Dublin Gazette: South Edition

DublinGazette FEBRUARY 14-20, 2019

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THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT FROM THE DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

Car thieves RESIDENTS are being warned of “car thieves about” in the Shankill area.

Local, Michael Foley alerted others after both his car and his neighbour’s car was broken into last Friday.

SEE PAGE 7

SPORT SOCCER:

Cabinteely outline ambitious plans for youth development and calls on DLRCOCO support SEE P29

dubliners

OUR NEW SECTION ON EVERYONE WHO CALLS DUBLIN HOME

COMBINING FUN WITH FITNESS

A

lison Canavan and her son James pictured at Dublin Port for the launch of the annual Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk which takes place on St Patrick’s Day. Over 2,000 enthusiastic walkers are expected to take on the challenge, with the option of starting from Howth Harbour or Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Register now at www.aware.ie/events. Picture: Andres Poveda

Council committed to Glenalbyn pool REBECCA RYAN

P12 Find us on Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you

THERE have been mixed reactions over an announcement made at this week’s council meeting over the future of Glenalbyn swimming pool. €10 million was ringfenced for the refurbishment of the Stillorgan pool after it was closed in 2013 over the structural issues with the roof.

In 2017, Minister Shane Ross initiated a mediation process between Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), who own the pool site, and Kilmacud Crokes GAA who own the neighbouring lands needed for access during a rebuild.

Chief executive Philomena Poole said there has been “no satisfactory resolution” to the talks and it would be “unwise” to delay the progress of other projects such

as Stillorgan Library, Fernhill and the East Pier by “tying up the funds assigned for Glenalbyn”.

On Monday, council members were told they do not have the power to direct the chief executive to continue the ringfenced funds for the pool.

Local councillors and representatives have been giving their reaction to Dublin CONTINUES ON PAGE 2 Gazette.

Harris slams protest at home

PROTESTERS outside the Health Minister’s family home over the weekend have been condemned for their actions.

Simon Harris, his wife and their three-week-old baby were trapped inside their home on Sunday afternoon in Greystones by a group of up to 20 people claiming their protest was against “corruption, austerity and evictions”.

Minister Harris has come under mounting pressure recently over the nurses and midwives’ strikes and the spiralling costs of the National Children’s Hospital.

SEE PAGE 4

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

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FROM PAGE 1

‘€1.7m to kickstart project’ despite fears Cllr Donal Smith (FF) said: “The funding for Glenalbyn Pool has been pulled. That means that the plug has been effectively pulled on the pool project.

“We also have been given the council’s opinion to say that we as councillors have no power to change that decision. The commitments previously given to ringfence funds for the pool have been abandoned.”

Stillorgan Area Rep Rosie Ni Laoghaire (SF) said the loss of funding for the pool is a “slap in the face” for the local community.

Cllr Lettie McCarthy (LAB) said: “The people of Stillorgan and the wider community have shown great patience and I share their deep disappoint-

FASTNews

Grainne and Meidhbhin holding their Purple Heart Day Tea Party

Purple Heart Appeal on Valentine’s Day

The protest outside the council chambers called by Friends of Glenalbyn group which was attended by the community and local politicians

ment with the snail’s pace progress of Glenalbyn Pool. We cannot sit idly by in the belief that everything will be sorted

through mediation any longer.”

Dublin Rathdown TD Catherine Martin (GP) said: “The sooner the mediation

talks conclude, and a report is published the better for all concerned. Enough time has been wasted.”

However, Minister Shane Ross has said that contrary to a “misleading narrative” that DLRCC has abandoned the pool project, Ms Poole has reaffirmed to him the council’s commitment to it.

In a letter shown to Dublin Gazette from Ms Poole in response to Minister Ross and Cllr Deirdre Donnelly (IND) she said the council remain “committed” in the talks with Kilmacud Crokes.

She said if talks do reach a resolution, it will not be anywhere close to contract in 2019, however she added: “The third-party funds which are available (€1.7m) will allow it to advance through to the design and planning stages”.

Minister Ross said: “Sufficient money (€1.7m) is available to kickstart the project with design and planning.

“I call on both parties in the mediation process to conclude talks as a matter of urgency. That will give the green light to the reopening of the pool.”

Another meeting between Kilmacud Crokes and DLRCC is planned for this week.

THE annual Purple Heart Appeal for Purple House Cancer Support is taking place today, on Valentine’s Day. Funds raised from this year’s appeal will fund the Purple House Play Therapy and Counselling Service for children living with cancer.

You will see volunteers out and about in the Dun Laoghaire area where you can pick up a Purple Heart for €2 or a Caring Bear for €5.

Volunteers will also be out tomorrow (Friday) at Tesco Merrion.

You can also text PURPLE to 50300 to donate €4. See www.purplehouse.ie or phone 012866966 for more information.

Successful show for Rathdown TY students

TY students at Rathdown School have staged a fantastic production of the musical Sister Act. Proud Head of School and Senior School Principal, Mr Moore said: “I am consistently astounded by the level of talent that we have within the school community and the dedication that the students bring to these performances.

“I would like to congratulate them all for their hard work as I know how much time and effort went into the production from students and staff.”

The cast included Laoise Burns (who played Deloris Van Cartier), John Cawley, Sarah Colgan, Naoise Cautley, Eithne Cunney, Rachel Quinn and Grace Sandys along with the Fantasy Dancers and Nuns.

Blackrock College students and teachers from Rathdown School were also praised for their input into the successful show.

The nuns of the City of Angels Church get their groove on

14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

WINDY ARBOUR: NECESSARY AND POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AREA, SAYS TD

Launch of new Men’s Shed ‘great news for all involved’ REBECCA RYAN rryan@dublingazette.com

GREAT news for the area as Dundrum Windy Arbour Men’s Shed are launching on the first Thursday in March.

Community leaders in Rosemount said they have received a commitment from the council to put in a meeting room in Rosemount Estate, and in the meantime, it will operate from dressing rooms in Rosemount.

Dundrum Windy Arbour Men’s Shed said: “This is great news for all involved, and will be open to all men, regardless of age, ability or

background.

“The social inclusion initiative will play a vital role in tackling social isolation and loneliness in the lower Dundrum area.”

TD for Dublin Rathdown Catherine Martin told Dublin Gazette it is “wonderful news” for the community.

“Men’s Sheds have proven to have an incredibly positive impact throughout our community, in Nutgrove/Loreto, in Ballinteer and in Sandyford – and this provides a really positive opportunity for people in Dundrum and Windy Arbour to participate in a similar community group.

“At a time when our mental health services are in crisis, Men’s Sheds are vital parts of their communities. Given the size of Dundrum and Windy Arbour, a Men’s Shed this is a necessary and positive development for the area.

“The local community which has been campaigning tirelessly for this much-needed facility deserve huge praise, and I am delighted that their work has finally paid off.”

To add to the good news, the group were delighted to get sponsorship from Capital Credit Union.

Dundrum Windy Arbour Men’s Shed will launch on Thursday, 7th March at 1-3pm.

Dundrum Windy Arbour Mens Shed

Impact on bird of prey puts project on hold PADRAIG CONLON

A RARELY seen bird of prey is obstructing a controversial development at the Hellfire Club.

South Dublin County Council wants to build a visitor centre at the iconic site which would include a panoramic cafe, exhibition space, a ramblers lounge, toilets, changing facilities, a shop and education centre.

Their application to An Bord Pleanála (APB) was met with furious opposition from many local residents, conservationists and politicians during the oral hearing in November.

Now all plans to build have been put back for at least another year after APB wrote to the council informing them that their bird survey was inadequate because data on the Merlin, a species of falcon, was limited to the summer months of 2018.

The council have until February 2020 to submit information covering all seasons.

Rare The Merlin, which is Ireland’s smallest raptor, nests on the ground on moorland, mountain and blanket bog.

It is a rare breeding

bird in this country and is mostly found in the west with small numbers to be found across the midlands and the Wicklow Mountains.

The Irish Raptor Study Group, which carries out surveys, monitoring and research on birds of prey and owls (raptors) in the Republic of Ireland say however the Merlin is being used as a pawn to stop the visitor centre being built.

In a statement released on their Facebook page they said: ““A very depressing example of how An Bord Pleanala and our planning system is broken.

“A huge wind farm can be built on one of the most important breeding or roosting sites for Hen Harrier in the State and the Bord have no problem approving it however, a new visitor centre and car park in a conifer plantation is refused for its “potential effects” on Merlin.

“The double standards here (and lack thereof) is something that should concern our TDs, Developers, Consultants and public alike.

“In the case of the Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre, local dogwalkers don’t want to share their space with more visitors.

FASTNews Opinions sought on action plans A PUBLIC consultation has opened up on Dublin’s climate change action plans.

The four Dublin local authorities aim to set out the actions each council will take to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its buildings and operations.

Members of the public are invited to make submissions on the plans until the 25th March 2019.

As part of the consultation process, a public information event will take place on February 21 (Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Council): at 3-7pm, National Maritime Museum. To register or to find out how to make a submission see www.eventbrite. ie and www.dublinclimatechange.ie

Fighting fit in Milltown

“

Plans to build have been put back because of the Merlin

We have also questioned the suitability of locating an information centre on this scale in this specific area “Classic NIMBYism.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, a n d without foundation, the Merlin has been used as a focus for objection and it has stuck.

“The unnecessary negative stigma this attaches to Birds of Prey does not serve eNGOs

& conservation based objections to planning at all well.”

The decision by ABP has been welcomed though by Dublin Mid West People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, who made a submission to the oral hearing last November.

“From the beginning opposition to the proposed Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre has been resolute,” he said.

“Local campaigners and People Before Profit have raised concerns regarding the impact of such a large scale project

on the fragile environment of Massys Wood.

“We have also questioned the suitability of locating an information centre on this scale in this specific area.

“We are delighted that ABP obviously share those concerns.”

ALEXANDRA College in Milltown has been named Ireland’s most improved girls’ school in a National Fitness Challenge.

The Irish Life Health Schools’ Fitness Challenge 2018 highlights that from age 15 the number of students not meeting the minimum fitness levels is rising.

Commenting on the link between exercise and academic performance, Professor Niall Moyna said: “There are several international studies which show that exercise helps reduce stress levels, increases concentration levels and positively impacts on academic performance.”

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

FASTNews

GREYSTONES: ‘HIS CLAIMS AGAINST US ARE COMPLETELY FALSE’

Virtual reality experience coming to Sandyford IRELAND’S first ever virtual reality multi-player game is coming to Sandyford next month.

