Dublin Gazette: South Edition by Dublin Gazette

DublinGazette NOV 28 - DEC 4, 2019

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SPORT

REBECCA RYAN

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THE attack on Dundrum FC’s pitches over the weekend have been condemned as a “mindless act of vandalism.” Last Friday, the football club reported that two of their pitches were set on fire in the space of one week with the pitches now unplayable.

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‘Mindless act of vandalism’ blasted

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The club said: “The only people that suffer here are our young players. “That’s two pitches in one week set alight and those pitches now are unplayable until the appraiser repairs can be carried out.” Local councillor, Sean McLoughlin (NP) condemned the attack and told Dublin Gazette that it is an ongoing issue in the area that must be

addressed. “The kids and young adults are the ones who suffer in these situations, and will miss out on their matches due to this mindless act of vandalism by a minority of anti-social elements. “This is an ongoing issue in Meadowbrook Park and further afield, it must be condemned.” FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

Families step up campaign for a playground in Sandyford

FAMILIES have stepped up their efforts to campaign for a playground in Sandyford. The Sandyford Playground Campaign would like to see a playground within walking distance of the Kilcross/Sandyford Downs estates near Sandyford village, and are calling on the council for lands and funding. SEE PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 28 November 2019

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DUNDRUM: TWO PITCHES SET ALIGHT IN THE SPACE OF ONE WEEK

‘Mindless act of vandalism’ condemned as pitches torched REBECCA RYAN

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in Dundrum has been strongly condemned, after Dundrum FC’s pitches were set on fire over the weekend. Last Friday, the football club reported that two of their pitches were set alight in the space of one week and the pitches are now unplayable. They said: “It’s difficult enough to get matches played at the moment with the poor weather/soft pitches, this mindless action certainly doesn’t help. “The only people that suffer here are our young players, that’s two pitches in one week set alight and those pitches now are unplayable until the appraiser repairs can be carried out. “Matches will have to be cancelled; young players will be disappointed and saddened that they can’t play their games.” Local councillor, Sean McLoughlin (NP) told Dublin Gazette this is an ongoing issue in the area and condemned the “mindless act of vandalism.”

“This is very disappointing news for Dundrum FC, and everyone who volunteers tirelessly to provide a football outlet for children and young adults in the area. “The kids and young adults are the ones who suffer in these situations and will miss out on their matches due to this mindless act of vandalism by a minority of anti-social elements. “This is an ongoing issue in Meadowbrook Park and further afield, it must be condemned. “Furthermore, we need to see a bigger effort to engage local teenagers with the various services and activities that are available to them in their local area. Not just in Meadowbrook, but across the county.” Locals are outraged and many labelling the attack as “disgraceful” with others calling for cameras to be set up at the facility. One wrote: “No respect for community, the kids or people who give their time to run a football club.” While another wrote: “Need cameras, they’re cheap enough nowadays. Good luck going forward...”

The scene of destruction at Dundrum FC

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FESTIVAL: PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN – AND GREAT VIEWS – GUARANTEED FOR EVERYONE

Feel on top of the world with a Dun Laoghaire ferris wheel spin REBECCA RYAN

DUN Laoghaire is all set to be ‘electrifying’ again this Christmas as an iconic ferris wheel takes centre stage at the annual Christmas festival. A 55 foot-high ferris wheel built in 1958, and reported to have featured in the original Grease film, is a highlight of the festival. In keeping with the Hollywood theme, the festival also features vintage Chair-O-Planes that were used by AMC in the making of the TV series, Into the Badlands, starring

Daniel Wu. The ferris wheel and Chair-oPlanes will provide spectacular views of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The vintage carnival will be placed at Moran Park beside dlr LexIcon to complement the traditional Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market which runs from every weekend from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 23, opposite dlr LexIcon, from 11am to 7pm. It will include a range of classic family attractions full of nostalgic charm such as colourful retro hobby

horses, candyfloss, a rollercoaster, Santa’s Post Box, and a festive Christmas market. Santa arrives to open the festival and switch on the Christmas lights in Dun Laoghaire on Saturday, November 30. Dun Laoghaire Town Centre has more than 280 retail outlets, and businesses full of the festive spirit. The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival is hosted by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council. For further information, see www. events.dlrcoco.ie.

Millie Ryan at the Ferris Wheel

Volunteers raise vital funds to support city’s homeless

RACHEL DARCY

A CLONSKEAGH-based charity are looking to fundraise money to donate ‘bags for life’ to the homeless. Muslim Sisters of Eire (MOSE) have launched a GoFundMe to raise money for the bags, which they also distributed last year. In each bag will be a sleeping bag, a fold-up tent, a ‘Survival Sheet’, a blanket, hat, socks, gloves, scarf and a hygiene kit. The group said: “We received tremendous support for last year’s Bag for Life campaign. “Generous donations kept the men and women, sleeping rough, warm for many wintry months. “Once again, as the temperatures drop, we have to look into our hearts and think of those unfortunate people who have no place to sleep at night, and the only shelter they can find is in a doorway or under a bridge.” MOSE are looking to raise €5,000 for the bags, which they intend to distribute throughout Dublin on Christmas Eve. However, the group say that they would like to make the Bag for Life project a continuous initiative until the homeless crisis in Dublin is combatted. MOSE said: “We really need help to fill as many

FASTNews Sandycove and Glasthule light up SEASONAL sensations and festive follies are coming to Sandycove and Glasthule this week. To start things off, visitors are invited to bring along their Christmas lanterns and join carollers, as they parade from Butler’s Pantry in Sandycove into the village of Glasthule at 5pm on Thursday, 28 November. Here the festive lights will be turned on, and complimentary hot chocolate and mince pies will be passed out to get locals into the spirit. Santa and his helpers will pay a visit on Saturday, 7 December at 2pm, arriving in a red vintage car. Most shops will open from noon on Sundays in December, with free parking in the Harold School on Saturdays.

Churchtown Christmas Fair Muslim Sisters of Eire are looking to fundraise money to donate ‘bags for life’ to the homeless

bags as possible. This will be an ongoing project and we need continuous donations until a long-term solution is found for the homelessness crisis.” The group are looking for both monetary donations, and donations of bags and other items for the initiative. This is not the first charity initiative from MOSE, which regularly takes part in volunteer soup kitchens outside the GPO on O’Connell Street,

to aid in providing food to those who are currently homeless on Dublin’s streets. They also host regular fundraisers, with the funds raised channelled back into supporting worthy causes across Dublin. For further information on MOSE and its work, see their Facebook page, Muslim Sisters of Eire. To donate, visit the group’s GoFundMe page, Bag For Life 2019.

Local lands LINC college medal A CHURCHTOWN local has been awarded a LINC college medal. Leanne Barton, 23, graduated in the Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, to become an inclusion co-ordinator in the LINC programme. She received a first-class honours and recently received the college medal. Leanne (pictured) told Dublin Gazette she was “unbelievably happy” to receive the medal. “At first, I felt shocked that I was the recipient of the college medal, considering there were 887 other students to compete with. However, I am full of positive emotions. I feel unbelievably happy and proud of myself.”

DE La Salle College Churchtown are hosting their Annual Christmas Fair on December 1st from 11.30am to 3pm. There will be food stalls, book stalls, Santa’s grotto, music entertainment, craft and gift stalls, games and raffles, wheel of fortune and lots more. A spokesperson for De La Salle College said: “We would like to extend an invite to the whole Churchtown community and beyond. “Our Fair is a wholesome gathering for the whole family with Crafts, Fair games, Festive food and of course, a visit from the big man himself.”

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CAMPAIGN: COMMUNITY GROUP CALLING ON COUNCIL FOR LANDS AND FUNDING

Calls for a playground in Sandyford REBECCA RYAN

ary this year, and told Dublin Gazette that a petition calling for the playground is already gaining traction. “Several other local residents from Kilcross, Ticknock Park, and Sandyford Downs have been actively involved with the campaign. “We have collected a petition with 230 signatures from residents supporting the initiative, while there have been zero objections. “We also conducted an online survey and found

that the majority of residents currently drive to visit playgrounds, as there is currently no playground within walking distance. “Our aim is to promote social cohesion, community spirit, healthy lifestyle and a sustainable environment by having a playground within walking distance,” said the mum-of-two. It is a minimum of a 50-minute round trip for Leah to bring her kids to the playground if she takes the buggy.

“

Leah with her kids Alana (1) and Camila (5)

“My efforts are often thwarted by unforeseen rain showers, complaints of tired legs from my fiveyear old, or my one-year old napping, due to such a long walk in the buggy. It’s a similar story for the other local parents that we’ve interviewed. “The playground is hugely important to the area. Sandyford is a large residential area with many young children. However, there are limited amenities for the children to play and for local people to socialise. “A local playground would be a wonderful boost to the village, and

We have collected a petition with 230 signatures from residents supporting the initiative, while there have been zero objections the increased footfall would also drive customers to the village businesses.” Leah said she would like to see the council’s Parks’ Department commit to a playground for Sandyford to be delivered within 18 months.

Glencullen/Sandyford Councillor, Deirdre Ní Fhloinn (GP) told Dublin Gazette the benefits of having a playground for families in the area would be “immense.” “As a parent myself, I know the immense ben-

Writing festival in Dalkey IF you’re looking to improve your writing skills and learn how to get published, Dalkey Creates Writing Festival is for you! The festival takes place from 28-30 November and offers writing workshops, a writers’ publishing forum, a writer in residence, an open mic, writer talks, the short story competition prize-giving and networking sessions. It also provides writers with a platform to share their work and learn from some of Ire-

land’s best writers. In other parts of the festival, the Dalkey Creates Jr programme is run in up to seven local schools, with creative projects spanning the first half of term, with projects showcased in Dalkey on November 30, along with activities in Dalkey library. All of the events are held in local premises in Dalkey. See dalkeycreates.com for more details.

Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD with students from Harold Boys’ National School, Dalkey, at the launch of the event

efit for children and their parents of having a good playground a short walk from your house. “It’s a great way for children and caregivers in the local communities to get to know each other and of course, we want to encourage kids to be active and to love being outdoors.” See Facebook Page Sandyford Playground Campaign to keep updated on the campaign. Dublin Gazette contacted Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for comment, but did not receive a reply going to print.

