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DISCIPLINARY HEARING OVER TWEETS LED TO REMOVAL FROM COUNCIL
Councillor loses party whip following ‘Sharia Law’ remarks EMMA NOLAN A DUNDRUM Fine Gael councillor has been booted off the council over his controversial tweets. Brian Murphy, who lost the party whip following a disciplinary hearing over his tweets about Sharia Law, said he is “surprised by the severity” of the punishment. “I’m disappointed with the decision,” he said. See Page 6
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TECH HUB | PROJECT SET TO BE MAJOR BOOST FOR LOCAL ECONOMY
Innovation campus to dock at Dun Laoghaire EMMA NOLAN DUN LAOGHAIRE is set for a massive boost as the Old Ferry Terminal is set to be transformed into a 1,000 job “tech hub”. The €20m “Harbour Innovation Campus” investment will house a state-of-the-art shared innovation space for local and international companies and is set to be a major boost for the local economy over the next ten years. However, some local representatives feel that the plans are “premature”. Senator Victor Boyhan (Ind) said: “It is premature to say that this project will actually happen or that it is even appropriate for Dun Laoghaire Harbour given the sites history, zoning, and the status of EU funding that was advanced to the state for the original harbour
terminal.” Due to be up and running in 2018, the 75,000 square foot campus will be the largest innovation hub in Ireland and one of the top five in Europe. The building itself will remain unchanged on the outside, but the inside will be completely repurposed. Visionaries behind the project are Dublin businessman Phillip Gannon and developer Ian Lucey and they believe that the “fabric of Dun Laoghaire itself will be transformed when the 1,000 strong workforce from all over Europe move in and breathe new life into the old ferry terminal”. It is estimated the Campus will additionally bring with it a significant increase in local employment with new jobs in restaurants, shops, facilities, administration, bars and cafes.
FASTNews
Tanaiste congratulates IT firm on milestone release
The campus is expected to be open for business next year
“Dublin yearns for its own coastal innovation hub and this is it,” Mr Gannon said of the plans. “Inside the Campus founders, innovators and entrepreneurs will find several VC funds, a wide range of trained mentors and numerous business advisors all focussed on helping occupants to grow their businesses.” However, Senator Boyhan told
The Gazette he feels that no longterm commercial arrangements or plans for the site should be entered into until a new harbour board has been appointed. Mr Gannon however said that the plans and the site “presents a great opportunity to boost not only Dun Laoghaire and the surrounding areas, but the country as a whole”.
DUN Laoghaire-based technology company Zutec marked its 100th software release last week with a celebratory event in Croke Park opened by Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, who was on hand to congratulate Zutec’s founders. Zutec was founded in 1999 by Brian McGuire and Mike White, and specialises in the digitisation of the construction process on large global building sites. The company has worked on a range of impressive global projects, including Wembley Stadium, The Shard London, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Melbourne Convention Centre. Homebased projects have included the likes of Dublin Airport Terminal 2. The company currently employs 22 people at its Dun Laoghaire headquarters, supported by additional on-site teams worldwide. Over the coming two years, Zutec aims to expand its operations in the North American, Scandinavian and continental European Markets, working with Enterprise Ireland to achieve its global ambition. The company aims to double staff numbers during this expansion phase.
The Good Father playing at Pavilion Theatre
Dynamic duo
SUPERHEROS Riona Farry and Donal Hewson pictured at Merrion Square, for the launch of the Irish League of Credit Unions All Ireland Schools Quiz. Around 25,000 schoolchildren will take part in the competition, now in its 27th year. Schools interested in participating can contact their local credit union to register. Picture: JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY
TO celebrate the 15th anniversary of its original production, multi award-winning Irish theatre company Rise Productions revisits Christian O’Reilly’s smash hit play The Good Father, taking this brand new production on a 10 venue nationwide tour starring Liam Heslin and Rachel O’Byrne in the expectant roles - playing at Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on November 29. The Good Father is sweet story of a mismatched couple who meet accidentally and get more than they bargained for. Tim, a working class lad from a dysfunctional family, and Jane, a heartbroken posh woman, find each other at a drunken New Year’s Eve party, and with a heedless rush of attraction and few precautions, she gets pregnant. Despite every sign to the contrary, and with some consideration of alternative options, they decide to have a child together. With that decision Tim gains new momentum, determined to earn the tribute if the title, while Jane is mostly drifting along, and the chasm between them is not easily bridged.
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A CLONDALKIN councillor is hoping to become Ireland’s entry for Eurovision next year. Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) has submitted his new song “Keep You Warm” for consideration for next year’s contest which will be held in Lisbon, Portugal from May 8 to 12. Cllr Gilligan released his debut EP, “My 1st Album” to rave reviews earlier this year. He told The Gazette that music has always been a passion of his. “It’s something that I’m really interested in,” he said. “I love music, I’ve a passion for it and I’m interested in the Eurovision and I think that with the songs from the past, I don’t think they were us putting our best foot forward. “I think I can bring something to the table when it comes to Ireland’s Eurovision entry.” Cllr Gilligan said that he would love to see Ireland return to the glory days of the 1990s when we won four contests in five years. “If we were capable of doing it then, we’re capable of doing it now,” he said. He added that he felt a good song could overcome any obstacles, such as block voting from other nations. “I think if we put our best song forward the music will overcome any country, any kind of favouritism,” he said. “If the song is good and the vocals are good and the performance is good, I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t win or even if we didn’t win, just put in a good showing to give us something to look forward to and hope for in the future.” In spite of his musical ambitions, Cllr Gilligan said that he won’t be leaving the people of Clondalkin any time soon to pursue fame and fortune. “I do love my politics,” he said. “I’m from Clondalkin, I’ve lived here all my life. “I went to Clonburris and Moyle Park and a lot of the people I would deal with would be people I know from the community – friends, family and so on - and I love what I do.”
GILLIGAN’S GOING FOR EUROVISION GLORY
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Out and About
Sisters Tea and Nia Hadasik with friend Kirsten Colreavy. Pictures: Rose Comiskey
Community enjoys arts and culture Louisa and Kevin McQuiston
Lucy Dowling with little brother, Sam
Juliette Sheehy
L
OCAL people of all ages flocked to the Nutgrove Arts Festival which took place at Nutgrove Shopping Centre recently. The festival is an annual celebration of community arts and culture which is now in its 7th year. The festival has become an integral
Collette and Rebecca Hennessy
part of the local area’s cultural calendar, welcoming a selection of exciting performers, musicians and dancers to take over the centre for ten days each year. The festival works as an informal and exciting medium to experience creativity in all its forms.
Sam Doherty
Jack Doherty on his bike
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POLITICS | MURPHY DEFENDS HIS CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Murphy loses party whip after ‘Sharia law’ tweets EMMA NOLAN A FINE Gael councillor has been kicked off the council for his controversial tweets about Sharia Law. Former councillor Brian Murphy, who represented the Dundrum electoral area, has lost the party whip following a disciplinary hearing over his tweets, which led to him being distanced by many FG party members, including the Taoiseach. In September, the 25-year-old accountant tweeted: “Sharia Law is operating in Ireland and most of the political class either do not know or do not care. It is a subversion of our legal system.”
Another of his tweets (both pictured) read: “Future generations of Europeans will inherit countries more divided, more dangerous and packed full of terrorists. They have been betrayed.” Speaking at the time, Leo Varadkar said that Mr Murphy’s views “do not represent the policies, views or values of the Fine Gael party.” The Fine Gael whip has been removed from Mr Murphy for a year. This means that he is no longer regarded as a Fine Gael councillor. However, he remains a member of the party. It means he will not represent Fine Gael on the council, or any of
its committees, cannot describe himself as a Fine Gael councillor, cannot use the Fine Gael logo on material. The move has been welcomed by Mr Murphy’s party and constituency colleagues, Deputy Josepha Madigan and Senator Neale Richmond. Senator R ichmond said: “I note and welcome the decision taken by the Executive Council of Fine Gael, the comments made by Brian were simply unacceptable and inaccurate. I wish him well for the coming period and I will continue to work hard for the people of Dundrum and our wider community.” Deputy Madigan said
she “strongly disagrees” with the comments made by Mr Murphy and supported the decision by the party’s executive council. “In light of those comments, I agree with Fine Gael’s decision to remove the whip from Cllr Murphy,” she said. Mr Murphy told The Gazette he was “surprised by the severity of the pun-
ishment” but would not be appealing the decision and that he remains committed to Fine Gael. “I won’t be appealing the decision because I don’t want to extend the controversy but I am disappointed.” Mr Murphy said he also plans to run in the next local elections. “I’ll let the people of the constituency decide if they want to
re-elect me. “I’ve been heartened by the amount of goodwill and support from people within the area and the country as a whole.” The news comes as local councillor for the nearby Sandyford/Glencullen ward, Ly nsey McGovern joined Fine Gael after serving as an Independent for the last number of years.
Going all out at the official opening of a new store
SEVERAL new jobs were created in the area when Regatta Great Outdoors officially opened its doors in the heart of Dun Laoghaire on Patrick Street with the first 100 customers receiving a free fleece. The store is the fifth Dublin store with several more planned for the capital this year. Minister of State Mary Mitchell O’Connor (right) was on hand to help with the opening.
FASTNews
It’s all looking good for Essie A TEMPLEOGUE woman has won the Specsavers Look for Longer competition. Essie O’Gara was presented with a pair of much-coveted tickets to the All-Ireland Football Final in September and €5,000 for her nominated club, Ardclough GAA Club in Kildare. The campaign tests GAA fans on their county team knowledge by asking them to identify the 32 counties via a series of cryptic clues displayed on posters and digital formats throughout the country.
Mental health workshops A SERIES of mental health workshops will take place at Saint John of God Hospital in Stillorgan later this month. The three workshops which are focused on Sleep, Worry, Selfesteem, will take place on November, 6, 9 and 16. The sleep workshop will be led by the Occupational Therapy Department and the workshops on Worry and Self Esteem by Dr Keith Gaynor, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Saint John of God Hospital. CBT helps participants challenge their negative or anxious thoughts and reduce the behaviour that reinforces them. Dr Keith Gaynor’s lecture on worry, will inform us on how common this practice is but how ineffective it is as a problem-solving strategy. Each lecture costs €50 to attend booking online at Eventbrite.ie.
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UPGRADES | ‘THIS IS A MUCH-WELCOMED STEP TOWARD EQUALITY’
Disabled accessibility measures for beaches EMMA NOLAN
KILLINEY, Sandycove and Seapoint beaches are to be made accessible for everyone as new disabled accessibility measures are to be put in place. At the council meeting last Tuesday night, Dun Laoghaire Council voted to allocate provisions in the 2018 budget to improve beach accessibility for wheelchair users. Killiney, Sandycove and Seapoint beaches will all enjoy upgrades which will improve disabled accessibility. It is proposed that infrastructural works at the three locations will get underway to upgrade ramps and walkways and
It is hoped that specialist beach wheelchairs, like this one, could be available on at least one of the county’s beaches by next summer
potentially extending walkways out to the sea. Following these improvements, it is hoped that specialised beach wheelchairs will be available on at least one of the beaches in time for summer 2018. Speaking after the meet-
ing Cllr Dave O’Keeffe (PBP) said: “This is a much-welcomed step toward equality for people with disabilities in our area. “We have been campaigning for improved beach access for wheelchair users for a number
of years and this positive budget addition will allow many wheelchair users of Dun Laoghaire to enjoy an amenity that many would take for granted.” He added: “Although this is a fantastic step in the right direction and it should be applauded, we are still waiting for the Government to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. “The convention was signed over a decade ago but has yet to be ratified.” Similar measures have been already introduced in Fingal County Council, where specialist beach wheelchairs are available at South Strand, Skerries, Velvet Strand, Portmar-
DLRCC buys 12 houses in Churchtown EMMA NOLAN DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has purchased 12 houses in Churchtown. T he small housing estate of 12 two-bed houses at Moyola Court was purchased as part of the council’s housing delivery programme. The houses need some refurbishment, but it is expected that they will be completed within six months.
Welcomed Cllr Sorcha Nic Cormaic (SF) welcomed the move, saying: “Even though it will barely make a dent in the housing list, it will provide 12 families with homes in the area and is a step in the right direction. “T he council must be commended for this move and be supported in pur ch as in g mo re dwellings in the area.”
nock and most recently, Balcarrick Beach in Donabate. The plans were warmly welcomed by local man Sean O’Kelly. A full-time wheelchair user from Dalkey, Sean said making the beaches accessible is great progress. He said: “I hugely welcome the plans to make the beaches more accessible. I don’t usually like going to the beach because of how difficult it is to get to, but this will definitely entice me to go now. “As a child, I used to love going to Sandycove beach, but I haven’t been there in a long time, simply because it isn’t accessible, but this is progress.”
Athletics track to be replaced THE ATHLETICS track at UCD is to be replaced following a motion that was passed unanimously by Dundrum councillors. The motion submitted by Cllr John Kennedy (FG) calls upon relevant stakeholders Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, local athletics clubs (including UCD AC and Dundrum South Dublin), Athletics Ireland, the OCI, as well as Government Ministers with Sport as part of their remit to engage seriously and proactively on a collective goal to replace the track. The track closed suddenly over six years ago and was a “massive blow” for the athletics community in the area. Cllr Kennedy said that the closure was meant to be a temporary measure and it is past time it
reopened. “The Olympic movement in Ireland was greatly assisted by the construction of the original Belfield track in 1977 by the then Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave. “It is galling to think that there was a superior facility for athletics within the community 40 years ago that doesn’t exist today. In particular, the athletes from the student body of Ireland’s largest university, UCD, deserve better. “I trust that the Minister for Sport Shane Ross TD will take heed of the unanimous view expressed tonight by local councillors, and act accordingly given that it is both a matter for his constituency Dublin Rathdown and for his Ministerial portfolio also.”