Zero Latency Dublin says that using a combination of technology and proprietary software, it eliminates the motion sickness sometimes associated with VR. Ronan Cunningham, who is bringing the concept to Dublin, said he wanted to bring it home having tried it for himself in Japan.

“My first experience of Zero Latency was on honeymoon with my wife in Tokyo! We’re always looking for new things to do, and as soon as we tried this, I knew instantly that I wanted to bring it to Dublin.”

Zero Latency Dublin will open at 21 Maple Avenue, Sandyford on March 4.

Tickets are now available online at www.zerolatencyvr.ie

2019 Paddy’s Day festivities are revealed THE ST Patrick’s Festival was launched in Dublin this week, with 2019’s celebrations to involve more than 40 events across five days.

This year’s festival will take place from March 14-18, under the theme of Storytelling.

More than 3,000 people are expected to take part in the main parade, with half a million spectators

lining the streets of the capital to watch.

Festival director Susan Kirby said: “We’ve everything from visual arts, spoken word, and a threeday festival village at Merrion Square.

“We’ve a really diverse audience range so we’re involving working with Bealtaine Festival this year.”

A group of protesters gathered outside Harris’ home in County Wicklow last weekend

Harris slams protest outside his home REBECCA RYAN

PROTESTERS outside the Health Minister’s family home over the weekend have been condemned for their actions.

Simon Harris, his wife and their three-week-old baby were trapped inside their home on Sunday afternoon in Greystones by a group of up to 20 people claiming their protest was against “corruption, austerity and evictions”.

Minister Harris has come under mounting pressure recently over the nurses and midwives’ strikes and the spiralling costs of the National Children’s Hospital.

Minister Harris said the protest was “very frightening” for his family.

“Obviously my number one priority is the safety and the wellbeing of my family. It was obviously a very frightening experience for

them. Thankfully everyone is ok, but a little bit shook,” he told The Irish Independent.

‘Fingal Battalion Direct Action Group’, who started a #BringItToTheirDoors campaign, sparked condemnation across varies groups, politicians and the public.

In a statement, the group said: “Firstly, we attended his home yesterday in solidarity with all the families affected and left scared

by Simon and his party on a daily basis.

“Whether it’s with the smear test scandal, patients left on trolleys or many of the other situations he and his party have put the people of Ireland through.

“Secondly, from the videos on our page, you can clearly see nobody was even inside his front garden, all protesters were standing outside on a public street step.

“We spoke with the Garda and

they had no issues with what we were doing. His claims against us are completely false at no stage did we enter his property grounds or obstruct access to or from his home.”

Local councillor Lettie Mc Carthy (LAB) condemned the protest.

“When someone puts themselves before the electorate in my opinion, this does not include their families and their neighbours.

“I can’t think of any neighbourhood or estate that would welcome a group of protesters with banners arriving on a Sunday afternoon where children are out playing.

“I would suggest a politicians constituency office would be a far more appropriate place for a protest but leave their families and neighbours in peace,” she told Dublin Gazette.

In a brief statement, the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation

said: “The INMO and its members condemn in the strongest possible terms the protests today outside Minister Harris’ family home. The protests are completely inappropriate.”

Many have been condemning the protest online.

One wrote: “While I do agree that he should resign in no way do I condone going to intimidate his family at their home.

“His wife with a new born especially doesn’t need this and I do hope this type of ‘protest’ doesn’t become a trend.”

However, there was some who agreed with the protest, with one writing: “If he doesn’t want the public to hold him to account, he shouldn’t be in public office. Him and his friends’ actions affect people’s private lives every day so it’s about time they have their private lives affected.”

Local GAA club honour much-loved member NAOMH Olaf GAA Club in Sandyford have penned an appreciation of much-loved member of their management, Joe Fleming (pictured left), who died last September.

Club Member, Brendan McGlynn told Dublin Gazette that Joe was born in the Rotunda Hospital in 1933. He married Maureen in 1963 and they lived in Meadowmount, Rathfarnham with their four children Joe, Mick, Brian and Ann Marie.

“The news of the death of Joe Fleming at St Vincent’s Hospital Dublin, on September 17,

2018, was greeted with a great sense of loss and sadness by the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.

“When he joined Naomh Olaf in 1999 his enthusiasm and energy were remarkable. He managed a junior football team and served on the Communications Committee.

“He retired from team management in 2003 but was a member of Naomh Olaf club until the time of his death.

“In 2009 Coiste Na Seana Ghael, a sub-committee of the Dublin County Board of the GAA

honoured Joe by presenting him with a Testimonial in recognition of his dedicated contribution to the promotion of Gaelic Games.

“Having retired from team management for Naomh Olaf in 2003, Joe joined Ballinteer Active Retirement Association where he served as Secretary 2008 to 2011, Chairman 2011 to 2014 and Registrar in 2014.

“Joe was further honoured in 2017 when he received a volunteer recognition award for selflessly volunteering his time to help the youth of his community,” said Mr McGlynn.

14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Nicola and Kali Coyle

Anagha Tokala

Cathal, Elva and Rossa Twomey. Pictures: Peter Cavanagh

Councillor Ossian Smyth; Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with 7-year-old Alva Sullivan.

Family Day at dlr LexIcon

LR LexIcon hosted a family fun day last week which celebrated the Chinese New Year. The event featured toddler yoga, kite making workshops, springtime storytelling, concerts and rhythm workshops, art workshops, virtual reality as well as dragon and lion dancers to celebrate the New Year of the Pig.

D

Éilis Kelly

This young girl certainly enjoyed the celebrations

Daphne Hernandes Garcia with Theo and Annabel Davies

Roisín Munroe; Cathal Ó Duibhir Baoill and Cathal Deegan

14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

SHANKILL

Residents warned about car thieves in area RESIDENTS are being warned of “car thieves about” in the Shankill area.

Local, Michael Foley alerted others after both his car and his neighbour’s car was broken into last Friday.

He wrote on Facebook community page Shankill Open Forum: “Car thieves about. A neighbour’s car and my own were broken into last night in Dorney Court.

“We both had left them unlocked (I know, I know).

“They stole some loose change and a child’s jacket from my neighbour’s car.

“So, make sure you lock your car and if you spot anything suspicious let the gardai know.”

Others in the area reported break-ins on the same night, with one local saying she caught a perpetrator on their video doorbell as he tried to steal their car and their neighbour’s car.

Gardai’s advice on keeping your car secure include; making sure all windows are closed and doors are locked, set an alarm, do not leave property on view inside your vehicle, avoid parking in isolated places and at night-time park in a well-lit area.

DALKEY: BEING A MEMBER ‘GOOD FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH’

Get involved with our group says local choir REBECCA RYAN

A DALKEY choir is encouraging locals who are interested in singing to get involved with their choir, as part of Sing Ireland.

Organisation Sing Ireland is encouraging all those interested in singing, regardless of your age or ability, to get involved with a group this year, which they say is good for your mental health.

Dublin Gazette caught up with the founder of the Dalkey Active Retirement Association (DARA), Vincent Ryan, 78, about his choir which was set

Members of the Dalkey choir

up in 2011 and now has 70 members.

The dad-of-two worked in EDB until retirement in 2004, and then he joined DARA. “At that time DARA organised occasional musical evenings where we sang around the piano.

These were attended by 20 to 30 people and most enjoyable.

“After a few years they became less frequent and I missed them.

It was then I felt that a choir for retired people with rehearsals in the afternoon would be good.”

In 2011, Vincent enrolled himself into the in the AOIC (now

Sing Ireland) on a week-long conducting course.

He then contacted the DARA chairperson about setting up a choir which proved to be very popular with many joining.

Sing Ireland says that studies show that group singing is good for both physical and mental health and Vincent agrees.

“This is confirmed by the large attendance at rehearsals and what each member says the choir means to them.

“They speak about the emotional lift that being a member of the choir has brought.

“Coming together to be part of the choir has given us purpose, enjoyment, musical education and the challenges each piece of music we sing provides.

“Our fans tell us we have improved with each year!”

If you are interested to join the DARA choir there is no audition process to join but you must be a member of DARA. Member application forms are available from Our Lady’s Hall, Castle Street Dalkey, where rehearsals take place every Wednesday from 3 to 5pm, with a break for tea and coffee.

FASTNews Dream comes true for local reality star

A RATHFARNHAM actor and reality personality said it is a “dream come true” to be crowned Miss Elegance of the World 2019.

Dani Masterson (pictured), from E4’s Coachtrip Road to Marbs and TG4’s Great War Diaries, will now compete internationally at Miss Global United States in Florida this July.

She told Dublin Gazette she has been blown away by the support she has received.

“It really does feel like a dream come true being Miss Elegance of the World 2019 and having the opportunity to compete at Miss Global United States.

“I truly can’t get over the amount of support I have, when I receive messages, texts or calls my heart jumps to think I have such incredible people in my life who believe in me.

“I think every girl goes into a pageant hoping to enjoy it and make the most of it.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I want to give this my all and make everyone proud.”

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

MAUREEN O’CONNELL

RESEARCH: HOPING TO FIND ‘PERSONAL STORIES’

Post office closure leaves locals angry

Filmmaker gets new film into festival

A FILMMAKER from Blackrock’s movie has make it into the Female Filmmakers Festival in Berlin (FFFB).

Maureen O’Connell’s feature film ‘Spa Weekend’ will be showcased in the festival in June.

The movie is a slacker comedy about two Dublin actors, ‘Stoney’ & ‘Jo’, who escape the city for a rural retreat but find chaos follows them into the wilderness.

The cast also include Shane Conaty, Nuala Kelly, Klara Mc Donnell and Dani Masterson.

Maureen O’Connell (pictured) is an awardwinning director, writer and actor. She trained in the prestigious London drama school RADA. She told Dublin Gazette when she performed in theatre shows a ro u n d Ire l a n d , s h e would save the money to make her own movies.

“While I was acting in these shows, I was writing screenplays. I would use the money that I was paid during these shows to fund my own films.”

Her films have been selected by the Galway Film Fleadh and RTE.

Maureen’s career has gone from strength to strength and she is very excited that Spa Weekend made it into the FFFB. “…I’m relieved it’s fina lly finished a nd beginning its festival journey starting in Berlin which is just so awesome!

“I am so excited and will definitely be going!

There will be a few of us heading over so it’ll be a fun adventure,” she said.

S c re e n i n g s o f S p a Weekend for Dublin will be announced very soon.

You can see the comedy trailer at https:// vimeo.com/313458508

BLACKROCK

Main picture: Dorina in the front row in Black dress. Above left: Dorinda on holiday in Bray. Above: A young Dorinda.

Monkstown man seeks information on penitentiary REBECCA RYAN

A MONKSTOWN man is looking for information about a Dublin Female Penitentiary that his great-grandmother used to run.

