foxtrotting

fundraisers hope to raise awareness of the condition – which affects less than 400 children worldwide – and raise money

towards special equipment Jack will need as he grows older.

His mother Frances said: “Everything was great until Jack hit 15 months. One morning he started to have what was actually a seizure, but we didn’t realise it at the time.

“We had concerns for a couple of weeks leading up to that. He changed dramatically from being a very happy, active little boy to being n o t

able to move.”

Jack’s diagnosis came just a week before his second birthday. Frances said: “We’re trying to find the right medication. But he’s such a fighter, he’s a real fighter.”

Dad John hopes this weekend’s event will increase awareness around SCN2a and support for Epilepsy Ireland.

He said: “Jack has an intellectual disability, so he doesn’t have the same learning potential as other children do.

“He needs a large padded bed and a special walker as he’s lost the ability to walk.”

Strictly for Jack is on

In a video on facebook, Jack’s parents (above) and others talk about the impact of his diagnosis

this Saturday, November 18 in the Sands Hotel, Portmarnock. To donate, see https://www.ifundraise.ie/3633_strictlyfor-jack.html

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

ENTERPRISE | MORIARTY SCOOPS JC SAVAGE FINGAL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

Luke notches up another business win for the group LOCAL SuperValu retailer and hotelier Luke Moriarty has won the coveted JC Savage Fingal Business Person of the Year award for 2017.

The award category was created to honour an outstanding business professional in the Fingal region, whose business activity brings significant benefit to employees, customers, suppliers and the community.

The award was presented at the Fingal Dublin Business Excellence and Corporate Responsibility Awards, hosted by Marty

Whelan, on Friday evening last, November 10.

Originally from Kerry, Luke Moriarty is managing director of a family retail and hospitality business he founded 30 years ago, in 1987. The group now comprises three SuperValu supermarkets and two 4-star hotels, employing more than 650 people in north and west Dublin.

Accepting the prestigious award, Moriarty said it was particularly welcome as the family business celebrated its 30-year anniversary this year:

“The Moriarty Group is a team effort and everything achieved over the past 30 years has been thanks to a dedicated team of people around me, who share my vision of service and standards that go above and beyond at all times.”

Guests at the awards ceremony heard how this year’s Fingal Business Person of the Year has, in 30 years of trading through various downturns, built up a significant business which employs hundreds locally, supports local suppliers and service providers, and makes a major

contribution to the communities in which the businesses are based.

The Moriarty Group has contributed well over €5m to community and sporting groups since its foundation.

Through SuperValu, the business has contributed massively to Tidy Towns in the Fingal area for 30 years, with many local sports clubs also benefitting, including Skerries Harps GAA, O’Dwyers GAA and Man-O-War in Balbriggan, as well as Balbriggan RFC and Skerries RFC. Moriarty also served as

Fingal-based businessman Luke Moriarty (right), is congratulated by Guy Thompson, president, Fingal Dublin Chamber and Brian Drain, sponsor, Dublin Airport. For more on the awards, see spread on Pages 8-9.

president of Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and 2016.

Yvonne Moriarty, sales and marketing director in the Moriarty Group, said that her father is genuinely motivated by making

things better for people.

She said: “He never fails to do his best for everyone, whether it is the people shopping in Moriarty’s SuperValu, or staying in the hotels, the local communities, his family, or

the hundreds of people who work in the Moriarty Group.

“Dad takes an active interest in people’s lives and will always provide encouragement and practical support.”

BLANCHARDSTOWN

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre will add an additional 100,000sq ft of retail space with its Red Mall extension

Ambitious €40m extension of Red Mall is approved PLANS for a €40m redevelopment and extension of the Red Mall at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre has been granted by the local authority.

It paves the way for the creation of up to 300 more jobs at the Dublin shopping hub – the country’s second-largest shopping centre.

Plans provide for an additional 100,000sq ft of retail space at the centre, which is owned by US private equity giant Blackstone, with one 40,000sq ft outlet and 18 standard units.

The 180-unit shopping complex, which currently supports 5,500 jobs, boasts 12 million square feet of retail space. Some tenants will be relocated to facilitate the new development.

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Etherson’s Butchers voted two of the Best Butcher Shops in Ireland ETHERSON’S BUTCHERS have been named as two of the best shops in Ireland winning Best High Street Butcher Shop for the shop on Cabra Road and winning Best Shop in a Shopping Centre for the shop in Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, Castleknock at this year’s Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland (ACBI) Star Shop Awards held at ACBI’s National Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony which took place at the K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare Sunday, October 29th.

The awards were presented by the Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, Mr. Andrew Doyle, TD. Commenting on the prestige of the win John Hickey, CEO of ACBI said: “I would like to extend a very special word of congratulations to Etherson’s Butchers for achieving a double win at the Craft Butchers Star Shop awards; to make it into our top ten shops is a tough challenge and to win a category is even harder but to come first place in two categories is rare, this truly places Etherson’s Butchers at the top of their game and demonstrates their commitment to excellence throughout

every aspect of both businesses”.

This competition attracts Craft Butcher shop entries from across Ireland, with the top 10 shops being selected by an independent panel of judges. Each of the shops was mystery shopped and judged on its performance from a customer’s viewpoint.

John Hickey adds: “Our independent judges’ mystery shop each of the butcher shops in the manner of the customer.

With Etherson’s Butchers, the judges were very impressed with the overall fresh product range, store presentation, customer care and the overall shopping experience.”

Etherson’s Butchers are an award- winning butchery. Etherson’s, Cabra has been trading since 2007 and Ethersons Laurel Lodge has been trading since 5th December, 2017.

For the coming weeks we will be running in-store promotions and giveaways to celebrate this magnificent achievement. When you are in with us next ,why not get one of our loyalty cards or sign up for our texting service to receive our weekly specials offers.

- Awarded by Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland -

The staff at Etherson’s Butchers in Castleknock

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

BLANCH | LOCAL CAMPAIGN EXPOSES FROM PAGE 1 RECREATIONAL DRUGS’ WORTH TO GANGS Ambitious

Swords dancers to swagger onto the Late Late Toy Show A SWORDS talent troupe which turned heads when members took to the stage as Justin Bieber’s backing dancers is set to feature on this year’s Late Late Toy Show.

House of Swag Dance Studio – home to many of Ireland’s champion street dancers and break dancers – is celebrating news that it will feature on what is one of the most viewed TV shows of the year.

The studio is no stranger to success, having trained seven lucky dancers from nine to 12 years to perform alongside Bieber in the RDS and 3 Arena.

Within the last month, its members got a call back to Manchester for Britain’s Got Talent and are waiting to see if they make it to the live shows.

Dance teacher Nelly Kelly said: “Regardless of the result, we’re delighted at how far we’ve come and will definitely audition again next year if we don’t make it.”

Meanwhile, the talented kids are putting their moves together for their Montrose TV moment with Tubs on The Late Late on December 1.

Nelly said: “This is literally like a dream and we are so, so excited!”

Anti-drugs message to go national  SYLVIA POWNALL A CAMPAIGN launched in Blanchardstown exposing the role recreational drug use plays in funding criminal gangs is expected to be rolled out nationwide.

Think Before You Buy is the brainchild of Safer Blanchardstown, the local community policing forum, and has already won the approval of gardai and the PSNI. At the launch, it emerged that recreational drug users spend around €200 million a year on their habit, with the money ending up in the pockets of dangerous gangsters.

Safer Blanchardstown co-ordinator Philip Jennings, the report’s author, said sporadic drug use was directly linked to intimidation and violent attacks on the innocent.

He added: “Drugs and drug debt intimidation are not just Dublin-wide issues, they have harmful effects on communities in every corner of Ireland and in every country across the globe.

“We must start to look at drug debt intimidation as

a behaviour that develops, like any behaviour, along a continuum.

“This will have the overall effect of reducing the number of individuals, and the attraction to become, involved in anti-social behaviour, drugs misuse, drug-related crime and drug-debt intimidation.”

He said there was a clear link between casual week-

Based on statistics gathered by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, there are an estimated 369,000 recreational drug users nationwide.

Even the most conservative calculation of a €10 weekly spend suggests they generate in excess of €192 million a year for gangs – though the real cost is

A still from the group’s video on youTube, highlighting how ‘even’ recreational drugs fuel gangland crime

end drug use and serious violence. “That’s what drug gangs are fighting over: recreational drug users,” he said.

“This is the real money that attracts the serious violence and intimidation which affects communities right across the nation.

People need to ask themselves is this the kind of society they want.”

believed to be many times that.

Safer Blanchardstown is now rolling out a national campaign to show the harm even a one-off purchase of drugs can do.

The forum has created a video which is to be shown in cinemas and before football, rugby and GAA matches. It will also have a large social media presence.

Deputy Jack Chambers (FF) welcomed the initiative, adding: “So much of our emphasis is continually placed on problem drug use and the ravaging effects of addiction.

“Yet, those that indulge in drug use recreationally often incorrectly believe that social use of illicit substances is safer, free of inherent risks and legal.”

You can view the video at https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=S9jhwgicbkk

loan plan to support expected growth

Senator James Reilly (FG) said the move was historic and brave. He told The Gazette: “The potential is huge. We need for once in our lives to be putting in place the infrastructure before the population explosion.”

The EIB is funded via taxpayers’ money from all 27 EU member states and the bank makes loans at low interest rates to fund infrastructure and other projects, but this is the first time a local authority in Ireland has sought to borrow.

Council officials gained the support of members to advance negotiations and plan to sign an agreement in early December if the final terms are approved by councillors. The money would be drawn down over five years and paid back over 25 years.

Director of enterprise, economic and tourism development, Ed Hearne, said on Monday: “From our perspective there is no risk associated with this.

“We are effectively proposing to front-load our anticipated stream of development levies to make sure the infrastructure is there in advance.

“We want to unlock land for housing through roads projects, provide community infrastructure, tourism projects, and environmental projects.”

Cllr Tom O’Leary gave the initiative a broad welcome on behalf of Fine Gael, but some expressed concerns that by taking the lead, Fingal could be short-changed by central government as a result.

Howe ve r, S e n a t o r Reilly described it as a “no-brainer” and said he was particularly pleased that a coastal cycleway and swimming pools were part of the agenda, adding: “Fingal needs to examine the development of a municipal swimming pool sports complex in highpopulation areas.”

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PART OF THE

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FASTNews

Innovation nets €25k fund for four Fingal enterprises

ENTERPRISE | GLITTERING GALA DINNER AND CEREMONY HONOURS

Robbie and Erica Masterson,

Maura Cassidy and Siobhan O’Donnell,

Masterson’s Restaurant, Swords

both of DAA

FOUR innovative Fingal businesses have shared a €100,000 prize fund through a pilot competition run by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

Fingal LEO awarded €25,000 grants apiece to Corr Optical (Baldoyle), Everest Granola Ltd (Blanchardstown), Hope Beer (Howth) and Relodata Ltd (Malahide), with (pictured) Wim De Jongh, of Hope Beer, and Seamus Tighe, of Everest Granola Ltd, delighted to collect their grants.

The scheme aims to help improve competitiveness by developing new processes, products or services and the four winners were chosen from a field of 58 entrants.

For more information on upcoming initiatives to support local business, contact LEO at 01 8900 800, or see www.localenterprise.ie/fingal.

Women had ‘shoplifting spree’ across the Border TWO women who travelled to Lurgan for a “shoplifting spree” were given suspended prison sentences at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

At a previous court, Margaret O’Reilly (58), Remount, Lusk pleaded guilty to stealing electrical goods, cosmetics, home ware and clothing worth £500 (€560) from Tesco in Lurgan on July 10.

On the same date, she stole clothing worth £200 (€224) from TK Maxx, curtains and a picture frame valued at £110 (€118) from McEvoy’s Drapery Store, Monaghan Street, Newry, and speakers, jewellery and soft drinks worth £100 (€112) from B and M Bargains, Merchant’s Quay, Newry.

District Judge Eamonn King said this was “obviously a shoplifting spree” involving the defendant and others. He fined her £1,000 and sentenced her to four months’ jail, suspended for two years.

At the same court, Margaret Maughan (32), Cainelea, Swords was also sentenced. She had admitted stealing electrical goods, a television, home ware and clothing to the value of £600 (€672) belonging to Tesco, Lurgan on July 10 this year.

Maughan was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years.

Chamber awards for Fingal’s finest Deputy Darragh O’Brien (FF) and his wife, Susan, with Paul Reid, chief executive, FCC

T

HE great and the good from across the business community gathered for the Fingal Dublin Chamber Business Excellence and CSR Awards, which were held last Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Santry.

Recognising outstanding achievements by businesses in the Fingal area, the awards included 23 categories, with the winners announced at the prestigious black-tie gala awards event, courtesy of the skilled MC, RTE presenter Marty Whelan.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the JC Savage Excellence Award for the Fingal Business Person of the Year, with this year’s winner – the eighth, to date – named as well-known hotelier and businessman Luke Moriarty.

€141.5k technology boost to support Fingal libraries LIBRARIES in Fingal are set to benefit from €141,438 in Government funding.

The capital will be invested in new technology to facilitate longer service hours and was welcomed by Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG).

