DublinGazette FEBRUARY 6-12, 2020
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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA
Two men charged after M50 car chase GARY IBBOTSON
TWO men have been charged following a series of south Dublin burglaries and a car chase on the M50 that left one garda injured. After a spate of recent burglaries in the Blackrock area, gardai on night patrol spotted a suspicious-looking car in Tallaght last week. They identified the car once again at
Junction 13 (Sandyford/Dundrum) and went into pursuit. The car was eventually abandoned near Dundalk and the men fled on foot. A garda spokeswoman said in a statement: “Gardai in Dundalk have arrested three individuals in connection with burglaries carried out in the Blackrock area that occurred on January 30. “Four occupants abandoned the offending vehicle on the M1 at junction 18 and
fled on foot towards fields nearby. “Three males, one aged in his 20s, another in his late teens and one male youth also in his late teens, were arrested a short distance away and are currently detained under Section 50, Criminal Justice Act, 2007 in Dundalk Garda Station.” One of the men arrested – a youth – was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the Juvenile Liaison Office. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Pitches left out of action
DLR council has confirmed that football pitches in Kilbogget Park that were damaged by joyriders late last year will not be playable until the end of Summer. While repairs are now well under way, the pitches are not likely to be playable on again until late Summer, with Spring weather conditions possibly delaying this timeframe. The costs of repairs won’t be known until they are complete.
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2 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 6 February 2020
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COUNCIL REPORTS REPAIRS ‘WELL UNDER WAY’
Kilbogget pitches out of action until Summer
Dalkey landmark wins tourist award
GARY IBBOTSON
gibbotson@dublingazette.com
THE football pitches in Kilbogget Park that were damaged by joyriders late last year will not be playable until the end of Summer, according to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. On December 28, a car was reported driving around the park at about 4:30am before be ing found ablaze on a pitch by responding gardai. Images circulated on social media following the incident showed the scale of the damage done
FASTNews
The costs of the repairs to the facilities won’t be known until they have been completed
to two playing pitches, as well as the remains of the burnt-out car. It is understood that the nearby athletics track
used and managed by Cabinteely Athletic Club was also damaged in the incident. However, the council
now says that the repairs are “well under way”, but it may be some time before the pitches are reopened. A council spokesperson said: “It is hoped to have the facilities back playable in late Summer, although this could be earlier, depending on Spring weather conditions. “It is difficult to give an estimate of the costs at the moment, but this information will be available once the repairs have been completed.” The chairman of Cabinteely FC, Michael Galvin, said that the club is “hopeful they [the pitches] will be ready for our mini world cup which starts on the Tuesday after the June bank holiday [weekend] and runs for two weeks. “We are working closely with the council on this, and are very happy with their response.” However, Galvin said that a patch of bad conditions could push the reopening date back, adding: “A long cold snap will set things back.” Earlier this month, a review of the 17 access points into Kilbogget Park was authorised by the chief executive of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council following the incident.
HOTEL and visitor destinations in the capital were celebrating after 20 Awards of Excellence, including a prestigious Gold Award were presented to hotel and tourism operators in the county by CIE Tours International. The CIE Tours International Annual Awards for Excellence recognise the best hotels and tourist attractions across Ireland based on feedback from customers. Each winner achieved a customer satisfaction rating of more than 92% from CIE Tours International visitors, with Gold Award Winners achieving the highest satisfaction ratings in their categories. Teeling Whiskey Distillery won a Gold Award in the Best Visit category, with other visitor attractions winning Merit awards including Dalkey Castle Heritage Centre (above), Cooks Academy, Malahide Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, and Glasnevin Museum. Dublin Hotels to win Merit awards were The Shelbourne Hotel, Ashling Hotel, Herbert Park Hotel, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Radisson Blu St Helen’s, Maldron Hotel Pearse Street, Clontarf Castle Hotel, Croke Park Hotel, Academy Plaza Hotel, The Gibson Hotel, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel and Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.
Cemetery could be in bike route Power cut closed two schools
venient routes for the public which are conducive to walking and cycling journeys.”
DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proposing a new pedestrian and cycle lane through Deansgrange cemetery. According to the plans published online, the introduction of the link will be a six-month pilot project, during which an online consultation will take place. The proposed new route will connect Deansgrange Road and Granada Pitch with the existing access road through the cemetery being utilised. According to the council, “It is a low-cost, light-touch project with the potential to provide benefits to the immediate and broader community. “These include health, environmental and social. “It is the intention of [the council] to create safe, con-
TWO schools in Monkstown had to shut for two days last week due to a complete power outage. The Red Door School for children with autism and the Dun Laoghaire Educate Together primary school, which share grounds, were without light and heat, forcing the schools to close. Last Wednesday, one of the parents with children at the Red Door School, Sarah Anderson, said the electricity had failed and the situation was “dire”. She said that the situation has been ongoing for the past two years, and that children and staff “deserve so much better”. It is understood the schools reopened this week.
6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 3
PEOPLE: MARY-KATE SINGS THE VIRTUES OF EXERCISING YOUR BODY AND SOUL SPORT
Boxing clever to help boost mental health GARY IBBOTSON
MARY-KATE Slattery has led an interesting life – the former Mount Anville Secondary School student was diagnosed with anorexia at the age of nine, and at 10, she almost suffered a heart-attack brought on by the eating condition. Mental health problems and depression associated with such disorders followed, and Mary-Kate says she struggled during her early teenage years. Now 23, Mary-Kate is an ambassador for the 2020 Irish Life Health Schools’ Fitness Challenge – her second year endorsing the
programme. “I was inspired last year,” she says, when asked why she agreed to return to the initiative. The schools fitness challenge focuses on highlighting the benefits of exercise on mental and physical health in 12- to 18-yearolds. In a recent study of 19,000 young people, it was found that teenagers who play sport were less likely to experience severe anxiety (19%), compared to those who do not participate in sport (32%). The same pattern is seen in depression. In an attempt to cope
with her mental health issues, Mary-Kate says she turned to quite intense sports – first long-distance running, and then boxing. “I personally struggled with mental health during my early teenage years. I truly realised the power of physical movement as a form of stress release when I started boxing. “It gives me such relief, allows me to express myself and to escape dayto-day stresses and, overall, I feel stronger both physically and mentally. “If my story can inspire even one student to get involved in sport or any form of movement, I would
Shane Ross upbeat on fund for FAI
Irish Life Health campaign partners Thomas Barr and Mary-Kate Slattery are pictured with Sandymount Park Educate Together students Liam Beaumont, Vencel Gera, Ava Gill and Gwen Corrigan. Picture: Morgan Treacy
be delighted,” she says. Mary-Kate has been boxing at an amateur level since 2017 and says that if the “opportunity to turn professional comes, it comes”. However, after taking a small bit of time off, she says she has “fallen back in love” with boxing. Aside from sport, Mary-
Kate is in her final year at Trinity College, studying law, and last year she spent 10 days at a silent meditation retreat in Morocco. Since its inception in 2012, more than 200,000 students have participated in the Irish Life Health Schools’ Fitness Challenge. The goal of the pro-
gramme is “to educate and equip young people with the skills and knowledge to incorporate exercise into their daily routine to help improve and maintain both physical and mental health”. To find out more, and to register, see www.irishlifehealth.ie/fitnesschallenge.
MINISTER for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, last week announced the restoration of government funding to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). After the FAI was embroiled last year in controversy surrounding its finances, government funding was halted until a new board of directors was assigned. At a meeting with FAI representatives earlier this month, Minister Ross said: “We are marking a new dawn for Irish football. “It has been a difficult journey to get to this place, where we can finally heave a sigh of relief knowing that Irish football has a secure future.” An interest-free loan of €2.5m will also be given from 2020 to 2022.
4 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 6 February 2020
FASTNews
Repak, Panda give €20,000 to charity NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation Repak, in partnership with waste-collection company Panda, have announced they have raised €20,000 in aid of Focus Ireland. The initiative, which was launched last June, encouraged commercial businesses across Dublin – including offices, restaurants, bars, hotels and supermarkets – to collect their plastic recyclables in specially commissioned recycling bags. A significant number of Dublin businesses took part in the six-month scheme, filling a total of 2,300 bags with seven tonnes of plastic materials. Based on the volume of plastic recyclables collected, Repak and Panda each donated €10,000 to Focus Ireland, giving a combined total of €20,000. Pictured at the €20,000 donation to Focus Ireland are Siofra Kelly, corporate partnerships officer, Focus Ireland; Elaine Phillips, head of marketing and communications, Repak, and Eddie Moloney, commercial sales manager, Panda. Picture: Naoise Culhane
Business area holds a hustings THE Sandyford Business District hosted an election hustings this past Monday at Nord Anglia International School, Leopardstown. Attended by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, Senator Neale Richmond (FG), An Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Shay Brennan (FF), cllr Lettie McCarthy (Labour) and Cllr Deirdre Conroy (FF), the event aimed to highlight some of the issues facing businesses in Sandyford. Former RTE political correspondent and communications expert, Martina Fitzgerald moderated the panel discussion. The chief executive of Sandyford Business District, Conor Battigan, welcomed the attendees and stressed the importance of delivering on outstanding projects relating to infrastructure, sustainability, planning, housing and transport.
COURTS: FOXROCK MAN, 29, IS SENTENCED
The accused pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography at Castlefarm, Shankill, and to distribution of child pornography at the same address
Jailed for 18 months for child porn stash A MAN who was caught in possession of more than 4,300 images of child pornography and distributed a video of child pornography via email has been jailed for 18 months. Kevin Maguire (29), of The Hedgerow, Foxrock, sent an email with an attachment depicting an approximately 10-yearold girl being orally raped by an adult man to two separate email addresses. He has no previous convictions. Maguire pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of child pornography at Castlefarm, Shankill, on May 7, 2015 and to distribution of child pornography at the same address on an unknown date
between August 2, 2011 and October 22, 2011. Passing sentence, Judge Melanie Greally said the volume of images was “very substantial” and it was evident Maguire was accumulating the material over a four-year period, which only came to an end when he was detected. Judge Greally said that there had been a threeyear delay in analysing the material due to a lack of resources. She noted that Maguire has been assessed as being at a low risk of reoffending and has been in a committed relationship for two-and-a-half years. She said that bearing in mind the ease of which child pornographic mate-
rial was accessible and the high volume of material in this case, it was her view that “the principle of general deterrence” could not be achieved other than with a custodial sentence. Judge Greally sentenced Maguire to two years’ imprisonment, but suspended the final six months of the sentence on strict conditions. At an earlier sentencing hearing, Detective Garda Bernard Dunne told Diarmuid Collins BL, prosecuting, that on foot of information received from Interpol regarding the exchange of images on a Russian website, the IP address of a Hotmail account, associated with a user name on the website, was traced to Shankill.
Det Gda Dunne said that on the date in May, 2015, gardai searched the house where the accused lived with his parents. Maguire admitted he had child pornography on his computer and two laptops were seized for analysis, with both found to contain a large range of images and videos of child pornography and sexual abuse. Det Gda Dunne agreed with Philip Rahn BL, defending, that there was no suggestion of contact with children or financial transactions in this case. He agreed the distribution charge related to the sending of the email and Maguire was not a systematic distributor for gain.
St John of God address report findings ST JOHN of God Community Services has released a statement following the release of the HIQA report regarding its facility in Glasthule. The report outlined that the facility failed 10 of 19 regulations inspections which included reported incidents of abuse between residents. The service said in its statement that the incidents of abuse are “unacceptable” and staff are “fully committed” to dealing with the issues highlighted. It said: “St John of God Community
Services acknowledges the incompatibility issues between some residents living in this designated centre that has led to the unacceptable incidents of negative verbal interaction between residents. “Management and staff at St John of God Dublin South East Services continue to be fully committed to the implementation of person-centred plans to resolve these issues for any affected residents. “Some residents have already successfully moved from living in this
designated centre to a home of their choosing. “The service is committed to supporting each resident to live in a home that appropriately supports [their] needs, and is also in the process of implementing an agreed compliance plan in respect of all recommendations contained in the most recent HIQA inspection report.” St John of God Glasthule provides 24-hour residential care to persons with intellectual abilities and currently houses 13 residents.
