Dublin Gazette: South Edition

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Mastercard set to create 1,500 jobs GARY IBBOTSON TECH giant Mastercard has announced it is to create 1,500 jobs on its Leopardstown campus over the next three to five years.

The company, which arrived in Dublin back in 2008 with only 36 staff, has since grown to employ more than 650 people.

Its new centre will be the company’s technology hub for Europe and is expected to invest in its artificial intelligence, cyber security, blockchain, and user experience teams.

In line with its expansion plans, the company will also be taking on additional office space at One and Two South County, the newly built campus.

Ed McLaughlin, president of Mastercard Operations and Technology said: “Our new campus will help us continue to attract the best and brightest tech talent, so that we stay at the forefront of emerging tech trends and are well positioned to forge the future of digital commerce across the globe.”

SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 7

Forced to pay for her life-saving treatment

A KILLINEY woman who was originally told she had to pay almost €40,000 of her personal money to pay for cancer treatment, has set up a GoFundMe account in a bid to fund her treatment.

Maria Waters, 51, was diagnosed with her third bout of throat cancer last November and was told she needs four courses of the immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab (pembro).

SEE PAGE 3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 27 February 2020

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CONCERNS OVER POTENTIAL POISONINGS

Dog owners report pets became ill after Killiney Hill visits

Credit union launch school saving scheme CAPITAL CREDIT UNION have launched their new School Saving Scheme, aimed at helping children learn how to save.

Each child in primary school gets a savers reward card, and if they save five times within a period, they are placed in a draw to win €100 at their local branch.

Capital Credit Union has 10 branches and more than 58,000 members in South Dublin, with more than 40 primary schools in its catchment area.

The School Saving Scheme takes place over two periods within the school year, between September to December, and January to May. The scheme is also beneficial to schools who promote the scheme because Capital Credit Union donates €10 for every completed Savers Reward Card. In 2019 alone, more than €7,000 was donated to local schools For further information, see capitalcu.ie/services/ primary-school-savings-scheme.

 GARY IBBOTSON

gibbotson@dublingazette.com

DOG owners in Killiney and surrounding areas are once again reporting that their dogs are becoming seriously ill after visiting Killiney Hill.

Over the past couple of months, at least eight dogs have become ill after going for walks in the area, with a further six reportedly dying.

The issue originally arose last summer when a number of dog owners claimed that their pets had fallen ill but the problem was never resolved.

Reports of the more recent incidents surfaced this past December.

O n e wo m a n , J a n e McGarry, said that her dog became seriously ill after being walked on the hill late last year.

She said: “She [her dog] was taken to the vet first thing, and [had] liver and

FASTNews

Killiney Hill, where some dog owners are now concerned about how their pets have fallen ill after going on walks there

heart and neurological problems. Bloods show she has recently been fighting a virus, although she hadn’t seemed unwell until the walk.

“I’m now unable to sleep, thinking there may have been poison

on the hill.”

Another woman, Eva Berg, said earlier this month, two of her dogs had to be rushed to a veterinarian after vomiting and collapsing a few hours after a walk on the hill.

People Before Profit

councillor for KillineyShankill, Hugh Lewis, says he has been made aware of the situation.

He said: “This issue has been raised with me over the course of the past few weeks.

“As a response I have submitted a motion that will discuss these recent tragic cases with the intention of the council providing possible solutions to do as much as we can collectively to stop any such dog poisoning from occurring again.”

In a statement, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said it was not responsible for any potential poison being spread on Killiney Hill.

It said: “The council does not use chemicals or spread poison in public areas. There are currently no vermin control measures in Killiney Hill.

“Local [council] Parks staff will continue to engage with the public in relation to the issue.”

Stillorgan reservoir upgrade is still ‘on schedule’ IRISH Water has announced that construction on the new covered Stillorgan reservoir is progressing “on schedule”.

The water authority says the work on the reservoir walls is currently under way as the base of the structure has been completed.

On Wednesday, February 26, Irish Water and the contractor for the project, Murphy International Limited, met with local residents and representatives to give an update on the reservoir’s development.

Last year, controversy arose over the reservoir development after it was revealed that the public would not have access to the site, despite it containing 15 acres of parkland.

An online petition amassed more than 650 signatures but Irish Water refused to allow public access.

Derval is EPA’s new ambassador THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week announced that World Champion and Olympic hurdler, Derval O’Rourke is this year’s ambassador for its national competition for second-level students, The Story of Your Stuff.

The EPA is again partnering with the UCD Earth Institute, which will host the finale showcase event on April 3 when competition finalists and their classmates will participate in a special programme of events.

Entrants are tasked with highlighting the environmental impact of an everyday item or activity by creatively telling its story through a visual medium. The winners will be awarded a prize of €500 for their entry, plus a further €500 for their school.

Competition guidelines and tips are available at www.thestoryofyourstuff.ie/.

The deadline for entries is Monday, March 9.

27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

TREATMENT: KILLINEY WOMAN FORCED TO SET UP A GOFUNDME ACCOUNT

‘Pay for your own cancer treatment’ GARY IBBOTSON

A KILLINEY woman who was originally told she had to pay almost €40,000 of her personal money to pay for cancer treatment, has set up a GoFundMe account.

Maria Waters, 51, was diagnosed with her third bout of throat cancer last November and was told she needs four courses of the immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab (pembro).

A mother of three, Waters has been battling esophageal cancer on and off for the past 16 years, and in 2018 she had her esophagus, larynx and

pharynx removed.

However, the medicine needed to treat the cancer is not covered by the Health Service Executive (HSE), or insurer Irish Life Health, meaning she would have to personally pay for the treatment – at €9,000 a round.

On Monday, Waters was told by the Mater Hospital that it had secured a reduction in the price of the treatment to bring it down to €4,800 per round.

She said: “My consultant has told me that to survive this [cancer], I desperately need the immunotherapy drug, pembro.

“Unfortunately, this drug is not covered by my health insurance company or the HSE.” Waters is currently appealing the decision

by Irish Life Health, but in the meantime is paying for the treatment with family savings and through the GoFundMe account.

At the time of writing, she has raised more than €12,000.

In a statement, Irish Life Health says it covers the price of pembro in certain cancer cases where the patient satisfies “the clinical criteria for coverage”.

It said: “Irish Life

COUNCIL

Three new councillors co-opted into seats AT THIS month’s county council meeting, three new councillors were co-opted into seats relinquished by former councillors who were elected to the Dail in the recent general election.

As per legislation, the outgoing councillor’s party can select someone to inherit the seat without an election being called.

Maria Waters was diagnosed with her third bout of throat cancer last November

Health covers the cost of high-cost drugs in accordance with the clinical criteria set by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), and the drug reimbursement guidelines from the National Council for

P h a r m a c o Ec o n o m i c s (NCPE).

“Pembrolizumab is covered by Irish Life Health if the patient is suffering from a condition which meets the criteria set out by the NCCP/NCPE. “If request for a drug

has been declined, it would be because the condition the patient has did not satisfy the clinical criteria for coverage.”

To donate, see: www. gofundme.com/f/lifesaving-drug-pembroplease-help.

Selected Green Party councillor Tom Kivlehan was selected in replace of Deputy Ossian Smyth;’ Fianna Fail Councillor Justin Moylan was selected to replace Deputy Cormac Devlin; and Fine Gael Councillor Frank McNamara was selected in replace of Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeil.

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 27 February 2020

DUNDRUM: LACK OF FACILITIES HINDERS ROSEMOUNT MULVEY FC

FASTNews

Proposal for an arts hub launched AN ARTISTS’ network for Dun LaoghaireRathdown, ArtNetdlr, launched its proposal for an arts hub in the old Carnegie Library at Dun Laoghaire’s Maritime Museum last week.

In submitting its proposal to the council for the development of an arts hub, the network says it will establish “a creative cultural hub in the centre of Dun Laoghaire town that will serve the needs of the local and ‘artistic community’ of the whole of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown”.

Presenting their proposal, Paula O’Riordan, chairperson of ArtNetdlr, introduced key speaker, Hugh Brennan (above), founder and manager of O’Cualann Cohousing Alliance, who spoke about building communities, not just houses.

Roisin Hogan, former director of IADT, and an ArtNetdlr committee member, also gave a Powerpoint presentation on the proposal, explaining the vision and objectives.

Housing development gone out for tender

The delivery and development of 13 social homes in the Rockville Drive housing estate in Glenamuck has gone out for tender.

According to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, “some works have already taken place on the site, such as works on the surface water drainage system which were completed in December, 2019”.

In the same estate, a dilapidated property was “identified as requiring

major refurbishment works in order to bring it back into use”, and a design “is currently being prepared by the council’s Architects’ Department”.

The council says that when this is completed, an application for funding will be made to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, with the development receiving priority alongside other schemes at Shanganagh Residential Lands and Ballyogan Court.

Rosemount Senior Team members and supporters in front of their clubhouse

Club moves to highlight ‘obvious discrimination’ GARY IBBOTSON

ROSEMOUNT Mulvey Football Club has released a documentary in an effort to draw attention to its lack of facilities and the “obvious discrimination” it says it faces.

Based in Dundrum, Rosemount Mulvey only reintroduced junior teams last year after the phoenix club was set up three years after the original became defunct.

Since its re incarnation, the club was been going from strength to strength at both a senior and junior level, but says its lack of facilities is hindering their application to play intermediate football.

Director of football Richie

Baker said the lack of available pitches for the club’s teams is preventing the club from developing further.

He said: “In the past 16 months we’ve been trying to meet council officials to talk about the pitches but, to date, nothing has changed for our junior or senior section.

“We don’t have any access to astro-turf as it’s booked up by other clubs around us. All we’re looking for is the same opportunities for our children.

“We’re doing our best, and all the coaches and the committee are doing their best.”

Independent councillor for the area, Sean McLoughlin has been involved in the club for the past

18 months and says more public representatives should show their support for the campaign.

Cllr McLoughlin said: “There’s limited resources available to this club.

“It’s great to see the amount of kids, particularly girls, getting involved in the club.

“It’s no longer just a senior team down in the corner of Rosemount in Dundrum.

“It’s a growing club and it’s absolutely thriving. There’s lots of big clubs in the wider area of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown who’ve been given facilities and space and been allowed to grow.

“Rosemount has come from little or nothing. It’s vital that the councillors here in Dundrum get

behind the club and engage with the council and get the council to engage with this club because we’ve seen too many false problems.

“We deserve better – this club deserves better.”

As part of the sports capital grant, clubs in Dun LaoghaireRathdown were given €1.2m back in 2018, with only 10% of the funding being given to clubs in disadvantaged areas.

Rosemount Mulvey is located in an area of disadvantage and was successful in its application to develop a clubhouse and gym in the park, but is still waiting for plans to progress.

To see the documentary, check out the club’s social media pages.

‘Quiet-way’ cycle and pedestrian route launched

Cllr Seafra O’Faolain (GP)

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has launched a pilot project that sees the introduction of a new “quiet-way” cycle and pedestrian route through Deansgrange Cemetery.

Opened at the beginning of February, the route connects Deansgrange Road with Granada Pitch and will run for a trial period of six months. A public consultation on the project is currently ongoing.

Cllr Seafra O’Faolain (GP) says the opening of the route has been “overwhelmingly positive”.

He said: “The main point to note is that this route was already open to the public – the new aspect is

just linking the route through to Granada.

“Many people had already used this route in the cemetery previously, for jogging and walking.

“There were some initial concerns about it regarding health and safety issues, but most of what I’ve heard since has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It has also had a noticeable effect on school-run congestion around the Holly Park schools, and is helping to make the option of walking, cycling or scooting to school much safer and easier,” said Cllr O’Faoilin.