John Edmondson (69) is completing The Lord Mayor’s Certificate in Oral History at the Dublin City Archives in Pearse Street Library and is researching the Protestant-run Magdalene Laundry beside Mountjoy.

John told Dublin Gazette he is hoping to find people with “personal stories” and is interested to know if it was “the same as the majority of laundries, or if it was more humane”.

“The place closed in 1910 so there’ll be no-one alive today who has direct memories of it but there could be older people who have some family stories about it, [for instance] if their mothers were in it or their families lived nearby or had some connection.”

Akin to the TV show, Who Do You Think You Are? John is also trying to solve some of the questions about his great-grandmother, Dorinda

Edmondson, who was Matron in the Penitentiary around 1900. “[Dorinda] was employed as Matron of the Dublin Female Penitentiary from about 1889 to 1905.

“This was not a jail but a Protestant-run Magdalene laundry right beside Mountjoy.

“It closed in 1910 so there is no one

John said he knows from the 1901 census about Dorinda’s position in the Penitentiary and her sister Julia Anna Brewster was one of her assistants.

“There were over 30 women working there as ‘laundresses’, mainly Catholic and most from Dublin, of a wide range of ages but

alive today with direct experience of it.

“After that Dorinda ran a commercial laundry in Bray owned by her and her husband until 1916 (a year after being widowed).

“Where she went then I don’t know, but she turns up in the London Female Penitentiary in 1930 at the age of 70 and worked there until it closed in 1939 when she was 79.

“She then returned to Ireland and lived with her brother William in Arklow until she died in 1945 aged 85.”

many in their 30s.

“We have no idea whether the Penitentiary was just as bad as all the other Magdalene laundries. Or was it a little more humane? Was Dorinda a saint? Or was she not?

“That is my question and the only way to find a clue is by the testimony of people with direct experience,” added John.

If you have any stories or impressions about the Dublin Female Penitentiary or Dorinda, you can contact John at dorinda1860@gmail.com or 086 3552525.

“

We have no idea whether the Penitentiary was just as bad as all the other Magdalene laundries

BLACKROCK locals are said to be “very angry” about the closure of Blackrock Post Office in the Frascati Shopping Centre.

In a notice, the post office previously stated: “Following the retirement of the Postmaster, this post office will close for business on Friday, January 4, 2019.

“All services are being transferred temporarily to Stillorgan Post Office pending the completion of a new post office premises in Blackrock in early 2019.”

Blackrock Representative Lola Hynes (PBP) told Dublin Gazette the recent closure has been a “major inconvenience” to many who are living in the area, especially pensioners.

“Many elderly people have had their pensions transferred to Stillorgan Post Office which is very difficult to get to without a car.

“People are very angry that they were given no choice for their alternative post office. Stillorgan is very inconvenient to get to and some of them are having to get taxis which is leaving them out of pocket.

“The social interaction and the outing is very important to the elderly and they miss their local post office,” said Ms Hynes.

She said that before C h r i s t m a s, A n Po s t assured her that the post office would reopen which she said has “yet to happen”.

“We believe it is to reopen in Supervalu in February and we have asked the Minister for assurances on this.

“It is unacceptable that the elderly have to travel any distance, even on a temporary basis and we will be keeping an eye on the situation to ensure that the new location is opened quickly as promised,” added Ms Hynes.

14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Luke Beatty

Marysia Wieckiewicz-Carroll; Neil Carroll; Rachael Gilbourne and Teresa Gillespie. Pictures: Peter Cavanagh

An exhibition of new art at dlr Lexicon

A

NEW exhibition was launched at Lexicon Library last week. ‘And the Councillor Ossian Smyth; Cathaotide was way out’ by Paul Hallahan irleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Lee Welch looks to Utopia and the end County Council of perceived history, adopting very differ-

Lee Welch and Paul Hallahan

ent approaches to the theme. The exhibition is their first two-person exhibition and also marks a unique collaboration as the artists have jointly made two new paintings for the first time.

Teresa and Hanne Gillespie

Anne Bradley

Ciara King

Harry Oakley with his hand puppets Sue and Sweep

Kevin Hughes

Teresa Gillespie

14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

Inspiring young girls to take STEM subjects

THOUSANDS of Transition Year girls gathered at Dublin’s RDS last week for I Wish 2019.

The event aims to inspire young girls to take STEM subjects to Leaving Cert, third level and beyond, through keynote and panel speeches as well as interactive industry stands.

The girls met speakers and exhibitors from the likes of Dell EMC/VMWare, Accenture, RTE, Aer Lingus, Google, Twitter and many more.

Pictured were Gillian Keating co-founder IWish with students from Rockford Manor, Blackrock, Sophie Hager and Amelie Sonnabend and guest speaker Nkiruka Uwaje, Blockchain Strategy Lead Dell EMC. Pictures: Jason Clarke

Special Achievement Award winners Samantha Doyle and Pola Kowalska

Individual award winner Tara Redmond, with chief superintendent Cagney and Inspector John O’Driscoll

Celebrating G outstanding young people

arda Youth Awards were celebrated for the first time in DMR East at The DLR Mill Theatre last week with music from the Garda band under the baton of Inspector Pat Kenny. The awards celebrate outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 and recognise the good work throughout the communities of DMR East.

Sergeant Ivan Howlin Master of Ceremonies introduced each of the nominees prior to receiving their Certificate of Merit from Chief Supt Anne Marie Cagney.

Community Safety Award winners Jack Higgins and Louis Schumacher

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

DUBLINERS: THE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO CALL THIS CITY THEIR HOME

Meeting Francesca

A journey from Rome to Letterkenny turns into a love affair with Ireland

“WHEN I was 16, I went on a trip to Letterkenny to learn English and be immersed in the Irish culture.

It was an experience I will never forget.

I was coming from Rome, where I lived in the city centre, and I landed in Letterkenny where I discovered an entirely new way of living.

The families I met had more children than your average Italian family, and what surprised me the most was the independence of the children and teenagers I met.

They had jobs, they

looked after older family members and younger siblings, and unlike myself and my friends back in Italy they were trusted to be responsible for themselves and for others from a very young age.

During that trip I made some great friends and I saw incredible dramatic landscapes, and I decided that I would try to go back to Ireland as much as possible to relive the experience.

At the age of 22, after several trips around Ireland, I decided to study in Ireland and try to see what real life would be like here.

“I moved to Dublin to finish my studies in linguistics in Trinity College, and my parents tell me that I moved to when they Dublin to finish my saw me at studies in linguistics in Trinity the airport College, and my parents tell Italy, but to be honest after t h a t d ay me that when they saw me 15 years I don’t they knew at the airport that day they have a life in that this knew that this would be a Italy any more, would be a one way ticket and many of my one way ticket. old friends have moved Of course I visit to different countries too, so Italy sometimes, but now Ireland is my home now and more that I have a family here importantly it is the home of my my trips are becoming children. less and less frequent, and I now work as a lecturer in LinguisI am almost in a limbo. tics in Trinity College, and in 2017 People often ask me I founded an organisation called where I come from, and Mother Tongues to support families my immediate answer is

like mine that are dealing with bilingualism in the home.

My work with Mother Tongues has allowed me to meet families who have moved here from many different countries, and talking to them has given me a great insight into how people feel about starting a family in a new country, and their struggles when trying to pass on their language to their children.

This has a great impact on the children’s self confidence as it strengthens their sense of identity.

Since my first trip to Donegal 20

years ago, Ireland has become a much more multicultural place, and I hope that my children will understand how important it is to learn about and learn from people who are different from us.

Every culture is fascinating and brings us an understanding of what it is like to be human.”  What’s your story? Do you have an interesting connection to Dublin and why you call it home?

Please email your story to news@ dublingazette.com

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

DUBLIN

Few surprises at the steady, if dull, Baftas P19

MAGAZINE

NISSAN LEAF IS WELL PLACED FOR A REVOLUTION... P23

ALTERNATIVE CITY BREAK DESTINATIONS P20-21

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

ISPCC AND PENNEYS CAMPAIGN MAKES CENTS FOR CHILDLINE

BROADCASTER Anna Geary teamed up with ISPCC Childline and Penneys to celebrate the launch of ‘Penneys Makes Cents’ – a partnership which makes it easy for shoppers to support children and young people across Ireland. Penneys Makes Cents takes place in Penneys stores nationwide from February 17th to 23rd. Pictured with Anna are Mia Duffner, age 7 and Ben Cullen, age 7, both from Dublin. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

FOOD&DRINK

MORSELS OF NEWS IN THE CAPITAL

Annalise’s not yolking about her love of chicken Olympic sailor leading Bord Bia campaign about versatile meat REBECCA RYAN

DUBLIN’S Olympic Sailor Annalise Murphy joined rugby player Donnacha Ryan to launch a new campaign aimed at encouraging the nation to spread their wings and try something new with chicken recipes.

Irish people seem to love their chicken, with 95% of Irish households p u rc h a s i n g c h i c ke n regularly, according to a Kantar survey in September.

However, while chicken may be a staple in our fridges, one can be guilty of relying on the same tried and tested recipes.

Annalise trained at B a l l y m a l o e Co o ke r y School and said s h e has a

keen interest in all things food-related and is always experimenting with new recipes and flavours.

Dublin Gazette caught up with the Rathfarnham athlete who said she is “really excited” to be part of Bord Bia’s Make It Your Way campaign.

Of the chicken-highlighting campaign, she said: “It’s a really good fit for me because, well, first of all, I love cooking!

“Secondly, chicken is a massive part of my diet.

Being an athlete, chicken is one of the most ideal ways get in a high-protein meal.

“It’s low in fat and fills you up pretty easily, and best of all, you can do so many different things with it.”

Annalise is passionate about promoting healthy eating and finds she rare-

ly gets sick.

She said: “I’m a big advocate of healthy eating, mainly because I have always eaten pretty healthily – I have to, because I’m an athlete. “ D u e to h av i n g a healthy diet, I never really get sick.

“I feel really good the whole time and I’m convinced it’s down to having a healthy diet.

“That’s something that I think is very important.

That, and some sort of exercise, are two things that you can really do to live a longer, better life.

“A lot of people just think that healthy food is boring food. But healthy food can be really interesting and tasty, it’s just about finding new recipes.”

S h e r eve a l e d h e r favourite way of cooking chicken is a thai chicken curry because it’s “really easy” to make.

Bucking the trend

at the Lord Edward

OVERLOOKING Christchurch Cathedral, there is hardly a better located pub in Dublin.