6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 5
GARDA WAS INJURED IN INCIDENT
THEATRE
Men arrested after chase on the M50
A classic play sure to enthrall
GARY IBBOTSON
TWO men have been charged following a series of south Dublin burglaries and a car chase on the M50 that left one garda injured. The chase occurred last Thursday evening, which involved a Garda helicopter, and continued onto the M1. After a spate of recent burglaries in the Blackrock area, gardai on night patrol spotted a suspicious car in Tallaght. They identified the car once again at Junction 13 (Sandyford/Dundrum) on the M50 and went into pursuit. The car was eventually abandoned near Dundalk and the men fled on foot. Three males, one in his 20s, and two others in their late teens were arrested
while another is still being sought by gardai. A garda spokeswoman said in a statement: “Gardai in Dundalk have arrested three individuals in connection with burglaries carried out in the Blackrock area. “ [ Fo l l ow i n g ga rd a observation of a suspicious vehicle in the area] a managed garda pursuit ensued. “Four occupants abandoned the offending vehicle on the M1 at junction 18 and fled on foot towards fields nearby. “Three males ... were arrested a short distance away and are currently [being] detained under Section 50, Criminal Justice Act, 2007 in Dundalk Garda Station. “A fourth occupant of the car is still being sought
by gardai in connection with this incident. “It’s believed the car involved in this incident is the subject of an unauthorised taking in the UK jurisdiction. “One garda member was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been released. Property from one burglary in Blackrock was recovered on the M50 by gardai. Investigations are ongoing.” One of the men arrested – a youth – was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the Juvenile Liaison Office. According to the gardai, the two other men, both in their 20s, have been charged in relation to the burglaries and have appeared before Dun Laoghaire District Court.
Marine conference makes a splash with environmentalists ELLA Peppard, Ella Maloney, Josh Finn and Isabella Clarke, all pupils from Tara Hill National School, Wexford, travelled all the way to The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire for a special two-day conference last weekend. The pupils were happy to join their peers from 20 schools from across the city and beyond for the Annual Green Schools Marine Environment Conference at the local landmark. This year, the conference invited pupils to focus on the value of our marine environment, with keynote speaker Nick Baker – the acclaimed world-class wildlife presenter and author – delivering an inspirational presentation of his many adventures exploring strange creatures from the watery depths of our seas and oceans. The conference was opened by Dr Michael John O’Mahony, director, An Taisce Environmental Education Unit, and Conall O’Connor, from the Marine Environment theme’s sponsor, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Picture: Karen Morgan
THE Mill Theatre in Dundrum will stage Arthur Miller’s All My Sons from February 11 to 15. Directed by and starring Garry Mountaine from the Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society, the story is set in 1947, in America. In the aftermath of World War II, the Kellehers have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business. H o w e v e r, h a v i n g already lost their eldest son at war, the Kelleher family’s life is about to be turned upside down by the return of a figure from the past, and the uncovering of long buried truths. Tickets for the production are available from The Mill Theatre at 01 296 9340, or also online at www.milltheatre.ie.
6 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 6 February 2020
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6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 7
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Carmel O’Callaghan and Eimear Collins
Shay and Aoife Brennan
Liam Madden, Pat Smith
Rita & Martin Ward
Angela Tsang & Aryana Neiland at the finish line. Picture: EMILY GALLAGHER
Ava, Evan, James, Rory, Janet Cahill enjoy a family walk and (right) Henry Grikis on his bike
Huge turnout for OT 4km walk in Marley
I
t was all go in Marlay Park, for the Rathfarnham - Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Operation Transformation 4K Walk. Families and friends joined DLRCC Cathaoirleach Shay Brennan in completing the scenic walk. Trained walking leaders were present on the day for a helping hand and the hot tea and coffee at the finish line was gladly accepted by everyone to heat the bones on a fresh morning in South Dublin.
The group warming up before the walk commences while right Gordon Harrison with Joan Devlin enjoying coffees at the finish line and Sarah and Steohen Druhan wrap up well against the cold
8 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 6 February 2020
ISSUE: NTA CANNOT ‘LAWFULLY ISSUE’ LICENCES TO DRIVERS WITHOUT NCT
FASTNews DCU gets in a ‘JAM’ DCU HAS become the first University in Ireland to introduce the ‘JAM’ Card The North Dublin University began the scheme on Tuesday last, which has been developed by the Now Charity and allows a person to show a card which indicates that they have a disability or learning difficulty and may need ‘Just a Minute’. More information on www.jamcard.org.
Charity Cycle from Cardiff to Dublin A BUNCH of 40 cyclists are already on their way from Cardiff to Dublin in time for the Six Nations game between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, as part of a charity fundraiser to support TY Hafan, a children’s hospice in South Wales. Many of those cycling were keen to get involved, after one of the fathers on the ride received support from Ty Hafan when his son Thomas was terminally ill. His Dad James is taking part in this ride to continue his support for Ty Hafan so that other families can receive similar support for their life limited children.
Taxi drivers fears over NCT centres mishap The use of scissor lifts at NCT centres across the country has been temporarily suspended ‘until a full condition survey of all lifts is completed’
RACHEL D’ARCY
SOME TAXI drivers are set to be impacted by current lift issues at NCT centres, as the National Transport Authority have said they cannot ‘lawfully issue’ licences to drivers without an NCT. Taxi drivers seeking to renew their licences need to have their car tested as part of the process. However, the use of scis-
sor lifts at NCT centres across the country has been temporarily suspended ‘until a full condition survey of all lifts is completed’, meaning some aspects of NCT testing cannot be completed. Approximately 100 vehicles across the country may be impacted by the issues over the next fortnight. The NTA have said that, lawfully, they will not be able to issue new taxi licences to drivers who do not have a valid NCT. In a statement to RTE,
a spokesperson for the NTA said: “NTA is not lawfully in a position to grant a vehicle licence without proof of a valid NCT Certificate dated within 90 days of inspection. “RSA and National Car Testing Service have advised NTA that all vehicle owners should continue to book and attend at their NCT as normal. “The test will be completed with the temporary omission of the underbody inspection, which will be conducted
at a later time when the lifts are returned to use.” In a statement issued by the NCTS last Friday, they said that they are urging customers to continue to turn up for their NCT, and to book as normal. “The test will be completed with the omission of the underbody inspection, which will be conducted at a later date when the lifts are returned fully to use,” a spokesperson said. “NCTS can confirm that a small number of lift inspections have recom-
menced on a restricted basis. Customers should note if a vehicle passes on lights, emissions, upper body exterior, vehicle interior, brakes, suspension and wheel alignment they will receive a vehicle inspection report stating “No Lift Inspection Done” resulting in a fail result. “This no way implies the vehicle has failed on the items tested it just addresses the fact that no lift inspection was carried out. “A certificate will be issued when all testable
items have been successfully completed. We are advised that the insurance industry will take a pragmatic view for policyholders and not penalise them for not having a valid NCT. “All vehicle owners are reminded that the roadworthiness of their vehicle is their responsibility at all times. “In addition, motorists are being advised to keep a copy of their Vehicle Inspection Report with them in order to present it to a member of An Garda Síochána if required.”
Housing market looks set to stabilise CÓILÍN DUFFY
cduffy@dublingazette.com A PERIOD of high price inflation appears to be drawing to a close and the property market looks set for a period of price stabilisation as we head into a new decade according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). SCSI members believe Dublin property prices are set to remain static in 2020 while rents are expected to rise by 4%. Chartered agents and auctioneers in the city say the price stabilisation is being driven by more
realistic price expectations, affordability constraints and increased supply in the commuter belt. According to the SCSI’s annual Residential and Outlook report, which has been running since 1983, the number of chartered agents who said sellers’ price expectations have increased, halved from 80% to 40%. Agents described the Dublin residential property market as the most suppressed of all the regional markets examined in this report; both the volume of enquiries and transactions remained very low, especially amongst those wishing
to trade up. They said there was a limited supply of new housing coming onto the market which impeded transactional activity. While future trends for new supply of apartments in the city are positive, there remains a dearth of new houses for those who wish to move into larger houses from apartments. “The double-digit price inflation we saw in recent years was not sustainable and a return to a more stable market with modest price increases will enable buyers and sellers to plan for the future with
more certainty,” SCSI President Johanna Gill said. “While we knew ‘Brexit’ had an effect on the market, the extent to which it undermined consumer confidence around the country did come as something of a surprise. From Donegal to Cork and from Dublin to Galway our members said Brexit and the uncertainty it caused played a greater role than any other issue in shaping the residential property market in 2019.” The SCSI’s Annual Residential Property Review and Outlook Report 2020 is available at www. scsi.ie
6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 9
CHARITY: POTATOES JUST PART OF DUNDRUM WOMAN’S HELP IN CONCERN ROLE
Eileen’s spuds are a lifesaver for Ethiopians GARY IBBOTSON
A DUNDRUM native is leading a Concern team in Ethiopia that, to date, has planted more than 1.5 million trees. Eileen Morrow has led the team for the past two years in the country, which is currently suffering through a drought – their worst in three decades. The international aid organisation, which has been in Ethiopia since 1973, planted 1,549,819 trees over 2018 and 2019 in areas of the country severely affected by drought and other harsh weather conditions. The project, supported with funding from Irish Aid, is improving soil quality, providing food, jobs and helping to
reverse the effects of climate change. Eileen said: “Trees strengthen soil and this gives people food, jobs and safer places to live, so this is critical, lifesaving work. “ T h ey, a l o n g w i t h other plants and organisms in our ecosystem, also give us the oxygen we breathe while taking harmful, world-heating carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere – so by planting trees we are providing a lifeline in this worsening climate crisis.” Concern staff also took part in a separate oneday national drive, led by the Ethiopian government, to plant millions of saplings in July. Overall, the charity says it has had huge suc-
cess from tree planting in the country in recent m o n t h s, w i t h c o m munities experiencing less flooding and more growth in food production and livelihoods. Dereje Jeba, Concern’s livelihoods officer in Ethiopia, said: “We are improving the productivity of land for crops and livestock to create greater food security and a better environment for everyone.” Last year, Eileen and her team spoke on the success of introducing potatoes to the northern region of the country, which is regularly hit by drought. The area in which the potato was introduced – South Wollo – lies approximately 3,000 metres above sea level,
Warning over threat to family resource centres’ operations SYLVIA POWNALL
FAMILY resource centres in areas of Dublin affected by poverty and disadvantage have warned that their future is under threat. The Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) says dozens of community-based schemes may have to close their doors unless the State steps in. FRCNF has called for additional funding and a dedicated government unit to administer its programme and is urging election candidates to pledge their support. The early intervention programme is the largest community-based initiative of its type in the country, offering a range of activities from afterschool clubs to baby massage, adult counselling, play therapy, mindfulness and
Blackrock pipes to be replaced
Eileen Morrow
which means other crops struggle to thrive. She said: “This incredible success has broken the cycle of dependence on emergency relief and restored dignity and hope in areas that have been hit by recurrent disasters. “It is very challenging to increase the yield of
family fun days. There are more than 20 centres in Dublin, including in Dundrum and Balally. FRCNF is highlighting the shortfall in core funding for and the “dilution and dismantling” of their unique community development model of family support. Chairperson Clare Cashman said the campaign’s ask was for candidates to commit to establishing a unit within a government department to administer the programme. She added that the autonomy of FRCs must be preserved, and core funding of €160,000 per FRC per year was needed to operate schemes effectively. The FRC programme has been in operation for over 25 years, and is currently housed within Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. For more, see www.familyresource.ie.
TRAVEL, PAGES 22-23
Hullo, petal: Flowers waiting for you on arrival are just part of the options to plump for if you’re planning a Valentine’s getaway ...
UTILITIES
crops in high altitudes. “Very little can thrive at 3,000 metres, but the Irish potato has proven
to be a rare exception.” The crop now helps feed 704,000 people in the highland region.
IRISH Water and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are soon to begin works to replace ageing water mains in Green Road, Beaumont Gardens, Sydney Terrace and Waltham Terrace between Mount Merrion Avenue and Green Road. These Blackrock works are being carried out as part of Irish Water’s national Leakage Reduction Programme. According to Irish Water, this scheme aims to provide the community with a more reliable water supply, remove old damaged pipes from the water network, improve water quality and reduce leakage. For further information, see https://www.water. ie/projects-plans/national-projects/leakagereduction-programme/.
10 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 6 February 2020
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Ecaterina Hunciuc and Joanna Jazwiec
Nicki Campbell and Mohammad Hussen. Pictures: Fintan Clarke
Agnes Scully and Rachel Clarke
Accountants graduate in style at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan
Y
EARS of hard work and study added up to success for many south Dublin students, who were conferred as Members of Accounting Technicians Ireland at a ceremony at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan recently.
They also received Diplomas for Accounting Technicians as an extra feather in their caps, with family members, friends and fellow graduates all happy to congratulate them on their graduation and achievements.
Egle Barauskaite with her daughter, Daniela
The students were delighted to meet the inspirational group of athletes
The day’s guests included Sinead Aherne, Dublin GAA Women’s captain; Aisling Naughton, Irish Women’s Hockey panellist and former Irish 7s rugby player; Roisin Mc Govern, Irish-U 19 soccer captain; Grace O’Flanagan; Irish women hockey world cup finalist, and Rashidat Adeleke, European and Youth Olympic gold medallist
Encouraging the next generation A S PART of its Women’s Week, Loreto College Foxroxk pupils recently held discussions with inspirational women, with a Women in Sport panel hailed as one of the highlights of the week. Several prominent sports stars came to the school to discuss
their field of sporting excellence, answer any questions from the discussions, and above all, to call on the students to pursue their own passions. The girls hailed the panel, and the week, as great successes, singling out their motivational impact.