He added that the route allows extended opening times for the cemetery, too.

“Previously, it operated 10am to 4:30pm, which made it very difficult for people working full-time to visit [the cemetery].

“For the trial period, it is operating closer to dawn to dusk hours, allowing more access for people to visit.

“There were initially some concerns regarding anti-social behaviour at night. The council has taken these into account by locking the gates outside of opening hours,” said Cllr O’Faolain.

27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

LIBRARY ROAD FACILITY: COUNCIL SAYS OPERATIONS ARE ‘A SHORT-TERM ARRANGEMENT’

Calls to reinstate supervision to playground GARY IBBOTSON

PEOPLE Before Profit leader and Dun Laoghaire TD Richard Boyd Barrett has called on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) to immediately restore supervision to the playground at Library Road.

The playground had been supervised for the past 30 years before the service was pulled by social care providers Crosscare in December.

At the time, Deputy Boyd Barrett said he was hoping the local author-

ity, which owns the property, would “step in and retain the supervision by employing supervisors or identifying some of the other agency that will take over the supervision”.

News of the planned cut to the amenity surfaced last summer as Deputy Boyd Barrett and Cllr Melissa Halpin (PBP) began working with the playground employees and local families to try to persuade the council to keep the supervision.

However, when supervision of the playground ended, DLRCC did not

reinstate the service, and the two assigned supervisors lost their job as a result.

The playground is now opened and closed by a private security company, which DLRCC is paying €240 plus VAT a week for the service.

Deputy Boyd Barrett says the security company has sometimes failed to deliver on the service as there have been days when the playground has not been opened, while on Monday, February 17, the gates were left open until after 8pm.

Stars step out launch Fashion Relief 2020 in aid of Oxfam

NORAH Casey and Rob Kearney were just two of the stars from Irish fashion, entertainment and sport who joined broadcaster Lorraine Keane (right) at the InterContinental Dublin to help launch Fashion Relief 2020 – a sustainable fashion fundraiser in aid of Oxfam Ireland. You can bag a bargain from your favourite brand, boutique, designer or celeb and the best bit is you’ll be raising vital funds for communities impacted by war and climate change. Tickets are on sale now at fashionrelief.ie. Picture: Brian McEvoy

€9.9m allocated Soup run ends for 15 cycle lanes DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has announced that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has allocated funding of €9.9m for the design and construction of 15 cycle lanes and schemes.

The 15 schemes are at various stages of development, with construction on some to begin this year.

Works on a cycle route at Drummartin Link Road and Kilgobbin Road (Beacon Hospital to Hillcrest Road), and a cycle scheme along Stillorgan Road near UCD, including upgrades to The Rise and Fosters Avenue junctions, will begin this year.

The NTA funding will also be used to design the Merrion Gates to Seapoint cycle route, the Clonskeagh Road Cycle route (UCD to Clonskeagh), cycle routes in Sandyford and a cycle improvement scheme on Brewery Road near the N11.

DUN Laoghaire Helping the Homeless has announced it has ceased its soup run at Sussex Street in the town.

In an online post, the charity said that the demand for the service has dwindled after it restored the offering a few weeks ago.

Reiterating its support for rough sleepers, the group said: “We have been out every week in awful weather, and have had zero people turn up to the table.

“In saying this, we will continue doing what we do, however – we will be going back [on] mobile [patrol] as we know locations of a couple of people sleeping rough.”

Deputy Boyd Barrett said: “Within weeks of the supervision being removed from the Library Road playground, our worst fears and predictions have been proven correct.

“The playground has been severely degraded as an amenity for children and the community.

“Parents and children are turning up to find the playground locked when it is supposed to be open.”

Overall, DLRCC will be paying €30,000 a year to the security company for the service, which Deputy Boyd Barrett says is a “disgrace”.

“We are now calling on the council to restore the

supervision as a matter of emergency,” he added.

In a statement, DLRCC said it “is committed to the provision of quality” of the Library Road playground.

It said: “Since January 6, [we] have engaged the services of a security contractor to open and close the playground on each

opening day.”

It said it is not aware of any complaints relating to the operation of the playground, adding: “This is a short-term arrangement while improvements to the current infrastructure at the site on Library road are being planned by DLRCC.”

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 27 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Cormac, Aoife, James and Finn Breatnach. Pictures: EMILY GALLAGHER

Ellen Duphy, Zara Brennan and Emma Muldoon

A huge turnout as Marlay junior park run returns

A

FTER two weeks of no Park Run, it was wonderful to see 120 junior park runners last Sunday at Marlay Park.

Young Issac was delighted to be the first junior with 100 junior park runs – congratulations on a fantastic Eimhear Magee and Doireann Cane achievement!

An enthusiastic start from everyone as they set off on their park run

Tracy and Cian O’Donoghue

Clara, Laura and Hanagh Geraghty

Ruby Crutchley, Emma Dineen and Aria Fleming

Congratulations to young Issac, who has taken part in an incredible 100 park runs

Fergus, Aiden and Tom O’Dea

27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

EMPLOYMENT: INNOVATIVE NEW CAMPUS WILL BE TECHNOLOGY HUB FOR EUROPE

Mastercard to create 1,500 new jobs in Leopardstown GARY IBBOTSON

CREDIT card company Mastercard has announced it is to create 1,500 jobs in Ireland over the next three to five years at a campus site in Leopardstown.

The firm says the new campus will be its technology hub for Europe.

The new positions are being supported by the Industrial Development Authority Ireland (IDA) and will more than treble the size of Mastercard’s workforce in the country.

The company currently employs 650 staff at its research and development

arm, Mastercard Labs, which opened in Ireland eight years ago.

In line with its expansion plans, the company will also be taking on additional office space at One and Two South County, the newly built campus.

Ed McLaughlin, president of Mastercard Operations and Technology, said the company’s new technological hub will play a central role in innovative developments.

He said: “Our new campus will help us continue to attract the best and brightest tech talent, so that we stay at the forefront of emerging tech trends and are well

positioned to forge the future of digital commerce across the globe.”

Martin Shanahan, chief executive at IDA, said Mastercard’s announcement shows a commitment to Ireland and its available resources.

He said: “This substantial investment and build-out of Mastercard’s operations in Dublin is a further strong endorsement of Ireland’s standing in international technology services and its offering to companies considering locating here.”

Ireland is home to some of the world’s largest financial businesses, including Mastercard, Citi and Barclays.

Mastercard will take on more office space at One and Two South County, a newly-built campus in Leopardstown

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 27 February 2020

POLITICS: WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE FIRST SITTING OF THE 33RD DAIL

FASTNews

Celebrate a range of outstanding women MOTHERLAND, The Songs of 20th Century Women, performed by Edel Murphy (Celtic Woman, Riverdance) will take place this May in Dublin.

Featuring “evocative” projected images alongside spoken word, Edel Murphy (above) performs iconic songs of struggle and celebration from such songwriters as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, Kate Bush, Nanci Griffith, Richard Thompson, Dolly Parton, and The Beatles.

Under the musical direction of her long-time collaborator, Ewan Cowley, and following extensive tours with Grammy Award-winning shows, Celtic Woman, and Riverdance, Edel and her live band will sonically travel through the Dustbowl of the Great Depression, the homes of 1950s urban desperation, down the protesting streets of the 1960s, and into the confusion of the 21st Century.

You can catch the performance on Friday, May 8 in The Civic Theatre, Tallaght, and on Friday, May 29 in Bewleys Cafe Theatre.

See www.motherlandsongs.com for more tour dates.

The gathering saw an upbeat mood at Leinster House for the first sitting of the 33rd Dail. Pictures: Maxwell Photography

It’s Dail smiles for the post-election gathering THIS past Thursday, 48 newly elected TDs arrived at Leinster House as the 33rd Dail convened for the first time.

Overall, Sinn Fein has the largest number of new representatives, with 17 TDs, while the Green Party added nine TDs to its ranks.

Fianna Fail returned eight new seats, Fine Gael five, and the Social Democrats four, with Labour only adding one new TD. Four new Independents also won Dail seats.

Sinn Fein’s nationwide ascendance was not echoed in Dublin, however, with Paul Donnelly the

only new TD for the party in the county, winning a seat in Dublin West.

On the contrary, five of the Green Party’s nine new seats came from Dublin, with Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central), Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West), Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central), Ossian Smyth (Dun Laoghaire)

and Roderic O’Gorman (Dublin West) all winning seats.

Meeting at noon, the 33rd Dail began with the clerk calling out the names of all TDs returned from each constituency, before reading out the names of the nominees for Ceann Comhairle.

Only two representatives – Fianna Fail’s Sean

O Fearghail, and Independent TD Denis Naughten – ran for the position, with Deputy O Fearghail winning the secret ballot, retaining the position he originally won in 2016.

Immediately after the Ceann Comhairle was elected, the nominations for the position of Taoiseach were called out.

Fine Gael, as the sitting government, was the first party to nominate a leader, with incumbent Taoiseach Leo Varadkar failing to be re-elected.

D e p u t y Va r a d k a r rece ived 36 votes in favour, but 107 against, with 16 abstentions.

The Dail also voted against Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin’s bid to become Taoiseach, as 41 voted in favour, 97 against, and 19 abstained.

Sinn Fein’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald, received the most votes out of all the candidates, receiving 45 votes in favour, 84 against and 29 abstentions.

However, with no Taoiseach being elected, the Ceann Comhairle suspended the house until Thursday, March 5.

Deputy Varadkar will continue in the role of Taoiseach in a caretaker capacity.

Choirs give Boxers to €15,000 to do their bit help Simon for Nepalese SOLAS Workplace Choir and the Mountjoy Prison Inhouse Voices Choir, who collaborated to produce last year’s Christmas single, Jingle Jangle, and album, presented a cheque worth €15,000 to the Dublin Simon Community recently.

Andrew Brownlee, chief executive of SOLAS, said: “It is fantastic that the Jingle Jangle collaboration between the SOLAS Workplace Choir and The Mountjoy Prison Inhouse Voices Choir raised such a significant sum of money for the Simon Community.

“SOLAS works closely with the Irish prison system, by funding prison education services through the Education and Training Boards across Ireland.

“I would like to thank all the members of the public who bought the Jingle Jangle album. The money raised will help the Dublin Simon with the important work they do.”

THE Umbrella Foundation’s Brawl for Nepal 2020 takes place on Saturday, March 14 in aid of raising funds to support young people at risk of trafficking in Nepal.

Aiming to raise €25,000, the event will take place at The Well pub in the city centre, with 21 amateur boxers competing to see who is king or queen of the ring after eight weeks of training.

Each fighter has been busy collecting donations, with further funds set to come from event sponsorship and ticket sales.

The Umbrella Foundation is a non-profit NGO charity founded and registered in Ireland and dedicated to alleviating the impact of trafficking, poverty and war on children and their families in Nepal.

Its primary work is in rescuing trafficked children and reconnecting them with their families and communities.

To learn more, see www.brawlfornepal2020. eventbrite.com.

27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

SUPPORT AND WORKSHOPS

This Local Enterprise Week sure to be a hit with DLR businesses GARY IBBOTSON

LOCAL Enterprise Week is once again running this year, from March 2 to 6, with more than 20 business events taking place across Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Following on from previous years, the week will see various experts deliver practical workshops on leadership, raising investment, tendering, pricing, sales, and more.

According to the Local E n te r p r i se O f f i ce ( L E O) : “One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the session on Thursday, March 5 with the internationally renowned s p e a ke r, B B C p re s e n te r, and expert on what makes humans ‘tick’, David Meade.

