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South Dublin mum fears eviction before Christmas

Struggling to find accommodation REBECCA RYAN

A LOCAL TD says it’s “shameful” that a mother-of-four is facing eviction before Christmas.

Elaine, from Dun Laoghaire, is currently renting an apartment in Sandyford. In April, she was asked to leave the property by September 7 as the landlord is selling the property,

which she said the landlord is entitled to do.

However, she has been struggling to find alternative accommodation for her family, which includes a baby.

Her case has been raised in the Dail

by Dun Laoghaire TD Richard Boyd

Barrett (PBP) who told Dublin Gazette the situation is “shameful”.

“It’s really shameful that we’ve got a mother and her four kids, including a little toddler, facing homelessness coming into Christmas.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 4

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

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MOTHER FACING EVICTION BEFORE CHRISTMAS

‘State letting children down in serious way’ A LOCAL TD says it’s “shameful” that a mother-of-four is facing eviction before Christmas.

E l a i n e, f r o m D u n Laoghaire, is currently renting an apartment in Sandyford.

In April, she was asked to leave the property by September 7 as the landlord is selling the property, which she said the landlord is entitled to do.

However, she has been struggling to find alternative accommodation for her family, which includes a baby.

Elaine told RTE that despite looking every day for apartments and attending many jampacked viewings, she can’t get a home.

 REBECCA RYAN

rryan@dublingazette.com

Discrimination She said she has also found discrimination when house hunting saying: “They don’t even contact you back when you say you’re looking for a HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) apartment.”

She added that her children are asking her to put up the Christmas tree, but she won’t put it up because they are facing eviction “any day

before Christmas”.

Elaine said she was told by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council that she will ‘not be left on the streets’ if she is evicted, but that she must try to ‘self-accommodate’ for now.

Her case has been raised in the Dail by Dun Laoghaire TD Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) who told Dublin Gazette the situation is “shameful”.

“It’s really shameful that we’ve got a mother and her four kids, including a little toddler, facing homelessness coming into Christmas.

“It’s unacceptable to put a family out. It’s not so much blaming the landlord; the law is the

problem. There’s not proper legal rights, entitlements and security for tenants.”

Deputy Boyd Barrett said the council should be able to offer someone like Elaine somewhere to live but they can’t.

He said: “Not only do we have waiting lists for counc il housing, we’ve waiting lists for emergency housing. It’s shameful.”

Crisis People Before Profit headed up a major national demonstration in the city last weekend to put pressure on the government to act on the crisis that has been “looming for at least four years”.

“The state is letting children down in a serious way.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking. The government should hang their heads in shame that it’s come to this.”

Deputy Boyd Barrett is calling on emergency measures from the government.

He wants to see a freeze on evictions into homelessness “at least until this crisis abates,” stronger legal rights and entitlements for tenants, and emergency measures to get hold of empty units and apartments.

“I know empty apartments that are being sat on by vulture funds in Dun Laoghaire and Sandyford as we speak.

“The state should be using compulsory purchases powers to get hold of those units to provide for families like Elaine’s,” said Deputy Boyd Barrett.

Dublin Gazette contacted Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for comment on Elaine’s case, who said they cannot comment on individual cases.

FASTNews

Sandyford House at the awards night

Sandyford House wins Irish Pub Award GREAT news for Sandyford, as Sandyford House has received the award for Best Newcomer in Ireland at the Irish Pub Awards 2018.

Based in the village, just off the M50, the pub was transformed during the summer of last year and went through a complete refurbishment.

Speaking after receiving the award, general manager Dan Foley told Dublin Gazette: “We would like to say a big thank you to all our customers and all our staff who have helped Sandyford House win Best Newcomer in Ireland in the 2018 Irish Pub Awards. We couldn’t have done it without you all.

“It’s nice for all the hard work over the last year to be acknowledged by the industry and for our customers and staff to have been recognised as well.”

Call for Luas ‘lunch box strike’ to be derailed A LOCAL Senator is calling on the Luas “lunch box strike” to be derailed.

The row started when the Luas Cross City Line was introduced, and some drivers could no longer take their lunch breaks at the depot in Sandyford where their shift begins, but had to take breaks in Broombridge.

Senator Neale Richmond (FG) told Dublin Gazette that a strike would be “disastrous” for the 109,000 commuters who use the service daily.

“Prior to the cross-city LUAS, drivers only took breaks in the Sandyford depot. Subsequently, LUAS drivers rejected a recommendation by the Labour Court that they should carry their lunch in cooler bags, so they can take their breaks in either the Broombridge or Sandyford depots.

“A risk assessment found that food would be safe in the cooler bags for six hours. A ballot for industrial action has not been ruled out as a response to this issue.”

Senator Richmond said for drivers to return to their original depot for breaks, Luas operator Transdev would have to hire an additional five drivers at a cost of €250,000 to ensure the timetable would not be disrupted.

“There’s been no movement on either side and we need intense negotiations,” said Senator Richmond.

A spokesperson for Transdev told Dublin Gazette: “We have received formal notification from SIPTU of a rejection by LUAS Drivers of the Labour Court Recommendation in a ballot.

“While this is a very disappointing development, we have written to SIPTU seeking the precise reasons for that rejection and await their response.”

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

KILTERNAN : IT MAKES YOU FEEL THAT YOU’RE APPRECIATED -FIONA RYAN

Fiona named Dublin’s Best Lollipop Person REBECCA RYAN

A LOCAL lollipop lady is “thrilled” to have been crowned Dublin’s Best Lollipop Person.

98FM’s Big Breakfast gave the title to Fiona Ryan from Our Lady of the Wayside School in Kilternan who has been working as a Lollipop lady and keeping the kids safe at the primary school for nearly 20 years.

The 53-year-old from Barnacullia told Dublin Gazette she is “thrilled” to have won.

“I was delighted, I was absolutely thrilled. I didn’t even know I was nominated, it was a huge surprise!

It makes you feel that you’re appreciated and that people like you.”

Fiona, who is known to always be in great form, said she absolutely loves what she does and revealed that her favourite thing about the job is the kids.

“Just seeing them coming up in the morning.

Sometimes they come up to me and hug me around the leg, those little things just make such a difference.

“Children walk up to you with such a smile on

their face, I mean how could you be in bad form or not love that. That’s what keeps me there, I just love the kids.”

As part of the award of the year, 98FM gave Fiona a well-deserved prize of a break in the Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway which she said she cannot wait to avail of.

She said she will enjoy the prize with her partner Kevin.

The popular woman, who is also a carer to her mother Carmel (92), is very grateful to everyone who has voted.

She said: “I’m just so grateful and thankful that everybody nominated and voted for me because it’s them that got me there! It was such a surprise to me because I never even knew there was such a thing as Best Lollipop Person in Dublin. I was thrilled!”

Well wishes have been pouring in online for Fiona.

One wrote: “Delighted Fiona. You really deserve this. You always have a smile and kind word to everyone. “ While another wrote: “I don’t think there’s anyone more deserving.”

Fiona Ryan with 98FM Big Breakfast’s Luke O’Faolain and 98FM team

DUN LAOGHAIRE

Plenty for all at Christmas market THE Dun Laoghaire Christmas market is well underway with plenty of festive cheer for everyone.

It is taking place from now until December 23rd on the metals and opposite dlr LexIcon every Friday from 12.30pm to 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 7pm.

There are hand-crafted gifts and decorations, jewellery, metal art, sculpture, photography and a whole host of very special quality hand crafted gifts and treats.

During the Christmas Festival with every hour of parking purchased on street in the Dun Laoghaire town centre, one hour is free, and shops will be running special promotional events in the run up to Christmas, with extra trading hours.

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

CHRISTMAS APPEAL: ASDFASFDSAFAF SADFDSA FDSAF DSAF DSA FDSAF

Shankill family is new face of LauraLynn REBECCA RYAN

A SHANKILL family have been chosen to be the face of this year’s LauraLynn Christmas appeal.

Barry and Mairead Jones are parents to Molly, aged 7, Cara, aged 5 and Elsie, aged 4 (pictured) .

Molly was born with Ring Chromosome 18, General Development Delay and a serious heart condition.

On December 21, 2010, Barry and Mairead went to Holles Street hospital as their first baby was on her way.

Molly was born weighing just 6lbs and strug-

gling to breathe. Among other complications, an ECG revealed that Molly also had a heart murmur and doctors told the new parents that their daughter’s chance of survival was incredibly slim.

Molly’s mam Mairead said: “That’s when our fairy-tale turned into a nightmare. Our tiny baby had just arrived, and we were already getting ready to say goodbye.”

Molly’s dad Barry told Dublin Gazette it was a “real shock to the system.”

“You don’t expect it.

Doctors told us to come in and take as many pic-

tures as you can. They said her condition wasn’t compatible with life. We spoke about her funeral.

My parents offered us a grave plot they had if it came to it.”

For the next few days Barry and Mairead spent every moment with their little girl. They sang her lullabies and dressed her in all the outfits they thought she would never get to wear home.

Against all odds, 18 days later, Molly was taken home and will soon be celebrating her eighth birthday on the December 21.

Barry said that Molly

DALKEY

Kennys win housing battle against apartments

Molly Jones (centre) with her family

is a “determined” and “fierce” little girl and they use a quote from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to describe her: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Molly needs constant care and monitoring. She is non-verbal, her sight and hearing are impaired, she has heart and liver issues, scoliosis and a high risk of a bleed in her oesophagus among many other health difficulties.

She has a different

consultant in Crumlin for every organ in her body. Barry said keeping up with it all can “take its toll” on the family and that LauraLynn has been such an incredible support.

“It’s like a home from home, Molly really gets a lot out of it. Usually she would stay overn i g h t. T h ey ’re ve r y much focused on Molly and what her needs are.

They’re really really great [and] it gives the family a chance to breath

which is so valuable.”

This year LauraLynn has to raise €4.2million in funding to help continue providing vital services to their children and families.

Barry, along with his family and friends, are donating to LauraLynn instead of buying gifts this Christmas.

If you would like to get behind LauraLynn’s appeal you can donate, or find out how to help, at www.lauralynn.ie/ how-to-help

PAT KENNY and his wife have won a housing battle against plans for multi apartment blocks adjacent to their Dalkey home.

The broadcaster is very protective of his family’s privacy and lodged a 16-page objection to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council against the proposed development.

Property firm Bartra Capital Property were seeking planning permission for 19 apartments in three blocks ranging up to four storeys, along with seven houses on the 1.4-acre site.

Many of the grounds of refusal from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council echoed many of the concerns raised by the Kennys.

Among the grounds, the council said that the “height, bulk and scale” of the proposed apartment block would be “visually overbearing” and result in “overshadowing” of the adjoining site.

De La Salle Christmas fair this Sunday DE La Salle College in Churchtown are holding their Christmas fair this Sunday.

There will be Santa’s Grotto, book stalls, soft toy stalls, festive food, musical entertainment, craft and gift stalls, raffle and wheel of fortune and lots more.

The festive event takes place in De Le Salle College in Churchtown from 11am to 3pm on Sunday December 9th.

All members of the community are very welcome.