Close to everything but outside the panic and messiness of the Temple Bar, the Lord Edward has bucked the trend of certain city centre establishments towards New York and London style uppity bars. Given the proximity to some of Dublin’s most visited attractions, on any given day you could hear any language but local and regulars are ever present. Known by a previous generation for one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the capital, the ground floor bar is largely unchanged from when it became the Lord Edward at the start of the 20th century, with a semicircle counter looking out over wooden panels and seating (Upstairs is a lounge which feels so distinctly separate, and steeped in its own tradition, that it will be rated separately). The pint is worthy of the history and style of the pub and explains some of the place’s popularity. With only two taps, there is consistency in cream and flavour and the volume lasts ‘til the last drop leaving a taste of more. @guinnessadvisor

Annalise feels like chicken tonight, like chicken tonight – and many nights, with the Olympic rower singing the praises and versatility of the highly adaptable white meat

She also likes roast chicken because you can just “lash it in the oven!”

The Olympic silver medallist filled us in on how her preparation for Olympics 2020 in Toyko is going.

“Preparation for the

Olympics is going well. I have changed into a twoperson boat, which is really fun, because I’m a member of a team, rather than just myself.

“I’m now sailing with my friend, Katie. It’s really challenging, training

every day and trying to get better every day.

“We have to qualify in December for the Olympics, but our first big competition together is the European Championships and that’s in May. “This will be our first

test to see how all our hard training over the winter has paid off and we’re excited for what’s to come!”  For recipe inspirations, check out bordbia.ie/ qualitychicken.

CRAFTBEERCORNER McGargles - Daragh’s Session IPA Brewed by Rye River Brewing Company Celbridge, Co Kildare  PALE MAILE, Beer Aficionado THIS easy-drinking session IPA offering from McGargles is very smooth and enjoyable.

The hops gives you that combination of pine and citrus without being too overbearing and with a subtle bitterness. Being a session IPA, it does not have the full strength body that other IPAs can have, which makes it a perfect starter beer for newbie craft beer fans. It allows you to enjoy the flavour that this smooth, hoppy drink offers but with an alcohol volume of just 3.8%. This strength enables to you enjoy this refreshing pint over and over again.

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

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

SOME OF THE RANDOM AND

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

Harvey Norman CEO, Blaine Callard, presenting the first cheque to Fr Peter McVerry in 2018

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Patrick Finnegan pfinnegan@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Aisling Conway aconway@dublingazette.com Travel Editor: Sylvia Pownall spownall@dublingazette.com Advertising Sales:

01 - 6010240 sales@dublingazette.com

FIND US ON

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

Harvey Norman wants to help bring a happy home to those in need HARVEY NORMAN are partnering with Peter McVerry Trust to raise a further €170,000 for the charity this February.

Harvey Norman hope to surpass the amount raised last year - €183,693 - to donate even more to Peter McVerry Trust with the Making Homes campaign.

If you pop into a Harvey Norman shop this February, you will see lots of fundraising activities in store.

Pat Doyle, CEO, Peter McVerry Trust said: “The support of Harvey Norman enables us to communicate the importance of a home and the happiness a home can bring to those in need.

“In 2018 the Making Homes appeal helped Peter McVerry Trust move over 20 people out of homelessness. Peter McVerry Trust wishes Harvey Norman every success for Making Homes and extends a sincere thank you to all those who are able to support.”

You can help raise money for the Peter McVerry Trust by buying a product from the Harvey Norman “Making Homes” Collection, with €5 of the proceeds to the Peter McVerry Trust, donating at harveynorman.ie/makinghomes, adding a €1 donation at the Harvey Norman Checkout online or by donating in store.

Johnny

SHE BLINDED

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Johnny is a bouncy, four-year-old Collie cross that loves all sorts of activities. Walking, running, chasing, jumping, playing, and solving brain games – he is always on the go, and Johnny is just full of love and fun.

He would love an active and fun-loving family which can match his energy and love of life. He will need some training to manage his excitability, but he is super clever, so this should take no time at all.

If you are looking for a dog that is great fun and full of love, Johnny will be your paw-fect match!

If you have room in your heart and home for Johnny 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.)

DOG OF THE WEEK

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

D QUIRKY THINGS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS WEEK...

BITS & BOBS TOP TWEETS

D ME WITH SCIENCE Earn £2,000 to make someone’s entire decisions for a month

FANCY getting paid to make someone’s life decisions?

Similar to the Netflix show, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a woman has posted a job opening to make all her decisions for an entire month.

After having a “rubbish year”, including getting mugged and losing money she lent to a friend, the unnamed woman from Bristol decided to spend £2,000 of inheritance money she got last year on this quirky venture.

The successful candidate will help her make decisions on such things as who she should go on Tinder dates with and how she should spend her savings.

The advert on Bark.com said: “Hiya, bit of a weird one I know but basically, I feel like I need someone to make my decisions for me.

“I’ve had a really rubbish year and would love for someone to take control of my life think of it a bit like a real-life Bandersnatch.”

Actor, Paul Rudd

THERE’S BEEN a call for secondary students to put their skills to the test and enter this year’s SciFest@College competition.

Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. launched the 12th edition of the competition last week.

SciFest is the largest and most inclusive second-level STEM fair initiative in Ireland. Since launching in 2008, more than 60,000 students have participated in the competition.

SciFest aims to give students of all abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to develop research, problem solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills. The closing date for SciFest@College 2019 is Friday, March 8, 2019.

Don’t Foo around with Rudd

EVERYONE loves a good gig and a decent dance, but nobody had as much fun as actor Paul Rudd when he saw Foo Fighters recently.

The ‘Ant Man’ actor went to see the US rock band last week at a pre-Super Bowl celebration, and a video of him rocking out to their cover of ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ by the Ramones went viral on Twitter.

The six second video of Rudd’s excited headbanging has racked up over 2.3 million views, 108,276 likes and 21,252 retweets.

Many commented on just how wholesome Rudd’s adoration for Foo Fighters is, with one Tweeter saying: “Can we wrap him in bubble wrap? He’s one of the last remaining good things we have left.”

It’s gas how every Irish duo gets expressed in terms of Jedward [on Twitter], like how The Happy Pear are Hummus Jedward.

My daughter brought home the most dreaded thing from school today. Not lice, not a note from the principal... a recorder. @armsnfarms

@dvvidmurray

I feel so boujee because my leap card balance hasn’t gone below €30 in like two weeks. @saiberbully_

Overhead on the Luas ‘come to think of it, there are no black people in Michael Collins. @overheardindublin

I would like a Netflix category called “simple enough to follow while also on your phone. @StefPreissner

Why is Adam Levine wearing my curtains? @dpbrelsford

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

GOINGOUTOUT

DJ Kormac ups his game in the search for beat perfection

PICK WEEK OF THE

FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY) Ennio Morricone @ @ 3Arena, €91+ A pricey night out, sure, but the Italian movie soundtrack maestro playing his last ever show outside of Italy is a real special rarity.

One to push the boat out for.

FEBRUARY 14 (THURSDAY)

Post Malone @ 3Arena, €56 Toy @ The Workman’s Club, €15 Cub Sport @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €15 Luluc @ The Grand Social, €15

FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY)

Micah P. Hinson @ Whelan’s, €20 Kevin Krauter @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12 Oslo IX @ Workman’s Club, free

FEBRUARY 16 (SATURDAY)

Professor Brian Cox @ 3Arena, €42+ Bodega @ Whelan’s, €18 Just Mustard @ Workman’s Club, €10 Makings @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Whiskey Shivers @ The Grand Social, €13

FEBRUARY 17 (SUNDAY)

The Johnny Cash Roadshow @ The Olympia Theatre, €29 Smokie @ Vicar Street, €39 Ouzo Bazooka @ The Grand Social, €10 AJ Croce @ Whelan’s, €20 Electric Eel Shock @ Workman’s Club, €12

FEBRUARY 18 (MONDAY)

Jungle @ The Olympia Theatre, sold out Microdisney @ Vicar Street, €47

FEBRUARY 19 (TUESDAY)

Razorlight @ The Olympia Theatre, €35 Hippo Campus @ The Academy, sold out Gorilla Troubadour @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €5 Kneecap @ Workman’s Club, €10

DJ KORMAC has fingers in a whole lot of pies. He’s a man who takes his work extremely seriously: a perfectionist, playing off the roles of dozens of different contributors, and drawing aspects of music from all over his life, including the sounds he hears around him.

“I went to this massive jumble sale, I guess you’d call it, in France, and that’s where I found my best sound,” said the Dubliner on his developing love of ‘field recordings’.

“I go around with my Zoom recorder and take in lots of different things that I’ve started drawing into my music.

“In France, I found one of those really old telephones that makes a noise when you hang it up. That was a really useful one.

“I think I always sound like me, even if it is quite eclectic,” the varied DJ explains of his mixed offerings.

In recent years, he’s branched out, working with the Irish Chamber Orchestra as well as a host

 JAMES HENDICOTT

of contemporary Irish singers as a more conventional DJ, and even with novelist Irvine Welsh.

“It all has this uptempo element, especially for the melodies,” he says. “I grew up on stuff like Sonic Youth, and the more I listen to things, the more it sounds to me like there are

QUIKFLIX FLIX Streaming the latest news

E4 acquires popular US Minnie Driver comedy ADDING TO their growing line up as US shows, E4 have recently announced that they’re adding US sitcom ‘Speechless’ to their roster.

The British channel, a younger off-shoot of Channel 4, has acquired all three seasons of the comedy, which is expected to

be on air soon.

‘Speechless’ stars British actress Minnie Driver as a devoted mom to her husband and kids, including her eldest son who lives with cerebral palsy.

The show originally debuted on American TV in 2016 on the ABC channel.

FEBRUARY 20 (WEDNESDAY)

Eddi Reader @ Vicar Street, €31 Former vocalist with Fairground Attraction, this distinctively vocalled Scottish legend with jazz, pop and folk influences is a breathtaking watch.

Mide Houlihan @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10 Kneecap @ Workman’s Club, sold out

The cast of ‘Speechless’, coming to E4 soon

influences in there from things like guitar progressions. I don’t know if anyone else can hear it, but it’s had a lasting effect for me.

“In some ways this is a quiet time of year, as things go crazy in the summer with the tours, but in others it’s been really intense with work.

“I’ve been heading for the studio at half six in the morning and working through the day. It’ll all play into what I do over the summer.

“My new show is a mix

of a solo AV [audiovisual] show and playing a second part with some guests,” Kormac told us.

“I’ve been working with AV for a long time. I’m developing a multiscreen idea that’s quite exciting; it will allow me to do different things; to do stuff musically that might not work without the screens.”