“Having worked with some of the world’s biggest brands – including Facebook, Google, Harvard University, Micro-

soft, Deloitte, and Saatchi & Saatchi, to name but a few – this exceptional, energetic, fun and engaging speaker is not to be missed.”

One of the workshops to be held will be on how to make your company a lean business – meaning a more efficient and profitable firm.

The LEO said: “The week will be rounded off with a session from LIFT Ireland, who will talk about how to build positive leadership in an effective and simple way.

“This will be followed by a walk on Killiney Hill, which will give a chance to chat, share stories and network.”

With more than 800 people attending the events last year, the annual Enterprise Week is expected to be very popular.

Full details are available at www.enterpriseweekdlr.ie.

Kids help trumpet the importance of engineering MORE THAN 5,000 new engineering jobs will be created in areas relating to the Green economy, construction, digital manufacturing and artificial intelligence this year, a new report from Engineers Ireland has revealed.

The professional body for engineers in

Ireland announced the positive sector outlook ahead of the launch of STEPS Engineers Week 2020, which runs nationwide from February 29 to March 6.

Coordinated by Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme, more than 75,000 students,

teachers and parents are set to engage in nationwide activities as part of the week.

Pictured helping to launch the week, and considering some practical applications of engineering, are Christian Smullen (7) and Loanna Veeramalay (6). Picture: Julien Behal

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 27 February 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Danielle Sleater and Stephen Tuohy

Eric, Aisling, Scott and Hannah Mahon

Denise McCormack, Zoe O’Halloran and Sidney Gammell

Sophie and Philomena Fleming

Martina and Cameron O’Connell

Special preview screening

Vic, Sonny and Skye Kumar and Will Wright.

W

ELL-KNOWN faces stepped out on the blue carpet for a sneak preview of the new Sonic the Hedgehog Movie at the Odeon Cinema in Point Square last week. Spotted were Pippa O’Connor and Brian Ormond, who brought along their sons Ollie and Louis; actresses Denise McCormack and Hilda Fay, as well as Venetia Quick and film buff Gordon Hayden.

Brian Ormond and Pippa O’Connor with Ollie, Louis and Zoe Houlihan

Laura and Treasa Wall

Hilda Fay (back) with children Nancy and Pearl Vale

27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Screwfix ambassador Simon Delaney (fifth from right) helps staff celebrate the launch of the new Sandyford store

TV presenter opens new Sandyford store S

CREWFIX AMBASSADOR and avid DIY enthusiast, Simon Delaney was at the launch of the Sandyford store with Antony Spencer, Divisional Director of Operations, Screwfix CEO, John Mewett, and members of the store staff recently, including branch manager Paul Maher. The Screwfix store in Sandyford has created 15 new jobs in the areas across retail management, service assistants and supervisor roles as part of the company’s expansion into Ireland.

Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Gordon and Alex Hayden

Jackie Fay and Berndaette O’Halloran

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 February 2020

FOSTERING ‘I cannot describe the joy that fostering has given our family’ MANY people may ask themselves, ‘Why foster?’, and wonder how fostering might affect them and their families.

One mum, Michelle, talks of her experiences with Orchard Fostering, and what fostering has meant to her and her children.

“I am a foster parent to two sisters, who are aged nine and four.

“My foster children joined our family of mum, dad and three birth children – the oldest of whom is 13 – two years ago.

“The nine-year-old had had a difficult relationship with her birth mother, and initially resisted a different type of parenting, but has now really blossomed and is enjoying being part of a family.

“The four-year-old had a lot of developmental problems when she came to us, but she has reached and exceeded all of her milestones over the past two years.

“I cannot describe the joy it has given our entire family to see the girls so happy and having the same experiences as my own birth children.

“We have recently learnt that the girls will be with us on a long-term basis until they are 18, and we are delighted, as they are part of our family and we think of them as our own children.

“I would encourage anyone who has

Fostering can enrich your family’s life just as much as that of the children you’ll be caring for, and will be making a huge, positive difference to

ever thought about fostering, or who is interested in helping a child who has not had a positive start to life, to pick up the phone and contact Orchard Fostering to see if it’s for them.

“We have had tremendous support from Orchard Fostering throughout our training, and helping us with the girls – they are literally available 24/7 to their foster carers.”

For further information, or if you are interested in fostering, contact Orchard Fostering at 01 627 5713, email info@ orchardfostering.ie, or alternatively see www.OrchardFostering.ie.

So much to gain THIS WEEK saw the launch of Fostering Fortnight, the Irish Foster Care Association’s annual campaign to raise awareness and understanding of foster care in Ireland.

Taking place from March 2 to 15, Fostering Fortnight highlights the valuable contributions made in fostering families daily.

It’s a chance for those involved in fostering, and the communities that support them, to tell their stories.

The Irish Foster Care Association recently conducted their 2020 Members Survey, to discover the benefits of foster care.

They discovered that 53% of respondents said they continue to foster because they want to make a difference to the lives of children in care.

Some 33% want to offer a child or young person in need the opportunity to be part of their family, with a huge 72% recommending

fostering to others.

More than 32% of respondents said that safety and security were two of the main benefits care to children and young people in care, while 20% said connection with a responsible adult with their best interests at heart, with 19% saying that consistency in their day-to-day lives were huge benefits.

Changes When asked about the changes they see in their foster child after time in foster care, 33% said they see better communication, 25% said the child was more settled in school, and 23% said they saw improved social skills.

There were 5,971 children in care at the end of November 2019, with 92% (5,469) in foster care, 3,924 (66%) in general foster care, and 1,545 (26%) of children in relative foster care.

Some 92% of children

in general foster care had an allocated social worker, and 88% of children in relative foster care had an allocated social worker.

Foster care is a huge part of the alternative care system in Ireland, with Fostering Fortnight providing an opportunity to celebrate foster care in Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Bernard Gloster, chief executive of Tusla, said: “The Irish Foster Care Association’s Fostering Fortnight in March is a great platform through which we can celebrate the remarkable contribution that foster carers make to the lives of so many children.

“There are many misconceptions around foster care; for example, that foster carers are certain types of people.

“But the truth is that it only takes one person to change a child’s life, and that each child is different, with their own needs.

“You don’t have to be

perfect to be a perfect foster carer for a child – indeed, what is perfect for one child is not per-

Origins: Steadily working together to help make children’s lives better ORIGINS Foster Care is an independent fostering agency, owned and managed by qualified social workers with a combined 50 years’ experience.

Their ethos is “working together to make children’s lives better”, believing that providing nurturing foster homes for children can only be achieved when all parties involved in the fostering process work together as a team.

Trust, transparency and strong relationships are vital, with Origins working to ensure that the child and foster family are central to all decisions.

Children and young people who find themselves within the foster care system have generally come from very complex family backgrounds.

Many children in care have been exposed to substance abuse, physical, emotional or sexual abuse or chronic neglect.

Regardless of the reason why a child comes into care, the com-

Support is key for foster carers to help make sense of a child’s background

mon pattern for all children will be a sense of loss, feeling vulnerable, sadness, anger or instability, and generally a fear of the new environments they find themselves within.

Origins offer support to foster carers and helps them to make sense of the more complicated backgrounds that some children arrive with, through an attachment and developmental traumainformed lens.

Origins know that being a foster carer is undoubtedly a challenging role, but also asks what better achievement in life could someone have than knowing that they have been a major part in the story of a child that leads them to become a fulfilled and happy adult?

For further information, you can contact Origins Foster Care by calling or texting 087 052 9749, or see www.originsfostercare.ie.

27 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

HELPING CHILDREN THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME

from foster care “

fect for another.

“This is why foster carers from all walks of life are needed, with different skills and interests.”

Catherine Bond, chief executive, Irish Foster Care Association, said: “Fostering Fortnight has become such an important two weeks in the calendar for

foster care in Ireland.

“It creates an awareness around the valuable contributions being made every day by families, social workers and the wider fostering community.”

Advocacy The Irish Foster Care

Association (IFCA) has launched a new advocacy service (funded by Tusla and Pobal) in response to some of the complex and often difficult issues that foster carers experience in their fostering role.

IFCA’s advocates support foster carers with communication, corre-

Fostering Fortnight has become such an important two weeks in the calendar for foster care in Ireland, creating an awareness around the contributions being made by the fostering community spondence and meetings with Tusla and others where issues can be teased out, foster carers’ voices can be heard, and solutions identified.

Their advocacy team works with foster carers to ensure they feel acknowledged, understood and supported, with four advocates working across the country, supporting our foster carers and working closely with Tusla and other stakeholders.

Speaking about the new service, Catherine Bond said: “We are delighted to launch our new advocacy service.

“This service is available to our members who need support in their fostering role when things get tough.

“We now have four advocates on the road supporting foster carers across Ireland, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and a much-needed service for foster carers.”

Keep up to date on all the activities taking place across Ireland during Fostering Fortnight, on Facebook and Twitter by searching for ‘Irish Foster Care Association’.

FOSTERING

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN APPLY TO FOSTER IF… You would like to work as part of a team to support a vulnerable child Many of our Irish Foster Care Association’s (IFCA) members report that they can see the difference fostering makes to a young person’s life.

Good communication and teamwork have a huge part to play in bringing a positive difference to the lives of children and young people in care.

You and your family are open to expanding your family to include a child in care Many of our foster carers at IFCA report that fostering has had a positive impact on their overall family life. Fostering is a team effort and involves the whole family.

You are single You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. There are many excellent foster carers who are single.

The most important thing is that you should be able to demonstrate a strong network of support for you and the child in your care.

You are not heterosexual Your sexuality will not stop you from fostering. What is important

is that you can provide a young person with a safe, caring and stable home.

You are not an Irish citizen Applications from non-Irish citizens are welcomed, once you can remain in Ireland indefinitely and can provide a long-term commitment to remaining in Ireland to care for a child.

You are a Traveller Traveller children also sometimes enter foster care and can be greatly supported by a family who understand and appreciate their ethnic and cultural background. Traveller families can also provide a caring home for a child who is not from the Traveller community.

You do, or you do not, practice a religion It does not matter what your religious beliefs are, and this should not affect your application to foster. You will need to consider how you feel about educating yourself and your family about other faiths.

You will need to be open to assisting a child to uphold the faith and traditions of their birth family or faith of choice.

You are over 40 years old There is no upper age limit to foster. What matters is that you are fit and able to care for and meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.

A strong network of support to care for a child will also be very important; the needs of the child will be central to assessing your suitability.

You work Depending on the needs and age of the child in your care, it may also be possible to continue to work.

Foster carers are expected to be available to care for children, attend meetings, training, support groups, and to promote and support access and contact between a child and their family. The child’s needs and best interests will be central to these arrangements.

You do not own your own home There are lots of foster carers who live in rented accommodation.

However, it will need to be secure, stable and long-term. This will have to be properly discussed and may need to be agreed with your landlord.

Your accommodation should also provide the child with the privacy and space they require.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 February 2020

SCHOOLS: STUDENTS ARE BUSY TURNING RECYCLED WASTE INTO HIGH-END FASHION FOR FINAL

Global financial platform Revolut has been announced as the partners for this year’s Junk Kouture contest, marrying similar goals of nurturing community and creative spirit amongst young people

There’ll be nothing that’s rubbish about this year’s great Junk Kouture designs PADRAIG CONLON

RENOWNED recycled fashion competition Junk Kouture has announced a brand-new partnership with global financial platform Revolut.

The new deal will see the fintech brand working with Ireland’s leading haute-couture design contest as it marks its tenth year.

Junk Kouture is a fashion competition using recycled materials, which challenges young people to design, create and model high-end couture from everyday junk.