The move was also welcomed by party colleague Senator James Reilly, who acknowledged the allocation by Minister Michael Ring.

Dara McEneaney and Bronagh McKee, Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport, are pictured collecting the Business Development and Growth Excellence Award from sponsor Owen Sheehy, Grainne and Oisin Geoghegan, head of

McInerney Saunders, as Guy Thompson, president, Fingal Dublin Chamber and the night’s

enterprise, Fingal Local Enterprise Office

MC, RTE presenter Marty Whelan, look on

16 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

THE COUNTY’S TOP BUSINESSES AND LEADING FIGURES IN SEVERAL KEY CATEGORIES

Michael Dawson, chief executive, One4All, with Maria Escriva, Aoibhinn Madigan and Eoin Conway

The JC Savage Business Person of the Year winner, Luke Moriarty (third right), pictured with family members Lynda Moriarty, Ronan Slevin, Yvonne Moriarty-Slevin, Laura Moriarty and James Moriarty. Pictures: Patrick Finnegan

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

PORTMARNOCK | FEARS ABOUT VOLUME OF WASTEWATER TO BE DUMPED INTO THE IRISH SEA

Locals kick up a stink over mega-giant sewage pipe  SYLVIA POWNALL IRISH WATER is holding a series of public information sessions on the Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) project, with the first to be held in Portmarnock next Tuesday.

The utility company is about to lodge plans under strategic infrastructure planning regulations for a giant wastewater treatment plant on a 70-acre site at Clonshaugh.

The €500 million scheme provides for an underground orbital sewer from Blanchardstown to Clonshaugh, a new pumping station at Abbotstown, a biosolids

storage plant at Kilshane and an outflow pipe at Baldoyle Estuary.

T he first of three planned sessions takes place at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links on Tuesday, November 21 (2-8pm) with two more at the National Sports Campus conference centre in Abbotstown on Monday, November 27 (2-8pm), and the Hilton Hotel at Northern Cross on Wednesday, November 29 (2-8pm).

The ambitious project – which will see Fingal taking waste from up to half a million people across the capital, as well as parts of Meath, Kildare and Wick-

The path – and eventual destination – of the €500m Greater Dublin Drainage project

low – sparked outrage when it first surfaced.

A large turnout is expected in Portmarnock where residents are expected to air their concerns over the volume of sewage being dumped into the Irish Sea on their doorstep.

Philip Swan, spokes-

person for Portmarnock Drainage Awareness, told The Gazette: “If a monster plant like this fails, the outcome will be catastrophic. I would like to know before this goes ahead who will be held responsible?”

Irish Water confirmed to The Gazette that its

preferred location for the outfall pipe remains unchanged – from Baldoyle Estuary underground through Portmarnock and into the Irish Sea near Ireland’s Eye. It will pump 2,000 litres of sewage per minute into the water after it is treated to the minimum second-

ary level standard at a sewage plant the size of four Croke Parks.

Swan said: “How come no tertiary treatment system has been investigated? Has this by-product been assessed correctly along with a detailed tidal study for the area?

“The pipe is 8ft in diameter and 6km out to sea.

What is the expected life design of this pipe, or is it a case that it will break down over the years, causing mayhem to our beach?”

He said a similar plant in Ringsend had led to claims from residents that they could see the sewage entering the water, and

complaints of an unbearable stench.

Irish Water says the GDD will safeguard public health, protect the environment and facilitate growth along the east coast to 2050 and beyond.

GDD project manager Jane Chambers said: “Dublin has been largely reliant on the Ringsend facility since 1906 for the treatment of wastewater.

“The GDD project represents the next major step in the development of the wastewater infrastructure network for Dublin and the surrounding counties.

“This is a once-in-ageneration project.”

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12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 November 2017

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

FESTIVAL A NEW APPROACH TO HELPING MAINTAIN BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

HARIA’S A BEAUTIFUL AND CLEVER COLLIE STAR!

Mojo Rising to help raise men’s spirits  MARK O’BRIEN DUBLIN will welcome a brand-new festival this week when Mojo Rising comes to the Grand Social on International Men’s Day (November 19).

The festival is the debut event from Mojo – a male mental health collective that is working to raise awareness and understanding of male mental health challenges.

The event features a diverse range of acts, including Paddy Casey, Attention Bebe, dance act Lords of Strut, spoken word performer Emmet Kirwan, and DJ Nialler9.

Headline act Paddy Casey said he was delighted to lend his talents to such a worthy cause: “International Men’s Day is a great opportunity to reignite the conversation of mental health stigma for men and to continue raising awareness of the important work Mojo does in addressing mental health challenges faced by men.

“Mojo Rising will see some of the very best performers in Ireland coming together to share in the celebration of Mojo Men. “I am so excited to be involved in what is set to be a great festival and I encour-

age as many people as possible to support this extremely worthwhile event.”

Mojo courses have succeeded in achieving a reduction in depression in 83% of the men who have attended their courses.

Mojo programme director and cofounder, Derek McDonnell, said the response to the announcement of the festival has been overwhelmingly positive so far.

Mental health He said: “We are absolutely delighted with the support we have received for this event so far which just reinforces our belief that there is a need for more creative ways to get the conversation of men’s mental health in the public domain.”

He added that he felt it was important to challenge the stereotype of how a ‘real man’ should behave.

Derek said: “Real men are emotional beings who can be vulnerable. Irish society often reinforces the stereotype that men should be the strong silent type and that don’t show emotions: ‘boys don’t cry!’

“However, it’s important for men to learn that just like physical health, there

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DIARY P14

Some of those supporting Mojo Rising (from top) Attention Bebe, Paddy Casey, Lords of Strut and Gaff, and Nialler9

will be times in their lives where they’ll experience a dip in their mental health, and it’s okay to ask for help when they need it.

“Learning to talk to family and friends about feelings takes time and practice; on Mojo we work creatively to provide space for men to do this.

“We work with men from all backgrounds to help them to help themselves and get back on their feet.

“These men have gone on to support

other men, their friends, their families, and this has a knock-on effect for wider society.

“It’s 2017 – it’s time for a national conversation on what it means to be a man in Ireland today,” he said.

At Mojo Rising, doors open at 7pm; tickets are €15, or €10 for students – however, as it’s an inclusive event, there is an option to ‘pay what you can’, be it €2 or €5, by donating that amount at the Eventbrite page.

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Haria, a beautiful oneyear-old female Collie.

Haria is a very clever, active and affectionate dog whose litter of puppies have all found homes, and now it’s her turn! Haria is definitely a star, and loves being the centre of attention.

She loves people so much that she struggles when left alone, so she is looking for a home where there is somebody there for most of the time.

Haria will make a great doggie friend to someone who likes an active lifestyle and can give her all the care and love she deserves.

If you can be Haria’s #SpecialSomeone*, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust. ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @ DogsTrust_IE.

16 November 2017 GAZETTE 13

FEATURE

GAZETTE

DUBLINLIFE

Helping children big and small enjoy all the joys the season has to offer LAURALYNN, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, is once again hosting its much-loved Light Up LauraLynn from 3.30pm on Sunday, November 26.

This is the fifth year that LauraLynn has hosted Light Up LauraLynn and the event is now a firm favourite in the Christmas calendar.

The hospice grounds become a festival of Yuletide activities and games, including festive food and hot chocolate stands, a ‘Write to Santa’ zone, and performances by a range of acts including The SuperTones, the Legato Singers and their very own LauraLynn Choir.

It costs €5.1m per year to keep LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice open €3.5m of which is generated through

to make up this deficit by Christmas.

“This year’s Light Up Fair will be our best yet,” said LauraLynn CEO, Sharon Morrow.

“Children big and small will enjoy a truly special evening where we remember loved ones and we look forward with hope to a happy Christmas for all LauraLynn families and friends.

“The atmosphere is always fantastic and everyone has a great time.”

LauraLynn’s much-loved Christmas cards will also be available on the night, and this year they come in two sets: a special pack created by the children at LauraLynn, plus a more traditional set of designs.

If people can’t make the fair the

Darragh Cunningham with a frosty assistant launching the Light Up LauraLynn campaign

fundraised income from events and activities like Light Up. Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for more than 325 children and their families and provided more than 275,000 hours of short stay care provided to children in LauraLynn Hospice.

However, there is a critical shortfall of €1m in fundraising this year, so every contribution received from the supporters and every ticket sold for Light Up LauraLynn will be vital in helping

cards are also available from LauraLynn’s online Christmas Shop at www. lauralynn.ie.

This year the event will be ticketed for the first time, with individual passes costing €10 and family passes costing €25.

Tickets can be purchased online via EventBrite at https://light-up-lauralynn.eventbrite.ie, and as numbers are restricted the public is being encouraged to snap them up before it’s too late.

GAZETTE GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

CHRISTMAS RUN: FLAGSHIP FUNDRAISING EVENT

Are you Aware of this annual charity run AWARE is urging people to register today for the 12th annual Aware Christmas Run which will take place in the Phoenix Park on Saturday, December 9.

The Christmas Run is Aware’s flagship fundraising event, seeing over 2,000 people take part and raising more than €60,000 for the organisation’s nationwide support, education and information services.

Online registration is now available at aware.ie/ events for both 5K and 10K options at a cost of €25 per person.

Festive attire is encouraged and all are welcome from walkers to runners

SOAR THROUGH THE SKIES FOR CHARITY THE ISPCC are offering thrill-seekers the chance to soar through the skies at speeds in excess of 100mph next year.

The exhilarating prospect of hurtling over scenic Snowdonia, Wales, has already piqued the interest of charity supporters with a thirst for adventure.

Taking place on Saturday, April 21, 2018, this

day trip with a difference will see participants take on Zip World Velocity: the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe.

Those taking part will travel by ferry to Holyhead on the day, before being taken by coach to begin their adventures.

After completing Little Zipper, a line to build confidence, participants will ascend Penrhyn Quarry towards the Big Top of Velocity.

Those taking part will be asked for a deposit of €150 to secure their place on the trip and to fundraise €500 in support of the ISPCC’s work.

For more information and to register interest, visit www.ispcc.ie.

DUBLIN 15 TO HOST A STYLISHLY FUN EVENT THE Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown will be hosting a terrific afternoon on Sunday, November 26, with the Let Us Shine fashion show and variety performance, courtesy of lots of models and performers who all have Down syndrome.

With a prosecco recep-

tion to launch the 2-5pm event, the participating children and young adults have arranged a stylish showcase of on-trend fashions, as well as promising some great singing, dancing and other live entertainment to end the weekend on a high note.

Presented by Down Syndrome Ireland, tickets are €20, or €5 for U-16s, and can be bought online at www.BookEventsIreland.com.

TAYTO PARK AUTISMFRIENDLY FOR A DAY TAYTO Park and Autism Ireland team up and celebrate Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, November 18.

To support and raise awareness for Autism Ireland, the team in Tayto Park will be creating an autism friendly environment in the park on November 18 with the intention of allowing families of children with autism to enjoy the facilities.

Small changes in Tayto Park will include no music being played throughout the park and queues for the attractions being kept

Presenter Cassie Stokes and elves Ryleigh Brady and Matthew Hannon who are reminding people to register for the 12th annual Aware Christmas Run. Picture: Naoise Culhane

to a minimum.

Entry on the day will be €14 per person with €2 going directly to Autism Ireland. Entry includes access to Attractions in Eagle’s Nest, the Zoo & the Tayto Factory Tour.

STUDENTS GETTING CPR TRAINING IT IS estimated that approx 5,000 people per year die of sudden cardiac death in Ireland.

The Irish Heart Foundation in association with Bank of Ireland has launched the CPR 4 schools training programme.

This innovative programme is designed for post-primary schools and equips teachers with the skills to deliver CPR training to teach their students.

70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home and the chances of recovery decrease by 10% for every minute that proper care isn’t administered.

The programme will be rolled out nationwide and by 2019, 72% of postprimary schools will have been trained.

To register post-primary teachers are encouraged to visit www.irishheart.ie or email schools@irishheart.ie

CALLING ALL FAIRIES AND ELVES THE Ilac Centre is on the lookout for a special Christmas fairy or Santa elf to light up the centre’s stunning Christmas Tree centrepiece this year.

Families are invited to a free show on Saturday 18 November, in the leadup to the exciting arrival of Santa Claus in the Ilac Centre at 3.30pm.

The crew of Fame Ireland will be entertaining the crowd with music and dance and a Christmas singalong will get everyone in the festive mood for Santa’s big entrance.

One lucky child, dressed as a Christmas fairy or elf, will be selected to push the big switch and light up the spectacular towering Christmas Tree, to guide Santa on his way.

The Santa Experience will open fully from Friday, November 24, from 12pm to 6pm every day, and

10am-6pm on Saturdays.

Online booking is now open at http://www.santaexperience.ie.

DIT STUDENT DESIGNS CANDLE FOR CHARITY DIT marketing student Amy Walsh, from Templeogue, has designed the Jack & Jill ‘Find a Diamond’ candle, which has been launched for Christmas to make much needed funds for the charity.