Kormac’s track with Saint Sister and Jafaris, Causing Trouble, has been nominated for song of the year at the RTE Choice

Music Prize – something the DJ sees as a great acknowledgement of his progress.

“It’s nice to feel like you’re on the right track, and that people appreciate what you’re doing” DJ Kormac performs his new show at the Button Factory, Dublin along with special guests on Saturday, February 23. Tickets cost €20.

See the full-length article on our website at www. dublingazette.com

Oscar winning producer signs Netflix deal NETFLIX HAS announced that it has entered into a multi-year deal with Oscar winning producer Darla Anderson.

Anderson will develop and produce new animated and live action projects, both feature films and series..

Vice President of Kids and Family at Netflix, Melissa Cobb, said: “Darla is one

of the most successful and accomplished producers in the entire film industry and her creative instincts for championing and shepherding films that transcend borders is truly unmatched.

Together with Darla we will seek to bring more unique and diverse voices to our global audience on Netflix.”

Darla Anderson

The Simpsons might just outlive us all THE SIMPSONS has been renewed for another two series, it was announced last week.

The famous family has been picked up for a 31st and 32nd season at FOX. Over 700 episodes of the much loved animation will have aired by the end of

the 32nd season.

The Simpsons is longest-running primetime scripted show in television history.

According to CNN, at the end of the 32nd season, it will take 10 days without stopping to watch every episode.

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WHAT’S BIG IN MUSIC, CINEMA, TV AND BOOKS

ENTERTAINMENT

Brothers hoping the Price is right for big plans

Some of the Baftas winners at the awards ceremony widely regarded as a forerunner for the upcoming Oscars

CINEMA | EXPECTED VICTORIES ROMPED HOME

Few surprises at the steady, if dull, Baftas REBECCA RYAN

AFTER a busy and successful 2018, Sean and Conor Price are about to bring brandnew music to their fans in 2019.

The Blessington brothers have been working hard over the past year and just released their first single of 2019, Storm.

The brothers say Storm is a youthful pop song about a girl who is exciting, but you know she is bad news, just like a ‘storm’.

Dublin Gazette caught up with Sean (19) and Conor (16) who told us more about the new single and how their music is taking a different direction.

“Storm is a pop song with catchy hooks and cool bass lines. Written by ourselves [Sean and Conor] with Conor O’Donohoe from Irish band, Wild Youth.

“It’s a fun, cool, mature pop song starting off a new direction for us in 2019.”

The brothers have been working with producers and writers in Dublin, London and Stockholm on their new music and are excited to show their fans.

“We have been doing a lot of writing, recording and gigging over the past year.

“We have worked with top-class producers and writers and have a great catalogue of new songs ready to release this year. We are really looking forward to the year ahead.

“On the X-Factor we were two inexperienced buskers riding the wave and enjoying ourselves.

“Now, in 2019, after a lot of learning

over the past year or so, we have developed a cool pop sound that we really feel represents us.

“Now we are making music we really love and enjoying ourselves.”

Sean and Conor revealed they will be releasing an EP this year, “hopefully this Summer”, and they will also be hitting Dublin in June to play The Olympia.

“We can’t wait to play in The Olympia!

It is one of Ireland’s most renowned venues and we have seen many of our favourite artists play there.

“We are so fortunate to have great audiences at our shows, but nothing beats a Dublin audience!

“There is just a buzz and energy that they bring. We have experienced this playing at the 3 Arena, Vicar Street and the Helix.”

So, what’s next on the agenda for the popular brothers?

“Next for us is lots of new exciting music [and] our 2019 tour, which is under way. We also plan to bring the tour to the UK later in the year.

“We are pretty excited about the music we have written and recorded for 2019 and there may be a few more exciting announcements to come during the year.”

Sean and Conor Price will play The Olympia Theatre, Dublin on Saturday, June 29. Full details of tour dates and tickets are available at www.seanandconorpricemusic.com.

IT WASN’T exactly a huge surprise at the Baftas that the favourite – The Favourite – went on to scoop a whopping seven awards in a variety of fields.

The quirky film continued steamrolling its success through one awards ceremony after another, with the Oscars dead ahead in its sights later this month, on Sunday, February 24.

 SHANE DILLON

The awards haul was yet another victory for Irish production company (and member of Screen Producers Ireland) Element Pictures, which has made a name for itself in recent years with slightly oddball but entertaining films that audiences and critics have lapped up.

Olivia Colman (inset) grabbed a well-deserved Best Actress award for her turn, with her significant chops in comic roles all but forgotten after her striking turn as the somewhat horrid yet ultimately sympathetic h e a r t of The Favourite.

Aw a y from The Favourite’s expected successes, however, the Baftas had a few sur-

prises in store, with some outright upsets in both the winners – and behind the scenes.

Away from The Favourite’s victory laps, there were few surprises in Baftas 2019, which largely played things safe and, to a degree, kept things pretty sterile.

Those watching at home, or reading up on it afterwards, learned from the short acceptance speeches that so-and-so was “very talented”, or that such-and-such film’s crew worked “very hard”, and so on. Great.

No maverick off-thecuff diatribes, no controversial comments, nothing of any particular import from anyone, while seasoned old ham Joanna Lumley kept things rolling along without a glitch – or mukch of a spark – as the evening’s MC. A few films stood out in the largely predictable roll-call of wins. While The Favourite largely swept the boards, the stirring Roma was in close pursuit, with the critically acclaimed film proving a particular hit on Netflix.

As a period piece with

a very different flavor to The Favourite, its very personal tale of turmoil in 1970s Mexico leaves it trotting along as a dark horse to look out for at the upcoming Oscars, where it’s a particularly strong contender in a number of categories.

Bohemian Rhapsody added Bafta glory on the night to its awards haul, to nobody’s great surprise, with the film continuing to be an awards magnet despite its flaws.

It was also interesting to note that Black Panther (released a year ago) also had Bafta victory on the night, underscoring its place as one of the most critically and commercially successful films of recent decades.

Ultimately, despite the particular safeness of the wins, it’s hard to argue against the winners of the 2019 Baftas, with some great films and individuals singled out for particular glory.

At least it was a steady ship to follow -–the upcoming host-less, potentially chaotic Oscars seems set to be a much wobblier affair ...

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

TRAVEL

Get some excellent value before the season starts THE month of May is a great time to getaway and enjoy a bit of guaranteed sun before the Irish summer starts in earnest.

Many of the well-known European beach resorts offer some excellent value before the season starts in earnest so it’s an ideal opportunity to grab a quick bargain and top up your tan for summer ‘19.

With the week that’s in it, why not surprise your partner with a GoHop.ie holiday voucher and plan a romantic sunshine getaway together? Check out the GoHop.ie holiday voucher page at https://www.gohop. ie/travel-voucher/holidays A selection of some great value GoHop.ie May getaways include: The Algarve – 08 May – 3* Rio Apartments – Vilamoura – from €169 pp Costa del Sol – 08 May – 4* Grangefield Oasis Club – Mijas – from €225 pp Tenerife – 19 May – 4* HC Hotel Magec – Puerto de la Cruz – from €249 pp Majorca – 01 May – 4* Playa Ferrera – Cala Ferrera – from €265 pp Lanzarote – 05 May – 3* Tabaiba Center – Costa Teguise – from €299 pp All the above prices are subject to availability and include return flights from Dublin, taxes and 7 nights self-catering accommodation. Baggage and transfers not included.

GoHop.ie is now considered one of the most popular holiday websites in Ireland.

Irish owned and managed, the brand continues to broaden its appeal to holiday consumers’ offering great value holidays to suit every budget at some of the best prices on the market with flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports.

The company boasts over 45,000 followers on Facebook and enjoys a Feefo rating of 4.8.

Consumers can sign up to the GoHop weekly newsletter to ensure they are kept up to date with unbeatable worldwide holiday deals and exciting product updates.

For further information, see GoHop.ie, or call 01 241 2389; on Facebook see GoHop.ie; on Twitter follow @GoHop_ie; or on Instagram follow #GoHop.ie.

Alternative city break destinations for 2019

Discover the next big destination before the masses

SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor IT’S that time of year when most people start to think about their next city break.

M ay b e so m ew h e re you can disappear to for a weekend getaway that isn’t inundated with tourists?

Or perhaps you want to discover the next ‘goto destination’ before your friends? Here’s a list of alternatives you probably haven’t thought of but really should...

Been to Krakow?

Try Wroclaw

If you want an Eastern European city that isn’t swarmed with thousands of visitors then you won’t find better.

Fewer tourists mean more snaps of this stun-

n i n g m e d i ev a l c i t y which was named the European Capital of Culture in 2016.

Rynek, the main market square, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Wroclaw also homes an exceptional f lower garden which hosts open-air concerts and events and is the ideal space for relaxing on a summer’s day.

The Old Town is one of the city’s top tourist attractions but don’t forget a visit to Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island).

And watch out for the Dwarves of Wroclaw - small, bronze, ornamental gnomes dotted cleverly around the city.

Not forgetting the Wrocław Multimedia Fountain; a light show which has to be seen to

Discover the buzzing Grand Bazaar, a shopping experience which is unique to Istanbul.

part of UNESCO World Heritage. Since the fall Been to Prague? of communism, most Try Riga buildings have been renRiga is ideal for your ovated giving the city a next Eastern European strong blended theme adventure. It’s the larg- where modernity meets est of the Baltic region medieval. and has been referred to St Peter’s Church in as the ‘Little Paris of the the Old Town is the place North’, due to to go to get panoramic views of the city where your view is be dabbled with red rooftops and The biggest landmark cobbled streets.

Fu n f a c t : Ju s t in Seville is the Alcazar outside St Peter’s of Seville, one of the Church lies a oldest palaces still in use charming statue with stacked aniand a UNESCO World mals (a donkey, dog, Heritage Site cat and rooster) called the “Town Musicians of Bremen” from the Brothits magnificent build- ers Grimm fairy tale. ings and little-cobbled People say that ruballeyways. bing the noses of each Riga’s stunning Art animal on the statue will Nouveau infrastructure bring you good luck! has won itself a place as be believed.

Been to Budapest?

Try Istanbul

Is ta n b u l h a s b e e n described as a city where Europe meets Asia.

The c ity is spread across both continents and separated by the Bosphorus River – you will see the contrasts of both continents every corner you turn.

With endless possibilities of what to see and do, Istanbul will soon become your favourite city break destination.

Discover the buzzing Grand Bazaar, a shopping experience which is unique to Istanbul.

This place will hit you with a unique sensory overload.