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

John Daly, Councillor Lettie McCarthy, Eddie Kennedy. Councillor Ossian Smyth, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Sinéad ní Mhaonaigh, Patrick Graham.. Photography by Peter Cavanagh The Harper’s Salon team pictured with Liz Curtin at Harper’s Salon in Glasthule at a charity event to raise money for Cancer. As well as prizes there were mini manicures and dry styling on the day. Photography by Justin Farrelly

Peripheral art launched at dlr exicon Library in Dun Laoghaire hosted the launch of ‘PeriphLGraham, eries’, an exhibition of a selection of works by artists Patrick Eddie Kennedy and Sinéad ní Mhaonaigh

Evelyn and Charlotte Coulson

Anna Mosiadz and Helen Allen

Cuts for Cancer The Harper’s Salon team in Glasthule hosted a charity event to raise money for Cancer. As well as prizes there were mini manicures and dry styling on the day.

Janine Harper and Shane Tobler

Frances and Laura Curtin

Sinéad Dunne, Niamh Duffy and Esther Mooney

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

OPINION: ‘A NEW MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE POWER IS RISING ACROSS THE COUNTRY’

‘Government are failing to meet needs for a secure affordable home’

“

THE government are failing disastrously to meet the most basic need of hundreds of thousands of people in this country: the need for a secure affordable home.

There are more than ten thousand people including 3,200 children in emergency accommodation; there are more than 100,000 households on housing waiting lists; tens of thousands in mortgage distress and hundreds of thousands of young and

working people paying extortionate rents with little hope of ever owning their own home.

The average house price in Dun Laoghaire is over half a million and the average rent is now €2,000, who can afford that?

Here in Dun Laoghaire we have more than 300 families in emergency accommodation, more than 3000 households waiting 10 – 15 years or more for a council house and among the highest rents and property prices

in the country.

Low and middle income people are being systematically driven out of the area where they were born and brought up because they simply cannot afford to live here anymore.

This crisis is not an accident, but results directly from government decisions to stop building council housing for more than a decade and the equally disastrous decision to allow NAMA to sell off more than €40 billion worth of property

assets and building land to international property speculators and corporate landlords.

For example; the developers who built Cualanor and Honey Park, who were bailed out by NAMA have sold more than 700 apartments in the last year or two to big property investors rather than these homes being transferred to the Local Authority to provide public and affordable housing.

Cherrywood, which is zoned to provide up to 8000 homes was sold off

by NAMA to big property investors who have still built absolutely nothing and when they do build will certainly be selling or renting at prices that almost nobody can afford.

Meanwhile, large publicly held lands zoned for building such as Shanganagh Castle, Old Conna and other sites remain unused because of the government failure or refusal to return to large scale public housing construction.

Unless there is a radical change in policy, the housing crisis is to get worse

Richard Boyd Barrett TD at housing demonstration

and a whole generation of young people will face a totally insecure future in terms of the basic need for housing. The damage this will do to the mental health and well-being of children is incalculable.

We must act urgently.

We must demand: a massive programme of public and affordable housing directly provided by the state; NAMA must be instructed to stop selling public land and be used to deliver only public and affordable housing.

We need an emergency freeze on all evictions that lead to homelessness and the introduction of rent

controls to bring rents to affordable levels.

Unused or vacant land or property needs to be taken over by local authorities for housing use. We need to insert the right to secure affordable housing in the constitution.

These are the kinds of demands that were raised on recent protests by the National Housing and Homeless Coalition, the Raise the Roof Campaign, and the Take Back the City Movement.

This new movement of People Power is rising across the country demanding housing as a basic human right.

Here in Dun Laoghaire, if we want to save our community from being destroyed and driven out, we need to be part of building this new ‘people power’ housing movement.

Protests and demonstrations, both local and national, are planned for the New Year and everyone who is affected in one way or another by the housing crisis needs to get involved in this movement.

National Housing and Homeless Coalition; https://www.facebook. com/NationalHomelessandHousingCoalition/ Richard Boyd Barrett TD

” Nominations sought for Garda Youth Awards THE inaugural Youth Awards for the Dublin Metropolitan Region East were launched last week at Dundrum Town Centre.

They celebrate outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 and recognise the good work being done by them in the communities.

The areas of the DMR East Garda Division covers Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock, incorporating Shankill, Cabinteely, Dundrum and surrounding area.

Four awards are up for grabs

including individual and group awards, a special achievement award (overcome difficult circumstances) and a community safety award (through a crime prevention or safety initiative / innovation, have made their community a safer place to live).

Garda Youth Awards DMR East supported by Dundrum Town Centre, AXA, Tesco and DLR Mill Theatre will host the award ceremony on Thursday, January 31 2019.

The awards are celebrated throughout Ireland and for the

first time will be celebrated in Dublin Metropolitan Region East.

If you know a young person or group of young people from the DMR East deserving of recognition for the good work, they have done or are doing in their communities, the application form is available from Dun Laoghaire or Dundrum Garda Station, or you can contact your Local Community Garda or Juvenile Liaison Officer.

Closing date is Friday, December 14 2018.

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

PULSE CHECK CAN PREVENT STROKE

Rebecca rallys behind campaign A WOMAN from Clonskeagh is getting behind an Irish Heart Foundation campaign to help prevent strokes.

‘Prevent a Stroke: Feel The Pulse’ is urging the public to incorporate a simple pulse check into your daily routine.

Rebecca advised: “Checking your heart is really important because had I’d know I’d be able to tell [the doctors] that my heart beat is really fast and it’s really irregular, but I didn’t have that information.”

Stroke One in four people over the age of 50 are at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, which if not treated, are five times more likely to have a stroke. Rebecca Redmond (46) was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation two years ago.

She told Dublin Gazette she went to the doctors when she had symptoms of exhaustion, irregular heartbeat, swelling in her legs and shortness of breath.

“I went to A&E several times; however, they only do a trace of 30 seconds of the heart and because I was so young it wasn’t worth investigating much further.

“I was sent away with ‘you’ll be better’ but it wasn’t until the symptoms got really bad that they did the trace for longer and it was diagnosed.”

Campaign The Irish Heart Foundation’s campaign is all about the public checking their pulse twice a day, using two fingers on your wrist, twice a day for two weeks and take note of the results.

If your pulse feels irregular, you could have atrial fibrillation and be at greater risk of developing a stroke.

The symptoms of atrial fibrillation can include tiredness, dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath, but very often a person living with the condition will experience no symptoms at all.

This is why it is crucial for everyone aged over 50 to regularly check their pulse for irregularities to ensure an early diagnosis.

For more information see www.irishheart.ie

Pictured here at the opening of Dunnes Stores, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, were staff with store manager, Colm Walker. Picture:Conor Healy

New food hall a huge hit with locals FOODIES in Blackrock have an incredibly exciting new destination to satisfy their desires, after Dunnes Stores opened a brand new food hall on Newtownpark Avenue.

Having opened its doors on November 29, the convenience hall has already become a huge hit with locals looking for artisan brands from an Irish owned supermarket.

There is a curated range of leading food brands including Sheridans Cheesemongers, the Baxter and Greene Market Deli, Dunnes’ own Simply Better Collection and a dedicated fishmongers in-store.

Sheridans Cheesemongers were founded in 1995, when brothers Seamus and Kevin started selling Irish farmhouse cheeses at the Galway market. Shortly after they opened a shop in Galway with Irish farmhouse cheeses piled from

floor to ceiling.

Kevin Sheridan said that he’s incredibly proud to have their products in Dunnes new Blackrock store.

He said: “We already have so many loyal customers from the Blackrock area and it’s great for us to be able to bring our products even closer to them.

“We are so proud to be part of this new food shopping experience in South Dublin and look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our new store.”

The store which is on the site of the former Playwright pub on Blackrock’s Newtownpark Avenue will be open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 8pm on Sunday, with special opening hours during the Christmas holiday period.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

HOUSING: STATE-BACKED FINANCE SCHEME MAY SUPPORT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION

Help could be near for distressed mortgages CLOSE TO 5,400 distressed mortgage holders in Dublin are being offered a solution thanks to an innovative statebacked finance scheme.

New figures from the Central Bank’s LongTerm Mortgage Arrears in Ireland Report state that 5,398 households in Dublin have been in mortgage arrears for more than two years, while more than 4,300 of those have been in arrears for at least five years.

Despite the scale of the repayment problem by mortgage holders, figures from the Department of Housing show

that only 111 households in the capital availed of the Government’s Mortgage To Rent scheme.

Unsustainable A Governmentapproved mortgage to rent provider – Home For Life (HFL) – is spearheading a drive to enable mortgage holders in unsustainable debt to stay in the ir current homes debt-free as longterm tenants of their local authority.

HFL say that there is a strong possibility it can come up with a solution in many of the cases of serious mortgage

arrears.

The company works with homeowners, lenders and the local authority to keep unsustainable mortgage holders in their current homes, avoiding upheaval for families.

Under the scheme, a property is sold to HFL and then l e a se d b a c k to the state through the local authority which, in turn, sublets the house or apartment back to the homeowner.

The homeowner pays

“

an affordable incomebased rent to their local authority.

As part of the scheme in Dublin, the local authorities would then undertake to provide for the ongoing long-

tive Paul Cunningham said: “I was surprised to find that of the 5,398 cases in Dublin, just over 100 had found a solution through mortgage to rent.

“This may be due to the fact t h a t counc i l l o rs, c o m munity l e a d ers and advisors w e r e unaware up to now that the Government’s Mortgage to Rent scheme was a real, deliverable solution for homeowners whose mortgages are unsustainable and are at most

The company works ... to keep unsustainable mortgage holders in their current homes term housing needs of the applicant and other eligible residents of the property for as long as their housing need exists.

HFL Life chief execu-

acute risk of losing their homes.”

According to Cunningham, the biggest challenge in the old Mortgage To Rent scheme was until recently the delays in getting individual cases over the line – a delay of up to 18 months.

“However, we have now reduced the timeline in dealing with all documentation and agencies so that a case can be completed normally within four to six months,” he said.

HFL works with all banks and funds and can facilitate properties irrespective of location or condition.

At the inaugural HFL advisory board meeting last week, Fr Peter

McVerry said he was “all in favour” of any initiative that keeps people in their homes.

Fr McVerry said: “I fully support projects that help to resolve the incredible amount of mortgage arrears and stop people becoming homeless.”

Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Housing and Urban Development Damien English described the emergence of HFL into the market as “a significant step towards a scaling of Mortgage to Rent to meet the needs of more borrowers in mortgage distress.”

For further information, see www.homeforlife.ie.

Picture: William Power

Housing and homelessness advocate Fr Peter McVerry (centre), who attended the inaugural Home For Life (HFL) advisory board meeting last week, with Paul Cunningham, chief executive, and Charles O’Reilly Hyland, chairman, both of HFL

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

MILESTONE: CELEBRATIONS AS DESMOND REACHES HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

Rathfarnham’s loved actor Des turns 100 REBECCA RYAN

C E L E B R AT I O N S a re underway as a loved local actor is celebrating his 100th birthday today.