Each candle contains a beautiful costume jewellery pendant, with two real

diamonds in two of the candles which are Irish made by Celtic Candles (Baldoyle) and available in two scents Red Dahlia and Coconut, Water and Lime.

The two real diamonds were donated to the children’s charity by Loyes Diamonds of Baggot Street.

The candles are on sale at Avoca Stores nationwide, including Malahide Castle, Suffolk Street and Rathcoole stores and direct from the charity for €19.95.

DIT marketing student Amy Walsh has designed the Jack & Jill ‘Find a Diamond’ candle

16 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

IT | POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON GREATER ‘STEM’ ENGAGEMENT

Bruce Murphy and Lucy

Tech forum focuses on retaining women

O’Keefe, CroiValve; below: John Molloy and Jason Sheehy, iKydz.

Pictures: Conor McCabe

Seedcorn hopes high as companies vie for €100k

T WO South Dublin companies, iKydz and CroiValve, have been named Best New Start Company and Best Early Stage Company respectively, at the Dublin final of the 2017 InterTradeIreland All-Island Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition.

Both companies fought off tough competition from other businesses in the capital to win a prize of €20,000 each to help finance the early stages of their ventures.

Winning companies from each of the four regional finals will go on to compete in the allisland final of the compe-

GAZETTE

BUSINESS

tition, which takes place on Wednesday, November 22 at the Crowne Plaza Northwood.

Companies are in with a chance to compete for the overall Best New Start Company prize (worth €50,000), or the overall Best Early Stage Company prize (worth €50,000), and ultimately the Overall Winner title (worth €100,000). iKydz, based in Parkwest, has developed a unique parental internet control system to allow parents to manage their children’s internet usage while at home and on 3/4G. Meanwhile, CroiValve,

based at Pearse Street, is developing a minimally invasive medical device to treat tricuspid regurgitation.

C u r r e n t l y, f e w e r than 1% of the 550,000 patients who develop this disease annually undergo surgery, due to the risks involved. They endure long, repeat hospitalisations and a very poor quality of life.

Companies can follow the competition on Twitter (@ITI_seedcorn), where they can also get valuable information and advice from experts.

Further details are also available at www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn.

SENIOR leaders from 18 top technology companies in Ireland met last week in IBM Ireland’s HQ in Dublin at the annual Connecting Women in Technology (CWIT) CEO forum.

The group have been collaborating on a common goal of attracting, retaining and promoting females in the technology sector.

The tech leaders were joined by Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton, who discussed the importance of promoting STEM and technology careers at school level and promoting female role models in industry – actions which will encourage young women into areas where females are currently underrepresented.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Bruton said: “I am always urg-

ing all of our young people, but especially young women, to consider a career in STEM [subjects] and I’m delighted to see senior leaders across the technology sector coming together today to encourage the same.

“The vibrant technology sector we have here in Ireland is an important part of Ireland’s economic success.”

Minister Bruton added that he was encouraged to see cooperation between the education and technology sectors in promoting inclusion and diversity.

Over the past 12 months, in addition to their own diversity and inclusion programmes, CWIT member companies have undertaken a range of activities to improve gender diversity in their industry.

These include “IT is not just for geeks”, a programme that educates students and encourages girls in particular on the vast array of opportunities in the technology sector.

More than 4,000 students were reached by the programme, and there are plans to expand this initiative in 2018.

In addition, the STEM Teacher Internship programme, supported

by CWIT and 30% Club Ireland, has facilitated 11 student teachers from the BSc Science Education in Dublin City University to complete 12-week paid internships in Accenture, AIB and Intel.

There are plans to increase the number of internships next year, with IBM, Virgin Media and Vodafone set to facilitate placements.

BOI readies 17th Enterprise Week BANK of Ireland’s 17th National Enterprise Week Bank will see up to 26 events take place across the country.

Taking place from November 17 to 24, the week is aimed at SMEs with an interest in growing their business.

Each unique event has been carefully planned to support specific industry sectors with experts on hand to speak about

everything from trends, forecasts and opportunities to personal relevant business experience.

The aim of the initiative is to promote and drive momentum for businesses in areas such as manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, agri, finance, fisheries and export markets.

Three themed events will take place in Dublin, with True Blue in the Mansion House from

12:30 to 2pm on November 21; networking event Ready Steady Grow taking place in the Pavilion, Leopardstown from 8-10am on November 21, and Building Bridges to Your Market taking place in the Carlton Hotel in Tyrellstown from 7:3010am on November 23.

Colin Kingston, Bank of Ireland provincial director said: “The events have been specifically

designed to bring together experts who are experienced in supporting business growth and who can deliver valuable information and forecast trends to drive further development for these important sectors.”

For further information and to reserve a space, see: www.businessbanking.bankofireland.com/ campaigns/enterpriseweek/

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 November 2017

Out and About

Kim Moynihan, who received a Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology, with her parents, Tommy and Margaret

Sinead Pugh and

Aoife Dolan, who both graduated with a BA (Hons) in Psychology. Pictures: Robbie Reybolds

Celebrations as graduates step forward S

TUDENTS from all parts of the city, county and further afield brought their mums, dads, partners and pals along to an exciting day at the RDS recently, where Dublin Business School saw them complete their studies in style. The graduates were delighted to don traditional caps and gowns to collect their formal and precious paper scrolls, marking for most the end of study in a wide range of topics. From journalism to psychology, social science to psychotherapy, the delighted new graduates were ready for the next stage in their lives – after some serious celebrations with their friends, families and partners first, of course.

Carly Quinlan, from Howth, who received a BA (Hons)

Jack O’Connor, with his

Sarah Carson, Jamie Murphy and Sarah Louise McMahon,

in Psychology, and her husband, Paul O’Hanlon

BA (Hons) in Psychology

who all graduated with BA (Hons) in Social Science

16 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

Out and About

Niamh Heffernan,Dave Coleman, Natalia Gracz and Dave Mc Cabe

Serena Huggard and Anna Conaty

Emma Reynolds, Aoife O’Donnell,Mary McEnroe and Aileen

Fun for all at Dia de los Muertos T

Michelle McGrath and Lee Malone. Pictures: Julian Behal

O USE a very Irish phrase, “the craic was deadly”in the city centre recently when revellers marked Dia de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. The Mexican celebration and remembrance of the dead is always a colourful event all around the world, and those celebrating at Number 9, Camden Street, threw

themselves into the spirit of the event with great enthusiasm. Proving much more colourful than that other recent holiday event, Halloween, the party saw lots of delicious Mexican fare whirl by – and margaritas flow – alongside plenty of live entertainment, all fleshing out what was a great night out for everyone.

Lauren Moran

Mannion

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18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

Pictured at the launch are Valerie Cox, author of ALONE: The First 40 Years, with service user Ann McCuley from Terenure, Minister of State with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly and service user Mary Connolly from Cork Street. Picture: Jason Clarke

BOOK LAUNCH | HISTORY OF ALONE, THE GROUP THAT SUPPORTS OLDER PEOPLE TO AGE AT HOME

Celebrating a charity’s significant anniversary  MARK O’BRIEN WILLIE Bermingham was a young man working as a fireman in Dublin in 1976.

During that harsh winter, Willie and his colleagues found the bodies of a number of older people who had died alone in tenements across the city.

Appalled at the conditions that these elderly people died in, Willie and his friends began to distribute food and blankets and offered support to the older people, which led to the founding of the charity ALONE the following year.

Now a new book – ALONE: The First 40 Years - tells the inspiring story of the early years of ALONE, from Willie Bermingham’s selfless dedication to the people who followed in his footsteps, as well as the new challenges and issues faced by the charity today.

Written by author and journalist Valerie Cox, the book is also a memo-

ry of the poverty, isolation and housing conditions endured by many Dubliners throughout the last 40 years.

Valerie Cox said: “Working on this book gave me a first-hand account of the issues faced by older people in Ireland - whether it is loneliness, a lack of support, or housing.

“A lot has changed since 1977, but ALONE is still needed today more than ever.

“This book is dedicated to the unsung heroes of ALONE, those who continue to volunteer, donate and work to support the older members of our communities.”

The book records the founding of the charity in 1977 and chronicles the charity’s achievements including the housing complexes it built and the thousands of people who have been befriended by the charity’s inspiring volunteers.

Speaking at the launch of the book at the National Library of Ireland last week, Minister Jim Daly - who

Pictured at the launch is Patricia Larkin, sister of Willie Bermingham (founder of ALONE). Picture: Jason Clarke

has special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People – commended ALONE for the work they have done.

“ALONE was founded in 1977 as a response to the desperate issues faced by older people in the city,” he said.

“Today, ALONE continues to provide a very valuable service to older people throughout Ireland who find themselves isolated and alone.

“I am delighted to be launching this book tonight in celebration of such an important and historically significant charity.”

Valerie Cox has long given a voice to the voiceless in her work as a journalist and broadcaster and CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan paid tribute to her work on the book.

“We would like to thank Valerie Cox for undertaking this project and producing such

a fantastic book that records the challenges and achievements of our organisation,” he said.

“This is also a story of the joy and laughter between people, which friendship and support brings.”

A number of older people who use ALONE’s services and feature in the book praised ALONE for the work they carry out in the community.

Aideen Archibold, a tenant of ALONE’s housing with supports, said: “I am so grateful for the work of ALONE. “They’re such helpful, kind and cheerful people who also organise various events for us throughout the year.

“The work they do is so necessary, and thanks to this organisation, I am very happy to have somewhere in Ireland that I can call home.”

ALONE: The First 40 Years is available to purchase from Veritas Bookshops priced at €15.00.

16 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

R2

OpenDays CONSIDERING YOUR FUTURE EDUCATION OPTIONS? GET A HEAD START AT SOME ...

ITB graduates Danielle Pugh, Niamh Crowe and Chloe Farrell celebrate after being awarded their Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sports Management and Coaching.

Picture: Andres Poveda

INSIDE

COLLEGE AWARENESS WEEK FURTHER EDUCTION IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL, AS THIS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS P21

WHY GO TO AN OPEN DAY?

DIT’S THE WAY TO DO IT

VISITING WILL GIVE YOU AN INVALUABLE LOOK AT THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE P20

GREAT RANGE OF OPTIONS AT POPULAR THIRD-LEVEL INSTITUTION P22

16 November 2017 GAZETTE 21

OPENDAYS

Fast-track your career into the healthcare profession … work as a phlebotomist!

NEXT April sees the return of Geopace Training to Dublin with their two day phlebotomy training course.

An increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals has led to a shortage of allied healthcare workers, especially phlebotomists - the skilled healthcare professionals who take your blood.

Demand is high within hospitals as well as many clinics and surgeries and offers a golden opportunity for that “longed for” career change!

If you have good people skills, good manual dexterity and like the idea of working in a busy hospital or clinic, a phlebotomist job may be just the right job for you!

Many people enter this profession when they are looking for a career change or a fresh start.

Phlebotomists often work part time (mornings) but some do work full time as well as weekends and holidays.

Blood samples are usually collected before mid-day and then analysed in the Path Labs in the afternoon.

“We train people from all walks of life and all ages,” explains Lauren, office manager.

“We’ve had shop assistants, receptionists, beauticians and den-

tal nurses, as well as telesales staff, unemployed, school leavers and the retired,” says Lauren.

Once on the healthcare career ladder ambition often drives people to progress to working in the labs and to other specialised

departments.

Internal promotion is much easier once you are “on the ladder” and have some experience.

Many hundreds of Geopace trainees are now working as phlebotomists and a few have even chosen to work abroad where there is often a shortage and growing demand for this specialised skill.

If you like the idea of a career in healthcare then this may be just the job for you!

Training takes place over two full days and culminates in the award of a nationally recognised and accredited certificate. “We practice on artificial arms”, says Lauren. “And all our students have a lot of fun learning. We get a great deal of satisfaction when we later learn that they are working in their local hospital or GP Surgery”.

If you would like to know more about phlebotomy as a career or to book a place on the course in Dublin visit Geopace Training’s website at www.geopace.com.

College Awareness Week provides great opportunities for all

Why open days are important THE weeks ahead are very busy with open days and similar events that allow CAO applicants to better understand the courses in which they are interested, as well as experiencing the atmosphere of different institutions.

Students have the opportunity to speak to lecturers and those already enrolled in the course.

In this way, attending open days is an invaluable part of the research

process, and would-be students can get a feel for what the college has to offer.

It may well be further off the beaten track than they would like, but it may be more suitable for their needs than one that is nearer to them.

Open days can also be extremely overwhelming.

Third-level colleges are large, busy places and, without proper planning and preparation, attendance can easily become a negative experience or a missed opportunity.

However, there are a number of easy steps a student can take to get the most out of these opportunities ...

Prepare and research Before attending, students should take time to go through the college prospectus in some detail and carefully consider the courses in which they are interested, including the pros and cons of each one and the differences between one course and similar courses.

It is important for students to make a list of everything they want to find out at the event, including what is involved in any subject with which they are not

familiar and how much class contact, practical work or group work is involved.

Know when they are being held It may sound obvious, but if students have not already done so, it is time to research when events of interest are taking place and create a personal calendar.