Somewhere you’ll find treasure troves of gold and silver jewellery, aromatic spices and chic fabrics in a bustling set-

14 February 2019 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

Rynek, the main market square in Wroclaw

Top: Hamburg’s International Maritime Museum.

Above: Arab baths located in the oldest part of Seville.

ting.

A visit to the Haggia Sophia has to be on your list. It has been considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and the eighth ‘Wonder of the World’.

It’s located near the Sultan Ahmed Mosque aka The Blue Mosque because it’s adorned with beautiful blue tiles throughout the building.

The Beatles really strengthened their reputation and made a name for themselves back in the 60s.

Pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants surrounded by neon lights, striking graffiti and eclectic music adorn the streets and it is definitely worth a stop off on your trip.

Fun fact: There are more canals in Hamburg than in Amsterdam and Venice combined!

Been to Berlin?

Try Hamburg Been to BarceloHamburg has one of na? Try Seville the biggest and busiest ports in Europe. They also have a Maritime Museum, a very famous fish market, and harbour cruises for visitors to enjoy making it a seafaring city.

St Pauli’s district is known for its football club and its insane night life but it also has a strong historical background.

It was known as the sailor’s area and where

Seville is most commonly known as the birthplace of tapas and flamenco dancing.

It was voted the top destination to visit in 2018 and it has a great mix of something for everyone, with amazing monuments and palaces to explore, a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities and a plethora of tasty cuisine to devour.

The biggest landmark

in Seville is the Alcazar of Seville, one of the oldest palaces still in use and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You may recognise it from productions such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

If you need another reason to go to Seville it has to be their festivals.

The Semana Santa de Sevilla takes place

before Easter and celebrates Holy Week.

Another major festival in Seville is the Feriade Abril which takes place in April after Easter.

Celebrations There are fairs which are adorned with lights, tents and people in traditional Andalusian costumes with activities such as bullfights and a

St Peter’s Church, Riga

large firework displays to mark the end of the week and its celebrations.

Click and Go offers g re a t d e a l s o n c i t y breaks to all of the above destinations and many more, with a three-night stay in four or five-star accommodation from as little as €249pp.

Visit www.clickandgo. com for details.

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 14 February 2019

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WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Learning to drive is pricey but worth it LEARNING to drive in Ireland can be costly – gone are the old days of getting a provisional licence and off you go.

Now to drive a car in Ireland, there are all kinds of unavoidable costs before you can hit the road.

Let’s start with the Driver’s Permit, as just one example of costs.

When you are applying for the permit, you will be required to verify your identity with documentation to prove your name, address and PPS number, as well as confirmation of your country of birth/ residency entitlement.

A Driver Theory Test must be completed and passed. The test consists of 40 multiplechoice computer-based questions, which 35 or more must be correct and a time limit of 45 minutes is allocated.

The cost of this test is €45 for a car, and an applicant must be aged 17 years or over before this test can be taken.

All questions are out of the Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers book, which costs about €20.

Once the Driver Theory Test is passed you are eligible to apply for a Learner’s Permit ...

That’s only a little of the process you have to take, with costs all along the way. Once you factor in the minimum driving lessons that you absolutely must take, the cost of learning to drive is expensive, with a minimum cost of around €600 to include lessons and a ten-year licence.

However, having a full driving licence is priceless, and worth all the hassle and expense.

MOTORS

The Nissan LEAF is well placed for a revolution DECLAN GLYNN

RECENTLY released sales figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) for the month of January indicate a massive increase in the number of fully electric cars sold throughout Ireland – with 811 sold that month alone.

When compared to January 2018’s 104 sales, it’s easy to see that an electric car revolution is taking hold.

Nissan is one of the leading car manufacturers capitalising on this upward trend, with their all-new LEAF attracting 296 customers in January 2019, as opposed to 54 customers in the same period last year – representing a gigantic 448% increase.

Part of its appeal, of course, comes from its charging – two charging sockets are located under a neatly designed flap in the nose of the car, while a three-pin plug cable and a standard charging cable are stored neatly in the boot.

Charging will take 21 hours from empty to 100% off a household plug, 7.5 hours with a home 7kw charger, or you can get an 80% charge in 40 minutes from a 50kw fast charger.

New technology fastcharge units are due to be rolled out in the next 12 months which will, potentially, allow the car to receive an 80% charge from empty in as little as 10 minutes.

The all-new Nissan LEAF is available in

three trim levels – SV, SV Premium and SVE, with the standard equipment levels be ing hugely impressive.

Even the entry-level SV model comes equipped with features such as 16” alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, leather multifunction steering wheel, a heat pump, intelligent cruise control, Nissan Connect infotainment system and many, many more features, while the other models get a dizzying range of features, too.

On test this week was a new Nissan LEAF 40kwh SV Premium model, in a black, executive finish feel.

In terms of acceleration, Nissan’s new 40kwh battery pack and inverter will propel the car from 0-100km/h is a lively 7.9 seconds.

Press the accelerator pedal and you will be rewarded with an instant and seamless rush of torque – which is 26% higher than that of the first generation LEAF. Standard across the new Nissan LEAF range is stunning new technology which Nissan calls the ePedal, selected by a toggle-switch by the gear selector, and allowing you to drive the car with one

pedal alone.

Enough braking effort is applied when you lift off the accelerator to slow the car to a complete stop, while the brake lights illuminate at the back of the car in the normal fashion The use of the ePedal is entirely optional and a brake pedal is located in the usual place for drivers who prefer to brake for themselves.

Nissan’s engineers have endowed the car with excellent driving dynamics.

Build quality throughout is excellent and the materials used feel durable and familyfriendly, while a 435-litre boot will cater for the needs of most families too.

The new Nissan LEAF is priced from €28,690 (inclusive of a €5,000 Government/SEAI grant for private buyers).

N i s s a n ’s t h r e e year/100,000km warranty comes as standard. Switch to a 100% electric car and you get to say goodbye to petrol, or diesel, and hello to tax credits, incentives and reduced routine maintenance costs.

And for the new Nissan LEAF price, you get a really roomy family car, too.

FACT BOX

1) Annual road tax just €120 2) Zero emissions 3) Cutting-edge technology 4) Extremely low running costs 5) Priced from €28,690

Apart from its impressive charging ability, the new LEAF – in all models – has a huge amount of features, coupled with great build quality and a roomy, comfy feeling

Going the credit union route could drive your next motoring purchase

MANY of the major financial institutions specialise in providing loans for new and used cars, with all the major banks competing with each other to attract new customers.

They all have competitive interest rates and attractive payment packages to make sure you get the best package available and one that suits your financial requirements.

However, a loan avenue worth exploring is through your local credit union.

Their car loan applications are straightforward, where applying is easy and decisions are fast.

You can also get a flexible payment term to suit your financial situation.

Loans are available with flexible terms for up to five years.

Unlike a Hire Purchase agreement or Personal Contract Plan, with a credit union car loan, you own the car from the outset.

There are no hidden fees or charges and definitely no balloon payments or mileage restrictions.

If you want to own the car you’re driving and want the freedom to decide when to sell it, a credit union loan may just be for you.

Another advantage of using your local credit union to finance your new car is that you can pay off your personal loan early, make additional lump sum repayments or increase your regular repayments, without a penalty.

Other lenders (not all) may charge you extra for paying them back faster and no matter what your loan is for, your credit union will ensure everything is clear, transparent and straightforward.

You can pay off your personal loan early, make additional lump sum repayments or increase your regular repayments, without a penalty.

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

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14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

HURLING P31

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

THE ICE QUEEN: SWIMMING: BALLYBRACK woman

Claire Ryan completed an unprecedented six “Ice Miles” at the 7th Eastern Bay Invitational International Ice Mile Event held at Clontarf Baths. She was among 13 athletes who attempted to swim an Ice Mile at the international event which featured swimmers from UK, Ireland and USA and was the only woman to complete the task.

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GAZETTE

SOCCER P29

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LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS SOCCER | SEAN COX FUNDRAISER

McAteer back in red and green  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

15 YEARS on from his final game there as an international, Jason McAteer’s next step on the turf of the Aviva Stadium will take on a whole other sort of significance.

The 52-times capped midfielder lined out for his country for the last time as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil, having already decided to call it a day at international level.

He’s pulled on the green jersey since – notably in the recent Soccer Sixes competition where he was involved in an altercation for former Liverpool team mate Michael Owen.

The former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers winger is thrilled every time he gets to lace up his boots, but there’s particular honour in being selected on this occasion.

Last April, Irish Liverpool fan Sean Cox travelled to Anfield for the Champions League semi-final between the Reds and AS Roma.

The 53-year-old, who grew up in Clondalkin, sustained serious head injuries after being attacked and will require lifelong care and rehabilitation treatment.

His family need to raise €2 million to cover his care for the next five years and have already raised half that amount through initiatives in Liverpool and at home.

April 12 will see a Liverpool legends team line out against their Irish counterparts for what Sean’s wife Martina and his family hope will cover the rest.

“I’d hope I was going to be involved having played for both [Liverpool and Ireland],” McAteer said at the launch at the Aviva Stadium.

“I would’ve been disappointed if I wasn’t asked. Obviously we know the story first hand from the day it happened. But with Sean being Irish, I’ve been following it closely.

“I came over as a club ambassador for the Napoli game where we met up with Martina and the family and got a behind-the-scenes take on exactly what had happened.

“It’s something that she should never have had to be involved in. Noone should go to a football match and sadly end up in this situation.”

McAteer represented his country more than 50 times over a ten-year period and was played for Ireland at two World Cup finals – in 1994 under

Stephen Felle, Sean’s Cox’s son Jack and wife Martina along with Jason McAteer at the launch of the Liverpool Legends v Republic of Ireland fundraising match. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Jack Charlton and 2002 under Mick McCarthy.

McCarthy will take charge of the Ireland XI on April 12, but his main focus will be on the senior international team and qualification for Euro 2020, something McAteer feels is achievable.

“He did a fantastic job transitioning the first time around after Jack.

He had an ageing squad and had to

bring some fresh faces through – Gary Breen, Damien Duff, Robbie Keane.

“He brought them through and he bedded them really well. We got the success out of it by going to Japan in 2002… was it that long ago? Bloody hell. 16 years ago. He did a phenomenal job.

“Players will run that extra couple of miles for Mick and put their bodies on the line.”

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results for February 7: Lotto A numbers; 4, 17, 18 and 20. Lotto B numbers 2, 13, 19 and 20. No winners. Next Thursday jackpots €10,000 and €2,600. Winner of €100 Rat Pack c/o Bar, €50 Marie Lynch c/o Bingo, Poor Pack c/o The Willows. Joker Consolation prize Denis Ward. Next week Joker €675. BSJ Bingo every Monday at 8:00 pm.

