South

DublinGazette SOUTH EDITION

FREE

WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE DLR AREA, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED  NOV 30 - DEC 6 , 2017

SPORT DSDAC trio get Irish call P36

FREE

COMMUNITY ADAMANT THEY WANT THEIR STATION REOPENED

Reopening Stepaside ‘is not a top priority’  EMMA NOLAN

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

Find us on

“THE people of Stepaside are adamant that we want our station reopened.”

Stepaside is this week, responding to comments by assistant Garda commissioner Pat Leahy who said that the reopening of Stepaside garda station is not his top priority.

Garda management confirmed last week to the Public Accounts Committee that Stepaside is one of the six closed stations to be reopened.

Criteria set by the Department of Justice required gardai to choose six stations, and while he said that Stepaside met the criteria “better than any other” station, it would not be “top of his list”.

“I would not send them there before

sending them to Ballyfermot and Ronanstown and the north inner city,” he said.

Responding to the comments, Stepaside shop owner Des Kennedy told Dublin Gazette that he and other locals agree that Stepaside doesn’t have to be a priority but it does have to be reopened.

“I’m sure the assistant commissioner

is aware of the increased crime in the area and Stepaside certainly has an increasing crime rate,” Des said.

“We don’t particularly want them to have Stepaside as a priority, we’re not looking for it to be the first station to be opened by any means, but the people of Stepaside do want their police station reopened.

Continues on Page 8

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

MOUNT MERRION | NEW APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION

‘Serious concern’ for development plans  EMMA NOLAN MOUNT Merrion residents are urging that serious issues still remain around the Union Cafe development plans.

Locals held a meeting last week regarding the latest application for planning permission for the widely condemned plans.

The proposed development – a mixed retail and residential apartment scheme were given the red light last December from An Bord Pleanala, having initially been rejected by the council.

The plans have now been resubmitted and while locals say that the proposed scheme has

The Union Cafe site in Mount Merrion

taken many of the residents’ concerns into consideration, some “serious concerns remain”.

The Mount Merrion Residents Association (MMRA) have outlined their issues in the areas of parking, traffic move-

ment, external fisheries, noise, pedestrian safety and construction impacts.

A group spokesperson said: “While it is generally accepted that the current plan is a significant improvement on the

original plans rejected by both DLR and An Bord Pleanala, residents have a number of serious concerns which need to be resolved.”

TD Joespha Madigan said she stands with residents on the issue.

“The original development was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanala last December on a number of grounds. The scale, siting, layout, bulk and height of the development would have been contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“The application has been resubmitted and takes into account a

number of the original concerns. However, concerns still remain. New development in the area is welcome but it must be suitable for the area and fit in with the community.”

Deputy Madigan explained that the bar, restaurant and function room units are closer to the residents of North Avenue in this application and “light pollution and noise implications of this need to be considered”.

“T heir needs must been given top priority in considering this application to embark on major development in their area,” she added.

FASTNews

A seasonal treat at dlr Mill Theatre Dundrum

MILL Productions present another seasonal treat for all ages written and directed by Geoff O’Keeffe! The thrilling story of a boy, a lamp and a genie, Aladdin is one of the most popular pantomimes of all.

Audiences can look forward to a fun-packed performance full of comedy, slapstick, singing, dancing, dazzling special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of participation. Guaranteed to entertain both the young and the young at heart.

The show is suitable for all the family, recommended ages 4 years+. Showtimes are 12pm, 2pm, 4pm December 7 to 23 and January 2 to 7.

Admission: €16/€14, family of four, €55.

Group set to make waves at the Pavilion Theatre GROUNDBREAKING group Yurodny Ensemble are set to perform at the Pavilion Theatre on Wednesday, December 13 at 8.00pm.

Founded in 2007 by saxophonist and composer Nick Roth, the Yurodny Ensemble perform contemporary interpretations of traditional music from around the world alongside new work.

Their debut at Pavilion Theatre is a concert celebration of the ten-year anniversary of the group and features the world premiere of a new suite entitled ‘Wave’ commissioned by the dlr LexIcon Musicianin-Residence award 2017. Tickets €20/€18. Box Office – Tel: 01 231 2929 / www.paviliontheatre.ie.

Rebecca reaches finals THE Dun Laoghaire Rotary Club’s Youth Leadership Development Competition is back this year with Rebecca Lennon of Loreto Abbey, Dalkey, being chosen to go forward to the Dublin Regional Final this month. The competition is one of Rotary’ longest running youth projects and it rewards people who are under 18 years old who have clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities.

The Rotary Club of Dun Laoghaire held their final last week with Rebecca scooping first place.

Rebecca was chosen for her work leading a campaign which she believes will earn her school a third green flag.

The other finalists were are Alva Phelan of Dominican College Sion Hill, Lucy Gammell of St Josephs of Cluny and Mark Landers of Blackrock College.

Sybil’s skating skills on show PICTURED launching Tesco Mobile’s annual sponsorship of the ever-popular Dundrum on Ice is well known mum Sybil Mulcahy with Angelina O’Reilly and Lacey Anne Walsh. Dundrum on Ice is hosted at Dundrum Town Centre at a purposebuilt seasonal rink where Sybil showed her skills on the ice. Tickets available online.

Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

Alva Phelan, Dominican College Sion Hill; Rebecca Lennon, Loreto Abbey; Jim Bourke, president Dun Laoghaire Rotary; Lucy Gammell, St Josephs of Cluny and Mark Landers, Blackrock College

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

SLEEP OUT | GAINING AN APPRECIATION FOR HOW TOUGH IT IS FOR ROUGH SLEEPERS

Ballinteer students sleep rough to help homeless  EMMA NOLAN

STUDENTS at Ballinteer Community School spent a night gaining an appreciation for those who have to sleep rough last week.

Over 40 fourth, fifth and sixth years spent the night sleeping on the floor of their school halls as part of the Big Sleep initiative to raise money for the Peter Mc Verry Trust.

The teacher who organised the event, Robert Plunkett, said the students “gained a great appreciation for how tough it is for rough sleepers every night”.

“It was very difficult,” Mr Plunkett told The Gazette.

“We were in the study hall in the school, there was no chairs or anything, they were sleeping on the hard floor.”

Students taking part arrived at the school at 9pm and slept on the floor before getting up at 6am, going home and then coming back in for a full school day.

“They left at 6am with their pillows and sleeping bags and it was absolutely lashing out, so they had to walk home in the cold and rain and come back into school for a normal day.

“So obviously they were very tired, they didn’t really sleep, so they got a real appreciation for what it’s like to be homeless.”

The students managed to raise €1,260 for the Peter McVerry Trust on the night.

Mr Plunkett said the school also organises an annual soup run for the homeless so the Big Sleep was another way for them to get involved in helping those who are homeless this winter.

“It was great to create further awareness.

“It was a great success and the kids did really well to raise all that money and keeping in mind, that particular night, there was over 100 people on the streets.”

The latest rough sleeper count in Dublin found 184 people to be sleeping rough on the night of November 7.

The students managed to raise €1,260 for the Peter McVerry Trust on the night

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

Out and About

Pictures: Colin Bell

Santa’s big arrival in the Blackrock Centre T

HE Blackrock Centre was packed with excited children and families who enjoyed the centre’s family entertainment and festive fun before the arrival of the man in red. Santa arrived to the cheers of everyone as he took up residency at his Magical Workshop Grotto where children got to meet him and got a free gift. The great news is that Santa is back in the centre every weekend with plenty of entertainment too – check in-centre and the Facebook and twitter pages for times and details.

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

SANDYCOVE | ‘WE NEED TO KEEP POLLUTING FOSSIL FUELS IN GROUND’

Calls to cease further explorations for oil

FASTNews

 EMMA NOLAN TV presenter Laura Woods with Finnley McKenna

SANDYCOVE could be affected by offshore oil drilling that would damage local “delicate habitats”, according to local Green Party reps.

Una Power, Green Party Representative for Killiney-Shankill is calling on the government to cease further exploration for fossil fuels off the coast of Dun Laoghaire.

Oil exploration is set to start at Kish Bank, just 10km from Killiney Beach.

“This must be stopped,” Ms Power told the Dublin Gazette.

Providence Resources Plc, the Irishbased Oil and Gas Exploration Company, holds a licence, granted by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to allow for the planning, consent and drilling of an exploration well on the Kish Prospect.

Ms Power said that it is “incredibly worrying that the Government are continuing to grant licenses to explore for fossil fuels, knowing the challenges Ireland faces in meeting our climate change targets, and the negative environmental and health impacts fossil fuels have”.

“We’re calling on the Government to stop the granting of licenses. Oil exploration is set to start at Kish Bank, just 10km from Killiney Beach – this must be stopped.”

The Green Party introduced the Prohibition of Fossil Fuels (Keep It In the Ground) Bill 2017 last week, which seeks an end to further oil and gas exploration in Irish territory as the COP23 conference in Bonn continues.

“Day-by-day, we are learning more of the

and Brooke Walton at Tesco Bloomfield’s Dun Laoghaire

Dublin shoppers urged to donate food to needy

Green Party representatives Una Power and Sinead Mercier at a protest at the Forty Foot

damage that offshore oil and gas exploration is doing to our marine environment disrupting and destroying vital and delicate habitats and threatening areas crucial to our fisheries, tourism and leisure sectors,” Ms Power added.

“We need to protect our oceans and keep these polluting fossil fuels in the ground.”

Green Party councillor for Dun Laoghaire Ossian Smyth said: “This Dail has already banned fracking for onshore gas, it is now time to take the next step and stop all exploration for oil and gas in our offshore waters.

“Coming a day after Ireland was ranked Europe’s worst performer in tackling climate change and reducing emissions, this Bill presents the Government with an opportunity to make amends.

“The Government talk the talk on climate

change – it’s time for them to walk the walk and ensure a just transition to a carbon-free society.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment told Dublin Gazette that Ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy future will involve “progressively moving to lower emissions fuels”.

This means that the plan is to move initially from peat and coal to natural gas.

“Successful exploration in Ireland’s Offshore has the potential to deliver benefits to Irish society and the economy, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply and reduced fossil fuel imports, as we transition to a low carbon future.”

Dublin Gazette contacted DLR council but did not receive a response at the time of going to print.

Dog walker tells of helping student after alleged attack A DOG walker has described coming to the assistance of a student who alleges she was attacked by a man she met on Tinder.

The 36-year-old Dublin man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not (NOT) guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexual assault of the foreign national at UCD campus, Belfield, south Dublin on July 23, 2014.

On day five of the trial Criona Cullen told Paul Burns SC, prosecuting, that she was out walking her dogs around the campus at around 10pm on that night.

She saw a woman who called to her “can you help me”, she testified. She said the woman’s English was very poor.

She asked the woman was she hurt and the woman explained, in bad English, that she had met a man on Tinder and he had brought her to the campus but she didn’t know where she was.

Ms Cullen said that the woman told her she had been in a car with the man and he had tried to have sex with her but she didn’t want to. She told Ms Cullen that she managed to get away, the witness said.

Ms Cullen told counsel that the woman looked distressed.

She said she told the woman she would help her and offered to either organise to get her home from her house or help her get a taxi from the campus.

“She had no idea where she was. She said she wanted to go home,” Ms Cullen said.

The witness said she hailed a taxi down for the woman. She gave her phone number to the taxi driver and told him if there was any issue with the woman being able to pay for the fare, she was happy to pay it.

A flatmate of the complainant told the trial that he met the complainant in the taxi when it arrived at their premises in Dublin city centre. He said she seemed “really scared and afraid”.

“Something serious had happened. She said that a guy tried to rape her,” the man said. He told Paul Flannery SC, defending, that his flatmate told him the man had taken her to “an abandoned area”.

The trial continues before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of six men and six women.

DUBLINERS are being encouraged to support families in need this Christmas by donating to charities through their local Tesco.

Tesco Ireland has launched its annual Christmas Appeal calling on shoppers donate a product in Tesco stores nationwide on December 1 and 2.

Over €46,000 worth of food was donated by Dublin shoppers in 2016.

All of the items donated during the appeal in Tesco stores will be given to 125 partner causes from the Tesco surplus food donations programme which is run in partnership with FoodCloud.

To support your local charitable organisation through the Tesco Christmas Appeal, please visit your local Tesco store on December 1 or 2 between 11am and 7pm and make any donation possible.

Shoppers can donate one or more of the following items: Tea bags, coffee, biscuits, sugar, breakfast cereals, tinned goods (vegetables, fruit, fish, meat), pasta and sauces, rice and rice pudding, soft drinks, sweet treats, selection boxes, Christmas cake, toiletries, nappies, toys, clothes and cleaning products.

Public invited to view locals’ exhibition of art FIVE women from Milltown are holding an exhibition to showcase their art this week.

Anne O’Beirne, Ruth Appleby, Brigid Tiernan, Finola O’Keeffe and Gabrielle Bowe take time out from their regular lives to let their spirits flow for a morning each week.

These mornings are interesting and lively as these ladies have very different styles, working as they do in oils, acrylics and photography.