New book launched WELL known former RTE newscaster and Stillorgan resident, Michael Murphy has launched a new book. ‘The Ministry of Dreams’ is a collection of 80 poems with various themes, including politics and the human condition. Michael is a psychoanalyst in Sandyford and an author of 3 poetry books, and a moving memoir ‘At Five in the Afternoon’. His new book was launched in Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street by RTE’s Eileen Dunne on November 13. Get the book online at www.michaelmurphyauthor.com/product/ the-ministry-of-dreams

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Sarah Delaney, Brendan Ring, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Keeva Delaney, Bernard Jackman, Jane Delaney and Ava Jackman. Pictures: Mark Stedman

Michelle and Daniel Nolan with Taylor and Jorgia

Christmas For Everyone at Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt B IG celebrations took place at Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt recently for its ‘Christmas For Everyone’ event, which ran for four days. The celebrations included very special fashion shows which were hosted by two of Ireland’s most loved and respected designers and personalities, Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon. Move 4 Parkinson’s choir performed in store. Some of Ireland’s leading food producers were on hand to meet customers and invite them to sample some of their signature and award-winning products. There were plenty of surprise giveaways throughout the weekend as well as kidfriendly activities.

Santa enjoying the very special event with some very happy children

Anne and Julienne Fox

Nikki Mooney and Nzinge Golding Dunnes Stores textiles manager Joe Hennelly presents Dierdre and Bernard Kelly a €500 vouncher

Dunnes Stores manager Gerry Finglas Dunnes Stores manager Joe Hennelly and Dunnes Stores employee Orla Brennan awarding a €1,000 voucher to Lynn O’Toole with her daughters Maya and Elliot

Santa with Gary and Emma Durran and Mason

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COURTS

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Suspended sentence for ‘delusional’ man’s threat A MAN with a religious persecution disorder who followed a parish priest into a sacristy with a knife and threatened to cut off his fingers, has received a fully suspended sentence. Mark Halligan (45), of Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm at a church in Balally, Dundrum, on September 11, 2016. Garda Ronan Kennedy told Eoghan Cole BL, prosecuting, that on the date in question, the accused followed parish priest Father Peter Byrne into the church’s sacristy. Halligan began to talk about “various things”. Gda Kennedy said Halligan had a large knife with him, and told the priest he would “cut your fingers off”. A parishioner had seen what was happening and contacted gardai who arrested the accused at the scene. Halligan has 17 previous convictions, including convictions for theft, misuse of drugs, criminal damage, public order offences and road traffic offences. He has two children with an ex-partner. Gda Kennedy agreed with Fiona Murphy SC, defending, that there were no injuries to the priest during the incident. He agreed that her client had engaged with St John of God’s Hospital subse-

quent to the incident and there had been no problems since. Ms Murphy said her client has been diagnosed with a religious persecution disorder, which is a strain of schizophrenia. She said he had always worked in the past until the past two or three years when his mental health difficulties took over.

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Judge Martin Nolan said he could accept that Halligan was delusional on the date in question

Judge Martin Nolan said he could accept that Halligan was delusional on the date in question. He noted that he had since obtained suitable treatment and there had been no recurrence in this type of behaviour. Judge Nolan sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment, but suspended the sentence in full on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three years, and place himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for 18 months.

Celebrating business excellence in Sandyford TINA Coleman, Beacon Hospital, was presented with the Rising Star award at the Sandyford Business District Awards, which were held recently at a gala ceremony at the Leopardstown Racecourse Pavilion. Hosted by broadcaster Ivan Yates, the awards honoured the significant achievements

of Sandyford companies, organisations and the people who work there. Nominations were received from each of the four business parks that comprise the Sandyford Business District. All entries in each of the 13 categories were then thoroughly reviewed by an independent panel of

leading senior business figures. Also pictured are Michael Masterson of Cliff Group; Minister of State at the Department of Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor; Sharon Scally, chair of Sandyford Business District, and Paul Crute, of Nord Anglia International School. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

A Cornucopia of local talent in a handy book REBECCA RYAN

THERE was a big night this week for local writing group, the Carraig Dubh Writers’ Group Anthology, who launched their very first book (right). The group comprises 15 people, who meet Monday mornings fortnightly at Blackrock Library. Published author and RTE broadcaster, Leo Cullen, from Monkstown, runs the group and edited the book, which is an anthology. Speaking to Dublin Gazette, he told us what Cornucopia is all about. He said: “The writing is a miscellany of poetry and prose. It contains a strong flavour of the borough of Dun LaoghaireRathdown. “It’s an enjoyable read; a Christmas stocking filler.

“The area around the old borough of Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown – its streets, parks, suburbs and, always somewhere not far away, the bulk of the mountains and the rolling seas – were all a place I knew as a child growing up. “I would drive through the quiet countryside from my rural home, my father at the wheel of a fast car, up to visit my aunt, his sister, who was a nun in Dun Laoghaire. “He would take the quickest route – the land route – by Stillorgan, Monkstown Avenue, Tivoli Road; the boring route – not a sight of a mail boat or the sea. “And always I would ask: “Can I see the ship, daddy? Is the ship in?” “Well, it is now, and it’s named Cornucopia, in poem, story, memoir.”

Leo said he is “very proud” of his group for being so courageous and

ambitious in taking a step in writing a book. “I am very proud for this

group of writers. It is very special to be included in a published anthology. “There is something magical about a book launch. It will bring gladness to me to see them enjoying it, to see them feel and smell their own book.” The successful launch took place yesterday evening at Deansgrange Library. The anthology Cornucopia is available from Raven Books, Blackrock; Dubray Books, Dun Laoghaire; Reads, Stillorgan; Alan Hannas Bookshop, Rathmines; and all libraries in the Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown network. You can also purchase a copy by emailing Derek Seymour at seymourdw52@gmail.com; copies cost €10 (plus P&P, if applicable).

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FASTNews Schools win county glory with art work MUSLIM National School, Clonskeagh and Scoil Chiarain, St Canice’s Road have been named Junior and Senior County Winners, respectively, of a prestigious national art competition. Now in its fourth year, 47 other schools will now compete in the Someone Like Me competition for the national title. Finian McGrath, Minister of State with special responsibility for Disabilities, said: “There are almost 650,000 people in Ireland with a disability, which equates to one in seven of the population. Almost 10% of that number are children aged 15 and under. “We are exceptionally pleased with the response to this year’s competition, which illustrates just how willing our primary school teachers and pupils are to help build a more inclusive Ireland where everyone, irrespective of ability or disability, is treated with equal respect and feels like a valued member of society,” said Minister McGrath.

Students to get free access to Studyclix.ie IRELAND’S most popular study website Studyclix.ie has teamed up with one of Dublin’s largest credit unions to give students at four Dublin schools free access to its service. More than 360 students will be able to access Studyclix.ie for free, courtesy of Capital Credit Union. Studyclix.ie simplifies the study process by breaking down each subject into topics. For each topic past exam questions, marking schemes, quizzes and videos are available. Capital Credit Union will provide the Studyclix.ie service for three Deis schools - giving access (normally €39.99 each) to 360 Junior and Leaving Certificate students in a sponsorship package worth almost €15,000. The service will also be provided to an Educate Together school. The schools are St. Tiernan’s Community School, Dundrum, (Deis), Ringsend College, Sandymount, (Deis), OLM Secondary School, Drimnagh, (Deis), Stepaside Educate Together, Leopardstown (Educate Together).

Luke Saunders, Studyclix.ie, Senior Cycle student, Alison McGovern and Junior cycle Student Ariana Charec. Picture: Orla Murray/SON Photo

SECURITY: GARDAI’S TOP TIPS ON PREVENTING BURGLARIES

Garda warning over Christmas thieves

REBECCA RYAN

LOCAL residents are being urged to be extra careful about home security this Christmas, after a number of break-ins locally. Last Monday, November 18, a Shankill woman reported her house being broken into in Crinken Glen between 4pm and 6.30pm, when she and her partner were out. The post warning others said: “They broke the front door. [The] alarm was ripped off the wall and wires were cut at the main box, but they couldn’t disconnect the sound so they didn’t stay to steal anything.” The woman who was relieved that nothing was taken, added: “... It’s [a] horrible feeling. The one place your meant to feel safe, and they take it away from you! [It] happened before around this time of year three years ago.” Gardai told Dublin Gazette that “no

arrests” have yet been made in relation to the incident and “investigations are ongoing”. Another house was reportedly broken into on Quinn’s Road between 4pm and 5pm, with the local resident telling the online community group that “nothing [was] taken,” but the alarm was “ripped off the wall too” and that “thankfully a neighbour scared them off.” While another local reported: “… they broke into my next-door neighbours house last Wednesday in New Vale. I just missed them by seconds. Two young lads in hoodies…” In Winter, gardai report that burglaries increase by 25%, and over 40% of burglaries in winter occur between 5pm and 11pm. In one in five home burglaries, entry is through an unsecured door or window, with jewellery and cash the most common items stolen. Gardai’s tips on preventing burglaries are: 1. Secure all doors and windows.

2. Light up your home, use timer switches when out. 3. Store keys safely and away from windows and letterboxes. 4. Record details of valuables and don’t keep large cash amounts at home. 5. Use your alarm, even when at home. And when going away, tips include; making your home look occupied, cancel newspaper or milk deliveries, asking a trusted neighbour to park on your driveway, avoid discussing holiday plans on social media or where strangers can hear. Also leave important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank, don’t put your home address on luggage when travelling (a work address will suffice), put valuable shed items in the house and make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows and turn on your alarm.

Local school kids partake in Daily Mile PRIMARY school children in the area have received a medal for taking part in a fitness challenge. ‘The Daily Mile’ encourages students to leave their desks for 15 minutes a day to run a mile around their yard or local green space, with the aim to help children increase their fitness and improve concentration levels. Over 350 primary school children from three local schools, Gaelscoil Sliabh Rua, Holy Trinity and Stepaside Educate Together, completed a mile route, on November 13, within Ballyogan Green and were awarded a medal of achievement at the finish line. Shane Mc Ardle, coordinator in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership said: “The route we have chosen today is in the same location as the Junior parkrun

Children from local schools took part in the Daily Mile event at Samuel Beckett Sports Campus, Ballyogan. Picture: Peter Cavanagh route, which takes place here every Sunday morning for children from 4-14 yrs. “We want the hundreds of kids here today to go home and encourage their parents and siblings to

link in at the weekends to their local parkrun, and create an active and healthy family ethos.” Leas-Cathaoirleach for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Deirdre Donnelly added:

“I would really like to acknowledge DLR Sports Partnership and Athletics Ireland for all their hard work over the last few months, encouraging the young citizens in the county to engage in a healthy lifestyle.”

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Phillip Conway, the Irish Olympian

Some members of the audience at the launch of the exhibition celebrating 100 years of Rathdown School at Dlr Lexicon Library, Dun Laoghaire. Pictures: Peter Cavanagh

Tom Kelly (Author of book) and Peter Cosgrove, who was MC for the launch

Blackrock AC 75 year Anniversary T

HERE were major celebrations at Blackrock Athletic Club last week as a special 75 year Anniversary Dinner was held. The club has travelled an epic journey since 1944. From its small beginnings during World WarII, Blackrock AC has grown to be one of the biggest running clubs in the country and now proudly counts a double European champion among its ranks.