Try not to be restrictive. It can be beneficial to attend as many as possible. This allows students to compare institutions more easily. Many colleges hold their open days on Fridays and Saturdays.

Plan the day Before the open day, most institutions post extra information on their website, such as campus maps and lists and timings of talks and tours.

Students should plan to allow time to attend the formal talks and tours, as well as time to soak up the college atmosphere.

It is also important to visit the non-academic facilities such as halls of residence, gyms, sporting facilities as well as any artistic endeavours at the college, etc.

COLLEGE Awareness Week starts on Monday, November 20, with the aim of inspiring and informing students about the importance of having a post-secondary school plan.

College Awareness Week is par ticularly aimed at students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as other marginalised groups that are underrepresented in higher and further education.

T he objective is to ensure students of all ages and from all backgrounds know the educational opportunities that are available to them.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Minister for Education Richard Bruton said: “This is a very positive initiative which has, as its aim, a vital objective: to increase participation in higher and further education by those from socially

disadvantaged communities.

“Education has a transformative effect, opening doors that would other wise be closed.”

College Awareness Week is a multi-organisational and collaborative campaign which invites communities acros s

Ireland to host events in schools, afterschool programmes, Colleges of Further and Higher education, training centres, libraries and businesses, among others.

These community events aim to raise awareness of the opportunities available and to showcase local personal-

ities who have benefitted from further education.

Now in its fourth year, the campaign has been a runaway success, with more than 1,200 events held across the country last year.

Dr Graham Love, chief executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) said: “Equality of access to education is a key objective of the HEA and we have seen the huge success of College Awareness Week in helping to raise awareness of the oppor tunities that education creates.

“We believe in the power of education to transform lives and create broad opportunities for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Education cannot be the preserve of the few.”

Further information on College Awareness Week events across the country can be found at collegeaware.ie.

ITB graduates proved the perfect cover shot OUR cover shot shows just three of the delighted students graduating from ITB recently, marking the culmination of their years of study at the popular institution.

Open days provide an invaluable insight into the diverse academic, professional and social lives of institutions like ITB. The north Dublin institution has put itself on the academic map for many years, thanks to its diverse range

of courses that cater for a wide range of categories, with the award-winning college constantly revising its courses to stay up to date on trends.

However, as with its contemporaries, open days are an invaluable way for ITB to engage with the community, and reach out to show prospective students the possibilities that studying at ITB affords – leading to more delighted graduates stepping out a few years later.

OPENDAYS

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20 GAZETTE 16 November 2017

Key CAO 2018 dates to take note of Chart: CAO

16 November 2017 GAZETTE 21

COLLEGE Awareness Week starts on Monday, November 20, with the aim of inspiring and informing students about the importance of having a post-secondary school plan.

College Awareness Week is par ticularly aimed at students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as other marginalised groups that are underrepresented in higher and further education.

T he objective is to ensure students of all ages and from all backgrounds know the educational opportunities that are available to them.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Minister for Education Richard Bruton said: “This is a very positive initiative which has, as its aim, a vital objective: to increase participation in higher and further education by those from socially

disadvantaged communities.

“Education has a transformative effect, opening doors that would other wise be closed.”

College Awareness Week is a multi-organisational and collaborative campaign which invites com m unities across

Ireland to host events in schools, afterschool programmes, Colleges of Further and Higher education, training centres, libraries and businesses, among others.

These community events aim to raise awareness of the opportunities available and to showcase local personal-

ities who have benefitted from further education.

Now in its fourth year, the campaign has been a runaway success, with more than 1,200 events held across the country last year.

Dr Graham Love, chief executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) said: “Equality of access to education is a key objective of the HEA and we have seen the huge success of College Awareness Week in helping to raise awareness of the oppor tunities that education creates.

“We believe in the power of education to transform lives and create broad opportunities for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Education cannot be the preserve of the few.”

Further information on College Awareness Week events across the country can be found at collegeaware.ie.

ITB graduates proved the perfect cover shot OUR cover shot shows just three of the delighted students graduating from ITB recently, marking the culmination of their years of study at the popular institution.

Open days provide an invaluable insight into the diverse academic, professional and social lives of institutions like ITB. The north Dublin institution has put itself on the academic map for many years, thanks to its diverse range

of courses that cater for a wide range of categories, with the award-winning college constantly revising its courses to stay up to date on trends.

However, as with its contemporaries, open days are an invaluable way for ITB to engage with the community, and reach out to show prospective students the possibilities that studying at ITB affords – leading to more delighted graduates stepping out a few years later.

GAZETTE

College Awareness Week provides great opportunities for all

OPENDAYS

Key CAO 2018 dates to take note of Chart: CAO

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22 GAZETTE 16 November 2017

OPENDAYS

THIRD LEVEL: A GREAT CHANCE TO TALK DIRECTLY TO CURRENT STUDENTS AND ACADEMIC STAFF

Making the most of your visit to DIT EACH year thousands of students attend DIT’s big open day events on the first Friday and Saturday of December and they say that the most useful aspect of the day is talking directly to current students and academic staff in the subject areas they wish to study.

Frank Costello, head of admissions in DIT, says that doesn’t surprise him.

“When you’re studying for your Leaving Cert, it can be hard to imagine what it might be like to come to college and to have the opportunity to work in science and engineering labs, or in art and media studios, or to participate in business case

study projects.

“Talking to current students, in particular, is the best way to help you to figure out what you would really, really love to study and where that might lead you.”

This year, DIT has added some additional sessions that might be particularly useful to students and to family members.

For example, 30-minute study skills sessions could help in the months leading up to the Leaving Cert exams – how to concentrate; how to take notes that really help with revision; how not to procrastinate.

There will also be ses-

DIT Design & Visual Communication 2017 graduate Clare Okura McCay with her graduation project; right: DIT Culinary Arts students

sions on minding your mental health, and specific sessions for parents of future students to give them information that will help them and their student son or daughter to make the transition successfully from second

to third level.

For times of these sessions and how to book your seat go to dit.ie/ openday.

While your reason for going to college is to gain your academic qualification, it is also a period in

KEEP

READING KEEP

LEARNING THE GAZETTE HAS REGULAR EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR KEEP READING TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL EDUCATION MATTERS

your life when you can explore so many interests – through sports clubs, student societies, volunteering, etc.

Find out about all of these options too at the open day.

DIT also hosts open

days for specific disciplines during the year, such as engineering, science and music.

The first of these takes place on Friday, November 23 when the Dublin School of Creative Arts at DIT will welcome visitors

to view studios and facilities in the Grangegorman campus.

The School will also hold Portfolio clinics on the day, students can secure their place by emailing creativearts@ dit.ie.

16 November 2017 GAZETTE 23

STYLE

 EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water €6

Vichy Dermablend Corrective Fluid Foundation €19.50 Simple Micellar Facial Gel Wash €6

Payot Nutricia Baume Levres Lip Balm €18.50

La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV Intense Riche €23.99

IDC Deep Wrinkles Anti-Ageing Skincare €80

IDC Regen Boost Skin rescue Serum €62

Vichy Dermablend SOS Concealer Stick €13.50

THIS time of year is always tough on skin.

The change in season, the drop in temperature, going from the cold outdoors to warm indoors and even hats and scarves rubbing off the skin can cause a number of problems.

Chapped lips, dry skin, redness are common issues so a little helping hand from a few Winter Skin Saviours can ease the transition into winter, and keep your complexion bright and hydrated.

Some tried and tested products we’ve been using so far this year include La Roche Posay’s Hydraphase UV Intense Moistur-

iser Rich – which provides care to hydrate, comfort and reduce skin sensitivity – and Vichy’s new Dermablend foundation, which provides 24 hour hydration with a light, long hold coverage that lasts for 16 hours.

Prices range from €5 to €80, but if you find something that suits you, a more pricey investment can see you through the winter months.

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Levres €8

Uriage Bariederm Soothing Repair Barrier Lip Balm €11

WinterWonders

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24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

FASTNews

Toyota launches diesel scrappage websit TOYOTA in Ireland claims that customers can see how much they will save by moving from diesel at dieselscrappage.ie, the new website created to help customers to see just how much they could save by scrapping their diesel vehicle and making the move to a Toyota hybrid car.

The website uses a range of factors such as depreci-

Peugeot 3008 is voted Irish Car of the Year

The Peugeot 3008 was voted Irish Car of the Year 2018 in association with Continental Tyres as a special ceremony at Dublin’s Gibson Hotel last week. The overall winner, which was also the first SUV or crossover type car, to be named as the European Car of the Year, was chosen from a shortlist of nine category winning cars as MICHAEL MORONEY reports.

ation, road tax, NCT costs, fuel economy and servicing

Skoda’s new Kodiaq SUV was voted as the Irish Large Crossover of the Year

when calculating the savings.

Toyota is the only brand launching a diesel scrappage scheme exclusive to hybrid where the diesel vehicle will have to be scrapped, delivering real societal benefits as hybrids emit up to 90% less NOx than diesel.

The launch of the website coincides with Toyota’s upgrade to hybrid for free and trade in, trade up 181 promotions which make it even easier for customers to switch to a hybrid or petrol model

EU emissions targets are too high claim motor industry CAR manufacturers claim that the European Union’s 2030 call for a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions is both ambitious and too aggressive.

The European motor industry representative body ACEA believes that this new goal goes beyond the EU’s wider climate and energy framework.

The EU proposal calls for the reduction of 30% of average CO2 emissions by 2030 from car fleets compared with 2021 levels.

It also sets an interim goal of a 15% reduction by 2025 to help ensure car manufacturers to kick start investment early.

The EU’s current caps on CO2 from cars are 130g/km

The new Peugeot 3008 was launched on the Irish market in early February 2017. This new SUV to the Peugeot range features the latestgeneration Peugeot iCockpit with digital instrumentation as standard across the range.

T he car combines driving efficiency with high-levels of safety and technological equipment.

With a choice of five

trim levels, to include Access, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT versions, a wide range of both petrol and diesel engines is available.

The 1.2-litre PureTech 130bhp turbo petrol engine, with CO2 emissions from just 117g/km, was voted International Engine of the Year in its category for the secondyear running, earlier in 2016. This engine is available with a 6-speed

manual gearbox or with Peugeot’s latest generation EAT6 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6 THP petrol 165bhp BVA automatic has emissions from 129g/CO2.

Four BlueHDi diesel engines are available, trim dependent, with CO2 emissions from 103g/km, and power ranging between 100, 120, 150 and 180bhp.

The 2.0 litre BlueHDi 150bhp version is

matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox, whilst the 1.6 BlueHDi 120bhp version is available with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed EAT6 automatic gearbox.

The range-topping GT version comes equipped as standard with a refined 2.0 litre BlueHDi diesel 180bhp 6-speed automatic.

The new Peugeot 3008 is a stylish, safe and easy car to drive and comes with a range of advanced driver safety features as standard across the range. The entry level cars come with an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The base safety pack includes an electronic stability programme, 6 airbags, cruise control with speed limiter, speed

David Walshe and Michael Sheridan of the Irish Car of the Year Committee; Des Cannon, managing director Gowan Distributors LtdPeugeot Ireland and Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres at the presentation of Irish Car of the Year 2018 to the Peugeot 2008.

limit information with intelligent speed adaptation, driver attention alert level 1 and lane departure warning, along with two ISO-Fix seat fittings, as standard.

The range starts from € 2 6 , 5 9 5 p l u s d e l i very related charges for the entry level model, the Access 1.2 130bhp PureTech petrol version.

There were a total of nine category winners, all of which were in the running for the top honour.

The 30 journalists on the voting panel elected the Peugeot 3008 as the Irish Car of the Year 2018 by a slight margin over the Skoda Kodiaq, another popular SUV.

set for 2015 and 95g/km fixed for 2021.

The existing limits are averages for the EU fleet as

Kia’s Stinger joins

a whole.

Individual car manufacturers have specific targets which are backed by financial penalties

The 2.2-litre diesel powered Kia Stinger will be available in Ireland in March 2018 priced at €53,00

THE new Kia Stinger, a powerful fastback sports car, was launched in Ireland last week.

The final car production closely follows the design and engineering blueprint laid down by the 2011 Kia GT Concept.

The Stinger is the highest-performance production vehicle in Kia’s history.

The car features ample room to accommodate five occupants and their luggage.

It’s stable and delivers nimble handling with rear wheel drive for true sports car driving ability.

GT-Line models are finished with dark chrome

16 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

MOTORING

Subaru combines urban and rugged in new XV SUBARU’S XV crossover is now available to Dublin car buyers.

This new compact SUV claims to combine stylish urban design and

SE models are equipped as standard with Eyesight, adaptive cruise control, hi-beam assist,

rugged good looks. The car is being

Subaru rear vehicle rear detec-

offered in two trim levels SE and SE

tion, automatic LED headlamps

premium with two engine specifica-

and headlamp washers, alloy

tions.

wheels (1.6 litre models – 17-inch

This new XV is built on the new

alloy & 2.0 litre models – 18-inch

Subaru Global Platform which

alloy), heated front seats, keyless

claims to enhance safety, ride com-

entry and push-button start, and

fort, and agility.

privacy glass, as well as a 8-inch

The Subaru symmetrical AWD

touch screen infotainment system,

system is standard on all models

incorporating audio, Smartphone

which claim enhanced drivability

connectivity and a rear view park-

on poor road surfaces and real SUV

ing camera.

capability.