It incorporates elements of fashion, design, engineering and environmental sustainability, in a

creative contest unlike any other, and one that is open to all secondary school students across the island of Ireland.

The whole idea of Junk Kouture is to create striking works of recycled couture that wouldn’t look out of place on the world’s most famous runways or in some of the best Hollywood films.

Designs can be crafted in any style of wear, from modern to male, to high fashion or feminine, and many more, with the most important rule being that designs are made from 100% recycled materials.

Over the past decade, Junk Kouture has already captivated more than 40,000 students, 8,000

“

It’s looking like this year will be our strongest and most competitive [contest] yet teachers and 100,000 audience members.

Troy Amour, chief executive of Junk Kouture, is really looking forward to what this year’s competition will reveal.

He said: “I am very proud to be involved in one of Ireland’s most prestigious post-primary competitions.

“Each year, more and more students are entering, which brings a new wave of creativity and fresh talent to Junk Kouture.

“I cannot wait to see what this year will bring – it’s looking like it will be our strongest and most competitive [contest] yet.”

Having launched in 2015, Revolut has grown a network of more than 10 million users, 500,000 of which are based in Ireland.

One feature of the Revolut app is that it allows users to enjoy a global lifestyle wherever they may be in the world with peerto-peer payments, budgeting and analytics features, commission-free stock

trading, cryptocurrency exchange, and other such fintech features.

With Junk Kouture planning to expand the competition to London, LA and Hong Kong soon, the partnership with Revolut is coming at just the right time.

Winners from the 2019 competition boast a fantastic travel CV, having attended the star-studded Cannes Film Festival and walked the red carpet in London at the Royal Film Premiere of the Oscarnominated film, 1917.

Speaking on the new sponsorship announcement, Ryan Thorpe, senior marketing manager at Revolut, said: “We’re delighted to partner with

Junk Kouture on this exciting new venture, which we believe will help further strengthen community and creative spirit amongst young people in Ireland.

“Our values closely align with those of Junk Kouture: inspiring young people to design, create, collaborate and challenge the status quo, while unleashing their creative brilliance.”

As applications have just closed for Junk Kouture this year, thousands of sustainability-driven teenage designers from the length and breadth of the country will be putting the final touches to their looks in the hopes of becoming the overall winner of the

2020 competition at the 3Arena on April 30.

Last year, everything from burnt pieces of toast to bike tyres were used by entrants, so anything goes when it comes to a Junk Kouture creation.

In attendance will be judges Michelle Visage, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Strictly Come Dancing and X-Factor judge Louis Walsh, lending their keen eye for star quality to fellow judges Dr Tracey Fahey from LIT, Jane Leavey of Griffith College, and former winner and LSAD graduate, Stephen McLaughlin.

The South-Eastern Regional final takes place in The Helix, DCU on Tuesday, March 3.

27 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

STYLE: FRESH NEW LOOKS

PENNEYS have teamed up with one of Britain’s most sought after designers – Bobby Abley – for a collection celebrating one of the most heavily anticipated films of the summer, starring some of pop culture’s best known characters: the mischevious Minions, best known from Despicable Me. Take a look inside at our favourite bits from the new collection.

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

MUSIC P18

MOTORING P21

PAGE 19

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY

Funding boost for youth group RACHEL D’ARCY

JUST ASK, a youth group from Dublin 7, were awarded funding last week by Vhi to deliver a ‘Run for Fun’ programme as the company seeks to give a sporting chance to more than 100 young people from underserved communities.

The Run for Fun programme was created by Vhi, in partnership with Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), to empower and build the self-esteem of young people through a dedicated fitness and nutrition programme.

It launched as a pilot in 2017, and since then, 125 young people have taken part, with 1,000 weeks of training completed across eight different youth groups.

Just ASK received a grant of €5,000 to deliver the programme over an eight-week period.

Through the programme,

participants train with fitness instructors while also learning about healthy eating.

At the end of the programme, they are encouraged to take part in a 5km park run.

Declan Moran, director of marketing and business development, Vhi, said: “Getting involved in sport can be difficult for many young people, who may have no previous experience or face social barriers that deter them from participating.

“That is where Run for Fun comes in. At the end of each [such] programme, Vhi employees join the young people and take part in the local park run with them.

“To see the pride on the faces of the young people when they complete the 5km is what it’s all about.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the five successful groups

progress over the next eight weeks, and joining them at a park run in the coming weeks.”

Lucy Masterson, chief executive, IYF, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Vhi again this year on the Run for Fun programme.

“Through the programme, Vhi has highlighted how important it is to level the playing field for young people across Ireland living in underserved communities.

“This programme is an excellent opportunity for these young people to boost their self-esteem, build their resilience and reach their full potential.

“The impact of this programme over the past three years has been fantastic, and by opening Run for Fun to new community groups, we will be able to create positive change for even more young peo- The Run for Fun programme is designed to empower and build the self-esteem of young people through a dedicated fitness and nutrition programme. Picture: Julien Behal ple throughout Ireland.”

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 February 2020

DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N

QUIRKY MATTERS

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Heritage House, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publishes four weekly quality free titles, covering the latest news, sport, entertainment and lifestyle from the four local authority areas of Dublin

Celebrating the write stuff C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Acting Interim Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

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www.dublingazette.com Dublin Gazette Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the City Gazette, Fingal Gazette, South Gazette and West Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

PICTURED at the official launch of the Dalkey Literary Awards in Trinity College Dublin’s Berkeley Library were David McWilliams, co-founder of Dalkey Book Festival; Sian Smyth, director of Dalkey Book Festival; Neil Freshwater, chief executive, Zurich Insurance plc, with Dalkey Literary Awards judges Fiach Mac Conghail, Rick O’Shea and Jennifer O’Connell. The prestigious new awards programme for writers in Ireland boasts a total prize fund of €30,000, and was launched by The Dalkey Book Festival in conjunction with Zurich Insurance.

Museum discovers it owns an Most expensive Irish authentic Rembrandt painting whiskey now for sale A NEARLY 400-year-old painting that had originally been attributed to an unknown artist working in Rembrandt’s workshop has now been judged to be a work by the Dutch master himself.

For decades, the Allentown Art Museum in Pennsylvania displayed a painting, entitled Portrait of a Young Woman, and credited it to “Studio of Rembrandt”.

Two years ago, the painting was sent to New York University (NYU) for conservation and cleaning.

Conservators at the university began removing layers of thick varnish that had been added to the painting over the centuries, and began to speculate that the work may have been done by Rem-

brandt himself.

The delicate brushwork hidden underneath the varnish was indicative of a style seen on other, confirmed Rembrandt works.

Outside experts then examined the 1632 painting and concurred with the NYU’s assessment that the piece is an authentic Rembrandt.

“We’re very thrilled and excited,” said Elaine Mehalakes, vice-president of curatorial affairs at the Allentown Art Museum.

“The painting has this incredible glow to it now that it just didn’t have before.

“You can really connect with the portrait in the way I think the artist meant you to.”

AN EXTREMELY rare 45-year-old Irish whiskey has gone on sale, priced at €35,000 a bottle.

Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One is believed to be the most expensive Irish whiskey in the world, with only 48 bottles being put on sale.

The whiskey is the first in a collection of very old whiskeys set to be released by Midleton over the next five years – one year between now and 2025.

This year’s release is a “peated single Irish malt”, and was created by master distiller emeritus Max Crockett in 1974, a year before the original distillery closed in 1974.

The original Old Midleton Distillery in Cork ran between 1825 and 1975 and this new batch is the first to be released from the distillery since 2004.

Bottled in hand-blown, Waterford Crystal decanters, the bottles will be housed in a wooden cabinet designed by John Galvin.

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog of the week is Bruno, a very handsome five-year old Rottweiler cross that is a gentle giant and a real couch potato.

He is a very affectionate dog; he can be a little shy at first, but with a slow and gentle approach, he will show you just what a loving boy he is.

Bruno is a really clever dog, and will do anything for a tasty treat, making him a dream dog to train.

Bruno’s ideal home would have a large garden where he can potter about and

explore, with an adult family who would be willing to meet him a few times in the Rehoming Centre so he can build up trust. He would also like to be the only dog in the home so he can lap up all the love (and couch) for himself.

If you have room in your heart and home for Bruno 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 www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

bruno

27 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MANY PEOPLE may have the image in their mind of the typical Dublin taxi driver being a man.

However, the taxi business here is still male dominated, there are also many women involved who have built fulfilling careers in the industry.

Drivers are not just the heart and soul of the taxi industry; they are the ones who can put a smile on the face of customers and have them come back time and again for the service.

Thankfully times are changing and more women are getting into the industry which is a positive development for the business.

So what is life like for a female taxi driver in Dublin?

Du b l in G aze t t e caught up with one such hard working taxi driver, Marie Fullam from NXT Taxis to get a glimpse into her career.

Dublin Gazette: How long are you driving

a taxi?

Marie Fullam: I’ve been driving a taxi now for the last 20 years.

Do you enjoy your job?

I do, you get to meet loads of different people and difference situations.

Is it rewarding?

Like all selfemployed people, you get as much out of it as you put in but it’s been good to me over the years .

What do your family and friends think about you driving a taxi?

My family are used to it, my brother is also in the game. My friends look on it as just another job and don’t give it too much thought.

Would you like your family members to drive a taxi?

As I said my brother also drives a taxi and has done for the last 30 years so you might say it’s like a family business.

Do you work with an established taxi company or are you an independent driver?

I have worked with NRC Taxis for many years now and they have recently merged with Xpert Taxis to form NXT Taxis.

I prefer working with an Irish company who has a presence on the ground. I feel that a lot of customers still want to be able to pick up the phone to call a taxi.

Would you drive as an independent driver working the ranks?

No I wouldn’t like that as there would be too much hanging around and you can never be sure who is getting in the car with you. Working with NXT it’s like the clients have already

Veteran Dublin taxi driver Marie Fullam on working with NXT Taxis

“

Drivers are not just the heart and soul of the taxi industry; they are the ones who can put a smile on the face of customers and have them come back time and again for the service been vetted.

What about the App companies?

Actually NXT Taxis have their own app which gives even more options for their customers and drivers.

I know if there is ever any issues, I can always drop into NXT offices to discuss with the staff in person where the app companies can be pretty cold and faceless.

Would you recommend it to other women and why?

There’s not too many of us in the

industry but that’s changing, more and more women are getting into the industry now and rightly so as it’s been a male dominated job for too long.

Is taxi driving a safe occupation for a female driver or have you ever had any bad experiences?

I work with NXT who have mostly corporate work so it’s very safe.

How do your customers treat you?

Most customers treat me with respect but you will get the odd one that is hav-

ing an off day and will take it out on you.

What does your average week entail?

I work my own hours but generally start around 7am and work through to around 4 or 5pm with a break in the middle.

How flexible is this job when you are also looking after your family?

It allows you to come and go as you wish but at the end of the day the bills still have to be paid.

What are the best benefits of driving a

taxi?

It gives you the freedom to come and go as you please provided those bills are all paid.

How do your male colleagues treat you?

Most of the lads are fine, you get the odd old fogey who are still living in the dark ages.

Have you considered stopping driving and taking on another job?

Like us all I’ve considered changing but I’ve done this for so long now it’s second nature to me and I’m happy with it.

If you are interested in a safe and rewarding career in the taxi industry please contact NXT Taxis on 01 888 8888.

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 February 2020

DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT WELL WORTH A LISTEN

JOIN ME IN THE PINES ‘I want to do that thing where I go from style to style and execute it really well’ DAVE GERAGHTY is best known for his role in delicate local indie heroes BellX1, but in recent years his solo career – both under his own name and under the moniker, Join Me In The Pines – has taken precedence.