9 November 2017 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 9
COURTS | MAN TO BE SENTENCED OVER CONTENT
Child porn found on ex-teacher’s tech Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor (second-right) is pictured with Making Connections’s board member Laura Ryan, chief executive Mary O’Donohue and volunteer Edel Moran
Connecting and helping to end elders’ isolation
MAKING Connections, a volunteer-led charity group based in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown that works to help end isolation for older citizens, recently took part in a festival of inclusion. Under the festival’s theme of Connecting Communities, volunteers and participants spoke about the impact of volunteer connections in the lives of people, with Making Connections’s work to match carefully-screened volunteers with older citizens for weekly hour-long visits proving a natural fit. Festival guest, Minister of State at the Department of Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor, spoke at the event, where she expressed great admiration for the work the volunteers are doing. Minister Mitchell O’Connor emphasised that everyone in the community can play an active role in supporting and developing solution-based initiatives like Making Connections.
A 58-YEAR-OLD former teacher and table tennis coach is to be sentenced on Friday for possession of child pornography five and a half years ago. John O’Donoghue pleaded guilty earlier this year to a single count of possessing the pornographic material at his former home in Weaver’s Hall, Stepaside, on March 27, 2012. In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Garda Brian Davoren told Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, that gardai searched the premises on foot of confidential information received in 2008. They retrieved a total of 2,500 images and 13 movie files of child pornography,
contained on a computer, laptop, memory stick and two external hard drives. O’Donoghue, with an address at Leinster Square, Rathmines, has four previous convictions of indecent assault of a young boy in 2013, for which he received a three-and-ahalf year sentence with the final 18 months suspended. The court heard that when O’Donoghue was arrested last December and was shown the computers seized from his former home, he said: “It’s not my PC.” When told about the images discovered by gardai, O’Donoghue said he “wasn’t aware” that they were on his equipment,
and added: “Look, I find this to be disgusting and I do not look at child pornography. “The fact that children may have been hurt in making these, I am seriously upset about that.” Mar y Rose Gear ty SC, defending, said that through nobody’s fault, there had been a systemic delay in bringing this case to court, but that in the interim, O’Donoghue had taken significant steps to rehabilitate himself. “The man being sentenced today is not the man arrested in 2012, because he has since pleaded guilty, served a sentence and completed a Safer Lives programme on his release from prison.
“He is a different person,” said Ms Gearty. She said he had resigned his job as a teacher “for obvious reasons” and had engaged in individual and group therapy. She said O’Donoghue’s social life had revolved around table tennis, but that he had given up coaching the sport so as not to be around young people. The court heard that O’Donoghue will be on the list of Child Sex Offenders indefinitely. Judge Patricia Ryan said she would require time to read the detailed reports submitted by the defence. She adjourned the case for sentencing on Friday, November 10.
10 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 9 November 2017
Out and About
St Patrick’s Girls National School Ballyroan celebrate with the Corn An Chladaigh cup, following their side’s victory over Scoil Bhride Raghnallach. Pictures: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Emma McDonagh and Karrie Rudden of St Patrick’s GNS Ballyroan celebrate following their side’s victory
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Schools enjoy big day out at Croke Park Ballyroan BNS players celebrate winning the Corn Kitterick shield
C
ROKE Park was thronged last week for the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol finals with hundreds of primary school children from around South Dublin enjoying a big day out on the hallowed turf. The venue played host to two days of finals of the annual primary schools Gaelic football finals with over a dozen titles on the line, all played out in front of fervent support from the children’s schoolmates and their families. Dublin senior football stars Jonny Cooper and Ciaran Kilkenny were also on hand to add to the occasion, taking selfies with groups of fans and players in tandem with the Sam Maguire trophy.
Ruairi Deignan of Ballyroan BNS poses for a picture after winning the Corn Kitterick shield
Dylan Timbs of St Mary’s BNS Rathfarnham in action
Aoife Brown of St Patrick’s NS Diswellstown in action
against Massimo Pappalardo of St Mary’s BNS Lucan.
against Evie Dowling of Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS
Pictures: Cody Glenn/Sportsfile
Johnstown. Pictures: Evie O’Brien/Sportsfile
12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
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DUBLINLIFE Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week
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CRAFTS: TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY A WONDERFUL, RELAXING PASTIME MAKE IT GAME, SET AND MATCH FOR TENNIS BALL-LOVING MARLEY OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Marley. Marley is 6, a female Collie cross. Poor Marley has been given up on so many times by people and it has taken its toll on her. Marley is super sweet and affectionate but as people have abandoned her in the past, she has lost her ability to trust any new people that she meets. Marley is exceptionally clever and would excel in all kinds of training. She needs an adult only home with someone who is home full time to help work on building her confidence and helping her to become used to spending periods of time alone. If you’re looking to give a very special and very beautiful dog the chance at life that they truly deserve, then Marley could be the lady you’ve been looking for. Marley loves tennis balls, in fact it is probably the way to her heart so make sure to have one if you come to meet her! Contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000; they are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website, www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook, at www. facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline, or on Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.
Get hooked on knitting CRAFT enthusiasts are gearing up for this year’s Knitting and Stitching Show which is on in the RDS this month. To get in the mood for the country’s longest running textile event, The Gazette asked Marina Hand of Winnie the Wool Wagon and Winnie’s Craft Cafe in Booterstown for her top tips for those thinking of starting or returning to knitting. “Knitting is a wonderful, relaxing and practical pastime,” Marina said. “Here are our tips for those thinking of learning (or revisiting) this skill.” 1. Go for the easy win. Pick a simple project to start with. A scarf or a cowl in chunky wool means that you will quickly see the fruits of your work, which is always encouraging. Even if you knitted complicated patterns years ago, it is good to warm up the knitting muscles gently! 2. Pick colours you love, even if you are knitting for somebody else.
Winnie’s Craft Cafe at the Knitting and Stitching Show
You will be spending quite some time with your knitting, so you want to make sure that you will have a good relationship! 3. Avoid really dark colours. With the darker evenings, you will only stress yourself trying to see your stitches if you make a mistake. Yes, grey is really on trend
at the moment, but a light or midgrey is just as nice and not half as difficult to work with! 4. Embellishments. A simple garter stitch scarf or hat can be made really stylish with a pompom, button or simple crochet flower. 5. If you can’t make it, fake it! Craft shops are currently full of
knitted hats and scarves. Buy a plain one and make it your own with buttons, pompoms, felt and crocheted flowers. Let loose your creative side! 6. Winnie’s Theory on the Separation of Knitters – you are never more than two steps away from a knitter! If you are stuck, ask a friend. You would be surprised how many closet crafters there are out there! The community of knitters is also extremely connected and helpful, so, welcome on board! 7. The Knitting and Stitching Show is a great place to get inspiration and meet fellow crafters. Call a couple of your friends and make a day of it. Comfortable shoes and a big bag are a must. Winnie’s Craft Cafe is based in Booterstown and has a wide range of yarns for all tastes and budgets. They will be exhibiting at the Knitting & Stitching Show from November 9 to 12 in the RDS. Stand D34 or check them out on www.WinnieTheWoolWagon. com.
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Designer, tech entrepreneur and founder of Dress For Success Sonya Lennon with Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee and Dublin City Councillor Claire Byrne (GP) launching the equal pay campaign. Picture: Sam Boal
Addressing the gender pay gap
MANDATORY shared parental leave, more affordable childcare, and initiatives to tackle gender stereotyping are amongst the measures needed to address the gender pay gap, according to Dress for Success Dublin, the charity that supports women to enter the workforce and succeed at work. The charity has launched a month-long campaign to highlight the gender pay gap and raise funds to support more women back to work. Launching the Equal Pay campaign, Sonya Lennon, founder of Dress for Success Dublin and a wellknown designer and tech entrepreneur, said women in more precarious jobs and on lower salaries are “often overlooked” in discussions on gender equality. “Since we held our inaugural Equal Pay campaign last year, there has been a lot of debate on the gender pay gap, and some welcome policy moves to ensure greater equality at work,” she said.
“However, at Dress for Success Dublin, we are concerned that the majority of discourse on this issue focuses on higher-income earners working in corporate settings. “We believe the experiences of the poorest and most vulnerable women in Irish society are often overlooked. “Addressing gender inequality in an equitable and sustainable way requires removing barriers to economic independence regardless of income or educational attainment levels.” Dress for Success Dublin made a submission to the Government’s recent consultation on the gender pay gap, outlining the actions the organisation believes should be taken to effectively tackle the gender pay gap. Further information is available at www.dressforsuccessdublin.org.
INNOVATION | MAKING SIGNIFICANT SOCIETAL IMPACTS
Funding solutions to our city’s challenges SMART Dublin and Enterprise Ireland have provided funding to 16 Dublin companies as part of a scheme to solve city challenges. Solutions will be tested to address illegal dumping, to monitor and predict blocked gullies in high risk flooding areas and to design innovative wayfinding solutions across the Dublin region. The programme is being delivered through Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research programme and is also a key action in the Dublin Action Plan for Jobs. The challenges announced last May generated almost 200 expressions of interest with 40 proposals submitted and evaluated by industry, academic and
city experts. Of those, 16 have been awarded phase 1 funding of circa €12,500 alongside supports from Smart Dublin to research and demonstrate the viability of their solution before the end of 2017. Following this, a number of phase 2 contracts worth €25,000 to €50,000 each will be awarded to prototype the solutions in the city. “This is an outstanding cohort of companies and we look forward to working with them over the coming months across the four Dublin local authorities,” said Philomena Poole, chair of Smart Dublin. “We will support them to build new products and services that address our challenges, in turn
creating new job opportunities and supporting the companies to scaleup internationally.” Maria Gavin, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Small Business Innovation Research is recognised internationally as a proven approach that works for both public bodies and companies. “It facilitates SMEs with early stage ideas to access public sector procurement opportunities. “I commend Smart Dublin for expanding their programme to take in three challenges and 16 new companies. “This new fund has the potential to create in-demand technologies and innovations which can be adopted quickly to make positive and significant societal impacts.”
GAZETTE
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DUBLINLIFE
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CAMPAIGN: CALLING ON DUBLIN TO ‘BE THE DIFFERENCE’ IN MEN’S HEALTH
Mo Bros unite to kick-start Movember
THIS year, Movember is calling on Dublin to “be the difference” in men’s health and sign up. John “Coach” Kavanagh and his brother, the king of snapchat James, have teamed up to launch the annual campaign for the world’s largest men’s health charity. As the only global charity focused solely on men’s health, Movember aims to impact the lives of Irish men by helping them take control of their health. The Kavanagh Mo Bros were on hand at the launch to add their voices to the campaign in hopes that they will raise awareness for men’s health and what men can do to
take care of their health. Speaking at the launch John said: “I am getting behind the Movember 2017 campaign because I know men are not talking about their health enough, both physical and mental, and we need to get a big conversation going so men know what they can do to safeguard their future health.” James added: “Movember is not just about growing a moustache for November! People should log on to Movember. com to register and get involved, and raise funds by hosting your own event or donating online.” Since launching in Ireland in 2008, Movember has been the primary funder of prostate
Eoin O’Neill, president, British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Alison Cotter BICC, with RNLI volunteers Chris Watson, Damien Payne, Kieran O’Connell, Laura Jackson, Craig Macintosh, Eamon O’Leary at their lifeboat station. Picture: Paul Sherwood
Social media star James Kavanagh and his brother, Irish martial arts coach John “Coach” Kavanagh , who united to launch the annual campaign for the world’s largest men’s health charity, Movember, at Sam’s Barbers in Dublin. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
cancer initiatives in Ireland through a partnership with the Irish Cancer Society. The charity highlights that most cancers are treatable and preventable – through early detection and small lifestyle changes. To help Movember raise funds for men’s health go to Movember.com to sign up or donate.
GERALDINE GEARS UP TO SHOW OFF HER WORK AN animal-loving ar tist who creates portraits of pets designed to make people smile, will be showing her colourful work at Ireland’s premier art fair Art Source, in the RDS from November 10-12. Geraldine Murphy creates animal-inspired wall hangings using copper sheeting and colourful vitreous enamel. “Every single living creature in this world is significant and I love capturing the special qualities each animal has, both physical and emotional,” said Geraldine. “I try to make something that people can easily relate to, that is uplifting and tells them something about their own life and most importantly that makes them smile.” Art Source takes place at the RDS, Dublin, from November 10-12, admission is €10 adults,
€8 OAPs. Children under 16 free only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Opening times: Friday Nov 10: 11am-9pm, Sat Nov 11: 10am-6pm, Sun Nov 12: 10am6pm.
CHARITY LUNCHEON IN AID OF THE RNLI THE British Irish Chamber of Commerce will host a Seasonal Charity Luncheon in aid of RNLI volunteer lifeboat. This event is open to businesses and organisations across the capital to join in and show their support. The fundraising event for the RNLI will take place in the Shelbourne Hotel at 12.30pm on Thursday, November 16. A five-star raffle will be held with many fabulous prizes from RTE, CityJet, the InterContinental Hotel, Applegreen, Nuala Woulfe and many more. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will deliver the keynote address at the event followed by first-hand accounts of the lifesaving work undertaken by the charity provided by volunteer crewmembers from Dun Laoghaire RNLI and closing with guest entertainment from critically acclaimed comedian Colm O’Regan. Announcing the event, John McGrane, Director-General
of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, said: “In the RNLI, the Chamber sees an organisation that demonstrates the strong ties between coastal communities across Great Britain and Ireland. “The lifesaving work undertaken by the RNLI crews is awe-inspiring and speaks to the strength of the bonds across all islands.” For those wishing to book a ticket to the charity event and demonstrate their support for the work undertaken by the RNLI please contact the Chamber’s event manager alison.cotter@britishirishchamber.com. Tickets are on sale now at a cost of €150 per seat with all proceeds going directly to the RNLI.
official war artist and Kollwitz who lived through WW1 in Germany, and lost her son in combat early in the conflict. Aftermath also includes a contemporary piece by Garrett Phelan who has produced new artwork, one in sound, the other in clay, in response to Orpen’s experience in the Somme in 1917. There will also be a Remembrance concert in the Shaw Room on Sunday, November 12 at 3.30pm, featuring performances from Fionnuala Moynihan, Deirdre Moynihan, Ficino Ensemble.