They are inviting the public spend some time at an exhibition of their work in Milltown Parish Hall this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

One of the works by artisit Ruth Appleby

Christmas GUIDE

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

GIFT

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL THE DUBLIN GAZETTE ON 01-

6010240

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

The Vice Governor and An Cathaoirleach exchange gifts

FASTNews

Dalkey Castle Christmas tours with Santa Claus

Vice Governor of Sichuan Province visits THE Vice Governor of the Sichuan Province of China visited Dun Laoghaire this week.

Mr Xingping Yang and his delegation were welcomed by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Tom Murphy (FF) where they exchanged gifts and discussed attempts to strengthen ties between the two municipalities with talks around tourism and trade opportunities.

This meeting follows Cllr Cormac Devlin’s formal Agreement on Establishing Friendly Co-Operative relations between the City of Chendu in Sichuan and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last year.

Sichuan has a GDP of about €420 billion with a population of 92m.

The capital, Chengdu, has a GDP of €140 billion (about the same as Greater Dublin) and population of 15 million.

The city is famous for Panda conservation, its cuisine (one of the

Four Great Traditions) and the beautiful countryside· Mr Yang Xingping is one of seven vice governors of Sichuan, each with different areas of responsibility.

Speaking to the Dublin Gazette, Cllr Murphy said: “Dun Laoghaire and China enjoy strong links with over 1,000 people from China living in the county. Hundreds of Chinese students also study at UCD. I look forward to working with Chengdu and Sichuan to explore opportunities between our two areas.”

Cllr Devlin said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Vice Governor Yang to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

“As we move towards a post-Brexit economy, regions in Asia like Sichuan offer the prospect of replacement markets and new opportunities, particularly in the high-tech, fin-tech and agri-food sectors.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SANTA is on his way to Dalkey Castle this December with unique Christmas Castle tours The tours are specially devised for the children who are expecting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The children will engage with Jingle who will lead them to the battlements to chant to the North Star that guides the reindeers around the world.

Twinkle, the Christmas Elf, will tell all the famous Christmas stories in a new and exciting way.

The highlight, needless to say, is the appearance of the man himself, Santa Claus!

Santa’s ‘Ho Ho Ho’ has gone very faint. The children will help him to get it back.

It’s all about activity and participation with this specially devised unique Dalkey Castle Christmas Tour with Santa! No queuing necessary.

Tour times 11.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.00 & 16.00.

All Tickets €8.50 (include Goody Bag for small children). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking: Book online at www.dalkeycastle.com/booktickets

family relishing a Senior garda says other Ryan magical Christmas treat areas have greater needs  FROM PAGE 1 “We don’t necessarily want to be first or second priority, we just want commitment.”

A public meeting was held by Minister Shane Ross in Stepaside last week that was attended by a very large crowd.

Des said that the feeling at the meeting was “relief” that the station will be reopened.

Speaking on the “parish pump” criticism of the Stepaside situation in the media, Des says it’s simply not true.

“We had over 1800 people who demonstrated on the street at the closure of the station and Shane Ross, we’re delighted to say, has brought it on to the floor of the Dail for us.

“But the people of Stepaside are still adamant that the station has to be reopened – we have made a point that if it’s not reopened, it will become a big issue at the next general election.”

Minister Ross said his view that the

station should be reopened is “not just [his] personal opinion” but that of vice-president of the Association of Sergeants and Inspectors Antoinette Cunningham’s too.

She said last year that there had been a significant increase in crime in the area since the station’s closure.

“I have consistently campaigned, with many locals who have been adversely affected by its closure, for the reopening of this much needed station.

“While progress to reopen the station has been slower than I would have liked, a timeline is now starting to emerge. Earlier this week I brought Minister for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to Stepaside to meet with local group representatives.

“He informed the assembled group that the OPW will be taking possession of the building in January, after which they will be able to assess the work to be done. We should then be Transport Minister Shane Ross at a Stepaside meeting last week able to confirm a date for opening.”

THERE is a magical Christmas treat in store for one local family. The Ryan family from Bray, are the winners of the grand final event of the Find the Elf competition. Their prize is a family trip to Lapland this Christmas with Sunway Holidays and Bray Retail Park. Pictured are Ava, Michelle, Ellie and Eric Ryan. Picture: Paul Sherwood

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

Out and About

Lots of love for a new production Nicole and Jessica Holland with Catherine Morris

Lorna Prole and Tara Kealy. Left: Vivyenne and Suzanne Metchette Pictures: Rose Comiskey

Neale Webb and Edwina Scanlon

S

AINT Brigid’s hall in Stillorgan was packed with an eager audience last week as Stillorgan Players staged their production Murder With Love. Murder With Love is based on the hatred between two protagonists in Francis Durbridge’s whodunnit. The event proved to be a great evening’s entertainment that definitely kept the audience enthralled.

Ann Rath and Reverend Ian Gallagher Vivienne MacHale, Christine Gavin and Rory Sheehan

Lloyd, Lucia and Shevaun McNally

Isolde Bradley and Mary Donohoe

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

GAZETTE

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

DUBLINBUSINESS

FUNDING | SEEDCORN INVESTMENT WINS FOR IKYDZ, CROIVALVE WITH THEIR IMPRESSIVE ENTERPRISES

Strong showing by South Dublin companies in all-island contest TWO South Dublin companies – iKydz and CroiValve – have collected awards after being named Best New-Start Company and Best Early-Stage Company, respectively, at the Dublin final of the 2017 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition. iKydz, based in Parkwest, has developed a unique parental internet control system to allow parents to manage their children’s internet usage while at home and on 3G/4G networks.

The service will also be extended to the Telco operators and schools networks.

CroiValve, based in Dublin city centre, is developing a minimally invasive medical device to treat Tricuspid Regurgitation. Currently, less than 1% of the 550,000 patients

who develop this disease annually undergo surgery, due to the risks involved.

They endure long, repeat hospitalisations, very poor quality of life and are four times more likely to die within one year. This solution is quicker, easier and safer to deliver than their competitors, and provides a treatment option for these patients.

The companies each received a prize of €20,000 to help finance the early stages of their ventures.

At the national final in Dublin, Donegal company Cerebreon Technologies scooped the Overall Best New Start Company award, winning a cash prize of €50,000.

Meanwhile, Belfast company Phion Therapeutics was

crowned the Overall Winner of the all-island competition, winning a cash prize of €100,000.

Now in its 15th year, Seedcorn is the island of Ireland’s biggest business competition for new-start and early-stage companies in any sector.

With more than 275 competition entries, the winners went up against companies in a range of sectors including medical devices, technology, fintech, design engineering, diagnostics and even digital ticket sales.

This year’s competition saw an unprecedented number of submissions from female entrepreneurs, with five women among the regional winners who went forward to the national final.

Welcoming the successful conclusion of InterTradeIre-

John Miller from Invest NI presents Dr Lucy O’Keefe, from CroiValve, with her award; right: Ann Rudden, InterTradeIreland board member, presents John Molloy, from iKydz, with his award. Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

land’s Seedcorn competition, An Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Inno-

vation, Frances Fitzgerald said: “Securing funding can be a challenge for early-stage

companies and, while there can only be two major winners of the Seedcorn competition funded by InterTradeIreland, all 276 companies which participated in the process will have benefitted from the competition, and should now be in a better position to pursue outside investment as their companies develop. I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Ken Nelson, chairman, InterTradeIreland said: “It’s very rewarding to be in a position to promote the growth of newstart companies on the island of Ireland. It’s great to see so many female entrepreneurs involved in the competition this year.

“I warmly congratulate both of our winners on their success in our very challenging Seedcorn competition.”

Say AAA ... for apprenticeships plan

A COMPETITION aiming to showcase the creative and technical skills of apprentices was launched last week.

The ESB-sponsored Generation Apprenticeship competition challenges apprentices to construct a three-dimensional letter ‘A’ using craft and other materials.

Employers, further education and training providers and design and production

experts gathered at a Generation Apprenticeship workshop hosted by SOLAS, to mark the launch of the Generation Apprenticeship competition, which plans to help highlight the key role apprenticeships play in ireland.

Dr Mary-Liz Trant, SOLAS, said: “This new competition provides a great opportunity for teams of apprentices to not only showcase their skills, but also to advance

Ireland’s ambition to place apprenticeship and work-based learning at the heart of how we develop skills and talent in Ireland.”

Pictured are Dr Mary-Liz Trant, executive director of skills development at SOLAS with Senan Colleran, manager, distribution and customer service at the ESB and Shauna Dunlop, director, Work Based-Learning at SOLAS. Picture: Maxwell Photography

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

STYLE P22

MOTORS P24

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

AFFECTIONATE AMBER WILL PEOPLE: CRUMLIN SWIMMER HOPES TO WIN GOLD AT TOKYO 2020 MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ON THE WHOLE PLANET!

OUR Dog of the Week looking for their #SpecialSomeone* is Amber, a sweet, affectionate and fun-loving eight-year-old female Pit-bull cross.

She was returned to Dogs Trust after five years through no fault of her own, due to a change in her family’s circumstances.

Amber loves people so much that she would prefer to be the only pet in the home. She would love to live with children, but she is quite bouncy and playful – so any children in the home would need to be able for her extremely affectionate nature.

She is a big favourite amongst the staff here, especially the volunteers! If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate and bouncy pal, then Amber would be an amazing addition to your family.

Amber’s unconditional love will make you feel like the most important and loved person on the planet!

If you think you can offer Amber a loving home, 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. Meet Amber - she’s full of energy and love, and is a big favourite with the DogsTrust volunteers



GAZETTE

DIARY P14

Paralympic swimmer Ellen Keane (22), from Clontarf, hopes to add success at Tokyo 2020 to her already impressive record of wins, as well as also helping to showcase the skill and dedication of our Paralympians

Ellen’s Keane to test her Paralympian skill  MARK O’BRIEN

AT THE age of just 22, Ellen Keane has packed an awful lot into her life already.

She became Ireland’s youngest ever athlete when she competed at the Beijing Paralympics at the age of just 13, and took home a bronze medal from her third Paralympics in Rio last year.

However, the swimmer from Clontarf isn’t content to rest on her laurels – Ellen has her sights set on a gold medal in Tokyo

in 2020.

But first there is the small matter of competing in front of her home crowd at the Para Swimming European Championships next year ...

Ellen told The Dublin Gazette that she can’t wait for her friends to finally see her compete: “It’s such an opportunity.

It’s something that a lot of athletes won’t experience in their lifetime, and I’m just lucky enough to have this experience.

“I’m really jumping on the bandwagon and trying to enjoy it as much as

I can! As much as it can be really, really stressful being at the forefront of it, I’m trying to enjoy it at the moment because it’s such an opportunity to educate people around me and my hometown, and to try and get as many people into the pool as possible and really bring a crowd in.

“A lot of my friends have never seen me compete in person, so it’s a real chance for them to come and see what I do.”

Ellen was speaking at the announcement of Toyota as an Official

Partner to Paralympics Ireland and to the 2020 and 2024 Irish Paralympic Teams.

Toyota is investing more than €1 million in support of the partnership for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and will provide mobility services and solutions to Paralympics Ireland for the next eight years, and two Paralympic games cycles.

Ellen said that she is delighted to see such a major brand supporting Paralympic athletes: “It’s really exciting to see a brand that’s looking at

Olympics and Paralympics get on board with us.”

She added that seeing Paralympic sports grow and get more coverage has helped to spur her on when competing.

“Now people are learning a lot more, it’s growing and we’re getting a lot more publicity, so it’s actually really exciting to now wear the Irish colours and put on the Irish hat and know my country is behind me, so it’s really cool and it’s really exciting!”

Continued on Page 19

GAZETTE

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

DIARY

PEOPLE OF THE YEAR: TIME’S ALMOST UP TO HELP HIGHLIGHT REMARKABLE CITIZENS

Hurry and nominate the heroes in your life for award DO YOU know a Dublin hero deserving of a People of the Year Award? The final date for submitting nominations is Friday, December 1 – the last chance for the public to nominate Ireland’s heroes for this year’s awards.

Now in their 43rd year, the awards – which are organised by Rehab Group – will be broadcasted on RTE One next Saturday, March 3, from the Mansion House..

Actor Aoibhin Garrihy and former winner Milo McCarthy (14) have joined forces urging the public to nominate their heroes for an award before the nominations close.

The pair want you to nominate a hero – it could be a family member, friend or a colleague – to help recognise ordinary people who have done extraordinary things.

Aoibhin said: “It’s such a fantastic national celebration which recognises some truly amazing

people across Ireland, from all communities and backgrounds.

“We all know people who deserve recognition, so I hope people get nominating their heroes.”

Milo said: “It’s such a great experience, so I’d urge everybody to nominate their heroes.

“There is so much negativity in the world, so it’s good to shine a light on all that is good!”

It’s quick and easy to nominate someone for a People of the Year award, as well as for a Young Person of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, International Person of the Year and Community Group of the Year award – nominate now at www. peopleoftheyear.com, or email peopleoftheyear@ rehab.ie before midnight on Friday, December 1.

IT’S A TAXING ISSUE YOU’LL WELCOME REVENUE have reminded PAYE workers to make

sure they claim their tax back before the end of the year.

There is a four-year time limit for claiming tax back – for example, on health expenses, nursing home fees, tuition fees or flat rate expenses.

