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Mum’s the word for a staycation thank-you TRAVEL | YOU NEEDN’T GO FAR FOR A GREAT BREAK staycation thank-you

FOOD | INNOVATIVE IDEAS ON THE WAY

SHANE DILLON Travel Editor

IF, LIKE ME, you have the best mum in the world, why not show how much you care this Mother’s Day with a gift she’ll love?

Here are a couple of ideas to help put a smile on your mum’s face, with another great suggestion in the panel below ...

Killenard The Heritage in Killenard, County Laois, have a perfect package to enjoy with your mum – a two-night break with all the ingredients of a fantastic getaway, afternoon tea, dinner in its beautiful new restaurant, a pampering spa treatment and even a 10% discount for nearby Kildare Village.

Make your way through the picturesque village of Killenard and arrive at the luxurious hotel before catching up over a delicious afternoon tea on arrival.

Head to the award-winning spa for a pampering one-hour spa treatment; choose from an Inner Calm massage or Restore and Revive Facial.

You can also while away the hours in the relaxing Heritage Spa Experience (Above, above left) Turn to The Shelbourne for a luxury spa treament and stay; alternatively, head out of Dublin to nearby Killenard, where The Heritage (left) also o ers a spa treatment, afternoon tea, and even a shopping discount

Thermal Suite.

A different sort of therapy is available at Kildare village nearby, where you can indulge in retail therapy with the fantastic 10% discount.

As part of this package, you can also enjoy dinner in the beautifully refurbished restaurant, Blake’s. The Mother’s Day Relax and Unwind package includes two nights B&B, afternoon tea, dinner on one evening, access to the two-hour spa experience and a one-hour spa treatment each, and a 10% discount card for Kildare Village Shopping, priced from €239PPS.

For further information, see www.theheritage. com, or call 057 864 5500. Dublin Closer to home, or for those of you who want to bring mum up to ‘the big smoke’, Mother’s Day at The Spa at The Shelbourne begins with a relaxing back massage, followed by a rejuvenating essential steps facial.

The luxury treatment finishes with a stylish mini manicure in The Salon, with Mother’s Day at The Spa at The Shelbourne an 85-minute treatment that’s available throughout all of March, for €145 per person, making it a mother’s day present that is ready whenever she is. With seven elegant treatment rooms, and a uniquely opulent relaxation room overlooking St Stephen’s Green, The Spa at The Shelbourne will give your mum a lavish five-star spa experience. And, if you’re looking to treat your mum to a night in the heart of the city, stay overnight in the lavish hotel from €299 per room, including parking.

For further information, see www.theshelbourne. com, or phone 01 663 4000.

RACHEL D’ARCY SPOIL your mum this Mother’s Day with an overnight stay at the stunning Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains and Blessington Lakes, and just 40 minutes from Dublin, it’s the perfect spot for a small getaway with your mum to treat her to some luxury this year.

The hotel’s Mother’s Day Package – from €105PPS – includes an overnight stay in a luxury room, a gift from the luxury resort for your mum, and a full Irish breakfast and dinner in its newly renovated restaurant, Fia Rua.

On arrival as part of the package, you’ll be treated to Tulfarris Tipples afternoon tea, served in the 18th Century manor house where you and your mum can enjoy an assortment of sandwiches, pastries and more, all accompanied by a wide variety of teas, coffees or a Tulfarris Tipple cocktail.

Tulfarris Tipples afternoon tea can also be booked throughout March to celebrate your mum, at €30PP, which also includes a complimentary gift and a Tulfarris Tipple cocktail. Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort includes the luxury 4-star hotel, championship golf course, clubhouse and several restaurants and bars.

For further information on Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort, or to make a booking, see www.tulfarrishotel.com or call 045 867 600. Spoil your mum with a terrific Tulfarris stay

THE first food deliveries by drone in Ireland will take place in University College Dublin’s (UCD) campus at the end of March.

Manna, a drone delivery company, has acquired a fleet of drones to deliver food directly from the restaurant to the customer – staff and students on campus. The food will be transported inside the cargo area of the drone and will hover about 10m above the ground before lowering the order to the customer on a biodegradable piece of string.

Manna says the whole process in the pilot takeaway food delivery service at UCD should only take a few seconds.

The company has so far signed up takeaway service Just Eat and restaurant chain Camille Thai as its first partners, with more planned to join during the year. Social entrepreneur Bobby Healy (pictured), who founded Manna, said he was “extremely proud of the team and what we have built”.

He added: “It is a pleasure to work with such highcalibre partners on our project in Dublin – our first European launch, in UCD.

“It’s clear that drone delivery provides a faster, cleaner, safer, cheaper and higher-quality alternative to road-based delivery. We are excited about how that will improve the world.” New delivery system worth droning about

INDEPENDENT craft brewer Brewdog is inviting its customers to return empty cans in return for a stake in the business. The Scottish brewery, which was founded in 2007 and first arrived in Dublin last year, says you can return 50 empty Brewdog cans to its Dublin bar on the docklands for one share in the company.

The initiative, entitled Cans For Equity, is part of the brewery’s Brewdog For Tomorrow scheme in a bid to encourage more sustainable businesses practices among the brewing industry.

The Brewdog for Tomorrow scheme also includes five other initiatives, including Once Beer Vodka, where imperfect beer is distilled into vodka, and DIY DOG, which encourages home brewing to reduce transport miles. Can it – if you want to get a stake in business

Top tips to find your perfect mattress for a good night’s sleep

HAVE you ever woken up and felt like a train has hit you in your sleep? Or do you watch every hour on the clock go by as you toss and turn in bed? If the answer is yes, the problem could literally lie in your mattress!