6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 11
GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Deborah Middleton
Katie Galvin
Teaching a thing or two about rights
Kieran Christie and Deirdre MacDonald, ASTI’s general secretary, and president, respectively (centre) led an ASTI picket outside the Department of Education in the city centre. Pictures: Tommy Clancy
T
EACHERS all across the capital and the country chalked Tuesday up as a strike day this week, swapping their classrooms for picket lines as they strove to highlight unequal pay issues. The Teachers’ Union of Ireland said that the day of action was to send a signal to all political parties and general election candidates that its members’ campaign would continue until pay discrimination is eliminated. In addition to picketing outside their schools across Dublin, pickets were also placed on colleges of further education, institutes of technology and at TU Dublin.
These Dublin teachers marched in step with their fellow union and teacher peers all across the capital and country
12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
POLITICS: GATHERING OF DISPARATE GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS SHARED A COMMON FOCUS
Bringing genuine thoughts and solutions to the fore as The Real Debate examined Ireland, 2020 PADRAIG CONLON
WHILE the RTE Leaders Debate was being broadcast live on Tuesday night, an alternative debate was taking place online. The Real Debate – a podcast/streaming event – was offering the electorate several different opinions and views from across the political spectrum. With contributions from members of both the judiciary and the legislature, as well as from policy makers, campaigners and commentators, The Real Debate discussed topics such as housing, health, banking, vulture funds, radical political change, public accountability, collective solutions and many others. The idea for this streaming event emerged from the growing frustration of large sections of the Irish electorate following RTE’s decision to initially only invite leaders of the two main parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, who between them represent less than 50% of the electorate. Even though RTE decided on Monday to invite Mary Lou McDonald, for Sinn Fein, to take part in the Leaders Debate, the organisers of The Real Debate decided to go ahead with their event and subsequently release it to the public following RTE’s offering on Tuesday night. Set up as a collaboration between several organisations, including Right2Homes, HomeOptions, and ourselves, Dublin Gazette, as a media partner, The Real Debate set out to offer the other 52% of voters a debate. One of the moderators on Tuesday, Donagh
Contributors on the night hold aloft The Affordable Housing and Fair Mortgage Bill 2018 – a bill to support homeowners, rather than vulture funds, that was just one of the topics discussed on the night, which also saw a wide range of issues highlighted and discussed
“
In this election, there’s a strong wave for social change; true reengagement with the disenfranchised. There’s a strong move of support away from the Centrist parties.
McKeown, told Dublin Gazette why he was so keen to be involved. He said: “Whether you take the word of the numerous surveys and polls by ‘official’ groups, or take your own straw poll with folks on the street, you’ll soon see that both will lead with deep concerns, firstly about health, and the health service in Ireland. “More than 50% [of people] in collective polling say that’s their number-
one concern, with housing coming second, and in that mix comes the plight of the homeless. “Calls for increased affordable housing are being heard at every doorstep, from the inner cities to our most rural areas. “Deep in the Irish psyche, there’s the desire to own one’s own home. “Many people are also deeply concerned for the growing numbers of homeless people who now roam our streets.
“Once again, perhaps subconsciously, there’s a collective memory of famine and eviction that’s within, and the frustration of a lack of meaningful reform or action from politicians to change the system is rising. “Combine this with the continuously circling wake of vulture funds preying on the threatened homeowners,” he said. Donagh added: “There’s a growing belief in the electorate that they have
the power in this and future elections to bring about change. “In this election, there’s a strong wave for social change; true re-engagement with the disenfranchised. “There’s a strong move of support away from the Centrist parties, with an almost tsunami level of support moving to more socially democratic-leaning parties, with Sinn Fein rising, in polls at least, leading that movement for change.” Another contributor on the night was property developer Paddy Kelly who shared his ideas on how to stimulate house building nationwide. He said: “We need a better awareness of the cycli-
cal nature of the building and development industry. “Annual housing completions went from an annual high of 94,000 to a low of 5,000 in the decade ending in 2008. “In the decade ending in 2018, there was an average of 10,000 homes completed annually – with a low of 5,000 in some years – and the industry almost closed down. “Uncertainty and delay needs to be taken out of the planning process. Zoned Land needs to be provided. “We need a policy for dealing with third-party objections – it’s estimated that approximately 40% of the cost of a new home is government tax.
“There should be policy change whereby the VAT at 13.5% is passed back by the government to firsttime buyers. “In the UK, there are a number of support systems for first-time buyers which we should look at adopting. “Create building capacity by advancing professional training for the various groups involved and advance knowledge in regard to building methods and materials,” he said. You can find The Real D e b a te o n Yo u Tu b e (search using #therealdebate, with the video posted under user Sean O Cearrullain), as well as on Facebook or Twitter pages (using #RealDebateIreland).
6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13
STYLE: FRESH NEW LOOKS
SPRING for some fresh fashions as colour and flowery fabrics flow back into wardrobes. With the grand stretch in the evenings giving more time to show off your new outfits, embrace this season’s new trends and help celebrate these fresh new styles!
MAGAZINE
DUBLIN
MUSIC P16
VALENTINE TRAVEL P24
PAGE 24
LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS TAKE YOU ON A TOUR OF THE NEWS AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY AND COUNTY
Filming her new show isn’t a tall order for Andrea
P R E SE N T E R A n d re a Hayes (above, right) met a lanky new friend as she filmed her new series, Fota: Into the Wild. The new four-part show, airing on Virgin Media One, follows life in the iconic
Cork wildlife park, with Andrea meeting many of the park’s animals and the people who care for them. With the first episode airing last Sunday, February 2, Dubs have already seen a little of how our
country cousins are helping to care for some of the world’s most vulnerable animals, with Andrea promising that there’s much more still to come. Animal lovers and Dubs alike will relish the chance
to learn more about the animals and the park, with Andrea’s tall pal here just one of the many highlights of the show. See the next episode of Fota: Into the Wild this Sunday at 9pm on VM One.
14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N
SOME OF THE RANDOM AND QUIRKY THINGS
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FINGLAS girl Matilda Byrne was delighted to help The Oesophageal Cancer Fund launch the upcoming Lollipop Day. Taking place across the country on February 26 and 27, the fundraising and awareness campaign aims to increase public awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and to highlight how the cancer can be prevented or diagnosed early to improve cure rates. Picture: Jason Clarke
Dope with dope lands Islands disappear off in even bigger trouble South Sumatra coast A TENNESSEE courtroom lit up with laughter earlier this month after a defendant tried to smoke a marijuana cigarette – while he was being charged with marijuana possession. Spencer Boston (20) was appearing in court in the town of Lebanon before Judge Haywood Barry for a simple possession charge – but now could be prosecuted further for his behaviour. Seemingly engaged and coor-
dinating with the judge, the scene quickly changed when Boston removed a rolled cigarette from his pocket and began smoking it. Security personnel quickly realised what was happening and apprehended Boston while he waved the joint around. He was arrested immediately after the incident, and is currently serving 10 days in jail for contempt of court.
TWO islands in South Sumatra have vanished while four more are already on the brink of disappearing as a result of rising sea levels, according to the Indonesian Forum for the Environment. Betet Island and Gundul Island have submerged and are currently sitting one metre and three metres below sea level, respectively. “These islands were uninhabited. One of the islands, Betet, is a part of Berbak-Sembilang National Park,” said Hairul Sobri, executive director. “Should there be no significant efforts to address the ever-rising oceans, four other islands in the area with elevations of less than four metres above sea level could follow suit and disappear sooner or later”, Sobri said, referring to specific islands at threat off the eastern coast of South Sumatra’s Banyuasin regency.
DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. This week’s dog of the week is Callie, a beautiful two-year-old female Labrador cross that has bundles of energy and is full of fun. She loves going out for walks, playing with her toys and will do anything for a tasty treat. Callie can be a little conflicted with people, sometimes seeking cuddles and interaction, but at other times preferring space to do her own thing. She is looking for patient and gentle adopters who are willing to get to know
her over a couple of meets and allow her to build trust at her own pace. She is a very sweet and lively girl, and will make a lovely addition to the right family. If you have room in your heart and home for Callie then please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50. Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE. (Remember: Always have your dog on a lead when in public.)
callie
6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15
DUBLIN BITS & BOBS Kids take on locust swarm
THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK... TOP TWEETS
Finally an emoji for chastising my business associates when they come to me for favours on this, the day of my daughter’s wedding. @finryan87 In the pub.... Drunk Fella: Can I get you a drink? Me: No thank you. Drunk Fella: You’re lovely. Me: I’m far too old for you. Drunk Fella: No ... you’re not old. Me: I was at your Christening and I’m friends with your Mam. Drunk Fella: Fair enough. @RealFionaO They call it Dublin because the rent always is. @bigmonsterlove Unpopular opinion - Mrs Brown’s Boys isn’t funny. Don’t @ me. @ManjitThandi78 Catherine Noone called in to my mam about two weeks ago. In the middle of the conversation she apparently slipped in that Varadkar was autistic. No one believed my mam when she told them, and this morning she has a face on like Mrs Doyle correctly guessing Todd Unctious’ name. @rohal_ As an Irish person, my only thought in Brexit is that I wish the Brits had discovered this zeal for getting out of places 800 years ago. @daithihartery
BILLIONS of locusts have swept through East Africa and are now invading Kenya in what is the worst locust infestation the country has seen in 70 years. According to Al Jazeera, the swarm has migrated from Ethiopia and Somalia, and is now making its way through Kenya, since first beginning in December. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated one swarm
Horse call lands man in court A MAN riding a horse in Australia was brought before court, because he didn’t have a hands-free mobile device fitted to his trusty steed. The man was caught using his phone on a rural road in New South Wales, while riding the horse at around 10kmph, when the police stopped him. In New South Wales, a ‘vehicle’ includes an animal-drawn vehicle, and an animal that is being ridden under NSW legislation, Road Rules 2014, Road Users and Vehicles. The man pleaded guilty at Mudgee Local Court to using his mobile phone while in use of a vehicle, as he conceded the horse was in motion as he was making a phone call.
Bug-ly idea for Feb 14 TEXANS will have the chance for revenge on their exes this Valentine’s Day, thanks to a local zoo. The El Paso Zoo have launched their ‘Quit Bugging Me’ campaign, where locals can name a cockroach after their ex and have it fed to one of the animals at the zoo. This will be the second year of the scheme, with the zoo saying they had a “tremendous response” last year on their Facebook page. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are frozen and a normal part of some animals’ diets.
alone in Kenya covered 930 square miles – almost the size of Moscow. Based on that estimate, there could be up to 200 billion locusts invading the country’s skies and farmlands. While these plucky kids (right) were doing their best to beat back the blighters in their area, authorities are warning that if the locust population is not contained, it could grow into a ‘plague’ and spread even wider throughout the African continent.
16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT
WELL WORTH A LISTEN
We’re in the midst of a spiritual crisis, warn London band HMLTD HMLTD’S early career has been a dramatic one. A London act that sit somewhere between a boisterous protest and a broad, flamboyant cultural experiment, they’re difficult to pin down on anything from genre to outlook, exhibiting a kind of Glam-Punk, style-borrowing ethos. Once, they were a major label investment project, making and then dumping an expensive album along the way, as NME hyped them as the next big thing. With a new version of that debut album, entitled West of Eden, finally on the market, their experimental approach
JAMES HENDICOTT
has brought them to a scatty but enthralling release, and a more natural (to them) anti-Capitalist stance. Fro n t m a n He n r y Chisholm is a politically poignant figure, and he’s not in the least bit shy about the journey the band have been on so far, or how he views modern-day society. It’s not a pretty angle. “People are isolated,” he explains. “We’re in the midst of a spiritual crisis, and I think things like
Brexit, Trump – these things are just responses to a larger crisis. “At the start of the 20th Century, religion s t a r te d to c o l l a p s e, which is a good thing in some ways, but I don’t think it was fully replaced. “Collective views have disappeared, and we’ve been left with this kind of alternative individuality. “That’s part of why the Left are no longer viable. We all see things as an individual, not from the view of a community.” The album title, in a typically oblique way, is a reference to HMLTD’s inherent air of protest.