Congratulations to Orlagh Nolan who made her debut with the Dublin senior ladies football team last week. Congrats also to Belen Swords and Grace Dent selected on the Minor Camogie squad and to Hazel Grady, Lauren Burke and Sophie Fearon selected on the County Camogie Under-14 development squad.

Condolences to the families of recently deceased Phillip McDonnell and Gerry Clarke.

Next Sunday, adult Leagues kick off with a feast of football in Marlay Park. Division 1 home to Thomas Davis 10.30am. Division 5 home to Erin’s Isle 12pm; Division 7 home to Good Counsel / Liffey Gaels 12pm. Minor Hurlers away to St Brigids 11am.

Next Sunday, February 17 at 2.30pm in clubhouse “ An Afternoon of The Good Old Days “ with music and song from the 50’s and 60’s with Barra O Conail and friends.

Kilmacud Crokes’ Lauren Magee lays off a pass in Dublin’s 6-9 to 2-8 win over Tipperary. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

KILMACUD CROKES all who attended the WELL done to the Dublin Senior Ladies who beat Tipperary today, 6.9 to 2.8. Éabha Rutledge, Lauren Magee, Aoife Kane and Rachel Fleming were the Crokes representatives involved.

Hard luck to the Dublin Senior Footballers who narrowly lost to Kerry last night, 2-14 to 1-18. Liam Flatman and Paul Mannion were both on the match day panel.

Hard luck to Shane Horan and the Offaly Senior Footballers who lost to Louth, 2-8 to 2-10, in their league game.

Congratulationsto Colaiste Eoin and the 12 Crokes players on the squad who beat Kilkenny CBS in the Leinster SemiFinal 1-14 to 1-13 on Sunday.

Great night had by

Kilmacud Crokes Gala Ball in the Clayton on Saturday evening.

Over 700 guests in attendance. Great food and entertainment.

Well done to all who were involved in the organisation.

Congrats to the U-15A footballers who had a three point away win over Ballyboden, making it two wins from two in their opening league games.

Hard luck to the U-15C and B football teams who lost out to Peregrines and Erin’s Isle.

Well done to the U-16A Footballers who beat Ballyboden.

Don’t forget to watch the second episode of an gClub on TG4 on Thursday at 8pm featuring Kilmacud Crokes.

ICE SWIMMING: “IT SOUNDS A LITTLE MAD DOESN’T ITS?” SAYS CLAIRE

Ballybrack Ice queen defies the cold for a sixth time EASTERN BAY ICE MILE  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

BALLYBRACK woman Claire Ryan completed an unprecedented six “Ice Miles” at the 7th Eastern Bay Invitational International Ice Mile Event held at Clontarf Baths.

She was among 13 athletes who attempted to swim an Ice Mile at the international event which featured swimmers from UK, Ireland and USA and was the only woman to successfully complete the arduous task.

The Ice Mile is the International Ice Swimming Association’s ultimate achievement where each swimmer has to complete an endurance swim in water with a temperature of 5°c or less.

The swim must be unassisted with the swimmer wearing only a standard swimming costume, pair of goggles and swim cap.

Six-time Ice Miler Claire Ryan has the additional distinction of being the only woman to have swam

an Ice Mile in the Irish Sea; she completed this feat on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2018.

It is hard to imagine or understand what drives these athletes to take on such extreme challenges and how they cope with being immersed in near freezing temperatures over relatively long periods of time, so why does Ryan do it?

“I suppose it sounds a little mad doesn’t it?” she laughs “Your whole body is screaming ‘get me out of here’ whenever you get into water that cold.

“But that is part of the challenge for me, overcoming that fear and the pain that your body is going through. It’s difficult to describe – your body and mind are in turmoil yet you have to keep your focus and stay in control.

“It’s one of the most difficult challenges I have taken on, you can hardly walk when you get out of the water and we couldn’t do it without the help of the support and medical volunteers.”

Claire Ryan has completed a record number of Ice Miles

Unusually for ice swimmers, she uses breaststroke rather than the faster and more energetic crawl-stroke that the vast majority use. This means she can spend up to 50% longer in the icy cold water compared to a crawl-stroke swimmer, greatly increasing the difficulty and risk.

This has led to four of her endurance swims meeting the qualifying standard of “Extreme Ice Mile” having spent in excess of 45 minutes in the water.

Her coldest and longest swim took place at the Wild Water Swimming Facility in Armagh in January 2017, spending over 49 minutes in nearly freezing water at 2.03°c.

An ice mile is given the higher risk classification of “Extreme Ice Mile” if one of the following factors occurs: the water has a temperature of 2°c or less, the swim takes over 45 minutes to complete, there is -15°c wind chill or the swim takes place at a

high altitude of 2440m or above.

Ireland is at the forefront of this fledgling sport, second out of 35 countries in the number of IISA ratified Ice Mile Swims completed and they hope to feature strongly at the world championships in Murmansk, Russia in March.

If you are interested in finding out more about the sport there is an Irish wing of the association IISAIreland website: www. iisaireland.ie.

Rovers create indoor history

Three Rock celebrate their second place at the Euro indoor hockey Challenge I in Oslo

THREE Rock Rovers finished second at the EuroHockey Club Indoor Hockey Challenge I in Oslo, earning back-to-back promotion in the code following 2018’s success in Georgia.

It means Ireland will have a representative in the second tier of European competition for the first time since 1996.

The tournament almost started inauspiciously when Rovers trailed Ukraine’s OKS SHVSM Vinnitsa 5-2 with four minutes to go only to score three times to earn a 5-5 draw.

They followed up with a 3-2 win over Cardiff

& Met and then crucially beat Italy’s Bologna 8-1 to their group.

They carried that last result into the promotion pool. There, they lost to eventual champions AD Lousada from Portugal but followed up, leaving them needing a draw against Scotland’s Inverleith to finish second.

It looked unlikely when they trailed 3-2 with 90 seconds to go but tournament top scorer Ross Canning stepped up to score the key equalising goal, earning the Rathfarnham club an historic promotion.

14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

RYAN OF HER SPORT

SOCCER: LOCAL BOROUGH HAS NO MUNICIPAL STADIUM TO HAND

Devlin calls on DLR to get behind ambitious Cabo plan

LEAGUE OF IRELAND  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

WORDS OF WISDOM Harrington’s Special visit FOUR Dublin golfers received the opportunity of a lifetime to meet with Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington as they prepare to tee off in Abu Dhabi for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games this March.

Visiting the Portmarnock Links Hotel were Mark Claffey (29) from Blackrock; John Keating (26) from Templeogue; Andrew Simmington (30) from Dalkey and playing partner, Phyl Kelleher (80) from Rathfarnham.

The Irish golfing legend offered some words of wisdom to the team, who are in the final stages of preparation for their unforgettable trip to Abu Dhabi. Wishing the golfers luck, he also signed the golf balls Team Ireland will use in the World Games.

PAT DEVLIN has called on Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown County Council to work with Cabinteely to create top-class facilities for professional sport in the borough.

Cabo is the only League of Ireland club in an area with a rich sporting heritage and achievement, but which has no municipal stadium to match.

With South Dublin County Council boasting Tallaght Stadium, Fingal Morton Stadium and a plethora within the city limits, Dun Laoghaire is a strange anomaly.

The club – who announced a new Under12s academy model for development ahead of their fourth season in league football – rent facilities from Blackrock College RFC in Stradbrook.

And while Devlin stressed the club’s appreciation for how accommodating the rugby club has been, he stressed that the county’s sports clubs need more and better infrastructure.

“I remember starting in Bray in 85,” said Devlin. “I know it’s not a state of the art stadium anymore but it has certainly improved.

“You really need to get to the level of Tallaght, Waterford, Galway, Cork, you need to get to that level if you have a product.

“How we fix it will only take everyone together at the table. We all need to be together and be singing off the same hymn sheet.

“If that opportunity is there, maybe the people in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown can take note of what is happening and that we can have a brand in this area that will be next to none.”

Cabo’s new academy model will see the club’s 65 Under-12 players take on elite technical training three nights a week with different members of the club’s first team.

The best 20 of those players will then go on to the Under-13 League of Ireland team the

Members of the Cabinteely FC Under-12 academy at the club’s launch this week

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following season, while the others will remain with the club’s schoolboy sides.

With Shamrock Rovers having developed world-class facilities out in Roadstone, the standard has been set in terms of quality of facilities, and other clubs need to keep pace.

“I remember Kenny Dalglish telling me one time, ‘we’re building a new academy in Blackburn.’ He brought me over, he brought me into a place that was in originally an asylum, Brockhall.

“Out they come and there are cows up on a field and he’s saying ‘This is going to be here and this is going to be there.’

“At the time, we were trying to sign Duffer and I said, ‘Oh my god, this is a mistake to bring anyone out here’.

“Because it was bleak, it was worse than here. They developed the most fantastic academy, actually two of them, one for the first team and then one for the kids. It just shows you what you can do.

“Who knows what is around the corner for us but there isn’t anything in the Dun Laoghaire area.

“We spent €30 million on a library down here. So why shouldn’t there be some facilities for a club like Cabinteely with 65 teams?”

Rockford rampant on All-Ireland stage

SCHOOL SPORTS  sport@dublingazette.com

ROCKFORD Manor completed an incredible schools volleyball season in style as they landed the AllIreland Under-19 title to go with Under-16 silver.

Add in an Under-19 basketball All-Ireland semi-final – earning a bronze for their efforts – and it marks a brilliant year for the small school of around 300 students on three different sporting stages.

It follows the school’s commitment to promote sport with coordinator Miriam Howlin saying they are keen to “encourage all students to be physically active”.

“The school has a broad range in its extra-curricular programme, offering sport five days a week before school and after school.

There are a huge number of girls involved and the school sees the major benefits of their students being physically active.

“That is so important for their mental health and their overall enjoyment of school life. If students are happy in school, they will achieve better results academically. Sports is a great outlet for them.

“The school feels if students are happy, the results will come, and that mantra has proven itself by their amazing sporting results.”

The Rockford Manor Under-19 volleyball All-Ireland winning team

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019

ROUND

CLUB NOTES

2

GERALDINE P MORANS 2019 membership is due with online payments through our website.

The academy is on at Loughlinstown Leisure Center every Saturday morning 10 - 11 for boys and girls born 2014 - 2012.

Well done to the U-12s who beat St Vincents and U-15s who beat Scoil Ui Chonaill at the weekend, hard luck to the U-13s who lost to Cuala.