Leeann O’Kelly, manager in Revenue’s Planning Division, said: “The deadline for 2013 claims is December 31, so now is a good time to check that you have claimed all your entitlements.

“You can claim back tax that you have overpaid for any of the last four years, and ensure that you claim all your entitlements for future years.

“You can do all this easily and conveniently online, using PAYE Services in MyAccount, which you can access on all mobile devices or through RevApp.” Referring to Revenue’s ongoing work to encourage PAYE workers to claim their entitlements,

Actor Aoibhin Garrihy and former winner Milo McCarthy are urging everyone to nominate a hero for a People of the Year award before nominations close on December 1. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

---------------------------------------------------------

‘It’s such a great experience, so I’d urge everybody to nominate their heroes. There is so much negativity in the world, so it’s good to shine a light on all that is good!’

---------------------------------------------------------

Milo McCarthy, a former People of the Year winner ---------------------------------------------------------

she said: “We have an ongoing programme of direct contact with PAYE workers, to encourage them to engage with us.

“For example, in October 2016, Revenue wrote to more than 137,500 PAYE workers who had not claimed any additional tax reliefs or credits in the four years since 2012.

“Today, we’ve published an analysis of the impact of those contacts, which resulted in refunds or tax credits to taxpayers totalling €27.6m.”

Leeann said that Revenue has written to a similar number of PAYE taxpayers this year, adding: “Even if you did not get a

letter from Revenue, you can review your tax record online at any time, using PAYE Services in MyAccount or through RevApp. “While claims are, of course, subject to verification, most online refund claims are paid within five working days, so if you submit your claim online now, your refund can be paid into your bank account before Christmas.”

JUST €15 WILL HELP A CHILD AT CHRISTMAS IRISH charity Team Hope has launched its online C h r i s t m a s S h o e b ox Appeal, asking people to help make a vulnerable

child overseas smile just by buying an online shoebox for vulnerable children in Kenya.

For just €15, Team Hope will buy a meaningful shoebox gift in your name and get it into the hands of a child in Kenya.

Niall Barry, executive director of Team Hope in Dublin, said: “As an Irish charity helping vulnerable children in many places like Kenya, the children we support are amongst the poorest of the poor, and a simple shoebox gift with educational and hygiene gifts can literally mean life and hope.

“The gift won’t end poverty tomorrow, but it will make a difference immediately, with children able to wash themselves and learn in school, for example, as well as having some fun with a small toy.”

Anyone can get involved with the online C h r i s t m a s S h o e b ox Appeal.

For more about the

C h r i s t m a s S h o e b ox Appeal and to donate, see teamhope.ie, or see the Facebook page, www. facebook.com/team.hope. ireland/

JAZZ DELIGHT IN THE HEART OF RANELAGH RANELAGH Arts Centre will host a Winter Jazz show from friend of the centre, Emilie Conway, on Sunday, December 3 at 5pm.

Following her performance at Ranelagh Arts’ sell-out celebration of writer Maeve Brennan in spring, Emilie was invited to perform in New York and Chicago in May. She came home to sellout the John Field Room at the National Concert Hall with her own You Won’t Forget Me celebration of Maeve Brennan, with her quartet.

Places are limited so be sure to book tickets early; they’re priced €11, or €9 for members, and are available via eventbrite.ie.

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

Out and About

Joan Palmer

Mary Byrne

Actress Ciara O Callaghan

Glamorous ladies hit the Cari charity lunch C

Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

ARI hosted their annual Christmas Lunch at the Shelbourne Hotel last week and some of Ireland’s most glamorous ladies were out in force to lend their support to the children’s charity. Georgina Ahern led the way with her four-year-old daughter, Gia. She was joined by her sister, best-selling author Cecelia Ahern, and their mother, Miriam, the patron of the charity. Also there was former X Factor star Mary Byrne and former Voice of Ireland contestant Kayleigh Cullinan, who performed for guests. Fair City actresses Aisling O’Neill, who plays Carol, and Ciara O’Callaghan, who plays Yvonne, were there together.

Cecelia Ahern, Miriam Ahern, Georgina Byrne and Gia Byrne

Jayne Given

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

Out and About

Miriam Ahern and Terry McCoy

Lorna McDonnell

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CRUMLIN CMRF: MAIA DUNPHY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN

It’s your chance to help sick kids  MARK O’BRIEN

Broadcaster and author Maia Dunphy meets Jayden Massa (7), with the pair helping to launch Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin’s Toughest Journey donation drive

OUR Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin treats more than 140,000 children per year, many in need of life-saving intervention, with broadcaster and author Maia Dunphy only too familiar with the hospital’s work – her twoyear-old son, Tom, was one such child when he was admitted with a viral infection six weeks ago.

Luckily, Tom’s illness

was only minor, but Maia told The Dublin Gazette that she was blown away by the care she and Tom received while she was in the hospital.

She said: “I ended up in Crumlin Hospital about six weeks ago with Tom in the wee hours of the morning, and everyone was so kind and patient and lovely.

“We were very lucky, it was a viral infection and we went home in the

morning and it was fine, but when we left, there were other kids coming in who were so seriously ill – it makes you realise how fortunate you are.”

Now, Maia has teamed up with the hospital to promote the CMRF Crumlin Toughest Journey Christmas appeal.

The dedicated teams at the hospital work tirelessly all year round to care for children and ensure their journey is made as com-

fortable as possible.

These children need extraordinary care, childfriendly facilities, and the most up-to-date research and CMRF Cr umlin requires the funds to ensure this is made possible for every sick child.

Donations help to fund vital equipment, paediatric research to find new cures and treatments, and provide critical supports for sick children and their families while they are on

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

‘the toughest journey’.

“It’s not just about hospital care,” said Maia. “It’s about accommodation for parents, it’s about playing areas – children don’t just need a bed in a ward. They do incredible work here.

“I met a family today and the family are from Cork, and they have two other children and their son is having multiple operations, so somebody has to be up here with him.

“They’re from Cork; they can’t commute on a daily basis. This can put families under extraordinary pressure, so the more support we can give people like them, the better.”

Maia plans to donate her water charges refund to the fund and urged others who are in a position to

do so to do the same.

She said: “I know everybody is stretched, and this time of year is very expensive but the work they do, I just can’t stress how important it is.

“Every single person out there at some point in their lives will be affected by a child not being well, so I think everybody at some point will see the importance of the work being done in hospitals like this.”

Maia’s husband, comedian Johnny Vegas, lives in the UK while she lives in Dublin, which means Christmas can be a bit of a logistical difficulty.

“It’s always a bit of a seasonal hot potato for us, but my husband lost his dad this year and it’s been a tough year for his family,

GAZETTE

FEATURES

so Johnny’s going to go to the north of England with his family, and I’m going to stay here with mine.

“Because Tom is the first grandchild in my family, it’s a very big deal for them.

I’ll go to see Johnny’s family in the north of England the week before Christmas, and we’ll have a little mini-celebration then. I’ll come back here and then he’ll come here for the New Year.”

Once the New Year comes, Maia will be busy with work as she hopes to follow up her recently released book about parenting, The M Word, with a children’s book.

She also has a new show, Heartbreak Hotel, coming to TV3 in the New Year.

Maia sharing some fun with another patient, Keeva Ndaba (8). Pictures: Robbie Reynolds

Ellen’s ready for her swimming to make a big splash Continued from Page 13

Ellen also has a busy life away from the pool and is currently fitting in finishing a degree in Culinary Entrepreneurship in DIT Aungier Street around her gruelling training schedule.

She also gave an inspirational TEDx talk in Griffith College earlier this year, in which she spoke about overcoming the self-consciousness she felt as a teenager about having one arm, and becoming more body-positive and

comfortable with who she is.

She said that this new-found confidence has helped her firmly set her sights on securing gold in Tokyo in 2020.

“There’s no harm in trying and pushing yourself to be the best you can be, and at the end of the day the only person that you’re in competition with is yourself, so if you can be the best possible version of yourself then you’re going to do pretty well,” she said.

CALLING PRODUCTION WORKERS! is looking for experienced Production workers for freelance cover work. This busy and fast-paced role requires excellent time-management skills, using standard industry software: Word, InDesign, and PhotoShop.. You’ll be required to think fast as part of a busy newsroom environment, making it a role for someone with experience. If you think you have the design, editing and writing skills that the role requires, we’d love to hear from you!

Please email: sdillon@dublingazette.com W: dublingazette.com T: 01 601 0240

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

DUBLINLIFE

 JAMES HENDICOTT THE Guardian hailed them as the best folk act out of Ireland in years. Here’s the story behind research-loving Dublin trad-folk miscreants Lankum.

IN MID OCTOBER 2015, a little-known four piece appeared on the BBC’s iconic alternative music show Later With Jools Holland.

Performing harmonised folk tracks like ‘Father Had A Knife’, the Dublin act could already trace their roots back more than 14 years.

They’d finally got their break.

That band are now known as Lankum (more on that later), and the rise of the melodic four-piece was already well underway back home in Ireland. The big shot across the water came as a surprise, however. A demo CD that Lankum had sent to “anywhere we could think of” stood out from a pile BBC head of music Mark Cooper was hunting through, and next thing - at two weeks notice - Ian Lynch and his band were performing to a prime time BBC2 audience.

The roots of Lankum, though, reach back through well over a decade of live performance. Lynch has been around Dublin trad circles since the 90s, and much of what Lankum do now is drawn from his involvement in the kind of music-loving exchanges that still happen between trad-sphere friends and around pub sessions.

Things also went much further for Lynch.

“There are lots of recordings passed around, and we often record at sessions, too. I’ve found if you ask and explain why you’re recording, people are great about it. I’ve never had anyone say no. It’s normal for friends to exchange tapes on the trad scene, too. I’ve also worked in the archives at Merrion Square, The Piper’s Club, and UCD over the years, and spent a lot of that time working while listening my way through the archives.

“We draw from a mix of ideas,” he continues, “and that contains a lot of crunchy pub and field recordings, which are very far from polished. Some are rough as hell. Then there’s techno, krautrock, punk and even black metal in there. It’s not crossover music, the presence is quite subtle, but the different elements do make up our musical palette.”

Lankum also produce original tracks (and the traditional ones are often heavily adapted), but much of their work is drawn from Irish, Scottish, English and even German folk traditions, and routed in that quiet exchange of shaky cassette tape recording.

“The songs we write definitely sound like they’re out of the 18th or 19th Century,” Lynch explains. “We listen to so much of this stuff that it happens very naturally, we’re very immersed in that tradition, so it’s not really that conscious.”

Of course, trad stylings are not widely seen as a natural fit for the larger stage, but then again harmonies are far from common in Irish trad, and being signed to iconic indie label Rough Trade is normally the sign of an intensely fashionable indie act.

“Rough Trade have been branching out

LANKUM

MUSIC

sixteen years of trad exploration, delivered with an angry punch

GAZETTE

GAZETTE

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

N O S ’ T A H W

E D I U G S T N E EV with JAMES HENDICOTT

Santa Dash

Our favourite bit of Christmas silliness (yes, even ahead of those 12 pubs), the Santa Dash takes place on North Bull Island, and involves charging over either 5km or 10km, dressed as the main man and struggling through the sand. December 3.

Robin Gill Masterclass Need a few tips for the Christmas shopping?

Robin Gill will be dropping into Airfield to run a special class on preparing game on December 3, just in time for the perfect alternative holiday dinner.

Malahide Christmas Castle Experience

MALAHIDE CHRISTM CASTLE EXPERIENCE AS

The party at the castle kicks off on December 1, and runs until December 23, featuring the man in red himself, as well as Belle, Lumiere and Mr Potts all waiting to surprise. Pre-booking essential.

Gifted

Another well-timed Christmas event, Gifted is a great chance to support local art and craft types, who’ll be bringing their wares down for a spectacular display at the RDS in Ballsbridge. December 5-10.

FZ Irish Open

Sporting action tends to wane a little bit towards Christmas, but Badminton is a little different, with the National Indoor Arena set to host Ireland’s big tournament, running from December 5-10.

Expect a few international players, too.

Art & Craft Night

Create your own Christmas specials at Fumbally Stables, as their artists guide a small group of 12 through a Christmas arts plan that, apparently, doesn’t even require you to be able to paint.

There’s cake, too. December 5.

a bit recently, and the main criteria is whether the boss, Jeff Travis, likes something,” Lynch explains.

“It’s been a bit of a change; our first album was recorded on equipment normally used to archive trad music, so not exactly cutting edge.

Obviously the [new record] ‘Between the Earth and the Sky’ wasn’t.

“But its been really good with Rough Trade.

We’ve asked for a few things, like not having the barcode on the vinyl art work. They had to make the record a double vinyl release as we like to write 12-minute songs, and that kind of gets in the way of having a normal single vinyl release. But they’ve been really great about that kind of thing, they don’t try and influence what we do.”

The fast rise has changed the band’s allure, too. “We’ve found as we’ve moved on to a stage, different people have been interested in us,” Lynch tells us. “It’s not really a conscious change, it kind of happened naturally, but we get a different kind of audience.”