CHRONICLING THE TERRORS OF WAR THE National Gallery of Ireland have announced a special programme in honour of Remembrance Weekend. On November 11 and 12, visitors can view two exhibitions chronicling the terrors of war: Aftermath: The War Landscapes of William Orpen and Kathe Kollwitz: Life, Death and War. Both artists had direct experience of the war, Orpen as an
Artist and jewellery maker Geraldine Murphy with her dog Murf. Picture: Rara Photography
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15
16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
Out and About
Producer Jamie D’alton and director Gavin Imelda May
Fitzgerald
Conor meets fans
McGregor biopic beats box office
Artem Lobov, Owen Roddy, Conor McGregor and John Kavanagh. Pictures: Brian McEvoy
T
HE new documentary about UFC champion Conor McGregor has knocked out the box office with the biggest opening weekend of any Irish film so far this year. Filmed over the course of four years, Conor McGregor: Notorious observes how the biggest star in MMA rose to the top. With exclusive access, it includes highlights of McGregor’s career such as winning the UFC championship belt, his shock loss to rival Nate Diaz and his record-breaking Las Vegas bout against Floyd Mayweather. The biopic was given its first public screening at the Savoy Cinema last week and the stars were out in force.
Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin
Glenda Gilson
Owen Roddy and Kellie Roddy
Lisa Cannon
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
Out and About
Roz Purcell
Producer Jamie D’alton, Conor McGregor and director Gavin Fitzgerald
Erin McGregor
GAZETTE
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE
FOOD&DRINK
12 Dublin eateries curry favour at top competition TWELVE Dublin eateries took home gold awards at the Irish Curry Awards at the Crowne Plaze, Belfast. Indie Spice Grill Swords, Masala, Kathmandu Kitchen, Kasturi, 3 Leaves, Banaras, Veda, Indie Spice Sandymount, Chameleon, Nightmarket, Tamarind and Saba 2 Go were among the winners. The awards were created by Belfast-based restaurateur Askir Ali to recognise the contribution made to Ireland’s food scene by hundreds of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and other Asian chefs, restaurant workers and managers. Speaking on the success of the event, founderAskirAli said: “Curry may have been born in
India, but it has grown and matured across Ireland. The Irish Curry Awards are recognition of that. “I was really surprised and thrilled to see the level of support that was out there for the Irish Curry Awards and I am delighted that year two has been just as successful as the first. “Nominations were up this year and the standard was too. “We had in place a broad mix of judges and food critics onboard again this year.” A total of 18 Asian eateries in Dublin won either gold or silver on the night. Plans have already been put in place for next year’s event which will mark the third year of the Irish Curry Awards.
Judge Gillian Nelis presenting Best Restaurant to Nightmarket
WIN! Best Newcomer Banaras
Young Dublin chef reaches semi-finals with delish dish A DUBLIN-BASED chef has reached the semi-final stage of the San Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 competition. Chef de Partie at The Clayton, Dublin Airport Romuald Bukaty will submit his ‘Hey John Dory’ dish for the competition. He will be joined in the UK and Ireland semi-final by Killian Crowley, Chef de Partie at Galway’s Anair Restaurant and Michael Tweedie, Head Chef at The Oakroom, Adare Manor They have been selected from thousands of applications submitted by young chefs from over 90 different countries. These semi-finalists will compete in their local challenge in Aveqia, London on November 20.
Chef Romuald Bukaty’s Hey John Dory’ dish
To celebrate three years in business, we’ve teamed up with Coolock Tile Outlet to offer you the chance to #WIN one of two FDO Bluetooth mirrors (RRP €399 each). Main features of these mirrors are: 1. Demister, your mirror doesn’t fog up when in the shower or bath. 2. Clock display, so you know how long you are spending in the bath/ shower. 3. Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect your phone/ tablet to play all your media. 4. IP44 rated for safety in your electrics. TWO FAMILY MEMBERS from Coolock are celebrating three successful years in business this month. Sean Hanley and Noel Byrne have 45 years’ experience in the construction industry between them and their company, Coolock Tile Outlet has gone from strength to strength since opening three years ago. “We opened our doors on 17th November 2014, since then we have been growing and expanding and coming up with new ideas and products bringing quality and diversity to our customers.” New products available exclusively at
HOW TO ENTER:
Coolock Tile Outlet include Top Ciment and Venta Windows. “If you are looking to renovate your home, come to us and we along with our resident experts, will help and guide you with your design ideas,” Sean added. Coolock Tile Outlet pride themselves on the high level of customer care they provide and encourage customers to visit the showroom, have a coffee and discuss their plans and ideas. Coolock Tile Outlet is a one stop shop for all your home renovation needs with more than just tiles on offer. As well as a vast range of tiles, other types
To be in with a chance of winning one of these great prizes, simply visit the #TileOutletCoolock post on Dublin Gazette Newspapers Facebook page and follow the instructions or email your contact details (name, address & contact number) to competitions@dublingazette.com. Closing date for entries is Friday 17th November 2017
of flooring, such as solid and semi-solid wood, lino, carpets are also available in store. They also stock various types of furniture, internal doors, staircases, kitchens and tools. “We started here as a tile and bathroom store but have gone into the renovation market in order to give our customers more choice and value.” Visit Coolock Tile Outlet at 101 Newtown Ave, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Dublin 17 or find out more on our Facebook page Coolock Tile Outlet.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
REAL LIFE: CLAIRE’S LIFE HAS GREATLY IMPROVED SINCE USING SMOVEY DEVICE MARK O’BRIEN WHEN people think of Parkinson’s disease, they usually think of it as a disease that affects the elderly. But one in 20 people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are actually diagnosed when they are under 40. Claire Connolly (28) is one of those people. Originally from Clare but now living in Rathmines, Claire told T he Gazette that she began experiencing symptoms 8 years ago when she was still in college. “I was diagnosed at 24 but I probably had symptoms since I was 20,” she said. Claire initially went to her doctor after she had a number of falls. “I went to physios and went to doctors and it was all fine and then this tremor started happening in my foot and I thought ‘that’s not right, I can’t stop that’,” she said. “It wasn’t a major tremor, it was very slight, so I went to the doctor and I got put on a waiting list for a neurologist
and eventually when I got round to the neurologist he said ‘whatever you have we’ll be able to sort it’.” But Claire’s symptoms began to get worse and she experienced tremors in her hands, her walking became affected and she suffered from fatigue. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s but there are ways of managing the condition. --------------------------------
‘I was diagnosed at 24 but I probably had symptoms since I was 20’
--------------------------------
“With Parkinson’s, you need a balance of exercise, diet and medication,” said Claire. After moving to Dublin two years ago, Claire became involved with Young Parkinson’s Ireland. Through the group, Claire met Irene Treacy from Smovey Health
‘I was diagnosed at 24, but I won’t let Parkinson’s win’ who introduced her to their Smovey device. The device, which weighs 1lb and includes four metal balls that run freely inside the hollow plastic tubes is designed to stabilise the back and spine while people are working out and has proved to be very beneficial to people with Parkinson’s. Claire had been falling often and would often experience muscle cramps but she said that since she started using the device, her movement and balance have improved greatly. “I live in Rathmines, I get the Luas out to Stillorgan
every day and I walk from Stillorgan down the road to work,” she said. “Ever y day got easier and better. I walked with my knees before I used the Smovey and now I walk with my hips.” Claire now teaches an exercise class in Harold’s Cross that helps other people with Parkinson’s. Claire says that becoming involved with Young Parkinson’s Ireland and Smovey Health have had a hugely positive effect on her quality of life but there’s no doubt that her own positive attitude has also played a part.
“I can go one way or the other,” she said. “I can say ‘right I’ve got this, I’m not going to let it win, I’m going to fight my corner and still do full-time work until as far as I can go’ or I can get upset about it and get annoyed about it and sure that’s no good for my body or my mind.” For details on S m ove y, p l e a s e visit www.smoveyhealth.com.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21
DUBLINLIFE
JAMES HENDICOTT FROM (kind of) faking his own death to releasing a single album with enough tracks to fill an entire radio show, No Monster Club’s Bobby Aherne recalls a career that’s hard to define. BOBBY AHERNE doesn’t particularly like convention. As a core member of the wonderful Popical Island collective, a loosely formed Dublin record label that thrives on collaboration, his main outlet No Monster Club has been flirting with the fringes of the Irish music scene for some time, performing lyrically sharp bubblegum pop. His themes are broad, their coherence, perhaps, coming from the fact that No Monster Club is emphatically not about the conventional pop subjects. Bursting with colour, Aherne’s tracks explore Africa, wish retirement on an artist he’s sick of hearing, riff on the buzz of charity shops, and happily harmonize on drinking and smoking in parks. In his latest project, he’s releasing a short EP every month for all of 2017. “I didn’t want to do a whole album again, as it’s such a big project,” Aherne tells us, and as a man who once released a record with over forty tracks on it, an album might be bigger for him than most. “I just wanted to do songs this year without having to be coherent. There have been songs as a band, as a three-piece, and just solo stuff, as well as longer, more thematic pieces. With this project, I have the freedom to do that.” The result is - in the best possible way weird. On the latest two-track, Aherne explores the festival of Samhain, but throws an Ace of Base cover as a b-side (“it’s okay, because it’s one of the tracks that isn’t written by the Nazi one in the band”). Earlier releases - each presented with a kind of abstract, newspaper print EP cover include a cover of Lally Stott’s 70s hit ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’ and a jaunty summer ode to doing things yourself and Factor 50 sunscreen. Things have been more fantastically odd in the past, though, like the time Aherne released a jokey press release for a track claiming that he’d died. Having taken it seriously, an American publication ultimately released a brief expose ‘revealing’ that the musician - who’d never been less than active on social media in the meantime - was still going strong. “There was some grief,” he recalls. “Some blog ran a piece on the track, saying that sadly I’m dead now. The PR ‘story’ was that the track was put together from shoeboxes under the bed. The comments section had some mad stuff in it after people realised. There was one guy who said he couldn’t believe this guy, and that I deserved to be dead, and someone who is dead should get to take my place. Then a Chicago place did an expose that I’m not actually dead. I did find it funny.”
MUSIC
Wonderfully weird
GAZETTE
GAZETTE
20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
N O S ’ T A H W
E D I U G S T N EVE
with JAMES HENDICOTT
The World Cup Play Offs
The one big event that’ll have the country’s eyes on Dublin over the coming week sees Ireland take on Denmark in a bid to play in Russia next year. The first leg in Copenhagen is on Saturday (11), the return at the Aviva on Tuesday (14).
the charming 60s-pop world of No Monster Club
Bailey’s Treatyard
The imaginative foodie haven that is Eatyard, a rotating selection of vendors at the Bernard Shaw pub, goes all sugary sweet for one weekend only, with the Baileys-sponsored ‘Treatyard’ running from November 10-12.
THE CORRS RELEASE EIR SEVENTH ALBUM JUPITER CALLTH ING
The Irish Gamelan Orchestra
An unusual Indonesian musical style gets an Irish outing at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire, as the heady, supersized orchestra are joined by special guests including awarding winning opera-pop star Julie Feeney.
Art Source at the RDS
The annual showcase for Ireland’s best artists comes back to the RDS, where you’ll be able to explore the latest in beautiful imagery and exceptionally local talent from November 10-12.
The Killers
American indie’s finest drop in on the 3Arena to perform songs from their latest album ‘Wonderful Wonderful’, as well as plenty of other Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll on November 16.
Awesome Tapes From Africa
The DJ behind the unusual blog - one that uncovers unheralded cassette tapes from across the continent of Africa and unveils them to a wider audience - drops in on The Sugar Club, with support from rapper Super Silly. November 11.
The routes of much of what Aherne does is very much DIY: recorded in the small hours after grabbing unfashionable slots in studios, with live shows performed in the company of a revolving collective of musicians. Much of that ethos is taken from Popical Island, a Dublin musical collective with a crosspollinating approach to their music, at which Aherne sits at the very heart. Over the years, that’s often meant being part of several bands at the same time; essentially dedicating a life to producing this beautifully expressive but slightly strungtogether form of guitar-pop music. Popical Island and their bands never fully broke out of the Dublin underground. Their notoriety peaked with a bit of radioplay, and the occasional nod for various acts at events like the Choice Music Prize, but the label were beloved
Dining in the Dark on the local music scene because whatever they released was sure to be colourful, charismatic and effortlessly charming. Despite his boisterous stage persona and distinctive pop voice, Aherne is softly spoken as he describes where his career is today. “Most of my other projects are a bit in the background now. Paddy Hanna is working on his own, so both Ginnels and Grand Pocket Orchestra [two other bands Aherne plays with] are kind of on the backburner for now.” “Popical Island still exists, but we don’t have a physical address anymore. It’s gone back to being in our hearts, but it’s way less than it was a few years ago. Some people became parents, or got married, or got more serious jobs. There are a lot of great bands doing a similar thing in Dublin right now,” he explains, joking: “I guess we had
our own thing, but we’re past it now.” The DIY ethos works in a very practical sense for Aherne. “A lot of bands would be writing for a couple of years, then going into the studio to make this perfect package and stuff. That’s not my thing. None of my favourite artists have ever prescribed to that sort of thing. I’ve always liked being like that. I just do something and put it out, I don’t have somebody coming to me saying ‘don’t put that online, you should wait a few months and we’ll do a big PR campaign.’” “I prefer doing things my way, and it’s a common thing now. There’s more DIY music going than ever before. There’s a lot of young kids around 20 in Dublin who have these amazing, fully-formed albums online. I think the technology’s made it possible for us to do the DIY thing
more than ever before. It’s not a competition; it’s great. If you have patience for a big campaign and all that, more power to you. That’s just not who I am. I like messing with people. “One of my big influences is that TV show ‘Nathan For You’ [An oblique parody of the business consultancy world]. I just like doing this mad stuff.” Like the return of the 46-track album? “I love albums, and I definitely want to put another one out,” Aherne tells us, “but we’ve reached a point now where releasing albums doesn’t really work anymore. In a way, I’m going back to that 60s things, where it seems kind of cheesy but it’s always kind of catchy with it. I categorise it as bubblegum pop. It sounds cheesy on the surface, but if you delve deeper, it really has something to it.”