Subaru claims that the 2018 Subaru XV crossover is totally new from the ground up, inside and out and from top to bottom.

The changes include a new platform with a new suspension system,

The category winners in the Irish Car of the Year Awards

passenger cabin.

a new Subaru Boxer engine and a new transmission.

The car has a redesigned exterior

The system also incorporates Subaru STARLINK and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

SE Premium models add leather seats, satellite navigation, sunroof, and electrically-adjustable driver’s seat for added functionality.

Subaru SV prices start at €33,495 for the new 1.6i SE Lineartronic CVT automatic, rising to €38,495 for

and claims a more spacious, more

the range topping 2.0i SE Premium

comfortable and more connected

Lineartronic CVT automatic.

Kia Picanto - Irish City Car of the Year 2018 Nissan Micra - Irish Small Car of the Year 2018 Honda Civic - Irish Compact Car of the Year 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia - Irish Medium Car of the Year 2018 BMW 5 Series - Irish Executive/Premium Car of the Year 2018 Peugeot 3008 - Irish Compact Crossover of the Year 2018 Skoda Kodiaq - Irish Large Crossover of the Year 2018 Toyota Prius PHEV - Irish Green Car of the Year 2018 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio - Irish Performance/Sports Car of the Year 2018 The new Subaru XV crossover

the high performance leagues highlights, for the ‘tiger-nose’ grille surround and front lower grille, side fender vents, and door mirror caps. 18-inch wheels complete the exterior design of GTLine models.

Top-specification GT models feature the same dark chrome highlights and gloss black diffuser, complemented by larger 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps, dual twin exhausts and Brembro

disc brakes with red callipers.

The Kia Stinger will be offered with either a petrol or diesel engine option and all models will be paired with eight-speed automatic transmission.

T he engine anticipated to account for the majority of Stinger sales in Ireland is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, capable of producing 200bhp at 3,800 rpm.

Its maximum torque output of

440 Nm is available to drivers across a wide 1,750-2,750 rpm range, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100km/hr in 7.7 seconds.

The Stinger’s most powerful engine is a 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 ‘Lambda II’ petrol engine, with peak power of 370bhp arriving at 6,000 rpm, and 510 Nm torque accessible from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm.

BMW Ireland announces new sterling offers BMW Ireland has announced an unprecedented 9% reduction off every BMW model. As many Irish consumers look to 2018 to buy a new car, BMW is claiming to provide value, local expertise and peace of mind while protecting the long term interests of customers.

This BMW ‘Sterling Sales Event’ offer is in addition to the Lower Emissions Allowance announced earlier this year by BMW Group Ireland which gives customers a further €2,000 off any BMW with emissions of 130g/km or less.

The incentive is open to owners of diesel Euro 4 (EU4) emission standard vehicles or below who can trade-in their vehicle for a new BMW i, BMW iPerformance model or low-CO2 emission models.

The promotional offer is available from now until the 31st March 2018 at BMW Retailers nationwide.

For example the BMW 530e SE plug-in hybrid model now comes with €5,711 off the list price, €7,500 off in SEAI grants and VRT rebates, plus a potential €2,000 with the Lower Emissions Allowance dropping the price of this model to €48,249 (RRP).

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

STEEL YOURSELF

MYTHS, WINE, HIKING AND DRAMATIC INDUSTRIAL WASTELANDS: WHY THE CZECH REPUBLIC’S EAST BEATS PRAGUE’S TOURIST CROWDS

 JAMES HENDICOTT THERE’S a long-standing joke in the Czech Republic’s second city, Brno.

“We know wine,” they say.

“We keep the best wine for ourselves. The mediocre stuff we sell to tourists, and the really bad stuff we send to Prague.”

It’s fair to say the Czech Republic’s two main cities have quite a rivalry. A few years ago, Brno’s mayor spend a small fortune on building a modern-version of Prague’s spectacular clock in the city’s main square.

It’s a phallic, towering, slowly-twisting statue that almost nobody can use to tell the time, and once a day it omits a strange glass marble, because ... nobody seems to be quite sure. It’s odd, largely

Vitkovice, once Europe’s largest steelworks, has found an unexpected new life as a hub for tourists and locals;

because the city doesn’t need to compete.

If Bohemian Prague is home to the dark history and literary pretensions, laid-back Brno has a fastgrowing collection of its own unique lures.

A once impenetrable walled city, its main attractions are in a compact hub – a spot that’s GET THERE Ryanair fly to Katowice (Poland), which is a short hop from Ostrava.

Brno is a further two-hour train journey, or closer to Bratislava (Slovakia), also via Ryanair

become pleasantly alternative in the way it presents itself.

Trams chug through the pretty, classical streets. Local bars consist of shacks selling hefty glasses from Moravian

vineyards, served in the open air around bubbling fountains.

Cocktail bars like the magical Bar That Does Not Exist (Ktery Neexistuje, in the local lingo) have a menu of thousands of fiery, fruity concoctions made from a mind-boggling selection of boozy bottles.

In fact, the general offthe-wall vibe to Brno is probably its main allure.

An architect, for example, once got irritated by negotiations over compensation for his construction of the soaring Church of St James, and so adorned a window ledge with a fornicating, nude-bummed symbol who still rests there today.

Then there’s the Brno dragon, adorning a tunnel in the city hall, said once

below: more rustic charms are to be found in the rolling hills near Ostrava. Pictures: James Hendicott

to have plagued the city (his modern incarnation looks suspiciously like an alligator).

St James’s church’s relatively recently discovered ossuary is a creepy, claustrophobic series of

underground tunnels, home to wall-to-wall heaps of skulls and bones, while bunker 10-Z – a former secret Soviet underground bunker close to the city’s heart – might have jokingly-plastered

pictures of atom bombs on its walls today, but the other relics remind us of its deadly serious practical applications.

While Brno tends to align itself culturally with Vienna (another snub to

capital Prague, we suspect), Ostrava, near the Polish border, is a totally different, if more rugged beast.

This was once a Soviet metal-manufacturing heartland, and while it’s

16 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

TRAVEL

Some of Brno’s former citizens wait out the ages in the ossuary under St James’s Church (above), while modern life – and the living – have a distinctly relaxed vibe around the city centre (left)

moved on to become something of a tech haven, the allure of those almost dystopian rusting hulks that are the former factories, and the modern adaptations of the ferric wastelands, is as surreal as it is enticing.

The main draw is Vitkovice – a massive complex that once comprised Europe’s largest steelworks.

Its towering empty shell soars over the city; a twisted maze of pipes and dirty warehouses that looks fresh from a dramatic war movie.

At its heart, a climb to the top of the blast furnace gives you shaky views of the endless brown tubes that weave below. You can sip wine in a hard hat, eyeing up a train that’s rusting gently

into the knee-length grass 200ft below you, before exploring a cultural centre built into a former gas container.

Rebranded Bolt Tower after the Jamaican sprinter won several key races STAY Brno’s beautiful Barcelo Brno Palace Hotel is housed in a gorgeous hollow historical building, with a glass-topped courtyard at its heart, and set right in the centre of the action.

The Mercury Ostrava Centre offers a similarly historic hub, being smart, centrally located and carefully restored.

in the city over the years, the tour involves perilous strolls along metal paths with nothing but 100 metres of air beneath them.

The theme continues

elsewhere: exploring the recently-closed mines around the city remind visitors of hardships.

Miners here were paid well by most standards, but the grinding of the steam-operated machinery (still working) and the shaky lifts are just the adornments of a spot where you can also see the devastating medical records, and hear of times when the literal canary in a coalmine was still a necessity.

Buildings like Dul Michal still bear the physical scars of a former life, in their simple markings like the wear on the stone staircases, as well as in the hook-filled rooms that once lifted miner’s clothes out of reach.

Like Dolni Vitkovice, Dul Michael has under-

gone a transformation, and now hosts try-ityourself forges and a stark modern art gallery, hosted in a room where the windows are still marked with the paint designed to disguise the mine from bombs during World War II. Then there are the hills – the Pustevny slopes are filled with colourful wooden buildings and gentle sloping paths where you can uncover Radegast, the Slavic God

of hospitality.

His chubby, horned statue guards hilltop snack shacks, where the beer of the same name flows, before you cruise the hilly roads to the base on board a souped-up, gravity-powered scooter.

It might not be what you come for, but the city heartland is fast developing, too. Known for spawning Czech tennis great Ivan Lendl, and Oskar Schindler of Schindler’s List fame, it’s home

to grandiose, sweeping riverside parks, affordable high-end hotels, and manic nightlife in Stodolni Street, where party-tilsunrise bars serve cheap cocktails and pump out Euro-dance hits.

There are hip graffiticoated streets bars tucked into tiny squares. Across the gentle river you’ll find a castle that’s slowly collapsing into the heavily mined soil, while kayakers make waves beneath bridges made from the

steel that used to sit beneath it. The pace of life is, it seems, dead slow.

This sums up the East’s major draw: it’s not Prague. It’s not pretentious, but it is crammed with action; is cheap, adventurous, and markedly different.

In Brno, the area has real class, while Ostrava has deep Soviet scars that have become a cleverly developed asset. This is Czechia, but not as you know it.

Chill out and relax in hip Ostrava Square, with the area largely overcoming the scars of a Soviet past to transform itself into a vibrant, modern setting

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 16 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Niall Murphy: Beetroot and Orange Cappucino I use the term “cappuccino” here to refer to the presentation of this starter, which serves four. I serve these in glass cups so that you can see the amazing deep ruby purple of the beetroot against the stark white of the froth.

Ingredients  Olive oil  1 onion, finely diced  450ml chicken stock  Zest and juice of one orange

Salt and freshly ground pepper  50ml full-fat milk 

Preparation  Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6.  Brush the beetroots lightly with a little oil, then wrap them in tinfoil. Place them on a baking tray and roast for 30–40 minutes until cooked through.

Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then peel and roughly chop.  Place a pan on a medium heat, add two tablespoons of oil and when the oil is heated add the onion and sweat gently until soft and translucent.  Add the beetroot and the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes.

 Remove from the heat, add half the orange zest and the orange juice and blend with a hand blender. Pass through a fine sieve and return to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste and keep warm on a very low heat.  Place a small pan on a low heat, add the milk and whisk constantly. As the milk warms up, a beautiful froth will form on the top.  Divide the soup between four serving glasses, spoon the froth on top to create the cappuccino effect and sprinkle with the reserved orange zest.

Cookbooks at the ready for top awards...

THESE recipe excerpts are taken from some of the cookbooks that have been nominated in the EUROSPAR Cookbook of the Year category in this year’s Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards. These nominations include: Niall Murphy, The Cookery School, Donnybrook Fair, published by Mercier Press; Rory O’Connell, Cook Well Eat Well, published by Gill Books; Roz Purcell, Half Hour Hero, published by Penguin Ireland; Rachel Allen, Home Baking, published by HarperCollins; and The awards will take place on November 28, and you can vote for your favourite cookbook at www.irishbookawards.irish/vote/, with voting open until midday on November 23.

Rory O’Connell: Celeriac Fritters with Pears

 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Celeriac, or root celery, as it is sometimes called, is a terrific vegetable.

It make a marvellous soup, is great roasted or as a puree and is the essential ingredient in the classic remoulade, in which case it is eaten raw.

The flavour of celeriac is milder and sweeter than the green celery we are more familiar with.

These crisp fritters are served here as a main course (for four people) but would also be very good as a starter, in which case the recipe would serve eight people.

I use peppery watercress sprigs and radicchio leaves here, but you could substitute a mixture of leaves.

Preparation  Make the batter for frying the fritters first. Place the flour and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.  Add the olive oil and whisk in enough water to form a smooth batter the consistency of thick cream. Chill for 30 minutes, then fold in the stiffly beaten egg white.  Whisk all the dressing ingredients together. Taste and correct the seasoning.  When ready to cook the fritters, heat 10cm of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed cast iron or stainless steel saucepan until it reaches 180°C, or if you have a deep fat fryer, that will work perfectly.  Mix the celeriac through the batter.

Gently drop four large spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil and cook until crisp and golden brown on both sides, which should take about 10 minutes

Ingredients  Sunflower oil, for deep frying  120g celeriac (weight after peeling), peeled and cut into fine julienne, like long matchsticks  12 watercress sprigs  12 radicchio leaves

 1 ripe pear, cut in quarters lengthways, cored and thinly sliced  16 walnut halves  4 generous teaspoons homemade mayonnaise  28 capers

Batter  140g plain flour  Pinch of salt

 One and a half tablespoons extra virgin olive oil  100ml water  1 large egg white, beaten until quite stiff

Dressing  6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil  2 tablespoons lemon juice  Half teaspoon honey

in total.  Remove from the oil, drain on kitchen paper and keep warm in a low oven. They will remain crisp for 20 minutes or so.  To serve, place the salad leaves, sliced pear and walnuts in a large bowl and dress with the well-mixed dressing.