Much of the rise of Lankum, strangely, came under a different name, ‘Lynched’. It goes against virtually every rule of music PR to change the name of an established act, and generally happens only due to copyright issues.

Lankum made the change after that Jools Holland appearance, but as their audience expanded, the Dubliners felt the renaming - to a name referencing the traveller folk ballad ‘False Lankum’ - was a necessary decision.

“We had a few promoters who were not

happy, as it inevitably meant people didn’t recognise who we were on posters and stuff” Lynch tells us, “but we felt we had to take responsibility.

As we started doing bigger gigs abroad, the first thing people see is the name. Irish people wouldn’t really think of the association, but in parts of the world like America, ‘Lynched’ (a reference to Ian’s surname) is a bit too close to the persecution of black people.

“It was a difficult decision, as we were established under the old name, and we did see a dip in audiences for a little while afterwards, but we really needed to clearly distance ourselves from that association.”

That particular concern faded fast, and Lankum have gone on to win over fans with every tour, every release and every new melody. But

for all their success on bigger stages, the band still regularly drop back into the folk scene, both for the love, and the inspiration.

Lynch tells us that the band spent over an hour playing a trad session near The Spirit Store before their own gig in Dundalk recently, and in typical style, it sounds like he enjoyed the experience more than the gig itself.

“I’ve always felt that’s something that’s missing for guitar bands, that once they’re big, they never seem to go back to that small room, that intimate setting,” he concludes. “This will always be part of our lives.”

Lankum play Vicar Street, Dublin on December 9, with support from Lisa O’Neill. Third album ‘Between the Earth and the Sky’ is out now.

Apres Dublin

This year’s take on a Christmas market is taking on a post-skiing theme, and will be located just outside the CHQ building on the north banks of the Liffey. Apres Dublin runs from November 30 to December 23, and has daily music, food and seasonal fun.

The Coronas

Olympia Theatre Christmas gig silly season get underway with Danny O’Reilly and co playing their traditional seasonal show before the panto moves into the Olympia. Time to whip out the college classics. December 5.

New album of the week

U2 - Songs of Experience. The companion piece to 2014’s Songs of Innocence arrives from Dublin’s most acclaimed act. It’s been rewritten to account for Brexit and Trump: bring on the pub arguments about Bono all over again, we say.

GAZETTE

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

CINEMA ReelReviews

THE DEATH OF STALIN

It’s a killer dark comedy FILM fans looking out for something a little different may go Russian over to The Death of Stalin (Cert 15A, 107 mins), which turns the Soviet leader’s death into a dark comedy – just about the only thing the brutal dictator has done to make people smile. A cast of terrific character actors plot and panic once ‘Uncle Joe’ Stalin dies, with the Kremlin thrown into chaotic (and very funny) disarray.

ORIENT EXPRESS

Takes a stab at murder If nothing else, Emma Stone (as Billie Jean King) and Steve Carrell (as Bobby Riggs) certainly look the part, uncannily matching the real-life tennis stars (inset) around the time of their legendary 1973 showdown on the court

BATTLE OF THE SEXES: SKIRTS SOME SERIOUS ISSUES, BUT ENTERTAINS

Courts a fun dramedy THE true-life story at the heart of Battle of the Sexes (Cert 12A, 121 mins) – built around the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs – is less so about the sport itself, and more about the complex personalities and personal struggles of two of its most obsessive stars.

Emma Stone turns in another characteristically effortless, yet wholly engaging performance as King – the world’s number-one professional female tennis player at the time.

Battle of the Sexes dramatises the events surrounding her exhibition match with Riggs – a retired pro, gam-

 MARTIN MACNAMARA

bling addict and selfproclaimed chauvinist pig, played with all the tragic-comical expertise of Steve Carrell.

O n e o f t h e m o s twatched television sports of all time, the match was publicised as the titular “battle of the sexes,” with Riggs seeking to prove that men were superior to women (outside the kitchen and the bedroom), and King simply hoping to prove that women were

equal, forcing the world to acknowledge the pay gap between male and female athletes.

Te n n i s , h o w e v e r, doesn’t feature much here – indeed, the court only makes a few perfunctory appearances throughout the entire first hour.

It’s the complex, personal battles – rather than the “battle of the sexes” – that take centre stage: Riggs’s struggle with his gambling addiction and resulting familial strife, and King’s attempts to come to terms with her sexuality, fully aware of the effects that any revelation will have on the career she’s fought for her entire life.

Battle of the Sexes

deals with subjects which are, sadly, still ver y relevant today.

Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (most notable for 2006’s Little Miss Sunshine) are thematically heavyhanded, particularly in the film’s early stages.

While perhaps such a direct approach is necessary in a world where the gender pay-gap is still disgracefully vast in many professions, it makes for a regrettably unsubtle, less earnest tone.

Still, Battle of the Sexes manages to be an often genuinely moving, thoroughly entertaining film, helped along with two fantastic performances from its

leads and many of the supporting cast – apart from Sarah Silverman and Fred Armisen – whose jarring comedic approaches feel completely and utterly out of place in this relatively straight-shooting comedy-drama.

Riggs, as disgusting as his politics may be, feels a little underused here – one feels that Carrell could have brought a lot more to the narrative, and it’s a shame we don’t see more of him.

While the second half of the film feels a little stitched-on, there’s just so much to root for in this story of private and public triumph and only the most cold- hearted of punters won’t find them-

selves quietly cheering in the critical stages of the film’s titular “battle”.

Unfortunately, as a whole, Battle of the Sexes feels like somewhat of a missed opportunity.

W hile Day ton and Faris have put together an entertaining crowdpleaser of a film that gives audience plenty to think about with its contemporar y relevance, Battle of the Sexes follows convention a little too stringently to raise it above the masses of true sports stories out there.

The end result is casual, occasionally inspiring fare that could (and perhaps should) have had much more to offer..

Verdict: 6/10

TO USE its full title, Murder on the Orient Express (Cert 12A, 114 mins) sees a cast of top-tier talents gathered on the titular train. Brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot must choo-choose who the killer on board is after a murder is discovered ... There’s a great cast here, but there’s a bit too much of Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) at their expense in this opulent whodunnit.

DADDY’S HOME 2

Last and decidedly least MEL Gibson comes out of whatever cave he’s been hiding in for several years to star in Daddy’s Home 2 (Cert PG, 100 mins) – a largely mean-spirited, charmless and laughterfree comedy, with some questionable gender-based humour. Will Ferrell and John Lithgow are sweet enough in their roles, but the rest of the film is not.

After this mess, there’s no need for a sequel, boys...

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FEATURE

Community broadcaster to launch yuletide schedule R A D I O S n ow f l a ke , which is set to launch its Christmas schedule on December 4, came about on the back of very successful community weeks in Sandymount, Ringsend, Donnybrook in the 1980s.

The special community-focused station used to broadcast around these weeks which, in the day, were massive events and the station gained great recognition as a result. In 1982, it was decided it would be a great idea to launch Radio Snowflake, which was a very good move.

Founded by Sandymount resident Dave Reddy, the station funded itself by local business advertising and brought in many presenters from existing stations in the Dublin area who all had some kind of connection with the local areas.

It was a great way to

promote talent in the area and local events and people loved the fact the station was for and about the area.

Over the last few years the station has supported some fantastic charities, including Team Hope the shoebox appeal, Samaritans Dublin and the Irish Kidney Association. On each of these occasions, all of the charities had tremendous awareness put around their work with the messages put out.

T he station is r un

by David Baker, who has been associated with the station since it started. He has carved out a career in radio in Ireland and the UK having worked on stations like Q102, Spirit Radio and more recently Kfm. He has his own on-line music station, Melody Radio, which plays love songs and easy favourites and is a well-known

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the last few years the station has supported some fantastic charities, including Team Hope the shoebox appeal, Samaritans Dublin and the Irish Kidney Association. On each of these occasions, all of the charities had tremendous awareness put around their work with the messages put out.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daphne Mitchell on BLB in Bray in the 1980s

award-winning wedding DJ. David has assembled a really talented bunch of presenters who give up their time every year to broadcast on Radio Snowflake. David will launch Radio Snow-

flake’s Christmas schedule on Monday, December 4 and is promising a truly great range of music not just the old favourites, but plenty of festive tunes.

One of the presenters, Daphne Mitchell, broad-

casted on BLB in Bray in the 1980s before moving onto Radio Leinster in 1982. Daphne is an inspirational lady, currently battling bowel and stomach cancer.

She is currently undergoing chemotherapy but, despite this, she is insistent on broadcasting on Radio Snowflake.

She’ll be on each day of the broadcast between 10am and 12 noon.

Another presenter is a seasonal professional DJ and actor Liam Tuohy,

better known to radio people as DJ Lee. His most famous acting part came in the classic Titanic film alongside Kate Winslet and Leonardo di Caprio. He played the baker. His time in radio was spent at Radio Dublin and KLAS Radio.

Radio Snowflake can be heard on line www. radiosnowflake.com. It also has its own dedicated app available from iTunes and Google Play stores (search radio snow f lake) . You can

hook them up in your car and take the station on the move. The station can also be heard through a range of dedicated internet radios.

Follow the station on social media www.facebook.com/radiosnowflake and www.twitter. com/radiosnowflake You can also live chat to the radio station during the programming by clicking on the live chat link at the website.

Phone and text 083-1626754.

GAZETTE

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

DUBLINMOTORING

FASTNews

The new 181-Peugeot 2008 SUV, Irish Small SUV of the Year 2017

181 ADDvantage deal announced as a seasonal offer GOWAN Distributors

for free on specific

Limited, Peugeot

models.

The Peugeot ADD-

Importers in Ireland, has announced details

vantage programme

of the 181 Peugeot

includes a five-year

ADDvantage offers

warranty guarantee,

available at Peugeot

a range of low cost

dealerships nation-

finance packages,

wide. Customers

plus deposit contribu-

who order their new

tions or scrappage

181 Peugeot before

allowances on top, to

December 31, get the

drive down the total

Peugeot ADDvantage

motoring cost to driv-

which brings peace

ers. Peugeot has also

of mind motoring, at

added some equipment

a reduced monthly

upgrades for free on

cost, with equipment

certain models.

Corbett takes top role as head of Lexus Ireland IAN CORBETT has been appointed as Head of Lexus Ireland with effect from December 1, 2017.

Ian is replacing Kevin O’Reilly who has taken on the role as head of sales for Toyota Ireland.

Ian joined Toyota Ireland 19 years ago and, in his tenure, has held a number of marketing and operations positions, including sponsorship and PR manager, marketing operations and marketing manager covering a multitude of disciplines across each of these roles.

F-Pace provides Jaguar first SUV luxury challenge in association with

Jaguar’s F-Pace was the luxury brand’s first endeavour in the SUV market and it’s an impressive one, as MICHAEL MORONEY found out when he drove the solid performer for a four day test drive in typical Irish autumn conditions.

JAGUAR has borrowed some of the Land Rover heritage for its F-Pace SUV that provides a serious challenge in the larger SUV market. For Jaguar, the F-Pace was the first SUV ever produced in the Jaguar name and now it has been followed by the recently introduced and more compact E-Pace model, which has just arrived at Dublin Jaguar dealerships.

More than one year from its initial launch, the Jaguar F-Pace now well established in the market with its significant design appeal and I tend to rank it against the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The F-Pace has a significant style of its own and brings with it some impressive features that are increasingly being offered in other ranges.

The most important feature of the new Jaguar

Jaguar F-Pace 2.0 TDi Engine Engine power 0 – 100km/hr Economy Fuel Tank Capacity CO2 emissions Road Tax Band Main Service Euro NCAP Rating Towing rating Warranty Entry Price F-Pace is its weight. Jaguar is using a new lightweight aluminium chassis to shave kilos of the weight compared with the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, while still guaranteeing strength and safety.

I recently took the F-Pace on a test that mixed city driving an interesting mix of country

2.0 litre 180hp 8.5 seconds 19.6km/litre (5.1l/100km or 55mpg) 60 litres 134g/km B2 €280 20,000km/12 months NA 2000kgs 3 years €47,295 routes and motorway driving. On the smaller roads, the conditions provided a test of handling and suspension.

I had previously driven the F-Pace during its launch where we took it off-road to test its agility. Back then we took the luxury SUV across some off-road driving areas

that included mud and water, and some frighteningly steep hills that tested the new Jaguar Adaptive Surface Response and All-Surface Progress Control systems. As we drove across steep inclines, the car’s engine management and control systems were re-assuring if nothing else.

So in terms of off-road ability coupled with onroad manners, this new SUV can set new standards, even if these off-road features are rarely used by real Jaguar drivers.

The new Jaguar F-Pace is targeting a new market, with more female drivers and those of a younger age very much in mind. With an entry price of €47,295 for the 180bhp version, this new SUV competes very well on price terms against the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and its own Land Discovery Sport or smaller Range

The Jaguar F-Pace SUV is one of the new SUV market competitors with some features that are common to the Land Rover range along with Jaguar styling and an impressive light chassis.

Rover Evoque. The F-Pace sets its own standard in terms of value and like all cars in this sector of the market there is plenty of scope to add accessories to enhance its looks.