The fantastic charity festival in which diners enter a pitch black room in a restaurant to consume from a secret menu goes into its final days, with the last few Dublin restaurants holding their days over the weekend. A great experience.
Ireland v South Africa
As if one big sporting event for the weekend isn’t enough, Ireland will take a pop at their World Cup hosting rivals South Africa at the Aviva on Saturday night, in the first of the November rugby internationals.
New album of the week
The Corrs - Jupiter Calling The second new release from the Dundalk family pop band since their return after a decade break in 2015. Jupiter Calling gets political with ‘Syria Calling’, and promises a style change.
GAZETTE
22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE
FASTNews
New tests show that the Michelin truck tyres provide significant fuel savings
Tests show Michelin truck tyres reduce fuel bills MICHELIN X Line Energy tyres have demonstrated their long distance fuel efficiency after tests revealed a truck and trailer running on the fuelsaving tyres will save an average 1.4 litres per 100km. According to the manufacturer, that equates to an annual saving of up to €2,000 and a reduction of 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions based on a vehicle covering 130,000 km per year – compared to the average of its five main competitors in the long-haul market, achieved by the superior rolling resistance of the tyres. Michelin X Line Energy tyres went up against those manufactured by direct competitors on a 200km journey at an average speed of 80km/h on real roads, organised by the DEKRA Test Centre in Germany. Chris Smith, Michelin’s marketing director North Europe – Truck & Bus, said: “If a typical haulier fitting this profile changed its policy from a regional fitment to Michelin X Line Energy tyres, they could easily save up to 3% in fuel, which in
Stonic aiming high in There’s a rush in the car market to dominate the new growth segment called the B-SUV segment of small SUV’s. Kia is the latest entrant with the new Stonic, just launched in Ireland and it’s offer is impressive as MICHAEL MORONEY reports following his Dublin hillside test drive.
IT’S JUST a week drive over the hills in the showrooms of South Dublin and and already Dublin into the Wicklow Engine 1.2-litre motorists are talking mountains last week Engine Power 84hp about the new Kia to get a feel for what Stonic, the latest comthis new compact 0 – 100km/hr 13.2 seconds pact SUV from the SUV has to offer. The Economy 19km/litre Korean brand. Kia test car was a petrol (5.2/100km or 45mpg) knows that the arrival powered version fitFuel Tank Capacity 45 litres of the Stonic is imported with the 1.4-litre CO2 emissions 118g/km tant and the Kia team four-cylinder engine Road Tax Band A4 €200 in Ireland believes that delivers 100bhp. that the Stonic will Around the city Main Service 20,000km/12 months be an important conenvirons this light Euro NCAP Rating NA quest model for Kia in engine delivers a Warranty 7 years one of the newest and nippy performance Entry Price €18,599 fastest-growing vehiand brings enough cle segments. pace to the car for Small SUVs such as the Stonic ment. sharp exists from the traffic are called B-SUV models in car The Stonic has some creden- lights. On the hillside runs, the industry jargon, and this market tials behind it, not just its seven- obvious lack of torque meant that segment is expected to grow by year warranty. The car is a based gear changing was inevitable as 100% in the next two years as on the well-regarded Kia Rio and we climbed into the higher routes demand for traditional B and C has additional features and more looking down over Dublin city. It segment cars declines, accord- options to give it more road pres- wasn’t the lighter air, more the ing to Kia. And the new Stonic is ence and style. steep hill challenges that faced smack in the middle of the segI took the Stonic for a test the Stonic that put its smooth
Kia Stonic 1.2 - SPECS
The new Kia Stonic is the latest compact SUV to hit the Irish market with entry prices starting at €18,995 and rising to €24,599 for the diesel powered models.
engine under a little pressure. This led me to consider the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel version of the Stonic or the new smaller 1.0-
some cases could even wipe out their entire tyre bill.” Michelin X Line Energy tyres enable a 30% increase in mileage performance for the steer axle on 315/60 R 22.5 and 17% for the 295/60 R 22.5 Michelin X Line Energy Z, compared to the previous Michelin XZA2 Energy range.
New car sales dip as Dublin market remains the best THE SOCIETY of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently issued the official October 172 registration statistics which included to movements in the Dublin car market. Car sales in Dublin dropped by 5.24% for the first 10 months of the year, with almost 3,000
Jeep claims that the new and updated Wrangler keeps to the 75 years of legendary Jeep heritage as an authentic and original Jeep SUV
less cars registered this year compared with 2016. The Dublin market continues to dominate the Irish car market accounting for 41.5% of all new cars sold this year, up from 39.4% last year and recorded the smallest decline in new car sales. SIMI claims that Brexit-related uncertainty and the weakness of sterling are impacting negatively on car sales. It reports that the increases in used imports are impacting on the residual values of Irish new cars, which increases the cost to change for the consumer looking for a new or newer car. In addition, with an increase in used imports of less than three years old, it is likely that some of these are displacing new car sales.
New Jeep Wrangler stays true to style JEEP claims that its new Wrangler is the most capable SUV ever and that it delivers even more legendary Jeep 4x4 capability. The new Wrangler comes with a modern design that stays true to the original, advanced fuel-efficient engines, more
open-air options, and is loaded with more safety features and advanced technology than ever before. The new Wrangler’s unique design includes an instantly recognizable keystone-shaped grille, iconic round headlamps and square tail lamps, improved
aerodynamics, a convenient fold-down windscreen for off-road purists, even more open-air freedom, and dozens of different door, top and windscreen combinations. This latest 2018 Wrangler will be unveiled in the coming weeks at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
GAZETTE
MOTORING
adds the unique, new small SUV market BMW compact X2 to the range BMW claims that its new X2 SUV
Sport X models. The bi-LED light for
breaks new ground as a unique
low beam and high beam is effective
addition to the BMW X model range.
at illuminating the road, while also
The car’s chassis and xDrive
accentuating the BMW X2’s sporty
intelligent all-wheel-drive sys-
character. The headlights display
tem claims to deliver a balance
precise detailing, achieved in part
between sporting dynamics and
through 3D Icon LED daytime driv-
efficiency.
ing light and laser engraving.
The digital services from BMW
within the BMW X2 range are
nectedDrive Services, both of
impressive. The car’s driving
which are now available in freshly
responses can be adapted by using
updated form, adding further
the Driving Experience Control
to the overall BMW X2 experi-
switch, allowing the driver to
ence, with entry prices starting
choose between default COMFORT
at €50,320. The car is available to
mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO
order from mid-November.
PRO mode and SPORT mode.
The new BMW X2 is two centime-
diesel variant will be available. It
centimetres lower than the BMW
generates maximum output of
X1, yet has the same wheelbase.
190bhp and 400Nm of torque ena-
Featuring short overhangs, it also
bling a zero to 100km/hr time of 7.7
has a stretched, coupe-style roof-
seconds. Official fuel consumption
line and slim window graphic.
is still highly impressive 4.6l/100km
standard on Sport, M Sport and M
for the Stonic, giving Kia buyers some clear options? Out on the mix of city and country roads the Stonic handles lightly while being precise and easy to drive. It has new front and rear suspension setups which are unique to the car, giving a pleasant driving experience. There are four specification levels for the new Stonic, K1, K2, K3 and K4. The entry level models are well equipped with skid plate (front and rear), audio remote, Bluetooth, 3.5 cluster, seven-inch screen, 15inch alloy wheels, leather gear knob and handle, front armrest, spare wheel, privacy glass, rear USB, speed limiter, cruise control, centre console and rear USB
and charger, all as standard. You need to go to the K3 level to get the seven-inch Sat-nav, DAB radio, rear view camera and ECM interior mirror that was fitted to the test car that I drove. It also came with bigger alloy wheels to give the car great road presence. The Stonic’s cabin echoes the appearance of the exterior, combining straight lines and smooth surfaces. The Stonic interior is simple and practical. For a compact SUV, the cabin has plenty of space for driver and passengers, with good front and rear legroom, and reasonable shoulder room. The modern looking D-cut steering wheel combined with the flat base of the
dashboard creates enough knee room for front passengers. The Stonic comes with a range of technologies which includes an infotainment system that blends smart phone functionality with the control of key vehicle functions. There is a large seven-inch touch screen at the centre of dashboard. The new Stonic has yet to receive a Euro NCAP safety rating. It should fare well with six airbags as standard (driver, passenger, side and curtain), as well as ISOFIX child-seat anchor points in the rear. Entry prices look competitive at €18,599 but you really have to go up the specification ladder to get the better options of bigger wheels and useful kit such as reversing camera and satnav. This is going to be the competitive space in the car market for 2018, Stonic has some style and some value, it’s good to drive and petrol or diesel power, the performance will be smooth and easy.
At launch, the X2 xDrive20d
tres shorter and more than seven
Full-LED headlights are fitted as
litre turbo-petrol engine, to be a more practical choice, if you want to emulate my hillside adventures. The diesel version comes with almost double the torque of the small entry-level petrol models and at lower engine revs, making it an obvious choice and its economy rating is impressive too. The entry level petrol powered Stonic comes with a fuel economy rating of 19km/litre (5.2/100km or 45mpg). The diesel version almost improves on that performance by 40% and that’s a serious consideration. I not convinced about all of the negative diesel talk, as cars like the new Stonic are impressively clean in terms of CO2 and NOx ratings and equally importantly they use less litres of fuel and that has to be considered as well. For me the fact that the Stonic is not available with a hybrid drive is a little disappointing as Kia has a hybrid system in its Niro model. Wouldn’t that have been an attractive option
The TwinPower Turbo engines
ConnectedDrive and BMW Con-
(61.4mpg), while CO2 emissions are as low as 121g/km.
The new BMW X2 20d diesel model
Five-seat 4x4’s get axed in Finance Bill THE RECENT publication of the Finance Bill following the October Budget has declared that five seat N1 vehicles (typically 4x4’s with five seats and a commercial tax rating) would be liable for Category A VRT as from April 1 2018. This means that five-seat 4x4s such as the Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser will be classed as a passenger cars for VRT and annual road tax purposes. Other 4x4s such as the crew cab pick-ups will remain as remain an N1 commercial vehicle. These include models such as the Fiat Fullback, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and the Toyota Hilux. Over the last few years, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Finance have been advising the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) of their intention to change the taxation status (VRT/VAT/Road Tax) of certain N1 vehicles that have fouror more seats, both new and used imports. The Finance Bill, states that any N1 vehicle that has four or more seats and does not have the EU Bodycode of “BE”, will be treated as Category A VRT (based on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) and CO2 emissions of the vehicle), and not Category B or C VRT (13.3% or €200). As this is a change in Irish Taxation Legislation, not a Type Approval change, there is no provision in the proposal for any derogation for vehicles remaining in stock and unregistered on April 1, 2018 (or whatever date is in the final Act).
24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
GAZETTE
FEATURE DUBLINLIFE Neven’s busy preparing a real cracker of a Christmas fundraiser PEOPLE | POPULAR CHEF HAPPY TO HELP SUPPORT LUNG CANCER GROUP FOR ST JAMES’S
IT’LL BE A CRACKER!
NEVEN wants everyone to help support Target Lung Cancer – the only campaign in Ireland solely dedicated to lung cancer, supported by a multi-disciplinary network at St James’s Hospital – and promises delicious dishes for everyone coming to the Christmas Food Festival!
MARK O’BRIEN
SINCE Neven Maguire’s parents opened MacNean House & Restaurant in Blacklion, Cavan more than 27 years ago, the restaurant has always closed at Christmas. The celebrated chef inherited his love of cooking from his parents and since taking over the restaurant in 2001, he has continued with the tradition of closing the restaurant at Christmas to allow him and his staff to focus on family during the festive season. Talking to The Gazette, he said: “I’m from a family of nine and we all grew up with wonderful memories of food, and Christmas in particular was a special family time.” Neven sadly lost his mother to lung cancer four years ago, but he still makes sure that the extended family come together to enjoy a traditional family Christmas every year. He has also become involved with the St James’s Hospital Foundation’s Target Lung Cancer appeal, and will host Neven’s Christmas Food Festival at the Castle-
knock Hotel on Saturday, November 19 in aid of the foundation. Target Lung Cancer is the only campaign in Ireland solely dedicated to lung cancer. It is supported by a multi-disciplinary network at St James’s Hospital including patients, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, scientists and respiratory physicians. Neven said he’s delighted to lend his support to their work: “I’m with them two years now and it’s nice to be giving something back in honour of my mother.”
Fantastic prize As well as the cookery demonstration, there will be artisan food and craft stall as well as a chance to win a fantastic prize and Neven said he hopes it will be a fun evening for all while raising some much-needed funds for St James’s. “It’s nice for me to do something worthwhile and hopefully something good. On the night, there will be lots of people who have lost parents or loved ones to lung cancer, and there’ll be lots of people who maybe are going
through treatment. “There’s hardly a family who haven’t been touched by some variety or variation of cancer, so on the night I want it to be upbeat, I want it to be good fun and I want to cook some lovely food because Christmas is such a big part of my life! “To be able to talk about Christmas and cook some lovely recipes – hopefully someone will be in with a chance of winning dinner and bed and breakfast in Blacklion, so that will be a nice treat for someone.” Having cooked for 37 people on Christmas Day last year, Neven will be taking it relatively easy by ‘only’ cooking for 15 this time around. When asked for his tips on how to take the stress out of cooking for so many people, Neven had one message: “Keep it simple”. “It’s the biggest meal of the year and it’s probably the one day of the year where you cook for people that you wouldn’t normally cook for, and I always say to people to treat the turkey like it’s a
big chicken. “That’s all you have to do ,and keep it simple and do as much
preparation as you can – that’s crucial.” Tickets for Neven’s Christmas Food Festival can be purchased online from w w w.supportstjames.ie and cost €25 each. Tickets can also be bought by contacting Suzanne at suzanne@supportstjames.ie (call 01 428 4766), and also through www.eventbrite.ie.