West of Eden is a reference to biblical banishment, a nod to Chisholm’s broader metaphor. They’re not religious, so much as borrowing the imagery to make a point. In this case, it’s about the band’s own “spiritual quest” – one they hope to bring an audience along with. “We live in a world that’s toxic, and full of exploitation,” Chisholm continues. He’s happy to talk about this stuff in depth – delivering the message, it seems, is the core purpose of the music. “It sits oddly, releasing a record in a commercial
HMTLD
way,” he admits. “We don’t think we’re going to bring down a system, of course. “That’s not realistic, it’s more about spreading a message. We have to work with what exists.” “We wrote about 30 songs,” he says of the record. “The result is a record with a lot of different influences, it’s really, really varied. “To us it still feels like an album, though we could have done a second album in the process. “The original album [the one recorded with Sony, but never released] felt like a collection of
songs rather than a connected whole. “This one is the story of a downward spiral. It’s heavily influenced by Nine Inch Nails, who are probably the most important band to us. “It’s certainly been a rollercoaster, and a bit of a struggle,” he laughs. “It’s been a strange thing to go through. We had a lot of hype, but you come out of the other end of that, and then you’re considered to be ‘established’ and it doesn’t work in quite the same way. “You’re not quite flavour of the month anymore, and
GOINGOUTOUT OUT FEBRUARY 6 (THURSDAY)
Local Boy @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €7 Beak @ the Button Factory, €22 Eoin Martin @ Crowbar, FREE
FEBRUARY 7 (FRIDAY)
Fruitz @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10
FEBRUARY 8 (SATURDAY)
Mae Muller @ The Academy, €16 Algiers @ Whelan’s, €15 Fin Furey @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10
FEBRUARY 10 (MONDAY)
Tenacious D @ 3Arena, €50 (right) Bombay Bicycle Club @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT The Menzingers @ Whelan’s, €25
that’s okay, but then it’s time to go out and do something real, something that makes your point.” That point? It’s clear in Chisholm’s mind that the whole thing is a protest statement. “We’re speaking out against cookie-cutter culture,” he says. “Against brainlessness, taking things for granted, and regurgitation. It hits to the current situation. Not everyone’s going to like it. We’re fine with that.” H M LT D p l a y T h e Soundhouse, Dublin, on February 18. Tenacious D
FEBRUARY 11 (TUESDAY)
Bombay Bicycle Club @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT Sean McConnell @ Whelan’s, €20
FEBRUARY 12 (WEDNESDAY)
Sigala @ The Olympia Theatre, €24 Cuig @ Whelan’s, €15
6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17
DUBLIN ENTERTAINMENT
Explore when Animals ruled Dublin GANGSTERS are never far away from the capital’s headlines, these days – but there’s nothing new on our Fair City’s streets, with gangsters a common issue for many a long year. In fact, one gang – the Animals – were a particular problem back in the day, in the 1930s and into the 40s, with Ballyfermot author Dylan Henvey turning to their exploits for his new work, Animals. Described as the untold story of Francis Lawless, founder and sole surviving member of the infamous Animal gang, the 60-minute rehearsed reading promises to bring some fascinating insights into Dublin in the good old, bad old days back into the light. Dylan’s looking forward to presenting his new work to Dublin audiences, with some startling tales from Dublin’s largely forgotten criminal world for Animals to draw from. He says: “The Animals were a real Dublin street gang who first appeared in news stories in the 1930s and continued to make headline into the 40s. “They were the Irish ‘Peaky Blinders’ – they are legendary Dublin folklore. “I felt it’s about time their legend was
told, and was brought to life.” However, Animals is more than just the tale of gangsters, Dylan says, as it also nods at some of the changes and history in the city at the time. He says: “It is set around the Printers’ Strike in Dublin in 1934. This is the start of a story which will take my protagonist, Francis Lawless, from innocent newsboy to founder of the legendary Animal gang, and head of the Dublin underground.” That base of real-life struggle in the city influences Animal, with some famous Dublin and Irish figures also featuring in the tale, including Eoin O’Duffy, leader of the Blue Shirts; Frank Ryan, the famous Socialist and Republican, and even ‘Lugs’ Branigan, Dublin’s most legendary police officer. Dylan says: “We have so much history in this city, but 90% of history goes undocumented or unnoticed and gets lost, especially Working Class history. “The Working Class have a history; they had lives that mattered. They had adventures, they should be heard and remembered, not forgotten.” See Animals at 4pm on Sunday, February 23 at the main space, Smock Alley.
Ballyfermot author Dylan Henvey: “The Working Class have a history; they had lives that mattered. They had adventures, they should be heard and remembered, not forgotten.”
18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19
GENERAL ELECTION 2020
WE SPEAK TO THREE OF THE FIVE DUBLIN-BASED PARTY LEADERS*
*Dublin Gazette contacted the main Dublin-based party leaders, with these being the parties who had responded by the time of going to print
GENERAL ELECTION 2020
Social Democrats are keen to be
a meaningful alternative to just the same old status quo in power CÓILÍN DUFFY
Green Party’s agenda fits nicely with priorities for Dublin voters who want a breath of fresh air GREEN PARTY leader Eamon Ryan believes that his party’s manifesto on Green issues and climate change policies fits well with the priorities of voters in Dublin. Speaking exclusively to Dublin Gazette Group Editor Cóilín Duffy, Ryan says that he doesn’t believe that it is harder to drive the Green agenda in the capital city. “We’ll see on election day, because our slogan is if you want Green vote Green!,” he said. “What we are presenting is our vision for the future. I think it’s as relevant in the centre of Dublin, as it is anywhere in the country.” He added, “It’s about the same basic. You make it easier to do the right thing in how we move around and how we manage our homes. In how we deal with waste – in how we look after nature – including in our own city. “Nature isn’t just something out in the far distant world – it’s Dublin Bay; it’s the Dublin hills; it’s every park. I think our vision is as relevant in Dublin as it is for the people in any part of the
“
I think it’s voting for a different way of doing things and the public service will have a bigger role country, and, indeed in any part of the World. “This transition is so significant. It involves everyone and every place matters, including every community in Dublin.” Waste charges are always a hot topic of debate, and across the capital private operators are constantly proposing an increase in charges. Ryan says that it’s perhaps time to go back to the old model, where the local councils looked after waste collection themselves. “I think the broad market model that everyone bought into for the last 20 or 30 years isn’t delivering,” he said. “I think there is a widespread public consensus or political consensus that, such as in certain key areas like housing, waste and water we need public enterprise. You
need public services delivered by public companies. “I think that’s one of the key things in this election. The past 10 years have been the status quo, really, trying to just get back our economy, but now the next 10 years are what we are voting on here. “I think voting Green is for a different way of doing things and the public service will have a bigger role. “It’s not saying there isn’t a role for business; it’s not saying there isn’t a role for enterprise, but there are certain public services that are best delivered by public companies– housing being one, water obviously another, and I think waste is another.” Looking at the broader picture of taking responsibility in combating climate change, Ryan says it’s important to continue to build
on the good relationships with other countries in this regard. “The Paris Climate Agreement sets the broader picture. That’s every country having to contribute. Locally for us it’s as a member of the European Union that we collaboratively work together with our other European colleagues. “We can’t do it on our own, but we can’t opt out either. We have to play our part, because it’s better to be a leader rather than a laggered on this because this is where the new economy is going. “This is something we can and will be good at.” Housing is also a key issue in this election, and Ryan outlines what he believes is a potential solution. “The key thing is supply and what type of supply. I think that should be costrental housing. It’s the type of housing that would most acutely address the crisis which is in the rental sector. “I think it would change our whole concept and perception of public housing and that’s why I support it.”
SOCIAL DEMOCRATS coleader Róisín Shortall says it means a huge amount to her to get the chance to contest another general election, with the possibility of representing her constituents once again. She has been at the head of the Social Democrats since June 2015, but her Dáil involvement stretches a lot further back, when she first assumed office in November 1992 as a Labour Party T.D. “Getting elected to the Dáil by your neighbours and people in your constituency is a huge honour,” Shortall told Dublin Gazette. “It’s very humbling from that point of view. I always feel very grateful to people after an election, if I succeed in being re-elected. “It’s very heart-warming in many ways, but it is also a huge challenge, because what people are doing is they are deciding that they want you to represent them. “That is ultimately what a
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The issues in Dublin North West are very similar to the issues around the country T.D. is – a public representative, and given the fact that I have been a T.D. since 1992 it is about track record, and I think I have done a lot of work over those years. “It’s reassuring if I am re-elected, but I don’t take anything for granted, I can assure you.” Speaking about some of the key issues for her constituents, Shortall sees this mirroring the national picture. “The issues in Dublin North West are very similar to the issues around the country,” she said. “Probably the top issue is health, and concern about the fact that it is so hard to access care in the public health system, and then a lot of people are afraid of not being able to do that, and that the service won’t be
there when they need it. “Then they are forced into a situation where they are forced to buy very expensive private health insurance and it shouldn’t be like that, because other European countries have proper public health services that actually work and are available to people when they need them. “There’s also an older demographic and access to healthcare is more important as people get on in years. “The other issue is housing. Housing is so unaffordable now for people and it doesn’t have to be like that. “The problem is that both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leave the responsibility for housing to the market, and the market, of course, won’t deliver affordable housing.” Are more laws needed in
relation to housing? “I wouldn’t say it is about laws, it’s about political beliefs,” Shortall counters. “We in the Social Democrats very strongly believe that the government has a responsibility to ensure that there is enough housing available, but also that it is about it being affordable to people. “That means affordable, whether you want to buy or you want to rent. “The other area obviously is that there is sufficient social housing. Currently that is not happening at all. “The outgoing government is very much dependant on the market, both in terms of the housing assistance payment, rather than building social housing. “Overall, they are not doing anything to drive down the cost of housing to make it available. “If you have a decent job, you should be able to afford a decent house, and that’s not the case at the moment.”
People Before Profit want to see the people put centre-stage right at the heart of decision-making CÓILÍN DUFFY RICHARD BOYD BARRETT is keen to stress the message which is contained in his party’s name, that it’s about people before profit. The Solidarity-PBP Leader contests the Dun Laoghaire constituency once again this weekend, and says that people should be centre stage, when it comes to decisionmaking. “I do think the problem that lies behind many of the crises that we face in Irish society at the moment is an economic system – the major political parties putting profit over the major needs of society,” he told Dublin Gazette. “Whether it is in the area of housing; whether it is the two-tier of a semi-privatised healthcare system; whether it is the unbalanced distribution of wealth, where a small minority control most of the wealth and huge numbers of people are struggling. “At many other levels you can see that profit is prioritised by the political estab-
“
Frankly, the school students have been as effective, if not more effective than the politicians in driving the climate agenda lishment over the needs of people. “We want to move in the opposite direction. “We think people have the right to affordable housing, to a decent healthcare system, to properly resourced education, or indeed other things like special needs and disability, public transport. “I think that can only happen if we start meeting people’s needs – the services and the rights that they have, rather than the profits of corporations or vulture funds.” Smaller parties such as PBP have made great strides in recent years against the more established forces. When asked if he would prefer to be in or out of Government, Boyd-Barrett said that the key thing is staying true to your beliefs.
“It’s neither of those things,” he said. “It’s about sticking to your convictions, whether you are in government, or in opposition; or indeed whether you are the school students out on the streets protesting. “Frankly, the school students have been as effective, if not more effective than the politicians in driving the climate agenda. “We saw it with the water movement, and we saw it with Repeal the 8th. It’s not just about being in government or being a minister. “It’s about sticking to principles and convictions whether you are inside or outside the Dáil, or whether you are inside or outside government and driving an agenda for progressive change.” Many national issues in this
election are also local ones, and Boyd-Barrett sees it no differently, with housing a key priority for his constituents. “Housing and public housing are key issues,” he said. “Rents that are affordable for people – the whole picture around housing is one of the biggest crises if not the biggest crisis. “The shambolic state of the health service and the inequity in terms of accessing healthcare, whether you are public or private – that inequality has to go. “The cost of living for people working very hard, but having absolutely nothing at the end of the month because of unfair taxes, charges and rising bills, has to be addressed. “Then obviously climate change is in existential threat to all of us. “The government’s record has been diabolical in taking the sort of radical measures that are necessary to deal with the climate emergency.”