This solid looking Jaguar F-Pace provides lots of technology goodies as well as road performance stuff. Jaguar claims that its InControl Touch Pro system is the world’s most advanced infotainment system. It has been designed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover to make every journey easier and more connected and uses a 10.2-inch tablet-style touchscreen.

The system is easy to

Opel is ready for the winter challenges AS THE nights are getting longer, colder and frosty Opel advises that it’s high time to adapt to wintery temperatures and road conditions. With their numerous safety and comfort features, Opel claims that its cars can help make winter-driving safer and more relaxed. With adaptive all-wheel drive (AWD), IntelliLux LED headlights and steering wheel heating, Opel claims that its new generation of cars are ready for the worst that winter can throw at them.

Opel believes that winter tyres will

ensure better road holding and shorter braking distances in snow. The tyres should not have more than six winters behind them and a tread depth of four to five millimetres is vital.

Traction control

On slippery surfaces, the right traction is just as important as the right tyres.

Depending on the model, Opel claims that its intelligent traction control systems from IntelliGrip to adaptive all-wheel drive with

torque vectoring ensure safer driving.

With IntelliGrip on the new Opel Grandland X, the driver can choose from five modes including mud and snow. IntelliGrip adapts torque distribution to the front wheels, allows slip when necessary and adjusts the accelerator pedal control map. When combined with an automatic transmission, IntelliGrip optimises the shift points to the prevailing driving situation, further increasing safety and driving comfort.

Opel claims that its new generation of cars from the Opel Insignia, Mokka and Grandland X provide extra safety and comfort for winter driving conditions

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

in association with

Peugeot dealers showcase the new seven seat 5008 THE NEW Peugeot 5008 seven seat SUV

a choice of five trim levels, to include

takes pride of place this week at Dublin

Access, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT

Peugeot dealerships, alongside the

versions, and a range of both petrol and

Peugeot 2008, Irish Small SUV of the Year

diesel engines. Petrol engines include

2017 and the revolutionary new 3008

the 1.2-litre PureTech 130bhp turbo

SUV, Irish Car of the Year 2018, during

petrol engine, available with manual or

the Peugeot SUV Drivetime event that

automatic transmission and the 1.6 THP

runs up to December 22.

petrol 165bhp EAT6 6-speed automatic.

The new 5008 is a departure from its

tional Engine of the Year in its category

Featuring three rows of seats, as

for the third year running in June.

before, it now houses the new Peugeot

The Jaguar F-Pace dash is unique to the model with a large infotainment screen and easy to use controls and (right) the 2.0 litre Ingenium diesel engine

use and features impressive quality graphics. It can be used to connect up to eight devices on the Wi-Fi hotspot so that you can transform the SUV into a mobile office or entertainment centre.

Among the other new features is the Jaguar Activity Key. This looks like a water resistant watch strap and it acts as type of locking device, even allowing you to leave your keys in the car.

Just place it near the rear

Jaguar logo after pressing the boot opening button and the F-Pace opens or closes depending on your previous action.

This means that in future your key will be a watchstrap, or it could end up as one of the new generation smart watches such as the Apple iWatch or a Fitbit.

There are a number of engine options for the F-Pace ranging from the entry level 163bhp 2.0litre diesel to a 3.0-litre

V6 diesel and a similar size V6 petrol engine.

The test car was powered by the 180bhp version of the 2.0-litre Jaguar Land Rover Ingenium engine.

I found that this engine is more than adequate for the SUV across some very hilly driving conditions, while smooth and with plenty of torque for longer and comfortable motorway drives. Relative to the luxury end SUV competition, this engine is smooth and lower performing in

A range of 1.6 BlueHDi and 2.0 BlueHDi

iCockpit and digital instrumentation

litre diesel engines, with manual and

across the range, while claiming to com-

automatic transmissions, are available

bine efficiency with high-levels of safety

with power ranging between 100, 120, 150

and technological equipment. The 5008

and 180bhp. The range-topping GT ver-

range prices start from €29,345, plus

sion comes equipped as standard with

delivery related charges for the Access

a refined 2.0 litre BlueHDi diesel 180bhp

1.2 130bhp PureTech petrol version.

6-speed automatic.

Lower and more spacious, yet less

brake horsepower terms, while the lighter weight of the F-Pace ensures good economy and a lively pace.

This is a relatively low CO2 engine at 134g/km giving an annual road tax rate of a modest €280.

Jaguar uses AdBlue diesel fuel additive to achieve this, with the separate blue coloured filler cap beside the diesel filler car.

Driving style will dictate your AdBlue usage, but generally it only requires infrequent topping up.

This Jaguar F-Pace is price competitive and has also set some new standards, in technical features and off-road ability. The design is distinctive in a positive way that combines strength with that unique Jaguar identity. It will appeal to those who want to be seen and they will.

The PureTech engine was voted Interna-

former traditional MPV body shape.

Standard features from Access trim

bulky than competitors, the new 5008

include the Peugeot iCockpit interior

SUV retains the same height as before

comprising a compact steering wheel,

of 1.64m, yet third row passengers have

a configurable 12.3” head-up digital

an increased head height of 21mm. With

instrument panel, an 8” touchscreen,

increased length over the previous 5008

multifunction steering wheel, Blue-

MPV model, Peugeot claims that second

tooth, USB connectivity and 3 x 12V

row passengers now enjoy 6cm more

sockets. This new Peugeot boasts a

knee room.

five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. All

The second row of seats are matching

models come with Electronic Stabil-

and each separate and can be folded

ity Programme, six airbags to include

and tilted, while the two third row of

curtain airbags along all three rows,

seats can be folded or easily removed.

cruise control with Speed Limiter, Speed

All three seats in the second have three-

Limit Information with Intelligent Speed

point Isofix child seat anchor points.

Adaptation, Driver Attention Alert Level

This new Peugeot 5008 comes with The new Peugeot 5008 SUV 7-seater with an entry price of €29,345 is now available to test drive at Dublin Peugeot dealer during the Peugeot SUV Drivetime event up to 22 December.

1 and Lane Departure Warning.

GAZETTE

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

TRAVEL TravelShorts

Skimendous

holiday breaks

Fabulous deals for a ski holiday MARK your Christmas or New Year with a break to the mountains.

Fireworks, fresh snow and celebrations in a fabulous resort – there is no better way to start a new year than with a holiday on the slopes.

Fireworks, fresh snow and celebrations

Taking to the heights above Alpe d’Huez , France

in a fabulous resort there is no better way

 SYLVIA POWNALL Travel Editor

THINKING of planning a ski trip for the first time?

The experts at Crystal Ski Holidays have put together their top five resorts for beginners to help you on your way.

These snow-capped spots are ideal for any age as each of the five destinations in Andorra, Austria, France and Slovenia offer quality tuition and can-do slopes.

Choosing the right resort as a beginner is vital – slopes close to a centre with easy-to-use lifts and some blue runs are a great place to start.

You should also choose a place that has plenty of amenities, such as snowmobiling, ice skating or simply a swimming pool and sauna to allow you to take a day off.

Arinsal in the tiny prin-

cipality of Andorra has been a firm favourite with Irish holiday-makers for decades.

It is great value for money and boasts one of Europe’s best ski schools.

This is a fantastic place for first-time skiers, with plen-

to start a new year than

ty of wide open slopes, and the resort links to Pal and Arcalis for a wider choice of runs.

(Best price: Depart January 14, stay at the 2-star Hotel Arinsal on a B&B basis for seven nights, from €427pp based on two adults sharing.)

Niederau , Austria is another picture postcard ski resort. Complete with plenty of nursery slopes, it’s the perfect resort for beginners.

Its ski school is wellknown as one of Austria’s best and Crystal’s Pepi Penguin Childcare is ideal if you are travelling with kids. There are plenty of activities like tobogganing and sleigh rides for all the family to enjoy too.

(Best price: Depart 17 March, stay at the 3-star Hotel-Pension Hannes, on a half-board basis, for seven nights, from €633pp based on two adults sharing).

Alpe d’Huez in France

(nicknamed the ‘Island in the Sun’ for its 300+ days of sunshine) offers access to one of Europe’s largest ski areas and has slopes to suit all levels.

with a holiday on the slopes.

Pas de la Casa, Andorra Depart 14 January, stay at the 3-star Manzano Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from €375pp.

Mayrhofen, Austria Depart 23 December, stay at the two-star Pension Rosenhof, on a B&B basis, from €669pp.

Zell am See, Austria Depart 3 March, stay at the three-star Haus Edelwess, on a B&B Ski-lovers should slope off to Arinsal, Andorra; Niederau, Austria; La Plagne, France; or Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

There are lots of nursery slopes for beginners and easy blue and green runs close to the resort centre.

There are plenty of choices for those who want a break from skiing, with a large apres ski scene, an outdoor swimming pool and an ice skating rink.

(Best price: Depart 13 January, stay at the 3-star Les Melezes Apartments, on a self-catering basis, for seven nights, from €552pp based on two adults sharing.)

La Plagne, France, is

another excellent choice for first-time skiers. The mix of nursery slopes, an excellent ski school and a 425km ski area has made it one of France’s most popular ski resorts. Made up of various villages, La Plagne offers something for everyone.

(Best price: Depart 13 January, stay at the three-star Constellations Apartments, Belle Plagne, on a self-catering basis, for seven nights,

from €518pp based on two adults sharing.)

Kranjska Gora, Slove-

nia, is another beginnerfriendly resort. This small resort has an excellent ski school and plenty of nursery slopes.

Although a small village, it offers a good apres ski scene and plen-

ty of accommodation choices from traditional Slovenian pensions to top-class hotels with spa facilities.

(Best price: Depart 13 January, stay at the four-star Hotel Kompas, on a half-board basis, for seven nights, from €546pp based on two adults sharing.)

All prices quoted are from Crystal Ski Holidays. To book, call 01 433 1080, visit www.crystalski.ie, or contact your local travel agent.

basis, from €665pp.

Val Thoren, France Depart 20 January, stay at the three-star Le Cheval Blanc Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from €485pp.

Sauze d’Oulx, Italy Depart 14 January, stay at the threestar Hotel Sauze, on a half-board basis, from €655pp.

All deals listed are from Crystal Ski Holidays; see details in panel, left.

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

GAZETTE

FOOD&DRINK ANOTHER TASTY RECIPE FROM CATHERINE FULVIO AND SIUCRA

This beef negimaki is truly a delish dish SURPRISE friends and family with your impressive hosting skills this Christmas season with a mouth-watering beef negimaki with chilli dip recipe, created by Catherine Fulvio and Siucra.

Introduce flavour with an alternative canape this Christmas and serve the perfect accompaniment to every festive entertaining scenario – this dish (which makes 12 small rounds) will leave your guests wanting more ...

Ingredients For the marinade  4 tbsp Siucra Rich Brown Sugar  2 cloves garlic, finely chopped  3 tbsp soy sauce  2cm ginger, grated  1 tbsp mirin or sherry  4 tbsp water  300g striploin beef, sliced thinly  3 spring onions, finely sliced lengthways  1 and a half yellow peppers, thinly sliced

For the dip  1 red chilli, finely chopped  Half yellow pepper, finely chopped  2 shallots, finely chopped  1 garlic clove, finely chopped  A fine grating of fresh ginger  2 limes, juice only  3 tbsp Siucra Caster Sugar  4 mint leaves, shredded  100ml water  Mint sprigs, to garnish

Preparation To prepare the dipping sauce  Heat a saucepan with a little oil, add the chilli, yellow pepper and shallots and saute lightly without browning.  Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.  Remove from the heat and add the lime juice, stir in the sugar and mint leaves.  Stir until the Siucra sugar has melted, then set aside To prepare the marinade  Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.

To prepare the rolls  Lay the beef between plastic wrap on a flat surface and flat out until thin.  Place the yellow pepper and spring onion lengthways on the beef.  Roll up and tie with string at intervals. Carefully place in a shallow tray and pour over the marinade. Leave for about 30 minutes.  Drain and heat a large frying pan.  Fry for about two minutes on each side. Keep warm and allow them to rest for three minutes.  Slice into 4cm disks, cut off the string and secure with a cocktail stick.  Arrange upright on a platter and serve with the dipping sauce. Garnish with mint sprigs.  Serve warm, and enjoy!

Aldi toasts the arrival of an ‘exceptional’ vodka THIS month saw the arrival of a brand-new award-winning Irish vodka to Aldi, as Woulfe’s Irish Craft Vodka went on sale for €25 per 700ml at Aldi’s 130 stores.

Produced by Blackwater Distillery, Co Waterford – which also produces Aldi’s multi-award-winning Boyle’s Premium Irish Small Batch Graft Gin – Woulfe’s Irish Vodka was recently voted one of the leading vodkas in the country as it picked up a gold medal at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2017.

Aldi’s group buying director Finbar McCar thy said: “ Wo u l f e ’s I r i s h Vodka was recently recognised as one of Ireland’s leading

vodkas and we hope our customers will join us in raising a glass to celebrate its arrival on our shelves.

“Our door is always open to Irish distilleries and breweries that can provide new, innovative products.

Describing the vodka, food and drink critic Tom Doorley said: “Woulfe’s Irish Vodka is exceptional.

“Slowly distilled in a copper pot still in small batches, its aroma is sparklingly clean with just a touch of malt.

