Dublin Gazette: South Edition

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

Council report on Glenalbyn revealed GARY IBBOTSON

BASKETBALL:

Meteors star hoping to be Thorn in Panthers’s side. SEE P32

South Edition

THE Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council report on the proposed development of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool says it “is impossible not to adversely affect” the running of Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club during pool construction.

As seen by Dublin Gazette, the report was drawn up on October 10, 2019 by deputy chief executive Tom McHugh

and sent to chairperson of Kilmacud Crokes, Kevin Foley.

Despite the report saying it “will become a matter of public record,” it has yet to be published.

According to the report, the proposed new pool will be 25 metres in length, with a toddler pool, two fitness rooms and a snack-vending area with seating.

The cover letter of the report says that the pool is “effectively landlocked

within Kilmacud Crokes property, and the only access to the site is over private roads […] Accordingly, the only way the council can propose to carry out any development works on the site is with the express consent and approval of the club.”

The cover letter continues to say that development works of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool will impact the running of KilFULL STORY ON PAGE 2 macud Crokes.

Deadline to pay for fire safety repairs given APARTMENT owners at the Simonsridge complex in Sandyford, who have been dealing with fire safety defects have been told they have to pay the first instalment of a €12,000 bill by the end of the month. The complex was a subject of a nationwide safety survey

by Keenan Property Management after the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. SEE P3

2 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

PICK UP YOUR

WORKS WILL IMPACT RUNNING OF KILMACUD CROKES

DublinGazette SOUTH EDITION

EVERY THURSDAY!

FASTNews

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For further info

www.dublingazette.com

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Range of free support services announced Glenalbyn protest back in December 2019

Glenalbyn pool report revealed GARY IBBOTSON

byn Swimming Pool will impact the running of Kilmacud Crokes.

It reads: “Unfortunately, it is impossible not to adversely affect the club, as the proposed development by the council needs improved and safe vehicular and pedestrian access, which will also impact on the availability of on site car parking.

“There will also be additional traffic movements and parking requirements for pool users.”

THE Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council report on the proposed development of Glenalbyn Swimming Pool has now been revealed.

The contents of the report outline the development of the swimming pool and the sacrifices Kilmacud Crokes and its members will have to make if the refurbishment of the pool goes ahead.

Drawn up by deputy chief executive Tom McHugh, the report was sent to the chairperson of Kilmacud Crokes, Kevin Foley on October 10, 2019.

Despite the report saying its contents “will become a matter of public record,” it has only now come to light, with Dublin Gazette obtaining a copy.

According to the report, the new pool will be 25 metres in length, with a toddler pool, two fitness rooms and a snack-vending area with seating.

The cover letter of the report says that the pool is “effectively landlocked with- The first page of the report in Kilmacud Crokes property, and the only access to the site is over According to the report, one of private roads […] Accordingly, the Kilmacud Crokes’ main issues with only way the council can propose to the development was car parkcarry out any development works on ing availability. The report says the site is with the express consent due to the “reconfiguration of the and approval of the club.” access road,” car park spaces will be The cover letter continues to say reduced from 57 to 38. that development works of GlenalThe size of the car park will also

be reduced during construction of the pool and access road.

The report also says that it estimates “many more” people will visit the new pool “than was previously the case with the old pool” and “this will most likely result in increased cars and traffic on the site.”

The report estimates that construction of the pool and car park will take 18 months with the Part 8 process and tender documents preparation taking a further 12 months.

John Kennedy, councillor for Stillorgan (FG) told Dublin Gazette, “the mediation process has finished and it is up to the members of Kilmacud Crokes to decide the next step based upon whether they are willing to tolerate temporary inconvenience during the construction phase.

Cllr Kennedy said the council has told Minister Shane Ross that it will be “seeking multi-million Government support for the project to proceed.

“Currently stream one of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) support for Glenalbyn’s design phase is expected imminently as I recommended in a motion passed last year and this will likely represent a six-figure amount.

“Once that is granted further multi-million funding support is expected to be sought.”

Dublin Gazette received no reply from DLR County Council and Kilmacud Crokes when contacted for a comment about the report.

PURPLE House Cancer Support Centre has announced a range of free support services at their monthly cancer support provision in the dlr Lexicon Library in Dun Laoghaire (pictured).

Cancer patients and their families are welcome to join the group on the first Tuesday of each month from 11am to 12.30pm.

Tuesday 4th February: Go for Life Physical Activity Tuesday 3rd March: Introduction to holistic massage Tuesday 7th April: Citizen’s Information for cancer patients Tuesday 5th May: Relaxation/Mindfulness Tuesday 2nd June: Nutrition Purple House operates a full-time Cancer Support Centre in Bray, but their services are open to everyone regardless of their locale.

This year is the 30th anniversary of Purple House and since its inception in 1989 has provided a range of services for patients.

The services include counselling, art therapy and counselling for children living with cancer, complimentary therapies, hospital transport, survivorship programmes, support groups, classes, nutritional advice, acupuncture and more.

Free dose of the MMR vaccine on offer THE HSE have urged anyone aged between 11 and 30 years of age who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccine status, to avail of a free dose of the MMR vaccine.

This is due to a significant rise in cases of mumps.

Children aged 11-18 and adults aged up to 30 have been particularly affected by the mumps outbreak.

Public health specialist at the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dr Suzanne Cotter, said: “During 2019 the number of mumps cases continued to rise and we saw 2,762 cases compared with 573 cases the previous year. To date in 2020, 253 cases have already been notified to the HSE. “Vaccination with MMR vaccine is the only way to protect against mumps. The vaccine also protects against measles and rubella.

“Mumps is a highly infectious and dangerous illness which spreads very easily, particularly in homes, crèches, playgroups, camps, schools and universities.

It can be a serious illness and can have life changing repercussions in some instances.

“Parents and young adults should speak with their GP or student health service and get the vaccine free of charge for their child or themselves if needed.”

23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 3

FIRST INSTALMENT TO BE PAID BY END OF MONTH

Owners get deadline to pay for fire safety repairs GARY IBBOTSON

APARTMENT owners at the Simonsridge complex in Sandyford, who have been dealing with fire safety defects have been told they have to pay the first instalment of a €12,000 bill by the end of the month.

The complex was a subject of a nationwide safety survey by Keenan Property Management (KPM) after the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

KPM said it had concerns over the fire safety standards at the development and informed Dublin Fire Brigade of the issues that arose. Shannon Homes, the developer of the property then undertook a full fire safety inspection.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, one resident said they had to pay a levy of €2,000 before the beginning of June with half of the amount due by the end of January.

An audit by chartered surveyor Cathal Maher, found the costs to carry out the remedial works would

range between €11,000 and €14,000 per apartment.

The resident said: “They’ve been talking about anything up to €12,000 for each apartment so this will just be the beginning.

“We could hand this over, but I know it’s not going to stop there.

Me and my wife, we’re not pinned to our collars, we both have jobs but I have spoken to others who are genuinely struggling and are really concerned.”

Green Party councillor for Glencullen-Sandyford area, Deirdre Ni Fhloinn told Dublin Gazette that along with Deputy Catherine Martin, they drafted a motion in 2017 calling for “law reform, improved regulation and financial help for homeowners in this situation”.

“I then appeared as an expert before the Oireachtas housing committee and my recommendations were endorsed in the committee’s Safe as Houses Report in 2018, calling for better regulation, law reform, and a redress scheme for homeown-

ers such as the Pyrite scheme.

“I don’t understand how the Government can stand by and do nothing to help people dealing with the horrendous stress of living in homes with fire and other defects.

“The Construction Defects Alliance is working hard to raise the profile of this issue nationally and I support their work and support all homeowners in this situation,” she said.

Independent councillor Michael Fleming said he has been in touch with several residents of the complex concerned with the financial burden.

“I have been contacted by several residents from Simonsridge and other developments in a similar predicament.

“It is a terrible position that these homeowners have been placed in.

“I would like to see the next government implement a Redress Scheme for these developments as a method of solving this extremely important issue.”

A very proud day for Knocklyon’s Rachel AGNES Scully from Cork and Rachel Clarke from Knocklyon, who were conferred as Members of Accounting Technicians Ireland at a ceremony at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, as well as receiving their Diplomas for Accounting Technicians. Picture: Fintan Clarke

4 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

PROPERTY: DEVELOPMENT WILL CONSIST OF 189 APARTMENTS, 28 DUPLEX & 60 TRIPLEX UNITS

342 residential units get the green light in Cabinteely

PROPERTY developer Tudor Homes has been granted permission by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for the construction of 342 residential units in Cabinteely.

The site is located just south of Cabinteely Village in the townland of Brennanstown and is surrounded by Lehaunstown Lane to the west, Carrickmines Stream to the south and Cabinteely stream to the east

The development will consist of 342 homes, comprising of 189 apartments in four blocks, 28 duplex units, 60 triplex units and 65 fourbedroom houses.

A childcare facility and an ancillary open space will also be introduced on the ground floor of the apartment block.

The description of the proposal says that permission is sought for the construction of

a “temporary haul road” which will run to the N11 during the site’s development.

“This temporary haul route would connect directly to the N11 via the proposed Junction Q and includes for a culvert, or temporary bridge crossing at the Cabinteely Stream,” it reads.

The development will also include the construction of ancillary waste storage facilities,

a waste recycling collection area and 565 car parking spaces – comprising of 257 spaces at basement level and 308 on the surface.

Late last year, Tudor Homes lost permission to construct 367 housing units in Cherrywood after a woman living beside the proposed complex brought the case to the High Court and had the originally granted permission quashed.

Boarded up homes an irritation for residents

GARY IBBOTSON

RESIDENTS of Rockville Drive in Glenamuck have local councillors that they are irritated at the sight of boarded up homes in the housing estate during a housing emergency.

Labour Cllr. Lettie McCarthy told Dublin Gazette “she completely understands the frustrations of residents seeing houses boarded up in the middle of a housing crisis.

“I have had 4/5 families in the area contact me over this house, expressing their interest.

“It sends a very negative message to all of us when we see houses boarded up while people are sleeping in tents and it simply is not good enough,” she said.

Green Party councillor Deirdre Ni Fhloinn told Dublin Gazette that the council housing department “has informed me that the vacant unit will be refurbished and brought back into use,” although no time frame has yet been given.

In June last year, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Counc illors voted to submit a Part 8 planning proposal for the development of 13

social homes on a site within Rockville Drive.

Since then however, no progress with the construction has been made with wooden panelling erected to cordon off the site recently being damaged.

Cllr McCarthy said she is “very disappointed how DLR are managing their site which got approval last June to build social housing in the same estate.

“Residents, who take great pride in their area deserve more respect and I am calling on the Housing Department to immediately address these two issues.”

At the June meeting, elected representatives voted in favour of the development which will consist of two storey dwellings with seven two-bed houses and six three-bed houses.

Cllr Ni Fhloinn said at the time that residents of Rockville Drive were concerned with various aspects of the development and these concerns were addressed in the revised plans.

“Submissions were made to me and to other councillors in relation to various aspects of the scheme, citing concerns including existing traffic speeds on the adjoining road and the amount of green space in the new development,” she said.

“The site had been used for recreation for some years by local residents.

FASTNews Dundrum village future

IMAGINE Dundrum is calling on all Dundrum residents to ask door-stepping candidates about the future of Dundrum village.

The community group is asking locals to pose questions to candidates such as, “will you support Imagine Dundrum’s proposals for a new Civic Centre and modern library at the heart of the village, on the site of the old Shopping Centre?” And “will you commit to protecting the unique character and streetscape of Dundrum Village and its heritage buildings?

The group is also asking people to make submissions to new County Development Plan for the period 20222028 which will shape the future of the county.

You can access www. dlrcoco.citizenspace.com/ planning.

Maintenance of new toilet

Residents of Rockville Drive in Glenamuck say they are irritated at the sight of boarded up homes in the housing estate during a housing emergency

“A motion from the ward counc illors for a significant addition to the green space for p u b l i c u se wa s a l so approved,” she said.