Geraghty’s life is a little different to the old days: while BellX1 recently did an anniversary tour, much of his time is spent focusing on cinematic soundscapes, including the Oscar academy awardnominated short film, The Crush.

Alongside that niche, the singer-songwriter has allowed his creative juices to flow through engaging with his long-time friend, Belfast creative Mick Major, who has encouraged his redirection into a more soulful, funky outfit.

“It’s lovely having to join the dots in somebody else’s mind,” Geraghty says of his cinematic work.

“I feel unburdened by

 JAMES HENDICOTT

not having to produce lyrics; it’s a new lease of life and energy that I can just pour into making the music as it’s supposed to be, fitting the visual.

“It has to carry the emotional intensity of what’s

“

“I’ve just been doing it if I’m into the project, which is great, but there is an analysis going on.”

There’s been a crossover between the music for movies and Geraghty’s wider work.

“Since doing The Crush, I went into the IFI to see it as part of an Irish Short Films showing, and one of them was by Roy Spence.

I’m not claiming to have reinvented the wheel, but this album is definitely not like anything I’ve already done

on screen. It’s insightful. I watch movies in a slightly different way now.

“There are potentially four projects lined up on the cinematic side, and the past couple of films I’ve watched have been research, so I have an ear on the score.

“He made many films back in the 70s, and they were real pioneers in home-made sci-fi special effects.

“I thought that was so good, and I ended up using it for the slight sci-fi feel for [new single] Feels So Heavy.

“We built the video around an edited-down version of the film. It was a great happenstance that it all came together.”

Despite being a solo project, primarily, Join Me In The Pines has taken on a collaborative bent for the newer material.

“Paul [Noonan] does the majority of the lyric writing in BellX1, and I guess there’s that melting pot of everyone’s input and influences.

“The latest album isn’t just me, I’ve got this symbiotic relationship going on with Mick Major.

“He really encouraged me. We have two very different albums, but I’m on his album and he’s on mine.

“There’s a lot of common ground to our friendship, but near the beginning of Monomania [the latest album], I got the chill about trying to pull another album out on my own. I just wasn’t up for it again.

“Mick asked me to send the songs across, and I did, and he loved where it was going.

“He kind of brought all his knowledge and his own thoughts on where it was he thought I should go with the style.

“When we talked about it, he helped me embrace my new direction, and

ignore the echoes of what came before.

“I know I’m not [David] Bowie, but I want to do that thing where I go from style to style and execute it really well, like he did.

I’m embracing that.

“I’m not claiming to have re invented the wheel, but this album is definitely not like any-

thing I’ve already done.

“It was also the result of a friendship blossoming, and I think there’s a newfound energy that comes from that, from thinking outside the box together.”

Join Me In The Pines release new single, Feels So Heavy, on February 29, and play Bloody Mary’s in Dublin on the same night.

GOINGOUTOUT FEBRUARY 27 (THURSDAY) The Murder Capital @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Louis Berry @ The Sound House, €13

Hot 8 Brass Band @ The Academy, €23 Tommy Fleming @ Bord Gais Energy Theatre, €30 Stu Daly @ Whelan’s, €7

FEBRUARY 28 (FRIDAY) Nelly + Shaggy @3Arena, €45+ Example @ The Academy, €20 Damien Jurado @ Liberty Hall Theatre, €25 Kila @ The Purty Kitchen, SOLD OUT Cory Wong @ The Button Factory, €23

MARCH 2 (MONDAY) James Arthur @ 3Arena, €39+ Editors @ Vicar Street, €37 Temples @ The Button Factory, €19 Shawn James @ Whelan’s, €18 The Maine @ Academy Green Room, €20

FEBRUARY 29 (SATURDAY) Gavin James @ 3Arena, €39+ Hare Squead @ Workman’s Club, SOLD OUT Kiefer Sutherland @ The Academy, €34 Jerry Fish @ Whelan’s, €22 Join Me In The Pines @ Bloody Mary’s, €15 MARCH 1 (SUNDAY) Sleater-Kinney @ Vicar Street, €34

MARCH 3 (TUESDAY) The 1975 @ 3Arena, SOLD OUT Tones & I @ Vicar Street, €23 JpegMafia @ The Academy, €18 The Aristocats @ The Button Factory, €30 MARCH 4 (WEDNESDAY) Jonas Blue @ The Academy, €20 Blossoms @ The Olympia Theatre, €27 Testament @ The National Stadium, €45

27 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

Penneys (L-R): - Top €6, Shorts €7 - T-shirts €12, Hoodie €18 - T-shirt, €12 - Hoodie, €18

 Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor

HOME & STYLE

SAY ‘BELLO’ TO A NEW RANGE

CULT FAVOURITE designer Bobby Abley was made famous for his eye-catching, cartoon-inspired collections. His designs have been worn by celebs, including model Bella Hadid.

Now, Abley has teamed up with Primark – or Penneys to us Dubliners – on a 10-piece

capsule range of apparel inspired by an upcoming film, Minions: Rise of Gru. The collection features the rebellious cartoon Minions on leggings, sweatshirts and t-shirts, turning their quirky personalities into cool athleisure wear.

The range is displayed in a creative execution that has been curated and directed by Abley himself. He said: “I’ve been showing at London Fashion Week for seven

years. One of the main comments I get on social media is: ‘We love this, but what about the people who can’t afford it?’

“So that was one of the reasons why I jumped at this opportunity to work with Primark and make my collection available to the masses.”

The collection is available now, with prices ranging from €6 for t-shirts to €18 for hoodies.

KEEPING SKIN HEALTHY AND EXFOLIATED  Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor EXFOLIATING is key for the skin’s health, with skin care experts regularly stressing the importance of exfoliating to ‘wake up’ your skin.

Exfoliating two to three times a week is one of the most important things you can do for skin health.

Scrubbing away dead cells leads to higher cell turnover

and youthful-looking skin.

Check out the exfoliator options on offer from Dermalogica ...

Daily Microfoliant: €59.50 This is a gentle, daily use exfoliating powder for all skin conditions.

It has a rice-based powder formula which activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter.

Daily Resurfacer: €98.50 A daily, leave-on exfoliating treatment that brightens and tones all skin conditions.

Each dose contains one application of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and enzymes to smooth the skin, helping to reduce the signs of premature aging without irritation or redness.

Rapid Reveal Peel: €90 This is a 10-part system dedicated to re-texturing the skin and creating a more radiant complexion. Rapid Reveal Peel is formulated to tackle common signs of ageing.

It kick-starts skin renewal for instant radiance, speeding removal of dull cells on the surface of your skin to reveal brighter, smoother-looking skin.

Daily Superfoliant: €68.50 This resurfacer aids in delivering smooth skin, and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin ageing. The advanced powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing powerful enzymes, skin-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids and antipollution technology.

MultiVitamin Thermafoliant: €59.50 This thermal skin exfoliant infuses skin with age-fighting ingredients, and combines physical and chemical exfoliants to refine skin texture and enhance penetration of age-fighting vitamins into skin.

Resurfacing microgranules gently polish off dulling skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin immediately.

All products can be found at authorised Dermalogica salons and at Dermalogica.ie.

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 February 2020

digital

Fall in love with YOUR local paper on our newly improved website www.dublingazette.com, Facebook and Twitter

DublinGazette Wherever you are, we’ve got you covered

For all digital enquiries contact JPMontgomery@dublingazette.com

27 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

DUBLIN MOTORS

A brief guide to help spark your interest in electric vehicles THERE are many different hybrid and electric vehicle technologies on offer, so which one is right for you, and your motoring needs?

Read on to get an insight into the frontrunner trends in the industry right now ...

Full electric All-electric vehicles run on battery power alone, which means no fuel is necessary, while zero emissions on the road are guaranteed.

Electric vehicles are better for the environment and, with government purchase incentives, reduced road tax, and BIK benefits for company car drivers, they’re good for your wallet, too.

With a domestic wallbox, you can plug in overnight and guarantee yourself a full charge in the morning – just like your phone.

Alternatively, you will find an ever-increasing number of public charging points at supermarkets, shopping centres, motorway service stations, and many other locations.

Fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles means lower maintenance costs too.

PHEV Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) have all the functionality of full hybrid technology, with the added advantage that they can be charged from an external electricity supply.

The larger capacity of the battery makes them

capable of zero emissions while driving for ranges of up to 56 kilometres, with the ability to switch to hybrid mode to conserve battery life, and to petrol- or diesel-only for longer journeys.

HEV These days, hybrid vehicles (HEV) are an increasingly common sight on the road.

This is especially true in cities and urban areas, where their lower emissions and improved fuel economy at typical city speeds are a major advantage.

These vehicles have an internal combustion engine, but they also have a larger battery and more powerful motor.

This provides more assistance to the engine and enables the vehicle to drive parts of short journeys at low speeds using the electric motor alone – and thanks to the conventional engine, driving range isn’t an issue.

Mild hybrid With mild hybrid technology, the internal combustion engine is assisted by an electric motor.

At low speed, or when stationary, the engine can switch itself off and the 48V starter-generator seamlessly restarts when needed.

The separate 48V Liion battery is automatically recharged by regenerative braking during coasting and braking, and there is no requirement to connect the battery to a power source.

The new Audi RS 5 Sportback is more than just a sporty car, thanks to some striking design elements and raw power under the hood

A sporty delight DECLAN GLYNN

THANKS to a wonderful blend of premium functionality, comfort and dynamic ability, the new Audi RS 5 Sportback is more than just a sporty car.

Striking RS design elements promise ultimate sportiness that you can transfer effortlessly onto the road with its powerful engine, and quattro all-wheel drive.

The forward thrust of the Audi RS 5 Sportback makes everything in the rear-view mirror appear smaller in an instant.

It develops exhilarating power under the bonnet with its 2.9-litre V6

TFSI twin-turbo engine (shared with the Porsche Panamera 4S, no less).

Thanks to an output of 450bhp, and a whopping 600 Nm of torque, you can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 3.9 seconds.

The standard lim ited top speed of 250 kmph can optionally be increased to 280 kmph.

Thanks to ‘Quattro’ permanent all-wheeldrive and a sportilytuned eight-speed tiptronic transmission (with optimised gear changes), fast and self-assured sprints are guaranteed.

It is possible to tailor your own driving experience with the Audi ‘drive

select’ dynamic handling system, enabling the driver to experience the standard ‘RS sport suspension’, which makes the RS 5 Sportback hug the road.

On the road is where the new Audi RS 5 Sportback stands head and shoulders above its competitors.

Engine Thanks to the car’s standard twin-turbo system, the new petrol engine feels much more urgent low down the rev range that the previous V8-powered RS 5.

Under strong acceleration, the RS 5 Sportback’s four-wheel-drive system

provides enough traction to whisk you off the starting line in a controlled and urgent fashion.

The RS-5 Sportback’s tiptronic (automatic) gearbox has eight wellchosen ratios, which does add greatly to the o u t s ta n d i n g d r iv i n g enjoyment of the car.

The gearbox is also smooth and amenable when the driver takes control manually, too.

My review car looked absolutely stunning in its striking Nardo Grey exterior colour, while ‘Fine Nappa’ black leather upholstery (with a honeycomb pattern) ensured that the interior of the car looked equally as desir-

able as the exterior.

Additionally, plenty of other RS-specific interior trim elements add a real sense of occasion to the mix.

The classy cabin and dashboard of the RS 5 Sportback are both exquisitely finished and super-intuitive to use.