Divide between four plates and place a fritter on top of each salad.  Drop a teaspoon of mayonnaise on top of the fritters and scatter on the capers. Add a few grains of sea salt and serve

16 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

Roz Purcell: Peanut Squash and Chickpea Curry You can blitz the leftovers of this curry (which serves four people) into an epic peanut and squash curry soup. All you have to do is add some vegetable stock to suit your slurping preference!

1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp chilli powder (optional)  Salt and freshly ground black pepper  200ml water  1 tsp chopped fresh coriander, to garnish cooked brown or wild rice, to serve  1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve

Ingredients  1 tbsp coconut oil  1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced  1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled and spiralized  1 x 400ml tin of full-fat coconut milk  4 tbsp crunchy peanut butter  1 x 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed  60g dried fruit, such as raisins, sultanas, goji berries or chopped pitted dates  Two and a half tbsp good-quality curry powder (check to make sure there’s no added sugar)

Preparation  Melt the coconut oil in a wide-bottomed saucepan set over a medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes before adding the squash. Place a lid on the pan and cook for 5 minutes.  While this is cooking, put the coconut milk and peanut butter in a smoothie maker or small blender and blitz until no lumps are visible.  Now back to the saucepan. The squash will have softened but still have a bit of bite, which is perfect. Add the chickpeas, dried fruit, spices and some salt

 

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK and pepper. Turn up the heat to high and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add the water and let it boil for 2 minutes more before removing the pan from the heat.  Once the curry stops bubbling, pour in the coconut and peanut mixture and keep stirring until it thickens up slightly.  Ladle into bowls, garnish with the chopped fresh coriander and serve with the rice and a lime wedge on the side.

Rachel Allen: Salted Caramel Peanut Bars OK, these are not technically a bake, but they’ve earned their place in the book by being just generally incredible! The lovely biscuity peanut base is topped with a thick layer of chocolate studded with peanuts and sprinkled with sea salt, which ties it all together. This recipe makes about 18 biscuits.

Ingredients  100g (3.5oz) butter, plus extra for greasing  250g (9oz) digestive biscuits  100g (3.5oz) soft light brown sugar  250g (9oz) crunchy or smooth peanut butter  200g (7oz) dark chocolate (55–62% cocoa solids), roughly chopped  150g (5.5oz) tinned caramel, or boiled condensed milk (see tip)  30g (1.25oz) salted peanuts  A pinch of sea salt flakes  A 20cm (8in) square cake tin Preparation  Grease the base and sides of the tin and line with baking parchment.

Put the butter in a small saucepan

over a medium-low heat until melted.  Put the digestive biscuits in a food processor and add the sugar. Pulse until the biscuits are reduced to fine crumbs. (Alternatively, put the biscuits in a plastic bag, tie the top and crush them with a rolling pin. Tip into a bowl and add the sugar.)  Add the melted butter and the peanut butter to the crushed biscuits and blend with the food processor, or mix with an electric beater, until they come together. Scrape down the sides of the food processor or bowl and mix again for a few seconds.  Tip the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth it out using the back of the spoon.

Put in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.  Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and stirring regularly for a glossy finish.

Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base in the tin.  Use a teaspoon to spoon the caramel over the chocolate topping in blobs, then scatter with the salted peanuts.

Using a knife, or the handle of a teaspoon, swirl the mixture well to create a ripple effect, then scatter with a pinch of sea salt flakes.  Return the mixture to the fridge for 30 minutes to chill and set, then lift it out of the tin and cut into 18 bars to serve.  Tip: If you are unable to buy tinned caramel, you can buy condensed milk and boil it in the tin, unopened, in a saucepan of water for three hours. Make sure that you leave it to cool in the tin before opening. I often boil a few at a time and keep them for another time, as they will keep for a year, or even more!

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

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34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

SPORT

FastSport MCKINLEY KICKS KEY ITALY PENALTY: FORMER St Columba’s College student Ian McKinley kicked an important penalty on his international debut for Italy’s rugby team as they overcame Fiji for their first win of 2017.

McKinley had previously been developed through the school and the Leinster academy before losing sight in his left eye following a stray boot in 2011.

He subsequently retired and moved Italy, initially to coach rugby but soon started playing lower tier club games while developing a pair of protective goggles to allow him to play.

Since then, he was signed up by Bennetton Treviso, impressing enough to be called into Conor O’Shea’s Italy side. Italy were 10-10 with Fiji at half-time before he scored a key penalty in their 19-10 win.

BASKETBALL: SWORDS CLUB TOO GOOD FOR GARVEY’S TRALEE WARRIORS

Swords cut apart Warriors to get back to winning ways

 sport@dublingazette.com

GRIFFITH College Swords Thunder got back to winning ways with a resounding 88-59 point win over reigning Champions Trophy holders Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in the men’s Super League.

The win has them in second place behind the red-hot UCD Marian who have eight wins from nine outings to date.

For Swords, Charlie Coombes landed 22 points, netting four of his five threepoint shots while all of his twopointers landed in a superb display of shooting. With Isaac Westbrooks making the play and Conroy Baltimore and Alex Dolenko pitching in with 13 points each.

They led 50-33 at the break and pulled away further in the second half, ending a run of two losses in succession.

UCD Marian fur ther affirmed their spot at the top of the table with a home win over Belfast Star 73-61 with Mike Garrow (18 points) and Conor Meany (17) doing most of the damage.

It means they lead the table by three points from a clutch

Conroy Baltimore on the attack for Griffith Swords Thunder. Picture: Martin Doherty

of teams on 18 points – Sword Thunder, Black Amber Templeogue, Pyrobel Killester and Garveys Tralee Warriors.

All have played a game extra, though, than UCD. Elsewhere in the division, a little bit of history was made Saturday evening as Maree snagged their first Men’s Super League win since their promotion from Division One. The

wait had finally ended for John Finn’s side as they recorded a 102-100 win over DCU Saints in Oranmore.

A superb display from Maree and Irish international star Eoin Rockall saw him bag 36 points, and solid performances from Enda Walsh and Kenneth Hansberry helped to seal the victory for the home side.

“We played very well and

matched up well against DCU,” said Maree head coach John Finn. “We have basically set ourselves up for the past few games so that when we got a game that was close we would actually win it. I think tactically, we got it right. “ Pyrobel Killester travelled to Cork on Sunday afternoon for a big clash against UCC Demons and came out with a

104-95 point win, thanks to top scoring from Royce Williams and Rodrigo García Ruiz.

Over at Oblate Hall on Saturday evening meanwhile, Black Amber Templeogue launched a major comeback to take an 86-82 point win over Moycullen with Neil Randolph one of the stand out stars for the Dubliners on the night.

In the Women’s Super League meanwhile, Courtyard Liffey Celtics maintained their unbeaten streak in the league with a 76-62 point win over Maxol WIT Wildcats at home on Saturday evening, with Jazmen Boone top scoring her side to victory.

Pyrobel Killester recorded their fourth consecutive win when they overcame NUIG Mystics by six points in Galway.

“Mystics’ record doesn’t really reflect how good they are,” said Killester’s Karl Kilbride.

“But we prepared very well, we had a really good week in training and we knew what to expect.”

DCU Mercy, meanwhile, held on firm despite the best efforts of Singleton SuperValu Brunell on Sunday afternoon.

Dun Laoghaire the new base for biggest Irish triathlon  sport@dublingazette.com

Action from last year’s Ironman 70.3 in Dublin Bay Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

THE IRONMAN 70.3 Dún Laoghaire triathlon has been confirmed for August 19, 2018 with general registration opening this week.

The event will take the place of Ironman 70.3 Dublin on the 2018 calendar, making for a new chapter for the event at the coastal town which becomes home to the country’s biggest triathlon.

The event is expected to attract close to 2,000 athletes from all over the world and will take athletes through and past the most

spectacular scenery in the area.

The race features a 1.2-mile swim from Sandycove around the Martello Tower before taking athletes on a spectacular and challenging 56-mile bike course.

The course travels through County Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains National Park, its glacial lakes and rivers. Athletes will take in stunning coastal views and weave their way through the streets of the seaside town for the 13.1-mile run, before finishing with Dún Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Bay as the backdrop.

“Dun Laoghaire has become

a favourite amongst triathletes over the past few years for its pristine swim venue, breath-taking views and warm hospitality,” said Declan Byrne, Ironman 70.3 Dún Laoghaire Race Director.

“Dún Laoghaire and provide athletes with a new and exciting course and a race experience to make Dún Laoghaire a race destination of choice across Europe and further afield.”

An Cathaoirleach (Mayor) of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Tom Murphy, speaking on behalf of the Council said: “Dún Laoghaire-

Rathdown has a rich sporting heritage, a stunning location between the mountains and the sea, a high quality public realm and is perfectly suited to host a world class sporting event of the calibre of Ironman 70.3..”

General registration can be made at www.ironman.com/dunlaoghaire70.3. Athlete inquiries may be directed to ireland70.3@ ironman.com.

Ironman 70.3 Dún Laoghaire will offer 50 age-group qualifying slots for the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship being held in Nice, France.

16 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

FIGHTNight

McAfee continues to defy all bar own expectations SINCE turning professional earlier this year, Stephen McAfee has defied all expectations – except perhaps his own.

The Sallynoggin super featherweight entered the paid ranks of Irish boxing with little elite amateur pedigree, but has almost instantaneously carved a reputation as one of Dublin’s most exciting fighters.

With a background mainly in kickboxing and semi-pro fighting, McAfee needed something special to stand out among the dozens of new pros in 2017 – and stand out he did.

Debuting in May, the former Monkstown amateur opened his account with a KO of the Year contender, flattening Poland’s Marcin Ficner in the third round having had him on the floor a number of times beforehand.

That finish went viral and there were more than a few interested observers of his second fight in September and McAfee did not disappoint.

Facing Hungarian Attila Horvath, the 26-yearold tore into his unsuspecting foe from the first bell and had the fight waved off within a round.

Following a sustained attack to the body, the shell-shocked Horvath was carted off to hospital with broken ribs.

A real character, McAfee joked afterwards how the early stoppage came as he was in dire need of a bathroom break and had to get back to the dressing rooms as soon as possible.

With statements having been made in his two previous fights, McAfee has been rewarded with a big bout number three.

The Jonathan Lewis-trained boxer will fight in one of the chief support bouts on the big ‘Celtic Clash 4’ bill at the National Stadium on Saturday, December 2.

McAfee is well aware that he needs to be an entertainer alongside being a sportsman, and the Dub certainly has a swagger about him.

McAfee described how: “You’ve got to be confident in this game and I don’t lack confidence.

The more confident I am the better I perform. You always have to try and stand out and it’s great to get the stoppage for the fans.

“You are thinking you want to steal the show a bit, but rounds are important too. I think after two knockout wins people will start to take a little more notice of me. The main goal was to get people talking about me and I think I did that.”

O’Brien stepping up at Celtic Clash opportunity Inner-city boxer continues his remarkable redemption story, fighting back from drug addiction and run-ins with the law, forging a fledgling life in the ring with an Irish title in sight  sport@dublingazette.com

CR AIG O’Brien will make his return to the ring next month following his maiden title victory, as his remarkable story continues with pace.

Last month, the innercity light middleweight claimed the BUI Celtic title, and will look to round of a brilliant 2017 with a win at the National Stadium on the South Circular Road. O’Brien will fight on the Celtic Clash 4 card which is headlined by former top amateur and RTE pundit Eric Donovan who defends his BUI Celtic featherweight title against Juancho Gonzalez, while there is also Dublin grudge match between Dubliner’s Crank White-

house and Jay Byrne for the BUI Celtic welterweight belt.

O’Brien’s star has risen exponentially in recent times following his title win against Frenchman Alain Alfred. Since this tough victory, which also played out at the National Stadium, the Northsider has been paraded at halftime at Dalymount Park during a Bohemian FC game and was given a civic reception with the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House.

He is delighted with the recognition but is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. O’Brien notes how “I’m getting more recognition, it’s good. I’m a true believer that hard work pays off.

“I’m not blowing my

own trumpet, but if you’re good enough to win it, why not fight for it? I’ll push on, eventually I want the Irish title next year.

The recognition is coming with the hard work – but if you were to ask me is it a little bit big compared to others... yeah it’s definitely a little bit big! It’s all part of the game.

“I’m still training hard.

After the last fight I didn’t celebrate much, I was back in the gym training away and now I’m back out December 2. You get up early in the morning to run, and if you have the thought of why you’re running, the belt, eventually the Irish title, it gives you motivation to keep moving forward.”

The boxing ring is somewhere you can’t rest

Craig O’Brien, right, from the Henrietta Street flats won the Boxing Union of Ireland Super Welterweight Title in the National Stadium last month. Picture: Ricardo Guglielminotti

on your laurels. Lives can change in a split-second with one punch, one mistake. This could be vividly seen in O’Brien’s last fight where he was floored heavily in the opening round. The Celtic Warriors Gym fighter though battled back to win on points.

Reflecting on that fight, O’Brien says: “It was a good learning fight, an eight round learning fight.