The amount of recreational land in the plans w a s i n c re a s e d f ro m 13.5% to 20%.

DLR County Council did not respond for comment by the time of going to press.

“

Residents, who take great pride in their area deserve more respect and I am calling on the Housing Department to immediately address these two issues

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has agreed to pay almost €750,000 for the maintenance of a new public toilet over the next two decades.

The facility is rented by the local authority and is situated in Sandycove Avenue West.

The cost of the upkeep was revealed in an executive order from the county manager’s office.

The council will spend €38,188 including VAT to JC Decaux for installation, supply maintenance and cleaning of the facility which amounts €744,015 over 20 years.

Fine Gael councillor, Lorraine Hall said: “the provision of appropriate toilet facilities is a key part of council business but these figures are quite stark.

23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 5

6 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Lily Kelly with her dad Alan Vivian Mangan, Nicolas Reuland, Michael and Mary Hogan

Admiring some of the pictures

Brian Stapleton, who features in one of the photos, with Nicolas Reuland and his mother Chantal Reuland

Frank and Sheila Young

Street scenes of Dun Laoghaire A

PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition by Nicolas Reuland, featuring street scenes of Dun Laoghaire today, was launched at Lexicon Library, Dun Laoghaire, recently.

The exhibition features pictures all taken within a short radius

Councillor Shay Brennan, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council speaking at the launch

The launch was well attended. Pictures: Peter Cavanagh

of dlr LexIcon which convey his love of the place and its people.

The exhibition is entitled Dún Laoghaire, fifty years too early and runs until 8 March, 2020.

23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 7

SHANKILL: SHOCKING INCIDENT IN SHANGANAGH CEMETERY AS WOMAN VISITED GRAVE

Brazen thief steals woman’s bag as owner stood nearby GARY IBBOTSON

A WOMAN who was visiting her brother’s grave at Shanganagh Cemetery returned to the car park to find her car window smashed and handbag stolen.

Posting online, the woman said: “Sorry to say but whilst visiting my brother’s grave in Shanganagh I was robbed. I was only approximately 4ft from my locked car when my window was smashed and my bag taken.

“Just a warning to those visiting loved ones that it is advisable not to bring any valuables as having them in the boot of a locked car is no

deterrent.”

Robberies at the car park are not unheard of with the problem reoccurring so often a couple of years ago that CCTV had to be implemented.

Labour councillor for the area, Carrie Smyth said: “I am very disappointed to hear vehicles are been broken into again at Shanganagh Cemetery.

“Those who carry out these burglaries are targeting visitors to the cemetery, when they are vulnerable and visiting graves of loved ones.

“A number of years ago there was a spate of robberies to people and vehicles visiting Shanganagh Cemetery and the council erected CCTV cameras to assist the Garda in their enquiries,

Henry has a great old time at 4K Walk in Marlay Park BIKE loving Henry Grikis cycled the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership’s Operation Transformation 4K Walk in Marlay Park held as part of the national initiative to get as many as possible to participate in healthy activity. Picture: Peter Cavanagh

Councillor files motion to address ongoing problems at Kilbogget Park

FOLLOWING continuing anti-social behaviour and the lighting of a fire at Kilbogget Park over the weekend, councillor Hugh Lewis (PBP) has filed a motion with the county council to address the ongoing problems at the park.

On the subject of anti-social behaviour, Cllr Lewis says “this issue along with many others has been raised with me over the past several weeks, I have entered all of these issue to be discussed and voted on collectively.”

Cllr Lewis says, “the recent escalation of anti-social behaviour in the Park which has caused considerable damage

to sporting amenities,” calls for the examination and introduction of security protocols.

Cllr Lewis says: “The narrowing or alteration to entrance points into the park, any existing security cameras and the possibility of appropriately positioned new cameras should all be looked at as well as any other security provision that is available.”

Cllr Lewis says that dog waste is also a big problem in the park and would like to see the introduction of “bins at entrance points and extra signage throughout the park that will decrease the dumping of dog faeces”.

which stopped the burglaries.

“Hopefully An Garda with the assistance of the CCTV cameras and witnesses can catch those who are carrying out these recent robberies.”

Another councillor for Shankill, Denis O’Callaghan says that he is “sorry to hear of the recent break into a car parked in Shanganagh Cemetery and the loss of personnel belongings.

“Again, this most recent incident highlights the need not to leave property and valuables visible in cars when visiting the cemetery but lock them away out of sight of prying eyes,” he said.

In August last year a visitor to the cemetery was standing next to her car when it was broken into.

“My friends car was broken into yesterday afternoon at Shanganagh graveyard,” said a woman in an online post.

“They got her handbag and purse from the car and then ran off and jumped into a silver 08 car.

“She was standing by her car when this happened which didn’t seem to bother the lad who done it so I would be very careful about bringing any bags or purses to that place as this has happened to loads of people up there recently,” she said.

8 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

GALLERIES OF THE WEEK

Alex, Robin and Eva Hegarty

A group of Parents, participants and volunteers pose for a photo after the Ballyogan Park Run

Pete Limbond after finishing first in the Boys race

Child’s play at Ballyogan Park Run T High Five’s - all round for the competitors

Simon, Sarah Jane, Evan and Ella Davey.

Madeline O’Higgins and Zara Valvda

HE Children showed the adults how it’s done, as a large number of kids turned out for the special Children’s Park Run at Ballyogan Park.

Fun was the name of the game, as a large gang of youngsters showed great energy and endevour to negotiate the course with many happy faces, and proud parents after the event, which wouldn’t have ‘run’ without a tremendous volunteer effort.

Pictures: Emily Gallagher

Ready, Steady, Go - a frantic start to the Childrens Park Run in Ballyogan

23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 9

FAI: THE YEAR THE WHOLE ROTTEN HOUSE OF CARDS CAME TUMBLING DOWN

FASTNews Speedy duck in Dun Laoghaire

Minister for Sport, Shane Ross (inset) writing exclusively for Dublin Gazette on the FAI: “We had no choice but to withhold their funding.”

Minister for sport sees a positive future for the FAI SHANE ROSS MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND SPORT

IT was the year the whole rotten house of cards came tumbling down.

2019 proved to be an annus horribilis for the FAI and rightly so. Starting with news about a mysterious loan given by ex CEO John Delaney to the association, the information which has come to light in recent months about the antics of those at the top table of the FAI has been nothing short of shocking.

Initially I asked for explanations. Transparency was badly needed.

Last May the head honchos were invited into Leinster House and tell us what exactly they thought they were doing with public money.

They treated the elected politicians of this country – and consequently the public who voted

them in – to a high handed display of arrogance and disdain.

The FAI elite, many who had held powerful positions in the organisation since God was a child, believed themselves too important to answer questions from mere politicians or the public we represent. This was beyond a disgrace.

It was obvious that the FAI were not complying with certain funding conditions and we had no choice but to withhold their funding.

The clamour for change came from the length and breadth of this footballing nation.

The dam of pseudo deference to the old guard had been breached and suddenly everyone had an FAI tale of terror to tell.

From the grassroots to the League of Ireland, football lovers began to share their stories of dissatisfaction with the way the FAI had handled affairs in recent decades. Not just years.

Tens of years. And still the main men refused to budge. Refused to realise that the game was up and needed to go and close the door behind them.

A supposed caretaker board thought they could look after their own interests by appointing FAI die-hard fan Noel Mooney as interim general manager.

But then the KOSI report outlined problems serious enough that it was turned over to the gardai.

Then it was revealed that the FAI had debts of over €60 million - at the same time as a furious public heard that former CEO John Delaney had received a €462,000 settlement from that beleaguered organisation.

It was obvious that the FAI were not to be trusted with public money until serious changes were made.

Minister Brendan Griffin and I sat down with them in December 2019 and they asked us for

€18 million to tide them over. We said no.

We declined to see good public money being put into an organisation which had yet to sufficiently reform itself.

The board needed to be completely refreshed. The old guard needed to be totally excised.

Early January saw the beginnings of a future.

Independent Chairman Roy Barrett and independent directors Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce were appointed and a 4th independent director will follow later this month.

I met them in my office in the Department of Sport and congratulated them on their bravery and their commitment to returning Irish football to the grassroots who love it.

Last week I met with members of UEFA in Leinster House. It was the day the Dail was dissolved but the work of reforming the FAI will continue.

We discussed UEFA’s capacity and willingness to participate in a support package. It was a good, frank, constructive discussion.

A meeting with the Bank of Ireland followed. Next I was happy to be able to have a positive discussion with the trades union Siptu.

This meeting was important as I could reassure them, and therefore their members, that all the stakeholders – banks, UEFA and the Government – are absolutely committed to protecting football and those who work for it.

Time is of the essence. There are dedicated, hardworking FAI employees who need to know that their future is secure.

And there are football players, supporters and volunteers up and down the land who deserve a football association that is fit for purpose.

There are still plenty of reforms needed, but the future is starting to look brighter for Irish football.

THE fastest duck in the world is currently wintering at Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

The Red Breasted Merganser usually breeds in large lakes in the west and northwest, but Eamonn Sweeney of Swench.net says these birds are “likely to have flown all the way from the Subarctic to winter in our warmer Irish waters.”

A Merganser was once clocked at hitting flying speeds of 160km per hour – by far the fastest speed for a duck in the world.

Tara Adcock of BirdWatch Ireland says the Red Breasted Merganser “are green listed in Ireland and the UK, meaning they are considered a species of least concern.”

Despite all other duck species being vegetarian, the Red Breasted Merganser eat fish and can be regularly seen diving for their meal near the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire.

Learn about The Camino

THE Camino Society will hold an information day at St James Church, James St, Dublin 8 on February 15 from noon to 2pm for people who may be thinking of walking The Camino.

The society is a voluntary organisation, founded in 1992 by returned pilgrims to ‘give something back’ to the Camino and to future pilgrims. It issues the Pilgrim Passport and offers an opportunity to all those interested in The Camino to meet and share practical information and experiences, especially with those intending to travel by foot or by bicycle.

For further information, see caminosociety.com.

10 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

CANDIDATES ADDRESS SOME OF

Before you cast your vote, consider where the candidates stand DUBLIN GAZETTE reached out to the confirmed candidates who will be campaigning in General Election 2020.

We asked them all the same set of questions, to help inform you about where they stand on just some of the main issues of the day.

Here is what the general election candidates had to say* – the following answers were from those who had responded by our print deadline.

QUESTION 1: HEALTH How would you address the chronic problems that are prevalent in the Health Service?

QUESTION 4: ENVIRONMENT What is your stance on Climate Change? How green/accessible is your campaign?

QUESTION 2: HOUSING How would you address the chronic problems in the housing sector?

QUESTION 5: TRANSPORT Do you think Public Transport in your area is sufficient? What changes might you make?

QUESTION 3: EDUCATION What ways would you address education issues in your area at a Government level?

CLLR SHAY BRENNAN, FIANNA FAIL, PIC A

Q1 PEOPLE should be cared for with dignity and respect. Access to healthcare should be open to all, regardless of age or income.

Q2 We need to make affordable three- and four-bed houses available so that people who have grown up in our area can afford to raise their families in our area. Councils must directly build houses.

Q3 Dublin-Rathdown has a growing population of young families.

Additional school places, particularly secondary school places, are urgent-

B

C

D

QUESTION 6: YOUR MESSAGE Why do you think people should vote for you?

(*Some answers may have been edited to account for space, as necessary.)

DUBLIN RATHDOWN

A

ly required.

Q4 We need to drastically reduce our carbon emissions. We also need to change the way we heat our homes and the way we travel.

Q5 I want to fix our broken transport system.

Trams and buses are overcrowded – commuters are frustrated by ever-lengthening journey times.

I am stunned that, in this day and age, we do not have a safe, segregated and joined-up cycling network.

There has been no ambition or strategic vision for transport in recent years. Bold steps are needed to ensure that transport contributes in a meaningful way to the climate change agenda and to economic growth.