20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
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6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21
WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT
DUBLIN MOTORS
The new Corolla Touring Sports TREK model impresses with some excellent driving dynamics, alongside a pleasingly rugged identity and confident design
Toyota’s TREK model boldly goes FACT BOX
DECLAN GLYNN
WITH the introduction of the new Corolla Touring Sports TREK model, Toyota has made their strikingly-handsome, and utterly-practical, estate car even more appealing. By e l e v a t i n g t h e standard Corolla Touring Sports (T/S) ride height by 20mm, and adding some cladding to the bodywork, the new TREK takes on a rugged and durable identity. Available in frontwheel-drive only, the TREK is best described as
1) Rugged, off-road styling 2) Petrol/electric hybrid 3) Powerful and practical 4) Impressively spacious 5) On sale now a car that sits somewhere between a regular estate car and a SUV, with the car being the result of a partnership between Toyota and cycle manufacturer, TREK. Externally, to set the TREK apart from the re g u l a r Co ro l l a T/S, design differences con-
sist of chunkier bumpers (complete with skid plates front and rear to lend an air of off-roading authenticity), while black 17” machined-face alloy wheels (5x doublespoke) also feature. Additionally, the TREK comes with a chrome dual exhaust pipe fin-
isher, black wheel arch mouldings, black rocker panel with silver insert, rear privacy glass, new front fog lamps, LED headlamps, and a TREK badge on the boot door for total exclusivity. Inside, the Corolla TREK has new twotone cloth upholstery, a redesigned dashboard with decorative wooden inlays, and TREK badges for its door-steps and boot lid. Powering the new Corolla T/S TREK is a powerful new 2.0-litre petrol/electric powertrain, which produces
178bhp, and a healthy 190Nm of torque, for instant acceleration. This new 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine, is capable of fuel consumption as low as 5.3l/100km on a combined driving cycle, while enabling the car to tow a braked trailer of up to 750kg in weight. The new Corolla T/S T R E K h a s e xc e l l e n t space in the front for two adults, while passengers in the rear are provided with good head, elbow and legroom too. Boot space, with the rear seat backs in place, is a generous 581 litres,
but this can be greatly increased by folding the standard 60:40 split rear seats when the need arises. My review car performed admirably well on a variety of road surfaces, with very little wind noise from around the door mirrors. At a steady motorway speed, the car’s engine tone is hardly noticeable at all, while excellent driving dynamics ensure that the car remains composed when faced with a twisty country road too. The hugely impressive
new Toyota Corolla is the Continental Tyres Irish Medium Car of the Year for 2020 – a category which is fiercely competitive. While the new Corolla Hybrid range is priced from just €26,390 (exdelivery), the Corolla T/S TREK is competitively priced at €35,990 (exdelivery). With its rugged ‘go anywhere looks’ and remarkable practicality, the new Corolla T/S TREK is proving a very worthwhile new addition to the Toyota Corolla family.
Renault to give away 36 Clios to support charity RENAULT Ireland is partnering with Irish charity The Care Trust (TCT) to supply 36 all-new Renault Clios for its series of fundraising lottery draws in 2020. Renault Ireland brand ambassador, broadcaster Ian Dempsey, was on hand to help launch the new partnership. TCT is a non-profit organisation and a registered charity, raising much needed funds for the CRC, Rehab, and the Mater University Hospital since 1974. In 2019, TCT provided €2.15 million to CRC, Rehab and the Mater Hospital from its fundraising efforts. These funds help to ensure that thousands of children and adults
with physical, medical or intellectual disabilities, those who are socially disadvantaged, and those requiring medical care have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. TCT runs three draws every month, and an all-new Renault Clio must be won in every draw. In the 30 years since the iconic supermini first went on sale, Clio has become Renault’s best-selling model worldwide, with 15 million Clios sold. The fifth generation of Clio arrived with a totally refreshed exterior styling combined with revolutionary interior design, and sets new standards for quality, technology and practicality.
It’s also one of the safest cars in its class, as highlighted by its five-star EuroNCAP rating. Co n o r D ixo n , Renault Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to partner with TCT, which does such fantastic work through its benefic iaries at the CRC, Rehab and the Mater Hospital. Broadcaster Ian Dempsey helps to launch the initiative “We wish all 36 lucky winners safe and happy driv- TCT, said: “We are very grateful to ing in their Renault Clios.” Renault Ireland for their tremenSenan Mullins, chief executive, dous support and goodwill and we
are looking forward to a great partnership which will offer our contributors 36 chances this year to win an all-new Renault Clio, along with cash prizes in every draw. “TCT has been fundraising since 1974, thanks to our generous and loyal contributors from all across the country, who make a huge difference to the lives of children and adults in Ireland who depend on the fantastic services provided by CRC, Rehab and the Mater University Hospital.”
22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
DUBLIN TRAVEL
Chinese citizens have adopted widespread use of masks in affected areas in a bid to stay safe
Governments and travel sectors scramble to cope with ‘Wuhan flu’ threat THERE’S no getting away from it: the coronavirus (dubbed ‘Wuhan Flu’ by some) looms large over global travel at the moment. Here at home, travel and life is unaffected – for now – but this swiftly-developing global issue could yet prove to be very disruptive for Irish holidaymakers, or indeed for the country. China still remains the epicentre for the Wuhan virus, tragically seeing soaring deaths and infection rates, while regional countries and governments, and others around the world, are all also mobilising in a bid to get ahead of the virus’s spread. At the time of writing, the Department of Foreign Affairs has flagged China as ‘Avoid non-essential travel’; meanwhile, Hong Kong/Macau remain at ‘High degree of caution’, unmoved from the general level prompted by the ongoing protests from 2019. If you are planning on visiting China, or for the Department’s up to date official advice on any particular country, see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/ travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries. ITAA Statement The Department isn’t the only official Irish body that’s closely monitoring the Wuhan virus – the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) have also put out a statement on the coronavirus’s impact. In a statement, the ITAA say: “The ITAA is recommending that customers avoid travelling to the Hubei province of China entirely, and reconsider travelling to the rest of China unless it is absolutely essential. “The ITAA is also advising affected holidaymakers in the country to follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Chinese local authorities and accommodation providers. “As the situation remains fluid, containment measures could be increased at any time. Travellers should be aware of delays and checks when moving within China, entering or leaving, especially at airports. “If you are affected, you should contact your tour operator or travel agent. “The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising travellers already in the country to take extra care, wash their hands regularly with alcohol-based soap, wear single-use masks and observe food safety as recommended by the World Health Organisation. “As this situation is developing rapidly, they have also advised following guidelines on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website, at www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronaviruschina. Latest travel updates can be found on the Department’s TravelWise app, at www.dfa.ie/travelwise/
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, in stunning Connemara, could help you ‘pop the question’ in unforgettable style
Have a lovely break away on February 14 SHANE DILLON
Travel Editor IT’S THAT time of year again – but if you haven’t yet found a lovely place to take your other half to for a great Valentine’s Day break, don’t panic. This week, we have a range of breaks at home or away which are guaranteed to be a hit with your loved one. Dublin First up, and why not step over to The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin? Not everyone has the time or the budget to head off down the coun-
try, or even further away, so a stay practically on your own doorstep could still be a brilliant idea. And with a luxurious stay guaranteed, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is sure to offer a superb stay for a special night. After all, apart from the hotel’s sheer luxury, guests will also be treated to an exclusively designed bouquet delivered to the hotel and placed in their room before arrival, courtesy of premium contemporary florists Adonis Flower Designers. The hotel’s Valentine’s package also includes a three-course dinner for
two at the tasteful Chancery Grill, while a complimentary ‘Fancy That’ cocktail should also go down a treat. Available from next Thursday, February 13 to Sunday. February 16, the hotel’s Valentine stay costs from €350 per couple, to include an overnight in a Premium King room, dinner for two in The Chancery Grill with a cocktail, an exclusive premium bouquet, and Super Breakfast in bed, with bubbles, and late check-out. See www.radissonblu.com/royalhoteldublin, or call the hotel directly at 01 898 2900.
Galway If you’re looking to leave the city behind, whisk yourselves away to the west coast for a romantic break in the heart of Galway. Nicknamed ‘the grand old dame of Galway’, the historic Hardiman Hotel has been a hit with guests since originally opening in 1852. However, the hotel has moved with the times, and while honouring its past it also offers a very contemporary stay, with a special Heartfelt package likely to wow this Valentine’s period. A one-night stay features open fires, a rooftop
hot tub, a rose and handmade-chocolates waiting in your room, and a candlelit dinner for two in the hotel’s Gaslight Brassserie. And after that, all the craic of Galway is waiting, offering a great night out in the west’s fun-filled city. The Heartfelt package is available from €199 per room, based on two sharing. See www.thehardiman.ie. Connemara Staying over on ‘the other coast’, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Recess, Connemara has everything you could
6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23
OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR A ROMANTIC BREAK
DUBLIN TRAVEL
The ferry company is positive about the route change, saying it will be attractive for trade and tourism alike
Brittany Ferries to move its Ireland/Spain ports
From free flowers to fine dining, The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin has a perfect Valentine package for you
You’ll be in hot tub heaven at the Hardiman Hotel, with all the fun that Galway has to offer on your doorstep
FERRY users, take note – Brittany Ferries is moving its Ireland/Spain sailings from Cork to Rosslare Eurosport from the end of the month, with the new Spanish arrival port from Rosslare to be Bilbao. Taking effect from February 28, the change has been made following extensive consultation with freight customers, with the new route providing better, shorter access to European markets. That particular ferry route has primarily been aimed at freight users, although holidaymakers have also been a core user base of the route. All customers already booked on affected sailings from Cork will be given the option to transfer their booking to sailing between Rosslare and Bilbao/ Roscoff. An allowance will be given to cover additional transfers. Alternatively, a full refund will be provided to those who choose to cancel.
Celebrating the best of the Irish travel industry
Marry a romantic break with some superb golf with a stay at Carton House, just a short drive away from Dublin city
need for an unforgettable Valentine’s break. The hotel is set in one of the calmest, yet most beautiful corners of the country, with everything from the building’s charms to woodland views and a rolling river by the gorgeous country estate sure to delight – especially if you’re (sssh) planning to ‘pop the question’. If so, the hotel already has a plan in place to help, ready to whisk out everything from special picnic butler with a picnic basket to a bottle of chilled champagne to help, if required, as part of a special package.
However, if you’re ‘just’ looking for a holiday away, you’ll be more than charmed by the hotel and its superb setting. With two nights’ bed and breakfast in one of Ballynahinch Castle’s lovely Riverside rooms with views over the river, a package including the picnic butler proposal and celebratory candlelit dinner costs from €380 per person. For further information, see www.ballynahinchcastle.com, or telephone 095 31006. Kildare If the west of Ireland is a little beyond the pale for you, Carton House
should be just the ticket. Set just outside the city in Maynooth, the hotel has made quite a name for itself with its beautiful setting in 1,100 acres, and while the building itself has centuries of history, its 36-hole golfing experfience has also put it on the map. Whether you love golf quite as much as your other half, Carton House will be a hit, potentially offering nature and sport lovers something a little different for this Valentine’s Day. The hotel is offering a two-night golfing break, arriving on February 14, and priced at €260 per
person sharing. For further information, see www.cartonhouse. com. Europe Finally, for those ready to spread their wings a little further, a whole host of European capitals are within easy reach – the tricky part can be finding an afforable place. So, why not turn to the award-winning boutique accommodation provider Generator, which has particularly stylish and comfy places to stay in a wide range of EU capitals? Whether it’s Venice, London, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Berlin, Barce-
lona, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome or Madrid in your sights – or even right here in Dublin – there’s a Generator to choose from. Gone are the days of dorms full of rickety bunk beds and musky backpackers – the Generator experience offers a much more comfortable (not to mention affordable) way of taking in a foreign capital with ease. Depending on location, prices vary – but your bank account will love that there are 20% off entire stays (two nights’ minium stay) when booking directly at staygenerator.com.
HUNDREDS of travel experts from across the country and all around the world gathered at the Mansion House for the annual Irish Travel Industry Awards recently. The popular shin-dig was a chance to network, reflect on continuing and emerging trends in the industry and, of course, to celebrate some of the very best companies and individuals at work in the industry. Heavyweights Atlantic Travel and Tour America were crowned ITAA Travel Agencies of the Year 2020. Other big winners on the night included John Spollen, president of the ITAA, Atlas Travel congratulated Marie Grenham, and FCM, managing director, Grenham Travel who won on winning the ITAA Presidents’ Best ITAA Award for special contributions to Corporate the Irish travel industry Travel Agency; CaminoWays, who won Best ITAA Member Digital Marketing Campaign; and J Barter Travel, who won Best ITAA General Marketing Campaign. Siobhan Byrne Learat, of Adams & Butler, won Best ITAA Travel Professional. For the full list of awards, see http://irishtravelindustryawards.com/2020-winners/.