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
CINEMA ReelReviews
THOR: RAGNAROK
Hammers home laughs WHILE Marvel’s superhero films are arguably facing their own Ragnarok, the film of the same name (Cert 12A, 130 mins) is anything but gloomy. Upping the laughs, the film takes a much lighter tone than recent films released from the Marvel stable, drawing together some big names for a high-stakes clash that threatens the Gods’ very own home – but Thor and the Hulk have other plans ...
GEOSTORM
The Butler to the rescue CONTINUING the loose rule that means any film starring Gerard Butler is doomed to be a flop, Geostorm (Cert 12A, 109 mins) is... a flop. Audiences haven’t flocked to see its CG-heavy disasterama, which sees the world threatened by hijacked weather satellites, and only The Butler can save the day. Unfortunately, even its disasters are dull, and the film hasn’t exactly wowed.
THE SNOWMAN
Ice just not a great film WHEN a serial killer starts making snowmen by using unusual materials – now, what might a missing person have to do with, say, a snowman’s head? – one man must find The Snowman (Cert 15A, 119 mins) before they strike again. Audiences haven’t warmed to Michael Fassbender’s latest, with chills and thrills in short supply, despite its solid if standard serial killer tale.
There aren’t many laughs to wring from Joseph Stalin’s life – but a terrific cast of highly-skilled ‘whassisname’ character actors turn his death into the great basis for a political satire. With revisionist moves afoot in some quarters to rehabilitate the brutal dictator’s legacy, the film has an extra layer of frisson lurking behind the humour.
THE DEATH OF STALIN: BRUTAL ‘UNCLE JOE’ PROVIDES SOME UNEXPECTED LAUGHS
Worth Russian over to
WHEN one considers the myriad intertwining layers of state bureaucracy and oppression that defined the dark years of Stalin’s rule in Soviet Russia, comedy and satire aren’t exactly the first genres that spring to mind in terms of cinematic representation. Famine, mass-execution and forced labour aren’t subjects to be treated lightly, and the headache-inducing duplicity of Soviet politics isn’t exactly the kind of material that puts rear-ends in cinema seats these days. However, just as he tackled the banality of behind-the-scenes politics on both sides of the Atlantic in TV-series, The Thick of It, and Veep,
MARTIN MACNAMARA
writer-director Armando Iannucci applies his razor-sharp satirical template to the backstabbing government machinery of communist yesteryear in The Death of Stalin (Cert 15A, 106 mins). Despite the somemight-say torpid nature of the subject matter, this is every bit as biting and belly-achingly funny as his previous efforts, including 2009’s featurefilm, In The Loop. With a subdued realist aesthetic, set against
the grand and oppressive architecture of the then USSR, and dominated by performances rooted in colloquialism and contemporary wit, this is a stark, incisive and utterly unique comedy – perhaps Iannucci’s finest (which is really saying something, following the darkly comic brilliance of Veep’s sixth season). A f ter the death in 1953 of a typically tyrannical (though almost pathetically subdued) Stalin ( played by Adrian McLoughlin), the grovelling subordinates that make up his Politburo scheme and conspire to take his place as the leader of the Soviet Union. Khr ushchev (Steve Buscemi) and Secret Police chief Beria (Simon
Russell Beale) lead the hostility, alongside Jeffrey Tambor’s bumbling, inept Malenkov and Michael Palin’s Molotov – a role to which the actor brings decades of experience as one of the finest comic actors in British media, delivering some of the film’s best lines. Of course, for such a film so subdued in form (bar the occasional flourish of slow-mo), the genius is in the dialogue. W h e r e a s i n Ve e p , careers and reputations are on the line, in The Death of Stalin a misstep or a word misspoken can land one in a gulag or an unmarked grave. Consequently, every conversation is weighted with hilarious urgency and absurd logic – no
one is ever really sure what lie they’re supposed to be telling to whom, and state-sanctioned facts change with the weather. Iannucci has his actors make no attempt to latch their dialogue or performances to the period setting, instead having them embrace their roots: Buscemi’s Kruschev is a weasely, luck-pushing Brooklynite, while Jason Isaac’s Minister of Defence, Zhukov, speaks with a hardened Scouse accent (and steals half the scenes he’s in). Given the film’s factual basis, there’s a real sense of darkness underpinning everything here, which takes the fore towards the film’s close. Murder is carried out
with casual instruction; death lists are altered and executions ordered with all the mundanity of a rota’s update announcement. Iannucci’s deference to the semi-authenticity of his chosen subjects is as clear here as in any other project he’s undertaken. Indeed, the bewildering nature of Soviet bureaucracy is the perfect fit for the director’s distinctly bitter brand of political satire – on paper, The Death of Stalin shouldn’t really work, but surprisingly, the facts lend themselves well to farce and absurdity. Iannucci maintains his flawless track record with the year’s best comedy. Verdict: 10/10
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26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 9 November 2017
DUBLINLIFE TOP TIPS TO REMEMBER
SOME people may ask: “Is Bangkok safe?”, as the city has occasionally popped up in the news for negative reasons. Thailand – and Bangkok – have a long history of complex, troubled politics, with a number of terrorist incidents in the city in recent years further complicating matters. However, the well-policed city remains full of tourists of all ages, and considering that every flight to the likes of London and Paris are always full – cities which have seen greater amounts of awful attacks in recent years – one should expect a safe, enjoyable visit to Bangkok too. ALWAYS tip in Bangkok – always. Given that the Thai economy is pegged at about half the price of everything here – or less – your baht is better in your taxi driver, guide or waiter’s pocket than your own, and will be appreciated. TRANSPORT in Bangkok can be chaotic, with a seeming who-dares-wins attitude towards traffic junctions and crossings leading to what may seem like bedlam – just getting across a main road in one piece can need nerves of steel while you grab Lady Luck’s hand and run for it, run! However, be sure to hail a metered taxi when going from A to B. Backpackers grab tuk-tuks (below), and can end up paying random fares to travel in something about as safe as a tin can; locals hop on the back of ubiquitous motorbike taxis and ride pillion everywhere, often as not without a crash helmet – so your best bet is to just hail down a metered taxi, with any longish ride typically Tourists love costing just tuk-tuks, but if between 50 to you’re in a hurry 60 baht, or a regular taxi is only about probably better €3 or €4. WHILE it’s increasingly controversial in many places, there’s no denying that Airbnb could be brilliant for saving a bundle of baht on your Bangkok holiday. With the vast majority of hotels charging Western prices, Airbnb prices are much more in line with the Thai economy – you’ll find a bog-standard hotel room going for €130-150 a night (or more), whereas with Airbnb you could stay in a one-bedroom apartment in a luxury block for €40 a night, or less. One you notice the difference, it’s hard not to feel a bit fleeced by the hotels. AT THE time of writing, Thais were paying their last respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej (right) at the end of a one-year mourning period after his death last October, with the late king revered similarly to a demigod by many Thais. However, visitors should remember that Thailand has the world’s harshest lese majeste laws, implemented with an iron fist by the ruling junta. As such, to be respectful to the Thai people, and to ensure an enjoyable holiday, no opinion of the royalty is the best opinion of all ...
Enjoy a spectacular elevated view over Bangkok (with sky-high prices to match) at the State Tower’s Sky Bar
Bangkok’s snaking Chao Phraya is a busy working river
Beautiful
An unforgettable SHANE DILLON
Y O U know that half-frozen feeling we get after battling through another Irish summer? This year, I resolved to head off somewhere far-flung for a better, longer, hotter dose of that big yellow thing in the sky, and Bangkok
seemed as good a place as any to do so. Some time later, and I was getting all the heat that someone who breaks out their trusty, moth-eaten shorts at the first sight of 15C could hope for – and then some. Sun- and heat-lovers will get more than their fill of both in the capital of Thailand, where temperatures hovered around 36C during my week there, as I got moments of blessed relief from anywhere with some working air-con. It’s a place and culture that knows all about blessed things – the
sun-kissed city
city is rightfully worldfamous for its spectacularly ornate temples and shrines, and the deeply held religious beliefs that many Thais have. Buddhism and a Buddhist outlook permeates many aspects of modern Thai culture, making it a tangibly real presence in the city’s life. You can hardly round a corner or traipse down a sun-baked street without seeing yet another ornate, beautiful Buddhist temple, finding a shrine decorated in flowers and offerings, or spotting a monk drifting about in their
bright orange robes. Such sights provide much to ref lect on, reminding visitors of a very different outlook in this part of the world. But back to more earthly matters, and to soaring up, up and away to some of the ‘sky bars’ that Bangkok is famous for – and where better than the aptly-named Sky Bar (in the State Tower, off Silom Road) that many tourists know of, not least for its role in The Hangover 2? High above the streets below, such sky bars provide a picturesque watering-hole haven for
smartly-dressed locals and tourists alike, as well as affording some terrific views across Bangkok’s sprawl, whether at night or, best of all, as sunset sets in. Speaking of ‘affording’ – alas, Bangkok’s most famous sky bar sent my spirits crashing back to earth within minutes, as the sky-high bill for my small cocktail was as breathtaking as the view. Back down on terra firma – and terra cheapa – and Bangkok’s sprawl can be intimidating to take in. There’s a giant and loosely defined city cen-
9 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27
Part of the Wat Yannawa complex – one of dozens
of
places to see ancient spires rising over Bangkok
even
GAZETTE
TRAVEL
as newer buildings reach for the skies (right)
A small section of the elaborate Temple of
dizzyingly vertical and Dawn temple site
Even ‘just a doorway’ can look beautiful in old Bangkok
The typically elaborate Buddhist temple, Wat Bangmakok Noek, at the gigantic Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan (Temple of Dawn) complex. Pictures: Shane Dillon
tre here, but the city’s arbitrary transport links (and infamous traffic jams) can make getting around a challenge – and that’s without the wall of heat and humidity keeping pace at every step. Luckily, most of the main attractions are straightforward to reach, whether by (deep breath) Skytrain, metro, taxi, tuk-tuk, bicycle, scooter, motorbike, ferry, speedboat or your trusty old feet. Phew! Zipping up and down the wide, rolling river a on speeding boat or rolling ferry is a breeze, and they’re also an effective (and cooling) way of easily getting to some of the city’s famous temples, a s we ll
as enjoying a refreshing waterside view of old and new Bangkok. However you get to them, the city’s main temples and religious sites are absolute must-visits, as Bangkok’s fabulously ornate complexes are a feast for the eyes, and invigorating for the mind. Whether taking in their banks of Buddhas or scrutinising the intricate carvings and elaborate designs you’ll invariably find, such spots hold a spiritual appeal that overcomes the ebb a n d f low of any gawping tourists and praying locals passing through. For those who worship at more modern ‘temples’, you’ll be well catered for in Bangkok, which has ultramodern shopping centres scattered about the city. The biggest of these
– Central World – makes our own giant shopping centres look like corner shops by comparison, with shoppers there treated to a dizzying range of all the biggest Western brands alongside the biggest Thai and Eastern brands, too. While temples, sightseeing and shopping are just some of the things that Bangkok is famous for, foodies have also been drawn to her busy streets for centuries – not for nothing is the city famed for its street vendors, in particular. Change is afoot, with the Thai authorities beginning to crack down on the vendors and stalls in key areas, apparently seeking to mimic a little of Singapore’s tightly controlled (but sterile, fun-free) street environments. However, wherever you roam, you won’t be too far from someone sizzling something under the sun. If there’s an element of pot luck as to whether
Part of the Jim Thompson House site, home to the One of Wat Pho’s many Buddhas – but its enormous
enigmatic man’s collection of antiques, as well as an
gold Reclining Buddha has to be seen to be believed
oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city
you’ve struck culinary gold or McAverage fare, well, that’s half the fun of reaching out and tucking in on your travels! As you’d expect, Bangkok is a melting pot of dining delights, presenting a fusion of the best of a wide range of Eastern cuisine – not just Thai – alongside Western staples, with several excellent restaurants all over the city alongside the multitude of small places frequented by locals, as well as the roadside vendors. Alternatively, you could also tuck in or relax with a cooling drink beside a pool full of orange and
big exporter of them, and then one day went for a walk in the jungle – And that’s the last anyone knows about Jim, as he was never seen or found again. (Sorry, Jim.) Today, decades later, his stunning house and its small but carefully managed grounds are a haven from the surrounding city, with its smart, upmarket gift shop also the perfect place to get a beautiful, authentic Thai silk scarf or purse for yourself (or for the mammy back home). For those looking to orient themselves with the Orient, Bangkok may be a great introduction.
golden carp over at Jim Thompson House, which again offers diners a great mix of Eastern and Western fare. JTH is one of Bangkok’s top tourist attractions, and it’s not hard to see why, as the antiquefilled house and setting provides an unexpected oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Jim was a gentleman who fell in love with Thai culture and heritage, assembled his own western-style house by fusing traditional Thai wooden houses together, helped make beautiful Thai silks famous and became a
She’s a city of contrasts and extremes, but there’s something invigorating and refreshing about a place that’s looking to the future, yet continues to honour her past. The heat and humidity are a challenge, but I’d challenge you to find somewhere that doesn’t make such a powerful first impression, and to inspire you to look at life a little differently ... WHEN TO VISIT December to January are the ‘coolest’ months – and thus high tourist season – but they’ll still be more than hot enough for any Western visitors.