That means that a growing population of commuters must be offered future-proofed public transport options and not simply catch-up measures.

Q6 Government should serve all of the people – this will only be achieved if we elect representatives with the empathy, compassion and drive to deliver ‘An Ireland for All’.

DEPUTY JOSEPHA MADIGAN, FINE GAEL, PIC B

Q1 WE WILL deliver an extra 2,600 hospital beds, 80 additional primary care centres and three new hospitals.

We will make healthcare more affordable for our families and our elderly.

Q2 We have doubled

F

the number of houses being built and we are pledging to double it again. More than 20,000 new homes have been built in 2019 and house prices have stabilised. We have helped 16,000 people buy their first home.

We will build 25,000 new homes in 2020; we will continue to help people to buy their first home and we will deliver 12,000 new social homes next year and every year after that.

Q3 Along with my colleague, Education Minister Joe McHugh, we can proudly say we have delivered new schools and new school buildings in Goatstown, Stepaside, Mount Merrion, Dundrum and Ballinteer.

Q4 Climate action is our

G

huge challenge. We have taken some big steps – banning fracking and oil exploration; increasing a carbon tax, and ramping up investment in public transport and banning the use of single-use plastics in the public service.

My Fine Gael colleagues and I have a plan to get to 70% renewable electricity by 2030, and a plan to ban single-use plastics and cut down on plastic waste.

Q5 [We plan to] invest more in public transport nationally, and locally here in Dublin Rathdown provide more cycling facilities, and electric vehicle charging points.

Q6 Prudent management of taxpayers’ money, including reform of the LPT, income tax and

H

inheritance tax. Reducing crime and building a progressive society and supporting families, extending supports for the selfemployed and investing in childcare.

CLLR LETTIE MCCARTHY, LABOUR, PIC C

Q1 LABOUR will deliver single-tier healthcare based on peoples’ need, not their finances.

We will stop the staff recruitment embargo, deliver more hospital beds and end the trolley crisis.

By increasing funding to primary care centre, home help and respite care, we will take the pressure off acute services and enable more people to be treated locally.

We will also ensure timely access to men-

I

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Vying for your precious vote ...

See corresponding responses from these candidates running for General Election 2020, who are listed in alphabetical order, below ....

tal health services and improve disability services.

Q2 We will immediately freeze and cap rents, bring in secure long-term leases and invest €16bn to build 80,000 affordable public homes in five years.

We will also end tax breaks for vulture funds, and push developers to build homes people can afford.

Q3 Labour’s vision is for a universal public childcare service, starting with our Childcare Scheme for Working Parents.

We will also make primary education genuinely free-of-charge, and develop an implementation strategy to increase university funding.

Q4 Labour will ringfence all carbon taxation

23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 11

THE COUNTRY’S MAIN TALKING POINTS to fund up to 100,000 home insulations annually, renewable energy projects and new sustainable jobs as part of a just transition.

[We will] introduce planning legislation that will provide protection for trees, hedgerows and wildlife corridors.

Q5 No. Labour will introduce a procurement plan for public transport (Luas, rail carriages and buses) to address capacity issues, and prioritise the Metro, DART and Luas extensions.

We will expand the City Bikes schemes (which L a b o u r i n t ro d u c e d ) , introduce a bike-to-school scheme and a network of safe, segregated, off-road cycling highways.

Q6 With voters’ help, I can bring my energy and commitment to Dail Eireann, and improve the quality of life for all of us.

SENATOR NEALE RICHMOND,FINE GAEL, PIC D

Q1 WE MUST continue to improve the basics.

We have started well, with the roll-out of improved free primary care for our children and elderly, and I would support this being continued for all under-18s, as well as an expansion of dental care for all children.

Q2 We have improved i n s p e c t i o n re g i m e s, financed the servicing of land so that it can be built upon and is effectively shovel-ready, and introduced the vacant site levy to prevent land hoarding.

To support renters, we have introduced rent pressure zones. We need to rapidly increase the supply of homes.

Q3 We have restored funding for apprenticeships, because we recognise that not everyone needs or desires to go to third level.

Through schemes such as Back To Education, we have ensured that those who need to reskill/ upskill who have found

themselves unemployed will have access to funding to do so.

Q4 Fine Gael has a plan to get to 70% renewable electricity by 2030.

All new-build housing will have to meet stringent energy-efficient targets in order to receive planning permission.

Q5 We have committed to investing €2 billion in the Dublin Bus network through BusConnects; a feasibility study for a Luas extension into the Rathfarnham area and, of course, we will finally have our Green Line link up with the Dublin Metro once it is operational.

I want to ensure that everyone living here as the choice to take public transport everyday which is quick, efficient and cheap.

Q6 I am local and experienced, and I have delivered for our area. Put me in the Dail to continue my work on Brexit, and deliver the services our area needs.

DUN LAOGHAIRE CLLR MARY HANAFIN,FIANNA FAIL, PIC E

Q1 SUPPORT people with home help and local services to alleviate pressure on hospitals.

Introduce an additional five million home help hours, recruit an extra 4,000 nurses, reverse pay inequality for consultants, [provide] double funding for the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Q2 The Shanganagh Development must be progressed quickly. We will build the largest number of public and affordable houses, and will introduce an SSIA-type saving scheme for firsttime buyers.

Q3 Increase frequency of buses and trains without destroying the villages proposed in BusConnects.

Expand cycles lanes, and develop the S2S [Sutton to Sandycove continuous promenade and cycleway].

Q4 Restore quality in the new Junior Cycle; give children with special needs the supports that meet their needs, not those of the school; open additional ASD units; facilitate afterschool care; provide new buildings for Gael Scoil Phadraig and DL Educate Together.

Q5 I favour a more ambitious government action plan in relation to reducing emissions to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

Fianna Fail ensured the Dail declared a climate and biodiversity emergency, and will legislate, with investment, to reach the [climate] targets.

In my campaign, I am recycling posters, reducing paper, and using no plastic gimmicks, such as pens.

Q6 I’m passionate about people having their own homes, with the childcare, education and health supports they need, and I have the track record and ideas to deliver that.

SHANE O’BRIEN,SINN FEIN, PIC F

Q1 IN ESSENCE, healthcare workers are the health service.

We need to end the recruitment embargo, pay our healthcare workers a fairer wage and ensure decent working conditions.

Invest to reopen the 500 closed beds and reopen 1,500 more beds to end the trolley crisis.

Q2 Reduce rents by up to €1,500 a year for renters, and introduce threeyear rent freeze.

Fund the Shanganagh Urban Village Scheme.

Deliver a better deal for Dun Laoghaire from the Cherrywood SDZ – increase Part V to deliver affordable homes for firsttime buyers, and those waiting in council lists.

GENERAL ELECTION 2020

Introduce massive retrofitting fund for the council, private rented a n d ow n e r- o c c u p i e r homes to reduce home heat costs, and reduce energy needs.

Phase out HAP/RAS [payments], ensuring all housing applicants have a secure roof over their heads.

Q3 Abolish third level student fees. Increase number of apprenticeships to 60,000 across a government term.

Q4 I am doing my upmost to run a lowcarbon campaign, with a poster reduction of 80%, compared to the 2016 election.

All posters will be recycled afterwards, and all literature is made using recycled paper and card.

[I support] no increase in carbon taxes on ordinary families and households, and a greater investment in Green, clean and sustainable energy, in conjunction with massive investment in public transport.

Q5 Investment in public transport system to increase capacity across the Dart, Luas and bus networks to end commuter misery.

Fight any decrease in connections to city centre. Invest in better, safer and more cycling infrastructure.

Q6 If elected, I will work hard for voters to help build a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable united Ireland for all of us and future generations to enjoy and live in peace.

CLLR JULIET O’CONNELL, LABOUR, PIC G

Q1 LABOUR is the only party that will deliver on the promise of Slaintecare, [including] fairer access to our hospitals, and more care in our communities and primary care.

We have a track record in delivering healthcare policies for working families, such as the Under

Sixes scheme.

Fairer, better public healthcare needs Labour.

Q2 Labour will fund the building of 80,000 homes in five years through a €16 billion fund, without raising taxes.

We will freeze rents until enough homes are built.

We will end long-term homelessness.

Q3 Labour will make primary education genuinely free-of-charge, including free schoolbooks, a uniform grant and healthy school meals.

International evidence points to the success of school meal programmes in improving children’s capacity to learn.

Q4 Labour will provide funding for local government to deliver an ambitious home insulation scheme, building up capacity to reach the target of 100,000 homes per year recommended by the Climate Change Advisory Council.

Q5 Labour will invest in public transport and cycling infrastructure, to encourage people to make the change to sustainable and healthier forms of transportation.

We will focus on e-vehicle grants for people with disabilities who are cardependent.

CLLR OSSIAN SMYTH, GREEN PARTY, PIC H

Q1 WE LOST 1,000 beds recently in the health service and haven’t replaced them.

We need to implement Slaintecare so more care can happen in the community, so people don’t have to end up in A&E. Q2 For renters, I will seek to secure tenancy rights and achieve truly affordable rents.

I have a track record on tackling homelessness during my time on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

I set a new levy on vacant shops to deal with absentee landlords, leading to a 20% reduction in

SEE MORE CANDIDATES’ ANSWERS NEXT WEEK...

the vacancy rate in the county.

Q3 Dun LaoghaireRathdown has some of the most overcrowded classrooms in the country, with 77% of pupils in higher than average sized classes.

I will seek to reduce this ratio to allow for different teaching experiences, such as one-on-one learning, and enabling small group peer-to-peer learning.

Q4 Climate change is the main driver of my campaign, and it’s the reason why I joined the Green Party.

Ireland needs to dramatically improve our action to combat climate change if we are to avoid its dangerous effects – and a hefty bill from the EU for not meeting our targets.

Q5 Public transport is not where it needs to be in Dun Laoghaire.

Safe, efficient public transport must be one of the cornerstones of Ireland’s climate policy, given that a fifth of our emissions come from this sector.

We also need huge investment in walking and cycling so people can safely walk and cycle to work and school.

Q6 If you believe that we can all have a better quality of life, then I’m asking voters to vote [for me for] Green Party number-one.

MAIREAD TOBIN, AONTU, PIC I

Q1 HEALTH services need to be properly funded, with adequate accountability for the funding to ensure it is spent more on patient care and according to need, rather than on the bottomless pit of management.

Q2 The supply of social and affordable housing

needs to ramped up.

We are seeking €2 billion in capital spending a year to build 10,000 housing units.

It is paramount that the government reduce the approval, tendering and procurement time for the building of public housing.

Q3 It is paramount that we marry the planning for the provision of school places with plans such as Project 2040 that assume a huge population increase.

Aontu supports The Right Inclusion Model for Every Child, which requires adequate SNA allocation to match the needs of children with special needs.

Q4 Aontu seeks to significantly increase public transport; we seek more cycle lanes and a greater use of rail in the future for passengers and freight.

We seek the deep retrofit of public and private buildings.

We need to incentivise and assist with the purchase of electric cars by providing free parking, free tolls and bus lane use for two years.

Q5 We are fortunate in the Dun Laoghaire constituency to have the Dart.

Aontu would like to reduce the cost of public transport to encourage its greater use.

With all road upgrades, proper provision of dedicated cycle lanes must be included to allow parents and children to get to work and school safely.

Q6 I am standing for the first time for a new political party, Aontu, that will challenge the damage, division and group think of the FF/FG cartel, and that seeks to build a fair, prosperous, regionally-balanced and kind society

WHAT are your thoughts on General Election 2020?

What are the most important topics for you? What would you like the next government and Taoiseach to focus on? We’d love to know!

Email news@dublingazette.com with your views (using the subject line ‘General Election 2020 thoughts’), and we’ll reprint the best of our reader responses before the election itself.