Here are some mattress testing tips from EZ Living so you can sleep in style.

MATTRESS TESTING TIPS:

1. Ever hear the phrase, “You shouldn’t go shopping when you’re hungry”? The same applies for mattress testing.

You should never go mattress shopping when you’re tired because no matter what type of mattress you lie on, if you’re tired, you’ll find anything comfy! Get a good night’s sleep before you make the investment. 2. The length of the mattress is just as important as its width. A mattress should be 10-15cm longer than its tallest sleeper.

3. It is essential that the comfort of the bed is just as important as its quality. You should never compromise on comfort over quality, and you should never compromise on quality over comfort. Some people make the mistake of going for the most expensive mattress as they assume it is “the best”. However, the most expensive mattress might not necessarily fit your own personal needs.

4. To find the perfect mattress, you’ll need more than just sitting on the edge and giving it the occasional bounce or two. You don’t sleep sitting on the edge, so why let that be the deciding factor? If you’re a side sleeper, lie on your side, if you’re a ‘starfish’ sleeper, become the star that you are. You should lie in every position you would normally lie in.

5. The most important thing to consider when selecting a mattress is to confide in a knowledgeable salesperson. Researching online will only get you so far. Therefore, to get a proper diagnosis of your needs, a highlytrained salesperson will point you in the right direction. trained salesperson

The EZ Living Furniture Mattress Madness Sale starts today – Thursday March 5. For more information see www.ezlivingfurniture.ie For more information see

Keep it simple and bring the outside in HOME | SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME WITH SPRING FLAIR

THE DAYS are getting a bit longer, although Winter still seems to have a bit of a chilly grip outside. But have no fear – you can certainly turn your home into a little oasis with a dash of green and bring the outside in – without the icy winds, of course!

Fresh neutrals, such as white and light woods, combined with shoots of fresh, green plants and scented candles, will bring your decor a step closer to warmer seasons.

The quickest way to get this look is to change up your heavier textiles (such as pillows and blankets) to lighter versions. Choose colours such as white and beige and bring in a hint of a tropical jungle with plant-inspired patterns (such as palm leaves in the cushion below) and then fill your room with plenty of green plants.

Littlewoods Ireland Palm Leaves Cushion €31.99

LET SPRING BEGIN AND FILL YOUR HOME WITH FRESH NEW ACCESSORIES, PLENTY OF PLANTS AND SCENTED CANDLES

Next Je erson White Bench Set €650

Penneys Buddha ornament €7

Penneys Green Hexagon Wild Mint And Sage Candle €3

Next woven co ee table €216

WITH EASTER just around the corner, Søstrene Grene has gathered a selection of cracking good Easter products, including colourful eggs, lovely ornaments, fine linen napkins and creative DIY projects for all the family to enjoy.

Let pastel colours adorn your home, inside and out, with beautiful decorations, or create a fun Easter egg hunt in the garden.

These Easter products will help to create the perfect atmosphere and capture magic and fun-filled moments for the occasion. These whimsical products will be available in stores from March 12. Capture the magic of Easter with whimsical decorations

STYLE | SPRING IS COMING

BEAUTYBits TV PRESENTER Lucy Kennedy has been announced as the new SS2020 brand ambassador for iclothing.com, featuring in their brand-new campaign.

Renowned for her effortless style, Lucy is known for her enviable casual wardrobe. Iclothing.com has taken that style and added more occasion and even red carpet looks to her wardrobe.

This latest collaboration with the queen of Irish TV marks a new direction for the brand. Launched in 2012, iclothing.com started off as a very small venture. Within 10 years the brand has grown hugely and now sells in both Ireland and the UK. Lucy Kennedy – the new ambassador of casual

iclothing.com India tie-waist culotte jumpsuit in mushroom €44.95

Pastelsgotech  Rachel D’Arcy, Style Editor THE WEATHER is brightening up, so why shouldn’t our wardrobes, too? River Island has just dropped its latest menswear edit, with pastel brights, to boot.

The Pastel Tech collection provides perfect holiday wear in lightweight t-shirts and shorts, as well as jackets and cover-ups.

Ranging in shades from lilac to a more rose-red, the colour story for the edit delivers a subtle Summer palette as we make the transition from a dreary Irish Winter to the (slightly) warmer Irish Summer – or the two weeks in June, as they’re more commonly known! With colour blocking the theme of River Island’s collection, the wearable nylon and jersey fabrics also prove powerful for packing in a suitcase and jetting off to warmer climes, or even bringing along to your favourite festival this summer.

As detailed by River Island themselves, the Pastel Tech edit is designed to “catch attention for directional yet effortless ‘thrown together’ styling”.

The items on offer are available to buy from RiverIsland.com, and in selected stores, with prices ranging from €22 to €65. Pastels

THE BELOVED Dutch brand Viktor&Rolf has unveiled its latest eyewear collection at Specsavers, Viktor&Rolf Vision. The 15 optical styles, and three styles of sunglasses, are priced at €239 and are available now in all Specsavers Ireland stores.

The range embodies the avant-garde aesthetic of the brand, but remains wearable for day-to-day wear. Traditional glasses shapes are reinvented and brought to life in a rich colour palette of burgundy, bright yellow, silver and gold. New eyewear collection

HEALTH | CYCLING IS A FUN ACTIVITY FOR ALL OF THE FAMILY

Get on yer bike and give your heart and lungs a great workout

PADRAIG CONLON

CYCLING is a wonderful, stimulating and healthy activity with so many benefits for young and old alike.