24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
HOME & STYLE
FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR WARDROBE
BeautyBITS
Founder of HUDA Beauty, Huda Kattan
Huda Beauty joins beauty at Boots SUPERSTAR beauty brand, Huda Beauty, has joined a legendary line up of beauty brands at Boots.ie, with a limited assortment of Huda’s Hero products to be available in selected Boots stores from early February. This brings Huda Beauty to the high street, joining other cult brands like Milani, Lime Crime and Morphe in Boots evergrowing beauty line-up. “We’re super excited to be launching Huda Beauty in Boots. Boots are an incredible retailer and we are so thankful to them for their support and belief in our brand and vision. Our global expansion has been very quick and to now be partnering with Boots to bring Huda Beauty to the high street is both humbling and mind blowing! We’re so proud that we can truly spread the love across Ireland.” said Huda Kattan, Founder and CEO of Huda Beauty. For more information on Huda Beauty and to check out the products on offer, visit Boots.ie
Zalando launch new capsule collection ONLINE retailer Zalando has teamed up with nine Nordic brands to develop an exclusive, sustainable womenswear collection, titled Small steps. Big impact. by Zalando. Lena-Sophie Roeper, Head of Buying Premium and Sports, Zalando, says: “As a platform with more than 29 million active customers in 17 countries and more than 2,000 brands, we know that we can influence the demand for and the supply of sustainable fashion. “That’s why we’re introducing our customers to sustainable fashion, working with partners who share our vision and ethics, and move the industry forward, every day. The collection is a huge step in the right direction.” This collection follows the release of their Sustainability Strategy 2023, titled do.MORE, in October 2019. Small steps. Big impact. by Zalando is available now on Zalando.ie
SPRING REFRESH READY to hit refresh and bring some spring into your wardrobe? There’s a grand stretch in the evenings, meaning colour and flowy fabrics are back on the cards as we wave goodbye to Winter. Spring is the perfect time to try out new trends and get a lit-
tle daring with your wardrobe. Online Irish retailer iclothing. com is serving up wearable, bold prints, brighter colours and a retro feel with their newest collection, that’s sure to brighten up the days as we creep into slightly warmer, nicer weather.
Animal and retro prints are a must this season, as well as polka dots, teamed with a certain 90’s edge thanks to neon SHADES, PUFF SLEEVES AND faded denim all making a comeback.
These trends all had a moment on the catwalks for Spring 2020 this season, with iclothing.com translating these trends into affordable styles for those looking to get in on the hottest looks this season.
6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25
POLSKA GAZETA
This week we bring you Part Two in our exclusive CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN! interview with the new Polish Ambassador
Sochanska takes pride in role as the new ambassador for Poland MARTYNA
MUSZCZYNSKA news@dublingazette.com
THERE’s no doubt that Her Excellency Anna Sochanska takes great pride in her new role as the Polish Ambassador in Ireland. It’s a challenging role, but one which she has taken on with great gusto, and already is firmly bedded in, despite being just a few months in the position. Anna has a keen interest in foreign affairs, something which has been high in her thoughts since her early twenties. Moreover, Anna and her family grew up during a time of Communism in Poland. However, she is keen to accentuate the positives from it. “ We r e m e m b e r e d Poland’s rich history and what the country was like before the Second World War,” she told Dublin Gazette. “Polish people never surrendered, although they lived through a very horrific period of the German, and thereafter the Soviet occupation.’’ “Both of those regimes wanted to crush Poland and its people, but they have failed to do so as Polish people are very resilient.’’ Furthermore, as Anna says ‘’those characteristics gave us power and motivation. It is true that Polish people love their country and are very proud of it and its
Martyna Muszczynska, Cóilín Duffy (Group Editor Dublin Gazette) and Polish Ambassador Anna Sochanska Martyna Muszczynska, Cóilín Duffy (redaktor grupy Dublin Gazette) i Polska Ambasador Anna Sochanska
Sochańska jest dumna z roli Ambasadora MARTYNA
MUSZCZYNSKA news@dublingazette.com
BEZ jakichkolwiek wątpliwości można uznać, iż Pani Anna jest dumna ze swojej nowej roli Ambasadora RP w Irlandii. Rola Ambasadora RP w Irlandii jest trudna. Aczkolwiek, Pani Anna podjęła się tej roli z wielkim rozmachem i jest już mocno zadomowiona, pomimo tego, że jest zaledwie kilka miesięcy na tej pozycji. Od wczesnych lat dwudziestych Pani Anna interesowała się sprawami zagranicznymi. Pani Ambasador i jej rodzina dorastali w czasach komunizmu w Polsce, jednak chce wyciagnąć z tego wydarzenia pozytywne wnioski. „Pamiętaliśmy o bogatej historii Polski i tym, jaki był ten kraj przed drugą wojną światową” – powiedziała Pani Anna Dubachievements.’’ “A t t h e m o m e n t Poland is flourishing in terms of employment,
lin Gazette. „Polacy nigdy się nie poddali, choć przeżyli bardzo przerażający okres okupacji niemieckiej, a następnie okupacji sowieckiej”. „Oba te reżimy chc iały zmiażdżyć Polskę i jej mieszkańców, ale nie dokonali tego, ponieważ Polacy są bardo silni”. Ponadto, Pani Anna mówi, iż „te cechy” dały nam siłę i motywację. Prawdą jest, że Polacy kochają swój kraj i są z niego bardzo dumni oraz z jego osiągnięć.” „W chwili obecnej Polska kwitnie pod względem pracy, gospodarki i polityki społecznej, są to pozytywne aspekty, na których powinniśmy się skupić.” Pani Ambasador wyraża zaniepokojenie na podstawie marnowania pełnego potencjału Polski i Irlandii, ponieważ oba kraje koncentrują się na wielu kwestiach wspólnego zainteresowania, niemniej jednak nie „zjednoczyły się” jeszcze na
e co n o my a n d so c i a l policies and those are the positive aspects we should focus on.’’
The Polish Ambassador expresses her concern about how the full potential of Poland and
podstawie dyskusji wielu tematów. „Czas zmienić stereotyp Polaków, którzy są zatrudnieni nie tylko jako piekarze lub hydraulicy, ponieważ wielu z nich pracuje dla wielkich firm, takich jak Facebook, Google itp.” – powiedziała pani Anna. „ I s t n i e j ą ró ż n e p ro f i l e Po l a kó w mieszkających i pracujących w Irlandii.” Pani Anna chciałaby wysłać Irlandczyków do Polski, aby mogli doświadczyć pełnego piękna jej ojczyzny. „Polska jest krajem bogatym pod względem przyrodniczym, ponieważ składa się z wielu gór, mórz i jezior, dla Irlandczyków ważne byłoby, aby zobaczyli wszystko, co Polska ma do zaoferowania.” Niemniej jednak, bariera językowa w Polsce już nie istnieje, co jest ważne, ponieważ jest łatwiej zarówno dla Irlandczyków, jak i Polaków w kwestii porozumienia się. ‘’
Ireland is being wasted, as both countries are focused on many issues of common interests, but
that perhaps they have yet to ‘come together’ on a lot of these topics. “It is time to change
the stereotype of Polish people as they are not only employed as bakers or plumbers but work for enormous companies such as Facebook, Google etc,” she said. “There are different profiles of Polish people living and working in Ireland.” Anna would like to send Irish people to Poland in order for them to experience the full beauty of her native country. “Poland is a rich country in terms of nature as it consists of many mountains, seas and lakes and it would be important for Irish people to see all that Poland has to offer.’’ Nevertheless, the language barrier in Poland no longer exists, which makes things easier for both Irish and Polish people alike.’’
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN POLSKA GAZETA? EACH week, DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS are focusing on news and views for the Polish community with Polska Gazeta.
Would you or your business like to get on board? If you or any advertiser would like to be involved with this new concept,
and to be part of a sponsorship option, please contact Martyna Muszczynska at her email below.
Polish Correspondant Martyna Muszcynska • sales@dublingazette.com
26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 February 2020
DUBLIN SENIORS
Where there’s a will ... has yours been made clear? MAKING a will is not something that any of us relish, but it’s also one of the most important things that you can do in your life. After all, a will gives certainty – certainty for you, and potentially for your loved ones, that your wishes are known, clear, recorded and all arranged. With that certainty comes a likely peace of mind, but it can be hard to know where to start, how to go about making your will, who to turn to, and other such issues. Here, we present some helpful insights to get you started. Note, however, that this is an initial and incomplete overview, and legal advice or assistance is strongly advisable. REASONS FOR MAKING A WILL If you die without a will, the law on intestacy decides what happens to your property. A will can ensure that proper arrangements are made for your dependants and that your property is distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights of spouses/civil partners and children. It is also advisable to complete and keep in a safe place an updated list of your assets, making it easier to identify and trace them after you die. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DIE HAVING MADE A WILL? If you have made a valid will, you will have died ‘testate’, and all your possessions will be distributed in the way you set out in your will, with your named executor(s), who may also be a beneficiary, ensuring this happens. There are legal limits as to how much of your property goes to which person. If you leave a will before you die, one or more of your named executors will usually have to get legal permission (a Grant of Representation) from the Probate Office, or the District Probate Registry for the area in which you lived at the time of death, deal with your estate – typically gathering all your money or possessions, paying your debts, then distributing the remainder as instructed. If you did not name any executors in your will or if the executors are unable or unwilling to apply for a Grant of Representation, Letters of Administration (With Will) are issued. When your estate is distributed, the legal rights of your spouse/civil partner and children, if any, will be fulfilled first after any debts are paid before any other gifts are considered. THE REQUIREMENTS OF A VALID WILL It is possible to draw up a will yourself, or you can hire a solicitor to help you. For a will to be legally valid, there are several rules that apply, such as the will must be in writing, you must be of sound mind, you must sign or mark the will or acknowledge the signature or mark in the presence of two witnesses, you must be over 18, and several other such rules.
This week, ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan talks issues a call for action on housing and health for older people ahead of the upcoming Election
‘We are failing to plan for needs of our older people’ WITH every budget and general election campaign, promises to add a fiver to the pension come in thick and fast. In recent weeks we have also seen a huge c o nve rs a t i o n s h i f t regarding the increases to the pension age as political parties scramble to come up with solutions to address a gap in a policy which has been there for more than six years. But the current ‘pensions anomaly’ as it is being described is just o n e e xa m p l e o f t h e many ways we are failing to plan for the needs of older people. We know there are more than 7,000 people on the waiting list for home supports, and the funding that is needed to meet the demand. We see the images of older people who are homeless eating their meals from windowsills. We hear there are more people on hospital trolleys than ever before. And importantly, we see the population projections which mean that these issues will impact more and more older people in the years to come. We see these problems, and we know many of the answers, but sufficient action is not being taken to address them. The issues raised by the increasing eligibility age for the State Pension must be urgently addressed. But this is not the only issue impacting older people, and politicians would do well to remember it. We need
to have a full discussion about the needs of older people, most particularly in the areas of health, housing and finance. The fact is we are not putting the measures in place which will appropriately support older people who are most vulnerable. In ALONE we see this every day in our work. Waiting list In recent months we have worked with someone living in an extremely isolated area who has been on the waiting list for the home support service for seven years. We have worked with older people with terminal diagnoses who are homeless or living in unstable accommodation. We have worked with people who cut back on their heating and food so that they can afford transport to hospital appointments. These are the people who are not taken into account as Government policies are drafted and changes are made, the people who never felt any economic recovery. Older people need more from their representatives than a commitment to add a fiver to the State Pension. We need representatives who will deliver real change for the older people we work with, for those most in need of support. We need the next Government to fund home supports and health services in line with
“
Older people need more from their representatives than a commitment to add a fiver to the State Pension
demand, to increase housing delivery targets and deliver housing for older people, to triple lock the State Pension to ensure older people have financial security, and to appoint a Minister of State exclusively for Older People and Demographic Change who can properly plan for the needs and opportunities of our ageing population. We need the actions outlined in Sláintecare to be implemented without further delay, for fur-
ther supports for renters to be put in place, and for homelessness exit programmes to be delivered for older people experiencing homelessness.
Vulnerable If the next Government does not implement these actions, the most vulnerable older people in our society will continue to be left behind. A fiver on the pension here and there is not enough. We must demand more from our representatives.
No matter what age we are, we all have a responsibility ahead of the General Election to inform canvassers and candidates that we will consider the needs of older people a priority when we make decisions on Election Day, and to vote with the needs of older people in mind. A vote for older people is not just a vote for older people today, but for all our future selves. Seán Moynihan is ALONE’s CEO.
6 February 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27
CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!
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6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 31
GAELIC GAMES P35
THE BEST IN DUBLIN
SPORT
HOOP DREAMS: BASKETBALL: HALL of Famer Siobhan Caffrey speaks to Dublin Gazette about the sport’s ambitious plans to move further up the food chain in Ireland and join the ‘big three’ sports as central to the national conversation. It follows her being co-opted to a strategic working group with plans to raise the game between now and 2030.