Celebrating 100 years of Rathdown School A group of Blackrock A.C. members at the launch. Pictures: miklnolan@gmail.com

Former Principal of Rathdown School, Miss Stella Mew

Councillor Shay Brennan, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Brian Moore, principal, Rathdown School and Pat Kenny, who opened the exhibition

Tom Kelly (Author) with wife Anna, daughters Janice and Deirdre and grand daughter Martha

Dermot Dix, Junior School Pricipal, Rathdown School, Pat Kenny, Miss Stella Mew, former Principal, Rathdown School, Cathaoirleach Shay Brennan, Brian Moore, Principal, Rathdown School, Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Patsy Ashe, outgoing Chair of the Board of Governors, Rathdown School, Conor Grimley, incoming Chair of the Board of Governors, Rathdown School

Barry Thornton, Club Chairman, with Patricia Craddock-Smith

Freddie English and Tom Dunne

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Liz Richards with Sandra Faulkner and Jean McConnell

Paul, Joan and Graham Ryan

Jan McDonald with Nuala Noone and Bernie O’Sullivan

ELEBRITY Chef Neven Maguire put on a fantastic cookery demonstration in the Pavilion, Leopardstown Racecourse with special guest celebrity host Brendan O’Connor. There was a glass of bubbly on arrival and a chance to sample and buy some delicious delights at the Simply Better Producers Food Fair before the cooking kicked off.

Catherine O’Brien with Neven Maguire, Mary Stokes and Joan Murphy. Pictures: Robbie Reynolds and Emily Gallagher

Cooking up a storm in aid of the Down Syndrome Centre

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GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Rachel, Aaron and Steven Davenport

Olivia and Melanie Connolly

Dena Levitz and Nicola Brady

Orlagh and Keira O’Reilly

Karl Bowe and Lynn Mulvey

Charlotte Foot

Denis Ellis, Michelle Cantwell and Aidan Ellis. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Gillian Fitzpatrick with Giulia and Felix

Conrad Dublin gets into the early Christmas spirit

C Ella and Michelle Daly

ONRAD Dublin drew inspiration from the new smash hit Frozen to showcase its festive 2019 programme recently, with local designer Edwin Jebbto creating a bespoke Christmas look for the hotel’s exterior and interior. On the launch night to reveal the striking new

look, guests enjoyed a wide range of Christmas fare with food and drink for young and old alike. With everything from a hot chocolate fountain to gingerbread and marshmallows for kids, while adults had seasonal mulled wine and Irish coffees, the delicious fare also included mince pies and even oysters.

The night was just part of the hotel’s focus on Christmas fun, with a range of special seasonal offers also helping to entice guests to stay at the busy hotel. The Frozen 2-inspired makeover was also a hit with guests, providing plenty to talk about just in time for the film’s release at Irish cinemas.

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PART 4 OF 7

Examining how our politicians have attempted to protect struggling Irish mortgage holders “

You criticise me for not intervening with vulture funds. Well, it was a compliment when they were so dubbed in America because vultures, you know, carry out a very good service in the ecology. They clean up dead animals that are littered across the landscape.

PADRAIG CONLON

THE words of then Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan talking about vulture funds at an Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness in May 2016. It was only natural he would defend them, after all he was the very person who invited them into the country. In figures released to Fianna Fail TD Michael McGrath, which he shared in the Dail in 2015, it was revealed that Michael Noonan had met with private equity groups eight times in 2013 and 2014. The former Minister was accused of “rolling out the red carpet” for vulture funds, while at the same time ignoring Irish mortgage holders in distress. He even met with Lone Star, who along with its affiliate Shoreline Residential, were the biggest purchaser of Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) mortgage loans, three times in 2014. In 2013 he twice met with Apollo, who bought a portfolio of Irish home loans from Lloyds Bank in 2013 for €307m. In total, officials in the Department of Finance met with private equity firms and vulture funds 65 times during 2013 and 2014. So how have our politicians reacted to the inva-

sion of vulture funds into the Irish market, and what have they done to help struggling Irish homeowners? The fightback has been led by several Bills brought to the Dail over the past couple of years. In 2017, Independent

Michael McGrath TD

TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran put forward the Keeping People in Their Homes Bill 2017 aimed at providing further protections for homeowners in mortgage difficulty. It proposed that judges evaluate, among other things, a borrower’s family circumstances before granting a possession order in respect of a family home. In February 2019, the Minister for Justice confirmed the Government would advance the Bill as a Government-sponsored Bill, with some changes, and it was re-named the Land and Conveyancing

Law Reform (Amendment) Bill. At the start of 2018, Michael McGrath was himself behind a Fianna Fáil private members’ Bill, The Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) (Amendment) Bill 2018, to regulate vulture funds. The Bill, passed on Christmas Eve last year, became operational on January 21st this year, and brings vulture funds within the full suite of Central Bank regulation. In January, the Dail also voted in favour of Sinn Féin’s No Consent, No Sale Bill which aims to give mortgage holders the power to block the sale of their loans to vulture funds. Pearse Doherty’s Central Bank (Transfer of Mortgages) Bill puts into law what currently exists as a voluntary Central Bank code, where lenders looking to sell a mortgage must get the borrower’s permission before selling the loan on to a third party. The Dáil voted by 80 votes to 45 to pass the Bill however the government, and the Central Bank, has opposed the proposed legislation. In June 2018, Fianna Fail TD, and chair of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, John McGuinness brought The Affordable Housing and Fair Mortgage Bill to the Dail.

Former Minister for Finance Michael Noonan

Written by Master of the High Court Edmund Honohan, the bill brings together several pieces of Irish and European law, and proposes the establishment of a ‘national affordable cooperative housing exchange’, which would allow not-for-profit housing providers to buy

John McGuinness

distressed loans and lease the properties to the borrower. The bill also covers the provision of housing by not-for-profit, non-state entities with ethical funding as well as dealing with evictions and the reconfiguration of the government’s legal advice service Abhaile as a mortgage resolution agency. The Affordable Housing and Fair Mortgage Bill reached its second stage unopposed, but remains currently before Dáil Éireann, potentially stuck in limbo until there is a change of government next year. The lack of support for his bill from his own party, Fianna Fail, has been a source of deep frustration

for McGuinness. Addressing party colleagues in a scathing letter last year he said: “Complete silence from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on this matter says much for the state of Irish politics today. “Remember, it is not just mortgages that are being sold, it’s the lives of Irish people, many of whom are where they are because of the reckless lending of the very banks now selling them into destitution. “Fianna Fáil needs to find its soul and regrow its backbone, become the opposition it should be, rather than the supine partner in government it is, and force the government to act by promoting decency, instead of toler-

Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

ating greed and keep our people safe by strongly curtailing the actions of all those who seek to reduce their lives to numbers on an enormously profitable balance sheet.”

28 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 November 2019

SENIORS: HOME INSULATION:

DUBLIN

LEARN ABOUT HARRY CONNICK JNR’S LATEST ALBUM

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LEARN all about the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme to help have a more energy-efficient home that will be kinder on the planet – and on your pocket, too...

MAGAZINE THE E-GOLF IMPRESSES P20

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

Join the Christmas fun for all at Dublin Castle THE Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced a magical new experience for Christmas taking place in the historical surroundings of Dublin Castle. Christmas at the Castle is a unique festive event running from December 12 to 22, with the event promising to have something for everyone. With a boutique open air Christmas market, evening carol singing, a Neapolitan crib and complimentary evening access to the traditionally decorated State apartments, the event will also see Dublin Castle’s historic courtyard filled with more than 30 traditional Alpine market stalls, featuring an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas along with mouth-watering festive treats. Visitors to Christmas at the Castle, which has free admission, can indulge in traditional fare being sold by artisan producers and soak up the festive atmosphere with evening carol singing provided by local choirs. There will be a vintage carousel on site for children, while weekend visitors to Christmas at the Castle can avail of horse carriage rides around the grounds and gardens. During the celebrations, the OPW will be providing complimentary evening access to the State Apartments from 6-8pm. After exploring the castle’s beautifully decorated interiors, families can visit the gothic revival Chapel Royal, the setting for the castle’s hand-made Neapolitan Baroque crib. Admission to the market is free. For further information on what promises to be a great festival in the heart of the capital, see www.dublincastle.ie.

28 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15 COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Sustainable shopping this festive season

RECIPE CORNER

We all know plastic isn’t fantastic and Christmas can often be the most wasteful time of the year. The Health Store has always offered gift wrapping at Christmas and this year, we have committed to fully recyclable packaging options and we have also launched a range of natural, eco friendly home and personal gifts to help you minimise your footprint this festive season.



Here’s our top picks for a more eco friendly Christmas:

A friendly start to your morning!

1. Natural Skincare Products. Your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you put on it! Ensure you use high quality, natural product on yours with gorgeous gift sets from trusted brands like Kinvara, Sukin, Dr Hauschka, Trilogy, Burts Bees and much more. From €11.50. 2. Stojos. Ditch disposable cups with Stojo’s foldable, pocket sized saviour. Perfect for hot drinks! Stojos from €10.95. 3. Salt Lamps. Add positive ions and cleanse the air with Himalayan salt lamps available in a variety of shapes and sizes & will create a warming glow in your room. Salt lamps from €14.95.

We are not all at our friendliest these cold & dark mornings so here’s a warming, comforting recipe to get us going!

YOU WILL NEED:

1 cup of The Health Store organic jumbo oats 1 cup of Oatly organic oat milk 1 cup of water 1 tsp of Steenberg cinnamon powder 1 x Red Apple 2 tsp honey/maple syrup/agave 1 spoon Lizi’s low sugar granola

3. Aroma Diffusers. Spruce up your home with Christmas scents and a chromotherapy diffuser and some 100% natural and organic essential oils. Aroma diffusers from €29.95.

METHOD:

1. In a non stick pot, bring your oat milk to a medium heat and add your oats for about 3-5 minutes. 2. Chop up half your apple into little chunks and add in. 3. Once the consistency thickens, add water in, little by little for another 2 minutes until the apple has softened and the texture is as you like it. 4. Pop into a bowl and shake your cinnamon on top and decorate with slices of the other half of the apple. 5. Lastly, top off your bowl with the spoon of granola and as much or as little sweetener as you like, bearing in mind that the apple will sweeten it up a lot! 6. Enjoy!

5. Advent Calendars and Inspirational Calendars. Swap your chocolate for a daily cup of herbal tea. We love this one from Pukka & think these daily inspiration calendars for next year make great secret santa or stocking filler gifts. Advent Calendars from €10.45.