Desmond Cunningham was born on December 6, 1918. He has appeared in a whole host of movies including The Guns of Navarone, The Trials of Oscar Wilde and Dracula.

H i s s te p - d a u g h te r Myra, a grandmother-offive from Rathfarnham, told Dublin Gazette that Des came from a family of six and when he was eight his family moved

to the States when they were sponsored by his uncle.

“He was raised there.

Then he went into the army during the war.

After the army he joined the Merchant Navy. He’s been all around the world with [them], that’s why he’s lived so long, he’s had a great life.”

When Des moved back to Ireland, he studied drama for four years in the Brendan Smith Academy on Grafton Street.

Myra said he has been in a lot of films that “he is very proud of”.

“He has been in The Guns of Navarone, The O l d Cu r i o s i t y S h o p, Bloody Sunday, The Trials of Oscar Wilde, The Ambassador, an extra on Fair City, a solider leading the march in Cleopatra with Liz Taylor, he walked Julie Andrews down the train station arm in arm, Darling Lili, Dracula, and he played a judge in a film on TG4. He’s met a lot of people.”

Des married Myra’s mother, Margaret, when he was nearly 60 and they were married for 40 years.

Myra’s mother sadly

CHURCHTOWN

Whelan’s calling for new talents

Desmond and his wife Margaret on his 90th birthday

passed away in September.

Myra said Des is doing well and is excited about celebrating his milestone.

“He’s in great form. I only got him hearing aids the other day. He’s going

bananas [having to wear them] - I hope he’s using them! Desmond is really looking forward to his birthday and party.

“They’ll have something for him in [New Lodge Nursing Home in

Rathfarnham] and then we’ll have a party for him on the 9th with the family.”

The one thing Des is looking forward to on his birthday is “the cheque,” said Myra.

ICONIC music venue Whelan’s has announced that it is now accepting submissions for its One to Watch showcase, offering a chance to make a mark at the popular music venue.

Running from January 16-20, the Ones to Watch festival will comprise more than 60 new and highlyrated Irish acts.

Submissions for the festival opened on Tuesday, with acts being urged to apply early for the chance to play one of the five stages at the event.

Single tickets are priced at €5, with a festival pass available for €10.

For bands interested in signing up to take part in the festival, more information and a sign-up sheet is available from @WhelansLive on Twitter, or on WhelansLive.com.

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Adrian Dunbar and Dave Fanning

Sara Macken, Brian O’Flaherty and Neil Goodman. Pictures: Billy Cahill

Dun Laoghaire Vinyl Festival

Gavin Friday

Andrew Cartmel

Dave Randall

Julie Feeney and Nadine O’Regan

Paul McCarroll, Terri Hooley and Glenn Patterson

Dave Cahill

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

Andy D’Alton and Caitriona Cahill

Ciara and Paul O’Connell

Irish Super Rally Champion Derek Tohill arriving at the night of Champions in Finnstown House Castle.

Pictures: Michael Chester

Honouring our amazing Motorsport Champions F

innstown Castle Hotel recently hosted The 2018 Night of Champions which celebrated the champions of many different motorsport disciplines. MC on the night was Leo Nulty. Guests enjoyed a Champagne and Canape reception, followed by a 4 course meal and prize-giving ceremony.

Linda, Michael and Peter Barrable and Lizzy Biggins

Irish Rallycross Champion Derek Tohill

Stephen and Sharon Ross

Leo Nulty MC for the evening

Thomas O’Rafferty (IRX Chairman) with Jack Byrne, Junior Rallycross Champion

Nicole Drought, Endurance Trial Class A1 Champion with Sean McEnroe, Coffee Perfection

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

MAGAZINE

DUBLIN

MUSIC: FLOGGING MOLLY FLY THE FLAG... P24

RECHARGE WITH A SHORT BREAK BEFORE XMAS P26

New Volvo XC40 Irish Car of the Year 2019 P28

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

RUGBY LEGEND ON THE BALL FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Brian O’Driscoll, Ambassador for Temple Street Children’s Hospital is pictured with Temple Street patients Sophia Mulvany (8) and Luke Staunton (7) to announce that this year, Christmas FM will be raising awareness and funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

The radio station’s goal is to raise over €200,000 which will go towards giving the gift of life to over 1,000 critically ill babies and children in Temple Street. Funds raised will be used to purchase new state-of-the-art incubators and ventilators, helping to ensure that sick children have access to the very best paediatric equipment when they need it most.

Picture: Andres Poveda

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Miriam Ahern

Georgina Byrne

Roz Flanagan

Lisa Cummins, Caroline Geraghty and Kim Wright. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

CARI Christmas Lunch at Shelbourne Hotel Aisling Holly and Kailen Holly

Jayne Given

Rita Condren, Susan McLavery and Kay Hutton

Aisling Kilduff and Marion Cunningham

Hanna Cunningham and Madeline Riley

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

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

Smithfield Winter Solstice Celebration

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 Blanchardstown Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

EVERYONE is invited to take part in a magical parade which honours the Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day of the year which is celebrated worldwide across a range of cultures.

Taking place on December 21st and kicking off at DIT Grangegorman, there’s a number of activities to suit all ages.

You can meet with The Sun Queen and Snow Princesses, place your withies in the flame, join us in the colourful drum led parade to Smithfield Square and be there as we raise our fire to the world in a roaring, climactic moment. Bring warm, colourful clothes to wear for the parade.

There will be an indoor Festival from 4-5.30pm at DIT Grangegorman Campus where the gathering begins. All are welcome to come and enjoy a spectacular Céilí featuring traditional Irish dancing and music, storytelling performances, poetry readings, face painting and craft making to work on masks, banners and wreaths for the parade.

There will then be an outdoor festival and parade from 5.30-7pm from the campus to Smithfield Square, which culminates in the Winter Solstice Fire Ceremony. All activities are free..

‘THE BALALLY PLAYERS CHRISTMAS’ THE Balally Players have announced their Christmas show at Marlay Park House.

‘Christmas at Marlay’ started by the group back in 2005 and is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with the whole family.

This delightful evening includes a heart-warming collection of music, song, recitation, monologue and comedy – and will be staged in the ideal setting of the Oval Room at Marlay Park House, Grange

Road, Rathfarnham.

There will also be tea, coffee, mulled wine and flavoursome mince pies at the interval.

The show is performed on Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 December 2018 at 8pm each evening in Marlay Park House.

Tickets €15/€12 may be purchased through the dlr Mill Theatre website www. milltheatre.ie or the Box Office on 01-296 9340.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

SOME OF THE LATEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN DUBLIN

Hugh must see this

DOG OF THE WEEK

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Andi is a very special three-year-old female Staffordshire Cross looking for an experienced family to call her own.

She arrived to Dogs Trust heavily pregnant and gave birth shortly after arriving. Andi was a wonderful mum to her pups and showered them with lots of love until they all found loving homes, and it is now Andi’s turn to find her own. Andi is looking for someone who will continue her training but our experienced team will be there to support her new family with this. She would love a quiet home, with no other pets so that she can lap up all the love for herself.

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

GAIETY PANTO OPENS THE Gaiety Panto has officially opened and will run until January.

Get ready to have a brrrrrr...iliant time following the icy encounters of The Snow Queen and she tries to freeze the fun out of Christmas.

The Gaiety Theatre Pa n to m i m e e x t r av a ganza, which has been running each year since 1873, this year brings you a tale of friendship and love, that as always conquers evil.

Full of song and dance and the odd slippery surprise, “The Snow Queen”, with chilling treachery, kidnaps one half of a beloved couple and casts a sub-zero spell to bring us on an adventure through storm and blizzard...

But, only true love can melt a frozen heart...!

The stunning cast includes West End star Louise Bowden as the “Snow Queen”, Nicholas Grennell as “Jack

Frost” and once again Joe Conlan as the ever-as-fabulous Panto Dame.

The Gaiety really outdid themselves this year, with plenty of laughs for the whole family from the hilarious cast.

Due to popular demand, the show has been extended until January 20.

Tickets from €19.50 (including booking fee and restoration levy) can be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets and the Gaiety Theatre Box Offices.

A must see this Christmas!

CALLING fans of the Greatest Showman, Les Miserables and more – one of it’s stars is coming to the 3Arena next May! Hollywood heartthrob Hugh Jackman has announced his first ever world tour, ‘The Man, The Music, The Show, which will take in a stop at the Docklands venue on May 30th 2019.

Jackman will perform hit

songs from drama Les Miserables, family favourite The Greatest Showman and more tracks from Broadway and film, all accompanied by a live orchestra.

Tickets for Hugh’s 3Arena debut will go on sale tomorrow, Friday December 7th, at 9am – but be quick, as it’s sure to be a popular one!

DIARY

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

BEST GIFTS FROM HASBRO THIS

CHRISTMAS REBECCA RYAN AND RACHEL D’ARCY

T

he Christmas season officially started for many Dublin families with The Late Late Toy Show on Friday.

We have a fantastic giveaway this week of five top thrilling toys and games for Christmas 2018 from Hasbro which includes, Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Nerf Assembler Gear Iron Man, Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby Doll, Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus Blaster, My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic Collection Singing Rainbow Dash Figure And Speech Breaker Game.

We delved into some of the top toys and games that has hit the shelves this Christmas from Hasbro to bring you the best of what they have on offer, including what are expected to be some of the top toys for kids - and even adults! - this holiday season.

All of the toys listed on this page are available from toy retailers across Dublin.

NERF N-STRIKE ELITE INFINUS BLASTER

PRICE €59.99 AGE: 8+

LOAD and fire fast with the Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus blaster! The Infinus blaster features motorised Quick-Load Technology; as kids feed darts into the blaster, the darts are automatically loaded into the 30-dart removable drum.

With motorised, rapid-fire blasting, kids can quickly unleash a barrage of darts on their targets. Hold down the acceleration button to power up the blaster, then pull the trigger to fire. The INFINUS blaster includes 30 Elite darts.

PRICE €21.99

PRICE €59.99 AGE: 3+

AGE: 5+

MARVEL AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR NERF ASSEMBLER GEAR

HEROES Unite! Gear-up like the Avengers with this new modular role play system powered by Nerf.

The movie-inspired products come with connector pieces and NERF darts, so kids can build and blast like their favourite hero such as Iron Man, Captain America, Star-Lord, Hulk or Iron Spider, with each character sold separately. Kids can also create lots of combinations using assembler gear from other heroes.

Includes either a gauntlet, blaster or shield, two connectors, and three NERF darts.

BABY ALIVE POTTY DANCE BABY DOLL

LITTLE ones will enjoy playing mummy or daddy with the Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll.

After baby drinks from her water bottle, she does a potty dance to let mummy or daddy know she’s gotta go! Once she starts dancing, place BABY ALIVE POTTY DANCE BABY doll on the potty so she can tinkle!

When she’s all done, pretend to wash her hands with the included soap bottle and add a sticker onto her reward chart for a job well done!

Kids can also brush and style baby’s hair with the included comb. Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll says over 50 phrases and sounds and is bilingual – she speaks in English and Spanish! With a switch on her back, kids can choose whether theBaby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll is in “Mummy” or “Daddy” play mode. Doll comes with removable outfit, big girl underwear, potty, pretend soap bottle, water bottle, comb, reward chart and sticker sheet. Available in three hair colors and hair types, each sold separately.