12 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

STYLE P14

DUBLIN

COSY ON UP TO OUR LOOK INSIDE AT SOME OF THE COMFIEST SLEEPWEAR OUT THERE

MUSIC: SINGER JOHN CRAIGIE BRINGS A DASH OF HUMOUR TO HIS WORK: P20

MOTORING: FORD MONDEO HYBRID P19

MAGAZINE

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

CELEBRATION TIME | CHINESE NEW YEAR

Plenty of Highlights as Chinese New Year 2020 celebrations commence PADRAIG CONLON

DUBLIN CHINESE New Year Festival returns this week welcoming the Year of the Rat. The very popular annual Festival in the city marks the lunar new year with an exciting two-week programme of events set to run until February 10th.

Established in 2008, the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival celebrates, promotes and deepens the understanding of the Sino/Irish relationship.

With Chinese New Year’s Day falling on Saturday (25th) the festival plans to deliver a high profile cultural and celebratory programme to mark this significant date in the Chinese Calendar.

Here is a selection of some of the great events coming up this week: SPRING FESTIVAL FAIR - Saturday Dublin’s historic Fruit and Vegetable Market will reopen for two days on Sat 25 and Sun 26 to host the flagship event of the 2020 Dublin Chinese New Year Festival – the Spring Festival Fair.

EPIC THE IRISH EMIGRATION MUSEUM TOURS - Saturday Discover stories of the pioneering Irish emigrants who have shaped the world with this specially curated Chinese New Year tour of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

DUMPLINGS: WRAPPING UP A LONG HISTORY - Saturday Find out all about Chinese dumplings, the different types, what they symbolise, where they

originated from and how they are made. If you love dumplings, you wont want to miss this!

HILL STREET FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION -Saturday Hill Street will transform into a Chinese Wonderland, hosting a wide range of entertainment, as well as traditional Chinese workshops and performances. This action-packed celebration will feature live music, dance, drama, tai chi, origami, and shadow puppetry workshops.

ASIA MARKET FOOD TOURS - Sunday Enjoy an exclusive tour of Dublin’s destination for Asian food and ingredients, Asia Market at the heart of the city’s creative quarter on Drury Street.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE DRESS BANQUET Tuesday A unique experience to attend a traditional Chinese banquet inspired by the Song Dynasty, part of China’s golden age. At the banquet, you’re invited to savour dishes from this expansive era, with a contemporary twist.

XĪNNIÁN CHINESE COCKTAIL MASTERCLASSWednesday Opium will be hosting a cocktail masterclass designed to bring blessings and good fortune…in cocktail form!

This special masterclass will focus on the creation of a selection of cocktails based on Chinese ingredients, culture and mythology.

To find out more on all events and to purchase tickets: www.dublinchinesenewyear.com

Local Chinese children Dora Liu and Amia Zheng pictured at the launch of the Chinese New Year Community Celebrations, hosted by Hill Street Family Resource Centre in partnership with North East Inner City initiative taking place on Saturday 23rd January on Hill Street, Dublin 1

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 13

QUIRKY MATTERS

DUBLIN BITS & BOBS

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

STAFF and management at Centra in Blackrock cheered as a cork was popped to celebrate the store having sold the winning ticket for the recent EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle top prize of €1 million. Lydene Kavanagh, Jim O’Connor (sales manager, National Lottery), Des Kenny, Joanne McKeever, Jim Kenny (owner, Centra store), Blaise Kenny (manager), Jenny Jones and Michael Molloy (National Lottery) cheered as champers

DIY bomb trip ends in arrest

A FLORIDA woman was arrested earlier this month after a Walmart security guard noticed she was constructing a bomb inside the Tampa store.

The security guard spotted a woman and child walking around the shop suspiciously for an hour, opening unpaid items that included denatured alcohol, nails, and a mason jar.

When the security guard approached the woman, he realised she was attempting to light a wick to her DIY bomb.

Emily Stallard (37), was

apprehended by security personnel before she detonated the device, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office notified.

Stallard was charged with firebombing, attempted arson of a structure, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, child abuse, and battery on a law enforcement officer, with the child taken into protective custody.

Regime punishes loyal mum

A MOTHER in North Korea is under investigation for saving her two children

from their burning home instead of portraits of former leader Kim Jong IL and his late father, Kim IL Sung.

According to Latin Times, the Ministry of State Security has begun an investigation into the incident, that occurred in the Onsong County of the secluded state on December 30.

North Korean law dictates that all citizens display portraits of the two deceased rulers of the country in their homes.

Because of the investigation, it is understood that the mother is unable to properly care for her injured children, who suffered burns from the fire.

According to People

magazine, the mother has been pleading with neighbours for money so she can buy the necessary antibiotics to treat her children.

However, she has been refused, with locals fearing being charged with a political crime if they oblige.

Man calls for a duel with his ex

A KANSAS man has asked a judge to let him engage in a samurai sword duel with his ex-wife and her attorney.

David Ostrom (40), of Paola, Kansas, and his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom

(38), of Harlan, Iowa, have been locked in a bitter dispute over parental custody, visitation rights and property tax payments during their divorce settlement.

According to David Ostrom, their judge has the power to let the sides “resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally”.

He added that trial by combat “has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States”, and asked the judge to schedule the duel for 12 weeks’ time, so he could locate Japanese samurai swords.

The judge is understood to be deliberating the case at the time of going to print.

DOG OF THE WEEK DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog of the week is Chisum, a sweet ten-year-old German Shepherd that is looking for homecomforts, a nice garden and access to good walks. He is shy to start with, but once he knows you, he literally showers you with love!

Chisum enjoys playing with his toys.

He is looking for a home where he will be the only pet as he can be worried around other dogs.

He could live with children of 16 years or over, as long as they give him

space when he needs it.

Chisum will need a home with his own secure garden where he can relax and potter, just like a dog of his vintage likes to do.

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

C O N TA C T S Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@dublingazette.com Commercial Director: Liz Ferris lferris@dublingazette.com Group Editor: Cóilín Duffy cduffy@dublingazette.com Deputy Group Editor & Travel Editor: Shane Dillon sdillon@dublingazette.com Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@dublingazette.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@dublingazette.com Picture Editor: Alison O’Hanlon picturedesk@dublingazette.com Online & Style Editor: Rachel D’Arcy rdarcy@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

chisum

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

14 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

HOME & STYLE

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME AND WARDROBE

BeautyBITS

Doutzen announced as new face of ONLY ONLY have announced Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes as the new face of their new SS20 Campaign.

ONLY is celebrating 25 years in fashion and is kicking the year off with a very special campaign, with Kroes following in the footsteps of models such as Helena Christensen and Naomi Campbell.

Finn Poulsen, Director of ONLY, said: “Doutzen Kroes is a super strong character, a true It girl and we are very proud to have landed such a top profile as our new campaign model.”

Marc Jacobs launch special spring scents MARC JACOBS will be releasing limited editions of their iconic Daisy fragrances for the Spring season, called Daisy Daze.

The limited edition fragrances are a ‘fresh and fruity’ twist on the classics.The beloved caps - covered in plastic daisy shapes - will be adorned with golden accents as well as opaque and translucent pearls.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs gets spiced up with inviting bursts of mandarin with a sweet mirabelle sparkle, giving a crisp scent.

The Daisy Eau So Fresh fragrance will be injected with luscious white peach and orchard blossoms for a sense of comforting freshness, while Daisy Dream will be infused with a delicate and warm finish courtesy of silky wisteria and juicy loganberries.

Daisy Love will be elevated with bright osmanthus wrapped in the softness of amber.

The Daisy Daze collection will be priced from €71 to €81, and will be available in Arnotts, Brown Thomas and selected pharmacies from January 29.

CALM & COSY

Penneys ‘Calm’ collection of soft, soothing sleepware is comfy, and stylish while also conscious, as it uses sustainable fabrics.

THERE IS never a wrong time for curling up in a fresh new pair of pyjamas, with Penneys the go-to for all our soft, soothing sleepware needs.

Now, the major pyjama player introduce their ‘Calm’ collection, a range of neutral coloured, deliciously soft pyjamas designed to suit everyone while keeping things comfy.

The range includes longsleeved thermal style tops, sweatshirt style hoodies, tank tops, pyjamas and more in stone, grey and cream neutral tones. Best of all, the collection is made from sustainable fabrics, meaning you can be comfy, chic and conscious. The collection is available in all Penneys stores now.

Out with the old, in with the new – interior trends for 2020 Now that 2020 is well underway, and your new year’s resolutions are slowly coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about what’s really important – your interior!

Some of 2019’s biggest interior trends included velvet, geometric patterns, minimalism, and pastel colour blocks. But you know what they say, out with the old, in with the new! Here are EZ Living Furniture’s 2020 interior trend predictions.

1. Mixed Metals!

By the end of 2019 brass and copper became very popular. People started introducing subtle metallic features in the form of taps, shelf mirrors, and legs of tables. But now that it’s 2020, the metal trend has really started to take off.

2. More is More!

Although 2019 was all about minimalism, 2020 has already proven to want more for its occupants. Maximalism is already taking off this January with people investing in bolds, bright colours, and abstract prints.

3. Black is Back!

Black is back. Whites and woods may have been 2019 focused but now that it’s 2020, black is back and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Matte blacks will create a chic and sophisticated look to your interior this year.

4. FLOWER POWER! Block wallpaper was trending in 2019 but now that it’s 2020, it’s all about floral wallpaper adding a bit of punch. Shades of greens, botanical designs, and even geometric patterns are all in. What’s becoming

even more on trend is the placement of your wallpaper with wallpaper added to the bathroom, and ceiling becoming more popular than ever before.

5. 50 SHADES OF PINK! 2019 featured lots of greys, blues and yellows but from what we can see already, pink is giving us a wink. Subtle pink shades such a pastel pink, blush pink, and baby pink are sure to create calming moods in your homes this year!

Here’s to a new decade of interior design.

What are you predicting?

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 15

GAZETTE

LOVE MARRIAGE

INSIDE… Make your wedding extra special P17

Tips for the Best Man P18

Before you turn over…

WHETHER it’s your own wedding or civil ceremony, or if you’re a mum or dad or other part of the wedding party, there’s a lot to think about, plan and organise to help ensure that you – or they – will have a moment to treasure.

Thankfully, we have put together a

Bridal party P18

little bit of information that, we hope, will help to make the big day a little easier to arrange.

From ideas to make your wedding extra special to some of the very best wedding venues across Dublin or down the country, you’ll find it here.

Take the time to browse what we’ve put together, and you’re bound to see something, someone or somewhere in here to help make your big day perfect.

So relax, read, and above all, all the best for your (or their) big day!

See inside

GAZETTE

16 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

LOVE MARRIAGE

Annebrook enchants with ease on the day

Annebrook House Hotel effortlessly marries a historic setting with the latest in modern styling

SITUATED in the heart of Mullingar, the award-winning 4-star Annebrook House Hotel presents wedding couples with a spectacular fusion of 17th Century heritage and the ultimate in modern styling.

This makes Annebrook House Hotel perfect for being both “something old, something new” for happy couples looking for the perfect wedding venue.

Whether it’s to be a grand affair or an intimate reception, the style of couple’s wedding is entirely up to them, with the hotel catering for 30-280 guests.

As a family-owned hotel, Annebrook House Hotel prides itself in offering a very personalised service, from the initial booking stage all the way through to the dream day.

Sumptuous food, combined with topclass service, are the main ingredients of any good wedding and Annebrook House Hotel delivers both these elements seamlessly.

Its friendly and approachable service will ensure any wedding day is everything a couple could want it to be and more.

The wedding team at Annebrook House Hotel constantly strives to keep up to date with current trends to ensure every couple’s day is as memorable and as individual as they are.

For further information, see www. annebrook.ie, or email the dedicated weddings manager at events@annebrook.ie.

Feel your best on you’re wedding day

A NEW clinic dedicated to pampering the skin has launched in Dublin 2 perfect for a treat ahead of your big day!

Akrona Aesthetics, located at 18B-19B Fitzwilliam Street Upper, has a host of non-invasive treatments that fuse Irish skincare with Korean technology.

As well as skincare, the clinic also offers massages and body scrubs for an all over treatment as you get ready for your wedding day.