There will be plenty of action this weekend as the rest of the ccc1 and the adult teams games start. On Saturday the U-8s have their first competitive match away to Cuala and we all wish them the best as they embark on their journey, U-9s host Round Towers (C) in Cornelscourt, U-10s are away to Crumlin, U-11s play St Kevins in Cornelscourt, U-12s are away to Templeogue Synge Street, U-13s host Round Towers (L). Sunday sees the U-15s play Lucan Sarsfield away, AFL6 are away to Civil Service and AFL11s are away to St Finians (N) Good luck to all the teams playing and all support is welcome.

There was no winner in this week’s lotto draw, the numbers were 13, 18, 14 and 30. Next week’s jackpot is €2450, our lucky dip winners this week were Eamon Hussey and Julie Kennedy. Thanks to all who play the club lotto.

We are looking to start a Gaelic 4 mothers and others team and also a Gaelic 4 Dads and Lads team, more details on our website www.Geraldinesgaa.ie/

NAOMH OLAF ON SUNDAY, March 3, a Club Planning Workshop will be held at the Club. All Club and Community members are invited to attend to have their say in how the club will develop in the coming years. More details to follow.

The Chairman and Executive Committee of Naomh Olaf GAA Club would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the family of John Curtin who passed away recently.

John was a long serving member of the Club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Boys Academy takes place every Saturday morning, with Girls Academy on Sunday morning. New boys and girls always welcome!

Dates for your Diary - Ash Monday returns for 4 weeks from the 25th March and Naomh Olaf Easter Camp will take place from 23rd to 26th April. Full details from your mentors.

Membership for 2019 is now due - please

follow the link on the Club website for online payment.

Naomh Olaf Walkers meet every Thursday evening at 6.45pm at the Club, whatever the weather - new walkers are always welcome!

Get Naomh Olaf Walking!

Pump Up The Jam bring their music extravaganza to the Club on Saturday 2nd March 2019! Tickets €10 online via eventbrite.com and from Club Bar. The Naomh Olaf Lotto Draw takes place every Sunday evening - match 3 numbers to scoop the jackpot. Lotto tickets available from the Club Bar or play online.

Naomh Olaf Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 9am until 2pm with the very best farm fresh produce on offer.

Don’t forget, you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the very lastest news!

SHANKILL THE juvenile Academy, sponsored by O’Donnell’s Pharmacy, is back in action every Saturday at 10am indoors in St Laurence College.

Why not give the Academy a try the coaches are ready and the equipment is waiting and ready to be used the cost is only €2 per child and there is no annual subscription.

On Sunday, eight of our girls from the U-13 team took part in in the Dublin Development Squad trials in Raheny. All the girls played brilliantly and more than held their own right across every position. Well done all.

Adult Ladies team had a pre-season match against Naomh Olaf in which several new players made their debut and Alice Wainwright got player of the match.

Operation Transformation walking group meets on Thursday night at 7pm at St Anne’s Church. Please come along the group is open to both members and non-members alike. Bring a Hi -Vis top. Many thanks to Fr John and the Parish committee for the use of the Church grounds.

Chase the Ace draw on Sunday night in Brady’s there was no jackpot winner the €50 prize went to Stephan Spain. This week’s jackpot is €1,850. Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from club members or in the pub.

For details of our Ladies football team check out our Facebook page and follow the link to the ladies Facebook group, e-mail stevedavis203@gmail.com or contact Steve 087 6414123.

The men’s adult football team are looking for new players which are always welcome 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 everybody knows your name.

ATHLETICS: HASTINGS SHINES AT INTERVARSITIES

UCD and DSDAC land silverware  sport@dublingazette.com

UCD Athletics Club came away from this week’s indoor athletics intervarsities with one gold, four silver and three bronze medals with Justin Hastings’ 1,500m victory the highlight of the meet in Athlone.

H e wo n a t h r i l l i n g e n c o u n te r a h e a d o f DCU’s Jack Boylan in a time of 3.59.25, winning out by exactly a quarter of a second.

David Dagg took silver in the combined events, producing a dominant performance in the distance event and performing solidly across the hurdles, long jump, high jump and shot putt, finishing behind Carlow IT’s Shane Aston.

On the men’s side, there were further bronzes for Darragh Fitzgibbon (3,000m), Peter Kilgallon (800m) and Tadhg Murtagh (pole vault).

In the women’s events, Sarah Lavin led the way with 60m hurdles silver, a feat matched by Alanna Lally (1,500m) and Alexandra Tierney (combined events) Dundrum South Dublin AC, meanwhile, finished first in the Under-17

girls, Under-19 girls and Under-19 boys at the Dublin juvenile relay championships in Irishtown on Friday with the club’s Under-15 boys finishing third.

A couple of days later, the club also enjoyed some great results at the Dublin juvenile indoor championships in Abbotstown with the stand-out performances coming from the hurdlers.

In the Under-17 girls 60m hurdles, defending national champion Laura Gallagher finished first with her club mates Cara Murphy second and Hannah Murray third for a clean sweep of medals.

In the Under-17 boys, Cian Dunne – another defending champion – won too as did David Bosch in the Under-16 boys. Georgia O’Keeffe and Darcy Hutter won silver in the Under-14 and 13 girls respectively.

Ciarán Carthy was an impressive winner of the Under-19 boys 200m, dropping down from his favourite 400m, confirming that his speedwork is on the right track.

Gavin Doran was second in the Under-18 boys 200m followed by Tobi Edward in fourth and

SIX OF THE BEST Dublin bounce back in Tipp win KILMACUD Crokes Aoife Kane

battles for possession with Tipperary’s Cora Maher in last weekend’s National Football League clash in Ardfinnan.

She was part of a fine performance as the side swept to a 6-9 to 2-8 win over Tipp with Lyndsey Davey and Siobhan Killeen both grabbing a pair of goals each. It saw them bounce back from an opening day defeat to Donegal.

Picture: matt browne / SPORTSFILE

UCD’s David Dagg during his combined events competition at intervarsities in Athlone which ended in a silver medal.

Adam Whitten in fifth.

Cian Dunne added to his hurdles gold with silver in the Under-17 boys 200m with Erica Doyle winning her first individual sprint medal, second in the Under-17 girls.

Faye Dervan had a double in the Under-18

800m/1500m with strong performances, Canaan St. Lewis won the Under19 1500mb,and bronze medals were won by Adam Harvey (Under-18 boys); Jack Moraghan (to add to his bronze in the 400m) and Aimee Kenna at Under-17 level.

14 February 2019 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

HURLING: BOOTERSTOWN SCHOOL ADVANCE TO CORN UI DHUILL FINAL

FOOTBALL

Mannion and Con goals not enough in Tralee

Kilkenny CBS and Colaiste Eoin locking horns in Bunclody

Colaiste Eoin hold on for huge win over CBS TOP OIL LEINSTER PP SHC SEMI-FINAL Colaiste Eoin Kilkenny CBS  sport@dublingazette.com

1-14 1-13

COLAISTE Eoin secured their passage to the Top Oil Corn Ui Dhuill Cup final with a dramatic win over Kilkenny CBS in Bunclody.

With the wind having a big say in proceedings, the Dublin side had whatever benefit it was giving in the opening half.

They took full advantage in the opening exchanges with two quick scores from Séamus Ó Fiachna and Conall Ó Tuaithail.

It was then, in the fifth minute that the Kilkenny side opened their account a long-searching delivery into the fullforward line was snatched by Oisín Morrissey and finished excellently to the back of the net.

Two more scores followed with Jake Dwyer and Liam Moore finding their range. A placed ball from Séamus Ó Fiachna kept the scoreboard for Eoin ticking over.

The decisive moment of the first half came in the 18th minute when CBS looked set to score another goal, Luke Hogan broke through the cover only for Coláiste Eoin netminder Ben Ó hEdihin

to pull off a fine save.

The resulting rebound was cleared off the line and down the field from which full forward Odhrán Mac Gearailt produced one of the scores of the game to ensure a four-point swing for the Dublin school.

Séamus Ó Fiachna then took over scoring free before setting up Darach Mac Giolla Bhride for another.

He finished the half with another two points to leave it 1-5 to 0-12 at the break.

Kilkenny CBS knew that a big start was required if they were to keep their hopes of making the final alive. This was provided by the ever-lively Jamie Ryan as he slotted over immediately after the restart.

This was quickly followed up by a free from Jake Dwyer as the Dublin side struggled to come to terms with the elements.

A half-time substitution for CBS saw the introduction of Billy Drennan, who made an instant impact finishing a mazy solo run with a fine score.

The CBS men were now well and truly back in the game, however another free from Séamus Ó Fiachna settled the Dubliners.

The deadball duties for Kilkenny CBS were handed over to Drennan who dis-

patched three in quick succession to leave them ahead by one.

Coláiste Eoin refused to panic and a well worked score by Seán Ó Cinnseallaigh from a quick thinking short free by Ó Fiachna brought the sides all square.

Another Drennan free had swung the advantage back towards CBS when up popped Pádhraic Ó Luineacháin on the 20-metre line a point looked on but the Kilmacud man had only goal on his mind and buried the ball into the bottom corner.

This left them up by two points with time running out fast.

Drennan then raised another white flag from a free in the 28th minute of the second-half.

From here the Kilkenny men threw everything they had into searching for an equaliser, however the defense of Coláiste Eoin stood resolute with some fine tackling under pressure.

The final whistle blew with Coláiste Eoin winning out by a solitary score after a fine performance in tough conditions.

GOALS from Cuala’s Con O’Callaghan and Kilmacud Crokes’ Paul Mannion proved not enough¬ for the Dublin footballers as they lost a Saturday night thriller in Tralee 1-18 to 2-14 to Kerry.

A 11,982 packed house got great value as Dublin came with a storming finish to come from five points in arrears to draw level in injury time, had chances to win, but fell foul to a well-worked late Kerry score.

Kerry looked in control when they moved 1-15 to 2-7 clear when sub Tommy Walsh scored with just less than a half hour remaining.

But heading into the last ten minutes Dublin summoned up all their battling spirit following the sending off of Michael Fitzsimons (second yellow card) to hit four unanswered points from Brian Fenton, Mannion (free) and two (one free) from Cormac Costello to draw level three minutes into added time.

However, it was the Kingdom who had the final word when Stephen O’Brien and David Moran combined to release Peter Crowley to fist over the winner in the 74th minute.

The opening half was played at championship pace and when the dust settled Kerry were 1-11 to 2-6 to the good.

The Kingdom started the better but Dublin had just established a firm footing though trailing 0-6 to 0-5 when Kerry landed their goal as the hosts stretched out a lead before Dublin closed the gap with the two goals.

32 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 14 February 2019