With the arrival of Spring, and better weather, now is the time to maybe consider getting back in the saddle. Improved cardiovascular and mental health are just two of the many benefits you’ll gain from regular cycling.

Because it’s an aerobic activity, cycling gives your heart and lungs a great work out while also reducing your blood pressure and your cholesterol level.

Cycling also releases endorphins – chemicals that make us feel good, and the increased health and fitness gained by regular cycling helps to create a happier and improved outlook on life.

Here in Dublin, we are lucky with the climate as it generally never gets too hot, wet or cold to cycle and the city is relatively flat.

In comparison to cities with a similar population density, for example, Dublin gets less freezing weather than Copenhagen, and less rain than Amsterdam.

However, a lack of good cycle lanes is an issue in Dublin, and calls are increasing for the implementation of the GDA (Greater Dublin Area) Cycle Network Plan.

First put forward by the National Transport Authority in 2013, the plan will see the number of segregated cycle routes in and around Dublin increase from 500km to 1,485km in length.

The roll-out of the GDA Cycle Network Plan has been stalled over the past seven years, but some routes have been built – among them the 7km Canal Way, and 3km of the Sutton to Sandycove route.

Despite this, there are still some excellent cycle routes which are safe and well worth a spin.

MY OWN THREE FAVOURITES ARE: • Clontarf to Howth (12km): Taking you along the coast, you can detour into Dollymount Strand along the way for some added excitement. St Anne’s Park can also be included in this route. •Sandymount - Dun Laoghaire (8km) Another coastal route with great views of Dublin Bay, highlights include a lovely park between Booterstown and Blackrock village, the 40 Foot bathing area, Bullock Harbour and Collimore Harbour, with stunning views of Dalkey island. • Dodder Valley Park (6km) Tallaght to Rathfarnham: Even though this route brings me to work, it is lovely! This route takes you along the banks of The Dodder with plenty of trees thrown in for good measure!

TECH TIME How much value do you place on your own data?

SHANE DILLON

HOW much would you want a tech platform to pay you a month for access to your contacts?

While you couldn’t pay me to hand over that info, plenty of other people have a price they’d settle for, according to a key new multi-country study by a US thinktank.

The Technology Policy Institute carried out a study of people living in the US, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia and Argentina, in a bid to see how people value their private and digital information.

Germany came out on top of the study, with our European friends saying they’d want the tech titan to pay them about $8 per month for sharing their contact information with third parties. However, US users would only seek $3.50.

Understandably, financial data, including bank balances, held the most value for individuals, with location data commonly considered the least valuable data to share, with a range of metrics besides contacts info up for access consideration – at a price.

Averaging out the multi-country data, across all the people studied, consumers would have to be paid a monthly $8.44 to share their bank balance information, $7.56 to share fingerprint information or $6.05 to read an individual’s texts, while at the lowest end of ‘worth’, consumers would only want to be paid $1.82 per month to share their location data, and nothing to be sent advertisements via text message.

With tech giants increasingly in the news over data privacy concerns, there’s a growing academic, consumer and lawmaker interest in the ways in which such data is monetised.

Apple bars ‘bad guys’ from using iPhones in films

PICTURE this: think of a film where The Hero has been yakking away on his iPhone to save the day/city/planet. You’ve probably already thought of someone in a recent film or TV show, where the iPhone has been an incidental but obvious bit of product placement.

Now think of the last time you saw the Bad Guy on an iPhone, and, and, and ...

Well, good luck with that, as it’s just been revealed that Apple won’t let its products be used by ‘the bad guy’ in films.

Director Rian Johnson (Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) let slip in a Vanity Fair video that particular nugget of cinema info, which won’t surprise anyone when they

Dr Evil might ask: “Hello? Where can I get a frickin’ iPhone? Hello?!”

think of Apple’s firm, positive image control of its brands. As such, you’ll often see plenty of characters using Apple products – but now canny viewers will know that the character they’re focused on can’t be The Bad Guy, or a killer, or a terrorist, if they’re ever shown using an iPhone ...

Ford’s new Focus ST is a terrific new variation MOTORS | EXPECT SOME EXCITING HANDLING

DECLAN GLYNN

BACK IN 2002, Ford launched its very first fast Focus, the ST170.

Now, three generations later, petrol power for Ford’s latest Focus ST comes courtesy of a 2.3-litre four-cylinder (EcoBoost) engine, which boasts 280bhp, and a whopping 420Nm of torque for swift acceleration.

The all-new Focus ST boasts an aggressivelysculpted signature exterior, with a large rear spoiler designed to enhance aerodynamic performance.

An all-new selectable drive mode feature (conveniently located on the steering wheel) lets the ST driver tailor the car’s drivability to suit the road conditions at hand.

These modes comprise Normal, Sport, Slippery, and Track options, with each mode capable of providing the driver with the requested assistance at all times.

The Ford Focus ST is also available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit producing 190bhp, while a slick six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, as does front wheel drive.

There is no automatic gearbox or all-wheel-drive option available in the new fast Focus.

My review car was a 2.3- litre EcoBoost Ford Focus ST-2 5-door, which was finished in Ford Performance Blue paintwork.

Featuring anti-lag and Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) technologies, the new Focus ST is the most powerful, agile, and responsive yet, and is the product of engineering genius from the Ford Performance professionals. Petrol power for Ford’s latest Focus ST comes courtesy of a 2.3-litre four-cylinder (EcoBoost) engine

QUICK FACTS The standard equipment in the new Focus ST is impressive, with a host of optional extras available for the ultimate in individual personalisation.