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DUBLINLIFE
Egypt’s diverse environments already look great in Origins – but its top-notch lighting, dust and other atmospheric effects push it into the elite tanks of the best-looking games on current-gen platforms
ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS: ANCIENT EGYPT PROVES A DELIGHT
So pharaoh, so good for prequel WITH the end of the year fast approaching, some of the biggest games of the year are getting released into the wild – and they don’t come much bigger, or wilder, than Assassin’s Creed: Origins (PS4, XBO, PC, Cert 18, c. €60). It’s a huge game – so huge, this review has to sprawl across two pages – that’s not only one of the biggest games of the year, but also one of the biggest games ever. Almost entirely set thousands of years ago in the dusty hills and plains of ancient Egypt, it’s a game that presents a complex, brilliantly realised look at some long gone civilisations, with uncertain times ahead as fad-
SHANE DILLON sdillon@dublingazette.com
ing empires make way for newer upstarts. From the legacy of Egypt’s mighty but fading rule to the slow but steady encroachment of Rome, its a gaming world that’s rich in history, lore, and above all, some of the best visuals I’ve ever seen. Taking in the sights and exploring the almost incomprehensively big world brings players through a set of starkly realised landscapes.
W h e t h e r w a n d e ring through noisy cities, splashing through river deltas, strolling through f lowering meadows, clambering through cobwebbed tombs or pushing through blinding sandstorms out in the harsh desert, the team behind Origins have created a vast, diverse landscape that’s teeming with life in some places, yet bleak and inhospitable in others – much like modern Egypt. Origins marks by far the biggest game made by the Creed team yet, with its makers – generally used to releasing a new franchise game per year – taking a couple of years or so to get this one together, and the extra time and polish
shows in most places. At heart, Origins is a story of revenge, with a main storyline seeing a father, Bayek, tracking down – and killing – the people responsible for his young son’s death, while some (mercifully brief) modern-day sections have echoes of this ancient past. The main story is something of a McGuffin – while there’s a big overall plot to follow, gamers will ignore it to pursue lots of side quests and optional activities, potentially adding dozens and dozens of extra hours to their runthrough as they goof off. Just exploring and finding new places is almost a game in itself, let alone
all of the other activities to engage in, from tomb raiding to chariot racing, defeating enemy strongholds to finding lost treasures, helping villagers or even fighting elephants, and all the while trying to level up the character to be able to fight ever stronger, tougher bad guys. There’s no getting away from it – there’s a lot of violence in Origins, which doesn’t shy away from the assassin aspect of the popular franchise. For all of the relaxing wandering past flocks of flamingos, or taking in the sights of tumbled, sun-bleached columns at some unmarked desert ruin, or eavesdropping on handmaidens in a cool
The vast open world setting is full of detail, with everything mountains and lush farmlands to find, while dusty secrets
marble palace hall, gamers will spend an awful lot of time fighting, killing and looting people as they roam around. From assassinating key figures to attacking groups of soldiers, or even just defending themselves
from mercenaries, the threat of sudden, bloody violence is never far away, with sprays of blood constantly soaking the sands and temples as glistening, gleaming blades flash and slice through the air. Still, it’s a remarkable
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GAMING
Even the world’s most powerful tweeter is at the mercy of IT staff just doing their job professionally
Trump silenced for 11 minutes SHANE DILLON
IT’S safe to say that I’m not a fan of US president Donald Trump, in what could pass for my entry in the Understatement of the Year contest. Still, as much as I usually welcome any pause in his stream-ofconsciousness Tweets, the news that a ‘rogue’ Twitter employee briefly disabled Trump’s Twitter account as they left their job isn’t something I’d celebrate. Their action gave the world a whole 11 minutes of Trump-free boasting, bragging and bullying comments – but even so, their strike against Trump’s tweets can’t be condoned. Instead, it raises the question about who has access to the social media accounts of some
Don’t try this at home, kids ... Like many top games, Origins comes with a good Photo Mode, letting you pause the action, then mess about with the virtual camera settings to get a shot you want, like these... Screengrabs: Shane Dillon
“What, no sequel?”
No box office killing for this 2016 turkey CONTINUING the time-honoured tradition of Hollywood making pretty awful films based on hit games, 2016 saw a film released based on the broad
Latest iPhone off to X-cellent start
Assassin’s Creed setting. Star Michael Fassbender took a fair stab at it, but Assassin’s Creed died a thousand deaths at the box office. Critics thought it was a mess, gamers were turned off by the film being mostly from marble palaces
to bleak
lie scattered in forgotten tombs
game that presents a still largely unique world, with ancient Egypt still a largely untapped and elusive setting for most games (bar endless strategy titles). The game borrows aspects from many of
centred on “all the boring bits”, and audiences stayed away in droves.
its peers – for example, Bayek’s eagle, Senu, acts like a player-controlled drone to scout the terrain and mark enemies and assets – an imaginative repurposing of modern tech in the game’s setting. Origins has lived up to
the hope for a new direction for the series, which had grown stale – but choosing an ancient land has given the series a fresh energy and life again. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I still have a couple of chariot races to win...
of the world’s top figures – and what if their intentions were malicious? Let’s say that the currently unknow n employee had decided to do more than momentarily muzzle Trump, but had hacked in to his profile, and left a malicious post like, say, “Just sent an armed SEAL team to teach Rocket Man a lesson. MAGA!” It’s not hard to imagine how bad the potential fall-out from such a malicious post could be. If the most powerful man in the world can be silencecd by an employee’s random act on their way out the door, it raises some uncomfortable issues to consider in a world where social media posts continue getting more and more importance.
Despite being a hit series, the Assassin’s Creed games have also been rather divisive for gamers; happily, this latest iteration addresses a number of constant criticisms, making it more accessible – and fun – to play
APPLE fans slightly surprised analysts by snapping up the new iPhone X on day one, with cities around the world reporting sold-out stock following its release at the end of last week. A sold-out new Apple phone isn’t exactly news, but many tech watchers had paused, given its eyewatering price point (starting at a wallet-busting $999). However, despite the market uncertainty, massive queues were reported at cities around the world, with more than 55 countries now open to Apple’s latest assault on the mobile phone market.
30 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 9 November 2017
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SPORT
FastSport CLEIRIGH BUTTNER ON AWARD LIST: DSDAC’S Siofra Cleirigh Buttner has been named on the shortlist for the Athletics Ireland Under-23 athlete year alongside UCD’s Alanna Lally and Crusaders’ Matthew Behan. Cleirigh Buttner excelled for Villanova University in the US as a junior middledistance runner, being named the Mid-Atlantic Athlete of the Year, running her fastest 800 metre time at the NCAA championships en route to selection in the Irish team for August’s World Championships in London. Raheny’s Mick Clohisey is up for the endurance athlete of the year award while Clonliffe’s Brian Gregan and UCD’s Mark English will be in the mix for the track and field athlete of the year. The awards will be announced on December 6.
BASKETBALL: DUBLIN CLUBS BOLSTER THEIR SUPERLEAGUE POSITIONS
DCU show no Mercy to UCC as Killester see of Wildcats
sport@dublingazette.com
DCU Mercy stomped out a massive win over Ambassador UCC Glanmire in the Women’s Super League on Sunday afternoon, running out 20-point winners in the end. Mark Ingle’s charges asserted their dominance over the game from the off, with top scoring from Tiffany Corselli and Sarah Woods edging them beyond reach of the Cork side. “We’re very happy,” said Ingle afterwards. “It’s always been a great battle between us and Glanmire over the last ten years or so, there’s never been much between the teams. We’re still trying to find out what type of team we are. “We did a good job today defensively I thought in the first half. We scored 50 points which is not often when you’re playing Glanmire.” In the other game of the weekend, Pyrobel Killester picked up their third win in a closely contested match against Maxol WIT Wildcats on Saturday evening. With nothing separating the sides, it was Killester’s Aisling McCann who dug deep
Chantell Alford scored 15 points for Pyrobel Killester. Picture: Martin Doherty
at the end of the third quarter to produce a much-needed three pointer to put her side up 52-50 going into the last, and the home team pushed on from there to win out 72-65. In the Men’s Super League, UCD Marian bounded their way to the top of the table, leap frogging the challenge of
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in style down in Kerry. A superb display from UCD’s Mike Garrow and Mike Nedulskis sent the visitors into a 10-point lead at the end of the first, and it was one they wouldn’t relinquish throughout the game, with Barry Drumm and Dan James lead-
ing the team well from the top of the key. Despite a huge third quarter from Tralee, UCD’s sharp shooting just proved to be too much in the last, as they outscored the homeside 23-5 in the fourth quarter to win out 92-63. “We are delighted to get the win,” said UCD’s Conor
Meany. “Tralee has the best set up in the country, so to come down and win here is great.” UCC Demons meanwhile travelled to Colaiste Éanna on Saturday evening, and despite a third quarter run from the home team, Demons looked comfortable throughout to take the win. “It’s five weeks in a row that we are on the road now - it’s not fun doing it every week so it’s nice to come away with a final victory before we head home next week,” reflected Demons coach, Colin O’Reilly. Meanwhile, Pyrobel Killester ran out winners over Maree in Clontarf, while DCU Saints clocked another victory with a win over KUBS. Belfast Star just lost out to Black Amber Templeogue at the death, while Moycullen and Griffith College Swords Thunder closed out the weekend. Swords fell to a 84-74 loss to the Galway side at the Jes despite Isaac Westbrooks, Alex Dolenko and Travis Black all hitting double figures. They trailed 44-34 at half-time and could never quite reel in the deficit.
O’Hanlon belatedly named Irish marathon champion sport@dublingazette.com
Gary O’Hanlon, left, was initially denied the Irish marathon title last week by Raheny’s Freddie Sittuk.
FOLLOWING a meeting of the Competition Committee of Athletics Ireland, Gary O’Hanlon was declared Irish National Marathon champion three days after he had seen the title seemingly denied him by Raheny Shamrock AC’s Freddie Sittuk. This follows the receipt of information from Raheny on October 31 that the declared winner of the race, had failed to meet the required criteria for eligibility under the residency rule.
Sittuk was confirmed as eligible by his club prior to the event when, in fact, he had not met all the necessary criteria. Under the rule agreed by the delegates at the 2016 Athletics Ireland Congress, an athlete with an unbroken six months residency in Ireland immediately prior to the championship, is eligible to compete for the National Championships title and medal positions. Commenting on the situation, Athletics Ireland’s Competition, Athletics Ireland Committee Chairman John Cronin
said: “the information initially received by the Association indicated that Freddy Sittuk was eligible and therefore he was deemed champion on Sunday. “Once we received information from the club stating that the athlete had, in fact, not met the criteria, the committee met to discuss the situation and Gary O’Hanlon has been deemed National Marathon Champion,” he added. “The process for confirming residency eligibility for National Championships has, up to this
event, worked well but the fact that Gary was not awarded this title and his gold medal on Sunday is very regrettable,” Cronin said. “We do, however, look forward to presenting Gary with his championship title and medal shortly,” he added. O’Hanlon had crossed the line in 2.18.52 and was initially convinced he was the first Irish runner home but was subsequently told Sittuk - who has run for Raheny for six years - was the champion and took gold on the podium.
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GAZETTE
FASTSport
Swaine inspires Terenure second half comeback TERENURE College bounced back from last week’s defeat at Clontarf to see off the challenge of 14-man Buccaneers, emerging as 27-21 winners of Saturday’s Ulster Bank League Division 1A tie at Lakelands Park. Basement side Buccs built a 15-5 half-time lead in pursuit of their first win of the season. However, a Kevin O’Neill try kicked Terenure back into gear and they were able to claim their fifth victory of the season. The Pirates broke the deadlock after kicking a penalty to touch in the seventh minute with out-half Jack Carty was there to score in clinical fashion. He missed the conversion before Nure increased their attacking threat as the first half developed. Former Leinster Academy star Sam Coghlan Murray was stopped short at the end of a promising 24th minute move. Nonetheless, with the ball worked into a more central position, hooker and captain Robbie Smyth was in the right place to drive over and make it five points apiece. The Athlone side, though, rallied before the interval and produced 10 points. A sweeping move across the back-line ended with winger Rory O’Connor sprinting over for a try which was converted by Carty, and the Connacht number 10 also landed an expertly-struck penalty for a 15-5 advantage. Terenure resumed in better fettle, with replacement Conor Weakliam adding considerable spark to the back-three. After several phases inside the Buccs 22, it was ‘Nure scrum half O’Neill who squeezed over for a much-needed try, converted by Jake Swaine. Into the final quarter, O’Neill’s half-back partner James Thornton was heavily involved in the build-up to another incisive passage of play which saw lively winger Swaine touch down out on the right. And when Buccs replacement Eoghan Maher was given a straight red card 13 minutes from the end, Terenure sensed an opportunity to push on. Their bonus point try arrived just moments later through Maher’s opposite number, Adam Clarkin, and a terrific Swaine kick stretched the lead to nine points. Swaine and Carty exchanged penalties as Buccs battled to nick a losing bonus point with the latter landing a kick in the closing stages.