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HEALTH STORE

STORE LOCATIONS

ARKLOW Bridgewater Shopping Centre North Quay, Arklow, Co.Wicklow 0402 24893 BLACKROCK Frascati Shopping Centre Blackrock Co. Dublin 01 2788855 BLANCHARDSTOWN Blanchardstown Centre Blanchardstown Dublin 15 822 2036

The Health Store are offering up to 20% OFF store wide this BLACK FRIDAY both in store and online at www.thehealthstore.ie

BRAY The Boulevard Quinsboro Road Co Dublin 01 286 1973 DUNDRUM Dundrum Town Centre Dublin 16 Dublin 01 205 1420

HENRY STREET 21 Henry Street Dublin 1 Dublin 01 685 9431 LIFFEY VALLEY Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Dublin 22 675 4450 NEWBRIDGE Whitewater Shopping Centre Co. Kildare 045 434 250 STILLORGAN Stillorgan Village Co Dublin 01 210 8608 SWORDS Pavilions Shopping Centre Co Dublin 01 840 4438 TALLAGHT The Square Town Centre Dublin 24 01 4521181

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 November 2019

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

COOL AND QUIRKY THINGS

BITS & BOBS

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

Some real Christmas crackers NUALA Cole and other members of the Dublin Ukulele Collective treated commuters at Heuston Station to some great Christmas crackers as they helped Focus Ireland and Iarnrod Eireann launch the third annual campaign to help more people make it #HomeForChristmas. People can donate to the cause at www.focusireland.ie, call 1850 204 205, or donate €4 to Focus Ireland when purchasing a rail ticket. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

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

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

Anger over snapper’s All’s well for Swalwell in Ducks duck any offers for ‘retouching’ breaking wind incident noise restrictions quacking good case, a gang of little girl’s school pic A PUBLIC representative politician pausing briefly IN60 AFrench ducks have been given A FURIOUS mum has hit out at a school photographer who offered ‘retouching’ editing options for her eight-year-old’s school photographs. Sam Walker, living in Arizona, shared a photo of her daughter’s school photo price list, offering “basic retouching” to remove blemishes, and “premium retouching”, which was described as “basic plus whitens teeth and evens skin tone”. In her tweet, the mum wrote: “The girls have their school photo today and there is the option to AIRBRUSH the picture! “There are two levels offered! What the ... ?! Have complained! What eight-year-old needs to be paranoid about an ‘uneven skin tone’?” The post went viral, with fellow parents expressing their horror.

in California has been forced to deny breaking wind on a live broadcast recently. Democrat Eric Swalwell was live on MSNBC when an unfortunate, lengthy tooting noise was heard in the broadcast, clear as day. He wa s s p e a king about US President Donald Trump when the noise emitted, with the

and attempting not to smile before he continued speaking. Buzzfeed News have since shared that they had received a text from Swalwell (inset), ensuring them that it was not him who let rip live on air. “It was not me!!!!!” he wrote. “Ha. And I didn’t hear it when I was speaking.”

permission to carry on making noise by a French court last week. The ducks, kept by retired farmer Dominique Douthe at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, were ruled to be making noise “within acceptable limits” following a case brought to court by Douthe’s neighbour. “The ducks have won. I’m very happy, because I didn’t want to slaughter my ducks,” Douthe said following the verdict’s announcement. A complaint was lodged by Douthe’s neighbour who moved into the city about a year ago, 50 metres away from the flock’s enclosure.

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. This week’s dog of the week is Murley, a wonderful three-year-old crossbreed, looking for a home to call his own. He loves attention and will make a wonderful new addition to a family who can match his energy levels and provide him with a fun and varied lifestyle. Murley is a sweetheart and just wants to be loved. He would like his new family to be around all of the day, as he doesn’t like to be left on his own at the moment – he just wants to be with his people too much!

Murley will love a family that will make him feel secure and safe. He can live with older children over the age of 10, and with some dogs, as he can be a bit picky about his canine pals. If you have room in your heart and home for Murley then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)

murley

28 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 November 2019

CINEMA | THERE’S A FRESH TAKE ON A CERTAIN ECCENTRIC BUT BELOVED FAMILY

Kooky Addams characters return SHANE DILLON

A LAST-SECOND change of plans saw me having to miss seeing a certain animated blockbuster sequel that’s just been released – let’s just say I had to let it go, let it gooooo until another time – and settle instead for something somewhat darker in tone. The Addams Family (Cert PG, 87 mins) is the latest take on the evergreen family, with this new version just the latest variation on a franchise that has a surprising amount of films already out there. Presumably as part of the film’s marketing push, MGM have just released a whole lot of classic Addams episodes from the

hit 1960s series on YouTube, and I was already briefed on Addams lore before settling down for an unexpected visit with the Addams at the cinema. It’s a non-canonical take on the family, bringing the atypical family to a whole new audience, with an allstar voice cast breathing fresh life into Gomez and the family. Following a brisk opening act which establishes Gomez and Morticia’s move to New Jersey along with a couple of other stalwart Addams characters, we jump forward 13 years to the current expanded Addams family of parents, kids and other family members. They’re all living in splendid isolation, regard-

Just your extraordinary neighbours that you’d probably welcome moving in next door

ed as creepy oddballs and freaks by the rest of their town, but presented in classic Addams style to the viewer as eccentrics, sure, but as a kind and

loving family in their own way. The Addams’ assorted oddities, however, present a threat to the plans of an outside villain of sorts,

with Margaux – a horrid reality TV host who’s trying to present, and manipulate, a ‘perfect community’ show – horrified by the ghastly family in

town who present a threat to her scheming plans for perfection. The Addams are more interested in their own plans, such as little Pugsley’s worries over his upcoming Addams rite of passage ceremony, the Mazurka, but a monstrous clash of cultures is slowly building. Will Pugsley pass his Mazurka? Will Margaux be able to make the TV show she wants? And will The Addams Family successfully introduce the characters to a whole new audience? Yes, guess, and probably are the unsurprising answers, as The Addams Family follows a pretty conventional take that, in some ways, channels a lit-

tle of the spirit of Edward Scissorhands. Its overall core message (‘strange people aren’t strange once you get to know them’) was a little on the nose for my liking, and I just wasn’t mad about its character design and animation. Still, its voice cast including the likes of Charlize Theron, Bette Midler and Oscar Isaac do a pretty decent job with their roles, while the plot was fine. While I still prefer the charmingly oddball TV episodes that are available online, this animated reboot could be just the Thing to while away some time with the kooky Addams. Verdict: 7/10

Showcasing some of the best of new books out now BOOK-lovers Rick O’Shea and Sinead Moriarty are seeing out a year of wonderful books in style, with an exciting selection of fiction and non-fiction books, showcasing the best of new Irish and international talent as part of their Book Club. Sinead said: “My Eason Must Reads are carefully selected with winter in mind and are perfect for curling up and getting lost in a story. “This selection shows some of the most exciting upcoming Irish and international literary talent and I’m excited to share these books with everyone.” Rick added: “I am delighted to share my winter Must Reads with the nation. The books I have chosen will have something for every reader, perfect as a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one this Christmas.” The titles selected include The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, a dark fairy tale narrated by protagonist Danny, covering over five decades of the lives of a family. It’s a story about an obsession with a house and a fractured family, but most of all, it’s a book about

the powerful bond between siblings. • Barefoot Pilgrimage by Andrea Corr. Andrea takes a lyrical look back on the success of one of The Corrs, with a unique insight. • Olive Again by Elizabeth Strout. This is the eagerly awaited followup to Olive Kitteridge. When we first meet Olive in this book, it’s two years after her husband Henry’s death. She is a little less prickly and more introspective now that she is in her eighties and experiencing loss and loneliness. • She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. In 2017, two determined and dogged reporters, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, began their investigation into Harvey Weinstein. This ground-breaking book is their account of gathering the evidence that led to the story that ended Weinstein’s career, and that also sparked the #MeToo movement, making it an important and insightful account of one of the most important news stories to emerge in this generation. • The Body by Bill Bryson. Bill returns with a unique and fascinat-

ing look at how our body works. Jam-packed with a brilliant treasure trove of mind-boggling facts, this is the ideal Christmas gift for that awkward family member who is tricky to buy for. • Akin by Emma Donoghue. An odd-couple adventure about a retired widower who, due to circumstances beyond his control, ends up on holiday in the South of France with his 11-year-old greatnephew, making it part detective story, part coming together of two lonely people. • Unfollow by Emma Phelps Roper. Once a vocal and devout member of the notorious and hate-filled Westboro Baptist Church, Emma Phelps Roper tells the story of the origins of the church itself. • Gotta Get Theroux This by Louis Theroux. In this autobiography, documentary maker Louis Theroux tells the story of how he got started, and also how all of his famous TV programmes came into being. To check out full reviews of Sinead and Rick’s Must Reads for winter, see www.easons.com/ sineadandrick.

28 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

SOME OF THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND HEAR GOINGOUTOUT

NOVEMBER 28 (THURSDAY)

Bjork @ 3Arena, €50 Alec Benjamin @ Olympia Theatre, sold out Judah & the Lion @ Whelan’s, €22 Do Nothing @ The Workman’s Club, €13 Julia Jacklin @ The Button Factory, sold out The Sherlocks @ The Academy 2, €15 Careerist @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12

NOVEMBER 29 (FRIDAY) Bjork @ 3Arena, November 28 €50

The Lumineers @ 3Arena, €50 BellX1 @ Vicar Street, sold out Radical Face @ Whelan’s, €20 Pumarosa @ The Workman’s Club, €17 Six60 @ The Academy Green Room, €23 Penelope Isles @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13

REVELLING IN HIS ARTISTIC VARIETY NEW ORLEANS legend Harry Connick Jr has had a vast, varied career, taking in movie acting, Broadway performances, and his original and perhaps most passionate love, music. With more than 20 albums behind him, and unquestionably a legitimate Hollywood star to boot, Connick Jr rarely produces a similar style of record twice. His latest, and first in four years, focuses on another Broadway legend, Cole Porter. Porter left us more than half a century ago, leaving behind a library of musical wealth. “I signed my new contract with Verve Records after 30 years with Sony and we were talking about ideas. I said I wanted to do a songbook album, something new,” Connick Jr told us of the Porter-devoted record. “I made a list of my favourite Cole Porter songs, went out and discovered some new songs. I’ve always loved his music, so just picked the songs that

 JAMES HENDICOTT

spoke to me. The songs are great, so they’re easy to do justice to.” Having been behind a piano since he was barely more than a toddler, there’s an endearingly jubilent confidence to the way Connick Jr talks about music, and about all his projects, though Porter brings out a particular vibrancy. He rewrote the tracks for his own style, focusing on the enduring legacy Porter left behind. “I’ve been taking each day as it is for a long time,” he laughs as we chat about performing the Porter tracks on the Late Late Show. “I feel happy here in Ireland, a lot of my ancestors are from here and I walk down the street wondering if the people I see might be my distant cousins. But I’m really glad I don’t have to

organise this stuff. I have a great management team behind me. “I got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last month and I found out when I arrived that they’d organised for my star to me next to Cole’s. “It means a lot to be there amongst all those legends, and that really topped it off. That really was surreal, when they called and asked if I wanted a star, I was beside myself with joy.” These days, Connick Jr is typically booked up months in advance, be it for acting performances (“I’ve just finished shooting ‘Fear of Rain’; I’m always reading scripts. I really have to leapfrog between these things.”), or playing night after night in a single New York venue residency, as he’ll be throughout the majority of December. True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter by Harry Connick Jr is out now. See full story on our website.