GAZETTE
SOCCER P32
PAGE 34
LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS RUGBY | FIRST HALF OF JOB DONE AS ENERGIA PARK AWAITS
Club matters close to heart for Wesley trio CLUB XV INTERNATIONAL sport@dublingazette.com
ENERGIA Park will host another Club Series International decider this Friday as Ireland Club XV and Scotland Club XV (5.45pm) go head to head for the Dalriada Cup. The Irish side are made up of the most exciting talent in the Energia All-Ireland League and nine players from four Dublin clubs are named in the match day squad. The Irish won back the trophy in Donnybrook last year and the occasion on their home ground stoked a fire in Old Wesley trio Paul Derham, Conor Maguire and JJ O’Dea. “It was one of my goals to make the clubs team,” says Derham. “I don’t actually know what I’d be doing if I didn’t play rugby. It’s effortless out there. You don’t have to think about anything else. You can set goals, get more out of yourself and get better.” An obvious goal for the squad is to
win both games in the series. Both Derham and Conor Maguire started in the away leg last Friday – a 39-17 win in Galashiels. They have been retained in the starting line-up while O’Dea is named as a reserve. It’s all about delivering a result in front of their own people this weekend. “We’ve worked very hard as a team for the last year,” say Maguire. “For Old Wesley and our club coach Morgan Lennon especially, it would be a massive thing for us to represent Ireland at Energia Park. “We want to play with the best of the best amateur rugby players in the country and to do it on our home pitch in front of club members, family and all the people that we respect.” “It’s quite a special place to play,” says Paul Derham. “I’ve been to a lot of different clubs and you can just feel within the clubhouse that everyone gets behind each other.” There are four Terenure College players in the squad including
Old Wesley’s Paul Derham on the attack last Friday night against Scotland. Picture: Craig Watson/Inpho
Michael Melia in the back-row and Matthew Byrne on the wing. Colm Hogan of Dublin University is on the other wing while Gearoid Lyons of Clontarf is among the replacements. In the first tie last Friday, Ireland post a record score, producing five tries with Bryan Fitzgerald opening
the scoring just eight minutes in. Derham broke the line before playing in Aran Hehir for try number two before the forwards took over for Conor Maguire’s try after 32 minutes. Scotland fought back in the second half but late tries from Jamie Heuston and Matthew Byrne well clear.
SPORT CONTACT INFO SPORTS EDITOR: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com
For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@dublingazette.com Phone: 01 601 0240
32 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 6 February 2020
CLUB NOTES
ROUND
1
BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results for Jan 30th 10, 15, 17 and 24. Jackpot not won. . €100 Kevin Clair, €50 each Bernie Conn and Tom Murray... Joker consolation J.J. Duffy. Jackpot next week €1,800 and Joker €125. Bingo each Mon night at 8:00pm. Congrats to Niamh Sweeney and Orla Nolan who lined out for the Dublin Senior Ladies in the National League in Castlebar and helped secure victory over Mayo. Dublin play Cork next Saturday in Croke Park at 5:00 followed by the mens Senior Football game v Monaghan. Great night at the Ballinteer St Johns Gala Ball last week. Thank you to our fabulous organising team & all who those attended. Thanks also to all who supported the Barry Judge quiz night for C.F. Club Shop open Thursday 7.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m & Saturday 11.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
SOCCER: STRADBROOK CLUB LOOKING TO BUILD ON RECORD
Playoffs target again for Cabo’s Keeley LEAGUE OF IRELAND DAVE DONNELLY
Foxrock Cabinteely’s Niamh Collins in action for Dublin in their win over Mayo. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
KILMACUD CROKES WELL done to the Dublin Senior Hurlers who beat Laois Sunday, 4.18 to 2.17. Oisin O’Rorke, Ronan Hayes, Fergal Whitely, Lorcan McMullan and Marc Howard were all on the squad. In Ladies Football, well done to the Dublin team who beat Mayo, 0.12 to 0.7. The Crokes representatives involved with the team include Aoife & Laura Kane, Lauren Magee, Cassie Sultan, Amy Conroy, Grace Kos and Eabha Rutledge. The Dublin Senior Footballers had a good 1.11 to 0.8 win over Mayo in their 2nd League game. Well done to all the Crokes players currently involved; Cian O’Connor, Rory O’Carroll, Paul Mannion, Liam Flatman, Cian O’Sullivan, Andrew McGowan, Dan O’Brien, Cillian O’Shea and Dara Mullin.
Shane Horan and the Offaly Senior Footballers drew with Longford, 0.10 to 0.10, in their Division 3 game. Last Friday evening, a special presentation took place to acknowledge the 3 adult teams that won the Intermediate, Junior 1 and Junior 4 Football Championships in 2019. Thanks to the special guests for presenting the medals and to Denis Gorey for capturing some great photos which can be seen on the club web site. Club EGM held this week on the development of Parc de Burca. The motion before the meeting to approve the Executive decision to implement Phase 1 of the development of Parc de Burca involving re-alignment and lighting of the pitch with associated sports capital grant support was unanimously approved.
sport@dublingazette.com
CABINTEELY have named defender Conor Keeley captain for the 2020 season after unveiling a 33-man squad for the coming campaign. Local boy Kieran Marty Waters and Luke Clucas are among the familiar names on the squad list, while goalkeeper Michael Kelly has returned following a stint with Longford Town. The squad was announced alongside the unveiling a new three-year sponsorship deal with Edufit, which will help the club plan for the future. Cabo broke all club records in 2019, leading the league for the first time before securing a fourth-place finish and a spot in the promotion play-offs. A penalty shoot-out victory away to Longford Town set up a semi-final clash with Drogheda United, which Cabo lost having drawn the first leg
at Stradbrook Park. With both Longford a n d D ro g h e d a h aving strengthened over the winter, and UCD an unknown quantity following their relegation, the 2020 season is set to be ruthlessly competitive. Keeley has played in a variety of positions for Pat Devlin’s side – including starting up front in the play-off defeat to Drogheda United – during an everpresent campaign in 2019. His performances didn’t go unnoticed by Cabo’s First Division rivals and Devlin was pleased to get the skipper’s signature for another year. With top scorer Rob Manley going to Longford and captain Stephen McGuinness joining Jack Tuite in making the move to Drogheda, Cabo will once again have to re-build but confidence is high. Keeley said: “I’m really looking forward to it. We’re a few weeks into pre-season now and everybody’s looking forward to it. “It’s a great honour. I’m really looking forward to
Cabinteely’s Conor Keeley and Mick Kelly at Tuesdays’s announcement of EDUFIT as new club sponsor. Picture: Alex Connolly
leading the team and I’m absolutely delighted to be captain. “We got players in the positions where we’ve lost them and we’ve kept 15 or 16 players and we’re just going to start again where we left off. “The play-offs is going to be the push for us but, again, it’s going to be a tough, tough league and it depends because we don’t know what teams are in the league at the moment.
“No matter what, it’s going to be a tough league and we’re just going to have to put in performances like we did last year. “There were some good performances [last season] and some good crowds and it’s important we perform well because then people will come down and watch us.” Devlin added: “We lost Stephen McGuinness, we lost Jack Tuite and we lost Jack Watson, but we’ve
recruited well, we’ve brought in a couple from the under-19, so the football side of it is very good. “Can we compete as well as last year? “Only time will tell. We’ve got to work hard and we’ve got to be organised. “We’ve got a fantastic management team around and a fantastic atmosphere and spirit. We’ll be well-organised and professional as possible again.”
Getting DLR’s men on the move
Participants in previous DLR sports partnerships programmes
MEN On the Move is Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership’s free 12-week physical activity programme aimed at adult men over the age of 30 to support them to become active, have fun and improve their fitness levels in a social group. Participants should benefit from more energy, better weight control, improved mobility, greater functional fitness and overall better wellbeing. The twice weekly, one-hour physical activity sessions are indoor and outdoor based, focusing on aerobic exercises for 40 minutes and works on core strength and flexibility for 20 minutes. At the outset of the programme participants
will be recording weight, height, BMI, waist circumference and complete the Rockport walk test and again at the end of the programme so that participants can see the improvements they have made. There will also including two information sessions on Nutrition and Mindfulness, to help participants get more from the programme. The event starts this week on Thursday, February 6 from 7-8pm in Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua, Ballyogan. For further info, contact Dún LaoghaireRathdown Sports Partnership at 01-2719502 or email sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie.
6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 33
BREAKING 2019
HOCKEY: MATTHEWS HAILS INCREDIBLE SELF-BELIEF
Brilliant Beaufort edge Newpark’s rising stars LEINSTER SENIOR CUP FINAL Loreto Beaufort Newpark Comprehensive STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@dublingazette.com
BADMINTON
De La Salle shine again with Castleknock win DL LA SALLE Churchtown shone once again on the badminton courts as they won the Dublin Schools Under-16 boys Division 3 title with a 5-1 success against Castleknock College this week at the Leinster centre on Whitehall Road. José Miláne, Andrew Nolan, captain Ben Boyd, Ciaran Nolan and Alex Rodriduez are pictured with Principal Siobhán Foster. They formed the team along with Christian Garca, winning all the singles and one of the two doubles ties. It follows hot on the heels of the schools’ excellent performances in the Leinster Under-19 competitions.
Loreto Beaufort celebrate their success. Picture: Adrian Boehm
1 0
EMILY Kealy’s wonderfully composed penalty stroke five minutes from time earned Loreto Beaufort their first Leinster Schoolgirls Senior Cup title in 12 years as they won a nerve-jangler at Belfield. A loud, vibrant and packed crowd were treated to an incredibly close-run battle with defences on top even though Zoe Watterson went within inches of breaking the deadlock with a speculative shot in the first minute. Beaufort saw a trio of penalty corners booted away by the exceptional Erika Gallagher, the Newpark goalkeeper going through the competition to date without conceding at all in four rounds of matches. Olivia Brady and Kealy, meanwhile, were showing off their array of skills while Milly Lynch and Lauren Moore powered the Newpark moves from the spine of their team. The Blackrock side looked to be coming on strong in the closing minutes but, from a well cleared corner, Beaufort countered and won a set piece of their own. Skipper Aisling Murray fired it goalward where it clipped a body, leading to the stroke which Kealy coolly netted, finally breaking Gallagher’s immaculate record. For Beaufort’s Hannah Matthews – a World Cup silver medallist – she now has a schools title as both a player and a head coach. “It is so much worse watching, let me tell you! I wish I was out there on the pitch!” she said after the emotional endgame, comparing it to her 2008 success.
“The girls did brilliantly, they held their nerve all the way through. Newpark were really tough to play against and it could have gone either way but we did really well.” It has been quite the run for Beaufort who have missed out on the Senior Premier semifinals and could even miss out on a place in the Claudia Tierney playoffs. But, on the biggest stage, they have pro-
duced the goods; Matthews, though, has clearly imbued some of the self-confidence gained from her time with the Irish women’s squad into her squad. “Even when I’m playing no matter, who we come up against, there is always a little person on my shoulder who says ‘it could be us’. “We always believed and, in the cup, anything can happen.”
Michelle the youngest 5th Dan black belt TAEKWONDO sport@dublingazette.com
MASTER Michelle Hogan, who is the Chief Instructor of the Irish Taekwondo Tigers Club, recently become the youngest and first female ranking Master in the Irish Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo Organisation. The examination was conducted by Grand Master Guy Jones, who is both the Irish and European Song Moo Kwan President, at the European Headquarters in Kilkenny. Students from SMK affiliated clubs from all over the country travelled down after years of training under their Masters. The test involved hopeful students to perform kicking techniques, blocks, self-defence, spar-
ring, board breaking and Poomsae which is a curriculum of moves where you imagine you are defending yourself against multiple attackers. Practitioners were required to take a written test dependent on their level. Questions were centred around the meaning of certain Taekwondo elements as well Korean terminology. The definition of Song Moo Kwan is – Song: Evergreen tree which depicts youth or health everlasting. Moo: Martial Art and Kwan – House of Study. Taekwondo is a fast paced progressive martial art and sport but the World Song Moo Kwan aims to ensure that tradition, humility and respect are fully embedded in all of the clubs with equal importance.
Master Michelle has been training for her fifth Dan for over five years. There are time restrictions that exceed in length the higher you achieve after you receive your first Dan Black Belt which she received at the tender age of 12.
This makes the sense of achievement for high level Masters that bit sweeter. You need to be patient, focused and determined and resilient which are all skills that can be transferred to other areas of life which Master Michelle teaches her students.