Capable of a top speed of 250kmph, the Focus ST can go from 0-100kmph in just 5.7-seconds.

Co 2 e m i s s i o n s o f 179gpkm translates into annual road tax of €750, while a fuel return of 8.2l/100km is possible from a combined driving cycle.

On the road, the new Focus ST really does show its true colours, with exhilarating driving dynamics and effortless acceleration taking centre stage, while strong brakes ensure that the Focus ST stops with the same urgency with which it accelerates.

Providing exciting handling, and everyday usability, the new Ford Focus ST could very well be the only performance car you could ever need.

With pric ing from €41,099 (ex-delivery), the Focus ST adds affordability to the performance car mix, too. 1) Exhilarating driving dynamics 2) Petrol or diesel engines 3) Slick 6-speed manual 4) Created for road and track 5) On sale now

New Puma ready to pounce on market JUST arrived in Ireland, the new Ford Puma introduces Ford’s advanced, fuelsaving mild-hybrid powertrain technology alongside class-leading practicality and head-turning design for compact crossover customers.

Powerful, responsive performance and optimised fuel efficiency is expertly delivered using Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology – seamlessly integrating electric torque assistance with a low-friction, three-cylinder 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering 125PS.

In Ireland, the new Puma is offered in three series: Titanium, ST-Line and STLine X, with pricing from just €24,465 (ex-delivery).

An impressive array of comfort, convenience, safety, infotainment, and security features come as standard across the entire range, with a whole host of optional extras available for total personalisation.

My full review of the amazing new Ford Puma will be coming soon.

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SUDOKU

EASY MODERATE

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

WORD SEARCH

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

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS ANNEXATION BALACLAVA BEER COPIOUS DESCRIBING DODO ENDEAVOR ESCALATOR FLUSHED IMPEDIMENT INVITED IRAQ MALAGA METRO OUTSPOKEN PANT PERSECUTED POOCH QUARTO SKINS SUAVE WAGERS

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE GATES & FENCING

CHARITIES

DECKING DVD TRANSFERS

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LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS THE BEST IN DUBLIN SPORT BODEN ON THE MARCH: FOOTBALL:BALLYBODEN St Enda’s got their delayed start to the AFL Division One campaign up and running on a windy Sunday morning with a strong win over Na Fianna.

Tom Hayes, Ross McGarry and Dar ren O’Reilly recorded second half majors to ensure the hosts came away with the two points on offer.  GAZETTE PAGE 31

Brilliant Baird breaks Warrior spirit RUGBY| LEINSTER CONTINUE TO BRUSH ASIDE PRO 14 OPPOSITION

 sport@dublingazette.com

RAMPAGING Academy lock Ryan Baird helped himself to a memorable hat-trick in Leinster Rugby’s 55-19 Guinness PRO14 bonus point win over Glasgow Warriors at the RDS Arena. The former St Michael’s College student took just three-and-a-half minutes to crash over, the hosts’ thun derous attack producing further scores for Dave Kearney, James Lowe and captain Scott Fardy to create a 24-7 halftime lead.

Kyle Steyn deftly doubled Glasgow’s try tally, adding to Tommy Seymour’s slick 25th-minute effort, but Lowe completed his brace before Baird bril liantly accelerated away in the 55th minute and then went over again past the hour mark.

Kearney finished with a hat-trick of his own, cancelling out an Alex Allan score, on a night that Leinster moved 20 points clear at the top of their Con ference A.

The hosts got over from their very first attack, a scrum penalty allowing them to carry with great intent before Baird expertly burrowed over from a couple of metres out. The heavilyinfluential Harry Byrne converted to the right of the posts.

Leinster tidied up lineout ball after an overcooked Pete Horne kick, and another powerful carrying spell forced Warriors backwards. Armed with a penalty advantage, Byrne’s long pass put Kearney over in the corner to make it 12-0 after as many minutes.

The Warriors did clip the lead back to five points through Seymour’s try off George Horne’s inside pass but Fardy soon outfoxed two defenders with a scooped offload to send Lowe raiding over for a seven-pointer.

Luke McGrath’s initial break sparked a furious late hunt for the bonus point, Fardy duly delivering it off a close-in ruck.

However, Glasgow had an encour aging start to the second half. Skipper Ryan Wilson was involved as quick hands released Steyn for a superb inLeinster’s Ryan Baird breaks through a tackle. Picture: John Crothers

and-out finish from his own 10-metre line.

Leinster cancelled out that score in the 51st minute, Will Connors’ turno ver and another burst by Baird leading to Lowe spinning free.

It got even better for the table-top ping province when Baird stormed over from 45 metres out, stunning scrum half Horne and the chas ing wingers with his pace. The St. Michael’s College product picked from a ruck to add a much more straightfor ward third try with 63 minutes on the clock.

Leo Cullen’s side pushed through the 50-point barrier, Fardy starring in the build-up to Kearney’s second of the night before Jones’ loose offload gave the Ireland winger his third.

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

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

LOTTO results for Feb 27th 2,7,17 and 23. Jackpot not won. €100 Pat Smith, €50 each Mark Fetherston and Jo Carpenter. Joker consolation Brendan Sorohan. Jackpot next week €2,600 and Joker €225. Bingo each Mon night at 8:00pm.

Special New Season offers at the Club Shop Club shop opening hours: Saturday 11.30am - 12.30pm Thursday 7.30pm - 8.30pm.

The next Child Protection course is on Friday March 6th in BSJ Club house. Vol subscription €10. Mandatory for all mentors, coaches, and refs. Pleae contact Sue 086-3219377 or Sandra 087-2249845.