ENTERTAINMENT

NOVEMBER 30 (SATURDAY)

Versatile @ 3Arena, €43 BellX1 @ Vicar Street, sold out Brian Deady @ Whelan’s, €23 Lawrii Craic @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 Ruel @ The Academy, sold out Ocean Wisdom @ The Academy Green Room, €18

DECEMBER 1 (SUNDAY)

Dido @ 3Arena, €50 BellX1 @ Vicar Street, sold out Yola @ Olympia Theatre, €30 Dublin Ukelele Collective @ Whelan’s, €20 Whitney @ The Academy, €25 Mulholland/ McCluskey @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10

DECEMBER 2 (MONDAY)

Melanie Martinez @ Olympia Theatre, sold out

DECEMBER 3 (TUESDAY)

J.I.D @ Olympia Theatre, €25 Aldous Harding @ Vicar Street, €25 Man Forever @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12

DECEMBER 4 (WEDNESDAY)

Rod Stewart @ 3Arena, €86 Bay City Rollers @ Olympia Theatre, €35 John Sheahan @ Vicar Street, €36+ Aitch @ The Academy, sold out Amistat @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €14

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 November 2019

MOTORING & TECH

Our reviewer was wowed by Volkswagen’s e-Golf, with it building impressively on the Golf legacy

This shattered America to traverse feels an awful lot like wild Iceland

Death Stranding delivers a game full of great stars that’s often quite baffling, bizarre – and brilliant, too SHANE DILLON LIKE a postman trying to make his way unsteadily down a rocky mountain side, there’s a lot to pick your way delicately around in the long awaited new PS4 title, Death Stranding (Cert 18, c. €60). Released less than a fortnight ago – but with annual leave and unex-

Mads Mikkelsen

pected illness delaying this review – this enigmatic title is one of the oddest-butFor starters, auteur Japanese games director Hideo Kojima has assembled one hell of an eclectic cast to star alongDead’s Daryl).

Lindsay Wagner

It includes actors Mads Mikkelsen, Lindsay Wagner and Lea Seydoux, and film director Guillermo Del Toro, to name but a few of the well-known names and faces fleshing out the cast and plot. The end result is a world that’s full of an ever denser plot, twists, deep lore and things to mull over, all presented in the director’s infamous style, replete

Norman Reedus

with in-jokes, surprises, nods at gaming and pop culture, and much more.

Suffice it to say there were fresh

Scrambling carefully around any

ideas here that I’ve never seen before

spoilers, the main game sounds easy

in 40-plus years of gaming, presented

enough to describe, at first.

in a ravaged but often truly incredible

After a cataclysmic event (the Death Stranding) shatters and destroys most of America, Sam (Reedus) reluctantly agrees to try to join up the scattered

looking open world. Would Death Stranding be a good, if unusual, Christmas present? Yes indeed, for despite its flaws such

small cities and stragglers that remain,

as an annoyingly clunky menu system,

namely by being their porter.

there’s an awful, awful lot going on here

Unfortunately for Sam, ghostly echoes of the dead (BTs) left behind by the cataclysm are also scattered about

behind its surface level be-a-postman premise. Non-gamers will also appreciate

the broken world, spelling potential

seeing the likes of Mads and Lindsay

disaster if he runs into the BTs.

constantly pop up in the complex story,

With the help of a BT-detecting unborn baby, BB, that he lugs around with him in a tank, Sam and BB hit the

while gamers will love its innovation and gameplay loops. They’ll also come away with a feeling

road (and mud trails, lava plains, snow-

that they’ve truly impacted on the

bound hills, city ruins and damp woods)

world, helped other people, and con-

to be the ultimate parcel porter ...

nected with something bigger than just

That’s already something of an odd setup, but, believe me, Death Stranding

their game. That ain’t bad going for a gruff ghost-

is packed to the gills with layer after

busting-postie, making Death Stranding

layer of innovative features, with an

easy to recommend ...

absolute mountain of things that I can’t go into here.

For a joy to drive, swing for e-Golf DECLAN GLYNN

great games I’ve ever played.

side lead Norman Reedus (The Walking

DRIVING INNOVATION

Sony provided Dublin Gazette with a review code.

HISTORICALLY, the multi award-winning Golf is Volkswagen’s best-selling model, and is among the world’s top three best-selling cars, with more than 35 million built since the launch of the MK1 model in 1974. Thanks to its upmarket presence and feel, practicality, comfort, outstanding build quality, and generous equipment levels, the VW Golf continues to be one of the world’s favourite family cars. The wonderful e-Golf adds one more feature to the Golf’s envious list of attributes – silence. The electric motor delivers its power instantly, so the car responds quickly and quietly, making the e-Golf simple to drive, smooth and remarkably relaxing. There are three driving modes in the e-Golf – Normal, Eco and Eco+ – which do vary how much range you can get out of a single charge. There is also a ‘B’ mode that can be engaged from the gearbox , which will convert the car’s lost momentum into charge in the battery, and is enough to slow the car without the driver needing to press the

FACT BOX

1) Zero-emission motoring 2) 5-star NCAP crash-test rating 3) Annual road tax just €120 4) Choice of driving modes 5) On sale now brake pedal. The VW e-Golf was initially launched in 2014, and it received the same cosmetic and equipment tweaks as the rest of the Golf range in 2017. Along with this upgrade came an increase in the energy capacity of the e-Golf’s lithium-ion battery, from 24.2 kWh to 35.8 kWh. Power output was hiked to 136 bhp, and the car’s range was boosted to 230 km when tested under strict new WLTP testing procedures. As with all electricallypowered vehicles, battery range will ultimately depend on driving style, use of heating and ventilation, and weather conditions. The e-Golf comes in its own highly specified trim levels – namely ‘e-Golf’ and ‘e-Golf Executive Edition’ – which are priced from €35,995 and €39,495 respectively (inclusive of current Government

incentives). In addition to the impressive standard equipment in the e-Golf, the ‘Executive Edition’ adds 17-inch ‘Madrid’ alloy wheels, LED tail lights with running indicators, a full leather interior with sports comfort seats in front, Active Info Display, rear view camera, heated front seats, tinted rear windows and keyless access. Charging the VW e-Golf is a simple procedure. You can charge it through a normal household threepin plug, which takes around 13 hours for a full charge. Alternatively, you can have a dedicated charging point installed at your home, bringing charging time down to between four and five hours. However, the quickest option is a public charging station, which can charge the battery to 80% in just 45 minutes using the CCS rapid charging system available for the e-Golf.

My review car was a new VW e-Golf Executive Edition, which looked particularly striking in Atlantic Blue metallic paint. Driving an e-Golf brought with it a huge element of fun, with no journey failing to leave a huge smile on my face. The surge of power when you drive an e-Golf has to be experienced to be believed. With 136bhp (100Kw), and a healthy 290Nm of torque available, the 1-speed automatic gearbox ensures a real wow-effect from a standing start, all the way up to a top speed of 150km/h – where legally permitted. The e-Golf can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.6-seconds. The VW e-Golf takes all the quality, practicality and comfort of the standard Golf and adds the attraction of zero-emission motoring. There are many grants and incentives available when you buy a new VW e-Golf, such as €5,000 VRT relief, €5,000 SEAI Grant (Private) or €3,800 (commercial), €600 Home Charger SEAI Grant, Savings on toll charges, 0% BIK, and annual road tax of just €120.

28 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FOOD & DRINK

Greg and Cassie team up to launch Just Eat awards LOVE Island star Greg O’Shea has j o i n e d p re senter Cassie Stokes to launch the popular Just Eat National Awards. Now in its s i x t h ye a r, a total of 25 awards will be up for grabs, and three new categories have been added to the 2019 ballot paper, including Best Takeaway Sustainability, Best Takeaway Vegan and Best Takeaway Breakfast. Food enthusiast Cassie Stokes is returning as the host of the glamourous awards, which will be taking place in Number Twenty Two, South Anne Street, on Tuesday, January 21 next. To nominate your favourite local restaurant, see just-eat.ie/takeawayawards2019, and you could be in with a chance to win free takeaway food for a year.

Neven helps cook up €11.5 for centre THE Neven Maguire Cookery Demonstration in aid of The Down Syndrome Centre on November 13 was a huge success. The event, now in its second year, was held at The Pavilion in Leopardstown Racecourse and was attended by more than 300 people. It was presented by Brendan O’Connor, and renowned chef Neven (above) had plenty of demonstrations for people to enjoy. Speaking after the event, Sharon Dagg, chief executive of The Down Syndrome Centre, told Dublin Gazette it was an “unforgettable event” and they were delighted to raise more than €11,000 for the charity. She said: “We had a fantastic night and want to say a huge thank-you to Neven and his team for an unforgettable event and to the fantastic Brendan O’Connor for being a super MC for the evening. “We would like to thank the Simply Better team at Dunnes Stores for their support and to everyone who attended the event, for their generosity – the event made just over €11.5k, which we’re delighted about. “The funds will go directly into providing services and supports for children with Down syndrome.” For further information about the centre and the work they do, see www.downsyndromecentre.ie, or call 01 661 8000.

Left: The image that shocked the country – a little boy (aged 5) forced to eat literally off the street in one of Europe’s wealthiest countries. Above: volunteer Denise Carroll, one of the founding members of The Homeless Street Cafe.

Volunteers are feeding the homeless – partly because the Government fails them REBECCA RYAN

A HOMELESS charity which runs a pop-up cafe in the city centre is warning that the homeless crisis is getting worse. Recently, The Homeless Street Cafe reported children as young as newborns being brought out at night to their food queues. In one particular post, the charity shared a photo of five-year-old ‘Sam’, who was sitting on a sheet of cardboard eating dinner on a cold, wet night. The post went viral and caused national outrage. Dublin Gazette spoke with one of the founding members of The Homeless Street Cafe, Denise Carroll (39), who said they shared that photo in a moment of complete frustration of the crisis. She said: “I think this photo came about at a moment of exasperation and totally overwhelming circumstances.