Audi’s pitch-perfect execution of the new RS 5 Sportback is to be commended, with the car proving itself to be as close to perfection as you can get in this market segment.

The incredibly capable Audi RS 5 Sportback is priced from €114,050 (exdelivery) and is on sale now.

SEAT Ireland breaks into top ten car sales SEAT Ireland has been breaking its own records again, with the news that – for the second year running – the brand has had its best January in its history.

Not only that, it is the first time the brand has broken into the top-ten selling car brands in the Irish market.

SEAT Ireland recorded its best-ever January, significantly increasing its sales compared to January 2019,

despite a market that is down 3.47% on last year’s sales.

Once again, SEAT’s SUVs continue to drive a large part this growth, with Irish buyers very much coveting the Ateca in particular, which is now the brand’s best-selling model.

This is very closely followed by the Arona, and now in third place by the 2020 Continental Irish SUV of the Year, the SEAT Tarraco.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27 February 2020

POLSKA GAZETA Poland looks to the fintech future with help from a Wolves Summit This week we look abroad, to Warsaw, where an upcoming conference will welcome the world

P O L A N D ’S g r o w i n g economy and innovative outlook is set to once again draw investors, corporations and startups from around the world to Warsaw for an impressive conference: Wolves Summit 2020.

Running on March 23 and 24, the eleventh edition of the international Wolves Summit conference will attract many of the world’s brightest business and entrepreneurial minds to the Palace of Culture and Science.

T h e re, c o n fe re n c e attendees will discuss effective funding, the ethical challenges of new technologies and development opportunities for the digital economy.

Some 450 start-ups, 250 investors and 450 corporations are set to attend the conference, eager to focus on diverse topics including effective financing, equality and accessibility in the technological industry; and the development of medical technologies and business ethics, to name but a few.

Wolves Summit 2020 puts the problem of diversity and inclusion, as well as accessibility in the technology industry, very high on the agenda.

In this eleventh Wolves Summit, the organisers will once again be collaborating with BalansPL, an NGO that works to support equality initiatives in the industry.

Of course, the sum-

mit is about much more than looking at key and emerging issues, and providing networking and direct peer-to-peer appointments.

It will also host The Great Pitch start-up competition, during which the best projects will be selected.

GTR Ventures is offering the winning fintech an US$10k opportunity, comprising complimentary passes and profiling opportunities at the third GTR Ventures Tradetech showcase competition, which will be held at the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore from September 8-9.

This edition of The Great Pitch will also be unique – for the first time, the judging jury will also grant additional awards alongside GPC. The winners of The Great Pitch contest will directly enter the semifinals of the twelfth Innovation World Cup, and will have a chance to present their solutions at top international tech events.

All this is just part of Wolves Summit 2020, which offers a truly fascinating look at Poland’s ever-growing business and fintech sectors.

For much more information on the diverse c o n fe re n c e, s e e t h e English-language site a t h t t p s : / /p o l a n d . wolvessummit.com/, or alternatively the Polishlanguage site at https:// poland.wolvessummit. com/pl/.

This year’s Wolves Summit will again showcase Poland’s economic and entrepreneurial strengths to a global market, building on the successes of previous conferences

Tegoroczny Wolves Summit po raz kolejny zaprezentuje siłę gospodarczą i przedsiębiorczą Polski na rynku globalnym, bazując na sukcesach poprzednich konferencji

Polska kontynuuje rozwój gospodarki dzięki Wolves Summit – konferencji biznesowej Rozwijająca się polska gospodarka i innowacyjne perspektywy po raz kolejny przyciągną inwestorów, korporacje i startupy z całego świata do Warszawy na imponującą konferencję.

11. edycja międzynarodowej konferenc ji Wolves Summit, odbędzie się w dniach 23-24.03.2020 i przyciągnie do Pałacu Kultury i Nauki wiele najzdolnie jszych umysłów biznesowych i przedsiębiorczych.

Uc z e s t n i c y ko n fe re n c j i omówią efektywne finansowanie, wyzwania etyczne nowych technologii oraz możliwości rozwoju gospodarki cyfrowej.

Udział weźmie około 450 startupów, 250 inwestorów i 450 kor-

poracji, będą poruszać między innymi takie tematy jak skuteczne finansowanie, równość i dostępność w branży technologicznej, a także o rozwoju technologii medycznej i etyki biznesowej.

Wo l ve s S u m m i t 2 0 2 0 poruszy problem różnorodności i integracji, a także jakże ważną dostępność w branży technologicznej.

Podczas jedenastej konferencji, organizatorzy ponownie będą współpracować z BalansPL, organizacją pozarządową działającą na rzecz wspierania inicjatyw na rzecz równości w branży.

Oczywiście szczyt to coś

więcej niż tylko przyjrzenie się kluczowym zagadnieniom, tworzeniu sieci reklamowych i bezpośrednich spotkań peer-topeer.

Odbędzie się również konkurs The Great Pitch, podczas którego wybrane będą najlepsze projekty.

G T R Ve n t u r e s o f e r u j e zwycięskiej firmie fintech 10.000$, bezpłatne przepustki i możliwości profilowania podczas trzeciego konkursu GTR Ventures Tradetech, który odbędzie się w hotelu Marina Bay Sand w Singapurze w dniach 8–9.09.2020.

Edycja The Great Pitch będzie również wyjątkowa – obok nagród GPC, jury po raz pierwszy przyzna dodatkowe nagrody.

Zwycięzcy konkursu The Great Pitch wezmą udział w półfinałach dwunastego Pucharu Świata Innowacji i będą mieli okazję zaprezentować swoje rozwiązania na najważniejszych międzynarodowych wydarzeniach technicznych.

Wszystko to jest tylko częścią Wolves Summit 2020, która oferuje naprawdę fascynujące spojrzenie na stale rozwijający się polski biznes i sektor fintech.

Więcej informacji na temat konferencji można znaleźć na stronie: https://poland.wolvessummit.com/pl/.

Lub w języku angielskim: https://poland.wolvessummit.com/.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN POLSKA GAZETA? EACH week, DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS are focusing on news and views for the Polish community with Polska Gazeta.

Would you or your business like to get on board?

If you or any advertiser would like to be involved with this new concept,

and to be part of a sponsorship option, please contact Martyna Muszczynska at her email below.

Phone: 01- 60 10 240 • E-mail: sales@dublingazette.com

27 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN PUZZLES SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO SOLVE Codewords are like crossword puzzles - but have no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS ALONGSIDE BRANCH BRISBANE CAPTURING CARL DAMPNESS ETHIOPIA FARCE FOOTWORK FRITZ GRATED

HUGH IDLY MADMAN MAIM MUTE OCCUPIER PHONETIC RISKING SNORTED SPORTSMAN VIGIL

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27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

RUGBY P30

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

TROJAN EFFORT: SWIMMING: TROJAN Swimming Club

enjoyed a record-breaking week at the Dave McCullagh Memorial Trophy with medals won and records broken.

The club had their highest ever entry in the competition with 21 swimmers reaching qualifying times for this international event which included world and European record holders.



GAZETTE

GAELIC GAMES P31

PAGE 29

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | YET ANOTHER VICTORY FOR LEINSTER IN THE PRO 14

O’Brien fires up Blues win  sport@dublingazette.com

ACADEMY flyer Tommy O’Brien crossed for his first senior try as Leinster Rugby posted a 21-13 Guinness PRO14 win over a determined Ospreys side at the Gnoll.

Adding to O’Brien’s opener and a Josh Murphy effort, it was not until the 73rd minute that Cian Kelleher crossed from replacement Rowan Osborne’s pass to seal the result.

Ospreys had led 10-7 thanks to winger Luke Morgan’s try on the stroke of half-time, but with man-of-thematch Peter Dooley starring in a dominant scrum, the platform was laid for Leinster’s twelfth straight victory of the PRO14 campaign.

36-25 winners on their only previous visit to the Neath venue back in November 2003, Leinster had to absorb the early pressure from the wind-backed Ospreys.

Out-half Luke Price watched his seventh-minute penalty from halfway bounce away off the left hand post.

Hugo Keenan had to react smartly to bring down the fast-breaking Hanno Dirksen just eight metres out, and a

couple of poaches from James Tracy and James Lowe saw the province warm to their task.

With Michael Bent getting the better of Nicky Smith at scrum time, Leinster gained further ground from the resulting maul, before a penalty advantage allowed Gibson-Park to attack the short side of a ruck.

Quick hands from the scrum half, Kelleher and Scott Fardy sent the freshly-introduced Tommy O’Brien over in the right corner past Olly Cracknell.

Ciaran Frawley converted neatly from the right for a 7-0 lead, but Ospreys almost responded just after the restart.

Ospreys went close again with Scott Otten going close while Price slid another kickable penalty wide but they did get on the scoreboard from his boot, a left-sided penalty after Aled Davies gobbled up yards.

It got even better for the Welsh region a few moments later, Frawley’s attempted pass to Keenan on halfway going to ground and Morgan hoovered it up, fended off Kelleher and scampered clear to touch down behind the

Ciaran Frawley kept the scoreboard ticking along. Picture: John Crothers

posts; 10-7 at half-time.

Leinster retook the lead early in the second half, however. Ospreys battled through a bout of scrum pressure five metres out from their own line but they could not stop Murphy in the 48th minute, the flanker squeezing over beside the right hand post with timely support from Ross Molony and Scott Penny.

Frawley added the extras to give the visitors a 14-10 advantage. Price punished Fardy and Penny for coming in at the side on the hour mark, making it a one-point game with the home crowd roaring their team on.

But the clinching moment came when Kelleher crossed for his fourth try of the season, seeing out yet another win.

SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 27 February 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

SOCCER: CABON LAND THE FIRST BLOW IN FIRST DIVISION

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results for Feb 20th 4,15,16,and 17. Jackpot not won. . €100 Kevin Kerrigan, €50 each Noel Brady and M. Campbell. Joker consolation Eamonn Naughton. Jackpot next week €2,400 and Joker €200. Bingo each Mon night at 8:00pm.

Congrats to Naoise Irwin and Freya Nathan who were part of the Trinity College team winners of the University Camogie Final. Well done girls!

Under 13 camogie team had a great start to their competitative journey with a win over Na Fianna 3-2 to 0-1.

Well done to our Minor Football team on their comprehensive win over Kilmacud Crokes in their Div 1 Football league game. 4-12 to 2-2. Thanks to AIG for sponsorship of Jerseys that stood up well to the torrid weather conditions on Friday evening.

Hard luck to Senior Hurlers beated by Crokes on Sunday 0-23 to 2-12.

Congrats to Colaiste Eoin on winning the Leinster Colleges Senior Hurling title v St Kierans Kilkenny.

Well done to BSJ players involved Captain Ian O hEithir, man of the match Seamus Fenton also Liam Fenton, Cormac O Dwyer and Harry Ball. Full round of Adult Football League fixtures this Sunday.

Seniors play Clontarf in St Annes Pk while the Intermediates play Clontarf in Marlay both games start at 10-30. The Junior A team plays Scoil Ui Conaill in Loreto Park at 12 while Junior B team plays Geraldine P Moran in Loreto Park at 3pm.

KILMACUD CROKES WELL done the AHL1 team who beat Ballinteer St. Johns, 0.23 to 2.12, in their opening league game. Well done also to the AHL6 team, who beat Erins Isle, 1.19 to 1.7.

The AHL2, 3 & 9 games were all postponed. In Football, hard luck to the MFL1 team who lost to Ballinteer St. Johns, 2.2 to 4.12 on Friday evening.