Win some of Hasbro’s top toys for this Christmas!

PRICE €24.99

PRICE €19.49

AGE: 14+

SPEECH BREAKER

CAN you overcome the voicejamming challenge? You’re reporting live from the scene!

Put on the game headset, talk into the game microphone, and get your teammates to guess who/what/where without saying any of the words on the cards. What’s the catch? The microphone jams your speech with a built-in delay. As you talk, you’ll hear your delayed voice through the game headset, making it harder to speak clearly.

MONOPOLY GAMER: MARIO KART Edition

AGE: 8+

The Monopoly Gamer: Mario Kart Edition game provides fans of all ages with exciting new ways to engage with the iconic Nintendo brand.

Players pass iconic Mario Kart themed properties such as Rainbow Road and Bowser’s Castle, while simultaneously encountering familiar challenges like dodging Banana Peels, tossing Shells and scooping up Super Star spaces to win the game.

To introduce another layer of competition and strategy, landing on or passing “Go” triggers a Mario Kart race where players compete for the coveted Grand Prix card. In addition, each character token will have its own unique Power-Up ability activated by landing on a Super Star board space.

THE LOVELY people at Hasbro have given us some of their most popular toys for Christmas to give away to one lucky reader.

PRICE €22.99 AGE: 3+

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC COLLECTION SINGING RAINBOW DASH THE Singing Rainbow Dash pony figure shines like a superstar as she sings her awesome songs! Press her Cutie Mark or slide her shades over her eyes to start her singing. She sings 5 songs and says awesome phrases from the MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC series and MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE. Kids can grab her microphone and sing a duet with Rainbow Dash, too! If kids want to sing solo, they can sing into the microphone and hear their tunes through the pony figure doubling as a speaker. It’s time to be awesome with Rainbow Dash!

One winner will take home a Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus Blaster, a My Little Pony Singing Rainbow Dash, the Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby Doll, a Speech Breaker, a Play Doh Buzz ‘n’ Cut and an Avengers Infinity War Nerf Assembler Gear.

To be in with a chance of winning this phenomenal prize, answer the following question: What two languages does the Baby Alive Potty Dance Baby doll speak?

1. Russian and English 2. English and Spanish 3. Spanish and French Email the answer to the question, along with your name and contact details, to competitions@dublingazette.com, making sure to include ‘Hasbro Competition’ in the subject line.

The closing date for this competition is 5pm on Thursday, December 13. Full terms and conditions for our competitions are available on our website, at DublinGazette.com.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

FEATURES

‘Domestic violence campaigner soaring in brand new radio show’ F

ollowing the success of her RTE documentary helping victims of domestic abuse, Dublin motherof-two Emma Murphy has landed a job as a radio presenter.

REBECCA RYAN

Emma became widely known three years ago when she sat at the bottom of her stairs with a black eye pouring her heart on a video out about an abusive relationship she was in. The video that encouraged other women to leave their abusive partners went viral and Emma went on to become a domestic abuse campaigner.

Last May, Emma travelled around Ireland speaking to other victims of domestic violence in a very touching RTE documentary.

The 29-year-old originally from Ballymun, now living in Finglas, is the new presenter on Dublin City FM’s Good Morning Dublin every Monday with Louise Tighe from 10 to 11am.

She told Dublin Gazette she is really enjoying presenting.

“I’m delighted. Myself and the other presenter Louise Tighe, we really gel well together. We’re very similar and we have a bit of craic in the morn-

ing. Louise has been doing it 11 years, so I know I’m going to learn a lot from her. We have a good buzz.”

Emma is very passionate about people and their stories and is excited to be interviewing people who make a difference in society.

“I would like to interview people who are influential and making a difference in Ireland. I want to interview people who’s making a difference in society in a positive way,” said Emma.

The domestic abuse campaigner is still doing a lot for the cause. Last month she spoke in Tallaght IT with Dublin GAA footballer Philly McMahon for Mental Health Week, then travelled down to Limerick where she was invited to speak at the world premiere of a domestic violence movie.

She also recently participated in a homeless sleepout with Saoirse Women’s Refuge.

Emma is certainly making waves on the air and hopes to use her career to highlight important

issues in Ireland.

“TV and radio have always been a passion of mine. My uncle was [the late] Tony Dixon and he used to always say to me as a kid ‘you’ll be on the radio’ and I used just laugh and think it was a pipe dream.

“Then when my story came out, I was always the one be ing interviewed. When I filmed my [RTE] documentary I was looking at it criticising myself, and I realise my strength was listening to people and listening to their stories.

“That’s what I want to do.

I want to talk about the real-life issues that we’re facing everyday whether its abuse, sexual violence, mental health or eating disorders.

“The only way of ever making any changes is continuing to have the conversation, and if I’m working on the radio or on the TV, what better platform is that.”

Emma will be turning 30 this month and the future is certainly looking bright for her.

“It’s nice to come to 30 and be seeing my life going in a positive direction.”

You can catch Emma on Good Morning Dublin on Dublin City FM 103.2 from 10 to 11am.

“

The only way of ever making any changes is continuing to have the conversation, and if I’m working on the radio or on the TV, what better platform is that

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

GOINGOUTOUT

IMMIGRANT SONG FLOGGING MOLLY FLY THE FLAG...

PICKWEEK OF THE

DECEMBER 7 AND 8 (FRIDAY AND SATURDAY)

Andre Rieu @ 3Arena, €56+ Andre Rieu is back in Ireland with a brand new show! Together with his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and many soloist Andre Rieu will give you what you’ve come to expect from his performances: the maestro conducting his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and playing his world-famous Stradivarius violin to create a colourful concert full of surprises.

DECEMBER 6 (THURSDAY) The Coronas @ The Olympia, sold out The Blizzards @ Whelan’s, sold out Little Green Cars @ Vicar Street, €25 Kojaque @ The Academy, sold out Short Shorts @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €10

DECEMBER 7 (FRIDAY) Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers @ The Olympia, €34 The Blizzards @ Whelan’s, sold out Midland @ Vicar Street, €25 Corner Boy @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €10 Bobby & The Blunts @ Whelan’s Upstairs, late, free Gregory Alan Isakov @ The Academy, €20

DECEMBER 8 (SATURDAY) The Stunning @ The Olympia, €29 The Proclaimers @ Vicar Street, sold out The Frank and Walters @ Whelan’s, €23 Silverbacks @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €10 Jacob Banks @ The Academy, €23

DECEMBER 9 (SUNDAY) Travis @ The Olympia, sold out Enda Reilly @ Whelan’s Upstairs, €12

DECEMBER 10 (MONDAY) Travis @ The Olympia, €45 Christy Moore @ Vicar Street, sold out

DECEMBER 11 (TUESDAY) Snow Patrol @ 3Arena, €70 Lily Allen @ The Olympia, sold out The Ruby Sessions @ T Doyle’s, €7

DECEMBER 12 (WEDNESDAY) Ocean Colour Scene @ The Olympia, sold out Damien Dempsey @ Vicar Street, €33 Aine Cahill @ Whelan’s, €22 Kyle @ The Academy, €23

“

THIS IS my natural home,” Dave King of Flogging Molly tells us as he sits in his Wexford living room telling us tales of international Irish punk over the phone.

“I wish you could see where I’m sitting. It’s beautifully, so quiet, so soulfully Irish.”

King’s tale is a familiar one to our shores. He left his native Dublin as a late teenager, in search of something bigger, and a chance of success.

He was drawn to LA, and found himself a regular in a bar called Molly Malones.

There, he performed, met his wife Bridget, and eventually encountered the rest of his future bandmates.

Nearly a quarter of a century ago, King - at the time a rock vocalist with a band called Fastway - became the frontman of cult Celtic punk band Flogging Molly.

Flogging Molly’s music is a distinct fusion of Irish trad and embittered punk,

 JAMES HENDICOTT

as well as of the political and personal.

One of the band’s biggest hits ‘What’s Left of the Flag’, for example, superficially seems to be about raising the tattered relic of a country high and proud, but is actually a tribute to King’s late father.

Latest album ‘Life Is Good’ - at first glance a deeply sarcastic reference to the bitterness within is actually a tribute to his mother.

After what King describes as “a hard life,” she turned to him on her deathbed and asked him to live his to his full, as she had. He’d always seen her as struggling, but she felt differently.

“I lived in LA for 16 years and it’ll always be the band’s home,” King explains.

“Things are different today. I’ve been back in

Wexford for 13 or 14 years with Bridget, though we live some of the year in Detroit, too.

“We spend a lot of our lives on the road. You have to, that’s our bread and butter as a band.

“We’re just back from South America, and we were in the same airport three times in 30 hours.

“It gets a bit mad after a while, but we still have loads of ideas. I was on my phone yesterday, looking at notes from last year.

“When I’m touring, I write them down and then shut them off. I just add sayings to my phone and leave it at that.”

Much of Flogging Molly’s music obliquely references the politics of the time, and Trump, Brexit and the treatment of immigrants in particular has cut close to the bone.

“I think we see the world from an interesting perspective, spending so much time on the road,” King says.

“These days things are really lacking a sense of humour. I remember

when Bush was in charge, we made a video with Jello Biafra and Will Farrell for when we came on stage making fun of him, and everyone used to laugh at it, whatever side they were on. We couldn’t do that now.”

“The world is scary and divided. It’s the same with Trump, with Brexit... we’re dividing the place.

Our music is in good fun.

I mean, we’re dead serious about what we do, but it’s also about having a good time, and when we travel we see how great things could be. It’s such a shame.”

“We’ve had to put the brakes on a bit this year.”

King admits, after a quarter of a century of touring together.

“We could tour 24/7.

We need to tackle things a little differently now, but keeping everyone paid is a constant challenge.

“Albums were never the be all and end all, they’re just a part of the jigsaw puzzle. We’ve been lucky, but we still feel there’s so much room for growth.”

Flogging Molly play The Academy, Dublin on December 17.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 25

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

ENTERTAINMENT

STEPHEN HILLENBURG | CREATOR OF SPONGEBOB PASSES AWAY

QUIKFLIX FLIX Streaming highlights on the way

Strictly judge blasts pay rise demand by dancers A STRICTLY Come Dancing judge has slammed the professional dancers on the show for reportedly seeking a pay hike.

Judge of the ballroom dancing show, Craig Revel Horwood, slammed news that the professional dancers on the show are to join a union to campaign to get more pay.

“Go and do Cats [the musical] for 200 quid a week and see how you feel,” he told a UK newspaper when asked about the dancer’s apparant demands.

“This show puts them in the limelight,” Craig said.

Currently, the dancers reportedly earn £50,000 for a series of the popular BBC show.

“If they are doing what they normally do, which is competitive dance up in Blackpool, there would be 500 people interested. There are 12 million people interested in this show. They have all got Twitter accounts and they are all making money on the side doing something else. I think, ‘Isn’t that enough?’”

Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One.