Treatments on offer at the new salon include mesotherapy with LED light, heated lava stone massage, Ayurvedic herbal body scrub with Marma Therapy and Megawhite Teeth Whitening. The treatments are non-invasive, but the methods on offer are cutting edge for combating wrinkles, acne and many other facial aesthetic treatments all underneath the banner of holistic remedies.

Akrona aims to provide a natural alternative to the likes of botox and fillers, to help produce a more vibrant, youthful appearance. The masterminds behind the salon have 25 years of experience in health and beauty.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm. For information on Akrona Aesthetics, visit Akrona.ie.

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 17

GAZETTE

10 Ideas to make your wedding extra special 1. SEATING During the ceremony, why not change the seating style and have the chairs set in a circular pattern around you, it can not only make you more visible to all the guests but make everyone feel more included.

2. INVITATIONS Invites don’t have to be formal or fancy, show your personality by making them funny or relatable to your guests.

3 . BOUQUET Attaching something to your flowers as you walk down the aisle can be a lovely way to keep something close that holds sentimental value – such as a picture or piece of jewellery.

4. ANNIVERSARY On the day, get your guests to write you a note for your first anniversary and pop them into a pinata. One year later, it’ll be waiting for you to burst open and reminisce.

5. TABLES Give each table a song name or lyric and when that song plays everyone at that table has to get up and dance.

6. COASTERS Practical bespoke printed coasters are a fun way of making sure drinks are not cleared from the tables while your guests are enjoying themselves on the dance floor – they can also take them home as gifts.

7. PHOTOS As it gets dark, give your guests sparklers and go outside to create a wonderful photo opportunity.

8. CRECHE If there are many young children coming to the wedding, why not hire a babysitter to keep them entertained and relaxed in an assigned room with games, blankets and pillows.

9. BOUNCY CASTLES – Bouncy castles are not just for kids. If you have the space, rent a castle – guests will love a bounce during the day and will also create a great photo opportunity.

10. TAKEAWAY If you’re guests are too full for cake or dessert, give them a slice or two to take home with them in a Styrofoam box or doggy-bag.

Perfect for the day of your dreams THE 4-star Westgrove Hotel in the picturesque village of Clane is one of Kildare’s premier wedding venues.

The Westgrove Hotel has two main wedding suites; both of which have a private bar, dance floor and are adorned with natural day light.

In addition to the suite for the main celebration, there are also many other areas in the hotel which form an integral part of the day such as the grand staircase which proves popular for photographs.

On arrival, guests enjoy exclusive use of the Roof Terrace Bar which links to the Wedding Garden while enjoying the sounds of the resident pianist as your sip champagne and mingle with family and friends.

The Wedding Garden is the perfect backdrop for photographs, outdoor ceremonies and next day BBQ’s.

They offer two fantastic wedding packages, priced at 10k or 12k respectively or they can offer a bespoke package depending on your needs. Why not visit the Wedding Fair on Sunday February 2 from 2-5pm, register your interest by emailing bmurray@westgrovehotel.com

GAZETTE

18 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

LOVE MARRIAGE

Top tips for the Best Man on the big day IF you’ve gotten the call to do the honours as Best Man your biggest duty on the day is to deliver a speech.

This can be both a terrifying and exciting experience, depending on how you prepare. Here we have the top tips to ensure your speech is memorable for all the right reasons!

Prepare: Don’t stand up and try and wing it. A bit of preparation goes a long way.

Speech goals: You want your speech is to celebrate the couple and make them look good.

Stay sober: Nobody wants to listen to a drunk falling around talking gibberish. Give the drink a rest until after your speech.

Say thanks: Thank everyone who made the day possible.

Tell an interesting story: You don’t need to deliver the Gettysberg address, just make sure everyone will not be bored to death!

Avoid controversial topics: Now isn’t the time to share your belief in the flat

earth theory and 9/11 conspiracies.

Keep it short: Yes, please, please, please don’t break this rule!

Don’t forget the toasts: The bride, the groom, her parents, his parents, bridesmaids, you know the drill!

Just be yourself: Use your natural voice and just let it flow!

Here comes the bridal party!

THE bride is obviously the most important lady on the day - her dress has to be perfect, as well as her accessories, hair... everything, really!

However, her bridal party is just as important. Monsoon have just released an affordable, stylish new line of flower girl dresses, page boy suits, bridesmaids dress-

es and the all important wedding dress too. The theme of the collection is modern romance, with wedding jumpsuits, flattering cuts and luxe fabrics all part of the mix.

For more information and to see more of the pieces on offer, as well as pricing for the new collection, please visit Monsoon.co.uk.

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 19

WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT

DUBLIN MOTORS

New Ford Mondeo Hybrid: The image of refinement

DECLAN GLYNN

AS BEFITS a car that pioneers technology, the new Ford Mondeo is available as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).

By combining the benefits of both electric and petrol power, the Mondeo Hybrid provides outstanding efficiency and refinement, along with rewarding performance and driving range.

The revisions to the Mondeo include a new front bumper, a different grille for each trim level, and a metallic strip through the car’s revised tail-lights.

The new Ford Mondeo HEV is available in either 4-door Saloon, or 5-door Wagon (estate) bodystyles, with petrol power provided by a 2.0-litre engine, which is linked to an electronically-con-

trolled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Wi t h a c o m b i n e d power output of 187bhp, and 173Nm of torque, the Mondeo Hybrid is capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in 9.2 seconds.

There are three trim levels in the Mondeo Hybrid – Titanium, ST-Line, and range-topping Vignale, while the Mondeo diesel is also available in entrylevel Zetec specification.

My review car was a Mondeo Titanium Estate Hybrid, which was finished in ever-popular Moondust Silver metallic paintwork.

Standard Titanium features include 16” alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors, SYNC 3 with an 8” touchscreen, parking sensors front & rear, keyless entry, cruise control with speed limiting device, traffic sign recog-

nition, and lane keeping aid, along with many more comfort, convenience and safety features.

Once on the move, the Mondeo Hybrid swaps between the electric motors and petrol engine seemlessly, while the CVT (automatic) transmission is well matched to the powertrain.

When in Hybrid mode, the Mondeo is very quiet inside, proving that the

Mondeo’s engineering progress is driven by hybrid technology.

The Mondeo Hybrid is a very capable car to drive through bends, as it possesses great dynamic ability – something Ford cars have been renowned for over the past two decades now.

With the rear seat backs in place, the conventional Mondeo Estate has a 525litre boot, but the electric

technology in the Mondeo Hybrid cuts this figure to 403 litres – which is still an acceptable load area for this type of car.

However, this figure can be dramatically increased by folding the rear seats flat when the need arises.

The new Ford Mondeo Hybrid range is priced from €34,830 for the 4-door ‘saloon’, while the 5-door ‘wagon’ is priced from €35,997.

Brussels helps showcase the cars of the future DECLAN GLYNN

THE Brussels Motor Show 2020 has just come to an end, and what a terrific show it was.

The 98th edition of the Brussels Motor Show was bigger and better than ever before, with a huge display of cars, motorcycles and new mobility options on show.

Unlike other international car shows, every car make on the European market was represented at the show, which attracted more than 560,000 visitors last year.

This year, visitors were treated to a long list of new car debuts, with the show having been officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium on January 9.

Cars that made their world debut at the show included the Audi A5 Sportback g-tron, Nissan Juke, Mercedes-

New Nissan Juke

Benz GLA, Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG, Opel Insignia, Renault Captur E-tech, Renault Clio E-tech, and the Renault Espace.

European debuts included the Audi e-tron Sportback, BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe, BMW M2 CS, BMW M8 Gran Coupe, Mazda 2, Mazda MX-30, Mini John Cooper Works GP, and the Mitsubishi Space Star.

Car manufacturers love to show off their concept and prototype cars to the huge crowds that motor shows traditionally attract, and the Brussels Motor Show certainly had its fair share of cars of the future on display.

Citroen took the opportunity to showcase their Ami One Concept, and the C5 Aircross PHEV, while other cars included the Cupra Tavascan, DS

Mazda MX-30

Automobiles Formula e, Opel Corsa E-Rally, Opel Elektro GT, Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered, Renault Clio HEV – E TECH, SEAT EL-Born, Volkswagen ID Buggy, and the Volkswagen ID Buzz.

With Brussels just a relatively short distance from Dublin (approximately a 90-minute flight time), and attrac-

VW ID Buggy

tive accommodation prices to be had, the Brussels Motor Show is a mustvisit event for motoring enthusiasts.

I am looking forward to the 2021 show already!

20 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

GOINGOUTOUT

JANUARY 23 (THURSDAY)

Tommy Emmanuel @ Vicar Street, SOLD OUT The Felice Brothers @ Whelan’s, €23 Seth Lakeman @ The Button Factory, €25 Costello + Lethal Dialect @ The Workman’s Club, €11

JANUARY 24 (FRIDAY)

Schoolboy Q @ The Olympia Theatre, sold out Big Sleep @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €12 Waterparks @ The Academy, €25 Boxing Banjo @ The Button Factory, €20

JANUARY 25 (SATURDAY)

Xylouris White @ Whelan’s, €18 The Young Uns @ The Button Factory, €20 The Teskey Brothers @ The Academy, €18 Deno @ The Academy 2, SOLD OUT Cult Called Man @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €10+

JANUARY 26 (SUNDAY)

Afro Celt Sound @ The Olympia Theatre, €32 The High Kings @ Vicar Street, €34 Tim Baker @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €5

JANUARY 27 (MONDAY)

James Yorkston @ The Workman’s Club, €18

JANUARY 28 (TUESDAY)

Mabel @ The Olympia Theatre, SOLD OUT Robyn Hitchcock @ Whelan’s, €15 Young MA @ The Academy, €20

JANUARY 29 (WEDNESDAY)

Sam Lewis @ Whelan’s (Upstairs), €13 KSI @ The Academy Green Room, SOLD OUT

“

I love listening to old vinyl and I feel like my recording approaches are similar to the styles of the days when analog was the standard

John Craigie: Storytelling through songs and tales with a pinch of quick wit JOHN Craigie’s road to the world of Folk-style, quirky solo guitarist has been an unusual one.

Starting out as more of a spoken word artist, the LA-born, Portland-based troubadour releases conventional albums, but has made his live show into a kind of blend of winding tales and audience interaction blurred with Bluegrass-style, mellow guitar pop.

His offbeat side really comes out in those winding spoken fusions, with tracks aimed at particular audience members such as, Let’s Talk This Over When We’re Sober, for the couples, or jokey spoken-word release, Pants In England, about struggling with language differences in Europe, and then finding England no easier.

On the live record, Opening For Steinbeck, Carigie jokes that his ideal audience is a room full of people who’ve just been dumped.

He says: “I was actually a storyteller before I was a songwriter. As I began performing, it did take a little bit of time to figure out how to blend the two together.

“But it was a natural path of discovery and I am still learning and enjoying it today. I’m still figuring out the answer to the touring stuff.

“I find that senses of humour are slightly different. Some of my banter makes sense to the audience, and some doesn’t.

“Other than that, it hasn’t been that different. I need to check my American accent sometimes and, if the audience doesn’t speak English,

 JAMES HENDICOTT

then I have to shift my set up a bit as well.”

Latest album, Scarecrow, is – much like Craigie live – a collection of oddities blended from his back catalogue. There’s no particular theme; more a collection of scraps left from previous records.

“It is comprised of songs that didn’t make it onto my album, No Rain, No Rose, and songs that didn’t fit the vibe of my upcoming album.

“So I guess if there is a theme, it’s sort of that [those songs] are all a bit homeless. Alone, like a scarecrow out in the field.

“I decided I wanted to record something that was all analog, using tape machines, and then cutting it straight to vinyl.

“Luckily, I live in Portland, which is full of audiophiles, and had some studios that had all the vintage gear I needed for the project.

“I love listening to old vinyl and I feel like my recording approaches are similar to the styles of the days when analog was the standard.