The MFL6 team narrowly lost to Templeogue, 1.6 to 1.7 A record 29 Kilmacud Crokes players were involved with adult Dublin (and Offaly) teams on the same weekend!

Well done to the Dublin Senior Footballers who beat Donegal, 1.15 to 1.14.

Well done to 10 Crokes players currently involved with the panel; Craig Dias, Dara Mullin, Cian O’Connor, Rory O’Carroll, Paul Mannion, Liam Flatman, Cian O’Sullivan, Andrew McGowan, Dan O’Brien and Cillian O’Shea. Shane Horan and the Offaly Footballers had a good 2.16 to 0.14 win over Leitrim.

The Dublin U20s Footballers had a great 2.14 to 0.7 win over Meath in the Leinster Semi-Final. Well

done to Pádraig Purcell, Conor Kinsella and Anthony Quinn.

Hard luck to the Dublin Ladies Footballers who lost to Galway, 1.4 to 0.8, in their league game. The Crokes representatives involved with the team include Aoife & Laura Kane, Lauren Magee, Cassie Sultan, Amy Conroy, Grace Kos and Eabha Rutledge.

In Camogie, hard luck to the Dublin Seniors who lost to Tipperary, 0.14 to 0.8, in their Division 1 league game.

Julia Buckley and Siofra Walsh were the two players involved. Hard luck to the Dublin Intermediate team who lost to Antrim in their Division 2 game, 4.9 to 0.4.

Anna Geraghty was the sole Crokes representative.

In Hurling, hard luck to the Dublin Seniors who lost to Wexford 0.18 to 2.14.

Oisin O’Rorke, Ronan Hayes, Fergal Whitely, Lorcan McMullan and Marc Howard are all on the extended panel.

Congratulations to all in Colaiste Eoin after their 1.16 to 0.17 victory over St. Kieran’s Kilkenny. This is the school’s first ever Leinster Senior A Hurling title!

Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters enjoyed his back and forth with the Bray Wanderers fans over his eye-catching hairstyle. Picture: Paul Lundy

Waters settles score with Bray over Guinness jibe LOI FIRST DIVISION Cabinteely Bray Wanderers  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

4 2

CABINTEELY sit top of the First Division table, at least on goal difference, following the first round of First Division games after a thumping 4-2 win over closest rivals Bray Wanderers.

Keith Dalton’s stunning strike on the stroke of half time was the pick of the goals as Pat Devlin’s side took a scarcelybelievable 4-0 lead into the break in horrendous conditions at Stradbrook Park.

Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters’

opener, Vilius Labutis’ first home goal and Dalton’s first had given the home side a commanding lead before the winger thumped in his shot two minutes before half time.

The Seagulls did rally with the wind at their backs in the second half but goals from Gary Shaw and an injury-time strike from Jack Watson were mere consolations.

Ve t e r a n s t r i k e r Wa t e r s, c o m i n g u p against the club where he made his League of Ireland breakthrough, took the ball neatly on his chest and finished emphatically to open the scoring.

Labutis doubled the lead with a powerful low strike that wrongfooted Brian Maher in the Seagulls’ goal and squirmed under the keeper’s body.

Dalton added his first nine minutes before the break, scrambling home after Maher had saved Luke Clucas’ free kick, and added a fourth with a wonderful curling shot from the edge of the area.

Bray made a game of it after the break and Shaw scored with a header on his second debut for the club on the hour mark.

Watson, who joined the Seagulls from Cabo over the off-season, bundled home a loose

ball from a set-piece in the dying moments but the home side ran out deserved winners on the night.

“It was a great game,” Labutis told the club’s media team.

“It was not the prettiest but hard work is all it was.

“I scored against Bray last season at the Carlisle Grounds so it was good to score again and, thankfully, I did.

“There was a little edge to the game, a few cards and a few injuries, and you could tell it was a big game.”

Waters added: “It was a good performance by the boys; we dug deep.

We took our chances and we came away with the win.

“It was an amazing first 45. Bray came at us [in the second]. We knew they’d be gungho. A night like that will stay on in the memory.”

Waters spared a word of praise for the fans of his former team, who taunted him over his bleached blonde hairdo by comparing him to a pint of Guinness.

“The Bray fans are brilliant. Fair play to anybody who went out and stood in that weather and supported their team. They called me a pint of Guinness – I broke my b****x laughing!”

Rock strengthen playoff hopes

Blackrock College’s women’s AIL side after their win over Railway Union

BLACKROCK College strengthened their position on a place in the semi-finals of the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League with a 16-12 win over Railway Union on Saturday.

It’s the first time in over three years the Stradbrook outfit have defeated their South Dublin neighbours.

So what made the difference on the day? “Our defensive game, especially in the first half,” says Blackrock Head Coach Niamh Fitzgerald.

“We were relentless. We put a serious amount of pressure on them, kicked a lot and played in

their half.”

The territorial advantage also served up penalty opportunities for Hannah O’Connor. The Ireland international scored her side’s only try in the first half and kicked the rest of their points off the tee. Her game management and dominant tackling also drew praise from her coach.

“It puts us in a great position for the play-offs,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s a great morale boost. We’re gelling as a unit and you can feel it. Our bench came on and there was no drop in performance either.”

27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

SWIMMING: BLACKROCK CLUB CREATE NEW IRISH RECORD

A Trojan effort DAVE MCCULLAGH MEMORIAL TROPHY  sport@dublingazette.com

TROJAN Swimming Club enjoyed a recordbreaking weekend at the Dave McCullagh Memorial Trophy in Bangor with medals won and records broken.

The club had their highest ever entry in the competition with 21 swimmers reaching qualifying times for this international event, which also featured a number of the British team, including world and European record holder Adam Peaty along with many Irish Olympic hopefuls.

Chief among the achievements came from the 4x200m freestyle relay team of Aisling Rowlands, Caoimhe Dowling, Grace Hodgins and Nemone Rogers, who broke the Irish Junior Club record with their time of 8:48.44.

In a cracking race, they were only beaten to the gold medal by Ards who took six seconds off the previous Irish senior record, held since 2013 by UCD, with a blistering pace of 8:28.85.

On the individual front, day two proved a spectacular one as Grace Hodgins – aged just 15 – produced an incredible swim to finish in runners-up position in the 800m freestyle.

In an epic race, less than a second covered the first three finishers who went stroke for stroke throughout the contest with Ards’ Amelia Kane coming home in first, touching the wall in 9:09.32.

Hodgins came in 9:09.93, out-reaching Perth City’s Katherine Bailey in 9:10.02.

Hodgins also took bronze in the 1,500m freestyle, making it a weekend to remember for her on an individual front.

Again, it was a fierce battle with Bailey and Kane with the latter winning the gold with six seconds to spare over Bailey.

HOCKEY

Trojan’s Grace Hodgins, left, with Amelia Kane and Katherine Bailey following the 800m final

Monkstown celebrate a Davy Carson goal. Picture: Deryck Vincent

Monkstown close gap at the top of men’s league

Hannah Poynton, aged 12, was another youngster to land a medal as she took gold in the girls 200m butterfly in a time of 2:46.64.

Outside of the medalists, the club also recorded 20 club records over the four days of competition, much to the pleasure of the coaching team of Jonathan Preston, Niamh Byrne and Lucy Gaynor.

That included 96 swims and 17 final appearances and their performances played a role in a memorable weekend all round.

Swim Ireland’s national performance director Jon Rudd said of the event: “This last four days of competition has provided all of the athletes here with an excellent racing platform into their upcoming Olympic Trials.

“The environment for racing in Bangor is first-class and the format of the competition along with the slick and professional operation of it could not be better for what coaches and athletes are looking for at this stage of the season.”

MONKSTOWN came back from a goal down to beat Corinthian 5-1 at the ALD Merrion Fleet Arena, cutting Lisnagarvey’s lead at the top of the men’s EY Hockey League back to five points, albeit with a game extra played.

Calum Adair netted for the reds in the first minute when Peter Caruth took a quick free which the teenager controlled before hitting home into the backboard. Town were level in the ninth minute thanks to a Rory Nichols dragflick.

It was 2-1 before the end of the first quarter with some pretty impressive skills and touches from Davy Carson putting him in position to lob the ball over Charlie Henderson.

The second quarter remained scoreless before Town ran riot in the second half. Ross Quirke was fed by Karl Lynch whose quick pass was lifted over a stick by Geoff Cole and then hit into the backboard.

Andrew Fogarty made it 4-1 in the 51st minute with a lovely spin and turn in front of goal. And the scoring was complete with five minutes left when Keith Kenning took the ball down impressively and passed to Gareth Watkins.

A lovely run down the right ended with a pass to a diving Quirke who crossed for Carson to finish with a clever touch.

Elsewhere, Three Rock Rovers picked up four points from their two games over the weekend, drawing 2-2 with Banbridge on Saturday before beating UCD 2-1 courtesy of a late Mitch Darling strike. It puts daylight between them and UCD in the battle for a Champions Trophy place.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 27 February 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

RUGBY: BALLINTEER OLD BOYS WIN NAILBITER

NAOMH OLAF THERE was no winner of the Club Lotto Draw on Sunday 23rd February numbers drawn were 13, 25 and 32. €30 winners were Noelle Connolly, Mick Whyte, Eoin McCaffrey, Liam O’Toole and Una O’Connor. The Jackpot on Sunday 1st March will be €2,800! Only €2 a ticket, available from the Club Bar, Sandyford House and online at www.naomholaf.ie - match 3 numbers to win the jackpot.

Huge congratulations to the senior hurlers from Coláiste Eoin on defeating St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, to win the Leinster Senior Hurling Final on a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-17 last Sunday in Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow. Naomh Olaf players on the panel were Dónal Mac Duinnsléibhe, Finn Ó Múrchú, Cúán Ó Súilleabháin and Harrison Ó Broin. A great achievement for the team and their mentors, well done to all involved!

David Byrne wore the number 3 jersey in last weekend’s Dublin v Donegal fixture in Croke Park and, much to the delight of the supporters of the boys in blue, made a break and ran through to score a vital point. Well done to David and his team mates, you certainly kept everyone on tenterhooks!

Well done to Luke Murphy-Guinane and the Under 20 Dublin Footballers who secured their place in the Leinster Under 20 Football Final after beating Meath at Parnell Park last Saturday.

Old Wesley on the charge against City of Armagh. Picture: John Crothers

SHANKILL THE club Chase the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s there was no winner of the jackpot and the €50 prize went to S Hanks.

This week’s jackpot is €1800. Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5 available in the pub.

Our Easter Camp for boys and girls begins on Tuesday 14th April in Stonebridge Road. Places are limited see our Facebook page for details or call Steve 087 6414123.

We are delighted to be chosen by the LGFA as one of only of only thirty clubs from across the country for the Gaelic4Teens initiative. This programme is for girls in the 13 to 17 years age group who are most lightly to give up sport and never to return. More information to follow.

Operation Transformation the last walk is this Thursday. Meet at 6.45pm at St Anne’s resource centre.

Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others, a group has been set up catering for all ages, all abilities, no experience of GAA games necessary. This is a fun social group and its FREE. The venue is Scoil Mhuire from 7pm to

8pm on Tuesday nights, PM us on Facebook or contact Steve 087 6414123.

Our Adult Ladies and Men’s teams are already preparing for next year. If you would like to join us and represent your Village see below for details.

The juvenile Academy which is for boys and girls from 4 to 7 years of age and sponsored

by O Donnell’s Pharmacy Shankill is in action at 10.00am on Saturdays in St Anne’s, Rathmichael and Scoil Mhuire National Schools.