What a month it’s been for our BSJ ALL Stars with the Dublin U20 hurling panel becoming coaches and playmates for 4 sessions. Many thanks to the squad.

We wish them all the best for the season ahead and can’t wait for our finale in Parnell Pk on St Patrick’s day!

Our Adult Football season got off to a disappointing start. Our Seniors faced a well drilled Clontarf team and after a very slow start we found ourselves 7 points down after 10 minutes. However we battled hard and dominated the remainder of the first half and early second half to reduce the margin to 1 point with sterling work from Glen Whelan and Donncha Carey. Alas we conceded another soft goal and Clontarf ran out winners in the end.

The AFL 4 game was called off . Our Jun A team lost to Scoil Ui Chonaill on a scoreline of 2-9 to 1-6 while our Jun B team lost to Geraldine P Morans Condolences to the Naughton family on the death of Eamon’s brother Sean.

KILMACUD CROKES

HARD luck to the Dublin Senior Footballers who lost out to Tyrone, 1.7 to 1.10, in their 5th league game.

Also, commiserations to Shane Horan and the Offaly Footballers who were beaten by Down, 0.9 to 0.17.

In Hurling, the Dublin Seniors also lost out to Clare, 1.15 to 0.27, in their league game. Well done to all the Crokes players involved in these games. In Camogie, hard luck to Anna Geraghty and the Dublin Intermediate team who were well beaten by Tipperary. We were so delighted to have had 26 of our finest young coaches, from 9 local schools, participating in our first Disability Awareness Workshop. We were thrilled to have such an experienced trainer, Brian O’Donnell, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Local Sports Partnership, leading the workshop.

Well done to the AFL1 team who beat Naomh Mearnog in their opening league game. The AFL2 (pictured) and AFL4 teams were unfortunately beaten.

Dalkey and DLSC

Loreto Abbey Dalkey’s Lucy McManus on the attack; inset: De La Salle Churchtown. Picture: Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile

undone on league finals day

U-19A GIRLS FINAL Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise 53 Loreto Abbey, Dalkey 41  sport@dublingazette.com

LORETO Abbey, Dalkey were unable to halt the Portlaoise juggernaut in the All-Ireland Schools league final as Scoil Chri ost Ri edged them out of the Under-19A title.

Basketball in the town has enjoyed an incredible season with the Portlao ise Panthers also landing National Cup glory earlier in 2020 against Meteors. Coming into the game, expectations were high for the midlands team but they didn’t get it all their own way in a packed National Basket ball Arena.

With over 600 students cheering and singing, the atmosphere in the Arena lent itself to a brilliant occasion.

Dalkey showed they were not there to simply enjoy the occasion as they got excellent early scores through Allyce Maylnn and Aisling Mar mion. Scoil Chriost Ri were turning the ball over more than usual but they were also doing enough scoring with Ciara Byrne and Rebecca Reddin con tributing well in the first quarter to give them a 14-11 lead.

In the second and third quarters, the defensive pressure from Chriost Ri was starting to pay off as they forced turnovers and didn’t allow Dalkey to reach double digits in either quarter.

With Sarah Fleming impressing offensively, alongside Shauna Dooley on the inside, it was a 46-29 lead for the Port laoise women heading into the final quarter.

Despite the deficit, the Loreto Abbey fans kept singing and supporting and they were rewarded with some excellent scores, by Lara McNichols in particular, in the final quarter.

Ultimately, it wasn’t to be for the Dubliners as Scoil Chriost Ri complet ed an impressive Under19A double.

U-16C BOYS FINAL DLS Churchtown 33 Skibbereen CS, Cork 60  sport@dublingazette.com

SKIBBEREEN Community School completed the league and cup double with a comprehensive win over De La Salle Churchtown despite a good second half come back.

MVP Eividas Andrekius had nine points in the opening quarter and DLS had no answer to his abil ity to get in the lane or close out his three-point attempts; it was 5-21 at the end of the first.

A much better second quarter for De La Salle saw Alejandro Rodriguez get to the rim and finish as well as show his range on the way to seven points.

He was ably assisted by Joshua Esguerra and Miguel Hurtado as they cut the deficit to just seven points at the half, 19-26. Rodriguez picked up his fourth and fifth fouls midway through the third and Skibbereen powered on afterwards. Andrekius added four three pointers to his tally and with Stevie Redmond and Colm Har rington seemingly able to score at will, it was 29-49 going into the fourth.

Andrekius knocked down a couple more threes on his way to 28 points in the final reck oning.

Salmo record two key wins DE LA SALLE Palmerston secured their place in the Metro League division 7 playoff final with a resounding seven-try win over Bective Rangers in very challenging conditions at Energia Park on Saturday.

An early Bective penalty was fol lowed by a try for each side in quick succession on the quarter hour, a further brace from the visitors seeing them into a 19-10 lead at the interval. Salmo pulled clear in the second half with another four scores seeing them home 41-10 at the final whistle and setting up a much-anticipated final against old rivals Clontarf.

Meanwhile, the club’s Under-20s recorded an eleventh straight win as they came away from Ashbourne with a 19-0 victory.

This sets them up for a league title decider next Sunday against table-top pers Coolmine at Kirwan Park, kickoff at 3pm.