McKinley’s sight fully focused on Italy debut Following a glittering youth career with St Columba’s and Leinster, Ian McKinley is finally getting his chance on the international stage after the loss of an eye and retirement JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
IAN MCKINLEY, a former Leinster rugby player who was forced to temporarily retire from the sport in 2012, has found a new lease of life with Benetton Treviso after returning to the sport in 2014. And in the most unlikely of turnarounds, finds himself called up to the Italian national squad. McK inley attended St Columba’s College in Rathfarnham, starring in the schools team before making half a dozen appearances for Leinster. His early retirement came due to taking a boot in the eyeball in 2010, an injury that took time to have an impact. In the long term – due to repetitive tackle impacts – it would cost him the sight in his left eye. McKinley has returned to the sport wearing eyewear designed
to protect him, and plays at Pro-14 level despite being totally blind in his left eye. His return to regular Pro-14 action (he’s made nearly 30 appearance for Benetton Treviso) and the fringes of the Italian squad is nothing less than astonishing. Talking to ESPN this week, McKinley recalled his period of forced retirement. “A lot of sports people want to stop on their own merits,” he explained. “If you look at Bjorn Borg, he wanted to stop at 26 and then you have people like Brad Thorn who stop at 41. But at least they get to determine when they stopped. I didn’t want to stop at 21. “From a professional point of view, it was probably the worst thing that could’ve happened to me. In the general aspect of the world it is not the
worst thing to happen to anyone. I still have vision in my other eye, I still have two functional legs, arms and a brain. I count myself very lucky that I haven’t had other injuries.” There were certainly painful moments for McKinney when it came to watching his former Leinster team mates go on to achieve great things, especially in the early days, shortly after then Leinster boss Joe Schmidt had praised his character on retirement. “When you are talking about the darker period [it was when] my brother was over visiting me,” he recalled. “There was a particular Leinster game where they walloped Wasps in the Challenge Cup. I just remember loads of my mates were playing that day. “ I n e ve r a c t u a l l y watched rugby when I
Ian McKinley during his school days with St Columba’s. Picture: GazetteSport
stopped playing. I didn’t watch anything but I would read reports. I just remember reading the report and seeing all the names of the guys I played with and it hit me really, really hard. “I am always happy to
initially to get away from home and coach in a new environment before getting his new lease of life on the field. “I am humbled. But the thing I am most happy with is that it is not a sympathy pick. I wanted to be
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‘At least other got to determine when they stopped. I didn’t want to stop at 21’- Ian McKinley
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see my mates who I grew up with do well, but it was really difficult when I wasn’t playing. From a selfish point of view, looking at them and their successes, it was quite difficult for me to take. They are doing unbelievably well, with Leinster or Ireland, but I wanted that.” Life in Italy has worked out well, though, moving
picked on merit. I think people are progressively getting away from that image of Ian as the guy with the goggles. “Now it is just Ian McKinley. That has been a big challenge for me but I think people are starting to say that which is good. “Italy has given me a new lease of life. It has given me my professional career back. They were the first nation to sign up for the goggles [allowing use on the field]. I can only ever be grateful because they have given me so much.” His adopted nation might yet give McKinley a World Cup appearance. “It would be amazing to be part of a World Cup because that would be a full 10-years circle on being with the Irish Under20s at the World Cup, but again it is such a long way away.” He concludes: “This experience has taught me not to think too far ahead.”
GAZETTE
36 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 9 November 2017
SPORT
MENSHockey
RUGBY: FIRST UBL WIN RECORDED IN COMPREHENSIVE FASHION
Three Rock too strong for rivals Monkstown
THREE Rock Rovers got back to winning ways as they continued their fine run against Monkstown in the men’s EY Hockey League, making it six games without defeat against their Dublin rivals since the introduction of the competition. Rovers were 2-0 up in a dominant first quarter as Luke Madeley dragged in a corner in the seventh minute. David Fitzgerald made a brilliant stop to deny Jody Hosking moments later but it was two when Rob McCollum got a cross in from the left baseline which fell to Harry Morris to hit home with an upright reverse. Town were understrength up front with Davy Carson and Geoff Cole out of action and it cost them as they could not make more of their counter-attacks though Andy Ward led the line well. Ross Quirke drew a great save from Conor Quinn late in the first quarter from David Cole’s powerful pass. The second quarter saw Rovers hold most of the ball with a couple of decent chances but it stayed 2-0 into the break. Town started the second half in more confident fashion, Quinn keeping out two corners, but Rovers soon forged a trio of big chances before Ross Canning got the third in the 52nd minute. He created it, beating a few defenders to be two vs one with the impressive Dave Fitzgerald, eventually working the ball in at the second attempt. Canning went wide from a stroke soon after before Nick Dee got a consolation goal with eight minutes to go. It came in a week in which Rovers had their European schedule for next Easter confirmed, lining up a date with French side Saint Germain in the KO16 round of the Euro Hockey League on March 31, 2018 in Rotterdam. “It’s a big year when you are preparing for the EHL,” Rovers captain Jody Hosking said. “There is a while to go before EHL, but there is a buzz around the players and club. It’s always there in the back of your head. “And it takes massive commitment from players and the club. We have a few fundraising events with can be found on our website: www. roversroadtorotterdam.com. “Saint Germain have been in EHL for last five season, so they know all about it. We will do our homework, and who knows we might yet face one of the big guns later on!”
Old Wesley’s Jack Maybury scores one of his two tries en route to a 19-point haul. Picture: Deryck Vincent
Wesley’s Maybury magic UBL DIVISION 1B
Old Wesley 43 Dolphin 5 sport@dublingazette.com
OLD Welsey put their Cork visitors Dolphin to the sword to record a much-needed bonus point win in Donnybrook, their first victory of the UBL Division 1B season. Wesley led from start to finish and, apar t from a short spell in the second half, dominated the encounter. There were tries from Eoghan O’Reilly, Tommy O’Callaghan, Tim Clifford and two from Jack Maybury. Maybury also kicked the goals with a
personal tally of 19 points. Played on a fine crisp Autumn day, the game had a lively start with an opening play that lasted a tiring two and a half minutes. The early signs suggested Wesley were going to take charge as they capitalised on a number of opposition errors. Prepared to run everything, after 10 minutes, a break in his own half by David Poff was carried on by O’Reilly and, in turn, Maybury who sprinted to the corner for the first try. On the half hour, Darren Horan was just short of the line with a strong physical attack. The ball
JUNIOR MEDAL Dun Laoghaire’s Quinn national bronze winner DUN LAOGHAIRE GC’s Aoife Quinn landed the
bronze at this week’s ILGU Junior Gold Medal competition at Seapoint with 38 points. She was presented her medal by ILGU President Vonnie Noonan at the Co Louth course. Royal Curragh’s Charlie Maxwell was the overall winner from the 55 qualifiers from around the country having won their club Junior Medal for players with the lowest aggregate of three nett score differentials (relative to CSS), one in each month June, July and August 2017. Picture: Jenny Matthews/www.cashmanphotography.ie.
was quickly recycled and O’Reilly had an easy run in for try number two. Wesley were now brimming with confidence and, right from the restart, JJ O’Dea made a strong dart for the line only to lose possession in the tackle. Approaching half time, a loose ball was snapped up by Tim Clifford who only had to stroll in unopposed. Maybury converted for a healthy 17-0 lead at half time. Wesley started the second half where they left off. Donnchadh Phelan and Cronan Gleeson in particular were causing all sorts of problems in the loose as well as the set
pieces. A long range penalty attempt by Maybury split the posts to strengthen the lead before the visitors eventually got their ship in order. Wesley had to dig deep to survive a series of penalties and line outs before a great ruck turn over stemmed the flow. But a yellow card for Conor Maguire for a line-out infringement gave the Corkmen some added pep, eventually resulting in a try by Ian O’Donoghue. Dolphin continued to look threatening but crucially did not find touch from a penalty that would have given them another strong
attacking platform. Leading by example, Wesley captain Horan made a strong break to restore team confidence. Back to 15 players, a Wes attack down the left wing seemed to end with the ball going into touch. But some quick thinking and a quick line-out saw Maybury on the score sheet again with an opportunist try. He converted his own try and, now leading 27-5, the result was no longer in doubt. They finished with a further flourish with Tommy O’Callaghan crossing, too, for a deserved first win of the campaign.
9 November 2017 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 37
GAZETTE
SOCCER: UCD WAVES DENIED IN WOMEN’S FAI FINAL
UCD Waves Aisling Dunbar and Cork’s Katie McCarthy battle for possession. Picture: Martin Doherty
McCarthy pops the Cork celebrations
FAI WOMEN’S CUP FINAL UCD Waves Cork City JAMES HENDICOTT
0 1
sport@dublingazette.com
UCD WAVES were beaten to the FAI Women’s Cup title on Sunday as Cork City took their first ever title with a moment of magic at the Aviva, with the contest played as a double header with the men’s final between Cork and Dundalk. UCD once dominated the tournament, having won three successive cups between 2002 and 2004, before they merged with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown to form the Waves. They went in as slight favourites this time around with neither side having featured at the very top end of the league this year, but UCD having finished five points ahead of their opponents Cork over the course of the regular season. The students struggled on the day, though, with the occasion seeming to get the better of them as Cork had much of the
play in a slow-paced contest. Clare Shine was the key outlet for Cork, with UCD struggling to contain her from the start. Shine had previous experience of the finale, having starred in Raheny’s 2013 win, and threatened on numerous occasions. She just failed to get a touch on a fantastic ball in on in the early stages, and then blasted over from a Saoirse Ronan through ball on the half hour, when she arguably should have scored. UCD had much of the possession, but did little damage with it, whereas Cork’s regular finding of Shine up top eventually produced the desired result, as she got on the end of a Katie McCarthy through ball, round the keeper and net from a tight angle after 34 minutes. The strike turned out to be the only goal of the game. In terms of attacking prowess, UCD had few answers and despite plenty of second half pressure, what turned out to be the best chance of the con-
test came as the result of a defensive error. Cork goalkeeper Amanda Budden spent too long on the ball at the back and, forced into a rushed clearance outside her penalty area, could only find UCD winder Catherine Cronin. Cronin smashed the ball straight back over the head of Budden but couldn’t find the gaping net as her effort from 40 yards drifted just wide of goal. In the closing stages, UCD’s desperate threat faded somewhat, and Danielle Sheehy could have extended the margin of victory for the Leesid-
ers had Brooke Dunne in the UCD goal not made a smart save with her feet. There was some controversy at the end, as Chloe Mustaki’s late free kick looked perilously close to being carried over her own line by Budden. With no goal-line technology, though, there wasn’t enough for the officials to go on. On balance, though, it was the right result. UCD underperformed on final day, and after a middling season from both clubs, it’s Cork City who take home the reward, their first ever Women’s FAI Cup title.
CROSSCountry
DSDAC set standard at the Dublin cross country championships DSDAC set the gold standard with magnificent performances in all age groups in Santry on Sunday at the Dublin cross-country championships. Most impressive winner of the day was Paul O’Donnell (Under-20) who took up the running after the first lap and never saw another runner until he crossed the finish line after the four 1,500m laps. O’Donnell, who won the national Under-19 championship last year, looks in top form to defend his title in three weeks’ time. He was well supported by Ruadhan O’Grada in fifth, Luke MacGabhann in 11th; Aaron Donnelly in 13th; Conor Halpin in 14th; Roly Mossop in 15th to win silver team medals behind Clonliffe Harriers. The club’s Under-20 women’s team finished first, led home by Niamh Carey (Under-19) who gave a top class display out of her age group, finishing second, with Grace Dervan third, Aisling King fifth, Lucy McCann in 12th and Roseanne McCullough 13th. The men’s team, without Hiko Tonosa who couldn’t run due to residency rules, put up a good display, finishing second to Raheny, to take home silver team medals. Killian Mooney finished a valiant third behind Mick Clohessy and Conor Dooney, both Raheny. Mooney was the youngest in the top group which augurs well for his future over 10,000m. Almost all of the DSD team are in their first year at senior level with Mooney supported by Jack MacGabhann in eleventh; Robert Corbally (captain) 12th; Patrick MacGabhann 14th; Mark Molloy 21st; Aengus Meldon 42nd and Gary Crossan 46th. In the Dublin senior women’s race for the Jim McNamara Trophy, spectators could be forgiven for thinking it was a DSD club championship race as Meghan Ryan came home in second, leading a rampant team to a fantastic victory with Maria McCambridge third, Sarah Mulligan fifth, Fiona Clinton sixth and Niamh Devlin eighth. It would take a brave person to bet against them retaining their national team title in three weeks’ time. It was a magnificent breakthrough for Ryan who gained her first Dublin championship individual medal.
GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! UCD’s Catherine Cronin and Cork’s Christina Dring . Picture: Martin Doherty
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GAZETTE
38 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 9 November 2017
SPORT
FOOTBALL: MARLAY PARK CLUB FAR TOO STRONG FOR LUCAN SARS
FASTGAA
Kilmacud celebrate their success. Picture: Steven Dagg
Kilmacud break Boden 2000s’ winning streak PHADRAIC Linehan’s sharp shooting and Joe Kelly’s goal proved absolutely critical as Kilmacud Crokes shaded their titanic battle with Ballyboden St Enda’s to win the Dublin Under-16A hurling championship title last Saturday in Blakestown 1-11 to 1-9. It was quite the battle between the two best teams born in 2000, a repeat of the 2015 final at Under-15 level, clubs who have to meet again on November 25 to settle the league title after both ended locked at the top of the table. Boden had held the balance of power since their All-Ireland Feile win in 2015 but Crokes took an early lead via Kelly’s goal, building a 1-3 to 0-2 lead. The Firhouse Road club stormed back in the closing stages of the first half to lead 1-8 to 1-4 with Dara Kenny netting off the back of Conor Lowe’s gut-busting run out of defence. The second half was a tight affair with a lot of activity around the middle third of the pitch. Kilmacud were able to grind their way back into the tie with Linehan chipping away while Under-15 star Dara Purcell landed a couple of points with only a Malachy Codd point coming in return. Kilmacud eventually overhauled Boden to get the much cherished victory.