Being knocked down early on, some fighters can’t recover from it, some fighters get a shock, so it’s good to know that I can – which I don’t want to be doing again anytime soon.

“All the hard work, all the sacrifices paid off there. Recovering from that knockdown, is all the graft I put in, all the training, all the eating well, all the dieting well, all the early nights and long runs, all that paid off. Getting knocked down and coming back to recover, you can say that at least I can do it – but at the end of the day, I shouldn’t have got caught in the first place. That’s the bit I’m annoyed with, but we’ll come back and learn.”

Born and bred around the Henrietta Street Flats, being a champion boxer looked to be a million miles away for O’Brien at one stage. In his younger days O’Brien got mixed up in drug use and had numerous spells in jail, but turned his life around following the birth of his first child and his subsequent return to boxing.

O’Brien doesn’t shy away from his past, indeed it motivates him with the 28 year old explaining: “Does it help me? Yes, it does. If I think where I was when I was 17, 18, 19, it makes me one hundred percent stronger, seeing where I am now. That’ll help me in the long run, whether it be in a fight, a camp, or whatever. I’ve had tough times - and that’s through no-one’s fault other than my own, at that age you think you know everything.

“Just as well I went to boxing at eight years old and I was half-decent at it. So I knew people around it and I was able to fall back in. Not that I said one day when I was 21 or 22, ‘I’m going to be a pro,’ that never happened. I just went to the gym to stay fit, stay active, and along the lines I met people, good friends of mine like my old trainer Niall Byrne, that shaped me into getting fit and becoming a professional boxer.”

Celtic Clash 4 also features Sheriff Street’s Bernard Roe and East Wall’s Jake Hanney, as well as Colin O’Donovan, Vladimir Belujsky, John Joyce, Regan Buckley, Stephen McAfee, James Cahill, Martin Quinn, Dylan McDonagh, Thomas Finnegan, and Niall O’Connor.

Tickets for the card cost €30, €40, €60, and €100 and can be purchased from Craig at 085 107 8220 or via Ticketmaster.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

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SPORT

FASTSport

SOCCER: PORTERSTOWN CLUB RECORDS BIG WIN OVER FIRHOUSE

McLoughlin leads way as Tridents win again TRIDENTS Senior 2 team continued its winning ways with a 54-46 win over Aerlingus at ALSAA. Tridents built up a substantial lead at halftime and then cruised to the victory.

The team had well-rounded scoring, led by Tricia McLoughlin with 17 points followed

by Alanna McGurk with 12, Carol McDaid with 11 and Laura O’Hare with 8 points. The team was led in rebounding by McGurk while McDaid chipped in with 7 steals. The team has registered three wins in three games, two in the Dublin ladies basketball league, one in the cup.

The Dublin 15 club’s Under-17 team had a nice win on the road against Killester. Their record is now three wins and one loss. Sophie Brown and Alannah Maxwell lead the team with rebounds while Ciara Golden and Sarah Bateman were the top offensive weapons.

In other action, Tridents Senior 5 team had a facile victory when they made the long trip to Gormanstown. A strong defensive effort resulted in a 36-11 win for the ladies.

Tridents newest team, the Under-11s, played their latest league game on Saturday at home in St Brigid’s against Swords.

It was a fantastic game with the smaller and younger Tridents team fighting for every loose ball with fierce determination. Amy and Siobhan Byrne showed the full range of their dribbling and shooting skills while Aideen Harrington hit a couple of super outside shots.

The Castleknock Celtic Under-15 Premier 2 side has moved itself into the promotion frame

Celts U-15s magic eight DDSL U-15 PREMIER 2 Firhouse Carmel Castleknock Celtic  sport@dublingazette.com

2 8

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic kept their promotion hopes on track as they secured a comprehensive 8-2 victory away to Firhouse Carmel FC in the DDSL Under-15 Premier 2 last weekend.

Celtic looked confident from the off and took the lead after three minutes when Dylan McDonagh found the back of the net from 20 yards.

Their lead was doubled shortly afterwards when Lloyd Turner found Sean Blood with an excellent

pass.

The visitors looked in the mood for a rout and promptly went 3-0 up when Blood turned provider to see Nathan O’Reilly rifle a shot home from fully 25 yards.

Blood then grabbed his second of the game after connecting with a fine pass by Leigh Reilly and finishing past the home keeper - leaving him to pick the ball from the net for the fourth time.

Despite the game looking over as a contest, Firhouse continued to fight valiantly and managed to pull one back before half-time. In fact, they could have had the defi-

cit reduced to two had Jonathan Zambrano not stepped in to make a fine interception.

Celtic gathered their composure during the break and stretched their lead five minutes into the second half when the referee pointed to the spot after Blood was felled in the box. He picked himself up off the ground to fire past the keeper and secure his hat-trick.

Despite six goals having already been scored, the best of the game came midway through the second half. Ciaran Collins started off a move that ended up in the net via the boot of Reilly. Collins

cut inside from the wing and sprayed a lovely ball out to O’Reilly who hit a low cross into the path of Reilly to finish first time.

Collins was involved again shortly afterwards, this time setting up Tony Kamara to take the score to 7-1.

The home side continued to battle and grabbed a well-deserved second consolation strike after a lovely break down the right wing resulted in a fine finish into the bottom corner that left the keeper with little chance of keeping out.

Reilly and Celtic had the final say in the game, however, as the mercu-

rial forward scored his second of the match and 101st since starting 11-a-side football three years ago. He latched onto an excellent ball with five minutes remaining before finishing past the helpless keeper from inside the box.

The result sees Castleknock remain in third position three points behind Crumlin United who stay second after a 2-0 win at home to Leixlip United.

They both remain a long way behind table toppers Malahide United, however, as the race for top division football heats up.

16 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: LEINSTER SNATCH INTERPRO TITLE FROM ULSTER

The successful Leinster schools interprovincial side

Fingal trio to the fore in a sky blue success FAI SCHOOLS INTERPROS  sport@dublingazette.com

THREE local players represented Leinster as they regained their Under-18 Boys’ Interprovincial title by remaining unbeaten from their three games at the AUL Complex last weekend.

Having won the title in 2014 and 2015, they were edged out by Ulster last year but have returned the trophy to Leinster with the help of Luke Ring from St Joseph’s SS in Rush, Lido Lotafa from Balbriggan Community College, and Peter Adigun from Corduff’s Riversdale Community College.

Jake Walker proved the hero as his penalty 15 minutes from time secured a 2-2 draw with Ulster to leave them sitting a point ahead of the reigning champions and Connacht, with Munster a further point behind.

Leinster went into the game knowing that a draw would be enough to take home the silverware but Ulster started brightly and tore into their opponents in search of the win

they needed. They had a legitimate penalty appeal waved away by the referee after five minutes before Leinster took the lead when Colm Whelan slotted past Daniel Houghton in the Ulster goal.

Whelan should have doubled their advantage minutes later but he could only find the side-netting this time round. His miss was punished six minutes later when Ulster equalised through Michael Gallagher and the teams went into the break level.

Like the first, Ulster started the second half well and took the lead 11 minutes after the restart with Gallagher’s second of the game.

Ulster were now sitting on a result that would see them secure back to back titles but the referee dashed their hopes when he pointed to the spot.

Walker saw his initial effort palmed away by Houghton but he showed excellent reactions to pounce on the rebound.

The remainder of the game turned into a somewhat sour affair that saw a number of rash tackles

committed with Walker and Ulster’s Corrie Lee Bogan given their marching orders.

Leinster had kicked off their tournament in style with a 4-0 demolition of Munster the day beforehand. Clarke produced an excellent save to deny Munster from the spot after 33 minutes before Jack Ryan gave Leinster the lead from 18 yards just before the break.

Walker doubled their lead from the spot after 49 minutes and Ali Regbha made it 3-0 11 minutes later. The game was now

all but ended as a contest and Leinster rubbed salt into the wounds late on with a fine goal from Lotafa.

The following day, Leinster played their second game against Connacht but it was a game for goalkeepers as both put on excellent displays to see the game end scoreless.

Following their impressive performances during the tournament, all three players now stand a chance of being named in the underage international squad.

FASTSport

Castleknock table tennis open for new members of all ages CASTLEKNOCK Table Tennis club are welcoming new members as the club looks to expand their current setup, based at St Vincent’s Castleknock College.

There is coaching for girls and boys from the age of five up to 18 with beginners and improvers all welcome with bats and balls provided. Children can link up with the club at any stage while there are hourly classes divided according to age and standard.

The club meets every Tuesdays with kids running from 6-7.30pm with adults from 7.30-9pm while Fridays are family open days from 6-9pm. The cost is €5 for 60 minutes or €7 for 90 minutes while club membership is €50.

For more information, contact Tibor 085 107 9317, email tabletennis.ttt@ gmail.com or go to Tibor’s Table Tennis on Facebook.

Rivervalley win Over-35 Division 2 showdown RIVERVALLEY Rangers came out on top of an epic battle with Balbriggan FC to snatch the AFL Over-35s Division 2 North title at Bremore last weekend.

The two sides couldn’t be separated in the league with both sitting on 49 points after 15 wins and four draws from their 20 games.

As a result, the destination of this year’s trophy came down to a playoff between the two local rivals, and ended in fitting fashion – a penalty shootout.

Balbriggan were awarded home advantage for the game and enjoyed a strong start as the visitors struggled to adapt to the allweather pitch.

The home side took the lead from a set-piece with less than five minutes gone before they doubled their advantage midway through the half.

Things went from bad to worse for Rivervalley when they were reduced to ten men after Mark Rossiter was given his marching orders having come on as a sub-

stitute.

Another Rivervalley substitute, in the form of Paul Foote, almost pulled one back for his side when he unleashed a shot on goal from 20 yards, but the defender was denied by the crossbar.

Rivervalley were still trailing by two with just ten minutes remaining but they were handed a lifeline when Barry O’Driscoll found the top corner with a screamer.

That goal swung the momentum even more in the favour of Rivervalley and they eventually drew level when Paul Daly ran onto a great pass through and dinked the ball over the onrushing keeper to send the visiting fans into raptures.

The game was now in its dying embers but there was still time for the Rivervalley keeper to pull off an excellent save and ensure that penalties would be needed to decide who would be leaving in celebratory mood.

All five penalty takers from both sides managed to convert to send the game to the even nervier sudden death shootout. Balbriggan missed their kick and Rivervalley scored to decide the destination of the title in the cruellest of ways.

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  NORTH 16 November 2017

SPORT

FOOTBALL: SOMERTON CLUB WIN A SUPERB

LEINSTERReplay

Knock-out UNDER-15 AFC FINAL

Castleknock 3-12 Ballinteers St John’s 3-8  PADDY HEWSON sport@dublingazette.com

Ballyboughal’s Wynne-ing moment over Emo CIARAN Wynne’s late goal proved crucial as Ballyboughal progressed to the semi-finals of the Leinster intermediate football championship following a 1-12 to 0-13 win over Laois outfit Emo last weekend.

The replay win set up a date with Curragha in the last four of the provincial championship on Saturday.

It was back and forth throughout with Emo’s David Gorman slotting over from a tight angle to start the ball rolling. Gerry Seaver got Boughal on the board with the first of his scores and they moved ahead when Jonathan Rooney split the posts from distance. It went tit-for-tat with Paul Lawler bringing the sides level from a free and Emo scored the next four points to leave Ballyboughal in danger of seeing the game drift away from them. However, two excellent frees from All-Ireland Under-21 medallist Seaver reduced the deficit and the first half ended with three in the gap.

Wynne got Ballyboughal off to the perfect start in

the second half by kicking a free from hand close to the side-line. And they nearly found the back of the net when Greg Rooney popped up on the left and smashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar.

The home side registered the next two scores before a hint of fortune saw the ball bounce nicely into the hands Finbarr Crowley to kick over and restore Emo’s lead.

Seaver’s 45 brought the sides back on terms before a point apiece left the score tied at 0-9, 0-9.

Costello and Lawler both split the posts with a free to give Emo a two-point lead with just five minutes of the match remaining but a point from Ballyboughal was followed up by a goal when Wynne’s high ball into the box found the back of the net after an error from the visiting keeper.

Lawler’s free reduced Ballyboughal’s lead to one point but Jamie Flynn restored his side’s two-point advantage with five minutes remaining.

CASTLEKNOCK celebrated another memorable day with the capture of the Under-15 A and C football championship titles. Remarkably, all three of Castleknock’s Under-15 sides were in final championship action with the D championship the only title to elude the Somerton outfit.

In the A final played at Parnell Park, the Somerton side opened strongly against Balinteer St John’s with an early goal and point from Conor Murray.

The opening quarter belonged to Castleknock but a patient Ballinteer side got the scoreboard moving after ten minutes through Liam Fenton and thereafter the bal-

ance of play shifted in the southsiders’ favour.

Guilty of some pond e r o u s p l ay, a l b e i t against a stiff breeze, the blue and golds gave up control of the game for the remainder of the first half.

A string of fine scores f o l l owe d f r o m J a c k Lundy, Liam Fenton and Adam O’Brien for Ballinteer and Luke Cullen did well to ghost past the Knock defence to find himself in space and record a score.