“At heart, I would say I am an analog-type person, but it can be very expensive and complex.”

Of Portland, he says: “It’s a great community here.

Very collaborative and inclusive.

“There’s so much talent and everyone seems very excited to share and work together. I never feel like I can’t find a good musician when I need one.”

Picture: Bradley Cox

As for the tours, it’s very much about making that local connection, and finding out what makes sense in the context of different audiences.

“My show is a mix between storytelling and songs,” Craigie explains.

“I love to connect with

the audience, and always play to the room. I’m looking forward to figuring out the stories and songs that they connect with best.

“Touring is a huge part of my life and it’s important for me to be extra conscious during that time.

“I’m trying to limit my

waste and the plastic I use, and trying to educate my audience on such things as well.”

What’s certain is that Craigie will talk as much as he’ll sing, and his humour will shine.

It’s a Folk vibe, but heavy on the comedy asides.

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 21

BIG HONOUR FOR FORMER DUBLIN MANAGER

DUBLIN FREEDOM

FREEDOM OF THE CITY | 500 GATHER AT MANSION HOUSE

Top City honour for modest Jim Gavin CÓILÍN DUFFY GROUP EDITOR

Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe; Jim Gavin and his wife Jenifer and their children, Jude (11) and Yasmin (13)

Life of politics not for Freeman Jim CÓILÍN DUFFY

JIM GAVIN says he doesn’t envisage a career in politics – for now at least!

The newly crowned Freeman of Dublin was speaking to Dublin Gazette at the Mansion House – the venue where almost 101 years to the day the first Dáil sat in 1919.

“I don’t see that (I would be interested in a career in politics) at the moment,” Gavin told Dublin Gazette Group Editor Cóilín Duffy.

“I’ve pure admiration for politicians - in football you are busy with it, but for political people there’s more responsibility. I was manager of a football team, whereas they are managing people’s lives and I just have pure admiration for the commitment that politicians give.

Putting their hand up to represent their communities is a big commitment, and ye I’m happy back managing the Under 12’s!”

Gavin was honoured with the prestigious accolade at an event attend by Dublin Senior Football team members that included Brian Fenton, Ciaran Kilkenny and Paddy Andrews; and other luminaries from across the sporting world including former Irish Rugby team Head Coach Joe Schmidt, and ex Irish Underage soccer boss Brian Kerr.

As always Jim was keen to deflect the plaudits away from himself, again singling out the Dublin players involved in what subsequently placed them as the most successful mens Gaelic Football team ever, winning five-All-Ireland titles in-a-row, for special mention.

“It’s just a super honour to get it, and to be nominated first and foremost by the Lord Mayor, and then for it to be endorsed by Dublin City Council. As a Dub, and a proud Dub I’m just so humbled. When you look at the list of names that have gone before me, one can’t see themselves in that league. The way I see it, I am here to represent the team that I had the good fortune to manage, and the great players that played for Dublin during my tenure and that’s why I’m here. It’s not because of what I have done, but because of what they have done on the field of play. To represent them tonight, and indeed to represent Óglaigh na hÉireann that I served with for 20 years, and the Aviation Authority that I am heavily involved in, it’s just a proud moment for myself, for Dublin GAA, and for my family.

JIM GAVIN became the first receipient of the Freedom of the City of Dublin in four years, as many of his family, friends, GAA and work colleagues, and key figures from across the sporting spectrum were among the 500 gathered in the Mansion House on Saturday night .

The Clondalkin native followed a long line of luminarees to become the latest Freeman or Freewoman of the City including Isaac Butt, Bill Clinton, Mother Teresa, John F Kennedy, A. Chester Beatty, U2, Gay Byrne, Kevin Heffernan, Fr. Peter McVerry and Brian O’Driscoll.

Gavin became the first recipient of the honour since the February 28 2014, when John Giles and Brother Kevin Crowley were feted.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe presented the award to Jim, as the Council bestowed the honour on him for his contribution to public life and

(Main) Master Bowyer Jack Pinson with Dublin Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe and former Dublin SF Manager Jim Gavin. (Inset) Dublin Gazette Group Editor Cóilín Duffy interviews Jim.

service to his county and country both on and off the field.

Gavin is best known as the outgoing Dublin Senior Football Manager, bringing a historic never before achieved ‘five-in-a-row’ of All-Ireland Senior Mens

Football titles, culminating in last September’s AllIreland Final replay win over Kerry.

However, he has also served his country for over 20 years as a military pilot for Óglaigh na hÉireann, holding the Senior rank of

Commandant.

He was also a former Chief Flying Instructor, a Captain and chief pilot in the Ministerial Air Transport Squadron and served as Chief of Military Aviation with the United Nations in the Central Afri-

can Republic and Chad.

Among the privileges/ duties of a Freeman/ woman is the right to pasture sheep on common ground within the city boundaries, which U2 exercised in 2000 on St. Stephen’s Green.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT JIM

Jim Gavin poses for a photo with his Dad Jim Snr.

He’s often not given enough credit for how good a footballer he was. By his size he couldn’t contest a high ball out the field, but he was so strong on the ground; he had great fitness, and he used it in a way that worked.

Charlie Redmond (Ex Dublin Footballer)

Much of the skills that we see of Jim on a daily basis - his fondness of analysis; his commitment to continuous improvement and continuous learning; are skills that Jim has translated successfully onto the football pitch.

There’s not many people who can translate that managerial and skill into the sports arena.

Peter Kearney C.E.O. Irish Aviation Authority Jim always had the knack of knowing when to put the arm around you and

when to give you the little kick and try and spur you on. It’s a credit to him that he was able to manage the group, and manage all the personalities. He was always calm, controlled, factual, objective, but off the pitch also Jim is such a lovely man.

Brian Fenton (Dublin Footballer) I first met Jim at the Ryder Cup with his Dad. I could see he was doing a really good job, and I wanted to know a couple of secrets!

Joe Schmidt (Ex Irish Rugby Coach)

22 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23 January 2020

DUBLIN BUSINESS WOMEN Our new, monthly insight into Dublin’s most successful women

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

No ‘stunt’ just a well executed piece of technology Creating digital infrastructures for towns and cities around Ireland WENDY STUNT is hyper about technology, and with justification, as the Director of Booniverse - a company which is creating digital infrastructures for towns and cities around Ireland in the form of apps, including one for our beloved capital city, the “Dublin App”, which was just launched in November.

The App is far from a ‘stunt’ but rather a well executed piece of technology by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, that allows effectively for locals and tourists alike to discover what is happening in Dublin.

Local attractions, great spots to eat and stay and a log of events and activities; are just some of the areas covered by the free to download app, which is available for both Android and Apple phones.

This App is described as a hyper-local app - one allowing people to ‘plugin’ to all that is happening in the city. Interactive mapping is a key feature of the app, as well as useful information and

a onetouch system to contact every business on the app.

Stunt, who won the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Irish Women’s Awards last year; is mindful of all that our island has to offer in terms of outdoor activities, and with 26% of all visitors to

DBW DUBLIN BUSINESS

WOMEN

our green shores coming to walk and hike, a key component of the app is the numerous interactive hikes and trails, and selfguided tours, which are available alongside business listings.

The App is also a transactional platform, where businesses can sell tickets, promote special offers and sell their goods and services.

The App is also av a i l a b l e fo r other towns and cities, including Galway, Cork, Tralee, Killarney, Midleton, Youghal, Cobh, Fermoy and Carrigaline.

2020 looks set to be an exciting one ahead for Stunt and Booniverse, with a number of other Irish towns and cities; along with some in the UK and Spain set to come on board.

Go DigiCard Managing Director and Dublin App creator Wendy Stunt

The App is also a transactional platform, where businesses can sell tickets, promote special offers and sell their goods and services.

ARE YOU A SUCCESSFUL DUBLIN BUSINESS WOMAN? EACH month, DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS are focusing on the promotion of Dublin Business Women.

We will be highlighting the vast talent that is Dublin Business Women. We will be talking to YOU about YOUR journey, where you are

in your business and about your plans. We’ll focus on what have been your obstacles, how you overcame them, and why you went into business and where you see yourself going.

Employees who are working for companies will also be promoted.

We want to hear YOUR story.

If you or any advertiser would like to be involved with this new DBW concept, and to be part of a sponsorship option, please contact Liz Ferris at her email below.

Commercial Director: Liz Ferris • lferris@dublingazette.com • 01 601 0240

23 January 2020 DUBLIN GAZETTE 23

CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN...JUST FOR FUN!

CODEWORDS

You could advertise here

DUBLIN 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 AEROPLANES AMBLE AUNTY BOLD DERELICT FORGOT HERB HOBO HOLLOW IDEAS INCIDENTAL INCITE JUDGING

KURT LECTURED MUMP NOBEL PILL ROTE SICILY SNELL SOLICITOR UNANSWERED VENTURA WEAKLY

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

24 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

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DUBLINGAZETTECLASSIFIEDS  SOUTH LOCALMATTERS ROOFING

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23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 27

KARATE P28

THE BEST IN DUBLIN

SPORT

SEASONS GREETINGS: GAELIC GAMES: THE new league sea-

son gets under way this weekend for the Dublin men’s and women’s footballers.

Paul Mannion looks forward to Saturday night’s opening night at Croke Park against Kerry and Dessie Farrell’s first league game in charge. Mick Bohan, meanwhile, has made a string of changes to his squad for the spring campaign ahead.



GAZETTE

HOCKEY P29

PAGE 30-31

LET DUBLIN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS INFORM YOU OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AND SCORES OF YOUR FAVOURITE TEAMS CRICKET | MORE STILL TO COME FROM SANDYMOUNT VETERAN

O’Brien tops the order in West Indies  sport@dublingazette.com

SANDYMOUNT’S Kevin O’Brien relished his role at the top of the order as he helped Ireland take down T20 world champions the West Indies in Basseterre in the first meeting of the series this week.

O’Brien was elevated to open the innings with Paul Stirling in T20s last year and the partnership seemed to click immediately.

Their partnership yielded a record 93 runs in the first six overs, a record high team score during the first powerplay in T20I cricket.

They went on to strike a 154-run partnership in 12.3 overs. This was a record T20I partnership for Ireland for any wicket, and put the visitors in a commanding position, eventually winning by four runs.

Reflecting on the partnership, O’Brien said: “We are both aggressive batsmen, so it comes quite naturally to us to play that way.

“I think when you play the best in the world, our approach is that you won’t beat them if you don’t stand face-to-face with them and throw some punches.

“So, the best way for us to beat teams is to play that way and take the game to the opposition.”

“It also helps to get you up for the challenge when there is such a passionate crowd, like in the Caribbean.

“The atmosphere the local fans create – they have a love of cricket and they like to watch cricket played the right way!

“They want to see players entertain them on the field, they want fours, sixes, wickets, catches. The party atmosphere in the stadiums is something that is not experienced anywhere else in the world.”

O’Brien’s score of 48 from 32 balls was his highest score on tour and he duly added a quickfire 36 off 18 balls in game three which ended in a loss and, ultimately, a shared series.

Railway Union’s Kevin O’Brien was in free-scoring form for Ireland in the T20 series in the West Indies. Picture: Oliver McVeigh

The most-capped Irish cricketer in history, with over 370 appearances for the national side, said it was another nice moment in a marquee career but he still has plans for more.

“I still enjoy my cricket and have ambitions for myself and for the team.

It’s a big year for us with the T20 World Cup in Australia being a big carrot to

work towards. “ I know I need to continue to improve my cricket and consistently put in match-winning contributions with the bat. While cricket is my job, I know it won’t last forever, so I want to continue to play as long as I’m fit, and as long as I’m adding to the national side.”

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

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

28 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

1

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO results for Jan 16th 1, 2, 14 and 24. Jackpot not won. . €100 Michael O Brien €50 each to Kieran O Brien and Fintan O Curry. Joker Consolation Kieran O Brien. Next Lotto with Jackpot of €1,400 and Joker prize €675.