Former marine biologist Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of Spongebob Squarepants, passed away last week

‘Loss of one of the greatest childhood icons of 2000s’ RACHEL D’ARCY

A G E N E R AT I O N i s m o u r n i n g fo l l ow i n g the death of Spongebob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg last week. He was 57.

Hillenburg, who was a marine biologist prior to creating the iconic Nickelodeon cartoon, passed away after a decade long battle with ALS. In a statement, Nickelodeon said: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. “He was a beloved friend and long-time crea-

tive partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family.

Steve imbued Spongebob Squarepants with a unique sense of humour and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere.

His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship, and the limitless power of imagination.”

Hillenburg began working in animation in 1987, and began working as a director and writer on

Nickelodeon’s Rocko’s Modern Life from 1993 to 1996.

Following his time working on ‘Modern Life’, he began to work full time on writing, producing and directing Spongebob Squarepants.

First airing in 1999, in the 19 years since it first aired, Spongebob has run nearly 250 episodes to date and become a firm favourite of children and adults alike.

Fans of Spongebob and Hillenburg alike - took to social media following news of his passing.

“Hillenburg’s creations inspired me to pursue art,

and still inspire me every day. I know Spongebob is a huge part of people’s lives, and a huge tribute to comedy, imagination and heartfelt animation,” wrote one Twitter user.

Another tribute posted said: “I remember the days when I watched Sponge-

bob when I came home from school. I grew up with Spongebob, and still watch the show to this day.

The fact that Stephen Hillenburg passed away is really sad - we just lost one of the greatest childhood icons of the early-to-mid 2000s.”

THE ORIGINAL book that inspired hit series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is to get a sequel next year.

Author Margaret Atwood announced that ‘The Testaments’ will be released in September 2019, picking up 15 years after the origi-

nal book left off.

The television adaption of the original book has been hugely successful, attracting viewers from around the globe.

The Handmaid’s Tale revolves around a totalitarian society in what was once part of the United States, which treats women

as property of a state riddeled with a plummeting birth rate.

The few remaining fertile women are forced into ‘sexual servitude’ in an attempt to repopulate their world, with the show focusing on one of the women, Offred, as she tries to find her daughter.

LAST Friday’s Toy Show is officially Ireland’s most watched TV show in 2018, drawing in over 1.5 million viewers. The theme of this year’s toy extravaganza revolved around hit musical The Greatest Showman, with host Ryan Tubridy dressed as the ringleader of a circus-themed set.

Over 1.3 million people watched the show live on RTÉ One on Friday night, a 74% share of the audience at the time - and an 89% share amongst children.

On Saturday, 141,700 individuals watched a recording of the show, with a further 51,900 tuning in on Sunday. On top of this, another 113,000 watched the repeat viewing of the Toy Show on Saturday.

On the RTÉ player there were also record numbers, with streams increasing by 33% last year as 116,000 people watched online. Over 100,000 people also watched on catch-up, in over 100 countries outside of Ireland in places like Haiti, Mongolia and Myanmar.

Ariana Grande features in limited docuseries ches for Spongebob One of Hillenburg’s original sket

Original ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ book to get sequel in 2019 RACHEL D’ARCY

Toy Show is the most watched show of the year

In a press release, 79 year old Canadian Atwood said: “Dear Readers, everything you’ve ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book [The Testaments].

Well, almost everything!

The other inspiration is the world we’ve been living

in.”

The new novel - pegged for release on September 10th next year - will not be connected to the television adaption of the original 1985 book, as the TV series has now gone beyond Atwood’s original novel in order to continue Offred’s story.

POPSTAR Ariana Grande is the subject of a new four-part docuseries on Youtube, taking fans behind the scenes of her Dangerous Woman tour and the making of her latest album.

‘Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Diaries’ debuted on Youtube’s Premium service last Thursday.

There are never before seen highlights from her Dangerous Woman tour, moments from the One Love Manchester benefit concert, and the making of her newest album ‘Sweetener’.

A premium subscription to Youtube costs €11.99 a month, after a month’s free trial.

26 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

TRAVEL

A GUIDE TO TEMPTING FOOD AND LOCATIONS

Get relaxed and ready for Christmas at The Ice House Hotel in Mayo

NEW TRAVEL TREND | COSY UP AND CHILL OUT IN STYLE WITH A PRE-CHRISTMAS BREAK

Recharge with a short break before the Christmas rush SYLVIA POWNALL

Travel Editor SINCE the Christmas countdown starts in October these days there’s a new travel trend emerging for stressed-out shoppers who want to recharge their batteries before the festivities begin.

The Nights Before Christmas is now a thing apparently – along with ‘Twixmas - and hotels around Ireland are getting in on the act with preChristmas breaks giving you the chance to cosy up and chill out in style.

The Ice House Hotel in Mayo is offering mid-week breaks from December 1-22 for €140 per room per night.

Price includes a festive cocktail on arrival, a festive threecourse dinner, overnight accommodation in a river view room and breakfast.

The deal also includes access

to the chill spa where you can take some time before you check out to experience the outdoor hot-tub, barrel sauna, relaxing chairs and outdoor seaweed baths, leaving you relaxed and ready for Christmas.

See www.icehousehotel.ie for more information.

If you fancy spending the weekend with Santa Claus you can begin the family festivities early at the Hillgrove Hotel & Spa in Monaghan.

The Secret Escape overnight package is available on Saturday, December 8 and 15 and includes bed and breakfast in a family room from €250 per family.

There’s plenty to see and do from the leisure centre to the games area and kids club activities with Sunday lunch and a visit to Santa’s grotto included.

The deal is based on two children under 12 and includes hot chocolate and cookies with Mrs Claus as well as a gift from the

big man himself. See www.hillgrove.com.

Shopaholics take note: the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Cork is offering relaxing shopping breaks from just €75 per person sharing.

Luxurious Begin by toasting your retail triumphs in the nearby Mahon Point shopping centre and the city centre with a luxurious afternoon tea with bubbly.

Then relax in your room with a movie or enjoy complimentary access to The Spa thermal suite and fitness club where you can rest your weary limbs in the hydrotherapy pool.

There’s also another chance for some Christmas shopping as guests receive a 20 per cent discount on all ELEMIS & Max Benjamin products available at The Spa. The package is available until December 22 and includes a

buffet breakfast.

See www.radissonblu.com/ hotel-cork for more details.

Slightly closer to home you can get your fashion fix with five-star treatment at The Savoy, Limerick which is just a five-minute walk from Brown Thomas where guests can spend their €30 gift card.

From €290 a night you can enjoy an overnight stay in an executive guest room, Prosecco afternoon tea, late breakfast and access to the thermal suite.

Late checkout is available until 2pm and full details are at www.savoylimerick.com.

On your doorstep is the shop and stay package at the Radisson in Dublin which is available for €200 per room per night.

Enjoy a signature cocktail on arrival, choose from a seasonal menu for dinner and a super breakfast the next morning.

See www.radissonblu.com/ royalhotel-dublin.

The library at The Savoy Hotel, Limerick

The Locke Lounge at The Savoy Hotel, Limerick

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

HOME & STYLE

COURTESY OF

TRAINER TIPS

Food swaps to help keep the holidays healthy THIS week we look at healthy alternatives for some of your favourite Christmas treats ‘TIS THE Christmas season and temptation is everywhere. The trainers at Iconic Health Clubs have put together some tips if you want to trim some festive calories without compromising on the taste.

Even on Christmas Day, when turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and ham are in abundance, make sure vegetables take up one third of the space on your dinner plate. If you’re in charge of cooking, steam the veg where possible or use only a small amount of water. Brussels sprouts, peas and carrots can all be served unbuttered. Use the veg water for gravy and any leftover vegetables in a delicious soup to help fill you up and keep down the calorie count in the days after Christmas.

MONSOON women and girls dasha sequin reindeer jumper and (right) blue star sequin jumpers. Womens €81 Girls €39

M��� �n� ��!

CHRISTMASTIME is a special time with your little ones and Monsoon can help mum’s and kids share some holiday style. Their matching knits for kids and ladies with sparkly designs are sure to be a hit. Designed exclusively in London, these sequined beauties will keep you both warm,cosy and fabulous! So snap one up for you and your Mini-Me! Available in store and online at www.monsoon.co.uk

BETTY AND BIDDY Betsy earrings BETTY AND BIDDY Crescent and Disc necklace

OHHHHH… SPARKLY!

Betty and Biddy are only too aware that Christmastime can put a strain on any fashionista’s budget but have no fear! Betty and Biddy’s delicate necklaces are priced at €16 and all statement earrings are priced at €15.

Enjoy delicate choker necklaces adorned with crescent moons, classic gold drop-necklaces with crosses and discs or go all out and opt for Beyoncéstyle tassel earrings too!

BETTY AND BIDDY Bright Shop the entire range at www.bettyandbiddy.com Bronze tassel earrings

SCRAMBLED EGGS: made with single cream and smoked salmon (465 calories, 27.8g fat) SWAP FOR: Scrambled eggs (made with skimmed milk) and smoked salmon (376 calories; 21g fat) Saving: 89 calories, 6.8g fat

protein and a low fat meat. Most of the fat that is present in a cooked turkey will be found in the skin. So don’t eat the skin.

3-4tbsp TRADITIONAL GRAVY MADE WITH FAT AND JUICES FROM THE TURKEY: (80 calories, 2g fat) SWAP FOR: 3-4tbsp of gravy made with granules (15 calories, 0.6g fat) Saving: 65 calories, 1.4g fat MINCE PIE WITH DOUBLE CREAM: (368 calories, 25g fat) SWAP FOR: A filo pastry mince pie with 1tsp of low fat Greek yoghurt (105 calories, 1.9g of fat) Saving: 263 calories, 23.1g fat 30g CHUNK OF STILTON: (123 calories, 10.5g fat) SWAP FOR: A 30g chunk of camembert (87 calories, 6.8g fat) Saving: 36 calories

MEDIUM-SIZED GLASS MULLED WINE: (245 calories, 0g fat) SWAP FOR: A glass of champagne (114 calories, 0g fat) Saving: 131 calories 4 SLICES ROASTED, SELF-BASTED TURKEY: (250 calories, 10g fat) SWAP FOR: 4 slices of roasted, freerange or organic turkey (149 calories, 4g fat). Serve it without the skin as most of the fat nestles just beneath.

Saving: 101 calories, 6g fat.

4 ROAST POTATOES: (381 calories, 12g fat) SWAP FOR: 4 boiled potatoes with knob of butter (250 calories; 2g fat) Saving: 131 calories, 10g fat The bird: Turkey is a great source of

And remember, never go really hungry to a Christmas party gathering.

You can be hungry, but when blood sugar is much too low from lack of protein, you’ll find yourself making a bee-line for the pastry table. Nibble on some protein before you leave the house to avoid over-eating at the pastry table. Try a few spoonsful of egg salad (or half of a hard-boiled egg), or a small scoop of tuna or chicken salad, a slice of turkey, wedge of cheese, or a handful of almonds.

Icon Health Club, 1-4 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2.