“On the palate, it’s round, smooth, silky without even a trace of burn. We have seen the birth of one of the world’s great vodkas.”

These pots could be droid handy for fans TODAY FM’s Alison Curtis and her daughter, Joan (6), were on hand to help launch the Nestle Breakfast Cereals Star Wars packs.

For a limited time, an on-pack competition sees shoppers in with a chance of winning one of 30,000 prizes, including BB-8 character cereal pots, Star Wars cereal bowls and

containers.

Speaking at the launch, Alison said: “We love sitting down and having breakfast as a family and these BB-8 cereal containers will certainly look great on our kitchen table.”

Nestle Breakfast Cereals Star Wars packs are on sale in supermarkets nationwide now for a limited time only.

GAZETTE

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 30 November 2017

DUBLINLIFE

Elizabeth Oakes (above), one of the world’s top experts in the field of permanent make-up; (left, below) promotional material showcasing how permanent make-up and microblading can transform the eyes

eather the Wwinter with

Monsoon  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

FEND off chills and shivers this winter with Monsoon’s winter collection.

The campaign features bold prints, and cosy faux-furs across a deep colour palette.

Dark, winter florals feature prominently,

Worth browsing to help transform your eyes  EMMA NOLAN

PERMANENT make-up and microblading has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to create defined brows where natural ones don’t grow.

Eyebrows are, arguably, one of our most prominent facial features and can completely change a person’s face.

With clinics in Citywest, Swords and Dundrum, an Irish company is providing the service with great results.

Elizabeth Oakes is one of the world’s

leading experts in the field of permanent make-up and a PhiMaster technician for over 14 years.

PhiBrows Microblading, also known as feather eyebrows, 3D brows, and eyebrow embroidery, (before and after pictured) is a process whereby technicians manually draw strokes that resemble hairs and construct a new eyebrow shape according to what best suits the client’s face.

Visit elizabethoakes.ie for more information on treatments and prices.

Dress €135

bringing with them a cosy warmth which is certainly welcome after the sub-zero temperatures this week and last.

Stand-out pieces include a plush faux-fur hat and scarf combo in soft grey, and a deep purple-hued floral midi dress.

Shop the collection online at monsoon. co.uk or visit the Dublin outlets.

30 November 2017 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

STYLE

Dress €182

Style Club North Earl Street stylists Sara Cubero and Eilish Mulcahy, with model Emily Harte, are congratulated by Peter Mark co-founder Peter Keaveney, and the chain’s chief executive, Peter O’Rourke. Pictures: John T Ohle Photography

Top €90; jeans €99

Stylists are tickled pink to have won prestigious national colourist title  EMMA NOLAN Style Editor

Scarf €54; hat €54; dress €108; boots €135

Coat €305; dress €168

Coat €245; dress €155

Coat €245; blouse €99; skirt €75

A NORTH Earl Street salon was crowned Peter Mark Colour Champions at one of Ireland’s most prestigious hairdressing awards this month.

The Style Club North Earl Street took home the top award on the night for stylists Eilish Mulcahy and Sara Cubero’s work on model Emily Harte.

The awards were hosted by television presenter and fashion designer Brendan Courtney, and saw Peter Mark stylists from across the country compete for the coveted title.

The audience of more than 900 people

were treated to a display of cutting-edge hairstyles and colouring techniques as well as a creative showcase from the Peter Mark creative team.

Other awards on the night went to the Style Club on South William Street and Peter Mark Lisburn.

The panel of judges included PJ Gibbons,

editor of Social and Personal, and Andrew Barton, UK creative director of Urban Retreat at Harrods.

Peter Mark’s chief executive, Peter O’Rourke, said: “The judges and I were blown away by the talent on show tonight.

“The high standard, innovation and creativity on stage is unrivalled and I am extremely proud of all involved in the event.

“This year was the largest ever Peter Mark Colour Trophy and I extend my heartiest congratulations to all involved, particularly to the deserving winners.”

Model Emily Harte with the winning colour and hairstyle

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  SOUTH ALTERATIONS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

INSURANCE CLAIMS

DVD TRANSFERS PAINTING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS INSULATION ROOFING

Serving 7 thriving communities of suburban Dublin. For up to date news follow us on Twitter @DublinGazette

LOCALMATTERS

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE DUBLIN GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31



RECRUITMENT

ROOFING

WINDOWS

GOT A STORY?



WE WANT TO KNOW!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 OPTION and SELECT



or email news@dublingazette.com

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

DUBLINGAZETTEPLANNING  SOUTH

FOLLOW US TODAY ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DublinGazetteNewspapers Twitter: @DublinGazette

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

SOCCER P37

ASDFSDAF P27 GAELIC GAMES P38-39

DUBLINSPORT

Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



GAZETTE

SNOOKER P35

FASTSport

Peas’ Payne the October WNL player of the month Niall O’Connor during his debut bout against Pal Olah. Picture: Ricardo Guglielminotti

BOXING: BALLYBRACK MAN BACK FOR SECOND PROFESSIONAL BOUT

Electrician O’Connor looking to knock out the Stadium lights AFTER a stand-out win on his debut in September, exciting Ballybrack light welterweight Niall O’Connor will return to the ring on Saturday, December 2.

Following a points win over Pal Olah on the Celtic Clash 3 card at the National Stadium, the 22-year-old will return to the same venue as he looks to start building momentum in his pro career.

O’Connor features on the Celtic Clash 4 bill on the South Circular Road with former top amateur and RTÉ pundit Eric Donovan headlining in a defence of his BUI Celtic featherweight title against Juancho Gonzalez.

There is also Dublin grudge

match between O’Connor’s sparring partner Crank Whitehouse and Jay Byrne, who sparred Conor McGregor ahead of the Floyd Mayweather fight in August, for the BUI Celtic welterweight belt.

O’Connor impressed in September with a stylish win in which he landed plenty of heavy shots on his Polish opponent.

The Tony Davitt-managed boxer though believes there is plenty of room for improvement.

A man with high standards, he rather harshly reflects how: “I wanted the stoppage to be honest.

I wanted to stand out. In the first round the plan was to stay on the jab and keep composed, but I was

landed the jab easily so I started to throw more shots.

“He was tough enough, but he didn’t throw much so I would have loved to get the stoppage.

When you’re in the dressing room after you do think the four rounds probably will stand to you, but I wanted to stand out with the stoppage. I got good feedback though.”

Most felt that O’Connor took the pros like a duck to water, entertaining the crowd throughout his debut. There were no jitters for the Dub who laughs at how “I was nervous about not being nervous. I was relaxed and It was starting to worry me, but then when I got the hands wrapped

and start warming up thankfully that little buzz came. I felt relaxed in there though.

“There used to be a load of nerves with me when I was boxing as an amateur, but I was talking to a sports psychologist before the last fight and I’m still talking to him. He was just constantly talking about visualisation and it went well.”

Tickets for the show cost €30 (Balcony), €40 (Gallery), €60 (Ringside), €100 (VIP Premium), and €15 (Under-15s – must be bought alongside an adult ticket) and are available to buy from Niall by calling 085 232 8914 or online at Ticketmaster.ie.

PEAMOUNT United winger Heather Payne has been named the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Player of the Month for October.

The 17-year old enjoyed an outstanding month where she netted a classy hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Cork City WFC and scored the winning goal in the final minute of the game against UCD Waves.

Peamount had a fantastic October where they recorded three wins out of three against Shelbourne Ladies, Cork and UCD to force the final day title showdown at Ferrycarrig Park against Wexford Youths WFC, who eventually won their third title.

The Republic of Ireland international is currently with the senior squad preparing for next Tuesday’s trip to the Netherlands to face the European Champions in their next 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Payne was presented her award by Ireland Women’s National Team Head Coach Colin Bell (pictured above) and the Peamount youngster was delighted to win her first Player of the Month accolade.

She said: “The final day defeat against Wexford Youths was a tough one to take as we came so close to winning the title but on reflection, we’ve had a really good season. We’ve got a really young squad at Peamount but everyone played their part and really helped push us on this season.

“Seeing how well we’ve done this season, I definitely think we can push on next season and I’m already really looking forward to it. I really enjoyed scoring the hat-trick of course but the goal against UCD was just as important. It was in the final minute so got us the win we needed.”

GAZETTE

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

SPORT

FastSport NAC-BASED DUO GET SWIM IRELAND GONG: NAC-based athletes were among the winners at last weekend’s Swim Ireland awards night, held in Ballina.

Fourteen-yearold Anna Power of Shamrock Diving Club was named Performance Pathway Diver of the Year while rising star Nicole Turner of NAC Swimming Club won the Para Swimmer of the Year Award.

They were joined on the winners’ stage by Ballyfermot’s Viking SC who were named the Leinster Club of the Year for their exploits in 2017.

Speaking after the event, Swim Ireland’s CEO Sarah Keane commented: “We are delighted each year to be able get the aquatic community together to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our athletes and coaches and to recognise our volunteers for the hard work that they do.”

RUGBY: LEINSTER EXTINGUISH DRAGONS EARLY FIRE WITH BIG PRO14 VICTORY

Byrne makes “dream” RDS debut after lengthy break

GUINNESS PRO14 Leinster 54 Dragons 10  sport@dublingazette.com

LEINSTER moved into second spot in Guinness PRO14 Conference B with a 54-10 bonus point win over Dragons at the RDS Arena on Friday night.

The blues fought back from a slow start, falling behind 10-0 after 12 minutes thanks to an early Gavin Henson drop goal, followed by a converted James Benjamin try.

From there on Leinster dominated, claiming a bonus point before the break with tries from Jamison Gibson-Park, a returning Isa Nacewa, Josh Murphy – on his home debut and first start – and Max Deegan, making it 28-10 at the half.

The second half started with a penalty try for Leinster and yellow card for Dragons’ Angus O’Brien, with Nacewa bagging his second soon after.

Tries for Jordan Larmour and Rory O’Loughlin in the final 10 minutes took Leinster’s tally beyond the half-century, securing a valuable win at the start of a crucial block of games for Leo Cullen’s men.

Fergus McFadden on the attack for Leinster last Friday against Dragons. Picture: Laszlo Geczo

Reacting to the tie, prop Ed Byrne spoke about how it felt to make his first start in front of a home crowd and the importance of building momentum head of a crucial run of games.

“Dragons really came at us hard at the start,” the UCD man said to Leinster Rugby TV. “We didn’t make it easy on ourselves. We were soaking up tackles and that’s not really

what we want to be doing. They came out very hard and started very well and played a good game.

“Then Ross [Byrne] started playing us in the right parts of the pitch and Jordan [Larmour]’s counter-attack made our life a lot easier so we weren’t tracking back too far.

The two lads really helped us to get on the front-foot.

“Then there was 15 minutes where we got massive momentum. A couple of great takes from Ian Nagle from the restart got the momentum going again and we went wide-wide. That really got us into the game then.

“It was a great win, thankfully. I think it’s building good momentum into the next few weeks.

“There’s a few big weeks for

the club now. It was a good bounce back after that Glasgow game because that was a tough one to take for the squad that went over there. It’s a nice momentum-builder now into a few big weeks.”

The Guinness PRO14 match at the RDS also marked a big milestone for the young prop as it was his first start in a home game for Leinster.

Byrne was out of action for the majority of the past two seasons with a serious knee injury and made a return in February of this year in an away win over Dragons, followed by a tryscoring substitute appearance at the RDS against Scarlets a week later.

Speaking about his first RDS start, Byrne paid tribute to the backroom staff at Leinster that helped him to reach this point.

“It was a big moment.

Delighted to get the nod to start. It’s a different ball game when you’re starting, there’s a different buzz about it.

“But the amount of work that went in from the S&C staff and the physios, it’s a credit to them to see me starting now in the RDS. It’s almost like a dream come true.”

Killester get one over on Liffey Celtics in Super League  sport@dublingazette.com

Killester’s Rebecca Nagle. Picture: Martin Doherty

COURTYARD Liffey Celtics dropped their first game of the season on Saturday as they lost out to Pyrobel Killester in the IWA Clontarf.

An explosive first quarter from the home side along with strong performances from Chantell Alford and Rebecca Nagle helped Killester seal a 72-64 victory.

“We felt like we were playing as good as anyone in the league, we have a lot of confidence in what we do and Liffey have been bril-

liant in the first couple of weeks, so to come out and get a first half performance like we did – I was so proud of them,” said head coach Karl Kilbride.

“We shot the ball really well in the first half and it dried up in the second, but the thing that we are really happy with is, defensively in the second half, we were excellent.”

Elsewhere, it was a tough weekend for Maxol WITWildcats as they lost out 80-52 to DCU Mercy, while Portlaoise Panthers bounced back from their tough loss last week to take the win over

NUIG Mystics.

In the men’s Super League, Griffith College Swords Thunder continued their excellent recent form as they edged out Black Amber Templeogue in an overtime thriller in front of a capacity crowd in the Oblate Hall.

Despite Lorcan Murphy netting an impressive 32 points, it was Travis Black’s performance in the second half for Thunder that was the catalyst to the visitor’s victory.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” said a relieved head coach Dave Baker.