Ballinteer St John’s Under-15 side. Picture: Paul Lundy
Ballinteer’s A-star victory U-15A FC SEMI-FINAL Lucan Sarsfields Ballinteer St John’s sport@dublingazette.com
0-13 5-10
A FIVE-STAR Ballinteer St John’s performance saw the Marlay Park side storm into the Under15 Division 1 final with a dozen points to spare over Lucan Sarsfields. Despite conceding the first point, they slowly took control of the game. Early goals from Luke Cullen and Liam Fenton helped build a good lead and, by halfway through the first half, Ballinteer
were six points up. Indeed, they only conceded three points in the first half on a narrow pitch with long grass and a greasy ball, something that would more than likely hinder any hopes of a Lucan comeback. With a third goal from Adam O’Brien, just before the break, their committed and hard working performance garnered a 3-6 to 0-3 lead at the turnaround though there were some small gripes over five wides and three shots falling short which could have
strengthened the lead. Lucan did fight back in the second half, reeling in the deficit with four points to a more manageable target. Ronan Cullen’s goal, however, stopped the comeback in its tracks and, with time winding down, a fifth goal arrived via David Murphy. Three of Ballinteer’s subs scored with Luke Kenny’s point the pick of the bunch. Matt Lynch also did really well when he came on while Paddy Quinn Glennon also
scored a glorious point as the scores were shared around nine different players. Defensively, the conditions and the narrow pitch played into Ballinteer’s hands as their collective defending was fantastic, working in swarms to get back and turnover ball or to force a low percentage shot. Jack Lundy was crucial in this regard while the combined scoring of the Cullens Luke and Ronan along with Fenton - all scoring 1-2 - accounted for a good portion of the
scoring, Ballinteer now go on to meet Castleknock in the final of the championship on Sunday in Parnell Park ar 12.30pm. In so doing, they are the first male team from the club to get into an A Dublin championship final this year. It adds to the good times at the club following the senior footballers recent victory in AFL Division 2, earning a return to the top tier after a long absence as they edged out Naomh Olaf to the title.
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S
LOTTO results (November 2): numbers drawn were 1, 11, 12 and 20. No winner. Next week’s jackpot is €1,800. Lotto joker €300; winner of €100 Billy Cullen; €50 Brian Hainsworth, and Eddie Lycett. Bingo every Monday at 8pm. Big win for our U-13 footballers over Skerries Harps in the league. Great performance from our U-15 footballers in qualifying for the A championship final with their victory over Lucan Sarsfields. See Facebook for great pics from Aodan O Lorcain. Next Sunday, we face Castleknock in the A
championship final in Parnell Park at 12.30pm. Bigi Linn. All support welcome. Best of luck to a great squad and mentors. The U-14A footballers lost by one goal away to St Sylvester’s in the league while the U-14Bs beat KIlmacud Crokes. Hard luck to the minor hurlers beaten by Thomas Davis in the championship semi-final. Free car BSJ stickers with club crest now available in the club shop. The club shop is open in Aras Naomh Eoin (clubhouse) on Thursday 7.30-8.30pm and Saturday from 11.30am to 12.30pm (excludes Bank Holiday weekends). Congrats to the BARA local history group on the publication of their 400 page
“Ballinteer History from Rural to suburban Community From the elite 19th century estates to present day”. Details from Peadar Curran at 087 2841673.
CUALA
CONGRATULATIONS to Michael Fitzsimons and Con O’Callaghan on winning All Stars on Friday night. Con also won the “Young Footballer of the Year” award. This is a fantastic achievement not just for Michael and Con but to our club. Michael and Con are two great ambassadors for Cuala and brilliant role models for our young stars of the future. Well done to our senior hurlers who defeated Kilkenny
champions Dicksboro by 2-20 to 1-16 in the Leinster SHC quarter-final in Parnell Park. on Sunday. Cuala will play St Martin’s from Wexford in the semi final in Parnell Park on Sunday, November 19. Our U-21 footballers progressed to the semi-final of the Dublin U-21 A football championship following their 2-16 to 0-5 win over St Vincent’s on Saturday and our fourth team footballers progressed to the AFL10 league final after beating St Mark’s in the semi final on Sunday morning. Well done to our minor ladies who won the division 2 championship with a win over Lucan in the final. Hard luck to our U-16B
Ladies footballers who lost out to Fingal Ravens by 6-7 to 2-3 in the final of the Division 6 championship on Sunday. Hard luck also to our U-13 girls who lost out to Naomh Olaf in the Dublin ladies football Division 2 Shield final. Good luck to our six representatives on the U-12 Dublin Camogie School of Excellence which started in the Phoenix Park last Saturday.
KILMACUD CROKES
MANY congrats to Crokes stalwarts Cian O’Sullivan and Paul Mannion who picked up All-Star awards at the PWC awards ceremony last Friday. It is a great honour the lads themselves, the club and for
the volunteers in the club who support all our players striving to reach their own potential. All in Kilmacud Crokes are proud of their achievements and we wish Cian and Paul well. Well done to the AFL1 team who beat Ballymun Kickhams, 3-13 to 3-7 in the league semifinal on Sunday. The team will now play St Maurs in the Division 1 final. Details to be confirmed. Well done also to the AFL9 team who beat Castleknock 0-10 to 1-5. Well done to the U-16A hurlers who won the county championship, beating close rivals Ballyboden by two points. Well done to the U-13A and
9 November 2017 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 39
GAZETTE
HURLING: DALKEY CLUB’S LEINSTER TITLE DEFENCE ROLLS ON
Cuala race into semis LEINSTER SHC SEMI FINAL Cuala 2-20 Dicksboro 1-16 JAMES HENDICOTT sport@dublingazette.com
ALL IRELAND club hurling champions Cuala marched onwards on Sunday afternoon as the Dalkey side comfortably overcame Kilkenny champions Dicksboro in what had looked like a tough Leinster quarter final draw. Dicksboro had taken the Kilkenny title for the first time in 24 years but their very emergence from a county that’s taken the Leinster title on 19 occasions – a county record – compared to Dublin’s two would have been more than enough to give Cuala pause for thought. With Con O’Callaghan shining up front and a superb performance from Sean Moran in the heart of their defence, however, Cuala took an early lead, and never really looked like relinquishing it. Indeed, Cuala found themselves looking into the whites of Dicksboro goalkeeper Darragh Holahan’s eyes on several occasions in the opening
quarter. O’Callaghan got clean through on Holohan after turning a Dicksboro defender, only to fire over, while Nicky Kenny – a late and effective replacement for Mark Schutte – drove over early on, as Cuala hit the opening three points without reply. Moran was already proving key. His ability to harry the Dicksboro forwards was preventing much from breaking towards goal. By the time O’Callaghan went on the charge for a second time – making dozens of metres before laying off across goal for Jake Malone to bash home - Cuala were in total control; 1-4 to 0-2 up after the opening quarter. Dicksboro did build into the game, though, and saw more of the play as the half progressed. Things were frantic and accurate, with Michael Fagan’s aggression in the Kilkenny side’s defence and a couple of wild tackles by Cuala on the byline drawing irritation from both sets of fans. The Kilkenny side, in particular, clearly felt hard done by but they did hold
things in situ until half time, as a series of frees from David Treacy (who ended with 0-9) were matched by Dicksboro set-piece man Shane Stapleton – formerly of St Pat’s, Palmerstown – and a handful of scores from play to bring the tallies to a trigger-happy 1-10 to 0-8 at halftime. Cuala were to go further ahead before Dicksboro attempted a late charge. Treacy continued a composed free taking performance, while O’Callaghan – newly crowned football of the year – showed an
abundance of class as he chipped home nonchalantly from the left byline. The killer blow came on 45 minutes, with the agile Sean Brennan having parried a Dicksboro goal chance over the bar. His clearance had O’Callaghan on the receiving end, as Cuala worked acres of space in their forward line, flicking smartly between three players before landing it on a plate for the star man five yards out. Predictably, he made no mistake. Dicksboro kept going, and narrowed the margin
from nine points to six with seven minutes to go, when substitute Stephen Farrell made the most of a scramble to net for the visitors. They proceeded to launch a barrage of high balls into Brennan’s box, but looked in greater danger of conceding to Cuala on the break. Ultimately, the Dalkey lads ran out comfortable winners at 2-20 to 1-16. There was a confident feel to boss Mattie Kenny’s post-match stroll, in declared himself “delighted” with the result.
DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONS
Minors add to glory days CUALA’S ladies football section enjoyed another memorable weekend with a comprehensive win in the Division 2 minor championship final against Lucan Sarsfield, cuala 10-14 to 1-5. A strong defensive performance was the bed rock to an equally good attacking display. Orlaith O’Sullivan, Zoe Hall and Bronagh Byrne were excellent in the backs with both Jennifer Dunne and Eimear Loughlin dominating midfield, insuring a continuous supply of good ball into the forward line led by Sinead Wylde, Jess Connolly, Grainne O’Drisceoil and Jennifer Byrne. Lucan never gave up with strong performances from Laura and Avril Quinn, Abby Lawlor and Katie Wisdom. Up next for the Cuala ladies section is the junior All-Ireland semi-final versus Corduff (Monaghan) on Sunday, November 19.
Cuala’s Con O’Callaghan had a spectacular weekend, winning an All-Star and young footballer of the year before starring for the club’s hurlers. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
CLUB NOTICEBOARD
U-14A footballers who were crowned league title winners over the weekend. Kilmacud Crokes Club Wellbeing Officer Kevin Mulligan received the GAA healthy club award in Croke Park over the weekend on behalf of Crokes. Crokes are among the first 60 clubs in the country to be recognised by the GAA for their commitment to the GAA healthy club programme. Well done to all involved in our healthy club efforts.
NAOMH OLAF
A GREAT weekend for
Naomh Olaf teams. Pride of place goes to the junior two footballers who overcame Lucan Sarsfields to claim the Division 11 title and promotion for the 2018 season. Well done to all involved. No less important was the win by the U-13 girls to win their football shield. Sunday morning produced another two very satisfactory results with the senior footballers advancing to the playoff final for promotion to Division 1 with a hard fought win against Raheny and the minor hurlers claiming victory in the shield
semi-final against Isles of the Sea. The senior footballers will now face Na Fianna in a winner take all promotion final; date to be announced. The U-21 hurling quarter final and the minor A football shield final are down for decision next weekend but watch out for fixture changes as the CCCC do their best to get leagues and championships wrapped up at season’s end. Any changes will be notified via social media. Many thanks to David Byrne and all involved in the very enjoyable visit of the Sam Maguire Cup to
Naomh Olaf on Sunday. David does this job brilliantly and is very generous with his time in inspiring the club’s young players. No better role model could be found. Lotto numbers were 11, 13 and 30; no winner; €1,200 jackpot next week.
SHANKILL
THE academy is back in action in our winter location at St Laurence’s College. Check with your team manager for training times. Catering for both boys and girls from four to six years of age, our
academy is sponsored by O’ Donnell’s Pharmacy and is in action every Saturday morning from 10am to 11am. The cost is only €2 per child and there is no annual subscription. Qualified coaches are always in attendance and all equipment is supplied free of charge. So why not come along any Saturday morning and give the Academy a try. There was lots of action over the weekend on Saturday; the U-9 boys footballers were away to Good Counsel and the U-10 boys footballers were also away to St James Gaels.
On Sunday, there were blitz games to beat the band. The U-8 girls were in Clanna Gael; the U-9 girls were in Bray Emmets and the U-11 girls in Lucan Sarsfields. The U-9 boys footballers had a second day out with a friendly against St Kevins-Killians in Shanganagh Castle. Well done to all our coaches and parents who turned out these teams. The ladies adult football team is going from strength to strength with all abilities catered for so check out our Facebook page and follow the link to the ladies Facebook group,
e-mail stevedavis203@ gmail.com or contact Steve on 087 6414123. The men’s adult football team have ambitions to climb up through the league divisions so new players are always welcome; contact Kevin on 086 8449902. For more information on the club, contact secretary.shankill. dublingaa.ie or call 086 4010438. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club where everybody knows your name.
GAZETTESPORT
ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 34-39
WAVES CRASH: UCD attempts to pop Cork in women’s FAI Senior Cup final come a cropper at final stage P37
NOVEMBER 9-15, 2017
IAN MCKINLEY’S ITALIAN JOB: After retirment and the loss of an eye, an unlikely debut! P35
Cuala manager Mattie Kenny
Cuala hungry for more Manager Mattie Kenny says the Dalkey club are having no problem in getting into the right frame of mind after their big win over Dicksboro KARL GRAHAM
sport@dublingazette.com
MATTIE Kenny says appetite is no issue after Cuala reached the Leinster club hurling semifinal following a 2-20 to 1-16 win over Dicksboro at Parnell Park last weekend. Cuala had a slow start to their Dublin campaign having produced a clean sweep of titles last season but showed tip-top form against Dicksboro, and Kenny believes his players shouldn’t be lacking the hunger to win at this time of the year. “We are only three years on the go so everyone gets their wind up when they are trying to win something. These guys have been a long time waiting to get to this level so now that we are at
this level, we need to keep pushing on,” Kenny said after the game. “Any club player worth his salt should be really looking forward to playing September, October, November because that is the time you are really at the business end of competitions. Hunger or appetite shouldn’t be an issue with these guys.” Cuala enjoyed a good start to the match but had to work hard to fight off a strong challenge from Dicksboro in the second half. “It was a good game; a good standard of hurling,” Kenny continued. “Dicksboro brought a big challenge, as I knew they would. Our lads played well. We started with the wind at our backs and built up a lead. “We knew Dicksboro were going to come at us
in the second half. Sometimes when you are playing into the breeze, you get a little bit more space to attack into. Our forwards I thought worked really hard.” Cuala will play St Martin’s in the semi-final and Kenny knows his side will face another tough test against the Wexford champions. “St Martin’s had a good win against Oulart [the Ballagh] a couple of weeks ago. “They are a very young, pacey side and they are going to be another big, big test for us. At this time of year, everyone you come up against are county champions, they are all winners. We will be expecting a huge battle again but, at the same time, we are looking forward to it,” Kenny concluded.
Kenny also praised the performance of the new poster boy of Dublin hurling and football, Con O’Callaghan. The 21-year-old has been a revelation since breaking into Jim Gavin’s squad and was rewarded for his contribution to the footballers’ three in a row success by picking up the young player of the year award at the All-Stars ceremony two days before the win over Dicksboro. “We had him tucked away in bed pretty early on Friday night,” Kenny quipped. “Con, as well as all the forwards, did a good day’s work for us so we are delighted with him. “He’s leading the line very well for us and getting onto the ball. He’s a really good target guy for us and chips in with a few scores every day.”