Soloing the ball for 40 yards, Oran Farrell laid the ball off to Knock’s Tom Norton which he duly blasted towards goal only to be tipped over the bar by alert keeper David Reinhardt. Castleknock trailed 1-2 to 0-9 at the break, nonetheless.

A refreshed looking Knock had the better of the opening minutes of the second half with a point for PJ Campbell.

Evan McSherry twisted and turned his marker to give himself a shooting chance and score but it was the second Castleknock goals from Fionn Gibbons which ignited the game as a contest.

On level terms midway through the second half, Luke Swan put Knock ahead with a goal only to have it cancelled out by a Fenton major within a minute.

An important intervention by Knock full b a c k S e n a n F o r ke r quenched a late Ballinteer attack and set up Conor Murray for a nice score.

Outbreaks of rough play in the final minutes were dealt with by referee Ian Howley with a liberal use of black and red cards but Castleknock couldn’t be stopped as Norton rounded off the Castleknock scoring to give them a 3-8 to 1-12 win.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK

OUR nursery, with thanks to Tigers Childcare has moved indoors to Castleknock Community College for the winter. New members always welcome. Nursery enquiries to lisakiernan1@gmail.com.

Saturday’s Lip Sync Battle was a phenomenal success, so many fantastic acts and a great night’s entertainment.

Well done and huge thanks to all the performers, the committee, judges, helpers, sponsors and the event organisers.

Congratulations also to the very worthy winners “Justice for Donie’.

Major weekend for the U-15 boys who are winners of U-15 A and U-15C and runners-up in the U-15D football championships.

What an achievement. Well done also to minor ladies on their camogie championship win over Cuala.

Don’t forget- juvenile awards night this Thursday, November 16 in Westmanstown to recognise all our young players hard

work and achievements.

No winner of our lotto jackpot with thanks to Rialto Ford. Numbers were 3, 6, 19, 22. Ten match 3 winners, winning €30 each.

Lucky dip winner was Sinead Byrne who takes home €30. Our new jackpot is €3,200 with the next draw in De Bruin’s on November 16.

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 4, 11, 18 and 21.

Congrats to Aisling McHugh and Muriel on both winning our €50 bonus this week.

Well done to Glen Campion who played on the Dublin U-13 football development on Sunday in Abbottstown.

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

achievements. Tickets can be bought from Margaret McGrath on 087 77871935 or on Tuesday and Thursday evening in Ongar astro from 6-7pm from Maria Hayes.

Please note our AGM will take place in our clubhouse on Wednesday, November 29.

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.

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

Our end of season party for our younger members will take place on Sunday, December 3.

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

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

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

Our adult hurlers are looking for a manger; if you are interested please

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

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

Huge thanks to Kepak who have agreed to sponsor next years U-8 jerseys. Thank you for your continued support.

FINGALLIANS

AGM Reminder: This Thursday, November 16 at 8.30pm in the main hall.

Senior ladies: We were beaten in the final league game v Foxrock Cabinteely on Wednesday evening. The ladies are back in action this Sunday away to Kilmacud

Crokes at 1pm.

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

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

The money placed on the Membership Purse cannot be used for bar purchases but only against membership in January 2018. If you need any more details, please talk to Feidhlim or one of the committee members.

Main Pitch: The main pitch is now closed until February 2018. During the closure remedial works repairs will take place. An Phríomh Pháirc: Tá an phríomh pháirc dúnta anois go dtí Mí Feabhra

2018. Idir an dá linn beimid ag déanamh deisiú agus athchóiriú uirthi.

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

International Rules Update: The Ireland team were defeated 63 to 53. The second test will take place in Perth on next Saturday, November 18 at 8.45am Irish time. Ireland are the current holders of the Cormac McAnallen Cup after a fourpoint win in 2015.

Lotto numbers: 2, 10, 16, 17 and 34. We had four winners each receiving €568. The jackpot this Tuesday is €2,176.

GARDA WESTMANSTOWN HEARTBREAK for our gallant minor footballers who lost to St Pat’s, Palmerstown last Sunday morning at Westmanstown in the championship shield final.

Leading by two points with time almost up, they conceded a goal to give victory to the visitors on a scoreline of 1-09 to 0-11.

Congratulations to St Pat’s on their win.

While our minors experienced the agony of sport, it was ecstasy for our U-14 footballers who beat Man O War to add their league title to the Feile win earlier in the season, final score 6-11 to 2-6.

U-11 boys hosted St Sylvester’s with three games played; the U-8 boys welcomed Crumlin with two games played; the U-9 hurlers took part in their first tournament at St Kevin’s and the U-10 girls beat Lucan Sarsfields in a very busy weekend for our younger teams.

Congratulations to Liam Garrigan who played with the Dublin U-13 hurlers against Cork on Sunday.

Tickets for the dinner and club awards night on December 1 are selling fast.

Avoid disappointment and contact Janet Mitten or any

16 November 2017 NORTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

TWO OUT OF THREE UNDER-15 CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDERS

performance

In the C championship final, Castleknock ran out 5-6 to 3-11 winners over Round Tower, Clondalkin. The narrow margin win reflected the

competitive nature of the tie played out at Blakestown Road.

A man of the match performance, and goal, from second half sub-

stitute Jack lynch kept Knock in a game where they recorded a total of 17 wides.

Corner Back Keith Murray was on song

HURLING SHIELD FINAL

and a positional change which saw Matt Lynam move from wing back to full forward paid off handsomely with a goal from him also.

Erin Go Bragh’s U-16 warriors ERIN Go Bragh battled their way to a glorious victory at Blunden

Drive as they saw off host club O’Toole’s 3-9 to 3-6 to win the Under-16C hurling shield title.

Heavy scoring from Jack Carroll, skipper Adam Dalton, Conor Gorman and a goal from Ross Maher paved the way as they took to the battle field, comprising of players from Under-14, 15 and 16s, making up the 19-strong panel.

Although EGB had the aid of a crisp wind on a sunny day, O’Tooles got off to a flying start and drew first blood, scoring 1-2 in the first 10 minutes without reply.

The EGB warriors showed courage and composure to shake off the nervous shackles and got stuck to take control and got back to level pegging and further goals pushed them 3-4 to 2-3 clear at the break.

The second half started as the first finished with the ash flying.

Erin Go Bragh took everything O’Tooles had to throw at them and traded scores.

With 15 minutes to go, O’Tooles did find the back of the net, setting up a gritty battle of attrition as EGB had their backs to the wall.

But they put their bodies on the line to stem the tide and took the last two scores to hold on for a three-point victory and the trophy.

Castleknock celebrate their Under-15A championship success in Parnell Park. Picture: Niall O’Connell

of her committee to book yours.

The National Club Draw tickets are available for purchase from Paul Curtis and can be collected at the AGM which takes place next Monday, November 20 at 8pm in Westmanstown.

As this season draws to a close, we look forward to 2018 and we invite new members to all our teams, adult and juvenile, for football, hurling and camogie. Membership is open to all both Garda and civilian and you will receive a warm welcome at Westmanstown.

The club would like to extend condolences to Paul and Peter McCormack of the NYPD GAA club on the death of their father Peter Snr in New York. May He Rest in Peace.

SKERRIES HARPS WELL DONE to the minor footballers on their win in the shield semi-final on Friday night against Erin’s Isle and thanks to the great home support who came out on

CLUB NOTICEBOARD a wet and cold evening to support the team.

The final is fixed for this coming weekend - keep an eye on our website/Facebook page for full fixture details.

See www.skerriesharps.ie for all the weekend’s fixtures and results.

Zingo Result: 7-5-3-2-1-46. No jackpot winner. Jackpot now a fantastic €6,800.

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.

Free raffle for spot prizes on night for all those present at Zingo draw. Our club Zingo allows us to accomplish so much as a Club, Thanks to all those who play every week.

Academy next Saturday, November 18 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.

Upcoming diary dates: Friday, November 17 at 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 at the door.

Friday, November 24: Abba Night - fancy dress optional.

Tickets €10 available from Chris on 087 9725519.

Sunday, December 2: juvenile presentation evening in the Community Centre at 6.30pm.

Watch this space for more details about our NYE event will be another great night to ring in the New Year 2018!

Tickets for the club Christmas draw will be available this week from the clubhouse bar, Joanne Kenny, Fergal Lynch and all fundraising committee members.

Tickets only €5 or 6 for €25. Cash prizes, Hampers, vouchers and much more.

Come down and join us on December 16 for the draw.

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 087 2505479/Joanne 086 4058523 The club extends its deepest sympathies to the Mulvihill & Fanning Families on the recent passing of Fr Michael Mulvihill RIP.

ST BRIGID’S

NURSERY is on Saturday from 9.30 to 11am with all 4 to 7-year-olds very welcome.

Minor hurlers have home advantage for their semifinal v Naomh Mearnog on Sunday next at 11am. The lads would love a big support for the match. Hard luck to the U-21 hurlers who went out last weekend.

There was no lotto jackpot winner last week and the lotto draw this week will be

on Thursday, November 16 in Russell Park. The jackpot will be €6,600. Thank you to our brilliant lotto committee and to all who support St Brigid’s lotto.

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

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

Football meeting to plan for 2018 in clubhouse on Thursday at 9pm. All interested in football coaching and managing should attend.

Award 1 coaching course takes place over the next two weekends. This course will take place in Russell Park with no charge for St Brigid’s mentors. Participants must have completed the foundation award.

The course dates and times are as follows: Friday, November 17 - 7pm to 9.30pm; Saturday, November

18 - 10am to 4pm; Friday, November 24 - 7pm to 9.30pm; Saturday, November 25 – 10am to 4pm. Contact Barry to book your place: barry. mullane.gpo.dublin@gaa.ie.

GAA National Draw tickets are now available. All funds generated from the draw will be for club facilities and equipment. All team mentors will have tickets for members and players over the next few weeks while there will also be tickets for sale behind the bar.

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

ST FINIAN’S

ARD luck to the AHL9 team who were narrowly beaten in extra time by St Joseph’s OCB in the league final promotion playoff on Sunday in Fairview Park.

Well done to Thuyen, Blaithin and Emily Jane from our U-13 camogie team who attended the U-12 camogie School of Excellence which took place last weekend in the

Phoenix Park.

Well done to the coaches who completed the first part of the Foundation Coaching Course.

A final reminder that the club AGM will take place on Thursday, November 16 at 9pm in the clubhouse. Please make every effort to attend as this is the members chance to have their say in how the club is run and managed.

Best wishes to PJ Murray who will be adjudicating in the Dublin intermediate football final between Na Fianna and St Jude’s in Abbottstown on Friday, November 17 at 8.15pm.

There are Boxercise classes taking place in the clubhouse activity room every Monday evening.

For further details, please contact Karen at 087 776 5165.

The club lotto jackpot on November 10 was €3,700 and the numbers drawn were 8, 20, 26 and 27. There was no winner. Lucky dip winners of €40 were Lorcan & Tom, Anne Hogan, Mike & Louise, Malachy Kerr.

GAZETTESPORT

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

LEINSTER LEADERS: Trio of local students play crucial roles in powering blues to interprovincial success P36

NOVEMBER 16-22, 2017

KNOCK’S TRIPLE THREAT: Castle Under-15s comeback kings in finals at all grades P38-39

Whitehouse Cranking up the intensity  sport@dublingazette.com

B A L BR I G G A N ’ S G e r a r d “Crank” Whitehouse is lining up a big welterweight battle with south Dublin rival Jay Byrne for the vacant BUI Celtic title on Saturday, December 2 at the National Stadium.

It is the co-main event on the Celtic Clash 4 card which is headlined by former top amateur and RTE pundit Eric Donovan who defends his BUI Celtic featherweight title against Juancho Gonzalez.

For the 22-year-old Whitehouse, he comes into the bout with an unbeaten 7-0 record

and is savouring the challenge of moving up to eight rounds and a first chance at landing a belt.

Speaking to Irish-Boxing. com, he said: “It’s nice to have a title fight, I’ve been looking for it for a while now. There’s a different buzz in the gym for this one, I’m really looking forward to fighting now.”

Whitehouse has been building his career with a series of local victories since going pro after a decorated underage amateur career, winning a European schoolboys bronze medal.

His opponent has had a

more varied career with five wins and three losses but – due to being 31 years – his willingness to take on bigger bouts in the early phases of his pro life has seen him fight on big nights in the Echo Arena in Liverpool and the SSE Hydro in Glasgow among other nights across the channel.

Experience Whitehouse says that difference in pro experience will not be a factor: “It won’t be a problem. I’ve boxed all over the world, every ring is the same, no matter where it is.”

“A decent performance from

me should see me pass Jay. No disrespect to him, don’t get me wrong, I won’t be underestimating him – but everything he does, I do better.

“He hasn’t the boxing ability to trouble me .”

“Jay’s a tough fella, comes to fight, but he hasn’t beat anyone of any note or of any class.

“He’s doing all the talking; he is giving McGregor a run for his money with his comments but I’m not into that. I’m in the gym working. My talking will be done on December 2.”

Tickets for the card cost €30, €40, €60, and €100 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

Gerard “Crank” Whitehouse