SOCCER: UCD OFF THE MARK WITH SUCCESS OVER COBH Flawless Cabo keep winning streak going

STRONGER TOGETHER

Women’s mini marathon open for 2020 entries

THE Ryan sisters Lottie and Bonnie; along with mum, Morah; broadcaster Georgie Crawford; actress Demi Issac Oviawe and fitness enthusiast Leanne Moore, will make up the 2020 Vhi Squad and are calling on women all around the country to run stronger together and join them at the largest all female event of its kind in the world on May 31! Enter now at www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie Picture: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

LOI FIRST DIVISION  DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

CABINTEELY’S flawless start to the First Division season continued on Friday night as Vilius Labutis’ stunning solo goal set them on their way to a 3-1 win away to Ath lone Town.

The youngster’s second goal in as many games, added to by a Shane Barnes brace, ensured the south Dublin club remain top of the division on goal difference.

Ronan Manning had briefly drawn the home side level early in the second half but Barnes struck twice in the closing stages to make it six points from six for Pat Devlin’s side.

The win capped a big weekend for Cabo after ex-youth player, and Ireland Under21 international, Jason Knight notched his third of the season in Derby County’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Cabo had been tipped by many to strug gle following the departure of top scorer Rob Manley and captain Stephen McGuinnes, for Longford Town and Bohemians respectively, in the off-season.

They confounded the doubters by blitz ing Bray Wanderers at home on the opening day, leading 4-0 at half time before conceding twice late on.

19-year-old midfielder Labutis was on target in that first-half hailstorm, and he repeated the trick by giving his side the lead in Athlone.

Labutis ran from his own half, weaving through two would-be tacklers before calm ly lifting the ball over Town keeper Aaron Myles to open the scoring.

Manning pounced on a defensive error to level things up four minutes into the second half but Barnes restored order with two fine strikes from inside the box.

UCD picked up their first win of the season Cabinteely FC have made a winning start to their 2020 First Division campaign

at home to Cobh Ramblers as Yoyo Mahdy opened his account for the year three min utes from time.

With just two of the 11 that started last season away to Derry City, Mark Dignam and Josh Collins, in tow, Andy Myler’s side were always going to take time to gel.

A last-gasp victory may be just the tonic for a side very much building from scratch following the success of their 2018 First Division-winning side.

The students were unlucky not to take the lead early on as a stunning strike from Evan Weir came rattling back off the crossbar.

Colm Whelan and Liam Kerrigan both had shots cleared off the line as it looked like Cobh would hold out to pick up their first point of the season.

Up popped Mahdy at the death to stroke home from close range as Paul Doyle’s free kick was turned across goal, and UCD move into third on four points from two games. DLR Waves continued the build-up to their league opener away to Wexford Youths with a narrow 1-0 defeat to the same opposi tion, Lauren Kelly with the early goal.

Silver linings for Dundrum athletes

ATHLETICS  sport@dublingazette.com

WITH Hiko Tonosa second in the 3000m, Kate Doherty second in the 60m hurdles and Zak Curran finishing in the same position in the 800m, it was a day of silver lin ings for Dundrum South Dublin AC at the Irish Life Health National Indoor Athletics Championships. Tonosa ran a great race but was caught out on the last lap as Donore Harriers’ John Travers made a break with a terrific sprint, to win in style in 8.00.96, the DSD man coming in 2.5 seconds later. Also running a gutsy race and finishing in sixth place was Emmet Jennings in 8.19.03, with Matt Ber gin 10th.

Doherty impressed in the 60m hurdles finishing in a time of 8.42 seconds while Curran was just pipped in the 800m by UCD’s Mark English in a time of 1.50.19.

Georgie Hartigan also ran a good race in the 1500m, finishing fourth in 4.43.04, with Faye Dervan ninth in 5.00.35.

In the women’s 3,000m, Fiona Clinton was fifth 9.53.98.

THERE was no winner of the Club Lotto Draw on Sunday 1st March - numbers drawn were 19, 24 and 35. €30 winners were Mary Ryan, Wednesday Cards, S Finnegan, Laoise Doyle and Kerri Letman . The Jackpot on Sunday 8th March will be €2,900! Only €2 a ticket, availablle from the Club Bar, Sandyford House and online at www.naomholaf.ie - match 3 numbers to win the jackpot.

Only one adult men’s football match took place last weekend due unplayable pitches - Division 5 against Crumlin - resulting in a draw between sides. Final score Naomh Olaf 0-13 : Crumlin 1:10. Minor Footballers are down to play Erin’s Isle away on the 8th March, while the Adult Hurlers play Castleknock (Division 3) in Somerton, and Civil Service Hurling (Division 6) in Islandbridge. On the 7th March, the Under 18 ladies are due to play Trinity Gaels in Division 5 Football, and Lucan Sarsfields in Camogie (Group 2), both home fixtures. Best of luck to all the teams.

The hugely popular Naomh Olaf Easter Camp 2020 will take place from Tuesday 14th April to Thursday 16th April (9.30am to 2.00pm) for boys and girls from senior infants to 6th class. Three camps will run concurrently - the Little Vikings Camp for younger children will aim to develop the fundamental movement and skills needed to play Gaelic games, while the All Star Camp for children from 2nd class and above will aim to develop the more advanced skills of the game. NAOMH OLAF

THE club Chase the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s there was no winner of the jackpot and the €50 prize went to Frank Askin This week’s jackpot is €1850. Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5 available in the pub.

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

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

The Operation Transformation walks finished last Thursday many thanks to everybody who turned out each week. Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others, a group has been set up catering for all ages, all abilities, no experience of GAA games necessary. This is a fun social group and its FREE. The venue is Scoil Mhuire from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday SHANKILL

nights, PM us on Facebook or contact Steve 087 6414123. Our Adult Ladies and Men’s teams are already preparing for next year. If you would like to join us and represent your Village see below for details.