“For us, we just couldn’t believe that it was acceptable that this little boy had to come to us for his dinner – that his only comfort to try to eat his evening meal was to sit on the side of a street on a piece of cardboard. “This little boy is looked after fantastically by his mother, in her circumstance, but this is how she was forced to feed her child. “Many people aren’t aware that a lot of emergency accommodation has no cooking facilities, and strictly forbids cooking in bedrooms.” Mum-of-three Denise, who is a nurse, said it was when she read a post of Facebook four years ago from a soup kitchen looking for help that she got involved in helping the homeless. “We had lots of food in our house, so I answered the appeal, made sandwiches and brought them

to town. “I was so saddened to see the homeless gather that night looking for food and essentials. I suppose it was an image burned in my mind, and I felt compelled to begin volunteering with the homeless. “A year later, The Homeless Street Cafe was born when we started our own group to help the homeless every Tuesday night.” Dignified Denise and the team set up the pop-up cafe, “which seems a more dignified description than soup kitchen,” she says, and they are out every Tuesday night at Grafton Street, outside Dunnes Stores and the Disney store. Denise drives in a van, and the homeless service users help to unload tables, food, drinks, and essentials. There are approxi-

mately 40 volunteers who give their time to help the initiative, and businesses such as Village Vets and Ratoath Barbers donate their services. When the pop-up cafe started out, they served about 70 people each night; now, that number has grown to more than 300 people. Denise said the homeless crisis is getting worse and believes the Government needs to step up. She said: “There is no question the homeless crisis is getting worse. We really need a massive intervention before we have even more deaths on the street. “If I had to send this government a message, it would be that, at present, the plan to solve homelessness is acutely failing. “No more spin on figures or promises – we have more than 10,000 people homeless, and children eating on the streets.

“Put your hands up and admit it’s not working and re-evaluate. Look to countries which have successfully solved their homeless problem. “Stop paying hotels etc for short-term answers – one hotel alone earned €5 million from homelessness last year. How many peoples’ lives could have been changed with that [funding] forever? “A very wise person told me that to solve a problem, you must first understand it, and I don’t feel our current leaders have any true understanding of this crisis,” said Denise. The Homeless Street Cafe are holding a protest on December 5 at noon, gathering at the Garden of Remembrance in the city centre, and are encouraging people to join them. To find out more about the incredible work they do, see their Facebook page for The Homeless Street Cafe.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 28 November 2019

DUBLIN SENIORS

This week, we look at improve the energy efficiency and CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN! warmth of homes, medication and Home Care

The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme explained Home Care can provide the answer THERE is no doubt that we are living longer than any previous generation, and while that is good news overall, it brings plenty of challenges with it. The question that family of elderly parents or relatives need to ask is what how do we cope with elderly relatives, particularly as many people have their own families and work commitments to attend to. Ideally, we would like to have our parents live in their own homes, free from illness and surrounded by friends and family. Alas, that is not the norm and alternative plans need to be put in place. Options include paying for care at home, sending your loved one to the comfort of a nursing home, or taking them into your own homes to look after them. It can be very difficult caring for the elderly. This challenge can be even more significant if the elderly you are caring for is also resistant to care. This resistance to elderly care could be triggered by a number of factors. Firstly you have to remember that if your loved one is in need of elderly care, then they are at a stage of their lives when they have to cope with their own challenges – for example physical loss, mental loss, or loss of independence. This can be difficult for them to accept, and they could also be facing the challenge that they might think it is a sign of weakness to accept elderly care. As we get older we are increasing the likelihood of getting ill, and less tolerant leaving us susceptible to stress. If elderly parents, or a single elderly parent is living on their own, they may need some assistance in maintaining their independence, staying safe, eating well and enjoying their retirement. Home Care companies will also involve the professional carer, the family and the client in all decisions, so it is very much a team and combined decision regarding future care. It can happen than an older person is initially resistant to having a carer coming into the home, seeing it as a threat to their independence or seeing visits as an invasion of their privacy. With care and attention, it is very possible for elderly parents to maintain their independence and stay living at home for many years.

THE Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people on low incomes. It is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). You can get full details of the scheme from the SEAI’s website. The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme provides funding for: • Attic insulation • Draught-proofing • Lagging jackets • Low-energy light bulbs • Cavity wall insulation •Energy advice. Since 1 June 2018, the Scheme covers a number of new energy efficiency measures. In certain circumstances, the Scheme may cover external or internal wall insulation, central heating and replacement windows. You may be eligible for external or internal wall insulation under the Scheme if your walls are unsuitable for cavity wall insulation. A surveyor acting for SEAI will arrange to call to your home to confirm that you are eligible and assess the amount of work needed.

If you are eligible, the work will then be done by an installer, appointed by SEAI. However, as the scheme is in high demand, you may have to wait some months before the work can start. Rules You must own your home and be living in it. Your home must have been built and occupied before 2006.

You must be getting one of the following payments: • Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme • Working Family Payment • Jobseeker’s Allowance for over six months and have a child aged under seven years • Domic iliary Care Allowance • One Parent Family Payment

• Carer’s Allowance and live with the person you care for Rates You will not be charged for works done under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. How to apply You must complete the application form (pdf). You can download it from seai. ie or contact SEAI to ask for it to be posted out.

You will need to provide evidence that you are eligible for the scheme. Full details of the information required are on the application form. Where to apply Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Locall: 1800 250 204, Homepage: http:// www.seai.ie/ Email: warmerhomes@ seai.ie

Be informed on the drugs and medicine you take BEING informed about the medication you take is essential to maintaining your health. It is important that you remember and understand what your doctor tells you about any condition you may have and any medicine prescribed. It is also a good idea to write down any questions you have before you visit your doctor or pharmacist so you don’t forget anything. If you don’t like asking questions you may want to take a friend or family member with you. Here are some questions you (or your carer) may want to ask your doctor or chemist about

your medications: • What is the name of the medication and what is it for? • Are there any possible side effects? • What should I do if there are any side effects? • How long will I need to take this medication for? • Will this medication affect any of my other medical problems? • What should I do if I forget to take my medication? • Will this medicine interfere with any others that I take? • Is there anything I should avoid while tak-

ing this medication – such as alcohol, cigarettes, driving? • Check that you are taking the lowest possible effective dose of medication • Take your medicine at the same time every day Medication costs If you are not a Medical Card holder, you can apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme Card which allows you to spend no more than a maximum of €120 per month on medications. Senior helpline LoCall: 1850 440 444 Seven days a week, 10am-1pm and 7-10pm.

28 November 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

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SPORT

CALLING TIME: FOOTBALL: MARK VAUGHAN believes

he’s played his last Senior club game with Kilmacud Crokes, but he hasn’t ruled out lining out for one of their many other adult teams in the future. “I’ve been injured for a while and I haven’t got the diagnosis,” Vaughan told Dublin Gazette. He was speaking to us at the announcement of a GPA-DCU Business School MBA.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P28

PAGE 31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | YOUNGSTER SCORES DECISIVE TRY AGAINST LYON

Deegan’s delight for Leinster  sport@dublingazette.com

MAX Deegan’s first Heineken Champions Cup try set Leinster Rugby on their way to a dogged 13-6 victory over first-time opponents Lyon at Matmut Stadium de Gerland. On his first European start, the young number eight crashed over in the 22nd minute to establish a 10-0 lead, a scoreline the province held up to half-time thanks to some excellent defending during Jordan Larmour’s sin-bin period. Lyon out-half Jonathan Wisniewski landed two penalties during the final quarter, but man-of-the-match Johnny Sexton’s second successful penalty – in the 78th minute – got his side over the finish line in a closely-fought Pool 1 encounter. And while the performance was not quite perfect once again, Sexton felt winning away in France is another boost for the team’s character. “The big games the margins are so

fine, so small. They do come down to swings in the games,” said the outhalf, who was named man of the match. “So, yeah, we’re happy with the win. I suppose the attitude that we had if you compare it to when we went down to Toulouse last year having got a five-point victory over Wasps, where we lost. We weren’t ready for the battle that day. “Today was much better and I’m proud of how we turned up. But like I said when you don’t take your chances – we had a few of them – that makes it a really difficult game in those conditions.” Leinster return to Pro 14 this weekend against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun on Saturday evening at 7.35pm. The blues lead the way in their section with six wins from six while the Warriors have three from the same amount of games. Leo Cullen’s side have a few injuries clearing up. Fergus McFadden (elbow) made a return to on-field training last

Leinster’s Johnny Sexton was named man of the match in Lyon. Picture: Martin Doherty

week and will look to increase his workload throughout training this week. Centre Joe Tomane will also increase his workload after sustaining a minor hamstring injury ahead of the European opener against Benetton while Rory O’Loughlin returns to on-field training after picking up a shoulder

injury in that match. Tadhg Furlong came through Saturday’s game on his return from a back complaint. Seán Cronin, however, remains unavailable for selection but will again increase his training load as he recovers from a neck injury picked up on international duty.

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 28 November 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results for Nov 21st Nos. 4, 12, 22, and 23. No winner. Winner of €100 Eamonn Hession, €50 Brigid Moran and Mairead Scanlon. Next week Jackpot €1,800. Joker consolation prize winner Terry Carpenter. BSJ Bingo every Monday at 8:00 pm. On Saturday, our U21 Footballers play St Marys in Saggart at 2.30 in the Semi Final of the B Championship. All support welcome. Congrats to our own Eoin Fitzpatrick among the nominees for the Dublin Bus Dubs star Football selection for 2019. Well done to our BSJ 2005 girls who celebrated their Div 2 league victories in Football and Hurling at a reception during the week. A fantastic double and Div 1 to look forward to in 2020 Great achievement. Meeting next Thurs at 8:00 of 2020 Festival Committee Club Shop open Sat 11:30 – 12:30 All club gear on sale including new stock of O‘Brien Hurleys in all sizes. “The Choice of All Ireland Champs”. New BSJ “Pop Up” Christmas Club Shop in Nutgrove Shopping Centre beside Santa Grotto Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 pm. Condolences to Conor Dolan and family on the death of Conor’s brother John.

KILMACUD CROKES WELL done to the Minor A Camogie team who have qualified for the Division 1 Championship Final after their 4.12 to 0.5 victory over Ballyboden. The other semifinal was rescheduled so details on the Final TBC. Well done also to the Minor B team who have also qualified for the Division 4 Final! The Minor C team unfortunately lost. The U16 A (pictured) Football Final was postponed Saturday due to an unplayable pitch. The U16 D Final was abandoned due to a serious injury on the St. Catherine’s side. We hope the player involved has a speedy recovery.

Well done to the Under15 footballers who won the league on Sunday to add to their championship title they had already secured. Congrats to the players and management on a great season. Congratulations to Eabha Rutledge who was named Dublin Ladies Senior Footballer of the year for 2019! Ladies Football AGM Thursday 28th at 8pm. Club Benevolent draw Saturday December 7th. Flower arranging demonstration evening to raise funds for Club and BCI in support of M2M 2020 Thursday December 5th check out club web site for details.