Telephone: 01 405 3777 www.iconhealthclub.ie

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE 6 December 2018

MOTORS

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

Opel Celebrates 120 Years with ‘Special Edition’ models OPEL will celebrate 120 years of car manufacturing in 2019 and thus 120 years of German engineering and innovative technologies, which the carmaker makes available to a broad range of customers – true to the

New Volvo XC40 Irish Car of the Year 2019.

Swedish automobile manufacturer, Volvo Cars, is going to need a bigger glass cabinet to hold all the awards it has won for its new XC40 premium compact SUV. Having been initially awarded the highly coveted title of ‘European Car of the Year 2018’, it was recently crowned overall ‘Irish Car of the Year 2019’ as well as being the winner in its own category too.

DECLAN GLYNN

THE new Volvo XC40 is a strong contender in the market for premium, compact SUV’s and is pitched against such talented rivals as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E-PACE and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The new XC40 successfully blends comfort and cruising refinement, allowing all occupants to enjoy the trendy, minimalist cabin and the wonderful infotainment system.

Based on looks alone, the new XC40 is noticeably more youthful than its larger siblings – the XC60 and XC90.

The new XC40 was designed by British car designer Ian Kettle, who said that the inspiration for the car’s styling came from small robots that he saw in science-fiction movies.

The end result is lots of simple, clean, resolved lines - and an appearance that manages to look chunky and cute at the same time.

It’s helped by a further evolution of Volvo’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlight motif at the front end.

C u r re n t l y, e n g i n e options in the new XC40 include a T3 petrol engine (front wheel drive) with 156bhp, a T4 petrol engine (all-wheel drive) with 190bhp, a D3 diesel (front wheel drive) with 150bhp and a D4 diesel (all-wheel drive) with 190bhp.

Manual and Automatic gearboxes are available depending on the model chosen, as is the option of 2WD or 4WD drivetrains.

There are four trim levels available in the new XC40 – an entry-level model just referred to as ‘XC40’, Momentum, R-Design and Inscription.

Standard equipment across the entire range includes alloy wheels, LED headlights with ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime driving lights, a 12.3-inch Active TFT Crystal drivers information display, Rear Park Assist, cruise control with speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, Hill Decent Control, tyre pressure monitoring system, heated front seats, auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, alarm system, multiple airbags, road-sign information system, Driver

Alert Control with Lane Keeping Aid and many other safety, security and comfort features.

My test car was a new Volvo XC40 T3 ‘Inscription’ FWD model finished in Denim Blue metallic paint and mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox.

The, range-topping, Inscription specification is based on the impressively equipped ‘Momentum’ model but also benefits from the addition of a power operated tailgate, leather upholstery, power drivers seat with memory function, chrome window trim on lower section, keyless entry, Park Assist front & rear, auto-folding exterior mirrors, ‘Inscription’ logo in headrest upholstery, interior illumination package with second-row courtesy lighting, ‘Driftwood’ trim inlays, dual integrated exhaust pipes, front LED fog-lights, 18” 6-spoke matt-black diamond-cut alloy wheels, and ‘Inscription’ tread plates, while a whole host of optional features and combination packages are available for ultimate personalisation.

Opel motto ‘The Future is Everyone’s’.

To celebrate this special anniversary, Opel is launching the ‘120 Years’ special editions. Passenger car models such as the current Corsa, the bestselling Astra, the Crossland X, the Mokka X and the Grandland X right up to the Insignia flagship will be available in the ‘120 Years’ trim, featuring a wide range state-ofthe-art technologies, design and comfort features as standard.

Order books for the Corsa, Astra and Insignia ‘120 Years’ edition models are open now, while the Crossland X, Mokka X and Grandland X order books will open in December.

“Opel has been democratising mobility for 120 years. In our cars, we make trendsetting technologies

The 1.5-litre petrol engine in my test car produces an impressive 156bhp and 265Nm of torque for swift acceleration and confidence inspiring overtaking ability.

As little as 9.4-seconds is all that is required to catapult this 1.5-tonne SUV from 0 to 100km/h and on to a top speed of 200km/h.

A towing capacity (with a brake-equipped trailer) of between 1600kg and 2100kg is possible across the XC40 range – depending on the engine and transmission chosen.

Under the new WLTPI fuel consumption test system, the 1.5-litre petrol engine in my test car consumes as little as 7.1l/100km on a combined driving cycle (or 4.8l/100km on the NEDC test system).

Interior comfort in the new XC40 is fantastic, with the seats offering just the right amount of comfort, support and adjustability.

Head, leg and elbowroom in the cabin of the XC40 should be to everyone’s liking, thanks to the cars upright stance and broad aspect.

Prices for the new Volvo XC40 range start at €36,450 (excluding delivery & related charges) for the T3 FWD model I drove, with the D3 (turbo-diesel) FWD model priced from €39,230.

Funky on the outside, beautifully luxurious on the inside, comfortable and relaxing to drive, the new Volvo XC40 is a deserving winner of all the accolades it has received so far. I can sense more awards in the offing.

FACT BOX

1) European Car of the Year 2018 2) Irish Car of the Year 2019 3) 4 Impressive Specification Levels 4) Outstanding Safety Features 5) Priced From €36,450 (excluding delivery)

and features affordable for all groups of buyers. That is what we stand for! And that is why we are offering the special edition ‘120 Years’ trim level for so many of our models to mark the start of our anniversary,” said Xavier Duchemin, managing director sales, aftersales and marketing.

The special edition trim sits directly above the SC trim in most models and, depending on the model, includes assistance systems such as Park Assist or Cruise Control as standard.

Features such as heated seats, heated steering wheel and velour floor mats increase the level of comfort. The ‘120 Years’ models become true eye catchers with stylish alloy wheels, chrome elements, door sills with Opel lettering and of course the ‘120 Years’ badge. And all this is available at attractive prices. For example, the special edition Corsa is already available from €16,650, while the 120 Years anniversary Astra starts at €23,895.

Looking at the Astra in greater detail - the compact Opel bestseller already shines with assistance systems such as Hill Start Assist, Air Conditioning and Cruise Control as standard in its entry-level version.

Fog lamps and Rear Park Assist are added as standard on the ‘120 Years’ variant.

Heated front seats and the heated steering wheel along with the sight package including rain sensor, automatic headlamps with tunnel detection and automatic dimming rear-view mirror ensure comfortable temperatures and an increased level of safety on cold and wet days.

The ‘120 Years’ Opel Crossland X comes with the same standard features as the Astra. Furthermore, the SUV, which was successfully launched last year, features a heated ThermaTec windscreen for a clear view on frosty days.

Prices for the ‘120 Years’ Crossland X start at €23,095.

Visit www.opel.ie for further information.

6 December 2018 DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

PUZZLES

SUDOKU EASY

MODERATE

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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

WORD SEARCH

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

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number!

To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters.

As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid.

Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS buzzard condor eagle falcon gerfalcon golden eagle goshawk harrier hawk hobby kestrel kite

little owl merlin osprey owl red kite saker sea eagle secretary bird sparrowhawk tawny owl vulture

To advertise here please contact sales@dublingazette.com or call 01 6010240

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

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6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 33

GAELIC GAMES P36

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

CAUTIOUS CROKES: GAELIC FOOTBALL: KILMACUD

CROKES defender Ross McGowan says his side are adopting a cautious approach ahead of Sunday’s AIB Leinster Club Senior Football Final against first-time finalists St Columba’s. It’s the first time a Longford side have contested a Leinster decider, but McGowan says that they can’t be taken for granted.



GAZETTE

SOCCER P36

PAGE 38

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS CRICKET | SANDYMOUNT MAN EXCITED ABOUT 2018 TEST SERIES

Balbirnie’s major Afgan step forward  sport@dublingazette.com

SANDYMOUNT man Andrew Balbirnie says Ireland’s first-ever overseas test match against Afghanistan in March 2019 in “a major step forward” for the sport in Ireland.

The test match, the first of two that the Ireland men’s team will play in 2019, is part of a nine-match series against Afghanistan that will include one test, five one-day internationals and three T20 internationals.

The fixtures will all be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun in India.

Former Pembroke batsman Balbirnie, 27, who has 86 caps for Ireland, said: “The Afghanistan series is a major step forward for Irish cricket as the tour is our first major tour as a full member.

“It will no doubt be a test for the entire squad – taking on Afghani-

stan in subcontinent conditions will require a level of adjustment by both our batting and bowling units.

As we saw here at home in the summer, Afghanistan is a quality side with some world-class players, and will be a great challenge in their ‘home’ conditions.

“We are fortunate that Graham Ford [Head Coach] has scheduled a batting camp in December which will provide a number of our batsmen with some exposure to those conditions – it will be particularly beneficial for some of the younger guys like Harry Tector and James McCollum who won’t have experienced Indian pitches.”

The level and regularity of topquality international cricket this year will be exciting for Irish cricket fans.

The year will start with this Afghanistan series and will involve a busy home schedule of matches involving multiple Full Member

Andrew Balbirnie takes on an extra level of responsibility for the new year in the wake of a number of high profile retirements.

nations - starting with an ODI against England at Malahide in May. There’s also the Lord’s Test against England in July and the year will end with the T20 World Cup qualifier tournament in October.

“With the retirements this year

of Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien and John Anderson, we know that this is a year that will require the entire squad to step up, and it will also present some of the younger guys with opportunities to stake their claim for national selection.

“It’s an exc iting time to be involved in Irish cricket.”

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

34 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND WINDSURFING: 50-KNOT BARRIER SMASHED BY DUBLINER

1

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

LOTTO results for November 29: Lotto A Numbers: 10, 17, 18 and 21. No winner; Lotto B numbers 5, 11,18 and 21. Jackpot €1,600 was won by Jane Cullen c/o BSJ Bingo. Next Thursday’s jackpots are €10,000 and €1,000. Winner of €100 Leo Ebbs, €50 Susie & Stephen Egan, and Peter Maher. Joker Consolation Pat Smith. Joker next week €475.

Hard luck to our minor camogie team who lost out to Ballyboden in the Minor A Championship semi final at the weekend.

Board Delegates for 2019. Adult Football Pat Smith, Hurling Sean Lane, CC Board member Elaine Dolan. CC2 Enda Nolan, CC1 Paul McDonald, Camogie Conor Dolan, LGFA Paul Leahy.

Congrats to James Oliver and Emma Lyons on their wedding at the weekend. James has played football with the club since under 10. He captained the team that won the intermediate football championship in 1998 and is still involved at junior level.

Looking for Christmas gifts, why not call to our Club Shop to view extensive range of club gear from Juvenile to adult at the Club House open Thursday 7.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m & Saturday 11.30 a.m.

– 12.30 Player of the Match Katie p.m. See list on club website.

Murray and Captain Sarah Murphy after Clontarf’s Ladies IFCsite win..

Dec 7th. See club web GAApics. for details. ThePicture: Annual com

KILMACUD CROKES CONGRATULATIONS to the minor A Camogie team who had a 6.10 to 2.3 win over St Jude’s in the championship semi final.