Bingo each Mon night at 8:00pm. Table Quiz on Friday Jan 31st 8:30pm in aid of Cycle4CF Malin2Mizen 2020.

2020 Membership Fees are now due. They should be paid online at http://www.smartclubcloud.com/ Please email registrations@bsjgaa. com with any queries.

BSJ Gala Ball on Feb 1st in The Talbot Hotel.

Tickets €65. Text to book tickets - 0879877602/ 0862265783. Tickets will be on sale in the Clubhouse on Sat 25th 12-1pm.

Congrats to St Benildus under 16 Football team Leinster Champions and all the BSJ players involved. Congrats also to our 4 players on the Co. Minor Football panel for 2020. Luke Breathnach, Oisin Grady, Johnny Quirke and Matt Lynch.

Tough luck on our Tom Aherne who scored 10 points for Trinity College Hurlers in their Fitzgibbon Cup tie v Maynooth only to lose out by a single last minute point.

BSJ u12 girls (pictured) are delighted to become brand ambassadors for Cooper helmets and sports equipment. Over the year they will test out their camogie training equipment including hurleys and sliotars.

Club Shop open Thursday 7.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m & Saturday 11.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Marty Donohue.

KILMACUD CROKES CLUB membership renewals for 2020 are now due. You can pay online at the club web site www. kilmacudcrokes.com The Kilmacud Crokes Gala night takes place on Saturday 25th January in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.

All club members are strongly encouraged to support what will be another great social event!

This is not a night for long speeches or awards, but a rare opportunity to socialize with members from all sections of the club. Attendees will be

treated to an excellent 4 course meal and wine, with music throughout the night. Make sure you don’t miss out.

Tickets can be purchased at the link now: https://member.clubforce. com/tickets_m.asp?LL_ ID=822&CLB=1 Hurling Section AGM will take place in the Club on Sunday Jan 26th 8pm.

Well done to all who attended the Club coaching session on Friday and Saturday this weekend.

Thanks to Paraic and Niall for organising.

KARATE: TERENURE-BASED STAR HOPING FOR OLYMPIC SPOT

Caradh’s last ditch shot at reaching Olympics OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS  DAVE DONNELLY

sport@dublingazette.com

TERENURE karate champion Caradh O’Donovan has her sights set on a Tokyo Olympic berth after recovering from a nasty injury that threatened to end her career.

She has just returned from France, where she took part in a four-day training camp ahead of May’s last-chance qualifying.

35-year-old O’Donovan needs to finish in the top three at the event in Paris in order to make the finals, having missed out most of the ranking events due to her injury.

“I’m going to go for it.

It’s a very long shot now,” O’Donovan tells Dublin Gazette.

“We have two different ways to qualify. One was through your world ranking, and that opportunity is completely gone, which would have been the easiest way to qualify.

“In my weight catego-

ry, you have to be top four in the world. But because I missed out on all the events in the Olympic ranking window, that’s not going to happen. “ T h e re ’s o n e l a s t chance and that’s the world qualification event in May, which gives me another four months to prepare.

“But I’m relying on things to go perfectly – I have to get top three in that event to qualify. But I’m going to give it my best shot.

“I know enough to know it’s a long shot but I’m prepared to give it my best.”

Laid low by injury, O’Donovan hasn’t been prepared to keep her head down, however, and she’s been a vocal activist in support of athlete welfare.

The political struggle in Irish karate, which has seen the governance of the sport split into two organisations, with the recognised Karate Ireland ONAKAI in opposition to the new ONAKAI. O’Donovan has stayed

allied with the former and has been subject to sustained abuse from certain quarters, including match officials, as a result of her decision to stick with the organisation.

“I got involved in a group called Global Athlete – they’re relatively new but when all this kicked off in Irish Karate they helped us out.

“That has given me more of an interest in speaking out about ath-

lete welfare. There are a lot of issues we don’t hear more about because in my experience when you speak up, you get punished.

“The media do so much to highlight issues in sport, but athletes are starting to do their own bit and speak up more.

“It’s almost contagious, when you see people speaking up you feel like you can do it too.

“Maybe I’m naïve to think that will happen.

“From what I’ve seen over the last year, there are more athletes willing to stick their neck out and say things that won’t be popular.

“You won’t get a pat on the back – I still get told all the time ‘don’t say that, don’t put that out, it’s bad optics.’ But I don’t care. Whether it’s racism or anti-doping issues or athlete welfare, the more we speak about anything, it’s the only way it’s going to change.”

DLSP expanding girls rugby

The Wolves and Kilkenny sides after their game on Saturday.

DE LA SALLE Palmerston Rugby Club have linked up with a number of clubs to form new teams at Under-14 and 16 level to give young girls the chance to continue playing with their home clubs to an older age.

The CDS team is an Under-14 side comprising Coolmine, DLSP and Seapoint while the Wolves competes at Under-16 level with a team comprising Clane, DLSP, North Kildare and Seapoint.

They compete in Leinster League Divisions 2B and 2 respectively.

The idea is to cater for girls at clubs where

playing numbers are not necessarily sufficient to sustain a dedicated side and to ensure they have the same opportunity to participate and develop their love of rugby as those at larger clubs.

Anyone who was at Kirwan Park this weekend to witness the games between CDS and Enniscorthy and the Wolves and Kilkenny would have been impressed by the commitment and skill on display, as well as the enjoyment being had.

Anyone interested in learning more about this initiative is invited to contact Liza McCarthy of DLSP at girlsrugby@dlspfc.ie.

23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 29

HOCKEY: LORETO AND NEWPARK THROUGH TO SENIOR FINAL Caradh O’Donovan, inset and second from left in main picture, during a recent training camp

Beaufort’s final battle LEINSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP SEMIS  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com Asdf asfd sdaf dasf dsaf dsaf dsaf sdaf sdaf sdaf dsaf sdaf dasf aasdfasdf.

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HEALTHY WALK

Operation Transformation event comes to Marlay OVER 180 people took part in the local Operation Transformation Walk in Marlay Park last Saturday. Organised by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership, this event was part of a national initiative to promote the message that walking is a fun way for people to get active as part of a healthier lifestyle.

For information on upcoming physical activity initiatives including those related to walking in the County, please contact Dún LaoghaireRathdown Sports Partnership at 01-2719502 or sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie.

LORETO Beaufort and Newpark Comprehensive provide an intriguing Leinster Schoolgirls Senior Cup final duo with both seeking a first title in quite some time after they both snuck through via a shoot-out at Grange Road.

For Beaufort, they are through for the first time since 2009, gunning for a first title since 2008, after they got by the challenge of Muckross Park.

Robin McLoughlin was the hero, holding her nerve with the last shoot-out, swerving to escape the attentions of Ava Russell – an expert in this phase of the game in the past – and slotted for a 2-1 success.

Normal time ended 2-2 after a cracking affair.

Muckross had most of the play throughout the tie but found Beaufort a supremely spirited opponent who gave them little for free.

The Marlborough Road side – with Irish star Anna O’Flanagan in their coaching team – did take the lead in the second quarter when Sarah McAuley flicked home a penalty corner rebound into the top of the net.

Beaufort, however, stormed back into contention in the second half with a penalty corner of their own worked around the circle to Emily Kealy, switched right to Olivia Brady and then back into the middle, to make it 1-1.

And Kealy added a peach of a second goal 10 minutes later, a brilliant solo effort as she took a sideline ball out on the left, weaved by a few tackles and then cracked home a perfect angled hit into the corner.

From there, it was all hands to the pump as Muckross camped in the Beaufort 23-metre zone, winning three corners that were repelled.

Their equaliser came just four minutes from the end with McAuley, an Irish Under-21 panelist, providing the magic, taking on a quick free on the edge of the circle and she whipped home a reverse-stick shot.

That sent the tie to a shoot-out where Kealy netted the only goal of the first two rounds for an initial advantage. Alex Gallagher’s gorgeous stick work got Muckross level going into the final round of the shoot-out where Ciara Griffin made her fourth save for Beaufort.

Loreto Beaufort, above, and Newpark, below

That left it in McLoughlin’s hands and she smartly swivelled out of Russell’s reach, providing the queue for a pitch invasion.

Their coach Hannah Matthews, another of the Olympic hockey squad, said it was as nervewracking as anything she has been involved in.

“I was trying to keep a game face there but I was just so nervous. The girls are amazing the way take on that pressure,” she said.

Matthews was part of the Beaufort side that won back in 2008, scoring in the 2-1 final win over Alexandra College and she is encouraging the players to “just enjoy every second”.

Newpark’s last final was even further back,

winning the crown in 1991 before losing the next year’s decider against St Joseph’s of Cluny in ’92.

They saw off Newbridge College who bowed out for a third successive year at the semi-final stage. Normal time was an attritional battle with precious little by way of goalmouth action with neither side giving an inch in defence.

The best opening fell to the Kildare outfit’s Mary Enright but Erica Gallagher – a calming influence throughout – cleared well.

She kept her clean sheet in normal time and then saved all four of Newbridge’s efforts in the shoot-out. Lauren Moore and Millie Lynch

Horses for Courses’ spring offering HORSERACING

 sport@dublingazette.com

HORSES for Courses, the successful and popular evening course on horseracing, returns for Spring 2020 from Monday, February 10 to Monday, March 16.

The course covers breeders, trainers, owners, jockeys, racegoers, betting, racecourse management, the role of Horse Racing Ireland, role of the Irish horseracing regulatory board, racing media, sponsorship, racing fashion and more.

Among the contributors offer- tips for Cheltenham 2020. ing the course are the likes of General admission to the national hunt trainer Henry de course is €185. To book a place Bromhead, The Curragh manager Pat Keogh, racing journalist Donn McClean and The Irish Field editor Leo Powell among others.

The course runs for six weeks on Monday evenings from 7.309.30pm at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan.

It also includes a trip to the world renowned Irish National Stud, Horse Museum and Gardens, a free day at the races and

on this course, go to www. eventbrite.ie, search “Horses for Courses”.

30 DUBLIN GAZETTE  SOUTH 23 January 2020

CLUB NOTES

ROUND

2

NAOMH OLAF CONGRATULATIONS to Naomh Olaf’s Luke Murphy Guinane who has been selected for the Dublin Under 20 Football panel for the coming year. Also fabulous news for three Olaf’s players who have been selected for the Dublin Under 20 Hurling panel for 2020 - Ciarán Foley (pictured), Donal Leavy and Finn Murphy. Well done lads, your Club is very proud of you!

Senior camogie player Chloe Ni Cheallaigh donned the No. 1 jersey for IT Carlow recently when they had a great win in the Purcell Cup. Chloe has been awarded a camogie sports scholarship for the college for the second successive year and is really showing her worth as netkeeper - congratulations Chloe!

The Academy for 2020 is up and running and there’s still space for new boys and girls. The boys academy takes place on Saturday morning - 10am for boys born in 2013, 11am for boys born in 2014/15. The girls academy takes place on Sunday morning - 10am for girls born in 2013, 11am for girls born in 2014/15/16. Academies will take place in the indoor sports hall during the winter months and equipment is provided so just drop in with your little one to let them try it out - lots of fun and new friendships are waiting!

Naomh Olaf continues the Ireland Lights Up walking initiative with walkers setting off from the Club on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm. Everyone is very welcome to join Jenny, Audrey and the gang for a walk and a nice warm cuppa in the clubhouse afterwards.

The Club Shop is open on Saturday (10.30am to 12.00pm) and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (6.30pm to 7.30pm).

Naomh Olaf Producers Market continues every Friday morning from 8.30am - definitely worth popping in to see the fabulous fresh produce on offer.

SHANKILL CHASE the Ace Sunday night draw in Brady’s there was no winner of the jackpot and the €50 prize went to Ryan Wogan. This week’s jackpot is €1550. Tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5 available in the pub.

Operation Transformation walks continues this Thursday. Meet at 6.45pm at St Anne’s resource centre. Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others, a group has been set up catering all ages, all abilities, no experience of GAA games necessary. This is a fun social group and its FREE. The venue is Scoil Mhuire from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday nights, PM us on Facebook or contact Steve 087 6414123.