SOCCER: BELFIELD OUTFIT WIN THEIR 20TH HARDING CUP TITLE

UCD the Harding heroes as they get better of Maynooth HARDING CUP  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

UCD regained the Harding Cup for the first time in three years with a 3-0 victory over Maynooth University at Queen’s University in Belfast. Goals from Harvey O’Brien, Tomás O’Connor and Colm Whelan saw Diarmuid McNally’s side to their 20th success in the freshers competition. Two goals in the final ten minutes of the first half put UCD in firm control and Whelan added his sixth of the tournament late on to seal victory. Both sides came into the game in prodigious form, neither having conceded a goal in the tournament and with 11 (UCD) and 14 (Maynooth) goals scored respectively. The final was a more tense affair, however, and it was UCD who made the breakthrough in the 35th minute when they were

awarded a corner on the right-hand side. Ciaran Behan swung the corner in left-footed and it was met by defender Harvey O’Brien, whose clever flick turned the ball past a helpless Malachy Doyle. Behan was the creator once more on the stroke of half time as another vicious inswinger found O’Connor at the back post and he bundled the ball into an empty net. UCD suffered a blow when Liam Kerrigan – who was later named player of the tournament – was forced off with a nastylooking shoulder injury. And Maynooth had chances to get back into the game after the break as top scorer Eoin O’Neill and Leon Kennedy both forced good stops from UCD stopper Cormac Henry. UCD sealed the win in injury time as Whelan – a prolific striker at Under19 level in the League of Ireland with Waterford – got his name on the

scoresheet. Again, Behan was the provider, exchanging a one-two with Whelan to notch his hat-trick of assists, and the striker tucked the ball expertly into the corner past a despairing Doyle. “Maynooth were by far the best team we’ve played. Look at their results in the quarter-final and semi-final. It was a very tight game,” said

McNally after the win. “Things went our way today. I said to the players it was going to be a 50/50 game. Luckily, we withstood the pressure early on and luckily we got two setpiece goals in the first half. “I’m delighted to win it. It’s a huge competition for us. This is a great barometer because we’re at the end of a cycle “The team that won the Harding in 2016, the Gary

O’Neill, Georgie Kelly, Daire O’Connor team, have all gone on to better things. “We’re certainly rebuilding and we’re looking to build a team that will, hopefully, replicate what that bunch of players did. “It’s great for these players to get a Harding under their belts. Hopefully we’ll push on and possibly get back to the Premier Division of the Airtricity League.”

Seapoint storm back to win

SEAPOINT Rugby Club battled to a rousing 24-20 win over Kilkenny in Leinster League Division 1A at Kilbogget Park on Saturday. The home side struggled to contain their rivals in the first 10 minutes and a pick from the base of a five-metre scrum led to a converted try. After a worrying injury to the Kilkenny loosehead prop, the tie was soon switched to pitch two. While under unfortunate circumstances, the stoppage and the change of pitch shook Seapoint into life. And a period of sustained pressure led to two unconverted tries from Marty Kerr and Darragh Seapoint player of the match Marty Kerr with Derek McDonald Mullins on 20 and 25 minutes. Kilkenny bounced

back, however, to land two penalties for a 13-10 half-time lead. The third quarter was an arm wrestle in which Kilkenny went 20-10 ahead from another five-metre scrum. Point fought back when the visitors were down to 14 players with Brian Lyons barrelling over following a well executed lineout maul. Darragh Mullins converted and they had all the momentum. Kerr was denied a second try by a last-ditch tackle as was Cian O’Gorman but the winning moment finally arrived with two minutes left. To deafening cheers, Cian Cunningham dotted down and Mullins slotted the conversion.

28 November 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

OVER MAYNOOTH UCD celebrate their victory

HOCKEY: BEAUFORT SIDE MOVE INTO FRAME IN THE EYHL

Loreto storm back to clip Pegasus’s wings EY HOCKEY LEAGUE  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

SIX OF THE BEST DLSP continue their perfect U-20 results DLSP’s Under-20s won 44-0 against Seapoint in Kilbogget Park last Sunday in round five of the JP Fanagan Premier 3 league with six tries. It makes it five wins from five to keep the pressure on league leaders Coolmine. Salmo are in second place on points difference with Naas breathing down their necks in third. Next up for Salmo is the visit of Skerries on Sunday and the home side will be looking to maintain their excellent form and momentum as the Christmas break looms. Pictured is Oscar Trumpy crossing for the sixth try.

A SUPER second half performance saw Loreto end the last remaining perfect record in the women’s EY Hockey League, beating Pegasus 3-2 in a repeat of last season’s EY Champions Trophy decider. The Ulster side had much the better of the first half and they went in front in the 10th minute following sustained pressure with Alex Speers scoring from play. Loreto had to defend four penalty corners but they managed to stay just one down until half-time and they duly took their chances after the interval. Sarah Torrans equalised within a minute of the turnaround and they went in front six minutes later courtesy of a cracking reversestick shot from Sarah Evans. Hayley Mulcahy completed the success with six minutes to go from a penalty corner switch move to the left, rendering Olivia Berry’s goal a consolation. The victory lifted Loreto into the top half of the table for the first time, level in fourth place with UCD but just two points off the leading trio of Pegasus, Pembroke and Old Alex. The Beaufort club’s coach Paul Fitzpatrick described it as a “really big performance”, saying: “we have had a lot of players coming in and out. Today we were down three players again so we are adjusting to it. That has been something we had worked hard on and it is helping us develop the whole group. “Pegasus are a great team, a very solid unit

Loreto goalscorer Sarah Torrans latches onto a loose ball in midfield. Picture: Adrian Boehm

and we did well to only be one behind at halftime. “It has been a tough start to the season with a lot of tough games.” He was particularly pleased with how his side found the net in this tie having found goals tricky to come by in some of the earlier

rounds. “Goalscoring is an art. It’s something you are always working on in training - I thought we got two nice goals from play and the corner was pretty nice as well. We only had two or three corners in the game; one from three is not bad as all.”

Magical Maher leads DSD in the mud CROSS COUNTRY  sport@dublingazette.com

THE MUDDY marvels of Dundrum South Dublin Athletic Club ploughed their way through the ankle deep morass that was the National Cross Country Championships in Abbotstown on Sunday. They came away festooned with medals, winning one individual title, one team title, and three of their teams finished second. Eimear Maher was the hero of the hour as she seemed to dance over the soggy ground for a comprehensive win in the Under-18 girls race. This was made all the more impressive as she is only 16 years of age; she also finished sixth in the Junior Women (Under-20) race, which makes her one for the future.

Fiona Clinton ran a great race to finish seventh in the senior women’s race. DSD’s senior men’s team was led home by Hiko Tonasa, who had never experienced such underfoot conditions before, here or in his native Ethiopia, and was slipping and sliding throughout the race. Nonetheless, he still managed to finish in 12th position, helping the team to second place behind Clonliffe Harriers. Emmet Jennings was 24th; Matthew Bergin 25th and Killian Mooney 27th. Their junior men only missed the gold medals by three points with Oisin Kelly 10th; Aaron Donnelly 18th; Harry Kearns 32nd and James Maguire 33rd. Silver also went to their junior girls, led home by Eimear Maher in sixth, followed by Roisin Treacy in

33rd; Faye Dervan 35th and Roisin McElligott 106th. The winning team in the Under18 girls race, following Maher’s win, were Roisin Treacy 21st; Faye Dervan 23rd; Anna Call 60th; Sadbh O’Loan 68th and Sophie

Burns 75th. The DSD Under-16 girls finished fourth with Isabella Tompin Beddy 25th; Saoirse O’Brien 32nd; Ella O’Donohoe 52nd and Amelia Hauer 71st. Mark Molloy finished ninth in the Under-23 men’s race.

U-18 champion Eimear Maher with DSDAC legend David Gillick

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 28 November 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

NAOMH OLAF THERE was no winner of last Sunday’s Members Lotto Draw - numbers drawn were 4, 5, 26 - next week’s jackpot will be €1,700. €30 winners were B McInerney, Brendan Begley, Jenny Dowling, Aoife O’Neill and Mary O’Grady. The Christmas Lotto Draw will take place on Saturday 14th December with fabulous prizes on offer - tickets only €2 available in the Club Bar, in Sandyford House and online at www.naomholaf.ie. The Chairman and Executive Committee extend their deepest sympathies to Mary Hayes and her family on the passing of her brother, Peter Cooney of Loughrea, Co. Galway. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. The annual Mass for deceased members of Naomh Olaf GAA Club will be celebrated at 12 noon on Sunday 15th December at the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, Balally. Naomh Olaf Farmers Market continues every Friday from 8.30am until 1.00pm with high quality produce straight from the farm, the bakery and the sea on offer. Definitely worth calling in to have a look. If you have an event or celebration coming up, the function room in Naomh Olaf could ideally suit your needs. Catering and DJ packages available too! Call in to have a chat with Paul, Clubhouse Manager, any evening.

SHANKILL CHRISTMAS in the village was a great event again this year. There was a huge turnout of boys, girls and parents as they escorted Santa through the village to his grotto. The club stall in the village did a roaring trade which was manned by the girls and boys from our youth teams. Well done everybody. We are looking for girls, boys and adults to join in with our club choir who will be singing for charity in Lydl Shankill on Saturday 7th December pm our Facebook page. The club Chase the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s is paused at this time to allow for the Christmas programme of events in the pub. The next draw will take place on Sunday 22nd December. The jackpot stands at €1400. Shankill GAA Club’s Irish classes is over for the present and the presentation of an Fainne in various abilities will take place in Brady’s at 8.00pm on Tuesday 3rd December. Buiochas go muinteoir Jen for her teaching skills and to all who turned out and enjoyed a cupla focal each week. Club AGM will be held on Thursday 28th November at 8.00pm in St Anne’s resource centre. Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others a group

has been set up catering all ages, all abilities, no experience of GAA games necessary. This is a fun social group and its FREE. The venue is Scoil Mhuire from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday nights, PM us on Facebook or contact Steve 087 6414123. Our Adult Ladies and Men’s teams are already preparing for next year. If you would like to join us and represent you Village see below for details. The juvenile Academy which is for boys and girls from 4 to 7 years of age and sponsored by O Donnell’s Shankill Total Health Pharmacy is in action at 10.00am every Saturday and has moved for the winter months to St Anne’s and Rathmichael National Schools. The cost is only €2 per child there is no annual subscription and all equipment is provided free of charge. The final training session for the Academy before the Christmas break will be on Saturday 7th December and we are hoping that a special person will pay us a visit. For details of our Ladies adult football teams e-mail stevedavis203@gmail.com or contact Steve 087 6414123. The men’s adult football team contact Kevin Martin 086 8449902.