Congrats to the Minor C team who are also through to their final. Hard luck to the AFL1 footballers who lost out their league semifinal on Saturday to Ballyboden. Make sure you get out and wear Purple & Gold to support the Senior Footballers in this Sunday’s Leinster Championship Final. Congratulations to Lauren Magee who won her 1st TG4 All-Star. Leinster Final Football Fund Raising Pub Quiz in the Club Friday

Club Benevolent draw will take place in the club next Saturday December 8th at 9pm.

This is always a great fun night of music and comedy. Free admission.

All donations for prizes very welcome and can be dropped into the club ahead of next Saturday or on the night.

Kilmacud Crokes Choir will perform in Stillorgan Shopping center on Saturday December 8th 12pm. All proceeds will go to support BlackRock and Harrold’s Cross Hospices.

CUALA HAVING enjoyed the historic success of winning back to back All Ireland Senior Club Hurling titles in 2017 and 2018 it was important that we appointed someone of the highest calibre, experience and track record at the top level of both the club and inter-county game and Willie Maher ticks all of those boxes.

A hugely driven and talented individual, Willie had a distinguished playing career with his club Ballingarry, Tipperary and Waterford IT. In more recent years he was a key figure in multiple All Ireland successes as coach and manager with Tipperary at minor and U21 levels. So, there are obvious synergies between Willie’s track record and our future ambitions for hurling in Cuala. A manager of his calibre will always be in high demand and we are delighted that he has committed his immediate future to us. It is also indicative of our level in the National club game that Willie was attracted to the position.

Persistence pays off, as Oisín Van Gelderen becomes the first Irish sailor to break the elusive 50 knot barrier. Picture: Stefan Csaky

Van Gelderen feels the need for speed in Namibia  JAMES HENDICOTT

sport@dublingazette.com

IRISH CHAMPION windsurfer Oisin Van Gelderen has smashed his own national speed record, briefly topping 50 knots as he raced in a gale force wind in Namibia late last month.

Dubliner Van Gelderen - who hails from Loughshinny in the north county - is a 27 time Irish national champion across various windsurfing disciplines, but has long had his eye on the elusive 50 knot mark.

A u n i q u e Na m i b i a n course, which opens specifically for the purpose

of speed racing in the town of Luderitz annually, offered the perfect opportunity.

Sticking to the task at the World Speed Sailing Championships for three weeks, Van Gelderen’s best run saw him tackle 90 kmph winds, setting a national record for average speed over 500 metres of 47.97 knots (88.85kph), and peaking at a speed of 50.8knots (94kph).

The speed contest takes place in a specially dug sand channel on the Luderitz coast, where competitors can take advantage of a rare combination of flat

water and extremely high winds to push the boundaries of speed.

Van Gelderen describes the month-long contest as “all about PBs.” “It’s in the middle of nowhere, a town about the size of Dun Laoghaire seven hours from the next town,” Van Gelderen explains.

“I was already the Irish record holder, I went 42 knots in France a few years ago, but I’d been saving for three years to do this.

“It cost about €10,000 to come out here for three weeks and go for the record. It was really a personal challenge, but

there are very few events when you can do this. I was very happy to get in this year.”

“T he win d a lways comes from the same direction here and there’s a very flat course dug out of the sand.

“You get the smallest board and biggest sail you can. I’m quite light for a speed windsurfer, most are 100kg plus and I’m 82kg, so I carry 16kgs on lead weights to help me hold the sail!

“We all go down this channel that’s about 4.5 or 5 metres wide, down the flatter side at 90 or 95 kmph. It’s a risk. People do hit the sand banks

at high speed. One guy broke four ribs hitting the side and another left a big imprint in the sand.

It takes years of practise to be able to cope with these kind of conditions.

“In Ireland, we chase s to r m s o n t h e we s t coast,” Van Gelderen adds.

“People think we’re crazy but it’s very considered and we know what we’re doing. We can do big wave sailing all over the west coast.

“There are some places, like a sandbank off Dungarvan, where you can get conditions for high speeds but you have to be lucky.“

DSD Cross paths with glory at Tymon DUNDRUM South Dublin enjoyed a great day at the final Dublin Cross Country League in Tymon Park as the club recorded three individual wins, with several other athletes moving up to higher finishing positions.

Isabella Tompkins Beddy scored her first cross country win in the Under-14 girls race, as she pushed

the pace from the gun in a top class field. she had to fight all the way to the finish line for a well-earned victory. Johanna Cullihane also ran very well, finishing sixth.

Next up was Jamie Byrne who ran a very clever race in the Under14 boys, sitting behind the leader until he reached the last 300m, where he produced a fantastic

turn of speed to win going away.

Tristan McCafferty was sixth, Josh Hauer (with a bad cold) eleventh and Andrew McGilton 13th.

Ciara Kelly and Amelia Hauer sprinted to the front in the Under15 girls. The latter pushed the pace all the way and was passed by Kelly over the last 100m for a first and third for DSD.

In the Under-15/Under-16 joint age group race, the Under-15 boys were dominant over the Under16s with David Bosch consolidating his position at the top of the league table, with a great silver medal performance.

Emily Bradshaw ran well in the Under-16 girls with a third place finish.

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 35

SOCCER: CAPITAL’S HOSTING HANDS IRELAND EASIER DRAW

FAST SOCCER Defence Forces call up strong LSL contingent

New Republic of Ireland coaching ticket Robbie Keane and Mick McCarthy. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Destination Dublin a saving grace for Mick  DAVE DONNELLY

MICK McCarthy admits his heart was in his mouth when the Republic of Ireland were drawn alongside the Netherlands and Germany at Dublin’s Convention Centre T h e re we re ga s p s around the docksides building as it appeared Ireland were to suffer the ‘group of death’ in qualification for Euro 2020 which, for the first time, will see games staged in the capital.

And it was Dublin’s status as a host city – one of 11 across Europe in a one-off event to celebrate the competition’s 60th anniversary – that saved McCarthy’s side the roughest possible draw.

As both Amsterdam and Munich are set to host games, UEFA’s rule that no

more than two host cities can contest the same group meant Ireland were moved to the more modest Group D. Instead, Northern Ireland were drawn into what both McCarthy and Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill described as the ‘group of death.’

T h e Re p u b l i c w i l l i n s t e a d f a c e U E FA Nations League semifinalists Switzerland, Denmark, Georgia and Gibraltar with the top two going straight into the finals.

The Boys in Green will kick things off in McCarthy’s first game in charge away to Gibraltar, either in the statelet or their regular base of Faro in Portugal, before Georgia visit the Aviva Stadium.

“Everybody who was still in that pot were think-

ing they were going to be in that group and you heard the reaction to it,” a relieved McCarthy said after the draw.

“It’s like the old cliché ‘Group of Death’ everybody thought.

“I laughed because I was fully expecting to be in that group, being sod’s law, you think you will get it.

“And then because it’s in Dublin, somebody will be thinking there was some skulduggery going on somewhere.

“I don’t know why, it was like someone with their magic fingers on the laptop shifted us to, I guess, a collective sigh of relief.

“But it is a bit of a premature sign of relief when you have got Switzerland and Denmark in the group.”

There’s a degree of familiarity between two of the sides in the group and Ireland, and the manager will have a tough job to get the time ready without any friendly games in the lead-in.

Ireland have faced Denmark four times in just over a year, with a 5-1 defeat in Dublin ending Martin O’Neill’s World Cup dreams and a scoreless draw last month proving to be his last as coach.

Georgia have now been drawn in Ireland’s group for the last three qualifying campaigns and, somewhat ominously, have improved each time and got their first ever drawn in Tbilisi last time out.

“I haven’t [played against them] but the lads will have played against them so maybe it will be a good thing. It’s a different

competition.

“If you’re playing in a league, every year you play the same teams. You go back and play them every year. So do you get familiar with them? I don’t think you have to change things.

“If anybody’s taking us for granted or will treat us with a bit of contempt, as I’ve just been asked about Denmark, I don’t think for one minute anyone will.”

Danish assistant manager Jon Dahl Tomasson admitted his side were pleased with their draw and to be coming back to Dublin once more.

He said: “I enjoy coming back. It’s a lovely place.

“I always look at possibilities. I’m always positive and I believe in our strength in ourselves regardless of which team we are playing.”

A LARGE number of Dublin club players have been named in the Irish Defence Forces’ 19-man squad for this week’s qualifiers for the 2019 CISM World Military Games.

St Francis’s Ken Deegan and Lucan Unitd’s Darren Kelly will vye for the goalkeeping duties while the defensive line-up includes Ballymun United’s Chris Doolan, St Francis’s David Long and St Patrick’s CY’s Dean Tilley.

In midfield, Shamrock Rovers Ricky Fox and Chris Kenny (pictured) are involved along with Sacred Heart’s Glenn Fulham and St Mochta’s Sean Poutch. Up front, Cherry Orchard’s Adrian Rafferty leads the line.

Six European teams are battling it out for three spots to qualify for next year’s competition in China. Ireland will face France and Lithuania, knowing their spot is guaranteed if they win the three-team group. Secondplace could also be enough for the side to progress.

Kenny has represented the team before at international level, and he says the pride of representing his country on the field is the highlight of his footballing career.

“My job as a soldier is to represent my country on a daily basis. One of my first loves is football. To get to represent your country doing that, no matter what the level is an unbelievable achievement. I’m just happy to get the opportunity to do so again.”

The squad travelled to Harskamp in the Netherlands on Sunday, before their opening match against Lithuania.

Niall Corbet and Daniel Mandroiu

BOHS SIGN NEW QUARTET BOHEMIANS have confirmed to announce the signings of goalkeeper Niall Corbet, defenders James Finnerty and Michael Barker, and midfielder Daniel Mandroiu.

As well as the new arrivals, defender Paddy Kirk and striker Ryan Swan have both re-signed for 2019.

Corbet, 24, joins after a season with Waterford having previously been with UCD where he was PFAI First Division Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017.

Manager Keith Long said: “Niall is a good age for a goalkeeper with his prime still very much ahead of him but with good experience in the

league already.

“Obviously there is a big void to fill with Shane Supple retiring but Niall and James Talbot are two excellent keepers who I believe will push one another.”

Finnerty, 19, comes to Dalymount from Rochdale having spent three years with Aston Villa.

Barker rejoins Bohemians after five years away with UCD, Bray Wanderers and, most recently, St Patrick’s Athletic. A local from Ballymun, Mandroiu, 20, comes to Dalymount from Brighton’s Under-23s having played with St Kevin’s Boys in his youth career.

36 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

LADIES FOOTBALL: RING LOOKS FORWARD TO ALL-IRELAND

NAOMH OLAF NAOMH Olaf minor camogie team progress to the C Championship Semi Final next weekend after overcoming Commercials last Sunday morning.

Final score Naomh Olaf 8-9 : Commercials 1-5.

Well done girls!

The Naomh Olaf Christmas Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday 8th December at 7pm.

Tickets available in the Club bar. Why not put on your finery and join us for dinner and a boogie - live music from Katie Weir followed by DJ. Promises to be a great night!

Congratulations to all the recipients of awards at our recent Adult Awards Night, a great night of celebration which was enjoyed by many. Thanks to all involved in organising such a successful night. Congratulations to Chloe Ni Cheallaigh who was presented with her All Ireland camogie medal last Saturday evening.