“When it went to overtime I felt

that we had the momentum but all credit to Templeogue they actually came out better at the start of the overtime. We struggled at little bit at the beginning but then we loosened up and we started to come back at them. It was to and fro, so it could have gone either way.”

DCU Saints travelled to IWAClontarf to take on neighbours Pyrobel Killester in a north side derby.

A third quarter run from the home team was the difference as Killester ended up securing a comfortable 98-66 win.

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

GAZETTE

MENSHockey

A masters Whirlwind to whip up storm at Goffs

Jimmy White speaks to the Dublin Gazette about the new Snooker Legends tour that sees some of the most famous name in the sport coming to Ireland early in the new year  JAMES HENDICOTT

Sothern strikes another triple for Pembroke DUBLIN clubs Pembroke and Three Rock Rovers developed their position in the men’s EY Hockey League with a pair of strong wins last Sunday on home turf.

An Alan Sothern hat trick strengthened Pembroke’s place in the top four as they won the Dublin 4 derby 5-2 against Railway Union, putting five points between Pembroke and fifth placed Monkstown.

Sothern and Mark English exchanged penalty strokes in the first quarter before Richard Sweetnam put Pembroke in front from a corner switch move. Sothern added two more corners to make it 4-1 at half-time.

The third quarter was end to end with Railway ekeing out a couple of corners while Stephen O’Keeffe brilliantly denied Sothern a fourth goal. Simon McKeever’s deflection off the back of a long corner reduced the deficit against his former club but the result was put to bed when Kirk Shimmins attacked down the right, leading to Jack Ryan’s reverse-volley.

In Rathfarnham, Three Rock Rovers made it four wins in succession in the men’s EYHL as they eventually ran up a deceptively comfortable looking 6-0 win over Cork C of I whose weariness at the end of a double-weekend showed late in the day.

Rovers started in sprightly fashion, fresher due to a cancelled ISC tie on Saturday, scoring within a minute when Harry MacMahon’s cross got a perfect touch running across the circle from Peter Blakeney. John Mullins made it 2-0 from a corner in the ninth minute.

C of I largely had most of the ball for the next 40 minutes, looking threatening without fully finding the final pass.

And while Cork could not make use of their attacks, Rovers extended their lead via some very sharp reactions from Ben Walker to catch a rebound and volley in with 17 minutes left.

Walker tapped home the next, again from a clever MacMahon pass to start the move; Conor Empey finished off the fifth from a Jody Hosking pass and Luke Madeley’s low drag concluded four goals in quick succession.

sport@dublingazette.com

SNOOKER legend Jimmy White is preparing to return to Ireland on the newly-established World Seniors Tour which visits Goffs in early January, and has been effusive in his praise of both the venue and Irish crowds heading into the tournament.

The legendary Kildare spot has long been associated with high end snooker and White told the Dublin Gazette that the trip to Ireland is also hugely popular amongst the players.

“You can ask any player, they love playing at Goffs, it’s one of the best venues in the world” he said, whilst admitting that

he didn’t recall much of his famous Irish Masters win over Alex Higgins, 9 frames to 5 back in 1985.

“I don’t really remember that final but the Benson and Hedges was there for ten years, and it was always a great atmosphere, especially for Higgins, Doherty and Taylor.

Everyone loved coming over.

“I just found out that Steve Davis is coming over to play the seniors,” White said of the tournament in January, marking the Irish return of the full seniors tour, which began earlier this year.

“Jason Francis from Snooker Legends is guaranteeing a tour for people over 40,”White explained.

“So there are big things happening. I plan to play

the whole tour. I expect I’ll keep going for about another five years but the main thing is that I’m enjoying it.

“I don’t enjoy the practise so much these days – it gets a bit tedious – but I enjoy the games. As long as that’s true, I’ll keep playing. I’m not too concerned with things like world rankings anymore.

It’s about having a good time, and the tour is a chance to do that. I’ll do it for a few more years, then I’m going to go and play golf somewhere.

“I don’t like the travel, that’s the one downside.

But I have a house in Thailand which makes playing in Asia a bit easier,” he continued. “It’s all part of it.

“I love the game, even

Snooker legend Jimmy White is among the star attractions at Goffs in January

after 37 years, and I’m happy to still be playing.”

Despite almost all the strength in his age group coming from the UK and Ireland, White strongly suspects that the future of snooker lies in China, however.

Speaking of his love for the attacking nature of the modern game, White singled out Ronnie O’Sullivan as being “just another level” but went on to add that “there are a lot of good Chinese players coming through, and they look really good.

“England and Ireland seem to have the same problem now,” he explained.

“The government is funding snooker in China, and the standard is getting very high.

“There are a lot of great players still going from the UK, and from Ireland but they won’t keep going forever. Ireland’s huge in the sport but I don’t see a lot of young players coming through in either Ireland or the UK. “There are better facilities in China now than we have at home. They’re going to have a lot of good players.

“I love the way the g a m e s p l ay e d n ow, though,” he continued.

“If anything it suits me better than when I was at my best. It suits me down to the ground, I didn’t think it could get any better when Stephen Hendry came along, but it did, with Ronnie O’Sullivan.”

In the eyes of many, the attacking snooker White offered at his peak was the spark that led to O’Sullivan’s modern day brand in the first place.

Perhaps, had they peaked at the same time, White and O’Sullivan would have been one of the great attacking, flamboyant rivalries.

T he Snooker Legends World Seniors Tour arrives at Goffs on January 6, and will feature Jimmy White, Stephen Davis and Ken Doherty – whom White beat in the finale last time out – as well as other pros and a few qualifying amateurs.

With two sessions per day, the final takes place on January 7.

Tickets for all sessions are on sale via Ticketmaster.

GAZETTE

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

SPORT

UBLRugby

CROSS COUNTRY: MCCANN, MURPHY AND MURRAY GET IRELAND CALLS

Wes hold off Banbridge OLD Wesley got the better of Banbridge by the narrowest margin of 21-20 with the match in the balance up to the final kick of the UBL Division 1B match.

On a bracing but dry November afternoon with both sides always looking to explore the possibilities out wide to the delight of a sizeable attendance, many en route to the Aviva for the Argentina match. Banbridge were first out of the traps and, after an excellent bout of passing, winger Conor Field crossed in the corner , with experienced scrum half, Ian Porter adding the points.

Wesley got a foothold when an excellent scrum yielded a penalty which in-form placekicker, Jack Maybury, duly slotted with an excellent kick.

Bann responded in kind with a Porter penalty for a 10-3 lead.

On 25 minutes, Maybury slotted another good penalty to narrow the margin but Banbridge number eight Caleb Montgomery was creating havoc with his rampaging runs.

The second Banbridge try came as a direct result of a scrum turnover and slick passing by the Banbridge backs saw centre Andrew Morrison scorching over the line Wesley stormed back before half time and a good chip by James O’Donovan put the pressure on the Banbridge line and after Tim Clifford was held up just short, burly prop Cronan Gleeson stormed over for a superb try with the ever reliable Maybury adding the points. It reduced the halftime gap to 15-13.

Intense Wesley pressure finally bore fruit on 47 minutes when JJ O’Dea and Matthew Bursey displayed fantastic athleticism before transferring to captain Darren Horan. He passed on for Maybury to draw his man to send O’Donovan over in the corner for a memorable try and the lead for the first time. After a Banbridge siege, Wesley broke out. Scrum half Aaron Atkinson delivered a very snappy service, and this pressure finally delivered a penalty on 72 minutes which Maybury slotted to extend the lead to 21-15.

Banbridge were not finished, however, and threw the kitchen sink at the Wesley line. In the last play, Montgomery stormed over for a try out wide, with the result of the match hinging on the difficult conversion attempt by Porter.

He struck it well but it just shaved the right hand post to leave the home side jubilant.

DSDAC’s Jodie McCann, left, celebrates at the finish line; Joseph Sweeney, second from left, in the men’s race. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

DSDAC shine at Abbottstown sport@dublingazette.com

DUNDRUM South Dublin Athletics Club have three members in the Irish team for the European Cross Country Championships in Samorin, Slovakia on December 10.

Jodie McCann and Sophie Murphy will pull on the Ireland singlet as part of the Under-20 women’s team, while Bethanie Murray will don her country’s colours in the Under-23 category.

McCann was named in the team after leading her club’s junior team to first place at the All-

Ireland Cross Country championships – the biggest event on the cross country calendar - at Abbottstown last weekend.

The club have a fine history in the competition having left with all four available titles on two occasions in the past. The latest victory was the club’s 17th successful title and sees them qualif y for the European Clubs Cross Country Championships in March next year.

Niamh Carey also came close to joining McCann on the plane to Slovakia but she just missed out after finishing

STAR ADDITION Eanna add All-Ireland winner MDMA to line up DUBLIN footballer Michael Darragh MacAuley has become the latest GAA player to move up to Basketball Ireland men’s Super League status, as he officially tips off a Super League career with Eanna in UCD this Thursday.

MacAuley has been playing basketball for many years, but today’s announcement marks his first move up to Super League level.

“I’ve played basketball since I was very young and it was always a really big part of my life until I was 17 or 18 and then football kind of took over,” he stated.

in seventh.

Murray crossed in 12th overall in the senior race but was the first Under-23 runner to finish, crossing the line in a time of 29.54 minutes. Linda Byrne was 11th, Fiona Clinton 14th, Meghan Ryan 20th, Sarah Mulligan 21st and Niamh Devlin 30th. Club legend Maria McCambridge was the first to cross the line for DSD when she finished in ninth.

The men’s senior team also left Abbottstown with medals in the bag after securing bronze with their third place finish in the 10,000m. Joe

Sweeney defied a three year absence from the sport to finish seventh.

He charged into the lead after two laps but, due to his lack of racing, the fast, early pace eventually caught up with him.

However, it was a fine run on his comeback and will likely give him the confidence to kick on and improve further over the next year.

Killian Mooney was the closest club mate to him crossing the line in 20th, with John Eves 25th and Robert Corbally in 26th. Fellow Dubs Raheny Shamrocks took men’s gold while the

Kilkenny City Harriers took home silver.

The men’s junior race saw Paul O’Donnell and Luke McCann prominent from the gun in the largest field of the day, finishing 8th and 10th respectively, just behind the lead group.

There was also success for the juveniles at the championships after Eimear Maher won a phenomenal silver medal in the Under-16 girls race at 3,000m as she moved up an age group, with the girls team also taken silver.

The Under-14 girls ended their event in third place to secure bronze.

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

GAZETTE

SOCCER: KEY PIECE OF CABO PUZZLE ON BOARD FOR 2018

WCQualifiers

Ireland’s Diane Caldwell and Katie McCabe. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportfile/FAI Kieran Waters in action against Longford Town this season. Picture: Paul Lundy

Waters still to run deep for Cabinteely

LEAGUE OF IRELAND  sport@dublingazette.com

CABINTEELY FC have landed something of a coup by convincing Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters to remain at the club for the 2018 SSE Airtricity League season.

The 27-year-old forward picked up the PFAI First Division Player of the Year award after finishing as the division’s second top scorer last season. He was also named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year and was tipped to make a move to the country’s top division.

H e h a s , h owe ve r, decided to spend a second year at Stradbrook as the club attempt to make it out of what should prove an even more competitive league following the relegation of three teams from the Premier Division.

Waters was hands down the best player in Cabo’s team, which saw him complete a clean sweep of awards by also picking up the club’s Player of the Year and

Players’ Player of the Year awards. He scored 15 league goals as they finished in sixth position, while also finding the net in an FAI Cup tie against UCD. “I am delighted to get it sorted and over with,” Waters told the club’s official website after putting pen to paper. “From the get-go, the club have been great to me and I’m excited to get going now for the new season.”

Equally pleased to see Waters sign a new contract was the club’s Director of Football and First Team Manager Pat Devlin.

“Marty is a fantastic player, I am delighted to have him signed for next season. His talent on the pitch is there for everyone to see, and off the pitch he is a brilliant character to have in the squad and a great example for the players in Cabinteely’s underage teams to look up to.”

Waters star ted his League of Ireland career in 2007 as a 17-year-old at Bray Wanderers and played for the club’s

Under-20 side in 2009.

He joined the first team in 2010 and was named as their A Championship Player of the Year the following season. He went on to establish himself as an important player for Bray over the next two years before leaving to sign for Shamrock Rovers.

He helped Rovers to a fourth place finish in his first season before scoring for them in the

Europa League the following year. He left Rovers at the end of that campaign and was without a club until he linked up with Devlin at UCD after playing in a friendly for them in February 2016.

A year later and he was following Devlin to Stradbrook where he would enjoy his most successful scoring spell during his time in the League of Ireland.

Duggan plays her part in famous draw UCD Waves Karen Duggan played her part in Ireland’s memorable 0-0 draw against European champions the Netherlands in Nijmegen on Tuesday evening.

It continued the side’s excellent start to their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup World Cup qualifying campaign as, despite a series of injuries and unavailable players, they managed to shackle the Dutch and make it seven points from a possible nine to date.

Speaking afterwards, Irish manager Colin Bell said afterwards: “I cannot praise the players enough.

They put their bodies on the line for every second of the game and got an incredible result.