34 DUBLIN GAZETTE SOUTH 6 February 2020
CLUB NOTES
ROUND
2
NAOMH OLAF THERE was no winner of the Club Lotto Draw on Sunday 2nd February. €30 winners were Sarran Byrne, Tommy Brown, Nicholas O’Brien, Phil Monaghan and Liam c/o Gary. The Jackpot on Sunday 9th February will be a fantastic €2,500 - tickets are only €2 and are available from the Club Bar, Sandyford House and at www.naomholaf.ie - match 3 numbers to scoop the jackpot. The weekend of 8th & 9th February sees league football matches for juvenile boys - Under 13s, 15s and 16s all taking to the pitches - while the Under 12 boys have a football blitz. Best of luck to all in their matches! Another fabulous match from Naomh Olaf’s David Byrne and the Dublin Senior Footballers in their win over Mayo last weekend, and the very best wishes against Monaghan in Croke Park on Saturday 8th February. Volunteers are required to help with routine maintenance around the Club - if you are willing to donate some time to your Club, please call or text Paul Lyons on 085-2525356. People to line pitches also required urgently - if you’re willing to volunteer, please give Paul a call. The Academy continues for the younger players - Saturday morning for the boys (10am for 2013 and 11am for 2014/15) - Sunday morning for the girls (10am for 2013 and 11am for 2014/15/16. The action will take place indoors until the weather improves and equipment is provided. Why not drop in with your little one to let them try it out lots of fun and new skills to be learned and new players are always welcome. The Ireland Lights Up walkers set off from the Club on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm and everyone is welcome to join in. A great opportunity to meet new people and a lovely warm cup of tea afterwards back in the clubhouse. The Club Shop is open on Saturday (10.30am to 12.00pm) and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (6.30pm to 7.30pm). Naomh Olaf Producers Market continues every Friday morning from 8.30am - definitely worth popping in to see the fabulous fresh produce on offer.
SHANKILL THE CLUB’S Chase the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s there was no winner of the jackpot and the €50 prize went to Marie Kiernan. This week’s jackpot is €1650. Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5 available in the pub. Operation Transformation walks continues this Thursday. Meet at 6.45pm at St Anne’s resource centre. Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others, a group has been set up catering for all ages, all abilities, no experience of GAA games necessary. This is a fun social group and its FREE. The venue is Scoil Mhuire from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday nights, PM us on Facebook or contact Steve 087 6414123. Our Adult Ladies and Men’s teams are already preparing for next year. If you would like to join us and represent your Village see below for details. NOTE because of the General Election been held this Saturday we may not have access to our three National Schools please
contact your coach for further information. The juvenile Academy which is for boys and girls from 4 to 7 years of age and sponsored by O Donnell’s Shankill Total Health Pharmacy is in action at 10.00am on Saturdays in St Anne’s, Rathmichael and Scoil Mhuire National Schools. The cost is only €2 per child there is no annual subscription and all equipment is provided free of charge. For details of our Ladies adult football teams e-mail stevedavis203@ gmail.com or contact Steve Davis 087 6414123. The men’s adult football team contact Kevin Martin 086 8449902. For more information on the club, contact, secretary. shankill.dublingaa.ie or call 086 6072746. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club, where we all belong.
WANDERERS LOTTO: No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 2-31-35. €25
BASKETBALL: CAFFREY CO-OPTED TO KEY ROLE
Basketball’s big push for higher recognition STEPHEN FINDLATER
sfindlater@dublingazette.com
WHEN Basketball Ireland put its head above the parapet on Tuesday to voice its disquiet over the bailout handed to the FAI, it gave the sport a rare public stage to highlight its phoenix-like rise from ashes. In the depths of the financial crisis, the governing body went into debt of €1.5 million. To cut its cloth, international teams were cut overnight, staff numbers were cut by more than half registration fees increased as the sport and its practitioners were charged to get them out of the hole. Under the stewardship of Bernard O’Byrne, the debt was cleared and, recently, partially selffunded international teams have returned to action with the Under-20s qualifying for 2020’s toptier Euro Championships J a n u a r y ’s v i b r a n t National Cup series add to the feeling of a sport on the up; having the third largest participation level for kids with an enviable gender balance backs that up. And Siobhan Caffrey – who was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year – says it is part of bigger plans to come having recently been co-opted to join Basketball Ireland’s Strategic Plan Implementation Group. Originally from the sport’s hot bed in Killester,
Siobhan Caffrey receiving her Hall of Fame award from Basketball Ireland President Theresa Walsh and board chairperson Fran Ryan. Picture: Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile
she moved to Meteors around her Leaving Cert following a house move and it was there she had her glory days under the West Coast Coolers banner. The former Irish captain won five national titles, including a four in-a-row between 1982 and 1985. From that background, she has a lifetime of knowledge and passion for the sport which she brings to the strategic group’s table. “It’s a ten-year programme now, leading up to 2030, to bring basketball up to the stage where you have rugby, the Gaelic and those centre-stage sports, making it on the same level,” she told Dublin Gazette. “This is the major pro-
goes to Aisling O Connor, Mari Brennan, Rhys McEvoy, Emmet O Conghaile . Jackpot next week is €10,000. As our lotto is now at €10k we have started a background which is sitting currently at €1,900. When the €10k is won our new lotto will start from the background draw. Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page. If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754. If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info. Our Juvenile training is on Saturday mornings and Wed evenings along with the nursery on Saturday mornings, please contact Fergal on 0876213142 for more details, the club is looking for new members at all levels so please reach out as per above if interested. Siobhan Caffrey in Meteors action
gramme of Basketball Ireland, looking at six different pillars of the sport with my pillar looking at primary and secondary schools, clubs and universities to co-ordinate with volunteers.” A teacher of 20-years, she recently completed a masters in conflict resolution at Maynooth University in addition to her credentials in the sport. She is also coaching with her daughter in Meteors while her two sons have high level sporting experience, playing AIL rugby with St Mary’s, giving her a range of key experiences for the role. Plans include setting up four centres of excellence around the island, boosting further the standard of coaching on offer. Caffrey says that while her era is regarded as one of the finest of all time, she believes the level of skills training on offer nowadays shows the increase in level is well under way. “The teams seem to be stronger. I watched the cup games for the last few years and the talent, the strength and everything underlying it is so much higher. With Meteors, we were lucky to have a team
where we were coached so well and each player had the skills. Some other teams didn’t have that. “Now, the coaching and the skill level is across the board; each player can do a wider range of things, some phenomenal stuff. We felt our era, the 80s, was the time but now I see there are other clubs reaching new standards.” And she believes that while it is ambitious to try and turn the “big three” in Irish sport into a quartet, it is “attainable”. “If you don’t dream it, you can’t achieve or attain it. You see what the hockey girls did and it is about showcasing your sport. It is about getting out there. “Ireland is absolutely made for basketball; you couldn’t pick another sport better suited. I would like to get it out there that basketball is an underlier for every other sport. “There’s a huge passion there and a drive [on the strategic group’s committee], some of whose parents were the people who had the vision to see the arena in Tallaght built. “With them on board, I can see it will move at least 20 paces forward from where it is at the moment.”
6 February 2020 SOUTH DUBLIN GAZETTE 35
FOOTBALL: KILMACUD CROKES PLAYER FOLLOWS IN FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
FOOTBALL
Rowe on form as Dublin ease by Mayo
DCU get the party started as they lift the Sigerson Cup.
Sigerson cycle goes full circle for the Fox family SIGERSON CUP FINAL D.C.U. Dochas Éireann I.T. Carlow CÓILÍN DUFFY cduffy@dublingazette.com
0-14 0-7
THE SIGERSON Cup came full circle for Kilmacud Crokes clubman Tom Fox, as he played a key role for DCU Dochas Éireann in their home Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup triumph in Glasnevin. Back in 2013, Fox was a mascot as his well known father, Sean, managed Dublin Institute of Technology to their lone Sigerson Cup success. With the likes of Dublin’s Ciaran Reddin; Mayo’s Jason Doherty and Meath’s Bryan Menton on board, they claimed a 3-8 to 0-7 win over UCC in the decider at Athlone IT. As he had been for all of their previous games on the way to the decider, Business student Fox was introduced as DCU’s first substitute – taking to the field in the 37th minute, and really making an impact. With the likes of Naomh Mearnóg’s Shane Carthy, Ballymun Kickhams clubmen Evan Comerford and Paddy Small also impressive; along with Man of the Match David Garland from Monaghan; DCU held out to take a 0-14 to 0-7 win over first-time finalists IT Carlow
in front of a huge crowd. DCU had coasted to victories over Queens University Belfast and UCD in the previous rounds, but this was a much tighter affair, with DCU really pushed to the sword, with the likes of Offaly’s Cian Farrell trying strongly for the visitors. “It was tough playing against the wind in the second half,” the younger Fox told Dublin Gazette after the game. “We spurned a few goal chances in the first half. Just coming out with the wind, we said we would hold onto the ball and take our chances. “We knew that the gaps would come eventually in the end, as the game progressed on.” “Look, we are absolutely delighted to come out of it with a win!” Keen observes of DCU will have felt it was their toughest game of the year, but Fox was keen to stress that each game brings its own level of toughness. “It does indeed,” he said. “I suppose each team brings something different. With regards to the first day it was especially tough. “It was similar enough tonight with the type of game it was. Look we are just absolutely delighted to win Sigerson in the end.” Fox says winning the Sigerson Cup is
an incredible feeling. “It’s just absolutely unbelievable. You are playing with boys who you haven’t always played with, from different counties and different clubs in Dublin and stuff like that. “It’s absolutely unbelievable, there’s a special bond with all of the boys. “It was a little bit of added pressure
there for us in our own home patch. We knew what we had to do. “We have been playing on this pitch for the last three or four years so we knew that it was an advantage, but it is what it is.” The victory was a fitting one for Dublin City University, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.
Kilmacud Crokes’ club men Sean and Tom Fox.
MICK Bohan’s Dublin ladies football side were rarely in trouble as they claimed their first win of the competition with eight Carla Rowe points key to a 0-12 to 0-7 victory over Mayo last Saturday evening. Played as part of a double header with the men’s teams, Dublin fielded a mix of experienced and younger players and the blend was enough to guide the sky blues to the win. “I’m very pleased with the win. It’s always a balancing act, trying to develop players while also doing the jersey proud and playing the game on its merits,” said Bohan. “Our backs did very well – at the other end we created a few goal chances and didn’t take them, so we need to improve there. The effort from every one of our girls cannot be faulted.” It was a victory acquired through hard work rather than flair. Bohan started with Cuala’s Martha Byrne and Kilmacud Crokes’ Eabha Rutledge in the full-back line while Foxrock Cabinteely’s Niamh Collins was at full back. Kilmacud’s Lauren Magee and Cuala’s Jennifer Dunne occupied midfield. And there were more local representatives in the forward lines where Ballinteer St John’s Niamh Sweeney started. BSJ’s Orlagh Nolan came off the bench with Laura Kane replacing Rowe with a few minutes to go, too.
GazetteSPORT FEBRUARY 6-12, 2020
ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 31-35
AMBITIOUS HOOP DREAMS BASKETBALL:
Hall of Famer Siobhan Caffrey on the sport’s ambitious plans to turn the big three into a quartet in 10 years. SEE P34
BRILLIANT BEAUFORT HOCKEY: Inspired by the spirit of 2008, Loreto end long wait for Leinster schools cup glory under coach Hannah Matthews. SEE P33
Jack and Jake’s double gold for Monkstown STEPHEN FINDLATER
sport@dublingazette.com
JOY UNCONFINED for Monkstown Boxing Club as the club’s Jake Rapple and Jack Marley landed All-Ireland glory last Friday night at the National Stadium at the Under-18 championships. Both have been part of the club since they were very young boys with Rapple – son of club chairman Tommy – joining when he was six-years-old while Marley linked up with Monkstown at nine. For Rapple, fighting at flyweight (52kg), it was his first national title and has been a long-time coming. He has been beaten in Dublin and All Ireland Finals since he has been competing as an 11-yearold – he has been extremely unlucky throughout the years. But the Monkstown coaches knew they had an immense talent on their hands and, one day, he
Jack Marley, left, and Jake Rapple, right, celebrating their All-Ireland Under-18 victories last Friday at the National Stadium
would get his just reward. “The problem was keeping him motivated and involved in the sport after tasting finals defeat so many times,” said club coach JP Kinsella. “It is a measure of the boy that he never gave up; last year he took some time out to complete his Leaving Certificate.
“Since September, he has been back in the club four nights a week and Saturday and Sunday mornings; he goes running six mornings a week and is extremely dedicated. “This is a fantastic achievement for Jake and his family. He is a terrific example to all young boxers that ‘the hardest thing
in boxing, is to keep doing it’.” For Marley on the other hand, he was retaining the Irish heavyweight (91kg) crown that he won last year. He previously represented Ireland at the European Youth Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, losing in the quarter-finals to the
eventual winner from France. He will be hoping to go one step further this time in Montenegro and claim a medal and Kinsella hailed him as “another extremely dedicated boxer who also comes from a very supporting family – his grandfather Brendan Hanney claims to be the club’s
number one supporter!” Both have been added to the IABA High Performance Training Camps in the coming weeks of which Monkstown coach James Doyle is an integral part of the set-up. The European tournament in Montenegro will take place from April 23 to May 3.