Our Adult Ladies and Men’s teams are already preparing for next year. If you would like to join us and represent you Village see below for details.

The juvenile Academy which is for boys

and girls from 4 to 7 years of age and sponsored by O Donnell’s Shankill Total Health Pharmacy will return to action at 10.00am on this Saturday 25th January 2020 in St Anne’s, Rathmichael and Scoil Mhuire National Schools. The cost is only €2 per child there is no annual subscription and all equipment is provided free of charge.

For details of our Ladies adult football teams e-mail stevedavis203@gmail.com or contact Steve Davis 087 6414123. The men’s adult football team contact Kevin Martin 086 8449902. For more information on the club, contact, secretary.shankill. dublingaa.ie or call 086 6072746. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Join Shankill GAA Club, your community, your Village GAA club, where we all belong.

WANDERERS LOTTO No winner of this weeks jackpot, numbers drawn were 1-21-36. €25 goes to Terry&Clare, Imelda Cormack, Sinead O’Connor, Craig Fetherston .

Jackpot next week is €10,000. As our lotto is now at €10k we have started a background which is sitting currently at €1,700. When the €10k is won our new lotto will start from the background draw. Our Lotto is now online through our Website or Facebook page.

Sam Maguire will visit the clubhouse in Frank Kelly Park next Saturday the 25th of Jan. If you are interested in playing for our Adult Men’s teams this season please contact Dave on 0877256754. If you are interested in joining our Ladies team this season please contact Dionne on 0879315556 for more info.

Our Juvenile training is on Saturday mornings and Wed evenings along with the nursery on Saturday mornings, please contact Fergal on 0876213142 for more details, the club is looking for new members at all levels so please reach out as per above if interested. If you would like a Match Report or Photos submitted to the website or press please contact pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

All items for the club notes must be submitted by Sunday evening to pro@

LADIES FOOTBALL: LEAGUE START AGAINST TIPP

Ballinteer’s Niamh gets Dubs call-up  CÓILÍN DUFFY

cduffy@dublingazette.com

BALLINTEER St John’s Niamh Sweeney has been handed a call-up to the Dublin Senior Ladies Football squad ahead of their Lidl Division 1 League opener against All-Ireland Intermediate champions Tipperary at Ballyboden St Enda’s at 2pm on Sunday.

Sweeney and Shauna McGuinness from Naomh Maur habe been added to the squad following good performances with their clubs, the former winning her club senior player of the year gong.

“Neither Niamh or Shauna have been involved in Development squads but it just shows you the football they have been playing,” manager Mick Bohan told Dublin Gazette at the launch of the competition at Lidl Ireland’s HQ in Tallaght this week.

“They have been pointed out to us and they are in with us at the moment and they have been doing very well.

“That’s obviously a really healthy situation - that even the message to a 24 or 25 year old is that you don’t have to have come through the system. That if you perform for the club

Manager Mick Bohan has brought Niamh Sweeney (inset, centre) into his panel for the 2020 campaign. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

an opportunity awaits.

“We are hugely appreciative of the work the clubs do, because without them we wouldn’t have the numbers of players available to us, and while the development squads do a really decent job - at the end of the day clubs are the bedrock of this whole thing, and that will never change.”

The addition of McGuinness and Sweeney to the squad, are two of over 12 changes from the one which won the All-Ireland

BRILLIANT BENNYS Stillorgan side win Junior A ST BENILDUS got the better

of St Aidan’s CBS by the bare minimum in Russell Park to win the Dublin Junior A football championship final 1-10 to 1-0.

It was the Stillorgan school’s first appearance in the A grade in five years but they had enough in the tank to edge out the northside school with a composed performance.

Elsewhere, Colaiste Eoin drew 2-10 to 1-13 in Portlaoise to earn a Leinster senior A hurling championship semi-final spot.

Senior title for a third year in-a-row last September.

Nicole Owens is recovering from injury while her St Sylvester’s club colleague Niamh McEvoy and Sinead Goldrick are ruled out for the league due to AFL commitments in Australia.

Siobhan Killeen is also on the injured list while Olwen Carey and Noelle Healy has study commitments.

On the flip side, Na Fianna’s Leah Caffrey, Sarah McCaffrey of Clontarf, Naomh Barróg’s

Laura McGinley, Rebecca McDonnell of Clanna Gael Fontenoy, Ringsend and Dee Murphy of St. Brigid’s are all back involved.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Bohan says Dublin aren’t taking Tipperary for granted.

“Not at all. They will be gunning for it. If I was in charge of Tipperary coming up against the All-Ireland Champions I couldn’t wish for a better game to go and start the National League.”

23 January 2020 SOUTH  DUBLIN GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: KILMACUD MAN WAS ALWAYS SURE CLUXTON WOULD CONTINUE

Paul Mannion at the launch of EirSport’s coverage of the 2020 Allianz Leagues. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Mannion excited by Dessie era ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE  sport@dublingazette.com

PAUL Mannion is confident Dessie Farrell will make a significant impact coaching an accomplished collection of Dublin footballers.

The group returned to training in earnest last week and while the Kilmacud Crokes man has only had a few direct sessions with the new Dublin manager, he has been impressed by the early phases.

“We met him before heading off on holiday to set goals for the year and expectations - what he expected from us and what we can expect from them,” Mannion said at the launch of Eir Sports Allianz Leagues coverage.

“It was a little introduction to his management philosophy and so forth.

It wasn’t new to all of us given the amount of players that have worked with him before.

“I think he is quite similar to Jim [Gavin] in many ways, he is not coming in to try to tear up the playbook or anything like that.

“He has no notions about himself, he is looking forward to working with us, observing how things have been done, and from there to add things to improve us.

“Every manager is different.I think Dessie even managing from his days with the GPA he is very focused on ensuring that players as people are very well rounded and settled in their lives and happy in their lives outside of the thing.

“I think that has always been important to every team I’ve played on, but

Dessie is particularly passionate about that.

The Dubs get going on Saturday evening at 7.15pm in Croke Park before travelling to Mayo a week later for game two.

And Mannion is raring to go and see how things will work out after five barnstorming years of All-Ireland success.

“It will be new in ways, but, as I said, he knows so many players, he was a brilliant player himself, he has had success and knows what it takes to win an All-Ireland as a player and a manager and I’m sure he’ll learn a lot as the year goes on.

“We’re going to be completely open with him about how we’ve done things, welcome him into the environment and culture and all the things we’ve devel-

oped. I’m looking forward to seeing what he adds of his own. It’s going to be an interesting year.”

Stephen Cluxton will miss most of the league but will return when back from injury and Mannion says that while the goalkeeper’s potential retirement was discussed in the media, he always felt the Parnell’s man would continue on.

“He never said he wasn’t so I just assumed that he was,” Mannion laughs.

“There were no signs that he was ever going to drop off.

“As a man, he is completely driven, hungry for winning more and above all people he cared the least about this five craic.”

“He just wants to go on to play as long as he can and be with us for as long as he can.”

ONE GOOD CLUB: Rowe an ambassador

DUBLIN football star Carla Rowe was on hand to launch Lidl Ireland’s One Good Club initiative, a five-step youth mental health awareness programme for local clubs, developed in partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

Each step provides participating clubs with a suite of suggested activities, simple enough to complete without a significant time or resource commitment. Activities include connecting with the community by hosting a coffee morning, organising fun ‘get active’ sessions aimed at younger members of the community not involved in sport or introducing meditation and mindfulness as part of the ‘cool down’ after training.

Rowe (pictured, centre, with young fans), a three-time All-Ireland winner, is one of four One Good Club ambassadors along with Galway’s Nicola Ward, Waterford’s Caoimhe McGrath and Donegal’s Emer Gallagher. The programme forms part of Lidl’s €2.1 million investment in the fifth year of partnership with the LGFA. Picture: james crombie/inpho

FOOTBALL

Archer shoots perfect arrow for win in Laois DUBLIN’S Under-20 footballers concluded their John Kerins football development league on a winning note when defeating Laois 2-10 to 1-10 in the Laois Centre of Excellence, Portlaoise on Saturday afternoon.

A late Ciarán Archer goal gave the Dubs victory following a loss to Meath and draw with Kildare in the earlier rounds of the competition.

The blues can now focus fully on their upcoming Leinster U20FC first round clash against Wicklow on Saturday, February 8.

Dublin trailed for long passages of Saturday’s game but goals from the Maurs sharp-shooter Archer at the close of both halves saw them to a dramatic victory.

A Jack Lacey goal had the hosts 1-3 to 0-1 to the good inside ten minutes and Laois kept in front until added time in the opening half when Archer converted from the penalty spot to edge Dublin ahead for the first time since the second minute before the O’Moore County equalised before the interval to make it 1-5 each.

Laois regained the lead on the restart and maintained it throughout the second half, despite being reduced to 14 players following a sending off, until the final minute when Archer struck for his second goal to seal victory for Tom Gray’s side.

GazetteSPORT JANAURY 23-29, 2020

ALL OF YOUR SOUTH DUBLIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

JIM’S FREEDOM OF THE CITY FOOTBALL:

Former Dublin boss gets the city’s top honour for his incredible services to the county with five titles in a row SEE P21

BLUE SPRING GAELIC GAMES:

Dublin men and women all set for leagues campaign.

SEE P30 & 31

FRESH-FACED FINAL DUP HOCKEY: Newpark and Loreto Beaufort make up new look Leinster schoolgirls senior cup final pairing.

SEE P29

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Trinity’s Thornton ready for Arena Test  STEPHEN FINDLATER

sport@dublingazette.com

TRINITY Meteor’s Edel Thornton has played in front of thousands over the past four years in the US but she cannot wait to show off her and her team’s wares in front of her nearest and dearest this Sunday at the National Basketball Arena.

The Cork native was the MVP in her side’s Hula Hoops Division One Cup semi-final win a fortnight ago against UU, setting up the final date with the Portlaoise Panthers at 2pm in Tallaght.

She returned to Ireland this season after a successful spell with Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, reaching the NCAA Division 1 playoffs three times.

In so doing, she became the first Irish woman to reach the sweet 16, upsetting big guns like Marquette and University of Miami.

The latter were beaten on their home court in front of a monster crowd but, since taking up a scholarship and a masters in behavioural science at Trinity, she has been experiencing huge crowds at Meteors.

They hosted a league record crowd of 358 for their November tie against Swords Thunder, a special moment for the club and Thornton to be part of.

“To me, I loved that, especially as it was all the kids from the club,”

Bohemians and St Kevin’s Boys young stars have formally joined forces for 2018 and beyond

“The fact we did break records and they were

all somebody that someone playing on the team knew was incredible.“ she told Dublin Gazette.

“It says a lot more than thousands of people coming that have no connection to you. “ I ’d ra t h e r h ave a crowd of 10 who all knew us and really wanted us to win than 10,000 who don’t necessarily care.

The fact we did break records and they were all somebody that someone playing on the team knew was incredible.”

That connection has gone further for Thornton as she has embedded herself in the club, helping with coaching the Under-14 side.

“It made me really buy-in to them and the club and I think they enjoy my personality! I get to chat to them and their parents when they come to the games.”

Success on the court helps. In addition to the

cup run, Meteors are currently second in their conference with two games in hand on leaders UU with the potential for promotion to the Super League still up for grabs.

Personally, she is hoping to add a fifth national title to her haul having won titles at Under18 and 20 level with Brunell before moving to the states.

S h e d o e s fe e l t h e standard has risen markedly in that time and Portlaoise’s rise is indicative of that.

“It’s not where I left it; the country as a whole is more talented, there’s more kids in the sport and it has come on leaps and bounds.

“Portlaoise had a big boost for the semi-final with Clare Melia returning home [from the US].

That has given them a boost emotionally and basketball-wise.

“We have to do a lot of work under the boards and will have to play really well if we are to win.

“We can’t take it easy at any time; they are great shooters all around the court so we have to go big on defence and then let our offence handle itself.”