The juvenile Academy which is for boys and girls from 4 to 7 years of age and sponsored by O Donnell’s Pharmacy Shankill is in action at 10.00am on Saturdays in St Anne’s, Rathmichael and Scoil Mhuire National Schools. The cost is only €2 per child there is no annual subscription and all equipment is provided free of charge.

For details of our Ladies adult football teams e-mail stevedavis203@gmail.com or contact Steve Davis 087 6414123.

The men’s adult football team contact Kevin Martin 086 8449902. For more information on the club, contact, secretary. shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 6072746. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club, where we all belong.

Foley’s try heroics bring added bonus RUGBY: AIL CLASH DOUBLES AS LEINSTER CUP FINAL

AIL DIVISION 1A UCD 22 Clontarf 19  sport@dublingazette.com

RONAN Foley’s sixth try of the season could be his most important of all after UCD edged out Clontarf 22-19 in a fiercely-contested Ener gia All-Ireland League tie at Belfield.

Using the rain-soaked pitch to his advantage, number 8 Foley squeezed in under a couple of defenders to score a deci sive 70th-minute try in a game that doubled up as the Leinster Senior Cup final. The students are provincial champions for the first time since 2016. Facing into a gust ing wind in the first half, Clontarf’s hopes of bouncing back from a heavy defeat to Garryow en took some early hits. Alex Penny and David Ryan both crossed for the students inside the open ing quarter of an hour, adding to James Tarrant’s initial penalty.

It was a fascinat ing battle at scrum half where Le inster pair Paddy Patterson and Hugh O’Sullivan chipped away behind two deter mined packs. UCD celebrate their victory last Saturday at Belfield against Clontarf. Picture: Deryck Vincent

Closing in on half-time, ’Tarf got off the mark with a well-worked score from winger Michael Courtney for 15-5.

Good patience by the Clontarf forwards was rewarded with a 47th minute try, prop Ivan Soroka grounding the ball under a pile of bod ies.

Courtney was released to complete his brace in the 64th minute, with Sean Kearns add ing another well-struck conversion for a 19-15 turnaround in very test ing conditions. However, that good work was undone five minutes later when ’Tarf captain Michael Noone saw yellow and UCD wrestled back control for the closing stages.

Foley swiftly seized his opportunity to drive in low over the line, Tarrant tagging on the extras for a three-point advantage. Kevin Croke’s charges showed impressive com posure and game management to close out the result, controlling possession with a frustrated Noone watching on from the touchline. UCD have closed the gap on second-placed Garryowen to five points, while ’Tarf now lie seven points outside of the top four with four rounds remaining.

UCD’s Jonny Guy

LOTTO: No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 5-12-31. €25 goes to Kay Woods, Killian McCoy, Deirdre O’Connor, Joshua Vaughan . Jackpot next week is €10,000.

As our lotto is now at €10k we have started a background which is sitting currently at €2,300. 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.

This week sees the start of Seachtain Na Gaeilge which we will be participating in on social media. If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754.

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

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

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

STAR OF THE YEAR

LAURA Gallagher, of Dundrum South Dublin AC, was presented with the Dublin Star Award at Athletics Ireland’s National Star awards at the weekend in Tullamore. She was presented with the trophy by chairperson of the Athletics Ireland Juvenile Committee John McGrath, Pat Hooper and president of Athletics Ireland, Georgina Drumm. Picture: harry murphy/SPORTSFILE DSD’s Laura honoured at athletics bash

Ballyboden St Enda’s Aran Waters rises highest in midfield. Picture: John Kirwan

Boden off to a flyer as Na Fianna beaten

AFL DIVISION ONE Ballyboden St Enda’s 3-10 Na Fianna 0-14  sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s got their delayed start to the AFL Division One campaign up and running on a windy Sunday morning with a strong win over Na Fianna.

Playing with the breeze in the first half, the home team was first on the score board after three minutes when Warren Egan split the posts. Na Fianna responded almost immediately but in the next 10 minutes Alan Flood, Ross McGarry and Aran Waters added points.

Na Fianna got two back from play and then up popped Bob Dwan and Brian Bobbett to cancel out these scores. The visitors had two points from frees each side of a similar point from McGarry as half time arrived, leaving the home side 0-7 to 0-5 ahead.

This could have been even more favourable were it not for two late goal chances that went abegging. First, Conor Dooley cracked a shot off the crossbar and, later, Tom Hayes went for goal from a tight angle but his shot went across the goal and wide.

A two-point lead did not look good with the wind now in their faces but, as he did in the first half, Egan was first to score when he popped over a point within the first minute to start a very productive phase for Boden.

As he bore down on goal, Darren O’Reilly was dragged to the ground and a penalty was awarded. Egan’s effort was saved and even though he caught the rebound, the Na Fianna goal remained intact. But not for long.

After some great team-work, Hayes made no mistake with a well-taken major.

Four minutes later, Egan was fouled in the square and another penalty was awarded. Once again, the Na Fianna goalie made a good save, this time from McGarry’s shot.

This time, though, McGarry finished the rebound to the net to put the home side eight points ahead.

Na Fianna fought back and applied regular pressure on the Boden goal, landing two frees in quick succession. It could have been worse if not for great defensive work by Darragh Gogan and Kieran Kennedy, among others, to prevent Na Fianna adding two goals. Simon Lambert stopped the rot with a great point from a distance before O’Reilly palmed to the net after a good pass from Hayes. This left 10 points between the sides but Na Fianna were not about to surrender without a challenge. In the final 10 minutes of ordinary and seven minutes of added time, the visitors scored six points to the home sides one point. Waters was covering well around the half back line to keep Na Fianna at bay. However, Egan had a chance to finish the game on a high but, with the goal at his mercy, the chance was missed, leav ing the winning margin at five points.