“We’ve had a long lead-up to the game with 10 days in camp. They’ve prepared brilliantly, remained focused throughout the week and shown their application in every training session. They’ve got the result their hard work throughout the week has deserved.

“We’re in this campaign now.

We’ve played three away games and got seven points which was the target. We’re going to be battling every step of the way during this campaign and this is a huge moment for the players.”

While the Netherlands attacked

throughout, they also found themselves on the back foot early on.

Amber Barrett could have broken the deadlock inside two minutes when she raced onto a through ball but the Peamount United striker could not convert.

The hosts, who were playing in front of a 12,000-strong, sold out crowd, were given an early wake-up call through Barrett’s efforts and they struggled to find a way past Ireland’s rearguard, who worked tirelessly throughout.

Even when they thought that they had scored from set-pieces, Tyler Toland - only 16 years old - was in the right place to clear off the line on two occasions. It was that sort of discipline and work ethic that drove the Ireland team on.

Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema was a constant threat and rattled the woodwork with an effort before the interval. While Ireland goalkeeper Marie Hourihan pulled off a superb save on a night when she truly impressed.

Substitute Leanne Kiernan had a chance of setting up a winning goal when she sprinted clear of her marker and connected with a pass from Denise O’Sullivan but she could not link back up with her team-mate when inside the penalty area.



GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Call our SPORT TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 3 Bohs Waters manager at his signing Keith Long confirmation (right). Picture: this week Deryck Vincent

or email sport@dublingazette.com

GAZETTE

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017

SPORT

FOOTBALL: ALL CHANGE AT KILMACUD ON THE SENIOR MANAGERIAL FRONT

FASTGAA

Dublin lead way with six ladies footballl All-Stars ALL-Ireland senior champions Dublin led the way with six representatives on the 2017 TG4 Ladies Football All-Star team.

Dublin’s haul of six awards matches their previous best on an All-Star team – which was achieved in 2010 when they also won the TG4 All-Ireland senior crown.

Captain Sinéad Aherne received a sixth award – making her the most decorated Dublin All-Star recipient in history.

Aherne is joined on the TG4 All-Star team by Dublin team-mates Ciara Trant, Rachel Ruddy, Leah Caffrey, Nicole Owens and Noelle Healy.

Aherne, Caffrey and Healy are the only survivors from the 2016 selection, as 2017 All-Ireland senior runners-up Mayo received three awards at the gala banquet.

It was a night of history at the Citywest Hotel when Mayo’s Cora Staunton collected a recordequalling 11th award, to draw level with Kerry’s Mary Jo Curran at the top of the roll of honour.

Staunton, who will captain Carnacon in the All-Ireland senior club final against Mourneabbey on Sunday week, December 3, picked up her second award in three seasons.

She’s joined on the All-Star team by Mayo team-mates Sarah Tierney and Aileen Gilroy, who are first-time recipients.

In total, nine players were honoured on the selection for the first time, with two awards each for Donegal and Kerry,

Gabriel Bannigan, right, stepped down as Kilmacud Crokes senior football manager after a three year stint in charge

Fox pays tribute to Bannigan SENIOR FOOTBALL  sport@dublingazette.com

GABRIEL Bannigan announced the end of his tenure as manager of Kilmacud Crokes senior footballers, finishing on a high with the capture of the 2017 AFL Division One title.

Bannigan took on the side in 2014 that would be the subject of much change within a short few months due to retirements, emigrations, relocations and injury.

As such, Sean Fox, chairman of Kilmacud Crokes football, expressed his appreciation – on behalf of the club’s play-

ers, club members and supporters – for “the hard work, endeavour, enthusiasm and personal time afforded by Gabriel and his management team to the Kilmacud Crokes football cause over the past three years”.

“He took up the challenge with enthusiasm and embarked on replacing numerous quality players by promoting the youth from within the club.

“This culminated in 21 young Kilmacud lads experiencing senior league and championship football in the past 24 months.

“Gabriel is due great

credit for his introduction of these young men to senior football and during his three-year tenure, achieving much success on the field of play.”

This includes finishing top of Division 1 League in each of his three years, including the AFL1 league title in 2017, two Under-21 championships, three AllIreland 7s finals, winning in 2015, and a St Vincent de Paul Cup in 2017.

“The big regret for Gabriel and the Kilmacud Crokes football family has is that a Dublin senior football championship did not arrive during his tenure but the groundwork has now been set,

the challenge is now laid down for these young men and a bright future has been opened up for this group of players.

“K ilmacud Crokes are indebted to Gabriel and his backroom team including Colin O’Hare, Nicky McGrath, Karl Manning, Robbie Brennan and Pairic McDonald as well as the various medical, strength and conditioning and nutrition teams who dovetailed in with help and assistance as required.

“We thank them for their contribution and energy and we wish them well in the future, professionally and personally.”

On the hurling front, K ilmacud have also undergone a change of manager with former Dublin boss Anthony Daly taking over from his Clare counterpart Ollie Baker.

Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Chairman Peter Walsh said of Daly’s appointment: “We are delighted that Anthony and Richie [Stakelum] have agreed to come onboard.

“We have a talented, ambitious and driven group of players and I am very clear about the conviction, passion and ambition the new management will bring to our club and its flagship team.”

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

LOTTO results (November 23): numbers were 9, 14, 19 and 24. No winner. Next week’s jackpot is €2,400.

Lotto joker €375, winner of €100 Noel Doyle C/O BARA, €50 Gertie O Connor c/o BARA, and Ethel Byrne. Joker consolation prize William Finn.

Bingo every Monday at 8pm.

Highlights of the U-15 football championship final on YouTube courtesy of DUBS TV. Next Friday, December

1, we welcome Waterford hurling legend Eoin Kelly.

He will run a hurling workshop on the all-weather pitch at 7.30pm.

All mentors requested to attend.

Congrats to neighbours Naomh Olaf on promotion to Division 1 senior football.

BSJ children’s Christmas party will be held on Saturday morning, December 16.

Looking for sports gear for Christmas? The club shop is open in Aras Naomh Eoin (clubhouse) on Thursday from

7.30-8.30pm and Saturdays from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Congrats to the BARA local history group on the publication of their 400 page “Ballinteer History from Rural to suburban Community, From the elite 19th century estates to present day”.

The first issue is sold out and they have gone into second print.

Details from Peadar Curran at 087 2841673.

CUALA

GOOD luck to our Senior Hurlers who play in their third Leinster SHC in a row against Kilcormac-Killoughey in Portlaoise at 2pm next Sunday.

Keep an eye out on our web and social media chanels for information on Cuala buses.

Our U-21 footballers play Na Fianna next Saturday, December 2 at 2.30pm in Mobhi Road in the semi-final of the U-21A championship.

Support greatly appreciated.

The juvenile girls section

AGM takes place in the boardroom on Tuesday, December 5 at 9pm. All welcome.

The club AGM has been moved to Thursday, December 14 in the Royal Marine at 8pm, not Wednesday, December 6 as previously advertised.

KILMACUD CROKES HARD luck to the U-16A hurlers who lost out in their league final to Ballyboden.

Many thanks to Dr Niall

Muldoon (Psychologist and Ombudsman for Children) and Dr. Yvonne Quinn (Snr Clinical Psychologist) who shared their experience, insights and advice on the topic of ‘Positive Mental Health and Resilience in Teenagers at the last of the Kilmacud Crokes Football series of Autumn Information Evenings for parents which took place on Wednesday.

A big crowd attended this very informative evening.

Football section AGM scheduled for Sunday,

30 November 2017 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 39

GAZETTE

FOOTBALL: BACK-TO-BACK PROMOTIONS SECURED

Olafs’ dream 2017 AFL2 PROMOTION PLAYOFF Naomh Olaf 2-20 Na Fianna 0-4  sport@dublingazette.com

SATURDAY, November 27 will be remembered as a momentous day in the annals of Naomh Olaf as the club’s Merrion Fleet sponsored senior footballers overcame the challenge of Na Fianna in Pairc Ui Bhriain.

The victory sees them join neighbours Ballinteer St John’s as the two teams to gain promotion to the top tier of Dublin football for 2018.

This success was all the more impressive as the Sandyford outfit had spent only a single year in Division 2, having gained promotion from Division 3 12 months ago.

In truth, Saturday’s success was a facile win over an understrength Na Fianna team with conflicting concerns in the wake of their intermediate football championships success.

But that will in no way overshadow the achievement for Olafs and it will be celebrated long into the winter and beyond in the Balally clubhouse.

The team’s success was built on an excellent season which saw them beaten only twice, the second of those defeats coming

in the final regular season match against Raheny.

This denied them automatic promotion as league winners but, consigned to the playoff route, no mistake was made as wins against Raheny and Na Fianna grabbed the second promotion spot.

Saturday’s match was expected to be an anxious affair but Shane Smith had his charges well prepared and they drove into the Na Fianna challenge from the outset.

A first half goal from Kieran Hanley, a succession of well-taken points,

a mean defence which gave no quarter and a second half goal from Ryan Cafferkey sealed a 2-20 to 0-4 win long before the finish and the celebrations began in earnest as the final whistle blew.

It completes a perfect season for Olafs on the football front with club PRO Fin Mairtin reflecting on 2017: “This is a welcome reward for a young team who have been well coached and managed.

“It emphasises a lot of the good work which has been going on in recent years at juvenile level and

it completes the hat trick of football league titles as the seniors joined the two junior teams who also gained promotion from their respective leagues.

“Indeed, it rounds off the most successful year ever for the teams in claret in blue as they landed over a dozen trophies.

“Camogie, hurling and ladies football – at both adult and juvenile level – can join the footballers in celebration of a year that will be hard to beat and they will look forward in anticipation to what the new year will bring.”

LEINSTER SENIOR FINAL

Cuala set for physical contest from Kilcormac-Killoughey ALL roads lead to Portlaoise this weekend as the Cuala senior

hurlers travel to defend their title against the 2017 Offaly champions, Kilcormac-Killoughey on Sunday in O’Moore Park at 2pm.

This eagerly-awaited game, brings together two in-form teams who have both enjoyed Leinster success recently and Cuala are facing a serious challenge if they are to successfully defend their crown.

The Offaly side come into the tie as three in-a-row county champions but they will potentially be without the services of full-forward Peter Healion who has a foot injury that saw him depart their Leinster semi-final early.

Defender Cillian Healy is also suspended following his straight red card against Carlow’s Mount Leinster Rangers.

He might have been one of the players tasked with taming the irrepressible Con O’Callaghan who has been in flying form for the Dalkey club since returning to the small ball in the wake of the Dublin senior footballers All-Ireland triumph.

Cuala, meanawhile, have plenty of options up front to work with to move around whatever plans Kilcormac come up with.

David Treacy, Colm Cronin and Jake Malone give them plenty of outlets as they showed against St Martin’s in their provincial final four encounter.

Manager Mattie Kenny will also be hopeful that Mark Schutte may be in a position to return to the action following an ankle injury. He has carried the injury since August but Kenny is wary about bringing him back to action too early and will go on the advice of a specialist to advise of his availability.

It promises to be a strong, physical battle with a feature of the Offaly side their size with a dozen of the side over six foot tall while there is a smattering of experience in their lines from the 2013 All-Ireland winning side.

Kieran Hanley on the attack for the Naomh Olaf Senior Footballers v Na Fianna

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

December 10 in the function room at 8.30pm.

The annual Christmas Lexus Chase football section fundraiser will take place on Thursday, December 28.

There are still a few tickets left. Check out the club web site for details.

NAOMH OLAF

WELL done to the senior footballers on a return to Division 1 after a 14

year absence with a comfortable victory in Saturday’s playoff final against Na Fianna.

Players and management deserve great credit for following last year’s promotion from Division 3 with an immediate promotion from Division 2.

Hard luck to the minor camogie team who lost out in the championship final to a strong Erin’s Isle team on Sunday.

Nice end of year

presentation event for the U-16 footballers (league winners) and hurlers (league runners-up) on Saturday last.

The AGM is on Wednesday, December 6 at 8pm. Big attendance required.

Lotto numbers were 6, 21, 31. No winner; €1,500 next week.

SHANKILL

THE academy is back in

our winter location at St Laurence’s College.

Catering for both boys and girls from four to six years of age, our academy is sponsored

by O’Donnell’s Pharmacy and is in action every Saturday morning from 10am to 11am.

The cost is only €2 per child and there is no annual subscription.

Qualified coaches are always in attendance and all equipment is supplied free of charge.

So why not come along any Saturday morning and give the Academy a try?

The club’s online shop is alive and working on our web page: www. shankill.gaa.ie The Annual General Meeting will be held in St Anne’s Resource Centre Shankill at 8pm on Monday, January 29, 2018.

Notice of motions or nominations for the committee must be

submitted in writing to the secretary before the end of December 2017.

Ladies adult football team is going from strength to strength with all abilities catered for so check out our Facebook page and follow the link to the ladies Facebook group, e-mail stevedavis203@ gmail.com or contact Steve on 087 6414123.

The men’s adult football team have ambitions to climb up

through the league divisions so new players are always welcome contact Kevin on 086 8449902.

For more information on the club, contact secretary.shankill. dublingaa.ie or call 086 4010438.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club where everybody knows your name.

40 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 30 November 2017