Our Saturday Academy moves indoors for the next two weeks - there will be a special visit from the big man himself on the 15th December!

Many thanks to Moorefield GAA, Co. Kildare, who welcomed our Minor Men’s Footballers for a friendly match last Saturday followed by a fabulous breakfast - we look forward to welcoming Moorefield to Naomh Olaf for a return match.

Farrell Hurls bring their pop up shop to Naomh Olaf on Saturday 8th December from 10am - ideal for picking up presents for the festive season.

Mass for deceased Club members will take place on Sunday 16th December at 12pm at the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, Balally.

Congratulations to the winner of last Sunday’s Lotto draw! Don’t forget that Lotto tickets are available in the Bar or you can play online - www. naomholaf.ie. The Christmas Lotto draw will take place on Saturday 15th December - great prizes.

SHANKILL

THE juvenile Academy Sponsored by O Donnell’s Pharmacy is back in action every Saturday at 10am in our winter quarters indoors in the gym in St Laurence College.

Please come along and give the Academy a try. The cost is only €2 per child each week and there is no annual subscription. All equipment is provided free and qualified coaches are always in attendance, its all about having fun with your friends.

The last Academy session before the Christmas break is on this Saturday 8th December and we are hoping that a special visitor will drop in to see all the girls and boys.

The under 9 boys and girls had an end of season pizza lunch in Brady’s as a big thanks for all the hard work.

Christmas in the Village remember all of our sponsors who were so generous over the year and be sure to

give them your support and shop local.

The Chase the Ace draw in Brady’s is put on hold for the present in order to allow the pub to facilitate its Christmas programme of events.

The jackpot stands at €1,450. NOTE: The next draw will be held after Christmas.

Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5 available in the pub or from club members.

Check our Facebook page to see the summer camp and club birthday party videos produced by Lava Digital Marketing it’s a fantastic view as to what our club is all about and also see some fantastic photographs by our club photographer Liza Mitton.

We are currently looking for new players for our Adult Ladies and Adult Men’s football teams please contact GPO Steve Davis 087 6414123 or email stevedavis203@gmail.com

Foxrock-Cabinteely captain Amy Ring in festive mood ahead of this Saturday’s All-Ireland Senior Club Ladies Football Final at Parnell Park. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Fox-Cab aiming to deliver first Senior All-Ireland title ALL-IRELAND LADIES SFC  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

FOXROCK-CABINTEELY are aiming to add an All-Ireland Senior title to their impressive list of silverware this weekend when they face last year’s beaten finalists Mourneabbey of Cork in the decider in Parnell Park at 5.15pm on Saturday (Live on TG4).

It’s familiar territory for both clubs who have lost the last two deciders, and are aiming to etch their name on the Dolores Tyrrell Memorial Cup for the first time this weekend.

Foxrock-Cabinteely captain Amy Ring has been in impressive form of late and just last week picked up the Croke Park Hotel LGFA Player of the Month Award.

Ring is excited to be back in an All-Ireland final.

“It’s great to be in another final,” she told the Dublin Gazette.

“We were in the final two years and lost out to Donaghmoyne which was a big disappointment, but we got back on the horse last year and lost out in the semi-final.

“We are back in the final this year. We’ve obviously had a break of

a year from the final, but we are delighted to be back there and the club are really behind us, and we are just looking forward to it now.”

Mourneabbey manager Shane Ronayne has a close connection to the Foxrock-Cabinteely squad, having managed them in their formative years back in 2005.

Foxrock-Cabinteely have come pretty close to the holy grail in the past two years, with an extra-time loss in the semi-final to Mourneabbey last year.

Ring is hoping it can be third time lucky this time around.

“Hopefully. When it gets to the All-Ireland semi-final stage the margins are so fine and there’s really nothing between the teams in the games. “ We b e a t D o n aghmoyne this year with the last kick of the game.

“Last year Mourneabbey beat us after extratime.

“It gets finer and finer and the margins are very, very tight.

“It’s going to be a tight one and it’s going to be very close. We are two very similar teams, so it will be an exciting one, but hopefully things go our way.”

There’s not a huge amount of difference in both squads in terms of personnel, but the return of Amy Connolly from injury has been huge for Fox-Cab this year.

“Amy is integral to this team,” Ring says.

“We really missed her last year, especially in the forwards.

“What she has added back to us this year has just been invaluable and it’s great to have her back.

Ring expects a tight finish.

“It’s probably going to be a shoot-out, and whoever scores the most in the end.”

Stewart powers Corinthian

Corinthian’s Ian Stewart. Picture: Adrian Boehm

CORINTHIAN lead the way in Pool B of the men’s EY Hockey League Division 2 following a 4-1 win at UCC, making it three wins from three so far.

Ian Stewart continued his spectacular scoring run this season with a double while Dan Treacy also got two, out-doing Brian Stockil’s goal which had tied the game at 1-1.

The game also saw a special moment when father and son Neil and Craig Mackay lined out in the same team, the first pairing to do so in the EYHL. Neil was wearing the goalkeep-

ing kit of his other son, Euan, as he stepped in between the posts in the final quarter.

The Rathfarnham club have a maximum 12 points from three games while Instonians are second on eight.

In Pool A, UCD swept aside Bangor 8-3 with David Nolan scoring a hat trick in the process.

Mark Samuel set the ball rolling in the sixth minute and they were 4-0 up inside the first quarter. They top the group with 10 points with Railway Union on eight.

6 December 2018 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 37

38 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 6 December 2018

GAELIC FOOTBALL : CROKES SEEKING FIFTH LEINSTER TITLE

FAST GAA

McGowan cautious of first time finalists  CÓILÍN DUFFY

sport@dublingazette.com

Cuala appoint Maher as Kenny replacement CUALA have announced Willie Maher, centre, as the new senior hurling manager to take over from Mattie Kenny.

Having enjoyed the historic success of winning back to back All Ireland Senior club hurling titles in 2017 and 2018, the club were keen to appoint someone of the highest calibre, experience and track record at the top level of both the club and inter-county game to try and carry on their success.

And they feel he is the right man for the gig, saying in a club statement: “A hugely driven and talented individual, Willie had a distinguished playing career with his club Ballingarry, Tipperary and Waterford IT. “In more recent years, he was a key figure in multiple All Ireland successes as coach and manager with Tipperary at minor and U21 levels.

“So, there are obvious synergies between Willie’s track record and our future ambitions for hurling in Cuala.

“A manager of his calibre will always be in high demand and we are delighted that he has committed his immediate future to us. It is also indicative of our level in the national club game that Willie was attracted to the position.

“Willie will have the full support of our club to ensure that he can build on the foundations and platform of previous successes and catapult us to further success.”

K I L M AC U D C RO K E S defender Ross McGowan says his side are taking nothing for granted against first-time AIB Le inster Club Senior Football finalists St. Columba’s Mullinalaghta in Sunday’s final in Tullamore (1.30pm).

It’s not just a first ever decider for the three-ina-row Longford champions, but they are the first team from the county in the 49-year history of the competition to contest a Senior provincial final.

McGowan says there’s no fear of complacency setting in for his side ahead of their first Leinster final in eight years this weekend.

“Players tend to be in their own little bubble,” McGowan said.

“I think it’s better that way that we don’t focus on what is going on, on the outside and we focus on our own personal performances individually and collectively, and also bearing in mind the opposition.

“We are just focussing all on ourselves and preparing for what’s going to come about on Sun-

day. It’s really something that we wouldn’t really want to look at I suppose.

It would be a bit more of a distraction than anything else.”

McGowan says that St. Columba’s are no flash in the pan and that they have worked hard to reach Sunday’s decider.

“They are the first Longford team to get to a Leinster Club Final and it’s well justified. They have won the Longford Championship the last three years and they are a phenomenal team.

“Although there’s this ‘David versus Goliath’ story, we aren’t looking at it like that. At the end of the day there’s 15 lads on the pitch and that’s all you can have. We know the threat that they are going to pose.

“They won the semifinal by 18 points and that’s a serious margin, so it’s something you can’t dismiss. They are a very good team, and they have the experience as well of being in the Leinster Championship in the past couple of years. I think they played against St. Vincent’s and gave a great account of themselves.

“They are a team that

Shane Mulligan of Mullinalaghta St Columba’s and Ross McGowan of Kilmacud Crokes ahead of Sunday’s final.

Picture: David Fitzgerald/SPORTSFILE

are constantly building and they are going really well at the moment, so we are under no illusions of what they are going to bring on Sunday.

“We have had a but of a look at them already, but we’ll do further analysis on them. They are a very good side. I think some people look at them and see that they are probably quite defensive but we don’t see that.

They are very good in the tackle, they are very strong around the middle and they have some very good sharp-shooting forwards.

“They have threats all over the pitch, and

FANTASTIC FOX HONOURED BENILDUS WIN SENIOR A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ST BENILDUS College annexed the Dublin colleges senior A hurling title on Friday, beating St Aidan’s College, Whitehall in the final.

They won out on an impressive scoreline of 2-17 to 1-9 which bears testament to the quality of the performance and will remain

long in the memory of the players.

Up by 1-11 to 1-4 at half time, the St Benildus lads had to withstand a St Aidan’s resurgence in the second half before pushing on in the last ten minutes to claim the spoils.This is the first time since 2011 that the A title has come to St Benildus.

Ring the October player of month after stellar run

FOXROCK-Cabinteely captain Amy Ring has collected The Croke Park/LGFA Player of the Month awards for October.

Ring’s award is richly deserved as she starred in the Leinster championship victories for Dublin outfit Foxrock-Cabinteely over Shelmalier (Wexford) and Simonstown Gaels (Meath) during that month.

Ring, 28, scored 0-2 in the Shelmalier game and followed up with 1-3 against Simonstown Gaels as Fox-Cab, managed by her father, Pat, progressed to the Leinster Final. Ring has continued in that rich vein of form since, scoring a combined 3-8 in two outings – namely the Leinster Final victory over Laois outfit Sarsfields (2-4), and the recent All-Ireland semi-final defeat of Monaghan’s Donaghmoyne (1-4). Picture: Matt Browne / Sportsfile

we’ll just have to be very aware of them come Sunday. We’ll definitely be ready anyway.”

From a Kilmacud perspective, it’s a case of a mix of new and old for the Glenalbyn outfit, with the vast majority of their players picking up a first Dublin SFC medal this Autumn.

“It’s been eight years since we were last in a Leinster campaign and I’ve been in the squad five years, so I haven’t been anywhere near that,” McGowan said.

“I’d be the same as the majority of the team who are below the 25/26 age where we just haven’t

experienced this before.

Thankfully we have the likes of the Senior lads on the team, and the management who are also ex-players, who have been there in the noughties when we had quite a lot of success in Leinster. There were also days when we did lose, and a lot of it was down to complacency.

We don’t want it to be another eight years when we are in a Leinster campaign again, but for the moment we aren’t going to look ahead of schedule. We are going to look at this Sunday and hopefully getting over the line.”

PREVIEWS DECEMBER 8 & 9

AT CINEMAS DECEMBER 12