The cost is only €2 per child there is no annual subscription and all equipment is provided free of charge. For details of our Ladies adult football teams e-mail stevedavis203@ gmail.com or contact Steve Davis 087 6414123. The men’s adult football team contact Kevin Martin 086 8449902.

For more information on the club, contact, secretary.shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 6072746. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club, where we all belong.

WANDERERS LOTTO: No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 24-26-28. €25 goes to Phil Gallagher, Martin Gallagher, M Kelly, Gillian O’Flaherty .

Jackpot next week is €10,000.

As our lotto is now at €10k we have started a background which is sitting currently at €2,200. When the €10k is won our new lotto will start from the background draw. Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page.

If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754.

If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info.

Our Juvenile training is on Saturday mornings and Wed evenings along with the nursery on Saturday mornings, please contact Fergal on 0876213142 for more details, the club is looking for new members at all levels so please reach out as per above if interested.

If you would like a Match Report or Photos submitted to the website or press please contact pro@wanderersgaa.ie. All items for the club notes must be submitted by Sunday evening to pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

Wes back on form AIL DIVISION 1B Old Wesley City of Armagh

14 12

OLD Wesley got back on the winning trail after a number of recent setbacks with a narrow 14-12 victory over City of Armagh at Energia Park, Donnybrook last Saturday.

T h i s wa s a l ive l y game between two wellmatched sides but Wesley will feel that the result should have been put to bed earlier in the contest.

Armagh came out of the blocks quickly and exerted strong early pressure on the home defence which was finally lifted with an excellent tackle

by David Poff.

The Wesley scrum was

dominant throughout and this manifested itself on 10 minutes when a scrum penalty was awarded but, unfortunately, Rory Stynes missed the relatively easy kick.

With their set piece dominance, Wes were camped in the Armagh half and only an excellent clearance from the visitors’ out half, Cormac Fox, relieved the incessant Wesley pressure, albeit temporarily.

The first score came on 28 minutes when, after three scrum penalties near the Armagh line, the referee inevitably awarded a penalty try to Wesley.

Armagh, to their credit, struck back immediately and only heroic defence

COMMUNITY GAMES Marley Grange on top form MARLEY Grange’s Under-15

boys and girls’ badminton team both shone at the Dublin Community Games finals last weekend.

The boys team of Artiom Savchuk, Calum Douglas, Mak Drewzin, Gonzalo Vallecillo and Marius Clain were winners from their competition and move on to the Leinster finals.

The girls team of Sarah Wang, Emer Cummins, Emily Skurykhin, Alannah Li, Aoife Ryan and Libby Dillon were runners-up.

held them up over the line. Armagh maintained a foothold in the 22 and a superbly timed pass from Fox to Shea O’Brien sent the winger sprinting over the line and Fox added the extras for 7-7.

Wesley’s reaction was instantaneous and they spent the remainder of the half exerting enormous pressure but a combination of missed opportunity and excellent Armagh defence saw the scoreline remain unaltered.

Then, in the second half, Armagh went ahead on 46 minutes when a wayward quick throw-in on the Wesley line led to the concession of a very soft try for second row Robbie Whitten.

Fox hit the post with the conversion which would later prove crucial.

This was a prelude to a good spell from the visitors and scrum half Harry Doyle made an excellent break but an obstruction in midfield led to a Wesley penalty.

On 52 minutes, Wesley out-half Tom Kiersey made a trademark break to lift the pressure and the home side went up a gear.

After further strong scrum pressure and resulting penalties, the referee was left with no option but to award a second penalty try to put Wesley back in the lead by 14-12.

It was the last score and keeps Wes in a share of second place.

27 February 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

LADIES FOOTBALL: SECOND SUCCESSIVE DEFEAT FOR MICK BOHAN’S SIDE

Goal-hungry Galway too strong for Dubs who drop to fifth spot LIDL NFL DIVISION ONE Galway Crumlin  DAIRE WALSH sport@dublingazette.com

4-6 2-6

DUBLIN’S Lidl National Football League Division 1 prospects suffered a setback at the hands of a goal-hungry Galway at the DCU Sportsgrounds, dropping to fifth in the table.

With the Leonard cousins – Roisin and Tracey – recording a combined tally of 3-3, Tim Rabbitt’s charges were worthy victors in this round four clash.

Carla Rowe once again led the way for Dublin with a 1-4 tally as Mick Bohan’s side succumbed to a second defeat on the bounce.

This game was a repeat of last year’s TG4 All-Ireland Senior decider when Dublin secured their third national title in succession courtesy of a 2-3 to 0-4 victory.

Fo l l ow i n g e a r l y t r a d e d f re e s between Galway’s Roisin Leonard and Rowe, Ailbhe Davoren’s powerful tenth-minute strike found the roof of the Dublin net.

Despite suffering this early set-back, the hosts responded immediately with a three-pointer of their own from the impressive Rowe.

The Tribeswomen continued to pose a threat in attack, however, and bagged their second goal of the contest on the first-quarter mark.

The industrious Davoren released Tracey Leonard in space and the Corofin ace angled a low shot beyond the reach of Dublin goalkeeper Ciara Trant.

The 2019 All-Star has started the season in spectacular style and subsequently added a point to stretch the visitors further in front.

While another Rowe effort offered the Metropolitans some respite, Roisin Leonard matched her relative’s opening haul of 1-1 by firing into the bottom left-hand corner in the 23rd minute.

This provided Galway with a convincing 3-2 to 1-2 interval cushion, which was extended on the resumption thanks to Andrea Trill’s quickfire two-point salvo.

And they effectively placed the

O’Dell and Lavin on the mark as U-20s march on

Cuala’s Jennifer Dunne battles with Galway’s Siobhan Divilly for a high ball.

Picture: Piaras O Midheach

outcome beyond doubt when Roisin Leonard fired home at the tightest of angles for her second goal on 41 minutes. A free from Tracy Leonard bolstered her side’s stranglehold on the proceedings, before Rowe fired back with a much-needed point for Dublin at the opposite end.

Dunne also cancelled out Trill’s third

score for Galway in advance of a strong finish from the 2018 league champions. After converting her fourth free of the day, Rowe coolly slotted a 59th minute penalty past Dearbhla Gower.

Muireann Ní Scanaill also flicked over a late point, but Galway had already done enough to secure a third successive triumph by that stage.

HURLING: Booterstown boys storm to Leinster schools A hurling championship crown A DARA Puirséil goal as the game moved into added time saw Coláiste Eoin defeat St Kieran’s Kilkenny (1-16 to 0-17) in Sunday’s Top Oil Leinster Schools SHC ‘A’ final at Netwatch Cullen Park.

In the five minutes added time, Eoin showed great team work and mettle to hold out for victory and become the new Corn Uí Dhuill champions.

With Kieran’s defending a 0-16 to 0-15 lead as the game moved into added time Puirséil dodged his way through on goal before showing great awareness to bat to the net. It was a terrific encounter with some

FOOTBALL

real stand-out displays.

The sides were level a total of nine times over the course of the hourplus, including at half-time (0-6 each).

Coláiste Eoin were strong down the spine of their defence with Brian Mac Sithigh and Ian O hEithir enjoying influential roles.

Odhrán Mac Gerailt gave the Booterstown school great presence around the middle-third while up front, Purséil hit 1-2 from play, including the match-winning goal, while Breandán O Scanláin converted five frees.

TEMPLEOGUE Synge Street’s Lorcan O’Dell landed 1-2 as Dublin’s Under-20 footballers progressed to the EirGrid Leinster Under-20 football championship final following a comprehensive provincial semi-final victory over Meath at Parnell Park on Saturday.

The Dubs laid the platform for the victory in the opening half as they led 1-8 to 0-3 at the half-time interval having played with the elements and eventually ran out 2-14 to 0-7 winners.

Kieran McKeon opened Dublin’s account in the second minute before Luke Swan got the first goal in the second minute when he finished Ciarán Archer’s angled goal effort to the Meath net.

Points from midfielder Evan Caulfield, who tallied 0-3 from play overall, and Luke Swan gave Dublin an early seven-point advantage.

Meath failed to score from play in the opening half, all their three scores coming from placed ball, while the hard-working Lucan Sarsfields man Mark Lavin chipped in with two fine points for Dublin towards the close of the opening half.

Three minutes into the second half O’Dell carved through the middle of the Meath defence before finishing to the net with poise to see his side move 2-8 to 0-3 in front. And that pretty much ended the tie as a contest. The final will be played on March 6 against Laois.

GazetteSPORT FEB 27 - MARCH 4, 2020

ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

LEINSTER BREAKTHROUGH

Shankill’s Steph back to delight WNL crowds  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

HURLING:

Colaiste Eoin land the Leinster schools senior hurling championship crown for the first time.

SEE P31

JIBES WASH OVER WATERS SOCCER: Cabo

striker enjoys Bray banter in strong victory. SEE P28

WES BACK ON THE RISE RUGBY: Old Wesley end rough run of results to get back into the promotion chase in AIL Division 1B with win over Armagh.

SEE P30

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SHANK ILL’S Stephanie Roche is the most eye-catching addition to the Women’s National League line-up this year as the much travelled star returns to Peamount United as part of their ambitious plans.

The 54-times-capped Irish international from a year in Serie A with CF Florentia, having taken in France, the United States and England on her travels.

She joins new arrivals Alannah McEvoy (Shelbourne) and Sadhbh Doyle (Galway) at the club, while former Peas winger Sara McKevitt has also returned following a year with Wexford Youths.

Fo r m e r Pe a m o u n t and Ireland playmaker Tiegan Ruddy has also returned following a spell at college in America, though she is still in recovery mode from a serious knee injury.

It’s the arrival of Roche that will set tongues wagging as the return of such a household name will raise the profile of a league that continues to lose its best talent to professional football abroad.

The 30-year-old was nominated for the coveted FIFA Puskas Award for best goal, eventually losing out to Colombia striker James Rodriguez, for a stunning 2014 strike against Wexford Youths.

That goal, caught on video by her then-Peas manager and now mem-

Stephanie Roche in Irish training last October.

Picture: Piaras O MIdheach/Sportsfile

“She’s a great influence. The experience she

got from playing abroad has made her a better player than when she left.“ ber of the Irish set-up, Eileen Gleeson, propelled her to national and international fame.

Spells with ASPTT Albi, Houston Dash and Sunderland followed before, following a nasty knee injury sustained on international duty, she signed for Florentia at the beginning of last year.

Following a globe-trotting six years, Roche has opted to return to Dublin and her former club

Peamount, where she will join up with James O’Callaghan’s league champions.

“Everybody knows the name of Steph, from the goal she got, so she’s a high-profile player,” O’Callaghan told Dublin Gazette.

“She scored the goal for Peamount and she’s been on the journey she’s been on and she’s coming back home now, and she’s coming back to Peamount, so it’s great

to have.

“Steph has been on amazing journey since she got that amazing goal. She was finishing up in Italy and it was an opportunity to bring her back to Peamount, and she’s another exciting player.

“She’s a great influence. The experience she got from playing abroad has made her a better player than when she left. I’m hoping she can use that experience and

be a great help with the younger players in the team.”

Roche was recalled to the Ireland set-up after a long injury recovery but was left out of Vera Pa uw ’s m o s t re c e n t squad for the home game with Greece and trip to Montenegro in March.

“She was brought back into the squad recently but, for whatever reason,she’s not in the latest one,” O’Callghan added.

“She’s back with Peamount now and hopefully she can put in some good performances and get back into that squad.

“The Women’s National League is a very good standard. It’s improving all the time. I know it’s amateur at the moment.

“I’d like to think, down the road, it could even get up to semi-professional standard. Players coming back into the league, the likes of Steph, can only help that process.”