Warren Egan scores his goal for Boden. Picture: John Kirwan

2019 Feile champs Kilmacud Crokes

John West put up big Feile prize

BOYS’ and girls’ U-14 GAA teams in south Dublin gearing up for this year’s John West Féile can win €1,000 of kit by creating videos of their clubs’ Féile memories.

John West, which sponsors the Féile na nÓg and Féile na nGael U-14 football, hurling and camogie tournaments, are preparing for the competition finals with a €1,000 kit giveaway to teams.

The 2020 John West Féile na nGael hurling and camogie finals take place in Dublin, Kildare and Meath on the weekend of June 5-7. This year, the John West Féile na nÓg football finals will be held across Donegal, Derry and Tyrone on the weekend of June 26-28.

Four GAA Clubs now have the chance to win €1,000 each towards their Féile 20 kit. Entries are now open and to be in with a chance of winning, all teams have to do is send a short video through the Teamer app featuring their club’s best Féile memories.

Ideas can include profiling a Féile hero, photographs set to music of a magical Féile moments, Féile journeys, the role of your coach, training highlights, parental support and host family memories.

SPORT Gazette ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 MARCH 5-11, 2020

Byrne blasts Rovers to

UCD’S LEINSTER CUP LEADERS RUGBY:Students get double boost with AIL victory also bringing Leinster Senior Cup trophy to Belfield. SEE P30

CABINTEELY ON THE CHARGE

SOCCER: Flawless start to the season for Strad brook club as they see off Athlone while UCD get off the mark, too. SEE P29

ALL-IRELAND AMBITIONS

BASKETBALL: Loreto Abbey Dalkey and De La Salle Churchtown contest All-Ireland Schools finals. SEE P13

PICK US UP EVERY THURSDAY!

huge win over Dundalk

 DAVE DONNELLY sport@dublingazette.com

JACK Byrne scored a stunning late winner as Shamrock Rovers moved clear at the top of the Premier Division, edging out Dun dalk by the odd goal in five in front of a record league attendance at Tallaght Stadium.

A crowd of 7,522 – including a sizeable away contingent – crammed into the Whitestown Way venue for a thrilling game between the top two teams in the country.

That surpassed the 7,021 who saw the Hoops edge out bitter crosstown rivals Bohemians back in August, shortly after the stadium’s capacity was increased with the opening of the South Stand.

Stephen Bradley’s side led early on thanks to Dylan Watts but goals from Jordan Flores and Patrick Hoban’s third in as many games turned the tie on its head.

Rovers seized the ini tiative in the final halfhour, however, and Roberto Lopes drew the home side level before Byrne snatched all three points. Perhaps the real story on the night was the more than five million people who viewed RTÉ’s video of Jordan Flores’ wonder ful first-half strike which evened up the tie following Dylan Watts’ opener.

Republic of Ireland man ager Mick McCarthy and assistant Terry Connor, who were among the inter ested spectators, may wish they had a player with Flores’ capacity for stunning A bumper crowd in Tallaght Stadium celebrate their winning goal. Picture: George Kelly

“ I always get a bit of stick off the Dundalk fans leading up to this game telling me that Chris Shields has me in his back pocket “ goals at their disposal.

The Englishman has endured an injury-inter rupted beginning to his time at Dundalk, which included an operation on his hip flexor, and his unstoppable volley will have pleased his surgeon every bit as much as the Dundalk faithful.

It was a goal of rare beauty and has already been touted as an early contender for the Puskas award since going viral on Friday night.

Footage showed Dun dalk boss Vinny Perth, a native of Killinarden, unmoved in the aftermath of the goal, perhaps still irked by the manner of his side’s concession two min utes earlier.

Watts, given his second start of the season follow ing a strong showing in Waterford four days earlier, scored at the second attempt after connecting with ex-Dundalk man Ronan Finn’s cross.

The Lilywhites immedi ately poured forward and got their reward within minutes when Michael Duffy’s drilled corner found an unmarked Flo res just inside the penalty area.

Few expected what would happen next, as the former Wigan Athletic prospect bounced on one foot and sent a ferocious volley crashing through the palms of Alan Mannus. Hoban completed the turnaround just before the hour as a rare Byrne mis take, under pressure from Greg Sloggett, allowed Flores’ replacement Dan iel Kelly to slip the ball through for Hoban to finish.

It’s a game that the Hoops of 2019 may have lost but the Tallaght club appear to be made of stern er stuff since their FAI Cup final win over Dundalk and they didn’t panic despite trailing against the run of play.

Byrne atoned for his ear lier error when a pinpoint front-post corner was met by the head of Cape Verde international Lopes, who had peeled off marker Chris Shields.

And Byrne wasn’t done yet, his dancing feet keep ing him free of Clondalkin man Shields and curling a wonderful shot past the excellent Gary Rogers.

“I always get a bit of stick off the Dundalk fans leading up to this game telling me that Chris Shields has me in his back pocket, all this stuff,” Byrne told reporters.

“It’s probably the first time in about six games that he’s actually left me and I’ve had a chance to spin him. He’s a top player, with countless medals in this league.

“It’s never an easy night against him and I’m just happy I was able to spin him for that goal, because I was getting a bit of stick from Dundalk fans before that.”