WANDERERS LOTTO: No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 12-30-36 €25 goes to Shannah Kane, Aisling O’Connor, Simon Lambert, P.Woods Jackpot next week is €10,000. As our lotto is now at €10k we have started a background which is sitting currently at €1,100. When the €10k is won our new lotto will start from the background draw. Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page. See our Facebook page for more information If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754. If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info. Our Juvenile training will return late August and is on Saturday mornings and Wed evenings along with the nursery on Saturday mornings, please contact Fergal on 0876213142 for more details, the club is looking for new members at all levels so please reach out as per above if interested. If you would like a Match Report or Photos submitted to the website or press please contact pro@wanderersgaa.ie. All items for the club notes must be submitted by Sunday evening to pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

BASKETBALL : COLAISTE IOSAGAIN PACKED OUT

Record crowd for Meteoric show WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE Trinity Meteors 91 Ulster University 82  sport@dublingazette.com

TRINITY Meteors won out in thrilling fashion over the unbeaten Ulster University in Dublin on Sunday, 91-82 in national league Division One. It continues a memorable return to Colaiste Iosagain as they drew a record crowd of 358 to the Booterstown venue a week earlier for their success against Swords Thunder. Against UU, the hosts were in flying form from the off with Lauren Grigsby – who finished the game with 34 points – dominating early, to send Meteors into a 46-33 point lead at the half. Ulster University rallied back in the second half with great play from Lexi Posset (29 points) as they chipped away at the lead and were trailing by just four points late in the fourth quarter to leave the game in the balance. Meteors didn’t panic though, and held their

The Trinity Meteors National Division One team

composure to close out the 91-82 win. As for the huge home support a week earlier, the club’s Eimear Mairtin said that even more got the chance to watch the game at home via the Basketball Ireland live feed. It adds to the recent record-breaking c r o w d s a t w o m e n’s sporting events.

ORWELL WHEELERS Gillespie and co honoured

SCOTT ORWELL Wheelers’s Lara Gillespie, pictured, was among the big winners as Special Achievement Award at the 2019 Cycling Ireland awards last weekend. She was honoured for her individual pursuit bronze at the Junior Track World Championships and three silver medals at the Junior Track European Championships. The club’s Ronan Grimes was also honoured for his world paracycling track scratch race silver while Leisure Event of the Year was won by The Reservoir Dog Sportive – Reservoir Cogs Picture: bryan keane / inpho

“It’s amazing. It was great also to have it streamed – I know a load of kids in my class were watching it. It’s incredible to get about 360 in here. “We have seen the hockey, the soccer at international level but you don’t always see it at a club game. “For everyone to come

out, we are absolutely delighted. “I was worried it might have been a flop but, my God, it just shows women’s basketball is on the up.” The result lifts Meteors up to second place in the northern conference, three points behind the leading UU but with a game in hand.

28 November 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: KILMACUD CROKES MAN SET TO STEP AWAY FROM FIRST TEAM

FOOTBALL

Cuala’s minor B champs

Former Dublin footballer Mark Vaughan in attendance at the announcement of the 10th year of DCU Business School and GPA scholarships. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Vaughan thankful for 16 sweet years of senior  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

MARK VAUGHAN believes he’s played his last Senior club game with Kilmacud Crokes, but he hasn’t ruled out lining out for one of their many other adult teams in the future. “I’ve been injured for a while and I haven’t got the diagnosis,” Vaughan told Dublin Gazette. He was speaking to us at the announcement of the GPA-DCU Business School MBA scholarships of which he is a recipient. “I don’t know what the injury is to be honest, it’s something internally. I’m waiting to get that figured out and I’ll have to see then, but I’ll probably have to drop down a few levels.” Vaughan has been out of action for almost 12 months. He says its a long lay off and concedes it’s the end of his senior playing days. “Effectively it is. Look, I had a good run with 16 years at senior level. “Very few guys get that luxury of being able to play at the top for so long. “If something changes, I’ll go back, but I can’t at the moment - especially with college added on top of it, it’s not going to be ideal.

“Obviously, you have an end goal that if you are with a team, you are with them to win it. “But your main picture is to stay healthy and enjoy what you are doing, rather than if it becomes a chore and you feel you have to come back. “If you are coming back injured, it’s not enjoyable for anyone!” Vaughan is thankful that there is the ‘luxury’ in Crokes of dropping down the grades, and helping to prolong his football career. “I think one of the teams has 12-15 ex inter-county players that are hanging around somewhere in the middle! “I think there’s one team that’s technically very social. But it’s probably at middle standard, and that’s probably where a lot of lads end up after a few years!” Reflecting on his career at both club and county, it’s been a memorable journey. “If you took out the last seven years with Dublin, you would have said it was a pretty good innings,” he joked. “I’ve five Leinster medals, but then obviously lads went on to different levels. “With the club, I’ve been very lucky. I think I have five senior club medals out of seven that Crokes have won, and multiple Leinsters and All-Ireland medals.

“The primary thing at the end of the day is the club. Without it, you wouldn’t have any inter-county. “The club is number one for the majority of people. Then it’s an add-on and a luxury for anyone if they make it up to senior inter-county level.” Vaughan says he would love to give back in helping with management at some of the teams in Crokes. “I have been asked to do it. But, with the course I’m doing at the moment, it’s not really going to be feasible,” he said. “I’ve no problem in helping out, with the other guys on the management side. It’s probably not my ideal thing. I’m a bit of a one-dimensional thinker, and I’m probably a bit off the cuff as well!” Looking at Dublin’s progress, since he hung up his inter-county boots, Vaughan says he can see their current success replicated for a long time to come. “Without doubt, for others the problem is that they are so inter-changable. And

“

there’s no one that’s indispensible there maybe [Brian] Fenton at a push. “Anyone in there could be changed, and it will make very little difference, which is a big concern for any other county. “It could easily go on for a number of years. Obviously one bad game could end that run, but there’s no reason why they couldn’t go on and win another four or five AllIreland’s.” As for his life back in the college realm, he said: “These kind of implementations, where they are bringing ex and current GAA players into a system where the education process is there, where potentially the jobs aren’t as tolling on their body, because they are already giving a lot on the other side,” he said. “It’s probably a doubleedged sword for a lot of guys being in a trade and also a GAA player - there’s no player out there who isn’t constantly injured, and it is a great system to be able to come back years after you have finished inter-county to get the honour of this.”

I’ve been very lucky to have five senior club medals out of seven that Crokes have won, and multiple Leinsters and All-Ireland medals.

”

CUALA, pictured above, ran up an outstanding 3-13 to 1-8 final victory over Fingal Ravens to land the Minor B football championship title at the Alfie Byrne Road last Sunday. It followed an excellent campaign in which they swept through the group stages with wins over Fingallians and Naomh Barrog before they advanced ahead of St Pat’s Donabate at the semi-final stage. They were in the ascendancy from the early stages with a first minute goal coming from Tiernan Brennan and the Rolestown side were never able to close the gap. The back lines, featuring Aaron Carey, Cillian O’Shea and David O’Dowd down the spine gave up precious few openings over the course of the hour. Up front, Cal Doran recorded 1-2 from play while Cuan Nugent and Conall O’Toole caused problems throughout the contest. In reply, Sean Kinsella did land a goal for Ravens along with a coupe of points while Jake Pope did clear the bar twice with surges forward from midfield. But the game was well and truly done and dusted when substitute Odhran Fitzgerald slammed home Cuala’s second goal to put the tie completely beyond doubt.

GazetteSPORT NOV 28 - DEC 4, 2019

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

VAUGHAN STEPS BACK

FOOTBALL: Kilma-

cud Crokes’ Mark Vaughan looks set to take a step back after 16 years playing at the top level of club football SEE P31

LOVE LORETO HOCKEY: Loreto get their revenge over Pegasus with big win over reigning champions to leave just two points in gap at the top. SEE P29

METEORS’ HUGE CROWD BASKETBALL:

Meteors continue their spectacular return to Colaiste Iosagain with recordbreaking audience for club game. SEE P30

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Monkstown’s teenage sensation wins Irish title  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

NUTGROVE boxer Sean Mari has set his sights on the 2024 Olympics in Paris after claiming his first senior national elite title on Saturday night. The 19-year-old had his hand raised in the 49kg weight class as he beat Drogheda’s Ricky Nesbitt by split decision at the National Stadium. Monkstown Boxing Club fighter Mari fell agonisingly short back in February when he was pipped in the final by Regan Buckley. He put that right in front of his hometown supporters on Saturday night as he edged out Nesbitt, who is five years his senior, on a 3-2 scorecard. Mari only returned to the ring a year ago after taking 12 months out to finish his Leaving Certificate. He admits even he’s been surprised by how strong he has come back. “ Tow a rd s t h e e n d of 2018, I never really thought I’d get back. I thought I was so far behind all the others,” Mari tells the Dublin Gazette. “I was doing my Leaving Certificate year and that was an easy excuse. I did my Leaving Cert and then I was a bit too comfortable to go back. “I love boxing. I’ve been doing it for ten years, since I was nine, so I had to come back. I got back training and I wasn’t even thinking about national

Sean Mari celebrates his first national senior boxing title.

“I still only really have the body of a boy. I’m not

a fully-grown man yet. 2024 is the goal and, this time, I’ll get there. titles at that point– it was just to get back into it. “Then my coach called about going into the elites last February and, of course, I jumped at the opportunity. “I worked as hard as I could to capitalise on the elites, and I fell just short. That stood to me this year. “It was just a weight off my shoulders [to win the title]. I put so much pressure on myself, more than

anything.” Mari began his boxing journey with his local club, Whitechurch Boxing Club, and won his first national title there before moving to the Monkstown gym when he was 14. He has worked under coaches James Doyle and Paulie Kinsella ever since, but it’s the professional environment and continuous pushing of standards that he credits

with driving him forward. “Another senior elite boxer, Kenneth Doyle, is there and when I first got there, I looked at what he was doing. “He was out in the mornings doing the extra training. I saw what everyone else was doing, and I said to myself, ‘I want to start doing what these are doing’.” The immediate goal for Mari is to get on the Irish team and take his place

alongside European medallists Kellie Harrington, Kurt Walker and the man who defeated him last year, Buckley. In the meantime, he’s recently begun studying for a personal training qualification from Sallynoggin College, which he hopes will help him develop inside and outside the ring. The 49kg (light flyweight) division was removed from the sched-

ule for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo next year, which was disappointing at first. In hindsight, Mari admits 2024 is a more realistic goal, whether the authorities restore the 49kg weight class or he moves up to 52kg (flyweight). “I still only really have the body of a boy. I’m not a fully-grown man yet. 2024 is the goal, and this time I’ll get there.”